Chapter 45: A victorious return.
Roland and his knights arrived at the edge of Doria in the middle of the night, they did not make their way into the city however. This was because they had returned victorious and it was a tradition that when soldiers returned from war they be seen by the people, whether they had won or lost.
It was because of this tradition that they slept outside the city gates, restlessly waiting for morning to come.
As the sun rose above the horizon, casting its golden glow over the city the following day, the soldiers and knights rode into the city on the backs of their horses. The ones that were not on horseback marched on foot, waving flags or swords as triumphant echoes resonated through the cobblestone streets.
Celestial trumpets were blown from the top of the wall around the city, they were so powerful that they could be heard all the way in Eldertwead.
When the watchers on the wall of Eldertwead heard the trumpets, they blew celestial trumpets as well, which alerted the next city and the next one. Within an hour, every city, town and village in Eldoria had received news of the army’s triumphant return.
Windows and doors swung open in Doria, nobles and commoners came together, lining up in the streets, throwing out flowers or handing out refreshments to the weary yet jubilant knights and soldiers.
They marched valiantly in a clear organized procession, grouped according to their classes and uniforms. The knights led the way, their polished white and red armor shining radiantly under the sun’s glow as if it had just been polished.
Their cloaks trailed behind lending them a majestic look that made them the envy and admiration of so many. The sword mages were even more dashing but they wore helmets over their heads to hide their identities.
Behind the knights were soldiers marching in their black and red uniforms adorned with enchanted protective sigils of the royal family which shimmered faintly.