Chapter 33: A Welcoming Dinner
Anna and Kyren walked together to the middle of the camp, where a big bonfire was lit. A warm ambience prevailed as the golden flames burned blazingly, illuminating the surroundings with light.
As she unheedingly walked, the princess looked up at the fluttering blue flag hung high on the pole.
The flag’s coat of arms featured a Griffin as the main charge, denoting strength, courage, and leadership. It was the coat of arms of the Duchy of Gerhard.
It was Anna’s first official meeting with Kyren’s subordinates, and the princess couldn’t help feeling nervous. She saw the men gathered at the open area of the central bonfire for dinner.
Mustering her courage, she smiled at them, some of whom were familiar faces she had met at the infirmary and during the infamous fight between Eric and Noah.
From their appearances, she could identify that some were knights and some were ordinary soldiers. The knights wore blue surcoats with insignia, while the soldiers wore simple tunics with a badge on their right chest. The number of soldiers was less than the knights since they were temporarily borrowed from the border patrol station to assist the group.
Being the only woman and civilian in the camp, Anna initially felt ostensibly anxious and awkward, like someone who didn’t belong there.
However, after spending a few days touring the camp with Noah and visiting the infirmary a few times, she found the surroundings were pretty decent.
Though most were not friendly, the knights greeted and respected her kindly. Only a few were daring enough to talk to her, asking about her day and making small talk. Others would only stare from a distance.
A small wooden table was set near the bonfire, and various dishes and drinks were served. Several torches and lanterns were also lit to brighten the campsite.
As she arrived, the knights and soldiers sitting on the logs and the ground around the bonfire quickly stood up and greeted the couple with a bow.