After several days of arduous marching, Bain and the Inverloch soldiers finally reached the outskirts of Norish. As they descended a gentle slope, the city gradually unfolded before their eyes, revealing its grandeur and significance.
The imposing city walls stretched far and wide, encompassing the bustling streets and lively neighbourhoods within. The sight of the fortified barriers evoked a sense of protection and security.
ƥandasnovel.com Surrounding the city, was the vast farmland that stretched as far as the eye could see. Fields of golden wheat swayed in the gentle breeze, promising a bountiful harvest. The fertile earth radiated a sense of abundance, reflecting the prosperity and agricultural abundance that Norish had long been known for.
The soldiers stood in awe, their weary faces gradually transforming into expressions of relief and anticipation.
The sight of familiar cityscapes and recognizable landmarks filled their hearts with a sense of comfort and belonging.
It served as a poignant reminder that they were drawing closer to their beloved homeland.
How they managed to capture such a fortified city remained a question that lingered in the minds of the soldiers.
However, they are certain to find the answer to this question in due time. For now, their immediate focus was on reaching the safety and familiarity of their homeland.
With each step forward, they inched closer to the towering city walls.
But, their movement was abruptly halted by a guard positioned at the city gates. The guard's eyes widened with suspicion and uncertainty as he caught sight of the approaching Inverloch soldiers.
"Halt!" the guard's voice echoed with authority, his tone tinged with caution and mistrust.
In his mind, the Inverloch soldiers represented a potential threat, a force seeking to reclaim the city they had lost.
Since the city posed a significant value to the Kingdom of Inver, it is the guards' duty to protect Norish at all costs and he was prepared to stand his ground against any perceived invaders. The kingdom itself has stationed a fair share number of soldiers to defend the city.
Bain stepped forward with a calm demeanour, ready to diffuse any misunderstanding.
"Good guard, we come in peace," he addressed the guard respectfully. "I'm Bain Lawrence, Ryntum Chief of Army. I'm here to escort the Inverloch soldiers returning to their homes. I can guarantee you that their intention is not to wage war or reclaim the city. They simply seek passage through Norish to reunite with their families and find solace in their homeland."
The guard, still wary but willing to hear Bain out, crossed his arms and furrowed his brow. "Passage through the city? And what guarantee do we have that you will not cause chaos when you entered the city?"
Bain's voice remained steady as he responded, "As I said earlier, I give you my word as a top officer of the Ryntum army. Aren't both the Kingdom of Ryntum and the Kingdom of Inver friends with each other? I will keep an eye on them and prevent them from causing any trouble. They have faced enough hardships and they long for nothing more than to be with their loved ones."
Behind him, Inverloch soldiers repeatedly nod their heads, agreeing with Bain's words. Their tired faces and worn-out uniforms spoke volumes about their desire for a peaceful return home.
The guard's scepticism hardened, his brows furrowing deeper as he crossed his arms defiantly. "I cannot simply grant you passage based on your words alone," he retorted. "We have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of our city. The risks you bring are too great."
Bain's expression grew firm as he met the guard's gaze. "Yes, yes, I understand your concerns but you have my assurance. If anything happens, you can lodge an official complaint to our kingdom."
"By the time something happens, we might not even be alive to utter a single word," The guard's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "And so, your assurances are not enough."
Bain's voice carried a hint of frustration. He begins to slowly massage his temple. "We are not asking for blind trust. We are willing to comply with any measures you deem necessary. We will have a limited number of soldiers enter the city at a time, accompanied by your guards to ensure their behaviour. If any disturbance occurs."
The guard stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he maintained his position. "Go find another way," he repeated, his voice laced with scepticism and suspicion.
Bain's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his patience wearing thin. He took a deep breath, attempting to rein in his emotions. "Are you kidding me? Go find another way?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with exasperation. "There is no other way, damnit!"
Technically, there is another way. But, they had to cross Cerdeauxia before making their way to the Kingdom of Ingnynes and entering the Inverloch Empire from the south.
Bain would not choose that route under any circumstances. It will take a long time and disrupt their military schedule. And Cerdeauxia, being close to Barlia won't allow them to pass through anyway.
The guard crossed his arms defiantly. "Then, they can't go home." he reiterated firmly, his stance unwavering.
Bain's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his patience wearing thin. He took a deep breath, attempting to rein in his emotions. "Let me speak to your commander," he demanded, his voice edged with determination.
The guard shook his head, his expression hardened. "He's not here," he replied curtly, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"Then call him!" Bain's voice rose with frustration. "We will wait."
Startled, the guard replied, his voice laced with reluctance. "He might not arrive today, though."
Bain's frustration reached its peak, and his patience wore thin. "I don't care," he retorted firmly. "We will camp here and wait for him to arrive."
As the soldiers waited for the eventual arrival of the Inver's commander, they set up a temporary camp on the outskirts of Norish.
Each passing minute seemed to stretch into an eternity, with the soldiers growing increasingly restless.
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