49. Arrival At Stafford Bastion

The horizon before Nathanial slowly broke through the violet night sky like a warm greeting he had long missed. They had finally completed the long march through the southern border between the Everheart Kingdom and the Avalon Empire, cresting the hills as a limping, ragged tide of iron and exhaustion.

Most of the men’s armor was now a tapestry of dents, scorched by the flames of the burning wooden defenses that once protected them. Yet, none of them hung their heads low. They stood tall, knowing they had defied the odds and marched proudly with their azure banners snapping in the wind.

The bloodstains on their armor were a grim reminder of the battle they had endured and the hard-fought victory they had seized from the Empire’s grasp.

More and more men came from the rolling hills, walking down the grey stone, brick road that was flanked by hundreds of meters of lush green grass. They were approaching one of the bastions of the Everheart Kingdom.

The Stafford Bastion.

Home to thousands of men who made the fortress location their base of operations. It was known for its forges where dozens of master blacksmiths worked to create masterpieces for the Everheart Kingdom. In the past, many of the noble families criticized the bastions, stating that they held little purpose due to the improved relations with the Empire.

Yet King Alexander Aurelius Everheart remained firm in his decision, reinforcing all seven bastions while creating ways for each fortress city to become self-sustaining.

Now, Nathanial couldn’t help but marvel at the King’s insight.

Even after decades of peace, King Alexander continued to strengthen the nation.

Maybe it was because he knew that peace was merely a time to prepare for the next war.

But Nathanial wouldn’t know.

All he could do was form his own conclusions. Conclusions that would slowly help paint a picture of the dynamics of the war.

Nathanial felt the wagon jolt once more. The wooden wheels rolled over a stone on the brick road, and soon the sight of grand stone walls rising from the earth came into view. They stood defiantly in the air, weathering decades of storms.

His heart swelled with a feeling he couldn’t quite describe. Nathanial wasn’t sure if it was relief, awe, or even happiness at the silhouette of the battlements against the brightening sky. Yet a part of him felt at peace knowing they had reached the safety of their kingdom as the amber horizon rose with each passing minute.

And Nathanial could tell from the men slowly taking a deep breath through the wet drag of metallic boots that they felt the same.

The once hollowed-out shell of an army that was stripped of its supply lines and comrades all locked eyes on the ancient stone walls. Their broken composure vanished, with many standing tall. They had traversed hundreds of miles through blood, sweat, and tears to see these walls, carrying the burdens of those who didn’t make it through the journey.

A bell tolled through the rolling hills. A mournful toll that sang for the dead and a gentle welcome for the survivors.

The men tightened their grips on their bloodstained weapons and took the first step toward the threshold of their home.

“I can’t believe we’ve made it,” Fredrick said, leaning over the side of the wagon. “Never thought I would see Stafford Bastion so soon.”

“Ain’t she a beaut?” Jetson asked. “These proud gothic watchtowers with vines climbing along the surface give her a vintage look.”

“Vintage?” Richard repeated. “Why, I wouldn’t say that. At most, those vines are a testament that Stafford’s presence alone has deterred the Empire’s forces from attacking our proud nation!”

“Well, let’s just hope it stays that way,” Fredrick replied. “If this is where we’re staying next, I would hate to go straight from the fire and into the kiln.”

Nathanial glanced over at the men and removed his helm. He set it down beside the empty spot on the wooden coach bench and softly smiled.

“For once, I can’t help but agree with you, Fredrick. A moment of peaceful solitude is something I would gladly welcome at this juncture.”

Nathanial let out a breath of relief. The cool breeze swept through the white strands of his hair, freeing the dust and dirt that clung to the ends.

Jetson glanced over and suddenly blinked. “I’ll be damned.”

“What?”

“I didn’t think you were that handsome of a fella.”

A laugh escaped Nathanial’s lips. “You think so?”

“Indeed, of course not as handsome as me when I was a youngin.” Jetson scratched his grey beard. “But your fiancée must be a lucky gal.”

Nathanial’s lips slowly curled up for a moment before he shrugged. He was a noble at heart. A proud member of the Silverlight family, and even though such concepts were considered the norm in their traditions, that wasn’t his case.

“I wouldn’t know because I don’t have one.”

“Eh? You don’t?”

“No.”

The older soldier stared at him as if he had just confessed to never learning how to tie a knot.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

“Hold on.” Jetson pointed a finger at him. “You’re tellin’ me you’re a noble. A descendant of a noble family that may or may not be one of the most influential families in the kingdom… and nobody’s put a ring on your finger yet?”

“That would be the case.” Nathanial nodded. “In fact, Fredrick is also single.”

Jetson stared at Fredrick, who casually waved. “For that lad, it makes sense. But for you—that doesn’t make any sense.”

Fredrick stared at them and narrowed his eyes while crossing his arms. “I’m just saying that’s a bit rude.”

Both of them ignored him.

“Most nobles are promised to someone before they’ve come of age,” Jetson pointed out. “I find it hard to believe that ya haven’t found someone.”

“That’s because most noble families spend more time plotting marriages than fighting wars,” Chris added.

“Exactly!” Jetson snapped his fingers. “This fella knows.”

Nathanial rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve been preoccupied with managing the territory, so I haven’t really paid much attention to that.”

“Really? Don’t you know that your youth only blossoms once?”

“Perhaps, but it’s probably better this way.” Nathanial recalled the fallen bodies of his comrades, forcing a smile as he leaned back against the wooden planks. “I wouldn’t want to worry my partner waiting for me back home.”

“If you had one, that is,” Fredrick quickly added.

Nathanial rolled his eyes. “Very funny, Fredrick.”

“Oh, relax, I’m pretty sure none of us here has a lady waiting for us.”

“Um… about that, sir.”