Chapter 191

The army descended the hill, their approach heralded by loud horn blasts echoing from beyond the palisade encircling the city. It was the sentries announcing the coalition's arrival.

Before long, the gates opened to welcome the army, revealing a rustic expanse of farmland. Maxi took in the landscape as she followed the knights on horseback. The once-ravaged urban areas now boasted sturdy wooden homes, and the fields, previously littered with corpses, were being diligently plowed by dozens of peasants. Evidently, many of the city's residents had returned.

As they moved beyond the outskirts, a small market and stone citadel came into view. Riftan stopped the army at the castle gate, where the mistress of Darund and her maidservants emerged to greet them.

"We welcome you to Darund," she announced.

Maxi peered through the ranks to study the noblewoman. The Lady of Darund looked impeccably elegant in a magnificent red and green gown. A velvet crown adorned her head.