The march

As Count Ranika's voice faded, a palpable tension filled the air. His knights all rallied together, chanting fervently, their spirits ignited by his words. But Kaleb felt a gnawing unease lingering in the crowd. There was no camaraderie between the three groups, they seemed fractured, as if each group stood on opposing sides of an invisible line.

A few of the knights exchanged glances, their lips pursed and brows furrowed with their low but tense.

"Look at them," one hissed, jerking his chin toward the adventurers. "They think they're actual warriors?"

Another said "They are nothing more than common folk running around with weapons playing make-believe"

Another added "Like a child running around the house with a stick playing knight" and then they all laughed, their words were sharp, like daggers aimed at the adventurers and mercenaries.