Some murmured among themselves, exchanging comments on the future of the mercenary group and Maxime's decisions.
Aveline, on the other hand, remained impassive.
She sat quietly on her white horse next to the brown horse ridden by Maxime.
Her gaze was focused on the horizon, no doubt imagining what might happen once she reached the capital.
One evening, as the camp was set up on the side of a hill, James turned to Maxime, who was leaning against a tree trunk, looking up at the starry sky.
"Chief, can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Please," Maxime replied simply, smiling.
"These guys, they're not like us, Maxime. They may have sworn to follow you, but their loyalty will probably only last a short time. Do you really think we can trust them?"
Maxe glanced at the masked knights, who had gathered in a secluded spot, their swords carefully poised at the ready.