Finally, after what felt like ages, the day to return home arrived. Word spread through the barracks at dawn was faster than any official order.
Men emerged from tents and half-finished buildings. Their eyes turned instinctively toward the sea.
By the time the sun climbed higher, soldiers were already gathering along the shore.
Then someone shouted. "There! Look!"
Out on the grey-blue horizon, a dark silhouette cut through the water. A low plume of smoke rose into the sky, trailing behind it.
The closer it came, the clearer it became. It was a steamship with Ryntum's insignia painted on it.
The shoreline erupted into noise. They were really going home this time, and no longer needed to hear their commander's half-baked excuse.
Sarika watched the approaching ship with a calm expression, though her shoulders finally eased.
The civil servants had arrived earlier, and Eppen was also stable.
Her duty here was done.
