After several days of steady marching, the group finally arrived before the tall gates of Liraeth's fortress. The banners fluttered above the walls, and the sound of the guards' horns echoed through the air.
"Open the gates!" one of the watchmen shouted.
From atop the walls, Baron Roland, Captain Derrek, and Eldric stood shoulder to shoulder, watching as the approaching figures came into view.
Derrek squinted. "Who are those beautiful women beside Lord Lumberling?"
Eldric leaned forward, eyes widening. "Wait… are those… pointy ears?"
Roland's expression shifted from disbelief to astonishment. "Elves," he said quietly. "Those are elves."
The news spread fast through the fortress. When the gates creaked open and the group marched inside, the streets were already lined with people. Men, women, and children filled the paths, cheering and waving as they saw their lord return.
"They're back!"
"Lord Lumberling and Viscount Liraeth have returned!"
