The gates creaked open, and for a heartbeat the courtyard held its breath. Then the first whispers began to ripple through the ranks of weary soldiers.
"They're back..."
"Look, it's them..."
Helmets turned, spears lowered, men and women who had been hollow-eyed for weeks now stood straighter, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
Liraeth stood waiting, her hands folded tightly in front of her. She didn't show it on her face, but inside she had been restless ever since Thalia had suddenly followed after them. Countless thoughts had gnawed at her, what if they didn't return?
When her eyes finally fell on them, a wave of relief washed over her. Most of them had come back. The casualties were far fewer than she had braced herself for. She exhaled softly, the weight on her chest easing.
"I'm glad you've all returned," she said, her voice calm though her heart still beat fast.
