"Welcome back, father," Ania said with a smile as Harik dismounted from his horse. "I've already had the servants prepare the water for you to have a bath."
"There's no need right now," Harik replied with a grim expression. "I'll have one later. We need to have a chat first."
Harik groaned as he rubbed his buttocks before he walked toward the fortress. Ania quietly followed behind him as the warriors who had served as his guard dispersed. She politely greeted the people that worked as servants in the fortress as they passed them by. However, she was concerned about what her father wanted to talk about.
Harik seemed lost in thought as he led the way to one of the smaller rooms meant for his family to relax in. It felt strange to share his home with so many people who came and went every day since it had become the centre of government for Stormcrown. 'It won't be long til envoys and advisors from the other territories arrive.'
