Jadka's body trembled slightly, his eyes rimmed red.
Motan and his companions stood dumbstruck as if petrified.
In the next second, the thunderous sound of horse hooves abruptly ceased. A total of six hundred and twenty Diesel Knights simultaneously drove their dragon spears into the ground and then, drawing their longswords in a reversed grip, gave the standard knightly salute from atop their horses to the weathered old mage with white hair and a shabby appearance... a salute of greeting.
"Welcome home, Lord Jadka Diesel."
All the knights present, including Darian Diesel, said in unison.
"You all..."
Jadka choked up, waving his hand with a laugh and a tear, took a deep breath, looked up at the sky for a long while, and finally just raised his hand to gently cover his face, unable to say a word.
"We've all been waiting for your return."
