The sky is gold with the sunset. Storm clouds have begun to gather.
Your new army in its entirety stands in formation before you.
Dismounted cavalry form ranks with each other on the flanks. In the front, your archers and rangers form side by side. The infantry hold the center.
It is a magnificent sight, all six thousand, seven hundred of them sprawled across the farmlands of Lanorlay.
Elya says to you, "Arthur Hornraven… I need to do something."
You glance away from your army and toward her. "What's wrong?"
"It's been a long time coming. I've been doing a lot of reading, and… well… you'll see." She steps to the edge of the stage.
And then Elya addresses your army.
"Men of Kanton! Of Krorid! Heed my words!" You're caught off-guard by the strength in her voice. "There is a single soul among us who has sacrificed his life for the sake of both of our countries. Many of you know him as Inae Dirriman, the Forgotten One. Others know him as the Marshal."
You and Darin share a glance. You narrow your eyes at him. Did you put her up to this? Darin shrugs, seeming as confused as you are.
"For too long, his service has gone unrewarded. No longer." Elya takes a deep breath. "I hereby grant Marshal Arthur Hornraven of Kanton an ancient title, one used in the court of Ravaria a millennia ago. Magister Militum—the Master of Soldiers. His authority covers all matters of the state and military, his power second only to my own."
She gestures for you to approach. You step to the edge of the stage so that the men may see you.
Elya continues. "To Marshal Arthur Hornraven! To the Forgotten One! To glorious victory!"
The army erupts into cheers. Even those unable to understand Kantonian are swept up by the energy of their comrades. Elya stumbles back, the speech clearly having taken its toll on her. She blows out a breath and sits down.
You stand before your army, six thousand, seven hundred strong. Thousands of cheers echo across Lanorlay. They're cheering for you.
You're wearing fine armor of Kroridian steel. You're clutching the hilt of a magnificent new blade. Under the golden sky, your new army of loyal soldiers cheer.
Triumphant you stand.
For this long moment, you forget the scars of the past. You forget what you've done. You push away your self-hatred.
You close your eyes, letting their cheers resound around you.
Now the real war may begin.
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