Despite it being only several hours after the skirmish, you've managed to set up a sizable base camp outside of the jungle.
A decent contingent of your forces is armed and equipped at all times. Regular patrols and scouting parties scour the area, making sure that the rebels don't attempt any surprise attacks. From the intelligence you've gathered, Rade's army is well and truly gone.
Gone north, that is. They're still very much an active threat. In the coming days, you'll have to deal with them. But now, you're free to relax and recover.
Your army slowly and carefully crosses the bridges over the river and into the jungle. Every hour, hundreds of men and stacks of equipment are pulled from the jungle and added to your staging grounds.
You managed to seize Rade's siege weapons during the skirmish. You've moved them to the center of camp, where several of your own engineers study the devices. It has something to do with a so-called "black powder," capable of violently exploding upon contact with an open flame.
You're still skeptical.
Wandering the camp, you come across a large collection of soldiers, men who fought in the jungle pass, drinking and relaxing. Celebrating life while they still have it.
They notice your approach and all turn toward you. And they salute. You find it difficult to meet their eyes. You're the one who sent them off to die. It feels strange. Wrong. Hours ago, you were in the midst of hell, and here are those that you dragged down with you. And they salute.
You salute back and order them to go back to their business. They return to their drinks.
You walk through them, bound for a specific pair of siblings in the far back.
Milon is sitting cross-legged on the ground, with Lada seated beside him. The two nobles notice your approach. Lada raises a hand in greeting and gestures for you to come closer.
You do so, and soon you're standing before the two siblings. Milon catches your attention immediately, specifically a new cut opened on his face.
Next