As the chime of the bell echoed through the city, signaling the return of the Spartan warriors, the atmosphere shifted from one of playful chaos to solemn anticipation. The bustling streets fell silent as civilians paused in their activities. A wave of emotion swept through the gathered crows, washing over them like a tidal wave. Their expressions turned somber as they awaited the arrival of their defenders.
The civilians lined the streets, their faces drawn with a mixture of relief and sorrow as they watched the procession approach the gates of the capital of Sparta. Some held banners and flags bearing the symbol of Sparta, while others simply bowed their heads in silent respect for the sacrifices made by their warriors.
Among the crowd, Silver Morningstar stood with bated breath, his eyes shining with a mixture of pride and concern as he watched the procession approach. His father, Silas Morningstar, was among the returning warriors, and Silver couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at his gut.
In the distance, a column of weary warriors could be seen marching through the streets, their ranks depleted and their armor stained with blood and dirt. Some limped with visible injuries, some walked and limped with either a missing arm or a missing leg, while others carried the bodies of their fallen comrades on makeshift stretchers, their faces etched with grief and exhaustion.
As the warriors drew nearer, Ethan's heart clenched at the sight of their battered and bloodied forms. He recognized faces he had known since childhood, now scarred and weary from the trials of battle. Some smiled weakly in acknowledgment as they passed by, while others simply stared ahead with haunted eyes, lost in their own thoughts and memories.
Silas Morningstar, Silver's father, marched at the head of the column, his expression grave and determined as he surveyed the streets of Sparta. His armor was dented and scratched, his face lined with fatigue, yet his eyes burned with a fierce resolve that sent a shiver down Ethan's spine.
As the procession reached its destination, the atmosphere was heavy with solemnity and reverence. The civilians bowed their heads in a moment of silence, paying tribute to the fallen and honoring the bravery of those who had returned.
For Ethan, the sight of his father's return brought a flood of conflicting emotions. Relief washed over him at the sight of Silas's familiar face, yet the toll of battle weighed heavily on his heart. He longed to run to his father's side, to embrace him and assure him that he was safe, yet he knew that now was not the time.
No announcement needed to be made, nor did anybody need to ask. From the expressions, numbers, and injuries of the returning Spartan warriors, they all knew that the battle was most likely one of the toughest and most dangerous battles Sparta had ever faced.
Never had they seen their Spartan warriors come back with such injuries and low numbers. They just could not imagine how difficult and dangerous such a battle was. But despite these thoughts, every Spartan civilian was filled with a certain emotion.
Pride.
Their warriors had won, and although it was difficult and a hard earned victory. They had won, and that was all that mattered to them.
Silver's heart swelled with pride as he watched the scene unfold before him, his chest swelling with a sense of patriotism and belonging. For as long as he could remember, he had dreamed of joining the ranks of the Spartan warriors, of following in his father's footsteps and defending their homeland with honor and courage.
It was the dream of almost every Spartan male child, and boys below the age of sixteen all had gazes filled with pride and patriotism as they watched the returning warriors.
What a glorious thing it was to come back victorious from a battle.
Clap Clap Clap Clap
A middle-aged woman with tears in her eyes clapped while sobbing silently. Her gaze was on one of the carried bodies and at a glance, everybody knew that either her son, husband, brother, or father had fallen in battle.
From there, other civilians followed and clapped.
Mothers and some fathers had tears in their eyes as they clapped. Some gazes were filled with sadness, while some were filled with pride and joy.
Various emotions were strewn all around, and Silver, for some unknown reason, realized that war led to grief and sadness, not only pride and joy.
A minute of silence was given to the fallen and returning Spartan warriors. Silent prayers were said by the civilians and living Spartan warriors, and then a minute passed.
"Although we won, we won at a grave cost. We lost too many of our people, and we also lost too many of our hot prospects for the future. Not only that, we lost a commander."
Gasps of surprise and shock escaped the lips of every single civilian, including Silver. His heart pounded in shock and fear at the absurdity of the news he was hearing from his father.
A Commander had died?
One of their commanders had died?
When last did a Spartan commander die?
A century or two centuries ago?
Murmurs spread around the capital, and Silas Morningstar allowed this to continue for approxiamtely twenty seconds before he raised his hands.
"It is to my knowledge that the Technotopians had specifically targeted Commander Kael…"
"No." A soft whimper interrupted Silas speech, and he glanced at the source. He looked at the source, and when he saw a beautiful middle aged woman with long black hair kneeling on the floor with tears streaming down her face, Silas bowed his head slightly.
"I am sorry for your loss Mrs. Kael." Silas Morningstar said, and then he looked at the remaining civilians with a solemn expression.
"It is to my knowledge that Commander Kael was specificallly targeted. I don't know why, but all I know is that the Technotopians are getting stronger. So, I urge all of you, civilians and warriors alike to procreate and become stronger."
"We'll need everybody's help to withstand the trials and tribulations that are ahead."
Silas Morningstar solemnly said, and then he gestured to the corpses of the fallen Spartan warriors.
"If you don't find your loved ones among the living, come and check the dead. And if you don't find their bodies, check the dog tags."