As General Thorne flew high on his mighty dragon, Goliath, the creature's dark wings slicing through the air with powerful strokes, the city of Drakendale spread out beneath them like a sprawling drapes.
The general's sharp eyes scanned the familiar streets, taking in the joyous chaos of the returning troops and the welcoming citizens.
One by one, the other commanders took to the skies on their dragons, each heading towards their respective estates within the capital. The sight of the majestic dragons in flight was awe-inspiring, a demonstration
to the might and prestige of the Valareath kingdom.
As they soared higher, the noise of the crowd below began to fade, replaced by the rhythmic beating of dragon wings and the rush of the wind.
On the ground, the soldiers and knights continued their steady march towards their allocated quarters. The streets of Drakendale were alive with activity, filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional cheer.
Soldiers who has home in city broke off from the main group, heading towards their personal residences, eager to reunite with loved ones and enjoy the comforts of home.
Isabel and Mirael, still mounted on Luna and Shadow, followed the main procession towards the military barracks. As they rode, Mirael turned to Isabel, a playful grin on her face. "I can't wait to get out of this armor and into a hot bath. How about you?"
Isabel laughed, the tension of the journey melting away. "That sounds like heaven. Maybe we can convince the cooks to prepare something special for dinner tonight."
They reached the barracks, The barracks of Drakendale were a well-organized and practical place designed to house and train the kingdom's best soldiers. Located on the eastern edge of the capital, the complex was surrounded by strong stone walls for protection.
At the entrance, there was a sturdy gatehouse with two tall towers always guarded by soldiers. Inside, wide stone paths connected all the buildings, making it easy for troops to move around.
On one side, there were large training grounds with practice dummies, archery targets, and sparring rings where soldiers trained every day. Next to the training grounds was the armory, a solid stone building where weapons and armor were stored and maintained.
The soldiers' living quarters were in the center of the barracks. These sturdy stone buildings had enough space for a platoon to sleep, store their belongings, and relax together. The rooms were simple but comfortable, helping to build strong bonds among the troops.
The mess hall was a large, inviting building where soldiers ate their meals and socialized. The smell of delicious food always filled the air, making it a popular spot for everyone to gather.
Other important buildings included the infirmary, where healers took care of the sick and injured, and the command center, where officers planned their strategies. The command center had maps and charts on the walls and offered a clear view of the entire barracks and the surrounding city.
Overall, the barracks of Drakendale were designed to be efficient and supportive, providing everything the soldiers needed to stay ready and strong.
As Isabel dismounted, she gave Luna an affectionate pat. "You did great, girl. Enjoy your rest."
Mirael echoed her sentiments to Shadow, and the two friends made their way towards their quarters. The barracks were buzzing with activity as soldiers settled in, shared stories of their journey, and began to unwind. The atmosphere was one of fellowship and celebration, a well-earned respite after their long campaign.
Isabel and Mirael's quarters were modest but comfortable, with enough space for a small sitting area, a desk, and two beds. As they entered, Mirael flopped onto her bed with a dramatic sigh. "Home sweet home. I missed this place."
Isabel smiled, setting her belongings down and stretching. "It's good to be back. Let's freshen up and then see what the evening has in store for us."
Isabel and Mirael, feeling refreshed and invigorated after a much-needed wash and a short nap, stepped out of their quarters and made their way towards the dining area. The evening air was cool, and the barracks were alive with the hum of soldiers sharing stories and laughter.
As they walked along the cobbled path, Mirael nudged Isabel with a playful grin. "I'm starving. I hope they've got something good cooking tonight."
Isabel smiled, her own stomach rumbling in agreement. "Me too. Let's hurry before all the best dishes are gone."
As they approached the dining hall, the air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread. Soldiers gathered in groups, sharing meals and chatting inside.
They noticed a familiar group of soldiers standing just outside the entrance. It was Kaelan's group, along with Eamon and Alaric. Isabel and Mirael exchanged surprised glances. Kaelan's group hadn't joined the troop for the northern campaign, so seeing them here was unexpected.
Alaric, a tall and sturdy warrior with a kind face, spotted them first and broke into a wide smile. "Isabel! Mirael! It's good to see you both!" he called out, waving them over.
"Eamon, a sharp-eyed archer with a wry sense of humor, and Kaelan, the most powerful swordsman of his age, turned to see who Alaric was addressing. Their faces lit up with recognition and delight."
Mirael quickened her pace, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Kaelan! Eamon! Alaric! What are you all doing here?"
Alaric shrugged, still smiling. "We were reassigned to the capital while you were away. There have been some changes, and they needed us here."
Isabel stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "Changes? What kind of changes.
Alaric sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hard to say. But let's not worry about that right now. Come on, let's head inside and get something to eat. We can catch up properly over dinner."
Isabel and Mirael agreed, and the group made their way into the dining hall. The warm, inviting atmosphere and the delicious smells greeted them as they found a large table and sat down together. The hall was bustling with soldiers, all enjoying their meals and the chance to relax after the long journey.
As they filled their plates with roasted meats, fresh bread, and hearty stews.
As they all settled at a large table inside the dining hall with their plates filled, Mirael couldn't hold back her excitement any longer. "Come on, Alaric, spill it! Why the sudden change?"