am-books Chapter 88 - 88: Arrival at Lapi
Chapter 88 - 88: Arrival at Lapi
His left hand rested firmly on his sheath, as if to say to himself that his sword was still there and would defend him if anything happened.
In the lead, Maxime scanned the road, his keen eyes
The mercenaries set off again, the anxiety of the encounter strengthening their resolve.
The mercenaries finally emerged from the dense forest, and the sight before them gave rise to a rare sense of relief.
Lapi stood proudly before them, protected by solid white stone ramparts and imposing towers that seemed to watch over the county of Ravemont.
There was no sign of fire or chaos to mar this vision. On the contrary, lit torches and lanterns hanging from the walls radiated a warm, welcoming glow.
The town seemed inviolable, a bastion of peace in the midst of tormented lands.
An emotional silence fell over the group, as everyone felt the weight of tension gradually dissipate.
Maxime cast a calculating glance at the sturdy walls, looking for signs of weakness that might indicate a recent assault, but found none. Lapi, the pearl of Ravemont County, had remained untouched by the wave of violence that had swept through the surrounding villages.
"Here we are." murmured Henry, looking almost incredulous.
"Lapi is intact."
The mercenaries exchanged knowing glances, fatigue and fear giving way to a semblance of comfort.
Jean looked up at the ramparts and saw guards in full armor watching over the plain around the city.
Their discipline and vigilance reinforced the impression of absolute security that Lapi exuded.
The main entrance, protected by an iron portcullis, was illuminated and guarded by alert-looking soldiers, their spears gleaming in the torchlight.
The group slowly approached the gate.
The mercenaries, exhausted and bearing the scars of their recent battle, caught the eyes of the sentries. One of the guards, an imposing-looking captain, stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Who goes there?" he asked, his voice low but devoid of hostility.
Maxime took a step forward, raising his voice to reply.
"We're the Sabertooth Tigers, a group of mercenaries from the north to help the south resist the orc invasion. We've come to bring back battle merits for the count."
The captain squinted, examining the tired faces of the group, wondering if young men like them could really bring back battle merits.
Because that meant they'd managed to kill orcs.
Especially as many of them looked like ordinary armed villagers.
But this also reassured him, because he didn't think that thirty or so people like them could cause the slightest wave of chaos in Lapi.
"Welcome to Lapi. Come in, and rest assured you're safe here."
The portcullis lifted with a deep creak, and the mercenaries entered the city, welcomed by the light and bustle of the night.
Cobbled streets stretched out before them, lined with stone houses and still-open stores, where the smell of warm bread and fragrant stew wafted through the air. Laughter and conversation rose up from the taverns, a sign that life continued fearlessly within the ramparts.
For the first time in days, the mercenaries allowed themselves a sigh of relief.
Lapi, Count Ardan's walled city, was an unexpected sanctuary, a haven of tranquility in stark contrast to the horrors they had left behind.
Maxime paused for a moment, observing the vibrant city, and murmured to himself:
"For how much longer?"