The warm afternoon wind blew the land in an attempt to cool it from the heat of the scorching sun. Convoy of carriages and chariots made its way along the dusty road leading to the village of Englor.

Inside one of the carriage a group of young men sat down happily joking among themselves, they were young soldiers who were brought from the battlefield after the war. The Kingdom of Vynaria has been at war against the kingdom of Eldrador for many years, for an unknown reason that was lost in time.

Some said that it was because of betrayal while others for territories, but one thing was sure for certain both kingdom was ready to destroy each other at all The warm afternoon wind blew across the land, attempting to cool it from the heat of the scorching sun. A convoy of carriages and chariots made its way along the dusty road leading to the village of Englor. Inside one of the carriages, a group of young men sat happily, joking among themselves. They were soldiers returning from the battlefield, their laughter a stark contrast to the grim memories they carried.

As the convoy rolled on, the soldiers shared stories of bravery and camaraderie, their spirits lifted by the prospect of returning home. The golden fields stretched out before them, a reminder of what they fought to protect. Yet, beneath the laughter, a sense of unease lingered. The scars of war ran deep, and the shadows of their past battles loomed large.

One soldier, a tall young man with tousled hair named Kael, leaned forward, his voice cutting through the jovial atmosphere. “I would be so glad to meet my dad, that old fool,” he said with a chuckle, a mix of affection and exasperation in his tone. “He’s probably been pacing the floor, waiting for news."

The others laughed, picturing Kael's father, a stout man with a hearty laugh and an endless supply of stories. “I can imagine him shouting at the top of his lungs, ‘Where’s my boy?’” Aric chimed in, grinning.

“Or trying to organize a welcome party before you even set foot in the village!” added another soldier, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Kael smiled, but a flicker of worry crossed his face. “I just hope he doesn’t try to throw me a feast. I’m not sure I can handle his cooking after all this time.”

The laughter faded slightly as they all thought about their families waiting for them. Each soldier carried a mix of excitement and anxiety about returning home, knowing that while they might be welcomed as heroes, the reality of their experiences would be harder to share.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As the convoy approached Englor, the sun dipped lower, casting a warm golden hue over the fields, and Kael felt a surge of hope. “Whatever happens, we’ve made it back,” he said, determination in his voice. “And we’ll face whatever comes next together.”

The others nodded in agreement, their camaraderie a source of strength as they prepared to step into the next chapter of their life.

The convoy rolled into the street, carriage wheels rumbling on the cobblestones, and the sounds of the village came alive around them. Merchants called out their wares, children chased each other with laughter, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the fields.As they passed through the village square, Aric's heart raced.

He could see familiar faces among the crowd—friends and family who had come to welcome them home. The sight filled him with a mix of joy and trepidation. Would they understand the weight he carried?“Look! There’s my sister!” shouted one of the soldiers, pointing to a young girl waving enthusiastically.

The others followed suit, scanning the crowd for their own loved ones.Aric felt a tug at his heart as he spotted his father, standing proudly near the fountain, his face beaming with relief and joy. “There he is!” Aric exclaimed, his voice rising above the noise.

As the carriage came to a halt, the soldiers jumped down, their laughter now replaced with excited shouts and warm embraces. Kael step out of the carriage and watched his fellow comrade embrace they family after a long time, his heart was warm with emotions. He scan the environment in search in of his relatives but he found non.

While he was still in search of familiar faces, Aric walked in with his father, a man whose hair was already grey, likely a testament to the worry he had endured since his son joined the army at such a young age.

“Dad, this is my friend Kael!” Aric said, his voice filled with euphoria.

“Kael, this is my father!”

Kael bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. “Greetings, Elder…”

“Just call me Author!” the old man replied, his eyes glinting with warmth and pride. “I’ve heard so much about you, Kael. It’s good to finally meet the brave soldier who has stood by my son’s side.”

Kael smiled, feeling a swell of camaraderie. “It’s an honor, sir. Aric has been a true friend through everything.”

Author clapped a hand on Kael’s shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “You boys have made us all proud. The stories of your bravery will be told for generations. Come, join us for a meal! There’s plenty to celebrate today.”

As they made their way to a long table set up in the village square, the aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, making Kael’s stomach rumble. Villagers were gathered around, sharing laughter and stories, the atmosphere vibrant with life.

“Your father seems like a great man,” Kael said to Aric as they walked.

“He is,” Aric replied, a hint of admiration in his voice. “He’s always been there for me, even when I chose to join the army. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Kael nodded, appreciating the bond they shared. “Family is everything, especially after what we’ve been through.”

As they settled at the table, Author began to recount tales of the village, stories of resilience and community that had endured even during the toughest times. The warmth of the gathering enveloped them, and for a moment, the scars of war faded into the background.

Kael felt a sense of belonging he hadn’t realized he craved. Surrounded by friends and family, he knew that while the journey ahead might still be fraught with challenges, they would face it together, united by their shared experiences and hopes for peace.