The battle was over with many thousands of varangians dead. The rest of the imperial army had fled toward the east. This force thought that had been defeated was unfortunately not the main battle group and the army of the first child in purple had yet done its move.

The rest of the Etnian forces came to the battle after it was over, with the soldiers and warriors of the Fairfax kingdom at the forefront.

"We ran here all the way hoping to aide you if it came to it that you would need us. The rest of them were not that much in hurry," Amala reported being fed up with the other soldiers.

"They don't seem to care about their fellow states. They care mainly about that they don't acquire too many losses," Doreen explained.

"Seems like these people are cunts just like their mercenaries," Yosef said.

~ ~

A victory parade was held in the city of Pesamo for the alliance army. For many in the army, they thought they had already won the war but it was far from over.

Rufus was told that his men would be allowed to take part in the parade, but the grey skins would not be allowed to enter the city. Rufus then politely declined, saying," We would all participate or none of us."

~ ~

The victory party was making a lot of noise as Rufus's army waited outside the walls. The soldiers and warriors of the Fairfax kingdom felt irritated and knew better not to celebrate too early. Many of them were seasoned veterans of two wars and were more qualified to fight in a war than the soldiers of the Etna cities.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Still, the mood of the royal Fairfax army was in good shape, with the war starting with a victory thanks mainly to their own cavalry.

"Hellooo my king!" Ximena said and stumbled drunk into Rufus's tent.

"What now?" Rufus said being tired and wanting just to rest.

"Hey. I am sorry for the treatment and attitude I gave you. I would like to make it up to you," Ximena explained while being completely hammered.

"Yes, yes. Apology accepted."

Ximena then started to undress in front of Rufus.

"I mean I came here to make it up to you," Ximena said seductively.

Rufus froze completely and fell to his small camp bed as Ximena started to get closer.

"You are a handsome young man and I am a gorgeous young woman. Why shouldn't we enjoy ourselves tonight? I also have never done it with a king and would want to know how it is."

Just before Ximena could get any closer the flaps of the tents were opened.

"Rufus, Haley wanted you to meet with her," Yosef said and entered the tent.

Yosef stared emotionless as both Ximena and Rufus looked at him in complete silence and awkwardness.

"Huh….It seems Rufus is not here. I wonder where he went," Yosef said to himself and completely denied what he just witnessed.

Rufus saw his chance and rushed out of the tent leaving the butt naked Ximena inside his tent.

"Yosef! Hey buddy. Uhmm about that," Rufus said as he caught up with Yosef.

"What are you talking about. You were obviously doing nothing," Yosef said back being in complete denial.

"Thank you. I owe you one."

"You don't owe me anything because you didn't have that bitch mercenary naked in your tent," Yosef said and walked away still dazed.

"Shit…..I am definitely going to be in trouble for this in the future," Rufus thought to himself.

~~

Rufus then met with Haley who was sitting by the seashore.

"Did you hear what happened to the capital city of the nation of Elva? It was burned to the ground personally by the emperor when they decided to resist and not submit to him. Every woman and child even were burned by the emperor who left nothing, but rubble in its place. Those who submitted were forcibly sent to fight the Cassian kingdom," Haley explained.

"These imperials are a different kind of enemy. They are better equipped and even though we routed them, many were willing to fight to the bitter end," Rufus said remembering the personal guard of Samanilde.

"This will be a hard and bloody war, that I am sure of."