Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day
-Sun Tzu
After days of relentless fighting, the battle for Marunath finally came to an end. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the blood-soaked battlefield, dead bodies still on there as a reminder of what happened the night before.
Mengus's armor was dented and stained with blood, his sword still carried a bright red color. He felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at his armor and sword and thought of the battle and all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for them to win. But even after all the chaos and devastation, there was a sense of triumph in the air. Marunath had held against the enemy's onslaught, thanks in no small part to Mengus's leadership and courage. The townspeople gathered around him, their faces happy as they hailed him as their savior.
"You have saved us, Mengus," one of them said. "We will never forget what you have done for us!"
Mengus nodded, he knew that the battle was far from over. War is a bitch, and no one knows how long it will last. But for now, in this moment of victory, he will enjoy his praise and triumph.
As the days passed, life in Marunath slowly began to return to normal. The wounded were tended to, the dead mourned, and the town began the rebuilding of what had been lost. Mengus was hailed as a hero, he was the most famous person in the town.
* * *
The sun cast a warm glow over the snow-covered landscape, Mengus stood tall in the grand hall of Marunath's castle. The hall was decorated with tapestries depicting different times of valor and heroism of the past, a fitting backdrop for the occasion that was about to take place.
At the head of the hall, High King Kaladogg stood, and next to him, his daughter Karin. They were surrounded by their most trusted advisers and nobles, their faces serious as they awaited the arrival of Mengus.
Mengus stood at the entrance to the hall, his heart pounding with anticipation as he prepared to receive his new title. He couldn't fix his armor on time so he bought the fines one he could afford, and polished it to a gleaming sheen. His sword hung at his side, his best friend on the battlefield.
As Mengus entered the hall, the assembled nobles rose to their feet, their voices echoing through the chamber in a chorus of respect and admiration. Mengus felt a surge of pride at the sight of his fellow countrymen honoring him in such a way.
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High King Kaladogg stepped forward, his gaze steady as he addressed Mengus. "Mengus, you have shown unparalleled courage and leadership in the defense of Marunath," he said. "For your valor in battle and your unwavering dedication to the safety of your people, I hereby bestow upon you the title of vassal of the realm."
A murmur of approval rippled through the hall as Kaladogg draped a ceremonial cloak around Mengus's shoulders, the fabric soft and rich against his skin. Mengus felt a swell of emotion at the honor bestowed upon him, his chest swelling with pride as he accepted his new title.
"Rise, Lord Mengus," Kaladogg said. "Your people need you now more than ever. Lead them with wisdom and strength, and together we shall face whatever challenges the future may bring."
With those words, Mengus rose to his feet. He may have started as a humble warrior, but now he was something more. He was a leader, a protector, a lord.
With a deep breath, Mengus straightened his shoulders and met High King Kaladogg's gaze.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said. "I am honored to accept this title and pledge to serve Barrania and its people to the best of my abilities."
As the ceremony drew to a close, Mengus found himself surrounded by well-wishers, each offering their congratulations and support. Among them was Karin, her eyes shining as she clasped Mengus's hand in her own.
"You did it, Mengus," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I always knew you were destined for greatness."
"I wouldn't be here without you, thank you." Mengus smiled warmly.
"We make a good team, don't we?" she replied, her grip on Mengus's hand tightening briefly before she released it.
High King Kaladogg approached them, a proud smile on his face as he clapped Mengus on the shoulder. "Well done, Mengus," he said. "You have proven yourself to be a true hero of Barrania, and I have no doubt that you will continue to serve our kingdom with honor!"
Mengus bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said. "I will do my utmost to live up to the trust you have placed in me."
* * *
Leaving the castle, Mengus's steps were measured, he was thinking of his new title and responsibilities. As he walked through the courtyard, his gaze fell upon the familiar sight of Lysa standing next to a bubbling fountain, her features illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun.
For a moment, Mengus hesitated, unsure of what to say. It had been some time since they had last spoken, and their relationship had been strained by his decision to stay with his mother. But despite the distance that had grown between them, there was still a bond that lingered—a connection forged in the fires of battle and tempered by shared experiences.
Taking a deep breath, Mengus approached Lysa, his footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone path.
"Lysa?"
Lysa turned to face him, her expression guarded but not unfriendly. "Mengus," she replied, her tone neutral. "Or is it my Lord, now?" a smile escaped from her and formed in the corner of her lips.
There was a moment of silence between them, and then they both started laughing.