In the end, it took them over three more days to be ready to leave the orc settlement. Nemas had declared him the winner before the entire local population, and the elders had accepted it, so no one would dare deny his claim, but that didn't mean Leonard could just take all the warriors and leave.

Firstly, he had to convene with the elders to take the mantle of rulership and begin his reforms. That meeting had lasted surprisingly little, but just because orcs weren't fond of bureaucracy didn't mean they were any faster than humans when it came to putting things in motion.

Several more meetings followed, some with the local artisans to explain what the markets outside the forest needed and what they could expect to receive. Another one with the most respected warriors—which was the only one Leonard really needed to attend, if he was honest—where they talked about the campaign he was conducting against Haylich's nobles, what the next battles would be like, and what would be required of them should they choose to join.

Luckily, most of the warriors had already been itching to fight, given the transgressions Pollus' army committed during its brief stay in the forest. Promising them they'd get to fight alongside mighty knights and against powerful opponents was enough to sway the majority, even if they were less enthused than he’d usually get by his rhetoric.

Leonard wasn't worried. He had time to convert them.

Lastly, he had to lay out a concrete plan for life after the Darkwood was incorporated into Haylich's liberated territories. As promised, Nemas was granted the title of governor in a very simple ceremony. She would be the highest authority without him around, and most significant matters would go directly to her.

The dryad had been a bit put off at all the duties that came with the title, having expected to be given more free reign, but hadn't gone back on her word. She'd just have to learn how to work within the system to get what she wanted. Fae were good at that.

This last point took the longest. The warriors were ready within a day, and even the elders were fully briefed after he unleashed Neer on them now that she had regained confidence. Those locals whose lives entirely revolved around the community were the ones with the most to lose from integration with an entirely different society and thus required more convincing. While Leonard handled these matters, Amelia's shadows kept him appraised about the enemy movements, and aside from increased skirmishes in the Serpent Sea in preparation for their southern strategy, everything looked like he had expected. He could afford to stay a little longer if it meant assuaging those concerns before they could become problems.

It helps that the warriors left their home safe in the knowledge that they made the right choice. Everyone already knows I'm strong. That was never in question. But now they also know that I care about their families. That's a big morale boost that's very hard to achieve without magical interference.

Those pressing matters seen to, Leonard was finally free to leave with his new shock troops. He led the orcs through the dense Darkwood in a steady march, with Neer and Oliver at his sides in a place of honor. They deserved it after the showing they put in the last trial.

Behind them, a thousand warriors moved with purpose, the rumble of their steps promising great things for their future on the field. The forest parted for them as they had last time, thanks to Nemas acknowledging Leonard's claim over the land.

Her alien magic wove through the air, an unseen hand clearing their path. The way was more straightforward than it should have been: roots bent away, underbrush thinned, and the twisting maze of the Darkwood straightened out before them. They were making much better time than anyone would have expected, allowing Leonard to test his main army's scouting system.

Scrying doesn't work well here—too much fae magic. To get a clear picture, one would need to expend enough mana to power an airship. That's not a good way to spend our new stockpile of mana crystals.

Even with his assurances that nothing would attack them, the orcs moved with great care, scanning the forest for any possible danger. Seeing that they knew better than to lower their guard was good. It was even better that they had organized themselves in divisions of a hundred orcs, each headed by an experienced commander. The less he needed to micromanage them, the better.

By midday, they finally reached the Darkwood’s edges, and before them lay the Stepchild. The sight of it stole many orcs' breath, as Leonard had expected. Most had left the forest to fight the Incursion in the east, but few had ever seen the untamed beauty of the western rivers.

The distributary was vast—it had to be, given that it was the sole above-ground water source for the entire forest. It roared with a furious energy, making it impossible to cross unaided by magic. The currents churned with a strength no human could withstand, and Leonard could feel the presence within it—powerful water elementals that danced beneath the surface, frolicking in the chaos. It split into innumerable rivulets, forcing any advancing army to waste days to circumnavigate it by entering the Darkwood. Even for the Revolutionary army, who had Nemas’ blessing, it would be a tricky maneuver to accomplish, leaving them open to attacks.

Neer, standing beside him, eyed the river warily. "They say even Experts drown trying to cross it."

Leonard nodded. "It'll be fine. We don't need to cross it where it's hardest now that Nemas is on our side. No elemental would dare cross her in her domain.” That wasn’t the whole plan, but he didn’t feel the need to reveal it just yet.

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They had barely stepped out from the cover of the forest when the sharp sound of a horn echoed through the air. Leonard's eyes flicked upward. The army’s scouts had evidently spotted them a while ago. The signal was unmistakable. Almost immediately, the sound of marching feet and the clatter of weapons followed.

From the same side of the river, a mass of soldiers appeared, bristling with spears and swords, the red and gold Revolutionary Army's banners flying in the wind. Leading them, at the forefront, was a familiar figure.

Gareth looked genuinely intimidating in his new black armor, bearing a crackling spear of lighting, but as he drew closer, Leonard could see the sudden flash of realization on his old friend's face—a moment of shock, followed by understanding, then a wide grin.

Leonard laughed aloud, striding forward and crossing the distance between them without hesitation. As soon as they were within arm's reach, he pulled Gareth into a bear hug. "At least we know your scouts are doing their job."

Gareth chuckled, his voice muffled against Leonard's shoulder. "A thousand orcs are hard to miss. We expected you a day from now, and certainly not with this many of them."

The Revolutionary soldiers stood in confusion, their weapons still ready, unsure whether this was an enemy force or something else. Their eyes flicked between the towering orc warriors and Leonard, dressed in simple leather armor, a far cry from the regal figure they were used to seeing him as. But despite his unassuming attire, there was no mistaking who he was.

One of the soldiers nudged the others. "It's the Grand Marshal… I'm telling you, it's him."

A ripple of recognition spread through the ranks, and slowly, the tension began to ease. Weapons lowered, and whispers spread through the gathered forces.

Leonard stepped back from Gareth and raised his hand. "Better reassure them before someone gets the idea to try their luck."

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned Dyeus. The sword shimmered into existence, a streak of brilliant golden light bristling with energy. Leonard lifted it high, and it glowed like a beacon. Its radiance washed over the gathered soldiers and orcs alike, and for a moment, everything was still.

The sky itself seemed to respond, the air growing thick with anticipation. Leonard let his aura unfurl, a wave of power rolling over the camp a good two miles away, commanding everyone's attention. The message was clear: Leonard was back.

As the last echoes of his power faded into the distance, a figure materialized from the shadows, as if conjured by Leonard's presence alone. Amelia stepped forward, her dark cloak blending into the shade, her face unreadable as always.

The orcs gaped at the absurdly beautiful woman.

I know she's trying her hardest not to roll her eyes.

"Well," she smoothly commented. "It's about time you showed up."

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Leonard gave a slight nod to the closest orc commanders, signaling them to strike camp near the forest's edge. "Spread out along the rivulets," he ordered. "Find us a good path through. No need to rush it, but we'll need to move sooner rather than later. The elementals will be no trouble.”

The orcs grunted their acknowledgment, and within moments, groups began to break off, melting into the dense greenery along the winding waterways of the Stepchild. Despite their size and strength, they moved with surprising grace.

He turned to Oliver next, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder. "You've earned some rest. Go and meet your friends. Boast about your Blessing. You earned it."

Oliver gave an embarrassed, if proud, nod. "Thank you, Sir," he replied before heading toward the camp.

Lastly, Leonard looked to Neer. "Check in with your people. Make sure they closely monitor any movements in the surrounding area. We can't afford any surprises while we set up the crossing."

She dipped her head in acknowledgment, not asking the question he knew she wanted to. "I'll see to it."

Before anyone else could come their way, Leonard and Amelia quietly slipped away, going directly to the command tent at the heart of the camp.

Amelia had made a few changes in his absence, and the previously modest tent now properly reflected his rank. Leonard eyed the fluttering banners and expensive decorations but held in his sigh. After all, he had left his friend with sole command while he went on an adventure.

Once inside, away from the noise and eyes of the troops, Leonard let out a long breath. "That went as well as I could reasonably expect. Some possible troubles in the future, but I should have nipped the worst of it."

Amelia made a noise of assent while she rifled through a nearby chest, pulling out a slender bottle of golden liquid. "Brander sent this as a personal gift to you," she said with a wry smile. "Golden pine wine. Figured we could use something nice."

Leonard raised an eyebrow, amused. "Etinus has good taste."

With a practiced motion, Amelia popped the cork, pouring the shimmering liquid into two well-crafted glasses. They clinked them together lightly before each took a sip. The wine was smooth, with a subtle herbal sweetness that lingered long after the initial taste and a hint of cold mana that reminded Leonard of winters long past.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, savoring the rare delicacy. Outside, the sounds of the camp—the low murmur of conversation, the clatter of armor being set aside for the night—faded into the background.

"How do you think they'll do?" Amelia finally asked, breaking the silence.

Leonard swirled the wine in his glass thoughtfully. "The orcs?" He leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing at the edges of his lips. "I like them. They're warriors through and through. As long as there's a fight ahead, they'll stay focused. Pollus will give them plenty to fight for."

Amelia nodded, though her expression remained cautious. "I'm not worried about the battle. It's the time between now and then. Idle soldiers—especially orcs—can be dangerous."

Leonard chuckled softly, shaking his head. "That's why I gave them something to do. They'll keep themselves busy scouting the rivulets, looking for a crossing, and fighting anything that gets in their way. Finding the best route will take them a while, but they're not a group prone to boredom. Until our strategy in the south bears fruit, the minor elementals will be a good distraction. And with Pollus digging trenches around Woolworth, we've got time."

Amelia's hummed, her fingers tapping lightly on the arm of her chair. "Speaking of the south. Garva's ships have been causing trouble by taking some of the Scales in the Serpent Sea. Every day, there's another skirmish, and even if it’s not them, it’s someone else trying to force their way in—privateers and foreign vessels. It's a mess. The trade routes are suffering."

Leonard sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We can't afford to send more people down there. Gerard and the others will have to make do until you can come around and set up the conditions for change."

Amelia tilted her glass, watching the golden liquid catch the light. “I have to say, I’m looking forward to this. It’s not that often that you get to manipulate the future so directly.”

Leonard smiled back. “I have no doubt you’ll be able to handle it. I have placed a few contingencies anyway, in case things spill over, but we should be able to upend the situation in the south and give ourselves an opening to cross the Stepchild all at once.”