The six hours passed quickly. Nox stood on the city walls with his old team, watching his army approach. It was an impressive sight. Five hundred armed soldiers marched in perfect formation. The Sun Elf warriors formed the vanguard, their silver armor gleaming. Behind them came the human converts, no longer a scared mob but a disciplined force.
"That's actually an army."
"Told you."
"How did you manage this in just a few weeks?"
"I had help."
Four figures broke from the main force, moving quickly toward the gates. Even from this distance, Nox could recognize them. Serian's golden hair caught the sunlight. Elisa's massive frame was unmistakable. Vexia moved with scholarly precision. Mela seemed to appear and disappear in the shadows.
"Those your generals?"
"Something like that."
The four reached the gates. Serian looked up at him, relief clear on her face.
"Nox! You're safe. When you flew off alone, we thought..."
"I'm fine. The threat has been neutralized."
