Before too long, they arrived at the gates of Hiving.
The gates stood tall and sturdy as always, but something else was different about it. This time, the gates were clean, as if care had been taken to wash them in preparation for the homecoming of the warriors.
As they approached, the sound of cheering swelled from beyond the walls.
People lined the streets, men, women, and children waving cloth banners, and tossing petals into the air.
Some cried openly, while others clapped and shouted blessings to the soldiers and adventurers returning home.
Wade slowed for a moment, taking it all in.
He could smell the bakeries, hear the laughter, and feel the warmth that had been absent from the battlefield.
It was strange. After more than a week of blood and horror, to be greeted with joy felt almost unreal.
Rowan, walking beside him, managed a crooked grin. "Guess we're heroes now," he muttered.
Wade smiled faintly. "I guess we are."
