Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 196: Cross road

The feast unfolded beneath a sprawling night sky, deep and endless, as torches flickered against the canvas of the makeshift pavilion set up in the heart of the military camp. Tables lined with simple cloth stretched out under the open air, surrounded by soldiers and attendants. The camp bustled with life as the warmth of the fires reached outward, casting a comforting glow over the gathering.

Slaves moved steadily, carrying trays laden with roasted game and smoked meats, the aroma wafting through the camp and mingling with the crisp night air. The selection was unpretentious—thick slices of dark bread, roasted root vegetables, and stews served from large cast-iron pots, all hearty enough to fill even the hungriest of soldiers after a long march. Trenchers piled with roasted pheasant and thick-cut mutton were passed around, the charred skin crisp under the torchlight, and cups of rough wine or ale were constantly refilled as laughter and conversation of the soldiers grew.

Whatever resentiment they had regarding the low amount of loot they acquired after storming the Fingers, was being successfully culled by both the feast and the knowledge that their opportunity to get rich through sacking was still not out of sight. 

After all, were they not marching south?

And so while the soldiers ate and laughed, the nobles too were busy in their own dealings, when however their reason for this merriment was based on a completely different business

Long tables stretched across the massive tent , each covered in heavy linens embroidered with the royal family crests . At the head of the main table sat the highborn guests, including Mavius, surrounded by his lords and commanders.