The battle had already ended by the time Lucien and Seran returned to the gate.
The first thing Lucien noticed was the silence.
It felt heavier than the fighting had.
Villagers stood among broken shields, discarded weapons, and bodies. Some still gripped spears with both hands even though there was nobody left to attack.
Luke saw Lucien first.
His shoulders visibly relaxed.
Then his expression hardened.
"My boy."
Lucien slowed.
Seran quietly moved half a step away from him.
Lucien noticed.
"Coward."
"I survived mercenaries and a dragon. I am not volunteering against your father."
Luke reached them and looked over Lucien's bruised face and torn clothing before turning his eyes toward Seran.
Seran smiled politely.
Luke exhaled.
"Are you hurt?"
"Nothing serious."
That answer was enough for now.
The other villagers began noticing them too.
Auren raised one hand.
Tavian shouted Lucien's name.
The tension that had held everyone upright finally broke.
People laughed.
