The sun slowly rose, casting a soft golden glow over the landscape as a new day began. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, rejuvenating the weary souls of the Barlia soldiers preparing for their journey home.
Levi stood at the forefront, his gaze focused and determined, ready to lead the first group of surrendered Barlia soldiers to Napuna.
He had ordered them to form a group of five thousand soldiers each at the night before.
This is to ensure the surrendered soldiers move in a more organized manner and also prevent them from moving in a large troops within the kingdom's border.
As the person who is responsible to facilitate this transporting process, he needs to prepare for the worse in case Barlia soldiers somehow change their minds and decided to attack them. After all, they had easily betrayed their own commanders. And that alone is enough for Levi to assume the nature of these people.
He strategically positioned the Ryntum soldiers at each of the four corners, effectively encircling them akin to vigilant farm dogs overseeing a flock of sheep.
As the first group of five thousand Barlia soldiers assembled, their spirits soared. The initial excitement of the journey ahead mixed with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to return home. They gathered their belongings, checked their gear, and prepared to march.
Among the groups of surrendered Barlia soldiers, at the far back, stood the restrained top officers.
They were bound tightly with ropes, their hands secured behind their backs, and their movements restricted. Their once proud and authoritative stature was diminished as they now walked with a sense of resignation and defeat.
Levi approached the group of restrained officers, his gaze firm but devoid of malice. "Your cooperation will determine your treatment during this journey and the journey to come," he stated, his voice commanding. "Any attempt to resist or cause trouble will only worsen your circumstances."
General Victor Shena, Lieutenant General Sarika Klover and the rest of the officers, though physically constrained, still retained a sense of defiance in their eyes.
Their expressions were a mix of frustration, anger, and helplessness. They understood the gravity of their situation and the consequences that awaited them.
Levi signalled to a contingent of soldiers who were tasked with escorting and transporting the restrained officers.
They approached, maintaining a vigilant stance, ready to respond to any sudden movement.
"Make sure to always keep an eye on them," Levi instructed the soldiers. "I want this transfer process to the designated location to be carried out smoothly and without incident."
The soldiers nodded in acknowledgement and proceeded to double-check the restraints, ensuring that the officers' movements would be severely limited throughout the journey.
The officers exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of resentment and resignation. They were aware that their fate was now in the hands of their captors.
With the preparations complete, the group of restrained officers were led away, separate from the rest of the surrendered soldiers. They are not to allow making any contact with the rest of their former subordinates.
"March!" Levi called out. The soldiers cheered in response, their determination renewed.
With Levi at the helm, they began their march, the sound of boots hitting the ground harmonizing with their resolute hearts.
The column of surrendered Barlia soldiers set off, their boots striking the ground in a syncopated rhythm. Each step carried them closer to their destination.
They marched with heads held high, their hearts filled with the belief that this journey marked the beginning of the eventual reunion with their families.
....
The journey from Mezorin to Napuna proved to be surprisingly swift, taking much less time than anticipated, arriving around ten in the morning.
The surrendered soldiers made their way into the bustling city of Napuna. The city's streets were alive with activity, as merchants set up their stalls, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and the sound of friendly chatter filled the space.
As they marched through the streets, they couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of the city's inhabitants. Some paused in their daily routines, their work momentarily forgotten, as they observed them.
The street fell into silence. Cautiousness filled the air as they realized the soldiers before them were the Barlians, the enemy who supposedly come from the north to enslave them.
At least, that's what the people have been propagated about since the beginning of the war.
Levi, ever mindful of the citizens' feelings, urged the soldiers forward, guiding them toward the bustling port.
They passed by rows of shops, their vibrant displays tempting passersby with a variety of wares. The clatter of dishes and the aroma of sizzling food emanated from the open doors of quaint cafes and eateries, inviting weary travellers to take a moment of respite.
As they neared the port, the atmosphere shifted. The air was tinged with the scent of saltwater, and the sounds of seagulls filled their ears.
The soldiers quickened their pace and the sight that greeted them filled their hearts with awe.
Tens of steamships lined the dock. Their impressive frames towering over the water. These vessels, with their mighty smokestacks and ornate exteriors, stood as a testament to the industrial prowess of the land they now found themselves in.
The soldiers stared in amazement, their eyes widening at the sight before them. It was their first time witnessing such marvels of engineering.
They couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of the paddle wheels. The massive wooden wheels, adorned with sturdy iron paddles, rotated with precision and purpose, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
"What the-! Have you ever seen anything like this?" one soldier exclaimed, his eyes fixed on the paddle wheels.
"Never in my wildest dreams," replied another soldier.
The top officers, though restrained, couldn't help but display a flicker of astonishment as well. This display of naval power was a stark contrast to the humble ships they had known, powered by oars or simple sails.
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