The sun beat down on the desert as the army made their way back to the city. Hiseon was flanked by sea on all sides, and generally they would take the ships to and from the battle. However the tribes deep in the mountains had been causing trouble on their borders, and the quickest way to get to them was through the Nzikro, the great desert protecting Hiseon from most attacks. It had been a slow journey to and from. The tribes were in factions, some rebelling against the previous, well-established leaders. The army had attempted to reason, but attacked when it was beyond hope. The tribes were thus quelled, the rebel leaders taken prisoner, and they began the journey back.

It was mostly silent beyond the slow turn of wagon wheels or the bellow of a pack animal. Men were trying to conserve energy and water as the track became steeper. Somewhere across the desert, a wyvern hissed and the sound vibrated across the land. They were no threat to humans, beyond the initial shock when they first made noise. The army trooped up the steeply inclined path, which narrowed to a single wagon width. They pulled together, shoulder to shoulder and chest to back, walking with tight, uniform training.

Ahead of the army, Kimye sat with the cavalry. Most had begun to walk their horse, to protect them from the midday sun, but Kimye knew what his steed could take and remained mounted. He swayed as she pulled herself up a ledge, head low.

The track suddenly leveled out and the city came in view, only a few hours away. The army, as they crest the hill and saw this, walked with renewed vigor towards their home, victory tasting sweet in their mouth.

Kimye had his own worries. His betrothed, now partner, was waiting for him. They were Wynfiel royalty, and the marriage had ended a long war between the Kingdoms. A war between the snowy mountains and the humid desert plains had been one for the myths, but it had ended with realistic politics. A marriage alliance. A civil one if nothing else.

They reached the city near evening to much fanfare. Lanterns were lit, prayers were sung and dances were performed as they walked through the city. The men peeled off to go to their own homes, happy in their return, and Kimye continued forward with members of his family flanking him. They came to the palace, and entered the gates to quiet. As Kimye ordered it.