410 The Archduchess’s army (part 1)

Leaving a bigger portion of her heart behind with her husband, Adela descended the stairs with Arkin, and as she reached the manor's door, her entire focus shifted to the mission of retrieving her son, leaving no room for anything else.

What she encountered was beyond her expectations.

"Her Excellency, Adelaide de Lanark, has arrived!" the guard at the manor's gate proclaimed. A mixture of thuds followed this announcement as she stepped outside, warriors from various backgrounds offering their customary salutes.

Her eyes were still adjusting to the morning light when the full weight of the situation she had set in motion over the last twenty-four hours began to sink in.

"How many are there?" Amazement colored her question.

"More than we anticipated." 

There were more forces than she had requested, and all of them were here for Noctavian. How she wished he could be present to witness this extraordinary sight.