Lane, Edwick, Sara, and the village soldiers finally reached the cave. Gorn was already there, standing at the entrance as if he had been waiting for them the entire time. In front of him, wounded villagers were being carried inside. Some were barely conscious, others clenched their teeth to suppress their pain.
Gorn's eyes followed them.
In that moment, he understood it clearly.
They had won.The village had been freed from oppression.
His chest tightened. Emotion surged before he could stop it, and tears slowly welled up in his eyes.
Lane noticed.
He only needed a single glance at Gorn's face to understand what was happening. His voice remained calm and steady."Gorn, can you help me? I need support carrying this soldier."
Gorn stiffened for a brief moment, then quickly regained his composure. He nodded and stepped forward, helping the villager Lane was supporting. As they moved, Lane leaned closer and spoke quietly into Gorn's ear."I know you're happy. But don't cry in front of the villagers again."
Gorn turned his head and looked at Lane. The words felt strange at first. Then he understood. This was not criticism. It was guidance. The kind only a leader would give another leader. Gorn lowered his gaze and thought silently,"This child..... understands How to command people."
Inside the cave, everything became chaotic in a different way. The women of the village rushed forward the moment they saw the wounded. Clean cloth, water, and herbal mixtures appeared from every corner. Some whispered prayers, others worked in silence. The sounds of pain echoed against the stone walls.
Lane observed the scene briefly before calling two village soldiers to his side."I want a complete list," he said. "Everyone currently living in this village. Names, numbers, and what they do. No mistakes."
"Yes," the soldiers answered immediately before leaving.
Lane watched them go. Orders were being followed without hesitation now. That realization left an uncomfortable weight in his chest.
He moved to his room shortly after. Exhaustion crushed down on him the moment he was alone. He did not even remove the red hanfu Sara had woven for him herself. He leaned back against the cold stone wall and exhaled slowly.
"What a day…" he muttered. "This kind of burden drains the soul."
He closed his eyes."There's nothing more tedious than leadership. Once this place grows stable, I'll hand this responsibility to someone else. Commanding the military is enough for me."
His breathing grew heavier."I need sleep."
He fell asleep against the rock.
Seventeen hours passed.
When Lane finally opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was noise. Voices echoed from outside the room. Shouting. Movement. Too much movement. Lane rose instantly, his hand already gripping his sword.
"What's going on?" he thought. "The Holy Army?"
He dismissed it immediately."No. There's no way they could find us here."
Another thought surfaced."A traitor?"
He reviewed every face in his mind. Every action."Unlikely. I examined everyone myself."
Lane paused. His grip on the sword loosened slightly."The past is already done. The future hasn't taken shape yet. There's no point fearing what I can't avoid."
He pushed the door open with his sword.
What he saw caught him completely off guard.
The cave was alive with activity. Tables were being carried, food prepared, supplies moved. People shouted, but there was no panic in their voices. It was excitement. Purpose. Lane stepped into the crowd, searching for Edwick.
As he walked, he noticed the stares.
Whispers followed him. Some villagers lowered their heads in respect. Others looked at him with curiosity and awe. The attention unsettled him. Lane quickly slipped away from the center of the crowd.
"What's going on here?" he thought. "Why is everyone watching me like that?"
As he continued searching, he suddenly came face to face with Sara. He stopped in front of her."What's happening?"
Sara looked at him. A faint smile rested on her lips."We're preparing for an event."
Lane frowned slightly.
An event?