Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Collin and his companions were dragging the bodies of dead warhorses out from the pile at the city gate.

Aside from the 20,000 elite Brambleford soldiers, over 30,000 auxiliary troops had supported the defence of Dunmere. To Collin and others, those soldiers had fought just as hard and deserved to enjoy the victory too.

But there were too many people and not enough meat. Even after searching all of Dunmere, the chickens, ducks, cattle, and geese brought in by Benjamin were far from enough.

So, they began digging through the corpses, looking for usable horse meat.

Someone had heard that Captain Lancelot said horse meat tasted really good.

Since sunrise, when they received news that the reavers had retreated, Dunmere had been filled with an electric sense of celebration.

Collin felt the same excitement. Crowds of civilians had entered the city, cheering alongside the soldiers.

They brought flatbread, eggs, and fruits for the soldiers, small gifts of gratitude. During the siege, these civilians had been even more afraid for Dunmere than the soldiers, because their homes were within the city.

”Collin, here.”

A young soldier handed him a peach.

This soldier, Tim, was around Collin’s age and served in the local garrison. During the battle, Collin had saved him from being pushed off the wall by a reaver.

Now, ever since the retreat, Tim had treated Collin like a big brother. And once his family arrived safely, the first thing he did was offer Collin some fruit.

”Young man, thank you for saving my son.” Tim’s father said. ”We don’t have much, but please take these peaches as a token of thanks.”

Collin looked at the father’s ragged clothes. It was clear this family lived in poverty.

He said. ”No need for thanks. We’re all fighting for His Highness. Saving Tim was just what I had to do. His Highness told us, always protect your comrade’s back. If I’m behind him, of course I’ll protect him.”

Tim, with his sharp, energetic face, said with admiration. ”His Highness really said that? I wish I were part of the Brambleford Army. Then I could see him more often.”

Collin chuckled. ”Sometimes he’s kind of scary.”

They both laughed.

Tim still pushed the peach into Collin’s hand. ”Just take it. These are wild mountain peaches. My dad came just to share them. The town folks really appreciate what you did. This year, the harvest won’t be stolen by reavers again.”

Collin took a bite, then slung a horse leg over his shoulder and started walking back toward the army camp.

”I was also worried about my family’s harvest getting taken. So... How much land do you all farm?”

They chatted as they walked back toward the camp.

All around them, soldiers were carrying chunks of exploded horse meat back to camp.

From a distance, bonfires lit up the entire area, and the scent of roasting meat filled the air.

In the camp, Liam and Lancelot were bickering again.

Lancelot was scolding Liam for buying up local farm oxen. He was trying to get him to return them.

Simon and Benjamin were watching the argument by a campfire, laughing silently.

They didn’t step in. It was time to let the others enjoy themselves a little.

”This reaver horse meat really is delicious!”

Benjamin munched away, all while sneaking glances at the wine flask in front of Simon.

Simon had only brought one jar of Brambleford’s Finest. During the intense battle, it had stayed sealed.

Now that the war was over, he brought it out.

Last time at Prince Simon’s castle, Benjamin had gotten completely drunk off this wine and never forgot it. Now he was eyeing it hungrily; he sipped from his cup while longing for the flask.

When Simon poured himself another big cup, Benjamin immediately did the same, then filled his cup again just in case he got shorted.

Liam and Lancelot, after their fight, noticed the drinking and quickly joined in.

Lancelot reached for the wine flask.

”Smack!”

Benjamin slapped his hand away.

”My Lord, Commander, you’re hogging it!” Lancelot complained.

”We’re not hogging anything!” Benjamin snapped. ”There’s only one jar. If it gets into your hands, there’ll be nothing left! Put your cup down, I’ll pour!”

”Letting the commander pour? Isn’t that out of order?” Lancelot said with wide eyes.

Benjamin wasn’t fooled. He poured Lancelot only half a cup.

Lancelot pouted and looked pitifully at Simon, silently begging for help.

Simon ignored him at first, drinking by himself, reluctant to share.

But Lancelot’s sad eyes were too much.

”Once we get back to Brambleford,” Simon said. ”I’ll send you ten full jars.”

”Hehehe, I was waiting for you to say that!” Lancelot cheered.

Benjamin stayed quiet. Simon had promised him twenty jars.

As night deepened, all the soldiers who had defended the city gathered, except for those on watch.

The camp was full of noise and joy as soldiers laughed loudly, releasing the pressure built up over the past ten days.

After a few drinks, Simon suddenly stood up.

The wine, the victory, it all made his heart surge with pride.

His territory had been defended.

He had made his mark.

”Commander, I think our army needs its own marching song.” He said.

”A marching song?” Benjamin squinted. ”What’s that, My Lord?”

Lancelot, half-sober, laughed. ”Your Highness must be drunk!”

”I’m not drunk!” Simon said. ”Every army needs a soul. A song can lift the spirits of the troops. Don’t believe me? I’ll sing one for you.”

In the Eldorian Empire, it wasn’t strange for nobles to sing or dance, especially at banquets in Eldora.

It was much like the balls of nobles.

Lancelot, always one for fun, jumped up. ”Everyone, quiet down! His Highness is going to sing!”

All the soldiers turned, surprised.

Feasting and drinking were one thing, but true celebration came from shared spirit.

Simon wasn’t joking.

He wanted his soldiers to remember this battle, this indomitable will.

Then he began to sing a song from a future era.

”Keep the home fires burning

While your hearts are yearning

Though your lads are far away

They dream of home

There’s a silver lining

Though the dark clouds shine,

Turn the dark cloud inside out

’Til the boys come home.”