Chapter XXV: Homeward.

Demetrios had always been a loyal member of the Teutonic Order. For years, he had served as a knight, defending the Catholic faith against its enemies in the Levant and in the Baltic. But now, his time with the order had come to an end. His friend, George, had ordered him to resign his position and return to his homeland.

At first, Demetrios was confused by George's sudden request. He had always trusted his friend, but he couldn't understand why he was being asked to leave the order. George had secretly controlled all of the Catholic military orders in the Levant and in the Baltic, but he knew it since his days during as a Megas Domestikos for the Eastern Roman Empire, He knew that he would use his power for the greater good and not using his power to carry out his own agenda, which was far different from the goals of the Teutonic Order.

Demetrios felt betrayed by George's actions, but he knew that he had to obey his friend's orders. He resigned from the order and returned to his new homeland, hoping to start a peaceful life. But fate once again had other plans for him.

On the way to his home, Demetrios was called upon by Ottokar II, the King of Bohemia. Ottokar was preparing for battle against the Hungarian army at Kressenbrunn, and he needed Demetrios' help. Demetrios was hesitant to join the fight, but Ottokar was persistent. He knew that Demetrios was a skilled warrior and a skillful general that he would be a valuable asset in the upcoming battle.

Demetrios eventually agreed to join Ottokar's army. He traveled with the king and his men to Kressenbrunn, where they would soon engage in one of the bloodiest battles in medieval Europe. The air was tense as the two armies faced each other on the battlefield. Demetrios could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared to fight for his life.

The battle was fierce and brutal. Demetrios fought with all his might, determined to defend his king and his homeland. The sounds of swords clashing and men shouting filled the air as the two armies clashed. Demetrios saw friends and enemies alike fall around him, their bodies torn apart by the violence of the battle.

Despite the chaos and carnage, Demetrios held his ground. He fought with honor and bravery, refusing to back down even in the face of overwhelming odds. As the battle raged on, he began to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. He knew that he was doing the right thing, defending his king and his country from those who would seek to harm them.

In the end, Ottokar's army emerged victorious. The Hungarian forces were defeated, and the battle was over. Demetrios was exhausted, but he felt a sense of relief and satisfaction. He had proven himself on the battlefield, and he had helped to secure a victory for his king and his people.

After the Battle of Kressenbrunn, Demetrios was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. He had fought bravely alongside Ottakar II and his forces, and he was relieved that they had emerged victorious.

As the soldiers began to clear the battlefield, Demetrios was approached by Ottakar himself. The king was impressed by Demetrios' bravery and skill in battle, and he invited him to a feast in his honor.

Demetrios was hesitant at first, but he ultimately decided to accept the invitation. He knew that it was a rare opportunity to relax and unwind after the stress and chaos of the battle.

The feast was held in the grand hall of Ottakar's castle, and it was a lavish affair. The tables were piled high with roasted meats, fresh bread, and all manner of sweet treats. There was also plenty of ale and wine to go around, and Demetrios found himself laughing and joking with the other guests.

As the night wore on, Demetrios found himself in conversation with Ottakar himself. The king was curious about Demetrios' life and experiences, and he listened intently as Demetrios told him about his time in the Eastern Roman Empire as a Megas Domestikos, the Summus Marescalcus of the Teutonic Order and his journey to the Battle of Kressenbrunn.

Ottakar was impressed by Demetrios' dedication to his beliefs, and he offered him a position in his court. He believed that Demetrios would make a valuable addition to his team, and he promised to provide him with all the resources he needed to pursue his goals.

Demetrios was flattered by the offer, but he politely declined. He knew that his heart was with his wife, who was waiting for him in the lands of the Nogai Horde. He had been away from her for far too long, and he couldn't bear the thought of being separated from her any longer.

As the feast drew to a close, Demetrios said his goodbyes to Ottakar and the other guests. He thanked them for their hospitality, and he promised to remember their kindness for the rest of his life.

He then set out on the long journey back to the lands of the Nogai Horde. The journey was difficult and arduous, but he knew that he was going home to the person he loved most in the world.

When he finally arrived, he was greeted by his wife with open arms. She was overjoyed to see him, and they spent many happy days together, catching up on all that had happened during their time apart.

As he looked out at the vast expanse of the steppe, Demetrios felt a sense of peace and contentment. He knew that he had been true to his beliefs and that he had made a difference in the world, even if it was just in small ways.

With his wife by his side, and the memory of the Battle of Kressenbrunn burning in his mind, Demetrios felt ready to face whatever the future held.