Kael rode at the head of his small entourage, his dark cloak rippling lightly in the wind.
The rhythmic clop of hooves on the dirt road blended with the occasional rustle of leaves, creating a backdrop of calm for the journey.
Though the path toward the capital had been uneventful thus far, Kael's sharp eyes noted every detail of the lands they traversed.
Riding beside him was Gerald, his trusted steward and confidant, whose stoic demeanor betrayed no emotion.
Behind them, Alexander, his genral who was to follow him to captial in case of anything eventful currently heading his entourage and ensured the retinue moved with discipline, his stern orders keeping the formation intact.
The landscape shifted often, revealing the patchwork state of the kingdom.