Judeau was usually a very calm person. Nidhogg rarely saw him express his emotions so openly. This showed that Nidhogg's return had truly brought him genuine excitement and joy.
The cavalry he had brought, along with some of the former defenders guarding the gates, quickly learned that this was Captain Nidhogg, who had left the Hawk Company over a year ago. They couldn't help but rejoice.
Guided by Judeau and the others, Nidhogg passed through the walled city gates, crossed the narrow natural passage between the cliffs, and entered the valley.
A city, beginning to take shape, came into view. Though it looked a bit simple, it was better than being completely disorganized.
The fluttering hawk banner, the orderly houses, the dug wells, and the iron cable pathways on the stone walls—it all resembled a city built within the valley.
However, the mercenaries' armor, the weapons and shields placed on racks, and the warhorses in the stables still indicated that this was, in fact, a mercenary company's barracks.
Nidhogg noticed that throughout the valley and the walled city, there were probably only a few hundred people. Over a third of them were wounded, wrapped in bandages. Some were crippled and could only use crutches.
At this moment, Nidhogg, personally introduced by Judeau, quickly drew the attention of the mercenaries in the fortified city.
Though the Hawk Company had experienced rapid turnover this year, there were still many veterans, especially former scouts, who recognized Nidhogg and joyfully approached him.
When others saw this commotion, they also came over to join in the excitement.
After a while, the crowd grew larger and larger, surrounding Nidhogg, Judeau, and the others. It became impossible to move forward.
Nidhogg simply dismounted, momentarily calming the mercenaries who were both surprised and excited.
Judeau also dismounted. He pushed through the mercenaries standing before Nidhogg and said loudly, "Quiet! Everyone, silence!"
The noisy crowd then fell silent.
Judeau continued to shout, "We promised that the Hawk Company would only get better in the future... Brothers who left have their own ambitions. We won't hold it against them. At the same time, we will never let down the brothers who are willing to stay!"
"Now, Guts has returned to the company. Captain Griffith has been rescued by us. And Nidhogg has come back here! This is a good sign. It means that even in a foreign land, our Hawk Company will surely regain its glory!"
"Alright, everyone, put away your excitement for now. Let things settle first. I need to take Nidhogg to see Griffith, Guts, and the others!"
The mercenaries all raised their hands and cheered joyfully, but they also followed Judeau's instructions and parted a path for Nidhogg and Judeau to pass through peacefully.
"They've been on the run for almost a year. Life has been so hard they've repeatedly thought there was no hope." Judeau, walking ahead, said to Nidhogg. "Your return, and Guts's, will give them motivation!"
Nidhogg led Torrent and nodded silently.
Soon, several more people heard the news and rushed over. They pushed through the crowd and ran toward them. One of them ran the fastest, got ahead, and without a word, threw himself at Nidhogg.
Nidhogg saw who it was and opened his arms, letting him crash into his embrace.
"Guts was right!" Rickert, who had grown a bit, hugged Nidhogg. "You came back! You came back too!"
The few people who came after them—namely Guts, Pippin, and Corkus—were in armor and looked happy.
"You guy, you actually came back later than Guts..." Corkus wanted to scold him a few words, but felt a little choked up. He quickly turned his head away. "Looks like there's no way I'm not buying you a drink tonight!"
Pippin was more reserved. Tall and imposing, he stood nearby and nodded toward Nidhogg. That was his greeting.
Guts walked over, laughed, and punched Nidhogg on the shoulder, saying, "You took so long to come back! We already rescued Griffith!"
The massive Dragonslayer was sheathed on Guts's back, very conspicuous.
When he first returned to the Hawk Company, he had thought about telling them about meeting Nidhogg, but he was afraid the others might misunderstand. He hesitated again and again, but decided to keep it to himself for now, only saying that Nidhogg would return sooner or later.
Nidhogg had also kept his earlier promise and truly returned to the Hawk Company, joining him. This made him very happy.
"Where are Griffith and Casca?" After exchanging greetings with everyone, Nidhogg asked directly.
"Come with us." Guts pointed in one direction and said calmly, "I think Griffith will be very happy to see you."
Except for Rickert, who smiled and nodded, the others froze slightly upon hearing Guts's words, but no one said anything more.
So, led by Guts, Nidhogg and the others went together deeper into the walled city.
As for the other mercenaries, they were sent away. The restless crowd dispersed, but the news of Nidhogg's return, one of the former pillars of the Hawk Company, would surely spread quickly.
Nidhogg followed Guts and observed. He clearly noticed that Pippin, Judeau, Corkus, and Rickert were now all following Guts's lead. This indicated Guts's current position.
This was also normal. Guts had returned during the Hawk Company's crisis, led the team to rescue Griffith from Windham City, and then, under Casca's command, led the army to break through the Midland kingdom's encirclement.
In this sense, Guts's reputation in the Hawk Company was probably second only to Griffith's. He could contend with Casca, and perhaps even surpass her.
Soon, they reached the deepest part of the walled city and saw a two-story house, built several times larger than the surrounding houses. The Hawk Company flag was planted in front of the door.
Guts took the initiative, opened the wooden door, entered, and called out, "Griffith, Casca, look who's back?"
Immediately, footsteps sounded.
As soon as Nidhogg entered the house, he saw Casca—short hair, brown skin, also in armor—approaching the door. Her eyes lit up when she saw Nidhogg.
"You're back too." Casca looked much more exhausted than before, but still had her capable demeanor. "Glad you're back... By the way, Griffith is inside."
She moved aside, allowing Nidhogg to see clearly.
There was a square table with a plate on it. On the plate lay half-eaten rye bread, bacon, and fish. Beside the plate rested a knife and fork.
Sitting at the square table was a thin, small figure, covered in bandages. His arms hung weakly beneath the table. A pair of eyes stared straight ahead from behind a silver-white hawk-shaped helmet.