Word had already preceded them. By the time the column of soldiers appeared on the road outside of town, Aus had already organized the townspeople to line the streets in a grand welcome.
Cheers and applause erupted, and every face overflowed with joy and reverence.
The great Lord Lynch had once again led them to a glorious victory and returned home safely.
Riding atop Red Rabbit, Lynch smiled and waved to the townspeople.
Upon returning to the garrison, he immediately reverted to his role as a hands-off boss. He dumped all the post-battle administration—cataloging spoils of war, tallying and reporting military achievements, organizing the troops for rest, and so on—squarely onto the energetic and idealistic Aus.
As for Lynch, he went straight to his room, pulled the covers over his head, and slept for a full day and night.
He didn't wake up, groggy and finally rested, until just before midnight.
