The smoke of war gradually cleared outside Stone Bridge Town. The battlefield was littered with the corpses of Orcish Cavalry and War Horses, while soldiers of the Northwest Legion were clearing the field and medics moved among them, carrying the wounded onto stretchers.
Paul led Schroeder, Hall Duke, and the other generals into Stone Bridge Town's temporary command post. Though this war-ravaged town was in ruins, the defenders' flag still flew high atop the bell tower in the center of town.
Major Hodgson, the resolute-looking commander of the defenders, hurried forward with several subordinates to greet them. His uniform was still stained with smoke and blood, clearly showing that he had been fighting not long ago.
"Lord Greiman!" Hodgson stood at attention and saluted. His voice was hoarse but powerful. "The Stone Bridge Town defenders report to you!"
Paul stepped forward, returned the salute solemnly, and then clasped Hodgson's hand.
"Major, you and your soldiers held this fortress and bought our main force precious time."
Paul's gaze swept over the exhausted yet resolute officers inside the command post. "You are the exemplars of the Northwest Army!"
Hodgson's Adam's apple bobbed. This iron-blooded man of the battlefield was actually choking up now.
"We only did our duty, my lord."
Schroeder stepped forward and patted Hodgson on the shoulder. "Your duty? That's true. And you did create a miracle. With only a few thousand men, you held back the Orcs' frenzied assault. That went far beyond the scope of duty."
Paul looked around at everyone and raised his voice as he announced:
"To honor the bravery of all the soldiers who fought, I will have the 'Stone Bridge Town Defender' medal made. Major Hodgson, you and your soldiers will be the first recipients."
A restrained cheer immediately rose inside the command post.