The Road to the South
The sound of horse hooves thundered as dust billowed into the air. A troop of cavalry galloped along the highway, led by a young officer clad in a dark blue uniform.
Derrick Heller sat upright with a resolute expression, his sharp grayish-blue eyes fixed steadily ahead. His cloak snapped fiercely in the wind, embroidered with the crest of the Heller Family-a soaring falcon, symbolizing valor and freedom.
Although he now served in the Northwest Legion, the sense of honor of his family remained deeply engraved in his bones.
Accompanied by the rising dust, the sound of distant horse hooves reached his ears.
Derrick flicked his hand, and the troop behind him reined in their horses.
"Scout, is there any movement ahead?"
The scout who had just returned reported swiftly, "Reporting to the battalion commander, the banners of the Royal Army were spotted five li ahead."
Derrick frowned slightly. He had been ordered on this mission to meet the royal reinforcements and ensure they safely traveled north to rendezvous with the Northwest Legion.
However, upon arriving at the agreed location, there was no sign of the other party. Derrick hated waiting, so they had continued searching southward along the main road.
Fortunately, news of the Royal Army had finally been obtained just moments ago.
Their sluggishness made him slightly impatient-the battlefield changed in an instant, and the orcs would not wait for them to march leisurely.
"Accelerate!" He raised his riding crop and said in a deep voice to his subordinates behind him, "We must rendezvous with them as soon as possible."
The cavalrymen responded in unison, and the war horses began to run once more.
Derrick's gaze swept over his troop, and a surge of pride welled up in his heart. This cavalry company was