While remaining in their giant forms, the snake women changed the rhythm of their panpipes, making the melody faster and more urgent.
As the retreating music of the Children of the Forest drifted over the battlefield, the Minotaur army withdrew unwillingly. The centaur khan stamped his feet in fury, but under the mocking gazes of Yveta and the Griffin Knights, he could only turn away in defeat.
Countless wasps chased after the retreating Children of the Forest.
An army of tens of thousands, with countless professionals among its ranks, had seemed utterly powerless before Yveta's castle.
The fewer than two hundred peasant soldiers and knights atop the short city wall raised their weapons together and cheered.
In that moment, victory seemed to melt away the differences of class and wealth.
Whether it was a lord of a knight territory like Griffin, or an ordinary peasant soldier, everyone was enjoying the fruits of victory.
And the largest share of that fruit went to Yveta, who had led them all to victory.
Yveta said to Leili, "Find a few people to collect the animal carcasses below the walls. These animals have only just died, so their meat will be perfect for roasting."
"We can use it to reward our soldiers."
At the mention of food, Leili's stomach rumbled.
Indeed, the Children of the Forest had brought them more animals than they usually caught hunting in the mountains.
Now everyone in the castle could eat meat.
While everyone celebrated their victory, Yveta sent Black Wolf to gather the bodies of the fallen soldiers and have their families come identify them. He also told the estate's steward to distribute compensation money and food to the families of the dead.
Yveta returned to the first floor of the castle. Before going upstairs, he said to