Suleiman walked up to the piles of loot and drew his longsword.
The soldiers' eyes instantly turned toward him, and the area fell silent.
Suleiman's voice carried to every ear. "My brothers!"
"I promised you! Fight for me, and everyone will share in the spoils of war!"
He pointed the tip of his sword at the loot.
"Whether you charged into battle or handled the logistics and hauling, every one of you will get your share, big or small!"
"Olivier!"
"Distribute it according to the roster!"
Olivier bowed. "At your service, Lord Suleiman."
"But, my lord..."
Suleiman's gaze swept over him. "Carry out the order!"
Olivier fell silent and took out the roster.
The distribution began. Lushen and the officers kept order as the soldiers lined up and stepped forward one by one to collect their shares.
The air seemed to be filled with the intoxicating scent of money.
A peasant soldier assigned to the kitchen took a money pouch with trembling hands.
He opened it and saw it was stuffed with copper coins, along with several Silver Stags. He clutched it to his chest, tears running down his face. This was enough for his family to live comfortably for a year, perhaps even longer.
A soldier who had been wounded during the siege received, besides coins, a fine fur cloak of the sort noblewomen wore to keep warm. It was worth several Silver Stags.
He stroked the soft fur as if caressing his lover's skin. His family had never even dared dream of owning something like this. He would give it to his wife.
"Long live Lord Suleiman!"
Someone shouted it first. Then a deafening roar of cheers erupted.
"Long live Lord Suleiman!"
The soldiers raised their money pouches and weapons high, shouting with all their might.
Their faces