The morning sunlight streamed through the temporary command hall in Willow Town.
Gyles Legg stood there, his face paler than the sky. A dozen heavy chests sat on the ground behind him. They contained Gold Dragons he'd borrowed from his future vassals. Even kings often borrowed money from their vassals, but this was a first for House Legg.
His voice was dry, each word seeming to scrape its way out of his throat. "This is the ransom you demanded!"
"Three thousand Gold Dragons! Not one short! That's the end of it!"
Suleiman's gaze shifted from Gyles's weary face to the dozen chests. He didn't answer right away.
He merely lifted his chin a little.
Lushen understood at once. He stepped forward with two soldiers and pried open the lids. Golden light spilled out beneath the sun, so bright it was hard to look at. The soldiers plunged their hands in and stirred the coins. Gold Dragons clinked together with a clear, pleasant sound.
A moment later, Lushen straightened and nodded to Suleiman.
Only then did Suleiman turn his attention back to Gyles.
He rose and walked to the window, looking out at the figures beginning to move through the castle. The garrison remained, but governing authority had already been handed over. "Ser Gyles, your honor is commendable."
"Now that the treaty has been signed and the ransom paid, Willow Town is yours again."
He turned around, his voice carrying through the hall.
"Pass down my orders. The entire army is to withdraw, and all prisoners are to be released."
The orders were quickly relayed.
Suleiman's soldiers began withdrawing from every corner of the town in an orderly fashion, handing things over to the men House Deddings had sent. Their steps were light and vigorous, and every face beamed with joy.