I was so intoxicated with happiness I thought I was going to burst. I overheard one of the King’s own personal guards say to another that the scouting patrol had returned. My brother had returned home, safe.
I wasn’t supposed to be outside in the bailey, but I had to see him with my own eyes. I had heard the guard say that it hadn’t been easy out there. I climbed up onto the parapet and hid behind a pillar. I watched the guards and soldiers walk in from outside. I just had to see him, and then I would leave. I searched all around and looked at every face that passed below. Where was he? I knew that I would know Cathar when I saw him. He had to be in this crowd somewhere.
I heard a loud noise and looked to my right; they were rolling out a large barrel of Lisse wine. My mother had let me try the sweet wine once before, and ever since I longed to savor its luscious taste of honey and pomegranate.
“We celebrate tonight, comrades! The mission succeeded!” I heard a loud voice boom across the crowd. Cheers went up all around the men, and they started clapping and hollering in victory.
I quickly scanned the sea of faces for Cathar but was brought back to the attention of the loud voice as he suddenly stopped cheering and wore a solemn look on his face.
“Raise your glasses. Let us drink first to those of our kin who failed to return.”
A complete silence fell amongst the crowd as they raised their glasses in salute.