How long had it been since this group first assembled in Lord Falldur's courtyard?
The Colonel looked at the assessed his companions. Donnell, whom Lord Falldur had entrusted in his care, was now, in so short a time, a soldier... no, more: he was a veteran. Any who had survived this battle deserved that title."Well done," he says offering a hand to any survivor -- both the strike forces but also the soldiers who had fought without the experience of battle the Colonel had.
Perhaps some were wounded; they could be healed, and he wil help as he can. Perhaps some were disheartened: the weight of victory is itself not always free from cost, and as he looked away it was not a scene of joy. Only release.
The Colonel's knees hurt, and his right ear was ringing, but he'd be able to heal himself in a few days if the pain there continued. Above all, though, the Colonel knew that the threat still existed.
He does not have the same sense that the fort must be levelled -- surely that decision could be left til later. Having Lord Falldur's banner above this steading might carry more force than its destruction. But this was not for him or for this team, ot call -- at least as far as the Colonel is concerned.
Doc, Gimlack, Kahru, and Donnell. The Colonel looks each of them in the eye. In the weary eye. He asks Doc if he can bum a smoke.
Captain Caine and his men also deserve his thanks. And these stone giants, whose begrudging alliance they seem to have now earned. But it is an uneasy peace, and it's better to let others have those conversations.
The Colonel finds a wall, sits down and leans against it.