At a hidden forest buried deep within a dead one, the invisible, mystical border rippled.
Then, from it emerged figures covered in dissipating light particles.
"They're back!" announced a female orc carrying a massive crate of sustenance she had just harvested from the farm.
Hearing her voice, the wretches who were close to her immediately turned to look, excitement painting their faces.
Those who were a bit farther away relayed the news to those even farther away.
Soon, the Damnedling Army was surrounded by hopefuls and their smiles.
Daru felt a warm tickle in his heart at the sight. He felt like a hero of some sort, and he felt good about it, though also a bit puzzled.
'But it was only a small success?' he mused.
Perhaps it was, but to the Damnedlings of Egress — some of whom had been stuck here for years and had greeted a depressed, failed army multiple times — their seemingly victorious return meant so much more.
A step closer to freedom.
