In fifteen minutes, it was full dark. Torches had been lit, and everyone else had also recovered as much of their energy as they may. They arrayed themselves in a column about five to six people wide.
The aides had been instructed earlier to announce that the return procession would pass soon. They urged the crowd to not do anything that might bring them all dishonor. Meanwhile, the soldiers down the hill who had formed a barrier that was more symbolic than functional had been ordered to reform their lines around the column as the latter broke past their line.
Standing near the front, her hair tied back neatly, Hilde was surrounded by the Prince's Guards whose service she'd borrowed. The Captain was a step in front of her and to the right. Along with some others, Inge was immediately to
