章 220: The return of an old friend

On the 21st of July in the year 1267, Palermo, the splendid capital city of Sicily, basked under the warm embrace of a resplendent sun. The cobblestone streets, worn smooth by the passage of time, teemed with life and energy. In the midst of this vibrant hub, something unusual unfolded—a day of respite for both the locals and the soldiers stationed there.

Soldiers, who had spent the past fortnight encamped within the city's confines, were granted a rare reprieve from their military duties. Their general's wise decision allowed them to escape the rigors of daily training and duties for a day of leisure by the nearby beach. The notion of soldiers at play was a spectacle to behold, as they reveled in the sands and waters, their armor exchanged for lighter  attire.