The Sultan was dragged back to his camp, and the siege briefly came to a halt.
Inside the city, the rescued civilians were brought into the churches for shelter. Many, after escaping the horrors outside, finally broke down—crying, embracing each other, thanking both God and the soldiers who saved them. Meanwhile, Roman refugees already in Nikomedia rushed out, hoping to find their loved ones among the rescued. Some were fortunate, but many were not.
The cries of sorrow filled the skies above the city.
On the walls, Helios let out a deep sigh of relief. He dropped his bloodied blade to the ground, turned back with a firm but weary voice, and said, "This army lacks the discipline I expected. Go. Bring me the man who led his troops out."
The commander of the infantry contingent was quickly tied up and brought before Helios. Forced to kneel, he looked up at the general, fully aware of what was coming.
