In the distance, the sound of approaching horses and carriages could be heard. The others were coming, having followed as quickly as they could.
Jolthar looked down at Tamnarasi one last time.
"When you report this to the Emperor, tell him the truth. Tell him I didn't want this fight. Tell him I only defended myself. And tell him that if he sends people after me again, I'll keep defending myself, no matter who they are."
He turned and started walking back toward the city, leaving the defeated Princess-Commander kneeling in the ruins of their battlefield.
Behind him, Tamnarasi finally allowed herself to collapse fully, her body giving out now that the adrenaline was fading. She stared at the sky, processing the reality that she, commander of the Dreadmarchen, princess of the empire, one of the strongest warriors alive, had been defeated by a young man from a backwater territory.
