The night had grown colder by the time Lucas and Commander Alexander left the camp.
Most of the army had settled into uneasy silence. Campfires burned low, and soldiers spoke in hushed voices, as if even sound itself carried too much weight on such a night. The valley where the battle had raged earlier still bore the scars of the fighting. Broken weapons, shattered shields, and the bodies of men and horses lay scattered across the darkened ground, their shapes barely visible under the pale glow of the moon.
Lucas walked ahead while Alexander followed beside him.
Neither of them spoke for a while.
Commander Alexander eventually broke the silence.
"You are certain about this."
It was not a question.
Lucas kept walking.
"Yes."
Alexander glanced toward him.
"You are asking Ken for something he considers valuable."
Lucas nodded faintly.
"Exactly."
Alexander looked out across the valley toward the distant fires of the Usurper army.
"And if he refuses?"
