The Strength of Resolve - Part 6

"How is his condition otherwise?" Talon asked.

"He should not be battling, at the very least. If his stitches tear, there's a very good chance of him bleeding out. That girl very nearly claimed his life," Gadar said. "I fear we will not have him for battle."

"Oh, we will," Talon said.

"My Lord, you ought not force him," Gadar said, with a hint of regret. He wondered why the loss of Rivera worried him so thoroughly. After all, they still had Oomly, and himself, and even General Talon. They had little to fear.

"I will not be doing the forcing," Talon said, "he will come of his own accord, and I will not deny him. My years of commanding on the field are numbered. Rivera is well aware of that. He will not wish to miss out on a battle such as this. Besides, I have a feeling he might wish to avenge himself against that girl."

"A cruel image," Gadar said. "She was too young a thing for a place like this."

"Such is life. Such is war."

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