Jethru had decided to stay that day, swayed by Lara's persuasive words. Whether he admitted it or not, he truly missed his disciple.
A twinge of concern gnawed at him as well—Lara, a spirited young woman, surrounded by hardened soldiers. She was strong, no doubt, but even the fiercest warrior could be vulnerable in such an environment. A sense of resolve began to stir within him. He would not leave her behind. When he departed the next morning, she would go with him.
That afternoon, the soldiers stationed across the vast Gwamuros Plains experienced a rare moment of respite. Their commanders, seeing an opportunity to keep their men sharp and entertain them, ordered friendly matches.
Though the soldiers burned with the desire to reclaim Carles, they could not move forward—the civilians had yet to evacuate. The generals hesitated, wary that any aggressive action could provoke the Estalis army into harming innocent lives.