Darkness.

Silence.

Then, a voice.

“So we have failed?”

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Anguish.

Feeling becomes sound, “This time, my king.”

Wood on iron. Iron on rock. Burdens do not fade. “My army lies dead in a field. As does my enemy’s. What now?”

“Talah will find her allies. We will let her. Then, one of us must surrender.”

Laughter. Mirthless. Harsh, “You’ve surrendered before.”

“Aye. And I won.”