Marcus walked with Adam at his side, looking at the leftover carnage of the battlefield. Crouching down by the bodies of the empire troops, he sacrificed his face and didn't show a hint of emotion.
"They knew what the mission was, Sir," Adam said softly, from behind Marcus.
"Every time I lead a battle, I understand more what General Flander's tries to teach me. The difference between solider and leader." Marcus stood up and looked around. He had lost fifty men, and whilst it could be called a win, a 10% loss was still something they couldn't sustain until the main invading force arrived.
"It a horrid thing, isn't it?" Hearing Adam's question, Marcus just sternly nodded and turned around.
"Have the names of those who died sent back to the Empire. Have others come and collect the bodies. They deserve a proper send-off. Not being fertiliser in this field." Marcus and Adam walked back to the camp they had set up.
