Thale sits cross-legged on the ground, his eyes closed in deep concentration. The sound of distant battle drums and the cries of soldiers fade into the background as he focuses on his breath, slowly inhaling and exhaling. His mind is awhirl with conflicting thoughts and emotions, as he grapples with the realization that he can no longer participate in this war.
The memory of the destruction he had caused in the enemy camp, the lives he had taken, weighs heavily on his conscience. He had always thought that by participating in this war, he was doing something good, something noble. But now, as he looks within himself, he realizes that he doesn't truly believe in the cause. He doesn't understand the motivations of the emperor, and he doesn't want to be a part of a war that causes so much destruction and suffering.
