Viviana could scarcely believe the sight before her eyes.
The formidable Cardinal Elder, astonishingly, had been struck down by the enemy, falling to the ground like a kite with its string cut.
Fortunately, the Elder did not perish there and then. He propped himself up with his hand, staggered to his feet, and coughed up a large mouthful of blood onto the ground.
"Elder!" Viviana hastily spurred her horse to approach, but was halted by the look in the Elder's raised eyes.
It was a gaze that warned her to keep her distance; a gaze that urged her to continue her retreat!
Years of mentorship had fostered an understanding between Viviana and her two teachers.
Even without the Cardinal Elder uttering a word, Viviana understood his intentions. Moreover, in order not to implicate Viviana, Cardinal Elder, disregarding his need for rest, was already preparing to depart.
