"That's for me to know," Maskem said. "I just wanted to gloat, by the smallest amount. All this warring that you did, and now you're set to die, half naked in the mud, not even knowing how it happened. Miserable, isn't it?"
"Wait," Ivorn said, desperately. "Wait, I tell you. We're noblemen. We don't need to die like the common dogs in the field. I know—I'll pay you for the damages. I surrender, that's it, I—"
But Maskem's sword slid straight through his chest, mercifully piercing the young man's heart before he could shame himself any further. Maskem took the greatest amount of pleasure in the shocked look on the boy's face. He coughed twice, blood pouring from the corners of his mouth, and then he died.
"Ah, yes," Maskem said, tilting his head up towards the sky. "That is indeed what the sweetness of victory feels like."
Chapter 11 – Stronger Still
