A sorry smile spreads over his face. "As are yours."
As you consider his words, he says, "I really must be going. I shouldn't leave Count Jasenko for much longer. Once my contract with him is complete, I may come seek you out again, Your Majesty."
"I'll count on it," Elya replies.
The old man departs, rejoining his army.
You do the same.
As you ride back to your line up the hill, Elya sighs. You glance over at her.
She says, "That… makes me nervous."
"How so?"
"First it was Baron Ciril. He barely even gave us reinforcements. Hell, he didn't even bother joining us in person. And now this Count Jasenko is too… 'busy' to help."
"It's almost like people don't like going to war," you say dryly.
"They do," Elya replies without hesitation. "We all do." She chuckles humorlessly. "After all, If we didn't, then how come we can't stop doing it?"