The sounds of chaos and death throughout the battlefield suddenly seem distant. Only now do you realize the staggering number of enemy soldiers who have pulled away from pursuing your men to encircle you.
You raise your visor.
Rade raises his.
He's pushed his way to the front of the crowd atop his horse, and now he's staring down at you.
A thick silence blankets you and the enemy, broken only by the pained gasps of Aurora.
You can only spare a glance at your wounded horse. The rest of your attention—and your blade—is focused upon Rade.
"You've lost, Marshal," Rade says. "It's over."
Rade laughs. "I'm no fool, Marshal."
Aurora lets out another pained whine. You take a half-step toward her but abruptly stop. You're in too much danger to help your horse. You grit your teeth and keep your focus on Rade.
The duke continues, "You think I'd jeopardize everything just to duel you?"
Rade ignores you and gestures to his men instead.
"You're surrounded, Marshal. You don't stand a chance."
Aurora lets out one final breath before falling ominously silent.
Aurora is dead.
You close your eyes for a brief period of silent mourning. When you open them, you turn to Rade and say…
"Pointless bravado," Rade says with a sigh. "You're not fooling anyone."
You shift your blade. "I could say the same for you."
"Enough!" he snaps. After a moment, he says, "Arthur Hornraven. I came because, despite it all… I do respect you. I don't want you to die without looking in the eye of your killer first."
Rade sighs. "Well. It's been good knowing you, truthfully. I take no pleasure in this, but I do take a certain satisfaction. Eliminating the enemy." He smirks. "You know how it is."
"Enough talk," you reply.
You raise your sword and point it at Rade.
You lower your visor and charge.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
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