Kaelan took a step back, letting his sword rest at his side as he gazed down at Alexei, who struggled to keep his composure despite the pain from his wounded leg.
"Tell your lord..." Kaelan began.
"...that he is welcome to join us whenever he is ready. But first, he must submit to the one who will become the Overlord."
"There is no point in all this mindless fighting when we can all live safely together."
Alexei gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with anger. "Never," he spat.
Kaelan sighed, a look of disappointment appearing in his eyes.
"A pity."
"Then I will do this as many times as necessary. And don't expect me to spare you when next we meet."
As Kaelan turned to walk away, Alexei's anger surged. With a sudden burst, he shouted,
"I don't need your mercy! That's the last thing I want from a coward like you, who ran away and left Father to die!"
