"Praise Your Highness!"
Lively cheers rose once again. The samurai's faces showed longing, and the generals' eyes sparkled. A victorious western expedition would allow them to soar, traversing paths that would have taken several generations to cross!
"The fourth toast, to Black Wolf Torc! He triumphed in the duel, held back the northern reinforcements, and even captured the King of Tarasco! Black Wolf has earned the highest merit in this battle!"
Xiulote stepped forward, personally pouring the drink and handing it to his beloved general, Torc. The young Black Wolf took the wine cup, looked proudly around, toasted to the gathered generals, and then drained it in one gulp. Monkey Kuluka's eyes flickered, and without a sound, he too, along with the other generals, drank the remaining wine in his cup.
"Torc, you are my favorite Black Wolf, you have never failed my expectations!"
