(Chapter 36)
The last echo of Lorcan Frostborne's sword strike faded across the battlefield. Khan, the barbarian king who had long been a thorn in the empire's side, lay motionless on the ground, his massive body stiff and still. Blood flowed from the grievous wound in his chest, staining the surrounding earth. Lorcan stood tall before Khan's lifeless body, his eyes still blazing red, intensifying every detail around him. The vengeance that had burdened his heart for so long felt slightly lighter now. Yet, beneath the victory, a sense of emptiness began to creep in. What did it all mean? Did Khan's death truly erase his pain?
Kaelion Arvasyn arrived shortly after Khan fell. His breathing was labored, but he still managed a relieved smile upon seeing Lorcan safe. "You did it," he said with pride. "Khan is no more."
However, Lorcan didn't respond immediately. His gaze remained fixed on his sword, still dripping with blood. "Is this enough?" he whispered to himself. "Does this truly restore everything I've lost?"
Kaelion approached, gently patting Lorcan's shoulder. "I know what you've been through."
Lorcan exhaled a deep breath, lowering his sword. The fury burning within him began to subside, replaced by an oppressive silence. "I thought that by killing him, everything would feel better. But the truth is..."
Kaelion nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Vengeance may give us a temporary purpose, but in the end, what we need isn't revenge. What we need is acceptance."
Lorcan fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Maybe you're right," he said softly. "But I don't know if I can reach that acceptance."
The two stood in silence for a while, allowing the calm atmosphere to envelop them. The troops began clearing the battlefield, and although many cheered at the victory, Lorcan felt only emptiness.
Rowan Evandril, who had been observing from a distance, finally approached. "The battle is over," Rowan said calmly, "but we must return to headquarters immediately to prepare for our next move. The remaining enemy forces may attempt a counterattack."
Kaelion looked at him with concern. "You're right," he said softly, knowing that despite their victory, possibilities still lingered. "We must always be prepared."
Kaelion glanced around, clenching his fists. Rowan nodded slightly. They turned, leaving the battlefield littered with corpses and debris. However, during their return journey, Lorcan couldn't shake off the question of what he had truly been seeking all along. Had defeating his enemy truly made him victorious, or had he lost something even more precious?
In the distance, the sky began to redden, as if reflecting the turmoil within him – a mix of victory and unexplained emptiness.
Upon returning to headquarters, the atmosphere was jubilant. The troops celebrated their victory over Khan with cheers, but amidst the revelry, Lorcan remained silent.
Inside the meeting tent, the atmosphere was more subdued. Kaelion, Rowan, and the others sat together, waiting for Lorcan, who seemed preoccupied with studying the large map spread out on the table. "We've succeeded in defeating Khan, but this isn't over yet," Lorcan said suddenly, breaking the silence. His gaze was fixed on the western region, controlled by Khan's alliance. "Their forces are still out there, and they could attack at any moment."
Kaelion sighed deeply. "You're right. We also need time to recover our strength. Our troops are exhausted."