Imperatrix Fallen: Alith's Cradle

XXVII

"War? War is for cowards."
Last recorded words of Rogeli Kai, the last Beli king.

Only medics and prisoners remained on the battlefield. A light mist lent a faint sense of calm to a scene saturated with groans and sobs, which did not cease to stir. Now, everyone was fighting the same enemy; from the ground, on their knees, even some staggering upright—they fought against Lady Death. Dozens of soldiers searched among the bodies for survivors, though their feeble stomachs hindered the search. Most of them had read of battles in old, heroic children's tales, not realizing those grand battles, so heavily idealized, ended with badly wounded survivor searches or corpse recognition. Decay, and death, there was nothing heroic here; no one celebrated, raising their arms and shouting, "Hurrah!" A wide meadow, dotted with fresh young flowers—now eternal—was the only reward left to the soldiers, if they even were romantics.

Among all the captured prisoners, Thomas and his wife were the most guarded, with Valz and Lombardo leading the escort. Carlota followed in silence from behind, ashamed and confused.

Valz approached Valeria, who stood with her parents.
"What shall we do with Thomas?" Valz asked her.
"Give them a room in the barracks," Valeria replied curtly. "Carlota?"
"I'm here..." Carlota answered timidly.
"Are you still a Victrix soldier?"
"Y-yes..."
"You will be responsible for the counts' security until their trial is complete."

Carlota understood the mercy Valeria was extending in that moment and, with a soft bow, withdrew with her parents.

"Daughter... be careful with my brother," Alan said to Valeria. "He can be dangerous, even locked up."
"We'll have time to address that..."

Alan and Clara exchanged nervous glances.
"Daughter, we..."
"You must leave, don't you?"
"If you knew, then why..."
"I was hoping it wouldn't be so..."

Valeria smiled, as tears streamed down her tear-streaked cheeks.
"Now you have a sister. Be strong, daughter."

The counts and Valeria embraced for a long time. Slowly, a requiem began to play from Cisa's harp. The melody was melancholy, falling softly on all the soldiers' ears, touching the hearts of the dying like a beautiful farewell.

The city gates opened again in a warm light.
"I'll see you again, my beloved!" Tristan called to Cisa, as he rode with his thirty disciples into the light.
Cisa responded with a wide smile and tearful eyes.

"Now it's our turn..." Clara said to Valeria. "Take care of your sister, and of this city, as we would have wanted to care for you."
"I'll see you soon, Father, Mother!" Valeria said, her heart heavy.

The counts began their journey toward the light, greeted respectfully by the few soldiers who still remembered them. They stopped only to speak with Roth.
"It's time," Alan said. "As was agreed."
"I'll see you soon. You go on ahead..."
The counts nodded and departed. As they passed through the portal, the light faded, the music ceased, and another battle began.

Cisa played a rapid melody aimed at Makia, ensnaring him in a net of strings. Roth dashed forward, seizing Makia's black sword, and prepared to strike.
"Have you ever wondered why you left so many people to die?" Valeria's voice cut through.

Roth faltered, turning to charge at Valeria instead. Without hesitation, he plunged the sword into her stomach. Valeria gripped the blade, preventing Roth from withdrawing it.
"Roth, why...?" she murmured, dark blood spilling from her mouth.

Panic surged through Roth. Was this truly Valeria? "No, it couldn't be. I was too fast," he thought. Yet there she was, before him, crying and dying. In all his years on the other side, he had never seen such magic or heard tales of the powerful Angels. Fear gripped him, as it had that night beneath the red moon when he murdered the dukes. "Michael must have blessed him, too." None of it mattered now—"my death was written," Roth reassured himself, pressing the sword harder against Valeria. Yet no one moved... no one rushed to help her. All watched in silence. "So..."

"I loved you..." Valeria whispered.

Roth froze.

"But seriously, give me back my arm and sword," Makia said.

With a swift pull, Makia tore Roth's arm away, along with the sword he held. Roth collapsed to his knees, and Makia turned, as his techno-created arm faded and his original arm reattached itself. He stood for a moment, testing the mobility of his fingers. Then he turned back to Roth, kneeling before him. They shared a brief exchange. Makia placed a hand on Roth's shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie. Roth faded away, Makia collapsed. From a distance, Valeria felt a tragic sense of relief.