STEEL AND FLESH

SIGH OF RELIEF

Exhaustion settled over Lord Mordian like a heavy cloak, each labored breath a testament to the toll the day's events had taken on him.

His body ached with a weariness that went beyond physical exertion, his muscles protesting every movement, every step taken in their desperate flight.

The adrenaline that had fueled him through the battle now gave way to a bone-deep fatigue, threatening to pull him into the depths of surrender.

Beside him, the soldiers who had managed to escape the ambush displayed a spectrum of injuries and emotions.

Some were battered and bruised, their faces contorted in pain as they struggled to keep up with the pace set by Lord Mordian and his loyal steed.

Their breaths came in ragged gasps, and their footsteps were heavy with the weight of defeat.

Others, their armor scratched and dented, bore wounds that were deeper than mere flesh.

Tears streaked down the cheeks of some, their eyes red-rimmed and haunted by the horrors they had witnessed.

The cries of an