Boreal

I fell to the ground, the pebbled beach meeting my armor with weak acceptance. It was over. The Valley of the Six Sages had fallen. My reflection was crystal clear against the water, the face of a broken soldier. Who knows what happened to the rest of them? Even now, the palace was likely being commandeered. From behind me, a hand came to rest on my shoulder. "Why do you kneel by the lake, Shahal?" I stood and unsheathed my sword to strike whoever this was down, but the blade stopped at his neck; I couldn't move it any further. I let it fall to the ground and began to cry. "I am not your enemy. And this is not the end."