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"A complete victory." Teuic walked closed to stand beside Malina. He pointed at the city with his right hand. "The city government surrendered unconditionally. As with any conquest the high ranking officials in the city government and guard were executed. The executions were carried out in front of those that we left alive."|

"Then can the traitorous and corrupt. Pledging allegiance to you, and swearing to serve." Malina added under her breath, remembering the scenes of victories past.

"Yes. More then I would have guessed."

"Then you executed those traitors."

"Of course. Those that remained could not believe the amount of blood."

"They are not conquerors. I doubt very much they war at all."

"Astute. There was a level of skill and control in the local regiment, but most had never seen a battle front before. There was skill, but an arm cannot stand on so many weak knees."

"Why do you tell me this?" Malina asked. Here eyes darted back and forth along the ground, but her nervousness was hidden from Teuic as he was standing slightly behind her.

"I could see the admiration in your eyes. This is a day of victory and even in your situation the ease of the battle brought forth pride. This war will be over quickly and we will see the prophecies fulfilled."

With that Teuic walked past Malina towards the city. His boots echoed on the wooded dock and left black footprints in the ash that continued to fall. Malina watched his as he departed. She saw the salutes he received from his soldiers that were busy at work. Do they not see me? I am hear! Your Empress. Does none of that matter? Could they truly be right? Have I been that much of a fool to believe in my position? Was I the only one who thought of me as Empress?

The questions continued to swirl in Malina's head, like the flakes of ash slowly falling from the sky.