Subject - retreating army part II

The knights, as swift as they had entered the fray, turn and as fast as their mounts can carry them, head for home. The Verminasian archers send their deadly stings flying into the backs of the retreating knights. Many fall, but soon they are out of sight. As soon as they drop below the horizon, several battalions of Verminasians burst through the cover to the east. Upon seeing the destruction, they immediately get into defensive postures. "Hail, Lord Arakayd, I am happy to see you well." the battalion commander says. "I bring you important news. It's the queen, my liege, she's... dead."

Arakayd stands stunned. "How?" he demands.

"It is a mystery, my liege. What is known, however, is you are to be crowned upon your arrival." Arakayd, still in shock, orders the battalion commander to bring the men home, and then mounts up and speeds off to Verminasia.

After the battalion commander was sure the marauders had left, he regroups his men and begins the day long march back to Verminasia.