Gumarak's eyes narrowed, voice steeled with grim interest.
"Is that the only reason you surrendered?"
The commander lowered his gaze. "No, Chieftain. That wasn't the main reason."
"Then speak. Why?"
The commander exhaled slowly.
"While the halfling commander and his army were still pinned to the ground by that gravity spell… I heard the fool shout back at this 'Lord Javier'. He mocked him—challenged him. Said if he was a real man, a real commander, he'd fight fair. No magic. No tricks."
The chamber remained silent as the commander's next words fell like weight.
"And Lord Javier… he agreed."
The officers shifted in their seats, stunned.
"He said, 'Very well. I accept your terms. A battle without magic.' Then he released the gravity spell. Just like that. As if it cost him nothing."
"He climbed down from his mount. That odd bird—Pekko, I believe. And then…"
