Sacrifice can cleanse flesh, but those external things will not disappear.
The piles of scattered scrap and debris on the ground illustrate how fierce the battle was here, with some bloodstains and chunks of flesh forming a layer, sticking unpleasantly underfoot.
Amid the intense stench, everyone wore broken and corroded armor, stained with blood and adhering flesh, which made even the Lord somewhat inconspicuous.
Yet they all acted as if nothing was amiss, eating and drinking as though the hellish surroundings were of no concern.
Everyone present had been through wars and understood the significance, more shocked by how such a small number managed to hold the place, marveling at the strength of those selected for the Honor Guard.
Barton brought men to rebuild the position and organize a new line of defense, while Lance finally found himself freed.
But he did not stop there.
"I need to explore further ahead, Scholar, come with me."
