Darrian’s eyes remained on the cliff for a while before he turned back to his army. However, no words escaped him as he rode his steed away from the edge, his men and women separating to give him room. Well, that was done for. He had hoped for a more exciting battle, but what could he expect from a mage that had separated from the group? His hand that held the reigns of his new horse tightened as he clenched his teeth. Okay, maybe that had been idiotic… but… it was instinct that had brought him to do that. It had been a little fun, though. It was just like going on a fox hunt. He could practically smell the fear that flowed off that man as he faced them, ran, and fell. 

He found himself face to face with Lantus, who practically pointed out his flaw. He returned his stare and snarled. [b]”I knew what I was doing. Don’t think otherwise.”[/b] he snapped, turning his horse and beginning to lead the army at a leisurely pace down the path he had traveled before. [b]”I’m pretty sure that the mage made a splat bigger than Emmeryn’s. There’s no way that there could have been that much water to buffer his fall.”[/b] Darrian tipped his chin up and gazed ahead. He was the Exalt. They had to listen to him. Even if his move had been brash, he would have given everyone a hundred lashes if they did not follow him after that stray. 

[b]”I plan to return to Ylisstol in a few days’ time.”[/b] he told Lantus bluntly. [b]”It seems that you and Xanxus can handle yourselves here. You have no need for my blade and I grow tired of riding around in circles.”[/b] he gave Lantus a sidelong glance, the beginnings of a scowl tugging at his lips. [b]”I do not care if I have an escort or not. [i]My dear generals[/i] seem to have more brains than I do.”[/b]