The kobolds, from their position, could only watch as the dracons threw themselves against the Meratids again and again, with disastrous effects for both sides. However, worse was to come. From the fog emerged Merat himself, once a diminutive kobold, now a giant to rival a tower. His very presence forced a tug of hate on Rughoi's soul, and he gripped the reins on his worg harder than he should have. He could see that his army was beginning to lose vigilance, and then they shattered with Merat's roar. Many broke, and ran for the city. Some forced themselves on their knees or began walking towards the Meratids with reverence in their eyes. Even Rughoi himself couldn't stop this magically induced doubt from filling his mind. Is he truly in the right? Does he deserve to be Son of Dragons? He shook the thoughts from his head. This was merely another corruption. He edged his worg forwards. "I cannot sit back and wait for the battle to finish itself," he huffed, drawing his bow.

Rughoi then assembled his worg-riders, choosing from them who he felt had the strongest will. He explained to them his plan to emerge victorious against two armies, both stronger than his. This was one of Sutam's tactics. The ancient Son of Dragons had known that most general's minds were limited to the battlefield, but Sutam thought further. He had famously led an army across the continent and back again just to surprise his enemies with a flank. Rughoi didn't have to go so far. By skirting along the hills, he could evade the stones and the enemy seeing them, and while the Imperial Arm constantly rained arrows down on both opponents, he could strike at Merat himself. "The strength of kobolds!" he shouted, kicking his worg into a charge. "The strength of the Empire!"

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Ardasa watched solemnly from the city walls, at the clouds and fog beyond. Occasionally, a spark of fire escaped the grey prison around, a harsh reminder of the risks of battle.

"I still cannot believe my son is to be wed," Krakas murmured from her left.

"Neither can I," Ardasa said with a laugh. Neither of them spoke of what he was doing down there. Eventually, Krakas's hand snaked into Ardasa's.

"A daughter-by-law," she said. "I hope it could be true."