Chapter 33: The Weight Of Leadership

Seraphine smirked, glancing back briefly. Her mud-streaked face displayed no sign of fatigue despite the massive boulder trailing behind her.

"Good. Means you're finally working. Now stop whining and move those legs!"

BAM! SPLAT! Another knight stumbled, his boots sinking deeper into the muck. He let out a frustrated growl as he yanked on the rope, the muscles in his arms bulging with effort. "How does the emperor make this look so easy? It's like the boulder's nothing more than a pebble to him!"

"Focus on yourself, not him!" Seraphine yelled. "Do you think it's actually easier for him? He's the emperor, he must set an example. I am certain he is struggling as much as you are, but he isn't stopping, not even for a moment. So you must give it your all."

"Yeah, and if your all isn't enough, you'll find yourself out of the order before you can even blink," said another knight under his breath.