THIRTY TWO: True Callous Nature

The Serin Empire, known as simply 'The Empire' in earlier periods of the continent's history, had always been a proud nation, rooted firmly in its customs.

One of those customs, ancient and esteemed, was the exclusively male military. 

While other countries eventually recognized the value of female warriors and barred none from entering the ranks of their armies, the empire held fast to its time-honored tradition. Women were not suited for battle.

Even when the heretical Dragon Emperor seized the throne, he could do no more than chip slowly away at the thick wall of tradition. 

Kel and the other female soldiers she was acquainted with had often jeered at the outdated ways of the enemy. If nothing else, Mevani's army had the advantage of forward-thinking over all the hordes of Serin savages.