Quiyus looked past the King, gazing towards the flag on the watchtower. The Tarasco eagle soared in the wind, enveloped by the cloak of nightfall. After a moment, he knelt again on one knee, bowing deeply to the King.
"Beneath the banner of the eagle, my blood shall flow, ceaselessly until death," he avowed.
Su'angua emerged from the shadows, his expression solemn, lifting his respected uncle to his feet.
"Uncle, I must depart before dawn tomorrow, taking with me two thousand Imperial Guards, three thousand spear Militia, and five thousand Samurai of the Kingdom. The road back to the Capital City spans over four hundred miles, and to guard against Mexica raids, the march cannot proceed too swiftly. I need you to hold here, for another fifteen days!"
Quiyus nodded silently. He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before quietly suggesting.
"Your Majesty, you might take more troops, to preserve more of the Kingdom's vitality. I can hold out here!"