Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 72

Carissa's hair was a tangled mess. It was stiff with dried blood from the battle, and there were strands clumped together in all directions. Even a bird's nest looked better.

Her wooden armor was torn and stained with blood, and her face was a canvas of grime and mud. She hadn't bathed or washed herself in many days, and even the beggars on the street would appear neater compared to her.

"Are you uncomfortable?" Rafael asked, recalling how vibrant and lively she had been each year when visiting the Pathfinders Guild.

She seemed like a completely different person now.

Carissa's cracked lips parted to utter a single word. "Hungry!"

Rafael snorted. "Yes, we're all hungry. Just bear with it."

"I'm so exhausted!" Carissa replied weakly, "I'm so tired I can barely stand."

"Carissa!" Rafael said sternly. "Do you realize that no general in Starhaven's history has defeated so many enemies on their first battlefield? Not even your father You've done something remarkable. So, hold your head up high and walk out there with pride."

Carissa straightened up, adopting a proud posture, even though she hobbled with a pained limp and used her Rose Spear as a makeshift cane. Then, she made her way out of the command tent.

Rafael followed her, smiling, but there was a touch of sadness in his eyes. He had watched her grow up, and had once thought.... Supplies of food had arrived from Tower City. Although it wasn't much, it was enough to give the soldiers a good meal.

meeting. Carissa, still leaning on her Rose Spear, limped into the tent. Inside, everyone looked at her with admiration. The Sinclair family's female general was truly

next battle. He pushed a chess piece across the

was overly risky. Given the current number and weaponry of the allied forces of Westhaven and Sandoria,

task.

asked, "A feigned attack,

his gaze

"So, the first time is a feigned attack. The second time is also a feigned attack, and the third time is the real assault,

waved her over.

1/2

+15 BONUS

her spear as support, Carissa walked over.

did you

winced. "Marshal,

"Once you're a soldier, you can't be

face, which had been pampered for years, to ache painfully.

her face.

we'll face them in the final battle there. Commander Sinclair, I look forward to seeing

mentioning her divorce with Barrett, to avoid awkwardness if he and Aurora arrived with reinforcements and everyone still thought they were married. She also thought it might prevent misunderstandings, especially since she and Aurora were temporarily aligned