When he saw Sven's ambush party appear on the hillside, Anno's pupils contracted. For the first time, a true chill swept through his heart.
'Gloria…'
'She had set an ambush here long ago?'
His thoughts raced as his gaze involuntarily drifted past the throng of people, looking to the west.
At the end of the night-shrouded hills lay the vital chokepoint for the return to the East: Sunset Canyon.
'Don't tell me even there...'
The brief panic receded like a tide, replaced by an icy resolve.
'So what if there are ambushers in the canyon?'
'It's the only way back to my territory.'
'Besides, in his eyes, the only ones on this battlefield worthy of being his match were Duke and Graham.'
'Gloria?'
'The Fiery Sun Church?'
A sneer tugged at the corner of his lips.
'This Princess may be a master of schemes, but in the face of absolute Power, she is merely someone who lights a candle and fancies herself the master of light itself.'
