Ethan stood motionless, staring at the half-open hangar built into the mountain slope. The hum in the air foreshadowed a trap organized with absolute precision.
"Vaelen, take the essential personnel and retreat with the others aboard one of the secondary ships," said Ethan, without turning his eyes from the front. "I will press forward with the main fleet."
Vaelen stepped forward, gripping his sword hilt as his eyes burned with determination.
"No, General!" said the veteran warrior. "We will not leave you alone. If this is where we are meant to fall, we will die together in battle holding our honor high."
"Do not be reckless, Vaelen," said Ethan, turning slightly to glance at him. "There is still much I need from you all. You cannot fall in this place."
"My men and I swore to serve you until the very end!" insisted Vaelen, refusing to yield an inch. "Do not ask me to retreat while you walk into a trap!"
