[ IP ] Escape ?

Aniva crept silently along the white sand, using boulders almost her height as support. They were her boulders, her sand; the trees in the distance were hers; and the valley below, the rumbling valley that brought her sister to the ledge with a curious stance to see below? It was theirs. 
 
 `` How many?'' Aniva asked. 
 
 Keltie considered the question. `` By my count, there's four regiments retreating empty-handed.'' 
 
 `` Do they bear battle marks?'' 
 
 `` A few. Some lost limbs, some open wounds. One drags himself on hands and knees.'' 
 
 `` Your handiwork?'' 
 
 `` I said he has his hands and knees, sister.'' 
 
 Aniva could n't help but smirk. `` What of the six other regiments?'' 
 
 `` To be burned in this same valley immediately upon their brothers' retreat.'' 
 
 `` At Father's orders?'' 
 
 `` Of course. He wishes for them to remember the smell of burning flesh and metal the next time they consider our lands.'' 
 
 `` Excellent.'' Aniva walked to her sister's side, holding her hand as they watched the army escape. The next time, they would not be so lucky.
