DRISHYA ROSE TO HIS feet, standing over Tyrak’s broken body. The sound of Tyrak’s neck breaking had been loud enough to carry to the ends of the crowd thronging the wrestling field, several score yards away. The thousands-strong audience were dead silent for another breathless moment, then, as one, they rose to their feet and let forth a roar of such exultation that the entire city of Arrgodi heard it and responded with echoing cries and roars and cheers.
Sitting astride his horse in the cantonment, General Bane heard the roar and knew that it was over at last. He signaled to his men to do what had been agreed. They did so without question: like himself, they had all seen too much bloodshed and suffering, much of it inflicted by themselves acting under Tyrak’s orders. They laid down their weapons gladly and with hearts filled with relief and hope. As one man, the entire Arrgodi Imperial Army disbanded and disarmed itself. The people surged forth, no longer under curfew, no longer restricted. They danced in the streets. They sang the praises of Drishya. They celebrated.
To Drishya’s surprise, Jarsun’s entourage rode out of the arena. They did not look like they intended to fight.
He watched with amazement as Jarsun rode right past him, down the long avenue, to the gates of the city, and out of Arrgodi.