653 East’s Sun Wanes, To West’s Moon Bows

The aftermath of the high-speed chase lay sprawled across the road in a grim tableau. The three loyal guards of Alexios, steadfast in their duty to the very end, had met a violent demise. The scene was one of chaos and destruction, with the wreckage of the carriages strewn haphazardly, a stark reminder of the brutal pursuit.

Yet, the riders, their faces etched with a mix of suspicion and determination, were not easily convinced of the guards' fate. They dismounted with haste, their movements swift and methodical. They turned over the bodies, examining each face closely, searching for any sign of deceit. Unsatisfied, their blades glinted in the sun as they made sure of their deaths, plunging into the still forms with a cold finality.

Once convinced, they mounted their steeds and set off in the opposite direction, their minds set on catching their elusive quarry, unaware of the futility of their pursuit.