The Coming Crisis

The Empress accepted the help of her guards, getting up to leave the carriage while walking, even if it was with assistance. As she stepped down from the massive and ornately decorated vehicle, she was surrounded by many guards, including her personal guard, even though they looked as badly injured as their empress.

Their armor was damaged in many places with broken chains and links hanging loosely and barely covering the still bleeding wounds underneath. Most of them had ridden back of their own accord, but some had to be carried as injuries or missing limbs prevented them from riding a horse on their own. Seeing their broken and beaten condition, Hera couldn't help but feel defeated, the result being far worse than what she had expected.