Urgent Order

The commander's voice takes on a milder tone as he addresses the boy, acknowledging his bravery and expressing admiration for it. He asserts that any transgressions against the higher orders will be met with punishment, making his expectations clear to all present. With a firm stride, the horseman returns to his steed, dispelling the enchantment that held the crowd. Mounting his horse, his gaze briefly lands on the sorcerer, reaffirming the new assignment. Ben respectfully bows and speaks in a humble voice, assuring the commander of his compliance and expressing gratitude for sparing the boy. In response, the commander's indifference is evident as he dismisses the notion of sparing the boy, and he gives the signal to his horse, departing the scene with the same swiftness with which he arrived.
Baffled by the commander's statement, Ben ponders why he claimed not to have spared the boy. Unbeknownst to the commander, his gaze had averted from witnessing the pain inflicted by the lashes. As the crowd begins to regain their mobility, the father rushes to his devastated son, gripping his shoulder tightly and shaking him vigorously. He imparts a stern message, emphasizing the importance of respecting the hierarchy and ingraining it deeply into the boy's mind. The son is overwhelmed with shame, avoids his father's gaze but earnestly nods in agreement. Relieved, the father offers a mild smile and gently pushes his child forward. "Alright, let's focus on the positive," he says. "In the end, the commander wasn't a cruel person. When he cast the chilling spell, it momentarily shielded you from the blows. Promise me that you will not do this again, son."