The council's force withdrew at sunset.
Greer and her soldiers marched back toward Veridias, their mana-lances slung across their backs, their heads bowed. The confrontation was over. But William knew it was not finished.
The construct stood beside him, watching the soldiers disappear over the eastern hill. Its blue eyes were dim.
"They will return," it said.
"Probably."
"Next time, they will not listen."
"Then we'll make them listen differently."
The construct turned to face him. Its metal face was unreadable, but its voice carried weight. "I have been thinking. About what I am. About what I was made to be."
"And?"
"I was created to destroy. I chose peace. But peace is not passive. It is active. It requires work. Sacrifice. Courage."
William nodded. "That's true."
"I want to go
