The commander rode until the first light of dawn appeared. When he finally arrived at the village, he saw all the destruction around.

Houses were burned, taverns and bodies scattered, and John dismounted the horse and walked through the ash-covered place. He looked at the small and large charred bodies, forcing himself not to shift. His heart was heavy with all the pain from that horrific scene.

As he walked, he heard a noise and immediately drew his sword, turning toward the ...