Jolthar was quiet for a long time after that.
He knew that there was no point in arguing about what happened. He was aware that the reason they were all paying attention to him now was because that he had become such a strong individual and in the past, they didn't even spare him a glance.
So he wasn't going to let some words deter him from not hating them.
The fire burned low between them. The camp behind them made its quiet sounds. Guards moving. Someone sharpening a blade. The normal sounds of people existing in a dangerous place and choosing to keep existing anyway.
"The emperor's mission: I need three dukes; I have killed two."
"The third duke," Jolthar said finally.
"Where can I find him?"
"Northeastern sector," Caelum said, accepting the redirect without comment.
