BY THE STARS, IT’S BEEN a long time!” Blackhawk had extended his hand, but Arias Callisto walked right past it and embraced his friend. “It has, Arias. Far too long.” Blackhawk returned the hug. “So, you had quite a battle here, I’m told,” he said, releasing the embrace and stepping back half a meter. He peered over Callisto’s shoulder at the wreckage of war strewn all around and realized his error. Blackhawk had seen his share of war and knew this wasn’t a battle. It was annihilation. He paused and took a good look at the Celtiborian general. Callisto’s expression changed, the joy at seeing an old friend slipping away, replaced by the gloom that had shrouded him since the struggle on Rykara had come to its bloody finish. “It was a bloodbath, Ark. My losses were . . .” His voice trailed off. Blackhawk understood Callisto’s pain, and he moved the subject along. There was no reason to dwell on the casualties. It wouldn’t change anything. “Still, at least it is over.
