You wrap your arms around the shaft, and try to climb back on the horse.
4
Someone helps you up onto your mount, and the banner once again flutters in the wind! Shouts of rejoicing seem a distant echo as you sway in the saddle.
The sudden rush of morale seems to push Damdamians into defensive!
3
Then you fall off the horse again, the pain of some things inside your flesh being damaged is nearly unbearable. Was injuring yourself beyond saving worth it?
1*
You never learn of it, as the darkness falls upon your eyes like curtain over a window.
The fastest of couriers brings terrible news to you and the court. Emperor Houlandin III is dead!
Apparently, in somewhat unlucky manner, he was greviously wounded during one of the battles. Instead of seeking help, he climbed back onto the horse, to keep the Banner of Methiant upright, boosting morale of the soldiers.
The battle was basically a draw (or, as some put it, a minor victory), with ten thousand casualties total - six thousand of them on Damdamian side, for the brutal melee continued for quite a while, neither side willing to retreat first. Houlandin III, your cosuin, did not see its end, for he fallen off his horse and perished of his wounds before his guards or healers could tend to him.
For now, the enemy is routed, the Damdamian general Caius Cuscus having taken his forces southwards. The generals and officers that were with Houlandin III retreated towards the capital, and within few days, the body of late Emperor should arrive in the palace.
3to4
While The Bronze Flagbearer and Necklace of Persuasion were both recovered, the Sword of Puncturing has gone missing. Many fear that it might've found its way into hands of some Damdamian heathen, who mistook it for a decorated blade and took it as a spoil of war. The Spymaster promises to do his best to find the missing artifact.
His wife mourning the passing of the brave warrior that was Houlandin III, his courtiers now turn to you.
You're of
martial spirit as well, but you're nowhere as skilled as your predecessor was in his time. You decide not to dwell on what regnal name you should take. "I will be henceforth known as Houlandin IV!" You proclaim, and the courtiers do not object your decision.
Long live
Houlandin IV, Emperor of Methiant-Cydwyl, King of Felonsein, Ceodwell and Parsia, Prince of Eval, Duke of Dahnia, Donuth, Ionith and Clochtoir, Sovereign of Tiftit!
Immediately after your speedy coronation (the court promises a proper one after the war), the war council gathers.
"Emperor, your predecessor has perished and the Damdamians are still upon our soil. Whatever shall we do?"
A) "We regroup and recover, awaiting the return of the envoy sent to Damdamia!"
B) "Our Army must follow after the vile Caius Cuscus and destroy his army!"
C) "I shall depart to the frontlines at once, to replace my brave cousin!"