The first rays of dawn illuminated a blood-red sky and revealed the aftermath of the battle. The hulks of the two great warships lay in the mud, abandoned by the retreating tide. Fires burnt on the island but most of Dunavon was saved.
On Baddon Plane, the remnants of Morgon's army were assembled, chanting the battle hymns of the Empire. Morgon's body had been returned to them and was strapped to a horse. A pole held his corpse upright.
On the other side, the tribal warriors waited in line with their allies from Ibero. Thunder rode amongst them with General Bollino. The royal chariot followed. The decaying remains of the old queen sat stiffly in it, ceremonial spear in one hand, shield in the other. The warriors saluted as she passed and sang a funeral dirge.
As the chariot neared the front, an officer of Morgon's guard entered into hurried negotiations with the general. Agreement was reached and a signal sent to the Imperial force, which withdrew, leaving Morgon tottering on his mount.
With nowhere to go, the tribesmen, still loyal to the faith of the Lord Sun, prepared to make their last stand. They pushed Morgon into a sitting position and formed up behind him in a defensive formation.
The mountain men led the attack from the other side. The naked savages rode on the backs of bulls and dashed ahead of the royal chariot. The encounter was brief and many heads were taken.
Following the battle, a solemn procession conveyed the old queen to a funeral pyre. The aged Pius walked behind with Adrina and his frail son, Cronin the Meek. Adrina maintained a humble posture and betrayed little emotion when Pius announced her betrothal to Cronin and proclaimed her Queen of Gorm and the Catti.