**Aftermath of Valor**

The rival clan's defeat was swift and decisive, their warriors fleeing in disarray as Kael's clan asserted their dominance. The air was heavy with the smell of sweat, blood, and smoke, a potent reminder of the battle that had just been fought. As the dust settled, Kael's clan began to tend to their wounded and count their spoils. The sound of clashing steel had given way to the murmur of voices, the clanging of swords, and the occasional cry of pain. The valley, once a scene of chaos and destruction, was now a testament to the clan's victory. The spoils of war were laid out before them, a treasure trove of stolen goods and riches. Kael's chest still heaved with exertion as he surveyed the aftermath of the battle. He had played a crucial role in their victory, his magic proving to be a game-changer on the battlefield. But as he scanned the faces of his clan members, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been growing inside him since the mage's departure. He had saved her, but in doing so, he had also drawn attention to her presence. And now, she was gone, lost in the darkness of the night. The clan's leader, a grizzled warrior named Thorne, approached Kael, his expression grim. The lines on his face seemed deeper, his eyes more tired, than they had just hours before. "Kael, your valor in battle is undeniable," Thorne said, his voice low and measured. "But your actions have also brought us trouble. The mage's presence here was not a coincidence. She was a target, and by saving her, you have made us all targets by association." Kael felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as Thorne's words hung in the air. He had known that saving the mage would have consequences, but he had never imagined that it would put his entire clan in danger. Thorne's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and disappointment. "We cannot afford to have our clan embroiled in the politics of the mage's world," he said. "Her enemies will not hesitate to strike at us, to try and use us to get to her. And so, we have no choice but to take action." Kael's heart began to pound in his chest as Thorne paused, his eyes searching Kael's face. "You are hereby banished from our clan, Kael," Thorne said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Your actions have put us all at risk, and we cannot afford to have you among us." Kael felt like he had been punched in the gut. Banished? He had saved the clan, had fought bravely alongside them. How could they repay him by casting him out? He thought back to the stories he had shared with the clan members, the laughter and the cheers. It all seemed like a distant memory now. But as he looked around at the faces of his former clan members, he saw the fear and uncertainty etched on their faces. They were not cruel men, but they were practical, and they knew that their survival depended on their ability to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that existed in their world. Thorne's expression softened slightly, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and regret. "You are a skilled warrior, Kael," he said. "But you are also a liability. Take your belongings and leave. May the road rise up to meet you." Kael's eyes stung as he turned to walk away, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he had been cast out from the only home he had known. He had thought that his actions would be celebrated, that he would be hailed as a hero. Instead, he was being punished for his bravery. As he walked, Kael couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. He had no destination, no destination in mind. He was a man without a home, a warrior without a clan. The world was vast and unforgiving, and Kael was about to find out just how cruel it could be. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of his footsteps on the dry earth. Kael felt like he was walking into the unknown, with no safety net to catch him if he fell. He thought back to the mage, wondering if he would ever see her again. And he thought about the clan, wondering if he would ever be able to make amends for his actions. The stars twinkled above, a reminder of the vastness of the world and the infinitesimally small place that he occupied in it. Kael took a deep breath, the cool night air filling his lungs. He had a long road ahead of him, but he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.