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Attila swore that he would return for Honoria and her dowry, but he never had the chance, for his death came swiftly, not in battle, as everyone would’ve expected, but in the marital bed. He had just taken another wife, the young Ildikó, and intoxicated with happiness and good wines, he celebrated until late into the night. The next day, he was found dead but without any wounds, suffocated in his own blood. His death caused great mourning among the Huns and immense joy among his enemies. Then, our warriors cut their cheeks according to our ancestral custom, so that a warrior as valiant as Attila would not be mourned with womanly wails and tears, but rather with the blood of men. After a grand banquet, he was buried with several weapons and jewels. No one knows where his tomb is located, because those who buried him were killed so that no one would be tempted by so many riches.
After his death, turbulent times followed for everyone. Three of his sons fought for power, but Ardaric, our king, the king of the Gepids, felt that his time has come. He was the only one capable of leading the tribes subdued by the Huns. Thus, he convinced many of them to join him in battle against Attila’s sons. The great battle took place near the river Nedao, where Ardaric won and Attila’s eldest son died on the battlefield. Following the defeat, the other two sons, together with the Huns, retreated to the east.