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[Blade Master Model 42]

~~Chapter 5~~
~The Dirtied Jewel~

Though Diana's forces held the bulk of Exsten's forces at Castle Ulfijan admirably, they were still powerless in the face of Allondight. Beltana was slain on her throne, and the final Divine Weapon fell into Ansel's hands.

Though still desiring Ansel's death, Diana chooses to retreat, knowing that she would be powerless in the face of the Divine Blade. On counsel from Wilfort, the freshly ousted Prince of Ulfijan, she leads her group to the Ulfijani port city of Einjar, known as the Jewel of the North. From there, she hopes to catch a boat to Worus, and from there, move to the Exsten Capital.

Having emerged from the mines they used to escape the Ulfijan Capital, the group finally approaches Einjar...

"...Anyway it's entirely possible that we may actually arrive in Einjar before any word that the Empress is dead. So if that seems to be the case, try not to bring it up- We don't need the city going into a panic, we need to get on a ship and have it launched. Oh, and there are a couple shops in town- Smaller than the ones in the capital, but usually they have a wealth of exotic items in stock. I wouldn't bet on that anymore, ever since Worus' trade embargo against us just before Ansel declared war against Durhiel and the Empire, but you might be able to find something all the same. But don't be long- The sooner we leave port, the better." Wilfort had been talking for some time, his pegasus keeping pace with Diana's horse, though several feet higher up.

Meanwhile, a large port town was visible on the horizon.

[Sirus]

Ursa walked ahead of the main group, ostensibly scouting but in reality just happy to be out of the tunnel. He wondered what these "ships" would be like.

[Swordstar]

"If we're in a rush, perhaps it would be best if we split up? Ceil, the mages, and I could go to the magic shop while the others go look for weapons? I personally am fine with what I have now, and that way we can shop twice as quickly. I can pick us up some vulneraries while Ceil, Lucas, and Enoch look for items more suited to their talents."

Assuming no arguments, Brann heads to a magic shop

[Haspen]

"For once look at it from other spectrum, buddy... what if the town already got the news, surrendered and will now zealously search for you and Diana? We will be walking into the lion's maw if that scenario proves true." Oscar yawned a little.

"I got a spare bow from Jago, Princess. So instead of roaming the market, I will guard your side. If you don't mind."

[SeriousConcentrate]

Diana narrowed her eyes.

"Perhaps this may sound paranoid, but I find it highly suspicious that Worus issued a trade embargo just before Exsten went to war... and that Exsten was able to defeat two countries at once... and that Worus 'surrendered' without a fight. It sounds to me like there might be something else going on that we don't know about."

She nodded to Oscar, not protesting his wish to keep handy. His eyes could be useful in this place.

[Blade Master Model 42]

"Diana, your country was sacked and the man responsible is in possession of all four weapons that God gave to man. I'd think less of you if you weren't at least slightly paranoid."

"As for you-" Wilfort said pointedly to Oscar- "I do believe you could stand to be somewhat less paranoid. The only thing you ever have to offer when you open that mouth of yours is tales of outlandish circumstance that you expect to befall us. Temper your paranoia with reason."

"More to the point, we left the city as the battle was ending, and though we did lose time in the mines where we couldn't ride, we had our horses the rest of the way to Einjar. It's unlikely anyone had beat us here, especially when Ansel's forces will need to bring my city to order before he moves on."

As the group entered the city, sounds of fighting echoed up the path from the docks, and people scurried away from the Ocean toward their homes. Wilfort's calm evaporated like a puddle in the noon sunshine.

"No, no no nononoNO! We need to hurry to the docks- If Ansel's army got here first, they might be after the ships- We have to get there before they cast off!"

[SeriousConcentrate]

"Oscar's not so paranoid, at that, then."

Diana started moving toward the sounds of fighting, unsheathing one of her swords as she did so.

[Swordstar]

Muttering under his breath about timing, Brann drew his sword and charged ahead. He had just wanted a small break, was that really too much to ask for?

[Furtuka]

"...I didn't even get to buy more vulneraries before this started again"

Tyrn grit his teeth and ran ahead of the others, ready to act as a shield if something went wrong.

[Haspen]

"I would enjoy it more if you weren't in danger now, Princess. The brat is right, we have no time to lose!" And so Oscar rode forward, his Killer Bow at ready.

[Powder Miner]

:"Fuuuuck. How's Freya going to be if we fight, Ceil?"

[Xanmyral]

Enoch simply gave a small smile to himself at the sounds of combat. He did nothing more than urge the horse onwards, needing no weapon to ready beyond the tome.

"So let us sight this fight then; it wouldn't do well for them to incite fright." The diminutive mage said, clearly enjoying himself.

[Praefectus Screptum]

"You better put yourself together, soldier. If we get nervous now, this will affect our future actions."

[CrimsonEon]

:"Fuuuuck. How's Freya going to be if we fight, Ceil?"

: "Oh no... Well, I've at least tended to her worst wounds, and she did get some rest... She may be able to fight, but there's no way she should take another hit like the last!"

[scapheap]

Freya stirs behind Jago
:"Most of the stiffness seem to be gone. I should be fine with riding and sword swinging."