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[Haspen]

"We still need to decide where to go. if I'm not mistaken, the city of Ondeviik is to the southeast from here? The city has a garrison, we could request help from royal troops, there, or at least send a message to the capital."

[IamanElfCollaborator]

"Do you have any friends in Ondeviik? Perhaps we can get in contact with them. If whoever targeted Joachim is still after us, we may need all the hands we can get."

[Haspen]

"Sadly, no. The Lichteisen family holds are to the east, near border with Herzgottia, and my status does not get me many important friends."

[TricMagic]

Venza takes a map of the country out of his pack, hearing discussion.

 Hmm. Don't think we can just go back even if we wanted to, but...
"Sir Albrecht, we ran into someone who was buying the Vulnberry production, and selling things back in Gevvaren. A man named Lodewik, who may have had something to do with this.

"Given that disgraced priestess would have moved quickly, it is likely her dissapearance will be noticed, and given the likelyhood of the merchantry being involved, I think heading back to Gevvaren before returning to Angen may be safest. We can deliver the message ourselves, and collect Lodewik for questioning."

"They will likely believe us dead for a while yet, so disappearing from their view may be the better option." he finishes his reasoning.

[Haspen]

Albrecht gave it a little thought.

"This Lodewik must be apprehended, I agree. Wouldn't it be more prudent to send riders from Ondeviik, though? They can get there within a day or so, and I would rather not leave Princess unattended or split our already small group."

[TricMagic]

"Fair enough. I'm just a little worried, given it's almost certain we will have to fight again once they learn we've survived. This trap was likely meant to kill everyone involved."

[IamanElfCollaborator]

"You're right. We have too little people here to split up. Dividing and conquering is untenable."

[SirAston]

"You go planning. I prepare the cairn and everything we can afford to do now to honor Lord Joachim."

"... I will make sure the valediction rite won't take too long. He would most likely want us to move on swiftly, for Her Highness' and the royal family's sake."

And with that, Rowan keeps his eyes open for a suitable spot once they left the back gate behind.

[Happerry]

"Was their any actual evidence this Lodewik was involved in this attack?" Jill asks with a tilt of her head. "My understanding was that all he'd showed himself to be was greedy scum, not anything more specific."

[TricMagic]

"A few things. The bandits didn't have the supplies to camp and hunt at their ambush point, and that tower we passed would have made a decent camp for a while. Despite this, we found only enough for a day's travel or so. This means they would have needed to receive word ahead of time of our route."

[Haspen]

Rowan found a small glade on the corner of the road leading outside

The funeral of Joachim was a solemn, quiet one, for Princess Sophia was still asleep from her fainting and thus no one could officiate the occassion. The distant roar of the flames was almost insignificant. As all were watching Rowan place large stones over the fallen prince's body, Albrecht was staring at the fire, the blaze of arson reflecting in his eyes.

Then, just as Rowan placed the last stone, a thunderous rumble came from behind the group.

The entirety of the Lichteisen summer villa gave way under the weight of rubble. In a plume of black smoke and ash, the construction collapsed inside itself, burying all the slain soldiers, servants and mercenaries underneath it.

[Emral282]

Beowulf looks on at the manor while it collapses.
"Never thought this would be the way I'd leave this place."

[SirAston]

"That is the reality of our situation, Beowulf. This is reality. People die. And it's not always the vile ones that die."
"My mission... Our mission... was simple. To escort Her Highness, so that a new bond shall be forged. A symbol of peace and prosperity. Very simple indeed."
"I was a fool for thinking this was a shortcut to glory."

With these words, Rowan looks at the grave, his face not visible from where the others stood. Yet, his change in tone that was about to happen would be immediately apparent to those listening.

"From now on, I know... Glory is a burden the valiant ones must always carry, or peace will shatter in face of sinister forces."

[GiglameshDespair]

"..."
"Alright."
"Listen, everyone."
"Joachim's dead, but we're not, and most importantly the Princess isn't either. The sooner we get to Ondeviik, the safer we'll be, so we need to start moving."
"I'll carry her highness; she'll be safest with me."
"Rowan, will you be able to keep an eye out from the sky?"

[SirAston]

"Always, Priscilla. I will always fulfill my duty. This is the path I've chosen and I will follow it to its bitter end."

Rowan then mounts Palewing, a last gaze to the cairn before his eyes are set on the road to Ondeviik.

"Anything else I need to know from all of you? If not, then I shall take to the sky."