The sad night passed by slowly In Provokopjus. The songs of Pyetar are mostly sad or carry tragic feelings. Different for all, some heard their dead mother singing a song others just a soft melody.
At first light, the party awakened from their sleep. The grand duke summoned them all together.
"The decision has been made to hunt down the deserters. I'm counting on your cooperation." The older man simply says.
"We should truly be going on our way. We still have a while to go and our business in Enver must have gathered attention." Hellas responds, noting Cristal's quietness.
"Our employer has already been made aware of those issues." Cristal says with her arms crossed, her head slightly upward as a soft sigh escapes her lips.
"Are there any further complaints?" The grand duke asks as he stands up, preparing to join the priestess.
"Why are we hunting the deserters?" Secessus asks, his bread untouched.
"Have you not listened? To help the village."
"What good would hunting the deserters do? Their families will not return after we killed them. Besides, they're deserters they will keep moving. Their business is done here."
"So you want to let those outlaws escape? To let them pillage and rape their way across half the continent?" The grand duke responds with the same anger he felt the night before.
"What does it matter that they escape? They have nothing to do with us. It wouldn't even help the village. If you wanted to help the village then you should be using your influence to fix the shortage of food. Go to Wra'thez and inevitably die in the process. Your death could be used to highlight the situation in the grand duchy of Norka." The emerald eyed man explains, his emerald eyes looking straight at the grand duke.
The grand duke meets the gaze. "My death will not help them nor will it you. I hope you remember that, protector." The old man says, his cane showing hints of arcane fluctuation.
"Neither will the death of those deserters." Secessus responds as he allows his arcane presence to fluctuate a little as well. Pulling out the pipe he received as a gift and walks out. The grand duke stands in the room for a little while longer before also going out.
"They're getting along." Hellas says as the original members of "Mercy's Blessing" are all that remain.
"It isn't that surprising. They've been on each other's throat even before the situation in Enver. Now both are in… less ideal spaces of mind." Cristal replies before she turns to Tika. "Would you please summon a map Tika?" Tika obeys Cristal's request as her calm aura forms in the palm of her hands. The destroyed village and its surroundings are swiftly created, looking closely even bloodstains and the debris scattered around seem to be accurate. Tika pulls away her hands, the map now floating in the air.
"Since the attack has been some days ago and no more sightings have been made. We can assume that the group of deserters is not actively staying in this area. With Ararazi to the south and Enver to the east we can already exclude those two directions. Leaving the band to go either north or west." Cristal takes the lead in forming a plan to track down the deserters. The others move closer, inspecting the map before they speak.
"North is probably the safer bet. West would mean going nearer to the capital and even with the looming war. Knights and soldiers would still be roaming near Wra'thez." Hellas says taking out an arrow and using it to point out his thoughts on the arcane map. The arrow stopping near the village of Viphrar.
"North also doesn't seem great." Gunnir adds, taking the attention of the room. "If you go northward then there wouldn't be anything to raid for some time. Besides, you'ill be running yourself into a dead end."
"That's not true. You have Allatouri which you can cross into." Tika responds highlighting the border between the two nations.
"I've heard enough tales about that place to stay well clear. No doubt the deserters will as well. I mean they say that the trees there consume all trespassers and that once you enter the rooftop of leaves will forever cover you from the sun." He explains, his face reflecting that of a soldier telling stories against his mate during night watch.
"Gunnir's right. The druids of Allatouri are secretive. It wouldn't surprise me if such tales spread in soldier camps. Even the paladins spoke about them with weariness." Cristal takes over control of the map bringing them back westward. "Do we all agree to search west?" She asks her companions. They all nod, all convinced by the soldier's probable superstition.
"I can search for tracks but… Shouldn't we address the more pressing issue?" Hellas asks as he seats himself on the table, the words of his sister running through his head.
"Go ahead." Cristal simply responds.
"Sol is clearly not in his right mind at the moment. He doesn't eat and nearly doesn't sleep. Besides, we know what he did in Enver. What are we going to do?" Hellas highlights the internal issue, worry evident on his face.
"That's not the only thing." Tika adds. "Sure Sol is going through something. But I sensed his aura, it was anguish mixed with rage. But that's normal when you're stabbed in the back. The grand duke's sudden intent to act like a hero is more problematic. If we don't keep covering distance then it will only be a short while before assassins come and attack. We're not prepared for that! Especially not if he keeps sending us away on some useless missions just to make him feel good." Tika says as she dispels the map, the calm aura strewn about the room.
Gunnir turns to Cristal, his eyes nearly begging. An unfit look for the mountain of a man.
"We will have to divide and conquer. Some protecting the duke whilst others keep an eye out on Sol. Gunnir and Tika." Their names spoken in a strict and commanding tone both unintentionally stand upright, acting like soldiers responding to their commander's call. Cristal scrunches her forehead as she continues. "I would suggest that you two keep the grand duke safe. Gunnir's large figure will scare away most bandits whilst an arcane expert will also most likely be needed. Me, Sol and Hellas will track the deserters. Hellas to track whilst I keep an eye out on Sol. Besides his frosty relationship with the grand duke could lead to trouble if we left the two alone." Cristal explains her reasoning, all the attention of the party focused on her.
"I'm tempted to do the same." Tika responds clicking her tongue.
"But you won't. I know that for a fact. The same cannot be said about Sol… Everyone agreed?" Cristal asks, the same reply as before soon followed.