"It's up ahead!"
"We know, ma'am. Please, calm down," stated a guard, armored and with a bow at the ready. "Our scouts have already confirmed the location, so please be on standby until we've secured the area."
Nodding, the woman complied. She took in a shaky breath while gazing out of the uncovered wagon. Her eyes were fixed to the west, not paying attention to the forest on either side of the road.
Another man was sitting across from her. His armor was thin and agile but battle-worn. Paired with short blonde hair, his thin, trimmed beard added to the striking confidence in the man's emerald green eyes. A thin smile was on his face. But the smile didn't match the electric energy flashing through those green eyes. It seemed as though sparks of blue lightning were constantly firing within his irises, and a solid white ring rested between the man's irises and his pupils, taking up at least half of his pupils.
"I'm overjoyed that a council member survived. But please don't act rashly, even though you have reason to," remarked the man.
"I…"
Furious to see the man show a smile, the woman was about to shout back. But she quickly noticed the truth under that soft grin. It wasn't happiness. There was no joy. Sorrow. It was the sorrow of a soldier that had survived many battles, despite the loss of countless others.
Sensing the woman's change of attitude, the man sighed, "Your husband was a captain in the war, was he not?"
"Yes, he was…" She nodded slowly.
"I'm sorry it's taken us so long to respond to the attack, but I assure you that we're doing everything within our power to help." That sorrowful smile faded off the man's face. "Scouts have confirmed the loss of Emor, and that only ash remains.. But you already knew that, didn't you?"
"... I.. I did. I knew my brother-in-law's plan… That idiot…." The woman did her best to stop tears from forming.
Nodding once, the blonde man replied, "So, you've come to send them off?"
".. Y-Yes… That's what he wished for. Even if I couldn't bring the children."
"And… I'm sorry, what was your name again?" asked the man.
The woman answered, "My name is Amma."
"Please, forgive my lack of courtesy. I'm terrible with names. I may be a noble now, but it hasn't been for long…" Rubbing the back of his neck, the man bowed his head.
But the woman immediately bowed in return, bowing deeper than him. "Please, lift your head Lord Frantoch. There's no need for you to be sorry for me!"
"Because that's what your husband wished?"
"... It is…"
Noticing faint smoke lines in the air, the blonde man glanced eastward. "It seems the scouts are confirming the town remains. With so much to burn, there's no chance the coals would've completely died in under two days…
"Anyway, please don't hate your late husband." Startling Amma, the blonde man continued, "Many survivors of the war long to join our fallen comrades. A lot of us carry years of guilt for surviving without them, or even at the cost of their lives. It's common for us veterans to feel that way. So, please, don't hate that part of him. He likely just wanted peace of mind, as we all long for."
"... Th-thank you, Lord Frantoch!" Bowing again, Amma stopped fighting her tears.
"Sir! We're approaching the wall!" shouted a guard on horseback.
Getting up, the blonde man stepped to the front seat and felt his heart squeeze. A moment passed as he saluted and whispered, ".. You've stood proud, and earned your right to pass in peace…"
The wagon and surrounding guards all stopped in front of the collapsed wall. They examined the charred remains of the timbers but were interrupted by a scout dashing out of the town remains.
Kneeling, the scout stopped before the blonde man, "Lord Frantoch, soldiers of the Briston Empire have already begun to search Emor's remains."
"Oh, they beat us here?" Walking past the scout, Lord Frantoch asked, "What of the angels and god?"
"We're still searching for trails of veita and have some leads. We're investigating those trails now, but those from Briston asked to meet with you and share their findings," reported the scout.
"Hm, hmmm. Then I'll do just that. Thank you, and continue the search for survivors as well." Lord Frantoch turned and offered a hand toward the wagon. "Please, madam, will you join me?"
"Y-yes. It's my duty as a council member to aid however I can," answered Amma. A guard helped her out of the wagon and Lord Frantock waited patiently for her to steel her nerves.
Smiling softly again, Lord Frantock added, "If you need a moment, then we can wait."
"No.. Let's go!"
"Very well. Follow me."
The lord helped Amma climb the wreckage of the wall. While the lord was unaffected by the sight, Amma shook as she got a better view of Emor's remains. She looked where her inn once stood. Wave after wave of emotion rocked her heart but she only paused for a brief moment and followed Lord Frantoch without question.