The others had gone to take care of their daily chores and to give the commander notice that we'd be leaving. They gave the excuse that working near such dangerous weapons would worry our mother too much, making us worry about her health. It would be best for us to return to aid her at home.
This was the best excuse we could give in such short notice without raising too many eyebrows.
I helped Dr. Hazel in his office by rearranging medicine and supplies.
He didn't mind me working around him as long as I kept out of his studies. It was a mess that only the doctor himself could figure out.
"Only fifteen this time." Dr. Hazel muttered.
I blinked in surprise, "Excuse me?"
"The king took about forty people into battle last time. Only twenty-five returned. Why do you think there are so few soldiers? Wouldn't a king who is so willing to go into battle take better care of his soldiers? Daily meals, up-to-date weapons, real providers."
