To enter the barracks all personal had to pass by the residence warden's office before checking in, so as Beck and Evie passed through the anteroom Beck turned to the office where he found the warden sat hunched over his desk filling through enrollments and statistics. As Beck entered, he looked up, “hello there, how can I be of service” the warden asked, “We wish to enter the barracks, to visit a family member” Beck replied “well I can't let you enter the barracks unless you are of military status” as he said this he saw the sudden disappointment cloud Evie's face, “but I can go get them for you if you really want” the warden relented, “who is your family member” he asked Beck, “Bevin Bracken” Beck replied curtly and with that the warden set off into the hallway behind his office to find Bevin.
A couple minutes later Bevin appeared at the end of the hallway the warden trailing behind him as he walked toward them. Bevin had a wry smile on his face but a sad look in his eyes and looked just as sad to see them as he was happy. As he reached the office Evie could no longer hold back and rushed up to her father to embrace him in a hug, Bevin knelt down and hugged her as she burst into tears, “why can't you come with us father” she managed to ask between sobs, “I have to defend my town dear, it's my duty as a man to stop this threat from advancing further and hurting other people, and it's my duty as a father to stop it from hurting you, that is why I must fight and also why I need to send you away” he replied looking deep into her eyes “darling I can't risk losing you like I lost your mother all those years ago” a solemn look took over Bevins features “that is why you must leave” he looked at the floor trying to hold back tears then hugged Evie one last time.
Bevin told Evie to go outside while he had a word with Beck.
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“You take care of her now Beck. Thirteen long years it's been my duty to look after her, that duty now falls to you. You make sure she learns to use that crossbow of hers and be a guiding hand over her life and for lords' sake boy stay safe” Bevin couldn't hold on any longer and burst out crying, Beck hugged his uncle, “I promise with all the strength I can give I will keep her safe all the days I live. Uncle she will be safe with me”.
They embraced one more time, then Beck headed out the door to where Evie was waiting. He knew that if they didn't leave now then Evie would never leave.
Beck hobbled out to the yard where Evie was waiting, he walked over to her and wrapped one arm around her shoulders, “time to go” he said and at that they walked down main street toward the edge of town taking one last look back at Crafton and the thick fog still slowly approaching the near shores of Lofters Lake.
Along with them, a couple other residents of Crafton had decided to leave on the same day, mostly elderly and women who attempted cajole their children into a slow steady walk, with a couple of men, but only those who were injured or sick, the rest had stayed behind.
With a shoulder of support to lean on from Evie combined with his crutch Beck found walking a lot easier than the days prior to their departure and made good pace as they traveled the main road toward the city of Barrel Keep.
The journey was an estimated three-day hike along a flat road but at their slightly slowed pace Beck knew he and Evie would have to spend more than a couple nights on the roadside and most likely have to hunt their own food, I better take a closer look at that crossbow Beck thought, the day was growing dim as the coming night approached. Evie and Beck decided it was best to take a pause on the slow trek and set up camp before the full dark engulfed them.