Vell hefted the unconscious body over his right shoulder, continuing his march. He signaled for the others to follow, Sonder and the rest of the men included. They were left in a state of uncertainty.

"Come along, Sonder. They mean you no harm," he assured her, then turned to the men, "Isn't that right?"

Sonder, throat tight with fear and anticipation, wriggled free from the man behind her and the knife he held, then obediently trailed after Vell.

The men allowed them some freedom, but only to the extent of a sword's edge, all the while shadowing them.

They conversed in quiet whispers, too soft for Sonder to decipher. Likely, they were bickering about their next move.

Their leader was at the mercy of one of their enemies, and that enemy could easily dispatch them, given the chance.

So, what was left for them to do?

They proceeded through the deserted city until they encountered a dwelling that was more rundown than its neighbors. With his unoccupied hand, Vell knocked on the door.

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A sharp voice responded at once.

"No, thank you! My door is locked, and I'm keeping quiet. I won't open for any more soldiers, men of state, or neighbors asking for favors."

"What about very old friends?" Vell countered.

The sound of hurried footsteps and the unmistakable click of a lock being undone followed.

The door swung open to reveal a thin old man with long ears and an even longer hat.

"Lignin! Goodness and gose, it's been... well, ages. Please do come in. And who might you be carrying?" The old man questioned.

Vell unceremoniously dumped the unconscious man past the threshold.

It took a moment, but the old man soon recognized him.

"Inure? The king’s own guard. Lignin, what trouble have you stirred up this time?"

"Me? Absolutely none. I happened to be in the vicinity when Inure here had an unfortunate stumble and knocked himself out. Knowing you're an excellent healer, I thought it best to bring him here," Vell responded.

The old man sighed, peering over Vell's shoulder.

“And those men there?”

"Merely...concerned friends."

“Aha. I can only assume you’re the reason everyone’s in such a fuss. My, I had no idea! They don’t tell me anything anymore. Just ordered us to stay in because of some ‘threat’ approaching. You certainly don’t seem threatening. And who’s this young girl?”

Vell stepped aside to reveal Sonder more fully. “Let me introduce to you Sonder, my daughter and apprentice. Sonder, meet Languor, a very old acquaintance of mine.”

"Hello," Sonder said, offering a polite greeting.