"My humblest apologies, my lord. I failed to protect Aber Village," Gerard said, bowing. When Gerard bowed in apology like this, it was solemn and low, despite his age.

"You did all you could," Kenric said.

The troops from all three groups had returned to Blaidd now, and the commanders (Kenric, Edward, and Gerard) had all gathered in Kenric's office—including Aida and Elizabeth, that made five people.

"Once again, none of them went for the city," Aida said, lounging on the couch at the side of the room, "Had a nice time of it, staring out into the vast nothing in the distance."

Edward ignored her, turning to Gerard curiously, "Did your enemy have someone of renown in their ranks?"

Gerard looked ashamed, "I'm afraid not. The enemy commander was simply quicker than me."

"Considering our remaining resources, each village lost hurts dearly," Kenric said, "However, killing Targur was a significant blow to their side as well. It will take Wereion several months at least to organise a raiding party of today's strength."

"We shall stand ready," Edward said.

"For now, Aida, I need you to organise the relocation of the surviving villagers," Kenric said, "Gerard, you will work with Edward to construct a plan to rebuild Aber Village tomorrow."

"I can begin doing that tonight, my lord—"

"No. Tomorrow," Kenric said. His tone brooked no negotiation, "Now, it's getting dark. Everyone except Aida, go get some rest."

Aida looked unenthusiastic, "Yeah, stick me with the humanitarian stuff. Suits me real nice…" She caught Kenric's glare and gave a nervous bow, "I-I mean, on it, boss! See you tomorrow!"

She rushed out of the room, Gerard and Edward in tow. Once they closed the door behind them, Kenric tiredly closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, "…He's losing a step."

"Excuse me?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

"Gerard—he used to be my most reliable asset," Kenric said, looking out his window at the rapidly darkening sky, "He still is, but now… he's begun slowing in places. If I could keep him from the battlefield, I would."

"You can't?" Elizabeth said.

"I have no other commanders," Kenric said, "Had anyone else been in Gerard's place today, we would have most likely lost more than just Aber Village."

"What about Aida?" Elizabeth asked, "You put her in command of the city's garrison."

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"True enough. While Gerard may be my most valuable asset overall, as a commander, she stands above both Edward and Gerard. She is the wiliest of them all," Kenric said, "But that is precisely why I couldn't send her to defeat the enemy to the west of Blaidd. Even if I'm sure that Blaidd won't be attacked right now, if I'm ever wrong, and it is indeed attacked, then I need the commander who can work miracles with the smallest amount of forces defending it."

"Then… Liam?" Elizabeth asked.

Kenric raised an eyebrow, "Are you just listing all the people you know here? Will you recommend Noodle next?"

Elizabeth flushed, "My apologies, not Liam then."

"Liam is more a warrior than a leader," Kenric explained, "Putting him in command might lead to victory, but it will also lead to heavier casualties. I cannot afford that, especially not when I have so few troops left."

Elizabeth looked down at her feet, "I… wish I could help, but I have no experience in leading an army either."

"Nor would I ask you to," Kenric said, "Instead, tell me of your father."

"I'm sorry?"

Kenric flattened a piece of parchment on his desk before taking out his quill pen and dipping it in ink, "I intend to write another letter asking for soldiers and supplies to your father. He hasn't accepted so far, but recently he sent you, so perhaps I'm getting somewhere. Tell me about him so that I can make my letter even more persuasive."

Elizabeth stared at the piece of parchment on his desk, her eyebrows furrowed in thought, "…I'm sorry, Lord Wulf, but I don't think he will accept. My father didn't send me to you because he's beginning to listen to you, he sent me to you to silence you. Now, any time you ask for anything, he will say, 'I have already sent you my daughter, and yet you ask for more? Your request is denied.' Something along those lines."

Kenric narrowed his eyes, "He sent you to me because your name had been disgraced in the capital, no? Even knowing this is public knowledge, he would use that as an excuse?"

Elizabeth flinched, the reminder of what had landed her here seemed to still be fresh in her mind, "E-even so, I am the daughter of a Duke. No matter my reputation, letting a minor lord marry me is more than reason enough to refuse any future requests in my father's mind. This was his plan when he sent me to you, two birds with one stone: rid himself of the daughter who disgraced herself, and quiet the uppity minor lord who keeps asking for things."

Kenric clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Then writing this letter will be useless."

"Yes," Elizabeth paused, "But… you shouldn't stop sending letters asking for aid anyway. He may reject you, but keeping him aware that you are still in need of these things can perhaps be helpful in the long run."

Kenric tapped his fingers upon his wooden desk, giving the idea some thought, "I don't pretend to know how sending letters that I know will be refused will be helpful, but I admit, I am out of my depth when it comes to politics. For now, I will take your advice."

Elizabeth blinked, "Just like that?"

"Do you doubt your own proposal?" Kenric asked sharply.

"N-no, that's not it," Elizabeth said, "It may fail, but having that need constantly announced can be beneficial in various ways should an opportunity present itself. Some of the other lords might even offer you what you need in exchange for something else."

"Then why the surprise?" Kenric asked.

"I just—I didn't expect you to take my suggestion into account so quickly," Elizabeth said quietly. Her shoulders had hunched. Kenric had read some of Gerard's report of what had happened in the Royal Academy, and it had painted Elizabeth Filangris as a haughty and confident individual. This woman was a far cry from those reports, it seemed her fall from grace had impacted her dearly.

"Don't misunderstand," Kenric said, "I will be asking Gerard for advice as well. As I said before: he is my greatest asset." That seemed to take some of the pressure from her shoulders, and she straightened a tiny bit. Kenric gestured at the door, "Now, go get some rest. It's getting late."