Waiting outside of the cave for nearly an hour, the advisors all had interesting ways of helping the time go by. Solomon spent his time throwing small rocks at the cliff-face directly across from the cavern.

Ana sat atop a large boulder and meditated the time away, with her legs crossed and her arms resting on her knees.

Gremoris spent his time grooming the horses. He didn’t care if it was his or not. He just enjoyed brushing their manes and feeding them snacks by hand.

However, all three of them turned to face the door as they heard it being opened. Out came Zrokaan holding the stone in the thin white cloth it was wrapped in before. His bloodied hand was held close to his stomach, with his palm held upward in order to stop it from dripping blood.

“Let's head back to Hensdrake.” Zrokaan said, making his way to the horses.

“What happened to you?!” Solomon said immediately, noting the blood coming from his hand.

“Nothing, it's fine. I got what I came here for. Let's just get to Hensdrake before night takes us.” Zrokaan plainly said, balling up his wounded hand into a fist to help himself climb up the horse. He curled his lip in pain but ignored it and grabbed the reins of his horse.

“What did you get?” Ana asked, leaping off the boulder she was meditating on.

Zrokaan unwrapped the cloth from the runic to show Ana. “It's called a runic. The seer says it's supposedly able to control the Black Bloods.” Zrokaan explained.

Ana walked next to Zrokaan’s horse and reached for the runic. Zrokaan gave it to her so she could inspect it herself. “What a strange looking stone.” Ana muttered to herself.

Gremoris and Solomon both took a peek over Ana’s shoulder to see the Runic.

“This…bauble is supposed to control them? Erm. Baron, perhaps we were lied too?” Gremoris said curiously looking over its symbol.

Solomon looked to Gremoris and agreed with a nod to his head. “I was expecting something..sharper?” Solomon joked

“Scam or not. The Seer says to wait till I hear it hum.” Zrokaan said

After briefly fiddling around with the runic, Ana handed it back to Zrokaan. “What? Humming? Then what?” Ana asked as she gave it back.

“Uh. She said, I'll know what to do next.” Zrokaan said with a nervous smile, realizing how stupid it sounded.

Ana seemed dumbfounded. She stared at Zrokaan with one eyebrow raised. “You’ll know what to do next? You can’t even make your own breakfast without ten other maids.” Ana said with complete seriousness in her expression. However, both Solomon and Gremoris burst out laughing.

“Shut up you two.” Zrokaan said glaring at Solomon and Gremoris. He then turned his attention back to Ana. “Just get on your damned horse. If the Seer says it can control the Veiled Ones then it's a chance I have to take.” Zrokaan said.

Ana grunted and made her way to her horse, mounting it and taking the reins. Solomon and Gremoris both finished laughing, and made way for their horses.

The trip down the mountain’s serpent like trail was surprisingly quick. With the group making it out of the mountains in less than two hours. The four ventured out and had the luck of not having the blazing heat loom over them. The sun sank below the mountain ridges allowing for the near infinite amount of shade but yet enough daylight to see Hensdrake in the distant savannahs.

Time seemed to slow down when out in the beautiful landscapes of the Red March’s earthy plains. With winding rivers, palm trees, and fields of tall grass. A single gust of wind is enough to give the tranquil field the appearance of a wave on the surface of water.

Before the group even knew it, they were approaching the dirt roads of Hensdrakes borders. The sound of nature being drowned out by the sound of a bustling market. The four made their way into the town without interruption.

The town was alive, children running and laughing, men and women bartering to make their next sale, and the occasional bark of a dog.

The people of Hensdrake didn’t seem to care how run-down their town looked. Everyone went about their business walking from place to place. Some people even played music in the markets hoping to make a profit on their performances. Only adding to the lively feel of the town.

“Hey nice horse!” yelled out a kid, aiming the comment at Solomon.

Solomon stopped and flashed a smile at the child. “Want to feed it?” Solomon asked.

The young kid and his friends ran over to the horse immediately petting it. Solomon couldn’t help but laugh. He reached his hand into the satchel on his saddle and pulled out a shiny red apple, handing it to the kid he gestured to the horse's mouth.

The kid took the apple and gave it to the horse. Solomon smiled, watching the boy play with the steed that was likely enjoying the attention.

“We’ll be at the barracks, Solomon. Just catch up when you’re done.” Zrokaan said, with a laugh to his voice

Zrokaan, Gremoris, and Ana all made their way further into the town without Solomon accompanying them. The three of them together reached the barracks, seeing Kabaal standing just outside of it distracted as he shouted at a few recruits. The three made their way to the stables hitching posts directly across from the barracks leaving their horses with the stable-boy. Gremoris left him two pieces of coin as a tip.

The trio approached the barracks on foot. Kabaal finally noticed Zrokaan and immediately smacked the recruits into attention. “GET INTO ATTENTION. SALUTE YOUR BARON, YOU DAMNED FOOLS!” Kabaal shouted.

The group of recruits all stood at attention, bold eyed and scared. Zrokaan let out a laugh and waved a dismissing gesture to the recruits. “You’re all fine. No need for your attention.” Zrokaan commanded

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“We need to sleep here for the night. The trip to Barinza is a long one. I was thinking that me and my advisors can unwind here.” Zrokaan said

“Of course, my Baron. If you’re going to be here for the night, would you care to join us in our feast tonight?” Kabaal asked.

Zrokaan looked over his shoulder to see if Ana and Gremoris were interested in the feast. The both of them simultaneously nodded ‘yes’

“Sure. A nice feast never hurt anyone.” Zrokaan said with a smile.

“Excellent! I will let the cooks know to add a few more to the roster! The feast will be in about an hour or so.” Kabaal explained.

Zrokaan gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder before making his way inside, followed in by his two advisors.

While inside, Zrokaan chose a specific bed with a waist high wooden dresser snuggled up to its side. Zrokaan then pulled out the Runic wrapped in cloth from his trousers and stuffed it into the drawer and closed it.

He stared at the dresser for a brief moment “thank you, you two.” Zrokaan quietly said.

“For what?” Gremoris asked, already laid in his bed with a book in hand.

“For being there for me. I know I make some choices that you will not agree on but I do everything I can for the March and its people.” Zrokaan explained

“You are my Baron. If I protest something it's because I believe it's not in your best interest. But in the end, I will support you with what you choose.” Ana said sitting on the edge of a bed.

“You do not need to thank us, my Baron. We are here to serve.” Gremoris said, turning his attention back to his book.

Zrokaan looked at the two. Their unwavering loyalty was always still a surprise to him but he smiled nonetheless. He rolled into bed and decided to take a nap before the feast.

Some time had passed when suddenly someone grabbed Zrokaan and shook him awake. The Baron took a quickened breath and blinked his eyes open, ready to punch the son of a bitch shaking him. Only to lay his eyes on Solomon’s dark features hovered over his face.

“Hey, get up! You’re gonna miss the feast! They are holding it at the tavern.” Solomon said

Zrokaan rubbed his eyes and sat up on the bed looking around the room in a sleepy haze. He blinked his eyes for a moment and raised his hand up to Solomon.

Solomon grabbed the hand and helped him up and out of bed.

“Don’t shake me like that, you turd.” Zrokaan muttered

“Well, wake up when I call ya next time. HAH! Let's get going, they're waiting on us.” Solomon said, giving Zrokaan a single pat on the back.

The two left the barracks and made their way west down one of the alleys cutting across a few of the sandstone buildings. They reached the end of the alley and found themselves on a much wider dirt path that winded directly through the town itself.

They cut across the wide path and reached a large two story building, the sounds of laughter, music, and voices could be heard coming from inside. Even though it was early night, people still found a way to enjoy themselves.

“After you.” Solomon said dramatically bowing with a hand gesture pointed to the door.

Zrokaan watched Solomon and laughed, bowing his head in return. He went through the door and was instantly greeted by the smell of roasted beef seasoned with lemon pepper.

The place itself was large, boasting about ten tables all crowded with soldiers and townsfolk alike. The food was being handed out by maidens employed at the inn, working feverishly to get food into every belly.

“My Baron!” was heard shouted from across the room. It was Kabaal who was standing up from his table and making his way towards Zrokaan.

“Amazing feast you have here Kabaal. Thank you for having me.” Zrokaan humbly stated.

“Nonsense! My food is yours, Zrokaan!” Kabaal said, shouting over the dozens of voices talking over one another.

“Come come, we are just about to start eating!” Kabaal said, beckoning Zrokaan to follow him.

Kabaal led Zrokaan and Solomon to a rectangular table, much larger than the ones around. Kabaal gestured at a certain seat that was reserved only for the Baron. A finely crafted stone chair resembling a throne at the very end of the table.

Ana saw Zrokaan and Solomon approaching and shouted at them from her side of the table and raised her flagon full of ale. “AYE! You made it!” Ana drunkenly yelled

Zrokaan grinned at Ana knowing full well she was already too drunk. He pulled the throne-like chair back and took a seat at the end of the table. Solomon however took a seat next to Ana who was a few chairs down.

The moment Zrokaan sat down, an old soldier with a shaven head and a giant white beard, turned to Zrokaan and bowed his head. “My Baron, it has been far too long,” the old soldier stated.

Zrokaan, who was overwhelmed with the dozens of faces, finally turned to look at the voice who spoke to him. “General Rahim! It is good to see you. What are you doing so far from Yoldenguard?” Zrokaan asked

The general smiled at the young Barons reaction to seeing him.

“Kabaal invited me for the feast. It has been quite a time since I’ve laid my eyes on him as well. I thought it would be a good opportunity to catch up with an old friend.” General Rahim explained.

“That's wonderful. I had been meaning to send you a letter about our victory in the southern dunes. The Old Clans lost an entire army. Five hundred of their soldiers,” Zrokaan told the old General.

“How did you manage to even defeat an entire army? You had less than a hundred men stationed near the southern dunes,” the general asked in curiosity.

“We ambushed them at night.” Zrokaan paused. A maiden carrying a plateful of rice, roasted beef, and mashed potatoes carefully placed the hot food in front of the Baron. “I chose to ambush them specifically at the windiest point my scouts could find. Then when their wards all went out, we attacked.” Zrokaan said, giving the maiden a quick ‘thank you’.

Kabaal had been listening to the story as Zrokaan told it and found it fascinating. Although it was clear by the expression on his face he had a few questions. He chose to keep quiet and enjoy the food laid in front of him.

The old general however seemed shocked. He sat straight in his chair and cleared his throat for a moment. “My Baron. That is against the Pact of the Peoples Order. If someone finds this out, you could be facing extreme charges. You used the Black Bloods to win your battle.” The general explained.

“I know what I did Rahim. But I can’t keep sending men to die fighting the Old Clans. I know the King will soon shift his focus to us. And when that day comes, I will need to be ready.” Zrokaan said, taking a bite of his hot food.

“You have many impossible choices to make, my Baron. I do not envy your position. Just know I will support you when needed.” Rahim said.

Zrokaan smiled and planted the palm of his hand on top of Rahim’s arm. “Thank you General. Continue to keep the northern border secured for me. That is all I ask of you.” Zrokaan said, taking another bite of the roasted beef.

The feast went on for another hour, well into the night. The sounds of cheering whistles and drunken antics seemingly having no end in sight. Ana was drunkenly singing along with the bard having an arm twisted around his neck, dancing to his tune. Solomon spent most of his night politely declining sexual advances from the tavern’s many maidens; constantly having to point to his ring finger.

Zrokaan, Rahim, and Kabaal clapped and sang along with Ana and the bard, laughing at her antics.

Suddenly, ’BAM’ the front door slammed open. The sound was so loud it scared quite literally everyone into a sobered state momentarily. A bloodied soldier stood at the door, in his hands he held his intestines. He held the intestines as close to his gaping stomach as he could to keep it from falling.

The soldier looked to be in complete shock as he limped slowly into the crowded room. All of the festivities died down into utter silence, watching the man slowly limp out of the doorway.

He stopped in place, making it no further than a few feet inside and gurgled a splash of blood out of his mouth as he formed words with the little energy he had.

“The…wards…are…..gone….”