When Cedar asked about the plan, the image of desperate civilians they just encountered played in her mind. It more or less represented the damage they had done on the surface, such damage would hard to miss. As much as she hated it, Jazdia and that damn Delving whelp were right. It was not the time to rest yet, and her option was limited.

[b][color=00a651]"Where was that elf? Is she behind us?"[/color][/b]

[color=7bcdc8]"Nay."[/color] 

The orc shook her head and slowed her pace. And it was not because the elf went on the opposite way. No, that particular long-ear always had her own way of dealing with things, indeed seemed sketchy and suspicious sometimes, and she wondered if she had gotten used to it. The only logic that prevented Matilda from twisting her neck at any opportunity was because her king trusted her on a level she could never grasp. 

He was all for a quick departure, but noticing that the prince was struggling to keep up the pace, she relented, and that was the reason. 

[b][color=00a651]"We get the heck outta here fast,"[/color][/b] she answered Cedar without looking back. The irony of such a straightforward answer was that she herself had no plan of how to do it. [b][color=00a651]"There was an opinion concluding that we have been compromised, and suspected that enemy agents are inbound. That was why I ordered Solomon to send you the signal." [/color][/b]

The boy peered back at the talking bear as if saying [i]"I told you so"[/i] 

[b][color=#d896ff]"Err, about Admiral Silas. Did you meet him? Was it really him I heard earlier?"[/color][/b] The young prince fidgeted after several attempts to remind Matilda of his unanswered question. Even in the dark tunnel, the enthusiastic glitter in his eyes was apparent. 

At that question, Matilda sighed. [b][color=00a651]"Yes."[/color] [/b]

[b][color=#d896ff]"Is he going with us?"[/color][/b]

[b][color=00a651]"No, we sent him away."[/color][/b] she answered and bothered a moment to curse Jazdia under her breath before turning to the boy again. [b][color=00a651]"Doesn't mean he wouldn't try. Young Majesty, the information about your circumstances is very sensitive, please refrain from interacting with anyone save those who I have introduced as your rescuer. Please understand that it is for your own safety."[/color][/b] 

They finally reached the door leading to the cellar, and Matilda immediately stomped her way back up.