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After the fallen were buried, the group soon went back to the road to Katwiz. Understandably, it was an uneventful and most importantly, silent trip. After the grim execution they witnessed with the help of Carmen's lantern, some were still affected by it, be it with rage and the desire for revenge or sorrow. In the other hand, others like Amaris, simply kept quiet, offering her silent support in respect to those who were more closely affected by the execution of the Order's members. Besides, taking in consideration the last meeting the group had with the red stripes, moving quickly and in silence was definitely the best option.

Even as they stopped to eat, a simple but filling meal, the group did so in silence and quickly. Being careful to not let the smoke alert people of their presence and going as far as to getting into the forest, away from the road before they sat down to eat. Ludvig, the one who volunteered to stand guard as they ate, ended up disappearing as soon as he was left alone. Some people still tried to search for him, but Amaris was definitely relieved by his departure. In her opinion, his presence and his antics would only bring problems to their mission... That is, if she didn't kill him herself should he had continued to provoke her. The group didn't keep searching for him for too long though and as soon as they realized he wouldn't be coming back, Carmen decided it would be best to simply leave him and continue on their way.

As they continued on their way to Katwiz, the group passed by a small settlement named Kardag, relatively near to the last place they met the Redstripes. After the Redstripes were done with the place, the settlement was completely empty and devoid of life, with the very few exceptions on the few houses that had a dim light coming from inside. All of them, with their windows boarded and doors closed shut.

Just like Dromele had said after they rescued him, there was indeed a small Redstripes' fort, positioned as a checkpoint between the settlements of Kardag and Katwiz. Probably as a result from their last 'meeting' with the Redstripes and the sergeant, the fort seemed to be relatively on alert. Both watchtowers were being manned by a pair of soldiers and a well guarded roadblock made sure that whoever tried to go to Katwiz would need their approval first.

[color=silver]"I agree. If possible, I would like to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Unlike them, we are in foreign lands and do not have a 'base' to rest or resupply. Conserving both our resources and energy would be the best option."[/color] Amaris said after she heard Mirielle and Carnatia's suggestions after they quickly hid from sight, while watching the fort from a safe distance.

[color=silver]"Alternate paths would cost us time and probably would be harder to go through than the road, especially with our horses. But should still be a preferable outcome to announce our presence here by slaughtering the entire fort."[/color] Amaris said, considering Mirielle's suggestion and Carnatia's vote towards searching for another path, once again showing that the infamous moniker of 'Blackthorn Witch' might not be entirely well deserved. At least definitely the rumors about a bloodthirsty, homicidal witch weren't. 

[color=silver]"A distraction would be helpful as well. Maybe a few of them would be enough to make a good part of their forces to divert their attention and go check, hopefully leaving the roadblock unguarded... Especially if the explosion happens nearby somewhere important to them?"[/color] Amaris said nodding towards Linceleste, approving of her suggestion.

[color=silver]"Speaking with them or approaching as if nothing happened might be a... dangerous idea..."[/color] Amaris said, after hearing Osric and Carmen.

[color=silver]"Unless someone else got to that Sergeant after we were done with him, he would definitely have made a report of our little 'meeting' to his superiors. Also, considering our... exotic appearance... Even if it's their first time seeing us, it would be hard to not know who we are..."[/color] Amaris said with a shrug, knowing well she was probably one of the main offenders regarding the group's 'exotic appearance'.

[color=silver]"Should we decide to talk to them, we should be ready to at least trying to run away... Maybe a well placed explosion could make it much easier... Regardless, an escape plan is definitely needed."[/color] Amaris finished as she looked to the rest of the group.


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