The commander made an upset expression upon realizing his mug was empty but did not ask his henchmen for a refill. In the end, he just shoved his mug aside and leaned forward. 

[b]"Interesting, so you are really sponsored by the Westernant government, our old friends."[/b] he grinned. [b]"Well, then. To your question. The rebels! Ah, those pesky traitors. We had a pretty good run for the past 20 years. After Feredin kicked the bucket, the top Commissars in Vesnaggrad thought it would be a great idea to involve the locals, make them join the cause, to give them purpose... ideas that liberation is something you have to fight for. I'd say it worked, and it worked [i]too[/i] well even. We squashed the loyalists like cockroaches, and we maintained that status quo for nearly decades. But all good things must come to an end. Yesterday's recruits are tomorrow's enemies, infighting led to a full-blown civil war, and they are the traitors of the cause. Sorry, but I cannot say anything more. Military secret you see." [/b]

[b]"About the witch."[/b] Melnik paused and clicked his tongue in mild disgust. "[b]Turns out the crone has been here before the revolution in the capital took place. One of the old relics from Feredrin's tyrannical regime who was smart enough to foresee the sinking of the old empire. Why you want to know about the harbinger of plague and chaos is beyond me, but the deal is the deal. I've been here for 15 years at least and the story about her crimes has only been prominent enough to earn our attention since five years ago. Kidnappings, experiments, and Hexings... just to name a few. What we know today is that her hut is deep inside the rebel's territory, and sadly we don't have enough manpower to deal with that cursed woman." [/b]

The commander returned to Carmen again.

[b]"Anyway, aren't we a bit sidetracked now? I thought your mission was to find this Paladin."[/b]

"Yes, but every bit of information could help us greatly," answered Carmen. 

There was a brief pause as if The commander was trying either to refresh his memory or memorize this entire conversation. Not long after, he looked at Carmen in the eyes. There was no smile, or joviality this time. 

[b]"Captain Friston. I have seen this Paladin of yours and I know what he looked like. What I am going to tell you might be something you don't want to hear, but it is definitely news you seek."[/b]

Melnik gestured for his quartermaster to fetch him something from his tent, meanwhile, Carmen's previously deadpanned expression now turned stern. 

"What are you talking about?" Carmen hesitated, with brows already furrowed. 

[b]"I am talking about this. I am sure you are familiar with it." [/b]

The quartermaster returned with a wide object covered in white clothes that once its covering was removed revealed a heather shield plated with gold and adorned with the ornament of the golden sun. It had bloodstains on its handle, and the surface seemed to be scarred by dents from musket balls, sword bites, and spear thrusts. Melnik placed the shield on the table for everyone to see, and it was the moment when Carmen felt his blood freeze and his own tongue had sunk and blocked his throat. 

[b]"Captain Friston. I am sorry to be the bearer of this ill news, I know it must be hard for you, but I have to say it to honor our agreement. Paladin Thomas is already dead." [/b]

[@Randomguy]