[quote]“The red stripes are probably still licking their wounds. I doubt they would be able to get anyone into town any sooner than we to arrive. We’d have to be vigilant, but I doubt they would have the time or energy to prepare any sort of bounty or even properly inform any authorities that could challenge us effectively. If we go and leave swiftly, gather what we need as quickly as possible, I don’t think we’d face much trouble.” said Osric. [/quote]

[b]"It takes more than just several hundred soldiers to control an entire province. If the Redsripes are the de facto ruler of Sielse, then we should expect their presence in Katwiz too. In my experience, the town will be the first objective to see in a military conflict, and it is unlikely that they will reassign their soldiers, and leave the town inadequately defended just to replenish a faraway outpost."[/b]

Pausing, the Captain gazed at the fireplace before him and let a moment pass in silence. 
Until it was Caranathia's turn to speak. 

[quote][color=f26522]"First of all, I think we need to reassess our situation here. Our orders were to determine what happened to Paladin Thomas, yes? And I think more or less we have confirmation that he is dead. So what are our current objectives? I presume to find out more what exactly happened? Well to do that, I doubt going into hostile territory would be productive. Perhaps we should go to their enemy instead? The ones they considered traitors. Perhaps they might be more amenable considering we have shown to be thoroughly opposed to the Red Stripes. We need to consider getting Linceleste to a medical facility too, depending on the severity of her wounds."[/color][/quote]

Caranthia's reasonings were further reinforced by Amaris' 

[quote]"Like Osric said, the red stripes are likely still recovering themselves. For now, I think we can afford being a bit careless, at least regarding them. Our main priority should be treating our wounded. Particularly Linceleste. While we might not be exactly on friendly terms with the red stripes... We are not completely sure their enemies will receive us with open arms... It might be better for us to recover ourselves first before considering negotiating with the so called 'witch' and the 'traitors' mentioned by the red stripes."[/quote]

[b]"Then to Katwiz we go."[/b] Said Carmen, intentionally ignoring the first half. [b]"We can't wander aimlessly in the wilderness trying to find the Red Stripes' enemies, and a major town is the only place with serviceable medical facilities."[/b] 

He paused to look at Amanita. The strange creature was sitting motionlessly, excluded from the rest of the group. Unresponsive, but seemed to be conscious enough to follow them in a dire situation. The fact that he had one person missing, one dysfunctional, and one wounded in his party started to worry him. 

[b]"Either we go to Katwiz with careful steps, or we return to Dragon's Waw."[/b] he concluded, and said that like he was swallowing something bitter. [b]"If we go forth, it will only get harder from now on. I will not sugarcoat it with you, but I will also not risk your safety for my own ambition. If you have doubts, voice it now." [/b]