“I hope your trip here to the Academy went alright. I don’t think any of us expected these events to occur so quickly. Classes had only started a few days ago and yet we were already under siege by unknown enemies. Nothing like banding together for survival to unite our nations hm?” Gwen spoke lightly with a smile. She didn’t comment on Caroline’s outburst since Diana did a good job in scolding her. Though Gwen did note Caroline’s arrows. Those arrows were small spears compared to the ones other archers used.
“I can only hope we can recover soon enough. I don’t know how we’ll inform the families of the students who have died during the battle. Oh, I hope none of your friends or family were hurt. I’ll look after Caroline if you would like to check the medical ward or the bulletin. There should be a list of the deceased at the entrance of the main hall.”
And Elaeria came into the room. "We're starting the evacuation of the wounded. Lord Henry's rearguard are returning, they can't slow the enemy any longer. The carriages are waiting outside. I'll help carry you."
The news startled Gwen. She didn’t remember hearing about an evacuation, though maybe she was too preoccupied with stabilizing the situation to pay attention to other things. Dahlia came into the room the next moment a little bit flustered. She bowed to Elaeria from the doorway and gestured for Gwen to follow her. Gwen excused herself and followed.
“Evacuation?” was the first thing Gwen asked.
“Yes. I forgot to tell you when we went to the kitchens. I’m sorry.” Dahlia gave Gwen a sheepish grin. “I already arranged for your luggage to be taken, so its with the rest.”
The blonde sighed. If she knew of the evacuation sooner, than some of the thing she ordered would’ve been unnecessary. “Has the food been secured and the other supplies?”
“Yes, Headmaster Trystan took care of those details. All that’s left is to evacuate the medical ward. Most of the needed medical equipment is already being moved. He’s at the main entrance right now directing things, if you want to speak with him.” Dahlia picked up her cat familiar. “Your wolf is there too.”
“I understand.” Gwen spoke after a pause. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Dahlia nodded and left. Gwen quickly swallowed her meager meal.
When she reached the headmaster, he seemed different. His eyes were hard and his manner was of a general giving out orders. He spotted Gwen and gestured for her to come closer. In a very precise words he updated her on everything that had happened on his side after they parted.
“Well, I’ll leave the rest to you Lady Ashburn,” Trystan said concluding his speech.
This only startled Gwen. “You are not coming with us?”
The headmaster shook his head. “My place is in this Academy. There will still be staff here that will need guidance. The town too.”
Gwen was taken aback, but she understood his position. “Well then Headmaster, I wish you the best and I hope we will meet again in better circumstances.”
They briefly bowed to each other and Trystan left back to his other duties. Gwen stayed behind and took up directing the evacuation until she and the last few people were left. That was when she spotted Henry approaching and she saw he was seriously injured.
Gwen was too tired to be angry at Henry at this point. With the tone of someone in charge she directed a nearby healer to see to Henry. “You need rest and treatment. Let Elaeria direct the soldiers.” She said and gave him a hard glare, daring him to object. With one last check she joined the others in leaving the Academy behind.