Randomness

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

The shadow tried different methods of communicating. The prince seemed to understand, but Cedar was annoyingly cautious. To be fair, there were a lot of unknowns that suddenly appeared, and many of them were more capable than the party. Once the soft glow of the enchanted arrow approached the shadow’s form, it slowly faded as it ducked down into the shade cast by the prince’s figure. No longer seen, whatever happened next depended on how Matilda and Jazdia was to react to Cedar’s pet plan.

Upstairs, Solomon had not much else to say. Jazdia was not as willing to forgive and forget as she had led the group to believe. Still through, Solomon hoped his words would still carry some weight on the mind of Silas. If war was to break out between Meche and Kindeance, or even just enough of a dispute to dethrone the king, there would be consequences. Whatever Silas’ father had planned for his lordship, his rule, for the country, he may enjoy the initial victory, but the long term may lead the family distraught. Hopefully, Silas would now consider his plans more carefully.

“Well now, Petra. You can return to the earth or adventure with us a bit more. I’ll allow you this choice. Just know, that I expect your further cooperation should the need arise.” said Solomon. Jazdia and Matilda had entered the cellar, Silas’ company had left to help the townsfolk, and Chounan was conversing with Yvonne. This gave Solomon an opportunity to organize. He already had finished with his possessions, so a roll call was now in order. He knew for sure that Bartholomew, August, Violet, and his various skeletons and shadows had been destroyed. Their souls, the means in which they could rise again were at rest, perfectly persevered, bound between the pages of the large death tome strapped safely with Solomon. What remained was Petra, and several shadows.

“I do not like you.” said Petra coldly. She turned her head to face Solomon, but otherwise did not move from her spot by the stairwell. Likewise, her arms remained cross and her face was still frowning.

“And yet you trusted me with your being.” replied Solomon, interrupting the half spectral and bodied mage. She rolled her eyes.

“That isn’t important anymore. I…” she gave a pause, finally letting her arms fall to her sides. “I want to remain out here. I might not be able to feel the warmth of the sun, but I still wish to bask in the light even if it should burn me.”

“Very well.” Solomon looked about the room again. He expected the other’s to have come back from the cellar by now. He was curious as to what was holding them. He then turned back to Petra.

“Speaking of light.” Solomon spoke softly to himself. With a few imperceptible words from his mouth, he called for the other four shadows still at Pesti. Since they had some time for the moment, they should arrive before the party’s next departure. At full speed, the shadows could easily cover the distance between to two towns in the matter of minutes. Solomon expected a brief update on the state of Pesti, the mercenary group that was there, and any other potential call to action the town might have made. Since none of them had come to give warning, he didn’t expect anything worrying, but an update may shed some light on Silas’ motivation.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

It was still too soon to see how truthful Silas was with his motivations and plans. And knowing now the maid character is another of the Delving family, something still felt off. One person from the family could make sense, but another with Kirsten was convenient. The Delving family had a lot of power among the noble houses, and slowly it seemed to be dismantling. First there was Aaron’s demotion, and not Silas’ deflection. Perhaps it was time to give the admiral the benefit of the doubt.

“I’ve been around long enough to know what you’re attempting to do. You should know such plans never work. The dark stains left behind will forever mark the family, and will eventually tear it down. Either by the people it rules, or the people who ruled over it. I commend your attempts to right the wrongs in your own way. However, it may be time to separate yourself form them. You will lose the power of your family name, but your decisions here forward may reward you with favor yet. I do not wish for you to misplace your motivations if you truly wish to seek an end to the deceit.”

Down within the tunnels connecting the cellar, the shadow began to stir. Cedar and the prince were enacting some kind of odd plan. Solomon had passed the order to turn the two back. For it was both Jazdia and Matilda that wished it so. As the two were searching for paper, the prince wrestled with the sticky glue that bound a paper label to one of the bottles. The shadow that was watching over them suddenly revealed itself, growing from the ground. It created a wall of blackness separating Cedar and the prince from everyone else attempting to break through the blockade. A startled yelp echoed as one of the peasants was caught by surprise, and several others clambered away. The shadow ignored the confused and frightened murmurs of the citizens as it returned to its humanoid shape.

The shadow was still for only a moment, making sure it had grabbed the attention of the bear and heir duo. It did the equivalent of puffing it’s chest to look like it was blocking the way forward and then pointed back towards the cellar beneath the keep. It did so multiple times, directing them to head back to the others.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“Er, yes, but…” Solomon paused before he continued with his lack of response. Silas had let on about how much he knew which was a dangerous amount, but up until now, there wasn’t much concrete proof. Yet, Jazdia thought it appropriate to reveal what Silas could only speculate. In some parts, it made sense. Silas was meticulous. His position as admiral was not done for the sake of nepotism. He had genuine strength and skill to back up his position. Yet, it also gave the party less time to come up with counter measures. Solomon was not pleased about the situation as it was developing, but he kept that part to himself.

As of now, Solomon was aware that the prince and Cedar were still in the cellar. Or at least, where still in the underground area connected to it. It sounded like others were there as well, seeking shelter from the earlier storm. Beyond a disguise, Solomon wasn’t sure what he was doing, but it looked to be as Jazdia said. Cedar was taking the prince out the back.

“Ahem.” Solomon coughed, “I didn’t think my sentry much to report. As of now, there haven’t been any surprises.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

A lot of admiral Silas’ words did not match with what the party already knew. If the admiral was privy with the prince’s whereabouts, then he would have known he should have been at the royal forest. Being this far north was very suspicious. Even had the admiral investigated the royal forest and the nearby villages, it would have taken more than the day to arrive here. Similarly, the king wished to keep the kidnapping as secret as possible. For what possible reason would the admiral to have men stations at Pesti for one? And two, why would those men be aware of anything involving the prince? It all pointed to the admiral being in league with those who kidnapped the royal heir to begin with.

Rather than call him out, Matilda attempted to push misinformation. The group was after the assassins, not the prince. Solomon remained silent, watching the dialog unfold, yet still keeping an eye on Silas. Hidden beneath the mask, Solomon spoke softly that only the dead would hear. One shadow was to keep watch in case of more new arrivals, much to Chounan’s suggestion earlier. The other was to join Cedar and the prince below, acting as another set of eyes for them. That shadow would remain hidden from view even from them, only revealing itself to warn them of upcoming trouble. Petra crosser her arms again, both her spectral and corporeal halves. She remained silent. Unless Silas’s party had their own magical means of detecting the shadows much like Asevor, they would remain hidden, impossible to see. Otherwise, the admiral would have already known they were there.

Then Jazdia revealed the hand. Solomon did not know what angle she was playing, but for the moment, both sides were at am impasse. It looked as though Silas was attempting to prevent further acts of treason, moving in a way to get what he wanted in a means that couldn’t bring him further distress. Unlike that of his brother and the situation involving the Black Serpent Guild. To accompany the group, it sounded like a rouse. The admiral was not without guile. It was difficult to tell, but there lay the possibility Silas would strike should be accompany the party regardless of the route taken.

Solomon expected Silas was waiting for the prince to be presented. Whether he kept his word until he was ready to involuntarily relieve the prince from the party, or took advantage of the group now.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

So, father Delving knew the baron on a personal level. Now Silas was here for reasons still clouded in uncertainty. Coupled with the knowledge of the conflict involving Aaron, it was too convenient. Just how much was Silas aware of the situation?

“I am sorry for your loss.” said Solomon. He hardly moved from where he stood. For the moment, he kept his undead allies at bay, urging their silence. The admiral sounded sincere with his grief. So far, no need for any swift action, but caution was still had. “There was an incident involving a well known mage known as Asevor. You might have heard of him. Most of what you see here can be associated with him. It’s been dealt with. There shouldn’t be any further risk of harm to the village or its people.”

Solomon gestured to the ruins of the keep as he spoke, pointing out damage obviously caused by magic such as the acidic scaring across the furnishing, and the blast marks along the walls. “We’ve done all we can to help those affected until relief arrives from the neighboring town. Excuse me for my curiosity though, might I ask what brings you here?”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“Be wary, someone approaches.” said Solomon to the others. He placed the final newly contained pathogen back into his pack, shards of broken glass now neatly piled near by. He had significantly less than he started, losing much to cross contamination, and the rest to the alcohol. At least now with his pack in order, he knew how much he would need to regather when given the chance. Just as he stashed the pack beneath his robes, Chounan appeared, having also noticed the new comers. If Chounan was present here through, that probably meant whoever was approaching was not just some concern citizens come to aid after the storm.

When the voice called out, Solomon finally turned around to face the remains of the door. There standing just outside the keep standing in debris lade puddles of water was admiral Silas and five others. Curiously, one of them was dressed like a maid. Solomon didn’t think Silas the type to have his house personnel travel with him.

“No, I do not believe it to be coincidence, either.” said Solomon. He looked around the ruined dining hall, and towards his allies. Despite the up until recently high spirits, they were still equal parts injured and exhausted. He then looked back at the admiral. “We are not the keepers of this house, enter as you may. As for the Baron, I’m afraid he was lost in the devastation that overtook the village.”

Solomon watched the admiral and his party with caution. He had an inkling that the people arriving were of some importance, but he did not expect the admiral, especially this far inland. For what reason would he be here? A liaison for the king seemed highly unlikely. On assignment from House Delving seemed more likely. Solomon had hope that wasn’t the case, though. The group’s last encounter with anyone from House Delving had left a sour note, and Solomon didn’t want to anticipate how much deeper the conspiracy reached. For now, it was probably best to not stir up any trouble. Silas could be innocent, but should he not be, now was not a good time to start another fight.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

The afterlife, the great beyond, heaven, hell, what lay ahead once someone had taken their final breath remained unknown. Even the elves, rumored to have descended from angels, could not answer. Or at least the few he asked dare not answer. It mattered not. For the removal of agency towards a person’s willingness to pass on to such a place was what Solomon strove to fight against. It was a cause Solomon felt so deeply about, he extended his vision to others, patrons seeking to live beyond the fragile mortal limitations given at birth. He especially wished to share that chance, that future, to those whose choice was made for them unjustly.

Solomon’s wishes even extended to his adversaries. At first it was a means of himself taking control over the lives of others. Distinctly those former militia men of Meche who took the life of his family. Resentment would still swell inside Solomon towards the evil of greed, murder, and exploitation. However, Solomon would hide it, and though forgiveness was difficult, with even former enemies willing to hold onto the world they knew, there was the common ground. A second chance many would never get to see.

Adversary, ally, or accidental casualty, one thing still tied them all together. While Solomon offered a chance to return to the world anew, whatever the afterlife was, whatever was out there ruling over the heavens had their own grasp upon the spirits of the dead. Some times, emanations of that false world would also reach towards the spirits of the recently passed and offer their own sanctuary. Ragnar was of one such case. Ancestors of battles past called forth to him. Yet despite the call, there was still uncertainty. The fact Ragnar was entertaining the idea brought forth a tension between Solomon and Ragnar’s ancestors.

“Go then, join your ancestors. Though the passage of time between the battles I offer could be immense, it would be like no time passed for you. For that we are similar. However, beyond offering a chance to fight new champions born among and still live across the Earth, I do not have much else to offer.” Solomon stood just outside the keep during this interaction. An observer might have seen him only pause. Solomon fully expected Ragnar to embrace his new destiny among the battle with his ancestors, so once Solomon finished his comment, he continued on towards the village, not returning to the keep for a short while.

After lastly speaking with the lingering spirit of Asevor, Solomon remained where he was, looking back towards the village. His eyes closed as the air around his person became heavy. Those who had accepted his contract would be bound to Solomon’ and the large tome of the dead in which all his power originated. For the first time in casting his spells, the tome itself stirred. Solomon held his hands out to his sides and book was magically unbuckled, the steel plates protecting the covers fell to the ground, and various magical seals became visible before fading. The book hovered in front of Solomon, the darkened pages opened. Though the glimpse would be brief, various magical inscriptions could be seen on each page, splashes of blood, ghostly imprints, and some completely blackened with ink. Thin black strands manifest from around him, flowing into the pages, new lines of inscriptions appearing across the pages, along with new signatures, blots, or ghostly aberrations covering the newly printed words. As soon as the last of the names were imprinted, the book clasped shut, returning to it’s place upon Solomon’s back, the safeguards and protections returning. With a sigh, Solomon took a step forward.

At the keep, Petra stood within the door of the stairwell. Her spectral arms were crossed as she watched the others. Since retrieving the prince, and dealing with his awe and questions of what she was, she wanted to distance herself from the others now that the fighting was done. Though she was interested to see what kind of magic Asevor was building, it was having to deal with everyone else that bothered her. For her, seeing everyone joking as they were, even the more mature appearing of them, Jazdia, she found it remarkable they were able to accomplish what they had done already. The vampire was passive. The samurai was useless. The bear created a storm he himself couldn’t manage. She questioned who would hire this lot for such an ‘important’ mission as rescuing the crown heir. Even Solomon was useless as well, having to rely on her and the other dead he selfishly enslaved.

Petra turned her head to see what Jazdia was up to. The elf had separated from the others to explore the upper floors of the keep. It made no difference to Petra. She moved out of the way of the door so the elf could clamber up the stairs. Petra let her arms drop once she noticed that Solomon’s shadow peaking through the remains of the doorway back into the keep.

Solomon returned. He could see that everyone was recovered enough to move about. Cedar had awakened, free of many of his bandages, having healed himself of the worse of it. The prince remained near the injured orc. Chounan and Yvonne had procured food and drink, though the former was not able to be found among the others. When Solomon returned Jazdia was already ascending the stairwell antechamber, and Cedar was introducing himself. Solomon was able to catch bits of the conversation. Spirits seemed to be much higher now, and that was a good thing.

“I am Solomon Sparrow.” he said as he joined the rest of the group, “I’ve come back from, er, paying my respects to those lost. I apologize for my hasty retreat from the room you were imprisoned. I had to find the key bearer. I am pleased to see that your information has helped me greatly in that endeavor. Pleasure to make introductions.” Solomon walked towards the table where Asevor’s belongings sat, retrieving his own pack off the ground and placing it near. He began removing various tools, and shards of glass. Luckily, the containers containing more potent contaminants were in more durable containers. Though their glass linings were shattered, there wasn’t much risk of exposure. He started cleaning out the pack, and rehousing his mixtures using the various empty containers he could find. He took a pause and looked back up at the prince.

“In case you wanted to know, the person whom retrieved you is named Petra. These two are Danielle and Vengel. Neither they, nor I expect you to remember who is who though.” Two shadowy forms of a humanoid figure emerged from around Solomon. They were the only two to survive all of Asevor’s purge undead spells throughout Fanghorn. Both were nondescript outside of recognizing a humanoid shape.

“Please, keep watch around the keep. We may freed the prince and eliminated the captors, but I fear there may be more at play. At the very least, a watch cannot hurt.” said Solomon. One of the shadows immediately shrunk down in size, no long visible to anyone. The second lingered. “Yes, if that is where Chounan is, then supplement his field of view.” the other shadow disappeared similarly to the first.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon could see everyone was starting to recover. Though it would take some time before anyone was back to peak fighting condition, at least everything that was life threatening was handled. The harm everyone sustained was immense, so they were not out of the woods yet. Now was time to relax, regain their bearings, while also planning for what comes next.

Solomon had some interest in the reagents found among Asevor’s possessions, but there was another matter that had come to mind. Solomon had never expected the battle to escalate the way it had, and it left many other wounded and worse. He lowered his head, so that he could no longer see his comrades and their minor activities. He placed the empty salve container on the lopsided table and turned towards the stairwell where the body of the former lord of the keep lay face planted into the base of the wall, blackened with char beyond recognition. He wasn’t an innocent man, but from Solomon’s moment wandering the second floor, there appeared to be compelling reason to his treason.

“Just remember to not to exert yourself.” said Solomon as Chounan left in search of food. The advice was similarly directed towards the others. Until Cedar was able to recover, their condition was left to time. Given Cedar’s condition as well, time was probably all they had at the moment.

“In the meantime, I have a commitment of grave importance…” this time Solomon spoke softly, mostly to himself, though anyone paying attention to the old necromancer would hear him. He made his way around debris, crushing the dead and dried vines that lay across the floor towards the stairwell Kaito had just descended. He keeled near Von Kruber’s remains.

Out of sight of everyone else, Solomon’s mouth opened and closed beneath his mask. One would have to be upon his face to even grasp a hint of air escaping his lips. Though no one but the dead could hear, Solomon offered the still lingering spirit of the former lord a deal. His words were kind, though harsh as he repeated the events since their arrival at Fanghorn, and Von Kruber’s involvement with the destruction of his town. Solomon offered the man a second chance, though such a time would be centuries to come, Solomon laid to the man his proposal.

Whether the baron accepted or not did not matter. Solomon would stand and leave the keep. He would offer similar deals to Ragnar and a chance to pursue the fight once again. Towards the mages of Asevor’s command, his knights, and to the villagers lost to the fires, waters, or hail that occurred. They need not accept immediately if they wished. Likewise, he would not resent any whose spirit longed for the world beyond. Solomon offered those lingering the chance for a life anew in a future Solomon was determined to acquire.

Lastly, Solomon wandered through the ruins of the palisade, where the crater lay below Asevor’s last attempt to escape. Even though his body no longer existed, his spirit should have lingered. Like the others, Solomon offered him a chance to live again, to practice his magics, a chance to one day be free of the fears that led him to his paranoia. Solomon would not know if it would be the wizard’s arrogance to refuse, or his desperate wish to go on to accept. Either way, the offer was there, but for Asevor specifically, how long it would last depend on him. For this spirit was difficult to communicate with, as his anchors to the world would be fading.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon only offered a slight glance in Jazdia’s direction, watching as both she and Yvonne were patching each other up. He sighed as he turned back to face the dirtied bear. He had no where enough water to properly clean Cedar off, so he had to make due with the rain soaked rags and curtains that laid around the area. He made sure to act gentle, trying not to disturb the bear too much as his massive chest rose and fell with some labored but otherwise welcomed breaths of still air.

Solomon set the bears limbs as correctly as he could, though he struggled with awkward size and weight of them. He tied splints around his legs which were obviously broken if not severely fractured. Although the wind kept the bear dancing against his will, it helped to support the bear’s weight minimizing the damage on his bones. It was difficult to tell how much damage Cedar sustained during his dance, his hair was tough, matted with mud, and soaked with rain. It wasn’t much, but Solomon was sure he at least kept Cedar from further harm in his current condition. At least he would be asleep more comfortably without the pressure to his extremities causing further discomfort.

Solomon stood back up, as it were only time could heal the bear. Or until Cedar recovered enough to use his healing magic. For now, he should be able to sleep soundly and regain his strength. Looking at Cedar though, Solomon felt a twinge guilt. He kept his distance, directing those bound to him rather than participate in the battle itself. Meanwhile, Cedar was commanding a torrential downpour which quickly took control out of Cedar’s hands. Solomon bowed his head, realizing that sometimes, that is the name of the game.

Solomon turned to see how the other’s were fairing. Reinhold was now breathing steadily, and Guard captain Matilda leaned against the near wall, silently observing the others. Veronica nearby mostly unharmed watched over them. Chounan was sitting nearby as well, yet his posture indicated he would be ready to engage as necessary. His unwavering devotion to his creed was evident. Still, it was obvious that he was working against injury of his own. Solomon walked over to him, stepping over the various acid corroded and water soaked debris scattered across the floor, though the edges of his garb dragged through the puddles of water.

“It appears you may have over exerted your arms.” said Solomon, as he examined the former samurai’s appendage. He looked at his hand that still held the salve container. Most of it was gone save for a few globs at the edges of the container. Solomon dipped his fingers into the contained, scraping up as much of the remainder as he could before applying it to Chounan. The salve would burn over the minor cuts and scrapes, but the pain relief of his muscles would outweigh the temporary discomfort.

“This will help with the tenderness, but you only need to rest your arms and relax.”

Solomon then gave a look to Veronica. It was a knowing glance. She didn’t need much if any extra care, she done her part masterfully, showing great skill in her own right in the battle. Solomon turned to see how Yvonne and Jazdia were doing. Considering her close Jazida was to both the acid fog and her own fiery explosion the extent of the burns across her torso was to be expected. He only got a glimpse before during the fight, but now that she sat mostly undressed, it was clear to see how much she had to endure to keep the pressure on Asevor. There was also Yvonne, and how her side was burned as well, the links of her chain mail fused together restricting movement. It probably also caused her pain if she attempted to move against the newly reformed metal touching her skin. Yet despite these injuries, the two seemed to be in higher spirits, which was nice to see. They might be familiar with the ins and outs of conflict, battle, and sustained their share of harm through their career, it was pleasant to see them in good moral.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon continued to speak, but briefly with the dead within the keep’s ground floor. Many did not know of what he was speaking of, either playing dumb, or genuine ignorance. It didn’t matter too much though, as soon the shadows and their speed found the deceased mages in question. Solomon stood as straight as his old bones would allow, audible cracks announced to the world the condition of his age. Solomon laid his hands together, concentrating upon the dead his shadows located. Black energy laced with silvery wisps began to flow from the closed pages of the large tome near at his back. The coiled around his torso and arms, condensing between his palms. Then it dripped from his hands towards the ground, sinking into the soil below out of sight as the energy crept through all matter of cracks and crevices to seek out the mages.

While Solomon was more vulnerable in this state, especially since there was some distance between him and his target, he let Petra keep watch. She turned to face the necromancer she was bound to with disdain, but otherwise, kept a closer watch to the storm outside. It was lessening, or to better say, it was focusing more towards the sky. Though the hail still devastated the fragile infrastructure of the village remains. Petra witnessed the concentration of attacks from her force rays, Jazdia’s arrows, and the storm itself perpetuated by Cedar unwillingly.

Then the keep shook. Dust and debris raining down from above, timber cracking, and any glass shattering. The tall bean stalk swayed over the garrison, losing most of the leaves that grew around. It would have surely been blown over had a majority of its base had not been secured the keep itself. Similarly, it might have been its roots and vines that might have held it together. Despite the devastation that expanded outside, the silence from such cataclysm was just as deafening. No rain nor hail spoke and the wind ceased for just that moment. Then the silence was broken. Stone chips clattered over the ground and across the wooden surfaces of the remaining furniture. Water droplets dripped down from the floors above. Just as the explosion ceased, the weather began to clear. Petra stepped back from the doorway as the spectral image of Asevor’s mage floated in.

Solomon let his hands fall, as he turned his entire body to face to newly raised undead. There was some confusion on it’s face, but Solomon didn’t need his understanding, nor his voice. The ghostly raised mage had one job, and that was to unlock the door to the box, halt the timer if possible, and then simply dissipate afterward free to fall to whatever afterlife awaited him.

“Petra, you will escort the prince down once the prince is freed. No more, no less.”

With both Petra and the ghost away to the upper floors, Solomon knelt down next to the hunter, Reinhold. He was badly hurt, fading in and out of unconsciousness. He reached under his robes, sifting through the cloth until his hand revealed a leather pouch and roll. Broken shards of glass could be heard. A shame that he didn’t take better precaution when he worked Violet’s harsh screams. Luckily, the medicines he needed were not among the mixed chemicals in glass vials. Neither were his pain relieving salves. However, but the end of his treatments, he was going to need to replenish. Perhaps he could get Cedar to help him grow the herbs he needed.

Solomon started bandaging the worst of Reinhold’s wounds and cleaning out the dirt and grim. He was mostly finished when Cedar crawled in. He looked terrible, even though Solomon knew not much of the care for a bear. Even so, Solomon was going to try. Applying pain relief and accessing the extent of the damage was going to be hard with all the fur, though.

“Jazdia, Yvonne. In my pouch there is one last container of some pain salve, medicated ointment to promote healing, and some bandages. Take the canteen and clean your wounds with the water. Patch what you can, and where you cannot, I will tend to you. Allow me to see what I can do for Cedar first.” Solomon shuffled over the his bear friend. He was covered in mud, and was obviously exhausted. Asevor as well as the storm had done a number on him. Solomon wanted to at least make sure he was stable. He had to endure more than most in this conflict.

“Jazdia. I will not accept your nonchalant behavior. Please take care of yourself, keep yourself rested. There is no further need to exert. Stay here. Petra should be escorting the prince down shortly.”