LogFAQs > #904068933

The groups which had been spread apart over the journey were now clustered together. The supply wagon wasn't too far behind the other, and the ones traveling on foot were spread out between. Everyone who had moved to the front was helping to push the lead wagon.

Meanwhile, Maria had taken her map of the estate to the ones who seemed to be making decisions, and was helping to get an idea of what they would be in store for up ahead. They were comparing the map to what they could see from up here on the ridge, and planning out how to advance the party.

Ignael hoped they weren't going to be splitting up. Splitting up always led to disaster.

"We'll be splitting up into groups," Torin explained, as the wagons came to a rest at the edge of the hamlet. "With this strategy we should be able to effectively and quickly clear out the village. Once we know the perimeter is safe we can mount our expedition into the estate.

Ignael let out a sigh and subconsciously drifted closer to the lead wagon. He had been chatting with the men from up ahead while helping them push their wagon, and at this point he felt more kinship with them than he did with Torin.

Dismas, whose hands had been freed, had slung a crossbow over his back and was rummaging around for more supplies. "I'll be taking this shovel too, I think. Should come in handy."

Seth, the man who had been charged with watching over him, glanced over. "We should wait and see. Someone else might need that shovel. I think the man in charge was an, um-..."

The chained man took the shovel and held it out, away from Seth, and giving it to Dismas. Ignael didn't know it, but this would be the second time that Dismas had been given an item after being denied by Seth. The chained man looked to Seth. "This man saved my life... and yours. I'd rather he be holding it than anyone else here."

"Yes," Seth replied, quietly. "I suppose you are right."

The chained man hadn't spoken much, so perhaps it carried a greater weight when he did decide to speak up. At that time, Dismas now had a ridiculous silhouette as the crossbow and shovel were both tied across his back in a cross like shape.

Dismas went over to Matsuda, who was seated on the edge of the wagon. Matsuda had taken quite a beating, and even gotten scarred up a little bit. They all seemed to agree that he was going to need some medical treatment. Not just for the pain, but also to clean and dress the wound. Hopefully it would be possible to disinfect it as well.

They were able to get Torin to agree with this logic; Matsuda, Seth, and Zephyr were going to help secure the local clinic. They could look after Matsuda's wounds while they were there.

"Is anyone here trained in first aide?" Maria asked suddenly. "Even an improvised battlefield medic is better than nothing."

A cloaked hand slowly raised up, the face and figure of the person hidden beneath a cat eared hood. "I can do it, if I must."

"Why don't you go with them, then," Maria offered, almost commanded. It seemed as if she was trying to take charge. Most fascinating was that it was almost working. Torin wasn't objecting or even really questioning her suggestions at all.

Had she already committed a silent mutiny with no resistance?

"Leone." Jen grabbed the cat ears sleeve for a moment, hesitantly. Her round spectacles were dotted with blood still, having failed to effectively clean them. This uncertain looking girl was apparently the one who had taken down that monster. It was almost impossible to imagine that. "I only came here because of you. We shouldn't-"

"I'll be fine," Leone replied. "You'll be fine."
---

~* Now I only see your dull imposter ~*
https://imgur.com/tdhOSKc