The Missing Stone

Surprise Information

Mildred shifts fully behind a boulder, watching His Highness lock blades with Gwendal, soon overpowering the older knight with sheer strength. Despite Gwendal having the advantage of height and mobility, the blond sports exceptional dexterity and strength, pushing back the paladin every time he advances. The fight ends quickly, with the blond stabbing the end of his lance in Gwendal's chest and wrenching him off the horse.

"Ah," Gwendal coughs lightly, flat on his back, "so I have found a place to die." He coughs again, blood spewing from his mouth. "Young ones... I thank you..."

His Highness tugs his lance out of the body, flicking it to the side to fling off excess blood. Gilbert looks upon Gwendal with remorse.

"Gwendal was a good man, for he was merely following his master's orders, as any knight would." The blond turns away, scoffing.

"And now he is but a corpse. Come. Rodrigue is waiting." He marches over to said man, the rest of the group following. Ashe spares a despondent look at Gwendal before following, Mercedes fretting over everyone's wounds. Mildred stands from behind her hiding spot, trailing behind Ashe. The Duke dismounts, handing his horse off to one of the knights that accompanied him.

"It's been quite some time, Your Highness," he says, welcoming him with a warm smile. "But do save your joy for later; we are in a war right now." He says the last bit teasingly.

"To say such things at a time like this. You haven't changed a bit," the blond scowls.

"Don't let appearances fool you," Rodrigue admonishes, "Things have been rough ever since Kingdom territories started turning over to the Empire. When I heard you'd been executed, I made it there as soon as I could, only to be told some garbage about not being able to see your body. The next thing I knew I was..." he sighs, stress creasing his forehead. "Thank you Gilbert for finding him. You have my gratitude."

Gilbert nods in acknowledgement, and Rodrigue turns to the professor. "And I suppose I must thank you, as well."

"We are all fortunate," he replies, shaking his head in disagreement. Rodrigue's lips thin at his response.

"Well, we owe you. You have my word that we will repay that debt someday." He turns to Felix. "And you have also helped tremendously Felix." The swordsman turns away with a huff.

The blond steps forward. "Tell us all that you know." The Duke frowns, returning his attention to His Highness.

"I'm afraid there isn't a lot to share. You know that the Western half of the Kingdom was taken as Imperial territory?"

"I have heard," the blond nods, "They're calling it the Faerghus Dukedom or some nonsense."

"If you know that then the rest shouldn't take long," Rodrigue continues, "Anyone could see that Cornelia's plan was that of a genius. After rising to power, she welcomed the Imperial armies into the Kingdom capital. There, she organized rankings and has been sending platoons of soldiers to Eastern Kingdom territories, forcing us to act defensively, therefore making battles difficult." He runs a hand through his hair and sighs again. "She's been one step ahead of us all along."

The blond grips his lance tighter. "So that was the old hag's plan from the beginning. I should've killed her when I had the chance," he growled, his hair covering his eye, leaving only his scowl visible.

It was at this moment that Mildred realized how close she was to the group. She swiftly ducks back behind the boulder, holding her breath when she hears footsteps coming in her direction. Internally, she panics. If she's seen like this then-

Oh right, turn into a cat to escape possible death situations. She clutches her amulet, feeling her paws land on the torrid rocks right when Ashe of all people steps around the large rock. His face contorts in shock.