Lon'qu proved to be an efficient choice to lead the crack team on it's way to the Great Mila Tree. He made those under his command move quickly and efficiently, and they made great time. Eventually, they even ran into Say'ri, and were shocked to learn that the Anna who had left the Shepherds had joined her on her own quest to the Mila Tree. Lon'qu had a hard time speaking to both of them, but he was able to swallow his discomfort, and convinced them that there was safety in numbers. The two of them rejoined the Shepherds, albeit temporarily.
"We will have to be waiting for a moment." Lon'qu's lieutenant informed him. "Gregor has many of the questions for the one known as 'Anna'."
"Very well Gregor. Your intuition hasn't proved wrong yet, and I grant that it doesn't make since why she would just leave, only to immediately rejoin. Just make it quick. And question her away from me."
"Aye." Gregor was pleased. He went off to find Anna. It didn't take him long. Anna always revealed lavishly, and the exquisite coach she had chosen for this journey was easy to find. The fact that she was in a coach confused Gregor greatly, as they were traveling across the country. What confused him even more was that she made as good of a time as any others did. Regardless, he went up to the door of the lavish coach, and knocked.
Anna opened the door. "Gregor!" She exclaimed. "Just the man I've wanted to see! You're a mercenary, right? Imagine this. I hire you... To be my own personal bodyguard!"
"Well, Gregor isn't sure... He would like to speak to you of some matters that he thinks require some urgency."
"Of course! But, you see, I just realized... I don't care!" A grin spread over her face as she said this. "Time is money, as they say! Why should I give any freely to you? Hmm?"
Gregor was flabbergasted. "Anna. Please. I am making of the begging. What would you like Gregor to do?"
"Now, that is an interesting question! And I know just the answer! For every question you ask me, I get to ask one of you!" Anna winked.
Gregor gulped, but reluctantly agreed. He didn't like where this was going.
Maribelle was miserable. Marching day in and out, with no breaks at all... It was unfitting of a lady in her position! She tried to request to Lon'qu that they break, but he refused to listen to her, and ran at the first sign of her. Which was problematic, as they were married. He even refused to share her tent at night, much less her bed. It was a miracle Brady had even come into existence, and they had been married for years now. She missed Lissa. She had no one to vent her frustrations to, and besides. She was sure Lissa needed her direly. She hated not being there for her friend in her time of need. What bothered her the most though, was the lack of tea. She had, somehow, forgotten to bring a stash, and what provisions they had (which were lacking, she might add) ran out on the third day of their march. She was shaking, and could barely ride her horse, much less walk.
Still. It was an honor for her to be included in this group. With Lissa busy, she was the only healer Frederick trusted to keep people alive. That had to be it. Why else would he send her across the world? Suddenly, she was knocked into the mud churned up by the Shepherds by a bright green dragon.
"Ugh! My dress is ruined! Nowi! You get back here!" Maribelle stood up immediately, and shouted after the manakete, who had seemingly failed to notice the noble knocked in the mud. Maribelle found out why when the giant rabbit jumped over her horse, landing directly on her back, sending her sprawling into the mud once again. Panne, too intent on chasing Nowi for some godsforsaken reason, also ignored Maribelle. Huffing and puffing, she marched to get changed.
Donnel made it into Ylisstol, shouting like a madman. "Risen! Risen comin' through the town! Run! Save yourself!" The townspeople ignored him at first, too busy being ignorant. When the Risen appeared though, they made a point to disappear. Finding them gave the castle enough time to prepare. Fortunately for the citizens of Ylisstol, the Risen were extremely bad at locating a hiding enemy. With a few exceptions, the population as a whole remained unharmed.
Donnel made it to the castle, and ran straight into Miriel.
"Miriel! I ain't got time to explain, but we gotta warn Lissa and Frederick! Risen in the town!"
Miriel said nothing, but sprinted towards the throne room. She reached it well before Donnel, and ran straight to Lissa.
"Donnel has given us some time. I doubt it shall be enough, but it will have to suffice. Pray, where are the other Shepherds? Stahl and Sully in particular could be of ample use to me at the moment."
"Hello to you too, Miriel. Thank you for waiting for an audience with me, I know that must have been hard." Lissa sighed. "Stahl and Sully are training, per the norm. The others... Meh. I'm sure they'll turn up."
Miriel rushed to the gym, just as Donnel came in.
"Your ladyness!" He burst "Risen are invading the city! Gaius and Sumia are dead! We have to prepare! Quick! Hurry!"
Before Lissa could even answer Donny, Frederick burst through the door, Ricken and Tharja tailing him. He gave Lissa a glance, and both knew instantly what must be done.
"Ricken, Tharja, bar the door with magic. Donnel, Lissa, help me block it with physical items. Our troops are depleted, we will not be able to take this attack." He paused, very slightly. "This is where we shall make our stand. He brandished a sword, and as the others prepared themselves, he knew now that the only thing they could do now, was wait.