>>5308624>“We’ll speak with Margrave Charon.” You decide. “If the Empire did plan on marching on the Kingdom, Charon would likely be one of its first stops. There’s no way they’d be able to hold them here, but at the very least, we can give them a warning. By now, the Margrave has probably been wondering what that smoke means anyway.” You look back towards the path you came. Despite having travelled many miles, you can still see the feint outline of black smoke beyond the forest. Evidence of the destruction that has befallen Garreg Mach.Your party is given leave to enter Charon by the city’s guard. As you make your way through the gates, you notice several of the townspeople staring in Beathan’s direction. Many of them openly gawk and whisper among themselves, while some even go as far as to give the carriage a wide berth, wanting to go nowhere near it.
>“Is everyone in Faerghus really this superstitious?” You ask. “I’d have thought with the Royal School of Sorcery in Fhirdiad, the people here might be more used to magic?”“We’re a long way from Fhirdiad, dear.” Says Milly. “You’ll find more forward-thinking people in the Capital, sure. Out here in the sticks though, not so much. Mages are exceedingly rare, let alone mages that ride winged ebon steeds and rain death from above. These people are likely under the impression that you’re a witch. The good news though, is they’re likely to leave you alone. Most people have the good sense to not antagonize witches.”
After several minutes of walking through ever parting crowds, you find yourself in front of the Margrave’s castle. The guards are no less taken aback by Beathan than the townspeople were and cross their halberds to stop your advance.
“Halt! What is your business?” A guard asks.
>Giving Corrine a determined look, you both open your cloaks, revealing your tattered uniforms. “We’ve come to speak with the Margrave. We’ve just returned from Garreg Mach and have news that we would share.”You didn’t think it was possible for the guards to appear any more rattled, but they somehow manage to find a way. They share a grim look and a quick whisper, before one runs inside the castle. “Wait here.” The one who remains behind tells you.
“Well, I suppose you’ll be alright by yourself from here.” Says Milly. “We’re going to go back to the Inn for now and figure out…well, what we’re supposed to do now, I guess. Come find us when you’re done. Maybe we can all get drunk together. Have a nice chat!” With a wave, your three temporary companions make their departure, just as the soldier who retreated back into the castle makes his return.
“The Margrave will see you. This way, if you please.” He extends a hand, offering you passageway into the castle.
