Kara Returns.

A small number of horses canter into the town through the still-destroyed front gate. Kara is at the head of the party, looking exhausted. The princess dismounts, and at her command, two foot soldiers move forward, lifting a body from the back of her steed.

The passenger's in such dire condition, that for a moment, you don't recognise him. Then your party draws closer, and you make out the silvery armour, now rent and ruined. It's Sir Robert, the First Flame of the Order of the White Torch. Or what's left of him.

The man is awash in blood, vicious wounds across his arms and torso, and yet, as the soldiers carry him off, you notice he still clings to life.

“Spirits, what happened?” Donald asks, drawing close and putting a reassuring hand on his little sister's shoulder.

“We... followed his trail, found him in the forest, some leagues from the town.” Kara says, her usual, confident brogue momentarily displaced.

“Found him, at the end of a path of dead hunters.” Kara continues.

“The demon did this?” Donald asks.

“We cannae say.” Kara shrugs. “There were signs of battle, blade on blade, sword wounds. That... thing, had no such weapon on her, no' when she fled for the wilds.”

“I'm just glad you're alright.” you say, limping forward and throwing your good arm around Kara. “I was so worried, when I heard you'd gone after Robert.”

Kara squeezes you close. You kiss her ginger hair, swept back from the ride. Inwardly, you're awash with panic. How could Corinne have left one of them alive? She must've been showboating, drunk on the thrill of combat, too enthused to notice one of many demon-hunters barely clinging to life. You curse her carelessness. She'd just made things even harder for you.

“I should be by Robert's side, he could tell us-” Kara begins.

“No.” Donald says firmly. “Get up to the castle. Get cleaned up, get some rest, a hot meal.”

He's speaking as her brother, not her king. Still, the princess seems hesitant.

“Kara, he's strong as an ox and Rhona knows her stuff. If there's any change, I'll have word sent to you.”

Finally, Kara relents, making for the castle.

“What a day...” Madeleine says, pensively staring at the spots of blood Robert had left in the dirt. “Benjy, your lady needs a little pick me up!”

“...Of course, Your Excellency.” Swain says, producing a minute powder box. Accepting it, the Dauphine brings it to her nose and snorts, throwing her head back as she does.

“Whoo...” Madeleine pants. “Nothing quite so reinvigorating as Jitterleaf.”

Donald glares at her.

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Madeleine says. “Donald? Edward?”

She offers the box, and the white powder contained within, to each of you in turn.

You shake your head.

“I'm good.” Donald says.

The two of them leave for the castle, allowing you some freedom to consider your next move.