Visit the hospital.

You limp along the dirt path through the town, following spatters of demon-hunter blood to one of the makeshift hospitals, the same Roland is currently convalescing in.

The place is awash in activity, the fight to save Sir Robert's life so frantic you're more or less able to move about unnoticed.

“Stay with me, Sir Robert!” Rhona says boldly, as a team of White Torch healers diligently tend to his injuries. The First Flame groans, not fully conscious, or even aware of what's transpiring. You're taken by his wounds. What Corinne has inflicted on his body would have already killed most men. You yourself would not have made it back to the town in the first place, you wager.

And here was Sir Robert. Clinging to life. Surviving.

This wasn't good for you.

-

“We've got a problem.” you tell Roland, limping into his room and shutting the door securely behind you.

“Good to see you, cousin.” The Shark replies. “Before you tell me, what of my mother?”

“She made it.” you say quickly. “Corinne reached her in time, but she got sloppy fending the Beathans off. Left their leader alive.”

“And he's here, now?” Roland asks, black beady eyes narrowing.

“In this very hospital.” you whisper.

“Well, then...” The Shark says simply.

“Well, what?” you urge him.

“Well, then, you're going to have to finish him off.” Roland says bluntly. You can tell he appreciates this, presenting you with this ultimatum.

“I can't do that.” you start. “I don't-”

“Corinne's heading for the border. And I can't get out of this bed. Even if I could, I'm hardly the lowest profile of persons.” the hulking sharkman observes.

“I don't know the first thing about killing.” you protest. “I have people to do that for me!”

“Heh, don't I know it.” Roland can't help but chuckle. “Contact Corinne, if you must. I'm sure she can tell you of compounds, extracts that can get the job done. Failing that, just put a pillow over his face. Hells, if I know our cousin's handiwork, he'll be in bad enough shape that even you could overpower him, Edward.”

“Are you sure this is the wisest course?” you ask hesitantly. “Perhaps killing Robert would only draw more attention?”

“He's seen The Spider, Edward. Leaving him alive to tell people wouldn't be wise, would it?” Roland says. “Best get it done, cousin. If you can't even bump off one lousy hunter, someone who could bring us all down, you really aren't cut out for what Gramps is asking of us.”

“I'll do it.” you tell Roland, not looking at him, as you slip out of his room.

You make for the door, pausing only to glance at the still-unresponsive Sir Robert, White Torch healers tending to him carefully, before exiting into the chill of early evening.

-

You return to your quarters, finding Kara sat there, a half-eaten bowl of stew pushed away from her.

“Edward.” she says, a tired smile breaking out on her face as she sees you approach.

“I saw Robert.” you slur. “Rhona's doing everything she can, he seems to be hanging on.”

You join Kara, putting your hand on her knee, comforting her.

“He's a good man. Few nobles in Beatha understand their obligation to the common folk more intimately.” Kara says. “I always knew the danger that awaited him, goin' after evil every day of his life, but I never truly believed somethin' like this would happen...”

“You still care for him, don't you?” you ask.

“Aye.” Kara concedes, eyes wet with tears. “What was between us, it didn't work out, but had things been different, I could've easily been his wife, not yours.”

“Have no fear, Kara.” you assure her. “He'll be fine.”

The Beathan princess seems comforted. A moment or two passes, the two of you entwined comfortably, before Kara sits up.

“I should go. Surely there's somethin' useful I could be doin', once I've had a wee pick me up...” Reaching into her furs, Kara produces a small pouch of folded parchment. In the dim evening light, you can just about make out the white powder contained within.

“A present from our Red friend?” you ask, nodding your head towards it. “I thought you didn't care for that stuff.”

“What I don't care for, Edward, is the limited amount a' hours in the day.” Kara argues. “Madeleine's right, this stuff can be useful.”

“You don't need it. Not now.” you tell her, projecting a little **** and assurance into your words.

“I do.” Kara resists.

“Kara, just get some sleep. There's nothing more you can do. Robert will be fine.” you assure her. The Beathan hesitates momentarily, before dropping the Jitterleaf and leaning back against you. You enfold the warrior woman in your good arm, holding her.

“Fine. Just a wee kip...” Kara intones, her eyelids already flickering down. Barely a minute has past before you hear her breathing, peaceful and sedate. At rest.