Chapter 40: Let My Warmth Be Your Warmth
Many in the crowd muttered hushed worries to each other. Had they really been sent so far from home to such a dangerous place? The prince continued in spite of them, moving his hand as he outlined their planned path home, listing places and obstacles they would have to overcome as they went.
Aster was familiar with the layout of the continent, but obviously had no personal accounts of any of it. Even still, the young man realized this was no leisurely stroll they had before them, this would be a long and demanding journey.
The prince lowered his arm when he finally made it back to the capitol, pausing just a moment before turning back to the crowd.
"I know it is far, but we find ourselves with little choice. We have a warrior with a long-distance communication bloodskill among us, but even that has limited range. As such, we have no knowledge of the current state of our home.
"We will be moving behind enemy territory with many threats around us. We have no way to know our exact location and can only get a general idea of which direction to move... Worst case, it could take nearly two weeks to even escape this desert on foot.
"We have gathered what food we could manage from the ferals within the cave, and our two mages present can handle our thirst. We unfortunately have nobody capable of healing magic here with us, but we have many strong warriors among us, ones that will fight to ensure all the citizens here make it back to their families.
"My people and my soldiers, I ask you to remain strong in this uncertainty and to help each other however we can... For that is now our only hope of survival. Please, put your faith in your prince and each other. Trust that we will overcome this, as the mighty beastmen of Alora have always risen above any obstacle that was placed before us. Thank you."
A large minotaur standing near the king huffed and stomped a hoof. Aster was a bit surprised as the soldiers around him, Stahl included, sounded out in perfect unison.
"Yes, Sir!"
The group disbanded shortly after, breaking off into smaller groups in the now silent and dark land in their vicinity.
A while later, while the she-wolf, the fox, and the human were idly talking in attempt to lighten the small canine’s spirits, the smaller group was approached by the minotaur, the rabbit, and the prince himself.