Her Graceful War Song

After resting at Victory Pass for five days, Kendrick finally recovered. Now that he was well, it was time to set off for the capital.

Though Carissa was reluctant to part with her family, she could only say a tearful farewell. She bowed deeply to Dominic, nearly causing tears to spill from his own eyes.

Davis, who held the utmost respect for Dominic, was the most emotional. While Carissa silently wept, Davis openly wept. He knew this was likely the last time he would ever see the venerable old general, who had served Starhaven in Victory Pass for decades.

Dominic was already in the twilight years of his life, and he looked much frailer than the last time they had met. Even though Salvador had granted him leave to return to the capital, the long, grueling journey would likely be too much for him to bear, and the Sullivan family might not permit him to make the trip.

Dominic spoke with Davis for a while, and the latter's sobs grew louder.

Cindy had never asked about the details of Heather's situation. But now, at the moment of parting, she pulled Carissa aside and inquired about it.

Hearing that she was in prison but that Leona had been helping her, making sure her days weren't too hard, Cindy let out a small sigh. If a crown prince was appointed and a general amnesty was granted, Heather might even be released.

"Well, that's good. Though your grandfather never speaks of it, I know he still worries. There aren't many parents who are truly cruel-hearted. Your grandfather's not cruel, but Heather-well, her treatment of Leona was harsh. It's a wonder Leona still looks after her."noveldrama

"Don't worry, Aunt Cindy. Leona is doing well and living freely now, and she'll only get better from here on out," Carissa reassured her.

"Indeed, she will," Cindy said, her gaze lingering on her niece as tears welled up in her eyes. "After this farewell, I don't know when we'll see each other again."

Carissa's voice caught in her throat as she replied, "I'll come back. I'll visit whenever I can."

Cindy wiped away her tears with her fingers, regaining control of her emotions, and managed to force a smile. "Good. That's good."

As Carissa turned her head, she saw Barrett standing among the farewell group, staring blankly in her direction. As soon as their eyes met, he quickly lowered his gaze, looking slightly flustered. Carissa averted her eyes, preparing to leave.

The hooves of the horses kicked up dust, the wind carrying it in swirling gusts. Before they realized it, the weather had turned cooler.

As the group left Victory Pass,

Carissa remained lost in thought, her spirits low. The joy of reunion had been great, but the pain of parting was just as deep. The sand from the wind often stung her eyes, causing tears to fall. Violet rode alongside her, saying nothing, but offering silent companionship.

The journey back was slower than when they first arrived. Though everyone was eager to return, Kendrick still recovering from the several assassination attempts and injuries, was visibly broken. As soon as they set off, he fell ill again.

Traveling turned into a slow trek, with good food, good rest, and comfortable lodging along the way. He said he couldn't endure even the slightest hardship now. Otherwise, he might not make it back alive.

"Besides, after all I've done, who else deserves to take credit for the success of this mission if not me?" he said.

He had already suffered enough.

People complained about him being spoiled, but there was nothing they could do. He really was sick, especially at night when he would start running a fever. It wasn't high, but was enough to wear him out.

Even Violet couldn't argue with him. She saw firsthand how his once healthy, round face had grown gaunt, his complexion pale and waxen. He seemed to have lost all trace of color.

Davis, seeing that the pace was unsustainable, consulted with Dorian to find out what was truly ailing Kendrick and how best to treat him.

Dorian sighed. "It's likely the stress from the repeated attacks while traveling through Orivenia that's affecting him. The constant threat of death, the emotional strain-it's alt taking a toll. The fatigue from the journey hasn't helped either. He's not used to such hardship. In Orivenia, he kept his guard up, but now that he's finally allowing himself to relax, the exhaustion has taken root."

Davis sighed in response. "There's nothing to be done then. We'll have to continue at this pace. We can't afford for him to really die."

Meanwhile, in the capital, there were those anxiously awaiting their return.

Rafael and Salvador, both growing impatient, had received the official report. However, they knew that only when the travelers returned could they get the full details of what had transpired.