He didn't even look at her at first, his eyes narrowing as he heard her voice. "What do you want, Calliope?"
She looked down guiltily. "I just wanted to say goodbye before you go. And.. tell you to be careful." There was sadness in her voice. It was reminiscent of the time he had left the forest to become a guard.
His face almost didn't change, but he raised an eyebrow before turning back to the Ortus, his shoulders tight. He seemed conflicted, his mouth a tight line.
She watched him with a frown, her voice nervous. "Well.. good luck, Puck." She turned back with a small frown, starting to go.
"You know I was the only one at first?" he said as she was leaving, his voice small. "The only one pushing for a search party?"
The raid lasted for the entire day. She would hear no updates. She had spent most of the day by the Queen's side, who also seemed nervous, despite her poise and elegance. The longer they stayed together, Calliope would grow to respect her; she was practical and clear, but had a gentleness to her that made her fit to be a benevolent leader. By the end of the day, the sun was going down over the horizon, and one elf returned, panting from their run back. The Queen stood, folding her hands anxiously. "Well?" "Partial... partial success," the elf reported. "We have secured the castle, but... Lord Edgar got away..."
The Queen frowned, looking disturbed. "That is... unfortunate." "Some of the soldiers are returning the wounded. Madam Calliope was correct; the town is in shambles."
He hesitated, glancing up at her. "He was found in the dungeon," he said after a moment. "Half-dead, from the looks of things."
The elf hesitated, looking a little concerned. "I think so," they said eventually. "Commander Puck had them do some sort of treatment on him, but I'll be honest... I don't know if it helped."
"They're returning with the wounded," the messenger said sheepishly. "They should be home within the hour. I'm sorry; that's all I have on the faerie."
