On the second day after Louis' return, the clouds hung heavily over the Red Tide Castle, as if the entire Northern Territory held its breath.
Louis donned his military cloak and bid farewell to his two wives in the room.
Emily gently straightened his lapels, but the worry in her eyes was indescribable.
Sif said nothing, only held his hand for a moment before letting go.
But time was pressing; the pleasures of home could not hold a person back.
Louis walked out of the room with firm steps.
Every second of delay meant more territories falling, more insect carcasses emerging.
Meeting hall of the Red Tide Territory castle.
It was the place they had held meetings months ago, but the atmosphere now was vastly different.
Nobility from all over sat along the long table in the hall, some looking haggard, some with shifting gazes, and most heads bowed in silent despair.
