It seemed to be the way the Spinner liked to work, piling hardship on top of misfortune he was already experiencing. When it rains it pours so they say. Myles received the call he’d never forget while in the midst of organizing the rescue party for Arianna. The camp had suddenly come alive, a half dozen or so of their research team preparing to break into the tunnel to fetch their lost comrade and his closest friend. He knew they didn’t have much time. Wherever she’d fallen there could be a lack of breathable air, obviously no light depending on if her lantern had survived whatever he’d heard. He knew she had rations on her but those would be out in 3 days maximum.
“...are you listening to me?†A man’s voice spat into his ears. The larger Highlander loomed over his much thinner frame yet it was the man’s comforting hand Myles found upon his shoulder. “I know you have a lot on your mind right now but you have to think about the bigger picture. According to that report, Theodoric has began cutting off water supplies. He moves on the temples in earnest as we speak. The situation is falling apart and there’s no longer a precedent of safety to warrant our staying. This expedition is over.â€
Myles bit back the panic he felt swelling in his gut with a tense fervor. His mind stuttered like a broken record at the onslaught of what was happening. He was no leader. This was Arianna’s job.
Now she wasn’t here.
His comrade’s hand slid from his shoulder. “Give the order to evacuate. We can afford a few bells to spare to search for Arianna but once it’s expired we need to withdraw.†With that the Highlander’s eyes lowered and he turned away, brushing the flap of Myles’ tent aside as he paused at the exit. .
The mild mannered Midlander flopped into a wooden chair, his head falling into his hands. He knew he was right. He knew. And yet…
“Do it.†Myles said finally, picking his head up and leaning it against his folded hands in his sitting posture. The Highlander nodded and swiftly exited.
The inside of his tent seemed quiet then. The eye of the raging storm of activity around him. The breaking down of the temporary living quarters, the packing up of perishables for beginning the journey. They’d already rationed what water they had left in preparation for the journey outside Gyr Abania until they made it safely into the Shroud. There was even talk of just leaving most things and starting emergency teleportation incantations. It was a drastic feat he hoped wouldn’t be necessary and a journey he hoped they wouldn’t have to begin until Arianna was found.
His fist gripped the wood of the makeshift table near him then finally relented. This was self-reflection he didn’t have time for. A selfishness no one else would have allowed themselves. His legs tensed and he finally stood, beginning his own long preparations for the journey. Twelve damn it… why was he so weak?
“...are you listening to me?†A man’s voice spat into his ears. The larger Highlander loomed over his much thinner frame yet it was the man’s comforting hand Myles found upon his shoulder. “I know you have a lot on your mind right now but you have to think about the bigger picture. According to that report, Theodoric has began cutting off water supplies. He moves on the temples in earnest as we speak. The situation is falling apart and there’s no longer a precedent of safety to warrant our staying. This expedition is over.â€
Myles bit back the panic he felt swelling in his gut with a tense fervor. His mind stuttered like a broken record at the onslaught of what was happening. He was no leader. This was Arianna’s job.
Now she wasn’t here.
His comrade’s hand slid from his shoulder. “Give the order to evacuate. We can afford a few bells to spare to search for Arianna but once it’s expired we need to withdraw.†With that the Highlander’s eyes lowered and he turned away, brushing the flap of Myles’ tent aside as he paused at the exit. .
The mild mannered Midlander flopped into a wooden chair, his head falling into his hands. He knew he was right. He knew. And yet…
“Do it.†Myles said finally, picking his head up and leaning it against his folded hands in his sitting posture. The Highlander nodded and swiftly exited.
The inside of his tent seemed quiet then. The eye of the raging storm of activity around him. The breaking down of the temporary living quarters, the packing up of perishables for beginning the journey. They’d already rationed what water they had left in preparation for the journey outside Gyr Abania until they made it safely into the Shroud. There was even talk of just leaving most things and starting emergency teleportation incantations. It was a drastic feat he hoped wouldn’t be necessary and a journey he hoped they wouldn’t have to begin until Arianna was found.
His fist gripped the wood of the makeshift table near him then finally relented. This was self-reflection he didn’t have time for. A selfishness no one else would have allowed themselves. His legs tensed and he finally stood, beginning his own long preparations for the journey. Twelve damn it… why was he so weak?