Gideon raised his head, his excitement palpable.
The Knights behind him also dropped to one knee.
"We have been waiting for the Duchy's banner, my lord!" Gideon's voice trembled with the relief of a survivor.
Velin helped him up.
"Your bravery is worthy of reward. I promise you, the banner of the Klein Clan will rise again in the Southern Islands, and the lands lost by the Raging Waves Knight Order will all be reclaimed."
His promise was delivered with resounding conviction, allowing the Knights to sense the depth of Velin's confidence.
Velin turned to Kael.
"Take me to see Elias."
The air in the cave was stale and damp. Velin walked through the narrow passage with Kael leading the way.
The cavern was crowded with people. Their numb gazes turned wary and hostile upon seeing Velin's group.
This didn't look like a military stronghold; it was more like a refugee camp.
Passing through the crowd, they arrived at a medical area sectioned off with canvas.
