We pressed on as much as we could, rarely stopping to take a break, even when the effort started to take a toll on us. I'm not sure why, but something seemed to be pushing me forward, as if I had no choice but to do this. Even when Helena was clearly tired and could barely keep up with me and Kardenon, something inside allowed me to ignore her and keep pushing. The fog that would not dissipate made things troublesome, but we kept going forward.

It really is strange actually. I remember the pain in her expression, not just from the effort, but also from the situation, I think. I had been possessed by something and she knew that even if she said something, even if she complained, I would not listen, I would just tell her to stay behind then. She was right. In that situation, I felt like I couldn't afford to accommodate her. We had to overtake the Broken Wheel cultists who had attacked whoever had passed through here. We stopped for very little time and I cut even my morning practices and prayers to make more time for pressing forward. I prayed silently as we walked to make up for it.

Eventually, our effort paid off. As we approached the dusk of the second day after finding the remains of the caravan, we happened upon a camp of people. How ironic, the fog that they had so cleverly used for their attack on the caravan would now be used against them. The Vision Lantern is really fascinating. Despite giving us so much view of our enemies, it did not in any way give out or location. We could easily scout the enemy's camp without being found so long as we did not make much noise.

After having a good look at the enemy's camp, we set up our camp far away from them enough that it was unlikely that we would be found by a foraging party or something. Then we discussed how we would attack them.

“Apart from the five sentries that are in full armor, none of the others seem to be wearing anything protective. So, I guess that if we take the sentries it should enough to cause some panic and take out as much as we can?”

Maybe it was too simplistic a plan, Kardenon didn't look very favorable to it.

“I agree that surprise is the key and that we probably won't be able to take out the sentries in secret. However, you are underestimating the others. More than half of the enemy are gnomes. It's very likely that at least some of them are skilled mages and if you can take mages out first, that's what you should do.”

He said it with a certainty that immediately convinced me. But I wasn't sure of what would be the better thing to.

“So, do you think then that it's better that we make a beeline for the ones sleeping in tents to kill any mages as soon as possible?”

Kardenon shook his head.

“No, that would also be dangerous, that could easily get us surrounded and killed. Ideally... If we had that elf guy with us, Arlendir, this would be ridiculously easy, but just...” He glanced briefly at Helena, who wasn't saying anything, just looking silently at the two f us. “you and me might be a tad complicated. So, I think that it would be better if I raised some hell and caught the attention of all of them. Then, while they are distracted, I want you as stealthily as possible to kill any of them who come out of tents, especially if you see them casting something.”

That seemed like a pretty good idea. I nodded my approval. At almost the same time, Helena abruptly stood up and said briskly.

“I guess you two's little meeting is over. Since I'm not going with you on this attack, I will just retire to my tent.”

She turned away and I realized there were tears in her eyes. For some reason, it did not bother me at all. Though it seemed to bother Kardenon. Once Helena was inside the tent, he talked to me, looking concerned.

“Look, I understand that it was kind of shocking seeing what they had done. You feel like you really have to do this and I won't press this much because right before a battle you have to get your head and heart in it, or else you probably won't come out of it alive. But, you really should talk to her after this. It's clear she is very bothered with how you've been acting.”

I wanted to snap at him that he was partly at fault too, since he was going along with it. But doing that would help no one, still, I felt somewhat irritated at Helena.

“Meh, she's just sulking. And who was it that was all shocked at those bodies and the way they had been cut up or burned? It's not as if she isn't part of why I am doing this too.”

That's a lie, a lie that I told partially wanting her to overhear us. Part of me just wanted to hurt her, because she was sulking for no good reason. It was not for her, it was just for me. Although I am not completely sure why, I am not just doing this for myself or in righteous fury. I don't know what, but I feel that there is one other reason pressing me forward, filling me with this sense of urgency that I need to kill those heretics as soon as possible.

“If you say so.”

Kardenon didn't look happy with my answer, but did not pursue the topic any further. After we put out the fire and cleaned up everything, we were ready to depart, ready to go attack them, the Broken Wheel.

“Okay let's go. We are going to follow your plan.”

But Kardenon had one last thing to ask before we departed.

“It's really important, but I have to know, because your answer changes many things. Have you ever killed a person?”

It came as a shock to me, but now that he asked me that... Even if they were member of the broken wheel, it's people that we are about to kill... It took me a while to process it and even think of an answer.