"Tar 'n' feather!" Coralie piped with a devilish grin.

"Donkey ears?" Florian suggested, even as he heaved up the Marshal's feet.

"I don't think we're sure yet," Alphonse answered with a smile, replacing his hat on his head. "We'll tie him up at camp, and decide some creative use for him later. But now, come along, Sam and Dorothea! I see you've named your cat after the Princess of Eldonia. A brilliant choice, if I do say so."

Florian winked at Sam. "Al's had a crush on the Princess for years!"

"I respect the young royal," Alphonse snapped hotly. "She will be a fine queen one day." He smiled again, quickly changing the subject. "From which kingdom do you hail, Sam? Your style of dress is most peculiar. Our home is in Verinia -- just across the border here in the wood. It's not far."

Coralie led the way through the demolished front door, passing cracked burning pieces of wood and metal, hauling the Marshal's shoulders while Florian followed with his feet. Once they were out in the open, they hoisted the Marshal over their heads and set off at a quick pace; they were apparently much stronger than they looked.

Dorothea clung tightly to Sam's shoulder, making every effort to avoid digging claws into her shirt. She whispered into Sam's ear. "In the morning, Prince Liam will be on his way into the Verinia capital to look for me -- he thinks I've been kidnapped by their soldiers." She didn't exactly have a plan, but she couldn't keep the Queen's goals to herself. "The queen is planning war between my kingdom and theirs."