"Right." Leonce helped Korlash stay on his feet, and he started to lead the way back through the forest. The mushrooms that Korlash cradled in his arms were deep blue black, speckled with white spots. Night of Many Stars. The trip out of the forest was faster than the trip in- the various animals seemed to be fleeing rather than attacking. As long as neither of them showed panic or aggression, they were left alone. Soon they broke out on the other side, dirty and weary. Leonce was propping up Korlash, because the elf looked impossibly weary despite still moving.

"You're going to want to... warn the guards. They kicked me out for a reason, and I'd rather not die now. I'd like to see your lady and you safe... and perhaps I can make some kind of amends." In his heart, he felt horrible for what he'd had to do. Orders had been given, and he'd followed them. But now that the king was dead, along with the rest of the others... he could simply make a new life of his own. There was nothing waiting for him back in the kingdom. No girl, no wife, and he'd broken free of his family the day he'd completed his training.