The way back to the orchard felt endless. My chest was tight, my throat burned. Silent tears ran down my face as we moved through the forest. I kept seeing those cages in my mind. The Moonpetal chained like animals. Meli's family.

I tried to focus on something useful. Anything. I replayed what I'd seen of the bandits in my head. Their clothes, their weapons, the carts themselves. Was there anything that showed who they worked for? Any symbols or marks I'd recognized?

When we finally reached the orchard, Elena spotted us first. [b]"There you are, Cadmus! Where have you gone? We were worried!"[/b]

Elena, Isolde, and Garrick all moved toward us. I could see the concern on their faces. But my eyes went to Meli. She was shaking, staring at the ground. Tears fell from her face to the dirt.

I wiped my own face quickly and turned to the retainers.

[b]"The Moonpetal Gathering has been taken,"[/b] I said, my voice rough. [b]"Bandits. Dozens of them. They have everyone in cages on carts."[/b]

I took a breath, trying to think clearly despite everything.

[b]"I need you to pack emergency bags. Only what's necessary. We'll hide you somewhere safe."[/b]

I was already thinking ahead. If I could figure out the closest neutral settlement, somewhere not controlled by Ophidian forces, I could send them there. Keep them safe while Meli and I figured out how to handle this.

[hider=OOC]
Should I roll History to see if I noticed anything about the bandits that would indicate who they work for?

Also requesting a check (History or Intelligence?) to know what the closest neutral settlement would be where the retainers could take refuge.
[/hider]