Iyana, Althea, and Katelyn were outside the tents, deep in conversation. Katelyn was eagerly probing Iyana with all the feminine questions she had been dying to ask someone. She had also grown comfortable chatting with Althea, and that comfort was a source of great joy for Althea.
However, their moment of connection was abruptly shattered by the appearance of a blood-stained Clyde.
Althea was the first to notice him, her face a mask of shock and confusion as she rose to her feet. "Clyde, what happened to you?"
Iyana and Katelyn's smiles faltered as they turned to face Clyde.
"Your Highness, you need to go to the medical facility right away," Clyde urged urgently. "Viscount Clarinton and his knights are in dire condition. Some of them might not survive if they don't get treatment immediately."