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Chapter 44: Farewell, Part 4

He could just barely hear the bells as they began to toll, marking the Hour of the Angels. One more bell until dawn. One more bell until he never saw home or family again. Alrin closed his eyes and took several deep, slow breaths—

And jumped as a soft rapping came at the door. Rolling his eyes, he went to open it, not entirely surprised to see Åge standing on the other side of it holding his clothes and equipment. "Thank you."

"You'll come and see us, won't you? Before you leave?" Åge asked. Alrin wondered how they knew—or maybe they just sensed that something was wrong when even the High Priest was being called out along with every last single Prince of the Blood, and all those who practiced hellish magic were being ordered to stay within the castle walls.

"Of course," Alrin replied. "Let me get dressed and I'll head that way. I'll go ahead and say now, however, that you're Captain until I return."

"Yes, sir," Åge replied, mouth tight, eyes downcast.