"Lord Baron, you summoned me?" Erik bowed respectfully.
At this moment, Old Gordon and Fiona had already taken their leave. Only Rus and Erik remained in the dining hall.
"I have three matters to discuss with you today," Rus said, tapping lightly on the table. "First, I want you to make the necessary preparations. In half a month, we depart for the Bloodsoaked Highlands."
The announcement came so suddenly that Erik was caught off guard. "But, my lord, Simon hasn't returned yet."
"Two months and six days," Rus said abruptly.
Erik blinked. "…Pardon?"
"It's been two months and six days since Simon and his men left," Rus said grimly. "I had hoped they would return safely. But now, it seems that hope is all but gone."
"I fear they've met with disaster."
Erik had anticipated this outcome for some time, so he wasn't shocked. Still, he voiced his concern. "But without Simon's report, we know nothing about the Bloodsoaked Highlands. Isn't it too hasty to set out like this?"
