Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1602

The orchids of Meadow Ridge had bloomed and faded.

I couldn't help feeling somewhat resentful toward Cari. Did going home mean she had to abandon us too? Were all those years of friendship and shared memories worth nothing in the end?

Thia also called Cari heartless. It was fine that she had left, but why hadn't she sent even a single letter?

Gradually, we stopped speaking of her altogether. It was as if by not mentioning her, we were punishing her in some way.

We had made a pact. When Cari returned to Meadow Ridge, none of us would visit her. We wouldn't speak to her, and even if she sent a letter, we wouldn't read

it.

Days passed, and our martial arts skills grew stronger. It seemed we had all agreed that so long as we didn't die, we would practice until we could do no more.

Though we didn't speak of it, I knew that deep down, we all thought the same. Cari was no longer Cari. Isaac had told us that after Sage Everett sent her down the mountain, she hadn't smiled once. She always seemed lost in thought, troubled, and full of worry.

We didn't know what had happened to her. All we could do was continue our training, waiting for the moment when she would need us. When the time came, we would be ready, like drawn swords.

Then, at long last, her letter arrived.

It was not addressed to the Pathfinders Guild. It was for me, Thia, Bun, and Rod. In her letter, she asked us to come to the Southern Frontier to find her, though she didn't explain why.

never read her letters. But when it arrived, we wasted no time. We packed our things, mounted our horses, and left the mountain without

same. Gone was her former lively spark; she now seemed like something left to soak in a jar

and steadiness, but not a trace

us, she felt some happiness,

of what Isaac had told us was indeed true. We were so heartbroken that we couldn't find the words to speak. We shed more tears for her than we cared to admit, though she never

of the battlefield gave us no room

up my mind to stay by her side. I would accompany her back to the capital and wouldn't go

arts world should avoid mingling with noble families, that was nonsense. When had I ever

regretful I was for not going down the mountain to

family didn't serve in court,

money was part of the reason, but deep down, I knew he thought much like I did. He couldn't bear the thought of abandoning Cari again,

of compassion, with a

were the backbone of their guild, and had no reason to remain in the

money—an excuse his mentor couldn't argue with. Sage Isolde, though stern in words, was soft-hearted and

me, my mentor couldn't stop me. Whenever I made up my mind, he

his authority, but would always yield to me

To be honest

when I saw Barrett