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.

we wasted no time. We packed our things,

longer the same. Gone was her former lively spark; she now seemed like something left to soak in a jar of stale brine. Not quite lifeless, but carrying an air of quiet

was determination and steadiness, but not a

felt some happiness, but

We were so heartbroken that we

the battlefield gave us no room for excessive

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

someone from the martial arts world should avoid mingling with noble families, that was nonsense.

words could express how regretful I was for not

cloud my mind. The Spencer family didn't serve in court, and I had no interest in

The 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, not when we were unsure of what

was like his mentor-loyal and full of compassion,

of their guild, and

with. Sage Isolde, though stern in words, was soft-hearted and fully supported his

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

would

To be honest

when I saw Barrett