It had been three days since the battle started, and people were becoming restless and frightened. The messages they received were not hopeful, and shortly after the sunset on the third day, something happened. At first, people believed it was another explosion, but it didn't fade. Instead, flashes like sparks spread out. No one knew what was going on. Nadia did her best to calm people down, ensuring they didn't panic, but there wasn't much more that she could do.
Once the flashes died down and the people didn't seem likely to fight, she took a deep breath to center herself. Then stood and walked to her tent. She had to know. They all did.
"What happened in Einfaust? Are they still alive? Did they win? Is the battle over?" Nadia demanded answers immediately. Everyone in the room was quiet. "Well?"
They looked nervously at each other, then back to the spell connecting them to the palace. The silence said enough. They couldn't answer because they didn't have one. No responses came.
Nadia took a deep breath to calm herself. "We will send a ship back." Others are about to interrupt her, but she continues imperiously. "They will not go to shore unless they think it's safe. We need to know what is happening, and just waiting for the message to respond is not good enough." The old men of the tent look uncertain but agree and obey her order. Action may be dangerous, but inaction is toxic.
They gathered together on the fastest ship they had and saw them off. All they could do was wait, so the Princess read to the children.
The ship returned with another ship nearby, and relief washed over everyone. The message spell in the city had been broken during the battle, but Einfaust had survived. The teardown and reboarding went smoothly as everyone was cheerful, and of course, the princess was watching them. They didn't want to disappoint her after all she had done for them.
They circumvented the docks as many were destroyed, and half-sunken wrecks blocked the few remaining. A Few ships were run aground, knowing they could be pulled back out later. The princess was amongst those and stood for all to see on the beached ship. No matter how much she wanted, she couldn't run into the city to check on people. She needed to help these people. "Everyone, please remember. Many of us may have lost family, homes, or livelihoods. I ask that you remember to help your neighbors. When someone has lost everything, it is up to everyone to help them get back on their feet." It wasn't much, but it was enough.
Nadia was glad that upon stepping onto solid land again, Undyine was already there waiting for her. "I'm sorry, milady."
"There's nothing to apologize for, Undyine. You just went through a battle that has deeply wounded us. It was always possible that it could've happened. We just failed to prepare for the worst case." She pauses for a moment to take in the wreckage of the city.
The walls were shattered, large chunks missing everywhere. Most of the city had been damaged, less than half were destroyed, and many of the rest were damaged. She worried about everyone and how they would recover and rebuild. How many would leave the city? How many died? She didn't want to think about it.
"Undyine, take me to my father. He'll need help with the city, and I want to do my part." Undyine didn't respond for a moment before bowing and continuing towards the palace.
As they approached the palace and entered, Undyine directed her to a smaller side room. Nadia was momentarily confused, but Undyine stopped her from going further. "You're majesty. I'm sorry for not telling you immediately but your father, the king, and your brothers, the princes, they are... they are dead."
