"What was that about?" Falco asked after Panther and Leon were safely away.
"The common rumor is that Lord O'Donnell struck this bargain with Andross: He would not strike out at the warlord not ally with his enemies as long as Andross in turn kept the war off of his lands, and let him govern as he saw fit." The hare shook his head. "It seems, somewhere, Andross has brought the battle across the boarder, thus voiding the pact." He took a deep, steadying breath. "I pray the others are all right. We were on the boarder between Andross and Lord O'Donnell's lands when you came across us."
"They'll be fine," Fox assured. "After all, our Peppy and my brother are with them."
"Yes, you're right. They're fine." Peppy smiled, a touch grimly. "And, since Lord O'Donnell has decided to look the other way, we can rest safely tonight. And we'll most likely need it. In another day we shall be in the Warlord's land, and the danger will escalate with every step."
"We'll be ready," Fox said firmly. For the rest of that day, Falco and Fox trained, Krystal went into a sort of meditation, Slippy explored the bag and contents of his double's belt pouches in minute detail, and Peppy read his holy book and prayed. Each was lost in their own thoughts, and none spoke much through the rest of the eve.
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