It took much of the morning but the primary functions of the communication's hub were patched up and coming on line.
"Let's get some eyes in the sky to see what the Scelus Cadi are up to." Kagan instructed the warriors he brought who specialized in surveillance.
The trio continued to the regent's manor since it was getting time for mid-day meal. Kagan debated going to check on Giselle but there was still much to discuss and soon he would hopefully learn the status of the enemy.
As Kagan entered the portico of the manor Rahela, Pirus' widow, came rushing forward. She threw her arms around him and sobbed.
"You came." Rahela choked out.
"Of course, you were in need." Kagan said as he pulled back from the female.
Rahela looked at him with relief. It was then Kagan remembered he had taken an oath to be the female's Second.
"How are the children?" Grainne inquired of Rahela.
"Doing as well as can be expected. They are playing in the garden." Rahela replied "I have had mid-meal delivered there for everyone."
"We are trying to keep the children from seeing what has befallen the city." Grainne said as they wound their way through the large manor.
"I am sorry I cannot help Jolana it is just too hard." Rahela choked.
Kagan understood. Rahela had lost her mate, the former Regent, it would be twice as difficult for her to face all the dead where Jolana still had Grainne. Thankfully neither Rahela nor Jolana lost their children in the attack.
"It is okay, do not fret. We need someone to watch over these little ones." Grainne encouraged the female as they entered the garden.
Grainne's son came running and squeezed his father's legs. The way the male looked at his child with love and relief was heart breaking. Kagan wondered if he'd ever be gifted with a little warrior like that. Someone tapped his shoulder and Kagan turned to see Rahela holding her little girl. The child was perhaps a few years younger than Sabin. Kagan's thoughts drifted to what a little girl with Giselle's golden hair and blue eyes might be like. Spoiled rotten by her papa no doubt. Would such a thing ever be possible in a future with Giselle?
"Please sit." She pointed to a seat and sat down beside him with the little girl on her lap. "So what will become of us now?" Rahela asked looking from Kagan to her daughter.
Kagan practically groaned. This was a complication he didn't need right now. It was not a good time to take on the duty of Rahela and her child. It was his obligation to see to it the female and her daughter were cared for in every way but between Giselle and his obligations to his army and the people of Cadi things were becoming more convoluted by the moment.
Why had he taken the oath? Probably because Pirus had chosen no other Second and Rahela's father had served Kagan's father well. Being chosen as Second was considered an honor, one that Kagan couldn't forsake then or now. Despite the difficult position it put him in.
"I was worried you would not be able to make it." Rahela's hand rested against his shoulder as she leaned into him.
"An oath is an oath Rahela." Kagan replied attempting not to grimace at the clingy female.
Kagan hated being so callous towards the woman. Recent events had frayed his nerves. Perhaps Rahela was attempting to be ingratiating so he wouldn't abandon her. Maybe this was her way of coping.
Kagan did his best to listen patiently to the female though he just wanted to eat and get back to work, then find Giselle and retire for the night. The later being the most appealing.
"Dagaa have the men reported any luck getting the drone up?"
"No" Dagaa practically grinned at him seeing his discomfort.
His friend thought it was hilarious when people fawned over him to the point of being irritating. Kagan stared Dagaa down, trying to come up with a particularly heinous task to get back at the male.
Kagan tried to get his mind back on the task at hand rather than personal business. Times were going to be difficult for the city of Nazario. It would need new occupants to take up the occupations of the deceased, Cadis and Toufik alike, along with enough warriors to fortify the vital location since it was so close to the borderlands. The loss had so many staggering implications.
"How long do you think we will be here?" Rahela got his attention by rubbing his forearm.
"It is hard to say at this point." Kagan managed to say though he wanted to leave already.
Giselle
Ismat prepared the new ash while Giselle helped measure out and hand him the things he pointed to. He prayed over it and Giselle too closed her eyes praying that all the souls find their way peacefully on.
"I wish there was a way to honor them better. We usually wait three days but with so many dead we must start the pyre early." Ismat shook his head.