Still under the effects of the aether, the young Thracian witch Aurelia is the most compliant of the three. Her pace is slower, but at least the compound has stolen her will to fight. The same cannot be said for the man who tugs at his lead like an ornery dog. You ignore his impotent rebellion for now knowing you would do the same in their place. However, the final piece of precious cargo is the most difficult to manage. You have told yourselves it is for the good of the kingdom, still you find it difficult to meet the gaze of your former companion. And though by this point she obliges your commands without struggle, the pain behind her eyes is hard to bear. The thought of The Keening rises up in you once more and you try to suppress the looming choice. You remind yourself you have orders to follow but the unease cares little for your rationalization. You turn away from the witches, leaving the choice unmade.