Gone

Chapter 9-Injuries

Logan had found a map on the unidentified man's sleeping body. It didn't have a route on it unfortunately, no, things couldn't be that easy. But it did have circles over several different spots which Virgil had claimed were cities, villages, or towns. Considering the place where the castle should be had a circle on, they had assumed it meant that any place with a circle had been attacked. That had terrified Virgil because nearly every place with a population higher than a hundred had a circle on it.

"...We should split up and check how bad the destruction is," Roman said. Virgil nodded his agreement.

Patton shook his head though, "I don't like the idea of my kiddo's being alone. That mean guy nearly hurt Ann really bad. We have to use the buddy system"

"That'll take twice as long. Four groups are better than two" Roman argued

"I agree with Patton," Logan said as he wiped his glasses

"Of course you agree with Patton" Roman said, he threw his hands up in the air before leaning back against the wall of where they had sat down.

Logan just sighed at Roman's dramatics before continuing on, "Ann knows his way around his kingdom far better than any of us could ever, and I know how to read a map. Neither of you can do that. Not to mention that Ann has already said people are not very fond of you Roman. You should go with Ann so he can help keep you safe."

"People are in danger Calculator Watch, if we go alone we can check on more people and get more information" Roman turned towards Ann swiftly "Two groups or four?" he asked him. 

Virgil thought about it for a moment, taking in both arguments before raising two fingers. Patton and Logan nodded, and Roman sighed but it had been decided. "Alright, Ann would you like to go to the city or the village?" Logan asked him. Virgil pointed to the city and Logan once again nodded before folding the paper and putting it away. "Patton and I will survey the damage of the local village and then find you two in the center of the city at sundown"

"Fine, we'll go with your plan," Roman said, reluctantly agreeing and standing up. Virgil watched Roman walk over to the horses before turning back to the others. 

"Ann, are you gonna be okay with Roman?" Patton asked him as Logan walked away. Virgil shrugged and gave no other answer. Patton hummed and held a hand out to him to help him stand, Virgil took it not hesitating as much as he would have if it had been someone else. "You're gonna be okay kiddo." Virgil gave a weak nod as Patton and he made their way to where the others stood by the horses. "Lo, and I will see you two in a few hours, okay?" Virgil nodded and Patton climbed onto Molly and Logan on Poe. The shortest of the group turned to Roman and gave a friendly smile, "Roman, be nice to Ann okay? Remember; ask before you touch and-"

"I got it, Padre. We'll be okay, right Ann?" Roman asked him, Virgil nodded and a few minutes later they watched Logan and Patton make their way to the village. It was farther than the city was so they had to leave before the two princes did in order to get there and back before the sunset. Roman and Virgil explored the perimeter of the castle for a few more minutes before heading towards the city, "So Ann, can I ask you about Remus?"

Virgil nodded and moved his arms through the reigns so he could sign while still holding onto Lucy. Roman smiled appreciatively, "Okay um... does he still have that stupid mustache?" Virgil smiled and nodded "And you said he's dating your brother right? And that you're friends?" Virgil nodded again "So he's happy? Or he was happy?" Roman looked at Virgil hopefully.

Virgil nodded, 'What's wrong?'

Roman shrugged, "Nothing. As long as he was happy and safe there's nothing wrong. I just wish he hadn't runoff. We were so worried"