The commander inhaled sharply, taking a careful step back to position himself next to Lanling. He didn't want to rely on others to deliver his message. "Your Highness, we're vulnerable without the mages. The soldiers and I might be able to push through if needed, but the more bodies we need to protect, the harder it will get."
Lanling had already figured that much out. His mind was crowded with countless questions, but finding the answers was proving to be a challenge. He tilted his head slightly toward Haruki. "Any luck?"
Haruki, who had tasked the wind with searching for Alba, shook his head after a moment of silence. Fifteen minutes had passed since they left the ritual chambers, and there was still no answer. He sighed, regret evident in his eyes. Looking back at the group behind him, he offered a solution. "We should let them rest. Whether we go outside or not, we can think about it once they've had a chance to recover."