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"No," countered Abbas. "The Vanguard's mission is to fight Abolish, no matter the geopolitical circumstances. Most likely, they would have still come to our aid even if we stood with the Rainlords."

'You can't know that,' said Worwal.

"At the very least, we should have reminded the Vanguard of their code of non-interference. They had no right to move against the Rainlords the way they did."

'That code doesn't apply to servant-led governments like ours.'

"A matter of debate. One which we should have held, instead of simply cowing before them." He shook his head. "We have disgraced not only ourselves, but also our forefathers. And the people suffer for it, as always."

Worwal didn't have a response for that, apparently.

Shit.

Generally speaking, Hector had never really considered himself to be a very positive person, but fuck. Someone really needed to give these two a pep talk.

That seemed like a job more suited to Garovel, honestly, but the reaper wasn't saying anything. In fact, he was just staring at Hector. Expectantly.

What the heck? Did Garovel want him to say something? Why wasn't he giving him orders privately, then?

Eh, maybe Hector was reading too much into his expression. It was just a skeletal face, after all. What was there even to read?

"...If you can't rely on the Vanguard," said Hector, "then it's clear what your next move should be."

Abbas looked up at him, as did Worwal.

"Regroup," said Hector. "Find your people. Reform the Golden Council." Hector thought he saw a smirk flash across Garovel's bony mouth.

'...That is easier said than done,' said Worwal. 'We have no idea where the other Hahls have gone.'

'Really?' said Garovel. 'None of them?'

Worwal shook his skull. 'We kept many different rallying points in the event of such an attack, but all of the ones we checked were already razed or taken by Abolish by the time we arrived.'