"Without you, Deepwinter Territory wouldn't survive the coming winter..."
Lady Deepwinter said it plainly at the Castle banquet that evening.
Deepwinter Territory was growing weaker by the day, while the Rat Tide grew stronger. One day, the Rat Swarm would break into the Castle, and Lady Deepwinter would fade with Deepwinter Territory into the long night.
The food at the banquet was simple: fluffy bread, dried cheese, and wild vegetable soup. It reminded Annan of his days at Aunt Susan's house.
Though Free City had sent aid, Lady Deepwinter refused to waste food. There wasn't even any red wine.
"I don't think so," Olmedo said.
Princess Sails, Olmedo, and Idelia had also come to visit Deepwinter Territory.
It was the rainy season on the Allen Continent. The heavy damp made them feel as though they were breathing mist. The dry air of the Northern Frontier was far more comfortable.
"You don't understand... Deepwinter Territory has nothing left."
Lady Deepwinter said no merchant caravan had visited in half a month. There were many reasons. Unable to swallow Deepwinter Territory, the Ratfolk were devouring the surrounding regions, turning Deepwinter Territory into an island. And Deepwinter Territory had nothing to offer except Rat Meat.
Demons had not appeared in a long time. Otherwise, they could at least have traded demon iron to Merchants for supplies, even at steep prices.
"Where are you going next?"
Lady Deepwinter was asking Annan about his plans.
"I meant to visit the Black Iron Mountains, but Ratfolk and Demons are swarming all over them... So I'll probably return to Free City. The Expeditionary Army has accomplished its goal."
Hunt Ratfolk? They could never kill them all. Reclaim the Old Land? Their little force could do nothing of the sort.
The women went on to talk about their experiences.