Once the two had calmed down, the three of them discussed their next move again.
Sovell snapped a branch off a tree and began drawing on the ground.
A triangle represented Caerleon, and a circle marked their position.
Next, he drew an arrow from the circle toward the triangle, connecting the two.
"I suggest we go straight to Caerleon and find Sir Ector."
Then Sovell drew a square closer to the circle and put a check mark over it.
"The three of us could certainly take this place together, but taking it wouldn't do us any good. We don't have enough people to keep a manor running.
Besides, with the terrain here, we'd easily end up isolated without support."
With that, he changed the check mark into a large cross.
He drew a circle around the triangle representing Caerleon, then added an arrow pointing toward the square.
"We'd be better off conserving our strength and raising an army in Caerleon. Then we counterattack!"
In fact, Sovell had another reason for proposing that they go to Caerleon-
Even if Sir Ector had indeed died for his country, Kay, as first in line to inherit his title, would also have authority over Caerleon.
But Sovell left that unsaid, not wanting to rub salt into their wounds.
Artoria regained her composure as heir to the throne and said:
"We'll put it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hands."
All three raised their hands.
"All opposed, raise your hands."
No one raised a hand.
"The motion passes. Our next destination is Caerleon."
The three returned to the ruined town to gather their carriage and belongings.
Horses were valuable resources on the battlefield, indispensable whether as mounts in combat or for transporting supplies.
And horses were herd animals with certain social behaviors.