The general's brows knotted together in thought, dipping his maw lower as he began to picture "Thomas'" face in his head.

"Yes, if he were from the Ministry or the rebellion, he would have either killed me already or taken me back. But if he is a spy within Faholgal...Tell me, how long does it take to become a soldier of Faholgal? I know they are rather strict on records."

The question that was probing Antonis' mind was where Thomas had come from and for what information. Certainly he's heard more than one should know, especially between himself and Draco...Murdoc as well. Where was that wolf anyway?

Was there something Antonis was overlooking? He had a strong feeling that this was the case, and it frustrated him to no end. He could only imagine Carvahall's feeling on the matter. Johnson...Thomas was one of his men. To have that trust broken was disgraceful, especially to a Faholgal captain.

"Years... Depending on age and birthright." Viggo stated, briefly glancing over toward Aidan before returning it to Antonis. "Noblemen and royalty become soldiers much faster than a man of different lineage. Not because of privilage, but because they are taught at a younger age." He flinched as he felt skin tighten just before Debalora finished. He wondered it if always felt that way and if everyone else endured the same thing if they were healed. "If I had to guess, Thomas or his affiliates had changed the records somehow to get him in."

Debalora arched a brow as she lightly rubbed Viggo's side where the wound was. Seeing that the wound was completely healed and fur regrown, she inspected him for further injury.

Both ears folded back as Debalora listened to Viggo, thinking over all the possibilities of who Thomas was and whom he served. "He was gone only a day, right?"

Viggo quirked a brow and looked up to Deba. "A day and a half, but yes."

"Where could he have gone and returned in that amount of time?"

"There is no large fortress or headquarters surrounding this town...not for at least two days worth of travel." Antonis said to the air, resting his head back as he thought.

Aidan frowned as he looked at the three of them pondering. If there weren't anything around the town, then what was? It was familiar on the map from when he saw one earlier at the inn. Something from a while ago. Another glance at Antonis and it suddenly came to Aidan what he was trying to remember.

"Wasn't your mansion somewhere to the east from here, Mrs. Pardia?" he asked quietly. Antonis turned his head towards Aidan, making him jump a little to his speculations. "Er...that is...I just recalled it was the nearest thing...to this town..." he supported quickly, not wanting his suggestion taken harshly.

Viggo looked back to Aidan as he spoke, but soon looked back up to Debalora. He knew this area well enough, but he wasn't aware of any mansions. But that doesn't mean there wasnt one, he wasn't with them when they were still at Debalora's mansion.

Debalora's brow lowered and sat back on her heels. "That's what I was thinking." She looked over toward Aidan, then to Antonis. "And if that is where he went, than that means the ministry is not our only enemy right now."

"As in who?" Viggo questioned with a frustrated scowl. "Are you saying 'your' mansion is somehow occupied by some new force that is capable of not only spying on us but infiltrating Faholgan military?"

Antonis frowned, thinking back to Debalora's other son, who had, at the time, 'kicked' them out forcefully. That was the last he had seen or heard from him. That boy was dangerous...something in his eyes...

"I do not wish to speculate. But it is priority to inform Draco that there may be other spies like Thomas within Faholgal, whether they are alliances with the Ministry or using the war as a weapon." Antonis rationalized, turning his head towards Carvahall.

"I understand Draco gave you strict order to help us, but if you feel you must go back to Faholgal with this news..." he paused, lowering a brow. Antonis would have rather gone himself to Faholgal, though dangerous as it was as many would recognize him (especially if they were war veterans). But he had to communicate with Draco. He had to know what was going on in Faholgal territory. The same could be said for the rebellion. This new development was detrimental, causing Antonis to feel 'in the dark'. And he was, all things considering. Many things could change within a day...like it did for them.

Viggo felt comfortable enough to sit up, giving Debalora a quick nod to thank her for healing him. "After we leave tomorrow, we should reach the next nearest town, within a few days if we keep our pace constant and without delay. Its on the borders of Faholgal, but there should be Faholgan soldiers stationed there."

"Will you be the one sending the message to Draco?" Debalora asked.

"To be honest, I would feel more secure if I remained with you. I'll have one of my soldiers send word to Draco. We might even encounter soldiers on the way, especially if Draco has heard word of the attack upon this town."

A grunt was heard from Antonis. "If there are Faholgal soldiers stationed, then it would be easier to have Carvahall with you for secure passage." he reasoned, although it caused Aidan to twitch an ear.

"You?" Aidan repeated questionably.

"Yes...you. I think it's high time I meet Draco on his own turf. Murdoc and I will lead you to the next town before we depart alone."

Viggo's brow lowered, but gave an acknowledging nod. "As you wish, General. I'll ensure the soldiers know of your presence and allow you to pass through Faholgan border without question."

Debalora's brow lowered as well, but straightened her back uneasily. "You're leaving us again. With all that has happened, just now, you want to leave again? I know Draco needs to be informed, but Faholgan soldiers can easily do it. We've already lost Brandon because we couldn't stay together, now you want to leave?" She spoke quickly. She may have been overreacting, but since Brandon was taken Debalora has felt more protective of Antonis.

Antonis grimaced as he heard the hurt in Debalora's voice. He understood that this wasn't a good time...especially for her after losing Brandon. "You know it's more complicated than that, Debalora." He said, shaking his head gravely. "Do not speak as if I am abandoning you. Dismiss the very idea."

As Aidan saw Antonis lifting a hand to rub his forehead, he took that moment to look towards Debalora with a small smile, "I'm sure Draco is curious about us. He and Antonis could talk about a lot of things that couldn't be said from a letter or from a soldier." he tried reassuring, but still found Debalora to be in the same gloom. His smile soon faded gently with a small sigh. Of course he was worried about Antonis and Murdoc leaving them again...but this decision was beyond him. This was a military matter, and Aidan had understood the difference it had with personal affairs, especially for Antonis. The General had tried keeping a fine balance, but Aidan knew him stick to old ways at times.

But Antonis' decisions to keep Murdoc with him were curious. Murdoc had clearly left the Ministry and yet Antonis kept the wolf well informed in his discussions with Draco or spoke with him of strategic decisions. Aidan knew Murdoc to be talented where militia strategy came in, but he never thought Antonis would have welcomed it if he didn't know it himself. Unless it was on purpose.

"Why take Murdoc with you?" Aidan asked quietly after his musings. Antonis tilted his head slightly to the question, silent as he thought of an answer.

"The wolf has been titled a General but he hardly acts like one. It's time he understand the responsibility."