"Not so, sah" Nellie tittered before she could stop herself. "The kingdom is more than the capitol, and the colonies will neva' back anybeast not from the royal family." Everett closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing and the unsteady way the train was moving. Was she right? Unlikely. Back before the clans had united, each clan had backed their strongest or wisest cat capable of leading. What did he really bring to the table? "Your Highness...may I dress your wound? They teach the tradesbeasts all the basics, and I know I can keep that from reopenin'."
Everett barely noticed the meekness of Nellie, and without a second thought nodded, as if he was used to servants asking such questions. "Ah, go ahead."
"I'm sure there is a arrowhead lodged in my shoulder and the rest of me... Well, I think I'll survive the scratches." His voice was now strangely calm. Like everything that had happened didn't phase him at all. A very different reaction from when he nearly broke down sobbing in the alley from earlier. "When will we reach Sir Kosovo's abode? Nightfall? Tomorrow morning?" He waited for her response while yanking the remaining sleeve on his tunic off and wrapping it around his right forearm where a particularly deep gash was. He had trouble tying it.
"I wonder where the wolf got off to, eh?" He was mumbling now, trying hard to keep himself from blacking out again.