Sea

"What casualties did we suffer?" Hendrick asked a soldier as he stepped out into the street.

"Two soldiers were struck down in the fighting. There are a number of bruised ponies and broken bones, and Captain Somerset's been slightly injured. With the medical staff we have, the wounded should be back to combat-ready status quite soon."

Hendrick nodded. "And of the prisoners?"

"None of them have responded to any questioning yet. I'm sure they'll be much more compliant in the Royal Court."

Hendrick nodded again. "That's all I will need from you soldier. Dismissed. Report to the ship, then enjoy your leave."

The soldier nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you, sir."

Hendrick just smiled as the stallion galloped off.

There wasn't much activity inside the building at this point. The entrance to the underground hall had been boarded and sealed, and the owners of the building had been questioned and taken prisoner. It had been converted into a makeshift triage center, where the few wounded soldiers could easily be treated by their squad medic. Somerset sat in the corner, a white gauze over his wound. A small bit of red seeped through, but he still wore a rather jovial expression as he chatted with his sister, who sat next to him listening with rapt attention.

"Did you really make it through one of the Barrier squalls?" Cross asked. "Didn't you say they were impossible to survive?"

Somerset chuckled. "Well, I'm hear now, right? But, yes, we did get caught in one of the Barrier squalls when we were patrolling a bit too close." He smiled a cocky grin. "Almost tore the foremast off, but the Eagle's too good a mare for that."

Cross looked warmly at him. "So, what's next?" she asked.

Somerset stretched, his bones popping. He winced at the pain in his stab wound, having forgotten it was there. "Well, dearie, next is getting you to heal this wound already."

Cross shrugged indifferently. "You'd just go running back to the Eagle."

"Yes!" Somerset said. "And then I wouldn't be stuck in here!"

Cross nuzzled her brother. "Tell you what. If you promise to at least stop by home first to say goodbye to Ma, I'll do it."

Somerset sighed. "I promise," he said in the most deadpan voice he could muster. Cross hopped excitedly at this, bringing a small smile to his face. He raised his hoof and gently patted her head. Her horn lit up with a golden glow, and within seconds, the wound was closed. She undid the gauze, revealing bare - but healed - skin. Cross nodded, satisfied with her work. "Bet you don't have any healers onboard as good as I am, do you?"

Somerset stood up. "Right. Let's go meet Ma, shall we?"

Cross nodded enthusiastically... before being almost knocked over by somepony knocking into her.

"Hmm?" Twilight raised her head. Her eyes were very noticeably faded, her mane was frayed and dirty, and her coat was covered in brown and red markings. She looked like - and felt like - an utter mess. "Oh." she said unenthusiastically. "Good afternoon, Cross. Sorry for bumping into you."

"It's fine!" Cross said dismissively with a smile plastered onto her face. "You don't look very good today."

Twilight grunted. "I'll get out of your hair. I was just -"

"No, don't worry about it." Somerset stepped in and put a hoof over her shoulder. "You look like you could use a rest. Goddess knows what that monster did to you down there."

Cross butted in. "You should come back with us! I'm sure Ma wouldn't mind you staying over another night. Just try not to have another one of those episodes."

Twilight nodded slowly. "Thanks." she said flatly.

An awkward pause.

"So, do you want to go now, or..." Somerset said, his voice trailing off.

"Let's go." Cross affirmed. The two walked out the door and started making their way down the streets, Twilight following a few feet behind.