Allen had been driven into a corner by Catherine's oath and the phylactery.0

The lich was gravely wounded. His phylactery had been stolen. They had the assistance of a legendary powerhouse, the elven queen herself. If they still refused to march, he would be branded a coward for life. Worse, he might be dragged before the Tribunal. In Lyon, cowardice in the face of battle warranted no less than ten years' imprisonment.0

And yet, would that terrifying lich truly commit such a blunder? How could something as vital as a phylactery possibly be stolen?0

Wait. The phylactery…0

Allen suddenly recalled something from the journey home from Alkhemia. His father had been escorting an entire carriage filled to the brim with confiscated items. Allen distinctly remembered him muttering under his breath, "This lich is absurd. How could he possibly have so many phylacteries?!"0

At the time, Allen had been under accusation himself and dared not ask questions. He had assumed he misheard.0

But thinking back now… Surely the entire carriage hadn't been filled with phylacteries?0

He...0