"Alright, we are all set to leave now."
The whole group had gathered beneath the only large tree in the entire camp. This was the same tree that had once been the home to thousands of ants. Until now.
Carved deep into the bark of the tree were bold and deep words.
'The Merrick Barony Was Here'
And beneath the first line were the names of everyone from the barony.
First came the Baron. Then Theo. Then Clara. Then Elias.
When they were done and were just about to leave, a white flash crossed their vision. Theo blinked and noticed yet another deep cut at the end of Elias's name.
"You wanted to record that you were here too, glutton?" Theo asked with a grin. The more he acknowledged the mantis's growing level of intelligence, the happier and prouder he felt.
"That's a good idea," the Baron spoke with a nod. "Attendants, have your beasts leave their mark as well. They worked just as hard with us."
