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"Agreed." You say with determination, holding his gaze until he blinks, then looking back at the map again. "We'll find him and help him if we can. But right now..." Your gaze drifts over the map once more as you consider their position. "...Our priority should be getting back to the capital with haste."

You look up at Augustine, meeting his eyes meaningfully. "What say you? Can you think of anything that'd be faster?"

You can sense the urgency radiating off Augustine. "Yes, you're right. The capital should be our priority." He pauses, considering his options before nodding firmly. "We could try to find a faster route back, perhaps bypassing some of the more dangerous areas or making use of an abandoned roadway known only to locals? It might save us valuable time."

"An excellent suggestion." You glance at the map again, searching for promising alternative routes before looking back at him. "Though we should keep an eye out for any signs of danger, even if they aren't marked on our current maps." Your hand strays to your sword hilt as you speak, reminding both of you that safety is not guaranteed in these treacherous lands.

Nodding your agreement, you turn to check the road again and spot a rough track leading off into the woods that's marked as 'unmaintained'. "We might want to consider this path too," you say to him, pointing it out on the map. "It could save us even more time."

You can feel your heart racing with anticipation, eager to find some sign of your friend and help him in his time of need.

You glance at the unmaintained path, then at Augustine. "Let's consider it," you say with determination in your voice. While haste is important, getting distracted could prove costly as well. Together, you begin to plot out a course that takes advantage of both speed and safety on the map. As you do so, one last thought crosses your mind: Perhaps they can find some way to aid each other once their respective journeys converge upon the capital.