"Alternis! Edea! Get cleaned up, it's time for dinner!"

Both of them looked up at Einheria's call, and Mephilia, who had been watching, looked up as well. After a pause, Alternis dismissed his sword and armor, reverting back to his ordinary clothing. "You've gotten really good at that," Mephilia commented.

"It's just practice." He looked over at Edea. "And you've gotten good at handling the sword."

"Not as good as I'd like to be," she lamented. "Is it just me, or are those slacks a little short on you?"

He made a face. "Not again."

"Aww, big brother's growing up too fast," Mephilia teased, ruffling his hair.

Einheria gave her a look as they entered the small house. "Have you seen Artemia?"

"She'll be in soon enough," Mephilia said. "Mother, I'll give you a hand." She went into the kitchen.

"Wash your hands first!" Einheria called after her. "Alternis, could you let the sage know?"

"Sure." He headed toward the sage's study, where he often spent his days working. Edea fell into step behind him. This time, instead of hearing the hum of his sewing machine, soft voices could be heard. "Sage?" he asked, knocking.

Edea pushed the door open, and the voice became clear. "Then do that. Afterwards, you'll have to leave."

"Is that safe?" A woman's-no, a girl's-voice.

"No, especially not if you have to travel alone. But I don't think we have much of a choice. Florem will be safer for you than there. They won't be able to protect you."

"I understand. I'll get started today."

"Good girl. I'll let you know if anything changes." The sage stood up from the bucket of water he had been looking into, and Alternis had the pleasure of seeing him jump as he spotted them. "How long have you been there?"

"Dinner's ready," Edea told him cheerily.

"Who was that?" Alternis asked. "Is she in trouble?"

"No worse trouble than we're all in, child." The sage picked up his staff, moving to the door with his usual slow steps. "Forget you heard anything."

"She sounded like she needed help," Edea said.

"As I said, like we all do."

Einheria already had the table set by the time they got out there, and Artemia had shown up as well, so dinner began as soon as Mahzer and Mephilia brought everything out. Edea, however, wasn't willing to let her subject go. "So who was that you were talking to, sage?"

"Oh, the sage was having a private conversation?" Mephilia was delighted. "A girl that might actually return your affections?"

"Yes, child," Sage said, "she's a girl that thinks quite highly of me."

"What an unusual occurrence."

Edea fixed the sage with a gaze. "No she isn't. You were helping her out with something. Giving her instructions."

"On how to attract the company of a handsome man. If you're interested-"

Mahzer laughed at that. "Edea's still a child, sage."

"Mother! I'm fifteen!"

"Then, sage," Alternis asked, "what did you mean by saying she was in no more trouble than the rest of us? Is Eternia after her?"

He sighed, putting down his fork. "I was hoping you wouldn't have to find out about this."

"Has something happened, sage?" Mahzer asked.

"I heard from one of my contacts recently," he said, closing his eyes. "Brigh is still alive. She's recovered now, and she's starting to move her plans forward again."

Alternis's mouth dropped open. "She's still alive? How? I saw her fall."

"Your guess is as good as mine, child. She may have nothing short of the devil's luck. What concerns me more is that if she's still alive, the Earth Crystal is in danger again, as are the others."

"What is she trying to do?" Einheria asked.

"She's attempting something called the Grand Ritual," Alternis said. "But I don't know what exactly that consists of. Why is she doing that, sage?"

"For the same reasons many humans fall into darkness. She thinks it'll give her power and eternal life," he sighed, resting his chin in one hand. "Of course, that isn't the truth of it."

"What is the truth of it?"

He didn't answer. "So then, I guess you were talking to that girl in order to stop whatever that lousy vestal is planning," Edea said. "Who is she?"

The sage sighed again. "She's the youngest of the vestals, the vestal of the Wind Temple. I've asked her to put the Wind Crystal into dormancy, and then go to Florem and help the vestal there do the same."

Einheria frowned. "Put it into dormancy? What will that achieve?"

"It will make it more difficult for Brigh to go forward with her plan," the sage said.

"Even if you discount the fact that Eternia might be after her, a trip all the way to Florem from Ancheim is difficult." Alternis frowned. "You want to send this girl alone?"

"No, but I don't see where I have any other options. She can't take her people with her, they stand out too much. And even if I could reach Kamiizumi, he stands out too much as well."

"Then send us," Edea said. "Alternis and me. It's been five years since Eternia last saw us-they shouldn't be able to recognize us at all."

"Absolutely not," the sage said. "Your training is nowhere near completed. It's far too dangerous."

"Then, sage," Mahzer spoke up, "I suppose it'll be all right if I go with them?"

He jerked back from her as if she'd slapped him. "What? No, Mahzer, absolutely not! The children at least can defend themselves, but might I remind you that Eternia is probably still looking for you? I'm sure Brigh would still consider you a danger to her plan."

"Yes, and now that they can defend themselves, there's no more need for me to hide, now is there?" she replied with a smile.

"Mahzer, dear, that doesn't stop the fact that you would still be in danger. I promised Braev that I would keep you safe. How do you expect me to do that if you leave?"

"And I thank you for that. But I'm not willing to let Brigh destroy our world, either. It's partly my responsibility that this happened in the first place."

"No, Mahzer, no one could say that. Do not blame yourself."

"Regardless, I'm not willing to hide when there's something I can do," she replied. "If we have to put the crystals into dormancy, then I can handle the Earth Crystal. I haven't forgotten how."

"And if I told you that you were heading to your death before you ever reached Eternia?" the sage asked softly.

"We won't let her be injured, or killed," Alternis spoke up. "We'll protect her."

Mahzer smiled again. "When did you become such a doom-sayer, sage? We'll be fine. I have my children with me."

"We'll all go, then," Einheria spoke up. "The three of us were born in Florem. We still know the area. And besides, sneaking a group of girls into Florem will be no problem at all." She looked to Alternis with a frown. "Though that means you'll have to stay behind."

"No!" He was on his feet before he knew it. "I'm not being separated from the rest of you again."

"So just dress him as a girl," Edea said, chewing on the tines of her fork. "He's pretty enough."

Einheria looked at Alternis, arching an eyebrow, and he shrugged in response. For all he cared, he could go into Florem naked.

"I suppose I can't talk you out of this, no matter what I say," the sage said. "If I ever die, Braev will have my head on a stick in the afterlife, I'm sure. Then I'll give you instructions. I'll tell the girl to meet you at the port town by the sea, north of Ancheim. She should be able to make her way through the desert at least. The ships will be too closely watched, so you'll have to take the route through the Miasma Woods to get to Florem. From there, you'll have to find the Water Vestal, and instruct her to put the crystal into dormancy and put a shield around it. And likewise with the Fire Vestal. Those two should be your priority-if Brigh gets to them first, she'll undoubtedly kill them and set her people around the crystals."

"She won't just try and use the Earth Crystal by itself?" Einheria asked.

"No, I doubt she'll be able to. By itself, its power is not enough. But she could still leech off the others using her vestal's power, if they're not put to sleep. Plus, it's possible that Braev's barrier is still in place around the Earth Crystal, given that she hasn't made any moves before now. Once the other three are safe, you can think about getting into Eternia. Do you understand, children?"

As one, they nodded, and the sage got up from his seat. "I suppose I'd better get in contact with her again, then."

The sage had lent them a vehicle, and a plethora of women's clothing for the trip. The frilly stuff looked like it would be difficult to move around in, so Alternis stayed in regular clothes for the trip into the Harena region. The oppressive, still heat made him wish he had his armor on, but it was far too distinctive to risk it for a little comfort. "There's a campground for caravans around the edge of town," Einheria said, "so let's park there. Now, how do we find our girl?"

"He gave us a description, but it's not much to go by," Alternis said, "and this town isn't exactly three houses and a dock, either. Should we split up?"

"That's a good idea," Edea agreed. "Alternis and me, and Mephilia and Artemia. Einheria, you stay here with Mother."

"Of course. I'll guard her with my life." She made a gesture with the walking stick she was carrying. Her actual lance would've been too obvious, so it was buried in their luggage, along with Braev's-Edea's-sword. Alternis had no doubt she could do serious damage with the mere wooden pole, though.

"We'll take the shore side," Mephilia said. "It'll be easier for Artemia to hear there, and city life is just so bad for my skin, you know."

Einheria gave her a look, but Edea nodded. "We'll go into the center of town and start there, then. Let's meet up back here before the sun sets. If we don't find her, we'll have to start bright and fresh early tomorrow."

Mephilia nodded, then turned and left, Artemia bounding along behind her. "They can take care of themselves now, especially together," Edea said to Alternis. "Let's go."

He let her lead the way into the sandy streets, their footsteps muffled. "Are you all right without your sword?" he asked her in a low voice.

"If I need it, lend me one of yours." She looked around. "So many people. How do you suppose we're going to find who we're looking for?"

"She should be alone." Most of the girls close to their age that he was seeing were with other people, which helped narrow it down. "I wonder if he thought to give her our names and descriptions."

"That would be helpful, wouldn't it?" Edea peered down a back alley, and shuddered. "I'll be glad when we can leave this place. Though I wish we were back home."

"Where we came from? Or where you were born?"

"Where I was born. I know it sounds strange to say, but… I miss that horrible weather."

"No, I understand. I was born there too." They walked in silence for a bit. "I wonder if our sisters feel the same way about where they were born."

"I didn't even know they were born there. I wonder how they ended up in Eternia. They've never talked about it."

"If you were to ask, I'm sure they'd tell you. You are sisters."

"Yes, but I don't need to know." She got close to him, grabbing his hand. "There are things that happened to you that I don't need to ask about, either. You're my big brother, and that's all that matters. If you want to talk about them, I'll listen. But you don't have to push yourself."

He knew exactly what she was talking about. He hadn't spoken about anything that had happened to him during his time as the Earth Temple's prisoner to his family, and had only given the sage direct, relevant details when asked. They didn't need to be burdened by his memories. That was his to shoulder. "Looks like we've gotten to the center," Edea said, pointing ahead.

Alternis had figured that they would've built the town around a well or some kind of watering hole, like many of the desert towns, but he guessed they didn't bother with the freshwater sea so close to town. Instead, a statue honoring some person he didn't know was solidly positioned in the center, dividing the traffic that moved through at a brisk pace. Chatter of all kinds rose from all corners-buying, selling, catching up with friends, having an argument, discussing a deal. Among all the movement, a moment of stillness caught his eye - a single figure in a cloak, looking up at the statue as if trying to discern its secrets.

Alternis walked over, Edea following behind. The person turned as he approached, but with the hood down, he couldn't see the face. "Are you alone?" he asked her.

"I am waiting for someone," she said, clear dismissal in her tone. But the voice was the same, holding the formality of temple training, the formality his mother still used sometimes.

"I think you might be waiting for us," he replied. "You came from the south, right?"

She looked at him again, then pushed up the hood for a better look. She matched the sage's general description, but it was the eyes that caught his attention - deep brown, and unwavering. "The sage sent us," Edea told her. "If he told you to come here as well, will you come with us?"

"Very well." She let the hood drop again, apparently satisfied with what she'd seen, and fell into step between them.

Now that she was in their company, Alternis's senses went into high alert, looking for any possible sign of danger. A few times, it felt as if someone was watching them, but unable to locate any specific trouble, he didn't say anything on it.

The sun was starting to dip when they made it back to the campground, and Mahzer had already started a fire and was roasting something Artemia had caught. "Welcome back," she greeted Alternis and Edea before turning to the girl. "You honor us with your presence," Mahzer said, giving her a bow.

"And I with yours," she replied in kind, giving a bow of her own.

"Have a seat by the fire," Edea said, "it gets cold at night. Oh, you probably already know that. So your name is Agnes, right? That's a pretty name."

Agnes took a seat next to Edea, sitting with her legs folded underneath her. "That is correct."

"I'm Edea," she said, "and this is Alternis, and our mother, Mahzer. And that's Einheria on top of the vehicle. Say hi, Einheria."

The girl briefly waved her stick, but did not look away from her vigil. "We have two other sisters, they should be here soon. Did the sage tell you about us?"

"Briefly. I am to understand that you will be my escort to Florem?"

"That's right. We're supposed to meet up with the Water Vestal when we're there. Do you know who she is?"

"I am familiar with her, yes. We have met in person a few times, and exchanged letters."

"Great. We'll be relying on you. Don't worry; we'll definitely get you to Florem safe and sound. Oh, there's Mephilia and Artemia. Hi, you two!" Edea waved cheerfully."

"You beat us to her," Mephilia said with a mock pout, sitting down on Agnes's other side. "Hello, pretty girl."

Agnes stared for a moment, then recovered. "I am Agnes Oblige. An honor to meet you."

Mephilia giggled at the formal response. "Dinner!" Artemia said, taking one of the kebabs from the fire and gnawing on it, regardless of the temperature. She offered one to Agnes, who refused politely with a wave of her hand.

Satisfied that the vestal was safe enough among the girls, Alternis climbed onto the vehicle with Einheria, scanning the landscape. From up there, they had a decent view of the nearby edge of the city and the desert on the other side. "There are no major caravans moving this time of year," she said, "so we have some degree of privacy."

"Have you seen anything suspicious?"

"No. But I can't shake the feeling that Eternia is here. Perhaps because I'm expecting them to be. But if they already know about the vestal, I don't see why they wouldn't just kill her in the desert."

"That's true. Still, Father always said to trust your instinct, so let's be on alert." Alternis looked back down at the group. Mahzer was handing Agnes some fruit while Edea distributed the kebabs. "I'll go get you something to eat, and then we can switch off. My night vision is better than yours."

"Do you think we should have a watch overnight?"

"It wouldn't hurt. I'll switch off with Artemia during the night. We have to protect this girl, so let's take it seriously."

"I always take things seriously."

"I know. That's what makes you a good big sister." Alternis twirled one of his fingers in his hair, a habit he'd picked up since Eternia. "You know, I never thanked you."

"For what?"

"For protecting Mother and our sisters when… it happened. You kept them safe until you all made it to the sage's place."

"I didn't do much; Mr. Kamiizumi met up with us in town and got us onto a ship. Besides, no need to thank me. They're my family, too."

"I know, but I feel responsible that I wasn't able to be there. I'm the man of the family, now."

"Don't give me that man and woman nonsense," she snorted, "I'm older than you and I've been training just as long."

He smiled at that. "Understood, big sister."