This chapter is really short, so forgive me!

The Iron Tower was cold and dark. Small torches lit the room they were in. Maerad saw many doors, and a staircase. Hem began to run up the stairs, and Maerad followed.

Maerad could feel Sharma's presence. It was overpowering.

"He's at the top," Maerad said with certainty.

Hem shot her a harsh glance. "Be quiet, he'll hear you!" He whispered.

"Good. I'd rather him come to us," Maerad replied coldly.

They continued running up the spiral stair case. It seemed to never end. Maerad's legs screamed in protest as she ignored her pain and kept running. The tower, she noticed was very dull, except for the occasional statue that appeared in the wall while they ran. Maerad looked at Hem, who was running with a look of persistence on his face.

Finally, after what seemed like ages of steps, the stair case ended. At the end of the hallway was a door, and Maerad knew that Sharma was inside. Hem held the tuning fork in one hand, and Irigan in the other. Maerad held her lyre, and steadied Eled in her hand as they walked cautiously towards the door. Hem put the tuning fork in his pocket and put his hand on the door knob. He turned to Maerad.

"No matter what happens, I you will always be my sister. And I will always love you," He said, meeting Maerad's gaze.

"And you will always be my little brother, tall you may be, and I will always love you," Maerad replied. She pulled Hem into an embrace, careful to make sure her sword was away from him.

They parted, and Hem turned the door knob and swung open the door.