I rearranged the order so that the Plays Templates and Investigations are last in the list of chapters. I thought this would help the flow of the chapters better.

Part Five

"I was wondering something."

"Eh?" Caesar looked at him. "What is it?"

"Our weapons weren't confiscated in any of the townships we went through," Daunte said. They had both woken up early and were observing the sunrise on the eastern bridge of Brass Castle. "And even the escort we'll be getting from Lady Chris and the Zexan Knights is more of a courtesy than a precaution. It feels like the restrictions in these regions aren't as tight as they are in Falena, Toran, and Dunan. I wonder why?"

"It's a combination of a lot of things," Caesar said. "There's so many free nations pressed together in this region that it would be nonsensical to have soldiers tail you when you're breezing across borders. That, and since both Zexan and the Grasslands are currently in conflict with Tinto, they probably can't spare the people."

"…That makes sense," Daunte said after a moment.

"Since we have a moment I'll give you some more details about the True Rune users in this area," Caesar said. "You've met Lady Chris, and you saw her True Water Rune. Her father, Wyatt Lightfellow, was her predecessor. He fought in the First Fire Bringer War over 50 years ago with the original Flame Champion and Geddoe, that mercenary I've told you about before. He had to abandon his family when the Howling Voice Guild sent an assassin after him and he lived in Karaya Village under the name Jimba."

"Howling Voice Guild," Daunte said. "Barō belongs to the Howling Voice Guild."

"That he does," Caesar said. "But I don't think he was the assassin that was sent after Chris's father. He's too young to have been that assassin. It was probably either Clive or Cathari that they sent. Maybe even that Zaj Quilous that Barō is looking for, but he may have been too young as well."

"Is he dead?" Daunte asked.

"Yes," Caesar said solemnly. "He lost his life during a struggle with Luc to unseal the True Water Rune. Chris took up the True Water Rune in the aftermath and has carried it ever since."

"I'm sorry she lost her father like that," Daunte said. "She seems to be a capable leader despite the tragedies she has suffered."

"Yes, as is Hugo, the current Flame Champion and wielder of the True Fire Rune. Karaya Village was burned down at the onset of the Second Fire Bringer War and he witnessed the murder of his best friend, Lulu. Despite his young age though, he lived up to the name of the Flame Champion and led the Army to victory and saved the world."

Daunte shook his head, a hard lump forming in his throat. "Why does it feel like the people who bear True Runes have nothing but tragedy following their paths?"

Caesar shrugged. "When you wield the power that created the world, it's both a blessing and a curse. I can't speak from experience though as I've never had a True Rune attached to me."

Daunte looked down at the Rune of Restoration on his hand. "…I've already had enough tragedy even before this Rune chose me. I could do without any more."

"Don't worry," Caesar reassured him. "I'm here to make sure that you're successful. And you will be successful, my Lord."

Daunte smiled. "Thank you, Caesar."

"Hey!"

Daunte looked over his shoulder and saw Roen and Felicity running towards them. "There you two are!" Roen said when they got close. "The Zexan Knights are mobilizing! Lady Chris will be leading them to march in a half-hour!"

"So then we better be going in a half-hour," Caesar said.

"I'll go get Arin—" Daunte began but Felicity waved a hand. "Oh, he's in the armory with Louis. He's been asking a ton of questions at rapid-fire. I guess it's really cool for Arin to meet someone who shares his Star. I think he's overwhelming Louis but Louis's esteem seems to have risen with other knights since someone's fawning over him like he's famous."

"Allise is hanging out with that one guy she shares a Star with," Roen said. "Salome, was it? I heard a bunch of the knights gossiping. Everyone seems to think that they're in a relationship."

Good thing Gunther isn't here, Daunte thought dryly.

"Varnaz must have finished sparring with Leo then," Caesar said. "Then Fred and Rico—"

"We're here!" Fred shouted, racing towards them with Rico stumbling behind him. "Don't leave without us!"

"Oh, I won't leave you behind," Daunte said. "That's a promise."

"Karaya Village is closest to our current position," Caesar said. "And it's the closest Grasslands village to the Tinto border, where the bulk of the conflict is. We will probably find the leaders of the Grassland tribes there as well."

"So I'll be able to see work of an Alliance-style government," Daunte said, nodding.

"Let's go grab everyone so we can talk about our next move," Caesar said. "Because there's also one more place I want to add to our itinerary…"

While the Zexan Knights gathered on horseback, Daunte's group hovered nearby to speak discreetly amongst themselves. "The Zexan Knights are heading straight for the border," Caesar explained. "So we should break from them as soon as we're in close proximity to Karaya Village. I really want to introduce all of you to Hugo, however it would also be in our best interests as to not linger. Not only for our own sakes but because I imagine the Grassland Chiefs will also be heading southeast to the border. We'll observe but not interfere and delay them. Does that sound good to everyone?"

"Yes," Daunte immediately responded, nodding. "You mentioned the Duck Village and Chisha Village. What was the other place you wanted to visit?"

"Alma Kinan," Caesar said. "I hesitated in mentioning them because I didn't know if they had erected that barrier around the village again to repel outsiders, but I found out last night that they hadn't. They also have a new lottery stand."

"They erected a barrier around their village?" Felicity asked. "Why?"

"In the past it was because the seal for the True Water Rune was located there," Caesar explained. "Also, because the Alma Kinan tribe is made up almost entirely of women?"

"A-A tribe of just women?!" Varnaz exclaimed.

"Good thing Gunther isn't here," Allise muttered.

"Oh yes," Fred said cheerfully. "They're excellent warriors, too."

"H-How are they just women?" Roen asked. "Are they—i-is it magic? Do they grow from flowers or something?"

"Oh nothing so innocent," Caesar said. "They just simply mate with a human male and then kill them after conception."

The group gaped at him in horror for a long moment. "I…like the flower idea better," Arin said sadly.

"It's a really good thing Gunther isn't here," Allise said.

"But what happens if they give birth to a male baby?" Felicity asked.

Daunte immediately decided that he didn't want to know the answer to that question. "So that will be just a quick stop, right? As all the Grasslands Chiefs are on the march, are we essentially going to Alma Kinan, Duck, and Chisha villages to buy lottery tickets right?"

Caesar shrugged. "If we don't get sidetracked too terribly, then we should reach Chisha Village the day before the collective lottery drawing. That will allow us to buy our final tickets in Chisha, rest overnight there, and then retrace our steps back and cash our lottery tickets at the towns we bought them at. I am hoping that we return to Nagarea with at least 100,000 Potch in winnings for the Army."

"Which would be 1 million bits for our currency," Allise said, smiling. "Significantly more money than we had before."

"Or we could end up returning empty handed," Varnaz grumbled.

"Silver lining, we're already earning Potch with the random battles we're doing," Daunte said, raising a hand slightly. "Worst case scenario that the Army funds do come back with zero winnings I will take responsibility for the loss and personally replenish the Army's funds out of my own pocket."

"That's awfully generous of you Lord Daunte," Rico said with awe in her voice.

"That's because Brother's the best!" Arin cheered. Daunte blushed reflexively while the group laughed.

"It's time to go," Caesar said, nodding to the Zexan Knights moving.

"Right, let's go," Daunte said, taking Arin's hand. "We'll say our goodbyes to Lady Chris but keep our distance from the soldiers in the event we encounter Tinto forces along the way."

Chris was more than understanding that they would be parting ways and managed something of a smile for the group. "I wish you all the best in your future battles. May you see nothing but victory before you. With Caesar by your side though, you should be successful."

"Aw, thank you," Caesar laughed.

"Salome, aren't you going to say goodbye to your girlfriend?" Percival asked smugly. Salome blushed while the knights burst into laughter. Allise was also amused by the conversation at least.

They traveled southeast with the Knights through the Plains of Amur for two hours. No monsters or enemies even dare approach the massive army of advancing soldiers, which made Daunte both relieved and disappointed as he wanted to fight for experience. After two hours though, they left the Plains of Amur Caesar directed them towards the northeast instead of the southeast. Daunte and his group said their goodbyes to the Army and wished them good luck as they hurried north towards where Karaya Village would be. "It was razed before the war," Caesar reminded him. "But under Hugo's leadership they have rebuilt. I have heard the community is thriving even better than it had before."

"I'm glad," Daunte said.

They didn't travel far. Less than an hour from when they departed from the Knights they saw several dome huts sitting on a small plateau. Daunte heard overlapping conversations, but two soldiers blocked their path before they could ascend the hill. "No outsiders right n—"

"It's okay, please let them through," a young man's voice called from behind them.

"Heeeey, Hugo!" Caesar shouted, breaking from the group and racing up the hill. Surprised by his enthusiasm, Daunte and the others followed right behind him and into the square of Karaya Village. Dozens of people of different species wearing varying war outfits were standing around stretching, polishing weapons, or talking amongst themselves. Daunte saw Caesar clasping hands with a teenage boy with striking blonde hair and intense green eyes. Daunte almost faltered in his steps when he saw the other boy. Tha—That must be Hugo! The Flame Champion!

"Oh, Lord Daunte come here!" Caesar called out, waving to him. Daunte felt everyone's eyes on him and conversations ceasing as he approached Caesar and Hugo. "Hugo, this is Lord Daunte, Commander of Nagarea's Liberation Army."

"I heard about you in the letter Caesar wrote to me," Hugo said, smiling. He offered his hand to Daunte. "Welcome to our land. There are plenty of good people here."

"Thank you, I've enjoyed my visit," Daunte said, accepting his handshake. It was only a split second, but he realized too late that he was taking Hugo's hand with his own right hand. The Rune of Restoration glowed with the contact and Daunte squeezed his eyes shut. No! Rune of Restoration, please DO NOT do this now!

"I'll repeat it as long as it takes for you to understand. I won't forgive you!"

"Then stop me! Block the power of the True Rune."

Hugo's voice, and…another young man's voice, rattled in Daunte's ears but he willed the unwilling memory away and yanked his hand loose away from Hugo's. The contact broke and blessed silence settled over him as Daunte pressed his hand to his chest. His breathing was unsteady as he slowly opened his eyes. "I-I'm sorry," he said softly, meeting Hugo's stunned gaze. "That was…"

"Thank you for healing me," Hugo quickly interjected, raising his hands. "I didn't realize how fatigued I was until just now. So thank you."

Everyone around them relaxed, and Daunte heard several people exhale sharply. He looked around them at the different soldiers and a thought came to him. "I know you're all going to battle, and we can't officially help you but let me give everyone else a boost." he raised his right hand. "Howl."

The healing spell washed over the warriors, ands Daunte did see them straighten their postures. But the lizard warrior wearing a headdress huffed softly. "So, we have received our answer."

"Answer, Chief Dupa?" Caesar asked.

"We were in fact going to ask if you wanted to help us," Hugo confessed. "To be honest, we thought that was the true purpose of your letter Caesar. And we knew the Iron—Zexans," he quickly corrected himself. "Would be too prideful to ask for help. Seeing as we were once close allies, it didn't sting my pride to want to ask to help you.

"Of course, we all came to understand that you have a duty to serve the Army that you are currently part of. You have no obligation to us and so we will not ask you to help us. Although, thanks for the healing spell. It was appreciated."

"I know that you're about to leave so I won't get in your way," Daunte said. "I know that the Grasslands has an Alliance-style of government with the tribes here."

"Yes," Hugo said. "The Karaya Clan, led by me. The Lizard Clan, led by Chief Dupa. The Duck Clan, led by Sgt. Joe—"

"Unwillingly," the duck in question grumbled.

Hugo laughed but then covered it up with a cough. "The Alman Kinan Clan, led by Yuiri."

"I would prefer to never fight again, but my desire to not have another country invade the Grasslands supersedes my desire for a peaceful life," the woman in question said coldly. "After all, my tribe will not be at peace if Tinto invades the forest, will it?"

"And the Chisha Clan, led by Sana," Hugo finished, and an older woman stepped forward. "How very nice to meet all of you." she had a warm voice and a kind smile. Daunte felt at ease with her.

"To be brief, we have a triad alliance," Sgt. Joe said. "The Grasslands are united under political, military, and business coalitions. In the event we are threatened through any of these means, we meet under the same banner and voted in unity towards a common goal to reach a resolution."

"And as you can see, we voted most recently to take arms against Tinto," Hugo said grimly. "Which—I don't like. I know good people from Tinto, they helped us during the War. But President Gustav made a unilateral decision to expand Tinto's border into both Zexan and the Grasslands. After everything we've already been through, we are not going to put up with this."

"Do we know what Gustav's daughter thinks of this conflict?" Felicity asked.

"Lilly?" Hugo made a face. "I don't know. I haven't seen her on the front lines."

"Thank the spirits," Sgt. Joe sighed. "That girl is exhausting to be around."

"Oh, you won't see her on the front lines," Caesar said. "She ran away from home for the umpteenth time. Last I heard she's somewhere in Harmonia, with poor Reed and Samus chasing after her."

"I didn't like her for what little I saw of her," Yuiri said.

"I believe we have spoken enough though," Dupa said. "We must go and catch up with the Ironheads."

"We probably shouldn't refer to our allies in such a derogatory way anymore," Sana said cheerfully but Dupa shrugged. "I meant it complimentarily."

"We really do have to go," Hugo agreed. "But we agreed that our villages are open to you all while you're here. Enjoy the cuisine and clean environments."

"Oh, we're going to buy Lottery tickets!" Arin exclaimed.

Daunte gaped at him but Hugo shrugged. "Sounds good. I did the same during the war. Lord Daunte, could I speak to you before you leave?"

"S-Sure," Daunte said. "Caesar, come with me please."

Hugo waved them over to the largest hut in the village. They were followed inside by an older woman and an older gentleman. Daunte remembered Caesar spoke of them once. The woman had to be Lucia, Hugo's mother. And the man had to be Beecham, Hugo's lieutenant. "How can I help you?"

"You have a True Rune too, don't you?" Hugo asked him bluntly.

Daunte quickly looked around the room but neither Lucia nor Beecham stirred. He looked at Caesar, who did not look at all concerned by Hugo's question. Daunte debated if he should lie, but he knew that he shouldn't since he was truthful with Chris. "Yes," he responded. He peeled back his glove and showed him the Rune of Restoration. "This—"

"By the spirits!" Lucia cried out, and Daunte flushed as he realized she saw his hand. He quickly pulled the glove back on. "What happened to you, boy?! Who did that to you?!"

Her maternal tone caused tears to sting Daunte's eyes but he kept himself composed. "I'm fighting the people who did this to me." he left it at that.

"Good," Hugo said firmly. He showed Daunte his own right hand. Daunte saw an impressive red fire burst on his hand. "This is my True Rune, the True Fire Rune. When we shook hands I felt a…power from your Rune. What rune do you have?"

"The Rune of Restoration," Daunte said, rubbing the Rune over his glove. "The parent rune of the Resurrection Rune."

Hugo nodded. "That's a good True Rune to have. I hope it will aid you well."

"You became a leader," Daunte said suddenly. "Why?"

"Why?" Hugo looked confused. "Well…why not? I'm the son of a chieftain. I became the Flame Champion. I led an Army. And I love my people and want to keep them safe. Why would I not want to be a leader?"

"What my Lord means," Caesar said. "Is that we've spoken with heroes of past wars. Heroes who did not become leaders when they acheived victory. Because the outcomes have been so different for different people, he wants to see why one Commander refuses to leader their nation, while another Commander such as yourself takes the mantle as leader."

"Ah, that makes sense," Hugo said. He looked at Daunte. "I hope I answered your question."

"Y-You did," Daunte said, nodding. "Thank you."

"I hope you make those monsters pay," Hugo said. "I'd lend you my strength if I didn't already have obligations elsewhere."

"I understand, thank you."

"Do you need anything else before I go?"

"Um…" Daunte looked away briefly before looking back at him. "Where your lottery stand?"

The soldiers of the Grassland Clans left to meet up with the Zexan forces to continue battle with the Tinto forces. After they left a woman named Luce dragged the group to her hut and gave them a very large and hearty breakfast. Caesar discreetly told Daunte that she was the mother of Lulu, Hugo's friend who was murdered. But she was very maternal and lovely. Daunte had to stop himself from giving her a hug. Arin however did give her multiple hugs during their meal.

It was late morning when they left northwest towards the North Plains of Amur, after buying supplies and lottery tickets. Daunte's stomach was hurting from the amount of food Luce had given them, but once they entered the North Plains of Amur he was glad for the energy the food gave him from the sheer number of enemies they encountered on the plains. They weren't difficult to fight (and unfortunately the monsters did not drop a lot of Potch) but there were a lot of enemies to fight.

They left the plains and made their way to Duck Village by mid-afternoon. Daunte was charmed by the water-based town but tried not to stare at the duck population. He was still not used to seeing anthropomorphic ducks wearing clothes and speaking the common tongue. But they were a jovial bunch and Daunte bought lottery tickets at their boat stand.

"Thank the spirits the Chief is gone!" Wilder sighed. "We can relax now!"

"We can never relax around him!" Rhett agreed.

"Alma Kinan is more isolated than Chisha Village is," Caesar said as they left Duck Village. "But Chisha is further away. We should stop by Alma Kinan first, maybe even stay at their inn for the night. Then travel to Chisha, buy tickets, and then stay overnight for the drawing."

"You guys will love Kaput Forest," Fred said. "The monsters in the forest are amazingly difficult to fight!"

"We look forward to it," Allise said dryly.

Daunte was indeed glad for the challenge in Kaput Forest. The monsters weren't as difficult as they were in the East Forest, but they were harder than in other areas in the region. Caesar directed them to move north instead of east, where Daunte assumed the Alma Kinan village would be. The forest was thick and dark, and there were many winding twists and turns, and it was nearly dusk when they finally found themselves in Alma Kinan.

Well. They were right. There are no men here.

"Oh, hello!" A pleasant young woman approached them at the gate. "I recognize many of you! Lord Caesar, and Fred and Rico! We fought together three years ago!"

"Hello, Yumi," Caesar greeted her. "Don't mind us, we're just passing through. We met Yuiri earlier today. We're here to buy lottery tickets and stay at your inn before we head on to Chisha Village."

"You are all most welcome here," Yumi responded. "Here, come with me and I'll make sure you get a discount."

"Thank you, but we will pay full price," Daunte said. "It's the very least that we can go."

Yumi smiled at him. "You're a well-mannered young man. What's your name?"

"Daunte."

"Ah, hello Daunte. You must be the lord that Cae—"

"Daunte's engaged!" Arin announced loudly. Daunte slapped a hand over his eyes while Roen and Felicity laughed.

"Oh how delightful!" Yumi gushed. "Congratulations! Oh, how I wish I could come see your wedding!"

"What Star are you?" Arin asked her.

"Star? As in Star of Destiny? I was number 18, the Tenyu Star."

She shares a Star with Freyr, Daunte thought with a smile. I think Caesar said Hugo was number 14, the Tensyo Star, but I haven't found them yet.

"We should probably go and get our rooms at the inn," Varnaz said. "We've been traveling and fighting all day and we will be doing more of the same tomorrow."

"Agreed," Caesar said. "Let's go and relax before we have to head out again."

"I like this place," Allise said, looking around. "Maybe I should move here after the war is over."

"Not me," Fred said. "The fight for justice never ends. I must travel and fight until there is no more injustice in the world!"

Rico whimpered.

Daunte quickly bought lottery tickets and retreated to the inn. Truthfully he did want to explore Alma Kinan, but many of the citizens of the village who had stayed behind from the battle kept looking at him peculiarly. He didn't want to end up like the men Caesar had talked to them about before and he hid himself in his inn room. As did Varnaz.

They left the peaceful village the following morning and ventured back into Kaput Forest to head towards Chisha Village. In the first clearing however, Daunte tripped over a root sticking out of the ground. He fell onto his hands and knees, but the moment his right hand touched the grass the Rune of Restoration glowed. Oh no! Not again!

"Who's that?!"

Nash's shout startled Daunte deeply and his eyes snapped open. A burst of light appeared before him, and suddenly his right hand was resting on a black shoe. He looked up and gaped as he saw Yuber standing over him. But it was Yuber dressed in very different clothes. Gone was his Black Armor. Instead he was dressed in black clothing, with a black hat pulled over his eyes and his yellow hair tied in a tight plait. Daunte looked to his left and saw Nash standing in a fighting stance glaring. He saw Fred, Rico, Chris, Yuiri, Yumi, and several other women poised and ready.

"I see at least one of you is perceptive and on the ball," Yuber responded in his usual cold tone. He walked past Daunte and straight over to Nash, visibly squaring up to him.

And despite Yuber's close proximity, Nash relaxed his posture and smiled. "I make a good spy."

Yuber walked past both Nash and Fred and squared up to Chris and Yuiri. Both Chris and Yuiri drew their respective weapons. "You, you are not human!" Yuiri shouted.

This statement seemed to give Yuber pause, and he looked up towards the treetops. "What am I then? Actually, I'm glad I'm not as fragile and coarse as humans are."

A hand grabbed Daunte's shoulder. "Daunte?"

Daunte blinked, and Yuber and the others were gone. Roen helped him stand up and turned and saw his comrades. He let out the breath he was holding. It was shaky. He looked at Fred and Rico. "I saw it. You fought Yuber in this forest, didn't you?"

"We did," Fred said. "It was a harrowing battle, but we defeated him. It took quite a few of us to take him down though."

"H…He was dressed differently. Yuber." Daunte looked at Caesar. "He didn't wear his armor."

"No he didn't," Caesar said. "That was probably Albert's doing."

"If you are concerned about us working with Yuber now, please believe me when I say that there is no problem," Fred said. "If he is fighting on the side of justice this time, then I will be his ally."

"As will I," Rico said.

Daunte nodded. "Thank you. I know that he did terrible things. I've seen it firsthand here. But I summoned him and so long as he has his contract with me he will NOT do those same things." He saw his comrades smile and he knew that they believed him.

It still took several hours to transverse Kaput Forest to get to Chisha Village. They reached the agricultural village by mid-afternoon and Daunte loved the atmosphere of the place. He loved that the village smelled like wheat. The village itself was at the bottom of a sharp incline but they made their way down without issues. Daunte spotted the lottery stand immediately, but he stopped in his tracks when he heard the sound of singing. Daunte looked to the northwest of the town square and he saw a young man in his early twenties sitting under a pergola wrapped in vines. He wore the same red hat that other male villagers wore over dirty blonde hair, in addition to a dark purple tunic and white pants. His eyes were closed as he was strumming a sitar resting in his lap.

"He has a lovely singing voice," Felicity said. "I feel at ease listening to him."

"His voice seems a little high," Varnaz said.

"He's a tenor, that's why," Allise said. She looked at Daunte. "Would you like to talk to him, my Lord?"

Daunte nodded and approached the young man. The man heard his approach and opened his eyes. They were wide but dark, the color of almonds. "Oh, hello. Do you like my song? It is my duty to the world to spread serenity through my music."

Daunte decided not to tease him. "It was a wonderful song."

"Thank you," the man said, though he frowned. "Tell me, stranger. Do you know where Nagarea is?"

Daunte's eyes widened. "Pardon?"

"The Theocracy of Nagarea," the man said. "Ever since we received word that dignitaries from Nagarea were coming here, awful stories have also spread about the terrible things the government is doing. I have heard that there is very little joy or serenity there. Do you know if this is true?"

"Seeing as we are from Nagarea, we can confirm that the rumors are true," Allise said.

"Y-You are the dignitaries?!" the man quickly stood up, hugging his sitar to his chest. "Please hear my request, my Lord. My name is Kakyoku, and it is my wish to go to Nagarea and spread joy through my music. May I ask that you take me to Nagarea with you when you leave?"

"You should understand," Caesar said. "That we're not just dignitaries. We're a rebel army fighting in a civil war against a tyrannical government. It's not safe for foreigners to freely travel the country at this time."

"Then let me join your army," Kakyoku pleaded. "Please allow me to spread joy through your Army and increase your morale. I will not be a burden to you, I will handle all of my own affairs myself."

"Wait," Daunte said. "I cannot accept that. If you join the Liberation Army, then you are one of my soldiers. I will take care of you. I have a dancer who dances to spread joy, and I have a theatre producer who performs plays to spread joy. I would be more than happy to have a musician join our Army."

"Oh, THANK YOU!" Kakyoku shouted, throwing his arms around Daunte. "My Lord, you will not regret this! I'll go home right away and pack! Shall I travel with you or head on ahead?"

"Please head on ahead," Daunte gurgled slightly. "We have a ship in the Yaza Plains."

"Yes, I know where that is! Again, thank you!" Kakyoku released him and ran off.

"Wow," Varnaz said softly. "Who would have thought foreigners would be so eager to join our cause?"

"It's because of Brother!" Arin said confidently.

"Yes, it is," Caesar agreed teasingly.

"It's because of ALL of us," Daunte insisted. "Come, let's go and buy lottery tickets before finding the inn. After tomorrow we're going to need to backtrack and check well over a hundred tickets at multiple locations to see if our Army will be richer."

Or if we'll go broke, he added silently.

"Hopefully Hero has enough room on the skyship for the money we bring back," Roen said.

"Oh he will," Caesar said. "In my experience, our pockets are bottomless when it comes to money."