"Actually, Belkahn is in town organizing a search team for you two." Although Nall was very happy to see the two recently-graduated Gryphons safe, his anger was clear as he paced the worn floor of the main building. "I sent my daughter into town to get him, but we were understandably worried. That was a routine one-day scout mission, and when you didn't show up last night, we knew something went wrong. So," he eyed them suspiciously, "you two have some explaining to do once Belkahn comes back."

Although, there was no punishment coming from Belkahn. As soon as the old Gryphon saw the two safe, he rushed to them with open wings, and his mouth wide open in happiness, and gave them both good-natured body slams.

"I knew you two were going to come out fine!" Belkahn rumbled in his rough but friendly voice. "After all that training with me, you two could get out of anything. Now tell me what happened out there, I have to know all of the details!"

Once Belkahn learned that the Skandranon and Kessrah hadn't become held up with some fanciful game, (or as he had probably assumed, each other), his attitude became just as grave as that of Nall. Although he was happy for them on this victory, he was deeply troubled.

"Something isn't right." He grumbled. "Very not right. Makarr are unheard of over the Pelagiris."

Nall concurred, "You two have to seek a higher power with this information, I know that this encounter should not go unexamined."

"And look on the bright side," Balkan said to them with a hearty slap on the back, "What you two did was remarkable. Truly remarkable! I am sure that Urtho himself will be wanting to recognize you for you service."

"Oh, I don't know about that..." Kessrah's nares flushed, the Gryphon version of a blush.

"Why, maybe he will!" Skandranon raised his feathers in excitement. "After all, we took on 8 Makarr, just the two of us, and are still breathing."

Nall added; "yes, it is very impressive, especially from two Gryphons who only recently graduated from our humble country school!"

"You will leave for Ralendor in the morning then?" Belkahn suggested. "Good, then for tonight you still belong to us; you may be heroes, but Selah will need some help washing the stew pots tonight after dinner."

Skandranon and Kessrah could have declined from dinner entirely, but seeing the faces of all eight young ones as they told a more exciting version of their battle was well worth the pot scrubbing. Nall's two young boys calmed their roughhousing long enough to soak up the story; surely they would be using the battle tactics against each other for the next few days, even though they lacked wings. The four human girls made noises of statement and relief as the story proceeded, gripping the table and murmuring amongst themselves. And the two Gryphon fledglings stared at them with enthrallment as their eyes glowed.

:Poor Balkahn," Skandranon mused. : Those two will be wanting to re-enact the whole battle from the moment they can fly; glad I just put the ideas in their heads and don't have to worry about breaking up their play fights later!:

At first light the next morning, Nall sent one of his trained messenger-birds ahead to Ralendor to inform the proper authorities who they could be expecting in a few days time.

The trip to Ralendor was at least five days travel from the secluded boarder town, even by flight. Skandranon and Kessrah were busy all morning packing special traveling harnesses with supplies. Despite all of their straps and pockets, the harnesses could only hold a few supplies, and even if they had a way to carry them, the Gryphons could not fly quickly with much added weight. Luckily, with a waterproof feather and fur coat and good hunting instincts, Gryphons could afford to pack light.

"Ok, I'll carry the fire starter and the dried rations if you carry the first aid kit."

"No way." Skandranon shook his huge head, "The bone setting kit in there is heavy; do we really need it?"

"You know that Nall would give us a reason to need it if we didn't." Kessrah sighed. "Fine, how about I carry the rain tarps too."

"Deal. And I'll bring some of Belkahn's healing herbs as well..." Skan spotted Belkahn coming around the corner to say goodbye, "...just in case we fall of a cliff and need to piece ourselves back together with foul-smelling pastes and leaves."

"Glad your thinking ahead." Belkahn joked. "I sent word to a few friends of mine that own inns along the way; you guys should have warm fires to sleep by at least some nights."

"Gods bless you." Kessrah said as she frowned disapprovingly at the Autumn rains outside.

After being smothered in hugs and kisses from Nall's children, as well as being ambushed by Belkahn's, Skandranon and Kessrah made their goodbyes and launched into the dismal, rainy skies.