Chapter 4: dead in the water

Castle of Katalos

We see Viren entering his study, locking the door and heading towards a bookcase. He pushes one book back to the case but with the sound of a click the bookcase spins around showing beautiful glowing butterflies.

"Good morning, little rays of sunshine," said Viren cheerfully and one butterfly flutters to the mage's hand, "A volunteer. How eager."

That is when an ominous purple light shines through the cracks of the door. The open and Viren whose face no longer has a bruise from Theo. He breezes in deeply and sighs like he had a full night's rest but that is where you see a dead butterfly who lost its glowing colors.


Forest next to the river

It was early morning and The team were all asleep except for one, the Cube was not glowing at the moment but he then puts the primal stone close to it and it begins to glow then he pulls it away and repeats.

Callum looks to his left and sees the sleeping Rayla and he becomes curious. He walks towards Rayla and lowers the cube to her face and the symbol of moon glows which got Callum to smile for his new discovery. He points the cube to her repeatedly until she wakes up grumpy grasping his hand.

"This doesn't end well for you," stated the elf, which could tell she is not a morning person.

Callum got out her grip and fell, dropping both the cube and stone at the same time with the noise waking Rigran up, "what happening?" he asked.

"Last night, you thought the cube was just a worthless toy. But now we know-", "It's a glow toy," said Rayla, interrupting Callum. "Exactly," said Callum bemused. "Exactly," said Rayla but not as enthused, she then begins to walk away.

"I'm going to go find some food" she says, That is when Ezran wakes up and says, "Wait we got food. We grabbed a sack of bread at the Banther Lodge.".

Rayla pulls out one of the stale breads and says, "I thought this was a sack of clubs." She then proceeds to swing it around and do some twirls but then she feels pain to her wrist which cause to drop the bread. It hit the rock below it and cracked it in half.

"On the plus side if we ever need to bludgeon a beast to death we can" Rigran said as he pulls out his tomahawk and examines it. On one end was dried blood where Dravaan had killed a monster a long time ago, and when Rigran first met Kaja for the first time, the monster was actually just a hungry caprileo or a goat horn-lion.

Anyway Ezran tried to take a few bits out of the piece of bread but it was practically rock at this point, "Yeah, I'm good," said Rayla not wanting to risk losing any teeth and she heads out to the woods to find something actually edible.

Back to the castle Viren enters the throne room smiling at the throne getting very close to the power he is trying to get.

"Thought I might run into you here and what happened to Dravaan? And I want good answers" said Gren interpreting for Amaya which got Viren's attention squinting his eyes.


Meanwhile in town Kaja was packing her things, "are you serious your a blacksmith not a fighter though you have punched people noses into their skulls on more than one occasion but you can't punch a monsters nose and expect it to run off simple as that" said Walter.

Walter hadn't been exposed to the Kings and Queens Bomb so he managed to see Rigran, The Prince's and the Elf go to a boat and go down river, he had told Kaja the whole thing, "i know it's odd but perhaps they are prisoners and she is threatening them".

It was a feeble excuse as Kaja glared at, "yeah and Elf threatening Rigran who has trained since he could walk to kill monsters" she fumed, "I'm going after him are you in or out?".

Walter sighed, "fine I want the truth as much as you do" Walter relented, "good" Kaja said "then let's-" she never finished because she tripped over and this had more repercussion than you would have exacted because when she hit the ground she was somewhere else entirely.

It was at a Mountain, no she was at the Mount Katolis what?. Why the hell was she all of a sudden here and where the hell was Walter?. "K-ka-Kaja!" Echoed a voice behind her she turned and all of a sudden she was back in her blacksmith shop on the ground and somehow trailing a bit of fire.

"Holy fucking shit of god Talia!" Exclaimed Walter as he rushed to help her up, "the fuck just happened? You disappeared in a burst of flame halfway falling over then you came back in another burst of fire, I'm just glad that I don't have to tell Rigran that his girl burst into flames for no reason at all…"

Kaja breathed a little bit and glared at the Bard for a second, "I'm not his girl" she said, "secondly I was on mount Katallus and I don't know shit about what just happened but let's just head to the winter Lodge as fast as we can".

Her tone made it evident that the discussion was over and Walter despite being a hunter decided it would be best not to press on it and so the two got finished packing and took both their horses to the lodge.

In the forest on the river

Back in the forest Rayla stood on a cliff overlooking the sunrise, she knew that Rigran was right about telling them the king, their own father, was dead but she was worried about their reaction, would they resent her for being part of the assassination as an elf?

She pushed the thought to the back of her head and focussed on the task of getting her band off, she drew her sword and took a deep breath.

"Here goes nothing," said Rayla and she proceeds on trying to cut it but no tearing has occurred.

"Easy now," said Rayla, getting a little more concentration to not cut herself.

At first, she thought she got it, but it turns out it did not. She tries again and nothing.

"Ugh. What is this thing made of," said Rayla getting frustrated and speeding up her cutting but all it was nothing to it. She gave up and stabbed her sword to the ground then she heard Callum calling for help.

It is possible someone is after the egg. She grabbed her sword, ran, and jumped to the tree branches while bouncing off of them to gain more speed. She then did a swan dive, a handstand and then a flip to stop her fall while continuing her run.

Rayla pulls out her swords in a fighting position asking, "What is it? What happened?"

What she is Callum stinking his hand away from him which is covered in lightning. "Help," said Callum, "he tried to copy Claudia's lightning spell" Ezran explained hiding behind a rock with Bait while Rigran stood a little distance away with hands raised.

"Yeah, I… I only saw her do the first half. But I'm very good at the first half," Callum agreed with his little brother. "Maybe next time you want to try to learn a spell, learn the second half before trying the first half" Rigran said, "or safety regulations at that".

"Okay lecture well-deserved, but what do I do now," asked Callum, not knowing what to do.

"When you release a spell, there's usually a word or a phrase or something in ancient draconic," said Rayla trying to find an answer to this problem.

"Okay. Uh, does anybody speak dragon? I don't speak dragon," said Callum trying to figure out a way to do the same himself. He looks to Rigran "Well don't look at me I don't know draconic" Rigran said, "never met a dragon before".

"You didn't hear Claudia say anything," asked Rayla trying to find the answer to this problem.

"No. I-I-I mean, I think right when I grabbed her hand away, she might have called me a fool," said Callum recollecting. "Yeah, fool seems about right," said Rayla deadpan.

"Okay, give me a second. I know some draconic words. Just let me think," said Rayla, going through her mind to find how the lightning spell is spoken.

Callum took a second to think and he came up with a bad idea saying, "Know what? I'm just gonna throw it."

"What? No," exclaimed Rayla, being shocked by the prince's idea.

"Yeah, I agree with her. Tossing lightning is really not safe," said Rigran, thinking the same as Rayla.

"Yeah, I'm gonna throw you the Primal Stone," said Callum. "That's a good plan," said Ezran, smiling about the idea. "No it's not unless your electric proof," Rigran said.

"You know what, toss it to me I've got a protection sign I can use", "how many 'signs' do you have?" Rayla asked, exasperated by all the Witcher surprises, "5" Rigran replied simply as he readied himself.

"Alright tossing it," Callum said, "are all humans this crazy?" Rayla asked exasperated, "that protection spells better work" she added.

"And tossing it" Callum said tossing it over to Rigran who formed a sign with his hands, "quen" he thought and blue mist formed in an X around his torso showing that the spell was active and a yellow sphere appeared around his body which the ball struck and lightning was discharged in all directions.

The primal stone fell softly to the ground harmless now, "hey it worked" Callum said, "glad it did" Rigran said as he picked up the ball and gave it to Callum, "oh really" Came Rayla's voice and she did not look happy at all.

her hair was sticking out on end with arcs of electricity dancing between the gaps and the grumpy look didn't make her seem any more happy. "You're kind of making a sizzling sound," said Ezran walking up to the elf.

"Maybe don't go near any metal object for a while or go in water" Rigran said as he caught a small magnetically attracted knife that he had been using to carve out bits of wood, After Rayla is done fixing her hair she says, "Okay, that's enough almost killing me so let's go. The sooner we return this egg, the sooner, maybe, this war can end."

"And stop both species from going extinct" Rigran added giving a shocked look from Rayla, "well it can happen" he shrugged, "Almost happened to the elves from my Masters land" he added in his head.

Rayla just shakes her head, "let's just hit the road" she said, "Road? Why wear ourselves out walking on a road when we can let the river do the walking," asked Callum which causes Rayla to stop dead and give him an exasperated look.

"Nope. Say goodbye to the boat. We go by land from here," said Rayla, being serious.

"But, why? The river's going the right direction and moves much faster than we ever could on foot. I mean, look at those legs," said Callum defending the idea of using the boat.

"What? I have nice legs," said Ezran, feeling offended, "besides this trip is supposed to be less saving the universe not having Luxury so get out of your comfort zone and get in the boat" Rigran added as Ezran himself got in the boat.

Rayla did not take any more suggestions saying, "We're walking. That's final.", the boys all looked at each other thinking the same thing, "Is there maybe another reason you don't wanna take the boat? Something you're not telling us?" Callum asked.

Rayla stopped again and tried bluffing her way out, "No. There's no secret reason," said Rayla and to Solomon he knows that she is lying.

"So, wait. *chuckle* Are you, like, this back-flippin', tree-climbing', sword-stabbin' elven warrior, but scared of a little splish-splashing'," asked Callum not believing what he was seeing.

She tries to retort but she gets nothing. "Aw, that's cute," said Ezran, Rirgran couldn't help but chuckle at the Elf's uncomfortable look.

Having enough of this conversation she said, "Fine, we'll take the stupid boat.", "bout time" Rigran couldn't help but say as the prince's shrugged at each other.


Back to the Katolis throne room, Amaya, through Gren's interpreting, was having a heated talk with Viren.

"How could you let it come to this," asked Gren for Amaya. "You speak as if I invited these assassins," said Viren, feeling offended by that accusation.

"I had to leave our stronghold at the Breach. Do you have any idea of the dangerous forces gathered at our border? Also do not get me started on the deadly sins. Their antics are making the job even more difficult with them around as well with their disguised spies and inner workings in the criminal underground," said Amaya through Gren.

"I did everything in my power to protect King Harrow. I was willing to give my own life," Viren defended himself.

"Then what went wrong? Dravaan from the report killed the most elves a lot more effectively than whatever you did it seems' ' Amaya said back through Gren.

"Well it was his fault and his ideas of some blasphemy that stopped me from helping the king, and Harrow's own pride seemed more important to him than his own life?!" Viren exclaimed.

"You want this outcome," said pointed Amaya accusingly.

"How dare you suggest- "

"His death creates opportunity for you and the sins," Amaya presses on stopping Viren's offense.

"His death breaks my heart," said Viren.

"Then honor him. Find his children," said Amaya.

"They're gone, Amaya. Captured by a Moonshadow elf. If they're not already dead, they will be soon. This is a time of crisis," said Viren, now walking up to the throne.

"An empty throne is a beacon of weakness, an invitation to destroy us. *sighs* We must defend Katolis and all of the human kingdoms against what's coming. I can help us from there," said Viren showing actual concern for the kingdom but what got Amaya shaking her head no.

"Just what are you hiding with the fantasy that Rigran is a prisoner to a moonshadow elf because I do not believe he is a traitor until I have actual proof of it" Amaya said through Gren and she would have spat if she had the option.

"You think I am being an opportunist. But I couldn't be more selfless in my motivation. I am a servant of Katolis. I am a servant," said Viren shouting at the last sentence, stomping his staff on the ground for extra emphasis.

"Those are awfully nice clothes for a humble servant, Viren," said Amaya the Gren.

That is when Viren calms down feeling sad.

"You don't believe me. Then you take it. Go ahead, sit down. I'll support you as queen regent. I'll gather the high Council, and we'll send word to the other crowns of the Pentarchy immediately," Viren offered Amaya.

"The throne stays empty until we find the boys," said Amaya standing her ground on that decision. Viren sighs, pushing out his way upset at Amaya's choice and that just makes the general worried.


At the river outside the kingdom we see our traveler riding the river on their boat with the glow toad dipping his tail in the water and Ezran caught him in the act.

"Bait, you know you're not supposed to do that," said Ezran, reprimanding his pet and getting him out of the water. "No playing in the water."

"Bait loves the water, but he should be afraid of it. You wanna know why he's named Bait," asked Callum rowing at the right side of the boat to Rayla try to start up some conversation but to the elf she is not feeling comfortable whatsoever.

"Not Really," said Rayla, "well me and Dravaan used him once when we hunted down a sea monster" Rigran said, "glow roads are apparently delicious in general," Callum added.

"Gross," Rayla responded with a look of disgust.

"Deep-sea fishermen use them to catch giant fish, stuff like that. That's why he's named "Bait." Get it? That's my stepdad's sense of humor," asked Callum before chuckling.

"I find my masters better" said Rigran, "but anyway Bait has to be extra careful in the water", "Guys, he doesn't know how delicious he is, so shh." Ezran said, "after what me and my master did I think he does" Rigran quipped and Ezran puffed out his cheeks at the insult to bait.

Bait just croaked suspiciously, "And that's how the noodle got its name," was the little prince's cover but everyone just focused on keeping the boat stable.


Back to Katolis where Amaya and Gren head to the royal grave site. Amaya dismounts her horse to walk up to a statue of a young woman which is most likely her sister. Amaya's eyes were filled with sorrow and sign language her prayer to her sister, she then kneels down to light a candle and continues her voiceless words.

Then the sound of a horse was heard, and it is Viren who has arrived walking to Amaya. "May I light a candle," Viren asks, Amaya smiles and nods to Viren to proceed.


Back to the river, we see Rayla in agony with everyone looking rather worried for her, "Are you all right," asked Callum.

Rayla groans, "I'm doing great. I just love boats so much. That's why I'm down here. *gags* To be close to the boat."

"Remind me never to ask about your love life" Rigran cracked and got kicked in the shin as a result, Rigran gritted his teeth and ignored the pain, "how about we play twenty questions?" Callum asked, "I'd rather not" Rayla said, "oh come on it'll distract you and we all get to ask each other questions sound fair?" Callum said.

Rayla gave an absent nod as she looked even more pale than ever before, "Okay, question one. We always heard all these crazy things about Xadia. Like, it was this place with just…magic everywhere. Is that really what it's like," asked Callum, getting excited.

"Yes. Next question," said Rayla, setting herself in another position on the boat. "It must be so weird that everywhere you look there's magic," said Callum, "It's not weird. In Xadia, magic is pretty much everything. It's no different from saying, "Everywhere you look, there's nature." It's just part of the vibrance or spirit of things, you know," Rayla asked at that last sentence and it appears that the motion sickness pills are taking effect.

"Yes but it's fleeting" said Rigran, "how do you mean?" Rayla asked, "Witchers like me are becoming more and more rare as monsters numbers dwindled back at my masters homeland" Rigran explained, "Witchers aren't being made any more, the mutagen to do so is becoming scarce"

"Mutagen?" Rayla asked, gaining full attention now as she lost her paleness and listened, "what turns us Witchers into Witchers, and the schools that trained the Witchers are being lost".

"Rigran's school is the school of the manticore" Ezran said, "what happened to it?" Rayla asked, "the queen of Zerrikania organized a wedding between her son and a princess and nearly all the Witchers were present to protect the caravan, but along the way they were attacked by a very powerful fire elemental and half the royal family were killed in the attack…" Rigran's voice grew quiet as he continued on.

"My master was only a boy just past the mutation stage back at the school and he said out of all 300 Witchers that were there…only a few came back alive". Rayla was shocked by this, Ezran and Callum held sympathetical looks and even Bait stopped trying to trail water and snuggled next to the Witchers legs for comfort.

"I'm sorry to hear that" Rayla said, "at least you're feeling better now right?" Callum said and it was true Rayla was almost back to normal, Rigran then caught something up ahead, "I have a feeling it won't last" he said pointing up ahead where a waterfall dropped downwards.

"Pull the boat over," said Rayla desperately.

"I don't think there's time," said Callum.

"Pull it over! I admit it, I hate the water. I'm afraid of it. It makes me sick. All of the bad feelings," Rayla confesses. "It's too late, hang on," shouted Callum.

Once the boat reached the waterfall the boat fell with everyone screaming but thankfully, they landed while spinning around hitting rocks and getting splashed everywhere.

"Next time I vote to walk" Rigran said and they all agreed.


Back to the royal graveyard, Viren starts a conversation with Amaya, "Your sister made him better, Harrow told me he was never as strong or brave as Queen Sarai believed him to be, but he tried every day to be stronger and braver so he could live up to what she saw in him."

"She was compassionate and patient. Unless of course, you took the last jelly tart," said Amaya through Gren reminiscing the good her sister did and how brutal she is when it comes to sweets.

"She actually overpowered Dravaan" Viren chuckled, "A sweet tooth and an iron fist," said Amaya through sign.

Viren lightly coughed into his hand and said, "General Amaya, I am sorry for what happened in the throne room. You helped me see the truth."

Amaya asks while Gren interprets, "And why was that so hard?", "I was blinded by my abiding love of our kingdom and humanity itself," said Viren's half-truth.

"Guard, fetch a stable boy, quickly. I've encountered a giant pile of bull…dropping" interpreting Gren not wanting to say something inappropriate.

Especially not in front of Viren for fear of angering or annoying him as that could prove bad in the long term.

Viren chuckled, "The princes come first. Finding them is absolutely the top priority of the kingdom of Katolis."

"Good. You see it my way. I'll be departing at sundown with a rescue party," said Amaya through Gren leaving to retrieve their horses.

"Of course. But allow me to ask…what happens to the breach," asked Viren before they left.

Amaya turns around to listen to him, "You said to yourself how precarious the situation is. Without you there commanding the fortress, do you believe, in your heart, that the border will hold?"

Amaya does not like where this is going but she entertains the thought saying, "Make your point."

"If the Breach falls, the enemy will surge into Katolis, and I can hardly imagine the death and destruction that will follow," said Viren about the possibility of the General's absence.

"Then what are you suggesting," asked Amaya.

"You return to the border, hold it fast. It's where you're needed most. A party of our best will be dispatched immediately to find the princes. And in case you still doubt my intentions, I will task my own children, Soren and Claudia, with leading the rescue expedition," Viren offered to the general but she does not trust him.

"I do doubt your intentions. I will return to the Breach, but your children won't lead the rescue. The mission will be assigned to…Commander Gren," said Gren being shocked by the news that he is tasked on this mission.

"That's…that's me. I am Commander Gren," said Gren while Vire gives him a not so amused look to the commander.


Back to the journeying party at the river it would appear that they got out of the waterfalls in one piece.

"You faced your fear. Do you feel better about water now," Callum asked Rayla. "I have never felt worse about water," groaned Rayla.

"Well it's better than any sea monster I've met and I've met very few," Rigran said. "Hmm. Well, anyway, we're having a great time," said Callum, being optimistic which was true enough.

"Hey, guys? Does anyone else see Bait," asked Ezran looking around, "oh shit" Rigran said looking around, Callum elbowed him in the side to remind him of his language around Ezran.

Everyone was looking around the boat until they all heard the croaks of the toad and they now saw Bait riding the rapids toward the waterfall but he made it out uninjured.

"Bait! Come back here! Do your froggy paddle," said the little prince and that is what his pet is doing slowly swimming towards them.

"You know you're not supposed to get in the water," Ezran reprimanded his pet but he is happy that he is safe.

"What a disaster," said Rayla, sighing from stress she has been through. "I know, right? My socks are all soggy. A disaster! A soggy disaster," said Callum while Rayla moved back from his feet than noticed something.

"Uh, Callum…" said Rayla, seeing the cube humming and glowing a water blue, Rigran's medallion began to hum as well, Rigran drew out his tomahawk readying to use it if need be.

"Hey, Ocean Rune. I've never seen it light up before," said Callum picking up the cube and looking at it up close.

After moving the cube up and down it still maintained its glow and that got Callum curious, "Wait, why would the Ocean Rune be…"

Before Callum could say anything, else there is a large shadow underwater coming towards the boat, "gah fuck" Rigran cursed. That when a giant fish hits the bottom of the boat sending everyone flying into the air screaming.

"Oh, I get it," exclaimed Callum why the ocean rune glowed mid-soaring.

They all landed in the water with a mighty splash and Rayla quickly swam to shore, The fish monster roared submerging itself underwater going after the boys and back on land Rayla was overjoyed to be reunited with the ground kissing it.

Rayla then heard a roar behind her and looked to see Callum and Ezran gasping on the surface of the water while the shadow of the fish swam underneath, "Damn it" Rigran cursed treading water himself as he drew his longbow and a single arrow before diving under.

He saw the beast and loosed his arrow from his bow, shooting underwater is terribly difficult mostly because the Arrow won't go the proper range but also because of current, Rigran had made sure the monster swam perfectly close and that there was no current to throw off his aim.

The arrow hit the beast in one of its four eyes and it howled and thrashed in pain and then it turned to Rigran and swam at full speed, Rigran quickly holstered his bow and drew out his tomahawk with a plan in mind.

When the creature was almost upon him Rigran shot out of the way of the creature and lodged the Tomahawk into its skin and he was dragged along with the beast.

Back on the surface the boys were still treading water while Rigran was having his underwater battle until Rayla spotted Bait still in the water and the monster began to circle him despite thrashing around on occasion no doubt due to Rigran.

"Guys, behind you! Bait is in trouble," shouted Rayla to the boys in the water. "What," asked Ezran, not catching what Rayla said. "Bait needs help," Rayla shouted again.

"Bait sneezed kelp," asked Ezran "No. She says, "Bait's knees smell."," said Callum a little confused, "Well, that's just mean," said Ezran, taking offense to the misinterpreted message.

"No!" exclaimed Rayla, angry at all of them not hearing her.

Then the fish monster flicked its tail and sent Bait flying to the monster's face. Rayla rolls her eyes knowing what she needs to do but she is going to regret it.

"Of course, it is. Goodbye, sweet, solid land. I barely knew you," said Rayla before climbing the tree and making her attempt in rescuing the boys from the giant fish.

She jumped off the branch and landed on some driftwood still having her fears.

"Come on, Rayla, do it for the frog. The grumpy frog that hates you," said Rayla trying to gain some confidence but failing. Rayla takes a deep breath, "Here it goes."

Ralya balances herself on the wood pulling out her swords with the fish monster getting real close to the toad but with her mighty elven leap she kicks the fish creature at its face. She runs on top of her body and with a flick of its tail both Rayla and Bait were sent to the air but Rayla catches the toad.

Once both elf and toad were submerged the fish monster swam to the two opening its mouth ready to take a bite. Rayla tries to swim away but luckily, she escapes from the beast's jaw through the gaps of its teeth and hangs on to its lips. The fish creature reemerges out to the surface of the water and in doing so the wave carries both of the Prince's to shore.

"Hang in there Rayla" Thought Rigran as he climbed up the Monsters side with his Tomahawk which given the circumstances was extremely difficult as you could imagine, but he managed to climb up to just behind the monsters remaining right eye and he drew his silver sword long, sharp and bitter.

The monster leapt out of the water hoping to dislodge Rayla and Bait and Rigran plunged his sword hilt deep through the Monster's eye and made it howl in pain and thrash about and threw Rayla and Bati out of its mouth and to shore.

The monster than dislodged Rigran a good distance away making him lose his silver sword which was still in the monsters eye, "he needs help" Ezran said, "wait I have an idea" Callum said getting out the primal stone and doing the symbol for the electric spell he had failed earlier.

"Hey but…" Rayla said in protest, "just trust me" Callum said, Rigran saw what the others were planning and so readied himself as the monster charged mouth agape.

Callum tossed the primal stone in the water and the electric shot across the surface of the lake, "Quen" Rigran said, you would notice by know that he liked to say his signs out loud, and a bubble shield formed around him as the electricity struck the beast and paralysed it but passed around Rigran.

The beast began to sank as it twitched and Rigran swam down and grabbed his sword, the electricity had gone through the blade and superheated it, he pulled it out and steam bubbles fizzed as he pulled it out and he quickly swam up to the creatures forehead before delivering the final bow by stabbing the hot silver swords through the creatures forehead and into its brain properly this time and it went completely limp and floated back up to the surface limp as anything and dead.


Back at the castle, General Amaya is giving orders to her men while Gren interprets, "I've sent word to Corvus that King Harrow has passed."

"Is Lord Viren aware that Corvus has been tracking the princes? '' the Soldier asked, "No. Do not trust Viren. It may be a month from now, it may be a year, but he will stab you in the back," answered Amaya, looking at Gren very seriously with her signs.

All three that the general spoke to nod their heads in understanding what the general said.

"I'll be careful," said Gren before Amaya plants a finger to his lip and signs him that she trusts him to get the job done.

Gren bows to her and hugs her. She mounts her horse with Viren arriving. Seeing Amaya signs and Gren interprets, "I expect to be notified when the princes are found. And safe."

"Of course," said Viren, bowing down. "I'll send word to the Breach immediately." Amaya rides off out of the castle but once she is out of sight Soren says, "Oh, Gren, bad news. There's been a change of plans."

Gren shocked asks, "What are you talking about? What is he talking about?"

"Oh, I've decided you're off the mission. Soren will lead the rescue expedition," said Viren out of nowhere about the change of plans. "What? General Amaya was very specific that I was to lead this," said Gren, outraged by this deception.

"Oh, perhaps there was a misunderstanding? Soren, set up a meeting for Commander Gren and I to discuss his concerns. Somewhere quiet. Say, around 9:00," said Viren pretending to be innocent and giving his son orders.

"Yes, very good. 9:00 suits my schedule," said Gren playing along. "Very good," Viren walked to the stairs.


Rigran swam back to shore and was hauled out by Rayla and Callum, "nice job Callum" Rigran said, "not bad yourself" Callum said, "did you have to kill it?" Ezran asked as he retrieved the primal stone "I'm a Witcher, it's my job" Rigran cracked, "But compared to you Rayla…"

"You were really Brave Rayla" Callum said with a reassuring smile, "No, I already told you, I'm afraid of water," insisted Rayla, "and that makes you brave when facing your fears, us Witchers we just kill our fears but you face yours" Rigran said.

"Yeah that's what makes you heroic" Callum added, "Oh, thanks," Rayla said about the compliment, "Why wouldn't you just tell us about your fear before? It's okay to be afraid of things," said Ezran.

Rayla looks at her reflection on the water, "I guess I was afraid of being afraid.", "Well, that's kind of circular. But, hey, worth noting: you're not afraid of being afraid of being afraid," said Callum.

"That's deep. But stupid," said Rayla smile. "The thing is, Moonshadow elves aren't supposed to show fear. Ever."

"That's sad," stated Ezran. "It's our way. My parents aren't really dead, but I wish they were. They're cowards," said Rayla, getting angry. "What do you mean," asked Callum.

"My parents were part of an elite force, the Dragon Guard, eight eleven warriors chosen to protect the egg of the Dragon Prince. Storm dragons only lay an egg every thousand years. So that egg is so rare and precious," said Rayla the history of her family, their job, and the importance of which Ezran looked at it.

"But when the humans came and killed the Dragon King even with their alchemist trying to not let the king suffer, the Dragon Guard, my parents, failed in their duty. They ran away. I'm so ashamed," said Rayla, now bowing her head in shame, "wish they could have killed their fears like Witchers"

Callum walks up to Rayla and places his hand on her shoulder saying, "Rayla, I'm so sorry for what humans did."

"So, you see, that's why I have to make things right. When I came here, I was on a quest for revenge. But the moment I saw that egg, everything changed. Now, this is a journey of redemption," said Rayla, now newly determined with a smile.

"We're in this together," said Callum.

Then they all see their boat floating away and Rayla says, "Oh, no. Our boat seems to be drifting away. It slipped just out of my reach. What will we do now?"

That is when the boat floats back to the group, but it makes her lose her smile but Callum steps in and pushes the boat away from them.

"Goodbye, boat," Callum sighs. "Thank you," said Rayla, "So, what's the deal with your wrist ribbon thing? Does it mean something," asked Callum.

"Yes but I'll tell you some other time" Rayla said, "come we still have a long road ahead" Rigran said, "we have a long road ahead of us".

The group then set off back on the task of getting to Xadia.


Back in the castle, mainly the dungeon, Verin enters the room with a smile. Viren sighs, "Five past 9:00. I apologize for my tardiness.", "It was only five minutes," said Gren.

Viren walks up to him, "So, what are your concerns?", "Well…*clears throat* You took me off the mission," sated Gren. "Hmm, noted. Go on."

"And you threw me in this dungeon," said Gren, now seeing him chained to a wall. "Ah, I see. Anything else," asked Viren, acting like he was concerned. "Uh, no. But… No. I guess those are the main two."

"Thank you. Your feedback is a gift," said Viren. Then Claudia sticks her head at the door saying, "Father, it's about our other prisoner…"

That got his attention and both dark mages walk down the hall to the prison where Runaan is currently staying.

"They're still refusing to eat," said Claudia. Viren sighs, "Then let them be hungry." Both dark mages close the door and once closed, Runaan and Dravaan glared.