Blaine doesn't sleep well that night, tossing and turning well into the early morning hours. His mind cycles through ideas about how to fix things with Kurt, ruminating on how he can get him to listen and forgive him. The idea of finishing this trek alone is depressing - he's known Kurt for less than a week, but it feels much longer, and Blaine values the companionship and expertise that Kurt has provided - and now he'll have to go on alone. It's the thought that he'll likely never see Kurt again that causes the most grief. They live great distances from each other, navigate in very different circles, but Blaine had been naive enough to think that they could somehow maintain a connection after all of this had finished. They had become friends these last few days, walking or riding side by side. Good friends, or so Blaine had thought. And now, it seemed unlikely that Kurt would ever talk to him again. His dreams when he finally falls asleep are fractured and when the morning light breaks through the window, he's unable to remember them clearly in his exhaustion.

Kurt is absent again when Blaine enters the warm kitchen, fragrant with sizzling meats and bread for breakfast. There are strangers bustling around, a half dozen young teenagers carrying platters ladened with food and staring at Blaine with unabashed curiosity. Mercedes shoos them away, dragging Blaine to the kitchen table where she places a filled plate in front of him. "Sit and eat," she encourages.

Blaine wants to ask about Kurt and whether he's around but he thinks twice about it, sure that the answer will be that Kurt had gotten up early and had left to return to his father's cottage, thereby avoiding Blaine forever. The words cling in his throat as he swallows around the sticky bun, so instead he listens to Mercedes introducing him to the inner workings of the small commune. "The students live in that building over there, but they all rotate here on kitchen duties. Most of the classes are held upstairs. Jane is our newest student, she's been here only for a couple of weeks, but she's settling in. I think she's caught the eye of Mason - he's one of the twins over there, the dark haired ones. Madison's his sister and they are hardly ever seen apart, so it's already causing some drama."

"Kurt didn't tell me much about the school. What are you learning?"

Mercedes pauses in her dialogue. "He didn't mention it?"

"No, I don't think so?" Blaine thinks back and shakes his head. "He certainly respects Madame Tibideaux and her wisdom but I thought he knew her through Rachel. Until you mentioned Mason, I had assumed that this was a finishing school or something. Was Kurt a student here, too?"

"...Yes, yes, he was." She replies deliberately. "To answer your question, this school focuses on the individual strengths and weaknesses, so every student's curriculum might look a little different."

"What's your focus?" Blaine asks and he doesn't think he's imagining Mercedes's hesitation before answering.

"I suppose education would be the best description. Madame is training me to be a teacher like her."

Mercedes carries an air of helpful mentor with excessive patience that would attract students' trust. "That would suit you," he nods. "Would you stay here or start a school of your own?"

She laughs lightly. "I still have years to go before I'll be making any of those decisions!"

The conversation drifts to other topics about the day to day functions of the school before Blaine excuses himself to pack his bags and find Blackbird. Despite the disagreement with Kurt, Blaine has enjoyed his time in this small community and would love to stay to get to know them all better. If nothing else, this journey has provided him with an opportunity to meet with the subjects of his parents land and truly get to know the kind-hearted, hard-working souls that they represent.

Madame Tibideaux greets him as he descends the stairs, serene and gentle as always. "Will you be continuing your journey today?"

He nods, slinging his belongings over his arm so he can kiss her hand. "I must, I fear. I've already lingered longer these past few days than I had intended."

"Take courage, Blaine," his eyes smart at the use of his familiar name. "Courage and love can go long ways in conquering the unknown. Here. We packed some food for your journey and there's a parcel of herbs that may be helpful with ailments from the road - a poultice to put on wounds and there's a salve to treat the chapping from long rides."

Blaine tucks the parcels into his bags. "You have been very kind, Mistress."

"The House of Adayn is always loyal to its friends. Feel free to call if I could be of service."

Blaine blinks in the bright sunlight to see Blackbird tied next to the doorway and Kurt standing stiffly next to Pavarotti, tightening the last of his bags in place. Kurt smiles tightly at Blaine, a blush tinting his cheeks and Blaine's feet stutter at the unexpected sight. "What, what are you doing here?"

"I, I–" Kurt starts to answer but is interrupted by his friends who push out of the door to say goodbye. They swarm around Kurt, thrusting last minute items into his arms, before each gives him a goodbye hug.

Santana points a finger at Blaine. "You! I've got my eye on you. I'd better not be hearing that you broke my Pretty Pony's heart or I will break you, understand?"

He doesn't but nods anyway, and she grins with affection. "I do like this one," she throws back to Kurt, who's frowning and shaking his head.

Mercedes gives Blaine a friendly squeeze, whispering good luck wishes in his ear. "You two be good to each other, okay?" she murmurs and Blaine hugs her back tightly.

Rachel patiently waits for Blaine to separate from the group and then dips deeply into a curtsy. "Your Royal Highness, may it please you to send you off with a blessing over your journey, that the roads will be swift to your destination and that you will conquer your enemy with vigorous valor!"

He stifles back a laugh at her earnestness. "Thank you."

"Will you accept a boon from an admirer?" She beseeches, waving a handkerchief in her hand.

Many women at court had asked similar and Blaine starts on his prepared speech. "Such kindness you show me, Lady Rachel, but I fear I cannot—"

She leans forward, tucks her handkerchief into his front pocket and kisses him, before backing up with a blush. "To remember me by."

There's a clamor as Santana practically drags Rachel back into the house, ranting about how clueless she was, and Mercedes apologizing for her behavior. Kurt's smile has faded, as he mounts his horse. "Shall we depart?" He doesn't wait for an answer before lightly nudging the horse into a walk.

Blaine scrambles up Blackbird, checking quickly to make sure his packs are secure before chasing after Kurt. "Kurt, wait. Wait. Hey, wait a minute." He maneuvers Blackbird in front and stops the horses. "You don't have to come with me."

Kurt frowns briefly, then twitches Pavarotti's reins. "Of course I'm going with you, Prince Blaine."

"That's not necessary. I appreciate your assistance so far, but you are under no obligation to me or to the crown to continue. I'm not in the business of forcing people to do things they don't want to do."

Kurt stares at him blankly. "I made a promise."

"And you haven't talked to me in two days!" He throws his hands up in frustration. "I don't want you dragging along and calling me 'Prince Blaine' and hating me for being less than honest!"

Kurt looks sheepish, the blush spreading across his nose and cheeks again. "I don't hate you."

"Because you can't hate royalty?" Blaine questions bitterly.

"No. I was angry. I, I have a temper, especially if I think that somebody is pulling one over me."

Blaine pushes forward, eager to finally get to explain to Kurt his motivations. "I wasn't. Truly. I wanted to tell you, it's just, I don't know, it felt really nice having somebody know me only as Blaine and not treat me like they have something to gain from me."

Kurt softens, nodding a little in understanding. "I get that. There are things about me that I don't easily share."

"Why did you avoid me then?"

Kurt looks chagrined. "I had business with Madame Tibideaux, and I needed to cool down and let my more reasonable side take over for a bit. You… I do want to travel with you, if you'll let me."

"Truce, then, but only if you promise not to call me Prince Blaine or Your Highness or any of that nonsense." He sticks his hand out.

Kurt takes it, those long fingers wrapping around his palm, cradling his hand as if in an embrace. "I think those terms are acceptable, Blaine." He emphasizes with a twinkle and Blaine laughs in relief. "Come on, let's get going. We have a lot of distance to cover today and I fear you have gotten soft with all of those ladies pampering you." Kurt drops his hand and takes up the reins again and Blaine instantly misses the firm warmth. He clicks his tongue to Birdy, and follows after Kurt.

Not surprisingly, their first few hours traveling together are awkward. That easy camaraderie that they had so easily developed over the last few days has dissapated to Blaine's disappointment and he's at a loss as to how to fix it. They ride and walk in near silence, smiling occasionally when the other catches their eye, which does nothing to ease the emotional floundering that Blaine is experiencing.

It's a warm summer morning, quickly heating up, and Blaine's grateful for the break when they stop for the midday meal at a town nestled in the mountain foothills. Clarington is the last bit of civilization that they'll see for the next several days, as their path veers sharply to the uninhabited north.

Kurt raves about the tavern's chowder. "It's just a short trip from Adayn, so we would come here for weekends and the chowder is unparalleled. You'll love it." Judging by the crowded tables, the people of Clarington obviously share Kurt's opinion about the food. They manage to find a table near the kitchen where they order soup and cold ale.

Blaine watches some of the other customers. The townsfolk are much like the other people that he's encountered on this journey, hard workers trying to do the best for themselves or family, with the same sort of gripes and complaints that he's heard around the castle. He's grateful that he's had this chance to get to know the people as they are, without them trying to impress him.

Kurt looks at him thoughtfully and breaks the silence. "Tell me more about Prince Cooper. I mean, as your brother, not as the prince. If you don't mind, of course."

"I don't mind." It's loud enough that nobody should be able to eavesdrop on them but he chooses his words carefully. It's been so long since he talked about Cooper with his parents' grief. "He's older than me, just over eight years, and as the Crown Prince, he had more responsibilities than I did, which might be why he rebelled against them. When I was really young, he resented me and we didn't get along. He was often gone with our mother to visit dignitaries and maintain peace with the neighboring kingdoms. Mother wanted him to know what it meant to govern, but he just wanted to have a normal childhood." He pauses, caught in memories. "I… I worshipped him, wanted to be him and I was so jealous of him. Everybody loved him. He could talk his way out of any problem just by flashing a smile. Even my parents would never punish him.

"Six months or so before the curse, I was home from schooling and Cooper was finally taking it all seriously and our relationship changed. We had this fight where I accused him of being the favorite one and he yelled at me for being the perfect one and, in the end, he started laughing which got me laughing and we've been close since then." Blaine takes a bit of his soup, grinning from the memory.

"Things changed when he was cursed. My mother has always been this confident woman and now she doesn't sleep. My father flinches at noises and dares not leave her side. Their ruling has suffered. I used to sit by my mother's side as she listened to petitioners and made judgements, balancing compassion and justice. And now… she made a law banning the use of magic and outlawing fairies and she's refused to listen to reason."

"I'm aware of that law, yes." Kurt's jaw tightens in a grimace.

"It isn't fair." Blaine continues passionately. "I've never even met a fairy, at least not until Sue, but they've always been well respected in the communities for keeping the peace or helping with crops. Sue needs to be brought to justice and punished, but others should not have to suffer for her actions."

"Does the Queen listen to you?"

"She would listen to Cooper. For all of his protestings, he was a natural leader and I don't share that skill. I tried to take over as much of the day to day routines, ease her of that burden, but I could never be enough. I don't know how she's doing since I left. That's why I need to find Cooper." He shrugs.

"I think you're underestimating your talents," Kurt muses. He looks away, staring at the crowd. "When we got word about Finn… or rather when we stopped hearing from him, I wanted to go find him, too. Find out what happened to him. Bring closure to my stepma. She cried every night for months and the not knowing just ate at her. But it costs money and we couldn't afford it. I couldn't leave them. I already had enough guilt for not being there when they needed me."

Blaine reaches across the table and touches his hand. Kurt doesn't shy away. "I know."

"Cooper is so lucky to have you, Blaine. And I hate that you can rescue your brother and I can't do anything about mine."

"We could try to find him too. I have sources-"

"No. We can't. He's gone. As much as I wish that he was trapped in some spell… I can't bring him back." Kurt shakes himself from his reverie and withdraws his hand.

"But–" Whatever Blaine was going to say dies in his throat as a lanky man leans next to Kurt, draping a long arm across his shoulders. Blaine looks up to see them surrounded by a group of young men.

"Well, well, well. Looks like Kurt here has made a friend."

Kurt's face instantly shutters. "Go away, Sebastian."

"Is that anyway to treat an old mate? And without even introducing me to your very pretty companion?" The man drawls, reaching down to swig from Kurt's drink, winking at Blaine as he did so.

Blaine flushes uncomfortably under his scrutiny.

"No." Kurt replies shortly.

Sebastian leans across Kurt with a broad smile, sticking his hand out. "Sebastian Smythe, at your service, sir."

"Blaine."

"Blaine, it is my pleasure." His thumb caresses over Blaine's hand, before Blaine can extract it.

"And now that you have rudely interrupted our supper, why don't you leave us be?" Kurt snaps.

"We were just getting acquainted." He slides in the booth next to Blaine. "Where do you come from, Blaine?"

"Uh, from a city from the south." Blaine dodges, looking at Kurt for guidance. Kurt is stone-faced, glaring at Sebastian.

"And what brings you here and into my life?" Sebastian purrs, leaning closer.

"Kurt and I, I, we're travelling on, on business." Blaine shifts, seeking a little distance. The man's familiarity makes him uncomfortable and he doesn't like how Kurt has closed down again.

"Which isn't any business of yours." Kurt snaps coldly, "and I ask you again to leave me and my companion alone."

The sultry caress leaves his voice as Sebastian glances over at Kurt. "So blunt, Kurt. That school of yours certainly hasn't taught you any manners."

"Only the boorish find them lacking."

"Such wit." Sebastian stands and bows his head at them. "I hope you'll return to our area soon, killer. I could show you an excellent time." Sebastian saunters out of the pub, the men clustered behind him, Kurt coolly watching them leaving.

Kurt grabs the arm of one of them, a beardless youth, wide eyes reflecting fear. "Trent." He implores, "Please, you know- you're better than this."

"Trent." Sebastian commands at the doorway and Trent hurries away without a backward look.

Kurt glares as the door slams behind them. "Insufferable prick."

"You don't like him much."

Kurt wrinkles his nose. "He prances around here like he owns the place, and since his father is the mayor, he practically does. The boys following him? They call themselves "The Warblers" and Sebastian is their leader. They cause mischief and damage all over town and everybody just looks away."

"And Trent?"

"He's a few years younger than I and he's a good boy. I hate it that Sebastian has preyed on him." Kurt lapses into a pensive silence, then smiles at Blaine. "Come, we should move on. How was the chowder?"

Blaine smiles back. "Delicious as promised, thank you."

Despite Sebastian's untimely interruption, the break seems to have lightened any lingering discomfort between them. Their conversation when they resume their travels feels much more comfortable, now that Blaine can talk freely about himself.

They're several miles out of town when Kurt suddenly brings his horse to a halt. "Oh! I know! We should– are you hot?"

"What?"

"Nevermind, just follow me." Kurt guides Pav through the small gap in the brushes and Blaine follows behind. They follow a rough trail through the rocks and trees, before Kurt swings off Pav and ties her reins to a tree. Blaine scrambles after Kurt, climbing over more rocks, before coming to a sparkling pond nestled in the trees.

"Do you swim, Prince?" Kurt teases, his nimble fingers already working at the buttons of his shirt.

"I, I do." He stammers, eyes locked on the pale skin emerging as Kurt removes off his shirt. "But…"

"We have time, it's hot and sweaty and the water is perfect. Come and have a bathe with me." He wheedles, and Blaine is helpless, nodding in agreement before his brain even registers the words.

Blaine's fingers can't seem to function as he watches Kurt make easy work of his shoes and trousers, his clothing discarded in a pile, all of that pale skin glowing in the dappled sunlight. He tries to avert his eyes from where Kurt's genitals rest between the crease of his legs and his face burns hot when Kurt catches his eye. Kurt grins back at him mischievously. "Race you to the other side," he calls before he dives into the pool below and Blaine scurries out of his clothes (damn buttons!) to follow him.

The water is cold and startling when he plummets into the depths and he emerges to another splash as Kurt giggles and swims further away. "You'll pay for that!" Blaine cries and swims after him.

Kurt is as nimble and graceful in water as out, and he slips easily away from Blaine's grasp, gliding under the water to tug at Blaine's feet and twisting away before Blaine can react. Blaine can't help but stare at Kurt's pale and broad chest, takes in the way his shoulder muscles rippled as he stretches to swim. He can't help the need to touch the skin that shimmers in the sunlight. Blaine pushes his legs harder to reach Kurt before he can swim away, grabbing Kurt firmly around the waist, and then dunks them both with a shriek.

Blaine is mightily thankful that the crisp water keeps his physical reaction to a minimum.

Their play turns into lazy laps around the pond, before Kurt declares himself a prune and rises from the water. Blaine admires Kurt's firm buttocks and long muscular legs, before shaking his head and trailing after him.

They dress quickly and Kurt laughs when Blaine gives up on tying the cravat around his neck and leaves it loose. The laugh dies quickly, though, as he looks down at the trees. "Blaine. The horses."

"What do you mean, the horses?"

"The horse. They're gone."

"Gone? Gone where?"

Kurt's frantic as he runs to the trees, Blaine following more slowly, trying to peer into the dense foliage. "We tied them up, here, and they're gone."

"They must have come loose, I guess. They won't have gone far." He starts to call for Blackbird.

Kurt tugs on his arm. "Shhh. No. Listen."

Blaine strains, but can hear little besides Kurt's heavy breathing. "I don't hear anything."

"Shh. There."

"Voices."

"We were followed." Kurt grimaces. "And I can bet by who. Come on."

"Wh- wait, Kurt. Are you just going to march up there and demand the horses back?"

"Yes." He stalks off. Blaine hurries after him.

It's not difficult to catch up with the thieves, as they haven't gone far, only a few hundred feet deeper into the woods. Their clamor increases steadily, yelling voices mingling with loud braying, as Kurt and Blaine approach carefully.

"Control that horse, Jeff!" Blaine recognizes the voice as belonging to Sebastian.

"I'm trying! He's angry and bites when I get close. Ouch!"

"It's not that difficult."

"I don't like horses." Jeff whimpers.

Kurt touches his arm, voice soft in his ear. "I'll go around there, see if I can take them by surprise. You should get to Blackbird and your sword."

"No, wait!" Blaine urges. "You know they must expect us to come after them. Sebastian didn't strike me as stupid. Why aren't they going back to town?"

Kurt hesitates. "I- I don't know."

"We should follow them, see what they're planning, before we try to attack them."

Kurt assents. "You're right. We probably should still split up. Stay low."

Blaine nods in agreement. As much as he'd like to stay by Kurt's side, separating means less chance of being discovered.

The company of thieves jostle forward through the woods, bickering loudly. Blaine keeps to the side and out of the view, unable to hear much of their conversation. There's more than a half dozen young men in the group, most dressed in thin shirts that have seen too much wear. They don't seem to care that they might be attracting attention and Blaine worries again that something is amiss. He's cautious, trying to stay blended in the trees as he creeps forward. He doesn't see Kurt, which is reassuring that he has managed to hide from view as well.

The group halts in a clearing in front of a large house, foreboding in the dimming light, and Blaine slips closer as the door opens.

"Hunter!" One of the men calls out. "We brought horses!"

"We took them from two very well-to-do gentlemen." Another remarks gleefully.

"Kurt Hummel is the opposite of well-to-do." Sebastian snarls as he separates from the pack, walking up to greet the man. "The other– Hunter, there is a royal seal on the saddle and his horse is finely bred."

"Hmm. Were you followed?" Hunter questions.

Sebastian smirks broadly. "Of course." He tilts his head towards where Blaine is hiding. "The gentleman is over there and I'm sure the pasty one is close behind."

Blaine scrambles back abruptly, his heart pounding, until a sharp poke at his throat stops him. "I wouldn't go any further." The blond man nudges his sword slightly and Blaine winces as it digs.

"Bring him here, Jeff," the man at the door commands and Blaine finds himself his hands tied behind his back, being dragged forward in the dirt.

Hunter's face is hard and cold, with not a glimmer of kindness, although his eyes widen in recognition. "Brothers, not only do we have a gentleman in our midst tonight, I believe we have been graced by royalty! Prince Blaine, you honor us with your presence!" He sweeps into an exaggerated bow. The men hoot and laugh in response.

"I do not think I have had your acquaintance, sir." Blaine spits, angry at his treatment. If he's not angry, then he'll worry, and anger is an easier emotion to deal with.

"No, why would you pay attention to anybody below you?" Hunter sneers. "My father owns all of these lands and serves as your duke. I've been to Dalton, sat at your fine tables, and have been completely ignored as mere country peasants."

"My apologies for any offense." Blaine mutters.

Hunter nudges him with his foot. "You'll make a pretty ransom. With the Crown Prince all but dead and gone, the crown will give handsomely for your return." He reaches down and tugs Blaine up sharply by his curls. "Sebastian! Your dagger!"

Sebastian holds out his knife without a tremor, sinking Blaine's hopes. "He'll be worth less if you mame him."

Hunter's grip tightens and Blaine fights back the gasp of pain. "We all know your preference for the pretty boys. I promise, he can still warm your bed at night, while we wait for the crown's response. But they won't believe us, unless we send a little token." Blaine feels the knife saw through his hair roughly, before Hunter releases his grip and pushes Blaine back to the ground. "The hair will make a nice touch when I send your royal mama and papa your saddle, won't it?"

The gang shift uneasily. "Are you sure about this, boss?" One of them asks. "There were two of them. What if the other got away?"

"What is he going to do? Go to town and demand our arrest? May I remind you all who my father is? And your father?" He points to Sebastian and then to another in the group. "And yours? Who would believe him?"

"But… nobody said nothing about kidnapping a prince." A timid voice pipes up, and Blaine recognizes the boy from the pub. Trent, Kurt called him. "That's hangable, Hunter."

Hunter snarls at the boy. "I don't recall asking for your advice, but if you don't like the way I'm running the Warblers, you can leave."

"No, no, I didn't mean nothing." Trent trips on his feet, in his haste to retreat.

"Tie him up. We'll find a place to store him tomorrow. You– go through the horses' bags. Any jewelry or money you find is mine, you hear me?" Hunter demands, glaring at his crew who swiftly comply with his orders.

Blaine is lashed tightly to the porch railing. He flexes his fingers, trying to keep the circulation flowing, his mind racing and the panic setting in. They hadn't located Kurt, as far as he can tell, which causes more rage from Hunter. The large bottle of rum they pilfer from Kurt's bags seems to calm him down and he is near jolly as night approaches. (Blaine's a little miffed that after all of these days together, Kurt hadn't offered him a drink).

After supper, Sebastian approaches him and kneels behind him, checking the ropes around Blaine's wrists. He frowns at their tightness and loosens them slightly. "Sorry about that, killer. There, is that any better?"

"Let me go, Sebastain." Blaine says softly. "You don't have to do this."

"'Course I do. What do you think he'll do to me if he finds you gone? Hunter'll relax in a couple of days and as long as you promise not to run away, he'll be good to you. You'll see." He pats Blaine's cheek and Blaine flinches away. "I'll have one of the boys bring you out some food."

"I'm not hungry."

"Suit yourself, killer." Sebastian shrugs and walks away.

Blaine is assigned two guards that night, men he doesn't know and they don't introduce themselves. They sit on the stairs, playing cards by the flickering candlelight. Blaine shifts and manages to twist to lie down on the wood. Tears spring to his eyes, and he fights back the sobs until sleep overtakes him.

"Blaine. Blaine." A voice hisses in his ear, and Blaine lurches awake. "Shhh. Just give me a moment to get you untied."

It's late, the blanket of darkness thick and nonpenetrating. He doesn't recognize the voice. "What? Who–"

"No, don't say anything. Not here. Come on, we have to get away from here." The dark figure wraps an arm around him and carefully helps him down the stairs. He can't hear anything from inside the house, everything silent in the darkness. Their feet fall heavy on the porch, and Blaine's heart pounds harder in his ears, but nothing seems to stir from inside. Dimly, he makes out two figures slumped over in the bushes - his guards, he supposes.

His eyes adjust to the darkness as they cross the clearing, but his guide doesn't pause. They plunge into the dark forest and Blaine is again blind, dependent on the man beside him. They walk for several minutes, in a set direction that the man seems to know. Blaine attempts to look over his shoulder several times but he doesn't see anyone following them.

A branch breaks and Blaine clamps down on his shriek. "Did you get him?" Another man emerges from the darkness.

"Kurt." He breathes in relief and throws himself into his arms.

Kurt squeezes him tight and pulls back, his eyes black and piercing. "Did they hurt you?" He whispers and runs his finger down Blaine's cheek.

He shivers, leaning more into the touch, grounded by Kurt's tangible presence. "No, but they figured out who I am."

"I know. Trent told me." Kurt releases him reluctantly, turning to the man beside them. "I managed to get him a note and he has been very helpful."

Blaine throws a grateful smile in Trent's direction.

"We need to go." Kurt murmurs. "If we're to get a head start."

"But the horses–" Blaine protests.

"We've already got them, There's a back door to the barn and it was easy to slip in and take them from under their noses. This way." Kurt leads them confidently through the woods.

Blaine looks back over his shoulder every few steps but he doesn't see anyone following them. Kurt catches his movement. "It's okay. It'll be a while before they wake and figure out what has happened."

Blaine shakes his head, puzzled. "How?"

"The rum was drugged. Opium and a little belladonna. You never know when a sleeping draught might come in handy." Kurt smiles at him. "We're almost here. The horses are just over there by the road - it took a long time to calm Pav down, as she does not like being separated from me, let me tell you."

"And this is where I must go." Trent pipes up.

Blaine's almost forgotten about his presence and he holds a hand out to shake. "Trent. My deepest thanks."

Trent stammers. "Oh, um, it's nothing, Prince Blaine, really. It wasn't good for me, really, being a Warbler, not like I thought it was going to be."

"Will you be safe?" Blaine questions and the boy nods his head vigorously.

"Oh yes, I'm going to go stay with my gran down south, at least until the trial."

At Blaine's curious look, Kurt fills in. "Hunter Clarington may think he owns the town but there is more than one villager who has had their fill with the Warblers and their pranks. I just walked back into town and told the sheriff where he might find some missing valuables. They'll be here by sunrise."

Blaine barks in laughter. "Kurt, you didn't."

"I most certainly did." He grins back. "We'll need to ride the horses hard for the next couple of hours, just to make sure they don't follow us. Are you ready?"

Blaine mounts Blackbird, gathering her familiar reins in his hands and touches his heels to her rump. The moon parts from the clouds to paint their way as they gallop off to Trent's wave.