Part Four

"…So," Caesar said softly. "This was Elenor's house."

Daunte glanced at Caesar and then glanced at the rubble before them. The roof looked like it had caved in at some point, though he saw that the far wall was still standing with a sturdy door. "Where does that lead?" He wondered aloud.

"If I remember from her diary, she had Lord Lazlo run a test in the area where that door leads," Caesar said, sighing heavily. "Wishful thinking, but I thought I would've found more of her things here. But I guess that was unrealistic given that it was over 150 years ago that she lived here."

"So you are a Silverberg as well?" Both Daunte and Caesar looked up as Lazlo approached. His expression was calmer but he still held his frown. "You look like her, though your demeanor is more relaxed."

"Elenor was a great-great-great—you get the idea—aunt of mine," Caesar confirmed. "I'm glad to be here where she lived, and to speak to someone who knew her."

"She helped me greatly," Lazlo said. "I wouldn't have been successful without her, and I wish I could have helped her as much as she helped me."

Caesar shrugged. "I'm sure she appreciated your sentiments."

"Ruggiero and Arisoto," Daunte said. "Are they all right?"

"They're with your comrades," Lazlo said. "They have been my companions for the last five years. There have been a series of murders in Middleport that the populous blamed on Arisoto because, well, he is a hippogriff. But I examined the bodies of the victims myself and it was impossible for a hippogriff to have killed these people."

"You are certain?" Caesar said.

"The victims were all stabbed," Lazlo said bluntly. "The wounds were 20 centimeters deep. Arisoto's claws are nowhere near as long and the wounds were far too narrow to have been caused by his beak."

"So Arisoto is innocent," Daunte said. "But the people of Middleport didn't care."

Lazlo shrugged. "I tried to tell them that Arisoto was innocent but they either don't remember who I am or they think I'm an imposter. They attacked us, and Arisoto defended Ruggiero from a killing blow. I honestly do not know how Arisoto managed to fly us all the way here, but he did and then he collapsed. I tried to heal him, and…" he paused for a long moment and then looked at his left hand. "I wasn't going to use my Rune on the mob," he said. "I couldn't use my Rune on them. I've managed to maintain the Rune of Punishment's Forgiveness Phase and I couldn't allow anything to jeopardize it. But in doing so I let one of my companions die, and…"

"Rune of…Punishment?" Daunte asked softly.

"May I?" Caesar asked. Lazlo shrugged stiffly. "I would rather not talk about it, but I will correct you if you're wrong."

"Lord Daunte, as you know the Rune of Punishment is a True Rune," Caesar said. "However the horrors of this rune are on par with the Soul Eater Rune. It is incredibly powerful, and the spells within the Rune have been known to cause absolutely devastating damage. However, It is a parasitic rune."

"P-Parasitic rune?!" Daunte gasped.

"The Rune of Punishment traditionally doesn't feed on its own power," Caesar said, glancing at Lazlo. Lazlo nodded in confirmation and Caesar continued. "It feeds solely on the life-force of the person who wields it. It feeds and feeds and feeds until there is nothing left of the wielder, and then when the wielder dies it attaches itself to another person and repeats the cycle."

"When he says the rune leaves nothing left, he's not wrong," Lazlo said grimly. "It swallows so much of its host's life-force that it literally destroys their body. This Rune was instrumental in helping me win the Islands Federation War…but it also caused me great heartache and suffering."

"I'm sorry," Daunte said quickly but Lazlo shook his head. "I persevered over the Rune of Punishment, though. There was a lot of self-growth that I needed to do, but in doing so the Rune also evolved and it entered its Forgiveness Phase." He stroked the back of his hand. "Now the rune draws from its own power and not from me. It has done so for a century and a half. Lady Leknaat told me—"

"Y-You know Lady Leknaat?!" Arin cried out as he ran over.

"Yes," Lazlo said. "She didn't fight for my Army but she gave me great advice on using my Rune. She was the one who told me about the Forgiveness Phase, but she also warned me to be diligent and not allow anyone to take the Rune from me. Lady Leknaat said that if the Rune of Punishment left me—or if someone took it from me forcibly—then it would leave its Forgiveness Phase and its terror would start all over again."

"Good thing Lady Leknaat joined us!" Arin cheered with a fist pump.

Lazlo's brow raised but Caesar shrugged. "Lady Leknaat is number 4 on our Tablet of Stars."

"…That's the spot Ted held in my army," Lazlo said softly. His eyes widened slightly. "Y…You mentioned the Soul Eater Rune. So you have met Ted?"

Caesar flinched slightly and rubbed at the back of his head as he ducked his head forward. "Ah…"

Lazlo's face fell even further, and Daunte saw profound sadness in his eyes. "…I see. D-Did either of you ever meet Ted before he…?"

"He died before either of us was born," Caesar said gently. "But we met his successor, Tir McDohl. Master Tir was Ted's best friend, the one person he entrusted the Rune to."

"I-I'm glad Ted finally allowed himself to have friendships," Lazlo said softly. "Ted was so guarded when he—joined my Army. I often witnessed Aldo trying to—Aldo." Lazlo slowly turned around until his back was to them. "I-I'm sorry. I try not to talk about that time because everyone—my friends are…"

Daunte felt his throat tightened and tears burned his eyes. His war was over 150 years ago. Almost all of his friends are dead. I…will this be what it will be like for ME in 150 years?

"Hey, come with us!" Arin shouted, tugging on Lazlo's right hand. "Come with us to Nagarea! Lady Leknaat is there, and so is Viki and Jeane! They fought in your war too, right?!"

"You have Viki and Jeane?" Lazlo exclaimed, turning back around to face them. "H-How?!"

"Jeane is a complete mystery," Caesar said bluntly. "Not even our best detectives could figure her out. Viki, however, I blame on her Blinking Rune."

"I see," Lazlo said. After a moment though he shook his head. "Thank you for the offer but I'm going to decline. I don't want to head south at this time."

"Are you sure?" Daunte said. "We flew up here in a skyship. It would take us just a couple of hours to get to Nagarea from here."

"Skyship?" Lazlo's brow furrowed in confusion.

"It's a lost technology of the Sindar," Caesar explained with a smile. "It's a transport vessel that travels through the air instead of land or sea."

"If that's the case, then could we use this vessel to travel back to Middleport?" Lazlo said. "A grave injustice was done to my companions and I want to make it right and clear their names."

"I'll be happy to take all of you," Daunte said. "You'll need to point us in the right direction to fly though."

Lazlo nodded. "I appreciate this. Thank you, Lord Daunte."

"Just Daunte is fine, Lord Lazlo."

"Then you just call me Lazlo as well."

"Hey, did you ever fly in a skyship?" Arin asked Lazlo.

Lazlo made a face. "I'm not that old."

They regrouped with the rest of the party and Ruggiero and Arisoto. Arisoto was flying circles overhead with Mokuren, Xi An, Freyr on his back. So everyone came up here but Hero, Daunte observed.

"Look, look!" Ruggiero cheered, pointing. "He is back to full health! Oh, thank you so much!" The larger man crushed Daunte in another hug. "Thank you for using such an amazing Rune for my friend!"

Daunte gurgled, unable to form a reply. Both Lazlo and Surya had to pull him away so that Daunte could breathe.

"Now it's my turn," Priscilla said suddenly, lunging forward and shaking Lazlo's hand furiously. "Lord Lazlo, it's a great honor to meet you! I learned all about your heroism in school! This is truly amazing!"

"T-They teach about me in school?" Lazlo asked incredulously.

"Of course! I'm from Razril, we have a statue of you there! You look exactly like it!"

Lazlo however didn't look pleased. "A-A statue?"

"We should go to Razril next!" Ruggiero cheered. "I would love to see that statue, Lord Lazlo!"

"You confirmed you have a True Rune as well," Lazlo said, blatantly changing the subject as he looked at Daunte. "Which one is it?"

"Oh, it's the Rune of Restoration," Daunte said, pulling back his glove to show him. "It's the parent rune of the Resurrection Rune."

Lazlo pulled his hand free from Priscilla and looked at the rune symbol for a long moment. Then he looked back up at Daunte. "You got lucky in that regard."

Everyone keeps saying that, Daunte thought, but he said nothing as he pulled his glove back on.

"We're going back to Middleport," Lazlo announced as Arisoto glided towards the ground. "And we're going to clear Arisoto's name and avenge this injustice done to the both of you."

"I-I don't think I want to go back there," Ruggiero said cautiously but Lazlo shook his head. "I liberated that town from tyranny and the only thing I asked of them was to be left alone. And how do they thank us for keeping to ourselves? They attacked us and killed Arisoto! We are going there to set the record straight and they WILL apologize to us!"

"That's an assertive response coming from you," Caesar said but Lazlo shrugged. "I've been fighting for others for a long time and have rarely ever fought for myself. It's high time I actually do that. If I had done that in the beginning, I—" his voice broke off and he shook his head. "Never mind. Can we go now? I want to resolve this before sundown."

"We'll surely get there by then!" James said proudly.

The group made their way back to the beach, and with their larger numbers they were not attacked by monsters. Daunte's held Arin's hand with his left one and hung back from the group to walk in stride with Lazlo. "Did you lead the Islands Nation Federation when you won the war?" Daunte asked.

"Initially, no," Lazlo said. "I overused the Rune of Punishment in an attempt at self-sacrifice to save my Army. My companions even thought I was dead and buried me at sea."

"But you survived?"

"With the united strength of the 108 Stars of Destiny I did."

"B-But you did eventually lead the Federation?" Daunte asked. "Your companions found out you were alive?"

"That's a whole other story I don't feel like discussing," Lazlo answered. "But yes, I was President for 10 years after Lino En Kuldes retired and insisted I take the mantle. I didn't like it; I don't like leadership in general. I led my Army because I was needed, but the Federation didn't need me. Ten years felt sufficient, and it was necessary as I wasn't aging and people were starting to notice. I abdicated to my sister, and she did a much better job than I."

"Sister?" Daunte asked.

Lazlo shrugged stiffly. "Lino En Kuldes was my father, thus making his daughter Flare my sister. Neither of us had any idea though until shortly before he named me his successor."

"Y-You fought alongside your father and didn't know he was your father?!" Arin exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"I didn't know he was my father," Lazlo said. "And he didn't know I was his son."

"Brother, w-what if Dad is fighting with us?!" Arin said suddenly, stopping in his tracks and pulling on Daunte's hand. "What if Dad is in our Army?!"

Daunte felt uncomfortable at the thought and at the hope in Arin's expression. "His name isn't on the Tablet of Stars this time," he said softly. "His spot on the Tablet of Stars was taken by Pesmerga."

Arin's shoulders drooped slightly as he face fell, but then it brightened again. "M-Maybe he's not a Star! Maybe he's just a regular soldier! We don't really remember his face, do we?!"

Arin had a point but Daunte didn't want him to get his hopes up. "We'll look into it when we get home," he said gently. "Now, let's go."

"Do you plan on leading your country when your war ends?" Lazlo asked.

Daunte hesitated, wondering if he should lie, stay silent, or answer honestly. He settled for honesty. "I don't know."

"Heeey, Daunte!" Surya ran over to them and put Daunte in a playful headlock. "Everyone's waiting! Let's get this nightmare over with!"

"Nightmare?" Lazlo asked.

"Flying makes him sick," Arin said tactlessly.

Ruggiero and Arisoto were amazed by the skyship. Lazlo was stoic but he seemed impressed. Hero looked annoyed at having more travelers, but didn't voice much complaints except to warn Arisoto to not dig his claws and hooves into the floor. There was no room for Ruggiero in any of the seats, so the hippogriff had to relax in the back of the ship in front of the aeolipile.

Surya and Freyr got sick again but Lazlo stood at the front directing them the direction to fly. Daunte knew they were close to Middleport before he saw the island; the seas were filled with boats. Most of them looked like fishing boats, some were leisure boats, but there were one or two that looked like military vessels. Daunte felt a spike of concern and looked at his allies, but he relaxed when he saw how relaxed Caesar looked.

Though he often looks relaxed.

"The main dock looks empty," Lazlo told Hero. "We can land there."

"Got it!" Hero shouted, and pushed the controls forward. Most of the group cried out as the skyship abruptly dipped forward as it descended. Thankfully no one was thrown about including Arisoto, though the hippogriff was making rumbling noises of annoyances. "It's okay, boy," Ruggiero tried to reassure him, though the man himself was clinging to his seatbelt with white knuckles.

"I-Is the mayor in town?" Caesar called to Lazlo.

"When we were here, no," Lazlo said over his shoulder. "If he was, then we wouldn't have faced problems."

"W-Who's the mayor?" Daunte asked. "Should we introduce ourselves to him?"

"The mayor is Schtolteheim Reinbach IX, but last I checked he was in Obel when we were attacked by the mob. If he's in Middleport now then I will be giving him an earful."

"Schtolteheim Reinbach IX?" Arin asked, stumbling over the name. "L-Like Schtolteheim Reinbach III?"

"…The Ninth is his descendant," Lazlo said, his tone slightly weary.

"I never met him, but I've heard stories," Priscilla laughed.

"Is he a Narcissist?" Mihr asked suddenly.

"All of the Schtolteheim Reinbach's are Narcissists," Lazlo said.

Mihr frowned deeply. "Will he…then be like Luciano and have music accompany him?"

"Wait, you hear music too when you speak to that guy?" Brennus said. "I thought I was imagining it!"

"It can b-b-be loud," Lysander said.

Daunte felt a slight twinge of dread but didn't show it on his face. Let's just get through this and clear their names.

The skyship was faster than the boats sailing towards Middleport and again landed easily on the water. The landing though created quite a few waves that splashed on people on the docks, but they didn't look harmed. "Who would you like to take with us to get this settled?" Caesar asked Daunte.

Daunte looked at Lazlo, and then at Ruggiero and Arisoto. "All three of you will need to come with me to get your names cleared."

"I don't want those people hurting Arisoto again!" Ruggiero said, hugging the hippogriff's neck.

"It will not happen again," Lazlo insisted.

Becasuse of Arisoto's size he may count as two party members," Caesar said. "Even as a mounted unit. But we should have room for one more."

"Mihr," Daunte said, looking to the man in question.

"I am ready," Mihr said, standing.

"Can I come?" Arin asked eagerly but Daunte shook his head. "I'll only take Caesar in the support party. If things get ugly I don't want to risk you getting hurt. And if things get ugly I don't want you guys involved." He looked towards Surya. "We might have an unintentional international incident if any of you get hurt."

"Understood," Surya said, nodding.

"Aww, can't I get off this stupid ship?!" Freyr whined.

"You'll have to go through me," Soturi said coldly.

"What?! You're MY bodyguard!"

"That's right," Mokuren said cheerfully. "And that's why you'll have to fight him to get off the skyship!"

"There's already a crowd forming," Brennus said, looking out the window. "Be careful, Lord Daunte."

"We will," Daunte said.

"I'll step out first and everyone follow me," Mihr said and Daunte nodded. Without hesitation Mihr pushed the door open and disembarked the skyship. Daunte followed after him, hearing murmurs of confusion from the residents of Middleport at seeing a bird-shaped ship sitting in their harbor and seeing people emerge from it. Ruggiero and Arisoto were last off the ships, and screams quickly rose from the crowd. "RUNE!" Someone shrieked.

"The beast has returned!"

"It's still alive?!"

"It will kill us all!"

"Murderers!"

Most of the people immediately, but soldiers raced towards them with their weapons drawn. "Halt!" the one at the front shouted. "We will dispense justice upon you!"

"We haven't killed anyone," Daunte said, grunting as Mihr forcibly shoved him behind him.

"This lot didn't listen to us so they won't listen to you," Lazlo sighed.

"Hey, why don't we all calm down for a mom—" Caesar said.

The soldiers made no attempts to further speak to them. The one at the front thrusted his sword at Mihr, who effortlessly disarmed him and then slammed the heel of his palm under the soldier's chin in an uppercut motion. Daunte was certain he heard teeth break. "How dare you raise a weapon unprovoked against my Commander?!" He growled in the dazed soldier's face.

Two more soldiers lunged at Mihr. Mihr cursed under his breath and pushed the first soldier aside, dodging the first thrust and giving that soldier a roundhouse kick to the side of the head. The third soldier did a downward swing, but Mihr ducked and punched the man in the abdomen. He was wearing armor and there was a loud 'CLANG' from his gauntlets hitting the plate but Daunte saw pain in the soldier's face, indicating he felt the blow.

"He's impressive," Ruggiero said as Mihr single-handedly took down four more soldiers. "I've not seen many warriors of his size a master of their fists."

"Oh no, he's a swordsman," Priscilla said cheekily. "He's currently refusing to use his sword because he's throwing a hissy fit."

"I can hear you," Mihr called darkly over his shoulder as he flipped the next soldier straight over his shoulder.

"Well he fought Keiran Umed to a draw once," Caesar said, folding his arms over his chest. "That should say a lot about both of their skills…"

"Enough!"

The sharp cry rang through the air, but Daunte didn't miss the soft melody that followed. He looked towards the stairs to see a man in his late thirties dressed in loud, expressively aristocratic clothing. He was frowning deeply in disapproval as he slowly made his way towards them. "What a disgraceful display by the finest of Middleport!" he snapped. "I am gone but not a week and when I returned I find that eight citizens have been murdered, there have been three riots, and now you attack visitors the moment they arrived?!" He scoffed in disgust and shook his head as he planted his hands on his hips. "How uncouth!"

"L-Lord Schtolteheim Reinbach IX," on the soldiers whimpered on the ground. He pointed towards Daunte's group with a trembling hand. "T…They returned! The killer monster is t-there!"

"The killer monster?!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX's blonde brow furrowed in confusion as he looked down at the soldier. "Since when do hippogriffs kill with a blade?! And since when do hippogriffs rob people of all their Potch?!"

Oh good, he sees reason. Daunte nearly fell over in relief as Mihr returned to his side.

"But nevertheless, having a hippogriff here is not—" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX looked towards the group again and his voice still. His eyes went wide and he started screaming, pointing his finger frantically at the group. His bodyguards surrounded him and drew their weapons. One of them spoke, "My lord—"

"It—It—IT'S HIM!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX shrieked. He pushed past his bodyguards and charged towards the group at alarming speed. Mihr almost stepped in his path but Schtolteheim Reinbach IX breezed past him and threw himself upon the dock at Lazlo's feet. "It's YOU! Lord Lazlo! The hero who liberated our nation! My Lord, I would know your face from anywhere! My adopted great-great-great-great grandfather drew your portrait himself for his memoirs!"

"LORD LAZLO?!" one of the soldiers shrieked. His face was heavily bruised but Daunte saw his eyes go wide. "H—He was telling the truth?!"

"Of course this is Lord Lazlo, you buffoons!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX snapped over his shoulder as he stood up. "Haven't you ever picked up a textbook?!"

"Yeah, really?" Priscilla said dully. "Or even looked at one of his statues?"

"I have more than one?!" Lazlo said, his voice rising a little.

The soldiers before them were sent into a frenzy. Several of them were screaming apologies, while others burst into tears and begged for mercy. Daunte felt a headache forming and he looked at Caesar, who looked sheepish. "…I would say that we are no longer in danger," he said.

Word spread quickly that the "beast's accomplices" were in fact the legendary Lazlo and his companions, and a giant crowd converged upon the mayor's residence just for a chance to see the hero that many of them had attacked just a day earlier. Priscilla had left the skyship when the commotion started an then insisted on following them in the support party.

"I apologize most profusely for the way you have all been treated," Schtolteheim Reinbach IX told them as he took a seat at his desk. "I hope this appalling behavior does not spoil your view of his wondrous city. The people here have been held by terror by an yet unknown killer. It disturbs me that within just a week eight innocent people have been murdered…"

"They were killed by a blade that stabs deep," Lazlo said. "And you said that they were robbed?"

"Robbery appears to be the primary motivator for these attacks," Schtolteheim Reinbach IX said sadly. "But as there have been no witnesses to these attacks—"

"People assumed my Arisoto killed these people," Ruggiero said harshly.

"I am afraid so. Foolish yes, given the evidence of the crimes, but people in grief rarely act rationally."

"I know that well," Lazlo muttered.

"So the killer or killers hasn't been identified yet?" Daunte asked.

Schtolteheim Reinbach IX nodded. "We do not know who is doing this, but I must find out as soon as possible before someone else dies."

Daunte looked at Caesar, who gave him a smile and a nod. Daunte nodded back before looking at Schtolteheim Reinbach IX. "Would you like help catching this fiend?"

"What?!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX exclaimed, jumping this feet. "I-I cannot ask guests for help in this, especially after how abhorrently you were treated!"

"But your word would not be enough," Lazlo said, folding his arms over his chest. "You can tell the people of Middleport that Arisoto is innocent, but not everyone would believe you. If we are to conclusively clear Arisoto's name, then the real killer needs to be found."

Schtolteheim Reinbach IX's shoulders drooped slightly and he frowned deeply but he nodded reluctantly. "You…have a fair point."

"So we will lay a trap," Caesar said. "We'll send one of us out for bait in the general area these attacks occurred to lure out the killer or killers. When they strike, we will grab them then and show them to the city to prove that Arisoto is innocent."

"Elenor Silverberg's Grandson, you are a genius!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX cried out, clapping his gloved hands together. "This will surely stop the crime spree once and for all!"

"…My name is Caesar Silverberg," Caesar said sheepishly. "And Elenor was more of a great-great-great—and so on—aunt."

"Ah yes Lord Caesar! Let us set this plan in motion!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX beamed at them. "Now, who will be the bait?"

"I will," Lazlo said immediately.

"No!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX shouted in response.

"Everyone now knows conclusively who you are," Priscilla pointed out. "No one would dare mug someone they know to be a legendary hero."

"I will do it," Mihr said, stepping forward.

"No offense Mihr, but no thief in their right mind would attempt to rob you," Caesar said. "Even without your sword, anyone can see from your build that you know how to fight."

"No," Daunte said, raising his hand. "I will do it."

"Lord Daunte, that isn't a good idea," Priscilla said sharply.

"No one would think I could defend myself though if they were to see me," Daunte said. "I tie a huge bag of Potch to my belt and walk around, they'll think I'm an easy target."

"That's an unnecessary risk," Mihr said. "You are our leader, you cannot—"

"I think it's an excellent idea," Caesar interjected with a smile. "We will all be nearby in the shadows to make sure nothing happens to our lord. And if anything does happen then he can handle it."

"If you are sure then we are grateful," Lazlo said.'

"Y-You have already done so much for Arisoto," Ruggiero said, tears visibly forming in his eyes. "You are so selfless my Lord…"

"If you are sure, then let us set this plan into motion," Schtolteheim Reinbach IX said seriously. "That way no one else can die at this brute's hands."

Nightfall. Middleport had a temporary curfew due to the recent riots and killings. The city was very silent. Daunte welcomed the silence after having been subjected to the accordion music that seemed to accompany every Narcissist.

10,000 Potch was strapped to his waist, causing him to have a slight limp as he walked through the darkness. The clanging of coins rattled in his ears, sounding even louder due to the silence of the city.

Daunte kept his senses open, but his mind wandered back to earlier. Before he had set out ahead of the group, Lazlo had pulled him aside. "I would like you to do me a favor," He had said. His tone was sad, as was his expression.

"Sure," Daunte had responded. "What?"

Before Daunte could reflect on Lazlo's request however, the bag of Potch broke from his belt and fell to the ground. The gold coins spilled across the cobblestones. "Damn," he muttered, kneeling down to quickly scoop the coins up. I've been walking around for four hours and the killer hasn't struck. Maybe they've already attacked someone else? Maybe I'm carrying too much money? Maybe I've made myself too obvious—

A sharp point pressed against his back. "Don't move."

Daunte didn't recognize the voice, but it was a man's voice. He swallowed hard as his heart started pounding, but in relief and not in panic. Good! They took the bait!

"Don't turn around or I will kill you," the man commanded. "Pick up all the Potch, tie the bag, and walk away."

"Y-Yes, Sir," Daunte said, deliberately stammering over his words to sound scared. He kept a slow pace though, picking up the coins one by one to return to the bag. We'll need to take this killer by surprise…

"Hurry!" the man said sharply. His tone sounded panicked, pressing the weapon harder against Daunte's back.

"I-I understand, Sir." Daunte did move a little faster as he felt the tip of the blade scratch his skin. For someone who's killed eight people in robberies, this man seems edgy—

A pair of beautiful hands descended in front of Daunte and scooped up the Potch he hadn't picked up. Daunte's head snapped up to see a woman with apricot-colored hair looking down at the Potch with glee. "Ooh, look at all this money Tapeli!"

"Caoimhe!" the man, Tapeli, shouted behind Daunte. "You revealed your face, AGAIN! Damn you!"

Caoimhe? Daunte's brow furrowed in confusion. W…Where have I heard that name? He looked her over. Those…Those look like clothes from Nagarea…

"Oh be quiet," the woman, Caoimhe, huffed at her accomplice. "With this money we can finally get out of this cesspool city and travel to the Northern Continent! Aren't you happy?!"

"You showed your face!" Tapeli snapped, grabbing Daunte by the shoulder and dragging him to his feet. "I told you not to do that! What's worse is that you said my name! This boy can identify us now, just like the others!"

"Well YOU said MY name too," Caoimhe complained, whipping her hair back. "Just kill him like you killed the others."

"Caoimhe, this is a kid!"

"So you WANT to be identified?"

"No! But I told you not to follow me and I told you not to reveal yourselves to the people we rob! You continue to do so, and then you make ME kill them to cover our tracks!"

"Of COURSE I'm going to follow you," Caoimhe snapped at him. "Do you think I'm going to trust you to not run off with the money without me?! Especially since YOUR carelessness with the money is what got us stranded here!"

"You—"

"HALT!"

Tapeli and Caoimhe cried out as they were suddenly surrounded on all sides by Daunte's allies, Middleport soldiers, and Schtolteheim Reinbach IX. Tapeli swung his arm around Daunte's shoulders and raised his weapon. Daunte got a glimpse of it in the lantern-light and saw that it was a pugio. He saw the blade swing towards his throat, but then there was a shout, "NO, YOU DON'T!" and Mihr burst from the shadows. His fist was quicker than Tapeli's hand, and before the blade got close to Daunte Mihr punched Tapeli in the temple hard. The single blow knocked him unconscious, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Oh thank Nagar!" Caoimhe shrieked, bursting into tears in an instant. "O-Or whatever deity it is you worship! You saved me! You saved me from this foul man!" she dropped the Potch and threw herself at Schtolteheim Reinbach IX, hugging his legs while she sobbed. Her ability to cry in an instant after nonchalantly talking about murder disturbed Daunte greatly.

Schtolteheim Reinbach IX glared down at her, unmoved by her tears. "We heard everything, madam. We know that you are his accomplice."

"N-No, it wasn't like that! He kidnapped me!" She jabbed her finger at the unconscious Tapeli. "He k-k-k-k-kidnapped me from my wonderful home! I'm married with a husband and son this monster STOLE ME! He made me do unspeakable things! He…" her broke off into pathetic blubbering as she continued to cry.

"As I said, we heard you confess remorselessly," Schtolteheim Reinbach IX retorted harshly. "And you in turn will be shown no remorse for your actions." He waved his hand. "Get this foul creature off of me."

Middleport soldiers bodily dragged Caoimhe away from Schtolteheim Reinbach IX. "YOU!" Caoimhe shrieked, pointing at Daunte. "I know you! You are from my homeland!"

"You know him and yet you wanted him dead?" Caesar asked darkly.

"N-No, this isn't my fault! You must help me! Get me my husband and son! They will vouch for me! PLEASE HELP ME!" Caoimhe continued to scream as she was dragged down the street.

"Let it be known!" Schtolteheim Reinbach IX shouted as Tapeli's unconscious body was also dragged away. "The killers have been found! They are a man and woman and NOT a hippogriff! Do you understand?!"

"YES, SIR!" the soldiers shouted, saluting.

Ruggiero however was grim-faced as he appeared with Arisoto. "So," he said gravely. "The killers were a couple who killed because of foolishness and greed. And Arisoto died because of it…" he shook his head but forced a smile at Daunte. "I am in your debt, my Lord. I don't know how I may ever repay you."

"We can discuss it when we get to Razril," Lazlo interjected suddenly. He looked at Daunte and Caesar. "It's best we leave as early as possible."

"I agree," Caesar said.

"Well that was wild," Priscilla said with a raised brow. "But at least it was resolved quickly."

Daunte nodded and then looked at Mihr. "You save me, Mihr. Thank you."

"It was my duty," Mihr said, shaking his head. "It's a start for me but still not enough for my redemption."

"Truly?" Priscilla asked dryly. "You protected our lord with your fists and that is not enough? What do you think he would say if he were here?"

Mihr glared at her.

"Lord Lazlo is right though," Caesar said. "Let's rest and head for Razril before dawn."

Tapeli and Caoimhe were arrested for the eight murders and thefts, plus attempted murder and theft of Daunte. Daunte knew that there would be a trial and they would undoubtedly be found guilty. In the morning though he could hear Caoimhe screaming for her husband and son from the jail. She did not use names but simply said, "My husband" and "My son".

I…think I know who her husband and son are, Daunte thought. But I will leave it for when we get home.

Razril was northwest of Middleport. It was early but a large crowd was at the docks to see them off. Most of the crowd was balling their eyes out screaming for forgiveness. Soldiers held the people back as they started to board the skyship, the closest person who got to the ship was Schtolteheim Reinbach IX. "I hope that you will return to us again oh hero," he said to Lazlo.

"What?!" Hero called from inside the skyship.

"He wasn't referring to you, Hero," Surya said amusedly.

"I will, someday," Lazlo said vaguely.

"So where now?" James asked.

"We're going to my home now," Priscilla said. "I'm sure my mother will have a few things to say to me…"

"A few things?" Daunte asked and Priscilla shrugged. "She knew the…reason I went to Nagarea."

"Well you're dressed in scarlet," Brennus pointed out. "So you're a convicted adulteress, right?" Priscilla laughed humorlessly.

"Why do you continue to wear that outfit if the label bothers you?" Freyr asked.

"The color has grown on me," Priscilla responded defiantly.

"Come, let's go!" Xi An demanded impatiently. "We were left waiting all day yesterday!"

"It was for a good cause though," Daunte said. Xi An said nothing more.

The skyship once again left the sea without issue and flew towards Razril. They arrived at the other island less than an hour later, much to Priscilla's amazement. As it was dawn the docks were empty. Even from their height Daunte could see that the city looked like a stone fortress. He turned to say something to Arin, but he saw Lazlo looking tense from his seat. He moved over to speak to him. "Are you okay?" He asked discreetly.

Lazlo nodded. "I…do not have fond memories of Razril. It's been a long time since I've been back here."

"Do you want to stay in the skyship when we arrive?"

"No, I will be fine." He looked at Daunte. "Do you remember what we talked about yesterday?"

Daunte looked towards Ruggiero and Arisoto and then looked back at him. "Yes." He spoke even softer. "But are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Lazlo said tersely. "It's time. We'll speak to them the moment we land."

"What if they say no?"

"They won't."

"But—"

Lazlo silenced Daunte with a piercing gaze. "They won't because I will tell them so."

Hero landed the skyship in Razril's harbor not five minutes later, causing great waves to splash against the stone docks. "HEY!" Daunte heard a shout outside. "You can't anchor that—thing there!"

"What is that?!" another shouted. "It looks like a wooden bird!"

"Make your visit quick," Hero snapped from his seat. "I don't want anymore problems!"

Priscilla sighed heavily, brushing herself off and standing up. "Well…time to face the music."

"Ruggiero, Arisoto," Lazlo called as they stood. His companions were at the ready. "We need to talk. Come with me, please."

"I want to explore this city," Surya gurgled, stumbling out of his seat. "I-I need—to get out of this thing."

"Me too," Freyr complained loudly.

"I'll be right back," Daunte said, watching Lazlo leave the skyship with Ruggiero and Arisoto.

"Don't go too far, my lord," Caesar said.

Daunte nodded and hurried out of the skyship. Lazlo, Ruggiero, Arisoto ignored the Razril soldiers attempting to question them as they walked to the farther side of the docks. "Hey," one of the soldiers asked. "Doesn't that one boy with the red headband look familiar?"

"I-I think so," another soldier responded. "But from where?"

Daunte saw a great statue of Lazlo at the front of the harbor, easily standing six meters high, and he rolled his eyes before hurrying past the soldiers and running after the trio. The soldiers did not stop them.

He found the group in mid-conversation. "What?!" Ruggiero cried out, his eyes wide.

"It is as I said," Lazlo told him. "I'm releasing Arisoto and you from your service to me. It is time we go our separate ways."

"B-But why?!"

"You know that I do not keep companions for long," Lazlo said. "You have both been great friends to me, but I cannot keep friends for long. You know this. Thank you for being there for me, but I must move on."

"Lord Lazlo," Ruggiero said, raising his hands. "I-I didn't mean to be a burden—"

"You are not a burden," Lazlo interrupted. "I was a burden to you both. Your best friend died and I couldn't prevent it." Lazlo gestured to Daunte. "Lord Daunte however, did save Arisoto. He saved your best friend and he was instrumental in clearing your name. I feel that your skills are best spent helping Daunte than they are helping me."

Ruggiero quickly looked at Daunte. Daunte felt a little uncomfortable but he nodded. "I would be honored to have both Arisoto and you as part of Nagarea's Liberation Army. If you want to join us," he quickly added.

"I-I," Ruggiero stammering, looking at Arisoto. The hippogriff looked calm. He looked back at Daunte with wide eyes. "You…saved us," he said softly. "I owe you so much. I-I…If Lord Lazlo requests it, and if you would have me, then Arisoto and I would be honored to join you."

"Thank you," Daunte said, shaking his hand. "And welcome to the Liberation Army."

"Good," Lazlo said. "This is where I part ways with you. I will stay with your group while you are here in Razril, but when you leave I will be staying."

Ruggiero crushed Lazlo in a tight hug. "Thank you for everything, Lord Lazlo."

Lazlo gurgled, but choked again when Arisoto slammed up against his back, crushing him between Ruggiero and Arisoto.

"I—" Daunte began.

"PRISCILLA!"

A woman's shout startled Daunte and he turned to see a lovely order woman charging towards Priscilla, anger clear in her face. "How DARE you show your face back here after disgracing your family?!"

"Oh really?!" Priscilla shot back. "Your disowning me means I can't ever step back in Razril ever again?!"

"I will not allow you to shame us more than you already have!" The woman hollered.

"Oh, and screaming at me in public and making a spectacle of yourself isn't shameful?!"

"Don't talk to your mother like that!"

"Don't dress me down like I'm a damn child!"

"Watch your mouth!"

Daunte watched them for a long moment, debating if he should get involved in the shouting match between mother and daughter. After a moment he shook his head and headed back towards his other allies.