Clay pulled on the chains, trying to escape. He sighed, sitting on the ground to rest. He was back in the Lava Lands, where the Book of Monsters used the small castle to create his fortress. Now, Clay was locked up in the main room, where Jestro sat in his thoughts and the Book yelled orders at the monsters. The Book of Monsters hadn't let Clay out of his sight, and Clay knew why. The moment Clay escaped, the Book was going to pin him and kill him. Somehow. He didn't know how, but he knew it would happen.

"I don't understand why you won't let him go."

Clay looked up, seeing Jestro having a hushed conversation with the Book of Monsters.

"I've told you," the Book of Monsters replied. "There is something about him. He must remain here. At least until I decide if he is of use to us or not."

Jestro glanced at Clay, seeing him watching. Listening.

"At least let me take care of him," Jestro pleaded. "Please."

"How do I know you won't help him escape?" the Book of Monsters asked.

"I remember what you told him," Jestro said. "What you told me before. If he tries to escape, or if I help him escape, he won't last long. You'll kill him."

The Book of Monsters smiled.

"So you do remember that," he said. "Good. Alright, feel free to take care of him for the time being. There are just a couple rules I want you to keep in mind."

"Alright," Jestro said, looking cheerier.

"First off. He has to remained chains, and without his weapons," the Book of Monsters said. "If you take him elsewhere in the castle, he has to stay in the chains. He's a prisoner after all."

Jestro nodded, understanding.

"Second," he continued. "I want you to have either Sparkks or Burnzie with you to watch him. Incase he tries anything, those two are two of the strongest monsters, though not the brightest, they can pack a punch. And third, you have to put the army and collecting the books first. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, thank you," Jestro said.

"Good," the Book of Monsters said. "Now, go explain this to him. I'm coming for clarifications, though."

Jestro nodded, and ran towards Clay. Clay watched Jestro running eagerly towards him, with the Book of Monsters not too far behind him. Jestro pulled Clay to his feet.

"What's got you so cheery?" Clay asked.

"I've made a deal with Jestro," the Book chimed in. "And this is for him, not you. So don't get any ideas."

Jestro glanced over his shoulder, looking at the book excitedly. He turned to Clay, almost jumping with joy. Clay looked to Jestro, to the Book, then back to Jestro.

"What is going on?" Clay asked, confused.

"I get to watch over you," Jestro said. "Like, take care of you. Under certain conditions of course."

A faint smile appeared on Clay's face.

"First," the Book of Monsters said. "Jestro, the chains. Let's walk."

Jestro nodded. He placed a set of shackles on Clay's wrists, then took the chains attached to the ground off him. Clay looked down, pulling on the chains.

"I want to make this clear here and now," the Book of Monsters said, grabbing Clay's attention. "You won't go anywhere without chains and a monster watching over you."

The Book of Monsters called Burnzie over, and he walked over.

"Watch Mr. Moorington as we walk," he said. "Don't let him try to escape."

Burnzie nodded. Jestro grabbed Clay's arm, and Clay followed him. Clay stayed by Jestro's side, Burnzie behind him and the Book of Monsters in front of him.

"What is this about?" Clay asked. "Why are you treating me so nicely all of a sudden?"

"Nicely," the Book of Monsters laughed. "This is only for Jestro, not you. Remember that, knight."

"Ok," Clay said. "Can I ask one other thing?"

"Make it quick," the Book of Monsters mumbled.

"Is there any reason you won't let me go?" Clay asked. "Like, if there is something else you want from me, you can just tell me."

"That's not the case," the Book of Monsters replied. "At this point, I'm just keeping you here so we have the advantage against your friends."

Clay looked down at the mention of the other knights.

"I don't know if they'll want me back," Clay mumbled.

"Why would you think that?" Jestro asked.

"The look on Macy's face when I help you guys in the maze," Clay muttered. "She looked torn. I know I hurt her, and I can't even say sorry now."

Clay felt Jestro's arm around his shoulder. He looked up, seeing Jestro hugging him. A small smile appeared on Clay's face.

"Enough sappy stuff," the Book of Monsters said. "You're going to make me throw up."

Jestro backed off Clay. Clay looked around, finding them in a tower of some sort. He and Jestro followed the Book of Monsters up several steps to the top. Jestro collapsed once he was in the room at the top of the tower.

"What is this place?" Clay asked.

"Why….is it...so high up," Jestro panted.

"This will be your new home, Clay," the Book of Monsters said. "No windows and only one door, which I will have guarded at all times."

"Seems cozy," Jestro commented, finally recovered from the stairs.

Clay looked around, knowing it would be a little better than the main room with the chains. He sighed.

"I will leave you to look around," the Book of Monsters said.

Clay turned as the door closed. It was just him and Jestro now. Alone.

"You don't like it," Jestro said.

"Not really," Clay replied. "It's not like my room in the Fortrex, but it's definitely better than being down stairs and chained up."

Jestro smiled. Clay walked over to the corner and sank to the floor.

"You feeling alright, Clay?" Jestro asked.

"No," Clay said.

"What's wrong?" Jestro asked.

Jestro moved to sit beside Clay, who he suddenly realized was really pale.

"It's think I'm getting sick," Clay said. "Or I'm just really dehydrated."

"I can get you some water if it will help," Jestro said.

Clay nodded, drifting off to sleep.

"Clay, just stay awake until I get back, Ok?" Jestro said.

"Yeah," Clay slurred.

Jestro jumped to his feet, running out of the room. He stumbled several times on the steps before got to the floor. He ran to the kitchen area in the castle. He searched for anything to help Clay. He found a water bottle, filled to the brim with untouched water. He raced back upstairs to find Clay on the floor, staring at the roof.

"I found water Clay," Jestro said.

He ran to Clay's side, pulling him up to a sitting position. Clay stared blankly at Jestro.

"Drink, Clay," he said. "It might not be cold, but it will hopefully help."

Clay took the water bottle and sipped it slowly, relief following every sip.

"Thank you, Jestro," Clay said.

Jestro smiled.

"Jestro!" They heard the Book of Monsters call. "We're going to set out to find the next book! Come on."

Jestro looked at Clay, who was still really pale.

"I'll try to find something to help you," Jestro told him quietly.

Clay nodded, slowly drifting off to sleep. Jestro stood up, looking at Clay with worry before leaving him alone in the room.