18

The journey back was rather uneventful. The expedition party traveled on the same path they came on, which made the already boring tunnel even duller. There was a brief debate about whether or not to try a different tunnel on the way back, but this idea was quickly shot down. Everyone agreed it was too much of a risk to get lost with the queen, and no one wanted to accidently enter the territory of the enormous snakes.

Though the company tried to remain alert, Gregor started to notice everyone relaxing. As far as adventures in the Underland went, this one was tame. No serious injuries, no deaths, and very few complications. Gregor kept his ears peeled for any buzzer attacks, but he doubted they would be back.

It took a couple days to get back to the sea, and it was actually a pleasant trip. Everyone talked, joked, and traded traveling partners. Gregor's cousin had a particularly fun time with Luxa. It did not take long for Wynnora to realize that the young queen was very mature for her age, but was rather sheltered in some ways. By the time the party landed for the day, Luxa finally understood dirty jokes. Howard did not appreciate this to say the least, and Gregor worked with Luxa to keep their cousins from fighting.

Everyone was relieved when they did not encounter the snakes again. Luxa did bring up her plans for meeting with snakes in the future with Gregor. She did not want to mess up the first encounter with a race from the new land, and was absolutely determined to make a peaceful treaty with them. Gregor was pleased with himself when he was actually able to help Luxa talk through her ideas and contribute his own. Maybe he was starting to get the hang of the politics stuff.

Things had been going so exceedingly well that now that they reached the sea again, Luxa stopped and asked a question while they packed the boats.

"Does this not all seem too easy?"

"What do you mean?" Gregor asked.

"This expedition has seemed far too simple. I am concerned that we are missing something."

Gregor gave her a confused look. "Easy? Well maybe for you, but I almost drowned."

"And I would not consider a broken rib easy," Howard added.

"Nor a torn wing," said Nike.

"Yeah, and don't forget I fell in a river," Wynnora joked. That got a good laugh.

"Oh yes," Lapblood joined in. "And did you forget that your cousin went through a very difficult divorce." Everyone laughed, except Howard and Wynnora, who corrected her with annulled.

"You are not taking this expedition seriously. Though I do not hope for death, that is usually what our adventures result in. I believe we have all let down our guards, and should remain more cautious for the remainder of the journey."

"Sure, Luxa," Gregor said. "But hopefully we won't need be." He figured better safe than sorry.

Despite everyone's efforts to be more serious for the rest of the journey, they all relaxed a bit too much. No one could help it. They had had a successful journey, and there were no deaths to mourn. What more could they hope for?

Gregor and Luxa took first watch, and sat in the front of the leading boat. Wynnora was again immediately sea sick, and there was something about this sea that reminded her that she was underground. She curled up on the other side of the boat with Howard. Gregor actually liked the rock of the boat, and he loved how much room there was above the water. With the huge cavern disappearing into the dark above him, he was almost able to pretend he was home in the Overland.

Gregor was so lost in thought that he jumped when Luxa laid her head on his shoulder. She quickly sat up again.

"My apologies, I must be slipping to sleep," she said. Gregor did not think she was the type to doze during watch duty.

"Oh no," he said. "It's fine. I mean if you're more comfortable."

"No. I should sit up. It is better for remaining alert." They sat in silence for a few moments. "How fare your sisters?"

"They're doing great." Gregor filled her in on the last two years. How Lizzie was doing great in mathematics, Maggie still loved rats and roaches (which drove their mother crazy), and how Wynnora was making them both some martial arts. "She says it's to keep boys away, so I can't really complain." Luxa laughed, and shook her head.

"Over protective, older brother. You have much in common with Howard." She looked at him funny. "You care very much for many people. You are willing to do anything for even a stranger. Even learn the rules of diplomacy."

"Well I don't like to brag," Gregor said in a cocky tone, which made Luxa laugh again. "But I have been paying attention, and I think I'd make a pretty great politician." He smiled.

"Indeed. With you dedication you could even be a great royal." She stopped herself.

"A what?" Gregor was not sure what he had heard.

"Nothing," she was suddenly angry. "You are distracting us from our duties, Overlander. I ordered everyone to remain alert for the journey, and you were the first to agree." Gregor did not remember it as an order, but he did not say anything. Luxa stood up. "Now let us actually take our duties seriously."

Gregor was not quite sure what happened, or if she was still talking about watch duty. "Fine," he replied, unable to hide the annoyance in his voice. She was not even looking at him anymore. "Geez," he thought, "What did I do?" Gregor followed her gaze into the sea, and felt himself grow cold.