21

"I am very pleased that you will be able to see my home, if only briefly," Howard said with excitement.

"Are we going to stay there at all?" Gregor asked. Luxa shook her head.

"I do not think that would be wise."

"I agree," Howard added. "Though I would love for you to see more of the Fount, recent events would have us return to Regalia as soon as possible." Gregor agreed. He did not feel comfortable on the boat anymore. Though everyone was agreeable enough, the feeling of enjoyment was gone. Gregor was feeling especially down after his recent thoughts.

Wynnora began asking questions about the Fount, which pleased the Underlanders at first. Then they tired of it, and Wynnora trailed off. She could get carried away, but she caught on quick. It reminded Gregor of his father, and made him homesick again. He really wished for a distraction.

Just as he was thinking this they came to a tunnel, and the boat rocked down a rough river. It was not like the rapids from the beginning of the trip, but it would definitely be inconvenient for an enemy attack. Luxa stood beside him and smiled.

"You will like this," she said.

After a few minutes, the tunnel opened up to the city. Gregor looked around, and was reminded of the first time he saw Regalia. The feeling of awe at an underground city. He did not expect the Fount to be so different though.

The city was almost all on water, sort of like the pictures Gregor had seen of Venice, except the canals were much wider and deeper. Waterfalls fell from several points along the walls of the enormous cave, giving a continuous sound of running water. The stone buildings were short toward the center of the city, with the exception of a huge dome shaped building in the very center, then grew taller as they went out. Buildings were built high into the walls of the cave, with the most ornate in the far wall ahead of them. It was not nearly as large as Regalia, but was still bustling with Underlanders.

The whole city was lit by torches, just like Regalia, which gave what Gregor felt to be a magical feel. Howard seemed pleased by the Overlanders' impressed expressions. Gregor looked at Luxa for a moment, and saw she was pleased too: after all, she did rule over the Fount as well, she ought to be proud of it. Howard pointed to the ornate building up ahead, and said that was his home. It was no Regalian palace, but Gregor would love to have such an amazing home.

"What's the tall building in the center?" Wynnora asked.

"Our library," Howard answered. "Years ago, Regalia kept all records of our time in the Underland; however, war is often drawn to the city, and records were destroyed in great numbers. The Fount is not often attacked. That is why the library was moved here."

Wynnora's eyes lit up. "That's your library? What does it have?"

"Everything," Luxa answered. "Historical texts, trade records, art, works by famous authors, censuses." Gregor watched as his cousin tried to contain herself.

"We have to stop here. We have to go there," she said nearly bouncing up and down.

"Unfortunately, we cannot stop. We must return to Regalia as soon as possible," Howard said.

"You can leave me here."

"I do not think that wise," Luxa said, shaking her head.

"You can't just dangle that in front of me, and then say I can't see it. I mean. All of your history? And art? Ugh. Just let me stay." Gregor laughed.

"You're staying with me, Wynn. Nerissa will give you all the history you need," he said. She sighed, then asked about a few more of the buildings.

The boat slid slowly through the city, and many Underlanders stopped to look. The expedition party must have been quite a sight. The queen, gnawers, a flier princess, their own leader's son, crawlers, and of course Overlanders. Gregor felt a bit self-conscious. Though he wanted to see more of the city, he was glad the exit tunnel came into view. Wynnora tried one last time to see the library.

"Please, Wynnora. No more asking. You are not staying," Howard said. She heaved a sigh, and fell forward, learning her head on his shoulder. He frowned, and looked at Gregor for help. Gregor just shrugged. He found this pretty funny.

"Wynn." Howard said, pushing her back up. "If you cease your pouting, I promise I will personally take you to the library." She looked at him suspiciously.

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"Kiss on it?"

"No."

Wynnora shrugged. "Well, it was worth a shot. And I'm going to hold you to that. You're bringing me back here as soon as you can." She walked to the back of the boat to see the city recede behind them. Gregor really hoped she would get to see the library. It meant a lot to her.

"Is kissing on vows a custom in the Overland?" Luxa asked. "We only do this when two people are married."

"It was a joke," Gregor explained. "Harmless flirting. She's messing with him."

"What is flirting?" Gregor sighed. He sometimes did not know how to explain Overland terms to Luxa. Also, this was dangerous territory.

"When I think of how to explain it, I'll tell you," he said. The Underlanders looked at each other in confusion, then went about their business. Gregor turned around and walked to where his cousin was leaning on the side of the boat.

"So why do you get to be a flirt, but I get in trouble for being Luxa's friend?" he asked in a quiet whisper.

"Because, Gregor, I am an immature weirdo from the land above. No one is interested. You, on the other hand, are the ex-warrior wooing the queen."

"Wooing? Seriously?" He felt annoyed. "It doesn't matter anyway."

"Why not?"

"I'm not coming back after this. Ever." His cousin just frowned. "What? This was your idea. End it before it's too hard."

"You like it down here, don't you?"

"Sure, but it's time for me to make my choice, and I can't give up my family." Wynnora looked even sadder.

"I want you to think about this." She walked away. That got Gregor angry. Think about what? This was her idea. He was going to get himself into trouble (well more trouble) if he kept coming back to the Underland. It was time for it to stop.