Writer-Rabbit-Newsie-Grace: Oh, I think this is very interesting! I can't wait to find out what happens next. I do think you might want to work on pacing the chapters a bit slower, which is something I very recently learned how to do and am still getting the hang of, but otherwise, I'm really enjoying it! Keep up the good work.

RainyDayReading342: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you decided to review and give constructive criticism. It is always welcome! We will try to work on that. I also noticed it and I thank you for pointing it out nicely.

ElvenQueenLibrary: We'll try to pace out the plot, but do you have to help slow the fight scenes down? It would be really helpful. Thanks again!

We are both progressing on the writing, and many new ideas are popping up! We are very excited to see this story progress. Please review! Enjoy this chapter.

Liam grunted as he hoisted himself up the rope, his sword gripped precariously in his hand.

He had failed. Failed to keep his cousins safe.

Waking up on the beach with sand, salt, and dirt encrusted in his hair was not a pleasant experience. Mud had been streaked across his face along with dried blood.

He had a couple bruises and scratches, but he would live. He had no idea how he had gotten there until he saw a figure in the darkness of the waters. It was a dragon. A dragon had saved him from drowning after he had been knocked over the boat.

He was thankful, of course, but couldn't the dragon drop him a little gentler?

He staggered onto his feet, and drew in a sharp breath with every wavering step he hobbled towards the castle.

He finally reached the lawn below Itzel's window and groaned as he looked up at the rope dangling from it.

Why me?

He finally reached Itzel's window and climbed through. He landed on the floor of her bedroom, exhausted.

That is when he heard a small meowing. He turned his head slightly, and he saw two amber little eyes staring at him from under the bed. He heaved himself up and put his hand under the bed.

A small kitten climbed onto his arm, meowing pitifully.

"You must be Kickle," he croaked. The kitten snuggled against him and purred. Liam smiled then set him on the bed. He grimaced as he stood up straight, the punches he took on his side throbbing.

But he wouldn't let that stop him from going after Arthur and Itzel. He had to leave tonight

He was about to hobble out the doorway when he saw his mother standing there. Her jaw had dropped, and there were dark circles under her eyes.

"Liam?" she asked tentatively. She saw his bruised face and started fussing.

"Oh, Liam, what in the world happened? There were Fangs! The guards were fighting them, I had to see what was going on- where are Itzel's and Arthie?"

Liam hung his head. "I'm sorry, ma. I'm so, so sorry. I'm going to find them, I promise."

Sara held his cheek, but Liam brushed her hand away as he marched into the hall. He had his sword in his hand, he had picked it up when he was in Itzel's room.

Sara followed him silently. Liam went all the way to his room. He grabbed a sack and started filling it with things he would need. Sara silently let some tears slip free as she watched him pack.

Liam put a spare cloak, waterskin, and a dagger in his pack. Then he went back to Itzel's room. He came back with a small teddy bear of hers, and packed it as well. He then went to the kitchen. Sara followed him.

Sara helped him pack some food for the journey. It was a silent ritual, the sorrow of knowing what Liam was going to do was heavy.

Liam put on his boots and his real clothes, then put a cloak over his shoulders. He took out the royal Wingfeather pin and instead put in a simpler one.

He had to be disguised in Skree, or wherever he was going.

Most importantly he had to find Itzel and Arthie.

Soon, he was at the front of the castle, the sky not far from dawn. Sara looked at him silently.

"Son, you don't have-"

"Yes, ma, I do. I have to find them, and now. We can't wait for the whole of the Anneiran army to come down to Skree. Who knows what those Fangs would have done with them by that time?"

A few tears slipped down Sara's cheeks, and she kissed Liam's forhead.

"Be careful, son. Return safely with the children."

Liam nodded, then set off for the dock. He was going to find a boat, then try to follow them. Or track them down. He knew that once his father returned, him and Uncle Kal would come to Skree with more men to follow him in trying to rescue Itzel and Arthie.

The pain in his wounds had faded, but he still winced with every step.

I will crawl-no, drag myself to find them if I have to. At whatever cost, I will return them home, he promised himself.