Dart rubbed his temples in frustration. He had been listening to Haschel and King Albert quarrel for what seemed like an hour about the new plan to enter the Black Castle, their arguments only circling back around on themselves, and no progress was being made.

"It's the best way to get to Doel!" shouted Haschel. Fifth time he's said that, Dart counted off in his head.

With a dramatic sigh, the king replied, "But we would be putting them in such danger!" Four. "Not to mention, Rose has no desire to participate." Seven? "I will not enact this plan without her consent." Definitely seven.

They rambled on for another few rounds while Dart leaned his head back and tried to spy the moon through the leaves. Having skipped a nap earlier today, his eyes were drooping lower and lower. He'd summoned a heat within him in an effort to wake himself up, but all it had seemed to do was make him more cozy and sleepy. He wasn't sure how much longer he could stand to listen to these people. Where was Lavitz the Peacemaker when you needed him?

He chuckled sourly at this thought as the familiar feeling of loss settled over him once again. He'd begun to think it might never go away.

When footsteps came up behind him, he barely reacted, but Haschel and Albert both fell silent and glanced over. Rose and Shana emerged from the trees, Shana holding her glowing dragoon spirit in her hand.

"You two have been arguing so loud, I'm sure all of Serdio knows we're here," scowled Rose. "But we're doing this ridiculous scheme, so you can shut up now and let us sleep."

As Rose hurried over to her bedroll, Dart raised his eyebrows at Shana, who merely returned a shadow of a smile before seeking sleep herself.

"Well, there you have it," he announced to Albert and Haschel. "Get some sleep. I'll take first watch."

"Nonsense," said King Albert. "You got no rest earlier today. I will keep watch."

Shaking his head, Dart said, "I can't let you do that." The idea of a monarch looking out for them while he rested seemed wrong.

"Let me help." The king's eyes were earnest, and Dart couldn't deny how much he needed rest. His exhaustion was far more than merely physical.

"If you insist," said Haschel, false regret shading his voice as he lay down.

Dart murmured his thanks before lying down to sleep. He felt that he would be unconscious in a wink, but some part of him felt guilty for letting a king stay up while the rest of them slept. Then his eyes connected with the lance that now leaned against a tree, and all his guilt vanished.

It's only fair, he thought.

Then he drifted off.

Around noon the next day, they reached the main road, just as the king had predicted. As irritating as he may have been, Albert did seem to share Lavitz's gift for direction. But with two days of familiarity under his belt, he was now beginning to grab for open conversation with the rest of the group. Rose and Dart listened dully, but Haschel and Shana seemed to oblige him with either true or feigned interest; Dart couldn't tell. He talked about the dullest things: new and upcoming sciences, the geography of Serdio, the life cycle of moss, and Dart's personal favorite, the workings of international politics on Endiness.

He wished for Lavitz and their discussions of battle strategy.

No doubt, the king's spirits had been lifted by Rose's harsh training session that morning. She had made it abundantly clear that, if they were to delve this deeply into enemy territory, she wanted both Albert and Shana ready for combat, and that meant they'd need to be able to transform. And so the three of them had gone off a distance, sending back shouts of irritation and haphazard gusts of wind every so often. Dart had taken the time to hunt, a pleasure he had not had for some time, and managed to trap several rabbits, which he'd cooked for them over a carefully smokeless fire. It may not have been much, but it was enough to stay their hunger. Unintentionally, Dart had eyed the king carefully as he ate, regretting that they'd had so little to offer him. Despite his irritation toward Albert, he couldn't help but feel that they should give him a certain amount of reverence.

Now, however, as Albert droned on, all thoughts of kingship had left Dart's mind as he contemplated shooting him in the back of the head with a nice, warm fireball. At least Lavitz had been able to understand when the group needed silence.

As time wore on, the conversations slowly died, for which everyone was grateful. They began to sense the proximity of the dark city long before they could see it. The roads were eerily silent and empty, as if Kazas were aware of their approach and had decided to draw them in through a false peace. Even the animals seemed more wary, staying hidden just out of view.

The bright sun overhead began to sink slowly to the west, glinting off the distant ocean, but was soon hidden behind the short range of mountains nestled at the southern tip of Serdio. Albert took the opportunity to explain that some believed these mountains were simply a remnant of the great Western Mountains that had once stretched down this far, now cut in half by countless years of the ocean buffeting against them every day. The Small Mountains, as the creative Serdians called them, marked the western edge of the peninsula of Southern Serdio. Dart laughed at the name; they were more like rolling hills than true mountains.

Before long, the hulking city was visible in the distance. Nuzzled in the crook of the mountains, Kazas seemed a dreary place, impressive in size, but filled with shadow.

"That's Kazas?" asked Shana.

"Yes," answered the king grimly. "But it was not always like this. It used to be a grand city, full of life and laughter. But I fear that the emperor has driven it to disparity."

"When was the last time you came here?" asked Haschel.

Albert shook his head. "Not for many years," he said mournfully. "Not since before my father died."

As they neared the city gates, Dart tensed. He felt painfully recognizable in his red armor that had been on display for hundreds of people in the Hero Competition. With a flash, he remembered the people from Kazas that day that he'd registered, and his heart rate escalated. He had been named the second strongest warrior in all of Endiness; surely someone would notice him. Not to mention, King Albert had done little to disguise his features or his mannerisms. The most he could do was pull his cloak over his head, but even then, he sat a little too straight and spoke a little too perfectly.

Dart tried to calm himself as worries cascaded over him. Rose and Shana had been seen with him in Lohan multiple times, and Haschel had joined them in the city as well. Had Doel's spies been able to pick them out? Lloyd had found them; would he have given descriptions to Doel? His breath caught as he remembered those sly eyes fixating on Shana right after the final match.

"Guys, this isn't a good idea," he blurted out.

"What are you talking about?" asked Haschel. "This was your idea."

"I know, but..." He scrambled for the right words. "Shana. They could recognize her."

"We have a king with us, and you're worried about Shana?" asked Rose incredulously.

Locking eyes with Shana, Dart saw his worry reflected in her. With a jolt, he realized that they had never told anyone the true nature of her capture and imprisonment, or why Sandora may have wanted her. Besides the two of them, Lavitz was the only other who had known about the strange event in the cave.

"You had made a mention that Sandora attacked Seles with the sole purpose of retrieving her," said the king. "But you never explained why. Even Lavitz seemed to skirt around the issue."

Oh, yeah, thought Dart sourly. He had momentarily forgotten about their encounter in Bale and now regretted having told King Albert about Shana's imprisonment at all.

"What?" asked Rose and Haschel simultaneously.

Dart and Shana exchanged another glance, and she said, "All that time ago, when Sandora attacked Seles, I was their target. They came, very specifically, for me, and took me away to the prison. They were under strict orders not to hurt me or... anything. They were holding me there for a purpose, even though I don't know what it was. Until Dart got me out."

"Why would they want you that badly?" asked Rose.

This time, Shana turned to Dart to answer. Hesitantly, he spoke.

"We had no idea until we went through the limestone cave east of Bale. We didn't... tell anybody this, but... something happened while we were inside. We got to the last big cavern, and then this weird snake thing started attacking us."

"The guardian?" asked Albert, surprised. "You faced the guardian and survived?" He sounded impressed.

"Yeah, but that's just the thing," he continued. "We wouldn't have. The thing was impossible to fight without dragoon power, but then it tried to attack Shana, and..." He glanced at her, and she nodded to urge him on. "This light came out of her head. It was the strangest thing I've ever seen. The snake was about to strike her, and then she just began to put out this bright blue glow, and it stopped. Midair, mid-strike actually, and came to a standstill. And then it shattered like glass."

Everyone grew silent for a moment as Haschel, Albert, and Rose considered this. Shana looked down at her saddle, as if she were ashamed, and Dart felt an urge to go to her. But just as he was about to, Haschel interrupted the silence.

"And this was before she was a dragoon?"

"Yeah, a long time before. Before I even knew I had a dragoon spirit."

"You think that's why Sandora wanted her?"

"That seems to be the only conceivable explanation," admitted the king. "But there is no reason to assume that anyone in Kazas knows about the plot to take her except Doel."

Dart took a breath and said, "And Lloyd."

"What? How?"

"He recognized her in Lohan. I'm sure of it."

"If Lloyd knew of Shana and her value to Sandora, why did he not take her in Bale or Lohan?" asked Albert.

"When was Lloyd in Bale?" asked Haschel.

King Albert dropped his gaze and said, "He was my tactical advisor. I sought out many for the war, and he was the best qualified. Ah, gods," he suddenly exclaimed, running a hand over his face. "He was the one who sent the First Knighthood into that ambush."

Dart raised an eyebrow at the king's un-kingly language as Shana said, "Lavitz's team? He killed them all?"

"Yes," said Albert bitterly. "It seems he was playing the game all along."

"And he came back around to finish the job with Lavitz," murmured Haschel callously, and Dart cast him an angry glance. Now he felt like it was Haschel's head destined for rough contact with a fireball.

"This does seem to complicate matters," said King Albert. "Perhaps we should take time to think of a different plan."

"No," said Shana emphatically. "We can do it."

"Shana-" Dart began.

"We can do it," she repeated, looking straight at him. "We can end the war." Like Lavitz wanted.

He hesitated. More than anything, he wanted her to be safe, and heading straight into the enemy capital city was far from safe. Still, she was right. They could do it.

"Just make a decision before we reach the city gates," complained Rose. Dart glanced up; they were getting close.

"Okay," he finally said.

"It's settled," said Haschel. "Now let's get to the city. I want some food. And a comfy bed."

The king pulled his hood up, and Dart maneuvered to the back of the group with Shana as they approached the gate, massive and metal, guarded by four bored-looking men sporting Sandora armor and long spears. Upon seeing the weary travelers, two stepped forward, blocking the road.

"State your business," one said, although he sounded more tired than threatening.

"I am a merchant from Lohan," said King Albert. "I have come for a meeting to discuss terms of trade."

"Who are they?" the guard asked, indicating the rest.

"The girl is my servant. The rest are hired help. Roads can be dangerous in these times."

After an awkward moment of silence, the guard turned to talk in his friend's ear, and they whispered furiously before turning back and nodding.

"Please go in, sirs and madams, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Kazas, the beating heart of Serdio." The words dripped with boredom and memorized repetition.

Dart choked back a laugh as King Albert nodded regally before trotting through the open gate. As soon as they were within the walls, however, his heart sank. The city felt rotten, like a fallen fruit living in its own demise. Homeless scattered the streets near the entrance, begging for any scrap that would keep them alive through the night. Emotionless guards were stationed at the corner of every street, baring their fangs at any ragged soul who got too close. Glancing up, Dart noticed archers patrolling the low roofs of the buildings, ready to bring down any fleeing thief. There were no children in the streets, and anyone who strolled by regarded them with hate or dark suspicion. Grief and distrust oozed from the very walls. Though it hadn't rained in many days, the street were damp and reeked of mildew and refuse.

"Gods," Dart swore under his breath. "What has Doel done to this place?"

"Not any favors, that's for sure," muttered Haschel from beside him.

They continued through the dark streets as night fell over them. From a distance, they heard the crash of the gate as it slammed shut, preventing any escape. Dart couldn't help but feel like a prisoner. Lamps began to flicker to life throughout the city, tinted a strange purple hue, and in the distance, they slowly illuminated a great castle. It cascaded up in rounded tiers, reaching a tall peak in the center, looming out over the city like some evil guardian. It was a stark contrast to the warm comfort that issued from Indels Castle in Bale, as the menacing feeling ran from that glowing purple to the very stone that framed it. A shudder ran over the party as they all regarded the Black Castle.

"What is this purple light?" asked Shana, clearly disturbed by the manipulation of nature.

"I have never seen its like before," said the king, shaking his head.

"It's like... fire," Dart said, eyeing what he now saw was a purple flame. "But it's wrong somehow. They're not burning wood. Maybe some kind of oil?" Something about the way it flickered left him uneasy. He sensed the distortion of fire, like Shana sensed the distortion of light.

"Throughout the whole city? What a marvel of engineering!" exclaimed Albert, barely contained enthusiasm leaking through his features. "Imagine what we could do with such technology."

"Maybe later," muttered Dart. "For now, let's find an inn."

"Yes, of course." Albert looked down, but Dart could still see him eyeing the lamps with curiosity. Dart sighed and rolled his eyes.

Eventually, they came upon what appeared to be a relatively reputable establishment, and after retrieving their packs, they handed off their horses to the boy by the stables. He blushed as Shana thanked him for caring for the horses, but Dart ignored it as they walked into the inn.

The only light in the room came from a small fireplace to the right and a regular oil lamp on a desk in the far left corner. A young man with dark features sat curled up on one of the ragged sofas that wrapped around the fireplace, holding a book that Dart didn't really believe he could actually see in the dim light. Two meager tables rested on their left behind the couches, and a man in his thirties sat leaning back in a chair behind the desk, trying to rub an especially stubborn stain from a carved bowl. As soon as he heard the shuffle of footsteps, he quickly got to his feet, setting the bowl aside so fast that he nearly knocked it off the desk altogether. The man before the fire barely glanced up from his immersive novel.

"Good sirs!" said the clerk. Then noticing Shana and Rose, he quickly added, "And ladies. What a pleasure! How can I serve you this evening?"

"Do you have two rooms available?" asked King Albert, a little too formally.

"Yes, of course! I assume you would prefer the double rooms?" The clerk chuckled as he fumbled with a ring of clanging metal keys hanging from his belt. Dart and Rose exchanged a look; he was a little too eager to offer them shelter.

"Please," said the king kindly.

Tapping Albert's arm, Dart drew his attention and muttered his reservations, recommending that they find somewhere else to stay.

"Nonsense," Albert whispered with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I am sure that he is simply eager for the business."

"Right this way!" said the clerk, smiling broadly as he ushered them through a door in the back of the room. They stepped into a long, narrow hallway with four doors on each side and one at the distant end. He led them down to the last two doors on the left, jangling the loud keys into the locks and opening them.

"I'm sure that you will all find our accommodations to your taste," he said as he worked. Then swinging open the second door, he added, "Our furnishings are fit for a king!"

The stillness that crept over the group left Dart's heart beating loudly. He put forth his best effort to seem at ease, but the clerk must have noticed something; his eyes flitted back and forth among them before laughing awkwardly and saying, "But of course, I kid!"

"Trust me," said Haschel loudly, coming to the rescue, "compared to some places I've been, this is a downright paradise." He stepped forward to peer into one of the rooms, sliding against the wall to ease past Albert. "And what's your name? We can't just be calling you 'the clerk' for the rest of our stay!" Haschel's friendly grin put even Dart more at ease, and the clerk smiled widely in relief.

"The name's Connor!" he said happily.

"Well then, Connor," said Haschel as he shook his hand. "Thank you for your hospitality. Should we pay you now or when we leave?"

"Payment comes after the service, I always say."

"Then we'll be sure to stop by the front desk on our way out."

"When will you be leaving?"

"Hard to say." Haschel pretended to think. "Business never seems to go as planned, does it?"

"Now you got that right, good sir. But I'll leave you to it! If you need anything hot to eat, just come out front and give me a holler. Won't take me but a bit to heat something up for you."

Connor shuffled his way down the hall, bumping into everyone as he did so. Albert and Shana muttered their thanks, but Dart and Rose just eyed him suspiciously as he passed.

"Alright, so..." began Haschel. "Me and Rose in one room, everyone else in the other?"

Dart was about to laugh, but a second later, his hunting knife was pulled from its place on his thigh, and Rose was pressing it up against Haschel's throat.

"I told you," she growled. "Next time you lose an arm."

"It was just a joke!" he insisted, showing no remorse, though obviously startled by the sudden movement. "Everyone's tense. Just trying to liven up the atmosphere."

Dart and Shana stood ready to intervene while Albert placed a gentle hand on Rose's shoulder. For a stiff moment, nobody moved. But then Rose pulled back, slashed at Haschel's upper arm, and whirled about to hand the knife back. Bewildered, Dart took it as Haschel gripped the cut, now bleeding freely down his arm.

"Was that really necessary?" he complained loudly.

Without regarding Haschel, Rose stomped through the nearest door and muttered to Shana, "Patch him up." Then she slammed the door behind her.

Haschel's hands flew up in surrender. "What the actual-"

"Let's just get inside first," interrupted Dart, shoving past him into the other room. It reminded him of the room in Lohan, though considerably cozier. One oil lamp sat on an end table between the two beds, and another on a desk on the right. Dart was greatly pleased to see two windows on the far wall, although he could see little through them except the dark alleyway behind the inn. After throwing his pack on the floor, he rushed over to close the curtains, lighting the lamps from a distance as he sat down on one of the beds. It was larger than those at the inn at Lohan, and much softer. Suddenly, he was anticipating his sleep tonight.

Still, disharmony in their group, especially such loud disharmony, did not bode well for their cause. He put his head in his hands and sighed heavily.

"This was a terrible idea," he said as the others filed in. Haschel sat across from him, and Shana hurriedly went to work on the wounded arm while Albert cast off his cloak and took a seat next to Dart.

"You really should stop flirting with Rose," said Shana as she summoned the healing light.

"It's all harmless," he protested. "I'll never make good on my advances. For one, she's way too young for me, and for another, I'm not even serious. I pick on Rose because she's the stiffest person in the group. It's fun to watch stiff people try to bend." A wicked grin came over him. "Especially when-"

"Don't," said Shana sternly as she slapped him on the arm where his wound had been moments before.

"Fine," Haschel whined in defeat, hand rubbing over the healed cut, a deep scowl set on his lips.

Dart fought the smirk that played across his face.

"Weren't you married once?" asked Shana as she sat down next the old man.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"I just think you should be a bit more respectful."

"To who?"

"To Rose. To... women in general." Shana blushed deeply and studied her fidgeting hands.

"She is not entirely wrong," said the king, turning a stern eye to Haschel.

"Alright, alright," he said, holding his hands in surrender. "I'll stop flirting with her."

Silence fell over them, the reality of their situation sitting heavily on the room. They were a highly recognizable bunch of mythical heroes hiding in a dangerous city so that they could assassinate an emperor. Despite the fact that he had fought and killed a dragon, Dart still worried about whether they would make it out alive. This city felt wrong, and they were now trapped inside it.

"What are we going to do?" he muttered. Lavitz would know.

"For starters, I say we get some rest," said Albert. "I will try to come up with something in the meantime, and tomorrow we can figure out the next part of our plan. We have time, so we should make sure we do not rush into anything."

"We don't have a whole lot of time," said Dart. "Anyone could recognize you, and the longer we're here, the greater the chance of that happening."

"Not to mention, news of the Hero Competition will be here soon," inserted Haschel. "And I wouldn't be surprised if posters of the top four contestants came along with it."

"And Lloyd could be anywhere in this city," said Shana, her voice small.

"We will not waste time, but I also will not have us charging in blindly," said the king. "Tomorrow, we can discuss it further, hopefully with Rose as well."

Three pairs of eyes settled on Haschel, and he glanced nervously among them before exclaiming, "I won't do anything else, I swear!"

"Good thing, 'cause now you have a king to answer to," smirked Dart.

King Albert chuckled and said, "I do have the power to have people beheaded."

"You've never beheaded anyone," challenged Haschel.

The king merely shrugged. "First time for everything, I suppose."

The next morning, Dart woke slowly, aches forming over his body from being pressed against the hard floor. He had given up rights to one of the plush mattresses to the king and the old man, despite multiple protests from Albert; Haschel had been quite compliant. Although they had both given him pillows and blankets to make him more comfortable, Dart still felt bruises on his shoulders from their long hours spent waging a war against wooden planks. He found it hard to believe that the bare ground could actually be more comfortable than this.

The group spent over an hour that morning chatting away in the lounging area before the tiny fireplace. Connor had made them a breakfast of biscuits and cured ham, which they ate happily as they carefully structured their discussions to avoid personal details and histories in case anyone should overhear. As a result, most of the conversation centered on Dart's and Haschel's time together in the east. Eventually their host joined in to listen to their adventures, forcing them to be even more careful with their use of names. Although the party appeared content and relaxed, every one of them felt the oppressive tension knowing that at any moment, one of them could be recognized, and they would be carted off to a cell.

"You folks have the most lovely stories!" cooed Connor as Dart finished his fanciful tale of one of Haschel's bar fights. "I do wish I had more patrons like you. Most are like that other fellow, who was reading last night. He refuses to speak to me unless he needs something."

"That's a shame," said Haschel. "The best stories come from wandering mercenaries, you know."

"Yes, you're right! Sometimes, I'm lucky enough to overhear chatter among those that come through. And sometimes, they say the most riveting things."

Dart exchanged a glance with King Albert and said, "Hear anything good lately?"

"Just bits and pieces, really, but..." Connor's voice dropped to a whisper. "They say that the king has been captured. And that Bale has been seized. It sounds like the war is almost over, if you ask me."

"King... Albert?" asked Dart, tasting the words as if they were unfamiliar.

"Yes, that's the one! Took him to Hellena Prison. I don't envy him right now." Connor shuddered.

"You think they'll kill him? To end the war?"

"Maybe," said Connor with a shrug. "It would kind of make sense. With him out of the way, there would be nothing stopping Emperor Doel from taking the throne."

Sensing an eagerness behind Connor's words, Dart dared to ask, "You think Doel would make a better king?" Albert shifted slightly.

"I think so," said Connor in a hushed whisper. "Don't tell anyone I said that, though. Folks around here aren't much partial to the emperor, but I think he's done a fine job. Times are hard, but that's what happens in a war. He's given us security and technology. And he's made promises to decrease taxes once he's king."

"Are taxes high now?" asked Haschel.

"Yes." Connor's eyes fell. "But he needs money to fund the war. I hear he has good funding for his scientists, and that they're working on some truly marvelous things that will help defeat Basil and secure the borders."

"What kinds of things?" asked Albert, eyes suddenly alight with curiosity.

"They don't let us poor folks know about it," said Connor, shaking his head wistfully. "But those purple lamps outside are really something, and they came from the castle. So you know he's working in our best interests."

"But some disagree?" prodded Dart.

"Yeah, there are some - the poorer folk who live in the slums, especially - who think that Doel is some kind of evil, oppressive dictator. They just say that 'cause they're poor, though. The poor always blame the government for their problems."

"That seems like a blanket statement," said Albert, a slight challenge to his voice.

"What do you mean?" asked Connor, genuine ignorance coloring his face.

Dart rolled his eyes. It was just like the king to derail the conversation when they were so close to getting good information. Leaning forward, Dart interrupted before Albert could respond.

"There are slums in Kazas?" The answer was clear to him - the entire city had turned into slums - but he needed to know where to find anyone who sympathized with King Albert.

"Yeah, near the castle. About the time of the secession, Doel carved out a big trench around it so that any armies from Basil couldn't just cross over. It's only accessible by a drawbridge now. But in that trench, the poorest people of the city gathered in these little shack things. Nasty place. Always damp, and it smells bad. I never go down there."

"Can't blame you there," muttered Dart. "Why do you think I took a job from a high-end merchant?" He chuckled, rapping Albert on the shoulder, who clearly missed Dart's prompt as he sat in silence.

Agree with me, Dart pleaded, and to his relief, Albert obliged a second later.

"Yes, I actively avoid the poor scum of the city." The words seemed to cause him a physical pain as he grimaced. Luckily, Connor didn't seem to notice because just then the door opened, heralding a newcomer.

However, this man didn't seem to be a patron. He wore a sleek, black suit with a purple tie tracing its way around his neck, and he walked with a slight limp. In his left hand was a black cane, and he leaned on it as he walked briskly up to Connor, who immediately stood at attention, fear written across his face.

"Excuse me for just a minute," whimpered Connor as he hurried over to the desk to speak to the stranger.

Trying to ignore the intriguing interruption, Dart bent over to Albert and whispered, "We need to get to the slums. If anyone is actually against Doel, they may be able to help us."

"I agree," nodded Albert.

"We can't all go," Haschel pointed out. "That would be too suspicious."

"Yes, I agree. Dart and I will go and see what we can find."

The whispers between Connor and the gentlemen had grown to a hushed but furious argument, and Dart couldn't help but tune in. In fact, all eyes now drifted over to behold the exchange as Connor slammed a fist down onto the counter. It was hard to make out what they were saying, but Dart caught enough bits and pieces to realize that the stranger was a landlord demanding an overdue rent. Dart glanced over to Shana, who had also seemed to understand, noticing the empathy evident in her features.

A moment later, the gentleman feigned a warm smile and said, "Pleasure doing business with you," before turning toward the door. He nodded slightly to the group before leaving.

"I'm so sorry," said a flustered Connor as he rushed back over to them. "I hate interruptions."

"That's alright," said Dart, standing. "It's about time for us to head out anyway. Meetings to get to."

"Oh." Connor's disappointment was evident.

"Yes, unfortunately, we must leave for business in the city," said King Albert. "However, these three-" he gestured to Rose, Shana, and Haschel "-will be staying behind. I am sure they will be enough to entertain."

A little joy returned to Connor's face, and Dart stepped over to Rose.

"That's right," he said, placing a hand on Rose's shoulder. "Not only do you have Haschel over there, but this one can be quite the chatterbox, once you get past the rude and demeaning attitude."

Haschel let out a bark of laughter, and Shana grinned, but Rose looked like she was ready to strangle him. "And that's my cue," muttered Dart. He made for the door, strategically moving by Haschel on the way.

"We should be back by nightfall," announced Albert.

As Dart came near Haschel, he bent over and whispered, "If we're not, you take them and get out of this city." Haschel nodded somberly, and Dart clapped him on the shoulder before heading out the door.

Author Note: Connor's name is in honor of Sarah and John.