"What a day," muttered Lavitz as Dart unwound the bandage on his arm. It was hard to see by firelight, but Dart could tell that it was healing despite its poor care. His calf, however, still seeped occasionally if he moved his leg just so, and he was eager for Shana to return from her care of Hikari. He scratched at his bruised chest; at least he'd had the opportunity to remove his armor.

"At least we all came out alive," replied Dart, adjusting his position on the hard wooden stump beneath him.

"Very true," nodded Lavitz.

"Are you going back to Bale tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'm afraid that I have to. While I'd like to stay and take care of these people, I have information that I need to get back to the king."

Dart paused and watched Lavitz for a moment. His resilience to over two weeks in Hellena Prison was astounding, and Dart wondered where Lavitz would end up after returning to his lord. Was he strong enough to be cast back into the fray?

"I should go with you," said Dart, earning raised eyebrows from Lavitz.

"Why? Don't you want to stay here and help rebuild?"

"I'm no use to anyone here," admitted Dart. "They don't need me."

"I wouldn't say that's true. Your family is here."

"They're…" He sighed. "Seeing Hellena Prison… The way they kept Shana and that other girl, and killing that man… I can't see all that and just stand by out here in the far reaches of Serdio. I have to do something about it."

Lavitz narrowed his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I want to join the armies of Basil and fight against Sandora."

A grin broke over Lavitz's face and he nodded his approval.

"I guess I'll have to show you the way to Bale, then, won't I?"

"That would be nice, because I don't know how to get there," smiled Dart. "Other than just… north."

"Northwest is more precise," returned Lavitz. "But yes, we'll go north. But what about Shana?"

Dart shrugged. "What about Shana?"

Lavitz grinned again. "You can't tell me you're okay with just leaving her here."

Looking down, Dart considered his words. He hadn't thought that leaving Seles meant leaving Shana again. At the realization, part of him thrashed in protest, but he understood that he'd already been gone for five years. What attachment could Shana have to him now? And besides… he couldn't stay in Seles.

"I guess… I have no choice," he said finally.

Nodding, Lavitz eyed him carefully. He'd just opened his mouth to speak when the approach of Shana interrupted him, and they both turned to greet her. Dart couldn't help but smile despite her haggard appearance.

"Are we ready for a checkup?" she asked.

"Are you a full-fledged doctor now?" returned Dart with a smile. He held out his arm as Shana knelt next to him.

"Not quite," she grinned as she began wiping off the wound. "But I have taken to helping her whenever I could."

She smeared her poultice on the wound before wrapping it again and turning her attention to his calf.

"I'm going to have to cut this a little more open," she said, tugging lightly at his pant leg.

He nodded, and she used a tiny set of scissors to further expose the deep cut. Then she dabbed at it with a cloth, forcing a few winces out of Dart as she did so, applied the herbs, and bandaged it tightly.

Dart whispered her thanks as she moved over to Lavitz.

"I'm alright, really," he protested. "It's just a couple scratches."

"Even tiny scratches can get infected if they're not treated properly," scolded Shana. "You're going to have to take off your shirt."

Sighing, Lavitz conceded and removed the torn, sleeveless tunic that barely deserved the title. Dart and Shana both recoiled to see what lay beneath. Spread across his chest were countless bruises and cuts, bringing to Dart's mind the idea of torturous whips. The skin had broken in several places but was now mostly healed, but the bruises ranged from fresh black and purple to nearly dissipated pale yellow. And there in the center was the cut he'd received a couple hours ago, now seeming quite unimportant in comparison.

"What did they do to you?" asked Shana.

Lavitz frowned and looked down. "I know the king," he explained. "I know more about him than almost anyone else. And they wanted to know what I knew."

"So, they tortured you?"

Lavitz nodded slowly.

"You didn't give them anything, did you?" said Dart quietly, and Lavitz shook his head.

"I'd rather die," he insisted.

After a pause, Shana said, "I'll attend to the fresh wounds for now. I'm afraid there isn't much I can do about the bruising."

"I'll warn you that my back probably looks worse."

Shana nodded seriously before applying the same salves to Lavitz's cuts, and when he turned so that she could see his back, it became obvious that Lavitz was correct. He'd no doubt been beaten almost every day that he'd been in Hellena Prison. And yet, he hadn't broken.

Silence pervaded as Shana worked, and at long last, she retreated and took a seat by the fire while Lavitz replaced his shirt.

"I'm sorry, Lavitz," whispered Shana suddenly. Then louder, "I've been so focused on what I went through that I hadn't considered what they'd done to you while you were there. You were there so much longer than I was…"

Lavitz waved at her. "Don't worry about it. I've been trained to withstand these things."

"It takes a lot of fortitude to make it out of something like that the way you did," urged Dart, and Lavitz smiled.

"Are you leaving tomorrow?" asked Shana.

Lavitz nodded.

"You should stay here a few days and rest. You need to heal."

"Sadly, I can't," he answered. "I have to get back to Bale as soon as possible. I have information to get to the king."

"About the dragon," surmised Dart as he recalled the man who'd been stabbed in Hellena.

"Yes, actually. You caught that, did you?"

Dart nodded. "And I've seen it, too."

"What?" exclaimed Shana and Lavitz simultaneously.

"When?" asked Lavitz.

"On my way back to Seles. It attacked me in the eastern forest."

"How did you come out of that alive?"

Remembering the peculiar darkness, Dart considered his answer for a moment. In the end, he said, "There was a… warrior in the woods. She helped me get to safety until the dragon moved on."

"Remarkable," mused Lavitz. "You are a peculiar person, Dart."

"Uh… Thanks. But it was mostly luck that got me out of there. I'd almost forgotten thanks to… everything else." He gestured toward Seles.

"I've been meaning to ask about this, but why weren't you in Seles when the attack happened?"

Dart looked down. "I was… gone. I've been gone for five years. I only just got back."

"Five years? Why did you leave?"

Casting a glance at Shana, Dart saw that she was watching him very carefully, eager to hear his response. He'd never explained to her before. He supposed now was as good a time as any.

"What happened to Seles…" he began. "That's not the first time this has happened to me. I wasn't born here, as you know, Shana. I was born somewhere else. I'm not even sure if anyone still remembers it, but it was a little town called Neet."

"Neet…" Lavitz tried to remember something. "I'm not sure if I've ever heard of it before. That probably means it's not in Serdio."

"No, it would have been farther north than that. We got a lot of snow." He smiled at the thought. "But when I was five, the village was attacked. Everything was destroyed. And as far as I know, I'm the only one who survived."

"That's terrible," said Shana.

"Who attacked it?" asked Lavitz.

"Not 'who,' but 'what,'" said Dart quietly. He eyed the tongues of fire as they danced around before him, and for just a moment, he fancied that he was back there, watching the firelight dance against the snowy forest floor. He could almost hear the screams. His voice dropped to a whisper when he said, "It was the Black Monster. It killed everyone."

"I thought that was just a myth," breathed Shana.

"Yes, I've heard of it before," added Lavitz. "Some beast that appears every so often to punish those who defy the gods."

"I don't know why it came," said Dart. "But it did. I know that it was the Black Monster."

"I believe you," assured Lavitz. "But how did you survive something like that?"

Dart turned his eye back to the fire. "My parents hid me outside the village. But they didn't stay with me. They wanted to help everyone else. So, they went back. And they never came out."

"I'm so sorry," said Shana.

"It's not your fault."

"But we can still empathize," said Lavitz. "What you went through was a horrible thing. And I'm sorry that something so similar has happened again."

"It's fine," dismissed Dart. "I'm not the only survivor this time. There's a lot here that wasn't destroyed."

"Were you able to recover anything?" asked Shana. "From Neet?"

Dart shook his head. "Everything was ashes the next morning. I've wondered about it ever since. The fire seemed to consume the buildings in a way that was… odd. Like here, most of the frames are still in place, and some buildings seem almost untouched. But Neet… there was nothing left. Just random logs here and there. Nothing survived except this."

He reached under his tunic, pulled out a small leather pouch, and spilled its contents onto his hand. A single gem, clear as a diamond, fell out, and he held it up to the firelight. It seemed to twinkle at them as he held it aloft.

"What is it?" asked Lavitz, and Dart placed it in his hand.

"I don't know," admitted Dart as Lavitz turned the gem over in his hand. "It was my father's, though. I barely remember it, but there's a moment I can almost see where he was sitting near the fire and looking at it. So, I kept it."

Lavitz handed the gem to Shana, who studied it for a moment before returning it to Dart. He placed it back in its pouch and tucked it safely under his tunic.

"So, what does all this have to do with you leaving?" prodded Lavitz.

"I never told anyone what happened to Neet," explained Dart. "I think Hikari and Agnea know, but we've never discussed it. But as I grew up, I never forgot. And eventually, I decided that I needed to do something about it. I wanted to find the Black Monster and figure out why it killed my parents. And maybe kill it in the process. I thought that I could save other people from what I went through. When I was seventeen, a traveler came from the east telling tales of fearsome beasts, and I believed that he was talking about the Black Monster. So, I asked Tasman to train me, and then I left less than a year later."

"You were gone all that time? Did you find anything?"

"I found a lot of things," chuckled Dart. "But none of them were the Black Monster. When I came across a news bulletin about possible war in Serdio, I finally decided to come back."

"But Seles had already been attacked," surmised Lavitz, and Dart nodded. "That's… I'm sorry."

Dark shook his head, and for several long minutes, they sat and listened to the world around them. The fire crackled, and occasionally a chill wind rustled the new leaves above them. Murmurs of nearby villagers could be heard from time to time, and every now and then, an owl hooted from the deep forest.

"Maybe we should call it a night," offered Lavitz. "It's been a long couple days, and if we're leaving tomorrow, we need to be well rested."

"'We'?" repeated Shana, glancing between them.

"I'm… going with him," admitted Dart.

For a moment, Shana just looked at them with a peculiar expression. Then at last, she said, "Take me with you."

"What?" asked Dart.

"I can't stay here," she explained. "I'll only put them in more danger."

"What do you mean?" asked Lavitz.

Shana looked down. "I don't know why they took me, but it seems obvious that there's an important reason. Lavitz, when the guards came, they didn't even ask for you to come with them. They only asked for me. And they burned Seles to the ground to get me. Who's to say that they won't do it again? Those guards won't make it back to Hellena. What if they send another group? My presence only makes it more dangerous."

Dart sighed.

"Our journey will be dangerous, too," combated Lavitz. "There's no telling which path will be more so."

"If Sandora is going to come after me, I won't be helpless here when that happens," she replied stalwartly. "I'll be out there, putting up a good fight."

Lavitz held out his hands in surrender and looked at Dart. "I'm convinced."

Glancing between them, Dart hesitated. He wasn't sure that protesting would do anything to convince Shana to stay. Deep down, he wanted her to come with them, and he knew that she was right. Her staying would only put more risk on the people of Seles.

"It makes sense," he submitted.

"Okay," nodded Shana slowly, surprised that they'd agreed so quickly. "Then what time do we leave tomorrow?"

"I think it's more important that we're well rested than that we leave at any particular time," said Lavitz. "I say we leave whenever we're all awake and ready."

"Good plan," muttered Dart.

"I'm going to go tell my parents," said Shana. "I'll spend the night with them. Meet you at the road?"

"See you there," nodded Lavitz.

With that, she gave Dart a small smile and left.

"Where are we sleeping, anyway?" asked Lavitz. "Are there any blankets around?"

"I'm sure I can find some. I was planning on sleeping here."

"You don't want to spend some time with your family?"

Dart shook his head. "They're not…" He took a deep breath. "I'm not as close to them as it might seem."

"Are you at least going to tell them that you're leaving again?"

"Yes… I can do that."

"Great!" exclaimed Lavitz with a clap of his hands. "Go do that and find us some blankets. I'll wait here."

Dart chuckled. "How are you so chipper in the face of all this?"

"Perspective," smiled Lavitz. "I just escaped a prison where I was being tortured for information, and I'm about to go home for the first time in several months."

"I guess that's true… You'll have to tell me about it on the way."

"Oh, you might not be able to get me to shut up."

The next morning, Dart, Shana, and Lavitz gathered near the entrance of town, where reminders of their earlier battle still stained the slowly drying soil. They had each slept long hours and felt remarkably refreshed, and after loading up their horses with a surprising amount of goods donated by the villagers, they prepared their exit. However, an hour before noon, they froze to see more movement along the road. The trio, along with the twenty or so villagers who had assembled to see them off, grew tense and readied their weapons.

For some time, they waited, and a couple villagers grew restless and scampered away toward the forest. But then, Lavitz stepped forward, peering into the distance, and a grin spread across his face.

"Those aren't Hellena guards!" he exclaimed. "They're Basilian soldiers!"

"King Albert hasn't forgotten us!" cried someone behind them.

"No, he hasn't," mumbled Lavitz.

Now eager, they waited as the thundering hooves approached, and Dart was able to see that each of the soldiers bore the blue armor of Basil, a bright and happy contrast to the Hellena guards' armor. As the contingent neared them, one horse pushed ahead of the group, its rider wearing dark forest green plate mail, and she stared at Lavitz as if she could not believe that he was there.

"Sir Lavitz?" she asked incredulously.

"Lady Hera!" exclaimed Lavitz, reaching up quickly to shake her hand. "It is good to see you."

"We thought you'd been captured!"

"I was," grinned Lavitz.

Hera dismounted and marched toward the timid villagers as a rustle of mumbles ran across her unit. She eyed the sunken faces and the ruins of Seles, and her joy at seeing Lavitz turned into a mournful frown.

"People of Seles," she announced. "As soon as the king received word of your misfortune, he dispatched the Ninth Knighthood—" she gestured to the horses and soldiers behind her "—to bring aid. He mourns that we were not present when the attack happened, and he hopes to set it right. We have with us many craftsmen from Bale who can assist in rebuilding. We hope that you can accept our service in atonement for our failures. No amount of words or help can bring back those who were lost. But we will not leave until every citizen has a home again."

For a moment, the people merely stared, but then tentative claps began on one side of the group. Dart and Shana joined in, encouraging the others to do so. Soon enough, the villagers were all joyous to receive such aid, and Dart spotted someone running back to the forest to share the news.

Hera ordered her knighthood to disperse, greet the townspeople, and assess a route of progress, and the knights all disseminated in various directions. Many villagers appeared eager to lead them around, and Dart smiled to see it. His newfound peace reflected in Shana's face, and he nudged her lightly with his elbow, offering a smile that she returned.

As Hera approached Lavitz, Dart and Shana wandered over to listen.

"How did you escape?" Hera was asking.

"It's a bit of a long story, but the short version is that I had help from these two," said Lavitz, gesturing to them. "Dart and Shana gave me the leg up that I needed."

"Then allow me to offer my sincerest gratitude," said Hera, bowing her head to them. "The king has been beside himself ever since he learned of Lavitz's capture, and the rest of the captains have felt his grief. To know Lavitz is alive is hope for all Basil."

Dart raised an eyebrow at Lavitz, who was blushing.

"She exaggerates," he insisted. "I'm just happy to be going home."

"Your mother will be happy to see you," smiled Hera.

"That's nothing new," chuckled Lavitz. "But Hera, allow me to formally introduce a new recruit. Dart has decided to join the fight against Sandora."

"And for your service, I doubt the king will deny such a request." Hera offered a hand, which Dart took. "Welcome to the ranks."

"Thank you," said Dart, nodding awkwardly.

"And are you to join with him?" asked Hera, turning a twinkling eye to Shana.

Shana seemed taken aback, and for an awkward moment, she could merely smile and laugh. At last, she said, "We'll see, I guess."

"If you did, it would only honor the armies of Basil."

Shana nodded sheepishly.

"It is good to see you again, Hera," said Lavitz, clapping her on the shoulder. "But we must be on our way. I need to report to the king as soon as I can."

"'As service demands,'" quoted Hera.

"'We fulfill,'" finished Lavitz, nodding. "I must know, though, what way did you come to get here?"

"We passed through the cave. His Majesty feared the time we'd lose traversing the mountain pass."

"And all is well?"

"We came through without incident. The passage should be safe for you."

"Excellent. Thank you for coming. We were about to leave, but now we can leave in peace knowing that you all will be here to take care of the villagers."

"It's true," added Shana. "I was… worried. But now I feel like I can leave safely."

Hera smiled at them. "We will protect them with our lives. You have nothing to fear."

"Then let's head out," nodded Lavitz.

Hera held her hand out to Lavitz, but he embraced her before she left to tend to her knights. As she left, Shana's parents, along with Hikari and Agnea, approached with somber expressions.

"It's time, then," said Willard.

"Yes," nodded Dart.

"When will we see you again?" asked Ilea, taking Shana's hand.

"I don't know," replied Shana as her lip trembled.

Both women began to weep as they said their goodbyes, and Dart turned his attention to his own family.

"Stay safe," implored Agnea as she hugged Dart tightly.

"Fight wisely," urged Hikari, who offered a handshake.

Sighing, Dart frowned and watched Hikari for a moment. The old man couldn't seem to look at him directly, and Dart was nearly overcome with a realization that he may never see his face again. Despite everything, Dart threw his arms out and embraced him.

"Thank you for everything," he whispered. "And I'm sorry."

"For what?" breathed Hikari.

"For everything," answered Dart as he pulled away. Hikari's eyes now shone with tears. "You deserve more than I ever gave you. Both of you." He placed a hand on Agnea's shoulder. "I hope you understand why I have to leave."

Agnea wiped a tear and nodded. "You have a lot to figure out. And we won't hold that against you. Just promise that when you return, you'll tell us about everything you learn."

Smiling, Dart said, "Of course."

"And take care of Shana."

"Always."

Glancing over, Dart saw Shana retreating from her parents, and after another minute or so, they finally extricated themselves and mounted their horses. With one last look back at the remains of his second home, Dart turned his focus to the road before him.