"They didn't go out trying to find trouble on the other side of the canal, did they?" Fendros asked. "Where are we going to start looking?"

Janius had been struck silent since Fendros had revealed that they had passed the gates. Only now did he speak, low and concerned. "Julan was very curious about where I grew up. We should look around this side of the canal first. The main streets, where we toured around."

[hr]
Remus was direct. "If you disobeyed your father by coming here, it is up to him on how to deal with you. I expect you shall wear the consequences when you return. Farewell." He turned on his heel and strode briskly back to the stairs to climb them.

Aeramina stood up as well. "It was lovely to meet you both, young men," she said with a smile and a small nod. She was quick to follow Remus again.

Meanwhile, Harald was still patiently waiting for the boys to stand up.

Their abrupt departure left the boys jarred. Rhazii exchanged a confused look with Julan. Neither Harald nor Jatinha seemed to react.

"Hey, Julan?" Rhazii leaned forward in his seat. He quickly finished the rest of his tea in one gulp and faced him. "Let's try to think of something on the way back. I don't think they want to meet uncle Janius tonight." He glanced nervously to the window. "I don't know how much time we have left before our parents come looking for us, too."