Relief washed over Richard. With the captain of the Seles Guard on his side, he was finally able to relax just a little. "Thank you, Veragwen," he gushed, "Thank you! I owe you my life!"

It was here that he realized what Veragwen's words meant. Of course, if she was going to investigate, she would need a witness, and he was the only living witness besides the culprit himself. This wasn't something he could leave entirely up to the guard. They would still need his help. Worst of all, he might need to revisit the wreckage. The thought that he might have to see his father's charred corpse again sent a cold chill down his spine.

[i]"Kest, would you mind getting some water and something to eat for Richard for me, please?"[/i] Veragwen's words woke him from his thoughts. The guard captain was speaking to a strange foreigner with a bright red face. [i]"He looks like he hasn't eaten since yesterday."[/i]

"Oh!" Richard piped up, "That's not neces-"

His words were stopped short when he realized that he actually [i]was[/i] hungry. In fact, he was starving. He was going to have to repay the foreigner later.

"I guess I could use something to eat. Kest, was it?"  he said to the man, "Thank you. I'll be sure to repay you in the future."