Caleb was heartened by John’s optimism. “Can we go now?” Caleb asked, “I’m worried about him.” “Of course,” John reassured the boy with a smile. “Mother, could you watch Kayden while we’re gone?” “Sure, son,” Sara responded with only a hint of resentment. Turning to Caleb, she was much more pleasant. “Caleb, before you leave for home, could you bring Rainbow over here? I’d like to meet and thank him.” Before Caleb could answer, Jake asked Caleb something too. “Actually, could I go with you? I want to thank your friend for getting you here.” “Yes, to both,” Caleb answered as Edward got up to follow Caleb, “we’ll be back when we can. And thanks again for everything.” “No, thank [i]you[/i],” Sara replied, “you’ve done a great deal for us. Please, be safe out there.” This last, she said while looking at John. Sara was reluctant to leave Jake in his care, but she had taught the child how to fight, so he could look after himself pretty well. As the group of four left, the adult members of the family glanced at one another. There were things to discuss that the kids probably shouldn’t hear. “Mary, it looks like you picked out some nice books today. Why don’t you take the kids inside and read to them?” Roger suggested as he finished treating Flower and set her down on the picnic blanket so she could rest. “Oh, that sounds like a lovely idea,” Mary responded. “Kayden, Skyla, come with me,” she said as she scooped them up into her arms, “I have some great stories for you. One of them is about a druid named Jack who grows the world’s tallest plant.” Ribbon followed them, carrying the bag of books with her. Once the kids were out of earshot, Sara spoke again. “Roger, why did you agree to go with that child? I like him too, but Lydia is still trapped! And the letter-“ “Letter?” Marrathew asked. “What letter?” “It came yesterday by messenger bird while you were at work,” Roger replied with a depressed look on his face, “the mercenaries I hired got caught by the warden. The druid got enslaved, but the others are dead. I really thought they’d save her.” “That’s awful! First father, now this...” Mattathew shook his head, repressing tears from his eyes. Sara probed the skeleton further. “Roger, what are you going to do? You can’t just abandon her to slavery.” “Of course not!” the skeleton yelled, “but Caleb did so much for us and went so far for his people. I can’t just ignore that.” After spending a few moments deep in thought, Sara spoke with great conviction. “Alright, I’ve decided. I’ll get Lydia, then you can go to Eagletown and help that boy.” “Sara, you can’t! I just lost two family members, I can’t lose another. And who will look after the kids?” Roger asked. “You’re not losing anything, ‘cause I’m not going anywhere. You forget how strong I am!” “Well, yes, but-” “But nothing. I’m going and that’s all there is to it. You do so much for us, this is the least I can do for you. We’re family, Roger.” “…thank you, Sara. But again, what about the kids?” “I’d love to help, but you know how busy the city keeps me with work.” Marrathew replied. “There’s no way I’m trusting Junior with my grandkids,” Sara added with disgust. More kindly, she continued on. “Roger, I know you want to help Caleb. I do too, but if I’m not here I’ll need someone to watch them. And John’s gone, so I can’t afford to keep the servants. I hate to ask-” “Yeah, I can stay a little longer. Poor Caleb though, he’s already done so much and-” “I’ll tell him. Besides, Lydia’s a good doctor too; she can help you with your work.” After Sara said this, the three came in together for a hug. ----- Back in the Northern Border District, the two boys and hippocampus were waiting outside of a seedy-looking bar. Apparently it wasn’t a place for kids; Caleb had to wonder what sort of information a supposedly upstanding citizen could get from a place like this. Jake would likely have taken offense to further questions about his uncle though, so the 12-year old simply stayed quiet. Inside the dark-looking establishment, John was talking to one of his “friends” about Rainbow’s location. “Rablin? Ne’er heard o’ no Rablin,” a drunk older-looking pantherman said. “But y’should lay low a while. Word’s the council passed a new anti-gang law. They’re coming down hard on ya folks, tell ya what. Gettin’ the army on ya and errything.” “I appreciate the warning, but don’t worry about me,” John replied with a slick grin on his face, “I’ve got it covered.”