Neil shivered as he stepped into the guard station. His wounded arm remained clutched tight to his chest. He turned back towards the door and caught sight of John Nieve leaning casually against the building across the street. Fear clutched at his heart. The cowardly man swallowed hard and faced the soldiers watching him. "H-hi." He winced at the stupid introduction. "I'm part of the Oceanside gang. I came to turn myself in."

~~~~

Caleb opened his eye. He would have opened both, but he didn't seem to be able to. Tentatively he reached up to feel the bruised and swollen skin. His fingers skimmed over bandages. The pungent smell of healing herbs erupted from the disturbance and clouded his thoughts for a moment. Slowly both sight and mind focused as he adapted to the changes around him.

Someone was holding his hand. His fingers curled slightly and he gave the small fingers a little squeeze. "It's okay, Jake." He murmured softly. He turned his head to stare at bright green skin and a large rabbit ear.

Rainbow let out a long sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're awake, Caleb. You scared me."

Caleb sat up gingerly, his body aching from the fight. His arms were especially tired having absorbed so many blows of his opponent's sword. "We were trying to find you. These lizards attacked John's confidant. They were going to kill them both. I had to get involved. I killed one of them, but I don't..." he frowned and shook his head slowly. "Things are fuzzy from there." Fear washed through him and he stiffened up. "Is John alive? What about Jake and Edward!?"

Rainbow pulled Caleb against him, hugging the youth tightly. "I saw Edward playing with three kids in the back. I'm sure everyone is fine. I'm so glad you're alright. I don't know what would happen if we had lost you." 

Caleb drew back slowly and swung his legs over the side of the bed. "I need to speak with Jake. I have to make sure he and John are alright." He trusted Rainbow's word about Edward, but he didn't think he would be satisfied until he knew for certain all of his companions got out unscathed.

~~~~

Princess Kayden rode her magical unicorn through the enchanted forest. All around her horrific creatures screeched and threw boulders at her. But she wasn't afraid. Her great knight, Sir Jake was there to defend her. Every time an evil witch or a terrifying monster dared to cross her path, he would heroically leap to her rescue. And her steady and brave steed was surefooted and true, guiding her faithfully through the dangerous terrine.

Sara and Mary kept half an eye on the children as they played. Jake chased Skyla about the garden as she screamed and threw clumps of sod at their cousin. Edward trotted about with Kayden on his back, a twig clumsily tied to his forehead and slowly sinking down towards his nose.

Mary laughed softly at one of Skyla's particularly well aimed clods of dirt. "It is good to hear the children laughing. Jake has been wonderful about keeping the girls' spirits up."

Sara nodded stiffly, her focus on repacking the supplies she had just bought. "Wind this length of rope for me, please Mary. Marrathew," she turned, calling into the next room, "make sure that food is well wrapped. I'm not starving because bugs and water got into my rations."

Marrathew carried the bundles he had been working on over to his mother. "You won't. I have much I need to be working on tomorrow. How soon are we going to hold our service? I'm sorry, I don't mean to rush this, but I refuse to miss it. I just hate to be up too late."

Mary stood up and dusted off her dress. "I'll go and get the kids ready. We can say our goodbyes as soon as Caleb wakes up." She kissed Sara gently on the temple. "I will help you work on these packs after the children are in bed tonight." She carefully set aside the rope she had been working with and headed out into the garden. The smell of the evening air felt so joyful compared to the day's events. Between the soft breeze and the sound of the children playing, one could almost be fooled into thinking that everything was alright. "Kids, come in and wash your hands and faces. We're going to say goodbye to your grandpa and father soon." Skyla dropped the projectiles she was holding and bolted towards her mother.

Kayden looked over hopefully. "Is papa here?" She inquired. The girl slid down off of Edward's back and hugged him around the neck swiftly to thank him.

"No, not yet." Mary waved the concern off, her voice light as she added, "he might skip this one. Come on now, your uncle needs to get going soon, so we want to send their souls on before it gets too late!"

Kayden crossed her arms stubbornly. Nearby Jake's jaw was set in an identical expression. The two had clearly made up their minds about something. Jake was the one to speak. "We're not starting until he's here." Kayden nodded beside her cousin.