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‘We parted ways with Axiolis at Rheinhal,’ said Garovel. ‘He said he wanted to be there when your father and brother were freed. But Asad and Qorvass could’ve told you that much. You should’ve asked them.’

Emiliana gave a muffled sigh. “If only I’d thought to.”

Chergoa looked around. ‘Where’d those two go, anyway?’

‘Don’t ask me,’ said Garovel. ‘You’re the ones who’ve been awake this whole time.’

Hector knew the answer to that one and knew that he should probably make more of an effort to contribute after the less-than-stellar first impression he’d made. “Er--uh... Asad said he was going to, ah... t-to see about retrieving the other hostages.”

‘Oh,’ said Chergoa. ‘Let’s go find him again, then.’

They started moving through the Sebolt encampment as a small group, which meant leaving the hotel lobby they’d been waiting in. As ever, it was raining outside, and the thunder had returned as well, but before they even made it five steps, a familiar man descended from the heavens with folded arms.

“...Why are you leaving the hotel?” asked the Lord Dimas Sebolt.

‘Dimas, that was way too imposing,’ said Iziol, clinging to the man’s back. ‘You have to sound friendlier, or they’ll get the wrong idea about us.’

“...I am here to ensure the young Lady Elroy’s safety. If there is something you require, I will send someone to fetch it for you.”

‘Okay, that was a little better, but, eh...’

Chergoa decided to chime in. ‘We were just wondering when we would be able to see Marcos, Ramira, and Shenado again. Do you know? It’s been a couple hours since the ceasefire began, and Ismael said he would release them.’

“They will be brought to you as soon as we have them,” said Dimas.

‘Eh, let’s just go with them,’ said Iziol. ‘We might be able to see Diego sooner, too. Besides, with Melchor down for the count, there’s no one here who can really threaten you.’

‘Lord Asad might argue that point,’ said Garovel.

Iziol returned a laugh. ‘Thankfully, he’s on our side. But you know, if it came down to it, I bet Dimas could take him.’

‘Well, I admire your confidence,’ said Garovel.

That made Iziol laugh again, and with the two added members, their party of six proceeded onward together. Emiliana tried to share her umbrella with Dimas, but he was so much taller than her that she almost poked his eye out. The man chose to hold the umbrella for the both of them, instead.