#egar

Chapter 18:

The cool, crisp morning air was barely felt as everyone was busy going through their checklists to ensure that they had all they needed. Luggage was being placed upon carriages to be carried to the city of Maginia.

Drayce’s belongings had already been sorted and was packed into the horse-driven carriage. He helped the others with their luggage, while subconsciously counting them all to ensure that everyone was there. The last thing he wanted was to accidentally leave someone behind. That would be devastating!

Every member of his guild was accounted for, thankfully. Except for Ramus. Drayce was reluctant to step foot upon Maginia until Ramus joined them. He’d prefer to be with him when he temporary left the land of Arcania. It was a huge moment for him, after all.

Thankfully, as he glanced down the path that led back into the city of Iorys, a familiar figure appeared. With him, the tall, hulking form of guildmaster Egar. Ramus was dressed in his usual garbs. Egar carried Ramus’ luggage easily in one hand, while the other rested on Ramus’ upper back. Likely placed there in a comforting manner.

“Great, you're here,” Drayce said with a smile as the two reached them. “Ready to go?”

Ramus returned his smile with a polite one of his own, though it was more like an attempt to hide his nervousness. “Yes. It took some convincing for the councilmembers to accept.”

Drayce resisted the urge to sigh, and instead scratched his cheek in an exasperated manner. “They still dislike me, huh?”

Egar audibly scoffed as he handed Ramus’ belongings to Ashton to be placed upon the carriage with the others. “They are irritated by the fact that you have been more of an asset to the kingdom then they have ever been.”

“Wow, you're going to make me blush,” Drayce murmured with said blush making its way to his features.

“Egar here was a great help,” Ramus explained before a wry smile appeared. “As was the fact that I was going to go anyway.”

Drayce had to chuckle. Ramus was standing up for himself. Good!

“They finally accepted that I would temporarily take Prince Ramus' role while he joins this important expedition,” Egar continued as he folded his arms across his chest. “They did have one condition. That Prince Ramus takes a guard with him.”

“Oh?” That certainly was a surprise. “Who did you choose?”

Egar motioned toward the path behind him with a quick tilt of his head. As Drayce dutifully looked in that direction, he immediately recognised the familiar figure as they approached. They may be wearing the armour that all Iorian guards wore, but Drayce recognised him all the same. It was the flock of chickens at his heels that really gave him away.

“Virgil? Hey!” Drayce greeted as the guard meet up with them.

“Good morning,” Virgil returned as he removed his knapsack from his shoulder and placed it at his feet.

“You're joining us?”

“Yes,” Egar was the one to answer. “Under the guise of supporting Prince Ramus. Though, I'm sending him on this expedition as a vacation of sorts.”

Drayce nodded his head in understanding. “Well, Virgil is a hard worker.”

But what Egar said next caused him some concern. “His illness is also acting up.”

Virgil immediately sighed and sent Egar a sour look. “You just had to tell them, didn't you?”

“I doubt you would be able to hide for very long,” Egar was quick to retort.

Drayce wasn’t surprised that Egar was concerned. He and Virgil had been friends for many years. And Virgil had been dealing with his illness for many years, too. It often left him exhausted and in discomfort, but since he lived alone (besides his chickens, of course) he still needed money to pay for his medicine. He didn’t want to rely on charity, as he believed there were others in more dire need than him.

That was why Egar gave him the job of a guard on the first floor. Close to the entrance at that. He could be helpful in guiding new explorers while also allowing for him to indulge in the one other thing that brought him some joy.

Egar was such a huge softy. It was a shame he couldn’t join also. But if there was anyone who could keep both the council of Iorys and explorers under control, it would be him.

“From what I understand there's several dedicated healers already on Maginia, so I'm sure Virgil is in good hands,” Drayce said. A thought soon occurred to him, however. “Wait, what about your chickens?”

Virgil gave him a small smile. “They'll be joining, too. Maginia is allowing livestock to help with the feeding of residents and explorers.”

Ah, that made sense!

“I've also been told that I can bring my little flock of hens into this Sanctuary,” Virgil continued as his pet chickens patiently clucked at his feet. “Apparently, it's the name of a community that is housing the guilds and explorers that a man called Villard had gathered.”

Drayce watched idly as another chicken darted from behind him to join the little flock. “Deloris will be happy to be with her sisterhood of chickens again.”

That got an amused laugh from Virgil. He soon paused as a mild look of discomfort spread across his face. He continued to smile absentmindedly, however, and patted at his chest.

“Faelen, Sarkis; help Virgil with his chickens,” Drayce called out.

“Kay,” Faelen happily replied as he and his brother joined Virgil’s side to help him get both his little pets and belongings ready to join Maginia.

Speaking of which. They couldn’t dawdle for any longer.

“We should get going.”

“Yes,” Ramus agreed. Quite eager to get the expedition started. However, as his expression fell into a solemn look, he turned to face his loyal knight and guildmaster. As he did so, Drayce dutifully took a step back to allow the two to talk in peace.

“Egar, thank you. For everything.”

Egar unexpectedly reached up to remove his helmet, revealing a scarred but fatherly face. He set his helmet in the crook of one arm as he placed his other hand on Ramus’ shoulder. Again, in a comforting and father manner. “Not at all. Go on, your Highness. Learn more about yourself and your role. Meet new people. Learn their stories and share your own. And have fun.”

Though tears glimmered in Ramus’s eyes, he managed to smile and nod his head. “I will try.”

The scene was heart-warming. Yet, there was a sense of underlying sadness to it. Egar and his wife were more supportive and comforting than Ramus’ own parents. In fact, they were closer to him than his parents. Case in point; Egar accompanied Ramus to the gates of Maginia while his parents stayed within the palace walls.

Did they know that he had chosen to join this expedition? Did they even care?

Drayce shook his head to rid himself of that thought and placed a smile to his lips. “We'll take good care of him,” he promised.

Egar glanced over at him and nodded his head. “I know you will. And Virgil, remember to take your medicine daily.”

Virgil sighed and nodded as Egar moved to replace his helmet. “Yes, yes.”

That was their cue to move on. No matter how tough it was. Goodbyes were always difficult. But they weren’t forever. They would return one day. And Ramus would have stories of his own to tell and share with Egar.

As they moved together to board Maginia, Drayce slipped an arm around Ramus’ shoulders and pulled him to his side. “You ok?” he asked softly.

Ramus automatically nodded his head. “Yes, I’m fine,” he replied, though that was indeed a lie. His royal duties forbid him from showing weaknesses, after all.

“Nervous?”

Ramus didn’t immediately reply. He was silent for a moment, his eyes forward and his face passive. He soon nodded his head, however. “…A little. It’s no surprise. But I’m excited, too.”

“So am I,” Drayce returned as he tugged the young prince firmly against his side. “But we’re all together in this. This should be a lot of fun.”

That got a small chuckle from Ramus. “I certainly hope so.”

Drayce smiled reassuringly down at his little brother and they both lapsed into silence as they followed the carriages with their luggage and the rest of his guild.

As they walked along the large boarding bridge that led to the inner city of Maginia, they entered the large steel hull, momentarily plunging them into darkness. But after a few minutes they stepped back out into the light. And found themselves in the middle of a large city.

It was quite beautiful. Tall, sturdy buildings with stone roadways and paths. The city wasn’t as open as he was used to. Not unlike Iorys. Covered pathways, buildings made from strong masonry, and the parks and gardens were enclosed. There was a large steel ceiling over the entirety of the city itself.

Well, since it was a literal flying city, it made sense.

They continued to follow the carriage through the streets. After a few minutes they soon reached a set of steel gates set within a tall sandstone wall. The gates were opened into a large courtyard.

When the carriage stopped, Drayce assumed that they had reached their new place of residency, known as The Sanctuary.

He looked around the courtyard and soon narrowed in on a small group of men that stood together in front of a set of opened doors. He recognised two of them. Specially Axel and Lynus. But those that stood with them were completely new.

“Do try to behave yourself.” As Drayce walked through the gates and down the path, he heard Lynus say to a man with long brown hair and dressed in purple robes.

“You may be the first and only person that I’ll allow to order me around.”

“That was hardly an order, but a plea.”

The man with brown hair shook his head. “Even so. And solely for the fact that if I do something to upset you, I’m fairly certain Axel wouldn’t hesitate to launch me into the vacuum of space.”

“He wouldn’t do that,” Lynus returned as he nudged Axel with his elbow. “Would you?” Axel didn’t answer, however, which prompted Lynus to turn to face him. “…Axel?”

“We all know the answer to that,” Axel stated, which prompted everyone else to laugh aloud at the response.

Lynus, however, shook his head as he sighed. He soon straightened his posture, however, and turned to look behind him. His gaze immediately narrowing in on Drayce. And a large smile appeared on his lips. “Ah, Drayce! Welcome!” he greeted warmly.

“Haha, thanks!” Drayce said in response as he stood before the group. “Glad to be here.”

“Is everyone here?” Lynus questioned as he glanced over Drayce’s shoulder, where his guildmates were in the process of unpacking the carriage.

Drayce nodded. “Yup, everyone is accounted for.”

“Good. That means everyone has finally been gathered together,” Axel said with a half-smile before he turned his head to glance at the tall brown-haired man that stood next him. “Time to start with the introduction process.”

“Yes,” the man said in response to Axel before he took a step forward and offered his hand toward Drayce. “My name is Roxbury, leader of the Phaedron Guild from Tharsis.”

As Drayce shook his hand, another man with light-brown hair and a scar on his left eyebrow took a step forward to offer his hand, also. “Lindis. A representative for Etria and the Midgard Library.”

“And I’m Oracle,” the man Lynus had pleaded with just moments ago quickly introduced. “Leader of the Aurora Guild from Armoroad.”

Drayce shook their hands in turn, nodding and smiling. “Drayce, leader of the Angelward Guild.”

Lynus turned around and gently pulled a young man to his side. Purple hair and striking blue eyes, the young man appeared shy, skittish even, as he clung to the front of Lynus’ coat. “This is Azure, my apprentice.”

Axel slipped his arm around the neck of a man with spiky blue-hair and pulled him playfully to his side. “And this guy’s my protégé,” he introduced, earning a light blush from the teen in his hold. “His name is Zadkiel.”

Apprentices, huh? Drayce got the feel that they were more like adopted little brothers.

“Nice to meet the lot of you,” Drayce returned in a friendly, good-natured manner.

Roxbury continued to smile politely as he glanced over Drayce’s shoulder, to where his guildmates were gathering together to ensure their belongs were all accounted for. “Ah, you have a large guild, too.”

“Yup,” Drayce replied readily. “And from what I hear, so does everyone else.”

“Very true,” Roxbury said around a chuckle. “There’s going to be a lot of introductions to be had, that’s for sure.”

“Good to see that Prince Ramus is here, too,” Lynus said in earnest as Ramus moved to stand by Drayce’s side.

Ramus smiled politely. “Please, just Ramus will do. I’m not a prince here on Magina.”

Lynus unexpectedly chuckled. “I was going to ask about that. We have a few sovereigns with us already and they bristle at the thought of formalities.” He paused for a moment as a thoughtful expression appeared on his face. He tapped his cheek in thought and asked a rather unexpected question; “Hm. Do you have any interests or hobbies?”

It seemed that Ramus was also caught by surprised by the question. “Oh, well…”

Tokala appeared behind Ramus and draped himself over his back and shoulders in a friendly manner. Something he liked to do often because, in his words, Ramus was the right height for cuddling.

“He enjoys cooking,” he answered for him before he raised an arm into the air and exclaim, “And so do I!”

That answer seemed to please Lynus and he smiled. “Ah, that’s prefect. We could always do with more cooks in the kitchen. Flavio would be more than happy to teach you a few recipes.”

“Ramus’ a good cook, too,” Drayce said proudly, and from the corner of his eye he saw a light dusting of red on his cheeks. “He might be able to teach a few things, too.”

“Of course,” Lynus replied as he nodded his head idly. He also gazed absentmindedly around at the others. His eyes soon paused. “Hm? I see a new face.”

Drayce didn’t need to turn to look for himself to know who Lynus had to be referring to. “Yup. That’s is Virgil. The council wouldn’t let Ramus join unless he took a guard with him,” he explained.

He paused to finally glance over his shoulder toward Virgil, who thankfully appeared to be busy inspecting his chickens with Faelen to notice. He then turned back around to give Lynus his attention. And motioned for Lynus to lean in. Though somewhat startled, Lynus curled a piece of his hair behind his ear and leaned forward.

“He’s also not good health wise,” he whispered.

A flicker of concern immediately appeared on Lynus’ face and his eyes darted over in Virgil’s direction once. “Yes, I can see,” he murmured after a moment.

Lynus appeared that he wanted to ask a few health-centric questions when there was a suddenly noise of a window being slid open. Followed by the shout of someone sounding excited.

“Chickens! Cress, there’s chickens!”

Surprised, Drayce and those with him turned toward the sound of the noise just in time to witness a couple of young teens scramble out of an open window. One with blond hair, the other with purple. They looked to be in their early teens at the very most.

“Joren, Cress,” Oracle called out chidingly. “What have I told you about jumping out of windows when you get excited?”

The teen with blond hair paused. “Um. Make sure the window remains open so I can get back inside?”

“And check the height before leaping out,” Oracle finished before he made a shooing motion with his hand. “Now, go on. Don’t forget the introduce yourselves.”

“Kay,” the blond said before the two kids made a beeline to Virgil, and his chickens that pecked and scratched contently at his feet. “My name is Joren and this is Cress. Are they yours?”

Virgil regarded the two with a curious, but amused tilt of his head. “Yes. I raise and care for these chickens. They’ve even been in the labyrinth.”

“Wow, really?” Cress returned honestly enthusiastically. He then turned to face Oracle and those that stood with him. “Are these chickens staying here?”

Oracle folded his hands into the sleeves of his cloak while he turned to look toward Lynus. Likely asking him for what he thought.

“Hm. I don’t mind,” Lynus finally answered. “Maybe they would be ok in the greenhouse?”

“They’re quite docile,” Virgil reassured as Cress crowded down to give one of the clucky chickens a cautionary pat. “They’ll be happy anywhere as long as they can do their pecking and scratching.”

“I haven’t raised chickens before,” Joren revealed. “Can I help?”

Virgil smiled. “Of course.”

And the look of excitement on Joren’s face was genuine. “Thanks! Suzy will like them, too. Oh, Suzy is my pet lamb. I’m making a garden in the greenhouse. Nitish and Jeroden are helping, too. You’ll like them.”

“Joren,” Oracle called out, interrupting Joren’s rambling. “Show Virgil to the greenhouse and help him get his chickens settled in.”

“Kay,” Joren immediately returned before he reached out to grasp Virgil by the wrist, ever-so-slightly startling the gentle guard. “This way, Mr Virgil.”

Virgil glanced toward Ramus, silently seeking his approval. And Ramus smiled in return. “Of course,” he said simply.

Joren quickly led Virgil by the wrist through the courtyard. He and Cress chatted happily as the chickens dutifully followed, clucking and chirping the entire way.

Good to see Virgil getting such a warm welcome. His chickens, too!

“Come on, Baldur!”

A new voice caused Drayce to turn his attention to what he assumed was the front foyer of the main hall within the Sanctuary. Appearing from the two large doors were two figures. Again, they appeared to be teenagers, no older than seventeen.

One with blond-hair and a friendly expression on his face. The other had greyish hair and purple eyes, and an expression of exasperation and disgruntlement on his face as the blond dragged him around by the hand easily.

“Stop dragging me around already,” the second teen murmured, though it fell on deaf ears. And his voice wasn’t that loud to begin with, so it was likely something that happened often. More often than not, perhaps.

Roxbury turned toward the two and smiled. “Ah, good,” he said as the blond continued to drag the other until they reached Roxbury’s side. Roxbury moved to stand behind them and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “These two are Blayden and Baldur. Members of my guild. Baldur is a prince, too.”

Ramus immediately perked up at the notion as his gaze focused in on Baldur. “Oh?”

Baldur, however, furrowed his brow in disgruntled confusion. “Too?” he asked before he his attention suddenly narrowed in on Ramus. And he stopped.

“Yes, I am Ramus, Prince of the Earthlain Royal Family,” Ramus introduced. An introduction he had given many times before.

Baldur didn’t reply, however. Drayce wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn that a lump of emotion lodged itself in his throat. And his hand, the one held by Blayden, suddenly tightened into a fist. “…I see,” he said, slowly. “Do you have…?”

He trailed off, however, and simply…looked. His expression was melancholiac in a way. Far away. Lost in thought. Or memories.

Ramus was both unnerved yet concerned. “Um…?”

Baldur abruptly snapped himself from his thoughts and he turned to look away. “Nothing.”

“Well…It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Ramus stated, politely.

“…Yeah. You, too,” Baldur said before he abruptly turned around, pulling his hand from Blayden’s. “I have to go.”

A tense silence fell over them as Baldur power-walked back through the doors to which he was dragged through. Blayden watched him leave with a…pained look on his face. He finally torn his gaze away to instead share a look with Roxbury. The taller man just smiled sadly, however.

Drayce didn’t need to know everyone to know that Baldur was haunted by something. He was curious, concerned in a way. That was the big brother in him, honestly. Still…

“…Anyway, once you guys get settled in, I’ll show you around!” Blayden suddenly announced and waved at them before he spun on his heel and jogged away. In the direction Baldur disappeared in.

“Did I do something wrong?” Ramus asked softly, worry abundant in his voice.

“No, it’s not you,” Roxbury immediately reassured as he turned to give Ramus a small, comforting smile. That smile soon faded, however. “Baldur…has been through a lot. And carries deeps scars of his kingdom, you could say.”

He was purposely being vague. Which was understandable. It was painful for Baldur. Something that his guild knew, but wouldn’t talk about in his absence, nor without his consent. And Ramus soon realised that.

“I see…” Ramus returned with a nod of his head. He glanced over in the direction that Baldur left. In his eyes was concern.

And yet, Drayce could see a small sense of bubbling determination. Determined to get to know Baldur. Maybe make friends with him. In a way, that made Drayce happy. Ramus practicing his right to be stubborn and curious was a very good thing indeed!

The sound of his brother’s wheelchair pulled Drayce from his musings, and he turned to instinctively look for his twin. Sure enough, Kyrell wheeled Rhain in his chair toward them. Though he looked tired, he had a small smile on his lips.

On his lap, a small black bird. Fat, fluffy, sitting on its butt with its little yellow legs sticking out in front of it. And a tongue flopped out from one side of its peak. A dopey looking bird, honestly.

But it was no ordinary bird. That was Raven. A wraith. Kyrell’s wraith partner. Despite its appearance, Raven was rather…intimidating in nature.

“Rhain, how are you feeling?” Lynus asked gently as he walked over to him.

“I’m feeling all right today,” Rhain answered truthfully. “I’m happy that everyone is together.”

Lynus smiled in agreement. “It is comforting, isn’t it?”

Raven suddenly flapped its stubby little wings and took to the air. Lynus watched, his eyes widening in surprise as Raven flapped over to him. Instinctively, Lynus raised his hands up, letting Raven to drop down onto his upturn palms.

The moment that Raven touched Lynus’ hands, his head reeled back sharply in surprise. “That…?” he murmured.

“This is Raven,” Kyrell explained simply. “He’s a wraith.”

Lynus, however, didn’t answer. Just stared wide-eyed at Raven. He appeared confused, startled, and just bewildered. It was highly likely that he didn’t know how to take the wraith before him. Didn’t understand what he was sensing.

“He has quite a presence,” Rhain said sympathetically.

“Y-yes,” Lynus finally stuttered as Raven rose from his hands and flapped back over to Rhain’s opening arms. “I’m…sorry, I don’t have much experience with wraiths.”

Rhain wrapped his hands around Raven and pulled it toward him, gently nuzzling his cheek against him. “Raven has protected me numerous times. He’s kind.”

Lynus continued to eye the wraith with a curious gaze. “I see,” he said simply.

“More puppies!”

Lindis immediately spun around and suddenly, he had a small brown-haired child in his arms. The child himself looked confused as to why he was suddenly not going anywhere, and that his feet was no longer touching the ground.

Shortly afterward, another appeared from the entrance of the large building at the end of the courtyard. He ran over to Lindis, who kept the child in his arms quite easily, even as the child began to wiggle and struggle. He stopped in front of Lindis and leaned forward to rest his hands on his knees, as he panted.

Oddly, he was another orange-haired medic. He looked strikingly similar to that of Lynus.

“Hah,” the orange-haired man wheezed. “T-thanks. He’s getting faster, I swear.”

Lindis simply smiled as he manoeuvred the kid in his arms, so that he was holding him under one arm. Carrying him much like one would with a heavy sack of potatoes.

“Hey, Remedy, you all right there?” Axel was the one to ask.

Remedy nodded his head as he continued to pant heavily as he rested against his knee. “Getting there.”

“This is Remedy and his nephew, Nathan,” Lynus quickly introduced. “We’re not related, though we’re both medics.”

Oh, ok. Somewhat like Salim and Andre, then? Unifamilial twins or doppelganger. Ah, didn’t matter.

“Anyway, let’s get you lot settled in,” Axel said as he looped an arm around Drayce’s neck and dragged him toward him. “After that, expect to meet a few characters.”

“Hah,” Drayce chuckled as he let Axel lead the way inside. “Looking forward to it.”

… … … … …

Whew. Axel wasn’t kidding when it said there were a lot of introductions to be had!

There had to be well over a hundred people living within the Sanctuary. Most of them explorers. Experienced explorers. With specialised skills. Investigators. Search and rescue experts. Researchers. Just guys who are generally helpful.

There were also those who weren’t explorers, but still supportive with their own skills. A builder of airships. A bar-keep who would garner up requests. An inn-keeper. Guildmasters. Even important figureheads were all on board.

They certainly had an interesting group of people on the expedition.

Drayce entered the dining hall and took a moment to glance around. He soon noticed that Zohar seemed to be speaking with a small group. He appeared to be the focus of attention, really. There wasn’t a sense of discomfort from him. In fact, the slight upturning of the corner of his mouth, there was a very slight sense of amusement.

“I hope I’m not being intrusive,” Simon started. “But I had heard that you have something called Wraiths that you use in battle, correct?”

“This is true,” Zohar answered simply. Soon after he said that, Drayce felt that chilling forewarning to Theodore.

Seemingly materialising out of thin air, Theodore dramatically appeared before Simon and those that stood with him. There was a notable gasp of surprise from the small group, and Drayce anticipated either yells of fright or someone lashing out to defend themselves. The usual reactions.

Theodore really needed to stop scaring people like that.

Varuna was the one to react first by lashing out his unarmed hand and…grabbing a handful of Theodore’s face.

“It’s so squishy,” Varuna unexpectedly stated in a slightly confused tone as he grabbed at Theodore with both hands, compressing him and decompressing him in an experimental manner.

As Varuna continued to inspect Theodore’s elasticity, Simon joined him readily with his own prodding and poking. “Interesting. Feels like soft rubber. Very adaptable.”

“Do you think it can bounce?” Flavio asked as he, too, gave a few cautionary but experimental pokes.

“I’m more interested to know if it’s resistant to fire~” Sigil grinned almost menacingly.

That…wasn’t the kind of responses Drayce had been expecting. But he was thrilled by them nonetheless. They all appeared to be cool guys. Perhaps researchers in their own right. Always good to have an interest in the unknown and unexpected.

The four men continued to chat quite excitedly to each other as they poked and prodded the white wraith in interest. Completely ignoring the fact that Theodore flailed about, his face in an expression of distress as he waved a surrendering and pleading arm in Zohar’s direction.

Pfft. Theodore was likely enjoying the attention in some way. He could easily get himself out of their grasp if necessary.

A few muffled chuckles urged Drayce to turned toward the sound and noted that another small group of explorers had gathered together close by. No doubt attempting to keep a close eye on the other group. Or simply observing their surroundings out of habit. Blayke was with them, too. Good to see!

“Man,” Bryce sigh aloud with an exasperated shake of his head. “Researchers.”

Next to Bryce, Axel gave a half chuckled. Though, there was a sense of self-loathing to it. “That’s a better response than mine.”

“What?” Kardos started with an amused tone to his voice. “Hauled off and punched it?”

Axel sighed. “In the face, no less.”

The corner of Blayke’s mouth twitched into a half smirk. “Into a wall. Left a crack, too.”

Bryce snorted, but it definitely had a sense of mirth to it. Kardos, however, released a laugh, and made no attempt to hide his amusement.

“To be fair, I’m pretty sure I would have, too,” he said.

Blayke’s expression darkened ever so slightly. “Little shit deserved to be punched in the face,” he muttered.

“Aw, man,” a new voice whined aloud. “Why does that thing get all the babes?”

Axel immediately honed in on the direction the voice originated from and his eyes narrowed fearsomely at none other than Agata. A ninja, apparently. Even with the high visibility orange vest. And Drayce had been…warned about him.

“Talking about someone needing a punch to the face…” Axel said, warningly.

Agata had obviously heard him as his head whipped around in Axel’s direction. And winced in a comically unnerved and frightening manner. He made no attempt to respond. He simply scurried away. In a right hurry.

And Axel watched him through narrow eyes until he was out of sight. Drayce had to chuckle. Protective guys were always good to have around. Fun to watch, too.

Turning his attention back to his surroundings, Drayce’s gaze found its way to his brother. It was a habit, really. Rhain sat with another who was confined to a wheelchair, Zydon. From what Drayce knew, he was under Lynus’ sole care. Which kinda indicated that his health was pretty…precarious.

He seemed to get along with Rhain, though. And the two had a group of healers gathered nearby, occasionally turning to ensure that the two were comfortable. Lynus, Isiah, Remedy, even Fiorello stood together to chat.

Azure, Lynus’ skittish but sweet apprentice, however seemed to gravitate toward Rhain. He sat on the edge of a chair next to him as they talked. He was very shy and quiet when Drayce was introduced to him, but it seemed that both Rhain and Zydon were able to get a few more words out of him.

And at the table closest to them sat Ramus. With him sat Highland Count, Quinn, and Seyfried. Though the older men appeared to be the ones who did most of the talking, they did engage with him. And Ramus appeared quite interested in what they had to say.

It was honestly good to see. So many different people in one place, getting along, working together as they travel to an unexplored island. They were all good people, too. Drayce could tell they were. Their professions, their eagerness to welcome new people, their willingness to be of help for others.

Moving to Maginia for an expedition was a big step. But Drayce wasn’t worried. In fact, he was absolutely certain that he had made the right choice.