Naya and Alvec rode on Echo’s back. His new size was amazing and powerful magic. It wasn’t a spell so to speak, more like an accrual of divine power which had bubbled up inside him. The wolf could carry both of them easily. It was a little awkward to ride on Echo, holding onto Naya for support. He was as fast as a horse to boot. It took only about an hour and a half to catch up to the group of clerics and paladins marching along the road. It wasn’t a large batch of them. Just about ten people in total. Sarbie walked near the center of the group while TaeCol led the charge.

Alvec hopped off from Echo and dashed on ahead to speak with TaeCol. The man stood taller than him by about half a head. “TaeCol, we need to talk. Can we walk further ahead of the group?” Alvec asked as he dashed on ahead. The man nodded and followed him. Telling him about the Gold Banner, of the devils they just fought, and of his other issues was a risk. “Good news and bad news. Good news, we won the Festival of Blades. The bad news is that the other finalist team had someone infiltrate our house and steal the sword. The Cutthroat Crowley was disguised as the swashbuckler San Verado.”

“That is unfortunate. Anything else to report?” he asked.

“Yes and no,” Alvec replied. “As in, yes, I do... but I also have something to ask of you.”

“Let me hear your ask first,” TaeCol said.

“I’d like a cleric of the church to be assigned to help us. We need a healer if we’re going to cross swords with both devils and Cutthroat Crowley. We intend to do both,” Alvec finished.

TaeCol looked the boy over. “I’m not yet convinced your cause is worth sparing one of our own.”

Alvec felt as if he twisted inside. He hoped this would be easy. He’d have to tip his hand, something he wasn’t particularly fond of. “There is more I have to tell you. Perhaps after you hear this, you’ll be more inclined. While I lack definitive proof, I suspect the Gold Banner Army may be compromised. My full name is Alvec Reynore. My grandfather is Iridel Reynore. During the wars, he made a deal with a devil for power. In return, he sired my father. I don’t pretend to know what my infernal grandmother was playing at. I do know that she was an Eirinyes.”

“What does this have to do with the Gold Banner Army?” TaeCol asked.

“I’m getting there, sir, but to see why I’m suspicious, you need the context for the events to line up.”

The paladin nodded begrudgingly.

Alvec continued on. “Cue our arrival in Sha-Laial. The night we finally took the tower and threw a celebratory bash for the neighborhood, a devil appeared at OUR house and attacked. Then, the Gold Banner swoops in, arrests two of us, and then makes us their cat's paw to go take out some devils in the city. Whoever was doing the summoning. The circle was well used, and the final coincidence that pushed it a bridge too far was the presence of artwork depicting an Eirinyes in the chamber with the summoning circle. It's too many coincidences.” Alvec stated. “For them all to have been random, I find that difficult to accept.”

TaeCol nodded along. “I see what you're saying. One or two of those events could have easily been luck, but all three together feel intentional. Especially with whoever did the summoning being in the wind.”

“As if they knew we were coming.” Alvec finished.

TaeCol nodded again. “I can understand the reason for concern. However, sending someone with an adventuring group would be difficult. Explaining why I’d weakened us while we are already very restricted would be challenging. The Gold Banner Army controls the fight against devils, and if they are in bed with them, I can’t afford to spare any of my strongest till we know more. They keep close tabs on how much actual power we have.”

“That's very concerning,” Alvec replied. “So don’t send someone powerful. Just send someone.”

TaeCol stared out in the distance ahead of them for a moment before calling out.“Sarbie, to the front of the line.” TaeCol bellowed. It took a few moments for her to shuffle forward. She clasped her hands tightly together in front of her body and looked over his shoulder rather than directly at the man. As if looking at him would break the illusion of being put together. “I have some good news and lots of bad news for you. The good is that you will no longer be accompanying us into the valley of steam. The bad news is that I am placing a heavy burden on you. As of now, I hereby exile you from the church. You are no longer an official Cleric in the service of Kushang.”

“What?!” Sarbie gasped, panic setting in. “This can’t be, what will I-?”

TaeCol raised his hand, silencing her. “A formality to get around Agenon’s laws. Your exile from the church does nothing to your connection to the divine. You will go with this band of adventurers and aid them on their quest. When it is complete, you will be welcomed back into the church with open arms.”

“Alvec, no. I can’t come with you. I’d just slow you down.” Sarbie pleaded.

“This isn’t what I asked for. I just wanted her to go home.” Alvec replied.

“This isn’t the boy's decision, but mine. He has requested help from the church. If his suspicions are correct, and I dare to say that I fear they could be... then I need to send someone with them who has flown under the radar.”

“What about Hoc?” Sarbie asked. “He would die to go on a grand adventure.”

“He would, but he’s got a big mouth and doesn’t have the skillset our group needs.” Alvec supplied.

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“And I do?!”

“Yeah,” Alvec said sheepishly. “We need someone who can help patch us up. My whole team knows how to deal damage. I think I’m the only one who knows how to prevent it or aid it... we need someone who can help undo it.”

“Sarbie, this isn’t up for discussion,” said TaeCol. “I’ve decided that you are the best person for the job. I will tell your parents what I can about your mission, and I will tell lies to all else.”

“I... really don’t have a choice,” Sarbie said, slinking her shoulders.

“You could still say no,” Alvec said. “You might actually get expelled for it, but you do have that choice. If you were to take it, I’d still do what I could to support you. Since I accidentally roped you into this whole thing.”

“I thought you wanted me to come with you, Alvec?” she said.

“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” Alvec said quickly. “Nothing would delight me more, but I know deep down you don’t want to, so I’m trying to give you another out.”

“No. I’m not leaving the church. TaeCol, I accept this mission and hope to return to the church as soon as possible. May I still visit and pray at the churches?”

“Yes, the official story will be that you left on good terms. You will be welcomed as a guest anywhere you go,” TaeCol replied.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t go back to visit.”

“Alright, Alvec Reynore. I leave her in your care. Remember your promise.”

“So long as I draw breath, I’ll do everything in my power to protect her,” Alvec replied without missing a beat, with a conviction that sent a chill up Sarbie's spine. TaeCol thought this mission would be dangerous, and Alvec meant what he said.

“With that, then, I bid you goodbye and farewell,” TaeCol said before turning to march onwards.

“Wait, I’ve got one more thing for you. You seem like the safest hands I can put this in. It's a copy of a spell that Vato used to contain a mysterious creature. Figured it might be of some use to you or someone you know,” Alvec said, handing over a copy of the sixth circle spell. TaeCol nodded once more before leaving the pair alone as Naya and Echo caught up to them.

“Shall we go then?” Alvec said motioning back towards Naya and Echo.

“I guess.” Sarbie replied. The pair walked slowly back to the girl and her wolf.

“Hey Sarbie, how are you holding up here on the roads?” Naya asked as she waved hello.

“I’m here.” She said with a weak smile.

“Alright Alvec we should probably get going. Illaria didn’t even want to wait for dawn like you suggested.” Naya said.

“Yeah, about that.” Alvec said.

“By the spirits, if you tell me we’re going to be late...” She trailed off.

“Its not that, so uh, Sarbie will be joining us.” Alvec said.

“What?” Naya asked.

“TaeCol he just kicked me out of the church. Told me I needed to go with you guys.” Sarbie her face a blank slate as she attempted to process the last few minutes.

“Thats Terrible, here pet Echo for comfort.” Naya suggested. Sarbie reached up and began to pet him absent mindedly. After a few seconds she turned to Naya and looked at her with confusion.

“Wasn’t Echo smaller last time I saw him?” Sarbie asked.

“Magic happened.” Naya confirmed.

“Oh, ok.” Sarbie said, resigning it to be a good enough answer.

“Alright, guys and gals, let's get on the giant wolf and get out of here,” Naya said as she lowered a hand to Sarbie first.

She struggled a bit to get up on top of the wolf, and once she did, she wrapped her arms tightly around Naya.

“Ease up on your grip, Sarbs; you’ll crack one of my ribs if you squeeze that tight. We only have so much time before we head off to Ac-Aziza. Illaria will be pissed if we are late; you still need to get a good night's sleep, Alvec.” she said before leaning over and offering a hand to Alvec.

“No thanks, I’ll walk,” Alvec said, attempting to decline.

“Look, Illaria is serious about leaving at dawn. You walk your ass back to Sha-Laial, and you’re barely going to get any sleep,” she grinned while glancing behind her. “Would you rather be in front?”

Alvec took her hand and climbed up behind Sarbie, where he gently wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Alright, hold on tight!” Naya shouted as Echo broke into a sprint back towards Sha-Laial.

Arriving back home, they discovered Mavec was under the wagon, adding some “enhancements” to it. Shock absorption would be critical for Alvec to continue his enchanting in peace. Speaking of which, there were just bags stuffed full of reagents he’d need for enchanting.

Sarbie stood awkwardly in the courtyard, watching everyone work and fidgeting with her robes.

Alvec frowned. “Do you want to go back and see your parents tonight?” he asked.

“No, I might lose what little nerve I have if I do.”

“Alright, I’ll show you to my room then; you can sleep there.”

“Excuse me?” she said, her face flushing red.

“Yeah, you take the bed; I’ll return here and sleep in the enchanting room. I’ve made it cozy enough that it won’t be inconvenient,” Alvec assured her.

Illaria laughed at the interaction, a surprise even to herself. “Alright, everyone, get some sleep; we leave at dawn.” She insisted once more. “Also, it's a pleasure to have you with us, Sarbie. If you need anything at all, just let me know. Alvec means well, truly, but he’s a boy; there are some things he won’t be as aware of, I’m sure.”

“Thank you, Illaria; I'll let you know if I think of anything.”

“Sarbie can just share a bed with me, then you can have your bed, Alvec,” Naya said.

“I’m sure she’d prefer a bit more privacy on her first night than that,” Alvec replied.

“Alright, then, would you like to share a bed? No sense sleeping on the floor, friend.” Naya asked.

“Nah, I’m a bit tougher than I look; I can stand a night on the stone. I’ve got some spells for that.” With that, Alvec escorted Sarbie up to his room. Showed her where the amenities were and left her on her own.

Returning to the ground floor, he met Mavec outside and glanced at his fellow wizards work. He’d added a series of springs to it. It made sense; the springs would absorb some energy and make for a smoother ride. Had we had more than a few hours, the pair of them could have cooked up an even more grand solution, but for now, this would do. He examined the reagents that Mavec had bought as well. It was all there. Everything he’d need to equip their small little band of fighters. Convinced that there was little more to be gained by staying up, he headed to the enchanting room. It would be a while before he got to sit in here again, and he so nearly had the room looking perfect. Alvec settled down on the ground, using force pillows, and slept.