Andre knew something was wrong when Aria landed with Kendra unconscious. Over the past few days, he had been waiting for them to return. He had indulged in dwarven hospitality and ate well until today. He got word from Zoe that today was the day they would fight the dragon. He knew it was going to be a tough fight but seeing Ronny and Kendra was not great.

The pair of them were rushed from the port cave entrance and towards the medical area. He followed right behind Aria, her eyes still red. She held onto both staves with one in each hand. Kendra and Ronny were laid on beds. They both looked terrible. Aria probably looked similar to her sister with dirt and grime covering her from the battle.

Inspection magic was cast by the doctors on both of the patients to assess the damage to their bodies. Both were given an intake of fluids with Ronny receiving the brunt of the care. His armor was removed and torn off as they dealt with his injuries. Similar things were done to Kendra as more tools were used to conclude her condition. The medical staff pushed them away telling them not to interfere and to come back later. Eventually, Andre dragged Aria out of the space when the staff started insisting more heavily. She wanted to stay a bit longer, but multiple doctors were now around Kendra, and she was getting in their way.

Once the two of them were outside the medical ward, Andre asked Aria about the fight.

“I know this might be a bit sensitive to you, but I want to know what happen. Are the others okay? Do you need anything?”

She wiped her nose before speaking. “The others are fine, physically at least. I don’t know how best to explain it. Zoe brought something to kill the dragon. A copy of Arthur. Or something like him at least. Arthur is gone. Everything we worked on is gone. Now Zoe is in complete control of the golem that killed the dragon.”

“I see,” said Andre keeping his increasing questions at bay for a later date. “Kendra is strong-willed and will get through this. You have done the best you could, and I am proud of what you have done and so are the people above me. I will make sure she is taken care of. I was not aware of the new golem’s existence either. It seems we will have a lot to talk about when we ride back.”

Aria laughed. “I think I will have to call in a temporary leave regardless of what you say. I know I signed a contract and so did Kendra, but I need to make sure she will be fine and recover if possible. I can find someone to take up my position, but I need to fix this. I should have protected my sister. It is my job and I failed her.”

Andre paused before answering. “You didn’t fail anyone today. And if anyone asks about your leave I will deal with it. Just promise me that you will be back when I call for you. Your assistance with magical traps and illusions are invaluable and will be needed in the defense of the gnome capital and more if possible.”

“I think I can do that, but I make no promises. Thank you.”

Andre sat with Aria in the hallway. They sat there for almost an hour. Aria slept through most of the time. She had tired herself out physically and mentally from the battle. He only looked up when heard the clang of metal. Andre looked up to see the ‘new Arthur’ following behind Zoe and Lucas.

“So, this would be Arthur’s replacement I have heard little about,” said Andre in a neutral tone.

“Yes. Andre meet Edward. He will be our golem mage for the foreseeable future, and he will be treated as such. Some plans originally intended for Arthur will have to be adjusted while we lack the original.”

“And what is the plan for Arthur?”

“He is of low priority in the short term. We need to uphold our obligations with the gnomes and get Edward fighting the undead. Once we have regained some ground against the undead forces and secured things we can start bringing people here to search for him or more likely pay dwarf forces to do so.”

“I assume that our boss and the elf council has approved this as has the gnomes?”

“They know most of what I have done and helped secure Edward. I have yet to update them on the situation. Your compliance would be greatly appreciated. Now have you heard from the doctors about how Kendra is doing?”

Aria perked up from her seat and Andre looked to her and then back to Zoe.

“I got word from them that she is stable but still comatose for the foreseeable future. She will need to be treated by magic illness specialists for treatment.”

“Can she be moved and prepared for the trip?”

“Technically yes but it is recommended she stay for a few more days here. The sea waves may aggravate her condition.”

“I am not sure we can wait until next week. Please inform the doctors that she needs to be ready for transport for tonight. I will get the ship ready for tonight. I will see you there after dinner.”

Aria wanted to protest but Andre held her back.

“I will do that. Come on Aria. Let’s check on your sister.”

“I would also like to see her,” said Lucas.

Andre nodded his approval. He followed the three of them in and saw Kendra. She lay in the bed unconscious. Her fingers were colored an unnatural white and her body was cold to the touch.

“I’m sorry to inform you that we need to transfer her back tonight per Miss Zoe’s orders.”

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The nearest doctor swore.

“Sorry, but I would highly recommend not doing so but I think you know that already. We will prepare some liquid nutrients for her and some medications that she will need to be fed daily. Some of it will be for her current ailments and some for the seasickness that will come. I assume you can take care of this?”

“I will take care of her,” said Aria in as firm a voice she could muster. “Just tell me what I need to do, and I will do it.”

“I will have the treatments prepared for you in four hours along with instructions for how to help her. This will include moving her as she will be laying down and you won’t want her developing sores. It will also have information on some complications that may arise during your travels. Do you have someone that can cast [Lesser Heal].”

“Yes we do. Thank you for doing this,” said Aria.

“Of course. It is only my job.”

“How is Ronny?” asked Lucas.

“He is awake now. He suffered leg trauma as you have seen. It will take longer to perform a complete regrowing of them. He suffered a few broken bones that have been set back in place and head contusions and a concussion.”

The doctor turned around and led them further back into the medical ward and they saw Ronny. He was sitting up in his bed. Bandages wrapped around his now shaven head and around his chest. A splint was also placed on his right arm.

“Hey, guys how is it going?”

“We doing fine. Better than you I guess,” said Lucas.

“Yeah. Sorry about your sister,” said Ronny to Aria. “Things got a bit crazy out there. I’m glad you could get me out of there. The doctors have been telling me how the fight turned out. I feel bad we couldn’t land the final blow, but the battle scars will be awesome and what I do remember of the fight will make for great drinking stories.”

“How is the pain?” asked Aria.

“It is fine now. They got me on some numbing herbs and have killed most of the nerves around my wounds. I’m glad I was unconscious for most of it at least. I wouldn’t have wanted you to see me screaming more than I already did. It went by so quickly that I have blocked most of the memory after I got jumped from my mind.”

“I’m glad that you were able to be rushed here as quickly as you could. Arthur helped keep you alive for a bit longer and stop you from dying right away. I’m also glad you can make such positive things out of today’s events,” said Andre stoically. “We should be going as not to disturb your rest. I wish you well.”

The group left Ronny and Kendra. They returned to the housing area and started packing. Andre held onto Ethan’s spellbook originally meant for Arthur. The mage glove and sword had already been taken care of by Zoe.

Once they finished packing the dwarven king brought them back into the dining hall. Toasts and congratulations were given. For their dinner, freshly cooked dragon meat was served, and a portion of the dragon’s hoard was given to the participants. It was a token sum compared to the entire amount, but Lucas and the others appreciated the extra gold, nonetheless. They didn’t do much drinking during the meal as they were about to board a boat, but some were still consumed.

The night's activities continued late but Zoe brought Andre and the others out early. They followed the cave tunnels out to the docks where Jarron, Sarah, and the ship’s captain waited. The sun was just setting, and the stars and moons shone in the sky.

“How are you all doing this fine night?” asked the captain. “Are you all ready?”

“Yes we are,” said Zoe.

Jarron looked over at Edward and back to the others but didn’t say anything. He took the passengers' stuff once they got to the ship. They all knew the ship by now, so it was fairly quick. It only took some additional time to load Kendra’s bed into the ship. It had large wheels attached which made it easier and straps secured to keep her from falling out. Their luggage was loaded below deck and beds and personal areas were claimed.

Once everyone was in Jarron raised the anchor and Sarah began to cast her magic. The wind picked up and pulled them forward. In only a minute they were out of the docks and a few minutes after that the boats behind them were dots.

Over the next three weeks, the ship continued on track to land near the same fishing outpost they had originally sailed from. During the trip, Edward was mostly unmoving. Zoe spent her time checking things with it and integrating spells into the machine. Aria spent her time below deck next to her sister. When she didn’t have to feed her and check on her Aria read a book next to Kendra’s bed and worked on her spells.

Andre spent his time going over Ethan’s spellbook. He initially felt bad for looking through it but decided it was the best thing for him to pass the time and besides it wasn’t going to hurt anyone. He wasn’t able to cast any of the spells because of his affinities but the material was interesting anyway. Because it described the spells and not just said how to cast it he was able to learn much from the material. Some of which he would be able to apply to other areas of his magic.

Lucas was left alone in his thoughts during the trip back. He spent his time going over his sword practice because there wasn’t space to practice bow and arrow. He mostly wished that he could go back and redo the battle with the dragon. He was too slow with the bow and unpracticed with it and he did nothing with his sword were only some of the thoughts that went through his mind. In the corner of the ship with Zoe’s things lay Arthur’s sword. It lay wrapped up and neglected. Each time he looked over in Zoe’s corner he was reminded of his failures that day.

The rest of their trip was uneventful. Each passenger avoided most interaction and only entered in light conversation during meals. Andre knew the situation was intense after the team of five had dealt with the dragon, but it wasn’t his place to interfere as long as the guidelines set by his boss were followed.

‘I’m not sure what to do. Zoe has taken up leadership once more and now has additional firepower along with responsibility. I wish Arthur had been able to kill the dragon. Things would be so much easier. Even though we would be holding up a lie it would be better than dealing with that golem. It just sits there unmoving and emotionless. It is almost creepy at night. At least Arthur talked telepathically. I need to get on a boat back to find Arthur as soon as I am allowed. This situation can’t continue. We need to find Arthur even to reset him. I’ve spent too much time teaching him and we’ve spent too many resources and time on him just to let him wander the untamed mountains of the dwarf lands.’

A few days later they stepped off the boat. Zoe thanked the captain before bringing them into the outpost. Once they got inside they met a tall pale gray elf.

“How was your trip?” he asked.

“Eventful and busy,” said Zoe.

“To the gnome capital then? All six of you?” he asked for confirmation.

“Actually, the two of us are not going to the gnome capital quite yet. I have some things to do before I go.”

The elf nodded.

“Then I guess this is where we part Aria,” said Zoe. “I wish you well. I really do and I hope to meet with both of you soon. Speak with the outpost leader and she will have transport prepared for you tomorrow along with a place for you to stay tonight. You have done great in caring for her.”

“Goodbye Andre, Lucas, Zoe,” she looked at them in turn.

They said their goodbyes and the elf prepared his spell. A doorway shimmered into place and became a pathway. Beyond the portal, the outskirts of the gnome capital lay one of the tall district’s walls only a few hundred feet away. Aria watched as the four of them stepped through the doorway before the elf mage did. She waved goodbye. The portal destabilized shortly after and returned to its shimmering state before closing.