A long, open, wooden box with holes punched into the edges for the wooden beams was carried by Deagle and Josh up the longest pier. Dew and Awlena watched from the harbor as they laid it in a boat with colorful fish on its sail. The box sunk the boat slightly deeper into the water. Inside, Lord Nostrum’s body laid atop an arrangement of heavy dull brown rocks covered in a multitude of shells. There were ivory clam shells, long smooth shells resembling brownish marble columns, slicked spiral shells that shone, calcareous fragments, dried starfish, and a few scattered pearls. An aquamarine conch shell laid over the center of his chest.

The sea breezes did little to quell the mid-afternoon heat as they nailed a shaped slab over the box. Three more heavy slabs were added to the box, which was tied down with multiple loops of strong line. Josh left the boat for another man to take his place with Deagle before it sailed off past the cliffs that protected the harbor. At the top of the shale cliff, Mardela, her skin somewhat reddened, stood alone to watch her husband’s final journey.

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A hanging lantern created shadows of marlins and dolphins which swam across the walls. The windows were opened. The pointed moon hung the in last phase of its diminishing cycle as it fell behind the horizon. Shadows of the trees stretched across the lawn and over the dirt path behind the inn. A small pitcher of water sat by a ceramic cup on a short table by the mat where Nadia slept. The white kimono rested over her shoulders. Nadia yawned, stretched her bare feet out of the thin white blanket as she awoke to see Mardela, who kept watch beside her. A dolphin shaped shadow swam across Nadia’s collar bone, past where the kimono’s folds separated. Mardela poured water in the ceramic cup and offered it.

“You slept through yesterday and into this morning. I hope you feel better.”

“A little bit. You’re Mardela right, does Nostrum know you’re okay.”

“My husband...” she squeezed a small portion of her flowery kimono, “He didn’t survive.”

Nadia swallowed hard, Dew had filled her in on the situation once they had returned to the inn, but she never had time to consider the possibility.

“He died bravely, but that matters little now. He was so concerned for my health he forgot to consider the possibility of an attack despite the trouble to the north. The village is safe thanks to you and your friends. But for next time, I must correct that oversight. This can’t happen again.”

“I feel like, I bought this upon you. I’m, so sorry.”

“How can you say that after you’ve done so much? Sarsin did not send a force because of you. You helped saved the village without even being asked. You took on a poison curse to save my life. I could never thank you enough.”

“Where are the others? Is anyone else hurt?”

“The others are resting. They’ll be awake soon. The girl with the long red hair was badly injured. She might never be able to fight again.”

“Nefri?”

“Yes, I believe that was her name.”

“Can I see her?” Nadia pulled her kimono shut and tied it.

The light of one long flickering candle danced against the walls. Nefri laid flat on her back against the floor. Her left arm was in a plastered splint, tied to her side so she couldn’t move it. Nadia saw the heavy stitching on her ear and forehead, the bloody bandage around her index finger, and the heavy bandages taped to her waist. Gauze wrapped her chest. Deep purple stained the gashes around Nefri’s wrist. Delia and Luthial sat by her side, but both slept against each other’s shoulder. Nefri; however, stared at the ceiling.

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“My God,” Nadia whispered softly, “What did they do to her?”

“Nothing I didn’t do twice as bad to them,” Nefri whispered.

“Relax. I’m going to help you heal.”

“No,” Nefri grabbed Nadia’s arm with her good hand. “You can’t afford to sap your strength anymore.”

“Just a little bit,” Nadia pleaded, “It’ll keep deep scars from forming if you let me. I promise not to use a great deal of power.”

“Fine, but only enough to keep the scars shallow.”

Nadia’s fingers glowed slightly as she laid her hands over Nefri, they were over the major wounds for a minute when Nefri noticed Nadia’s breathing get heavier.

“That’ll be enough. Don’t worry about me. I’ll get well.”

“You look terrible. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t of said that.”

“No, I didn’t expect some warlord’s men to be a match. I won’t be able to go anywhere for a while, but my friends are going to stay. I’m sorry we can’t go with you any further.”

“I can’t go anyway. I don’t have a boat.”

"Didn’t you hear yet?”

“Hear what?”

Mardela’s voice drifted into the room, “Lord Nostrum’s sailboat is being prepared for your journey. It’ll be ready after noon today.”

Nadia hugged Mardela, “Thank you so much, I never expected it.”

“Everyone wishes you and your companions a safe journey,” Mardela patted her on the back. “Consider this our thanks for everything you’ve done.”

“And you’ll take care of Nefri?”

“We’re going to protect the village,” Nefri whispered, “and in the meantime, we’ll organize a defense in case Sarsin’s forces return. Dew ordered us to switch our employment for however long this village needs us. Dew, the possessed one, and the other boy from your world who fought well are going with you.”

“I wish you three were coming along.”

“We’re needed here; besides, they’re going to help me heal.”

Nadia stood and bowed over Nefri, “Bye Nefri, take care.”

“You too,” Nefri smiled weakly.

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The Quagmire waited in the usual spot at the end of the harbor. All the fishing equipment had been removed, though the oars still hung along the insides of the vessel. A small shelter built around the lower mast provided enough room for two mats. The stowage for fishing supplies brimmed with fresh water, provisions, and luggage. Nadia was finally back in some normal clothes, blue jeans, and a comfortable red shirt. She never noticed the thin red hairs over the zipper of her bag as she placed it atop the provisions. The others didn’t have much luggage, so the remainder of the space took more water and some jarred lemons. Then, to Nadia’s surprise, Darrell and Josh rolled her bicycle up the pier.

“Mardela thought you might be able to use it,” Josh said, as they rolled it on board.

Nadia waved to Mardela, who watched from her usual spot on the shale cliff. A few villagers waved their final farewell. There was no more talk about the strange travel costume she wore. The sun annoyed her eyes to remind her that there was a bottle of sunscreen in her bag. Delia came through the crowd and up the pier. Luthial, with her bandaged shoulder, followed close behind.

“Good luck, and safe journey,” Delia offered her hand.

Nadia took it, and they pulled into a hug. Luthial hugged Nadia as well.

“Take care of Nefri,” Nadia said.

“Of course,” they both said.

“Keep the village safe, I will pray for Nefri’s recovery,” Dew said.

“Naaaaadia!”

Awlena came running from the opposite side of the harbor with her robes flapping behind her and her hand waving. A pack rested on her back. Dew slapped his forehead as his sister jumped against Nadia and gave her the tightest hug she could manage. Their chests pushed together as Nadia tried to take a step back with her arms out. After a long hug, Awlena let go and pointed at her brother.

“I’m not staying away and I’m not going back to Nenkyo village. I refuse. Lady Mavenslick needs a proper attendant. Putting your future queen on such a small ship with only men is no way to treat your future queen!”

Laughter could be heard from the boat as Josh slapped his lap. Dew’s palm continued to rub at his face, “We did not ration supplies for a crew of five.”

“You have plenty of supplies. I have a bag of food on my back. I’m joining this journey. If you’re so worried about supplies, you can stay behind. Let’s go Nadia.”

Nadia let Awlena lead her into the boat hand-in-hand while Dew followed behind increasingly flushed. Josh and Darrell sat on opposite sides of the big fishing boat. Darrell was curled up while looking at his lap. Josh waved goodbye to Luthial.

The rope to the pier was cut loose by Nadia, then Dew unfurled new sails of pure white flax. The people waved and yelled blessings as the shore became more distant. Dew, Awlena, Nadia, and Josh waved back until they could no longer the see people on the horizon.