Almort says "What was that?"

"The defenses will keep out anyone that isn't invited."

Zachariah says "It won't kill them, will it?"

"Not unless they try a second time, or are dumb enough to attack the barrier."

Almort says "There are a lot of people out there, but you don't seem worried?"

"I'm not. Even a god would have problems breaking in here."

Almort says "Are you serious? Or are you just bragging?"

Lin says "Ash never brags. He doesn't really need to."

Zachariah says "That is somewhat terrifying. Where are we going?"

"We are going to the top of the tower. It has a flat roof and is pretty much the perfect place to watch my ship arrive."

We soon reach the tower's roof and then we make idle conversation while we wait. By this point the crowd has given up trying to enter the castle, but they are not leaving. They are probably waiting to see if anything else impossible happens.

We have been chatting for about fifteen minutes when I spot the ship in the distance. It will be a few minutes before the ship is close enough for the humans to spot it. The first ones to spot it are the soldiers in the guard towers, who sound the alarm.

Almort says "Those idiots! They were informed that your ship would be arriving."

"Don't be too hard on them. They have never seen anything like my ship."

Zachariah says "I think I see it! Wait, is it purple? Why is it purple?!"

"Because the tree I made it from was purple with silver leaves."

Almort says "It doesn't look all that big?"

"Just wait until it gets closer."

Zachariah says "By the way, I closed one of the docks for your people to use. My people should already be there."

"Thank you, but the ship won't be docking. It is too big for your harbor."

Almort says "Come on, aren't you exaggerating?"

Zachariah says "Almort, I think you should take another look."

The ship is closer now and is close enough to be able to see its size clearly. Almort turns to look at it, rubs his eyes, and then looks again as his mouth drops open. Zachariah is chuckling as he watches Almort's reaction and Lin and I soon join in.

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Almort says "That thing is massive! How does it not sink?!"

Zachariah says "I can see why you don't want to try using the dock. Can you really call that thing a ship? It looks more like a floating island!"

"They are dropping anchor. We should head down to the dock to meet the boats."

Almort and Zachariah hurry to follow us, they want a closer look at the ship. By the time we reach the end of the dock, two smaller boats have left the ship and are headed towards us. One has my kids, the other has Stillwater, Silverstream, Sheraf, and Brightfire.

Lin helps me welcome and calm down the kids, then I introduce the elves and the humans. Then I explain the plan to have adventurers and Zachariah's people escort the groups of elves.

Stillwater says "That sounds like it should be safe enough. How many groups do you want to allow and what size of groups?"

Almort says "We have enough adventures that answered the posting for five groups."

"As for the group size, I would save between five and ten elves per group. Also, tell them that if they run into any problems, they should run to the castle."

Nala says "Albion and I can help escort groups!"

"If that's what you want to do, I'm fine with that. Either way I was going to make sure all four of you got to explore the city and have some fun."

Lin says "Come to think of it, I haven't had much chance to explore. How about if Nala and Albion escort me around the city to explore? I can take Mulan and Mushu with me."

"That works too. Nala, Albion, are you up to protecting Lin?"

Nala says "Of course!"

Albion says "We won't let anything happen to her!"

Zachariah summons two of his people to act as Lin's guide and to provide funds if needed. Then we get the adventurers organized and start bringing groups of elves over from the ship. Surprisingly, there are a lot of elves that want to explore the city, more then I expected.

So, the five groups will have a time limit of four hours, then more groups will replace them. After the arrangements have been made, Almort and Zachariah leave to take care of other things. I move back to the top of the castle's tower and spread my senses over the city.

I lock onto Lin and the groups of elves so that I can keep an eye on all of them. I don't expect anything to go wrong with as many preparations as we have made, but I still can't relax. This way, if something does happen I will be able to respond quickly and deal with it.

After all the work I have done taking care of the elves I am not about to let something happen to them now. As I am watching, I notice that there are humans following each group of elves. The problem is that I don't know if they are up to something or just curious.

I wouldn't put it past someone to have thought of abducting the elves and ransoming them back to me. However, I can't just act based on a suspicion, I have to wait until they actually do something. The downside is that it takes most of my focus so I can't work on anything else.

It makes me feel like I am wasting time, but at the same time I can't just let something happen to the elves. So, I sit on the tower and keep watch over everyone for the next few hours. I get a short break while the groups are returning to the ship and switching out with new groups.

Of course, that doesn't apply to Lin and the kids, they don't have a time limit. They spend the entire day exploring, shopping, and trying out new foods. When they finally get worn out they return to the castle and I wave at them from the tower.

Lin says "What are you doing up here? Have you been here all day?"

"Yes, I was keeping an eye on everyone."

Lin says "From here? I didn't think your eyesight was that good?"

"I was using my mana, not my eyes."

Lin says "You were watching me with mana? How come I couldn't sense you? Wait, I thought that the cloak would prevent anyone from watching me?"

"The cloak doesn't work on me and even if it did I would be able to find you by the choker. If anyone ever tries to kidnap you, I will be able to find you no matter what."

Lin says "I'm not sure if that is creepy or reassuring."

"I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, but it is necessary. I love you and I would do anything to keep you safe, but that also makes you my greatest weakness."

Lin says "Okay, that makes it less creepy. I love you too."