I spent the next day drifting in and out of sleep, each time spotting either Marylea, Fabe or Keenan keeping vigilance by my bedside. They fed me porridge and told me about their plans to recruit the people of the Tavern to repair the Loki so we could fly back to Aragonia. I listened, smiling but not talking, because my throat still burned.

Finally, my limbs felt strong enough to support my weight. At first, I sat up for a minute at a time. Then, when I could flex my fingers without wincing, I got up from bed. Keenan held my right arm, Fabe my left.

On the third day, I was as good as new.

"It's a miracle," gushed Aishe for the millionth time.

I insisted on being shown the panel for Aragonia, and my friends gladly led me to it.

"A thousand and forty-two," said Fabe, beaming. "Aragonia's back to normal."

There were no words for the happiness that was bursting to come out. Instead, I started laughing.

Fabe looked at me quizzically. "What's so funny?"

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I just went on laughing until I had to clench at my aching ribs from laughing so hard. Marylea started laughing along with me. Soon, the whole room was full of laughter. At last, everything was going to be okay.

On the fourth day, we were all packed up and ready to leave.

"Take this elixir," said Aishe. Her eyes drooped wearily. She still had an air of reverence and strength about her, but it was subdued. She'd seemed more tired since I woke up. "It'll make you immune to the Serpeople's tricks. They can't leave their cave, so if you don't go near them, you're safe."

"Thank you, Aishe, for all your help," I said. "Are you sure you're all right?"

Aishe smiled. "Just a little worn out from the reversal, that's all."

"We couldn't be more grateful for your help."

"So, I've always wanted to ask you a question, Keeper," said Fabe. "Has the Core always been this fortified?" He was referring to the stone block wall and the defensive mechanisms on the inside. Barbed wire lined the gap between the stone wall and the ceiling; inside, crossbows were poised at the gap.

Aishe shook her head. "I simply learned my lesson." Before we could ask what she meant, she added, "Good luck on your journey. I applaud your bravery and your love for your Kingdom. Aragonia is in good hands." She nodded. "Now go on home."

That was when I remembered the Serking's message. As I delivered it, Aishe's face fell.

"What did it mean?" I asked.

Aishe shook her head. "Nothing pleasant, but nothing to be alarmed about." Then her face brightened with a smile. "Now run along. I need to rest."