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“Already done,” he replies.

“Good,” says Illan.

The meeting breaks up and they each file out of James’ tent to see about the respective men under their command. Delia hangs back, remaining inside after everyone else has left.

“Shouldn’t you go and see about your people?” James asks her.

“In a moment I will,” she replies. Standing there by the tent flap she can’t help but notice how much James has changed from the man whom she and the others first met after the fall of the City of Light. He’s so much more sure and confident of himself and his abilities.

“Are you sure going to Korazan is the smartest thing to do?” she asks.

“What?” he asks in reply.

“I mean, could this be simply a way to get back at the slavers for the part they played in the death of your friend Dave?”

Sitting down on the edge of his cot, he sighs and looks up at her. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t. Yes, I want retribution. Yes, I blame them at least in part for what happened to Dave.”

Dave, his friend from back home who managed to follow him through to this world. Ravaged and tormented, soul twisted until he became the willing accomplice in the Empire’s attempt to steal the Star of Morcyth when James discovered it, only to be consumed when he laid hands upon it. Anger still smolders within him at those responsible.

“But there’s more to it than just that,” he continues after a brief pause. “The economy of the Empire is based on the slave trade. Striking a blow at a major slave marketplace such as Korazan can only weaken it. There may be no immediate results, but the long term effect could hurt them in some way.”

“I see,” she tells him, still not entirely believing his rationale. “Well, see you in the morning.”

“You too Delia,” he says as she lifts the tent flap and leaves.

Devin pokes his head in once she’s left and asks, “Anything else sir?”

“No, Devin,” he replies. “I’ll be fine. See you in the morning.”

Nodding, Devin backs out and closes the flap.

Getting ready to sleep, James thinks about what Delia had said. Their whole society is based on the slave trade and if it were to be in jeopardy, they would have to do something or face economic ruin. With any luck, they’ll recognize that.

Lying down, he goes over in his mind the plan for the days ahead and fervently hopes it will be enough to not only draw their forces out of Madoc but also to enable them to return to Madoc once it’s done. Eventually though, sleep wins out and he passes into unconsciousness.

“Which one, which one?” he mumbles to himself as he glances around the midway. A single ticket is clutched in his hand and he wants to make sure he doesn’t waste it. Seeing a roller coaster off to one side, he makes his mind up and heads toward it.

As he makes his way through the various stalls and rides where the carnies are shouting out their various pitches to entice him to visit whatever they are in charge of, he has the feeling that he’s been here before.

“Probably resembles one I’ve been to back home,” he reasons.

The coaster is currently moving upon the rails, traveling with incredible speed as it twists and turns first up one way then down the other. The thrill of it surges through him as he hurries to be the first in line.

Upon reaching the front of the line, he realizes he’s the only one who will be riding on the next turn. Thinking this odd, he turns and glances back over the midway and realizes that except for himself, the only others there at the carnival are the carnies. Not thinking anymore about it, he stands there and waits for the coaster to finish its run.

It makes a final loop and then begins to head in to the loading dock. Before it has a chance to come to a stop, he catches a glimpse of golden hair out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head he finds a golden haired girl making her way past the roller coaster.

“Ready sir?” the carnie asks once the coaster comes to a stop.

“What?” he asks, tearing his gaze from the girl as he turns back to the carnie.

“Are you ready to ride?” the carnie asks. He stands there at