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Jiron glances to Miko who gives him a knowing look.

“Just what is the Fire?” he asks. “They knew I was his friend. How could they know that?”

“I don’t know, but we better hurry and tell James about it,” Jiron says. Picking up the pace, they make their way straight toward where the inn lies.

When they go upstairs they find Fifer and Qyrll have already returned, having no better luck in finding Serenna than they had.

James gets to his feet as Dave walks into the room ahead of Jiron and Miko. “Are you alright?” he asks.

“I’m fine,” Dave replies, sinking into one of the chairs by the table. Illan gets up so James can sit next to him.

James turns his attention to Jiron and asks, “What happened?”

“Found him in some old building on the outskirts of town,” he replies. “Looked like he was being questioned.”

Turning back to Dave, James says, “Tell me everything.”

“Several minutes after you left, more of those people showed up,” he tells them, a haunted look coming over him. “They demanded us to go with them and when we refused, they fell upon the boy and started killing him. I grabbed a chair and smashed open the window and climbed down to the street below. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. There were more of them on the streets so I just starting running, I was hoping to find you.”

“But instead, I ran into those other guys. They recognized me as being your friend,” he says, bringing his eyes to meet James’. “How could they know that?”

Startled at that, James glances around to the others in the room and then says, “I don’t know. It wouldn’t seem likely.”

“They’ve probably had spies on us for awhile now,” offers Illan. “It wouldn’t have been too difficult for them to find out who we all are and our relationship to you.”

Nodding, James says, “Possibly.”

Laying his hand on James’ arm, Dave says, “They wanted to know about something called ‘The Fire’. Do you know what they’re talking about?”

James sits back in his chair and contemplates what he just heard.

“They haven’t given up,” states Jiron.

“No they haven’t,” he replies. Looking to Dave, he can see the questions behind his eyes but can he afford to give him the answers? “The Fire is an artifact of power here in this world. I have it on good authority that should the wrong people acquire it, this world could end. Or at least those who live here would wish it had.”

“So you have it?” he asks.

“Not any more,” he answers. “It’s hidden away for all time.”

“Where?” he asks.

James looks to his friend for a minute as he considers his reply. Finally, he says, “I can’t tell you.”

“But I’m your friend!” he exclaims. “My life is in jeopardy because of it, I have a right to know!”

Shaking his head, James says, “Dave, you are my best friend. We’ve been through a lot together but I can’t tell you. I can’t tell anyone.”

Indicating the others, he asks, “Do they know?”

Shaking his head, James says, “No, they don’t. No one does but me and it’s going to stay that way.”

Somewhat mollified at knowing he isn’t the only one who doesn’t know, he calms down.

James hated to lie to his friend, but he’s too vulnerable. This latest escapade shows him that not only himself, but those around him are likely to be sought. And how did they know he was here. Something’s afoot and he needs to figure out what.

He gets to his feet, tired and exhausted. Looking at everyone in the room he says, “As much as we all need to rest, we better get out of here. If there are agents from the Empire here, there’s no telling what they may be planning next.”

“I agree,” Illan says. To Fifer and Qyrll he says, “Go down to the stables and get the horses ready for travel.” As they move to leave the room, he adds, “Be alert.”

“Count on it,” Fifer says. Then he and Qyrll pass into the hallway and move to the stairs.

Turning back to James, he says, “Now that they’ve tipped their hand, we’ll be on guard.”

“That’s something at least,” James replies. Getting up from the chair, he says to Miko, “Go down to the kitchen and fill several packs with food.”

Miko looks at him askance as he says, “Isn