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Illan is eyeing Devin who’s withering under his gaze. Obviously he isn’t supposed to be in town.

Corbin notices Illan’s gaze and says, “Today’s Devin’s birthday. We went out to your place and asked Yern if we could take him into town to celebrate. He said it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Illan’s face softens slightly as he says, “Just return before too long.”

Relaxing with relief, Devin replies, “I will sir.”

“I wish we could stay to share your celebration,” James says. “But we’ve been on the road for several days and are extremely tired.”

“I understand,” Corbin says. “Nice to have seen you again.”

“You too,” he says. Then to the two girls he adds, “You two, too.”

They just giggle and cast him shy glances.

Kicking his horse into a trot, he heads down the road out of town and to The Ranch. The shack for the guard stationed at the end of the lane leading to The Ranch has been completed. A lit lantern hangs from a post nearby to shed light on any who approach.

“Ain’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Jorry says as he steps from the guard shack.

“How’ve things been?” James asks him.

“Quiet,” he replies. “Still get the curious every now and then but it seems to be tapering off.” He notices Qyrll there but the darkness prevents him from being able to see his features well.

“Good,” he says.

“How did things go in Cardri?”

“Tell you later,” replies James. “I’m for bed.”

“Good to have you back,” he says as he returns to the guard shack.

Heading down the road, he sees Errin and Aleya sitting on the front steps fledging arrows. When they see him coming down the lane, Errin bolts to her feet and rushes into the house. Shortly, Roland and everyone else come out to greet him.

“Welcome back,” Roland says as James and the others come to a stop. He casts a glance toward Qyrll but doesn’t comment. James can see the others taking in his tattooed visage in uncertainty.

Errin and Caleb come to take the horses. James hands Errin his reins and says, “Can’t tell you how glad I am to be back.”

To Errin and Caleb, Illan says, “Take the horses to the barn and get them settled in.”

Taking the reins from him, Caleb says, “Yes sir.” They then lead the horses to the barn.

“Let’s go inside and I’ll give you a brief rundown of what happened,” James says as he makes for the door.

“Something wrong?” Yern asks.

“You could say that,” replies Jiron.

Everyone moves inside the house and takes their usual positions in the front room for when they have the evening gathering time. After settling into his chair, James gestures to Qyrll and says to everyone, “This is Qyrll. He’s a Parvati from a land deep within the Empire. Fierce fighters but loyal to their friends.”

Launching into what happened at Cardri, he as well as the others relate the events which ultimately culminated with the rescue at sea. When he’s done, Yern just shakes his head and says, “You can’t go anywhere without something major happening to you.”

Turning toward him, James sighs and replies, “It looks that way.”

“What are they going to do now?” Tersa asks from where she sits with her brother. She sits next to him on one side while Aleya sits on the other.

“Who?” he asks.

“Cardri,” she clarifies.

“I doubt if they’ll do anything,” he explains. “After all, they did as requested and handed me over. As much as that upset me, I don’t hold any ill will toward them. They only did what they did to insure peace. I can understand that mentality. From their point of view, what happened on the open seas is none of their concern. I don’t think we need fear any reprisals from them.”

“What about the Empire?” interjects Jorry.

“That’s an entirely different matter,” he says. “I expect them to continue in their efforts to do me harm. Since the political maneuver didn’t work I think it’s likely they will try something more direct again.”

Nodding, Illan adds, “I agree.” He then looks around to the others, “We need to be more vigilant from here on out. Assassins or another kidnapping plot may be in the offing.”

“What should we do?” Tersa