Delia lays her hand on Jiron’s arm and says softly, “So you truly intend to go after her?”

He looks into her eyes and says, “I have to.”

“Then I’ll go with you,” she says, emerald eyes revealing the fear she’s trying not to show.

“That wouldn’t be wise,” Jiron tells her. “You’ll probably die or be taken as a slave if we fail.”

“What chance do I have here?” she asks. “With all the Empire’s forces occupying the town, what chance do any of us have if we stay? It’s only a matter of time before they find us, we can’t hide out indefinitely.”

“I’m coming too!” Cassie says.

Tinok just looks at them like they are crazy, and then says, “Well, I’m not staying here by myself, better count me in as well.”

James sits there thinking for a few seconds while they all stand there, staring at him. He looks at Jiron and asks, “Can you get us supplies? Like food?”

Jiron nods his head and replies, “Food’s no problem, we have some stashed here as it is.”

“We’re all going to need packs to carry it with us,” he says. “Can you get one for each of you?”

“Should be able to,” he replies. “I’ll go out now and get ‘em.”

Yawning, James says, “I’ve got to rest if we’re going to do this tonight. I’m still not over the effects of the magic I used during the battle.” He settles down on the ground and uses his backpack for a pillow.

The others go to the far side of the room and confer among themselves quietly, allowing him some quiet so he can fall asleep. Not long after James falls asleep, Jiron and Tinok leave through the passage to attempt to acquire four travel packs. Delia and Cassie remain behind.

A gentle shake awakens James and he opens his eyes to discover Delia kneeling beside him, shaking his shoulder. “James,” she’s saying, “wake up.”