It was a clear and beautiful night, perfect for stargazing which was just what Kethe was doing. Half the group was still up as well, talking in soft voices or just staring out at the sea.

He listened to Claude and Sedona talking. Claude was still insisting Khilbron was not trustworthy. “I’m wary of him myself,” Sedona said. “But for now he speaks the truth and gives sound advice. We should follow it.”

“You speak wisely, as always.”

Kethe blinked as his view was suddenly blocked by Orion’s face. “We need to talk.” The mage said, grabbing his arm and pulling him up.

“We have nothing to talk about, Orion.”

“Oh yes we do. And I will not leave you alone until you hear me out.”

“All right...” Kethe sighed, following him. “What is it?”

“First I want to apologize for the way I behaved in Denravi. It was rude and uncalled for... I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I didn’t know how to handle it.”

Kethe raised an eyebrow. “Apology accepted.”

“Now would you please stop avoiding me? It’s driving me nuts.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, that’s so.”

“Why?”

“Because... All that stuff I said...” Orion took a deep breath. “I changed my mind. I want to give... us... a try, if you’re still willing. Just don’t push me, because I’m still getting used to the idea.”

Kethe stared at him, caught off guard. “You really want to?” The mage nodded. He smiled. “I’d like that. Come on, we should join the others before they come looking for us.”

“Yes, because you two need to stop sneaking off all the time.”

“Gah!” They both turned to see Claude standing near them.

“Uhh... How much did you hear?” Orion asked.

“I came over right about when you said ‘I want to give us a try’. I had my suspicions about you two.” Orion turned red, embarrassed.

Kethe glared. “Why do you care anyway?”

“As long as you two don’t get all cuddly around me, I really don’t. Whatever you do is your own business. But what I really came over here for was this.” The Necromancer held up a scrap of cloth with the Orrian emblem. “I took this off an undead warlock’s robes. We were fighting against the army of Orr.”

“It makes sense. The White Mantle stole something that belonged to them, so they came to take it back.” Kethe took the embroidered emblem, looking at it more closely.

“There’s just one thing wrong with that theory. They were here before the Scepter was even found.” Claude folded his arms over his chest. “I’ve talked to Lani and Sedona. They both told me of strange happenings in their own homelands. I believe a far greater force is at work here.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but can we discuss this in the morning?” Orion asked. “I think everyone should be awake to hear whatever rant you’re about to go into.”

“You have a point.” Claude conceded. “I bid you a good night then.”

-

Claude didn’t get to tell his story the next day, or the next, or on any of the fifteen days it took to reach the Amnoon Oasis. Khilbron kept a close watch on them after that night, which only served to make the Necromancer even more suspicious. It wasn’t until after they reached the Oasis that the Vizier parted ways with them and by that time, any thoughts of the ‘greater force’ had been forgotten.

“Whoa... there are ghosts here!” Kiera exclaimed, looking around.

“It’s not polite to stare.” Dunham admonished.

“Aye, and we don’t want to offend them.” Kethe added. “They might have some valuable information about Ascending.”