Page 106 of Dark's Savior

After

They traveled on for several days, only stopping once at a far-off port on the edge of Xolis. The port was mostly empty as it was situated on a barren, dry planet, but it was the safest place they could find. They knew Nihl spies would soon bring news of their landing, but they needed a second ship. In a private dockyard, they stood together as each ship was ready to fly.

"I will take them on the path to Tryth until a human signal can be found, as promised," Xilya said. "I will tell others of this place so that they can be ready for any threats."

"Thank you," Ryziel said.

"I still think you should come with us."

Ryziel shook his head, wrapping his arm around Aly. "It is ill-advised to travel so far while with child. I would not risk it. We will hide somewhere. Then maybe...someday."

Xilya nodded. "I will give you the coordinates." She looked over at Sarah, who bobbed her child against her hip. "Will you be going with them?"

"I think so. For now. I want my child to be around his own kind."

"So be it." Xilya bowed.

Kate and the others, who stood close by, smiled over at Aly. They closed the distance, and Aly embraced each of them.

"We will miss you," Kate said. "Don't worry, we will tell everyone to be ready for the nillium if they ever come."

Aly released her and frowned. "There are hunters who were paid to find us too. Look out for them."

Kate nodded. "We will."

"See you around." Cilia winked.

Jamie smiled, hugging her once more then looked to Ryziel and Xilya. "Thank you for helping us."

They each embraced Sarah after and said their goodbyes then made their way onto the second ship.

"So, where will you go?" Xilya asked.

Nar, who had been quietly standing by, came up and un-pocketed the pearly star-map found in Yurza's treasury. "We are gonna pay a visit to Yurza's descendants."

Xilya's eyes widened. "Do you think that wise? You don't know anything about the planet or the people there."

"From studying the texts of the Keep for years, I know a little of their language," Nar commented. "So, I can speak to them. And knowing what I know about the people, they were never a hostile bunch. Just had to live around a lot of hostile...well, things. Besides, the planet isn't far off, so we will only have to travel a short distance. And it's hidden. Xolis enforcers will never find us. We can check to see if it's safe. Worse case, we hide away from the locals. For a little while."

Xilya looked to Ryziel, who tilted his head in a shrug. "I would rather deal with them than anyone from Xolis. I am confident I can protect them."

"So be it." Xilya placed a hand on Ryziel's shoulder. "You are welcome to visit me. I would like to take you on in the fighting pits sometime."

Ryziel smiled. "You know it."

She bowed her head then looked at Nar. "And you keep out of trouble." Nar rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath. Xilya smiled then faced Aly. "You, also. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten to look into this so-called doctor you mentioned living on Tryth. It will be interesting to see how one of you survives on my world." She patted Aly on the head, and Aly grinned.

Aly watched her go, sad to see her friends depart but knowing it didn't always mean goodbye. Ryziel took hold of her, and they watched as the ship lifted off and flew out of the port to disappear into the clouds.

***

Ryziel watched the sun go down in the distance from a wide balcony looking over a sprawling cityscape on the edge of a bright green ocean. Two moons, one blue, one orange, hovered in the sky. Kyres and Eris, the Yurzans called them. Night and Day.

"A favored night to you," came a silky voice behind him. Ryziel turned and saw a tall female, gray of skin and black of hair, dressed in blue.

"And to you," Ryziel said.

"Many thanks." She came up beside him, looking out over the scene. "Our matriarch has told me to tell you that, as thanks for the treasures you have returned to us, she will give you the means to upgrade your ship. Or have a new one if you so desire."

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