Aisha dips both hands in cold water and splashes it against her face. The family house is rather modest, but they have a room separated from the rest by a curtain where a small mirror atop a shelf and an empty tub are. She has placed a candlestick on the wood and has been staring into the glass. The flickering flames give her copper skin a sickly tone. Bags under the brown eyes and cracks on the bow-shaped lips add to that effect. Plus the water dripping from her clay-colored curls and nose finish the picture of tiredness.

After Jack and Omega returned from the well, the matriarch, Anna, went to prepare soup and told the grout to wash up for dinner. They ate and were given some blankets to sleep. But the party was still not sure if the poor family could be trusted, so Kai proposed to take shifts keeping watch. What a long night it was. The princess didn’t rest at all. Nightmares of her parents and sisters suffering haunted the few hours of sleep she got.

“Is everything okay?” Solanus’ concerned voice comes from behind her.

The memories of last night had Aisha hugging her knees before she noticed. She rises to her feet and turns to the summoner; cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Yes…”

They have the same size, only the girl is more muscular. So he can somehow notice the red on her face, but makes no comment. “Good. Anna is calling us for breakfast.”

She nods and they go to the kitchen. There are only a couple of chairs; Seth, the handicapped husband, is on one and Jack is on the other, sharpening her axe. Rogue and dragon are sitting on the floor and playing with Marla, the younger daughter. Despite her previous suspicious, Kai has accepted the family is truly loyal to the regents and wants the imperials out.

“I’m sorry that’s all we have to offer.” Says Anna as she places bread and milk on the table.

Aisha shakes her head. “This is more than enough.” She takes the woman’s hands in her own and smile. “And you have been very kind to us. We couldn’t ask for more.”

“Yeah…” The thief gets up. “But we might just have to.”

Solanus swallows a piece of bread. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been looking at the princess’ map and it shows only the main roads.” She lays said map on the table and tips her index finger to it.

“I don’t see the problem.” The summoner leans in.

“There will be patrols on those. And we can’t fight our way to Enseada. Our only advantage is that they don’t know where we are.”

“So what do you suggest?” Aisha questions.

“We need a guide who can take us there in secrecy. Jack said she knows the way.”

Everyone looks at the girl. Her eyes remain on the axe she is sharpening.

Anna whispers a sad “I see…” and turns away claiming she’ll prepare some food for them to take. Seth pats his daughter hand smiling weakly. And Marla, confused by the heavy mood, approaches her sister stretching arms to be taken into a hug.

“Sorry.” Kai moves to the guide’s side. “But you’ll be back soon.” She takes some coins from her purse and handles them to Jack. “Your payment. And I need another favor before we go.”