Madora wept freely as she hugged her sister close to her.

Yuma’s eyes were moist too.

The way to the Dark Pool was uneventful and Arden was relieved to come upon Madora and the young ones without any trouble.

But now, he wondered, where they would go from there.

The sun was setting over the western horizon and it was not advisable to travel through the forest after dark, especially with little children in tow.