"I'm coming with you." Ren's jaw clenched tight at the thought of going to the Night Castle. 

"No, you're not." Galen glared at Ren. "You have responsibilities here."

"That's a load of horse shit, and you know it," Ren snapped back. "I'm coming. End of discussion."

Galen shook his head but made no refute. If Ren wanted to go, there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn't help but understand why he wanted to travel along. For some people, it took learning a lesson the hard way through experiences and failures for them to realize the truth. Ren was one of those people. Galen had known the boy for most of his life, and the desire to protect him was as strong as it was for his daughters. 

"What were you talking about earlier, Sabrina?" Galen inquired, his brow scrunching together in worry. Ren clicked his tongue at the obvious dismissal.

"I..." Sabrina paused and cleared her throat, glancing around to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation. "I had a dream."

"Okay," Galen replied slowly. "What of it?"

Sabrina rubbed her chest as it constricted briefly. "Liliana has done an awful thing. She's using her gift, Galen."

"How do you know?"

"I don't know how." Sabrina glanced at Ren's curious face. "Just trust me. If you want to save them, you need to do it fast. Before it's too late."

"Will you travel with me?" Galen reached over, grasping her hand tightly. "You have more sway over her than I do. I could use the help."

Sabrina shook her head, pulling her hand away. "I'll be more useful here. We can't both go into the snake's den. One of us must remain in the Gera Kingdom."

"Be careful, Sabrina. There's more than just snakes in this world. Once I've gotten my daughters, I will return to the shop. May the skies' blessing be with you." Galen stood out of his seat, giving his oldest friend a sad smile. He tossed a couple of bronze coins on the table as Ren stood. 

"And you as well, Galen." Sabrina stood, following the pair out of the swinging doors of the tavern. 

The streets of Gera were bustling with laughter and vendors shouting at people,  selling an assortment of items ranging from jewelry to luxurious silks. Geranians displayed their water magic abilities in an attempt to attract customers while children tried to recreate creatures with their magic. 

A clear water butterfly flew past Sabrina's face as she moved with Galen towards the center of the square. The small owner of the butterfly shot past, banging into her while their friends laughed, and ran after them. It was a peaceful town where the land flourished, and its people thrived.

Sabrina was overtaken by an onslaught of bittersweet emotions. The Kan Kingdom, her homeland, could never compare with its drier land and its people struggling to survive.

At the market town's square, the path split into multiple directions. Sabrina grasped Galen's shoulder, and he nodded in return.

"After a fortnight, meet me back at the shop," Galen said. At Sabrina's nod, Galen and Ren turned away, beginning their trip back to their smith shop. 

Sabrina took in a deep breath of crisp air. She smiled at the children dancing by the water fountain in the middle of the square. They lifted water out of the fountain and twirled it around like ribbons. Sabrina watched them for a moment before turning away. With a heavy heart, she started towards the Hardingham Castle.

Now, it was time for her to do her part. 

She pulled her hood over her distinct Kantian features: the raven black hair and pale skin. She strolled towards the formidable stone castle looming in the distance. 

On a large uphill slope, the castle overlooked the entire population of people in its town. Green, brown, and yellow houses and shops continued upwards, stopping a couple of feet away from the moat surrounding the castle's wall. A perfect defensive component for Geranians.

By the time Sabrina reached the castle, the sun was sitting high in the sky, and her stomach growled from lack of a proper meal. Ignoring the familiar feeling, Sabrina took a deep breath and approached the main gate that sat between twin watching towers. The two guards slumped against the towers straightened at the sight of her.

"State your name and business at the castle," The heavier set guard of the two stated. 

Heart racing, Sabrina stretched to her full height and spoke with a calmness she didn't feel on the inside. "My name is Lady Sabrina Sanora, sister of the Queen of the Kan Kingdom, Liliana Sanora. I am here to peacefully offer my aid and services to King Chancellor Garner of the Gera Kingdom."