Walking over to the pair and wrapping his arms around their shoulders, Jack says “So! Who is in the mood for a party?”

In moments, the guests return to the hall and the party resumes. Drinks, food, and entertainment from all over the Unknown. 

Fire dancers create dazzling beasts from flame and smoke. 

A pair of Sunken used one of their most infamous skills, the Drowned Dance. A marvelous skill that causes the space around them to mimic the sea itself, Swimming through the air like water.

To end the night, a few children of the forge set up a dozen drinking devices and before they all knew it, they were all passed out in their beds. Jack had set up some sleeping arrangements when it became clear that no one was leaving that night.

As the hours passed and the moon was high Vardinn awoke to an intruder standing above him.

“What the hell Porter!” he shouts in confusion and hungover pain.

“Hmm.” ignoring him, Porter waves a strange device over Vardinns face then looks at it and sighs.

“Well then, it isn’t you after all.” he says with a grunt while he hops off the bed.

“Explain. Now.”

“Long story short, with the machine powered up, I was able to read some old logs. I was trying to see if I can get any new info on the Wanderers location.”

“Still doesn’t explain why you are here.”

“WHILE I was going through the machine, it began to go ballistic. Alarms and warnings. Do keep in mind that that only happens when something major is wrong. Like the universe is broken wrong. Naturally my first instinct was you.” he says while gesturing to Vardinns general position.

“Woooooow thanks. Wait, but that’s really bad though, right? What should we do?”

“WE do nothing. I will return to the castle and try to figure it out. You continue your mission. Whatever is causing it will be better handled with a fully fixed machine.”

“Alright, in that case, get out so I can sleep a bit longer before we have to depart.” 

With Porter quietly departing, Vardinn drifts back asleep and is eventually greeted by the warm morning glow of the sun. 

Exchanging sweet goodbyes and a tender hug, Jack opens the way out of the village and urges Vardinn to return anytime he desires.

Already awaiting him outside the village, with a small unmanned cart, Saga calls out to Vardinn.

“Good morning! Are you all set to head out?”

“Yes I am” he says as he hops onto the cart. “But aren’t we forgetting something?” motioning to the missing horses.

“It is a horseless mana cart. The prize for out drinking the Children of the Forge.” she says with a giant grin on her face, pleased with herself.

“You out drank them?! I took one swig and don’t remember anything after that.”

“Off to the Kingdom of the Flame Warriors?”

“Lets’ go!” Saga whips up the reins attached to the driving rig below their feet. “Onward!”