“I remember that one,” Himeko chimed in. “Peter’s character was attacked by an ogre. He had a really hard time fight it.”

“So you play games that involve imaging things for Summerlay,” Nashtra noted. “I see.”

“But we did not know they were from Summerlay,” Cerys told him. “Somehow people on Earth imagined up all of these fantasy creatures. Usually they pretend that they exist right there on Earth.”

“There are a lot of books with their own worlds, too,” Bayani reminded her.

“Sure,” she agreed, “and video games and tabletops games. But up until a few days ago, none of us had ever heard of Summerlay or Carawick or Noir Beasts.”

“Your people have amazing imaginations,” Nashtra said, leaning back in his chair. He seemed to be thinking a lot about what he was being told. When it came to talk, however, his interests turned to other matters. “This lad with you, you said his name is Peter?”

“Yes,” Cerys confirmed for him. “He’s my brother. My name is Cerys Westminster. Please don’t think he’s trying to be rude; he’s been stressed out ever since James brought us here.”

“I see,” Nashtra said. “Well then, Peter, perhaps I should tell you that you are safe with me. Far safer than Lord James would have had you.”

Peter sat up again and looked over at the elf. He was not entirely sure whether to believe his words, but for whatever reason, he chose to believe the reassurance. “If you are a better guide and guardian than he was, I will be relieved. If shouldn’t be too hard.”

Nashtra seemed to be thinking about something for a moment, but chose not to comment on it. Instead he said, “And the others? You do not look related to one another.“

“Right,” Cerys said. “This in Himeko Takamori, my best friend.”

Himeko smiled and gave Nashtra a nod. “Please to meet you.”

“A pleasure indeed,” Nashtra replied. Then he looked expectantly at Peter and Bayani.

“Bayani is with me,” Peter told him.

“Bayani is it? Do you come from a different tribe than Peter does?”