“Let’s get going,” Sir Carter insisted, stepping ahead. He took the few stairs and pulled down the visor of his helmet.

King Leonars took that moment to don his own helmet, a thing of polished steel edged in twists of gold and platinum. The comb of it was made from what looked like silk threads, and went down the crest like an ivory mane. Cerys thought to herself how she would always be able to tell which man was the king. She was starting to wonder whether the helmet was supposed to represent a particular animal when James grabbed her hand and pulled her along.

“We cannot tarry,” he reminded her.

Sir Carter had unbarred the door, and held it open for the party to go through. Lord Ridley went first, with Nashtra close behind. Himeko followed him, and then Bayani, who practically pulled Peter along. King Leonars was next, and then James.

“What about you?” Cerys asked, looking straight at Mage Calavus. “you shouldn’t be at the rear, should you?”

“I am not going,” the wizard told her. Then, when he saw the expression on her face, he explained, “I have to examine the crystal that you brought us, as well as the thing that nearly killed our king. I cannot make this journey with you. I assure you, though, young one, that you have all the magic that shall need. Safe journey to you.”

“Yeah…” Cerys sighed. “We’ll try.”