Alyson wondered what the fuss was about. She wondered how the others were doing with their quest as well. She watched the Bronze Man leave and simply disappear within the crowd of people in the streets. "Ah, Quake will be fine here, Mertul?"

"Yes. After all her and Harley haven't stopped calling each other names for the last ten minutes." Mertul listened carefully and didn't hear anything, "I'd better go check on them."

Mertual walked to the rear exit of the tavern to see both Harley and Quake panting from smack talking each other. "Well....had enough you two?"

Harley rotated forty five degrees covered in dirt and dust from the game. "I...uh...aye mum. I'm tapped out here. I believe I've met my match."

Quake sat up also covered in dust and feathers from one of the animal crates that once housed chickens now free. "Ditto. I need a bath. P.U! Ugh! I didn't have this problem in my true form. I'm thinking maybe its better to be myself instead of trying to impress the Lady."

The dwarf woman helped the elemental back to her feet. "Come with me, deary. I've got a big tub for large folks in the basement to wash in. There's one for you too, Harley. Although I think getting hosed off would be a better choice for you."

*******

As they passed the barracks, the elementalist caught sight of Major Zilc barking orders at his troops for the day. When the rays of the sun hit the yard just right, his form shimmered, and it wavered enough to show a different humanoid. -That's odd.- She told herself.

The voice of the Bronze Man entered her mind, -Child, what is odd? Do you wish to help your friends?-

In her mind she projected the image to the Bronze man of Major Zilc's form changing. What she saw made her uncomfortable, "We were heading towards the merchant district, right?"

Madeous turned towards as they kept a steady pace through the busy streets, "Yes, that's right. I wanted to check out the wares of the merchant district today and see what's for sale. Then head to the light house."

"Works for me, uncle Madeous." Alyson smiled back at him.

********

Off shore about a mile out, a couple of cargo ships could be seen by those near or at the merchant district. One appeared to have taken damage from something. There were a number of things that could of happened like pirates, natural predators, or the weather. Either way, the damaged ship was being towed by the guardian of Asylum. The ship was fortunate and made it to the docks safely. The dock workers and the militia readied themselves to lend aid to the damaged ship as it was safely brought in. The dragon backed out slowly and disappeared once more beneath the water. The guardian reappeared further out near the lighthouse and launched itself skyward once more beyond the sight of the those at the sea port.