After lunch, the discussion turned to the question of how to get home. Morina didn’t think she had enough strength to transport a group that size back. “I’ve never done more than ten without a taki-sphere,” Ann’s said. “And I’m too weak to do that. The last time I transported people from here it was only three and I ended up in a trance.” “What about with help?” Andy asked. “It’s risky,” Ann said laying a hand on her stomach. “Are you pregnant?” Chapado asked. “Is the baby okay?” “The baby’s fine. They didn’t hurt the baby,” Lamdi said. “The baby’s okay but I still need to be careful.” “Yes, no transporting while you’re pregnant,” Chapado agreed. “What about that pin gate whatchamacallit in town?” Steve asked. “We can’t take Ruzi into Erilu,” Ann said. “And the elders would have a fit and detain all of us for entering North Erilu without permission,” Shunati added. “What about the one here?” Carla asked. “How you all got here.” “That would take us back to Ertonia. Again, probably a bad idea at the moment. Right now, these people entered the capital city without the guards knowing it, burnt down the home of a prominent figure, and killed a bunch of citizens,” Chapado explained. “Chapado and I will be able to set the record straight but until then, they should stay out of Ertonia,” Morina added. “What about the gate in Chicago?” Amelia asked. “That goes to Menthanla, doesn’t it?” “It’s in Chicago. That’s over a thousand miles away,” Ann said. “It would take days to fly that far. Some of us aren’t up to that.” “We have our jet at the airport. It wouldn’t take that long,” Amelia said. Nim shook his head. “In a jet? I’m already sick.” “What’s a jet?” Morina asked. “It’s a big flying carriage,” Nim said. “You fly all the time. You practically were flying before you could walk.” Chapado waved him off. “I don’t suddenly break down and fall from the sky. Or collide with other dragons.” “No, just fall on trees.” “I did not,” Nim growled. Jo put a hand on his. “You found the message,” Chapado said. “I did.” Nim nodded. Ann frowned confused. Andy whispered a quick explanation. Chapado sighed. “Looks like I’m going to be spending time in Baj-tisk. We have things to discuss.” “I don’t live in Baj-tisk,” Nim corrected her. “I live in Sen-gan. I’m an emissary at the palace.” “We have catching up to do as well,” Chapado said. “So, are we taking the jet? Should I call and make arrangements?” Curt asked. “We really don’t have much choice,” Ann said. “I’m not crazy about flying either. I don’t even like cars. But we can’t stay. Nim is already sick. Others will be getting sick soon. Go ahead and call.” “I think Ann’s right. I’m not crazy about cars either and I can’t imagine what being off the ground is like. I’m one who’s not fond of flying on dragons. I am concerned about Ti, however. He barely made it a few minutes in a car. There are probably others who will get sick too,” Remtani said. “What if Ruzi stays with us?” Carla suggested. “What?” Shunati asked. “If Ruzi stays here, you can go back through to Erilu. They can’t hurt him then. He’s half human so he won’t get sick.” “It’s a nice idea but he needs frequent healing or he’ll go blind,” Thailyn said. “His mother used a potion on his eyes and damaged them. I don’t think your doctors will be able to do much for him. “The other healers and I can keep the people from getting motion sickness.” “You can’t. The others can,” Mishtali said. “Dad.” “Do not argue with me.” Mishtali shook a finger at him. “Your heart stopped twice yesterday. I’m not bringing a dead body home to your mother. Do you hear me?” “Yes, Sir.” “I will have Mila put you to sleep if I have to.” “The others can do it. I will sit back and hope I don’t get sick myself, okay?” “I’m calling,” Curt said and left the room with his cell phone. “Wait. Nim’s not allowed to use the gate. What will the guard do?” Jo asked. “Whatever I tell him,” Remtani said. “I am the prince-general.” “You’re authority doesn’t exceed Emeton’s.” Pt’this pointed out. “No, but he will work with me and allow me to take the troublemaker back to Sen-gan to be dealt with. I’ve spent a lifetime manipulating father’s orders. It’s time I did it to help.” *** A short time later, they were on a flight to Chicago. On the way to the airport, they had stopped and picked up motion sickness medicine. After examining it, the healers determined it was safe for nonhumans to take. Not getting sick for a change, Ti was fascinated by the trip. He sat looking out the window, asking questions. He wanted to talk with the pilots to but Pt’this said they didn’t need the distraction. Pt’this and Remtani conferred with Morina and Chapado about ways to keep Menthanla safe from Cramda and most likely Morcri as well. Thailyn did as he said and reclined in his seat and went to sleep while Mishtali watched over him. The kids played some game and joked around. The others tried to find ways to distract themselves or just waited in terror until the ordeal was over. Jo sat curled up with Nim. It was odd. Normally Nim wasn’t fond of public displays of affection, especially around kids. Now, he seemed oblivious to everything but her. Amelia and Curt spoke in hushed tones, clearly worried about them too. “When we get back, I’ll contact my wives,” Darkham said. He sat next to them looking calm if you ignored his white-knuckled grip on the arms of the seat. “Wen... Sheta and Treku are both excellent with this type of thing and it’s time they came for a visit.” Amelia nodded. “Thank you.” Ann sat huddled in her seat. Andy had a feeling she’d like to have her cloak to wrap up in. He put his arm around her as he observed the group. She felt a jumble of emotions he didn’t try to sort out. Once they landed, Curt called a car service for vehicles to transport them to the country club. There were a few groans about more traveling but no major protests. Amelia and Curt said a teary goodbye to Jo and Nim. There was nothing like a near-death experience of a daughter to show what was really important, Andy thought. Through the gate and back in Menthanla everybody breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed for a moment before Mishtali looked alarmed. “Something’s wrong. Shay’s upset,” he said.