Chapter SIX: Reunited, another day

They must return safely before the priests catch on to what and who they

found. Rhen pulls out her pocket watch to check the time, and the sun peaks on the horizon. She wipes some dirt off her face and says, "I think we made it; I

mean, we did it. We saved Lavee. Now let's get this horse moving. We still have a few hours until the priests figure out we're not around. They will be looking for Lavee all over the city by now, so the sooner we get out of here, the better." The sun rises higher on the horizon as they ride off into the distance. Levee holds onto Rehn's horse tightly, thanking her repeatedly.

Zin studies the map which they have as all of them fall in for a quick trot. They make it back to the city by noon, and no one but them knows where they've been. Rhen and Zinny smile at each other, proud of their efforts and each other. They take Levee to her husband at their fort without exchanging words, thanking her as she runs inside to see him. Tears fill both of their eyes as the happy couple is reunited. Levee hugs Rhen and Zin tight, thanking them over again. They exchange a few words before Rhen and Zin start to explain this isn't over and you can't go home. Both Levee and Tom look at them with utmost confusion in their eyes. "But why?" Tom asks? "Because they aren't done and will just return and retake Levee. We still don't know why they wanted you to kill that boy, Zorbic O'Brian, at the magical academy. You may be reunited and safe for now, but you can't return home. Do you have any out-of-town relatives you can go stay with?" Asks Rhen. "Um, not really, Ms.Rhen, it has just been me and Levee for years, and even if we did have any relatives, we can't afford to do no traveling," explains Tom. "That's OK, you two; we have plenty of space here at the fort, and two spare rooms, so you can stay here with Zen and me, and you will be very safe. There is no place safer in the city, I assure you," says Rhen. "Are you sure, Miss Rhen? I've already caused you enough problems and don't want to impose on you and MR. Zen." says Tom. " We absolutely insist you two. Besides, If Levee gets retaken, we will just have to risk our lives to rescue her again, so you might as well just take us up on our offer and stay; it's no imposition. Good southern hospitality is still a thing, isn't it, sir?" says Rhen. They all nod at each other and turn to go inside, appreciating that they got in and out without any altercations with the priests and managed to get Levee back to Tom. Now they just had to find out why these Death priests wanted this Zorbic O'Brian dead so badly but couldn't do it themselves. Rhen could see this was way more complicated than she first thought and would require much more research and sneaking around.

The sleuthing was sometimes Rhen's favorite part of her job as a mercenary for hire throughout the Guild. She wasn't always looking for bounties. Sometimes she did some investigative work for the Department of Magical Use, which paid well. She smiled at everyone as they went inside, knowing that this was only the beginning and tomorrow would bring new challenges.