Sierra burst awake, sweating. It was just a dream... but it felt so real. Diana was leaning over her, concerned. Diana is alive. There's no dragon.

"You were screaming in your sleep," Diana said, her brows knit. "Did you have a nightmare?"

"Yeah... the wyvern was in this room, breathing fire over you, and I couldn't... I saw you..." she stuttered.

"It's just a dream," Diana remarked. "I'm alive and well, and a wyvern is not in this room."

Sierra took a couple deep breaths, calming herself. "Right, just a dream." she gazed around the room. No one else was awake. "What time is it?"

"I was just about to wake everyone up for dinner. It's about two hours to sunset."

"Ah, good. We need some food in us," Sierra nodded, feeling better. "Reed will know where to find some."

A funny look crossed Diana's face. "Yes. About that... I'm still not totally sure we can trust him."

"He's been helpful to us so far," she argued. "He's been to Helio before, he knew where this inn was."

Diana gazed at Reed, who was sleeping in the hammock. "Still. I'm not sure. We literally just met. And I think that he was a bit too eager to join."

Sierra shook her head. "You can trust him. You'll see." She stepped out of the hammock and crossed the room to change while everyone was still asleep. She noticed that Diana was already changed, wearing a fresh jungle green tunic. Her sword hung in its hilt on her belt.

She straightened her own pale blue tunic, slinging her bow across her back. "We can wake them up now." she said, sliding on her leather boots.

She and Diana crossed the room, waking their friends.

Five minutes later, they were walking down the cobblestone streets, following Reed to the main markets. As they walked past a bar, two heavily drunk men started whistling at them.

"Hey ladies! Come and let me buy you a drink," shouted one.

Tia wrinkled her nose at them, walking silently past.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" the other grabbed Esther's arm.

Almost immediately, Diana's sword was out, the tip touching his neck. "Let her go," she demanded in a firm, dangerous voice.

The man's eyes went wide and he released Esther's arm, backing away. "Okay, okay, we got some fierce ones," he tried to joke, but she could hear the fear in his voice.

"Come on. Let's go," Reed said, glaring at the drunken men, and they all walked past, ignoring them.

The five Clestonians walked through the markets, surrounded by voices shouting things like; "Fresh tuna! Only three bronze coins!" or "Hand- sewn scarves for sale!"

Reed stopped in front of a potato stand, where a hunched old lady stood, her curly white hair standing out against the gray and brown background. "Hello, Mrs. Warren." he said, smiling. "Could we have five potatoes, please?"

"Yes, certainly," she rasped. Her voice reminded Sierra of a boot rubbing against a prickly shoe scraper.

Mrs. Warren handed Reed five burgundy potatoes that were not excessively large, but rather enough for one meal.

We might need more if we stop again before we get to Corona, she realized. "Make that ten," she said, stepping in front of the group.

Tia nodded at her. Good call.

Mrs. Warren handed them five more potatoes, then held out her hand. "One silver coin, please," she husked.

Sierra reached inside her pouch and withdrew the money, ladling it out onto Mrs. Warren's hand. "Thank you," she said, pouring five of the potatoes into her bag, then handing the rest to her comrades.

Mrs. Warren gave her a crooked smile. "You young'uns stay safe. Did you hear about how the same wyvern attacked the beachside city of Alba? Rumour has it it's headed for Mariss next."

It's getting closer to the Castle. If we don't find the Sun Sword soon, so many more people will die.

"I didn't hear that, but thank you for letting us know," Sierra replied politely.

"Of course, dear."

They turned to leave, but shouts made them turn back around.

Merchants and customers screamed as three hooded figures on horseback rode up, bearing glinting swords. Their horses trampled over several stands, sending scared sellers running and stumbling over each other.

A/N: Try saying that five times fast! Thanks to anyone who voted, commented, or read- you're my motivation to keep writing. 

~ Falcon