Trace blinked as he watched his father come towards him, riding atop one of the bizarre monsters that had escaped from the Emperor's dream.
"Trace. You're safe," The older man smiled with relief. "I was wondering if all of you…"
"We're all right, for now." Trace responded with a grin of his own. It was good to see the old man. "Want to come inside?"
"That invitation open to everyone?"
Trace noticed for the first time a second man atop the monster. Martin.
Of course, Mia had mentioned finding Martin, he just hadn't heard the rest of the story.
Trace glanced at the wights, who stoically stared forward.
"They're not saying no."
"Are they gonna send dragons to snatch me up and carry me off? Who else did they kidnap?" Martin glared warily upward, and Trace was confused for a moment.