The trio returned to Laudarkvik in the middle of the night. Craig briefed Ruby on the trip home about their team' s situation and the other New Earth units deployed on Quanoth, but the young woman remained silent all along. Realising that he was talking in vain, her childhood friend sighed tiredly and stopped bothering her.
As they landed, two figures teleported in front of them. Jake recognized Asfrid and Hade.
"By Eltar's beard! You're okay!" The Eltarian exclaimed with relief. "When you called for help via the Spirit Shell I thought I had acted too late."
"No you were right on time." Jake smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
He had nearly died this time. Not literally, but it would have been much worse. In fact, he hadn't really escaped unscathed. And regrettably, those who had helped him either... Displaying a very grave expression, he asked Asfrid with a worried tone,
