Time passed by as Ackster indulged in a strict training regimen that allowed no leisure. And without him keeping more than a superficial eye on how long it had been, a hot air balloon touched down not far from the beach he had commandeered.
"Wilma?"
"Were you expecting someone else?"
Ackster shrugged as he got up and entered the basket. There was no reason to dally.
"No."
Wilma scanned Ackster up and down as she returned the hot air balloon to the sky.
"I see you were successful in your endeavor."
"I would like to think so."
Ackster looked down and noticed Wilma was taking them away from Tenger, away from land. And it didn't look like it was because it was a more effective route. They were leaving the continent.
"Mmm. Your life force is still leaking, but it's a lot better now."
"I still can't sense it, so precision's difficult."
Wilma narrowed her eyes slightly as she inspected Ackster even more closely.
