When the sisters awoke the next day Ilor was gone. They searched the entire castle but not a trace was left of him.
"Good riddance," Kinntho muttered as she checked the last room.
They all met in the throne room and found his throne still glowed brightly.
"Is he really gone?" Lage asked everyone.
"For now it seems so," Kithel didn't look optimistic.
They waited and the sun rose and set several times without a sighting of Ilor.
"He must have given up," Lage sounded hopeful.
Ni and Kithel exchanged dark looks.
While the adults talked the children raced around the castle. They had been confined to their room while Ilor was present but now they could play freely.
Talila chased after her twin Tannivee and younger siblings Merrit and Coret. Meanwhile, Riva and Nerio peeked out the windows.
Coret joined them with a mischievous smile.
"Aren't you tired of being inside?" Coret said.
"Mommy says it's not safe," Riva replied.
"The fire guy is gone," Coret leaned against the window, "Come on."
Merrit and Tannivee showed up.
"Well I think I'll go for a walk," Coret pushed off and started to walk toward the door.
The other children looked at each other before following him.
"Where are you off to?" Talila called out, she had her arms crossed and a frown.
"We're going out," Coret replied, "You're welcome to come."
"We aren't supposed to leave," Talila grabbed Merrit's hand.
"Come and get me then," Coret broke out into a run.
Nerio and Riva looked at Talila and then took off.
"We better go find them," Tannivee muttered.
"We should go get Mom!" Talila protested.
Merrit wriggled in Talila's grasp.
"By the time we find her they'll be long gone," Tannivee protested.
Talila sighed, "Fine."
They chased after the siblings.
Coret had already gotten far, far away. Riva and Nerio were close behind.
They came into a strange clearing. It smelt of smoke and was burned black. The trees hung in pieces.
"Woah!" Coret exclaimed.
"You like it?"
Ilor stepped out, "I was hoping you'd come," He flicked the ash off his clothes, "Children are curious. Please join me for a tour."
Coret, Riva and Nerio started to back away.
"Don't be like that," Ilor smiled wickedly, "There's so much more to see."
The children tried to run out of the clearing but the fire flared up.
They were trapped.
"Coret! Riva! Nerio!" Merrit screamed.
She ran toward the children followed closely by the twins. Ilor flicked a finger toward the three. Merrit screamed in pain and fell to the ground.
"Run back home and tell Rara to meet me here."
They didn't need to be told twice.