The Xomenclature looked healthier than ever. Their coughing had become infrequent and less severe, and after being fed, they seemed to be almost fully recovered.

Jenn was glad to see their spirit return, but she still couldn't get Jesse out of her mind. Each time she replayed the events in her head, she became increasingly angry with herself. She stood frozen while Jesse made a single-handed effort to save Thomas. It was Jesse's good nature that had caused her demise, while the councilman, so hedonistic and ruthless, were rewarded. It sickened her.

Back in the main chamber, Jenn stood in the corner of the cove while DuBois guided the Xomenclature to the upper level. As Jenn, now alone, stared ahead, she sensed someone approaching.

"You've done a remarkable thing, I hope you know."

When she turned, she met Elad's kind eyes.

"Yeah, well, it doesn't feel that way," said Jenn. "Half those people died on the way here. And before that, three of my friends were burned alive. It's my fault. If I hadn't visited them in the Outskirts, they'd all still be alive."

Elad chuckled, but it led to him coughing. He pulled a tissue from his pocket and coughed into it while Jenn rubbed his back.

"I don't think it was much of a life for them," said Elad, once he recovered. "Removed from the rest of the world, and banished to a remote place. It would have continued that way—maybe forever—if you hadn't led them out."

"But at least they'd still be alive."

Elad sighed, and rubbed his reddened nose. "That may be. But that was a risk they chose to take. And I promise, they wouldn't have taken that risk if they didn't think it was worth it."

"But I led them poorly. I wasn't sure if I was ready, but I ignored my doubts and led them anyway. They trusted me, and I got them killed."

Elad chuckled again, this time cutting it short to avoid another coughing fit. "You can keep telling yourself that, but it doesn't make it true—and it certainly doesn't do anything for your state of mind. You're wiser than that, girl, I know it." He smiled. "You're a Eudamonia."

Jenn smiled until she spotted Joshua approaching. Elad turned at the sound of his steps.

"Where's my brother?" said Joshua.
"Joseph?" said Elad. "He's in Denethgilne serving as a Guardian."

"He's still in Denethgilne?"

"Well, yes. That was the purpose of his infiltration—to serve as a Guardian until we rebelled."

Joshua snickered.

"What you do find so humorous?" said Elad.

"You and the Defenders—the way Charles has manipulated by brother into devoting his life to him."

"You know better than that. Your brother makes his own decisions."

"Does he? Well, that's good for him, because I can recall you and Charles always making decision for me when I was a Defender."

"We only advised you," said Elad. "Your habits were reckless—they were dangerous to the Defenders."

"You can keep telling yourself that, but I never mixed my personal life with my role as a Defender. I took every action with care. I never drew attention to the Defenders. It was the lack of control that scared you, Charles and Faunus."

"You were a thief, Joshua. Your values didn't reflect those of the Defenders."

Joshua stepped towards Elad. "You can't thieve from a thief. And I was always generous with my wealth. There wasn't a time I didn't share my earnings with the poorer citizens. Sometimes, I gave it all to them—I only kept what I needed to survive."

"Stealing from the rich doesn't justify your actions, and neither does sharing your loot. You stole for your own satisfaction—don't suggest it was for anyone else."

"I did more for those people than you, Charles, or any of the goddamn Defenders have ever done!"

Jenn considered sneaking away, but Elad's voice became more calm.

"I won't deny it," said Elad. "You did help a lot of people—maybe even saved some—but it's short-term, Joshua. Once that money's spent, those people return to their condition. And then what? Do you thieve for them again?"

"I would," said Joshua. He pulled the glove off his hand, revealing a hand without fingers. "But it's difficult to fight off soldiers with one hand."

"I'm sorry for what the soldiers did to you," said Elad. "But you knew the penalty for stealing in Ausmik, and you chose to ignore them."

"No," said Joseph, smiling cynically. "I chose to do something."

Joseph turned away and disappeared into the upper chamber.

Elad shook his head. "Such a troubled man."

Jenn looked at Elad. "I don't understand," she said. "He stole from rich people and gave the money to the citizens?--what's so wrong about that?"

Elad turned to her slowly, his eyebrow raised.

"I just don't see a problem with stealing from the wealthy," she said. "They do it to everyone else."

"You've spent too much time with Joshua," said Elad, smiling, "and maybe your uncle, too."

Jenn smiled.

"I understand your view," said Elad, "and Joshua's. But stealing from rich people doesn't justify stealing. We can't expect people to change if we don't set the standards—we must be better than them."

"But they won't change anyways," said Jenn. "Those people will never change."

Before Elad could respond, a figure emerged from the cove entrance. As Jenn tried to discern who it was, the figure turned back toward the entrance and began to shout out.

"Come on, papa! You climb like an old woman!"

Jenn recognized the voice. It was matured, but there was no mistaking it. It was Hannah.

Another figure emerged. Jenn could tell it was a male. The figure removed his glasses and wiped his frames on his shirt.

"I've warned you a thousand times, Hannah," he said. "You must be more cautious when climbing up the falls. It's very easy to slip on those ledges." It was Charles.

As they approached, Jenn stood up straighter, trying to suppress her excitement. But her smile couldn't be denied, stretching entirely from one ear to the other.

"Hey, Elad," said Hannah. Her blue eyes finally reflected the light. "Who's this?"

"My goodness," said Charles. "Jeneria."

Hannah turned to her father, "Jeneria?" She turned back to Jenn, "Jenn? There's no way—"

"Hi, Hannah," said Jenn.

"Jenn!" Hannah ran up to Jenn, wrapped her arms around her, and swung her around. Jenn laughed, taking pleasure from the light-headed dizziness. "I can't believe it! You're here! How'd you get here?—Where've you been? Everyone thought you were dead, but not papa and me! We knew you were alive! We knew it!"

"Hi, Uncle Charles," said Jenn, once he reached her.

"Come here," he said, holding her tightly. Jenn closed her eyes for a moment, just to fully take in the effect. "I can't believe you're here—I've missed you so much."

"Well, believe it," said Elad. "She arrived just a bit ago with the entire Xomenclature."

"The Xomenclature?" said Charles. "You've been leading them, Jeneria?"

"Who cares about that," said Hannah. "Jenn's here!—She's really here! This is so crazy!"

Jenn laughed, as Hannah took her for another spin.

"Where have you been, missy?" said Hannah, playfully.

"Everywhere, I guess."

"So have we! Papa and I have been looking for you for so long. There isn't anywhere we didn't look for you—except maybe Denethgilne. But we knew you wouldn't be there. We even went to Anithia!"

"I guess we kept missing each other," said Jenn.

"Well, never again," said Hannah, taking Jenn's hand. "I'm never letting go of you. We're staying together forever—got it?"

Jenn smiled. "Got it."

"Please," said Charles, "let us sit. I have many questions for you—and I'm sure you have many for us."

Jenn nodded.

Hannah pulled Jenn to the table, forcing her to take the seat beside her.

"Would you like something to drink before?" said Charles, his words aimed at Jenn.

"No, thank you."

"Just sit, papa!" said Hannah.

"Of course," said Charles. He sat across from them, smiling with his hands folded on the table. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to inquire about what happened eight years ago. When we arrived at the sight, we were horrified. We saw that Friedderick had been stabbed, but we were confused when we found the dead Guardians and Natives. Everyone has taken their guess as to what happened, but I was wondering if you could narrate it for us? And please, if it's something you wouldn't like to revisit, do tell me—I would absolutely understand."

"No, it's okay," said Jenn, noticing Hannah and Elad's interest. "When Friedderick and I were traveling, we were stopped by some Guardians who were patrolling the area. Friedderick told me to hide in the storage container, and we thought we fooled them, but then all of a sudden, I felt the carriage stop and a Guardian pulled me out the container."

"I see," said Charles.

"When they dragged me out of the carriage, Friedderick was on his knees." Jenn glanced over at Elad, who was deeply interested in what she was saying. "He tried to fight them off, but then one the Guardians pulled out a dagger and murdered him. He died trying to protect me."

"Friedderick is the most loyal person I've ever known," said Charles. "He would have given his life for any of his friends."

"He's my hero," said Jenn, looking directly at Elad. Elad smiled, but she could see tears beginning to develop. "After that," she continued, "the Guardians led me to their horses. But then, from out of nowhere, arrows starting flying out at them from the forest."

"The Natives?" said Charles.

"Yes," said Jenn. "And my uncle."

Charles nodded. "We hoped it was Alexander who found you."

"I didn't know who he was at first," said Jenn, "but then I realized he was my uncle. I was a little scared, because I knew he was a wanted murdered, but I trusted him. And ever since then, I've been with him."

"And what about the Natives?" said Charles.

"We separated from them right after that." Jenn turned to Hannah, "What about you? I was so worried the last time I saw you. I was so afraid you were gonna die."

"Are you kidding?" said Hannah. "You know me better than that. There's no poison strong enough to kill me!"

"Said from a girl who was an inch from death," said Charles. "We reached Aphrodon just in time. By the time we arrived, Hannah was hardly breathing—her face had turned snow white."

"I was just trying to scare papa," said Hannah. "To make him appreciate me more."

"Well, you succeeded," said Charles.

"What happened after that?" said Jenn.

"Well, we treated Hannah rather easily. All it took was a small quantity of safflower leafs. But Aphrodon happens to be the only city that grows them."

"Safflower leafs make a remarkable tea," said Elad.

"Very true," said Charles. "But anyhow, while Hannah recovered, I awaited your arrival. After a couple days passed, however, I began to grow worried—I knew something must've gone wrong. So Hannah and I departed and headed to Clarus. There, we met with Elad. He told us you had arrived safely, so we knew that something must have happened on your way to Aphrodon. It wasn't long before we found the sight that I described to you. We attempted to track you, but you and Alexander left nothing behind—not a single print."

"Uncle Alexander is really good at that," said Jenn.

He smiled.

"I've had so many questions to ask you," said Jenn, "but now, I can't think of any of them."

"That's perfectly understandable," said Charles. "I'm suffering from the same malady."

"I've got a question," said Hannah, propping up a chunk of hair. "Do you like my hair?"

"I noticed it was a lot shorter," said Jenn. "But it looks nice."

"Well, I hate it," said Hannah, dropping her hair. "I got it tangled in a fence a couple days ago so papa had to cut it. It looks so terrible..."

"It's beautiful," said Charles.

Hannah rolled her eyes.

"Did you meet with Chief Westerman?" said Elad, taking advantage of their silence.

"We did," said Charles. "He said his tribe is settled in the Gravard Forest—they awaiting our next move."

"What is our next move?" said Elad.

"I'm not so certain anymore." He looked at Jenn. "Jeneria, Elad said you arrived with the Xomenclature?"

"Yes. Uncle Alexander and I were going to the Outskirts together, but then he was caught by the Imperial Mass. I escaped and went to the Outskirts myself. I planned on leading them to Denethgilne, hoping that we could convince the people to rebel."

"Most interesting," said Charles.

"That explains why the Outskirts were empty," said Hannah. "Jenn already got there. We never would've thought!"

"How many did you find?" said Charles.

"There were about one-hundred, but half of died from disease. Only about half of them made it. I know my plan wasn't very good, but it was all I could think of."

"It's a brilliant strategy," said Charles, now in deep thought. He rose from the table. "Excuse me for a moment, I must gather the other Defenders—Jeneria gave me an idea."

With Charles absent, Hannah took Jenn's hand again and whispered to her. "So, have you met any boys?"

"Goodness, girl," said Elad. "Spare me your female discussion."

"No," said Jenn, laughing. "Unless you count my uncle."

"Yuck," said Hannah.

It wasn't long before Charles returned, accompanied by four others. Everyone sat except Faunus, who stood with her arms folded.

"Jeneria has inspired a new strategy," said Charles. "But it doesn't deviate too much from our prior plans." He turned to Jenn and placed his hand on her shoulder, "I do apologize—have you been introduced to the Defenders?"

Jenn shook her head.

He directed his hand to the dwarfish man. "This is Max Rebew—but we call him Hammersmock."

"Welcome—to my world," said Hammersmock, bowing his head.

"Hello," said Jenn.

Charles directed his hand to the man next to Hammersmock—the thin man who had treated the Xomenclature.

"This is Emile DuBois. His mind outmatches any of ours. Don't be too discouraged if you lose him in conversation—I rarely keep up myself."

"So pleased to have you among us," said DuBois.

Charles directed his hand to the last person, a man who made Elad appear young.

"This is my mentor," said Charles. "Lark Sonrak."

Lark bowed his head.

"Nice to meet you," said Jenn.

"And of course, you know Faunus."

Faunus managed to offer a crooked smile.

Charles let out a breathe. "Now with introductions out of the way, I'd like to discuss our next move."

"Enlighten us," said Hammersmock.

"We've sat at this table a thousand times, often disagreeing about each meticulous step, but there is one thing we always agree on: the citizens hold the key for change and its longevity."

"I don't know," said Hammersmock. "I still think we'd be better off wiping out the citizens completely, and then replacing them with new ones." He nudged DuBois on the shoulder, tempting him to laugh along with him. DuBois offered a smile of discomfort.

"Quiet, Hammersmock," said Lark. "Yes, Charles, we do agree on that."

"Well," continued Charles, "for the citizens to turn, they must first be exposed to the council's true nature. But enlightenment is not enough, not by itself. Even if the people discover the council's lies, they'll be too fearful of the Guardians to take any action."

"So what do you suggest?" said Faunus.

"Persuasion," said Charles. "Supported persuasion. And this will be accomplished in two ways. The first will be the means that we discussed earlier—I will turn myself into the council."

"What?" said Hannah, viciously rising. "We never talked about anything like that!"

"I apologize," said Charles. "We discussed it while you were away."

"Why would you do that?" said Hannah. "What kind of sense does that make?"

Jenn had to agree.

"It'll force the council to put me on trial. I'm almost as wanted as Alexander, so the people will demand a trial. The council won't be able to simply exterminate me as they might wish."

"They'll sentence you to death anyways!" said Hannah.

"Hannah," said Charles. "Calm yourself and I'll explain."

Hannah sat back down, pumping steam through her nose.

"Now, I've carefully crafted a testimony which'll be directed at the citizens. My words will force them to become sympathetic towards my case, and, ultimately, distrusting of the council."

"It won't matter," said Hannah. "They'll still sentence you to death."

"Yes—you're correct, Hannah. And that's why our plot wouldn't have worked before. But thanks to Jeneria, this first stage will be strengthened by a second movement." He leaned into the table with enthusiasm. "We'll lead the Xomenclature into Denethgilne, and force the council to answer to them."

"Effective in thought," said Faunus, "but don't underestimate the council's cleverness. They'll condemn both of you easily—they may even frame the Xomenclature's sudden appearance as an effort by you to overthrow the city."

"She's right," said Hammersmock. "With the people on their side, they'll behead every one of you before sunrise. It's too risky."

"Risk can't be averted," said Charles. "With my testimony, the council will have exhausted their excuses and lies. My words will breed new questions that the citizens will be forced to consider. I've carefully constructed my testimony, eliminating any obvious weaknesses that the council might find. I'm somewhat confident the testimony would be enough by itself, but the introduction of the Xomenclature adds even more surety."

"And what of the Natals?" said Hammersmock. "What role do they play?"

"I already spoke with Chief Westerman about my intention to turn to myself in." Charles was composed and confident, as though he'd already considered every latent effect. "He called me Sanei—it means crazy in Gwanoawamp. I've asked that he and his tribe remain in the Gravard Forest until after the trial. If our plan works and the citizens begin to rebel, then I expect the council to dispatch Guardians to regain control. They may even call upon the Imperial Mass for soldiers."

Jenn turned when she sensed someone approaching. It was Joshua.

"May I join?" he said. "Or am I forbidden due to my lack of status?"

"It depends," said Hammersmock. "Do you intend on sharing our plans with the council in exchange for a few coins?"

Joshua kicked the table, causing it to press up against Hammersmock's stomach.

"Please," said Charles, unimpressed. He pulled out the chair next to him. "Sit with us, Joshua."

Joshua sat down slowly, gazing at Hammersmock.

"Now," said Charles, "the Gwanoawamp and Hotono M'ahdoo will await our signal, which'll be delivered by Joseph."

Joshua chuckled. "How suiting," he said.

Charles turned to him, more curious than anything else. "Suiting?" he said.

"Yes," said Joshua. "That you would send my brother on the most dangerous task. Is serving as a Guardian for a decade not enough? How much more can you demand from him?"

"You're distraught about your brother's situation?"

"I'm distraught about your disregard for his life. You're supposed to be his best friend, Charles, yet you spend his life like it were own."

"Joshua, you were here, in this room as a Defender, when your brother volunteered to act as a Guardian. Nobody expected him to commit to such an undertaking—I even advised him against it."

"He didn't fully understand what he was committing to. He only did it to solidify his position as a Defender."

"It wasn't necessary."

"But he still did it. And now he risks his live every day for your cause."

"I sympathize with you, Joshua. I worry for Joseph's life every single day. But he won't be serving as a Guardian for much longer. Once we convince the people, there won't be a need for his position."

"If your plan works. If it doesn't, he'll be killed, along with the rest of you."

"Joshua," said Lark. Everyone was attentive, even Joshua. "Your brother has sacrificed more than any of us have—more than any of us could ever demand from a person. But Joseph is part of this family—he's not just another number in our organization as you might think. You're part of this family, too."

"If that's true, then how could you banish me?"

"We didn't," said Lark. "We removed your title—nothing more. You're wise enough to understand why we had to do it. Your actions may have been noble at heart, but they threatened our union."

"Fine," said Joshua. "But if anything happens to my brother, I'll be your enemy. I won't spare any one of you."

"My hammer will be polished and ready," said Hammersmock.
With that, Joshua rose from the table and headed for the falls. Jenn felt bad for him, in spite of his earlier deception. But she, along with the other Defenders, allowed him to exit without word.

"How dare he threaten me," said Hammersmock, pounding his fist on the table. "I should've slapped him across the head—damn mongrel..."

"He has good reason to be upset," said Faunus. "The man was doing something that he thought was good—and not only did he lose a hand, but he was excommunicated for it. How would you feel?"

"I would've taken heed to the countless warnings," said Hammersmock. He folded his arms and shook his head. "There's no excuse for his actions."

"It's unfortunate," said Charles, "but it's fair to be concerned about Joseph. We should be sensitive to the situation."

"Quite agreed," said DuBois.

"So," said Faunus, "is that it? Is our plan set?"

"I believe so," said Charles, "unless anyone has anything further."

Jenn suddenly remembered the letter she had in her pocket. She took it out, unfolded it, and pushed it towards Charles.

"I received this from a raven a couple nights ago," she said. "I think it was mistakenly delivered to me, but it does talk a lot about Denethgilne—it might be important."

"Ravens never make errors with deliveries," said Hammersmock.

"Actually," said DuBois, "I once received a letter from an ailing mother writing to her son. But my mother died when I was born, so I'm certain it couldn't have been intended for me."

"Ravens almost never make errors," said Hammersmock, clearly irritated.

As they spoke, Charles read over the letter.

"What does it say, Charles?" said Elad, patiently watching him.

Charles looked up at Jenn, "I believe this letter was meant to be delivered to you."

"How do you know?" said Jenn. She believed him, but was curious how he could make such an assertion so quickly.

"I don't know if you recall," said Charles, "but when you first arrived in Denethgilne, I told your parents about a friend of mine who disappeared."

"Yes," said Jenn, remembering it vividly. It had kept her up that night thinking about it. "I remember."

"His name was Peter Stromberry—the name signed on the letter."

"But why would they send it to Jenn?" said Hannah.

"I not sure," said Charles. "But I think the author intended for me to see it."

"So it was delivered incorrectly?" said Elad.

"Maybe not," said Charles. "Jenn may have been serving as a messenger herself—a messenger to me. I believe the letter was designed to provide us with information."

"Let me see," said Lark. Charles handed him the letter.

"It mentions Denethgilne and the Gravard Forest," continued Charles, "but only to provide information. It says that Denethgilne is unprotected and that the Gravard Forest is inhabited by Natives. The author mentions these for a reason—to exploit Denethgilne's weakness."
"The Eycians," muttered Lark under his breath.

"Eycians?" said Faunus.

"Yes," said Lark. "It says they've formed an alliance with the Ausmikian Guard."

"Preposterous," said Hammersmock. "The Eycians have survived on their islands for centuries—they've never intervened in Ausmikian matters. And no amount of gold would persuade them otherwise. The Eycian Islands hold more gold than any man could ever spend."

"Gold isn't the only commodity worth exchanging," said Lark, looking down at the letter. "The Eycians pride themselves on their ability to fight—and I'm sure that some guaranteed land might also persuade them to join in their cause."

"That's a disturbing prospect," said Faunus. "We're already highly outnumbered by the Guardians and Imperial Mass. The Eycian Warriors would dismantle us by themselves."

"We can take them," said Hannah. "We just have to be smarter than them—we're good at that."

Elad laughed softly. "Cleverness can only get you so far, dear. The Eycians are a deadly breed—they've been killing each other for hundreds of years just for the taste of battle."

"Good," said Hannah, "then we just have to wait for them to make themselves extinct."

"Anything else in that letter worth mentioning?" said Hammersmock. "Has the council also managed to persuade the Black and Red Nature to end their historical war against one another?"

"It does mention Alexander," said Lark, looking up at Jenn. "It says he's being held in Abudox."

"Do you think it could've been my uncle who sent the letter?" said Jenn, realizing that it would be like him to send such a meticulous message.

"It's possible," said Charles, "but I think it unlikely for them to allow prisoners to use ravens in Abudox—not unless Alexander found a way to send one secretly."
"Or unless he escaped," added Jenn, encouraging herself.

"Doubtful," said Hammersmock. "There's only one rule in Abudox: nobody leaves."

"How would you know?" said Faunus. "Have you been there?"

"Nope. But I haven't ever met anyone sentenced there, either. That speaks for itself."

Faunus looked at Jenn, still serious. "It's possible."

Lark passed the letter to DuBois, but Hammersmock snatched it from him and began to skim it.

"This information is crucial," said Charles, "but there's no reason to alter our plans. If it's true, then the alliance between Eyce and the Guard should still be in its infancy. It's unlikely that the Eycians have even left the islands yet. If we act now, we can overtake the city before they have a chance to reach it. But we must march soon."

"Charles is right," said Lark. "If anything, this information should encourage us. Denethgilne is at its weakness, and we already occupy the Gravard Forest. There'll be Guardians and maybe a few soldiers in the city, but if we convince the people, we'll prove to be overwhelming."

"We'll march tomorrow," said Faunus, stepping forward. "We'll need someone to lead the Xomenclature."

"I'll do it," said Jenn, immediately. "I brought them here—I should lead them."

"Nobody would lead them better," said Charles. "However, I'm afraid it has to be someone else. I have a different task to ask from you, Jeneria—I'd like you to accompany me to Denethgilne and deliver me to the council."

"Why me?" said Jenn.

"Because the council knows everyone else's face."

"Not mine," said Hannah. "Especially now that I have ugly hair."

"You lived in Denethgilne your entire youth," said Charles, turning to his daughter. "They might not recognize you, but it's a risk we can avert."

"Then what do I do?"

"You'll lead the Xomenclature with Faunus and Hammersmock."

"Yes!" said Hannah, throwing up a fist.

Charles turned to Faunus, "You can lead them to the Gravard Forest and rendezvous with the Gwanoawamp."

Faunus nodded.

"Joseph will signalto you once the trial has concluded, then you can lead them straight into thecity." He turned to Jenn with a radiating smile, "We'll leave first thing inthe morning."