"You may now rise," said Hodill to Cueball and the others. Prince Ragnar rose as well and walked down from his throne to Cueball.

"After all this time," he said. "I can't believe it's really you. We've been searching for you for a long time. Where have you been all this time?"

"I have been with my friends on the floating island," Cueball replied. "Let me introduce you." Pointing to them from the left to right, he said, "This is Ryoga, Sven, Min, and Raziel. My best friend isn't here and neither are the others."

"And where are they, may I ask?"

"They are at the court of Prince Rutger as we speak, your highness," replied Ryoga.

The Prince was taken aback. "Rutger?" he asked. He looked at Cueball. "Whyever for would he be there?"

"Because," began Cueball, "he's the son of Prince Rutger."

***

"And this is Smirk," explained Ate. "My best friend and me found her sneaking around while we were on an adventure." She was nodding furiously.

"And where is your best friend now, my son," asked Prince Rutger.

"He's at Prince Ragnar's court," said Kechara.

"He's the son of Prince Ragnar," added Charjer. The Prince looked at him, then looked back at Ate.

"Is this true?" he asked. Ate nodded in response. "I see."

"Sire," said Tioche. "The troops are ready to advance at your command."

"Oh great," said Charjer sarcastically to Kechara. "Good news is here at last."