"Are you certain about this?" asked Charjer.

The mighty Cerebrus growled in response. "Well, if you insist. Thank you." He picked up the brown rune from the corner nearest to the entrance to the lair, said his thanks, and left with Kechara.

"What did she say?" asked Kechara.

"She said, 'Yes, take it. I can create another one like it in a couple of days.'"

"Hmmm," Kechara thought out loud. As they walked to the entrance to the cave, they brought out their cloaks of invisibility, then began to descend the cliff face to the bandit town.

They walked silently past the sentries and made their way back to the floating island.

When they reached the outside of the first aid station, they removed their cloaks and stepped in.

"Hey hey!" boomed Ate. "Look who's back." It was lunch time and Ate, Cueball, Ryoga, Smirk, and Raziel were sitting at their usual table eating freshly roasted boar. Kechara and Charjer smiled.

Ryoga looked up at them. "Join us for lunch," he offered.

Charjer nodded. "Hey Cueball. Gotcha a present." He was still holding the tiny rune in the palm of his hand. Cueball got up.

"Really?" he exclaimed excitedly. Charjer nodded and tossed him the rune. He caught it and flew about ten meters past the table. Ate looked in the direction he flew and started laughing.

"I can't lift it," said Cueball, a little surprised. "It's heavy."

"Of course it is," said a voice across the room. "It's a mystical rune of legend. Don't think you will be able to lift it."

Everyone looked to where the voice was coming from and saw a hooded figure sitting on one of the beds.

"Who are you?" asked Smirk.