An Underground Escape/At the Infirmary

Outside the palace, three figures emerged from the ground. Alaron was leaning on his mentor, panting heavily. His face was pale as he limped toward the outskirts of town. "How could she stop us?" he wheezed.

"Her Majesty has a proclivity for lucky breaks," Xander answered. "You should have let me kill her when I had the chance."

The prince did not disagree. He was too weak. "Save your energy, my boy. We have to get out of Valiant before we are captured," Cafer said gently.

Xander put his shoulder under the boy's other arm. "What is wrong with him?"

The gnome shook his head sadly. "The explosion he used to free me from the cage was very powerful. It took all his energy to perform the feat. Magic can be a costly venture." The gnome almost felt bad for what he had done to the boy. But self-preservation made him glad Alaron knew magic.

"I am fine," the prince said as he nearly dropped to the ground even with the two others supporting him. "I am strong