I sighed as we returned to the refugee camp that Caitlin's people had made for us.

"Don't feel down," Elliot said, slapping me on the back. "We'll fix our world in due time."

"Yeah," Isabelle said. "We simply have to wait for imperial ships to pass by. Once we hitch a ride on one of those, we can get the materials needed in Mina and Xian, and a handful of other places."

"I made a full list of what would be needed," Jason said as he put a hand on my shoulder. "So cheer up, Oli. Like Elliot said, we'll fix our world in due time."

"Hope rings eternal is what they say back home," Elliot said, running on ahead of us. He turned around and grinned. "So keep that eternal flame a lit. The goddess won't abandon us!"

I chuckled. "Yeah..." I needed to keep on hoping, not letting the darkness of despair conquer my heart.