The group decided after that encounter they could make it out of the village with Alana's I.D. They approached the perimeter and the same three guards were among the Knights stationed there.

"Hello again!" said Alana. She had learned that if you act as you belong, not as many people will question you.

"Oh, hello Mrs. Carwel," said the guard. "We can let her through, guys."

"Thank you so much!" smiled Alana and she walked past without a second glance. After they were far enough from the village they started talking again.

"Italzi," began Atlas, "Did you get the elixir?

"Yep!" said Cindie, as she pulled out a vile with some sort of blue liquid inside from her bag.

"So do you just drink it?" asked Alana.

"I think so," said Italzi. "But I want to get farther away from Wellingworth and Crane before I take it just in case I have a bad reaction."

The group continued wandering on toward the South. 

Alana didn't know what they were going to do after Italzi finally got her skill. Kill the Duke, the mighty King? As much as she wanted to, Alana didn't see how they could. 

Then she was concerned about Vigor. He had probably realized she was long gone by now. And she had left in such a rush she didn't have the chance to tell him or even write a note. 

Her guilt spiraled until silent tears started streaming down her face, but she swiped them away. Alana had to stay focused. Vigor would be fine. She was going to help Italzi, she was going to defeat the king. She was going to save her country.