The re-christened brigantine, Freedom was within sight of the Cape which separated the Cold Narrows from the Northern Sea. It was a clear crisp day and the breeze was steady and cool. The ship was being captained by a sable named Buris, who was appointed by Willum to command the vessel on its return to World's End. He was a competent commander with years of experience prior to his entrapment on Xenoth.

Buris was easy-going and well-liked, but aloof and quiet. Egbert was pleased with Willum's choice and sat on the starboard rail with Bobarus at his side, watching the Cape's rocky shoreline fly by as the Freedom made for it's passage into the Northern Sea. Behind them the Goddess and the West Wind followed about a league back, filled with joyous beasts who had not seen their homes for many years. Egbert smiled at the nutria.
"There was a toime when Oi doubted Oi'd ever see the mainland again."

"I never had a doubt, you know me..."

Egbert chuckled.
"Lucky...Oi know."

Bobo smiled.
"That's me," he became serious, "so what are your plans now? Are ya done with fightin'?"

"Oi wish Oi was, but Oi'm afraid not. Oi promised Oi'd return to Xenoth with help. The Brotherhood must be stopped. Holding moi head in the dirt won't do anyone any good. As soon as Oi get word to moi brother and moi ward, Phoebe, that Oi'm all roight, Oi'll be heading back," he turned to the nutria, "what about you? Going back to your home? Your family?"

Bobo looked down the side of the ship and watched the spray flying off the hull. He answered sadly.
"That would just prove my brother's point that I'm a failure. Got nothing to show as bodyguard other than a drowned client," he suddenly perked up, "hey, you're brother is a king! If I could be a king's bodyguard, that would show that worthless brother of mine that I ain't useless! Could ya put a good word in for me?"

Eggy smiled.
"Of course, but he's got a royal guard and...no offense Bobo, but you haven't got the best record as a bodyguard."

Bobo scratched his head.
"Yeah, I can see that. How about I be your bodyguard for awhile...no charge, kinda like a trail run...and if I do good, you recommend me to one of your important friends?"

Egbert patted the knife-wielding nutria on the back.
"You realize that means going back to Xenoth? Fighting the Brotherhood?"

Bobo broke into a broad grin.
"It's not like I got anything better ta do. Not to mention the fact that I don't hold any fondness to those red worms. I'm homesick for Xenoth already!" He held out his paw. Egbert shook it firmly.

"Oi guess Oi have a bodyguard...Oi feel safer already."

The Freedom made it's way around the Cape and entered the Northern Sea. The water was choppier and the wind stronger, but the crew was experienced and efficient and the progress was steady. The other two ships followed in close order and soon the three vessels were on their way to the outer crater rim to the bay of World's End.

Zian sat with Winky and Groggs on three barrels which they had moved to the forecastle. They watched as the ship moved ever closer to their home. Groggs winked at Zian.
"I'll bet yer anxious ta see that pretty wife of yourn. She'll be right pleased ta see ya...I'll bet she loves on ya real good." He sniggered.

Zian blushed a bit and stared at his clockwork paw.
"I'm not even sure she knows I've been missing. She's in Minga with my boys, visiting her mother. To tell you the truth, she's more likely to be mad at me than lovey when I tell her my plans."

"What d'ya mean Zee?" Winky asked.

"I'm going back with Eggy to fight the Brotherhood."

"What? Ain't you had enough of fightin' and war?" Winky asked in disbelief.

Zian looked down at his feet.
"I need to do this. I fought for Khalis at Gleneden, just like you guys, but you had the good sense to leave before the battle. I need to make up for that. I need to be on the side of goodness and right this time."

"But you saved Lord Egbert's life...twice...and ya kilt that monster Quaras." Groggs protested.

"If fate were less kind, I could have killed Egbert instead...as it is I gave him that nasty scar on his snout. The fact remains that I was a soldier on the side of evil and I need to make amends...to balance that out...Besides, I owe it to my family to help make this world safe, the Brotherhood would destroy everything we hold dear."

Winky laughed and clapped Groggs on the back.
"Well we ain't about to let ya go off on yer own. The fishing's gonna be rotten anyway till all this is over, so what the hell."

Groggs nodded in assent.
"We gotta warn ya though, don't be dependin' on us too much...we're pretty rotten warriors. We'll do better on dese boats though, seein' as how there ain't really no where ta run when the fightin' starts."

Winky laughed.
"Ya got that right. Guess it's settled."

Zian stood. His voice quavered slightly and he coughed to cover his emotion.
"I'm glad you'll be with me guys...deep down you're both brave warriors," he laughed loudly, "really, really deep down." The two stoats joined in the laughter. Suddenly Winky looked very serious and asked in a deep whisper.

"Yah think we'll have time ta visit The Drunken Crab and down a few flagons o' their fine ale afore we heads back out?"

"Absolutely! And all the drinks are on me!" Zian answered.

"Clumsy as those waiter's are, the drinks' be on all of us!" Groggs laughed.

They all got up and walked to the forward rail in time to see the approaching bay.

Numerous ships of all types were anchored along the outer rim of the crater since any vessel which had a draft of over six feet would be unable to navigate the rim into the main bay without running aground. By the time the West Wind and the Goddess dropped anchor, the Freedom was already lowering dinghies into the water to transport its personnel to World's End. Although Egbert had mentioned that he would gladly wait his turn, the crew, grateful to the humble mole for all he had done to secure their liberty, insisted he be among the first to head to port.

The dinghy was packed with happy beasts and men. It rode clumsily and a bit low in the water because of its sizable load, but progressed at a leisurely and steady pace.

Besides the mole, other beasts who had been directly involved in the successful exodus were also awarded passage on the first transport, including Bobo, Zian, Winky, and Groggs. The five friends agreed to a celebratory get together at the Drunken Crab later in the evening. Amid the laughter, Zian, who was looking out to sea, began to tug urgently on Egbert's arm.

"What's wrong, Zian?" the mole asked.

"Aren't those Brotherhood ships?"

Egbert shielded his eyes against the westering sun and looked to where the ferret was pointing. There was no doubt. Though the sails on the two sloops were furled, they were obviously dyed in the bright scarlet of the Brotherhood. More disturbing to the mole than their mere presence was the observation that both ships were being busily provisioned by a line of dories, indicating they were preparing to head to sea.
"Those are Brotherhood ships all roight and their getting set to head out...probably to troi and blockade the bay. Oi'll check into it once we get to shore," he saw the disappointed looks on Winky and Groggs' homely faces and laughed, "don't worry, we'll still have our night at the Crab. I'm not about to let those villains ruin our celebration!"

It didn't take too much investigation for Egbert to discover that Robbi had arrived in World's End. The little magus was the talk of the town, a point of pride among the residents who had never thought a beast would be admitted to the Council of Wizards. The large mole was delighted at the news and soon found himself at the entrance to the mayor's residence accompanied by his new bodyguard, Bobo.

The guards recognized Lord Egbert and sent word into the building. In short order, the doors burst open and Robbi, accompanied by Gladiverserac, rushed outside. A huge grin spread across Egbert's face and he rushed forward and swept Robbi up, giving her a tight hug.
"It's so good to see you, Robbi!" he said loudly.

He put the small magus down.

"I knew you'd figure a way off Xenoth, Eggy," Robbi said cheerfully, "is everyone with you alright?"

"Everyone is foine. We're ready to head back as soon as we're needed."

Robbi escorted Egbert and Bobo into the mayor's home, she motioned to Gladis.
"I think you've met my friend here."

"She was with Chumley, Thoris and Willum, but Oi never had a proper introduction." Egbert smiled.

Robbi swept her paws in the albatross' direction.
"Lord Egbert of Gleneden...it's my great pleasure to introduce you to Gladiverserac Presapornaweev, a fine and noble creature."

"Moi pleasure, Lady Presapornaweev."

"Delighted am I to meet such a famous digger of holes," Gladis answered after performing a graceful curtsy, "and who is thine friend?"   

Egbert put his paw on Bobo's shoulder.
"This foine fellow is named Bobarus, or Bobo, or Lucky. He is a master of knoives and a bodyguard to moiself as well as a good friend," he motioned to Robbi, "Bobo, this is Magus Robbia Praxus, member of the council of Wizards and her friend Gladiverserac."

Bobo was star struck.
"Magus Robbia...you're a hero to all us beasts! A real privilege to meet ya...and your pal!"

Robbi smiled.
"Call me Robbi, it's a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Egbert's is always welcome." She shook his paw, "Now let's get inside and compare notes. There is much news and much to be done."

Mayor Clawsnag welcomed the new guests and prepared a room in which they could meet. Local fresh seafood and wine were served and after everyone was sated, Robbi conveyed all that had happened. She informed Egbert that Chumley and Frega were due any day and that hopefully the Asherouboros would be with them.

Egbert and Bobo listened in amazement as the small wizard told them of the building of the massive tank, of the transfer of the monster from the Circe Sea and how Vattus was convinced that the mighty creature was the 'Secret King' mentioned in the prophecies of Neure. They shook their heads in disbelief when Robbi conveyed all she knew about the Ürgod and the horror it would unleash.

When she had finished her briefing, it was Egbert's turn to tell all which had transpired since he first became trapped on Xenoth. He informed Robbi that Willum had gone to Minga to raise a navy of pirates to face the Brotherhood. As he related the corsair's plans he thought of his friend, Max and asked his whereabouts. Robbi smiled.

"You just missed him. He just returned from the north, delivering a message from Frega to his seagoing corps. Even as we speak, he flies to Minga to rejoin his friend, Willum. He seems quite fond of him."

Egbert nodded.
"Willum has been very good for Max. Ever since Elliot departed this plane, Max has mourned and felt himself without purpose. Willum has given him that purpose and connected him back to our world...somewhere Ellios is smoiling."

"I am very happy for him," Robbi agreed. They sat silent for a moment, then Robbi became serious, "Did you see the Brotherhood ships when you approached the harbor?"

"Oi did. They are preparing to leave, probably to block the harbor or reinforce Xenoth."

Robbi shook her head.
"There's not much we can do about that now, we have more important problems. We need to prepare some way of getting the Asherouboros out to sea."

Bobo interrupted.
"I been listening to what ya said and it don't seem like there's any way ta do it. The harbor ain't got any boat near big enough to lug that tank across the harbor," he stretched his arms to either side of his body, "its...like...over a hundred feet long and gotta weigh a coupla hundred tons...the biggest boat in the harbor ain't more than forty feet long...and none of the bigger ships can get across the crater rim into the harbor 'cause even at high tide there ain't no part of it that's more than eight feet deep."

They sat silent for several long minutes until Gladis became agitated. Robbi turned towards her.

"What is it, Gladis, do you have an idea?"

"Yes and no. To part of our problem, a solution I may have, but to the other part...I am clueless."

"Well part is better than none," Egbert offered, "what have you got Lady Gladiverserac?"

Gladis leaned forward. She spread her massive wings, filling the room.
"An albatross am I. Far have I traveled the winds from Arishamal. In the distant north of the Northern Sea have I roamed seeking mariners to save. Islands there are in that place, hundreds. The natives doth call them the Borogovian Lands and great traders they are. On the largest dwell the Caras, a race known as the 'brewers of the gods'. Renowned are they for their wines and in their trade, they profit greatly. Great empty hulls of clay they build, which filled to the brim with spirits are towed to other islands. They do not sink, though filled completely. Thine answer to the problem is their solution..."

"Build a clay boat?" Bobo asked.

Gladis chortled.
"No, no... that is silly, Sir Lucky. The Caras boats are floated with air-filled silk bladders. Almost nothing do they weigh nearly submerged in the sea..."

Robbi clapped her paws.
"I see now...you're a genius Gladis!" Seeing the confusion on everyone's face, she explained, "The tank might well weigh a few hundred tons, but not if it's submerged in the water with only it's rim above the surface. We would be able to float the tank by securing air-filled bladders around the top of it."

Mayor Clawsnag raised his hand.
"I can get those made pretty quick. We've got tons of spare canvas, us being a port and all. We'll waterproof it and sew up your bladders, more than you need."

"That's great," Robbi said.

"Oi hate to rain on our parade, but we still don't know how we'll get the tank out of the harbor. You said the tank is loike fifteen feet hoigh and the rim at its best is only eight feet deep. That seems to be a pretty big problem."

Robbi smiled.
"You leave that to me. I'd rather not say anything till I can do some research, but I might be able solve that problem."

"Oi trust you Robbi. If you need any help, Oi have a lot of beasts anxious to help."

"Come back tomorrow and I'll let you know what I need, by then I'll know if my plan is even possible. I'm spending the night in the mayor's library, he has some surprisingly arcane books that might hold the key."

Egbert perked up.
"Loibrary...Oi didn't know World's End had a loibrary." Egbert was and always had been a librarian and a great lover of books. Along with Thoris, he had organized and cataloged the combined libraries of Aolas, Gleneden, and Thoth. He had never heard of any significant collection of books at World's End. Mayor Clawsnag explained.

"We have the Brotherhood to thank. They make a habit of collecting tomes concerning things magical and historical and anything that mentions any aspect of their sect. They originally kept them at their compound on the hill, but it's old and leaky...so in exchange for a slight monetary consideration..." the mayor smiled guiltily, "I let them store their books here. They seem to pretty much have forgotten about them, I guess they're preoccupied with destroying the world."

"Oi'd love to see them sometoime," Egbert said.

"If we survive this...you can have them," the stoat replied.

Robbi stood.
"I'm going to start now. I'll see you tomorrow Eggy...and you, master Bobo," she shook their paws, "what are you doing tonight while I scour those dusty books?"

"Drinking and laughing, I hope." Bobo chuckled.

"Jealous are we!" Gladis interjected.

"Yes we are," Robbi laughed, "now get out of here before I change my mind and make you help me with my research."

The Drunken Crab was packed to the gills. Almost every rescued castaway eventually found themselves at the noisy establishment, reveling in their fresh freedom. The owner had been forced to hire new help directly off the wharf and to set up tables on the curb for the first time in it's long history.

Ale and grog ran freely and the mood was one of celebration and merriment. When Egbert and Bobo reached the Crab, they were relieved to find that Zian, Winky, and Groggs had already arrived and managed to secure a large table in the far corner of the pub and were guarding its chairs zealously while awaiting their friend's arrival.

The mole and rodent sat gratefully in their seats. Groggs poured them some grog from a large pitcher at the center of the table while welcoming them in his manner.
"Thank Targas ya got here, we been havin' a time of it tryin' ta keep these coves from swipin' yer chairs."

"Good to see you too, Groggs." Egbert laughed. The mole turned to Zian, "Any word on Lily or your boys?"

Zian smiled.
"They're still in Minga. After they found my boat, they decided to stay up there till they got word on whether I was alive or dead. I've sent word that I'm fine, but told Lily to stay with her family till I send for her. She won't argue, she trusts me." He looked at Egbert, "How about you? Have you sent word to your family?

Eggy chuckled.
"Oi sent a long letter to moi sweet little Phoebe and told her everything that happened. Oi put her in charge of the loibrary till Oi get back, she'll loike that..." He sniggered. "Oi feel sorry for all the scholars with moi Phoebe in charge, she can be quoite the toiyrant. Oi also let moi brother know that Oi'm all right, he's probably not at Gleneden, Robbi told me he was at Sapphoire Mountain with Arisha."

Winky looked up from his drink.
"Magus Robbia is in World's End?"

"Yes. There's important stuff going on and I'll tell you all about it later. For now Oi think we should forget about our worries for a whoile. Oi think we need another pitcher of grog!" the laughing mole declared.

"Hear, Hear!" Bobo adamantly agreed.

The remainder of the evening was consumed with laughter and stories, with singing and happiness. It was not until the very late of the night when all the beasts were sated and satisfied that Egbert became serious and told his friends about Robbi's concern, the 'Secret King', and the coming of the Asherouboros to World's End.