Steadily the group purged on. It was daybreak and they'd been walking since the attack that morning. Blake had obviously begun to feel the pain, wincing every so often as they marched, but refused to say anything as he covered it with his cloak. According to Prism's calculations they could run into Donde at any time now. With what money they had left they'd be able to buy mountain climbing equipment and refresh their supplies.
      "Didn't you say you knew this dragon?" Blake carefully held the cloak over his shoulder.
      "Yes, her name is Sela. Alan and I raised her and a few of her siblings." Prism nodded, "Look, there's the city!"
      "I remember you and Alan arguing about that when we were in the forest! You were still upset that I was coming!" Emeryl trotted around them. Leiko cantered on his heels faithfully.
      "That's the one." Prism nodded. They meandered straight into a dirt road of the village.
      The morning air was still filled with the smell of fresh buns, mixed with the stench of the stables nearby. As they wandered by Blake's eyes glued momentarily on the bar. Emeryl was quick to point to a small church hall, even smaller than the one in Fara Fara. A few people glanced at them, then went back to their work.
      "There's the weapons store." Prism pointed to a small shop.
      "I need a new mace! I lost my mace!" Leiko interjected.
      "Alright, alright. Emeryl, do you have any money?" Prism asked.
      "On me? Two gold. I'm only a priest, I'm not supposed to carry much." He dug two pieces of gold out of a sewn in pocket at the hem of his robes.
      "That's it? That's enough to buy some more food, I suppose... Eric, do you have anything?" Prism asked.
      "I've been in a cave for ten years..." Eric blinked.
      "True. Ben... nevermind... Umm, Blake?" he asked hopefully.
      "Huh? I have... some." He hesitantly answered.
      "I can't keep paying for everything. I just own a small shop, Alan was the one who was always adventuring and paying." Prism explained.
      "Fine, fine." Blake slipped a ruby out of his sleeve and tossed it to a surprised Prism, "Go pawn this. I need to find a shady place, it's getting hot."
      "It's still morning! Ne, I guess you're not used to the sun..." Emeryl spoke mostly to himself.
      "I'm going to the bar." Blake began to turn.
      "Oh no you aren't! Not with that arm!" Emeryl chased after him.
      Bentora rushed by, sticking her tongue out at Blake, "I can go because I didn't get myself beat up."
      "Err, umm... I guess it's just us getting the equipment." Prism sighed, glancing at Eric and Leiko, "Let's go get this appraised." After politely asking a townfolk for the location of an appraiser, they trotted by the weapon's store. He inspected the ruby curiously as they went, noticing a small lining encircling it.
      "He's in there!" Leiko knocked him back to his senses. Glancing back, Eric and Leiko were in front of the store as he was walking past. Embarrassed Prism trotted back to them.
      "I hope this is worth something. Weapons are expensive, and we still need mountain climbing equipment and food." He held his breath. Crossing their fingers they entered the little shop. An older man stood behind the counter holding a small magnifying glass. Quietly he waddled back and folded his hands on the counter.
      "Can I help you?" he asked, fidgeting with the magnifying glass. His hand slid from his glass over his silver hair.
      "Yes, we need to know what this is worth." Prism dropped the ruby on the counter.
      Holding the jewel up the old man winced his eyes and inspected the gem, occasionally 'hmm'ing thoughtfully.
      "I estimate, three hundred fifty gold." He set the jewel back down, "Platinum lining, no crack smooth texture and it's pure."
      "Three hundred fifty..." Prism paused, "Mind writing that on a note? I need to go to the weapon shop. Oh, and here." He tossed the two gold coins Emeryl gave him on the counter.
      Nodding the old man took the gold and wandered into a door in the back. A few minutes later he came back with a paper and handed it to him.
      "Here you go kids. Have a good day!" he smiled politely.
      "Thank you very much sir." Prism nodded lightly, taking their gem and leaving with the others.
      "Why'd you call him sir?" Leiko peered up at him.
      "Because he's older than I am, it's respectful." He answered, "You should always respect your elders. Don't you want to be treated like that when you grow up?"
      "I dunno, I'm not an old fart yet." She replied without thought.
      "And you won't be for a long time." Prism muttered under his breath.
      "You think we can get Alan remodeled? He's looking dull." Eric showed Prism the sword.
      "That's because he's an old peasant's sword. I guess we can stop by the smithy, we don't want Alan to break, it might kill him for good." Prism nodded.
      "Mace first! Mace first!" Leiko demanded.
      "Of course! We're going there right now!" Prism tried to calm her down.
      "But don't forget Alan..."
      "I won't!" he covered his ears, "I'm not baby-sitting."
      "I'm not a baby!" Leiko shouted.
      "I can handle myself, don't worry about me." Eric added. Drooping his short pointed ears, Prism shook his head silently.