Oaklynn awoke with a start, she heard hoofbeats outside of tavern. She walked to the window and peered out the curtain. When she saw the shadow on horseback she backed away from the window. Scampering over to the chair she shook Marwynn.

  “Marwynn” she whispered.

  He opened his eyes and she motioned towards the window. He crept over to the window and looked out. There were two shadows tying their horses up outside of the tavern below. Light flooded the street when they opened the door. Disappearing into the tavern the door clicked shut leaving the street dark again.

  Marwynn spoke in a low voice, “Oaklynn, we are going to escape out of the window.”

  Oaklynn nodded and climbed through the opening. Marwynn stepped out onto the straw roof and was grateful that the noise would be minimized by the merry drinkers downstairs. Marwynn lowered Oaklynn down before jumping down beside her. They headed around the corner towards Moura Woods walking as lightly as they could.

  “Hello Fly.” They heard from behind them. “I have been looking for you.”

  Marwynn turned around instinctively stepping in front of Oaklynn. The familiar shape of Komodo emerged from the shadows. “Oh, it is you Komodo.”

  “Would you like to step into the tavern and have a pint with me?” Komodo offered, “for old times sake?”

  “I am on my way to an important meeting, I cannot tonight,” he answered.

  “How about your friend here?” Komodo gestured to Oaklynn.

  “Well she has to attend the meeting.” Marwynn said.

  “I’ll join ya then, its no fun having a pint on yer own,” he spat.

  “If it is all the same to you, the meeting is by invite only,” Marwynn said.

  “Ah, I see. Official business as usual. Well I’ll see you around Marwynn, Oaklynn.” He nodded and turned to go.

  Marwynn did not recall introducing him to Oaklynn, he turned to her and she rolled her eyes, “Komodo” she said. “Come with us, tis fine.”

  Marwynn completely befuddled looked from Komodo to Oaklynn. As they walked, Komodo and Oaklynn were speaking as though they were the best of friends and had known each other since childhood.

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  “No, he could not have cried out in pain!” Komodo giggled to Oaklynn.

  “Truly! He did!” she said. Both Komodo and Oaklynn looked at Marwynn for a moment and began laughing with each other. “When you put your hand on my head,” Komodo emphasized , “I thought it felt like a nice warm blanket! Hahaha!” they both burst out in laughter again.

  Marwynn was getting annoyed with all of the familiarity. “How do you two know each other?” he snapped.

  They both turned to look at Marwynn with serious expressions on their faces. Komodo answered for them “We have known each other since I became part of the resistance.” Marwynn had never heard of any resistance and was entirely baffled by this entire evening. “What resistance and just what is going on here?” He puzzled.

  Komodo put his arm on Marwynn’s shoulder, “I had Oaklynn here follow you so that we could find out where your loyalty lies.” Shocked Marwynn said to Oaklynn “You were the one following me.”

  She raised her eyebrows “No, you were being followed by the two shadows back there.” She gestured back towards Silken Pass and continued “I told you I was able to communicate with someone willing to help. After testing your loyalty we both decided you would join us.”

  “Wait, join you with what?” Then he turned to Komodo “just what are you playing at here?”

  Komodo answered “Marwynn, I have wanted to leave the shadows since before you did, but unlike you I have been unsuccessful. I have a family to think about.” He went on “I decided to start a resistance on the inside, in the prison. The only problem that I run into is if we set loose the prison, it is not only the good creatures that will be free, it will be the bad creatures as well.”

  “You are planning a prison break?” Marwynn said impressed.

  “Yes, Oaklynn here has been my eyes and ears on the outside.” Komodo answered.

  Oaklynn smiled at Komodo and said “We make a good team.” Marwynn understood that to break open the prison would be to bring down all of the magic barriers that housed the creatures. They could not do it to only one room and not another. The magic was powerful only because it was combined. As soon as one part was weakened, the entire system would collapse. The last creature he wanted to see roaming about again was the Dullahan.

  “That does present a problem” Marwynn thought out loud.

  “What do you say Marwynn, are you with us?” Komodo asked.

  “How many do you have in the prison?” Marwynn asked. “I have been able to convince half of them. The others are either too scared or they are filled with darkness.” Komodo shuddered.

  “I will join you in your efforts if you join me in mine. We may be able to benefit mutually.” Marwynn suggested. “I need you to spread the word in your resistance. Prince Declan is safe and he is gathering supporters before he confronts Lady Revna.”

  Komodo thought this over for a few minutes before asking “This prince of yours, is he anything like his father?”

  “Not at all, he is one of the kindest men I have ever met.” Marwynn said earnestly and he held out his hand.

  Komodo remained silent for a few more moments before responding “If you trust him then so do I” He grabbed Marwynn’s hand and shook it furiously. “You have yourself a deal Marwynn. Oaklynn will remain with you and she can be our go between.”

  Marwynn nodded and they parted ways, Komodo heading back towards the tavern. Before he was out of sight he turned back to Marwynn and called out “It was good to see you Fly.”