"What will you all do once you get back to Brighton?" Kal asked Curt and the others as they sat eating breakfast around the dining table.

The four caravaners had traveled non-stop after leaving the Jorgian Mountains, and they were tired and hungry.

"I'm not really sure. With all that's been going on, I hadn't really given it much thought, I guess," Curt replied. "I would like to go visit..."

Curt was interrupted by the sound of someone yelling outside.

"They're back! They're back! The caravan's back!" came a shout.

"That sounds like Thomas," Paul noted.

"It's about time!" Kal said as he quickly rose from the table and left the room.

Everyone remaining at the table silently looked around at one another, and then all at once, they all got up to follow Kal.

Outside, Kal, Thomas, and a number of villagers stood around a wagon carrying four caravaners.

"Only two?" Kal asked one of the caravaners as Curt and the others walked up.

"Yes. Soldiers stopped us from gathering at the Costa Mira Cliffs tree. They said something about new myrrh gathering services," the caravaner replied.

"Damn! I knew no good could come of this," Kal fumed.

"What is it, Kal?" Mark asked.

"Our caravan was only able to gather myrrh from two trees," Kal said before lowering his voice so only Mark could hear. "Our crystal chalice will begin to dim within three days' time."

Curt watched as Kal whispered to Mark. Curt thought for a moment and then quietly pulled Paul aside and did some whispering of his own.

"Paul, I think they're in trouble here," Curt said.

"I know what you mean...they don't have a full orb...you think their crystal chalice is going to dim soon?" Paul asked.

"Why else would Kal be so concerned?" Curt replied.

"Yeah...and I know what you're gonna ask next...the answer is yes," Paul said confidently.

"Thanks, buddy," Curt said as he put his arm around Paul's shoulder.

"Mark, can you come here for a sec," Curt called.

Mark turned, gave a nod, and then walked over to where Curt and Paul stood.

"Listen, we want to switch crystal orbs with Fillmore's," Curt said quietly.

"What?" Mark said in surprise.

"We know they need it. Brighton's crystal chalice will be fine for a while yet. Don't worry, Mark. We'll get more myrrh somehow. Who knows if that damn service will get here in time? It's the least we can do for you, your family, and the rest of Fillmore," Paul added.

"Yeah, you see...Paul's got a vested interest in the place too, so don't even try to say no," Curt joked.

"Hey!" Paul shot back.

"Yes, I suppose he does. Sara's a wonderful person by the way, Paul. I guess I can't really stand in your way. It's your decision. Thank you both...sincerely," Mark said with a smile.

"Well, go let your dad know so he can stop worrying already," Curt said.

Mark walked back to Kal and quietly told him of Curt and Paul's offer. Kal looked over at the two friends and walked over, still wearing a look of deep concern.

"Are you both sure about this?" Kal asked.

"It's yours, Kal. We won't leave until you accept it," Paul said resolutely.

"He's right," Curt joined.

"It's a blessed gift, but what about your own crystal chalice in Brighton?" Kal inquired.

"We'll be ok, Kal. You all need it immediately. And don't try to pretend that you don't," Curt said.

"Well, I can see there will be no convincing you otherwise. Thank you both. Fillmore thanks you and Brighton with all sincerity. If there is ever any way we can repay this kindness, let us know," Kal said as a tear ran down his cheek.

Curt nodded to Paul who then went inside the house and returned moments later, carrying Brighton's crystal orb. Paul walked back to Kal and handed him the orb. Kal walked over to the wagon and handed one of the caravaners the filled orb. Kal then motioned for another caravaner to hand him Fillmore's orb, which he then bestowed upon Paul.

"Let it be known today that Curt, Paul, and all of Brighton are forever marked as loyal friends of Fillmore," Kal announced loudly.

Everyone cheered. The wagon driver cracked the reins and set off toward the town center to rejuvenate the town's crystal chalice with the myrrh from Brighton's orb. Mark pulled Curt aside.

"I'm going to accompany you all on the remainder of your journey...if that is ok with you that is..." Mark said.

"My friend, it's more than ok...it's an honor to have you with us," Curt replied, and then he embraced Mark.

Autumn and Paul both walked over to join their two friends.

"So how are we going to get more myrrh?" Autumn asked.

"They said the Costa Mira Cliffs tree was guarded. I guess we should leave as soon as possible and head for the Southern Forest myrrh tree," Paul suggested.

"The quickest route there would be through the Dead Forest and Moleville," Mark noted.

"Moleville..." Curt mused to himself hesitantly.

"We'd better finish eating and then prepare to leave," Paul said as he put a hand on Curt's shoulder.

The four friends turned to go back inside. As they walked back to the house, Autumn noticed a lone tear fall from Curt's eye.