"Tiber, Cove is awake and on his way," Kano returned. "And Aqila, Boaz is asking for you." As Kano exited, Aqila dashed out of the tent at the speed of light. Tiber smiled. Who would have ever thought that a Windmaster and a Landkeeper could be such good friends? Moments passed, and Cove entered the tent, rubbing the back of his head.

"What happened," Tiber hurried to his side.

"I got knocked out. That's the short version."

"Who was tailing Aqila?"

"Don't know, whoever it was, they were so nimble. I think it was a Windmaster. A huge blast of wind knocked me back, and I hit my head on a tree trunk. Are you okay? How are things between you and Aqila?"

"We're over the past and are going forward. You were right about having information of interest to her. She seems really interested in Neptune. She thinks it was a poison that killed Elder Akay, the same stuff I used on her. Aqila even said that it was used on the Golden Eyed Legend."

"We must get more information from Sita and Chelan at the summer festival."

"My thoughts exactly," Aqila returned with Boaz. "But you're going to have to be careful. Tiber's tribe is still looking for her and could seize her at the festival if you're not careful."

"She's going with me, so she'll be safe," Cove brushed off Aqila's warning.

"I'm serious, Cove. You don't even have half of it. The last time a leader brushed me off, they wished they hadn't. Nahal is willing to go to extremes to silence Tiber, so it is safe to assume that Neptune is as well. Neptune has a powerful ally in Agnes. Agnes, who wants to kill all of the Legends!"

"That's Agnes' motivation? Then what is Neptune after," Cove asked.

"That's what I'm trying to find out. Something is linking them together. If this keeps up, all of the nations are going to be swept up in this chaos. Just be careful, okay. If I have any insights pertaining to this. I'll reach out. Boaz, are you ready?"

"Yeah, let's go. It was a pleasure to meet you, Cove and Tiber." The Landkeeper and Windmaster left the tent and hurried to Talon. They flew up over the Jungle tribe, taking in the breathtakingly lush views.

"Who was that man, Aqila? He was so strong, I mean, was he a part of the WindGuard?"

"No, he wasn't. I don't know who he really is or what he wants. All I know is that he wasn't trying to hurt me. He actually kept asking me to let him off."

"I mean, you are a powerful Windmaster...."

"No, he could have hurt me if he wanted to. He was stronger than me, and his fighting techniques were more advanced than mine. I have to consistently evade and use my smaller frame to outmaneuver him. We ended in a stalemate because he stopped the fight."

"Okay, you definitely need to talk to Kavi about this," Boaz exclaimed.

"I know, and I will. Bo, have you seen Waterbearers in Theyra?"

"No, why?"

"Because Neptune is sending Waterbearers to Theyra to pick up vials of that paralyzing poison. Tiber told me about it. I don't know why I didn't think about it before. I was in Theyra when I got poisoned. I can't believe that I overlooked that fact. Maybe Neptune is supporting one side of the war or something."

"It's possible. Aqila, I need you to drop me off at the Theyra Ember border, and I need to go home."

"Do you know something?"

"I've gotta stop this war. If it doesn't stop, we will never slow Neptune down. If we can slow Neptune down, that will leave Agnes vulnerable."

"Boaz, how do you plan to stop a war that has been going on for several years?"

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course, but I don't want you to die due to the lack of a good plan!"

"Hear me out. Let me at least get both sides to agree to a ceasefire. Then I'll tell you everything. Until then, I have got to do this on my own."

"What's the point of friendship if I'm just going to let you go off on this death mission alone?"

"You're not letting me go off on a death mission alone. You're letting me fulfill my purpose, chase my special destiny. Jai, Tora, Sheraga, the Flamethrowers, and Cahya, are all fighting for the sake of their people. Tiber is fighting for her tribe. And you, Aqila, are trying to help the other nations and to keep your people from being dragged into a complete mess. As much as I want to help you, Jai, and Tiber, I must help my people first. As a Landkeeper, I owe them that. Just drop me off at the border. That'll be fine."

"I can do better. I'll drop you off at home. And if you need anything, I'll be there."

"Thanks, Aqila. You know, sometimes I wonder if Ila and Basir had a friendship like ours."

"We may never know for sure, but I think ours is better. Because I know that we won't allow anyone to burn the bridge between us."

"No, we won't. Do you think you can help Tiber before the end of the thirty-one days?"

"I have a plan to catch Nahal, regardless of finding out Neptune's identity. I need to tie up a few loose ends, and I know the perfect person to help me with that."

"Do you think that man will tail you again?"

"I'm not sure, but I know his signature now."

"His signature? What's that?"

"Red feathers, his dasher sheds feathers a lot. He's dyed them red. I don't know what that symbolizes. Either way, he wasn't trying to harm me. Until I know anything else, it would be better to leave him be."

"Be careful while I'm gone, Aqila."

"I will. And don't go getting yourself into too much trouble. Be careful not to fan the flames of either side unless there is a clear right or wrong."

"Of course, Storm, of course."

In the tribe of Snow and Ice, Sita was preparing to retire for the evening. She set her curly hair free, knees weak, fell to the floor, and cried. It was a pain that had been wearing on her for a long time. Through everything that's been going on, she's tried to stay strong. But she could no longer keep her facade in the confines of her own abode. This is what she asked for, to be a medic? Yes, but only because she thought that she could make a difference.

"Sita," Chelan rushed into her tent and slowly sat on his knees. His heart broke into a thousand pieces upon hearing her cry. Those beautiful steel blue eyes were no longer dancing with happiness, which killed him. He pulled her into his strong arms and felt every ounce of pain radiating from her body. "You did everything that you could do. We all know that. Please don't cry. Please."

She sobbed into his shoulder, "They're dying, and I can't save them. I just want it to stop. I feel so useless right now."

Chelan looked at her and wiped her tears, "You are not useless. No one here feels that you are useless. You are so brave, smart, and beautiful; I'm proud of you."

Sita pulled away from Chelan and continued to wipe her face.

"I just wasn't expecting it so soon. I thought I had more time. I almost lost both, but I was able to save one. My heart is just so heavy that it hurts. I'm so tired of this. I'm tired of people dying and losing friends and family. I'm willing to give up everything and start again if it would save lives."

"You know, I've never understood what life looked like in the lair until now. It weighs on me that we are the only tribe going through this. The main thing that makes us different from the other two tribes is our beliefs. I know it is hard to say, but what if there's something we are doing wrong. Maybe that's it. Sita, you know I'm trying my best. I'm giving you and your cause my all. I wish I had something else to give-"

"No, you've given much, and I appreciate it. It means the world to me. Thank you," Sita sighed.

They both looked to the opening flap to see Nahal's angry face. "Excuse me, Chelan, do you not know tribe laws? You should never be in a tribe sister's tent alone with her. You're not engaged or married. I let you slide the first time with your baseless claim. Now, you've got a second offense."

Sita was in rage, "Nahal-"

"You're the one making baseless claims. I'm following tribe law because I asked for Sita's hand in marriage, brother. Since you're not one to believe what your brother says, you can always ask my father about the accuracy of my' claim'," Chelan stood to his feet and walked toward Nahal in a threatening manner.

Chelan was far taller and broader than Nahal, and the hostile atmosphere made Nahal take a step back, "Well, that's problematic. I was actually going to ask Sita for her hand this very evening. I hoped we would enjoy each other's company during the summer festival."

Sita's mouth dropped, and her throat felt dry. What game was the two of them playing? She understood Chelan not trying to get in trouble with Nahal again, but this? And Nahal, what are they thinking? "Um-um, well... the summer festival is in two days. I will let you know whose proposal I will accept tomorrow. And please, neither of you will approach me tomorrow. Don't try to sway my decision. Nahal, you entered without asking, which is against tribe customs, so please leave."

Nahal bowed his head, "As you wish, my dear."

Chelan watched Nahal walk away with his head down. He dragged across through the tribe hub. As he came closer to his tent, Chelan turned to Sita. When he saw her angry face, he asked, "What?"

"How could you do that? I had it under control. Why would you say something like that? Now, you've got Nahal feeling all competitive, and you've made a situation! What if he had called your bluff? What if he had asked your father? Did you think about that?" Sita trembled with upset.

"I didn't lie, Sita. I saw him coming weeks ago. It must be a man thing. I knew that Nahal was trying to appeal to you. I told you that I would protect you, that I only trusted your care in my hands. He could have called bluff all he wanted," Chelan turned to leave, "but there was no bluff to be called. I'll honor your wishes. I won't approach you tomorrow. Good night."

Sita lay on her bed. She wished that her father were with her. He would have told her what to do. Sita wasn't sure if she wanted to marry. Due to the Moon Curse, medic women were not allowed to have children. She wasn't sure if she wanted to marry because of this. Nahal was not an option, especially after discovering his plotting and manipulating. But she promised Tiber that she would get close to Nahal. She wanted Tiber to come back and have her name cleared. Does that mean choosing Nahal? Then there was Chelan. She trusted him, and they were friends. There was mutual care between them, but love? She didn't know. She couldn't be sure what was the right thing to do. She just wanted to talk to someone.

She couldn't sleep. Sita changed into her clothes and hurried to the elder's tent. She asked for permission to enter, and it was granted. However, Sita was shocked to see Yas and Mahak there, and they looked shocked to see her as well. The cerulean-eyed brothers began to take their leave.

"Good night," she greeted them. They both bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Tiber looked about the elders. Some were eating, some were asleep, but the one she was seeking was wide awake.

"Elder Jorah, how are you?" Sita hurried to his bed.

He sat a little taller and smiled with his bronze, wrinkled cheeks. His deep blue eyes were filled with wisdom, exactly what Sita needed. "I'm happy you've come to see me. I must admit, things have been lonely without Akay. I miss my wife very much."

"I know Elder Jorah. I miss her too, and I could use her advice now."

He laughed, "I can see. Why don't you tell me what's going on? I may not understand, but a listening ear wouldn't hurt your situation, would it?"

"Of course not! It's about two tribesmen. They both asked for my hand in marriage. One I don't really trust, and the other is my friend. The one that I don't really trust, he can help my tribe sisters the best. My friend, he's just that. I'm not sure if there's love between us in a husband and wife way."

"Is that so? I can see your situation, especially as a medic. You want someone to help your tribe, just as you help. But does your heart sing for the untrustworthy one?"

"No, not at all! But, I'm not sure if my heart is singing for my friend, either."

"Sita, friendship is the base of love. If he's not your friend, he can't really love you. He may be in love with the idea of you. You want a husband who values and respects you, lifts you up when you are down, and wipes your tears when you cry. You want a man that builds you when you are broken. Many women choose a man for his accomplishments, for the obstacles he's conquered. And that is fine if he loves you. But there is nothing wrong with choosing a good man for nothing other than the fact that he loves you and is trying his best to be the best man that he can."

"Thank you, Elder Jorah, you've been a great help," Sita stood up and turned to leave. At that moment, she knew exactly what she needed to do. As she headed back to her tent, she looked at the moon. It seemed so far away. Yet, she couldn't help but feel empowered whenever she looked at it. "I wonder what would happen if I tried to believe in the higher powers of the Universe. If I relied on the Universe to bless me and provide for my people. What would that be like," she asked herself.

Upon arriving back, she prepared for sleep this time. There was much on her heart and mind. But she didn't feel overwhelmed anymore. Her mind started drifting, and sleep slowly claimed her.

When Sita woke up the following day, she could see the shadow of someone outside of her tent. She groaned to herself. Didn't she make it clear to Nahal and Chelan that she didn't want either of them trying to sway her attention? She shook her head and decided to leave whoever it was outside. Sita washed up and prepared her clean clothes for the day. As she left the tent, she was surprised to see the eyes of Yas.

"Good morning Sita. How are you?"

"I'm well, and you?"

"I just wanted to accompany you to the medicine lair," Yas explained.

"Thank you, but I'm fine. It would be improper to pull the tribe's lead guard when I'm perfectly capable of walking there myself."

Yas bowed respectfully and left Sita to walk to the medicine lair. She sighed long and hard. "It's going to be a long day."