As we walk along, we all call out. Some of us just say, "The dragon is back, the dragon has come again!" Some of us grow sillier and sillier. Aigua laughs at something she's said. She squeezes Crald's hand and he gives her a kiss on the cheek. Every time someone hears the serious sentiment, they repeat it and rally their people. In no time, we have Senguilies, a short fire-breathing sort of dog; Drulario, which are tall beautiful tree women with very sharp dagger-like fingers; Centrallu, which are willowy elven creatures well trained in archery. We reach the entrance to the tunnels, where we first came in and smelled brimstone. The funny thing is that I do not notice the scent anymore. I press hard on the space where I know that the door is. I push it open, and my chest swells with a shimmering, sparkling happiness. I wish that I could put this feeling into words, burn this moment into my memory forever. I have successfully gathered many people and or creatures, rallied them all to my cause. This is true happiness. For this moment, everything is perfect.

Unfortunately, the feeling does not last long. It takes us half the time to journey, because there are creatures that we can ride upon. Maye alone can carry twenty on her back and another ten on each wing. My mother goes from queen to army general in a matter of seconds, directing everyone. She knows of a massive cave below ground where everyone can stay. She opens the door and everyone goes in. I tell them to wait, and then form ranks when they hear the church bells. They are to, as soon as possible, swoop in and  save me from the horror known as marriage. I walk the last few minutes to the Green Dragon castle alone. I do not mind at all. The cave seemed massive and cozy. My mother spent a lot of time exploring here in her youth, and she says that the cave is warm. She knows her way through the tunnel network that leads to the kitchen. They will be comfortable and warm, with light hearts and full stomachs. I run my finger over my ring and down to the bracelet, and my armor vanishes. I walk through the hole in the dungeon wall and step cheerfully out into the cell. But I am not alone. Everett is waiting for me.