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Garnelia was a large country, nearly as big as Shiezin, though it was longer east-to-west than north-to-south. It was located to the west of Shiezin, and pretty much entirely forest. It was abundant in wildlife, and the group was never in want of fresh meat over their fires.

They had begun their journey on the first day of the new year, and Spring in Garnelia was, according to Kyrie, one of the best times to be there. The weather was warm without being hot, and though it did rain with regularity, their progress was not hampered by the weather but rather by Kyrie's insistence that they remain undetected for as long as possible. Twice they ran into people who were injured and trying to escape the country, though none of them were injured nearly as badly as the man who had made it to Makshim had been. Kyrie gave them prompt medical attention, followed by directions to Shiezin and instructions to look for Ahkshi once they arrived.

Finally, nearly two weeks into their trek, just when some of the group was beginning to wonder how far they would have to go, Kyrie announced that they were nearly there.

"Two more days will get us to my friends' house," she told them as they set up their camp for the night. "But this is probably one of the most dangerous areas. The city is nearby, and we have to pass it. I hope that we're far enough away from it not to be detected, but we will need to keep extra vigilance for tonight at least."

Andarien was sitting on the ground, already half asleep. After their flight on Uruloki from Caras Galadhon to Makshim and then their few days of rest there, he had gotten used to not being as physically active, and the last two weeks had taken a toll on him - as they had on everyone else, as well.

"I don't think I'll be any good," he mumbled, pushing his goggles aside and rubbing his eyes.

Kyrie smiled faintly. She didn't think she would trust keeping watch to him, anyways. "I can watch for a few hours," she said, turning back to the others, "but I need some solid sleep."

It was true, even she had felt the effects of the pace they'd been keeping and it showed on her.

"I can take a turn," Wren spoke up. "I've been holding up pretty well, I think."

"And I as well," Earendil added with a nod.

"Four shifts should be enough," Kyrie nodded. "Good. Let's keep our camp as small as we can, keep the fire down. Whoever's keeping watch, circle around, don't keep to one spot. Two hours, wake the next person, get some rest."

"You should sleep first," Earendil spoke up, looking at their guide. "You really look like you could use it."

Gratefulness flashed across Kyrie's face, and she smiled warmly. "Thanks. I'll take the last shift then, I'm used to getting up early and it will give me time to get ready before we go."

"I'll take first shift then," Earendil offered.

Wren looked at Lin. "That leaves you and me. I don't care which shift I take, so I'll let you pick. Second or third?"

"Sounds good," Wren nodded. "Let's get things ready, then."

Lancaeriel set about preparing some dinner for them all while the others set up the tents, and Andarien let his Pokemon out to get some exercise - cautioning them, of course, to stay close.

As soon as dinner was ready, Lancaeriel served everyone, and once Earendil had eaten he gathered his weapons and kissed Lin on the cheek.

"Rest up," he told her with a gentle smile. "I'll see you in a few hours."

Within a short amount of time, the fire was put out, things were cleaned up, and everyone went to sleep. All became quiet and still.

The sun was already up when Kyrie stirred from her sleep, and her first thought was, I missed my shift. Then her mind cleared and she realized the implications of what that meant. There were only two possibilities, after all.

Either someone had fallen asleep while watching ... or else someone who had been watching had been captured.

She had shared a tent with Wren and Lancaeriel for the night while the Aldrich family had shared the other, and a quick glance told her that Wren was fast asleep under her blanket. She had probably not been woken for her watch.

That left either Lin or Earendil.

Her heart pounding, she hurried to the other tent to see if one of them was missing. She pulled back the flap and poked her head inside. She first saw Miyuki, then Andarien, and then Lin ... but not Earendil.

"Lin," she said, reaching out and poking Lin's blanket with her foot. "Lin, did Earendil come back after his shift last night?"

Kyrie paled. "Get everyone up and fed," she told Lin without worrying about politeness. "I'll go check things out, but I want us ready to move as soon as possible. Go!"

And she vanished out of the tent and headed off to see what she could find.

Eon woke up at the voices and nosed Andarien awake, and Andarien groaned and pulled his pillow over his head. "Can't be time to get up already," he muttered groggily.

Andarien rubbed his eyes and sat up. "Why ready to go?" he mumbled. "Maybe he just wanted to let you sleep."

Eon went around to wake the other Eeveelutions, which were the only ones aloud out in the tent. Ponydash had to stay in his Pokeball when they were inside the flammable shelters.

Andarien had to squint as Miyuki pulled back the flap and let in the morning sun, and it was the bright light that finally convinced him that there was indeed something to worry about. Even if his father had simply decided to watch the entire night and let everyone else sleep, he would have been back when the sun came up so that they could all be together.

"I hope he's okay," he muttered as he started rolling up his blanket.

By the time they finished packing up and were ready to take down the tent, Wren and Lancaeriel were also doing the same. It was then that Kyrie returned, and her expression was grim.

Kyrie exhaled slowly. "Well, there's good news and there's bad news," she said quietly. "Which do you want first?"

"The good news!" Andarien said anxiously, hurrying over.

Wren and Lancaeriel also came closer to see what had happened.

Kyrie nodded. "The good news. He is alive, and as best as I can tell, unhurt."