"I understand the risks," Dr. Sharon spoke softly into the radio handset. She was seated hidden at one corner of the tavern with two Marines covering her. The rest were purposely speaking loudly to mask her usage of the radio to the public's eyes. "But if he truly is part of the Third Prince of the Iron Kingdom's retinue, it would be a lot easier for us to travel within their territory. Over."

"I am still worried about the dangers that he would pose to everyone there," Blake's voice came through clearly in the radio's headphones. "And the QRF would not be able to force their way through into the city fast enough if shits happens. Over."

"We know," Dr. Sharon peeked a glance over at the elf claiming to be the Chief Knight of the Third Prince of the Iron Kingdom. "But having an ally in the Iron Kingdom would help our mission a lot. And I think we can fool the guards here. Over."

There was a moment of silence on the radio before Blake sounding exasperated came through. "Alright, do what you want. But stay safe! QRF will be standing by at the city's gate to escort you guys once you can leave the city. Blake out."

Dr. Sharon shook her head as she returned the radio set to the Marines. She quickly addressed the rest and informed them of their current situation and plans. The Iron Kingdom Chief Knight had a permanent frown on his face but he mostly kept his silence throughout the discussion and planning, only pointing out some errors in their plans once or twice.

In the end, everyone agreed that having the Chief Knight blend in with their group was the best way to get out of the city once the gates were over. The guards would be on a look out for a golden hair male and would not expect finding in the company of children and a female.

As dawn slowly approached, soldiers of the city guard stormed into the tavern twice. They made a ruckus and searched the entire premised all the while question and threatening the customers and owner of news of an escaped convict.

With cloth hat and golden hair darkened by soot and a set of dirty work jacket, Prince Herod no longer looked like a noble, instead he looked like a drunk tired worker from the steam factories or mines. The city guard soldiers came over and questioned the party and seeing a female and children there, they did not bother them for long before they left.

Seeing the soldiers leaving, everyone let out a a relieved breathe. The once sleepy atmosphere of the tavern changed to excited talks of the escape prisoner and wild rumors and gossips were exchanged. Drinks started flowing again as the once sleepy customers ordered drinks from the happy owner and the tavern turned rowdy again.

Finally after all the excitement, dawn broke. Most of the customers left the tavern and while others ordered breakfast from the morning staff. Dr. Sharon and the rest followed suit and ordered something to eat while the Marine radioman made a quick sitrep back to the Old Ugly. While they were halfway through their meal, the doors of the tavern swung open and a person excitedly shouted, "The gates are open! They are allowing people to leave the city!"

Dr. Sharon exchange a look with everyone and they hurriedly finished their meal before leaving the tavern. The streets were still dimly light as the sun had yet rise over the towering mountain peaks but already people were up and around. Some sweeping the ground around their store fronts, others carrying pails of water drawn from the wells and wagons rolled noisily down the streets filled with cargo.

"Let's leave by the main gate," Dr. Sharon suddenly said. "It should more crowded and will allow him to hide in the crowd!"

"Good idea," Magister Thorn nodded. "Let's go!"

They changed directions and headed towards the main gates and before long, they arrived at the gates and found a large crowd of people waiting for their turn to leave or enter the city. There were also many soldiers milling around the gates and inspections of everyone leaving the city were carried out meticulously.

"Alright, game face on!" Dr. Sharon took a deep breath to calm her nerves and she led the way forward. Despite the strict checks, the crowd passed through the gates quickly and soon it was their turn. Dr. Sharon suddenly found Chief Knight Greyer right beside her and hugging several shopping parcels.

He kept his posture low and used the shopping parcels to partial hide his features, making him look smaller and shorter. The city guards stopped them and they looked at every male before they waved them away with disinterest. And with that, they walked out of the gates unscathed much to surprise of everyone.

"Isn't this too easy?" Claire asked as she scratched her head and sneaked looks behind at the guards. "I thought we would be caught or something!"

"Something must have changed!" Prince Herod said suddenly. "If not they would not just put on a show..."

"So who could be the ones plotting against your Prince?" Dr. Sharon asked curiously. She and the others had raised this question a few times but the Chief Knight did not answer anything. "Could they have succeed in their plot?"

"I have no idea," Prince Herod replied. "But whatever it is, it gave us an opportunity to leave the city."

"I would also be grateful if you could introduce the Captain of your ship to me," Prince Herod said. "I would like to buy passage into the Iron Kingdom onboard your ship."

"Well, I do not know if he would agree to your request," Dr. Sharon frowned. "But I wouldn't mind introducing you to him."

As they heading down towards the air field, several bulky people appeared and formed up around them without a word. Prince Herod caught sight of the large servant gave a nod to one of the newcomers and he realized that they were guards of some kind just judging by their build and the way they held themselves.

He cast a look at the female called Sharon and wondered if she was some kind of noble lady. He knew the men around her deferred to her words and also treated her with a great deal of respect while she herself seemed to possess a whole lot of knowledge that only one could only afford with a noble background. And there was this aura around her that felt unworldly to him. It served to make him very curious and interested in knowing her more.

Finally, they reached the air field after a good amount of walking done. He stared up with undisguised horror at the ghastly painted abomination of an air ship that stood out brightly among the other parked ships.

Dr. Sharon seeing the Iron Kingdom Chief Knight's mouth hanging out, let out a giggle and said, "Welcome, Sir Knight... To the Old Ugly!"

-----

Captain Blake observed the tall handsome looking elf that stood before him. Blake narrowed his eyes at the elf who called himself Greyer, under the service of the Iron Kingdom's Third Prince.

The knight spoke a whole of things involving a plot against his Prince and honor and duty that Blake barely even listened with half an ear. Finally, the knight finished his words and eyed Blake with a expectant look which made Blake feel like kicking him off his ship for some reasons unknown.

It must be the aristocratic arrogance that oozed out from from his every gesture and posture, though Blake. Or was it that smirk on his face?

"Ahem..." Dr. Sharon cough lightly into her hand and quickly covered up the awkward silence. "Well, Captain, what do you think? Since we are going into the Iron Kingdom to look for business opportunities... Maybe...?"

"I wouldn't brag but if you help me return to the Capital," The Chief Knight patted his chest as a gesture of promise. "I can provide you with connections to the trader guilds and middle people. And of course, I am certain that... my Prince also greatly reward you for your help."

Blake rubbed his face as he considered the Knight's words. He noticed Dr. Sharon giving him the 'please agree' look and wondered if she somehow had fallen for this elf to be taking his side. He shook his head and sighed before he said, "Alright, but you will be confined to your quarters for the entire journey except for meal and exercise times."

"I do not want you running around the ship and interfering with the crew!" Blake stated his conditions. "If there is a need to move around, you will be escorted at all times by my guards."

"If you can't agree to these terms, than feel free to find another ship to travel," Blake said bluntly. "My ship, my rules."

The Chief Knight's face turned slight red with anger but he suppressed it in and forced a smile instead, "Of course, Captain, your ship, your rules. I humbly agree to your conditions."

"Good," Blake nodded and gestured to a Marine posing as a crew member. "Take him to one of the empty cabins and keep an eye on him."

"Yes sir!" The Marine caught himself from saluting which made Prince Herod raise an eyebrow at the strange actions. "This way, sir!"

After the Chief Knight left the bridge with the Marine escorts, Blake turned and faced Dr. Sharon and asked. "What is this all about? Aren't you too old to go swooning around like a little girl?"

"Nonsense!" Dr. Sharon blushed. "Oh well, he is good, no, great looking! But I still am a professional! I know when is work and when is play!"

Blake shook his head and said, "That guy is more than what he say he is."

"I know," Dr. Sharon grinned. "In fact, I think he is the Prince himself!"

"No shit?" Blake grinned back. "What makes you think so?"

"Oh, the way he speaks and holds himself," Dr. Sharon shook her head. "If he is an actor, he probably won't make it big any time soon."

"I thought you would be blinded by his... great looks," Blake continued to smile. "And yes, I do think he is the Third Prince. Is this the real reason you want to help him?"

"Yup," Dr. Sharon nodded. "Getting the good will of a Prince... It sure can open many doors for us."

"That is true," Blake conceded the point. "Still, if someone is plotting against him, we might get caught up in something that we do not want to be entangled in."

"If they know he is here," Dr. Sharon replied.

"That is a big risk we are taking..." Blake frowned. "But still I trust your judgement."

"Thank you, Richard," Dr. Sharon replied. "I am doing this because, I trust that with the Prince's help, we can cross the border into the Protectorate lands easier... Or even gather news of Sherene's whereabouts with his help..."

Blake nodded. "That I didn't thought of. Hmmm... We shall see what is his help is worth once we cross the borders."

Blake checked his time piece and said, "We still got six hours before our turn to cross the Pass. Get some rest, you got panda eyes already."

"Oh dear!" Dr. Sharon quickly pat her eyes. "Alright, I shall go get some rest. Ganbatte!"

Blake shook his head at the doctor and turned to stare out of the view ports towards the city of Iron Gate. He thought of the plot against the Third Prince and wondered if he made the correct choice in agreeing to ferry him to the Capital of the Iron Kingdom.

"Trism," Blake called out to his XO cum Intelligence Officer. "See what you can find out about this plot against the Third Prince."

"And also... Keep a close eye on that guy... I don't trust him at all!"