It was now three months later and Chris was frowning at Ian's back. Some things just didn't change.

“Hey, I have a question,” called out Julia, walking a few steps behind the group. “If half the blazing army’s on you two’s tails, how come no one stopped us when we got here?”

Winter replied without breaking her pace: “The Frontier isn’t that heavily guarded outside the official building of the Aurora Opening.”

“There were Hunters here too, but they owed me,” said Ian, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “I asked them to... what's the word in English... scram.”

Julia gave him a strange look, mumbled “No one says that ever”, but by then they had reached the illegal Opening’s location and Ian got too distracted to hear her. Winter knocked on the familiar small door, which opened without any questions this time. From what Chris could notice, the inside was the same as he remembered it, albeit without a soul present.

Winter thanked the gatekeeper and Ian asked, “Do only the Hunters know right now?”

“Your father is discreet ‘bout family affairs.” The gnome looked at them from under his thick eyebrows. “Hurry up, I've got a big party comin' up in a few!”

“What is this about?” asked Chris as Winter headed for the door next to the counter.

“Not now.” She then raised her voice, “Rodney, do you have three sweatshirts for us? Charged. And…” she looked around at Chris, Daniel and Julia over. “Yes, and two pairs of boots. We'll pay the extra.”

The gnome looked up at her, frowning deeply. She waited until he murmured, “Shoe size?”