The waves hammered the large tree as it floated through the sea. The current was driving it toward the shore, aided by the kicking and paddling of the few people clinging to it. Cleo had managed to pull herself up onto the trunk. Gaius and two other students were partially submerged, propelling the tree to shore. Cleo attempted to cut a branch to use as an oar, but most of the tree's top was missing, the victim of an errant lightning strike. She gave up after a while and tried to paddle with her hands as best she could.

They floated for more than an hour before Cleo sighted land. They redoubled their efforts and soon were collapsed on a beach, resting from the ordeal.

Soon other residents of the island washed up on shore. Many were only bodies, or too far gone to save. Gaius searched the survivors for signs of Corentin, but couldn't find him. Many of the teachers had perished in the fight, but many of the students had survived.

When their number reached over a hundred, they headed inland. King Gradlon had survived, they said, and was establishing a new capital away from the water. With no food and little water, the castaways marched onward.

“What should we do?” Cleo asked Gaius.

“Just keep going, I suppose. When we get to civilization we can decide where to go.”

“What should we do about Maddie? Something was definitely wrong with her. I saw her attack Tereus but then she left with him.”

Gaius thought about it for a long time.

“First we need to get somewhere safe, with other people. Then we need to figure out our resources. Then we'll use them to save Maddie, or at least to figure out if she needs saving.”

“She does. I'm sure of it.”

“Then we should hurry up so we can help her.”

They walked on on relative quiet and in a few days arrived at the new city. There was much to do.