"So, why are you here, Ondal?" R.D. asked.
"To warn you," the being replied.
"Warn me. Great," R.D. spat dryly, "Never to congratulate on a job well done. You Artisans are all the same. Never respecting those doing... your..." he trailed off.
R.D. blinked. Okay, what the hell was that?
Ondal, however, was smiling. "So, it seems they're already returning to you, just as I said."
R.D. stared at the Artisan. "Okay, so now what? That Principality brat said I had to return home. Any way off this island?" he asked.
"Yes. There was an old fishing village on this island. It's nearby. You'll be able to find a boat there."
R.D. nodded, then turned to Alasea when she groaned. She opened her eyes and looked at R.D., then passed out. R.D. frowned. "This better not be some suicide trip, Ondal," he said as he turned back around. "Ondal?"
The Artisan had disappeared.
"... dammit."