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In the end, I was thrown from the back of the burdenbeast into the water.

My hindquarters and back burned with pain, and I gagged on the water rushing into my nose.

But it also made me feel like I was truly living on this land, after spending almost half a year traveling across it.

I heard the sound of my life surging.

Summer, 1091

Kazdel

...No more Messenger stations from here on.

Villages become sparse, and bandits become frequent...

I'm afraid we have to part ways here, Savage.

Why?

The region ahead is in turmoil. You'll be in danger, if the mercenaries spot you.

You and Amiya will be in danger too, won't you?

I'll be fine! I've come this far, I'll see your journey through to the end.

Charlotte... thank you.

The Cautus's ears quiver at the mention of her real name. She glances at the Doctor.

A few months is neither long nor short.

True, it comprised only a tiny part of her lifetime, but it was also a span of a few hundred days, filled with countless unforgettable experiences.

Under the setting sun, before the sandbeasts, beneath the eaves. Upon this land.

She had enjoyed the journey, even if she never fully understood her quiet companion, and the many strange and curious ideas that companion had.

The Cautus who goes by the name of Savage sighs. What can she do? She is not as smart as the Doctor.

Will you come and visit, Savage?

Of course!

The Doctor said Babel's new base is being worked on by Billy engineers, right? Maybe we'll see each other soon!

Then... I'll be waiting for you, Savage.

Good girl, Amiya. Now, though, I need to figure out how to take you and the Doctor through the wilderness!

You and Amiya stay here and rest for a while, Doctor. I'll see if the transport hub ahead has any good vehicles for hire.

Doctor.

Whoa!

Do we have time to say goodbye?

The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it gets.

The Cautus girl seems rather determined. It's better for both of you to part ways here.

...I suppose you're right.

We won't wait for Savage?

Sometimes, Amiya, we have to do bad things for good reasons.

We don't want Savage to be in danger, do we? But she doesn't want to leave you.

It's rude to leave without saying goodbye, but that way, Savage won't face danger.

Um...

I promise, we'll get to see her again.

Can I leave a note for Savage? She'll be worried if she comes back to find us gone.

Good thinking. Go ahead and write one.

Okay!

Her Highness wants to meet with you, alone.

Are things not going well? How's Kal'tsit?

Now is not the time.

We'll leave once the girl has written her note.

Alright. Can we trouble you with the note?

Certainly. I'll leave it where she is sure to see it.