Chapter Text
They spend another day in the BuhBayou. Some of it is taking down the few wood planks left, more in fixing up the farms, then getting the harbor cleaned up, the lighthouse working again, people take time off before going to their jobs again. Work starts on the castle, many hands joining in.
The Jebediah and the Infinights leave. They promise a place to stay if they choose to go back to Boulderay.
Lord Loamish is still recovering from his long bout of sickness but Lady Sandra helps haul rubble and clear halls of dirt. Tapestries and paintings are stacked in a secure room until they can be fixed.
Mudd has long talks with his parents out in the garden. Kyborg isn't allowed by them and he helps build, or distracts himself in other ways. The future is uncertain.
Kyborg is pulled aside one morning after he eats breakfast with the other guards. He meets the King and Queen out in the gardens. He sits on one of the marble benches and waits for someone to speak first.
"It's been decided that you're allowed to go wherever you want," Lady Sandra says. "Now or some time in the future. You don't have to stay here. You don't have to leave."
"I—Okay..." Kyborg looks between the two.
"There's just one other request," Lord Loamish clasps his hands together. "For now at least, Mudd is still the heir to the throne. If he chooses to take it, we ask that you join him. As a guard, advisor, friend...brother. Whatever it may be. You know him the best."
"I can do that, sir," Kyborg nods. "Is that all?"
"It is, you may go."
Kyborg nods once and gets up. The first thing he does is seek out Mudd, who is sitting in his room. A bag by his side and crown neatly sat on the bed, they looked at each other, then the view from the window.
Kyborg asks: "So. When do we leave?"
Mudd responds: "When does the Jebediah come back?"
Two months becomes the answer. Kyborg is wandering the streets, observing all the renovations, when he sees the ship being unloaded. Marge and him talk, discussing how the Jebediah is now an actual merchant ship for Boulderay, and they make plans. The next morning, he and Mudd stand in front of the tunnel from the castle to the town. They both have their traveling clothes and bags.
Lady Sandra steps forward and kisses each on the forehead, "Be safe, you two. And please, write often." They nod and they promise to do so.
Lord Loamish just says, "Likewise." He pauses, considering something. "Mudd, you've always been such a smart boy. Kyborg...thank you for being around for this family and kingdom. I...hope to see you both again." Mudd gently echoes his sentiment.
"Once again, I see where you got your emotional problems from," Kyborg whispers to Mudd in Elvish. He nods to Lord Loamish, who looks confused, "Thank you, sir. It's been an honor to be here in this castle and the Witherveins."
With little flourishes, they leave. The walk to the docks is calm as they take side streets and shortcuts along the way. Marge greets them happily and lets them on board, showing them the hammocks they'll sleep on below the desk. They express boundless gratitude and promise to help on the ship during the voyage.
For the three-day trip, Mudd helps the on-board cleric in helping cure food poisoning or the occasional and strange case of sea sickness. Kyborg helps barter with people at the few ports they visit, also helping steer since he needs less sleep than the others.
Mudd recognizes the port of Boulderay as they approach it. It's not very big and directly next to a large cliff. Mountains sprout up around, small houses are just visible from the coast.
Crates are unloaded and hooked up to wagons that come down a path off to the side. Mudd and Kyborg take some equipment meant for the Infinights and split off from the sailors. The path is long and steep, eventually tiring both out. Even after that, it's the insane amount of stairs up to their final destination.
The dragonborn at the front desk smiles lightly upon seeing them. He takes the equipment and points them to the common room. All eight of the people they were looking for are in the room and smile upon their arrival. It is like they were never apart.
(And Dr. Ahem pulls each aside, offering sharp weapons if needed. They travel down to the holding cells. He avoids the gaze of his brother and frowns at Suse.
"You are letting us...execute them?"
"I do not believe they can be redeemed. And each hurt you in strong ways."
"You can leave if you want, Doctor."
"I think I will."
And something feels wrong about committing murder. Each member of the team assures them it's part of the job, they deserved it. They talk of revenge.)
Time goes on. They write home. They visit Kyborg's home many times, Mudd's a few. They adventure with the Infinights. They...do a lot of fighting. Some die on purpose (Hugh Männer dies twice, both on purpose. The first time because he was an insane cannibal and the second time because he continued to be an insane cannibal and had joined Entropa's side), others by accident (at least three hamsters, all given graves).
They save Faeza.
And they live.