Day 4

Neither Matthew nor Miriam had said anything to each other about their encounters. Both had resolved to do their best to adapt to their circumstances, but each for a different reason — Matthew to survive until he could get them home; Miriam to prepare for her future in Nystria, where she wanted to stay. She hoped Karla and Tristan would return as planned, so she could give Lord Mayor Edward an answer for the entire group.

For his part, Matthew simply did not know how to broach the subject with Miriam, nor did he know how she would react. His gravest fear was that she would choose to stay, but also refuse to submit to Kranos, which would lead to her death in Nystria and, far more frighteningly, in the Real World as well. He had to find a way to convince her to return to the Real World, and to forgive his actions in the Game World, should he need to actually consummate his marriage.

"What did you two discover?" Milos asked at breakfast.

"Between us," Miri replied, "the city plan, including the sewers, and some important arcana that will allow us to increase the power and duration of my spells. How about you?"

"Information about the Razor Claws, including their leader having been a lieutenant in the King's Guard. There is a Royal bounty on each of them, which we missed due to trying to infiltrate them. I suggest we explore the town and get to know people while we await Tristan and Karla."

That suited Miriam because she knew she had to have a conversation with Matthew about the future. Matthew felt the same way, and so, after breakfast, he suggested to Miriam that they explore together. She quickly agreed.

"I know how we're being held here," Matthew said once they were alone. "Staying is NOT an option."

"Why?" Miriam asked, unsure about what else to say.

"First of all, I really need a shower! Using a rag and a bowl of water is just not cutting it!"

Miriam laughed, happy that Matthew would make a joke, even though he was unhappy.

"The food sucks, too!" he added.

Miriam laughed again.

"I can't argue with either of those," she said. "But I'm sure that's not what's bothering you."

"It's not." Matthew slowed as a pair of merchants shouldered past, then spoke more quietly. "Kranos wants you as his apprentice and concubine, and if I don't bring you to him, we'll both die in the Real World."

Miriam's stride faltered. "Die for real."

"In Ohio. Comas — both of us, if he gets his way." Matthew touched the talisman through his tunic. "I was so afraid I made a deal with his brother, Tranos. This wards me from Kranos' spells, for now. Tranos also told me what's holding us here — a geis, anchored to some kind of device. A glass globe, like a snowglobe: water, silver shavings, tiny figurines of us inside."

She stopped beside a shuttered stall, forcing him to face her. "Our bodies are there while we're here."