Despite Katelina's protest, he didn't stop until they reached the edge of the jungle. Ume and Kai were waiting patiently, and Loren was notably absent. No doubt he'd run at the first opportunity.

Verchiel shrugged Katelina off and Ume asked with a note of concern, "Did you find them?"

"Yes, and then we left," Katelina said irritably.

Ume looked horrified and Verchiel said quickly, "It was nothing like that. He's on his way back, so I thought it was a good idea ...