The main thing you notice about Dakota Spring is how big the gate is. The small walled city surrounding the Gate, Kurt had been here before but having gotten used to their more modestly sized gates, he started to think it was over done. It was three city blocks wide and five stories tall, that's a bit unnecessary. Having come around the town to get into the main gate, you could see both sides of the two dimensional portal, one looked out to jungle landscape, protected by a different wall, while the main side showed, in the distance, Brightflame castle. It was odd looking. Through the portal as the perspective changes, like a living photo.

The large menacing keep had tall towers, and sharp edges. Its size made the rest of the settlement seem tiny, even though there was a series of smaller keeps around the edge of the city.

Last time Kurt was here he was just a customer, for one of the lowest mana waters, instead of the prisoner he was. It seemed to long ago, he could almost see where he went through the gate. The trip had taken another day as well, they were arriving in the morning. Apparently that was all timed for the convenience of Clan Lord Tyson, who was basically King Tyson as Kurt understood it. But apparently you get to choose your title at that level. It was going to be a whole ordeal, and Kurt felt that the ordeal wasn't going to end with whatever they were planning for them today. That castle definitely had a dungeon, if any castle did. Which Kurt somehow felt he was going to be very acquainted with soon.

Even if they were technically in the right it won't matter if the judge is the clan leader, so all the rules were theirs to change. It was a very bleak outlook for Kurt. He figured Layla was so calm because she just didn't want to give them the satisfaction of losing her cool. There was no way for Kurt to fight his way out, they had a lot of guards and he knew most of them had some powers, and the Nobles of the clan would probably all be there. It would be a full rodeo against, just Kurt, with no sword, no spear. And Layla, they were going to be forced to do something, and there was nothing Kurt could do about it.

The town was seemingly normal as they passed by, children playing, people going to and from this place and that. Simple lives free of all this even though there was a giant gate right in front of them. This must all seem just normal to them.

"Kurt stop looking so glum," said Arthur, "the deal isn't going to be that bad."

"For you."

"Kurt it will be okay, trust me," said Layla, "I told you I'd handle all the politics."

"This is a little different."

"Is it?" said Layla.

Sometimes Layla got on Lurt nerves when she was like this. She knew what was happening more than anyone, this isn't like making an official date, which probably wasn't going to be happening now. Probably worse than that, even in the best case scenario she wouldn't be able to do anything with someone from the fire clan, or under their control. He might never see her again. Kurt stared out the window, thinking about Talia's legs. Better than thinking of his current situation, at least they couldn't take away the memories — as far as he knew. Why let that thought creep in there? Mind powers aren't really out of the question here are they?

And Kurt couldn't even imagine a good scenario, passing through the gate, hoping for a miracle, maybe a bunch of those Giant Lizard Ants will just come crushing into those walls to save him. That was possible right? In an abstract way. Or like another horde of goblins, orcs, or some monster, a sprawling monster invasion. Kurt could escape in the crowd and somehow get out.

Unfortunately none of those things seemed to be happening on his way to the castle. At least he knew they weren't going to kill him, at least that's what Arthur said. He should have just stayed with Jacob or something. Thinking back Kurt also feel like none of this was his fault, what else could have he done. Hire more guards for one, bring his sword everywhere for two, and maybe not be so obvious with the dinners for three.

They had finally gotten to the main gate of the castle and exited the carriage they were in, smaller than the one Kurt was used to of course, no bunks for sleeping. At least it seemed they were going to know quickly, and not have to wait a week in some cell. Layla seemed pleased with that treatment as well. He could tell she was forgetting, a little more nervous than usual, that helped Kurt a little, the break in her facade made him feel a little more like they were in it together. That she seemed to start realizing what could happen here.

They made their way into the main Keep, and through a hallway, up some stairs, and there was a throne room, with an empty throne, but there seemed to be a lot of nobles there, of various ranks. Waiting for them. Kurt had seen this before but never with only humans actually, normally they were goblins. Somehow that seemed a lot better to Kurt. There were whispers coming from the crowd. It's a lot different from this side isn't it, thinking of the times he would have been standing next to the throne, relaxed, the opposite of how he was now.

They were waiting for Clan Lord Tyson, Arthur had told them. He knew this was a power tactic, and they were the center of the room with the crowd snickering at them. Nothing outright to them, but Kurt could tell they were mocking them. Enjoying their win over them. It made Kurt sick, none of these people probably did anything to even catch them.

And the time had finally come, a door from behind the throne room opened louder, and everyone went silent, a large brute of a man, in fine clothing and fiery red cloak, with white trim that had speckles of black, he wore a crown. It was a Clan Lord Tyson, and the crowd had bowed and so did Layla, then Kurt.

It was about to begin.

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