Willy was glad to help when he heard about Astron’s secret departure. He was also surprised that Astron was going alone, but agreed with the reasons behind it when given. With that task done, they carried on with their day in the usual way, though they knew it was anything but usual. It was Astron’s last full day in Saurahall before he left, possibly never to return, as Alyssa had pointed out. Rob could not get used to the idea of being in charge of the Guard all by himself, but he felt he could at least spend one last day with his friend, his only true friend aside from Johnny, in case he did not come back. And a pleasant day it was.
They spent the morning on their usual patrol, then took lunch in the southwest tower top. They had a fine time of it and chatted idly as they ate. Their con
