Oliver followed Crane to the Eastern Gate of the city, where he reunited with Aldric and Kelley. They ran up to him the moment they saw him, both talking at once and smiling ear to ear in relief. Oliver was just as happy to see them.
Crane did not say anything to any of them. Oliver had been sure he would use the opportunity for a lecture, but instead he just turned and led the way out of Oxton and back to Camp Bracken. The three recruits marched behind him, talking quietly. A host of fireflies swarmed around them as they walked. Their dim, bobbing lights skated lazy paths through the warm night, disappearing and reappearing ahead, like lanterns guiding the way.
"So, what happened to you two?" Oliver asked quietly.
“There isn't much more to tell," Aldric said. “After we were separated
