A few more weeks went by, which I spent worrying about Steve. I prayed to Ianite that they hadn't tortured him like they had to me. I was also hoping that nobody else would try to rescue me, in case they got captured too.

But honestly, who expected the sky people to stay safe? Danger thrilled them.

Another night, while I was finishing my measly dinner, I heard the intercom turn on. "Merchants from the town of Dagrun have arrived to trade their goods. They are of no threat to us. Guards, please refrain from harming them."

My heart started beating wildly. I stood up and peeked out of the window, but there was nothing to see. For about an hour, I sat, shaking, in my cell. There were only two ways this could end. I was starting to drift off when the sirens started blaring.

Static burst from the speaker, and then a guard's voice sounded. "Attack the merchants! They are trying to break in! There are too many of them to capture, so kill them on sight!"

I suddenly felt very, very sick. Everyone was about to be murdered, not captured, for trying to free me. Why was I such a fool? In my terror, I was only injuring myself more. About half an hour of this passed, but it felt like centuries.

"Guards! Find the merchants immediately! They have just entered the normal prison cells!" They must have been going for Steve first. It was a wise idea, since only he knew where I was. I impatiently tapped my feet on the steel floor until the speaker turned on again.

"GUARDS! ATTACK! THE MERCHANTS HAVE ESCAPED, ALONG WITH ONE OF OUR PRISONERS! CHASE THEM, NOW!" the guard sounded frantic. I felt relief wash over me, as well as a fresh wave of anxiety. Steve was free, and they were alive so far. However, if they were caught now, all of them would be killed. And what about when they rescued me? I could barely stand up, let alone run with them. I'd get us all slain!

A few minutes later, I spotted movement through the small window. The lights on the edges of the path lit up their faces. I could see Steve leading the way, with Sparklez and Tom close behind. I got a glimpse of the other three, and then someone else. I couldn't get a close enough look to see who it was, but it thoroughly confused me. Who else could possibly be willing to risk their life to save me?

The intercom turned on again. "GUARDS! THE MERCHANTS ARE HEADED TOWARD THE SECURE PRISON! IF THEY GET AWAY, ANYONE WHO DID NOT STOP THEM WILL BE FIRED! THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION!" I began to shake with fear and excitement once again. Once the static stopped, I could hear faint noises from below me.

"He's right up these stairs," was the only thing I heard clearly. Steve must have shouted it to the others. I heard clanging sounds as they made their way up the staircase, and I prayed that the guards wouldn't catch up.

"Through this door!" this time, Steve's voice was loud and clear. He was right there. I gripped the metal bars of my cell, shaking violently. The enormous door burst open, and seven people poured into the room.

"Andor!" Tom was the first to see me. He ran over and unlocked the cell door, as the others cheered behind him. I began to limp over to them, and their smiles faded.

"Oh my god," Sparklez said. "Andor... what happened?" He inspected me from all angles. your wings!"

"They decided to torture me when they locked me up," I replied, my voice dry and hollow. "But enough about that. It's so good to see all of you. Steve, Sparklez, Tom, Firefoxx, Jericho, Waglington, and..." I looked up at the seventh person. It took me a moment to realize who she was.

"Hello, Andor," Aunt Martha said with tears in her eyes. "It's been far too long." She hugged me gently, so as not to hurt me. "I'd love to chat for a while, but we're about to die. How are we going to get you out of here?"

To my surprise, Tom was the one to volunteer. "Here, Andor, lean on me. I'd suggest carrying you, but that would probably just hurt you more." I put my arm on his shoulder and limped along as quickly as I could.

"Martha, why did you come back? I thought you said... many years ago... that you were sick of the family," I asked as I scrambled to keep up with Tom's fast pace.

"Yes, well, there was a bit of trouble with the Taint. I had knowledge of it, from many days spent with Ianite. I figured that I could help out. Plus, I hadn't seen you or Steve in many years." We continued in silence for a moment.

Sparklez tried to open a door, but it wouldn't budge. "Step back everyone," he said. "I'll have to break it down." He took out a fancy-looking pickaxe and swung it at the door. It split immediately and collapsed, revealing the person behind it.

"Helgrind!" Tom screamed.