It took forever for the money to reach Serling, but once it had, the old university colleague had found his way to the jailhouse and secured their release. But before the jailer unlocked his cell door, Serling just wanted the minor satisfaction of seeing Caelwyn behind bars.
"Well, you certainly took your time in getting here!" the archaeologist scowled.
"Oh don't start that now, Caelwyn! You know I came here as soon as I could."
Caelwyn scowled and turned his eyes to the jailer. "Right, because I sent that note out TWO HOURS AGO!"
The jailer merely shrugged and unlocked the door of the girl first before turning to Caelwyn. "Just be lucky you have anyone in this town that would bail you out. Now if I see you in Uthlyn again, I might not be so forgiving."
Caelwyn stepped out of his cell and rubbed his wrists, but turned to the man with wide eyes. "FORGIVING!? Why I'll have you know--"
"Caelwyn!" Serling grabbed his colleague by the shoulder and ushered him to the exit to keep him from throwing himself back into that cell. "Look, you owe me that money! That's for the expedition and if you think you'll just get off it like some kind of spoiled rich brat, I'll throttle you myself."
"Nonsense, I'm neither spoiled nor rich, Serling. And money is money, we'll get it back anyhow." Caelwyn turned when they were in the item chamber to get back their items and gestured to Artemis. "Ah, Serling, I suppose I should introduce you two. This is Librarian Artemis Longfellow, an expert in Ancient Essyrni culture and the current holder of that book I was looking for," Caelwyn smiled and peered across to the younger girl as he collected his bag and threw it over his shoulder.
Serling smiled and held out a hand to Artemis. "Essyrni expert, eh? Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Longfellow, though no doubt Caelwyn dragged you into this mess. With him missing half-pants and all. He's got a penchant for trouble."
"And a nose like a bloodhound!" Caelwyn snapped.