At long last, it was time. It had taken far longer than Halcyon would have liked, but he knew it had been his best chance for success. He had lost count of his failed attempts at breaching the borders of the swamp land when it had just been him alone. But after seeking advice from his best friend, he not only had a plan, but two able bodied allies. Standing beside him were the two males he had recruited for this mission. Both seemed to tower over him as the three of them watched the borders carefully as the sun slowly started it's decent over the western horizon. To his right, Ame, the wise wanderer. His oldest friend. To his left, the strange loner who had claimed Aster's soul. Truth be told, Halcyon knew very little about the mysterious creature, not even his true name, but he didn't have to know him. He was willing to help after Aster requested it of him, and that was all Halcyon needed. Together, they were Aspis' best chance of getting out of Iromar alive.

The father had been monitoring Iromar practically non-stop for three days. He knew the patrol routes by heart, knew when the change of guard would take place, and where their best chance of infiltrating the pack was. Stifling a yawn, Halcyon waited with the others for the sun to set completely. He had hardly slept and barely even eaten. The glow in his russet coat was gone. Though he was not skin and bones, he was a shell of his former self. How the mighty had fallen! Weary in both mind and body, Halcyon knew this would be his last chance. He couldn't continue going like this. He was either going to get his son out of that cursed land, or die trying. At long last, the sun vanished, setting the horizon on fire as the rest of the world was cast into a pale blue before the darkness of night took hold.

It was time.

Taking the lead, Halcyon led his companions towards the sea. There was a spot right where the swamp met the ocean that the patrols rarely monitored, for good reason. The rocks here were slick and a single misstep could send a wolf hurtling straight into the deadly waters. Only the truly desperate would dare venture here. It was a good thing Halcyon was beyond mere desperation. Under the cover of night and with the loud waves hiding any sounds, it was the perfect place to sneak into Iromar undetected. Turning to face Orb and Ame, Halcyon spoke only just loud enough to be heard above the crashing ocean. "Last chance to back out. I can't guarantee either of your safeties after we get inside," he said, pausing a moment to allow them to speak their peace. Then, he continued. "We all know the plan right? The two of you will act as a diversion to draw any guards or patrols to away from the captives. I'm going to get in, grab Aspis, and get the hell out. Try to avoid fighting if possible, but if you must, then show them the sting of your teeth. Don't stay in the pack for too long or else you'll get swarmed." He turned towards the rising moon, it's yellow glow illuminating the slumbering world. "Once the moon is above Spirane's peak, retreat. Don't try to look for each other inside. We'll meet back at the grotto. Is everyone clear?" Again, he paused and looked both wolves in the eyes.

Once the final preparations were complete, Halcyon turned and moved towards the slippery rocks. Carefully, one paw in front of the other, he moved across the invisible barrier marking the start of the pack boundaries. He took his time, not rushing to get inside. Only once did a paw slide as a particularly high wave smacked the rocks, but his grip held and soon he was safely on the other side, standing on dry land once again. Taking a moment as Ame and Orb followed, he lifted his muzzle to the stars and offered a silent prayer to Fate. If It could be cruel, it could also be kind. Please let Fate be kind to them tonight as they risked their lives to save Aspis.