5

You're rounding the corner toward the stables when there's a clatter of footsteps at your side, and you turn to see Meredith walking beside you. "Bring me back to Archa," she says.

Verity swears and leaps backward. "Jun, that thing's supposed to be gone!"

"That thing's also supposed to be able to teleport to Archa herself," Alvis says, narrowing his eyes.

Meredith isn't quite as pale as she was immediately after the battle, but she still looks exhausted. "I spent too much of my energy trying to prevent this, and I need to recover what I can. Days of rest would be ideal. Teleporting to Archa is out of the question."

"If you're so concerned about conserving your energy, why'd you teleport next to us?" Verity snaps, folding her arms.

Meredith blinks. "I didn't," she says. "I walked. Sometimes you don't pay attention." She looks back to you as Verity sputters. "Bring me with you, and I'll answer questions."

She can't lie to you, but that was a conspicuously vague promise.