Hearing, but not understanding, their conversation, Espedon glanced back and forth from Soubi to Ritsuka. His breath was still very even for somebody who had just jogged for two hours, but there was a fatigued look to him.

The cat-ears on both of the boys made it easy to read their thoughts; it didn't appear as though they were trying to hide anything, anyway. At the offer of Soubi's help, Espedon looked to him.

Commanding Angelfire had been difficult. More difficult than it should have been, at least. The Seventh no longer spoke to him, and apart from what he willed it to do, it did not listen, either. Under normal circumstances, he would have given the command to the Seventh and the Seventh would have controlled Angelfire for him, leaving his mind free to concentrate on other things. Now, it was his will alone that forced it to move. Even Angelfire's own inborn spirit was silent. It had required unwavering focus to keep the blade manifested and activated, and he was drained.

Espedon nodded to Soubi. In his other hand, another blade glimmered into being. This one was a thick shortsword, simply-enough made, but the hilt was large and round, reminiscent of a circular shield. The heat pouring forth from Angelfire subsided, and the weapon stopped glowing.

"Lead the way," he said, motioning toward the village with one of the blades. "But be careful."