Irial's heart began to pound. Someone was near him. Someone of his kind. His head whirled around and he spotted a familiar face. His eyes widened and he smiled broadly.

Travis!

He hurried over to his old friend and stopped right in front of him. "You're here," he said, pulling the younger boy into a tight hug. "I thought I'd never see either of you again. Damn, Travis I missed you."

Pulling away, he looked over the boy. He looked good. Older, definitely. But how long had it been, really?