#bergen_county

"Wise. We may visit there before returning to Rivervale. Admiral..." she pauses for a moment, and then seems to redirect what she was going to say. "You should rest. We have taken enough of your time." She stands.

"Taken enough of your time? If not for your time I'd be dead by now.. and the hold not able to be moved at all. " He rises and offers his hand "I know I have not been the best neighbor... I'm stubborn even nby Dougal standards. But , it's been nice knowing you, Chieftain"

"We should have been better neighbors sooner." She grips his hand...carefully. "Perhaps there is still a remedy. At the very least, we can offer support as your people find their way. This should not have happened to you or to them. I will be in touch."

His grip is no the robust thing it was "Dreaming bless you and yours" And he lets her go.

And out she goes.

Zane frowns "Dad? Did he sound like he wasn't planninng on having a future to you?"

"Yes, son, I noticed the tense he used too"

"Yes. I heard that as well. But...he is stubborn. If I tried to argue him out of that stance, he would dig in his heels further. He needs greater help than I have to offer."

"Yes, prudent" The professor says

And off they go, leaving a doomed hold behind them

(End scene)