As the Air Army left, I recieved a full year's pay, as promised. It felt weird taking it, but I knew it would be put towards something better.

Patreska thought the best way to get Merric to safety was to bring him with us, so we did.

We smuggled him back to our base. From there, Patreska gave me a vehicle and instructions, and wished me luck in our escape.

I talked a lot with Merric along the way, and learned all about him, his family, the Fire Tribe...

They didn't even search the vehicle at the security checkpoint. Perks of being a mercenary group, I guess.

I made it to the neighboring nation of Aprius, sold the vehicle for money, and went to the Ionian embassy to apply for refugee status for Merric.

Using my identify documents from Patreska, Ion made me Merric's legal guardian, and accepted us both.

We flew to Ion, and started a new life.

As a refugee, the Religious Caste paid for a number of benefits for him. He got surgery to fix his ears, an education...

...but most importantly, he was safe from the war back at his home.

The money I had was more than enough for both of us to live comfortably, especially with the aid of Ion.

As for me, it turns out even so far from home there was still a need for Ura blacksmiths.

I took an apprenticeship and learned what I could, because it might be useful some day.

Eventually we'd head to Rotoridginfram, but that's beyond the scope of what you asked, I guess.