Ernie breathed with relief and nodded at his friend, "I had to ask, Zach," he explained patiently. "So your parents took the mark and now they want you to do it as well. What did you say to throw them off your trail? I want to know how long we have until they bring it up again. I mean, you're safe in the castle but.. we've only got six months left before we can come back here as a safety net."
And it was true. 7th year was dwindling to an end and he and the rest of their year were about to face the brutal reality of a world at war. Ernie tapped a pattern out on his thigh then reached out and squeezed his friend's shoulder, "It'll be okay, you know," he said, offering some sort of comfort.