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Wound and dizziness forgotten, Julian barreled his way through the pub, nearly knocking sailors down in his haste He reached the rear of the tavern, noted the open door leading to the outdoors, and thrust his head out

The littered grounds behind the tavern were deserted

Veering about, Julian ripped open the storage rooes, and stepped inside

No Aurora

"'Ey, Merlin, she left already," one of the sailors at the last table called out "I guess this place finally got to 'er"

"Left?" Julian's insides wrenched "When? Where?"

"'Bout five h that there door With one of yer kind Real blue-blood type Guess 'e gave 'er a ride 'ome"

Julian stalked over, grabbing the sailor's shirt and lifting him half off his chair "Tell me what thisyou can remember"

"Sure," the red-faced sailor squeaked out "But I don't think ye need to worry She seemed real 'appy to see this fella"

"Yeah, she did," the other sailor concurred, nodding and scratching his beard "She sood friends"

"Bencroft? What's goin' on?" It was Barnes, his weathered face creased with concern as he hobbled over "Where's yer bride? Last tiettin' ye some towels"

"That's what I' to find out," Julian replied "These men say Aurora left with someone"

"Left?" Barnes echoed in disbelief "She'd never leave without ye"

"I know" Julian glowered at the sailor whose collar he grasped "Talk tothe man a shake

The sailor e him