The tension between the two strangers quieted Jess before he could answer the Prince. The fact that he may be alone in this city was at last dawning on him. More than that, Cid had said that the city "pulls people in." What in the world could it want with him? He was no one extraordinary. The idea of being torn from his home by some enigmatic force drained the color form Jess' face.

But, this gruff man seemed to have been here longer than the warrior, who claimed to also be a newcomer. If he had lived here, then maybe there was no reason to be afraid of the city. After all, the whole subject only seemed to agitate him.

Jess looked up again to answer the Prince, "I honest don't remember nothing. Not even getting to my house." Lord, were his parents looking for him? What if they thought he was hurt? He couldn't imagine Ellie and Brenda being too upset over him - even if they were his big sisters. Joyce Ann was just a baby. Oh heaven help poor May Belle, she'd be hysterical. So would Momma, though she'd probably be mad as flies too. Now Dad would be madder - he'd catch hell from Dad.

He frowned and glanced toward Cid with a fair degree of sheepishness, "Uh, sir? How long have you been in the city?"