I... [Asbel wasn't expecting a question like this. He's never really stopped to think about it, either. He always figured they'd eventually find their way back home one way or another. But a choice?]

[He wouldn't have to become the next lord if he stayed here. He could do whatever he wanted, and once he's older, he could get his own ship and hire his own crew. They could become sea knights...since pirates aren't exactly honorable, and he doesn't want to go around making other people miserable and afraid all the time. He'd rather do something to help them out!]

[But staying here also means not seeing his friends or family again, and he's not okay with that. He'd be breaking his promise to take care of Sophie - she might never remember who she is, and Dad might take her to the authorities after all. And he knows Hubert would want to go home. Also...he can't become a true knight without a king to serve.]

Of course I'd go home! I did promise Sophie I'd help find her parents. And besides, I still haven't given up on entering the knight academy one day.