ã€ŠTales of Regventus Book Six: Aurumistã€‹


 Prologue

    King Nathin walked into the large sparse room and looked around. The walls and floor were stone, and there was nothing in the room but four columns standing in the center. Nathin slowly walked towards the four columns. He had not been summoned, but he found he didn¡¯t care. He wanted answers.

    He had been watching over his kingdom for almost 1300 years. He had seen it prosper, struggle, and then fall. Now when the rightful ruler had finally come, the gods had done nothing to help her. Nathin had watched her be denied her proper place. He had seen her disappointed in love, poisoned, stabbed, and almost sacrificed. It was no way to treat his kin.

    He had long been frustrated with the gods, watching his line driven out of the very city his family founded. He had seen the people of his kingdom turn on one another and suffer. He had watched false gods be worshipped, and ruthless leaders rule. He was tired of it. It was time for Regventus to be reborn under Gryphon, and he would see that it would be.

    Nathin stood in front of the four columns and waited. He knew they could sense he was there, and they would come out eventually. He had nothing, but time. Still, as he thought of his kingdom and Gryphon, he felt himself grow anxious. It was not often he felt anxious on his journey, but he could not help it today.

    ¡°Well, I know you know I am here. Come out and see me,¡± said Nathin loudly.

    ¡°Why have you come, Nathin?¡± said a man clothed simply as he walked out from one of the pillars. ¡°We have not summoned you. You have no right to be here.¡±

    ¡°I have every right to be here, seeing what is happening to my kingdom and my kin. It is time we had a talk,¡± said Nathin fiercely.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t very reverent before you gods, Nathin. Perhaps you should go and gather yourself, and wait for us to summon you,¡± said the man.

    ¡°Now, brother,¡± said a woman as she came from behind another pillar. ¡°Have some compassion on Nathin. He has been watching the kingdom. He is clearly upset.¡±

    ¡°How could I not be upset?¡± asked Nathin. ¡°I have tried to wait and trust you. I watched as my line was driven out of power. I watched as the folk have struggled for over 300 years, but now the rightful ruler is here and ready, and yet you do nothing as she is abused and overlooked.¡±

    ¡°We cannot control our people,¡± said the man. ¡°They all have their own minds. They make their own decision and decide their own fates.¡±

    ¡°You could intervene, you know you could,¡± said Nathin. ¡°How could you send her there and watch her suffer so?¡±

    ¡°Do not think we do not hurt for all of our people, especially Gryphon,¡± said the woman. ¡°It is hard to see what has happened these past 300 years. It is hard to watch our chosen leader stumble, but we have created our people to decide their own fates. What do you expect us to do?¡±

    ¡°Is there any hope for the kingdom or her?¡± asked Nathin.

    The man looked at Nathin with a frown. ¡°I see that you use the word or and not and, you must know then.¡±

    ¡°I must know what?¡± asked Nathin.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we can save them both,¡± said the man.

    ¡°Why not?¡± asked Nathin.

    ¡°The kingdom is very broken. It is dying, Nathin. To heal it would take the repentance of every person in every land,¡± said the woman sadly. ¡°There are at least some who would never admit they were wrong.¡±

    ¡°There is another way, but I doubt you want to hear it,¡± said the man to Nathin.

    ¡°No, I want to hear it,¡± said Nathin. ¡°Please tell me.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± said the man, ¡°but if I tell you, you cannot interfere in anyway. I mean it, Nathin, we have been lenient with you, but if you try to help her, we might have to send you away.¡±

    ¡°Tell me,¡± said Nathin. ¡°I will do as you ask, as both of you ask.¡± Nathin looked at the woman who smiled slightly at him.

 Chapter 1

    Griffa sat against a tree on the edge of a small village in the Grasslands holding a message she had received from Abscon.  It didn¡¯t contain anything overly important.  Malchom Delis was checking in with Griffa to let her know all was well.  He wrote that all was set up for him to have regular communication with Clara in the Valley.

    Griffa pushed back some wild, dark red curls that had fallen in her face and adjusted the thin crown that sat on her forehead.  She looked out at village around her.  It seemed to be a quiet place filed with simple families.   She had already met with the healers of the village, giving out plenty of vials of the cure.  She had been able to visit with a few who were ill, providing as much comfort as she could.

    They had been traveling in the Grasslands for a little more than a week.  They had visited several villages brining the cure for the sickness. They had stayed in small inns and out in the fields at night.  Along the way, they had visited small hidden magical communities trying to find support for the forces they were creating to help them take Aurumist and save the kingdom.  They had experienced a mixed reception.

    Some were ready to join their cause, wanting the kingdom to be ruled once again by one with the blood of Adalwen.  Others saw no reason for a change in leadership as their lives had not been affected.  Griffa and her traveling companions had tried to explain the threat to the kingdom, but some folk didn¡¯t want to listen.

    Griffa looked over at Kedan and Ansel talking with a group of ten protector guards. They had just arrived this morning to join their group as Kedan and Ansel had sent another group home to rest.  The guards were constantly patrolling outside and inside the villages, looking or any threats to the queen, so to keep them rested and refreshed was important.  Griffa heard someone approach from her right.  She turned and smiled to see Addi Vin walking towards her.

    ¡°I take it this means you are ready to leave?¡± asked Griffa standing up to meet Addi.

    ¡°Yes, my queen, I hate to leave you, but my mother has called me home.  She is holding a council meeting and says I am needed.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Addi, and don¡¯t forget you must call me Griffa when we are alone.¡±

    Addi smiled tucking a bit of her straight dark brown hair behind her ear.  ¡°I will join you again after your rest in Abscon.  That is, if you would wish it.¡±

    Griffa hooked Addi¡¯s arm with her own.  ¡°Of course, I wish it.  I enjoy having you with me.  You have quickly become a very dear friend of mine.¡±

    Griffa was enjoying having another woman around in the midst of all the men who surrounded her.  After Issa¡¯s death, Griffa had not only been sad to lose Issa, but she had missed having a female friend.  There were many things she just couldn¡¯t talk to with her protector, Max, Talon, or even Ansel.  As much as she loved and trusted all of them, they couldn¡¯t understand some of her feelings like Addi.

    ¡°Now, let me walk you into the fields so you can travel safely,¡± said Griffa pulling Addi slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that¡¯s such a great idea,¡± said Addi pulling Griffa back and releasing Griffa¡¯s arm.  ¡°I am not sure your protector would like you so far away from him.¡±

    ¡°It is not very far, and I do wish for a walk.  I have been sitting here all morning waiting for Kedan and Ansel to finish.¡±

    Addi didn¡¯t look convinced.  ¡°I do not like the idea of you walking back by yourself, Griffa.¡±

    Griffa looked over Addi¡¯s shoulder to see Talon coming out of a small inn.  ¡°Very well, I will make sure I have company on my walk back then.¡±

    Griffa waved at Talon and motioned him over.  She saw Addi give a small eye roll. Griffa smiled slightly at Addi as Talon walked towards them.

    ¡°Do you not enjoy Talon¡¯s company, Addi?¡± asked Griffa

    ¡°Why do you ask?  He is the leader of my village and from a fine family. I happily serve on his council.¡±

    ¡°Addi,¡± said Griffa laughing slightly.  ¡°I hope you know you can always speak your mind with me.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s just very loud.  He never seems to stop talking,¡± said Addi quietly.

    Griffa laughed louder.  ¡°He does like to hear the sound of his own voice, but am I any different?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± said Addi with wide eyes.  ¡°You are so kind.  You may talk more than someone like me, but what you say always adds value.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I would agree,¡± said Griffa. ¡°Talon is often very wise, and I hope he has not been unkind to you.¡±

    ¡°No, he hasn¡¯t,¡± said Addi, ¡°but my mother has told me a little of his past.  I have seen some of his behavior as well.¡±

    Griffa shrugged her shoulders slightly.  ¡°I can assure you he is a good man, Addi, despite his past mistakes.  I would not wish you to be uncomfortable around him.  He is one of my dearest friends, and the second on my Ring. You should get to know him better.¡±

    ¡°I will try,¡± said Addi as Talon approached them.

    ¡°What will you try, Addi?¡± asked Talon as he stood next to Griffa.

    ¡°She will try to put up with her loud and unnecessarily verbose queen,¡± said Griffa smiling at Addi.

    Talon looked at Griffa.  ¡°I seriously doubt she used those words to describe you.  It sounds more like me, to be honest.¡±

    Addi gave a small laugh

    ¡°Well, at least you are self-aware,¡± said Griffa turning to Talon. ¡°What were you doing in that inn?¡±

    ¡°I was arranging our lunch,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°That is nice of you. I¡¯m sure it has nothing to do with that pretty young bar maid working this morning, who was particularly interested in seeing that you were well served last night,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°You will tarnish my reputation in front of one of my council members, Griffa,¡± said Talon shaking his head.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done enough of that yourself,¡± said Addi quietly.

    Talon turned sharply to look at Addi as Griffa gave a loud laugh.  ¡°Come now, Talon, you can¡¯t disagree with her.  As someone who has a past herself, I understand that we all have to live with our past actions.¡±

    ¡°Is this why you called me over here, my queen?¡± asked Talon with annoyance.  ¡°To go over my past indiscretions.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa grabbing Talon¡¯s arm.  ¡°I was hoping you could escort your queen out of the village on a short walk.  Griffa leaned forward and whispered in Talon¡¯s ear.  ¡°And as one of your past indiscretions, I always appreciated the experience you gained from you encounters.¡±

    Talon smiled down at Griffa as she looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.  ¡°I will of course do as you wish,¡± said Talon as he gave her a very slight, friendly shove.

    ¡°Good,¡± said Griffa moving slightly away from Talon.  ¡°You will walk with Addi and me out into the field so Addi may travel into the Valley.  Then you can see my safely back into the village.¡±

    ¡°Should we tell Kedan and Ansel you are walking out of the village?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°No, we will not be gone long, and they seem very occupied at the moment,¡± answered Griffa.  She turned to Addi. ¡°Come along, Addi, you need to get going or your mother will worry.¡±

    Griffa walked out into the field on Talon¡¯s arm, and Addi close by her side.

    ¡°Do you know why your mother has called a council meeting, Addi?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°No, I am sure it is nothing unusual, or she would have contacted you,¡± replied Addi.

    ¡°I hope she does not mind you accompanying me on this trip,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I know she worries about you, but I promised to her I would keep you safe.  I will see to that promise.¡±

    ¡°I doubt she has any worries on that account, my queen,¡± said Addi smiling.  ¡°She and I both know you are trustworthy.¡±

    ¡°I am glad to hear it, and please call me Griffa.¡±

    They walked on until they were well away from the village.  Addi walked a little ahead of them and turned to face Griffa and Talon.  Griffa walked up to Addi and took her hands.

    ¡°I will miss you.  I hope you are able to accompany me when we leave Abscon again,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°I will travel with you wherever you go next, my queen, I mean Griffa.¡±

    Griffa squeezed Addi¡¯s hands and kissed her cheek.  ¡°Safe travels, Addi.  Send me a message if you can.  I would enjoy hearing from you while I am stuck with all these men.¡±

    ¡°I will, Griffa,¡± said Addi as Griffa let go of her hands and stood by Talon.  ¡°Talon, is there any message you have for my mother?¡±

    ¡°No, just let her know she can contact me at any time if anything of importance comes up,¡± replied Talon.

    Addi nodded.  She gave one more smile to Griffa, turned and disappeared.  Talon offered Griffa¡¯s his arm, and she took it.  He pulled her close, and they walked slowly back to the village.

    ¡°I take it I¡¯m not high on Addi Vin¡¯s list of trustworthy folk,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°It would seem not, but she barely seems to know you.  That seems strange seeing how you grew up in the same village.¡±

    ¡°We were very different.  She was always very quiet and shy.  Still, she seems to like you well enough, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°We have quickly become friends.  She is a sweet girl and rather funny when she wants to be.  I like having her around.  I will miss her.¡±Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ¡°I will keep you entertained in her absence,¡± said Talon happily.  ¡°I rather think you have been ignoring me lately.¡±

    ¡°Hardly, Talon, it is you who has been busy flirting with every pretty thing in a skirt on this trip.  I doubt you have missed any attentions from me.¡±

    ¡°It is easier to get information on the area from those pretty things if you flirt with them.  All I do is in service to you, my queen.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?  Well, I appreciate you taking on such an odious task.  Please do not think you have to keep doing it on my account.¡±

    ¡°You sound rather jealous,¡± said Talon as Griffa pulled her arm away from Talon.

    Griffa stopped and looked at Talon. She felt her face go red.  ¡°Trust me, I am not jealous of you talking to some bar maids and shop girls.  How you spend your time is your own business.¡±

    Griffa walked faster away from Talon.  She wasn¡¯t sure why, but he was annoying her at the moment.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± called Talon after her.

    She could hear him rushing to catch up with her.  Griffa stopped to turn back towards him, when she heard horses running towards her from her left. She turned to see two horses heading straight for her.  She was too shocked to react.  The two horses each had two riders who seem to be boys of various ages. As the horses approached, they slowed slightly, and Griffa could see that one boy held a bow and arrow.  He turned and Griffa watched in horror as the boy let his arrow go hitting Talon in the shoulder.  Talon stumbled, falling on one knee.  Another boy jumped off the other horse and grabbed Griffa while she was staring at Talon.

    Griffa looked and saw Talon had regained his footing.  The horses circled around.  Talon raised his hand and the horse with the two riders reared up and threw the boys off its back.   Griffa pushed out her arms and the boy who held her was thrown backwards.  Griffa ran over to Talon, and they both held their hands out as the horse ran back towards them.  Griffa pushed out and the horse came to a complete stop. It laid down and rolled over.  Its rider pushed off and rolled away.

    Griffa quickly turned to Talon and watched as he tried to pull out the arrow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± said Griffa grabbing Talon¡¯s hand.  ¡°That will cause more damage.¡±

    Talon looked at Griffa. ¡°Do you suggest I leave it in there?¡± he asked irritated.

    ¡°No, let me handle it,¡± said Griffa.

    She placed her hand by the arrow and closed her eyes, twisting her hand.  She opened them and watch the arrow dislodge itself and pull out as Talon gave a grunt.  As the arrow fell to the ground, she quickly unbuckled his cloak and pushed down his shirt to look at his shoulder. She placed her hand over the wound.  Talon closed his eyes as Griffa concentrated.  The wound closed up, leaving the spot angry and red.

    ¡°I¡¯ll put something on it when we get back into the village,¡± said Griffa pulling his shirt back up.

    Talon nodded.  ¡°It feels fine.¡±

    He grimaced as he pushed Griffa behind him gently and looked at the four boys who had now gathered in front of them. They were cut up and filthy.  One of the boys leaned heavily on the oldest boy.  Talon had his hand raised, when Griffa put her had on Talon¡¯s arm.  She looked at the boys to find the youngest one was around ten.  The oldest looked no older than sixteen.

    ¡°Wait, Talon,¡± said Griffa quietly.  ¡°Don¡¯t hurt them, yet.  Let me speak with them.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious, Griffa?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°They tried to take you, and tried to kill me.¡±

    ¡°Just trust me, please,¡± said Griffa.

    Talon huffed but lowered his hands.

    ¡°Why have you attacked us?¡± asked Griffa loudly, looking at all four boys.

    ¡°You are the false queen, aren¡¯t you?¡± asked the oldest boy.

    ¡°She is no false queen,¡± said Talon angrily.  ¡°She is the true Queen of Regventus.¡±

    ¡°Why is she hurting the kingdom then?¡± asked another of the boys.  ¡°Why is she making so many people sick.¡±

    Griffa frowned and her eyebrows came together.  ¡°What are you talking about?  I have not made this illness.  I have been trying to stop it.¡±

    The oldest boy gave a cold laugh.  ¡°They said you would say that.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± asked Griffa.  ¡°Who said I would deny causing the sickness.  I guarantee you it¡¯s true.  I¡¯ve done nothing but work to stop the spread of the illness since it began.¡±

    ¡°Viceroy Alis has sent out information all over the Grasslands telling us all about you. If we can bring you to her alive, we will be richly rewarded.  We know everything you have done.  How you broke into the palace and tried to kill the Ancient Council.  How you kidnapped and enchanted our king.  You killed the king¡¯s advisor because he was trying to stop you from spreading the sickness all around Regventus,¡± said the oldest boy.

    ¡°Our mama and papa will die because of you,¡± said the youngest boy.

    Griffa knew her face looked shocked, but she shouldn¡¯t have been.  She should have known Philo would start spreading lies about her to achieve his goals.

    ¡°This is nonsense, Griffa,¡± said Talon shaking his head.  ¡°We should get back to the village.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa.  She saw that the boy leaning on the boy must have hit a rock or a sharp stick rolling off the horse. She could see blood seeping through the boy¡¯s shirt.  She walked slowly toward the group of boys, and they all stepped back except the oldest one.

    ¡°Don¡¯t come any closer,¡± said the oldest boy.  ¡°I know you can do horrible things, but I will find a way to hurt you if you go near my brothers.¡±

    Griffa smiled slightly.  ¡°Your brother is hurt.  He needs tending to quickly.  I won¡¯t hurt him, I promise.  Bring him to me yourself if you would like. I can heal him.¡±

    The oldest boy looked at his younger brother who was holding his side.  He looked like he might fall at any time.

    ¡°Please,¡± said Griffa. ¡°What can I do to show you I won¡¯t hurt any of you?¡±  She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial.  ¡°I have a cure for the sickness with me.  After I help your brother, I will go to your home and help your mother and father.¡±

    ¡°Griffa,¡± seethed Talon.  ¡°I don¡¯t think that is a good idea.¡±

    ¡°Hush,¡± said Griffa turning slightly to Talon.  She turned back to the boys.  ¡°Please, let me help you.  I mean you no harm.¡±

    The boy with the wound looked at his brother and nodded.  The oldest brother sighed.  ¡°Fine, but I will bring him to you.  If you try anything, you will regret it.¡± He pulled a long knife from a case on his belt.

    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything, but help your brother,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Bring him to me.¡±

    The oldest boy grabbed his brother and put his arm around his shoulder.  They slowly approached Griffa as she smiled at them.  She looked at the injured brother.

    ¡°What is your name?¡± asked Griffa kindly.

    The boy looked at her.  She could see he was shaking. ¡°Leeron.¡±

    ¡°Leeron, I¡¯m going to raise your tunic slightly to see the wound.  I will try to be gentle and not hurt you.¡±

    Griffa slowly raised the tunic and saw the wound was a good size puncture wound.  She wasn¡¯t sure what he fell on, but it had done some damage.  Griffa placed her hand carefully just over the wound and concentrated.  She felt her magic work to close the wound.  The boy made a loud gasp and then closed his eyes and sighed.  Griffa took her hand away and the wound was closed leaving only a little redness. Griffa pulled the boy¡¯s tunic down and looked at him.

    ¡°You might want to put some ointment on it if you have some, but it should be healed nicely in a couple of days.¡±

    The oldest boy looked at Griffa.  ¡°What is your name, false queen?¡±

    Griffa looked into the eyes of the oldest boy. ¡°My name is Gryphon Keene of the line of Adalwen. I am the true queen of this kingdom.  My companion is Talon Wendell.  We are here in the Grasslands to help stop the illness and visit some of our fellow magical folk.  The only thing I want is to help my people and bring peace to Regventus.¡±

    The boy stared at Griffa, his eyes wide.  ¡°You say you can help our parents?¡± he asked quietly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Can you take us to them?¡±

    The boy nodded and pointed.  ¡°It is not far.  Just over that way on the left edge of the village.¡±

    ¡°Take us there now.  I will help your parents,¡± said Griffa.

    The boy nodded and looked at his brothers.  ¡°Grab the horses and have them walk with us.¡±

    ¡°Trev, are you sure this is wise?¡± asked one of the brothers.

    Trev looked at Griffa and nodded.  ¡°She healed Leeron and says she can save mama and papa.  We have to take the chance.¡±

    Griffa turned to Talon and motioned for him to follow. He walked up to Griffa¡¯s side, and they followed the brothers.

    ¡°Griffa, this is insane,¡± said Talon quietly.  ¡°What if they decide to take you to gain the reward?¡±

    ¡°Really, Talon, you think any of them have a chance against you and me? Do you think I can just ignore the fact that their parents are sick?¡±

    Talon took a deep breath.  ¡°No, but this is the kind of risk you shouldn¡¯t be taking.  You are out here without your protector. Ansel and Kedan have no idea where we are.  If something happened to us, they would never know.¡±

    ¡°We will be fine.  If you are worried for yourself, stay close to me. I will protect you,¡± said Griffa smiling and looking at Talon out of the corner of her eyes.

    ¡°Really, Griffa,¡± said Talon in an exasperated tone. ¡°Please just promise me if anything seems out of sorts, we will find a way to leave quickly.¡±

    ¡°I do promise, but I don¡¯t foresee any problems.¡±

    They walked on until they came to a small farm just outside the left side of the village¡¯s outer ring.  The two youngest boys took the horses towards the barn while the two oldest led Griffa and Talon to the small house.  They walked in, and Griffa immediately could smell the strong stench of sick.  She took deep breaths, steadying herself.  It was always hard to be amongst her people who had the illness.

    The boys motioned for Griffa to follow them to a small bedroom in the back.

    ¡°Wait here, Talon,¡± said Griffa as they stood in a small sitting room.

    ¡°You can¡¯t think I¡¯m going to leave you alone in that room,¡± said Talon

    ¡°I will be fine.  Wait here and rest.  You have been injured.  I won¡¯t be long.¡±

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Talon clearly annoyed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t argue, please,¡± said Griffa putting her hand on Talon¡¯s arm.  ¡°Trust me, I will be right out.¡±

    Talon rolled his eyes but nodded.  He sat down heavily in a chair.

    Griffa followed the brothers to the back bedroom.  The room was dark and cool.  A small candle burned on a bedside table.  Griffa walked over slowly to the woman.  She placed her hand on the woman¡¯s forehead, feeling she was sweaty and feverish. The woman blinked and opened her eyes.  She looked at Griffa and gasped.

    ¡°Hello,¡± said Griffa softly.  ¡°I am here to help you.  Your boys brought me, and I have a way to help you feel better.¡±  Griffa reached in her pocket and pulled out a small vial.  ¡°You will need to drink this.  I promise it is very safe.¡±

    The woman moved her head slightly and looked at Griffa.  She raised her hand slowly, and Griffa moved her hand off the woman¡¯s forehead and took it.  She seemed to want to say something, but couldn¡¯t make out the words.

    ¡°Please just drink this,¡± said Griffa pulling the top off of the vial.

    Griffa put the vial to the woman¡¯s lips and tipped it back so the woman would drink it. The woman swallowed hard.  Griffa then put her hand back on the woman¡¯s forehead and closed her eyes.  Griffa concentrated, helping the woman to fall asleep peacefully.

    Griffa quickly walked over to the man.  When she felt his forehead, she could tell he was much sicker.  He did not open his eyes.  She quickly pulled out the vial and opened it.  She used her hand to tilt the man¡¯s head up.  She placed the vial on the man¡¯s lips and opened them enough to pour the liquid in.  The man opened his eyes partially and automatically swallowed as Griffa poured the liquid in his mouth.  He then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

    Griffa walked over to the two oldest boys and nodded.  They all moved to the small sitting room in the front of the house. Talon stood up as they entered as Griffa looked at the two brothers.

    ¡°I believe they will pull through.  Your mother should be much better by tomorrow.  Your father may take a few more days as he is very sick. Make sure they both drink plenty of water.  They will need to eat as soon as they can.  Do you have enough supplies here?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Trev with a small smile.  ¡°We are well stocked for the coming winter.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I will be leaving the village tomorrow morning, but I am staying in the inn tonight.  If you need anything before I leave, please come and find me.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Trev.  ¡°I still don¡¯t know what to think of you, but if you have truly healed my parents, I will owe you greatly.¡±

    ¡°You will owe me nothing,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I only want my people to be safe.¡±

    ¡°You should be careful in town,¡± said Leeron.  ¡°Others will be wanting to capture you for the reward. We were told to kill your companions.¡±

    ¡°How have you received this information about the queen?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°They sent messengers out throughout the village to spread the word,¡± said Trev.  ¡°We heard of it in the middle of town two days ago.  They told us what you would look like.¡±

    ¡°We need to get back, my queen,¡± said Talon.  ¡°We will need to warn the others.¡±

    Griffa nodded. ¡°Keep safe,¡± said Griffa to the brothers.  ¡°I hope the gods bring you safely through the winter.¡±

    She walked out with Talon, and they made their way quickly to town.

    ¡°This is not good news,¡± said Talon as they walked.  ¡°We should have known Philo would spread false rumors of you.  Now everyone in the kingdom will be trying to take you, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°It is not ideal, but we already knew I would be targeted.  We shall have to be more vigilant, maybe move quicker through the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°You will need to not be away from your protector.  No more side trips without Kedan,¡± said Talon seriously.

    ¡°How is your shoulder?¡± asked Griffa as they approached the town.

    ¡°It is sore, but I am sure you have something to help it when we reach the inn.¡±

    Griffa nodded.  ¡°You will be feeling completely well very soon.  I would hate to make you miss a night with your bar maid.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, you aren¡¯t really jealous of some woman in a random village, are you?¡±

    ¡°No, and I have no right to be if I was.  You can do whatever to whoever you would like.  I do not have a right to control your life.¡±

    Talon grabbed Griffa¡¯s hand and brought her close to his side.  ¡°That may be true, but you know where you stand in my life.  They only thing I care about right now is your safety.  I will do everything I can to keep you alive and well.¡±

    ¡°I know, Talon,¡± said Griffa. ¡°But like I said you are free to spend your time however you like. I have no right to tell you, you can¡¯t bed bar maids.¡±

    Talon laughed, and he brought Griffa¡¯s hand up to his lips and kissed it.  ¡°I have no interest in bedding bar maids.  I¡¯d rather spend my time arguing with a queen.¡±

    Griffa shook her head and smirked at Talon.  ¡°Well, I am happy to oblige you at any time.

 Chapter 2

    Ansel stood in a small room at the inn watching Griffa work on Talon¡¯s injured shoulder.  Talon sat by her on the small bed, bare chested. Max handed Griffa¡¯s some ointment, and she carefully put it on Talon¡¯s shoulder.  Ansel watched as Talon smiled at Griffa as she wrapped his shoulder with some bandages Max had handed her.  She finished and sat back.

    ¡°I think that will do it,¡± said Griffa handing Talon his tunic.  He slipped it on and then moved his shoulder around.

    ¡°It already feels much better,¡± said Talon, ¡°Thank you, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°Be careful with it for a few days,¡± said Griffa as she stood up and handed the ointment and bandages back to Max who put them in a small case.

    ¡°So, you walked out of the village without telling your protector.  You were ambushed by a group of brothers who inured Talon and tried to take you, Griffa.  Then you freely traveled to their home to heal their sick parents.  Do I have everything correct?¡± asked Ansel disbelievingly.

    ¡°That¡¯s about it,¡± said Griffa walking over and sitting back down on the bed.

    ¡°And you thought this was a good idea, Talon?¡± asked Ansel angrily.  ¡°You let her go with these boys.¡±

    ¡°I did not think it was a good idea,¡± said Talon.  ¡°What do you suggest I should have done to stop her?¡±

    ¡°You should never have let her leave the village at all,¡± said Ansel shaking his head.  ¡°You should have walked Addi out yourself if she needed someone to see her off, and told Griffa to stay close to Kedan.¡±

    ¡°You really think it is so easy to tell Griffa what to do?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°It¡¯s not like you have any luck controlling her.  Besides, how long did it take for you to notice your queen had disappeared from the village?  How much time have you actually spent with your betrothed lately? You are always helping Kedan with his work. You seemed to be having trouble giving up the protector¡¯s duties after all.¡±

    Ansel stared at Talon feeling his anger rise.  He closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath.  ¡°And you seem to find every chance you can to get Griffa alone by yourself.  If you are going to be putting our queen in unnecessary trouble, perhaps it would be better if you found another way to serve.¡±

    Talon narrowed his eyes.  ¡°Someone has to keep an eye on her.  I am her second chair on her Ring, and this is where I belong.  I will not be parted from her side.¡±

    ¡°Stop,¡± said Griffa loudly.  ¡°Both of you, just stop.  Neither of you can control my every move.  When it comes down to it, neither of you are in charge of my protection.¡±  Griffa stood up and walked to the other side of the room.  She stood by Kedan and looked up at him.  ¡°Protector, what is your opinion?¡±

    Kedan looked at Griffa.  ¡°I would prefer it if you never left my presence, but I understand that is not feasible.  There will be times you will need to be away from me for short periods. I think we need to trust that you can see to your own well-being.¡±

    Griffa smiled at Kedan and then turned to Ansel. ¡°You see, you are being unreasonable.  No one can watch me every second.  I am not some small child or helpless woman.  I have been in as many fights and battles as any of you.¡±

    ¡°But Griffa,¡± said Talon rising from the bed.  ¡°You are the most targeted person in the kingdom.  With what we learned today, we know you are in more danger than ever.  We can¡¯t ignore it.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°Perhaps we should go back to Abscon tomorrow.  We can find another way to rally forces and help sick people.  Griffa can stay safely in Abscon with Kedan and myself, while others travel the kingdom for her. It sounds like a good job for her second.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps if you are going to be her king, it would better if you traveled the kingdom while I stayed and watched the queen,¡± said Talon with a small smirk.

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa, ¡°Absolutely not.  I will go help my people wherever they need me.  The only way we will rally more people to our side is if they see that I am real and willing to meet with them.  I will not hide away.¡±

    ¡°She cannot hide away,¡± said Max.  ¡°If the kingdom is suffering, she will be compelled to help her folk.  You will torture her if you make her sit in Abscon doing nothing.¡±

    ¡°We need to eat dinner,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°We are all tired and hungry. Why don¡¯t we go downstairs and eat so we can go to bed early?  We can wake up early and travel to Arialla tomorrow.¡±

    Everyone seemed to agree and started to the door.  ¡°Ansel, wait a moment,¡± said Griffa before he could leave.

    When everyone had left, Ansel shut the door and turned to look at Griffa.  She walked over to Ansel and took his hands.

    ¡°I know you are worried about me, but you have to trust me to know what I can and cannot do.  I am not going to go run into trouble,¡± said Griffa looking up at him.

    ¡°What about today?¡±

    ¡°I was hardly in any danger.  I did not go into the fields alone.  It was bad luck Talon was injured, but he will be fine.  I would not have visited that house if I thought there was any real threat.  I don¡¯t think four boys and two sick parents would have had any chance against the queen of the kingdom and a powerful mage, do you?¡±

    Ansel sighed and dropped his head.  He knew she had a point, but did she not understand how much danger she was really in?  Did she not remember all that had happened to her already?

    ¡°Griffa, I hope you understand why I am acting this way.  It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust you.  I know you are capable of taking care of yourself, but I am scared to death of losing you.  We all are.  We need you to save this kingdom, but more than that, I don¡¯t think any of us want to live in this kingdom without you.  I know I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I know, Ansel,¡± said Griffa looking up at him.  ¡°I know a lot has happened.  I am scared of losing all of you as well, especially you.  You have given up so much to be with me.  I will not let it be for nothing.  We will make it to Aurumist, and we will marry and we will rule together for many years.¡±

    Ansel nodded.  He took one of Griffa¡¯s hands and kissed it tenderly.  ¡°I need you to promise you will not take any risks with your life.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I can promise it. I will sometimes need to take risk for my kingdom and my folk.  I can promise I won¡¯t take any unnecessary risk. I will do my best to make sure what I do is for a very good reason.¡±

    ¡°I will take your promise if that is as good as one as I can get.  I will try to worry less,¡± said Ansel.  He pulled her closer.

    ¡°I doubt you will worry less, but maybe you can be a little more understanding with me and the others, especially Talon. I can¡¯t have you two fighting all the time.¡±

    ¡°I will try, though sometimes I know he is infuriating on purpose.¡±

    ¡°Of course, he is,¡± said Griffa as she reached up and put her arms around Ansel¡¯s neck.  ¡°And the more you rise to the bait, the more he will go on infuriating you on purpose.¡±

    Griffa reached up and kissed Ansel.  Ansel circled his arms around her and brought her closer.

    ¡°The close quarters on this trip aren¡¯t helping either,¡± he said as she pulled back.

    ¡°I know,¡± said Griffa, ¡°But to travel back and forth from Abscon every day would take too much energy.  We would all be beyond exhausted.  With Addi gone, we do have our own room tonight.  The bed is rather small, but I think we could make do.¡±

    ¡°After sleeping on a cot next to Max for three days, I would sleep on a rock if it meant I get to hold you.¡± Ansel leaned down and kissed Griffa, rubbing his hands along her sides.

    ¡°Then, let us go down to dinner so we can come back up, quickly,¡± said Griffa stepping back from Ansel.  She took his hand and led him out the door.  Before they walked down the stairs, she turned and looked at Ansel. ¡°Oh, and if you and Talon can¡¯t learn to get along, I shall find a way for you to spend more time together. Perhaps, Max would prefer Kedan for a roommate and you could share with Talon.¡±

    Ansel stared after her as she walked down the stairs.  He hoped she was kidding, but he didn¡¯t want to chance it and find out.

    The next morning, they traveled together to the Arialla, the largest magical community in the Grasslands.  It was a hidden village at the north of the land.  They traveled just outside the village and were met by two men wearing black cloaks.  Griffa approached the men with Talon and Ansel by her side and Kedan and Max at her back.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± said Griffa brightly.  ¡°I am Gryphon Keene the true Queen of Regventus.  I am here to speak with your leader, Bettina Devins.  I have written and she has accepted my visit.¡±

    ¡°You are expected, Gryphon Keene,¡± said the man on the right.  ¡°Our leader has agreed to meet with you and the leader of the Valley.  The rest of your party can wait inside the village.¡±

    ¡°Why will not my whole party be accepted?  I bring my protector, my betrothed, and my kin.  I am sure your leader will want to meet with us all,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°No, we were told only to bring you and the leader of the Valley,¡± said the other man.  ¡°The others will be quite safe in our village. You need not worry.¡±

    Griffa looked at Ansel. He didn¡¯t like her going to meet with a leader they did not know without her protector or himself, but he knew Griffa would still want to go.  He nodded slowly.

    ¡°Very well,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Please show us into your village.¡±

    The men turned and waved their hands.  The motioned for the group to follow them, and Ansel walked forward with Griffa by his side.  They soon entered the village, and Ansel could see it was not as large as Abscon on the Valley but was not of small size.  There were numerous homes scattered about.  They all looked the same with brown walls and thatched roofs.  Many homes had personal touches like grasses or wheat growing from the top. Some had bright flowers decorating their windows.  The lawns were all charmed green even though it was almost winter.

    They walked through the town and came to what seemed to be the town center.  They were taken to a building that was obviously a temple as s statue of the gods stood out front.

    ¡°Your protector, betrothed, and kin may wait in the temple,¡± said one of the men to Griffa. ¡°You and the leader of the Valley will come with us.¡±

    Griffa turned and looked at Ansel, Kedan, and Max.  ¡°We should not be long.¡±

    ¡°Could I not walk with our queen and wait outside the leader¡¯s home?¡± asked Kedan turning to the men.  ¡°I am her protector and should not be far from my queen.¡±

    ¡°Your queen is in no danger here,¡± said one of the men.  ¡°You will rest here.¡±

    ¡°It is fine, Kedan.  I will be safe.  Stay here with Ansel and Max,¡± said Griffa looking at Kedan.

    ¡°Are you sure, my queen?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°With the information we have found out, I do not like you being away from me.¡±

    ¡°We are amongst friends,¡± said Griffa smiling at the two men.  ¡°I will be quite safe.¡±

    ¡°I will be with her, Kedan,¡± said Talon.  ¡°If there is any sign of trouble, we will leave quickly.  Griffa will have her shield down, you will know if you are needed.¡±

    Kedan looked at Griffa who smiled at him as he nodded.

    Griffa gave one more smile to Ansel and then took Talon¡¯s arm as he offered it to her. Ansel watched as she and Talon followed the men to the left side of town.  He watched until he could not see them.  Ansel turned to Max and Kedan and motioned that they should go sit inside the temple.

    They walked into the temple, and Max and Ansel sat on a back bench as Kedan walked to the front and looked out the window found there. Ansel sat back and drummed his fingers against the wood on the bench.

    ¡°She will be fine, Ansel,¡± said Max, sitting with his arms crossed.  ¡°This is an old magical community.  They have long been friends with both Abscon and the Valley.  The leader wouldn¡¯t do anything to the leader of either village.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said Ansel as he stilled his hand. ¡°I just wish they hadn¡¯t made us split up.  After all we found out yesterday, I don¡¯t like her going alone.¡±

    ¡°She isn¡¯t alone.  She is with Talon.  You know he would do anything to keep her safe.  He cares very much for her.¡±

    Ansel made a noise in his throat.  ¡°I am quite aware of how Talon feels about Griffa.¡±

    ¡°So, it does bother you,¡± said Max.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Ansel looking at Max.

    ¡°Talon having feelings for Griffa.  It bothers you,¡± said Max.

    Ansel sighed.  ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t like it when another man has feelings for my future wife, but that¡¯s not what¡¯s bothering me, Max.  I trust Griffa, and as much as he irritates me, I trust Talon as well.¡±

    ¡°What is bothering you, then?¡± asked Max moving his arms to his sides.

    Ansel wasn¡¯t sure where to start.  He tapped the wooden bench with both his hands and then turned to Max.  ¡°Griffa is the queen of the kingdom.  Not only that but she is a Keene.  Even when she wasn¡¯t the queen, she was one of the most important magical people in this kingdom.  When I was the protector of the kingdom, I was still very far below her in rank.  Now, I have no position.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to Griffa, Ansel.  She loves you, and she wants to be with you.  You gave up everything for her. She knows that.  You have nothing to worry about.¡±

    ¡°I know, Max, but do you not see how perfect Talon and Griffa would be together? Talon is a Wendell and the leader of the Valley.  Do you not see how he is perfectly positioned to be her king in every way I am not? Griffa even mentioned to me how she believed the kingdom may have wanted her to choose Talon.¡±

    ¡°But she didn¡¯t choose him,¡± said Max.  ¡°She could have chosen him.  He would have been very willing, but she chose you.  You know this.  Talon knows this.  You have to trust and respect her choice just like she respected yours.¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re right, but it doesn¡¯t make it any easier to see them together,¡± said Ansel frowning.

    ¡°I think you will have to find a way to get used to it.  She has made him her second chair on her Ring.  I don¡¯t think he plans on going anywhere.  I can¡¯t see him leaving her now.¡±

    ¡°No, and I wouldn¡¯t ask him to do it.  She needs him.  Today¡¯s meeting proves it.¡±

    ¡°Does Griffa know you feel this way?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.  She knows Talon irritates me.  I¡¯m not sure she knows the real reason, but I will not burden her with my feelings on the matter.  It will do no good.  She will only try to reassure me,¡± said Ansel looking at Max.  ¡°You do not need to burden her with this either, not right now.¡±

    ¡°I think she would like to know how you feel, but I will not betray your confidence.  You should consider talking about it to her at some point.¡±

    Ansel made a noncommittal motion with his head.  He looked up at Kedan who was still staring out the window.  ¡°Kedan, come sit down.  You won¡¯t see anything from there to help you stop worrying about her.  You know she is fine, or you would feel something. Come sit with Max and me.¡±

    Kedan turned and looked at Ansel.  He sighed and walked over to the bench in front of Max and Ansel and sat down.

    ¡°The queen is anxious,¡± said Kedan as he sat down. ¡°I know she is safe, but I don¡¯t like it when she is unsettled.¡±

    ¡°You will have to get used to her being unsettled for a time,¡± said Max.  ¡°Until she finds a way to take Aurumist and set the kingdom to right, she will not have much peace.¡±

    ¡°Is there no way to give her some peace during this time?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°Is there no spell or potion she could take?¡±

    ¡°Except for your comfort, no,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I know it¡¯s not easy being the protector, Kedan.  It¡¯s a burden for sure to have to feel what your queen is going through.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a burden,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I¡¯m not worried for myself.  I don¡¯t see how she carries all of this.  At least she shields me at times so I can get some rest.  She is constantly having to carry the weight of the kingdom¡¯s problems on her shoulders.  She must be very strong.¡±

    Ansel suddenly felt very guilty, thinking of his own petty concerns.  Griffa was dealing with so many things.  If Talon or anybody else could help her with her burdens, why should he mind?

    ¡°She is strong¡± said Max quietly.  ¡°She is the strongest person I will ever know, but she is still just a mortal woman.  Everyone has a breaking point.  I just hope she can save the kingdom before she reaches hers.¡±

    They all three sat in silence for a while.  Ansel looked around the temple and prayed.  He found he spent much more time praying now than he ever had before.  He constantly prayed for Griffa¡¯s safety.  He prayed for her to have peace.  He prayed for the god¡¯s mercy to cover her.  He prayed selfishly that no matter if the kingdom fell or stood, Griffa would be safe with him.

    Eventually the door opened and Talon and Griffa walked in.  Ansel, Max, and Kedan stood and met them by the door.

    ¡°How did it go?¡± asked Ansel coming over and taking Griffa¡¯s hand.

    ¡°It was interesting,¡± said Griffa squeezing Ansel¡¯s hand and letting it go.  ¡°She wants us all to come to dinner tonight.  Until then, she has provided us a place to stay close to her home.¡±

    ¡°She is not what I expected,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°How so?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°She is young.  I suppose I should have known how young she was, but she has been leading this village since for at least six years.  I can¡¯t see how that is possible. She can¡¯t be much older than Max.¡±

    ¡°I suppose they have different rules for leadership here,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°She must not have had to reach her majority to lead.  She seems capable, and she is certainly outspoken.¡±

    Talon rolled his eyes.  ¡°I wasn''t sure anyone could be as blunt as you, Griffa, but she surpasses even your candor. Is this even worth all this trouble?  This isn¡¯t a very large village.¡±

    ¡°Are you ready to give up so easily, Talon?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°Our queen has deemed it necessary to sway this leader to our side.¡±

    ¡°I am only asking the question, Ansel.  Griffa has many villages to visit, and I would hate for her to waste any unnecessary energy if this isn¡¯t worth it.  She is already running herself ragged as it is, or have you not noticed how stressed and tired she has become?¡±

    ¡°Are you accusing me of ignoring Griffa¡¯s well-being?¡± asked Ansel angrily.

    ¡°You have been very attentive to all areas of the queen¡¯s protection and well-being as far as taking the kingdom, but do you not see the stress she is under?  If we save the kingdom, but lose Griffa in the process, what is the point?¡±

    ¡°The kingdom is worthless to me compared to Griffa, but she will have no peace until we save Regventus.  Have you forgotten it, Talon?¡±

    ¡°Quiet,¡± said Griffa putting her hands up at both Talon and Ansel.  She turned to Talon

    ¡°No, the village isn¡¯t very large¡± said Griffa.  ¡°But if we can get Bettina Devins on our side, it will help with all the magical folk of the Grasslands.  It could help us travel safely throughout the land as well.¡±

    ¡°You are right, of course,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Ansel, I appreciate you backing me up, but Talon has a right to his opinion as well.  I welcome questions about my motives as long as you all listen to my reasons.¡±

    ¡°Talon, we have to save Regventus. It is our first and only priority.  I know you don¡¯t want to hear it, but it comes even before my own safety.  You will have to accept it.¡±

    Talon huffed and shook his head, but Griffa ignored him.

    ¡°We should go settle into our temporary home.  I hope we don¡¯t have to stay too long, but we will see how it goes,¡± said Griffa.

    Talon offered Griffa his arm as Ansel looked at Griffa.  Griffa looked between Ansel and Talon and then turned to Kedan.  ¡°Protector, come walk with me.  We haven¡¯t had a chat in a while, and I would like to spend some time with you.¡±

    Kedan smiled and walked over to Griffa.  ¡°I would like that, my queen.¡±  He offered Griffa¡¯s his arm, and she walked out the door with him.

    Ansel looked at Talon who gave him a small smile.  ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t have found her such a handsome protector, Ansel.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps not, but looks weren¡¯t something I worried about when I was trying to find someone to protect my future wife,¡± replied Ansel hoping Talon would take his hint.

    Talon chuckled slightly as Max walked between them.  ¡°If both of you want to see Griffa safely through all of this, you cannot keep acting like this.  You talk about the stress she has to endure, but you are doing nothing but adding to that stress.  Whatever you need to work out between the two of you, I suggest you do it soon.¡±

    Max walked out of the temple.  Ansel looked at Talon and then walked out after Max.  Maybe Max was right, but Ansel had no desire to spend any time working on his relationship with Talon.

 Chapter 3

    Max walked down the stairs in the house they were staying in Arialla.  It was not an overly large home, but it suitable to meet their needs.  Everyone even had their own room with Griffa and Ansel sharing.  They all had spent the day resting and cleaning themselves up for their dinner that night.  Max felt more refreshed than he had in a while after a bath.  He had put on the only nice shirt and pants he had brought, and he had cleaned up his boots the best he could.

    Max entered the parlor to find Griffa sitting alone on the sofa.  She was dressed in a blue gown with the sun of Adalwen stitched on the bodice.  Her hair was half up, and she wore her crown on her forehead.  She was sitting with her head laid back on the sofa and her eyes closed.  Max approached quietly and sat on a chair next to her as  Griffa opened her eyes and sat up.  She looked at Max and smiled.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m glad to see you, Max.  I was afraid you where Ansel or Talon.¡±

    Max grinned. ¡°I know they are a bit much at the moment, but they do care about you, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt of it, but when I am around them, I can find no peace,¡± said Griffa.  She took Max¡¯s hand and held it.

    Max sat quietly and let their magic mingle together through their conjoined hands.  It was comforting, feeling the familiar way their magic recognized each other.  Max looked at Griffa and sighed as he felt her anxiousness and worry.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you are feeling stressed.  Are you worried about tonight?¡± asked Max letting go of Griffa¡¯s hand.

    ¡°No, I am sure it will be fine.  Bettina is not overly friendly, but I do not think she is unkind.  I think she will continue to hear us out and choose wisely.¡±

    ¡°What is worrying you then?¡± asked Max.  ¡°Is it just Ansel and Talon?¡±

    ¡°No, they are certainly not helping, but my main concern is the kingdom.  No matter how hard we all work, the illness keeps spreading.  I can feel the suffering of my folk. I am also worried about Aurumist.  I am worried how many are facing the same fate as Teryn.  We haven¡¯t heard from Kedan¡¯s mother in a while.  We won¡¯t be able to until we get back to Abscon and I can take Kedan to the East Village.¡±

    ¡°You are doing everything you can to help the kingdom, Griffa.  It does help to take some action, doesn¡¯t it?  I don¡¯t know what else you could be doing to fix things.¡±

    ¡°My feelings are certainly more manageable while we are out in the kingdom with the people, but the uneasiness is still there.  Golnar was bad enough, but I worry what Philo has planned now that he is probably running the kingdom.¡±

    Max worried about that as well.  Golnar certainly had evil plans, but he was a careful man.  His was not quick to act, and he didn¡¯t do anything without reason. Though his ideas were wrong, Golnar thought he was doing things to better the kingdom.  Philo only cared about himself.  Everything he did was for power.  Max knew there was no limit to how far Philo would go for power.  He had even tried to sacrifice Griffa to steal Adalwen¡¯s right to rule.  Max knew Philo would not give up trying to steal that right.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t alone, Griffa.  I know Talon and Ansel have been annoying lately, but they both care about you so much.  Kedan is doing everything he can to be the protector you need him to be.  I am always here when you need me.  You have others as well.  Others who are willing to fight for you.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said Griffa with a smile.  ¡°I just don¡¯t want to fail the kingdom.  At least I know you are here if I can¡¯t do this. You can take over as king if I do fail.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk like that, please,¡± said Max passionately.  ¡°I know you are the one who has to save the kingdom.  More than that, I need you to survive this.  I can¡¯t lose you, Griffa. Especially not after Issa.¡±

    Griffa grabbed Max¡¯s hand again.  ¡°I don¡¯t plan on failing, Max.  You won¡¯t lose me.  I know how much you miss, Issa.  I miss her as well.  It feels so long since I have seen her.  I miss our late-night talks.¡±

    Max nodded.  He felt tears prick the corner of his eyes.  He missed Issa every day.  As time went on, it was sometimes easier to put his grief away for a while, but it was always there inside of him.  ¡°She believed in you, Griffa.  She wanted you to sit on the throne of Aurumist.¡±

    ¡°I wish I could have saved her, Max,¡± said Griffa with tears in her eyes.  ¡°I think about that night in Clarton so often.  I dream of it.  I want you to know I haven¡¯t forgotten her.¡±

    Max smiled slightly and squeezed Griffa¡¯s hand.  ¡°I know you loved her.  We will remember her together when you are safely on the throne.¡±

    Griffa nodded and let go of Max¡¯s hand.  She turned as Ansel walked into the room.  She composed herself as he sat next to Griffa on the sofa.

    ¡°You look very well,¡± he said leaning over and kissing Griffa on the cheek.

    ¡°It felt good to finally have a proper bath.  My dress was a little wrinkled, but I managed to charm most of it away,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°You look handsome as always.¡±

    ¡°What have you two been talking about?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°Just about tonight, I am hoping it goes well.  I would like to be able to convince Bettina tonight if possible, so we can move on to the next village.  I know there are so many sick in all areas of the Grasslands.¡±

    ¡°If you do convince her tonight, I think we will need to spend an extra day here in Arialla.  We will need to think about how we are going to travel in the kingdom with Philo¡¯s misinformation spreading around.¡±

    ¡°I understand, but you must know I will not go hide away in Abscon or anywhere else.  I will take every precaution you think necessary, but I will see to my people.¡±

    Talon and Kedan both walked into the room.  They came and sat in chairs close to the sofa.  Max could see that Kedan was wearing his protector¡¯s tunic, while Talon was wearing a dark green tunic with his own family standard of a fox stitched on the chest.

    ¡°You look very nice, Griffa,¡± said Talon sitting back in his chair.  ¡°What is the plan for tonight?¡±

    ¡°We will be honest and open,¡± said Griffa as she slightly adjusted her crown.  ¡°We are doing what is right.  We will tell Bettina the truth and let her decide for herself and her village.¡±

    Griffa stood up and walked to the small fireplace.  She turned and looked at Ansel and then Talon.

    ¡°Above all, we must make sure we are all of one accord.  There will be no arguing tonight, especially in front of Bettina or any other guest.  I rarely enforce any command as queen, but this one you will follow.  Any disagreements you may have will be put on hold until after tonight.  Let us all be at peace at least for a little while.¡±

    ¡°Of course, my queen,¡± said Talon smiling at Griffa.  ¡°I do not wish to fight with anyone here.  I only want to serve you well.¡±

    Max saw Ansel give a slightly annoyed looked, but he quickly disguised it.  He looked at Griffa and said, ¡°I will do as you wish. Whatever you need from me tonight will be done.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said Griffa nodding. ¡°If we are all ready to go, I think we need to leave.  I would like to be on time as I have a feeling Bettina does not take well to tardiness.¡±

    They all put on their cloaks and walked to Bettina Devin¡¯s home.  It was much like the others in town, brown with a thatched roof, but it was much bigger.  The bright green front lawn had two trees on each side of the stone path that led to the front door.  They walked up the pathway to the large front door, and Griffa knocked.  The door was opened by a plump middle-aged woman who welcomed them and showed them where to hang their cloaks.

    ¡°You can go into the parlor,¡± said the woman kindly.  ¡°Miss Bettina and Master Oliver are in there waiting for you.¡±

    They all followed Griffa to a large parlor, and Max saw that two people rose to meet them.  One was an older boy who looked to be around sixteen. He was tall and had light brown hair and bright blue eyes.  He smiled at Griffa as she entered the room.  The woman was about Max¡¯s age. She was a little taller than Griffa.  She had the same eyes and hair color as the boy, but her mouth was curved down into a frown.  Her bright eyes surveyed the group.

    ¡°Good evening,¡± said Bettina addressing the group.  ¡°I am Bettina Devins, the leader of this village, and this is my brother, Oliver.  We are both glad you have joined us tonight.¡±

    Griffa curtsied and smiled as she turned to the others.  ¡°We are all pleased to be here. Oliver, it is nice to meet you.  Let me introduce my group.  This is Talon Wendell, the leader of the Valley.  You already met him, Bettina.  This is Ansel of the line of Raya, he is my betrothed.  Kedan Belles is my protector, and Max of the line of Adalwen is my kin, and the next great diviner of the Ring.¡±

    Bettina raised her eyebrows as she looked at Ansel.  ¡°I thought the line of protectors came from the line of Raya.¡±

    ¡°There has been a change,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°It was done recently and was necessary.¡±

    ¡°Interesting,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°I mean it¡¯s an interesting time to have a new protector when you are trying to take the throne.¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± said Griffa, ¡°but as I said it was necessary.  Kedan has trained very hard and has done an excellent job.  Ansel still helps him.  As a member of the Ring and my future consort, he will continue to help Kedan train the protector¡¯s guards.¡±

    ¡°You say it was necessary.  Would you mind telling me why?¡±

    ¡°The reasons are our own.  You will have to trust they were for a worthy cause and done for the best,¡± answered Griffa.  Max could tell she was slightly annoyed.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Now, sister,¡± said Oliver still smiling at Griffa. ¡°It is the queen¡¯s business if she wishes to change protectors.  We do not need to pry.¡±

    Bettina cut her eyes to her brother and then looked again at Griffa.  ¡°We should eat. Oliver, would you escort the queen to the table?¡±

    ¡°With pleasure,¡± said Oliver holding out his arm to Griffa.  ¡°Griffa smiled and took his arm as offered.¡±

    Bettina looked at Max.  ¡°Young Diviner, would you mind escorting me?  I am sure I am breaking rank, but Mr. Wendell will have to excuse me.  You are the blood of Adalwen after all.¡±

    Max stalled for a second, as he was surprised.  Talon nudged him a little with his arm, and Max approached Bettina and smiled.

    ¡°It would be my honor,¡± said Max offering Bettina his arm. She took it and gave Max a small smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much of an honor it is,¡± she said as they walked to the dining room. ¡°I am a leader of a small village, and you are from Abscon. You must attend grand parties regularly.¡±

    ¡°I grew up in a small village in the Great Surrounding.  I was a stable boy for most of my life.  I have only lived in Abscon for two years.  I assure you it is an honor to visit your home.¡±

    Bettina looked at Max as he walked with her to the head of the table.  ¡°I knew you lived with a non-gifted couple for a time.  I had no idea it was so long.¡±

    Max walked to the seat beside her.  ¡°I was sixteen when Ansel fetched me from my village and told me who I was.  He was wrong, as you know.  I am not the true king of our kingdom, but I am glad he came and got me.  I am happy to serve our true queen.¡±

    Bettina took her place at the head of her table.  Griffa was to sit to her right and Max to her left.  Ansel would sit down next to Max as Oliver would sit next to Griffa.  Kedan and Talon would be sitting across from one another.  As Bettina sat, they all took their seats as well.  She looked at everyone around the table.

    ¡°I ask our gods to watch out for all of us.  I ask that they keep all of you safe, no matter of any decisions made here tonight.  I ask for a safe winter for my village,¡± said Bettina.  She nodded her head, and everyone started filling their plates.

    ¡°My queen,¡± said Oliver looking at Griffa. ¡°How long do you plan to stay in the Grasslands.¡±

    ¡°We have been here a little over a week.  The hope is to stay three weeks in full.  We heard some information yesterday that might make that difficult.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± said Bettina as she placed some potatoes on her plate. ¡°What news is that?¡±

    ¡°The powers in Aurumist have circulated that I am responsible for the sickness in the kingdom.  They have offered a reward for anyone who can turn me over to be sent to Aurumist.¡±

    ¡°That will make you time more interesting,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°But surely you aren¡¯t afraid of any non-gifted people.  You have a protector and from what I can tell two powerful mages in your group.  Max seems quite capable as well.¡±

    ¡°I feel well protected,¡± said Griffa taking a sip of wine.  ¡°I am more worried it will impede me from helping the people of the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Yes, the sickness is very sad,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°I do not wish ill on anyone, even non-gifted folk.  They have not bothered us in the time we have lived here.  Of course, they don¡¯t know we are here for the most part.¡±

    ¡°You do know the powers in Aurumist have plans to release magic in dormant magical users, don¡¯t you?¡± asked Talon from down the table. ¡°That might affect the secrecy of your village.¡±

    ¡°We have heard rumors,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to be happening in the Grasslands.¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± said Talon, ¡°but the Grasslands are one of the closest lands to Aurumist.  I am sure it will spread here soon.¡±

    ¡°How are they releasing the magic in these dormant magic users?¡± asked Bettina.

    ¡°With blood magic,¡± said Griffa shaking her head.  ¡°Very dangerous blood magic.  It is causing problems in the city. I have seen the damage it can do for myself. I am very worried for those who have been affected by this magic.¡±

    Bettina nodded her head.  ¡°Blood magic isn¡¯t to be trifled with.  It takes someone very talented to do it.  Someone with the right intentions as well.  You are right to be concerned if this is how they are releasing magical users.¡±

    ¡°It is one of the reasons we must take Aurumist, quickly,¡± said Ansel looking towards Bettina.  ¡°Our queen needs to take the throne to make things right in the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Does your queen have a plan for the kingdom once she takes the throne?¡± asked Bettina.

    ¡°I plan to stop the sickness, help those who are affected by this blood magic, and listen to the people,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°There are many problems in the kingdom.  You will have a lot of work to do if you do rule, and I hope you are prepared.  Wanting to save the sick is very noble, but poverty, hunger, and violence will still be a problem when the sickness is over.¡±

    ¡°You are right,¡± said Griffa laying down her fork.  ¡°There are many problems in the kingdom.  I do not have all the answers right now, but I promise to listen to my people and those around me. I will not rule by myself.  I will depend on my Ring for advisement.  I will listen to other leaders around the kingdom such as yourself.  I will work with others to find solutions for the problems that face Regventus.¡±

    Bettina looked to be in thought.  ¡°That is a good answer.  Admitting you don¡¯t know all the answers is a good place to start.  Being willing to listen to others is even better.¡±

    ¡°I imagine you will be a good queen,¡± said Oliver looking at Griffa.

    ¡°She might if she ever gets the chance,¡± said Bettina picking up her glass.  ¡°You must know it will not be easy to take the throne.  I hear they are building up the army of Aurumist into a kingdom wide army.  They are accepting magical and non-magical new recruits.  Soon our lands will be filled with soldiers.¡±

    Griffa glanced at Ansel and then at Talon.  She turned her eyes back to Bettina.  ¡°All the more reason we need to organize quickly and plan to take the city soon.¡±

    They finished dinner and walked back into the parlor.  Oliver sat next to Griffa as Talon and Ansel sat close by. Kedan stood behind his queen. Oliver asked many questions about Abscon and the Valley while Max stood at the fireplace.  Bettina came up to him.

    ¡°I understand from your queen, you are quite good at potions,¡± said Bettina looking at Max.

    ¡°I have learned a lot from Griffa.  I enjoy making potions,¡± replied Max.

    ¡°How are your supplies that you have brought with you?¡±

    ¡°They are a little low,¡± replied Max.  He had to make some potions and balms to help with some minor injuries with the protector¡¯s guard.  Griffa had needed a sleeping potion or two as well.

    ¡°Come walk with me to my herb garden,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°It is just outside the back.  We will not be gone long.  You can take whatever you might need from there.¡±

    Max looked at Griffa who stared back at him.  He smiled at her.  ¡°Bettina wishes to show me something. I will be back in a moment.¡±

    Griffa looked surprised, but nodded her head.  Max followed Bettina to the back of the house.  She picked up a small basket and led Max out the door.  The entered a long room. The walls were made of glass.  All around were plants sitting in long containers.  Max had never seen so many different herbs and flowers in one place.

    ¡°This is very impressive,¡± said Max looking around.

    ¡°My mother loved to garden. She showed me and Oliver how to do it.  We have kept up her garden since she died.¡±

    ¡°How long was ago was that?¡± asked Max as he wondered how Bettina had come to lead her village at such a young age.  He wondered what had happened to her parents.

    ¡°My parents were both killed in Aurumist about six years ago. They had gone to the city to get supplies for the village, and they were hit by a horse and wagon.  At least that is what we were told.  I am skeptical.  My father was a powerful sorcerer, and my mother was a gifted witch.  It seems odd they would die in such a mundane way.  I was too young to inquire further, but it has always bothered me.¡±

    ¡°I can see why,¡± said Max.  ¡°My real parents were killed by Aurumist soldiers.  I was thought to be the king.  I was taken as a baby by Ansel before I could be killed with them.¡±

    ¡°I am sorry you never knew them,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°I miss my parents, but at least I remember them.  Poor Mrs. Horn who works here has tried to keep Oliver and myself in check since our parents died.  I am sure it has not been easy on her.¡±

    ¡°You both seem to be educated and able. I hear you¡¯re a capable leader of your village.  I think both your parents and Mrs. Horn have done a fine job,¡± said Max as he picked a few herbs and put them in the basket.

    ¡°Flattery won¡¯t help with your queen, you know,¡± said Bettina smiling slightly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to flatter anyone for Griffa.  She is the true queen of this kingdom, and she is worthy.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± asked Bettina with her arms crossed. ¡°What makes her worthy besides her bloodline?¡±

    Max thought for a moment how to answer. ¡°It is hard to say everything Griffa is, but I will try. She is a powerful magic user.  Even without her enhanced powers from her protector, she can do amazing things with magic.  She is fierce and brave.  I have seen her fight many times.  She is extremely loyal, and she speaks the truth which you yourself much appreciate.  Above all, she is kind, and she is good.  She wants what is best for this kingdom and her people.  She will put the kingdom above herself every time.  She is willing to die for it.¡±

    ¡°You are her kin, of course you think she is good,¡± said Bettina waving her hand to the side.

    ¡°I met Griffa two years ago,¡± said Max as he picked a couple of flowers.  ¡°She didn¡¯t know me.  She didn¡¯t know we were of the same blood.  She took me into her home.  She taught me magic and helped me to fit into the new world I was thrust into.  I was scared and confused, and she took her time to make sure I was comfortable.

    ¡°Whether she was my kin or not, I will tell you she is one of a kind.  You could travel this whole kingdom and not find one person who is as good as Griffa.  If you decide to support he,r there is nothing she will not do for you or your village.  What¡¯s more even if you decide against her and your village was in trouble and you contacted her, she would come without a second thought.¡±

    ¡°You make quite a case for her, Max,¡± said Bettina with an amused smile.

    ¡°All of it is true,¡± said Max standing up after picking a few herbs.  ¡°I will do any kind of vow you like to prove it.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± said Bettina.  She walked and looked at her garden for a moment and then turned to Max.  ¡°Are you really a diviner?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± said Max.

    ¡°So, you have visions?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Do you have visions of your queen?¡±

    ¡°I have had several of our queen and the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°And what do you see?¡± asked Bettina.

    Max looked at Bettina for a moment and something came over him.  He wasn¡¯t sure what, but he walked up to her and took her hand.  He stared at her, and she stared back, her eyes going wide.

    ¡°I have seen many things, but the one thing I know for sure is if Regventus is going to survive, it will be at Griffa¡¯s hand.¡±

    Bettina gripped Max¡¯s hand and nodded. Max let go of Bettina¡¯s hand and stepped back.

    ¡°We should go back inside.  Your queen will want an answer, and you will all want to rest,¡± said Bettina walking towards the door.

    Max followed her into the parlor.  He sat down and smiled at Griffa as Bettina moved in front of the fireplace.  She turned and looked at the group.

    ¡°I have heard your words and your invitation to join your cause,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°You are asking me to send my village to war for you.  That is not something that I can take lightly.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Oliver as he stood up and went to stand with his sister.  ¡°War is not something to take lightly, but when it is for a just cause, it is necessary.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°What is your opinion, Oliver?¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt we are in the presence of the true Queen of Regventus. I am ready to swear my allegiance to her, but you are our leader, sister.  What matters is what you think.¡±

    ¡°I find that I do like you, Gryphon Keene,¡± said Bettina.  ¡°I think you speak the truth, and I think you do want what is best for this kingdom.  I was still leery to join your cause.  I do not want my folk to come to harm, but your young diviner has convinced me.  I pledge you my support and that of my village. I will do whatever I can to see that you sit on the throne of Aurumist.¡±

    Griffa stood and walked over to Bettina.  ¡°I understand the magnitude of this decision.  I swear to you my support and protection of this village.  I will be a fair ruler of this kingdom, and I will listen to your counsel.¡±

    Bettina took Griffa¡¯s hand and kneeled.  ¡°Arialla is yours, my queen.¡±

    Griffa brought Bettina up to stand next to her.  ¡°And my support and loyalty are yours.¡± Griffa turned to Oliver.  ¡°I say it to both of you.¡±

    Oliver smiled as he took Griffa¡¯s hand and kissed it. ¡°I will fight for you, my queen.¡±

    They soon left to return to the house they were staying in.  Bettina assured them they could stay as long as they needed.  Griffa walked arm and arm with Max on the way back.

    ¡°Whatever did you say to her to get her to pledge her village to me?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°I told her the truth,¡± said Max.  ¡°I told her only you can save Regventus.  I told her you were the true queen, and that you were the finest person I had ever met.¡±

    Griffa laid her head on Max¡¯s shoulder as they walked.  ¡°I hope I live up to that truth, Max.  I hope one day I am remembered as you see me.¡±

    ¡°You will be, my queen,¡± said Max, ¡°because my truth is the only real way to see you.¡±

 Chapter 4

    Philo stood outside the fifth ring of Aurumist with two soldiers close by.  He adjusted his dark cloak and shook out his long blonde hair, looking around the forest of the Great Surrounding that bordered the city.  The trees were all almost bare.  Fall would be over soon, and winter would come with its snow and harsh temperatures.  The wind that swirled around him caused him to shiver slightly.  He wondered what was to come in the season ahead.

    He knew the queen and her supporters were planning something.  They wouldn¡¯t stay in the safety of Abscon much longer.  Not when, he had found a way to take their queen from their very midst.  Philo shook his head.  He was tired of failure.  He was tired of being bested by Gryphon, her protector, and her other friends.

    He could have just killed her as soon as she appeared in the forest.  He would have been done with her, but he would not have been done with the old magical folk. The young king would have stepped in.  Philo thought maybe they would have been too weak to go on, but revenge and anger could be powerful forces.  If Philo had killed Gryphon her friends could have rallied around the young king looking for revenge as well as a way to take the throne.

    What Philo really wanted was the right to rule.  As long as the right to rule belonged to the line of Adalwen, someone would always be out there, ready to take the throne, no matter how many people from the line of Adalwen he managed to kill.  Philo wanted to take the right to rule from the Adalwen bloodline and claim it for his own.

    He had been close in the forest.  He would have done it if Golnar had not shown weakness and stopped him.  He couldn¡¯t believe the old man had turned on him to help the queen.  That weak old man should have had no way to stop Philo, but Philo had not expected an attack from Golnar.  Then Gryphon¡¯s friends had arrived.  Her protector, Talon, Kedan, and that false young king had come to take her.

    Philo wanted to kill them all.  He had always disliked Ansel.  Ansel had been devoted to the Keene¡¯s most of his life.  He had followed Renweard and then Gryphon around like a pet, always doing their bidding.  Talon Wendell was nothing except a grown spoiled child who had the luck of being born into the right family.  Philo wondered how the Valley even survived under Talon¡¯s leadership.  Why Talon now seemed to follow Gryphon¡¯s around, Philo could only guess.  He supposed the Keene¡¯s and the Wendell¡¯s had long been bonded as leaders of the two most prominent magical villages.

    Then there was Kedan.  Kedan who was a useless figurehead in Aurumist when he served as the lord and then king.  What value did Gryphon find in Kedan¡¯s friendship? What good could he do her?  He was a non-gifted person with few skills.  What could he possibly do for Gryphon?  She had risked her life to come to Aurumist and try to save Kedan¡¯s wife, and she had helped him reclaim his son. Why did she show such devotion to the man?  Philo could not wrap his head around it.

    Philo took a deep breath to clear his mind.  He adjusted the pendant he wore against his chest. He would be meeting with Cassia soon, and he needed to dispel his anger and put on his charm.  If he was going to find a way to gain her cooperation, he would need to be open with her, without falling under her enchantments.  He was no stranger to her enchantments.  He had spent a few rather enjoyable nights letting her charm him.  It seemed Philo¡¯s wife did not mind.  Philo wondered how much his own wife had enjoyed the charms of Cassia as well.

    The air around him changed slightly and Philo smiled as Cassia walked up to him.  She looked as lovely as always. Her dark hair fell perfectly around her shoulders.  Her deep brown eyes blinked as she walked towards him.  Her long eyelashes practically touched her face as they fell over her eyes.  Her full mouth smiled wildly as she held out her hand to Philo.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Philo, it has been a while,¡± said Cassia in smooth voice as Philo took her hand and kissed it.

    ¡°It has, Cassia.  I am glad you agreed to meet with me.¡±

    ¡°Our son and daughter will be united soon.  We will be practically family,¡± said Cassia.  ¡°My husband may not want anything to do with you, but I am less inclined to give up old friendships.¡±

    ¡°I guess Hector is rather upset with me.  He has sided with the false queen.¡±

    Cassia folded her arms. ¡°He was close to Renweard.  There was some nasty business on the Ring, and he feels he can make up for his mistakes with Renweard¡¯s daughter.  He is loyal to Gryphon, even though she threw him off the Ring.¡±

    ¡°I have heard she has made a new Ring, throwing off the old families.  The false queen is already making many mistakes.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± said Cassia as she unfolded her arms. She slowly circled Philo, putting her hand on his shoulder.  ¡°But I didn¡¯t come here to talk about Gryphon or the Ring.¡±

    Philo closed his eyes for a second and took a breath as he felt her pull.  He hoped his pendant would help shield him, but Cassia was very powerful.  He felt in danger of falling under her enchantment. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°No, we came to talk about your daughter and the opportunities she might have in the future,¡± said Philo opening his eyes.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± said Cassia. She stopped circling and stood very close to Philo.  She rubbed his upper arm.  ¡°You said you had a way to make her a queen one day?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Philo looking down into Cassia¡¯s eyes.  She blinked and Philo felt himself respond to her.  ¡°I am in power in Aurumist now. I am almost as good as a king.  I will pass on my rule to Marcus someday.¡±

    ¡°You say you are almost as good as a king, but you are not a king,¡± said Cassia.  She reached up and played with Philo¡¯s hair.

    ¡°No, not yet¡± said Philo.  He reached out and stroked Cassia¡¯s cheek.  ¡°But I have plans to make myself one.  I have a way to take the right to rule from Gryphon and her bloodline.¡±

    Cassia stopped playing with Philo¡¯s hair and took a step back.  ¡°And how do you plan to do it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not important, but I know I can.  I just need to get my hands on Gryphon.  I am working on it, and it will not be long.  Once I have this right to rule, I will need my son with me.¡±

    ¡°Marcus seem to want nothing to do with you,¡± said Cassia.  ¡°I have heard him tell Hector he has denounced you.¡±

    Philo chuckled.  ¡°Marcus likes to talk as though he is noble, but if I can get him here, I can convince him easily to stay.  Once he sees the power I have, he will want to join me.  I just have to get him away from influences in Abscon.¡±

    Cassia smiled. ¡°You seem very sure of yourself, Philo, but you must need something from me if you have called me here today.¡±

    ¡°You hold much influence over your daughter.  It seems your daughter holds influence over my son.  I believe between the two of you, he could be convinced to come to me.  If not, I would think you could find a way to get him out of Abscon so I could come get him.¡±

    Cassia folded her arms again. ¡°You know this will go against my husband¡¯s wishes.  If he finds out I did something like this, he will banish me from his house.  I hold some power over him, but to betray him this deeply, would cause him to lose all interest in me.¡±

    ¡°Are you particularly fond of your husband?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t live as long with someone as I have with Hector and not be somewhat fond of him.  He is a kind man, and he has let me do as I please and still loved me.  That does inspire at least a little devotion.  We also have two children together.  My daughter is the most precious thing in the kingdom to me, and he gave me her.  We have a son as well, but Malchom has never really warmed to me.¡±

    Philo considered Cassia.  He moved closer to her, and she did not back away.  ¡°What can I do to convince you?  I can guarantee your daughter will be the queen consort someday.  I can guarantee I will keep her safe in Aurumist.  What else would you like?¡±

    Cassia moved very close to Philo.  She put her arms around his neck and looked up at him. ¡°When my husband kicks me out of his house, I will have nowhere to go.  I will need a place to stay.¡±

    ¡°I can provide you with a grand house in the first circle of Aurumist.  Somewhere close to the palace.  My wife and I are both very eager to have you near us,¡± said Philo.  He bent his face down towards her.  He wanted to kiss her badly.  He was falling under her enchantments, but he found he didn¡¯t care.

    Cassia brushed her lips against his. ¡°It would be nice to be near you and Cecilia.  I have missed her very much. We were very close.¡±

    Philo pulled Cassia close to him and kissed her.  She moaned against his lips, and Philo knew he was in danger of being completely lost.  He would need to keep some of his wits about him so he pulled back slightly.  ¡°You will be very taken care of in the city.  Your daughter will be safe and powerful.  You will not miss your husband.  I will see to that myself.¡±

    Cassia pressed herself up against Philo and ran her hand down his cheek.  ¡°Very well, I will do what you need me to do.  Give me some time to talk to Desmona.  I will contact you soon and perhaps we can meet again.  Maybe somewhere more private next time.  You could even bring Cecilia if you wish.¡±

    Philo smiled and held Cassia close.  ¡°I belive she might like that.¡±  Philo kissed Cassia as she ran her hands down his back. He forced himself to finally pull away.

    ¡°I need to be going.  My wife is expecting me for supper soon,¡± said Philo straightening his cloak.

    ¡°Hector will be looking for me as well.  I will be in contact soon.  Tell Cecelia I look forward to seeing her.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± said Philo.  He turned to go when Cassia stopped him.

    ¡°Wait, Philo, I do have some information you might want to hear now.¡±

    Philo turned and nodded at Cassia.

    ¡°The queen is out in the kingdom somewhere now, and she has been gone for a while.  I am not sure when she will return.  Also, Ansel is no longer her protector.¡±

    Philo felt his eyes widen. ¡°What are you talking about?  Ansel is the only surviving man of the line of Raya.  He must be Gryphon¡¯s protector.¡±

    ¡°The queen had something done. I guarantee you, Ansel is no longer her protector.  It is that non-gifted man they took in.  The former lord of Aurumist.¡±

    ¡°Kedan?¡± asked Philo. This couldn¡¯t be right.  ¡°How can he be her protector? Where did you hear this information?¡±

    ¡°I charmed it out of Hector one night.  He heard it from Malchom who is on Gryphon¡¯s Ring.   Kedan is the queen¡¯s protector, and Ansel has been training him, I believe.¡±

    ¡°Why would they change protector¡¯s now?  If Gryphon is planning on making a charge to take Aurumist, why would she not want Ansel by her side as her protector?  He has trained his whole life.  I wouldn¡¯t think he would give up the right to protect the queen.  I thought he was in love with her.¡±

    ¡°He seems to still be in loved with the woman.  I believe they are betrothed.  Why he would pick her over my own daughter, I will never know, but I like Marcus better anyway.¡±

    ¡°It will work out for your daughter better this way,¡± said Philo grinning.  ¡°I thank you for the information.  It is very interesting.  Please send me a message as soon as you have something to tell me.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± said Cassia flipping her hair to the side. ¡°I will try to have everything done quickly.  I am rather anxious to see you and your dear wife again.¡±

    With that Cassia turned and disappeared.  Philo nodded to his soldiers who were standing a ways away.  He waked towards the city.   His meeting with Cassia had been even more fruitful than he hoped.

 Chapter 5

    Kedan stood close to Griffa as they walked through the largest village in the Grasslands.  Anplesent was a large village with three active rings.  They were currently in the third ring, heading towards the second.  Griffa had heard there were many sick within the second ring, kept in one area. She wanted to visit the sick and deliver the cure.

    Kedan did not like being in this village.  It was too large, and Griffa was too vulnerable.  He hovered close to his queen, occasionally bumping into her.  He knew he was probably annoying her, but he didn¡¯t care.  He would have her very near to him at all times while in the village.  He looked over to see Ansel walking very close to her other side.  His eyes darted around, looking for any threats.  Talon walked closely behind her as he too continually looked around.  Max walked next to Talon, but only seemed to stare straight ahead.

    They came to the opening of the second ring, where they were met by two town guards.  They looked at Griffa, holding the hilt of their swords on their belts, blocking the entrance.

    ¡°What business do you have here?¡± asked one of the guards looking at Griffa.

    ¡°I have come to see to the sick people of the city.  I bring comfort and a cure,¡± said Griffa confidently.

    The guards both looked at Griffa closely.  One of the guards gripped his sword tightly and said, ¡°You are the false queen, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kedan moved very close to Griffa staring down the guard.

    Griffa smiled at the guard.  ¡°You may call me that, but you know it isn¡¯t true.  You know I am not a false queen.  You know I am the queen of this kingdom.  I do not intend to harm my people.  I only want to see to the sick.¡±

    The guard shook his head and blinked. He looked at Griffa closely as his hand fell off of his sword.  He turned to the other guard who was also staring at Griffa, and she smiled at both of them.

    ¡°Will you let us pass?  I would like to get to my people. I know they are in need.¡±

    The guards both nodded and moved aside, letting Griffa and the others pass.  Kedan let out a breath and walked with his queen as Griffa grabbed Kedan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°It is fine, Kedan.  You can relax a bit as I am not in any danger.  I can tell the kingdom wishes me to be here.  All will be will,¡± said Griffa as she squeezed Kedan¡¯s hand and let it go.

    Kedan did not relax.  He stayed alert, watching around him.

    ¡°Griffa, you need to do what you came to do and get out quickly,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°I will not rush through this, Talon,¡± said Griffa as they turned towards a building, they knew held the sick.  ¡°I will see that all who are sick have the care that they need.¡±

    Griffa walked into the building and Kedan followed her.  The entered a large room with rows of sick people lying on pallets on the floor.  There were so many people that there was barely any space between each pallet.  The smell of sick was overpowering, and people were moaning and crying all around.

    Kedan looked at Griffa as she put her hand on his arm.  She had her head bowed and her eyes closed.  Kedan placed his hand on hers and felt his magic go to her.  He felt it work to comfort her.  She opened her eyes and took a breath, nodding at Kedan.  They were met by a healer, and she looked at them warily.

    ¡°Are you looking for someone?¡± she asked eyeing Griffa.  Her eyes seem to be focused on the crown Griffa wore.

    ¡°We have come to help the sick.  We bring a cure and our comfort,¡± said Griffa.  She motioned to Max who brought forth a basket full of vials of potion.

    The healer looked at the basket and then looked back at Griffa.  ¡°We have been told to watch out for the false queen.  We are told she brings a false cure that will only cause more harm.¡±

    ¡°You have been told lies,¡± said Griffa looking at the healer.  ¡°I am no false queen.  I am the true queen of this kingdom, and I bring a way to help all of these sick people.  I offer it to you now.  If you will not take it, I will administer it to each person here, myself.¡±

    The healer continued to stare at Griffa.  She shook her head slightly as Griffa grabbed her hand.

    ¡°I promise you,¡± said Griffa passionately ¡°I want only to help my people.  You are so tired.  I know how hard you have been working.  Let me help you by providing this cure.  Let me give my comfort to the sick people in this room.¡±

    Kedan watched as the healer gripped Griffa¡¯s hand.  She took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded.  ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly.  She took the basket from Max and turned.

    Griffa walked to a young man who lay on a pallet. She kneeled down as he watched her.  She took his hand and started whispering.

    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here too long,¡± said Talon quietly.  ¡°We need to leave this town before it gets dark and get settled somewhere out in the fields for the night.¡±

    ¡°She will stay as long as she thinks is necessary,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°Our queen sometimes forgets she has many responsibilities.  The first being to keep herself safe,¡± replied Talon.

    ¡°Fine, you can monitor her and decide when she should stop.  I¡¯ll let you be the one to drag her out,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°You know that isn¡¯t what I mean, Ansel,¡± said Talon rolling his eyes.

    Kedan saw Griffa look over at Ansel and Talon as she moved on to speak with another sick person.  Kedan could feel her annoyance.  He turned to Ansel and Talon.

    ¡°Will you two be quiet,¡± said Kedan quietly but angrily.  ¡°You are doing nothing but adding to the stress of our queen.  If you want her to get out of this village safely, let he have some peace so she can do what she needs to do.¡±

    ¡°Ansel is the one who is being difficult on purpose.  He knows what I meant about making sure Griffa knows her limits,¡± said Talon with narrowed eyes at Ansel.

    ¡°You are one to talk about being difficult on purpose,¡± said Ansel in a harsh whisper.  ¡°All you do lately is try to find ways to aggravate me.¡±

    Kedan looked at Max who shook his head.  ¡°I think both of you should wait outside,¡± said Kedan.

    Talon gave a short laugh while Ansel stared at Kedan.  ¡°You think I¡¯m going to let Griffa out of my sight while we are in this village?¡± asked Ansel. ¡°You will have to drag me out of this room.¡±

    ¡°Me as well,¡± said Talon.

    Kedan looked over at Griffa who was speaking with a young girl.  She looked up at him worriedly.

    ¡°Fine,¡± said Kedan.  He grabbed both Ansel and Talon by the arm and heaved them forward towards the door.

    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I am taking you outside.  If you don¡¯t want to cause a scene and endanger our queen, I suggest you come quietly.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± said Ansel yanking his arm away from Kedan. ¡°I can be quiet.  I will not say another word while we are here.  I will quietly keep watch.¡±

    ¡°I will as well,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I won¡¯t say a word to Ansel or anyone else if you would like.¡±

    Kedan looked at both Talon and Ansel and sighed.  ¡°Fine, but if there is one word out of either of you, I will find a way to throw you out of this room.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Kedan turned and looked for his queen, but he could not see her.  Figuring she had knelt down somewhere in the room, Kedan started quickly searching the room.  He looked up and down rows of people.  He started to panic as he could not find her.  Kedan looked around to see Talon and Ansel looking at him, but Kedan could not see Max anywhere either.  Ansel and Talon walked up to Kedan.

    ¡°Where is Griffa?¡± asked Ansel grabbing Kedan¡¯s arm.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± said Kedan anxiously.  ¡°I can¡¯t find Max either.¡±

    Talon looked around and spotted the healer from earlier and walked up to her.  Ansel and Kedan followed.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Have you seen the queen?  The woman that was with us?¡±

    ¡°She left with two men who came in from a side door.  That young man in your party went with them as well.¡±

    ¡°Do you know who the men where?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I believe they work for our village leader,¡± said the healer.

    Kedan felt dread fill his stomach.  He tried to focus and connect with Griffa to feel her feelings, but he was too nervous and agitated to get a good reading.

    ¡°Where does the leader of the village live?¡± asked Kedan urgently.

    ¡°He lives in the first ring, directly in the center,¡± said the healer.  ¡°Now, I need to get this medicine to all the sick people.¡±  She turned and walked away.

    Kedan took a breath and rubbed his head.  ¡°We have to go, now.  We will need to get into the first ring and somehow get into the leader¡¯s home.¡±

    Kedan started walking towards the door with Ansel and Talon following.  They walked outside into the second ring and started walking, looking for the entrance to the first ring.  Kedan was livid.  How dare they distract him from watching over his queen.

    ¡°How could she disappear that quickly?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Could you not sense something was wrong, Kedan?¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± asked Kedan incredulously.  ¡°I was having to deal with the both of you.  You distracted me from watching over my queen.¡±

    ¡°We are not your responsibility,¡± said Talon.  ¡°You should have been keeping an eye on Griffa instead of talking to us.¡±

    ¡°You are my responsibility when you are agitating my queen,¡± said Kedan as he walked swiftly looking for the entrance to the first ring.  ¡°You two have done nothing but fight and cause Griffa unneeded stress since we left Abscon.  I have half a mind to send you both back to Keene Manor.¡±

    ¡°As if you could do it,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Try me, Talon,¡± said Kedan stopping and turning towards Talon.  ¡°There is nothing I will not do for my queen.  I know how powerful you are, but you do not know how far my magic will go to see to my queen¡¯s well-being.¡±

    Kedan turned and started walking.

    ¡°Do you know how Griffa is?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°Can you tell if she is alright?¡±

    ¡°I am not sensing anything too dire.  She is stressed and unsettled, but that is usual for her.¡±

    Kedan spotted the entrance to the first ring. There were two town guards stationed there. Kedan walked over to the entrance, and Ansel and Talon walked up to stand at each side of Kedan.  The guards looked at them.

    ¡°We need to enter,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°You will let us enter to the first ring.¡±

    ¡°What is your business in the first ring?¡± asked one of the guards.

    ¡°It does not matter,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°You will let us enter.¡±

    The guard gripped the hilt of his sword that set in his belt. ¡°You have to have permission to enter the first ring.  Who are you visiting?¡±

    Talon sighed and threw out his hands.  The two guards went rigid for a second and then walked away.

    ¡°I am guessing persuasion magic isn¡¯t one of your gifts, Ansel,¡± said Talon as they walked into the first ring.

    ¡°I was trying to not cause a scene.  We don¡¯t need to draw attention to ourselves by throwing around charms,¡± said Ansel angrily.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to stand around trying to nicely ask folk to move out of the way.  Griffa and Max could both be in trouble,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Causing panic in the village will not make saving them any easier,¡± said Ansel.

    Kedan tried to ignore them both as he walked through the first ring, heading towards the center.  Kedan spotted the large house in the center and walked towards it.

    ¡°Wait, Kedan,¡± said Talon grabbing Kedan¡¯s arm.  ¡°What are you planning to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to knock on the front door and demand to see my queen,¡± answered Kedan.

    ¡°Maybe we should find a quieter way to get inside.  We don¡¯t know what is going on in there,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°What would you suggest?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°There is probably a back door or two.  We can sneak around and see if anyone is in sight and go in undetected,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°Why bother with that?  Let¡¯s just barge in the front door.  Who¡¯s going to stop us?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°If we can get in and out quietly it will be easier and there will be less chance of anyone getting hurt,¡± replied Ansel.

    ¡°It will take too much time.  We don¡¯t know what is happening to Max and Griffa.  We need to get to them,¡± said Talon in agitation.

    Kedan walked away and closed his eyes. He tried to connect with Griffa and see how she was feeling.  Kedan opened his eyes and smiled.  He left Ansel and Talon and walked to the front door.  He knocked before Ansel and Talon had realized what he had done.

    A kind looking older man opened the door.

    ¡°Hello,¡± said Kedan smiling.  ¡°I am looking for a woman and young man.  I believe they might be visiting.¡±

    The man smiled at Kedan.  ¡°Your queen is inside.  Are you the protector or one of the mages?¡±

    ¡°I am her protector,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°Her mages seem to be coming this way.¡±

    ¡°I was told to bring you to your queen.  Her mages can wait in the parlor,¡± said the old man.

    Kedan smiled and walked inside as Talon and Ansel made it to the front door.  Kedan was shown to the staircase.  Before he walked up, he turned to Ansel and Talon.

    ¡°Our queen has requested you wait in the parlor.  I am sure we will be down shortly.¡±

    Talon narrowed his eyes and Ansel crossed his arms, but they didn¡¯t argue.  Kedan followed the old man up the stairs.  He took Kedan down a hall and to a bedroom a few doors down.  Kedan peeked in to see two small beds.  Max was sitting on the far side of one of the beds.  Griffa was sitting in a chair between the beds.  Each bed held a young girl, and Griffa was reading a book to both of them.  She put it down as Kedan walked in.

    ¡°Kedan,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I am glad you found us.  I am visiting with my two new friends.  Kali and Kila, this is Kedan.  He is a friend of mine.¡±

    Kedan walked further into the room and smiled at the girls.  They looked tired but they both smiled back.  One of them giggled.

    ¡°He is very handsome,¡± said the girl who laughed.

    ¡°I agree, Kali,¡± said Griffa smiling at the girl.  ¡°What do you say, Kila?¡±

    ¡°He is nice looking, but I prefer Max I think.¡±

    Griffa laughed as Max turned red.

    ¡°I believe we will need to leave soon, but I would like to finish my book first if that is alright with you, Kedan,¡± said Griffa picking her book up.

    ¡°Of course, my queen,¡± said Kedan.  He spotted a chair next to Kali¡¯s bed.  He walked over and sat in it as the girl weakly smiled at him.

    Griffa read her book about a princess who waited for a prince to rescue her but got tired of waiting.  She eventually escaped her tower by herself, and lived quite happily doing as she pleased.  It was a humorous book and Griffa read well.  By the time she was done, both girls were yawning.

    Griffa walked over to Kila and placed her hand on her forehead, closing her eyes.  After a moment, Griffa opened her eyes and said, ¡°Sleep well, sweet Kila.  You will feel better in the morning.¡±

    The girl closed her eyes.  Griffa walked over to Kali and did the same thing.  Kali smiled one more time at Kedan before closing her eyes.  Kedan took the girl¡¯s hand and squeezed it gently before getting up.  He followed Griffa and Max out of the room.  They were met by a well-dressed man in the hallway.

    ¡°They will be much better by tomorrow, so do not worry,¡± said Griffa to the man.  ¡°I have given them the cure.  I have also used some magic to comfort them.  Their fevers are already gone.¡±

    The man nodded.  ¡°I thank you, my queen.  When I heard you were in the village, I was hoping you would agree to come.¡±

    ¡°I will go wherever my people are suffering.  I have left many vials of the cure in the second ring.  I can send more when I return to my home in a little more than a week.¡±

    ¡°I am forever grateful for all you have done for my village and my daughters.  If I can serve you in anyway, please let me know.¡±

    ¡°It is enough to help my people,¡± said Griffa smiling.

    He walked them down to the stairs to his parlor.  They entered to find Talon and Ansel sitting on opposite sides of the fireplace.  They stood as the group entered.

    ¡°Do you require any refreshment before you are on your way?¡± asked the man.

    ¡°No, we are very well supplied,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°We need to be going so we can leave the village before nightfall.¡±

    ¡°Would you like me to send some guards with you to accompany you through the village.  I know some horrible false information has been circulating about you. I didn¡¯t believe it when I heard it. I have tried to stop it, but folk do like to talk.¡±

    ¡°I am well protected as you can see.  Any guards will not be necessary,¡± said Griffa. ¡°Before we leave, can I ask you why you didn¡¯t believe the stories about me?¡±

    ¡°I had an aunt who was always a little odd.  I stayed with her sometimes. She told me stories of kings and queens of old.  She told me of a time of peace in the kingdom when magic was everywhere.  She talked to me of the true gods of our kingdom.  When I heard about you, I just knew you were the true queen.  Now that I have met you, I have no doubt.¡±

    ¡°Well, that explains something,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I believe your aunt may have been from a magical family. I should tell you that both of your daughters have magical blood.  They could both be magic users.  It would take work, but they could be very proficient.  You will hear of ways to unlock their magic with an elixir.  Please don¡¯t let them take it.  If your daughters want to learn magic, I can help you find someone to teach them.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes went wide.  He smiled slightly.  ¡°They have always been a handful.  I will keep it in mind.  I will not let them take any elixirs for their magic, I can assure you.¡±

    Griffa nodded.  ¡°We will be going.  I will send you some more cure soon.¡±

    The man took Griffa¡¯s hand and bowed over it.  Griffa looked at the others, and they left the house together.

    As they walked through the first Ring, Griffa took Kedan¡¯s arm.  ¡°I am sorry I left so suddenly without telling you, Kedan.  I was approached and informed that two young girls needed my help.  I wanted to tell you, but the men were persistent, and I couldn¡¯t get your attention.¡±

    ¡°I was rather distracted by Talon and Ansel.  I should never have left your side, but I couldn¡¯t stand the stress they were putting on you,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°They cannot go on acting like this.  I will see to it soon, Kedan.  I have some ideas to help them get along.¡±

    Kedan looked at Griffa as she smiled.  He was interested to see what she had come up with for the solution to their problem.

 Chapter 6

    Griffa sighed as she slipped into the water of her bathtub in her Keene Manor bedroom.  It had been a very long three weeks.  They had been to many villages in the Grasslands, and Griffa felt they had done good work.  They had covered the Grasslands with the cure for the illness.  She knew they would have to send more, but she felt what they had done had been a good start to stop the sickness in the land.

    They had visited many different magical communities.  Griffa was very pleased to have Arialla behind their cause.  It had helped with the other magical communities around the Grasslands.  Bettina had already sent Griffa a message stating that she was visiting with leaders of magical villages in the Grasslands and the River Valley.  Bettina felt she could persuade many leaders to join the fight for the kingdom.

    Griffa was pleased with their trip, but it had not been without irritations.  Many of the villages they stayed in where not big enough for comfortable inns.  They had spent many nights on hard beds or cots.  After hearing of the misinformation being spread about Griffa, the group had elected to spend many nights in the fields on the ground away from villages. Griffa was looking very forward to sleeping in her large, soft bed.

    She plunged her head under the water to wash her hair.  She came back up and shook her hair out of her face.  There was another irritation on the trip.  It was a problem she knew she would have to handle quickly. For some reason, Ansel and Talon had spent almost the whole trip arguing with one another.  Not only did it stress Griffa to no end, but it had also affected the duties of her protector.

    Griffa leaned back in the tub and closed her eyes. She would have to find a way to fix the problem.  Ansel and Talon were both very important to her.  She knew she would need both of them to take the kingdom, but if they could not find a way to get along, it might be impossible to have both of them by her side.  The thought made her sad, but she didn¡¯t know how much more of their bickering she could take.  She felt like she had enough worries without those two constantly arguing.

    Griffa opened her eyes as she heard someone come into the bedroom.  She watched as Ansel walked over close to the tub. It looked like he had cleaned up in his old room and changed.  He looked down on her with a slight smile on his face.

    ¡°I suppose I have bathed long enough,¡± said Griffa looking up at Ansel.  ¡°I will be out in a moment.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to rush,¡± he said staring at her.  ¡°We have no set plans.¡±

    ¡°No, but there are some things I need to do this afternoon,¡± said Griffa.

    She put her hands on the side of the tub and pushed herself up.  Ansel grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her as she stepped out.    He started drying her off as Griffa watched him.  She loved him so much.  He could be so thoughtful and wonderful.  She knew he didn¡¯t mean to add to her stresses, and she knew he constantly worried about her.  She didn¡¯t want him to ever leave her side.  She didn¡¯t want to hurt him, but she knew there were some things he needed to hear.

    He finished toweling her off and stepped back as Griffa walked past him into the bedroom.  She pushed a charm through her hair, drying it, and walked towards her closet. She would need to get dressed to talk to Ansel and then Talon.  Before she reached the closet, Ansel grabbed her hand and pulled her to him.  He kissed her and held her close.

    ¡°I need to get dressed,¡± said Griffa looking up at Ansel.  ¡°There are some things we need to discuss.¡±

    ¡°We can talk right now,¡± he said looking down at her.  He kissed her gently on the lips.

    Griffa smiled and started to speak before Ansel bent down and started kissing her neck.

    ¡°Ansel, I am serious,¡± said Griffa as she sighed.  ¡°There are some things we must talk about.¡±

    He looked at her, rubbing his hands down her sides.  ¡°I know what you want to talk about, but I¡¯m not in the mood to speak of it at the moment.  I have missed you,¡± he said quietly before kissing her again.

    They had seen each other every day for the past three weeks, but she knew what he meant.  They had barely had any time alone.  A few nights on the trip, they were able to sleep in the same bed, but for the most part they were either parted at night or sleeping in a group with everyone else.  It felt good to be held and kissed by Ansel.

    ¡°I have missed you as well,¡± said Griffa.  She reached up and touched his face before pulling him down and kissing him.  She dropped her towel as Ansel moved her towards the bed.  She supposed she could wait a little while to talk with him.

    Later she lay in bed in Ansel¡¯s arms.  She made a contented noise as Ansel kissed her shoulder.  She tried hard to cherish their times together.  After almost losing him, she had a new appreciation for Ansel¡¯s love and care.  She had made the choice to be with him, to let him give up the duty his bloodline had held for 1300 years.  She had worried he would regret his choice.  She had worried she would regret letting him do it, but she found she had no regrets.  It was worth it to be with him.

    She knew he had some problems giving up the duties of the protector of the kingdom, and she understood.  He had been raised knowing he would be the protector.  He had trained his whole life.  It had been his purpose, but now, he had given up his right as protector.  She could tell he was trying to step back, and let Kedan take over all duties. She knew Kedan needed help and training from Ansel, but Griffa wondered if Ansel would ever be satisfied giving it up entirely.  She wondered if he would find purpose being her husband and king consort.

    ¡°What are you thinking of, Griffa?¡± asked Ansel before kissing her shoulder again. ¡°You don¡¯t seem very relaxed at the moment.¡±

    Griffa looked over her shoulder at him.  ¡°I was thinking of you.¡±

    Ansel put his head on her shoulder and looked at her.  ¡°What about me particularly?¡±

    ¡°I am hoping you will be happy in the future.  I am hoping you will be fulfilled in your role in the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean as your husband and consort?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Griffa.

    He pulled her so she would roll over and look at him.

    ¡°There is nothing I want more than to be your husband, Griffa.  The only way I can truly be happy is to be by your side.  You know this.¡±

    ¡°I just want you to feel you have purpose.  I know you gave up your right to be protector willingly, but you must admit it is a huge change in your life.  Everything you have worked for and lived for is now gone. I see how you enjoy training the protector¡¯s guards.  I see how you shadow Kedan¡¯s every move.  I can¡¯t imagine how hard it is to watch him take over this right from you and your family line.  It¡¯s hard for me to think I am worth all of this anguish for you.¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Ansel looked at her and then chuckled.  Griffa frowned and huffed as Ansel kissed her forehead.

    ¡°You think this is funny?¡± asked Griffa annoyed.

    ¡°You are being ridiculous, so yes,¡± said Ansel smiling at her.  ¡°Griffa, I find that I don¡¯t care much about giving up the protector¡¯s line.  I gave it up willingly.  What I have gained is worth so much more to me.  If find that being the protector is not something I even remotely want any more.  The only reason I continue to work with the guards and watch Kedan is you.  The only hard part of this was giving up the right to be your protector.

    ¡°I liked being the one who could shield you and comfort you.  Giving up the right to be in charge of your protection is very hard.  Even though I trust Kedan, it is near impossible for me to depend on anyone else to keep you safe. It is not about losing the line of protectors from my family line, it¡¯s the right to be the one who protects you that I am missing.  The only purpose I want in this life is to be by your side as your king consort as you rule Regventus.¡±

    Griffa kissed him.  ¡°I want you by my side as well, Ansel.  There is no one else I want as my king.¡±

    ¡°I just wish I was better suited for the position,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°What do you mean?  You are everything I want in my consort.  You are brave, careful, wise, and kind.  You also love me.  What else could I want?¡±

    Ansel rolled over on to his back and then sat up.  ¡°I don¡¯t know how much I will be able to help you in actually leading the kingdom. I am not as skilled as some in talking to others. I am afraid you could not send me out to meet with someone like Bettina Devins and hope for success. I do not have experience leading a village or a council.¡±

    Griffa rolled over on her side and looked at Ansel.  ¡°You mean someone like Talon.  Is this why you have been bickering with him these past three weeks?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the only reason.  He is also infuriating, but you must see how much better he is suited to rule by your side.¡±

    Griffa covered Ansel¡¯s hand with her own.  ¡°Ansel, I have chosen you.  You are who I need by my side. You keep me steady and grounded, and you are my voice of reason.  You may not be as outspoken as some, but when you do speak you are usually wise and careful.

    ¡°I won¡¯t say that Talon isn¡¯t handy to have around.  He is very good at meeting with leaders.  He is charming, sharp, and well-spoken.  Which is why I have made him the second chair on my Ring. I trust him and care for him greatly.  I need him to take the kingdom, but I do not need him in the way I need you.¡±

    Griffa sat up, wrapping the blanket around her. She laid her head on Ansel¡¯s shoulder and took his hand.

    ¡°I believe I need both of you to take the kingdom, but I cannot have you two constantly fighting.  I cannot take another three weeks like the one we just had.  I would like it if you both can work something out, but if you cannot not, I will send Talon away.  I will ask him to go back to the Valley for a while, because if I cannot have you both with me, I will choose you to be by my side.¡±

    Ansel laid his head against Griffa¡¯s and squeezed her hand.  ¡°You do not need to send him away.  You will need him on our travels.  I will find a way to stop fighting with him.  I do not want to add to your stress.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°If you are serious about getting along with him, I will need you to trust me in some decisions I will make soon.¡±

    Ansel sat up and looked down at her.  ¡°What decisions?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet,¡± said Griffa smiling.  ¡°But I have some ideas for both you and Talon.¡±

    Griffa soon rose from the bed and dressed.  She went downstairs to the parlor to find Talon sitting with Max.  She smiled at both men as she entered.

    ¡°Talon, would you join me in my study for a moment?¡± asked Griffa as she walked by Talon towards the study.

    ¡°Of course, I will do as my queen commands,¡± said Talon with a smile as he stood up.

    He followed Griffa into the study, closing the door behind him.  Griffa sat behind the large desk, and Talon sank down into one of the chairs in front of her.  Griffa put her arms on the desk and leaned forward.

    ¡°I can guess what this is about,¡± said Talon sitting back.

    ¡°I should hope so,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Talon, I cannot have you and Ansel bickering constantly.  We have so much work to do.  I cannot deal with the both of you fighting like children.¡±

    ¡°I am sorry Griffa,¡± said Talon with a small smile.  ¡°I have nothing against Ansel, but sometimes he is so ridiculous, I can¡¯t help myself.¡±

    ¡°You were both being ridiculous.  I need you to find a way to make peace with Ansel.  Your constant fighting on our trip caused me endless stress.  It also affected the work of my protector, and I can¡¯t have it. If we are going to save this kingdom, we must all be on the same side.¡±

    ¡°I am on your side,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Then you will find a way to work with Ansel,¡± said Griffa.  She put her hands in front of her and leaned further over.  ¡°Talon, I want you by my side.  Not only are you very good at negotiating with leaders and giving me advice, but I also care deeply for you.  I depend on you for strength.  If I am going to take the throne, I can¡¯t imagine doing it without you.¡±

    Talon leaned forward and put his hand on Griffa¡¯s.  ¡°I will be with you every step of the way.  I won¡¯t leave you, Griffa.  I will do whatever you need.¡±

    ¡°Then you will put away this pettiness with Ansel.  I cannot have it. I am under so much stress and pressure, Talon.  I cannot take the two of you fighting.  If you two cannot find a way to coexist peacefully, I will have to send one of you away,¡± said Griffa looking at Talon.  She leaned back and took a breath. ¡°You know if I have to make a choice who I will choose.¡±

    Talon¡¯s head dropped, and he nodded.  ¡°I do know who you will choose.  I have always known it, but I cannot leave your side.  Please, don¡¯t ask it of me.  I will try not to irritate Ansel anymore.  I will find a way to have peace between us.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said Griffa standing up.  Talon stood as well and Griffa walked over to him, taking his hand.

    Talon raised her hand to his lips.  ¡°I would do anything my queen asked of me.¡±

    ¡°I am glad because I will soon have a task or two for you.  I will need you to do whatever I ask without question.  Can you do that for me?¡±

    Talon tilted his head.  ¡°What is it you ask?¡±

    ¡°I have not worked it all out yet, but I need you to agree to do as I command.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± said Talon with a smile.  ¡°I only want to serve you.¡±

    Griffa smiled as there was a knock at the study door.  Talon walked over and opened it to find Ansel standing with a message.

    ¡°This just came for you, Griffa.  I thought you might want to see what it is,¡± said Ansel walking in and handing the letter to Griffa.

    Griffa nodded and took the letter.  She walked over to sit behind the desk and Talon and Ansel both sat in the chairs in front.  Griffa opened the letter and read over it.  She read it twice quickly, a plan forming in her head.

    ¡°Who is it from?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°It is from Daracha,¡± said Griffa ¡°She wishes me to come see her at the end of the week.  She has information she believes I need, and some people she wants me to meet.  She would also like some more vials of the cure.¡±

    ¡°I guess we will go there instead of the River Valley,¡± said Ansel. ¡°You will have to reschedule with a few of the leaders we were to meet with.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa looking up from the letter.  ¡°I will not need to reschedule, because I have my second chair and my future king to take care of things for me.  You will both travel together to the River Valley and meet with the leaders for me.  You will deliver the cure to several villages while I visit with Daracha.  Kedan, Max, and Addi will come with me.  When I am done with Daracha, we will all meet up together in the River Valley to finish out our journey.¡±

    Talon and Ansel looked at each other.  ¡°Are you sure this is wise?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°I don¡¯t know if we should split up.  I would hate to be away from you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I am sure the magical leaders and villages can wait a few days while we all travel together.¡±

    Griffa put her letter down and stared at Ansel and Talon.  ¡°No, the sick in the River Valley need the cure as soon as possible.  You both will need to get used to meeting with leaders without me.  I cannot be everywhere at once, and I will depend on both of you to represent me much in the future.  You both said you would serve me in any way I saw fit.  You said you would follow my commands.  This is a command. You will both travel together to the River Valley and do as I ask.¡±

    ¡°Very well, my queen,¡± said Ansel nodding.  ¡°I am happy to serve in any way you ask.¡±

    ¡°I will go,¡± said Talon.  ¡°If this will help ease your burdens, I will do it.¡±

    Griffa smiled.  ¡°Perfect.¡±  She stood up and walked towards the door. She turned to look at Ansel and Talon who had stood up as well.  ¡°Dinner should be soon, and I am very hungry.¡±  She walked to the door and opened it. Before she left the room, she turned to Ansel and Talon.  ¡°You should use this opportunity I have given you to work out any problems you have with one another.  When we are back together, I expect to see a change in both of your attitudes for the better.  If I do not, changes will have to be made that I doubt either of you will enjoy.¡±

    Griffa turned and walked from the room, leaving Ansel and Talon staring at each other.

 Chapter 7

    Ansel paced in the entryway with his hat and cloak on.  He had a small case sitting by the door.  He was not looking forward to the next few days.  Not only would he be away from Griffa, but he would be forced to spend endless hours with Talon. He had determined he would get along with the man, and it shouldn¡¯t be too hard.  He didn¡¯t dislike Talon, not really.  He knew he was a good man, and they both had the same goal.  They wanted to keep Griffa safe and see her to the throne.

    Perhaps it was that the same goal that divided them.  They definitely had something in common.  Ansel had known for a long time that Talon had strong feelings for Griffa as Talon did not hide his feelings.  He was very open with them.  Ansel had always been secure in the love he shared with Griffa, and he even trusted that Talon would never try to do anything to hurt Ansel¡¯s relationship with Griffa.

    Still, it wasn¡¯t easy to be around Talon and know how much the man cared about Griffa.  It wasn¡¯t easy to watch Talon and Griffa effortlessly flirt.  It was hard to watch how easy Talon could perceive her feelings and thoughts.  Talon could often easily lift Griffa¡¯s mood as he always seem to know the right things to say to her.  He was a fierce defender of Griffa, and quick to take care of her.

    Ansel couldn¡¯t really find fault with much of it. He shouldn¡¯t mind that Griffa had someone else in her life to take care of her, but Ansel did find that there were times he felt jealousy at the closeness of Griffa and Talon.  The thing that bothered him the most, was how well Talon fit into her life.  They both grew up knowing they would lead great villages, and they were similar in many ways.  Sometimes Ansel thought they might have been able to read each other thoughts.  Now that Griffa was the queen, Talon was her perfect match.  Ansel could see Talon ruling besides Griffa, being charming and commanding.

    Ansel would never give Griffa up, not as long as he lived. He didn¡¯t care how perfect Talon seemed to be for her.  Griffa had said she wanted Ansel, and she had chosen him.  He should be satisfied and trust her, and he did trust her.  She did not want Talon as her king, she wanted Ansel.  He would keep reminding himself of that fact, and work to better his relationship with Talon.

    Talon walked into the entry hall.  He carried a small case that he laid on the floor as he put on his cloak and turned to Ansel.

    ¡°Are you dreading this as much as I am?¡± asked Talon as he leaned against the wall.

    ¡°I am dreading being apart from Griffa, but I am pleased to do as she commands.  I am proud to be able to do this for her,¡± answered Ansel.

    ¡°Come now, Ansel, I know that I am not your ideal traveling partner.  Let¡¯s at least start off this short adventure by being honest with one another.¡±

    ¡°I do not see why you would not be good company.  You will certainly provide plenty of conversation along the way.  I don¡¯t think you ever run out of things to say,¡± said Ansel looking in the doorway as Griffa and Addie came in arm and arm, both caring small cases.

    The ladies put down their cases as Ansel grabbed their cloaks. He threw Talon Addie¡¯s cloak while he took Griffa¡¯s.  Ansel walked up to Griffa and wrapped the Cloak around her, fastening it below her chin.  He took her hand and led her over to the other side of the hall, as Talon helped Addie with her cloak.

    ¡°I will miss you,¡± said Ansel quietly as he held Griffa¡¯s hand.  ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want me to come with you?  You could send Max with Talon.  Max is of Adalwen blood, and the leaders would be more prone to talk with him than me.¡±

    Griffa smiled slightly.  ¡°No, I need you to go.  If you are to be my king, then you will need to start acting like one.  You are very capable of being charming when you want to be.  Go and practice your charm on those village leaders.  We will need as many people as we can get if we are going to save this kingdom.¡±

    Ansel nodded as he held Griffa¡¯s hand and looked at her.  He wanted to spend every moment he could with her before he would have to be parted from her.  Griffa looked up and over Ansel shoulder.  Ansel turned to see Max and Kedan enter the room.  Kedan was already wearing his cloak and his sword.  He walked over and stood by his queen.

    ¡°This will also be a good opportunity for you to sit back and trust Kedan to protect me,¡± said Griffa smiling at her protector.  She walked to the center of the hall.  ¡°Are we all ready to walk to the gates?¡±  Everyone nodded and they followed Griffa out of the door.

    Ansel walked quickly to catch up with Griffa.  Talon and Addie were already walking by her side.  When Ansel approached Addie smiled at him and fell back to walk with Kedan and Max.  Ansel fell in step with Griffa and grabbed her hand.

    ¡°I was just telling Talon that I need you both to visit the village of Ackley today.  I know you were supposed to go to another village, but I have had a letter from a group of magic users close to Ackley.  They say the sickness is very bad in the village.  You should take some cure there today and spend the night there before going to the other villages tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Do you know the village, Ansel?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I do.  It is very close to were Amican, the original home of the line of Raya, once stood.  I have visited Ackley a few times in my life.  It is not very large, but it is a charming village,¡± answered Ansel.

    ¡°Good, we can travel close by then with your directions.  I am not in the mood for a long walk today.¡±

    They were soon walking through the gates of Abscon.  They gathered around and got ready to leave on their separate trips.  Griffa turned to Talon.

    ¡°I have no doubt you will represent me and the Ring well, Talon.  I hope you will use your time wisely and get to know your fellow traveler,¡± said Griffa.  She offered Talon her hand.

    Talon kissed it and smiled.  ¡°I will do as you command, my queen.¡±  Talon then pulled her in and held her.  ¡°Please be safe, Griffa.¡±

    Talon bent down and whispered something into Griffa¡¯s ear. Griffa pulled back and blushed before she smiled and hit Talon playfully.  ¡°If that is what you wish, you shall have it,¡± she said looking up at him.

    ¡°No, I shall wait until another time.  Maybe one with a little more privacy,¡± said Talon with a wink.

    Griffa shook her head and then kissed Talon quickly on his cheek.  She turned and walked to Ansel, taking his hand.  She led him away from the group.

    ¡°I want you to know that you are everything I want in my husband and king,¡± said Griffa quietly.  ¡°I know you are not excited about this trip, but I need you to do this for me.  You will help me lead the kingdom, and the people need to start seeing you as my king.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± said Ansel bringing her close to him. ¡°I hate to be away from you, but I want to do this for you.  I will do everything I can to help you win this kingdom.¡±

    Griffa smiled and reached up and kissed him.  ¡°Stay safe, and take care of Talon. Keep him out of trouble, you know how he can be.¡±

    Ansel kissed her again.  ¡°I will try, but you know how he is.  I am only one man.¡±

    Griffa smiled as Ansel pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her.  ¡°Please be safe, my love,¡± whispered Ansel.  ¡°Do not be away from Kedan at any time.¡±

    ¡°I will stay with my protector,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°You take care as well, and try to talk to Talon. Find a way to get along with him.¡±  She pulled back from him as Ansel nodded at her.

    They walked back to the group, Griffa going to stand next to Kedan.  She took his hand as Addie and Max hooked arms.

    ¡°We will see you in a few days,¡± said Griffa.

    She waved and then closed her eyes.  Ansel watched as Griffa and Kedan disappeared, followed by Max and Addie.

    Ansel turned to Talon. ¡°What did you whisper to Griffa?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I was only reminding her of a favor she owes me,¡± said Talon with a smile.  ¡°Now come on, we need to do as our queen commands.¡±

    Ansel huffed.

    ¡°Where we are going there is a long-covered bridge over a stream.  There are many trees on the banks of the stream, and from the bridge you can see the outer ring of the village.  The pathway to the village is stone.¡±

    Talon nodded as he put his hand on Ansel¡¯s shoulder, and they traveled just outside the village of Ackley.  Ansel opened his eyes to see the covered bridge he had crossed a few times.  His father had first brought him to this village in his youth.  He had wanted Ansel to see the area the line of Raya had come from.  Since then, Ansel had traveled to Ackley a few times, mostly just after he hit his age of majority.  He came back a few times after his failed relationship with Desmona just to get out of Abscon.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go see where they are keeping the ill,¡± said Talon as he walked towards the bridge.

    Ansel walked with him as they followed the stone pathway into the outer ring of the village.  The village had only two rings, but the second ring was large and well-developed.  There were many shops and nice small homes throughout the ring.  There were even two inns.  As they walked around the ring, a man came out of an area between two stores and stopped in front of them.

    ¡°Are you the two mages sent by the queen?¡± the man asked quietly.

    Ansel looked at Talon and then nodded at the man.  ¡°We are.  I am Ansel and this is Talon.  We are here to deliver the cure for the illness.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said the man with a small smile.  ¡°I am Luca.  I am from a nearby small magical village.  I had written the queen to come visit here.  She informed me she had an important meeting she couldn¡¯t miss, but she would send her two mages.  You have the cure with you, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Talon as he held up his case.  ¡°There are many vials of the cure in here.  Can you take us to the sick?¡±

    Luca nodded, turned, and started walking, Ansel and Talon following him.  He took them to a long building that must have been the meeting hall for the second ring.  Outside of the hall, large canvas tents were constructed, and people were laying on cots all over the front lawn of the hall.  There were so many who were sick.  Ansel stopped and took a breath.  It was horrible.  People of all ages, men and women were spread throughout the area.  Ansel could see some were not moving and were probably already dead.  He turned to Talon who looked like he might be sick. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°This is horrible,¡± said Talon looking all around.  ¡°Is the whole village sick?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Luca.  ¡°They have brought in many from a few area small villages, and the healers are over run.  You can see that they don¡¯t even have time to remove the bodies of those who have died.  Some from our village have come to try to help, but it is overwhelming.¡±

    Ansel looked all around as Talon opened his case to take out the cure.  Ansel was glad Griffa wasn¡¯t with them.  He couldn¡¯t imagine how she would react to seeing all the death and sickness in front of her.  She had so many burdens weighing on  her, and Ansel was glad he was here to take care of this for her.

    Talon found a healer and spoke with him for several minutes.  He gave the healer the cure as Luca and Ansel walked around to see where they could help.  They started helping village workers to remove bodies of those who had passed.  Talon started visiting sick folk, helping to relieve some pain from those he could.  He eased the passing of others.  All three worked all day, bringing aid and comfort everywhere they could.

    By the time the sun was setting, they were exhausted.  They washed their hands in a place provided, and then walked back into the second ring of the town.

    ¡°You will need to find a place to stay tonight,¡± said Luca.  ¡°The inn up ahead is not bad as they have decent beds and good food.  There are plenty of drinks, and the woman are very good looking if you are needing company tonight.¡±

    Ansel shook his head.  ¡°I am betrothed to our queen.  I have no need for any company.  Talon might be wanting someone to entertain.  He has been known to entertain many women in the past.¡±

    Talon laughed.  ¡°I find that I am not as interested in that kind of entertainment as I once was.  Food, drink, and place to lay down is all I need. You should join us, Luca, at least for one drink.¡±

    Luca agreed and led them to a small inn.  Ansel looked up at the sign and stopped.  He knew this inn.  He had been there.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there another inn in town?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°I am sure there is another closer to the town¡¯s entrance, perhaps we should go there.  It will be easier to leave the village if there is trouble.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to stay there,¡± said Luca. ¡°This one is much nicer, and you will not run into any trouble.  The people here all know the true story of Regventus. They support our queen.¡±

    Luca walked in the inn with Talon following him. Ansel pulled his hat low on his head and walked in.  Luca and Talon had found a table towards the back, and Ansel sat in a chair across from Talon.  He kept his head down.

    ¡°You are acting strange, Ansel, even more so than usual,¡± said Talon looking at him.  ¡°What is the matter with you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I just don¡¯t like strange, new places or people.  You know this about me.¡±

    Talon eyed Ansel as a man came over to offer them stew and drinks.  They all agreed, and soon had bowls of good stew and tall glasses of mead.  By the time they had all finished their third glass, women had started circling the room. Ansel started drinking his fourth glass with his head down, as a woman stopped at their table.

    ¡°Good evening, gentleman.  You seem to be all alone tonight.  Perhaps, I could join you for a while?¡± asked a pretty woman.  She looked young and bright-eyed, but Ansel knew she was older than she appeared.

    ¡°I believe we are all happy as we are,¡± said Talon smiling at the woman.  ¡°There seems to be plenty of tables full of men here tonight. You might want to try one of them.¡±

    The woman smiled.  ¡°Do you speak for your friends here?  What have they to say for themselves?¡±

    ¡°I am actually walking home soon, so I will not need a companion tonight,¡± said Luca.

    The woman looked at Ansel.  She moved closer and stared at him.  ¡°Ansel?¡± she asked. ¡°Is that really you?  You haven¡¯t changed a bit.¡±

    Talon looked at Ansel with wide eyes and a small smile.  ¡°Is this an old friend of yours, Ansel?¡±

    Ansel sat up and raised his head.  ¡°Good evening, Margie, it is nice to see you again.¡±

    Margie smiled and sat in the vacant chair next to Ansel. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in so long.  I was sure you must have either been killed or gotten married.¡±

    ¡°Neither,¡± said Talon smiling at Ansel.  ¡°Not yet, anyway.¡±

    ¡°I will be married very soon,¡± said Ansel staring back at Talon.  ¡°To the most exquisite woman in the kingdom.¡±

    Talon raised his eyebrow at Ansel as Margie put her hand on Ansel¡¯s arm.  ¡°I don¡¯t see your betrothed here tonight.  What she doesn¡¯t know won¡¯t hurt her.  You aren¡¯t even married, yet.  Why don¡¯t you come spend some time with me?¡±

    Ansel shook his arm loose.  ¡°No, I am very devoted to my betrothed.  I will not be joining you tonight.  Quit wasting your time and seek others who want your services.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure, Ansel?  I would gladly spend time with you over anyone else in this place.  I could give you the whole night.¡±

    Ansel shook his head. ¡°You will not convince me.  Go on before the other ladies take all the well-paying gentleman.¡±

    Margie stood.  ¡°If you change your mind, come find me.  I will gladly throw out whoever I¡¯m with for you.¡±

    She walked off, and Talon started laughing.  ¡°You seemed quite familiar with that woman,¡± said Talon.  ¡°How many times have you been to this village?¡±

    ¡°A few,¡± said Ansel. ¡°It has been many years.  I am surprised she even remembers me.¡±

    ¡°But she does,¡± said Talon. ¡°You must have done something to leave a lasting impression.  She seems very attached to you.¡±

    Ansel took a long drink.  ¡°It was so long ago, and I hardly remember,¡± said Ansel looking at Talon with a frown.  ¡°Griffa does not need to hear about this.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I am sure Griffa would love to meet you friend.  Maybe we could stop back by when she is with us and see how the ill are doing in the village.  We could stay here, and Griffa could meet your Margie.¡±

    ¡°She is not my Margie, Talon.  It was a couple of indiscretions from my younger days. I am sure you know all about those.¡±

    ¡°First your enchantress, now Margie, I think you might have quite a past, Ansel.  It seems you and I have more in common than I first thought.¡±

    ¡°At least I recognized my true love when I finally got around to admitting it.  I have never been with anyone since I¡¯ve been with Griffa.  I doubt you could say the same.¡±

    Talon smiled sadly.  ¡°No, I made many mistakes in my life; that one being the costliest.  It worked out for you though.  If I had acted like I should have, Griffa and I probably would have been married by now.¡±

    Ansel chuckled slightly.  ¡°You can tell yourself that, Talon, but you know it isn¡¯t true.¡±

    Luca looked between the men obviously confused.

    ¡°Ansel and I have had the misfortune to fall in love with the same woman,¡± said Talon looking at Luca.  ¡°She has chosen to be with Ansel, but I had my chance first.¡±

    ¡°And you failed at your chance, because she is meant to be with me,¡± said Ansel.  He finished his drink and looked around for the man to bring him another.

    Talon smiled smugly as the man brought over drinks for all three men.  Luca sat his aside, but Talon and Ansel both grabbed theirs.

    ¡°Griffa seemed quite happy in our times together,¡± said Talon as he took a drink.  ¡°She never had any complaints. I know for a fact how much she enjoyed herself. I could go into great detail if you wish.¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t enjoy herself enough for you to keep her, it seems,¡± said Ansel taking a long drink.  ¡°You forget that I shared an unusual bond with Griffa for a time.  I knew all her feelings.  I know exactly how she feels about you and me.¡±

    ¡°She could shield you, or have you forgotten?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°She shielded you from many things she felt and did, and you should be thanking me right now.  If not for me, you would still be serving as her protector as she prepared to marry me. If I hadn¡¯t had been so noble and stupid, I would be with her right now.¡±

    Ansel slammed down his glass.  ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about, and I don¡¯t want to know.  They bottom line is she has chosen me.  She will always choose me.  It doesn¡¯t matter how much you flirt with her, or try to get her alone.  She will always want to be with me.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Why does she choose you?  I could love her in ways you don¡¯t even understand. You have no idea how deeply I love her.  I could help her rule this kingdom better than you ever could.¡± Talon drained his cup.  ¡°She is meant to be with me.  I know she is.¡±

    ¡°She is not,¡± said Ansel shaking his head.  ¡°She has loved me for a long time.  I believe she loved me even when she was carrying on with you.¡±

    ¡°And what did she get from loving you?  You teased her and then ignored her.  She cried and doubted herself because of you.  You don¡¯t deserve her, Ansel,¡± said Talon shaking his head and blinking his eyes quickly as though trying to focus.

    ¡°Do you think you deserve her, Talon?  You think after all you have done, you deserve, Griffa?¡± asked Ansel as his head spun causing him to hold onto the table for support.

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon quietly.  He shook his head.  ¡°I don¡¯t deserve her, but I love her. I have never loved anyone as I have loved her, and I want her so badly.  My father tried to tell me. He tried to warn me that I would never get over her.  I should have listened. I should have stopped her from running to you all those times. I should have begged and begged until she agreed to marry me.¡±

    ¡°She would never have agreed Talon, because as much as I don¡¯t deserve it, she loves me.  For some reason, she is in love with me, and she wants to marry me.  I know there is nothing I have done to deserve such an excellent woman.  I would tell you she is mine, but the truth is I am really hers.  I am in debt to her in ways I could never repay.  She loved me when I was unlovable. She fought for me and waited for me.  When she told me, I would have to give her up, I refused.  I could not waste all she had done to show me what real love is.  I will never give her up.¡±

    Talon had his elbow propped up on the table.  His head rested in his hand.  ¡°I can¡¯t stop loving her, Ansel, and I don¡¯t want to stop.  I know she will never love me as she loves you, but she will always be the one I love the most.  No one will ever come before her. You could ask me to leave her, and you could send me away, but I would always find my way back to her side, because of how much I love her. She is everything to me.  I would give up everything I have for her.¡±

    Ansel sighed and rubbed his face.  ¡°I understand. How could you not love her? I know we can¡¯t help who we love, but you need to understand something.  Griffa will be my wife.  She may love you in some way, but I will always come first to her.  She will rule this kingdom, and I will be by her side.  We will build a life together, and we will have children.  If you stay close to her you will have to witness all of this.  Griffa and I were the ones who were meant to be together.  We will grow old together and when we die, we will journey on together forever.  If you are going to stay and serve her, you need to realize this.¡±

    Talon nodded.  ¡°I do understand, Ansel, and I know how much she loves you.  I know I would never be able to come between the two of you.  I don¡¯t plan on even trying, but I will stay close to her.  I will do everything I can to see her happy and safe. I will do my part to ensure she gets to grow old with you.  I want nothing more than to see her happy.¡±

    Talon and Ansel stared at one another.  Ansel felt like he could pass out at any moment as he was so sleepy.  Talon didn¡¯t look like he would last long, either.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see about getting you two rooms,¡± said Luca standing up.

    Ansel and Talon were soon slowly going up the stairs to their rooms.  Ansel hung on to the railing as he focused on putting his feet on each step.  Talon stumbled slightly behind him, but kept moving up. When they got to the top, they each found their room.  Before going into his room, Talon turned to Ansel.

    ¡°What did you do to that Margie woman to make her remember you all these years?¡± asked Talon.

    Ansel smiled as he looked at Talon.  ¡°You said that Griffa enjoyed her time with you.  You said you could give me details of your time with her and the pleasure you believed she experienced.  I could share elaborate details of my times with Griffa as well.  If you would like to compare, I am game.  I guarantee you will not like the results.¡±

    Ansel chuckled softly and then went into his room.  He was happy to lay on his bed and pass out immediately.

    The next day they met one another below stairs. Talon had brought some elixir along that they could both take to clear their heads, and Ansel was very thankful as his head was killing him.  They ate breakfast and traveled to their next destination.  It was a small village on the edge of the Grasslands.  They had not had time to visit this village on their last visit, and it was very close to the River Valley.

    Once they got to the village, they were met by a young woman who smiled at them.

    ¡°I understand you have come to help the sick, is that correct?¡± asked the woman.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Talon.  ¡°How did you know we were coming?¡±

    ¡°I have friends in other villages around here; villages that you would feel more at home in.¡±

    Ansel nodded, understanding she was talking of magical villages.  She took them to a large room with many sick people.  They spent all morning giving out the cure and tending to the ill.  At mid-day, the woman offered to show them where they could get some lunch.  She took them to a small inn close to the entrance of the first ring of town.  They sat at a table with her and ate some bread and meat.  A worker brought them some wine.

    ¡°How do you have friends in a magical community?¡± asked Talon as he took a drink of his wine.

    ¡°Sometimes magical folk come to the village for supplies.  I happen to catch the eye of a few young men.  I like having a few friends to spend time with,¡± she answered with a wide smile.

    Talon raised his eyebrows at her as he drank and looked over at Ansel.  Ansel shrugged and drank deeply from his wine before taking a bite of the bread before him.

    ¡°I would ask if you would like some company tonight,¡± said the woman putting her hand on Talon¡¯s arm.  ¡°But I think you might be a bit tied up by then.  You are very handsome, though.¡±

    Talon looked at her quizzically when he suddenly dropped his cup and leaned back.  He looked up at Ansel with wide eyes.  Ansel took a breath and could feel himself going dizzy. Everything around him seem to be blurry.   He couldn¡¯t remember where they were or what they were doing.  He looked at Talon who was sitting back with a smile on his face.

    Ansel sighed as he heard the woman speaking to someone.  ¡°Get some of that special rope and bind them up.  We will take them upstairs and send a message to their queen.¡±

    Ansel couldn¡¯t understand what she meant. Why would they go upstairs?  Why would she send a message to Griffa?  Ansel found he didn¡¯t care as he sat there blissfully unaware as someone tied his hands together.

 Chapter 8

    Kedan felt himself travel with Griffa at his side, and they landed just outside of the village of Nemar.  Griffa looked at Kedan and then looked behind her to see Addie and Max.  She nodded, and they walked into the village.  Kedan remembered much of the village from his visit there almost a year ago.  He couldn¡¯t believe it had only been a year as so much had happened since he first came to Nemar.

    He was called a king then.  It was an empty title, but Kedan had tried to take it seriously.  He had been tricked by Golnar, Teryn, and his mother to come to the Forest of the Lowlands to visit Daracha.  The trip turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.  His eyes had been opened by Daracha.  She had showed him how wrong he had been, and she had sent him to Griffa and the others.

    Kedan looked over at Griffa as they walked to the opening of the second ring, and she smiled at him causing Kedan to smile back.  He felt so complete serving at Griffa¡¯s side.  He had so much purpose in his life now.  He had given his life to the kingdom and to Griffa , and he was proud to serve his queen.  Having access to her feelings, Kedan knew she how much she loved her kingdom.  He knew how kind and caring she was, and he would not fail her.

    ¡°I have never met Daracha,¡± said Griffa as they entered the second ring of the village.  ¡°What is she like, Kedan?¡±

    Kedan took a moment before he answered.  ¡°I found her intimidating.  She always unsettled me during Ancient Council meetings.  She was not unkind to me when I stayed with her, but she does not mince words.  She is very straight forward.  After getting to know her, I found that I trusted her.¡±

    Griffa nodded.  ¡°I wonder who she wants me to meet.  Whoever it is, I also wonder why she could not just bring them to Abscon.¡±

    Kedan had no answer to this.  He stayed close to Griffa as they passed through the entrance second ring, looking around for any threats. He remembered riding through there last winter.  There had been folk begging in the streets, and it had bothered him.  He hated seeing poverty in the kingdom.  He hated the fact that people in the kingdom were suffering.  Griffa slowed down as they came to a small family who were sitting on the side of the street.  It was a mother and two children.  They had worn bowls they were holding, and they seemed to be begging.  Griffa stopped in front of the family as she kneeled down by one of the children and took his hand.

    ¡°You are very hungry, aren¡¯t you?¡± she asked.

    The child nodded with wide eyes.

    ¡°You are cold as well,¡± said Griffa.  She turned to look at the mother.  ¡°Do you live in this village?¡±

    ¡°I moved here when I married my husband,¡± said the woman sadly.  ¡°He has recently died from the sickness, and I could not afford our small home, so I was forced to leave. I could go back to my parent¡¯s home, but I do not have the means to get there.  They live far from here.¡±

    Griffa sighed and dug into her pockets.  She pulled out a large amount of coins.

    ¡°Go to the inn and get a room for a couple of days.  You will be able to rest, eat, and clean yourself. You should have enough money to travel to your parent¡¯s home after you rest.¡±

    The woman stared at Griffa with tears in her eyes.  ¡°Who are you?  Why do you want to help me?¡±

    ¡°I am the Queen of Regventus,¡± said Griffa standing up.  ¡°When I take my throne, I will work to help all my people, especially people who are suffering.  I can¡¯t help all my people yet, but I can help you.  Please take this money and go to an inn.  Do it for your children.¡±

    The woman nodded.  ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly as she took her children¡¯s hands and stood up.

    ¡°I am sorry you have had to suffer. I wish no one had to suffer in Regventus,¡± said Griffa.  She looked at Kedan, and they pressed on towards the first ring.

    ¡°That was very kind, my queen,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°I have lived in luxury my whole life, and I have never wanted for anything.  I have not done all I could have to help those who are suffering in poverty.  I am very ashamed of myself,¡± said Griffa as they walked.

    ¡°I am sure you have done more than most.  You will soon be in a position to make many changes that will help all the people.  You must not be so hard on yourself,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I am being hard enough on myself.  I will soon enjoy the warmth of Daracha¡¯s home.  I will eat a fine meal, and I will probably enjoy at least some of the evening.  That woman will be glad to have one small room and a few meager meals for her children.  I need to feel ashamed, and I need to remember how my people suffer.¡±

    Kedan gave Griffa a half smile.  He wondered how many people in Griffa¡¯s position would even give a second thought to a suffering mother.

    ¡°I am sorry you are ashamed, but I am very happy to serve you, my queen.  It may not mean much to you, but I am very proud of you.¡±

    Griffa stopped and looked at Kedan before they entered the first ring, taking his hand.  ¡°It means a great deal to me to hear you say it, Kedan.  I hope you are always proud of your queen.¡±  She squeezed his hand and let it go.

    They walked on into the first ring of Nemar, waling by all the large homes and yards until they came to the Viceroy Manor that stood in the center of the first ring.  Griffa walked up to the front door and knocked.  She turned and smiled reassuringly at Max and Addi. The door opened, and Penelope looked at them all and curtsied low.

    ¡°My queen, it is good to receive you,¡± she said in her deep voice.  She stood up and a moved out of the way.  ¡°Daracha is waiting for all of you in the parlor.¡±

    Griffa nodded and walked in with Kedan following her as Max and Addi came in behind Kedan.  Kedan could see the house looked much as it did a year ago.  The entry hall was dark with only a few candles lit, and Penelope showed them into the dark parlor.  As the entered.  Daracha who had been sitting by the fireplace stood up to greet them.  Griffa walked over to stand in front of her.

    ¡°I get to meet you at last, my queen,¡± said Daracha.  ¡°Or at least I get to meet you when you actually remember it.¡±

    Griffa tilted her head and gave Daracha a questioning look.

    ¡°When you were born, my friend Sidora asked me to come see you.  She said she had some questions about you she wanted me to answer.  When I got to Abscon, Sidora couldn¡¯t remember what she wanted to ask me, but I still went to see you.  Your father was mourning your mother, but he let me come in.  I am distant relative to the Keene¡¯s, after all.  My grandmother was a Keene, and your father¡¯s great aunt.

    Renweard let me hold you.  You were a lovely babe, and I could tell you would be a great user of magic.  I suppose Sidora sensed something in you, but I am not sure why she couldn¡¯t remember.¡±

    ¡°My father tricked her,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°He gave her something to make her forget.  He didn¡¯t want me to be the queen.  He knew who I was, and he wanted to keep it a secret.  He wanted to protect me.¡±

    ¡°He was a clever man, but he should have known he could not keep you a secret forever.¡±

    ¡°He knew. When he told his so-called friends, it cost him his life,¡± said Griffa angrily.

    ¡°I know a little of it.  Sidora has written me all about it. I am sorry for the losses you have experience, young queen, but you will have to look forward to the future if you are going to save our kingdom,¡± said Daracha.  She took Griffa¡¯s hand and gave it a squeeze before she then turned to look at Kedan.

    ¡°I hear much has changed for you since you left me, Kedan.  Even if Sidora had not told me, I could sense your magic myself.  You are now the protector of the kingdom and your queen.  That¡¯s quite a leap from being a useless and fake king.¡±

    ¡°I am happy with who I am now.  I thank you for putting me on the right path,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°I may have started you on the right path, but you had to keep walking it.  I am glad you found your way.¡±  She looked at Max and Addi.  ¡°Who else have you brought with you? I know the young diviner of course.¡±

    Griffa walked to stand between Max and Addi.  ¡°This is Adelaide Vin. She is my friend and on the council of the Valley.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t bring the leader of the Valley or your betrothed?¡± asked Daracha.

    ¡°No, they are completing some other tasks for me at the moment.  I will meet up with them after our time here.¡±

    ¡°You will want to settle into your rooms.  Penelope will show you where you are staying.¡±

    They followed Penelope up the stairs as she showed them each to a room. Kedan was put in the room he stayed in the last time he was there.  Max¡¯s room was on one side of his, and Griffa¡¯s on the other.  After settling in, Kedan stepped out of his room to see Max walking by, so he walked with Max down to the parlor.  They found it empty, and sat in chairs close by one another.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Kedan?¡± asked Max as they settled into their chairs. ¡°I mean with being on your own without Ansel or even Talon to help you do your job.¡±

    Kedan chuckled slightly.  ¡°I feel fine.  Our queen seems to be in good spirits as I think the quiet has been good for her.  I know she cares about both Ansel and Talon, but their recent bickering has not helped her mood.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s help any of us.  I hope they can figure it out while they are working together.  They are going to need to find a way to get along if we have any hope of saving the kingdom and Griffa.¡±

    ¡°Do you think we will do it?¡±

    ¡°Do I think we will save the kingdom?  I have seen visions where we do, several actually.  I think if we are careful and make the right decisions, we will do what needs to be done,¡± answered Max.

    ¡°What about Griffa?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°Will she live?¡±

    Max took a breath and closed his eyes for a moment.  ¡°I am not sure.  I have had feelings lately that bother me.  I am afraid Griffa might have to do something drastic to save Regventus.¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯t die, Max.  We can¡¯t lose her.  How can we go on without our queen?¡±

    ¡°Griffa will do whatever it takes to save her kingdom and her people.  All we can do is everything we can to save her.  You are her protector, and her survival will probably come down to you.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let her die. I will make sure she gets through this safely.  I am not sure I could take losing her,¡± said Kedan as he closed his eyes and shuddered.

    ¡°Your magic makes you feel that way.  You are bonded to her.  So much of your feelings and mood come from her. If she dies, your bond will change, and you will go on.¡±

    Kedan considered this.  ¡°I understand what you are saying, Max.  I know much of my feelings come from our magical bond, but I also care about Griffa.  She has done so much for me.  How could I not care for her and love her as my friend?¡±

    Max half smiled.  ¡°Griffa is very devoted to her loved ones.  She cherishes you not just because you are her protector, but because you are her friend.  I love her as well.  I have only known her for two years, but she is one of the people I love the most in this kingdom.  I don¡¯t want to go on without her, but she will do what is necessary for Regventus.¡±

    Kedan looked at Max as Griffa came in the room with Addi at her side.  Kedan turned and looked at Griffa to find her smiling.  He could sense that she was feeling more relaxed than usual.  She sat on the nearby by sofa, and Addie sat next to her.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°You seem as if you are in a good mood, Griffa,¡± said Max.

    ¡°I am.  I think the rest in Abscon helped, and although I miss them, I think I did the right thing sending Ansel and Talon off to the Riverlands.  The peace and quiet is nice.¡±

    Kedan silently agreed.  He knew both men were important to Griffa, but their constant arguing had been a burden for Griffa and a distraction for Kedan.  He was glad to get a break from them.  Kedan looked at Griffa as she teased and laughed with Addie.  It was a nice change to see her relaxed.  He hoped this meant good things were ahead for his queen.

    ¡°What will we do for the rest of the day?¡± asked Addi.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± answered Griffa.  ¡°I don¡¯t see Daracha around, and the day outside is nice.  It is cold, but the wind is still.  I would like to go for a walk in the first ring.¡±

    Max and Addi happily agreed to go with Griffa.  Kedan knew he would not let Griffa out of sight when he could help it, so he followed everyone into the entry hall to get their cloaks.  Soon he was following his queen around the first ring as she walked between Addi and Max.

    ¡°The first ring here is very beautiful,¡± said Addi as she looked at a large manor with huge trees around it, her hand brushing Kedan¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°It is as if they planted a town around a forest and put a few houses here and there. There are more trees all over Nemar than in most villages.¡±

    ¡°This is the Forest of the Lowlands,¡± said Max.  ¡°It makes sense they would like their village to look like their surroundings.¡±

    ¡°There is an unusually large amount of magic in this ring to be known as a non-gifted village,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I wonder how many magic users actually live here.¡±

    ¡°Every house in this ring is home to an old magical family,¡± said a deep voice to their right.

    They all turned to see Penelope walking up to them.

    ¡°Nemar was built around a small old magical village.  It was founded by a group of diviners who wanted to live closer to Aurumist after King Nathin was crowned.   The magical families stayed as the non-gifted built around them.  The people of Nemar have long lived in cooperation with the magical families of the first ring.¡±

    ¡°How have they lived so long without detection from the powers in Aurumist?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Cooperation with the non-gifted people of the village, and a little magic.  Daracha¡¯s family had served as Viceroy of the Forest of the Lowlands since the beginning of the Ancient Council.  She has stepped down now as she awaits your reign, my queen.¡±

    ¡°Will the magical folk of this village fight for our queen?¡± asked Addi.

    ¡°Without question, they have been waiting for the true heir of the line of Adalwen to come for some time.  They will be with our queen when she fights for the throne.  Now, you should come back to Daracha¡¯s.  Lunch is almost ready.¡±

    They all followed Penelope back to the Viceroy¡¯s Manor and ate lunch together.  After lunch, Griffa disappeared into her room to talk with Addi.  Max sat quietly by the fire, occasionally talking with Daracha as Kedan sat close by observing.

    ¡°You should feel very at home here, young diviner,¡± said Daracha looking at Max.  ¡°This village was originally founded by three great diviners.¡±

    ¡°I have felt a connection to this place.  I can sense things here more clearly than I have before.  I have had small visions throughout my short time here,¡± said Max looking at the fire.

    ¡°Do these visions help you in some way?¡± asked Daracha.

    ¡°They make things clearer,¡± replied Max as he looked up at Daracha.  ¡°I wish they didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Visions are funny things,¡± said Daracha.  ¡°They aren¡¯t usually the whole story.  Whatever it is you think you see, do not lose hope.  Wait for the whole story to unfold.¡±

    Max nodded and went back to staring at the fire.

    Soon it was time for dinner. Kedan and Max cleaned themselves and dressed, and then came downstairs.  Kedan waited in the parlor wearing his protector¡¯s tunic, while Max stood around wearing the sun of Adalwen on his chest of his green shirt.  Griffa came downstairs with Addi at her side. Both ladies had changed and looked very lovely. Addi in a red dress with her hair pulled up, and Griffa wearing a dark green dress with the sun of Adalwen on the skirt.  Her hair was down, and she wore her crown.  Max came forward to speak with Addi, and Kedan walked to the side of his queen.

    ¡°You look very nice, my queen,¡± said Kedan as Griffa smiled up at him.

    ¡°You do as well.  It is still strange to see you wearing the protector¡¯s sigil, but I think it suits you.¡±

    Daracha walked in with Penelope at her side.

    ¡°It is time for dinner, and there are a few guest already seated at the table.  Just a few heads of families from the area that wanted to meet our queen, and one other that wishes to speak with you, my queen.  You may not want to see him, but he says he can help you,¡± said Daracha.

    Griffa looked at Max and then back at Daracha.  ¡°Who is it?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Come and see for yourself,¡± replied Daracha.  She walked out of the room towards the dining room.

    Griffa looked up at Kedan as he offered her his arm, and she took it.  They walked to the dining room, followed by Max and Addi.  As they got close to the table, everyone stood.  Kedan heard Griffa gasp, and she let go of his arm.

    ¡°You?¡± she asked loudly.  ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Max let go of Addi and walked to stand by Griffa¡¯s side.  A man close to Daracha walked closer to Griffa and Max.  Griffa automatically took a step back, and Kedan was put on his guard.

    ¡°Please let me explain, my queen,¡± said the man hurriedly.

    ¡°You dare to call her that?¡± asked Max angrily as he stood slightly in front of Griffa.  ¡°After what you did to her, to both of us, you dare to call her your queen?¡±

    Griffa turned and walked from the room in a hurry as Kedan followed her.  He could hear others behind him.  He found Griffa in the parlor, and she was pacing and shaking her head with tears in her eyes.  Kedan walked quickly to her and took her hands. She looked up at him as tears ran down her cheeks.  Kedan didn¡¯t know the man who had spoken to her, but whatever he had done to Griffa, must have been terrible.  Kedan turned as the man entered the room followed by Max and Addi.  He could see Daracha slowly making her way into the parlor.

    The man came close to Griffa, and Kedan moved a little in front of her.  He stared down the man as the man stepped back and stared at Griffa.

    ¡°I was wrong, Gryphon.  What I did was terrible.  Philo swore to me he wouldn¡¯t hurt you.  He said he would let you go as soon as he had the king,¡± said the man.

    ¡°So, you just decided to hand over Max, Devland,¡± said Griffa shaking her head.  ¡°You would just give him up so easily?¡±

    ¡°He said he would just use the young king to negotiate with the Ring.  I didn¡¯t think we could win the war against Aurumist.  I was scared for the Valley and my family.  I wanted to find a way for everyone to live in peace,¡± said Devland.  ¡°I was very wrong.¡±

    ¡°You were,¡± said Griffa with disgust.  ¡°You should have known better than to ever trust Philo.  Would you like me to tell you all the ways I was hurt?  Would you like me to tell you every detail of the two months I stayed in the palace?  Max and I both could have easily been killed, and it would have been all your fault.¡±

    ¡°I know, and I am sorry,¡± said Devland looking down.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± asked Max.  ¡°You are sorry?  You caused the destruction of your village.  You cause so many lives to be lost, and you are the reason Griffa was tortured for months by Philo.¡±

    ¡°You were my father¡¯s friend,¡± said Griffa as tears continued to fall down her face.  ¡°You watched me grow up.  He and I both trusted you.  How could you just turn me over to that evil man?¡±

    Kedan looked at this man with narrowed eyes.  He was the reason Griffa and Max were taken to Aurumist.  Kedan felt his magic rise to the surface of his skin, and he closed his eyes and tried to control it.  Everything in him, wanting to kill this man in front of him.  The man stepped closer to Griffa, and Kedan met him, looking down at him.

    ¡°If you come one step closer to her, I will kill you without a second thought,¡± said Kedan as he tried to control himself.

    Devland stepped back slightly.  ¡°What can I do to show you how sorry I am, Gryphon?  What I have done goes against every decent thing in the kingdom.  I turned my back on you, my people, and my village.¡±

    ¡°You did,¡± said Griffa quietly. ¡°You should be glad I sent Ansel and Talon to do a different task for me.  If they were here, I doubt you would have made it past the dining room.  I doubt Talon would have even let you speak.¡±

    ¡°I will have to face him eventually,¡± said Devland.  ¡°I will have to try to make amends for what I did to the Valley.  I will tell my part, and let Talon decide what to do with me.  I believe I know what my fate will be, but before that happens, let me serve you, my queen.  Let me try to do right by you and your father.¡±

    ¡°What is it you think you can do?¡± asked Griffa angrily as she wiped her eyes.

    ¡°I live in Aurumist, and there are things happening in the city that you need to know about.  Things that I doubt Camelia Belles has had time to tell you.¡±

    Kedan looked at the man sharply.  ¡°You have seen my mother? She is still alive?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Devland looking at Kedan.  ¡°She stays in her manor, tending to the many who are ill.  Philo does not bother her.  He is so obsessed with getting his hands on Gryphon, I doubt he even registers what is going on in the city.  He has made Helmer the Viceroy of Aurumist.  Helmer is so far over his head, he doesn¡¯t know where to start. He is busy making some kind of elixir to release magic in dormant magic users.  He doesn¡¯t even care what it seems to be doing to the people who take it.¡±

    Griffa took a deep breath and asked, ¡°People are falling ill in the city?¡±

    ¡°Yes, many of the released magical users are ill.  Camelia has set up a place for the ill in her home, and she is trying to help them. I belive she has charmed her husband so he will allow it,¡± replied Devland.

    Griffa grabbed Kedan¡¯s hand.  He turned to her and pulled her close to him.  He felt his magic go to her, comforting her.  She leaned against Kedan and closed her eyes.

    ¡°We should go back into dinner.  Our queen needs to sit and eat,¡± said Daracha.  ¡°You can discuss this there and after.¡±

    Kedan looked down at Griffa.  She opened her eyes and nodded at Kedan as Addi came over and stood in front of Griffa.

    ¡°Are you alright, Griffa?  I can¡¯t believe that awful man is here.  I almost cursed him, myself.  My mother would have killed him at first sight,¡± said Addi.

    Griffa stood away from Kedan and took Addi¡¯s hands.  ¡°I am well, and I want to hear what he has to say.  We should leave him unharmed.  Talon will want to speak with him.  We will let Talon and the rest of your council decide his fate.¡±

    ¡°Talon won¡¯t let him leave a room alive,¡± said Addi. ¡°Not after what he caused in the valley, and especially the pain he caused you.  I only hope I am in the room with Talon when it happens.¡±

    Kedan smiled at Addi. He had never seen her so fierce. It put a rather becoming blush on her cheeks and made her eyes bright.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat,¡± said Griffa smiling slightly.  ¡°If you wish, Addi, I will make sure you are in the room when Talon decides Devland¡¯s fate.  I might want to join you as well.¡±

    They ate dinner as Devland described more of what was happening in the city, and Kedan could tell Griffa was disturbed.  He took her hand several times to comfort and steady her.  After dinner they all sat in the parlor as the magical folk from the first ring each spoke with Griffa briefly, pledging their support.   At the end of the night it was only Devland left with their group, Daracha, and Penelope.

    ¡°Where do we go from here, Devland?¡± asked Griffa, looking very tired.

    ¡°I would like to go back to the city and see what else I can find out for you.  I could send you regular messages.  When the time comes, I would like to fight for you,¡± replied Devland.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t let him go, my queen,¡± said Addi fiercely.  ¡°He should be made to answer for his crimes against the Valley, Max, and you.¡±

    ¡°Let the queen decide, Adelaide¡±, said Devland looking at Addi.  ¡°You do not have authority over me.¡±

    ¡°She does,¡± said Griffa as she took a sip of wine from a glass. ¡°She is on the council of the Valley.  She is also one of my most trusted friends.¡±

    ¡°Will you keep me here, then?  Will you take me back to Abscon or the Valley?¡± asked Devland.

    Griffa looked at Max who was sitting in a chair next to her.  She held out her hand and he took it.  ¡°What do you think, Max?  What would you do with him?¡±

    Kedan watched as Max looked at Griffa while holding her hand.  ¡°If I could, I would make him stay here until Talon decided what to do with him.  I would make him answer for his crimes, but it is not wise.  He should go back to the city and keep watch for us.  He says he can help you, Griffa.  He says he will fight for you so let him prove himself.¡±

    Griffa let go of Max¡¯s hand and sighed.  ¡°Very well,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°You will go back to the city, and you will send me regular messages.  If you live through the war, I will let Talon and the council of the Valley decide what to do with you.¡±

    Devland got up and walked over to stand in front of Griffa.  Kedan who was standing behind Griffa made a motion to grab Devland, but Devland got down on one knee and took Griffa¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Thank you for your mercy, my queen.  I will serve you well,¡± said Devland with his head bowed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how much mercy I have given you.  You have some time, but you will have to face your crimes at some point,¡± said Griffa as Devland nodded and then stood up.

    ¡°I am tired, and I am going to bed,¡± said Griffa. She stood up and turned to Daracha.  ¡°I thank you for your hospitality and dinner I hope you do not mind if we stay one more night tomorrow to rest.¡±

    ¡°Of course not, my queen,¡± said Daracha.  ¡°My home is yours, take all the time you need.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa.  She turned and walked quickly from the room.

    The next morning, Griffa rose later than usual.  Kedan made sure to save her a plate of food for breakfast, and he sat with her in the parlor as she ate it.  She seemed a little tired, but her mood wasn¡¯t too low.  He could tell she was fretting about the kingdom, so he offered to go for a walk with her.  They walked through the first ring, not talking much, but her spirits seem to lift by the time they walked back to the manor for lunch. After lunch they sat in the parlor with Max, Addi, and Daracha, and  Kedan noticed that Max seemed quiet and withdrawn.   They were all speaking together when Penelope came into the room with a message for Griffa.

    ¡°I wonder if it¡¯s from Ansel or Talon,¡± said Griffa taking the message.

    Kedan watched as Griffa opened and read her message.  He noticed she turned pale as she read.  She eventually stood up and started pacing.  Kedan could see she was breathing rapidly.

    ¡°What is wrong, Griffa?¡± asked Max standing up and walking to join her.  She handed him the letter, and Max read through it.  He looked up at Griffa. ¡°You can¡¯t go alone, Griffa.  You can¡¯t let them take you.¡±

    ¡°What can I do, Max?¡± asked Griffa.  ¡°I can¡¯t just let them die. I have to help them.¡±

    Kedan jumped up and walked to his queen.  ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Talon and Ansel have been taken by some magic users who are on the side of Aurumist,¡± said Griffa. ¡°They are being held in a small village on the edge of the Grasslands. I am told to come alone tomorrow morning to the village, or they will kill both Talon and Ansel.  If I come and turn myself in, they will let them both go.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t turn yourself in, Griffa,¡± said Kedan as he took the message from Max. ¡°We will find a way to all go and help Talon and Ansel.¡±

    ¡°They will know if any magic users are with me,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°They said if they sense any other magic users with me, they will immediately kill both of my mages. You can read it for yourself in that message.  I can¡¯t lose them.¡±

    ¡°You do have to help them,¡± said Daracha. ¡°But you definitely don¡¯t have to go alone.  The people here in this village will help you.  We have ways of hiding our magical presence.  We are known for our pendants and talismans, and I can provide ways to hide all of us, ways we could never be detected.  Let us spend the rest of the day coming up with a way to save your two mages.¡±

    Griffa nodded.  ¡°I will listen, Daracha, but I will do nothing to endanger the lives of Talon and Ansel.  If I have to give myself up to save them, I will.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t come to that,¡± said Daracha.  ¡°We will save both of your mages without doing anything to bring you to harm.¡±

    Kedan hoped Daracha was right. Whatever may happen with Talon and Ansel, Kedan knew his only job was to make sure Griffa was safe.

 Chapter 9

    Philo sat in the sitting area of his suite of rooms just after lunch.  His wife had left to walk into the first ring to visit some friends she had made.  Philo held a message in his hand from Cassia saying that she had talked to her daughter. She had written that her daughter was unsure of leaving Abscon for Aurumist, but Cassia was sure she could convince her.  If not, Cassia would find a way to lure Marcus outside of Abscon, so Philo could take his son.  Cassia was sure Desmona would follow.

    Philo was pleased.  However foolish Marcus was, he was still Philo son. He wanted Marcus with him in the palace.  He wanted to pass on to Marcus the right to rule that Philo would take from Gryphon.  He would like to have Marcus by his side as he sacrificed Gryphon and took the right to rule, but he wasn¡¯t sure if Marcus could stomach it.  Perhaps he would force Marcus to watch to toughen him up.

    Philo was still working on a way to get his hands on Gryphon.  He had sent information all across the kingdom stating any folk who could turn her in alive to authorities would be paid handsomely.  He wasn¡¯t sure how any non-gifted person could catch Gryphon, but he knew of at least a few magical communities that might try to take the queen to gain funds and safety from Aurumist.  He sat back thinking it over when there was a knock at the door.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± asked Philo as he put away his letter.

    ¡°It is Helmer.  I need to speak with you.¡±

    Philo raised his hand and the door opened.  Helmer came in and sat down in the chair next to Philo.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Viceroy, what brings you here today?¡± asked Philo looking at Helmer.

    ¡°There are a few things I need to speak with you about.  First, did you know there seems to be a sickness in the city?¡± asked Helmer.

    Philo sat up.  ¡°Do you think it is the illness?  Has it made its way to the city?¡±

    ¡°No, I think this is something else.  It only seems to be affecting the magic users released with Golnar¡¯s elixir.¡±

    ¡°The same that killed Kedan¡¯s wife Teryn, I suppose.  Well, what can be done?¡±

    ¡°They are being cared for at the Belles mansion.  I am not sure anything can be done.¡±

    ¡°Pity, but it does not affect us much, unless it starts spreading to our soldiers.  I have seen none of that, yet.  I will keep an eye on it, and if it starts affecting our soldiers, you will have to find a way to stop it,¡± said Philo.

    ¡°How do I do that? I don¡¯t even know what elixir Golnar used.  I know it was old blood magic, but I do not know the exact elixir and spells used.¡±

    ¡°You better figure it out somehow.  This is your city, Helmer, and you need to see to the health of your people,¡± said Philo.  ¡°Now what else did you want to speak of?¡±

    ¡°I have found an old blood magic spell to increase strength as you asked.  It is very complicated, but I imagine I can do it eventually.  There are some risks,¡± said Helmer.

    ¡°What risks?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°It can cause magic to become instable, and it can affect one¡¯s mental state.  If the person who the spell is cast on is not of strong mind, it can lead to insanity and death.¡±

    ¡°Would you say I am of strong mind, Helmer?¡± asked Philo

    ¡°I would say yes,¡± answered Helmer.

    ¡°Then the risks won¡¯t matter.  What will I be able to do if you perform this magic on me?¡±

    ¡°Things you could only imagine.  You could set up shields no one could break through.  You could knock down twenty men with a flick of your wrist,¡± answered Helmer excitedly.

    ¡°Could it combat the protector¡¯s magic?  Could it keep Gryphon¡¯s protector from shielding her and amplifying her power?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°I would think it would be effective, but protector¡¯s magic is very powerful and old. I don¡¯t even know how we would test that.  There wouldn¡¯t be a way to test it.¡±

    ¡°But do you think there is a chance?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°I believe there is a good chance.¡±

    ¡°Do everything you can to make whatever elixir you need to make.  I will make sure you have everything you need.  I will need this done by the time Gryphon makes her move on the city.  I will kill her, and I will take her right to rule.¡±

    After Helmer left, Philo walked down to check on his soldiers.  The soldiers were kept in the east wing of the palace.  He found most of them training in a large hall at the end of the wing.  He watched and didn¡¯t see any signs of sickness. He found a few of his leaders and inquired, learning that none had heard of any soldiers falling ill.  Philo told them to report to him if any soldiers showed signs of illness. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Satisfied that the soldiers were well, Philo walked to his study.  He sat down at his desk and started thinking of the problems in the city.  It sounded as if there were quite a few sick in the first ring of Aurumist.  Philo would have to ask his wife about it when she got back from her visits.  Perhaps she knew something about it.

    Philo thought of Camelia Belles.  He had been wondering what to do with her for some time.  After Teryn had died, she had gone back to her home, and Philo had not seen her since.  He had inquired to others about releasing magic users in the fourth and third rings, but found it had not been done.  Philo was surprised by this.  He supposed Camelia had held things up, and Golnar had been too distracted to notice or care.

    He thought he should probably have Camelia killed, but she was very powerful and well known in Aurumist.  She was the most well-known woman the first ring.  If he killed her, he could lose support from some of the families of the first ring.  Those families held sway with the council of Ancients, and right now, Philo controlled the council only with fear.  If he started slaughtering powerful people in the city, the council could turn on him.  He would need to keep them in line.

    It seemed like Camelia was busy caring for the sick in the city.  This would be a good distraction for her.  If she was distracted with the ill, she could not involve herself in Philo¡¯s plans.  She could not spy on him or send messages to her son who was now serving as protector to the queen.

    Philo still couldn¡¯t figure out why Kedan had been made the protector.  Why had Ansel given it up?  It was the very last thing he thought Ansel would do as he was always going on about his duty.  His family line had always held the protector¡¯s duty, and Ansel was also in love with the queen. Why would he give up his right to protect her and give it to someone like Kedan?  Philo could not figure it out and it bothered him. He would ask Cassia if she had learned anything when he wrote back to her.

    Philo spent the rest of his day trying to figure out the mystery of Gryphon changing her protectors, and daydreaming about killing her to steal her right to rule.  He tried to come up with a plan to get his hands on her and take what should be his.  Before he knew it, it was time for dinner.  He ordered his dinner to be taken to his rooms as he had no desire to sit at the large table tonight with only his wife.

    Philo walked to his rooms, nodding at the soldiers by his The sitting room in his chambers was empty.  The door to his bedroom was closed, and he thought perhaps Cecilia might be in.  Whatever she was doing, he decided not to disturb her.  He sat down by the fire and waited for his dinner.

    He looked around his large sitting room and smiled. Sometimes it was hard to believe he was living in the castle as practically the king.  He was ruling over the kingdom.  Every decision for Regventus came through him.  All those fools in Abscon who tried to keep him down had not stopped him from gaining the ultimate power.  Well almost the ultimate power.  He was practically a king, but he was not a king.  He could never be a king as long as Gryphon lived.  He could never be a king as long as the line of Adalwen held the right to rule.

    There was a knock at the door, and Philo opened it with a wave of his hand.  Servants brought in the meal and laid it on the low table in front of Philo.  Before leaving, a servant handed him a message that had come.  When the servants left, Philo looked at his message to see it was from Alis, the Viceroy of the Grasslands.  He wondered what she could have to say so he started opening the letter when he heard the bedroom door open.  Cecelia, wearing her nightgown and robe, walked into the room.

    Philo put down his letter and looked at his wife.  ¡°Are you feeling well, my dear?¡± he asked with concern.

    ¡°Oh yes, I was just tired after my visits.  I decided to go ahead and get comfortable and rest.  I hope you don¡¯t mind,¡± said Cecelia.  She walked over and sat down next to Philo in a chair.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± said Philo smiling at her.  ¡°You look very desirable in your current state. I like it when you wear your hair down.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to remember that preference,¡± said Cecelia.  ¡°I see you have a message.  Is it from Cassia?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Philo.  ¡°I had one earlier from her.  She is working on getting her daughter to agree to come here.  If her daughter won¡¯t come, Cassia thinks she can get Marcus out in the open so we can grab him.  Either way, he should be here with us soon.¡±

    ¡°Good, I have missed him.  I am worried about him being all alone in Abscon.  The folk there could fill his head with all sorts of ideas,¡± said Cecelia.  She leaned forward and took a bit of bread from the platter of food in front of her.

    ¡°He will be here with us soon, and we can undo all the rubbish he has learned in Abscon.  I have some ideas to toughen him up to reality,¡± said Philo.  ¡°He will be king someday, so he needs to learn to do what needs to be done.¡±

    ¡°So, who is your letter from?¡± asked Cecelia.

    ¡°Just a Viceroy, and it is probably just an unremarkable report of the Grasslands.  I can read it whenever,¡± said Philo smiling at his wife as she bent over to fill a glass with wine.  She really was a lovely woman.

    ¡°My dear,¡± said Philo smiling at Cecelia.  ¡°How hungry are you at the moment?¡±

    Cecelia took a sip of wine and smiled slightly at her husband.  ¡°That depends.  I find that I am quite ravenous for something, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s food.¡±

    Philo gave a small laugh and stood up.  ¡°Then perhaps our dinner can wait for a while.  I find that I have something else I¡¯d rather attend to at the moment.¡±

    Cecilia smiled fully and stood up. Philo kissed her and picked her up, taking her into the bedroom.  They soon forgot about dinner and any message entirely.

    The next morning, Philo walked into the sitting room to see last night¡¯s dinner still on the table.  He pulled a cord to summon servants to clean it up and order breakfast.  He sat down in a chair close to the fire and picked up his message from last night, deciding to read it while he waited for his servants.  As he read it, his eyes became wide, and he audibly sighed.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± asked Cecelia as she came into the room and sat down across from him.

    ¡°Yes, but I will need to change quickly and get to the Grasslands.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡± asked Cecelia.

    ¡°It seems some magical users have captured a couple of things important to Gryphon.  She will not want to leave them behind, so she will go to a small village and try to get them back. I need to be there when she gets to that village.¡±

 Chapter 10

    Griffa did not sleep all night. She tried, but she was too worried and unsettled. Addi tried to stay up with her and talk her through it. Max held her hand for a while, but then excused himself.  Kedan had tried to help her, but even with his comfort, she could find no rest.  Talon and Ansel were the most important people in her life, and she could not lose them.  If she lost both of them, it might kill her.

    She loved them both.  Talon always believed in her, and he pushed her to always be better.  He loved her with no expectations. He had helped her during the darkest time of her life.  She depended on him for wisdom and strength, and she couldn¡¯t imagine her life without him.

    When Griffa thought of Ansel being in danger, she almost couldn¡¯t handle it.  After all they had been through, she couldn¡¯t imagine not being able to be with him forever.  He had always been a part of her life, and she had loved him in some way for as long as she could remember.  She loved him more than she could ever have thought possible.  She knew there was nothing she would not do to save him or Talon.

    They had planned all day yesterday until dinner on how to save them both.  Daracha had called in some magical folk from Nemar, and they had all agreed to help.  With talismans and charms they could shield their magical presence from anyone.  Everyone would go ahead of Griffa and sneak into the small village from different areas.  While she spoke to whoever was holding Ansel and Talon, the others would be around, including Kedan.  He would have to stay out of sight, but he could still find a way to be close to Griffa.

    While Griffa was talking to the leaders, the others would cause a distraction.  During the distraction, Addie and Max would release Ansel and Talon, and get them out of the village.  Once they were safe, Griffa would be signaled to leave by Daracha herself.   Griffa hoped the plan would be successful  She hoped Ansel and Talon hadn¡¯t been severely hurt.  She couldn¡¯t imagine how anyone could hold either of them if Ansel and Talon weren¡¯t incapacitated in some way.

    Griffa dressed in a simple black dress that had the sun of Adalwen stitched on the bodice.  She left her hair down and put on her crown.  She looked at herself in her mirror, noticing she looked tired and pale.  She would need to show strength today.  She raised her head and took a breath.  She thought of someone hurting either Talon and Ansel, and she saw her eyes turn hard.  She held out her hand and her staff flew to her before she turned and walked from the room.

    She made it downstairs to find everyone waiting for her.  She walked to stand next to Kedan and Max, Kedan holding her cloak.  She put hers own as she saw that everyone else were already wearing their cloaks, each wearing a large pendant.  They all walked outside the house to find five people waiting for them.  Griffa walked until she was in the middle of the whole group.

    ¡°You will all travel to the outskirts of the village.  Try to stagger your entrances from different areas as we do not want anyone to be detected.  Once I find out where they are keeping my mages, Addie and Max will find a way to grab both Ansel and Talon.  Once they have them, they will take them to the outskirts of the village and travel to Abscon.  Your job is to create as much of a distraction as you can without hurting any non-gifted folk.

    Once I know my mages are safe, I will leave the village with my protector and travel to Abscon.  I thank you for your help with this.  I will not forget it.¡±

    ¡°We are happy to serve you, my queen,¡± said Daracha.  ¡°We will get your two young men out safely. You don¡¯t need to worry.  Above all, you must keep safe.  Everyone¡¯s priority should be the queen¡¯s safety.¡±

    ¡°Do not worry, Daracha as Kedan will keep me in his sights.  I will have no issues as long as my protector is near,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°We need to go.¡±

    Daracha nodded.  She looked around at her people and nodded her head once.  They all disappeared as one as Max walked up to Griffa and took her hand.

    ¡°Do not be scared, Griffa.  Addie and I will get Talon and Ansel both out,¡± said Max.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but be scared, Max.  I can¡¯t lose them, you know I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± said Max. ¡°I promise you.¡±  He pulled Griffa in and hugged her as Addie walked up.

    ¡°He is right, Griffa.  We will not fail you.  I will do anything to save them for you,¡± said Addie.

    Griffa let go of Max and took Addie¡¯s hands.  She brought her close and kissed her cheek.  ¡°You both need to stay safe as well.  You are very important to me.¡±

    Addie smiled and pulled away, and Griffa turned to Kedan.

    ¡°You will need to go with them, protector.  Find a way into the village and watch for me,¡± said Griffa looking at Kedan.

    ¡°It is very hard to leave you, my queen,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°I know, but you must do this for me.  Go with Addie and Max, and find a place to hide in the village and watch for me.  When I give you the signal, come to me and we will leave the village together.¡±

    Kedan nodded.  He took her hand and kissed it gently.  ¡°I will do as you wish, my queen.¡±

    He walked over and stood between Max and Addie. Griffa watched as Max and Addie put their hands on Kedan¡¯s arm.  Max gave Griffa a small smile before they all closed their eyes and disappeared.   Griffa stood still and took deep breaths.  This would work.  It had to work.  No part of this could fail.  She could not lose either Talon or Ansel.  Griffa waited quietly until enough time had passed.  She said a quick prayer for the safety of all those she loved before she closed her eyes and felt herself travel.

    Griffa looked up and saw she was in a field.  She could see a small village up ahead. She took one more deep breath and walked towards the village, entering the outer ring and looking around.  She walked a few more steps and a man and woman walked out between two buildings and stood in front of her.

    ¡°Are you the false queen?¡± the man asked looking at her.

    ¡°I am Gryphon Keene, and I am the true queen of Regventus.  I have come for my mages,¡± replied Griffa.

    ¡°Are you by yourself?¡± asked the woman.

    ¡°As you can see.  You can also sense I have no magic users with me.  I imagine you can both sense every magic user in this small village,¡± replied Griffa.

    The man smiled slightly as the woman spoke. ¡°Are you prepared to give yourself up for them?  We will only release them if you will stay with us.¡±

    ¡°I will need to see them first to make sure they are unharmed. I will make a decision then,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°They have not been harmed,¡± said the man.  ¡°I think they have probably been well entertained while they are here.  They are in a place where men often find entertainment and pleasure.¡±

    Griffa raised one eyebrow and stared at the man.  ¡°Take me to them, then.  I would like to see for myself.¡±

    The man nodded.  ¡°You can follow us, but do not try anything, or we will have them killed quickly.¡±

    The man and woman turned as Griffa followed them.  She looked around as she walked, spotting someone in a cloak and hood in the shadows.  She saw a glimpse of dark gray hair and realized it was Daracha.  Griffa almost gasped as she could feel Kedan¡¯s magic surround her, and her own magic react.  He must be somewhere close.

    The man and woman took her to what look like a small inn.  They both looked around and then opened the door. They motioned to Griffa, and she walked in ahead of them.  She entered a large dark room that was set up with tables and chairs.  Griffa blinked to get used to the dim light, and a pretty young woman met Griffa as she moved into the room.

    ¡°Can I help you, miss?¡± asked the woman with a grin.

    ¡°I am here to see two young men, and I was told they are here.¡±

    ¡°We always have quite a few men here,¡± said the woman smiling widely.  ¡°You aren¡¯t the first woman who has come to retrieve her lover or husband.¡±

    Griffa gave a quick chuckle.  ¡°I imagine not, but you would know these two men.  They tend to stick out wherever they go.¡±

    ¡°Quit playing with the false queen,¡± said the man behind Griffa. ¡°Bring down her two mages so she can see they are not harmed.¡±

    ¡°Harmed, no, they are not harmed.  I am sure they are actually feeling quite well. It will take me a moment to go get them as I may have to interrupt something.¡±

    Griffa narrowed her eyes.  ¡°Do what you need to do, and I will wait outside.¡±

    Griffa turned and went to walk out of the room. She looked at the man and woman behind her.  ¡°If you want me to trade myself for my mages, I will need to see them in the light outside to make sure they are unharmed.¡±

    The man looked at the woman and she nodded.  ¡°Very well,¡± said the man. He turned to look at the woman who ran the inn.  ¡°Bring them out quickly.¡±

    Griffa walked outside and stood in the middle of the village.  The man and woman came and stood close to her as Griffa looked around.  She could see a few people in dark cloaks moving closer from in between buildings.  After a few minutes the door to the inn opened and the young woman ran out.

    ¡°They aren¡¯t there. I went to the room I had them in, and they were gone,¡± the woman said loudly.

    Griffa turned quickly to Daracha and saw her nod.  Griffa turned back to see the man looking at her.  He pushed his hand out to send a curse at Griffa, but it did not hit her.  Griffa felt a shield that surrounded her.  She pushed out her hand, and the man and two women were thrown back.

    Some other magic users came out from behind the inn, running towards Griffa.  She watched as the folk from Nemar ran out into the road.  They threw curses and spells. Griffa watched as Daracha raised her hand, and a group of magical folk who had run out from the other side of town were thrown into the air and back down.  Daracha ran  to Griffa, coming to a stop near her.

    ¡°Your mages are safe and out of the village.  You need to leave, my queen,¡± said Daracha. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Griffa looked over to see Kedan running towards her.  He had almost made it when a spell threw him to his side.  Griffa turned sharply to see a group of Aurumist soldiers waking towards her with Philo quick out in front.

    ¡°Gryphon,¡± said Philo smiling at her.  ¡°You weren¡¯t going to leave without seeing me where you?¡±

    Griffa looked at Philo, and then glanced at Kedan who was slowly getting up off the ground.  She saw the soldiers starting to fight with the folk from Nemar, and she knew they all needed to get out of there.

    ¡°I would love to stay and chat with you, Philo, but I need to go check on a couple of my people I have misplaced.¡±

    ¡°What makes you think you can leave, Gryphon?¡± asked Philo with his hand up.

    Daracha laughed next to Griffa.  ¡°You think you can stop our queen with your puny ward, Philo.  Her protector is with her.  She could crush you and travel whenever she pleased.¡±

    ¡°That is true, Daracha, but you and your people can¡¯t. Do you think she will just leave you here?  Could she take care of all of us before we killed you and your people?¡±

    Griffa realized he was right.  Kedan was getting up, and he would be at Griffa¡¯s side soon.  She could leave if she wanted to, but she could not abandon Daracha and the people from Nemar.

    ¡°You need to go, my queen,¡± said Daracha quietly to Griffa. ¡°Do not worry about us.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa. ¡°I will not leave you to fend for yourself.¡±  Kedan was walking towards Griffa, and she looked at him. ¡°Kedan, cover me.¡±

    Griffa threw out her hands and Philo put his hands up.  He stood on his feet, but the rest of the soldiers at his back where thrown down.  Griffa closed her eyes and knew what she had to do.  She imagined every folk from Nemar in the small village, and she thought of the first circle of Nemar.  She opened her eyes and saw Kedan standing next to her, his magic washing over her.  Griffa held out her hand and her staff as a bright light erupted all around.  She watched as Daracha vanished.  Before Philo could react, Griffa grabbed Kedan and whispered, ¡°Abscon,¡± into his ear before they traveled quickly.

    Her feet hit the ground hard, and she fell sideways on top of Kedan.  He caught her in his arms as they both fell to the ground.  She laid against him for a moment, breathing hard.  The magic she had just performed had taken a lot of energy.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Kedan urgently. ¡°Are you well?¡±

    Griffa felt herself nod.  ¡°Yes, I am fine.  I¡¯m just tired.¡±

    She pushed herself up in a seated position as Kedan sat up and put his arms around her.  She could feel his magic flow through her, and it relaxed her breathing and gave her some energy.  He let her go, and Griffa stood carefully.  She looked around to see Max and Addie looking at her.  Addie grabbed her and hugged her tightly.

    ¡°What happened?¡± asked Max as Addie let her go.

    ¡°Philo showed up with soldiers.  He set up a travel ward, and I had to send Daracha and her people back to Nemar before I could travel.¡±

    ¡°You moved people by yourself?¡± asked Max in bewilderment.

    ¡°Well, I had to have Kedan¡¯s magic as well, but yes.  I am sure they made it back fine. I managed to do it, but it has robbed me of any energy.  I feel like I could sleep for a week,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get you home, then,¡± said Kedan.

    Griffa looked up to see Ansel and Talon sitting against one of the trees that formed the gates of Abscon.

    ¡°Are they alright?¡± asked Griffa as she stared at Ansel and Talon.

    Addie and Max looked at each other.  ¡°They are fine, or they will be,¡± said Max quickly.

    ¡°What do you mean they will be?¡± asked Griffa.

    She walked towards Ansel and Talon, and they both looked at her as she got close to them.  Talon stood up and almost fell down as Ansel grabbed Talon¡¯s arm and pulled himself up.  Griffa couldn¡¯t tell what was wrong with them.

    ¡°Griffa!¡± said Talon happily.  ¡°Look, Ansel, it¡¯s Griffa!¡±

    Talon tried to walk to Griffa, but he stumbled.  Griffa walked up to Talon and grabbed his arms.

    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Nothing, now that you are here,¡± said Talon.  He leaned down and try to kiss her, Griffa holding him back.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked.  She looked in his face and saw that his eyes were very unfocused.  She shook her head.  ¡°You are drunk, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I guess I might be,¡± said Talon. ¡°Ansel is as well.  I¡¯m not sure what they gave us, but it must have been very strong.  I don¡¯t remember drinking very much.¡±

    Ansel had stumbled over to both of them.  ¡°We didn¡¯t drink much, Griffa, honestly.  At least, I don¡¯t think we did. I can¡¯t remember much of yesterday or last night.¡±

    Griffa huffed.  ¡°Well, you were both in an interesting establishment to not remember what happened last night.¡±  She turned to Kedan and Max.  ¡°Help me get them home.¡±

    Kedan walked up and grabbed Ansel.  He smiled at Kedan. ¡°You look much better in that tunic than me.¡±

    Max grabbed Talon.  ¡°I told you, you shouldn¡¯t have found such a handsome protector for Griffa.  Who knows, maybe that is her type.  You might lose her to her new protector.  Then we will have to find someone else all over again.¡±

    ¡°Both of you walk,¡± said Griffa angrily.

    ¡°Kedan, tell me truthfully, you think Griffa is a beautiful woman, don¡¯t you?¡± asked Talon as Max helped him stand straight.

    Kedan looked at Talon as he held up Ansel.  ¡°My queen is beautiful and strong,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°Yes, yes, I know¡±, said Talon, ¡°but you do find her desirable, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I see my queen as a strong and capable leader.  She is an impressive woman,¡± replied Kedan.

    ¡°None of that protector jargon. You are still a man, aren¡¯t you? I know you may not see her that way now, but before you were her protector, you can¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t find Griffa desirable.¡±

    ¡°Talon,¡± said Griffa harshly.  ¡°Stop it right now.  You are embarrassing Kedan, me, and yourself.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s embarrassing about finding a beautiful woman desirable?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°You can tell the truth, Kedan.  I won¡¯t mind.¡±

    Griffa shook her head as she felt her face turn red. She walked ahead quickly and activated the gates of Abscon.  She continued through leaving everyone else behind.  She was so tired, and she didn¡¯t want to deal with Ansel or Talon in their current state. She was glad they were safe, but all she wanted to do was sleep.

    Somehow Ansel and Talon must have gotten away from Max and Kedan because they caught up with her.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Ansel. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at us. We didn¡¯t know what kind of place that was.  We just went for lunch. We barely had anything to drink, right, Talon?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Talon slurring.  ¡°We didn¡¯t know, and we barely drank.  Ansel didn¡¯t even know any of the women in there.  Not like that place we were at the night before.¡±

    Griffa looked at Ansel.  He looked back at her and stumbled slightly.  He then turn to Talon angrily. ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t say anything to Griffa.¡±

    ¡°What did I say?¡± asked Talon walking sideways for a second.  ¡°Did I mention your Margie?¡±

    Griffa shook her head and walked faster.  She didn¡¯t even have half the energy to try to understand what they were talking about.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Ansel as he grabbed her arm.  ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry.  I love you.  I told everyone I met last night about how wonderful you are.¡±

    Talon grabbed her staff from her other hand.  He examined it for a moment before he turned and threw it.  She watched as Kedan caught it. Talon grabbed her arm.  ¡°It¡¯s true, Griffa.  We both talked about how no woman could compare to you.  I told them about that time on the stairs in your house in the Valley. You know that thing you did to me.¡±

    ¡°Talon,¡± said Griffa loudly turning to him. ¡°Stop talking.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Talon, if anyone should be telling people how wonderful Griffa is, it¡¯s me,¡± said Ansel. He moved closer to Griffa and said in a loud whisper.  ¡°I doubt anything you have done with Talon could compare to that one night in your study.¡±

    ¡°Both of you need to stop, now,¡± said Griffa.  She threw her arms down, shaking both of their hands loose and moved ahead of them.

    Griffa¡¯s head was so cloudy, and her eyes wanted to shut.  All she wanted to do was lay down and nap for a while. She walked as fast as she could, wishing she could run to Keene Manor, but she doubted she would make it halfway through the village before she fell down.

    ¡°Ansel, this way,¡± said Max.

    Griffa turned to see Ansel had turned and started walking to the right.  Max grabbed him and put him back on the right path. He looked at Griffa and jogged slightly.  Griffa huffed as he caught up with her.

    ¡°Are you angry with me?¡± he asked as he stumbled and fell into Griffa slightly.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not angry.  I¡¯m tried, and I just want to get home,¡± said Griffa pushing him away gently.

    ¡°You know, Talon isn¡¯t so bad,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I don¡¯t think you should send him away.¡±

    ¡°What did you say about me?¡± asked Talon.  He caught up to walk next to Griffa.

    ¡°I said you weren¡¯t so bad,¡± said Ansel loudly.  ¡°I don¡¯t want Griffa to make you go away.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I don¡¯t want her to make you go away, either.¡±

    At least they seemed to be getting along, thought Griffa to herself.

    ¡°We have a lot in common,¡± continued Talon.  He moved over to stand by Ansel.

    He said something quietly to Ansel that Griffa couldn¡¯t make out.  Ansel looked at Talon and smiled, shaking his head.  Talon again whispered to Ansel, and Griffa definitely heard her name.  Ansel looked at Talon with surprise and then stumbled and fell over, catching himself with his hands.  Talon stopped to help him, and ended up on the ground with him.  Griffa stopped and turned.

    Kedan and Max both walked up to Talon and Ansel and worked to get them back on their feel.  Seeing they had sufficient help, Griffa turned and kept walking.  She just wanted to get home, and she could see the small gate for Keene Manor up ahead.  She was almost there.

    Talon caught up with her again.  He walked to her side and put his arm around her, leaning against her.  Griffa almost fell over, but she kept her feet as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

    ¡°You know you are very beautiful, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked.  ¡°Of all the women I saw last night, not one of them came even close to being as lovely as you.¡±

    Griffa looked at him and rolled her eyes.  She turned as she felt someone try to grab her hand.  Ansel was walking behind her, and he couldn¡¯t quite catch her hand in his.  He looked pathetic.  Griffa grabbed his hand and pulled him along.

    ¡°Griffa, you know I love you, don¡¯t you?  I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve told you enough.  All I could think of last night was how much I loved you,¡± said Ansel as she stumbled by her side.

    Griffa sighed and looked at him. ¡°I do know, Ansel.  You both need to get in bed and sleep.¡±

    ¡°What bed do you mean, Griffa?¡± asked Talon suggestively.

    ¡°Yours,¡± said Griffa as they came to the door of Keene Manor.  Griffa stopped and put her hand on it.  She opened it, to see Maybell looking out from the doorway to the kitchen.  ¡°Hello, Maybell, we are home early. Don¡¯t worry, everyone is fine.  I¡¯ve got to take care of these two.¡±

    Maybell looked at Griffa with confusion, but then just nodded.  Griffa turned to see Kedan, Max, and Addi coming in the door behind her.

    ¡°Do you want me to take them upstairs?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon, grabbing on to Griffa.  ¡°I will stay by my queen¡¯s side.¡±

    Griffa looked at Ansel who laid his head on her shoulder and swayed.

    ¡°I can manage it,¡± said Griffa.

    She took the hands of both Talon and Ansel and took them up the stairs.  It took them a few tries, but eventually they made it to the top.  She turned to the right and walked all the way to the end room Talon usually stayed in.  She let go of both men for a second, and they each leaned on the wall and watched as she opened the door.

    Griffa grabbed Talon¡¯s hand and pulled him through the door.  She managed to get him to the bed and made him sit down. She helped him take off his cloak, and he threw it on the floor.  She looked up to see Ansel had followed her in. He had somehow lit a fire in the fireplace. He took his hat off and threw it against the wall.  It landed by the door.  He looked at it for one moment before he quickly took off his cloak and threw it into a nearby chair before he walked over to the other side of the bed and fell down onto it.  Talon looked up at Griffa.

    ¡°Lay down, Talon,¡± said Griffa. ¡°Try to sleep.  You will feel better after you sleep.¡±

    Talon grabbed her hand and pulled her to sit down with him.  She sat next to Talon as he smiled at her, and she gave him a small smile in return.  She was relieved he was there with her, if not completely well, at least safe.

    ¡°You look tired, Griffa,¡± said Talon looking closely at her.  ¡°You need to rest.¡±

    ¡°I will as soon as you lay down.  I will go to my bed,¡± said Griffa.

    Talon reached up and undid the clasp on her cloak.  He pulled until she took it off.  He threw it behind him as Griffa shook her head.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Ansel muffled from the other side of the bed.  ¡°Come lay here.¡±

    ¡°No, I will let you two sleep here, and I will find my own bed.¡±

    ¡°You should stay here with us,¡± said Talon looking at her the best he could.  He kept blinking.

    ¡°That is not a good idea,¡± said Griffa.  She tried to stand when Ansel leaned up slightly and grabbed her hand.

    He pulled her down and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her close to him. His arm was tight around her as he laid his head back down. Talon laid down on the other side of her.  Griffa sighed and tried to sit up, but Ansel held on to her tightly. She looked over at Talon who was looking at her with half open eyes.

    ¡°See, I told you, Ansel¡± said Talon sleepily.

    ¡°You told him what?¡± asked Griffa as she tried again to get up.

    Talon only shook his head and smiled sleepily at her.  He reached over and tucked some of her hair behind her ear.  He stared at her and gave a contented sighed.  Griffa thought of calling out for Kedan to come help her, but she didn¡¯t have the energy.

    She felt her own eyes grow heavy.  It was so warm in the bed, and she was very tired.  She knew she should get up, but she wasn¡¯t sure how.  Talon leaned forward and kissed her forehead.  He put his head close to hers and closed his eyes.  Ansel pulled himself closer to her, and She turned her head to look at him.  His eyes were closed but he smiled slightly.

    Griffa smiled to herself as she felt tension leave her body.  She had been so worried about Talon and Ansel, and to have them both with her by her side was all she wanted.  After staying up the night before, and the energy she used in the small village, Griffa had never felt so tired.  She closed her eyes and drifted off in Ansel¡¯s arms, listening to Talon¡¯s soft snores.

 Chapter 11

    Ansel slowly blinked his eyes open.  Everything was very blurry.  He knew he was in a bed, and he was cold.  He reached over for Griffa to pull her close when he grabbed an arm that did not feel right.  Ansel blinked his eyes again, trying to focus. He looked over and saw Talon staring at him with half opened eyes. Ansel rolled over and sat up quickly.  He put his hand to his head as a pain shot through it.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Talon?¡± asked Ansel as he rubbed his head.

    ¡°What are you talking about?  This is my bed,¡± replied Talon sleepily.

    Ansel looked around.  He could see they were in Keene Manor in the room Talon usually stayed.  The room spun slightly, and Ansel laid back down.

    ¡°How did we get here?¡± asked Ansel putting his hand over his eyes.

    ¡°I think Griffa brought us up here.  I don¡¯t know how we got to Abscon, but I distinctly remember walking with Griffa.  I think she might be angry with us.¡±

    Ansel tried to think of what had happened.  He remembered being in a village and eating lunch.  Something had happened after that.  Had they been drinking?  It felt like they had been drinking.  He had foggy memories of talking to some women.  He remembered seeing Max and being pulled out of a window.  He also remembered holding Griffa as he fell asleep.

    The door of the room opened, and Ansel heard Talon groan as someone slammed it shut.  Ansel took his hand off his eyes to see Griffa walking towards the bed in a dark blue dress.  She laid something on a table by the bed on Talon¡¯s side before walking to the foot of the bed, and jumping on it, right in the middle of Talon and Ansel.  Ansel shook his head as the movement of the bed made his stomach roll.

    ¡°Well, good evening, you two,¡± said Griffa loudly.  ¡°It¡¯s about time you woke up.¡±

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Talon, ¡°Can you not talk so loudly?¡±

    ¡°Am I talking loudly, Talon?  I really can¡¯t tell,¡± said Griffa as leaned over Talon.

    ¡°What happened?¡± asked Ansel looking at Griffa.  ¡°How did we get back to Abscon?¡±

    ¡°You were taken by some magical folk in that village you were in.  I¡¯m not sure if they found you in the state you were in or they put you in it.  We came and got you and brought you here. Whatever happened to you before that, I¡¯m not sure.  From what you told me this morning, it sounded very interesting.¡±

    Ansel wondered what they had said to Griffa that morning.  The way she was talking, it could not have been good.

    ¡°Griffa, you have something for us to take for these headaches, don¡¯t you?  Are you going to torture us all night?¡± asked Talon.

    Griffa sighed.  ¡°I had thought about letting you tough out the consequences of over drinking, but I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s your fault.¡±

    Ansel watched as Griffa leaned over Talon.  She picked up the two vials she had put there and moved back to sitting between Talon and Ansel.  She handed each one of them a vial.

    Ansel sat up and opened his, drinking it quickly.  He felt the warm liquid fill his body, settling his stomach and clearing his head.  He looked a Griffa who had her hand out.  He handed her the vial and smiled at her.  She gave him a half smile before collecting Talon¡¯s vial and putting them both in her pocket.

    ¡°Do you two want to tell me what happened to you?¡±

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t remember much,¡± said Talon sitting up.  ¡°We had gone to the village and worked all morning with the sick. A young woman showed us where to get lunch. After that I only have vague memories of talking to some women, and walking here with you.¡±

    ¡°We must have been given something,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I remember feeling dizzy at lunch.  I think they must have had us drink whatever it was a few times.  I believe I remember Max coming in and taking us out of a window.¡±

    ¡°I received a letter stating you were being held, and I was told to come alone and turn myself in.  If I did not, they would kill you.  With Daracha¡¯s help, I was able to come to the village with Max, Addie, Kedan, Daracha, and some of her people.  She had ways to hide magical folk from detection.  Max and Addi were able to get both of you out.  Everything went to plan until Philo showed up.¡±

    Ansel turned his head sharply to Griffa. ¡°Philo showed up?¡±  He felt his stomach turn again, this time at the thought of Griffa being harmed by Philo.

    ¡°Yes, but it was fine.  With Kedan¡¯s help I was able to get everyone out of the village safely.  I traveled here with Kedan, and then walked you two home.  We all had some very interesting conversations.¡±

    Ansel looked at Talon who shrugged.

    Griffa smiled at both of them.  ¡°We can talk about it later. You two should get cleaned up.  Dinner will be soon, and you both haven¡¯t eaten in a while,¡± said Griffa as she patted both their legs. ¡°I am glad to have both of you back safe.¡±  She turned and kissed Talon on the cheek before turning to Ansel and pecking him on the lips as she rolled over him to get out of the bed.

    Ansel watched her as she walked to the door.  She opened it and looked at Ansel and Talon.  ¡°I will say that I think you have severely disturbed my protector with your conversations this morning.  I am also very interested to hear about your Margie, Ansel.¡±  With that Griffa walked out the door and closed it.

    Ansel turned to Talon. ¡°You told her about Margie?¡± he asked angrily.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Maybe you did.¡±

    Ansel rolled out of bed.  He collected his cloak and hat and went to the room he shared with Griffa.  He found that Griffa had the tub filled with water, and he bathed, trying to remember what had happened.  Whatever did happen, it seemed he and Talon had somehow put Griffa in danger. What if Philo had gotten her? It would have been his fault because he had not been vigilant enough.

    Ansel dressed and walked down to the dining room to find everyone around the table.  He took the open seat next to Talon and across from Griffa.  She looked up at him as he sat down.

    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Yes, much better,¡± said Ansel as he filled his plate.

    He looked over next to Griffa to see Kedan looking at him darkly.  Throughout the meal Kedan gave Ansel and Talon dirty looks.  Ansel looked at Talon questionably, but Talon only responded with a small shrug.  Dinner was mostly quiet with only Griffa and Addi having conversation periodically.  Kedan would only look at Talon and Ansel as Max sat silently at the head of the table seeming to be considering something.

    After dinner, they all moved to the parlor.  Kedan and Addi sat on either side of Griffa on the sofa, leaving Ansel to sit in nearby chair with Talon in a chair next to him.  Max sat by the fire and stared into it.  Ansel watched Griffa and noticed that Kedan often took her hand.  He wondered if something was wrong with her.  He looked closer at her and saw that she looked very tired.  She soon excused herself to go to bed early, and Addi offered to accompany her upstairs.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you as well,¡± said Ansel staring to rise.

    ¡°Actually, I would like to have a word with you and Talon,¡± said Kedan stopping him.

    Max looked over and got up. ¡°I think I will go to bed.  It has been a long day.¡±

    He left the room, leaving Kedan alone with Ansel and Talon.  Kedan looked at Ansel and Talon from the sofa.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what happened to you.  I¡¯m not sure how much of what did is your fault, but whatever happened put our queen in extreme danger.¡±

    ¡°Do you think we wanted to be in the state we were in?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Neither of us remember how it happened.  We were tricked.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t being aware.  You should have been more cautious.  Saving both of you put not only our queen at risk, but Max, Addi, Daracha, and her folk in danger as well.  If Griffa had not been thinking quickly when Philo showed up, Daracha and her people could have perished, and our queen could have been taken.  Do you think we would have gotten to her in time to save her, in the condition you were both in?

    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to get started on the display you both put on this morning.  You embarrassed Griffa, and I¡¯m surprised she is still talking to either of you.  I will not have any of it.  You will both start behaving as men worthy of our queen¡¯s devotion, or I will find a way to send you both away whether Griffa agrees or not.¡±

    Talon started to say something, but Ansel looked at Talon and shook his head.

    ¡°You are right, Kedan,¡± said Ansel looking down.  ¡°We weren¡¯t being careful enough.  We were stupid.¡±  Ansel turned to Talon.  ¡°I feel like all we have done lately is add to Griffa¡¯s burdens and put her in danger.¡±

    Talon closed his eyes and nodded.  ¡°We have not done right by our queen.  All that matters to me is Griffa¡¯s well-being.  I will do better.¡±

    ¡°Griffa is better than either of you deserve.  I think she might be too good for this kingdom, and you should remember that when you are acting like fools.  I¡¯m going to go check on our queen, and go to bed.  I suggest you both spend some time working out whatever you need to amongst yourselves and be ready to move on.  I think things are going to change very quickly with what Griffa has learned at Daracha¡¯s.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°What did Griffa learn at Daracha¡¯s?¡± asked Ansel as he and Talon both looked at Kedan.

    ¡°I will let our queen tell you tomorrow.  You may not like what she has to say or what she has done, especially you Talon, but you will not question it,¡± said Kedan as he stood up.

    Talon looked at Ansel and then nodded at Kedan.  ¡°I will trust whatever our queen has decided.¡±

    ¡°See that you do,¡± said Kedan as he turned and walked from the room.

    ¡°We have messed up, Ansel.  I¡¯d like to think some of it was not our fault, but we have been stupid and careless. I can¡¯t imagine how I would feel if Philo had taken Griffa or hurt her somehow,¡± said Talon throwing his head back in his chair.

    ¡°We will have to do better,¡± said Ansel sitting forward in his chair with his head down. ¡°We cannot do anything to put Griffa in more danger.  We need to do whatever she needs from us; starting with us both getting along.¡±

    ¡°I will stop trying to irritate you.  It is fun, but it is not good for anyone.  I can¡¯t promise I won¡¯t argue with you when you are wrong, but I will not let it become a problem.¡±

    ¡°I will try to understand your relationship with Griffa, Talon. I do trust you both, and I know she needs you in her fight for the kingdom.  I will try to keep in mind how much you care about her, before I speak in anger,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°I wonder what Griffa learned at Daracha¡¯s, and why I particularly won¡¯t like it,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°We will have to wait for Griffa to tell us when she is ready.  I think she was too tried tonight to do much of anything.  I should probably go check on her. Hopefully, she lets me stay with her tonight.¡±

    ¡°She will,¡± said Talon.  ¡°She forgives easily.  Kedan is right.  She is better than either of us deserve.¡±

    ¡°We may never deserve her, but we need to at least work on being a little worthy of her love,¡± said Ansel as he stood up.

    He walked from the parlor and up the stairs towards the room he shared with Griffa.  He met Kedan just as Kedan was closing to the door to Griffa¡¯s room.

    ¡°Is Griffa alright?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°She is tired. It has been a hard day for our queen. There are also many things weighing on her about the kingdom,¡± replied Kedan as he blocked the door from Ansel.

    ¡°I will not add to her worries, Kedan.  I just want to be with her and take care of her the best I can.¡±

    Kedan eyed Ansel and then moved aside.  ¡°I appreciate how well you take care of her as her protector, Kedan.  It has been hard giving up the right to serve Griffa as her protector, but I am thankful for the job you have done.¡±

    ¡°Protecting our queen is my duty, but it also what I want to do.  Griffa is truly the best person I have ever met.  After spending more time with her, I really do believe she is too good for this kingdom, but I hope the gods let her rule over it for many years,¡± said Kedan. He looked at Ansel and then walked to his own room.

    Ansel opened the door to Griffa¡¯s room and quietly walked in.  She was on her side of the bed in her night gown, facing Ansel.  Her eyes were closed, and she appeared to be asleep.  Ansel thought of leaving to his old room to not disturb her, but he couldn¡¯t take being apart from her.  He wanted to just lie next to her.  He quietly got ready for bed and carefully laid down and turned to look at Griffa.

    She was so beautiful.  She looked so peaceful and relaxed in her sleep.  Ansel couldn¡¯t help but reach out to her.  He lifted his hand and touched her soft cheek.  He lightly traced the faded scar he could barely see.  He was filled with so much love for this woman. How he had ever earned her love, he did not know, but he would not waste it.  He would do better.  He would be whoever she needed him to be.  He would do whatever she needed.  Ansel watched as Griffa¡¯s eyes fluttered open.  She looked at Ansel and smiled.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to wake you,¡± said Ansel quietly.  ¡°I should have left you to yourself.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa stretching lightly.  ¡°I would rather you be here with me.  I missed you these past two nights.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you.  I¡¯ve been an idiot.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been a little silly, but I do not blame you for the trouble in the Grasslands.  You were drugged and taken. It is not your fault.¡±

    ¡°I should have been more vigilant.  I let my guard down, and you almost paid the price for it.  I will do better,¡± said Ansel as he put his arm around her, and she moved closer to him.

    ¡°We will all have to do better. We will have to go to Aurumist soon.  I learned some things at Daracha¡¯s that I can¡¯t ignore.¡±

    ¡°Kedan mentioned it.  What did you learn?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it tonight.  I will tell you tomorrow,¡± said Griffa as she leaned forward and kissed him.

    ¡°I agree,¡± said Ansel, ¡°there are things I would much rather do than talk.¡±

    He leaned forward to kiss her when she spoke.  ¡°I would like to know more about this Margie you and Talon have spoken of,¡± said Griffa with a slight smile.

    Ansel leaned back and sighed.  ¡°It was a long time ago, Griffa.  I was young and stupid.  I haven¡¯t seen her in years.  I don¡¯t even know how she remembered me.¡±

    Griffa smiled wider and laughed.  ¡°I was joking Ansel.  Don¡¯t be so serious.  I know you have a past, and you know I have one as well.  At least yours doesn¡¯t sleep down the hall from us as mine does.¡±

    ¡°She is very much in the past.  I haven¡¯t been with anyone else since I kissed you for the first time during the spring festival.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t go visit your Margie all those months you were close to her in the Valley training your guards?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°I did try once, but found I could not do it.  My head was too full of you.  I loved you then.  I was too blind to see it, but I was very much in love with you,¡± answered Ansel leaning forward.

    ¡°I almost went to the Valley a few times after you kissed me that spring and left.  I was lonely and confused.  I thought to go to Talon, but I couldn¡¯t do it.  I didn¡¯t want him.  I wanted you.¡±

    ¡°You should have come to the Valley and found me.  You should have come and talked some sense into me.¡±

    Griffa laughed.  ¡°What would you have done if I had gone to the Valley and demanded you speak to me of us?  What would you have done if I had grabbed you in front of all your guards and kissed you?¡±

    ¡°I know what I would have liked to have done,¡± said Ansel as he laid his forehead against hers.

    ¡°What would you have liked to done?¡± asked Griffa quietly.

    ¡°I can show you now if you would like,¡± said Ansel before kissing her.

    The next morning, they all met in the parlor so Griffa could explain what had happened at Daracha¡¯s.  Everyone sat except for Griffa and Kedan.  Griffa stood in front of the fireplace as her protector stood to her left, watching her.

    ¡°Daracha had an unexpected guest who wished to see me at dinner the first night we were there,¡± said Griffa looking at the Ansel and Talon who were on the sofa.

    ¡°Did you know this guest?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°Yes, quite well.  I have known him all my life,¡± said Griffa looking at Talon.  ¡°He is quite well known to you, Talon.¡±

    Talon looked at Ansel and then at Griffa.  ¡°Who was it, Griffa?¡±

    ¡°It was Devland Clarke,¡± answered Griffa staring at Talon.

    Talon stood up off the couch.  ¡°Daracha let that man into her house?  Did she not know what he had done to you?¡± asked Talon angrily.

    ¡°She knew.  He explained everything to her.  She let him into her home because he said he could help me,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Help you?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°He said he would help you?  How could he possibly help you? You should have cursed him as soon as you saw him.  I know I would have.¡±

    ¡°Sit back down, Talon,¡± said Griffa.

    Talon crossed his arms and looked at her as Kedan stepped forward slightly, staring at Talon.  Talon sighed and dropped his arms, sitting heavily on the sofa.

    ¡°He had news from Aurumist.  It seems more newly released magical users have fallen ill. There are many who are sick and Camelia is caring for them in the Belles Mansion.¡±

    ¡°What can be done to help them?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Max and I have both been looking at the elixir that was used by Golnar, but we haven¡¯t found any way to combat what has been done.¡±

    ¡°The problem is the intent of Golnar was made into the potion,¡± said Max.  ¡°You will excuse me for saying so Kedan, but even your wife¡¯s motives and intentions may have tainted the elixir.  I believe her blood was used for a good deal of the elixir that was made.¡±

    ¡°Teryn wanted power and position.  She worked with Golan to get it,¡± said Kedan looking down.

    ¡°She also wanted you, Kedan.  She loved you.  Her way of getting you may have been wrong, but don¡¯t forget that she did love you,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°What else did Devland have to say?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°He said Philo has no idea what is going on in the city.  He said Helmer is the new Viceroy of Aurumist, andhe believes Helmer is working on trying to create more elixir to release magical users,¡± replied Max.

    ¡°After he told you all this, why did you let him go?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Addie, you are on the council, and you know what he did to our village.  You know what he did to our queen and Max.¡±

    ¡°He offered to serve our queen,¡± replied Addie quietly.  ¡°I wanted to curse him on site.  I was ready to hold him to face you, Talon, but our queen decided otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Really, Griffa?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Why would you let him go?¡±

    ¡°He said he could spy in the city for us.  He agreed to send me regular messages,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°He said he would fight for me when we came to take the city.¡±

    ¡°And you decided to believe him and let him go?¡± asked Talon angrily.  ¡°He was on my council, and he destroyed my village.  What gives you the right to let him go?¡±

    Griffa looked sternly at Talon.  ¡°My right as you queen.  I judged it was best we let him go so he could be useful. If he lives through the war, he will be turned over to you to do as you see fit.¡±

    ¡°She was right to do it,¡± said Max. He stood up and joined Griffa at the fireplace.  ¡°I know you are angry, Talon, but he is more useful to us alive and in the city, than dead at your hand.¡±

    ¡°You told me last night you wouldn¡¯t question our queen¡¯s decision,¡± said Kedan moving close to Griffa and looking at Talon.  ¡°I understand your village had many losses, but he hurt Griffa and Max as well.  This was not an easy decision for our queen, and she made it not for personal reasons, but for the kingdom.¡±

    Talon looked at Kedan and then Griffa.  He closed his eyes and nodded.

    ¡°I understand your anger at him, Talon,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°He will face consequences for his crimes someday.  I swear to you.¡±

    Ansel understood Talon¡¯s anger.  He wondered how he himself would have acted had he been at Daracha¡¯s and come face to face with Devland.  He wanted Devland to pay for what pain he had caused Griffa and Max, but Griffa¡¯s decision was right.  What they were fighting for was bigger than personal reasons.

    ¡°What will we do next?¡± asked Ansel looking at Griffa.  ¡°Will we go back out into the kingdom with the cure?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa as she turned to Kedan.  ¡°Kedan, we will send out your guards with the cure to all areas of the kingdom.  They will take it to villages we send them to and give it to healers.  They will not linger in any of these villages as it will not be safe for them to do so.¡±

    ¡°It will be done my queen,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°We have met with many leaders of magical villages.  The ones we haven¡¯t met we will send messages.  If they wish to meet with us, they will come here.  Soon, we will hold a meeting with the Ring, the council of the Valley, and every leader of every magical villages we can manage.¡±

    ¡°Will you be able to stay in Abscon, Griffa?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°Will you be able to resist helping you people?¡±

    ¡°It will be difficult,¡± said Griffa. ¡°But even if I am out in the kingdom amongst the ill, I will be affected by what is happening in the city.  The truth is Regventus is an unwell kingdom.  If we just keep treating the symptoms, it will never recover.  The time is coming where we must figure out how to cure it completely. Unless I feel I am desperately needed somewhere in the kingdom, I will stay here and plan.¡±

    Max took Griffa¡¯s hand and looked at her.  ¡°I am with you, my queen.  Whatever you have to do, I will help you do it. I will work hard to try to figure out how to help the released magical users.  There must be something to combat the effects of the elixir.¡±

    ¡°I will help Kedan with the guards if he wishes,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I know he could handle it, but I would be happy to help him coordinate groups to go out in the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°I will be happy to have your assistance, Ansel,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°I can help Max and also keep brewing the cure here.  I am not bad with potions.  I can also coordinate the cure effort in the Valley.  It will be a burden you do not need,¡± said Addi smiling.

    Talon got off the sofa and walked over to Griffa.  He took her hand.  ¡°I am sorry I questioned you my queen.  Your decision was correct.¡±

    ¡°You are always welcomed to question my decisions, Talon.  I only ask that you try to see my reasons before you dismiss them completely.¡±

    ¡°As the second chair on your Ring, I should know better than to think you don¡¯t do anything without a good reason.  I always support you, Griffa, said Talon as he took her hand and kissed it quickly.  He moved to her side. ¡°I will help you contact leaders throughout Regventus.  If they need convincing to come meet you in Abscon, I can go out and persuade them. Whatever you might need, I am here.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate all of your support.  We will move on Aurumist as soon as we can arrange it.  I don¡¯t know why, but I have a feeling the longer we wait, the harder it will be to combat Philo and his forces.  You should all plan to celebrate mid-winter in Aurumist this year.¡±

 Chapter 12

    Philo looked around the forest of the Great Surrounding.  They were somewhere close to the East Village.  The trees were all almost bare showing that winter was only a few weeks away, and soon the forest would be filled with snow and frost.  Philo wrapped his cloak around him tighter against the cold.  He never did like the cold.  He enjoyed late spring and summer.  The cold made him feel vulnerable and irritable.

    He looked over and saw his three soldiers he had brought with him. He had not brought a large party as he did not want anyone to be hurt today.  He hoped everything would go smoothly, and that Marcus would come willingly.  If he didn¡¯t, between Cassia¡¯s charms, and Philo strength, they could take him unwillingly but safely. He didn¡¯t worry about getting Marcus to follow him eventually.

    Cassia had written that Desmona would not go against her father or her queen.  She would not go to Aurumist willingly.  Should said her betrothed would not go along with it either, and Desmona refused to charm him in any way.  Cassia told Philo they needed to act quickly, as she was sure Desmona would go to Hector and then the queen.

    Philo had arranged his schedule to come as soon as possible.  Now he stood out in the cold forest in mid-morning waiting to see his son for the first time since the attack on the Valley. He didn¡¯t know if he would say he missed his son, but he wanted to have Marcus with him.  Marcus was his only child, and when Philo took the right to rule from the Adalwen line, he would need someone on which to pass the line.  Marcus was the only child Philo would ever have.  He was essential to the Quick legacy.

    Philo would toughen Marcus up.  He would use Cassia to charm him and keep him docile.  Philo would show Marcus what it took to rule a kingdom, and once Gryphon and the others were defeated, Philo imagined Marcus would fall in line very quickly.  He always was fond of Gryphon, but once she was gone, Marcus would become who Philo needed him to be.

    Philo took a breath as the air around him changed.  He felt a slight disturbance and suddenly Cassia and Marcus were in front of him.

    ¡°Here we are, dear Marcus,¡± said Cassia sweetly as she held on to Marcus¡¯ arm.  ¡°Isn¡¯t this a nice surprise.  Your father longs to see you.¡±

    Philo looked at Marcus.  His eyes were unfocused, and he had a small smile on his lips.  Marcus looked at his father and his eyes went wide as his smile faded.

    ¡°Father?¡± Marcus asked as he looked at Cassia.  ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why would you bring me here to see him?¡±

    Cassia took Marcus hand and pulled him, so he was looking at her.  ¡°Your father loves you, Marcus, and he has missed you.  You should be with him and your mother.¡±

    Marcus shook his head and tried to pull away from Cassia.  ¡°My father has done awful things.  He has hurt my friends and my people.¡±

    Cassia took his other hand and pulled Marcus to her.  She reached up and took his face.  ¡°Your father has only done what is necessary, and he has done it for you.  Now you will claim your place by his side.  You will do this for you and for Desmona.¡±

    ¡°Desmona wants this?¡± asked Marcus.  Philo could see Marcus was trying not to look in Cassia eyes.

    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± said Cassia as she dragged Marcus¡¯s face close to hers.  ¡°She wants this very much.  You will be king someday, a handsome wonderful king, and Desmona will be your beautiful, glorious queen.¡±

    Marcus looked confused.  ¡°But Griffa is the queen.¡±

    ¡°Not for long,¡± said Cassia as she tried to look into Marcus¡¯s eyes.  ¡°Soon she will be gone, and your father will take her place.¡±

    ¡°Gone?¡± asked Marcus, looking at the ground. ¡°Where will she go?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± said Cassia laughing.  ¡°All that matters is you and Desmona will rule Regventus.  You will live in the palace and have a wonderful life.  You want to make Desmona happy, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Marcus looked up, and Philo could see him become lost in Cassia¡¯s eyes.  ¡°Yes, I want her to be very happy.¡±

    ¡°You want me to be happy, don¡¯t you?¡± asked Cassia as she stared at Marcus, her face very close to his.

    ¡°Yes,¡± breathed Marcus looking down at Cassia.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go greet your father.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Marcus nodded as Cassia pulled back.  She held onto Marcus¡¯s hand and walked him to Philo.

    ¡°Hello, Philo,¡± said Cassia smiling at him.  ¡°As you were promised, here is your son.¡±

    Philo looked at Marcus and smiled.  ¡°It is good to see you, Marcus.  Your mother and I have missed you.¡±

    Marcus only nodded as Cassia squeezed his hand.

    ¡°Your mother is dying to see you.  You will travel with Cassia and me to the palace to see her.¡±

    Marcus looked at Cassia who smiled encouragingly.  ¡°Of course, you want to see your mother, Marcus.  You haven¡¯t seen her in so long.¡±

    Marcus looked confused as he stepped back from Philo and Cassia. ¡°Desmona is in Abscon.  My queen and my people are in Abscon.  I belong there until Gryphon moves on the city.¡±  Marcus looked up at his father angrily.  ¡°She is fighting you, and you want to kill her.¡±

    ¡°Grab him, Cassia,¡± said Philo.  ¡°Do it quickly.¡±

    Cassia reached out and grabbed Marcus¡¯s hand.  She pulled him in forcefully and kissed him.  When she pulled back, Marcus eyes were unfocused, and he looked like he might fall over.  Philo walked up and grabbed his son.

    ¡°We will all travel to Aurumist, now,¡± said Philo.

    Cassia nodded as Philo turned to look at his soldiers.  Philo kept a tight hold on Marcus and closed his eyes.  He felt Cassia put her hand on his arm, and Philo felt himself travel with his son in his arms and Cassia by his side.

    Later Philo sat in his study reading messages from various Viceroy¡¯s throughout Regventus.  Gryphon had not been seen out in the kingdom.  Her protector¡¯s guards had been delivering cure to small villages, but they all left as soon as they delivered the cure.  Gryphon seemed to have retreated to Abscon.

    Philo wondered what she was planning. If she was not going out into the kingdom, that could mean a few things.  She could be waiting until spring to strike.  She could have retreated to her home to wait out the winter.   The other option was she was organizing her forces to attack Aurumist quickly.  Philo wasn¡¯t sure which he preferred.  He would have to be ready soon either way.

    A knock at the door made him look up from his messages.  He watched as the door opened, and Helmer stuck his head inside.

    ¡°May I speak with you for a minute, Philo?¡± asked Helmer.

    Philo stood and nodded.  Helmer entered the room and came to the front of the desk.  He sat down in one of the chairs found there as Philo sat down as well.

    ¡°I have given something to Marcus to keep him calm.  He is with your wife in your room at the moment.  I will give him more later, and something to help him sleep.  I suggest you keep in him a locked room under guard.  If he can manage it, he will travel back to Abscon as quickly as he can.¡±

    ¡°I will send Cassia to him as well.  She is staying in a room close to mine, and we should put Marcus by us as well.  He will not have a chance to think of anything, but what we tell him.¡±

    Helmer nodded.  ¡°I want to speak to you of a couple of other matters.  First, I have figured out how to do the potion to increase your magical power.  I am collecting all I need at the moment, and it can be ready in just a few weeks.¡±

    ¡°How long will it increase my magical power?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°Forever, I believe.  You might need to take subsequent doses, but that will not be a problem.  I will make as much as you need.¡±

    ¡°Work on this as soon as you can.  I want it done as quickly as possible.  I am not sure when Gryphon will strike, but it could be soon.¡±

    ¡°That brings up another thing I wish to speak of with you,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°More magical users are becoming ill.  Have your leaders of your army spoken with you recently?¡±

    ¡°Last week was the last report.  Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°I believe some of your soldiers are starting to be affected.  I have seen a few at the Belles mansion with the ill.¡±

    Philo sat forward and knitted his eyebrows together.  ¡°Are you sure?  I have heard nothing.¡±

    ¡°I am sure at least a few are effected.  You will want to check your forces.¡±

    Philo sighed and sat back.  If his city soldiers were becoming ill, it would change many things.  Philo had hoped to have time to recruit new soldiers.  He wanted a large force to face Gryphon and her allies, but if his current forces were becoming ill, he wouldn¡¯t have time to create a larger force.

    ¡°I will go check as soon as you leave.  Do you have any other news?¡±

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t figured out any way safe way to unlock magical users as of yet.  I believe I have figured out the elixir Golnar may have used, but if it is causing illness, we will not want to use it now.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± asked Philo.  ¡°Why not go ahead and use it in the fourth and third rings at least?  We could even go out to some large villages.  If we use it, we can unlock many magical users to recruit to our army.  They will not be ill for a while.  We can use them while we can, and then when they become ill, it will just be more people we won¡¯t have to worry about in the future.  Regventus resources are already stretched too thin.  A little thinning of the herd will help.¡±

    Helmer looked at Philo with concern but then nodded his head.  ¡°Of course, you are right.  I will see to making it, and I will use my own blood.  We can try it out as early as next week if you like.  We can try to find some willing folk who want to use their magic.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if they are willing, just identify some you can use, and force them if you have too.  You could trick them.  It makes no difference to me.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± said Helmer standing up.  ¡°I will work on the elixir for releasing magical users, and have your potion ready in two weeks.¡±

    ¡°Earlier if you can for me.  Work on it day and night if you need to,¡± said Philo.  ¡°If my soldiers are falling ill, we will need to meet Gryphon in battle soon.  I need to take the line from her quickly and defeat her allies.¡±

    ¡°How soon do you think she will strike?¡± asked Helmer.

    Philo smiled slightly.  He needed Gryphon to come out of her hiding place.  He needed her to act before she was completely ready.  He had some ideas to make it happen.

    ¡°If you can get everything ready, I have ways to ensure she is forced to strike very soon. We will make it so the queen can¡¯t hide away in Abscon.  We will make her come out and play on our terms.¡±

 Chapter 13

    Max sat by the fire in the cellar.  He had a large kettle of the cure brewing next to him as he looked over a book in his lap.  It included the elixir Golnar had used to release magic users in the city.  Max needed to find a way to help the folk who were sick.  He would usually be engrossed in figuring out the puzzle of finding a way to help, but his mind was preoccupied with something else.

    Ever since Max had traveled to Nemar, he had several visions every day.  They were all versions of the same vision.  It was a vision that haunted Max constantly and barely allowed him to sleep. For a while, Max had a bad feeling that for Griffa to save Regventus, she would have to sacrifice herself.  Now his visions seem to confirm it.

    As Max watched the fire, he felt his sight go hazy and the room grow dim.  He prepared to be immersed in another vision.

    Max walked into the throne room of the palace in Aurumist.  Griffa was laying in the middle of the dais by herself, and she was still.   Max walked up to the dais and climbed the stairs.  He walked up to Griffa and kneeled by her side.  She was pale.  Her arms laid at her side, covered in blood. Her dress had a hole over her chest and Max could see it was stained with blood.

    Max grabbed her hand and it was cold.  He could not feel her magic mix with his.  Her magic was gone as was her life.  Max kissed her hand gently and let her it go, watching it fall by her side.  Max felt tears come to his eyes feeling as if he could not go on.  He knew he would be king, but Max could not do it.  Max broke down and cried over Griffa as the room became dark around him.

    Max looked up, and he was again in the throne room.  He stood by the dais and saw Kedan holding Griffa.  Max walked up the stairs quickly, and went to Kedan and Griffa.  He knelt down besides Griffa and looked at her.  Her arms were unblemished, and her dress was not torn over the chest.  Griffa looked unharmed, but she was not moving or breathing as she laid in Kedan¡¯s arms.

    ¡°She¡¯s not dead.  I know she¡¯s not,¡± said Kedan as he held Griffa gently.

    Max nodded.  For some reason he believed Kedan.  Max could see Griffa wasn''t breathing or moving, but Max knew Kedan was right.  He took Griffa¡¯s hand, and felt it was warm.  He felt her magic reach out to this.  As Griffa¡¯s magic met Max¡¯s, he felt a jolt of energy hit him.

    Max awoke on the floor of the cellar.  He sat up and flexed his hand as it tingled from the jolt of energy that had come from Griffa.  He had seen Griffa dead on the dais many times, but he had never seen anything like what he just saw.  It gave him hope.  There was a way to save Griffa, Max just had to figure out how to do it.

    Max got up and sat on his stool.  He looked at the potion before him and saw it was bubbling high.  Max quickly adjusted the fire and grabbed the large stick.  He stirred the potion and thought over what he had seen.  He needed to figure out what it meant.  He needed to understand, and he knew one person who could help him.

    The door opened and Addi walked into the room. She smiled at Max and came and sat on a stool next to him.  He looked up at her, and Addi¡¯s eyes looked concerned.

    ¡°Max, are you alright?¡± she asked leaning over and looking at Max closely.

    Max nodded.  ¡°I¡¯m just trying to figure something out.¡±

    ¡°Can I help you in some way?¡± asked Addi.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.  I¡¯ve been having a lot of visions, lately.  They have been disturbing, but today I had a new one.¡±

    ¡°What are these visions about?¡± asked Addi.

    ¡°The kingdom and Griffa,¡± said Max.

    ¡°She¡¯s going to die, isn¡¯t she?¡± asked Addi sadly.

    ¡°Why do you ask that?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°I¡¯m no diviner, but I¡¯ve had bad feelings.  Griffa has as well.  She talks to me at night before bed.  She says she will do anything to save her kingdom, and she has asked me to watch over all of you if something happens to her.  She asked me to make sure you took your place as king.¡±

    ¡°She could die, Addi.  Saving the kingdom could kill her, or Philo could kill her before she has a chance to save the kingdom.¡±

    Addi shook her head with tears in her eyes.  ¡°How could any of us go on without her? She talks as if we will all just live on after she dies, but I don¡¯t see how we can.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve become very close to her,¡± said Max.

    ¡°I have,¡± replied Addi.  ¡°I have known her almost all my life, but she barely knew me until recently.  She probably doesn¡¯t remember when we were younger, but she was always so kind to me.  I was a very quiet child, and the other children in the Valley would ignore me.  They would seem to forget I was there.  Talon was the leader of course, and they would all follow him in games and adventures.  They would not invite me, and I was too timid to speak up. You know how Talon is.  No one could tell him what to do, except for Griffa.

    ¡°When she would visit, everything would be different.  She would drag Talon around to do her own plans.  She would make sure no one was left out, even me.  When she came to visit, I would get to play with the other children.  The first time I explored the mountain pass was because she pulled me along with the other children. She encouraged me to swim in the lake one late spring day.  The other girls scoffed at her, but she just laughed and jumped in.  She gave me the courage to do so as well.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always thought she was the bravest and boldest person I had ever met.  Since I¡¯ve gotten to know her better, I realize she is also the kindest. I know it seems silly since I haven¡¯t really been close to her long, but I have come to love her as I have never loved anyone.  I never had any siblings, but to me Griffa feels like a beloved sister.  Besides my mother, I can think of no one I love as much as her.¡±

    Max smiled slightly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem silly.  I have only known Griffa for two years, and she has become everything to me.  Besides Nora, She is my only family now.  I do not want to live in this kingdom without her.  If she is gone, I will be expected to be king, but I don¡¯t know how I could do it without her by my side.¡±

    ¡°What can we do, Max?¡±

    Max looked at Addi.  ¡°Do you think you could sit here with this potion for a while?  You will have to stir it and watch it.  I can see if Talon can help if you would like, but I need to go talk to someone about Griffa.¡±

    ¡°I can stay here with it.  I have nowhere to be, and don¡¯t bother Talon.  I believe he is in the study with Griffa.  They are working on some correspondence.  I don¡¯t think he would appreciate you trying to drag him from her side.¡±

    ¡°No, he is very devoted to his queen,¡± said Max standing up.

    ¡°He seems to be though I don¡¯t understand it,¡± said Addi.  ¡°Go do what you need to do, Max.  I will wait here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, I will try to be back soon,¡± said Max.

    Addi waved him away, and Max turned.  He left the room and walked up the stairs into the entry hall to be met by Ansel and Kedan coming into the house. Max grabbed his cloak and put it on.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Ansel as Kedan walked into the parlor.

    ¡°I need to go speak with someone about something,¡± said Max as he fastened his cloak.

    ¡°Are you being vague for a reason?¡± asked Ansel

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Max.  ¡°I don¡¯t think I will be gone to long, and it is very important.¡±

    Ansel looked closely at Max.  ¡°I¡¯ve noticed you have been quiet for some time.  I¡¯ve seen you avoiding the rest of us when you can.  Something is bothering you, and I want you to know you can talk to me.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t talk to you about this, not yet.  It will do no good for you to hear it.¡±

    Ansel stepped slightly back. ¡°It¡¯s about Griffa isn¡¯t it?  I guess it isn¡¯t good news.¡±

    Max looked away towards the door. ¡°Visions are rarely perfectly clear.  Whatever I have seen, I am not seeing the full picture.  It will do you no good to hear the portion I have seen and jump to conclusions.¡±

    ¡°You are going to Madam Sidora to speak of this, aren¡¯t you?¡± asked Ansel

    ¡°Yes,¡± answered Max.  ¡°I need her help to hopefully make some things clear.¡±

    ¡°Could it help save Griffa?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I believe so,¡± answered Max.

    Ansel nodded.  ¡°I would like if you tell me what you find out, but if you can¡¯t I will try to understand.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Ansel.  I will be back soon,¡± said Max. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell Griffa where I am going, or what I may have seen.  She will need to move forward and control her own destiny without second guessing herself.¡±

    Max turned and walked from the house.  He walked to the center of the village and took a left towards a small group of trees.  In the middle of the trees was a small, pretty cottage.  Max waked up to the front door and knocked.  He waited for a few moments and the door opened on its own allowing Max to walk into the small entryway.

    The entryway was dark with only a few candle burning on a low table.  Max turned to the left and entered a small, sparse parlor.  He walked towards the fireplace to find Sidora sitting in a chair, staring at the fire.

    ¡°Young diviner, I thought I would see you soon,¡± said Sidora as she kept staring at the fire.  ¡°Come sit by me.¡±

    Max sat carefully in the chair next to Sidora.  He sunk it to the old cushion as he leaned back into the chair.

    ¡°You have seen many visions.  I have as well.  They are all very interesting,¡± said Sidora as she turned slightly to glance at Max.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure interesting is how I would put it.  I am concerned.  I care very much for our queen.¡±

    ¡°I know, and I am fond of her as well.  I always have been, but the visions are what they are,¡± said Sidora.  She turned fully to look at Max.

    ¡°So, you think there is no hope for Griffa?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that.  I believe there is always hope.  Visions aren¡¯t set in stone, and you know this.  Our choices can¡¯t always be predicted.  We don¡¯t know how we will react in certain situations.  Our queen¡¯s decisions will affect everything.  How her protector and friends react will change things.  Don¡¯t even get me started on the gods.  How can we predict their mercy and plans?¡±

    ¡°Is there anything we can do to prepare beforehand that will help Griffa?  I know as a diviner I am supposed to look at things from an outside perspective.  My feelings aren¡¯t supposed to get in the way, but I cannot do it in this situation.  Griffa means so much to me. I have to do everything I can to save her.¡±

    Sidora smiled slightly.  ¡°It is not easy to separate ourselves from the visions when it is about someone we love.  I understand as I have had experience.  I feel it now.¡±

    Max looked at Sidora. ¡°What do you do?  How do you separate yourself?¡±

    ¡°Who says that I always do? Maxwell, you must understand that I am a regular person just like you.  I have feelings and love for my family and friends.¡±

    Max looked hard at Sidora. She had never used his name before.

    She smiled at him and held out her hand. Max took it, and he felt her magic join his.  It felt familiar and comforting.  It felt vaguely like Griffa¡¯s, but not as strong.  He opened his mouth slightly.

    ¡°Yes, Maxwell, you are my family.   Your mother was my granddaughter.  I saw the vision of her being hunted and killed. I tried to hide her and her husband in the forest, but the visions still plagued me.  I realized all I could do was save you. I told Renweard how to do it. I wanted to keep you safe.  I told him and the protector where to take you.  I should have had you brought here, but I wanted you to be safe and loved.

    ¡°I knew here you would grow up as the king.  I knew the Ring members would fight over you and try to manipulate you.  I knew you would be a wise, kind, and gentle man who liked the quiet. I couldn¡¯t understand how you would be king.  You have many gifts, but ruling is not one of them.  I didn¡¯t realize Renweard had tricked me to try to save his own daughter.¡±

    Max shook his head slightly.  Sidora was his family.  She was his great grandmother.  For some reason it didn¡¯t shock him.  He took a breath and looked down at the ground.

    ¡°Griffa is meant to rule, and she is good at it. She is kind and wise as well, but she is able to inspire where I could not,¡± said Max.

    ¡°I agree.  Gryphon will be a good queen if she is given the chance.¡±

    ¡°How do we give her that chance?¡± asked Max.  ¡°Please help me, help her.  You are my family, but so is she.  I cannot lose her.  I don¡¯t think the kingdom can afford to lose her. I cannot be king.¡±

    ¡°I will help you as I can, Maxwell.  In a way, she is my family as well.  I can try to help, but it is not just up to you and me.  I believe we have a part to play, but so do others.¡±

    ¡°What can I do?¡± asked Max. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever I can to save her.¡±

    Sidora stared at Max for a moment and then nodded.

    ¡°Let me brew some tea first,¡± said Sidora as she stood up.  ¡°We could have a long afternoon ahead of us.¡±

 Chapter 14

    Kedan walked into the entry hall of Keene Manor quickly.  He took off his cloak and haphazardly hung it on a hook, as he continued on to the parlor.  He needed to find his queen.  He had been out with Ansel sending the next group of guards out into the kingdom, when he felt dread hit his stomach.  He knew immediately something was wrong with Griffa.  He had left quickly, without even telling Ansel.  He knew he should have talked to Ansel first, but all Kedan could think was to get to his queen.

    Kedan entered the parlor and looked around.  Addi, Talon, and Max were sitting in chairs by the fire.  Kedan looked at all three of them.

    ¡°Kedan,¡± said Talon standing up.  ¡°What is wrong?¡±

    Kedan didn¡¯t answer he turned from the group, and walked back to the entry hall.  He ran up the stairs and walked to Griffa¡¯s room. He knocked, but there was no answer.  Kedan tried the door and it was open.  He walked into the dim room to find Griffa in her bed.  She seemed to be asleep, but was tossing and turning, mumbling something.

    Kedan walked over to the bed and sat down next to Griffa.  He took her hand to find it was warm and moist.  He held it and squeezed as Griffa¡¯s eyes flew open. She looked at Kedan, breathing heavily.

    ¡°It¡¯s awful,¡± she said quietly.  ¡°I must do something.¡± She sat up as if to get out of bed, when Kedan stopped her.

    ¡°What is it, Griffa?¡± he asked.  ¡°What is wrong?¡±

    Griffa shook her head and looked at him.  He immediately took her into his arms and held her.  He let his magic wash over her as she shuddered against him.  He held her as she shook, trying to comfort her.  Eventually she settled and collapsed against him.  Kedan pulled back a little to see Griffa had her eyes closed.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± he said quietly.  ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°There is so much wrong with Regventus,¡± she whispered.  ¡°I don¡¯t know if it can be saved.¡±

    Kedan didn¡¯t know what to say so he pulled her back into him and held her.  A few moments later the door opened, and Ansel walked into the room.  He came and sat down on the bed, close to Kedan and Griffa.

    Kedan looked at Ansel and shook his head, hoping Ansel would know not to talk.   Ansel sat there silently as Kedan held Griffa.  Eventually, Kedan felt Griffa go limp in his arms, and he pulled back to find her asleep.  Kedan gently laid her down in the bed.  She rolled over and continued to sleep.

    Kedan stood up off the bed as Ansel stood as well.  He walked closer to Griffa and looked at her before following Kedan out of the room.  When they got out the door, they found Talon standing there waiting.

    ¡°What is wrong?¡± asked Talon as soon as Kedan shut the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.  She is sleeping now.  Let¡¯s go down to the parlor to talk about it.¡±

    Kedan walked towards the stairs, stopping into his son¡¯s room to see Zayden was down for his afternoon nap. He would come see him before dinner.  Kedan walked on to the parlor and to the fireplace as Ansel and Talon sat down close to Max and Addi.

    ¡°What happened?¡± asked Ansel.  ¡°I was talking to the guards and I turned, and you were gone.¡±

    ¡°I am sorry.  I should have let you know I was leaving, but I knew something was wrong with Griffa.  I left without even thinking.  I had to get to her.¡±

    ¡°What is wrong with her?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°She said she was tired and would take a quick nap.  She hadn¡¯t been in her room very long.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what was wrong.  It seemed she was having a nightmare or something.  I walked in and she was asleep, but she was moving around and mumbling.  When I sat down and took her hand, she said something was wrong and she had to do something.  She said she thinks maybe Regventus can¡¯t be saved.¡±

    Ansel and Talon looked at one another, while Addi looked concerned.  Max looked up at Kedan and nodded.

    ¡°There is so much wrong with the kingdom.  There is illness in the non-gifted, and the city has many with their magic corrupted.  I wonder if something else is happening,¡± said Max.  ¡°I wonder if Philo is planning something else.¡±

    ¡°We know he won¡¯t be satisfied with just defeating us,¡± said Talon. ¡°He wants the right to rule Regventus, and he won¡¯t be satisfied without it.  He will have to sacrifice Griffa to make it happen.¡±

    ¡°Devland is in the city. He is supposed to be sending us messages,¡± said Addi.  ¡°Has Griffa received any yet?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon.  ¡°He has sent no word.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps he has not had anything to report,¡± said Ansel as he looked at Talon.

    Kedan looked at Talon as well.  He could almost see the wheels turning in Talon¡¯s mind. Everyone was quiet for a few moments before Talon looked at Kedan.

    ¡°Kedan, do you think your mother could get a message to Devland?¡±

    Kedan considered for a moment.  ¡°I suppose it¡¯s possible.  She seems to be very busy, but if I told her it was urgent, I believe she could do it.¡±

    ¡°I will go compose a message to Devland, and  I need you to write one to your mother.  We will meet in the entry hall in one hour.  I will take you to the East Village so you can send this message to your mother and check for any others.¡±

    Kedan shook his head.  ¡°I would hate to leave my queen. She might need me again.¡±

    ¡°We will not be gone long,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Ansel, Max, and Addi will be here with her.  If all goes well, we might even learn something soon that will help Griffa.¡±

    Kedan sighed considering what he should do.  He looked at Ansel.

    ¡°Go, Kedan,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°If Talon thinks he can help Griffa, you should go.  I will stay with her until you come back.¡±

    Kedan nodded as Talon stood.  Talon went in the study to write, as Kedan went over to the small desk in the corner, and they soon were on their way to the East Village.  Kedan checked for messages to find there were none.  He sent his message with Talon¡¯s tucked inside it to his mother.  He traveled with Talon, and they were back in Keene Manor in less than an hour.

    They both walked in the parlor to find Griffa sitting on the sofa with Addi by her side.  Ansel and Max were sitting close to the fireplace in chairs close together.  Griffa smiled at Talon and Kedan as they approached her.

    ¡°Are you feeling better, my queen?¡± asked Kedan as Talon sat down next to Griffa.

    ¡°I am.  I understand you went to the East Village.  Where there any messages from your mother?¡±

    ¡°No, I am sure she hasn¡¯t had time to write.  It sounds like she is very busy at the moment.¡±

    Griffa nodded and turned to Talon.  ¡°There are several messages that have arrived from leaders throughout the kingdom.  I was waiting until you come back to check them.  Do you have time to read over them with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Griffa,¡± said Talon standing up.  ¡°I always have time to do whatever you need.¡±

    He held his hand up and Griffa took it, standing up.   They walked towards the study together as Griffa stopped and turned to look at Ansel.

    ¡°Ansel, would you like to join us? I believe we could use the help.¡±

    Ansel stood and nodded, following Griffa and Talon into the study.  Addi stood and said she would go check on the potion brewing in the cellar.  Kedan smiled at her before he walked over and sat down next to Max.  Max looked at Kedan and gave him a weak smile.

    ¡°Are you alright, Max?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°I haven¡¯t heard you talk much in the past few days.  I haven¡¯t seen you much either.¡±

    ¡°I am fine, Kedan.  I have had a lot on my mind I¡¯ve been trying to figure out,¡± replied Max as he stared at the fire.

    Kedan sat in silence by Max.  After a while, he thought he would go check on his son.  Kedan stood up and turned to go when Max¡¯s hand caught Kedan¡¯s arm.  Kedan looked at Max who was staring into the fire.

    ¡°Protector, your actions will decide your queen¡¯s fate, and you must not leave her.  You must not give up on her.  Even when things seem hopeless, you must listen to what your magic tells you.  Others will tell you it¡¯s over.  Others will tell you there is no hope, but you must only listen to your magic and your queen¡¯s.  You will know what is right.  Follow only what you know is right.¡±

    Kedan looked at Max who had not stopped staring at the fire. Max¡¯s hand felt warm on his arm, and Kedan felt his magic swirl inside of him.  He could almost hear it talking to him.  ¡°Yes, Max,¡± I will do what I know is right.  I will not fail her.¡±

    Max dropped his hand and nodded, still staring into the fire.

    ¡°Are you well, Max?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°No, I am not well, but I trust that everything will be well in the end.¡±

    Kedan stood there unsure if he should leave.  Max continued to stare at the fire, but otherwise he seemed fine.  Kedan turned to leave.  He walked a few paces and turned back to Max.

    ¡°It will all be well in the end, Max.  Griffa will be safe and rule,¡± said Kedan.

    Max turned slightly in his chair and looked at Kedan.  ¡°I know, Kedan.  The only way we will all be well is if she is safe.  If you fail, all will be lost.¡±

    Kedan looked at Max for a long moment before he walked from the room.  He spent the rest of the afternoon with his son, trying not to dwell on his encounter with max. After dinner, they all sat in the parlor talking and drinking glasses of wine.  Kedan held is son is his lap and watched Griffa.  She sat between Ansel and Talon and seemed well if a little tired.  She leaned slightly on Ansel as she drank her wine.  A knock at the front door, made them all stop talking and turn.  Maybell showed in a frantic looking Desmona Delis followed by her father.

    ¡°Desmona?¡± asked Griffa standing up.  ¡°What is wrong?¡±

    ¡°I need to speak with you, my queen.  I am sorry to come so late, but it is urgent.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to go in my study?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°No, I have nothing to hide.  We can talk here,¡± responded Desmona looking at her father.

    ¡°Very well,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Please have a seat, both of you.¡±

    Desmona sat in chair near the sofa.  Kedan stood up with Zayden so Hector could sit next to his daughter.  Kedan walked to the fireplace with his son as Maybell came and offered to take Zayden up to the nursery.  Kedan thanked her and handed Zayden to Maybel.

    ¡°Something terrible has happen,¡± said Desmona clearly upset.  ¡°I believe Marcus has been taken by his father.¡±

    ¡°Why do you believe that has happened?¡± asked Ansel after looking at Griffa.

    Desmona looked at her father, and he nodded at her encouragingly.  ¡°My mother came to me about two weeks or so ago.  She talked to me of Philo and Aurumist.  She said that Philo was ruling the kingdom.  She said Marcus needed to be with his father, and she encouraged me to get him to agree.¡±

    ¡°She said this to you two weeks ago?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Desmona looking down.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t think to come tell me your mother was encouraging you to charm your betrothed in going to his evil father?  She was probably in contact with Philo, you do realize it, don¡¯t you?¡± said Griffa shaking her head.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    ¡°She was.  I know she was,¡± said Desmona with tears in her eyes.

    ¡°You swore to serve me, Desmona.  You said if you had any information you would come to me,¡± said Griffa angrily.

    ¡°I know, but she is my mother.  You don¡¯t know how long I have listened to her and learned under her. She said there was a way Marcus could be the king of Regventus someday.¡±

    ¡°You considered listening to her, didn¡¯t you?¡± asked Talon harshly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Desmona quietly.

    ¡°You do know you mother was telling you to commit treason against our queen,¡± said Talon.  ¡°For Marcus ever to be the king of Regventus, Griffa would have to die.¡±

    ¡°I know.  It was wrong of me to even consider it, but in the end, I could not do it.  I would not agree.¡±

    ¡°Hector, did you know about this?¡± asked Griffa looking at Hector.

    ¡°No, Desmona told me tonight.  I hadn¡¯t seen Cassia in a few days, but to be honest that isn¡¯t unusual. I told Desmona we had to come to you immediately.¡±

    ¡°I will have to banish your wife from Abscon, Hector. She cannot re-enter.  We can¡¯t have her bringing Philo and his forces into the village.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± said Hector.  ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say.  I always knew she had her secrets.  I knew she did as she wanted, but I never dreamed she would go this far.¡±

    ¡°She has charmed you since you met her, Hector,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°You must know that.  She has never been faithful or truthful to you.¡±

    ¡°I know it.  I have always known it.  Renweard tried to warn me from the beginning, but I was so in love with Cassia, I was willing to let her have some freedom.  I knew what she was, but I was happy to just have her when I could.  I didn¡¯t ever think she would turn against her people in this way.¡±

    ¡°What about Marcus?¡± asked Desmona.  ¡°He is in Aurumist with his father.  We can¡¯t just leave him there.¡±

    Kedan watched Griffa, and he could tell she was thinking.  He hoped she didn¡¯t think she would go in and try to save Marcus.  Somebody would have to stop her.

    ¡°Your betrothed will be fine in Aurumist.  His father won¡¯t hurt him,¡± said Talon.  ¡°He will want Marcus to carry on the family line.¡±

    ¡°Marcus won¡¯t go along with him,¡± said Desmona.  ¡°He is very loyal to our people and to Gryphon.  He would never agree to what his father wants, no matter how much my mother charms him.¡±

    ¡°What do you expect us to do, Desma?¡± asked Ansel angrily.  ¡°You can¡¯t expect Griffa or any of us to run to Aurumist now.¡±

    Kedan looked at Griffa as she looked at Ansel and Talon before turning to Desmona.  She opened her mouth to speak.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°You do realize you can¡¯t go save Marcus, don¡¯t you? You cannot put yourself in danger.¡±

    Griffa smiled sadly and looked at Desmona.  ¡°I am sorry, but Talon is right.  We cannot chance a rescue attempt at the moment.  I understand the anguish you must feel, but I believe Philo will not hurt Marcus.  Marcus¡¯ mother is also in Aurumist, and she loves her son.  He will be safe for some time. Soon, I will move to take the city.  Marcus will not be there long.¡±

    Desmona shook her head as tears fell down her face.  Hector took her hand and looked at Griffa.

    ¡°We understand, my queen,¡± said Hector. ¡°We should be going, Desmona.¡±

    Hector stood up and pulled his daughter up with him as Griffa stood up as well.

    ¡°I do feel for both of you.  I don¡¯t like Marcus being in Aurumist, but the truth is Philo will not hurt him, at least for some time.  We have some informants in the city. I will try to get information on Marcus and let you know what we find out.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Gryphon,¡± said Hector.

    ¡°If you hear from your wife or Marcus, you will let us know,¡± said Talon looking at Hector.  ¡°We need no secrets from either of you.¡±

    ¡°I will tell you if I hear anything,¡± said Hector.  ¡°I will make sure my daughter does as well.¡±

    Hector bowed and dragged his daughter out of the parlor.  They all heard the front door open and close.

    Griffa sighed and moved to stand by Kedan and the fire, shaking her head.  ¡°Poor Marcus.¡±

    ¡°He will be fine,¡± said Talon. ¡°It¡¯s Desmona¡¯s fault he was taken.  She should have come to us as soon as her mother approached her.  We will have to watch her closely.  You know Hector can¡¯t be trusted. I¡¯m sure his daughter can charm him almost as well as his wife.¡±

    ¡°You will have to let Malchom know,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°He would want to know, and he can help Hector keep watch over Desmona.¡±

    ¡°I will speak to him tomorrow,¡± said Griffa. ¡°I am going to bed.  It¡¯s been a trying day.¡±

    ¡°I will go up with you,¡± said Ansel.  He stood up and walked to Griffa, and they both said goodnights, leaving the room.

    Kedan walked and sat down in a chair close to the sofa.  Talon leaned forward and seemed to be thinking.

    ¡°It would be helpful if we knew exactly what was happening in Aurumist,¡± said Max quietly.  ¡°If Philo has taken Marcus, he must think he can really take the right to rule from the line of Adalwen.  He must think he will need to do it soon.¡±

    ¡°The only way he takes the right to rule is if he kills Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°He must think he has a way to get to her. We can¡¯t have something happened like her disappearing again.¡±

    Max looked closely at Talon.  ¡°You are planning something, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Talon smiled slightly.  ¡°I hope to hear something within the next three days.  I have sent a couple of messages today, and if all goes to plan, I can get us some information about what is going on in Aurumist.¡±

    ¡°Would Griffa approve of what you are going to do?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± said Talon, ¡°but I¡¯m not going to ask and find out.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not something our queen would approve of, perhaps you shouldn¡¯t do it,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°If there is a chance, I can help Griffa, there isn¡¯t much I wouldn¡¯t do, Kedan,¡± said Talon with an edge to his voice.  ¡°Are you going to run and tattle to our queen?¡±

    ¡°I should,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°How do I know what you have planned is really in her best interest?¡±

    ¡°You should know by now that most things I do are only done in Griffa¡¯s best interest,¡± said Talon as he sat back and looked at Kedan.

    ¡°Tell me what you have planned then,¡± said Kedan crossing his arms.  ¡°Let me decide if our queen should know.¡±

    Talon sighed. ¡°You know I have written Devland Clarke.  I asked him to meet with me, and two Valley council members just outside Aurumist at dawn in three days.  I told him I wish to discuss ways he could repay his debt he owes to his folk, his queen, and his village.¡±

    ¡°You are going to go close to Aurumist?¡± asked Max.  ¡°Do you think that is safe?¡±

    ¡°It should be fine.  We won¡¯t stay long.  If there is any sign of trouble, we will leave quickly.¡±

    ¡°Who will you take with you?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°Addi, if she will go,¡± said Talon turning to Addi.  ¡°I have also asked Cillian.¡±

    ¡°You know Griffa won¡¯t approve of this,¡± said Max.  ¡°She will not want any of you in harm¡¯s way.¡±

    ¡°We need information in the city.  Devland is perfectly positioned to give us that information.  I think he just needs an encouraging chat to do what is right,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°And what if he won¡¯t do as you want?  What if he doesn¡¯t appreciate your encouragement?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°I think I can be very persuasive,¡± said Talon.  ¡°If he doesn¡¯t see things my way, we will see where it goes from there.¡±

    ¡°Our queen has granted him mercy until after the war,¡± said Kedan fiercely.  ¡°You should not override her decision.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t plan on harming him.  I plan on being very friendly.  I plan on offering him incentive to do as I want.¡±

    ¡°You may not plan on harming him, but I know you Talon.  What happens when he says the wrong thing and you curse him without thinking?¡±

    ¡°If you are so worried about it, come with us Kedan,¡± answered Talon.  ¡°Come and see to your queen¡¯s interest.¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t leave Griffa,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°She might need me.¡±

    ¡°We will leave before sunrise.  We will be back before breakfast.  You will not be gone long, and she will be asleep and with Ansel,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°You should go,¡± said Max looking at Kedan.  ¡°Go and represent your queen.¡±

    ¡°She will not like this,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°No, she won¡¯t, but if we can find out what is happening in the city, it could help save Griffa, said Max.  ¡°That is your only duty, to save your queen.¡±

    Kedan closed his eyes.  ¡°I will go with you, Talon, but you will keep your head.  You will not go against your queen¡¯s wishes in regard to Devland.¡±

    Talon smiled and looked at Addi.  ¡°What do you say, Addi?  Will you go?¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± answered Addi.  ¡°If nothing else, I will support Kedan and see that our queen¡¯s commands are respected.¡±

    Kedan nodded at Addi giving her a small smile which she returned.

    ¡°Cillian will go, I have no doubt of it.  I have told him told meet us at the gates of Abscon in three days.    ¡°No one should mention this to Griffa.  She has enough to worry about at the moment.¡±

    ¡°What about, Ansel?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°Do you plan on keeping this from him?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon. ¡°He already knows my plan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve told him already?¡± asked Kedan

    ¡°Yes, as soon as I could before dinner.  He will not tell Griffa. He knows this needs to be done,¡± said Talon.

    Three days later, Kedan walked with Talon and Addi through the gates of Abscon.  They found Cillian waiting close by. Talon greeted him as all four gathered close together.

    ¡°We will travel just outside the fifth circle of Aurumist in the forest.  I have explained it to you all, and I think you have all been at least close to the city except Addi.  Cillian will take you Addi, so you just need to trust him.  Kedan you will come with me.¡±

    Kedan grabbed onto Talon¡¯s shoulder.  They watched as Addi and Cillian disappeared before Kedan nodded at Talon, and he felt himself travel.  Landing on his feet, Kedan looked around to see tall trees and leaves on the ground that were lightly covered in fresh snow.  Addi and Cillian were close by and Talon lead them to a small circle of trees that offered some cover from anyone who might pass by.

    The dark forest around them slowly transformed as the sun started to rise.  Kedan rubbed his hands together and then pulled his cloak tighter.  Addi had her hands in her cloak pockets and seemed to be shivering.  Cillian moved slightly as though trying to warm himself. Talon stood straight and still, taking deep breaths that Kedan could see in the cold morning air.  There was a slight disturbance close by, and then they all heard footsteps.  Talon turned towards the noise with his hand raised, as Devland came into view. He stood a good ways back and stared at Talon.

    ¡°Devland,¡± said Talon smiling slightly.  ¡°Do not stand so far away from your fellow Valley folk.  It has been a while.¡±

    Devland looked at Talon and moved closer.  He blinked several times, looking at both Cillian and Addi.  ¡°You sent me a message, Talon, asking me to come.  I have come.¡±

    ¡°So, you have,¡± said Talon.  Kedan could see Talon flexing his hand as though he was itching to throw a curse at Devland.

    ¡°You said there were things you wanted to discuss,¡± said Devland.  ¡°You said there might be a way I could make amends to our village.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I heard you are very sorry for all that you did the Valley and our queen.  I heard you were very eager to serve our queen.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± said Devland.  ¡°I did wrong by Gryphon and my village.  I know that.  I want to make things right.¡±

    ¡°And yet, we have received no messages for you.  Griffa let you come back to Aurumist to serve her.  How have you served her?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°There has been nothing to report.  I am not a trusted advisor of Philo. I can only report what I observe.¡±

    ¡°Where do you go to observe things, Devland?  Do you visit folk in the city, or do you hide away in the fancy house you received for turning Griffa over to Philo and destroying our village?¡±

    Devland only stared at Talon.

    ¡°He¡¯s a coward, Talon,¡± said Cillian.  ¡°He always has been. He likes to talk, but when it comes down to it, he will only protect himself. I doubt he has any intentions of actually serving our queen.¡±

    ¡°What should we do with him, do you think?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Cillian, what is your opinion?¡±

    ¡°He should pay for the crimes he committed against the Valley and our queen,¡± answered Cillian.  ¡°You are our leader, Talon. His punishment should be decided by you.¡±

    ¡°Addi, what do you think?¡± asked Talon as he stared at Devland.

    ¡°Our queen has granted him temporary mercy.  I would say we should stand by our queen¡¯s wishes, but Devland promised he would serve our queen.  He has not kept that promise,¡± answered Addi quietly.  ¡°therefore, I agree with Cillian, his punishment should come from you.¡±

    ¡°Kedan, you are the queen¡¯s protector.  You represent her here today.  Do you have an opinion on the matter?¡±

    Kedan smiled slightly, knowing what Talon was doing.  ¡°Devland has not lived up to the promise he made our queen.  I say be done with him now.  If he is not useful, he should pay for his crimes.¡±

    Talon smiled menacingly at Devland.  ¡°The council and the queen¡¯s protector have spoken.  Do you have anything to say for yourself before I administer your punishment.¡±

    Devland looked at Addi who was staring with her arms crossed.  He looked at Cillian who looked disgusted by Devland.  He glanced at Kedan, and then looked back at Talon.

    ¡°I do wish to serve our queen,¡± he said dropping his head.  ¡°Cillian is right.  I am a coward, but I do want to make things right.¡±

    ¡°Then find a way to get us information on what Philo is planning.  You may not have Philo¡¯s ear, but you know Helmer.  Go to him, offer to help him with the city.  If he does not open up to you, go to Helmer¡¯s son.  Take a walk close to the palace.  Get us good information that will help our queen,¡± said Talon.

    Devland nodded.  ¡°I will do better.  I must do better.  I do want to atone for my crimes.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I will expect a message within a week and then every week after that until we take the city.  You will find something useful to report in every message.  If you do this, and the information you give us helps us to save our queen, I will rethink your punishment.¡±

    Devland looked up at Talon.  ¡°You would grant me mercy for my crimes.¡±

    ¡°If you provide information that helps to keep our queen alive, I will grant you some sort of mercy.  You will still have to pay in some way, but it won¡¯t be as permanent of punishment as you stand to face now.¡±

    ¡°I will send you a message in one week. It will contain information that will be useful for our queen.¡±

    Talon nodded.  ¡°You will fight for our queen as well.  She will come to take the city soon, and you will aid in her fight.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Devland.  ¡°I will be prepared to do all I can to help her.¡±

    ¡°We will see,¡± said Talon.  ¡°We need to get back to our queen.  I expect to see that message in one week, Devland.¡±

    Talon turned and walked away as Addi and Cillian followed.  Kedan looked at Devland one more time, before he followed as well.  They traveled back to the gates of Abscon.  After saying goodbye to Cillian the three walked quickly together through the village.

    ¡°Will you really grant him mercy, Talon?¡± asked Addi as they walked.

    ¡°Yes, if he provides information that will help us keep Griffa safe.  I am a man of my word.¡±

    ¡°He caused the destruction of our village,¡± said Addi. ¡°Several people lost their lives.¡±

    ¡°Killing Devland as good as it may feel, will not bring back those lives,¡± said Talon.  ¡°We cannot save those who died, but we can still save Griffa.¡±

    ¡°You care for her very much, don¡¯t you?¡± asked Addi quietly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I love her above anyone else in the kingdom.  She means more to me than anything, including our village.¡±

    ¡°You love her even though she has chosen another?¡± asked Addi

    ¡°I do.  I have loved her for longer than I think I even know.  You know I have not made wise choices in my life.  I did everything I could to ignore the love I felt for her, and have my own way, and I paid for it.  She is better off now with who she is with, but I will not stop loving her.¡±

    ¡°I think that might make me like and respect you a little bit more,¡± said Addi.  ¡°If you can recognize someone as worthy to love as our queen, you must be wise.  You love her without hope of being with her, with gaining nothing in return.  That love could turn to remorse and spite, but you have not let it be so.¡±

    ¡°I will take your respect and friendship, Addi, but do not have any pity for me.  I don¡¯t deserve her love, and yet she does love me.  It may not be how I always wanted, but it is real.  I gain much by loving her.  I am allowed to be at her side.  I have her friendship and her loyalty.  Once we get her through this war safely, I will have the privilege of serving her as she rules.  I will get to see her happy and well-loved by her husband.  I will experience a lifetime of being close to her.¡±

    Kedan smiled slightly as Addi put her hand on Talon¡¯s arm and squeezed. She fell back and walked by Kedan as Talon walked faster away from them.

    ¡°I believe he is a good man, Addi,¡± said Kedan as he looked down at her.  ¡°He has made mistakes like all of us, but I believe people can change.¡±

    ¡°You mean like you changed?¡± asked Addi as she grabbed Kedan¡¯s hand.  ¡°Griffa told me some of your story, Kedan.  I want you to know I do not hold any of your past against you.¡±

    ¡°I thank you, Addi, and I hope you will extend the same courtesy towards Talon. I believe he only wants good things for our queen.¡±

    She nodded as she squeezed Kedan¡¯s hand.  ¡°I just hope Talon gets to actually experience a lifetime of friendship with Griffa.  I hope we all do.¡±

    Kedan pulled Addi a little closer to his side, hoping the exact same thing.

 Chapter 15

    Philo walked angrily through the entrance hall of the palace.  He pulled his cloak around him and fastened it.  Things were not going well.  He had been told several of his soldiers had been sick.  He was going to go see for himself at the Belles Mansion.  After that he would go see Helmer, who seemed to be staying at home lately.

    As Philo walked out the door and through the palace gates, he wondered what else could go wrong.  He had his son back with him, but Marcus was not cooperating.  Even with Cassia keeping Marcus charmed, and potions being used to keep Marcus subdued, Marcus constantly wanted to leave the palace.  He wanted to go back to Abscon, to Desmona, and to his queen.

    Philo and Cecelia had both tried to talk with Marcus.  They had tried to tell him, his place was here in Aurumist.  They told him, he would need to learn to rule Regventus as he would one day be king.  Marcus wanted nothing to do with it.  Philo asked Cassia if having Desmona near would help with Marcus.  She wasn¡¯t sure how they could get Desmona to come, but Philo had some ideas.

    Philo walked into the first ring of Aurumist.  He knew where the Belles Mansion lay.  He walked straight to the front door and knocked.  As he waited, he looked above the door to see a Keene falcon carved into the stone.  Philo sighed.  Could he never be away from the influence of that family?  There was only one Keene left in the world, and Philo would rid the kingdom of her soon.  It comforted him to think of ending the Keene family.

    The door of the Belles Mansion opened, and a servant stood in the doorway, looking tired.

    ¡°May I help you, sir?¡± asked the servant.

    ¡°I am here to see Camelia Belles.¡±

    ¡°The lady of the house is very busy and cannot be disturbed.  If you would like to leave a message, I can get it to her.¡±

    ¡°She will be disturbed by me,¡± said Philo angrily.  He held the door open and pushed past the servant, walking into the large entry hall.

    ¡°Sir,¡± said the servant loudly.  ¡°You must not come in.  We have much sickness in the house.¡±

    ¡°I cannot be affected by the sickness found here.  Show me where to find Camelia, now.¡±

    The servant stared at Philo for a moment.  ¡°Your one of the leaders of the kingdom, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I am the leader of the kingdom,¡± said Philo angrily.  ¡°I will be your king soon.¡±

    ¡°So, you are to blame for all these sick folk?¡± asked the servant with a sneer.

    Philo didn¡¯t want to argue with a servant.  He thought about cursing the servant right there and then, but he held back. ¡°I am not to blame for this.  Now, show me to the mistress of this house.¡±

    ¡°She is in the ballroom, taking care of the sick.  Turn to your left and go down the hall.  You won¡¯t be able to miss it,¡± said the servant as she turned right and left the entry hall.

    Philo turned left and walked quickly down the hall.  As he came close to the end, he heard people moaning and smelled the strong scent of sick.   He came to a set of double doors and opened them.  He walked into a large room that had many sick people laying throughout.  Philo stepped in and looked all around.

    There were rows of people in small beds and on pallets.  Some shook and moaned.  Others lay still and breathed rapidly.  There were several servants running around, fetching water and rags.  Philo could see a few healers leaning over sick folk.  At the back of the room, he spotted Camelia.  She was folding towels wearing a simple green dress.  He started walking towards her.  As he got close to her, she noticed him and put a towel down.  She stood straight, waiting for him to come to her.

    ¡°Camelia,¡± said Philo looking at the woman.

    ¡°Philo, you finally decided to come and see for yourself what has been done to the people of the city,¡± said Camelia looking at him.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± said Philo. ¡°Is this everyone who is sick?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Camelia.  ¡°These are the ones whose servants and families have left them.  They had no one else to take care of them.¡±

    ¡°What about soldiers?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°What about them?¡± asked Camelia.

    ¡°Do you have any here?  I have heard some soldiers have fallen ill.¡±

    ¡°That is why you have come?¡± asked Camelia.  ¡°You don¡¯t care about the people of the city, you only care about your army.¡±

    ¡°The city will come under attack soon.  I have to see to the safety of all the people here in Aurumist,¡± said Philo crossing his arms.

    ¡°You think those coming to attack will be a danger to the people?¡± asked Camelia.  ¡°I believe they will only be a danger to you and the other leaders of this kingdom.¡±

    Philo looked at Camelia.  He closed his eyes for a moment trying to block out the cries of the sick around him.  The smell made his head dizzy.

    ¡°Is there somewhere else we could go talk?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°I am needed here, and you have already detained me long enough.  Whatever it is you want to say, you better say it now, before I move on.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°I lead this kingdom, now,¡± said Philo.  ¡°I could have you killed at any time.  I could kill you now.¡±

    Camelia smiled.  ¡°Go on then, kill me, Philo.  If you think it will benefit you, go ahead and get rid of me.  You should remember that my husband holds much sway over half the Ancient Council.  He knows what to do if something happens to me.  I have charmed him to make sure he does it.¡±

    Philo sighed.  ¡°What do you know about the false queen¡¯s plans?¡±

    ¡°The false queen?¡± asked Camelia.  ¡°Who are you referring to?¡±

    Philo rolled his eyes.  ¡°What have you heard from your son and his queen?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± said Camelia.  ¡°I have not had time to write.  I have heard nothing from Kedan in a while. What makes you think he knows the queen¡¯s plans anyway?¡±

    ¡°He knows everything about the queen.  I doubt he leaves her side now that he is her protector.¡±

    Camelia¡¯s eyes widen slightly.

    ¡°You have not heard?  He has taken on the line of protectors it seems.  He has sworn his family line to the line of Adalwen, and he serves Gryphon.  His son would serve the next king or queen if there was one.¡±

    ¡°It sounds like a worthy cause.  He owes the queen a tremendous debt.¡±

    ¡°Of course, after I kill Gryphon and take her right to rule, I wonder what will become of him.  Will he die for his queen do you think?¡±

    ¡°If he does, he will do it because he considers her worth his life.  I would not argue with him.¡±

    ¡°What becomes of his son then?  He will have no one,¡± said Philo.

    ¡°What is your point, Philo?¡± asked Camelia.

    ¡°Perhaps you have backed the wrong side.  You could spy for me.  You could do as I asked, and I would make sure your grandson is safe.  I could spare your son, and I could see what I could do for all these sick people.¡±

    Camelia laughed slightly and shook her head.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°You want me to join you by manipulating me with my son¡¯s life, my grandson¡¯s life, and all the sick people of the city.   You are evil and ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°You dare mock me?  You dare refuse my offer?  You think Gryphon would give you a better one.¡±

    ¡°The queen doesn¡¯t make deals.  She doesn¡¯t play with people¡¯s lives.  She protects her people because it is the right thing to do. I could spy for you and she would still keep Kedan and his son safe.  I could try to kill her, and she would still try to heal all the people in this room.  She is worthy of ruling this kingdom, and you never will be.¡±

    Philo breathed heavily, his hands itching to hit Camelia or curse her. ¡°You are very mistaken, Camelia.¡±

    ¡°No, I am not.  Now get out of my house.  You have no right to be here,¡± said Camelia angrily. The vials on a nearby table shook.  ¡°You say you can curse me, but you don¡¯t know my power.  You don¡¯t know the power of a mother whose son has been threatened.  Now get out of my house, because we both know you will not lay one finger on me.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t, because you aren¡¯t worth it,¡± said Philo turning around.  He called over his shoulder.  ¡°Keep tending to the sick, Camelia.  Once I dispose of the false queen and take my place, I will deal with you permanently.¡±

    Philo left the Belles Mansion quickly. He turned back towards the palace to go to the Viceroy¡¯s Mansion that stood next to the palace gates.   As he came close to the door of the mansion, he met Devland Clark walking towards him.

    ¡°Devland,¡± said Philo. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in a while.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve kept mostly at home with my wife.¡±

    ¡°Have you been visiting Helmer?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Devland.  ¡°He is an old friend.  I wish to welcome him and congratulate him on his new position.¡±

    ¡°You have not come to congratulate me as the new leader of the kingdom,¡± said Philo.

    ¡°I had guessed you were very busy.  Besides, from what I hear from Helmer, you are expecting a much bigger and better title soon.  I will congratulate you then.¡±

    ¡°You are not put off by the manner of how I will take the title of king?¡± asked Philo.  ¡°I thought you were close friends with Renweard.¡±

    ¡°So, I was, but I have cast my lot with you and this city.  I gave up Gryphon to you and caused destruction to my village.  Do you really think I could go back?  You must not know Talon Wendell if you think I could have any chance of mercy or reconciliation with him.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about the man, but perhaps I should since he is shadowing Gryphon¡¯s side now.  You should come to dinner tomorrow night in the palace.  This is a command not an invitation,¡± said Philo.

    ¡°I will come then.  I will be honored,¡± said Devland.  ¡°Now, if you will excuse me, my wife is expecting me.¡±

    Philo watched Devland walk hurriedly away.  He turned his attention to the home before him.  He walked up to the front door and knocked.  He was let in by a servant and shown to Helmer who was in a large room with a grand fireplace.  There were several tables by the far wall with many books, ingredients, and bottles strewn across them.  Over the fireplace was a humongous kettle suspended by a large hook.  Helmer sat on a stool by the fireplace.  He rose as Philo entered.

    ¡°Sit back down, Helmer. It looks like you are working, and I don¡¯t want to interrupt,¡± said Philo.  He walked over and picked up a chair and brought it over to the fireplace, sitting down across from Helmer.

    ¡°I am almost done with your strengthening potion.  It should be ready in a little more than a week,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°After that, I will work on finding something to help those who are sick.¡±

    Philo nodded.  ¡°Good, I believe there are some soldiers who are sick.  We do not need to lose too many of our forces.  I don¡¯t know when Gryphon will come for the city, but I want to be ready.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully soon, rather than later if your soldiers are falling ill.  If she waits till spring and we can¡¯t find a cure, your army could be much smaller than you like.¡±

    ¡°We could make more soldiers.  We could offer to release young magical users in exchange for service.  We can find folk in the fourth and third rings here and even out in the kingdom,¡± said Philo.

    ¡°Rumors of the sickness from the potion have spread in the city and the kingdom.  You might have problems finding those who will take it,¡± said Helmer as he looked at the potion in the kettle.

    ¡°We could have trouble finding those who will willingly take it, but we should have no problem finding the unwilling and making them,¡± said Philo.  He felt a plan forming in his mind.  He looked at Helmer.  ¡°You said that it would be better for us if Gryphon attacked soon.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°If she attacks soon, your army has a better chance of being healthy, and she has less time to prepare.¡±

    ¡°I believe we can gain some people for our armies and force Gryphon to attack soon.  You know her, she won¡¯t be able to stand by and watch us attack villages and take people forcefully.  She will have to take action.¡±

    ¡°It could work,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°You could at least force her to intervene in the villages in the kingdom.  It would leave her less time to form her forces for the city.¡±

    ¡°I will think on it.  We will need to act soon if we decide this route.  You say my potion will be ready soon.  Once it is ready, I will make a final decision on what we will do next.¡±

    Helmer nodded.

    ¡°Oh, you will come to dinner at the palace tomorrow night.  I ran into Devland Clarke on the way here, and I invited him to come speak with me.  I need to know more about the leader of the Valley since he seems to be close to Gryphon.¡±

    ¡°You should talk to Devland of your plan,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°He served many years on the Valley council.  He is sharp and has proven he has no qualms working against Gryphon.¡±

    Philo nodded.  Maybe things weren¡¯t as bad as they seemed.  Maybe things would turn around quickly in Philo¡¯s favor.

 Chapter 16

    Griffa shuffled through messages as she sat on the sofa in the parlor, and she laid out a few on the table in front of her.  Talon, who sat next to her, placed a few more on the table.  Griffa ruffled through her messages again to see if she missed any, but they all seemed to blur together.  She blinked her eyes and shook her head, and tried to go through the stack again.

    She was tired.  She was not getting much sleep at night.  There were so many things wrong in the kingdom including some she knew about.  The illness was still out there.  They were sending out cure from Abscon and the Valley, but they couldn¡¯t seem to stop the spread as it made its way through the lands at the north of the kingdom.  It had made it to the East and West Sealand.

    Griffa also knew there were many sick in Aurumist.  The magic users who had their magic released by Golnar¡¯s potion was corrupting the magic in the folk who used it.  They hadn¡¯t heard yet from Devland or Camelia, but Griffa suspected it was getting worse.  Griffa thought there were other things wrong as well.  She had dark dreams of suffering in the kingdom.  She dreamed of people being forced from their homes.  She dreamed of people dying. She dreamed of Regventus being destroyed completely.

    Griffa sighed and put the letters in her hand in her lap.  She believed she had responded to all of these and received a response in return. It was only those on the table they had not had confirmation they would attend the meeting in Abscon in a few days.

    ¡°So, these are the few leaders we have not heard from,¡± said Talon looking at the handful of letters in front of them.  ¡°We should send out another message today so it will get to all the villages in time.¡±

    ¡°I will go need to go and write the messages in a moment,¡± said Griffa as she yawned

    ¡°I can write them, Griffa.  You look like you could use a nap,¡± said Talon gathering up the letters on the table into a small pile.

    ¡°It will do no good for me to go lay down as I cannot rest.  I would rather work towards saving the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Ansel said you weren¡¯t sleeping well.  Have you taken something?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± replied Griffa as she put her large pile of messages on the side table ¡°I can fall asleep, but I am disturbed throughout the night.  I¡¯ve tried to get Ansel to go sleep in the other room, but he won¡¯t go.  He disturbs poor Kedan so many times a night, I am sure neither of them is getting enough sleep.¡±

    ¡°Kedan is your protector. It is his job to soothe you when you are unsettled, Griffa.  He would be upset if you didn¡¯t let him do his duty.¡±

    ¡°The problem is nothing seems to settle me for long.  There is something happening soon in the kingdom.  I wish I knew what it was so I could do something about it.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully, we will have word from the city by tomorrow.  Devland¡¯s message should be here soon.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about these weekly messages from Devland, shall we?¡± asked Griffa turning and looking at Talon.

    Talon smiled.  ¡°What about them?¡±

    ¡°You talk of me running off to Aurumist without telling anyone, yet you take two of my trusted friends, and my protector and go to the city without telling me.¡±

    ¡°We were in the forest, well hidden.   We didn¡¯t show up in the middle of the palace and parade around.  We weren¡¯t in any danger.¡±

    Griffa shook her head.  ¡°At least you didn¡¯t curse Devland on sight.  I think you might actually be learning restraint.¡±

    ¡°I wanted to do it, but I would much rather get information to help you. There is not much I wouldn¡¯t do to keep you safe.¡±

    Griffa gave Talon a half smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.  ¡°I know, but you must know no matter what you do it may not be enough.  You need to be prepared that I might not make it through this.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon as he adjusted his arm and put it around Griffa.  ¡°I will not accept that.  You will live and reign for many years.  You will marry Ansel, and I will stay around and corrupt your children just enough, so they know how to have fun.¡±

    Griffa looked up slightly with a grimace at Talon.

    ¡°Proper fun, of course, that is fitting for a prince or princess of the kingdom,¡± said Talon as Griffa settled back against him.

    ¡°You will have your own children as well, Talon,¡± said Griffa as she closed her eyes.  ¡°If they are girls, I will make sure they know it is perfectly acceptable for them to swim in the lake in the Valley and to not be pushed around by boys.¡±

    ¡°I will depend on it,¡± said Talon quietly as he kissed Griffa on top of her head.

    Griffa scooted slightly closer to Talon as he tightened his arm around her shoulder.

    ¡°I should probably get up before I fall asleep,¡± muttered Griffa.

    ¡°Take a quick nap,¡± said Talon.  ¡°We have time to write our messages.  I will wake you soon.¡±

    Griffa nodded slightly and let herself drift off.

    Griffa looked up, and she was in a large room.  The floor was stone, the walls were gray.  She looked above her and could not see a ceiling.  She looked forward and all she saw was darkness.

    ¡°Gryphon Keene,¡± said a loud, deep voice from the darkness

    ¡°Yes,¡± answered Griffa looking at the darkness.

    ¡°What is the kingdom worth to you?¡± asked the voice.

    ¡°Everything,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°There must be some limit.  There must be something you wouldn¡¯t give,¡± said the voice.

    Griffa thought over this.  She thought of Ansel.  Even though she loved him and didn¡¯t want to be without him, she was prepared to give him up when she thought he would always be her protector.  It hurt her and it would have been immensely difficult to go on, but she would have done it.  She thought of Talon and Max, and all her friends.

    ¡°If the ones I loved could be safe, I would do anything to save the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°What about your own life?¡± asked the voice.

    ¡°It means nothing against the people and the well-being of the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Is it really worth it?  The pain, the heartache, the strife you have and will have to go through, will you be able to endure it all?¡±

    Griffa knew her answer immediately.  ¡°Yes, I can endure it. I must.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to, Gryphon,¡± said another voice.  This one a kind sounding female.  ¡°You could let the kingdom go.  Its failures are not your fault.¡±

    ¡°I have plenty of fault in the state of the kingdom.  I have not done all that I could.  If I left it to die, I would not be satisfied.  I would be culpable in its demise.¡±

    The female sighed.  ¡°I want you to think about your answer.  I want you to meditate on if the kingdom is really worth all the pain and suffering for you.  I want you to know for sure the kingdom is worth your life.¡±

    ¡°I could give you my answer right now as I don¡¯t believe it will change,¡± said Griffa staring into the darkness.

    ¡°Think about it first.  The time will come soon when you will have to give your final answer,¡± said the female.

    Griffa felt a strong magic surround her.  It circled her and then entered her body.  The magic made her feel powerful, loved, and peaceful.

    ¡°You need rest, dear one,¡± said the woman¡¯s voice.  ¡°I will give you rest until we meet.¡±

    Griffa felt her eyes grow heavy.  She lay down on the cold stone floor and curled up.  She closed her eyes, and everything went dark.

    Griffa opened her eyes and looked next to her.  She was leaning against Ansel who was smiling down at her.  She looked down at the other side of the sofa to see Kedan looking at her.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°Like I¡¯ve slept too long.  Where is Talon?¡±

    ¡°He is in your study working on the messages to send out today,¡± answered Ansel.

    ¡°I should help him then,¡± said Griffa as she sat up and stretched.

    ¡°He should almost be done.  He¡¯s been in there for a few hours.  It¡¯s almost time for dinner,¡± said Ansel as Griffa looked at him.

    ¡°He said he would wake me up to help him.  I shouldn¡¯t have slept this long.¡±

    ¡°You needed the sleep.  Kedan and I came in from sending out the latest group of guards.  We offered to sit with you while he finished the messages.  None of us minded letting you sleep. You already look more well rested than you have in a while.¡±

    ¡°I feel better than I have in a while.  I will just go check in with Talon before we go to dinner,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Then I would like to go see Zayden if you don¡¯t mind, Kedan.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± answered Kedan.  ¡°I will go with you.¡±

    Griffa smiled and stood up.  As she walked to her study, she thought over her dream, knowing there was nothing she would not do for her kingdom or the people she loved.

    Three days later, Griffa looked in the mirror in her bedroom.  She adjusted the skirt on her dark blue dress, looking at the sun etched on the bodice.  She turned to see that the falcon on her shoulders that formed her sleeves were straight.  She bent down her head to make sure the braids on her head were neat and secure.  After being assured everything was right, she picked up her thin crown and slipped it over her forehead. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    She looked over herself one more time.  Today was the most important meeting of her life.  She would be meeting with the Ring, the council of the Valley, and many magical leaders from all over Regventus.  She needed to look and act the part of the queen.  She needed to be calm and self-assured.  She needed to be able to convince all the folk that she was a queen worthy of leading a kingdom worth fighting for.

    She took a deep breath and told herself she could do this.  She was meant to do this.  If she didn¡¯t do it, no one else would.  If she was not queen, the kingdom would fall to Max.  Griffa had no doubt Max would be a wise and kind king, but he did not desire the title.  She wasn¡¯t sure how he would handle it. She believed he was strong, but he seemed very happy and suited for the position of a diviner.  Griffa could not fail and put the pressure on the gentle and quiet man he had become. He did not need the burden.  He had given up so much already.

    Griffa looked at herself one more time, turned and walked from the room.  She walked down the stairs and into the parlor to find everyone assembled there.  Griffa first saw Max who sat in a seat facing her.  He stood up as she entered the room.  Everyone else stood up and turned to look at Griffa.

    ¡°Are we ready to go?¡± asked Griffa looking around.

    Everyone stared at her, and Griffa looked down self-consciously playing with her skirt. Ansel walked over and took her hand as she looked up at him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to doubt yourself,¡± said Ansel smiling at her.  ¡°You look every bit the magnificent queen you are today.¡±

    She grinned slightly at him.  ¡°It¡¯s a big day.  I am asking a lot of the people we will meet.  I don¡¯t want to disappoint them or any of you.¡±

    ¡°Disappoint us?¡± asked Talon as he walked over closer to Griffa.  ¡°How in this kingdom would you ever disappoint any of us? You are our queen, Griffa. We serve you because we believe in you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s such a large task today.  I am asking these leaders to put their village and their folk at risk.  I am asking them to follow me,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°What if they don¡¯t find me worthy of being followed?¡±

    ¡°You are asking them to save their villages and their people,¡± said Max.  ¡°If they refuse to listen that is how they will put their villages and people at risk.  Only a very foolish or blind leader would think you aren¡¯t worthy of being followed, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°I have met many leaders in this kingdom,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°When I was the Lord of the kingdom, I dined with so many prominent leaders, they all ran together.  None of them have ever given me the hope and inspiration that you have.  I knew almost as soon as I met you, that you were the only leader I would ever want to follow.  Don¡¯t doubt you who are, my queen.¡±

    ¡°We need to be going,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Whatever happens, know that I cherish every one of you. I would do anything to save this kingdom just for each of you.¡±

    They all put on their cloaks and left Keene Manor.  Griffa looked up at the gray sky, wondering if it would snow soon.  It was only two weeks until winter, and soon, snow would pile high in Abscon and other areas of the kingdom.  They walked until they reached the town center.

    Griffa walked over to the statue of the gods and bowed quickly in King Nathin¡¯s direction before starring up at the gods. Griffa put her hand on the sister¡¯s foot and felt her magic react inside of her.  It flowed through her filling her with warmth, peace, and determination.  Griffa closed her eyes and prayed for the right words to say.  She prayed for the ability to lead.  She prayed she was somehow worthy to save Regventus.

    Griffa took her hand off the statue and looked up at the gods.  She smiled slightly and knew she could do this.  She remembered she was meant to do this.  She turned and looked at Talon who was staring at her.  She gave him a smile that he returned before he and Ansel walked to stand by her side. She walked with them to the meeting hall as Kedan and Max fell in place behind her.

    They walked into the hallway meeting hall and through the double doors that lead to the meeting room of the Ring.  The meeting room had been transformed as the back wall had been taken away.  A large canvas tent and had been placed from the hall all over the yard.  There were many tables set up, with people sitting at them from all over the kingdom.  Everyone was talking to one another.  When people realized that the queen and her party had entered the room, the talking stopped.

    Griffa walked to her usual place at the Ring table and looked around the space.  She saw her Ring before here with the council of the Valley at the main table as well.  Griffa smiled slightly at Addi, who sat with her mother, before scanning the rest of the space.  She saw many leaders she knew including Bettina Devins. She also saw Daracha nearby who gave her a slight nod. Griffa took a deep breath and raised her hand to charm the space so her voice would be heard.

    ¡°May the gods guide our discussion, and may we always remember the responsibility we have to one another,¡± said Griffa looking straight ahead.

    She then looked around and continued on.  ¡°I am very grateful you have all come to Abscon today for this meeting.  I do not take the responsibilities you have to your people and your villages lightly, just as I do not take my responsibility to this kingdom lightly. I do not wish for any of you to suffer. I do not wish to bring violence to your villages or your people, but the time has come when we can no longer let the kingdom continue on as it has for the past 300 years.

    ¡°The powers in Aurumist have long gone against everything our gods stand for.  They have corrupted our kingdom, causing sickness and death to cover our lands.  I know the sickness has not affected many of you, but do not forget the responsibility we have to all the people of the kingdom, including the non-gifted.  If we ignore them, we will perish with them.

    ¡°Besides that, we know they will not stop with the non-gifted.  One of our own people, Philo Quick is now in charge of the forces of Aurumist.  His only goal is absolute power.  He will come for every one of us, taking what we have for himself, until we are left with nothing but an empty kingdom.

    ¡°I have asked you here today to come together and to fight for what is right.  I ask you to come and fight for your village, your people, and your kingdom.  Some of you have already decided to join me in defeating the power that would destroy our kingdom, and some of you have not made a decision.  The time where you can stall your decisions is over.  You must decide today if you will fight with us, or sit aside and wait for the kingdom to fall.  I will take any discussions and questions now.¡±

    An older man stood up. Griffa knew he was the leader of a village in the Lowlands.

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that the sickness in the kingdom is bad.  It must be stopped, but what good will taking the city of Aurumist do?  You say one of our own is in power.  What will you do that is better than him?¡±

    People started muttering over one another, and Griffa held her hand up.

    ¡°Philo Quick is everything that is evil and wrong.  He doesn¡¯t care about his people or this kingdom.  He only wants power.  He would be happy to let the sickness run rampart through our land.  He wouldn¡¯t care if your village burnt to the ground if it meant he could have more power.

    ¡°I am not perfect.  I will be the first to say that.  I do not have all the answers to save the kingdom, but I will listen to my Ring and all of you to find our way forward.  If we can gain control of Aurumist, we will control Regventus.  We can start healing the kingdom from the last 300 years, and we can do it together.¡±

    A middle-aged woman stood up.  ¡°Why are you the right one to lead us?  I mean no disrespect, but why should we follow you as our queen?¡±

    ¡°She is of the full blood of Adalwen,¡± said Sidora looking at the woman.  ¡°She has been chosen by the gods.  Can you really be in her presence and not feel it?¡±

    ¡°She is powerful, and I can feel that power,¡± said the woman.  ¡°She is beautiful, and she is well spoken, but so are many others.  As far as being the blood of Adalwen. I believe there is another.  The original news was that he was our king.¡±

    ¡°That news was wrong.  Everyone was mistaken,¡± said Max standing up.  ¡°I was thought to be the king.  I even claimed the title for a while, but I know the truth now.  Our queen is my kin, and she is the true ruler of our kingdom.  I could tell you of the many visions I have had of her.  I can tell you she is our only chance to go forward as a kingdom, but I would rather tell you that she is the kindest, bravest, and most inspiring person you will ever meet.  She would do anything for any one of you in this room.  There is nothing she would not do to save any one of your villages.  Whether you choose to serve her or abandon her, she will never abandon one of you.¡±

    Talon stood up and looked at Griffa before he turned to the room. ¡°I am Talon Wendell.  My family has led the Valley since the founding of the village. Before that we were trusted friends to every king or queen that ruled since King Nathin.  I can tell you there is no doubt Gryphon Keene is the true queen of this kingdom.  I would stake my village, my family name, my very life on it.  In fact, I have given her my village and my life.¡±

    Talon stopped for a moment and smiled slightly.  ¡°I have known our queen for almost our whole lives.  I have known her as a friend, as a fellow village a leader, and now I know her as my queen.  I can tell you without a doubt she is our queen, and she will be perhaps the greatest ruler we have ever had since King Nathin.

    ¡°Sidora is right.  I don¡¯t know how you could not be in her presence without realizing who she is.  I have known my whole life she was special.  My father knew it as well.  Now that I know who she is, I cannot believe I didn¡¯t see who she truly was earlier.  The powers in Aurumist know who she is.  Philo Quick know she is the only obstacle to gaining what he truly wants.  If you need further truth, look at her protector.  What inspires a non-gifted folk to give up his life and his son¡¯s life to someone except the true ruler of our kingdom.¡±

    ¡°That brings up a question, I have,¡± said a man standing up in the back.  ¡°If Gryphon Keene is the true queen, why is she not protected by the line of Raya.¡±

    Griffa saw Talon look at Ansel, and Ansel stood up as Talon sat down.  ¡°I am the only survivor of the line of Raya as most if not all of you know.  I was our queen¡¯s protector until recently. I willingly gave up the line of protectors from the line of Raya.  The protector¡¯s line was transferred to the Belles line.  It was accepted by Kedan Belles who you see here today.  He is our queen¡¯s protector, and I have seen their conjoined power in person.  There is no doubt.¡±

    ¡°Why did you give up the line, Ansel?¡± asked the man.  ¡°Did your queen request it?¡±

    ¡°No, she did not request it.  I did so willingly,¡± said Ansel.  He looked down at Griffa and smiled.  ¡°I have long been in love with our queen.  I am somehow fortunate enough that she returns my love.  In order to be able to be by her side as her consort, I had to give up the line of protectors.  I do not regret it.  Kedan was the perfect choice for the new line.  He was very devoted to our queen, and is more so now.  He serves her well.¡±

    Ansel sat down and Griffa took his hand and squeezed it before letting it go.

    ¡°What is the plan going forward?¡± asked a man to the side.  ¡°If we decide to follow our queen, what will happen?¡±

    ¡°We will attack Aurumist soon.  If you decide to join me today, we will soon take the city.  We will send you instructions on where to meet, and what you and your village will do in the city.  Once we take the city, I will set up my Ring in Aurumist, and we will start slowly working to make Regventus into what it needs to be.  It will not happen overnight.  I probably won¡¯t be able to accomplish everything in my lifetime, but with the gods¡¯ guidance we will take steps to make the kingdom into what it was meant to be,¡± answered Griffa.

    Griffa looked around, and everyone was silent.

    ¡°If there is no more discussion, I would like to say one more thing.  If you choose to not support me in taking Aurumist, do not think there will be repercussion.  I am not vengeful.  If we are able to take the city and the throne, I will still be your queen.  I will still see to your well-being.  If you every need aid from me or anything else, you can ask, and you will have it. When I rule over this kingdom I will always try to do so with wisdom and kindness.  Know that as a leader of a village, I understand the magnitude of this decision. I know what it is to be responsible for my people.  I only ask that you do as you see fit for your village and your people.¡±

    Griffa sat down, and Talon grabbed her hand under the table.  He held it and leaned over to whisper to her.

    ¡°You did very well, my queen. I have already given you my village, but I would do so again in heartbeat.¡±

    Griffa squeezed his hand, feeling the strength and love coming from him as she whispered.  ¡°And you have my friendship, my devotion and my love.¡±

    The rest of the meeting was spent with village leaders pledging themselves to Griffa as their queen.  Only a small handful of villages didn¡¯t make a decision.  Those leaders left quickly before plans were discussed for Aurumist.  The leaders who stayed were all told they would receive a message soon with a date for taking the city, and instruction on where to meet and what to do.  The message would come from Talon or the queen herself.  The meeting adjourned, and many of the leaders came to speak quickly with Griffa before leaving.  Addi came to speak with Griffa, saying she would stay a few days with her mother before coming back to Keene Manor. It was well into the afternoon before Griffa and the others walked home.

    ¡°I would call that a success,¡± said Talon as he walked by Griffa¡¯s side.  ¡°There were a few idiots who ran away, but you have most of the magical folk in the kingdom committed to you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a hard decision for some,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Especially for those who live on the edge of the kingdom.  I do not blame them for not wanting to risk their people.  They will still be a part of my kingdom when I rule.¡±

    ¡°You were quite impressive, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°If they weren¡¯t going to follow you, I don¡¯t know if there is a person alive to whom they would listen.¡±  Talon nudged her shoulder with his lightly as he walked. He gave her a smug smile. ¡°I rather enjoyed watching you.  It makes me look even more forward to serving on your Ring, if this is what it will be like.¡±

    Griffa sighed and looked over at Ansel who only smirked at her.  Griffa rolled her eyes and walked ahead, ready to eat and relax while she still could.

 Chapter 17

    Ansel blinked his eyes open.  He looked at the dim light coming in through the windows and wondered if it was early, or if the day had dawned just a gray as the ones before it.  He stretched slightly and shivered.  It was cold.  It was only a week until winter.  Ansel sat up slightly and looked at the fire burning in the fireplace.  It was low so he raised his hand and the fire burned higher.

    Ansel laid pack down and look to his side to see Griffa sleeping soundly.  He smiled as he turned to her and put his arms around her, bringing her close.  She had slept much better lately, and Ansel was pleased.  He hoped it meant she would be well rested and strong when they finally went to Aurumist.  It would be soon, Ansel knew it.

    They had received a message from Devland last week telling them Philo had plans to try to expand his army by finding new soldiers in kingdom villages. Devland suggested Philo may take folk unwillingly. He was trying to learn more, and they would get another letter soon.  Hopefully, it would detail what Philo¡¯s plans actually were. If Philo was attacking villages and taking people, Griffa would want to intervene, and Ansel knew there would be no stopping her.

    It might get to the point they would have to stop waiting and go to the city to face Philo and his army.  Ansel would have liked a little more time to plan and find even more people for their forces, but they may be running out of time.  Ansel held Griffa close to him.  He only wanted her to be safe.  Whatever happened with the kingdom, he could not imagine living in Regventus without Griffa.

    Ansel moved her hair slightly to expose Griffa¡¯s neck, kissing  it gently as he held her against him.  He took a breath, treasuring holding Griffa in his arms.  He would somehow see her through the battle to come. He could not imagine being able to hold her, talk to her, or love her.  He had been separated from her too much as it was, and he would not lose her. He leaned forward and kissed her neck again.

    Griffa sighed and moved slightly.  He kissed her again as he felt her hand on his arm.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he whispered into her ear before kissing her neck again.

    ¡°It is a good morning when I am woken up in such a way,¡± said Griffa as she leaned back.

    Ansel put his face close to hers and kissed her cheek.  ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±

    ¡°I did.  I¡¯ve actually slept through the whole night each night this past week.  It is a refreshing change,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°It must be nice for you as well, to have a full night¡¯s sleep again.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. There are things I don¡¯t mind losing sleep over,¡± said Ansel.

    Griffa grinned and turned over to face Ansel.  ¡°I am very awake now, if you had something in mind.¡±

    Ansel smiled and kissed her.  He pulled back and looked at Griffa. ¡°Do you have any idea of how much I love you?¡±

    ¡°I believe I do, but if you wanted to show me again, I wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±

    Sometime later, Ansel held Griffa in his arms.  He looked down at her and kissed her gently.

    ¡°I wonder how many times we will have like this?¡± asked Griffa.

    Ansel looked at her with concern.  ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Things will change very soon.  No matter what happens, we won¡¯t be in Keene Manor.  If we are successful, we will be in the palace in Aurumist.¡±

    ¡°We will be successful.  I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s a bed in the palace, here in Keene Manor, or some small village home, as long as I get to be with you like this, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way,¡± said Griffa, ¡°but I will still miss Keene Manor and Abscon.¡±

    ¡°We will come back and visit.  It will be nice to get away from the palace sometimes. Maybell will expect you to visit regularly, I am sure.¡±

    ¡°It still won¡¯t be the same.  This is my home.  It¡¯s where I grew up, and where I first got to know Max and Kedan.  I have memories with Talon here as well.¡±

    Ansel sighed.  ¡°I¡¯m sure you do.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s where I fell in love with you,¡± said Griffa before leaning up and kissing Ansel.

    ¡°We have no set plans today.  Why don¡¯t we spend the day doing all the things you enjoy in the manor and Abscon?¡±

    ¡°We certainly already did one of the things I enjoy the most,¡± said Griffa with a sly smile.

    ¡°We can put it on the list to do later as well. What else would you like to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to take spend some time outside, if it¡¯s not too cold, maybe go for a ride.  I¡¯d like to have some duels on the back lawn, and end the day with a nice dinner, and some games in the parlor.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you would want to play games,¡± said Ansel with a sigh.  ¡°If you would like to do all those things, we will need to get up and get dressed.¡±

    Griffa smiled, kissed Ansel quickly and rolled out of the bed.  They told everyone else their plans over breakfast.

    ¡°I¡¯m not much of a horsewoman,¡± said Addi. ¡°I may just wait at the house for you.¡±

    ¡°You will be fine, Addi,¡± said Max smiling at her.  ¡°Griffa has a few very gentle horses.  I will stay close by you.¡±

    ¡°I will not force you to come,¡± said Griffa, ¡°but Max is excellent with horses.  He grew up working in a stable, you know.¡±

    In the end, they all agreed to go.  Max found a nice older mare for Addi and helped her mount her horse.  He stayed by her as Griffa rode between Ansel and Talon with Kedan close by.  As they entered the fields, Griffa nudged her horse and took off, her red hair flying in the breeze.  Talon looked at Ansel before riding after her.

    ¡°I wish she would take a little more care,¡± said Kedan watching Talon ride after Griffa.

    ¡°She¡¯s been riding these fields since she could sit a horse, Kedan.  She will be fine,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°Do you think she will be happy living in the city?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°I am afraid she will feel rather caged in after spending all her life in Abscon and the forest.¡±

    Ansel watched as Talon caught up with Griffa in the distance.  She slowed down her horse and circled around Talon, laughing over something.  Ansel turned to Kedan.

    ¡°I always felt like she belonged in the forest. She¡¯s always been a bit wild. As a child she regularly snuck out to the fields or the forest.  She would come back covered in dirt, talking about some adventure she had. Her father would laugh and send her off for a bath.  I once asked him why he didn¡¯t take a firmer hand with her.  He told me society and time would tame her soon enough.  He would never tamper down her independence and fire.  He said she would need it as she became the leader she needed to be.  I thought he was talking about the Ring, but I suppose he meant something much more.

    ¡°She has grown up and matured, but I would hate for her to lose all her wildness. I would hate to see her fire stamped out.  It is a part of who she is.   We will have to make sure she takes breaks as much as she can.  The forest isn¡¯t far outside the city, and she can ride there regularly.¡±

    Kedan nodded.  ¡°She is feeling very well lately.  I haven¡¯t seen her in such good moods in a while.  I hope that is a good omen for things to come.¡±

    Ansel did as well. He urged his horse forward and caught up with Griffa and Talon. Kedan waited for Max and Addi and they all spent the rest of the morning riding in the fields, looking at the stream, and telling stories of times past.  By lunch, they were cold and hungry.  After eating a hot, hearty stew, they rested a bit in the parlor, before going out onto the back lawn for some duels.

    ¡°I have a fun idea,¡± said Griffa holding her staff and looking at Ansel and Talon.  ¡°Why don¡¯t you two duel Addi and me.  If Kedan and Max don¡¯t mind sitting this one out.¡±

    Max laughed and said he would gladly watch.  Kedan sat next to Max, very pleased to sit down and observe.

    ¡°Fine, Griffa, if that is what you want,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Kedan, you cannot interfere in any way.  Max, you make sure he doesn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You are questioning my honor,¡± said Griffa as she feigned offense.  ¡°Addi and I will need no help to best you two.¡±

    Griffa turned and grabbed Addi¡¯s arm. She walked away from Talon and Ansel, whispering in Addi¡¯s ear.

    ¡°What should our strategy be, Ansel?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°We cannot lose to those two. We will never hear the end of it.¡±

    Talon looked over at Griffa and Addi whispering to one another.  He then turned to Talon.  ¡°We need to take out one of them first. Focus on one, and then the other will be alone.¡±

    ¡°Which one should we take out first?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°Have you ever seen Addi duel?¡±

    Talon shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen and dueled Griffa.  She is as formidable as you can probably guess.  She is sneaky and clever. Our best course is probably to take down Addi and get Griffa alone.¡±

    ¡°Once she¡¯s alone, we will have to trap her in a small space.  We need to be able to impede her movements,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°How are your reflexes, Talon?  She does have a staff, and if you get too close, she won¡¯t think twice about smacking you with it.¡±

    Talon raised his eyebrows with a slight smile.  ¡°I think I can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Are you two ready, or are you going to stall all day?¡± called Griffa from the other side of the lawn.

    ¡°We were only giving you enough time to think this over.  You can still back out,¡± called Talon.

    Griffa smiled and turned to Max.  ¡°Max, will you start the duel for us?¡±

    Max nodded.  He stood up and held his hand up.  Griffa stood straight with her staff by her side.  Addi crouched slightly next to Griffa with her hands up.  Talon put one of his hands up, and Ansel stood slightly crouched and still.  Seeing all were ready, Max threw his hand down.

    Addi threw out two spells at Talon quickly.  Talon blocked them while Ansel sent a couple spells of his own at Addi.  Griffa moved her staff and blocked the spells from hitting Addi, while Addi moved her hands and threw two more spells at Ansel. Ansel moved to the side while Talon threw a couple of spells at Addi.  Griffa slammed her staff into the ground and a shield appeared around them.  Talon¡¯s spells bounced away.

    Griffa quickly turned to Addi and whispered something.  Addi nodded and looked back at Talon and Ansel.  Both Griffa and Addie threw out their hands and sent spells at the men.  Talon deflected the spells while Ansel pushed his hand out hard.  The spells hit Griffa¡¯s shield, and he could see it begin to falter.

    Griffa and Addi moved up a little, Addi slightly ahead of Griffa.  Griffa pushed out her staff and a spell came and circled around Talon.  He put out his hands to push it away, but he was slightly turned.  Ansel watched as Talon shivered and then smirked at Griffa.  He pushed out his hands and a spell flew at the women.  Addi moved in front of Griffa and held out her hands.  Even with her block she was knocked over on her back, hitting the ground hard.

    Griffa looked down at Addi who stayed down on her back.  Griffa looked at Ansel and Talon and crouched down with her staff out in front.  She pushed it out, and a spell came flying at them.  Ansel threw up a block, but both men stumbled.  Talon pushed his hands out and then thrust them at Griffa.  A fierce wind came and pushed her from her back closer to Talon and Ansel. Stolen novel; please report.

    Ansel swiftly circled around so he was behind Griffa as Talon faced her front.  She threw a spell at Talon and then turned with her staff sliding it out sending a spell that wrapped around Ansel¡¯s legs.  Talon dodged his, while Ansel felt his legs tangle.  He hoped around awkwardly, but kept on his feet.  He looked at Talon and nodded.

    Talon moved closer circling Griffa, as Ansel did the same.  Griffa circled with them, throwing out spells at them, forcing them to throw up blocks or dodge.  Talon got close enough to Griffa that when she tried to move her staff, he caught it in his hands.  He put his hand on her shoulder and leaned in close to her face as Ansel moved up closer to her back.

    ¡°You can yield now Griffa, before I send a spell through you.  I don¡¯t want to hurt you in any way.  Perhaps, I can do something like you tried to do to me earlier.  That was a rather dirty move.¡±

    ¡°I doubt you minded it,¡± said Griffa with a small smile.

    ¡°Yield, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°We have you trapped.¡±

    ¡°Do you?¡± asked Griffa. She turned back to look at Ansel.

    Ansel went to grab her when he felt his feet swept out from under him.  He fell hard to the ground and looked up to see Addi standing over him.  Griffa turned quickly back to Talon seeing him distracted.  She threw her hand out, causing him to fly away from her, letting her staff go.  She quickly sent out two curses as he stumbled, causing him to land flat on his back.  Griffa walked over to him and held her staff over his chest.

    ¡°Go ahead and yield, Talon,¡± said Griffa tauntingly.  ¡°I would hate to hurt you in some way.¡±

    ¡°You could try that spell from earlier if you like,¡± said Talon smiling up at her.  She frowned at him and pointed her staff closer to his chest.  Talon glanced over looking at Ansel who had Addi Vin standing over him with her hand raised.  Talon sighed.  ¡°We yield, Griffa.¡±

    Griffa smiled and took her staff away from Talon.  She held out her hand, and Talon took it.  She pulled him up, and he dusted himself off.  Addi gave Ansel her hand, helping him to rise from the ground.  Max and Kedan walked over to join their group.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that was fair, Griffa,¡± said Talon. ¡°We knocked Addi down, yet she got up and helped you.¡±

    ¡°You knocked her down, but she did not yield,¡± said Max smiling at Addi and Griffa.  ¡°You should have made her yield before you moved on to Griffa.¡±

    ¡°It was a part of our plan,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°But if they had tried to get to Addi to make her yield, I would have stopped them. We would have gone with our plan b.¡±

    ¡°What was your plan b?¡± asked Ansel.

    Griffa looked at him with a wicked smile.  ¡°All you need to know is, it would have been very effective.¡±  Ansel looked at Talon out of the side of his eyes to see he was smirking at Griffa.

    ¡°Come on, Addi,¡± said Griffa grabbing Addi¡¯s arm. ¡°We should get back and clean up for dinner.¡±  Griffa turned and looked at the men.  ¡°I would like it if we all dressed for dinner tonight.   I have asked Maybell to cook something special.  Then we can all gather in the parlor for a game after.  Talon, I am sure you can come up with something appropriate.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure it will be appropriate, but I will find something amusing,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°See that you do,¡± said Griffa as she turned with Addi and walked into the house.

    ¡°Your queen is in an interesting mood, protector,¡± said Talon looking at Kedan.

    Kedan glanced at Ansel.  ¡°Interesting is not what I would call it. She woke up in a very good mood this morning.  I am pleased to see her so happy.¡±

    ¡°As am I,¡± said Talon as they all started walking towards the house.

    Ansel walked up to Griffa¡¯s room to be told to clean up and dress in his own room by Addi and Griffa.  Ansel rolled his eyes, but was pleased to see Griffa enjoying herself.  After cleaning up and dressing for dinner, Ansel walked to the parlor to find Max, Kedan, and Talon sitting around.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange seeing you without some sort of sigil on your shirt, Ansel,¡± said Talon wearing his own fox sigil stitched on his shirt.  ¡°You could have kept Raya¡¯s sigil.  Kedan could have come up with his own.¡±

    ¡°No, the tree was only taken up when the line of protectors was formed, it is right it goes with Kedan.  I will soon be wearing suns, so it is no matter.¡±

    ¡°Will you expect us to call you king?¡± asked Talon with a smile.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t given it much thought,¡± replied Ansel. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll let the queen decide.¡±

    ¡°I think that would be good advice for most situations,¡± said Talon laughing.  ¡°Griffa does like to have her way.¡±

    ¡°Is that what you do when I am not around?¡± asked Griffa coming in the room with Addi by her side.  ¡°Do you complain about your queen when I am away?¡±

    Ansel turned and looked at Griffa.  She looked very lovely in a dark red gown and her hair pulled to the side.  She wore her crown on her brow and had an amusing smile on her face.

    ¡°Why does saying you like your own way sound like a complaint?¡± asked Talon walking over to Griffa.  ¡°You know your own mind and you are a queen.  You should expect to get your own way.¡±

    ¡°It still doesn¡¯t sound very flattering.  I like to think I listen to all wise council before I make decisions.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, you do,¡± said Talon. ¡°But in the end, they are your decisions. You are our queen, and we follow your commands.¡±

    ¡°Then I will ask my protector to follow one now, and escort Addi to dinner,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°To escort a lovely woman is a rather easy command,¡± said Kedan.  He held his arm out to Addi.  ¡°Come on, Addi, we must do as our queen asks.¡±

    Addi looked at Griffa with a smile before accepting Kedan¡¯s arm.  Griffa looked at Ansel.

    ¡°Soon, at events you will have to let someone else escort me into dinner, Ansel.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± said Ansel holding out his arm to Griffa.  ¡°But we are not married yet, and I am sure you won¡¯t offend Max or Talon.  Talon is probably of the highest rank of all us men, and he will have to let me have my way this once.  I think the short walk on my arm to the dining room won¡¯t shock too many people.¡±

    Griffa smiled and took Ansel¡¯s arm.  ¡°If you are trying to be charming and amusing, I think it might be working,¡± said Griffa as they walked to the dining room.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had to learn some new tricks, living with Talon for so long,¡± replied Ansel as they entered the dining room.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you will ever be as charming and amusing as Talon,¡± said Griffa as Ansel escorted her to the head of the table.

    ¡°No?¡± asked Ansel, frowning slightly.

    Griffa leaned in close and whispered.  ¡°Talon is a man of many words.  You are a man of action. You have many worthy attributes that I find much more enticing than any clever speeches Talon can give.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to list these attributes?¡± whispered Ansel teasingly.

    ¡°No, I will take your lead and show you later,¡± answered Griffa as she looked around the table.

    Ansel smiled at Griffa as she nodded her head and signaled the start of dinner, by sitting down in her chair.  Maybell had made a very nice dinner, and They all ate well and had good conversation.  After dinner they all gathered in the parlor.  Griffa walked into her study.  She came out soon holding a round bottle in her hand.  She smiled at Talon and placed it on a side table where some wine and glasses sat.  Talon stood in front of the fireplace as Griffa sat down on the sofa next to Addi.

    Talon looked at everyone in the room.  ¡°As you know, our queen has asked me to provide us with entertainment tonight.  I cannot let her down, so I have chosen a game.  It is quite simple.  We will take turns asking each other questions.  You have two choices when asked. You can answer the questions truthfully, or you can drink from this rather strong drink Griffa has provided.¡±

    ¡°It was my father¡¯s,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°He rarely drank it, but I have tried it once.  You need to be careful with it as it goes to your head rather quickly. You will need to make sure you really don¡¯t want to answer your question.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, you are our queen, so you should ask the first question,¡± said Talon.  He walked over and sat in a chair next to Ansel.

    Griffa looked around the room and then turned to Addi.  ¡°Addi, who is the most handsome man in this room?¡±

    Addi smiled. ¡°That¡¯s rather an easy question, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°Except for Kedan,¡± said Griffa smiling slightly.

    Addi frowned and sighed. She looked around the room.

    ¡°You could always drink if you don¡¯t want to answer,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°No, I will answer,¡± said Addi sullenly.  She shook her head.  ¡°I guess I would have to say Talon.¡±

    ¡°Really, Addi,¡± said Talon with a laugh.  ¡°You don¡¯t have to act like it gives you pain to admit it. I am known to be rather handsome.  I¡¯m sure many women would agree with you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I know they would,¡± said Addi rolling her eyes.  ¡°Your looks have never been your problem, or maybe they have.  They have puffed up your self-importance.¡±

    ¡°You are right, Addi,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Talon has long thought too much of his own looks.  I wonder at you stoking the fire by declaring him the handsomest in the room.¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯t lie, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°She had to admit the truth.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t very well say the queen¡¯s betrothed is the best looking here.  I¡¯m not sure that would be appropriate,¡± said Addi fiercely.  ¡°Max is very young still.  Give him a few years and ask me the question again.¡±

    Griffa patted Addi¡¯s arm affectionately and laughed. ¡°Calm down, dear, don¡¯t let Talon get to you, not this early in the evening.  He is very handsome, let him have that.  It¡¯s your turn, Addi.¡±

    Addi huffed and looked at Talon. ¡°You must be a man of at least a few regrets,¡± she said to Talon with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°Everyone has regrets, Addi,¡± said Talon carefully.

    ¡°What is your biggest regret, Talon?¡± asked Addi.

    Talon looked at Addi and then stared at Griffa.  Ansel wondered what he was going to say as Griffa looked up at Talon with a blush and a small frown.  Talon got up and walked to the side table, pouring a small glass from the round bottle.  He picked up the glass and took a deep breath before tossing the drink back.  He shook his head after he swallowed and walked back to his seat.

    ¡°I believe it is my turn now,¡± said Talon, looking at Ansel.  ¡°Ansel, I believe you might have an interesting history with someone in this room that not every knows about.  I have heard it from a friend in the Valley, and I want to know if it is true.¡±

    ¡°What is your question, Talon?¡± asked Ansel, already knowing what he was referring to.

    ¡°What is your history with our own Miss Addi Vin?¡± asked Talon.

    Ansel smiled slightly.  He looked at Addi who had turned very red, and Griffa who looked at him with interest.

    ¡°I was in the Valley for your father¡¯s sending off, Talon. I stayed in Griffa¡¯s home, but she spent most her time with you.  I think you and she went off somewhere together during the summer festival.  I attended the festival in the Valley for some reason.  I was hoping perhaps that you and Griffa might make an appearance.

    ¡°I spent most of the time on the edge of the room, and I ran into Addi.  We shared a dislike of crowds and company.  We dance a few times, probably drank a little too much, and I saw her home.  It was a lovely night, and she is a pretty woman, so I kissed her.  It didn¡¯t lead to anything else.¡±

    Ansel looked at Griffa who smiled at him.  ¡°Addi, said it was a rather sweet, chaste kiss.  Thank goodness it wasn¡¯t her first. A girl should be kissed passionately the first time.¡±

    ¡°You knew about this?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°What do you think us women talk of when we are alone? Addi has become one of my closest friends.  Do you not think she would tell me she had kissed my betrothed?¡±

    ¡°I am sorry, Griffa,¡± said Addi quietly.

    ¡°Why?¡± asked Griffa. ¡°Was the kiss that bad?¡±

    Addi covered her face and shook her head as Griffa said to Ansel.  ¡°Go on, it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    Ansel looked around and his eyes landed on Max.  ¡°Max,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°When you first met our queen here, I think you might have had a small crush on her.  What do you say to that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d say you are of course correct,¡± said Max smiling at Griffa.  ¡°She is a beautiful woman who shared a horse with me for two days. She is brilliant and fun.  What young man of 16 wouldn¡¯t be a little infatuated?¡±

    ¡°You were rather sweet, Max,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I did tease you too much. I know I am a shameless flirt.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mind, Griffa.  You made me feel welcomed and comfortable coming to a strange new place.¡±

    ¡°You are a flirt though, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°You will have to watch that as queen.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re one to talk, and I think I can use it as an advantage as queen,¡± said Griffa.  She turned to Max.  ¡°It is your turn, Max.¡±

    Max smiled at Griffa.  ¡°What was your plan b today in the duels?  What did you and Addi plan to do?¡±

    Griffa looked at Addi with a huge smile as Addi turned very red. Griffa leaned in and whispered something to Addi and then stood up.  She walked over to the side table and took a drink.  She shivered and walked back to the sofa.

    Talon looked at Ansel out of the corner of his eyes

    ¡°I think I would have liked to have seen plan b,¡± he muttered out of the side of his mouth.

    Ansel silently agreed.

    They played a few more turns.  Griffa had drunk once more when asked by Talon what her favorite memory of him was.  At some point Talon passed out wine to all. He sat next to Griffa drinking his wine.  Ansel noticed Griffa was looking very relaxed leaning slightly on Talon.

    ¡°Talon,¡± said Ansel when it was his turn.  ¡°Before we left on our trip together you told me that Griffa owed you a favor. What is that favor?¡±

    Talon looked at Griffa who looked up at him with a half-smile.  Talon sighed and stood up.  He walked to the side table and poured a drink from the round bottle, drinking it quickly.  He stumbled slightly as he walked back the sofa and sat down hard next to Griffa.

    ¡°Go on, Talon,¡± said Griffa taking a sip of wine.  ¡°Ask someone a question.¡±

    ¡°Kedan,¡± said Talon. ¡°I remember some of my conversations after Ansel and I were rescued from that small village. I asked you a question and you never answered.  Do you remember?¡±

    Kedan nodded and looked at Talon.

    ¡°So, do you?  Do you find our queen desirable? I want none of your protector talk.  Answer truthfully.¡±

    Kedan looked at Talon and then at Griffa.  He slowly got up and went over to the side table, pouring himself a drink.  He looked at the glass and then drank it.

    Griffa sat up slightly and looked at Kedan. ¡°Kedan, do you mind if I take your turn?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°Thank you.  I have a question for Ansel and Talon,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°You can¡¯t do that, Griffa,¡± said Talon shaking his head.  ¡°You have to pick one of us.¡±

    ¡°I am the queen, and I can do as I like. I am asking both of you,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Now, when you two were a little indisposed after your adventure, you were whispering together on our walk back from Abscon. I know it was about me.  Then later in your room, Talon, after Ansel pulled me into the bed, you said something like I told you so, Ansel. What did all that mean?¡±

    Ansel looked at Talon.  Ansel had a fuzzy recollection of that day.  He remembered Talon whispering something to him about Griffa.  He suddenly had a sinking feeling in his stomach.  He remembered quite well, what they had been talking of.  It had been a continuation of a talk they had in that inn they were kept in.  Talon looked at Ansel with wide eyes and shook his head.  They both got up and walked to the side table.  Each poured a drink and drank it.

    Griffa looked between them both with a questioning look as they sat next to each other in two chairs.

    ¡°Are you really not going to tell me?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°That¡¯s not how the game works, Griffa,¡± said Talon slurring slightly.  ¡°You may be the queen, but you have to follow at least some of the rules.¡±

    Griffa crossed her arms and looked angry.

    Talon got up carefully and walked over to Griffa.  He sat down next to her and put his arm around her.

    ¡°I have a private question for you, Griffa,¡± said Talon.

    Talon leaded down in Griffa¡¯s ear.  She glanced sideways at Ansel for a second and then looked at Talon.  Talon leaned up and looked at Griffa.  ¡°Well?¡± he asked.

    She looked at Talon and shrugged slightly.  He smiled at her and leaned down to whisper something else.  Ansel watched her blush as she smiled slightly.  Griffa stood up quickly.

    ¡°It is getting late, and I think I will go to bed.  Ansel, are you ready to join me?¡± asked Griffa.

    Ansel glanced at Talon who had his familiar wicked smile turned on Griffa.  He looked back at Griffa.

    ¡°Yes, I am ready,¡± replied Ansel.  He walked over and took Griffa¡¯s hand as she said goodnight to everyone.

    Griffa leaned on Ansel as they made their way to the stairs.

    ¡°What did Talon ask you just now?¡± asked Ansel as they slowly climbed the stairs.

    Griffa stumbled as she looked at Ansel.  ¡°I don¡¯t even want to say.  Besides, I am pretty sure you already know.¡±

    Ansel shook his head and walked with Griffa to their bedroom.

 Chapter 18

    Kedan sat at the dining table eating breakfast with Max and Addi.  Talon, Griffa, and Ansel had not come down yet, but after last night, Kedan was not surprised.  They had drunk a bit more than the others.  The one drink Kedan took was enough.  It made him slightly dizzy and his head feel foggy.  Even with the one drink, he still woke up with a slight headache.

    Kedan ate in silence while Addi and Max chatted politely to one another.  Before long, Griffa came into the room with a vial in her hand.  She sat down next to Kedan and handed it to him.

    ¡°I know you only had one drink last night, but I figured you might still need this.  That drink does have some nasty consequences sometimes. If you have a headache or any queasiness, this will help.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Kedan.  He took the vial and opened it, smelling it before drinking it.   A moment later, his head felt much clearer.  He smiled at Griffa as she handed him the vial.

    As Griffa filled her plate, Ansel and Talon walked in together.  They sat across from Griffa and Kedan, putting food on their plate.

    ¡°What are everyone¡¯s plans today?¡± asked Griffa looking around the table.

    ¡°Addi and I are starting on a new batch of the cure to send out,¡± said Max.

    ¡°Kedan and I should run into the village and see if the guards we sent out last made it back alright,¡± replied Ansel pouring some tea.

    ¡°Hopefully, we get a letter from Devland today,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Besides that, I am at your disposal Griffa if you need anything.¡±

    ¡°Just your company, Talon.  I¡¯m not sure what to do with myself after the business of the last few weeks.  Now that we have all of our forces set, all I can do is wait.¡±

    ¡°And rest,¡± said Ansel looking at Griffa.  ¡°You should relax while you can.¡±

    Griffa sighed and nodded, going back to her breakfast.  After breakfast, Kedan and Ansel walked to the entry hall to prepare to go into town.  As Kedan put on his cloak, there was a knock at the door.  Ansel opened it to find a bird with a message. He took it and looked at Kedan.

    ¡°It¡¯s from Devland.  Griffa will want to read this now.  We might want to wait and see what Devland has to say before we go into town,¡± said Ansel.

    Kedan agreed and followed Ansel into the parlor where Griffa and Talon sat on the sofa together.

    ¡°This message just came, Griffa,¡± said Ansel walking over to her.  ¡°I believe it¡¯s from Devland.¡±

    Griffa took the message and opened it.  Kedan watched as she quickly read over it.  She looked up at them all with a concerned look on her face before she stood up and handed Talon the letter. Talon read over it and looked up at Griffa as she walked to the fireplace.

    ¡°You will want to go, won¡¯t you?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I will have to go, you know I will,¡± said Griffa as she paced.

    ¡°Go where?¡± asked Ansel reaching out for the letter.

    ¡°To Clarton,¡± said Talon handing Ansel the letter.  ¡°Philo has started attacking villages throughout the kingdom.  His soldiers are taking young dormant magic users and forcing them back to the city to take the elixir so they will join the city¡¯s army.  They are telling the young people if they don¡¯t take it, the army will go back and destroy their village.  After that, Devland mentions mind control being used on them.  Devland says they plan to attack Clarton today by lunch.¡±

    Kedan looked at Griffa.  She was pacing and breathing hard.  He walked over and grabbed her hand, stopping her from pacing.  She gripped his hand and looked up at him.  ¡°You will come with me, won¡¯t you, Kedan?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°I will go wherever you go, but are you sure this is wise, my queen?¡±

    ¡°I have to see for myself what is happening.  I need to help my people where I can.  I cannot stay away knowing this is happening.¡±

    Kedan saw Ansel look at Talon. ¡°If we are going to go, we need to go soon,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°Kedan, you will stay with Griffa at all times as soon as we leave the manor.  No matter what happens, you will not leave her side.

    ¡°I will go into town directly and gather up some of the protector¡¯s guards.  I will meet you at the gates of Abscon directly after.¡±

    Kedan nodded as Griffa walked over to Ansel.  ¡°Thank you,¡± she said as she put her hand up to his face.  He grabbed her hand and kissed it, before bringing it to his side.

    ¡°Promise me you will stay next to Kedan the whole time we are out of Abscon, Griffa.  You will not send him away or run away from him.¡±

    ¡°I will not,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I have learned my lesson.  What I will need to do, will require Kedan¡¯s presence.¡±

    ¡°Go tell Addi and Max, they will want to come,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I will see you soon.¡±

    Ansel bent down and quickly kissed Griffa before walking out of the parlor.  Talon walked to the cellar to collect Addi and Max while Griffa ran upstairs to get her crown and staff.  Soon they were all in their cloaks walking through Abscon to the gates.  Kedan walked on one side of Griffa while Talon stayed close to her other side.

    ¡°Griffa, if anything happens where we are overwhelmed, promise me you will get out of the village this time,¡± said Talon as they walked.

    ¡°You know I won¡¯t be able to leave any of you behind,¡± said Griffa.

    Talon grabbed her hand and held it as they walked.  ¡°You must realize how important you are to the kingdom.  Our first priority is your safety.  You must take care of yourself.  If it becomes too much, you will need to get out of the village as quickly as possible and back to Abscon.¡±

    Griffa shook her head and let go of Talon¡¯s hand.  She walked quickly, moving ahead of Kedan and Talon as the gates came into view.  Talon looked at Kedan.

    ¡°You will have to do whatever you can to keep her safe.  Do not worry about the rest of us.  You only need to focus on her.  If the worst happens, grab her, and get her out of there.  Do you understand me, Kedan?¡±

    ¡°I will keep her safe.  I staked my life on it, remember?¡± asked Kedan as they walked through the gates. Talon and Kedan stopped just before Griffa.

    ¡°I do remember, Kedan, and I will hold you to it,¡± said Talon.  Kedan nodded and walked to stand close to Griffa.

    They waited quietly until Ansel showed up with a group of protector¡¯s guards.  He looked around at everyone before walking over to Griffa.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what we will be facing when we arrive in Clarton,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°We will travel just outside the third ring and make our way in.  If our information is correct, we may face many Aurumist soldiers.  Try not to hurt any of the villagers.  Once we have cleared the village of soldiers, we will leave the village and travel back to Abscon.  If you get separated from our group, go back in the forest and wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Our priority is our queen¡¯s safety,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Her protector must not leave her side.  If he is incapacitated in any way, all around will gather and protect our queen.¡±

    ¡°We need to go,¡± said Griffa.  She took Kedan¡¯ hand and looked at him.  She closed her eyes and Kedan felt himself travel.

    Kedan felt his feet hit the forest floor.  He opened his eyes to see the village of Clarton ahead of him through the trees.  Everyone else started appearing around them.  Talon and Ansel moved close to Griffa as Max and Addi stood behind.  The guards gathered around.

    ¡°We need to get closer and see what is going on,¡± said Griffa.

    She started walking towards the village, and Kedan hurried to keep up with her.  He walked by Griffa¡¯s side when he suddenly felt slightly lightheaded.  He turned quickly to Griffa to see her stumble.  Kedan grabbed Griffa before she fell over.  He held her close and looked at her to see her eyes were closed and she was breathing rapidly.

    ¡°What happened?¡± asked Talon walking to Kedan, looking down at Griffa.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She was fine, and then I felt like I was dizzy.  I looked over and she just looked as if she was going to fall.¡±

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Ansel at her other side. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Griffa reached out and grabbed Talon¡¯s hand before she blinked open her eyes and looked up at them.  ¡°Can you not feel it?  It¡¯s as if all the magic around is almost gone.  It¡¯s as if the kingdom is dying.¡±  Griffa pushed herself away from Kedan and stood up.  She swayed and shook her head, taking deep breaths.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Kedan could feel her pain and sickness.  He could feel something else as well.  She was right, something was wrong.  In Abscon, Kedan could still feel magic surrounding everything, but out here in the forest by Clarton, it seemed as if all the magic in the kingdom was being siphoned away.  He could only feel a small spark in the air.

    ¡°We should go back,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I can do this.  It was just a shock at first.¡±

    ¡°Talon is right, Griffa.  We can all feel it out here.  Something is wrong.  We need to retreat to Abscon,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°You can¡¯t travel back to Abscon by magic,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°It won¡¯t be possible.  You know that.¡±

    Kedan heard Ansel sigh.  ¡°How can we defend the village then?  Will we be able to do much of anything?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Griffa. ¡°If you stay close to me and Kedan, you will be fine.  Tell your guards to wait here, protector. I cannot shield them all.¡±

    Kedan nodded and told his guards to disperse outside the third ring and wait for them.  There were screams coming from Clarton, and Griffa turned to everyone. Her eyes were bright.

    ¡°Stay close to me or wait here. I will take care of this quickly,¡± she said as she turned and walked towards Clarton at a fast pace.

    Kedan walked next to her.  He could feel the power coming off of her.  Her magic reached out for his and his responded.  Kedan took in a breath feeling his and her magic swirl together inside of him.  It gave him a confidence and peace despite not knowing what they were going to face.  He looked down at his queen and smiled.

    ¡°Protector, stay with me. I believe you know what to do,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Yes, my queen, I know exactly what to do,¡± said Kedan as they entered the third ring.

    There was a group of Aurumist soldiers that were half circled around a group of young people.  Griffa walked up to them with Kedan by her side.  The soldiers looked at Griffa for a moment, before several threw curses in her direction.  Kedan held up a hand, shielding Griffa.  The curses bounced away harmlessly.  Griffa threw out her staff and hand and the soldiers were flung in all directions.  The young people looked at Griffa fearfully.

    ¡°Run out into the forest, until this is over,¡± said Griffa to them.  They all looked at her for a moment and then did as she directed.

    ¡°Griffa, are you alright?¡± asked Ansel who came up to Griffa¡¯s side.

    ¡°Yes, I am very well,¡± said Griffa as she walked around the ring.

    Kedan knew she was looking for the opening to the second ring.  They would encounter a soldier or two here and there.  Kedan would see Ansel or Talon throw out a curse to dispense with the soldier.  They soon reached the opening to the second ring, and Griffa walked through with Kedan following her.

    The streets were filled with people screaming and running.  Soldiers were running down people either killing them or catching them.  Griffa walked towards a group of soldiers who were cornering a large group of people.  She pushed out her hand, and the soldiers turned abruptly towards Griffa.  Griffa slashed down her staff and half of the soldiers were throne against a building close by.  Ansel and Talon threw out a few curses to take out some of the soldiers.

    Kedan turned and saw a group of soldiers coming towards their back.  Addi and Max started throwing curses as Kedan concentrated on keeping a shield around his queen and her small group.  Griffa finished with the group of soldiers in front of her by pushing out her hand and staff causing the soldiers to fall.  She turned quickly and walked in front of Max and Addi.  She looked at the soldiers in front of her, raising her hand and staff, and the soldiers seem to freeze. They struggled to move as Griffa held up her hand and staff.  She then threw her hand and staff down, and the soldiers seem to be thrown by some invisible force.  Some slammed into area buildings, others hit the ground hard.

    Griffa walked around their bodies, continuing to make her way around the ring.  They finally came to the largest group of soldiers.  They were circled around a large group of young people who all looked frightened.  One of the soldiers and a man dressed nicely turned and looked at Griffa.

    The man stepped forward.  ¡°You are the false queen, I believe.¡±

    Griffa laughed.  ¡°You call me the false queen? Do you even believe what you are saying?¡±

    ¡°What right do you have to come into my village and disrupt our soldiers¡¯ duty?  What right do you have to slaughter them?¡± asked the man.

    ¡°Kedan, who is this man?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°This is Clay, the Viceroy of the Great Surrounding.  He took over after Bernot was killed.¡±

    ¡°It seems I¡¯m not the one with the false title, Viceroy,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Your council has no authority over this kingdom.  Your soldiers will let these people go, and return to Aurumist, or you will all face the consequences of your actions.¡±

    Clay smiled.  ¡°You are vastly outnumbered, false queen. We will quickly kill your companions, and you will come back with us to Aurumist.¡±

    Griffa gave a short laugh and raised her hand.  ¡°This is your last chance.  I try to show mercy when possible, but if you will not take it, then you will know only my wrath.¡±

    Clay turned to his soldiers.  ¡°Spare the false queen if you can, kill the rest.¡± Clay started to walk away when Griffa pushed out her hand.  Clay was thrown down onto the ground.  He turned and looked at her.  ¡°Kill her now.¡±

    Kedan held out his hands as the curses flew at them.  Kedan could see them hit all around them, stopped by the shield he put up.  He looked down to see Griffa staring calmly at the soldiers in front of her.  Ansel and Talon moved up close to her side with their hands raised, but Griffa held out her hand and staff and pushed them gently back.

    ¡°All of you need to stay behind me, including you protector,¡± said Griffa as she raised her hand and staff.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± asked Talon as Ansel grabbed Talon and moved him behind Griffa.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to end this,¡± said Griffa.

    Kedan could feel the magic in the air. Griffa¡¯s hair was blowing all around.  He heard her take a deep breath before she threw down her hand and staff.  A bright light erupted from her and shot out towards the soldiers and the viceroy. It encircled them.  Suddenly, it was as if something had grabbed them. They were jerked from where the stood and thrown into the buildings around them.  Kedan heard their bones break and their cries of agony.

    Kedan looked down, and Griffa was kneeling before him, her hands on the ground.  He knelt beside her and put his hand on her back.  He could feel her exhaustion.  He felt his magic go to her, helping to revive her energy.  Kedan helped her up as Ansel came to her side.  She leaned on Ansel as they all looked before them.

    Everything was quiet except the hush whispers of the young people in front of them.  Soldier bodies lay broken all around them. Ansel helped Griffa walked towards the young people who looked at her fearfully.  Griffa smiled benevolently.

    ¡°I will not hurt you.  You can go home now. You will be safe.  I¡¯m about to go make sure you and your village are never hurt in this way again,¡± said Griffa.

    The young people quickly ran in different directions as Griffa pushed off  from Ansel.  She turned and looked at her group.

    ¡°We will need to get back into the forest to tell the other people they can go home.  After that, I will need to get the rest of you back to Abscon,¡± said Griffa.  She started walking towards the third ring and the forest.

    Kedan hurried to walk by her side as Talon fell in step with her.

    ¡°What do you mean get us back to Abscon, Griffa?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°We cannot all travel to Abscon magically, and we do not have time to walk there.  I will send all of you there except Kedan.  You will go and send messages to all of our allies.  Tell them the time to attack Aurumist is now.  We will attack in five days.  Kedan and I will make our way to Aurumist and meet you and our allies in the forest.¡±

    You cannot think I or Ansel will leave you.  Send Max and Addi back, and they can send the messages,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa as they entered the third ring.  ¡°I need you and Ansel to do this for me.  The letters need to come from both of you.  Let them all know once they travel from their villages there will be no magical travel back until we take Aurumist, and I heal the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°How will you heal the kingdom?¡± asked Ansel who was walking next to Kedan.

    ¡°I am not sure yet, but I have faith the gods will show me as I get closer to Aurumist.  I know they are telling me to do something.  I just have to listen to what that is.¡±

    They walked through the third ring and into the forest.  Ansel found some of the villagers and let them know they could all enter.  Kedan rounded up his guards and brought them to Griffa and the others.

    ¡°This plan is madness, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Why do we have to attack Aurumist now?  You need to go back to Abscon and rest.  We can find a way to get there.¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯t do something soon, the kingdom will be too far gone,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°You will have to trust me. Go back to Abscon and do as I told you.  We will all meet in the forest outside the fifth ring of the city.¡±

    ¡°She is right, Talon,¡± said Max.  ¡°The gods want her to act, and she must do as they bid or Regventus will not survive.  You can feel for yourself the state of the kingdom.  If she doesn¡¯t do something soon, I don¡¯t know if Griffa can survive much longer.¡±

    Talon and Ansel both looked at Griffa.

    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I am connected to this kingdom and its people. I prosper and suffer as the kingdom does.  If the kingdom falls, so will I.  I must do something while I still have the power to do it.¡±

    Max walked up and took Griffa¡¯s hand. He stared at her as he gripped her hand.  Griffa pulled him close and hugged him.  ¡°Thank you, Max,¡± she whispered before kissing him on the forehead.

    Max let of Griffa¡¯s hand and turned to Kedan.  ¡°Remember what I said to you, Kedan.  Only listen to what your magic is telling you.  You will know the truth no matter what it looks like. Do not abandon your queen.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I will see her through this.¡±

    Addi walked up to Griffa and hugged her with tears in her eyes.

    ¡°It will be alright, Addi,¡± said Griffa pulling back and holding on to Addi¡¯s arms.  ¡°I need you to pack me a change of clothes.  I trust you to know what I will need. I will see you in a few days.  Have faith that all will be well.¡±  Griffa leaned forward and kissed Addi¡¯s cheek as Addi nodded.

    Addi walked up and took Kedan¡¯s hand as she looked up at him.

    ¡°Do not worry, Addi, I will take care of her,¡± said Kedan with a small smile.

    ¡°I hope you will take care of yourself as well, Kedan,¡± said Addi as she leaned up and kissed his cheek.  She squeezed his hand before letting it go and walking over to stand next to Max.

    Talon came up to Griffa. ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you, Griffa.  So much could happen in five days.  You will be traveling in the forest, vulnerable.  Let me or Ansel stay with you.¡±

    Griffa put her hand on Talon¡¯s arm and looked up at him. ¡°No, I need to do this with just my protector.  I need to listen to what the gods want from me.  I need you to go and prepare to take the city.  Contact all our allies, make sure they are prepared.  I know this is what needs to be done. Will you have some faith in me?¡±

    Talon closed his eyes and took a breath.  He then opened his eyes and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.  ¡°I have complete faith in you, my queen. I will do as you command.¡±

    Griffa leaned back and looked up at Talon. She placed her hand on his face.  ¡°Five days, Talon, I will see you in five days.  Do you wish for your favor now?¡±

    Talon smiled down at her and took her hand.  ¡°No, I have another time in mind.¡±  Griffa leaned up and kissed his cheek before letting him go.

    Talon walked up to Kedan.  ¡°Your life, Kedan, you swore your life.  I will hold you to it.¡±

    Kedan nodded. ¡°I know.  I will keep her safe.¡±

    Griffa turned to Ansel and took his hand.  Kedan watched as she took him away from the group. He couldn¡¯t hear what she said, but he watched as Ansel took her into his arms and kissed her.  He then held her close before letting her go.  They walked back together to the group, and Ansel stood by Talon.

    ¡°I will send you all back to the front of Keene Manor.  Make sure all of the magical leaders know when and where to meet.  I will see you all in five days.¡±

    Kedan stood close to Griffa.  He watched as she looked at Ansel and Talon and gave them both a small smile.  She then closed her eyes as Kedan put his hand on her shoulder letting his magic flow to her.  Kedan could feel her magic build within her.  A moment later, she opened her eyes and put up her hands. A bright light erupted all around them.  When it was gone, Kedan and Griffa were alone in the woods.

 Chapter 19

    Griffa sat on the forest floor by a fire. They had just finished a small dinner of a loaf of bread and some cheese they had managed to gather from Clarton along with a skin of water before they left.  She looked across from the fire to see Kedan watching her.  They had not made it far into the forest. After the magic she used in the village followed by sending everyone else to Abscon, Griffa was exhausted.  They had made it a few miles into the forest, before Griffa collapsed into Kedan.  He carried her to a group of trees that would provide them with some cover.  He found some mostly dry wood and Griffa had managed to magic a small fire to burn before them.

    Griffa pulled her cloak around her tighter.  It was cold.  She looked up at the sky and she could not see stars.  She hoped it would not snow on them tonight.  She did not have the strength to magic together a shelter.  They would have to sleep under the night sky their first night in the forest.  Griffa hoped after sleeping, she would be able to walk further tomorrow and make them an adequate shelter for in the evening.

    Griffa watched as Kedan shivered, holding on to his cloak.  She felt guilty having him out in the forest with her.  She wished she could have sent him back to Abscon with the others, but it was not possible.  He would probably refuse to go anyway.  He would feel compelled by his protector¡¯s magic to stay by her side.  She knew to send him away would cause him pain and worry.

    She also felt she needed him with her.  She felt like the gods were trying to tell her something, and she needed his magic and power alongside her to be able to feel the dying magic in the kingdom.  She wasn¡¯t sure she could hear the gods without him. Griffa could feel the pain in the kingdom.  She could feel it dying, and it affected her.  It made her feel tired and weak.  Kedan¡¯s magic helped her to go on.

    Griffa scooted over close to Kedan.  She leaned slightly on him as she put her hand on his arm, closing her eyes as she cast a warming spell on him.  He sighed and looked down at her.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done that,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°You are tired and weak.  You need to save your strength.¡±

    ¡°A simple warming spell does not take much magic.  It is no bother.  I know you are cold, and I feel guilty making you stay out here with me,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°There is nowhere else I would want to be, Griffa,¡± said Kedan leaning on her.

    ¡°You may rethink that in the middle of the night when you are wishing for your soft, warm bed back in Abscon,¡± said Griffa as she held her hands out to the fire.

    ¡°I would not be able to enjoy that warm bed if I knew you were out here alone in the forest.¡±

    ¡°Do you ever regret taking on the protector¡¯s line?  You can be honest, Kedan.  I know what a burden it is.¡±

    ¡°I have never regretted for one second becoming your protector.  I don¡¯t think I ever will.¡±

    ¡°I wonder if your magic makes you feel that way.  Perhaps the bond we share together makes it impossible for you to regret our relationship.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± said Kedan, ¡°but I don¡¯t think that is it.  I believe it is because I want to be able to serve you.  I think you might be the only person I have ever known that hasn¡¯t used me for some reason.  You befriended me so quickly, and I never sensed any suspicion in you.  You immediately wanted to protect me, and help me learn how to defend myself.  I remember thinking that I have never met anyone as selfless as you.¡±

    Griffa laughed ¡°I had you fooled. I am afraid I am a very selfish creature, Kedan.  I have tried not to be, but being the only child of a lenient man will do that to a girl.¡±

    ¡°You are too hard on yourself, Griffa.  Almost everything I see you do is for someone else.¡±

    ¡°I have done plenty of selfish things.  I have hurt people that I love.  If I wasn¡¯t so selfish, I would send Talon away from me.  I would tell him to leave me be, and get on with his life.  Instead, I keep him by my side, knowing how he feels for me, knowing he and I can never be what he desires.¡±

    ¡°Talon makes his own decision.  He knows where you stand with him and Ansel.  He loves you, and neither you nor he can help it.  If you sent him away now, you would cause him more hurt than keeping him by your side.¡±

    ¡°It still feels wrong.  Then there¡¯s you and Ansel.  It was probably selfish of me to let Ansel give away the line of protectors.  It was selfish of me to let you take it on.  I got what I wanted, and Ansel gave away something his family held for over 1300 years.  You took on a burden that you cannot shake.  I wonder how the gods could have let such a selfish woman be the queen of this kingdom,¡± said Griffa feeling tears fall out of her eyes.

    Kedan looked down at her.  He put his arm around her and pulled her close.

    ¡°Perhaps selfishness is not your vice, Griffa.  I think it might be control.  You want to control what others do and feel to fit how you think they should act.  Talon loves you, and he wants to be by your side. You say you can never give him what he wants, and that may be true, but I know your feelings for him run deep.  Ansel wanted to give up the line so he could always be with you.  I wanted commitment, responsibility, and purpose in my life.  I wanted to protect you.  Every one of us made these decisions for ourselves.¡±

    Griffa thought over this for a moment, letting tears fall from her eyes as she leaned against the warmth of Kedan.

    ¡°You are probably right, but I sometimes think I have made a mess of everything.  Two years ago, I was Gryphon Keene, a spoiled woman who would not take up her family legacy.  Now I am the queen of the kingdom.  How is that possible?  Since then, I have watched a dear friend die.  I have broken the heart of someone I love.  I have caused the complete upending of yours and Ansel¡¯s life.  How can I rule a kingdom, Kedan?  I can¡¯t even keep my own life together.¡±

    ¡°I doubt you were truly spoiled. If you wanted to see spoiled, you should have seen me two years ago.  I was a whiny, lazy, ruler of a broken kingdom.  I let evil men do what they wanted with Regventus.  I spent my time bedding a woman I never intended to marry.  Since then I have become a husband, a father, and now a protector of the kingdom.

    ¡°I let myself be used and enchanted.  I helped cause the downfall of Regventus.  I couldn¡¯t even protect myself or in the end my wife.  Going by your logic, how could I ever be expected to protect you or the kingdom?¡±

    ¡°You have changed, Kedan.  You are not who you were two years ago.  I didn¡¯t know you then, but if what you say is true, then you are practically a different person.¡±

    ¡°I have changed, and I am sure you have as well.  We have grown and learned from others.  My love for Teryn changed me, even though it was far from perfect.  Daracha changed me.  Most of all, you changed me, Griffa.  Your friendship and love inspired me to be something better.  It made me desire purpose.  I can¡¯t imagine what strength it took for you to go with my mother that night in the palace to help Teryn and my son.  Do you not see how good you truly are?¡±

    Griffa sniffled and wiped her eyes with her hands.  ¡°I want to believe I am good, but I see so many times I have fallen short.  I see things I have left undone.  I see people in need I have ignored.  I look back and see all the things I could have done differently with Issa, Talon, Max, Ansel, and you.¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t looking back at the right things.  All of us love you because of who you are.  If you asked any of us who you are, we would describe you as everything good, lovely, and fierce.  We can¡¯t all be wrong, can we?¡±

    ¡°I would argue you with you, but I don¡¯t think I have the energy,¡± said Griffa yawning.

    ¡°You need to rest,¡± said Kedan sitting up.

    Griffa nodded and laid down, adjusting her cloak to cover her.  She cast a quick warming charm on herself as Kedan laid down close by, facing her.  He smiled at her as Griffa held out her hand to him.  He took it and stared at her.

    ¡°Kedan, do you really think I am lovely?¡± asked Griffa sleepily.

    Kedan smiled.  ¡°Yes, my queen, you must know how beautiful you are.¡±

    Griffa smiled slightly.  ¡°So, if you answered Talon¡¯s question about me being desirable truthfully, what would you say?¡±

    ¡°I would say I would have to be blind to not find you desirable.  When I first met you, I was in no mood to see a woman in any way after my dealings with Teryn, but I could not help but notice your beauty.  The more I got to know you, the more beautiful you became to me.  As far as desiring you, I was rather afraid of Ansel.  I didn¡¯t want him to catch me looking at you in any manor more than friendly.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Griffa laughed quietly.

    ¡°I am certainly not going to tell Talon, a temperamental mage who is in love with you, that I ever found you desirable.  I like to think I am at least that intelligent.¡±

    Griffa squeezed his hand and laughed again.  ¡°You know how handsome I find you.  You are also very kind, funny, and caring.  I do hope you find love again someday.¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯t it will be enough to have Zayden and be devoted to you.  I will not feel as though my life is lacking in any way.  Now go to sleep, Griffa.¡±

    Griffa closed her eyes and fell asleep holding on to Kedan¡¯s hand.

    Griffa opened her eyes to find herself standing on a tall tower of the palace in Aurumist.  She looked over the city before her and shook her head. There was so much wrong with the kingdom.

    ¡°It has changed quite a bit since I first joined the lands together,¡± said a man walking up to Griffa.

    She looked at him noticing he seemed familiar.  She looked at his bushy beard and his long hair.  She knew who he was as she had been bowing to him for a while.

    ¡°You are King Nathin,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°So I am, Gryphon, and you are my kin.  I have been watching you for a while.¡±

    Griffa looked out over the city.  ¡°I am afraid you are disappointed in what you have found.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.  You remind me of my daughter actually.  She was quite headstrong and independent.  It''s a pity she was born second.  She would have been a better queen than my son made a king.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember much being written about your son,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°No, he was a quiet boy.  He didn¡¯t do much with his reign.  He did no harm really, but he didn¡¯t do the good he could have.  My Ambryn would have been a force as queen. Just as you will be, Gryphon.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I ever will get to rule,¡± said Griffa. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can save this kingdom.¡±

    ¡°You can, and I have no doubt of it.  What you need to decide is if it is worth saving. You have suffered for it so much already.  I would hate to see you suffer further for the mistakes of others.¡±

    ¡°How many have suffered because of my mistakes?  I have made plenty.  I believe Regventus is worth saving.  I have met many people who deserve the kingdom to be made right.  I would do it just for those I love.  I will suffer if it means even those, I hold dear have a chance to live fully in this kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Then you will get your chance to suffer for it.  Soon, you will have to make your final choice.  You won¡¯t be alone.  I will find you and I will help you.  You should get your chance to live fully as well,¡± said Nathin.

    Griffa turned and looked at Nathin.  He smiled down kindly at her and took her hand.  He held it up to his lips and kissed tenderly. ¡°You do so remind me of my dear daughter.¡±

    Griffa smiled.  ¡°I hope I can live up to your legacy, my king.¡±

    ¡°You already have, Gryphon.  Now rest, you have a long journey ahead of you.¡±

    The next day, they got up early to start walking.  They were both hungry as they hadn¡¯t eaten much since the morning before.

    ¡°There is a small village not too far up ahead, if I remember correctly,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I stayed close to there on my way to meet you after leaving Aurumist. We can find some food there.¡±

    Griffa nodded and they walked on.  The sky above was very gray, but snow had not fallen on them yet.  Griffa felt better after a night of sleep, but the loss of magic in the kingdom still made her feel off balanced and weak.  She walked very close to Kedan, each of their magic intertwining, feeding off each other.

    Before mid-day they entered the small village.  They went to a small inn and sat down.  A man brought out some watery stew and a couple of drinks.  Griffa looked at the stew and saw that it wasn¡¯t too appetizing, but she was too hungry to care.  She took a bite to find it didn¡¯t taste as bad as it looked.

    ¡°How far are we from Aurumist?¡± asked Griffa as she ate.

    ¡°We can be there in under three days if we push it, but we aren¡¯t meeting the others for another four days, so we have no need to rush.¡±

    They finished eating and found some supplies to buy in the village.  Kedan carried their meager supplies in a bag he slung over his shoulder, and they walked into the forest just as it started to snow.  Griffa kept her hands in her pockets as they walked.  She asked Kedan about his life growing up, and he answered all her questions.  She found his story made her sad.  She was impressed he had become the caring man before her.

    As the sun set, Griffa magicked together a simple shelter for them to sleep in to keep them out of the weather.  Kedan found some sticks under a tree that weren¡¯t completely covered with snow. After a few tries, Griffa managed to light a magical fire.  She sat close to Kedan as they ate a bit of dried meat and bread, and Griffa made some tea she had gotten in the small village.

    ¡°What were your favorite memories growing up?¡± asked Kedan as they drank their tea.

    ¡°I have several, but my favorites are riding through the fields and forest with my father and Ansel.  My father was a very entertaining man.  He could even make Ansel laugh regularly.  I wish he hadn¡¯t been taken from me as I could use his wisdom and humor now.¡±

    ¡°I am sure he is very proud of you, Griffa.  From what I have heard about your father, you sound like you are very much like him. Do you know what your mother was like?¡±

    ¡°Ansel says she was kind and clever. He said she could charm anyone.  He said she would visit his mother regularly and was one of the few people who could make her smile.  Ansel¡¯s mother was not a happy woman. Her husband was very severe and cold.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you are a good mix of both your parents.  I suppose I am like my mother, but I barely know my father.  I wonder what will happen to him after you take the throne.¡±

    ¡°He will have a chance as all the other people to live in the new kingdom we create.  He might have to make some changes, but I will not be unkind.  I understand change takes time.¡±

    ¡°He will not want to lose any of the power or riches he has,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°No one likes to lose power or money,¡± replied Griffa.  ¡°It will be tricky setting the kingdom right, trying to find the balance of honoring what people feel they have earned and helping those in poverty.  It will be a challenge, but one I am willing to take up.¡±

    ¡°What will happen to the kingdom if we don¡¯t win?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see how it can go on in its present state.  Perhaps something else will form.  I don¡¯t think I will be around to see what happens if we don¡¯t win.¡±

    Kedan reached out and grabbed Griffa¡¯s hand.  He sent a wave of comforting magic to her.  ¡°Kedan, I need you to understand I know the risk involved in what we are going to do.  I also know I might have to do something drastic to save Regventus.  If I don¡¯t make it, I don¡¯t want you to feel you have failed.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t make it, I will have failed.  My only duty is to protect you.¡±

    ¡°No, you are the protector to the kingdom and your queen.  If we can somehow save the kingdom, even if it takes my life, you will have succeeded.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, I don¡¯t know what I will do if we lose you,¡± said Kedan gripping her hand.

    ¡°You will serve your king. Max will need you if he is to take my place.  He will not want to be king, but he must.¡±

    ¡°You assume I will live if you don¡¯t,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°Even if I survive the battle, I doubt Talon will let me live long, if I can¡¯t save you.¡±

    ¡°I plan to have a chat with Talon before we go into Aurumist.  He will have to come to grips with reality.  It may be that no matter what you do, I can¡¯t be saved.¡±

    ¡°I refuse to talk about this,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I cannot imagine living in this kingdom without you now.  I chose to serve in this role for many reasons, but the main one was you, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die, Kedan.  I will do everything I can to survive, but I don¡¯t want you to be unprepared.  I want you to know my wishes if I do die.  Please promise me you will serve Max.  He is wise, but he is also gentle and quiet.  I need to know you will look out for him if he takes the throne.  Please, promise me you will do this for me.¡±   Griffa gripped Kedan¡¯s hand tight and looked up at him.

    Kedan nodded. ¡°I will do anything you ask of me, you know it¡¯s true.  It will be hard, but I will serve Max for you.¡±

    Griffa leaned up and kissed Kedan¡¯s cheek as he wrapped his arms around her and held her.  They stayed like that, watching the fire until Griffa felt herself drift off.

    Griffa opened her eyes to find herself in a large, dark room.  She walked deeper into the room towards four pillars that held torches.  In the middle of the torches stood a large statue of the gods.  Griffa knew where she was.  She was under the temple in Aurumist.  She recognized it from the day Max and she escaped from the city.

    Griffa walked closer to the statue and looked up at the faces of the gods. She stood still before them, staring at the statue.  She turned when she heard footsteps behind her, and she watched as a figure approached her from the darkness.  Her eyes grew wide and a smile broke out on her face when she realized who it was.

    ¡°Father,¡± she said staring at Renweard Keene as he walked towards her.

    ¡°Yes, my darling, it is me,¡± said Renweard.  He held out his arms and Griffa ran to him.  Renweard wrapped her in his arms and held her tightly as Griffa felt tears spill out of her eyes while she held on to her father.

    ¡°My little queen, what is this I hear of you doubting yourself,¡± said Renweard as he let go of Griffa.  He stood before her and took her hand.

    ¡°The kingdom needs so much help. There is so much work that needs to be done,  so many things that need to be healed.  Who am I that I am worthy of such a task?¡±

    Renweard smiled at her.  ¡°You are the only one who is worthy of this task.  You are the true Queen of Regventus.  Besides that, you are everything that is right with the kingdom.  Griffa, I may be biased as your father, but I have never known anyone who loves as freely and fiercely as you do.  The gods knew it would take someone special to heal this kingdom, and they chose you.¡±

    ¡°I have made many mistakes,¡± said Griffa looking down.

    Renweard lifted her chin with his hand.  ¡°That is called life, dearest.  You make mistakes as you learn the way to go.  Your path was made harder by mistakes made by me and others.  Yet, you still found your way.  You are here, Griffa, in this time, to do the task set before you. All of your mistakes and your successes have made you just who you need to be.  Do not think you are not worthy of this time and task.  You were made for it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do, father.  I am willing to do anything to save this kingdom, but I don¡¯t know how.¡±

    ¡°I think you do, or you will,¡± said Renweard.  ¡°The gods will show you. You need to go to them when you get to Aurumist. They will make a way for you to do what needs to be done.¡±

    ¡°Will I have the strength to do it?¡± asked Griffa.

    Renweard smiled sadly.  ¡°I am afraid you will.¡±

    Griffa gripped her father¡¯s hand. ¡°Do not be afraid for me, father.  I am not afraid.¡±

    ¡°I know you aren¡¯t.  You have always been brave.  You need to rest now, dearest.  Rest and trust in those you love.  They will have to see you through this, and you will have to let them, no matter what happens or what it takes.¡±

    Renweard pulled Griffa in and hugged her tightly. Griffa wrapped her arms around her father and closed her eyes as the room around them slowly faded away.  Griffa blinked her eyes open. She laid in the small shelter she had made next to the fire.  Kedan was lying next to her, his arm wrapped around her.

    Griffa could hear her father¡¯s final words echo through her head. Griffa smiled slightly and put her hand on Kedan¡¯s arm.  She closed her eyes and rested easy knowing she was well-loved.

 Chapter 20

    Ansel walked back from Delis House towards Keene Manor. He had gone to use Hector¡¯s birds to deliver messages all over the kingdom.  In less than five days they would be gathering outside Aurumist.  They would finally try to take the city and the throne, and Ansel hoped they were ready.  Griffa had said they couldn¡¯t wait anymore so if they were ready or not, the time was upon them.

    As Ansel approached the open gate to Keene Manor, he thought of Griffa.  He had barely slept the night before.  He had been up all night worrying about her.  He thought of her out in the forest tired and cold.  He wished he could be with her, holding her, keeping her warm and safe.  Ansel knew Kedan, as her protector, would do everything to keep her safe and as comfortable as he could, but it didn¡¯t stop Ansel from wishing he was by her side.

    He thought of the battle looming before him, and he could admit he was afraid.  He wasn¡¯t scared for himself.  He was scared for Griffa.  The closer they got to taking Aurumist, the more Ansel feared for her.  He knew she would do anything to save her kingdom, and he was afraid it would take everything for her to do it.  Ansel didn¡¯t know how he would bare it if she died.  He didn¡¯t know how he would live in Regventus without her. He didn¡¯t think he could.

    Ansel walked into the house as the sun was setting behind the manor.  He entered the parlor to find Max sitting all alone by the fire.  Ansel almost asked him where everyone was, but then he remembered it was only Talon and Addi who were missing.

    ¡°Where are Talon and Addi?¡± asked Ansel as he sat down in a chair next to Max.

    ¡°Addi is downstairs getting together some things I asked her to pack for our journey to Aurumist.  Talon is still seeing to sending off messages.  He went to the Quick House to use the birds there for the last few,¡± replied Max.

    Ansel nodded.  ¡°What are you up to in here by yourself?¡±

    Max shrugged.  ¡°I was just thinking of Griffa and the battle to come.¡±

    ¡°How are you feeling about our trip to Aurumist?¡±

    ¡°Unclear,¡± said Max.  ¡°I have seen many visions.  I have seen many versions of what could happen, but I do not believe any of them show me the full picture.  Our decisions and actions will decide the fate of the kingdom and each one of us.¡±

    ¡°Can you see anything that can help us save the kingdom or Griffa?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I can only tell you to not lose hope.  No matter what you see, or think is the truth, don¡¯t lose hope.  You will not help our queen with doubts or fear,¡± said Max.

    ¡°Do you think she is safe now out in the forest?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Max.  ¡°The gods will see her through to Aurumist, so she can do what they need her to do. She has Kedan with her, and he will keep her safe.  If you want Griffa to live through what is to come, you will need to put your trust in her protector.¡±

    Ansel sighed.  ¡°It¡¯s very difficult, Max.  I want to think I did the right thing giving up the line of protectors, but I can¡¯t help but think I should be the one by her side protecting her.  What if I have doomed her by giving my duty away?  What if I have brought on the wrath of the gods by upsetting what has been in place since the beginning of the kingdom?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t think that way.  What is done, is done.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but think that way.  If I had put away my selfish desires and done my duty, Griffa would have moved on.  She would have found a new way with Talon.  I would be by her side protecting her as I was meant to.  What if I was the only one who could have seen her through this as her protector?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that is true.  I would not have let you have done it, if I thought it would have endangered Griffa. I think what you did was for the best, and besides there is no changing it now.  I believe you will have another part to play in the battle to come, and it will be important you are free to do as you must,¡± said Max with certainty.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I am not sure, only that you must be ready to do what is necessary to save Griffa and the kingdom, we all must be ready.¡±

    The next few days passed in busy anticipation.  They sent the last of the letters the next morning as their birds returned.  They sorted through message after message, confirming all would come to Aurumist and do as they were asked.  As they sorted through messages on the third day, Ansel looked around the room and saw that they all looked extremely tired. He wondered if any of them were sleeping at all.

    Ansel knew he wasn¡¯t sleeping much.  He tossed and turned in the bed.  He stared at Griffa¡¯s empty space, longing to hold her.  When he did sleep, he dreamed of Griffa.  He couldn¡¯t remember much of his dreams, but he knew Griffa was in all of them.  Ansel wished he could talk to her. He wished he knew how she was feeling.  Somehow, he knew letting her go on to Aurumist with just her protector was the right thing, but it didn¡¯t make it any easier.

    The night before they were to leave for Aurumist everyone was quiet at dinner.  No one even tried to make conversation.  Ansel watched as everyone attempted to eat. By the end of the meal, not much food had been eaten, and everyone went their separate ways.  Addi went to go pack a change of clothes for Griffa.  Max went down to the cellar to pack a few more things, and to be alone.  Maybell said she would clean up dinner and go to bed early.  Talon and Ansel went to the parlor together. Stolen novel; please report.

    Ansel sat in a chair close to the fire, and Talon walked over to the side table.  He grabbed two glasses of wine and the carafe of wine found there.  He brought them over to a chair close to Ansel and sat them on a small table there. He sat down and poured two glasses, and he gave one to Ansel.  For a long while, they both just sipped their wine and stared at the fire.

    After Talon had poured their second glasses of wine, he looked at the fire and said. ¡°I wonder how she is.¡±

    ¡°I wish I knew as well,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I gave up the right to know her feelings when she is away from me. We can only trust that she is well.¡±

    ¡°Kedan will see to her safety,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I am more worried about how she is holding up.  I worry what she thinks she will have to do to save the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°She will do whatever she thinks she has to do,¡± replied Ansel before taking a sip of wine.  ¡°Even if that is giving up her own life.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can let her do it,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°How will you stop her?  You know you can¡¯t.  Whatever happens, we will have to accept it.¡±

    ¡°You can dismiss the idea of losing her that easily, Ansel?¡± asked Talon incredulously as he turned to look at Ansel.  ¡°How can you even imagine such a possibility?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I can face losing the woman I love easily, Talon.  To lose her, will cause the death in me in some way.  I may still be able to function, but I am afraid everything of worth about me will be gone.  Any goodness inside of me, I think, must come from her.  Who will I be if she is gone?¡±

    Talon sighed and took a drink of his wine. ¡°She is the only person in this kingdom who ever made me truly realize how empty my life was.  Before I realized I loved her, I lived a selfish life of lust and frivolity.  I ashamed my parents with my carrying on, but I didn¡¯t care.  I pursued women to just throw them away when I was done.  That was my plan with Griffa.  How could I have been so cold?

    ¡°She was my friend, someone I knew almost all my life, and I planned to use her as I could and throw her away.  I should have known better.  I should have realized quickly that things would be different with her. I think I may have started loving her after our first kiss.  I was just too blind and stupid to realize it. The only reason I have become who I am, is her.  What happens to me if she is gone?  Will I go back to being the selfish idiot I once was?¡±

    They drank in silence for a while.  Ansel contemplated his life until now.  He was always a quiet child growing up.  He was afraid of saying the wrong thing and suffering his father¡¯s wrath.  Ansel could barely remember laughing as a child.  He wasn¡¯t sure he knew what fun was back then.  While the other children in Abscon where running around, playing, Ansel was being drilled on the history of the protectors.  He was out in the fields behind his house with his father as Ansel was hit with spells thrown by his father.

    It wasn¡¯t until Ansel was placed at Keene Manor that he really knew what it meant to relax and have fun.  Renweard would tease him until he would finally laugh.  Griffa¡¯s mother would remind him to not take things so seriously.  After his failed relationship with Desmona and the other indiscretions of his youth, Ansel came back to Keene Manor to find himself bossed around by a young girl.

    He was always fascinated with Griffa.  Her sole purpose seem to be to have fun and adventure.  She lived life to its fullest, finding merriment and wonder all around her.  He watched Griffa grow into a strong young woman, and she somehow even weathered losing her father.  She withstood the gossip in Abscon she faced as an independent and fiery young woman who wouldn¡¯t cave into society¡¯s pressures.  She became a beautiful, kind, adventurous woman whom Ansel loved.

    He remembered their first kiss. He could tell immediately how passionate she was.  He thought over that kiss for months as he worked with his guards in the Valley before going to get Max.   He wasn¡¯t sure at the time he could ever be with Griffa, but he knew he would never be kissed like that again by any woman other than her.  Ansel thought over all their times together.  He remembered the passionate nights, the joyful days, the times of pain when he thought he would lose her.  Every part of his life was intertwined with her.  If she was gone, so much of him would be gone with her.

    ¡°What will you do, Ansel?¡± asked Talon quietly.  ¡°If Griffa does die for the kingdom, what will you do?¡±

    Ansel took a breath, and turned to look at Talon.  ¡°I will help Max as he takes the throne.  I will help him set up his Ring.  I will make sure Kedan is settled as his protector, and then I will leave the kingdom.  I can¡¯t live in Regventus without Griffa.  I couldn¡¯t take living anywhere in this kingdom, knowing she was truly gone.¡±

    ¡°Where will you go?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I will go to the East Sealand and I will get on a boat and see where it takes me.  I will find somewhere I can do some good.  I will find somewhere to serve, and I will try to be the man who deserves the love of Griffa.¡±

    Talon drained his glass and looked at Ansel.  ¡°If it comes to it, I think I would like to go with you if you will have my company.¡±

    ¡°You would leave the Valley?  You will leave your responsibility of leading your village?¡±

    ¡°It has no attraction to me if Griffa is gone.  I cannot be the leader the Valley needs if I lose her.  I will transfer leadership permanently to the Vin¡¯s.  Clara is a capable leader, and Addi is kind and intelligent.  They will see to the prosperity of the village.  I will leave this kingdom with you, and I will find a way to serve with you.  We will both try to be the men who deserve Griffa¡¯s love.¡±

    ¡°If that is what you want, then if the worst comes, we will both see to setting up Max as king, and then leave together,¡± said Ansel as he refilled his own glass.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want it to come to that, Ansel,¡± said Talon in a weak voice.  ¡°I want to live in this kingdom with Griffa as my queen.  I want to watch her be happy with you and start a family.  I want to see what this kingdom can be under her rule.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°But what can we do, but wait and see what happens?¡±

    Ansel watched as Talon leaned forward and stared at the fire.  He had his hand over his face and seemed to be thinking.  Ansel drank his wine and watched him.  After a few minutes, Talon took his hand from his face.  He stared at the fire, and Ansel watched Talon¡¯s eyes grow hard and cold.

    ¡°There is one thing I know I will do for sure,¡± said Talon fiercely.

    ¡°What is that?¡± asked Ansel quietly.

    ¡°When we are in Aurumist, I will find a way to kill Philo Quick.  I will do it for all the pain and suffering he has caused Griffa.  I will do it so he can never hurt our queen¡¯s kingdom again.¡±

    Ansel smiled slightly.  ¡°I would like to join you in that task if you will have me.¡±

    Talon nodded as he refiled his glass.  He then poured the last of the wine into Ansel¡¯s glass before raising his own.  ¡°A toast to Philo Quick¡¯s quick end, and our queen¡¯s long life,¡±

    Ansel raised his glass. ¡°May his death be full of suffering, and may Griffa¡¯ rule be long and prosperous.¡±

    They both drained their glasses quickly.

 Chapter 21

    Max sat in the cellar staring at the fire.  He had packed up everything they needed for the journey to Aurumist.  He had including all the vials of elixirs he thought they might need to help with the injured.  He never had come up with anyway to help those who were sick in Aurumist.  He hoped he could figure out something once he was able to see the sick people for himself.

    Max watched the fire, thinking he should probably go to bed, but he was not tired.  He should be tired.  He had not had a full night sleep since they had returned from Clarton.  He would lie awake in his bed thinking of Griffa and the battle to come.  He wished he could talk to someone.

    Addi was sweet and was not unintelligent, but Max had not known her very long.  He could not talk to her as freely as he would like.  Max trusted Ansel, but there were some things Max did not want to burden Ansel with.  Max concerns and visions of Griffa would only make Ansel worry and doubt more.  Ansel needed to have hope and a clear mind for the battle.  Griffa would need his love and support if she was going to get through what was up ahead.

    Max realized how much he missed Issa during this moments.  He could talk to her of anything, and she would listen.  She would give him sound advice when she could.  She would commiserate with him when she could not.  With her, he knew he did not have to hold back.  He could tell her all his feelings, and she would love him through it.  Sometimes in the quiet, Max would talk to her in his head.  He would tell her all he felt and feared.  He could almost hear her sweet voice tell him all would be well.

    It was not fair she was taken from him so young.  They should have had a lifetime of conversations to share.  All he had now were memories, and the promise he would see her one day when he left this life.  Max wondered what would happen to him if Griffa did not make it through the coming battle.  He had come to depend on Griffa.  He had come to care for her in a way different than anyone else.  She was his family.

    If Griffa gave her life to save the kingdom, Max would be expected to step in as king. He didn¡¯t know how he would do it.  Now that he knew Griffa was queen, he knew he could never be a ruler like her.  He could never be what the kingdom needed like Griffa could.  How could he rule the kingdom without her supporting him?  How would he find the way forward without her?  Even those who would support him would be deeply affected by her death.  How could Max expect Ansel or Talon to help him when they would be dealing with their own grief and loss.  Max was sure both men would be deeply changed if they lost Griffa.

    Max continued to watch the fire as he thought of Griffa. He knew no one else like her.  Everyone was different in her presence.  The manor had been a different place with her gone.  It was if the lightness was taken out of it.  A heavy air hung around them these past five days, and Max didn¡¯t think it just had to do with the looming battle.  Max wondered what the kingdom would be like if Griffa was no longer a part of it.

    He felt his eyes go heavy, and his vision became unfocused and dim.  He continued to concentrate on the fire as he felt himself being pulled somewhere else. Max found himself in the throne room of the palace in Aurumist.  The room was well lit, but no one else was around. Max walked up to the dais and saw that it was empty.  He took the few stairs found there and stood upon the dais.  He turned and looked at the throne found there against the wall before walking towards it.

    The throne was made of dark wood with gilded edges.  Its back was high, and the arms of the throne were rounded off at the ends.  The decorative painting looked to have been rubbed off, but Max could tell the end of each arm was once painted to look like suns.  The throne was raised slightly by a stone slab.  Max ran his hand over one of the arms, when he heard someone come into the room.

    ¡°It may be nice to look at, but it is not very comfortable,¡± said a man as he walked towards Max.  ¡°I believe they have made second one that has been put in the ballroom that is much plusher.¡±

    Max looked at the man as he walked up the stairs of the dais.  He came and stood by Max, looking at the throne, and Max knew who he was immediately.

    ¡°Has this throne been here since your rule, King Nathin?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°It was made during my reign.  It looks well-worn now, and it has probably been repaired a few times since the followers of the false gods took over.  The magic seems to be weak it in it now.  Perhaps when the proper queen is in her place, it will be made to its former glory.¡±

    ¡°Will she take her place?¡± asked Max looking at King Nathin.

    ¡°I hope she will.  My hope is she will find a way to save the kingdom and herself, but it is not up to me.¡±

    ¡°Will the gods not show her a way? Will they not let her live to rule this kingdom she is to save?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°I plan to ask them that myself when I get the chance, Maxwell,¡± said King Nathin looking at Max kindly.  ¡°Of course, Gryphon could choose a different path for herself.  She could choose to not give up herself to save the kingdom.  She could choose not to suffer for the mistakes of others.¡±

    ¡°Griffa will not let the kingdom suffer.  She will give up her life to save her people,¡± said Max confidently.

    ¡°I believe you are right, but it hardly seems fair.  She has suffered enough for this kingdom.  Why should she continue to suffer for it?¡±

    ¡°She would tell you it¡¯s because she believes in the goodness of her people.  If she found one person, she thought was worthy of saving the kingdom she would do it just for that one person.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    King Nathin nodded.  ¡°So how will we save her then?  How will we make sure she gets to rule the kingdom she saves?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.  My visions aren¡¯t clear.  I know her protector must be involved somehow, and I know there is a way to save her, but I can¡¯t figure it out,¡± replied Max.

    King Nathin looked at Max.  ¡°Walk with me, Maxwell.  I think better when I am walking.¡±

    King Nathin and Max walked off the dais.  They walked out of the throne room into the entry hall and out of the castle.  Max walked by King Nathin as they made their way towards the temple.

    ¡°Gryphon will have to go to a dark place to save the kingdom.  She will have to go somewhere no person has ever been.  I am afraid there may not be a way back for her. She will have a hard time finding the way back to the kingdom,¡± said Nathin as they approached the temple.

    King Nathin opened the door of the temple and motioned for Max to enter.  Max walked through the door and looked around the room. It was not as he remembered it.  There was no fountain of twelve people.  There was no empty circle of light in the middle.  Instead, it was as if the room below them had been raised up.  The statue of the gods stood in the middle of the room with four pillars around it.  The ceiling above was blue with stars and suns.

    Max walked up to the statue of the gods and looked at it as King Nathin came and stood at his side.

    ¡°Do you think you could show her the way back, Maxwell?¡± asked Nathin quietly.

    Max looked at the gods.  He reached out and put his hand on the foot of the brother.  He felt a bolt of energy flow through his arm, and Max could feel the blood of Adalwen flow through his veins.  He closed his eyes and saw Griffa standing in the darkness.  She was still and calm.  Max could feel himself reach for her, and she lifted her hand towards Max, a small smile on her face.

    Max took his hand off the statue and turned to look at King Nathin.

    ¡°I can show her the way back,¡± said Max.  ¡°I will not leave her to be alone.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said King Nathin. ¡°You will have to save her for all of us.  She is too good to leave in that place.  Promise me, you won¡¯t leave her, Maxwell.¡±

    ¡°I will not.  I will do anything to bring her back to us,¡± said Max.  ¡°I will do whatever it takes.¡±

    ¡°Find her in Aurumist.  No matter what it looks like, you can bring her back.  Find her, and do everything you can to save her.  Our kingdom and our bloodline depend on it.  I know you are capable of many things, but you would not make a very good king.¡±

    ¡°No, I would not,¡± said Max.  ¡°She will reign.  She will be queen.¡±

    ¡°I look forward to seeing her as queen.  I¡¯ve grown rather fond of her.  I think she could be a rather magnificent queen. She will have to endure many hardships and heartbreaking loss, Maxwell.  She will need you to help.  Don¡¯t let her ever give up hope.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± said Max.  ¡°I will do everything I can to see she rules well and long.¡±

    King Nathin nodded.  ¡°You will have to guide her king a bit too, I believe.  She will need a very strong king to help her, and you will have to see that he understands what he must do.  It will not be easy for him,¡± said King Nathin with a small smile.

    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine Ansel not doing everything he can to help Griffa,¡± said Max with a small frown.

    King Nathin only gave Max a small sad smile before he turned and disappeared.

    The room grew dim around him, and Max felt himself being pulled away. He found himself on the floor of the cellar in Keene Manor by the fire.  He got up and walked up the stairs to the entry hall.  Everything was dark, and everyone had gone to bed.  There was a knock at the door, and Max answered it to find Madam Sidora staring at him.

    ¡°You know how to save her?¡± asked Sidora as she walked into the entry hall.

    ¡°I do,¡± said Max.  ¡°I have to help her find her way back.¡±

    Sidora nodded.  ¡°It could take too much magic from you.  Where she will go, will be far away.  You could have to sacrifice a lot, Maxwell.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± said Max.  ¡°I would give up anything for her.¡±

    ¡°I would give up anything for both of you,¡± said Sidora.  ¡°I will travel to Aurumist tomorrow, and I will help you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be too dangerous.  You should stay safe here,¡± said Max.

    ¡°No, I will be in no danger as I know my fate. I will not pass from this kingdom until I see Gryphon crowned as the Queen of Regventus.¡±

    ¡°I will welcome your help, then,¡± said Max.  ¡°We will leave tomorrow mid-morning from the gates of Abscon.¡±

    Sidora nodded and left through the door, leaving Max alone in the dark entry hall. The next morning, they all ate a quick breakfast and then gathered in the entry hall. Addi held a case with Griffa¡¯s clothes, and Talon held one with a change of clothes for Kedan.  Max had a pack slung over his back with all the elixirs he had packed.

    Maybell came to see them off. She kissed them all affectionately on their cheeks.  She kissed Ansel last and held on to his arm stopping him from leaving.

    ¡°Promise me, you will do everything you can to keep her safe,¡± said Maybell.

    ¡°I will. We all will,¡± said Ansel. ¡°I promise Griffa will come through this, Maybell.¡±

    ¡°Tell her I will be there for her coronation and the wedding.  I will come to her before that if she needs me,¡± said Maybell as tears formed in her eyes.

    ¡°I will tell her, Maybell.  I know she will look forward to seeing you,¡± said Ansel.

    Maybell nodded, and they all walked from the house to the gates of Abscon.  They exited the gates to find a crowd waiting there.  Many of Abscon citizens, young and old, gathered, waiting to travel to Aurumist.  They all turned to look at Ansel and Talon as they exited the gates.

    Talon turned to Ansel.  ¡°You will be their king.  You should speak to them before we go.¡±

    Ansel looked at Max for a long moment and then at Talon with a small smile.

    ¡°I actually feel as if you should speak to them, Talon.  You know what you have to say will be better than anything I could manage.¡±

    Talon looked at Ansel with a confused look on his face.  ¡°Are you sure, Ansel?¡±

    ¡°I am, Talon, please speak for our queen.

    Talon waved his hand to cast a charm and looked all around.  ¡°I thank you for joining us today.  Our queen should already be waiting for us outside of Aurumist.  We will travel there today and prepare, and tomorrow, we will take the city.  I know sacrifices will be made, and if you are unsure of going you should back out now.  Once we leave the vicinity of Abscon, magical travel may not be possible.

    ¡°If you do decide to go with us, make sure you take care of each other.  I believe we will take the city and our queen will sit on the throne, and the blood of Adalwen will rule once again, healing our kingdom.  May the gods watch over all of us and especially our queen.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Talon,¡± said Ansel as he clapped him on the shoulder.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t too bad.  I might have held back a little.  I will want our queen to make the final speech before battle, so probably best I didn¡¯t try to outshine her.¡±

    ¡°As if that were possible,¡± said Ansel. ¡°Come on we need to travel and set up our space.  Our queen will be expecting us.¡±

    Max took Addi¡¯s hand, and she smiled at him.  ¡°It will all be well, Addi,¡± said Max.  ¡°Have faith in our queen.¡±

    ¡°I have nothing but faith in our queen, Max,¡± said Addi.

    Talon put his hand on Addi¡¯s shoulder as Ansel put his hand on Max¡¯s.

    ¡°Are you all ready to save the kingdom?¡± asked Talon.

    As long as we save our queen as well, thought Max.  He closed his eyes and felt himself travel.

 Chapter 22

    Kedan looked at Griffa over the small fire in the shelter she had made.  They weren¡¯t far from Aurumist.  They would be just outside the fifth ring in the forest before nightfall tomorrow if they kept a good pace.  Griffa seemed at peace, and Kedan could feel that she seemed settled.  She looked at Kedan and smiled.

    ¡°What are you thinking of, Kedan?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°You, of course, my queen,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I am glad you seem at peace.¡±

    ¡°I am at peace.  I know whatever happens, I can face it,¡± said Griffa.  She pulled her knees up to her chin, adjusting her cloak over her legs.

    Kedan couldn¡¯t take his eyes off his queen.  She was magnificent in every way.  Even in this hour of uncertainty when no one would be blamed for being overwhelmed with fear, she was the picture of calm.  He wondered what she had seen while they were traveling the forest together.  He had feeling she must have had dreams or visions.  His own sleep had been filled with people from his past and future.

    ¡°It will be strange for you to be back in the city you grew up in, won¡¯t it?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°It will not be like it was before.  I am a different person than I was when I lived there.¡±

    ¡°From what I understand from Daracha, many of the people will be happy to see you.  They may won¡¯t you to lead them instead of me,¡± said Griffa smiling slightly.

    ¡°People tend to love what they know, and change is hard for anyone.  I think after hearing you, maybe even after seeing you, their hearts will change.  They will want you as their queen, Griffa.  If you think it¡¯s necessary, I will pledge my loyalty and support to you in front of the city.¡±

    ¡°It is enough to privately have your devotion, Kedan.  I do not need you to make a display. I will win over the people by earning their trust, and healing the kingdom with their help.  I just hope I am given the chance.¡±

    ¡°I will make sure you have that chance, my queen,¡± said Kedan as he felt pulled towards her.

    Kedan moved over to sit by Griffa.  He leaned towards her, letting their shoulders touch.  He felt the need to be close to his queen.  Griffa sighed and leaned further into Kedan.  He felt his magic go to her, surrounding her in a comforting circle.

    ¡°It will be worth it to take the city just to have a warm bed after this trip,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I might sleep for a week after this is over.¡±

    ¡°We will be outside Aurumist tomorrow. We will have just two more nights in the forest after this one, and you will spend the next night in the palace.  You should take my old room, it has the best bed in the palace.¡±

    Griffa laughed.  ¡°I wonder what state the protector¡¯s quarters are in, or what they are being used for now,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Do you know?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t. I am not even sure where they are.  Do you think they could be hidden, perhaps?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°Maybe, but if that is the case, we will have to find them and refurnish the rooms for you.  If the bed hasn¡¯t been used in over 300 years, it must be rotten by now.¡±

    ¡°Do you ever regret not being able to keep Ansel as your protector?¡± asked Kedan.  ¡°I know it was necessary, but do you ever wish it was different.¡±

    ¡°If I wish it, it is only for Ansel¡¯s sake.  It was very hard to let him give up something his family has held since the beginning.  I was afraid it would ruin him to lose his purpose, but in any other way, I do not regret it.  A protector and sovereign relationship is difficult enough without adding other elements.  I believe you and I do well together, don¡¯t you, Kedan?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I believe we do very well together.  I can¡¯t imagine doing anything else with my life now.  I couldn¡¯t imagine not being bonded with you in this way.¡±

    ¡°Besides, perhaps we will find out it was always meant to be this way. We cannot know what the future holds, so we must trust in what we have done.  There is no changing the past.¡±

    Kedan smiled down at her.  ¡°I am not usually one who believes in fate, but it almost feels like I was meant to serve you in this way.  I look back on my life and it seems that the choices that I made lead me to here to this, to you.¡±

    ¡°It is a nice thought,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I don¡¯t know about fate.  I believe you saw the different paths you could take, and you chose wisely.  Instead of staying in a place you were unhappy with, you took steps to find what you needed.  It led you to here, to me, and I am grateful.¡±

    Kedan put his arm around Griffa and held her close to his side.  There had been few people in his life he had really loved.  He knew he loved his mother despite her faults.  He had loved Teryn even with the deceptions.  Kedan had no doubts in his love for Griffa.  Perhaps part of it was the magical bond they shared, but much of it was the friendship they had formed over the last year.

    Kedan felt tears come to his eyes as he realized he might lose her in two days.  She was so much to him.  She was his friend, the one who gave him direction, and his queen. He felt his tears fall as he held Griffa close to him.  Griffa looked up at him with concern, and pulled back.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°What is it, Kedan?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°I want you to tell me you will make it through the battle. I want you to tell me I won¡¯t have to watch you die.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t predict the future.  I don¡¯t know what is going to happen.  I won¡¯t lie and tell you there is no chance I won¡¯t die.  I have seen things on our journey.  I will have to do something to save my kingdom, and it may cost me my life, but what worth is my life compared to all the lives in the kingdom?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s worth everything to me, my queen. I can think of nothing I would put in front of your life.¡±

    ¡°You will have to put the kingdom in front of my life, and you will do it because I am asking you to do it. When it comes down to it, you will let me do what I need to do.  If it takes my life to save Regventus, you will let it happen.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± whispered Kedan.

    Griffa took both of his hands in her own, and looked up at him with intensity.  ¡°Protector, you will put the welfare of the kingdom ahead of my life.  This is my command.¡±

    Kedan blinked his eyes as tears fell down his cheeks.  He could not disobey his queen, no matter how much he wanted to.

    ¡°Promise me, protector, that you will put the fate of the kingdom first.  You will let me do what I need to do.¡±

    Kedan shuddered as he took a breath.  ¡°Yes, my queen,¡± he whispered.

    Griffa smiled sadly as tears fell down her own cheeks.  ¡°Good, I hope it won¡¯t come to it.  I want to serve my kingdom with you, Kedan. I am very happy you are my protector, and that you are here with me.¡±

    Kedan bent down and kissed Griffa on her forehead.  ¡°I love you, my queen.  You are the truest friend I have ever had.¡±

    Griffa leaned up and kissed Kedan gently on his lips.  ¡°I love you as well.  You are my protector and my friend.  I hope we will have many years together.¡±

    Kedan nodded and held Griffa¡¯s hands as they both sat quietly for a moment.

    ¡°We should both sleep,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°We have two big days ahead of us.¡±

    Kedan laid down and pulled Griffa down next to him.  She laid down facing away from him, and he put his arm around her as she laid her hands under her head.

    ¡°Good night, Kedan,¡± said Griffa quietly.

    ¡°Good night, my queen,¡± responded Kedan.

    Kedan fell asleep quickly.  He dreamed of the forest around Aurumist.  He was walking by himself wearing his protector¡¯s tunic and a dark green cloak.  He walked quietly by himself, looking for someone, but he wasn¡¯t sure who.

    ¡°Are you the protector of the queen?¡± asked a man who walked towards Kedan.

    Kedan stopped and looked at the man.  He seemed strangely familiar.  His dark hair was pulled back away from his face.  His dark eyes looked Kedan up and down.

    ¡°Yes, I am the protector of the kingdom and Gryphon Keene, the true Queen of Regventus.¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t what I was expecting,¡± said the man.

    ¡°How is that?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t of my blood.  The line of Raya has always held the line of protectors.  It has been that way ever since I made the oath to Nathin, sealed by Maxen Keene.¡±

    ¡°You are Etan, the first protector,¡± said Kedan looking at the man.

    ¡°I am, and who are you?¡±

    ¡°I am Kedan Belles.  I have taken over the line of protectors from Ansel of the line of Raya.¡±

    Etan looked at Kedan with a raised eyebrow.  ¡°The line was transferred?  Can you tell me why?¡±

    ¡°The protector Ansel fell in love with the queen.  To be with her, he gave up the line of protectors.¡±

    ¡°He fell in love with the queen?¡± asked Etan with skepticism.  ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be possible.¡±

    ¡°But it was, and it is,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°He loves her, and they are betrothed.  They will marry after she takes the throne.¡±

    Etan looked as if he was considering this.  He walked a circle slowly and then stopped and looked at Kedan.

    ¡°Are you angry about the Ansel giving up the line?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°I am not angry.  I had a wife, and I loved her.  I understand wanting to be with the one you love.  I am only surprised.¡±

    ¡°Is there a reason you came to me?  Do you wish to speak with me?¡±

    ¡°I do, protector.  You queen has a daunting task ahead of her.  What do you make of it?¡±

    ¡°I only known that I shall protector her the best I can.  I will do everything I can to see her safely through the battle,¡± replied Kedan.

    ¡°The battle is only part of it.  What will you do to help her save the kingdom and keep her life?¡±

    ¡°Whatever I can,¡± said Kedan. ¡°I am not sure what she will have to do. Could you tell me?¡±

    ¡°I cannot not.  I shouldn¡¯t even be here speaking with you.  The gods may not like it, but my king asked me to come to you.  He is very worried for the queen, and she is his kin.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything you can tell me?  I will do anything to save her,¡± replied Kedan.  ¡°Please, give me something to help her.  I will not lose her.¡±

    ¡°You know that protectors can sense when their sovereigns die, correct?¡±

    ¡°I have heard it,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°Can you tell me what it feels like?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to, you will know if it happens. You will have no doubt if your sovereign permanently leaves the kingdom.  It is a sorrow you don¡¯t want me to explain to you.¡±

    Kedan nodded.

    ¡°Remember that you would know if the queen left this kingdom.  You would know before anyone.  Remember it well.  You are the one who will know if your queen has passed better than anyone.¡±

    Kedan looked confused.  ¡°How will this help me?¡±

    Etan looked at the ground for a moment and then back up at Kedan.  ¡°There will be a time when your queen will seem far away from you.  You will think she is beyond your protection and your help, but don¡¯t believe it.  Listen to what you know, Kedan.  Listen to what you really know, not what others may tell you or what you may see.  Have faith in your queen.  Only with faith in your queen and yourself, will you save her.¡±

    ¡°I think I understand,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I will do as you say, and I will not fail her.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think you will,¡± said Etan.  He smiled at Kedan. ¡°We may not be family, but we are still bonded by our line.  Serve your queen well, protector.  Raise your boy to serve the next king or queen well.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°My only wish is to serve my queen.¡±

    Etan nodded.  ¡°I fear even if you save your queen¡¯s life, you will have a hard task ahead of you. She will experience heartache and pain, and she will need you to get through it all.  You should be ready.  Rest now, protector, you will need to be alert the next few days.¡±

    Kedan watched as Etan turned and walked away, and the forest around him grew dark.  Kedan opened his eyes to see Griffa laying front of him in the dim light of the fire in their small shelter.  She abruptly turned and looked at Kedan with open eyes.

    ¡°I trust you, protector,¡± she said.

    ¡°I trust you, my queen,¡± said Kedan.

    Griffa smiled as she closed her eyes.  She scooted close to him as Kedan encircled her in his arms, both falling into a deep sleep.

 Chapter 23

    Philo sat behind the desk in his study and drummed his finger against the wooden surface. He knew something was happening.  He had heard whispers of magical folk getting ready to travel.  None of his soldiers had come back from Clarton, and it had been over two days.  He had sent a message to Viceroy Clay, but Philo had received no response.

    Philo knew Gryphon was behind it all.  He knew she somehow found out about Clarton.  She must have gone to the village and stopped the invasion. He knew she was getting ready to strike, and he had to be ready.  They had pulled in a few new recruits lately to his army from the fourth and third rings of the city, and a few villages, but the new magic users weren¡¯t fully trained.  Besides being more bodies, there wasn¡¯t much they could do.  He supposed he would give them spears, swords, or bows and arrows and let them fight.  All that really mattered was Philo getting his hands on Gryphon.  If he could kill her and take her right to rule, it didn¡¯t matter how many soldiers he lost.  He could make more later.

    Philo stopped drumming his fingers and put his hand to his head.  He had a lingering headache the past week. No matter how much he rested, or what potions he took, it would not go away.  Philo closed his eyes and shook his head.  He needed to be ready as he knew the time was coming.  He needed to have everything set to keep the city and capture Gryphon.  He had written letters to all the Viceroys tell them he wanted them in the city as soon as possible.  They were to come brining any forces they had in their lands.  They would all be expected to fight for their kingdom.

    Helmer had said he was coming today.  He said the potion was ready that would increase Philo¡¯s magical power.  Helmer still seemed unsure about the potion, but Philo didn¡¯t care about Helmer¡¯s uncertainties.  Philo needed the potion to do what must be done.  If he was going to take Gryphon and sacrifice her, he would need a way around her protector.

    Philo wanted to be done with it all. He wanted to take the right to rule and become king of the kingdom. He wanted to rid the kingdom of Gryphon¡¯s friends.  He wanted to show the magical community that he was their ruler and had all the power.  He wanted to start working on toughing up Marcus and making him see what needed to be done.

    Philo sat silently and thought of Gryphon.  He wondered how successful she had been gathering forces.  He hadn¡¯t heard much, and he wasn¡¯t sure how many she had convinced she was worth fighting for.  Philo wondered how anyone could look at her and think she was fit to be a queen. She was pretty enough, he supposed.  She was intelligent and could be charming, but she was also known to be impulsive and hard-headed.   Above all, she was weak.  She could never make the hard choices it would take to really rule a kingdom. She was too prone to mercy. Her heart was too tender.

    Philo would stop that tender heart soon.  He would plunge a knife into it and complete the sacrifice to take her right to rule.  He smiled a little thinking of the satisfaction he would get watching Gryphon die.  She was the last of the Keene¡¯s. It could all be done so neatly.  With one plunge of a knife, Philo could kill the queen, destroy the Keen¡¯s, and become the rightful ruler of Regventus.  The thought of doing it, put Philo in a very good mood.

    There was a knock at the door.  Philo hoped it was Helmer, so he raised his hand and the door opened.  Instead of Helmer, Cassia walked into the room.  She moved gracefully towards Philo, and he automatically stood up, walking forward to meet her.

    ¡°Hello, Philo,¡± said Cassia as Philo stopped to stand in front of her.

    ¡°Good Afternoon, Cassia. Can I help you with something?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to let you know that my daughter will not respond to my messages.  I¡¯m not sure she is even getting them.  Hector or Malchom may be monitoring her letters.¡±

    ¡°Do not worry, Cassia.  I believe it will not be long before you see your daughter again. From what I am hearing, Gryphon will try to take Aurumist soon.  It will not be long before I am able to take what I need. Once I am truly the king, your daughter will come willingly to the palace to be with Marcus.¡±

    ¡°You seem confident you can win.¡±

    ¡°I am very confident, Cassia.  I have everything planned perfectly.¡±

    ¡°What are you plans, Philo?¡± asked Cassia leaning in.

    Philo smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. You should just trust that they will benefit you and your daughter.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Maybe if you told me, what you had planned, I could help you,¡± said Cassia.  She reached up and picked a bit of lint from Philo shirt.  She let her hand linger on his chest.

    Philo smiled down at her.  ¡°You can help me by continuing to keep Marcus compliant. If his old friends are coming to Aurumist, he may feel compelled to join them somehow.¡±

    ¡°Will Marcus stay in the palace with Cecilia during the battle?¡± asked Cassia.  She looked up at Philo and flashed her eyes.

    ¡°No, he will be at my side.  I have a task I must do, and I want him to watch.  I need him to see following the false queen was a mistake.  I want him there when I take the right to rule,¡± answered Philo.  He put his hands on Cassia¡¯s arms rubbing them lightly.

    ¡°Then let me be with you as well. I can help with Marcus.  I want to be there when you take your right to rule.  It will affect my daughter after all.¡±

    ¡°You are not afraid of being in the battle?¡± asked Philo

    ¡°No, I rather look forward to it.  There are so many emotions and tempers running high during a fight, and I feed off of them.  Let me be with you when you are victorious, Philo.  I think you will find you will be glad I am close after the euphoria of getting everything you want hits you.¡±

    Philo leaned down.  ¡°I believe you are right, Cassia.¡±

    He kissed Cassia as she pressed herself against Philo.  Philo turned her around still kissing her and guided her over to his large desk.  He laid her down against it and kissed her while running his hand under her skirt.  She responded by grabbing Philo and pulling him on top of her.  A knock at the door caused Philo to pull back.  He straightened up and composed himself, while Cassia stood up and adjusted her skirt.

    ¡°Would you like me to leave?¡± asked Cassia.

    ¡°No, you wanted to know my plans, and Helmer is here to complete the first part.  Stay and see what happens, then we can pick up where we left off,¡± answered Philo. He grabbed Cassia and kissed her one last time before raising his hand and opening the door.

    Helmer walked in as Cassia sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk as Philo walked over to stand behind the desk.  Helmer looked down at Cassia and then up at Philo. He was holding a long vial of elixir.

    ¡°Am I interrupted something?  I could come back later,¡± said Helmer.

    ¡°No, have a seat Helmer.  Cassia is here to know more of my plan.  She plans to join us when we take the right to rule form Gryphon.¡±

    Helmer nodded and sat down in the chair next to Cassia.

    ¡°So, you have done it?  You have made the elixir?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°I have.  It is right here in the vial.  Before you take it, I want to again mention the risk.  It can cause insanity.  Your power will be increased by a large amount, but it can also mess with your mind.  You will need to be aware of your mental state at all times.¡±

    Philo smiled. ¡°I am not afraid.  I believe my mind is very strong.  I know what I want, and I know how to do it.  The potion is necessary to complete my plans.  If I am to take Gryphon from her protector, I will need to be very powerful.¡±

    ¡°Just be careful, Philo,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°You will need to watch your temper and think about each decision you make.  This could also make you impulsive.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to stall any longer.  Give me the vial, Helmer, and I will drink it now,¡± said Philo.

    ¡°If you are sure, I will give it to you,¡± said Helmer.

    ¡°I am sure, Helmer.  Now hand me the vial,¡± said Philo with irritation.

    Helmer handed Philo the long vial.  Philo took off the top carefully and smelled the elixir.  It smelled of dirt and bitter herbs.  He looked at Helmer who looked somewhat fearful.  Philo looked down at the elixir and took a breath.  There was no need to stall as he had to do this.  If he wanted to rule the kingdom, he needed the power found in this small vial.  Philo nodded to himself and then drank every drop of the liquid in the vial.

    The liquid was cold at first.  It ran through him, making him feel that his blood had turned to ice.  He shivered as it filled every part of his body.  Then as if a switch had been thrown, his blood felt like it was on fire as it ran through him.  He thought it must have been burning him from the inside out.  Philo leaned on the desk as the fire consumed the inside of him.  It seemed as if it would last forever, but eventually the burning faded away.

    Philo stood up and flexed his fingers.  He could almost see magic oozing out of them.  He looked at Cassia and Helmer, breathing hard.

    ¡°Philo, are you alright?¡± asked Cassia.

    Philo smiled as he held out his hand and the fire in the fireplace roared.  He snapped his fingers and all the books in the bookcase flew across the room.  He raised one finger and the desk in front of him flew into the air.  He dropped his finger and it landed just where it was.   Everything was so easy.  He could do anything he wanted with just a single thought.  He stared at a cup across the room.  It flew to him without him lifting a hand.

    ¡°Well, Philo, are you satisfied?¡± asked Helmer.

    Philo smirked. ¡°I am very satisfied with the elixir, Helmer, but you need to leave now.  Cassia and I have an appointment and I think it must take place at this very moment.¡±

    Helmer looked at Cassia who was staring at Philo with wide eyes before he looked at Philo and nodded.

    ¡°I will be going.  If you need anything from me, you know where to find me,¡± said Helmer.  He quickly stood up and left the room.

    Philo walked from around the desk and raised a finger.  Cassia hopped up out of her chair.  Philo curled his finger, and she flew into his arms as he smiled at her.

    ¡°Are you satisfied with the first part of my plan, Cassia?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°It is promising,¡± said Cassia putting her arms around Philo.  ¡°But I think I will have to see a bit more to tell you how satisfied I really am.¡±

    Philo smiled slightly before kissing her.

 Chapter 24

    Griffa stood by a tree with Kedan by her side.  People would be arriving any minute, and Griffa was anxious to see how many would actually come. They had received confirmation from several magical leaders that they would come with their people, but Griffa wondered how many would actually follow through.  Kedan grabbed Griffa¡¯s hand and gave it a squeeze. She felt his magic flow to her, helping to settle her.  She turned and smiled at him.

    They had spent all morning putting up large protections wards and shielding charms all over the area to hide the coming magical folk from detection.  Griffa hoped it would be enough.  She didn¡¯t want any of her people to be attacked until they were in Aurumist.

    ¡°It will be well, my queen,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°Your people will come and fight for you.¡±

    ¡°I hope you are right, but we will know soon enough.¡±

    As if on cue there was a disturbance in the air.  Griffa watched as a large group of people appeared in front of her.  Leading the group was Bettina and Oliver Devins.  Oliver smiled when he saw Griffa and Bettina nodded.

    ¡°My queen, we have come as we said we would.  We are honored to fight alongside you,¡± said Bettina.

    ¡°I am happy to see you again, my queen,¡± said Oliver.  ¡°I look forward to helping you take your throne.¡±

    ¡°I am very glad you have come. Please have your people set up in the area so they can rest and prepare before tomorrow.¡±

    Bettina nodded and led her people away.  Griffa watched as group after group appeared.  Some leaders spoke to her.  Others nodded before finding a space to set up.  A surprise to Griffa came as more than a few groups traveled with non-gifted folk.  Many of the villages Griffa had visited to tend to the sick had found a way to join with small area magical villages and come to fight for the queen. Griffa was honored and humbled.

    Daracha and her village came with many of her non-gifted folk.  Daracha and Penelope stood at the head of their group.  Daracha walked up to Griffa took her hand and curtsied low.

    ¡°I have waited a long time to see the proper ruler of Regventus come.  I believe you are worth the wait, my queen.  The Forest of the Lowlands has come to help you take what is yours.¡±

    ¡°I am honored to have you and your people, Daracha.  I hope I do prove to be a queen worth waiting for.¡±

    Daracha patted Griffa¡¯s hand and let it go.  She led her people to a space to settle in and prepare. The Valley came in large numbers.  Clara and Cillian stood in front of their group. Clara walked to Griffa and took her hand as Cillian smiled at her.

    ¡°The Valley is honored to be here with you, my queen.  We have come to reclaim this kingdom for the rightful ruler.  We long for the blood of Adalwen to reign again.¡±

    ¡°I thank the Valley for its devotion, and hope you all know you have my love and respect as well.¡±

    ¡°Of course, my queen,¡± said Cillian.  ¡°Nora sends her love as well. She hopes to attend your coronation and wedding very soon.¡±

    Griffa smiled as the Valley walked away to find spaces to claim.  Griffa looked all around her to see thousands of people gathering in the woods.  Some brought magical tents, others set up shelters using the forest materials around them.  Griffa looked at Kedan and smiled.

    ¡°I told you they would come, my queen.¡±

    Griffa turned as she felt a large disturbance in the air. She watched as the group from Abscon appeared before her. It looked as if almost the whole village had come.  She smiled as Ansel, Talon, Max, and Addi appeared at the front of the group.  Ansel walked up to her and took her hand.

    ¡°The people of Abscon have come to fight for their queen and their kingdom.  We will see you on the throne, my queen.  We will save this kingdom,¡± said Ansel.  He brought Griffa¡¯s hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

    ¡°Technically, Addi and I are from the Valley,¡± said Talon, ¡°but it looks like they have already made it. I¡¯m sure Clara said something proper for the occasion.  I can only submit myself to you, and tell you I am ready to fight for you, my queen.¡±

    ¡°I am very glad to see you, Talon,¡± said Griffa.

    She held out her hand to Talon.  He grabbed it and pulled her in and held her.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t very proper,¡± said Griffa as she smiled up at Talon.

    ¡°I find that I don¡¯t really care, my dear,¡± said Talon before kissing her cheek and letting her go.

    Addi came and quickly hugged Griffa before handing her the case with Griffa¡¯s change of clothes.  Griffa thanked her and saw that Talon handed Kedan a case as well. Max came up and took Griffa¡¯s hand, and she felt their magic swirl together.  She felt his love, devotion, and a strong sense of hope.  She looked at him questionably.

    ¡°I have seen something, Griffa,¡± said Max quietly.  ¡°I believe you can do this and live to rule Regventus.¡±

    Griffa smiled. ¡°I hope you are right, Max.  You usually are, so you have given me fresh hope.¡±

    Max let go of her hand and stood back as Malchom and Hector Delis came forward.

    ¡°Your village is here, my queen,¡± said Malchom.  ¡°We will not leave until you are safe on the throne.¡±

    ¡°Gryphon, I have made many mistakes in my life, but I know I will never regret coming to fight for you,¡± said Hector.  ¡°I will do anything I can to see you take your proper place as I always should have.¡±

    ¡°I thank you both.  You are all very welcomed and appreciated. Please help everyone find a place to set up.¡±

    Malchom and Hector both bowed before directing their people to a large space to set up their tents and shelters.  As the people walked away, Griffa was surprised to see Madam Sidora come up and take her hand.

    ¡°Madam Sidora,¡± said Griffa with surprise. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.  I thought you would wait in Abscon until this battle was over.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Sidora, ¡°The only purpose I have left on this earth is to see you on the throne of Aurumist.  I will be here when you save our kingdom.  I will do my part for you, my queen.¡±

    Griffa squeezed Sidora¡¯s hand.  ¡°You are much appreciated.  I hope I do not disappoint you.¡±

    ¡°You never have, Gryphon,¡± said Sidora.  She smiled and let go of Griffa¡¯s hand, following the rest of the village to a find a place to settle in.

    Griffa turned to Ansel who was smiling at her.  ¡°Not too bad of a turn out I¡¯d say,¡± said Griffa with a smile.  ¡°I believe you and Talon did a good job, contacting everyone.¡±

    ¡°Everyone was ready to fight for you, Griffa. I hope you don¡¯t have any doubts of your ability to lead this kingdom after today,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°I actually feel quite powerful right now,¡± said Griffa with a small laugh.  ¡°I hope it doesn¡¯t go to my head.¡±

    Ansel grabbed her hand and brought her in close.  ¡°I have missed you, Griffa,¡± he said as leaned down towards her.

    ¡°We are out in the open, Ansel.  Are you really going to kiss me in front of all the people of the kingdom?¡±

    ¡°I am to be your king, and they will have to get used to it,¡± said Ansel. He leaned down and kissed Griffa soundly. She felt a little dizzy when he finally let her go.

    ¡°If that is how it¡¯s going to be, I find that I look very forward to you being my king,¡± said Griffa with a small smile.

    Griffa and Kedan walked with Ansel and Talon as Max and Addi found a place to set up before the battle.  Griffa, Kedan, Ansel, and Talon walked amongst the people greeting people as they passed.  They checked in when some principle leaders to make sure everyone knew their part to play tomorrow.  Different groups would stay in different rings of the city.  Larger groups would make their way to the first ring and the palace.  After all was settled, Griffa with Kedan at her side led Talon and Ansel off to spot by themselves.

    ¡°I have to tell you something that may change our plans,¡± said Griffa looking at Ansel and Talon.

    ¡°What is that?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I need to get to the temple tomorrow.  There is something I need to do there if I am going to save the kingdom,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Ansel. ¡°How do you know this?¡±

    ¡°I have seen it in visions I know are correct.  I belive the gods are calling me to restore the temple, and I feel I must do it to save the kingdom.  I was hoping you two would help Kedan and me make it there tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°What will you do once you reach the temple?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I believe I will know once I am there.  I know this sounds crazy and nothing like my usual self, but I need you both to trust me.  I must get to the temple.  If you will not go with me, I will go alone.¡±

    ¡°You will go nowhere alone, my queen,¡± said Kedan. ¡°I will get you to the temple by myself if I have to.¡±

    Talon sighed and looked at Ansel. ¡°We will trust you, Griffa. If you say you need to go to the temple, we will get you there safely.¡±

    Griffa smiled. ¡°Thank you.  Now, let¡¯s go find some lunch.  I am starving.¡±

    They ate lunch with Max and Addi.  Griffa spent the rest of the day talking with folk she knew from the Valley and Abscon.  Kedan shadowed her the whole time.  She watched as Ansel and Talon mingled amongst the crowd, but kept close to Griffa.  She would often look up to see one or both of them looking at her.

    Soon it was getting dark.  Fires started springing up all over the area, and Griffa found a group to eat dinner with.  She had a decent meal of meat, bread, cheese, and some dried fruit.  As she walked amongst the folk, some offered her wine or mead, but she politely refused.  As the night wore on, she lost track of Ansel and Talon.  She looked amongst the crowd, but it was hard to see in the dark.

    She knew it was getting late.  She took Kedan and led him by the hand to a shelter that had been set up for him on the outside of the main group.  She took him into the shelter and lit a fire for him.  She sat next to him for a few minutes.

    ¡°Are you ready for tomorrow, Kedan?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°I believe so,¡± said Kedan. ¡°Tomorrow will come, so I will have to be ready.  I will keep you safe, Griffa,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°You will enable me to do what I need to do, Kedan.  Remember my command.¡±

    ¡°I will, my queen, even if I don¡¯t want to follow it.¡±

    ¡°You need to sleep, protector.  Come lie down,¡± said Griffa quietly.

    Kedan laid down next to her as Griffa looked down at him.  She placed her hand on his forehead and smoothed back the blonde curls that hung there.  She smiled slightly and left her hand on his forehead.

    ¡°You will sleep well, protector.  I will need you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my queen,¡± said Kedan as his eyes started to close.

    Griffa smiled and lightly rubbed his forehead as Kedan¡¯s eyes opened slightly.

    ¡°Griffa, I mean it when I say I will keep you safe. I think I know how to help you save the kingdom and help you survive.  I won¡¯t lose you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I believe you, Kedan,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Now, sleep.  I will keep you safe as well. I will save you for your son. You will see him soon.¡±

    Griffa bent down and kissed Kedan¡¯s forehead.  She watched as his breathing became even.  She quietly left his shelter, wondering where to find the others she wished to see.  She walked towards where the folk from Abscon had set up when she saw a small fire burning amongst a few trees to the side.  She found Max sitting by himself in front of the fire.  Griffa sat down next to Max and took his hand.  He looked up and smiled at Griffa. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°I know you are hopeful that I will survive, Max.  I am hopeful as well, but we must prepare in case I don¡¯t make it.  If I do not survive the battle, you will have to take your place as king.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t come to that, Griffa. You will sit on the throne, and I will make sure of it,¡± said Max.

    ¡°Please, Max, at least consider that I may not make it.  You will have to be king. You will have to rule this kingdom for me, and make it as it should be.  I know you can do it.¡±

    Max shook his head.  ¡°I was never meant to be the king, Griffa. You know this.¡±

    ¡°What have I told you about prophecy and fate?  We choose our fate.  If I die, you will be a good king, because you choose to be.  You will work hard and listen to your folk.  I will make sure you have those around you who will help you. I can face anything tomorrow if I know I am leaving the kingdom in good hands.  Promise me you will take your place as king if I don¡¯t make it.¡±

    Max squeezed Griffa¡¯s hand tight.  Their magic mingled together.  Griffa could see King Nathin in Max¡¯s mind.  She could see him talking to Max.

    ¡°He visited you as well, did he?¡± asked Griffa.

    Max nodded.  ¡°He asked me to save you.  I¡¯m not sure he was supposed to come to me, but he did.¡±

    ¡°What did he tell you, Max?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Griffa, no matter where you go, I will come find you.  I will show you the way back.  Whatever happens, don¡¯t give up hope.¡±

    Griffa looked at Max curiously. ¡°Will you still promise me if the worst comes, you will take your place?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Griffa, if you wish it, I will promise you.   I will be king if you don¡¯t make it, but it is a promise I will not have to keep.¡±

    Griffa pulled Max in and hugged him.  He wrapped his arms around her.  ¡°I do love you, Max.  I am sorry for all that has happened to you, but I am so glad you came into my life. You are so dear to me.¡±

    ¡°I love you too, Griffa.  I miss Issa.  I wish she was here with us, but I do not regret coming to Abscon.  I could not imagine my life without you.¡±

    ¡°No matter what happens, we will win tomorrow. We will fix this kingdom. We will do it for Issa. She was so brave and so good.  We will find a way to make a kingdom worthy of someone like her,¡± said Griffa as she held Max.

    Max pulled back and kissed Griffa¡¯s cheek.  ¡°I will help you make a kingdom worthy of her and you. You are so good, Griffa.¡±

    Griffa sat back and wiped her eyes.  ¡°Get some sleep tonight, Max.  It will be a long day tomorrow.¡±

    Max nodded as Griffa stood.  She looked at him one more time before walking away from his fire.  She ran into Addi who quickly took Griffa¡¯s hands.  She pulled her to the side away from others.

    ¡°Griffa, I have been looking for you,¡± said Addi.  ¡°I know you are busy, but I had to tell you how much I love you.   I know I haven¡¯t really known you long, but you have always been so kind to me.  When the battle is over and you are crowned, I want to find a way to serve you.  I will stay on the council of the Valley, but I want to spend most of my time in Aurumist close to you.  I hope you will let me.¡±

    Griffa hugged Addi and kissed her cheek. ¡°If you wish it, I would love you to stay close to me.  I love you as well, Addi.  You are one of the kindest folk I have ever met.  We will figure out a way together for you to serve.¡±

    Addi nodded.  ¡°We will win tomorrow.  I know we will, and you will be crowned our true queen.  I believe it, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°Then let it be as you have said,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Will you do me a favor now?  Max is all alone by that fire over there.  Will you go to him and keep him company? Make sure he sleeps at some point.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my queen,¡± said Addi.

    ¡°Have you seen, Talon, Addi?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Not recently,¡± answered Addi as Griffa gave her half smile.

    Addi walked towards Max as Griffa looked around the people all around. She looked everywhere, hoping to catch a glimpse of Talon.  She needed to find him.  She did not want to face what tomorrow would bring without him understanding what he meant to her.

    She looked well into the night, growing agitated that she could not find him.  Finally, she had to admit to defeat.  It seemed he did not want to be found, so she would have to let it go.  Perhaps she would have time tomorrow before the battle, or she could hope for good things and be able to tell him all after they had won.

    Now she had one more thing she wanted to do if this might be her last night in the kingdom.

    Griffa took a deep breath and walked to the simple shelter she had set up earlier.  She hoped she would find him there.  She needed to see him.  She needed to be with him.  He had to know what he meant to her. After not being able to see Talon, she could not find any rest unless she was able to see Ansel.  She walked into the shelter and let out a breath of relief.  Ansel was sitting by a fire looking up at her.

    Griffa smiled down at him.  She saw small pitcher of wine and a couple of cups in their shelter to the side.  She bent down and poured herself a cup

    ¡°Would you like one?¡± asked Griffa looking at Ansel.

    He shook his head.  Griffa quickly drank her cup and then walked over and sat next to Ansel.  She turned to look at him, and he grabbed her and kissed her. Griffa put her arms around him, scooting as close as she could to him.

    ¡°I looked for you,¡± said Ansel as he leaned back slightly from her.  ¡°I couldn¡¯t find you, but I thought you would come here eventually.¡±

    He kissed her again.  Ansel held her face in his hands as they broke apart.

    ¡°I had others I needed to talk to tonight.  I was hoping you would be here waiting for me,¡± said Griffa.  She moved her hands to his wrist.  ¡°I have things I want to say to you.¡±

    Ansel shook his head and kissed her again.  ¡°I know what you want to say, you don¡¯t need to.  I already know it all,¡± he said as he leaned bacf from her.

    He pulled her into his lap, kissing her over and over.  Griffa sighed against his lips as he held her close.  She could feel tears coming to her eyes as she pulled back from him.

    ¡°You may know it, but you will still hear it.  I need to say it.  I love you, Ansel.  I have always loved you.  Not as I love you now, but I have always loved you in some way.  Even when we were apart or when I was frustrated by you, I wanted you.  You have done so much for me.  I don¡¯t deserve the way you have loved me, but I will never regret it, no matter what happens.¡±

    Ansel kissed her quickly.  ¡°You are wrong, Griffa.  It is I who doesn¡¯t deserve you.  You are too good for me, you are, but it doesn¡¯t matter.  I love you.  I don¡¯t intend to ever let you go.  I will not lose you tomorrow.¡±

    Griffa rested against Ansel, her head under his chin.  ¡°I don¡¯t want to die, Ansel,¡± Griffa said quietly.  ¡°I want to stay here with you.  I want to stay here with Max, Talon, and Kedan and all that I love.  I don¡¯t want to leave any of you.¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t,¡± said Ansel fiercely ¡°No matter what happens tomorrow, find a way to save yourself.¡±

    ¡°You know I can¡¯t do it. I have to fight for my people.  Any of us could die tomorrow.  I could lose you or someone else I love.¡± Griffa took a breath and snuggled closer into Ansel. ¡°You know if I have to die to make sure the kingdom lives on, I will have to do it.  I don¡¯t want to do it, but I know I will.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t come to that.  It can¡¯t,¡± said Ansel. ¡°I will do all I can to keep you safe tomorrow. We all will.  None of us want to lose you, Griffa. I don¡¯t think any of us can bear it.¡±

    ¡°You might have to,¡± said Griffa.  She leaned away slightly from Ansel and looked at him.  ¡°If I don¡¯t make it, I need you to promise me you will help Max.  I need you to stay here in the kingdom and help Max be king.  He will have Talon, Kedan, and even Addi, but he needs you.  He trusts you.  You brought him to us.  You helped show him his way in this kingdom. You will have to help him rule it.¡±

    ¡°I will help him set up his Ring.  I will make sure he is safe and secure, but I can¡¯t stay in Regventus without you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you can,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°You will stay here for Max.   You will stay here for Kedan and Talon because you all need each other.  You will stay here for me.  If I can¡¯t be here to make this kingdom right, then you and the others will have to do it for me.  You will promise me this, Ansel.¡±

    Ansel smiled slightly.  ¡°I¡¯m not your protector anymore, you can¡¯t order me to do something.¡±

    ¡°No, but you will do as I ask because you love me and you know it is right,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I am strong enough. I am not sure I am strong enough to stay here and do what is necessary without you.  I don¡¯t even know if I can go on without your love.¡±

    ¡°You will never lose my love no matter where I go.  Our love can¡¯t be separated by anything.  Haven¡¯t you learned that by now?  We weren¡¯t even supposed to love each other, but we do.  The kingdom tried to keep us apart, but you made a way for us.  Do you really think even death could keep us from loving one another?¡±

    Ansel looked at Griffa and smiled slightly.  Tears were on the surface of his eyes.  He sighed and nodded.  ¡°I will stay here and help heal the kingdom.  I plan to do it by your side, but I will stay here no matter what happens.¡±

    Griffa kissed him. ¡°I wish we had married. I should have married you back in Abscon instead of this stupid notion of waiting until we were in Aurumist.¡±

    ¡°We are as good as married,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I have already committed my life to you.  I will never love another, but it is no matter.  We will still marry in Aurumist.  We will do it as soon as we are able.  No matter what happens tomorrow, we will be together forever.¡±

    He paused and looked at her.  ¡°You have my promise to stay and fight for our kingdom, and now I need yours, Griffa.  If something happens to me, you must go on.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to think of it, Ansel. It is too much,¡± said Griffa feeling a tear fall from her eye.

    ¡°But you must think of it, just as I had to,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°Promise me if something happens to me tomorrow, you will go on for the kingdom. You will rule Regventus and you will find a way to be happy.  I need you to tell me you will, Griffa,¡± said Ansel as he put his hand on her face and tilted it towards him.

    Griffa looked into his eyes, finding them almost pleading with her.  She could not refuse him, so she nodded her head and whispered, ¡°Yes, I promise, Ansel.¡±

    He smiled and kissed her gently on her forehead before brushing her lips with his own.

    Griffa smiled against his lips. ¡°I am done talking.  I want to spend the rest of this night with you, showing you what you mean to me.¡±

    Ansel kissed her and gently laid her down.  He hovered over her for a moment looking at her.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Griffa looking up at him.

    ¡°You are so beautiful,¡± answered Ansel.  ¡°I just want to remember you like this, my sweet, beautiful, Griffa.¡±

    Griffa pulled him down and kissed him. She wanted to remember this night as well. She hoped she would get to for many years to come.

    She awoke at the first light of day, detangling herself carefully from Ansel.  She dressed in silence, preparing herself for the day as best she could without waking him from his deep sleep.  She wanted just a few moments this morning to collect herself.  She emerged from her shelter into the cold, still air.  Snow was very lightly falling, and only a few people were stirring in the area before her.

    She walked past the few who were awake, moving towards an area of trees that she new held a half frozen stream.  She found the stream and sat down beside it against a large tree.  Laying her head back against the trunk, she sat in silence and listened to the water flow past against the rocks, concentrating on just being there in the quiet of the forest.

    She sensed he was near before he sat down beside her.  She didn¡¯t know how she knew it was him, but she had no doubt that when she opened her eyes, she would see his deep brown ones looking back at her.

    ¡°I looked for you last night,¡± said Griffa without opening her eyes.  ¡°I was disappointed not to find you.¡±

    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Talon said quietly as he put his hand over hers as it lay on the ground.  ¡°I couldn¡¯t face it. I couldn¡¯t hear you say what I knew you would say.¡±

    She opened her eyes and turned to look at him.  His was very close to her, his eyes tear filled and intense as they stared straight into hers.

    Without another word she fell into his arms as he pulled her against him.  She didn¡¯t move for several minutes, laying against him, feeling whole and safe in his arms.

    ¡°I wish we could just run away,¡± he said quietly before he kissed the top of her head.  ¡°I wish I could just take you to the East Sealand and find a boat, to sail you far away from Regventus.¡±

    ¡°You know that isn¡¯t possible, for many reasons,¡± said Griffa as she stayed in his arms.  ¡°I can¡¯t leave the kingdom, Talon.  I have to try to save it.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t lose you.  I can¡¯t, Griffa,¡± said Talon as he leaned down and rested his forehead against hers.

    ¡°You won¡¯t lose me. Even if I pass from this kingdom, I will still be out there.  I will still love you wherever I am.¡±

    ¡°But you won¡¯t be here.  Do you have any idea how you have saved me, Griffa?  I know who I was before I realized I loved you.  I don¡¯t want to be that person again.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t horrible then, Talon. You were young. You made mistakes, and you learned from them as you grew up. You are wonderful. I don¡¯t think I know anyone as wonderful as you.  Even if I do not make it tomorrow, that will not change.¡±

    Talon kissed Griffa¡¯s forehead and then took her face in his hands. ¡°Promise me you will try everything you can to survive today.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I will.  I don¡¯t want to die. I want to rule this kingdom with you as my second.  I want to see what we can make of Regventus together. I will do everything I can to remain in this kingdom.¡±

    Talon nodded slightly.  He looked down at her as Griffa smiled up at him.

    ¡°Will you promise me something, Talon?¡± asked Griffa.  ¡°If I don¡¯t make it, will you help Max?  Will you serve as second on his Ring and help him rule?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can, Griffa,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I don¡¯t think I can stay in Regventus if you die.¡±

    ¡°You can and you will,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°This is your home.  You belong here, and if I can¡¯t be here to heal the kingdom, I need you to do it for me.  I need you to watch over Max.  He does not want to be king.  You will have to help him.  I need this promise from you, Talon.¡±

    Talon let go of her face and sighed.  He leaned back from her and shook his head.

    ¡°Please, I have to know this kingdom will go on without me.  I have to know someone will put it to rights.  I know you can do it.  You can do it better than anyone.  Max will need you.  Do this for me, please.¡±

    Talon looked up.  He nodded slightly.  ¡°I will, Griffa.  I don¡¯t plan on having to do it, but if it comes to it, I will help Max rule.  I will stay and serve him.¡±

    Griffa let go of Talon and stood up.  She held out a hand to him, and he took it, getting up to stand close to her, looking down at her.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa as she took both of his hands.  ¡°I want you to know what you mean to me.  I want you to know how much I love you.  You have done so much for me.  I wouldn¡¯t be here now without you.  You are one of the dearest people in this kingdom to me.  If I have to die to save this kingdom I will, but you are one of the reasons I will regret it.  I don¡¯t want to leave you, Talon.  I want to stay here because of you.¡±

    Talon raised her hands to his lips.  He kissed both her hands, and Griffa could see tears in his eyes.  ¡°Then do everything you can to stay.  I will do all I can to help you.¡±

    Griffa smiled.  She leaned up and kissed him gently on his lips. ¡°We probably need to get back, as others will be waking up soon.¡±

    Griffa let go of his hands and turned to go, but Talon grabbed one of her hands and brought her back close to him.  He ran his fingers through her hair and looked down at her.

    ¡°I want to ask for my favor, but I am scared to do it.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± asked Griffa. ¡°If you want it, I will gladly give it to you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to think this will be the last time I have to kiss you.  I would rather keep my kiss knowing you will live, and I will have years to claim it from you.¡±

    ¡°Kiss me now, Talon.  I plan to have a long life, and who¡¯s to say you might be able to bargain another kiss out of me at some point.¡±

    Talon smiled down at her as he put his hand on her cheek.  Griffa felt her breathing increase as he slowly bent down and kissed her gently on her lips.  Griffa raised her hand to Talon¡¯s face as he kissed her. She heard him groan as she pulled him down towards her to deepen their kiss. It might have been wrong, but if she was going to kiss him, she was going to do it properly.  He pulled back for a moment and looked at her, breathing heavily.

    Griffa closed the small gap between them, and kissed him again.  His arms encircled her as he pulled her against him. Griffa savored their kiss, thinking only of how much she loved him and how right it felt.  They separated several times, only to find themselves drawn back to each other again and again.   They eventually separated one last time as Talon left a string of small kisses down her neck.  He then held her as she laid her head against his chest.  He rested his chin against her head, as she stayed in his arms feeling his chest rise up and down rapidly, trying to calm her own breath.

    ¡°I love you, Griffa,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°I love you, Talon,¡± returned Griffa.

    She stayed in his arms for a long while, not wanting to let go and face what lie ahead.  Eventually Griffa pulled back.  ¡°We have to get back, Talon.¡±

    Talon raised her hand and kissed it.  ¡°You will live through this, Griffa. I know you will.¡±

    Griffa smiled at him, praying he was right.

 Chapter 25

    Max stood next to Ansel and looked at the sea of folk in front of him.  So many had come to fight for Griffa and the kingdom, and Max hoped it would be enough. Philo Quick and his army must have figured out by now that something was happening in the forest.  Even with their concealment charms, a group this size, must have been noticed at some point in the night or early morning.

    Max looked over at Griffa.  She stood between Talon and Ansel in front of a large old stump.  She was dressed in a black dress with long sleeves and Max could see the sun of Adalwen stitched on her bodice as it peeked out from under her cloak.  She turned to look at Ansel and he nodded.  She then looked at Talon who smiled at her, taking her hand as she stepped up onto the stump.  She stood on the stump and looked out over the sea of people in front of her.

    A strong wind blew, moving Griffa¡¯s skirt around and blowing her dark red curls.  The sun peaked out from behind the clouds causing the golden crown on her forehead to sparkle.  Her eyes were bright and dark blue as she raised her hand to cast a charm to amplify her voice.  Everyone in the crowd quieted down, looking at their queen.

    ¡°This day has been a long time coming.  Ever since the rightful rule of Regventus, Queen Agatha of the blood of Adalwen was chased form her palace by the followers of the Ancients, a day of reckoning was coming from those who would hurt the kingdom.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe I am special, and I won¡¯t tell you I am worth fighting for.  I just happen to be born with the right bloodline at the right time.  The time of the followers of the Ancients is over.  I don¡¯t ask you to fight for me.  I ask you to fight for this kingdom.  I ask you to fight for our gods and everything they stand for.  I ask you to fight for mercy, for goodness, and what is right.  I ask you to fight for yourselves, your villages, and your families.  All of you deserve to live in a kingdom where you can be safe.

    ¡°If we do not win today, none of us will be safe.  Those in charge of Aurumist and the kingdom will continue to ruin it.  Our kingdom will fall if we don¡¯t take it back.  I know it will not be easy, and there will be sacrifices.  If I could do this another way I would do it.  I do not want to lose a single one of you.  I can only tell you that all sacrifices made here today will not be in vain. When we take this kingdom, I will rule for all of you.  I will listen to all my people, and together we will remake Regventus into something that is worth fighting for.

    ¡°I ask the gods now to watch over us, and I ask them to keep all of you safe.  I ask them to help us fight for what is right.  May we always remember the responsibility we have to one another, gifted and non-gifted.  After today, the kingdom will never be divided again.  We will all remember we are one people regardless of magical ability.  We will care for one another as we always should.  Take care of each other.  When we win, I will find a way to take care of all of you.  May the gods guide you today and forever more.¡±

    Griffa was about to take Talon¡¯s hand to step down when Max saw Daracha step slightly forward from the front of the crowd.

    ¡°You might not think you are special, my queen, but we all do.  The Forest of the Lowlands will fight for all you said, but we will also fight for you.  You are our queen,¡± said Daracha.  She bowed down and her folk followed her lead.

    ¡°Abscon is yours, our queen.  You know this.  I have no authority to speak for my village, so I speak for myself.  You are my queen, and I fight for you today,¡± said Hector Delis.

    Malchom walked to his side.  ¡°You have left Abscon in my charge, and I can tell you our village fights for you, our queen.¡±  Malchom and Hector bowed down and all the folk of Abscon did the same.

    Talon looked up at Griffa.  ¡°You know the Valley is yours, my queen.  I have no doubt my people fight for you.  They have come to see you on the throne and no other.¡±

    Talon took her hand and kissed it he then bowed down.

    ¡°He is right, my queen,¡± said Clara Vin. ¡°The Valley came for you, we fight for you.¡±

    Max watched as the folk of the Valley bowed down as one.  Cries of for our queen sprung up all over the group in front of Max.  The people bowed in waves until everyone was bowing down in front of Griffa.  Max looked at Ansel.  They both walked to the front of Griffa and each took her hand.

    ¡°I fight for you, my queen,¡± said Max.  ¡°You are my kin and the one true ruler of this kingdom.  You will be the one to sit the throne after today.¡±  Max bowed before her.

    ¡°You know you are my queen,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I will do all I can to see you safely through today.  After you have taken the city, I will serve you as your king.  You will rule this kingdom.¡±  Ansel bowed before her.

    Max looked slightly up to see Kedan take Griffa¡¯s hand.  He kissed it and bowed down by her side.  Griffa looked around with tears in her eyes.

    ¡°Please rise, all of you.  You have overwhelmed me.  I am humbled by your support and devotion, and you all have my love.  Now, let¡¯s go take this kingdom back.¡±

    Griffa stepped down from the stump and stood between Ansel and Talon.  Clara Vin came up to Griffa.

    ¡°The Valley is ready to lead the way into the city.  You will follow us, my queen?¡± asked Clara.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Abscon will go behind my party, and all other people will follow.¡±

    ¡°I am guessing Talon and Addi will be with you,¡± said Clara.

    ¡°Talon will be by my side at all times in the city.  Addi will go with Max who will fight alongside Abscon.¡±

    Max looked at Griffa angrily.  ¡°What?¡± he asked loudly. ¡°I will go with you, Griffa.¡±

    Max needed to stay by Griffa¡¯s side. He had to be there to help her.

    Griffa walked to Max.  ¡°You will go with Abscon and Addi.  You and I must stay separate when we can.  If something happens to me, you will have to be kept safe.  You are the only other person with the full blood of Adalwen.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, you don¡¯t understand,¡± said Max. ¡°I can¡¯t leave you.  I have to be with you.¡±

    ¡°This is my command, Max.  You will fight with Abscon.  You will meet us in the throne room when the fighting is over.¡±

    Max shook his head as Madam Sidora came from the crowd and grabbed Max¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You should do as your queen commands, Maxwell,¡± said Sidora as she pulled him away gently.

    Max looked up at Griffa who nodded at him.

    ¡°Come with me, Maxwell. All will be well,¡± said Sidora as she continued to pull at him.  Max relented and let Sidora take him away from Griffa to the people of Abscon.

    ¡°I will make sure you are at our queen¡¯s side when she needs you.  Do not worry, Maxwell.  You will still be able to save her,¡± whispered Sidora as they joined the people of Abscon.

    Addi walked up and joined Max at his side, grabbing his hand.

    ¡°I know it is hard to be away from her.  I wanted to be at her side as well, but she has a reason for her commands. We must do as our queen needs us to do.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Max looked at Addi and nodded.  ¡°You are right, Addi.  We will fight for her.  I am glad you are at my side.¡±

    Addi smiled as she squeezed Max¡¯s hand and let it go.  Max watched as the Valley position itself to enter the city.  Griffa with Talon and Ansel at her side and Kedan behind her stood behind the Valley.  Every person from Abscon lined up behind their queen.  Max stayed close to the front to keep Griffa in his sites when he suddenly thought of something.

    ¡°Kedan!¡± Max called out.  ¡°Kedan!¡±

    Kedan turned and looked at Max as Max ran up to him.

    ¡°Remember, Kedan, do not let Griffa out of your sight.  No matter what happens, continue to protect her.  Trust yourself and what you feel.  No matter what it may look like or anyone else says, trust yourself and your queen.¡±

    Kedan nodded. ¡°I know, Max.  I know what to do, and I will not fail her.  I promise.¡±

    ¡°She will not die, Kedan, not today.  I will find her and help her, just keep her safe until then.¡±

    Max turned and walked back to Addi.  He watched as the Valley moved towards the city.  Griffa turned to Talon and kissed him on the cheek.  She turned to Ansel who leaned in and kissed her quickly. She held out her hand behind her, and Kedan took it.  She pulled him closer to her as they walked behind the Valley and towards the city.

    Max watched as Malchom nodded at his father. Max saw Desmona at her father¡¯s side.  She grabbed her father¡¯s hand as they all three started walking, following their queen.  Max walked with Abscon as they advanced towards the city.

    As they entered the city, Max could see the Valley was already fighting Aurumist soldiers.  The soldiers must have been at the entrance ready to fight.  Max watched as Griffa with Kedan by her side walked amongst the fighting.  She threw up her hand and staff, making a group of soldiers fly through the air.  Talon and Ansel walked behind her, taking down soldiers as they walked.  Max looked to his right to see a group from the Valley fighting with some Aurumist soldiers.  He turned and threw up his staff as Addi stood beside him and threw out her hands.  Four soldiers were thrown backwards.  Max brought his staff down and the soldiers flew into the air and back down hard onto the ground.

    Max turned to see Griffa making her way through the fifth ring of the city towards the fourth.  He hurried to follow her the best he could, just wanting to be able to keep up close enough so he could see her.  He looked over to his left to see Hector and Malchom Delis fighting nearby.   Max turned back to look at Griffa to see she had been met with a large group of soldiers on her left side.  She was turned with Kedan dispatching the soldiers, when Max saw another large group come to her right.  Ansel and Talon had already advanced towards the group to her left.

    The group to her right didn¡¯t fire curses at her.  Instead they all turned to a large building and fired spells at the large stone wall.  Max realized what they were doing.  He called to Kedan to watch their back, but his voice was lost in the chaos around them.  The wall started to fall quickly. Max threw out his staff to try to stop it, but his spell would arrive too late.

    Hector Delis was close by Griffa, and he saw the wall start to fall. Hector looked towards Griffa, and Max watched as Hector ran and launched himself at her.  He shoved her just as the stone wall came crashing down.  Griffa fell into Kedan who turned and caught her as she hit the ground.  Hector was lost under crumbling stone wall.

    Max heard someone scream behind him.  He turned to see Desmona running up to her brother¡¯s side as Kedan helped Griffa to her feet.  She turned back and looked in horror at where Hector had been.  She looked up to see Malchom staring at her with Desmona crying by his side.

    ¡°Go, Gryphon,¡± said Malchom loudly. ¡°There is nothing we can do for him.  Go and do what you need to do.¡±

    Max watched Griffa shudder.  She looked one more time at the wall and then nodded.  She ran with Kedan towards where Ansel and Talon where fighting.  Max watched her as she fled, before he turned and faced a group of Aurumist soldiers coming his way as Malcolm pushed his sister the other way to face soldiers coming from around the ring.

    Max fought with Addi by his side for what felt like all day.  They would face a group of soldiers with others from Abscon, handle them and then move on.  By the time they reached the third Ring, Max was exhausted.  He had a cut on his arm, and he knew the side of his face would be bruising soon.  He looked at Addi to see her slightly limping.  She had a cut above her eye that was bleeding.

    They advanced on into the city, taking down soldiers as they went.  Max would see people peeking out from windows and doors.  He tried to keep all the fighting he could away from living spaces, but he saw that there were a good number of homes that had been hit.  Healers from the Valley and Abscon were all around, tending to the injured amongst the city and the magical folk.

    In the middle of the third Ring, the fighting got even heavier.  Max was exhausted.  He looked at Addi who looked like she could fall over.  They were met by a large group of soldiers just as they came to the entrance of the second Ring.  Max looked around. There were a few people from Abscon gathered around them. They all looked ragged and exhausted.  Max didn¡¯t know how they would make it around the group of soldiers in front of them.

    The soldiers started firing curses as Max blocked and sent back curses of his own.  He saw two people from Abscon fall.  He heard Addi cry out as a curse hit her leg.  She steadied herself and fought on, but Max didn¡¯t know how long they could last.  Suddenly a group of curses came from behind them towards the soldiers.  The group of soldiers was thrown down the middle, with only half left standing.  Max looked behind him to see Bettina and Oliver Devins leading their people towards Max.

    Bettina and Oliver ran to stand in front of Max and Addi as their people gathered all around them. They took out the group of soldiers as Max grabbed Addi.  He took her to the side and had her sit down.  Max quickly looked threw his pack until he found what he needed.  He put a balm on her leg and bandaged it quickly before handing her a vial.

    ¡°Drink this,¡± said Max.  ¡°It will help restore a little of your energy.¡±

    She nodded and threw back the liquid as Max took his own vial.  Max helped her up and they joined Bettina and her people.

    ¡°Are you alright, Max?¡± asked Bettina as Max walked up to her.

    ¡°I am, thanks to you and your people. I need to get towards the palace. We have to keep moving.¡±

    Bettina nodded.  ¡°Stay with us, and we will get you there.¡±

    Max and Addi joined Bettina¡¯s group, and they made it into the second ring where they were met with several large group of soldiers.  Max could see people from the Valley and Abscon fighting.  He was glad to not see Griffa anywhere and hoped that meant she had already made it through safely.

    There were so many soldiers and there seem to be more coming.  The more they took down, the more that showed up.  Max fought fiercely with Addi and Bettina at his side.  At one point, Bettina yelled, as Oliver was thrown off his feet.  Max kneeled down quickly at his side, while Bettina and Addi covered them.

    There was a large cut on Oliver¡¯s shoulder.  Max covered it with his hands and looked for a healer nearby, but he could not find one.  He needed to stop the bleeding somehow.  Max dug throw his pack until he found a large piece of cloth.  He placed it over the cut.  Max looked around until he saw a dead soldier lying close by.  He walked over and took some rope the soldier had on his waist before walking back to Oliver and tying the cloth around his shoulder.  He then dug into his pack and handed Oliver a blood replenishing potion.

    ¡°Drink this, Oliver.  It will hold you over until we can find you a healer,¡± said Max.

    Oliver drank it quickly, and Max helped him to stand up.  They both looked to see they were surrounded by a large group of soldiers.  Max looked at Bettina and Addi who both looked ready to fight, but Max knew it would do no good.  How would they make it through this?  People around them were still fighting, but they were all outnumbered.  Max grabbed Addi¡¯s hand and looked at her.  She smiled sadly at him and nodded.

    They both closed their eyes and waited for the curses to come, but they never came. Instead, Max suddenly felt a bolt of magic and energy run through him. He heard Addi gasp, and Bettina reached out for him and held his arm.  Max¡¯s eyes open and all he saw was a bright light around him.  He wondered if perhaps he had died as he felt an overwhelming peace come over him.  He took a deep breath and looked at Addi who stared back at him with large eyes.

    The light passed slowly by them.  Max looked up, and all the soldiers, but a few, lay on the ground still.  The few who were standing looked dazed.  They looked as though they didn¡¯t know where they were as they all walked over next to buildings and sat down.

    ¡°Max,¡± said Addi quietly. ¡°What was that?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ¡°answered Max.  ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    ¡°I believe that was our queen,¡± said Sidora as she walked up to Max.  ¡°I think she just accomplished what she set out to do.  Which means she will need us quickly.  We must go, now.¡±

    Max looked at Oliver who was leaning on his sister.  He didn¡¯t want to leave him and Bettina by themselves.

    ¡°Go on, Max,¡± said Bettina holding up Oliver.  ¡°I will go find Oliver a healer.  You go to our queen; She will need you.¡±

    Max reached into his bag and pulled out another blood replenishing potion.  He handed it to Bettina.

    ¡°Give this to him if you can¡¯t find a healer quickly. It will keep him alive,¡± said Max as he handed her the potion.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said looking at Max.

    ¡°Thank you, Bettina,¡± said Max.  ¡°I will see you soon.¡±

    Bettina nodded.  She leaned forward and kissed Max on the cheek.  Max felt a warmth spread throughout his body. And he smiled slightly and then turned to Addi.

    ¡°We have to get to the throne room. That is where Griffa¡¯ will be.¡±

    Max walked towards the First Ring of Aurumist with Addi and Sidora at his side.  All round them, magical folk looked bewildered as they tried to figure out what was going on.  Max just hoped he would get to Griffa in time.  He had to show her the way back to the kingdom.

 Chapter 26

    Ansel followed Griffa closely as they entered the city. Fighting had already erupted all over the fifth ring as soldiers had been waiting for the magical folk to enter. Ansel and Talon had moved slightly behind Griffa so Kedan could walk at her side. Ansel could feel a shield surround them as Kedan raised his hand. Griffa moved her hand to the side to send some soldiers flying. Ansel moved his hands out sending a fierce wind at a group of soldiers fighting with some people from the Valley. Talon charmed some water from a nearby well and froze it in midair, sending spikes of ice at a group of Aurumist soldiers.

    Ansel kept close to Griffa¡¯s back as she made her way towards the fourth ring of the city. He worked with Talon to help clear a way for her and to watch her back. Griffa flung out her staff as she walked, causing soldiers to be thrown about. She held up her hand and threw some water from a nearby well onto a house that was burning.

    As they got close to the entrance to the fourth ring a large group of soldiers came from the left. Kedan moved slightly ahead of Griffa and held out his hands, reinforcing his shield. Ansel and Talon moved ahead of Griffa throwing curses at the soldiers. Ansel produced some fire in his hand and threw it at the soldiers, and it caused them to split. Talon ran forward with his hand raised. He threw it out and a hard wind sliced through the air knocking down soldiers and twisting their bodies.

    Talon and Ansel continued to advance in front of Griffa. Ansel saw a couple of curses sent by her fly past him. They sliced through a group of soldiers, leaving bloodied bodies in his wake. Ansel was throwing a curse when he heard a loud noise behind him. He turned to Talon who was looking behind him. Talon yelled out Griffa¡¯s name as Ansel turned. A large stone wall was falling quickly right towards Griffa.

    Talon had thrown out his hands, but whatever he sent wouldn¡¯t make it in time. Griffa turned, seeing the wall coming towards her. Right before the wall would hit her, Hector Delis ran up to Griffa and pushed her out of the way. She fell into Kedan, and they both hit the ground and rolled. Ansel looked at the rubble and saw that it had covered Hector Delis.

    Talon had turned and was throwing curses at soldiers coming at them. Ansel watched a moment more as Malchom looked at the rubble, and Desmona came running up to where her father had been, crying. Malchom yelled at Griffa to go, and she ran towards Ansel with Kedan by her side. Ansel turned and helped Talon take out the last of the large group of soldiers that had been in front of them.

    He ran into the fourth ring with Griffa at his side. The stopped for a moment by a large building to catch their breath. Ansel looked at Griffa and saw that she had tears in her eyes.

    ¡°Hector,¡± said Griffa breathlessly. ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said Ansel. ¡°I saw it.¡±

    ¡°He died because of me. It doesn¡¯t seem fair.¡±

    ¡°He died doing what he wanted to do, Griffa,¡± said Ansel looking around to make sure they were safe for a moment. ¡°He wanted to make it up to you for what he had done to your father and you.¡±

    Griffa nodded. ¡°We have to get to the temple so I can stop all of this.¡±

    ¡°Do you know what you will do when you get there?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°No, but I know I have to go there. The gods are drawing me there now. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Griffa looked at Kedan and then ran from the building and through the fourth ring as Talon and Ansel ran behind them. Griffa threw up her hands to clear the way as Ansel and Talon stayed close enough to stay within Kedan¡¯s shield. Soldiers threw curses at them, trying to stop them, but it did them no good. Their curses would deflect away from all of them.

    When they entered the third ring, the people from the valley were all engaged with Aurumist soldiers. There were soldiers everywhere. Griffa stopped and raised her hand and staff, and one of the groups of soldiers was thrown into the air. She brought her staff down, and the soldiers hit the ground hard. Their bodies were broken and bleeding.

    She turned to another group and swept out her hand and staff. Soldiers all doubled over and fell to the ground dead. She turned to another group, and Talon grabbed her and pulled her close.

    ¡°We have to keep going, Griffa. Let your people fight for you. You said we need to get you to the temple,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to just leave them here, Talon. I want to help them.¡±

    ¡°They know what they are doing. You will honor them by keeping yourself safe, and doing what you need to do, now keep moving to the next ring.¡±

    Griffa nodded as Talon let go of her arm, and she moved forward towards the entrance to the second ring. There weren¡¯t many soldiers here, just a couple of groups. They turned towards Griffa as she entered. Kedan threw out his hands, and one of the groups was blown back on their backs. Griffa raised her staff, and they flew up in the air and far away into the large field behind the library.

    They moved on to the first ring to find it was eerily quiet. There were no soldiers anywhere, and no one walking about. The pathways were deserted, and the homes seem to be shut up. The only sound was distant fighting from the other rings and the harsh cold wind that was blowing that day.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Griffa looked around as she moved towards the palace. Ansel kept at her back looking for any movement. Talon did the same. Kedan kept up his shield as they walked quickly. They were met by no one as they came upon the pathway that ran in front of the palace. Griffa turned to the right and walked towards a large building that Ansel knew must be the temple.

    As they approached the temple, Ansel heard footsteps coming from somewhere in the first ring. He turned to see Philo Quick leading a group of soldiers. Talon reacted quickly, and he sent out a curse at Philo. Philo held out his hand and Talon¡¯s curse deflected harmlessly. Ansel threw out a couple of curses, and Philo waved his hand. The curses deflected away to the sides.

    Ansel looked at Talon. Something was wrong. Philo should not have been able to deflect any of those curses so easily. Ansel glanced behind him to see Griffa staring at Philo. Kedan was by her side with a shield in place around them. Philo smiled and threw up his hands sending A hard spell hurdling towards them. The spell broke through Kedan¡¯s shield and threw all them different ways. Ansel fell to his side. He looked over to see Talon rolling over and standing up. Ansel looked behind him to see Kedan running over to Griffa. Ansel stood up and quickly ran towards Griffa. Talon got there at the same time. They both covered Griffa and Kedan as Kedan helped her up.

    ¡°What was that?¡± asked Griffa

    ¡°Philo has done something to himself,¡± said Talon. ¡°He¡¯s more powerful. I can feel it.¡±

    Griffa nodded. ¡°I can too. We have to get into the temple.¡±

    Ansel looked to their left to see the temple was very close.

    ¡°We need to throw everything we can at Philo, Talon. Griffa, you and Kedan run for the temple, we will follow you.¡±

    Talon raised his hand as Ansel did the same. They both sent multiple curses at Philo as Griffa and Kedan ran for the temple. Philo raised his hand and pushed out. The curses rebounded and came flying back towards Ansel and Talon. Ansel threw up a block, but Talon and Ansel were both thrown off their feet several feet back.

    Ansel felt the breath get knocked out of him as he hit the hard stone of the path. He laid there gasping for a minute as Talon struggled to sit up next to him. Ansel finally sat up to see Philo advancing on Griffa. He had his hand up. She was next to the temple door and seemed to not be able to move. Philo flicked his hand and Kedan was thrown to the side. He moved his hand again and Griffa was thrown through the door of the temple.

    Ansel stood up quickly and offered his hand to Talon who took it. They both ran towards the temple. Soldiers stood in front of the broken door as Philo entered. Talon raised his hands and fire formed in both of them. He threw them out and the fire ran through the soldiers. Some dropped where they were, others fled on fire.

    Ansel and Talon ran to the temple as Kedan got to his feet. He joined them as they entered the temple. They walked hurriedly past the fountain in the front, Ansel glancing at the twelve faceless statues that encircled the fountain. They walked into the main room of the temple to see Griffa laying in the middle of the floor in the bare circle formed by the benches around it.

    Philo was standing over her, and he had a knife in his hands. A few benches seemed to have been pushed to the side to make room for a magical fire that had a kettle set up over it. Helmer stood next to, brewing some foul-smelling potion. Next to the fire was Marcus with Cassia Delis by his side. Marcus looked dazed. He was breathing heavily with his eyes half opened.

    ¡°Philo, you can¡¯t do this,¡± said Talon furiously. ¡°You will destroy the kingdom.¡±

    Philo laughed. ¡°I will make this kingdom as it should be. Once I take this right to rule, I will usher in a new era where magical folk are in power as they always should have been. I will show you all I am the chosen ruler of Regventus.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re not,¡± said Griffa weakly. ¡°The gods will not let you do this. They will destroy this kingdom before they let you rule.¡±

    Philo looked down at her and sneered. ¡°You think the gods have chosen you, Gryphon. Why would they do that? You are weak and pathetic. You cannot do the necessary things that need to be done. You would rather show mercy and help the non-gifted. Whatever have they done for you or any of us?¡±

    ¡°They are the people of this kingdom. They deserve the same respect and rights as you and me. I have seen them shown great kindness and bravery. If we don¡¯t find a way to live together, our kingdom cannot stand. You will be the ruin of Regventus, Philo.¡±

    Philo bent down over Griffa. He raised his hand, and Griffa flew into the air. He lowered it, and she slammed down hard on the ground. She let out a cry of pain. Ansel shuddered and cried out as she hit the ground, his head was full of panic and anger. He looked at Philo, wanting nothing more than to rip his head off of his body.

    Talon moved his hands and threw a curse at Philo. It was absorbed by some shield that seemed to cover most of the room, keeping Talon, Ansel, and Kedan away. Talon walked forward and stopped. He put his hands out and looked at Ansel. Ansel moved forward until he was stopped by the shield in front of him. He could not get any closer to Philo or Griffa.

    ¡°I could kill all three of you now,¡± said Philo looking at Talon, Kedan, and Ansel. ¡°It would be easy, but I think I¡¯ll let you watch first. I¡¯ll let you see what I do to your queen. Then when I have my right to rule, I will be done with all three of you.¡±

    Ansel looked down at Griffa to see she was moving slightly. Her eyes were closed, and she was moaning. He glanced at Talon who seemed to be leaning against the shield as he stared at Griffa. Kedan walked to the other side of Talon. He had his hand up and was watching Griffa. Talon straighten himself and threw a spell at the shield in front of him. He tried again and again but nothing would break through. He stopped and turned to Ansel.

    ¡°What can we do?¡± asked Talon desperately.

    Ansel didn¡¯t know. They had to do something, didn¡¯t they? He couldn¡¯t stand there and watch Griffa die. He moved closer to Talon and stared at Griffa. She opened her tear filled eyes and stared at them. She reached out for them as Philo turned to Helmer.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± Talon whispered as tears fell down his cheeks.

    Ansel spread out his hand on the shield. He wanted to something to get to her, but there was nothing to be done. He could feel the power coming off the shield. Nothing he could throw at it would work. Ansel looked at Kedan who was intensely staring at Griffa with his hand up. Their only hope was Kedan and his protector¡¯s magic.

    ¡°The potion is ready, Philo. It is time,¡± said Helmer.

    Philo smiled and raised his knife as he walked slowly over to Griffa. Ansel couldn¡¯t breathe as he stared at Griffa, knowing there was no way he could help her.

 Chapter 27

    Philo stood in front of his desk in his study after dinner.  He would usually be in his room, but Cassia was supposed to come to him soon.  Philo leaned back on the desk and wondered if he could convince Cassia to come back to his room with him.  He was sure Cecilia wouldn¡¯t mind.  She seemed to be drawn to Cassia herself.  Philo wouldn¡¯t mind having both of them tonight as he had plenty of energy to spare now.

    He barely slept.  He didn¡¯t need to.  He was filled with power.  Anything he wanted to do, he could do with ease.  Everything was in his grasp.  Why should he not have his wife and Cassia?  He wanted both of them, and he could take whatever he wanted.  There was a knock at the door.  Philo smiled and looked at the door, and it opened not to let in Cassia but two of the leaders of his army.

    Philo stood up and saw they looked agitated.

    ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡±

    ¡°We have detected a large source of magic just outside the city. We can¡¯t see anything, but something is there,¡± said one of the soldiers.

    So, Gryphon had already come.  She must have a decent sized force if it could be detected with shielding and concealment charms.  Philo smiled slightly.  He could get to her tomorrow and become the rightful ruler.  The thought made Philo a little lightheaded.

    ¡°What should we do, sir?¡± asked one of the soldiers.

    ¡°The false queen will attack tomorrow it seems.  Gathering our forces and make sure every ring is covered, except the first ring.  I will take only a small force with me and cover the first ring.  Tell you forces to let the false queen come to me if they can.  I have plans for her.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you wouldn¡¯t not like more soldiers with you in the first ring?¡± asked one of his leaders.

    ¡°No,¡± answered Philo.  ¡°I will not need them.  Do as I say and go prepare.  Tomorrow we will stamp out the false queen and all of her followers.¡±

    The soldiers both bowed and left quickly as Philo leaned back on his desk.  It was perfect.  He wouldn¡¯t have to wait any longer.  Soon he would kill Gryphon.  It would be easy, but he would need to contact Helmer.  That might put a damper on his other plans tonight.  He did so want Cassia and Cecelia so Philo decided he could send a message.  He found some paper and wrote Helmer as shot message. He told him to go set up tonight.  If he needed help, he could contact Devland.

    Philo finished his letter and sent for a servant to deliver it straight away.   As soon as the servant left, Cassia walked into his study looking very alluring in a low-cut dress.  Philo smiled at her and met her in the middle of the room.  He grabbed her and kissed her fiercely.

    ¡°You seem in a good mood,¡± she purred as he pulled back.

    ¡°I am in a very good mood as it seems Gryphon will try to attack tomorrow.  This time tomorrow night, I will be the true king of this kingdom.¡±

    Cassia smiled and leaned into him.  ¡°I shall have to come to you tomorrow night as well.  I¡¯ve always wanted to be with a king.  You might want your queen tomorrow though.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why I can¡¯t have you both.  In fact, what do you say to going to my room now? I¡¯m in the mood for a little something special, and I think you will find Cecelia will have no objections.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think she will,¡± said Cassia.  ¡°I think she will be rather enthusiastic about the idea.¡±

    The next morning, Philo waked outside the palace and met his army who were gathered all around the first ring.  He talked to his leaders to make sure they knew what to do, and they dispersed to all rings of the city.  One small force stayed with Philo.

    Philo walked to the temple to meet Devland on the way out.

    ¡°Devland,¡± said Philo. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Home, I am very tired.  I have been up all-night helping Helmer, but all is ready.¡±

    ¡°You do not want to stay and watch the show?  You could be there at the dawn of a new era.¡±

    ¡°No, I will only be in the way. Helmer has his son to help him.   I will stay at home until it is all over,¡± said Devland.

    ¡°If you change your mind, feel free to come watch.  I am sure it will prove entertaining,¡± said Philo.

    He walked into the temple and found Helmer standing next to a kettle with his son, Darron close by.  Many of the benches had been moved to set up a place for a large fire.  Helmer had brought in a stand to hang the kettle over the fire.  He was pouring things in the pot.

    ¡°Are we ready?¡± asked Philo?

    ¡°We are.  I cannot start brewing the potion, until Gryphon is in the room, but it will not take long once she is here.¡±

    Philo nodded.  ¡°We will not fail this time.   There will be no way for anyone to save her.¡±

    ¡°How will you get her into the temple?¡± asked Helmer.

    ¡°I will see where she is headed in the first ring and I will cut her off.  I will push her to the temple or knock her out and carry her myself.  It will not be hard either way,¡± said Philo.

    Helmer nodded.  ¡°She will have her protector with her.  He could cause problems.¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Kedan?¡± asked Philo dismissively.  ¡°What could he do?¡±

    ¡°He has protector¡¯s magic now.  It is powerful and old.  It can do things we can¡¯t even imagine.  You will want to watch him.¡±

    Philo rolled his eyes.  ¡°I can do things now that you can¡¯t imagine.  Kedan will be no trouble.  I will have what I want today.¡±

    Helmer looked at Philo, and Philo could detect a hint of fear in his eyes.  This pleased him, he wanted people to be afraid of him.  They should be afraid of him.  He could kill anybody he wanted with a slash of his hand.  Philo walked from the temple and met with his small group of soldiers.  He had them stay with him just inside the gate to the palace, and they all stood there and waited.

    The day passed slowly.  Philo wondered what was taking so long.  He hoped his soldiers had not managed to kill Gryphon.   He needed her to make it to the first ring alive.  After what seemed an age, Philo was alerted by one of the guards hiding in the tower.  Philo looked out a small hole in the gate to see Gryphon with Ansel, Talon, and Kedan, walking towards the castle.  They turned to the right, and Philo smiled as they seemed to be walking towards the temple.  This would be even easier than Philo thought.

    Philo signal to his soldiers and the gate opened.  They walked from the gate towards the temple.  Griffa and her group turned as Philo approached, and Talon and Ansel both tried to throw curses at him.  Philo deflected them easily.  When he was bored of their antics, he threw up his hands and knocked them all over, and they all flew in different directions.

    Philo watched them all try to recover and figure out what was going on.  Philo could have killed them all right then, but he was having fun.  He needed Gryphon alive, and why not have her friends watch as he killed her.   Philo laughed quietly as Ansel and Talon stood in front of Gryphon and Kedan.  They sent many curses at Philo, but Philo sent them right back at the men.  They fell hard on their backs.

    Philo looked at them and laughed loudly before walking towards Gryphon.  She was trying to make it to the temple door.  Philo held up his hand, and she froze in front of the door.  Philo flicked his other hand and sent Kedan flying.  He moved his hand to the front and Gryphon was blasted through the door.

    Philo followed her in and found her laying on the ground next to the fountain, struggling to get up.  He walked to her and looked down at her.  He moved his hand, and she was dragged alongside him on the floor.  He took her to the large room and laid her in the middle of the circle found there.  He waved his hand and her cloak ripped and flew off of her. He pushed his hand out, and she laid still, flat on her back with her arms and legs out.

    ¡°Start brewing, Helmer.  She is here,¡± said Philo, looking at Helmer.

    Philo looked over at Marcus who was standing with Cassia.  His son didn¡¯t seem to register what was going on.  His eyes were half closed, and he was leaning on Cassia.  It was no matter; Marcus would do what he was told soon enough.  Philo heard Gryphon¡¯s friends¡¯ footsteps coming into the temple.  He raised his hand and powerful shield was placed around him, Griffa, Helmer, Marcus, and Cassia.

    Ansel, Talon, and Kedan walked quickly into the room. Talon gave some nonsense of why Philo couldn¡¯t kill Gryphon, and Philo laughed it off.  Gryphon had some inane comment.  Philo was growing tired of her.  He wished he could kill her this second.  Being in her presence was giving him a headache.  She was so weak.  She could never rule the kingdom as it should be ruled.

    ¡°They are the people of this kingdom.  They deserve the same respect and rights as you and me.  I have seen them shown great kindness and bravery.   If we don¡¯t find a way to live together, our kingdom cannot stand. You will be the ruin of Regventus, Philo.¡±

    Philo had enough of her.  He was tired of her fake goodness.  He was tired of her having the nerve thinking Philo could never rule the kingdom.  He kneeled down next to her, wanting to kill her so badly. He wanted to slash his hand down and silence her forever.  He wanted to wrap his hands around her pale throat and choke the life out of her.

    Philo took a deep breath.  He couldn¡¯t kill her, not yet.  Instead, he threw her into the air and slammed her down on the hard floor.  He probably damaged her in some way, but she was still breathing.  Her friends had just figured out they couldn¡¯t get to Gryphon.  Talon wasted his energy throwing spells at the shield.  Ansel only stood there pathetically staring at Gryphon.  Kedan seemed to be trying to do something, but Philo knew it would never work.

    ¡°I could kill all three of you now,¡± said Philo looking at Talon, Kedan, and Ansel.  ¡°It would be easy, but I think I¡¯ll let you watch first.  I¡¯ll let you see what I do to your queen. Then when I have my right to rule, I will be done with all three of you.¡±

    Yes, he could kill them all now, but how delicious it would be to have them watch as he killed Gryphon.  They could watch as he plunged the knife into their precious queen¡¯s heart.  Then once Philo had the line, he could kill all three of them with a flick of his hands.

    ¡°The potion is ready, Philo.  It is time,¡± said Helmer.

    Philo smiled.  He held his knife up and walked to Gryphon. She was staring at Ansel and Talon with her hand towards them.  Philo bent down and looked at her.  She turned her head towards him and looked up at him calmly.

    ¡°Are you ready to die, Gryphon?¡± asked Philo.

    Gryphon smiled slightly.  ¡°You can¡¯t kill me, Philo.  You don¡¯t have the right.¡±

    ¡°I will kill you.  Watch me.¡± said Philo as he grabbed Griffa¡¯s chin roughly before throwing her head to the side and letting go.

    He grabbed Gryphon¡¯s arm and tore her sleeve, so her bare arm showed.  He moved his knife towards it.  His hand on the knife started feeling hot.  He looked to see smoke was coming from his hand.  Philo dropped the knife and looked at his hand.  There were large boils forming all over his palm.

    ¡°What did you do, Gryphon?¡± asked Philo angrily.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± said Gryphon.  ¡°It is the gods.  They will not let you do this.¡±

    Philo drew back his hand and hit her hard.  Her head turned and she cried out.  He picked up his knife and grabbed her other arm.  Again, his hand started burning.  He could not hang on to the knife.  He turned and looked at Helmer.

    ¡°Can I kill her another way?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°No,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°You must spill her blood in just the way it says.¡±

    Philo picked up the knife again.  He would do this.  He would force himself.  He could fight through the pain.  He picked up the knife and moved it towards her arm.  He fought through the burning pain in his hand.  He went to move the knife down to her arm, but he could not do it.

    ¡°Give up, Philo, you cannot do this. You will only hurt yourself,¡± said Gryphon weakly.

    Philo looked down at her angrily. He would just kill her and hope it would be enough.  He raised the knife and was ready to plunge it into her chest when he felt the shield around him falter.   He looked over to see Devland standing next to Kedan.  He had a sword in his hands that was plunging through the shield.  Devland shook as the shield around them vanished. He fell to the floor as Philo yelled in rage.  Talon raised his hand and Philo felt absolute anger fill his body, taking over.

    He would not lose.  He would not.  He would kill Gryphon.  He looked down at her.  Her eyes were closed, and she was still. The sight of her disgusted him. Who was she to have the protection of the gods?  Who was she to rule this kingdom? He couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Philo raised his hand and slashed it down.  Her body arched in the air, and she fell down lifeless at a strange angle.

    Philo smiled and raised his hand just as Talon¡¯s spell reached him.  He heard Talon yell out, and Ansel say his queen¡¯s name.  Philo stood and smiled.  It was too late to save their queen, and soon he would be done with all of them as well.

 Chapter 28

    Griffa laid on the hard stone floor of the temple.  She was in so much pain.  She was sure something had broken within her when Philo had slammed her to the floor.  She tried to move, but her body wouldn¡¯t respond.  She wanted to turn and look at Ansel and Talon again.  She wanted to see them one last time before she died, but she could not muster the strength.

    Instead, she lay and looked at Philo.  He stood over her with a knife as he grabbed her arm. Griffa braced herself for the pain, but it never came.  She looked to see Philo had dropped the knife.  He was grabbing his hand.  She could see the large boils that were forming in his palm.  He looked down at her angrily.

    ¡°What did you do, Gryphon?¡± asked Philo angrily.

    She had done nothing.  She couldn¡¯t if she tried.  She was in so much pain, and whatever he had done to her made it where she couldn¡¯t move.  He couldn¡¯t stab her with that knife because the gods would not let him.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± said Gryphon.  ¡°It is the gods.  They will not let you do this.¡±

    He hit her hard.  It was harder than a normal man should have been able to hit.  She felt her vision go dim.  She could not concentrate.  She might have passed out if the pain had not forced her to stay in the present.  She watched again as he tried to cut her with the knife.  He could not do so.

    She could tell he was getting angry.  She could feel the furry coming off of him.  His magic was rising to the surface of his skin.  She doubted he could control it much longer.  She watched him turn to Helmer.

    ¡°Can I kill her another way?¡± asked Philo.

    ¡°No,¡± said Helmer.  ¡°You must spill her blood in just the way it says.¡±

    He would not be able to spill her blood. Griffa knew this somehow.  He could not take the line of rulers from the blood of Adalwen. The gods would not let him.  He may kill her, but he could not take what he wanted.

    ¡°Give up, Philo, you cannot do this. You will only hurt yourself,¡± Griffa heard herself say.

    Everything was going dim.  Griffa wondered if she was dying. At least the pain would be gone.  Griffa felt her eyes start to close.  She wanted to fight to keep them open, but she could not.  She was aware something was happening around her.  She could feel the shield Philo had put up start to crumble.  Griffa wanted to stay.  She wanted to see Ansel and Talon. She wanted to stay with them, but something would not let her.  She felt herself being pulled away.  Griffa gave in.  She closed her eyes.  It felt like she was traveling.

    Griffa landed on a stone floor. She looked up and saw she was still in the temple, but it looked completely different.  It looked like the room underneath the temple had risen up.  The statue of the gods stood in the center of the temple, surrounded by four pillars.  Griffa looked around and the room was bare.  There were no benches.  She was alone.

    Griffa looked around and then walked up to the statue of the gods. She stared at them as she reached out and put her hand on the foot of the sister.  She felt power and magic fill her body. She closed her eyes as it sang to her.  It comforted her.  It made her feel whole and safe.

    ¡°Welcome, Gryphon,¡± said a kind female voice.  It sounded familiar.

    Griffa opened her eyes and turned.  Before her stood a woman in a simple shift dress.  She had deep brown hair and bright blue eyes.  She smiled serenely at Griffa.  Griffa felt like her breath was taken away.  She immediately fell to the floor on her face.

    ¡°I am not worthy to be in your presence,¡± said Griffa softly.  She knew who the woman was.  She had been bowing to her and praying to her all her life.

    ¡°Come Gryphon, how can you not be worthy.  I made you,¡± said the sister softly.

    Griffa looked up and the sister had her hand held out to Griffa.  Griffa took it and the sister helped her to stand.  Griffa stared at the sister who smiled at her.

    ¡°Come out brother, you know you want to meet the queen,¡± said the sister.

    Griffa watched as a man materialized into the room.  He walked over to the sister and stood next to her.  The smirk on his face reminded Griffa a little of Talon.

    ¡°Gryphon,¡± said the brother nodding.  ¡°I am pleased to see you.  Don¡¯t feel you have to bow for me.¡±

    Griffa didn¡¯t know what to say.  She just stared at the brother and sister.

    ¡°Would you like to ask us any questions, dear?¡± asked the sister.  ¡°I am sure you must have plenty.¡±

    ¡°She is scared to death, can¡¯t you tell?¡± asked King Nathin as he walked into the room.  ¡°Is it any wonder after what she just went through.  Then you bring her here to face you, how did you expect her to act?¡±

    ¡°Oh look, sister, it¡¯s a family reunion,¡± said the brother sarcastically, ¡°Nathin why are here.  I don¡¯t remember summoning you.¡±

    ¡°I summoned him,¡± said the sister.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t think to tell me?¡± asked the brother.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t feel like arguing with you,¡± said the sister.  She smiled at Nathin. ¡°Come closer, Nathin.  Come and greet our Gryphon.¡±

    Nathin walked over to Gryphon.  He took her hand and bowed over it.  ¡°Hello Gryphon, it is a pleasure to see you again.¡±

    ¡°Again?¡± asked the brother looking at the sister.

    ¡°Shush, brother, let them talk,¡± said the sister.

    Griffa nodded at King Nathin and then looked at the brother and sister.  ¡°Is this real?  Am I having a dream, or some disillusions before I die?¡±

    The sister laughed a little.  ¡°No, Gryphon, this is quite real.  We¡¯ve have brought you here to talk of the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°What of it?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°It¡¯s a mess,¡± said the brother.  ¡°I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s really worth saving.  My sister disagrees, but I¡¯m having a hard time finding a reason to save it.¡±

    ¡°I know of plenty,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Oh, would you like to list them for us?¡± asked the brother.

    ¡°Look at the folk you have created.  Most of them are wonderful.  They are brave and good.  I have seen them do amazing things.  I have watched them take care of one another.  You can¡¯t tell me they aren¡¯t worth saving?¡±

    ¡°And I have watched as you have been passed over as queen,¡± said the brother.  ¡°I have watched you be ridiculed, ignored, poisoned, stabbed, and tortured.  We sent you into the kingdom to save it, and look what the kingdom has done to you.¡±

    ¡°Everyone goes through hard times, but the good ones make it all worth it,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Of course, you won¡¯t listen to me,¡± said the brother.  ¡°You never do.¡±

    ¡°Now, now, brother, that is not true.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it though?  I sent her the perfect man to be her king, and she completely rejects him for her protector,¡± said the brother.  ¡°Do you want to talk about what mess that made?¡±

    The sister scoffed. ¡°He is far from perfect, and she did not completely reject him.  She loves him.  She just loves the other a little more, or maybe in a different way,¡± said the sister looking at Griffa. ¡°You never did understand the subtleties of love or the folk you created, brother. The protector thing turned out just fine. The line was transferred.  The new protector is worthy.  You can¡¯t argue with that.¡±

    ¡°I could,¡± said the brother.  ¡°I could argue long and hard that Kedan Belles did not deserve the protector¡¯s line, but I doubt it would do any good.¡±

    King Nathin looked at Griffa and rolled his eyes slightly while shaking his head.

    ¡°Kedan is worthy to carry the protector¡¯s line,¡± said Griffa defiantly.  ¡°He has not been perfect in his life, but whom amongst your folk has?  I certainly have not.  Kedan learned from his mistakes.  He found the correct path and he took it.  That shows he is worthy.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Gryphon,¡± said the sister.  ¡°I do want to save the kingdom, but I think I would enjoy having you around.  I could use an ally against my brother.¡±

    Gryphon looked at the sister.  ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You will have to make a decision if you want to save the kingdom or not,¡± said the brother.

    ¡°Of course, I want to save the kingdom.  There is no question.  I will do whatever it takes,¡± answered Griffa.

    ¡°Wait, Gryphon,¡± said Nathin. ¡°You don¡¯t know what it will entail to save Regventus. You need to understand what you must do.¡±

    ¡°Tell me then,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I will do whatever you ask.¡±

    The brother looked at Griffa.  His smirk faded and he looked sad.

    ¡°Come, Gryphon, you must make a decision, but I want you to have all the facts first,¡± said the brother holding out his hand.  ¡°Take my hand and come with us.¡±

    Griffa walked over and took the hand of the brother.  He smiled at her kindly, and Griffa felt herself travel.  She closed her eyes.  When she opened them, she was standing on top of the tallest tower of the palace.  She looked to her right to see the brother standing next to her.  The sister stood on her left.  King Nathin stood next to the sister. Griffa looked out over the city in the late afternoon light.

    ¡°Aurumist,¡± said King Nathin.  ¡°It has changed since I lived here.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said the brother.  ¡°And in many ways, not for the better.  It, like much of the kingdom, is rotten.¡±

    ¡°There is a lot that is wrong,¡± said the sister sadly.  ¡°Sickness, poverty, suffering, and so much violence.  It is not meant to be this way.¡±

    ¡°It might be best to let it die,¡± said the brother.  ¡°I don¡¯t want it to be so, I really don¡¯t, but it will take so much to save it.  I don¡¯t think we can ask it of you, Gryphon.¡±

    ¡°What would I have to do?  I will die for the kingdom if need be.¡±

    ¡°If only it were that simple,¡± said the sister.  ¡°The kingdom is very sick.  Some folk have strayed far from the path we set before them. They don¡¯t understand mercy or kindness.¡±

    ¡°They use each other to get what they want.  They make up a fake religion and follow these so-called Ancients to justify their actions.  The kingdom has been suffering for a long time.  To save it, would take an enormous amount of atonement,¡± said the brother. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°How can it be done?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Only you can do it, Gryphon.  We chose you to lead the kingdom.  Only you can speak for the folk.  Only you can atone for all of them,¡± answered the sister.

    ¡°How would I do it?¡±

    ¡°You would agree to take the blame for the wrongs of the kingdom.  You would agree to say the folk are at fault, and you will take the blame.  By doing that you will be sent somewhere even lower than the underworld.  Somewhere even beyond even the folk who spend eternity outside of our mercy,¡± said the sister sadly.

    ¡°You will be sent somewhere with only darkness, where you will suffer with no end.  Every wrong decision you made, every doubt about yourself will haunt you forever,¡± said the brother.

    Griffa looked at the sister and then the brother. ¡°I will be there forever?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said the sister.  ¡°Unless you can find your way back somehow.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible, sister. She could never find her way from that place, not with the suffering she will endure.¡±

    ¡°Someone could help guide her,¡± said King Nathin.  ¡°She has strong ties with folk in the kingdom.  They could lead her back.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still unlikely,¡± said the brother.  He looked at Griffa.  ¡°I don¡¯t want to give you false hope.  If you choose to save the kingdom, the likely outcome is you will spend eternity alone with every doubt, fear, and mistake you have ever made.¡±

    Griffa felt tears come to her eyes.  She looked out over Aurumist and let her tears fall down her face.  Could she really do this?

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this, Gryphon,¡± said the sister quietly. ¡°You could choose to stay here with us.  You could be safe with us forever.  You could see your father and mother, and other friends who have crossed over.¡±

    ¡°What of those who are in the kingdom now?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°They would be outside our mercy forever.  Once we turn our backs on the kingdom, we cannot save any of the folk in the kingdom,¡± said the sister.

    Griffa thought of the folk she had met in the kingdom.  She thought of all those she healed.  She remembered their pain and then their gratitude.  She remembered the young twin girls she read to as they were sick.  She thought of all the magical villages she had visited. They had come to fight for her.  She could not abandon them.

    Griffa thought of all those she loved.  She imagined kind and wise Max being gone forever.  She imagined sweet Addi living without hope.  She thought of Kedan and his son, being sent to a place of suffering.  She thought of Ansel and Talon, and how much she loved them. Clever, wonderful, passionate Talon, who loved her. Ansel, Griffa could not even begin to describe who Ansel was to her.  He was everything.  She could not let him perish.  She could not let either of the men she loved suffer forever. She had hurt them enough.  She could do this for them. She could give them a future. She had to save them.

    ¡°The kingdom is worth it,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°It is full of folk who are kind and good.  I am just one woman.  If I can save them all, I will. I would do it just for those I love, but I will do it for all my folk.  I choose to save Regventus. What happens to me, does not matter.¡±

    The sister looked at Griffa with tears in her eyes.  She then walked over to her brother.  They moved to the aside and whispered to one another.  King Nathin came and stood next to Griffa. He took her hand.

    ¡°Gryphon, I want you to remember how good you are. I want you not to listen to the lies you will here where you are going.  You cannot get lost in the void you will be sent to.  Folk here in the kingdom will call for you.  They will try to lead you back, but you must listen,¡± said King Nathin.

    Griffa looked up at him.  He held so much kindness and concern in his eyes.  She reached up and touched his cheek.  He leaned into her hand.

    ¡°You are goodness itself, Gryphon,¡± said King Nathin.  ¡°You have to remember who you really are.¡±

    Griffa nodded as she took her hand away from King Nathin¡¯s face.  He raised the hand he held to his lips and kissed it. ¡°You will not be lost forever, my dear. Listen for those you love.¡±

    King Nathin dropped her hand as the sister and brother came over to her.  The sister looked at Gryphon with tears running down her cheeks.  She seemed to take a steadying breath.

    ¡°You have made a choice Gryphon Keene.  We have decided to let you do what needs to be done to save the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Now that you have made this choice, there is no going back,¡± said the brother.  ¡°I will give you the ability to save Regventus.  Once your task is completed you will be automatically sent to the place of darkness.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I am ready.¡±

    The sister pulled Griffa¡¯s staff from behind her back.  ¡°Travel well, dear one,¡± she said sadly as she kissed Griffa¡¯s forehead.  She handed Griffa her staff.

    The brother came up to her and took her free hand. ¡°You are our chosen queen, Gryphon and you have chosen to accept the responsibility of your folk.  I give you the gift to save them.¡±

    The brother leaned forward and kissed her forehead.  He hovered close to her for a moment.  ¡°May you find your way back, Gryphon.  I know you can,¡± he whispered.

    Gryphon felt a warmth envelope her as the brother backed away.  She felt a power surge through her.  She knew what she needed to do. She walked to the edge of the tower.  She looked over Aurumist with a benevolent smile.  She thought of all those she loved. She asked for strength for Max.  She hoped Kedan would understand.  She thought of Talon and sent him her love.

    She thought of Ansel and she whispered. ¡°Nothing can separate us forever, my love.¡±

    Griffa took a deep breath and threw out her hand and her staff.  She felt a wave of energy released from her.  A bright light erupted all around her.  She watched as it moved through the city going to every land of the kingdom. For a moment she felt complete peace and then everything started fading.

    ¡°Find your way back, Gryphon,¡± said King Nathin as everything went dark.  ¡°Don¡¯t listen to the lies.¡±

    Griffa watched as everything went dark around her.  She looked around and could find no light.

    ¡°Wild Gryphon Keene who will always embarrass her family,¡± said a voice tauntingly.

    ¡°Max should have been king.  He would have been a better ruler than you.  Anybody would be better than you,¡± said a voice.

    Griffa felt something slap her face.  ¡°You gave yourself to that lowly protector, and now look at you. He has abandoned you.  He never loved you,¡± said a voice that sounded like Philo Quick.

    Griffa tried to walk away.  She covered her ears and walked.

    ¡°You toyed with me, Griffa,¡± said a voice that sounded like Talon.  ¡°You made me love you, and then you walked away from me.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa shaking her head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t want to hurt you.¡±

    ¡°You made me give up the duty of my family for you.  You know you aren¡¯t worth it,¡± said Ansel¡¯s voice.

    Griffa felt someone grab her legs.  She was thrown to her side.  ¡°You are weak and pathetic.  Where is mercy now, girl?¡±

    ¡°You are where you belong, Gryphon, a place where unwanted folk go.  Nobody ever wanted you.  Your father hid who you were to save the kingdom.  He knew you would be a disaster.¡±

    Griffa laid down and cried.  She could not do it.  She would stay here forever.

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen, dear one, please,¡± said a soft female voice.

    ¡°Find your way, Gryphon. You are stronger than this,¡± said a loud male voice.

    ¡°The ones you love will look for you, find them,¡± said a faraway voice that sounded like King Nathin.

    Griffa concentrated. All around her voices taunted her.  Something burned her skin, but she tried not to listen or feel the pain. She tried to think of those she loved, but it was so hard. She was awful, she always knew she was. The kingdom was better off without her.  If only she could just lay there and die.  Griffa curled up and cried.  She laid on the cold dark ground for what felt like hours.

    She was all alone. It felt hopeless. Suddenly she felt a warmth around her middle. She looked down and could see a faint light wrapped around her.  She sat up and looked at it. It felt familiar. It gave her hope.  It made her feel as if she were not alone.

    ¡°Kedan,¡± she whispered.

    The light wrapped around her extended past her in the darkness. It whispered very quietly to her. ¡°My queen,¡± it said, ¡°Do not leave me.¡±

    The line of light went on and on. Griffa stood up.  She started following the cord of light that tied her to her protector.  She walked quickly as voices threw insults at her.  She was pushed down, time and time again, but she kept getting up and following the thin cord of light.  It felt like it would go on forever, but she would not give up.

    The darkness seem to stretch on and on.  Griffa continued to follow the line of light.  She was walking along when she abruptly hit something hard.  She put her hands out and could feel something like glass in front of her.  She could see the light going on, but she could not continue to follow it.  Griffa hit her fist against the barrier in front of her, but it would not break or move.  She hit the barrier hard over and over, until she had no strength left.

    Griffa finally fell to the floor.  She pulled knees to her chin and cried.  All around her, she could hear the taunting voices.  Something scratched at her arms.  There was nothing left to do.  She would be trapped there forever.  There was suddenly a loud tap on the barrier in front of her.  Griffa looked up to see Ansel staring at her from behind the barrier.  All around was dark, but Ansel seem to glow in the darkness.  He smiled at her.

    Griffa stood up quickly.  She stared at him. How was he there?

    ¡°Stand back, Griffa,¡± said Ansel.

    Griffa took two big steps back.  She watched as Ansel put out his hands.  Griffa raised her hands as the barrier in front of her shattered.  Ansel walked forward and took her into his arms as she wrapped hers around him.

    ¡°How are you here?¡± asked Griffa against his chest.  ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t leave you here, Griffa. You told me nothing could stop our love.  Nothing could stop me from coming to get you.¡±

    Ansel leaned down and kissed her.  ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you out of here,¡± said Ansel.

    He let her go and took her hand.  He led her through the shattered barrier.  They followed the glowing line, walking quickly.  Eventually, Griffa could see a light in the distance.  It was warm and comforting.  She smiled as the light got closer and closer.  They eventually arrived in a pure white room that had a single door.  Ansel stopped in the middle of the room and turned to Griffa.

    ¡°You need to go through that door to get back to the kingdom,¡± said Ansel.

    ¡°You will come with me, won¡¯t you?¡± asked Griffa looking at the door over Ansel¡¯s shoulder.

    Ansel smiled slightly.  ¡°I can¡¯t go through that door, Griffa.  This is where I belong now.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± asked Griffa with confusion.  ¡°What do you mean you belong here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going on, Griffa.  I don¡¯t want to go without you, but I knew this was the only way.  I had to save you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going on to where?¡±

    ¡°Griffa, you know where,¡± said Ansel as he took her hands and held them.  ¡°This is my send off.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa looking up at Ansel.  ¡°It can¡¯t be.  You shouldn¡¯t have done this.¡±

    ¡°I am at peace, Griffa.  This is what I wanted.  You think I could live in the kingdom without you, knowing where you were?  I did this freely.¡±

    Griffa shook her head.  She felt a hand on her shoulder.  She turned to see her father smiling at her.

    ¡°Griffa, my darling, it will be alright. We will take care of him.¡±

    Griffa looked behind her father to see her mother and Ansel¡¯s mother smiling at her.  Griffa turned back to Ansel.

    ¡°I will come with you as well.  I will go with you, Ansel.  I cannot go back to the kingdom without you.¡±

    ¡°You can and you must, Griffa.  The kingdom needs you.  There are so many people there who need you.  You have to go back.¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I can¡¯t leave you.¡±

    Ansel bent down and kissed her.  ¡°You are not leaving me, Griffa.  You told me nothing could separate our love. I believe it, don¡¯t you?  There are no barriers to our love, even if I am here and you are in the kingdom where you belong.¡±

    Griffa shook her head.

    ¡°You know you have to go back.  You can feel it.  Listen, Griffa.  You can hear them calling for you.  You can¡¯t leave Max to be king.  It will kill him. Kedan is calling for you.  He has pledged his life to you, and you can¡¯t abandon him.¡±  Ansel stopped for a moment and gripped her hand.  ¡°Talon needs you, Griffa.  He loves you.¡±

    Griffa closed her eyes.  She could feel Kedan¡¯s magic surround her. She could hear Max calling for her.  She could feel the memory of Talon¡¯s kiss from earlier that morning.

    ¡°But Ansel, I have never loved anyone as I love you.  I want to be with you.  You gave up everything to be with me, and it was for nothing.¡±

    ¡°Nothing? It was not nothing, it was everything.  I got to experience love like no other with you.  I can only do this for you because I gave up the line to Kedan.  I think you might have saved Kedan¡¯s life by allowing him to become your protector.  Please, Griffa, don¡¯t waste this.  Go back to the kingdom, and be the ruler Regventus needs. I will be here waiting for you.¡±

    Griffa knew she had to go back to the kingdom, but it was so hard to leave Ansel.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I am strong enough to leave you,¡± said Griffa as tears ran down her face.

    Ansel chuckled slightly.  ¡°You are the strongest person I have ever met.  You can do this.  I will be fine. You have to go back for me.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s right, Griffa,¡± said her father. ¡°He is offering you a gift.  You cannot set it aside.  Don¡¯t make his sacrifice meaningless.  Go back to Regventus, and serve the kingdom well.¡±

    Griffa¡¯s mother and Ansel¡¯s mother came to each side of Griffa.

    ¡°You were meant to be queen, my love,¡± said her mother.  ¡°Go live your life well for Ansel and yourself.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my dear, you don¡¯t know me, but I have watched you love my son,¡± said Ansel¡¯s mother.  ¡°He has experienced more love with you in his short life than most have done in lives twice as long.  He will be well loved and taken care of here.  Go, without guilt.¡±

    Ansel offered his hand to Griffa.  She took it, and he led her to the door.  She looked at the door and then back to Ansel. He smiled at her and took her other hand.

    ¡°I do love you, Ansel.  I will always love you.  I would always choose you if I could.¡±

    ¡°I know you would, but you have no choice in this, Griffa.  You have to go back to Regventus.  It can only be made right by you.¡±

    Ansel took her into his arms and kissed her.  He pulled back and held her to him.

    ¡°There is one more thing you have to do, Griffa,¡± said Ansel softly.

    Griffa looked up at Ansel. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°You have to let him love you.  I know you love him.  You cannot feel guilt when you are ready to move on with him.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Ansel,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Yes, you do.  It will take time, but you will move on. It was meant to be this way.  You know it was. He will be a good king, but more importantly he will love you completely. Do not close you heart off to him. Just promise me you will try.¡±

    ¡°I will try, Ansel,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I can¡¯t promise I will be able to move on, but I will try.¡±

    ¡°I want you to be happy,¡± said Ansel. ¡°You will be happy, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°I will see you again, one day, Ansel.  I know I will.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you can never get rid of me forever, Griffa.  Now go, live your life,¡± said Ansel smiling.

    Griffa threw her arms around him and hugged him.  ¡°I love you, Ansel, and I always will.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Griffa,¡± said Ansel.  He kissed her one more time and walked back to stand with her father.

    Griffa smiled slightly at them as tears fell from her eyes.  She turned and walked through the door.

 Chapter 29

    Kedan watched as Griffa lay on the stone floor of the temple.  Philo walked towards her with a knife in his hand as Kedan kept his hand up, trying to shield his queen.  He didn¡¯t know if it was helping, but he would not stop.  He was told to keep trying to protect his queen, and he would keep trying until he knew she was no more.

    Philo tried to cut Griffa¡¯s arm, but Philo could not do it.  He dropped the knife and grabbed his hand.  Kedan tried to see what was wrong when he felt someone walk to stand beside him.

    ¡°Protector,¡± said Devland urgently.  ¡°Is that sword what I think it is?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± asked Kedan turning from Griffa and looking at Devland.

    ¡°Is that sword you carry the Keene sword?¡±

    Kedan nodded, feeling confused.  ¡°It is.¡±

    ¡°Give it to me now,¡± said Devland.

    ¡°Why?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°Trust me; I need that sword to help our queen.  Give me the sword, protector, now,¡± said Devland holding out his hand.

    Kedan hesitated for one moment.  He looked at Griffa as Philo hit her, and Kedan felt a wave of pain go through him as she cried out.  He looked at Helmer and reached behind his back, pulling out his sword and handing it to Devland.

    ¡°Stand back protector, you must not touch me,¡± said Devland.

    Kedan took two big steps back.  He watched as Devland held the sword and looked at the shield in front of him.  Devland hesitated for just a moment and then plunged the sword into the shield.  Kedan stood in shock as the shield shimmered before him.  The shield faded, and then it vanished.  Kedan moved forward as Devland fell to the floor. He lay there still with his eyes open.  Kedan realized he was dead.

    Kedan looked up and saw Philo look angry as he stood over Griffa.  He raised his hand and slashed it down. Kedan tried to put a shield back up but it was too late.  Kedan gasped as Griffa¡¯s body was pulled upward and then slammed down. He heard Talon scream Griffa¡¯s name.  He heard Ansel cry out, and Kedan waited.  He expected to feel the pain she felt.  He expected to feel her slip away from the kingdom, but instead he felt nothing but his queen¡¯s presence.  It felt like she was calm.

    Kedan shook his head and grabbed his sword from the floor.  He watched as Talon cried out and sent a spell at Philo.  Philo smiled and blocked Talon¡¯s spell.  Kedan looked at Talon to see he was breathing, and his eyes were narrowed and hard. He seemed to shake with rage, and Kedan could sense magic pulsating off of him.  Ansel joined Talon¡¯s side, standing still and tall. He seemed calm, but there was something deadly about the look in his eyes.  Kedan shivered slightly watching Ansel stare at Philo.

    Philo looked at them with his hand up.  He pushed out slightly and Talon and Ansel split watching the curse Philo sent fly past them.  Talon pushed out his hand a flame shot out of it.  Philo held up his hand and laughed.  The flame deflected around him.  He continued to stand over Griffa as Kedan saw Helmer try to leave.

    ¡°Helmer, stay where you are,¡± said Philo.  ¡°I will still get her blood. We can still do this.¡±

    Philo pushed out his hands, and Talon and Ansel were forced to roll apart from each other.  Philo bent down and grabbed his knife.  He knelt down next to Griffa and held the knife over her.  He went to plunge it into her when Kedan held up his hand.  He felt his shield cover his queen, and it joined whatever magic was left in her creating   a protective boundary over her and Kedan. Philo stood there, unable to move his knife any closer to Griffa.

    Philo cried out in rage.  He looked at Kedan with fire in his eyes.  He pushed out his hand, but Kedan easily deflected his spell. He could feel Griffa¡¯s magic surround him. It gave him power that he had never felt before.  Philo stood up screaming and pushed his hand out in anger.  Kedan heard a cry behind Philo, and he looked to see Cassia Delis fall to the floor.  A red stain blossomed on her chest as Philo looked down at her with wide eyes.

    Marcus Quick swayed slightly and then blinked his eyes.  He looked all around him as though trying to take in what was happening.  He looked at Griffa laying lifeless on the floor and then at his father standing over her.

    ¡°Father, what have you done?¡± asked Marcus angrily.

    ¡°What I had to do, but it isn¡¯t over yet.  Come help me take down these three so I can get Gryphon¡¯s blood.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Marcus horrified.  ¡°You have killed her, haven¡¯t you?  You killed Griffa. How could you?¡±

    ¡°It was necessary, Marcus. I need her blood so I can get everything I want.  I need it so I can give it all to you.  You can be king of this kingdom.¡±

    Marcus shook his head and looked at his father with anger.  ¡°This is wrong.  I will never forgive you for this. She was my friend, and I loved her.  You know I did.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be absurd, Marcus. She could never be your friend. The Keene¡¯s never approved of us.  Now come here, and help me.¡±

    Marcus shook his head and fell to the floor. He sat, crouched in a ball, crying.  Philo reached out for him when a curse hit Philo arm. A large cut appeared on his upper arm and blood splattered away from him.  Philo grabbed his arm and turned to find Talon with a menacing smile holding his hand out. Philo let go of his arm and went to send a spell, but before he could, Ansel pushed his hand out.  A strong wind pushed Philo over to his knees.

    Kedan ran to Griffa.  He quickly lifted her into his arms and carried her close to the temple door.  He sat down on the ground, holding her, watching Talon and Ansel.  Helmer tried to run for it, but Talon pushed out his hand without even looking. Helmer fell as blood erupted form his throat.  He laid there jerking and dying as his blood surrounded his body.  Darron cried out and looked at Talon, but Ansel pushed out his hand.  Darron was flung against the wall hard.  Blood splattered the wall as Darron fell down lifeless.

    Philo tried to stand, but Ansel sliced his hand down.  Blood flew out of Philo¡¯s shoulder. Ansel pushed out, and Philo fell forward on his hands.  Talon held both his hands up, and the atmosphere in the room seemed to change.  It felt warm and damp.

    ¡°You want to kill me, don¡¯t you?¡± asked Philo as he looked at Talon.

    Talon only stared at Philo.

    ¡°It won¡¯t matter; I¡¯ve already killed her.  Killing me won¡¯t bring her back. Your queen is dead,¡± said Philo as he started laughing.

    Ansel walked over to stand next to Talon.  He looked down at Philo.  Kedan could see something building over Talon.  It almost looked like a small cloud.

    ¡°I will kill you, Philo. I will kill you for all the pain and agony you caused her.  I will kill you because you are evil.  Only someone truly evil could kill someone as good as her.  I wish I could torture you for eternity for what you have done, but I will have to be satisfied with killing you here.  I trust the gods will see to the rest,¡± said Talon.

    Philo tried to sit up, but Ansel threw his hands up.  Philo flew off the floor.  Ansel slammed his hands down, and Philo fell to the floor hard.  Ansel flipped his hand and Philo flipped over so he was on his back.

    ¡°You have taken something precious from this kingdom,¡± said Ansel. ¡°You have taken the very heart of Regventus and now you will pay. May you never find rest or peace.¡±

    Ansel looked at Talon and nodded.  Talon pushed his hands down and lightning came from somewhere above him, hitting Philo.  Philo¡¯s body jerked and spasmed as the lightning moved through him.  Talon held his hands out, watching him spasm. Talon watch coldly as Philo hung limply while lightning coursed through his body. Ansel carefully put his hand on Talon¡¯s shoulder, and Talon dropped his hands. Philo lay still, charred and broken.  Ansel kicked him and half of his body disintegrated.

    Kedan looked down at Griffa.  Her eyes were closed, and she was limp.  He could not see or feel her breathing, but he could feel her magic within her.  Somehow, she was alive; Kedan knew she was alive.  He picked her up and walked with her out of the temple.

    He started walking slowly towards the palace.  He would take her to the throne room. Her power was always strongest in the palace.  He would take her home, and let her heal.  He would not leave her until she woke up.  He heard Talon and Ansel run to catch up with him, Talon holding Griffa¡¯s staff.  Ansel looked down at Griffa and then up at Kedan.

    ¡°Kedan, where are you going?¡± asked Ansel quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯m taking her to the palace.  She is strongest there.  I will stay with her in the throne room until she wakes up.¡±

    ¡°Kedan,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°She is gone.  You can¡¯t help her.¡±

    ¡°No, she is not gone.  I can still feel her magic.  She is alive.  I know she is.¡±

    ¡°Kedan, don¡¯t do this,¡± said Talon shakily.  ¡°You will have to face it; we all will.  Griffa is dead.¡±

    Kedan shook his head and walked faster. He knew his queen was alive, and he would not be told differently.  He walked to the palace gate, and saw no one was in the tower.  He wondered how he would get it open, but as soon as he stood in front of the gate, a light flowed past him.  Kedan stumbled back and took a breath.

    ¡°My queen,¡± he whispered as the light flowed through him. He could tell it was Griffa¡¯s magic.   He looked down at Griffa to see her eyes were still closed.  She lay still in his arms, but he could feel her magic flow to him.

    The palace gate opened.  Kedan looked up at the guard towers, but there was no one there. He heard people behind him talking, but he paid them no mind.  He walked through the gates toward the palace.

    ¡°Kedan, it isn¡¯t your fault,¡± said Ansel as she caught up with Kedan. ¡°There is nothing you could have done.  You will have to let her go.¡±

    ¡°I would know if she was dead, Ansel. You know this.  I would know before anyone.  She is not dead.  My magic still protects her.  I will stay with her until she wakes up.¡±

    Kedan walked on until he came to the door to the palace.  He looked at Ansel who closed his eyes and took a breath.  Ansel opened the door and let Kedan enter with Griffa in his arms.  Kedan went straight to the throne room.  He walked to the dais and climbed the few stairs there.  Once he was on the dais, he kneeled down and laid Griffa in the middle of the platform.  He sat down and put Griffa¡¯s head in his lap, arranging her hair so I would not hang in her face.  He stared down at his queen and watched.

    Talon came up to the dais.  He kneeled down next to Griffa and took her hand as he looked at her.  Ansel walked to her other side and kneeled down.

    ¡°She was so beautiful,¡± said Talon quietly.  ¡°I think every time I saw her, she grew in beauty.  Maybe it was her goodness or as she aged, but she always just seemed to be lovelier every time I saw her. She will always be the most beautiful woman I will ever see.¡±

    ¡°She was so young.  Sometimes I forgot how young she was.  She wasn¡¯t even twenty-four.  She should have lived many more years,¡± said Ansel as he reached up and touched her face.

    ¡°She will live many more years,¡± said Kedan vehemently.  ¡°I am telling you; she is not dead.  You both need to have some faith in her. You say you love our queen, but you give up on her so easily.¡±

    Talon shook his head as tears fell from her eyes.  ¡°Kedan, you have to accept this. I do not hold you responsible, but she is gone.¡±  Talon¡¯s breath hitched.  ¡°She is gone,¡± he whispered.

    Talon leaned over Griffa and wept.  Ansel put his hand to his mouth, and Kedan saw tears fall from his eyes. Talon kissed Griffa¡¯s forehead and then her cheek as he wept

    ¡°What will we do, Ansel?¡± asked Talon gasping for air as he sat up.

    ¡°We will do as she asked,¡± said Ansel quietly as he looked at Griffa. He picked up her hand and kissed it gently.  ¡°We will serve our king.¡±

    ¡°No, you will serve our queen,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°You both don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Kedan sat there with Griffa¡¯s head in his lap.  He watched for any signs of life from his queen.  He would not give up.  He felt his magic continue to cover her, and it mixed with hers.  She was still there with them, somewhere.  Kedan knew she just needed to find her way back. He would keep a hold of her with his magic.  He would help her find her way.

    Ansel and Talon both sat next to her. Ansel stroked her hair and bent down. He kissed her lightly on her lips.  ¡°I am sorry I failed you, my love.  I will find you in the next life.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Talon put his hand on her forehead.  He leaned down and kissed her.  ¡°Travel well, dear one,¡± he whispered.

    Kedan made an angry noise.  ¡°You are both wrong.  She is alive.¡±

    Talon shook his head and moved to sit on the edge of the dais.  Ansel took one more look at Griffa and joined Talon. Ansel sat looking straight head, rocking slightly.  Talon held Griffa¡¯s staff as he cried.  Every now and then they would look back at Kedan and Griff, and Kedan would hear them whispering.

    ¡°We will have to take her from him, eventually,¡± whispered Talon.  ¡°She would want a proper send off.¡±

    ¡°Give him time,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°He is in shock.  He will come to terms with reality soon enough.¡±

    Kedan shook his head and looked down at his queen. He stroked her cheek lovingly. She was beautiful and young.  She would grow even more in beauty as she aged.  She would get the chance. Kedan knew she would.  He sat there gazing at his queen, continuing to gently stroke her cheek.  He would not lose faith.

    ¡°I know you are still here, Griffa. I won¡¯t give up on you,¡± Kedan whispered.  He bent down and kissed her forehead.

    After a while, the doors to the throne room opened.  Kedan looked up to see Max, Addi and Sidora walk into the room.  Max walked ahead and looked at Talon and Ansel.

    ¡°Max,¡± said Ansel sadly. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Max.¡±

    Kedan heard Addi gasp.  She leaned forward on the dais and cry.

    ¡°You are our king now,¡± said Talon quietly through his tears as he looked at Max.

    ¡°No,¡± said Max.  ¡°I am not.  Our queen is still alive.¡±

    Max walked up quickly to the dais, walking up the stairs.  Ansel jumped up and met him.

    ¡°Max, she is gone,¡± said Ansel taking Max by the arms.  ¡°I am sorry, but she was killed by Philo.  I saw it happen.¡±

    Max looked over Ansel at Griffa.  ¡°No, she is not dead, Ansel. Let me pass. I have to get to her.¡±

    Ansel held on to Max.

    ¡°I have to see her, Ansel.  Let me pass,¡± said Max.

    Ansel sighed and let him go.  Max walked and knelt by Griffa, as Ansel kneeled on her other side.

    ¡°She isn¡¯t dead, Max.  I know she isn¡¯t.  I can still feel her magic.  My magic still protects her. She is alive.¡±

    ¡°I know.  She is just lost, and we need to help her find her way.¡±

    ¡°Wait, Maxwell,¡± said Sidora.

    She hurriedly climbed the stairs of the dais. Addi who had stood back up with tears streaming down her face, held Sidora¡¯s hand as she made it up the stairs

    She walked to Griffa and knelt down slowly by Max.  ¡°Let me help you, Maxwell. It is dangerous for you to do this alone.¡±

    Max nodded. He grabbed Sidora¡¯s hand and then took Griffa¡¯s hand, bending down  close to Griffa.

    ¡°I am here, Griffa. I have not left you.  I¡¯m going to bring you back to us.  I¡¯m going to bring you home.¡±

    Max gripped Griffa¡¯s hand and closed his eyes. After a few moments Kedan felt his magic surge.  It cried out in him, calling for his queen.  Kedan put his hand on Griffa¡¯s upper chest.  He felt his magic flow through her body.  He could feel it heal her, fixing whatever was broken from Philo hurting her.  Kedan could feel Max¡¯s magic as well.  It searched through Griffa¡¯ looking for something.

    Kedan looked at Max and could see Max was sweating.  His eyes were closed, and he looked to be in deep concentration.  Kedan turned his gaze to Sidora.  She held Max¡¯s hand and stared at him as she muttered something.  Kedan watched as Griffa¡¯s body seem to rise up slightly.  Max made a noise.

    ¡°Come back to us, Griffa.  Come back, please,¡± said Max quietly.

    Kedan could feel Griffa¡¯s magic become stronger.  It met Kedan¡¯s magic and flowed through him. He gasped feeling the power that was contained there.  Kedan kept his hand on Griffa as Max opened his eyes

    ¡°I can¡¯t get to her. There is something blocking the way,¡± said Max shaking his head.

    ¡°I sense it, Maxwell,¡± said Sidora.  ¡°I don¡¯t know if we can break through.  She might be too far gone for you and I to reach her.¡±

    ¡°No, there has to be a way,¡± said Max adamantly.  ¡°You know where she is, Sidora.  We cannot leave her there.¡±

    ¡°Where is she, Max?¡± asked Ansel.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should tell you, Ansel,¡± said Max.  Talon walked over and kneeled by Ansel.

    ¡°Are you believing this, Ansel?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°You saw her killed the same as me.¡±

    ¡°If Kedan says she is still alive, it must be true,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°He would know.  Max would as well.  Now, Max, where is she?¡±

    ¡°She is in a dark place with no light.  She had to go somewhere beyond the gods to repent for Regventus.  She is being tortured in darkness.   If we don¡¯t find a way to bring her back, she will be stuck there forever.¡±

    ¡°What can we do?¡± asked Ansel. ¡°There must be something.¡±

    ¡°There is,¡± said Sidora as she stared at Ansel.  ¡°Someone could go get her.  They could find her and break the barrier.¡±

    ¡°I will go,¡± said Ansel. ¡°How do I get to her.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Ansel,¡± said Max.  ¡°For this to be done, I think a sacrifice has to be made. If you go to her, you won¡¯t be able to get back here. You will die.¡±

    ¡°But if we leave her there, she will be tortured forever,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I can¡¯t leave her there.  How do I get to her?¡±

    Max shook his head.  ¡°I can¡¯t let you do this.  Griffa wouldn¡¯t want you to do this.¡±

    ¡°You will tell me how to do this, Max.  I can¡¯t leave her there, and the kingdom needs her,¡± said Ansel.

    Max hesitated. He looked at Griffa and then back to Ansel.

    ¡°You know this is right, Max.  You know we have to bring her back.  Let me do this for her, for all of you.¡±

    ¡°Listen to him, Maxwell,¡± said Sidora.  ¡°He may have given up his duty, but he is still from a long line of protectors.  I believe he was meant to do this.  The line of Raya was always meant to be bonded to the line of Adalwen, right to the end.¡±

    Max looked at Sidora for a long moment before he turned back to Ansel.

    ¡°Fine, but when we start this there is no going back.  Ansel, this is final.  You will die.¡±

    ¡°I understand, but I can¡¯t leave her.  You know I can¡¯t.  If she can live, I will go.¡±

    Max held out his hand to him.  Ansel took Max¡¯s hand and nodded.

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Let me go, Ansel.  You can¡¯t leave, Griffa.  She needs you. She loves you.  I don¡¯t think she can go on without you.  Let me do this for both of you.¡±

    Ansel shook his head as he let go of Max¡¯s hand for a moment.  He turned to Talon.

    ¡°I have to be the one to do this, Talon. Sidora is right. My destiny was always to keep our queen safe so the line of Adalwen can rule and go on.  I think I may be the only one who can save her.

    ¡°Besides, I think Griffa needs you more than me. I know the kingdom does.  She cannot lead this kingdom without you.  I would have gladly been her king, but you are much more suited for the position.¡±

    ¡°She loves you, Ansel.  I don¡¯t know if she could get over losing you,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Please, Ansel, you cannot leave her; it will kill her.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Ansel as he looked down at Griffa. ¡°She is strong. She will go on.  She has so much love here to support her.  I know you will all take care of her.¡±

    Ansel paused and looked at Talon with a small smile.

    ¡°I know she loves you, Talon.  It may take some time, but she will turn to you eventually, and you will love her well.  You will promise me that.  You will do everything in your power to keep her safe and happy.¡±

    Tears fell from Talon¡¯s eyes.  ¡°I don¡¯t want you to die, Ansel.  I¡¯m not sure I can let you do this.¡±

    ¡°You will, and you will get Griffa through this.¡±

    Kedan looked at Ansel and Talon.  He could feel Griffa slipping away.

    ¡°We have to do something quickly, or it will be too late,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have much time.¡±

    ¡°I am ready,¡± said Ansel.  ¡°I will go fetch our queen.  I will send her back to you.¡±

    Max held out his hand again to Ansel.  ¡°I need you to know how much you have meant to me, Ansel.  I will miss you.¡±

    ¡°I will miss you too, Max, but we will see each other again someday.¡±  Ansel turned to Kedan.  ¡°Serve her well, protector.¡±

    ¡°I will, Ansel.  I will do everything to keep her safe,¡± said Kedan quietly.

    Talon put his hand on Ansel¡¯s shoulder.  ¡°Whatever or whoever she chooses, I will never leave her, Ansel.¡±

    Ansel put his hand on Talon¡¯s for a moment before he turned to Max.  He nodded at Max and closed his eyes as Talon¡¯s moved his hand off of Ansel¡¯s shoulder.  Everything was quiet as Ansel, Max, and Sidora sat silently with their eyes closed.  Kedan turned his eyes to his queen.  He could feel her magic getting stronger.  She was coming closer to the kingdom.  Kedan felt tears come to his eyes, and it felt as though the wind was knocked out of him.  His queen was grieving. He looked over to Ansel to see him slumped over Griffa.

    ¡°He is gone,¡± whispered Kedan looking at Talon.

    Talon looked at Ansel and gently moved him back to lay on the dais.  He put his hand on Ansel¡¯s shoulder and whispered. ¡°Journey well, dear one.¡±

    Kedan felt tears come to his eyes as Talon cried quietly next to Ansel.  Kedan¡¯s eyes snapped back to Griffa as he felt her chest rise.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Kedan looking down at his queen. Her eyes fluttered and she made a slight noise.

    Max opened his eyes and smiled slightly.  ¡°She is back, but she is weak.  We need to get her to a place to rest.¡±

    Kedan stood up, placing her head gently on the dais.  He bent down and picked up Griffa gently.   ¡°I will take her to a room,¡± said Kedan as he looked down at Talon.

    ¡°I will take care of Ansel for her,¡± said Talon looking up at Kedan.  ¡°Stay with her, and  I will find you soon.¡±

    Kedan nodded and walked out of the throne room with Griffa in his arms.  He took her up the stairs to his old rooms.  He laid her gently on the bed and sat down beside her.  He put his hand on her arms and could feel how very weak she was. Her breathing was shallow and quick.   Kedan laid down and took her into his arms.

    ¡°You have to go on, Griffa,¡± he said as he held her.  ¡°I know it is hard, but you have to come back to us fully.¡±

    Kedan felt his magic go to her, searching through her, trying to heal her.  He could feel her pain and agony.  Her grief was overwhelming.  Kedan cried as he lay there with Griffa, trying to heal and comfort her.  He could not lose her, not after what they had all already lost.

    ¡°Please, my queen, don¡¯t leave us; don¡¯t leave me,¡± he said desperately.

    ¡°Kedan,¡± she said quietly.  Kedan turned her gently to look at her.  Her eyes fluttered opened and looked up at him as he smiled down at her.

    ¡°My queen,¡± he said with tears in his eyes.

    ¡°There is something I have to do,¡± she said as she tried to sit up.  ¡°I need your help.¡±

    ¡°No, you need to rest, Griffa.  You are not well,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°I cannot rest, until I do this,¡± said Griffa.  She reached up and put her hand on Kedan¡¯s face. Her eyes were oddly bright.  ¡°You will help me, protector.¡±

    Kedan looked at her, and he felt her pull.  He could not disobey her.  There was something she had to do, and he would help her.

    ¡°Yes, my queen,¡± said Kedan.  He got up out of the bed and held his hand to Griffa.  She took it, and he helped her to stand.

    Griffa leaned on Kedan as they walked out of the suite of rooms. Kedan could feel his magic flow to her constantly, supporting her.  He felt tied to her as never before.  He felt like if he let her go, she would be lost again.  They made their way down the stairs to the entry hall.  Griffa paused by the door and held out her hand.  Her staff flew to her from the throne room where it had been left.

    Griffa nodded to Kedan and they made their way out the doors.  As they approached the palace gate, they were met by Max and Talon who must have been coming back from having seen to Ansel¡¯s body.  Talon stopped and looked in shock for a moment, before turning to walk beside Griffa. Max joined next to Talon.

    ¡°What are you doing, Griffa?¡± he asked as they walked.  ¡°You should be in bed.  You are not well.¡±

    She turned and looked at him.  ¡°I have something to do.  I will rest after.¡±

    ¡°Kedan,¡± said Talon harshly.  ¡°How can you let her be out like this?  You must see this is not good for her. She has been through too much, and lost too much. Does she even know?¡±

    Kedan closed his eyes for a moment before he opened them and looked at Talon.  His queen did know what she had lost.  He could feel her grief that rested deep within her, but she had a task she had to do, and she had pushed her grief aside so she could complete it.

    ¡°I must obey my queen,¡± said Kedan holding on to Griffa¡¯s arm.  ¡°She will do what she needs to do.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, please,¡± said Talon grabbing Griffa¡¯s arm that held her staff.

    Griffa stopped and looked at Talon.  She shakily took her hand off of Kedan¡¯s arm and turned to Talon.  She reached up and touched Talon¡¯s face.

    ¡°I have to do this,¡± she said looking at him.  ¡°I will rest, and deal with everything after.  Pease have faith in me.¡±

    ¡°She needs to do this,¡± said Max quietly.  ¡°You must let her, or she will have no rest.¡±

    Talon took a deep breath, staring at Griffa. He leaned forward and put his forehead against hers as she closed her eyes.

    ¡°Yes, my queen,¡± he whispered.

    He kissed her gently on her forehead before leaning up as she took her hand away from his face.  She took Kedan¡¯s arm and they walked towards the temple.

    They walked into the temple to find some of the protector¡¯s guards moving the bodies.  Griffa watched as the guards took out Devland and Cassia.  She stopped the guards as they passed with Devland¡¯s body.  She had them lay him on the ground.

    Talon came up and helped her kneel besides Devland.

    ¡°He helped Kedan save you, Griffa.  He helped us get to Philo,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Somehow he knew Kedan¡¯s sword could break the shield, but it killed Devland to do it.¡±

    ¡°He made some mistakes, but in the end, he did what is right.  He will find mercy from the gods¡± said Griffa.  She touched his forehead.  ¡°Journey well, dear one.¡±

    She nodded to the protector¡¯s guards, and they picked up Devland¡¯s body. Talon helped her to stand as she stopped one of the other guards.

    ¡°Make sure Cassia Delis¡¯s children know where her body is taken.  She made a horrible choice, but she was still their mother.  They will want to know what became of her.¡±

    ¡°I will tell them, Griffa,¡± said Marcus coming up to Griffa.  He looked at Griffa with a small smile. ¡°I am glad to see you alive.  I thought you were dead.  I thought my father had killed you.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I am well, or I will be.  Go to Desmona, Marcus.  She will need you today.  She has lost both her parents.¡±

    Marcus picked up Griffa¡¯s hand and kissed it gently before he looked at all of them seeming to notice a person missing from their group.  He gave Talon a questioning look as Talon shook his head sadly at Marcus.  Marcus gave a quick nod and left the room.

    Griffa looked at the fountain with the statue of the Ancients.  She shook her head at it and then turned to Max and Talon.

    ¡°I will need you both to wait by the door.  I won¡¯t be long.¡±

    Max turned and walked back to the door.  Talon looked at Griffa and then walked back to the door to stand by Max.  Griffa grabbed Kedan¡¯s hand as they stood before the fountain with the statues.  Griffa raised her staff and pointed it at the fountain.  The statue in front of them exploded into dust.  Its particles drifted into the air and then faded away, leaving a a simple round fountain.

    ¡°That¡¯s much better,¡± said Griffa.

    She kept a hold of Kedan¡¯s hand, and they walked to the edge of the large room with the benches.  Griffa turned to look at Kedan.

    ¡°I will need you to lend me some of your power, protector. This will not be easy, but it is necessary.¡±

    ¡°I will do whatever you need, my queen.¡±

    Griffa turned to look at the room as she gripped Kedan¡¯s hand hard.  Kedan felt his magic flow to her.  He felt the blood in his veins surge as he could feel Griffa¡¯s power build.  She closed her eyes and concentrated.  She crouched down with her staff, still holding on to Kedan¡¯s hand. He felt the ground beneath them begin to shake.

    Kedan watched as the benches in the room before them all turned to dust.  The dust like the one from the statue evaporated.  The kettle and stand Helmer had left disappeared, and an empty room stood before Kedan.  He looked up as the ceiling began to fall in. He prepared himself for the debris to hit the ground, but it never did.  It disappeared as it fell.  Griffa slowly rose with her staff out. She was shaking, and Kedan could feel the power coming off of her.  It almost made him step back.

    Kedan held her hand tightly, trying to keep her steady.  He watched as the floor before him rose.  It rose slowly bringing with it four thick columns and a huge statue.  The floor that was there slowly rose until it formed the new roof. Kedan blinked and the room before him now held four columns with a large statue of the God¡¯s in the center.  The ceiling above was blue with suns and stars.

    Kedan looked over at Griffa, and she opened her eyes and smiled.  She slowly and shakily walked into the room before them and up to the statue of the gods, touching the foot of the sister and looking up.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly.  ¡°I will rule with the same mercy and love you have shown me.¡±  She took a shaky breath before he barely heard her whisper.  ¡°I will see you again, my love.¡±

    She swayed, and Kedan caught her before she could fall.  Talon, and Max walked into the room, looking around in wonder.  Talon moved close to Kedan and looked down at Griffa.

    ¡°Our queen is tired,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°She needs to rest. We need to get her to the palace.¡±

    Talon took Griffa from Kedan¡¯s arms, and picked her up into his own.  He bent down and kissed her forehead. She looked at him with half opened eyes and smiled before laying her head against his chest and quickly falling asleep.

    Talon looked at Kedan. ¡°Lead the way protector.¡±

 Chapter 30

    Griffa woke up in a large bed. She looked up to see a ceiling painted with suns and stars.  She shook her head slightly, trying to remember where she was.  She had a few hazy memories of waking up and seeing some of the people she loved around her. She remembered Max holding her hand and giving her a drink of water.  She remembered saying something to Talon that made him laugh.  She remembered Addi kissing her cheek and walking away.  She remembered Kedan sitting by her, watching her.

    She noticed there was light coming from a window in the room.  It seemed to her it must be way past morning. She felt something on her arm and look down to see a hand.  She looked over in the large bed and realized she wasn¡¯t alone.  Over the covers lay Talon, smiling sadly at her.

    ¡°Are you awake for real this time?¡± asked Talon.

    Griffa blinked rapidly.  ¡°What do you mean?  How long have I been in this bed?¡±

    ¡°Three days for the most part. You have woken up a few times to eat and drink a little and do other things, but you have mostly slept.  I¡¯ve been worried about you, but Kedan and Max said you just needed time to heal,¡± said Talon looking at her.  ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    Griffa stretched and groaned. She noticed she was in a nightgown that was too big for her.   ¡°I feel like I fell off the palace and got run over by a horse, but other than that I feel fine.¡±

    ¡°Max left some elixir here for you in case you are in pain. Would you like some? I can try to go find you protector if you wish, but I¡¯d rather not leave you.¡±

    ¡°Where is Kedan and everyone else?¡± asked Griffa.

    Kedan went with Max to go talk to the magical folk.  They have been preparing the dead for a send-off.  We are hoping to have a memorial in the next few days,¡± said Talon.  Griffa could see tears forming in Talon¡¯s eyes as his hand gripped her arm.

    She looked down and away from Talon as she knew what he was going to say next.

    ¡°Griffa, I have to tell you.  Ansel¡­¡± said Talon quietly.

    Griffa looked up at Talon, and she felt tears come to her eyes.  ¡°I already know, Talon.  I know he is gone.  He is gone, and it¡¯s my fault.¡± Tears fell freely down her cheeks.

    Talon moved closer to her and put his arm around her.  ¡°I am so sorry, Griffa.  I am, but it¡¯s not your fault.  He knew what he was choosing.  It¡¯s more my fault than yours.  I wanted to do it for him, but he wouldn¡¯t let me.  I wish I could have saved him for you.¡±

    Griffa put her face into Talon¡¯s chest and sobbed as she shook her head.  ¡°No, it¡¯s not your fault, Talon.  I didn¡¯t want to lose either of you.¡±

    ¡°What can I do, Griffa?¡± asked Talon.  ¡°Tell me what I can do to help you.¡±

    ¡°Just be here, and promise me you won¡¯t leave me.¡±

    ¡°I will never leave you, Griffa.  Whatever you need from me, I will do it,¡± said Talon before he kissed the top of her head.

    Griffa laid in Talon¡¯s arm and cried. She felt like she had already grieved for days for Ansel.  She could still feel his arms around her as she prepared to leave him.  She could still see him smiling at her as she walked through the door. Her dreams had been all of him while she had slept.  He was gone, and it was hard to believe.   She cried until there was nothing left in her.  She looked up and saw tears on Talon¡¯s cheeks.  She moved slightly away from him and wiped her face.

    ¡°What about everyone else in the battle?  Did we lose many people?¡±

    Talon smiled sadly.  ¡°It wasn¡¯t too bad, Griffa.  You must not feel guilty about this.¡±

    ¡°I suppose one is too many, but I am sure it was a number I¡¯d rather not hear at the moment,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I don¡¯t know if I could take it. Why aren¡¯t you with Kedan and Max?¡±

    ¡°Somebody had to stay with you,¡± said Talon. ¡°I told Max he was the blood of Adalwen, and the people would want to hear from him.  Kedan hasn¡¯t left this room since you got here.  He needed to get out, so I convinced him to go.  He didn¡¯t want to leave, but I can be rather persuasive.¡±

    Griffa smiled and laughed a little before she grimaced.  Her body was very sore, she felt like she had been torn apart and put back together. ¡°What about Addi?¡±

    ¡°She is sitting with Sidora in the room she was put in,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Is Sidora alright?¡± asked Griffa with concern.

    ¡°She says she is fine and only tired,¡± said Talon shrugging.  ¡°She says she will not pass from this kingdom until she sees you crowned.¡±

    Griffa looked down as she thought of this.  She knew Sidora had helped Max bring her back from the dark place she was in.  She had felt Sidora¡¯s magic with Max¡¯s as Griffa found her way back.  She hoped it hadn¡¯t been too much for Sidora.

    Griffa looked back to Talon as she felt his hand go from her arm to her waist.  He smiled at her slightly and stared at her with a serious look on his face.  His thumb lightly rubbed against her side.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Griffa softly as she scooted closer to him.

    Talon shook his head.  ¡°There is so much loss, Griffa.  I don¡¯t know where we go from here.  I can¡¯t imagine what you are going though losing Ansel.  I know how much you loved him.  I miss him too.  It¡¯s not supposed to be like this.¡±

    ¡°We will have to go on,¡± said Griffa feeling tears gather in her eyes gain.   ¡°I don¡¯t know how I will be able to do it, but he made me promise we would go on. We will never be the same, I know that.  I will always miss him.  I will be changed by his loss, but I have to go on.  I have a duty to my kingdom.  I also have Max, Kedan, Addi, and you.  I will go on for all of you.¡±

    Talon nodded.  ¡°I want you to know that I will be here with you however you need me.¡±  He paused and swallowed. ¡°I don¡¯t expect anything from you.¡±

    ¡°I know, Talon,¡± said Griffa feeling a few tears fall from her eyes. ¡°You never have.  You have loved me for so long with no expectations.  I don¡¯t know what our future holds, but I will always want you in my life.¡±

    Griffa laid there close to Talon looking at him. She had been afraid she would never see him again. She loved him.  She didn¡¯t know what would happen in the future.  Her grief for Ansel was so raw.  She knew she would never get over losing him.  She didn¡¯t know if she could truly be with anyone ever again as she was with Ansel.  She knew she would be expected to have to have children one day, but she could not begin to think of it now.

    Talon held her quietly, and Griffa felt herself drift off again.  She knew she should fight sleep, but she didn¡¯t have the strength due to her grief.  She snuggled against Talon and fell asleep.

    When she woke up again, she was alone in the bed.  She opened her eyes and looked over to find Max sitting next to her in a chair.  He smiled sadly at her as she looked at him.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Griffa?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Where did Talon go?¡±

    ¡°He went to talk with Kedan and Camelia Belles to check on the magical folk in the city.¡±

    Griffa sat up quickly.  Her head swam and her body cried out in pain.  She took a deep breath and steadied herself.

    ¡°I need to get dressed and go to my people in the city.  I have things I need to do,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Wait, Griffa,¡± said Max putting a hand on her arm.  ¡°The people aren¡¯t sick anymore.  Whatever you did, healed those in the city.  They are all doing well.  Talon and Kedan went to start talking of your reign in Regventus.  They want to get the people of the city on your side.¡±

    ¡°There are still things I need to do, Max.  I want to go to the memorial service as well,¡± said Griffa tears coming to her eyes.  ¡°I need to go.¡±

    Max grabbed Griffa¡¯s hand and held it tight.  ¡°I know, Griffa.  I don¡¯t know what to say.  I am so sorry.  I can¡¯t believe he is gone.  I miss him so much already.  I can¡¯t imagine how you must feel.¡±

    ¡°I imagine you know exactly how I feel, Max.  If anyone knows how I feel, it is you.¡±

    Max nodded his head.  ¡°I will help get you through this.  Just like you helped me.  He loved you so much, Griffa.  He didn¡¯t even hesitate to give his life for yours.  I wish I could have stopped him or found a different way, but there was no other way.¡±

    ¡°I know.  I know how much he loved me, Max. I saw him on my way back here, or at least I think I did. Maybe it was some strange dream, but it felt real.  He told me I had to go on.   I will never get over losing him, but I will have to find a way to go on.  We all will.¡±

    ¡°I should have foreseen it.  I should have known when I knew we needed to change the line of protectors before Aurumist.  I should have stopped this somehow,¡± said Max shaking his head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if there was a way to stop it, unless you left me where I was,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t allow it.  I shouldn¡¯t have told him where you were, but I couldn¡¯t leave you there, Griffa.  I just couldn¡¯t.  I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, Max.  None of this is what any of us wanted, but it happened.  All we can do is try to live.  I told you, you had to go on after Issa left us.  I have to do the same now.¡±

    Max nodded as he wiped his tears away. ¡°Talon took care of him for you.  He had the clerics come for him quickly. The memorial service will be in five days.  If you aren¡¯t able to come, I will handle his send-off.¡±

    ¡°I will make it to the service.  I will honor Ansel and all of the fallen,¡± said Griffa as she wiped tears from her eyes.  ¡°How many did we lose, Max?¡±

    ¡°There has been loss in every village.  It was more than enough, that is all I will say.¡±

    ¡°One would be more than enough, Max. I need to know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure of an exact number, but I would say it is less than a thousand.   Abscon and the Valley were the hardest hit since they led the attack.¡±

    Griffa felt more tears come to her eyes.  She wiped one away quickly.  ¡°So much death.  It can¡¯t possibly be worth it.¡±

    ¡°It has to be worth it, Griffa, because you cannot bring any of them back.   You saved the kingdom with their help.  Everyone knew the risk they were taking.  They gave their lives for you and this kingdom.  We will honor them all, including Ansel, by living well and making the kingdom a place worth living.¡±

    Griffa and Max sat in silence holding hands.  Griffa could feel his love through their conjoined magic.  They sat together and grieved silently, both finding consolation in each other¡¯s broken heart.  Eventually the door opened as Kedan and Talon walked into the room.  Kedan walked over as Max stood up and let go of Griffa¡¯s hand.  Kedan took Max¡¯s vacated seat and took Griffa¡¯s hand.  He kissed Griffa on the forehead.

    ¡°I am glad to see you awake, my queen,¡± he said quietly.  Griffa could feel his magic flow through her, offering comfort.

    Griffa brought his hand to her lips and kissed it.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Griffa,¡± Kedan said quietly.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Griffa?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°Like I very much need a bath.  It has been a week since I have had a proper bath.  I can¡¯t imagine how bad I look.¡±

    ¡°I have never seen anything as beautiful as you right now, Griffa,¡± said Kedan quietly.

    Griffa smiled.  ¡°I imagine I smell quite awful though.¡±

    ¡°I can find you a servant in the palace.  The servants have been helpful since we came, but I would not like to leave you alone with them,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Addi is with Sidora,¡± said Max.  ¡°I will go sit with Sidora, and tell Addi to come help you, Griffa.  She will be glad to see you awake.¡±

    Soon, Max came back with Addi and a couple of palace servants.  Before long, Griffa was cleaned up and in a clean night gown and robe with her hair braided.  She sat in front of the fireplace with Addi, Talon, and Kedan as they all ate from a platter of food in front of them.  Eventually Max joined them, and Griffa spent the rest of the day quietly with those she loved.  At night, she sent everyone to their own rooms, but Talon refused to leave her until she fell asleep.

    He sat next to her holding her hand as she lay in bed.  He stared at her as she looked at him.

    ¡°You look tired, Talon.  You should go to bed.  I¡¯ll be fine,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to leave you,¡± said Talon gripping her hand. ¡°I know it¡¯s sounds silly, but I¡¯m afraid if I take my eyes off of you, you will disappear.  I was so scared we had lost you.  I thought you were dead, Griffa.  I couldn¡¯t take losing you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here, Talon.  I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±

    ¡°I just hate you had to go through so much, that you still have to go through so much.  It¡¯s not right.  You shouldn¡¯t have lost him.  It¡¯s not fair.  It¡¯s not right that I am still here with you, and he is gone.  It should have been me, and I should have made it so.¡±

    ¡°I hate that he is gone.  It is still hard to believe, but my grief for Ansel will not make me regret that you are here with me, Talon.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Griffa.  I don¡¯t deserve to be alive, I don¡¯t.  You don¡¯t know how I really am.  I have done so many awful things.  I have hurt you, and disappointed you so many times.  Griffa, when I thought Philo had killed you, I couldn¡¯t handle it.  The things I did to Philo and Helmer, and the things I wanted to do to them, it was so awful I can¡¯t even tell you.

    ¡°It felt like everything good had left me and the kingdom when I thought you had died. I have never been good enough to deserve you, and I¡¯ve proven it over and over.  Kedan tried to tell us you were still alive, but I wouldn¡¯t believe him.  I lost all faith. Then when I could have done one thing to make sure you are always happy, I couldn¡¯t make it happen.  I should have stunned Ansel or thrown him off the dais.  I shouldn¡¯t have let him go get you. I disappointed you again.  All I have ever done is disappoint you,¡± said Talon as he wiped at his eyes.

    Griffa scooted over in the bed. ¡°Come here, Talon,¡± said Griffa holding out her arms.  He hesitated for a moment and then joined her in the bed.  She held him as he cried.

    ¡°No, you do not disappoint me, Talon.  You say you felt everything good left the kingdom when you thought I had died, but even if I had there would still be so much good left here, because you are here.  You are so good.  You always have been.  You made mistakes like all of us, but you have always been a good man.¡±

    Talon held on to Griffa as he cried.  She bent down and kissed his forehead.

    ¡°Believe me, Talon.  I had to do something rather drastic to save this kingdom, and your strength and love helped me do it.  I wanted to do it for you.  I don¡¯t blame you for thinking I was dead.  There was a good chance I wouldn¡¯t ever make it back here, but I did. I hate that it took losing him so I could be here, but there is no changing it.  I am here now with you. Together we are going to make it through all of this.  It will not be easy, but we will find a way forward.  We will rule and make Regventus as it should be.¡±

    Talon¡¯s cries lessened but he continued to hold on to Griffa.  She held him as he calmed himself taking deep breaths.  He pulled back slightly and lay next to her, his face very close to her, staring at her.

    He whispered her name over and over as though he couldn¡¯t believe she was there in front of him.  He reached up and touched her face, seeming to look over her every feature.

    ¡°You are so beautiful and good, Griffa,¡± he whispered. ¡°You deserve so much that I can¡¯t give you. I will never be who he was for you.  He should be here with you now.  I am so sorry.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°No, you can never be who he was to me just as he could never be who you are to me.  My love for him does not diminish what I feel for you.  If I had lost you, it would have been just as hard.  He can¡¯t be here with me now.  He can¡¯t be here with any of us, so we will cherish those who can be with us.¡±

    She snuggled down into Talon as he wrapped his arms around her. They lay like that for several minutes.  Every now and then Talon would kiss Griffa¡¯s forehead gently.  Griffa felt herself start to drift off, but before she fell asleep she heard Talon whisper very quietly.

    ¡°I love you, Griffa. I will always love you.¡±

    The next day Griffa dressed with Addi¡¯s help.  She walked the halls with Addi at her side and Kedan at her back.  She had sent Talon to work in the city on her behalf.  There were many things that needed to be repaired, and there were injured people that need to be checked on.  Griffa hoped she could go out into the city soon.

    She had Addi show her to Sidora¡¯s room.  Addi left her at the door as Griffa walked into the room with Kedan to find Max sitting by the bed Sidora sat in.  Sidora smiled as Griffa walked into the room.  Max stood to allow Griffa to sit next to Sidora, and he pulled up a chair to sit close to Griffa.  Kedan sat at the foot of the bed in a chair.

    ¡°Good morning, my queen,¡± said Sidora.  ¡°I am glad to see you are able to leave your rooms. I hope you are feeling well.¡±

    ¡°I am feeling better.  I am sure I will have to take it easy for a few days. Other feelings will take longer to mend if they ever truly will.  Luckily, I have many people who are willing to help me.¡±

    ¡°Luck has nothing to do with it, Gryphon,¡± said Sidora.  ¡°You have many folk who love and care for you because of who you are.  Your heart will mend in time.  It might be changed, but it will allow you to go on.¡±

    ¡°I still consider myself lucky to have all my loved ones.  I will see in time if what you say of my heart is true,¡± said Griffa smiling slightly.  ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°I am fine.  I am dying, but it is my time.¡±

    ¡°Dying?¡± asked Griffa. She wasn¡¯t sure she could take any more death.  ¡°Is there not something that can be done?¡±  Griffa looked at Max who smiled at her sadly.

    ¡°There is nothing that can be done, and I would not want anything to be done if it could be.  I am ready, Gryphon.  I am just grateful I will be able to live until your coronation.  I am glad I could do my part to help you.¡±

    Griffa took Sidora¡¯s hand.  Her held felt cold and still.  She looked up at Sidora with surprise.

    ¡°Your magic,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°What has happened?¡±

    ¡°It took a lot of magic to bring you back, Griffa,¡± said Max.  ¡°You know it took a vast amount of sacrifice to bring you back here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s why I knew I needed to help Maxwell,¡± said Sidora.  ¡°I was afraid if he did it alone, it would cost him his magic.¡±

    Griffa turned and looked at Max.

    ¡°I am fine, Griffa.  I have had no lasting effects from helping you.¡±

    Griffa turned to look back at Sidora. So many sacrifices just for her.  She didn¡¯t feel worthy.  ¡°You did this for me and Max?  You sacrificed yourself for us?¡±

    ¡°I am old, my queen.  I have lived a full life.  I knew you were special as soon as you were born.  Your father made me forget some things, but even so I knew you would be an extraordinary woman.  I have watch you grow into someone more than even I thought you would be.  You deserve the chance to live your life.  You deserve to rule as queen.  I could not leave you in the dark place.  I also could no let Maxwell be harmed.  You will need him.  He is also my family.¡±

    ¡°He is your family?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Sidora is my great grandmother,¡± said Max.  ¡°She told me recently.¡±

    ¡°Gryphon, I think that means that you and I are practically family as well.  I have the blood of Adalwen in me.  It is not as strong as yours, but it is there.  I have always felt connected to you.  I am very proud of who you have become, my dear.  Your father would be as well.  I hope you know it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa quietly.  ¡°I am not sure what to say.  I could never tell you of my gratitude for what you have done.  You saved me and Max.  There is nothing I could ever do to repay the debt I owe you. I feel like there has been too much loss due to me.¡±

    ¡°You do not owe many anything, Gryphon.  You know that is a fact.  After all you have seen and learned, you know that as people we all need each other.  You have done more for this kingdom than anyone could ever repay.  Do you hold anyone in your debt?¡±

    ¡°No, I do not,¡± answered Griffa.  ¡°I would do it all again to save the kingdom. I expected nothing in return.¡±

    ¡°Then let us agree it is all settled.  Ansel would not want you to feel you are in debt, Gryphon.  He wants you to go on, you know he does. Do not waste the love he had and still has for you.

    ¡°Now, I am tired.  I wish to rest so I can be sure to be there when you are crowned.  You should rest too, my queen.  You are better, but you are not completely well.  You will have much to do in the days to come.¡±

    Griffa spent the next few days building up her strength and resting.  Maybell came to Aurumist the day before the memorial service.  She brought with her several of Griffa¡¯s clothes for which Griffa was grateful.  She had been wearing some dresses borrowed from Camelia that Griffa had altered magically.  She was glad to have her own things.

    Maybell sat with Griffa and let her cry and talk of Ansel.  They grieved together and talked of better times.  Though it was hard and painful, it was also healing.  It would take time, but Griffa could see a way forward might be possible with those who loved her.

    On the day of the memorial service, she dressed in her dark blue dress with falcon sleeves.  She pulled her hair up in braids and placed her crown upon her forehead.  It would be the first time she had been seen by anyone outside the palace since the day of the battle.  It would be hard day.  She would have to speak to her people, and she would have to officially say goodbye to Ansel.

    She heard a knock at her door before it opened.

    ¡°Griffa?¡± asked Kedan from the sitting room.

    ¡°I am in here, Kedan,¡± said Griffa.

    He walked into her room, and she gave him a small smile.

    ¡°Everyone is gathered outside of the palace. Talon, and Max are waiting in the ballroom for you.¡±

    Griffa nodded.

    ¡°I brought some things for you, Griffa.  They were sent by the clerics a few days ago, but I have held on to them until now,¡± said Kedan as he raised his hand.

    Griffa saw he held Ansel¡¯s hat.  She took it and held it in her hands, twisting it around.  She felt the tears gather in her eyes as she pulled it to her chest.

    ¡°There was also this,¡± said Kedan as he pulled a thin chain from his pocket.  Attached to the chain was the charm with the Keene symbol.

    Griffa took is slowly from Kedan as looked down at it in her hand.  She closed her palm and squeezed the charm, taking it over to her vanity and laying it there gently.

    ¡°Kedan, I think you should have this,¡± said Griffa as she held out Ansel¡¯s hat.

    ¡°Griffa, I could never take it¡± said Kedan backing up slowly. ¡°You will want it.¡±

    ¡°No, I want you to have it, for Zayden.  Give it to your son, the next protector, when he is old enough.  I think Ansel would want him to have it,¡± said Griffa.

    Kedan moved forward and very carefully took Ansel¡¯s hat back.  He nodded.  ¡°I will take it for Zayden.  I am sure he will treasure it.  I will make sure he does, Griffa,¡± said Kedan.  He placed the hat on the table by the bed.  ¡°I will come get it later today.¡±

    ¡°We should be going,¡± said Griffa as she wiped at her eyes.

    Kedan nodded and offered her his arm. She took it and they walked out into the hall and towards the ball room together.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Kedan?¡± asked Griffa as they walked.  ¡°I haven¡¯t had much chance to talk to you alone.  Maybell brought your son with her, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°She did.  She helped put together a room for him that will work until we locate the protector¡¯s quarters and set them to right.  I am grateful for her help.  I think she is going to miss having him at the manor.¡±

    ¡°I know she will, but she will come visit here, and I will travel to Abscon regularly.  You will come with me.¡±

    ¡°I certainly will,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I know this is a solemn day. I can¡¯t imagine what you are feeling.  I am sad for all the lives lost, but I cannot help but rejoice that you are still here, my queen.  I was afraid we would lose you.¡±

    ¡°I am here, Kedan, and I owe much of that to you.  When I was lost, I thought I would never find my way back.  I sensed you and your magic hanging on to me.  It gave me hope and something to cling to.  It helped me find my way home.  You saved me because you would not give up on me.¡±

    ¡°What I did was nothing.  I knew you were still alive. I only stayed with you.¡±

    ¡°It was not nothing,¡± said Griffa as they came to the door of the ballroom. ¡°Let me give you my gratitude and my love, Kedan.¡±

    ¡°I will take you love, Griffa, you have mine as well.  I do not need your gratitude. You have done so much for me, I could never do enough for you.¡±

    Griffa took a deep breath as they stood in front of the door of the ballroom.  Kedan took her hand and squeezed it.  She felt his magic come to her, giving her strength and comfort.

    ¡°This will not be easy,¡± said Griffa quietly.

    ¡°No, but you have never shied away from difficult things.  You can and will do this, my queen.  Your people need to hear from you, and you need to say goodbye to him.¡±

    ¡°I know, I wish I could say I was ready, but I don¡¯t think I ever really will be,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°I am here with you, Griffa.  I will not let you do this alone,¡± said Kedan.

    Griffa nodded as Kedan opened the door and she walked into the ballroom.  Talon and Max stood by the doors to the balcony.  They looked up as Griffa walked towards them.  Talon walked forward and took her hand, and he led her to the doors by the balcony.  Max and Kedan stood close to her as Max held a small silver box.  Griffa felt herself tear up looking at it.

    ¡°We are about to begin. We have opened up the palace gates, and the people have gathered below.  The clerics will speak from down below in front of the palace door.  You will speak after the send-off song,¡± said Talon.

    Griffa nodded as tears fell down her face. Talon moved very close to her.

    ¡°Are you feeling up to this,¡± he whispered.  ¡°You don¡¯t have to do it.¡±

    ¡°I do.  I need to do it for my people and for him,¡± said Griffa as she reached out to squeeze Talon¡¯s arm.

    He nodded and leaned back.  Griffa walked up to the balcony doors, and Talon and Kedan opened them.  Griffa walked out onto the balcony, and she saw that the sky was cloudy and gray.  Winter had come, a thin layer of snow covered the ground below. She walked over the edge and looked out as Talon and Max walked out and stood at her side.  Kedan stood slightly behind her.  There were people as far as she could see.  She looked down and could pick out Malchom and Desmona Delis.  Desmona held a small silver box with Marcus Quick at her side.

    Griffa listened as the clerics prayed.  She closed her eyes as the song was sung by the clerics and the crowd.  As the song ended, Talon grabbed her hand, looked at her and nodded. Griffa wiped her face quickly and took a steadying breath.  She walked forward a little and cast a charm to magnify her voice.  She looked over the crowd.

    ¡°We are here to honor and remember those amongst us who have fallen.  All died before their time.  They died to save their kingdom, and they died to for all of us.  There is nothing I could say to honor them enough, but I will try.  I have traveled the kingdom.  I have met many of you, and many of those who fell.  I have been amazed at the kindness, bravery, and love I have seen in the folk I have met. We have lost so much.   What we have lost cannot be gained back.¡±

    Griffa felt tears start to fall as her voice caught in her throat.  Kedan stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder.  She felt his magic work to calm and comfort her.  Talon touched her arm gently.  She licked her lips and spoke.

    ¡°What we can do is move forward remembering those who died with every decision we make.  We can always ask ourselves if what we are doing truly honors those who gave up their lives so we may live.  I vow to you to live this way.  I vow to you to rule this kingdom, always striving to build Regventus into a place worthy of those we have lost.

    ¡°Those who died left behind many loved ones.  We will all have to face the future in this kingdom without them, but their love for us and our love for them is not limited by time or place.  We know they have gone on. We call upon those who have gone before us to come and accompany our loved ones on their ways.  I asked particularly for our own King Nathin to come and lead his folk to their next great adventure.  We call upon our gods, the brother and sister, to watch over those we lost and us.  We trust that one day we will meet with all of them again on our own journeys.¡±

    Griffa paused as Max handed her the small silver box.  Griffa held it in her hands for a moment before opening it up and letting the ashes fly into the air.  People throughout the crowd opened their silver boxes.  Griffa watched as ashes flew into the air and faded away.

    ¡°Journey well, dear ones.  May you all find your next great adventure,¡± she said loudly.  She waved her hand to undo the charm and whispered.  ¡°Goodbye, my love.  I will see you someday.¡±

    Griffa stood back between Max and Talon.  Max took her hand as she leaned on Talon.  They both had tears running down their face.  She felt a warm sensation of comfort flow through her as Kedan put his hand on her shoulder.  She let the tears she had held back fall from her eyes as she broke down and sobbed.   The clerics below said the closing prayer, and Griffa stood up straight and wiped her eyes.  Talon offered her his arm. She took it and they turned and walked back towards the ballroom.

    A month later she walked into the old council meeting room.  The long table had been replaced with a large round one.  Griffa¡¯s Ring stood around their chairs as she walked in.  Griffa felt a lump in her throat looking at Ansel¡¯s empty chair.  Madam Sidora¡¯s chair was empty as well.  Griffa walked to her chair and called the meeting to order, and everyone sat down.

    ¡°There are a couple of things we need to speak of today,¡± said Griffa looking around the Ring.

    ¡°Can we first take a moment and recognize this is the first Ring meeting held in Aurumist in over 300 years?¡± asked Clara.  ¡°It has been a hard time, and I think a little celebration would be good.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Clara, you are right,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Let us recognize that this is a historic day.  The rightful ruler is in control of Aurumist and soon she will be crowned.¡±

    ¡°We will talk of that in a moment,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I thank you, Clara for recognizing this momentous occasion.  It is important to celebrate.  I wish I had something profound to say in this moment.  I will only say that I am grateful for each of you.  You have helped bring us to this place and time.  Without each of you, we could not have retaken the city or saved the kingdom.  As we go forward, I will need all of you.  I will need your wisdom and council.  I need you to tell me when I am wrong, and support me when you know I am right. May we move forward following the will of our gods and looking to the well-being of our folk.¡±

    ¡°Maybe not profound, but still well-spoken and appropriate, my queen,¡± said Talon looking out the side of his eyes at Griffa.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you handle the profound moments from now on, Talon,¡± shot back Griffa.

    Talon winked at her, and Griffa slightly rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Now, before the coronation, I would like to have a full Ring.  I have some ideas of whom to ask to join us and I would like your opinion. We were one short before the battle.  I am afraid we will have to fill three spots as Sidora will not be joining us going forward. Max will now be considered the Ring¡¯s diviner. We also lost another member¡­¡±

    Griffa felt herself tear up.

    ¡°Who have you thought to join us?¡± asked Talon squeezing her hand lightly.

    ¡°I would like to ask Daracha of the Forrest of the Lowlands to join the Ring.  She is of old magical folk.  She served many years on the council of the Ancients secretly working against the powers of Aurumist.  She gave us vital information to help us in our fight to take back the kingdom. I would hear your thoughts.¡±

    ¡°I do not know her well,¡± said Clara.  ¡°What I have heard is she is powerful, and she is loyal to you, my queen.  I think that is a good start.¡±

    ¡°Kedan knows her the best here,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°What do you think of this decision, protector?¡±

    ¡°Daracha is wise. She will speak the truth to you.  If you think she is a good choice, my queen, then I support it.¡±

    ¡°Talon, Max,¡± said Griffa. ¡°You have met her.  What is your opinion?¡±

    ¡°I think she would be a good ally to keep close,¡± answered Max. ¡°As you said, she worked to help us when she sat on the council of Ancients.  She risked much to give us needed information.¡±

    ¡°I think it is a good decision,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I believe she will serve well, if she will say yes.¡±

    ¡°If no one is opposed, I will send her a message to come speak with me as soon as she can,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Who else do you have in mind to add to the Ring?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°I would like to add someone who is non-gifted.  If we are going to rule all the folk of the kingdom, we should make sure all have some kind of representation,¡± replied Griffa.

    ¡°Do you have a non-gifted person selected, my queen?¡± asked Malchom Delis.

    ¡°Yes, I would like to ask Kaine Preiss from the village of Anplesent.  I met him and his daughters when we visited the village. We have exchanged a message or two.  He impresses me with the knowledge of the history of the kingdom and his wisdom.  I believe he would be a good fit. I will not ask for your approval until you meet him.¡±

    ¡°You do not need our approval.  This is your Ring,¡± said Max.

    ¡°That is true, but I would still like you all to approve. We all will work together.  I want to make sure we are all comfortable with one another,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I will ask him if he will come to Aurumist soon.  We can all meet him and see if he and we are interested.¡±

    Everyone seemed to agree on this idea, so Griffa continued.  ¡°For the last spot of my Ring, I would like to ask Bettina Devins.  She is young, but she has led her folk for many years.  I believe she is wise and will speak the truth.  I hope you will all agree with this decision, but if you have any concerns, I ask that you state them now.¡±

    ¡°She is young, but I agree that she is all you say,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I doubt she will want to leave her village, but if she believes she can lead her village and serve on the Ring, I see no problems with her joining us.¡±

    Everyone else seemed satisfied so Griffa moved on.

    ¡°I understand, Talon and Kedan have a report about the status of the city.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Talon and I have worked in the city since a few days after the battle.  My protector¡¯s guards have been patrolling the city as well.  We, with the help, of other magical folk have repaired most of the rings.  The fourth ring took the brunt of the damage so work still continues there.¡±

    ¡°The protector¡¯s guards have found several small cells of those who still would follow the Ancients,¡± said Talon.  ¡°They call our queen the false queen.  They have fought against the guards.¡±

    ¡°What have you done with these folk that you find?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Some of been killed in battles with the protector¡¯s guards.  Others are being held under guard until you pass judgement on them, my queen,¡± answered Talon.

    ¡°What would you do with them, Talon?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°They talk of killing you, my queen.  They want to find others who will join them to take the city back from you.  I don¡¯t think there can be any punishment but one, as much as you may not want to hear it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure we can have every person in the kingdom who opposes me killed, Talon,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°From this point on, we will give people a choice.  They can choose to live in this kingdom under my rule, or they can leave.  If they choose to stay and work to hurt the kingdom or me, then they will suffer punishment based on severity of crime. The lands all have laws now, and we had them in the time of Queen Agatha. We will work to look over them, and see that they are just.¡±

    ¡°What of those we have imprisoned already in the city?¡± asked Kedan.

    ¡°Give them a choice.  They have shown they do not want to live in this kingdom as it is now.  They can choose to leave, and we will make sure they do, or they can choose death,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°What about Cecelia Quick?¡± asked Kedan. ¡°She is being held as well.¡±

    ¡°Give her the same choice,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°She knew what her husband had planned, she is culpable.  Does anyone disagree with these decisions?  Talon?¡±

    Talon sighed, ¡°No, you show more mercy than I would have, but I will support your decision. I suppose you want to give the same options to the few viceroys who survived the battle.¡±

    ¡°Have you spoken to the Viceroys, Talon?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± answered Talon.

    ¡°What did they have to say?¡±

    ¡°They said they only followed Philo because of fear.  They wish to serve you in any way you see fit.  They swear loyalty to you.¡±

    ¡°Max, what would you do with them?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°I would make them swear loyalty to you after you are crowned.  It will be good for those in the lands to see there is a new way,¡± answered Max.

    ¡°You should strip them of their titles, and homes,¡± said Clara.  ¡°If they want to live in this kingdom, they will have to find a new way to do it.¡±

    ¡°Very well, after I am crowned, I will meet with these Viceroys.  They will swear loyalty to me or face deportation or death.  They will be stripped of any titles and holdings.  We will provide for them a way to start again.  Is there any discussion on these decisions?¡±

    There was silence.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Is there anything else you have to report, Talon?¡±

    ¡°Only that while most of the city is safe, you will not travel anywhere outside the palace without your protector,¡± said Talon.  ¡°He should remain close to you even when you are in the palace, especially when you are out of your rooms.¡±

    ¡°I will take that as advisement that you surely meant and not the command it sounded liked.¡±

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Talon quietly.

    ¡°It is a wise advisement, and I will follow it,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°What else do we need to speak of today?¡±

    ¡°Your coronation,¡± replied Talon.  ¡°When would you like to hold it.

    ¡°We must honor the fallen with a mourning period and take care of the issues in the city first. I would also like to take some time before I take the crown,¡± said Griffa bowing her head.

    ¡°I understand.  The folk will want you crowned soon, but I think taking time to mourn and heal is a good idea,¡± said Talon.  ¡°You are our queen, the coronation will make it official, and it must be done right.  We will need to take the time to get it right.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± said Clara. ¡°I think a coronation the first day of summer would be splendid.  That will give us a six month morning period for the fallen.¡±

    ¡°I agree a summer coronation would be best.  Folk will be able to travel in the good weather, and it will be well past seedtime.   I will see that the crown of Aurumist is brought here, soon,¡± said Malchom.

    Griffa nodded. ¡°I thank you for giving me time.  I will be happy to hold a coronation in six months, on the first day of summer.¡±

    .

 Chapter 31

    Griffa laid in bed on the last night of spring.  Tomorrow she would be crowned, and she would have to be up before dawn to prepare for her coronation.  She should have been asleep ages ago, but she could not sleep.  She had too many thoughts running through her mind.  She could call for Kedan to come comfort her, but she didn¡¯t want to push her thoughts aside. She wanted to work through them.

    For the hundredth time since the battle of Aurumist, Griffa longed for Ansel.  She wished she could speak with him. She wished she could hear him tell her not to worry.  He would tell her she was the rightful queen, and she had nothing to worry about.  He would tell her how wonderful she was.  She smiled slightly.

    For the first few months when she thought of Ansel, she would cry, but lately she found she could smile at memories of him.  It was still painful to think of him being gone, but that pain was not as frequent or as sharp.  There were days she could be very merry, teasing Addi, and trading barbs with Talon.  She could work on potions with Max, and walk through the city, greeting her people.  Life went on, and she had to go on with it.  She would never be the same after losing Ansel, but she was slowly finding a new way forward.

    Griffa had also noticed something else that was happening.  She was spending more and more time thinking of Talon.  He had been very sweet with her.  He had given her space, while also being there for her.  He had talked to her of memories of Ansel.  He had been careful to not flirt with her too much, though lately she had shamelessly encouraged him.  He had only touched her by holding her hand.  The last few weeks, she found that she missed being in his arms.  At first, she had felt guilty with these feelings, but she found the guilt was fading.

    What was more, she found herself thinking of Talon as her future king.  It felt right.  The gods had told her he was sent to her to be her king, maybe it was fate after all.  Griffa never really believed in fate, but everything about being with Talon felt right to her.  She had dreamed of him recently.  She felt drawn to him.  She could even feel some sort of desire coming back to her when she thought of him.  She wasn¡¯t ready for too much yet, but she could admit to herself that she did want him.

    Griffa tossed and turned in her bed until she knew she would not sleep.  She got up from the bed and put on her robe and slippers.  She walked out of her rooms, paying no mind to the two guards by her door.  She walked down the stairs into the entry hall and walked into the dark, cool throne room.   She looked towards the dais to look at the throne, when she realized she was not alone.

    Talon sat on the dais with a small flame in his hand.  He was shifting it through his fingers before letting it circle around his wrist.  He must have heard her footsteps or sensed her presence because he put out the small flame and looked up at Griffa. He hopped off of the dais and walked towards her as Griffa walked towards him.  They met in the middle of the throne room.

    Talon took both of her hands wordlessly and stared at her.  Griffa smiled and took a breath.  She found she wasn¡¯t surprised to find him there, and he didn¡¯t seem overly shocked to meet with her either.  Griffa slowly moved closer to Talon.  She let go of one of his hands to put her hand on his cheek.  He leaned into her hand and pulled her even closer.

    ¡°Griffa,¡± he started softly.

    Griffa shook her head, cutting him off.  She slowly leaned forward and kissed his lips gently.  He wrapped his arm around her pulling her against him as he slowly deepened their kiss. Griffa felt herself smile against his lips. He pulled back and looked at her with a large smile on his own face.

    ¡°Soon,¡± she said quietly.  ¡°I¡¯ll be ready, soon.¡±

    He seemed to understand her because he smiled even bigger before pulling her in and holding her.

    ¡°You should be asleep, dearest,¡± he said as he held her.  ¡°You have a big day starting in a few hours.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± said Griffa feeling very good as she relaxed in his arms. ¡°I had too much on my mind.¡±

    ¡°What can I do to help?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Will you come stay with me until I fall asleep?  I know it¡¯s not right of me to ask, but I don¡¯t want to be away from you.¡±

    Talon pulled back and nodded.  He offered Griffa his arm and she took it letting him guide her towards her rooms.

    ¡°I will have to make sure I don¡¯t fall asleep in your bed, or I will shock that new assistant of yours,¡± said Talon as they took the stairs.

    ¡°Let her be shocked.  She will need to learn what an improper queen she serves at some point.   I foresee her being shocked quite often by you in my rooms sometime in the future.¡±

    Talon raised an eyebrow at Griffa as she laughed.

    Max stood outside of the temple next to Talon.  Max glanced at Talon to see him staring at the temple door.  Griffa was inside with Kedan, and she had been in there since dawn.  She was required to spend the morning praying to the gods asking for guidance as her protector and the clerics watched over her.  At the end of her prayers, the clerics would ask for the gods¡¯ approval.  Only the one approved by the gods could wear the crown of Aurumist.  The crown would not sit on her head if she was not approved.

    Max shifted his legs and blew a puff of air in his face. A bead of sweat ran down his forehead, and Max swiped at it.   He pulled his tunic slightly away from him and moved it to create some air against his body.  His tunic was forest green and had the sun of Adalwen stitched on his chest.    Talon stood straight next to him wearing his own forest green tunic bearing his own family sigil of a fox.  Talon looked comfortable, as if the hot summer air didn¡¯t bother him at all.  Behind them, closer to the palace, people had started gathering to see the queen as she would walk to the palace.  Protector¡¯s guards lined the way waiting for their queen to prepare.

    Max sighed as a breeze reached them and blew across Max¡¯s sweaty face.   Talon looked at him and smiled.

    ¡°Are you not uncomfortably hot?¡± asked Max as he used his forearm to wipe at his brow.

    ¡°Not really,¡± said Talon.  ¡°As a mage, my body tends to acclimate to the weather around me.¡±  Talon raised his hand and sent a soft, cool wind at Max, before looking back at the door.

    Max smiled at Talon and said, ¡°You will not make her come out any sooner, watching the door, Talon.  She will stay until she is ready.  You know she takes her faith and her title very seriously.¡±

    Talon nodded. ¡°I am just nervous about her walk to the palace.  I am hoping no one tries anything today.¡±

    ¡°She will be with Kedan.  He will keep a shield up the whole time.  She will be with us and surrounded by guards. You have helped Kedan set up her protections.  You know she is as safe as she can be,¡± said Max.

    ¡°I know,¡± said Talon. ¡°It just seems that nothing happens easily for our queen.  It¡¯s hard to accept she is safe.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because she will never be truly and completely safe,¡± said Max.  ¡°She is going to reign as queen during a difficult time for the kingdom.  There are many who are still trying to accept the new way of things.  She will have to make difficult decisions that will make people angry no matter what she decides.¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t making me feel any better, Max,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to make you feel better.  I¡¯m being honest.  Still, there are many things we can do to keep her safe.  We are doing them now.   We will continue to seek out those who would hurt her. You know I want to keep her safe as much as you, Talon.¡±

    Talon nodded and turned back to the temple door.

    ¡°She will be loved by most of the kingdom,¡± said Max.  He had seen visions staying in the palace.  They weren¡¯t very specific, but Max had feelings and glimpses of things.  He knew there would still be struggles.  There would still be hurtful and hard times, but Max was confident Griffa would rule long and well.

    ¡°I hope you are right, Max,¡± said Talon. ¡°I don¡¯t see why you wouldn¡¯t be.  Of course, the people don¡¯t know half of what she went through for them.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± answered Max.  ¡°She went through much, and lost a great deal for the kingdom to go on.¡±

    Talon turned to look at Max.  ¡°I know.  I wish I could have spared her that loss.  I wish he was here today to see this.¡±

    ¡°He may not be here with us,¡± said Max quietly.  ¡°But I have no doubt he is watching.¡±

    Max heard Talon sigh. He looked over to see Talon staring at the ground.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t feel guilty, you know,¡± said Max.  ¡°He would want her to be happy, and I believe you can make her happy, Talon.¡±

    ¡°Not like she was with him,¡± said Talon quietly.  ¡°She told me she is almost ready, but I don¡¯t know if I can do it, Max.  Will she not always be wishing I was him?  Will she not always be wanting him instead of me?¡±

    ¡°You know when I lost Issa, I wasn¡¯t sure I would ever love again.  She was everything I ever wanted.  I still miss her.  I still love her, but it doesn¡¯t mean that I can¡¯t love another.  You may know that I have recently found myself having feelings for someone.  I find that it doesn¡¯t diminish what I had with Issa, but I am also not longing for Issa when I am with Bettina.¡±

    Talon looked up at Max.

    ¡°Griffa loved Ansel very much.  She always will, but that does not mean she does not love you.  I know she loves you, Talon.  You know it as well.  What she has with you has nothing to do with her feelings for Ansel.  If you choose a life with her, I don¡¯t think either of you will be disappointed.¡±

    ¡°If she wants to be with me, I know I wouldn¡¯t be able to resist, even if she wished I was someone else.  I just want her to be happy, truly happy.¡±

    ¡°Then trust she knows what she wants, and trust her love for you.¡±

    They both turned as the doors of the temple opened.

    Griffa walked out slowly with Kedan at her side.  She wore a forest green gown that matched Max and Talon¡¯s tunics perfectly.   The sun of Adalwen was stitched over the front of her bodice in gold.  Her hair was piled up on her head in a circle of braids.  A few of her curls had come loose and dangled on her neck. Max smiled at the sight of her. Talon stood perfectly still, staring at her as Max joined Talon¡¯s side, awaiting Griffa.

    She walked confidently down from the temple to stand before them both.  Max could feel the magic and power radiating off of her.  Talon and Max bowed before her, and she looked down at them.

    ¡°Who comes before me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Talon Wendell, the second on your Ring, and your loyal friend.¡±

    ¡°Maxwell of the line of Adalwen, the great diviner of the ring, and your kin.¡±

    ¡°Will you walk with me on this path I take as Queen of this kingdom?¡±

    ¡°Yes, my queen, we will help you carry this burden.  We devote our lives to you and the kingdom,¡± said the both of them together as they looked up at Griffa.

    ¡°Rise, and join me on my path if you are willing,¡± said Griffa smiling down at them.

    They both stood up.  Talon and Max joined her at her sides while Kedan walked behind her.  They started slowly walking down the path towards the palace.  Max saw that Kedan had his hand slightly raised the entire time.  Max could feel the shield he had placed around Griffa.

    As they walked closer to the castle, Max could see many people crowded together to get a glimpse of Griffa.   No one had seen a true king or queen crowned in this lifetime.  The ritual hadn¡¯t been used for over 300 years.  People talked quietly as Griffa passed.  The magical blooded folk and some non-gifted bowed down as she walked towards the palace.  Griffa looked straight ahead towards the palace as all in their small group walk silently.

    When they reached the palace, two guards opened the doors.  Griffa stopped for a second and closed her eyes.  After a moment she took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and looked at Max.  He gave her a small smile and grabbed her hand for a moment.   She cut her eyes to Talon who openly grinned at her.  She then looked straight and walked through the door.  Max walked by her side as they turned to the doors of the throne room.  He could hear people talking from behind the door.  The door was opened by two protector¡¯s guards and the room before them fell silent.

    The throne room was filled with people, but they had left a path for Griffa to walk.  She stepped into the room and slowly walked the path with Talon and Max at her side, as Kedan followed.  As they walked, Max looked at the people to the left and the right.  He saw several that he knew.

    Desmona Delis and Marcus Quick stood in the crowd.  Marcus was smiling, and Desmona looked solemn.  Max looked at Oliver Devins they passed.  Oliver seemed to be watching Griffa, but he turned and winked at Max.   Addi was towards the front of the room, and she smiled at all of them. The rest of Griffa¡¯s Ring was gathered in the front of the dais.  Bettina looked at Max and smiled at him as he felt himself color slightly. The whole Ring turned and looked at Griffa as she approached.

    They followed her progress as she made up to the dais with Talon and Max by her side and Kedan at her back.  Griffa walked to the middle of the Dais where the High Cleric from Abscon stood. He was an old man dressed in dark robes.  Next to him on a stand was the crown of Aurumist.  It was a round gold crown with pointed tips all the way around.

    Griffa looked at the high cleric and nodded as Max, Kedan, and Talon stood slightly behind. The cleric addressed the crowd.

    ¡°Today we come before the people of this kingdom and our gods to crown the one true ruler of this Regventus, Gryphon Keene.  She is of the full blood of Adalwen.  She has spent the morning in prayer and meditation.  We have asked for her approval by the gods, and now, we will find if she is worthy.¡±

    The cleric carefully picked up the crown of Aurumist.  He held it next to Griffa and looked at her.

    ¡°Gryphon Keene do you claim you are the heir to this crown?¡±

    ¡°I am the blood of Adalwen and the heir to this crown.¡±

    ¡°Do you claim the right to rule the people of this kingdom?¡±

    ¡°As the Queen of Regventus I claim the right rule with mercy and goodness all who dwell in this kingdom.¡±

    ¡°If approved by the gods, will you serve as Queen until the time is right for another to take your place?¡±

    ¡°I will serve until the time is right for me to step aside,¡± replied Griffa.

    The cleric turned to look at Max and the others.  ¡°Do you, who have chosen to walk with her, claim she is the true ruler of this kingdom?¡±

    ¡°Gryphon Keene is the one true ruler of Regventus, there is no doubt,¡± said Max in unison with the others.

    ¡°If she is found worthy, do you devote your lives to serve her?¡±

    ¡°She will be found worthy.  We devote our lives in service to our queen.¡±

    The cleric turned back to Griffa.

    ¡°Gryphon Keene, kneel before your people and the gods.  If you are found worthy by the gods, this crown shall sit upon your head.  Once it is there, you agree to rule as the gods see fit.¡±

    Griffa kneeled down, and the cleric held the crown over her head.  He bowed his head and closed his eyes.  He then opened them and slowly put the crown on Griffa¡¯s head.  It sat perfectly there. The cleric took Griffa¡¯s hand and helped her up.

    ¡°The gods have approved.  They have found Gryphon Keene worthy.  She is your queen and the on true ruler of Regventus. She is named today Queen Gryphon of the blood of Adalwen.  May she rule long and well.¡±

    The crowd said together, ¡°Our queen has been chosen, may she rule long and well.¡±

    The crowd then kneeled before her.  Max and the others on the dais did the same.  Max glanced to see Griffa looking out over her people.  She then turned to those on the dais.

    ¡°You have been with me on this journey.  Rise and continue on with me as we rule Regventus fairly.¡±

    The all stood. Griffa turned and looked down at the rest of the Ring.

    ¡°My Ring, you have chosen to give me council and support.  Rise and vow to serve me and the kingdom.¡±

    The members of the Ring rose as Griffa looked out at the crowd.  ¡°You are my people.  I vow to remember my responsibility to you.  May the gods watch over us and guide us all.  Please rise and know that as I rule, I also serve you.¡±

    The crowd rose as Max and Talon walked to Griffa¡¯s side. The crowd applauded enthusiastically as Max took Griffa¡¯s hand and kissed it.  She grinned at him as he let her hand go.  Talon pulled her close.  He took her hand but before he could bring it up to his lips, Griffa reached up and kissed him quickly on his lips.  He smiled at her before she then turned and walked before the throne.  She took a deep breath and turned around before sitting down.  Talon and Max stood by each side with Kedan standing by Max.

    ¡°A long life to our queen,¡± said the cleric loudly.

    ¡°May she reign many years with mercy and goodness,¡± replied the crowd.

    The people started to leave to head to the ballroom. While there would be no ball as the Ring had decided the kingdom was not ready for such an event, many of the people would gather to celebrate and greet the queen.  The cleric wished Griffa well, and then walked down to join the rest of the people as they left the room.  Griffa was left on the dais with Max, Kedan, and Talon.

    ¡°This hardly seems real,¡± she said touching her crown gently.

    ¡°It¡¯s very real, my queen,¡± said Max smiling at Griffa.  ¡°It is real, and it is right.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I feel any different,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I hope we have not made some horrible mistake.¡±

    ¡°You have already been our chosen queen for a long time,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Even so, there is no doubt in my eyes looking at you, wearing that crown.  I don¡¯t think anyone in this kingdom could have any doubts.  Can you not sense your power and magic? Griffa¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± said Max coming to her side.

    He could feel the magic coming off of her.  He could feel the intense draw she held as his queen.  He was almost afraid to touch her, but he carefully took her hand and let their magic mix together.  He tried to convey to her how his blood and magic sung in her presence.  It called out to her, recognizing its queen.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa.  She reached up and kissed Max on his cheek, letting go of his hand.

    Talon walked up to her and took her hand gently.  Griffa drew her hand back as though something had shocked her. She looked up at Talon with confusion on her face.  He looked down at her and smiled.  Max watched them as they stared at each other, and he knew. The bond between them he could never quite figure out was very obvious.  This is the way it was intended.  Talon would be Griffa¡¯s king. He was always meant to be Griffa¡¯s king.  Max had already figured it would happen, but now he could sense the true bond between them, what had always drawn them to one another.  Talon would have no doubts about Griffa¡¯s love for him now.

    Griffa slowly took Talon¡¯s hand and smiled at him.  He leaned forward and kissed her gently before pulling back. She whispered something to him that made Talon smile, before turning to Kedan.

    ¡°Kedan, come stand with me as we go to the ballroom as I meet with the people. I believe you are quite good at this part of ruling.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡°Is this how it¡¯s going to be, Griffa?¡± asked Talon, laughing.  ¡°You will pass your me over for your handsome protector for public appearances?¡±

    ¡°My protector should always be by my side.  You will have to get used to working the crowds in favor of your queen.  You might as well start today.¡±

    Griffa took Kedan¡¯s arm and walked off the dais.  They talked happily as they walked towards the exit in the back of the room.

    ¡°I always told Ansel he shouldn¡¯t have found her such a good looking protector,¡± said Talon quietly to Max.  ¡°Perhaps this was his way of being able to torture me forever.¡±

    Max only chucked as he and Talon followed Griffa and Kedan to the ballroom.

    <hr>

    Talon stood in the protector¡¯s quarters with Kedan, Griffa, and Addi. Five months after Griffa¡¯s coronation, the rooms were finally done and ready for Kedan to live in them with his son. It had taken a while to find them.  They had been boarded up with a large bookshelf over them.  They were just down the hallway from Griffa¡¯s room.  They found the quarters by following the palace map found in the old book Issa had found when they were trying to rescue Griffa and Max.

    After moving the large bookshelf and breaking through the boards, an ornate door with a large tree carved onto it was found.  They walked in to find a sitting area with fireplace, a small room off of the sitting room, Kedan said could be used for his son and a large bedroom and a washroom.  Griffa had the rooms redone to fit Kedan¡¯s needs.  The room was repaired and cleaned, and new furniture was brought in.  Talon thought Kedan would be very comfortable there.

    ¡°I hope you are happy with your new home, Kedan,¡± said Griffa walking over to the large fireplace.

    ¡°I am very pleased, my queen,¡± said Kedan.

    Talon watched as Griffa went over to the fireplace and traced her hand over the large tree found there.  It was once the sigil for the line of Raya, and now belonged to Kedan and the line of Protectors.

    ¡°Are you alright, my queen?¡± asked Kedan walking over to her.  ¡°I imagine this is difficult for you.¡±

    Griffa looked up and smiled at Kedan.  ¡°It does make me think of him, but I find that I am not sad.  He would be pleased to see you in here, Kedan.  He believed in you and your ability to carry on the line.  You are the first protector to live here in over 300 years.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said Kedan. ¡°I respect the line and all that Ansel taught me.  I will honor him, Griffa, by serving you well, and teaching Zayden to serve the next king or queen. Ansel or his line will not be forgotten.¡±

    Griffa took Kedan¡¯s hand and smiled up at him.  ¡°You are very worthy of your position, Kedan.  I want no one but you as my protector.  I think you honor him and his line every day.¡±

    Kedan raised Griffa¡¯s hand kissed it and then turned to look at all of them.

    ¡°Would you all like to have a drink with me?  I believe Zayden is sound asleep at the moment.¡±

    Addi smiled at Kedan.  ¡°I would be happy to sit with you a moment, Kedan.¡±

    Griffa looked at Talon with a small smile.  She had told Talon she had a feeling Addi and Kedan were growing rather fond of each other.

    ¡°Griffa, you seem tired, perhaps I should escort you to your rooms so you can rest,¡± said Talon walking up to her and giving a small wink.

    ¡°Yes, I believe that would be for the best,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I will come visit you and Zayden tomorrow, Kedan.  You should take a few days to settle in before we spend a week in the kingdom.  There are some people I need to visit with.¡±

    Kedan gave Griffa a small bow as Talon escorted her from the rooms and out into the hall.  They walked to Griffa¡¯s door.  She nodded at the two guards there who opened the door as Talon brought her inside her suite of rooms.  The door closed behind them.

    She walked to the sofa in front of the fireplace and sat down.  ¡°I find that I am not as tired as I thought I was. Would you share a drink with me, Talon?¡±

    Talon smiled and sat down next to Griffa as she poured two glasses of wine on the small table in front of them. She handed one to Talon as she sat back with her own glass.

    ¡°Perhaps we should have a toast,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°What would you like to toast, my queen?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°Love, it seems to be blooming all around us in the dead of winter.¡±

    Talon chuckled and nodded.  ¡°To love then.¡±  They touched glasses and each took a swig of wine. ¡°Do you really think something will come of Kedan and Addi?¡±

    ¡°I hope it does,¡± said Griffa before taking another sip of wine.  ¡°I think they could be well suited.  He needs someone to care for him, and she is the most caring person I know.¡±

    ¡°They are both also very devoted to you, my queen.  I think if any woman could understand and deal with his bond with you, it would be our Addi.¡±

    ¡°True, between those two and Max and Bettina, I think we could be in store for at least a couple of weddings soon, maybe more,¡± said Griffa as she glanced at Talon with a sly smile.

    Talon took a swig of his wine and looked at Griffa trying to understand what she meant by what she had just said.  It had been just over a year since the battle of Aurumist.  The first anniversary of the day had passed quietly in the city.  Griffa spent the day in her rooms with Max, Kedan, Addi, and Talon.  Talon had sat by her the whole time.  When it got late everyone else had left, but she had asked Talon to stay with her.  He spent the night with her, holding her in her bed.  He had not spent a night in his bed since.  Nothing had happened between them except a few kisses, but those kisses had lately become more passionate.

    Griffa finished her wine and put the glass on the table in front of her before scooting closer to Talon.  Talon finished his own wine, putting his glass down and wrapping his arm around Griffa¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Talon, do you ever think of the future?¡± Griffa asked as she snuggled into his side.

    ¡°Yes, I have thought of the future a lot lately.¡±

    ¡°What do you see?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± he said, kissing the top of her head.  ¡°I see serving you as you see fit.  I see you ruling this kingdom well.  I see you building Regventus into what it should be.¡±

    ¡°Is that all you see?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No, but I dare not tell you the rest.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± she asked looking up at him.

    ¡°I am afraid if I speak it, it will not come true.¡±

    ¡°Can I tell you what I see?¡± she asked as she scooted up closer to him, so they were face to face.  She put her arms loosely around his neck as Talon nodded.

    ¡°I see you by my side, ruling with me.  I see you sharing a life with me.  I see you and me raising our children to become the leaders they need to be for the kingdom.  Does that scare you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Talon as he licked his lips. ¡°I see the same thing.¡±

    ¡°You said you would serve me as I see fit, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Will you serve as my king, then?¡± asked Griffa.

    Talon looked at her.  He had hoped and dreamed of this for so long; he found for once in his life, he was speechless.

    Griffa moved away slightly and looked down.  ¡°I am sorry. I have overstepped. I thought perhaps, but¡­¡±

    Talon grabbed her and pulled her gently to him.  He looked at her.  ¡°You are sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said. ¡°I am very sure.  I am ready, Talon. I love you.¡±

    He kissed her with no hesitation.  After a moment she pulled back.  ¡°So, is that a yes?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Yes, Griffa.  I want to marry you. I will marry you tomorrow if you want.  I would marry you right now if I could.  You must know I have wanted this for a long time. I told you to tell me when you were ready.  I said if you said one word to me about it, I would not hesitate to claim you.¡±

    ¡°I was afraid maybe things had changed.  I have made you wait so long.  I was afraid you had gotten tired of waiting.¡±

    ¡°I would wait for you all my life, it that is what it took.  I know you have lost so much, but I will do everything to make you happy.  I don¡¯t deserve someone as good as you, but I will do everything I can to become someone worthy of your love.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, Talon. It¡¯s not about who deserves who.  I love you, and I want to be with you.  I hope you feel the same way,¡± said Griffa.  She stood up and held out her hand.  Talon took it and stood up next to her.  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

    As Talon kissed her, he wanted to say many things to her.  He wanted to tell her just how much he loved her.  He wanted to assure her he wanted her above everything, but he had learned his words were not as important as his actions.  He would have years to prove to her how much he loved and wanted her. So instead of telling her how he felt, he worked to show her.  He concentrated on the feel of her lips against his and the elation he felt in having her in his arms.  He felt like he was almost in a dream.  He held Griffa tightly as he kissed her.  He might never truly deserve her, but he would do everything he could to be who she needed.

    ¡°I would still like to prove to be worthy of you in some way,¡± said Talon as he pulled back slightly from her.

    Griffa grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her bedroom.  ¡°Come, my future king,¡± she said smiling.  ¡°I think there are many ways you can prove yourself worthy, and I am quite eager to experience them all.¡±

    <hr>

    Griffa stood before the large mirror in her room on a perfect mid-spring day.  She looked at the dark blue gown she wore.  The sun of Adalwen with a Keene falcon flying over it was stitched in silver on the skirt.  The bodice had a simple diamond pattern stitched on it.  Griffa slightly moved some of her curls on each on her shoulders.  Her hair was half up with her crown sitting on her head.

    ¡°You look lovely, dear,¡± said Maybell who stood behind her.  ¡°You are always beautiful, but I have never seen you look more beautiful than you do today.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you wouldn¡¯t want to pull all of your hair up, my queen?¡± asked Elsie, her assistant.  ¡°It would be more proper.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Talon says he likes my hair down.  I don¡¯t care about being proper.  I just want to please him today.¡±

    ¡°You would be beautiful no matter what you wore or how you did your hair,¡± said Maybell.  ¡°I hope this young man realizes what a jewel he is really getting.¡±

    Griffa smiled.  She turned to Maybell and took her hand.  ¡°He is wonderful, Maybell.  You know how much he loves me.¡±

    ¡°I know.  I have seen the way he looks at you.  I just want him to treat you well.¡±

    ¡°He does, and he will.  I am very happy,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Thank you for being here today.  I do miss seeing you.  I will come visit you often.¡±

    ¡°I know, my dear, and I will visit you as well.  I am very happy, Griffa. I will never think anyone truly deserves you, but I know Talon does love you very much. When he was staying at the manor, there were days I thought he might snatch you up and run away with you, the way he looked at you. In the end I believe your father would be pleased. I know he was skeptical of Talon and his father, but I think seeing the young man as he is now, your father would approve.   It is quite something to have a Keene and a Wendell ruling over us as a queen and king.¡±

    ¡°I think you are right about all those things, Maybell.  Now, you both need to get to the temple.  I have had Addi save a seat for both of you,¡± said Griffa.

    Maybell kissed her cheek quickly as Elsie curtsied. They left the room, leaving Griffa alone.  She smiled at herself in the mirror.  She couldn¡¯t believe this day was finally here.  She would marry Talon. It seemed so unlikely. A year and half ago, this never would ever happen.  She had dreamed of marrying Ansel.  She would have married him if he had lived, but it was not meant to be.  She still thought of Ansel often, but she would do it mostly with a smile.  He had asked her to live well and be happy.  She planned to do it for him and herself.  She did love Talon.  She loved him very much.  She found that she was deliriously happy.

    Griffa looked one more time at herself in the mirror and then turned and walked from the room.  She walked down the stairs to find Kedan waiting for her alone in the entry hall.  He looked very handsome in his protector¡¯s tunic.  He stared at her as she walked down the stairs.  He walked to meet her as she reached the bottom of the stairs, taking her hand and kissing it.

    ¡°You look beautiful, Griffa,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°You look very handsome as always, Kedan,¡± said Griffa.

    She looked at him standing next to her as her protector.  She smiled at him and took his hand, feeling the bond they shared.

    ¡°Kedan, thank you for doing this for me,¡± said Griffa.

    I am happy you have chosen me for this honor.  I only hope that Talon truly deserves you.¡±

    ¡°You know he does, Kedan.  You know how much he has loved me for so long.  I am very happy.  You must sense how happy I truly am.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and I am happy for you. He definitely loves you, but I will still watch him.  He may be my king after today, but nothing comes before you, my queen.¡±

    Griffa leaned up and kissed Kedan¡¯s cheek.  ¡°I love you, Kedan.  I value you not only as my protector, but also as one of my dearest friends.  I hope you are happy living here in the city with me.¡±

    ¡°I find that I like living in Aurumist with you as the queen very much.  I am very happy, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Now, hopefully we can find someone for you soon.  I have been thinking it over, and I have decided you should marry.¡±

    Kedan laughed.  ¡°You have decided that for me, have you? I suppose you have a woman in mind.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and I believe you have the same woman in your mind as well.  She is perfect for you, Kedan.  I hope you know it.¡±

    ¡°We will see what happens, my queen, but today is your wedding day. You should focus on that.¡±

    ¡°You are right.  Today is my wedding day, and I am sure I will be too busy to manage your personal life.  You are free to enjoy today as you see fit,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°We must be going,¡± said Kedan offering Griffa his arm.  ¡°You should not be late for your own wedding day.¡±

    ¡°I will never be late for anything, Kedan,¡± said Griffa taking his arm.  ¡°I am the queen, and I think you will find I am always right on time for every event.¡±

    Kedan laughed at her as he escorted her out of the palace.  They walked through the palace gates and into the first Ring of Aurumist. Griffa smiled at him as she felt Kedan¡¯s shield surround her. People had lined up to see the queen walk to the temple. They waved and smiled at her.  It was a bright spring day that was warm and pleasant.

    As they got to the temple, Kedan turned and looked at Griffa.  ¡°Are you ready, my queen?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I am beyond ready.¡±

    ¡°It looks like everyone is set,¡± said Kedan looking into the temple. He pulled Griffa close to him.  ¡°I am very happy for you, Griffa.  I know things may not have turned out as we all planned, but I do believe he will make a good king.¡±

    ¡°I know he will,¡± said Griffa. ¡°I also know I love him. Things rarely turn out as we plan, Kedan, but that does not mean we cannot all be happy. He is second to no one to me.  I will have no regrets.¡±

    The walked into the temple to see benches had been set up all around the statue of the gods.  A cleric stood in front of the statue.  Addi stood on one side looking very pretty in her red gown.  Griffa looked to the other side to see Max and Talon looking at her.  Talon stared at her as she and Kedan slowly walked towards them. He was wearing a black tunic with the sun of Adalwen stitched on the front. Two small silver foxes were stitched on his shoulders to represent his family sigil.   He looked more handsome than she had ever seen him. Everything about what was happening felt so right.  Talon¡¯s eyes looked almost as if they had tears in them.  Griffa glanced to the sides as she walked down towards the statue.

    She saw Nora, holding her young daughter, smiling at her with Cillian sitting by her side.  She saw Addi smile at her before turning her eyes to Kedan and blushing. She saw Maybell with tears in her eyes sitting close to Clara and other Ring members.  Then Griffa just looked at Talon as she got close to him.  He was staring at her with a bright smile on his face. When they got to the front, Talon came close to her.  Kedan took Griffa¡¯s hand and kissed it.  He then placed it in Talon¡¯s hand and walked to stand by Max.  Talon walked with her up to stand in front of the cleric.

    The ceremony passed almost in a blur to Griffa.  The cleric said some words and then a prayer.  He then turned to Griffa.

    ¡°Queen Gryphon of the blood of Adalwen do you pledge yourself to Talon Wendell.  Do you promise to show love and respect to him?  Do you freely bond yourself to him as his wife?¡±

    ¡°I pledge to always respect and love him as my husband.  I freely enter into a lifelong bond with him.¡±

    The cleric turned to Talon.

    ¡°Talon Wendell do you pledge yourself to your Queen, Gryphon of the blood of Adalwen.  Do your promise to show love and respect to her.  Do you freely bond yourself to her as her husband?¡±

    Talon stared at her and took a breath.  ¡°I pledge to always respect and love her as my wife.  I freely enter into a lifelong bond with her.¡±

    ¡°Do you pledge to serve as her king consort, serving you queen freely, and helping her as she sees fit?¡±

    ¡°I will serve my queen however she needs me.  I gladly pledge myself to her as her king consort.¡±

    ¡°Do you vow to serve the kingdom as the king, giving your loyalty only to your queen and the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°I will gladly serve the kingdom and my queen, knowing nothing comes before my loyalty to Regventus and my queen.¡±

    The cleric held two simple silver rings in his hand.  He squeezed them together in his closed fist and then opened his hand.  Griffa and Talon each took one and placed it on each other¡¯s finger.

    The cleric then took their hands and joined them together.  Talon gripped Griffa¡¯s hand and looked at her.  Griffa could feel tears coming to her eyes.  The cleric put his hand over their conjoined ones.

    ¡°Do you both swear to spend this life together until the end, and find each other on your next adventure where you will travel on together forever?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± they both said at the same time.

    ¡°I join these two together in this life and the next. The gods bless this union, and nothing should ever cause it to be undone.¡±

    Griffa felt her hand grow warm.  She felt as though something wrapped around their hands tying them together.  She looked at Talon and felt nothing but intense love for him.

    The cleric moved his hand away from theirs.  He said some more words and prayers, but all Griffa could concentrate on was Talon and the love she felt for him.  He gazed back at her, looking at her with so much love, Griffa thought she had never been happier.

    ¡°We celebrate the love of our queen and king, may the gods guide them and us in the days to come.¡±

    With that the ceremony was over.  Griffa and Talon walked out of the temple. Kedan followed at a short distance.  The people started to leave the temple as Talon and Griffa approached the palace gates.  Talon started walking quicker, dragging Griffa with him.  They entered the palace, and Talon took Griffa into the study off of the throne room.  He closed the door quickly and turned to her.   He pulled her close to him, and put his hand behind her neck, bending down and kissing her.

    ¡°We will have to go to the ballroom soon, Talon,¡± said Griffa as they pulled apart.  ¡°Everyone will be waiting for us, and we will have to make our appearance on the balcony.¡±

    ¡°They can wait for a little longer.  It will take them a while to all get to the ballroom,¡± said Talon as he bent down and kissed Griffa again.

    He led her to the sofa in the sitting area in the front of the room.  He sat her down and kissed her over and over.

    ¡°I am afraid I will hardly be presentable after this,¡± said Griffa breathlessly as Talon raised her skirt with his hand.

    ¡°I will help you set things to right, but above all you will look like a wife who is very loved by her husband.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, my husband,¡± said Griffa purring as Talon kissed her neck, slowly laying her down on the sofa. He his hand moved slowly up her thigh, and Griffa moaned, ¡°My king.¡±

    Talon looked at her, making a low noise in his throat.  ¡°Good gods, Griffa, do you ever want me to let you leave this room?¡±

    ¡°Do you like when I call you that, my king?¡± asked Griffa before kissing Talon¡¯s jaw.

    She decided he did like it.  He seemed to like it very much.

    Griffa and Talon did eventually make it to the ballroom.  No one commented on their late appearance until Max smirked at her as he danced with her.

    ¡°I see that you were a little late for your own wedding ball, my queen,¡± said Max.

    ¡°A queen is never late, Max.  She is always right on time.¡±

    ¡°I suppose that is true, Griffa,¡± said Max as he waved his hand behind her upper back.  ¡°I would comment that a few of your buttons had seemed to come undone, but I suppose it¡¯s not polite to tell a queen that in public.¡±

    ¡°Not polite at all,¡± said Griffa. ¡°Now, how long until we celebrate again with your own wedding.¡±

    ¡°Just a few months.  Bettina wanted you to have some time with your husband before she asked you to travel to Arialla¡±

    ¡°You are betrothed, and you didn¡¯t even tell me,¡± said Griffa smacking Max gently.

    ¡°It was very recent, and you have been busy preparing for your own wedding.  You are the first person that has been told besides Oliver.¡±

    ¡°When I get back, we will have to celebrate.  I am very happy for you, Max. She is quite a young woman.  I think you are both very fortunate to have found each other.¡±

    ¡°She is wonderful.  I have been very lucky in love in my short life, to have found two extraordinary women to love me.¡±

    ¡°I believe we have both been blessed that way, Max.  It sounds like it should be hard, that our hearts would be divided, but I find I have plenty of room for my love of Ansel that still remains, and the love I have for Talon.  They do not conflict in any way.¡±

    ¡°I know what you mean, Griffa.  If anything, Issa¡¯s love helped me to understand my love for Bettina.  Issa helped make me who I am. Bettina is a continuation of that.  Our lives are like a story, every part is important towards making the proper ending.¡±

    ¡°I will always miss him, Max,¡± said Griffa softly.  ¡°I know you understand that as well.¡±

    ¡°I do, but I don¡¯t think you will ever regret your life with Talon,¡± said Max.  ¡°Live well, and be happy, Griffa.  That is all Ansel every wanted for you.¡±

    ¡°No, I will have no regrets spending my life with Talon.¡±

    Talon and Griffa made their appearance on the balcony with Kedan behind them.  They waved to the crowds below who seemed very happy to see their king and queen.  Some also seemed equally happy to see Kedan, but Griffa didn¡¯t mind.  Before long folk were starting to leave the ballroom, which meant Talon and Griffa could leave as well.  Kedan had suggested to go to the river house the palace owned.  He said it would be the perfect place for a newly wedded couple to spend a few days.

    Kedan wasn¡¯t enthusiastic about Griffa leaving without him, but she knew he understood it.  He stood in the entryway with Max, Bettina, and Addi as Griffa and Talon came down the stairs after changing and grabbing their cases.  Griffa took Kedan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°It will only be for a few days.  Gets some rest and enjoy some time with your son.   I have left some potion in your room to help you sleep, as well as the techniques for managing any discomfort you feel from being away from me.  I will put my shield down several times a day so you can check in on me.¡±

    ¡°I hope you have a pleasant time, my queen.  I will miss you, but I am glad you are getting away.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, protector,¡± said Griffa smiling. ¡°I look forward to seeing you and Zayden when I return. I believe there is someone else here will be glad to have your time as well.¡±

    Kedan smiled slightly and glanced at Addi.  ¡°I think you are right, my queen.¡±

    Griffa hugged Addi as Addi whispered.  ¡°I will miss you, Griffa, but I hope you do enjoy your time away.¡±

    Griffa kissed Addi¡¯s cheek.  ¡°I hope you are able to enjoy my time away as well.¡±

    Addi blushed and smiled.

    Griffa then walked up to Max who was speaking with Talon.  Whatever Talon had said, made Max chuckle and shake his head.

    ¡°What did I miss?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°Nothing you need to worry about, my love,¡± said Talon taking her hand.

    ¡°Take care of the kingdom while we are gone, Max,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°If anything comes up you can contact me.¡±

    ¡°You should go to Clara first.  It better be something very large like the destruction of the entire city if you do contact Griffa,¡± said Talon.

    Griffa elbowed Talon slightly.  ¡°Really, Max if you need anything, you can send me a message.¡±

    ¡°I think I can keep the kingdom running for a few days, Griffa. Go enjoy yourself,¡± said Max.  He took her hand and squeezed it before letting it go.

    ¡°I suppose you will have plenty of help,¡± said Griffa looking at Bettina.  She leaned in and hugged the young woman.  ¡°I am very happy for you.  I look forward to celebrating when I return.¡±

    Bettina smiled.  ¡°I am very happy, my queen. I hope you know how much I love him.  I know how important he is to you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he could have made a better choice,¡± said Griffa letting Bettina go.

    Griffa turned back to Max.  She took his hand.

    Griffa nodded.  ¡°Max, I hope you do know how much you mean to me.  It seems an age since we met, but it hasn¡¯t been that long.  It¡¯s hard to believe were we started to see how it all ended.¡±

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t ended, Griffa. It¡¯s actually just begun, and everything is as it should be,¡± said Max smiling.  ¡°Go enjoy yourself for a while.  You have earned some relaxation and merriment.¡±

    ¡°As have you, Max.  I am so very happy for you¡± said Griffa gripping his hand.

    ¡°I am happy for you, as well,¡± said Max.

    Griffa bent down and kissed Max¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Go on,¡± said Max.  ¡°I will see you in a few days.¡±

    Max looked at Talon and said, ¡°There are no doubts, Talon.  You have nothing to fear.¡±

    Griffa let go of Max¡¯s hand and looked curiously at Talon.  Talon took her hand and smiled, leading her to the middle of the entrance hall.  ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later,¡± Talon whispered and Griffa nodded.

    Griffa looked at Talon and concentrated on Kedan¡¯s description of the River House.  She soon felt herself travel.

    **********************************************************

    Griffa leaned on the rail of the bedroom balcony overlooking the river.  Talon stood behind her with his arms around her.  He had moved her hair and was lightly kissing her neck.  Griffa watched as the sun started to set over the river.

    ¡°This is a beautiful kingdom,¡± said Griffa watching the sun set.

    ¡°It is very beautiful,¡± whispered Talon as he pulled her against him.  He kissed Griffa¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I am being serious, Talon,¡± said Griffa turning slightly to look at him.

    ¡°So am I,¡± he said putting his chin on her shoulder.  ¡°You are a part of the kingdom, and the most beautiful part of it I have ever seen.¡±

    She smiled.  ¡°I want to be a good ruler of this kingdom.  I want to be worthy of being called the queen.¡±

    Talon leaned up and pulled Griffa around to look at him.  ¡°You are a very good ruler of this kingdom.  It has already been proven time and time again that you are worthy of your title.  You should never doubt yourself,¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt myself.  I just want to make sure I remind myself from time to time how fortunate I am to be able to lead such a beautiful, wonderful kingdom.¡±

    ¡°And we as your folk should remind ourselves how we are fortunate to have such a loving, powerful, beautiful queen,¡± said Talon.  He bent down and kissed her.

    ¡°What did Max mean with what he said to your back in the palace?¡±

    Talon smiled sadly and looked down. ¡°I had feared you might wish I was someone else at times.  I thought perhaps you might always yearn for him as your husband.¡±

    Griffa looked down to catch his eye.  ¡°Look at me, please, Talon.  He was and is very important to me.  I do love Ansel still, but it has nothing to do with what I feel for you.  I can tell you for certain I am wishing for no one but you to be by my side today.  In the study I can guarantee I was only thinking of you.¡±

    ¡°I know, my love.  I do not want you to forget him.  I don¡¯t want to forget him.  I hope you know how much I cared about him as well.  I trust in your love, and I know we will be happy.¡±

    ¡°We will because we have decided it is so.  I know hard times will come, but I know I will always be happy you are by my side.¡±

    Talon pulled her close and kissed her again.  After pulling back he said.  ¡°Take a few moments and just enjoy where you are, Griffa. After all you have been through, you are here with me in this beautiful place.¡±

    ¡°You are right,¡± said Griffa as she wrapped her arms around Talon. ¡°And after all that has happened, there is no place I would rather be.¡±

 Epiloogue

    Two years later

    Talon yawned and opened his eyes.  He rolled over and reached out for Griffa, but his arm only touched the empty side of the bed.  He quickly sat up concerned.  He was afraid she was sick again.  He was about to go get up and check on her, when she walked out from her dressing room fully dressed and smiling.

    ¡°You need to get up, Talon, if you want to quickly eat breakfast.  We need to travel soon,¡± said Griffa smiling at him.

    Talon looked at her carefully.  ¡°You are feeling well this morning?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I feel very well.  I have felt much better this past week. Now, get up and get dressed, we have to be going soon.¡±

    ¡°Griffa, I don¡¯t think this is a good idea,¡± said Talon getting out of bed.  ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be traveling as you are.¡±

    ¡°I have been traveling this past several months off and on.  What is the difference now?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure going to this ceremony is the right thing to do?¡± he asked.

    Griffa frowned with tears in her eyes.  ¡°Are you ashamed of me, Talon?  I know I have grown quite large.  Do you think I am too grotesque to be seen in public?¡±

    ¡°No, no, of course not,¡± said Talon.  He walked over behind her and put his arms around her, resting them on her large stomach.  ¡°You are beautiful as always.  I only meant it there will be many folk there who will want to talk to you.  The ceremony will not be short, and you will be on your feet a long time.  I was just thinking of you and our child.¡±

    Griffa sighed and shook her head as Talon carefully turned her around.

    ¡°Truly, Griffa, you are so beautiful.  If you want, we could send Kedan to Abscon and we could stay here and I will show you just how alluring and beautiful I find you,¡± said Talon before kissing her gently.

    Griffa pushed him slightly away, shaking her head.  ¡°I¡¯m not going to miss the 300-year anniversary of Abscon.   As the only Keene in the world, I can¡¯t miss it.  Malchom asked me to come.¡±

    ¡°He will understand if you can¡¯t make it.  He is a husband and a father. Let me go.  I will meet Max there.  We will represent you well,¡± said Talon.

    Griffa turned and looked at him.  ¡°I am sure you both would, but I have to go, Talon. You know how important this is to me. I am also dying to see Max. I haven¡¯t seen him in weeks since we haven¡¯t had a Ring meeting.  We won¡¯t be gone long. We will attend the ceremony in the morning, eat lunch with Maybell at the manor, and be back here in early afternoon.  I will rest the rest of the day in our rooms if you like. You could even join me.¡±  Griffa pulled him towards her and kissed him.

    Talon sighed. ¡°You are sure you feel up to it?  Our child is doing well?¡±

    Griffa put her hands on her stomach.  She gave him a curious smile.  ¡°Yes, Talon we are all doing well.¡±

    Talon gave her a questioning look, but before he could speak, she started walking from the room.

    ¡°Get dressed, quickly, and come eat in our sitting room.  We will leave very soon.¡±

    Talon dressed and ate a little breakfast with Griffa.  He watched her closely as she ate very well.  It pleased him.  There had been too many meals these past months where she had hardly eaten anything.  Her stomach had grown large, but the rest of her had grown thin.  Talon had been uneasy her whole pregnancy.  Griffa had lost her mother to childbearing.  Talon couldn¡¯t imagine losing Griffa now.  He also couldn¡¯t imagine losing their child.  He was very ready to be a father.  He wanted nothing more than a safe and easy delivery for Griffa.

    They walked down to the entry hall to see Addi leaning on the wall.  Kedan was leaning next to her smiling as Addi laughed lightly.

    ¡°Well, good morning you two,¡± said Griffa happily.  ¡°You both seem in very good moods.¡±

    Kedan pushed off the wall and looked at Griffa.  ¡°You are really going to do this?  Talon is going to let you, is he?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I am going to do this, and when has he ever stopped me from doing anything?¡±

    Talon shrugged at Kedan as Addi walked over to Griffa.

    ¡°Are you sure this is a good idea, Griffa?¡± asked Addi with concern, taking Griffa¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I feel very well, today.  You can all ask Kedan.  He knows how well I am doing,¡± said Griffa squeezing Addi¡¯s hand and leaning in to give her a kiss on her cheek.

    They all turned at the sound of someone running down the stairs.

    ¡°Zayden, do not run,¡± said a stressed looking woman hurrying after her charge.

    ¡°Griffa!¡± said Zayden running up to Griffa, his blonde curls bouncing against his head.

    He clamped himself around her legs, causing Griffa to stumble slightly.  Talon scooped him up.

    ¡°Now, now, young man.  You must be careful with our queen right now.  You don¡¯t want to make her fall, do you?¡±

    Zayden looked at Talon and shook his head.  ¡°Good, now stand still by me and you can travel with me.  We are going to Abscon and I am sure Maybell has some nice treats waiting for you.¡± Talon put Zayden down.  Zayden stood by Talon¡¯s side and smiled.

    Kedan looked apologetically at Griffa. ¡°I can still have mother watch him this morning, Griffa.  He does not have to come with us.¡±

    ¡°He has to come with us,¡± said Griffa brightly.  ¡°Maybell will want to see him, and I like having him around.  I will have to get used to traveling with children myself soon.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still not sure about this, Griffa,¡± said Kedan.

    ¡°You know how well I feel, Kedan.  You can feel it for yourself.¡±

    Kedan smiled slightly.  ¡°You do seem to feel well this morning, but I still don¡¯t think is a good idea.  I don¡¯t know why Talon can¡¯t go for you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made that argument, Kedan,¡± said Talon crossing his arms.  ¡°She will not hear it.¡±

    ¡°No, I will not, and we need to go.  So, if all of you don¡¯t want me traveling alone, I suggest you get ready,¡± said Griffa.

    Kedan took a breath and offered his arm to his queen.  She gladly took it.  Talon walked to her and took her hand as Zayden took Talon¡¯s other hand. Zayden¡¯s caregiver put took the hand the other hand of her young charge.  Addi walked on the other side of Kedan and lightly grabbed his arm. Talon looked down at Griffa one more time before closing his eyes.  Soon they were all in Abscon just outside of Keene Manor.  They walked to the middle of the village to see a large crowd of folk had gathered on the late spring day.

    ¡°My queen,¡± said Malchom coming over to bow over Griffa¡¯s hand.  ¡°I am glad you have made it.  I hope it was not too much on you.  You could have sent our king and your regrets.¡±

    ¡°You know her better than that, Malchom,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Nothing would stop her from coming.  She is very stubborn.¡±

    ¡°That is no way to describe you queen, Talon.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the perfect way to describe my queen,¡± said Talon.  ¡°Especially when she is ignoring the advice of her husband and all her trusted friends.¡±

    Griffa ignored him.  Talon saw her scanning the crowd.  He knew who she was looking for.  He watched as she broke out into a big smile as Max made his way over to her.  Griffa pulled him into a hug as soon as they met.  Max pulled back and put his hands on his arms.

    ¡°Look at you, Griffa,¡± said Max smiling.  ¡°I saw you a little more than a month ago, and you look so different.¡±

    ¡°I know, I am as big as the palace itself,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I am sure I am making a spectacle of myself, coming out in public looking as horrid as I do, but I could not miss this.¡±

    ¡°You do no look horrid,¡± said Max smiling and dropping his hands.  ¡°You look as beautiful as always, more so in fact.   I just worry about you being out.  I thought perhaps you would stay in Aurumist.  Bettina and I planned to stop in after this to see you.¡±

    ¡°Where is your wife?¡± asked Griffa. ¡°I would like to give her my greetings.¡±

    ¡°She is over by the statue of Nathin keeping an eye on Oliver as he chats with some young ladies.  You know how he is,¡± said Max with a smile.

    ¡°I will just walk over and say hello,¡± said Griffa.  She walked off with Kedan following her.

    ¡°Talon, it is good to see you,¡± said Max taking Talon¡¯s hand.  ¡°How are you holding up during all of this?¡±

    ¡°I will be glad when it is over, let me just say that,¡± said Talon. ¡°She has not had an easy time.¡±

    ¡°No, I would imagine not,¡± said Max watching Griffa walk away.  ¡°All will be well, Talon.  You do not need to worry.¡±

    ¡°I do worry constantly, and I will until I know she and our child are both safe.  I tried and tried to keep her at the palace today, but it would do no good.¡±

    ¡°She is the only Keene in the kingdom for now,¡± said Max.  ¡°She could not miss this.  It wouldn¡¯t be right to celebrate Abscon without a Keene present.¡±

    Max said his hello to Addi. He ruffled Zayden¡¯s hair as Zayden hugged Max around his legs.  Talon noticed that all the folk started to gather in front of King Nathin¡¯s statue.  He quickly went to find Griffa towards the statue with Max and Addi who held Zayden¡¯s hand. Griffa was standing in front of the statue on a small platform that had been set up.  Malchom had joined her. Kedan stood next to the platform.  Talon stood to the side of the stage with Max by his side.  Malcolm raised his hand to perform a voice amplifying charm and the folk in the crowd fell silent.

    ¡°I am very pleased to gather with you today to celebrate the village of Abscon.  We have been in existence for 300 years.  We were formed as a refuge for magical folk during a dark time of our kingdom.  I am happy to say that dark time is over.  Our queen has shown us that there are brighter days ahead.  She is with us today to celebrate this village that her family built and has overseen since the beginning.   Our queen, Gryphon Keene of the blood of Adalwen.¡±  The crowd bowed as Griffa walked slightly forward.

    ¡°Please rise, my folk of Abscon,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I am happy to be here today to celebrate our village.  I have always been proud to live in Abscon and with all of you.  The Keene¡¯s have always strived to lead Abscon with kindness, mercy, and wisdom.  I hope we have not failed you in anyway.¡±

    Griffa paused for a moment and took a few deep breaths.  Talon looked at Max to see him staring back at him. They both turned and looked at Kedan who looked concerned.

    ¡°The most important part of Abscon is you, the folk,¡± continued Griffa.  ¡°You are what makes this village so wonderful.  As your queen, I promise to continue to see to Abscon¡¯s peace and prosperity.¡±

    Griffa again paused and one of her hands went to her back.

    ¡°Talon, you might need to get her off the platform,¡± said Max quietly.  ¡°Something is not right.¡±

    Talon looked, and Kedan had his hand slightly raised.  Griffa straightened up and continued on.

    ¡°I look forward to the future of this village. I have entrusted Malchom Delis to lead in my absence.  I am pleased to have such a capable leader making sure Abscon stays strong.  I look forward to the day a Keene is once again living here, serving all of you.  Thank you for all you do for your village and your kingdom.  I will never forget the responsibility I have to all of you.¡±

    Griffa sighed and slumped a little as the crowd applauded.  Malcolm moved forward and Griffa quickly walked off the stage to Kedan.  She took his arm and whispered something to him.  He nodded and looked at Talon, motioning with his head that he should follow them.

    ¡°I have to go now,¡± said Talon to Max.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°I will come as well,¡± said Max.  He whispered to Bettina who nodded and kissed his cheek quickly.  Max made a motion to Addi that she should follow him. Talon walked behind the statue, following Griffa and Kedan.  He caught up with them as they exited the center of town, walking towards Keene Manor.

    Talon walked next to Griffa as she leaned on Kedan.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Talon feeling fear and dread in his stomach.

    ¡°It is nothing bad,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°It is just¡­ I think it is time.¡±

    ¡°Time for what?¡± asked Talon as Addi and Max walked up behind them.

    ¡°Are you serious, Talon?¡± asked Addi behind him. ¡°It is time for your child to be born.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± said Talon, shaking his head.  ¡°Should we get you back to Aurumist?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa as she stumbled slightly walking.  ¡°I don¡¯t think I could travel.  I will have to have our child here in Keene Manor.¡±

    ¡°But your midwife and healer are in Aurumist, Griffa. We had everything set up,¡± said Talon hurriedly.

    ¡°It will be fine, Talon,¡± said Addi.  ¡°I will travel to Aurumist and see to your midwife and healer. They can travel here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Griffa as they walked into the gates of Keene Manor.  They got to the door when a hurried looking Maybell came behind them.

    ¡°Griffa, Griffa, are you alright?¡± asked Maybell.

    ¡°I am.  It is just time,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°Oh, said Maybell, ¡°then let¡¯s get you upstairs and ready, my dear.¡±

    They all walked into the entry hall.  Kedan helped Griffa take the stairs while Maybell followed.  Talon started to follow Maybell.  She turned to look at him.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay down here a bit, Talon.  I will get Griffa comfortable and send Kedan down to tell you how things are.¡±

    ¡°I am not going to leave her side,¡± said Talon angrily.  ¡°I will be with my wife.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Griffa as she stopped a few steps up.  ¡°Talk with Max for a moment.  I am sure there are some decisions that will need to be made while I am unable to lead the Ring and the kingdom.  Make sure all will be well.  I think it is best if you stay down here for now.¡±

    ¡°Griffa,¡± said Talon.  He felt hurt and angry. ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you.¡±

    She turned and looked at him.  ¡°I know, but I know how worried you are.  I can feel it coming off of you.  I am not sure I could relax and do this, with you being so anxious. There is nothing you can do for me at the moment except lead the kingdom.  Please do this for me.¡±

    Talon gave an angry sigh and then nodded.  ¡°Very well, but I will not be kept from you for long.¡±

    Griffa turned and Kedan helped her up the stairs.  Talon watched as she disappeared down the hallway towards her old room.  Kedan quickly came downstairs and walked up to Addi.

    ¡°Addi, my love, go on to Aurumist and send the healer and midwife quickly.  Go to your mother and tell her she will need to stay in the city for a while, as our queen recovers.  You stay and help her,¡± said Kedan

    ¡°I will go do as you ask, but I ¡®d rather come back here.  I don¡¯t want to leave, Griffa,¡± said Addi with flushed cheeks.

    ¡°I know,¡± said Kedan. ¡°but you can serve her best by helping your mother look after the city and kingdom.  I will let you know when all is well.  You can come visit tomorrow after the child is born.¡±

    Addi looked like she would argue, but Kedan took her hand and bent down and kissed her quickly.  ¡°Please Addi do this for me and for our queen.¡±

    She sighed and nodded slightly with a small smile before she turned and disappeared.

    ¡°Come on Max,¡± said Talon walking towards the parlor.  ¡°Let¡¯s go see about some drinks.  I have a feeling we will be here a while.  You will need to entertain your king.¡±

    Max walked with Talon to the parlor as Kedan walked back up the stairs.  They stayed in the parlor all day.  The healer and midwife arrived soon and walked quickly to serve their queen. Max went and found food in the kitchen for both himself and Talon. They ate quietly in the parlor.  Kedan came down at one point to tell them that Griffa was fine, but things could be a while.

    ¡°I would like to see her,¡± said Talon as Kedan turned to get back to his queen.

    ¡°Our queen request you stay down here.  She told me to tell you she is fine, and she loves you, but she would rather you stay put.¡±

    Talon looked at Kedan to argue, but Max put his hand on Talon¡¯s arm.

    ¡°If you were ever going to give our queen her way without arguing, today would be it,¡± said Max.  ¡°I know you are concerned for her, but she will be the one who has to do this.  Let her have her way.¡±

    Talon looked at Max and nodded slightly. He turned to Kedan. ¡°Tell her, I love her as well, and I will come to her the minute she needs me.¡±

    ¡°I will keep you updated.  I am sure I will be down here with all of you once things progress further,¡± said Kedan.  He turned and left.

    Talon fell back in a close chair.  Max filled a glass of wine and handed it to Talon as he sat next to him.  Max looked at him, sitting in a chair facing him.

    ¡°Talk to me of something, Max,¡± said Talon taking a drink of his wine.

    ¡°What would you like me to speak of?¡± asked Max.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.  Tell me of your life with your young wife.  How do you find life in Arillia?¡±

    Max spent some time, talking to Talon of how things were in the village.  He told him some amusing stories of Oliver¡¯s exploits, and how he frustrated Bettina.

    ¡°Of course, I am hoping Oliver will try to cease from aggravating her too much for the next few months.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡± asked Talon smiling slightly.

    ¡°It seems we might have to figure out this father thing together, Talon.¡±

    ¡°I am very happy for you, Max. Have you told Griffa?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, Bettina was just sure about it herself last week.  I will tell Griffa soon.¡±

    ¡°You will tell Griffa, what?¡± asked Kedan as he walked into the parlor.

    ¡°It seems you will have to not only help me as a young father, Kedan, but you will have to include Max as well in your lessons.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± asked Kedan with a smile.  ¡°I will be happy to let you borrow Zayden for a few days to get you used to your new life.  He is quite a handful these days.¡±

    ¡°How is Griffa?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°She is doing well,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°It will be time soon.  She said not to worry.¡±

    Talon threw his head back and groaned.

    ¡°She really is very well, Talon,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I can tell you exactly how she is feeling.  It is of course not an easy process, but she is very safe.  The healer and midwife are both pleased.  It will all be over soon.¡±

    Talon nodded.  He knew that news should make him feel better, but it did not.  Until the child was here, and Griffa was safe, Talon would worry.

    Max got some more food so Kedan could eat.  They all sat around eating and talking for a while.  Eventually Zayden ran into the room.  He walked up to Talon and climbed in his lap.

    ¡°Where is my Griffa?¡± he asked with a pout.

    ¡°She is having our baby,¡± answered Talon shifting the boy into a more comfortable position.

    ¡°Our baby?¡± asked the young boy.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Talon to the boy.  He knew Zayden would be very important to Griffa and his child.  He would be the protector of Talon¡¯s son or daughter.  ¡°You will have to help take care of the new baby, make sure he is safe.¡±

    Zayden looked at Talon and then nodded.  ¡°Can I play with the baby?¡±

    ¡°Not at first, but someday soon,¡± said Talon.  ¡°You will be great friends.¡±

    Zayden then climbed down and went to his father.  Kedan picked him up and promised Zayden he would sit with him on a horse tomorrow.  Kedan eventually took Zayden to his caretaker and the nursery for dinner and bed.  They waited well past nightfall as Kedan kept reassuring Talon all was well.

    ¡°How are things going with you and Addi?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°Very well, actually.  I have recently asked for her to marry me, and she has accepted.¡±

    Talon choked on his wine.  ¡°Are you serious?  How long ago did you ask her?  I can¡¯t believe you haven¡¯t told me.¡±

    ¡°It was just a few days ago, Talon.  We were hoping to wait until Griffa had your child to tell you both. You haven¡¯t been in the best mood the past few weeks.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a bit stressful,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I am happy for you, Kedan.  I think you both will do very well together.  She is a good woman.¡±

    ¡°She is and she understands my devotion to our queen.  She has a rather strong devotion to Griffa herself.¡±

    ¡°She does,¡± said Talon.  ¡°She was rather threatening to me the night before I married Griffa.  She said if I ever hurt Griffa, she would curse me out of the kingdom.  I think she could do it, too.¡±

    Kedan laughed.  ¡°If you ever hurt Griffa, Addi wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to you, because there would be nothing left of you after I got done.¡±

    ¡°I thought we were friends, Kedan,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°We are, Talon.  You are probably my best friend, but Griffa is my queen.  Nothing comes before her, you know it.¡±

    Talon smiled slightly.  ¡°I do know it, just as you know I would never do anything to hurt her.¡±

    Kedan nodded.  ¡°She is very happy with you, Talon. You know she loves you, but I wonder if you really know how much.  You are a very fortunate man.¡±

    ¡°I am Kedan. I don¡¯t know what I ever did to gain the love of such of woman, but I don¡¯t want to question it.  I thank the gods every day for her love.¡±

    Eventually Maybell came into the room.  All three men stood up.

    She smiled at Talon.  ¡°You can come up now.  All is well,¡± said Maybell

    Talon sagged in relief as Kedan patted him on the back.

    ¡°Is it a boy or girl?¡± asked Kedan as Talon walked towards the door.

    Maybell only smiled and followed Talon out of the door.  As they walked the stairs to the second floor Talon looked at Maybell.

    ¡°Well, what is it, a boy or girl?¡± asked Talon.

    ¡°You will have to see for yourself,¡± said Maybell.

    Talon looked at her curiously, but Maybell did not say another word. Talon met the midwife and healer outside the door to Griffa¡¯s bedroom.

    ¡°The queen is very well, my king,¡± said the healer. ¡°I will stay overnight to make sure, but I don¡¯t foresee any problems.¡±

    Talon smiled and thanked them.  He slowly opened the door and walked into the dim room as Maybell followed him. Talon paused.  He could see Griffa in the bed slightly sitting up with pillow propped behind her.  He quietly walked over to her.  He could see she was smiling at him. She looked tired, but happy.  Talon walked until he stood over her.  He looked in her arms to see her cradling two babies. Talon looked at Griffa in surprise.

    She laughed slightly.  ¡°I guess this is a surprise for you,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I should have told you when I knew, but I knew you would worry more, and I do like to surprise you.¡±

    ¡°You knew about this?¡± asked Talon as he carefully sat down on the bed.

    ¡°Yes, I could feel both of them and their magic.  I am afraid we will have our hands full for a while,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Would you like to hold one?¡±

    Talon nodded.  ¡°What are they?  I mean are they boy or girl or...¡±

    ¡°It is a boy and a girl,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°Here, hold our future king,¡± said Griffa as she lightly lifted her arm closest to him.

    Talon carefully picked up his son. The baby¡¯s eyes were closed, but Talon could already tell he favored Griffa slightly with is small nose and mouth.  He stared at his son and felt a little teary eyed.

    ¡°Maybell, go tell the other two they may come up.  I am sure at least Kedan will be anxious to see all is well,¡± said Griffa.

    Maybell nodded and turned to leave the room.

    ¡°So, the boy was born first?¡± asked Talon still looking at his son.

    ¡°Yes, so he will be king, and this little girl will be a Keene or Wendell,¡± said Griffa looking at her daughter.

    Talon looked up and stared at his daughter.  She had more hair than his son.  It was dark and covered her little head.  Her features were very delicate, and she seemed very small to Talon.  He smiled looking at her.

    ¡°She is very beautiful like her mother.  I thinks she better be a Keene since she was born in Keene Manor,¡± said Talon.

    ¡°Are you sure, Talon?  Your family line is just as important as mine.¡±

    ¡°She is clearly meant to be a Keene, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°I suppose we will just have to have another one day soon,¡± said Griffa looking at her daughter.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± said Talon.  ¡°I don¡¯t know if I could live though another time like this, or watch you suffer so.¡±

    ¡°It has been worth it, Talon.  I am very well now.  We will see how the future goes.¡±

    Talon stared at Griffa and smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°For this, for loving me, for giving me a family. I feel very overwhelmed with love for you and our children, Griffa.¡±

    Griffa gave him a tired smile as the door opened.  Kedan walked in, followed by Max.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the big secret?¡± asked Max walking over.  ¡°Maybell seemed to be hiding something.¡±

    ¡°Come meet my son and daughter,¡± said Talon.  He stood up with his son in his arms.

    He handed his son to Max who took him gently.

    Max laughed slightly looking down at the baby in his arms.  Kedan took Talon¡¯s place by Griffa¡¯s side.

    ¡°This is our next king, isn¡¯t it?¡± asked Max as he looked down at the baby in his arms.

    ¡°Yes,¡± answered Griffa.  ¡°This is Prince Renweard Rikard of the blood of Adalwen, the next in line for the throne of Aurumist.  That¡¯s a mouthful for such a small thing.¡±

    ¡°And who is this?¡± asked Kedan looking at the baby in Griffa¡¯s arms.

    Griffa handed her to Kedan.  ¡°This is Princess Raya Isolde Keene. She will be the next leader of Abscon.¡±

    Max looked at Talon and then Griffa as he heard the name.  He walked over and looked at Raya laying in Kedan¡¯s arms.  He lightly put his hand on the little girl and smiled.  Talon watched as Max¡¯s smile faded.  He looked at Kedan and then at Talon before taking his hand off the baby and stepping back.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Talon looking at Max.  He didn¡¯t like the fact the great diviner of the Ring had just had such a reaction touching his daughter.  Talon carefully took his son back from Max.

    ¡°It is nothing to be concerned about,¡± said Max.  ¡°I just think you may have named your daughter very appropriately.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡± asked Griffa.

    ¡°The line of protector¡¯s once belonged to the line of Raya,¡± said Max.  ¡°A woman named Raya would be very appropriate to help carry on the line.¡±

    Talon looked sharply at Kedan as Kedan looked at him.  Talon would have to tell Kedan to watch his boy.

    Griffa laughed along with Max. ¡°Who knows maybe this young prince will be the one to join my line,¡± said Kedan. ¡°I hope Addi will want to have a child soon after we marry.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± asked Griffa excitedly as Raya fussed a little in Kedan¡¯s arms at the noise.

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Kedan as he handed Raya back to Griffa.  ¡°Addi and I will be married soon.  When you well and able we will wed in the Valley.  Addi wishes to be wed from her village.¡±

    Griffa smiled smugly and looked at Kedan.

    ¡°I am very happy,¡± said Griffa.  ¡°I know you will both do well together.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt we will,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I think you knew it before the either of us.  You are usually right, my queen.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that to her, Kedan.  She already says I told you so enough as it is.¡±

    ¡°Because I am usually right, my love,¡± said Griffa smiling at Talon.  She looked at Kedan. ¡°I am very happy for both of you. I love you, Kedan, and I will be relieved to see you settled with such a good woman.¡±

    Kedan leaned over and kissed Griffa¡¯s forehead.  ¡°Get some rest, my queen.  I am very happy for you as well. They are fine children.  I vow to keep you and them safe. If you need me for anything tonight, please have Talon come and get me,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°I don¡¯t care what time it is.¡±  He took Griffa¡¯s hand and held it.

    ¡°I feel very well, just tired and little sore.  I will send for you if I need you.  Bring Zayden in here tomorrow so he can meet his future king,¡± said Griffa.

    ¡°I will.  He¡¯s been asking about you all day,¡± said Kedan.  ¡°Sleep as well as you can, my queen.¡±

    As Kedan left, Max came over to Griffa.  ¡°I am glad all is well,¡± said Max.  ¡°I knew it would be, but I am still happy to see such joyous results.  You will be a good mother, Griffa.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Max,¡± said Griffa taking his hand.

    ¡°I will have to go back to Arialla tomorrow, but as soon as you are back in Aurumist, Bettina will want to come see you and the children.  I hope you don¡¯t mind a visit.¡±

    ¡°Of course, not,¡± said Griffa. ¡°I look forward to it.¡±

    Max left the room leaving Talon and Griffa alone.

    ¡°You need to sleep, Griffa,¡± said Talon looking down at her.

    ¡°I know.  Maybell has found us a bassinet and had it brought in.  It is in the corner there.  Will you bring it closer and put both of our children in for a while?¡±

    Talon did as she asked.  He carefully laid the babies side by side.  They made soft noises as they laid next to each other.  Talon thought his face might start hurting from how much he had smiled in the last thirty minutes.

    ¡°Will you come lay with me for a bit?¡± asked Griffa.  ¡°I am sure I will have to get up plenty tonight, but I would like to sleep while I can.¡±

    Talon looked over at her and walked to the other side of the bed.  He laid on top of the covers and put his arm around Griffa gently.

    He stared at her and felt tears come to his eyes.

    ¡°I love you,¡± said Talon quietly.

    Griffa looked at him with concern.  ¡°Are you alright? You aren¡¯t worry about what is ahead are you?¡±

    ¡°No, I am just overwhelmed with happiness.  I don¡¯t want to worry about tomorrow or any other day.  I just want to lay with you and be happy for one moment. I can¡¯t believe this is all real, Griffa. You and our children are all I have ever wanted.¡±

    Griffa leaned forward and kissed him lightly.  ¡°You are all that I want and need.  I think we will have many happy moments, Talon. I have decided that we shall, so that will be it.  We will be happy forever.¡±

    Talon smiled as he watched Griffa fall asleep, knowing that she was right as always.

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