The rain was now coming down in violent, rushing streams. Royal sat on the ground by her mother's side. She sipped bitter tea and anxiously watched her mother. Hours passed and still Quindelynn did not stir. Long after the sun would have set if it were not raining, Royal heard a soft mumble. Her eyes shot open, "Mother? Did you speak?"
"He has… returned." Quindelynn moaned. She sat up, her body started to shimmer. Royal knew this sign, it meant death was close at hand.
"Mother! Oh, you are fading! No, Mother! You must stay with me!" Royal sobbed. Quindelynn looked at Royal, her eyes sparking.
"Royal, he has returned."
"Who? Who has returned? Returned to where?" Royal was crying even harder now, "What is your meaning? You are fading Mother! Do not leave me!"
"My sweet Royal, how pretty you are!" Quindelynn gave a soft laugh, "Oh, I am becoming distracted. My child, always remember I am with you. I am about to ask you to take on a dangerous task. It may put your life in great peril." Royal's eyes widened, what was her mother speaking of?
"Y-you must go to the palace, tell… tell the king that D-Don Pedro is back. Do not show anyone your Zephere, if anyone sees it, I fear the worst for you. The king has not seen a time where a Child of Estrella has done the Forest any good. He does not have fondness for your kind. You are different, though, I know. I have seen the signs." Quindelynn began to rapidly fade. Her shimmering body was almost gone. "Remember Royal," she whispered, "Remember what I have taught you. From now on, you shall have to ch-choose your own path. Decisions are not easy to make, but do not trust others to decide upon something if you know in your heart it is wrong." Quindelynn had now faded; her body lay cold and gray. But one last word rang out, "Farewell…" Then all was silent, except for the rain falling on the branches of the Tree.
Royal sat staring at her mother's lifeless body. She knew even if the Star of Lavidium was out, she still could not save her.
It was not long before a strange girl showed up at the palace. She looked to be about eighteen, she had long cerulean hair and bright purple eyes. She was pale and thin, as if she had been sick. It was quite obvious she had been crying and had been traveling in the rain. Her cloak was stained and torn and she was soaking wet from head to toe. In short, she looked like death itself.
She went up to the guard and quietly asked to see the king. The guard had given in to a short fit of laughter and would have sent her away if a young man of nineteen had not come that way and seen the poor girl's distress and commanded the guard to grant her request.
She was quickly brought into the palace. She looked and felt very out of place. She stood out like a sore thumb with her drab clothing in the richly decorated hall. The tapestries, paintings, and shining suits of armor seemed to mock her. The young man, who was a few inches taller than her and had reddish-black hair, led her to the throne room. She followed him obediently.
