See Prologue for Disclaimer and Author's Notes

Chapter 1 – Conversations

Two days later, a nation mourned their gentle Queen, beginning anew the cycle that had started the week before, when their bright, shining Princess had gone to Westrion's keeping. Lord Governor Coutre found the King in the Queen's Solarium, the room which had been Zachary's study before he'd made it a place of welcome solitude for his bride.

For once in his life, the older noble felt hesitant to interrupt the King's musings. In his heart, he could find no blame to place on the King for having another heir outside of his marriage. He certainly would not have been the first to do so, and his reasoning for having been with Rider G'ladheon was a great deal more sound than the reasoning of most men of power to have a mistress. In truth, his daughter had explained to him, Karigan had not been the King's mistress… not in the true meaning of the word. Thinking back, he remembered seeing the Rider's face once she'd heard of the Corsa fires and being concerned for the well-being of the woman who'd saved his daughter.

He had even found reason to be in the Rider Wing one evening, just after dinner, so that he could check on her without seeming too forward, but he'd not had the chance to see her. Standing guard before the room that was hers were two Weapons, and though he knew they had no cause to explain themselves to him, they chose to do so when he inquired as to why Weapons would have been ordered to stand guard over a Rider.

"We have not been ordered, Lord Governor," the taller of the two had responded. "We do not leave our own wounded to suffer alone, and our Sister has been gravely injured indeed. You know of the Corsa fires, my Lord. Were you aware that all of her blood-kin perished in those fires, along with thousands of others within the city and at the harbor?" The look on the Weapon's face had been dark, angry – at what, he could not know – but concerned.

Coutre nodded, saying nothing. He had heard this, but hadn't been aware that it was confirmed. "The last blood of Clan G'ladheon is within this room," the Weapon continued, "and we keep watch because we fear that if we do not, that blood will be spilt by its own hand. Perhaps it would be a kindness to our Sister if we were to allow it… but we have no wish to let go of her, just yet, nor to let her believe that she is alone. This watch we stand is of our own volition and on our own time, Lord Coutre, and is meant to support and honor her." The phrase had continued silently in the Lord's own mind, not to dishonor another.

Coutre had known before they spoke that he had no reason to concern himself for his daughter's standing – she was the Queen, after all – nonetheless, he found reassurance in the fact that there had been no orders issued to look over the Rider. Knowing, despite his good intentions, that he could be of no help here, the Lord Governor turned back the way he had come and left the Rider to her Brothers.

Now, looking at the King before him, completely oblivious to his presence, he could find no anger for the comfort the two had taken in each other. That the King loved the Rider – as Estora said – had not made him care for his Queen or country any less… and Coutre had seen for himself how the King had adored Ellory. Still, Estora had made it clear that Sacoridia must have an heir, and that she, at least, had thought there to be no better heir to the crown than little Jonah, and no better Queen to rule by Zachary's side than the Rider he loved still.

"He paid his dues, Father. He did as you asked, and offered for me… and we have been great friends these eight – nearly nine – years. For the sake of the friendship and Ellory, I cannot regret it. For the sake of his heart and the heart of she whom I love as a sister, I regret it a great deal. She is stronger than I, Father, and I thank the gods for it. She can stand at his side for years to come. His ties with Coutre will remain strong, as he is still and will always be your son-in-law. But do you honestly wish to see him wed to a noblewoman who cannot see him for who he is? Who can manage a household and weave pretty tapestries, but knows nothing of strategy, tactics or how to defend herself, should it come to it? Karigan is his match in every way save blood, and I say she's shed enough for Sacoridia that it should make no difference. She loved him then and she loves him still, and the last thing I ask of you is that you support them." Her breath had turned harsh and she'd struggled for every word, despite him asking her to stop.

"I have seen Jonah, Father, and truly he is a beautiful boy, inside and out. He is not spoilt, not in the slightest, doing what chores are required of him and more besides, because he follows his mother's example. If he is heir to the throne, you need not fear another Amilton, I promise you that." When Westrion had drawn near that very evening, 'twas not her mother for whom Estora called, but her father and her husband, and Coutre had seen for himself how the King had grieved for her… and Coutre knew that he could not do anything other than what Estora had asked of him.

"Sire," he said from the entrance, disturbing his King's musings, "I would speak with you, if you've a moment."

A nod of Zachary's head, bereft of the usual silver circlet, spoke his silent assent. Passing the threshold, Coutre went to his son-in-law, putting a hand on his shoulder in commiseration at the shared bond between them of lost children, though the older noble could not claim to know what it was to have lost a wife. When he spoke again, his voice was rough.

"Sire," he said, "Estora spoke to me… of Rider Sir G'ladheon and her son, your son. I understand her reasons for not speaking to me of him before now. Had she done so, I must admit I may have been tempted to do something rash, something I've little doubt I would have regretted, once done. She spoke well of young Jonah, and better of his mother." Coutre paused, voice lodged in his throat as he couldn't help but remember his daughter struggling to speak those words.

"She said," he continued, voice rough with grief, "that Karigan was a sister to her, and because Estora wished it, I will treat her as such. You have my word on it, to be secured in any manner you require. I only ask, Sire, that when you seek them, I be allowed to go with you, to see these two my daughter loved so much."

The King remained silent for a moment, and Coutre wondered if perhaps he had made a mistake in admitting how poorly he would have taken the news earlier. When the King spoke, his voice was soft, as though he was loath to disturb the solemn attitude of the room.

"You may come," he said, "but be aware that the party will be small and appear poorly outfitted, as though we are in need of the haven her estates are said to provide – indeed, for which they are named. Though Karigan is without fear in many things, Jonah is her only child, and she fears you… and likely myself, to some extent. Our guide will be a Rider, by the name of Lynx. Though Estora trusted five different Riders to deliver messages to and from Karigan, only Lynx knew that Karigan was a Rider. The other four were Called after Karigan left Sacor City, and all four of those call Haven 'home.' They look to her, I am told, as Haven's Lady, and have no notion that she has been a Rider… and is a Rider still."

Once the details of the upcoming journey had been arranged, and he had sent Lord Governor Coutre on his way, Sacoridia's High King was again alone in the room. Over the years of their marriage, Estora had transformed it into the sanctuary he'd intended it to be for her. Her touch was everywhere about this room. Everything in it whispered of her… and their daughter. There, on the table nearest her favorite chair, was the book she'd been reading to Ellory until they'd both taken ill. A daybed near the southern window had been a favored place for her to relax on sunny days.

I do miss you, dear friend. In the depths of his mind, he could see his family… Ellory running to him with joy evident in her face as he gathered her up into his loving arms, Estora looking on. For a moment, rage overtook him, as he pondered how it was he seemed continuously alone, how all who were his close kin either died or betrayed him.

Remembering Ellory made his thoughts turn to the child he had never seen, and – despite his earlier words to Lord Coutre – he wondered why Karigan had kept this secret from him. What harm would there have been in letting him know? Why was Estora trusted and he left in ignorance? He didn't even know what his son looked like. Did Jonah have his eyes or Karigan's? Golden hair or dark? Was he serious or quick to laugh? Was he being taught the way of the blade, already, or was he more inclined to be a scholar like Zachary's own father, Amigast? Zachary was near to cursing the gods themselves at the unfairness of it all, when he heard what seemed to be Estora's voice, weaving itself through his thoughts.

Zachary, the voice seemed to whisper, it's time to stop this now. It's better this way, dear heart. With Ellory gone, the nobles would have made you set aside our marriage, as I could give you no other heir. If you did not do so, and someone discovered Jonah's existence, either both of them would have been put at risk so as to force you to wed another, or Karigan would have suffered some 'accident' so that Jonah could be brought here to be raised by us without further protest. It's better that I followed Ellory, better that I'm gone. As for Karigan's secrets… her letters to me, had they been discovered, could have been justified by our long friendship. Had she written to you of her son and those letters fallen into the hands of those who were not friends… It does not take much imagination, my friend, to realize the danger. Had she not nearly fainted in front of me, not even I would have known, and she would have left Sacor City with no destination in mind and no protection following, seeking her son's safety in utter anonymity. Do not hold her fear against her. It is justified and you are well aware of it.

How, he thought. How are you talking to me?

By Westrion's grace alone; apparently, he has some fondness for Karigan. He didn't explain and I knew better than to ask. You have your heir, and soon enough, you will have the queen your heart has always desired… but I am told you must seek them quickly. Hurry, Zachary. Hurry.

Standing, filled with a new urgency and purpose, Zachary knew there was only one more thing to do before he could make final preparations to leave. He had to talk to his Rider Captain.