Dwyn's POV

Caeli and I were sitting in the Grand Hall, talking with one another and preparing for the day, when a messanger came in bearing a letter addressed to me.

"Thank you!" I called as he ran from the room, looking frightened.

"What is it?" Caeli asked as I opened the message.

Quickly scanning it, I raised my eyebrows in alarm.

"What?" Caeli asked, concerned.

"It's a confirmation of Rome's withdrawel from Britain..."

"Isn't that good?" She asked.

"Yes...but it's angered the Woads, and they're attacking almost anyone who's crossing their path."

"But we're South of the wall..."

"The letter says they're getting braver, venturing South."

Caeli crossed her arms and took a step back, our small kingdom hadn't had a problem like this for many a year.

"Who is this letter from , anyway?" She suddenly asked.

"A man named Marius Annorius...he's in charge of a larger village in the North. He wants to make an alliance with us since we're closest to the wall. Plus, the saxons are invading, from North to South, they want to make sure they have somewhere to run to."

"Well, tell them they're welcome here."

I looked back into Caeli's violet eyes. "It's not that simple."

Caeli sighed. "Why not?"

"He wants to see me in person, he wants this agreement made in good confidence and with witnesses."

"If he doesn't trust us, then why is he asking for help?"

I turned and walked back to where we'd been sitting, not on my throne, but in the Council's chairs lining the wall. Everyone seemed to think there was something special about thrones, but in truth, they were the most uncomfortable things. I would trade mine for an old tree stump any day of the week.

"Because he needs it." I finally answered.

"Well...I still don't understand why he doesn't trust you..."

"Because I'm a woman." I said, shrugging my shoulders and smiling, although Caeli didn't seem to find it the least bit funny. She walked over and sat down next to me, her blonde hair bouncing a little as she flopped down. I reached back and grabbed a strand of my own hair, twirling it around my finger. It was a habit I'd had since childhood.

"So." She said. "Are we going?"

"I suppose we must."

"Even at Christmas?"

"Oh, Caeli, it's been years since we celebrated Christmas...besides. I don't plan on being gone that long. It's only the third."

"But, traveling time-"

"Two days there, two days back, I promise we won't be gone long."

Caeli stared straight ahead, I could tell she didn't really want to go, but it was her kingdom as well, and perhaps an alliance would be best, for both lands' safety.

"When do we leave?" She asked.

I smiled, happy she was coming. As Queen, I was always required to take a companion, and no one else got along with me as well as my cousin.

"Go start getting ready, we ride day after tomorrow."

I got up and quickly walked to the doors, which the Council members were sitting outside. They all jumped to their feet when I came through the doors, but it didn't phase me, I was used to being treated as though one wrong move in front of me would bring about the beheading of the offender.

"Council members." I said, after clearing my throat discreetly. No matter how many times I'd spoken in front of people, it still always made mer nervous, and I still always blushed. "The meeting today has been canceled. You may return home and await further orders for the next gathering."

"My Queen, may I ask why?" The eldest member asked.

"Lady Caeli and I are departing in two days time, and we need to prepare." We're traveling North of the wall to negotiate an alliance with a large village."

"But your Majesty, shouldn't that be a Council decision."

"I have decided." I said firmly. "You may leave."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked toward the stairs, shoulders rolled back, back straight as an arrow. How else could I walk if I was to be obeyed?

Hopefully, my decision had been a good one.

I prayed I was in the right.

Caeli's POV

I waited a few minutes inside the hall, or until I thought it was safe to go prepare for the journey. Not that I didn't think it would by funny to see the eldest council member's face when Dwyn told him her decision. I just didn't want to deal with the Council right now. So, after I was sure the coast was clear, I headed up to my chambers to pack.

I packed slowly, after all, I didn't have anything else to do. I learned quickly after Dwyn became Queen, and I her second in command, that I still didn't have anything more to do. Therefore, I kept to my normal routine of practicing archery and swordplay or riding Ashen, my horse.

After packing my clothes, I changed out of the dress I was in and into some pants and a tunic. Then, I pulled my hair back out of my way. I got my bow and quiver and headed down to the archery field.

After lunch, I took to practicing my swordplay. My sword, AbDollins, had a two handed hilt with an amethist stone set into it.

Leter that afternoon, I went to the stables with a few sugar cubes. Ashen was a dappled gray warhorse and was one of my friends, seeing as Dwyn was always busy and there was no one else around who was my aged or wasn't busy. I rode Ashen until dinner rolled around.

After a late dinner, I returned to my room, where I lay in bed just thinking. I loved to lay in bed at night and think about my problems, how the day went, or just anything that found its way into my mind. I finally fell into a peaceful sleep.