Fyn stopped in the courtyard and took a deep breath. The air was scented by the gardens. This was a beautiful temple, inside and out.

:I'm guarding the only gate. They are safe for now. Perhaps you can question a few priests about any negative whispers.:

"Herald! I was hoping I would find you; there is another Herald here who wishes to speak with you." The Sunguard from the previous day hurried to meet her. "He says his name is Jem."

"Jemmy? Wonderful." Fyn hurried with him to the gate. "I heard he was assigned to the Karsite border, I wonder why he is here."

"Why was he assigned to the border?"

"The Holderkin. He somehow manages to deal with those misogynistic pigs."

"I can see why. The man is as large as a barn."

"What is your name? I'm sorry, I neglected to ask it yesterday."

"Captain Meril."

"Herald Fyn." Fyn extended her hand. "From what I have seen, your grounds are far more secure than the palace grounds. But I am worried someone with a long memory will take offense to Princess Natira being Chosen so we likely will spend time here. Could you please tell your superiors? I would feel more comfortable knowing the Sunguard that produced the fearsome Alberich who has guarded our Queen and royal family was watching over the Princess."

Captain Meril blushed. "I heard he's well respected."

"And feared." Fyn added with a smile.

Jem was dismounted and chatting easily with the guards at the gate.

"Fyn! About time." Jem greeted her with a wide smile and opened his arms for a hug. She didn't hesitate to give him a hug. :I told them we are cousins but raised almost like siblings.:

:Good idea, or they would protest us spending time alone.: Fyn stepped back. "What brings you here?"

"Lyra sent a change of orders. She said Kris had a hunch you would need back up. You know how his Foresight is. I probably entered Karse before you did."

"I do. You know my patience when it comes to teaching is as brief as a hummingbird's wing beat." Fyn grimaced then turned to Captain Meril. "May we enter the grounds?"

"Yes, Herald. Her Holiness sent word that you are to be trusted anywhere on the grounds, whenever you happen to show up. Only three other Heralds have been given that honour."

"Alberich, Rubrik, and Talia." Jem informed her. :No sense broadcasting the fact she is my mother.:

:True enough. Do you need to rest or eat?:

:No, I found lodgings with a farmer. His charming wife made me a very large breakfast.:

Fun led him to the gate where Tyree stood watch. Four Sunguards ran past her and took up positions inside and outside the gate.

"Alberich would be proud of them." Fyn said with a smile. "They take hints very well."

Nate was standing next to Roarke, rubbing her posterior with a pained look on her face.

:Heart-brother, this is our trainee, Princess Natira of Karse, fifth in line for the throne. The Karsite black sheep.:

:Princess? How do you plan on getting her out of their clutches?:

:By being Heralds in all our annoying glory.: Fyn grinned at him. :I will try and shield you from court as much as possible.:

Jem ran a hand through his curly, auburn hair. :Who cursed us to live in interesting times?: