All right…things are going to go faster and probably a bit longer. So be patient dear readers…I'm getting there. He he.

Argul insisted that we travel to the City on Yinyay…but I didn't want that. I wanted to feel the fresh air and travel freely. He ordered me to sit on Mirreen as he led me by the reins. As for his horse, he allowed Dengwi to travel on it. We've been traveling more than an hour now.

Venn continually shot me nervous looks as if I was going to explode in front of everyone. I gave him a quizzical look and he turned away…looking seasick. Dengwi was feeling the same way also. Her eyes were worry so I smiled at her and reached forward for her hand.

I squeezed it. "I'm all right, Dengwi, really," I whispered.

"Of course you are all right," muttered Argul ahead of me. He turned around and grinned, but then his eyes didn't reached the grin…they were sorrowful. "We're getting closer, darling," he added.

My heart pounded hard against my chest. "Maybe we should rest," I quickly said. "The…the horses…yes the horses…they need some rest. And…" I looked around for more ideas, "so does everyone. They look dead on their feet. Especially…" I saw Venn look tired, "Venn…just take a look at your brother, Argul."

"What?" said Venn. "I'm not tired. I'm perfectly fine. Don't I, brother?" he said to Argul.

He nodded his head at his older brother. Argul looked at me up and down. "I know you too well, Claidibaari. And I know that you wish not to be there, but I think that it is your own good. And besides," he added, "I promised to visit my grandmother."

I feel as if the whole world hand trampled on me. Oh hell.

Well…we're in the city now. It's still gloomy but there are no gray clouds…just a blue sky. I say…this is the first time – I think – that I've seen a blue sky over the City. There are plants everywhere: trees, gardens, bushes, and little flowers growing in front of many stores and around the squares.

The people stared at us in curiosity, and – to my annoyance – some had recognized me. I held my head high as we passed them. I dare not be embarrass in front of the City whom I had freed. As we passed them, I heard whispers of "Is that the Princess Claidissa?" "Lady Claidissa?" "The future Wolf's Paw of this City?" "She destroyed the Law…"

After we passed…they cheered and came running after us. "Lady Claidissa!" "Princess!" and then… "THANK YOU!"

I froze. The others froze along with me. They all knew what I had done to this City. Slowly, on my horse, I turned around and faced the following crowd. And then – you would not believe this – I smiled. It was a real smile. When I was still their apprentice Wolf's Paw, I often gave everyone my smiles that never really meant anything. But now…I gave them a smile. A smile that to prove them that I cared. My eyes stung. I know. I mustn't cry in front of them, just remember that Claidi.

Argul led us to the building, that gray building with that damned scary wolf. Two servants came and Dengwi and I got off the horses. Argul handed the reins to them. They accepted the reins with a bow, which Argul ignored.

The door opened for him and we all entered.

Ironel Novendot of the Wolf Tower accepted us in her waiting room. We waited, of course, and we waited. Then, she came in, accompanied by two other people: Nemian and Moon Silk.

Thu growled but I placed a hand on his head and calmed him down.

The first people who she greeted were Venn and Argul. They stood up and went toward her…and embraced her. Argul added the kiss on the cheek. I shivered. She enjoyed it very much. I caught Nemian at the corner of my eyes, scowling. While Moon Silk smiled politely at us all. She caught my eyes and her smile widened. I nodded my head.

"Ah…Claidi," spoke Ironel. Her wolf like smile spread across her face.

"Madam," I said. I went up and stood in front of her.

Then, unexpectedly, she grabbed my face with her claws and embraced me. I was so shock that I played along, patting her shoulder with a hand. "You've come back," she said softly. "It's great to see that you are well."

She released me and I smiled a little. "You too, madam," I added to her. How long have we been gone? A month or so? This lady had aged greatly.

"Bah…" she waved her hand, moving the subject of her health. "I'm aging quickly, Claidi while all of you were gone." Her eyes wonder passed me to Winter and Ngarbo. "Winter, you still look magnificently like your mother." Winter smiled haughtily. "And Ngarbo…are still handsome as always." He choked and nodded, smiling. Ironel wore a smirk on her face, and then her eyes came down on quiet Dengwi. "Lorio's daughter."

"Please madam," began Dengwi, "my father's name deserves to be trampled on your feet. Do not speak of him again."

Ironel nodded. She gestured for us to sit and then servants came and served us cakes and tea. When the servants left, we told them about Ustareth. Ironel's eyes filled with tears, although she didn't shed any. It really is hard to know that your child, especially your favorite one, is still alive and well when you thought they were dead. I do pity the old woman.

Nemian cast me a loathing look. I caught it and gave it back to him, but mine was fiercer. He turned away, afraid. Did I change that much during the journey?

Argul whispered something in Ironel's ear and then she nodded. "You must all be very tire," she said. "My servants will show you to your rooms, dear children." A bell rang somewhere and then servants came and we followed them.

Argul and I were the only ones who shared a room together, since we were married and the others weren't. Thu was joined with us. At least this room was warm while the one in Ironel's house was freezing and fishy.

We were in the room for only five minutes and then a knock came at the door. Argul stood up from the bed and opened it. A man and a woman were standing there. They said something and then Argul allowed them to come in.

Oh great, I thought bitterly. As I had thought, they were the physicians.

"Claidi, come over here," beckoned Argul. I stood up and went toward. "These are the physicians, and they're going to check your illness. I'm going to be outside of the room, waiting." I nodded my head as he stepped out.

They took blood from my finger and did some examination with some chemicals and liquid. They did all kinds of stuff and then both of them frowned. The woman asked me, "When did you and your husband slept together?"

What? How dare she ask such a personal question? How dare she? Argh! I am disgusted. But…she is a physician. And so I told her. A smile spread across their faces.

"My Lady Claidissa," spoke the man. "I'm happy to tell you this as the results came to us. We were confused at first but now we understand clearly. You will be a mother."

I swallowed air the wrong way and began choking. The woman patted me on the back, easing the choking away. Argul came running through the door; he must have heard my coughing. The physicians left quickly.

I faced Argul and his eyes were full of anxiety. "Argul…"

"Oh don't tell me that you're dying," he said. "No, I cannot have a wife dying and no children. Claidi, you can't do this." What is he talking about? Do I look seriously ill because I am pregnant?

I placed a hand over his lips. "It isn't anything like that, love," I said quietly. "I'm not dying, not yet. I'm with child."

His eyes widened and then he kissed my hand. He lifted me in the air and spun me around. His laughter filled the room musically. I will never forget that laugh of man who is turning into a father.

Umm…yeah…this chapter is obvious of course. I'm sorry that I can't write any better ones. Please review this…please.