The remainder of the trip went surprisingly smooth for Karigan. She had the feeling that several of the Weapons and Captain Mapstone as well, were behind it. It had been too convenient that Alton would be pulled away every time to train with another, instead of training with her and King Zachary. Just like it was suspiciously good timing that every time the King would spot and move towards her and Alton, Captain Mapstone would thwart his attempts by calling his attention to some important document.

Karigan had been wishing for ones of these handy moments one evening while she was training with the King. It seemed like Alton had managed to escape the Weapon he was training with that day, claiming that he was holding them back with his inferior skills. When the Weapons didn't show any sign of letting him get away, he assured them that he was just going to go practice with the one of the few other Green Riders. Believing him, they let him go but he ended up wandering around until he spotted her, leaping out of the way from the King's well maneuvered attacks.

"Karigan, you can't always run away. Face me head on. Use what Drent's taught you." He instructed.

Karigan frowned, "Easy for you to say, it won't be your head if you hurt me."

King Zachary looked at her, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Karigan, I do believe that you've proven time and again that you would risk your own life before ever considering me harm."

Karigan blushed furiously, "It's my duty to protect you." She said as she looked away to eye her surroundings.

The King opened his mouth, intending to say something as he moved forward, his arm reaching up to her chin. "Karigan!" she heard Alton call, interrupting the King, to Karigan's relief.

"Karigan, I've been looking for you everywhere! Sire," Alton bowed quickly before turning back to Karigan, placing one hand squarely on her shoulder. "I figured since it's dangerous for you to train one-on-one with the King, I could be your sparring partner. What do you think?"

"Uh…Well I…" she mumbled as she rubbed her neck, thinking of what she should do.

"I think it's a horrible idea." The King stated. There was no emotion on his face, and Karigan would bet one Silver that he had picked up that look from, Fastion.

"Sire?" she urged him to explain.

"Rider G'ladheon is a swords master initiate, way above the average skill level most Riders are trained with. You would only hinder her progress. As for my being in any danger, do you honestly believe Rider D'Yer that I would train Rider G'ladheon if I did not possess the skill and knowledge that is required to teach her? I think you need to reappraise your prior assessment of our training situation. When you do, you'll realize that I am in no danger from sparring with my Rider."

Alton frowned, noticing how the king had emphasized 'my' Rider. "I suppose I'll just have to improve then. Karigan, I'll talk to you later I suppose. Sire," he bowed and quickly sulked off, not bothering to hide his annoyance that he was once again humiliated in front of Karigan.

"Karigan," the King whispered.

Karigan cringed slightly, anticipating an angry King Zachary. "Yes, Sire?"

"Let us start again." He initiated.

She let out a sigh of relief, "Yes Sire." She mumbled, raising her blade to meet his.

O-O-O-O-O-O

Stevic watched the strange men leave his home, recalling their conversation that took place mere hours ago. The three of them had entered his study, the taller two following closely behind a fellow of average height. Their hoods were pulled down, revealing dark eyes and hair, traits of Rhovanny men.

"Chief of Clan G'ladheon it is a pleasure to finally meet you." The average heighted man, who Stevic concluded was the leader, stuck out his hand, grasping Stevic's own hand firmly within his own. "We can get down to business as soon as your daughter Karigan joins us."

Stevic frowned, "Karigan is currently residing in Sacor City, serving in the service of King Zachary."

The leader blinked, and then cast a glance to the two taller men. They mumbled a few words between one another before turning back to face him. "I'm afraid that she is the reason that we are here and that we must now leave for Sacor City. Thank you for your time, good evening Chief G'ladheon." The three men turned to leave.

"Wait! You're leaving already? What is it that you want with my Karigan? As her father I demand you tell me what you want with my daughter." He raised himself up to his already intimidating full height. Who were these men that felt that they could come and go without answering any questions? The three men held there place.

"I'm sorry, but this is something that must be discussed with your daughter first. If she chooses to tell you afterwards then so be it. However, we are not at liberty to discuss anything further with you. Good evening." They quickly made their way out, leaving a very furious and baffled Stevic behind.

What is it that they wanted with Karigan? He considered sending a few of his men to follow them, just in case; though they were polite, he didn't trust them. They hadn't given anything away during the other brief moments they had talked before they left that night. He knew they were from Rhovanny and that they had something extremely important to talk with his Karigan about, but besides that he knew nothing. He wasn't used to being left in the dark.

"Sevano!" he called, hoping his friend was somewhere nearby.

"You needn't shout, Stevic, I'm right here." Sevano chuckled, as he slipped into place by Stevic's side.

"Sevano, dispatch a few of our boys after them. I don't want to risk anything that might endanger Karigan."

"Already done, we've been friends a long time, it seems I know what you're going to do before you do." Stevic chuckled once more.

"You're a good man Sevano," Stevic patted his friend on the back. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it, that girl of yours is like kin to me. I'd hate to see anything happen to her as well." The two men walked inside, deep in thought. Even if these men didn't intend to harm Karigan, her duty as a Green Rider placed her in danger every day. They couldn't protect her from everything.

"Sevano, who do you think those men were? And what would they want with Karigan?" Stevic whispered as he slid into his favorite chair by the hearth of the fire, shaking his head from side to side as he held it his hands.

"I don't know, Stevic. I don't know."

O-O-O-O-O-O

Karigan woke up early the next day. She stretched enjoying the feeling, until her side caused her to wince in pain.

"Annoying wound." she grumbled under her breath to no one in particular.

"Karigan!" someone called, causing her to sigh. What could someone want with her this early in the morning? She turned to see Alton racing towards her.

"Karigan, I just heard! If we travel throughout the night, we should be able to reach the King's home a little after the evening meal! Isn't that great? It means no more traveling!" his excitement was overflowing and Karigan couldn't help but feel enthusiastic as she listened to his news.

"Arrive tonight? That's great! Though as a rider, you should be use to the traveling." She teased.

Alton flashed Karigan a devilish grin, "Even the best rider likes to settle down now and then." His face suddenly grew serious as he locked eyes with her. Karigan suddenly felt overwhelmed, at Alton's sudden closeness. She started backing away slightly, eyes still locked as Alton reached forward to pull her back. She tripped over a large branch but instead of falling to the ground she felt two warm arms wrap around her waist and catch her.

"Majesty?" Karigan exclaimed shocked at being caught in his arms. The King helped her regain her balance, his king's mask firmly in place.

"Are you alright Rider G'ladheon?" he questioned, his voice giving away nothing.

"Y-yes, thank you." She managed to mumble, still blushing feverishly.

King Zachary chuckled, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. "I suggest you look where you walk next time. We'll be reaching my home by this evening I'm sure you both look forward to a warm bed."

"Yes, your Majesty." Alton grinned. "It'll be nice to get off the road again."

The King locked eyes with Alton for a moment, studying-searching for something and then hastily turned away. "Yes, well I am needed elsewhere. Good day Riders." He took off towards the next group of people, greeting others as he passed.

Karigan watched him and felt a slight twinge of hurt at his indifference. Surely he couldn't have liked how close Alton had been to her. What he was trying to do…Perhaps she had hurt him with such displays! She had just wanted him to forget her; she never wanted to hurt him. Then again, it might have nothing to do with her and she was being ridiculous for thinking so.

Karigan ran a gloved hand through her hair, letting it flow back slowly in place. Life at Selium had seemed so peaceful compared to this…She snorted, had she just been longing for Selium? The reason she had become a rider and got thrown into this mess in the first place! Oh no, she would never admit that. She still resented that a normal life as a merchant was beyond her now.

Condor appeared beside her, nudging her for attention. Karigan laughed; maybe it hadn't been all bad. Because of Selium and her suspension, she had befriended this clever horse. This horse that knew her better than anyone and had risked its own life a few times to save her. She wrapped her arms around Condor's large neck taking comfort in his warmth.

"Well my friend, we'll be at the King's Hillander estate shortly and you'll finally be able to rest." Condor nudged her to get going causing her to laugh, "I'll take that as you can't wait to get there. Don't get too spoiled and grow fat though, otherwise you'll make a delicious meal for some catamount."

They reached the estate late that evening, causing everyone's worn and exhausted expressions to instantly brighten upon arrival. Their spirits rose knowing that they would sleep in beds tonight, instead of the cold rocky ground. Women came out and directed people here and there, while the men moved towards the caravans tugging luggage away to wherever the owner would be staying.

Karigan found herself getting separated from Alton, Trace and a new rider called Mari, as people bustled all around her. She had tried to stay with them, figuring she would be in whatever wing her fellow riders were in, but now she would have to find someone to ask, not an easy task in the mass chaos.

She made several attempts to ask the women directing others to their rooms but every time she got hushed aside. Finally she just decided to wait until everything died down before asking. It didn't take too long before almost everyone was settled down away in their rooms.

Karigan decided to try and ask now, moving towards a kind elderly looking woman who had just finished telling a lad where the kitchens were. "Excuse me grandmother?"

The elderly lady blinked and swiveled around to face her, "Yes, how can I help you, my child?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me where my room is. It's been a long trip and I'd like to rest a bit."

"Certainly, what is your name and occupation?" she asked sweetly.

Karigan smiled, positioning her hands in place in the traditional merchant greeting, "I am Karigan G'ladheon at your service. I currently serve as a Green Rider for King Zachary."

The old lady's eyes lit up and her smile widened. "Rider G'ladheon, are you? I know just where your rooms are."

She snatched Karigan's hand in her own and quickly made her way inside down several hallways. Karigan looked around, taking in the many tapestries and paintings hanging on the walls. Pictures of sea vessels and the trademark Hillander terrier were everywhere. There was one tapestry that showed the stars and planets, the gods marking as the border.

"Do you like the décor young rider?" grandmother asked as she spied Karigan taking in her surroundings with wide eyes.

"It's very beautiful, I can only imagine what the rooms are like if your hallways are this well displayed." She said in awe.

Karigan noticed that they were now walking on plush carpet, and frowned, afraid that her worn boots would sully it. "Well you're about to find out." Grandmother said as she stopped in front of large door with a lighthouse engraved in it.

Karigan's frown deepened, "Grandmother, are all your rooms like this? Carpeted down the hallway and doors carved with lighthouses?" she questioned.

The aged woman laughed, "No, our other rooms are not nearly this fine."

"Then why…?" Karigan wondered.

"You are the same rider that has saved our Lord and King time and time again, are you not?"

Karigan frowned, "I helped."

The woman chuckled, "Brave and modest. We are extremely grateful young lady, but that's not the only reason you are granted this room. For one you're a knight now, you deserve the best. For another, King Zachary wanted you to be as comfortable as possible, as well as for you to be nearby in case he needed you."

"He did what? Wait, when you say nearby—"

"He's just down the hall."

"I see. Thank you grandmother, I think I'll go to bed now."

"You're welcome. Sleep well Sir Rider." Karigan groaned at the sound of her title and then shut her door. This was definitely going to be a long winter.

Next chapter, the ball!! That's right, there will be dancing. There will be romance. There will be Captain Mapstone in a dress?!?! Anyways, sorry it took so long again but thanksgiving break is coming up so I'll be working on this much, much more! So keep a lookout.