AN: hey guys! So I want to thank rlg808 for her review of Chapter Review – it was the only one and I just want to give you a special mention :D

Soo….now that school has started, obviously everyone has less time.

But I figure, instead of updating less frequently, if I instead just wrote shorter chapters, that would be better. Because you guys don't want to sit down and read a freaking essay, you have to go and WRITE an essay! You want to read the update, and move on.

So that's what I will do. Sorry in advance for the shorter chapters.

The next morning, Karigan awoke to sunlight streaming through the windows of the rider station. Yawning, she pulled herself out of bed and went outside.

She had slept in! the sun was way past where it was supposed to be. Grabbing her things hastily, she buckled on Zephyra – Zephyra? Since when did I name my swords? – Karigan chuckled at her own follies and ran outside to get Condor ready. When they were again on the road, Karigan allowed herself to dwell on her dream from last night. It had been strange, that was sure. It had something to do with the heavens. But that was probably to do with the fact that it had been a beautiful starry night…

As they travelled, Karigan found herself humming a light song. Frowning, she tried to think back to where she knew the song from, but she couldn't remember. It had no words, and was a fairly simple melody. She could have heard it anywhere.

So why did it bug her? The grass was green, the tree's were tall, the sky was blue, and an unknown song was an unknown song. Why was this one bugging her?

Karigan shook herself as they entered a small town. The folks were eager to hear news of the kingdom. Many had no link to the outside world, and any help that she could give them was met with much appreciation. Apprehensively, Karigan told them everything she knew. Censoring some bits, of course. These people didn't need to know that much. Too much would only scare them

She only told them enough to make them aware of the dangers, so that they would be prepared when evil walked upon the land once again.

In fact, she was surprised that Mornhavon had not already exited the forest and made a beeline for Sacor City. It made no sense to lurk in the cursed forest. He had no warriors in there, except a few Second Empire cronies. But why wait with them, when he could be out in the world, wreaking havoc and causing chaos. It was his style.

Why, after a thousand years, would he change that?

A small voice, lurking in the back of her mind, answered her question. Because he is waiting for you to come to him.

Karigan jerked, nearly falling off Condor. Furiously, she yelled out to the still forest.

"your crazy! This has nothing to do with me! Mind your own business!"

Realizing she was shouting at the forest, she fell silent, fuming. Condor nickered, sending Karigan into instant alert. Scanning the forest and road around them, she eyed Condor. He was staring into the forest, ears pricked. Karigan shivered. "Hello?"

All she saw was a flash of white in the woods.

King Zachary and Queen Estora were in a meeting. In this meeting, they were discussing possible strategies of how to get rid of the looming threat of Mornhavon. They were all getting equally frustrated, because they didn't have magic as they used to, and no one could think of something that would be effective on the lunatic they were dealing with.

Estora sighed. If they didn't come to a conclusion soon, she would miss her evening meal again. And she didn't want to lose much more weight – she had to stay healthy. Being Queen was a demanding role, and now that she had two lives to care for…

Estora blushed, thinking about the fact that yesterday her moonly bleeding hadn't come. She hadn't bled. That could only mean…

"and what is your opinion on that Queen Estora?" Colin asked, turning to her. Estora started, having not been paying attention. Zachary came to her resque.

"I think we should wrap this up before we all fall over of starvation. Perhaps we can continue tomorrow?" he suggested. Everyone around the table nodded, finding that acceptable. "'good. Queen Estora?" he asked, extending his arm. Estora took it delicately and allowed herself to be led from the room and back to their chambers. After a hearty meal, Estora retreated into her rooms. De-robing with the help of her maid, she lifted up her shift and gazed at her stomach. It was a flat and smooth as it had always been. Could there really be a child growing in there? She was excited to tell Zachary. But she didn't want to say anything til she was more sure.

Perhaps she should see a healer? One of them could definitely tell her if she was pregnant. Cocking her head, Estora resolved to make a (discreet) appointment with the mender's wing the next day.

AN: soo…not the most exciting chapter, I know, but I only had 7 minutes so I couldn't get too excited. Please Review! Give me ideas!