Ch 12

All right, it is 11-7-07 and I have finished The High King's Tomb. Wow. It took me twenty four hours and the book is a little bit bigger than HP Deathly Hallows. But, it was good! Now I'm not going to spoil it, though I am a little miffed about some things. Also, an idea I had for this story, Kristain Britain sounds like she's using it, I mean sure, the book was written before my story, but dang! Anyways, I was wondering if my readers would like to hook up one night (maybe in about a week to let everyone read the book) to discuss the book and what they thought. Can you believe we are going to have to wait another year or two for the next!? Argh! Thank god for fanfic. Please PM me or leave me a review if you are interested in meeting up on Yahoo messenger, (I can set up a group or a chat) so we can discuss! Thanks!

Lady


When Eiddoel had caught up with Karigan she was furiously grooming Condor, who looked like he was ready to kick her.

"What?" she snapped, whipping around, tossing the brush into the depths of the barn.

Condor nipped at her sleeve, effectively pushing her out of his stall. She gave him a dirty look and marched out of the barn.

"What did you honestly think was going to happen, beloved?" Eiddoel asked, his tolerance gone. He had done nothing to deserve this display of temper.

"I don't know! I just didn't want him to find out like that!" Karigan heaved. She felt dizzy and sick, and wanted nothing more than to sit down and cry. Fighting down her hormones, she crossed her arms and stared defiantly at her husband.

"Why does it matter? You are not his concern," Eiddoel stated evenly.

"It matters to me! I didn't want to hurt him! He doesn't deserve that!" Karigan let the tears cascade down her face, stomping her foot.

"What about me, Karigan? Do I?" Eiddoel asked with a vulnerability that tugged at

Karigan's heart.

She paused, wiping her eyes. "Eiddoel, I,"

"I have done nothing but protect you, and treat you with kindness and honor. In the name of the gods Karigan, I love you!" He admitted in a quiet, passionate voice.

Karigan felt like a fool. This had been a marriage of formality for her, she had never even considered Eiddoel might have feelings for her. They were friends, but she kept him at arms length.

"I'm sorry," she murmured.

Eiddoel sighed and wrapped his arms around her. He rested his head on her hair, breathing in her scent. "I know I'm not your choice, but I am thankful that I have you."

Karigan nuzzled into his embrace, their child moving in her belly. Her conflict must end. She must focus on the future of Sarcordia and leave Zachary behind.

"I'm sorry Eiddoel. I will try to have a better attitude, you don't deserve to feel second best."

Eiddoel nodded, taking her hand and leading her into the castle.


"Are you all right?"

Zachary looked up into the eyes of Estora as they made another circuit around the garden.

"Yes, thank you."

"I understand that Karigan was hiding her pregnancy because of the threat of Mornhavon," Estora spoke plainly, attempting to pull the King out of his shell.

"Yes," he replied quietly. His head still swum at the thought. It was as if this child had solidified the fact that there was no longer any hope for him.

"Do you wish to be left alone, Majesty?"

Zachary caught Estora's sympathetic glance again. "I'm sorry, Lady Estora, its just a shock. I thought that my Riders could trust me."

"Your Riders do, Majesty. It hurts because Karigan didn't trust you. It may seem like you are on opposite sides right now, but remember, you both are working towards one goal."

"The defeat of Mornhavon," Zachary mused. He could not allow this internal conflict to cloud his judgement any more. "Thank you, Lady Estora."

"You are welcome, Majesty," she paused for a moment, "I was wondering, though, if when you departed for the Wall, if I might accompany you," Estora blurted out.

Zachary hesitated, "this is not a hunting party, my Lady. It will be a battle."

"I know. I don't have to be at the front, at least, allow me to help, I feel like I should be helping you, taking a more active role," Estora stumbled.

The King nodded. It made sense, as Queen she would have responsibilities. It would be best if she was seen participating in kingdom activities. "You may assist, when we depart for the wall, we are going to need supplies brought to us, I will leave that task in your hands."

Estora swept a graceful curtsey, "thank you, Majesty."


"No." Karigan refused.

"My lady, it is not befitting for you," Ilsowyn argued.

"No. Condor has a smooth gait. He will not toss me, and neither will I fall. I WILL not ride to the front in a litter like a pampered,"

"Princess?" Somial joked from his position at the door frame.

Karigan gave the tienden a pointed glare. "I am riding Condor."

Ilsowyn opened her mouth to continue to argue, but was silenced by Eiddoel entering the apartments.

"What did he say?" Karigan asked without preamble.

Eiddoel surveyed her. Though she was growing rounder, she still had her lithe grace; her constant exercise still allowed her to move comfortably.

"We will be leaving in three days for the D'Yer wall. The Rider there has seen a force massing to the north of the wall in Blackveil. The Alluvium sent a message as well. The time is now," he said solemnly.

Karigan nodded. "What is the plan?"

Eiddoel sat, pouring himself a glass of wine. "The Rider D'Yer has found a way to open the wall, to allow us to pass through. The King has ordered all but a small reserve of soldiers to Blackveil. The Rider Company will be the third wave, once the groundmites and other creatures have been cut down."

"What of Mornhavon?" Karigan asked, pacing restlessly.

"If Mornhavon makes an early appearance, then we will bring the Riders forward. You are not to engage him singly," he beckoned to her, pulling her onto his lap, "remember, the risk is greater, you must be vigilant."

Karigan rubbed her belly, nodding. "I know, I will be careful."

"Captain Mapstone is staying behind to assist Lady Estora with provisioning and if any emergency messages come through. She wasn't too happy at that," Eiddoel said.

Karigan laughed. "I can believe that, believe me, my skin is itching to be on that road. I'm sure its worse for her."

Her husband nodded, thoughtful. "You should rest, work on your shielding."

Karigan glanced at him sideways. "Are you all right?" she asked.

"I feel disquieted, as if there is something just beyond my range of vision that I cannot see," he said quietly, staring into his wine.

The pregnant Rider rose, kissing her husband on the forehead. "It will be all right, " she said awkwardly. She was trying hard to be a good wife.

"Thank you," Eiddoel said, not looking up.

Karigan glanced at Somial who shook his head. She motioned to Ilsowyn as they departed the apartments.

"Do you need anything, your Highness?" Somial asked.

"No, please, join my Lady," Eiddoel mused, before calling the departing tienden back.

"Yes, my lord?" Somial bowed.

"Somial, take care of her. If something should happen, take care of her," the Eletian whispered cryptically.

"My lord?" Somial questioned.

Eiddoel shook his head as if waking from a dream. "I do not know, just take care of her," he stood, agitated, striding off deeper into the apartment.

"With my life," Somial vowed, bowing and taking his leave.


Hope you enjoy, please Read and Review, and let me know about Book 3 Discussion!