Thanks for the reviews! Still got a few readers ;) The feedback helps. Driving to the end, I gotta keep it going.

Four months later . . . .

Karigan strode down the corridor towards Laren's office, passing numerous Riders who nervously bowed or awkwardly curtsied to her as she passed. More than one pair of eyes shifted to her stomach, looking at the tell-tale signs of her impending motherhood. She nodded politely to each individual but rolled her eyes after each Rider would hurry away, likely after seeing the exasperated expression on the Queen's face. Flake trotted happily next to her mistress, her little nose high in the air as she swished her tail back and forth.

The queen had been more or less bustled back to Sacor City, after a few weeks ensuring that her father was sufficiently recovering from the knife wound to his side. Her aunts were, of course, more than delighted with the news that Zachary had announced. To Karigan's dismay, they had firmly insisted that she return to the castle to wait out the rest of the pregnancy. She realized quickly, that in truth, she was more hindrance than help in Corsca. The military detail and contingent of Weapons who had been assigned to follow her, could be better used to help clear the streets and begin the slow process of rebuilding what was lost.

Karigan came to a slow stop before the captain's office, pointing a finger at Flake to stay as she lightly tapped on the heavy oak door. She heard Laren's voice wearily call out a greeting and an entreaty to enter, and gently, she pushed the door open. Flake promptly ignored her mistress's wishes and slipped into the doorway, coming around to brace her front paws on the lap of a tired looking Laren. The captain looked up from the stacks of correspondence, all waiting to go to Corsca, and gave Karigan a faint smile. 'What brings you down here, Karigan?'

Karigan returned the smile and shrugged one shoulder, 'Boredom. I concluded the council meeting over an hour ago and will not meet the Rhovanny delegation until this evening. So I have come to see you and catch up.'

Laren arched an eyebrow at Karigan's linen shirt and trousers, 'I hope you will find something a bit more appropriate.'

The queen grinned and began to slowly seat herself in one of the plain wooden chairs in front of the desk. Mobility had recently become a point of contention when she merely wished to move about her room, let alone travel to other parts of the castle. Settling herself comfortably, she answered, 'I have a very appropriate gown that my maid has chosen for me. One that isn't too tight,' she said with a grimace, with a glance down at the small bump that protruded out. Flake laid herself out at Karigan's side, offering a small tail thump before settling her head on her paws.

Laren's eyes softened, 'Have you heard from the moonling as of late? Or of any recent news? This lot in front of me is rather dated.'

Karigan shook her head and flipped her long braid over her shoulder. 'His last letter was two weeks ago. He did warn me that he would not have much time to correspond for at least a month,' she sighed resignedly. 'My father is attempting to assist him, as much as one can from a sick bed, with re-establishing the port's shipping lanes. Too many merchants are passing the port by altogether, not willing to risk their cargo.'

Laren frowned as she considered the implications, 'The official surrender was signed months ago.'

'The merchants have been at sea for longer, with maybe a stop here and there at a coastal village. To them, it is just a rumor,' Karigan shrugged.

The captain leaned back in her seat and smiled wryly, 'And what would Zachary know of business matters?'

'Absolutely nothing,' Karigan deadpanned, 'And that is why he has my clan staff to assist him.'

Laren gave a short chuckle and held out a piece of cheese from her meal to Flake. The terrier's head picked up in interest as her ears pricked forward. Tentatively, she rose to her feet and accepted the morsel between her dainty teeth. Karigan watched with amusement as her captain reached down to fondle Flake's ears. 'Did you two reach an understanding?'

'Of a sort,' Laren agreed, as she gave Flake a final pat before scooting closer to her desk. Gruffly, she cleared her throat, 'Have you any correspondence from the Lady Yolandhe? I confess I am sorry I did not get a chance to meet her, I wonder if we would have found each other agreeable. '

'I am positive you both would have circled each other like an angry pair of cats upon your first acquaintance,' Karigan said with a grin. 'But you would have come around to each other.'

'How flattering for us both,' Laren quipped with an arched brow. 'No news then?'

'She is assisting the remains of the army with coastal fortifications. There were a few recommendations that General Isleigh took to heart, especially in regards to those areas with easy access for an invasion,' Karigan explained. 'Zachary sent many of the prisoners with the general, to assist with building sea walls in L'Petrie and in parts of Hillander,' she finished with a sigh. 'There. Did I satisfy your need for news?'

'Absolutely, did I satisfy yours to wander about and worry your retainers?'

Karigan smiled, 'For now, anyways. Soon I will not be able to move about so freely.'

Laren nodded thoughtfully and allowed her gaze to rest on Karigan's stomach. 'Did Ben say how long?'

The queen rested her hand against the swell, 'Perhaps another three to four months. At the rate I have grown, he thinks I will require bed rest for the last few weeks.'

'I'll be sure to bring you some needlework when you are laid up,' Laren teased. Karigan scowled playfully and moved to stand, her hands gripping the sides of the chair to hoist herself up. Laren immediately leapt to her feet and maneuvered around the desk to grasp one of her queen's hands. Karigan gave a self-discriminating laugh, 'I am glad he hasn't been here to see me waddle about.'

Laren smiled back grimly, 'I am also, for he would be beside himself with worry. Now get yourself back to your chambers and stay there. You've had a long day and tomorrow will see you again with the Rhovanny delegation.'

Karigan straightened and slapped her thigh to draw Flake's attention. Looking up, she cocked her head to the side in question, 'Will you attend me tomorrow?'

The captain grimaced, 'Perhaps it would be better for Donal or one of the others . . .'

Karigan wrinkled her nose, 'Do we have to go over this again? I want you there with me, there is no one I trust more while Zachary is away.'

Laren sighed in resignation but nodded and gave a small smile, waving Karigan off as she sat back down at her desk. She watched as Flake trotted ahead of the queen as they disappeared around the frame of the door.

The weary captain sat back in her chair, lost in her memories of a year prior. Her actions during that time now pained her as she recollected the steps she took to ensure Estora's smooth transition into her role. Her stomach clenched painfully, thinking of her moonling's humiliation while he was incapacitated. The king and his new queen may have forgiven her after they were able to orchestrate their own happiness, but it would take even longer for her to absolve herself.

The late summer sun had begun to make its trek across the horizon, its rays dipping between the layers of dark blue clouds. A small band of Sacoridian soldiers made their way through the city, the visors of their helms pulled down as they quietly marched up to the castle. The guards at the gates verified the orders that were carried by the leader of the group. If the young guard thought it odd that they would not reveal their faces, he did not press the issue. Some bore patched uniforms that showed numerous patches of blood and were almost falling apart at the seams. He waved them forward and gave directions to the garrison quarters to the tall leader, accepting the nod of thanks that was conveyed.

After they departed, his comrade looked over from his post. 'Where did that sorry lot come from then?'

'They were part of the battle at Corsca, most were wounded and are still on the mend,' the young guard shrugged.

'Wounded soldiers traveling back by themselves?' the other snorted in derision.

'They had the lieutenant and a small escort,' the guard flung back, scowling as he cast his gaze forward. 'I told em that they had to check in with the guard tower but to go on to the barracks afterwards.'

'Ye should've escorted them in yourself,' his friend said disdainfully. 'Doesn't sound right, now does it?'

'I didn't see you jump up to take that duty for yerself,' the young guard said dismissively. 'Just go back to your post, then eh?'

The young lieutenant moved forward silently and held open the door of the darkening barracks for the others, his glowing red eyes scanning the courtyard from the slit in his helm. There were few about at this time of the evening. Most of the Light Guard had already stabled their mounts and most of the garrison soldiers were either sleeping or at their evening meal.

He slipped in behind his last man and shut the door firmly, sliding the bar over the doorframe as he turned to regard the clusters of men who stood idly around bunks. He grinned and gestured his band of men forward, watching the eyes of the relaxed soldiers fill with terror as blades were drawn. They scrambled to their bunks to find their own weapons but were quickly cut down, their screams reverberating against the stone walls and echoing eerily down the corridors. The work was done all too quickly as the band of new arrivals picked their way through the bodies, one opening the door that led into the bowels of the castle.

The lieutenant removed his helm, revealing a closely cropped head of inky black hair. The face that would have been so easily recognized in Hillander and at the Sacoridian court was now gaunt, the cheekbones standing out in stark contrast to the sharp nose and chin. The eyes now glowed an unholy red, the irises almost blazing with fire as they regarded that castle door with anticipation. It was no longer resembled a man but something that would come out of the deepest pits of hell.

'Secure the hallways,' his multi-toned voice grated out. Two of the men moved with nearly inhuman haste as they moved to do their master's bidding. A few moments they re-appeared in the open doorway. 'The servant's hall is deserted, my lord. We can gain access to the upper levels undetected if we move quickly,' one soldier stated.

The creature bared his filed teeth and growled as he strode forth to find his quarry.

This is more fun than a final battle.