I think Winterlight is now officially my favorite in the series!

With my finishing the book, I still want to hold off making slight changes in this fanfic to account for the happenings in Winterlight. I understand that there are many readers who are facing challenges in even getting a copy. I know that there will be at last 2-3 changes that I plan on making to this fanfic. So, I'll be giving some extra time to make those changes so that people can get the book read.

I don't know yet when I'll make these changes; it probably won't be until at the end of this month. When those changes are made, I will make sure to put a separate note into a chapter to let you guys know what the changes are. THE OVERALL PLOT IN THIS FANFIC WILL REMAIN THE SAME.

If you haven't seen my brief note in chapter 3, I made a minor adjustment to the timeline. Instead of 8 months after the end of the war, I changed it to about 4-5 months. This will better fit what I have planned for this chapter. Enjoy.

Zachary sighed and rubbed Storm's withers as they walked on further and further south. He had been riding for three days straight thus far and had only stopped in one village for some supplies. All around Zachary was the thick brush of the Green Cloak Forest and they ran into few other travelers on the road either heading south like him or back north toward Sacor City.

"It's just me and you now, Storm," he said, giving the stallion a good pat on his neck. The stallion snorted and tossed his head. He started trotting in his excitement, arching his neck, and carrying his tail high.

As Zachary urged Storm back to a gallop, a speed that he sensed he wanted to do, Zachary thought briefly of Estora. How was she faring having the leading role? He was certain that she was capable of performing the tasks, since she had done so while he was away during the war. But long term? He hoped and he prayed to the gods that she would make use of the counselors. And he was always willing to lend some advice if she asked for it.

Zachary's thoughts drifted next to his children. He was gone only three days and he missed them terribly already. He missed their laughs and giggles. He missed their arms when they hugged him around his neck. And he missed the precious moments when Zachary or Esmere fell asleep curled up against him as they lay on the couch before the fire. The warm feel of their breath on his neck as he held them close to his chest.

He had sent messages to Laren. Initially, his fiery sister had doubted the plan. But eventually, after he explained things, she came around to see it from his point of view. He knew she was only looking out for the state of the kingdom. He smiled; he doubted that that would ever change. But ultimately, Laren wants what's best for Zachary. And he supposed her betrothal and imminent nuptials with Stevic made her a little soft, as much as she would deny that fact.

The next on his mind as he passed a man driving a wagon, was Karigan. His beloved. His dearest heart. How would she react when she saw him? While he had sent messages to Laren, he did not to Karigan. He felt she would throttle him for what he planned on doing . . . did. He could only imagine what she would do when she found out. For he made Laren promise to not tell her.

With a smile, he felt his heart lighten as he thought of his moments with her during the war. While their status' had not changed, the few brief moments of privacy and shared looks were what kept him going through the war. And the kiss that they shared in the north? That was a memory that he kept the closest to his heart. He hoped that that wouldn't be the only kiss that they would share.

He sighed as he reigned in Storm, as they were nearing Rivertown. His hope was that she would understand that he wanted a chance to forge his own path. His reign, he believed, was meant as a war reign. The war and Sacoridia's victory over Mornhavon and Second Empire would be his eternal legacy, like King Jonaeus and his war with Mornhavon. And now that that chapter was completed, his time as Sacoridia's king had come to a close. Now, he was truly free.

Zachary and Storm entered Rivertown at a leisurely trot. As he rode through the calm street, he thought about his plans. He glanced up at the sky above; it was about an hour before sundown. He originally planned on briefly stopping for supplies before making the final push for Corsa, but his common sense told him to find an inn and spend the night. He could use a good meal, a bath, and a nice night in a real bed. And he knew that Storm could also appreciate a break; a good brush, some nice grain, and some shelter. He could simply get resupplied in the early morning before he left.

He called a passersby, "Sir!"

The grizzled man turned from the cart he was browsing from and looked at Zachary, "Can I help you?"

Zachary stilled Storm, "Are there any inns here? Just spending the night and would like a place to stay."

"Yes sir! The Golden Rudder is up this street and take a left on Riverside Way," he answered, pointing further up the Kingway. "They'll take good care of you. And your mount too!" Zachary restled with himself. The Golden Rudder, Why does that sound familiar? He thought.

Instead, Zachary smiled, "Thank you sir! Much appreciated!" The man smiled and waved back in reply. Familiar or not, it was an inn that he and Storm could spend the night. And then in two days, he will see Karigan again.

Zachary walked Storm further until he saw Riverside Way. The inn was right on the corner. It looked quaint and nondescript. But it appeared to be safe and reputable and that was what counted.

A stable boy jogged out of the stable as Zachary entered the courtyard and quickly dismounted as the boy took Storm's reins. Zachary took out his bag and gave the boy two coppers and watched with a smile as the boy's eyes lit up. He looked up at Zachary and said, "Thank you sir!"

Still with a smile, he asked, "Please have my belongings brought to my room."

The boy bowed his head, "Yes sir." With a final bow of his head in thanks, Zachary gave Storm a few pats and left to enter the inn.

Inside was the main dining room were at least a dozen tables and numerous chairs sat for the inn's guests. To the right side, some tables with booths were set up. A fireplace sat empty at the far end of the room; likely due to the warmer temperatures still outside. The floor was clean, the tables appeared spotless, and the chairs and booths were so cushioned that one wouldn't even feel the chair beneath them.

A woman wearing fine silks, the likes of which Zachary rarely saw outside of the nobility, came gliding down the stairs. Her face was covered in subtle shades of makeup and her lips were brightly rouged. Her hair, though graying, was meticulously curled and styled upon her head. She waved an arm elegantly upon seeing Zachary. "Welcome dear! How can I help you this beautiful evening?"

Zachary cleared his throat and answered, "I'll be needing a room please."

"Of course, dear," she replied. Then she added in a quieter voice once she reached him, "Will you be needing company for the evening?"

Zachary blinked, "Beg pardon?" As an afterthought, he added, "I'll just need a bed, a bath, and some food for the night."

She smiled sweetly, looking him up and down, "I have a king-sized room for your pleasure. A fine man like yourself needs properly taken care of."

Zachary found that it was getting harder and harder to keep his face passive; it all came together, the man sent him to a brothel. "It doesn't need to be fancy madam. I only need the basics."

"As you wish my lord. But if you change your mind at any time, you may come find me or one of my girls and we'd be happy to help you," she said.

"I will do so, thank you . . ."

"Silva, dear," she finished for him, giving him a key. "Your room is 205, my lord. Simply up the stairs and at the end of the hall. The baths are simply across from yours. You are free to some supper while Rona prepares your room."

Zachary flashed a small smile, "Thank you Silva." She may be a little overly friendly, Zachary thought. But he supposed that he preferred this over the opposite. As he found a table to sit down at and wait for some food, Zachary couldn't help but think of Karigan.

It seemed that the closer that he got to Corsa, the more that he thought of her. He supposed that part of it could be coming out of his anxiety of how she will react. Would she still love him after giving up the throne? He believed that she wasn't one of those women, the one who only loved him for the throne. She was never that way, even while he was king.

Could she have found someone else in Corsa? Did she not love him anymore?

A woman came out of the kitchen and presented him with a bowl of beef stew and a cup of tea. As he began eating, his thoughts continued.

I still feel a connection with Karigan, he thought, if that's the case, then she must still love me. Right? What they had was a special connection. Heart mates. All these years, they had always felt that attraction toward the other. They both tried to fight their feelings for the other, for the good of the kingdom, but it was undeniable. What they had was different than any other attraction. Zachary couldn't explain it.

Zachary sighed as the flavors of the stew warmed his body and filled his stomach. And as he took a drink from the tea, another body seated itself in the seat across from him. He looked up over his cup, which still sat poised at his mouth. His brow arched expectantly, it was the grizzled man from earlier. The man smiled at him like a cat that caught a mouse. "Enjoying your stay so far?" the man asked.

Zachary blinked owlishly as he took a drink, "You sent me to a brothel."

The man's head fell back and peels of laughter filled the relative silence of the room. Zachary smiled with a chuckle as he went back for the stew. "All for laughs, boy. But they do take care of ya here," he said once he had sobered. "Name's Thomas Gillian," he added, offering Zachary his hand.

"Zachary," he responded, shaking Thomas's hand firmly.

Thomas's brow arched this time, "No surname? That's either unique or concerning."

Zachary chuckled again. He had yet to tell anyone that he was Zachary Hillander, the former High King of Sacoridia. He avoided it. But he also didn't want to concern Thomas any further. "Zachary Hillander," he said.

Thomas froze in his seat, his eyebrows vanishing into his hairline, "Hillander? Zachary Hillander?" He paused, "THE Zachary Hillander."

"Yes sir," he answered, taking another bite of his stew. Swallowing, Zachary added, "I've tried to avoid telling others my whole name for this reason since I've been traveling."

Thomas nodded. Then he said, "Thank you for your service."

This time, it was Zachary who was shocked, "What?"

"All that you did for us, for Sacoridia, the war, Mornhavon the Black. Thank you," Thomas said, looking him in the eye.

"T-thank you," he finally responded.

"What? No one's thanked you before?"

"No, not ever," Zachary answered.

Thomas shook his head, "I never envied you, my boy. I don't have a drop of noble blood in me, but I could only imagine how THEY must be. It's probably why you left, right?"

"Yes, something like that," Zachary answered.

The same woman who served Zachary brought Thomas a meal and drink. And the two men sat in silence for a time while they ate. Then Thomas asked, "So where you headed, son? Hillander?"

Zachary shook his head, "No," he wiped his mouth quickly, "I'm going south, to Corsa."

"Why there? Why not Hillander?"

"Well, to be honest with you Thomas, my only friends live down there. And I figure that I'm going to need as much help and support that I need," Zachary answered, leaning back in his chair. "All my life, I've been groomed and served; trained for governorship or the crown. And I don't know how to do anything else."

Thomas nodded, "Makes sense."

"Are you traveling, Thomas?" Zachary asked.

"Oh aye. I'm also headed back to Corsa," Thomas said.

"Are you from there?" Zachary asked.

"Aye, my wife and I." Zachary couldn't help but smile. Thomas smiled too, "What?"

"Nothing, it's just . . ."

Thomas's brow arched, "My wife?" His smile widened, "You already got a girl, boy? You just left the castle."

"It's not what you think old man," Zachary laughed. "But yes, I have someone in mind. I just hope that she'll have me."

"Why do you say that?" Thomas asked, leaning back as well. He seemed to ready himself for a great tale.

"Well," Zachary said, pausing briefly, "we met at the castle. She is a force to be reckoned with, she's passionate, loyal to Sacoridia, a warrior, incredibly stubborn, and difficult," Zachary laughed as he thought of Karigan, "so so difficult. We were never . . . intimate, at least not in THAT way. She didn't want to put my reign in jeopardy and risk possible civil war among the provinces. But I love her, with all my heart. She's my light. And I know she loved me just as much. She's my heart mate.

"I'm afraid that she will forsake me for stepping down like I did. I'm afraid that she will think I did it for her, which I didn't. At least . . . not entirely her," Zachary explained. "She loves Sacoridia and she could see this as unnecessarily undermining the kingdom."

When Zachary finally looked back up at Thomas, there was a gentle smile on the man's face. "Well boy," he said eventually, "your heart mate indeed. I can see your love in your eyes." He paused and then asked, "What's her name, if I may ask?"

Zachary smiled again, "Karigan G'ladheon."

Thomas's eyes grew as large as saucers, "The G'ladheon girl! That's mighty impressive, son!" Both men laughed and Zachary shrugged. "From what I can tell, son, I think she'd be a fool to forsake you. I've never met the girl, but I would hope that you're right that she loved you dearly. And a love like what you two seem to have doesn't go away. Try not to fret about it," he said.

"Thank you," Zachary responded. He sighed and glanced outside, "It's dark out, I should retire if I am to start early for Corsa tomorrow."

"Oh, I wouldn't go straight there, my boy," Thomas said.

Zachary's brows furrowed, "Why not?"

"I've heard that a fierce coastal storm is headed for Corsa. I'm staying here for a fortnight because of it," Thomas said.

Zachary sighed, "Is the city evacuating?"

"Not that I've heard, but I'm sure I'm not the only one staying far away from it," Thomas said. Zachary sat thinking. It was hard to predict the strength of costal storms until they reach landfall. He could risk it and ride out the storm in Corsa, or he could spend extra time upland until the storm reaches land and begins to weaken. After a while, Thomas added, "If you change your plans and ride hard through tonight, you may be able to beat the storm. I spoke with a gentleman just tonight and he said they were seeing the clouds but nothing else thus far."

"My horse-"

"I'll let you borrow my gelding. He's well-bred and fast. I've been here for a couple days and haven't used him. I can ride your mount down when I head that way," Thomas suggested. After another moment of thought, Zachary stood up. Thomas clapped and stood with him, "That's my boy! Get down to your woman!"

Zachary laughed and headed for the stairs, "I'll retrieve my bags and ask for some supplies from the kitchen."

"I'll get out and tack up my mount. He should be ready for you by the time you come out," Thomas added.

Zachary passed a confused Silva as he raced up the stairs and headed for his room. In no time, Zachary gathered up his bags from beside the bed and rushed back out of the room. "Sir, can I help-" Silva tried asking as she fell into step behind him.

"My plans have changed Mistress Silva. Would I be able to purchase some food from your kitchens?" he asked her.

Her eyes betrayed her shock, and dare he say, disappointment, "O-of course my lord. Let me take care of it. May I have your key?" Zachary gave her the room's key before she turned and headed through the door to the kitchens.

Zachary trotted out the front door of the brothel and met Thomas and his gelding in the courtyard. It was a stunning black gelding with a star on the face. He was well built with a lean build, long legs, and strong neck. By appearances, the gelding will get him there just fine. Thomas held the gelding as Zachary added his bags to the saddle and adjusted the straps quickly. "Duke," Thomas said, rubbing the gelding's bright white star, "Ironically enough, he was a gift from Stevic G'ladheon. I built the foundation for a new warehouse of his."

Zachary looked up and patted Duke's neck, "I'll take care of him like he's my own. I promise you that."

In the dark, Zachary could still see Thomas smile, "See that you do my boy." Zachary mounted and Duke shuffled his feet as Zachary adjusted to the saddle. "Do you know where the G'ladheon manse is?"

"I'm afraid I don't," Zachary said.

"Don't worry son. It's on the west side of the city; it sits right on the coast. You'll reach a fork in the road when you get to the city's outskirts. Take the right fork and it'll take you right there," Thomas explained. The two men shook hands quickly, and Thomas said, "Gods speed Zachary."

Zachary smiled back at him, "I thank you Thomas, truly." They parted and Zachary took up the reins, "See you in Corsa my friend," he said to the other man. Thomas waved back. Zachary trotted Duke out of the Golden Rudder's courtyard and through the town. But when Zachary and Duke passed the town lines, Zachary kicked Duke to a mad gallop south.

-GR-

By the time that Zachary and Duke reached Corsa's outskirts, a steady rain had settled in and blowing winds buffeted them. Zachary's hair was plastered to his face and his clothing was soaked right to the bone. Duke was absolutely miserable as he was soaked as well. Zachary looked through stinging eyes at the fork ahead of him and took Duke to the right. Zachary could barely see ahead of him, but he thought he could see the manse in the distance.

Duke's ears swivel from front to back, unsure about their current course of action. It was no doubt, Zachary thought, that he did not like when the wind threatened to blow them both over. But Zachary was so close, he couldn't stop now. Briefly, he was amazed to think that the storm was only just beginning. He was glad that Thomas told him to go when he did.

Duke spooked underneath Zachary as a gust of wind blew a large branch close to the road. Zachary spun the gelding in a single circle to regain his focus. But Duke was right to spook. There was debris flying everywhere and it was a danger to be on this open stretch of the road.

After what seemed like an eternity, Zachary and Duke walked through the G'ladheon's courtyard. Zachary dismounted unsteadily in the center of the yard and tied Duke to a post for a moment. He fought against the wind and rain as he fought to reach the front door of the manse. He prayed to the gods that they would allow him to stay for a time; at least enough to ride out the storm.

Pounding on the door, Zachary waited with bated breath and his arms around himself to fight off the chill that his soaked clothes brought him.

And then finally, Zachary heard the door unlatch. A golden glow illuminated the opener as they stared out at him in shock.

Zachary let out a breath; it was Stevic. The merchant stared at him, his eyes as wide as saucers and he was slack jawed. But Zachary couldn't tell if it was from the merchant recognizing him, or if he was shocked that someone would be out traveling as a costal storm bore down on them. He supposed that he would find out soon enough.

"What are you crazy lad?!" Stevic shouted through the roar of the wind.

Zachary quickly looked back at Duke, who paced at the post at the wind around them. "Stevic G'ladheon?" he asked the other man.

"Aye! Git in here before you catch your death!" Stevic said, practically hauling Zachary through the door and forcefully pushing it back closed.

Zachary paused to simply catch his breath and take in the warmth of the house. Already he was starting to shiver violently. Then Zachary heard footsteps approaching and he looked up and to his left.

"Zachary?"

Zachary smiled broadly; it was Laren. Her graying red hair was pulled back in a tail and she was dressed casually in trousers and a white shirt. She looked well, and Zachary was glad of it. It meant that Stevic was caring for her well and that was the least that Zachary expected of the merchant. "Moonling!" she cried, running to meet him in an embrace, despite his soaked body.

"Laren, oh how I'm happy to see you," Zachary said.

They parted and Laren slapped his arm, "You idiot! What are you doing out in this storm?" she asked.

"Zachary Hillander?" Stevic asked, looking over him anew.

Before Zachary answered Laren, he looked back at the merchant, "Yes sir." Then he turned to Laren, "I tried to get here before it reached landfall," he said weakly.

"Why did you come this far at all if you knew it was coming?!" she shouted at him.

Zachary smiled and laughed, "I've missed you Laren."

Looking around him, Zachary saw that a crowd was forming in the home. He saw four other ladies, likely the G'ladheon sisters, were watching him curiously. He had never met them before, so they likely did not recognize him as their former king.

And then he heard lighter, more hesitant footsteps coming down the staircase.

"Da, what's all the racket?"

His heart skipped a beat as it instantly recognized the dear voice of his beloved. Zachary looked up and met the shocked eyes of Karigan. She froze in mid-step on the stairs.

The whole house silenced. Even the wind and rain seemed to silence as the tension in the house built.

Zachary's heart pounded in his chest as the pair stared at one another. And then Zachary cleared his throat and said, "Hello again Karigan."

Karigan's neck turned beet red. She finally moved to finish descending the stairs and she quickly approached him. And then the next thing Zachary knew, he saw a clenched fist flying toward him. He fell back and hit the wall behind him.

Everything went black.

Whew! Over 4000 words.

No one said that Zachary was going to have a boring arrival. . .

As usual, like/review/favorite. Love you all!