Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, Sherwood Smith does. Those who haven't read the wonderful books Crown and Court duel the characters, which do belong to me are Vaughn, Kai, Carmella, Harmen. Yeah... well...  like let's get on with the story shall we?

A/N: Sorry it took so long to update! ENJOY!

Chapter 3

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At the same time Kai began waiting, Tess and Tyron were back at the castle attending one of the many meetings discussing the issues concerning Andreus. His mysterious disappearance after the war brought so many unanswered questions and fears of further retaliation, including his infamous memory for his enemies. The King, Queen, and Halfrid, hoped that for the end of Andreus but thought it best to be ready for any sort of attack.

Tyron, sitting quietly at his seat across from Tess, was thinking about Wren. 'Why do I have such a bad feeling? What's wrong with me?? Wren has only been gone for two days, and suddenly I have this feeling...what could it be'  His uneasy thoughts, though unknown to him was shared by the lovely brunette across from him.

Though Tess tried not to show it, she could not concentrate on her father's advisers. Her train of thoughts steadily shifted from Wren to Andreus. 'Oh Wren...hopefully mother and father will allow me to come see you soon. I don't understand the uneasiness I have been feeling for the past few days...'

Queen Asrten's voice brought Tess out her thoughts.

"Oh mother, I'm sorry, what was that?" Tess whispered.

"Teresa, my dear, what's the matter?"

"The current events of the kingdom have me worried, is all."

"What you are actually saying is that you are worried about Wren, aren't you?"

Tess sighed. Her mother knew her so well, though she had only been living at the palace for a few years. "How did you guess?"

 "Since her departure a few days ago, I could sense you becoming more detached during the meetings. I understand your worries, with the threat of Andreus and all." The Queen also had a look of concern on her face.

Suddenly the King's voice became loud, "Thank you all for attending this meeting. Let us now adjourn, and will meet again tomorrow." On that final note, the room cleared, leaving only the King, Queen, Tyron, and Tess.

"Verne, I think that it is time for Teresa and Tyron to be on their way. Wren is waiting for them."

"Astren, I know I agreed to this little expedition, but that was before Andreus' disappearance. I can't allow the possibility of Teresa being kidnapped again and held prisoner by Andreus."

Only Tyron noticed Tess as she shivered at the mention of Andreus' dark dungeon.

"No one knows about this little trip except for us, your Majesty." Tyron replied softly. "Under the current circumstances, most of the palace knows that we have been in endless meetings and under the surveillance of guards at all times of the day. I would highly doubt our absences would be noticed."

"Please father, I need to know Wren is safe and you promised..." Tess suddenly said.

Looking at his daughter, King Verne could see the worry on her face. Though she showed her court mask to others at the palace, she tried to be more open with her feelings around both Astren and himself. The grief on Teresa's face broke his heart and before he could stop himself, he found the words coming out his mouth. "If it means that much to you, I guess you better start packing."

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Minutes later, Tess was scrambling to her room, reminding herself to bring clothes, her summons ring, her gift for Niss, and her knife-a gift from the Queen. Tyron also hurried to his room. Thinking back to his past adventures, he had already set aside a couple sets of clothing, his magic book, scry-stone, and provisions.

In order to make sure the departure of the magician and princess were not known to the rest of the court, Tyron and Tess saddled up their horses quietly, while the Queen sent the stable boy on a "special" errand. Quietly riding their horses from the palace, Tyron and Tess were on their way to find Wren.

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As Wren entered the world of consciousness, she could feel the pounding of her head. The world seemed to spin as she tried to open her heavy eyelids. 'What happened?' Her mind heavily clouded with some sort of magical block that her mind was drawing a blank. As her eyes opened, bright red blotches swarmed her vision, only making her feel more nauseated. She was suddenly aware that her body was a huge ache. 'I feel like a giant bruise.'  She thought crossly. Just the act of lifting her right arm took most of her meager strength. Feeling as though her right hand was suddenly transformed into lead, Wren could barely make a fist to rub her eyes. Slowly rubbing her eyes, she could not make out her surroundings. Tiny rays of light came from a small window, which was also barred. Her mind worked hard to recall why she was here…and then the ordeal with Andreus replayed in her mind little by little. She could remember her early morning walk towards the lake with her canteen, the fresh air and songs of the birds. Then the strange feeling of the vertigo behind her, and the mental picture of Andreus' evil smile… she shuddered. At that exact moment...Wren realized that she was now a prisoner to the evil magician, and passed out. 

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Returning to the village with Carmella and Harmen was the best idea Connor had made during his trip. Surrounded by people with great tales and fun animals, the young prince happily taught the villagers simple means of defense. Though he was not as demanding as Mistress Thule, he saw the great improvements as the day continued.

"Alright, that's all for today." Connor said his students. "Good work today, don't forget to practice and come back at the same time tomorrow."

Connor yawned. He didn't realize he was so tired. Picking up his staff, he started towards his tent. Upon his arrival, the villagers were not all awed by the presence of royalty, to Connor's delight. However after his learning that he would replace Harmen as master or arms, many of the villagers changed their views of him, especially with the persistence of Carmella. He had graciously declined the generous offers of the kind families willing to share what little supplies they had. To tell the truth, Connor felt undeserving of the kindness. Each time he was offered a bite of food, or extra blanket, he would remember that this was part of his uncle's land. Instead of taking care of the people of the land, his selfish Aunt and Uncle would spend lavishly on new wings to their estate. As prince of the land, he felt it was his duty to help those forgotten by their egotistical lords. Continuing his walk, he saw Carmella making her way to him. When she was a few paces ahead of him, she stopped and bowed.

"Your Highness, on behalf of the village, both Harmen and I thank you for sharing your expertise with us. We all know that you were traveling to somewhere and everyone will understand if you need to be on your way. Please do not think we do not appreciate your lesson, we merely wish you to continue on whatever business that seeking your attention."

'Does she always have to be so formal?'  Connor thought to himself. "I thank you for your compliments; however I wish to be sure that my students will be prepared for an attack. I enjoy the hospitality, and in return will remain until Harmen is satisfied with our progress."

"Your Highness, you are too kind spending all of your time with us..." Carmella began.

Before she could discuss the matter further, Connor replied, "Please Carmella, let us wash up for dinner, I have a very early lesson to teach tomorrow."

"Yes, your majesty." Carmella said as they began to walk to the kitchen.

Dragging the warrior with him, Connor realized that he had forgotten about his journey and knew that he had to continue on it to find his heritage.

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Kai's worries about Wren caused him to wander the surrounding forests. He couldn't understand the magician's strange behavior. His thoughts kept looming towards a terrible demise. But what could have happened? If bandits had attacked, surely they would have raided her camp as well. Remembering his night talking with her, he knew she could make amazing illusions to scare off any bandits. Unsure of what to do, Kai remained at Wren's camp in hopes of seeing the streaked hair girl emerge from the woods.

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Andreus was feeling quite smug at this time. His plans for Wren could wait, as of now she locked up in a makeshift dungeon, and extremely sick...he made sure of that. He couldn't have the little brat wide awake and causing trouble could he? 'Oh yes, .Wren is going to be quite useful to me...' Andreus thought as evil plans quickly formed in his mind.

Vengeance was all he could think about for the past couple of months. The war was supposed to give him land and power, not destruction and vulnerability. After the tiring battle against Idres, his narrow escape, and the destruction of the core of his magic, Andreus thought it was the end for him. Without his evil magic to support him; he could not take over Verne's kingdom, as well as the ones bordering them. Until he stumbled upon an old scribe, giving him the power to reiterate the war... he needed to focus on that now…

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Vaughn looked up at the beautiful morning sky. All morning the disturbances within the castle gave him a slight headache. 'I need some fresh air. There must be some kind of weird vibe here. Since I have been here I have felt so weary. Maybe it's the lack of food...I can't believe I am saying this, but I am starting to miss Senna Lirwan.'  The shock of his last thought just added to his lightheadedness. 'No that can't be...back there the land was even more devastating! Something MUST be wrong with me!! I wonder if insanity runs in the family...' Signing, he walked back in the direction of the castle. As he passed through the hallway, Vaughn's thoughts lingered back to the commotion earlier. Though he desperately wanted to discover what his conniving father was up to, but would have to wait until dark to discover the truth.

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Author's Note: I just wanted to thank all the people that reviewed my story! It makes me really happy!! It is greatly appreciated! =)