DISCLAIMER: I own none of the characters that were created by David Eddings. 

Pursuit

Preceptor Berit stood and looked out his window.  Talen's knighting had made him think back to the many trips they had taken back when there had been a world to stay.  He had changed since the end of those journeys.  He was now the preceptor of the Pandion order.  He was married now, had a family.  There were lots of responsibilities hanging on his head, he wondered how Sparhawk had managed to cope with all the other responsibilities he had at the same time.  Berit's meditation was broken by a sharp knock on his door.

            "Enter"

Talen entered the room his back straight, no expression could be found on his face

            "Reporting as ordered Sir"

            "Thank you for coming in Sir Talen." The honorary felt strange upon his tongue.  "I have been considering and have decided where you will spend you first assignment."

            "Might I know where it is."

            "You will be there in a largely administrative role, your quick thinking should be able to get help the Pandion in charge Sir Olen, a respected knight, but none too quick."

            "So I'm not going to Rendor."

            "You always were to clever for your own good Talen."

            "So, where am I going?"

            "Zemoch."

            "ZEMOCH!!! You want me to go back THERE?"

            "Talen I know you have some particularly unpleasant memories there, but you also understand the situation in Zemoch better than any other knights, I need you to be there.

            "Yes Preceptor."

As he said that Talen remembered something and a look of absolute horror came across his face. 

            "What Talen?'

            "I'm going to have to tell the princess."

Berit laughed "I told Sparhawk, he'll pass it on.  Don't want to be near there when he does."

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"ZEMOCH????"

The scream echo throughout the royal apartment."

"Why are they sending him there, the idiots."

Sparhawk desperately tried to calm the Divinity that was storming around in a furious rage. 

            "Danae, it's not that bad, its only for 5 years/"

            "5 YEAES!"

            "Danae, you know you'll be able to see him any way."

            "I'll be 16 when he comes back, and"

            "Danae" her fathers voice cut her off, "You will survive.

Danae stormed out of the room.  She was mad and needed someplace to vent her anger, she walked into Sephrenia's room. 

            "Hello Danae."

            "They're sending him to Zemoch for 5 years Sephrenia."

             "I heard."

            "How am I supposed to make him fall in love with me if he is in Zemoch?"

Sephrenia picked Danae up and set her on her lap. "You're a goddess, you'll find a way."     

            "I've never had to be grown up before, why won't Talen just do as he's told?"

            "Because he's a man and they never do what their told."

            "That's just silly Sephrenia."

            "Who said they weren't silly?"

Danae laughed at this and a smile spread across her face. 

            "That's better, girls don't look good when they pout."

Danae kissed Sephrenia and then got up and walked towards the door.

            "Thank's sis"

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1 week later

Talen stood beside Khalad, his bags at their feet.  Talen had not spoken to the princess in the week since he had gotten his assignment.  He felt it would be better if there were no goodbyes. 

            "Talen."  It appeared as if he had hoped too soon "Talen" Danae's hair was flying wildly behind her as she ran up to him.

            "Good morning princess."

            "You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye were you?"

"I would hope not Sir Talen." Came the commanding voice of Queen Ehlana, "Or we would be quite displeased with you.'

"And you don't want to face royal displeasure do you Talen." Sparhawk said light heartily from behind the queen.

Ehlana sent a dirty look behind her before throwing away protocol gave Talen a royal bear hug.  "Now you be safe."

            "Of course your majesty." Looking awfully embarrassed.

            "Good luck." Sparhawk said clapping Talen on the back

            "Don't I get a good bye?" asked Danae

            "Goodbye princess."

            "What no kiss." Talen sighed and picked up Danae and gave her a kiss

            "Sometimes I think you're as bad as Aphrael." Sparhawk almost choked.

Talen put his bags on his packhorse and climbed on his horse and set off down the road.  The royal court stood and waved goodbye as he rode off.