Disclaimer: Valdemar, Heralds, Companions etc … none of that belongs to me, it's all the property of Mercedes Lackey. I'm just borrowing the characters for a while … apart from Aline who is most definitely mine : )

A/N: Another day, another chapter … and maybe another nasty cliffy! I can't remember off the top of my head so you'll just have to read on and find out.

I just want to clear one thing up before I start – it's an issue that a couple of people have raised now and I completely understand how important it is to get the facts right when you're writing fanfics. However, when I started this fic I used certain ML books as reference points and one of those was 'By The Sword', in which the name of Kero's Companion is SayVEL. I don't know whether this is simply a typing error … but a couple of people have pointed out (something I honestly didn't know) that it's meant to be SayVIL. Phew, anyway, maybe it's 'cos I'm contrary, but I've started using Sayvel and I'm gonna end using it – so I hope it doesn't annoy people too much! Thanks for everyone who pointed it out though … and I hope the rest of the ML universe that I've used is accurate : ) : )

Okay, boring stuff out of the way so on with the story and the thankyous:

- Updated 23/5 – Darkwind and Elspeth are NOT married

moonwing: I'm so sorry about Kris … I feel REALLY mean now for killing him, but unfortunately, it had to be done. Hope it didn't upset you too much!

Hildi-chan: Glad you liked the chapter! Firesong and Silverfox … hmm … I'm pretty sure they have a good scene in a few chapters time, if you can wait that long! And if they don't have then I'll write one in – just for you!!

PrettyKittyOreo: Here is the next chapter, as promised : ) And I've already got the next few done and dusted so the wait shouldn't be too long …. I hope!

Desert angel: Here ya go – the suspense is over! Welcome to the story and I hope you enjoy the chappie : )

Konitsu: I know what you mean! Kris's death did come a bit out of the blue, didn't it? I think everything was getting a bit too happy and cliché so I thought I'd spice things up a bit and poor old Kris was my way of doing it! I hope you didn't mind that I killed him off … I didn't really think anything of it until I started getting people's reactions – it's a good job I didn't kill any important like Elspeth otherwise I think I would have been hunted down!!

Lizai: Yipee! New reader! Please please please keep checking back – I try to update once every week or so and I don't want to loose anyone …

Aeriel Ravenna: Thanks soooo much for your review – it's one of best I've ever had! I'm glad you think my story is consistent – I always double-check everything I use (except for the name of Kero's bloody Companion which has caused me a world of grief!!!!) so I hope it's accurate. I know how annoying it is to read a fanfic and be able to pick huge holes in the plot and characters. And I've often wished ML would write a book to follow the Owlknight series – but I couldn't wait so I thought I'd do it instead!

Icecrystal k'vala: Mmm … cookiedough – damn, if I wasn't on a diet! Glad you like to chappie and I hope you enjoy this one just as much : )

Queen's Own: Hmm … Darkwind, Elspeth and Lyra … cackles wickedly you're just going to have to read the next few chapters to find out what happens to them! I'm giving nothing away : ) : )

And here it is, the long awaited chapter in which the plot thickens, and as for Lyra, Elspeth and Darkwind …. you'll have to wait and see …. Oh and this chapter is dedicated to my new readers: moonwing, Desert angel, Lizai and Icecrystal k'vala – and especially to Aeriel Ravennawho gave me the bestest review ever!!!! Hope you enjoy it guys : )

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After the Storm

By: JoeyStar

Timeframe: Set a year or so after Owlknight

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(Haven)

Two weeks had passed since the attack. Messages had gone out to the people, not explaining the detail of the attack, but simply stating that the Heir to the Throne, Herald-Prince Kris, had been killed.

Herald-Princess Lyra was still on the cusp of death and even the powerful Healer Devan was beginning to doubt her chance of survival.

Herald-Mage Elspeth wasn't in any physical danger, but Queen's Own Talia had to spend copious amounts of time each day, trying to encourage words out of her. She still hadn't spoken since the attack and all Talia would say that she had suffered some deep mental hurt and time was her healer.

Adept Darkwind was unconscious, and had been since the attack. Although his wound had been healed and his life-threatening loss of blood replaced, he still remained out of reach. The healers were at a loss as how to wake him.

With only four witnesses to the attack, and one dead, one dumb and two unconscious, the investigation team had little to go on.

Haven was in an uproar when Firesong, Silverfox and the rest of the group finally reached the city.

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(Haven – near to the palace)

'Why… do I get the feeling… that there is something strange… going on here?' It was Kero who finally put voice to the words that all of them were thinking. They had only been in the city for a fraction of a candlemark, but all could sense something different about the capital of Valdemar.

Keisha looked around at the unusually quiet streets with interest. After all, neither she nor Darian had ever been to Haven before. He was staring about them like a wide-eyed child in a candy store. She almost laughed at the dumb-struck expression on his face – then quickly reminded herself that he was technically a country bumpkin.

'Where are all the people?' Firesong murmured, his voice unnaturally loud in the quiet afternoon air. He was riding at the head of the group, resplendent in typically flamboyant Tayledras robes of emerald green. His mask mimicked the star designs on his robes – it was picked out in tiny pieces of semi-precious stones that caught the sunlight.

Eldan and Kero exchanged worried glances. They were the two eldest members of the group and Eldan the only Valdemaran. Having lived in Haven for most of his life he was used to the nuances and quirks that the city displayed. And although he could see some people… as Kero had said there was something strange going on.

:Ratha? Is there something that we don't know going on?:

:I'll ask Chosen. I can't say at the moment. We have rather been out of touch lately…:

:Do I sense a wistful sigh amongst those words?: Eldan suggested slyly.

If Companion's could wince, that was what Ratha did. :Well… Sayvel's been rather – standoffish… and -:

:Enough!: Eldan laughed mentally. :You'll get your fill now we're back home. Now can you find out what's going on?:

:Give me a little time…:

'Anything?' After weeks of travelling together, every member of the group could recognise when either of the Heralds spoke to their Companions.

'Ratha's checking.' Eldan spoke up in answer to Silverfox's quiet question.

'Sayvel too.' Kero interjected as she moved up along side him, glancing about warily. 'I don't like this.'

Darian frowned, looking around. 'Perhaps we should ask someone?' he suggested, a little hesitantly. Despite his power he was finding himself somewhat out of depth in this new situation.

'It can't hurt I suppose.' Kero agreed, also looking around. Spotting a group of people standing outside a local store, she nudged Sayvel over to them.

'Excuse me?'

The townsfolk looked up, a swarthy man, a thin woman with a child hanging of her leg and a plump looking merchant. The swarthy man stepped back and bowed low. 'Milady 'erald. I begs yer pardon.'

'That's quite alright,' Kero told him graciously as the other came to a stop a little distance away. 'I've just come back to Haven after being some time away. I was wondering whether you could update me on events in the capital?'

:Diplomacy Kero? From you?: Eldan's eyes danced at the private joke. Kero growled back at him along their life-bond. :Enjoy it while you can. It's a rare and fleeting event.:

'Oh my Lady!' At her words the thin woman came forward, eyes wide and shocked. 'With you bein' aways from the capital you won't 'ave 'eard.'

'Heard what?' Kero prompted a little impatiently.

'Abouts the Prince me Lady 'erald.' The woman shook her head sadly. 'Ooh it was tragic.'

'What was tragic?' The words came out between Kero's gritted teeth.

'The attack me Lady – and the Prince's death!'

'Prince's death?' Kero started, eyes wide. The others, hearing her words came closer. 'Prince Kris is dead?'

'Yes my Lady,' the fat man cut in, bobbing his head. 'Six days ago yes?' the woman and swarthy man nodded, confirming his words.

'And the Princess? What of his twin Princess Lyra?'

The woman leaned forward, her face eager for gossip. 'Well my Lady, I 'aven't 'eard a lots, but I 'ave heard some. Apparently, the Princess was 'urt as well… but that's not alls I've 'eard. I've 'eard the Lady Mage Elspeth and 'er 'usband was as well.'

:She's right Chosen – Rolan just told me,: Sayvel told her, sounding upset :We'd best get back to the Collegium quickly.:

:Kris is dead?: Kero could hardly believe it. What in the name of Haven had been going on since they had been away?

:And Lyra badly hurt. Gwena and Jarlan are frantic!:

'We have to get to the palace,' Kero told her companions, forgetting about the townsfolk. For once there was nothing but seriousness in her direct gaze. 'We have to be there yesterday.'  

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(Healer's Collegium – main room)

Devan wiped one hand across his forehead, leaving a thin trail of sweat behind. Groaning slightly, he stretched – his hands going to the small of his back and massaging the tired muscles.

'Are you all right?' Talia looked worried. She was sitting beside the adjacent bed, smoothing the blonde hair back from the occupants face in a distracted fashion. Even the normally placid Queen's Own was feeling disturbed during the present circumstances and she could also feel the Healer's agitation rolling off him.

Knowing of her gift, Devan didn't bother to lie. 'I'm worried,' he admitted, coming around the end of the bed. Talia watched him with concern. 'Is it the wound?'

'No… the wound closed back when I first saw him, but…' he trailed off and Talia followed his gaze.

Darkwind was lying in stasis on the bed, arms at his sides, hair spread out to one side. The wound to his abdomen had been cleaned and bandaged several days before, but it was clear by Devan's expression that he was still worried about the mage. Darkwind's ice blue eyes were closed and his normally golden skin was pale and clammy. He had been unconscious now for six days.

'I can't understand why he hasn't woken by now!' The frustration was evident in his voice and Talia took his hand gently, projecting calm at him. 'But do you know what's got me the most worried?' The Healer continued, still watching Darkwind. 'That.'

He indicated the perch that had been set up by the Hawkbrother's bed. Dawkwind's bondbird Vree was almost silent upon the perch, head hung low, occasionally twitching a wing. Not only was his behaviour completely unusual for any bird he almost seemed to be mirroring the emotions of his bondmate.

'Surely the bird would be showing some kind of worry!'

'Devan, calm down.' Talia pulled him back around to face her. 'This worrying does no one any good, least of all your patients.' She stressed the word slightly and Devan glanced a little guilty down at the figure Talia had been tending to earlier. Extending his Healing powers he used Oversight to check out the girl's body.

As he had expected, Princess Lyra was still in a coma resulting from the attack six days previously. While he had managed to heal her individual wounds, the resulting loss of blood had left her on the cusp of death ever since. It was taking the majority of Devan's power to even keep her alive and lately… with the problem of Darkwind he had been able to give her less and less.

Slowly but surely, the life of the remaining heir to the throne was slipping away and it looked as if all the Healers in the world wouldn't be able to save her.

'Devan, you're doing all you can. No one expects anything more.'

'No? And what about the Queen and Prince? How am I to tell that their second child is dying! Do you really believe they will think I've done everything I can?'

Talia stood then and took her old friend in her arms, burying her face in the soft green wool of his robe. 'It's all right Devan,' she whispered, stroking his hair as the Healer let out all of his pent up emotions into her shoulder.

Finally he pulled away, red-rimmed eyes looking pleadingly at his friend. 'Oh Talia… how am I to tell the Queen that her daughter isn't going to wake up?'

'It's funny you should ask me that my friend, I worry that I am in a similar position with Elspeth.'

Devan spared her a concerned glance this time. 'No change?'

'Nothing,' Talia admitted, a little glumly. 'She's completely pulled back into herself. Whatever happened, whatever she saw and experienced in that room has affected her badly. I've been working with her for days now and there's still little response.'

Her words struck a chord with Devan and he looked thoughtful. 'I wonder how the investigation is going?'

'Well, with no coherent witnesses there isn't a lot they can do. They've already told Selenay so… she wasn't pleased.' Talia explained.

Devan sighed, moving away from the beds and leading Talia towards the door. 'Can you blame her? She's already lost one child, years before his time, and now her remaining ones are in some danger.'

'She needs someone to blame.' Talia said softly. 'And even I cannot help her this time.'

They had reached the door and Talia's fingers were touching the handle when it was opened abruptly from the outside.

She started blinking in surprise. Devan followed her gaze, staring.

'Firesong?'

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(Royal Suite)

Selenay turned from the window as the door guard of their rooms announced that she had a visitor.

'My lady Queen, may I present Herald-Captain Kerowyn and Herald Eldan,' the door guard proclaimed, holding upon the door as the two Heralds entered the room.

Selenay stared in astonishment at the couple, who had been absent for so long and had given no sign that they were returning home. Daren, who had been talking quietly to Dean Teren also arose as the couple entered.

The years that had passed since their last meeting hardly seemed to have impacted on the life-bonded Heralds. Kero still wore her long blonde hair in a tight braid, swinging down her back, and Eldan's was still as dark as ever, the two silver streaks slightly broader than before.

Without a word of greeting, Eldan crossed the room and took the Queen in his arms, comforting his old friend and clearly showing everyone that he had heard the news. Once again it was left up to Kero to play the diplomat. She walked over to the other two Heralds, nodding gravely in greeting.

'I am sorry for your loss Daren.' She said simply when she reached the Prince. 'If there's any way in which I can help then do not hesitate to ask.'

'Thanks Kero.' Her old friend murmured, offering her a bitter smile. 'And welcome home.'

Teren cleared his throat. 'We could do with your aid Kero. The investigations have been…'

'… a failure.' Daren interjected, causing Kero to watch him sharply. He was looking so strained and tired – not surprising considering he had just lost his only son.

Teren looked uncomfortable at his harsh words. 'In truth Daren, there has been little anyone could have done. We have nothing to go on.'

'Why don't you tell me what happened and I'll see how I can help.' Kero suggested logically, leading the little group from the room and throwing a thought back at her lover.

:Will she be alright?:

:Just leave us for a time. I think she may need to talk.: Kero sent back her assent non-verbally.

Eldan ignored the others as they left the room. Instead, he looked to his Queen. He had known Selenay since they had both been trainees under her father's reign and he had never seen her looking as lost as she did now.

'Talk to me,' he murmured, stroking her hair, suddenly aware that her shoulders were shaking with sobs that she had had to suppress for so long.

'I-I'm sorry…' she stuttered after a few moments, breaking away from him slightly.

'Ssh, dearheart; it's alright to grieve.' Eldan consoled her, leading her over to the chairs so they could sit in comfort. 'You've been putting on a brave face, I'll bet. And letting no one in.'

'T-talia's tried to help me,' Selenay admitted softly, inelegantly using the sleeve of her whites to wipe away her tears. 'But she's busy with Elspeth…'

'Stop.' Eldan took her hands and looked at her seriously. 'Selenay, sometimes you have to put yourself first – and this is one of those times.' His serious gaze caught and held her blue eyes. 'You've lost a child – a tragic event indeed – and you need time to grieve. You cannot keep locking all your grief away, otherwise it will come back and consume you.

'You may be a queen, but you are also a mother. No one is going to think less of you if they see you cry.'

His words fell on a silent room, but he felt her hands tighten slightly inside his. 'Thank you.' Her words were so soft that he almost thought he had imagined them. Then he saw the watery smile that had crept onto his queen's face and a feeling of relief swept over him.

A final wipe of her eyes and Queen Selenay's royal mask was back in place. 'Now, you errant Herald, are you going to tell me what exactly you are doing back in Haven without a word to anyone for over two years?'

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(Healer's Collegium – main room)

A frown could just be seen over Firesong's mask as he arose from Darkwind's bedside and turned to face the group arrayed behind him. After greeting the stunned Healer and Queen's Own he had immediately followed his calling and turned towards the friend he hadn't seen in years.

Now he was puzzled. The wound that had been inflicted upon the mage had been serious, but certainly couldn't account for Darkwind's present condition.

'Anything?' The Healer – Devan, that was his name – asked anxiously. He seemed almost at the end of his strength.

The Tayledras Healing Adept shook his head. 'Nothing that would explain his state. But I will try again tomorrow when I am not so tired. His condition will not change until then.'

'Thank you for trying Firesong.' Talia told him, looking curiously at the three newcomers standing just inside the room. Noticing her look, one of the men stepped forward, holding out his hand. He was a very handsome man with black hair as long as Firesong's, but he didn't have the golden skin typical of most Tayledras. She took his hand and was surprised by the strength of his grip.

'Greetings my Lady Herald,' he said, his spoken voice soft and pleasant to listen to. 'You are probably wondering the identity of myself and my companions. I am kestra'chern Silverfox K'Leshya – one of the folk of Silver Gryphon.' If Talia didn't understand his meaning she didn't say so. Silverfox continued, indicating the two youngsters standing behind him. 'This is Firesong's student, Healing Mage Dar'ian Firkin K'Vala K'Valdemar and his partner, Healer Keisha Alder. Oh… and Heralds Kerowyn and Eldan have also returned with us.' He added, as an afterthought.

A tired smile broke out over Talia's face as she recognised the name. 'You're Firesong's friend aren't you? One of the ones who went to Urtho's tower back before the last mage storm. An'desha and Karal have spoken of you.'

'An'desha is here?' This came from Firesong, and he seemed surprised. 'I thought he was with the Shin'a'in.'

'He returned almost a year ago now.' Talia told him briefly. 'Said something about having 'achieved his dream'. We weren't going to turn him away – he's teaching now, here at the Collegium.'

Devan cleared his throat. 'If you're finished here then you should be presented to the Queen – assuming you haven't already met her?'

Silverfox inclined his dark head in agreement. 'Despite our little sojourn into the tower I have had little opportunity to meet the inestimable Queen of Valdemar.'

'And neither Dar'ian or Keisha have met her at all.' Firesong put in, his worried gaze flickering across Darkwind's still body. 'Is there enough time now Talia?'

The slender woman crossed her arms, a frank expression on her face. 'Queen Selenay has recently lost a child and has one more lying in stasis in this very room.' She sighed, suddenly looking years over her age. 'I think it may be best that you stay in a guest room tonight and meet the Queen tomorrow.'

Firesong nodded in agreement and lead his friends out of the room, Devan and Talia following closely behind. As he made to leave down the corridor, Talia caught him by the arm. 'I hope I can trust your discretion in this Firesong.' She told the mage seriously. 'We have been forced to explain a little of what has happened here to the public… but the Queen wants to avoid a complete revelation.'

'Of course!' Firesong was surprised that she had asked. 'I will work in any way I can to aid in Darkwind and Lyra's recovery and the Queen can trust me to keep my mouth shut.'

Talia sighed in relief. 'I'm glad you're here,' she admitted, 'I don't know whether that Goddess of yours has a hand in this… but your being here is lucky to say the least. If anyone can save the Princess, then you can.'

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Hooray!! Does dance of joy Firesong and co have finally reached the city so now the REAL story can begin … but I'm not saying anymore than that. As always, HUGE thanks for all the reviews and long may they continue : )