Disclaimer: I own all the characters mentioned, the palace, the horses, but that's it. I don't own the actual cities and Tortall, no that's dear Tamora Pierce and I adore her greatly! Read and review, please!

Through the Eyes of a Warrior

Story 2

A Rider in the Distance

"I didn't want it to come to this, Coriana."

There was a tight knot in my throat. "Neither did I."

A hand fell on my gently shoulder as I gazed vacantly off into the distance. I heard a sharp breath from Sir Eglam, as if he might say something, but then no sound came and he gave a sigh. I bit my bottom lip, desperately trying not to show any weaknesses. "You did what you had to, my lord."

I believe that Eglam was glad that I spoke for him. That I understood. "Coriana, I've arranged for a family to take you in."

The knot in my throat suddenly felt as if it had burst into flames. Take me in? "I don't need charity, Sir Eglam."

"You've had a hard life, I know this, squire." Eglam's kind voice led my eyes to his. "I do it not out of charity, but out of compassion. I care for you as if you were my own daughter…Ana."

Eglam's eyes were gray, like a stormy day, his face gentle and always sad looking, as if he had seen his share of tragedy and more. His hair was like every knight, cut short, but neatly combed forward. Even at his age, Eglam's hair still retained its natural brown color. I collapsed into Eglam's arms, wanting for a brief moment to feel safe…to feel loved again. "Oh, my poor lass." Eglam kissed my hair as I let out a reluctant sob. Pulling me away, Eglam lifted my chin. "Don't be afraid of what's to come, Ana. Embrace danger—it is what brings us the greatest joys."

The flow of my tears seemed to carry some weight from my shoulders. "I don't know if I can even go on…"

Burying my face in his shoulder, I continued to cry as Eglam comforted me, his voice soft. "We cannot change the past."

Oh that horrible word! I wanted none of it! Thoughts raced to my mind, thoughts of the past. First my parents, then my best friend Adelaide. I had watched Adelaide die, though, slowly, where as it had been easier with my parents since I had not been there. Adelaide was a troubled young woman, her life filled with obstacles she had trouble surmounting, and finally, Adelaide gave up. Adelaide simply just ceased living. She received no words, refused any sustenance, and before I knew it, Adelaide had driven a dagger through her chest right before my eyes. I could see Adelaide's face now, looking so relieved as she slowly slumped back in an odd position while she faded away.

I pulled away from Eglam and wiped my eyes. "When may I return?"

"In six months time."

Hesitating, I stared at Eglam with uncertainty. Eglam chuckled, but I remained serious. "You have my word."

"I'll remember that." I said, blinking my stinging eyes. "I will see you in six months, my lord."

"Chin up, Ana." Eglam commanded. "And I don't want you coming back out of shape."

At this I laughed and after a final goodbye, I went to the loaded chariot, where I was carried off down a cobble-stone road to a place I had never been before.

Sometime during my journey I fell into a deep sleep. I cannot describe the dream I had. Adelaide appeared to me, wearing her tunic and dirt smudged on her face from practice—it was the mental image I always had of my best friend. In my dream there was something very different about Adelaide. Her dark eyes seemed haunted, in great pain, and she reached out for me, her features gaunt and sickly looking. "Won't you join me, Coriana?"

I gasped at the halting jerk of the carriage. My hair fell into my face, sticking to my perspiring skin. I took a few deep breaths, shoving the disquieting dream from my thoughts. The door to the carriage suddenly swung open and I blinked even in the dim light of the last rays of the setting sun. "Lady Coriana Dartmouth of Tyra, welcome to the house of Baron Atticus Donall of Whitehorn."

After gaining my wits from the initial scare of the sudden face that popped in front of me, I smiled and helped myself out of the carriage. "Thank you."

Wiping the dust that had been kicked up from the horses off of my best black tunic, I continued on my way, two house servants going to my bags immediately. I paused, gazing up at the house before me. It was dark—filled with shadows and gloom, so much that the house seemed to suck the life from the vines that climbed up its sides, only to begin to wither and die. Would it take what life I had left?

My thoughts were erased when I saw an older man coming toward me. The Baron. "Lady Coriana." The Baron smiled, outstretching his hand, palm up for a greeting.

"Baron," I smiled back, but took his hand in full and shook it firmly to his dismay, "I want to express my appreciation for you allowing me to lodge in your house in these troubling times."

Atticus was a large man. With a large, rusty colored handle-bar moustache, dark chocolate brown eyes, and built of large, but rounded angles. In short, the man was absolutely massive, and more than twice my size. I'd have better chances with a Spidren.

"Yes." The baron nodded, releasing my hand. "Well Lord Eglam stressed that you were a very honorable young woman and that I should have no problems with you being around."

He could have just said 'you're welcome'. I forced myself to remain pleasant. "Lord Eglam spoke of you greatly as well."

"Well then, come in," Baron Atticus instructed, turning and leading to the entrance of the great house, "I will have my servants show you your room."

As I followed the baron I felt as if someone was watching me. I lifted my eyes to a window we had begun to pass under. For a moment it looked as if a figure stood at the window, ghostly pale, blonde hair waving in the gentle, sorrowful wind. I blinked my eyes and the apparition disappeared. A trick of the mind perhaps.

"Now and then you will see a wispy figure walking about, as if she were lost." Atticus spoke, his booming voice echoing through the cavernous castle. "Don't fret. It's just my life. Allow her to go on her way and she shan't bother you."

I felt the knot in my throat again. Oh, Eglam, you must be testing me. "Tack! Signys!"

A young girl and boy suddenly appeared, at the roar of the baron. I flinched at the reverberation of the castle from the baron's monstrous vocal capacity. My, I would be getting dizzy here, wouldn't I?

"Yes my lord?" The children chorused.

The young voices warmed my heart and I smiled at the two. Youngest was the girl, she was petite, but I could tell that she was headstrong by the way she vied for approval of her lord while the taller and older young man kept his eyes averted and head slightly bent. I resolved to fix that. "Show the Lady Coriana to her room." The baron commanded, then glared at the young girl. "And no horseplay!"

With that, the baron stormed away and the two children looked to me, observing me as if I was a fish to be gutted. Nervously, I stepped forward. As always I kept my head high, my hands behind my back, and a knowing smirk on my lips. "Hello there."

The girl's eyes lit up and she curtsied. "Hello Lady Coriana!"

Once I might have curtsied, but that was years ago. "Lady Coriana." The young boy bowed slightly.

"Are you really a knight?" The little girl asked with curiosity.

The boy snapped at her. "Tack!"

I just laughed at them. "That I am, little one. So now I have it—you are Tack, and this is Signys, correct?"

"Yes." Tack replied with disgust. "But that's not my real name."

"Oh really?"

"Her real name's Otany." Signys informed.

"I could have told her that!"

My heart warmed to these two children. They brought a brightness that I had not felt for a long time. "I hope we will be in each other's company often."

"Oh yes." Tack said with excitement. "I wish to be a knight, too, Lady Coriana."

"And you will be." I said with a smile. "You can do whatever you set your heart to."

"Perhaps you shouldn't fill her head with false dreams." An airy voice said.

I rose, ahead of me I saw the apparition that had vanished from the window only moments ago. The ghostly woman scowled at the suddenly alarmed children. "Take the Lady Coriana to her room."

Eyeing the baroness, I felt an odd tingle run up my spine. Something told me that to cross this woman would be a far worse fate than to cross the baron himself. The children scampered off, insisting I follow them. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Baroness."

The woman gazed at me, her eyes wide in shock as if I had struck her down with my sword. The baroness's icy blue eyes made me shiver and I felt a small hand in mine, leading me off.

After getting settled in and changing into less formal dress, I decided to take a tour of the castle. The children had lingered in my room for some time before they were called off by their mother, the cook, to help prepare for supper. I rued the thought of joining the baron and his odd wife for dinner, but it was only common courtesy and I would be polite, as I was taught. I wanted to write to Lord Eglam, but I found no inspiration, and so I took to the halls.

Everything was so strange amongst these halls. The corridors seemed endless, I seemed to be going in circles, and each room of the thousand rooms looked the same, filled with luxurious things, and yet so empty. Cob webs lingered in the corners, mingling with a tickling, stale breeze, and the grey stone walls were damp, as if they had been weeping making everything seem heavy and tragic.

Soon I arrived back to my room and I saw a woman bent over something. When I stepped into the brightly lit room I saw a rosy-cheeked face turned to me. "Mercy me!" The woman cried and wiped her hands on her shirt. "I'd 'oped ta get this here before ye came back! As not to disturb ye!"

"No matter," I grinned and waved her apology away, "I enjoy pleasant company."

"Well you're a first." The woman grumbled bitterly, then pasted a big smile on her welcoming, round face. "I hope you like lamb, milady."

I suddenly remembered I was famished. "At this point in time, anything would satisfy me."

"Well then come in, come in," the woman insisted, and lifted a silver cover from a plate, releasing the most wonderful aroma my nostrils had ever had the pleasure of wafting, "before your supper is cold."

"It smells absolutely divine." I expressed frankly making her laugh. "If I may say so."

"Oh, deary me," the woman smiled gratefully, "we're in for a treat with you, lass. My name's Wendolinn. But you kin call me Wendy. If ya need me, know that I'm the only cook in this god forsaken house! Now come n' eat yer supper."

The woman had to tempt me no more. I sat and ate heartily, filling her head with compliments. "If you were a man, I'd love you." Wendy pinched my cheek. "Enjoy your supper, love, and I'll send a few servants up to see that you're well settled."

With that Wendy whisked out of the room, leaving me completely alone once more. I ate slower now, wishing for a companion to help brighten the room once more, but with the dimming of the sun, so did the candles and spirit.

Instead of feeling refreshed, I felt so drained, and remembered my great carriage ride, still feeling the bumps and slams in the knots that filled my back. Without a second thought, I dressed in my nightclothes and climbed right beneath the plentiful covers and fell into a quick, deep sleep.

Alas, the night was restless. Full of dreams of Spidrens and enemies chasing me. Of all the things in the world, I hate Spidrens most due to my parents' death. I attempted to kill the Spidrens by decapitation, but whenever I would cut off one's head, three more Spidrens would sprout. The dream went on for what seemed to be all night until I awoke to the light of midday.

Could I have slept for so long? Even when I was not awakened by a bell, I would usually wake up at the first rays of light, but how could I have slept until midday? The ride, I thought, it drained me and even after such a sleep, I still hunger for more.

A breakfast steamed at the foot of my bed.

I took my food, my thought wandering as I ate. I felt completely drained, but I knew the reason, so after breakfast I placed on a plain tunic and went to the stables where I came across a raven colored mare. I had been inspecting the horses, but it seemed as if she, too, were inspecting me. "Hello," I smiled at the coal eyed horse, moving close, "have you had your exercise today?"

The horse seemed to approve of me with a snort. "Neither have I, my friend." I smirked and moved forward, petting her long, sable mane. "Black as night…I suppose they've named you something awful."

Chomping on her bit, the horse licked at a golden sign on her stall. Stepping back, I observed the plaque on the stall and smiled. "Amelai." I looked at the black horse and laughed. "So I was wrong. A fitting name for a fitting horse. Do you wish to roam the grounds as I do?"

At this notion the horse neighed loudly in agreement and I laughed aloud in surprise. "Say no more, Amelai."

The mare was larger than usual, her back wide, but strong and young, and her gait was just as vital. I know I should have asked before taking the horse out, but no one was near the stables so I took to Amelai's back before anyone could refuse me. Before I was even settled, Amelai took off like a shot, running clear out of the stables and through the green.

I panicked first, but held my wits about me somehow, grabbing hold of the reigns and steadying myself as Amelai gained speed. As the wind ravaged my crimson hair and slapped at my face, I felt as if I had melded with the steed, her spirit making our bind, her pace making us fly.

Soon the horse slowed, far out of sight of the gloomy castle behind us where a wide, clear stream ran. I rested wearily. My whole body was exhausted from the ride. The black horse came to me, sniffing my stomach as I lay on the ground, my hands behind my head to cushion it. "What's the matter with you" The mare seemed to ask as she ruffled my hair with her snout.

"No worry, girl" I rubbed horse's snout fondly"I'm just tired, that's all…"

The days passed slowly, but time seemed to be going faster than ever and soon the month was gone. I rode Amelai daily to keep my spirits up and she seemed to approve of our relationship, as long as she was in charge. Sometimes, I believed us to be lost, but Amelai always knew her way, and she beckoned me to rest a while so she could, too. Our time together was happy and peaceful.

At the castle I rarely say Atticus or his ghost of a wife, but I was often visited by Wendy's two darling children, Signys and Tuck. Every day Signys laughed a little more and Tuck became fairly braver.

Three months had passed since I last saw Eglam. I wrote to him, but my letters seemed to fall on blind eyes—perhaps busy even, but Eglam never answered my messages.

An odd night in my sleep I dreamt of sun and grass. Surprising that I had for so long dreamt of gray and gloom to now see Sol and all his wonders arrive in my dreams. I knew I stood in the middle of a large field, the sun so bright it nearly blinded me, but off in the distance I saw a rider.

Raising my hand to shield my narrowed eyes, I strained to see the face of the approaching knight. I spied a glimmer of silver, a ruffle of a white and red flag rising above the rider.

I woke with a start at the sound of metal slamming down. "Oy!" A familiar voice cried as I shot up in bed. "Sorry, miss, din't mean ta wake ye."

Rubbing the sleep from my lids, I shook my head and viewed the midday sun. "Lords above…" I cursed beneath my breath, "have I slept so late?"

"Ye needed yer rest." Wendy instructed. "Now come an' fulfill the hunger you gained through the night. 'Sides, no reason te worry until tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" I queried in confusion. "What of tomorrow?"

"The Master Tadhg returns home. Atticus's nephew." Wendy said with delight as she wiped her floury hands on her apron. "An' he's a handsome one he is, 'as the loveliest eyes I ever seen."

"Tadhg?" I asked with sudden realization. "Sir Tadhg Beckett of Blue Harbor?"

"That'd be the same."

Sir Tadhg was a year or two ahead of me and we never truly crossed paths much, but Eglam knew him well and the two were good friends. I looked to Wendy with gratification, but I felt a worried grimace sweep over my emotions. "Thank you…"

Wendy just smiled brightly, her red cheeks popping up, and then she exited the room, leaving me be. I felt well being left alone. I felt safe.

Taking out quill and parchment, I set to writing.

Eglam

Oh the man I so miss, who's own pupil seems unworthy of his time. I jest, dear friend, for another matter is at hand. I know your motives, old man, I'm catching on! I bet you're going mad with fury now, but I know of your spies. Sir Tadhg? I rest my case, foolish knight.

Ahh, well, I've talked enough in my other writings. Fare tidings, good knight. I think of you as day and night pass over these hills.

With love and duty,

Ana

I rolled the parchment into a scroll and sighed staring at it. "Do write back, Eglam."

The sun was high as I picked the heathers, my hair tied out of my face and lightened from the days outside, freckles forming over my nose and cheeks. I heard the distant neigh of a horse and stood, the sun nearly blinded me so I raised my hand to shield my eyes.

In the distance I saw him—the knight I saw not but a night before in my dreams. Shining silver armor, a red and white banner waving above him, and a charging gelding heading my way. Amelai was well aware of the approaching knight. "Sir Tadhg." I whispered, but Amelai seemed to already know.

Moments later I found myself rushing into the castle, through a secret side entrance I happened across long ago, and that's when I saw him approaching. I gasped for breath from the flight, and Tadhg was ever so near, his eyes bright and sky blue, his hair a lovely dark, creamy brown with a mix of rays of sun that had been trapped there. A tall, but thin figure with broad shoulders, a well toned waist I supposed, jagged jawbone and cheekbones, and a prominent, well formed nose. Tadhg looked as regal as ever, his red and white flag of the Beckett horse proudly displayed.

"Lady Coriana?"

I turned to see young Tuck and smiled at her prim and proper little form. "You look lovely, Otany."

"You might have washed up a bit," Tuck scolded like an old maid, "but Master Tadhg will be 'appy enough ta greet you."

I lifted Tuck into my arms and swung her around, making her giggle. "Well." A soft voice said, stopping me. "You're in good spirits."

Stopping, I turned to see that Sir Tadhg had entered—the grand ceremony not a custom here. I let Tuck on her own feet, and looked to Tadhg, who seemed to revel in the mess of a sight I must have been. "You look well, Lady Coriana."

"I'm not at my best, I assure you," I admitted with a coy smile, "but it is good to see a familiar face."

Tadhg had always been one to taunt the younger pages, but he had a special liking to annoy me. I noted that Tadhg had grown some, there were handsome lines at the corner of his lovely mouth, and his hair had become darker, matching the moustache and well cut tiny beard he now sported.

"Ahh, there's my little devil," Tadhg's attention drew to Tuck now and outstretched his arms as he crouched down, "come here, you."

Tuck ran to the knight, his arms covering her protectively. "My you've grown!" Tadhg laughed, pulling Tuck away as he teased her. "But only by a pea!"

Furiously, Tuck stuck her tiny fists on her hips. "I've grown more!"

"Go on now and help your brother prepare for dinner," Tadhg instructed, "I've a few things to discuss with Lady Coriana."

"All right." Tuck sighed and slinked off.

After a few moments of watching Tuck's act, Tadhg turned to me. "I hope you get on well with the baron and his wife."

I gave a nod. "We stay out of each other's way."

"Eglam wishes me to send you greetings." Tadhg informed. "And he wonders if you've received any of his letters."

I felt my spine tingle. What letters?

Tadhg noticed my sudden vacant look. "Milady?"

"Yes…I…" I searched for words, and finally gathered my voice, "I did receive his letters, Sir Tadhg, but I could not find the strength to return his kind words."

"It is not my business," Tadhg said with sympathy, taking my hand in his, "you've no need of explanation. Eglam understands."

It was a brave gesture, but a kind one, and I felt his warmth gathered in my palm as he gazed at me and I in turn stared at our hands together. I wished Tadhg would have held my hand forever, because in his grasp I could feel some of the pain lodged inside of me begin to seep out and vanish. Letting him slip away, I looked into Tadhg's eyes, but I saw nothing but blue.

"Supper shan't be ready for some time," Tadhg said gently, then grinned, "I saw you in the fields earlier…you looked at ease there. Shall we escape to that heaven?"

Being in the presence of Tadhg brought back memories—although they may have been happy, I never felt so alone as I did then. Without someone to laugh with you at all the crazy things you've done…how do you make memories well again?

"At first I thought you were a fairy amongst the brush," Tadhg teased as we walked side by side and I chuckled with a slight blush, "but then, I saw that red hair of yours."

I glared at Tadhg. "You always did like to remind me how red my hair was."

"I was jealous," Tadhg winked at me with a laugh, "jealous of all that auburn hair of yours and each of those silly freckles you have."

"Oh you!" I gave him a slug in the arm.

Tadhg grabbed my wrist playfully and when I tried to push him away with my free hand, he grabbed that one, too, and we fell to the ground. "Oof!" Tadhg said as we hit the ground, hidden by the tall swaying grass as I gazed into his blue eyes, in turn he looked into my amber ones. "Quite a strong one you've turned out to be, Lady Coriana!"

I struggled with the young knight. "Let go of my wrists or I shall inflict well deserved pain on you in very touchy areas!"

Moving, I rolled to my left, Tadhg coming with me, and lying above me, our eyes meeting once more…but there was an odd light in his that I had not seen before. For a moment we remained suspended in our thoughts.

A large bell rang. "Dinner!" Tadhg shouted and like a youngster, rose to his feet, and bolted off. "Last one there must eat from the floor!"

"Oh no you don't Sir Tadhg!" I cried after him. "You just wait!"

I awoke smiling. My breakfast had not yet arrived and the first of the sun's rays had begun to warm the earth. Boredom overtook me, when sleep could not, and soon I was in the stables, preparing to ride Amelai.

"Up so early?" I jumped and spun about, seeing Tadhg approaching. "Did I scare you?"

"Of course not." I replied, allowing Amelai from her stall. "And for your information, I ride Amelai every morning."

"Good," Tadhg smirked, "then I will have company."

"Good." I agreed. "Then so will Amelai."

Tadhg pouted boyishly and the two of us rode off together. Amelai was always a good few paces out ahead of Tadhg's gelding. "Quit going so fast!" Tadhg shouted. "Won't you be courteous for one minute!"

I slowed Amelai a bit, and turned back. "Maybe your steed needs a morning jaunt more often."

Tadhg frowned coming up beside me. "You think you're clever, don't you?"

"I know I am."

Amelai snorted with annoyance at the gelding's sniffing of her. "Tell your beast to leave mine be."

"She's not yours." Tadhg shot back. "She was Thomas's."

"Who's Thomas?"

"Atticus's son." Tadhg replied sadly. "My cousin."

Tadhg was easy to speak with and kind to me in every manner. We spent most of the morning together, and dined together when we arrived back at the castle. Atticus joined us for a moment or two, before disappearing with Tadhg to discuss some important matters.

As I sat in the downstairs, open chambers, I kept my eyes closed and daydreamed of the times to come. I could not seem to exclude Tadhg from my thoughts.

A cold draft wafted through the small room. Opening my eyes with a start, I turned to see a familiar ghostly form approaching. "Baroness…" I stood immediately.

"Don't play your tricks with me." The baroness hissed. "Don't play your games with my nephew, you rusty haired little cow."

I was taken aback—the woman looked incapable of such foul words, but stranger things had occurred in earlier times. "Beg your pardon?"

"Evil little temptress!" The baroness fired, pointed at me with a long, lovely finger. "He is not yours to love!"

As fast as she came, the baroness disappeared.

Due to the scare of the baroness, I avoided Tadhg for fear of what the woman really was capable of! Tadhg tried his best to converse, but I woke earlier, ate alone, and stayed far from him.

I traversed the castle when I was among its corridors, and became lost in its endless halls. I had journeyed to the library, which nested at the top floor, gotten to from my room by a secret winding staircase behind a tapestry, I often ventured to the library to read of all of Tortall's history and to remain alone.

As I walked amongst the bookshelves, my hand dragging along the dusting book bindings, and my mind elsewhere, I did not realize Tadhg was there until he took my hand in his. "Lords of all—"

"Do not be frightened," Tadhg said in a hushed voice, "I pray the lady has not discouraged you from a friendship with me…"

I stared at Tadhg—how could have he known?

"Might I ask something of you?"

"Tadhg—"

"We are safe here," Tadhg assured, taking both of my hands in his, "I have known you for many years and yet I knew nothing of you…but in these past few days, just hearing you breathe takes my own from me…when you speak my heart wakes from a cold and doomed slumber. I feel as if I know you more now than if I had spent a thousand years with you."

I stared at Tadhg. "We are barely even friends."

Pressing his face in my hands, Tadhg gave a frustrated sigh. "Oh, how can my heart hurt when you are not near?"

"Tadhg…"

Raising his eyes, Tadhg gazed at me and pressed his hand to my cheek. I felt a surge of energy pulse through me and I closed my eyes, leaning into his warm palm. "Oh, Ana…"

Opening my eyes, I pulled his hand from my face and glared at Tadhg. "Don't pretend that you love me." I demanded with furious passion running through me, his face now in my hands. "Don't you dare make a fool of me…"

We kissed, our lips embracing and melding into one. "We must keep it a secret from the baroness…"

"But why?"

"Her son and I shared many similarities…" Tadhg replied, "and she does not comprehend loss."

"Whatever you wish." I took his hands in mine again. "I will do."

Tadhg smiled, brushing hair from my face. "Oh how I adore each and every freckle that appeared on that blessed nose of yours."

With that, Tadhg kissed my nose and cheeks as I laughed.

On the continuing days, Tadhg and I avoided each other. Only in close passing did we gently squeeze each other's hands, or steal a passionate kiss in a hidden hallway. Soon came the time that I was to return to Eglam.

A carriage was sent for me and I wished everyone well. I gave Signy a small dagger and Tuck my quill and parchment. Wendy hugged me a tight goodbye, Atticus shook my hand like a man, Tadhg nodded, wishing me well, and the baroness hovered above us at her window. I looked to her before getting into the carriage.

I waved, promising to return when I was knighted.

When we were out of sight of the castle, I finally settled and tried to sleep again, when the carriage came to an abrupt stop. "What going on?" I grunted and swung open the door.

Two shimmering blue eyes met mine in a welcome. "Tadhg!" I embraced him, feverishly planting kisses all over him.

The driver turned red and looked away. "Oh my darling," I smiled at the knight, "to be without you will make my legs weak, but my heart stronger."

Tadhg smiled gently. "I love you, Coriana."

"And I, you."

A kiss on the lips, and Tadhg smiled at me as he produced a purple flower and tucked it into my hair. "A safe journey, my sweet." Then Tadhg's eyes lit up. "Oh yes, I brought you something else."

Reaching back, Tadhg dragged something towards me and showed that a black mare was tied to the back of the carriage. "She will accompany you on the journeys ahead."

"Tadhg," I turned to him, "but how—"

Just smiling, Tadhg winked. "Atticus sends his blessings."

I kissed Tadhg again, deep and full. "I will see you in two month's time, my love…"

My lover smiled pleasantly—a smile I could dream and wait for. The carriage started off again, I watched Tadhg stand in watch as we went off. I knew that I could never forget my friend Adelaide, but I did not have to. Her world new was beyond my own, and she was with my parents now. I would still see her haunt my dreams, but I would no longer be alone. Through the eyes of a warrior, I gazed upon the man that had given my heart peace and I would love him for the rest of my days.