A/N: first update for... eep... what, a year? Well, not quite that. Eight months. Still, it's quite a long time. Boring disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, if I did I'd probably have a great deal more money than I currently do (ooh look, I found a quarter! I'm rich!). Sorry for the long wait, I keep forgetting to update. -wince- Please don't kill me, people.

They entered the city to the cheers of crowds; even in this short space of time, the people of Belisaere had heard of the Abhorsen-in-Waiting's arrival. It had taken them just under two days to travel the distance between the Clayr's Glacier and the capital city of the Old Kingdom, but nevertheless, Lirael was exhausted. She'd been forced to ride, despite her protests, and had had to bear with not only the challenges of riding, but Yrael's snide comments from his position in her pack.

Lirael stared around as they entered the great gates, trying to take it all in. The last time she'd been here was just after they'd defeated the Destroyer. They'd arrived at night, and she'd only stayed a few days, staying inside almost all of the time, before she left for the Clayr and the Glacier she called home; so her awe was understandable. The streets were crowded with people, more people than Lirael had ever seen in one place in her whole life--even more than lived in the entire Clayr's Glacier, and they were all so colorful, wearing a shirt of this color, a skirt of that, and a vest of a third. The Clayr had only limited clothing options, all depending on what service the person was performing for the Glacier at that time.

Sameth's horse at the front of the procession slowed, and he hung back to ride next to his half-aunt. "Impressive, isn't it?" he said, loudly, so his voice would carry over the cheers.

Lirael nodded, keeping her golden hand tucked firmly in her waistcoat pocket. She didn't attempt to speak over the noise, for the double reason of not having anything to say and not thinking that anyone would hear her if she did.

Five minutes later, the guards having cleared a path through the crowd for them, they reached the palace and Lirael had another thing to stare at. She slid clumsily down from the horse she'd been riding on and gaped at it.

Sameth dismounted briskly, as did Nick, who'd obviously had a few riding lessons while at the Palace. Both of them looked perfectly composed and ready to keep riding all day, if necessary, while Lirael felt limp and sore just looking at a horse.

"Let's meet in the solar in half an hour," Sam said. "Nick, you can show Lirael where it is. I'll get one of the guards to tell Dad we're back," he added. "He can meet us there, too. And Ellimere."

Lirael nodded, not really hearing what Sameth was saying. She was too tired from her ordeal of horseback riding to think about anything but a warm bath and then sleep, and possibly clean clothes somewhere in here.

Yrael's head poked out of Lirael's pack. "So we've arrived," he said. "Interesting. It seems you are some use for something after all, Princeling." He gave a sidelong, smirking glance at Sameth.

"And you," Sam said, "get to stay right here."

"Indeed." The little cat jumped to the ground. "Or perhaps I will ensure that my promise is fulfilled," he said, his eyes sliding up to Nick's face.

The Ancelstierran flushed. Sameth didn't see that, and said airily, "Of course, Yrael. Just not right now." Lirael frowned at Nick.

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh! Oh--um--no." Nick glanced away.

Lirael's drowsiness dulled her mind. "Good," she said vaguely, and began to walk toward the palace, though she didn't have any idea where she was supposed to go.

"Lirael, you can have... um... the blue guest room," Sameth said, following her. "I think that's free now." He glanced at the guards to make certain, but they were leading the horses away already. "Nick, your room's still there."

Nick nodded and looked at Yrael. The cat met his glance with a sardonic look; then Yrael trotted across the courtyard, following Lirael and Sameth. Nick sighed and tugged his surcoat down to hang properly, and then, with a hand on his sword hilt, followed the little cat into the Palace.