The statement practically hung in the air and the group now standing in the Ascalon Settlement could only stand there and take it in. Terrence was perhaps the most shocked. Too many little shocks leading up to this one caused the man to sit down on the grass right where he was. Cambe leaned up against him, all but cooing and head butting him out of it. It was Captain Greywind that broke the silence, "Pregnant?"
Selena nodded, "Indeed. It was not confirmed until I had not one but two Healers confirm it. Given the time and how far along I am, there is no doubt as to the father. Not that I've exactly been with anyone else… nor do I have any wish to. I am indeed carrying Rurik's child. I am, given the time he and I spent with each other, over three months along. The only reason we can guess that I have not begun to overtly show how pregnant I am is that I wear very loose clothing and that it is my first child."
Terrence nodded, "It is your first child… and by our Prince… Selena, have you any idea what that means?"
"It means nothing," her reply was harsh. "I was there when Rurik was cast out of Ascalon, disowned by King Adelburn for simply speaking the truth. That was the first time I began to shake myself out of the fog I had fallen into after the Searing."
She closed her eyes. "I do not wish Adelburn to know. Although, it's not as if we can simply report to him," she said, when she opened them again.
"But, if the King knew, perhaps he would recant…" pointed out Devona. "He loved Rurik… and although I find that him disowning Rurik was too harsh—which is why I followed Rurik—you can't seriously say that you would deny the King the knowledge of his coming grandchild? His first grandchild?"
Selena sighed, "Even if I did not ask you to not tell Adelburn, how would you tell him this? The Stone Summit would not allow you to pass back to Ascalon, and if you were, how then would you return if Adelburn charged you with bringing my child and me back to Ascalon. Not that I would go back. Earlier, when I did not know my true name, I planned on returning. But now I know which way I must go. My father is heading to the Northern Canthan Isles to liberate his Guild's Hall. When I leave New Ascalon to Lord Greywind, I shall travel to this Guild Island and reunite with my family. That is my wish."
Devona sighed, "As you wish, my Lady, but… Lord Greywind?" she turned to Greywind. "When did she make you Lord?"
Greywind sighed, "She's stepping down and leaving me in charge."
"You can't!" Devona exclaimed.
"My thoughts exactly, Lady Selena," said Cynn. "Like, come on, the people love you and will love you more for that piece of news. Your child could be the first born in this new land. How joyous is that?"
"I did my duty, I saw us here," reiterated Selena. "Now I step down."
"Yeah, right, and leave old wind bag here in charge?" Cynn pointed to Greywind, patting him on the arm. "No offense or anything, but you can lead a few men but what do you know of leading a community?"
Greywind glared at Cynn, "As much as I don't like the way it was delivered, our young—and rude—friend here has a point. I don't know anything of leading a community. You must remain our Lady of New Ascalon. Much needs to be done and you are the woman to do it. The people, even the detractors, cannot argue that your leadership brought us from Shiverpeak to Kryta successfully."
Selena sighed, closed her eyes for a second, "For now, perhaps. Uncle Terrence… when my father returns to the mainland, you will send him to me, will you not?"
"You've spent too much time in court, my Lady," Terrence smiled. "But I'd be happy to."
Siuil watched as the waves broke on the beach of the Guild Island. Many of the denizens of the Island were Guild Members or their families. Some were retired. All were relieved when Arya Bladedancer sent the last of the opposing Guild packing from the Island. A few stayed but they were willing to stay under the banner of the Knights of the Shadow Empire. These few were older and did not want to leave, or they were too old to leave.
Arya could be a cold-hearted bitch when she wanted to be, but her response had been a shrug and a comment, "They didn't fight me, they ran because they knew they were no match. No, they are simply civilians now and if they wish to stay, they swear loyalty to me and no other. Or they die."
Most took the option to live and swear loyalty to a new Guild Leader.
Others rowed away in rickety boats to the other islands that could be seen on the horizon.
That had been a few weeks ago. A runner ran into Siuil's yard calling as the boy ran up to him, "Sir Siuil, sir Siuil!"
"What?" asked Siuil.
"A ship is in harbor, there's a Krytan lady dressed in clothes like other Ascalons," he said, before running back.
Chuckling, Siuil knew of only one woman who was dressed in Ascalon clothing but in fact very Krytan, Kristal La Rune. He walked from the valley in between the village by the docks and the massive stone Guild Castle. The island reminded Siuil of Ascalon, often painfully so. Arya had preserved the Ascalon way of making homes and the castle in the center of the island looked very much like Adelburn's in Old Ascalon. In fact, Siuil's new house on the island was exactly as he had left his old one in Ascalon before the Searing.
Kristal stood on the boat with a woman warrior that had been assigned to her as protection by Arya. The woman wore similar armor to Arya, only it covered far more. That, and it wasn't multi-colored but in fact silver instead. She did not wear her helm and braided blonde hair fell past her shoulders. Siuil nodded to the woman known only as Demon Slayer outside the guild, but Marion Brandon to those in the guild. Siuil stood in the crowd, and he saw Arya walk onto the ramp, bow slightly, and say, "Greetings, Ambassador La Rune. Welcome to the KSE Guild Island."
Kristal kneeled, "I humbly ask permission to step foot on your guild's grounds."
Arya walked up to her, and by the elbows stood her back up again, then took both her hands in hers. "Forgive my lack of decorum, but are you kidding? Any member of the La Rune family is welcome on our Island," said Arya as she led Kristal and Marion from the ship. With a wave of her hand, Arya began to introduce the more prominent guild members that also happened to be there. "Guild Members! This is Kristal La Rune, Ambassador of New Ascalon. She is welcome here."
A few waved, while those more used to courtly functions bowed. Then the mess began. "Hi, I'm Shala…"
"—Welcome to the Guild Island, I'm Io Lukas… hey, Akruan, get your big feet off my toes!"
"Greetings Ambassador, my name is Akruan Soulblesser, you may remember me from Asca… hey, take your turn, you imbecile…!"
"Never mind the stuffy monk, dear, my name is Lewie," said one other Mesmer in the back as she took Kristal's arm while ignoring Demon Slayer's glare. "Bugger off and give the poor woman air! You'll all have an opportunity to meet her later! Now, where did Siuil get to?"
Arya laughed, and using her greater height saw Siuil trying to get in, but saw him shrug his shoulders, as he didn't want to wade through the sea of people surrounding his sister in law as she was guided to the Guild Hall. Once they were in the gates, and those gates closed against the civilians, Kristal breathed a sigh of relief as the population of the people around her dissipated somewhat. "I didn't expect such a warm welcome," she admitted.
"You get used to it," said Siuil now that he had a chance to greet her. "Kristal, it is good to see you again."
Kristal hugged her brother in law, and then pulled back. "You're not in armor… but regular clothing again. Peacetime suits you, Siuil."
Siuil scratched his head, "Yeah, well, I couldn't wear it and work on my house at the same time. What news from New Ascalon."
"Well, there is good news and there is bad news," Kristal pursed her lips. "The bad news is that the Undead are a constant threat… and that has caused a bit of trouble with the bog skale population."
"Uh oh," said Siuil. "That's not good."
"Terrence took care of it at Captain Greywind's request," said Kristal. "Now, we almost lost Rurik's widow as our leader, but she decided that instead of stepping down as she had planned, she would stay on. Thankfully. Captain Greywind can lead in a time of war, but running a community requires a community leader, not a military one. But the Lady is also of a military mindset, much to all of our surprise…"
"Really?" Siuil lifted his brows. "That's good."
"Yes, indeed…" Kristal went silent and Arya began to walk beside her.
"So, what's the problem?" asked Arya.
"The Lady is pregnant with Rurik's child. At this point, I would imagine four months pregnant and she is showing."
"But that's a good thing!" exclaimed Akruan. "Rurik has an heir, even after his death."
"There's more, notice how I have avoided her name?" asked Kristal.
Arya tapped a finger on her chin when they came to a stop in the plaza outside the Hall. "I had noticed that."
"Her name is not Rosa, it would seem," Kristal seemed to go a bit monotone as she gazed at Siuil calculatingly. "It is Selena."
Siuil stopped walked and turned to gaze at Kristal as the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fell all too clearly into place. "Selena?" he whispered. "My Selena?"
Kristal nodded, "She does not remember anything before the Searing, so when you return to Kryta, take things slow. Also keep in mind that the girl is with child—Rurik's child. The rules are now very, very different when dealing with her. At anytime she can revert to being 'Lady Rosa', and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. She did it a few times when I think she felt Terrence was being too pushy. And trust me, her time with Rurik and among the court of Ascalon shows. Her voice and her face may be Selena La Rune, but her bearing and speech is noble Ascalon blood. Even, I daresay, Royal Ascalon. She is Prince Rurik's widow and soon to be the mother of his heir, and by the Gods, she damn well knows it too. She remembers nothing of her skills as a Necromancer or of a Monk. Our Selena may as well have been dead and buried for all of your daughter you will remember in her."
Arya and Akruan exchanged looks, then Arya asked, "She's changed that much?"
"Very much so," answered Kristal, then she smiled. "I said that she went back into 'Royal Mode' when she felt Terrence was being too pushy? Well, Terrence was trying to be the elder to a niece type role, and she took this look in her eye and said, 'We find your lack of respect boorish. Please take yourself out of our home until you feel you can address me properly.' And then Greywind escorted him out. Terrence had no choice but to leave, it was not Selena that ordered it, but the Lady Rosa. Although, now that everyone knows in New Ascalon, she is being called Lady Selena as much as she is called Lady Rosa. But, Lina formally had her name changed back to Selena, so officially she is now back to being Selena La Rune by birthright…"
"…But?" asked Siuil, mouth dry.
"She is still Rurik's widow, Siuil. That is what she knows. That is all she knows. In fact, sometimes we fear that a regiment of Adelburn's will show itself to cart her back to Old Ascalon as Eve was caught sending carrier pigeons back to Ascalon, and receiving them as well," Kristal turned grim. "She and Kasha Blackblood evidently never lost contact. The King knows of Rurik's death, of his marriage… and of his unborn child by Selena."
Siuil looked at Arya, "I have to go back."
Arya nodded sadly, "I know."
"… So, Selena was alive the entire time?" asked Terryann in shock. "I can't believe it. How comes she gets Rurik…?"
"Call it chance," Siuil grimaced as he carried his luggage onto the ship.
His armor was also packed away. Even if they ran afoul of pirates, his armor would be of little use on board the ship where balance and speed were the most important. So he wore the lighter leather armor of his earlier days, although it was better made and dyed black with silver accents. At least, if he fell overboard he wouldn't sink to the bottom. Terryann shook her head as she also checked her baggage, stowing it and lashing it down under her bunk. "So, what's she known as now if not Rosa?"
"Lady Selena of New Ascalon, daughter of Siuil La Rune, Regent Mother of Old Ascalon," Siuil pointed out. "You see, everyone assumes that Adelburn is dead so they assume that by default Selena rules all of Ascalon and when the child is born she will be Regent until he, or she, is of age and can take over from your sister."
"My sister the little Queen," marveled Terryann. "Well, in that case, better her than me. I have no desire to be tied down to one place like that. Nope, I'd rather keep wandering. So much of Tyria to see… so little time in life. I say it's Selena's loss… but I bet she and Rurik made one very cute little baby that will grow into a real heartbreaker. Rurik was rather handsome…"
That was punctuated by a sigh. Siuil shook his head, smiling as he did so. Rurik, even when it had been Rurik and Althea, had turned ladies' heads. Being a prince had been a bonus for many who would have fallen over for a chance with him, even if he had been a plain soldier. As the war ground on and he grew a beard for lack of a chance to shave, it had only served to make him look more mature, but not any less handsome.
Nor did he ever lose the caring nature and fierce desire of justice, or how protective he had been of those unable to defend themselves against the Charr. Siuil closed his eyes in regret. Not many had ever got close enough to the fallen prince to know the man instead of the crown like Siuil had. His loss was a blow.
"But I thought Adelburn was still alive," said Terryann in puzzlement as they made their way back up on deck where Demon Slayer and Kristal waited.
"He is," answered Kristal. "Only most of New Ascalon does not believe that anyone could have survived in Old Ascalon. Most of Old Ascalon cannot believe that those who left have survived the journey. But word will spread like wildfire." A pause, as if Kristal was struggling to find the right term. "Lady Selena does not wish to hide truth, and, wisely, believes that if she is dishonest then the people will lose their trust in her. The Gods only know if Adelburn believes the same. If he does, then we can expect an armed escort from Old Ascalon and the King to take her back to Ascalon."
Siuil tensed, "You sound like no one wants her to go back?"
"In truth, I don't know," answered Kristal. "But Rurik is absolutely correct that Ascalon itself is dead land and there is nothing to go back to. I don't Selena would go back willingly. But the problem still remains—the King has the right to demand that right of claiming him, or her, as an heir, bring his grandchild back. When I left, Selena was three months along, now she would be four months. When we return and by the time we get to New Ascalon she will be about five months along. And only the Gods know how the White Mantle and our own guard are handling the Undead invasion."
With a sigh, Siuil said, "I had not realized the situation was that grave."
"I don't think any of us did," said Terryann. "But at least, if we can convince Selena, we can bring all those who wish to here to the Guild Island and establish a safe New Ascalon. The island is plenty big, almost a small nation to itself. The other islands around are uninhabited, I checked, so if we need to we can expand."
Kristal nodded in thought, "A viable and very good suggestion. I will suggest that to the Lady when we return. She will want an immediate audience upon our return. In fact, she insisted on it when she sent me to find you."
"So she knows?" asked Siuil.
"Oh yes, she has been full of questions about her past, about Ashford, about us, about you and Melina… as well as you and Devona," Kristal raised an eyebrow. "In fact, she was quite curious about if you and Devona would in fact get together. She approves, by the way, if you wish to. She and Rurik often discussed the matter… before he died, that is."
Terryann began to giggle, "Oh, did that conversation ever blow up in your face, father."
As it was, Siuil's face was an interesting shade of red. It seemed a lifetime ago, but he remembered the last conversation he had with Selena. It had been before the Searing…
"Look, all I'm saying is that the other women your age in Ashford are married with children. I'm not saying to have to do so immediately, but has it not crossed your mind?" he sighed. "Oh, don't get me wrong, Selena, I'll give this talk to Terryann when the time comes. I just want to make sure you're happy. If not him, then maybe…"
"Who? Pitney? That prize hog farmer I can never remember the name of?"
"Then perhaps not in Ashford," he chuckled. "There are plenty of other single bachelors in Ascalon."
She sighed, "Keep this up and I'll likely be married to Stefan before winter."
Siuil caught the sigh, "Why, has it crossed your mind? And why Stefan? If I'd known you'd take a leaning for Warriors I'd have…"
"Father, please, if I take a man to marry, let him be of my own choosing. As someone who has graduated from the Academy, I deserve the right to choose my own husband, assuming I want one, unlike the other women who had theirs chosen for them," Selena's tone was a bit sharp, but Siuil knew that it was also her right.
"Fine," he said. "Now I can't even pick one out for Terryann, she's also graduated from the Academy and so has the right to choose her own match."
Selena smirked. "Now, now, Father, just because we have that right doesn't mean we won't ask your advice either."
That had been exactly two days before the Searing. Two days and his life seemed to fall out from under him. For three painful years he had thought his brother was dead, and an additional year that Selena had been dead to him as well. Four years of sheer hell until now… Terryann saw the faraway look on his face, "Father?"
"I'm fine," he pushed down the painful emotions. He would face them later. He forced a smile. Eventually he would find this amusing, but not right now. "But you're right, it did blow up in my face. Now she's playing matchmaker for me instead of the other way around…"
Lion's Arch was still the busy hub of Kryta that they had left a few months before, and as the La Rune's walked down the gangway to the dock from the ship, Siuil turned to see that Kristal had not followed. "Kristal?"
"Oh, I'm going to be getting off, but there is another port that I still have to visit, a mission from Selena," Kristal chuckled. "She may tell you about it. See you when I get back."
"Yeah, see you later," said Terryann. "Be careful!"
"I have Demon Slayer with me," said Kristal. "Everything will be fine."
With that, Terryann and Siuil walked into town. "I have to get my armor repaired," Siuil pointed out as they walked into town. "Can you check with a Xunlai Agency to see how I'm doing for credit?"
"Yeah, sure," answered Terryann. "I have to check my own anyway."
They split off and as she climbed the hill to the knoll where the Xunlai Agent was, she stopped as she saw the pair that stood there. "Well, I never thought to see you so soon again," quipped Terryann.
Shala Jarias and Io Lukas turned around quickly. "When the only port in between the Guild Island and the rest of Tyria is Lion's Arch, expect it," answered Io as he grasped Terryann's forearm in a friendly greeting. "It is good to see you."
"Yes," said Shala, hugging her friend. "I didn't expect to find you back on the mainland so soon. I thought you and your father were busy building your new homes on the island?"
"We were called back," said Terryann, and although they were guild members, she was not sure if what she had to say should be said in the open market. "Family emergency and official Vanguard business."
She smiled as if to remove the sting of not confiding in her friends. Io nodded, "Yes, we were also called back by Lady Rosa. She is calling for personal guardians as if expecting something. Evidently not all is well in paradise…"
Terryann shook her head, "I had not heard that."
This was worse than she'd thought. "Any word on the Undead Invasion?"
"Well, no and yes," said Shala. "About the same, from what the Lionguard tell us. The White Mantle has other problems and for some reason, they're all on edge and it is not from the Undead Invasion. I think that problem may be winding down—and something else winding up."
"I, too, get that feeling," concurred Io. "And we've only been here for a few days. When did you get in?"
"A few minutes ago," answered Terryann. "That reminds me, my father sent me to see about his account. And I also came to see about mine. Then we're leaving for the Ascalon Settlement after he gets a few repairs done to his armor."
"You didn't take any damage?" asked Io.
"No, I'm a ranged fighter," answered Terryann. "So my armor didn't take many hits."
"Well, seeing as we're all going towards the same place, how about we travel up there together? It would be far safer," suggested Io. "Not to mention we would be able to spend more time together—ow! Shala, what was that for?"
She answered with a glare, "As if you need to ask."
Terryann began to laugh. "Okay, we can travel together. When will you be ready?"
"Whenever you are," answered Shala. "As I said, we've been here longer."
"Okay, I'll go see about our accounts and then we can go hunt down my father…" Terryann walked up the Xunlai Agent. "I'd like to check into my accounts and my father asked me to see to his account as well…"
"Your name please?" asked the Agent.
It only took a day to repair what little damage had been done to Siuil's heavy armor and then the four began the walk north to the Ascalon Settlement from Lion's Arch. As they walked, their experienced eyes kept a careful watch on their surroundings, but even so they talked, joked, and enjoyed the sunny day. "—And then Arya fell into the small lake… it completely soaked what little she was wearing," Terryann giggled. "You could see through the linen of her tunic."
"Oh, that's priceless," agreed Io. "But that's what happens when she drinks too many dwarven ales, I guess…"
"It wasn't ale," pointed out Siuil. "It was absinthe. She broke into Lynn Matheri's home and borrowed the still from his lab to make it, evidently. I don't know how long she's attempted to make it, but when Matheri found out he wasn't too pleased. But Arya replaced it, so he didn't complain that much."
"I take it you've dropped that fight with him?" asked Shala, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes and no," Siuil shrugged. "We've come to a mutual agreement. He doesn't bother me and I don't bother him. It's more of an arrangement of denying that each other exists in the Guild. His home is as far as I can be from him. He lives in the large house in the village… just under the trebuchet."
"Lucky bastard has beach front property," agreed Io. "Him and Akruan have the same layout of home, only Akruan has cliff front property and a vineyard. I've been in Akruan's, but not Lynn's."
"Same thing, only different location," said Terryann. "Only, likely, Lynn Matheri has a different sense of 'home' than that of Akruan Soulblesser. Akky is a Monk, through and through, Matheri is a Mage."
The way was incredibly clear of enemies and they all, upon seeing homes that had been abandoned now reclaimed by their former owners, realized that through Selena's leadership a militia had been formed in Northern Kryta to protect Northern Kryta and New Ascalon interests. Io whistled upon seeing the Ascalon guardsman stop and salute Siuil, who saluted back, "I have to hand it to Lady Rosa. When we got here all these homes were empty, now life returns…"
"Not bad," admitted Shala. "No Tengu, Bog Skales or Ettins. I had my doubts to whether some sad case from Sardelac could lead us, but this amazes me. Rurik chose her well."
Siuil smiled, pride swelling at the sight of his eldest daughter's work. "Yeah… not bad at all."
Finally, they reached the part of Northern Kryta where Kryta seemed to end and the old ways of Ascalon began. Settlers worked the lands and some, upon seeing Siuil waved in greeting. He waved back. One girl began to run into the town proper and as they reached the borders of the town, Captain Greywind was there to greet them. "Did the Ambassador have a chance to talk to you Siuil, or did you come on your own?"
"Don't worry," assured Siuil. "I know, Kristal did find me, yes. Where is… the Lady?"
"She requests your immediate presence," Greywind pointed to the largest house in New Ascalon, once built to accommodate not only the woman herself, but also her child and also the town hall.
Siuil stopped at the stairs before entering, and turned back to his friends, "This is something Terryann and I have to do alone… can you wait here?"
"Yeah, sure," said Shala in puzzlement.
Siuil nodded to Terryann and she followed him in. Siuil, unsure of what he should do upon seeing his daughter in the main hall did as he was taught when faced with nobility—he knelt before her. Terryann took this cue and did the same. Selena responded, and when she did, Siuil could hear the strange formality, the same clipped tones that came from time spent in the Ascalon Royal Palace and near court. This was a woman now accustomed to holding court and being in court. Gone was the unassuming and quiet Selena La Rune. While she was still humble, he was told, in her place stood the noble who moved with assurance of someone used to having her orders obeyed by everyone in the Settlement. "Greetings," she said. "Please, rise. If what I am told is true, then you need not bow nor kneel in my presence."
Siuil and Terryann did so and Terryann let her hand lift to her mouth to stifle the shocked gasp. The new Selena was very different than the old. She might have been a Mesmer, if not for the very different style of dress. She wore a loose fitting long tunic and a skirt that was full and brushed the floor. The fabric was rich in both color and the silk and fine linen expensive. A finely tooled leather belt that was engraved with what appeared to be Ascalon designs in it cinched it all together so that the dress had some form, although she could not tie it tightly for her swollen belly. Her hair was long, longer than Terryann's and styled in braids and ribbons that both held it back and framed her face. She still wore the silver and gold circlet on her head, only now it had a few sapphires inlaid, denoting her new rise to power. It was like meeting a Queen, not his daughter. But she was his daughter too even if she did not remember him. "Hello… I mean greetings, my Lady," said Siuil as if meeting a stranger, and perhaps that was what she had become. He did not know who this strange creature was and she did not know him. "I am Siuil La Rune, and this is Terryann, my younger daughter. I…"
Even though the woman stood before him, his daughter was still lost to him—and it hurt.
"This is awkward for you and so you fall back on what is safe," she said, arching an eyebrow. "Am I not what you expected of me?"
"Yes, you are," said Terryann, stepping forward, and Siuil could see by her expression that she had also come to the same conclusion. "But we thought that taking it slow would be better than rushing things. You don't remember us, do you?"
"No…" admitted Selena. "I do not. But I can see the resemblance in you. I see your face every time I look into a mirror, and in that face I see his as well. We are related even if now we are strangers."
"We won't rush you," said Siuil.
"Nor I you," admitted Selena. "But I must confess that I find it very frustrating to see the evidence before my eyes and not remember what I should know while I know why I should know it. But, perhaps as my Rurik was to you, we can also be friends at first and relearn the ties that we once knew?"
Siuil smiled, "That's all I ask even if I want more."
"Then it is settled," when they went to bow, she held up a hand. "No, you are my family. You do not need to bow to me. And as my family you may stay here with me. Perhaps if we are close it will remind me of what we had before the Searing. I insist you have dinner with me."
They nodded, and it was Siuil who said, "I would like that very much."
Selena sat down in the chair at the head of the table and they also sat down close to her. "Now, I understand that I am to soon be a grandfather," Siuil ventured. "I have to say that in addition to finding you still alive, that is also wonderful news."
A shy smile greeted him and Selena sighed, "I was not sure how welcome it would be."
"How can it be anything but good news?" asked Terryann.
"If you know, then you must have spoken to Kristal. You know that Eve has been in contact with Kasha, and through Kasha, King Adelburn," pointed out Selena.
"Yes, but you have no idea if he would want you to come back," said Siuil, slightly confused.
"Oh yes I can," retorted Selena, for a moment a glimmer of her former self showing itself. "Eve told me upon receiving a response to her latest missive to Ascalon—Adelburn wants his new heir close and kept 'safe' from the Krytans."
"Not good," agreed Terryann. "That means he will see you back in Ascalon and likely send a regiment to bring you back."
"Indeed," Selena nodded. "Now, this is the problem. I do not wish to return. Not at this point. Firstly, I am too far into my pregnancy to return safely. The travel could harm my child, and could kill me while pregnant. And, even then, I have no wish to return to a dead kingdom nor force my child to live in one. I need someone to protect us until I give birth, then protect the child and I, whether it be son or daughter, until we are strong enough to leave. Captain Greywind and I have left provisions for my succession when I step down and leave."
Siuil nodded, "Because leaving would be the only way to protect you and your child. You would be out of reach… or in the least not in the first place to look. Have you given any thought on where you would go?"
"I was hoping that Arya Bladedancer would accept my petition for asylum on the KSE Guild Island," admitted Selena. "Other than that, no, I have not… not officially anyway. As far as the White Mantle are concerned, that is where I would head."
"But?" asked Terryann, suddenly getting the feeling that she was leading somewhere with this.
"I have made contact with the Shining Blade about hiding me in the Maguuma Jungle if Arya refuses me asylum," Selena, at seeing their shocked faces, looked down at her steepled fingers. "Do not look so shocked, do you think by our power alone we have kept the Tengu at bay? No, it has been with the help of the Shining Blade. The White Mantle, for all their talk, actually do very little to aid us. Only enough to keep up appearances. Without the Shining Blade we would have fallen months ago."
"But…" Siuil took a breath. "Were they not responsible for the murders in Bergen a few months back?"
"I do not think so," Selena shook her head. "Very few witnesses have stepped forward, but my own information gathering has led me to believe that whatever happened to those White Mantle was caused by White Mantle instigation to discredit the Shining Blade. For what purpose? I do not know. But, be warned, not all is as appears with the White Mantle."
"Great, from the frying pan into the fire," muttered Terryann as she ran a hand through her hair, and then she looked outside. "Anyway, father and I have traveled a fair distance and you have two people from our Guild who are here to see you. We won't hold them up any more and will catch up with you at dinner, if that's all right with you."
"It is fine," said Selena, standing up from the table. "Please, make yourselves at home."
Siuil followed Terryann out of the room as Shala and Io walked into the main hall, kneeling in front of Selena as they did so. Selena did not bow, nod, nor, kneel back. Siuil caught Shala's questioning gaze and he shook his head to signal that he would explain later, and then he left the room to leave them to talk in private.
Later in the evening Shala caught up to Siuil at the beach. "Hey, what went on in there?" she asked.
Siuil looked around to make sure that no one, especially of the White Mantle, were around. "It was a reunion of sorts. Why, what happened in there with you?"
"We were sent by Arya to tell her that she was welcome on the Guild Island whenever she wishes to go there, and stay as long as she liked," answered Shala. "As well as offer her and her child membership and our protection. Now, what happened in there, and don't change the subject Siuil."
"Lady Selena is my lost daughter," answered Siuil. "Kristal sent us back as Selena wanted to see us. She… lost her memory in the Searing and so doesn't remember any of us. She wanted to meet us, relearn her lost history. And tell me in person that I would soon be a grandfather."
Shala's hands flew to her mouth and then she whispered, "So that's why Arya allowed her. I was wondering because upon seeing her she didn't seem the type that Arya would usually allow in her guild. But it all makes sense now. I can't say how happy I am to hear that. All your family is reunited. That's wonderful news…" she saw his grim expression. "Isn't it?"
"Oh, it is, don't get me wrong," said Siuil. "But things are extremely complicated. I can't even begin to explain them and here is not the place to attempt it."
"I understand," said Shala. "So… when is your grandchild due?"
"In about four months from now," answered Siuil. "Then she figures that she would be well enough to travel to the Guild Island a few months after that, perhaps sooner, perhaps later. She hopes sooner. As do I."
"I get the feeling this is really complicated," Shala crossed her eyes. "What am I missing here?"
"Not here, not now," Siuil held up one finger as he pointed to her. "Perhaps later Shala. But, expect trouble. We are expecting it."
With that, Siuil waved and returned to the village. "Great…" drawled Shala. "Expect trouble but not know from there. That's extremely not helpful…"