In the months that passed Selena's pregnancy became more obvious. Siuil had become a wandering adventurer, never venturing far from Lion's Arch or the Ascalon Settlement. Terryann, on the other hand, often was gone for weeks. And so it was here. Selena was slowly re-learning her skills, again under the tutelage of Munne, but Siuil was relieved to note that Munne did not stress his daughter overly. But Selena learned enough again to defend her town. Mhenlo, Alesia and Lina spent the time helping her regain her lost Monk skills, and given the type of skills, it seemed for awhile that Selena might soon switch her primary focus.
She had a long way to go with either professions to catch up again, but as Siuil sat with her on the deck behind the house in the Settlement, she said, "It has been eight and half months since Rurik has passed. Father… I have received word that a small regiment from Old Ascalon has arrived in Kryta. The White Mantle has given them passage here on the North Sea. Any day now their sails will be seen on the horizon."
Siuil blinked in sudden alarm, and he hissed in worry, "King Adelburn."
"It would appear so… but not in the flesh. The King has chosen to remain in Old Ascalon," Selena looked over, her expression darkening. "It is Duke Barradin, Lord Darrin and Warmaster Grast as well as a few of their men and women."
That was even worse.
Siuil sighed and leaned back in the wicker chair. He wished Arya or some of the other members of the Guild were here, but only Lewie and Akruan were here. Terryann was, again, on one of her long wanders that often took her to Beetletun and past it. Terrence also was known for far ranging, but no one was quite sure where he headed off. Kristal had returned once, then left again to Lion's Arch and back on the ship. "What will we do?" he asked.
He'd hate to have to openly defy Barradin or Darrin, or evenly have to opening battle either of them. Battling Grast was even less inviting. But he would if it came to that. Her keen eyes looked out suddenly over the horizon and she frowned. "It appears that in a matter of days… they will be here."
Siuil turned and looked out on the sea. Seeing the white sails of a ship nearing the coast, he turned to her, "Do you want to make for Lion's Arch and to the safety of the Guild Island?"
"I will not run away," she scoffed. "And if I need to, do not worry. I have necessary arrangements made that will not only take me into safety, but also keep the Guild Island safe."
Siuil met the men on the beach as they walked off the dock and onto the sand. Duke Barradin led and after motioning to his men, they filed off the ship and onto the beach. Siuil did not bow, even as every muscle screamed to do so. Barradin did not bow to Siuil either. They stood there for a long time before Barradin smiled and opened his arms wide in greeting, "Siuil La Rune, hero of Ascalon, both Old and New. It does my heart good to see you well."
With a smile Siuil extended his hand, "Lady Rosa sends her regret that she could not be here to greet you in person, but she is in very delicate condition."
"So we've heard," said Lord Darrin as he walked off the dock. "In fact, that's the whole reason we're here."
"We thought as much," Siuil took a breath. "With all due respect, and in accordance with my daughter's wishes…"
"We are not here to take her, or the child, back to Ascalon," assured Barradin. "The King sent us to defend her from any threats—and the child. I was sent to confirm the new Prince or Princess as heir to Ascalon, and induct Lady Selena, as we know her name is not Rosa, as Duchess Selena La Rune of New Ascalon. She will be the leader of the new colony."
Siuil lifted his brows. "You're not here to take them back?"
"Not if she doesn't expressly wish it," said Darrin. "And if she wishes to visit, assure her that we are clearing the Southern Passes with the help of the Deldrimor. A passage to safety from the Charr and from any other threats will be welcome. I would hate to say it, but as the time went on, Adelburn is almost agreeing with Rurik. He won't leave his Kingdom, but he sees the opportunity to expand southward."
"I'm relieved," said Siuil. "Because I am fairly certain that Selena does not wish to return permanently to Ascalon. There are people she would love to see again, but as Ashford was her home and nothing remains she truly has nothing to return to. And neither do I."
Barradin shook his head, "I understand your point, but we are pushing back the Charr. There are pockets where Ascalon recovers even, where fresh water is coming back and where grass grows again. But, perhaps here is not the best place to speak."
Siuil agreed and they walked up the beach and up the cliff path to the village. Grast looked around, "It's very green… it's almost heartbreaking. Ascalon used to look like this."
Without smiling Siuil pointed out, "Yes, but it was not easy."
"I'd imagine not," said Darrin.
Siuil stopped outside the wooden house that Selena lived in and motioned to the party from Ascalon. "She is expecting you."
The three men walked in, and Siuil followed. Selena stood on a platform that was a short step down from the rest of the room. In a way it was a stage at the very end of the room. Barradin bowed, "My lady of New Ascalon, I bring tidings from the King and Old Ascalon."
Selena bowed slightly, respectfully, "Speak my King's words."
Barradin took a breath, "Lady of New Ascalon, Princess of Ascalon, soon to be one day Queen Mother; the King bade me to speak these words upon meeting you. You are blessed among the women of Ascalon and give all of Ascalon hope with the wonderful news of bringing a new life, and an heir to the late Rurik."
Arya walked in, silently, beside Siuil and whispered, "So the King does know of Rurik's fate."
Siuil nodded and they listened to what the Ambassadors had to say. Then he realized that Arya was indeed there. Staring at her in surprise, she winked at him and pointed his attention back to the proceedings. "The news of knowing that Rurik left such a strong and capable wife in his stead lifted the King's heart even as he mourned two losses—one his son, the other his beloved wife and Queen."
The assembled people gasped in shock and Selena asked quietly, "When did the Queen die?"
"A few months ago of heart break," answered Darrin. "She took the news of Rurik's death very hard. After all, your children are supposed to outlive you, not the other way around."
"I am sorry," said Selena. "The Queen was kind to me while I lived in the Palace."
She said nothing else and Barradin continued, suddenly placing her as Kasha's ward… then Rurik's ward. The mute ward. He was mildly surprised and glanced back at Siuil who was very neutral although he watched with more than a little bit of worry. Barradin turned back to Selena and continued. "But, the news of you and Rurik's child brought light back into his eyes. Nothing could replace his own Queen or Rurik, but you and the child are precious to him all the same. He looks forward to being a grandfather very much and welcomes you into his family. And so, we get to the business at hand."
Darrin and Grast knelt while Barradin opened the box brought in by a page. Reaching in he brought out the Queen's crown and stepped forward. "A King is nothing without a Queen, or a direct heir. And so, he crowns you Queen and Regent of the King."
Siuil and Arya gasped, and Siuil said, "Forgive my intrusion, but does that not mean she has to return to Ascalon?"
"No," answered Lord Darrin from where he knelt. "It means that where ever the Queen chooses to reside becomes a part of the Kingdom of Ascalon. My Queen, is North Kryta where you choose to reside?"
"No," said Selena. "I cannot accept this. It would mean taking power I never wanted in the first place. I must refuse."
Siuil smiled in pride. What they had offered was tempting to her, and even he could see it. What little girl had not dreamed of being a Queen? But his daughter kept to her beliefs and turned it down. It was a moment that defined her. Barradin nodded, "Then I will tell you, the Queen is not dead. That was a test from King Adelburn to test your motives. You passed. He was worried, as many were, that you had married Prince Rurik for his position, then… well, it is best left unsaid because it's untrue." He glared at Darrin who huffed and left the house. With a sigh, he continued as he returned the crown back into its box. "But there is still the problem that you now carry a Prince or Princess in your womb. An heir to all Ascalon. And where they reside, through your choice as mother, is part of the Kingdom of Ascalon. So, is this Ascalon Settlement truly New Ascalon?"
"Actually, no, it isn't," interjected Arya as she stepped forward and she bowed to both Barradin and Selena. "Lady Selena sent me on a mission to find a new home for those wishing safety, a place to settle. Some have chosen to live here, as immigrants to Kryta, but the vast majority will travel by ship to the Guild Island, to a safe haven—to New Ascalon. There is a chain of islands that are surrounded by shallow waters so that they can travel back and forth. There is plenty room for a new colony and plenty of new resources. No Charr, no bog skale, no Tengu and no undead."
Barradin looked from Arya and to Selena, "Is this true?"
"Yes it is," said Selena. "It is to the South of Lion's Arch and slightly north west of where Orr used to be."
"This is good news," said Grast. "My lady, with the help of the Deldrimor Dwarves we have carved a new pass through the mountains far to the south of Ascalon City. You can travel from this pass directly to Thunderhead Keep, then down to Marhan's Grotto by riverboats. Once there you can travel by ship to either Droknar's Forge or, better yet, to this New Ascalon and bypass Kryta altogether."
"This is good news," said Selena as she sat down in a chair. "I must confess, gentleman, that I had feared that you had come to take me back by force."
"Far from it. In fact, Adelburn travels to Thunderhead to meet with the Dwarven King on a regular basis. He could meet you in Marhan's or Droknar's if you ever choose to sail to either place."
"After the birth of my child, and when the child is strong enough, I will do so. A child should know his grandfather," she said as she looked over to her father. "Both of them."
Barradin smiled slightly, as if something he was thinking pained him, "Indeed. I can't help but feel some pangs of jealously over your father's fortune."
There was a silence that was broken suddenly with an out of breath Terryann that ran in, "Selena… oh… oh no…" as she suddenly saw who stood there. "Duke Barradin."
"I'm afraid I must apologize for my sister," said Selena before Barradin could say anything. "We under the impression that you had come to take me by force back to Ascalon. Terryann, clearly you came in here for some reason."
"I did," said Terryann. "You remember that 'situation' with the Mantle?"
"Yes," answered Selena.
"Well, it just got worse," Terryann looked uncertainly to Barradin.
"The White Mantle are no real friend to Adelburn, my dear," Barradin assured them.
Terryann closed the doors, "Last month I was called to aid in the selection of what the White Mantle call "the Chosen". Now, the Shining Blade have kidnapped the Chosen and kidnapped them, taking them into the Maguuma Jungle."
"That makes no sense," mused Selena. "Terryann, father, I want you to 'aid' the White Mantle for now. Head to the Jungle, please, and find out the truth. I don't like where this is leading. My contact with the Shining Blade gives me the distinct impression that there is something wrong with all of this."
Terryann bowed, as did Siuil, and they were about to leave when Barradin said, "Wait, there is a person I'd like you to take with you… I will send for them and they should be here in a few hours. I left her on the ship. She wasn't sure if you'd welcome her here."
"Selena?" asked Siuil.
"I agree," said Selena. "Take her with you. Thank you Duke Barradin for that aid."
"Oh, I'm sure Adelburn will be wanting to know the truth behind all of this as well. Can you fill me in, please?" asked Barradin.
"Of course," Selena nodded. "But Terryann is better for this, she was there."
Barradin turned to Terryann, "Indeed? Madam Ranger?"
"Well, it started in a place called Bergen's Hot Springs, it's a small town south by southwest of here. Evidently some of the Lion Guard were cut down, and I was sent by a Lion Guard Inspector to get written testimony to what people had seen in Bergen's," explained Terryann.
"A murder?" asked Grast.
"Yes, but that's not the strange part of all of this," pointed out Selena. "Terryann, continue."
"Yeah, um, yes, as my sister said," Terryann took a breath. "Well, I did so. I collected three pieces of testimony from the three witnesses. The 'evidence' was very interesting to say the least. Each one had a different story even as the events were the same. One man was sure it was the Shining Blade, but, except for a few scraps of fabric in the area, nothing actually suggested it was. Another said it was bandits, while one of our own that saw the altercation that led to the murder said she saw clearly that the White Mantle and the Lionguard were the two parties involved. Then, the Lionguard were found dead."
"How interesting," Barradin mused.
"That's not it," said Terryann. "Then, when I returned with my evidence, the Lionguard Inspector had been removed from the investigation and replaced with a White Mantle Justicar."
"Not to mention that no one ever sees nor hears from these Chosen once the White Mantle lead them off to their tower of wizardry," said Siuil ominously. "But, whether or not they come back, the kidnapping makes me wonder; why now?"
"Why indeed," Grast said. "So, the affairs of Kryta are not as they appear. I don't like this at all, your grace."
"Neither do I," said Barradin. "The King must know of this, and if the White Mantle are not as they appear, you, Lady Selena, are in danger here. Now, before hearing this I would not have insisted on coming with me. I leave the destination of whether it be back to Ascalon or to the islands of New Ascalon."
"I will not take my child into danger," said Selena. "And I'm not ready to travel for another couple of months. But I agree, whether or not the White Mantle is at fault, or if it's the Shining Blade, I am not safe in Kryta anymore. Nor are any of my people. But, my place is with them."
Arya coughed to bring the attention back to her for a second, "Then we move Lady Selena from the Ascalon Settlement, somewhere safe and not where either group would look, but not requiring strenuous travel."
"That being where?" asked Terryann.
"Fisherman's Haven," answered Arya. "Once she can travel the seas, it's simply off the dock onto a ship and straight to the Guild Island. But, quite frankly, the seas are smooth this time of year. Now would be a good time to travel to the Hall…"
Selena sighed, "I am in danger either choice. I will give my decision at supper tonight. Terryann, father, please… if I go to the Guild Hall I will leave word in Fisherman's Haven."
Siuil hugged his daughter, "Let me know if it's a boy or a girl."
"I will," she hugged him back then he moved away just as Kasha Blackblood walked in and knelt before Selena.
"My Lady, I am here for you," she said.
Six months passed. Siuil was no closer to saving the Chosen that had been kidnapped, but he was fairly certain that he was on the right path to finding the Shining Blade captors. Every day he saw more and more evidence of the Shining Blade. Terrence and Siuil walked instead of the usual jog they traveled at. Even Cambe looked slightly peaked at the humidity of the place. Siuil had never regretted buying the heavy plate armor from Droknar's Forge until now. The heat and humidity made the metal armor that covered him extremely uncomfortable.
He called another break and sat down heavily. Terrence walked over to him in concern, "Maybe we should stop for the night?"
"No, if we do we won't catch up with the Shining Blade," said Siuil. "We have to know the truth of the matter. If the Shining Blade are at fault, we have no time to lose."
Terryann looked over, and at her Uncle, "Father, if you keel over from heat stroke, we won't be any closer. In fact, we'll be farther behind."
"That settles it," Terrence suddenly decided. "We stop in Ventari's Refuge and wait for Arya. She said she would meet us there in the Maguuma dry season. That season is now upon us and we are no closer to finding the Chosen."
"I just hope we don't get caught in the cross fire between the Mantle and the Blade again," Siuil groaned as he stood. "Come on, I don't want to get caught out in the open plain with all this armor on when the sun comes up… or I will drop from heat stroke."
They kept moving, until Terrence called another halt. Siuil took off his helm and followed his brother's pointed arm. Terryann ran one hand through sweat-slicked hair. "Oh great, not again!"
What she referred to was the massive battle between the Shining Blade and the White Mantle just outside the entrance of Ventari's Refuge—and the massive wide open dust plain in between the Ascalon heroes and said outpost. Siuil sighed as he looked over at the silent Kasha. "Well, Kasha, what say you?"
"I don't want to raise you as a minion," she retorted. "Which I will have to if you fall… the sun is coming up and the heat will soon be unbearable, to me, the cats, you and your family. We must risk it."
They moved through the plain, ducking out of sight of the White Mantle and soon were within Ventari's Refuge. Terryann winked and she and Illaesa ran back out with a war cry. Terrence turned to Siuil, "Stay here, in your armor, you'd be more likely to drop and be a massive hindrance. Stay here, recover your strength and get out of that armor before it cooks you alive."
With that, he and Cambe joined Terryann outside.
Siuil sat down heavily.
Then he swooned and fainted from the heat with an alarmed Kasha crying his name.
He woke some time later to have a cold, wet, cloth on his forehead. Siuil opened his eyes, groaned, then looked around to see that he was now in a tent of a make unlike anything he had ever seen before. He was laying on a blanket on the dirt floor with Io Lukas leaned up against a rock in the tent, idly flicking ants from one side to the other. Io looked up, smiled, and said, "Geez, you certainly know how to make others notice your entrance."
"Ha ha, very funny," retorted Siuil, his voice hoarse and barely above a whisper. "How long have I been out?"
"Oh, about a day and a half," answered Io. "Ventari took care of you with Kasha's aid. His people helped nurse you back to health. Evidently, this kind of thing happens all the time. Outside the refuge there are two camps of survivors of the battle—that had to recover from heat stroke. Terryann and Terrence are aiding those they can of both sides, clearly denoting our neutrality."
"I see," said Siuil as he sat up, then he stopped when a large, and old, centaur stepped into the tent.
"Greetings, human," said the centaur. "I trust you are recovered?"
Siuil wasn't sure what to say. The only experience he'd had with the centaur people was that of being attacked, both in the Shiverpeaks and in the Maguuma. Io looked up, unconcerned, "Siuil, this is Ventari, the de facto leader of Ventari's Refuge. Ventari, this is Siuil La Rune, father of the Lady of New Ascalon that Arya Bladedancer told you of. He is the one we were expecting."
"Exploring the jungle in heavy armor is unwise, Master La Rune," said Ventari.
"So I have learned," said Siuil as he spotted his armor and gear in the corner of the tent.
Ventari followed his gaze, "If we left you in it, you would had to have been buried in it."
"I thank you for your aid," said Siuil, bowing his head from where he sat cross-legged on the ground level bed.
Shakily he tried to stand, but when he nearly fell over once gaining his feet, Ventari caught him and steadied him. "You shouldn't be up yet," chided Ventari.
"My daughter… Terryann…" said Siuil.
"Ah, the one in Druid armor…" Ventari nodded as he supported Siuil and kept him from falling over with Io's aid. "She is well. A touch sunburned like your brother. A few of my brother's went with your brother to get water from a spring. They should be back soon. Your daughter plays with some of the young of my tribe."
Siuil allowed himself to sit heavily again, out of breath. "Rest now, my new friend," Ventari stamped his hoof as Siuil smiled up at him.
"I get the point," said Siuil as he lay down again.
A few hours later, he woke again after the sun set. This time he could stand on his own and walk from the tent. Before he did so, however, he took the time to at least put on the soft linen lined leather trousers he usually wore under his armor, if nothing else. Then he walked out of the tent. He looked around to see a small village of Centaur. No humans besides him and his party could be seen within the village's natural cliff walls. Seeing him up and around, Ventari ran over and said, "I can see your question. Climb upon my back, friend, for your clumsy two legs cannot keep up with me and we have much to discuss and I have much I need to show you so that you may take the message back to whom ever you report to."
Siuil, with Ventari's help, climbed on his back and Ventari galloped up to a look out above the village. The flat plain above the wet dense jungle was vast around the outpost. "Once, there were many of my kind that allied with your kind. But, with the wars of long past, those numbered dwindled as the bloodshed caused by the rifts of nations caused more wars," Ventari motioned to the plains. "These plains saw one such battle, brought to my very doorstep only days ago. Now, I tell you so that you may tell the others. I will not bring my people into your battle. Go in peace, leave us in peace."
"What of the ones I've encountered?" asked Siuil. "They simply attacked my people, my family, without provocation."
"Ah, yes, the lost sons and daughters," said Ventari sorrowfully. "I am afraid that they have chosen a path of war, but I feel they are mistaken. I can speak with them and tell them that you are not the enemy. War is not the answer. I am sorry for the trouble they have caused you."
"So, there is no chance of aid?" asked Siuil with a sigh.
"Not if you ask us to fight with you," Ventari said. "We have not the numbers nor the arms to aid you with fighting. However, if by aid you wish safe haven from the dangerous animals such as the devourers and thorn creatures, you have that. As well as a place of neutral trade. That is all I can offer."
"That is enough," said Siuil. "And I have one other thing to ask; my eldest daughter needs a place to hide and give birth to her child. Arya has brought her here under the name of Rosa Ashlocke."
"That young woman is the Lady of New Ascalon?" Ventari started. "To bring such a fragile creature in such a condition would mean that the situation in Kryta is indeed grave. Very well, she can stay here with us until she gives birth. I can even promise that our more militant brothers will not hinder you anymore. They will not aid you, but at least they will not attack you. Speaking of which…"
Siuil looked down to see a younger centaur that wore feathers and beads very similar to Ventari. Siuil looked at Ventari. "My son," explained Ventari. "The leader of the militant centaurs. He will not welcome your kind into our village. Come, we must meet him."
Ventari then galloped down to the entrance just as his son was coming through the gate. Upon seeing Siuil, a human, on his father's back, he withdrew his bow and nocked an arrow at the unarmored Siuil. Ventari lifted his arms in defense, "Bentai, no, this human is under my protection, as are the others in our village. I will not allow any more violence in our midst."
"Father, humans have been slaying us!" shouted Bentai.
"He came to us in peace, his family defended our village against outsiders. We owe him…"
"We owe him nothing!"
A female militant centaur walked up, and then put her arm on Bentai's. "I know this human," she said. "He never once attacked us unless we attacked first. But he is skilled, far more skilled than of us. If he has extended his hand in peace, then we must also or we would be no better than them."
Bentai lowered his bow. "Fine then, I will listen. You have called me here for a reason."
"I want you to stop attacked the humans unless they attack first, but also listen to the Lady who has risked her very life to see us," said Ventari. "I have already decided that the only aid they will receive is that of non-violence, but we will not fight with them."
Bentai nodded, "Those are the wisest words I have heard from you in years, old man."
Ventari nodded and then motioned for someone to be brought forward. Siuil looked over to see his daughter, again dressed in Rurik's clothing like she had been before reaching Kryta. "Greetings Bentai. My name is Selena de Ascalon, Duchess of New Ascalon," said Selena, then she, clumsily as she was near giving birth, knelt on one knee. "I ask for your mercy in forgiving my fellow humans as a representative of a nation."
Bentai looked from Ventari, to the female centaur, and then laughed, "Who is this mere girl that they send her to represent them? Ah, but I can see in you a core of pure steel. You are no mere girl, even though your fancy titles and name means nothing to me. Who am I to care? But I care that you can see your failing. Very well, little girl. I will listen."
"I come in peace so that I may leave in peace," said Selena. "I ask to end the cycle of death and begin a cycle of life among your people. No one would think to look for me here…"
"She seeks to give birth to her child among us where the White Mantle dare not tread and where the Shining Blade would not think to look," explained Ventari. "I already gave her permission to remain with us until she and her child are strong enough to leave us."
Bentai looked from Ventari to Selena, back to Ventari, to Siuil and then to Selena. "And what would you have with us?"
"I ask to be taken with you, to your camp, your refuge as hostage until such a time as I can leave with my child in the faith that we are strong enough to travel," answered Selena as she struggled to her feet. "I believe that it would a time of no longer than two years, but at least eight months."
At the blank look from Bentai, Ventari answered, "She asks for a time no longer than the span of two dry seasons but at least eight full moons."
The female centaur poked Bentai, "That's not long enough. Our own need at least three or four dry seasons to even walk with us. They can be serious in saying…"
Bentai sighed, "Very well, I grant this, but my companion has a valid point. I cannot, if I take you in, sleep well knowing that I would send you and your child out before it can walk. So, I say you stay with us until it can walk. My conscience would allow nothing less."
Selena bowed her head, "I am in your debt."
"I trust you have your good byes to say, I will return in a fortnight. At that time you will leave with us for a span of time not less than two full dry seasons or until a human child can walk on its own," Bentai then turned to Ventari. "Now, is there anything else so unusual to spring on me, old man?"
"I do not wish for you to attack her brothers and sisters, unless attacked," said Ventari.
"Done and done," said Bentai. "So long as the human woman and child remains with us as hostage, the peace is bought."
With that the militant centaurs left the camp. Siuil jumped down from Ventari and ran over to Selena. "What have you done?" he asked, voice thick with emotion. "I cannot… I cannot bear the thought of not seeing you for years… not again now that I know you live."
"It is a small price to pay to buy safe passage through the jungle, father," answered Selena. "Now, you can save the Chosen, and investigate the truth of the White Mantle and the Shining Blade without having to deal with the Guardians of the Maguuma. I am sure we will see each other again, and I will send word through Ventari's people of whether you have a grandson or granddaughter."
Terryann hugged her sister. "You have grown so much since Ascalon," said Terryann. "I look forward to the day I swear fealty to you, sister."
Terrence hugged her next, "I am sure that somehow we will see each other sooner than that, after all, Terryann and I are Rangers, and therefore eligible to apply to be admitted as Druids. The centaurs, even the militant ones, will have to respect that and allow us to at least visit."
Ventari said, "Lady Selena, I look forward to seeing you again at our moots. Now, we should all eat, and then you should retire and rest. You have four days until my son returns to retrieve you. You will live in his tent as a member of our family for those years, and so you will sleep in mine these nights.
Arya walked over to Siuil a day after Selena was taken deeper within the jungle to a place called the Henge of Denravi, the first of the camps that the centaur claimed as their own. "So, it is true? She has been taken as hostage by the militant centaur?"
"Yes, Arya, Selena is now hostage to the centaur as payment for safe passage," answered Siuil grimly. "I understand why, I suppose, but I still can't help but feel a part of me refuse to understand. Dammit, I hate politics."
"As do I," she was silent a moment more. "Anyway, I brought you back something from Marhan's Grotto. Grast said that if you were going to be wandering around the heat of Maguuma you would need it…"
"What is it?" asked Siuil curiously.
"New armor, less likely to give you heat stroke," she answered. "You can try it on in the morning."
Arya, Io, Terryann, Kasha and Terrence stood outside the tent that Siuil had slept in. "Come on, father, it can't be that bad," shouted Terryann. "It's armor."
"I'm not coming out in this!" exclaimed Siuil. "It's not armor! It can't be!"
"Be lucky I didn't dye it to match mine," giggled Arya. "And trust me, I was sorely tempted!"
A sullen Siuil threw the tent flap aside and he walked out, trying to pull the loincloth to cover himself better. Kasha's mouth dropped open and the necromancer began to laugh hysterically, bent nearly double. "Don't let Devona catch you in that," she managed to get out in between snickers.
Siuil blushed a deep scarlet, which now could be seen given that his armor was the male version of that Arya wore. He rubbed his bare arms. "I don't see how this protects me," he complained. "I feel naked."
"Actually, I think naked would about cover it," said Terrence. "What is that?"
"It's called Gladiator Armor," said Arya. "It's from Marhan's Grotto, heavily enchanted, heavily protected. Duke Barradin paid for it, so you damn well better wear it."
"Oh, I am," remarked a sullen Siuil. "Why is it black?"
"The Duke felt that it would be… dramatic and impressive," explained Arya. "And it isn't black. It's actually a mix of black, blue and purple dye… it gives it this royal purple blue sheen in sunlight. All the more proper for the grandfather of the future King or Queen, hence that circlet on your head now as your new helm."
"Yeah, now we can see his face at least," said Terrence.