"Kenzi's gone." Antony informed Dakari in his private offices.

"Gone? Gone where?" Dakari asked.

"According to Bo, she left today for the County." Antony replied.

"I thought it wasn't for another couple weeks?"

"So did I." Antony replied.

"So what made her go back earlier than expected?" Dakari asked.

"Not sure, but I mean to understand why." Antony replied.

"Did Bo seem concerned?"

"Kenzi is her dearest friend. Whether she was concerned or not she's going put the best face forward." Antony replied.

"Is there something more to this assignment that I am not aware of?" Dakari asked.

"Not that I'm aware of." Antony replied.

"Then she should be fine. Besides Ian and Gunnar are with her."

"That's just it. They aren't with her. They are still here." Antony replied.

"I thought they were supposed to join her as her support?"

"So did they."

"You seem concerned."

"I am, and Bo's evasiveness only raised it even further." Antony replied.

"What are you thinking?"

"I want to find her."

"I will find her." Dakari said.

"No, I should." Antony replied.

"You cannot."

"What do you mean I cannot?" Antony replied rather defensively.

"You know very well you are needed here for the Convocation. I will take Ian and Gunnar with me, and between the three of us we shall find her." Dakari replied.

"What about your responsibilities?" Antony asked.

"A bit more flexible than yours, Your Excellency." Dakari replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"Very funny."

"We should inform Mummy and Mother, though." Dakari said. Antony said nothing.

"Antony?" Dakari prompted.

"I was thinking whether we should." Antony replied.

"You know if I suddenly take off without them knowing…"

"I know."


Antony and Dakari entered the private apartments of Their Majesties and found only The Queen Consort. They both bowed before her. She quickly acknowledged their courtesies.

"What is this?" The Queen Consort asked.

"Kenzi has disappeared." Antony replied.

"Disappeared?" Helen repeated.

"The Princess Royal says she left for her first assignment early but she did so rather abruptly." Antony replied.

"Did she say why?" Helen asked.

"According to The Princess Royal, no." Antony replied.

"So what does this all mean?" Helen asked.

"I told Antony I would go in pursuit of her, and take Agents Greystone and Korvo with me. Antony wanted to go, but I insisted I go in his stead so he can focus on his duties here with the Convocation approaching." Dakari replied.

"I know you are fond of Kenzi, Antony, but is there a reason to pursue her?" Helen asked.

"I am concerned." Antony replied.

Just then The Queen walked in and Antony and Dakari bowed again and The Queen acknowledged their courtesies.

"What's this?" Ari asked as she looked to her wife.

"Kenzi left abruptly for her assignment back to her plane of existence, causing Antony to be concerned, so Dakari wants to go in pursuit of her." Helen quickly summarized.

"Is that necessary?" Ari asked.

"If she had departed without mystery I would agree, but because of her sudden departure and the Princess Royal's evasiveness indicates something to the contrary." Antony replied.

"Kenzi is a resourceful woman. She can take care of herself, wouldn't you agree?" Ari challenged.

"Yes I would." Antony said assuredly.

"Then why the concern?" Ari challenged again.

"I have no rational argument, Mummy. Just a personal concern." Antony replied.

"What do you think?" Ari asked Helen.

"I agree with you, but unless and until Antony is assured his thoughts will be pre-occupied, and not focused on the Convocation." Helen replied.

"The Convocation is in two weeks." Ari said to Dakari.

"I understand Mummy." Dakari replied.

"Lauren has gone back to the County, Kenzi has gone back to the County, and now Dakari wants to go in pursuit of her. This is all becoming absurd! If there are any more departures to the County, perhaps we should consider moving the Convocation there!" Ari said then walked out of the room shaking her head. They all watched her depart through a set of double doors and the Regnant Guard closed them behind her.

"Is Mummy alright?" Antony asked.

"You have our blessing. Be safe and hurry back." Helen said.

"I will Mother." Dakari replied.

"Thank you Mother." Antony replied then both he and Dakari bowed and then left.