DISCLAIMER: The Circle of Magic, Circle Opens, and the Circle Reforged (otherwise known as The Will of the Empress) are not mine. Both quartets and the last book, are all written by one of my favorite authors, Tamora Pierce. All characters, creatures, etc. are created by her. Copyrighted to Tamora Pierce and Scholastic Inc. (publisher)

Note from Author: OH ho! I killed of Saghad Ambros faLandreg! You didn't see that coming did you?!? I felt after reading the Will of the Empress, that the story had finished, but the four friends business with Namorn was yet to be over. I mean, even though they forced their escape through the magical barrier, it didn't mean Berenene was done with them or had given up yet. But is she really the bad guy in this story? Or is it something more sinister?

Briar Moss steeled himself and surveyed the campsite in the brightening light of dawn. They had crossed the border between Emelan and Namorn last night and had settled down for some much needed shut-eye. He noticed that Sandry's tent was already down and packed and her belongings in a pile near where the horses were tied. He sighed and thought, That girl is up even earlier than I am, that must be a record considering my nightmares about Yanjing. He opened his connection to Sandry and said, Sandry, what the hell are you doing up so early in the morning? I distinctly remember you being the fourth to wake after me, Rosethorn and Lark. He followed the silver thread in his vision, climbing the hill behind their campsite, to a little rocky ledge where Sandry was sitting staring out over the vast fields of Namorn.

"I just never thought I'd be back here," sighed Sandry. "It's a beautiful country, but I really don't like the monarchy here. It's said to be very stubborn." She said, adding a shy smile.

"It may be very stubborn, but from what I've heard, it also can be very vicious." said Briar, chuckling as he sat down next to her. "I'm surprised Coppercurls is back here. But than again, Tris is very stubborn and strong, even in the most dangerous situations." He smiled at Sandry before looking out over the horizon and the rising sun.

"I thought I heard voices," said the Duke of Vedris, from behind them. Both jumped and Briar took his hand away from where it had wandered into Sandry's.

"Uncle!" said Sandry, "What are you doing up?"

"I should be asking you that question, Sandry. Not the other way around. I know my niece to be very sleepy in the mornings, yet I find her wide awake on this one." said the Duke, softly chuckling.

Briar smiled as he helped Sandry up from the ground.

"Everyone is awake and ready to get moving. I think the sooner we reach Ambros' lands, the sonner we'll be much safer. So everyone has agreed to take breakfast on the road. Daja and Tris were looking for you, wondering where you had run off to. It would be wiser if you wouldn't wander off again, this isa dangerous land, if I believe my assumptions to be true." said the Duke, kindly.

"Yes, Uncle," muttered Sandry as they returned to the campsite.

"Where have you guys been?" asked Daja, welcoming them back with a hot basket of muffins.

"We were looking at the sunrise." replied Briar, helping himself to the muffins.

"Really?" said Tris, walking up and taking a muffin herself.

"Yes, it was very relaxing compared to the trip here," said Sandry feeding Chime, some metal dust. Chime gulped it down and the soldiers who had never seen a glass dragon were watching her in awe.

"Does she really eat that stuff?" asked one of them.

Chime answered for herself by flying to his shoulder and letting out a trill.

"Chime says, of course I do." said Sandry, laughing.

Daja sighed as they rode up to Saghad Ambros' house. Here goes, no turning back anymore. We've had time to escape back to Emelan, but Berenene probably already knows we're here. I wonder where Rizu is. She would at least be welcoming, right? We didn't exactly end on bad terms...Daja cringed inwardly as she remember the tears she had spilled crying over Rizu's decision to stay with the Empress.

She watched as Saghada Ealaga emerged from the house, with her daughter and sons.

"Sandry, it's so nice of you to come on this sad occasion. We're glad to have you back. You can stay with us as we make arrangements for Ambros' funereal. A messenger is here from the Empress. I've already sent a note telling her of the funereal. The messenger says the message is urgent. " said Ealaga, looking sad and wearing black.

Her sons and daughters were looking at the rest of the party.

"Father always spoke of how grateful he was that Clemhame faToren signed the land over to us." whispered one of his daughters.

Sandry sighed, braced herself, and then entered the house to recieve the messenger.

"Clemhame Sandrilene faToren?" asked the messenger uncertaintly.

"Yes, what is it?" asked Sandry.

She's in full nobility mode, thought Daja, best get out of her way she added sending the mental note to Tris and Briar.

Both nodded and began making their way to the rooms that Ealaga's daughters directed them to.

"Empress Berenene dor Ocmore requests Clemhame faToren and her guests, Viynamese Daja Kisubo, Vinamese Trisana Chandler, and Viynain Briar Moss, present themselves immediatly to the palace for an official welcoming party."

Sandry gulped and thought, She knows already that we're here in Namorn. Oh boy, better warn the others. But first I'll have to dismiss this messenger. "Tell her, that Clemhame faToren accepts the invitation and that Viynameses Kisubo, Chandler and Viynain Moss will be along also. We'll arrive just in time for dinner at her welcoming party. That is all."

Sandry turned on her heel and went up the stairs. Be prepare, Berenene, we won't accept or play any silly games anymore. We're already on edge, and don't like being toyed with.

Note from the Author: Oooo! It looks like it's going to get nasty. But don't underestimate Berenene...what could she possibly have up her sleeve? Find out in the next chapter! Until then!