Iyu stared into the darkness, running her palm over the smooth interior of the tree. Yes, she had awoken back inside the Willow, with no memory of how she'd gotten there. The last thing she remembered was crying as she ran from the Prince…

She hugged herself uncertainly. Just this morning, she'd heard bells tolling from the castle towers. She couldn't remember the last time that sound had rang forth, it was so rare for it to happen at all…

Iyu curled into a tighter ball as she heard the heavy footsteps of Verithigese soldiers. That was the fifth time today, and it was still early morning. Something big must have happened since the ball for the guard to have increased their patrol. For the former assassin, this meant that she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. Sighing quietly, Iyu mentally prepared herself for a long wait.

The march died away and Iyu spared a tentative look outside. The next patrol was a long way off, and perhaps she could get to the lake for water unnoticed. She slipped out, wary of any hidden surprises, then took out the goblet she nicked from the ball from underneath her cloak. She edged towards the lake. So far nothing had happened. She relaxed a bit, and dipped the goblet into the cool water. A sudden painful lance went through the back of her head, as something hard hit it. 'Fool' was her last thought, before all went black.

Kel's POV

The stable was quiet aside from the nickering of horses and the occasional stamp of a hoof. If she had been anywhere else, Kel could have mistaken the stable for empty. But this was Verithigo.

Kel had arisen early, as usual, and when she had taken a brisk walk down the empty corridors, had spotted the corner of a cloak whisking around one of the corners. Surprised that someone else would be awake at this hour, she had followed them, never catching sight of whomever it was, only hearing their soft footsteps.

She had been lead into the stable, and as she stood silently in the doorway, she spotted a familiar mess of black hair, the antenna standing nearly erect. Kel realized that she was probably intruding on royal business, so she tried to back away without them noticing. As her boot scuffed across the step, the royal whirled around in shock.

Kel saw the amber eyes and gathered what was happening in an instant: Prince Shun was going to ride out in search of his twin's killer, at the risk of his own life. Without company.

"Shun," Kel addressed him informally.

"Keladry."

The silence resumed after their brief acknowledgement. Gathering her courage, Kel took a step forward, towards the Prince.

"May I ask what you are doing?"

"You are not unintelligent, my lady," the young man said flatly. "You know very well what I am doing."

"Perhaps, but I was hoping I was wrong," Kel replied with a meaningful glance at Shun's half-saddled horse. The Prince scowled, but did not cease preparing his mount.

"Pardon me, sire," a soft voice said from behind Kel in the doorway, and making her jump, "may I assist you?"

Kel whirled around and saw a sandy-haired stable boy standing there. Shun studied the servant for a long moment, then nodded.

"But not a word of this to either of my sisters, understand?" he added as the boy stepped up to handle the black mare. The young man paused in the act of reaching for the bridle, his face uncertain.

"Sire, if the Sayali were to ask if anyone had seen you, I would be bound by oath to tell her the truth."

"Right," Shun muttered angrily. "Just what I need; more complications." He rose his voice to normal volume. "Well then, you'll just have to come along then, won't you? What is your name."

"Anders, Sire," the youth answered, moving to the Prince's steed and beginning to adjust that saddle.

"Anders..." Shun repeated softly. "Can you ride?"

"Yes, sire."

"Then get a mount, and prepare it for a long journey."

"And what of Lady Keladry?" Anders asked, his pale blue eyes flickering over at Kel. Seeing her chance, the female knight spoke up.

"Of course I'm coming," she said clearly. Shun glanced at her eyebrows raised, but did not correct her. "My mount, Peachblossom..."

Kel trailed off uncertainly. She did not know how good Anders was at handling horses, and Peachblossom was difficult even at the best of times. The young stable hand seemed to read her mind.

"That is no horse, milady," he said seriously. "It is a veritable devil. Nonetheless, I'm sure I will be fine."

"I have supplies," Shun said, "but we'll need a lot more for here."

In that moment, the prince disappeared. Unsure what had just happened or where he had gone, Kel turned to Anders, who was approaching Peachblossom's stall.

The gelding did not appear in a good mood this morning: his ears were pressed flat, his nostrils flared, and he continually stamped his hooves. Anders walked closer, unperturbed, and the horse snorted a warning. When the youth did not back off, Peachblossom lunged forward. Just as suddenly as he attacked, however, the gelding froze, then backed off, as if frightened. Anders opened the stall door and entered, easily seizing the bridle from its hanging peg.

Kel watched in awe as the servant saddled the gelding with relative ease. True, Peachblossom had snapped a few times, but Anders was unscathed as he lead the testy horse from the stall.

"Here you are, milady."

"How did you do that?" Kel asked before she could stop herself. Anders bowed his head modestly.

"Every animal needs a different approach," he said. "Some need a firm hand, others need praise or treats. This one needs to understand that he is not in charge."

Peachblossom lunged for Anders again, and Kel grabbed the reins to halt the upset horse. The youth flinched, but did not give ground, nor jump out of the way.

"Although, milady, even the understanding may not curb that ill-temper."

Peachblossom, tossed his mane, his eyes watching the youth with an expression Kel so often saw when he was looking at Neale in Tortall.

"Perhaps Anders we should go on our way?"

The youth nodded, then looked once more at the gelding.

"No travel items, milady?"

Kel shook her head.

"We're traitors under law. Going back in that castle is dishonorable and will guarantee certain inquisition. We can't turn back now."