Chapter 13: The Party Grows

Lauren Mapstone sat in attendance to the Queen of Sacoridia as she held an audience with her assortment of aunts and other female relatives all intent on giving advice to the young woman who would be getting married tomorrow. She noticed the excitement in the room grow as the discussions led up to the grand ball that would be held in the evening.

The Captain sighed, she would rather be advising Zachary on matters of state than sitting listening to women's gossip; however the King had wanted to speak to Karigan alone. No doubt he wants to talk her out of going; it was too much to hope he had taken her to the new General in order to discuss strategy.

A knock at the door drew her out of her thoughts in time to see Karigan enter the room. Karigan bowed gracefully to Estora, Laren noticed a slight pink tinge to her cheeks as she stood to attention. Estora's mother seemed surprised that a Green Rider would dare interrupt such an important meeting about dresses and flowers.

"Your highness, the King requires your presence in the Throne Room. He also asked for Captain Mapstone to attend." She announced in Laurens favourite messenger voice.

Estora nodded before turning to the ladies of the Couture clan. "I will visit you in your room's later mother."

Lauren hurried out of the room after the Queen as they made their way through the castle. She smiled as Karigan fell in to step with her; the younger rider seemed somewhat pre-occupied despite the presence of the Queen. It was unusual for the messenger to accompany the recipients, however it did not surprise Lauren that the King wished to keep Karigan close.

The three women walked down the corridors in silence as the servants making preparations for the next day quietened and made way to let the bride-to-be past. Lauren watched as Karigan ran her hand along a gold chain around her neck. Had Karigan always worn a necklace? She found that she could not remember.

As they entered the Throne Room Lauren gasped, it seemed Karigan had neglected to mention that this audience was due to Eletians. Suddenly she noticed that Karigan was no longer by her side. The other rider was half-running forwards a smile on her face, her eyes were not on the King but a young male Eletian.

"Lhean!" Karigan grinned.

The young Eletian stepped away from his fellows and met Karigan halfway across the room. She was glad to see him alive and well, especially after hearing the ominous news of him not appearing on the Wanda Plains like the others. She laughed in relief as he held his moonstone out in greeting.

"Galadheon, you are safe." He smiled at her and leant closer so only she could hear. "Your King favours you with a great gift."

Karigan blushed as she realised Eletian referred to the ring now resting around her neck. She allowed herself to be drawn in by the Eltians all of whom greeted her by murmuring her name in respect. She noticed that the where all dressed in their 'moon armour', as she had heard it called once before.

"Welcome." Estora was now seated next to Zachary, her eyes not leaving Lhean and Karigan.

"We come with blessings to you on your wedding day." An Eletian announced. "And then we will depart soon after with the Galadheon for her plight will carry the fate of us all."

"You would go back to Blackveil?" Estora asked in surprise.

Lhean stepped forwards. "We have been watching for a long time it is time we rode again with your Riders. We are just the forerunners our Prince sent to watch the wedding; Eletia will meet us at the Breach. The old alliances will be renewed, just as we rode with Ambriodhe we shall do so again with Galadheon."

Gratitude washed through Karigan, it seemed that she would not face Mornhavon alone. She had so many friends all of them willing to ride out with her to face the evil spreading from Blackveil. She had once felt alone in these corridors of stone without anyone to confide in about her feelings for Zachary, but now she found herself surrounded by friends.

"Eletia?" Zachary asked.

The Eletian that had spoken first nodded. "There are very few of us that will not fight alongside Sacoridian's."

Estora stood lightly "We will have someone escort you to the guest suite so that you may rest."

The Eletians bowed as the Queen made her way towards the exit of the Throne Room. Lhean's gaze lingered on the door after Estora had disappeared before winking at Karigan. She blushed knowing all too well what was going through the young Eletians mind.

She was relieved when she was dismissed. She left quickly and went in search of a nice warm bath where she could relax and forget about Blackveil. With Zacchary's wedding looming it wasn't hard to forget about the evil wood.