Karigan sat in the barracks common room, letting the laughter and chatter of the other Riders wash over her. She had finally managed to work up the courage to enter the barracks again the previous week, but she so far had stayed in the common areas where she was surrounded by people. At night, she would slip into the tunnels and make her way to Zachary's study. He had met her the first few nights to guide her to the correct door, but it had not taken long for her to memorize the route. They had not talked again about what had happened though she could tell he wished to do so, and for that, she was grateful.
The day had certainly been a long one, and Karigan was beginning to feel its effects. She had early morning training with Drent. A Green Foot had met her as she was returning from that to inform her that the King requested her presence once she had finished her midday meal. At first, she thought Zachary just wanted to spend some time with her, a request she was happy to accommodate. However, she had found he was not alone in his study when she entered. Though she was happy to see Garcia again, she was not excited about the prospect of going near the dark moonstone again. She had thought she was done with that particular item after depositing it in the tombs. However, she still led Garcia down and answered all the questions she could about it. Unfortunately, they had not discovered anything else by the time the dinner bell rang, and Garcia left muttering about visiting the archives.
As the other riders began to disperse, Karigan steeled herself for what was to come. Captain Mapstone had told her the previous day that she had installed new locks on the door and windows in Karigan's room. Karigan had thanked her honestly though she knew what the captain was implying when she announced the change. Karigan could not sleep in Zachary's study forever, no matter how much he assured her it was fine. And so she had resigned herself that she would return to her room that night.
Taking a deep breath, Karigan stood and made her way down the hall. As soon as she entered her room, she shut and locked the door before checking the locks on all of the windows as well. Once assured that she was secure, she began to prepare for bed. She left a single lamp burning as she lay down, hoping it would help to chase away the shadows in the room, but they still lingered. Sighing, she settled in for a long night.
At some point, Karigan must have fallen asleep, for she woke up gasping, clutching at hands that existed only in her dreams. She lay in bed for a few minutes, allowing her heart rate to slow. Once it had, she stood, dressing herself quickly. The effects of the nightmare still lingered though she could not remember its content, and her body trembled as she pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. The truth was, she missed Zachary. She had grown accustomed to waking up and seeing his face in the morning, for he had taken to sleeping in the chair beside the sofa despite her protestations. Even just the sight of him helped to chase away the demons that still haunted her.
Glancing at the clock, she noted that it was still early enough that she might find him alone in the study. With that thought, she made her way out of the barracks and back into the castle. She had just started down the entry corridor when she caught sight of two familiar figures. A smile broke out on her face as the shorter one broke away, and Xander had soon thrown himself into her arms. "Kari!" he exclaimed happily.
"You two are up early," she remarked.
"I have a number errands I need to run in town so I was hoping for an early start," Quinn explained. "You are up early as well."
"I could not sleep any longer, and I don't have arms practice this morning, so I thought I would see if Zachary needed any help." Quinn's eyebrows rose, and Karigan rolled her eyes. "You really are insufferable," she told him. He merely chuckled.
"Can I go see Cousin Zachary, too?" Xander questioned. Quinn met Karigan's eyes, and she gave a small shrug, letting him make the decision.
"It is fine with me if it is fine with Rider G'ladheon," he told his son.
"Of course. I'm sure Zachary will welcome the company." With that, the two took their leave of Quinn and made their way to Zachary's study. Karigan smiled when she saw the two Weapons standing guard outside. He typically was an early riser so she had assumed he would be awake, but they had had a number of late nights the past few days. As soon as he saw his cousin's study, Xavier ran ahead, and Karigan was not able to stop him before he tugged the door open. She jogged forward, catching the door just before it closed behind the small boy and slipping inside as well.
She hit something solid as soon as she entered the study, and she stumbled backwards. Looking up, she saw that Zachary was not alone in the room. Karigan had run into Timas Mirwell, her arch enemy from her days at Selium and the current Lord Governor of Mirwell province.
"Rider G'ladheon? Xavier?" Zachary questioned. Karigan gave a hasty bow, knowing it was expected. When she straightened again, she noticed a slight twinkle in Zachary's eyes though he was too good at controlling his emotions to make it obvious.
"Sorry for the interruption, Sire. Xavier was most insistent that he see his cousin." And indeed, the boy had already scrambled into Zachary's lap where the king sat behind his desk. Zachary chuckled.
"It is no bother. We were just finishing up here."
"I had heard of your. . . cousin," the third man in the room said, directing Karigan's attention to him. Karigan frowned when she recognized him. His name was Ranger Twandle, and he was a merchant like her father. Unlike Stevic G'ladheon, however, he had no scruples. He would eek every last penny for himself out of all his transactions, no matter the cost to others.
"His father had to go into the city today," Karigan said, eyes narrowed at the merchant. "He thought Xavier would prefer to stay in the castle than be dragged from one shop to another."
"I am sure he would," Zachary said calmly. "Lord Mirwell, Ranger, I assume that is all?" He gestured to the door. It was obvious both men were curious about the newcomers, but they were not brave enough to defy their king. Bowing stiffly, they left.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Zachary stood, holding Xavier in one arm as he approached Karigan, a smile on his face. "How did last night go?"
"It was fine," Karigan told him honestly. At his raised eyebrows, she elaborated. "It took me a little while to calm down, but I managed to sleep. And Captain Mapstone's right that I can't sleep in your study forever."
"Hmm, that is true, but that does not mean you have to return to the barracks." She looked at him, confused, and he grinned wider. "In just a few more months, I don't plan on having you sleep apart from me ever again if I can avoid it," he clarified.
"Oh." Karigan colored at the implication and promise in his tone. He leaned forward, pressing a brief kiss to her lips.
"I must admit that I missed waking up with you nearby. In fact, I could not get back to sleep early this morning which is why I came in here to work, only to be cornered by Lord Mirwell outside my study."
"What did they want anyway?"
"They wanted to discuss a new trade proposal?"
"At this hour?"
Zachary shrugged. "I agree that it seemed a bit odd, but Lord Mirwell mentioned that he has always been an early riser and thought it would be a good time for a discussion. The proposal is on my desk if you would like to read over it." He gestured to the desk, and Karigan stepped forward, curious now. She heard Zachary's gentle tones as he greeted Xavier, but she was soon distracted by the proposal in front of her. As she read it, a feeling of dread began to settle in her stomach, and her frown deepened.
"What is it?" Zachary asked, obviously noting the expression.
"They said they want to broker a trade agreement with Waverly?"
"Yes. They want to import sugar and dates for now though they mentioned that this could open up future opportunities as well." Concern creased his face. "Is something wrong, Karigan? It seemed a solid enough proposal."
It did not take Karigan's sharp mind long to put the pieces in place. Looking up from the proposal, she saw Zachary staring at her expectantly. "I suppose Waverly is further west than Hillander, so you likely did not have many interactions with the inhabitants. They're a primitive people who really don't understand many of our ways, but the men are quite strong and the women very beautiful. They would sail into Corsa from time to time, and some of the men in Corsa. . . let us just say that they did not come home that night."
"Slavery. You believe they want to import slaves." Karigan watched as realization dawned on Zachary's face. He looked slightly sick, and despite the atrocity of the proposal, Karigan felt a good deal of comfort in knowing how much he cared for all people, even those he did not rule.
"I believe that the people of Waverly could be easily coerced into coming to Sacoridia with the promise of great riches. After that, it would be a fairly simple matter to sell them to the highest bidder. I imagine they would have no shortage of buyers too." Karigan frowned at the paper.
"How sure are you of this? I'm guessing that Ranger is a competitor of your father's."
Karigan glared at him. "If you think I am using my access to you for my own gain, perhaps you don't know me as well as you think, Majesty," she spat.
Zachary held up a hand. "I do trust you, Karigan. But this is a very serious allegation, and if I am to make it, I need to have some sort of proof." He reached out his free hand, cupping it under her chin so their eyes met. "Karigan, this has nothing to do with whether or not I believe you. Court politics are a dangerous game. If anyone suspected that I was using my position for my own gain, it could get very ugly very quickly. And if they thought that my feelings for you were swaying my ability to make objective decisions, we will never receive their blessing."
Karigan took a deep breath. She knew that logically, he was correct, but it was difficult to suppress the feeling of betrayal. Slightly calmer, she glanced back at the proposal, considering. "I believe that Waverly is too far north for a date or sugar crop," she finally said. A large grin spread over Zachary's face.
"I love you," he whispered. His thumb briefly caressed her cheek before he leaned forward, capturing her lips with his own. The kiss this time was much longer than his previous one, and it was only Xavier's sound of disgust that broke them away from each other. When they did finally part, Karigan was breathing rapidly, and it took a couple deep breaths before she felt capable of standing on her own two feet. Zachary grinned at her, his arm still around her shoulders. "How do you feel about hearing petitions with me today?" he questioned.
"Petitions?" she questioned, cursing herself for how breathless she sounded.
"Yes. You have just proved yourself more than capable."
"Because it was a trade proposal. I grew up with those. I don't know-"
He placed a finger over her lips to silent her objections. "Please?" He stared at her for a moment, and Karigan found herself lost in his almond eyes. Mesmerized, she nodded.
"Excellent. Xavier, I believe that you might enjoy looking over by the fire." Zachary sat the small boy on his feet, and he immediately darted off in the direction his cousin indicated, disappearing behind the couch. A moment later, Karigan heard his excited exclamation.
"Puppies!"
Zachary chuckled, his eyes never leaving Karigan. She swallowed at the intensity of his gaze. "Yes, Little One. Do you want to play with the puppies for a few minutes before they go back to the kennel?"
"Yes!"
"Good." Zachary started to lean forward, but Karigan took a step back, her eyes darting toward the sofa which concealed Xavier's form.
"Zachary, what are you-"
"We have a few minutes before we must be in the throne room. I, for one, feel that we should use that time wisely," he answered with a wicked grin. With that, his lips were on hers again. They certainly used the time wisely; in fact, by the time they walked into the throne room, the rest of Zachary's advisors were already waiting for them. Fortunately, they did not question his tardiness nor why Karigan had suddenly replaced Captain Mapstone at his right. He sent Xavier scampering off with one of his Weapons, and they settled in to hear petitions together.
As they listened to the petitioners, Karigan found herself focused as much on Zachary as them. She had never before had a chance to observe him during petitions, and she found it fascinating to do so now. The first thing she noticed was the difference between him and his father whom she had met once before—whereas Amigast seemed almost bored with the concerns of his people, Zachary listened with empathy. He asked clarifying questions to ensure he fully understood the situation and only then did he give his answer. And in certain cases, he did not give an answer at all, instead asking for time for more careful consideration. This lack of answer did not seem to bother any of the petitioners—in fact, they seemed grateful that he was taking their concerns seriously. It was one of the qualities which made him such an excellent king and one which made Karigan love him all the more.
Surprisingly, Zachary turned to her a number of time to get her opinion on certain petitions. He sought council from his advisors as well though she sensed that he did not truly need most of it. He had governed long enough—first a province and then a kingdom—to be confident in his assessment of most situations. Still, she could see that certain ones bothered him, especially the situations involving magical happenings which were far more frequent than Karigan had realized. She frowned at that, realizing that she had not told Zachary about all the troubling things she had seen recently, for she had been too focused on the attack. Mentally, she berated herself for putting her own concerns above those of the kingdom, and she resolved to talk to Zachary as soon as possible.
Zachary dismissed all of his advisors except Colin and Cummings at half past the eleventh hour for lunch. He tried to convince Karigan to join them, but she refused, still hoping to have a chance to speak with him. He frowned at her but did not push. They continued to see petitions for another hour before the other advisors returned. Zachary nodded to Colin and Cummings who began to pack up their writing materials. When he turned to Karigan, however, she made no move to leave. "Are you joining us for the midday meal, Sire?" she questioned.
"I will eat tonight," he told her.
"With all due respect, Sire, you are no good to your people if you die from hunger because you refuse to take care of yourself. I am sure Captain Mapstone would tell you the same if she were here." Karigan met his gaze, challenge in her own. For a few seconds, the two strong-willed opponents faced off with no one daring to interrupt them. Finally, Zachary allowed a small smile to creep onto his face.
"I suspect you are probably right. Sperren, please let everyone know that we will return in an hour." Sperren gave a bow of acknowledgment as the king stepped off the dais. He led the way out through a back door in the room where a flurry of servants met them to remove his mantle. Karigan started to turn towards the dining hall, but he stopped her before she could go far. "Rider G'ladheon, where are you going?" he called.
She turned to face him. "I'm going to the dining hall to eat."
"You'll dine with us," he declared. "If I have to take a break, at least I can make it a useful one." His eyes twinkled as he grinned at her. Karigan resisted the urge to roll her own eyes at him but did give him a glare so he would know exactly what she thought of him ordering her around.
"Of course, Excellency." He raised a single eyebrow before turning, leading the way back towards his study. He turned just before reaching it, leading the small group into what looked to be his private dining room. Karigan's stomach growled when she saw the food already spread out on the table, reminding her that she had skipped breakfast that morning. A couple of the servants bustled around, finishing up the preparations. Once they were done, they bowed to Zachary before leaving the room. He approached the table, but instead of moving to the head, he stopped at the seat to the right and pulled out the chair. Karigan hung back, unsure of exactly how to behave in the current situation, for Colin and Cummings were still standing in the room. Zachary turned, giving her a significant look before gesturing to the chair. With a start, she realized he was waiting for her to take it. Feeling self-conscious, she took the offered chair.
"Trust me," Zachary whispered as he slid her forward, surreptitiously caressing her shoulder blade. With that, he helped Xavier, who had followed them in, into a seat beside Karigan and moved to the head of the table, taking his own seat. Colin and Cummings took two of the other seats, and a slightly uncomfortable silence settled over the small group as they began to dish up food. Colin finally broke it.
"I have to say, it will be an honor to serve you. I can see what His Majesty meant when he said you would make a fine queen."
Startled, Karigan looked to Zachary who merely chuckled. "I told them yesterday."
"Rest assured, m'lady, if he had not, we would not have known," Cummings said, obviously noting Karigan's concern. "You have both been the paragon of discretion."
"Though it does explain His Majesty's jubilant mood lately." Karigan blushed, and Zachary smoothly changed the subject.
"Was there anything in particular you noticed about the petitions today?"
"There is a good deal more magic running rampant than I first thought," Karigan said. "And it's made its way all the way to Sacor City."
Zachary frowned. "I noticed that as well. I was hoping you might be able to help us with some insight given your gift." Karigan glanced at the other two adults in the room, and it did not take Zachary's sharp mind long to figure out her predicament. "They're aware about the Riders' gifts, at least in general terms."
Karigan nodded. She supposed it made sense for them to be aware given their closeness to the king, but it was still difficult to talk about the Riders' magic, especially given the general distrust of magic she had sensed during petitions. "I don't have much, but I do know that the night when I. . . I tried to use my gift and it backfired. It leached all the heat out of my body, but I never faded. I thought it was because I was terrified at the time, but now I'm starting to wonder if it was something else."
"Was that the only time?" Karigan nodded. Zachary fingered his chin thoughtfully as he considered.
"It's never failed you before?" Colin questioned.
"Not unless I had used it too much recently. The coldness is normal, but it's always accompanied the fading in the past."
"Did you learn anything else from the object you were studying yesterday? The dark moonstone?"
Karigan sighed. "Unfortunately not. Garcia was going to go down to the archives to do some more research today."
"What can you tell us about this dark moonstone?"
Karigan glanced to Zachary who nodded for her to take the lead. "I don't know much. The shadow mage was using it for the magic he was performing. Garcia says it used to be a source of great power for good, but Blackveil corrupted it. It did seem to be getting better away from Blackveil's influence. I was able to handle it yesterday without any ill effects."
"You experienced ill effects before?"
"Yes. A pounding headache and some nausea."
"I felt the same though no one else seemed affected," Zachary agreed. "And when Karigan returned with the black moonstone a couple months ago, they were much diminished."
"No one else?" Colin confirmed.
"At least no one mentioned it to us," Karigan remarked.
"Do you think this has something to do with why Garcia wanted you to bring her to see the dark moonstone?"
Karigan shrugged. "Much of what Garcia does is still a mystery to me. It's certainly possible."
They spent the rest of lunch speculating on the origin of the dark moonstone and its power, but they were no closer to an answer when they returned to finish hearing petitions. They spent the next two hours in the throne room before adjourning to spend another four in meetings discussing the petitions. When Zachary finally dismissed his advisors, night had fallen. Karigan started to leave with them, hoping she could catch a late dinner in the dining hall, but he called her back. A bit confused, she returned to stand next to him. He peeked over her shoulder before letting a grin break out on his face.
"I thought you might enjoy having dinner with me and Xavier." Karigan looked over at the boy who had passed out half an hour before on his cousin's shoulder. "Or maybe just me," Zachary clarified.
"Shouldn't Quinn be back by now?" Karigan asked, glancing at the clock. Zachary shrugged.
"He'll be back soon enough, I'm sure. Knowing Quinn, he found some old, disreputable acquaintance that he's still talking to. Now, dinner?"
"Okay." His grin widened further, and he leaned forward impulsively to kiss her. Once he pulled away, he led the way not to the dining room where they had eaten earlier but to his study. This time, no servants accompanied them, and he set Xavier carefully on the sofa before shrugging off his mantle and hanging it on a nearby rack. After a moment's hesitation, he removed the crown as well, running his hand through his auburn hair with a sigh. He set it on his desk before walking over to a table someone had set out in the middle of the room. Karigan's eyebrows rose when she noted that it had two place settings. "You were expecting me to agree?"
He grinned again. "I assumed I could convince you." Once more, he pulled out her chair though this time, he leaned forward to brush his lips against her cheek as he pushed it toward the table. He sat down across from her, and she noted immediately how different he looked without the crown. Of course, she had seen him before without it given their late nights together, but she had never really focused on its absence before. He seemed much younger without it, less burdened by the weight of a kingdom. He also seemed happier, smiling more easily. She could almost pretend that they were a normal couple eating a meal together. Almost.
As they ate, Zachary told her of his conversations with the nobles. He had mentioned them in passing before, but it was the first time that he had given full details, and she was surprised by just how much support he had already garnered. He obviously noted the look, for he laughed. "Rest assured, my love, I would like to marry you sooner rather than later." Karigan's heart beat a bit faster when she heard the term of endearment slip easily from his lips. It was not the first time he had used it, but they were early enough in their relationship that she had not heard it often. She knew he loved her, for he had told her quite a few times, but it was still exhilarating to hear it confirmed with his words. Zachary cocked his head to the side, regarding her curiously. "Is something wrong?"
She felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks at how easily she had become flustered. She opened her mouth, trying to figure out the best way to respond, but a knock at the door saved her. Before Zachary could ask the visitor to enter, the door burst open. Both turned to see Quinn enter the room sporting a black eye and a bloody lip. His clothes were torn and dirty, and he walked with a slight limp. "Quinn?" Zachary questioned, rising to meet his cousin.
"Hello, Zachary. Just so you're aware, this is the last time I plan to stand up for you."
Confusion crossed Zachary's face. Striding to the door, he instructed one of the Weapons posted outside to find a Green Foot and have them send a mender to the study as well as an additional place setting. With that task complete, he shut the door and turned back to his cousin. "What happened?"
Quinn sighed, crossing to the table and sinking into a chair wearily. Upon noticing Karigan, a sly smile spread across his features. "Sorry, I did not mean to interrupt."
"We were just eating dinner," Zachary said.
"Of course." Quinn's tone dripped insincerity.
"What happened?" Zachary asked again, steering the conversation back on track.
Quinn sighed again, more heavily this time. "I was at the Horse's Head for a pick-me-up, and I heard some folks talking. You know about the magical happenings, I assume?"
"They have been a common topic of petitions," Zachary said.
"Well, it seems that some feel you have more knowledge of them than just what you heard from petitions. There were a few people who blamed you for not doing more about this magic. I was going to let it go with that, but then some others started talking, speculating that it was more than just not doing anything. They felt you were actively causing the magical happenings, that you had made some deal with someone—they weren't specific on whom—to give you more power. I took offense to that and said as much. Unfortunately, I didn't realize just how much support they had until it was too late."
Zachary frowned. "What would make them think that?"
"It sounds like your time in Blackveil has bred some distrust. There's a lot of speculation about how you managed to make it out of such a dark place alive. Some think that you could only have done so by fostering some sort of an alliance. The fact that there are Kmaern now living in Hillander certainly did not help the rumors."
"They're here to help us."
Quinn shrugged. "You know how this kingdom is about magic, and they practice magic."
"What would they have me do? Leave them to die? Drive them out again? Have they forgotten what happened during King Sealander's reign?"
"I am just relaying what I heard. You know I don't agree with it."
Zachary's eyes were stormy, and Karigan reached out a hand, placing it gently on his arm. He turned to look at her, and she said, "Peace, Zachary. You told me yourself that Quinn knows more about magic than most. Perhaps he can help us?"
Zachary exhaled, and his eyes returned to their normal warm brown. "You are right, of course. Quinn, let us get you cleaned up and fed and then I would appreciate your counsel."
Once the mender came and bandaged the worst of Quinn's wounds, they began to eat once more. Karigan and Zachary relayed what they had heard to him. When they had finished, he sat back, obviously thinking hard. "You know, Sacoridia has been wary of magic for so long that I doubt any of its citizens truly understand it anymore. But there are others who do.
Zachary frowned in confusion for a few seconds before realization dawned. "Eletians."
Quinn nodded. "They seem to be popping up more than usual recently."
"But how can we find them?" Karigan asked. "So far, we've only come across them when they want to be found."
Quinn rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I hear rumors that they're in the west, near Penburn. Or at least, some of them are there. I don't know that they travel together often."
"Perhaps I could send a delegation," Zachary mused. "If we make our intentions clear, maybe they will come to find us."
"That makes sense. I could take a couple Riders, maybe a soldier or two. We could leave-"
"No," Zachary said firmly, interrupting.
"Do you have something against Green Riders joining?" Karigan's eyes flashed dangerously.
"No, I have something against you joining."
"Zachary, that-"
"No, Karigan. I am going to announce our courtship shortly. I need you here for that. And your presence at the wedding is rather vital as well." His words were teasing, but there was an undercurrent of command to them. Karigan bristled.
"Penburn is only three weeks away, maybe four if we run into rough weather. But we should be able to stay to the south to avoid the worst of it. I could leave after the announcement and return in plenty of time for the wedding."
"Or you may not return at all." Anguish crossed Zachary's features, and for once, he did not attempt to mask it. "I told you before, Karigan, that I know the Rider call has not yet released you, and I do not pretend that I am always going to be able to keep you safely behind these castle walls. But I am asking you as the man who loves you to please let someone else take on this burden. Please let me have these few months with you, let us take this rare chance to be happy. Then, we will face whatever is to come together."
"As much as I hate to get in the middle of a lovers' quarrel, I do have to say I agree with Zachary," Quinn added. "What this kingdom needs right now is to see a strong union between their monarch and future monarch. They need hope for a brighter future. Others can seek out the Eletians, but only you can show this kingdom just how brilliant you will be as queen."
Karigan blushed faintly. "You don't know that."
Zachary gave her a small smile, sensing her acquiescence. "Trust me, we do. I would, however, appreciate your counsel in who to send. I would like to keep the party small, at least for now, especially given that travel will be difficult. I would rather wait until winter is over to go at all, but I know that time is of the essence here. Perhaps later we can send an official delegation. Maybe even a royal one." Karigan gave him a small smile at hearing that concession. In truth, she knew he and Quinn were right—as much as she wanted to travel, she needed to be in Sacor City until the wedding. Once they made the announcement, everyone would be looking at her, trying to figure out if she would make a good queen. And she was determined to prove that she would.
"I think Laren would be a good choice," Quinn offered.
"She doesn't go on message errands much anymore," Zachary pointed out.
"Yes, but she's a high enough rank that it will show we're serious about establishing a relationship again with them. Plus I suspect she'll be better at matters of diplomacy than a newer recruit."
"She's also from that area, and I'm sure she'll appreciate the chance to go home," Karigan added, warming to the idea. Zachary thought for a moment before nodding.
"I will ask her to go. You are right that she is a logical choice. Plus, it will give Karigan a chance to sit in on some of my meetings without raising suspicions." His eyes twinkled as he turned to Karigan.
"You should send at least one Kmaern as well," Karigan said, fighting a blush. "They don't know as much magic as Eletians, but they know more than most Sacoridians."
"An excellent idea. I am sure Garcia will provide someone. And we can round out the group with a couple members of the militia for protection."
"One member of the militia and one Weapon," Quinn countered. Zachary raised an eyebrow. "You know as well as I do that the Weapons know more about ancient history than most. I suspect that knowledge may help them since there were more interactions with Eletians in the past. Besides, you cannot deny that a Weapon will provide better protection than a member of the militia."
Zachary conceded with a nod. "Very well. I will begin to make preparations in the morning."