I woke in the tent, next to Rachel, who was cuddled up next to me in her sleeping bag.  The tent was dim – like the sun hadn’t yet completely risen – and the sound of distant thunder and light rain pitter-pattered all around us.  I smiled at the thought of the late summer storm; it would make things wet, for sure – but it would also take the humidity out of the air once it passed.  It would be nice to have some cooler temperatures for a few days, I thought.

 

                I ran my hand over my chin, mostly by habit, and was pleased to see it was still smooth.  The alchemical goods and ointments they have here would be worth a fortune back home – if either of us were ever going back home, I thought.  I should encourage more alchemists to come to Callenden when I’m properly crowned King.  They’d be good for the community.

 

                Still, we couldn’t lie in bed all day.  “Rachel.”  I said quietly, gently shaking her.  “Rachel, it’s time to get up.”

 

                “Hrnng.  You villain.”  She muttered.  “I was having a good dream.  You were naked in it.”

 

                “Sorry, hun.”  I smiled.  “We’ve got to get up.  Thanks for dreaming of me, though.”

 

                Rachel yawned.  “Anytime, Cass.  I’m up – it’ll be a moment before I’m moving though.  Why don’t you get dressed and get your armor on?  I’ll help you with it in a moment.”

 

                “Okay, thanks.  How did you sleep?”

 

                “Pretty good.  I was thinking about Princess Morag a lot before bed too.”  Rachel admitted.

 

                “Yeah, me too.  She’s got us between a rock and a hard place, doesn’t she?”

 

                “Definitely.  I can’t see how we can survive without her.”

 

                I sighed.  “I’ll tell her I accept her offer later today – or by the time we’re on our way back to Erevale at the very least.  That should make her very happy, I suppose.”

 

                “Yeah.  Now go get dressed.  I need a minute to wake up.”  Rachel replied, groaning and rolling back into her sleeping bag for a moment.

 

                I smiled at her antics, and got dressed.  Sir Fionn could help me get my armor on – and Rachel could have another ten minutes of rest she might otherwise not get.  I am a kind and beneficent King, after all… 

 

                A few moments later, I climbed out of my tent, and into our campsite.  Princess Morag was not in evidence – but Tika was at the fire, using some of last nights coals to roast some almonds and chestnuts, and Morag’s two armsmen were building a fire from the rest of the coals, and preparing to make some boiling water.  The drizzle from the storm was light – it looked as if the rain could end any moment, and the overcast sky was slowly breaking up and allowing the dawn’s light through.  It looked to be a very nice day, if the storm cleared up!

 

                I shrugged my way into my chainmail hauberk, feeling the heavy steel rings weigh down my shoulders and waist, and started straightening the armor out, when I heard someone approach.

 

                “Do you need some help, your Majesty?”  One of Morag’s guardsmen asked.  “I’d be pleased to assist you.”

 

                “Thanks.”  I replied.  “What’s your name, ser?  I didn’t get it yesterday.”

 

                “My name is Eoghan, your Majesty, and my friend is Dunlop – but we all call him Dunny, since he seems to like that better.”

 

                “Good morning, your Majesty.”  Dunny replied from across the campsite.  “We were just getting the fire built up.”

 

                “Good idea, and well met, both of you.”  I replied.  “I would thank you for your help, Eoghan.”

 

                “Alright then, your Majesty…”  Eoghan helped adjust the armor, and helped me put on the last few pieces that required assistance.  “There – all done.”

 

                “Thank you, Eoghan.”

 

                “Tis, no problem, your Majesty.  I’ve helped the Princesses’ brothers a number of times as well.  It was my pleasure.”  I nodded, and Eoghan went back to building the fire with Dunny. 

 

                “Good morning Tika.”  I began.  “How did you sleep?”

 

                “Good, Cass!  I dreamt I was flying all night!  It was awesome, yup!  I’m making some roast nuts and I’m putting honey on them to flavor them.  It’ll be a treat for us for later.  And maybe me for breakfast.”  Tika giggled.  “How did you sleep?”

 

                “Fairly well, actually.”  I replied.  “I don’t remember my dreams though, if I did dream.”

 

                “Are you worried about the cave?”  She asked.

 

                “I don’t know… Should I be?”

 

                “What if there’s more giant spiders in the cave – like at the ruin where we met?”  Tika asked, frightened.

 

                “Then we’ll kill them and keep you from being hurt, okay Tika?  We’ll be safe enough.  Morag’s a dead shot with a bow, Fionn and I can fight, and Rachel, Alyssa and you are great sorcerers – so what are a few dungeon bugs and some cave critters going to do to us?”

 

                “If you say so, Cass.  I guess I just don’t like dark caves… or giant spiders.”

 

                “I don’t like giant spiders, either, Tika.  Remember where I was bitten just before we met?  A little higher and I’d be queen of Callenden and not king.”  I joked.

 

                Tika snorted and laughed.  “Maybe.”  She giggled.  “I just remember how red your face was when Alyssa tried to see if the poison needed treating.”

 

                I blushed at the memory… gods it was only a few weeks ago!  “Yeah, that was a bit embarrassing.”

 

                By this time, Dunny and Eoghan had built up the fire, and the logs they had put on were burning brightly and putting out a nice amount of heat.  The wood cracked and popped in the fire, sending small sparks flying outward onto the wet grass of the campsite.  The rain was finally letting up as well, and the first morning rays of sunshine streamed down from the heavens towards our camp.

 

                Just then, a one of those rays of sunshine came down to illuminate Princess Morag’s tent, just as she threw the flap aside, and yawned.  Her hair was a bit wild, and she was dressed in her travelling dress – but the ray of sunshine illuminated her perfectly, making her seem like she almost was glowing.  I stopped and stared a moment, because although Morag was a few years my senior, she still cut a very fine figure of a woman, and she looked both stunning and sexy in that moment. 

 

                As princess Morag finished her yawn, the sunlight faded into more normal light, and her gaze fell upon me.  I smiled, and waved – and she smiled back, and approached me.

 

                “Good morning, Castiel.”  She began.  “Did you enjoy the view?”

 

                I blushed a bit at getting caught.  “Aye.  You looked quite attractive in the sunlight there for a moment.”

 

                “Did you like what you saw?”  She asked coyly.

 

                “You are a very beautiful woman, Princess.”  I began  “Yes, I thought you looked very appealing in that moment.”

 

                “And has that moment passed, then Castiel?” 

 

                “No, Morag.  In fact, I think we should go for a walk, and talk privately – about your offer from yesterday.”

 

                “Of course, Castiel.  Let me just get my bow.  I rarely go anywhere without it.”   She retreated to her tent, and returned shortly after with her bow and a quiver of arrows at her hip.  “Now, I’m ready.”

 

                I offered Morag my arm, which she took, and we walked away from camp a short distance.  The grasses of the field we were in smelled sweet and damp, and little dust motes floated in the air. 

 

                “Princess, we both know I need your knowledge, and your experience.  I need it desperately, if Rachel and I are to survive the next few years, assuming Hemlock and her son can be bested.  I would like to know your reasons for seeking this alliance – this marriage between us, just so I can understand what you get out of it.”

 

                Princess Morag bit her bottom lip, thinking a moment.  “How much do you know of our culture, Castiel?  Do you have nobles back on Earth?”

 

                “Aye.  But most of them are figureheads now.”

 

                “Did their daughters get to choose their fates, or were they married off to cement alliances and make political arrangements?”

 

                The penny dropped.  “Oh… Is that what’s happening here?  You feel you’re being sold to me?  I wouldn’t want that at all!”

 

                Morag sighed, and shook her head.  “Castiel, I’m glad you feel that way, but no.  I approached my father to ask if we could do this – not because he wanted an alliance, but because I thought I could help you… and I wanted you.  You’re a young, handsome man, about to inherit a kingdom allied to my own, and you’re strange and exciting, and a Vigilant!  You bring new ideas to our country – and are an blank slate to teach, with no bad habits or hidden alliances to mistrust.  Do you have any idea what a catch that makes you, Castiel?”

 

                “I… You wanted me?”  I asked, poleaxed.

 

                “Yes!  I was to be wed to Prince Michael, until we actually met him… and where he disgusted me, you intrigue me.  You excite me.  You make me think that with you I could rule my own fate, instead of following my father’s wishes – or then my husbands.  I mean, if we were to be married, I would be your wife – but I strongly believe that you would not be a controlling husband, and would let me do as I please, as long as my duties to the kingdom were upheld.”

 

                “Of course I would!  Why wouldn’t I?  You’re not my slave, Morag, nor my property.  You are an independent woman, who has all the rights to do as she wishes.  If we did undertake this alliance – a marriage between you and I and Rachel – I would treat you no differently than I do her…”

 

                “And would you let me mold you, and teach you how to be a King, and Rachel a Queen?”

 

                “Of course!  That’s the whole point of this, is it not?  We need your help to learn and survive.  I just wanted to know what you felt you got out of it.”

 

                “Then I will be blunt, Castiel, this once.  I get my father’s thanks and graciousness at acceding to his desire that our houses be joined.  It has long been his desire to see that happen.  I get a handsome, attractive husband whom I hope can love me as his wife one day, for I find him interesting, alluring, and exciting.  I get to hold the reins of a powerful kingdom, and help shape it – and its rulers – into a force to be reckoned with, and finally, I get the freedom to make my own choices, which is something I have been denied living in my fathers house.  Is that sufficient for my reasons, Castiel?”

 

                I was silent for a few moments, thinking.  Of course, when she spelled it out so bluntly, it seemed obvious.  “Yes, Morag.  Those are all excellent reasons.  I am sorry if my stupidity offended you.”

 

                “You’re not stupid, Castiel.  You’re just uneducated about how royalty and politics works here.  That’s what I aim to teach you.  Am I right in assuming you intend to accept my offer?”

 

                “Yes, Morag.  I intend to accept, and take both you and Rachel as my wife… But I will not have the marriage before Rachel receives her Twin Soul Blessing, no matter what.  I want her to feel whole when we are married, not stuck in-between who she is and who she wishes to be.”

 

                “I can accept those term, Castiel.  Thank you.”  Morag replied, taking my hand.  “You have honestly made me quite happy.”

 

                “I’m glad, Morag.  I’d like to hope we become close in the future too.  I find you beautiful, intelligent, and frankly, a little intimidating.  But if we do not become close, I hope that will not drive a wedge between us?  I cannot see the future to see what will transpire.”

 

                “I prefer to let the future take care of itself.”  She replied, squeezing my hand.  “If we become close, then so be it.  Will Rachel accept all this?”

 

                “Yes.  We’ve already talked it over.  I told her I was going to accept this morning, and she agreed it was a good idea.”

 

                “Excellent.”  Morag smiled.  “We should get back to the camp, Castiel.  They might wonder what we’re up to.”

 

                “Aye, milady.”  I replied.  “I hope we can make this work.”

 

                “I know we can, Castiel.”  Morag said quietly.  “I know we can.  Let’s get back to camp.”

          

 

*              *              *

 

                By the time we got back to camp, everyone was up and about.  Sir Fionn was chatting with Alyssa and Rachel, while Eoghan and Dunny were starting to cook some food over the fire.  Alyssa had a pot of something that smelled very close to stew or soup going, and the smell of Tika’s roasted nuts still lingered in the air.

 

                “Hello, Castiel.”  Alyssa greeted.  “Did you and Lady Morag have a nice walk?”

 

                “Aye, we did.  We talked as well, and I think things will be well.”

 

                “That’s good to hear.”  Alyssa smiled back.  “Rachel told me a bit about what’s going on.”

 

                “Then, I guess I don’t need to repeat it.”  I smirked.

 

                “Good morning, Milady Morag.”  Alyssa called out.  “Are you going to be coming into the cave with us, or will you be waiting outside?”

 

                “I shall be coming inside with you, Alyssa.  I’m no fainting flower to be worried if I break a nail or get my skirts dirty.”

 

                “I’m glad to hear that.  Hankle root usually grows in damp soil, in the dark – so it’s bound to be muddy and gross.”

 

                Morag smiled back at Alyssa.  “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”

 

                “Why don’t we all just get something to eat.”  Sir Fionn suggested.  “Today is bound to be long enough climbing around in a dark cave.  The sooner we get this damned root, the sooner my old bones can get back to Erevale and rest in a proper bed, and not on the hard cold ground.”

 

                “Old bones!” I laughed.  “You’re no old man, Sir Fionn.”

 

                “Maybe not in years, Lad, but in spirit.  I’ve seen much loss, and I’ve learned much as well.  Never say no to a comfortable bed or a free meal.  Always carry dry socks, and never anger a woman if you can help it.   Besides, we’re exposed out here.  I doubt Queen Hemlock’s reach extends this far, but it makes me nervous.”

 

                “Well then, my friend, we’ll hurry it up so we can get back to the Palace.  Hopefully it’ll be taken care of by noon at the worst.”  I laughed.  “Let’s eat up.”

                We spent the next thirty or so minutes eating breakfast, and then another fifteen cleaning up and preparing ourselves for the cave diving.  Princess Morag had brought two coils of rope, as well as thick gloves for those who needed them, as well as some interesting alchemical torches… iron rods with some sort of alchemical substance on the end that she claimed would burn brighter and longer than a normal torch would.  I honestly was interested in seeing them work!

 

                Soon, though, we were ready to go. 

               

                The mouth of the cave was broad but low ceilinged – about six feet high at its highest point, and about six to eight feet wide.  To be honest, it looked more like an animal den, than a cave mouth – but it seemed to get larger as we delved deeper into the cliff face.  The tunnel we travelled in angled slowly down, and to the left – and it quickly began to grow dark.

 

                “We could use one of those torches, Milady.”  I suggested. 

 

                “Of course, Milord.”  Morag smiled sweetly, and took one of the alchemical torches and struck the wall fiercely with it – and the shock of the impact seemed to ignite the substance on the tip.  It hissed, burned – and flared to life, casting a broad circle of light across and through the cave.  She handed the torch to me, and tapped her bow – she needed to keep her hands free, after all.

 

                I took the torch, and moved forward.  “What are we looking for, Alyssa?”

 

                “Hankle root grows in moist damp soil, usually in shade or in the dark.  It’s white – but it mostly grows beneath the surface so sometimes you have to get on your hands and knees and dig for it.  The soil here is too packed – it’s not loose enough.  We’ll have to keep looking.”

 

                “I didn’t know plants on Mercia could grow without sunlight.”  Rachel commented.  “Back on Earth the only things that grew in the dark were fungus and mushrooms.”

 

                “You could call Hankle root a type of mushroom.”  Alyssa agreed.  “It’s not edible without being treated, but its not poisonous either by itself.  It would give you a greatly upset tummy if you ate it, and horrible, horrible gas – but it’s not lethal.  It does have strong anti-magic properties though, and that’s why we need it for the potion to block Queen Hemlock’s magic.”

 

                Meanwhile, Fionn and Tika had been looking around the cave – and Fionn hollered to get our attention.

 

                “I found a tunnel over here,” Fionn began.  “It looks wide enough to traverse.”

 

                “We might as well try it, then.”  Alyssa replied.  “There isn’t any Hankle root here.”

 

                Morag handed Fionn a second alchemical torch, and whacked it firmly to activate it as she did so.

 

                “You seem to enjoy that a great deal, milady Morag.”  Fionn laughed.

 

                “Aye, percussive maintenance gives me great pleasure.”  Morag smirked.  “I so rarely get to hit things in my father’s castle.”

 

                “I’ll remember that, milady.”  Fionn took the torch, and motioned for us to follow. 

 

                We proceeded down the tunnel for a short distance – this tunnel angled down and to the right, and had many smaller crevices into which only someone as small as Tika could fit safely – and some of the crevices were too small for even her.  Eventually we arrived in a small cave – about twenty feet on a side, and about 7 feet tall.  The ground here looked disturbed, and there was a large number of crawling bugs – some sort of centipedes – in the area. 

 

                “This looks promising!”  Alyssa said, looking at the disturbed soil.  She retrieved from her bag a small trowel and a small bolline – a small handheld sickle for harvesting herbs and roots.  “Could you hold the light higher, Sir Fionn?”

 

                “Aye lass.” 

 

                “Oh gods, there are a lot of these frigging insects.”  Alyssa griped.  “Rachel, if they start to swarm, can you wrap me in a bubble, so they don’t get me?”

 

                “I think so, but what do I do if they come after us?”

 

                “Um… I dunno?”

 

                Tika chanted a moment, to aid her concentration, and called upon her power.  “There’s Hankle root over there, Alyssa!  I can sense it!  Lots of it!  Yup yup!”  Tika eagerly pointed to where her spell had detected the plant.

 

                “Ewww!  It’s totally crawling with bugs!  This is disgusting!”  Alyssa cried out.

 

                “They’re just bugs, lass.  I promise, we’ll get you clean and out of here as soon as we can.” Fionn replied, trying to calm Alyssa. 

 

                Alyssa nodded, and knelt, to dig up the roots and begin the process of harvesting them correctly so they would be of use for her potion. 

 

                Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but be distracted by a side tunnel, off to the left and away from where Alyssa was working.  I don’t know why I felt distracted – but I felt it all the same… something was calling to me.  On the off chance, I was being ensorcelled, I cast my senses out to detect the presence of evil – but I found none.  Instead, I felt a comforting presence, so I wandered towards it.  I suppose I should have told the others I was searching – but I oddly felt I was in no danger here – and neither were they, except perhaps for getting muddy. 

 

                The tunnel turned a corner – and I took two steps, before the ground gave way beneath me, and I fell or slid down a steep incline of soil and rocks, to come to rest at the base of a smaller cave.  I looked around – the alchemical torch still burned brightly in my hand – and all I saw in the small cave was a cairn of stones – and a floating ball of light that appeared to be some sort of will-o-wisp.

 

                I placed my hand on my grandmothers sword – but a voice spoke within my head, giving me pause.

 

                *This place is not for the likes of you, Castiel, Shield of God.* 

 

The voice in my head was not spoken by something quite human – but it was understood clearly.  It was deep, and male, and had a certain growl to it that reminded me of a wolf or an angry dog. 

 

“Who are you?  What is this place?”  I asked quietly.

 

*I am Razamiel, a Servant of the Gods.*  The voice in my head replied.  *I guard this site as holy.  I ask that you do not delve further.  There are things better left unawakened in the deep parts of Mercia, and to delve further down these tunnels would take you to places you do not wish to go.*

 

“If it’s so dangerous, then how is this place holy?”

 

*This is the resting place of an ancient hero – one of the first ancient heroes.  This is the resting place of Avilya of Fire, and one of her enchanted blades – the Blade of the North Wind.  She lost the Blade of the South Wind shortly before her death – but she asked to be laid to rest here to protect the surface world from what dwells below, even in death.  I watch over her tomb to prevent it from being desecrated.*

 

I gulped, in both awe and terror.  The history books I had been studying in Castle Erevale had taught me a great deal about Mercian history – and Avilya of Fire was one of the free peoples great culture heroines – on par with Moses.  Avilya and eleven others – all chosen by the gods – freed the peoples of Mercia who were enslaved by the Hserinyar to the west, and led them to freedom in an event known as the Exodus.  They found respite and safe passage when they fled Hserin and came to the gates of Harad, in western Mercia – and from there spread all across the face of the world.  The heroes and heroines chosen by the gods were supposed to be blessed with amazing powers – and Avilya had the power to command the winds, chained into four items – her Bracers of the East and West winds, and her Swords of the North and South winds.  She was a great swordswoman, who stories claimed helped kill a dragon in mortal combat!   The only people in history who had been able to slay a dragon in combat had been the heroes of legend – Avilya and her allies. 

 

“I did not come to disturb her rest, most holy angel.”  I began.  “I felt a presence, and felt compelled to follow.  If you wish, I will leave the way I came, and not return.”

 

*What I wish remains to be seen.*

 

“What lies beneath this place?  What manner of threat lurks below?”

 

*Madness and pain, Castiel Fowler.  Creatures born of darkness and pain, bottled up in the dark places even goblins fear to tread. Do not delve further into this, Castiel. It will only bring madness and death to your people.*

 

I didn’t know what to say, nor do, so I nodded, and was quiet for a moment.  Perhaps the angel needed time to think?

 

“May I leave this place?”  I asked quietly.  I didn’t want to disturb an ancient heroines rest – and I certainly didn’t want to anger the angel either.

 

*Not until you make a choice, Castiel.  I have been tasked with offering you a choice.  If I were to offer you some of Avilya’s treasures, which would you take – her bracers, or her sword?*

 

“I would rather not disturb an ancient’s heroines rest, holy angel – but if I had to choose, I would choose the bracers.”

 

*Why?*

 

“Because, unlike Fionn – who has made himself into a weapon against evil – and who has sacrificed any chance of having a family because of it, I choose to have a family.  I will be a protector – a shield against which the tide of evil shall break and shatter – and her bracers represent that shield.  I will not seek out Evil to conquer and defeat in other lands – but when it rears its head, I will strike it off, and protect my people.  The people of Callenden need someone to protect and watch over them – not a conqueror or someone who will hare off to slay fiends – and abandon the needs of the kingdom.”

 

*And if you were asked to hare off, and slay an evil in another land?*

 

“I would ask if the need was great… and if it were, I would do as I was asked.  Sometimes, you have to look further than your own borders – and an evil far away may one day come to your own door.  Best to stop it sooner than later.  I serve at The Twin’s discretion – if they ask it, I shall see it done.  They have given me purpose, and I will honor their requests.”

 

                The angel seemed to pause a moment – as if listening to something only he could hear.  *So be it, then. You may leave this place in peace, Castiel Fowler, Shield of God – but you should know that evil cannot be stopped by shields alone – it is not enough to weather the evil’s storm, nor to let it break upon your strength.  You must also possess the will to act – and the sword represents that will.  You might be better off to seek a balance between the two, young Vigilant.*

 

                I felt chastened by the angels words, and nodded.  “I will reflect upon your words, most holy angel.”

 

                *You should go.  Do not speak of this place to the others.  Its existence must remain a secret.  Once you leave, I will restore the chamber to as it was.  I will come to you when it is time.*

 

                “Time for what?”

 

                *When it is time for you to meet your destiny.*

 

                Unsure of what to say, I nodded.  “I will keep this place a secret.”

 

                *Then go.*

 

                I turned, and carefully climbed out of the sinkhole, and back to the tunnel above – where Morag was peering down at me. 

 

                “Gimme a hand?”  I asked, reaching up.

 

                “What happened?”  She asked, offering me her hand.

 

                “The ground gave way beneath me.  I was stunned a moment, and I climbed back up.  Have I been gone long?”

 

                “Long enough for Alyssa to gather the Hankle root, and defeat a small swarm of bugs that got uppity.  Long enough for us to notice you missing, Castiel.  Is everything okay?”

 

                “Aye, milady Morag… but honestly, I cannot speak further of it.  Everything is well.  To be honest, I was led down the hall by the presence of an angel, and we talked a time.  I do not know which god or goddess he served, but he told me the time where I was to meet my destiny was approaching… and I think he wanted me to be ready.”

 

                “He spoke of you claiming the throne of Callenden, then?”

 

                “To be honest, I do not know if he meant that, or something greater?”  I replied.  “But I cannot say of what else transpired.  He commanded me to silence.”

 

                Morag nodded.  “I understand, Milord.  Let’s return to the others.”

 

                “Aye.  Let’s get out of this cave and back into the light.”  I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of creatures might lurk below that required an angel and a great heroine’s spirit to ward against its evil.  A threat for another day.  I sighed.  There seemed to be more and more of them as time went on.  I hoped when ‘another day’ came, I wouldn’t be swamped by them all at once.

 

                Morag and I clambered up the tunnel to rejoin the others.

  

                “Where did you hare off to, Lad?”  Sir Fionn asked as I reentered the cave where my friends waited.

 

                “I was just following a gut feeling, Sir Fionn.  I had a confusing chat with an angel.”

 

                Fionn nodded.  “Then it was meant for you alone.  I had no such feeling.  I hope you heeded its words well, lad.”

 

                “I did, and I will, Fionn.  It told me to seek a balance between the shield and the sword – and that somewhere in the middle of those two philosophies I might better find myself.”

 

                “Wise words.  Are we ready to leave?  You look filthy!”

 

                “Aye, and I thought I was the one digging around in the mud.”  Alyssa joked, brushing her muddy skirts.

 

                “Well, I did trip and fall down a hole before I met the angel. At least I didn’t land on my head.”

 

                “Aye.  I daresay Rachel and Morag enjoy your pretty face, Milord.”  She jested – and then turned red with embarrassment.  “I mean… I don’t mean to insult you, Milord.”

 

                I laughed.  “No offence taken, Alyssa.  I rather like my face the way it is as well.  I can hardly blame others for enjoying it too, right?”  I winked at her, and smirked when she blushed – but also relaxed. 

 

                “Are we ready to go?”  I asked.

 

                “Aye, lad.  We were waiting on you.”  Fionn replied, motioning towards the exit.

 

                I nodded, and took the lead, climbing up the tunnel towards the exit to the surface.  The climb wasn’t particularly difficult or long, and soon we emerged into the light of day, and I saw just how filthy I had become, sliding down that incline of mud and rocks…  I sighed.  I hope these clothes weren’t ruined, but even if they weren’t they needed serious laundering, and my armor needed some serious polishing too. 

 

                “I’ve been dirtier.”  I commented.

 

                “I wouldn’t brag about that, Milord.”  Morag joked.

 

                “You’re right, I shouldn’t.  Thanks for helping me out of that hole, Morag.”

 

                “’Twas my pleasure, Castiel.”

 

                Rachel came over to me, and tried to brush off some of the dirt, to no avail.  “You’re going to need new clothes and a bath.”

 

                I nodded, and took her hand.  “Thanks for worrying about me.”

 

                “Always, dorkus.”  Rachel replied.  “And I’m glad you didn’t fall on your pretty face.”

 

                I smirked.  “Me too.”

 

                We stood a moment, and then turned our attention back to the others – and I realized they had all been waiting for our moment to be over.  I guess people do that when you’re a king… Weird.

 

                “I suppose we should break camp and head back to Castle Erevale, right?” 

 

                “Aye, milord.”  Morag replied.  “If we hurry we can get back well before nightfall, and get you cleaned before supper.”

 

                “That sounds good.”

 

                “Well, then, I’ll get us started.”  Morag headed over to the camp, and gave Dunny and Eoghan a few commands, and soon they were taking down and packing away Morag’s tent – and I went to take down mine, and assist Alyssa with hers. 

 

We all got to work, and it was done in short order.  Soon – maybe an hour and a bit later – we were ready to ride, and we set off towards Castle Erevale.

 

“How bad was the bug swarm?”  I asked Alyssa.

 

“It was disgusting!  There were like a million of these stinging gross centipedes everywhere!  Rachel had to mash them all flat with her magic… nothing Tika or I did would stop them, without also hurting us too.  Thanks for the help, Rachel.”

 

“No problem.  I thought they were gross too.”

 

“It sounds like I wouldn’t have been much help then.”

 

“Yeah, probably not, Cass.”  Rachel replied.  “It’s hard to stab a swarm with a sword and really do anything.”

 

“I guess so.” 

 

We got settled on our horses, and pushed on…  Unlike our journey outward, our journey home was more quiet, and just a little bit faster.  Sir Fionn was still worried we were too exposed, and the others seemed like they felt a sense of urgency – an urgency I began to feel too, as the day progressed.  Still, around late afternoon, we crested a hill and saw Castle Erevale ahead, inside the city of Erevale, and made towards it.

 

“Your home is quite beautiful, Milady Morag.”  I said. 

 

“Thank you, Castiel.  Callenden is quite lovely as well – at least it was the last time I was there, which was some time ago.  I hope I will like it there.”

 

“I hope so as well.”

 

We headed down the hillside, and into the city – and everywhere people were running about, stacking weapons or packing food onto wagons – soldiers were milling about or heading hither and yon – and I realized that this was Erevale mobilizing for war.  King Conner was mobilizing his troops – and the city was preparing at his command…  This was really happening.  I gulped in worry.

I had never been in a war before…  and I realized I was scared.  I was scared of what could happen to me – to Rachel, and Alyssa, and Fionn and Tika.  I was scared because the idea of losing meant it was the end for us.  And I didn’t want to die.  Not yet – not just as I was starting to figure my life out.  Not just as I was about to see Rachel and Alyssa become who they were meant to be… not just as I was getting ready to marry not one but two strong women.  I wanted to live.

 

                And I realized that all the young men and boys that were marching off to war at my command felt the same damn way.  They felt the same things I was feeling.  They didn’t want to die, or to be maimed.  They were just figuring out their lives too.  They needed me to be strong – for them, if nothing else.  They needed a leader who would stand tall and say “This is worth fighting for – and dying for if need be!”  They needed someone who would bring them home safe, or at least as many of them as he could.  They needed a King.

 

                I have to be that leader.  Cass thought.  Me. 

 

                I hoped – I prayed – I would be up to the task.

 

 

 

*              *              *

 

 

                I was lost in my thoughts for much of the journey through the city of Erevale, and it wasn’t until we entered the castle’s confines that I honestly came to myself.   I shook my head, to clear it from my musings, and sighed.

 

                “Alyssa, how long will it take to brew this potion you told us about?”  I asked.

 

                “Maybe a day or two, Cass, at the most.  It should travel well, but I’ll make sure to pack the potion safely, until we need it.”

 

                “That’s great news!  I suppose we should go tell King Conner and Queen Elissa the good news, Rachel – about us accepting Morag’s proposal.”

 

                “Yes, I think we should.  Will you be accompanying us, Lady Morag?”  Rachel asked.

 

                “Aye, I shall.  Eoghan, Dunny, can you two see to the horses and see them curried and fed?”

 

                “Aye, Milday.”  Dunny replied.  “We’ll take care of it, for all of the steeds.”

 

                “Thanks, lads.”  Sir Fionn replied, climbing down from his horse.  “We appreciate the assistance.”

 

                “Lady Morag, do you mind if I take a bath before getting to work on the venom?”  Alyssa asked, looking at her filthy dress.

 

                “Not at all – and perhaps you should too, Castiel?  It might be prudent.”

 

                “Normally, I would – but that would delay us in meeting your father, and I’m sure with the good news, he won’t mind a bit of dirt.”  I replied.  “I’ll have a good long soak after we’re done talking.  Let’s tell him the good news.”

 

                Morag smiled broadly, and nodded, and Rachel gave Cass a curious look, but agreed as well.

 

                “I’ll go with you, Alyssa.”  Tika chattered.  “I can help you with the herbs and extracting the essences you need from them.”

 

                “Thanks Tika!”

 

                And with that, we all broke up into groups, each going our own ways for the time being.