I woke the next morning to a gentle knock on the door…  I opened my eyes to see a young woman – I think it was Stefano’s daughter Kaitrin - sticking her head inside the door. 

 

                “Laundry ser?”  She whispered.

 

                “In the basket by the door.  Thank you, Kaitrin.”  I whispered.

 

                “You are welcome, milord.”  She replied, grinning, and took the basket with her, then closed the door.

 

                I sighed, and flopped my head down on my pillow.  “I am going to have to get used to hearing that, aren’t I?”  I said quietly to myself. I tried to remember if I dreamt last night – and for the second night in a row I couldn’t recall my dreams.  Maybe it was an after-effect of Hathor’s healing, but I felt really well rested too.  I hope I remember some of my dreams, I thought.  Some of them were kind of interesting.

 

                I could tell I wasn’t going to get any more sleep, so I crawled out of bed, and started getting dressed.  Sir Fionn tossed and turned, but he didn’t wake – and after I donned my clothing, gambeson, weapon belt (including my revolver) and arm-bracers, I felt more prepared to meet the day.  I decided to take a cheap pocket book downstairs with me to finish reading before everyone woke up.  It was one of those epic military sci-fi tales with broadsides in space and awesome starship captains, and so forth.  I couldn’t wait to finish it – but was a bit sad too… I’d never see how the story ended!  Oh well, I thought.  I guess I’ll be making my own stories from now on – the Tales of Sir Castiel.  Gods above, that sounds pretentious!

 

                I snorted with a bit of self depreciation, and slipped out of the room.  The hallway was dimly lit – the sun was just barely rising and the gray pre-dawn didn’t offer much light.  Downstairs, the taproom was just as dimly lit, except for a few candles on the bar – and I could hear people puttering in the kitchen, which was better lit.  A trio of women in the kitchen were chopping vegetables, boiling water, and churning butter.

 

                I walked up to the bar, and called out quietly.  “Excuse me, Serra’s?  May I take a candle to read by?”

 

                One of the ladies heard, and dusted flour off her apron, and came out to see me.  “Oh, good morning, young lord.  Of course, you may take a candle.  Take two if you wish.  Pick any table you like.  Would you like some breakfast?”

 

                I thought about it, and shook my head.  “I’d rather wait until my friends join me.  I just woke, and couldn’t get back to sleep.  I thought I would read until they came downstairs.”

 

                “Of course, milord.  Take a candle or two.  Breakfast will be in a few hours.  We still have bread to bake.”

 

                “Aye, of course.  The food you serve in your inn isn’t going to bake itself, is it Serra?”

 

                “Exactly, milord.  If I have your leave to get back to my work?”

 

                “Of course.  I’m sorry to keep you.”

 

                The girl curtsied, and returned to the kitchen, leaving me with my purloined candle and my book.  I lit the candle, and headed to one of the booths in the back corner of the room – it felt a bit more private and cozy, if that was the right word.  I felt like I needed private and cozy.  I put the candle in the center of the table, using some melted wax to help hold it steady, and settled down to read… and for the next hour or so I was transported to a reality of starships, high-energy grasers and missile barrages, and strange but compelling cats that bleeked.  It was just what I needed to take my mind off the stress and tension that had been building over the journey to this moment.  As I finished the next chapter, I heard quiet footsteps and looked up to see Tika scampering across the floor towards me. 

 

                She jumped up onto the bench across from me, and smiled.  “Good morning, Castiel.”  She said.  “Did you sleep well?”

 

                “I slept pretty well, actually.  Did you?”

 

                “Aye.  I don’t sleep much when I’m nervous… and today I’m nervous.  I’m scared things will go badly, and I don’t know what to do.”

 

                “Well, I have an idea that might help, Tika.”

 

                “What?”

 

                “When we enter the palace, if people aren’t paying attention to you, speak to some of the plants and discover what they’ve seen or heard – maybe we can learn something about Queen Hemlock and Prince Michael that they don’t want people to know – and maybe, if we’re lucky, they said or did some of this stuff in front of some plants.  Information is our weapon now, Tika – and the more we have, the better off we’ll be.  Just don’t get caught.”

 

                “Well, if there’s one thing Reechi are good at, Cass, it’s not being seen.  We’re really good at hiding.  I was hoping to meet the king though.  Do you think I could?”

 

                “I assure you, if I get a chance to introduce him to any of you, I’ll make sure to get you a chance to say ‘Hello’.  Besides, if you ride on my shoulder, you won’t be able to NOT meet him.”

 

                “You’d let me do that?”  She replied, wide eyed.

 

                “If Sir Fionn didn’t think it a mistake, then sure.  If he does, though, I’d introduce you later.  You gals are my friends – of course I’m going to show you off.”

 

                “Thanks.  Are you seeing Rachel now?”

 

                “Ummm… It’s complicated.  Yes, I think.  Why?"

 

                “I think Alyssa like you too – and she’d probably kill me if she knew I told you.”

 

                I smiled, and tried to act wise, even though I didn’t really feel it.  “Why did you tell me, Tika?”

 

                “I’m not sure, really.  It felt like you had a right to know.  They both like you, a lot.”

 

                “I like them too – but I can’t be with both of them.  It wouldn’t be right, and I’m pretty sure one or both of them might not like that idea too.”

 

                Tika chattered, laughing.  “Oh, you’re funny, Cass.  I keep forgetting you come from another world.”

 

                “Did I say something foolish?”  I asked.

 

                “No.”  Tika replied.  “But I think our customs might be different than you know.  Besides, nobility get to make the rules – and if you’re a noble, so could you.  It might be strange, but not impossible.”

 

                I thought of possibly being with Alyssa and Rachel at the same time, and I admit, my face went beet red from embarrassment – especially when my thoughts went ahead two months to when they both were transformed physically to females in body as well as mind and spirit.  I was disturbed from my visions by Tika’s laughter.

 

                “Made you think!”  She chuckled.

 

                “Now you’re teasing me!”  I joked.  “Do you have anyone you like back in Ender’s Hollow?”

 

                “Yeah…  There’s another Reechi… a young man called Kevin Tattarik-tik I think is handsome.  I was hoping he would ask me to the fall festival in a month or so.”  Tika looked a little shy, like she was blushing.  “He’s a hunter, and he makes bows and arrows for Reechi hunters.  He took down a rabbit and a fox last year!”  She said proudly.  “I was hoping to find something nice in the market to buy for him.”

 

                “For your hope-to-be boyfriend?”

 

                Tika nodded.  “Aye.”

 

                “Would a few coins help find something nice?”  I asked.  “I like helping my friends out, Tika.  Can I help?”

 

                “You don’t have to, Cass!  You don’t have to… but if you want to, sure, I guess you could help.  Just nothing too extravagant, okay?”

 

                “Okay.  How about I give you three gold pieces… is that too much?”

 

                “That’s… that’s a lot of money.  Are you sure?”  She asked.

 

                “Yeah.  You know, Tika, you have no idea how much money my Grandmother left me.  I’m probably ridiculously rich compared to most people.  I’d love to help you if you’ll let me.”

 

                “Well, if it won’t hurt you, yes please.  It’s just three gold is a lot of money for someone from Ender’s Hollow.  I’ve only owned a gold piece once, and I had to sell it to get a present for my mom on her naming day.  That’s what we call birthdays here in Mercia.”

 

                “Hey, for a friend, it’s a small sacrifice.  I hope you find something really nice for the boy you like.”

 

                “Thanks, Cass.”  Tika replied, taking the three coins I offered, and putting them in her purse.

 

                Before we could talk any more, Tika and Alyssa arrived downstairs, with Fionn on their heels.

 

                “Good morning, ladies, Sir Fionn.”  I said happily.

 

                “Someone’s in a good mood!”  Alyssa chirped.

 

                “Aye.  I guess he got his beauty sleep.”  Rachel joked.  “Seriously, though, how are you doing?  I’d be stressed as hell before going to court.”

 

                “I’m okay.”  I said.  “I did some reading, and then Tika joined me and we talked for a while.  She told me a bit about her boyfriend – or the boy she likes, I mean.”

 

                Alyssa nodded.  “I hope Kevin asks you out, Tika.  You’ve been mooning over him long enough.”

 

                “Mooning!  I haven’t been mooning…”  Tika protested.  “…well, maybe a little.  He’s nice and kind and sweet and… and I’m babbling.  I’ll shut up now.”

 

                Alyssa and Rachel laughed, and gave Tika sisterly hugs, and she looked mollified.

 

                “Are you ready to walk into the snake-pit, lad?”  Fionn asked.  “Because no matter how nice they seem, a snake pit is what it is.”

 

                “I’m as ready as I can be.  Am I ready as I need to be?  Probably not – but I’m as ready as anyone can make me.”  I said, feeling confident that I was as ready as I could be.  There wasn’t time to learn anything else, so what else could I do?

 

                “I guess you’re right, lad.”  He nodded.  “I’m just worried as well.  Callenden is one of the larger kingdoms that make up Ghaelorn, and if it becomes a dangerous place for you, there’s precious few other places to go.  Clan Glairmorgan would side with Queen Hemlock in any confrontation, so east would be a dangerous place to go – leaving either south, west or trying to slip into Port Coventry.”

 

                “Are you truly worried that things might go that wrong that we need to flee for our lives?”  I asked, a bit worried.

 

                “No, lad… But I find it best to be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best, rather than the other way around.  Stefano has helped me out of a jam once or twice too – so if you need somewhere to hide, come to him and tell him I’m calling in my marker.  He’ll understand.  He can get you out of Callenden.”

 

                “What about all of you?” 

 

                “Lad, if it comes to that, the ladies aren’t important to the Queen and Prince except as hostages – and if you’re running for your life, I’m probably already dead.  If we have to run, you need to hide – or you’ll lose your head, at best.”

 

                “You’re painting a grim picture, Fionn.”

 

                “Would you prefer I tell you a fanciful lie?  You risk your life coming here – but it may have many rewards as well.  You wished to come and visit the king – had I thought it pointless, I would have told you so days ago, before we left on this errand.  The reason I didn’t is because I thought it might be good for you – and for the King.  Maybe it would give him strength to be the king we need, for as long as he has, instead of the king he has been.  Maybe it will put some steel in his spine!  And if not, then gods bless that an old man can die happy.  At least we will have done some good in the world before he passed.”

 

                “I’m sorry Fionn.  I just was worried you might have been too pessimistic.  I didn’t think.   For that, I’m sorry.”

 

                Fionn sighed.  “It’s alright, lad.  Just realize that your actions are more important than you think.  Now, let’s get some breakfast.  I’d rather be well fed while waiting to see the royals than hungry, and if we wait too long, we’ll be waiting at the palace for hours.”

 

                I nodded, and we waved over one of the barmaids, and gave our breakfast orders.  The food came, fairly quickly, and was fairly simple, hearty fare.  There were eggs in the hole, covered with melted cheese and cooked bacon, a plate of bacon on the side, along with toast and jam and honey.  It was surprisingly good and rather filling.  They even made a small egg in the hole for Tika, which she really appreciated, using a sparrow egg.  It was a good breakfast.

 

                “I need to go upstairs and grab a few things from my pack before we go to the castle.”  I said.  “Personal things.  I’ll be back in a moment.” 

 

                Fionn nodded.  “Don’t dally, lad, else we’ll be last to see the King and Queen today, and I don’t fancy standing in line all day.”

 

                “Aye.” I nodded.  Fionn sounded grumpier than usual this morning, but I could tell why.  He was worried… worried that something was going to go catastrophically wrong.  I couldn’t help but worry a bit too.  Was my giving peace of mind to the king worth the risk I was placing us into?  I shook my head.  It was too late to change course now – and I’d come this far.  I would meet the King today, or one day soon – and my fate would have to take care of itself.

 

                When I got upstairs, I went through my pack to find the two things I knew I would need… Grandma Fowler’s engagement ring, and the letter she wrote King Colin, that I found in her journal the night before I left Earth.  I hadn’t read the letter – I couldn’t read the letter until I figured out the adventure token let me read Ghaelish – but now I could read it, and the inscription on the wedding band with ease.  The letter’s envelope read “To King Colin, from one who still loves you.” And the engagement band read “To my fire, my spark, with all my love. Colin.”  I felt like if I could do only one thing for my Grandma, it would be to deliver her final letter to the one she loved.  I smiled, a silly tear falling from my eye. I could only hope to find a love like that one day, and I thought of Rachel and smiled.  I didn’t feel the spark or the rush with Rachel that I did with Alyssa – but what I did feel was stronger – and more lasting, I realized.  It didn’t have the spark because we knew each other so well – but what it did have was love, and devotion. 

 

                It was then I realized my feelings for Rachel weren’t complicated at all.  I loved her…  I lusted or was attracted to Alyssa – but I loved Rachel. She was my soulmate.  Everything clicked in one momentous realization, and I was nearly floored by the magnitude of it.  I loved Rachel, with all my heart.  Everything fell away from me as I took that one singular fact in, and made it mine.  After a few moments, I gathered myself, and composed myself. 

 

                Rachel and my feelings would have to wait.  Today – right now – was for my grandfather, the King, and I needed my wits about me, more than ever.

 

 

*              *              *

 

 

                The day turned out to be fairly sunny and warm – a nice summer day.  I enjoyed the slight breeze as our coach clattered across the uneven cobbles of the streets, giving us a slightly bumpy ride.  It was the 39^th of Sunbright – or near the end of their month of July.  The next month was apparently called Summersend, and following it, after the week of the Fall Festival came the month of Harvestide – a combination month of what would be September and October back on Earth.  It was because Mercia had ten months, rather than Earth’s twelve.  It didn’t mean a lot since their years were different lengths too, but it was useful to know the passage of the seasons.  I might be learning slowly, but I was learning about this new world I was now part of.  Maybe I wouldn’t be clueless for too much longer?  I could hope.  My woolgathering ended as Fionn got my attention; the coach had just entered the castle grounds, and was approaching the keep.  I needed to get my head in the game. 

 

                “Thanks, Fionn.”

 

                “ ‘Tis Fine, lad.  Just be safe.”

 

                “I’m excited.”  Alyssa whispered. 

 

                “Me, too.”  Tika replied.

 

                “Well, I’m worried.”  Rachel replied, taking my hand in hers, and giving it a short squeeze of support.  I smiled, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze back. 

                “I’ll be fine, Rachel.  I promised I would be there when you got your blessing and got changed.  I swore I would be there.  Nothing bad will happen today, I promise.”

 

                “I’d like to believe that, Cass.  I really would.”  She replied.

 

                “I’ll be fine.”  I said, looking deeply into her eyes.  “I promise you.  I will come home safe.”

 

                Rachel blushed, and nodded, withdrawing her hand – and I noticed my comment had not gone un-noticed by any of our companions.  Well, so be it.  They were bound to find out sooner or later.  If I survived the day, I would be making some changes to our arrangements.  If it ruffled some feathers, that was too damn bad.

 

                The coach stopped before anyone dared say anything else, and Sir Fionn climbed out and held the door.  I followed, and helped Rachel and Alyssa out of the coach, like a gentleman should.  Once the ladies were on the ground, I paid the coachman, who had the temerity to bite the coin I tossed to make sure it was real, before driving off!

 

                “We ready for this?”  I asked.

 

                “You tell me, lad.”  Fionn smirked.  “This way.”  He motioned towards the doors to the keep, where a few guards were waiting, and led us inside.  One of the guards must have recognized him, because he simply nodded, and let us by.

 

                “They’re in the throne room.”  Fionn whispered to me.  “Dealing with merchants and politicians.  We’ll need to speak to the seneschal if we’re to see them today.”

 

                “That’s Alistair the Wise, right?”  I asked.

 

                “Aye, so you were listening, and not lost in your own thoughts.”

 

                “Yes, I remember some of what you told me, and of where his loyalties lie.”

 

                “Aye.  See that you remember.”

 

                We approached a large set of fine wooden doors, carved to look like Wolves and Eagles – and it was obvious that this was the hall or chamber the King and Queen did their meetings and held court.  Outside the chamber stood four guards – one of them female, with long blonde hair – and a handsome young man about the age of twenty or so, with sandy blonde hair.  Next to the young man was an older man – still hale of body, even considering his obvious age – his wrinkles made him look distinguished and rather remarkable, but you could see the light in his eyes, and the keen intellect behind them.  As we approached, I couldn’t help but overhear some of the young man’s conversation with his elder.

 

                “… and my lessons are coming along well.”  The young man said.

 

                “Aye, and for that I am glad, my prince.  But you well know your father’s opinion of your ability to lead.  I cannot say for sure I wish to gainsay him… I have seen what too much kindness can do to a kingdom.”

 

                “Are you saying a king must not have kindness?  That kindness is a weakness?”  The young prince asked. 

 

                “No.  I am saying that kindness without inner strength – to do what they must to preserve and maintain their kingdom is a weakness – and gods help me for saying it, but Prince Michael will be a better king than your Grandfather.  I do not maintain he is a better man – but a better King, there is no doubt.  Kings must sometimes do things that are most unkind in order to preserve their rule, and keep their kingdom stable.  You are too young to remember, but I recall the damage and death wrought by civil war when Colin’s father Eoghan had to battle rebellious lords for the right to keep his throne.  It was a generation before the damage was undone.  If you wish to be a king one day, you must take this lesson to heart.  Kings cannot afford to be weak – but neither can they afford to be perceived as weak.  If you wish to be a king, then you must learn to not be perceived as weak.”

 

                “You say that as it its simple.”  The young man replied.

 

                “It is simple.  I did not say it was easy.”  The seneschal realized at that point we had approached, and turned from the young man to face us.  He was wearing wire-rimmed spectacles, and he gazed through them at me, rather intently.  He watched me for what seemed like a full minute, and then snorted.

 

                “You are here to see the King, then, aren’t you, lad.”

 

                “Aye, sir.”

 

                “Your name?”  He asked brusquely.

 

                “Sir Jeffrey Castiel Fowler.”  I stated, as confidently as I could.  “I bear a personal letter from my grandmother, Janet Fowler, for King Colin of Callenden.”

 

                “So you mastered the magic of the portal, did you lad?  What do you hope to accomplish here?”

 

                “Honestly, sir?  I hope to meet my grandfather, and give him solace before the gods take him to their embrace.  I hope to give him a last message from his first love, and to show him that his love for her – and hers for him - did not end with their separation.  If that is all I can accomplish, I shall leave here a happy man.  I have no other desires, save to introduce some of my friends to the King if I may – my friend Alyssa Seranel and Tika Calhoun of Enders Hollow, and Rachel Wilson, of Earth.”

 

                “Aye.  And you bring with you Sir Ballantine.  How are you, Fionn.  It has been some time since I saw you last.  You wore less gray in your beard back then.”

 

                “Aye, and you look the same as ever, Alistair.”  Fionn said, embracing what was obviously a friend.  “The lad is my apprentice – and a fine one at that.  I’ve only had him maybe two weeks, and he has learned all I have to teach him.”

 

                “Two weeks?  Truly!”  Alistair seemed rather shocked to hear that, and impressed.

 

                “Indeed.”  Fionn nodded.

 

                “Sir Fowler, and friends,”  Seneschal Alistair began.  “May I introduce Prince Eacharn MacTavish, son of Prince Michael MacTavish and those who came before him – and I believe a relative of yours.  King Colin is his grandfather as well.”

 

                I held out my hand to shake – or clasp arms if he preferred.  “It is an honor, my Prince.”

 

                Prince Eacharn took my arm, and clasped it firmly – as I did to his.  “Welcome, Sir Fowler.  I hope we become fast friends while you are at court.  And who are your friends?”

 

                “This lovely young lady is Alyssa Seranel, and her friend Tika Calhoun.  The young lady here is Rachel Wilson, an old friend from Earth.”

 

                “It is my pleasure, ladies.  Have you long to wait before your year and a day has passed?”  Prince Eacharn asked.

 

                Alyssa flushed – perhaps a little embarrassed about the question – and shook her head.  “No, milord.  Rachel and I are waiting for the first day of the Harvest Festival.  It is to be part of the celebrations.”  Alyssa had her eyes downcast, demurely, and looked flushed red at being addressed by the Prince.

 

                “Well congratulations, ladies.  I understand the waiting must have been horrible.  I wish you both the best.  And welcome to Castle MacTavish.”

 

                “Thank you, milord.”  Alyssa replied. 

 

                “Aye.  It’s our pleasure!”  Tika joined in.  “I’m so excited!”

 

                “I am glad for you, little one.”  Prince Eacharn laughed.  “But be more sedate in the throne room with my father.  He does not like excesses of excitement or frivolity, and will not appreciate your ebullient behavior.”

 

                “Yes, milord.  I promise I will behave like a lady should.”

 

                “Alistair, may I have the privilege of introducing Sir Fowler to my father and grandmother?”  Prince Eacharn asked eagerly – but whether it was well intentioned or not, I couldn’t tell.

 

                “If you wish, lad.  Remember what I said, however.  The perception of strength is often as or more important than the reality.”

 

                “Perhaps, Alistair – but Geoffrey is family, and if he is here to bring solace to grandfather, I will not deny him.”  He motioned to me to come forward with him.

 

                I looked back at Sir Fionn and the others, and Fionn simply gave a nod.  I straightened myself, and gathered my wits.  “Aye.  I would like to meet the King, and your family, my Prince.  It is past time.”

 

                We stepped forward together, and waited as Queen Hemlock and Prince Michael dealt with what appeared to be a well to do merchant who had come before us.  Queen Hemlock was aged – as was to be expected – but still regal in her beauty.  She had long black hair, and looked regal in the way that some women do as they age – their age makes them more charismatic, rather than less.  She looked like she would have been beautiful in her youth, and was still attractive in a stern way even now.  You could tell her eyes hid a keen wit, and a thoughtful presence. Her son, Prince Michael, however was far less impressive.  Slightly overweight, you could tell he had already drunk more wine than perhaps was wise, and his face showed that this was by far a usual habit rather than an exception.  His voice when dealing with the merchant was harsh – probably harsher than it needed to be, which meant to me he was used to issuing commands that he expected to be followed, rather than debating… A dictator, not a leader whose men followed him because they wanted to, because they were inspired by him…  No, I got the impression his men followed him out of fear of reprisal.

 

                I took a moment to look at them both with my Vigilant’s sight – and to my dismay I sensed great evil in both of them.  Queen Hemlock’s evil was subtle, slow, and inevitable, like slow acting venom – while her son’s was brutish, crude, and violent.  Someone who liked to hurt others for no other reason than because he could.  No… Neither of these people would be my allies here, I thought with dismay.  I did not see anyone who seemed to be my grandfather present, either.

 

                While I had been studying them, the merchant ahead of us had finished with his business, and was leaving, propelling Prince Eacharn and I to the front of the line.  Prince Eacharn stepped forward.

 

                “My Queen, Father, may I present before you a traveler from another world – that of Earth.  This is Jeffrey Castiel Fowler, the grandson of Janet Fowler.  He would like permission to visit with and speak with King Colin, to bring him news of Serra Fowler.”

 

                Queen Hemlock frowned angrily.  “Is this true, lad?  You are her grandson?”

 

                “Yes, your Majesty.  Janet Fowler was my grandmother.  I came to Mercia through a portal in the mountains near Ender’s Hollow, and brought with me my friend Rachel Wilson, who stands over by the door.”  I said, motioning to Rachel.  “We came to explore this world, and see if the stories my Grandmother told me as a child were all true.”

 

                “My grandmother wrote a letter to King Colin, never knowing if it would be delivered or not – and then she passed away.  I simply wish to give his Majesty the letter, and tell his Majesty of her thoughts as written in her journal before she passed.  I would like to meet my Grandfather.”

 

                “You claim to be the blood of Colin MacTavish!”  Prince Michael called out with scorn.  “What proof do you have, whelp?”

 

                “If the looks of my visage are not proof enough, I have the written account of my Grandmother, and the recognition of your seneschal, Alistair the Wise, your Majesty.”  I tried to look confident and strong – anything less would be potentially fatal.

 

                “Easy, my son.  I suspect this young man speaks the truth… he looks like the spitting image of your father about the time I married him.  I can easily see him being of King Colin’s blood.”  Queen Hemlock turned her attention from her son, back to me.  “Is that truly all you desire?  To speak to my husband, and give him these messages, and perhaps to meet you and visit for a while?”

 

                “Yes, your Majesty. That is all I desire, and if I may, the chance to introduce some of my friends to the King.  Nothing more.”

 

                Queen Hemlock looked dubious – and leaned over to whisper privately with her son.  He nodded, and smiled – it was not a smile that indicated happiness as much as that of one taking pleasure in another’s misfortune.  It did not fill me with confidence.

 

                “You may visit with my husband, but I ask you do not stress him overmuch, nor tire him overmuch as well.  His age has caught up with him, I fear, and he is weak and frail, and not quite the man he was when he was younger.”

 

                “Aye, from all accounts he hasn’t been that man since your grandmother left these lands.  His strength – and his wits – left him when this boy’s grandmother did.”  Prince Michael took fierce glee in tearing down his father, the King, and I noticed the Queen didn’t exactly jump to defend her husband’s honor.

 

                “It has been a while, yes, my son.”  She replied.  “Eacharn, you may take Ser Fowler and his friends to see my husband.  I only ask, Ser Fowler, that you do not exhaust the King.”

 

                “I promise you, Your Majesty, that I will do everything in my power to ensure the King’s safety and health.”  I said, quietly but with confidence…  “Thank you, your Majesty.”

 

                “You are dismissed.  Next case.”  The Queen said dismissively, waving for us to move.  I followed Prince Eacharn and we headed towards the entrance to the chamber, where Rachel and Fionn and the others were waiting.

 

                “Come.  I’m sure he would like to know of you, Sir Fowler.”

 

                “Thank you, your Majesty.”  I replied, and motioned for the others to follow.  “I wasn’t expecting as warm a welcome as I received.”

 

                “I think you’ll soon learn that I am not my father, Sir Fowler.”  Prince Eacharn replied.  “I know I do not share his opinion of what constitutes ‘strength’, and I hope I never do, even if it prevents me from inheriting the throne.  I am content with my books, and my few friends I pass the time with.”

 

                I looked at Eacharn closer, and what I saw was revealing… At first blush he seemed a handsome young man – and that was still true – but his hands were soft, and uncalloused – like Fionn’s were from years of handling a sword – or mine, from working at hard jobs.  He looked intelligent, but his body was slim, and lacked the muscle definition of someone who exercise or trained frequently.  He looked like I used to before I used the Adventure Token to enhance my strength, agility and stamina.  I looked like a warrior – he looked, frankly, friendly but effete.  I could tell he meant me no ill will – and I couldn’t sense anything resembling even a hint of the evil his father and grandmother shared.  As far as I could tell, he was being utterly honest with me.

 

                “Well, then, your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness today, and hope I do not keep you from either for overly long.”

 

                Eacharn smiled.  “Come on, Geoffrey.  Grandpa will want to see you.”

 

                “Cass, if you will, your Majesty.”

 

                “So be it.  Come, the King awaits.  I daresay he suspects your arrival – he has friends amongst many in the castle, and even though my grandmother tries to keep him sequestered for his calm and safety, he always seems to know what’s going on – often before I or my elders do.  It drives the Queen and my father insane, and I find it rather amusing.”   

 

                “I see.  I’m eager to meet him too.  My grandmother spoke highly of him.”

 

                “Even though he broke her heart?”  Eacharn asked.

 

                “Aye, even though.”

 

He nodded, and we eventually came to a door, on the second or third level of a tower within the keep.  I had long since gotten turned around by all the passageways and rooms we had passed through, and was thoroughly lost, and it seemed Alyssa and Rachel felt the same way… Of all of us, only Eacharn and Sir Fionn seemed to know where we were.  As long as one of us knew the way out, all would be well, I thought.

 

“This door leads to Grandpa’s room.  The King is waiting.”

 

I nodded, and stepped inside.