《Promised》


 Another!

    Prince Kelton slammed the empty tankard against the counter. ¡°Another!¡± he demanded before he hiccoughed.


    ¡°Sire, perhaps¡­.¡±


    ¡°Not another word, Sir Hamnet,¡± he growled at one of his most trusted knights.


    ¡°He¡¯s only¡­.¡±


    ¡°Same goes for you, ¡­Sir Droyn,¡± Prince Kelton hiccoughed as he swayed on the barstool. ¡°Another!¡±


    He ignored the concerned glances cast about him by the innkeeper and his knights as he watched more mead get poured into the stein in front of him. He was never much of a dinker, but today he was making an exception. It had been a year since his beloved betrothed, Iredys of Abundare, had disappeared, and his mother had started to pressure him into marrying the spoiled Princess Analisa from Lakemeade Kingdom.


    ¡°As if,¡± he muttered to himself before he chugged the pint of mead in front of him.


    Slamming the stein down once more, Prince Kelton fumbled for his coin purse before he spilled several gold coins on the counter.


    ¡°Keep it coming,¡± he said, waving his hand to get the innkeeper to bring him more alcohol.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, the Lady Iredys wouldn¡¯t like to see you like this,¡± Sir Hamnet tried again.


    Prince Kelton swayed in his seat as he turned his hazy vision to look at Sir Hamnet. ¡°She¡­ told you as m¡­ uch?¡±


    ¡°No, but¡­.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ leave me¡­ alone.¡±


    Prince Kelton pulled the stein close, his head bowing and his eyes threatening to close. His head bobbed once before he drew in a sharp breath and opened his eyes. He drank the mead slowly, feeling the alcohol burn with each swallow. He should have never let her out of his sight that day. If only he had kept on her heels as they raced, then¡­.


    Throwing his head back, Prince Kelton finished off the mead and slammed the stein back on the counter. He waved the innkeeper away as he slipped off the barstool and stumbled away from the bar. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet steadied him before he shrugged them off then staggered upstairs to sleep. As much as he had been hoping that the alcohol would shut his thoughts off, it only seemed to exacerbate them. He hoped that he would have a dreamless night for once and not the nightmares about Iredys that had plagued him since her disappearance.


    He entered his room then leaned against the door once it was closed. A breeze came into the room from the balcony doors. He didn¡¯t remember leaving them open. As he turned his burning eyes to look, he saw a dark woman dressed in a dark blue and gold dress. He closed his eyes and shook his head, thinking that his drunken state was making him see things. However, as he opened his eyes to look toward the balcony door again, he heard.


    ¡®Hello, Kelton.¡¯


    ¡°Iredys,¡± he whispered, as tears filled his eyes.


    He staggered over to her and pulled her close. He kissed her deeply several times before Iredys pulled back, but rested her forehead against his.


    ¡®Have you kept the vows we made to each other a year ago?¡¯ she asked.


    Prince Kelton nodded as more tears slid down his cheeks. ¡°H¡­ have you?¡±


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    Prince Kelton gasped in relief before he kissed Iredys again. His head started to spin and his body felt heavy. He fought to remain conscious. He wanted to consummate his vows with Iredys. He needed to consummate his vows with Iredys.


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    ¡®Trust me,¡¯ he heard her voice whisper.


    ¡°I trust¡­,¡± he mumbled before he sunk into darkness.


    ¡°Sire. ¡­Your Highness,¡± Pince Kelton heard as if through cotton.


    His head pounded something fierce and he felt weak and nauseated.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, are you alright?¡± Sir Droyn asked, setting a hand on his shoulder.


    Prince Kelton tried to peel his eyes open, but closed them again with a moan at the amount of light coming into the room.


    ¡°Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    The sound of his sword returning to its sheath echoed through the room, making Kelton wince. The smell of the garbage on the street reached his nose and brought his nausea to a head. He leaned forward so he didn¡¯t vomit on the bed, only to hit his head against the wood floor he was laying on as he emptied his stomach. His consciousness was swimming. He was barely aware of the shifting of the blanket against his legs as Sir Droyn¡¯s hands lifted him into a seated position. The floor felt cold against his bare butt, but his awareness was distracted by the presence of liquid being poured into his mouth. He choked on the water at first before he could swallow it.


    Only when the glass was empty, did his head seem to clear a little. A very concerned Sir Hamnet knelt in front of him.


    ¡°Are you hurt anywhere, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    He shook his head slightly. ¡°Where¡­?¡±


    ¡°Still in your room at the Crunching Otter Inn, thankfully.¡±


    Prince Kelton¡¯s brow furrowed, but before he could try and ask his question again, Sir Droyn said.


    ¡°You were almost taken away by a black Dragonwoman.¡±


    Prince Kelton winced. Sir Droyn¡¯s voice was very loud to his sensitive ears. He sat up more and pressed his hand against his forehead as he shook his head. ¡°Iredys. Iredys was here, she¡­.¡±


    He stopped when he caught the concerned look his knights gave each other.


    ¡°Dragonfolk are known to be masters of disguise, Sire,¡± Sir Hamnet said gently. ¡°And you were skunked last night.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t take much to be mistaken in that regard,¡± Sir Droyn said. ¡°Also, looking at the state of the room, in addition to your state of undress¡­.¡±


    ¡°Seems you may have slept with a Dragonwoman, My Lord,¡± Sir Hamnet teased as Sir Droyn stood.


    ¡°Not ¡®may have¡¯, Sir Hamnet,¡± Sir Droyn replied seriously.


    Prince Kelton turned as Sir Hamnet looked up.


    Sir Droyn lifted the bedding up and revealed fresh blood and mucous stains on the fabric. ¡°He did.¡±


    Sir Hamnet stood and walked over to the bed. Kelton took a peek under the blanket over his legs to find blood, semen, and mucous that had yet to dry, all over himself. He put the blanket back down as Sir Hamnet turned toward him with a blue and gold dress in hand. Prince Kelton nearly smiled at the confirmation that it had been Iredys here last night when he felt pain encompass the base of his left ring finger. The sensation started to extend toward the tip, bringing with it a pallor. Grabbing the Garnet ring that Iredys had given him, he tugged on it several times to try and get it to slide off of his finger.


    ¡°Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet asked at the same time.


    Prince Kelton gave the ring another couple tugs before it slipped off his slightly swollen finger. The pain lessened and the color returned as the swelling started to go down. His finger was almost back to normal when he noticed a Diamond band embedded in the flesh where the Garnet ring had just been. Several emotions passed through Prince Kelton¡¯s chest as his whole body started to shake.


    ¡°...sick,¡± he finally managed after several moments.


    Sir Droyn grabbed the closest bucket and handed it to Prince Kelton. He threw up what little stomach acid he could, as his hands shook against the top of the bucket. Tears stung his already burning eyes and made the pounding in his head worse. His thoughts hyper focused on the hazy memory of the woman he had bound himself to, while his heart ached with her obvious absence.


    ¡°Is there any help we can give you, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked when Prince Kelton¡¯s dry heaving had stopped.


    Prince Kelton shook his head.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be back shortly with food then,¡± Sir Droyn said.


    Prince Kelton bobbed his head slightly before Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet left the room.


    For several minutes, Prince Kelton remained on the floor staring at the Diamond ring that was now a permanent part of his finger. His gaze then shifted to the blue and gold dress that lay on the bed. His mind and heart were at war, and yet at peace at the same time. There was no mistaking Iredys¡¯ voice. His heart wouldn¡¯t have reacted that way if it wasn¡¯t her. He let out his breath before he felt his attention pulled to the southwest.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming, Iredys,¡± he said.

 Trust Me

    ¡°Go,¡± he commanded her.


    ¡®Yes, Master,¡¯ she whimpered.


    Her breastbone throbbed as she stumbled out of her master¡¯s cottage with her bag of clothes. She knew the burning of her flesh was necessary for the next part of his plan, but the pain burrowed deeper than the other times she had been burned because he had broken one of her bones this time. Chills passed through her body before she could get a pair of Dragon wings to come out of her back. The man she was to see was powerful and her master wanted him in his corner.


    Crouching down and lifting her wings, she jumped and flapped her wings hard to keep herself airborne. The pain in her chest hurt enough that she didn¡¯t want to use her usual running take off. Once she was high enough off the ground, she twisted her body and flew toward Palion City to the Crunching Otter Inn.


    When she was close, she dropped into the woods just outside the city. She shrugged to pull her wings back in, then transformed into a dog. She tucked her bag into a burrow then entered the town, so she could find out which room belonged to Prince Kelton, sole heir to Greywolf Kingdom¡¯s throne. She remained vigilant as she approached and slowly circled the building. The innkeeper didn¡¯t like strays near his garbage. She ducked into the shadows when she heard a door open. It wasn¡¯t the back door, so what door had opened?


    She crept around to the east side of the building just in time to see Prince Kelton lean against the railing of the balcony. She remained where she crouched, her heart beating hard in her heart, sending tingles of numbness through her breastbone, as she continued to ogle the most handsome man she had seen in some time. Her thoughts started to drift from the present as familiarity niggled at her mind. Iredys had almost grasped what her heart was trying to tell her when movement on the balcony pulled her back to the present.


    Prince Kelton left the balcony and closed the doors. The dim light of the candle faded away as he left the room. Now was her chance. She left Palion City to retrieve her bag. She returned to her human form and let her Dragon wings come out again. She ran across the clearing to get into the air. The thrill of being close to Prince Kelton thrummed through her veins. Despite her excitement, she kept to the shadows so she wouldn¡¯t startle any of the city folk before she could reach her destination.


    Once she was on the balcony, she shrugged her wings in and pulled on the dress she had brought with her. She brought her hand up to the closed balcony doors before transforming her hand and wrist to slip through the gap and unlatch the doors. She opened the doors and stepped inside just moments ahead of Prince Kelton¡¯s return. She watched him step into the room then lean against the door. The smell of mead was strong and she could tell he was quite drunk.


    This mission just kept getting easier and easier. He looked at her then away again with a shake of his head. Only when he looked up again did she speak to him with her mind.


    ¡®Hello, Kelton.¡¯


    ¡°Iredys,¡± he whispered, as tears filled his eyes.


    The name he called her made her heart flutter and ache for him as he staggered over to her. He pulled her close and kissed her deeply several times before she pulled back. She wanted to lose herself in his kiss, but not just yet. She rested her forehead against his, so she didn¡¯t arouse his suspicions.


    ¡®Have you kept the vows we made to each other a year ago?¡¯ she asked, since what she had been tasked to do would not work otherwise.


    Prince Kelton nodded as more tears slid down his cheeks. ¡°H¡­ have you?¡±


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ she smiled.


    Prince Kelton gasped in relief before he kissed her again. His body staggered as he continued to kiss her. She understood that he was on the verge of passing out, but she could feel his erection poking her lower body.


    She shifted her hold on him as she whispered to his mind, ¡®Trust me.¡¯


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    ¡°I trust¡­,¡± he mumbled before his legs started to give out.


    She staggered with him toward the bed and lay him down. He pulled her down into a kiss before he lost consciousness completely. A mix of sorrow, concern, and desire stirred her heart as she worked the clothes off of his body. His member stood firm, despite him passing out. Iredys caressed it and watched it twitch and squirt some clear liquid. A giggle passed through her lips before she pulled her dress off then settled herself over him.


    She needed to shift several times to get the head of his member in the right spot. Once he was in place, she sat. A gasp and a moan escaped her lips as pain, and a hint of pleasure, tore through her lower body. Tears pricked her eyes, but she steadied her breath. Her breath hitched and she shifted above him, but after a while, the stimulation wasn¡¯t enough. She sped up her movements, then rolled her hips to get even more stimulation. She hummed and moved even faster until she felt her body start to jerk and tense, but she kept moving.


    She felt Kelton¡¯s member shift inside her and give her more slide, but she still hadn¡¯t yet reached what she felt was still to come. She continued her motions, shifting a little more until her lower body trembled and the most amazing sensation encompassed her body. She shivered and moaned before she collapsed on top of Kelton. Her heart was beating hard and her lungs were heaving. The base of her left ring finger felt warm and twitched with a pin prickling that was marching around her finger in a counter clockwise direction.


    She was still catching her breath when Kelton¡¯s arms wrapped around her. She turned to face him and he kissed her. She kissed him back, feeling a greater love for the man beneath her. He shifted. The firmness of his member was returning and she moaned and kissed him with a vengeance. He kissed her back as he caressed her body. Kelton rolled her onto her back and pulled away. She frowned at the loss of their connection, but then Kelton kissed her again.


    His kisses traveled down her neck and to her breasts. She arched her back when he sucked on her nipple and twirled it around with his tongue. She ran her hands across his chest, feeling his own nipples tighten. She smiled when he moaned then lowered himself further to plant kiss after kiss all over her abdomen. An itching started to grow between her legs the lower his kisses went.


    ¡®Kelton, she called softly in her mind. ¡®Kelton, please.¡¯


    He shifted above her, pulling her close to him before he pushed his hardened member into her tender body. She gasped and groaned, but wrapped her legs around his waist as they kissed. They rocked and grasped and moaned as they pounded their lower bodies together. The release left her mind blank for several moments. It wasn¡¯t until Kelton settled beside her and caressed her cheek that she came back to herself.


    ¡°I love you, Iredys,¡± he panted.


    ''I love you, too, Kelton,'' she whispered.


    They kissed a few times before he pulled her into a firm embrace and fell into a deep sleep. Iredys closed her eyes for a short time until the shaking of her muscles calmed. Then she got up and opened the doors leading out to the balcony. Turning back to the bed, she lifted Kelton into her arms and shifted to get her Dragon wings to come out. It was time for them to go. Her master was expecting them.


    She had taken no more than a few steps when the door opened and two knights entered the room. She tried to flee with Kelton, but the first knight slashed her arm with his sword forcing her to drop him. She dashed for the balcony and leapt into the air before he could take another swing at her. Her heart ached at leaving Kelton behind, but she had a feeling that he would come after her. In the meantime, she could report to her master that the deed was done.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± her master demanded after she¡¯d entered the cottage.


    ¡®I was forced to leave him,¡¯ she replied telepathically, showing the scabbed over cut on her arm. ¡®Two knights came in as we were¡­.¡¯


    Her master growled and grabbed two stones from beside the fire and slammed them into her chest, pinning her against the door, before she could explain further.


    She screamed then struggled to catch her breath as the Emerald and Alexandrite stones on the chain around her neck were pushed into her flesh. The pain was too much. She felt nauseated and she was losing consciousness. The pressure against the stones was held longer than any of the times he had burned her before. Her head jerked backward, smacking the door hard before her body collapsed into a fit of spasms.


    Her guts cramped and she threw up. She choked and gagged on her putrid vomit, until she couldn¡¯t breath. She threw up some more, but it wasn¡¯t enough to get enough air into her burning lungs. Her eyes rolled up into the back of her head before she felt her spirit start to slip out of her still convulsing body. The memories she had lost so long ago started to come back to her in tandem with other random images. Her spirit was almost completely separate from her body, when she felt a force grab hold of her spirit.


    ¡®No! What¡­?¡¯


    Iredys struggled against the force, but it only seemed to give the force a greater hold on her as it dragged her back into her broken, but no longer black, body.

 Where Are We?

    Prince Kelton had just finished getting dressed when Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet returned with a greasy bowl of lamb stew and a couple rolls. He staggered over to the table and sat down hard. The sudden stop jarred his aching head and made his stomach roll. Pressing his lips together, Prince Kelton took and let out a couple breaths before he dared to open his mouth to begin eating. The greasy meat combined with the beans tasted better than any other time he¡¯d had this meal. Usually the lamb was too gamey to be enjoyable.


    As he ate, his gaze wandered over to the dress that still lay on the bed. The thought of his new wife naked somewhere did not sit well with him. He needed to find her quickly. He needed to protect her. Prince Kelton shifted his attention back to his food as he felt his loins twitch. He wanted to experience what he could not remember doing while Iredys was with him.


    ¡°We¡¯re headed back to the castle after this, right?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°No. We are headed for Abundare,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    ¡°Why?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    ¡°Because that is where my wife is.¡±


    ¡°...The Dragonwoman?¡±


    Sir Droyn shook his head. ¡°The Dragonfolk live beyond Lakemeade Kingdom. It would be better for us to¡­.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care where her people are,¡± Prince Kelton interrupted. ¡°My wife is in Abundare. ¡­And joining her is all that matters to me.¡±


    Prince Kelton missed the looks on his knights¡¯ faces as he mopped up the last of the grease in his bowl with the last few bites of bread he had. He was feeling better than he thought he would, given how drunk he got, not to mention however much energy he expended consummating his marriage with Iredys.


    ¡°See to it that the horses are ready,¡± Prince Kelton said, standing. ¡°We ride out immediately.¡±


    Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet exchanged another glance.


    ¡°As you wish, Prince Kelton,¡± Sir Hamnet sighed.


    Sir Droyn nodded then picked up the dishes to take them back downstairs.


    Prince Kelton carefully folded the dress on the bed and tucked it into the small pack he saw on the floor by the balcony doors as he was making sure he had everything he¡¯d brought with him. He made sure the Garnet ring that Iredys gave him covered the Diamond band engraved in his finger. He wanted to keep their union known to as few people as possible, until he could bring her home. Prince Kelton looked around the room once more before he headed downstairs. He paid the innkeeper a little more for the mess, then joined his knights outside.


    The air was muggy as they traveled through the heat of the day. As much as Prince Kelton wanted to kick his horse into a gallop, he was already having a hard time remaining upright. He didn¡¯t understand. He had been drinking more water than usual, which slowed their already slower pace. Was he not as recovered as he thought he was? Shaking his head, Prince Kelton had to grab the horn of his saddle and pull his horse to a stop so he didn¡¯t fall off.


    ¡°Are you alright, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Droyn asked as he and Sir Hamnet brought their horses abreast.


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    ¡°How much further to Salgon Town?¡± he asked, trying to push through his dizziness.


    ¡°Four, maybe five, hours at the pace we are setting,¡± Sir Hamnet replied.


    Prince Kelton nodded then started to fall forward.


    ¡°Your Highness?... Sire!¡± he heard before darkness took him.


    He recalled bouts of movement and voices amid all the darkness, but what they were saying, or where they were going, he couldn¡¯t recall. Tears filled his eyes and he felt his heart break. His left ring finger stung, as if he had been cut or bitten by something, but he could not break out of the darkness to look at it. Cold filled his entire being, pushing him deeper into the darkness that surrounded him. Prince Kelton shivered and fought to break out of the darkness, but the cold only increased as something wet wrapped around his neck.


    ¡°How is he?¡± he heard Sir Hamnet¡¯s garbled voice ask.


    ¡°...fever finally¡­. ¡­woods¡­,¡± a woman¡¯s voice replied.


    The cold wet feeling came and went, causing Prince Kelton to shiver more. He tried to move, to cry out, to no avail. After several attempts, he stopped fighting and let the darkness consume his consciousness.


    Warmth greeted him as he woke and a sigh reached his ear. Prince Kelton started to roll to his side to reach for the sound when he heard Sir Doryn ask.


    ¡°Have you finally rejoined the world of the living, Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Prince Kelton groaned in disappointment.


    He covered his head to hide the flush that covered his face. He could have sworn that Iredys had returned to him, asked him to trust her, and consummated their vows. However, if that was the case, why were his knights in his room and she not? Had it all been a dream? Prince Kelton sniffed as tears started to burn his eyes. His tears stopped when the scent that reached his nose was not one he was used to smelling at the Crunching Otter Inn in Palion City.


    Uncovering his head, he looked at Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°The Dragon¡¯s Hearth,¡± Sir Hamnet replied.


    His brow furrowed.


    ¡°What is the last thing you remember, My Lord?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°I could have sworn we reached Palion City,¡± he said, rubbing his forehead.


    ¡°We did,¡± Sir Hamnet replied. ¡°And you drank too much.¡±


    ¡°...Did I sleep with anyone?¡±


    His knights exchanged a glance he knew well.


    ¡°Spill!¡±


    ¡°We stopped a black Dragonwoman from kidnapping you,¡± Sir Hamnet said. ¡°There was evidence that the two of you were¡­,¡± he cleared his throat, ¡°prior to that¡­.¡±


    Prince Kelton groaned and buried his face in the pillow. So while there was truth to his dreams, did he only think the woman was Iredys? It would make sense since Dragonfolk could use magic¡ªa practice that had been banned in Greywolf Kingdom. As he thought through his knight¡¯s revelation again, he realized something.


    Propping himself back up he said, ¡°If I was with a Dragonwoman, why would we come to Salgon Town instead of heading to Lupine Hold?¡±


    ¡°You were quite adamant that your¡­ wife¡­ was in Abundare, My Lord,¡± Sir Droyn clarified.


    ¡°Wife?! I exchanged vows with this woman?¡±


    Sir Hamnet glanced at Sir Droyn then said softly, ¡°A Diamond band was found under your ring from the Lady Iredys.¡±


    Prince Kelton sat up and pulled the Garnet ring from his left ring finger. There was indeed something etched in his finger, but it was hard to tell if it was Diamond or something else due to all the tiny black lines in it. He looked more closely at the ring. There were so many lines, it was hard to see if the ring was broken or not.


    ¡°I need to have Dilligens look at this,¡± he said before turning to his knights, ¡°and next time I start to do something stupid like this, you¡¯d best tie me up until it¡¯s figured out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sire,¡± Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet replied.


    ¡°And not a word about this to the queen,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°The last thing I need is her forcing me into Princess Analisa¡¯s bed.¡±


    His two knights cringed.


    ¡°You have our word, Prince Kelton,¡± Sir Droyn said.

 Reasons

    She woke up gagging, as someone pulled a string of black, sludge-like mucus out of her throat. She retched the longer it took to get the mucus out. She gasped and coughed once it was free. She choked on the air that she could finally draw into her burning lungs.


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to die on me yet, Princess,¡± a deep, but familiar, voice sneered. ¡°Your usefulness has not yet expired.¡±


    She shivered at the sound of the voice. She had been listening to and obeying that voice for most of a year now, but did not recognize who it belonged to until now. She started to roll over and a moan escaped her lips. Her whole body hurt. She started to curl into a ball to try and soothe how bruised she felt, but slipped on a slimy puddle of the same sweet, putrid stuff she had just been gagging on.


    ¡°Hahahaha. Serves you right for failing me.¡±


    ¡®I serve no one,¡¯ she growled in her head.


    A large, rough, hand grabbed her jaw and forced her to look up. She glared at the shadowed face of the man her father had banished from Abundare.


    ¡°You serve me. You belong to me!¡± he yelled.


    She scoffed.


    Growling, he threw her to the side, slamming her against the wall. Her breath caught because of the impact, but she still tried to get back up. She hadn¡¯t gotten far when she felt her body and head pinned to the ground. She struggled against the person who held her to no avail.


    ¡°Seems I need to remind you of your throneless place, Princess,¡± the man sneered before he forced her left eye closed and started to sew it shut.


    She screamed and fought harder, but more weight and more hands held her down as the dull tip of a hooked needle and thread scraped against her eye. Her struggle slowed for a time, but picked up again when she felt the weight on top of her shift. Unfortunately, her struggles brought more hands and her right eyeball was stabbed more than her left as her captor sewed her right eyelids together.


    By the time he was finished, her throat was dry and she could not scream anymore. However, that did not stop the tears from spilling from her eyes, no matter how much they stung. While she knew that not speaking his name would only serve to piss him off, she refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing his name roll out of her tongueless mouth. It wasn¡¯t long before he grabbed her chin again and she was forced to gag down a glass of the sweet putrid filth she had just thrown up.


    The glass had barely been taken from her lips before she threw it all back up again. She heard him yell before something hard hit her head, knocking her unconscious.


    For several days, her captor forced her to drink the sweetly putrid sludge¡ªeach batch more putrid than the last¡ªand each time she drank it, she threw it back up again. It wasn¡¯t until the third or fourth time that she thought she felt a slight tingle in her burned, and otherwise numb, flesh. She tried to pay attention to where the vibrating was coming from each time she was forced to drink the stuff. It was coming from the Alexandrite, Emerald, and Diamond almost equally.


    She laughed in her heart and was grateful to her enemy for sewing her eyes shut, so he couldn¡¯t see the true emotion behind her tears. Thanks to the new magics he had forced on her, never again would she fall under his control. Her only problem now was getting out of his reach. Something she had no way of doing right now, or reason to. Not after being manipulated to manipulate Kelton with their betrothal in an attempt to get him into the same position she found herself in. She was also glad that he hadn¡¯t come to her like she originally thought he would. Glad that her near death had broken whatever had bound him to her.


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    However, her peace and calm changed on the eleventh day. Several dull aches came and went from her lower abdomen. These were accompanied by the occasional cramp, twinge, or tingling pull over the next few days. She shivered just as her captor returned. Now what was she going to do? How would the constant throwing up affect her baby? Would some of it linger in her system to be accepted by her child? She hoped beyond hope that such wouldn¡¯t be the case. The thought of this hateful man being able to control her and Kelton¡¯s child made her shudder again.


    ¡°You can quit the act, Princess,¡± he sneered. ¡°I¡¯ve decided it¡¯s time to try something different.¡±


    She was too caught up in her thoughts to hear him, so she cried out in shock more than pain, when the first lash of the whip cracked across her back. She could not stop the cries or whimpers that escaped her lips with each lash from the whip. Still, she had to figure out a way to escape. Her biggest handicap at the moment was that she couldn¡¯t see. It didn¡¯t help that they were in the very center of the ruins of Mediocre Village. The Village was closest to the forest that bordered the Southwestern edge of Greywolf Kingdom, but far enough that she¡¯d have to cross countless open fields before she could even reach the treeline.


    There had to be something she could do. Anything! The whipping stopped as her limbs twitched and trembled. At first, she just thought they were shaking from the pain of being hit with 20 lashes, but then the shaking grew in intensity and range. Her eyes rolled up into the back of her head as she fell to the side. She felt her being fly high above Mediocre Village. The scenery around her blurred, despite feeling as if she were still where she was. The blurring stopped and she saw a black haired woman who was just about to step into her cottage, located at the edge of town.


    ¡®Who?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡°Ponderosa!¡± a man yelled, causing the black haired woman to turn. ¡°My wife, she¡­.¡±


    The woman turned and ran with the man into town.


    After that, her vision went dark. The familiarity she felt with the woman she had never seen before confused her. Why did she seem to know her when they had never met? A warm vibration near her left shoulder drew her attention. Transformation magic? Did that mean she was a Dragonwoman, posing as a Human? Or was it something¡­?


    She gagged, which brought her sharply back to the cottage floor where she was laying. Some water had been poured into her mouth and it took her a moment to swallow it so she stopped choking on it. A pair of strong arms lifted her into a seated position before she was given more water. She was glad she didn¡¯t have to try and hold it, because she felt very weak. The glass came to her lips once more and she was able to get a little water before the glass was knocked away with a growl.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± her captor yelled. ¡°What did you see?¡±


    She furrowed her brow, ¡®See?¡¯


    ¡°Yes, see,¡± he replied excitedly. ¡°Was I sitting on Greywolf¡¯s Throne? Or perhaps¡­.¡±


    ¡®Nothing.¡¯


    ¡°What?¡±


    She tipped her head to the left a little. ¡®You¡¯ve sewn my eyes shut. I can¡¯t see anything.¡¯


    ¡°No, no, no. Not physically. The vision you just saw with your mind. You¡¯re starting to be able to see in that way, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    She shook her head. She knew better than to reveal information like that to the lunatic before her. Once he knew she could see with her mind, he would never let her go.


    ¡°What did you see?!¡± he yelled, spittle splashing on her face as he shook her.


    She did her best to keep silent, but found herself replying, ¡®Nothing about you.¡¯


    ¡°Ahaha! I knew I picked the right rune.¡±


    The edges of her mouth turned down more. Why had she answered? Now it was going to be even more difficult to get out of here. She felt a tingling where the Emerald and Diamonds were buried in her flesh. The Diamond had made her speak despite not wanting to,which made sense since it represented truth, but the Emerald?


    An image of Ponderosa flashed through her mind before it was gone again. While she had told her captor the truth, that her vision was not about him, she also hadn¡¯t revealed more than that. Thanks to the Emerald, she had more hope that, whatever other questions he asked, the Diamond wouldn¡¯t force her to say something she wished she hadn¡¯t. In the meantime though, how was she going to contact Ponderosa? She was on the other side of the kingdom. Even if she did manage to reach her, what help could she provide? Yes, she could transform, but to what extent? Would she even be willing to come this far for her?


    She also wasn¡¯t sure if getting Ponderosa involved was worth the risk. The last thing she wanted was for another person to fall into this maniac¡¯s hands. At the same time, she could not allow her child to fall into his hands either.

 She Doesnt Actually Mean That, Does She?

    Meanwhile, Prince Kelton, Sir Hamnet, and Sir Droyn made it back to Greywolf Castle. It had taken them longer than usual because Prince Kelton was still feeling strange after his forgotten night with the Dragonwoman. The feeling affected him enough that he nearly tumbled from his horse when they entered the courtyard. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet steadied him until he could be assisted from his horse and taken inside.


    ¡°Dilligens,¡± Prince Kelton protested as Sir Hamnet half carried him to his room.


    ¡°Sir Droyn is getting him now, Sire,¡± Sir Hamnet replied.


    Prince Kelton stumbled as he bent his head forward in acknowledgment.


    His manservant, Gailan, was quick to assist when they entered the room. They laid Prince Kelton on his bed.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Gailan asked, worried.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t entirely sure,¡± Sir Hamnet replied. ¡°But we are fairly certain that Prince Kelton married a Dragonwoman while we were in Palion City.¡±


    Gailan shook his head in disbelief. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t do that to Lady Iredys.¡±


    ¡°He was drunk, Gailan.¡±


    He shook his head again. ¡°Kelton wouldn¡¯t¡­.¡±


    Sir Hamnet looked at him with pity.


    Prince Kelton moaned and shifted on the bed.


    ¡°We should make you more comfortable,¡± Gailan said, struggling to shift his attention to removing Prince Kelton¡¯s sword belt and shoes.


    He had just finished removing them when Queen Leona and Dilligens entered the room, followed by Sir Droyn. Dilligens approached the bed and felt Prince Kelton¡¯s pulse. He then looked into his eyes.


    ¡°How are you feeling, Sire?¡± he then asked.


    ¡°Listless, nauseated,... tired.¡±


    Dilligens turned to Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn. ¡°Did either of you notice any strange markings when you thwarted his kidnapping?¡±


    ¡°He had a solid Diamond band on his left ring finger,¡± Sir Hamnet said.


    ¡°A band that looked broken when he seemed to come back to himself after our arrival in Salgon Town,¡± Sir Droyn added.


    Dilligens¡¯ brow furrowed before he walked around the bed to check Prince Kelton¡¯s left ring finger. He slowly slid the Garnet ring from his finger, revealing the cracked Diamond band that had been carved into the flesh.


    ¡°What is it, Dilligens?¡± Queen Leona demanded.


    ¡°I can¡¯t quite say for sure, Your Majesty,¡± he replied. ¡°Dragonfolk are not known to leave this kind of marking when they claim a mate. What I can say for certain, is that magic was involved. I¡¯m just not entirely sure how.¡±


    ¡°Inform me the moment you learn something. If it is the Dragonfolk, then this means war.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    Dilligens, Gailan, Sir Droyn, and Sir Hamnet all bowed as Queen Leona left the room.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t actually mean that, does she?¡± Gailan softly asked Sir Hamnet.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Prince Kelton laughed then coughed.


    Dilligens was quick to get him some water to drink.


    ¡°Thank you, Dilligens,¡± he said.


    ¡°My pleasure, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Gailan, my mother is serious,¡± Prince Kelton said, turning his hazy focus toward his servant. ¡°She will do all she can to eradicate magic, most especially when it threatens me.¡±


    ¡°But¡­,¡± he started to protest, but stopped when Sir Hamnet grabbed his shoulder.


    ¡°I would refrain from speaking further, Gailan,¡± he warned. ¡°We¡¯d hate to see you lose your head.¡±


    Gailan¡¯s mouth opened and closed a couple times before he closed it and bowed to Prince Kelton. ¡°My apologies, My Lord. I don¡¯t know what came over me.¡±


    ¡°Forgiven,... Gailan,¡± Prince Kelton said, before he fell asleep.


    When he woke again, his eyes burned and felt very dry. His nose was plugged up and his throat felt dry and scratchy. He tried to push himself up into a semi-reclined position, but his arms felt weak.


    ¡°Gailan,¡± he rasped.


    ¡°He¡¯s stepped out for a moment, Sire,¡± Dilligens replied. ¡°Here. Drink this.¡±


    Prince Kelton accepted the tonic that Dilligens had brought to him, but after a couple swallows he coughed and nearly gagged.


    ¡°Dilligens, what¡­?¡±


    His question was cut short as Dilligens forced him to drink the rest of it.


    ¡°Dilligens! That¡¯s¡­.¡±


    Prince Kelton covered his mouth and sat up as his stomach cramped. The sweet, yet bitter, spicy, and caramelized citrus flavors teased the back of his tongue. His stomach cramped again as bile rose in his throat. A bucket was placed on his lap as he threw up. A black substance came out of his mouth. It was sweet, and earthy, and definitely putrid. The smell alone was strong enough to make him throw up some more.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± he moaned before he gagged and spit more of the nasty black stuff out of his mouth.


    He drew in a breath and immediately regretted it. He threw up again, expelling more of the horrible black stuff.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he wondered, before he threw up a mouthful of yellowish stomach acid.


    ¡°The worst kind of Magic,¡± Dilligens said before removing the bucket.


    He helped Prince Kelton drink some water then had him drink another bottle of the sweet, yet bitter, spicy, and caramelized citrus stuff. It didn¡¯t taste so bad the second time, but the painful cramping in his abdomen said otherwise. Prince Kelton hurried to get out of bed, but struggled to remain on his feet. A sweet, earthy, and putrid smell hit his nose again. He did his best to breathe out of his mouth after that, but the scents were strong enough for him to taste them again. By the time his guts stopped cramping, he felt oddly refreshed and energized.


    ¡°May I see you left hand, Sire?¡± Dilligens asked.


    Prince Kelton held out his left hand and Dilligens partially removed the Garnet ring he wore. The Diamond band looked as clear as it had the day he felt it engraved into his finger. Dilligens ran his thumb over it, but it didn¡¯t flake off at all. He tried to pick at it, but the Diamond band had no edges to get purchase from. His brow furrowed in confusion.


    ¡°What is it, Dilligens?¡± Prince Kelton asked as Dilligens turned his hand palm up as he continued to inspect the Diamond band.


    Although none of the black cracks remained, a thin strip of new skin broke the ring on the palm side of his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure, Sire,¡± he replied. ¡°I expected the Diamond band to disappear with the evil that tainted your body, but it hasn¡¯t. However, the break in the ring leads me to believe that you are no longer bound to the woman you bedded.¡±


    ¡°What would be the reason that the ring would not disappear entirely?¡± Prince Kelton wondered.


    ¡°I do not know, Sire,¡± Dilligens said, before he tried to pick at the corners of the broken band to no avail. ¡°It would be my guess that, when you were with her, you were willing to remain faithful and loyal to her.¡±


    Flashes of that night came to his mind. Dilligens¡¯ words made sense based on who he thought it was he had brought to his bed. However, if it was her, where would she have gotten the evil magic from? Why would she feel the need to use it on him? It made more sense for someone who was not her to use it.


    ¡°Do you think it will ever go away?¡± Prince Kelton asked as Dilligens slid the Garnet ring back into place.


    ¡°I wish I could tell you, yes, Prince Kelton,¡± Dilligens replied with a sigh. ¡°One way to find out is to see if you can find the woman and hope she will be willing to give you some answers. Otherwise, you may have that for the rest of your life.¡±


    ¡°Will it interfere with me getting married again?¡±


    ¡°Where the band has been broken, I doubt it.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Thank you, Dilligens.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure, Your Majesty. I will let you know if I come to learn anything more.¡±


    ¡°Please do.¡±


    Dilligens nodded, bowed, then left the room.

 Help Us

    ¡®Faster!¡¯ her thoughts screamed at her. ¡®Don¡¯t let him catch you.¡¯


    Her heart hammered in her chest as she ran through Guasha Forest. Her eyes widened in terror, as she glanced behind her. She needed to get away. She needed to escape. She¡­. Her foot caught on the roots of a tree and she fell. She hit her head and her world went black.


    Her head hurt and her chest felt like it had been caved in. Each little shift of her chest, as she tried to breathe, felt like she was being stabbed by a thousand knives. She brought a shaking hand up to her chest, hoping to grab hold of the chain that held the single pearl her father had brought back for her from his last fishing trip. But she could not find the chain. Her breath hitched as she struggled not to cry. That was the only thing she had left of her father. He¡¯d left again on another fishing trip and never came home.


    Whimpers escaped her as she slowly brought her hand down to the part of her chest that hurt the most. Her skin under her fingers felt hot to the touch, but the very center of her chest felt numb. She continued to feel around, and bumped into something smooth, cold, and immoveable in the very center of her hot skin. Running her fingers over the cold bump a couple times, she realized it was the pearl she thought she¡¯d lost.


    She didn¡¯t understand. Her fall hadn¡¯t been hard enough to lodge the pearl into her chest. She would have been dead if that were the case. And why did her skin feel hot? Ponderosa pulled her fingers away and looked at her hand. Flakes of black skin coated her fingertips. She had been burned. By whom? And why? Her questions were soon answered when she heard a door open. She turned her head to see a man in black robes step into the room.


    ¡°I was wondering when you were going to wake from your little tumble,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°I hope you like the modifications I made to your necklace. You now have the ability to become anything you wish. Isn¡¯t that wonderful?!¡±


    Ponderosa didn¡¯t respond. Her mind was trying to understand what this man was saying.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I give you a little demonstration? Hmm?¡±


    Before Ponderosa could ask what he meant, he put his hands behind his back and said, ¡°Falcon.¡±


    An image of a falcon came to her mind and she felt her body start to twist and shift. Her flesh tingled as feathers started to sprout out of her body. She screamed. Her cries changed from human to that of the bird of prey. She flopped around as her body continued to change, trying to stop it and become human again. However, her panic only seemed to speed up the transformation.


    When the changes stopped, she felt utterly exhausted. The man in black robes approached. Ponderosa tried to get away from him, but she was too tired to move far before he picked her up.


    ¡°Such a pretty thing you are,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯re going to have so much fun together!¡±


    ¡®No!¡¯ Ponderosa yelled in her head as she woke with a gasp.


    She shivered and curled herself into a ball as she wept. She hadn¡¯t had dreams like that for many years. What had triggered it? She struggled to calm herself down by telling herself that she was okay, and that the new moon wasn¡¯t for a few more weeks. She lay her arm over her eyes and took more conscious deep breaths. Her heartbeat was almost back to normal when she heard.


    ¡®Help us!¡¯


    Ponderosa sat up slowly and looked around her dimly lit cottage.


    ¡®Help us,¡¯ the woman¡¯s soft plea said again.


    She jerked when images of the central most cottage in Mediocre Village flashed through her mind.


    ¡®Please,¡¯ the voice begged.


    Ponderosa grabbed her head with both hands and shook it as her heart twisted in fear. ¡®I¡¯m sorry,¡¯ she replied. ¡®I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t!¡¯


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The voice didn¡¯t return, leaving Ponderosa to wonder if she¡¯d made the voice up because of her dream. However, a knowing stirred in her gut that the voice and the image she saw in her mind was not imaginary. It didn¡¯t help that the voice sounded familiar. Ponderosa curled back up into a ball. She wept. She hated feeling afraid. She hated the fact that another woman was suffering due to the machinations of the man who forced her to be able to transform.


    Eventually, Ponderosa was able to get back to sleep, despite being troubled in her heart. She wanted to help. She did. She just didn¡¯t dare risk getting caught by the man again.


    A sound knock on her door woke her the next day. Moaning, Ponderosa stumbled out of bed to see who it was. She cracked open the door just a little against the early morning light.


    ¡°Goodness, Ponderosa, are you alright?¡± her friend, Krissy, asked before Ponderosa could see who stood on her porch.


    Ponderosa nodded then stepped back to invite her friend inside.


    ¡°Are you sure you are alright?¡± Krissy asked again. ¡°You look awful.¡±


    A small smile played on her lips before she walked over to the table where her writing kit sat. ¡®Didn¡¯t sleep well last night,¡¯ she wrote.


    ¡°Please tell me it isn¡¯t because of stalker Jerome,¡± Krissy said, knowing the town drunk had a thing for Ponderosa.


    Ponderosa shook her head. ¡®Something else triggered my restless night.¡¯


    Krissy pursed her lips. ¡°You still have your quartz and calcite don¡¯t you?¡±


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®I even cleaned them just a few days ago,¡¯ she wrote, knowing that would be Krissy¡¯s next question.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡®What brings you by today?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡°I came to see if you would be willing to help me in Ghinf Village. Shalice is nearing her delivery date.¡±


    ¡®Give me an hour to collect my things.¡¯


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Krissy said, pulling Ponderosa into a tight embrace. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I would do without you.¡±


    Ponderosa hugged her back and nodded against her shoulder. It was times like this that she hated not being able to speak.


    Krissy let her go then left the cottage. They would meet up at the edge of town then make the two day trip to Ghinf Village. However, how long they stayed was entirely up to Shalice and her baby. The last time they had helped Shalice, it had been a several day ordeal and very touch and go for Shalice and her baby boy, who was now a rambunctious three year old. When everything was settled, Ponderosa and Krissy made sure to leave strict instructions about what she needed to do to bolster herself should she end up pregnant again.


    It was their hope that, should Shalice conceive again, she would have an easier pregnancy and delivery. However, they knew from experience that some women had difficult labors no matter how well the mother prepared and nourished herself and her baby. Since that was the case, Ponderosa packed all of the dried herbs she had that would help keep Shalice stable throughout the process.


    As Ponderosa helped Shalice lay in bed with her baby girl, she could not help but think of the voice that had spoken to her this morning.


    ¡®Help us¡­. Please.¡¯


    ¡®Us?¡¯ she thought, seeing Shalice smile as her baby girl took her breast into her mouth to start feeding.


    ¡®Yes, us,¡¯ the woman¡¯s voice replied tiredly.


    Ponderosa started, not expecting to hear the woman so soon after refusing to go get her.


    ¡°Are you alright, Ponderosa?¡± Krissy asked, causing Shalice to look up at her.


    She nodded then motioned that she nearly fell asleep and should take a brief walk.


    Krissy nodded her understanding. Shalice had gone through a tough 24 hour labor and none of them had been able to rest for long.


    ¡®Please,¡¯ the woman¡¯s voice said, softer this time, as Ponderosa stepped out to walk around Shalice¡¯s home. ¡®I am a dead woman, but he cannot find out that I am with child. I don¡¯t want him to have any knowledge about or physical access to my child¡ªdead or alive.¡¯


    Exhaling, Ponderosa blinked back her tears. She felt even more conflicted now that she knew that the woman that was calling for her help was pregnant. She knew the methods that man used to bring someone under his control. A baby would be an easy target because they wouldn¡¯t know how to, or that they needed to, resist.


    Time was not on the woman¡¯s side. She had about four months before that man realized she was pregnant. Ponderosa knew that if she did go, they would need a swift escape. That meant transforming into something that would keep them all safe and out of his hands. Shuddering at the prospect, Ponderosa shoved those thoughts to the back of her mind. She had a weak and tired mother she needed to take care of right now. So, as much as it pained her to not begin her preparations now, the woman in Abundare needed to wait.

 About Time

    Prince Kelton leaned against the wall, looking out the window of his bedroom, which looked over the courtyard. He twisted the Garnet ring on his left ring finger, contemplating the incomplete Diamond band underneath it. It had been four months since his return from Palion City and, despite Dilligens¡¯ assurances that he was no longer connected to the woman he had taken to his bed, something about that night still niggled at his mind. His mother¡¯s insistence to keep him in the castle wasn¡¯t helping either. He was getting stir crazy and Princess Analisa¡¯s next visit was fast approaching.


    Leave it to his mother to try and rush the political marriage she wanted, before Lady Iredys had come to Greywolf Kingdom, now that he¡¯d had a serious brush with magic. Each time his mother pushed him to set a date for their union, Prince Kelton would dig his heels in and refuse. It was these moments that left him wishing he was still wed to the Dragonwoman, just so he wouldn¡¯t have to hear his mother speak another word about the stuck up Princess Analisa.


    He looked down at the ring he was twisting and pulled it off enough to expose the Diamond band. He traced it all the way around before setting his finger over the small gap in the band. The snow had already begun to fall on the kingdom and it wouldn¡¯t be long for a lot of the roads to be untravelable. If was going to search for her, hope he found her, and get answers to all the questions that troubled him, he needed to leave sooner rather than later¡­ and leave quick enough to not be stopped by his mother¡¯s soldiers.


    Making his decision, Prince Kelton pushed the Garnet ring back into place then started to pack his things. He was almost finished when Gailan came in with lunch.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°We are not going anywhere,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°You are to stay here and help Dilligens.¡±


    ¡°No. Kelton, please! It¡¯s been nine months. I don¡¯t want to be left behind anymore. I know your patrols aren¡¯t always the safest, but I can help. I can¡­.¡±


    ¡°No, Gailan. I would not lose you, too!¡±


    Gailan¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°My¡­ my apologies, My Lord,¡± Gailan stammered as he bowed.


    Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°I apologize for yelling, Gailan. I have never made it clear as to why I started to leave you behind.¡±


    Prince Kelton finished preparing his bags.


    ¡°...Can I ask why?¡± Gailan ventured quietly.


    ¡°Because it is you they are after,¡± Prince Kelton replied, looking at his subdued manservant. ¡°I don¡¯t know what they would want you for, but you are the only person in the castle who can keep me sane. I refuse to have that taken from me also.¡±


    Gailan¡¯s expression turned thoughtful. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you why they would want me either, My Lord. I¡¯m just a servant.¡±


    Prince Kelton set a hand on Gailan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re more than a servant to me. Just as you were more than my servant to Lady Iredys while she was here.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°I take it you are going out to look for her?¡± Gailan asked, with a bit of hope in his voice.


    ¡°Among other things,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    Gailan nodded. ¡°Is there anything else I can get you?¡±


    ¡°Please inform my knights to prepare for a long patrol and get my horse ready as discreetly as possible. I refuse to let my mother keep me here a day longer.¡±


    ¡°As you command.¡±


    Gailan left the room and Prince Kelton broke the roll in half. He stuffed the meat inside before he snuck his way down to the stables. He could see several of his mother¡¯s soldiers milling about the courtyard as his knights made a spectacle of getting ready for their patrol. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet were having the most fun with it, while Sir Thomas, Sir Hett, and Sir Juleak would respond only after the other two had ribbed them a couple times. The rest of his knights, Sirs Fran, Gruph, and Houton, just rolled their eyes and mounted their horses.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Prince Kelton was quick to tie his saddle bags in place while Gailan bid the knights farewell and turned as if to return to his side inside the castle. He then brought his horse out of his stall and climbed up. His knights finished mounting and started out of the courtyard. They were almost through the gates, when Prince Kelton kicked his horse into a gallop and shot out of stables to join them. Several guards shouted behind him to no avail. He was through the gates and at the head of his knights before they could close the gates to prevent his leaving.


    ¡°About time we got out,¡± Sir Hamnet called as they left Greywolf City and headed for Kit Ridge.


    ¡°No arguments there, Sir Hamnet,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    Prince Kelton and his knights reached Kit Ridge shortly after full dark. They paid for rooms at the Wandering Fox Inn then listened to the local chatter as they ate a late dinner. Marcus¡¯ cow had gotten out of his field again. A few people had gone missing. Missy was pregnant yet again, and Frank and Diana were threatening to separate. As he listened, Prince Kelton found himself playing with his food as much as he ate it. His thoughts continued to spin as they had been oscillating between Iredys and the Dragonwoman he wedded all day. He knew he needed to try and find the Dragonwoman first, but¡­.


    Boisterous laughter from Sir Fran and Sir Houton reached his ears, causing him to look up. The two of them were flushed with drunkenness, and Sir Gruph wasn¡¯t too far behind them. Prince Kelton shook his head. Leave it to those three to try and slow him down. He had been watching them lean more toward pleasing the Queen than doing as he requested¡ªas they had when he had first knighted them.


    ¡°Will we be off to an early start, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked quietly, as Prince Kelton turned his attention to his half eaten meal.


    ¡°The more ground we can cover before the snow traps us somewhere the better, I think,¡± he replied with a nod. ¡°Anyone too hungover to saddle his own horse in the morning will return to the castle, no exceptions.¡±


    ¡°Think we should tell the others then?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    Prince Kelton shook his head.


    He shouldn¡¯t have to instruct his knights in every little detail. If they couldn¡¯t remain sober enough to accompany him to find answers, while making a circuit of the kingdom, they weren¡¯t worth the time he had spent to train them. He ate one more bite of his food then headed upstairs to his room. Sirs Hamnet and Droyn soon followed. He had been taught to never have favorites among his knights, but the two of them always had his back, which made it hard not to favor them above the rest.


    Prince Kelton sat on the bed in his room and removed his boots. He loosened the belt that held his sword and propped it up beside the bed. Then he looked out the window to the stars that blinked in the dark sky. Tears filled his eyes as he thought about Iredys, wondering if she would feel betrayed that he¡¯d married a Dragonwoman, despite their vow of fidelity being broken now. Prince Kelton drew in a halting deep breath then let it out. He lay on the bed, his back to the door, then he closed his eyes and hoped the heavens would bless him with the locations of the two women he needed to find.


    Unfortunately, his dreams were far from peaceful. He found Lady Iredys in a run down cottage; her belly largely distended with a second pregnancy. A little girl, with Iredys¡¯ eyes and long brown hair, clung to Iredys¡¯ coarse skirt. The image of her impassive face, accompanied by the sound of her neutral greeting, looped again and again in his mind, but the worst part of this meeting was the lack of recognition in Iredys¡¯ eyes. He fought to change it¡ªfought to find her unmarried, without child, anything! He wanted her¡­ he needed her!


    Only when this image of Iredys finally turned to take her daughter inside did Kelton wake. He sat up with a gasp. His breath came in hard and fast. His grief threatened to overwhelm him. His mother¡¯s nagging voice to get over her and agree to marry Princess Analisa gnawed at his mind. He pressed the palms of his hands against his eyes. He scrubbed away the fatigue he felt before getting up. It was still dark out, but he didn¡¯t care. He didn¡¯t dare go back to sleep. He needed to find Iredys. He needed to find the Dragonwoman, if she was still alive.


    Prince Kelton walked over to where the pitcher of water and washing bowl sat. He poured the water in the bowl next to it then splashed his face with the cold water. He raked his wet fingers through his hair before he leaned against the dresser. Since he had been intent to head to Abundare to find his Dragonfolk wife, he knew he needed to continue heading South. However, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it would be better to head East, since it had been months and that was where the Dragonfolk lived.


    Shaking his head, Prince Kelton grabbed his sword and buckled it around his waist. He jammed his feet into his boots then left the room. As he descended the stairs, he was surprised to see Sirs Hamnet and Droyn waiting outside with their horses. His own horse had been saddled, with his travel packs attached, and stood ready to leave.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect anyone else to be up,¡± he said as he stepped outside.


    ¡°A little hard to sleep for long when we could hear Your Highness crying in despair next door,¡± Sir Droyn replied softly.


    Prince Kelton frowned, but nodded. He accepted the reins from Sir Droyn and mounted his steed. ¡°Let¡¯s go. There is nothing more for us here.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded then jumped up into his saddle. Sir Droyn hoisted himself up as well before the two of them followed Prince Kelton out of town at a gallop, leaving the rest of the knights behind.

 Its Me

    Prince Kelton continued South, despite the semi-conscious thought to ride East coming back to him several times. He needed to follow up on what he knew if he hoped to find the Dragonwoman, and possibly Lady Iredys. His thoughts wandered to the many times he had searched the villages, towns, and cities since Lady Iredys¡¯ disappearance, and the many times he had hoped that the gossip going around would change in a way that let him know that Lady Iredys was alive, but no matter how many times he had made this circuit, only the gossip of her tragic disappearance reached his ears.


    They were nearing the next city and, so far, none of his other knights had caught up with them. Prince Kelton stopped at the top of the hill. The roads diverged here. He could head down to the city of Hagreer or turn off to the East to head toward Pride Town. He lifted his eyes as if to look just past Hagreer and the tiny village of Hope to Guasha Forest, which created a natural border between Greywolf Kingdom and Abundare Kingdom. There were times that he had thought about looking around Abundare¡¯s lands for Lady Iredys, but since no one had tried to claim or resettle in the land, since King Voracity was killed during his people¡¯s uprising, he wasn¡¯t sure if there was a point. However, since that is where he had wanted to go in order to be reunited with the Dragonwoman he married, he needed to start there. Make sure she wasn¡¯t there before heading East.


    Prince Kelton¡¯s thoughts returned to the city before him when his horse shifted beneath him. He clicked his tongue and shifted the reins slightly before his horse started down the hill toward Hagreer. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn followed close behind. They could hear the noise coming from the bustling city long before they reached the gates. They entered and slowly weaved their way through the throngs of people making their way to and fro. He stopped at the Great Hawk Inn. It wasn¡¯t the nicest of places to stay in, but the gossip tended to be spot on, and that was exactly what he was here to listen to.


    He paid the stable boy to care for their horses while they were inside. Unless the gossip gave him something helpful, he wasn¡¯t planning on staying¡ªdespite his fatigue encouraging him to do just that. He stepped inside with Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet guarding his back. The innkeeper waved them over to the bar.


    ¡°What can I get you, My Prince?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Food for myself and my knights and your latest gossip.¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t put much stock in all the rumors.¡±


    ¡°I know. I would like to hear them all the same.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing. I¡¯ll be just a minute.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then sat at the bar. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet sat on either side of him.


    ¡°How long before the others catch up, you think, Hamnet?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    Sir Hamnet snorted. ¡°They can go back to the castle for all I care. Getting drunk while escorting their Prince around the kingdom. If they haven¡¯t caught up by tomorrow, they may as well forget it.¡±


    ¡°Though, if all of them return to the castle,¡± Prince Kelton started softly, ¡°it just might further incite the Queen to send her army after us.¡±


    The knights beside him nodded.


    ¡°Here you are,¡± the innkeeper said, stepping out of the kitchen with a large tray. He set three bowls of stew and three plates with bread down on the bar. ¡°Anything in particular you would like to drink?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you, my good man,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    His eyes shifted to Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn.


    ¡°Ale,¡± they replied at the same time.


    He filled three glasses with ale and set them down. Then he settled onto a stool across from them and rested his burly arms on the bar. ¡°Where would you like me to start?¡±


    ¡°Just the latest is fine,¡± Prince Kelton replied, tearing a chuck of bread off and dropping it into the stew.


    The innkeeper sighed. ¡°In which case, there isn¡¯t much to tell you. A few more people have gone missing since your last visit, and Old Greg has been complaining about an incoming storm.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± the innkeeper replied before he left them to check on his other customers.


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    The three of them had almost finished their meal when the door opened and rapid footsteps approached their location. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet stood before he heard a woman say.


    ¡°My Prince, I am here,¡± she said.


    Prince Kelton turned enough to see who addressed him.


    The woman looked almost exactly as Lady Iredys did before her disappearance, but her dress was coarse and plain, and her face was a little smudged. His eyes dropped down to her neck, noting that she didn¡¯t wear a necklace, before he turned away.


    ¡°Do you not recognize me, My Prince?¡± she asked. ¡°It¡¯s me. Lady Iredys.¡±


    ¡°Lie,¡± Prince Kelton said without turning back.


    ¡°It is not a lie!¡± she replied, sounding upset. ¡°I didn¡¯t remember who I was until recently. Soon after your last visit to Hagreer, I think, but I wasn¡¯t¡­.¡±


    Prince Kelton held up his hand to get her to stop. ¡°Were your words true, you would still be wearing your necklace.¡±


    ¡°I had to sell it in order to survive. I¡­.¡±


    Prince Kelton turned to face her, his eyes narrowing. ¡°The real Lady Iredys would never have given up that necklace. Also, there is not a single merchant in this kingdom who would have dared accept that necklace. If you were truly who you said you were, I would have had news long ago! Now,¡± he continued before she could interrupt him, ¡°you can remove yourself from my presence or I will have you forcibly removed.¡±


    Her lips trembled and her eyes moistened before she straightened her back and left.


    Shaking his head, Prince Kelton turned back to face the bar so he could try and rein in his emotions and finish the stew in front of him. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn remained alert, sitting sideways to keep an eye on the door as they cleaned up what was left in their bowls.


    ¡°Can I interest you in a couple rooms, Prince Kelton?¡± the innkeeper asked.


    Prince Kelton tried to rub the tiredness out of his face to no avail. He had also pushed the horses for longer since they had left very early that morning.


    ¡°As much as I wish I could say no, a couple rooms would be nice,¡± he replied, paying for their meal and rooms and a little extra for the information.


    The man nodded then led the three of them upstairs.


    Prince Kelton drifted in and out of a restless sleep until boisterous voices came up from downstairs. It seemed like the rest of his knights had caught up to him. From the increasing volume of overlapping voices, he was sure that not a single one had returned to the castle. Prince Kelton tried not to feel disappointed knowing it wouldn¡¯t continue to just be him and Sirs Hamnet and Droyn, but it was difficult since he knew that at least three of them agreed with Queen Leona and tried to get him to stop his relentless search for Lady Iredys.


    Sighing, he rolled to his other side and tried to rest some more, but after several more hours of tossing and turning, and not being able to settle into even the shallowest levels of sleep, he got up. He descended the stairs and entered the stables to saddle his own horse. He was just stepping out of the stable when he heard.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, please, I¡­.¡±


    The woman from the morning before tried approaching him again, but before she could get less than five feet from him, Sir Hamnet stepped in front of her.


    His voice was soft, but Prince Kelton clearly heard him say, ¡°If you value your reputation you will end this charade now. The consequences of trying to follow us will be severe.¡±


    The woman took several steps back from Sir Hamnet before running away.


    ¡°Are you okay to wait for us to saddle our horses, also, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    He nodded then climbed into his saddle while Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn saddled their horses. Once the two of them were out of the stables, the three of them kicked their horses and headed for Hope Village.


    All was quiet when Prince Kelton, Sir Hamnet, and Sir Droyn entered Hope Village¡ªalmost eerily so. The lamps still burned along the main road, but many of the houses and shops were still dark. Only the lone inn still had lights on inside. A woman pushed back the curtains on the window as they approached. She turned away for just a moment before stepping outside. She was wiping her hands on her apron.


    ¡°Your Highness,¡± she said, eyes widening. ¡°I¡­ I did not expect¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°¡°Do you have any rooms available?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes, I do. If you don¡¯t mind waiting a moment, I can have something ready for you to eat as well.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve eaten. Thanks, though.¡±


    ¡°S¡­ sure. ¡­ Henry!¡± she yelled toward the barn.


    A young man stepped out of the barn. ¡°Apologies, Mother, Your Highness,¡± he said, dipping into a low bow. ¡°I can care for your horses now.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. He and his knights dismounted. Henry took the reins then led the horses inside.


    ¡°Let me show you to your rooms,¡± the woman said, as she led them inside.


    Sir Droyn followed first, followed by Prince Kelton then Sir Hamnet. They took the stairs to the rooms near the back of the small inn. She stoked the fire in the three men¡¯s rooms and pulled out several more blankets, then left to attend to something downstairs in the kitchen.


    ¡°I hope you can get some sleep tonight, Prince Kelton,¡± Sir Hamnet said. ¡°It¡¯s a long ride to Salgon Town.¡±


    ¡°I intend to search Abundare for the Dragonwoman first,¡± Prince Kelton said quietly.


    Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn exchanged wary glances.


    ¡°May I ask what for, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    ¡°Answers,¡± he replied simply. ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± his knights replied together.

 Escape

    Not even the barest of whimpers left her mouth as the bloodied whip slashed across her back time and time again. Her mind had taken her away from the cottage as her next vision filled her mind.


    Ponderosa, in Dragon form, was nearing Mediocre Village. Her determination to make sure the man, who had once tortured her, would not get his hands on another woman¡¯s child overshadowed the fear and trepidation she felt for being anywhere near Mediocre Village.


    Several bells tolled in Hagreer City and Hope Village as the guards noticed her approach. The bells were loud enough to startle Prince Kelton from his troubled sleep. He scrambled out of bed and pulled his boots on. He tightened his sword belt then stepped out of his room.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± he asked Sir Hamnet.


    ¡°A Dragon is approaching from the East,¡± he replied.


    Prince Kelton was swift to head downstairs for his horse. Sir Droyn was not too far behind them. They had just mounted their horses when the rest of Prince Kelton¡¯s knights arrived.


    ¡°The Dragon seems to be heading toward Mediocre Village, My Lord,¡± Sir Fran said. ¡°There is¡­.¡±


    ¡°Move out!¡± Prince Kelton commanded, cutting off what else Sir Fran had to say.


    It didn¡¯t matter to him if the Dragon seemed to be headed to the abandoned Village of Mediocre, if the Dragon didn¡¯t find what it wanted there, he didn¡¯t need it coming after the people of Hope Village or Hagreer City. They entered Gusha Forest and hurried down the trail leading to Mediocre Village.


    Two burning hot stones were ground into her chest, bringing her focus back to the cottage. The pain felt more intense than when the Alexandrite and Emerald had been pushed into her flesh as two more runes were burned into her skin. She screamed, then found herself struggling to draw her next breath as the stones seared her skin and pushed the last two semi-precious stones from her necklace into her flesh. She needed the pressure to stop. She needed him to back off! The pressure was released and followed by a loud crash. A rumbling sound followed and she fell to her side. Darkness surrounded her ever so briefly before the vision returned to her mind.


    Ponderosa had increased the speed of her flight as the building in the center of the village started to crumble. She dove for the building as several small swarms of blackened people started to come out of the nearby cottages. Ponderosa beat them to the collapsed building and roared with the hope that she would scare them off. However, they would not be intimidated.


    She used her tail to push many of them away as she carefully raked her claws through the rubble of the collapsed cottage. Prince Kelton and his knights were drawing nearer. The sunlight reflected off their armor, catching Ponderosa¡¯s attention. She drew in her breath to spew out fire.


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    ¡®No! Don¡¯t they are¡­,¡¯ she tried to say to Ponderosa.


    But Ponderosa didn¡¯t hear her and released her fire on the trees of Guasha Forest. The fire spread quickly, despite the amount of snow that covered them. The roaring heat of her Dragon Fire was stronger than she anticipated, but she didn¡¯t care. She needed to unbury the woman she came for and hoped she had survived the cottage collapsing.


    ¡°Retreat!¡± Prince Kelton commanded as the fire rushed toward them. He gripped the reins as his horse reared and turned to run the other way.


    However, the flames were going to overtake them. Sorrow and regret touched his heart. He would die before he was able to see his Beloved Iredys again. She did not want to see the Prince harmed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and wished there was some kind of barrier that would stop the flames. She was surprised when the flames shot into the sky instead of continuing their unbridled flight through the trees.


    Prince Kelton noticed the sudden change in temperature and glanced over his shoulder in time to see the flames turn skyward as if they were a wave that had crashed against the shore. He stopped his horse and turned to the side, fascinated and confused by how the fire was acting.


    ¡°Magic,¡± Sir Gruph growled, as Prince Kelton¡¯s knights gathered around him.


    The grinding sound of rocks being moved threatened to pull her out of the vision again, before she felt her body being scooped up in Ponderosa¡¯s claws. She felt her mind sink into the vision again as Ponderosa swiped her tail at the blackened people that surrounded the cottage one more time before she took to the skies and headed south.


    ¡®Are you alright?¡¯ she heard Ponderosa ask her.


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ she tried to reply, but realized that her thoughts did not reach Ponderosa when the concern she held didn¡¯t change very much.


    Despite her concern, she could tell that Ponderosa was calm too. A calm that came because her breathing was steady and her heartbeat was strong. When Ponderosa¡¯s thoughts turned to wondering how she had survived the collapse of the cottage, she felt her attention being drawn back to where Prince Kelton was in the forest. She watched him watch the flames.


    ¡°We should make sure that the fire remains contained,¡± he said. ¡°Sir Thomas, Sir Juleack, gather what villagers you can to help. We¡¯re going to need¡­.¡±


    He stopped as the flames doused themselves, due to the lack of fuel. The barrier that had kept them safe vanished, and all of them pulled faces when the smell of all the burned things reached their noses.


    ¡°Seems your Dragonwoman was here after all, Sire,¡± Sir Hamnet said low enough for only Prince Kelton to hear.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± he replied, before he turned to his knights once more. ¡°We should make sure that the sparks are out. We don¡¯t need this fire to rekindle itself after we¡¯ve gone.¡±


    His knights nodded then followed him back to Hope Village to gather help.


    The vision took her back to Mediocre Village as Ponderosa turned their flight to the East.


    A single blackened man stood atop the rubble of the cottage, his attention fixed to the South. He ignored the others who were scrambling to unbury and attend to their master. As he continued to look, she watched a single tear slide down his cheek.


    She did not understand why he was crying, since he had been the main one to torment her, but she could not shake the feeling that the tear was somehow related to her.

 Swearing Knights

    Chapter 10 (KPOV)


    Prince Kelton woke early the following morning and saw heavy snow falling outside. It would slow their travels to Salgon Town, but would also help put out any of the embers they hadn¡¯t gotten to the night before. He got up and prepared for the day. His thoughts were less than helpful as they spun with his night with the Dragonwoman and the strangeness of the fire the night before. It shouldn¡¯t surprise him that magic was involved, and yet something about the whole situation seemed¡­ off somehow.


    ¡°I would rather kiss a mud covered pig then see her on the throne,¡± Prince Kelton heard Sir Hamnet scoff as he stepped into the hallway.


    ¡°And what did the pig do to deserve such treatment from you?¡± Prince Kelton asked, wondering what had his knight all riled up this morning.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I¡¯d o...only kiss the most willing pig, of course, My Prince,¡± he stammered.


    Sir Droyn brought a fist up to his mouth to keep himself from laughing. It did nothing to stop his shoulders from shaking with the suppression.


    ¡°Do I even want to know how the topic of kissing pigs came about?¡±


    Sir Droyn snorted. ¡°...Sorry, Prince Kelton. It¡¯s probably best we not say.¡±


    He nodded then headed downstairs to get something to eat before they turned their travels eastward. The quick coming and going of the Dragon left him feeling that searching Abundare for the Dragonwoman would be a waste of time, and would be better spent heading to their homeland. The rest of his knights were demurely eating their breakfast. They all turned to him with varying expressions as he stepped away from the stairs. After the help they had given so soon after their arrival, he didn¡¯t feel disappointed to see them this morning. He motioned for them to keep eating before the woman in charge of the inn approached him.


    ¡°What can I get you, Prince Kelton?¡± she asked. ¡°I have oatmeal, eggs and bacon. A combination?¡±


    ¡°The oatmeal will be fine. Thank you,¡± he replied.


    The woman¡¯s eyes widened for a moment before glancing at Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn.


    ¡°Same,¡± they replied in unison.


    She nodded then left the bar to step into the back.


    Prince Kelton sat at the table near the window. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet sat with him.


    ¡°Do I want to know what other oaths the two of you were swearing this morning?¡± he asked quietly.


    Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn looked at each other.


    ¡°...No,¡± Sir Droyn said.


    ¡°At least not while we are in mixed company,¡± Sir Hamnet supplied.


    Prince Kelton nodded then looked out the window. The thick snowflakes continued to fall, albeit lightly. He hoped it stayed that way since they were going to need to spend at least one night in the snow. A heavier snowfall would be the last thing they needed.


    He turned away from the window as the innkeeper brought out large bowls of oatmeal for the three of them. ¡°Anything else I can get you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    She nodded then headed back to the bar to keep an eye on everyone.


    Prince Kelton ate without thought. His mind was focused on the road ahead and trying to shove aside all of the gruesome ways he might find the Dragonwoman and Lady Iredys. When his bowl was empty, his mind came back to the inn. He couldn¡¯t tell if he was hungry for more or not, but it didn¡¯t matter. They needed to travel as far as they could, so they could reach Salgon Town by the following day.


    ¡°Anything else I can get you, My Lord?¡± the woman asked, as Prince Kelton sat back.


    ¡°Any new news in Hope Village?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Just the passing of Heathson, the blacksmith¡¯s youngest son. Everyone was at his wake when you arrived the night before last.¡±


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    Prince Kelton nodded.


    ¡°And the village midwife, Debra, gave birth the other day to a healthy baby boy.¡±


    ¡°Are they both well?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, Sire.¡± She bit her lip as she looked outside then said, ¡°... I am sure you are anxious to continue your journey, is there anything I can send with you?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Always my pleasure, Your Highness. I¡¯ll make sure Henry has all your horses ready.¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°Will we be weaving back and forth between the cities, towns, and villages on our way to Pride Town, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked as Prince Kelton turned his head to look at the snowfall once more.


    Prince Kelton fisted his left hand, feeling the band of the Garnet ring that Lady Iredys had given him shift, as a strangely familiar knowing tugged on his heart. ¡°No,¡± he replied, feeling a new measure of confidence that he would be able to find the Dragonwoman and Iredys. ¡°We ride straight for Pride Town.¡±


    Prince Kelton then headed upstairs to grab his things. He wasn¡¯t sure why he felt pulled toward Pride Town specifically, but his heart seemed to know something his mind did not. So, he would follow the feeling. Especially if the strength of this feeling was correct and it would finally allow him to find Lady Iredys, and find her in time to avoid being forced to marry a certain someone when he returned to the castle.


    Because of the snowfall, Prince Kelton and his knights were lucky if they had reached the halfway point. Reluctant as he was, they stopped to set up camp. While his knights built a large fire and makeshift shelters, he turned his attention toward the direction he knew Pride Town to be. The pull to keep going was strong in his heart and gut, but he remained where he was. He knew that, even with well worn trails, it wasn¡¯t safe to be riding their horses in the snowy darkness. Especially since the Timberwolves would have an easier time taking them and their horses down while they traveled.


    ¡°Sensing trouble already, Sire?¡± Sir Thomas asked.


    ¡°No, Sir Thomas,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°Just hoping we¡¯d be further down the road than we are.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll have food ready shortly.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded, but kept his attention on the road.


    He fisted his hand so he could better feel the Garnet ring on his finger, knowing the Diamond band was just beneath it. The memory of his betrothal surfaced in his mind.


    Lady Iredys¡¯ smiled softly as she slipped the Garnet ring onto his finger. A little sadness bled through her expression as she adjusted it slightly. He gently lifted her chin to get her to look at him, just as a tear slipped from her eye. He wiped it away.


    ¡°This Garnet ring was given to me by my brother,¡± she said softly, as her lips trembled. ¡°He told me to give it to the one I knew I would forever be happy with so he wouldn¡¯t worry about me. He¡­. I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered as more tears flowed from her eyes.


    Prince Kelton pulled her against him and held her tightly. ¡°I am saddened that I will never have the opportunity to meet your brother, Iredys,¡± he said, ¡°but I am honored that you still chose to give this ring to me. I vow to cherish it and, most importantly, to forever cherish you.¡±


    The sound of someone clearing their throat brought his attention back to the present.


    ¡°Food is ready, Prince Kelton,¡± Sir Fran said when he turned.


    He nodded then followed his knight to the fire. He accepted a bowl of beans and meat. He ate. He entered his crudely formed tent and tried to rest.


    He jerked awake to a sound just outside his tent.


    ¡°If he stoops that low, I am painting his door¡ªand mine¡ªwith fresh manure,¡± Sir Droyn vowed.


    Prince Kelton shook his head. It was nice to hear Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet joking around, but he also wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with whatever antics they were planning. ¡°Does your plotting mean it¡¯s morning?¡± Prince Kelton asked loud enough to be heard.


    The fabric of the tent shook as one or both of them jerked or twitched at the sound of his voice.


    Sir Hamnet guffawed.


    ¡°...Just about, Prince Kelton,¡± Sir Droyn replied. ¡°Dawn has yet to break.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s be on our way.¡±


    ¡°Right away, Sire.¡±


    He heard Sir Droyn leave, but soft giggles let him know that Sir Hamnet was still beside the tent.


    ¡°Are you ready to leave this very moment, Sir Hamnet?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Not quite, Prince Kelton. A problem I will remedy immediately.¡±


    The scrunch of snow and the snap of twigs indicated his leaving.


    Prince Kelton got up and started to gather his things. He stepped out with everything that had been inside before Sir Juleak and Sir Hett started to take his tent down. He noticed the rest of his knights were packing swiftly. The fire had already been doused and buried in snow. As Prince Kelton tied his bedding to his saddle, Sir Hett tied the tent to the other side. Once the tent was tied on, he left to finish gathering his own things.


    Climbing up into his saddle, Prince Kelton gripped the leather of the reins firmly in his left hand. He wanted to dash off toward Salgon Town to make up for lost time, but he made himself wait. The sun wasn¡¯t even starting to peek over the distant mountains and riding alone wasn¡¯t the smartest of ideas. Thankfully, in the few minutes it took his knights to finish gathering their things, the sun started to peek over the distant ridge.


    He watched as each knight approached, ready to continue. Sir Droyn, Sir, Juleack, Sir Thomas, Sir Hamnet, Sir Gruph, Sir Fran, Sir Hett, and Sir Houton. Once all of his knights were ready, he led them on toward Salgon Town.

 All Because of a Masked Ball

    It was nearing mid-day when they reached Salgon Town. The streets were heavily congested. Many people were just standing on the side of the road. Some children were standing on barrels, straining to see over the heads of the adults, to see whatever was going on a little further into town. Shouts of rage and screams of pain came from the center of the crowd.


    ¡°Make way for your Prince!¡± Sir Fran hollered at the crowd.


    Those closest to them turned and in turn got the attention of those around them to step back to let him pass. As the crowd parted Prince Kelton could see two young women fighting in the street.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± he demanded.


    The two women stopped fighting once they saw who was speaking to them.


    ¡°Oh, Your Highness,¡± the first woman said with an uneven bow. ¡°Please choose me as your bride.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± the second woman protested. ¡°Choose me. I am so much better than¡­¡±


    ¡°You wish!¡± interrupted the first.


    ¡°No, you wish. I¡¯ll have you know¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ladies!¡± he shouted to get them to be quiet. ¡°Enough. I will not be marrying either of you, so stop this pointless bickering and return to your homes.¡±


    ¡°But¡­,¡± they protested together.


    Prince Kelton held up his hand.


    They stopped and slowly walked away, but not before sending vicious glares at each other first. The crowd of townspeople slowly broke up as they returned to what they were doing.


    Shaking his head, Prince Kelton sighed.


    He turned his horse toward The Dragon¡¯s Hearth so they could eat and hear the latest gossip. The innkeeper, Bart, and his wife, Betty, were the biggest gossipers in town. While they would often talk his ear off, it was the only way to make sure nothing was missed.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, welcome back!¡± Betty greeted him. ¡°I am so sorry you had to see that little squabble out there. The young ladies seem to be going crazy after hearing news of the masked ball.¡±


    ¡°Masked ball? Are you referring to the ball being thrown by Lakemead Kingdom in about a month?¡±


    Bart and Betty exchanged glances.


    ¡°It would seem so,¡± Bart replied. ¡°Though convincing the young ladies that they have the location wrong, is going to be difficult.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. He wondered why the women seemed to be throwing themselves at him more this time around. A misunderstanding as the gossip spread made perfect sense. Now if only it would stop.


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    Bart brought out a tray of beverages for him and his knights as Betty asked.


    ¡°How have your searches for Lady Iredys gone?¡±


    ¡°Not as well as I have hoped,¡± Prince Kelton admitted, ¡°though I feel this time might be different.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Betty wondered, turning to Bart.


    He looked at his wife in confusion, but shook his head.


    ¡°Tsk. Too bad. I¡¯ll be right out with food,¡± she said, before disappearing into the kitchen.


    ¡°Have you caught wind of something we¡¯ve missed?¡± Bart asked, grabbing a stool from the bar and sitting.


    Prince Kelton shook his head. ¡°Not in the sense you are thinking.¡±


    He gave Prince Kelton a solemn nod. The edges of his mouth turned down some. He stood, put the stool back then entered the kitchen to help Betty gather plates of food for their guests.


    The two of them returned in short order before Betty grabbed a chair and proceeded to tell Prince Kelton all about this disagreement and that disagreement. The absence of a few people, ¡°who might have just gone on a journey¡±, and her hesitant well wishes to him and whomever he decided to marry.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he told her. He paid for their meals and a little more for the information before he left.


    He missed Betty¡¯s confusion at the abruptness of his exit. Since there was no news that warranted his attention, he needed to continue on his journey to Pride Town. He needed to know what was there, but knew that, in his desire to travel swiftly, he still needed to maintain as safe a pace as possible as the amount of snow on the ground and roads increased. Prince Kelton had just settled himself into his saddle when Sir Houton caught his reins, preventing him from leaving.


    ¡°The air has warmed, Sire,¡± he said. ¡°We won¡¯t make it to Palion City before this storm arrives. We¡¯d best wait it out.¡±


    Prince Kelton grit his teeth while keeping his face relatively neutral. The air had warmed and the clouds had grown darker since they stopped. As much as he wanted to shrug off his knight¡¯s words and leave anyway, he knew getting caught in a blizzard in the wilderness would be worse than being stuck in Salgon Town.


    Prince Kelton climbed off his horse and removed his travel bags as his knights came out to do the same. The stablehands then took the horses so they could be housed. A chill joined the warmth as the first tiny flakes of snow started to fall. Prince Kelton followed Sir Hett back inside. Each of his knights paid for their room before climbing the stairs to put their things down. Prince Kelton listened to the rattle of the panes in the window as the wind continued to increase. He glanced out to the darkened sky and watched the flurries grow in size as they made their way down to the ground. He just hoped that the storm was small and they¡¯d be able to make their way to Palion City by the following morning.


    Prince Kelton remained in his room after that and ran through all of the combat stances, just to keep his mind distracted from the swirl of emotions running circles around his heart, until evening fell. He returned to the main floor then to eat with his knights. The wind had kicked up and the amount of snow falling continued to grow.


    By the time he had finished a bowl of hot stew, visibility out the windows was nearly gone with how thick and heavy the snowfall was. Bart brought him another bowl of stew and more bread. Prince Kelton tried hard to keep a pleasant expression on his face, since Bart and Betty were doing her best to maintain their excellent hospitality, but seeing the thickness of the snow and hearing how much louder the wind had become, not even the soothing taste of the warmed barley drink in front of him could soothe his anxiety.


    When he had eaten all he could, Prince Kelton returned to his room. He paced the floor and looked out the window often, searching for any indication that there was going to be a break in the storm before he slept for the night. However, the wind and the snow were content to continue their raging. He did his best to sleep, but was woken every so often to the glass panes rattling in their frames and the increasing screech of the wind as it wormed its way through the panes.

 Tending to Lady Iredys

    The sun had just finished setting on their third day of travel as Ponderosa approached Pride Town. She was grateful for the lack of storms as they traveled and for the darkness she flew in now, since it would hide her approach and she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the men in the town organizing a Dragon hunt as she landed in the trees behind her house. She gently placed the well bundled pregnant woman on the ground before transforming to her Human self. The cold of the winter night nipped at her bare flesh while she dug her clothes and cloak out of the hollowed out tree where she had hidden them.


    The nearly frozen clothes did little to provide her with warmth, but they did provide better protection against the elements. Ponderosa pulled on her dress and cloak then slid her arms under the woman¡¯s neck and knees. She made sure she had a strong stance before she lifted her. The resistance as she stood was a lot less than she thought it would be and Ponderosa stumbled to keep her footing. She was both surprised and disheartened by how light she was, despite being four months pregnant. She had thought nothing of the woman¡¯s weight while she held the transformations she had taken on while they traveled because something heavy to her Human form always felt lighter when she held another.


    Ponderosa blinked back the tears that surfaced as she thought, ¡®What all did he do to her to make her¡­?¡¯


    Shaking her head, Ponderosa exhaled sharply then headed for her house. She was grateful she had a back door installed so she could come and go without drawing any attention from the townspeople. Ponderosa used her hip to nudge the door open, then she used her foot to close it firmly before she crossed the dark room and laid the woman on her cot. Then she lit a candle and carried it over to the hearth so she could build a fire.


    Once it was burning well, she filled a pot with water and hung it over the growing flames. Ponderosa then picked up her lit candle and carried it over to her shelves to find the herbs she wanted to infuse into the water to help sanitize the wounds the woman had. She added them to the pot then turned to the woman. She opened the cloak enough to get a better look at her face and upper chest. Her face had been horribly disfigured, her body covered in whiplashes, cuts, and bruises. Still, she hoped to be able to figure out who the woman might be.


    Ponderosa noted that the woman had been burned at least seven times in her time with that man. The combination of burns formed a shallow arch just beneath her protruding collarbones. As she shifted to let more light fall on her, a glint coming from the woman¡¯s chest caught her attention.


    ¡®Peridot,¡¯ Ponderosa thought, finally seeing that there was a semi-precious stone in the middle of each burn. ¡®Alexandrite. Jet. ¡­Diamond.¡¯ Ponderosa paused. Her throat felt tight and her heart was on the verge of breaking. ¡®Please, not her. Please. Not Her!¡¯ She drew in a shaky breath before looking at the other three stones. ¡®Ruby. Emerald. ¡­Aquamarine.¡¯


    Seven semi-precious stones. The very same semi-precious stones that Lady Iredys of Abundare wore around her neck. Ponderosa struggled to breathe. Her chest felt tight as overwhelming disbelief filled her mind. She looked over the stones embedded in the black and lumpy flesh once more before fresh tears spilled from her eyes. She collapsed against the side of the cot and wept. Why had she pushed aside her calls for help?! If she had known who was calling her, she would have gone when she had first been called four months ago! So why¡­?


    Lady Iredys moaned and shifted on the bed. Her breathing pattern changed, and her wounds started to bleed. Sniffling and wiping her eyes, Ponderosa forced herself to stand on her shaking legs. The lid on the pot over the fire had started to rattle. Using a hook, she swung the pot out so it could cool some. She mentally berated herself for letting it get too hot. She added a little bit of cold water to it before grabbing her cleaning cloths and bandages so she could address Lady Iredys¡¯ wounds. She used one of the cloths to carry the pot closer to the cot.


    Taking a deep breath, Ponderosa dipped a clean cloth in the steaming water and slowly and methodically started to wash and bind Lady Iredys¡¯ wounds. She washed both of her arms, being sure to realign the right one, since it had been broken. Ponderosa then washed Lady Iredys¡¯ legs and realigned the bones in her left leg, which had also been broken. Fresh tears filled Ponderosa¡¯s eyes as she carefully rolled Lady Iredys to her side so she could address the whiplashes and burns across her chest and the whiplashes and cuts on her back. Once her back and chest were bound, Ponderosa washed the rest of her body.


    She found an incomplete Diamond ring on her left ring finger. At first she thought it was dirt and scrubbed a little harder, but the discoloration wouldn¡¯t come off. Was the band incomplete because the spell, to bind her to whomever had left her pregnant, was interrupted? Or was there another reason? Shaking her thoughts away, Ponderosa resumed her bathing of Lady Iredys. She grabbed a fresh cloth to wash her shoulders, neck, and damaged face with. She slowed when she saw the black thread looped through Lady Iredys¡¯ eyelids.


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    Bile rose in her throat and Ponderosa had to press her lips together to keep herself from throwing up. Knowing how sadistic that man was, he would have sewn Lady Iredys¡¯ eyes shut while she was still conscious. She stepped away from Lady Iredys¡¯ side to grab a pair of scissors so she could remove the thread from her eyelids, then she very carefully cut away the knotted thread. Using the blunt tip of her needle, Ponderosa had to tug on the thread to pull it out of the skin that had started to incorporate it into her flesh. She tried not to cry as she slowly snipped the long thread apart.


    Ponderosa repeated the process with her other eye before opening her eyelids to check what damage lay underneath. Both eyes were scarred and Lady Iredys¡¯ iridium had clouded over. Sighing, Ponderosa grabbed a clean, wet, cloth and wiped Lady Iredys¡¯ eyelids before she grabbed her oil and gently massaged it into Lady Iredys¡¯ face. If nothing else, she hoped she could at least soften the scars that marred her beautiful face given time, then she turned to address the burned skin across the top of her chest.


    As Ponderosa dabbed the cleaning cloth around each of the stones, she could only lament how much she didn¡¯t know about their properties, despite knowing that Krissy used them. She didn¡¯t even know what runes that man would have forced on Lady Iredys for his gain and pleasure. The burned skin hid any sign of the runes, just as the burned flesh in the center of her own chest did.


    Subconsciously, Ponderosa paused and brought her hand up to where the Pearl was embedded in her own chest, to the place where the Dagaz rune¡ªone of the several runes that dealt with transformation¡ªlay hidden in the hideously bubbled and blackened flesh between her breasts.


    Lady Iredys¡¯ breath hitched a little, pulling Ponderosa out of her memories.


    ¡®Lady Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa thought to her.


    A whimper escaped her lips, but then her head turned to the side and she continued to sleep.


    Ponderosa checked her for a fever, but didn¡¯t feel one. She then dipped the cloth in the warm water then finished her task by washing Lady Iredys¡¯ feet and toes. Then she set the pot of dirty water aside. She grabbed the only other dress and pair of socks she owned and maneuvered Lady Iredys¡¯ limp body into them to help keep her warm. She was glad, yet saddened further, that the dress was a little too big for her. Ponderosa then covered her with her two quilts before she took the pot outside and dumped it out. She filled it with snow and brought it back inside. She set the pot close to the fire so the snow would start to melt.


    Taking a moment, Ponderosa set one of her chairs near the fire and sat down. She rubbed her arms as she watched the flames. The world had become a darker place when Lady Iredys went missing over a year ago. A darkness that may still be pushed back, now that she was back because Lady Iredys carried a light about her. A light she had brought with her when she arrived at Greywolf Castle just over three years ago, and spread that light throughout the kingdom because she refused to use her title as an excuse to not walk among the people.


    However, Ponderosa wasn¡¯t so sure it would be able to shine through the darkness of her trauma. Not only that, she wasn¡¯t sure if she should write to Prince Kelton to let him know that his betrothed had been found, because she didn¡¯t want to see Lady Iredys harmed further because she carried some unknown man¡¯s child.


    Lady Iredys shifted on the bed a little before Ponderosa found the strength to get to her feet to check on her. Her eyelids fluttered and she jerked a little as if trying to avoid whatever she was dreaming about. Ponderosa sat beside her and rested a hand on her side. Lady Iredys¡¯ movements stilled and she relaxed more deeply into the cot. Ponderosa rubbed her side then stood to mix some gruel together. The night had been long and she hadn¡¯t eaten much over the last six days. It would be good for Lady Iredys to eat as well, if she could. Trying to get her to take in more than just water on their journey back had been difficult.


    Ponderosa was saddened by how emaciated Lady Iredys¡¯ body looked, despite her pregnancy, while she had cleaned and attended to her wounds. It was a wonder she had survived it all. Rubbing her forehead, Ponderosa hoped to figure out if the two of them were in danger of being taken again and, if they had enough time to flee, if so. She also needed to figure out how she was going to assist Lady Iredys through her recovery and the rest of her pregnancy. Other than a rune that allowed her to speak telepathically, she had no idea what other runes had been burned into her skin.


    Shuddering at the memory of how twisted that man was, Ponderosa struggled to reorient her thoughts, so she could prepare a glass of food for Lady Iredys to drink when she woke next. She mixed ground wheat meal, with alfalfa extract, and some water. She had just finished stirring the ingredients together when she heard Lady Iredys stir again. Ponderosa brought the glass closer to the bed. She set it on the floor for just a moment so she could help Lady Iredys sit up. No sooner had Ponderosa touched her then Lady Iredys¡¯ body tensed. Her head twitched as Ponderosa slid her arm under her shoulders and neck. She was just about to start lifting her, when Lady Iredys¡¯ whole body went limp and her chest stopped moving.

 Dead

    Ponderosa did her best to push on pressure points on her back and hold her in different positions to see if she could get her to start breathing again. After several long moments, Iredys gasped again. She moaned. Her breathing sounded labored before several tears slid down her cheeks. Ponderosa kept her head supported while she stimulated Iredys¡¯ body enough to make sure she would continue to breathe. Then she checked on Iredys¡¯ wounds. No blood seemed to be coming through the bandaging yet. Ponderosa hoped that was a good sign. She¡¯d have to get a better look in a moment. She needed to keep herself on task and not get too distracted.


    She shifted Lady Iredys so she could sit beside her, then she picked up the glass of gruel. Setting the edge of the cup against her bottom lip, she waited for Lady Iredys to open her mouth. Lady Iredys whimpered, but finally opened her mouth to accept the gruel. Her face scrunched a little before she tipped her head back as she swallowed the first little bit. She drank it all with tears running down her face. Ponderosa set the empty glass aside. She lowered Lady Iredys so she lay on the cot fully once more. Lady Iredys reached out to her and felt for her face. When she found Ponderosa¡¯s chin, she reached a little higher and tapped her lips.


    ¡®I¡¯ll eat in just a moment, My Lady,¡¯ Ponderosa thought to her.


    ¡®Your Lady is dead,¡¯ Iredys voice whispered back.


    Ponderosa took Lady Iredys¡¯ hand in hers and gripped it firmly. ¡®She is still very much alive.¡¯


    ¡®No, she isn¡¯t.¡¯


    Lady Iredys pulled her hand to her chest as the edges of her mouth turned down. Ponderosa rubbed her shoulder then stepped away to let her rest. She picked up the used glass and brought it to the wash bin. Then she grabbed a clean glass and made some meal for herself. It was the only meal she knew how to make, given the absence of her tongue; the only food she¡¯d been able to have since escaping the grasp of that man.


    She sat in a chair beside the table while she slowly drank her own meal of ground wheat, alfalfa extract, and water.  Her thoughts wandered away from the present. Her eyes drooped with fatigue, but she couldn¡¯t sleep yet. There was still so much more to do to make sure Lady Iredys could weather the storm of her recovery. Ponderosa finished her meal. She rinsed out the glasses before grabbing her supplies to redress Lady Iredys¡¯ wounds.


    She was glad to see that the bleeding of her wounds had stopped as she applied more healing oils to the wounds and dressed them with clean bandaging. She applied a soothing gel to the burns around the embedded stones. Lady Iredys brought her hand up toward her chest as Ponderosa finished applying the gel. Her fingers felt the uneven skin and each of the stones, wiping away some of the gel in the process. Her frown deepened. She closed her eyes and let her hand rest on the bed once more. Ponderosa applied a little more gel then stood to set her supplies on the table. An audible tap made her turn as she set the containers down. Lady Iredys patted the bed twice.


    ¡®I could not, My Lady,¡¯ Ponderosa thought to her as she knelt beside her.


    ¡®I want you to.¡¯


    Reluctantly, Ponderosa shifted Lady Iredys closer to the wall so she could lie beside her. Once she lay down and had helped Lady Iredys into the position she wanted to be in, on her left side, then Ponderosa closed her eyes and slept.


    The loud chatter of birds woke Ponderosa late the next morning. She opened her eyes, feeling disoriented. She looked around, while remaining as still as possible in order to not disturb the still sleeping Lady Iredys. They were still in her house, but the cot was no longer against the North wall. It had been moved much closer to the hearth and a fire that was still burning steadily. How¡­? What¡­? Who¡­?


    She continued to look around, trying to see if there were signs that someone else was, or had been, inside her house. All of the other furniture was where it had been last night. Only the cot had been moved. Had she moved it closer to the fire and just didn¡¯t remember? It was possible; she had done some strange things in her sleep since she had been marked.


    Ponderosa rubbed her eyes and forehead. She turned to check on Lady Iredys. She touched her forehead with the back of her hand, no fever; that was good. The feel and sound of her breathing was even and deep¡ªanother good sign. There were no signs of blood coming through the bandages and the bindings on her broken arm and leg looked secure and not too tight. However, the blackened flesh around the stones remained unchanged.


    Ponderosa carefully felt around the stones, as she tested the elasticity of the skin, to see if it was possible to try and discern which runes that man had used.


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    Lady Iredys took a sharper breath as Ponderosa lightly prodded her flesh. Ponderosa paused and then gently continued when Lady Iredys did not wake. The skin was moving relatively well for a deep burn, but it was impossible to see any distinct lines that would indicate which runes she would be dealing with. She sighed. She had hoped to get lucky and be able to identify the specific runes, so that she knew how best to address the magic¡ªsince magic could run rampant if the right precautions were not taken¡ªbut she had no such luck. Whatever the magical effects, she prayed they would not attract the attention of Their Majesties anytime soon, if at all. Ponderosa lightly brushed her hand across Lady Iredys¡¯ head before carefully climbing off the cot.


    She stoked the fire and set another log into the hearth. She shook her jars of herbs¡ªincluding several jars containing Alfalfa¡ªso that they could continue to infuse the alcohol and oil with their healing and nutritive properties. She washed the cups they had used last night before turning to see if there was anything else that needed her immediate attention. She scanned the single room cottage. The herbs she had hanging from the rafters were still drying; the curtains hanging over the windows could use a good washing, but not just yet.


    Ponderosa turned to the stack of wood beside the hearth. It was quite a bit lower than usual. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to grab a few more pieces from under the awning beside her woodshed. A pot of fresh snow would be good as well so that she had fresh water to use for redressing Lady Iredys¡¯ wounds. Grabbing the pot she wanted, Ponderosa stepped outside. She walked a short distance from her house before scooping up as much snow as she could into the pot. She grabbed several good sized pieces of chopped wood from beside her woodshed then stepped back inside her cottage.


    She paused just inside the door. Her chairs and her chest of personal items had been moved, and noticeably so, in the short time she had been outside. She hadn¡¯t seen or heard anyone enter, so how¡­?


    Ponderosa cautiously set the pot down close to the hearth and set the wood on top of the pile. She checked on Lady Iredys, but found nothing amiss with the sleeping woman. Had they been found already? If so, was this that man¡¯s way of messing with her mind?


    Looking at Lady Iredys¡¯ serene, sleeping, face, Ponderosa shook her head. She stepped around the cot and grabbed one of the chairs so that she could bring it to the table to sit while she wrote her thoughts out. As she set the chair on the floor once more, Lady Iredys started to convulse on the cot. Ponderosa grabbed her Chamomile tincture and hurried over to the cot. She lifted Lady Iredys enough to give her some, then set her hands over Lady Iredys¡¯ forehead and heart. The jerking continued for several more minutes. The chair she had moved scraped across the floor to where it had been. Only then did Lady Iredys stop jerking and writhing on the cot.


    Ponderosa kept her hands in place a minute longer as she stared at the chair. Psychokinesis? Several large tears slid down Lady Iredys¡¯ face. Ponderosa gently wiped them away, apologetically. Then she moved the blanket aside in sections so she could check the majority of Lady Iredys¡¯ wounds. There wasn¡¯t a lot of change to be seen yet, but she was pleased  that there were no signs of inflammation or infection. When she finished, she lowered Lady Iredys¡¯ forearms a couple inches so she could access where the semi-precious stones had been burned into her chest. She still could not see the runes, so she didn¡¯t know which stone the psychokinesis was connected with, but the darkness of the burns seemed to have changed some. Ponderosa shifted her position a little in order to change the angle at which she was looking at the burns.


    The burn around the Aquamarine was very dark and very dull, like an old burn that was starting to show visible signs of dehydration. The burn around the Emerald was a little less dark and slightly shiny. The burn around the Ruby looked the most new. A couple blisters had crept up the side of the Ruby. Ponderosa¡¯s brow furrowed before she turned her attention to the Diamond. The burn was darker than the burns around the Ruby and Emerald, but not as dark and dull as the burn around the Aquamarine. It was almost as if she had been burned methodically. And with how sadistic that man was, she knew he was capable of doing it.


    Ponderosa looked at the rest of the burns to make sure it wasn¡¯t her mind making up stories trying to find an explanation of what had just happened. The skin around the Jet looked just as new as the Ruby, but was it? She shook her head to not let herself get distracted. The burn around the Alexandrite looked older than the Jet, but the coloring and texture looked very similar to that of the Emerald. She shifted her gaze up to the Peridot. That burn was even older than the Emerald; however, the burn around the Peridot also looked quite a bit drier than the burn around the Aquamarine.


    As much as she wanted to know what runes were burned around each stone, the color of the flesh had not changed sufficiently to allow for that. She doubted that she would be able to guess which runes were burned around each of the various stones, since she had yet to discover if any kind of relationship existed between the Pearl and Dagaz rune in her own chest. Ponderosa thought of the possible runes as she stepped away to grab her burn soothing gel and scar softening oil.


    She gently massaged the oil into Lady Iredys¡¯ face then turned her attention back to the burns as she studied each one a little more as she applied more gel to the Iredys¡¯ upper chest. She could see more clearly now that the burns around the Emerald and Alexandrite were the exact same. Had they been embedded at the same time?! Ponderosa couldn¡¯t stop the shudder that passed through her body. The pain of one was bad enough, but two? It was a wonder that Lady Iredys had survived the onslaught. Or had she?


    Her thoughts drew her back to what Iredys had said to her a week ago.


    ¡®Please, ¡­I am a dead woman, but he cannot find out about my child¡­.¡¯

 Forced Change (Part 1)

    Ponderosa shook her head again. She had to have survived since she was able to reach out, and the burns around the Ruby and Jet were newer still and some time had definitely passed between the dual burning and the burning of the last two stones. She very gently applied the gel to the blistered skin around the Ruby and the Jet. Her eyes watered when she noticed how the burns around the Ruby and the Jet looked exactly the same also. The sound of Lady Iredys¡¯ scream as she reached Mediocre Village echoed in her ears, causing her to shudder. He hadn¡¯t burned her with two stones just once, he had done so twice.


    Tears slid down Ponderosa¡¯s face as she stepped to the window in an attempt to settle her squirrely stomach. Her nausea gave way to her anger and her cheeks started to flush a deeper shade of red. He really had killed Lady Iredys. Twice, she recalled, since the cottage had collapsed on her after the second double burning. Ponderosa shuddered. Everything had its season, even death. Yet, Lady Iredys was still inexplicably among the living.  Did this mean that such a season would never truly come for Lady Iredys? Or was there another reason that could explain her recovery from her Deaths?


    Ponderosa sniffled then wiped her tears away. Crying and cursing that man would not help her aid Lady Iredys¡¯ recovery. She returned to the cot and applied a second layer of gel to the burns on Lady Iredys¡¯ chest before covering the area once more. She then tucked the warm blankets securely around Lady Iredys while she mixed up another batch of Alfalfa infused meal; she was almost out and would need to get another bag of grain soon.


    She lifted Lady Iredys¡¯ head up and placed a glass of the Alfalfa infused meal to her lips; she wanted to see if she would wake up enough to drink. Lady Iredys¡¯ breathing remained slow and deep despite the thickened water that lapped at her lips. She wasn¡¯t sure if Lady Iredys would wake up enough to drink, but she had to try. Ponderosa was about to stop trying when Lady Iredys opened her jaw enough to accept some of the meal.


    She swallowed a small amount of the meal and then opened her mouth for more. Her actions left Ponderosa wondering if one of the other runes was giving Lady Iredys a greater amount of awareness despite her seemingly deep sleep. Ponderosa continued to help Lady Iredys drink until the glass was empty. Ponderosa placed a second glass to her lips to see if she would open her mouth for more, but she didn¡¯t open her mouth again.


    Nodding to herself, Ponderosa lay Lady Iredys back down. She ran a hand over the top of Iredys¡¯ head before returning to the table to drink her own meal. Ponderosa washed the dishes when she was finished while she continued to ponder about what else she might be able to do for Lady Iredys. She dried her hands, feeling too scatterbrained to try and put any kind of plan together. She jerked when a tapping sound, caused by a pigeon pecking at her window, broke the silence.


    The little bird pecked impatiently at the glass pane until she opened the window. Then the messenger pigeon hopped inside, allowing Ponderosa to remove the note from its leg. She fed it some seeds, expecting it to leave, but it remained on the sill and looked around. Ponderosa turned away from the bird while she read the note.


    ¡®Baby has a cough. Not sleeping, what will help?¡ªLydia.¡¯


    Ponderosa walked over to her shelf of tinctures and poured some into a tiny bottle with a dropper top. She placed the tincture into a pouch that she could tie around the pigeon¡¯s body. Then she scrawled a quick note of her own.


    ¡®Five drops every ten minutes.¡¯


    When she returned to the pigeon, she attached the note to its leg and then tied the pouch around its body. She gave the pigeon a little more seed then gently shooed it on its way back to Lydia. As she watched the small bird disappear from sight, she wondered why the animals, trained or wild, approached her without fear instead of fleeing from her like they did everyone else¡ªespecially while she was struggling with a forced, predator, transformation.


    Closing the window to keep the heat inside, Ponderosa walked over to her chest of belongings and sat down. Her thoughts wandered away from the animals and back to the possible runes in Lady Iredys¡¯ chest. She knew a lot about the runes, but there was little she could do other than speculate until she could see which ones Lady Iredys had been marked with. Her own lack of knowledge regarding the many stone qualities did nothing to assuage her sense of helplessness either.


    So, did she leave Lady Iredys to send Krissy a message or not? Would knowing about the qualities of the various stones help her further enhance Lady Iredys¡¯ recovery? Would that knowledge give her a hint as to what runes that man would have used and therefore how Lady Iredys¡¯ newfound magic might manifest?


    While learning those things might help give her greater compassion for and understanding about Lady Iredys, she also wondered if telling Lady Iredys about the combinations, when she was awake enough to speak with her, would help her recover faster and better or if it would make it worse. In the meantime, if she left to send Krissy a message, she could get another bag of grain while she was out. That way she could stay close to Lady Iredys until circumstances forced her to leave for a while. Ponderosa nodded to herself as she wrote the note for Krissy.


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    Coins clinked in the silence of the cottage as she picked up her small coin pouch. She set the pouch and note on the table. She needed to check on Lady Iredys one last time before she left for her errands. Lady Iredys¡¯ body felt warm. Ponderosa felt her forehead, there was no fever. Still, she grabbed a tincture of Elderberry and gave her a little bit just to be safe. Lady Iredys accepted the syrup and a little bit of water before she turned her head away from Ponderosa.


    Ponderosa grabbed her coin purse and note then stepped out onto the streets of Pride Town. They were busier than usual this afternoon, and Ponderosa had to maneuver through the crowds so she wasn¡¯t pushed or dragged along. She stopped by Derek¡¯s and paid for a pigeon to take her message to Krissy. Next, she made her way to Gerome¡¯s General Store for a sack of cracked wheat. She stepped in and immediately had to get out of the way of several men carrying bolts of fabric out to their wagon.


    ¡°Twenty-five pounds of wheat, Ponderosa?¡± Gerome called from behind the counter.


    She nodded.


    ¡°Be just a moment.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded again.


    His wife, Mary, and daughter, Susan, came out of the back room.


    ¡°I wish I could go to a ball,¡± Susan whined.


    ¡°I know you fancy the dresses of the higher classes, Susan,¡± Mary said, ¡°but I don¡¯t see any of Lakemead Kingdom¡¯s nobility stooping to our level to find a bride.¡±


    ¡°A lot can happen over the course of their stay.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but you are not to try and sway their affections while they''re here.¡±


    Susan sighed with a frown, but nodded as she said, ¡°Yes, Mama.¡±


    ¡°Here you are, Ponderosa,¡± Gerome said, returning from the back with the sack.


    Ponderosa approached the counter and handed him a few coins.


    ¡°Do you need a hand carrying it home?¡±


    She shook her head with a polite smile. Then she picked up the sack and weaved her way back to the cottage.


    When she arrived back at the cottage, Ponderosa set the twenty-five pound sack on the table. She wiped her hands on her skirt before checking on Lady Iredys, who still seemed to be sleeping deeply, but her arms were crossed over her chest. Her hands hovered over the stones and runes embedded in her flesh. Ponderosa gently shifted Lady Iredys¡¯ arms so that she could check on the area. She removed the cloth and was surprised to see that the skin around the Ruby and the Jet stones was no longer black and the blisters were gone. The skin was now a deep red hue. However, the skin remained damaged enough that she still couldn¡¯t make out the runes.


    Ponderosa carefully touched the skin around the stones to gauge the sensitivity of the tissues, but Lady Iredys remained asleep; there wasn¡¯t even a muscle twitch to indicate that there was any discomfort. She hoped the color change meant it was healing, despite no sensation coming back to the area yet. However, she couldn¡¯t say the same for herself, despite knowing the flesh had healed.


    Ponderosa got up to grab her burn gel to apply another layer to Lady Iredys¡¯ skin before she left her alone. Then she stood beside the table and pulled her large mortar and pestle closer to her. She opened the bag of wheat that she intended to work into a moderately fine meal, scooped a small amount into the mortar, and ground it down. She transferred the powder to one of her many empty jars before repeating the process. Ponderosa continued until she filled the first jar. Next, she took the time to grind enough to feed herself and Lady Iredys. She took one of the glasses of meal to the bed and set the glass against Lady Iredys¡¯ lips, her jaw opened and allowed Ponderosa to pour in a small amount.


    Lady Iredys drank the entire glass before her eyes rolled and opened part way. Her expression oscillated through discomfort, calm, and sorrow. Ponderosa adjusted her hold on Lady Iredys and tried to help her sit up further, but Lady Ireydys shook her head before her eyes rolled up and her head tipped back. Ponderosa supported her head and started to lay her back down, when Iredys started to shift her body to be able to lay on her other side. Ponderosa helped her roll, so that she would stay off the majority of her wounds; Ponderosa adjusted the blanket and her pillow to support her and to ensure that she wouldn¡¯t lay on her broken arm, then Ponderosa returned to grinding down the wheat.


    While she slowly filled a couple more jars with the wheat meal, she pondered how she was going to take care of Lady Iredys a few days from now. The night of the new moon was coming, and it was the one time she didn¡¯t have control over her transformations. She also never knew which form she would take¡ªif her new form would be small enough to allow her to stay in her house or not¡ªand if Lady Iredys continued to sleep¡­.


    Ponderosa paused her work and sighed. She rubbed her eyes and rested her forehead on the back of her hands. Being forced to transform into an unknown form was stressful enough. More so now that she had a responsibility she could not pass to another. Not without risking exposure of the very thing she was trying to keep secret. Could she hold out hope that her transformation would allow her to stay? That she would still have hands so she could continue to feed and treat Lady Iredys¡¯ wounds if she continued to sleep? Lady Iredys gasped and kept trying to inhale as if it was a struggle to get a breath in. Ponderosa swiftly left the meal to check on her.


    Lady Iredys groaned and whined. She struggled to push herself up with her good arm. Ponderosa lifted her, hoping that holding her would allow her to calm, but as she lifted Lady Iredys off the cot, her body transformed into that of a dwarf.

 Forced Change (Part 2)

    ¡®No!¡¯ she cried in her mind. ¡®It¡¯s too early for this.¡¯


    Lady Iredys whined and squirmed.


    Ponderosa shifted her hold and sat on the cot to keep herself from dropping Lady Iredys. She didn¡¯t squirm for long before Lady Iredys coughed. She coughed hard enough that she gagged. Ponderosa grabbed the nearest pot and set it on Lady Iredys¡¯ lap as she threw up. Lady Iredys whined and threw up some more.


    So much for the wheat meal with the alfalfa. Maybe she needed to try a different nutrient dense herb next time. Lady Iredys¡¯ head started to lower. Ponderosa shifted her into a very supportive hold and carried her to where she could get a damp cloth to clean off her face and a glass of water. She assisted Lady Iredys¡¯ in rinsing out her mouth and seeing if she would take in a little water before she lay her back on the cot. Once she was settled, Ponderosa steeled herself before trying to change back.


    When she was successful in changing back, she closed her eyes as she let out her breath as gratitude filled her heart. The suddenness of the change made her think that the forced one had come early. She was glad such was not the case, but then why had she changed? Had Lady Iredys done something to make her change? It was possible, but if so, how had she done it? Ponderosa covered Lady Iredys most of the way with the blanket before taking a look at the stones once more. The skin around the Alexandrite and Emerald stones had changed from the black to deep red, also, but the skin itself remained too uneven to see anything that might be helpful. A transformation rune might make sense, but what rune would give someone the power to change someone else? Or was there a combination of runes at work?


    Ponderosa lay her arms and head against the side of the cot. Why did this have to be so hard? Why couldn¡¯t she find simple answers and solutions for how she needed to proceed? And with the two double burnings she had endured, there was no way that none of the runes had nothing to do with rebirth. So, which of the three possibilities would he have used? And which of the seven stones had he paired it with?


    Out of the three runes that dealt with rebirth, Berkano seemed the most likely choice to Ponderosa, but she wanted to be sure. So, was it combined with one of the stones that the skin around it had started to show improvement? Or was it combined with a stone where the skin had yet to show signs of improvement?


    Blowing out some of her frustration with her breath, Ponderosa got up to take care of the pot of vomit then kept her ears open as she returned to her grinding, doing her best to keep her mind clear while she worked. She paced back and forth between each measure of wheat she ground down and checked on Lady Iredys to make sure she was still okay. She stopped once one of her smaller jars had been filled. Her head ached now from over focusing. Closing the bag to keep the un-ground grain from spoiling, Ponderosa crossed the room and settled herself onto one of the chairs. The chair she was sitting on turned a quarter turn so it faced the cot. Ponderosa brought her head up.


    Lady Iredys motioned with her fingers for Ponderosa to come closer. Ponderosa stood. Lady Iredys struggled to shift herself to the far side of the cot to make room for her. Ponderosa leaned forward to shift Lady Iredys a little more since she knew refusing was futile, but as she leaned forward, a dragon tail shot out from her tailbone. Ponderosa twisted her body so she would not fall on top of Lady Iredys as she lost her balance.


    Her arms and legs crackled and crunched when she hit the floor. It didn¡¯t take them long to become squat and fat, ripping apart the sleeves on her dress. Her chest felt tight and her heart twisted with her anxiety as her body bloated and touched the floor. Her neck elongated. Her fingers gouged the wooden floor as they turned into claws. Her head twitched and twisted as it flattened and elongated. Her shoulders cracked and shifted. Large leathery wings ripped open the back of her dress as they unfurled.


    She tried to change back again, but this time she could not. She wasn¡¯t supposed to change yet! Why was this happening? Why was she being forced to change when the moon hadn¡¯t finished waning? A tear slipped from her eye. Lady Iredys patted the cot. The sound knocked Ponderosa out of her roiling emotions. Lady Iredys patted the cot once more and Ponderosa hesitantly climbed up. She was very small for a dragon, but still big enough that she wasn¡¯t sure if she would break the cot or not. She slid her head under the blanket then let the rest of herself follow. She curled up next to Lady Iredys¡¯ legs.


    Lady Iredys tapped her head through the blanket. Ponderosa turned to look at her. She brought Ponderosa¡¯s head to rest on her shoulder. Her fingers softly resting on the top of her head. Another tear left Ponderosa¡¯s eye. Lady Iredys wiped it away. Ponderosa wrapped her tail lightly around Lady Iredys¡¯ waist. She tried to rest, but found she could only let her eyes close. Her ears and nose were still very much on alert, despite being in the comfort and security of her own home.


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    Only after many hours of being held by Lady Iredys¡¯ unwavering embrace did Ponderosa¡¯s awareness finally teeter on the edge of sleep.


    A knock on the door the following afternoon put Ponderosa on full alert once more. Krissy stood on the other side of the door. Ponderosa recognized her scent. She wanted to flee, to hide, but Lady Iredys¡¯ fingers twitched on her head in a way that kept her still. It took everything she had to trust her Lady to remain where she was since she knew Krissy would not leave until she had seen her or knew for herself that she wasn¡¯t at home. The knock came a second time.


    ¡°Ponderosa, are you home?¡± Krissy called. ¡°It¡¯s Krissy.¡±


    Ponderosa felt Lady Iredys¡¯ other hand rest where the Pearl was embedded in her chest. She felt something strange and shuddered. She felt her body start to change back, but the shifts she experienced remained strangely silent. The warmth of Lady Iredys¡¯ hand increased. It was hot, but not as hot as the stone would have been when she had been marked. A mark that made her become something she wasn¡¯t every twenty-eight days. Ponderosa felt her breath catch a little as the Pearl was pulled from her breast bone and her bone and flesh knit themselves back together.


    She shuddered and gasped softly as something crawled up her chest to her shoulders then around the back of her neck. An audible chink reached her ears before Lady Iredys¡¯ hand fell away from her chest. Ponderosa brought her Human hand up to her bare chest. There was a chain around her neck now. A chain with no clasp that held the Dagaz rune with the Pearl anchored in the center. The skin where the rune and pearl had been was smooth and no longer black in color. Not even a scar marred her skin where the Pearl had been embedded seven years ago.


    She felt¡­ calm. She¡­.


    Krissy¡¯s knock came again, startling her.


    ¡°Ponderosa? ¡­I¡¯m coming in.¡±


    The door started to open and Ponderosa grabbed the topmost blanket. She wrapped it around her naked form while she searched for the ruined dress she had left on the floor last night. She did not see the ruined dress, but a dress that looked very much like the one she had on before her second, strangely forced, transformation had happened lay draped across the chair she had been sitting on. However, before she could puzzle out how the dress was fixed, Krissy poked her head in before stepping inside. She closed the door then stopped when her eyes landed on Ponderosa.


    Ponderosa watched Krissy¡¯s eyes dart to where Lady Iredys lay behind her then back to her face. Ponderosa motioned to the dress on the chair.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Krissy said. She turned her back so Ponderosa could dress.


    She dressed quickly, grateful that the fabric covered the chain of her unbreakable necklace. She wasn¡¯t ready for Krissy to know about the rune and Pearl. Once she was dressed, Ponderosa approached Krissy. She lightly touched her arm. Krissy turned to her, her eyes questioning as they flicked back to where Lady Iredys lay facing the fire. Ponderosa picked up her satchel and pulled out her writing kit. She took it to the table, not bothering to move one of the chairs over. Krissy started to reach for one of the chairs, but stopped when Ponderosa slapped a palm against the table.


    ¡°Is something wrong, Ponderosa?¡± Krissy asked.


    She pointed to the chair and shook her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± She left the chair alone and approached Ponderosa.


    Ponderosa pulled out what she needed so she could explain what she could to Krissy.


    ¡®I found the woman naked and beaten in the woods¡­.¡¯ She paused, wondering if she should add only a few days ago, but decided against it. ¡®While her physical wounds¡­ are healing, I still don¡¯t know if her mental and/or emotional wounds are healing. We are sharing my cot, nothing more, because it helps her sleep better. The change in furniture location is another thing that keeps her stable. I tried moving a few things while she slept and she had a fit.¡¯


    Krissy read over her shoulder. ¡°Then why were you naked, Ponderosa? Do you have a secret you have kept from me?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡®I needed to wash the herb infused meal off of the skirt before it stained the fabric.¡¯


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t made yourself another dress?¡±


    Ponderosa motioned to Lady Iredys.


    Krissy nodded. ¡°I got your message and I brought one of my books.¡±


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    ¡°You are welcome,¡± Krissy smiled, setting it on the table. ¡°Can I ask about the sudden, and almost urgently worded, curiosity?¡±


    ¡®A patient of mine is not doing as well as I would have hoped with the herbs. I didn¡¯t know if infusing stones in a medium would provide an added measure of healing or not.¡¯


    ¡°Yes. Alcohol or water is best, but how do you plan to acquire the stones you might need?¡±


    ¡®She has a few. I hoped to learn about the ones she owns to see if any of them might work. She would have the means to get others if necessary.¡¯


    ¡°Then I hope she is willing to pay you more. Enough to get a new dress at the very least.¡±


    Ponderosa smiled a little more. ¡®You know money means little to me.¡¯


    ¡°I do, but it doesn¡¯t hurt to indulge once in a while.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯ll keep that in mind, Krissy. Thank you for letting me borrow your book. I will return it when I have finished my research.¡¯


    ¡°I know you will. Take care.¡±


    ¡®You, also.¡¯


    Krissy pulled her into a firm embrace before letting go and leaving the cottage.

 Stone Meaning [Part 1]

    Ponderosa blew out her breath then hung her head. That was close. Too close. She put her writing kit away. She mixed up a batch of meal, added a little chlorophyll extract instead of the alfalfa, before approaching the cot. Lady Iredys didn¡¯t stir with her touch. It seemed like she had fallen back into a deeper sleep. Still, when Ponderosa set the glass against her lips, she opened her mouth to drink what she offered.


    Once the glass was empty, Ponderosa embraced Lady Iredys tightly. Lady Iredys hummed before her arms shifted to hold her back. Ponderosa cried and shuddered. All of her emotions¡ªher fear, her worry, her panic, her gratitude¡ªflowed out with her tears. She knew she would never be able to repay Lady Iredys for the peace she had been given, despite knowing that the rune¡¯s power still affected her. Lady Iredys weakly patted Ponderosa¡¯s back. Ponderosa sniffled and Lady Iredys¡¯ arms slid back to the bed. Her head lolled to the side as she returned to a deep, unresponsive, sleep.


    Ponderosa carefully laid her back down and tucked the blanket around her. She picked up Krissy¡¯s book and started to scan through it; she hoped to gain as much understanding as she could regarding the stones. Hopefully come to understand the connection between the stones and whatever runes had been forced upon Lady Iredys¡ªprovided the skin healed enough to reveal which ones they were. While she flipped through the book to see how many stones Krissy had written something about, she paused when she saw the entry for the Pearl.


    ¡®The Pearl represents sincerity, integrity, and clear mindedness. It balances the emotions and the ultimate feminine energy¡ªa must have for midwifery. Although the Pearl is a great stone at promoting peace, it often holds onto negative energy until it has been cleansed before being worn again.¡¯


    She subconsciously brought her hand up to the chain that hung around her neck. The negative energy surrounding the time of her marking had certainly hung around, but if the stone needed to be removed as a way to reset it then it was no wonder she struggled to move on. Yes, she wasn¡¯t happy with the magic that was forced upon her, but she finally had peace where dread had refused to budge. Even with the peace, Ponderosa still understood that she needed to remain cautious of who and what was around her when she next transformed.


    Reading through the entry again, Ponderosa furrowed her brow in confusion. There was nothing about the stone relating to transformation. Unless it was playing off the creative aspect of the feminine energy. She fiddled with the chain as she pondered how the two could be related, if they even were related, or if they even had to be related for the cursed rune to work as it did. She continued to play with the chain while she thought about Dagaz and her ability to become anything. She thought about the night of the new moon. She stopped playing with the chain and let it drop under her dress once more. She felt nothing regarding the new moon. Did that mean she would no longer be forced to change?


    ¡®Yes, Ponderosa,¡¯ she heard quietly in her mind.


    Ponderosa turned to Lady Iredys. ¡®My Lady?¡¯


    Lady Iredys continued to sleep, her breathing slow and deep. Ponderosa set the book down and approached the cot. Her lady had not spoken to her since requesting that they sleep on the cot together. She checked the burns on Lady Iredys¡¯ chest. None of the blackness remained. But none of the red had lightened in color either. She grabbed her burn gel and applied more to the skin. She applied more when it seemed to disappear before her eyes. The second layer remained. She was glad to see that the burns seemed to be healing, but remained a little impatient when it came to knowing what runes Lady Iredys had been marked with.


    Ponderosa added a little more gel to the burns to ensure they were well covered, then gently massaged more oil into the scars on Lady Iredys¡¯ face before methodically checking on her other wounds. The bruising was starting to lighten on her broken arm and leg, but she kept them supported since she wasn¡¯t sure about the breaks. The smaller cuts on her limbs and torso were practically closed, and she was surprised to see that the scars from being whipped were gone. Whatever rune was responsible for this, it wasn¡¯t wasting time, but how was it regenerating her body this quickly?


    Even with the herbs to support it, it would take a lot of nutrition to rebuild this much. Yes, she had covered the wounds with healing herbs, yes she had added nutrient dense herbs to the meal, but nothing remotely close to the amount she felt would be needed for the body to heal this quickly. Was she sleeping more because she didn¡¯t have the energy to stay awake due to the runes¡¯ work? It was possible, but she didn¡¯t want to try and overfeed Lady Iredys after being starved for so long either.


    Ponderosa thought over a few possibilities as she gathered her herbs to redress the wounds that were still healing and see if she would eat some more, but when she tried to give Lady Iredys more chlorophyll laced meal, she kept her head turned to the side.


    ¡®Guess not,¡¯ she thought.


    She drank the meal then redressed her wounds. Her hands lingered some on Lady Iredys¡¯ lower abdomen before she transformed into an Owl to take a listen. The baby¡¯s heartbeat was strong and steady, which told her that Lady Iredys¡¯ body was not feeding off of the child in her womb. Changing back to her Human form and dressing again, Ponderosa finished redressing the wounds before she returned to Krissy¡¯s book. The only other possibility she could think of was that one or more of the stones was providing enough support for the body to heal as quickly as it was.


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    Opening the books, she found the Emerald entry next.


    ¡®The Emerald is great for maintaining relationships. It aids in rejuvenation¡­.¡¯


    ¡®Rejuvenation, alright. So, there is at least one stone speeding the process along,¡¯ Ponderosa thought before she returned her attention to the entry.


    ¡®¡­enhances psychic abilities, clairvoyance, promotes truth and discernment,¡­.¡¯


    Ponderosa paused again and looked at Lady Iredys. ¡®If she was experiencing visions, and the visions were overwhelming, it might explain the onset of the seizures¡­. It could, also, be the body releasing trauma or a reaction caused by malnutrition.¡¯ She felt the edges of her mouth turn down before turning to the entry once more.


    ¡®...it brings awareness of the unknown into one¡¯s consciousness, and improves vision.¡¯


    ¡®Vision, but Lady Iredys is blind.¡¯ Ponderosa hung her head. ¡®Blind physically perhaps, but there are other ways to see; other ways to know.¡¯


    And knowing that man, she wouldn¡¯t put it past him to try and see into the future. To try and manipulate a situation so he would win instead of lose, but there were at least seven runes that dealt with foresight. But which one? If he used Kenaz, it would add yet another boost to the rapidness of her healing, but even with that rune, it still didn¡¯t explain how she was still alive. The rune Uruz dealt with sudden or unexpected situations, but she felt trying to see into the future would be a stretch¡ªeven for magic. Raidho would be another one she thought he might use, but that rune had more to do with stasis than rebirth¡­.


    She thought about the Emerald, thought about the runes¡ªif he had even used a vision rune for the Emerald. Would the vision rune make it so she would continue to sleep? Or was that a side effect of her mind trying to heal the trauma of the experience while being filled with more stimulus? It really could be as simple as her body trying to conserve energy to help with the faster than normal healing, and there was no better rejuvenation¡ªthat she was aware of¡ªthan sleep after a harsh experience.


    A sound that was a mix between a moan and a whimper escaped Lady Iredys¡¯ lips before she started convulsing on the cot. Ponderosa dropped Krissy¡¯s book as she rushed to grab one of her many calming tinctures, but she struggled to get Lady Iredys¡¯ jaw loosened sufficiently to accept the herbs. Lady Iredys was jerking hard enough that trying to worm it in between her teeth and cheek wasn¡¯t going to happen either. After several attempts, Ponderosa set the tincture aside and rested her hands on Iredys¡¯ forehead and chest.


    ¡®Move the furniture,¡¯ Ponderosa¡¯s thought to her. ¡®If you can hear me, move the furniture.¡¯


    Lady Iredys continued to writhe on the bed as nothing in the house moved. A sound behind the cottage caused Ponderosa to turn slightly. The crack of the wood was steady. Someone was definitely chopping wood outside but with every chop the stronger movements stilled, despite her body continuing to shudder and twitch. Ponderosa released her hold and tucked the blankets more securely around Lady Iredys then added another log to the fire. She filled a pot with water and set it over the fire to warm. The flow sound of wood chopping outside ceased, but Lady Iredys shivered more.


    Ponderosa shifted the pot of water out of the hearth when it was hot. She ladled the water over a tea bag of Astragalus root. She set it down and lifted Lady Iredys into a seated position. Ponderosa brought the cup up near Lady Iredys¡¯ face, as she curled over it and let the steam warm her head and neck. Ponderosa rested her chin on the top of Lady Iredys¡¯ head. Her thoughts were calm now that Iredys wasn¡¯t convulsing. Iredys took a much deeper breath then shifted a little. Ponderosa removed her chin then supported her head and neck while she brought the tea cup up to her lips, while Lady Iredys accepted small amounts of tea. Her shivering gradually ceased, and each breath deepened and lengthened.


    Setting her hand over Lady Iredys¡¯ heart, Ponderosa felt the much calmer and steady beating of her heart before she lay her down and tucked the blankets around her once more. Ponderosa then staggered over to her chest of belongings and sat hard. She was grateful that Lady Iredys was able to find something to help calm her fit. It was the longest and hardest she had thrashed like that and she was afraid she was going to fall off the cot. The last thing she wanted was for her broken limbs to be damaged further or her body to harm the child growing in her womb. She was grateful that she didn¡¯t have to go out into the cold to finish chopping the firewood now, but would she be able to bring any of it in for burning? She hadn¡¯t dared try to move the furniture again just in case.


    Guess when the need arose, she would have to do her best to unblock the doors of the woodshed to get to the wood in there instead of what was most readily available. Leaving Lady Iredys alone while she went into the forest for more accessible wood was not yet an option. Sighing, Ponderosa rubbed her eyes then picked up Krissy¡¯s book once more.


    ¡®The Ruby is known for its ability to bring fire into one¡¯s life. It encourages bliss and the ability to travel among the stars. The Ruby provides light in the darkness. It expands one¡¯s awareness and aids in the manifestation of worthy goals. This stone is, also, known to draw the mind into greater focus with increased clarity and wisdom. The Ruby is a great detoxification stone for the blood and is a wonderful aid in preventing starvation.¡¯

 Mild Frustration

    ¡®Preventing starvation,¡¯ Ponderosa thought. ¡®It might have worked, but it was one of the last stones embedded into her flesh. So any prevention of hunger pangs or the detox of the sweet, earthy, putrid sludge didn¡¯t happen. Krissy doesn¡¯t even mention if it could help reverse such either.¡­ Expansive awareness, she certainly has that.¡¯


    Ponderosa turned the page to see if there was anything more written about the Ruby. She flipped the page back and forth a couple times to make sure she hadn¡¯t missed the name of a different stone since there was only a single line at the very top of the page.


    ¡®Aids one in resisting self-destructive patterns.¡¯


    So, did that mean that Lady Iredys was resisting the activation of the runes? That the seizures were actually her resistance to keep a possibly destructive rune from activating? It seemed plausible. Just as plausible as her seizures being caused by visions or malnutrition. Then again, the Ruby might be helping Lady Iredys heal so the rest of the runes could activate. Tipping her head back, Ponderosa found herself back to the question that would continue to haunt her until the burns smoothed out, if they ever smoothed out. What runes were used?


    She set the book down and grabbed her burn gel and scar oil. She applied more to Lady Iredys¡¯ face and chest before her mind registered that the skin around the Jet and the Ruby was smooth. Ponderosa shifted her position so the flames could help her see the skin in a better light. A few silver flecks seemed to be painted onto her skin. She pushed around it to see if anything would come out, but the silver shifted with her attempts. She inspected the silver a little more closely to see if there was a pattern, but there was only a small flake on either side. Nothing definitive.


    Ponderosa sat back on her heels. The metal clasps that allowed the stones to hang on Lady Iredys necklace had been silver, hadn¡¯t they? So, was she seeing the melted clasp? Did that mean that these two stones didn¡¯t have runes? If they didn¡¯t have runes then why hadn¡¯t her healing started to push them out of her skin? She didn¡¯t understand. She also knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to get answers while Lady Iredys slept and a good majority of communication between them was still non-existent. Would knowing what the Jet could do help?


    She made sure to apply more gel and oil since Lady Iredys¡¯ skin had absorbed it all. Then she returned to her research regarding Lady Iredy¡¯s stones. Ponderosa scanned the pages of Krissy¡¯s book, but didn¡¯t see an entry for the Jet. She scanned again. Slower this time to make sure she hadn¡¯t missed it. As she neared the end of the book, she wondered if it was one Krissy had even used before. If she hadn¡¯t then¡­. Ponderosa turned another page and saw the tiny entry.


    ¡®Jet is worn for protection. It clears impure energies, draws off negativity, and is an excellent grounding stone. It is said to be able to heal traumatic injuries and help the victim see the lesson by bringing clarity through varying perspectives.¡¯


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    Ponderosa gripped her dress just above where Dagaz and the Pearl rested against her skin. If it had been the Jet that helped pull the Pearl and Dagaz from her flesh then it definitely drew negativity away. She hoped it was doing the same for Lady Iredys. Not only for the trauma of the physical wounds she had sustained, but, also, for the mental and emotional trauma that ensued while she was held captive. Nodding her head, Ponderosa turned back to the book to search for the Alexandrite.


    ¡®The Alexandrite stone is a guardian stone. It purifies and renews. It realigns the mind, emotions, and the spirit. It enhances creativity and change, and soothes inflammation.¡¯


    Another healing stone, but one that actually mentioned renewal. So then did this mean that the rebirth rune was coupled with the Alexandrite? That would make sense since it was one of the active runes. Plus, none of the other runes would have been active were she no longer alive, but which of the three was it? Jera? Berkano? Laguz? Even though her skin had healed more, the runes continued to remain hidden.


    She shifted the book to look for the Peridot when Lady Iredys¡¯ stomach growled loudly in the silence. Ponderosa jerked at the sound, nearly dropping the book, as she realized how late it was. She had not realized her reading and pondering had taken so long. Setting Krissy¡¯s book down, Ponderosa mixed up another couple glasses of meal then brought one over to Lady Iredys. She supported her and helped her to drink. While she accepted the meal, Lady Iredys¡¯ eyes opened part way and rolled around.


    Ponderosa wasn¡¯t sure if she was trying to wake up or if she was having a vision. Lady Iredys finished the glass before her head tipped back. Ponderosa lay her down once more. Lady Iredys rolled to her left side and continued to sleep. Pulling the blanket up a little higher, Ponderosa left her to sleep. It was possible she was dreaming. Hopefully they were good dreams. She returned to the table to drink her own meal. Once she was done, Ponderosa took the glasses over to the corner to wash them.


    She then shifted the curtains aside to look outside. The sky was cloudy and the wind felt warm. A storm was coming. A storm that would not let up for several days. If she continued to use the logs wisely, they would have just enough wood to make it through. Ponderosa turned to leave the house to gather the firewood when the back door opened. She stopped when she noticed the door was open and log after log entered the house and piled themselves neatly under her table.


    Lady Iredys stretched her legs then curled up a little as the back door closed. Her eyes were closed fully and her breathing deep. Ponderosa hung her head. Would she even be able to add any logs to the hearth now that Lady Iredys had moved them? Or would it be better to get some out of the shed? She turned to look at the sky. The clouds were rapidly darkening. Even if she transformed so she could clear the snow in front of the doors and bring a larger load back, she risked being exposed as she tried to reduce the amount of time it would take to get more before the storm started.


    Rubbing her eyes in concern and mild frustration, Ponderosa knew she would just have to do her best with the calming herbs if the convulsions came. She made sure both doors were closed tight before she blew out her lamp and joined Lady Iredys on the cot. She tried to rest, but found it difficult. She was troubled by the lack of visible runes, despite how much the skin had healed. She was troubled that there was little she could do to help Lady Iredys recover, aside from providing her body with as much nutrition as possible. The sound of the wind increased. Ponderosa focused on the sound and let it sweep away her self-doubt in an attempt to finally be able to sleep.

 Palion City

    Meanwhile, Prince Kelton was quick to leave Salgon Town. The storm that came in had left them stranded for several days until the roads could be cleared sufficiently for horses to travel on. In the more cleared places, he rode as hard and as fast as he dared, hoping to reach Palion City by nightfall. He tried to keep his expression neutral as he continued on toward Pride Town, but to feel pulled in a certain direction and not being able to move in that direction was difficult. It didn¡¯t help that he didn¡¯t know if his arrival in Pride Town would allow him to find what he hoped to find, or strip him of everything but overwhelming grief.


    The lack of news about either woman did help keep his thoughts away from his mother¡¯s sentiments regarding Lady Iredys. He still didn¡¯t want to believe that Lady Iredys was gone, but the longer his search had gone on, the more he was becoming disheartened. He refused to believe that he really would not find his betrothed, that all of his searching had been in vain, and that this circuit would only delay his acceptance of the truth.


    As he traveled down the road, the thundering of hooves behind him increased in volume. All of his knights had caught up to him. He didn¡¯t bother to look back, only forward. He needed to keep his eye on Pride Town. He needed to reach Palion City. He needed to see if he could reach Pride Town in the next two weeks, weather permitting. The town felt close, but the road ahead was still long and he didn¡¯t want anything else to delay his arrival.


    Motion out of the corner of his eye caught Prince Kelton¡¯s attention. There was a large number of Timberwolves running alongside them just inside the treeline. Prince Kelton¡¯s brow furrowed. That was an odd reaction for a pack of wolves. Especially where there were enough of them that, were they to attack, they¡¯d have a hard time fending them off.


    ¡°Sire, the wolves,¡± Sir Juleack said, catching up to him.


    ¡°I see them, but until they try to bother us, we won¡¯t bother them,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Sir Juleack fell back.


    The wolves accompanied them a good distance before howling and turning back. Prince Kelton glanced back once to see one of them almost bow before turning to follow its pack.


    ¡°Strange,¡± he said. ¡°Very strange.¡±


    He could not shake the feeling that something more had been going on with those wolves. A hint of something he had started to see more of in the last four months than all the time that had passed since his father¡¯s death almost fifteen years ago, but he had no way to prove it. Even if he followed the wolves, he may only find himself in danger.


    Prince Kelton pondered the reappearance of magic a little more before shaking such thoughts from his head. He had no way to prove that it really was magic that was being used; no way to detect who might be behind it all without some of the servants that Queen Leona employed. For now, he needed to figure out why his heart was driving him toward Pride Town, to learn if that drive was really, truly, because either Iredys or the Dragonwoman was there, or there was someone there who would help him find either or both of them.


    The wind caused by his swift riding stung his cheeks, but he didn¡¯t care. He hardly noticed the air around him warming as another winter storm moved into the area. It was only when he saw the walls around Palion City that he noticed the increase of wind and the frosty bite that came with it. Prince Kelton grit his teeth, but pushed on. More snow was the last thing they needed. The wind continued to increase, slowing the horses as they ran. When they were near enough, the gates opened and allowed them entry.


    Entering the streets of Palion City, a good majority of the wind was blocked, but it still rushed through the streets and alleyways with reckless abandon. They continued to ride until they reached the Crunching Otter Inn. Several men stepped out of the stables when they stopped to bring the horses in out of the cold wind. Prince Kelton looked up at the inn¡¯s sign. An otter biting on a shell had been carved into the sign above the door. His lips twitched as more thoughts of Lady Iredys and the Dragonwoman filled his mind.


    ¡°Everything alright, Sire?¡± Sir Hett asked.


    ¡°Yes, Sir Hett,¡± he replied.


    Shaking the thoughts away for now, he followed a few of his knights inside.


    As they settled in, Prince Kelton listened to the wind and felt the slight shift of the building with the most powerful gusts that blew through the streets. He glanced out to the darkened sky and watched the first flurries make their way down to the ground. Were it not for the surety in his heart that what he sought was in Pride Town, they would have been caught between settlements with this storm. Still, he hoped that it would be small and not delay their travels further.


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    Prince Kelton returned to the main floor to eat with his knights. The wind continued to howl and the amount of snow falling continued to grow. By the time he had finished a bowl of hot stew, he could see the snow being blown horizontally. The wind alone would make it difficult to travel, let alone having the snow to leave them even more blind to where they needed to go. Shaking his head, Prince Kelton was disappointed to be waylaid again. He knew trying to rest would be next to impossible with the sheer volume of the howling winds, but he¡¯d try anyway.


    After many hours of tossing and turning and battling with more depressing dreams about Lady Iredys and the torture dreams about the Dragonwoman, Prince Kelton rubbed his tired eyes then gradually made his way down to the dining room. A different man stood behind the counter tonight, polishing glasses.


    ¡°Anything I can get you, Prince Kelton?¡± he asked.


    Prince Kelton shook his head and found a corner table to seat himself at. He turned his head listlessly toward the window. Behind the drawn curtain was nothing but a solid sheet of white falling from the sky. It was worse than the storm that kept them in Salgon town for almost a week. They hadn¡¯t seen a storm this bad since before Lady Iredys¡¯ arrival at Greywolf Castle. The last time it had snowed this hard, he had struggled to help his mother deal with the influx of requests from the people for aid since their homes had collapsed due to the weight of the snow.


    At least he would have something to do once the snow stopped, since it had taken weeks for the roads to be cleared enough to answer the people¡¯s cries. Sighing, Prince Kelton leaned forward and rested his head in his hands. He didn¡¯t want to be stuck here for a week, or longer. He needed to get to Pride Town. Needed to find out if Lady Iredys and the Dragonwoman were there or not. With news of Lakemead¡¯s Ball spreading through the kingdom, he wouldn¡¯t put it past his mother to throw a masked ball for his birthday, a celebration he would be required to attend.


    He was still trying to calm his anxious mind when a steaming tankard of Barley drink was set in front of him and Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn sat on either side of him. He caught a whiff of alcohol rising with the steam coming from the cup before him. Liquid courage some men called it. For Prince Kelton, alcohol was nothing more than something to torture an already tortured mind and enhance the emotions he was trying to muffle. His kerfuffle with the Dragonwoman and the painful throbbing and disorientation that followed was more than enough for him to stay away from it as much as possible.


    Sighing, Prince Kelton sat back and pulled the warm mug toward him.


    ¡°If we had chosen our usual pattern of patrol, we likely would have been caught between Grindle Village and Foreum Village,¡± Sir Hamnet said softly.


    Sir Droyn nodded in agreement. ¡°Better here than outside.¡±


    ¡°Better, physically, perhaps,¡± Prince Kelton replied, finally lifting the glass to take a sip.


    His knights nodded their heads in understanding, saying nothing more as the three of them slowly drank their alcohol laced beverages.


    The storm continued for nearly a week without a single pause. During the lighter snowfall, Prince Kelton and his knights spent their time with the villagers, shoveling snow off of the roofs so they didn¡¯t collapse. When the storm was too much to be out in, Prince Kelton holed himself up in his room, practicing forms or pacing the floor. His anxiety was driving him mad. The drive to get to Pride Town had been increasing steadily. If the storm didn¡¯t let up soon, he wasn¡¯t sure what he would do. It was times like this that he wished he could fly like the birds so he could have been where he wanted to be by now.


    As it was, he would be lucky to get there in a month because of how much snow this storm had brought in. By the end of the week, the storm had finally stopped. The streets were in desperate need of clearing and the barn doors were frozen shut. Feeling a flair of anger in his chest, Prince Kelton threw himself into clearing snow wherever he could. He did his best not to snip at his knights when they stopped him to eat and rest, but it was difficult. Three days of clearing snow had helped keep his mood on a low simmer until he saw the sky darkening again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare dump more snow on me,¡± he growled at the sky as he shook his gloved finger.


    A snowball hit him in the back, making him stumble forward a few steps. He turned with a glare and found Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn pointing at the other. Prince Kelton muttered profanities under his breath as he gathered snow in his hands. He threw the ball as hard as he could at Sir Hamnet first, since he was the most likely culprit, then another at Sir Droyn, since he probably egged him into doing so. Sir Droyn dodged the snowball, making it hit Sir Hett. Sir Hamnet danced towards Prince Kelton as Sir Hett made a snowball to throw at Sir Droyn.


    It wasn¡¯t long before many of the children in the city joined the snowball fight with Prince Kelton and his knights. After a couple hours, Prince Kelton called a truce and the children  were shooed into their homes to warm up. Prince Kelton and his knights returned to the Crunching Otter Inn to eat and warm up.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you smile again, Sire,¡± Sir Thomas said softly once they had all settled down to braised pork and baked potatoes.


    ¡°Hear, hear,¡± his other knights agreed.


    Prince Kelton just nodded, since his thoughts were careening back into the negative now that they were no longer playing with the children.


    ¡°Rest as best you can tonight,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°I would like to be on our way again by the end of the week.¡±


    Various forms of agreement came from his knights before Prince Kelton turned in for the night.

 Garnet

    Ponderosa woke up confused because she was facing the fire burning in the hearth. She shifted ever so slightly then started to panic a little panicked because she couldn¡¯t feel Lady Iredys laying beside her. Confusion and happiness intertwined when she noticed Lady Iredys standing beside the window. The cottage still felt a little cold, despite the height of the fire burning brightly in the hearth. Lady Iredys didn¡¯t seem to be shivering, but she brought her a blanket anyway.


    Lady Iredys embraced her then, including her in the warmth of the blanket, and calmed her conflicting emotions. How long had she been awake? What thoughts were running through her mind? Was her leg hurting her? She shifted to pull away so she could get Lady Iredys off her broken leg. She had tried to ask her if she needed anything with her thoughts without response. Finally, she had touched Lady Iredys lips and hoped she understood that she was asking if she was ready to eat something. Lady Iredys shook her head.


    Ponderosa left her alone for a while then, shaking the herbs to make sure their medicinal properties were pulled into the alcohol or oil they were soaking in. She lit a lamp so she had more light to work by. She had just started to reach for Krissy¡¯s book when a halting inhale and soft whimper came from behind her. Lady Iredys was crying. Ponderosa grabbed a handkerchief from her chest and brought it to Lady Iredys. She held it out to her with no response. Ponderosa sat beside her and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Lady Iredys eyes fluttered shut for a moment. They opened again when Ponderosa set the cloth in her hands. Lady Iredys blew her nose.


    Ponderosa checked to see if she was ready to eat now. Again, Lady Iredys shook her head. She lay down on the cot just before her shoulders arched and her head tipped back. Her breathing sounded a little ragged as her body remained in the stiff position. Ponderosa set her hands under her neck and over her forehead. Hoped it would be enough to keep the convulsions at bay if that was what would follow, but after a few minutes, Lady Iredys¡¯ shoulders sank to the cot. Her head lolled to one side as she seemed to return to sleep.


    Covering her with both blankets, Ponderosa left her to rest. She picked up Krissy¡¯s book to finish her search in regards to the stones in Lady Iredys¡¯ chest. She turned the pages slowly as she looked for the Peridot.


    ¡®The Peridot aids the purification of the subtle bodies. It alleviates emotional burdens and is known as the stone of transformation, renewal, and rebirth. It enhances harmony in relationships and strengthens extra-sensory perception like abilities.¡¯


    Ponderosa held the book in one hand and rubbed her eyes. Lady Iredys had two rebirth stones. So which one was responsible for keeping her alive? Or were they both responsible? The skin on her chest was still healing, but other than the occasional silver fleck, there was nothing to indicate which of the many runes had been forced upon her. Shaking her head, Ponderosa opened the book once more and searched for the Aquamarine stone.


    ¡®The Aquamarine connects the spirit of the wearer with the Spirits of the Sea. It can prevent them from drowning. The stone is, also, known for its ability to calm fears and phobias. It promotes verbal self-expression, enhances spiritual connection, clears all communication blocks,....¡¯


    ¡®If it does, then that means we should have been able to talk to one another this morning.¡¯ Ponderosa set the issue aside for now as she turned back to the book.


    ¡®...it encourages clarity of thought and eases the assimilation of new knowledge. It quickens resolution thinking, allows one to see emotional situations from different perspectives, encourages tolerance, releases old patterns and behaviors and gives depth to one¡¯s meditative state.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded to the book. Another communication stone and yet one that related to aspects of relationships, but which rune had been used? With that combination alone there were at least seventeen possible runes that he could have used. Fifteen if he wasn¡¯t doubling up and some of her previous guesses for the other stones were correct. Looking up from the book, Ponderosa noticed the fire was getting a little low. She put the book down and approached the fire. She cleaned out some of the ashes before adding another log.


    She remained beside the fire to warm her fingers a little bit. A soft mew reached her ears. She turned. Her eyes scanned her cottage, but there was no sign of the tiny fur ball that made that sound. The sound came again, this time from Lady Iredys. Ponderosa stood. Did that mean the Peridot stone was combined with Dagaz? Had that man, also, cursed her to be able to transform as she did? Lady Iredys drew in a shaking inhale before she rolled onto her left side and wept. Ponderosa sat beside her and rubbed her back.


    ¡®I wish I knew what would help you, My Lady. I wish I knew what that man did to you in the year and four months that you were in his hands, so I knew more of what I could be doing to bring you comfort.¡¯


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    Ponderosa continued to rub her back until Lady Iredys¡¯ sobs stopped and her breathing returned to being deep and even. She adjusted the blankets a little to keep Lady Iredys warm then returned to Krissy¡¯s book. The Diamond was the last stone she needed to find. The last bit of information that would, hopefully, connect all the pieces together.


    ¡®The Diamond represents purity, innocence, love, fidelity, faithfulness, trust and truth. It has been known to represent illumination, creativity, fortitude, courage, and fearlessness. It provides strength, enhances one¡¯s inner vision, invincibility, and protection. It has also been said to enhance telepathic communication, as well as amplify the energy of goals and intentions.¡¯


    Relationships and communication again, so many possible runes, but would that man really double up on rune properties? If so, what aspect had he chosen? Communication? Creativity? Protection? Vision? If anything, she was feeling more puzzled, because so many of the stones were associated with communication when there had been hardly anything spoken between them. Did that mean he had purposefully chosen other properties so she couldn¡¯t speak? If so, how had she been able to hear Lady Iredys¡¯ voice? Especially over the distance that lay between Mediocre Village and Pride Town.


    Ponderosa put the book down and agitated her herbs once more. A click-tap sounded against the table. Krissy¡¯s book was open. She turned enough to check on Lady Iredys. She had curled up and was holding the pillow against her chest, but if she had opened the book then did that mean she was trying to communicate something to her? Turning her attention to the book, Ponderosa skimmed the page to see what stones were on these pages, but the more she tried to scan the less she was seeing. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. Her sight landed on the entry for the Garnet.


    ¡®Garnet is the stone of love. It enhances sexuality while bringing sincerity, warmth, trust, devotion, understanding, and honesty into the relationship. It purifies the body and is a great boon in maintaining the overall health of the body. It brings courage and hope when facing less than ideal situations. It sharpens the perceptions one has of oneself and others. It is, also, helpful in removing inhibitions and taboos. Garnet is a great stone to use when striving to generate self-confidence and a higher way of thinking.¡¯


    Ponderosa¡¯s brow furrowed. Why would she be drawn to this entry? Why was it important? How did it relate to what was going on with Lady Iredys? Or was it something she needed for herself? She read through the entry again. It didn¡¯t feel like something she needed for herself, nor did it seem like something that would help Lady Iredys either. A dull throbbing started in her temples. Uhg. Another overthinking headache. Ponderosa rubbed her temples. She located her Feverfew tincture and took a dropperful.


    She swayed on her feet. Lady Iredys shifted on the cot again, leaving room for Ponderosa to lay beside her. Ponderosa nodded and weaved her way over to the cot. She lay with her back to Lady Iredys and closed her eyes to rest for a while.


    When she woke again, Iredys was still asleep beside her. She got up slowly, since her head still throbbed some. She warmed some of the water she had and made herself a cup of peppermint tea. Lady Iredys stirred on the bed and moaned as she sat up. Ponderosa made a second cup of tea and brought it over to Lady Iredys. She accepted the cup with a slight smile on her lips. While Iredys drank the tea, Ponderosa mixed up two glasses of meal with a mix of alfalfa and chlorophyll and brought one to Lady Iredys. She drank this too, before she handed Ponderosa the glass then stood and made her way over to the window again.


    ¡®Did you want to go outside, My Lady?¡¯ Ponderosa wondered, as she finished her own glass of meal.


    Lady Iredys didn¡¯t respond.


    Ponderosa approached her then. She tapped Lady Iredys¡¯ arm then tapped on the window.


    Lady Iredys shook her head. ¡®Not yet,¡¯ Ponderosa heard her thoughts softly whisper.


    ¡®Okay,¡¯ she replied with a nod.


    She was about to walk away, when Lady Iredys hooked her arm around Ponderosa¡¯s. ¡®A turn about the house might be nice though.¡¯


    ¡®Sure, My Lady.¡¯


    ¡®Your Lady is dead, Ponderosa,¡¯ Lady Iredys chastised lightly. ¡®If you insist on calling me by the name this body had, please drop the honorifics. I am simply Iredys until my son is born.¡¯


    ¡®As you wish, My¡­ Iredys.¡¯


    A small smile lifted her lips before she turned to start walking around the cottage. Ponderosa let Iredys set the pace. The two of them walked around the cottage slowly. Iredys limped slightly on their second time around, before she was ready to rest again. As she sat, Ponderosa noticed that her broken leg was twitching a little. She started to kneel to check on it when Lady Iredys stopped her.


    ¡®It¡¯s okay, Ponderosa,¡¯ she thought. ¡®The muscles are just a little tired.¡¯


    ¡®Are you sure, Lady¡­ Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa thought back.


    Iredys nodded.


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    Iredys lay down on the cot and Ponderosa covered her as she fell asleep once more. She rubbed Iredys¡¯ shoulder a little, happy that whatever had blocked their communication early that morning seemed to have been taken care of. Now it should be easier for her to find out and address the needs that La¡­ Iredys still had.

 Going For A Walk

    For an entire week, Ponderosa would spend time each day walking with Iredys around her cottage. She was limping less and less and the muscles in her legs were spasming less when she stopped to rest as well. Iredys had just laid down to rest when Ponderosa¡¯s gaze landed on Krissy¡¯s book. She needed to return it, but wanted to wait until Lady Iredys could come with her, or would be okay to be by herself for a full day, now that the roads were clear again.


    Ponderosa stepped away from her table and opened her chest of things. There wasn¡¯t much in there, but she looked through it all. Organizing it bit by bit as she reminded herself of what all she had kept. Picking up a book from the very bottom, Ponderosa blew off the dust before cracking the binding open. She read through many of the herbal combinations she had created. Herbal combinations she had since improved or altered slightly to enhance specific healing properties.


    She flipped through the pages, realizing that she had not added several of her most recent combinations. Ponderosa got to her feet and took the book over to the table. She opened her writing kit and readied her ink. She very slowly wrote out the few combinations she had not yet added to it. The tip of the quill practically hovered over the page as she wrote in order to get the most use out of the ink. Then used a couple stones to hold the book open until the ink dried.


    Ponderosa was just about to make up some meal for the two of them, when she noticed how much deeper Lady Iredys breathing seemed to be. She left the table and knelt beside the bed.


    ¡®Would you like to eat, Iredys?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡®No,¡¯ her voice replied, tinged with¡­ something. ¡®But a walk outside after you¡¯ve eaten might be nice.¡¯


    ¡®...Alright.¡¯ Ponderosa stroked her head a couple times then got up to make herself some meal.


    As she stirred in the water, she felt sad for Iredys, but she was grateful that she could speak her mind as well. Ponderosa drank her meal. She washed the dishes she used. She agitated her jars of herbs once more for good measure before she pulled on some shoes and secured the lighter cloak around her own shoulders.Then she brought her heavier cloak to Iredys and set it over her shoulders. She had Iredys sit on one of the chairs so she could cover her feet with socks and shoes. When she stood, Ponderosa offered Iredys her arm so she had some support while they ventured outside. The air was clean and crisp and brought a small smile to Iredys¡¯ lips. The two of them turned and walked toward the center of town. The streets weren¡¯t busy, but they still passed by several of the townspeople.


    Ponderosa was confused by the number of townspeople that turned to look at the two of them after they passed, or would shake their heads as though they were having an internal argument with themselves. When Iredys started to limp beside her, Ponderosa shivered and was just about to check if Iredys wanted to go back. Iredys beat her to it, and motioned to Ponderosa that she was ready to head back so they could warm up.


    When they got back, Iredys lay down for her usual post-walk nap. Ponderosa let her rest, but was glad to see that Iredys was able to walk for longer before her limp showed up again. Glad to know that her leg was healing well. Ponderosa crouched close to the fire for a little while to stave off the harshest of the chill before she moved to one of the chairs to contemplate everything she had come to learn in the couple weeks that Iredys had been with her.


    Iredys was able to communicate through thought. She could move things around with her mind. Was she having visions? Or were the convulsions just her body readjusting to coming alive again? It could be either or both. If it was both, that gave her ideas for four of the seven possible runes. So then what were the other three? And to which stones were they all attached?


    Ponderosa was glad that, so far, none of the active stone/rune combinations were magics big enough to attract the unwanted attention of Their Majesties. Nothing as obvious as her forced transformations had been. She was grateful to Iredys for pulling the rune and Pearl from her flesh as well. Especially since the night of the new moon had been during the storm. While she did not doubt she would have been fine, whatever her transformation, it had been so nice to stay Human and in her cottage.


    While she continued to contemplate the stone properties, Iredys started to get up from the cot. Ponderosa started to get up from the chair, but Iredys waved her down. She remained sitting on the edge of the cot facing the fire. Movement over the table caught her attention. One of the glasses was filled with water and a little meal before it floated across the room to Lady Iredys. She held the cup in her hands a moment before taking her first sip. Ponderosa shifted her attention to the pile of wood under her table. They were getting low again and would need to gather more before too long.


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    The other chair scraped across the cottage to stop beside the window. The lighter of the two cloaks floated over to Iredys and wrapped around her shoulders as she stood.


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa wondered.


    ¡®Someone comes,¡¯ she replied, as she pulled the hood of the cloak over her head and sat.


    Iredys¡¯ back was to the door, but her shadowed face was reflected clearly in the glass. Even though her hair was nothing but a short fuzz, and there were several scars that still marred her face, Ponderosa understood that Iredys didn¡¯t want others to recognize her.


    Ponderosa straightened the blankets on the cot as there was a knock on her door. She finished her work then opened the door..


    ¡°Pardon me, Ponderosa, but is the lady that was with you earlier still here?¡± a man asked.


    Ponderosa nodded. She motioned for him to step in from the cold.


    The man pulled off his hat. He wrung it in his hands. A simple Iron band hugged his left ring finger. ¡°I¡­ w¡­ wanted to thank you,¡± he stammered. ¡°For¡­ what you said as you passed me today.¡±


    Iredys paused then lowered the glass she was still drinking from. She nodded.


    ¡°You¡­ see, my wife, she¡­. Well, she¡­.¡±


    ¡®I know,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®Thank you for listening.¡¯


    ¡°I could not ignore your words, no matter how much I¡­. Anyway, thank you again.¡±


    ¡®You¡¯re welcome. I wish you the best as you continue on together.¡¯


    He nodded to Iredys. Nodded to Ponderosa then left the cottage.


    Ponderosa felt confused as Iredys finished the glass of meal in her hand.


    ¡®What is it, Ponderosa?¡¯ Iredys asked, pulling the hood of the cloak back.


    ¡®When did you speak to him?¡¯


    ¡®While we were on our walk. I had thoughts about everyone we passed, but I was unaware that my thoughts reached those whom the information concerned. I thought that was something I could only do with you, due to us both having transformation magic.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. Then she turned to add another log to the fire.


    ¡®What are you not speaking, Ponderosa?¡¯ Iredys asked, standing.


    ¡®You likely already know, Iredys,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    ¡®I do, but I would like to show you respect by allowing you to voice what it is you want to ask.¡¯ She washed the glass.


    ¡®...If others can hear your thoughts as if you are speaking, why did it seem that only some people could hear you?¡¯


    ¡®Would you feel comfortable knowing that others had overheard your troubles?¡¯


    ¡®No, but with the Ruby amplifying the properties of all of your runes, I guess I thought that¡­ those around you would hear you as if you could speak.¡¯


    ¡®I cannot expect others to respect me, if I cannot show them the same respect in return.¡¯


    ¡®I understand.¡¯


    Iredys approached Ponderosa and wrapped her arms around her. ¡®I will never be able to repay you for pulling me and my baby out of Abundare¡¯s borders. Nor for the care you have given us each and every day since.¡¯


    Ponderosa turned and held tightly to Iredys. ¡®You¡¯ve paid me back, Iredys. Giving me control over my transformations by pulling Dagaz and the Pearl from my flesh is more than I could have ever asked for.¡¯


    ¡®No one should spend their days in fear and mental and emotional torment.¡¯


    She nodded.


    ¡®You deserve peace, Ponderosa.¡¯


    ¡®As do you, Iredys.¡¯


    Iredys momentarily tightened her hold on Ponderosa. As she let go she asked, ¡®How soon would you like to leave to give Krissy her book back?¡¯


    ¡®Tomorrow if possible.¡¯


    ¡®Tomorrow it is then.¡¯


    ¡®Will you be okay by yourself?¡¯ Ponderosa wondered.


    ¡®I will come with you,¡¯ Iredys replied, ¡®and no buts. Baby boy wants more time outside, and I won¡¯t get the strength in my leg back by staying here and hiding from the townsfolk. A blind woman shouldn¡¯t go out walking on her own, you see.¡¯ Iredys winked at her.


    A smile pulled on the corners of Ponderosa¡¯s lips. ¡®No, I guess she shouldn¡¯t try to go out walking on her own.¡¯


    Iredys smiled. ¡®In the meantime, what can I help with?¡¯


    Ponderosa¡¯s brain blanked. ¡®Uh¡­.¡¯ She looked at the lighter cloak that still rested on Iredys¡¯ shoulders. ¡®I should get you a warmer cloak, but¡­.¡¯


    Iredys shook her head then touched where the Jet was embedded in her chest. ¡®The Jet will keep me warm, just as it did on our flight out of Abundare.¡¯


    ¡®Shoes?¡¯


    ¡®Same, Ponderosa. I don¡¯t want you freezing yourself to accommodate me. ¡­The magic I have will do that.¡¯


    ¡®If you are sure, My¡­ Iredys,¡¯ Ponderosa fumbled.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure.¡¯

 Getting Grant Help [pt1]

    As they walked down the road toward Shounto Village, Iredys drew in and exhaled a shaking breath.


    ¡®Everything alright, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®For the most part, Ponderosa,¡¯ she replied. ¡®Information about the people in Shounto Village is already coming to me.¡¯


    ¡®Is that¡­? Nevermind.¡¯


    Iredys lips lifted some. ¡®It¡¯s hard to know what is normal when it comes to the visions I am given. I was bombarded with information about Pride Town, but for the moment, only a slow, steady, flow of information is coming regarding those in Shounto Village.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®Anything I should be concerned about?¡¯


    Iredys linked her arm through Ponderosa¡¯s. ¡®Just remembering to treat me like a blind person.¡¯


    She turned her head to look at Ponderosa as Ponderosa turned to her. After seeing her cloudy white orbs again, Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡®I will do my best.¡¯


    ¡®I know you will.¡¯


    The streets were quiet when they arrived in Shounto Village. The sky was just losing the last of the light as they stepped into the inn. Ponderosa pulled the hood of her cloak down.


    ¡°Good evening, Ponderosa,¡± the innkeeper greeted.


    Ponderosa nodded with a smile. She carefully and slowly helped Iredys into a chair before sitting beside her and pulling out her writing kit.


    The innkeeper finished drying and putting away the cups before approaching. Iredys tipped her head to the side at the sound of his footsteps, but kept her face hidden from view.


    ¡®Is it possible to get a room with two beds in it tonight?¡¯ Ponderosa wrote.


    ¡°Sure thing. I will get the room warmed up. Do either of you want anything to help warm you up in the meantime?¡±


    Iredys shook her head then let it lower.


    Ponderosa rubbed her arm then wrote, ¡®We¡¯re okay for now, Grant. Thank you.¡¯


    ¡°You are most welcome, Ponderosa. Won¡¯t be but a few minutes.¡±


    She nodded.


    Grant stepped away and headed upstairs to prepare their room.


    Iredys exhaled loudly once Grant had gone upstairs.


    ¡®Is something wrong, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®A strange feeling,¡¯ she said, bringing a hand up to her head as she shook it.


    ¡®Can you describe the feeling?¡¯


    ¡®It is lost amidst all the information I am still getting.¡¯


    Ponderosa¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®It has been many hours. You are still getting information?¡¯


    Iredys nodded. ¡®The futures of these people have a lot of possibilities. Too many for me to be of any help at this time.¡¯


    She nodded in understanding, tucking away the desire that had grown in her heart while they walked. To have Iredys help the people in Shouto Village would be a blessing, however, she also knew that too much exposure too soon could pose a threat to her and Iredys. They needed to be cautious. The time would come when she would be able to help those in Shounto Village as she had begun to help those in Pride Town. For now they would rest then visit with Krissy in the morning.


    Grant came back to the main floor. ¡°The room is ready, Ponderosa,¡± he said. ¡°Second door on the right.¡±


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    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Is there anything else I can get for you?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    ¡°Just ring the bell if you do.¡±


    She nodded with a smile.


    Grant stepped into the kitchen as Ponderosa put her writing kit away. Iredys had turned her head toward the kitchen. The edges of her mouth shifted some as she continued to look at the door.


    ¡®Did the feeling come back?¡¯ Ponderosa wondered.


    ¡®It did,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®I still cannot identify it and¡­ it concerns me.¡¯


    ¡®Are we in danger?¡¯


    Iredys shook her head.


    ¡®Is Grant in danger?¡¯


    ¡®He could be if he is not able to get a set of helping hands soon, but that is not related to this feeling.¡¯


    ¡®What¡­?¡¯


    Iredys motioned subtly with her hand. ¡®Let¡¯s go upstairs first.¡¯


    Ponderosa started to nod, but stopped herself. She helped Iredys stand. She had started to climb the stairs then stopped when Iredys didn¡¯t follow. Stepping back down, she lifted one of Iredys legs to help her locate the height of the step. Only when Iredys felt her foot upon the stair did she step up. Ponderosa tried to see if she would take the next one on her own, but Iredys remained unmoved. She lifted Iredys leg once more to set her foot on the next step followed by the next.


    By the time they reached the upper landing, Ponderosa was glad that Iredys walked a bit more willingly on her own after that. They entered the room.  They settled on the two beds before Iredys answered the question that Ponderosa was going to ask.


    ¡®Grant will need someone that can help clean the inn.¡¯


    ¡®Can we help with that before we leave Shounto Village?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®...Possibly,¡¯ Iredys answered.


    ¡®It would be nice if we can.¡¯ She yawned. ¡®Grant is such a good man. ¡­I would ¡­feel terrible¡­ if¡­.¡¯


    Ponderosa didn¡¯t finish the thought as her mind slipped effortlessly into a dream.


    When she woke, the sun was just beginning to shine through the window. Iredys was sitting on the other bed. The fire started to dim as it consumed the last of the available logs.


    ¡®Did you sleep well, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®I did. Did you?¡¯


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    She nodded. ¡®How soon did you want to leave to see Krissy?¡¯


    ¡®After we eat.¡¯


    Iredys nodded.


    Ponderosa got up. She helped Iredys with her shoes and cloak before they left the room. As they neared the stairs, Iredys purposefully slowed down. Ponderosa rubbed her arm then very slowly helped Iredys down the stairs. The dining room was quiet, but Iredys stopped not far from the bottom of the stairs.


    ¡®Is something the matter?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®What do you see beside the barrels outside?¡¯ Iredys asked.


    ¡®Nothing. I see¡­ a child?! What is he doing¡­?¡¯ She had started to let go of Iredys arm, but Iredys kept her grip.


    ¡®Not yet.¡¯


    ¡®Not yet?! It¡¯s freezing out there. He¡­.¡¯


    ¡®We will help him, but we need Grant¡¯s permission first.¡¯


    Ponderosa pressed her lips together and sighed. She needed to trust Iredys¡¯ timing. She could see more than she could. Taking one last look at the boy, Ponderosa then helped Iredys settle into a chair at one of the tables. The scraping of the chair against the wood floor brought Grant out of the kitchen.


    ¡°Did the two of you have a pleasant night?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa and Iredys both nodded.


    Grant¡¯s smile grew larger as he stepped around the bar to approach their table. Ponderosa pulled out her writing kit once more. Iredys head turned away from Grant a bit as he waited for Ponderosa to write what she wanted to speak.


    ¡®I hope you had a good night as well, Grant.¡¯


    ¡°All things considered, I did. I am guessing the usual for you, but for your guest?¡±


    ¡®She will have the same.¡¯


    Grant nodded. He was about to leave when he noticed her writing something else.


    ¡®Can we also get a roll?¡¯


    ¡°A roll?¡±


    ¡®There is a boy near the barrels outside. He looks hungry.¡¯


    ¡°Ah, yes. Poor boy. Every time I open the door to invite him in for a bit, he takes off  before I can get a single word out.¡±


    ¡®Would¡­.¡¯


    ¡®Could you use another set of hands around here?¡¯ Iredys prompted.


    Ponderosa scratched the word out and wrote, ¡®Could you use another set of hands to help you?¡¯


    ¡°To be able to get some help here would be great. I just can¡¯t find anyone willing.¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Let me go get your food. I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡±


    She nodded once more.


    ¡®Tear off a small portion of your page and write, ¡®Ask him if he would be willing to work in exchange for food and shelter,¡¯ Iredys prompted.


    Ponderosa¡¯s brow furrowed, but she wrote what Iredys said.


    ¡®We will be giving this to the boy to give to Grant,¡¯ she explained.


    ¡®Okay.¡¯


    Ponderosa sanded the paper so the ink wouldn¡¯t smear when she folded it.


    Grant returned with two glasses of warm meal and the roll. ¡°I hope you will be able to give it to him.¡±


    ¡®Me, too, Grant,¡¯ Ponderosa wrote in reply. ¡®Thank you.¡¯

 Getting Grant Help [pt2]

    Ponderosa put her writing kit away. She pulled out several coins for Grant and set them on the table. When they were done drinking the meal Grant had made for them, Ponderosa helped Iredys to her feet. She shouldered her bag, picked up the note and the roll before hooking her arm in Iredys¡¯ and leaving the inn.


    The young boy¡¯s head shot up as they left the inn. A look of fear filled his eyes. He scurried to the other side of the barrels and peeked out. Ponderosa stepped out and helped Iredys step down to the street below. She closed the door then walked carefully to where the boy hid. He ducked back a little as they approached. Ponderosa held the roll out toward him. He looked at the roll, his mouth watering, as the smell of the freshly baked bread reached his nose. He was about to take it when he withdrew his hand and looked up at her.


    She nodded her head and motioned with the roll for him to take it. He snatched the roll and took a large bite out of it. He curled up and held the roll closely to his chest when he realized the two of them hadn¡¯t left yet. Ponderosa extended the note she had written then motioned to Grant¡¯s Inn. The young boy shook his head. Ponderosa pointed to the roll in his hands then to her mouth. She then tapped the note in her hands and pointed to Grant¡¯s Inn once more.


    ¡°I can¡¯t read,¡± the boy said quietly, inching back a little.


    Ponderosa nodded with a gentle smile. She tapped the note then motioned that she wanted the boy to give the paper to Grant before she pointed to the roll being crushed in his fingers.


    ¡°Is it a thank you note?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°...Okay.¡± He took the note and lowered his head. ¡°Can you stay close by while I give it to him?¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    She waited while the boy finished the roll and opened the note to see how many words were written there. A strange look filled his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty long thank you,¡± he muttered, ¡°but whatever. You promise to stay right here?¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    The boy nodded back before steeling himself to approach the inn.


    He marched up to the door and knocked hard. He was just about to knock again when the door opened. The boy jumped back and pulled his shoulders in and his head down. The note Ponderosa gave him crinkled in his hands. Grant¡¯s lips twitched. He didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry at the boy¡¯s reaction. He waited patiently as the young man shakily held out the piece of paper in his hands.


    Grant accepted it with a gentle smile. He read it and his smile grew bigger. ¡°If I give you food and a place to stay, will you work for me in exchange?¡± Grant asked.


    ¡°What?¡± the boy asked, the tension in his body relaxing some. ¡°You would really do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Grant¡¯s expression changed as the boy continued to look at him. ¡°Hey, now,¡± he said, stepping out of the inn. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡­.¡±


    He stopped when the young boy hugged him tightly around the waist, sobbing.


    Grant held him back and let him cry for a moment. He raised his head and waved a hand at Ponderosa. She waved back.


    ¡®Thank you, Iredys,¡¯ Ponderosa said as Grant took the boy inside.


    ¡®Thanks goes to you, too, Ponderosa,¡¯ Iredys replied.


    She shook her head.


    ¡®It does. I just pointed the boy out and helped with a little phrasing. You did the rest.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. She rubbed Iredys arm subconsciously then turned to head for Krissy¡¯s cottage.


    After spending an entire day and night with Krissy, Ponderosa was glad to be headed back to Pride Town. She could feel gratitude come from Iredys for her level-headed reaction when her body had become overstimulated by the visions. While she was holding Iredys¡¯ jerking body, Krissy had been flustered and panicky, wondering what she should do. Her frantic response had not ceased until Iredys stopped convulsing. Even then it was hard to get her to leave Iredys alone long enough for her to rest and recover from the onslaught.


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    She had anticipated being able to return to Pride Town once her convulsions had stopped, but Krissy was too worried over Iredys being sufficiently recovered to let them leave. Ponderosa was glad she had brought enough ground wheat to make their meals. It helped her and Iredys put more of Krissy¡¯s worry to rest. In the meantime, Krissy taught Ponderosa more about the semi-precious stones she used.


    Ponderosa learned much. The information was helpful, but not really useful for the patients she was working with. It didn¡¯t help that she could only get herself to half listen while her unwritten thoughts remained a little irked by Krissy¡¯s reaction. As much as she wanted to teach Krissy something in return, Ponderosa knew that once Krissy got talking about the stones she loved so much, trying to shift her focus to anything else was next to impossible.


    Night descended early in Krissy¡¯s house. The three of them slept well, but even after spending the night in Krissy¡¯s home, it took a lot of reassurances from Ponderosa that they were okay to travel back to Pride Town. The long walk and crisp air went a long way in helping Ponderosa calm down. She was looking forward to a short rest before going out to gather firewood from the woodshed. However, when they reached the end of the street, Ponderosa froze. A handful of men were loitering outside her cottage. She couldn''t help but wonder if Iredys¡¯ secret had been exposed. Her heart rate kicked up at the thought.


    ¡®The secret is still safe,¡¯ Iredys said gently. ¡®They are just here to get more clarification about what I said.¡¯


    Ponderosa blew out her breath, nodded then walked with her toward her cottage. All of them took their hats off their heads, wringing the cloth or the brim in nervousness. Ponderosa motioned for all of them to wait while she helped Iredys inside. She allowed Iredys to sit in the chair beside the window while she built a fire in the hearth to warm the cold space. She was surprised to find chopped wood stacked under her table again. When had¡­?


    ¡®While we were stuck at Krissy¡¯s,¡¯ Iredys said, ¡®I experimented to see how far my psychokinesis would reach.¡¯


    ¡®And how far did it reach?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®As far as you had gone into the woods after you rescued me.¡¯


    Ponderosa¡¯s eyes grew wide for a moment. That was quite the distance. A loud cough outside her cottage brought her attention back to what she was doing. She prepared food for Iredys and herself. She agitated her herb jars, grateful that alcohol didn¡¯t freeze and that something had kept the cottage warm enough to keep the oil from solidifying, while she drank her meal. She tidied up the place a little more before she opened the door to admit the man who had been waiting the longest.


    While Iredys spoke with the man that came in, she remained by the door. She only heard what the men said and not what Iredys was clarifying for him. The man¡¯s words meant little to her and she allowed her mind to wander a bit. Only when the men turned to leave, did she open her door to admit the next one.


    Once the five men were gone, Iredys lay down to rest. She slept deep. Her body convulsed for a short while late afternoon before the furniture moved about the cottage again. Iredys seemed to wake a little when all was still, but after her eyelids fluttered and her eyes rolled around in their sockets for a minute, she relaxed further and returned to sleep.


    For each day thereafter, Iredys would wake in the morning to take a walk with Ponderosa through the town. She often insisted on wearing the lighter shoes and cloak so Ponderosa could keep warm. While they made their rounds around town, Iredys would continue to speak to people. Each time they went out, Ponderosa counted how many people turned in their direction. More often than not, the number corresponded with the number of people who stopped by the house to give their thanks or ask for clarification about what she meant.


    Every few days, Iredys would feel exhausted by the time they finished their walk. On these days, she would lay down to rest and not wake until late the following morning. Sometimes her nights were peaceful, sometimes they were not and Ponderosa would wake to the shifting of furniture or the shaking of the cot as she convulsed.


    She didn¡¯t mind the many visitors that came through her door, be they male or female. She had paid very little attention to the conversations until a few of the young men nervously asked for Iredys¡¯ hand in marriage. Ponderosa watched as Iredys lowered her head. Whatever her response was when she brought her head back up, disappointed the young men. They apologized sincerely, paused after turning to leave then left with puzzled or surprised expressions on their faces.


    Due to Iredys strange sleeping schedule, their morning walks became nightly walks if Iredys woke at all. The number of people talking about Iredys¡¯ wisdom had spread, making it nearly impossible for them to walk around while the town was awake. So much so, that even those whom Iredys had not yet reached would show up for answers. On occasion, someone who was visiting from Shounto Village or Drength City, would stop by. More and more single men had come asking for her hand in marriage. Each time, Iredys would gently turn them away. Ponderosa caught a slight shift in Iredys¡¯ lips each time she bowed her head before responding.


    ¡®Has she been feeling what she had felt while Grant was around in Shounto Village?¡¯


    ¡®It is indeed the same feeling, Ponderosa,¡¯ Iredys replied, between visits.


    ¡®Is it the marriage proposal?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡®No. It comes mostly when the men come. On occasion it comes with some of the women.¡¯


    ¡®Do you know what it means?¡¯


    Iredys tapped her chest where the Diamond resided. ¡®Something to do with the Diamond, but when I try to seek out what, the answers refuse to come. All I know is that the feeling leaves once I reject the proposal or they leave the cottage.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded.


    She answered the knock that sounded on the door then stood quietly off to the side while Iredys continued to work.

 Has the Feeling Vanished?

    Once Prince Kelton could leave Palion City, he did. The pull toward Pride Town had started to fluctuate. The change triggered the anxiousness he was already battling with after being stuck in Palion City for almost an entire month because the snow continued to come. His frustration wasn¡¯t waning with the work he did to help out those that lived in Palion City and, when night came, his heart felt like a giant was crushing it.


    The roads were far from clear, but he needed to make any and all progress toward reaching Pride Town. The road conditions turned what would have been a one week journey into one and a half. He no longer bothered to listen to the gossip in the various villages, towns, and cities because he felt an even stronger drive to reach Pride Town. Something was going on with Lady Iredys or with the Dragonwoman and he felt like he was running out of time, that if anything more delayed him, he¡¯d be too late.


    Darkness had fallen once more and Prince Kelton called for camp to be set up. Despite his command, he remained on his horse and kept his attention on the road still ahead of them. He had sped through Hoff Town instead of stopping there for the night, just to appease himself by being a few more miles down the road. Only now that he¡¯d called for a stop, he was feeling all the more desirous to keep going. His horse shifted under him, responding to his angst as the desire to keep going gradually grew stronger.


    They were only a few days away from reaching Pride Town, provided the roads had cleared up some more and the last decrease in the pull, which had lasted quite a bit longer than usual, wasn¡¯t the sign that he was too late. He was on the verge of kicking his horse into a gallop when he felt the reins pull in his hand. He looked down to see Sir Hamnet holding the reins as his horse stilled.


    ¡°Dinner is ready, My Lord,¡± he said.


    Prince Kelton shook his head. He didn¡¯t want to eat. He wanted to ride. He wanted to know what was causing the pull to fluctuate so dramatically.


    ¡°Please,¡± Sir Hamnet said.


    Clenching his jaw, Prince Kelton dismounted. He left his horse with Sir Hamnet and entered his tent. He didn¡¯t even bother taking off his boots as he lay on top of his bedding. Tears of frustration and exhaustion slid down his face. He wanted to find what was pulling at him. He needed to find out what it was. His tired and burning eyes fluttered shut before he fell into a restless sleep.


    Iredys stood before him once more. Her belly was very distended with her pregnancy. A young man came out of the cottage behind her. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her deeply. She returned his kiss, leaning into the security of his embrace. He rubbed her hip and the side of her belly. His hand rose to the necklace holding the seven semi-precious stones. He lifted and kissed the diamond before kissing Iredys once more.


    ¡°I love you,¡± Iredys murmured to the man.


    ¡°No!¡± Prince Kelton screamed as he woke.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty, are you alright?¡± Sir Fran asked.


    Prince Kelton shook his head. Trying to erase the dream from his mind, but the images remained. The gentle softness of Iredys¡¯ voice as she confessed her love to another man pierced his heart. He needed to get to Pride Town. Grabbing his boots, Prince Kelton jammed his feet into them. He grabbed his saddle and reins from beside the entrance of his tent as Sir Houton and Sir Thomas stepped in.


    ¡°Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Houton asked.


    He brushed past his two knights as he left his tent. He ran to his horse. He tied the saddle on swiftly, making sure it wasn¡¯t too tight for his steed. He secured the reins, checked the saddle once last time before mounting his steed and racing off into the twilight. The sounds of his knights¡¯ shouts were lost to the wind. Prince Kelton could barely see the road in front of him. Still, he ran his horse. His mind registered, but did not register, the road. The image of Iredys kissing another man still burned the back of his eyes. The tears that started to form stung his eyes burned as he struggled to keep them from spilling down his cheeks.


    She can¡¯t have married someone else! She can¡¯t have forgotten him! She would have come back. Someone would have surely sent him word of her return or appearance, even if she didn¡¯t remember fully. His horse slowed to a canter, its sides heaving from having to run in the frosty morning air. Prince Kelton¡¯s tears streamed down his face. His chest felt tight. His head was throbbing from the pressure behind his eyes. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not hear the hoofbeats approaching him from behind.


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    He only turned when Sir Droyn slowed to a canter beside him. Prince Kelton tried to wipe the tears from his face, but the snot running down his face and the spotted red ring around his eyes gave away his tears.


    ¡°Has the feeling vanished completely, My Lord?¡± Sir Droyn asked, concerned.


    Prince Kelton took a deeper breath to try and steady his heart. ¡°No,¡± he croaked. ¡°No. It is strong right now, but¡­.¡±


    ¡°Then it is good. Do not despair just yet. With how much clearer the roads are, if we pace ourselves well today, we can reach Pride Town by tomorrow evening.¡±


    He nodded.


    Prince Kelton was grateful that it had been Sir Droyn who caught up to him first. Had it been any other knight, with the exception of Sir Hamnet, he would have been forced to slow down or stop and wait for the rest of his knights to catch up. A delay that would guarantee that he be forced to endure a third day of fluctuating drive and heightened desire. Something that would have already been impossible to endure if not for Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet keeping the atmosphere light and encouraging.


    He was just starting to feel confident in being able to reach Pride Town for answers when the strength of the drive waned again. The horses had not rested for long, but that didn¡¯t stop Prince Kelton from kicking his horse up to a gallop again. Sir Droyn stayed with him to the best of his horse¡¯s ability. The horses didn¡¯t run for very long before they needed to slow to a walk again. Prince Kelton pressed his lips together. The drive felt so familiar now, but it was still foreign. If he didn¡¯t know better, he would have thought someone had drugged him, and had continued to drug him, for this feeling to remain so strong for so long.


    Shaking his head at his thoughts, he finally pulled some dried meat rations from one of his saddle bags. He and Sir Droyn ate and drank a little while the horses walked. When they were finished, they increased their pace¡ªhovering between a trot and a canter. They stopped only once to let the horses get some water before continuing on. If they timed their ride well, they could reach Malaou City by nightfall; but even if they did not reach Malaou City, it would not be impossible to reach Pride Town by the following evening.


    Prince Kelton and Sir Droyn arrived in Pride Town a couple hours after dark. The small town was quiet and most of the lights were out in the houses. As Prince Kelton walked his horse past the cottages near the edge of town, he couldn¡¯t help but stop and stare at the one on the very end. He was puzzled when he felt the drive that had brought him here shift directions. Sir Droyn turned his horse and returned to Prince Kelton¡¯s side when he noticed he had stopped.


    ¡°I heard whispers of a Seer here in Pride Town as we passed through Shounto Village,¡± Sir Droyn said. ¡°Do you¡­?¡±


    He stopped when Prince Kelton walked his horse back toward the cottage. The curtains had been pulled shut, but a very faint glow could be seen on the window seal. He hated to disturb people¡¯s rest, but the pull had calmed in a way he had not experienced before as he stopped in front of the cottage. He looked at the place. The walls and roof looked sturdy under the thick layer of snow. None of the windows were broken, though the cloth covering the windows looked faded. Prince Kelton observed the cottage a little longer before he finally dismounted.


    Sir Droyn followed suit. Prince Kelton raised the hood of his cloak to cast a shadow over his face. Sir Droyn did the same as Prince Kelton knocked firmly on the door. He could hear no movement inside, but not long after he knocked a black haired woman opened the door a crack. Her eyes held caution as she silently observed him and Sir Hamnet.


    ¡°Is the Seer in?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    The woman turned her head to look behind her before turning back to him. She held up one of her fingers to get him to wait then closed the door.


    ¡°She is cautious, but open,¡± Sir Droyn observed softly.


    ¡°But is she really a Seer?¡± Prince Kelton wondered quietly.


    The two of them waited another moment before the black haired woman opened the door a crack once more. She handed Prince Kelton a piece of paper.


    Prince Kelton accepted the paper then tipped it so he could see what it said.


    ¡®Apologies, good sir. She is in a deep sleep and will not awaken until morning. Please come back then.¡¯


    He frowned. ¡°Is there any way I can see her tonight?¡±


    The woman shook her head then pointed to the note in his hands.


    ¡°Do you not speak because the Seer is sleeping?¡±


    The woman with black hair looked down, a sadness crossing her face as she shook her head.


    ¡°You are mute?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    She turned to him then nodded once.


    Prince Kelton held up the paper she handed him. ¡°Thank you. We will return tomorrow.¡±


    The dark haired woman nodded then closed the door once more.


    The two of them did not leave right away. Prince Kelton turned away from the door and looked at the neatly written words on the paper.


    ¡°Do you think she is the Seer?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Prince Kelton stepped off the porch and mounted his horse once more. ¡°There is indeed someone else here.¡±


    Sir Droyn nodded. He mounted his horse as well before the two of them headed further into town to get rooms at the Eagle Inn.

 Meeting the Seer

    Prince Kelton felt a lot calmer now that he was in Pride Town, but something was still nagging at him. Being a Seer didn¡¯t necessarily mean magic, but knowing he felt drawn here as he was looking for the Dragonwoman, and hopefully Lady Iredys, it was possible she stopped here. Especially since news of her abilities had reached Shounto Village, she had been here for a little while at least. Prince Kelton knew that gossip spread quickly, but it usually turned into so many different forms of talk, so it took time to decipher what triggered the gossip in the first place.


    The fact that Sir Droyn only mentioned hearing whispers of a Seer here in Pride Town after their arrival was proof alone that the Seer and those that had come to see her were being cautious. Prince Kelton stared at the ceiling of his room and rested his arm over his forehead. Would she know where Iredys was? Was she still alive? Would he have time to get her and bring her back to the castle in order to marry her before his mother used force to tie him to Princess Analisa?


    He could feel the hope in his heart grow brighter and stronger at the thought of finally being able to have answers after a year and a half.


    ¡°Please, let it be so,¡± he whispered before turning onto his side to sleep.


    When he got up the following morning, he was anxious to hear what the Seer had to say. He had just stepped out of his room when Sir Droyn stepped into the hall with food for the two of them.


    ¡°It is still early, My Lord,¡± Sir Droyn said. ¡°She may not yet be up.¡±


    Prince Kelton wanted to speak in protest, but his stomach beat him to it. Nodding, he opened his door again and Sir Droyn joined him at the small table inside the room. They ate. A half smile graced Sir Droyn¡¯s lips as he watched Prince Kelton eat the majority of what he had brought up. He seemed pleased that Kelton had more of his appetite back.


    ¡°Shall I have them get the horses ready?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°No need. The Seer is not that far,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    Sir Droyn nodded.


    They two of them left the inn and walked through the increasing bustle toward the black haired woman¡¯s home. Sir Droyn knocked on the door. He had not knocked more than twice before the blacked haired woman answered the door. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the two of them. Conflict quickly replaced her surprise before she lowered her head.


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    She bit her lip then slowly stepped back to allow them in.


    Sir Droyn entered and Prince Kelton followed.


    Prince Kelton¡¯s eyes were immediately drawn to the woman lying on the cot in front of the fire. She was lying on her left side, facing the fire, so he could not see her face. Her light brown hair was no more than a thin layer of down across her scalp. The clothes she wore had a high neckline. The rise and fall of her chest was steady, but deep. He turned to the black haired woman, who had dropped to her knees. She pressed her hands and forehead against the floor as she bowed. He could see the slight tremors passing through the woman¡¯s hands.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean either of you harm,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°Please, rise.¡±


    The woman looked up hesitantly. She looked toward the woman sleeping on the bed before she slowly rose to her feet.


    ¡°Do you know when she will wake?¡±


    She shook her head. She motioned to the chair behind Prince Kelton.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She nodded then walked over to the table. Prince Kelton could see she had left her writing kit out, but instead of writing, she picked up each of the many jars on the table and shook them.


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    ¡°You are the town healer?¡± he wondered.


    Pausing her shaking, she set the jar back on the table then nodded solemnly.


    ¡°You seem nervous. Is something the matter?¡±


    She pulled her lips in. She started to reach for her quill when the woman on the cot took a noticeably louder inhale and shifted on the bed. Prince Kelton turned toward her. She had turned her head slightly. He could see a little bit of her profile and Prince Kelton felt his heart jump in his chest. Furrowing his brow, he stood slowly. The black haired woman looked between him and the woman on the cot several times.


    Noticing the woman¡¯s increased agitation, Prince Kelton walked toward the window. He wanted to get a better view of the woman on the cot without alarming the other woman. He wanted to know why that little bit of profile made his heart react like that. Prince Kelton kept his eye on the Seer as he crossed the room. As more and more of her face came into view, he could feel his heart start to beat harder. A desire that had gone dormant, to protect his heart, started to wake up.


    ¡°Iredys,¡± he whispered.


    Unable to hold himself back, Prince Kelton approached the cot as he pulled off his gloves. He knelt between the hearth and the cot before his trembling hand reached for her face. He ran his thumb across her cheek. The bones were a little more prominent. Her skin was pale, but flushed slightly under his touch. She had lost weight, but he would never forget the face of his beloved betrothed.


    Prince Kelton carefully slid his arm under her neck as he sat on the edge of the cot. He lifted Iredys into his embrace. He held her securely. She groaned. Prince Kelton was just about to kiss the top of her head when she jerked in his arms. His right arm went numb after Iredys¡¯ head slammed against his shoulder. The dark haired woman hurried over, laying Iredys down as her body continued to jerk and twist uncontrollably on the bed. Prince Kelton stood in shock as he watched his beloved shudder and twitch for several minutes before growing still. It was only then that he noticed his beloved¡¯s distended belly.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± he started to ask, as Iredys started to sob.


    Iredys reached out to the dark haired woman. Her hands fumbled before she could curl up with her head resting on the black haired woman¡¯s lap. The black haired woman tucked the blanket around her to keep her warm before rubbing her back and stroking her head. Iredys cried for some time, not calming in the least. The dark haired woman waved a hand to get Sir Droyn¡¯s attention before pointing to the small bottle on her table.


    ¡°This one?¡± Sir Droyn asked, picking it up.


    She nodded.


    Sir Droyn handed it to her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    The black haired woman turned to him and showed him the label.


    ¡°Chamomile?¡±


    She nodded. She motioned to Iredys, who was still crying on her lap, then motioned with her hand that something was lowering.


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    The woman then opened the bottle and carefully turned Iredys head so she would be able to take a couple dropperfuls. Iredys swallowed them before wrapping one of her arms around the woman¡¯s waist and hiding her face. The woman put the cap back on the bottle before resuming her rubbing and stroking. After a few minutes, Iredys crying slowed to a stop. Her breathing became rhythmic, but her hold around the woman¡¯s waist didn¡¯t change in the slightest.


    Prince Kelton swallowed hard. The questions he wanted to ask were lodged in his throat. He took a few halting steps to see the black haired woman¡¯s face. She looked up at him. There was a conflicted knowing in her gaze. He started to kneel when she held out her hand to stop him, her eyes widening in alarm. She motioned to Sir Droyn to have the chair brought closer. Iredys twitched a couple times then was still as Prince Kelton sat on the chair beside them.


    He watched the woman he loved as his mind continued to spin with all the unintelligible questions rolling around in  his head. Leaning forward, Prince Kelton clasped his hands together and bowed his head. He turned his head to the side then leaned back again as he dragged his hands up his thighs. He folded his arms and covered his mouth with his left hand. Then he leaned forward again, looking at the floor. Only after a minute did he lift his eyes to look at Iredys once more.


    ¡°I¡­,¡± he started to say just as there was a knock on the door.


    Prince Kelton sat up slowly as Sir Droyn opened the door.


    ¡°Is His Majesty with you?¡± he heard Sir Hamnet ask.


    Sir Droyn nodded once, but made no move to open the door further.


    Prince Kelton stood and approached the door. Sir Droyn stepped back to allow the rest of the knights to see him.


    ¡°Take some leisure time,¡± he told his knights. ¡°We¡¯ll be here a short while.¡±


    ¡°Request to stay, Your Majesty?¡± Sir Hamnet asked as the other knights started to leave.


    He sighed. ¡°No. ¡­In fact, take Sir Droyn with you,¡± he said, practically throwing Sir Droyn out the door. ¡°You both need a break.¡±


    Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn both looked puzzled before Prince Kelton closed the door.


    He waited by the door for a moment before turning back to the woman tending to Iredys. He approached the two of them slowly and settled on the chair once more. ¡°I have so many questions, but I don¡¯t know where to start.¡±

 H...H...How Long?

    Ponderosa struggled to remain calm as she attended to Iredys now that Prince Kelton had shown up on her doorstep. She was glad that whatever vision had taken her when Prince Kelton embraced her had calmed or stopped, but how soon she would stir, she still had no idea. She watched Prince Kelton fidget on the chair beside them before a knock on the door shifted her attention and interrupted what the Prince was about to say.


    Prince Kelton sat up slowly as Sir Droyn opened the door.


    ¡°Is His Majesty with you?¡± a man asked.


    Sir Droyn nodded once, but made no move to open the door further.


    Prince Kelton stood and approached the door before Sir Droyn stepped back.


    ¡°Take some leisure time,¡± he told the man outside. ¡°We¡¯ll be here a short while.¡±


    ¡°Request to stay, Your Majesty?¡± the man asked as the sounds of several other people leaving reached her ears.


    Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°No. ¡­In fact, take Sir Droyn with you,¡± he said, grabbing Sir Droyn and practically throwing him out the door. ¡°You both need a break.¡±


    Prince Kelton closed the door and stood there for a moment before he turned and slowly settled himself on the chair once more. ¡°I have so many questions, but I don¡¯t know where to start,¡± he said softly.


    Iredys stirred and slowly removed her arm from Ponderosa¡¯s waist. She rubbed her eyes then shifted so she could sit up. Ponderosa stood and supported her until she was sitting upright.


    ¡®What can I help you with, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®Just to stand for now,¡¯ she replied.


    Ponderosa stepped around the cot, so she could help Iredys to her feet. Iredys embraced her tightly. Ponderosa held her just as tightly.


    ¡®What happens now?¡¯ Ponderosa¡¯s thoughts whispered.


    ¡®That depends on Prince Kelton¡¯s ultimate decision,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®However, all that means is that you are welcome to choose to come with me or stay here in Pride Town.¡¯


    Ponderosa¡¯s grip tightened.


    ¡®We will not be leaving today,¡¯ Iredys soothed, ¡®so don¡¯t try to rush your decision.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    Iredys loosened her hold, but did not let go of Ponderosa as they walked toward the table together. She rested her head on Ponderosa¡¯s shoulder while she mixed up a glass of meal for her.


    ¡®Have you eaten, Ponderosa?¡¯ Iredys asked.


    ¡®I have, My¡­ Iredys,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    ¡®Can I make a request?¡¯


    ¡®Anything.¡¯


    The two of them walked together to the chair beside the window so Iredys could sit down. Ponderosa set the glass in her hands before waiting patiently for Iredys¡¯ request.


    ¡®Regardless of what happens, will you continue to treat me as a sister and friend?¡¯


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    Her brow furrowed. ¡®Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡¯


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    Ponderosa turned to him and shook her head. She rubbed Iredys arm then stepped away to tidy the cot.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked Ponderosa, motioning to Iredys.


    Ponderosa watched Iredys swallow the next little bit of meal then nodded.


    ¡°Then why the furrowed brow?¡±


    Ponderosa approached her writing kit and wrote, ¡®We were having a private conversation, My Lord.¡¯


    ¡°Private conversation?¡±


    She nodded without further explanation as she turned to shake the jars she had not yet.


    ¡°Will you explain how since you don¡¯t speak and Iredys hasn¡¯t said a single word since I came in?¡±


    ¡®All in good time, Prince Kelton,¡¯ Iredys said.


    He turned toward Iredys once more. ¡°Iredys?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond and continued to drink her meal.


    Prince Kelton approached her. He lifted her chin gently, but she kept her eyes closed. ¡°Look at me?¡± he requested.


    Iredys slowly opened her eyes revealing her cloudy white orbs to Prince Kelton. He released her chin and took several steps back. She lowered her gaze and resumed drinking the meal.


    ¡°¡­H¡­How¡­ How long?¡± Prince Kelton asked, his voice tight.


    ¡®Shortly after our night together in Palion City,¡¯ she replied, as she finished the last of the meal.


    Ponderosa turned from her task in time to see Prince Kelton¡¯s eyes widen further. ¡°You¡­ You spoke while¡­.¡±


    Iredys nodded.


    She stood as Prince Kelton¡¯s knees turned weak. His eyes remained on her as the chair she had been sitting on spun around them to rest behind him. Prince Kelton¡¯s knees gave out. He sat hard on the chair. Surprise crossed his face as Iredys walked over to the sink and washed her cup without help. She then helped Ponderosa strain the jars of soaking herbs into smaller jars, squeezing the cheesecloth to get as much liquid out of the herbs as possible. Ponderosa glanced behind them when she heard Prince Kelton shift. He had turned to the side, his fisted hands pressed against his forehead.


    ¡®This is not the reaction I thought he would have once he came to learn about your magic,¡¯ Ponderosa said.


    ¡®He¡¯s been hit with a lot all at once,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®He just needs a moment.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. She glanced back again when Prince Kelton rose to his feet and turned to face the chair. ¡°Did she¡­?¡± he muttered to himself.


    ¡®Indeed I did, Prince Kelton,¡¯ Iredys said, turning to face him.


    He turned conflicted eyes toward her. ¡°Did all of this come about while you were being held captive?¡±


    Iredys subconsciously set her hands on her expanding abdomen. ¡®Among other things.¡¯


    His eyes dropped to her belly. ¡°Among¡­. There¡¯s more!?¡±


    Iredys closed her eyes as she nodded.


    Prince Kelton opened his mouth a few times just to close it again.


    ¡®I know this is a lot to take in, and that you have questions. However, now is not the time to answer them. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn are in need of a drink or two to help them warm up.¡¯


    ¡°Warm up?¡± he asked, confused.


    Iredys lips twitched a little. ¡®They¡¯ve been waiting outside for you since you pushed Sir Droyn out of the cottage. They¡¯ve refused to leave despite your orders.¡¯


    He gave her a strange look then walked to the door. When he opened it, he saw Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn shivering a little as they stood close to the door. ¡°I told you two to¡­.¡± Shaking his head, he turned back to Iredys. ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    She nodded. ¡®Ponderosa and I will be here,¡¯ she said.


    Prince Kelton closed the door and left with his knights.


    ¡®How soon will he be back?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    ¡®Tonight at the earliest,¡¯ Iredys replied before turning to help her empty the rest of the larger jars.


    ¡®Is that when it will finally dawn on him that the child in your womb is his?¡¯ she wondered.


    She gave her a small, but sad, smile. ¡®No. Not until he¡¯s come to term with the fact that he found me pregnant and in possession of magic.¡¯


    Ponderosa embraced Iredys. ¡®I am glad the child belongs to Prince Kelton and not our tormentor.¡¯


    ¡®As am I. ¡­Had it been anyone else¡¯s, I would not have called for your aid. The risk would have been too great.¡¯


    ¡®You have such a good heart, My Lady,¡¯ Ponderosa smiled.


    ¡®Iredys, Ponderosa,¡¯ Iredys chuckled as she corrected her.


    Ponderosa chuckled too then let go so she could grab the lighter cloak since the townspeople tended to start coming about now to ask their questions.

 Its His News To Share

    Prince Kelton headed down the street with Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn by his side. He wasn¡¯t sure if he was more touched or irked at the moment, so he kept his mouth shut. They entered the Eagle Inn and ordered several bowls of stew. Prince Kelton then found a table near the hearth to sit at. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn sat as well.


    ¡°Is there a reason the two of you disregarded my order?¡± he asked softly.


    ¡°We felt someone needed to stay, in case¡­.¡± Sir Hamnet stopped when Prince Kelton turned to him.


    ¡°I was not in any dan¡­.¡± He shook his head and turned his attention to the fire burning not far from them.


    ¡°Were you able to get any answers?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    Prince Kelton remained silent.


    His mind was trying to understand everything that had happened since they arrived at the cottage that morning. They had gone to see the Seer to get answers regarding the Dragonwoman¡¯s and, potentially, Lady Iredys¡¯ whereabouts. Only to discover that the so-called Seer was none other than Lady Iredys, but she was different now. She was blind, but could move about as if she could see; she spoke through thought instead of with words. Why did she choose not to speak normally? Or had she done it on purpose so he knew more of what had changed in her absence?


    Prince Kelton rubbed his eyes. There was still more she had yet to tell him. He had just started to go through the happenings again when the serving maid brought over their stew and plates of freshly baked bread. He nodded his thanks then stirred his spoon around the chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots. His thoughts turned back to Iredys. Deep sleep. Convulsions. He gripped his spoon tighter and closed his eyes when he felt the fear that had swept over him in that moment.


    ¡°My Lord?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    He shook his head to help push the emotions away. He tucked into the soup. He ate several bites before his movements slowed again. It had taken her a while to get up once she had calmed from having the convulsions, and she had cried. Did that mean that the convulsions she¡¯d experienced were something new? Something that came as a result of something she had yet to tell him about? Prince Kelton tore off a chunk of bread and dropped it in his stew. He watched the liquid soak into the fluffy, steamy, chunk before he lifted it with his spoon and ate it.


    Thought speech. Blind eyes. Falling to sit on a chair that had not been there before. The chair Iredys had been sitting on while she drank whatever had been in the cup Ponderosa had given her. He could not recall what Ponderosa was doing at the time, but Iredys¡¯ free hand had been empty. Her body was facing him. Not once had she turned to¡­. Yet, Iredys had told him that she had moved the chair. But how? Then there was the distention of her abdomen. Yet, she had mentioned that there was more still. What else did she have to tell him that she had not already revealed to him?


    Sighing, Prince Kelton put his spoon down. He understood the driving pull somewhat now, but how had he been guided to her this time when he had been unable to find her when he had felt pulled to different parts of the kingdom? Did it have something to do with why she was called Seer by the people? Did she see or know things ahead of time? Even the black haired woman had silently acknowledged the title. Ponderosa, Iredys had called her. Was she more than just the town healer? How long had Iredys been with her? Who had slept with his betrothed?


    Unable to focus on the food in front of him and feeling fatigued by the increasing questions, Prince Kelton stood. He set a pouch of coins on the table then left to go lie down for a while.


    When he stirred again, the last of the light was fading from the sky. He could hear Sir Hamnet¡¯s and Sir Droyn¡¯s semi-muffled voices just outside his door.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you are being so tight-lipped about why Kelton is acting strangely,¡± Sir Hamnet said.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said, it¡¯s his news to share,¡± Sir Droyn replied.


    ¡°Droyn, we¡¯ve never kept secrets from each other. What happened before our arrival?¡±


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    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°If it was nothing, why was he so quick to throw you out of the cottage?¡±


    Prince Kelton sighed.


    He knew Sir Hamnet would not let it go. Not until his suspicions were confirmed or denied. As for himself,.... He needed to know more about what had happened to Iredys; if she was still his beloved betrothed.


    Prince Kelton rubbed his eyes then stood and straightened his clothes before pulling his cloak back on. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn had grown quiet, but the subtle creak of the floor told him they had not left yet. When he opened the door they both took a step back and bowed to him. He glanced at both of them before he said.


    ¡°Both of you are to stay here or take a much needed walk around the town. I do not want to discover either of you hovering outside Ponderosa¡¯s home. Am I clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, My Lord,¡± they replied in unison.


    Prince Kelton nodded. He flipped the hood of his cloak up then left the inn.


    He was nearing Ponderosa¡¯s cottage when she opened the door to let him in.


    ¡°You were expecting my return?¡±


    Ponderosa nodded. She stepped back and let him come in.


    Iredys was seated beside the window once more, her back to the door. She wore a light cloak that cast a shadow over her face so it was hard to see in the window¡¯s reflection. Ponderosa closed the door and Iredys stood. Both of them knelt before him.


    ¡®We apologize for the lack of a proper greeting this morning, Prince Kelton,¡¯ Iredys said.


    ¡°I¡­ It¡¯s fine. Please, rise,¡± he replied.


    Ponderosa stood then helped Iredys back to her feet. Iredys set a hand on her belly as she sat on the cot. The chair by the window slid across the floor, but stopped in front of her.


    ¡®Please, sit,¡¯ Iredys said, motioning to the chair. ¡®Ask your questions.¡¯


    Prince Kelton sat in front of her. He studied her face then turned away. It was hard to see the bluish white cloud that now hid her captivating forest green and gold colored eyes. He pressed his lips together, struggling to keep his swirling emotions under control. He wasn¡¯t even sure where to start. What the most important questions were. He half hoped, half expected, Iredys to start answering the myriad of questions swirling around in his head, but she remained silent.


    ¡°How¡­ did you come to possess magic?¡± he finally asked.


    Iredys shifted on the cot a little before she answered. ¡®It was forced on me by the man who held me captive.¡¯


    ¡°Forced how?¡±


    ¡®He burned me with runes as he pushed the stones of my necklace into my flesh. It is the combination of stone and rune that brings that magic about.¡¯


    Shock and rage filled his eyes as he turned to face Iredys. ¡°Show me.¡±


    Iredys calmly brought her hands up and loosened the top of the dress she was wearing. She allowed the fabric to slide off her shoulders so the neckline dropped enough to reveal the seven stones embedded into her pink and uneven flesh.


    ¡°And the runes?¡±


    ¡®They surround each stone. When my flesh heals completely, they will be visible to others.¡¯


    ¡°Do you remember what runes he used?¡±


    ¡®Remember, no. I know the runes because they have been revealed to me as my¡­ recovery has progressed.¡¯


    ¡°Convulsing is recovering?¡±


    Iredys refastened the dress to cover the stones and her shoulders once more. ¡®The convulsions I experience are often due to a vision that has become overwhelming. This morning they came as a result of the reawakening of the seventh rune.¡¯


    ¡°Tell me everything.¡±


    ¡®There is too much to tell, My Lord,¡¯ Iredys said gently. ¡®However, I will tell you what I can. Where would you like me to start?¡¯


    ¡°The day you disappeared,¡± he said quietly.


    Lady Iredys nodded her head once.


    ¡®When I rode ahead that day, I did not realize the danger lurking nearby. I was knocked from my horse. Something hard hit the back of my head and I blacked out¡­. It took me a while to wake fully, but¡­ during those moments of brief consciousness, I remember my limbs feeling heavy and the sound of chains, shifting under the crackle of a fire, reaching my ears. I remember my whole mouth feeling as if it were on fire. My jaw ached as my nose detected the light tang of blood. I was bound in chains, a tight blindfold tied around my eyes, and most of my tongue had been removed.¡¯


    Prince Kelton brought a hand up to his mouth, but said nothing.


    ¡®I was given something sweet to drink. A drink that left my body feeling as if it were not my own. The man that held me captive said some strange things and I could feel an increased desire to move, but I forced myself to remain still. My lack of response brought on a series of whippings and beatings.


    ¡®How long they continued before the burning started, I cannot recall, but after one such beating, I felt the most unbearable pain burn and tear my flesh as he pressed a hot stone against the Peridot stone. Dagaz left its mark as the Peridot anchored itself in my blackened flesh. The pain was enough for me to lose consciousness for a time¡­. When I became aware of the dirt floor beneath me once more, I was no longer Human. I was a Dinakal¡ªa wild cat-like dog not native to this area.¡¯

 Is That Why You Are Here?

    ¡®I panicked,¡¯ Lady Iredys continued. ¡®I tried to become Human again, but all I managed to do was flip through several different transformations. Some of them were Human-like, but most of them were not. The chains that held me bound changed size to keep hold of my limbs. When I stopped struggling, due to exhaustion, I returned to being a Dinakal. I was given more of the sweet liquid, but it had a slightly earthy aftertaste this time. An aftertaste I didn¡¯t mind as the one who gave me the drink gently petted my head.


    ¡®I desired more of the gentle touch. I desired more of the sweet, earthy, liquid. My thoughts turned fuzzy. I no longer cared that I wasn¡¯t Human. A different hand started to pet me. I relished it at first. Doing everything I could to please the man so he would give me more attention. Sometimes I was successful, sometimes I wasn¡¯t. What exactly I did during that time, I am not able to recall.¡¯


    Prince Kelton fisted his hand and closed his eyes. He tried to steady his breath and swallow back the bile that threatened to rise as Iredys continued.


    ¡®What I do know is that, at some point, the man petted the matted fur on my back. It pulled on the wounds that had yet to heal and ripped the scabs open. I snipped at his hand because it hurt. The man picked me up and slammed me against the ground, breaking my front left leg. The pain allowed my thoughts to clear and I became Human once more. I was whipped again before the next hot stone burned my chest. The Aquamarine stone tore into my chest while Ansuz left its mark. My consciousness started to fade as the pressure left my chest, but before I fell into the deeper darkness, I was bombarded with the noise of so many voices in my mind.¡¯


    Iredys shivered and closed her eyes. She rubbed her forehead with her fingers.


    ¡°Iredys?¡± Prince Kelton asked, starting to reach toward her.


    She shifted the cot back a little, to keep out of his reach. ¡®Forgive me, Prince Kelton, a little bit more of my time away has just come back to me. Allow me to continue.¡¯


    The edges of his mouth dropped down into a frown, but he nodded. He sat back in the chair and waited.


    ¡®I was free of the chains when I started to become aware again. I spoke via thought to many as I ran errands for my captor. My actions felt strange, my words even more so. My form changed often, depending on the task he wanted me to do, and being something other than Human didn¡¯t bother me anymore. I was content to be a mule. I was content to be whatever he needed me to be. Not once, while I was free of the chains, did I think of escape. I only desired to serve the one who had taken me. I only wanted to do his bidding.¡¯


    ¡°Did he take advantage of you?¡± Prince Kelton asked, looking at her belly, as his heart started to shake with all she had revealed so far.


    ¡®No. He left my virtue intact so I could give it to you.¡¯


    He let out a sigh of relief then furrowed his brow. ¡°Give it to me?¡±


    She nodded once. Her expression was serious, but otherwise emotionless.


    ¡®Plans were made so my captor could get a hold on you as well. We knew you were away from Greywolf Castle, searching for me. I was to use our betrothal to subdue you, so you would follow and worship the man I obeyed. This in turn would allow him to use us to overthrow Queen Leona¡¯s rule and give him the power he needed to control Greywolf Kingdom.¡¯


    Prince Kelton stood. His heart pained, his thoughts in turmoil as he stared at Iredys.


    ¡®His plans for Greywolf Kingdom did not stop there, however, but before he got caught up in his excitement to see these plans fulfilled, I¡­.¡¯


    ¡°Stop,¡± Prince Kelton rasped. ¡°Just stop.¡±


    Iredys remained silent.


    He was silent for several minutes. He felt shocked and disgusted, betrayed, yet suspended in disbelief that Iredys would actually go through with this. ¡°...Is that why you are here?¡± he finally asked. ¡°To lead me to become¡­.¡±


    ¡®No. I no longer serve, nor have the desire to serve, the man that took me.¡¯


    ¡°How can I be certain of that?¡±


    ¡®That is something you will need to decide for yourself, if you are willing to listen to the rest of what I have to tell you.¡¯


    Prince Kelton sat down slowly, but refused to look at her anymore.


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


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    He gave her a perfunctory nod.


    ¡®In order for his plan to be successful, it required I be burned again. The Diamond this time. ¡­The intensity of the heat and pressure in the center of my chest made it hard to breathe. My heart shook as the Diamond cracked my breastbone. Sorrow, love, and desire flooded my soul. I remembered you. I remembered who I was to you. I shuddered and collapsed when the pressure against the Diamond finally ceased and Wunjo firmly settled into my flesh. I gasped for air. I retched hard because I had swallowed some in an attempt to catch my breath.


    ¡®I heard the man command me to leave the place where we stayed, and I did. I flew to Palion City where you were last rumored to be. I changed into a dog so I could learn which room you were staying in at the Crunching Otter Inn. My timing was such that I was able to see you stand on the balcony and look at the night sky before you went downstairs. I hurried out of the city then to grab some clothes and return to your room. I flew through the shadows to your balcony. I let myself in then waited for your return.


    ¡®I did not have to wait long before you stumbled drunkenly into the room. You looked at me, but thought you were seeing things until I spoke to you as I am speaking to you now. Your drunken mind did not pick up on the fact that your ears did not pick up the sound.¡¯


    ¡°I embraced you,¡± Prince Kelton said softly. ¡°Kissed you.¡±


    Lady Iredys nodded. ¡®You asked me if I had kept my vows to you.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Then I passed out, despite wanting to consummate our vows so we would officially be wed.¡±


    ¡®Just before you passed out, I was able to help you to the bed. I made love to you, letting the magic of Wunjo and the Diamond bind us together. More memories of our time together came back to me as we became one. You woke long enough after your release to make love to me again. You passed out again after that, and I only rested until I had enough strength to be able to carry you away. I had just picked you up so I could fly us back to where my Master was when Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn barged into the room. Sir¡­.¡¯


    Prince Kelton held up his hand to get her to stop for a moment. ¡°Fly how?¡±


    Iredys turned her head to look at Ponderosa. ¡®A little help, please?¡¯ she requested.


    Ponderosa came over and held a blanket in front of her as she loosened her dress. She then tucked the edges of the blanket under Lady Iredys¡¯ arm before she stepped away. Prince Kelton watched as Lady Iredys stood and shrugged her shoulders. Large, black, dragon wings unfurled from her back. Standing slowly, Prince Kelton took in the appearance of her wings.


    ¡°Sir Hamnet said I was nearly taken by a black Dragonwoman,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡®That statement would have been accurate, as my skin was as black as pitch when I came to you that night,¡¯ Lady Iredys said. ¡®Had he not grazed me with his sword, causing me to drop you before I fled, we wouldn¡¯t be having this conversation.¡¯


    Prince Kelton stared at her wings a little longer before he turned his head to the side and looked at the floor. He heard the whoosh of air as Lady Iredys¡¯ wings disappeared, before Ponderosa stepped over to hold the blanket once more while Iredys pulled the top of her dress back into place.


    ¡°One night together doesn¡¯t mean the child is mine,¡± Prince Kelton said softly as he pulled the Garnet ring off his finger enough to expose the Diamond band that still encircled his finger, ¡°especially since the fidelity of our union was broken less than a day later.¡±


    Lady Iredys sat back on the cot and ran her hands over her belly. ¡®Our union was broken because he killed me upon my return,¡¯ she said softly.


    Prince Kelton turned to her.


    ¡®He was angry because I had failed to bring you with me, despite being able to complete the most important part of that mission.¡¯ Iredys held up her left hand, so he could see the Diamond band that encircled her ring finger as well. ¡®He burned me with two stones at once. Kenaz pressed the Emerald stone into my chest at the same time that Berkano pressed the Alexandrite stone into my chest. The pain was intense enough that I could feel myself slipping out of this world and into the next.¡¯


    The tension in Prince Kelton¡¯s body softened a little, but he did not relax enough to sit on the chair again.


    ¡®But Berkano held me back,¡¯ she continued, ¡®locked my soul in my emaciated and wounded body. Kenaz flooded my mind with more memories while severe convulsions shook my body. The Emerald, combined with the renewing powers of the Alexandrite and Peridot, ravaged my body to rid it of the evil that had taken root. I vomited. The once sweet, and somewhat earthy, liquid I had eagerly accepted was now putrid. Until that moment, I was unaware that the sweet liquid was remaining in my body, which is what allowed the man to have the amount of control he had over me.¡¯ Iredys let out a sigh. ¡®Had he not burned me with Berkano when he burned me with Kenaz, I would not be alive anymore, and our son wouldn¡¯t have been conceived.¡¯


    Prince Kelton winced. His eyes filled with tears of sorrow and rage.


    ¡®...Unfortunately, my torment did not end with the purging of the sweet, earthy, putrid concoction that gave my will to that man,¡¯ Iredys continued when Prince Kelton gave no sign that he was going to speak. ¡®I was chained up once more, and he sewed my eyes shut with a dirty needle while I was still conscious. The man tried again and again to gain control of me once more by using stronger versions of the concoction, but anytime he forced the stuff down my throat, I would throw it back up again.


    ¡®On the twelfth day, I felt the conception of our son. That was the day that he started to try and break my will in other ways. He broke my right arm and left leg. He whipped and beat me. I don¡¯t understand why, but he didn¡¯t force himself upon me, nor did he command one of his other minions to do so. All the while I refused to give up. I refused to give in, for our son¡¯s sake. Thankfully, my pleas for rescue were heard by Ponderosa and she came for me, but not before he burned me one final time. Ehwaz pressed the Ruby between my ribs while Algiz pressed the Jet between my ribs. He pressed harder than necessary. The force pressed all the air out of my lungs. I could not get my lungs to expand. The intensity of the burning increased with the amount of pressure being put on those stones. The darkness around me started to turn white.


    ¡®I needed to breathe to keep our son alive. I needed the burning to stop. Mentally, I pushed the stones and the man away. I heard a crash, before a rumbling filled my ears and my attention was pulled out of my body.¡¯

 The Pull

    Prince Kelton¡¯s breath shook and tears fell from his eyes. He sniffled and wiped the tears from his face with the back of his hand until Ponderosa offered him a handkerchief. He accepted the cloth and whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded then stepped away again.


    ¡®Ponderosa was working to dig me out of the rubble while keeping the man¡¯s other minions at bay. You and your knights were rushing through Guasha Forest to deal with the Dragon. I was able to keep the Dragon¡¯s Fire from reaching you and Ponderosa was able to whisk me away.¡¯


    ¡°How did you survive?¡± he whispered.


    ¡®...Ponderosa says that a table kept the fallen ceiling from crushing me,¡¯ Iredys replied.


    More tears fell from his eyes as Prince Kelton rubbed his forehead. ¡°You were that close this entire time?¡± he mumbled.


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    He covered his eyes with his hand and said no more.


    ¡®Ponderosa didn¡¯t know it was me she had rescued until she started to tend to all the wounds I had. Even then she wasn¡¯t sure if she should inform you of my finding or not.¡¯


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t she?¡± he asked, turning his red rimmed eyes toward her.


    ¡®Because she was not willing to find out if you held the same beliefs as Queen Leona, regarding magic, by sending you word; nor did she want to see harm come to me or the child in my womb, because she did not know who it belonged to.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded meekly.


    ¡°And from the sound of your narrative, her message would not have reached me since I had already begun this circuit,¡± he said.


    ¡®Correct.¡¯


    He nodded. ¡°I am assuming that all of your wounds are healed now?¡±


    Iredys nodded. ¡®They healed more swiftly than normal because of the Jet, Peridot, and Alexandrite. I have only been in Ponderosa¡¯s care for a little less than two months.¡¯


    ¡°Which is how long it took me to get here from Hope Village.¡±


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    Prince Kelton lowered his head to think some more, then he shook his head.


    ¡®I will clarify more tomorrow, Prince Kelton. Your knights will start to get antsy if you are away from the inn for much longer.¡¯


    ¡°Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn¡­.¡±


    ¡®Are not the only ones,¡¯ she interrupted him.


    He sighed. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Iredys stood as he stood. She bowed low, as did Ponderosa, before he left the cottage.


    The streets of Pride Town were quiet as he made his way back to the inn. His knights were gathered in the dining area talking over alcohol laced barley. Their conversation stopped when he stepped in.


    ¡°Is everything alright, Sire?¡± Sir Thomas asked.


    ¡°Yes, Sir Thomas. I just have a lot on my mind right now. May you all rest well tonight.¡±


    ¡°You as well, My Lord.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then headed for his room. He readied himself for sleep as he softly, but verbally, reviewed everything Iredys had told him.


    ¡°Dagaz¡ªTransformation; Ansuz¡ªCommunication; Wunjo¡ªRelationship; Kenaz¡ªVisions; Berkano¡­. Renewal, was it?¡± He rolled onto his back and rested his arm over his forehead. ¡°Ehwaz and Algiz. One of them allows her to move things with her mind. The other¡­ she didn¡¯t really say, and, unfortunately, I do not know the Ehwaz and Algiz runes very well.¡±


    He let his arm slide down to cover his eyes. Her captor had beaten her. Starved her. Burned her. Ultimately killed her before Ponderosa managed to get her away from him. However, because of one¡­ maybe more than one¡­ rune and stone combination, she was still alive. He rolled onto his side. There was so much he felt he didn¡¯t know, but it would have to wait.


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    However, as much as he tried to get his mind to still, he continued to toss and turn as snippets of his conversation with Iredys playing out. By the time his mind had played through Iredys getting burned as the Ruby and Jet were forced into her flesh for the third time, Prince Kelton sat up with a gasp. He moaned, feeling exhausted. He turned and let his legs hang over the side of the bed. He stared out the window until the dimness of dawn turned into day. Only then did he get up. He freshened himself up then headed downstairs to eat. Some of his knights were still milling about, while others had already gone out.


    ¡°Do we know when we are heading out again, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Gruph wondered.


    ¡°Another day or two, depending on when I can conclude my business here,¡± he replied.


    He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, but nodded without a word before stepping out of the inn.


    Prince Kelton sat at the table nearest the window. The innkeeper brought out a steaming bowl of warmed grains with some dried figs in it. He nodded his head in thanks then ate slowly. He did not see signs of Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn, which he hoped meant that the two of them were either sleeping or had already gone out. Whatever the case was, he was more than happy to have the freedom to visit Iredys and Ponderosa alone.


    He finished his meal then left the inn for Ponderosa¡¯s cottage. A strange feeling stirred in his chest as he looked at the six men waiting anxiously outside Ponderosa¡¯s door.


    ¡°Here to see the Seer as well?¡± the man closest to him asked, unable to see his face under the hood of his cloak.


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    The man nodded.


    He turned away from Prince Kelton when the door of the cottage opened. One man came out, looking somewhat dejected, before the one standing closest to the door stepped in. The comings and goings of the men in front of him took no more than a few minutes each. The sound of a soft crunch behind him made him turn. Two women seemed to be waiting behind him.


    ¡°Here to see the Seer?¡± he asked.


    They both nodded.


    The door opened which meant it was Prince Kelton¡¯s turn, but he instead allowed the women to go in ahead of him. Where his own visit would take some time, he didn¡¯t want these ladies out here for longer than they needed to be.


    While he was waiting for the two ladies to finish their talk with Iredys, Prince Kelton noticed that Sir Hamnet was perching on a barrel not too far down the road. His attention seemed to be on something else, but Prince Kelton knew better. He knew Sir Hamnet would choose to remain closer today after being left behind and then commanded to go away. Sighing, Prince Kelton could only hope that Sir Hamnet would be smart enough to go inside after a few hours. The sky was clear and so the air was colder than it had been.


    Prince Kelton took a step back when the door opened again. He watched the woman step out with a slight spring in her step before Ponderosa motioned for him to come in. He stepped inside and Ponderosa closed the door. Iredys stood beside the table mixing something in two separate glasses.


    ¡®May I offer you a glass of water, Prince Kelton?¡¯ she asked, as she brought a glass to Ponderosa.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Iredys nodded. She sat on the cot with the second glass in hand. The chair beside the window slid across the floor to stop in front of her. Prince Kelton sat in the chair while Iredys drank from the glass.


    ¡°May I ask what you are drinking?¡± he wondered.


    ¡®Ground wheat with alfalfa tincture,¡¯ Iredys replied.


    He nodded. ¡°Are there other things you have been able to eat?¡±


    Iredys shook her head. ¡®Not much one can eat without a tongue.¡¯


    Prince Kelton winced. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    A gentle smile lifted her lips. ¡®Your question is understandable, Prince Kelton. Neither of us hold it against you.¡¯


    He nodded. He looked down at his lap and pulled his fingers in to form fists on his thighs. ¡°About last night, can you clarify a few things for me?¡±


    ¡®Certainly. What do you want to know first?¡¯


    ¡°Were you aware that I was searching for you?¡±


    ¡®I came to realize it was me you were looking for after Wunjo had burned the Diamond into my chest.¡¯


    He nodded. ¡°...Can you explain how I knew I would find you, or the Dragonwoman you, here in Pride Town?¡± he wondered.


    ¡®Despite my death, I was still alive, which allowed the Diamond bands on our fingers to resonate with the properties of the Garnet in the ring I gave you.¡¯


    He saw a look of understanding cross Ponderosa¡¯s face.


    ¡°You knew about this, Ponderosa?¡±


    She picked up her quill and scribbled something on one of the torn papers on the table. ¡®While trying to figure out what magic Iredys had, she opened the book to the entry about the Garnet. I was confused as to why she would have me read it, but with your appearance here, it makes sense now.¡¯


    ¡°So, what I am understanding is that, because our relationship is¡­ was what it was, the stones created a resonance that allowed me to find you.¡±


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡°I guess that makes sense, but what about all the other times?¡±


    Iredys¡¯ brow furrowed for a moment. ¡®You were feeling a pull more than six months ago?¡¯


    ¡°Yes. None of them were as strong as this one, but present enough to keep me searching for you this last year and a half.¡±


    ¡®Did that pull ever disappear?¡¯ Iredys wondered.


    ¡°A lot, and always right before I reached the place where I felt pulled to.¡±


    ¡®Did the pull ever change directions?¡¯


    ¡°There were a couple times that it did. The pull turned towards the southern border of the kingdom before it vanished. That didn¡¯t start happening until I had been searching for you for nearly a year. After that, I only felt it change direction when Sir Droyn and I arrived here.¡±

 Not A Matter Of Want

    ¡®The only way for that to be true would be if the resonance between the Diamond and Garnet was there before I was taken,¡¯ she said in a manner that sounded like she was talking to herself more than him.


    ¡°If that was the case, why could I never reach you in time?¡±


    ¡®Because my task was complete and I had left the boundaries of Greywolf Kingdom.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Then what about the times the resonance seemed to disappear these last two months?¡±


    Iredys was quiet for a while. ¡®The loss of resonance occurred due to marriage proposals offered to me by several of the young men here in Pride Town.¡¯


    ¡°What?! How could they even ask? You¡¯re my betrothed.¡±


    ¡®They do not know that.¡¯


    ¡°Wait. What?¡±


    A soft smile lifted Iredys lips again. ¡®With the exception of Ponderosa, Sir Droyn, and yourself, no one else knows who I really am.¡¯


    Prince Kelton took a calming breath.


    ¡®You felt the resonance return when I rejected their offer.¡¯


    ¡°Then it calmed once I arrived in Pride Town and insisted on seeing¡­ you.¡±


    Iredys nodded.


    Prince Kelton sat back and looked at the ceiling. He saw, but didn¡¯t pay much attention to the herbs hanging there as he was trying to get all the pieces to fit the timeline in his head.


    ¡°There is just no way,¡± he muttered, as he thought about the resonance he felt in tandem with what Iredys had told him regarding Ponderosa coming to her rescue. With all the storms that had come through, there was no way she could have been in Mediocre Village the same day they were in Hope Village then be in Pride Town a month later for Iredys to start receiving marriage proposals. ¡°Unless¡­.¡±


    He turned his eyes towards Ponderosa.


    She seemed unnerved by his gaze and bit her lower lip before she bowed her head and looked at the floor.


    ¡°Do you also possess magic, Ponderosa?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa fisted her hands and closed her eyes, but nodded.


    ¡°What kind?¡±


    She drew in a shaky breath as Lady Iredys moved from the cot to stand beside her. She embraced Ponderosa and rubbed her back.


    ¡®She has transformation magic like myself, Prince Kelton,¡¯ Iredys responded, ¡®though the stone used to complete the activation differs from mine.¡¯


    ¡°Does that change the magic?¡±


    ¡®Not in the dramatic ways you are thinking.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    ¡®You¡¯re okay, Ponderosa,¡¯ he heard Lady Iredys say to her. ¡®Nothing will happen to you.¡¯


    Ponderosa gasped and wept on her shoulder.


    ¡®It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re okay. You¡¯re safe.¡¯


    A few minutes passed before Ponderosa calmed down.


    ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± Prince Kelton wondered.


    Ponderosa shook her head then turned to wash some of the jars she had emptied the previous day.


    ¡°Iredys?¡±


    ¡®Ponderosa is still adjusting to the fact that she is still safe despite the fact that the Prince of the kingdom, that has banished magic, knows what she possesses,¡¯ Iredys said as she sat down again.


    ¡°You can rest assured that your secret is safe with me, Ponderosa,¡± Prince Kelton said.


    She turned her head slightly and nodded, but her shoulders and arms remained tense as she continued to wash her jars.


    ¡®Going back to the previous discussion, Prince Kelton,¡¯ Iredys said, to draw his attention away from Ponderosa. ¡®There is a choice you must make about who you will marry.¡¯


    Prince Kelton furrowed his brow. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± he said. ¡°I married you.¡±


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    ¡®A marriage that was broken by my death, despite the fact that I am still breathing right now.¡¯ She held up her left hand so he could see the break in the Diamond band on her hand, in the same place that it was broken on his. ¡®I should also tell you that I do not know how my reawakened transformation magic will affect me after our son is born. It has been in stasis since my death six months ago.¡±


    He bowed his head and locked the fingers of his hands together. ¡°And if it does affect you?¡±


    ¡®If I had to venture a guess, I would ¡®die¡¯ again, Brekano would ensure that I¡¯d be reborn somewhere, and Dagaz would change my form.¡¯


    ¡°Is there a way to know for sure?¡±


    Iredys shook her head. ¡®I cannot see my own path.¡¯


    ¡°...And if I were to marry you again, how long would we have?¡±


    ¡°About three months, starting now.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then stood to approach her.


    Iredys held up her hand to stop him.


    Prince Kelton did stop, but furrowed his brow in confusion. ¡°Do you not want this?¡± he wondered.


    ¡®It is not a matter of want, Prince Kelton,¡¯ she said as she picked up the glass she had used from the floor and took it to the corner to wash. She removed the cloak from her shoulders when she was done, folded it, and set it on the cedar chest beside the table. Then she returned to the cot and sat down. ¡®I am no longer welcome in this kingdom.¡¯


    ¡°I can make that change.¡±


    ¡®Not soon enough.¡¯


    Prince Kelton frowned, but nodded. His heart and mind were troubled by the realization that he really would have to marry the bratty Princess Analisa, unless he managed to find a way to keep Iredys magic secret.


    ¡®Princess Analisa is not your only choice,¡¯ Iredys said.


    A mix of pain and hope knotted in his heart as he turned tear filled eyes in her direction.


    ¡°Aside from Princess Analisa, I have seen you choose Countess Lilia.¡¯


    Prince Kelton¡¯s brow furrowed a little as he thought about the shy Countess Lilia.


    ¡®You know well that, in choosing Princess Analisa, you will have a stronger alliance with Lakemead Kingdom to draw upon in times of war,¡¯ Iredys said. ¡®As for Countess Lilia, you will find greater reprieve during times of stress and a great support as you continue to work for and with the people of this kingdom. Both will be able to give you many children in the days ahead.¡¯


    Prince Kelton was quiet for several moments. ¡°And you?¡± he tried again, not willing to let go of the possibility to have her again, no matter how slim. ¡°Even if Dagaz were to change your form after you give birth, would you not be able to transform back into a Human?¡± he wondered.


    ¡®I would think so, given how fluid that ability seemed while I was held captive, but how soon I would be able to is something I am not entirely sure of.¡¯


    He blew out his breath and nodded.


    ¡®I need to rest now, Prince Kelton. I hope you will give more thought to everything I have told you.¡¯


    ¡°You want me to leave.¡±


    Iredys shook her head. ¡®You are welcome to stay here to think over the options before you. All I am asking is that you give everything I¡¯ve said some thought instead of rushing ahead on emotion only.¡¯


    Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Iredys,¡± he replied gently.


    Iredys lay down and Ponderosa came over to adjust the blankets and stoke the fire.


    Prince Kelton watched the flames as he thought about what it would mean to leave Iredys and their still growing son here because of the danger her newly acquired magic brought with it. It would mean he would have to marry Princess Analisa or Countess Lilia when he returned. There would be no way out of it. He wondered if he could consummate his marriage to either woman knowing that his former wife was here, or wandering the world somewhere. Could he be faithful to Countess Lilia or Princess Analisa knowing that the one woman he could not deny he still had feelings for would still be alive in the world somewhere, but unable to be with him because of the laws of the kingdom were what they were?


    As for children, yes he had the heir that his mother pushed him for, but she would not recognize him as a legitimate son. That recognition would only come with the first son he had with either Princess Analisa or Countess Lilia. He sighed.


    Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Ponderosa had brought him a glass of water.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said quietly, as he accepted the glass.


    Ponderosa nodded then removed a bunch of dried herbs from her rafters.


    Prince Kelton took a few sips of water while he watched Ponderosa carefully break the dried leaves into smaller pieces and drop them in a mortar. She carefully, yet thoroughly, ground them into a fine powder with the pestle. After all the leaves had been ground into a powder, Ponderosa dug into the chest beside the table and pulled out a bulky satchel. From the satchel she removed several small jars that had a label on them. A small scoop was pulled out next. Then Ponderosa meticulously filled the jars with the powder from the mortar.


    Ponderosa secured the stopper in the top of each of the jars before tucking them back into the satchel. She wiped out the mortar, cleaned the end of the pestle and her hands, before turning to grab the next bunch of dried herbs from the rafters. However, she stopped when she noticed Prince Kelton watching her closely. She fidgeted a little before turning to her writing kit and writing something down. Prince Kelton stood then to see what she was writing.


    ¡®Is something wrong, Prince Kelton?¡¯ she had written.


    ¡°Not at all, Ponderosa,¡± he replied. ¡°I was fascinated by the work you were doing. How long have you been a healer?¡±


    ¡®Fourteen years,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡°Have you assisted any births?¡±


    She nodded.


    He nodded as his attention turned back to her answers while he thought about all the care she had given Iredys these last two months.


    Ponderosa tipped her head to the side as she watched him.


    ¡°If I choose to bring Lady Iredys back with me, are you in a position to come along?¡± he asked after a moment.


    Tears filled Ponderosa¡¯s eyes, but a smile lifted her trembling lips as she nodded.


    ¡°Okay. I have more to consider, but I will be back in the morning with my decision.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    Prince Kelton left Ponderosa¡¯s home, purposefully ignoring Sir Hamnet, who ducked behind a nearby barrel, as he returned to the inn. He promptly headed upstairs to his room to rest and give more thought to the reality he faced and not the emotional decision he was still sorely tempted to make.

 She Knows

    Ponderosa jerked awake at the sound of a very loud knocking that rocked her door and rattled the windows. She got up swiftly. She opened the door then had to step back to avoid the fist that had been raised to knock once more.


    ¡°My apologies, Ponderosa,¡± Prince Kelton said.


    She nodded then leaned against the door a little, still feeling exhausted since she had stayed up most of the night making sure all of her herbs had been ground and stored.


    ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡± he asked.


    She nodded then motioned for him to come inside.


    Prince Kelton stepped inside, motioning for the two knights that had come with him to wait outside.


    Ponderosa closed the door behind him. She noticed that Prince Kelton¡¯s attention had immediately turned to Iredys.


    ¡°Do you know how much longer she will sleep?¡± he asked.


    She shook her head.


    He nodded. ¡°I, uh,... can¡¯t say that I¡¯ve been able to make a firm decision about¡­.¡± Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°But I would like both of you to come with us, in case¡­.¡±


    Ponderosa¡¯s lips twitched because she could practically hear the rest of the unfinished sentence, but she nodded.


    ¡°We can leave as soon as Iredys wakes.¡±


    Glancing at the sleeping Iredys, Ponderosa bit her lip. She watched the very, very, slow rise and fall of her chest. A sure sign that she may not be waking for many hours yet.


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡±


    Ponderosa turned to her writing kit. ¡®The depth of Lady Iredys¡¯ breath tells me that she will remain unconscious for some time. Whether that be a couple hours or a full day, I never know.¡¯


    Prince Kelton frowned. ¡°Is there no way to wake her?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    He blew out his breath. ¡°I was really hoping to be able to tell her so she knew.¡±


    ¡®She knows,¡¯ Ponderosa wrote.


    ¡°You are that sure?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ve purchased a small carriage and horse for you and Iredys to use.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°How much time will you need to gather your things?¡±


    Her gaze turned to the rafters where the roots she hadn¡¯t gotten to the night before should have been. However, they were nowhere to be found. Ponderosa¡¯s brow furrowed as she scanned the floor,but did not see them there either. She turned to her satchel and searched the pouches. The bottles designed for those roots had been filled with a powder, instead of the rough cut she usually managed. Opening the jar, she smelled the powder. Her brow furrowed. It was the correct herb, but¡­ Ponderosa slowly affixed the cork back into the mouth of the bottle. She turned to look at the fire and saw the steady, but low burning coals. Iredys. Iredys had dried and pulverized the roots, which would allow her to bring more of the root with her than she would have had she been able to dry and cut them herself.


    ¡°Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton asked, looking confused by her actions.


    Ponderosa put the jar back into her satchel then picked up the quill once more. ¡®We can be ready within the hour, My Lord.¡¯


    ¡°We will return within the hour then.¡±


    She nodded then opened the door for him.


    She closed the door then turned to double check her satchel. She also needed to pack her writing kit, bundle up the blankets, and much more. All of the jars in the satchel had been refilled. She had enough jars of ground wheat to last her and Iredys the several week trip to Greywolf Castle. She cleaned up her writing kit and stored it in another satchel. She had just turned to her chest to grab the items most precious to her before she turned back to the jars of ground wheat.


    For some reason, she felt like she should pack all of it, just in case. Once she felt satisfied with those preparations, she turned back to the chest. She sorted through the few things she kept in there, looking for the trinkets that meant the most to her. It did not take her long to find them. She tucked them all into a small pine box and added it to the satchel holding her writing kit. She made sure to add her book of formulas as well.


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    ¡®Okay,¡¯ she thought. ¡®Food, herbs, writing kit,... blankets.¡¯


    Ponderosa turned her attention to the cot. The warmth of the fire was waning, but she did not dare add another log to the hearth since they were leaving soon. Instead, she focused on getting Iredys ready to go out. She slipped socks and shoes onto her feet. She gently removed the blankets and replaced them with the thicker cloak. Then she shifted the cot a little closer to the hearth to keep Iredys warm while she finished preparing what she could.


    She folded and bundled the blankets together. Then she put her own socks and shoes on. Ponderosa looked over everything once more. She added a couple more things from her chest and several cups to another bag before she rearranged the bags a little. The sound of several horses¡¯ hooves and the rumbling wheels of a carriage sounded outside the cottage as she finished putting the most important things into the two largest satchels. Ponderosa slipped the lighter cloak over her shoulders before she opened the door. Prince Kelton, Sir Droyn, and one other knight stepped inside.


    ¡°I hope we are not too early,¡± Prince Kelton said.


    Ponderosa smiled and shook her head. She motioned to the three bags and the tied up blankets.


    Prince Kelton motioned to his knights to load her things into the carriage. Once the two of them were gone, Prince Kelton turned to Iredys. He pulled off his left glove, revealing the ring that held the Garnet stone in it, before he gently stroked her cheek. Iredys didn¡¯t respond to his touch at all. He sighed.


    ¡°Do you object to having me ride with the two of you for a time?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    She doused the fire in the hearth then followed Prince Kelton out of the cottage. She looked back once to make sure there wasn¡¯t anything she had forgotten before closing the door. Ponderosa noted the various expressions Prince Kelton¡¯s knights had as they waited for their Lord to be ready to go. Some of them were smiling. A few of them had looks of suspicion, and the rest seemed thoughtful. The knight that had come in with Sir Droyn held the reins of the carriage horse steady while Prince Kelton climbed into the carriage with Iredys. She followed soon after.


    Prince Kelton held Iredys securely against his chest. The carriage swayed a little as the knight that would be driving the carriage climbed up. Prince Kelton waved his hand out the window once the knight was settled and a couple of the knights kicked their horses to start walking just before the carriage started to move. Ponderosa could see the rest of the knights following behind the carriage. Once out of town, the carriage started to move a little faster. Ponderosa felt the carriage turn and head toward Ghinf Village.


    A village she had not been to since she had gone to help Krissy support a woman through a difficult labor six months ago. Fortunately, both the mother and the baby had survived the ordeal. How they were doing now, Ponderosa did not know. She had shifted her focus back to helping the people of Pride Town and hiding in the forest on the nights of the new moon, until she¡¯d left to rescue Iredys from the most vile man on the planet. She was grateful that she no longer needed to hide away when the moon was new¡ªespecially now that she was surrounded by Prince Kelton and his knights.


    They were almost to the village when Prince Kelton¡¯s attention dropped to Iredys. Ponderosa shifted to see Iredys¡¯ face better as she shifted in his arms and moaned. She knew that moan and tugged on Prince Kelton¡¯s sleeve to get his attention. She pointed to where she knew the knight driving was and made the motion to rein the horses in. Prince Kelton¡¯s brow furrowed as Iredys moaned and shifted again. Ponderosa motioned for him to give Iredys to her. He had just started to loosen his hold when Iredys twitched and started to convulse in his arms.


    He quickly passed her to Ponderosa then whistled for the knight to stop the carriage. Ponderosa lay Iredys on the floor of the carriage and held onto her head and shoulders while she continued to thrash about. Prince Kelton remained where he sat, his expression troubled.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± a knight called through the door.


    ¡°Lady Iredys has fallen into a fit,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°The healer is helping her.¡±


    ¡°Is she in need of anything?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    ¡°No,¡± Prince Kelton replied. Then he asked Ponderosa, his eyes remaining on Iredys¡¯ face, ¡°What is happening?¡±


    Ponderosa could only look at him and continue to keep a firm hold on Iredys until the vision stopped.


    When the shaking finally stopped, Iredys whimpered. She turned into Ponderosa and held her waist. Ponderosa rubbed her back and petted her head.


    ¡°Lady Iredys?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    She curled up against Ponderosa and held tighter.


    Ponderosa could feel Iredys shivering, but it was hard to see why because the hood of the cloak kept her face hidden. Prince Kelton shifted to unbundle the blankets, but Ponderosa stopped him.


    ¡°She¡¯s shivering,¡± he said.


    Ponderosa nodded, but then pointed to the blankets and shook her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded then turned her attention to Iredys. ¡®Did you want me to help you up, or Prince Kelton?¡¯


    ¡®You,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡®Okay.¡¯


    Ponderosa shifted and Prince Kelton reached down to try and help her up, but the moment he touched Iredys, she cringed and clung to Ponderosa more fiercely. He stopped and looked at Ponderosa. She gave him an apologetic look then motioned for him to leave the carriage. He sighed then carefully climbed out of the carriage. Ponderosa then helped Iredys up enough to be able to settle back onto the bench. Iredys drew her arms to her chest as she leaned against Ponderosa. She squirmed a little until Ponderosa could hold her securely. Prince Kelton frowned, but closed the door of the carriage. He mounted his horse then rode to the front so they could keep moving.


    ¡®Are you well, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked now that they were alone.


    ¡®I am, Ponderosa,¡¯ she replied softly. ¡®You can expect the convulsions to happen often during this trip because I have the feeling that I will see more than just the possibilities for the settlements we will pass through.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®Is there anything that will support you? Potentially shorten them?¡¯


    ¡®The calming and nutritive herbs will be the best help, since I am unable to use external movement to help deal with the flood of information.¡¯


    ¡®Alright. Which ones should I use when we get into Ghinf Village?¡¯


    ¡®Your intuition is always spot on. Keep the trust you have in your skills.¡¯


    ¡®I will.¡¯

 Will You Speak To Me?

    Prince Kelton frowned as they finished the short journey to Ghinf Village. When they had to stop again because Iredys went into convulsions once more, it took everything he had to not ask Ponderosa if it was because of Kenaz or Dagaz. As it was, the blank expression she gave him when he asked what was happening was less than comforting. There was no panic in her eyes, but nor was there any calm, and now that he had been booted from the carriage by Ponderosa, there was less he could do to try and comfort Iredys.


    Even less of an opportunity to ask the questions that were stuck on his tongue while he hoped she would answer him in thought. He was sure she knew of his thoughts, but he also knew that she would remain silent until he could ask, as she had in Ponderosa¡¯s cottage. He hoped to get an answer once they were settled in at the inn. The village was quiet, but quite a few people still milled about. Many of them paused when they entered. Their eyes were full of curiosity as they took note of Prince Kelton, his knights, and the presence of the simple carriage.


    Prince Kelton did his best to ignore the stares. His top priority was to make sure Iredys was comfortable and given enough rest in order to be able to continue the journey. Hoping beyond hope that she and their baby would be able to make it to Greywolf Castle okay. Prince Kelton led his knights and the carriage to the inn near the center of town.


    Sir Droyn was quick to step up and dismount. He caught Prince Kelton¡¯s reins as he dismounted and approached Ponderosa as she stepped out of the carriage. Ponderosa reached for Iredys¡¯ hand. Iredys twitched and jerked a little as she stepped out of the carriage. Prince Kelton tried to hurry to help her, but by the time he was close enough, she was holding tightly to Ponderosa once more.


    ¡°Can I¡­?¡± he asked, holding out his hands a little.


    Iredys nodded slightly then let Ponderosa pass her Prince Kelton so she could grab the bags she needed.


    ¡°Will you tell me what is going on?¡± he whispered to Iredys.


    She shivered and twitched in his arms, but said nothing. Her eyelids fluttered as her eyes rolled back. Her legs started to collapse, forcing Prince Kelton to scoop her up into a princess carry. Ponderosa pulled a dropper bottle from her satchel and brought it over. She gave Iredys one dropperful then turned back to pick up the satchels she needed. Then, with a nod, she followed Prince Kelton into the inn. The innkeeper looked up. Her eyes opened wide at the sight of Prince Kelton carrying a pregnant woman in his arms.


    ¡°I am in need of ten rooms if you have them,¡± Prince Kelton said before the woman could speak.


    ¡°Yes. Absolutely. Right this way.¡±


    The woman scurried out from behind the bar and led them upstairs. She entered one just off the stairs. The fire in the room burned low. She busied herself with stoking the fire as Prince Kelton lay Iredys on the bed. Ponderosa grabbed a chair from the nearby table and sat close to the bed. Prince Kelton turned and noticed that she had purposefully seated herself in the innkeeper¡¯s line of sight to prevent her from seeing who it was.


    ¡°I will check on the two of you in a little while,¡± he said to Ponderosa.


    She nodded then turned her attention to pulling several things out of her satchels.


    ¡°Thank you for your swift response,¡± Prince Kelton said to the innkeeper.


    ¡°Do I need to send for the village healer?¡± she asked, her gaze traveling to the bed.


    ¡°No. She just needs some rest.¡±


    The woman nodded then practically scrambled out of the room when Prince Kelton motioned to the door. He followed long enough to turn the charge of finalizing the rooms to Sir Juleack. Once he was satisfied that the rooms, horses, and carriage would be taken care of, Prince Kelton returned to Ponderosa¡¯s and Iredys¡¯ room. Ponderosa sat beside Iredys helping her drink a glass of meal. The residue on the inside of the cup was green. He furrowed his brow because it looked darker than usual.


    ¡°What did you add to it?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa pointed toward the table.


    On the table was a jar of wheat powder, a glass of water, and a bottle labeled Chlorella. Prince Kelton picked up the bottle of Chlorella. He looked at the liquid in the amber colored bottle before turning back to Ponderosa.


    ¡°Is this something you add to her drink often?¡±


    She pursed her lips and tipped her head side to side before she turned back to Iredys to get her to take the next little bit of meal. Iredys swallowed what Ponderosa gave her before she brought her hand up to take the glass from Ponderosa¡¯s hand. She sat up a little more, so she was no longer leaning against Ponderosa. Ponderosa took this moment to dig into her satchel for something else. She pulled out another bottle and added a few drops to Iredys glass. Iredys circled the cup a little before she resumed her drinking.


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    Prince Kelton set the Chlorella on the table then moved the chair to be able to sit in front of Iredys. He rested his arms on his legs and looked up at Iredys.


    ¡°Will you talk to me now?¡± he asked quietly.


    Iredys slowly opened her eyes and lowered the glass to her lap. ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡®Kenaz granted me information about the citizens of Shounto Village and Ghinf Village.¡¯


    ¡°Do all visions cause you to convulse?¡±


    ¡®No.¡¯


    ¡°And Dagaz?¡±


    ¡®Is quiet¡­ for now.¡¯ Iredys lifted the glass in her hand and tipped her head back fully to empty the cup.


    ¡°...Do the visions and convulsions scare you?¡± he asked, thinking how she had held tightly to Ponderosa both times he had seen her have a fit.


    ¡®No.¡¯


    His brow furrowed and he sat up a little. ¡°But the whining.¡±


    Iredys held her glass out to Ponderosa who added more water to her glass. She circled the glass in her hand again. ¡®The whine in an involuntary response. It is also what helps Ponderosa know that the visions being given to me are becoming overwhelming.¡¯


    ¡°And holding onto Ponderosa after the visions have passed?¡±


    Iredys emptied the glass in her hand once more before answering. ¡®I was asleep when we left Pride Town. Would your knights not find it strange that I would readily accept your embrace while still feeling disoriented by the convulsions that woke me?¡¯


    Prince Kelton turned his head to the side.


    ¡®I understand your desire to help and to comfort, Prince Kelton, in addition to the increased temptation to re-consummate our marriage just in case it is Dagaz trying to change my form before our son can be born.¡¯


    He brought his fist up to his mouth.


    ¡°Our son will not be born before we arrive at the castle, so Dagaz will not be changing my form anytime soon. That much I can confirm for you.¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°As for the convulsions, there isn¡¯t anything you can do for me. Nor do I want you to try.¡¯


    He turned to her, wanting to protest, but she continued.


    ¡®Your knights, however, will ask about the fits. You may tell them that they come as a result of being starved. Given enough nutrition and rest they should eventually stop.¡¯


    ¡°But will they really?¡±


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡°...Will they stop before we reach Greywolf Castle?¡±


    ¡®No. Between now and then many of them will be worse than today.¡¯


    ¡°Worse?¡±


    ¡®What you saw today was related to information about everyone in Ghinf Village and only about half of those in Shounto Village. The convulsions would have been more harsh and gone on a little longer had Ponderosa and I not visited Shounto Village prior to your arrival.¡¯


    ¡°Does it get worse with more people?¡±


    ¡®No. Worse or better is determined by how many possibilities arise for those I am given information for.¡¯


    ¡°Do you know who will have more possibilities than not?¡±


    Iredys smiled. ¡®Even if I did, I would not tell you which settlements they are from. You need to reach the castle in time for the masked ball Queen Leona decided to throw shortly after you started this circuit, which leaves you no room to detour.¡¯


    Prince Kelton grit his teeth and bunched his hands into fists. Of course his mother would throw a ball. A ball he could avoid if he just re-consummated his marriage with Iredys, but he was coming to see that she would not allow him to do that.


    ¡®You are right, I won¡¯t,¡¯ Iredys said to him. ¡®There is more you need to see regarding Princess Analisa and Countess Lilia that you won¡¯t see if you do not attend.¡¯


    ¡°Are you pushing me toward them on purpose?¡± he asked through clenched teeth.


    ¡®Whether I am or not, in order for you to make the best decision, you need to see the whole picture.¡¯


    He sighed and ran a hand over his face.


    ¡®Go eat and rest, Prince Kelton. There is still a long road ahead of us.¡¯


    He nodded then left the room.


    Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn stood near the stairs talking softly. They turned to him.


    ¡°How is Lady Iredys?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°Resting,¡± he replied. ¡°As we all should be.¡±


    Prince Kelton went downstairs for a bowl of soup. He ate it thoughtfully while he reviewed Iredys words. No way to stop the convulsions. No chance to detour to try and lessen them. Firm and unwavering that they all had to arrive at Greywolf Castle in time for the masked ball. He was just finishing the bowl in front of him when Sir Hamnet settled into the chair beside him.


    ¡°Is there a reason, aside from her pregnancy, that you didn¡¯t tell us that Lady Iredys was the one you were visiting while we were in Pride Town?¡±


    ¡°...There was much I needed to know and understand before I could make the choice to bring her back or leave her there.¡±


    ¡°Leave her?! Just because she is pregnant? She¡­.¡±


    Sir Hamnet stopped when Prince Kelton looked at him. ¡°If I had left her, we wouldn¡¯t be having this conversation.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, Sire. I misspoke.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then made his way up to his room to lie down. The last two months had been far from kind, and it seemed like the weeks to follow would prove to be nearly as torturous. He was trying to understand why Iredys wouldn¡¯t let him embrace her. Having to watch her have fits he could do nothing about, the fact that she insisted he attend a ball he didn¡¯t want anything to do with, to talk to and interact with ladies he didn¡¯t care to be close to, so he could potentially choose another woman, both tore at his heart and frustrated him immensely. He shook his head and sighed.


    Finally, Prince Kelton rolled over and let his mind empty of thought, empty of awareness

 Reash Town

    Soon after Prince Kelton left for the night, Iredys turned her head to the NorthEast. The furniture in the room was lifted off the floor and rearranged several times before they were set back in their original places.


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa wondered.


    ¡®We should sleep now. We may have a very early start tomorrow.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded.


    She built up the fire a little more and packed what she could. Then she settled into the bed beside Iredys to sleep.


    Ponderosa woke to the sound of scraping behind her. Iredys was up and mixing glasses of meal. She sat up and accepted one of the glasses from Iredys.


    ¡®Where are we going?¡¯


    ¡®Reash Town. Are you willing to transform to get us there?¡¯


    Ponderosa glanced at the wall, hesitant given the company they were keeping. ¡®What¡¯s going on in Reash?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡®A woman will be laboring in a run down stack on the north end of town and will bleed out if she is not given assistance.¡¯


    ¡®Then transform I will and assistance we will give,¡¯ Ponderosa replied, throwing away her hesitation.


    Iredys nodded.


    They drank their glasses and rinsed them out before grabbing Ponderosa¡¯s bags and leaving. Iredys helped her tie the bags to the saddle of Sir Hamnet¡¯s horse before the two of them sped out of the village. Once they were out of sight, Ponderosa slowed the horse and entered the trees. She climbed off the horse so she could transform. She shivered slightly as she removed her clothes. Iredys bundled them in one of the blankets while Ponderosa took on the form of a Griffin.


    Once her transformation was complete, Ponderosa bent down so Iredys could climb onto her back. She picked up the calm horse in her talons then jumped into the air. She flew close to the treetops, making a slight detour to keep out of sight of Kead City.


    ¡®This is close enough,¡¯ Iredys said when they were getting close to Reash Town.


    ¡®Okay.¡¯


    Ponderosa circled down into the trees. She landed on her hind legs and gently set the horse down. The horse shook itself off and shifted on its legs while Iredys climbed down. She pulled Ponderosa¡¯s clothes out as Ponderosa returned to her Human self, She quickly pulled her clothes on. Iredys pulled her into a firm embrace once she was dressed again.


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    ¡®You are most welcome, Iredys. We need to get to the shack now.¡¯


    Iredys nodded.


    They released their embrace before mounting the horse once more.


    Ponderosa guided the horse to the road before picking up the pace again. They rode through the sleepy town to the run down shack Iredys had mentioned. Soft whimpers and moans could be heard coming from inside. Iredys climbed down and untied the satchel of herbs. Ponderosa accepted the satchel from her before the two of them cautiously entered the shack. A very young woman knelt in the far corner. The shack was not much warmer than the air outside. When she saw them her eyes widened in panic, but she was too scared to move.


    ¡®It¡¯s alright,¡¯ Iredys soothed. ¡®We¡¯re here to help.¡¯


    The young woman¡¯s jaw trembled before she cried out with the pain of her next contraction. Ponderosa set her satchel down then started to mix several herbs together. ¡®This will help ease the pain,¡¯ she said to Iredys before she brought the cup towards the laboring woman.


    ¡®This will help ease the pain,¡¯ Iredys repeated for Ponderosa, to keep the woman still.


    She hesitantly accepted the glass of herbs. Drinking it slowly while trying to breath through the softer, but still intense, contractions.


    ¡®Good. Now, do you mind if I check your progress?¡¯ Iredys asked, as Ponderosa relayed what she needed to do next.


    The young woman nodded as tears streaked down her dirty face.


    Ponderosa shifted her into a different position. Blood gushed from between her legs. Ponderosa grabbed her cayenne pepper and added a pinch to some water. She had the woman drink it quickly before continuing her assessment. The woman coughed after swallowing the hot liquid. Darker clots came out before she cried out again. Iredys built a fire in the firepit. Then she grabbed a bucket and stepped out. Ponderosa shifted closer to the woman.


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    ¡®Match your breathing to mine,¡¯ Iredys said.


    Ponderosa changed how she was breathing. The woman struggled to mimic it.


    ¡®You are doing great! Continue to breathe with me.¡¯


    The woman tried again and managed to match her breath until the next contraction.


    ¡®Bare down.¡¯


    She grunted and screamed.


    ¡®Release. Match my breath¡­. Good. Good. Bare down again¡­. Once more.¡¯


    The woman screamed and then whimpered.


    Ponderosa caught the baby girl. A soft whine came from the blood covered baby. Ponderosa used the cloth the young mother had brought with her to wipe off the baby¡¯s head and face before setting the child on her mother¡¯s chest. She then lay the cloth over the child to help keep her warm. The young mother peeled her eyes open to look at the little baby.


    ¡°My baby?¡± she whispered.


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡°She¡¯s not crying. Why is she not crying?¡±


    Ponderosa smiled. ¡®She does not need to cry right now. She can hear your heartbeat and knows she is still with you.¡¯


    Iredys had long returned and brought over a cloth full of snow to lay on the young mother''s abdomen. The young woman flinched and her expression scrunched in discomfort before her attention returned to her baby girl. Iredys brought in one of the blankets and laid it over the two of them while Ponderosa helped the mother loosen the top of her dress. The mother smiled in amazement as her little girl shifted to latch on to one of her breasts.


    Her arms came up to support her baby while Ponderosa cut the pale cord and took the placenta away to clean it and store it until she could dry it out. The young mother gently stroked her baby girl¡¯s head. She accepted more herb infused water from Iredys until Ponderosa returned to check how much the young woman was still bleeding.


    ¡®Take this,¡¯ Iredys encouraged, when Ponderosa mixed several tinctures in a glass of water. ¡®It will help shorten your recovery time.¡¯


    The woman accepted a couple mouthfuls of the liquid before her baby stopped suckling. The little girl whimpered.


    ¡®See if she will latch onto your other breast.¡¯


    The young woman very carefully shifted her baby so her head was near the other breast. The baby girl rocked a little before latching on to continue suckling. Smiling, she slowly turned her gaze away from her baby to accept the rest of the herbal mixture from Ponderosa.


    ¡®Do you have better living arrangements?¡¯ Iredys asked.


    The young woman shook her head. ¡°Nothing I can afford.¡±


    Tears filled her worried eyes and tears started to spill down her cheeks. She turned her gaze toward her baby as her hands started to shake.


    ¡®Do not worry,¡¯ Iredys soothed. ¡®The two of you are going to be fine. When you feel ready, we will take you to the Carefree Traveler¡¯s Inn.¡¯


    ¡°Thank you. Both of you.¡±


    ¡®You are welcome.¡¯


    They sat together until the baby stopped nursing and let out a tiny burp. The young mother wrapped her baby more securely in the small cloth before she nodded her readiness. Ponderosa motioned to Iredys to grab her bag. Iredys washed the cup with the leftover melted snow that she had brought in before putting it away. She poured the water over the fire to put it out then carried Ponderosa¡¯s bag out to the waiting horse. She tied the bag to the saddle then mounted the horse.


    Ponderosa came out shortly with the young mother and child. She handed them to Iredys. Iredys held them securely then turned the horse toward the Carefree Traveler¡¯s Inn. Ponderosa walked beside them. She accepted the woman from Iredys and took her inside. She was able to request a room with two beds, thanks to Iredys¡¯ telepathy while Iredys remained outside to take care of Ponderosa¡¯s bags and the horse. She was glad to see Iredys step inside as she turned to follow a young man upstairs.


    They needed to get mother and child cleaned up, and the young woman would need more treatment to ensure the hemorrhaging stopped. Ponderosa lay the mother and baby on the bed while the innkeeper helped bring in warmed water for a bath. Once the water was ready, Ponderosa helped the mother while Iredys took care of the baby.


    ¡®You, little one, are going to grow up to be very beautiful. Just like your mother,¡¯ Iredys said as she gently ran a cloth over her body and limbs. ¡®You will meet and marry the most handsome and generous of men. You will be his treasure and he will forever be your prince charming.¡¯


    ¡°That is kind of you to say,¡± the young mother said tiredly.


    ¡®I will gladly speak the truth of what I see. The two of you have a bright future ahead of you.¡¯


    Ponderosa smiled and nodded.


    She finished helping the woman bathe then helped her into the fresh clothes and undergarments brought up by the innkeeper. She supported the woman to sit on the bed so she could give her a few more herbs before she rested. Once taken, Ponderosa helped her lay down and covered her. Soon after laying her down, Iredys brought over a warmly dressed and swaddled infant to lay beside her.


    ¡°Thank you both again.¡±


    ¡®You are most welcome,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®We will remain nearby in case you need us.¡¯


    She nodded and held her baby close to her before closing her eyes to rest.


    ¡®Thank you, Iredys,¡¯ Ponderosa said, now that the crisis had passed. ¡®I am always grateful when I can keep both mother and child from leaving this life too soon.¡¯


    ¡®You are welcome, Ponderosa,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®Thank you for honing your skills well over the years and being willing to transform in order to get us here. If not, we would have been able to save the child had we run the horse hard, but her mother would not have been so fortunate.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded then dropped her gaze down to Iredys baby bump. ¡®How are the two of you doing?¡¯ she asked, concerned, since many women had miscarried because they rode a horse while pregnant.


    ¡®We are doing fine,¡¯ Iredys smiled. ¡®He quite enjoyed the ride. Was a bundle of wiggles the whole way here.¡¯


    Ponderosa chuckled softly, but it didn¡¯t quite assuage her worries. ¡®No contractions then?¡¯


    ¡®None, but you are welcome to check.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯d like that. I know how precious the bundle you carry is.¡¯


    Iredys smiled. ¡®Check away.¡¯


    Ponderosa had Iredys sit on the other bed before she felt her abdomen and back for any spontaneous movement. She then transformed into an owl then hopped up beside Iredys to listen to the young Prince¡¯s heartbeat. It sounded a little faster than usual, but she had learned over the years that such was typical for a happy baby.

 Carefree Travelers Inn

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± Sir Hett said, waking him.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked irritably.


    ¡°The women have gone.¡±


    His brow furrowed. ¡°The women have¡­.¡±


    ¡°Gone, Sire. Early this morning, it seems.¡±


    ¡°...Gone!¡± he yelled, finally waking up enough to understand what Sir Hett was trying to tell him.


    ¡°Yes, Sire.¡±


    ¡°Prepare the horses.¡±


    ¡°Sirs Gruph and Houton are seeing to it.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded as he rushed about his room to pull on his boots and cloak. He furtively looked around the room to make sure he hadn¡¯t forgotten anything before hurling himself out of the room with Sir Hett on his tail.


    ¡°How long ago did they leave?¡± Prince Kelton asked the flustered innkeeper.


    ¡°A¡­ a¡­ few¡­ hours ago.¡±


    ¡°Which way were they headed?¡±


    ¡°Towards Kead City.¡±


    Prince Kelton slammed several gold coins onto the counter as he spun to leave the inn. They were headed in the direction of Greywold Castle, but why would they leave without informing anyone? The roads were not entirely safe, and Iredys was pregnant.


    ¡®What are you thinking, Iredys?¡¯ he thought as he leaped onto his horse and thundered out of Ghinf Village.


    ¡®That a life needed saving,¡¯ he heard her reply.


    A touch of doubt entered his mind. If there was a life that needed saving, he could have helped. ¡®Where are you?¡¯


    ¡®...We¡¯ll meet you in Reash Town. Carefree Traveler¡¯s Inn.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s not¡­,¡¯ he stopped and shook his head.


    Reash Town was just beyond Kead City to the North. Even at the pace they were setting, with the carriage in tow, it would take them almost the entire day to get there. There was no way the two had left a mere few hours ago. He ran his steed as long as he could before the beast needed to slow to a walk to catch its breath.


    ¡°Does My Lord not find the healer¡¯s actions to be a little strange?¡± Sir Fran asked, after he approached.


    ¡°Not if she left to respond to a need,¡± Prince Kelton shook his head.


    ¡°And the Lady Iredys?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in good hands.¡±


    Sir Fran pulled a face, but let himself drop back.


    Prince Kelton¡¯s stomach growled. Nausea stirred his gut and he had no choice, but to grab a piece of dried tack and meat to munch on while they continued toward Reash Town.


    They reached Kead City not long after noon and their horses were in need of a break. He stopped long enough to give the horses a drink and a bag of oats. He tried to keep his calm as he tried to ask Iredys questions without response.


    ¡°Should we ask around to see if anyone has seen Ponderosa and Lady Iredys?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    He almost denied Sir Droyn¡¯s question, but then realized that he was the only one that knew that they were in Reash Town because Iredys had told him so. Prince Kelton nodded. He patted his horse¡¯s neck then walked around the city with his knights. The sights and sounds blurred into nothing as he wondered what Iredys was doing. Was she in danger? Had Dagaz changed her to become something else already, despite what she had told him the night before? Was she experiencing more convulsions?


    ¡°My Lord. ¡­My Lord?¡± Sir Hamnet¡¯s worried voice asked, bringing him back to the present.


    ¡°Did you say something, Sir Hamnet?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Are you alright, Sire?¡±


    ¡°Fine. We¡¯ve wasted enough time here. We should be on our way to Reash Town.¡± He turned and headed back for his horse.


    ¡°Would you like a few of us to take the road to Catty Village?¡± Sir Hamnet wondered as he climbed back into the driver¡¯s seat of the carriage.


    He shook his head. ¡°It is getting late in the day. Even with a few hours head start, I do not believe Ponderosa would head for a village as remote and out of the way as Catty Village with Lady Iredys in her care.¡±


    He frowned, but nodded at the logic.


    Leading his knights once again, Prince Kelton headed for Reash Town.


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯ he tried again. ¡®Iredys, please talk to me. ¡­Tell me you are alright.¡¯


    He received no response.


    Gritting his teeth, he could only stifle the wish he had that Ponderosa could speak as Iredys did so he could know with absolute certainty that the two of them were alright. Now all he could do was ride as hard as he could to the Carefree Traveler¡¯s Inn and hope they were there.


    Reash Town was quieting down as evening fell, but one man stood just outside his home near the gate.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Prince Kelton said, getting the man¡¯s attention. ¡°I am looking for two women. One of them has long black hair. They would have come into town together.¡±


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    ¡°Is the black haired woman you seek by chance a healer?¡± he replied.


    His brow furrowed. ¡°Indeed she is.¡±


    The man smiled. ¡°I may have met one of the ones you seek. She helped my wife, Joy, through the birth of our daughter, Lovely. I ran into her at the Carefree Traveler¡¯s Inn.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my good man.¡±


    Sir Droyn flipped the man a gold coin as Prince Kelton led his knights to the inn. He dismounted and entered immediately. Sir Hamnet set the brakes on the carriage then followed while the rest of the knights remained outside.


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the innkeeper said, bowing slightly. ¡°How may I serve you?¡±


    ¡°I was told two women came here today. One of them has very short brown hair, the other has long black hair.¡±


    ¡°Indeed they are here, Your Majesty. They brought in a young woman and provided some care for her until her husband could arrive.¡±


    ¡°What room are they in?¡±


    The innkeeper wiped his hands on his apron then led Prince Kelton and Sir Hamnet to the women¡¯s room. He knocked. There was only silence on the other side. The innkeeper was about to knock again when Ponderosa opened the door a crack.


    ¡°Where is she, Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton asked before the innkeeper could say anything.


    Sir Hamnet gave the innkeeper a few coins and sent him back downstairs.


    Ponderosa opened the door and let Prince Kelton and Sir Hamnet into the room.


    Prince Kelton saw blood on the bed across from the door. Iredys slept on the other bed, her breathing was slow and deep. He knelt beside her and rested his hand against her face. Her cheek was warm under his cool hand, but she didn¡¯t flinch or respond to his touch. He then set his hand against the side of Iredys¡¯ belly and felt a light thump against his hand.


    ¡°Does that blood belong to either of you?¡± he asked, turning to Ponderosa who had walked to be in his line of sight.


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    ¡°So, it belongs to the one you helped?¡±


    She nodded.


    Prince Kelton nodded then turned back to Iredys. He ran his hand over the little bit of hair that covered the top of her head, grateful that their ride out here hadn¡¯t threatened miscarriage. ¡°How long has she been asleep?¡±


    Ponderosa held up seven fingers.


    ¡°Seven minutes?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Hours?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Did either of you run into trouble on your way out here?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    ¡°Any¡­ concerns after your arrival here?¡±


    Ponderosa started to shake her head, before her brow furrowed a little. After a moment, she shook her head again.


    Prince Kelton sighed. He half stood and planted a kiss on Iredys forehead. ¡°Are there any needs that require you to disappear again?¡±


    Ponderosa lowered her gaze, but shook her head.


    ¡°Then I will expect to find both of you here in the morning.¡±


    She nodded meekly.


    Prince Kelton turned and left after that. He stepped back into the room and grabbed Sir Hamnet¡¯s arm when he didn¡¯t turn to follow right away.


    ¡°Something bothering you, Sir Hamnet?¡± he asked, once the door was closed.


    ¡°Ponderosa seems strangely quiet and fidgety,¡± Sir Hamnet replied.


    Prince Kelton headed downstairs so he could let the rest of the knight know they could come in. ¡°She is mute.¡±


    ¡°...If she is mute, how does she speak with Lady Iredys?¡±


    ¡°With motions.¡±


    ¡°Does she not know how to write?¡±


    Prince Kelton stopped at the bottom of the stairs. ¡°What is really bothering you about her, Sir Hamnet?¡±


    Sir Hamnet awkwardly scratched his head. ¡°Her eyes seem familiar to me, but I can¡¯t remember where I have seen them.¡±


    He raised an eyebrow at his knight. ¡°You question because of her eyes.¡±


    Sir Hamnet sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh.¡±


    Prince Kelton turned around and headed for the door. ¡°They are here,¡± he said to his knights.


    His knights nodded then handed their horses over to the stable hands then came inside. All of them sat around several of the tables and ordered food and drink. Prince Kelton noticed that the Innkeeper kept casting several glances toward the stairs.


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Prince Kelton asked the man.


    ¡°I was wondering if I should check on the women you were seeking. Neither of them have been down for food since their arrival this morning.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Their needs are a little special. If you have a broth prepared they might appreciate that.¡±


    ¡°I will check on them as soon as I get your order placed, My Lord.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    The innkeeper stepped away as Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn looked at each other. They turned to look at Prince Kelton at the same time.


    ¡°I understand why Ponderosa¡¯s needs would be particular,¡± Sir Droyn said. ¡°But Lady Iredys?¡±


    Prince Kelton hung his head. ¡°...Her captor cut her tongue out,¡± he said quietly.


    ¡°What?!¡± the knights at his table exclaimed.


    ¡°What, what?¡± Sir Hett asked from the other table.


    ¡°I will personally see that person¡¯s tongue fried before their eyes!¡± Sir Hamnet growled.


    ¡°What has Sir Hamnet gotten all riled up about?¡± Sir Fran asked.


    ¡°The Lady Iredys has lost her tongue,¡± Prince Kelton repeated for his other knights.


    Various expressions of disgust and nausea spread across his knights¡¯ faces.


    ¡°If her captor cut her tongue out,¡± Sir Juleak started softly, ¡°what else did they do to her?¡±


    The knights sitting at the other table moved their chairs closer so they could hear what Prince Kelton had to say.


    ¡°From what¡­ Ponderosa could tell me¡­. Lady Iredys was blinded, beaten, and starved.¡±


    ¡°And the fit she had yesterday?¡± Sir Gruph asked.


    ¡°...A symptom due to lack of nutrition. Something that should stop given enough of the right foods and time.¡±


    ¡°A ruined woman does not a good Queen make,¡± Sir Houton mumbled.


    Prince Kelton glared at him. ¡°I dare you to say that again, Sir Houton, because I have it on good authority that the child she carries is mine.¡±


    ¡°My apologies, My Lord,¡± Sir Hourton replied, bowing his head.


    ¡°The results of her captivity put her and the child at risk,¡± Sir Thomas said. ¡°What do you plan to tell the queen when we get back, Your Highness?¡±


    He sighed. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know.¡±


    He caught the confused, yet bitter, expressions on Sir Hamnet¡¯s and Sir Droyn¡¯s faces, though they said nothing as plates and bowls of food started to come out of the kitchen. The knights who had been at the other table moved their chairs back and tucked into their food. Prince Kelton ate as well. As he dropped a few chunks of bread into his bowl, he saw the innkeeper take two bowls of steaming broth upstairs. He nodded to himself, grateful that Ponderosa was willing to accept the suggestion as she continued to care for Lady Iredys.


    When he finished, Prince Kelton went upstairs to check on Ponderosa and Iredys before he retired for the night. He knocked lightly on the door. Ponderosa didn¡¯t answer. He knocked again. Ponderosa still did not answer. Prince Kelton checked the handle and slowly pushed the door open. He found Ponderosa lying on the bed beside Lady Iredys. Lady Iredys held Ponderosa in her grip. Ponderosa turned her head to look at him.


    ¡°Another fit?¡± he asked softly.


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Will she be well enough to travel in the morning?¡±


    She nodded again.


    Prince Kelton bunched his hands into fists resisting his desire to hold her and tell himself that all was as it was almost two years ago. ¡°May you both sleep well.¡±


    Ponderosa gave him a soft smile and nodded. She turned her attention back to Lady Iredys while Prince Kelton stepped out. He closed the door quietly then reluctantly stepped down the hall to his own room.

 Arriving At Greywolf Castle

    Ponderosa drifted off to sleep soon after Prince Kelton left. She had a strange dream that Iredys kissed her, but it wasn¡¯t really a kiss either. Iredys pressed her thumb against her chin to get her lips to part, then her lips briefly brushed against hers as Iredys exhaled in her mouth, leaving the stub of her tongue feeling a little odd. Iredys then caressed the underside of Ponderosa¡¯s chin with her fingertips before laying down in sleep once more.


    When she woke, Iredys lay with her back to Ponderosa. Her breathing was steady, but not as slow and deep as it had been after the visions had overwhelmed her. Ponderosa tucked the blanket around her as she carefully climbed off the bed. She shivered as she stoked the fire a little more. Then she started to mix a glass of meal for Iredys.


    ¡®Only for you this morning,¡¯ Iredys voice said softly.


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked, turning.


    Iredys¡¯ breath caught in her throat. Her head tipped back and her eyelids fluttered. Her shoulders ached before she shuddered and jerked on the bed. Ponderosa tried to go to her, but found she could not move.


    ¡®Drink,¡¯ Iredys voice gasped.


    A moan left her throat. Her body stiffened more before a whole body shudder passed through her from her head to her feet. A whine and a cry left her lips. Ponderosa tried once more to go to her, but still could not move.


    ¡®Drink,¡¯ Iredys said.


    Ponderosa picked up the glass and emptied it. She added a little more water to get the most out of the cup. When she tried to shift to help Iredys, she still couldn¡¯t get closer to the bed, however, when she turned to clean the cup, she found her movements unrestricted. She sighed in her heart, but could only work on making sure everything was packed and ready to go. Once that was done Ponderosa was able to approach Iredys. She lifted Iredys¡¯ shoulders and sat so her head could lay on her lap. Iredys continued to cry, her eyes struggling to stay open.


    ¡®What have you seen, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked.


    Iredys body shifted some as her abdomen contracted. A bucket flew over to the bed before Iredys threw up. She threw up a little more before the bucket moved away and she settled her head back onto Ponderosa¡¯s lap. A whimper passed through her lips before her head rolled forward slightly. Iredys¡¯ breath seemed to pause before it fell into the slow, deep, rhythm once more. Ponderosa stroked her head.


    A knock sounded on the door. ¡°Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton called.


    He knocked a second time before he opened the door. His expression became puzzled. His hand came up to his face as he turned to look at the bucket of vomit.


    ¡°Is she doing alright?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa worried on her bottom lip a little, but nodded.


    ¡°Are you sure? We can stay another day if¡­.¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    It wouldn¡¯t matter if they stayed or traveled. The effects the runes had on her would be the same.


    ¡°Alright. Can I take her?¡±


    Ponderosa stroked Iredys head a couple more times before she nodded.


    Prince Kelton gently lifted Iredys into his arms. He sat on one of the chairs and held her while Ponderosa found socks, shoes, and cloaks for them. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn stepped in to help Ponderosa carry her bags. Prince Kelton carried Iredys out and Ponderosa followed. Once Ponderosa and Iredys were settled in the carriage, their group left the inn as twilight turned to dawn.


    They needed to stop a few hours out for Iredys to release the overwhelm of her visions. After that, she held tightly to Ponderosa. Prince Kelton remained attentive throughout, though his expression revealed his disappointed and troubled heart. Iredys¡¯ visions slowed their progress, but it wasn¡¯t until she had a much larger and longer lasting fit that Prince Kelton decided it best to stop for the night. The skin around Prince Kelton¡¯s eyes turned red as he tried to suppress his tears.


    He checked in with Ponderosa often as they sat around the fire. Ponderosa knew he was hoping for something he could do to help Iredys through this, but as with herself, there wasn¡¯t much of anything that could be done. The herbs helped to support Iredys¡¯ body, but did nothing to slow the visions that flooded her mind.


    Ponderosa absently stroked Iredys head as they sat around the fire that night. The remnant of her tongue was tingling. It almost had an itch to it, like it did when it was healing after the majority of her tongue had been cut out. Her brow furrowed in confusion? Did that mean that Iredys really had exhaled into her mouth last night? Or was she experiencing the feeling because she was trying to process the strangeness of imagining Iredys nearly kissing her while she slept? She knew Iredys was affectionate, but not of the romantic sort when it came to other women.


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    ¡°Are you doing alright, Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton asked, as Sir Thomas handed her a warmed glass of meal.


    She nodded her thanks to Sir Thomas then nodded for Prince Kelton.


    ¡°Is there something about Iredys¡¯ condition that is troubling you?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head as she took a drink. As she lowered the cup, she tapped her chest.


    ¡°Something is troubling you about yourself?¡± he wondered.


    She nodded then motioned that it would be something she would need to write out before he asked anymore questions.


    ¡°Is it something I can help with?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head. She could only ask Iredys about it later.


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    The rest of the trip passed like this as the snow storms permitted, short stops for Iredys¡¯ shorter fits, longer or overnight stops after her longer fits. When they finally reached the castle, the courtyard was very busy. Ponderosa watched all the various servants and vendors running around. The masked ball, they had learned, was set for Prince Kelton¡¯s birthday, which wasn¡¯t for another week. However, it seemed that there was still a lot to do. Iredys whined and squirmed beside her a little before she stilled. Ponderosa rubbed her back as she continued to look around. Movement in one of the windows caught her attention. The Queen stood there, her gaze difficult to see with the glare on the glass panes.


    Ponderosa¡¯s gaze broke when Prince Kelton opened the door of the carriage and touched her hand so she could pass Iredys to him. She helped to carefully pass Iredys to him. Once Prince Kelton had a secure hold on her, she climbed out of the carriage and started to gather her bags. Ponderosa glanced up at the window where Queen Leona had been and noticed she no longer stood there. She followed Prince Kelton inside. They climbed several sets of stairs before Prince Kelton hollered.


    ¡°Diligens!¡±


    A door down the hall from them opened a little and an older gentleman poked his head out.


    ¡°No!¡± Iredys screamed, startling Prince Kelton almost causing him to drop her.


    She struggled in his arms, but Prince Kelton kept a firm hold.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Iredys,¡± he tried. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s just....¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she wailed louder. ¡°No. No. No. No. No.¡±


    Ponderosa pinched her nose, forcing her to breathe through her mouth.


    Iredys whined, but started to calm.


    Prince Kelton furrowed his brow.


    Ponderosa got his attention, not letting go of Iredys¡¯ nose yet, and motioned with her other hand and her head to not have Diligens come out.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want Diligens¡¯ help?¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    She waved her hand to avoid the question then went back to gesturing for him to get rid of Diligens.


    ¡°My Lord?¡± Diligens asked, stepping into the hall.


    ¡°No!¡± Iredys cried again, pulling her nose out of Ponderosa¡¯s fingers and fighting even harder against Prince Kelton¡¯s hold.


    ¡°Iredys be....¡±


    She head butted his shoulder. He loosened his hold and she managed to break free. Iredys sprinted down the hall. Ponderosa chased her, grabbing her arm and pulling her tight against her chest before she ran into the wall. Iredys buried her face in Ponderosa¡¯s dress. She took deep breaths while Ponderosa rubbed her back. She could hear Prince Kelton¡¯s voice as he talked with Diligens for a moment before he approached Ponderosa and Iredys.


    ¡°Iredys?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa waved her finger at him then pointed to the hall or stairs so she knew which way they were going.


    Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°This way.¡±


    He led the two of them down a set of stairs and several hallways to reach Iredys¡¯ room. The room was frigid, but a young man had built a large fire in the hearth.


    ¡°Thank you, Gailan,¡± Prince Kelton said.


    ¡°My pleasure, Prince Kelton,¡± he replied. ¡°Welcome back, Lady Iredys.¡±


    She acted as if she didn¡¯t hear him as Ponderosa brought her to sit in the chair closest to the fire.


    Gailan looked confused and turned to Prince Kelton.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long journey, Gailan. Will you excuse us for a moment? There are some things I need to talk to Ponderosa about.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± He bowed to Prince Kelton, bowed to Iredys, then left the room.


    ¡®Is there anything you need right now, Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa thought to Iredys as she took her hands and knelt in front of her.


    Iredys gripped her hands briefly and gave a slight shake of her head.


    ¡®Okay,¡¯ she nodded.


    Ponderosa stood and set her bags on the couch for now. She pulled out her writing kit then headed over to the table so she could answer the agitated Prince Kelton¡¯s questions. She sat and pulled out her paper, ink, and quill. Then she turned to Prince Kelton, waiting for him to ask his questions. He watched Iredys for another moment before putting the bottle Diligens had handed him on the table. Ponderosa picked up the bottle and sniffed near the stopper.


    ¡°He said it will help....¡±


    Ponderosa set it back on the table beside Prince Kelton and shook her head. ¡®There was a strong earthy undertone which Iredys would not yet accept,¡¯ she wrote


    ¡°It won¡¯t help?¡±


    Ponderosa picked up her quill to clarify. ¡®The combination of herbs would be helpful, if it did not have such a strong earthy undertone to it. Because of the undertone, Lady Iredys will not accept it.¡¯


    Prince Kelton furrowed his brow for several moments. ¡°Earthy,¡± he said softly. ¡°The stuff she was forced to drink.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.

 A Week of Torture

    ¡°I can ask him for something else,¡± Prince Kelton offered.


    ¡®Not necessary,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    Prince Kelton nodded. He cast a glance in Iredys¡¯ direction then turned back to her. ¡°Is there a reason she is not speaking?¡±


    ¡®She is mute, Prince Kelton. Her tongue has been cut out.¡¯


    ¡°Yes, but....¡±


    The door opened and Queen Leona stepped in.


    ¡°Mother,¡± Prince Kelton said, bowing.


    Ponderosa stood and bowed as well.


    She heard the shifting of fabric behind her as Iredys slid off the chair to her hands and knees.


    ¡°You all may rise,¡± Queen Leona said.


    Ponderosa straightened then turned to help Iredys back into the chair.


    ¡°Have you finished your business here, Prince Kelton?¡±


    ¡°Yes, My Queen. I was on my way to report to you. I wanted to make sure Lady Iredys got settled alright.¡±


    ¡°Then come. I am sure Lady Iredys would appreciate some rest.¡±


    ¡°As you command, My Queen.¡±


    Queen Leona turned to leave.


    Prince Kelton picked up the bottle Diligens had given him then followed her.


    The two of them entered the empty throne room. Queen Leona sat on the throne and looked at him with a less than amused expression.


    ¡°Where did you find her?¡± she asked.


    ¡°In Pride Town under Ponderosa¡¯s care,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Ponderosa. I take it she is the black haired woman you were talking to?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She was the town healer and midwife, but I gave her the option to be Lady Iredys¡¯ lady-in-waiting since she has helped her recover a great deal from what she experienced in her time away from Greywolf Kingdom.¡±


    ¡°How certain are you that she is Iredys?¡± the queen asked.


    The drop of the honorary title was not lost to Prince Kelton, but he ignored it and answered, ¡°She still wears the seven semi-precious stones.¡±


    She nodded once, her expression still disbelieving. ¡°Is there a reason Ponderosa did not write to inform us of her being found?¡±


    ¡°She wished to wait until Lady Iredys was in better health before informing us. Her time away from us was not kind to her.¡±


    ¡°What did she tell you?¡±


    Prince Kelton ground his teeth together and clenched his hands into fists. ¡°She can no longer speak, My Queen. Those who took her away removed her tongue. What I know¡­ I learned from Ponderosa. She told me about the wounds that Lady Iredys had when she first brought her home. She, also, told me that Lady Iredys had been starved while in captivity.¡±


    ¡°And her virtue?¡±


    ¡°Given to me eight months ago, My Queen. Whatever her captor¡¯s reasons, she was not defiled prior to that night in Palion City.¡±


    ¡°...And the Dragonwoman your knights spoke of?¡±


    ¡°Came to kidnap me, and bring me to the man who held Lady Iredys. Her companion took Iredys away prior to my knights showing up.¡±


    ¡°Convenient,¡± Queen Leona muttered, not looking convinced in the slightest. ¡°And the Diamond band found on your finger?¡±


    ¡°Meant to tie me to someone other than Lady Iredys once away from Palion City.¡±


    Queen Leona scoffed. ¡°...Off to your chambers now,¡± she said, waving her hand in dismissal. ¡°Hanston is waiting.¡±


    Prince Kelton tried to stifle his wince. ¡°Yes, My Queen.¡±


    Prince Kelton left the throne room and turned for his chambers. It seemed like his mother was planning something so he wouldn¡¯t get the chance to publicly acknowledge his marriage to Lady Iredys, but he still had a week. A week to figure out how to make everything work out the way he hoped they could. An amount of planning he would happily isolate himself for before he did as Iredys asked and got to know more about the other ladies at the masked ball.


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    As for Hanston¡­. Prince Kelton sighed. The royal tailor was a pain to work with. He would measure and pin and measure and pin until he had the Prince¡¯s vestments just so. He was very slow due to his perfectionistic nature. For once, he would like to be able to tell Hanston off when the hems looked good enough, but he always knew that doing so would only result in him getting an earful.


    He opened the door, expecting to be pulled inside by an impatient Hanston, but instead was greeted by a solemn expression and low bow.


    ¡°Whenever you are ready, My Lord,¡± Hanston said.


    ¡°You know I am never ready, Hanston,¡± Prince Kelton sighed.


    He nodded, but still waited.


    Gailan helped Prince Kelton remove his cloak and sword. He stepped behind the dressing screen. He bathed then changed into the oversized tunic that Hanston had set out for him. He stood in front of the panels of mirrors that allowed him to see the clothes from all angles. He said nothing to Hanston as he started his work. Hanston was unusually quiet when he needed Prince Kelton to shift how he was standing so he could make sure he had marked the fabric correctly.


    ¡°Is something on your mind, Hanston?¡± Prince Kelton finally asked.


    ¡°It is of little consequence, My Lord,¡± he said, not stopping his work.


    ¡°Things of little consequence do not leave you solemn and soft spoken.¡±


    ¡°It is not my place to dictate who you should marry. I was hoping you¡¯d find her this time. Bring her home to¡­.¡±


    When he didn¡¯t continue, Prince Kelton replied gently, ¡°I managed to bring her home, Hanston.¡±


    ¡°Really?! That¡¯s great, Sire. Now,....¡± He stopped when he noticed that Prince Kelton didn¡¯t look happy. ¡°Is something the matter with her?¡±


    ¡°¡­Not in the ways you might be thinking,¡± he replied. ¡°She¡¯s been through a lot. Whether or not she is still the best choice for the kingdom¡­. I want to be sure.¡±


    Hanston frowned then said quietly. ¡°I understand, My Lord. Toes here, please.¡±


    ¡°And if I want to wear these vestments as they are?¡± Prince Kelton asked, trying to lighten the sober atmosphere.


    Hanston looked up at him in alarm. ¡°I¡­ No! The Prince must wear the best the kingdom can give him. He¡­.¡±


    Prince Kelton chuckled. ¡°There¡¯s the Hanston I know.¡±


    He glowered at the Prince, but it faded into a smile before he returned to work. Their banter about Hanston¡¯s antics turned playful instead of becoming the annoying and tiresome battle it usually was.


    When Hanston finally felt satisfied with his work, he let Prince Kelton change.


    ¡°Hanston,¡± Prince Kelton said before he could leave. ¡°Fancy up the same vestments for Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet while you are at it, will you?¡±


    Puzzlement crossed his face then his eyes lit up. ¡°With pleasure, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to do, marry them off, too?¡± Gailan asked when they were alone.


    ¡°No. Since the Queen seems displeased with Lady Iredys¡¯ return then it¡¯s time I got to know the noble ladies for who they are behind their masks. No surprises.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, My Lord.¡±


    ¡°You will.¡±


    Gailan nodded. ¡°About my report?¡±


    ¡°The morning will be soon enough, Gailan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡±


    The peacefulness of morning was shattered when Queen Leona stepped into his room before Gailan had come to assist him.


    ¡°You will be having breakfast with Duchess Penelope in the dining hall this morning,¡± she said. ¡°After which the two of you will take a turn about the garden.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother,¡± Prince Kelton sighed.


    She gave him her infamous look then left so he could prepare.


    He groaned then got out of bed.


    His mother hadn¡¯t informed him that this was to be a week-long affair. He had been hoping to have the week to himself since having to dance with each one of these ladies was bad enough, and now he had to spend full days with each of these women?  This week was going to be really annoying. The only ladies who were not going to be as bad were Countess Lilia and Princess Analisa. The very two Iredys said he might have to choose above her.


    Sighing, he pulled clothes out of his wardrobe and dressed. He was just stepping out of his room as Gailan neared the room. His expression turned confused.


    ¡°Sire?¡± Gailan asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m to have breakfast with Duchess Penelope this morning,¡± Prince Kelton replied, trying not to grimace. ¡°You can give me your report on the way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sire. Diligens kept me quite busy while you were away.¡±


    Gailan continued to give his report as they traversed the halls to the dining hall. Duchess Penelope was already seated at the table. When Gailan hesitated mid-sentence, Prince Kelton prompted him to continue. He watched Duchess Penelope¡¯s expression while they listened to Gailan ramble on about cleaning jars, reorganizing books, mixing tonics, and so on. She rolled her eyes when she thought he wasn¡¯t watching, but would quickly smile and act enamored by what Gailan was saying when she noticed his attention.


    ¡°Thank you, Gailan,¡± Prince Kelton said when they were nearly finished. ¡°I am glad you were able to learn much in my absence.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sire,¡± Gailan replied. ¡°I shall see that lunch is prepared for the end of your walk. Dutchess.¡± He bowed then left the room.


    Prince Kelton turned his attention to Duchess Penelope then. ¡°How have you been these last few years, Duchess?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Well, Your Majesty. I quite fancy riding horses nowadays.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps we should go for a ride instead of a walk.¡±


    The right side of her lips twitched slightly. ¡°That would be wonderful.¡±


    Prince Kelton motioned to one of the servants to have a couple horses readied for them. ¡°Are there other things you have been able to enjoy?¡±


    ¡°Some. My father planted a new vineyard just over a year ago. The grapes are very sweet.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I like sweet grapes.¡±


    ¡°Oh, me neither, but you know my father,¡± she chuckled.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Prince Kelton grit his teeth as he smiled.

 Dealing with Diligens

    While Prince Kelton was struggling with interactions forced on him by Queen Leona, time in Lady Iredys room was not very peaceful either. Queen Leona visited their first morning there with Diligens in tow. Iredys screamed and cried until Diligens finally caught what Ponderosa was trying to motion to him and stepped out. Iredys crying calmed, but it only led to her next seizure. Queen Leona called Diligens back in which caused Iredys to wail until she was almost hoarse, resisting any and all help that Diligens was trying to provide.


    Ponderosa was at her wits end by the time she got Diligens to leave the room again. Her face was filled with deep aggrievement at the Queen¡¯s insistence that he help. She even stopped the Queen from bringing Diligens back in with a loud clap, once Iredys had calmed down again. Queen Leona glared at her.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this? Diligens is the royal physician. It is only right that he be allowed to check on Lady Iredys to make sure her condition is stable,¡± Queen Leona huffed.


    Ponderosa pulled her lips in as she shook her head. Then she motioned to where her writing kit lay ready on the table.


    Queen Leona waved her hand to give her permission.


    Ponderosa curtsied then sat at the table to write. ¡®I understand your concerns, Queen Leona. However, Lady Iredys will recover much faster if left in my hands alone. Diligens carries an earthy smell about him which is similar to that held by her captors. She has only been away from them for a short amount of time. It will take her some time to recognize the difference between the earthy smell Diligens has and the earthy smell her captors had.¡¯


    ¡°The Lady Iredys has eyes and ears, Ponderosa. She can see and hear that it is Diligens.¡±


    ¡®Lady Iredys is blind, My Queen, and her nose picks up the earthy scent sooner than her ears pick up Dilligen¡¯s voice. The horror of her experience is triggered before there is anything to help her recognize otherwise.¡¯


    ¡°Then I shall have him come when she is asleep.¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head. ¡®She was asleep when you arrived and the smell he carries still woke her. I beg Your Majesty to let me care for Lady Iredys. I am a very skilled healer. If it would put you more at ease, I will send my treatment plan to Diligens for him to review before I put it to use.¡¯


    Queen Leona huffed irritably. ¡°Very well, but if a single thing does not sit well with him, he will be taking over Lady Iredys¡¯ care and you will be dismissed.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°I will tell him to expect your plan within the hour.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded then stood to bow to Queen Leona.


    Queen Leona hardly acknowledged the bow as she turned on her heel and left the room.


    Ponderosa couldn¡¯t help the glare that came to the surface once the door was shut. ¡®Your overbearing attitude and authority don¡¯t make you right, Queen Leona.¡¯


    Iredys chuckled softly. ¡®No, indeed they do not, they only give her a false sense of security to try and smother the fear she lives in on a daily basis.¡¯


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯ Ponderosa asked as she hurried over to check on her.


    Iredys started to push herself into a semi-reclined position, but Ponderosa stopped her.


    ¡®Let me make sure there is nothing wrong with you or the Prince first.¡¯


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    Iredys nodded and allowed Ponderosa to check as much as she could without using her transformation magic.


    When Ponderosa was satisfied that nothing had gone awry, she supported Iredys into a semi-reclined position before she sat on the edge of the bed. ¡®Is her fear the reason she wants to keep Prince Kelton away from you?¡¯


    ¡®In part,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®Now that she has seen my condition, she will do what she can to push him toward Princess Analisa. She will do so in the hope that Prince Kelton will see that a Crown Princess of ill health and questionable morals does not bode well for the continuation of Greywolf Kingdom.¡¯


    ¡®But you aren¡¯t weak, and your morals are¡­.!¡¯


    A soft smile lifted Iredys lips as she laughed. ¡®Even though it takes a strong body, and healthy pregnancy, to endure the convulsions that I do, these conditions are considered weaknesses in Queen Leona¡¯s eyes.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®...How soon before Prince Kelton comes running?¡¯


    ¡®Queen Leona will keep him busy with the others for the rest of the week. His mind will be so full of doubts and questions that he won¡¯t have a chance to come until the night of the masked ball.¡¯


    ¡®Will you be attending?¡¯


    Iredys looked down at her hands for a moment. ¡®We will need to wait and see what happens.¡¯


    ¡®Is Dagaz going to change you soon?¡¯ Ponderosa asked, a little worried.


    ¡®Not that soon,¡¯ she replied, ¡®but it is pushing hard enough for me to doubt that I will remain human after our son is born.¡¯


    ¡®Alright. Let me get you something to eat then I will draw a bath for you.¡¯


    ¡®Write your plan to Dilligens before drawing me a bath. We don¡¯t need him coming to find you because you are 30 seconds past the promised hour.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®I don¡¯t know if I should feel honored to share my work with another healer or insulted because I know it is being scrutinized.¡¯


    ¡®Dilligens, with all his skill, is still lacking. He will learn from your technique and, given the opportunity, you may learn from him as well.¡¯


    ¡®That helps to hear.¡¯


    ¡®I felt it might.¡¯


    Ponderosa mixed up a glass of meal for Lady Iredys before she sat down and wrote out all she had been doing, and would continue to do, in as much detail as possible for Diligens. She wasn¡¯t worried about being dismissed, but she didn¡¯t like the fact that her freedom to work as needed was restricted. Once the several page plan had been written, and the pages sanded to dry the ink faster, Ponderosa folded the pages together then sent them off to Diligens.


    The rest of the week was only a little less chaotic. Diligens still tried to be helpful by sending back suggestions and tonics that had earthy tones in them. The moment Ponderosa smelled them she sent them back with a note about what to change in the formulation. Only when Diligens didn¡¯t use earthy toned herbs did she accept his proffered help. Iredys would spend the days walking ponderously around the room. It helped her process the visions and gave her time to focus on the baby in her womb.


    Only when the visions started to increase in number, did she make sure to lie on the bed and let the energy flow out her limbs. For the first several days of this, Ponderosa wondered why she didn¡¯t mess with the furniture as she had at her cottage or while they were at a couple of the inns, but Iredys¡¯ answer gave her pause.


    ¡®Many of the servants here are magic sensitive. They will feel a change if I move the furniture.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®Surrounded by potential trouble on all sides.¡¯


    ¡®For now,¡¯ Iredys replied. ¡®It is why I requested you not change to check on my son and I when the harsher convulsions have stopped.¡¯


    ¡®I understand.¡¯


    ¡®Thankfully, the amount of potential trouble around us will decrease or leave depending on Prince Kelton¡¯s final choice.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    After that, Ponderosa did her best to further support Iredys with the calming herbs. The number of visits from Diligens¡¯ messenger boy increased as Dilligens started to ask questions. Ponderosa did her best to explain her process as clearly as possible, but Diligens was struggling to understand what she had written. Finally, after several visits for the same thing, Ponderosa sent him a memory boosting formula.


    That of course brought him to visit in person, which set Iredys off. Diligens apologized profusely while still trying to ask Ponderosa his questions. He backed away when Ponderosa stomped toward him. He continued to back away, hoping for some kind of answer, but the moment he was in the hall Ponderosa slammed the door shut. She locked the door then returned to Iredys side to help calm her. The trigger reached deep enough that Iredys was still asleep when it was time for the masked ball to start.

 Ball of Lies

    Prince Kelton sighed as Hanston finished the final adjustments to his vestments.


    ¡°I hope you can enjoy yourself tonight, Your Majesty,¡± Hanston said softly.


    ¡°As much as I can, Hanston. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been my pleasure.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then left the room.


    The ballroom was heavy with decoration. The chandeliers had been cleaned and silks of every color adorned the ceiling and walls. Tables of appetizers and beverages bordered the room. The ambiance was lost in the cacophony of voices and music. Kelton tried not to look frustrated when he entered the room. He hoped, with the help of Hamnet and Droyn, to finally sift the lies from the truth. Finally see these women for who they were instead of who they pretended to be the whole time he had interacted with them. One measure he never had to take with Lady Iredys.


    Prince Kelton mingled some, glad to see Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn in the matching vestments. He greeted his knights as he had seen them greet each other. They played along, their smiles growing. They were going to enjoy this. The music changed and some of the noblemen extracted a few of the ladies from the crowd to dance. Prince Kelton, Sir Droyn, and Sir Hamnet followed. Prince Kelton asked telling questions of the ladies he danced with. They played coy at first, seeing if they really knew who was under the mask, but the longer he feigned confusion the sooner they started divulging their true thoughts. It was worse than he thought.


    Duchess Penelope was paranoid that all of those who were servants were stealing the expensive dishes and replacing them with cheap look-alikes. Marquess Jemina felt it prudent to have no associations with the common people. She felt they were worse than the servants and were not worthy to have any such attention from her. Princess Analisa¡¯s attitudes had not changed over the last five years, which only brought him minimal relief. There was a stiff strictness about her that could be useful while in court. However, if that stiff strictness carried over into their private interactions, he doubted he could handle it for long.


    Duchess Harriett complained that the heavily adorned dress she was wearing wasn¡¯t fancy enough. The fabric wasn¡¯t soft enough, but, ¡°all that would change once the prince married her. Then she would have riches enough to buy all the cloth and adornments she wanted¡±. To top it off Countess Gracilina would see half of Timberwood Forest destroyed in order to expand the castle for her own private use. He bit his tongue, grateful that the song finally ended. He needed a drink. He had barely poured himself a cup when Sir Hamnet stepped up beside him


    ¡°Are you planning to sneak off, Sir Hamnet?¡± he inquired softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me,¡± he nearly growled.


    ¡°Oh? Is there some mysterious woman waiting for you out there that you have yet to tell me about?¡±


    Prince Kelton¡¯s lips twitched as he thought of Lady Iredys. She had not come down to join the festivities tonight. Not that he blamed her. There was enough intrigue going on in this room that it might just send her into a fit, if it hadn¡¯t already.


    ¡°Sir Hamnet?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    ¡°My apologies, Sire. Indeed there is such a woman,¡± Kelton replied quietly, struggling to lift his depressed mood. ¡°I wished to wait until I felt it appropriate to ask for your blessing.¡±


    Sir Hamnet¡¯s smile grew as he clapped Prince Kelton on the shoulder. ¡°Then I shall happily wait for that moment.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then scanned the crowd of noble men and women. ¡°Now,¡± he sighed, after finishing his drink. ¡°Who haven¡¯t I conversed with yet?¡±


    ¡°I believe the shy Countess Lilia has yet to be asked to dance with you,¡± Sir Hamnet replied.


    ¡°Then dance she shall.¡±


    Kelton set the glass down then weaved his way across the ballroom to Countess Lilia. She was soft spoken and always sought approval. She had flirted with him the least when they spent the day together. A definite lack of confidence in herself that was not really suited for the woman who would become Queen. He bowed to her and she curtsied.


    ¡°Would My Lady care to dance?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Certainly, Sir Knight,¡± she replied.


    She took his arm and they walked out to the dance floor. Prince Kelton danced with Countess Lilia for a little while before he engaged her in conversation.


    ¡°Can I get your opinion about our Prince, Countess Lilia?¡±


    ¡°My opinion, Sir Knight?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


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    ¡°He is strong. Stern. Kind, but¡­.¡± Her cheeks flushed a deep red.


    ¡°But?¡± he prompted.


    ¡°I do not wish to speak ill of him. I just¡­ do not know how I would feel to have him choose me.¡±


    ¡°Why is that? ¡­You have my confidence that anything you say will not be repeated to His Highness.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem to enjoy himself. It¡¯s like his mind is elsewhere. He is polite, but¡­ I do not sense any softness in him.¡±


    Prince Kelton smiled. ¡°A good front sternness can be, My Lady. It protects what he holds most dear from those who would try and exploit him, but given privacy and the opportunity to relax, you would find the man much softer than he appears.¡±


    ¡°And how would you know this about your Lord, Sir Knight?¡±


    ¡°Because I knew Prince Kelton long before I joined his knights.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°It helps to hear that.¡±


    He smiled back.


    They bowed to each other as the song ended.


    He walked her off to the side just to have Duke Grantip ask her to dance.


    Being able to talk candidly with Countess Lilia was refreshing. Given some education and time to observe the interactions of court, she might do better than he initially thought. He knew, because of her gentle temperament, that he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about possible restrictions to their interactions while they were alone. That alone topped a political alliance anyday for him. He scanned the room, watching Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn dancing with some of the other ladies. Many he wished he could marry off before himself just so they couldn¡¯t cause a ruckus.


    However, he knew the likelihood of that was small. Still, that did not stop him from turning his attention to the Lords, Dukes, and Earls in the room. See if any of them had a certain lady that he fancied. Marriage perhaps not. Betrothal, however, perhaps. He did his best to make mental notes as to which man liked which woman, but as he tried to run the information through his mind again, he drew a blank.


    Sighing, he rubbed his forehead. Why did he feel like he couldn¡¯t think straight anymore? Had he had too much to drink, despite swearing off alcohol? Was the thought of marrying someone other than Lady Iredys so horrid to him that he could only feel helpless about the decision he needed to, but could not, make? He was still trying to settle his mind when the tapping of the Herald¡¯s heavy staff silenced the music and the buzz of conversation. Everyone turned their attention to Queen Leona as she stood to address the room.


    ¡°As we near the end of the night, I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate Prince Kelton¡¯s birthday. It has been a most joyous evening.¡±


    Many in the crowd raised glasses and voices in agreement.


    ¡°An evening most joyously concluded with the announcement of Prince Kelton¡¯s bride to be!¡±


    More cheers.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, if you would present yourself.¡±


    Prince Kelton, Sir Hamnet, and Sir Droyn made their way out of the crowd. They looked at each other in confusion. Getting close to one another to see who the impostors were. The three of them struggled against each other trying to climb the stairs to the thrones. Just as Sir Hamnet reached the top, Sir Droyn kicked him in the behind causing him to tumble down the stairs. The Lords and Ladies laughed, but Queen Leona looked less than amused as Prince Kelton broke free of Sir Hamnet¡¯s hold and sent Sir Droyn down the stairs with a kick.


    Sir Droyn jumped to his feet. Both he and Sir Hamnet looked as if they were going to try again as Prince Kelton straightened his vestments. He stepped towards Sir Hamnet in an intimidating manner. He did the same to Sir Droyn since he dared try to step up once more. The laughter from the Lords and Ladies continued. When he was satisfied that they would stay down, he nodded. Sir Droyn and Sir Hamnet bowed to Prince Kelton then faced the crowd.


    As one, the three of them removed their masks. Several ladies¡¯ jaws dropped once they realized it really was Prince Kelton on the top stair and not Sir Hamnet. He smiled, stifling his laugh when they clamped their jaws shut, flicked their fans open, and set them a flutter as they tried to cool their embarrassed flush.


    ¡°I want to begin by thanking Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn for their obedience in playing my doppelgangers,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°I do not believe that the purpose of a masked ball would have been accomplished otherwise.¡±


    Queen Leona looked at him disapprovingly.


    Prince Kelton did not acknowledge the glance, but continued. ¡°At the very least, this has been an entertaining evening. ¡­Ladies, I thank you for your candor. I appreciate finally being able to see the faces behind the masks that have been worn all week and have been given a lot to think about. As it has been a very long night for all of us, I think it is only fair that we retire for the night. I look forward to formally announcing my choice in the morning.¡±


    Satisfied that his answer would somewhat appease Queen Leona, Prince Kelton descended the stairs. He quickly and decidedly left the ballroom, not bothering to look back as the murmur of voices started to grow in volume. He did his best to pace himself, so it did not look like he was running away from giving everyone an answer. None of them needed to know how much he really wanted to never see the majority of their faces ever again.


    Once he was out of the ballroom, he hurried down the halls to Lady Iredys¡¯ chambers. After how this week had gone, he wanted nothing more than to re-consummate his marriage to Iredys. He knocked on the door to her room, then bounced on the balls of his feet while he waited for Ponderosa to open the door. He was trying to calm himself down since he had no idea how Iredys¡¯ week had been. She may not even be able to accept such a move on his part. Prince Kelton blew out his breath and shook out his arms and hands.


    When Ponderosa finally opened the door, she did so cautiously at first, but then opened it wider to allow him in. He stepped in with a nod then waited for his eyes to adjust to the dimly lit room, which further calmed his desire to rush to Iredys¡¯ side and embrace her. Once his eyes had adjusted, he noticed Lady Iredys sitting in the armchair beside the fire. He approached after a minute and sat on the couch beside her.


    ¡°Will you speak with me awhile, Iredys?¡± he requested gently.


    She turned her blind eyes toward him. ¡®What do you wish to speak about, My Lord?¡¯


    He grimaced. ¡°Will you please drop the honorifics? We know each other better than that.¡±


    Iredys nodded.


    Prince Kelton studied her expressionless face then lowered his head. ¡°You still haven¡¯t seen the two of us together, have you?¡± he asked softly.


    ¡®Correct.¡¯

 Knights Oaths

    ¡°Is there something I need to do to make that happen?¡±


    ¡®Not that I have seen¡¯


    Prince Kelton sighed as tears filled his eyes. His hands and lips trembled. ¡°E¡­ even with everything I¡¯ve learned this week,¡± he whispered, ¡°in my heart, I still¡­ very much want you to be my queen.¡±


    ¡®I know, and while my impending rebirth dampens my ability to be your queen now, it doesn¡¯t mean that we won¡¯t ever be together.¡¯


    ¡°Where will you go?¡±


    ¡®That will depend on what Dagaz and Berkano do with my rebirth.¡¯


    ¡°And if I need your help?¡±


    Iredys shook her head. ¡®Unless you are about to make an egregious mistake, I will refrain from contacting you. Your focus needs to be on the woman you marry and the family you will raise as you carry this kingdom forward.¡¯


    Prince Kelton leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs, as he slid his fingers into his hair before he gripped it firmly. ¡°But I don¡¯t know who to choose. Even coming to understand more about myself as I have interacted with Princess Analisa and Countess Lilia, I¡­. I don¡¯t know that I could accept a political marriage, even if that has the best advantages for Greywolf Kingdom.¡±


    ¡®Does it?¡¯ Iredys asked softly.


    He took his fingers out of his hair as he looked up at her with a furrowed brow. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡®Do the benefits outweigh the costs? And I¡¯m not just talking about the physical costs.¡¯


    Prince Kelon folded his hands in front of his mouth. ¡°Not¡­ really. I mean¡­ there is always going to be some give and take, I get that, but¡­.¡±


    ¡®Who has more give and who gets more take?¡¯


    He blew out his breath.


    ¡®Is there a way to make that give and take more even with that person?¡¯ Iredys asked.


    Prince Kelton rubbed his tired and burning eyes. ¡°Not easily. And even then¡­ the cost will still be higher than the received benefits.¡±


    ¡®Could you live with the choice?¡¯


    He sat back on the couch and continued to ponder for a while.


    ¡®...Tell me your thoughts about Countess Lilia,¡¯ Iredys requested after several minutes.


    ¡°She is... too soft,¡± he sighed. ¡°Too soft for court. However, when it comes to aiding the people¡­.¡±


    ¡®Or time alone with you?¡¯


    Prince Kelton winced, but nodded. ¡°That alone would save me and Greywolf Kingdom a lot of heartache and stress. ...If I knew she would be able to adapt to the role she needs to be able to take on, she would be a much better choice, in my opinion, than Princess Analisa.¡±


    ¡®Given time and exposure, she will come to adapt. The road won¡¯t be smooth and the two of you would need to make sure to talk candidly and often. In some aspects, you are looking at higher risks to maintaining the stability of the kingdom¡­.¡¯


    ¡°Then¡­.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m not done.¡¯


    ¡°My apologies.¡±


    Iredys nodded. ¡®If, however, you continue to talk, the two of you will be able to walk through the more trying times relatively unscathed.¡¯


    ¡°With your help.¡±


    ¡®Without my help.¡¯


    Prince Kelton turned his gaze to the fire and tapped his bottom lip with his knuckle as he continued to ponder. ¡°It would be easier if I could just re-consummate my marriage with you tonight?,¡± he sighed.


    ¡®Only if you are willing to watch the three of us get burned alive come morning.¡¯


    He closed his eyes tightly. ¡°Mother.¡±


    ¡®Indeed,¡¯ Iredys replied.


    ¡°And if¡­ when your captor chooses to attack Greywolf?¡±


    ¡®That will depend on how well you work with the one you choose, Kelton,¡¯ she said softly.


    Prince Kelton looked at her again. ¡°But with your¡­ knowledge¡­.¡±


    ¡®It is ever changing. Nothing is set in stone. No path is fixed.¡¯


    He sighed and scrubbed his hands over his face.


    Iredys patted the knee closest to her. ¡®Get some rest,¡¯ she said. ¡®Let your mind process everything that has come to light tonight so you may make better sense of it all in the morning.¡¯


    Prince Kelton picked up her hand and gripped it firmly. He kissed it once. Kissed it twice before giving it one final squeeze. ¡°Thank you.¡±


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    ¡®You are most welcome.¡¯


    He kept hold of her hand as he stood.


    ¡®May you rest well tonight, Kelton.¡¯


    ¡°You as well, Iredys.¡±


    He then knelt in front of her and touched her belly. ¡°Be good for your mom and Aunt Ponderosa, okay?¡± he said.


    Several thumps against his hand answered him and he chuckled


    He planted a kiss on her belly. ¡°I love you.¡± Then he stood and planted a lingering kiss on Iredys¡¯ forehead. ¡°I love you, too, Iredys,¡± he murmured.


    ¡®We love you also, Kelton,¡¯ she replied quietly.


    He nodded as he gave her hand one final squeeze before he let go and turned away. Prince Kelton nodded once to Ponderosa then left the room.


    He walked the halls to his room slowly. The once simple decision of who to marry had become very complicated. Best for Greywolf Kingdom; best for him; best for Greywolf Kingdom and him. It was times like this that he almost wanted someone else to make the decision for him. Just almost, because, depending on who he asked, he would end up being the one holding the short end of the stick. Sighing, Prince Kelton pushed the door to his chambers open. Gailan waited near the changing screen for him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve set out your night clothes, Prince Kelton,¡± Gailan said. ¡°Is there any help I can offer you tonight?¡±


    ¡°Not tonight, Gailan,¡± Prince Kelton replied, tiredly. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in the morning.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°In the morning then.¡± He bowed respectfully then left the room.


    Prince Kelton changed and then climbed into bed. He ran his hand across the sheets beside him. Which woman did he want there? The one that would keep the political stability his mother desired? The one who would grow well into the role demanded of her? Or hope that Iredys¡¯ rebirth would be something that would allow him to have the one he loved most, despite her being anathema to Queen Leona¡¯s Kingdom? And how did he keep the ladies he absolutely did not want to marry quiet so he could marry the woman he chose?


    Exhaling loudly, he closed his eyes and tried to rest.


    He found himself standing in front of the Archbishop, but what woman stood next to him? The veil she wore was thick enough that he couldn¡¯t tell who stood there. The dress was plain. Their builds were similar. The neckline of the dress was high enough to cover where the stones were embedded in Iredys¡¯ chest. The veil was long and thick, and the waist of the skirt high and poofy enough to conceal if there was a pregnancy bump beneath the fabric.


    Prince Kelton sat up. The cold of the room pierced through his sweat soaked night clothes. He shivered. Gailan pulled the curtains around his bed back, allowing the warmth from the fire to reach him.


    ¡°Have you been awake long, Prince Kelton?¡± Gailan asked.


    ¡°No, Gailan,¡± he said, steadying his breath. ¡°Thank you for coming early.¡±


    ¡°Of course. You are to wed the woman you chose last night and need time to prepare.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded, saying nothing about his inability to make a choice.


    He climbed out of bed and stepped behind the screen to pull his wet nightclothes off. He lowered himself into the hot bath that Gailan had drawn for him. He let the water warm him. Draw away the aches and pains he felt from all the dancing and the tension he¡¯d amassed over the last week. Prince Kelton tipped his head back and looked at the ceiling. He reviewed everything he had learned over the last several months.


    From the changes that had come over Iredys¡ªno thanks to her captor¡ªto the reality that, while she would soon give birth to his heir, their child would not be recognized as such and her rebirth might change her into something he could not marry thereafter. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. He hadn¡¯t even asked Iredys who she wanted to care for their son after his birth.


    ¡®That would be Ponderosa,¡¯ he voice replied. ¡®She will keep him safe until it is time for him to step up and take his place.¡¯


    ¡®I doubt she would be able to do so on her own,¡¯ he thought back, as he set his arm back down. ¡®Even with her magic.¡¯


    Iredys didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯


    The door to his room opened. He anticipated it to be his mother coming to demand an answer about who he had chosen, but the muted clunking of armor reached his ears instead. With the arrival of his two favorite knights, he remembered that there was something else he hadn¡¯t yet followed up on.


    ¡°You¡¯ve chosen to marry Lady Iredys, right?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°¡­The two of you have yet to tell me the oaths you swore regarding the options before me,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Tell us you are marrying Lady Iredys first,¡± Sir Hamnet pleaded.


    ¡°The oaths, Sir Hamnet.¡±


    ¡°Y¡­ yes, Your Highness.¡± He took and let out a breath. ¡°We swore to kiss the muck covered pigs if you chose Duchess Penelope.¡±


    ¡°To chase chickens through the halls of the castle if you married Countess Gracilina,¡± Sir Droyen added.


    ¡°If you chose Marquess Jemina, we were going to dress up as muck covered farmers who would constantly offer her a sheep,¡± Sir Hamnet said.


    The corner of Prince Kelton¡¯s lips twitched upward. He brought a hand up to his mouth and bit the knuckle of his pointer finger to keep himself from laughing as he listened to the rest of the oaths these two knights had sworn.


    ¡°If you chose Duchess Harriet,¡± Sir Droyn continued, ¡°we were going to borrow some of your fancier clothes and parade around pompously.¡±


    ¡°For the shy Countess Lilia we planned to cross dress,¡± Sir Hamnet said. ¡°And for Princess Analisa, we¡­.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± Prince Kelton prompted.


    ¡°We will cover our doors and yours with fresh horse manure for a week,¡± Sir Droyn filled in. ¡°A week we will happily restart if we are interrupted.¡±


    ¡°We have, also, both agreed that we will even happily endure the stocks as punishment for acting out,¡± Sir Hamnet finished.


    ¡°...And Lady Iredys?¡±


    ¡°Sire?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    ¡°What oath did the two of you swear regarding Lady Iredys?¡±


    There was a slight click of their armor as they shifted. ¡°We swear an oath right now to not do anything offensive if you marry Lady Iredys,¡± they said together.


    Prince Kelton nodded once as he brought his left hand up to his mouth. No path would be easy going, but¡­.


    ¡°Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Droyn asked when they didn¡¯t hear a response.


    He closed his eyes and let out a sigh before speaking the words that filled his heart and mind.


    ¡°¡­I will honor my betrothal to Lady Iredys of Abundare.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sir Droyn said in a shouted whisper.


    ¡°We shall inform Queen Leona and Lady Iredys at once!¡± Sir Hamnet said.


    Sir Droyn¡¯s and Sir Hamnet¡¯s armor clanked a little more as they hurried out of the room.


    Now to hope that fate would favor them to be able to have more than a month together without revealing what should not be revealed yet. Something that he needed to start addressing by making the majority of the noble ladies present unavailable. Prince Kelton sat up slowly in the cold water to finish washing up as he thought about who he could pair with whom and not have it bite him in the butt once he took the throne. He stood when he was finished and Gailan brought him a drying cloth.


    ¡°You¡¯ve wanted this for a long time, My Lord,¡± Gailan said softly as Prince Kelton accepted the cloth. ¡°Why do you look unhappy with your choice?¡±


    ¡°It is not that I am not happy about choosing Lady Iredys as my wife, Gailan, I am,¡± Prince Kelton replied, as he stepped out of the tub. ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ I am concerned about what those who will not share my happiness might do.¡±


    Gailan¡¯s expression softened as he nodded.

 The Wedding

    Iredys was just about to pull on the simple dress Ponderosa laid out for her when a loud, energetic, knocking sounded on the door. Ponderosa hurried to the door and opened it just a crack. She stumbled back some as she opened the door the rest of the way and a flurry of people entered the room.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Sir Hamnet¡¯s voice rang throughout the room as Ponderosa struggled to keep the surge of people from coming too far into the room. ¡°Prince Kelton has chosen to marry the Lady Iredys. Please get her ready.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded her understanding then stepped behind the changing screen to check on Lady Iredys.


    Iredys¡¯ brow was furrowed and she looked confused when she turned towards her. ¡®This can¡¯t be right,¡¯ she said. ¡®He was going to choose Countess Lilia.¡¯


    ¡®With how big that knight¡¯s grin was and the multitude of people here to put you in the most exquisite wedding gown I have ever seen, I don¡¯t think so.¡¯


    A tear slipped from her left eye as she brought her hand up to her mouth. More tears left her eyes, and Ponderosa pulled her into an embrace. ¡®You are still very much in love with Prince Kelton.¡¯


    ¡®More than I have wanted to admit, despite my deaths,¡¯ Iredys¡¯ thoughts whispered. ¡°Especially to myself.¡¯


    ¡®That I can understand.¡¯ She patted Iredys back. She released her hold and wiped the tears from Iredys cheeks. ¡®Come. Let us prepare you to meet your Prince.¡¯


    Iredys smiled and nodded.


    Ponderosa walked her out to the many women who had come. She was wrapped in a warm blanket in front of the vanity as they dolled up her face and struggled to add even the smallest of combs to the fuzz on her head.


    ¡°Oh, stop fussing already,¡± an older woman scolded. ¡°The Prince is waiting and she¡¯s not even dressed yet!¡±


    The young woman futilely trying to dress her hair stopped. Ponderosa then took her behind the changing screen with the dress to help her slip it on before the others worked to tug the fabric this way and that way as they tied her into the gown and adjusted the skirt of the multi-layered dress to accommodate her pregnant belly. They tried several different veils, but finally settled on the broad combed one. The tines of the comb were nestled into her short hair¡ªalmost painfully so¡ªbefore the women felt satisfied. A bouquet was shoved into her hands before the tittering ladies all left the room.


    ¡®Shall we go, My Lady?¡¯ Ponderosa asked, hooking her arm in Iredys.


    ¡®Not yet. There is something I would have you write for Prince Kelton.¡¯


    ¡®Sure.¡¯ Ponderosa let go and walked over to her writing kit. ¡®What am I writing?¡¯


    Ponderosa walked slowly down the aisle beside Iredys when the music started. She hardly heard the notes as she cautiously scanned those in attendance. The pews in the chapel were full. It looked like everyone she had seen milling about the castle was in attendance, save Princess Analisa. Ponderosa wouldn¡¯t blame her for not wanting to come to her love rival¡¯s wedding. Prince Kelton stood beside the altar and Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn stood to the side to act as bodyguards.


    When they were close enough, Ponderosa passed her to Prince Kelton. Iredys pressed the paper in her gloved hand into his gloved hand as Ponderosa took the bouquet of flowers then stepped away to stand beside Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn. Prince Kelton¡¯s brow twitched slightly before he discreetly unfolded the paper in his hand.


    ¡°Is something the matter, Your Highness?¡± the Archbishop asked when Prince Kelton did not kneel at the altar with Lady Iredys.


    Prince Kelton looked up from the paper and turned toward the Archbishop. ¡°No, Archbishop,¡± he said. ¡°Forgive me. There is something I would like to do before we start.¡±


    The Archbishop nodded.


    ¡°My Queen,¡± Prince Kelton said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. ¡°Before I make my betrothed of nearly two years my wife, I would like to present several betrothals for your approval.¡±


    Queen Leona nodded and stepped forward. ¡°Proceed.¡±


    ¡°I present the following: Lord Howard and Countess Gracilina.¡±


    He waited for Lord Howard to bring Countess Gracilina to stand in the aisle before the queen.


    ¡°Lord Francis and Duchess Harriett¡­. Lord Keets and Marquess Jemina¡­. And finally Duke Drake and Duchess Penelope.¡±


    Queen Leona studied the couples standing before her. ¡°If there are no objections,¡± she said after a moment, ¡°exchange the tokens.¡±


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    Ladies Gracilina and Jemina looked to their families as if seeking for someone to object. Duchess Penelope and Duchess Harriett feigned smiles as they exchanged tokens with the man beside them. As far as the men went, the only sign of discomfort the showed, ever so briefly, was on Lord Howard¡¯s face


    ¡°You may return to your seats,¡± Queen Leona said.


    The four couples returned to the pews. Those in the pews moved toward the center of the benches so the betrothed couples could sit together at the end of the pews. Queen Leona returned to her chair and Prince Kelton brought Iredys to kneel beside him at the altar.


    The Archbishop turned to Queen Leona.


    She nodded once.


    Returning a slight bow, the Archbishop turned to face Prince Kelton and Lady Iredys. He lifted his arms and projected the words of the ceremony.


    ¡°We are here this morning to join the noble Prince Kelton of Greywolf and the fair Lady Iredys of Abundare together in the holy order of matrimony. They have asked all of you here to bear witness to their declaration of love for one another. My Lord, art thou here this morning in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Prince Kelton said.


    ¡°My Lady, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?¡±


    Iredys nodded.


    The Archbishop paused and glanced at Queen Leona.


    She waved her hand slightly for him to continue.


    He cleared his throat, which barely covered the sound of the chapel doors opening. Princess Analisa stepped into the room as the Archbishop continued.


    ¡°¡­In as much as this noble Prince and fair Lady have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore,¡­.¡±


    ¡°Witch!¡± Princess Analisa screeched, cutting off the Archbishop as she lunged at Iredys.


    Prince Kelton was swift to turn and stand, but Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn caught her before she could get near Iredys. He tried to keep his face neutral as Iredys stood and turned to face her accuser as Princess Analisa continued.


    ¡°How dare you come back and bewitch Prince Kelton into marrying you! You¡­.¡±


    ¡°Princess Analisa,¡± Queen Leona interrupted. ¡°These accusations are quite serious. Especially in front of so many who just witnessed Prince Kelton and Lady Iredys both affirm that they are at the altar of their own free will and choice. What proof do you have that Lady Iredys is indeed a witch?¡±


    Prince Kelton clenched his jaw and fisted his hands. Ponderosa could see it was taking everything he had not to grab Iredys and run.


    ¡°I¡­. It¡¯s just that¡­. He was supposed to marry me! If she hadn¡¯t shown up, he would have married me.¡±


    ¡°Wrong,¡± Prince Kelton growled in a low voice. ¡°Countess Lilia would have been my choice had I not found Lady Iredys.¡±


    ¡°That¡­. But, we were betrothed!¡± Princess Analisa whined.


    ¡°Were we? I don¡¯t recall ever agreeing to such an arrangement.¡±


    ¡°But¡­. You¡­.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡±  King Tristan commanded.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± Princess Analisa complained.


    King Tristan bowed low and pulled his daughter to her knees before she could say anymore. ¡°Our deepest and sincerest apologies to Prince Kelton and Lady Iredys for the false accusations levied in jealousy and selfishness.¡± He forced Princess Analisa to bow lower when she refused to.


    ¡°...You are forgiven,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    ¡°If you would be so kind as to excuse us, Your Majesties.¡±


    Queen Leona dismissed them with a wave.


    King Tristan bowed even lower before rising and pulling Princess Analisa out of the chapel.


    Prince Kelton waited until they were out of sight before turning to Iredys. He took her hands in his so she would face him. ¡°Are you alright, Lady Iredys?¡± Kelton asked quietly.


    Iredys nodded.


    ¡°Would you like to continue?¡±


    She nodded again.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied softly.


    He helped her kneel beside him at the altar once more.


    ¡°Please continue, Father,¡± Prince Kelton said to the Archbishop.


    The Archbishop nodded. ¡°Do you Prince Kelton take unto thyself as wife the Lady Iredys and pledge unto her before God to be her protector, defender, and sure resort, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, with all thy worldly powers, to cherish her, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Prince Kelton said with a smile.


    ¡°Do you fair Lady Iredys take unto thyself Prince Kelton to be thy rightful husband and pledge unto him before God to honor and cherish him, to cleave unto him, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, be his one true and lasting counselor and solace, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?¡±


    Iredys nodded.


    ¡°Heavenly Father, bless these rings which noble Prince Kelton and fair Lady Iredys have set apart to be visible signs of the inward and spiritual bond which unites their hearts. As they give and receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the covenant made between them.¡±


    ¡°Lady Iredys,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect, and my love for you.¡± He slipped his signet ring over her finger then pressed the garnet ring she had given him into her palm.


    Iredys took his hand and slid the ring over his finger before she bowed her head low.


    ¡°May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths,¡± the Archbishop continued. ¡°Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union. Hold tight to one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows¡­. Thou hast pledged troth of thy own free will; Thou hast exchanged rings and been bound together. May it be granted that what is done before God be not undone by man. So, by the Power vested in me,¡± the Archbishop proclaimed. ¡°I now pronounce you, Prince Kelton of Greywolf and Lady Iredys of Abundare, Husband and Wife.¡±


    Prince Kelton helped Princess Iredys to her feet. He lifted the veil from her face then kissed Iredys long and deep.

 Rewarded Enough

    Ponderosa watched the trees as she followed behind the royal carriage. She was wary and watchful after hearing Princess Analisa¡¯s accusations in the chapel. She resisted the urge she felt to grab the Dagaz rune and Pearl hidden beneath the high collar of her dress. There were too many servants around. Not to mention that the two knights that had acted as bodyguards and Prince Kelton¡¯s serving man were riding in close proximity to her as well. She had only half listened to their playful bantering and exaggerated relief that they didn¡¯t have to follow through with any of the oaths they had sworn just over four months ago.


    The three of them seemed really close; and close to Prince Kelton by the informal way they spoke about him. A closeness she wished to have again, but doubted she ever would. Ponderosa had just lifted her head to look at the trees on her left when the clopping of hooves drew closer on her right. She turned to find Sir Hamnet walking his horse in stride.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a great service for this kingdom, Ponderosa,¡± he said. ¡°We owe you much for finding and caring for Princess Iredys.¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head and looked away.


    ¡°We do,¡± Sir Hamnet insisted. ¡°Prince Kelton would have changed had he married someone else, even if it were the shy Countess Lilia instead of Princess Analisa.¡±


    She shook her head again. ¡®There doesn¡¯t seem to be much trust between you and Prince Kelton, despite your talk describing your closeness otherwise. Why else would you be kept in the dark?¡¯


    ¡°I will speak to Prince Kelton on your behalf. What¡­?¡±


    Ponderosa turned to Sir Hamnet, her eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched. She slowly, and deliberately, shook her head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want me to speak to Prince Kelton.¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Surely there is something you need.¡±


    She shook her head, took a look toward the royal carriage, then kicked her horse to pick up the pace a little. Because she was already feeling on edge, Sir Hamnet¡¯s insistence that she be rewarded for finding Iredys just made the feeling worse. A feeling she didn¡¯t care to feel right now, since her attention needed to be free in case Iredys needed her assistance. Ponderosa¡¯s relief was minimal when Sir Hamnet didn¡¯t try to catch up or talk to her again.


    When they stopped for the night, Ponderosa followed Prince Kelton and Princess Iredys closely. She attended to Princess Iredys¡¯ needs, aware of Gailan¡¯s almost casual attentiveness to Prince Kelton. He left the room with the dishes Prince Kelton used for dinner. Ponderosa stoked the fire once more and added another log before Prince Kelton called out to her.


    ¡°Ponderosa?¡±


    She turned to him and curtsied.


    ¡°Would you give us a moment of privacy?¡±


    The edges of her mouth turned down, but she nodded.


    Princess Iredys patted Prince Kelton¡¯s hand before she stood. She wrapped Ponderosa in a firm embrace. ¡®Be at peace. Nothing will happen to you in the near future.¡¯


    ¡®What about you, My Lady?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡®That will depend on the baby boy here.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡®You may wait outside for a little while, if you do not yet feel ready to retire for the night. One of us will call when we are okay to have you come back in.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    Princess Iredys loosened her hold and touched their foreheads together. ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    ¡®You are welcome, My Lady.¡¯


    Ponderosa slipped from her embrace then stepped out of the room. She closed the door tightly then leaned against the wall. Iredys words had helped her calm down in terms of Princess Analisa¡¯s accusation. The near constant desire to make sure that Dagaz and the Pearl were still out of sight was nearly gone as well, though her awareness of the necklace was still present in her mind.


    She took and let out a deep breath before thoughts of Sir Hamnet filled her mind. She shook her head to try and clear the thoughts, but a different kind of angst stirred in her gut. Had she done something other than care for Iredys to bring Sir Hamnet¡¯s attention to her? She hadn¡¯t thought so. And his eyes¡­. Ponderosa shook her head again to dislodge thoughts of the knight. Whatever his reasons, she hoped that with her refusal earlier today that he would leave her alone. However, the approach of booted steps made her realize how futile that hope was.


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    ¡°Is something wrong, Ponderosa?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Then why are you standing out here?¡±


    Ponderosa rolled her eyes and turned her head away.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want to wait, did he?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    She turned to him with a glare and shook her head in disgust.


    ¡°What?¡±


    She closed her eyes and slowly let out her breath.


    ¡°Is¡­?¡±


    Ponderosa waved her hand at him to get him to stop then motioned for him to go away.


    ¡°But¡­.¡±


    She clenched her jaw then pointed more firmly down the hall.


    Sir Hamnet held up his hands and took a step back. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go.¡±


    Ponderosa kept a suspicious eye on him until he entered one of the rooms further down the hall.


    Once the door was closed, Ponderosa tipped her head back to rest it against the wall. His persistence was annoying. It was times like these, she wished she still had her tongue and could tell the cheeky knight to shut up and leave her alone. She didn¡¯t need or want any kind of reward for helping Princess Iredys, she didn¡¯t even want to have any kind of social association with him unless she absolutely had to.


    A shiver ran down her spine. She just hoped that as they finished traveling to the summer castle, that Sir Hamnet would back off.


    ¡°Ponderosa!¡± Prince Kelton called.


    She entered the room.


    Prince Kelton had the blanket wrapped around his waist and Princess Iredys was curled up at the head of the bed. Her face was very pale. Ponderosa approached Iredys and knelt on the bed beside her.


    Iredys shivered.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­. I thought¡­,¡± he started, but couldn¡¯t finish.


    Ponderosa turned to Prince Kelton long enough to motion for the blanket. She wrapped her arms around Iredys until the blanket landed next to them. Picking it up, Ponderosa covered Iredys with it. She could hear Prince Kelton pull his pants on then scramble to set out some writing tools, but she kept her focus on Iredys. She was bleeding a little, which was normal for someone who hadn¡¯t had sex for several months.


    Iredys whimpered and a gush of yellowish fluid came out of her body with a little more blood. The mattress was soaked and the sweet smell of the fluid was unmistakable. Iredys was in labor. Ponderosa gave Iredys¡¯ shoulder a gentle squeeze before she climbed off the bed to grab a few things from her herbal kit. She picked out several tinctures, then brought them back to the bed. Iredys took the herbs before Ponderosa helped Iredys lay on her left side on the driest part of the bed. She tucked a pillow between her knees to keep her pelvis open.


    ¡°Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton asked, agitated.


    She scribbled some words on a piece of paper, handed it to Prince Kelton, then shoved him out of the room.


    ¡°Ponderosa!¡± he protested as she shut the door.


    She set a chair in front of the door to keep everyone out as booted steps and voices sounded in the hallway. She needed to give her full attention to Iredys.


    ¡®He¡¯s early,¡¯ Iredys whimpered with her next contraction.


    ¡®He¡¯s right on time,¡¯ Ponderosa said, stroking the top of her head. ¡®Exhale as the contraction starts, and relax.¡¯


    Iredys did so before she shook her head and tried to get up. Ponderosa helped her get up and let her walk around the room. While she walked, Iredys would pause from time to time and adjust the blankets and pillows on the bed. Ponderosa prepared clean cloths to put over the baby once he came. She had just thrown a couple more logs into the fireplace to build up the fire when Iredys breathing changed.


    ¡°Puu,¡± she vocalized.


    ¡®Transition already?¡¯ Ponderosa asked, her eyes widening.


    Iredys nodded then lowered herself onto her hands and knees.


    Ponderosa grabbed a towel and positioned herself behind Iredys. The young Prince was already crowning. She watched the top of his head bob slightly through the vaginal opening before he practically shot out of Iredys¡¯s body. Ponderosa caught him with practiced motions. He whimpered and curled in the much cooler room before he started to wail.


    All the muted noises out in the hall turned to silence as Ponderosa passed the baby boy between Iredys legs to where she could hold onto him as she sat back. Iredys held him close as tears slid down her cheeks.


    ¡®Welcome, Nathaniel,¡¯ Iredys sighed.


    His wailing continued as Ponderosa supported Iredys off the floor and onto the bed. She grabbed her knife to cut the cord, but as she took the white cord in her fingers, it came away without her needing to cut it. She looked at the end and saw that it had been burned. The sound of Nathaniel¡¯s cries changed before they quieted as he latched onto Iredys¡¯ breast. Ponderosa caught the placenta then took it to the table to clean it. The scraping of the chair near the door caught her attention and she left the placenta in the bucket of water to allow Prince Kelton to come back in. As she opened the door, Ponderosa noted that all of Prince Kelton¡¯s knights were crouched by or leaning against the walls.


    ¡°How is she?¡± Prince Kelton asked, a mix of emotions crossing his face.


    Ponderosa smiled then stepped back to let him in.


    Prince Kelton hurried over to the bed. Ponderosa left the door open, but none of the knights ventured into the room. She finished cleaning the placenta then chopped it up so it could be mixed into a glass of meal and herbs. Prince Kelton was stroking Iredys head as he looked down on their son when she brought the glass over.


    ¡°Nathaniel?¡± he asked Iredys.


    She looked up at him with a smile and nodded.


    ¡°Hi, Nathaniel,¡± Prince Kelton said, lightly running his hand over the top of his head.


    Nathaniel let go of Iredys¡¯ breast and fussed a little until she could get him to latch on the other side. Ponderosa offered the glass to Iredys. She drank it then turned her attention to Nathaniel. He let go of her breast and she settled him in the middle of her chest so she could rub his back and get the bubbles out. Prince Kelton sat closer to them and embraced them.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he whispered.


    ¡®I love you, too,¡¯ she whispered back, leaning into him.

 Iredys, Please

    Prince Kelton kissed Princess Iredys¡¯ temple then rested his head against hers.


    Princess Iredys shifted after a moment and wrapped Nathaniel snugly in the cloth before passing him to Prince Kelton. Prince Kelton took him and held him for a moment before he carried him over to where his knights were in the hall. They came up to see him one at a time.


    ¡°He certainly has your nose,¡± Sir Hamnet said with a chuckle.


    ¡°And his chin,¡± Sir Thomas said quietly.


    ¡°Congratulations, Sire,¡± Sir Juleack and Sir Fran said.


    ¡°Thank¡­.¡± Prince Kelton stopped and turned as several gasps came from the bed behind him. ¡°Iredys?¡±


    Ponderosa rolled Iredys onto her side to help her try and catch her breath, but as soon as she was on her side a death rattle escaped her lips and her whole body turned limp.


    ¡°Iredys!¡± He hurried over to the bed and passed Nathaniel to Ponderosa before kneeling beside Iredys. ¡°Iredys, please,¡± he cried and he shook her shoulder. ¡°Breathe!¡±


    Her blind eyes continued to stare at nothing and her jaw remained slack.


    ¡°No!¡± he yelled, startling Nathaniel and causing him to wail.


    Prince Kelton collapsed against the bed and wept. He had anticipated being able to spend the next month with her. Was even hopeful that Iredys would be able to spend that month with her son before this end came.


    ¡°Iredys,¡± he whined, taking her face in his hands. ¡°Iredys, please.¡±


    She still didn¡¯t respond.


    What was worse was that he could not feel her, despite her body lying in front of him. This felt just like the day they had gone riding and she had just vanished. Prince Kelton continued to cry. In the haze of his tears and useless thoughts, he was hardly aware of his knights coming in one by one to give his shoulder a supportive squeeze, or Nathaniel quieting down again.


    Eventually his tears slowed to a near stop. The sound of Nathaniel¡¯s whimper caused him to turn and reach for him. Ponderosa handed Nathaniel back to Kelton. He held him for a good, long, while. Only when Nathaniel pulled a face and something warm and wet started to soak through the cloth did he hand him back to Ponderosa. Almost immediately, he started to fuss and scream again.


    Ponderosa wiped Nathaniel clean of the mess he¡¯d made before she rubbed a little oil on his belly before she wrapped him in clean clothes. She then grabbed several tinctures and gave Nathaniel several drops of each before he quieted once more.


    ¡°What did you give him?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    Ponderosa handed Nathaniel to Prince Kelton before she picked up her quill and wrote, ¡®Alfalfa and chamomile, and a little olive oil on his belly. It is a temporary measure in order to ensure he is getting sufficient nutrition until we can acquire some goat¡¯s milk or I start producing milk myself.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    ¡®In the meantime, a pyre needs to be built for Princess Iredys.¡¯


    ¡°No. She¡­.¡±


    He stopped when he saw Ponderosa look at something behind him. Prince Kelton closed his eyes and let out his breath. He had forgotten that his knights were nearby.


    ¡°The ground is too frozen for that,¡± he said.


    ¡®Then what do you suggest? We can¡¯t leave her body here,¡¯ Ponderosa wrote.


    Prince Kelton subconsciously started to rock with Nathaniel in his arms as he looked down on his sleeping son. ¡°...Whether it be a pyre here or a pyre at the castle, it won¡¯t matter,¡± he muttered after a moment.


    ¡°We do not have enough dry wood to sustain a pyre, My Lord,¡± Sir Gruph said.


    ¡°Then I suggest you start breaking the furniture,¡± he growled.


    ¡°Right away, Sire,¡± Sir Juleak replied before all of the knights left the room.


    ¡°Gailan,¡± Prince Kelton said once all of his knights had gone.


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    ¡°Yes, Prince Kelton?¡± Gailan whispered.


    ¡°Bring water and cleaning cloths.¡±


    ¡°Right away,¡± he choked before he hurried out of the room.


    Prince Kelton gradually brought his head back up to look at Ponderosa. ¡°Tell me you have another plan,¡± he whispered.


    Ponderosa shook her head then wrote, ¡®Nathaniel needs to survive in order to succeed you. He can only do that if you leave no room for doubt.¡¯


    Fresh tears burned his eyes as they slid down his cheeks. ¡°No one comes back from the flames,¡± he choked.


    ¡®No one else has had rebirth magic embedded into their body.¡¯


    Prince Kelton blew out his breath.


    ¡®I know you still have doubts, Prince Kelton, but I believe that Iredys would have refused to remarry you still if this were truly the end.¡¯


    ¡°I hope you are right.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded as Gailan returned with a couple buckets of water and several cloths to wash Iredys¡¯ body with.


    ¡®I will let you know when I have her ready,¡¯ Ponderosa wrote.


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    He carried Nathaniel to the bed where he knelt and planted one last kiss on Iredys¡¯ forehead. Then he and Nathaniel followed Gailan out of the room and into another to wait.


    The sound of wood being chopped and broken came through the walls as Gailan stirred the flames in the hearth to get them to burn brighter and added another log for good measure. Prince Kelton lay on the bed with Nathaniel beside him. He stared at his son¡¯s face, pleased to see much of Iredys in his high cheekbones and in that brief moment that he was able to see his forest green eyes. The sound of sniffles reached his ears just above the crackling of the fire. Prince Kelton looked up to see Gailan crouched beside the fire as tears flowed freely down his cheeks.


    ¡°Gailan,¡± he said.


    Gailan jerked a little then quickly wiped the tears from his face before standing and facing him. ¡°Yes, Prince Kelton.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to hold Nathaniel?¡±


    More tears spilled from his eyes. ¡°Can I?¡± he squeaked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Gailan came over and scooped the sleeping Nathaniel from the bed, then sat on the floor while he cradled the little boy in his arms. A moment later, Gailan started crying in earnest. Prince Kelton reached out and gave his serving man¡¯s shoulder a firm squeeze. The two of them sat in silence until a soft knock sounded on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Prince Kelton called.


    The door opened and Ponderosa stepped in with a curtsy.


    ¡°Her body is ready?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, Ponderosa.¡±


    She curtsied again then left the room.


    Gailan sighed as his tears started anew. ¡°Your mother was a great woman, Nathaniel. I am sad that you will not get her to watch her work.¡±


    ¡°I will make sure he gets to know her well, Gailan. He deserves that much.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better,¡± Gailan replied, giving him a playful glare over his shoulder. ¡°Cause if you don¡¯t, I will.¡±


    Prince Kelton chuckled as more tears filled his own eyes. ¡°That I don¡¯t doubt.¡±


    By the time Sir Hett came to let him know the pyre was built, Prince Kelton was teetering on the edge of sleep. Gailan had fallen asleep, but had set Nathaniel next to Prince Keton prior to that.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir Hett,¡± he said, scooping Nathaniel up in his arms.


    Gailan stirred as Prince Kelton stood. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he yawned.


    ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± Prince Kelton said simply.


    Gailan¡¯s frown deepened as he nodded, but he got up to follow Prince Kelton out.


    Prince Kelton entered the room where Ponderosa sat vigil over Iredys¡¯ body. She nodded to him then held out her arms for Nathaniel. Prince Kelton looked down at the baby in his arms.


    ¡°Be good for Ponderosa,¡± he said. ¡°I need to help your mommy with something now. I¡¯ll be back in a little while, okay?¡±


    Nathaniel whimpered, but stayed asleep.


    Prince Kelton kissed his forehead then handed him to Ponderosa.


    Ponderosa took the young Prince, but remained standing as Prince Kelton and his knights carried Iredys¡¯ body outside to the pyre for burning.


    Stones had been stacked beside the pyre so they would be able to lay her body on top of it. Once her body was settled on the wood, Prince Kelton and his knights stepped off the rocks. All of them worked to move the rocks away from the pyre before Gailan brought Prince Kelton a torch.


    Taking the torch, Prince Kelton walked around the pyre and set the kindling alight in several places before he tossed the torch onto the pyre to light the kindling nestled around Iredys¡¯ body. The kindling lit the entire pyre quickly. The flames where Iredys¡¯ body was seemed to grow the fastest and the smell of game meat joined that of Iredys¡¯ burning flesh. If he didn¡¯t know better, he¡¯d say that Ponderosa lined the linen Iredys was wrapped in with something to help speed up the burning process. He¡¯d ask her to be sure and not just assume that it was Iredys¡¯ magic at work.


    Even with the flames burning hotter, it still took 5 hours for the pyre to collapse and burn itself out. One by one his knights clapped him on the shoulder then made their way inside. Prince Kelton remained by the embers of the pyre a little longer before he approached the ashes. There was nothing before him that resembled anything Human. Whatever remained of her broken bones matched uniformly with the smoldering chunks of wood. He closed his eyes and bowed his head, trying to see if he could feel the pull that had drawn him to her before, but the hope he held on to started to dim when he could not find a single inkling of that pull.


    ¡®Please, Iredys,¡¯ he pleaded in his heart. ¡®Please come back to me.¡¯


    He remained where he stood for several more minutes, then reluctantly entered the building to warm up and try to get some sleep.

 The Dinakal

    The sky was overcast as Ponderosa made sure that she had all of her things collected and Prince Nathaniel bundled warmly and ready to go. She wasn¡¯t sure what the plan was now that Princess Iredys was dead. Was Prince Kelton going to continue the journey to the summer castle, where he would have spent the rest of this month with Iredys? Or did he plan to head back to Greywolf Castle because she was gone? Ponderosa had just picked up Prince Nathaniel to tie him against her chest for travel when Prince Kelton stepped into the room.


    He held out his arms and Ponderosa passed Prince Nathaniel to him. ¡°How¡¯s he been?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa smiled with a nod.


    Prince Kelton smiled softly. ¡°...Anything?¡±


    ¡®Anything?¡¯ Ponderosa furrowed her brow in confusion for a moment before she realized what Prince Kelton was referring to. She softened her expression and shook her head.


    Prince Kelton sighed, but nodded as he turned his attention to Nathaniel, who shifted a little in his arms. ¡°I still plan to head to the summer castle,¡± he said, looking back at Ponderosa. ¡°I hope¡­.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded her understanding.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have you ride in the carriage with Nathaniel and I, in case he needs anything while we travel.¡±


    She nodded again.


    ¡°Is there anything else you still need to gather?¡± he wondered, looking around the room.


    Ponderosa shook her head then shouldered her bags, ready to follow Prince Kelton out to the carriage.


    He had her climb in first before he followed with Nathaniel still in his arms. Once they were settled, the carriage started off. Ponderosa kept her attention on the world outside. It was fascinating to her to see fields of snow as undisturbed as the snow in the trees behind her home. Only the occasional trail of a passing herd of animals postmarked the otherwise pristine blanket. When the trail got rough, she almost wished to be riding a horse instead of being inside the carriage. However, she knew that being in here was better for Nathaniel than tied to her chest while she rode.


    As it was, they stopped every few hours so Ponderosa could change the cloth diaper Prince Nathaniel wore and provide him with some nourishment. She made sure to take a dose of the herbs that would help her produce breast milk in the hope that she would be able to nurse Prince Nathaniel soon since they didn¡¯t have a goat with them, and going to the summer castle meant that they would not be able to procure one.


    When they stopped to camp for the night, Ponderosa thought she saw a wild dog skulking about in the trees not far from them, but it didn¡¯t look like a dog she had seen before.


    ¡°Ponderosa, what is it?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    She pointed to the trees where she had seen the dog, just to have it step into sight before it bound off again.


    ¡°What is that?¡± he wondered.


    Ponderosa shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°Whatever it is, we¡¯ll keep an eye out for it.¡±


    She nodded then took Prince Nathaniel from him when he started to fuss. Ponderosa headed back to the carriage where it would be warmest to change him and feed him. She took a little extra time to massage her breasts to help stimulate milk production while she was alone. They had been aching a little off and on all day and she hoped that it meant that the herbs were working. She was just about to pull her dress back up when Nathaniel let out a noise that caused a yellowish liquid to squirt out of her breasts.


    Ponderosa was surprised, but then smiled. That was exactly what she needed for the young Prince. She picked up Nathaniel and teased his lips with one of her nipples. He rocked his head and opened his mouth a couple times before he finally latched on. His tongue tickled a little as it stimulated her nipple to get it to release more of the premilk she was now producing. She smiled while she watched his eyes roll around in their sockets while he ate. He seemed better sated now that she could breastfeed him. She had just gotten him to latch onto her other breast when there was a light knock on the carriage door.


    ¡°Is everything alright, Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton called.


    She pulled back the cover on the window just enough for him to see her face before she nodded.


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡±


    Ponderosa shook his head.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Prince Kelton stepped away and Ponderosa thought she saw the strange looking dog off in the distance again, but thought nothing of it as she turned her attention back to Nathaniel. He burped and a little bit of the premilk came up. He whimpered and cried when she took her breast out of his mouth to clean up the spit up, but quieted down again once he could have her nipple back in his mouth. Nathaniel¡¯s suckling slowed to a stop as he fell asleep. Ponderosa adjusted how she held him and rubbed his back to see if there were any bubbles that needed to come up. Once she was satisfied that they had all come up, Ponderosa covered her tender breasts then prepared to leave the carriage.


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    She opened the door just to be faced with a large, whitish-gray, long eared dog. Ponderosa cried out in alarm and backed into the carriage, but she had opened the door wide enough to let the dog follow her inside. She whimpered as she held Nathaniel securely against her chest and curled up on one of the benches. She could hear the knight and Prince Kelton shouting as they approached the carriage, but her focus was on the dog in front of her. The dog¡¯s face looked more feline than canine, but the long ears definitely reminded her of the Cayos that ran around the more desert parts of Abundare. Its blue-green eye had a thin and pointed pupil like a cat¡¯s and its light brown eye had more of the rounded pupil like a dog¡¯s. Its body was sleek like a feline, but it had large paws, like the timberwolves. Its long thin tail split in two one third of the way from the tip and was covered in long, whitish-gray fur.


    Ponderosa¡¯s attention was distracted when Prince Kelton yelled.


    ¡°Are you and Nathaniel alright?¡±


    ¡°Yae,¡± she called back, causing the cat-like dog to tip its head to the side.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to open the door on three. One¡­¡±


    The cat-like dog sniffled the bundle in her arms and wagged its tail.


    ¡°Two¡­¡±


    It circled on itself a couple times, causing the carriage to rock before it laid down.


    ¡°Three!¡± Prince Kelton yelled, as he yanked the door of the carriage open, poised to strike.


    He hesitated when he saw the animal laying calmly on the floor of the carriage with its back toward the door.


    ¡°What the heck is that?!¡± Sir Fran exclaimed.


    ¡°A Dinakal?¡± Prince Kelton replied, confused.


    It made a sound akin to a grunt followed by the rhythmic rolling of a purr.


    ¡°Dina¡­ what?¡± Sir Thomas asked, shifting beside him.


    ¡°A dog not native to this region,¡± Prince Kelton explained. ¡°What is it doing out here?¡±


    ¡°You can question it later,¡± Sir Gruph said as he stepped closer to the carriage. ¡°Right now, we need to get it out of the carriage.


    The Dinakal growled in warning as Sir Gruph reached for it.


    Prince Kelton stopped him. ¡°We don¡¯t want it to harm Nathaniel and Ponderosa as we try to get it out. ¡­Does anyone have some jerky on them? Maybe we can coax it out with food.¡±


    ¡°Here, Sire,¡± Sir Juleak said, handing him a couple strips.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Prince Kelton said as he took them. He then held the longest strip toward the Dinakal. ¡°Here kitty puppy. Come here.¡±


    The Dinakal stopped growling, but it looked uninterested in the food that Prince Kelton was trying to offer it.


    Prince Kelton continued to offer it to the Dinakal while he motioned for Ponderosa to try and move closer to the door.


    As Ponderosa started to shift on the bench, so she could reach the door, Nathaniel made a noise that caused the Dinakal¡¯s head to raise and its long ears to perk up. Ponderosa shifted away a little more and the Dinakal turned its head as if to get a better view of them. It thumped the end of its split tail against the floor of the carriage as Ponderosa slowly lowered one of her legs from the bench. She started to lower the other when the Dinakal stood and yip purred as it wagged its tail faster. Ponderosa recognized all these things as playful, non-threatening actions.


    ¡°Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton said when she stopped.


    She pointed to the ground with one of her hands and the Dinakal sat.


    ¡°Wild animals don¡¯t do that,¡± Sir Gruph said.


    ¡°That they don¡¯t,¡± Prince Kelton agreed.


    Ponderosa handed Nathaniel to Prince Kelton so she had both hands free to grab her writing kit. The Dinakal shifted and whine-meowed as if it wanted to follow Nathaniel, but it stayed put. Prince Kelton and Ponderosa were both confused by the reaction, and more so when the Dinakal growl-yowled when Prince Kelton started to pass Nathaniel to Sir Fran. He paused and Prince Kelton brought Nathaniel closer to his chest again. The Dinakal grunted and purred. Prince Kelton tested it out one more time with the same result.


    ¡°She seems very protective of the young Prince,¡± Sir Fran observed.


    Ponderosa pulled out a sheet of paper. She held her ink jar in one hand and her quill in the other. ¡®It is my guess that this Dinakal belonged to someone,¡¯ Ponderosa wrote. ¡®Not only is she well behaved, her coat is well maintained, and she doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s been in want of food.¡¯


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t explain her protective behavior of Nathaniel,¡± Prince Kelton said quietly.


    ¡®She has decided that Nathaniel is her Human,¡¯ Ponderosa wrote.


    He looked at her strangely.


    ¡®A few of the women I¡¯ve helped over the years have had a dog, and I watched the animal exhibit similar behaviors as the newborn was passed around. Quiet when given to certain people, borderline aggressive with others.¡¯


    He hummed and nodded.


    ¡®I also get the feeling that there is more to this particular Dinakal than meets the eye,¡¯ she wrote, a small smile lifting her lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± he said.


    ¡®You will if you allow her to come with us.¡¯


    Prince Kelton studied her face for a moment. The light of hope started to fill his eyes before he cleared his throat. ¡°We¡¯ll let her stay for now,¡± he said. ¡°But if she does anything to threaten the lives of any member of our party, that will be the end.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded her understanding. She put her writing kit away as Prince Kelton and his knights walked away. The Dinakal whined and shifted where she sat. Ponderosa reached out to pet her and touched their foreheads together.


    ¡®It¡¯s you, isn¡¯t it, My Lady?¡¯ Ponderosa thought to her.


    The Dinakal licked her face and made her giggle.


    Ponderosa kissed her forehead then climbed out of the carriage. The Dinakal followed behind her.

 M?thair

    Prince Kelton settled beside the fire with Nathaniel in his arms. It wasn¡¯t long after that Ponderosa arrived with the Dinakal beside her. When Ponderosa sat on the log across from him, he watched the Dinakal debate whether to stay beside her or approach him. After whatever debate she had, the Dinakal started to approach him. He eyed her warily with each step she took. When she was only a few steps away, she lowered onto her belly and turned her head to the side and watched him for a moment. He motioned for her to come closer and she bounced to her feet. She walked over, sniffed the bundle that was Nathaniel, then sat.


    After a few minutes, Prince Kelton reached over and petted her head. The Dinakal tipped her head back and thumped the dual tips of her tail against the compressed snow. Purrs and groans escaped her throat as Prince Kelton scratched around the base of her ears.


    ¡°We should have a name for you,¡± Prince Kelton said to the Dinakal.


    ¡°M?thair,¡± Ponderosa said.


    Prince Kelton stopped petting the Dinakal and turned to her. ¡°Ma-Tare?¡±


    ¡°M?thair,¡± Ponderosa repeated, softening the t sound and trying to accentuate the h more.


    ¡°M?thh air,¡± he repeated, purposefully extending the th sound.


    Ponderosa nodded with a smile as the Dinakal jumped up and ran around the log a few times before coming to sit beside Kelton and Nathaniel once more.


    ¡°M?thair is it then,¡± he chuckled.


    M?thair rested her head on his lap then closed her eyes when he resumed petting her. Her head and ears perked up as Gailan approached with food for Prince Kelton.


    ¡°Trade you?¡± Gailan asked tentatively.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see,¡± Prince Kelton said, taking the bowl so Gailan could take Nathaniel. M?thair watched the two of them as the exchange was made, but made no other moves. ¡°Looks like you are on her good list.¡±


    Gailan smiled. He carried Nathaniel over where Ponderosa was sitting and sat beside her.


    ¡°M?thair,...,¡± Prince Kelton started to say as she padded over to where Gailan was sitting and sat beside him. ¡°M?thair.¡±


    She turned to look at him, her ears twisting to face him.


    He held up the jerky he had tried to offer to her earlier.


    Her ears twisted slightly before she turned her attention back to Nathaniel.


    ¡°Guess she isn¡¯t hungry, My Lord,¡± Gailan said.


    ¡°There will be no food for you later tonight if you don¡¯t eat now, M?thair,¡± he said.


    She looked over at him at the sound of her name before turning her attention back to Nathaniel.


    Ponderosa chuckled.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Gailan asked her.


    Ponderosa pointed to M?thair then Nathaniel before making a heart shape with her hands.


    ¡°Very much so, I think,¡± Gailan chuckled. Then his expression turned serious. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s because she¡¯s lost pups?¡±


    Prince Kelton slowed his eating at Gailan¡¯s question. It hit close to home after what had happened the night before. He watched Ponderosa¡¯s expression turn thoughtful before she made kiss sounds to get M?thair¡¯s attention. M?thair approached Ponderosa and let her run her hands down her chest and top of her belly. She felt for some time before she shook her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Gailan sighed.


    Ponderosa nodded and fondled M?thair¡¯s ears a little before the cat-like dog sat closer to Gailan and Nathaniel again.


    When they started to retire for the night, M?thair started to follow Ponderosa and Nathaniel back to the carriage.


    ¡°M?thair,¡± Prince Kelton called.


    She stopped and turned to him.


    ¡°Stay.¡±


    She sat and watched Ponderosa take Nathaniel into the carriage. It wasn¡¯t long before his cries came through the carriage walls. M?thair whined and mewled, but didn¡¯t try to go to the carriage. Prince Kelton expected his cries to soften once Ponderosa had fed and changed him, but much to his concern Nathaniel¡¯s cries only grew louder. He hurried over to check on him just as Ponderosa stepped out of the carriage.


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    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked as Ponderosa made kiss sounds and motioned for M?thair to come.


    M?thair ran over and practically jumped into the carriage when Ponderosa opened the door. Prince Kelton watched M?thair nudge Nathaniel with her head so she could lay down with him between her front legs. She purred and nuzzled him a little before his cries turned to whimpers then silence. He frowned because he didn¡¯t understand how his son had grown so attached to an animal he just met. Prince Kelton felt a light tug on his cloak and turned to Ponderosa.


    She pointed to M?thair then touched the top of her chest in seven specific places, forming a shallow U. He looked at her confused. Holding up a finger, Ponderosa climbed into the carriage, leaving him to hold the door open while she parted some of the fur on M?thair¡¯s chest to reveal a bump that seemed to shine in the dim light. Ponderosa then touched 7 very specific points on M?thair¡¯s chest in the same sallow U pattern.


    Prince Kelton swallowed hard when he realized what Ponderosa was trying to tell him. ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked as Sir Hamnet came over.


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Sure about what?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    ¡°...Allowing M?thair to sleep in the carriage with them,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    Ponderosa nodded then waved as if to bid them goodnight.


    ¡°One of the knights will be just outside if you need anything,¡± Prince Kelton told her.


    She nodded once more then settled on the floor beside M?thair and Nathaniel.


    Prince Kelton closed the door and looked at the ground.


    ¡°Something on your mind, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked softly.


    ¡°Just trying to process everything that has happened in the last day, Sir Hamnet,¡± he replied. ¡°Thank you for keeping the first watch.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure. Hope you can get some rest, My Lord.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then walked to his tent to try and sleep.


    He woke a couple hours later to the feel of something stepping on his blanket. A purr reached his ears before he could reach for his sword.


    ¡°M?thair?¡± he whispered.


    Her purring grew louder as she lay beside him. He petted her head and neck then eventually stroked her chest, feeling 7 cold hard bumps in a U shape beneath her fur. His breath shook as he cried. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. She shifted a leg to rest over him as she nuzzled him and continued to purr. Prince Kelton allowed himself to get caught up in the cadence of her purring as he fell asleep again.


    He stirred again when he heard voices outside his tent. M?thair was no longer beside him. The spot where she had been lying had already gone cold, which would not have taken long with the cold that surrounded them. Getting up, he started to collect his things so they could be ready to finish their travels to the summer castle. M?thair was sitting next to Ponderosa, who held Nathaniel in one arm while she drank her ground wheat meal, when he stepped out of his tent. He noted that M?thair turned to look at him before she checked on Nathaniel.


    For some reason, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little disheartened that she had left his side before he woke up. Had her love for him changed alongside her form? Why had she gone to Nathaniel instead of coming to him first? He was confused further by her lack of telepathy. Did that mean that M?thair wasn¡¯t really Iredys? He knew he would need to get a closer look at the bumps on her chest to verify that they were the stones that had been embedded in her chest. If the Dinakal was not who they thought her to be, he¡¯d need to get her away from Nathaniel as soon as possible.


    The rest of the ride to the castle was not comfortable. Prince Kelton had a hard time finding a position that didn¡¯t aggravate all the aches and pains he had from sleeping on the ground. He did his best to rest but was finding it difficult, even after M?thair lay on the bench beside him and purred loudly.


    Ponderosa pulled the curtain covering the carriage window often to look outside. He knew they were nearing the summer castle, when her eyes widened and a look of amazement crossed her face.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa¡¯s cheeks flushed pink, but she nodded.


    He watched her turn back to the glorious building nestled amid the pine trees. She fidgeted in her seat a little. He was sure she seemed anxious to arrive so she could make sure that Nathaniel had somewhere other than the bottom of a carriage to sleep, since they had been ill-prepared for his sudden arrival. Thankfully, they¡¯d had enough other supplies to make sure he stayed warm and dry.


    As they entered the courtyard, a good number of stable hands came for the knights¡¯ horses as they neared. The porter approached the carriage as it came to a halt. He opened the door and nearly jumped back as M?thair left the carriage first. Prince Kelton followed, then took Nathaniel from Ponderosa before helping her down. His knights had dismounted and were waiting for Prince Kelton to lead them inside. He noted the confused looks on some of the servant¡¯s faces because there was no sign of Princess Iredys.


    ¡°Have everyone gather in the dining hall after lunch,¡± Prince Kelton told the porter.


    ¡°Very good, Sire.¡± He bowed and walked away.


    Prince Kelton then carried Prince Nathaniel into the castle then down the hall to their chambers. Ponderosa, Gailan, and M?thair followed behind them. When they were near, Gailan stepped ahead of them and opened the doors. He then stepped aside so Prince Kelton could bring Prince Nathaniel inside. Prince Kelton sat in a large chair near the empty fireplace while Ponderosa built a fire in the hearth to keep Their Majesties warm. M?thair lay on the floor at Prince Kelton¡¯s feet and closed her eyes.


    Once Ponderosa had the fire going, she noticed Gailan motioning for her to follow him into the bedchamber. The room felt stuffy. So, despite how cold it was, Ponderosa opened the window while Gailan built a fire. Ponderosa made the bed and found the bed warmers. They worked in tandem to make sure the bed had been properly heated, enough water had been brought in for Prince Kelton¡¯s bath, and that lunch had been served. When everything was ready, Prince Kelton passed Nathaniel to  Ponderosa then quietly requested that the two of them retreat.


    He then knelt beside M?thair and ran his hand along her back, which caused her to let out a trilling purr. She lifted her butt and shifted on her back feet each time his hand passed over it. After several passes, M?thair rolled over and squirmed on her back a little. Prince Kelton petted her belly then drew his hand up to her chest and the bumps under her fur. He started with the one on the far right. As he pushed the fur aside, the Aquamarine came into view as did several silver lines that looked like they had been drawn on her skin. Two downward diagonal lines came off the top and bottom right corners of the Aquamarine and a single straight line extended from the bottom of the stone. Ansuz.

 Intact

    Prince Kelton closed his eyes as he tried to push back the negative thoughts that started to run through his head after seeing the gem and rune unbroken. He was a little surprised that the stone was intact, since heat was one of the things that could break Aquamarine stones. At least, that is what he remembered Diligens telling him at one point when he was curious about the tonics the old man was putting together.


    Shaking his head to push aside all the reasons Iredys¡­ M?thair wasn¡¯t talking to him, he felt down to the next stone. He parted the fur and revealed the Emerald. It sat in the middle of a silver less than symbol. Kenaz. Had she known that this was going to happen? If so, why hadn¡¯t she said anything? Or had the heat affected this stone as well? Prince Kelton sighed and closed his eyes for a moment before he felt for the next bump. The Ruby came into view, nestled between the two legs of a capital M. Ehwaz. She hadn¡¯t moved a single thing that he was aware of either. He paused and rubbed his forehead. He could tell his mind wanted answers and the demand for such was high enough that he was having a hard time focusing on what he was trying to confirm for himself.


    Prince Kelton then dug through her fur for the bottom most semi-precious stone. When he finally found the Diamond it was neatly nestled in the loop of a pointed capital P. Wunjo. He felt tempted to check the Diamond band beneath his Garnet ring, but made himself focus on the task at hand. He moved his hands a little to the right and upward to find the Jet. It was nestled at the junction of one long straight line and two smaller diagonal lines that extended outward in opposite directions from where the Jet was located. Algiz. He found the Alexandrite next, settled in the middle of a pointed capital B. Berkano. Lastly came the Peridot. This heat hating stone was also perfectly intact in the middle of two sideways triangles. Dagaz.


    He smoothed down M?thair¡¯s fur then stood and entered the bedroom for a bath while the water was still warm. He heard the click of nails on the stone floor as M?thair followed after him. She jumped up onto the bed and circled in one spot a couple times before she laid down and closed her eyes again. Prince Kelton frowned then climbed into the bath. He just couldn¡¯t figure out why Iredys wasn¡¯t speaking to him. Why she hadn¡¯t used her psychokinesis to try and speak to him when they were alone. He washed up quickly and dressed, then returned to the sitting room to eat.


    M?thair came out of the bedroom a short time later to eat the scraps that had been brought up for her.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± he asked as he ate his next bite of chicken.


    M?thair looked at him before she sneezed and went back to eating.


    ¡°Did the pyre affect¡­?¡± Prince Kelton¡¯s throat felt tight with emotion.


    A weight against the side of his leg caused him to look down. M?thair had leaned her head against his leg. He reached down and petted her head. She purred for him, which helped soothe the negative emotions running rampant in his chest.


    ¡°Is there a reason you haven¡¯t been speaking to me?¡± he asked after a while.


    M?thair yipped once.


    ¡°Is there something I need to do to open that back up again?¡±


    M?thair yipped again.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    M?thair rubbed her head against his leg then walked away. He watched her walk towards the door and he stood to follow. She waited for him to open the door before she stepped into the hallway. Prince Kelton continued to follow her, not sure what she wanted to show him. He was even more confused, however, when she brought him to the dining hall where all of the servants were waiting. They all turned and bowed or curtsied to him.


    ¡°Right,¡± he said under his breath. Then he spoke louder so everyone could hear him. ¡°I know many, if not all, of you know that Princess Iredys did not arrive with us today. My Princess passed away two nights ago after giving birth to our son, Prince Nathaniel. The reason I decided to come here instead of returning to Greywolf Castle was so I could grieve my Princess in peace in addition to being able to have uninterrupted time to bond with my son. My interactions with my Princess¡¯ Lady-in-Waiting, Ponderosa, will be many since she has become Prince Nathaniel¡¯s wet nurse.


    ¡°For those curious about this creature beside me,¡± he said, motioning to M?thair, who sat beside him. ¡°This is a dinakal. Her name is M?thair. She was a gift to me from a merchant who trades for goods in far away lands. I will see to it that she stays out of your way. Dismissed.¡±


    Prince Kelton then turned and left the room with M?thair by his side. He kept an eye on her as he headed to the room next to his where Ponderosa and Nathaniel would be staying. She didn¡¯t bound ahead of him or try to lead him anywhere. While he knew he needed to address the servants, he wasn¡¯t sure about what that had to do with M?thair being able to communicate with him again. He knocked lightly on the door and waited for Ponderosa to open it. When she did, her arms were empty.


    ¡°Nathaniel?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa opened the door wider then pointed to the bassinet close to the fire.


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    ¡°Is there anything you need from us tonight?¡±


    She smiled and shook her head.


    ¡°Feel free to knock anytime if you do,¡± he said.


    Ponderosa nodded again then closed the door.


    Prince Kelton then continued down the hall to his room with M?thair still beside him. Gailan stepped out of the bedroom as they entered the sitting room.


    ¡°I have just finished banking the fire for the night, Prince Kelton,¡± he said. ¡°Is there anything else I can bring you tonight?¡±


    ¡°No, Gailan. Get some rest.¡±


    Gailan nodded. He petted M?thair¡¯s head a couple times before he left the room.


    Prince Kelton entered the bedroom and removed his shirt. He turned when M?thair barked. She was in a half crouched position with her butt in the air and her tail wagging furiously. He stepped towards her and she started to race around the room before stopping in front of him in that half crouched position. She did this a couple times before he tried to catch her. It took him a few tries, but eventually he was able to catch her and throw her onto the bed.


    The two of them wrestled for a while, which filled Prince Kelton with a strange sense of arousal. He was just about to stop wrestling when M?thair bit deep into his left shoulder. His breath caught in his throat and she had bitten him in such a way that it was hard to get a breath in. Pain radiated from his shoulder and started to spread throughout his entire body. His mind was growing dim as his arousal grew even stronger. He was finally able to let out a moan that didn¡¯t sound like his voice at all. M?thair¡¯s teeth came out of his shoulder and her semi-rough tongue licked the wound causing him to wince.


    As much as he wanted to be angry at her for biting him, he just couldn¡¯t get himself to feel that way as she playfully tugged his pants off before she purred and yipped and nudged him to play with her some more. Prince Kelton started to roll over, his body shifting and twitching in ways and in places that felt unnatural. He stretched and shuddered, only somewhat aware of the fact that his ears flopped more and something wiggled on his backside as he did so. A tantalizing smell reached his nose, and he turned toward M?thair to try and smell more of it.


    He would only get a single whiff before she playfully turned or ran away. He played back¡ªwrestling, biting, tugging, and licking. The longer they played the stronger the smell became. He could feel his member throbbing with his desire. Finally he pinned her beneath him and held her neck in his teeth as he rocked his hips over top of hers. He felt her lift her butt and shift beneath him, causing him to back up a little. He shifted again, feeling himself slip inside her as he thrust hard. She let out a screeching yowl, and tried to break out of his hold, but he held firmly and continued to thrust until he felt the tip of his member swell further, locking their bodies together. She milked him dry, bringing their pleasure to its peak.


    Prince Kelton let go of her neck and licked the spot on her neck where his teeth had been. M?thair purred and groaned and started to roll and stretch on her sides. Her movements made him shift with her since the connection they had hadn¡¯t released yet. As her shifting gradually calmed down, Prince Kelton groomed his beloved mate. He purred and nuzzled her head and neck. She nuzzled him back, shifting a little more as his member started to slide out of her. M?thair turned and licked herself before he lay down beside her. She snuggled up against him and Prince Kelton huffed in contentment.


    He was teetering on the edge of sleep when something niggled at the back of his mind. Prince Kelton opened his eyes and looked around groggily. Something about the room looked off and he didn¡¯t quite feel like himself. He shook his head and awkwardly tried to rub his eyes in an attempt to get his mind to clear and his body to not feel so strange. His nose felt unnaturally dry and his ears ached a little. A soft mew reached his ears and he turned his head and opened his eyes just in time for M?thair to bumped her head against his.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel so well, baby,¡± he mumbled, hearing a strange sound accompany his words and feeling as if his mouth was full of cotton.


    She meowed then proceeded to lay over his chest and nuzzle her head under his chin.


    ¡°Are you not feeling good either?¡± he wondered, lightly wrapping his stiff arms around her.


    She meowed again.


    Prince Kelton continued to float in and out of his semi-awake state. He let his arms drop to the bed when M?thair started to shift again. She ran her semi-rough tongue along the front and top of his left shoulder. He moaned and huffed as both relief and arousal warmed his body. Prince Kelton rolled to his left side so he could push himself up. M?thair continued to lick his shoulder while he stretched. He felt his joints pop and shift as he stretched. He felt his ears shift ever so slightly before M?thair¡¯s tail wacked him in the nose, bringing with it the stronger scent of her own arousal.


    She smelled so good he wanted to eat her, so he took that opportunity to tackle her. They tussled on top of the sheets for a short while before he took her neck in his mouth. Her butt lifted under him and he shifted his hips back before thrusting forward and slipping into her. His thrusts were short and swift, almost as if he was spasming before he found release.  He slipped out and let go of M?thair¡¯s neck as he adjusted his stance before he thrust himself inside her again. M?thair danced to the side a little, but he kept right with her and continued to thrust until he felt his member swell and them lock them together again as the rode the high of their connection.


    The lock didn¡¯t hold as long this time and M?thair rolled over enough to bat him away. He backed off a little while she cleaned herself before he was nuzzling up beside her once more. They played and chased and fought before he pinned her beneath him once more and mounted her. They released together this time once, twice, then thrice as their bodies were locked together once more. M?thair lay down and Prince Kelton sat while he massaged her back with a pair of large black, brown, and tan paws. Seeing that his hands were not hands, didn¡¯t phase him as he continued to hover in the bliss of their lovemaking.


    ¡®I so love you,¡¯ he thought to his beautiful mate.


    ¡®I so love you back,¡¯ a familiar voice replied.


    ¡®Iredys?¡¯


    ¡®M?thair now, but yes, it¡¯s me.¡¯


    Prince Kelton wiggled with his excitement which stimulated both of them to and through another release. His member pulsed inside her and allowed him to feel more of her than he thought possible. Even as he gradually slid out of her, he could feel her inside him and himself inside her. M?thair turned to him when they were no longer physically connected. He groomed his beloved wife and felt her reciprocate. Then the two of them curled up against the other before they fell into a deep and blissful sleep.

 Unsettled Still

    Ponderosa stood beside the window in her room that overlooked the courtyard. The sky had darkened quickly and only a few torches lit the cobblestones below. She had felt the magic stir in the room beside her. The feel of the magic resonated with her own almost perfectly. She was grateful they were in a part of the castle a good distance from the others, so Prince Kelton and M?thair could reconnect. However, as she watched the torchlight dance on the stones around the castle, Ponderosa spotted someone swing themself up onto a saddled horse.


    Their clothing was plain. Their body language closed. They wasted no time in kicking the horse into a gallop. As they dashed out into the night, she furrowed her brow. Why would a servant be running off at this time of night? With everything the servants would have brought in to support Prince Kelton¡¯s and Princess Iredys¡¯ honeymoon, she wouldn¡¯t have thought them to be negligent enough to have forgotten anything urgent.  Her hand came up and played with Dagaz and the Pearl on her necklace. Did this mean that someone had learned about her magic? Or the magic that M?thair held? She reviewed the last three days and couldn¡¯t think of a time that someone would have seen her necklace, no one aside from herself would have seen the stone and runes in Princess Iredys¡¯ chest and, other than being an overly attentive animal, there was nothing magical about M?thair either.


    Ponderosa tucked the necklace out of sight when she heard footsteps echo in the hall. A knock sounded on the door before Gailan stepped in.


    ¡°I asked Dawson to make you some soup,¡± he said. ¡°I didn¡¯t see you have anything after we arrived and thought you might be hungry.¡±


    Ponderosa smiled sweetly and accepted the soup Gailan had brought.


    The fluctuations of magic next door had almost stopped as she motioned to Gailan about bringing food to Prince Kelton and M?thair.


    Gaian sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve left food for them in the sitting room, but with how quiet they are, I don¡¯t know how much of it they will eat.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded. She took a sip of the soup Gailan had brought her and set her hand against her mouth as she swallowed. Tears filled her eyes.


    ¡°Is something wrong with the soup?¡± Gailan asked worriedly.


    Ponderosa shook her head. She motioned to the soup, to her mouth then tried to smile through her tears.


    ¡°Is it awful?¡±


    She shook her head again. She lifted her thumb and moved her hand toward the ceiling.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ better?¡±


    She nodded.


    Gailan looked relieved. ¡°Dawson will be happy to hear that. He¡¯s a good cook.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Is there anything you or Prince Nathaniel need tonight?¡± Gailan asked when she was finished.


    She shook her head then gave Gailan a hug as thanks.


    He stiffly patted her back then stepped away when she let go. He took the empty glass from her and left to take it back to the kitchen.


    As soon as the door was closed, Nathaniel started to fuss. Ponderosa scooped him up so she could change him and feed him once more.


    When morning came, Ponderosa took Nathaniel next door to see their Majesties. The sitting room was empty save the small fire that was going in the hearth. The many dishes that Gailan had brought up were empty, save the occasional bone or chunk of hard gristle. A soft trilling bark reached her ears and Ponderosa turned to see M?thair enter the sitting room. She shifted her head to indicate to Ponderosa to sit on the couch near the fire. Ponderosa did so and M?thair jumped up on the couch beside her.


    M?thair laid down and Ponderosa set Nathaniel between her forelegs. Nathaniel whimpered and squirmed a little before he settled down with M?thair¡¯s purring. Ponderosa could not help, but stroke M?thair¡¯s silky ears.


    ¡®Were you able to have a good night with Prince Kelton?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ M?thair replied. ¡®Did you and Nathaniel not have a good night?¡¯


    ¡®It was fine. Still getting used to his feeding schedule.¡¯


    M?thair nodded before she pressed more of her head against Ponderosa¡¯s hand. ¡®Thank you for doing what I cannot.¡¯


    ¡®It is my pleasure, M?thair. I am glad you were able to return to your family as swiftly as you did.¡¯


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    ¡®This time at least,¡¯ she replied, touching her nose ever so briefly against Nathaniel¡¯s. ¡®You still feel a bit unsettled. What¡¯s on your mind?¡¯


    Ponderosa sighed. ¡®I am worried that someone has discovered or detected the magic we hold.¡¯


    M?thair closed her eyes and was quiet for a while. She let out a long breath before opening her eyes. ¡®Kenaz is refusing to show me anything right now. I will take that as a sign that we are not in any immediate danger and should still be okay. We¡¯ll still want to keep a subtle watch even though we are away from the bulk of the servants.¡¯


    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    She nodded. ¡®Something else on your mind?¡¯


    ¡®Are the runes visible now?¡¯ Ponderosa asked, as she motioned to M?thair¡¯s chest. ¡®They weren¡¯t yet visible when I prepared your other body for burning.¡¯


    M?thair nodded then sat up a little more so Ponderosa could look. Ponderosa touched each stone, running her finger over the engraved runes. The skin that had taken a long time to heal and finally finished doing so. Each rune was visible and small silver links connected them together. If she didn¡¯t know any better, she would have thought that someone had put a very unique chain around M?thair¡¯s neck.


    Ponderosa¡¯s stomach grumbled loudly.


    M?thair laughed. ¡®Why didn¡¯t you eat something before you came over?¡¯


    ¡®I thought it best that Nathaniel be given to you and Prince Kelton first,¡¯ Ponderosa replied with a soft smile.


    ¡®Well, he¡¯s here, so go eat. Kelton will be out shortly.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded then excused herself for a short time. She did her best to draw peace from M?thair¡¯s words of comfort, however, she struggled to set aside her unease knowing that she was going to be around so many people she was not familiar with.


    By the time Ponderosa left her room to return to Prince Kelton¡¯s chambers, Gailan and a few other servants were just coming up with breakfast for him and M?thair. She smiled and assisted with the door. Prince Kelton was dressed and holding Nathaniel, but he looked more worn out that she thought he would, especially given the fact that he had been able to spend much desired time with M?thair.


    ¡°Is there anything more I can get you, Prince Kelton?¡± Gailan asked as the other servants stepped out of the room.


    ¡°No, Gailan. Thank you.¡±


    Gailan nodded then started to leave. He paused when Ponderosa didn¡¯t follow. ¡°Are you not eating, Ponderosa?¡± he wondered.


    She motioned to him that she had eaten already.


    He nodded then stepped out of the room.


    Ponderosa then approached Prince Kelton so she could take Nathaniel from him.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of him, Ponderosa,¡± Prince Kelton said, running his hand over his son¡¯s head once she held him.


    ¡®You are welcome, Prince Kelton,¡¯ she replied in thought as she nodded before she walked over to the couch to hold Prince Nathaniel while she remained attentive to Their Majesties.


    Prince Kelton¡¯s brow furrowed and he turned to M?thair. ¡°Did I just hear Ponderosa say ¡®you¡¯re welcome¡¯?¡±


    ¡®Her voice sounded a little muffled, didn¡¯t it?¡¯ M?thair replied.


    ¡°Yes?¡± More confusion filled his expression.


    ¡®You are able to hear her thoughts because of the amplifying powers of several of the stones, now that we have been reunited.¡¯


    ¡°So it wasn¡¯t a dream,¡± he said as he looked nowhere in particular and covered his mouth with his hand. ¡°I really¡­.¡± Prince Kelton shuddered.


    ¡®Very much so, my beloved Weredin,¡¯ M?thair replied, leaning against him. ¡®It was the only way to open up the channel of communication between us again.¡¯


    Prince Kelton shivered again before he brought his hand down to pet M?thair¡¯s head. ¡°I get the feeling that little things like this will need to happen each time your form differs from mine?¡±


    M?thair turned her head to look up at him. ¡®That I do not know. I don¡¯t even know if the magic used last night changed the band that binds us together.¡¯


    Prince Kelton stopped petting her head and pulled the Garnet ring off his left ring finger. ¡°The Diamond band has been reconnected by small lines of Alexandrite and Peridot, and there is a thin band of Aquamarine beneath it and a thin band of Jet above it,¡± he said softly.


    ¡®So it is possible that I won¡¯t need to change you into a Were-anything in the future,¡¯ M?thair purred.


    ¡°If it means being with you, I¡¯ll become a Were-anything anyday,¡± he said, massaging her left ear before he planted a kiss on her nose.


    She licked his nose in return.


    ¡°We should eat now,¡± he smiled.


    M?thair yipped in agreement then padded over to the bowls that had been placed on the floor for her and started to eat.


    ¡°M?thair,¡± Prince Kelton seemed to whine.


    She turned to look at him.


    ¡°Can you not change and join me at the table?¡±


    ¡®Dagaz refuses to stir when I try, Beloved,¡¯ she replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know how soon it will do so.¡±


    ¡°Fine, then I¡¯ll just¡­.¡±  Prince Kelton tensed as he got a constipated look on his face.


    ¡®That will not work, Your Majesty,¡¯ Ponderosa said.


    Prince Kelton turned to face her. ¡°So, how do I change?¡±


    ¡®You won¡¯t be able to until the next full moon.¡¯


    ¡°But¡­.¡± He motioned to her and M?thair.


    ¡®We have been marked with a semi-precious stone and rune, Beloved,¡¯ M?thair reminded him gently. ¡®That magic allows us to change freely.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®In my experience, whatever phase the moon is in, when one is marked, plays a part in when the next transformation can occur. Since your marking is different from ours, your ability to change will remain dormant until the next full moon.¡¯


    Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t like it, but maybe it¡¯s just as well. I don¡¯t need my mother freaking out about yet another thing related to magic.¡±


    M?thair and Ponderosa nodded at the same time.


    Prince Kelton turned back toward his food and ate slowly. M?thair finished hers then sat beside him once more.

 Old War Wounds

    ¡®This means I can¡¯t make love to you anymore, can I?¡¯ Prince Kelton thought to M?thair.


    ¡®Not for several months when the height of my estrus returns,¡¯ M?thair replied.


    ¡°So much for my plans to keep you in bed for a month,¡± he muttered softly.


    ¡®Hear that, Ponderosa?¡¯ M?thair sniggered. ¡®My mate thinks he can keep me in bed for a month, when one night with me wore him out.¡¯


    Prince Kelton turned to see Ponderosa holding a closed fist against her mouth as she tried not to laugh.


    ¡°In my defense, being turned into a Weredin, without warning, took a lot out of me.¡±


    ¡®My sore bum says otherwise,¡¯ M?thair teased, as Ponderosa nodded.


    Prince Kelton flushed a deep red. ¡°Could you not say such things in front of the help,¡± he said, covering his face with his hands.


    ¡®Say what, in front of the help?¡¯ Ponderosa wondered.


    ¡°Not a word,¡± he commanded M?thair.


    She mewed innocently then rubbed her head against his leg as she purred.


    ¡°If I may ask you to leave, Ponderosa? I¡¯d like to have a little chat with my mate.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded then took Nathaniel out of the room.


    ¡°You are being very cheeky today,¡± he said, taking her head in his hands. ¡°What has gotten into you?¡±


    ¡®You have,¡¯ she said, panting in his face.


    Prince Kelton chuckled then kissed her on the head. Then he lowered his head to hers with a moan as he felt his body weaken and threaten to pass out.


    ¡®Time to lay down again, Kelton,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he whimpered.


    He took in a few deeper breaths before his head cleared enough for him to feel safe to stand up. M?thair walked beside him as they entered the bedroom again. Prince Kelton climbed into bed and M?thair jumped up to lay beside him. He petted her a couple times before he sunk into the nothingness of sleep.


    He stirred to find himself in bed alone and Gailan building up the fire in the hearth.


    ¡°M?thair?¡± he asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s in Ponderosa¡¯s room,¡± Gailan replied.


    ¡°Thank you, Gailan.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Is there anything I can get you, My Lord?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Gailan bowed respectfully then left the room.


    Prince Kelton slowly climbed out of bed and made his way to Ponderosa¡¯s room. He knocked. The door handled jingled a little before the door opened a crack and M?thair stuck her head out. She woofed once then retreated back inside. Prince Kelton pushed the door open just in time to see M?thair


    return to the bed where Nathaniel was starting to fuss and Ponderosa seemed to be in a deep sleep. He stepped in and closed the door before he approached the bed. He petted M?thair¡¯s head and ears as he asked.


    ¡°Is she doing okay?¡±


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ M?thair replied. ¡®Just tired from caring for Nathaniel and combatting her worry about being discovered.¡¯


    ¡°Discovered?¡±


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    ¡®She saw one of the servants leave the castle while we were otherwise engaged.¡¯


    ¡®Are the two of you in danger?¡¯ he asked in thought.


    ¡®Kenaz has not shown me anything, so I don¡¯t believe so.¡¯


    ¡°It would be good to find out all the same,¡± he said softly.


    M?thair nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask Gailan to find out what he can.¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°I love you, M?thair.¡±


    ¡®I love you, also, Kelton,¡¯ she replied, turning to look at him.


    He rubbed their noses together then stepped out to speak with Gailan.


    Prince Kelton found his serving man helping Dawson in the kitchen.


    ¡°Feeling a bit more peckish, Prince Kelton?¡± Dawson asked. ¡°Pipsqueak here says you haven¡¯t been eating much.¡±


    ¡°Not entirely, Dawson,¡± Prince Kelton replied, ¡°but if you have some bread and cider, I might be able to stomach that.¡±


    ¡°Coming right up.¡±


    While Dawson was busy, Prince Kelton sat close to Gailan.


    ¡°I need you to look into something for me,¡± he said.


    Gailan cocked his head to the side a little in confusion. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Ponderosa saw one of the servants leave last night. I need you to confirm that such is the case, and see if any messenger birds are missing in addition to the horse they took, as discreetly as possible.¡±


    ¡°Why would a servant running off be important?¡± he asked, not seeing the problem.


    ¡°There are too many ears for me to explain right now,¡± Prince Kelton replied, a little frustrated. ¡°Just do it. Please.¡±


    ¡°You have my word.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Gailan.¡±


    Dawson brought the bread and cider over, and Prince Kelton took his time picking it apart as he ate it. Gailan soon finished what he was helping Dawson with before he excused himself. Prince Kelton watched Dawson work while he finished up the last few bites of bread. He noticed that the man kept rubbing his right wrist from time to time.


    ¡°Is your wrist bothering you, Dawson?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Just an old war injury, My Lord,¡± he said, brushing it off. ¡°Likes to act up when storms come in.¡±


    ¡°Does the size of the storm affect how much it hurts?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡¯n no, My Lord. Sometimes I know when it¡¯s gonna be a blizzard, other times it feel like the storm is gonna bury us only to give us nothing more than a few flakes.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep an eye out then,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t want us to run out of food before roads are clear enough to get back, should this storm bring in more than anticipated.¡±


    ¡°Understood, My Lord. Can I interest you in some chicken or fruit?¡±


    Prince Kelton shook his head. ¡°Thank you, Dawson. I should get back to Nathaniel.¡±


    ¡°You are most welcome, My Prince. My condolences about Princess Iredys.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded then left the kitchen to return to Ponderosa¡¯s room.


    When he entered, he found Ponderosa leaned against the bed¡¯s headboard, with Nathaniel latched onto one of her breasts, and M?thair lounging on the bed beside her. Ponderosa¡¯s eyes were a little red and tear tracks could be seen on her cheeks.


    ¡°Is something the matter, Ponderosa?¡± he asked softly.


    ¡®Just tired, My Lord,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡°M?thair and I can take Nathaniel for a while so you can get more sleep.¡±


    Her lips rose in a trembling smile. ¡®If you are willing, I¡¯d like that.¡¯


    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Prince Kelton then reached over and started to pet M?thair. ¡°Seems like I wasn¡¯t the only tired one.¡±


    ¡®The visions overwhelmed her while you were out,¡¯ Ponderosa said. ¡°So she¡¯ll be asleep for a while yet.¡¯


    ¡°She didn¡¯t have any fits on our trip here,¡± he said, confused.


    ¡®That she did not, but when the visions overwhelm her or not is always random.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°...Dawson, our cook, says that there is a storm coming. He doesn¡¯t know how big it¡¯s going to be yet, but we may need to ration the food.¡±


    ¡®That will not be a problem for me,¡¯ Ponderosa assured him. ¡®Since you got the carriage instead of just another horse, I was able to bring all of my ground meal with me. Dawson will not need to worry about making any soups or mashes for me.¡¯


    ¡°If we do need to ration, I will let him know.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded just as the windows started to rattle. Prince Kelton got up off the bed and walked over to the window.


    ¡°Looks like our storm just showed up,¡± he said.


    ¡®Not quite,¡¯ M?thair yawned.


    ¡°M?thair?¡± Prince Kelton asked, coming back to the bed to check on her.


    ¡®Tired,¡¯ she replied, when he touched her head. ¡®Love you.¡¯


    ¡°I love you, too.¡± He kissed her furry cheek then let her sleep.


    Nathaniel¡¯s whimper reached his ear, but he felt M?thair¡¯s magic keep his face turned towards her for a moment longer. When he felt her magic disperse, he looked over and saw Ponderosa rubbing his back to get any bubbles he might have out of his stomach. Prince Kelton waited until Ponderosa had bundled him up again before he took him. He petted M?thair¡¯s head a few times before he said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be next door so you can rest,¡± he told Ponderosa.


    She nodded. ¡®Thank you for watching over him for a while.¡¯


    ¡°Thank you for all the care you have given him for us.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded again, then climbed under the blankets as Prince Kelton took Nathaniel back to his own chambers.

 Sir Hamnet

    ¡®How are you feeling, Ponderosa?¡¯ M?thair asked when she woke from her nap.


    ¡®Better,¡¯ she replied. ¡®Have you been waiting long?¡¯


    ¡®Not at all,¡¯ she replied. ¡®Kelton will be in shortly with Nathaniel, so rest until then.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    True to her words, only a few minutes passed before Prince Kelton entered the room with a fussy Nathaniel. Ponderosa got up then to clean him up and feed him again. Once he was content and sleeping again, Ponderosa handed him back to Prince Kelton.


    ¡®Is it alright to have a little more time to myself?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°Let us know if you need anything.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded her thanks then left the room to explore the castle. It was much smaller than Greywolf Castle, but that helped Ponderosa not get lost in all the halls. She found several more bedrooms before she came across a study. The books were many and did not look as if they had been moved for some time. She looked into the drawers that were at waist height under the bookcases and found ink, quills, and a plentiful stack of paper. Another drawer held measuring tools and maps. She scanned the titles of the books, and saw a handful that sounded like it might be an interesting read. She drew her finger over a couple more book titles that drew her attention. She wasn¡¯t sure if she would have the opportunity to read all of them, but even to be able to read a few of them would be nice.


    M?thair chuckled in her head, ¡®So bring a couple back to your room.¡¯


    ¡®Can I?¡¯


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    Ponderosa grabbed two books about plants then she turned to explore more of the castle.


    While she was making her way down the hall, she saw several servants whispering and making subtle gestures in the direction of Their Majesties¡¯ chambers. They seemed unaware of her presence until she was almost past them. Even as she walked by, she didn¡¯t understand what they were saying and their motions didn¡¯t seem indicative of anything specific, but she still had the feeling that something was off. Ponderosa continued her walk, though remaining wary. She paused beside one of the windows when she saw Prince Kelton¡¯s knights sparring out in the snow. They had found a place sheltered from the wind to practice in, but once the wind changed direction and allowed the storm to break, they wouldn¡¯t be out there for much longer.


    Sir Hamnet turned and saw her standing beside the window. He came inside, and practically ran to where she was.


    ¡°Is something the matter, Ponderosa?¡± he asked.


    She shook her head then turned away.


    Sir Hamnet followed. ¡°I hope you have changed your mind in regards to being rewarded for caring for Lady Iredys, and now Prince Nathaniel.¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head.


    ¡°Why not,¡± he insisted. ¡°Prince Kelton would be more than¡­.¡±


    Ponderosa held up her hand to get him to stop. She took a step back then turned to walk away.


    ¡°Would you at least take a turn with me after the evening meal, Ponderosa? Provided Prince Kelton approves,¡± Sir Hamnet said, before she could go too far. ¡°I would very much like the opportunity to get to know more about you.¡±


    She turned to him once more.


    He had relaxed his stance, but there was something about his attentiveness that made her want to avoid him.


    Ponderosa turned away without an answer. She walked down several halls to reach the stairs that would lead to her room. She took each step without seeing the stones in front of her. Why would Sir Hamnet want to get to know her? And how did he expect her to answer while they walked since she couldn¡¯t speak? Ponderosa¡¯s next step slipped. She cried out as she dropped the books and fell forward onto her arms and knees, but her motion didn¡¯t stop. Her foot caught on her dress, causing her to slip, and sent her tumbling down the stairs. She did her best to protect her head, but nothing could be done to protect her elbows, shoulders, knees, or back.


    Her back smacked the stone floor at the bottom of the stairs. The air was forced from her lungs. She hit the back of her head on something a little softer than stone, but it still made her vision turn white. She struggled to get her next breath in. Clanking footsteps approached her location. Sir Hamnet was coming. Her heart rate increased. She started to roll over, hoping to deter him. She moaned then tried again to take a breath, but her lungs refused to expand. She couldn¡¯t pass out. She needed to catch her breath so she could escape!


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    ¡®Exhale, Ponderosa,¡¯ M?thair¡¯ calm voice said.


    She exhaled.


    ¡®More,¡¯ M?thair instructed before she could try inhaling again.


    Ponderosa forced a little more air from her burning lungs. When she could exhale no more, Ponderosa tried again to breathe in. She succeeded this time and coughed. She coughed hard, which aggravated the places where the stairs had caught her.


    ¡®Thank you, My Lady,¡¯ Ponderosa thought before darkness conquered her consciousness.


    She woke slightly to the feel of weight being placed on her right thigh.


    ¡®It¡¯s just me,¡¯ she heard M?thair say.


    ¡®Alone?¡¯


    ¡®Not entirely. Prince Kelton and Sir Hamnet are discussing their next steps.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded slightly then lifted her hand to stroke M?thair¡¯s head. ¡®How... did I get here?¡¯


    ¡®Sir Hamnet brought¡­.¡¯


    She opened her eyes wide. Her hand came up to where her necklace rested under her dress.


    ¡®It¡¯s alright, Ponderosa,¡¯ M?thair soothed. ¡®He didn¡¯t see anything.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded and took a deeper breath. Her eyes fluttered closed and she returned to sleep.


    ¡®M?thair?¡¯ Ponderosa asked as she came to.


    She heard the shifting of fabric before Prince Kelton, Nathaniel, and M?thair walked into her line of sight.


    ¡®Prince Kelton. I¡¯m¡­.¡¯


    He gently waved her words away. ¡°This was not your fault. We¡¯re just glad you were not hurt more than you were.¡±


    She nodded slowly then looked down, feeling even more troubled by the things she had seen, and now experienced, here in the castle.


    ¡®I am sorry I was not able to warn you about the stairs sooner,¡¯ M?thair whined.


    Ponderosa shook her head. ¡®Better to not rouse any more suspicion about magic than might have been raised already.¡¯


    M?thair nuzzled her head against Ponderosa¡¯s leg before Prince Kelton pet it. ¡°Is there anything we can bring you to ease your pain, Ponderosa?¡±


    ¡®Not that I can think of right now. ¡­Your Majesties have been more than generous with me.¡¯


    He nodded. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped as the rattling of the window increased. ¡°Guess that means the storm is finally here,¡± he said.


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ M?thair responded.


    Prince Kelton stroked M?thair¡¯s back. ¡°I hope I don¡¯t come across as insensitive by asking Ponderosa, but has Sir Hamnet harmed you in any way?¡±


    Her brow furrowed. ¡®Not that I recall, Prince Kelton. I... I don¡¯t know what about him puts me on edge. I.... When I look at him, there is something familiar about him. And that familiar... feels dangerous. I just....¡¯ Ponderosa shook her head. ¡®I wish I knew what it was.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°You should know that he and Sir Droyn are standing guard.¡±


    She nodded.


    M?thair set one of her paws over her hand. ¡®Unless it is important, he won¡¯t be coming in.¡¯


    ¡®Okay.¡¯


    ¡®Try to rest.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded then closed her eyes.


    She didn¡¯t sleep well. Different types of dreams related to Sir Hamnet tormented her. Her mind focused on his eyes in a good majority of her dreams. She woke with a gasp then groaned when the expansion of her lungs aggravated her bruised ribs. M?thair shifted on the bed beside her and Nathaniel¡¯s screaming pierced her ears. A lamp remained dimly lit on the bedside table. She moaned then struggled to push herself up so Nathaniel could nurse.


    ¡®What else do you need, Ponderosa?¡± M?thair asked.


    ¡®My writing kit.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ll get it.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. She tried to take a deeper breath as M?thair left the bed to grab the satchel holding her writing kit. Although Ponderosa winced and gasped as she moved and breathed, she was glad she hadn¡¯t broken anything. She did her best to breathe slowly to keep the pain to a minimum and focus on the distraction Nathaniel provided as he suckled. When he was finished, Ponderosa became more aware of how much pain she was in, as she lay him back on the bed to sleep. More sleep sounded good to her, too, but she needed to figure out what her dreams about Sir Hamnet meant.


    So, with trembling hands, she pulled out and opened her kit. Picking up one of her last few sheets of paper, her quill, and her ink, she prepared to draw. M?thair used her magic to turn the lamp up a little to give her more light to work by.


    ¡®Thank you, M?thair,¡¯ Pondera winced.


    ¡®You are most welcome, Ponderosa. Is there anything in your bags that might help alleviate your discomfort?¡¯


    ¡®Maybe,¡¯ she replied, distractedly. ¡®I....¡¯


    She uncapped her ink and dipped the tip of her quill in it. She needed to draw Sir Hamnet¡¯s face, figure out what it was about his studious eyes that unnerved her this much.


    M?thair left her to work. The soft clink of glass barely reached Ponderosa¡¯s ears as she drew a rough outline of his face, his eyebrows, the location of his eyes, nose, and lips before M?thair stopped her long enough to swallow some white willow bark tincture. The alcohol burned her throat and the pain relieving properties left a slightly numb feeling in her mouth. She accepted a little water to help wash it down then dipped her quill in the ink once more.


    Ponderosa gave several of her general placement lines a little more definition before her breath started to deepen as the herbs kicked in, causing her eyelids to droop. The quill stopped moving and she tipped her head back. She fought to open her eyes again, but she was feeling so comfortable it wasn¡¯t long before her mind plunged her back into sleep. A sleep so deep she didn¡¯t dream.


    When she woke to Nathaniel¡¯s cries after several hours of sleep, she was glad to see that the young Prince, and her writing kit, were no worse for wear, despite her current resting position. Ponderosa moaned as she shifted. The herbs had worn off, but she needed to feed Nathaniel and hope she had enough energy to draw some more.

 That Face

    Over the course of several days, Ponderosa was able to complete Sir Hamnet¡¯s face. She noticed that for every new detail she added to her face, she would end up falling asleep. Each time she fell asleep, she had been unable to set her writing kit aside. Thankfully, M?thair stayed close by to move it when she started to drift off. As the days continued to pass, she was able to define his cheek bones, fill out his eyebrows, draw his thick, full lips, before shading in the eyes that continued to haunt a good majority of her dreams; eyes that continued to look so familiar and yet foreign in the face looking up at her.


    Ponderosa frowned. She was feeling tired again, but didn¡¯t want to go back to sleep. She wanted to know why his eyes bothered her so much! What was it about those eyes that made her afraid enough to view him as dangerous, when he had been nothing but annoying, since they left the castle over a week ago? She stared at the face, getting more and more frustrated as she wracked her brain for the memory of his face without relief.


    Sighing in exasperation, Ponderosa set her quill down. She put the cork in the mouth of her ink bottle and let M?thair use her magic to set it aside. She was just about to lay down to join Nathaniel in sleep when a soft knock sounded on the door.


    ¡®Come in, Beloved,¡¯ M?thair said.


    Prince Kelton poked his head into the room before he came in all the way. Sir Hamnet turned his head and glanced in before Prince Kelton closed the door. Ponderosa continued to stare at the door as Prince Kelton crossed the room. Sir Hamnet was still clean shaven, but the way the shadows had crossed his cheek made her wonder if adding facial hair would help her remember why she felt the way she did.


    ¡°Is something wrong, Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    She blinked several times before shaking her head. She started to reach for her writing kit, when she felt her body fall forward. M?thair¡¯s magic caught her and supported her until she was lying on the bed. Ponderosa whimpered and tears slipped out of her eyes.


    ¡®Sorry,¡¯ she mentally whispered.


    ¡®No sorry,¡¯ M?thair replied. ¡®You¡¯re okay. Just rest for now. You will remember to add facial hair when you wake.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded then allowed her eyes to close in sleep.


    ¡®How have things been this last week, Beloved?¡¯ she heard M?thair ask when she woke up next.


    ¡°Touch and go. Gailan confirmed that we are short a horse and servant,¡± Prince Kelton said softly. ¡°There are no extra, nor too few, messenger birds. However, he didn¡¯t dare try to dig too much deeper in case his digging led to the raising of unnecessary flags. Knowing my mother, she would have sent a replacement to avoid arousing my suspicions, but this storm seems to have barred their arrival.¡±


    ¡®And the stair incident? Were you able to find out who was behind it?¡¯


    ¡°Yes, and they now serve as a reminder to anyone else who dares to harm one of my people.¡±


    Ponderosa swayed a little as she slowly pushed herself into a seated position. Nathaniel stirred and whimpered. She was about to reach for him when Prince Kelton beat her to it.


    ¡°Allow me to get him changed for you,¡± he said.


    ¡®Thank you, Your Majesty.¡¯


    Prince Kelton changed the soiled clothes, and bundled him up again to keep him warm, before he brought him back to Ponderosa so he could eat. He then took M?thair to the side and asked.


    ¡°Have you seen anything, My Love?¡±


    ¡®...Nothing about our situation here has come to me as freely as the other visions have. Even when I try to focus on Queen Leona, I get the image of her pacing in the throne room, but nothing else.¡¯


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°How much longer will the storm last?¡±


    ¡®The storm stopped a few days ago. The wind is merely whipping the snow around now.¡¯


    ¡°Which means the messenger birds might be flying as we speak,¡± Prince Kelson sighed.


    ¡®They will refuse to fly far,¡¯ M?thair replied.


    ¡°Do you have a way to prevent them from leaving?¡±


    M?thair chuckled. ¡®Of course, I do, but I will not interfere.¡¯


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡®The birds are not dumb enough to leave, no matter how insistent their trainers are.¡¯


    ¡°But once the winds die down¡­¡±


    ¡®What ¡®die down¡¯? There are more storms to follow.¡¯


    ¡°...Can you control the weather?¡±


    M?thair chuckled. ¡®I doubt it, but I am more aware of Mother Nature¡¯s mood swings, so I will happily let her do her thing without any interference from me.¡¯


    ¡°But¡­.¡±


    He grunted and a soft moan escaped his lips. ¡°That was mean, Princess.¡±


    ¡®I promise to make it up to you, My Prince,¡¯ she trilled. ¡®In the meantime, there are more immediate concerns to address.¡¯


    ¡°Such as?¡±


    ¡®Sir Gruph is picking a fight with Dawson over the rationing.¡¯


    Prince Kelton sighed irritably. ¡°It would be him.¡± He kissed M?thair¡¯s nose before she licked his cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t think we are done with this conversation.¡±


    ¡®Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡¯


    Prince Kelton smiled and shook his head before stomping out of the room.


    ¡®How are you feeling, Ponderosa?¡¯ M?thair asked.


    ¡®Not as sore today,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    ¡®Good. I will let you draw a little while I mix up the meal.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded.


    She accepted the writing kit from M?thair then started to add facial hair to her drawing of Sir Hamnet¡¯s face. She varied the amount of hair she added, from the speckling of a five o¡¯clock shadow to a thick mustache and fluffy beard. She put the cork in the ink bottle before setting the kit on the bed. She drank the glass of ground wheat and herbs that M?thair had put together for her. She made a mental note that her anxiety had increased some the longer she drew, but she didn¡¯t know if it was because she was looking at Sir Hamnet¡¯s face for a certain amount of time, like before, or if it had increased as she drew the hairs at longer and longer lengths.


    She finished the glass M?thair had given her then turned back to her drawing. Ponderosa held her hands at varying angles above Sir Hamnet¡¯s face so she could get a better feel of how the facial hair looked with Sir Hamnet¡¯s eyes. The amount of anxiety she felt didn¡¯t change as she looked at the first several lengths, but she definitely felt her heart rate kick up as she stared at Sir Hamnet¡¯s eyes with the longest length of facial hair she had drawn. Her hands started to shake. She pulled the cork out of the ink jar once more then worked in short, quick, bursts as she purposefully lengthened the rest of the facial hair to match.


    By the time she finished, it took everything she had to not shove her writing it off her lap. A soft whimper escaped her lips before M?thair¡¯s magic removed the kit from her lap and carried it across the room. That face. It was that bush covered face that was dangerous. But why was it dangerous? Had she watched him kill someone or something? Where would she even have seen him with facial hair that long? How long ago was it? Why couldn¡¯t she remember?!


    Ponderosa slid her fingers into her hair and gripped the strands. She pulled her knees up and rested her forehead on them. Her breath shook as her thoughts continued to spin, but went nowhere. She shook her head and tried to deepen her breath until Nathaniel started to cry. Ponderosa turned to him. She slowly relaxed her fingers and removed them from her hair. She picked him up and got him to latch onto her breast so he could nurse.


    ¡®Drink this,¡¯ M?thair said, bringing her a cup of tea.


    Taking the cup from M?thair, she sipped the warm Peppermint tea. She drew in a deep breath, allowing the scent to fill her lungs. She let the steam bathe her face a little before she took another sip.


    ¡®Thank you, M?thair,¡¯ Ponderosa sighed.


    ¡®You are welcome, Ponderosa,¡¯ she replied.


    She finished the cup just as Nathaniel let go of her breast. She tried to see if he wanted to feed more, but he seemed content to just be held. Her mouth started to tingle again and she turned to M?thair.


    ¡®I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you,¡¯ she started.


    ¡®About your tongue?¡¯ M?thair replied.


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡®It has been gradually growing back since I breathed healing into your mouth in Reash Town. You will need it in the days to come. It¡¯s time to find joy in speaking again.¡¯


    Ponderosa rested her head against M?thair¡¯s. ¡®Thank you,¡¯ she cried.


    ¡®You are most welcome, Ponderosa. Would you like to get out of bed for a little while?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯d like that very much,¡¯ she replied.

 Keep the Mice Out

    ¡°Is something wrong, Prince¡­?¡± Sir Hament started to ask as Prince Kelton hurried from Ponderosa¡¯s room.


    He waved his hand as he started down the stairs. He wasn¡¯t surprised that Sir Hamnet followed him, nor was he bothered by it. Prince Kelton headed straight for the kitchen. He had barely reached the bottom of the stairs when he heard Sir Gruph yell.


    ¡®You sniveling little weasel! I should report¡­.¡±


    ¡°That my knights have too much time on their hands if they can come in here and bother the help,¡± Prince Kelton said loudly enough to stop Sir Gruph¡¯s rant.


    ¡°Sire, this man has been withholding¡­.¡±


    ¡°Nothing! Dawson has done exactly as I have asked. You, on the other hand, are taking liberties where you have none.¡±


    ¡°But, Sire,....¡±


    Prince Kelton backhanded his cheek. ¡°If the food offered is insufficient for you, take your horse and pray you make it back to Greywolf Castle.¡±


    Sir Gruph bowed low then made his way to the kitchen door.


    ¡°And take every knight that feels the same with you.¡±


    Sir Gruph paused a moment before stepping out of the kitchen.


    Prince Kelton let out his breath. ¡°...Are you alright, Dawson?¡± he asked gently.


    ¡°I was about ready to give him a piece of my mind, Your Majesty. I appreciate your concern. I will be fine.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Is anything missing?¡±


    ¡°We seem to have gone through a good amount of dried meat and apples, My Lord.¡±


    ¡°Can we still make it last the few months¡¯ time you suggested?¡±


    Dawson scratched his head. ¡°If I take into account that none of your knights leave, just to be on the safe side, we might make it through provided no other food goes missing.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dawson. I will provide what help I can to ensure nothing else goes missing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be blunt, Your Majesty. If I suspect any of your living pincushions of anything, I will not be giving them anything.¡±


    A small smile tugged at the edge of his lips. ¡°I would expect nothing less, Dawson.¡±


    He nodded then turned to finish what he had been working on when Sir Gruph interrupted.


    Prince Kelton and Sir Hamnet left the kitchen. He turned down the hall before Sir Hamnet spoke.


    ¡°Would you like me to see who all is leaving, Prince Kelton?¡±


    ¡°No, Sir Hamnet. Set up a rotating schedule to help Dawson keep the mice out of the gain.¡±


    ¡°...Yes, Your Highness.¡±


    Prince Kelton clapped Sir Hamnet on the back of the shoulder. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded. ¡°About Ponderosa, Sire?¡±


    ¡°What about her?¡±


    ¡°Are you ever going to reward her for what she¡¯s done for you?¡±


    ¡°If there was something she wanted, I would grant it, Sir Hamnet, but I can tell that you know as well as I that she seeks for nothing.¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°In the meantime, you and Droyn can take turns standing guard until she dismisses you.¡±


    ¡°As you command, Your Highness.¡±


    They parted ways and Prince Kelton turned for Ponderosa¡¯s room once more. Sir Droyn still stood beside the door as it opened. He turned. Ponderosa opened the door to let M?thair out as she held Nathaniel in her other arm.


    ¡°Will the two of you be okay on your own for a while?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ve told Sir Hamnet, and I¡¯m saying the same to Sir Droyn now, the two of them will rotate guard until you dismiss them.¡±


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    She motioned that Sir Droyn could go.


    ¡°Do you not feel the need to have one of them stand guard anymore?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Alright. You are dismissed, Sir Droyn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. I¡¯ll inform Sir Hamnet.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Sir Droyn bowed then walked away.


    ¡°Do you need anything before we go?¡±


    Ponderosa shook her head with a soft smile then closed the door.


    Prince Kelton brought M?thair back to their room. The mood he had been in before he reached the kitchen was now gone. He pulled off his boots then lay on the bed with M?thair. He held her close and kissed her furry head. Then he sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do about them, M?thair.¡±


    ¡®You will when they return.¡¯


    ¡°Will they return?¡±


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    M?thair rolled over and slobbered all over his face and neck.


    ¡°M?thair,¡± he protested. ¡°If this is your way of making it up to me,¡­.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s not,¡¯ she replied. ¡®I know the stress of having our magic exposed, Ponderosa¡¯s life threatened, and now the troubles with Sir Gruph, Sir Houton, and Sir Fran, weigh heavily on your mind. I just want to help you relax for a bit.¡¯


    He nodded.


    She nudged him to get him to roll onto his stomach before she used her large paws to step on him. She distributed her weight in a way that felt wonderful as she stepped on and put weight on all of the sore spots in his back and shoulders. An occasional grunt or mewl escaped her throat, allowing his mind to disengage from the problems surrounding them and his body to relax until he felt a shift deep inside himself that reminded him of the soul combining connection he felt with M?thair once he had taken on his Dinakal form. Prince Kelton reached for it, pulled on it, and drew it around himself.


    ¡®Let go,¡¯ M?thair¡¯s voice whispered in his head.


    His mind stopped struggling to hold onto the feeling and, in so doing, ended up relaxing into it. He felt his soul stir within her at the same time that her soul stirred in his. Her soul was human, her soul was Dinakal, and somehow he knew his soul was the same. Prince Kelton ravished her lips and mouth with his tongue. She moaned in pleasure. He felt her smile against his lips just before she playfully nipped at his ears. They drew each other closer. She relaxed against him as he sunk his soul deeper into hers. Waves of pleasure built as they washed over the two of them. He grunted and shifted just before their pleasure was flooded with pure bliss.


    ¡®I love you, Kelton,¡¯ M?thair said.


    ¡°I¡¯m very glad you do, M?thair. I love you, too.¡±


    They shared a few soft kisses before Kelton rested his head between M?thair breasts and fell into a restful sleep.


    M?thair was curled up against his back, asleep, when he woke. He rolled over slowly, so as not to jostle the bed too much, and planted a soft, lingering, kiss on the top of her head. His dream of being able to make love to M?thair, despite their physical forms differing, had felt so real. Real enough that he felt some of the sensations from the dream lingering. Kelton kissed her once more, picking up on a smell that didn¡¯t quite match his mate¡¯s smell. He drew in a deep breath before he got up and smelled her back side. He licked it, feeling her shift slightly before he smelled her again.


    ¡°M?thair?¡±


    ¡®Hmm?¡¯


    ¡°Why do you smell different? I mean you still smell like you, but it¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡®Mhmm,¡¯ she purred, before smacking him in the face with her tail and filling his nose with multiple scents.


    ¡°Pups?¡± he wondered.


    ¡®Mhmm. Our pups,¡¯ M?thair woofed as her tail swished back and forth some more.


    Kelton laughed in delight and shock before crawling up and pulling her into his arms. He kissed her multiple times before he siddle down to kiss her abdomen. He kissed it five times, then five more times.


    ¡°I love you all,¡± he told her belly.


    ¡®They love you, too, Beloved.¡¯


    Kelton shifted toward the head of the bed once more and drew M?thair close once more. She licked his cheeks and chin several times, before he stopped her with a kiss to her cheek.


    ¡°We should tell Nathaniel,¡± he said.


    M?thair chuckled. ¡®Once you¡¯ve cleaned up.¡¯


    He looked down and immediately realized he needed to change clothes.


    ¡°So it wasn¡¯t just a nice dream,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    ¡®Nope,¡¯ M?thair confirmed.


    He kissed her once more then got up to change his clothes before they left the room.


    After telling Nathaniel the good news, Prince Kelton left M?thair with Ponderosa while he went to gather his knights. True to M?thair¡¯s words, Sir Gruph, Sir Houton, and Sir Fran were indeed absent. Sirs Thomas and Hett looked around uncomfortably.


    ¡°Before I thank you all for your loyalty, I must ask if there are any of you who now wish to have left with Sirs Gruph, Houton, and Fran?¡±


    No one spoke.


    ¡°Sir Hamnet, was there any knight that you felt should not participate in the assignment I gave?¡±


    ¡°No, Prince Kelton.¡±


    ¡°Very good.¡±


    ¡°If I may, Sire?¡± Sir Thomas asked. ¡°Is there a reason you suddenly decided to ration the food?¡±


    ¡°After the storm we just had and with how strong the winds remain, I highly doubt that the roads are suitable for the horses, let alone the carriage, and who is there to say that there may not be other storms to follow. I would rather be cautious than foolhardy.¡±


    ¡°And how much longer are you anticipating our stay to be?¡±


    ¡°We will see how long it takes for the snow to melt sufficiently to get the carriage back to the castle safely.¡±


    ¡°That could be months yet!¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    ¡°Which is why you had Dawson start rationing the food when the storm hit,¡± Sir Droyn surmised.


    ¡°That is correct, Sir Droyn,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°And it seems that an absence of responsibility has led to many of your minds to focus on your bellies. I did not knight you so you could be gluttons! So, we will train. Everyday. I want you to prove to me that you are still worthy of the title.¡±


    He drew his sword then waited for the first of his knights to step forward.

 No More Secrets

    Several days passed. Kelton kept his knights busy, only stopping when Dawson informed them that food was ready. He fell into bed each night exhausted, but felt better than his knights when morning came thanks to M?thair ministrations. He had just paired up with his knights the following afternoon when the front door crashed open. Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn sprinted from the room to check it out. Sir Thomas followed, while Sir Hett and Sir Juleack stayed to protect Prince Kelton.


    ¡®They finally made it back,¡¯ M?thair said, as elevated voices and a cacophony of sounds echoed down the entry hall.


    Sir Thomas came back into the room. ¡°Sirs Gruph, Fran, and Houton have returned. Sirs Fran and Gruph need treatment and we are down a horse.¡±


    Prince Kelton shook his head in disgust. ¡°Bring them all here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, My Prince.¡±


    He waited until the knights returned with Sirs Gruph, Fran, and Houton in hand.


    Sirs Fran and Gruph sank to their knees. Sir Houton dropped a little slower.  ¡°Sire, forgive¡­.¡±


    Prince Kelton slapped his cheek with the edge of his sword, drawing blood. Then he lifted Sir Houton¡¯s chin with the tip. ¡°Forgive?¡± he asked coldly. ¡°Betrayers are beheaded. Thieves are hung. And you three are both! I have no need for such men among my knights.¡±


    ¡°Sire,¡± Sir Gruph gasped as Sir Fran coughed and a little blood dripped from his lips.


    Prince Kelton leveled the tip of his sword at Sir Gruph¡¯s throat. ¡°¡­I will spare the servants the task of scrubbing more of your blood from these floors or trying to find a sturdy enough tree to strangle the breath from your treacherous hides, but do not think I will forget. This will not go unpunished.¡±


    Sir Houton bowed lower and Sir Fran fell to his side.


    ¡°Get them out of my sight.¡±


    Sir Juleack, Sir Hett, and Sir Droyn half carried, half escorted, Gruph, Fran, and Houton from the room.


    ¡°¡­Shall I ask Ponderosa to tend their wounds, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Thomas asked.


    ¡°Check with the others first. Ponderosa is here to attend Nathaniel first and foremost.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sire.¡±


    Sir Thomas left and Prince Kelton turned to spar with Sir Hamnet.


    No sooner had they finished a round of stances and traded partners that a scream was heard in the distance. Sir Hamnet reacted immediately, deflecting Sir Juleak¡¯s blow and bolting from the room. Sir Juleak and the rest of the knights soon followed after him. Prince Kelton arrived to see Sir Hamnet¡¯s sword sticking out of Sir Gruph¡¯s chest and Ponderosa steadying her stance with Sir Hamnet¡¯s help. He folded his hands behind his back then turned to Sir Hamnet and Ponderosa.


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    ¡°Step forward, Sir Hamnet,¡± he commanded.


    He did so without hesitation.


    Ponderosa¡¯s expression turned concerned and she hurried forward and started to kneel in front of Prince Kelton when he stopped her.


    ¡°You need not worry,¡± he said to her. Then he turned his attention to Sir Hamnet and said, ¡°No more secrets.¡±


    Ponderosa bit her lip.


    ¡°Sire?¡± Sir Hamnet asked in confusion.


    ¡°Exchange your tokens.¡±


    Ponderosa¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°My Prince, I¡­.¡±


    ¡°Exchange¡­ your tokens,¡± Prince Kelton repeated.


    Sir Hamnet turned to Ponderosa with a look that lacked confidence. Ponderosa calmly bowed her head then pulled a black quill out of her hair. She held it for a moment then tucked it into the laces of his tunic. Sir Hamnet touched the feather then bent down and slowly drew a purple and gold handled dirk from his boot. He held it on his fingertips before tucking it into the rope belt around Ponderosa¡¯s waist. She looked at the dirk, tracing the handle thoughtfully.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Prince Kelton said before he turned to the rest of his knights. ¡°Sir Hett, please get the servants to take out the trash.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Sir Hamnet, you may retrieve your sword. Everyone else is dismissed.¡±


    Sir Hamnet approached the bed to pull his sword out of Gruph as the other knights filed out of the room. Prince Kelton started to follow once Sir Hamnet had cleaned his sword and returned it to its sheath.


    ¡°Why, Kelton?¡± Sir Hamnet asked softly.


    He turned back to face Sir Hamnet. ¡°Because sometimes a man in love needs a kick in the pants.¡±


    ¡°And Ponderosa?¡±


    She smiled slightly and bowed her head respectfully.


    Prince Kelton turned a little more toward Ponderosa. ¡°Is M?thair well?¡±


    Her brow twitched slightly in confusion before she nodded. She motioned with her hands that she was asleep with Nathaniel.


    ¡°Very good. I will leave the two of you to talk.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded.


    He heard Sir Hamnet blow out his breath as he stepped out of the room. Whatever the tension between them, he hoped they would figure it out. In the meantime, he had a Dinakal and a baby to check on.


    When he reached their chambers, he found the door locked. Pulling out his key, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. The fire in the sitting room was nothing more than embers, but the bedroom doors were closed and locked as well. Prince Kelton unlocked the bedroom door as well before he stepped inside.


    The fire in the hearth was burning well and M?thair was sleeping with Nathaniel, just as Ponderosa had motioned. He sat beside them and petted M?thair. Even when she was asleep, he¡¯d never had trouble hearing Ponderosa¡¯s telepathy, so why did it seem blocked now? Had something changed while he was away training his knights?


    ¡°M?thair?¡± he asked softly.


    Her slow, steady, breathing didn¡¯t change.


    ¡°M?thair,¡± he said a little louder, flicking one of her ears with his fingers.


    M?thair¡¯s ear twitched, but she still didn¡¯t stir.


    He sighed. ¡°Why can¡¯t I hear Ponderosa anymore?¡±


    ¡®Trauma,¡¯ M?thair replied, taking a deeper breath and stretching before she curled up around Nathaniel a little more.


    ¡°Trauma? ¡­Sir Gruph?¡±


    ¡®No. Older trauma. Deeper trauma.¡¯


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you being straight with me?¡±


    ¡®Sir Hamnet will be in soon.¡¯


    ¡°He¡­.¡± Prince Kelton stopped when he heard the outer doors burst open.


    ¡®Stay,¡¯ M?thair said, derailing his decision to get up to check it out.

 Why Did You Not Kill Her?

    ¡°Are you really okay with this, Ponderosa?¡± Sir Hamnet asked now that they were alone.


    She thought about it for a moment then nodded. Then she tipped her head to the side and pointed to him.


    He ran a hand through his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡­. Let me walk you to your room.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded. She picked up her bag. She started to leave the room with him when she remembered she had been asked to help Sir Fran as well. She turned and motioned to Sir Hamnet about that, but he shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are trying to tell me, but if your motions are indicative of checking on Fran, forget it. I will get someone else to check on him.¡±


    She tucked her lips in, but nodded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded then walked silently beside Sir Hamnet to her room. On the way, Sir Hamnet got the attention of one of the servants and sent her to attend to Fran.


    When they arrived, Sir Hamnet came in with her. Ponderosa approached the table that held her drawing of Sir Hamnet. She looked at the drawing then lifted the dirk from her belt and held it in her hands. She felt a resonance begin to stir in her core. Ponderosa took and let out a deeper breath as Sir Hamnet picked up her drawing. She knew why his eyes bothered her so much now.


    ¡°I have not had facial hair for six years or more,¡± he said with a furrowed brow.


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡°Very few people know I let my hair grow out. Did Prince Kelton tell you this?¡± he wondered, putting the drawing down.


    Ponderosa shook her head as she set the dirk on the table beside her writing kit. She opened her ink then picked up the quill. She drew a rabbit on the bottom corner of the page. Sir Hamnet leaned in closer to see what she was drawing. When she was done, she picked up the dirk and tapped the tip on the drawing.


    ¡°What are you trying to ask, Ponderosa?¡±


    ¡®You caught this rabbit in Guasha Forest not far from Mediocre Village in the Kingdom of Abundare. Why did you not kill her?¡¯ she wrote.


    Sir Hamnet covered his mouth when he read what she wrote. Ever so slowly, he picked up the quill and dipped it in the ink. He drew Dagaz with a circle in the center on the rabbit¡¯s chest. ¡°I do not understand how you know about this or why it is important enough to you to ask about it,¡± he said quietly.


    Ponderosa brought her hand up and grabbed the chain around her neck. She lifted Dagaz and the Pearl out from under her dress. She watched Sir Hamnet¡¯s expression as he looked at her necklace. She continued to watch as she tapped her drawing of the rabbit then tapped her chest.


    His eyes widened.


    ¡®Was my marking the only reason you did not kill me six years ago?¡¯ she wrote.


    Sir Hamnet cleared his throat and turned his head away. ¡°That was the biggest reason. There was, also, no life in¡­ the rabbit¡¯s eyes.¡± He fisted his hand. ¡°Catching her was too easy.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded. Then she inhaled sharply and felt her body start to change. She started to fall as her body snapped, popped, and cracked with her transformation.


    ¡°Ponderosa?¡± Sir Hamnet cried out, trying to catch her.


    He managed to grab hold of her dress which prevented her from falling to the floor. Her transformation finished as Sir Hamnet fumbled with her dress to find out where she was.  She shivered when he pulled her dress off. Sir Hamnet sat hard.


    ¡°I¡­. I¡­.¡±


    She reached out a shaking paw to pat his hand. ¡®It¡¯s not your fault,¡¯ she thought.


    He stared at her shivering form for several moments before he wrapped as much of her body in her dress as he could without smothering her. ¡°I need to talk to Kelton about this!¡±


    Rising to his feet, Sir Hamnet kept a firm hold on Ponderosa as he hurried out of the room and to the royal bedchambers. He entered the sitting room without knocking, but knocked on the bedroom door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Prince Kelton called.


    Sir Hamnet entered the room. Prince Kelton lounged casually beside M?thair and Nathaniel as he pet the former. M?thair stirred at his touch and turned her head to see who had come in. Sir Hamnet bowed slightly, his face turned toward the floor. Ponderosa could not see much of anything while Sir Hamnet spoke.


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    ¡°I apologize for the intrusion, Your Majesty, but I¡­. You see¡­.¡±


    He stopped and jerked slightly when M?thair snatched the dress she was in from his arms and danced away. ¡°M?thair, no! That¡¯s not¡­.¡± He started to go after M?thair, but stopped when Prince Kelton¡¯s hand clapped against his shoulder.


    M?thair placed her close to the fire, then nuzzled the dress aside, so she could peek out.


    ¡®How are you feeling, Ponderosa?¡¯ M?thair asked.


    ¡®Strange,¡¯ she replied. She shivered. ¡®This form doesn¡¯t feel normal.¡¯


    M?thair nodded slightly.


    ¡°A¡­ am I hearing and seeing things?¡± Sir Hamnet wondered.


    ¡°Not at all, Sir Hamnet,¡± Prince Kelton said, before he turned to pick Nathaniel up off the bed. A soft whimper escaped his lips before he was quiet again. ¡°Do we need to leave, so the two of you may have some privacy, Princess?¡±


    ¡®Not at all, Beloved,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡°Princess?!¡± Sir Hamnet shouted, startling Nathaniel.


    The young Prince started wailing and it took a finger and a little light bouncing to get him to quiet down again.


    While Sir Hamnet was distracted by what Prince Kelton had said, Ponderosa tried to see if she could change back, but nothing changed. She squealed in panic. ¡®I can¡¯t change back! I can¡¯t charge back!¡¯ she cried as Sir Hamnet hurried over to the fire to check on her.


    ¡°Is she alright?¡± he asked. ¡°What happened? Did¡­.¡±


    ¡®Take a breath, Sir Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair said. ¡®Ponderosa will be fine. She just needs to spend a little more time in this form than she wants to¡­,¡¯ then she added for only Ponderosa to hear. ¡®because you have tapped into a trauma related to your meeting of Sir Hamnet.¡¯


    ¡°No!¡± Sir Hamnet growled. ¡°Change her back.¡±


    ¡®That¡­. That¡¯s not possible,¡¯ Ponderosa thought to him, hoping her soft reply could be heard as she turned her water filled bunny eyes toward him. ¡®At least for now.¡¯


    Sir Hamnet reached down and stroked her furry cheek with the backs of his fingers. ¡°Anything I can do to help you change back sooner?¡± he asked.


    Ponderosa felt some relief that Sir Hamnet was able to hear her. ¡®No.¡¯


    ¡°Okay,¡± he sighed.


    Sir Hamnet stood. He left the fireside and paced.


    ¡°There is no need to be so tense, Sir Hamnet,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°Please, sit.¡±


    Ponderosa listened to the fabric of their clothes rustle as Sir Hamnet and Prince Kelton sat on the couch. She hopped over and tried to bury herself in M?thair¡¯s fur. She watched the fire poker move without hands and stoke the fire before another log floated its way into the flames, to increase the heat being put out by the hearth.


    ¡°M?thair has magic?¡± Sir Hamnet mumbled to himself.


    ¡®Indeed, I do, Sir Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair replied, turning her head ever so slightly to look over her shoulder.


    ¡°And Kelton¡¯s okay with this?¡±


    ¡°If I was not, she would have been left in Pride Town,¡± Prince Kelton answered.


    ¡°...We didn¡¯t find M?thair in Pride Town. We found¡­.¡±


    ¡°They are one and the same, Hamnet,¡± Prince Kelton said. ¡°Lady Iredys was only human when we found her because she was pregnant with Nathaniel.¡±


    ¡°But we burned her body!¡±


    ¡®Which allowed me to take on the form I have now, Sir Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair replied as she nuzzled the top of Ponderosa¡¯s head.


    ¡°Impossible.¡±


    ¡°Possible,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°One of the magics that was forced upon Iredys was the ability to be reborn.¡±


    Sir Hamnet was quiet for some time. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Your father was killed by magic.¡±


    ¡°My father was killed by users of magic, Hamnet, magic itself is nothing more than a tool.¡±


    ¡°They are one and the same in the Queen¡¯s eyes,¡± Sir Hamnet said softly.


    ¡°I know. Which is why, with the exception of those in this room, no one else has been told.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded. ¡°How long before Ponderosa can change back?¡±


    ¡®That depends on her and the work that needs to be done to resolve why she is in this form,¡¯ M?thair said.


    He sighed and sat back. ¡°So, what now?¡±


    ¡°That depends on you,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°You do understand that by marrying Princess Iredys, I knowingly committed treason against my mother¡¯s crown.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded. ¡°My betrothal to Ponderosa would be considered the same.¡±


    ¡°That is correct. So, where do you stand, Sir Hamnet?¡±


    ¡°Beside you until the end, My Lord.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Sir Hamnet chuckled lightly. ¡°...I guess this means Sir Droyn and I owe you a lot for saving us from all the oaths we swore.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of those oaths, if you breathe a word about what has been revealed to you today to anyone, including Sir Droyn, you will be kissing those muck covered pigs and covering your door with fresh horse manure for the rest of your life.¡±


    Sir Hamnet shuddered and Prince Kelton chuckled.


    Ponderosa shifted against M?thair and started to grind her teeth on the Jet in M?thair¡¯s chest.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± Sir Hamnet started to say before he got off the couch. The sound of his booted steps grew closer before he started to say, ¡°Pon¡­.¡±


    ¡®She is fine,¡¯M?thair said, stopping whatever he was about to do. ¡®Nibbling on the Jet is what she needs to help her work through this.¡¯


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    M?thair nuzzled Ponderosa¡¯s lightly as she continued to bite and knaw on the small black stone.


    ¡°...How sure are you that Nathaniel is yours, My Lord?¡± Sir Hamnet asked quietly.


    ¡°Because my Princess confirmed for me that she was the Dragonwoman that came to me in Palion City,¡± he replied.

 Safer Choice

    ¡°If that were true, why didn¡¯t she come back?¡± Sir Hamnet asked, as he struggled to accept all that he had seen and been told.


    Prince Kelton thought about how best to answer his question. ¡°...Her captor refused to let her go.¡±


    ¡°Why would she even go back to him in the first place?¡± he replied, incensed.


    ¡°She was being controlled.¡±


    ¡°And how do we know she isn¡¯t being controlled now?¡±


    ¡®My captor¡¯s control ended when he killed me, shortly after my night with Kelton,¡¯ M?thair replied.


    Sir Hamnet¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°If you were killed, then your marriage to Kelton would have been broken, right?¡±


    M?thair nodded.


    ¡°And broken it was,¡± Prince Kelton said as he changed which arm held Nathaniel so he could remove the Garnet ring on his finger.


    He showed Sir Hamnet the Diamond band that had been reconnected by the Alexandrite and Periot and surrounded by the Aquamarine and Jet. ¡°When I came to myself again in Salgon Town, it was because my marriage to Iredys had been broken. When I consummated my remarriage to her, I bound my soul to hers, not only in this life, but for any life we live hereafter.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded then glanced at M?thair as Prince Kelton put the Garnet ring back on.


    ¡°And now that¡­?¡±


    Prince Kelton watched his knight¡¯s face turn a little green as the soft grinding sound that was coming from Ponderosa¡¯s nibbling of the Jet in M?thair¡¯s chest stopped. M?thair¡¯s head moved a lot as did Ponderosa¡¯s dress.


    ¡°M?thair turned me into a Weredin,¡± Prince Kelton replied simply.


    ¡°She turned you into a what?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    M?thair stood up with Ponderosa¡¯s dress in her mouth. Prince Kelton stood as well. He petted her head and rubbed her ears.


    ¡°Is she ready to go back?¡± he asked.


    ¡®Yes and no,¡¯ M?thair replied. ¡®Ponderosa and Nathaniel will be ready for food soon and the ground wheat and herbs are in the other room.¡¯


    ¡°Okay. Let me walk you over then.¡±


    Sir Hamnet stood then.


    M?thair turned to look at him. ¡®Sit,¡¯ she told him. ¡®Stay. I know you have more you want to discuss with Kelton.¡¯


    ¡°I do, but¡­.¡±


    ¡®No but, you might not get another opportunity like this in the days to come.¡¯


    ¡°As you say, Prin¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡®M?thair,¡¯¡± M?thair and Prince Kelton said at the same time.


    ¡°M?thair,¡±  Sir Hamnet corrected before he bowed respectfully then sat on the couch once more.


    Prince Kelton walked with M?thair down the hall to Ponderosa¡¯s room. ¡°Is there anything I can have Gailan bring to you?¡±


    ¡®Fresh water and my usual scraps would be nice,¡¯ M?thair replied.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Prince Kelton kissed the top of her head then kissed Nathaniel¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°I love you both,¡± Prince Kelton said.


    ¡®We love you, too, Kelton.¡¯


    Prince Kelton set Nathaniel in the bassinet beside the fire then left to pass the word along to Gailan before he resumed his talk with Sir Hamnet.


    When he entered the room again, Sir Hamnet was staring into the fire, chewing on one of his knuckles.


    ¡°Is the rationing so little that you are resorting to cannibalism now?¡± he teased.


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    Sir Hamnet stopped chewing on his knuckle and shook his head with a good natured smile. ¡°We have not seen true rations yet.¡±


    ¡°True enough, Sir Hamnet. True enough. ...To answer your question, I am no longer entirely human.¡± He shifted his tunic enough to reveal the scars left from M?thair biting him almost two weeks ago. ¡°M?thair¡¯s bite made it so I can transform into a Dinakal, but only on the night of the Full Moon. While in that form, I did mate her. ¡­It was, also, the only way to get me to hear her telepathy again.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded. ¡°Does this mean that M?thair is also a Weredin?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°No? Then how did she¡­?¡±


    ¡°The Peridot,¡± Prince Kelton answered, pointing to his ring finger again. ¡°Transformation magic.¡±


    Sir Hamnet leaned forward and looked at the floor. He fisted and unfisted his hand after a moment as he thought.


    ¡°What else is on your mind?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    Sir Hamnet shifted how he was sitting. ¡°¡­I hope you will forgive me, Kelton. What I ask, I am only asking because I want to understand, not because I have come to disapprove of your marriage to Lady Iredys¡­ M?thair.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Knowing all the risks that would come with choosing Lady Iredys again, why did you choose to remarry her? Because I would assume that Princess Analisa or Countess Lilia would have been the safer choice.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± he replied, thinking of the best way to put the situation to Sir Hamnet.


    ¡°Was it our oaths that pushed your choice?¡±


    Prince Kelton smiled at the memory of Sir Hamnet and Sir Droyn spilling out the various oaths they swore. ¡°Your oaths did little to sway my decision. However, so you better understand the decision I faced, I¡¯ll put it to you this way. Suppose for a moment, Sir Hamnet, that you were Greywolf¡¯s Prince.¡±


    Sir Hamnet nodded.


    ¡°You are presented with three women. All of them from noble lines. One of them is everything you would want in a Queen, the second is a bridge for a more stable political alliance, and the third is someone who could grow to become a great Queen, while being a much more soothing presence in private than that of the second.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°The one who would make the best Queen is taken from you and changed to be someone no longer welcome in your kingdom. However, despite the punishment she will suffer if this change is revealed, she returns to the kingdom anyway; not to seek the crown that would have been hers; not to stop you from marrying either of the other women, but to inform you that there is danger on the horizon, danger you were not aware of; danger you can now prepare for with better precision because of the changes she endured. ...So then who really is the safer choice?¡±


    ¡°...How do I know she has not brought that danger to my doorstep?¡±


    ¡°She would have,¡± he said, holding up his finger to stop Sir Hamnet¡¯s protest, ¡°were it not for your most trusted knights interfering. Had they not interfered, you would now be serving the man who changed her and still remains a threat to the kingdom.¡±


    Sir Hamnet frowned.


    ¡°...M?thair,¡± Prince Kelton said, seeing the doubt and concern in Sir Hamnet¡¯s eyes, ¡°please tell me a lie that Sir Hamnet can hear.¡±


    ¡®I cannot,¡¯ she replied. ¡®The Diamond and Wunjo rune prevent me from doing so.¡¯


    Sir Hamnet¡¯s brow furrowed. He got up and opened the doors between the two rooms.


    ¡®You will not find me there, Sir Hamnet. I am exactly where Prince Kelton left me¡ªin Ponderosa¡¯s room with Ponderosa and Nathaniel.¡¯


    ¡°Then how can you hear us?¡± he asked.


    ¡®I hear everything. See everything.¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Princess. If you cannot lie then how was this kept quiet when Princess Analisa accused you of being a witch,¡± he asked, ¡°since lies of omission are still lies?¡±


    ¡®Kenaz and the Emerald allow me to tell the truth with discernment. If not, Ponderosa would not have been free to rescue me from the man who tormented us both.¡¯


    ¡°Alright. So then who is threatening the kingdom? ...Princess?¡±


    ¡°M?thair, is¡­?¡±


    The bedroom around Prince Kelton vanished into darkness. The darkness moved over him while he listened to men, women, and children scream around him. He watched the darkness break through the front gates of Greywolf Castle because there were insufficient guards to keep the castle from being overrun. The darkness consumed him before the bedroom returned to his view.


    He dropped his head into his hands.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, are you alright?¡± Sir Hamnet asked, kneeling in front of him and setting a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Prince Kelton?¡±


    ¡°¡­M?thair?¡± he asked, holding his head in his hands.


    ¡®Sorry, Beloved. I did not expect that vision to come so forcefully.¡¯


    ¡°Is our son alright?¡±


    ¡®Yes. Also, Dawson has dinner ready, so be sure to take several breaths before trying to stand.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡± Sir Hamnet asked.


    ¡°I am alright, Sir Hamnet.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°A vision¡­ of Greywolf¡¯s destruction.¡±


    ¡°How many visions have you had?¡±


    ¡°That was the first. M?thair has had more.¡±


    ¡°How many more?¡±


    ¡®More than I care to count, Sir Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair replied. ¡®Is there anything you need, My Love?¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    Prince Kelton rubbed his eyes. ¡°Do you understand now, Sir Hamnet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    He nodded while he tried to shake the images and sounds from his head. ¡°Is Ponderosa also alright?¡± he asked.


    ¡®Yes. She needed a break.¡¯


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Sir Hamnet had a thoughtful look on his face as Prince Kelton took his time getting to his feet.


    ¡°Something more on your mind, Sir Hamnet?¡±


    ¡°Nothing I can put into words at the moment,¡± Sir Hamnet replied.


    ¡°Alright. Come. Let us go eat.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±

 Trauma

    Ponderosa closed her eyes as M?thair groomed her, but the stimulation didn¡¯t quite warm her enough, so she pressed her head against M?thair¡¯s chest then tried to snuggle closer for warmth. However, even that was short lived. M?thair finished her grooming and picked Ponderosa up by the scruff on her neck and carried her closer to the fire. Ponderosa shivered as M?thair set her on the blanket that rested close to the fire. Ponderosa then burrowed between the layers of the blanket to keep warm. She had come to realize that her coat was abnormally thin for the season shortly after she had transformed, but she had yet to figure out why.


    ¡®I do not understand,¡¯ Ponderosa said, breaking the silence. ¡®Why do I have a summer coat and not a winter coat?¡¯


    ¡®What season was it when Sir Hamnet caught you?¡¯


    ¡®Summer.¡¯


    ¡®Because the trauma occurred in Summer, your transformation is stuck in summer. As you release the trauma, your fur will start to thicken.¡¯


    ¡®I still do not understand. If the situation with Sir Hamnet was my trigger, why did I not transform before now.¡¯


    ¡®Because you needed the resolution of that part of the trauma in order to get the event associated with it to come up. An event that became associated with Sir Hamnet though it likely happened before he caught you.¡¯


    She nodded. She closed her eyes as she continued to ponder why this form felt off. It should feel natural like the others, but it didn¡¯t. Was it just her hunger? Was it the fatigue that was settling over her now that she had calmed after being able to chew on the Jet? M?thair offered nothing, but continued to remain close. Gailan came in with a bucket of fresh water and a few scraps and set them on the floor beside the table. He looked at the curtained off bed then at the bassinet where Nathaniel lay. He approached the bassinet and checked on Nathaniel.


    ¡°Gailan?¡± Prince Kelton asked as he and Sir Hamnet started to pass the room.


    ¡°Prince Kelton, I was just¡­ seeing if there was more I could do to help since Ponderosa is¡­.¡± He pointed to the bed.


    ¡°If either of them are in need of additional help, M?thair will come get one of us.¡±


    Gailan nodded then stepped out of the room.


    Only when they were alone again, did M?thair use her magic to mix up food for Ponderosa and Nathaniel. She added very specific herbs to Ponderosa¡¯s and Nathaniel¡¯s meals. Nathaniel started to fuss and  M?thair changed his clothes before she filled a couple droppers with the meals for Ponderosa and Nathaniel. It took several tries to get Nathaniel to suck on the end of the dropper since it wasn¡¯t the nipple he was used to. Ponderosa on the other hand, would eat a little then pause before she accepted more. She was confused that the meal did not burn with the alcohol she had used to extract the healing properties of the herb.


    ¡®Did M?thair evaporate the alcohol?¡¯ she wondered to herself.


    ¡®Potentially making you and Nathaniel drunk every meal will not help either of you,¡¯ M?thair replied to her unspoken question.


    ¡®I guess not,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    M?thair then used the dropper to feed the two of them until they were sated. Ponderosa stretched out under the blanket to rest, while Nathaniel napped. M?thair left the two of them beside the fire long enough to snarf down the food that Gailan had brought her. When M?thair was finished, she lifted Nathaniel from the bassinet and lay him beside Ponderosa. Ponderosa snuggled up beside the young Prince before she drifted off.


    Ponderosa woke up the following morning surrounded by blankets and sprawled out next to M?thair on the bed. Prince Kelton was back. He sat semi-reclined behind M?thair with Nathaniel in his arms.


    ¡°Are you feeling any less strange, Ponderosa?¡± Prince Kelton asked softly.


    ¡°No, Your Majesty,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Is the feeling because of the transformation?¡±


    ¡®No. When Iredys and I were in my home, she pulled Dagaz and the Pearl from my flesh. Ever since then, all of my transformations have felt normal¡ªfelt correct¡ªbut something is off in this one and I have not yet been able to figure it out.¡¯


    ¡°Have you asked M?thair about it?¡±


    ¡®Not directly.¡¯ She sniffed the smoky-colored Dinakal beside her.


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    M?thair stirred. ¡®Even if you were to ask me directly, I would not answer,¡¯ she replied, as if she hadn¡¯t just woken up. ¡®Forcing the memories of that day to surface will only deepen the trauma instead of working to help you to release it.¡¯


    ¡°Will the memories surface on their own?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    ¡®They will.¡¯ M?thair ran her nose over Ponderosa¡¯s head. ¡®You are very in tune with yourself, Ponderosa. It will not take you long to remember what happened to make this transformation feel the way it does.¡¯


    ¡®...Sir Hamnet said he didn¡¯t kill me because there was no life in my eyes.¡¯


    ¡°He was going to kill you?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®I was as you see me now, so he wouldn¡¯t have known I was anything else. He caught me without much of a struggle, but just as he was about to pierce my chest with his dirk, he froze. He put his dirk away then gently put me back on the ground and hurried away.¡¯


    Prince Kelton nodded. ¡°I wondered why he chose to stop hunting in Guasha Forest six years ago. It is likely because of that incident.¡±


    ¡®Very much so,¡¯ M?thair said.


    Prince Kelton kissed her temple. ¡°Is there anything more either of you need?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    ¡®No,¡¯ Ponderosa replied as she snuggled closer to M?thair.


    ¡®Not at the moment,¡¯ M?thair replied. Then she turned to face him.


    ¡°I look forward to it,¡± Prince Kelton replied, to whatever she said. He kissed M?thair¡¯s nose and received several tongue licks in return before he set Nathaniel down beside them and left the room.


    M?thair gently nuzzled and licked Ponderosa¡¯s head, ears, and body. She liked the feel of M?thair¡¯s ministrations. They were very comforting, warming, and soothing. Ponderosa dozed off, but her dreams were far from pleasant.


    She was filled with fear as she hid underneath some tree roots. An owl¡¯s hoot broke the silence above her and she did her best to stay out of sight. To die an owl¡¯s meal, because she was stuck as a rabbit for the next 16 hours until the moon waxed enough to release her, was not how she wanted to go. The hours until sunrise were torturous because she had to dig herself deeper under the tree each time the owl tried to get at her.


    By the time morning came, she was grateful to get out and run around. She ate a little and got some water to drink before she was pounced on by another rabbit. She slipped out from under him and darted away, but he gave chase. He continued to chase her and nearly pinned her beneath him a few times, but she managed to get away. The chase was getting tiring, but she refused to be mated! He gave her a small break before he was at it again.


    However, no matter what she did to try to get away this time, she felt her body freeze which allowed the male rabbit to pin her down. Ponderosa screamed at herself to move, to run, in order to stop this from happening, but her body refused to budge as the male rabbit had his way with her. Once, twice, three times before she felt her body respond to her attempts to move and she darted away.


    Once she was alone again, Ponderosa shuddered, unaware that a different danger approached her. A bearded man came out of the bush and grabbed her by the scruff. She didn¡¯t struggle when he lifted her off the ground. She didn¡¯t care anymore, not after surviving a night of predators, just to have a mating forced upon her. She looked at the bearded man, who was poised to stab her with the gold and black handled dirk in his hand. But before she could feel relief that she would die, the man slowly set her back on the ground then hurried away.


    Ponderosa didn¡¯t know how much longer she would be forced to hold this form, but she tried to change anyway. Her joints and bones snapped and popped painfully, as she managed to become human again. Relieved, she hurried through the forest to where she kept a spare set of clothes so she could return home until the next new moon came.


    When she woke again, she noticed that the warmth she was feeling came from beneath her more than to the side of her. Poking her nose out of the blanket, Ponderosa could tell that even the air smelled different. She brought her head out and looked around her. They were in an empty hollow that looked like it hadn¡¯t been used for some time. A soft whimper caused her to turn to Nathaniel, whose stomach was starting to gurgle, before she finally turned her attention to M?thair.


    ¡®M?thair?¡¯ she asked, seeing her usually perky ears pulled back against her head.


    M?thair turned her eyes toward Ponderosa. ¡®I underestimated Queen Leona¡¯s hate for magic,¡¯ she replied. ¡®She sent a small platoon soon after the servant arrived at the castle. The assassin soldiers were already entering the summer castle when Kenaz gave warning.¡¯


    ¡®...I¡¯m glad you had enough time to get us out.¡¯


    M?thair let out a low growling yowl, but nodded.


    She lay down close to Ponderosa and Nathaniel and nuzzled them from time to time until Nathaniel was ready to be changed and fed. Ponderosa hopped around the hollow for a couple minutes while M?thair changed Nathaniel¡¯s clothes. Once he was warmly bundled again, she set him between her legs so he could hear her heartbeat while he ate. Ponderosa accepted what M?thair had made for her as well. As she ate, she noticed that M?thair¡¯s eyes seemed to glaze over from time to time. It was possible that she was having a vision of something, but she didn¡¯t want the potential break in concentration, caused by her asking, to send her into a fit. Ponderosa was pleased to see Nathaniel eat well, despite the fact that her breast milk was no longer available to him.


    A mournful woof or mew escaped M?thair¡¯s lips from time to time. Ponderosa dragged her cloth over to snuggle next to M?thair to try and provide comfort. She knew how hard it was to part from loved ones. Even harder when magic was the cause of such a separation.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure everything will work out okay, M?thair,¡¯ Ponderosa thought to her.


    ¡®I know it will, Ponderosa,¡¯ she sighed. ¡®I was just hoping to have more time.¡¯


    She nodded.


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    ¡®You are welcome.¡¯


    M?thair nuzzled Ponderosa a little then used her magic to set her back on the warm stones before she cleaned their meal glasses.

 Hamnet, Your Sword

    Prince Kelton did his best to keep the routine he¡¯d established just prior to Ponderosa¡¯s transformation. Due to the nature of Ponderosa¡¯s condition, he didn¡¯t want any additional visits to bring undue attention to them, despite it being troublesome for Nathaniel¡¯s care. He had to trust in M?thair¡¯s ability to help Ponderosa do what was best for all of them. As it was, he had no idea how soon M?thair would be able to leave Ponderosa¡¯s side for the time that she promised to come to him. The stress of the situation didn¡¯t bode well for the few short training sessions he¡¯d had with his knights, nor did the subtle fluctuations of emotions that he recognized were not his own, and the sudden sharpness that came through Sir Hamnet¡¯s wit.


    The emotions he could accredit to M?thair and her visions. However, even now, as he sparred with Sir Droyn, those emotions seemed stronger than they had been the whole time they¡¯d been in the castle. It made him want to go check on the three of them even though he hadn¡¯t been gone a full day yet. He didn¡¯t realize how distracted he had become until Sir Droyn nearly knocked the practice sword from his hand. Prince Kelton decided to call for a stop so he could check on them. The emotions he felt had only grown stronger over the last hour, and that troubled him.


    As he started to leave the room, the servant who had been attending to Fran ran up to him. She crumpled up on the floor in front of him, trembling, as she said.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡­ I¡¯m so...sorry. Sir Fran¡­ is dead. He¡­.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I anticipated as much. Get some of the manservants to carry his body out into the trees where they left Gruph.¡±


    ¡°Y¡­ yes, Your Highness.¡±


    He waited until she had sprinted off before he headed down the hall toward Ponderosa¡¯s room. When he got there, he set his hand against the door and bowed his head. The emotions he had been feeling suddenly calmed down. The urge he felt to check on them waned. Still, he lifted his hand to knock on the door. A different emotion came from M?thair, stopping his motion. He needed to wait. Sighing, Prince Kelton stepped down the hall to his chambers. He entered the bedroom and flopped down on the bed. He wished he knew what to do to help keep Ponderosa safe so she could continue to care for their son while he spent some time with M?thair.


    Gailan came in a short while later with dinner. Even with the rationing, it took effort on Prince Kelton¡¯s part to finish what Gailan brought him.


    ¡°Has Ponderosa¡¯s condition gotten worse?¡± Gailan asked when Prince Kelton finished.


    ¡°No, but I don¡¯t know that it¡¯s gotten much better either. We¡¯ll just have to wait and hope the herbs she is using can kick this illness sooner rather than later,¡± he replied.


    Gailan nodded. ¡°Is there anything more I can do for you tonight?¡±


    ¡°No, Gailan. Take your rest.¡±


    Gailan left the room and Prince Kelton readied for bed.


    It had been tough already, keeping the other servants away after the stair incident.


    They needed to keep the secret of their magic away from the others for as long as possible. With a slight shake of his head and a long exhale, he entered his bedroom and prepared to rest for the night. As he lay in bed M?thair¡¯s emotions stirred strongly again. A sorrow strong enough to pull on his heart strings.


    ¡®M?thair?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Rest for now, Kelton,¡¯ she replied.


    There was something about her tone that sounded off, but he knew where she wasn¡¯t willing to elaborate right now that there wasn¡¯t enough privacy to have this conversation, even though he seemed to be alone.


    ¡®Our son?¡¯ he asked as he rolled onto his other side.


    ¡®Is fine, Beloved.¡¯


    He took and let out a breath, relieved that the sorrow he was feeling from her was not related to their son¡¯s change in menu. Prince Kelton settled into the bed a little more then closed his eyes to try and get some sleep.


    When he woke late the next morning, he knew that something wasn¡¯t quite right.


    ¡®M?thair?¡¯ he thought asked.


    She didn¡¯t respond.


    He got up and dressed. He was just pulling his boots back on to go check on them when he felt a light Northward pull on his soul. He didn¡¯t question the feeling. He knew the feel of that pull well. M?thair was not in the castle anymore. He was just tightening his sword belt to go after her when Sir Hamnet came into the room.


    ¡°Captain Sendak¡¯s platoon approaches,¡± he said as he gave Prince Kelton a slight bow, then he continued a little softer, ¡°and the women and the baby are gone.¡±


    Prince Kelton nodded his head as he sat hard on the bed. ¡®This was the reason for your sorrow, wasn¡¯t it M?thair?¡¯ he asked.


    He felt her soul shift a little in response, but nothing more.


    He leaned forward and covered his face with his hands. There were magic sensitive people nearby.


    ¡°I am willing to follow after them, Prince Kelton,¡± Sir Hamnet said.


    He turned his eyes toward Sir Hamnet as he nodded. ¡°Please, keep the three of them safe,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°With my life, My Prince,¡± Sir Hamnet nodded.


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    He turned to leave, but Prince Kelton stopped him. ¡°Hamnet, your sword.¡±


    Hamnet stopped then turned back. He removed the royal sword from his waist then knelt as he presented it to Prince Kelton.


    Prince Kelton took it.


    Hamnet stood and a half smile quirked his lips. ¡°I¡¯ll be back for that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better be,¡± Prince Kelton replied. ¡°Be cautious gathering supplies, and make sure to take any ground meal they may have left behind.¡±


    ¡°You have my word, Prince Kelton.¡±


    He nodded.


    They clasped each other¡¯s arms before Hamnet left.


    He left the door open and Gailan cautiously poked his head into the room.


    ¡°Is everything ok¡­?¡± Gailan stopped when he noticed Prince Kelton holding Sir Hamnet¡¯s sword. ¡°Kelton?¡±


    Prince Kelton gripped the sheathed sword a little tighter before tying it to his sword belt. ¡°I need to go see what Captain Sendak needs,¡± he replied.


    Gailan¡¯s brow furrowed, but he nodded then left.


    ¡®M?thair,¡¯ he thought when he was alone again. ¡®In case Kenaz has not shown you, I am sending Hamnet to you. Please guide him to where you are so he can help keep the three of you safe¡­. I love you.¡¯


    He felt her soul shift inside him in love and gratitude so he knew she heard him despite not being able to speak back.


    A single tear slipped from his right eye. Clenching his jaw and drawing in a slow, deep, breath, Prince Kelton grabbed a cloak then left his chambers to confront Captain Sendak.


    The halls were empty as he made his way out of the castle.


    Sir Hett and Sir Juleack were keeping an eye on the servants as they loaded the horses with supplies. His brow twitched before he nodded to the two of them. Then he turned to where Sir Droyn stood beside Captain Sendak. Sir Droyn looked confused while Captain Sendak looked around a little.


    ¡°Has something happened at Greywolf Castle, Captain Sendak?¡± Prince Kelton asked.


    ¡°Not that I am aware of, My Lord,¡± he lied. ¡°Queen Leona requested that we escort you and the¡­ Princess back immediately.¡±


    Prince Kelton raised an eyebrow at Captain Sendak. ¡°My mother would have no reason to interrupt my month of bliss without a reason, Captain Sendak. So, why are you really here?¡±


    Captain Sendak sighed. ¡°Your wife is under arrest for possession of magic.¡±


    Sir Droyn¡¯s eyes widened.


    Prince Kelton laughed so hard he cried.


    Sir Droyn helped him remain upright until he could compose himself again.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid she has sent you on a pointless trip, Captain Sendak,¡± he replied with a morose seriousness. ¡°Princess Iredys died giving birth on our wedding night. All of my knights can attest that we burned her body on a pyre mere hours later.¡±


    ¡°We have reason to believe her lady-in-waiting possesses magic also,¡± Captain Sendak replied.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s even more ridiculous! A spell cannot be cast without words, and the woman is mute.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, My Prince. We must follow orders.¡±


    Gritting his teeth and fisting his hands, he turned to go back inside.


    Sir Droyn followed after him as did Captain Sendak and a few of his elite soldiers. He made his way to Ponderosa¡¯s room and stopped outside the door. One of Captain Sendak¡¯s soldiers stepped forward.


    Prince Kelton glowered at him. ¡°Do you mind?¡±


    ¡°M...my apologies, My Lord,¡± he stammered.


    Prince Kelton knocked on the door then cracked it open a little. ¡°Ponderosa?¡± he called out.


    There was no response.


    He stepped inside, leaving the door open for the others to see inside. The room was empty and the fire had been cold for some time. Prince Kelton pulled back the curtains on the bed to find it empty. He checked behind the changing screen and saw nothing. He paced the room a little then leaned against the table as if trying to think of where else they would go. His right hand rested on the couple pieces of paper that remained. Sir Hamnet had not taken Ponderosa¡¯s writing kit with him. Crinkling the top page, his mind was filled with what had happened after he left M?thair¡¯ side the previous afternoon. He crinkled the page even more as the vision came to an end. His breath shook.


    Had he known yesterday, he would have gone after them. But¡­ doing so would have only put them in more danger. They were safe. ¡­At least for now.


    Pushing himself off the table, Prince Kelton left the room. He made a show of checking the royal chambers in the hopes that he could give Hamnet enough time to grab what he could and leave without being noticed. Combing his fingers through his hair, Prince Kelton wasn¡¯t sure how much longer he could delay without making Captain Sendak suspicious, but he needed to do what he could to delay their search outside the castle for as long as possible.


    Unfortunately, the only other place he knew Ponderosa had gone was the study, since there had been a couple books around her the day she fell down the stairs. Turning about once more, he led Captain Sendak and his subordinates to the study, but when they arrived, he found the room empty. Prince Kelton sat hard on one of the chairs beside the table and covered his eyes with his hand. He could think of nowhere else to lead them. Letting out a shaky exhale, he slowly drew his hand down and let it rest before his mouth.


    ¡°Spread out,¡± Captain Sendak commanded, when he remained still. ¡°She can¡¯t have gone far.¡±


    Sir Droyn stood beside him and gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. A measure of peace touched his heart and he didn¡¯t know if it was from M?thair or from Sir Droyn¡¯s attempt to comfort him in light of Captain Sendak¡¯s accusation.


    Captain Sendak kept an eye on Prince Kelton until his platoon leaders reported that the castle was empty.


    ¡°Is everyone accounted for?¡± Captain Sendak asked.


    ¡°Everyone save Sir Hamnet, Sir Fran, Sir Gruph, Iredys¡¯ lady-in-waiting, the baby, and the creature called M?thair.¡±


    The drop of Iredys¡¯ title rankled Prince Kelton. ¡°You would do well to show respect for Greywolf¡¯s Princess, even if she is dead,¡± he growled.


    ¡°My apologies, My Lord,¡± the commander replied.


    ¡°Any sign of which direction they might have fled?¡± Captain Sendak asked.


    ¡°There are several sets of footprints that lead into the trees. I have several soldiers following them now.¡±


    ¡°Very good.¡±


    Not even a handful of seconds later, the cacophonous rumble of armor hurried into the room. ¡°The bodies of two of Prince Kelton¡¯s knights are out there.¡±


    ¡°Which knights?¡±


    ¡°We could not tell. Their bodies were mangled beyond recognition.¡±


    ¡°Care to clarify, Prince Kelton?¡± Captain Sendak asked, turning toward him.


    He lowered his hand to the table, his eyes calm. ¡°There is no place for criminals among my knights,¡± he replied, matter-of-factually. ¡°Gruph and Fran have paid the price for their transgressions. Houton will be paying for his own soon enough.¡±


    ¡°And Sir Hamnet?¡±


    Prince Kelton stood slowly and pulled the sword from its sheath. ¡°Defected.¡±


    Sir Droyn¡¯s brow furrowed.


    Prince Kelton spun the sword a couple times then returned it to its sheath. ¡°So, what now, Captain Sendak?¡±


    ¡°We escort you back to the castle as ordered.¡±


    He nodded then left the study to join everyone outside.

 Ghrot Town is North

    Ponderosa checked on Nathaniel then M?thair when she woke the next morning. M?thair¡¯s gaze look nowhere in particular as she lay with her back to the entrance of the hollow. Ponderosa hopped up to her and rubbed her head against M?thair¡¯s cheek. The pressure brought M?thair back to the present and she sat up. Ponderosa then snuggled into her fur for a little more warmth as she gnawed on the Jet in M?thair¡¯s chest. She wore her teeth on the stone longer than she had the night before.


    ¡®How are you feeling, Ponderosa?¡¯ M?thair asked.


    ¡®Still very unsettled, M?thair,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    ¡®And?¡¯


    ¡®And wishing I had fought harder to stop from being¡­ mated.¡¯


    ¡®You fought as well as you could considering the situation you found yourself in.¡¯


    Ponderosa dug and bit at the Jet with a bit more fervor. ¡®But to still be pregnant after all these years?! I¡­.¡¯


    M?thair lowered her head to hold her a little more securely. ¡®Trauma holds everything in suspension until it can be resolved. You are in a safe place to resolve it now. You have a better understanding of your magic, as well as a control you did not have then.¡¯


    Ponderosa bit the skin above the Jet and thumped her back foot against Iredy¡¯s chin.


    ¡®I know your reality is hard for you right now, Ponderosa,¡¯ M?thair said gently. ¡®From what I know of the situation, and what I know about you, dealing with this then may have only caused deeper wounds.¡¯


    Ponderosa curled up into a ball and cried.


    M?thair licked her head and nuzzled her. Then she spoke in an attempt to comfort her a little more.


    ¡®Hamnet is on his way to us.¡¯


    Ponderosa pressed her ears against her head as she continued to weep.


    ¡®You don¡¯t need to tell him anything until you are ready to.¡¯


    ¡®Okay,¡¯ she whispered.


    M?thair grabbed the warm cloth from the stones and wrapped it around Ponderosa. Her crying softened with the added warmth before she rested. She only knew that M?thair had tended to Nathaniel when she felt her body shift to the side and another warm body lay beside her.


    ¡®Turn NorthEast, Sir Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair said after a time.


    ¡®He¡¯s on his way then?¡¯ Ponderosa asked, resting her chin on M?thair¡¯s leg.


    ¡®Yes. He was able to grab the rest of the ground wheat and other supplies without catching anyone¡¯s eye. He should be here in an hour or so.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded.


    ¡®You need not worry, Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair said. ¡®They will not be found. ¡­M?thair, Hamnet. Your Princess is dead.¡±


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    M?thair then nuzzled and licked Ponderosa to provide a little more comfort to her. She fell into a semi-restless sleep until she heard M?thair speak again.


    ¡®¡­Keep coming. There is a hollow a few miles ahead of you. ¡­You will see.¡¯


    Ponderosa nuzzled M?thair a little then hopped out from between her legs to move around the hollow for a bit. While she did her own thing, M?thair folded the cloth that had been wrapped around her and placed it back on the stones to warm up again, then she made sure that everything had been packed back into the bags. Ponderosa burrowed into the cloth resting on the warm stones to warm up a little more just as the sound of horse hooves shook the walls of the hollow.


    ¡°Prin¡­M?thair?¡± Hamnet whispered loudly. ¡°Ponderosa?¡±


    He climbed off the horse and crouched beside the hollow¡¯s entrance.


    ¡®We are here, Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair replied.


    He entered the hollow and saw the stones that Ponderosa and Nathaniel were laying on. ¡°Are they...?¡±


    Ponderosa shifted and looked up at him. ¡®Just fine,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± He stroked one of her ears then turned to M?thair. ¡°How are you and the Young Prince doing, Prin¡­ M?thair?¡±


    ¡®We are both doing well, all things considered.¡¯


    He nodded. ¡°We should get moving while we have daylight.¡±


    M?thair nodded.


    She then used her magic to adjust the slings that had held Ponderosa and Nathaniel so they were loose enough for Hamnet to be able to carry the two of them securely. Then she tucked the stones into one of the bags Hamnet had brought with him. Hamnet took the two bags she had been able to grab and tied them to the horse¡¯s saddle. He carefully shouldered the slings holding Prince Nathaniel and Ponderosa before he climbed onto his horse. M?thair headed North, and Hamnet followed.


    ¡°Ghrot Town is North, M?thair,¡± Hamnet said when she started to turn Eastward.


    ¡®We will not make it to Ghrot Town by nightfall and we need shelter.¡¯


    ¡°As you command, ¡­M?thair.¡±


    Hamnet turned the horse to follow after her. The sky was starting to dim when an abandoned station house came into view. The stone walls still stood steady, but the roof didn¡¯t look entirely intact. Still, it was more than they would have had being under the stars. He stopped just outside the door and dismounted. He asked M?thair to wait by the horse while he checked it out. He opened the door with caution, but nothing moved. M?thair yipped once Hamnet had stepped inside and the horse stepped forward. He entered the building, followed by M?thair.


    Hamnet removed the bags and saddle from the horse while M?thair used her magic to lay out the small stones and warmed them for Ponderosa and Nathaniel. He lay the two of them on the stones once they were warm.


    ¡®Thank you, M?thair,¡¯ Ponderosa said.


    ¡®You are welcome, Ponderosa. I will have dinner ready in a little while.¡¯


    ¡®Okay.¡¯


    M?thair opened the other bag for three glasses and filled them with snow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go gather some wood,¡± Hamnet said.


    ¡®No need,¡¯ M?thair said. ¡®Just gather the loose stones. That will be enough.¡¯


    He frowned a little, but did as M?thair requested. He gathered the stones that were scattered about the station house¡ªlarge stones that had come out of the wall where the roof was missing. Once they were gathered into the center of the room, the stones started to give off heat nearly as warm as a large fire.


    ¡°How¡­?¡±


    ¡®I do not quite understand myself, but something¡­ inside the rocks¡­ is shifting¡­ allowing them to give off heat like that.¡¯


    He nodded then pulled some dried goods out of one the pouches he had swiped while M?thair fed Ponderosa and took care of Nathaniel. She passed Hamnet a glass of melted snow then accepted a few pieces of jerky from him. Ponderosa rolled over to rest against M?thair¡¯s side.


    ¡°...How is she holding up?¡± Ponderosa heard Hamnet ask, as she teetered on the edge of sleep.


    ¡®Very well, all things considered,¡¯ M?thair replied.


    ¡°Any idea now how long she will remain like that?¡±


    ¡®A while yet, Hamnet. She will let you know more when she is ready to.¡¯


    He nodded.


    ¡®Thank you for coming to aid us,¡¯ she said.


    ¡°It is my duty,¡± Hamnet replied. ¡°...And something I owe to Kelton.¡±

 Soul Space

    Prince Kelton mounted his horse then waited for Captain Sendak to give the order to move out. He ignored the puzzled gazes of Gailan, Sir Hett, Sir Thomas, and Sir Juleack as they left the castle. He didn¡¯t dare open his mouth with so many of those loyal to Queen Leona around. All he could do, for now, was hope that Hamnet had found M?thair, Nathaniel, and Ponderosa. That the four of them were on their way to Ghrot Town or at least somewhere safer for the time being. He turned his attention to watch the snow covered trees and hills while they started their trek back to Greywolf Castle.


    The wind stirred and dark storm clouds began to gather overhead. They stopped at a post station and gathered inside. After a hearty meal, whipped up by Dawson and the other kitchen hands, Pince Kelton was escorted to a room and soldiers were posted outside for his protection. If he didn¡¯t know any better, he would say he was the prisoner, not the one under protection. However, he wasn¡¯t concerned about the soldiers¡¯ presence, he was concerned about M?thair, Nathaniel, Ponderosa, and Hamnet. Did they have sufficient shelter? Was this storm going to affect wherever they were?


    He fisted his hands as he turned away from the window. He hated not being able to communicate with her. Hated not being able to feel the comfort her voice brought to his heart, because he was surrounded by more magic sensitive individuals now. He sat on the bed and rested his arms on his legs. He brought his folded hands up to his mouth. If not for Hamnet being willing to go after them, he didn¡¯t know if he could accept the situation he found himself in as calmly as he was.


    He was grateful that he could feel where M?thair was through the resonance between the seven semi-precious stones in her chest, and the Garnet and engraved rings on his finger.  A soft, but steady, pull that allowed him to feel less concerned. The stillness of M?thair¡¯s soul allowed him to feel less concern, as well. However, not knowing if all had gone according to what he hoped for, left him a little on edge still. He said nothing to Gailan when he came in to stoke the fire for the night and see if there was anything he needed.


    Once he was alone again, Prince Kelton sighed. He turned the lamps off then climbed into bed.


    He found himself in a warm loft. The roof above him was partially broken to reveal a clear, star-filled sky. Human M?thair lay alone, but stirred when he approached her. Her blue-green cat and light brown dog eyes turned toward him and a soft smile graced her lips.


    ¡®Nathaniel, Ponderosa, and Hamnet?¡¯ he wondered.


    ¡®Asleep on the main floor,¡¯ she replied.


    Prince Kelton lay beside her. She kissed him deeply before he could say anything more. The salty taste of her tears wet their lips as they continued to kiss and hold tightly to one another. He shifted his arm down to pull her closer. She hooked her left leg around his waist and brought him in. He didn¡¯t know when their clothes had vanished, but he didn¡¯t try to think about it. His connection with M?thair felt as real as the soul space they had shared at the castle, that he cared for nothing more than this much desired space.


    They rocked and grasped and moaned as they dove hard into their pleasure. As they burrowed deep into the all encompassing love and bliss that surrounded their connection. They loved, and loved, and loved some more. Each peak they attained together both soothed and aggravated the reality of their physical distance. They rolled and tumbled, licked and nipped each other as they continued to ruminate in their passion-filled soul space.


    After they had tumbled through yet another blissful high, Prince Kelton held M?thair against him. He felt exhausted and could hear in M?thair¡¯s breath that she was as well. He nuzzled his face between her breasts and stayed there while her muscles lightly massaged his aching and swollen member. M?thair combed her fingers through his hair. She rested some as he kissed the gems in her chest and suckled on both of her beasts. Her massage became more firm and rhythmic, painfully pushing them to yet another peak that was followed by the most satisfactory bliss they had experienced thus far.


    He lay over her, resting his head on her shoulder while cradling her neck in his hand. ¡®Thank you, Beloved,¡¯ he thought as he panted. ¡®I love you.¡¯


    ¡®I love you, too, Beloved,¡¯ she whimpered. ¡®I¡¯m so sorry.¡¯


    Prince Kelton wearily lifted himself up onto his left arm so he could see her face. He wiped her tears away and kissed her beautifully swollen lips. ¡®Forgiven, Beloved,¡¯ he thought back. ¡®I¡¯m glad to know that the four of you are safe.¡¯


    ¡®Nine of us,¡¯ she whispered.


    ¡®Right,¡¯ he said before resting his forehead against hers. ¡®How are our pups?¡¯


    ¡®Fine so far.¡¯


    Kelton nodded before he kissed her sweaty forehead and drew her more securely against him. They took several deep breaths together while they rested for a time before pushing for and through one last release before the feel of their physical union started to slip away.


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    ¡°I look forward to being with all of you again soon,¡± he whispered.


    ¡®We very much look forward to the same,¡¯ she thought back.


    They kissed several times before Prince Kelton felt her presence slip out of his arms completely.


    He woke somewhat to the sound of Gailan building up the fire in the hearth. He moaned and shivered. His whole body ached. His night clothes and bedding were soaked with his sweat and his seed. He grunted softly when he tried to roll over, but he found he couldn¡¯t even do that. He felt very weak. Even the smallest of movements was laced with pin prickling pain and fatigue. Something he did not expect to feel after energetically making love to his Beloved Mate, no matter how many times they had managed to reach the peak together.


    After several attempts, he stopped trying and did his best to pull the blankets tighter around himself. Gailan came over to check on him. Prince Kelton felt Gailan press a cold hand against his forehead. He managed to peel his eyes open enough to see Gailan¡¯s concerned face.


    ¡°You have a fever,¡± he said.


    Prince Kelton nodded slightly. ¡°And wet,¡± he rasped, before he shivered some more.


    Gailan hurried from the room to get Sir Droyn. The two of them dragged the bed closer to the fire. Gailan covered Prince Kelton with a second blanket. He filled a bowl with cold water then handed it and a cloth to Sir Droyn. Prince Kelton felt his eyes grow heavy and his mind start to wander from the room again as Sir Droyn dabbed a cold wet cloth across his forehead and down his neck. What Gailan was doing, he had no idea, nor did he care. He closed his eyes as Sir Droyn continued to tend to his fever. He stopped trying to stay awake and allowed himself to drift back to sleep.


    Prince Kelton stirred again sometime later. His body still hurt and he still felt cold, despite knowing he was burning with fever. His night clothes still felt wet and he was still as filthy as he was when he woke after making love to M?thair. The bed he lay on had been shifted once more and a large tub filled with steaming water sat nearby. He took and let out a deeper breath before Gailan stepped into his line of sight.


    ¡°Do you think you can get up, Your Majesty?¡± he asked.


    He nodded weakly then tried to roll over.


    It took a lot of effort to breathe through the discomfort of rolling to his side. Gailan pulled the blankets back. The cold air assaulted his body forcing him to inhale sharply. He shivered more, which made it more difficult for Gailan to help him sit up. Booted steps approached. Prince Kelton lifted his head a little to see Sir Droyn assisting from the other side. He let his head bounce slightly in acknowledgement as the two of them pulled him to his feet. His legs felt strange as he staggered between Gailan and Sir Droyn over to the tub of warmed water.


    Gailan started to remove his night clothes while Sir Droyn kept him upright. Trying to lift his own leg in order to step into the tub felt impossible. Prince Kelton felt Sir Droyn assist his steps into the hot water. He lowered him slowly as Gailan finished removing his soiled clothes. He leaned back and sighed. The hot water felt amazing. His head tipped to the side and his mind started to wander off again, but he knew he needed to try and stay awake. He rolled his eyes often and tried to get his eyes to open for longer than a couple seconds.


    He heard Sir Droyn shift beside the tub then lift his head enough to allow his arm to cushion the edge of the tub as well as provide some support that would keep him from slipping under if he wasn¡¯t able to remain awake. Gailan added a little more hot water to the bath before he left the room. Prince Kelton did his best to remain awake, but was finding it harder and harder to do. He was almost asleep again when Gailan returned.


    ¡°Try and drink this,¡± he said, kneeling beside the tub.


    Sir Droyn helped him sit up a little to accept the broth that Gailan had brought up. He accepted the broth in small sips. The liquid warmed his core and helped wake him up a little more. When he couldn¡¯t take in anymore, Sir Droyn let him recline back a little more. Gailan then used a cloth to wipe down his body and clean away the residual seed and sweat that had yet to come off.


    ¡°Can you stand, Prince Kelton?¡± Sir Droyn asked once Gailan was finished.


    ¡°...Yes?¡± he whispered.


    He slowly drew his legs up as Sir Droyn set his arm over his shoulders. The two of them stood together. Prince Kelton shuddered as the cooler air of the room replaced the warmth of the water he stood in. Gailan was swift to dry him off and bring him fresh night clothes. He held onto the clothes to keep them from getting wet while Sir Droyn helped Prince Kelton step out of the water. Gailan dried his legs then released his hold on the clothes. The two of them supported Prince Kelton back to a clean bed. He lay down. The mattress felt warm. Gailan covered him with the blankets and he returned to sleep.


    He drifted in and out of awareness of his own room for a while as the feel of a cold cloth was placed on and taken from his forehead. He became more aware of his room when there was a soft knock on the door. Gailan left his side and opened the door a crack. He opened it further and allowed Sir Droyn to step inside. He closed the door behind him.


    ¡°How is he?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°The fever is gone, but¡­. I think he is still troubled. He¡¯s been mumbling in his sleep, which is not something he does often,¡± Gailan confided quietly.


    Prince Kelton opened his eyes then and turned to the two of them. Sir Droyn stepped forward and sat in the chair beside the bed. His expression conflicted.


    ¡°How are you feeling, My Lord?¡± Sir Droyn asked gently.


    ¡°Better rested,¡± Prince Kelton replied.


    Sir Droyn nodded and looked away.


    ¡°What is on your mind, Sir Droyn?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­. I should not burden you while you are ill,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Then ask what you will,¡± Prince Kelton replied seriously.


    Sir Droyn brought his hand up to his mouth, but remained silent.


    Prince Kelton pushed himself up to sit semi-reclined.


    ¡°Sire,  you shouldn¡¯t¡­.¡±


    He waved him off. ¡°I am feeling much better now that I have been able to rest. Ask your questions.¡±

 Vow of Loyalty

    Sir Droyn shook his head in disbelief. His jaw tightened and his fingers balled into knuckle-white fists. ¡°Hamnet is very much my brother. I cannot believe that he would defect even in the face of¡­. The suddenness of his choice doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    ¡°Gailan,¡± he called, noticing that his serving man had kept his distance once Sir Droyn had arrived.


    Gailan approached Prince Kelton. ¡°Is there something I can get you, My Prince?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Your vow of loyalty, if you both feel you can still give it to me,¡± he replied seriously.


    ¡°Always,¡± they replied unhesitatingly.


    Prince Kelton¡¯s eyes watered. He nodded his thanks. ¡°Hamnet was willing to¡­ in order to keep M?thair, Nathaniel, and Ponderosa safe.¡±


    Sir Droyn looked up at him once more. ¡°I understand why he would go for Ponderosa and Nathaniel, but M?thair?¡±


    ¡°M?thair is Iredys¡¯ new form.¡±


    ¡°My Lord,¡± Sir Droyn started to protest, but stopped when Prince Kelton held up his hand.


    ¡°I know that sounds crazy, given that we burned her body two weeks ago.¡±


    Sir Droyn and Gailan nodded, but kept their silence.


    ¡°While I was speaking with Iredys in Pride Town, she told me that she had the ability to use several magics that were forced upon her while she was away from us.¡±


    Sir Droyn¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t understand. If you knew that long ago then surely¡­.¡±


    ¡°Surely I would have left her there?¡± Prince Kelton wondered.


    He nodded. ¡°...Did she curse you in some way?¡±


    Prince Kelton smiled softly. ¡°No. I brought her back to Greywolf Castle and married her of my own free will and choice.¡±


    Sir Droyn sat back with a dumbfounded expression on his face. ¡°...Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I could not bear the thought of her being forever bound to someone else,¡± Prince Kelton replied honestly.


    ¡°Forever bound?¡±


    Prince Kelton shifted the Garnet ring on his finger.  He removed it so they could see the five different colors that made up the ring that had been engraved into his ring finger. The Alexandrite and Peridot bridged the gap of the Diamond band while surrounded by a thin line of Jet and Aquamarine.


    ¡°By choosing to marry Iredys, I chose to forever bind my body and soul to hers. The Diamond ensures that our fidelity will never be broken,¡± he said, using his right pinkie to point to each of the bands as he spoke. ¡°The Alexandrite allows us to be reborn when either of us dies; the Peridot will give us a new form when death has come upon us, the Aquamarine allows us to communicate whenever our physical forms differ, and the Jet will forever shelter and protect us.¡±


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    ¡°What about the other two stones she wears?¡± Gailan asked, confused. ¡°Why do you only have five instead of all seven if your union is so complete?¡±


    ¡°Because I do not need the Emerald in order to see as she did, nor do I need the power of the Ruby in order to move things.¡±


    Sir Droyn shook his head. ¡°It can¡¯t just be the stones that allow for this,¡± he said.


    ¡°You are correct, Sir Droyn. Engraved in her chest are seven runes. Seven runes that were burned into her flesh while the stones were painfully embedded therein.¡±


    Gailan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°So, it was this change that made you hesitant to marry her?¡±


    Sir Droyn looked at Gailan then turned back to Prince Kelton.


    Prince Kelton sighed. ¡°I would have remarried her in Pride Town, but there were other possibilities¡­ other¡­ paths¡­ that she wanted me to understand first. She, also, wanted to give me the opportunity to see the risks and dangers that would be involved should I still choose her above Princess Analisa or Countess Lilia.¡±


    ¡°Remarried?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°She was the Dragonwoman that came to me in Palion City.¡±


    ¡°What?! How¡­? Why¡­?¡±


    Prince Kelton motioned for Droyn to soften his voice. ¡°She came to me while being controlled by the man who held her captive. Her¡­ death, is what broke our fidelity and to a large degree the spell that was attached to us becoming one.¡±


    ¡°Death?¡± Gailan asked. ¡°She can¡¯t have died, she was very much alive when¡­.¡±


    He stopped when Prince Kelton shifted his attention to him.


    ¡°Her transformation magic remained dormant until we found her in Pride Town. The only reason she remained human was due to the conception of our son.¡±


    ¡°So Nathaniel really is your son then?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°He is.¡±


    The two of them nodded.


    ¡°...Does Hamnet know this?¡± Sir Droyn wondered.


    ¡°He does. He is also aware that Ponderosa has magic, too.¡±


    ¡°What magic does she have?¡± Gailan asked.


    ¡°Like M?thair, she can transform. Her most recent bout of ¡®illness¡¯ was brought on because I betrothed Ponderosa and Hamnet. The betrothal revealed answers that unlocked a trauma she suffered some time ago, and caused her to transform.¡±


    ¡°If she transformed, how has she been able to care for Nathaniel?¡±


    ¡°With the help of M?thair¡¯s magic,¡± he replied simply, not feeling up to trying to get into the specifics.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve accepted Ponderosa¡¯s magic because M?thair has magic?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    ¡°I accepted it because I do not look at magic in the same light as my mother does, and I know¡ªwith the amount of loyalty she gives to M?thair¡ªthat she will remain loyal and true to what is good and right in Greywolf Kingdom.¡±


    ¡°Did Hamnet know about Ponderosa¡¯s magic before you betrothed them?¡±


    Prince Kelton¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°No. He only found out after she had transformed and he brought her to me to plead for leniency.¡±


    ¡°And he still accepted it?¡±


    He nodded.


    ¡°...So, what now?¡± Sir Droyn asked.


    Prince Kelton blew out his breath. ¡°We return to Greywolf Castle.¡±


    ¡°And M?thair and Nathaniel?¡±


    ¡°Hope that Hamnet will keep them safe until it is safe for all of them to return.¡±


    ¡°Do you know which way they went? I can¡­.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Prince Kelton cut him off. ¡°This return to Greywolf Castle is already ugly. We don¡¯t need to make it worse.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Prince Kelton.¡±


    Sir Droyn waited a moment before he set the chair back by the table. He knelt on the floor and set a fisted hand over his heart. ¡°I renew my vows to you as a knight of the realm. Whatever you need of me, I will do.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sir Droyn. You may rise.¡±


    He stood. ¡°Anything I might do tonight, Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°Rest. I doubt we will get far tomorrow,¡± he replied, motioning to the snow that was falling, albeit lightly, outside.


    ¡°As you command,¡± he replied before he bowed respectfully then left the room.

 Arriving in Ghrot Town

    The morning was very quiet when Ponderosa stuck her head out of the warm cloth. Nathaniel was sleeping contentedly and Hamnet was kneeling beside a winded M?thair.


    ¡°Are you sure you are well, Princess? We don¡¯t need to travel today if¡­.¡±


    She swished her dual ended tail to get him to stop. ¡®I already told you I am fine, Hamnet. Besides, we need to get into Ghrot Town before the next storm comes in. This roof over our heads will not provide sufficient cover and there is no other suitable shelter in the area.¡¯


    Hamnet pressed his lips together, but nodded. He turned to ready the horse and Ponderosa hopped over to where M?thair lay. She stood on her hind legs to set her paws on M?thair¡¯s chest. She could feel the slight trembling in M?thair¡¯s breaths.


    ¡®I know you won¡¯t tell Hamnet what is going on,¡¯ she said to M?thair, ¡®but will you tell me?¡¯


    ¡®...I didn¡¯t sleep last night,¡¯ M?thair replied. ¡®I needed to keep my promise to Prince Kelton.¡¯


    ¡®Did you go to him?¡¯


    ¡®In a manner of speaking, we came to each other.¡¯


    Ponderosa nodded. ¡®Add a few drops of Eleuthero to whatever you eat this morning.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯


    She brushed her head against M?thair¡¯s cheek before hopping back to the warmth of the cloth covered stones. Hamnet brought Ponderosa¡¯s satchel to M?thair with two glasses filled with melted snow, and a single stick of jerky.


    ¡®Thank you, Hamnet,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡°You are welcome, M?thair. Any help I can give?¡±


    ¡®You will need to ask your betrothed.¡¯


    Hamnet turned to her. ¡°Can I help you eat, Ponderosa?¡±


    ¡®...Maybe later,¡¯ she replied.


    He sighed in disappointment. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Ponderosa nodded then lay on her side.


    Nathaniel started to whimper and Hamnet was quick to pick him up. The little Prince cried just a little bit more before he settled and turned his face toward Hamnet¡¯s chest. After Ponderosa had eaten, she hopped over to Hamnet and onto his lap. He petted her while M?thair ate a little bit of jerky and some meal with herbs in it, then rinsed out the cups. She packed the cups and the stones she had been using to keep Ponderosa and Nathaniel warm, then she brought the slings over to Hamnet.


    Hamnet slipped them on then made sure that Nathaniel and Ponderosa were secure as M?thair used her magic to tie the bags to the saddle. M?thair led them out of the station house as Hamnet walked his horse out. He mounted the horse then followed M?thair Northwest toward Ghrot Town.


    Hamnet paced the floor while M?thair fed Ponderosa and Nathaniel their evening meal then gnawed on the semi-meaty bone the innkeeper gave her. He would pause at times and rub his forehead, just to turn around and pace across the floor again.


    ¡®You need not be that worked up, Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair said, setting her meat-free bone aside.


    He jerked at the sound of her voice in his head and turned to her. ¡°What did you say?¡± he asked.


    ¡®You don¡¯t need to stress yourself out so much over our situation,¡¯ she said. ¡®We¡¯ll be just fine.¡¯


    Hamnet shook his head. ¡°I did not bring much with me and even if we were to find other accommodations, it isn¡¯t enough to be able to purchase anything useful.¡±


    Ponderosa snuggled up to M?thair so she could nibble on the Jet some more.


    ¡®Be that as it may, there is nothing that can be done tonight. Thinking about weeks in the future, when tomorrow can bring fortuitous encounters, will do you no good. Nor do Ponderosa or I want you to fall ill due to lack of rest. I know you did not sleep the best last night.¡¯


    Hamnet closed his mouth and left his rebuttal unspoken. ¡°My apologies, Prin¡­.¡±


    ¡®M?thair,¡¯ she reminded him.


    ¡°...M?thair,¡± he replied.


    ¡®You are forgiven, Hamnet. Go get something to eat then get some rest. There is nothing more you can do for Ponderosa, Nathaniel, or I tonight.¡¯


    He bowed respectfully then stepped out of the room to go eat.


    ¡®How long will we be able to stay here, M?thair?¡¯ Ponderosa asked when they were alone.


    ¡®We will be leaving the inn in the morning. There is another place we will be able to stay that will offer better security on many levels.¡¯


    She nodded slightly then snuggled a little closer. ¡®And how long will we stay there?¡¯


    M?thair stroked her cheek. ¡®Just over a full year, provided all goes well.¡¯


    ¡®And if it doesn¡¯t?¡¯


    ¡®We will need to wait and see what possibilities are open to us.¡¯


    ¡®Okay.¡¯


    When she stirred the following morning, M?thair was just settling Nathaniel back on the bed clean and content. She then stirred up a few tiny batches of meal before Hamnet approached where she lay to see if she would let him hold her. She stood on her hind legs and let him pick her up. He carried her close to the fire then set her on his lap. Ponderosa lay down and let him gently run his hand down her body. Mathair set the small batches of food on a chair next to Hamnet.


    ¡®Do you want to help her eat?¡¯ M?thair asked him.


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    ¡°Will she let me?¡±


    M?thair motioned to Ponderosa with her head.


    ¡°Can I feed you this morning?¡± he asked Ponderosa.


    ¡®Yes,¡¯ she replied.


    M?thair then gave him instructions to get the meal into the dropper and how gently to squeeze it so he could avoid making Ponderosa choke on the herb laced meal.


    Hamnet pressed on the bulb end to get some meal into the dropper before giving it to Ponderosa. He was a little hesitant at first, but after a couple droppers M?thair purred then crossed the room to lay beside Nathaniel while she ate a little more jerky and gnawed on the bone to get at some of the bone marrow in the middle.


    ¡°Did you want more, Ponderosa?¡± Hamnet asked after he had fed Ponderosa everything that M?thair had prepared.


    ¡®No, Hamnet,¡¯ she replied. ¡®What M?thair prepared was sufficient.¡¯


    ¡°Okay.¡± He set the dishes aside then continued to pet Ponderosa.


    M?thair finished her meal then used her magic to clean up the dishes. She had started to get up to stretch her legs a bit, but Nathaniel hooked his tiny fingers into her fur. Ponderosa shifted on Hamnet¡¯s lap and prepared to hop down, when he picked her up and carried her over to where M?thair way laying.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a little while,¡± he said to M?thair.


    She nodded.


    After Hamnet left, M?thair stored the dishes, then she made sure that everything was packed and ready to go by the time Hamnet returned to their room. Ponderosa returned to the warmed cloth in preparation for their walk.


    ¡°Where are we walking to?¡± he asked, as he secured Nathaniel and Ponderosa to his chest.


    ¡®The Northwest corner of town,¡¯ M?thair smiled as she slipped Ponderosa¡¯s satchels onto her own body.


    M?thair followed him out to the horse and allowed him to take the bags off of her, so he could tie them to the saddle. He was still tying the last one into place when M?thair started walking down the street.


    ¡°M?thair!¡± he yelled as he led the horse to catch up.


    M?thair pretended she didn¡¯t hear him. She continued to walk at a steady pace and it was only once they reached the end of the street that Hamnet was able to catch up.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me you were foolish,¡± he grumbled.


    ¡®My walking by myself is only foolish if others knew who I was. Since that is not the case then there is nothing to worry about.¡¯


    Hamnet sighed.


    The two of them weaved their way through the growing crowds to a small cottage near the edge of town. M?thair motioned for Hamnet to knock on the door.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone is home,¡± Hamnet said after a couple minutes.


    But M?thair remained where she sat.


    Another minute passed before the door opened a crack. A young boy stood there. ¡°H...Hello?¡± he asked timidly.


    ¡®Hello there,¡¯ M?thair prompted Hamnet. ¡®Is your mother at home?¡¯


    ¡°Hello there,¡± he repeated, crouching down. ¡°Is your mother at home?¡±


    ¡°She¡­ she is, but¡­.¡±


    ¡®I heard she is not feeling her best, which is why I came to see what I could do to help.¡¯


    ¡°I heard she is not feeling her best, which is why I¡¯ve come to see if there is anything I could do to help.¡±


    ¡°I¡­. I¡­.¡±


    ¡®Give him one of the food bags.¡¯


    Hamnet pulled the smaller food bag out of his stuff and opened it before he handed it to the little boy. ¡°Think you can make a soup out of this for your mom while I check on her?¡±


    Tears filled the young boy¡¯s eyes. He covered his eyes with his arm as he wept. ¡°I don¡¯t know how! I¡­ I can¡¯t even¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to show you how,¡± Hamnet offered.


    The little boy sniffled and looked up at him. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The boy took the pouch then held it towards Hamnet. ¡°Please, show me how to make soup!¡±


    ¡°Alright. Is there a place I can put my horse first?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes, right this way.¡±


    The boy dashed out of the house, but stopped not too far to see if he was coming.


    ¡°Just one moment,¡± Hamnet called to him.


    He removed Ponderosa¡¯s herbal satchel from the saddle and slipped it over M?thair¡¯s shoulders. Then he set Ponderosa on the ground and tied Nathaniel to M?thair as well. The little boy tipped his head as he looked at the strange bunch, but then ran around to the back as Hamnet brought his horse over.


    While Hamnet was taking care of the horse, M?thair and Ponderosa entered the back bedroom where a middle aged woman lay in bed with a fever. M?thair set up the warming stones and set Nathaniel down. Then she followed Ponderosa¡¯s instructions to pull out the herbs that would best treat the woman on the bed. She used cold washcloths to try and cool the fever while she tidied up the messy room. She administered several dropperfuls of Elderberry, Astragalus, and Yarrow tinctures. She was just setting the cloth into the bowl of cold water when the young boy triumphantly entered with a steaming bowl of soup for his mother.


    ¡°Mother. Mother, I brought soup,¡± he said, waking her.


    She smiled weakly. ¡°Did you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please have some.¡± He fed her several spoonfuls before she rejected more.


    ¡°It is very good,¡± she said. ¡°You should eat some, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten, Mother,¡± he replied. ¡°Please have some more.¡±


    ¡°Louie¡­.¡±


    Louie fed her a little more. He was going to feed her another bite when her eyes widened.


    ¡°Mother?¡± he asked, confused.


    ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡± she stammered. ¡°What¡­?¡±


    Louie turned a little to see Hamnet standing in the doorway with Nathaniel bundled against his chest, herself and M?thair, who had shouldered her satchel, sitting by his feet.


    ¡°My name is Hamnet,¡± he said. ¡°My master was given a vision about you and we came to help in any way we could.¡±


    ¡°A vision?... Your master is a seer?¡±


    ¡°She is,¡± Hamnet said, setting his hand on M?thair¡¯s head.


    ¡°I have no money to pay you. I¡­.¡±


    ¡®Payment of that kind is not necessary,¡¯ M?thair prompted.


    ¡°Payment of that kind is not necessary,¡± he replied.


    ¡®I would like to request¡­.¡¯


    ¡°I would like to request a place for my master, my master¡¯s son, my betrothed, and I to stay while we do what we can to help you and Louie get back on your feet.¡±


    Fresh tears filled the woman¡¯s eyes. ¡°The four of you may stay here. Louie and I can move to the small barn.¡±


    M?thair and Hamnet shook their heads at the same time.


    ¡°We would not have you leave your home to accommodate us,¡± Hamnet said. ¡°We will be more than happy to stay in the small barn.¡¯


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t¡­.¡±


    Hamnet shook his head again. ¡°You are too ill to even get out of that bed. It would not be wise to make your illness worse by moving out to the small barn.¡±


    ¡°...Okay,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Thank you. Now eat up. Louie has made this soup with the number one ingredient to help you feel better faster,¡± he said at Ponderosa¡¯s prompting.


    Louie got a thoughtful look on his face. ¡°Are you talking about the meat?¡± he asked.


    Hamnet smiled. ¡°No. It wasn¡¯t an ingredient found in the bag.¡±


    His brow furrowed. ¡°But I didn¡¯t add anything else.¡±


    ¡°You added your love.¡±


    Young Louie still looked confused.


    ¡°Love is the best ingredient,¡± the woman agreed.


    ¡°But how did I add it?¡± Louie asked, turning back to his mother.


    ¡°Through all your care and work as you put the soup together for me,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    The woman smiled softly and nodded.


    ¡°Then eat some more, Mother. I want you to get better so we can play down by the river again.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Louie.¡±


    She happily accepted each bite that Louie fed her.


    ¡°Rest now,¡± Hamnet said, gathering Ponderosa into his arms. ¡°We¡¯ll check on you again in a little while.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Hamnet.¡±


    ¡°Our pleasure, Lydia,¡± he replied.

 My Tongue Wont Come Out

    Hamnet stepped into the barn as Nathaniel started to fuss. He loosened his hold when he felt M?thair¡¯s magic tug on his arm. He watched as the young Prince was cleaned then nestled between M?thair¡¯s legs while she mixed up some meal for him.


    ¡°Are you hungry also, Ponderosa?¡± he asked her as he stroked her cheek.


    ¡®Not yet,¡¯ she replied, ¡®but could you put me down?¡¯


    He was a little reluctant to, since he hadn¡¯t been able to hold her much since her transformation nearly a week ago. Still, he did so and watched her dash over to a corner before her butt moved outward. A bark from M?thair drew his attention away, for which she was grateful.


    ¡°Something the matter, M?thair?¡± he asked.


    ¡®Not at all, Hamnet,¡¯ she replied. ¡®If you will check on Louie and bring in some water, that would be much appreciated.¡¯


    ¡°Right away.¡¯ He bowed to her out of habit before he left the barn.


    ¡®Thank you for distracting his gaze, M?thair,¡¯ Ponderosa said, hopping over to snuggle up against her.


    ¡®You are welcome, Ponderosa,¡¯ she replied. ¡®I know he watches because he feels responsible for your current state of being.¡¯


    ¡®He is not responsible.¡¯


    ¡®You are right. I, also, know that he wants to show you how much he loves you, despite your current form.¡¯


    Ponderosa buried her nose in M?thair¡¯s fur then nudged it aside until she could find the Jet again. ¡®I¡¯m not ready for him to find out yet.¡¯


    ¡®I understand. You won¡¯t start to show your state of being for at least another week.¡¯


    Ponderosa shook her head then tried to lick the Jet. ¡®Uhn, my tongue won¡¯t come out of my mouth!¡¯


    There was a small prick of pain beneath her tongue and the coppery taste of blood followed. Ponderosa pulled back and pawed at her mouth.


    ¡®The bleeding will stop shortly,¡¯ M?thair said.


    For the next minute or so, Ponderosa shifted her tongue around in and out of her mouth. ¡®The pain is gone, too.¡¯ she said.


    ¡®I¡¯m glad. I¡¯m sure you are looking forward to being able to eat real food now.¡¯


    ¡®That and just being able to talk again,¡¯ Ponderosa replied. ¡®Trying to figure out how to help a woman through labor without being able to give her verbal prompts is not easy.¡¯


    ¡®I understand. I¡¯m glad I could help you with Joy that night.¡¯


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    Ponderosa nodded then got up on her hind legs and took M?thair¡¯s nose in her front paws and touched their noses together. Little squeaks came out of her as she wept in joy. She hadn¡¯t yet let go when Hamnet stepped into the barn again, with Louie behind him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, setting the bucket down. ¡°Is she hurt?¡±


    ¡®Not at all, Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair replied calmly. ¡®That is one of the happy noises she makes when she is in this form.¡¯


    ¡°Whose voice is that?¡± Louie asked, looking around the barn.


    ¡°M?thair¡¯s,¡± Hamnet replied, pointing to her.


    ¡°Your dog talks?!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not my dog. She¡¯s my Master.¡±


    ¡°How can a dog be your Master?¡±


    ¡®Because I wasn¡¯t a dinakal when I became his Master,¡¯ M?thair said to Louie.


    ¡°Then how did you become a dog?¡±


    ¡®My magic transformed me when I died.¡¯


    ¡°How did you die?¡± Louie asked.


    ¡®It is best I do not tell you.¡¯


    The young boy crinkled up his nose. ¡°...And the rabbit?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my betrothed,¡± Hamnet explained.


    ¡°Why is she a rabbit?¡±


    ¡®Because an evil man put a curse on me,¡¯ Ponderosa answered.


    ¡°She can talk too?!¡±


    ¡®You can only hear what she is saying because I am present, Louie,¡¯ M?thair said. ¡®Were I not around, you would not be able to hear her thoughts.¡¯


    ¡°Huh. Mama¡¯s gonna have a hard time believing this,¡± he said.


    ¡®At first, perhaps,¡¯ M?thair chuckled. ¡®Speaking of, we should check on her and see what more we can do for her.¡¯


    ¡°Alright,¡± Hamnet said.


    Louie left the shed and Hamnet secured Nathaniel against his chest. Then he offered to pick up Ponderosa, but she backed away from him then scramble-hopped onto M?thair¡¯s back.


    ¡°Ponderosa,¡± he said.


    ¡®Leave her be, Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair said.


    He nodded, then shouldered Ponderosa¡¯s satchel of herbs. M?thair and Ponderosa followed him to the house and into Lydia¡¯s room. Lydia was coughing hard, but Ponderosa could hear that the mucus wasn¡¯t moving.


    ¡®Pull out the Elecampane, Hamnet,¡¯ Ponderosa said.


    He set the bag down then held still while he felt the sling holding Nathaniel lift off his body. M?thair found a spot against the wall for her and Nathaniel to lay down while Ponderosa observed Lydia¡¯s condition and instructed Hamnet to use certain herbs to start to effect change.


    For three days this went on, with big strides in Lydia¡¯s improvement. Louie was excited to see his mother improving and was happy that he was able to help.


    ¡®We will leave you to rest, Lydia,¡¯ M?thair said, as she stood with Ponderosa on her back. ¡®We look forward to seeing you up and about tomorrow.¡¯


    ¡°Thank you, all of you,¡± she replied, with more energy than she¡¯d had.


    ¡®You are very welcome,¡¯ Ponderosa replied.


    Hamnet picked up Ponderosa¡¯s satchel and Nathaniel before the four of them returned to the barn. He lay Nathaniel between M?thair¡¯s legs to sleep for the night. ¡°Is there anything I can do for the three of you before I sleep?¡± he asked, pointing to the loft.


    ¡®No,¡¯ Ponderosa replied. ¡®Thank you for asking though.¡¯


    ¡°You are most welcome, Ponderosa. I hope I can do more to help you soon?¡±


    She gave him a nod then cautiously hopped close enough to let him pet her head a couple times.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he said.


    ¡®I love you, too, Hamnet.¡¯


    ¡®Sleep well, Hamnet,¡¯ M?thair said, purring for Nathaniel.


    ¡°You three as well.¡± Then he climbed the ladder up to the hayloft to get some sleep.