PART 1

Henry packed his books and clothing, stuffing it into his bag. Xerath had generously allowed him to keep several books for himself which overjoyed him, and carefully stuffed them into his satchel.

Upon leaving Calchester, their party would travel east to Xerixes, where they would better prepare their journey into Kligira and on to Riqun. He didn’t fully understand why but he grew anxious and excited at the thought of visiting a secret ruin very few people knew of.

During his stay, Henry had grown even closer to Kyburn, who treated him like a son more and more every day. The thought of Kyburn being his father brought a sense of joy that he didn’t know could ever return. It made him realize how much he missed his father, Josef. Henry missed having a father and mother but had forgotten what it was like as he threw himself into study and work, trying to ignore the pain of losing his parents.

Sasha and Mrs. Kebin in a way was his family but he had his own intentions of marrying Sasha one day which would make Mrs. Kebin his grandmother. He warmed to the thought and smiled to himself.

Henry felt certain he hadn’t missed any of his belongings and left the room, making his way upward. He had been given a room under the castle which he preferred as it was nearer to the library.

Torches lit the walls, giving him a clear path. He entered the room where he had spoken with Erik and stopped in his tracks as he came face to face with a middle-aged woman with two children at her side.

One was a young boy, perhaps twelve years old and the other was a girl. Henry guessed she was roughly five years old. He turned his attention back onto the woman.

“Hello, sir.” her voice, soft and kind. “My name is Shay. I’ve come to meet Cara. She and I are old friends.”

“Hello,” Henry responded politely. “I’m sorry but I don’t know where she is.”

“That’s alright.” Shay smiled. “I’ll wait for her here.”

“That could be a while,” Henry warned. “Might I ask why you wish to speak with the queen?”

“Not at all. I wish to ask her a favor.” Shay admitted freely. “My husband hasn’t arrived yet and I don’t wish to leave Calchester yet until he does.”

“I-I see.” Henry scrunched his nose. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help to you.”

“That’s quite alright.” Shay nodded. “What is your name young man?”

“Uh, um.” Henry searched for words, uncomfortable. “I’m Henry, ma’am.”

“Henry. What a nice name.” Shay complimented. “It was nice meeting you, Henry.”

“Likewise,” Henry responded. “I hope your husband turns up soon.”

Henry quickly turned to his left and walked away, uneasy about getting involved. After exiting he made his way to the stables where Kyburn waited, tightening his saddle.

“There you are,” Kyburn called. “Hurry up now. We need to be going. Xerath will be meeting us in Xerixes later. He will be staying another day behind us.”

“What for?” Henry asked curiously.

“He’s waiting for Cara to pack her belongings.” Kyburn winked.

“She's coming back with him?” Henry asked.

“Indeed. The king is very excited to be reconnected with his wife.”

“I’m happy for them,” Henry stated.

“As am I, son,” Kyburn replied.

Henry attached his bags to his horse and flipped into his saddle. “Hurry up old man, or I’ll beat you to the capital.”

Kyburn chuckled as he struggled to swing his leg over his horse. “I’m not that old.” he jokingly pouted.

“That’s what old people say,” Henry smirked.

“Shut up!” Kyburn laughed. “Let’s go.”

PART 2

Cara hurried down the stairs to meet Shay. It had been many years since they last saw each other but she was eager to see her old friend. In the past years, Shay and Rayman had supported Erik and Cara intended to return the favor for whatever she had come to visit for.

Rounding the corner Cara slowed, delighted to see Shay and her two children. She smiled and approached them.

“Shay. It’s been so long. Where is Rayman?” Cara asked.

“Your majesty.” Shay bowed, along with her children. “Rayman has yet to arrive. That is why I’m here. I’ve come to ask if I can stay in Calchester with Daniel and Alexi till he comes.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he is well.” Cara looked concerned. “Absolutely. Of course you can.”

“Ah, thank you.” Shay sighed in relief. “Rayman was supposed to be here by now. He was on his way here from Buxmar on a boat.”

“I see. Don’t worry.” Cara assured her. “I’ll have a house in the city prepared for you immediately. You can stay as long as you like.”

“Thank you, your majesty.” Shay nodded in appreciation.

“If that is all, I’m afraid I have urgent matters to attend to.” Cara excused herself. “I will be leaving tomorrow and must prepare.”

“Of course, your majesty,” Shay said. “Thank you for your time and generosity.”

Cara felt a twinge of guilt at leaving so abruptly but needed to prepare for her own journey tomorrow. Xerath had patiently given her a full day to pack her belongings and she didn’t want him waiting longer than he already was. Thankfully he had prepared a wagon for her to store her luggage. She had plenty of room for all that she owned and more.

She stalked down a hallway, searching for the captain of the guard on her way to her room. She caught a glimpse of him entering Xerath’s old room, where he temporarily had private meetings during his stay in Calchester.

Cara had felt such joy and relief when he moved into her room for the first time in eight months. It was a wonderful feeling and their relationship was slowly but surely being restored. She caught up to the captain and lightly tapped on the door, then entered without an answer.

Xerath looked up from a stack of letters and papers and smiled upon seeing her. “Cara. What brings you here? Are you already set to leave?”

“No. I’m actually here for a favor,” Cara admitted. “Though I do enjoy using any excuse to see you,” she smirked. “I just spoke to Shay.”

Xerath lay the paper’s in his hand on the table and leaned back. “I’m not familiar. Who is she?” he asked.

“Shay is wife to Rayman, the advisor, and mentor, some would say, to Erik,” Cara said. “She has asked to stay in Calchester until her husband arrives and will follow the Vulkiraian’s to Qutreth.”

“I don’t see why not.” Xerath shrugged. “If it pleases you and helps Erik, then, by all means, have her stay.”

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“Thank you, husband. She is dear to Erik and to me as well, though I must admit I never formed a bond with Shay or Rayman as strong as my brother has.” Cara explained.

“I understand,” Xerath said softly. “No need to explain further. It will be done.”

He nodded to Martin, captain of the guard in Calchester, “See to it Shay is well taken care of.”

“As you wish my lord.” he bowed. “I will see to it myself.”

“Thank you, Martin.” Xerath gestured for him to leave.

“I am grateful you are tolerating my delays. I hope to have everything ready by tonight so we can depart in the morning.” Cara walked over to him, taking his hand.

“As long as you are by my side, I don’t care.” Xerath smiled, kissing her hand. “Besides, seeing the Vulkirians off to Qutreth will put my mind at ease.”

“I am glad you came here,” Cara admitted. “I’ve longed for us to be together again.”

“As have I. I know it will still take time to get things back to normal but having you with me makes it bearable.” Xerath said.

Cara leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, savoring his touch. He brought a hand to her neck and drew her closer.

“You are my life,” Cara whispered.

“And you are mine,” Xerath said softly back. “We’ll get through this together.”

PART 3

Erik trotted up to their makeshift camp which nearly had been torn down and most were ready for travel. The sheer amount of people entering Xer would block the road for half a day. Calchester had opened their gates in preparation for everyone to pass through the city and onward to Qutreth. It would take patience and a steady flow of traffic to pass through the city.

Jumping off his horse, Erik searched for Amira in the crowds of people amassing. He could hear shouting from the soldiers, giving directions to the citizens in an attempt to make their move off the hill and to the city gate somewhat organized. He had hoped to see Amira off before they went their separate ways.

Seeing the crowds growing and unpassable, Erik decided to swing around them toward Shay’s tent. He also hoped to say goodbye to her and the children. After several minutes of making his way around the broken down camp, he arrived at Shay’s tent and was disappointed to find no one was there.

The fact her tents were still up told him she was still nearby. Erik made a note to himself to tell Torstein to make sure they were taken care of.

Amira’s personal tent had been near the back of the camp whereas Erik’s was near the front, so he cut toward her tent from Shay’s. If he couldn’t find her there, he would check in the temporary medical clinic. Erik arrived at the spot where Amira’s tent had been, the grass beneath was brown and dying, which told him a tent definitely had been there. In a last attempt, Erik made his way toward the medical tent, hoping she would be there, though he doubted it. He and several other of his men had taken down the yesterday afternoon, so the odds were not optimal.

By this time almost everyone was on their way past Nolvis and near the gates. Calchester was only an hour's walk from here. He feared he had missed her and his stomach to sink in regret.

“Why hadn’t he told her to meet him somewhere?” he thought. He wished he had planned ahead to meet her but he had been so busy, remembering a meeting place was pushed to the back of his head.

A sadness that he didn’t expect started to wash over him. There was something about her that he liked and wanted to pursue. He wouldn’t get that chance now, at least for some time until his return from Riqun. Sighing heavily, Erik began to walk to his tent, passing the odd person that still remained, otherwise the camp was abandoned.

Erik’s heart nearly leaped out of his chest as he came into range of his tent, and who waited in front of it. He quickened his pace, closing the gap swiftly.

Amira stood with her arms folded over her chest, looking worried, staring across the grassy land toward Calchester. Most assuredly looking for his approach. He had probably just missed her when he set off to Shay’s tent. Her thick brown hair swirled in the wind and her dress stuck to her body from the breeze.

Erik’s eyes glanced down, admiring her beauty but quickly pulled his gaze to her face, feeling a faint sense of shame. As he approached his footsteps gave him away and she twirled around to meet his gaze.

Her whole face lit up and her eyes felt like arrows piercing his soul. She was stunning and breathtaking at that moment and Erik froze in place two strides from her, taking in the scene.

Amira’s smile was contagious and made him grin stupidly back at her. He felt childish around her but he let the feeling sink in, savoring the way she made his heart skip beats.

“My, lord.” she continued toward him, stopping an arms length from him. “I was looking for you.”

“Please. Call me Erik, there is no need for formalities.” he reached for her hand and kissed it lightly. “I, too, was searching for you.”

“You were?” she seemed to blush. “I was hoping to speak with you before our journey to Qutreth, which by the way, I believe in you. I knew you would provide for us. I hope the price of our refuge was not too high?”

“King Xerath is most generous and it helps to have my sister as his wife,” Erik smirked. He looked around for her belongings, distracted. “Where is your mother?”

“Irine is at the gates with our belongings, waiting for me,” she replied. “I was… hoping, if it pleased you, that I might travel with you to Qutreth?”

Her hopeful and cheery attitude made Erik’s heart sink, unwilling to dash her smile. He frowned, unsure how to tell her that he wasn’t going to Qutreth but to Riqun instead.

“What’s wrong, my lord? Did I say something wrong?” her smile vanished after the look he gave her. “Do you… not want me to travel beside you? If you do not-”

“No!” Erik almost shouted. “I want you with me.” he cut her off. “I’m… I’m not going to Qutreth yet.”

“Oh.” she paused, looking confused. “Where are you going then?”

“I-I can’t say.” he hated not being able to tell her, hoping she didn’t feel betrayed. “I’m heading to Xerixes first but then… I must do something first. It has to do with what's happening. I’m trying to fix things.”

“How are you going to fix them?” Amira stepped back. “If you don’t want me to go with you, don’t lie to me. Just say that you are not interested in me rather than make up a story to get rid of me.”

Erik quickly realized the insecurities she must have of men in her life. She was never looked at seriously because of the career she had taken. Men must have hurt her in the past that he had no knowledge of. He needed her to believe him though, he liked her and he wanted to show her that.

“Amira.” Erik stepped closer to her, face to face, and held her hand again. “I swear I am not lying. I’m not making anything up to avoid you.”

She still looked skeptical but didn’t pull away and listened.

“There are forces behind everything that is happening that no one knows about.” Erik tried to explain without explaining, which was an impossible task. “I believe I am the only one that can help stop what's coming.”

“Do you mean your visions? What did you see?” Amira asked, looking concerned. “You can tell me.”

“I don’t know everything myself,” Erik said. “I’ve seen something, yes but… I will stop it. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Erik… you're scaring me.” Amira looked frightened.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to.” Erik tried to reassure her. “Everything will be fine. I will be back in a few weeks like nothing happened, I promise.”

“So you're not just saying all this because you want me to leave?” Amira asked again, still unconvinced.

“No. I want you to travel with me. In fact, I wanted to ask you that very question.” Erik said. “I wanted to spend more time with you, to get to know you.”

Amira’s cheeks nearly turned red, convinced he was telling the truth and now blushing from his words.

“I-I don’t know how to do this, or know what to say to women.” Erik paused. “I haven’t had a woman in my life either.” referring to her previous comment about how she had never had a man pursue or show interest in her. “I’ve had women make advances on me, but only for my power and money. No one like you.”

“I didn’t know,” Amira said. “I always thought, because you were king you took any woman you wanted.”

“That would be a rumor spread by the women I rejected.” Erik shrugged. “I’ve been waiting for someone like you.”

“Like me?” Amira raised an eyebrow. “Dirty and bloody from wounded patients. Sweating profusely every time you visit me? Never wearing anything decent in fear of getting it ruined and looking plain all the time? That me?” she half-joked but was partially serious.

“No.” Erik tilted his head, smiling. “A woman who doesn’t care how she looks and doesn’t desire to be seen as a perfect woman who wears exquisite things. You are kind and generous, I see it every time I see you. Always helping someone, willing to get your hands and dress dirty to make your patients feel at ease.” he chuckled at the mention of her dress, which was always dirty. “That is who I’ve been waiting for.”

Amira’s smile had grown during his encomium of compliments but it quickly turned to a serious and blank face. Her mood had changed suddenly and Erik braced himself for whatever he had said wrong to upset her.

“Do you really mean that?” Amira said softly. “Don’t lie to me. I couldn’t bear it if you were playing with my emotions.”

“I meant it,” Erik said seriously. “Every word. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“I dared not hope you would say something like this to me.” Amira almost squirmed in discomfort. “The moment we spoke, I felt something for you.”

“As did I.” Erik admitted. “I also feel something for you, Amira. And I want to see where it leads.”

“I would like… very much.” Amira breathed.

Erik felt her body push slightly toward his and he took it as an invitation to kiss her. He brought his hand to her neck and gently pulled her lips to his. She didn’t resist and her lips were soft and she melted into him.

They stood outside his tent for anyone to see and kissed passionately, savoring this moment till next they saw each other. Erik already looked forward to the day he came back from Riqun and could repeat this moment again.

Erik reluctantly pulled away, both gasping for air and smiling at each other. Their eyes locked, peering into each other’s bright eyes.

“I have to go. And your mother will be waiting for you.” Erik whispered.

“I don’t want to leave, but you are right,” Amira said softly. “Goodbye Erik, I look forward to seeing you again.”

“The moment I am free… I will come to you.” Erik promised. “Goodbye, Amira.”