The letter said:

My son,

I am concerned about the deaths, of course. I merely do not let those concerns get in the way of my overall goals. As for poor taste, I'm afraid there are far worse men than I. Still, I take your point about Byran into account. You have my word. I will show all due respect to local customs, as I always do.

I will amend my statement about Melchious. I called him stupid because our viewpoints are completely alien to one another. The idea of someone who causes destruction and misery simply for its own sake is foreign to me. It is the antithesis of my beliefs. I prefer to cause as little devastation as possible in the pursuit of creating a legacy—one that will hopefully last a thousand years. You have played an invaluable part in that.

Regarding Arraxia, you underestimate her. I dearly wish you had been able to stop her from getting away. I regard her as far more competent than Melchious. Given sufficient resources, she could become a serious power in her own right. Still, I expect we will have some time before she learns to use either device.

I am disappointed to hear about the winds. They are traditionally Kreshlak's affair. I will have to consult his priests on the way to lift whatever curse your voyage is under. Fortunately, there are so many of them in Viokinar.

Sincerely,

Your Father, Duke Vanion Gabriel.

William finished the letter in his room. After a moment, he drew up some paper and began to write his reply;

Dear Father,

I am in haste, so I must be brief. Estal is in a crisis. Prince Aris has convinced Princess Safara, Baltoth's daughter, to elope with him. Even as we speak, Calisha is probably on its way with an army.

By the time you receive this war may have been declared. Do you have any insight for me? I need help.

Sincerely,

Your son, William Gabriel

When he had finished, he let the ink dry. Then he took it to Mother. "Here is my letter. Did you write to yours?"

"Yes," said Azgora. "I am glad we'll finally have a war I can fight in. Bearing Soren and Calgora kept me from the fighting with the raishans. But at last, I shall have the chance to show my valor."

"Well, I'm sure the King will appreciate it," said William. He had not discussed the matter of Zeya with her. He did not think the conversation would go well.

The door opened, and Felix entered. "William, Aris, and Safara are about to meet with the King to request sanctuary. If you intend to say anything, you'd best do so now."

William looked to Azgora, who was now polishing her shield. She looked up. "Go, my son. I have no interest in the matter."

"Very well," said William.

When he finally got to the great hall, he found the assembly waiting. Tanith was there, and she looked at him in surprise. "William, where have you been?"

"Writing a letter to my father," said William. "I'm hoping he'll find a way to stop all this."

"I wouldn't count on getting out of it that easily, William," said Tanith.

"If I wanted to 'get out of it,' I should have left with the tide," muttered William.

"Fair enough," said Tanith.

Then came the herald. "King Estal, your son, Prince Aris, is here with the Lady Safara."

Into the room came Aris. And with him was Safara, still hooded and cloaked. King Estal and the court looked at her. As they did, William felt that same tugging at his heartstrings. He saw the others also felt it and evidently were more affected. He has experience keeping his will in the face of magical influence.

He had control of what he felt.

He caught a single blue eye glancing over him from under Safara's hood. He found there was a lump in his throat, but he swallowed it down. He was in control.

And then she shed her cloak like a snake sheds its skin. Her bare, tanned shoulders were revealed. Her raven hair, tied into a raised ponytail, flowed behind her like a river. Her bright blue eyes shone as she put her hands behind her back, sticking out her chest. She slithered forward, hips swaying.

Gasps of awe filled the room. People leaned forward, entranced by her beauty—and what beauty it was. Nothing William had ever seen had come remotely close. More than ever now, he desired to hold her—but not to possess her—to be possessed—to be hers and hers alone and be given what place in the universe she decided best.

For surely, there could be nothing more beautiful than for her to look upon him with pleasure. What greater glory could there be than hearing praise from her perfect, pouty lips? No bliss could be greater than to have her coil around him and-

Wait.

William had been through this before. She was enchanting him and everyone else in this entire room, yet his mouth was still dry. Being aware that he was not himself when looking at her didn't nullify her powers. He felt he should speak up, but he felt unbearable shame even considering questioning her.

He decided to hold his tongue for now.

"Princess Safara, I have heard tales of your unworldly beauty. But I had not believed them until now," said Estal, as enchanted as everyone else. "You shine more radiantly than the sun itself."

"King Estal, your words are courteous," said Safara, bowing low to the King. "I ask for sanctuary in your kingdom from my brother, Baelgost." Such grace and beauty. Such humility. Her she was, the fairest of a race of gods, and yet she spoke to a mere mortal-

No.

"Why is it that you seek shelter from your brother, my lady?" asked Estal.

"Because I have been forced to marry him," said Safara. "The decision was made without my consent when I was taken from my home at a young age. He is older than me by many years and cares nothing for me. His thoughts are only on blood and death, and yet I am forced to live with him.

"I am a prisoner in my own home. A wife who is unwanted by her husband and yet is forced to abide with him."

Cries of dismay and sympathy went throughout the hall. And William realized that many of the cries came from women as well as men. It seemed that gender was no object. Only Felix was unaffected. He merely looked even more furious and had one hand on his sword. William put a hand on his shoulder.

"They're almost breaking into tears," William murmured.

"Your tale is one of woe, and I grieve for you," said Estal, seeming to be struggling. Yet... to give you sanctuary would be a grave risk." Estal must have been very strong of will. William had fended off the influence of Laughing Wraith, Arraxia, and Melchious, and yet he could hardly keep his sanity.

"Calisha lusts for conquest by violence," said Aris. "They will seek war sooner or later. And if by doing so, we may aid a lady, Father, it seems to me that it is better to have it sooner."

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This was absurd. This perfect creature, devoid of flaw or malice, must not be allowed to stay. The risk was too great. A will was pressed against him, but William forced himself to speak. "King Estal, if I might speak."

"What is it, Sir Gabriel?" asked Estal.

Sir Gabriel. He had not yet been formally knighted, but it seemed he was regarded as such. "Safara is the daughter of Baltoth. And if you grant her sanctuary, Baltoth will be enraged. His fleets will sail with the next tide, and war will rage with Calisha. Even if victory is gained, it will be at great cost, and there will be many more wars to fight.

"Moreover, to do so in such a fashion would make you the aggressor on the world stage. It will be very difficult to rally support from the other Harlenorian Kingdoms."

"And what would you have us do, then?" asked Estal, voice guarded.

"Return her to Baltoth with gifts of apology. Stop this war before it begins," said William. "It..." He felt horrible. Here was this magnificent and utterly perfect creature, and he was trying to send her back. He could see her looking upon him without judgment, merely hurt. "It may save lives." He almost mumbled the last bit.

Safara prostrated herself before Estal and set a hand on his foot. Shame came on William, and it was all he could do not to cringe. "I am at your mercy, King Estal. Baelgost may not want me, but his pride is such that should you send me back, I will die."

"Let her stay!" cried someone.

"My Lords, have you no shame!" came a sudden yell. The hateful advisor, whose name had been driven from William's mind, came forward. "The creature we are speaking to is no maiden but the spawn of Baltoth himself! Allowing it to remain here is madness, yet returning it to Calisha will only allow it to continue to work its dark will!

"Let us slay the beast and send its head to Baltoth in a challenge! His fleets will break upon our island like waves!"

Several men put their hands to their swords while others cried in anger. But Estal raised a hand for silence. "Calm yourself, Esgroth. She is a guest in my house and will not be harmed by any within it. Whether we return her is another matter."

Esgroth. What a hateful name. Safara was very good at this, wasn't she?

"Father, I would speak," said Aris.

"Of course you may, my son," said Estal.

"William Gabriel, you have said that we should be concerned for the honor of Baltoth," said Aris. "I ask you, what honor is that? He who ambushed and murdered Anoa IX without defiance sent. He who cowers behind armies of minions while safe in his palace. And war? We have been at war with Calisha for many long years, and Estal has never fallen. If he wanted to take this place, it would be the end of his Empire.

"And for support, you speak as though Estal needs it? Long have we shielded the Harlenorian Kingdoms. We protected them from the raids of Viokin and Calishan alike. While your father spoke of peace and parleyed with the nemesis of Elranor, I was fighting at sea.

"We are skilled at sea warfare more than any other nation of Harlenor. With cunning stratagems, we may well defeat the Calishan fleet at sea. And what if they prove stronger there? Estal is impregnable, and we do not need the imported luxuries. We are hard men and may hold out for many years.

"And in that time, all of Harlenor will see us and be inspired. Baltoth will be drawn from one battlefield to another, and he will fail. Then, he must either withdraw his hand or suffer many other losses. Thus, in defeat, we shall deal him great harm."

His words rang true. William almost cringed in shame. His gaze turned to Safara, whose brilliant eyes bored into him, pleading with him to see reason, to accept her. But he could not. He would not, though he yearned to. "You assume far too must. In war, nothing is certain. Baltoth will defeat your fleets and find some means to bypass or destroy Estal's defenses. And even if all goes as you say, how can you be sure Harlenor will march to war?

"We are not yet reunited as the prophecy says we will be. The Kings have their own affairs, and few men will gladly battle Baltoth without good reason. It may seem to some that you have provoked Baloth into a needless war. And you can be assured that Baltoth's emissaries will say so."

"No true man of Harlenor would ever take the word of an emissary of Baltoth over those of their brethren. And Estal is of great import. Without us, Calisha would have free reign of the seas. We are needed, and they will not let us fall." said Aris. "Indeed, your father may be of great service here. He has the ear of many Kings and has great influence. He will seek your deliverance should we be besieged with you fighting alongside us. So, by your very presence, you have done us great service."

"One I am all too happy to provide," said William, feeling like crawling into a hole and dying. "But you are gambling your nation. Your Majesty, I have said my piece. The decision is yours and no others."

King Estal remained silent. He looked to Aris, then William, then Esgroth. Finally, he looked upon Safara. His gaze settled longest on her. William knew the answer before it was spoken. "...I shall grant Safara sanctuary if she so desires it."

"I do desire it," said Safara. Although he had made himself her opponent, William rejoiced inwardly. "However, good king, there is a way all may be satisfied."

"Speak, my Lady?" said Estal.

"His will made the marriage between myself and Baltoth," said Safara. "Therefore his will may unmake it. Prince Aris is as of yet unwed. If we were to be married, it would create a friendship between Calisha and Estal that would keep back the war."

"You cannot consider this, my King," said Esgroth. "Would you have your grandchildren have the blood of Baltoth within them?" William felt less hatred for him now. He suspected this was another manipulation, though. Had he hated him to begin with?

"I understand your hatred of my family," said Safara in a voice of infinite understanding. "There have been many years of a long war between our peoples. The scars from the battles fought are still fresh. Yet, doing this would avert the unhappy calamities that have hurt both our peoples.

"Is there not more honor in a house built from strong foundations? Rather than setting afire to the house of your neighbors?

"Estal has been of great help in waging war. Yet what if it was turned to matters of peace? With the friendship between Calisha and Harlenor, you would profit greatly from trade. And in so doing, you might be the beginnings of an avalanche of great kindnesses. One which in time could wipe away the blood that has been shed between fair Calisha and mighty Harlenor."

Oh, so now that she had her way, she was in favor of peace. William felt horrible for thinking that. It didn't make it any less true. Felix was visibly shaking with rage now.

"What you say has some merit," said Estal. No, it didn't. "Aris, will you wed her?"

"I will," said Aris. "If it is your will."

"Then we shall seek peace by these means," said Estal. "And if Calisha still seeks war, then the guilt of it shall lie on them."

"King Estal, I have a request," said a voice.

Estal looked up, and Mother entered the room. She was dressed for war and held a spear and shield. On her head was her silver helm that hit all but her eyes. She looked at Safara, seemed to think very little of her, and brushed past without a word.

Safara flinched as though struck.

"Yes, Lady Azgora, what is it?" asked Estal.

"Allow me to fight alongside your armies in this glorious coming war," said Mother. "And continue to train your militias in the ways of war. In particular, among the outlying villages."

Cheers came from the men.

"You are most welcome, for I have heard the news of your achievements," said Estal. "The slaying of the Hydra Tiamus is a tale many merchants tell. And by all accounts, your valor is second only to Raynald De Chevlon in the service of Duke Vanion."

Mother narrowed her eyes. "It is second to none."

The meeting adjourned. William got as far away from the great hall as he possibly could. As he walked, he mulled over the situation. Safara's beauty continued to trouble him. And the way her eyes had fallen upon him ever so briefly. She was almost pleading.

William realized he desired her more than he had ever desired anything. And some part of him kept telling him that she desired him. It was absurd, unthinkable, but it kept pressing at him.

He needed to get his mind off this. He looked to Felix, ever-present and glowering. "...Do you think it will work?"

"No. Suloth might accept such a political marriage if Safara were unmarried," said Felix. "But if Aris thinks he can steal Baelgost's wife and get a political marriage out of it, he will be disappointed."

"Alright then," said William. Perhaps Aris would be killed in battle, and William could prove himself the hero of Estal. Perhaps- No, no, no. He was not even going to contemplate this. This was how Safara affected everyone. Or so he assumed. "Felix if you were going to try and avert a war without giving up Safara, how would you do it?"

If they did not give her up, he could have her. Where had that thought come from? Oh, right, he knew where.

"I couldn't," said Felix. "If Safara is not returned, then Baltoth must act. If you press me, I suggest dealing enough defeats to make it not worth the effort. Then we could negotiate. However, this won't be like Artarq. This time it is personal.

"Baltoth will not be easily swayed from his attack. Defeat one fleet, and he will send another. Bar one passage to victory, and he shall take a different one. He will also likely call upon the Bats of Neseriah for this."

William felt a chill. "Are you certain?"

"Yes," said Felix. "Calisha hesitates to call upon the animal spirits that Baltoth had unions with. They are not easily replaceable. However, he will draw upon them for an insult like this."

"Then I suppose we'll just have to win," said William. Anything was possible. Elranor was his strength.

"To hell with victory, William," said Felix. "My only hope is that we'll be taken captive instead of slaughtered. We won't be fighting King Banir, the easily duped. Suloth will send someone very competent, and he will bring with him his demons. We should get out while we still can. We may even face the Immortals."

"I can't do that," said William. That thought he knew to be real.

"Then I'm not sure what else to tell you," said Felix. "I'm your servant. Not your keeper." There was bitterness in his voice.

William owed him an apology. "... I'm sorry I struck you before. But you were out of line."

"I am well aware who among us is superior. Never fear," said Felix. Why did he look amused?

"What was I to do?" asked William. "Let you insult royalty unchallenged? He could have killed us both."

Felix remained silent for a long, long time. "...Very little," he admitted at last.

War was looming. And William could not escape the memory of Safara's smoldering eyes upon him.