William and his friends got back to Estal near midnight. They made their way into the port and found Eitrigg praying near the guard post. He opened his eyes as they approached. "Ah, William Gabriel. We had wondered where you had gone."

"I have no intention of discussing the matter," said William, not caring if it was harsh. "I'll write it down in my next book." Perhaps. He didn't even want to think about it.

Tanith shrugged. "It wasn't that bad. Medusald was easy on the eyes. And Zeya was-"

"We're not discussing it," snapped William.

"Ah," said Eitrigg, "well, you'll be happy to know that Princess Cassandra's return may well be arranged. There were concessions and gifts on both sides. Still, we were concerned for you and your companions. We almost sent out search parties."

"It could not be helped, Eitrigg," said Tanith with a smirk. "The gods work in mysterious ways."

"Nothing mysterious about it," muttered William before stalking past him.

"Where is King Estal now?" asked Tanith as they hurried to catch up.

"I'm Meeting with the Cyclops king," said Eitrigg. "This is the first time they have met together, so it is a great occasion. The location is on neutral ground, near the border. They chose the very orchard where the first skirmish took place."

"Very poetic," said William.

"You seem in a very foul mood," said Eitrigg.

"Being transformed into a bull after nearly being raped can do that to a man," said William.

"What?" said Eitrigg. "Just what has been going on here?"

"I told you I'm not talking about it," said William. "Come on, Tanith, Felix, let's get something to eat."

"Actually, about that, you might want to hold off on that," said Eitrigg.

"Why would I do that?" asked William.

"Prince Aris is coming back," said Eitrigg. "His ship was seen coming into the harbor a few minutes ago."

"Right, come on, William," said Tanith. "Let's go to meet him."

"Are you sure we'll even be allowed?" asked Felix.

"Aris is one of my friends," said Tanith. "He, Eitrigg, and I raided Calishan shipping together."

"No doubt, there will be a great banquet to celebrate his return," said Eitrigg.

William followed them without a word. As they walked, he found himself remembering the way he had been forced down. The feel of her hands running over him. Nothing he'd been able to do could stop it.

The humiliation that followed had been no better. And she had expected him to be grateful! As if the armed robber who, after throwing a man in prison for a week, expects thanks for not taking his victim's life. For the first time in his life, William appreciated where the Iron Kingdom was coming from.

How could Mother worship such a monster?

"William, you could try cheering up," said Tanith. You're about to be made a knight—or at least you probably will be if the negotiations work out."

"Wonderful," hissed William.

Tanith had been anything but sympathetic. She seemed to think that because Zeya was attractive, William should be glad of her actions. The fact that he had been unwilling and her distant descendant was not relevant to her.

Her main disappointment was that she hadn't been allowed to get her way with the medusa. One would think the possibility of being turned to stone would have driven the lust from her mind.

It had not been a pleasant journey.

"Do you want to talk about things?" asked Felix.

"No," said William.

"Neither do I," admitted Felix. "This was all very surreal."

"I am not impressed with Mother's goddess," said William. Then he remembered Herus. Where the hell did that spiteful bastard get off punishing him? It wasn't William's fault Herus couldn't keep control of his wife. "Or her pantheon for that matter."

"Gods do what they like," said Felix. "It's just Harlenor's good luck that your god likes goodness. Zeya is more interested in doing whatever she feels like."

"I noticed," said William.

Eitrigg brought them to the pier. There, they saw Aris' ship. It was a magnificent vessel of significant size. At its head was the figurehead of a lion. And yet William sensed something. Something that somehow was dear to his heart even though he'd never seen or felt it before. He was in no mood for the sensation.

"There is Prince Aris' ship," said Eitrigg.

"I sense something. A presence," said William.

"Will you stop worrying, William," said Tanith. "Nothing is going to happen here."

"Tanith is right. Something could have already happened, which has ruined everything," muttered Felix. He was suddenly furious. Had he sensed it? Had he recognized it?

"You're not helping, Felix," said Tanith.

"I'm not trying to," said Felix.

"Fine, shut up," said Tanith. "I haven't seen Aris in years."

Off the ship came Prince Aris, a very impressive man in terms of physique. He wore a bow over one shoulder, and he walked in quick steps. With him slithered a figure clad in brown robes. The figure radiated an incorruptible purity. Just looking at her, even shrouded in a cloak, made William's heart jump. He suddenly desired to hold whatever creature was before her.

Once again, he had encountered a supernatural horror with designs on his soul. He wondered what this one looked like.

"Aris!" called Tanith as she rushed up to him.

"Tanith?" Aris blinked as he saw her. "Tanith, what the blazes are you doing here?"

Tanith stretched. "The usual sort of chance storm. We've had quite a few adventures since last we talked."

"I've had some of my own," said Aris. "How is Lord Marn?"

"Well enough," said Tanith, becoming a bit less happy. "Last I heard he's trying to fix his reputation." There was anger there in her tone. Tanith had not parted amicably with her old mentor. "Actually, about that, this is William Gabriel. A soon-to-be knight of Harlenor." She motioned to William.

"William Gabriel?" said Aris. "What is your family doing here if you don't mind me asking?"

"Having adventures," said William, trying to be courteous. "Our ship was blown off course by a sudden gust of wind. Then the wind just stopped, and we were trapped here. Still, I've managed to put myself to some moderate use. I hope." He looked out at the ocean.

"Is something wrong?" asked Aris.

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"I'm sorry, William is a bit distant right now," said Tanith. "He's had some strange experiences, and he's still recovering." Then she motioned to Felix. "This is Felix. He's a Calishan, but he's on our side."

Aris said nothing. But the figure moved forward, put her hands together, and bowed. "Greetings to you, noble prince."

William looked to Felix. And he almost stepped away from him. Felix was standing very still. His eyes were cold and filled with silent fury. There seemed an inner light behind them. William felt afraid, suddenly, and he did not know why.

"And greetings to you, Princess Safara," said Felix, voice filled with wrath and courtesy. "May I ask what matter of state has brought you so far from Calisha? Where is your noble husband? Has he taken ill and must stay below decks?"

"Safara?" asked William. "You know her?"

"The wife of Prince Baelgost," said Felix. "I saw her while she was going to be wedded."

"I have come off my own volition to fulfill my desires, Felix," said Safara. "My husband is not here."

"I hope you left a note," said Felix. "He must be anxious to know where you are."

"Watch your tone with her, Calishan," said Aris, voice angry. "You are in my Kingdom."

Felix smiled and looked upon Aris with levity. Yet his anger only seemed to increase. There almost seemed a will behind Felix. It was a power that radiated to leave the world bathed in a furious light. Aris stepped back. "Yes, and until recently, you were in the Kingdom of Baltoth putting the final seal upon a truce. How then is it that you have come to this place with another man's wife?" He nearly shouted the last word.

Fear. William was afraid of Felix. And so was everyone else. Even Aris seemed stunned. He had to take control of this situation. Now. Suddenly, he saw Felix, not a friend and trusted servant, but as some demon poised to strike. Fear became anger, and his hand lashed out before he could stop himself.

He watched as his gauntleted hand hit Felix across the cheek. The boy, his friend, reeled and fell downward to hit the ground. "Silence!" he heard himself roaring. "Felix, you are embarrassing me!" He turned to Aris and bowed. "I apologize for his words. Forgive him; he is usually more intelligent than this. However, we've borne witness to... horrible things. The strain has taken its toll on us."

Aris seemed to recover somewhat. The light, if it had ever been there, was gone. He regained himself. "No. It is a matter that requires some explanation. Safara was wedded to her brother without consent. It was an unnatural union, made worse by it being loveless. Her husband neglected her. So she has left him."

"Aris is correct," said Safara. "I am tired of being the trophy wife of a man who cares nothing for me. I love him. As he loves me."

Oh, Elranor above Aris had kidnapped Baltoth's daughter. "Well, that makes all the difference, doesn't it?" said William, trying to contain his horror. Felix had been right.

And he had struck him.

William had never struck Felix until now. He could see his friend. His cheek was bleeding. What had he done?

"You kidnapped Baelgost's wife?" asked Tanith, voice sounding slightly worried.

"I did not kidnap her, Tanith," said Aris. "I rescued her."

Tanith leaped into the air with a cheer and clapped William on the back. "This is great! The entire Calishan navy is going to descend on this island to try and wipe us out! We'll have a huge battle, the likes of which haven't been seen in years!

"William, you'll finally get the chance to fight Calishans!"

"Your joy is disturbing, Tanith," said William.

"Oh, come on. I've wanted to be involved in a real war my whole life!" said Tanith. "Not a raid or one of those decisive battles. I mean the real thing where entire civilizations are laid to waste, and whole cities put to the sword.

"This is going to be so great. There will be rivers of blood flowing! And when we win, we'll have killed thousands, tens of thousands of Calishans!"

A chill wind blew through William's hair. It was a relief. He hadn't felt the wind in what seemed like years. Had it been only weeks? "...The wind is back."

"What?" said Tanith.

"The wind is back," said William. He needed to get off this island. "Felix, come with me; we'll find Hrungeld at once. If you'll excuse me, Prince Aris, I have business to attend to. I'll leave you and Tanith to discuss the upcoming war."

He pulled Felix up and dragged him off the pier. As they walked, William halted. Felix had stepped out of line. It was a miracle Aris hadn't ordered him killed. He'd gotten too free. He couldn't let the matter pass on this.

He halted and turned to Felix. Putting a hand on Felix's cheek, he healed the wound. Then he took him by the shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "Felix, you are my friend, and I love you like a brother. But don't ever speak out of turn like that again. Do you understand? Aris could have had you executed! Even if I had managed to save you, it would have embarrassed House Gabriel!

"It is a miracle things turned out as they did."

"Yes," said Felix, looking down. "I apologize, milord. It won't happen again."

"Good," said William. "I'll let the matter pass. Now let's find Hrungeld."

William felt guilty about what he had done. However, he'd had to do something to stop Felix, and he apologized. What else could he have done? Aris was the Prince of this place?

They found Hrungeld. The area in-between passed in a blur. William wondered if Felix hadn't led him through it. Everything seemed a blur. At last, they came before the minotaur. He looked up and waved.

"Ah, master William!" said Hrungeld. "The wind is finally back. We can leave whenever you are ready. Though rumor has it, you may be knighted."

"I'm afraid not," said William. This island is about to experience some very interesting times. I have no intention of being here when they happen."

"Interesting times?" asked Hrungeld. "What do you mean?"

"Prince Aris kidnapped a daughter of Baltoth," said William, " under the flag of truce. I think he meant to marry her."

Hrungeld dropped the rope he was holding. "...Kreshlak above, does the man have a deathwish?!"

"I can only assume," said William. "Get ready to leave. I'll find Mother and Tanith, and we'll get out of here at once."

"I'll do so immediately," said Hrungeld. "I'm glad you know when to back out."

Tanith appeared. "William, where are you going?"

"We've got to get off this island, Tanith," said William.

"You can't leave!" said Tanith. "What about your knighting?"

"I'll be glad to postpone it if it means we don't all die horribly," said William.

"When did you become such a coward?" snarled Tanith.

"Coward?" asked William. "It is not bravery to fight a war that can't be won, Tanith. It is folly. Calisha is the largest Empire in the world. It reaches over thousands of miles. It has demons, dragons, mortals, and all manner of other creatures serving it.

"And Aris has just run off with a member of the Royal Family!

"Estal has no allies. It is alone. My father won't be able to hold back this. The city will fall. This entire region will become part of Calisha."

"Unless we stop it," said Tanith.

"Unless we stop it?" asked William. "And what is your brilliant strategy for doing so?"

"Estal is a very defensible position, and the fortress is very strong," said Tanith. We can hold out for a long time here. A few brave men can hold off great armies if they have good ground, and we have that. Also, if we win enough, the other Harlenorian Kingdoms may get involved. We could turn the tide and make another truce, a better one."

"Assuming everything goes well, which it won't," snapped William. He looked at Felix, but Felix said nothing.

"William is right. We should get out of here," said Hrungeld. "I, for one, will not stay here for that kind of war."

"And what about the people?" asked Tanith. "Do you think the Calishans are going to show restraint with them? They'll pillage and slaughter their way through our people and burn everything. You're a paladin! Start acting like it!"

William wanted to refuse. He wanted to leave, but he felt that he had to stay. There was a sudden sensation that he was needed here, that if he left now, everything would get worse.

Worse.

How could it get worse? A few months ago, he was getting to know his younger siblings. Then Kiyora had dragged him off to fight that stupid spider demoness. He'd been dragged to Viokinar, and so many people had died. All the people he'd met in the Iron Kingdom, good people who were only living as best they could, were now all dead.

They were dead because of their leaders. It didn't matter how good they were or that they were innocent. Their leader had been a monster, and they had paid the price.

Now Estal was about to suffer the same fate. He knew he couldn't leave. "...Damn you, Tanith. You don't care at all about the people of Estal! This is just fun and games for you, but I'm not like you! I don't want to kill or conquer anyone! I want to help people in most cases!

"But right now, I don't want to do anything but go home! Play with Soren and Calgora. Sink into a soft bed and not have to worry about dying. However, you're right. I can't leave like this. It wouldn't be right." He sighed. "Captain Hrungeld, I would very much appreciate it if you could give me a quill and paper."

Hrungeld provided him one, and William quickly wrote out a new letter.

Dear Raynald,

We have a serious problem. Prince Aris of Calisha has probably just started a war with Calisha. As of my sending this letter, an armada of ships is likely on the way to conquer Estal. Ordinarily, I would leave. However, I cannot, in good conscience, abandon the people here, so I must help them defend themselves.

Now read this twice: Don't attack Calisha. Starting a two-front war will only escalate the situation. Instead, you should contact your family. If memory serves, they have some influence on Escor. See if you can get a fleet of Escorian ships to sail to Estal's aid. Since they are not part of the truce, it will not be a violation for them to wage war on Calisha.

Above all else, Antion must not start an all-out war with Calisha unless there is no other option. We need time to consolidate our gains in Khasmir and the Iron Kingdom.

Hoping this finds you in good health,

Your faithful student,

William Gabriel,

P.S:

Give my regards to Soren and Calgora. Assuming you can.

He finished the letter and offered it to Hrungeld. His good sense screamed for him to tear up the letter and leave the island to its fate. But he held it in place until Hrungeld took it. "Give this to Raynald. Now, shove off as quickly as you can. If the Calishans set out right after them, you'll have a very small window of opportunity."

"I understand, William," said Hrungeld. "I hope you survive. Even if you don't, I expect things will be worthy of a song or two."

William and Hrungeld parted ways. He watched the ship as it sailed away. Finally, he turned back to Felix and Tanith. "There. It's done. Now what?"

"Now we get ready for war," said Tanith with a smile.

"Or we could convince King Estal to send Safara right back to Calisha. Complete with a letter of apology and gifts of compensation," said Felix, rubbing his cheek.

William looked at him. "That is the sanest thing anyone has said all day. Let's do it."