Father was in his tent.

They were halfway to the capital and near the Castle of Tanus Gar, where Estela had stopped. That had been years ago when she'd first been sent away. Now, she was returning and about to be married. On some level, Estela knew this was a good thing. She was being given a marriage that would ensure the security of Escor and Vortegex.

Her son would be king. And the money she had brought with her could go a long way to ensuring House Vortegex's security. It could raise armies or build roads.

So she told herself as she parted the tent flap and entered. There was Father at his table. He'd brought it with him in one of the ox carts. Now, he was sitting at it, his quill scratching as he wrote one message after another. Estela sat down before him and waited.

And waited.

At last, King Tyus looked up to her, narrowing his eyes. He always used that expression when meeting with her. Estela had grown up on it. "You requested a meeting with me?"

Why had she had to request one? She was his daughter, and she'd more than proved herself.

"Yes, I, I was wondering how things were going in the castle?" asked Estela.

"Have you not been paying attention girl?" asked Father.

"No, I meant I wanted to know how the people in the castle were doing," said Estela quickly, feeling intimidated. "Like Teran and my sister, Cadia. How are my brothers?"

Tyus eyed her with a look that said she was wasting his time. How was this a waste? "You choose to waste my time so you could ask me questions you could learn from any of the guards?"

"I... I felt you would have a more perceptive perspective on the subject," said Estela, looking away.

Tyus remained silent a moment. Then he set the quill down and leaned back, scowling. "Cadia has married the heir to the De Cathe family name, Esmond. It is a good match that solidified their loyalty to us. We are to go through her home tomorrow."

"Does she ever ask about me?" asked Estela.

"I haven't seen her in some years," said Tyus without looking up. "That matter is irrelevant.

"Sending you to Gel Carn seems to have been an excellent investment. I have gained a powerful Alliance which helped solidify my hold here. And your presence in Gel Carn has born other fruit."

Well, it was some acknowledgment of her achievements. More than she had expected. "Thank you, Father."

"Now, about the Heir of Kings.," said Tyus, changing the subject. "Who is she, and does she represent a threat?"

Did she represent? Estela felt annoyed. Couldn't he at least answer her questions first? "You punched her in the face yesterday."

"What?" said Tyus, going very still.

"She is my squire. That's why she felt so free to cite her opinion," said Estela. "Technically, she outranks us."

"Technicality and reality are very different things," snarled Tyus. Then he looked at one gloved hand. "Still, her very existence is a threat to House Vortegex." Estela shifted beneath his gaze, and he marked the movement. "You have a different view?"

"Relma is too nice for her own good," said Estela. "But she is also very cunning and in a situation where she needs us. I am... close to her. And she is set to inherit Gel Carn someday.

"When she does, we could swear a nominal oath of fealty. No tribute or anything. But she could act as a figurehead in case of crisis."

"You would subjugate us to a foreign power," said Tyus incredulously. "I would have thought you'd learned better than that."

"No, I mean... you said yourself that technicality and reality are two different things," said Estela. "If she becomes High King, we can use her to ensure our independence."

"House Vortegex is subordinate to no one," said Tyus. "Not a king, council of lords, or even gods. We defeated House Gabriel, and we outwitted House De Chevlon. We will not subjugate ourselves to any foreigner. To do so would destroy all our hopes for the future."

"And what are those?" asked Estela, not liking the sound of this.

"Once we have solidified control over Escor, we may turn our attention abroad," said Tyus.

"Perhaps conquer territory from the Dragons. Or seek control over Haldren. I gather there is some instability, King Gavin fears House Gabriel.

"The snake might provide us a pretense for future victory.

"You have met the heir to House Gabriel, have you not?"

"Yes, I met William Gabriel," said Estela, remembering the proud bastard.

"Give me your observations," said Tyus. "You must have made some."

Estela paused. "He's proud, dangerous, and extremely skilled. But he is also a healer. On his way back, he went from village to village and healed all the sick and injured."

"Impossible," scoffed Tyus. "Even the most experienced healers cannot accomplish such a feat. He should have been occupied for weeks."

"I saw him run Joseph Korlac through the chest during the Tournament of Kings," said Estela. "He healed him moments later and didn't even look tired. He is also solid and capable of performing incantations."

Tyus paused. "Then he may well be worthy of his heritage. Unlike some others, I might name."

Estela had had enough. He had yet to tell her anything at all. "Where are my brothers, Father? Where are Otto and Rinseld? Why is some heir of Endorean going to inherit the Kingdom instead of your rightful sons."

Tyus scowled all the deeper. "Otto is dead. As for Rinseld, he is out of the question."

Otto dead? How was this possible. Why hadn't Estela been told? "How did Otto die? Why didn't you tell me?"

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"It was five years ago in a battle with the Dragon Empire," said Tyus. "The fool tried to launch an invasion. He killed a few dragons, burned a few towns, and then was caught in an ambush. He killed many of our soldiers in that insanity, and I had to put down another round of rebellions."

"How could you not tell me of this?" asked Estela. "Why was no word sent to Gel Carn?"

"What difference would it have made if you'd known?" shot back Tyus. "I had dozens of more important matters to attend to. Any one of which could have spelled the end of the Kingdom if not addressed.

"You may mourn on your own time. The dead do not care whether we lament them or not. For now, you should get some rest."

It was a dismissal. Estela rose and bowed. "...Yes, Father."

So she turned and walked out. Otto had always been so kind to her, helping her with swordplay. Now, he was dead.

Estela spent the next hour or so polishing her armor and weapons on a rock. As she did so, she looked up the path. Soon, she'd have no more use for weapons or armor. But she wanted them to look as good as she could make it.

Then, she saw a troop of men approaching the camp. Carried between them was a litter with frilly white curtains on it. Estela sheathed her sword as the litter neared her. What was going on here?

"Estela, Estela, is that you?" asked a voice.

The curtain was thrust aside as a pretty blonde woman peered out, and Estela knew her. She smiled as she recognized her sister. "Cadia, you've grown up."

"We both have, I suppose," said Cadia. "That armor suits you a great deal. A shame you won't be wearing it anymore."

"Yes, a shame," said Estela. "What is the purpose of this litter?"

"Oh, I'm told it is a fashion within Dinis in the Far East," said Cadia. "I rather enjoy it. My dear husband can afford many luxuries."

"Father told me you married," said Estela.

"Oh yes, Esmond is a powerful and highly influential knight," said Cadia. "Very intelligent and rich. I'm the envy of all the ladies of court. My sympathies in that regard."

"Well, that's good to know," said Estela, noting that the last part seemed a jab. She chose to ignore it.

"Of course, I'm afraid you've had less luck," said Cadia, making another. "You see, the rumor is that Prince Jomas Endorean is a simpleton. It is powerful and bold, perhaps of some use for looks. But no cunning."

"Cadia, did you come here to greet or mock me?" asked Estela.

"Oh, I'm sorry if I seemed insensitive; you are marrying a Prince of Endorean after all," said Cadia. "I'm merely here to give my regards to Father. He's had Esmond doing a lot of important things."

"You are mocking me," surmised Estela.

"Really, Estela, what could make you think that?" asked Cadia.

"I wouldn't advise doing that, Cadia. Some of us actually paid attention to the practice field," said Estela coldly.

"Really, sister, must you jest so," asked Cadia, stepping out. "Here I've come to greet you, and you repay me angrily. You were never going to amount to anything as a knight anyway. We both know you've only done as well as you did because of the Heir of Kings.

"You really ought to behave in a more ladylike fashion."

"How many people have you killed, Cadia?" asked Estela.

However Estela had said it, it got Cadia's attention. She looked suddenly at Estela, appearing nervous. "None, of course. I ply my hand at the craft at peace."

"Stare down an army of soul-devouring demons. Then tell me I'm unladylike," said Estela, feeling a cold fury, and she put her hand to her sword. "Until then, leave me alone."

"Very well then," said Cadia, freezing and stepping back a pace. "I understand this must be a stressful period. I'll see you at the wedding." And she moved off.

Estela sat down by her armor. "Bitch," she snarled.

Cadia did not talk to Estela on the way back out. However, when she did, she looked furious and gave Estela a vicious glare on her way out. Estela guessed that she had not known that Estela's son would be King. No doubt Cadia was expecting for herself to become King someday.

Father came out just as she finished cleaning her armor. He looked in a good mood now; his scowl was not as prevalent. He looked at her. "Estela, are you prepared?"

"Yes," said Estela.

Tyus nodded. "Good. Ready your things; we will continue on to Carn Ganus. There, your fiancée will meet you."

"Of course, he will," said Estela.

They quickly traveled onward for the next few days, skipping Cadia's home. Father had always traveled quickly. At last, they came to Carn Ganus, sitting on the hill like usual. It is narrow with tall towers and surrounded by farmland. The farms were in much better shape than last time; there probably hadn't been any raids. Several new buildings had been raised. But the farmers, seeing them marching, were quick to run indoors.

And on the gates was the banner of House Vortegex, a white dragon coiled over the remains of a red. But next to it was another banner. The Silver Dragon of House Endorean is on a black background. The doors opened for them, and a woman walked out to meet them. She had silver hair and looked to have once been very beautiful. But her face was careworn and wrinkled, and she wore a sword.

As Tyus approached, they nodded to one another. "King Tyus, you return. And with you, the bride-to-be."

"I am Lady Estela Vortegex, yes," said Estela, guessing her to be Queen Endorean and wanting to offend. She remembered a time when these farmlands were all aflame. "And you are?"

"Queen Margaret Endorean, I believe I will be your Mother-in-law soon," said the Queen with a smile.

"I see," said Estela, looking for something more interesting. If Father would treat her with no courtesy, why should Estela treat her most hated enemy with it? She saw a servant with shaggy black hair and realized she recognized him. "Teran, Teran, is that you?"

She rushed up to him, and he flinched and looked up. Finally, he bowed his head. "I am honored you remember me, Lady Estela."

"Of course, I remember you," said Estela, unsheathing her pack. "Could you help me take my pack to my room? I've been carrying this all day."

Teran shifted. "I would not presume to do so without authorization from the King, milady."

Estela sighed. "Very well then."

She turned to walk back to Father and didn't bother to ask. He looked furious at her lack of cordiality. Estela looked flat back at him. So it was alright for him to sell her off without the formality of a by-your-leave, and she had to obey. But when meeting with the worst traitors in Escorian history, she had to be courteous.

Tyus and Estela continued to look at each other. Margaret looked to Estela, who turned her gaze to Margaret and did her best to will her into disappearing. Finally, Margaret looked at Tyus.

"King Tyus, about the matter of the dowry. It is not much of a concern. The peace resulting from the union will no doubt provide a far better one than any treasury."

"Happily, that will no longer be an issue," said Tyus. "House Vortegex has recently come into a great deal of money. One of our knights won a tournament in Gel Carn and donated it to our treasury."

Estela felt a cold fury go through her. Her hard-won money was to be spent propping up this farce instead of on an army. "Yes. Yes, I did."

Tyus shifted his focus to Margaret. "Now, where is the groom-to-be?"

Margaret shifted herself. "Unfortunately, Jomas has not arrived yet. I went on ahead of the company to ensure I was there. But somehow, his entourage has not arrived."

"I see," said Tyus. "Well, the journey through these lands is not fully safe. We may use this chance to plan the wedding."

"A contract," said Estela flatly, an idea coming to her.

"What?" said Margaret.

"A Sornian custom of marriage," said Estela. "In Sorn, all they care about is money and power. So when they do a marriage, it isn't necessary to invoke the gods. Or even to expect the bride and groom to be faithful to each other. Even a priest is considered optional.

"You just have to sign a contract together. Then you get all the effects of marriage without having to have any of the responsibilities." She stopped just short of suggesting it. "It's purely economic, you see. Any vows they take aren't considered binding. At least save insofar as they affect your reputation."

"Yes, well," said Margaret, glancing to Tyus. "I'd like to think that we hold ourselves to a higher standard than Sorn."

"Father, may I please explore the home of my youth?" asked Estela, sick of Margaret's presence.

"Is there a reason you could not have made this unnecessary diversion before we came here?" asked Tyus flatly. "You will not spend any time in this place before you leave for Fleims anyway."

"I find myself overwhelmed by it all, Father, " said Estela. "Please, just let me walk."

Margaret met Tyus' gaze. "...I believe it's a perfectly reasonable request, Tyus. She has been gone a long time. I would hate to interfere with the joy of her homecoming."

"Thank you," said Estela flatly, wishing the woman and all her family dead and worse.

Then she marched back to where Teran was watching with increasing concern. "Teran, can I speak with you in private?"

"Yes," said Teran. "Of course."

He led her away and showed her many of the old haunts. As they did, Estela enjoyed the sights and sounds. Things she had left behind long ago. Gel Carn was a far more pleasant castle, but at the same time, this was where she had been born. Here was where Mother had shown her how to hold a sword. That parapet was where Otto had taken her to look out over the return of their armies from victory.

"What happened with Rinseld?" asked Estela at last.

Teran paused. "Well, the truth is Estela, we don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" asked Estela.

"He... well, the King wanted him to become a mage in Magicora to the north," said Teran. "But reports came in that Rinseld spent most of his days playing the harp. He was taught the trade by a Dust Elf named Rusara.

"Well, Tyus called him back to help in some of the wars after Otto died, and he... he just vanished. Disappeared from Magicora. Nobody knows where he is now, but there are rumors."

"What rumors?" asked Estela.

"Some say he went north to Haldren as a bard," said Teran.

Estela nodded. "Rinseld always hated fighting. And Father never forgave him for it. What about Cadia? We... spoke earlier."

"Well, after you left, milady, she began to change," said Teran. "At first, she was angry and bitter, but then she just stopped talking to us as equals like you and she used to. Then she started being more aloof, and just before she was married off, she was, well... truly unbearable with everyone but her handmaidens."

"Father, did he ever speak of me?" asked Estela.

Teran looked all the more uncomfortable. "I, well, I'm not normally in the King's presence. But servants are largely beneath his notice. King Tyus seemed pleased when he spoke of you in his presence."

So he was proud of her, even if he wouldn't admit it. Estela sighed. "I wish he'd tell me that much directly."

"Lady Estela, you traveled with the Heir of King's, didn't you?" asked Teran. "Do you think the prophecy is going to come true? Will Harlenor Reunited come about?"

"Over my Father's dead body," said Estela. "Show me the rest of the grounds."

Today was just the worst.