Prince Rathner surveyed the scene, straining his neck back to cast his eyes on the peaks now that he was underneath them at the entrance of the Arina Pass. If it was under different circumstances, he would have been more than happy to praise their glorious sight towering towards the sky. He had heard of their majestic beauty and read detailed descriptions in his studies as a child, but nothing could have prepared him for actually seeing them with his bare eyes. The two towers and the path that wove through them, disappearing around a corner was the sight of boyhood adventures, of dangerous missions and exciting battles.

The morning had met the two camps with brilliant blue skies and a land that was covered in four inches of snow. Prince Rathner and his men had approached the new day with wonder and excitement; many had never seen snow or ice in their life so warm was their lives in Talbec.

After eating a hearty breakfast provided by Jale's kitchen, Prince Rathner had mounted his horse without Galton beside him. They had exchanged words before sleeping the night before, and Galton was now ordered to not speak in Jale's presence unless Prince Rathner indicated he could. His father was hundreds of kilometres away. He was in charge now. Not his father and certainly not Galton. Reluctantly, Galton had agreed.

For the most part, Prince Rathner was impressed. With what Jale had shown him so far, there was really nothing that Prince Rathner could offer to improve on the situation. Scheduled lookout posts and guard duties had been set up that the Prince's men could easily slot into. Lines of defense had been built down the path with an additional wall of men stationed at the opening that led into the Keglar Kingdom.

The pass, he was informed by Jale, was also littered with the mountain clansmen, although Prince Rathner did not see any sign of them when his eyes swept over the rockfaces. He needed to amend his ways after Galton's rudeness the night before. It was comforting to know that the mountain men were present and importantly, willing to share their hunt. With the snow lying on the ground and more promised with the winter months, Prince Rathner's men would struggle to find food in such conditions.

The only problem he could think of was that he was bored already. His life was always an abundance of social events, women, music and sporting activities that kept him healthy and busy. He wanted to curse his father for sending him here. He knew why his father had done it as he couldn't name a more desolate place than the pass during winter. Even the small town they passed two kilometres back would be cut off from the rest of civilization for months when the real snows arrived.

The town. Prince Rathner drummed his fingers over the pummel of his saddle. They had gone through the town the day before amongst the stares and glances of awe of having noble men from another distant land. They were probably surprised even to have Jale and his men arrive.

There would only have been a couple hundred of residents from first glance, but it was big enough that the Prince had seen a couple of various venues of entertainment with one or two inns, a bathhouse and other possible means of entertainment.

"My council and I have tried to anticipate different scenarios," Jale's voice distracted Prince Rathner's thoughts. "However, I honestly feel that once the real snows begin to fall, the pass is going to be empty as it always is at this time of year. If you have any suggestions or if you think we have missed anything, please feel free to share."

Prince Rathner stared directly at Jale. He didn't want to say too early, but he had a feeling that he was going to like the man. Jale's actions suggested that he maybe uptight, and he presented with a cool aloof to hide his emotions. The night before however, he had handled the animosity in the room, taken control and led the conversations in the direction he had wanted. It was insightful.

In truth, Prince Rathner had not been given a similar opportunity to do the same back in Talbec. His life so far had not warranted such serious situations. Secretly, he believed he could learn much from Jale. He also could form a friendship with the man, for while it was a serious post, they were both young and young men still needed fun in their lives.

"The only thing I can think of at present," Prince Rathner began tentatively, "is how to alleviate everyone's boredom. I was thinking of joint training between yours and my men, and even the mountain clansmen. I don't know about you, but I find them very curious."

"I like your ideas," Jale stated. "And indeed, it is one of the very few benefits of this post, a rare insight into their lives."

"Also, how about some language practice," Rathner continued, still playing the topic of conversation safely. "I don't think it would do my men any harm to improve their Keglan and vice versa."

"Yes, I think my best friend, Trent would benefit from that. I believe it will help with his future work. I'll have a member of my council discuss with yours."

"That would be Galton," Prince Rathner supplied for him.

Aah, Galton, Prince Rathner sighed to himself. Of all the people that he could be sent to the far corners of the land with and it had to be Galton. Stoic, by the book, Galton. Why couldn't it have been a pretty brunette or even a fair lass from the Keglar Kingdom? "I am sorry about Galton last night."

"No need to apologize," Jale stated, sounding careful.

Prince Rathner wanted to elaborate. "We're both not happy to be placed here together. Galton usually works for my father, and we do not have the best history while I grew up in the palace. I caused him much trouble in my teenage years."

Jale remained silent, and Prince Rathner decided to change the topic. It struck him that Jale could see a conflict between Galton and himself as a major weakness. It was time to bring the course of the conversation back to Jale.

"What about yourself?" Prince Rathner asked.

"Myself?" Jale asked.

"How are you going to bide your time while you are stuck here?"

"Oh," Jale let out. "I have a couple of different avenues of entertainment."

Prince Rathner let out a loud laugh and then, conspiratorially leaned towards Jale. "I happened to have noticed a nice bathhouse in the town that we passed. Wouldn't be a bad idea to find a lady or two to pass the time away. We do not need to worry of the plague in future months, the town will be cut off."

Jale chuckled. "My men have certainly been visiting the town during their days off. I have allowed it as I would have anarchy on my hands otherwise. Tomorrow night could be of choice, if you please. I haven't been down to the town for a couple of days and wouldn't mind stopping by the bathhouse as well."

"Great!" Prince Rathner smiled, sitting back up in his saddle. Yes, it would appear that they would get along.

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They turned their horses away from the pass and began their journey back to their camps. A sharp breeze spurred through the trees and on it, Prince Rathner caught the hint of a whisper along with it. He turned his head only to find that the scenery was empty but for the trees and snow.

He shuddered against the cold again and swallowed hard. Why did he suddenly feel like he had eyes upon him, watching him? He coughed uncertainly and glanced at Jale whose frame was relaxed and steady. But of course, Prince Rathner scolded himself, it would be mountain clansmen surely, scattered throughout the forest. That must be it.

He refocused on the path ahead. He did not want Jale to sense any weakness in him.

"Have you explored much further from the camps?" Prince Rathner asked. "Any good riding?"

"Yes, but I have not strayed far and have ridden with the clansmen. There are wolves in the area so it is best not to travel alone," Jale explained. "I don't know about you, but once you leave the trail and enter the forest, you can't see the peaks. One tree ends up looking just like another tree. It's easy to get lost."

"Sounds sensible."

The sounds of the men from their two camps started to reach their ears again. "I would like to have the first watch tonight," Prince Rathner suddenly announced.

Jale seemed impressed and Prince Rathner was surprised but happy when Jale announced, "I would be more than willing to keep you company to explain how everything works."

*

Jale watched Prince Rathner grimace against wind that whipped up the mountainside. He had a feeling the Prince had underestimated how bitterly cold it was going to be up here at night and was regretting having suggested he was happy to cover this duty. Prince Rathner's hands pulled at the edges of his cloak, and he shuffled as close as he could to the fire.

The Prince and Jale were positioned in the mouth of a short cave overlooking the trail that led through the pass.

“Our duty at night,” Jale explained, “is to give the clansmen a reprieve from their daily combing of the mountains. From the position at the cave's mouth, we can see the trail due to a kilometer of torches lighting the path.” Jale pointed with his hand and the Prince took note.

“Anyone who approaches the mountain pass at night,” Jale continued, “will have to use the trail. The icy rocky terrain on either side of the path would be impossible to clamber over in the pitch black of night. If anyone does approach at night, it is our responsibility to warn the soldiers at the pass entrance and give them ample of time to ready themselves.”

He glanced back at the Prince to see him rubbing his hands over his arms.

"You will get used to the cold," Jale told Prince Rathner kindly as he lowered onto the rock beside him.

"I doubt that," Prince Rathner stated. "I'm used to spending my evenings lounging around the lake, swimming under the stars, and..."

Jale couldn't help but laugh. His first assessment of the Prince had been right. He was a spoilt young man. "And let me guess, you're also used to your servants fanning you cool and massaging your feet."

Prince Rathner smiled, acknowledging his indulgent lifestyle. "Aah yes, I suppose I do sound quite pampered, don't I?"

"Just a little," Jale laughed. "I think it's allowed sometimes." He handed the Prince a hot cup of soup from a pot positioned over the fire. "Here. This will help keep you warm."

The Prince lifted the cup towards Jale in agreement. "Cheers."

"Cheers," Jale repeated. "I have to say Prince Rathner, I am happy that we are able to talk on such amicable terms. I was worried it would have been otherwise."

"Thank you, Jale," Prince Rathner returned.

"There is one small issue I need to raise with you," Jale stated.

"Oh?" Prince Rathner asked.

"There is one man, a man whose rank was given to him from my father. His name is Uleron," Jale spoke slowly, worried of causing animosity between them. "He does not hold the best opinions of the Talbecan Empire, so I just wanted to warn you. If anything does arise, if he causes any trouble for you and your men, please let me know so I can respond accordingly."

Prince Rathner smiled warmly. "Thank you for letting me know, but we often come across people who do not share the same opinion as ourselves."

Jale nodded. "And let me be clear, he does not hold any opinions that are similar to mine or the men in my closest council."

"Good to know," Prince Rathner said seriously and then, with some mirth in his voice, "if it gets too nasty, we could always put this Uleron guy and Galton in a pen together and they can fight it out," Prince Rathner joked.

Jale choked on his soup and laughed.

Prince Rathner's smile deepened, pleased that Jale shared his humor.

"Now, Jale," the Prince continued, "don't bother me with such trivial matters. Tell me more about your life back in the Keglar Kingdom instead."

They settled into an easy conversation, discussing the similarities and differences of their lives, both being part of such powerful families although Jale's position was not of such high stature as Prince Rathner's.

Within an hour, fatigue started to set in, the conversation stalled, and Jale began to yawn.

"You have already been here for three weeks, allow me to take the first watch while you sleep," Prince Rathner suggested.

"Are you sure?" Jale asked. "Most likely we only have another two hours until we change over. Four-hour duties if you remember."

"I may have little experience under my belt other than knowing how to have a good time, however I think I am capable of keeping first watch this evening. This freezing weather will prevent me from falling asleep," Prince Rathner assured Jale.

Jale seemed to think for a moment and then relented. "That's fine. If you start to feel tired, just wake me up." Jale swivelled around and lay on his back not wanting to move too far from the warmth of the fire. "Wake me if you need anything."

*

Prince Rathner settled in, placing two more logs onto the fire. He poured himself another cup of warm soup and leaned his back against the wall of the cave, glad that it still afforded him a good view of the trail below. It remained empty, a heavy layer of snow covering its surface. It was smooth, devoid of footprints and for that, Prince Rathner was content. He glanced at Jale who had settled into a doze, his eyes closed and his features relaxed.

Jale had been a genuine surprise. Originally, Prince Rathner hadn't expected much from someone who, from what he guessed, spent most of his time hundreds of kilometers away from the Keglar Kingdom's royal court. Prince Rathner had anticipated someone of lower standing, of lower education. However, he had been pleasantly surprised. The Prince turned from Jale, shifting his gaze to the stars so he could admire the view and hoped that his lovers back in Talbec were not growing too bored without him.

He startled awake, surprised that he had even fallen asleep on such an important task especially on the first night. His gaze shifted straight down to the path below and his heart settled to a normal pace when he saw it still lay empty and undisturbed.

He had no idea how much time had passed. Maybe the journey to Arina Pass had tired him more than he realized. He wouldn't usually fall asleep so easily. They had traveled nearly eight hundred kilometers after all. Prince Rathner pushed his hand through his hair and blinked hard, fighting the fatigue.

It was then that he noticed that the first log he had placed on to the fire had burned significantly, with the other now beginning to burn. He glanced at the moons up above and frowned for they certainly showed that time had passed.

Prince Rathner rose to his feet, stretching his body that had become stiff against the wall. How much time had passed? And if it had been two hours, why hadn't they been relieved of their duty?

He glanced at Jale who was clearly in a deep sleep. Not wanting to disturb him, Prince Rathner turned back to the dark night and there, in the corner of his eye, a figure stood. He took a step back, his hand flying to his sword on his hip. He let out a breath and told himself to relax. It had to be one of the mountain men. They were known for their lack of social skills.

"Who goes there?" he called out.

The dark figure, their features hidden in the night to only a black outline, didn't respond or move.

"I'm sure Menelt wouldn't like you hiding in the dark trying to cause trouble," Prince Rathner called out, impatience now taking over. "Come on out. What news do you have to share?"

The figure didn't move. Prince Rathner swore and took a step forward. He pulled on the hilt of his sword, pulling it free several inches making sure the sound of it moving made a good deal of noise to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

The figure stepped forward and into the light of the fire, and Prince Rathner stopped short. It wasn't one of Menelt's men, and it wasn't a traveler who had clambered up the rockface trying to bypass the trail to get through the mountain pass.

This was someone else entirely.

The figure stood before him wearing a long black cloak that covered their entire body and where their face should have been, only a soft glowing gold light could be seen. Faceless and fearless, the figure stepped forward and held out their hand toward Prince Rathner.

Prince Rathner tried to gasp, but he was frozen. He couldn't move. Abruptly he was hot, sweating hot as if he had just completed a training session on the beaches of his hometown. In his peripheral vision, he caught sight of the figure's hand reaching out to clasp around his wrist and then, all of sudden, everything went black.