Wind whistled in his ears as Damien blasted through the leaden sky at top speed. If the headmaster had read the situation correctly he had little time to spare. How was it possible that they had a warlock getting up to who knew what and at the same time ships from the Old Empire were approaching the kingdom? Had the universe decided to see how much trouble they could handle at one time? If just one more thing happened he feared it might break them.

The capital grew larger and soon filled Damien’s vision. He went straight to the castle, landing in the courtyard. Three groups of warlords, each paired with a sorcerer, ran towards him. What were they doing patrolling the courtyard? The empire ships must have everyone on edge.

He recognized one of the Crimson Legion sorcerers. “Alden, what’s going on?”

The red-robed sorcerer waved the others off. “It’s okay, he’s one of ours. The archmage ordered triple patrols as soon as we found out about the imperial ships. After the assassin slipped through, she’s not taking any chances and the captain of the guard agreed whole heartedly.”

“She sent a message calling me back. Do you know where I can find her?”

“I believe the archmage is in the throne room trying to convince the king she’s not overreacting.”

Alden went back to his patrol and Damien headed for the keep. The warlords guarding the door must have seen him talking with the Crimson Legionnaire as they opened the door for him without a fuss. Damien offered them a nod, but didn’t break stride. He stopped at the entrance to the hall leading to the throne room. Seated on a trunk fifteen feet from the doors was the last person he expected to find here.

“John?”

His old friend turned toward Damien and offered a relieved smile. Behind John the guards reached for the doors. Damien gave a subtle shake of his head and the men resumed their positions. “Damien, thank heaven. I’ve been sitting out here for an hour waiting for the king to finish his meeting so I can find out where I’m supposed to go.”

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Damien frowned. “Why are you here, exactly? I thought you were assigned to the northern army.”

“I was. I got a message reassigning me to serve as Princess Karrie’s personal healer. I rushed south and when I arrived I found more guards on duty than I’ve ever seen. Do you know what’s going on?”

“Yes, but I’m not certain how much I can tell you. Come on, I’ll take you up to the royal quarters. If Karrie’s not there, someone will know where to find her.”

“Thanks. Sitting in this hall is getting old.”

They left the hall and took a side route to a flight of stairs. Damien had made the trip enough times he hardly thought about it. At least they didn’t have warlords all over the living quarters. Uncle Andy guarded his scant private time zealously.

“So talk,” John said. “Why’s everyone so worked up?”

“I’ll tell you, but you have to keep it to yourself. Ships were spotted coming from the west.”

“From the Old Empire?”

Damien smiled at the disbelief in his friend’s voice. Not that there was anything funny about the situation. “That’s the assumption. The archmage called me back from The Tower and my guess is we’re going to fly out and see what’s going on.”

“Do you think that’s why they called me in? In case something happened to the princess, poison or an assassin or something?”

“Possible, I guess. I had no idea you’d be here, but it’s good to see you.”

They stopped in front of the door to the royal quarters. Damien knocked and a minute or so later Queen Audra opened the door. “Damien, what a nice surprise. Won’t you come in?”

“I really shouldn’t. I was just playing guide for John.”

“Good morning, Your Majesty.” John moved up beside Damien.

“Hello, John. Damien, I insist you come in for a few minutes. Karrie would be so disappointed if she didn’t get to see you.”

She stepped out of the doorway and Damien had no choice but to enter. He couldn’t exactly tell the queen he was too busy. A few minutes wouldn’t make that much difference, hopefully. “Is Karrie feeling okay?” Damien asked.

“Oh yes, it’s just Lidia has been so busy lately we thought having a dedicated healer around would be a good idea. Better safe than sorry and all that.”

“John! Damien!” Karrie stood in the doorway of her room wearing a frilly pink dress, a big smile on her face. She ran over and hugged them with one arm each. She kissed John on the cheek and stepped back. “If only Jen were here we’d have the gang back together. Come and sit down. I can ring for tea.”

“I really can’t stay. The archmage is waiting for me.” Damien and John bumped fists. “Look after everyone for me. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but I feel better knowing you’re here.”

“Will do. Be careful.”

Karrie had her bottom lip stuck out. “You’re leaving again?”

“For a little while. Don’t worry, Princess, John is much better company than I.” Damien offered Audra a little bow and slipped out the door.