I stare at the spot where Blackbird has vanished, feeling the familiar stretch of miles and time zones on our twin bond. She has been gone for thirty seconds and all ready I miss her so badly my chest aches. I love that girl, my little sister by two minutes; would do anything to keep her safe, but I know that is not possible. She has and always will lead a life of adventure and daring. I know she takes risks so I will not have to, but... I wish I were in her place, protecting her, bleeding for her.

Dealing with that fools-cursed paladin so she doesn't have to.

If I ever meet him, and it appears that I may soon, I will be hard put not to drive a mage-spear through his heart.

But, maybe Ava is right. Maybe if there is a way to resolve issues without bloodshed, I should take that route. My sister gives the wisest council I know of. I sure could use some right now.

Blood and stars, I miss her council. Her smile. Her laughter. Her dry sense of humor. Even her grumpiness.

I feel manna pulsing within me; I almost reach for its power. Almost go after Ava.

But I stop myself. Blackbird said she would go through with this mission. My interfering won't help anything. I flop back into my chair, pick up my book again. Stare at its pages but fail to read the words written there.

If only I had not sent her to infiltrate.

If only I had said to assassinate.

If only...

But 'if only's will not change anything. They will not change what happened to us in our youth, and they will not change what is happening now, and it doesn't matter what I want in the present.

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But I do know what I want in the future. The world. I will see that nothing like what happened to me and Blackbird ever happens again, or I will see the world burn at my feet.

I abruptly stand. I have no time for concussions and wounds, nor for fool physicians, nor for a paladin's misplaced diplomacy. I am under no such hallucinations that the Clans will simply give up their lands into my grasp. The world wants war, and I will give it one.

I stride from my rooms, calling orders to startled guards as I go. They scramble to obey my commands, and I smile. Power feels good. Secure. Indomitable.

"My lord!" A courier puffs up to me, straining to keep up with my brisk pace as I do not stop for him. The elf bows while nearly jogging-- an amusing sight to see, and I nearly smile. But do not. I don't have the time for foolery. I am a man on a mission.

Or, changeling, rather.

"What is it?" I ask the courier, then grab his elbow to keep him from bowing again. "And never mind that! Just tell me your news!"

He gulps a breath, then says, "My lord, esteemed lord of the North, your scouts and sentries report an army approaching the castle. They bear Lord Baeren's banners."

A savage grin splits my face, and I abruptly turn on my heel, switching direction. The elf, startled by my sudden change in direction, is left behind for a moment, scrambling to keep up with me.

"Dismissed." I tell him curtly. He peels away with a sigh of relief.

I end up on my high bedroom balcony, above the huge courtyard. From here I can see out past the curtain walls of my fortress, all the way to where my vast green fields meet a pine forest made hazy with distance. From here I can see an army marching to challenge me, to test my determination and defenses. Sunlight glints off spearheads, helmets, breastplates, and banner poles.

I smile, the heady feeling of battle-lust rising in me. The winds rise, whisking my hair back from my brow, bringing with them the warm scent of summer sun and change. I grip the balcony rail with white-knuckled fingers. Finally, some fun. Blackbird did not take it all with her. And my excuses for excitement are fool-proof. The approaching army knows nothing of who they have just challenged. I care not for their numbers, nor the quality of their weapons. They will break upon the walls of North Keep like the sea upon the cliffs. I am not worried.

I am exhilarated.

My smile turns into a savage grin, all teeth.

"Let them come." I whisper into the winds.