“Sir Karigan,” the girl said, “you are requested to go to the throne room.” And then she was off before Karigan could ask any questions. She shook Elgin awake to let him know that she had to go, then set off for the throne room, wondering why she had been summoned.

When she reached the throne room, she found not only the king awaiting her, but Captain Mapstone and, to her surprise, Enver the Eletian.

“Ah, Sir Karigan,” the king said. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, and she bowed.

“Greetings, Galadheon.” Enver stuck out his hand to shake.

“Hello,” she said, clasping his hand. Did this mean what she thought it meant, that it was time to go north? If so, it could be hard going as winter had not yet left them. Enver revealed nothing.

“I’ve asked Lady Estral to join us,” the king said, “as I understand she has some interest in an expedition northward.”

So, this was about searching for the p’ehdrose. The king revealed little of what he thought either in his expression or posture.

“Enver has arrived earlier than we were expecting,” the captain said.

A ponderous silence followed until Estral hastened into the throne room. Greetings were exchanged, and the king climbed up onto his throne and sat.

“Sir Karigan,” he said, “Eletia has sent Enver as a guide in the search for the p’ehdrosians. Prince Jametari is keen that this search take place. I have come to the conclusion that it is in Sacoridia’s interests, as well. I’ve had my diplomats in other realms attempting to secure alliances against Second Empire and the probable reemergence of Mornhavon. It is time to become reacquainted with the p’ehdrose and extend the hand of friendship to them, and I wish for you to do this on my behalf. I understand Captain Mapstone has spoken to you of this.”

“Yes, sire.” She remembered well the captain explaining that she would be playing the part of an emissary.

“Lady Estral has requested to travel with you, and so long as you and Enver have no objections, I approve.”

“She is welcome, Firebrand,” Enver said. “Three is a good omen.”

“I have no objections.” Karigan flashed Estral a smile.

“Then you must prepare,” King Zachary said. “Enver says the p’ehdrose have hidden themselves well, but the Eletians have a sense of where they reside.”

“It is not marked on any map,” Enver said.

“As you will be in the north,” the king continued, “you are to take caution against Second Empire. Captain Mapstone will show you their last known positions on maps. It is, of course, possible they have shifted since our last intelligence.” He stared hard at Karigan. “Use utmost caution, Rider. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sire.”

His gaze seared into her as if to indeed make sure she understood. “You are also to aid Lady Estral in her search as you can. Lord Fiori is of importance to the realm.”

“Yes, sire.”

“Enver,” he continued, “wishes to depart in two days. You will use that time to prepare. Captain, you will see to the details.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With that, he abruptly rose and descended the dais, and, without another word, strode for the side exit, accompanied by two Weapons.

“Two days, eh?” Estral said doubtfully.

Enver nodded. “It has been foreseen.”

Foreseen. The Eletians, Karigan thought, might like their portents, but to her, they always seemed like a precursor to trouble.

TAKING FLIGHT

Alton sneezed as Mister Whiskers, in his house cat form, twined between his legs. He stood conversing with Merdigen in Tower of the Heavens, and the cat, seeming to know his sensitivity, inflicted heaps of affection upon him.

Alton was not happy to begin with, after having received a communication from Trace, and he was explaining why to Merdigen. “Winter isn’t even over and they’re going north.”

“Perhaps it is not sensible,” Merdigen said, “but I assume they are prepared.”

“To look for p’ehdrose!” Alton nearly exploded. “Legendary, nonexistent creatures.”

Merdigen cleared his throat and pointed at Mister Whiskers, who was engaged in licking his paw. “Have you forgotten what he is? The p’ehdrose existed, and the Eletians and your king have reason to believe the p’ehdrose are still out there. Would you second-guess your king?”

Yes, Alton thought, though he would never say so aloud. Doing so could be construed as impertinent at the very least, and disloyal at worst. What he hoped was that the king possessed more information about the existence of the p’ehdrose than he was privy to. And yes, in the king’s favor, there was Mister Whiskers.

“You are just upset that Lady Estral is going with them,” Merdigen said.

And there was that. “She shouldn’t be going on this—this mission. It isn’t safe.”

“You would prefer she went looking for her father and the voice thief on her own?”

“No, of course not. I just wish she didn’t feel she had to go.”

Merdigen looked askance at him. “How does she put up with you, boy?”

Alton smiled feebly. “I haven’t the slightest.”

“Well, then. I guess there is no more delaying the inevitable. I will have a final word with Mister Whiskers, and you will go prepare your people.”

Alton nodded, rubbed his itchy eyes, and walked through the tower wall into the outside world. He squinted though the sky was hazy with a ceiling of clouds. It had been spitting flurries all morning off and on. He called to the nearest soldier and sent him to collect all of the encampment’s personnel to assemble before him at the tower. The encampment at the breach, and the smaller camps at each tower, had already been notified about Mister Whiskers and that they were not to loose arrows at him.