“The camp will be set behind the castle. Viscount, you are confident you can provide the shield should the military make it this far?” The King turned towards Fin with his hands clasped around his back, and his chest plate armor glinting in the late afternoon sun as a small crowd moved with the leader around the back of the castle.

“I can. I can maintain one longer if I’m not expelling anyone from the vicinity. If I have perhaps thirty minutes the day of, I can make a barrier that will not permit anything in that I can maintain for a few hours. Though I don’t know how it will fare against magic attacks,” the redhead answered seriously before glancing over to the Captain who nodded in understanding to him.

“Perfect. We are doing our best to arrange wagons for those that are unable to travel by foot on their own, but it could take a few days. Having a safe campsite is a great help,” Mr. Howard contributed- though Eric’s intel from earlier appeared to be correct as the man sported purple stained lips and a small flush in his cheeks. The King seemed to be in a forgiving mood, however, and overlooked his assistant’s obvious hangover.

“Captain, assign at least a hundred men to assist in the moving of any invalid citizens to the site to be settled,” the King addressed the military leader.

“Yes, Sire.”

“Has the new Duke of Iones taken over the handling of the men with any problems in your estimation, Mr. Howard?”

“Most of the men appeared relieved that it was Lord Harris taking over to be frank, Your Majesty,” the assistant nodded seriously.

“I am relieved to hear that. Lord Fuks, have supplies been distributed, or are we still waiting on the delivery carts to be organized?”

“They are currently being loaded. The provisions in Austice are already being passed out as people exit the city, and Xava should have theirs by the end of the week. Rollom will receive theirs from Sorlia around the same time.”

“Lord Ryu, have we yet confirmed when precisely the Zinferan military will be joining us?”

“At best, they will arrive in Rollom within a matter of three or four days. Xava, most likely a week,” the Zinferan Lord replied while giving a slight bow towards the Daxarian King.

“That is ideal, particularly if they intend to strike Austice first. I want to thank you again for volunteering to act as the diplomat between your Emperor and myself during your stay here,” Norman replied with a regal tilt of his head.

“Of course, Your Highness. The Emperor also wishes to extend his apologies on his... oversight regarding Lord Nam’s financial status when suggesting him as a marriage candidate. He agrees that despite not receiving a title, Lady Marigold’s dowry and partial inheritance is a fair exchange.”

“I am glad we were able to sort that out. Now if you are able to tell me in truth, was he angry that we had discovered this? I’d like to know if I need to be wary of his wrath in the future.”

Lord Ryu gave a small polite smile as he shuttered his honest expression and replied with, “His pride was prickled; however, the additional five percent of tax trade added to the deal for another five years helped numb the sting. Lord Nam on the other hand…” Jiho cleared his throat a bit and glanced down with a small grimace.

“I understand. Well… another problem for another day,” Norman sighed briefly before swiftly moving on to the next topic.

“Mage Lee, how many mages have confirmed their involvement in the war.”

“At this time, Your Highness, twenty. Three are here in Austice, four are in Sorlia, two in Rollom, one in Xava, and the last ten are coming straight from the academy. My son, while not a fully qualified mage, has been permitted to use his skills to assist the kingdom.”

“Thank you, that will do nicely. I take it the news that the Coven of Wittica is taking part was… accepted more or less?”

Mage Lee grimaced and gave a non-committal shrug.

“There won’t be any internal fights at the very least?” Norman tried again, the tension in his voice noticeable.

“I do not believe so, Your Highness. So long as the witches themselves behave.”

Fin shot the mage a sharp look which the elder ignored entirely.

Norman decided to not comment further to avoid any further risk of a fight between his vassals.

“Excellent. Lord Ashowan, when are you to meet with the Coven of Wittica?” Norman’s gaze softened when it moved to the witch. It was clear he didn’t like forcing the witch to work so soon after his mother’s passing.

“Tomorrow after the meeting with the Daxarian nobles,” the redhead replied calmly, his eyes shimmering even more so in the late afternoon sunlight.

The King nodded. “You are welcome to use either the banquet hall or the council room, but please inform Mr. Howard which you choose so that he can schedule the meeting with the catapult unit without conflict.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Norman fell quiet then as he gazed at the men surrounding him. Everyone stood with either blank or darkened expressions, a certain unfamiliar stillness and seriousness making them straighten their shoulders but reverse their usual smiles…

“I want to thank you all for your combined efforts in making Daxaria ready for this war. As nobility, it is our sworn duty to protect not only our loved ones, but the citizens that make up the back bone and heart of this kingdom. You have all borne your responsibilities with dignity, and I couldn’t have prayed for a better grouping of men to endure the hardships to come.” The King bowed to the group. Fin shifted uncomfortably, until he noticed everyone placing their hands over their hearts and slowly descending to a knee.

The redhead followed suit, and listened as everyone but himself and Jiho called out in unison, “For our King, and Daxaria our home, we serve.”

Norman let out a quiet breath, and lifted his eyes to the sky, his heart beginning to race as the reality of battle began to descend upon him.

“Well, men, let us retire for our dinner and convene for Katelyn Ashowan’s funeral at dusk.”

*

Ainsley watched as her best friend frowned at her reflection in the mirror and immediately began stirpping off the black gown that was far too tight.

“You know… I’ve been thinking...” the Queen leaned back in her chair while gently patting the princess’ back who was cradled asleep in her arms. “When I came and stopped you from boarding that boat to save Finlay, none of your household servants were present. The same ones you claimed were integral to your plan…”

Annika didn’t even hesitate or show any reaction as she pulled another one of Ainsley’s maternity gowns over her head.

“They had to pack, they were going to come within the hour.”

“Mmhm… that could be… or… you made the whole thing up.”

The Viscountess was growing breathless as she tried to grab the black ribbons dangling at her back, and as a result swore colorfully.

“Why would you say that?” the Lady eventually managed to say as she finally grasped the silky material and proceeded to tie a perfect bow.

“Well, for one thing, it isn’t like you to have such a half-cooked plan. At first I figured it was because of your potent love for our dear cook- or should I say Viscount. Then when I learned of your matronly condition, I wondered if you were experiencing the intellectual muddle that some women experience.”

“I am after all expecting double the normal amount of infants,” Annika declared once she had finished tying the dress and stared satisfied at her appearance.

“Or… in true Annika Jenoure fashion-”

“Annika Ashowan,” the Viscountess reminded with a small smile.

“Yes, yes, in a far more likely method… you pretended to be acting impulsively to make us inform you of our plans. We’ve never withheld information from you before…”

“Or treated me so delicately for that matter,” Annika pointed out dryly.

“Precisely… you were able to learn everything by creating that wave. However, what I am still unclear about… is what you stood to gain from contracting Elizabeth Nonata under your care.”

Annika turned to her best friend and smiled prettily. “I haven’t the faintest idea of what you are talking about. I am so glad, my dear friend, that you worry about me though.”

The Queen’s eyes narrowed. “Mind yourself, Lady Ashowan. If you take advantage of the liberties we’ve given you and move against our words, it does not bode well for our trust in you.”

Annika’s gaze sharpened. “I will remind you then, Your Highness, that in my time of need you two were the first to go against my trust and underestimated me after years of service and loyalty. What I said in the carriage still holds true.”

Ainsley leaned back in her chair, clearly taken aback by the Vicscountess’ words despite them being said in a lighthearted tone.

After a moment of careful thought, the Queen spoke. “You have my apologies for violating the mutual respect shared in our dealings. In my defense, I will point out you fainted on two separate occasions, and nearly gave yourself heat stroke from stress.”

“I did not behave inappropriately though.”

Ainsley let out a small hesitant sigh. “No, you did not.” After another momentary pause, the Queen’s face broke out into a small smile. “Do you think you can handle being the mother to one or two witches?”

Annika grimaced. “Not at all. It’s horrible enough what happened to Fin’s mother… but even finding a governess will most likely be the death of me if one or both of them are keen on setting the keep on fire.”

Ainsley chuckled. “Yes, I do suspect you will have your hands full.”

Shaking her head wearily, the Viscountess nodded towards the chamber door.

“I will meet you at the funeral. I’ll take the passageway to leave. The nobles are already perplexed about why I’ve been present at the castle so often when I was supposed to be exiled.”

“Once they discover the identity of your new husband they will be far too distracted to think about that.”

“Yes, well… until then,” the Lady nodded to her friend, and swept over to the secret panel.

“Annika?”

The Troivackian beauty looked over her shoulder as she opened the panel.

“How is Fin doing? Norman said he… that he’d died.”

The Viscountess’ face tightened and her hand slid from the panel slowly. “He’s… different. It’s hard to tell how much of that he will carry, and how much is the grief for his mother.”

The Queen nodded, her face openly anguished. “Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”

Annika nodded seriously, gave a tight smile of thanks, and then disappeared into the passage without another word.

*

The crowd stood on the cliffside where there was a wide swath of emerald green grass that lay south of the city of Austice, and most likely wasn’t too high up from Annika’s estate.

A rectangular hole had been dug, and at it’s head stood a large rock that towered over everyone, even Fin. In the face of the stone it read:

Here lies Katelyn Ashowan, beloved mother, healer, and betrothed. A hero and witch of the highest order

Twelve decorated Knights stood facing each other, their swords drawn to create an aisle. Beside the empty grave stood the King and Queen, and towards the end of the row of knights were the rest of the inner council, the newly ennobled Mr. Harris, and the kitchen aides- including Peter who had been released from his cell shortly beforehand.

Twelve witches from the Coven of Wittica had arrived, and wordlessly surrounded the entire ceremony in a perfect wide circle.

A sleek black carriage that slowly glided over to the site pulled to a halt at the end of the aisle. Out stepped Finlay, who handed Annika out of the carriage, followed by Captain Antonio, and finally, Jiho.

Moving to the back of the carriage, Fin, the Captain, Jiho, Sir Taylor, Sir Lewis, and Sir Andrews lifted the casket over their shoulders.

Slowly, they carried the body of Katelyn Ashowan to her grave. A cool breeze and the crash of waves far beneath them the only sound in the quiet clearing.

They carefully lowered the wooden box, until roots magically wove up from the ground, flowers blooming from them as they tenderly wrapped the coffin and gently lowered it into the shadowy ground. Adamma who stood in the crowd nodded to the King through her tears, as Sky wept beside her.

Hannah moved up the aisle clutching a bouquet of exquisite flowers that were so large they required her to use both her arms to carry.

She handed them to Fin while dashing tears from her cheeks with the back of her wrist. Giving her shoulders a quick squeeze in affectionate appreciation, the redhead took the flowers, and stepped towards the grave, his throat swollen shut and his stomach sickened.

“Goodbye, mum. You were… you were my one and only family for most of my life and… and,” The tears were spilling from Fin’s eyes as he forced out the final words. “You were my first home.”

Laying the bouquet on the casket, and stepping back, Annika’s warm hand found his.

Fin’s blue gaze remained fixed on the coffin, but he squeezed her hand tightly, the appreciation for her support clear.

The King stepped forward and spoke of Katelyn’s kindness, quiet strength, and heroic feats she accomplished for the kingdom. A representative of the Coven of Wittica presented herself and acknowledged the healer’s outstanding contribution to not only the humans of Daxaria, but to the Coven as she modeled what a witch was meant to contribute to the world. They lit a magical flame atop the large stone that would burn for three days. The ring of witches then bowed, and everyone present slowly lowered themselves to a kneel while facing the stone and coffin that held Katelyn Ashowan’s remains for a long moment of silence out of respect.

When the ceremony ended, and everyone slowly began to leave to return to the castle, Fin remained standing at the grave that had been magically filled with earth, his eyes fixed upon another bouquet that had been rested against the stone.

Annika stood back by the carriage that had arrived from her estate to take them back, but waited patiently, knowing that her husband needed more time.

Staring at the plot of freshly turned earth, Fin slowly reached up and loosened the cravat at his throat before dropping his hand over his heart where his mother’s symbol had been burned.

“I promise, Mum, I’ll take good care of your grandchild and Annika. I’ll make you proud… I just… I wish you were still here. I wish you could’ve met them. I’m so sorry. I never… I never wanted you to have to pay for my… my ambitions.” Slowly, Fin lowered to his knees in front of the stone, the sea breeze in front of the colorful sunset tousling his hair.

“You were the best mum I could’ve ever had. You always encouraged me, and pushed me... even when I didn't really hear you. Or even when I took you for granted. I will never forget you or stop loving you… I promise.”

Staring out over the water where the Troivackian warships would inevitably appear, Fin felt the pain of his grief somehow slowly melt away into a sense of peace.

“I’ll make sure you didn’t die for nothing, Mum. I’m going to make sure we win this war, I know I can do it.”

A stronger gust of wind whipped around him then, as though his mother were trying to tell him from the forest of the afterlife that she believed in him, and would always be with him one way or another, come hell or highwater.