The guard stood in the shadows of the eastern palace tower, hidden safely from the rays of the two moons that were dancing a brilliant path over the ocean towards the beach of Dalenia. When the wind blew in his direction, he could hear the waves cresting onto the shore and smell the soft scent of the flowers blooming from across the other side of the bay. The stars were plentiful, and off in the distance, far out to sea, lightning could be seen from a storm that would pass him straight by.

A sole figure climbed the stairs to the tower, the person's identity hidden by the cloak and hood that surrounded their body. They moved quietly, steps muffled, and it was more out of intuition than sight that the guard became aware of their presence.

The guard turned towards his visitor and stated simply, "It's a lovely evening to come to the tower."

"Yes," the person replied, the cloak still over their shoulders, but their profile now visible from under their hood. "It is indeed. One of the best posts of the palace, actually."

"Agreed." The guard shifted on his feet and returned to looking out at the ocean.

"I heard that you might be interested in some information," the person spoke softly.

The guard swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "How do I know you're not setting me up?"

"I could ask you the same question," the person replied. "How do I know you won't go straight to the Emperor and tell him that I gave you this information?"

The guard didn't answer, contemplating the person's words.

"But I will let you know," the person continued, "the information I have is quite significant."

"I'll give you fifty bronze coins for whatever you have," the guard replied quickly, very quickly.

"Two hundred," the person bargained.

The guard coughed in surprise. "Who do you think I am?" he scoffed. "I'm merely a guard."

"But you can sell my information for a much higher price, and since you now know my identity, you know the kind of information I have access to."

The guard met the person's gaze and rubbed his chin, thinking only greedily.

"Fine," he finally decided.

He dug into his pocket and pulled out a handful of coins before stepping out into the light to count. He held the coins to the waiting hand.

"Really did not expect you," the guard said, shaking his head.

The person ignored his words. They stepped up into the guard's space, and the guard stiffened, suddenly questioning their true motives. The person only leaned up to his ear and started to whisper words that made the guard's eyes grow wide and his heart pound. Once the person was finished, they stepped back and pulled their hood down low over their eyes.

"I trust you will let this information fall into the best hands," the person stated.

Not waiting for a reply, they turned away and headed for the stairs.

Stunned, the guard stood, breathing fast, alone once again at his post. He turned back to the scenery, but this time, he ignored the sights and sounds that surrounded him, his mind racing with the information he had just been told.

>>

Over a thousand miles away, deep in the Keglar Kingdom, three people on horseback separated from their retinue. Princess Estina, poised elegantly in her saddle with her shoulders square and black hair cascading down her back, kept her diligent eyes on alert for any movement in the forest's undergrowth or in the branches up above.

Her twin brother, Prince Alain, followed closely. In stark contrast, he was not pleasant to the eye with pock marks larger than his beady eyes and a crooked nose that appeared to take up most of his face. His thin frame caused his head to be out of proportion with the rest of his body, only emphasizing his disjointed seat in the saddle. He had never learnt a graceful seat.

They were accompanied by Sir Glone, an old fool of a man, fifty years their senior who babbled nonsensically about how the kingdom had been far better in his day. The fact that the old man wouldn't even be able to find his sword let alone wield it, Princess Estina believed, only emphasized the lack of concern the royal family had for herself and her brother. Fourth and fifth in line to the throne, and as a female and a sickly thin young man who had never been expected to reach puberty let alone his mid-teens, the three older and stronger princes were considered to be of far more importance than themselves.

They were returning from Peer Mountain Castle to the much warmer Lake Meer Castle in the valley, a safe haven for Prince Alain. He feared the winter more than anything else with its sickness and ills it could bring. As always, Princess Estina would follow him wherever he went.

Still incessantly babbling, Sir Glone missed the ripple of blue material through the shrubs. Princess Estina did not miss it. She pulled on her reins and held out her hand for Prince Alain, cautioning him to do the same. Sir Glone however, continued on his way, oblivious to what may lay ahead.

Princess Estina decided Sir Glone could discover whether it was a friend or foe while they made a quick exit. She cast a look at her brother and sighed. If she had been by herself, she would have done just that. She was sick of the man, and if she needed to turn her horse and bolt, she would be able to do so. Her brother beside her however, was tired although he was fighting to show it. It was because of this she squeezed her heels into her horse's sides and attempted to catch up with Sir Glone before he broke into the clearing up ahead.

"Sir Glone! Take heed!" Princess Estina hissed as their horses cut through the shrubs.

The sight before them could not go unmissed, and Princess Estina heard Sir Glone's voice cut through the clearing. "Cover your eyes, Princess!"

By sheer instinct alone, Princess Estina didn't close her eyes. Instead, she ducked, dipping her entire body down so it was in line with her horse's neck.

They had interrupted two male soldiers. One of the soldiers, the man being held from behind, grabbed his axe lying on the ground beside him and flung it blindly through the air straight at where Princess Estina's head had been. It landed in the trunk of the tree behind her, the blade sinking several inches deep. Princess Estina sat back up in her saddle and glared at Sir Glone deeming him responsible.

Separating quickly the two men turned, covering their modesty with their hands only to have their faces fill with dread. Princess Estina knew that look. It was a look of recognition. Not that these men would know her face personally, but the royal signet on her finger was identification enough.

With a quick glance at each other, the two men reluctantly sank to their knees.

Sir Glone snickered and spoke with arrogant amusement. "Quite a predicament you've suddenly found yourself in Menelt, isn't it? An attempt on Princess Estina's life, leaving your post to behave so indecently, and the best part of all? Who am I going to tell first that Menelt, former leader of the Dratlin Clan, likes to take it from his former First Advising Chief?"

"I'm still clan leader of the mountain men," Menelt fumed, lifting his head sharply, his eyes dark. "Maybe you should try and enjoy yourself, Sir Glone. There's some of my men who enjoy older meat. I'm sure they wouldn't mind..."

"Preposterous!" Sir Glone spat, aghast at the suggestion.

Princess Estina lifted her hand, silencing Sir Glone. She turned her horse's head, a new interest for the two men before her. "Clan Leader Menelt," she spoke firmly, the use of his old title causing a stir between all those in her presence. "Put some clothes on before we continue this conversation."

Menelt looked up as she scanned his naked body with a young woman's curious examination. When she realized his eyes were upon her, she turned her head away to glare at Sir Glone again, her cheeks pink. "That would have been the appropriate way to begin, Sir Glone."

In a condescending manner, he scoffed and waved her off, an act that was not new to her. Instead of staring at Sir Glone's unpleasant expression while the two men dressed, she turned to look at her brother and raised an eyebrow when she spied him giving the two men a curious appraisal as well.

Sir Glone started talking again, "I know an appropriate way to end this conversation. I will send for my men to execute them on the spot for the attempt on your life, Princess Estina, and for the vile display you just witnessed. That will make Prince Yernal happy as well. Your brother's been waiting for an excuse to get rid of this despicable man."

The Princess rolled her eyes. "Sir Glone, stop talking and leave us."

Sir Glone spluttered. "Your highness! I can't leave you alone in the presence of these two men! They've been in your brother's army barely a quarter. They are lower ranks and were just caught being most obscene. They can't be trusted!"

"I asked you to leave us and I won't be alone." She pointed to her brother. It was a common occurrence that most people forgot he existed.

Sir Glone grumbled in contempt. "That doesn't mean I won't be telling your brother or their captain."

"You won't tell anyone otherwise I'll be forced to acknowledge that it was your old fumbling that caused us to lose our way and stumble onto this scene." She gave a fake, dramatic gasp and whimper. "And Sir Glone, it was such a terrible sight to see all down to your negligence."

Sir Glone went to rebuke, but Princess Estina silenced him with one last look. Looking deeply offended, he tugged on his horse's reins and left, leaving only the Princess and her brother before the two clan men. Her brother, whom she noted, had returned his watchful gaze over the two men. Forever quiet in company, the prince would let her do all the talking although she noted his curious glance at what her motives were.

The Princess allowed herself to take in a full appropriate assessment of Menelt now that he was suitably attired in his soldier clothing. Rough looking, wild around the eyes with warrior attention, broad shoulders and muscled arms to match, dirt and grime entrenched into his skin; he was a typical depiction of a mountain clan leader.

"Clan Leader Menelt," the Princess spoke again, and Menelt dared to lift his eyes. "I am not one to care who you are intimate with, but an attempt on my life cannot be forgotten."

"I did not know that Princesses could be so bold," Menelt returned. He was quickly elbowed in the ribs by his former First Advising Chief. "I did not know it was you, Your Highness," Menelt corrected himself. "We were not expecting company."

Princess Estina smirked. His apology came out stilted as if he had trouble producing the words, as if they were unfamiliar to his vocabulary. It might have been the first apology he had ever given knowing that his life depended on it.

The silence hung in the air after his statement.

"You are stationed at Lake Meer Castle?" she asked.

"Yes," came the reply.

Princess Estina smiled, pleased with the news. "I will be inclined to forget everything I have seen if the pair of you meet us tomorrow night at the west soldier training ground. It is not suitable to talk at present. The rest of our entourage is too close."

The two men shared a quick look of confusion, and Princess Estina observed they were not the only ones; Prince Alain's eyes narrowed and a crease formed on his forehead.

"Do we have an agreement?" she asked, short and clipped.

"Yes, Your Highness," Menelt answered with reluctance.

Princess Estina nodded, pleased with his acquiesce. He did not look like a man who was accustomed to taking orders from other men, let alone a young woman. She had heard that his journey in Prince Yernal's army had been a turbulent one at best.

"Good. Sir Glone is senile," Princess Estina continued. "He will forget what he saw by the time he returns to the palace so he will not speak to my brother. But I can assure you, we won't forget if you do not show."

Menelt glared, but his First Advising Chief continued to have better manners. "Thank you, Your Highness," he said.

Without further acknowledgement, Princess Estina turned her horse and her brother followed.

"You're going to ask him to do it, aren't you?" Prince Alain spoke now that it was only the two of them.

Princess Entina nodded. "I feel like we stumbled into that clearing for a reason today." She gave him a quick glance. "You liked what you saw, didn't you?"

"You?" Prince Alain asked, refraining from answering.

Princess Estina shrugged and replied, "Not so much."

>>

Lake Meer Castle was nestled in a large lush, green valley. It was on sea level which meant that the winter snows rarely fell on its surrounding fields. It was still cold, cold and wet meaning winter would seep into a person's bones and leave them damp from the inside. Fortunately, there was still a month until the dreary weather would set in, and it was for this reason that Prince Alain still accompanied his sister down to the west training grounds. It was a small training area, a courtyard at best within the castle's bailey, but it was away from the solider barracks and the main keep. At night, at this time of year, it would be empty.

They were accompanied by Princess Estina's lady-in-waiting, Ardena, and Clagen, her closest personal guard. They weren't a formidable group, a group of misfit teenagers at best, but they were a unity and Princess Estina had no doubt they would do anything to try to protect her brother and herself.

The evening was dark, the two moons hidden in the sky by thick clouds. They didn't use lanterns to guide their way, not wanting to draw attention. There was just enough light to make the outlines of the buildings and the foreboding group of men that came out of the shadows to greet them when they approached.

"He's brought extra men," Ardena said, and Princess Estina swung her eyes back to the clearing.

Clagen and Ardena stepped protectively in front of her, Prince Alain would have to take his chances it seemed. Their actions were met with chuckles of amusement from the men standing behind Menelt. The Princess frowned and stepped around Ardena and Clagen.

"An attack on my life wouldn't be wise," she said authoritatively to the group.

Menelt glanced out behind her in the direction that they had come from. "And who would know who did it? My men are still loyal to me."

Another one of Menelt's men came jogging up to his side, his sudden presence causing Princess Estina’s small party to tense again.

"They weren't followed," they heard the man tell Menelt.

Princess Estina stood her ground while Ardena and Clagen looked around nervously.

"It's not worth it. He's not the one to ask," Clagen said quickly behind her. "Let's leave now while we still can."

Menelt's body took a relaxed pose. "I brought my men with me in case I needed the backup. In case your brother..."

"My brother is not a threat," Princess Estina said in a way that wasn't rude.

"That's not the brother I was referring to."

Princess Estina nodded in understanding. "Prince Yernal does not know that I'm here."

Menelt took a step closer, and Princess Estina and her small group edged back. "So, Princess, what is it that you wanted to talk about now that your entourage is no longer present?"

"I want you to train me how to fight and defend myself, in private," Princess Estina stated firmly. "Not just with swords, but fight with the axes and the bows."

Princess Estina squared her shoulders as she saw Menelt's eyes sweep over her in open assessment.

"And why would I do that when I would rather bend you over?" Menelt asked taking another step closer. "Why would you need to be trained to fight? Who are you but a sixteen-year-old child, fourth in line to the throne and destined to be sent away to Old Tehlea Lake to be promised to a man forty years your senior?"

Anger flickered over Princess Estina's face at his crude questions.

"He's definitely not the man to ask," Ardena said urgently, and her hand went protectively to the Princess' shoulder.

The Princess deliberated quickly. It was a miscalculation on her behalf, her virtue was at stake after all.

Ignoring Ardena's words, the Princess' face remained calm, and her next words came out firm and bitter determined to match Menelt's words with just as much vigor. "I make my own destiny, Clan Leader Menelt. The only thing I offer you is gold and my word that if it had been my choice, I would not have given you the ultimatum to give up your villages and your clan. My brother has weakened the border against the desert mobs, and he is too arrogant to acknowledge it."

Menelt began to circle her.

"You dare plan to oust your brother?" he asked.

Princess Estina looked around nervously to ensure no one had heard. "Of course not!" she spat. "The desert mobs are now focused on our weakened borders when they used to be more interested in the Talbecan Empire, are they not?" She continued before he could respond. "If my brother carries on with such haphazard decisions, I won't need to oust him. My plan is to build alliances so when he does fail and threaten to wreak havoc on this kingdom, I'll have the people behind me to stop it from happening."

"That's going to be a bit hard when you're going to be having a fifty-year-old co..."

"I would prefer you to keep your language in check around the Princess," Clagen interrupted.

Prince Alain threw a small coin bag through the air in front of Menelt, and he caught it with a quick hand before it hit the floor.

"You're not much to look at, are you?" Menelt sneered.

"No. But I have the brains," Prince Alain retorted.

"For the gold we get your training and your men's silence, all of your men," Princess Estina added.

Menelt opened the bag and put his hand inside.

"The first bag is for goodwill," the Princess continued. "For each training session, we will pay you four gold coins as we are not the wealthiest in our family, and we plan for our training sessions to run for some time."

Menelt tossed the bag to his First Advising Chief and they shared a look. "Meet me here tomorrow night," Menelt said, turning his gaze back to her.

The Princess tried to stop the smile of victory from coming across her lips. "Tomorrow," she replied and turned, tugging on her brother's arm.

"I can't believe we pulled that off," Ardena said as they hurried away.

"Neither do I!" She turned and held up her hand, revealing a sweaty palm.