Griffa sat against a tree on the edge of a small village in the Grasslands holding a message she had received from Abscon. It didn’t contain anything overly important. Malchom Delis was checking in with Griffa to let her know all was well. He wrote that all was set up for him to have regular communication with Clara in the Valley.

Griffa pushed back some wild, dark red curls that had fallen in her face and adjusted the thin crown that sat on her forehead. She looked out at village around her. It seemed to be a quiet place filed with simple families. She had already met with the healers of the village, giving out plenty of vials of the cure. She had been able to visit with a few who were ill, providing as much comfort as she could.

They had been traveling in the Grasslands for a little more than a week. They had visited several villages brining the cure for the sickness. They had stayed in small inns and out in the fields at night. Along the way, they had visited small hidden magical communities trying to find support for the forces they were creating to help them take Aurumist and save the kingdom. They had experienced a mixed reception.

Some were ready to join their cause, wanting the kingdom to be ruled once again by one with the blood of Adalwen. Others saw no reason for a change in leadership as their lives had not been affected. Griffa and her traveling companions had tried to explain the threat to the kingdom, but some folk didn’t want to listen.

Griffa looked over at Kedan and Ansel talking with a group of ten protector guards. They had just arrived this morning to join their group as Kedan and Ansel had sent another group home to rest. The guards were constantly patrolling outside and inside the villages, looking or any threats to the queen, so to keep them rested and refreshed was important. Griffa heard someone approach from her right. She turned and smiled to see Addi Vin walking towards her.

“I take it this means you are ready to leave?” asked Griffa standing up to meet Addi.

“Yes, my queen, I hate to leave you, but my mother has called me home. She is holding a council meeting and says I am needed.”

“I understand, Addi, and don’t forget you must call me Griffa when we are alone.”

Addi smiled tucking a bit of her straight dark brown hair behind her ear. “I will join you again after your rest in Abscon. That is, if you would wish it.”

Griffa hooked Addi’s arm with her own. “Of course, I wish it. I enjoy having you with me. You have quickly become a very dear friend of mine.”

Griffa was enjoying having another woman around in the midst of all the men who surrounded her. After Issa’s death, Griffa had not only been sad to lose Issa, but she had missed having a female friend. There were many things she just couldn’t talk to with her protector, Max, Talon, or even Ansel. As much as she loved and trusted all of them, they couldn’t understand some of her feelings like Addi.

“Now, let me walk you into the fields so you can travel safely,” said Griffa pulling Addi slightly.

“I’m not sure that’s such a great idea,” said Addi pulling Griffa back and releasing Griffa’s arm. “I am not sure your protector would like you so far away from him.”

“It is not very far, and I do wish for a walk. I have been sitting here all morning waiting for Kedan and Ansel to finish.”

Addi didn’t look convinced. “I do not like the idea of you walking back by yourself, Griffa.”

Griffa looked over Addi’s shoulder to see Talon coming out of a small inn. “Very well, I will make sure I have company on my walk back then.”

Griffa waved at Talon and motioned him over. She saw Addi give a small eye roll. Griffa smiled slightly at Addi as Talon walked towards them.

“Do you not enjoy Talon’s company, Addi?” asked Griffa

“Why do you ask? He is the leader of my village and from a fine family. I happily serve on his council.”

“Addi,” said Griffa laughing slightly. “I hope you know you can always speak your mind with me.”

“He’s just very loud. He never seems to stop talking,” said Addi quietly.

Griffa laughed louder. “He does like to hear the sound of his own voice, but am I any different?”

“Of course,” said Addi with wide eyes. “You are so kind. You may talk more than someone like me, but what you say always adds value.”

“I’m not sure I would agree,” said Griffa. “Talon is often very wise, and I hope he has not been unkind to you.”

“No, he hasn’t,” said Addi, “but my mother has told me a little of his past. I have seen some of his behavior as well.”

Griffa shrugged her shoulders slightly. “I can assure you he is a good man, Addi, despite his past mistakes. I would not wish you to be uncomfortable around him. He is one of my dearest friends, and the second on my Ring. You should get to know him better.”

“I will try,” said Addi as Talon approached them.

“What will you try, Addi?” asked Talon as he stood next to Griffa.

“She will try to put up with her loud and unnecessarily verbose queen,” said Griffa smiling at Addi.

Talon looked at Griffa. “I seriously doubt she used those words to describe you. It sounds more like me, to be honest.”

Addi gave a small laugh

“Well, at least you are self-aware,” said Griffa turning to Talon. “What were you doing in that inn?”

“I was arranging our lunch,” said Talon.

“That is nice of you. I’m sure it has nothing to do with that pretty young bar maid working this morning, who was particularly interested in seeing that you were well served last night,” said Griffa.

“You will tarnish my reputation in front of one of my council members, Griffa,” said Talon shaking his head.

“You’ve done enough of that yourself,” said Addi quietly.

Talon turned sharply to look at Addi as Griffa gave a loud laugh. “Come now, Talon, you can’t disagree with her. As someone who has a past herself, I understand that we all have to live with our past actions.”

“Is this why you called me over here, my queen?” asked Talon with annoyance. “To go over my past indiscretions.”

“No,” said Griffa grabbing Talon’s arm. “I was hoping you could escort your queen out of the village on a short walk. Griffa leaned forward and whispered in Talon’s ear. “And as one of your past indiscretions, I always appreciated the experience you gained from you encounters.”

Talon smiled down at Griffa as she looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. “I will of course do as you wish,” said Talon as he gave her a very slight, friendly shove.

“Good,” said Griffa moving slightly away from Talon. “You will walk with Addi and me out into the field so Addi may travel into the Valley. Then you can see my safely back into the village.”

“Should we tell Kedan and Ansel you are walking out of the village?” asked Talon.

“No, we will not be gone long, and they seem very occupied at the moment,” answered Griffa. She turned to Addi. “Come along, Addi, you need to get going or your mother will worry.”

Griffa walked out into the field on Talon’s arm, and Addi close by her side.

“Do you know why your mother has called a council meeting, Addi?” asked Talon.

“No, I am sure it is nothing unusual, or she would have contacted you,” replied Addi.

“I hope she does not mind you accompanying me on this trip,” said Griffa. “I know she worries about you, but I promised to her I would keep you safe. I will see to that promise.”

“I doubt she has any worries on that account, my queen,” said Addi smiling. “She and I both know you are trustworthy.”

“I am glad to hear it, and please call me Griffa.”

They walked on until they were well away from the village. Addi walked a little ahead of them and turned to face Griffa and Talon. Griffa walked up to Addi and took her hands.

“I will miss you. I hope you are able to accompany me when we leave Abscon again,” said Griffa.

“I will travel with you wherever you go next, my queen, I mean Griffa.”

Griffa squeezed Addi’s hands and kissed her cheek. “Safe travels, Addi. Send me a message if you can. I would enjoy hearing from you while I am stuck with all these men.”

“I will, Griffa,” said Addi as Griffa let go of her hands and stood by Talon. “Talon, is there any message you have for my mother?”

“No, just let her know she can contact me at any time if anything of importance comes up,” replied Talon.

Addi nodded. She gave one more smile to Griffa, turned and disappeared. Talon offered Griffa’s his arm, and she took it. He pulled her close, and they walked slowly back to the village.

“I take it I’m not high on Addi Vin’s list of trustworthy folk,” said Talon.

“It would seem not, but she barely seems to know you. That seems strange seeing how you grew up in the same village.”

“We were very different. She was always very quiet and shy. Still, she seems to like you well enough, Griffa.”

“We have quickly become friends. She is a sweet girl and rather funny when she wants to be. I like having her around. I will miss her.”

“I will keep you entertained in her absence,” said Talon happily. “I rather think you have been ignoring me lately.”

“Hardly, Talon, it is you who has been busy flirting with every pretty thing in a skirt on this trip. I doubt you have missed any attentions from me.”

“It is easier to get information on the area from those pretty things if you flirt with them. All I do is in service to you, my queen.”

“Is that so? Well, I appreciate you taking on such an odious task. Please do not think you have to keep doing it on my account.”

“You sound rather jealous,” said Talon as Griffa pulled her arm away from Talon.

Griffa stopped and looked at Talon. She felt her face go red. “Trust me, I am not jealous of you talking to some bar maids and shop girls. How you spend your time is your own business.”

Griffa walked faster away from Talon. She wasn’t sure why, but he was annoying her at the moment.

“Griffa,” called Talon after her.

She could hear him rushing to catch up with her. Griffa stopped to turn back towards him, when she heard horses running towards her from her left. She turned to see two horses heading straight for her. She was too shocked to react. The two horses each had two riders who seem to be boys of various ages. As the horses approached, they slowed slightly, and Griffa could see that one boy held a bow and arrow. He turned and Griffa watched in horror as the boy let his arrow go hitting Talon in the shoulder. Talon stumbled, falling on one knee. Another boy jumped off the other horse and grabbed Griffa while she was staring at Talon.

Griffa looked and saw Talon had regained his footing. The horses circled around. Talon raised his hand and the horse with the two riders reared up and threw the boys off its back. Griffa pushed out her arms and the boy who held her was thrown backwards. Griffa ran over to Talon, and they both held their hands out as the horse ran back towards them. Griffa pushed out and the horse came to a complete stop. It laid down and rolled over. Its rider pushed off and rolled away.

Griffa quickly turned to Talon and watched as he tried to pull out the arrow.

“Don’t do that,” said Griffa grabbing Talon’s hand. “That will cause more damage.”

Talon looked at Griffa. “Do you suggest I leave it in there?” he asked irritated.

“No, let me handle it,” said Griffa.

She placed her hand by the arrow and closed her eyes, twisting her hand. She opened them and watch the arrow dislodge itself and pull out as Talon gave a grunt. As the arrow fell to the ground, she quickly unbuckled his cloak and pushed down his shirt to look at his shoulder. She placed her hand over the wound. Talon closed his eyes as Griffa concentrated. The wound closed up, leaving the spot angry and red.

“I’ll put something on it when we get back into the village,” said Griffa pulling his shirt back up.

Talon nodded. “It feels fine.”

He grimaced as he pushed Griffa behind him gently and looked at the four boys who had now gathered in front of them. They were cut up and filthy. One of the boys leaned heavily on the oldest boy. Talon had his hand raised, when Griffa put her had on Talon’s arm. She looked at the boys to find the youngest one was around ten. The oldest looked no older than sixteen.

“Wait, Talon,” said Griffa quietly. “Don’t hurt them, yet. Let me speak with them.”

“Are you serious, Griffa?” asked Talon. “They tried to take you, and tried to kill me.”

“Just trust me, please,” said Griffa.

Talon huffed but lowered his hands.

“Why have you attacked us?” asked Griffa loudly, looking at all four boys.

“You are the false queen, aren’t you?” asked the oldest boy.

“She is no false queen,” said Talon angrily. “She is the true Queen of Regventus.”

“Why is she hurting the kingdom then?” asked another of the boys. “Why is she making so many people sick.”

Griffa frowned and her eyebrows came together. “What are you talking about? I have not made this illness. I have been trying to stop it.”

The oldest boy gave a cold laugh. “They said you would say that.”

“Who?” asked Griffa. “Who said I would deny causing the sickness. I guarantee you it’s true. I’ve done nothing but work to stop the spread of the illness since it began.”

“Viceroy Alis has sent out information all over the Grasslands telling us all about you. If we can bring you to her alive, we will be richly rewarded. We know everything you have done. How you broke into the palace and tried to kill the Ancient Council. How you kidnapped and enchanted our king. You killed the king’s advisor because he was trying to stop you from spreading the sickness all around Regventus,” said the oldest boy.

“Our mama and papa will die because of you,” said the youngest boy.

Griffa knew her face looked shocked, but she shouldn’t have been. She should have known Philo would start spreading lies about her to achieve his goals.

“This is nonsense, Griffa,” said Talon shaking his head. “We should get back to the village.”

“No,” said Griffa. She saw that the boy leaning on the boy must have hit a rock or a sharp stick rolling off the horse. She could see blood seeping through the boy’s shirt. She walked slowly toward the group of boys, and they all stepped back except the oldest one.

“Don’t come any closer,” said the oldest boy. “I know you can do horrible things, but I will find a way to hurt you if you go near my brothers.”

Griffa smiled slightly. “Your brother is hurt. He needs tending to quickly. I won’t hurt him, I promise. Bring him to me yourself if you would like. I can heal him.”

The oldest boy looked at his younger brother who was holding his side. He looked like he might fall at any time.

“Please,” said Griffa. “What can I do to show you I won’t hurt any of you?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial. “I have a cure for the sickness with me. After I help your brother, I will go to your home and help your mother and father.”

“Griffa,” seethed Talon. “I don’t think that is a good idea.”

“Hush,” said Griffa turning slightly to Talon. She turned back to the boys. “Please, let me help you. I mean you no harm.”

The boy with the wound looked at his brother and nodded. The oldest brother sighed. “Fine, but I will bring him to you. If you try anything, you will regret it.” He pulled a long knife from a case on his belt.

“I won’t do anything, but help your brother,” said Griffa. “Bring him to me.”

The oldest boy grabbed his brother and put his arm around his shoulder. They slowly approached Griffa as she smiled at them. She looked at the injured brother.

“What is your name?” asked Griffa kindly.

The boy looked at her. She could see he was shaking. “Leeron.”

“Leeron, I’m going to raise your tunic slightly to see the wound. I will try to be gentle and not hurt you.”

Griffa slowly raised the tunic and saw the wound was a good size puncture wound. She wasn’t sure what he fell on, but it had done some damage. Griffa placed her hand carefully just over the wound and concentrated. She felt her magic work to close the wound. The boy made a loud gasp and then closed his eyes and sighed. Griffa took her hand away and the wound was closed leaving only a little redness. Griffa pulled the boy’s tunic down and looked at him.

“You might want to put some ointment on it if you have some, but it should be healed nicely in a couple of days.”

The oldest boy looked at Griffa. “What is your name, false queen?”

Griffa looked into the eyes of the oldest boy. “My name is Gryphon Keene of the line of Adalwen. I am the true queen of this kingdom. My companion is Talon Wendell. We are here in the Grasslands to help stop the illness and visit some of our fellow magical folk. The only thing I want is to help my people and bring peace to Regventus.”

The boy stared at Griffa, his eyes wide. “You say you can help our parents?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” said Griffa. “Can you take us to them?”

The boy nodded and pointed. “It is not far. Just over that way on the left edge of the village.”

“Take us there now. I will help your parents,” said Griffa.

The boy nodded and looked at his brothers. “Grab the horses and have them walk with us.”

“Trev, are you sure this is wise?” asked one of the brothers.

Trev looked at Griffa and nodded. “She healed Leeron and says she can save mama and papa. We have to take the chance.”

Griffa turned to Talon and motioned for him to follow. He walked up to Griffa’s side, and they followed the brothers.

“Griffa, this is insane,” said Talon quietly. “What if they decide to take you to gain the reward?”

“Really, Talon, you think any of them have a chance against you and me? Do you think I can just ignore the fact that their parents are sick?”

Talon took a deep breath. “No, but this is the kind of risk you shouldn’t be taking. You are out here without your protector. Ansel and Kedan have no idea where we are. If something happened to us, they would never know.”

“We will be fine. If you are worried for yourself, stay close to me. I will protect you,” said Griffa smiling and looking at Talon out of the corner of her eyes.

“Really, Griffa,” said Talon in an exasperated tone. “Please just promise me if anything seems out of sorts, we will find a way to leave quickly.”

“I do promise, but I don’t foresee any problems.”

They walked on until they came to a small farm just outside the left side of the village’s outer ring. The two youngest boys took the horses towards the barn while the two oldest led Griffa and Talon to the small house. They walked in, and Griffa immediately could smell the strong stench of sick. She took deep breaths, steadying herself. It was always hard to be amongst her people who had the illness.

The boys motioned for Griffa to follow them to a small bedroom in the back.

“Wait here, Talon,” said Griffa as they stood in a small sitting room.

“You can’t think I’m going to leave you alone in that room,” said Talon

“I will be fine. Wait here and rest. You have been injured. I won’t be long.”

“Griffa,” said Talon clearly annoyed.

“Don’t argue, please,” said Griffa putting her hand on Talon’s arm. “Trust me, I will be right out.”

Talon rolled his eyes but nodded. He sat down heavily in a chair.

Griffa followed the brothers to the back bedroom. The room was dark and cool. A small candle burned on a bedside table. Griffa walked over slowly to the woman. She placed her hand on the woman’s forehead, feeling she was sweaty and feverish. The woman blinked and opened her eyes. She looked at Griffa and gasped.

“Hello,” said Griffa softly. “I am here to help you. Your boys brought me, and I have a way to help you feel better.” Griffa reached in her pocket and pulled out a small vial. “You will need to drink this. I promise it is very safe.”

The woman moved her head slightly and looked at Griffa. She raised her hand slowly, and Griffa moved her hand off the woman’s forehead and took it. She seemed to want to say something, but couldn’t make out the words.

“Please just drink this,” said Griffa pulling the top off of the vial.

Griffa put the vial to the woman’s lips and tipped it back so the woman would drink it. The woman swallowed hard. Griffa then put her hand back on the woman’s forehead and closed her eyes. Griffa concentrated, helping the woman to fall asleep peacefully.

Griffa quickly walked over to the man. When she felt his forehead, she could tell he was much sicker. He did not open his eyes. She quickly pulled out the vial and opened it. She used her hand to tilt the man’s head up. She placed the vial on the man’s lips and opened them enough to pour the liquid in. The man opened his eyes partially and automatically swallowed as Griffa poured the liquid in his mouth. He then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Griffa walked over to the two oldest boys and nodded. They all moved to the small sitting room in the front of the house. Talon stood up as they entered as Griffa looked at the two brothers.

“I believe they will pull through. Your mother should be much better by tomorrow. Your father may take a few more days as he is very sick. Make sure they both drink plenty of water. They will need to eat as soon as they can. Do you have enough supplies here?”

“Yes,” said Trev with a small smile. “We are well stocked for the coming winter.”

“Good,” said Griffa. “I will be leaving the village tomorrow morning, but I am staying in the inn tonight. If you need anything before I leave, please come and find me.”

“Thank you,” said Trev. “I still don’t know what to think of you, but if you have truly healed my parents, I will owe you greatly.”

“You will owe me nothing,” said Griffa. “I only want my people to be safe.”

“You should be careful in town,” said Leeron. “Others will be wanting to capture you for the reward. We were told to kill your companions.”

“How have you received this information about the queen?” asked Talon.

“They sent messengers out throughout the village to spread the word,” said Trev. “We heard of it in the middle of town two days ago. They told us what you would look like.”

“We need to get back, my queen,” said Talon. “We will need to warn the others.”

Griffa nodded. “Keep safe,” said Griffa to the brothers. “I hope the gods bring you safely through the winter.”

She walked out with Talon, and they made their way quickly to town.

“This is not good news,” said Talon as they walked. “We should have known Philo would spread false rumors of you. Now everyone in the kingdom will be trying to take you, Griffa.”

“It is not ideal, but we already knew I would be targeted. We shall have to be more vigilant, maybe move quicker through the kingdom.”

“You will need to not be away from your protector. No more side trips without Kedan,” said Talon seriously.

“How is your shoulder?” asked Griffa as they approached the town.

“It is sore, but I am sure you have something to help it when we reach the inn.”

Griffa nodded. “You will be feeling completely well very soon. I would hate to make you miss a night with your bar maid.”

“Griffa, you aren’t really jealous of some woman in a random village, are you?”

“No, and I have no right to be if I was. You can do whatever to whoever you would like. I do not have a right to control your life.”

Talon grabbed Griffa’s hand and brought her close to his side. “That may be true, but you know where you stand in my life. They only thing I care about right now is your safety. I will do everything I can to keep you alive and well.”

“I know, Talon,” said Griffa. “But like I said you are free to spend your time however you like. I have no right to tell you, you can’t bed bar maids.”

Talon laughed, and he brought Griffa’s hand up to his lips and kissed it. “I have no interest in bedding bar maids. I’d rather spend my time arguing with a queen.”

Griffa shook her head and smirked at Talon. “Well, I am happy to oblige you at any time.