Griffa woke up in a large bed. She looked up to see a ceiling painted with suns and stars. She shook her head slightly, trying to remember where she was. She had a few hazy memories of waking up and seeing some of the people she loved around her. She remembered Max holding her hand and giving her a drink of water. She remembered saying something to Talon that made him laugh. She remembered Addi kissing her cheek and walking away. She remembered Kedan sitting by her, watching her.

She noticed there was light coming from a window in the room. It seemed to her it must be way past morning. She felt something on her arm and look down to see a hand. She looked over in the large bed and realized she wasn’t alone. Over the covers lay Talon, smiling sadly at her.

“Are you awake for real this time?” asked Talon.

Griffa blinked rapidly. “What do you mean? How long have I been in this bed?”

“Three days for the most part. You have woken up a few times to eat and drink a little and do other things, but you have mostly slept. I’ve been worried about you, but Kedan and Max said you just needed time to heal,” said Talon looking at her. “How do you feel?”

Griffa stretched and groaned. She noticed she was in a nightgown that was too big for her. “I feel like I fell off the palace and got run over by a horse, but other than that I feel fine.”

“Max left some elixir here for you in case you are in pain. Would you like some? I can try to go find you protector if you wish, but I’d rather not leave you.”

“Where is Kedan and everyone else?” asked Griffa.

Kedan went with Max to go talk to the magical folk. They have been preparing the dead for a send-off. We are hoping to have a memorial in the next few days,” said Talon. Griffa could see tears forming in Talon’s eyes as his hand gripped her arm.

She looked down and away from Talon as she knew what he was going to say next.

“Griffa, I have to tell you. Ansel…” said Talon quietly.

Griffa looked up at Talon, and she felt tears come to her eyes. “I already know, Talon. I know he is gone. He is gone, and it’s my fault.” Tears fell freely down her cheeks.

Talon moved closer to her and put his arm around her. “I am so sorry, Griffa. I am, but it’s not your fault. He knew what he was choosing. It’s more my fault than yours. I wanted to do it for him, but he wouldn’t let me. I wish I could have saved him for you.”

Griffa put her face into Talon’s chest and sobbed as she shook her head. “No, it’s not your fault, Talon. I didn’t want to lose either of you.”

“What can I do, Griffa?” asked Talon. “Tell me what I can do to help you.”

“Just be here, and promise me you won’t leave me.”

“I will never leave you, Griffa. Whatever you need from me, I will do it,” said Talon before he kissed the top of her head.

Griffa laid in Talon’s arm and cried. She felt like she had already grieved for days for Ansel. She could still feel his arms around her as she prepared to leave him. She could still see him smiling at her as she walked through the door. Her dreams had been all of him while she had slept. He was gone, and it was hard to believe. She cried until there was nothing left in her. She looked up and saw tears on Talon’s cheeks. She moved slightly away from him and wiped her face.

“What about everyone else in the battle? Did we lose many people?”

Talon smiled sadly. “It wasn’t too bad, Griffa. You must not feel guilty about this.”

“I suppose one is too many, but I am sure it was a number I’d rather not hear at the moment,” said Griffa. “I don’t know if I could take it. Why aren’t you with Kedan and Max?”

“Somebody had to stay with you,” said Talon. “I told Max he was the blood of Adalwen, and the people would want to hear from him. Kedan hasn’t left this room since you got here. He needed to get out, so I convinced him to go. He didn’t want to leave, but I can be rather persuasive.”

Griffa smiled and laughed a little before she grimaced. Her body was very sore, she felt like she had been torn apart and put back together. “What about Addi?”

“She is sitting with Sidora in the room she was put in,” said Talon.

“Is Sidora alright?” asked Griffa with concern.

“She says she is fine and only tired,” said Talon shrugging. “She says she will not pass from this kingdom until she sees you crowned.”

Griffa looked down as she thought of this. She knew Sidora had helped Max bring her back from the dark place she was in. She had felt Sidora’s magic with Max’s as Griffa found her way back. She hoped it hadn’t been too much for Sidora.

Griffa looked back to Talon as she felt his hand go from her arm to her waist. He smiled at her slightly and stared at her with a serious look on his face. His thumb lightly rubbed against her side.

“What is it?” asked Griffa softly as she scooted closer to him.

Talon shook his head. “There is so much loss, Griffa. I don’t know where we go from here. I can’t imagine what you are going though losing Ansel. I know how much you loved him. I miss him too. It’s not supposed to be like this.”

“We will have to go on,” said Griffa feeling tears gather in her eyes gain. “I don’t know how I will be able to do it, but he made me promise we would go on. We will never be the same, I know that. I will always miss him. I will be changed by his loss, but I have to go on. I have a duty to my kingdom. I also have Max, Kedan, Addi, and you. I will go on for all of you.”

Talon nodded. “I want you to know that I will be here with you however you need me.” He paused and swallowed. “I don’t expect anything from you.”

“I know, Talon,” said Griffa feeling a few tears fall from her eyes. “You never have. You have loved me for so long with no expectations. I don’t know what our future holds, but I will always want you in my life.”

Griffa laid there close to Talon looking at him. She had been afraid she would never see him again. She loved him. She didn’t know what would happen in the future. Her grief for Ansel was so raw. She knew she would never get over losing him. She didn’t know if she could truly be with anyone ever again as she was with Ansel. She knew she would be expected to have to have children one day, but she could not begin to think of it now.

Talon held her quietly, and Griffa felt herself drift off again. She knew she should fight sleep, but she didn’t have the strength due to her grief. She snuggled against Talon and fell asleep.

When she woke up again, she was alone in the bed. She opened her eyes and looked over to find Max sitting next to her in a chair. He smiled sadly at her as she looked at him.

“How are you feeling, Griffa?” asked Max.

“I’m not sure,” said Griffa. “Where did Talon go?”

“He went to talk with Kedan and Camelia Belles to check on the magical folk in the city.”

Griffa sat up quickly. Her head swam and her body cried out in pain. She took a deep breath and steadied herself.

“I need to get dressed and go to my people in the city. I have things I need to do,” said Griffa.

“Wait, Griffa,” said Max putting a hand on her arm. “The people aren’t sick anymore. Whatever you did, healed those in the city. They are all doing well. Talon and Kedan went to start talking of your reign in Regventus. They want to get the people of the city on your side.”

“There are still things I need to do, Max. I want to go to the memorial service as well,” said Griffa tears coming to her eyes. “I need to go.”

Max grabbed Griffa’s hand and held it tight. “I know, Griffa. I don’t know what to say. I am so sorry. I can’t believe he is gone. I miss him so much already. I can’t imagine how you must feel.”

“I imagine you know exactly how I feel, Max. If anyone knows how I feel, it is you.”

Max nodded his head. “I will help get you through this. Just like you helped me. He loved you so much, Griffa. He didn’t even hesitate to give his life for yours. I wish I could have stopped him or found a different way, but there was no other way.”

“I know. I know how much he loved me, Max. I saw him on my way back here, or at least I think I did. Maybe it was some strange dream, but it felt real. He told me I had to go on. I will never get over losing him, but I will have to find a way to go on. We all will.”

“I should have foreseen it. I should have known when I knew we needed to change the line of protectors before Aurumist. I should have stopped this somehow,” said Max shaking his head.

“I don’t know if there was a way to stop it, unless you left me where I was,” said Griffa.

“He wouldn’t allow it. I shouldn’t have told him where you were, but I couldn’t leave you there, Griffa. I just couldn’t. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Max. None of this is what any of us wanted, but it happened. All we can do is try to live. I told you, you had to go on after Issa left us. I have to do the same now.”

Max nodded as he wiped his tears away. “Talon took care of him for you. He had the clerics come for him quickly. The memorial service will be in five days. If you aren’t able to come, I will handle his send-off.”

“I will make it to the service. I will honor Ansel and all of the fallen,” said Griffa as she wiped tears from her eyes. “How many did we lose, Max?”

“There has been loss in every village. It was more than enough, that is all I will say.”

“One would be more than enough, Max. I need to know.”

“I’m not sure of an exact number, but I would say it is less than a thousand. Abscon and the Valley were the hardest hit since they led the attack.”

Griffa felt more tears come to her eyes. She wiped one away quickly. “So much death. It can’t possibly be worth it.”

“It has to be worth it, Griffa, because you cannot bring any of them back. You saved the kingdom with their help. Everyone knew the risk they were taking. They gave their lives for you and this kingdom. We will honor them all, including Ansel, by living well and making the kingdom a place worth living.”

Griffa and Max sat in silence holding hands. Griffa could feel his love through their conjoined magic. They sat together and grieved silently, both finding consolation in each other’s broken heart. Eventually the door opened as Kedan and Talon walked into the room. Kedan walked over as Max stood up and let go of Griffa’s hand. Kedan took Max’s vacated seat and took Griffa’s hand. He kissed Griffa on the forehead.

“I am glad to see you awake, my queen,” he said quietly. Griffa could feel his magic flow through her, offering comfort.

Griffa brought his hand to her lips and kissed it.

“I’m so sorry, Griffa,” Kedan said quietly.

“How are you feeling, Griffa?” asked Talon.

“Like I very much need a bath. It has been a week since I have had a proper bath. I can’t imagine how bad I look.”

“I have never seen anything as beautiful as you right now, Griffa,” said Kedan quietly.

Griffa smiled. “I imagine I smell quite awful though.”

“I can find you a servant in the palace. The servants have been helpful since we came, but I would not like to leave you alone with them,” said Talon.

“Addi is with Sidora,” said Max. “I will go sit with Sidora, and tell Addi to come help you, Griffa. She will be glad to see you awake.”

Soon, Max came back with Addi and a couple of palace servants. Before long, Griffa was cleaned up and in a clean night gown and robe with her hair braided. She sat in front of the fireplace with Addi, Talon, and Kedan as they all ate from a platter of food in front of them. Eventually Max joined them, and Griffa spent the rest of the day quietly with those she loved. At night, she sent everyone to their own rooms, but Talon refused to leave her until she fell asleep.

He sat next to her holding her hand as she lay in bed. He stared at her as she looked at him.

“You look tired, Talon. You should go to bed. I’ll be fine,” said Griffa.

“No, I don’t want to leave you,” said Talon gripping her hand. “I know it’s sounds silly, but I’m afraid if I take my eyes off of you, you will disappear. I was so scared we had lost you. I thought you were dead, Griffa. I couldn’t take losing you.”

“I’m here, Talon. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I just hate you had to go through so much, that you still have to go through so much. It’s not right. You shouldn’t have lost him. It’s not fair. It’s not right that I am still here with you, and he is gone. It should have been me, and I should have made it so.”

“I hate that he is gone. It is still hard to believe, but my grief for Ansel will not make me regret that you are here with me, Talon.”

“You don’t understand, Griffa. I don’t deserve to be alive, I don’t. You don’t know how I really am. I have done so many awful things. I have hurt you, and disappointed you so many times. Griffa, when I thought Philo had killed you, I couldn’t handle it. The things I did to Philo and Helmer, and the things I wanted to do to them, it was so awful I can’t even tell you.

“It felt like everything good had left me and the kingdom when I thought you had died. I have never been good enough to deserve you, and I’ve proven it over and over. Kedan tried to tell us you were still alive, but I wouldn’t believe him. I lost all faith. Then when I could have done one thing to make sure you are always happy, I couldn’t make it happen. I should have stunned Ansel or thrown him off the dais. I shouldn’t have let him go get you. I disappointed you again. All I have ever done is disappoint you,” said Talon as he wiped at his eyes.

Griffa scooted over in the bed. “Come here, Talon,” said Griffa holding out her arms. He hesitated for a moment and then joined her in the bed. She held him as he cried.

“No, you do not disappoint me, Talon. You say you felt everything good left the kingdom when you thought I had died, but even if I had there would still be so much good left here, because you are here. You are so good. You always have been. You made mistakes like all of us, but you have always been a good man.”

Talon held on to Griffa as he cried. She bent down and kissed his forehead.

“Believe me, Talon. I had to do something rather drastic to save this kingdom, and your strength and love helped me do it. I wanted to do it for you. I don’t blame you for thinking I was dead. There was a good chance I wouldn’t ever make it back here, but I did. I hate that it took losing him so I could be here, but there is no changing it. I am here now with you. Together we are going to make it through all of this. It will not be easy, but we will find a way forward. We will rule and make Regventus as it should be.”

Talon’s cries lessened but he continued to hold on to Griffa. She held him as he calmed himself taking deep breaths. He pulled back slightly and lay next to her, his face very close to her, staring at her.

He whispered her name over and over as though he couldn’t believe she was there in front of him. He reached up and touched her face, seeming to look over her every feature.

“You are so beautiful and good, Griffa,” he whispered. “You deserve so much that I can’t give you. I will never be who he was for you. He should be here with you now. I am so sorry.”

“No, you can never be who he was to me just as he could never be who you are to me. My love for him does not diminish what I feel for you. If I had lost you, it would have been just as hard. He can’t be here with me now. He can’t be here with any of us, so we will cherish those who can be with us.”

She snuggled down into Talon as he wrapped his arms around her. They lay like that for several minutes. Every now and then Talon would kiss Griffa’s forehead gently. Griffa felt herself start to drift off, but before she fell asleep she heard Talon whisper very quietly.

“I love you, Griffa. I will always love you.”

The next day Griffa dressed with Addi’s help. She walked the halls with Addi at her side and Kedan at her back. She had sent Talon to work in the city on her behalf. There were many things that needed to be repaired, and there were injured people that need to be checked on. Griffa hoped she could go out into the city soon.

She had Addi show her to Sidora’s room. Addi left her at the door as Griffa walked into the room with Kedan to find Max sitting by the bed Sidora sat in. Sidora smiled as Griffa walked into the room. Max stood to allow Griffa to sit next to Sidora, and he pulled up a chair to sit close to Griffa. Kedan sat at the foot of the bed in a chair.

“Good morning, my queen,” said Sidora. “I am glad to see you are able to leave your rooms. I hope you are feeling well.”

“I am feeling better. I am sure I will have to take it easy for a few days. Other feelings will take longer to mend if they ever truly will. Luckily, I have many people who are willing to help me.”

“Luck has nothing to do with it, Gryphon,” said Sidora. “You have many folk who love and care for you because of who you are. Your heart will mend in time. It might be changed, but it will allow you to go on.”

“I still consider myself lucky to have all my loved ones. I will see in time if what you say of my heart is true,” said Griffa smiling slightly. “How are you?”

“I am fine. I am dying, but it is my time.”

“Dying?” asked Griffa. She wasn’t sure she could take any more death. “Is there not something that can be done?” Griffa looked at Max who smiled at her sadly.

“There is nothing that can be done, and I would not want anything to be done if it could be. I am ready, Gryphon. I am just grateful I will be able to live until your coronation. I am glad I could do my part to help you.”

Griffa took Sidora’s hand. Her held felt cold and still. She looked up at Sidora with surprise.

“Your magic,” said Griffa. “What has happened?”

“It took a lot of magic to bring you back, Griffa,” said Max. “You know it took a vast amount of sacrifice to bring you back here.”

“It’s why I knew I needed to help Maxwell,” said Sidora. “I was afraid if he did it alone, it would cost him his magic.”

Griffa turned and looked at Max.

“I am fine, Griffa. I have had no lasting effects from helping you.”

Griffa turned to look back at Sidora. So many sacrifices just for her. She didn’t feel worthy. “You did this for me and Max? You sacrificed yourself for us?”

“I am old, my queen. I have lived a full life. I knew you were special as soon as you were born. Your father made me forget some things, but even so I knew you would be an extraordinary woman. I have watch you grow into someone more than even I thought you would be. You deserve the chance to live your life. You deserve to rule as queen. I could not leave you in the dark place. I also could no let Maxwell be harmed. You will need him. He is also my family.”

“He is your family?” asked Griffa.

“Sidora is my great grandmother,” said Max. “She told me recently.”

“Gryphon, I think that means that you and I are practically family as well. I have the blood of Adalwen in me. It is not as strong as yours, but it is there. I have always felt connected to you. I am very proud of who you have become, my dear. Your father would be as well. I hope you know it.”

“Thank you,” said Griffa quietly. “I am not sure what to say. I could never tell you of my gratitude for what you have done. You saved me and Max. There is nothing I could ever do to repay the debt I owe you. I feel like there has been too much loss due to me.”

“You do not owe many anything, Gryphon. You know that is a fact. After all you have seen and learned, you know that as people we all need each other. You have done more for this kingdom than anyone could ever repay. Do you hold anyone in your debt?”

“No, I do not,” answered Griffa. “I would do it all again to save the kingdom. I expected nothing in return.”

“Then let us agree it is all settled. Ansel would not want you to feel you are in debt, Gryphon. He wants you to go on, you know he does. Do not waste the love he had and still has for you.

“Now, I am tired. I wish to rest so I can be sure to be there when you are crowned. You should rest too, my queen. You are better, but you are not completely well. You will have much to do in the days to come.”

Griffa spent the next few days building up her strength and resting. Maybell came to Aurumist the day before the memorial service. She brought with her several of Griffa’s clothes for which Griffa was grateful. She had been wearing some dresses borrowed from Camelia that Griffa had altered magically. She was glad to have her own things.

Maybell sat with Griffa and let her cry and talk of Ansel. They grieved together and talked of better times. Though it was hard and painful, it was also healing. It would take time, but Griffa could see a way forward might be possible with those who loved her.

On the day of the memorial service, she dressed in her dark blue dress with falcon sleeves. She pulled her hair up in braids and placed her crown upon her forehead. It would be the first time she had been seen by anyone outside the palace since the day of the battle. It would be hard day. She would have to speak to her people, and she would have to officially say goodbye to Ansel.

She heard a knock at her door before it opened.

“Griffa?” asked Kedan from the sitting room.

“I am in here, Kedan,” said Griffa.

He walked into her room, and she gave him a small smile.

“Everyone is gathered outside of the palace. Talon, and Max are waiting in the ballroom for you.”

Griffa nodded.

“I brought some things for you, Griffa. They were sent by the clerics a few days ago, but I have held on to them until now,” said Kedan as he raised his hand.

Griffa saw he held Ansel’s hat. She took it and held it in her hands, twisting it around. She felt the tears gather in her eyes as she pulled it to her chest.

“There was also this,” said Kedan as he pulled a thin chain from his pocket. Attached to the chain was the charm with the Keene symbol.

Griffa took is slowly from Kedan as looked down at it in her hand. She closed her palm and squeezed the charm, taking it over to her vanity and laying it there gently.

“Kedan, I think you should have this,” said Griffa as she held out Ansel’s hat.

“Griffa, I could never take it” said Kedan backing up slowly. “You will want it.”

“No, I want you to have it, for Zayden. Give it to your son, the next protector, when he is old enough. I think Ansel would want him to have it,” said Griffa.

Kedan moved forward and very carefully took Ansel’s hat back. He nodded. “I will take it for Zayden. I am sure he will treasure it. I will make sure he does, Griffa,” said Kedan. He placed the hat on the table by the bed. “I will come get it later today.”

“We should be going,” said Griffa as she wiped at her eyes.

Kedan nodded and offered her his arm. She took it and they walked out into the hall and towards the ball room together.

“How are you feeling, Kedan?” asked Griffa as they walked. “I haven’t had much chance to talk to you alone. Maybell brought your son with her, didn’t she?”

“She did. She helped put together a room for him that will work until we locate the protector’s quarters and set them to right. I am grateful for her help. I think she is going to miss having him at the manor.”

“I know she will, but she will come visit here, and I will travel to Abscon regularly. You will come with me.”

“I certainly will,” said Kedan. “I know this is a solemn day. I can’t imagine what you are feeling. I am sad for all the lives lost, but I cannot help but rejoice that you are still here, my queen. I was afraid we would lose you.”

“I am here, Kedan, and I owe much of that to you. When I was lost, I thought I would never find my way back. I sensed you and your magic hanging on to me. It gave me hope and something to cling to. It helped me find my way home. You saved me because you would not give up on me.”

“What I did was nothing. I knew you were still alive. I only stayed with you.”

“It was not nothing,” said Griffa as they came to the door of the ballroom. “Let me give you my gratitude and my love, Kedan.”

“I will take you love, Griffa, you have mine as well. I do not need your gratitude. You have done so much for me, I could never do enough for you.”

Griffa took a deep breath as they stood in front of the door of the ballroom. Kedan took her hand and squeezed it. She felt his magic come to her, giving her strength and comfort.

“This will not be easy,” said Griffa quietly.

“No, but you have never shied away from difficult things. You can and will do this, my queen. Your people need to hear from you, and you need to say goodbye to him.”

“I know, I wish I could say I was ready, but I don’t think I ever really will be,” said Griffa.

“I am here with you, Griffa. I will not let you do this alone,” said Kedan.

Griffa nodded as Kedan opened the door and she walked into the ballroom. Talon and Max stood by the doors to the balcony. They looked up as Griffa walked towards them. Talon walked forward and took her hand, and he led her to the doors by the balcony. Max and Kedan stood close to her as Max held a small silver box. Griffa felt herself tear up looking at it.

“We are about to begin. We have opened up the palace gates, and the people have gathered below. The clerics will speak from down below in front of the palace door. You will speak after the send-off song,” said Talon.

Griffa nodded as tears fell down her face. Talon moved very close to her.

“Are you feeling up to this,” he whispered. “You don’t have to do it.”

“I do. I need to do it for my people and for him,” said Griffa as she reached out to squeeze Talon’s arm.

He nodded and leaned back. Griffa walked up to the balcony doors, and Talon and Kedan opened them. Griffa walked out onto the balcony, and she saw that the sky was cloudy and gray. Winter had come, a thin layer of snow covered the ground below. She walked over the edge and looked out as Talon and Max walked out and stood at her side. Kedan stood slightly behind her. There were people as far as she could see. She looked down and could pick out Malchom and Desmona Delis. Desmona held a small silver box with Marcus Quick at her side.

Griffa listened as the clerics prayed. She closed her eyes as the song was sung by the clerics and the crowd. As the song ended, Talon grabbed her hand, looked at her and nodded. Griffa wiped her face quickly and took a steadying breath. She walked forward a little and cast a charm to magnify her voice. She looked over the crowd.

“We are here to honor and remember those amongst us who have fallen. All died before their time. They died to save their kingdom, and they died to for all of us. There is nothing I could say to honor them enough, but I will try. I have traveled the kingdom. I have met many of you, and many of those who fell. I have been amazed at the kindness, bravery, and love I have seen in the folk I have met. We have lost so much. What we have lost cannot be gained back.”

Griffa felt tears start to fall as her voice caught in her throat. Kedan stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. She felt his magic work to calm and comfort her. Talon touched her arm gently. She licked her lips and spoke.

“What we can do is move forward remembering those who died with every decision we make. We can always ask ourselves if what we are doing truly honors those who gave up their lives so we may live. I vow to you to live this way. I vow to you to rule this kingdom, always striving to build Regventus into a place worthy of those we have lost.

“Those who died left behind many loved ones. We will all have to face the future in this kingdom without them, but their love for us and our love for them is not limited by time or place. We know they have gone on. We call upon those who have gone before us to come and accompany our loved ones on their ways. I asked particularly for our own King Nathin to come and lead his folk to their next great adventure. We call upon our gods, the brother and sister, to watch over those we lost and us. We trust that one day we will meet with all of them again on our own journeys.”

Griffa paused as Max handed her the small silver box. Griffa held it in her hands for a moment before opening it up and letting the ashes fly into the air. People throughout the crowd opened their silver boxes. Griffa watched as ashes flew into the air and faded away.

“Journey well, dear ones. May you all find your next great adventure,” she said loudly. She waved her hand to undo the charm and whispered. “Goodbye, my love. I will see you someday.”

Griffa stood back between Max and Talon. Max took her hand as she leaned on Talon. They both had tears running down their face. She felt a warm sensation of comfort flow through her as Kedan put his hand on her shoulder. She let the tears she had held back fall from her eyes as she broke down and sobbed. The clerics below said the closing prayer, and Griffa stood up straight and wiped her eyes. Talon offered her his arm. She took it and they turned and walked back towards the ballroom.

A month later she walked into the old council meeting room. The long table had been replaced with a large round one. Griffa’s Ring stood around their chairs as she walked in. Griffa felt a lump in her throat looking at Ansel’s empty chair. Madam Sidora’s chair was empty as well. Griffa walked to her chair and called the meeting to order, and everyone sat down.

“There are a couple of things we need to speak of today,” said Griffa looking around the Ring.

“Can we first take a moment and recognize this is the first Ring meeting held in Aurumist in over 300 years?” asked Clara. “It has been a hard time, and I think a little celebration would be good.”

“Yes, Clara, you are right,” said Talon. “Let us recognize that this is a historic day. The rightful ruler is in control of Aurumist and soon she will be crowned.”

“We will talk of that in a moment,” said Griffa. “I thank you, Clara for recognizing this momentous occasion. It is important to celebrate. I wish I had something profound to say in this moment. I will only say that I am grateful for each of you. You have helped bring us to this place and time. Without each of you, we could not have retaken the city or saved the kingdom. As we go forward, I will need all of you. I will need your wisdom and council. I need you to tell me when I am wrong, and support me when you know I am right. May we move forward following the will of our gods and looking to the well-being of our folk.”

“Maybe not profound, but still well-spoken and appropriate, my queen,” said Talon looking out the side of his eyes at Griffa.

“I’ll let you handle the profound moments from now on, Talon,” shot back Griffa.

Talon winked at her, and Griffa slightly rolled her eyes.

“Now, before the coronation, I would like to have a full Ring. I have some ideas of whom to ask to join us and I would like your opinion. We were one short before the battle. I am afraid we will have to fill three spots as Sidora will not be joining us going forward. Max will now be considered the Ring’s diviner. We also lost another member…”

Griffa felt herself tear up.

“Who have you thought to join us?” asked Talon squeezing her hand lightly.

“I would like to ask Daracha of the Forrest of the Lowlands to join the Ring. She is of old magical folk. She served many years on the council of the Ancients secretly working against the powers of Aurumist. She gave us vital information to help us in our fight to take back the kingdom. I would hear your thoughts.”

“I do not know her well,” said Clara. “What I have heard is she is powerful, and she is loyal to you, my queen. I think that is a good start.”

“Kedan knows her the best here,” said Griffa. “What do you think of this decision, protector?”

“Daracha is wise. She will speak the truth to you. If you think she is a good choice, my queen, then I support it.”

“Talon, Max,” said Griffa. “You have met her. What is your opinion?”

“I think she would be a good ally to keep close,” answered Max. “As you said, she worked to help us when she sat on the council of Ancients. She risked much to give us needed information.”

“I think it is a good decision,” said Talon. “I believe she will serve well, if she will say yes.”

“If no one is opposed, I will send her a message to come speak with me as soon as she can,” said Griffa.

“Who else do you have in mind to add to the Ring?” asked Talon.

“I would like to add someone who is non-gifted. If we are going to rule all the folk of the kingdom, we should make sure all have some kind of representation,” replied Griffa.

“Do you have a non-gifted person selected, my queen?” asked Malchom Delis.

“Yes, I would like to ask Kaine Preiss from the village of Anplesent. I met him and his daughters when we visited the village. We have exchanged a message or two. He impresses me with the knowledge of the history of the kingdom and his wisdom. I believe he would be a good fit. I will not ask for your approval until you meet him.”

“You do not need our approval. This is your Ring,” said Max.

“That is true, but I would still like you all to approve. We all will work together. I want to make sure we are all comfortable with one another,” said Griffa. “I will ask him if he will come to Aurumist soon. We can all meet him and see if he and we are interested.”

Everyone seemed to agree on this idea, so Griffa continued. “For the last spot of my Ring, I would like to ask Bettina Devins. She is young, but she has led her folk for many years. I believe she is wise and will speak the truth. I hope you will all agree with this decision, but if you have any concerns, I ask that you state them now.”

“She is young, but I agree that she is all you say,” said Talon. “I doubt she will want to leave her village, but if she believes she can lead her village and serve on the Ring, I see no problems with her joining us.”

Everyone else seemed satisfied so Griffa moved on.

“I understand, Talon and Kedan have a report about the status of the city.”

“Yes, Talon and I have worked in the city since a few days after the battle. My protector’s guards have been patrolling the city as well. We, with the help, of other magical folk have repaired most of the rings. The fourth ring took the brunt of the damage so work still continues there.”

“The protector’s guards have found several small cells of those who still would follow the Ancients,” said Talon. “They call our queen the false queen. They have fought against the guards.”

“What have you done with these folk that you find?” asked Griffa.

“Some of been killed in battles with the protector’s guards. Others are being held under guard until you pass judgement on them, my queen,” answered Talon.

“What would you do with them, Talon?” asked Griffa.

“They talk of killing you, my queen. They want to find others who will join them to take the city back from you. I don’t think there can be any punishment but one, as much as you may not want to hear it.”

“I’m not sure we can have every person in the kingdom who opposes me killed, Talon,” said Griffa. “From this point on, we will give people a choice. They can choose to live in this kingdom under my rule, or they can leave. If they choose to stay and work to hurt the kingdom or me, then they will suffer punishment based on severity of crime. The lands all have laws now, and we had them in the time of Queen Agatha. We will work to look over them, and see that they are just.”

“What of those we have imprisoned already in the city?” asked Kedan.

“Give them a choice. They have shown they do not want to live in this kingdom as it is now. They can choose to leave, and we will make sure they do, or they can choose death,” said Griffa.

“What about Cecelia Quick?” asked Kedan. “She is being held as well.”

“Give her the same choice,” said Griffa. “She knew what her husband had planned, she is culpable. Does anyone disagree with these decisions? Talon?”

Talon sighed, “No, you show more mercy than I would have, but I will support your decision. I suppose you want to give the same options to the few viceroys who survived the battle.”

“Have you spoken to the Viceroys, Talon?”

“I have,” answered Talon.

“What did they have to say?”

“They said they only followed Philo because of fear. They wish to serve you in any way you see fit. They swear loyalty to you.”

“Max, what would you do with them?” asked Griffa.

“I would make them swear loyalty to you after you are crowned. It will be good for those in the lands to see there is a new way,” answered Max.

“You should strip them of their titles, and homes,” said Clara. “If they want to live in this kingdom, they will have to find a new way to do it.”

“Very well, after I am crowned, I will meet with these Viceroys. They will swear loyalty to me or face deportation or death. They will be stripped of any titles and holdings. We will provide for them a way to start again. Is there any discussion on these decisions?”

There was silence.

“Thank you,” said Griffa. “Is there anything else you have to report, Talon?”

“Only that while most of the city is safe, you will not travel anywhere outside the palace without your protector,” said Talon. “He should remain close to you even when you are in the palace, especially when you are out of your rooms.”

“I will take that as advisement that you surely meant and not the command it sounded liked.”

“Griffa,” said Talon quietly.

“It is a wise advisement, and I will follow it,” said Griffa. “What else do we need to speak of today?”

“Your coronation,” replied Talon. “When would you like to hold it.

“We must honor the fallen with a mourning period and take care of the issues in the city first. I would also like to take some time before I take the crown,” said Griffa bowing her head.

“I understand. The folk will want you crowned soon, but I think taking time to mourn and heal is a good idea,” said Talon. “You are our queen, the coronation will make it official, and it must be done right. We will need to take the time to get it right.”

“He’s right,” said Clara. “I think a coronation the first day of summer would be splendid. That will give us a six month morning period for the fallen.”

“I agree a summer coronation would be best. Folk will be able to travel in the good weather, and it will be well past seedtime. I will see that the crown of Aurumist is brought here, soon,” said Malchom.

Griffa nodded. “I thank you for giving me time. I will be happy to hold a coronation in six months, on the first day of summer.”

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