Wisp helped prepare the small rickety table. Cloth covering the splitting wood, Mother prepared the finest plates and silverware, setting it down in perfect formation.

The two wore dresses, freshly ironed and cleaned. It would be embarrassing if they over-prepared. They only wanted to show respect to their guests.

Mother was finalizing the feast when there was a rapid knock. Both panicked, they were already here?

Wisp ran to the door, not wanting to keep anyone in the cold for too long. Cold wind entered, Kin stood at the door wheezing. He must have ran ahead to help with preparations.

“He's almost here. The crowd caught up and now he’s speaking to them.” He sat in a cushioned chair. “You two did well. This is fit for a king! Get it? It’s for the king!” He shrugged off his coat, resting it on the empty rack. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Light the fire place and candles,” she smiled, focusing away from the stove.

Boasting his powers, fire appeared at his fingertip. He lit the candles, melting Mother’s heart. She adored everything about him, even his pyro abilities.

Wood crackling, dinner set out. Everything was ready for Croun. Kin waited by the icy window, watching for Croun. Wisp sat down, the chair creaked under her. She would not embarrass Mother or Kin tonight. She refused to disappoint.

“He’s coming. Try not to overwhelm him, but I know you’ll do well.” He approached the door, “I may have to thaw him out.”

“Just having him here is an honor, do what must be done.”

Kin hurried outside, closing the door. Mother prepared a place on their antique couch for Croun. Wisp worried about her, she was so nervous to welcome a king and friend to her shabby home. Due to the long winter, food was stale and Mother worried about her inadequate skills.

“Mom, please don’t worry. Everyone understands that the food isn’t adequate. Croun won’t judge you or anything.” They finished preparing the couch. Their finest blankets and pillows set out.

The door swung open, Kin helped Croun in. A crowd had gathered outside. Kicking the door shut, Kin set him down on the couch. His clothing was too light for the weather. Croun took his hat and boots off, handing them to Kin so they could dry.

“The storm is picking up. I hope I can make it back tonight.”

“Excellency, don’t fret. You came to relax, let us ease you tonight. Although food is not good at this time, I still prepared a meal for you.”

“Yes, I remember now. My mind is frozen like my body.” Bundled in blankets, Croun lied down. “Thankfully this may be the last blizzard for a long time.”

Kin used his powers to warm his king. Mother closed the blinds so none could invade their limited privacy.

“How are your injuries, Croun?” Wisp spoke, hoping she didn’t sound like a pest.

“I never thought a little brat—I mean a Child of Destiny—could be stronger than me. At the Kensi Fort my injuries were tended to luckily.” He sighed, “Don’t worry I’m just sore now.”

Mother helped Croun sit up. “Why don’t we go to the table and eat? I’m sure that you’re both tired after a long day.”

“Honestly, Moneca, you’re too kind. I can’t bear to be around the others right now. They keep whining about the next attack, what we should do next and things like that. It’s insane.”

Everyone took a seat at the table. They served themselves humbly, taking fair rations of beans, eggs, and rolls.

“And with the . . . recent discovery, things are getting even more lively at the castle.” Kin ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s awful. Thank you for letting us stay tonight. Both of us need to escape from the madness.”

“Discovery?” Wisp questioned. “Another Child of Destiny?”

“Am I allowed to tell her, Croun?”

“I plan on revealing it to the public after the treaty is signed, so go ahead.”

“They will sign?”

“They will. Our translators just need to teach them how to write their names.”

Wisp glanced at Mother, just as confused as her. What leader didn't know how to write their name? Was it a leader?

“What are you talking about?” Mother finally spoke up.

“Well, erm,” Croun stared at the candle. “Kin and myself funded an exploration team a while ago. They explored the Forbidden Lands and—”

“No! They went there?!”

“Let me finish, Moneca.” Croun tore at the roll. “They found a tribe there. A small, but very powerful group of warriors.”

“Oh awesome!” Wisp was awed. “Are they humans? Where do they live in the Forbidden Lands? How strong are they?”

“Well, they are indigenous to Fynne. They’re green, have six—”

“Four arms, four fingers, three toes. Transparent wings, nine to thirteen feet tall. They have advanced weapons and worship the Children of Destiny. Three pupils per eye, four eyes, they have thermal vision.” Kin paused, trying to remember more facts. Realizing he was geeking out over them, he blushed. “They—erm—communicate in chirps. Yeah . . .”

“I’m glad I chose you to handle this situation Kin. The Kuwagians are proud to talk to you.”

“How do you communicate with them?”

“Abyssals. We speak through thoughts.”

“Fascinating!” Wisp was at the edge of her seat. Like her step-father, Wisp was addicted to learning about everything. “What do they eat? How fast do they fly? Do they have a king?”

“We aren’t going to run tests on them. The only exception was trying to help one of their blind see and learning that they don’t view the world as we do. They usually eat anything they can gather or hunt. Thankfully we were spared. Their leader is a great warrior named Magoro. The have a revered soothsayer named Hillers, in our language.”

“Does the soothsayer know about the Children of Destiny?”

“I believe so, but we don't want to push anything onto them.” Croun smiled, finishing his second helping of food. “Once the treaty is sealed, Seacresia is the last neutral kingdom. I heard that the prince and princess are young, and King Andro doesn’t care if they join. If we can secure their loyalty, it will be four kingdoms against the Crimsons. They will be forced to surrender and Fynne will be at peace!”

“Avillia allied with us? Since when?” Mother was trying to comprehend all of this.

“A few months now, but I try to keep it secret. I fear spies.”

“I understand. This all makes me so happy! Peace is truly near and we can all be safe from the Crimsons once more!”

“And with Wisp and all other trainees, it shall be obtained so much faster. So thank you, Wisp. Thank you for being such an amazing child.”

“Shall we have a toast then? To peace and good fortune?” Kin offered raising his glass a little.

“To our new allies, our new knowledge.” Croun contributed, lifting his glass a little.

“And to finding the other Children of Destiny.” Wisp added. Mother remained silent, but joined in the cheer. Their glasses clicked together as they laughed. Wisp giggled. She had a good feeling about these Kuwagians. Deep within her heart, she hoped that the war would end soon, and she was willing to do anything to help.