Quinn yawned and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to overcome the wave of tiredness that had just hit him. The sudden noise caused Wyen to glance up from his own work nearby. Since the king had told them about abdicating in a year’s time, both had seen their workloads increase as they began to take on more responsibility in efforts to ease the transition of power when it came.

It had been three weeks since Rebecca had reattached Jekru’s leg, and they had stayed in the Perumin territory to keep watch over her, since she had yet to leave. Although Quinn wished to visit with her everyday, citing that he needed to be near her in order to receive the undying love she had for him, Wyen had controlled his friend’s visits to every other day with no mentions of love or marriage. Instead, Adelade spent just about every day with Rebecca, aiming to form a close friendship with her that could be exploited later on.

"It's about time for dinner," Quinn said with a glance out the window, "Let's just finish here for today."

He handed Wyen the all of his work and rose from the desk.

“Are we ready to rule?” Quinn asked as he stood before the window and continued to gaze out.

Wyen paused from placing the documents in a magically sealing tube, designed to secure such things, as he found the question unexpected. He thought for several minutes before replying, which Quinn did not rush.

“I do not think anyone is truly ready for leadership. They can do their best to prepare and say they are ready, but it is a process where one must grow. Why do you ask?”

The setting sun caused Quinn to squint as its light poured through the luxurious glass. Much like he had just given Wyen, the elf gave him a moment to think.

“The life we know now is like the setting sun, about to disappear from our grasp. All the remaining freedoms of youth to be expunged for the dark reality of true adulthood. My father has seen the dawn from his night, realizing his time of duty is past. I suddenly was left wondering if this is how he felt years ago.”

Wyen came and stood next to him.

“Even in the dark, there is light. You’re seeing only the darkness. If the setting sun is the passing of our youth, then the rising moon will be the birth of our adulthood. Or perhaps your adulthood. Adelade, Fang, and even I shall be the stars to travel alongside you. There will be much that all of us cannot illuminate, but we will set the example for the future by shining as brightly as possible.”

The pair stood staring out the window.

“You didn’t mention Rebecca.”

“That’s because you’ll scare her away,” Wyen teasingly replied.

Quinn looked offended as he turned and shoved Wyen away, which only caused the elf to chuckle. Quinn could not stop the smile creeping onto his face despite the comment coming at his own expense.

The knock on the door brought them the news that dinner was being served. The two friends made their way to the dining room, enjoying a moment in their setting sun.

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While they had been staying in the Perumin territory, meals had been more simplistic than the typical arrangement they might expect from the capital palace. While still a vast step above what the commoners were likely having each morning and evening, there was a sort of rustic feel to meals here.

As Quinn entered the dining room, he was delighted to see that Adelade had convinced Rebecca to join them for dinner tonight. The smile that had been mirth turned into one of joy.

“Lady Rebecca, it is a wonderful surprise to have you join us,” Quinn said, speaking more formally since the Viscountess and several servants were around.

“You should thank Adelade… I mean Lady Adelade. She invited me. I thank both you, Your Highness, and the Viscountess for having me on such short notice.”

It went without saying that they had been accounting for Rebecca to join them each day, at every meal, for the last three weeks. While it would be considered rude to refuse, even as politely as she had every time thus far, neither the Viscountess or Quinn made any move or comment to punish her given that she was a hero. Instead, both took their seats, with Quinn taking his first, which was followed by everyone else.

"And tell me, how has your patient been doing?" Quinn asked.

If asked directly, Quinn would have admitted that he actually cared little about Jekru himself but was instead far more interested in the procedure and recovery. After all, such a thing could be revolutionary for soldiers injured in war, which was the primary thought Quinn had. Fortunately for him, Rebecca had never asked such a question, seeming to take his curiosity at face value.

"He will need to take things slowly still. But I think that with a few months of physical therapy, he should make a complete recovery."

"Physical therapy?" Wyen asked.

"Oh! It is exercises that one does to gain strength back, kind of like sword training in a way," Adelade chirped excitedly.

"Ah. That is interesting," Quinn replied.

It seemed that Adelade had been learning a lot from Rebecca during the time they spent together. It left Quinn wondering just how much Adelade remembered about the reason she was supposed to be around Rebecca.

“Well, I suppose saying it will be a complete recovery is too early to say. However, he should be somewhat capable of a normal life in the future,” Rebecca said.

“Your presence undoubtedly saved his life, Lady Rebecca. I cannot thank you enough for going out of your way to assist even one of the people of my domain from such a fate. Is there truly nothing more I can offer you?” the Viscountess asked.

She had on several occasions over the last few weeks attempted to give large sums of coin or other valuable items to Rebecca as a form of compensation. Rebecca had turned down most of the offerings, only taking a few bolts of cloth and mere ten gold pieces from them all.

“The things I have already accepted, coupled with the knowledge I have gained while in your domain is all I feel I can accept. Your people have been quite thankful and gracious hosts as well,” Rebecca replied.

The Viscountess looked disappointed for a fraction of a second, but it was long enough for Quinn and Wyen to catch. Clearly, she had a shift in her stance on trying to keep Rebecca around, though she had not spoken openly about the matter. She noticed the suspicion on their respective faces and gave a smile.

“Your Highness,” she said, “I see now why you were concerned and I understand your caution. Truly this will be a great thing for our future. If it would put you at ease, I believe that it would be prudent to change the perceived allegiance of the Perumin House to the Loyalists.”

Recalling that she preferred to speak both plainly and the truth, Quinn understood the unspoken and intentionally omitted words of the Viscountess. She understood the value Rebecca had and the necessity to bring her into the palace’s influence. She was even going to change noble factions, which would create a great benefit for the Perumin territory’s future. Like other nobles though, she had intentionally left the fact they were talking about Rebecca out of her statements, since she was present after all and saying such things might drive her away from them.

“Loyalists? You mean that you don’t support the king? Isn’t that like… treasonous?” Rebecca asked, her formal tone slipping in her confusion.

Wyen audibly made a throat-clearing yet contained cough, so as to remind her of her current surroundings, before he answered the question.

“The nobility of the country is loyal to the Crown in writing. However, each house seeks to improve their station and therefore have different interests. Though in reality there are several noble factions, in general there are three: the Loyalists, the Nationalists, and the Households. Lady Adelade’s father, for example, is a member of the Loyalists while Viscountess Perumin was, until a moment ago, a member of the Households.”

“And that means?”

“The Loyalists have the strongest ties to the Crown while the Households have the weakest.”

“You can change your loyalty that easily? I expected such a thing to be more complex is this kind of society,” Rebecca commented.

“It is only because the crown prince is present that I can make such a claim,” the Viscountess said, “But what of the governance where you are from?”

Rebecca’s face soured at the question.

“That is a complex situation I would rather not speak about.”

The severity of the statement was clear: do not discuss Rebecca’s former country’s government.

The table was silent for a while as they continued dinner.

“What changed your opinion that would cause your loyalties to shift so much?” Rebecca asked.

“Certainly it was the discussions I have had with the Viscountess about the future,” Quinn said a little too quickly.

Such conversations had not really focused on what the country’s future was, but had been focused around Rebecca’s power and knowledge. Since Adelade had spent almost every moment since the procedure with Rebecca, Quinn still had very little knowledge of the exact scope of her abilities. It had led to debating circular theories about her abilities with Wyen and the Viscountess to little merit.

“Like the ones you told me of? If you can make those things happen, I think you will certainly be remembered, Your Highness,” Rebecca said.

Quinn felt an unexpected warmth from within his chest, right about where there had been the inexplicable lurch a few weeks ago.

“Your praise is appreciated, but that will be more a decision of the historians of the future.”

The rest of the meal passed with only small talk about the food.

Afterwards, Rebecca stood up unexpectedly.

“I want to thank you again for the invitation and hospitality you have shown to me,” she said with a bow to both the Viscountess and Quinn, “I felt it would be prudent as such to let you know I intend to depart in the morning. There is much I still have to learn and, though for a good reason, I did not intend to remain here as long as I have.”

Quinn rose to his feet in surprise at the suddenness of her statement.

“What about what we spoke of? Allow us to guide you during your travels!”

Everyone was looking at Quinn after his outburst.

“Your Highness, please allow Lady Rebecca to speak,” Adelade politely growled through her teeth.

“My apologies for the rudeness. Please continue,” he said before resuming his seat.

“Yes, well, while I still believe that it would cause me to stand out more than I would like, I would appreciate it if you could accompany me. I will still be going where I desire whether you intend to come or not and despite whatever objections you might have to particular destinations.”

Almost timidly, as if expecting some kind of reprimand, Rebecca took her seat. However, none of those seated there objected to her statements. Quinn turned to the Viscountess.

“It seems we shall be departing in the morning, Viscountess Perumin. Our time here has been pleasant and relaxing. We shall certainly have to return at some point in the future to enjoy your territory again,” he said.

“It is an honor to host the crown prince and his entourage for as long as I have.”

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Wyen had made sure there was a seventh horse the next morning as the group convened on the Perumin estate grounds.

“I appreciate the thought, but I don’t know how to ride,” Rebecca said somewhat sheepishly.

“Can your carriage fit all six of us?” Quinn asked.

“Well, technically yes. It wouldn’t necessarily be easy or comfortable though.”

“It is fun though,” Adelade said.

“I could only fit two people up front aside from myself.”

“I will gladly…” Quinn started.

“No!” both Wyen and Adelade simultaneously said.

“He gets a little weird when things are informal,” Fang whispered to Rebecca, who seemed confused at the other two interrupting the prince.

“I’ll show you what to do,” Adelade said, dragging Rebecca over to one of the horses.

The three academy friends watched the pair, while the two Shadows finished getting everything situated. With a more formal farewell from the Viscountess, they were off within the hour.

In general, they were traveling northeast, as Rebecca was intent on seeing the sea and the Wavecrest territory, a house that was loyal to the Crown, had the closest major port.

Rebecca led the way forward, since they were accompanying her, with Adelade who was giving riding tips. Quinn, Wyen, and Fang were next, with Quinn in the center to shield him. Finally Phillippe and Vivette brought up the rear, keeping a silent watch as their position currently demanded.

The journey was uneventful, though they had more frequent breaks than usual since Rebecca was unused to riding. It was during one of these breaks that it was made clear to Quinn just how fast Rebecca was used to traveling.

“The experience is worth it, but horses are not emergency material,” she said.

“Not everyone has a magical carriage,” Wyen said.

“Most do where I’m from.”

“Where is that?” Quinn asked.

Rebecca smiled wryly.

“Doesn’t really matter now. I’m not going back.”

It was a relief. Several of the hero stories of old had mentioned how the hero often sought out ways to return to the places they were originally from. There were reasons hinted at in those stories as to why a hero might not be interested in returning, of which the most serious of those was death. Quinn wondered if that was the case behind Rebecca’s comment, but chose not to press the matter.

“What do you mean by emergency?” Fang asked.

“Like when I went to the mine. I left the capital and got there just as the sun was rising… What?”

All six were staring at her.

“You traveled a week’s distance in half a night?” Wyen choked out.

“I guess? I mean I did get lost a bit.”

“She did get us back to the Graywolf manor quickly in her carriage,” Phillippe said.

“If we could recreate her carriage, it would change our military,” Quinn said.

“And trade,” Wyen added.

“It could, but I don’t want to see it used for war,” Rebecca said.

Quinn gave an awkward smile as he nodded.

“Of course. I have seen the effects of what you do with my own eyes. You are a healer, not a warrior.”

“Thank you,” she replied, avoiding continuing the conversation by stepping away.

“Adelade,” Quinn called, stopping her from following Rebecca, “When we get back to the capital, work on recreating her carriage. The speed element is most critical. And it goes without saying but, don’t let her know.”

Adelade nodded and ran off to Rebecca’s side.

“You’re going to lie to her and still expect to marry her?” Wyen asked.

“This is two separate things,” Quinn said, “The safety of the nation is important for everyone. She has a means to improve that safety and we will use it.”

“Oh, I don’t disagree,” Wyen said, “But this will be a critical moment if she does find out. It could be enough to cause a rift.”

“Who would pass up on being queen?”

“A hero. Did you not pay attention to all the stories?” Wyen sighed, “The heroes think differently. Many didn’t work with nobility, meaning they never married into it either.”

Quinn thought for a moment. He had difficulty remembering much about the female heroes in the stories aside from their appearances, so trying to recall their stories was a challenge. He had not bothered much with the male hero’s tales.

“Stop straining to remember. I know you didn’t pay attention. The point is that since they don’t think like us, you can’t expect them to have favorable or tolerable reactions.”

Wyen was right, and Quinn knew it. He had been ignoring his rational thoughts as he always did when it came to women. Looking towards Rebecca, he realized how little he knew about her. Even when they met and spoke over the past month, they spoke little of the past or themselves, but rather the future of Sengar.

“Cheer up Quinn! I don’t remember most of the stories either!” Fang clapped him on the shoulder.

“That wasn’t the point of what Wyen was saying, Fang.”

“What you need to do is have a sit down and talk with her about yourself. Just like Victoria and I did,” Fang said, “Then you can get a sense of how she feels about you.”

“A date,” Wyen said, “Do you think he can handle it?”

Fang scanned Quinn from head to toe.

“Not yet,” he answered.

“Exactly.”

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Their travels caused them to find the northern coast of Sengar within the Wavecrest territory before the capital town of Lutrin, so they followed the coastline east. Currently, on a hill overlooking the town they had just crested, they paused.

“It’s certainly large,” Rebecca commented.

“We keep a portion of our military ships there,” Quinn said as he pointed to a section of the docks slightly apart from the town.

“Lutrin is the nearest northern port to the capital. If the capital wasn’t a port itself, Lutrin would likely be even larger,” Wyen commented.

“The Wavecrests will surely have a feast tonight once we get there,” Quinn smirked.

“Not interested.”

He turned to Rebecca.

“What?”

“I said I’m not interested in meeting them.”

“Why?”

“How am I supposed to interact with the people if I’m stuck meeting nobles? It’s the people that need my help and I don’t want to delay that anymore than I already have.”

With that, Rebecca started awkwardly guiding her horse down the slope towards the town. Adelade and Vivette went after to both guide and protect her.

“See what I meant the other day?” Wyen sarcastically said, starting after the women.

And so it was that the crown prince of Sengar, one of the most important people in the country, entered Lutrin like the average citizen. Fortunately, travelling light and not boasting of their status obscured their exact identities, so there was little to no suspicion about who they were.

Rebecca still led the way, and the group found themselves at an inn called The Friendly Flipper. It was a modest establishment, the sort that served mostly mid-to-low level merchants and adventurers.

“Otterfolk and sealfolk are really cute!” Rebecca practically squealed over dinner.

The dinner in question was very simple to Quinn and Adelade, the nobles, even compared to the meals they had in the Perumin territory. The others had experienced similar meals before at some point and so thought little of it, though they were disappointed by the quantity. It left Rebecca as the only one excited.

There was a soup, a little hard bread, and a portion of baked fish. The soup was thick, had a mix of vegetables and shrimp, and smelled wonderful. Rebecca had mentioned something called ‘gumbo’ which was apparently similar. The others enjoyed the meal by the end as they copied Rebecca’s motions, softening the bread with the soup stock and pairing that with the fish. It was natural that the port town would have seafood as a core component in its meals.

Otter and sealfolk carried over, as the name suggests, a number of their affiliate animal traits into their forms. Sealfolk had a tendency to be more squat and round, which made them almost waddle as they walked. Otterfolk were more lean, but still were a head shorter than the average human. Both featured short snouts and big whiskers, with fur in grays, blacks, and browns. Their hands and feet were webbed, so both were excellent swimmers, but they were as capable of most conventional land-based tasks as any human.

“So what do you plan to do here?” Quinn asked after the meal was done.

“Like I have everywhere else, it’s a matter of learning. I’ll start with local physicians and go from there.”

“What do you learn from them?” Wyen asked, “You mentioned that your title of doctor is superior to a physician.”

Rebecca leaned back in her chair and thought for a moment.

“I suppose it’s okay to say a little,” she murmured.

Rebecca started explaining a bit about where she came from. Apparently it was a land where other races like elves and beastfolk did not exist in anything other than stories. As such, the skills of being a ‘doctor’ were only tailored to humans. She mentioned that the closest a doctor could be to working with beastfolk was to be a ‘veterinarian,’ a doctor of animals. The concept was absurd, but she explained that where she came from, the people would keep dogs and cats in their homes and cared for livestock and horses differently, thus justifying these veterinarians.

Since Rebecca only had innate skill with humans, she was travelling to gain exposure and knowledge about the other races so as to be able to treat them as well. She tossed out complex words that none of those listening had heard before.

“The only word I recognized among all that is anatomy,” Quinn said.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” she replied.

“I’m disappointed you see me as nothing more than an animal,” Fang said dejectedly. His ears had been listless against his head since Rebecca had mentioned veterinarians.

“No! You are definitely more than an animal! That’s why I want to learn!” Rebecca practically yelled, “I admit when I treated you for the poison, it was the first time I’ve really worked with a wolf beastfolk. I was extremely concerned about not making your condition worse. There are clear differences between a beastfolk and human, so I had to guess and hope that what I was doing worked. I mean, chocolate is poisonous to dogs for example.”

“What’s chocolate?” Adelade asked.

“It’s a sweet, dessert type thing… that comes from a cocoa plant… and I have no clue how to make it.”

Those who had progressively been leaning in fell back in disappointment.

“Sorry,” Rebecca said, embarrassed.

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“Are you and the prince a thing?”

Adelade sat on the edge of the bed, confused by the question.

“What gave you that idea?” she replied.

“Well, you’re the only woman I’ve seen near him. So I was just guessing,” Rebecca stated.

Adelade looked frustrated by the assertion, “We aren’t. I’m just the future court mage, so my work brings me close to him a lot as the future king.”

“Then why do you look embarrassed?”

Adelade reached up and felt her cheeks. They were warm to the touch.

“I can’t say. Besides, my father wouldn’t allow it.”

“Marrying the prince isn’t what your father wants? That doesn’t sound right.”

“My family seeks magic over political power. We already have it anyways since we’re the court mages. Quinn has almost no magical ability, so my father doesn’t consider him.”

“But you do like him.”

“No,” Adelade flatly stated, “That is impossible.”

“So he’s that bad?”

Adelade realized the trap she had unwittingly walked into. If she said yes, Rebecca might not consider Quinn in any romantic aspect. If she said no, Rebecca might think that Adelade was already romantically involved with Quinn, and would not consider him again. She had only one option.

“I’m in love with Wyen. You can have Quinn if you want.”

The revelation and counter offer successfully deflected Rebecca’s curiosity about her and Quinn.

“So Wyen has magic?”

“No. Father will never agree to it.”

“Who cares what he thinks? It’s your own future, not his. Right Vivette?”

Vivette had been silent lying in the third bed in the room.

“I am not the person to ask such things.”

“You have Phillippe though,” Rebecca replied.

“He is a partner and my captain.”

“It’s my future,” Adelade whispered.

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“And she’s slipped into town,” Quinn sighed the next morning.

Fortunately, Vivette seemed to have accompanied her, so Rebecca was not alone.

“I don’t think we would be able to understand what she seeks without her existing knowledge base,” Wyen said, “Perhaps it is good that she gave us the opportunity to conduct our own business freely.”

“I told her you were not engaged last night,” Adelade confessed.

The unexpected comment left everyone stunned and speechless. Adelade turned red with embarrassment and ran off back to the girls’ room.

“Where did that come from?” Quinn asked.

“She’s helping you in her own way?” Wyen guessed, “I’ll check on her later.”

“Hmm. So we can’t follow Rebecca and I’m not interested in just sitting in wait. I know she wants to keep a low profile still for some reason, but let’s go to the naval base and conduct an inspection.”

Wyen looked like he wanted to say something, but refrained and nodded.

Fang nudged Phillippe, “Didn’t you train here for a while?”

“Yes. I trained some with the Special Elite Amphibious Legion.”

“The SEALs?” Quinn nodded, “Shadows are elite after all.”

With that, the four made their way towards the naval base. Arriving at the gateway, Wyen pulled out the unique sigil badge and presented it to the guards on duty. A flurry of activity later and they were inside conducting their inspection.

“It is a pleasure to have you here, Your Highness,” said Admiral Musta Shellcracker with a bow, “We did not hear from Lord Wavecrest that you were coming.”

The admiral was an otterfolk beastfolk and was a little too expressive with his side to side motions. Clearly he was nervous.

“Lord Wavecrest does not know that we are here Admiral. We were passing through town on other business and decided to check in spontaneously,” Quinn reassured.

With that, the admiral visibly calmed.

“I see,” he replied and glanced behind Quinn, “It has been a while, Phillippe.”

“You know him?”

“Indeed, Your Highness. I was the primary SEAL instructor several years ago. I still have not seen a human less inclined to water as him.”

Phillippe remained expressionless as the other three looked to him.

“I cannot swim.”

“Not well, at least,” clarified the admiral.

Fang burst out laughing.

“How is that possible?”

“Have you ever seen a fish flopping around out of water, Your Highness? Phillippe here looks like that in water.”

“Please stop, Admiral,” Phillippe emotionlessly begged.

Fang was doubled over and gasping.

Both Quinn and Wyen spared Phillippe any further embarrassment by not pressing the admiral for details. Once Fang recovered, the admiral gave them a tour of the base.

They were shown the nearly thirty vessels at dock on standby or receiving repairs. It was about a third of the total Sengar navy, and both the admiral and the Wavecrests were proud to support the kingdom in such a way. They also watched a drill by the contingent of the army stationed here at the base.

“Admiral? I would like to ask that you prepare three vessels for departure at a moment’s notice. There are seven additional passengers the ships would potentially be taking, myself included,” Quinn said at the end of their inspection.

“Of course, Your Highness. It shall be done.”

“Also, please wait to report to Lord Wavecrest our presence until after we depart.”

Admiral Musta bowed in acknowledgement and saw the four off.

Returning to the inn, Wyen immediately sought out Adelade while Phillippe excused himself.

“He looks like a fish?” Fang smiled.

Both he and Quinn laughed again at Phillippe’s misfortune, drawing attention from other patrons. Fortunately, nobody seemed to recognize them.

“What’s so funny?”

Rebecca slid into an open seat.

“We just learned something interesting today is all,” Quinn said.

“I did too. Beastfolk are quite resilient.”

“Of course we are,” Fang perked up.

“What do you mean though?” Quinn asked.

“Well, a lot of the ones I saw today were just powering through the allergic reactions they were having. It’s just a thing among those here.”

“What does all that mean?”

“In this case, it means they were having some difficulty breathing. I guess certain types of fish aren’t good for each, because that’s the only conclusion I could draw.”

“And you didn’t help them? That’s unlike you.”

“Well, not one wanted the cure I offered. Plus it would only work until they ate the particular type of fish again. They weren’t in distress, so I couldn’t force it on them. I advised the physician I was working with to stock up on a tonic I created and taught it to them.”

“Did you sell the recipe?”

“Medicine needs to be available to people that need it. I’m not going to hold it hostage.”

“So you didn’t. And you only gave it to the one physician,” Quinn said, “Do you think they will keep the cost low for the poor when they are the only one that has it?”

“No,” Rebecca countered, “Today they were the only one to get it. Tomorrow and the day after I’ll give it to more of those I visit.”

“You aren’t good with money.”

“To me, there are some things more important.”

Quinn sighed, but understood to an extent. He was working towards a future that benefited all the people of the kingdom after all, not just the royal family and nobility. It was frustrating that so few others understood what he was trying to do.

“Do you know where you might be interested in going after this?” he asked, changing the topic.

“Sengar has islands it controls right?”

“Yes. Though the local nobles might dispute that claim.”

“They’re not Loyalists?”

“No. At least one of the island nobles wants to sway you to their side. They bragged about it at the courtship party last month.”

“Party? That’s interesting.”

Quinn did not catch the curiosity that she eyed him with.

“Yeah. But we shouldn’t have a problem. I arranged some transport in the event you wanted to go to sea.”

“Oh you did? How did you do that?”

“We went to the naval base.”

Rebecca sighed.

“You really don’t get moving without attracting attention. I’ll take care of travel, so please just stop trying to help.”

Without waiting for an answer, Rebecca left.

“I think you messed up,” Fang commented.

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Three days later, the group stood on the dock, staring at a modestly sized ship moored there. Rebecca was conversing with the captain, an otterfolk man, and handing over the money for their passage.

“Welcome aboard the Milkmaid!” he called out with a cackle.

“What is this?” Quinn asked, unsure of what the future currently held.