Ansel walked by Max’s side as they followed Griffa, Nora, and Issa through the pathways of The Valley. Griffa’s Valley house was located just inside town off of the entrance to the village from the High Mountain pass. Griffa led them from her small front yard to the path that led to the village center.

The Valley was much like Abscon in that there were no organized rings, yet there was more structure to the Valley than Abscon. As they walked from Griffa’s yard they passed houses similar in size and structure to Griffa’s.

“All of these houses were built around the same time. They are mostly owned by folk who have their principal homes in Abscon, though there are a few who live in these houses permanently,” said Griffa as they walked.

Ansel eyed one dark house he knew belonged to the Quick's. He wondered what had come of Marcus. Was he living in Aurumist with his father now?

“We will keep going straight and we will pass some larger homes before we get to the market,” continued Griffa.

They walked straight and eventually passed two large manors. The first one was a large house made out of dark stone. It was three stories high with one large tower on the left side. There was a middle-aged man walking the path out front. He spotted their group and walked towards them.

“Gryphon Keene, is that you?” asked the man. He was wearing a dark green cloak that couldn’t hide his round middle. He had wispy brown hair and a long beard. Ansel made his way to Griffa’s side as the man reached them.

“Yes, Devland, it is I,” said Griffa smiling. Devland took Griffa’s hand and bowed over it.

“It is so good to see you, my dear. You haven’t visited in a long while,” said Devland as he turned to the others, “Ansel, it is good to see you as well.”

Ansel nodded looking at Devland. He knew Devland had been a friend of Griffa’s father, but Ansel had never really liked him.

“And this one must be your young king,” said Devland looking at Max. “An honor to meet you of course.”

“Devland this is Maxwell of the line of Adalwen,” said Griffa pointing to Max. She turned to Issa and Nora. “This is Isolde Finn, Max’s friend and Nora Blyth, Max’s guardian. Everyone, this is Devland Clarke. He is an old friend of my father’s.”

Devland smiled at everyone. “I am glad you are all here. I look forward to getting to know all of you better. Gryphon, you will all have to come to dinner soon. I will send a message to secure a date.”

“Devland, we would all be happy to come dine with you. Now, I am helping them all get familiar with the Valley so I hope you will excuse us. I will see you tomorrow in the council meeting.”

“I hope you all enjoy your time in the Valley. Gryphon, I will see you tomorrow,” said Devland bowing and turning back to his house.

“I guess we really will have to go eat dinner with him at some point,” said Ansel letting out a breath.

“Of course, why would we not? He is an important member of the council and a friend of my father’s. I could hardly say no,” said Griffa casting a glance at Ansel as they all walked on.

“I know, there is just something about him that makes me uncomfortable,” said Ansel.

“Most people make you uncomfortable unless you know them well,” said Griffa lightly. “I’m afraid this trip is going to be very hard on you, Ansel. Perhaps you should have stayed home after all.”

“No, I want to be here, besides, it is good for Max to visit the Valley. I will try to relax. I’m sure dinner at the Clarke’s will be fine.”

Griffa grabbed Ansel’s hand and squeezed it before letting it go. “This next house is Talon’s home. It was the first home built in the Valley. The Wendell’s have lived here since the beginning.”

They all looked up as they walked in front of a large home made up of different colors of stone. It was a handsome house with many windows that were lined in green ivy and red flowers. The roof was covered in green grass under the snow, charmed to always be alive. There was a gate that was open with a stone pathway leading to the house.

“A very handsome home,” said Nora looking up. “It almost doesn’t look real.”

“There are many charms that helped create it and keep it looking that way. The Wendell’s like to show off a bit,” said Griffa. “I’m sure we will be invited over at some point, and you will be able to see for yourself.”

They kept walking past the Wendell home and came to a line of shops. There were places to buy food, herbs, potions, clothes, staffs, and many other things. The shops were all lined up next to each other, all looking alike with big front windows and green doors.

“This is main reason people visit the Valley from Abscon. They definitely have a better market,” said Griffa looking in the window of the shop that sold herbs and other potion ingredients.

Issa and Nora looked into the dress maker’s window next door, while Ansel and Max stood behind Griffa. The market was very busy, even more so than usual. Folks walked in and out of stores collecting things for the mid-winter holiday. Issa, Nora, and Griffa were eventually ready to move on to the town square.

The town square had a large statue of King Nathin in its center. It was very similar to the one in Abscon. At the front of the statue was the town meeting hall. It was a large, long building with many windows and two big double doors. To the left of the statue was the temple of the gods. It was built much like the one in Abscon with the same linked female and male statue out front.

“This is the town center,” said Ansel. “The council meets there in that large building. That is, of course, the temple. If you go that way you will see a few more shops, and then more homes. Eventually you would come to the large lake that is at the edge of town. I imagine it is frozen over at the moment. Pass that the High Mountain pass goes on.”

They spent another hour looking in the shops purchasing various items. They bought more food for the house. Griffa bought some potion ingredients to replenish her stores at her Valley home. As they walked home, Ansel let the others go ahead. As they left the market, something or someone caught his attention at the corner of his eye. He turned quickly, but there was nothing there. He stopped and looked closely, but there was nothing but the edge of a building and a small tree. Ansel quickly caught up with the others, walking by Max’s side and keeping Griffa in his direct vision.

The next day saw Ansel and Griffa up early to go to the morning council meeting. Griffa was dressed in her usual Ring attire with her Keene sigil cloak fastened around her neck.

“Are you sure you should come?” asked Griffa as they walked to the front door. “Do you think it is wise to leave Max and the others alone.”

“I’m sure they will be fine for a couple of hours this morning. They know where to find us if something goes wrong. I said I would be there to support you,” said Ansel opening the front door.

Griffa smiled at him, “I know. I appreciate it, but I don’t want you to feel like you are neglecting your duty to Max. I’ve been reading those books you gave me on Protectors. Don’t you feel unsettled when you aren’t around your king?”

Ansel looked at Griffa. He had remembered reading that as well. The protector journals he had been reading were full of protector’s voicing their draw to their sovereigns. It seemed kings or queens and their protectors were magically bonded. At least that seemed to be true in the days when the blood of Adalwen reigned. It had not been so since the line was overthrown. Ansel did not feel the draw now. While he took his duty to Max seriously, he did not find his magic or mood suffered when they were apart. He supposed when Max actually took the throne that would change.

“I don’t as of yet. I suppose that will change when Max is actually on the throne. I’m not sure how the magical bond works or even if it still does,” said Ansel.

The truth was he was much more unsettled when he wasn’t with Griffa. He didn’t want her going to this council meeting alone. He knew she could handle it, but Ansel would feel better knowing he was there to back her up.

“Interesting,” said Griffa, walking out the door and Ansel following her.

They walked into town side by side. Ansel could see Griffa was working out her thoughts. She was probably rehearsing her conversations in her mind. When they got close to the meeting hall, she stopped walking and looked up at the statue of King Nathin. She gave it a small bow and then turned to the statue of the gods and did the same.

“You still keep to the tradition your father taught you?” asked Ansel.

“Yes, it hasn’t hurt me yet,” said Griffa looking at the meeting hall.

Ansel gave her a little nudge, “Go on, you can do this. You are the leader of the Ring.”

Griffa looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you for coming with me.” She walked forward with purpose and opened the doors. Ansel followed her.

They walked through a hallway to another set up double doors. There was a young woman there at a small desk. She smiled at Griffa and Ansel as they approached.

“Can I help you?” the woman asked.

“Yes, I am Gryphon Keene, the leader of the Ring of Nine and this is Ansel of the line of Raya. We are here to meet with the council this morning.”

The lady looked down at a piece of paper on her desk and nodded. “Yes, you are expected, Miss Keene. I don’t see this man on the list.”

“He will be welcomed,” said Griffa confidently. “He is the Protector of the king. They will want to talk to him.”

The woman did not look like she wanted to argue and motioned for them to go on. Griffa opened the doors and walked into the room with Ansel behind her.

“Griffa!” said Talon as soon as they were in the room. “And Ansel, too. What a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in. Someone, pull up a chair on my left for Ansel.”

“Thank you for meeting with us, Talon,” said Griffa walking to a chair Talon had pulled out for her. “I hope we can come to some sort of agreement.”

“I hope so too, Griffa,” said Talon as he sat down next to Griffa.

Ansel sat on the other side of Talon and looked around the table. It was set up much like the Ring, but with only five other members besides Talon. Ansel saw that Devland was there. He gave a friendly nod to Griffa.

“Well, we all know why we are here is morning, so let’s get started. May the gods guide us in our discussions, and may we always remember the responsibility we have towards one another,” said Talon. He then turned to Griffa. “Gryphon Keene as you all know is the leader of the Ring of Nine. She is here today to tell us about the coming uprising against the current powers of Aurumist.”

Griffa looked around the table and took a breath. “I come to you today to tell you the time has come where we can no longer sit aside and let Regventus be run by those who would see it ruined. The powers in Aurumist have started releasing magic in those with dormant magical blood. They have done this in a dangerous way with blood magic. Their plan is to release all those with any magical blood in the kingdom. They want non-magical blooded folk to be servants or worse. They are not for the equality our people fought for over 1,000 years ago. They are not for what we stand for today. We must join together to save the kingdom.”

“Do you think releasing magic in those who have it in their blood is wrong?” asked an older woman with dark gray hair.

“No, of course not. It must be done correctly and with their knowledge. I believe the palace is not giving magical folk the option,” replied Griffa.

“I agree this sounds bad,” said Devland. “But how will it affect us as the old magical folk? Surely they won’t change things in our communities.”

“First what they are doing goes against everything decent. Second, if you think the powers in Aurumist will let us go on as we like as an independent folk, then you are fooling yourself. They want absolute power. They will expect Abscon and the Valley to be turned over to their rule,” said Griffa looking at Devland.

“Do we have a plan, though? What can be done, Gryphon?” asked Devland.

“We are uniting all old magical folk as we speak. Ansel has traveled all through the Great Surrounding finding small communities and outliers to join our cause. We also have a king. One who comes from the direct line of Adalwen on both his mother’s and father’s side. He has accepted his position and has been training. He will be a good and powerful king.”

“So, you are asking us to go to war?” asked a small man by Devland. “You are asking us to risk our peace, our families, and ourselves.”

"Yes, I am asking you to go to war. I am asking you to stand up for peace, your families, and yourself. I know this is difficult. I know we will probably lose people we love, but if we do nothing, we stand no chance,” said Griffa passionately.

“What do you think, Talon?” asked Devland.

Talon looked at Griffa and then addressed the circle. “I agree with Griffa. The kingdom is becoming a dangerous place for many. I think we need to act. I have spent time with the young king. Max is strong. He is intelligent, and he is willing to listen. I have also heard stories of this king and his power. You all have as well. We have many powerful families amongst us. We can and should fight for what is right.”

The five around the circle whispered to one another.

“Ansel, you are this king’s protector,” said the older woman. “Do you agree with Miss Keene’s assessment? Will he be a powerful and good king?”

“Yes, I agree with everything Griffa has said. Max has learned magic quickly. He is already very advanced for someone who has only been training for a year. As Talon says, he is willing to listen and to learn. Furthermore, Griffa is the leader of the Ring. She is a wise and cautious leader. She would not lead us into a war that she thought was not worth fighting,” said Ansel looking at Griffa.

“Can we discuss this amongst ourselves, just the Valley council?” asked Devland.

“I see no reason for that,” said Talon. “Griffa and Ansel are our folk as well. We should be able to share confidences.”

“No, Talon, it’s fine,” said Griffa standing up. “I understand. Ansel and I will wait outside the hall until you are ready to see us.” She looked over at Ansel, and he stood and walked with her to the exit.

“Come on, I need a breath of fresh air,” said Griffa as they passed the lady at her small desk.

They walked into the square and Griffa went to sit on a bench close to the statue of King Nathin. Ansel sat down beside her. Griffa took a couple of deep breaths.

“Well, what do you think?” asked Griffa

“I think you did very well. You were truthful and to the point. There was nothing more you could have done. Talon is on your side at least.”

“I hope it’s enough. He is young and still new, like me. Maybe I should have brought Hector with me after all,” said Griffa looking at the ground.

“No, you are the leader of the Ring. You may be young, but you deserve the respect of the position. Do you not know how commanding you are as a leader?” Griffa looked up at Ansel. “I’m serious. You are a natural, Griff. If they won’t listen to you, I doubt anyone else could stand a chance.”

Griffa grabbed Ansel’s hand and held it. They sat together in silence until the door to the meeting hall opened, and Talon and the council members came out. Griffa and Ansel stood as Talon made his way over to them.

“They want to meet our king,” said Talon. “I told them I would host a dinner in two nights. You can be there can’t you?”

Griffa nodded. “Yes, of course. What are they hoping to find out about Max?”

“I don’t know, but have Max ready. Griffa, I believe you. We need to join together. This dinner has to go well.”

Griffa looked at Ansel. “It will. Thank you for your support, Talon.”

Talon nodded. “Please know I will continue to work on the council until the dinner. I think we can convince them. Would you two like to join me for lunch in a bit?”

Griffa looked at Ansel. “Not today, Talon. Max, Nora, and Issa are all alone. We should get back to them.”

Ansel tried to hide his sigh of relief.

“Perhaps you could come to us today? We will eat in an hour,” said Griffa looking at Talon.

“Thank you, yes. I would like to come. I think we need to talk, Griffa. I have some other concerns I would like to discuss with you. I will see you in an hour.”

Ansel tried not to roll his eyes.

Ansel and Griffa started walking home. “Well, the council didn’t immediately say no,” said Griffa. “That’s something.”

“They didn’t, but I wonder what it is they hope to find out by meeting Max?” asked Ansel.

“I’m not sure, but we will find out. It will be fine. Max is more than capable of being king. We will have to trust they see in him what we do,” said Griffa walking towards her home. “I wonder what Talon wants to talk to me about.”

Ansel wondered that as well. “I guess we will find out soon enough.”

They got home to find everyone in the parlor talking. Griffa related the information that Talon would join them for lunch. Issa and Nora volunteered to put lunch together so Max could hear how the meeting went.

“They want to meet you, Max. You are their king as well as Abscon’s. It’s not surprising that they would want to get to know you before pledging their support,” said Griffa sitting next to Max.

“I suppose not,” answered Max, but he looked worried. “What if they don’t like what they see?”

“I don’t see that being a problem,” assured Griffa. “They will see the truth. They will see that you are growing into a kind, wise, strong young man. You will be a good king, Max.”

Max smiled but didn’t say anything.

“No matter what happens, you have my support,” said Griffa patting Max’s hand. “Nothing here will change that. We will deal with things as they come.”

Soon it was time for lunch and Talon arrived. Ansel supposed lunch was pleasant. Talon was charming with his stories and flattery. Ansel wasn’t much for it, but the rest of the party seemed to enjoy him. After lunch, they all went separate ways. Issa and Max went to read. Nora said she would clean up lunch.

“Griffa, will you come visit with me in your study,” said Talon standing up from the table. “Ansel, you might as well come along.”

Griffa nodded as she and Ansel stood up. They went into the small study and closed the door. Griffa sat behind the desk as Talon and Ansel sat in the two chairs in front.

“I want to talk about what happened in the forest this past summer,” said Talon leaning back in his chair.

“I have told you almost all I know. I don’t know how we did it,” said Griffa putting her elbows on her desk and leaning forward.

“No, I understand all that. I’d like to hear the full story sometime soon, but I believe you when you say you aren’t entirely sure what happened. I have another question about that day,” said Talon.

“What is it?” asked Ansel looking at Talon with a frown.

“Why were any of those soldiers or Philo Quick allowed to leave alive?”

Griffa looked at Talon startled. “What do you mean?”

“I know at least the two of you have the ability and power to take care of enemies for good. Philo tried to kill Max. He nearly killed you, Griffa. Why would you spare his life or the life of those soldiers?”

“It’s not as easy as you might think to take a life,” answered Griffa quietly.

“No, I don’t imagine it is,” said Talon looking at Griffa carefully. “I don’t want you to think I am a blood hungry monster, but there is a time when you have to do hard things. We are entering such a time.”

“I would rather not use extreme force if it isn’t necessary,” said Griffa sitting up.

“Of course not, but Griffa, what would those soldiers have done if they would have had the chance? What would Philo do if he got his hands on your or the king?”

Ansel closed his eyes. The thought of Philo touching Griffa or Max was almost too much for him to take. He opened his eyes to see Talon looking at him.

“Ansel knows, don’t you?”

Ansel nodded. “I do.”

“I have heard reports of what happened in Clarton. I know that soldiers have been collecting children from around the kingdom for a while. What do those soldiers deserve, Griffa?” asked Talon.

Griffa took a deep breath and looked at Talon. She shook her head lightly.

“Griffa, you are the leader of our people until Max comes to his throne. Will you protect your people with everything at your disposal if it comes to it?”

“I understand what you are saying, Talon, but I don’t know if I can do the things you are saying. Can any of us?” countered Griffa.

“Ansel,” said Talon turning to him. “You said you know what Philo Quick would do if he got his hands on Griffa. What would you do to stop him?”

Ansel felt his heart race and his breath become short. He thought of Griffa when she was poisoned. He thought of her lying in her bed, pale, her breaths ragged. He thought of the moment Chiron told him she was going to die.

“Anything,” said Ansel with conviction.

“You would kill him?” asked Talon

“Yes,” hissed Ansel. “Without a second thought.”

“Griffa, no one is asking you to go out and kill someone for no reason, but to win this kingdom, sacrifices will have to be made. I want you to be prepared,” said Talon leaning back.

Ansel hated to admit it, but Talon had a point. Their enemy was ruthless. They would have to start becoming more hardened to reality.