Max looked at himself in his long mirror. He was wearing a new tunic Griffa had picked up for him. It was forest green and had a large golden sun stitched on the front. His black pants were also new and fit him well. His boots were shined until they looked like new. Max smoothed his hair in the mirror and looked over himself to make sure everything was in order.

Tonight, was a big night. They had all prepared for the past two days. Griffa took Issa and Nora into town to buy new gowns along with Max’s new clothes. They would be going to Wendell house to have dinner with Talon and the rest of the council of the Valley. The council wanted to meet Max before they agreed to join with Abscon in the fight for the kingdom. Max wasn’t sure what they were hoping to find out from meeting him. He was very nervous. Max turned from the mirror to go see if everyone was ready when there was a knock at his door.

“Yes?” called Max.

“It’s Griffa. Can I speak with you for a moment?”

“Come on in,” replied Max.

Griffa opened the door and stepped into the room. She looked divine. It was the only word that came to Max’s mind. She was dressed in a dark red satin gown that came off her shoulders. Her sleeves stopped mid-way down her arms. The dress came in at her waist and finished in a full skirt. She wore a gold belt with dark red gems. Her hair was pulled up with a few curls falling around the side of her face. Her eyes were a dark shinning blue tonight. She smiled at Max as she entered the room.

“Wow, Griffa, you look intimidating,” said Max staring at her.

“Intimidating? Not sure that’s what I was going for, but it will do,” said Griffa.

“No, I mean you look really good, amazing really,” said Max feeling stupid.

“It’s fine, Max. You look nice as well. I wanted to talk to you about tonight and what you might expect.”

Max nodded and sat down on his bed. Griffa carefully sat down on the edge of a chair.

“The council members will want to ask you many questions. They will ask about your training. They will ask you opinions on magic, Abscon, the Valley, the kingdom, the future, and much more. All you need to do is be honest. Just be yourself. You are enough, Max. Don’t try to say what you think they want you to say. Answer, honestly. If you aren’t enough for them, then there is nothing we can do.”

Max nodded again. Was he enough though? Could he actually do this? Could he be king? He wasn’t really sure.

“Griffa, do you think I’m enough. Do you think I can actually be king, a good king?” asked Max. He tried to look at her, but his eyes cut to the floor quickly.

“Max, look at me please,” said Griffa. Max looked up to see Griffa looking at him intensely. “I think you can do this. I know you can. You are clever and talented. What’s more is you are kind. You have a good heart and you are willing to listen and learn. I have no doubt you have everything in you to make a wonderful king. I will do everything I can to put you on the throne and keep you there.”

“What if the council thinks I can’t do it. What if they won’t help?”

“Then we will do it without them. I believe in you, Max. I believe what we are doing is right. If the council can’t see that tonight, then we will go home immediately and plan without them,” said Griffa adamantly. “Now come on. We need to go. Try to enjoy yourself tonight. If I know Talon, the food tonight will be exquisite”.

Griffa stood up. She came over to Max and offered her hand to him. He took it and she helped him up. They walked to the door together and stepped out into the hall.

Max turned to Griffa and smiled at her. “Thank you, Griffa.”

“It’s what I’m here for, my king,” said Griffa. She hooked her arm into Max’s. “Everyone is downstairs. You need to see Issa. She looks everything that is lovely.”

Everyone else was gathered in the entrance way, spilling into the parlor. Griffa brought Max to Issa who did look very nice in a dark green gown that almost matched Max’s outfit perfectly. Issa had left her blond hair down and curled. Her dress was simple in form, with a modest neckline and long sleeves, but it fit her well and enhanced her natural beauty. It seemed to sparkle on its own and Max wondered if it was charmed in some way. Nora looked well in a dark purple gown and her dark hair pulled up.

Ansel, who was wearing his normal protector’s garb, greeted Griffa by taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on the back. “I see we are making a statement tonight, Griff.”

“Talon likes opulence, I don’t see why we shouldn’t play the part,” said Griffa looking around. “Okay, is everyone ready?” Everyone nodded as they put on their cloaks.

They walked quickly to Wendell house in the cold. The night was clear and still. Max looked up and could see a sky full of stars. He held Issa’s hand tight as they walked behind Griffa, leading the way.

“Are you alright?” asked Issa quietly.

“Yes, I’m just nervous. I don’t know what they expect of me,” answered Max.

Issa nodded but didn’t say anything more. They arrived at the house. Their group stopped and looked through the gate to the pathway that led to the front door.

“Well, I guess there is no sense in waiting out in the cold,” said Griffa.

Griffa led the way to the front door of the house. Max and Issa walked behind her with Nora and then Ansel following behind. Griffa knocked on the door and it was answered quickly by a tall man dressed in black.

“Good evening, Mr. Wendell is receiving guests in the parlor,” said the man. He opened the door wide and let them all into the entry hall. They all entered and took off their cloaks. They hung them on hooks the man pointed out.

Max looked around trying to take it all in. The entry hall was large. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling. It held over one hundred lit candles all giving off a bluish light. The walls of the entry hall were filled with portraits and magical staffs hung at different angles. The floor underneath them was dark marble that gleamed.

The man at the door led them into the parlor. It was a very large room with multiple sofas and chairs throughout. On one end was a grand fireplace with a golden mantle. A large fire burned merrily making the room warm and inviting.

The parlor had two large windows on the far side with dark purple drapes over them. The floor was stone covered in large plush rugs. As Max walked in, he saw Talon standing by the fireplace. Others were sitting on various chairs and sofas. Max guessed they were council members and their spouses.

“Here we are. Our guests of honor,” said Talon walking over to meet them. He stopped and stared at Griffa. “Griffa, look at you. Aren’t you marvelous? You look very well, tonight. Come over here and introduce your party to everyone.” Talon took Griffa’s hand and led her to the fireplace. He motioned for everyone else to follow.

“Good evening, everyone,” said Griffa addressing the room. “I’m sure you already know Ansel. This is Nora she is Max’s guardian. This is Issa, she is Max’s particular friend. And this is Maxwell of the blood of Adalwen and the rightful King of Regventus,” Griffa motioned for Max to come forward.

Every eye in the room turned on Max. He smiled and looked back.

“Well, everyone is here. Let’s go eat, dinner is ready,” said Talon. He offered his arm to Griffa who accepted. “I would have the king lead, but he will have to follow since he’s not sure where he is going.”

Griffa nodded encouragingly at Max. Issa came up to Max’s side, and he escorted her following Talon and Griffa. They came into an opulent dining room with the largest table Max had ever seen. It was covered in dishes of rich food. Talon pulled out a chair for Griffa on the end of the right side. Max found his name next to Griffa and sat down by her. Ansel was seated next to Max. Issa and Nora were towards the end of the table. Across for Max was Devland.

“I suppose we should ask the gods to watch over us this winter. May we live to be an example to future generations. Now, everyone, eat,” said Talon. He poured some wine into Griffa’s cup and then his own.

Max looked around and saw that many started filling their plates. Max did likewise. There were so many different dishes to pick from. Max wanted to try as many as he could.

“So, about this business in the forest I keep hearing about, is any of it true? Did this boy really make soldiers disappear?” asked Devland looking at Griffa.

“Oh yes, it was quite true, Devland,” said Griffa as Max put some potatoes on his plate. “I was there. I saw it. At least fifteen Aurumist soldiers were sent back magically to the city.”

“But how, Gryphon? I’m sorry, but that sounds quite impossible,” replied Devland.

“But Griffa and I have worked and worked to make it happen. We have sent many things magically to other places. We didn’t do any living things until that night, but we thought it was possible,” said Max.

“What do you mean you and Gryphon worked on it? How so?” asked a woman with dark gray hair. “I’m Clara Vin. I am on the council of the Valley, young king.”

“I found an old book about moving objects magically. I was never able to do it myself, but with Griffa’s help I found out we could together. So, that night in the forest when we were surrounded, Griffa suggested it. I knew we could do it. We did.”

“I believe Ansel’s protector’s magic played a part as well that night. I have been reading on protectors magic to see what I can find, but I haven’t come across anything like that yet,” said Griffa before taking a bite of some meat.

“I still find it hard to believe,” said Devland.

“Find it hard to believe all you want,” said Ansel looking at Devland. “I was there. There is no reason to lie. If Griffa and Max had not been successful, we probably would not be here with you now. I certainly wouldn’t”.

Max saw Griffa give Ansel a sad smile.

“Perhaps you and the young king could show us tonight how you move things magically, Gryphon,” said Devland.

“We will if that is what it will take to convince you. I would think you would know me well enough by now to know I don’t lie,” said Griffa a little harshly.

“What do you like to be called, our young king?” asked Clara obviously trying to change the subject.

“Max, I prefer Max.”

“Very well, Max, what do you think of the Valley?”

“It’s very nice. I like the marketplace. Wendell house is very nice. I hope to see more of the village before I leave,” answered Max.

“You will have to come to the mid-winter festival in town at the end of the week. I hope you are staying that long,” said Clara looking at Griffa.

“We plan to celebrate mid-winter here. We will be at the festival. We all want Max to experience the Valley as much as he can. We know it is an important part of our magical folk community,” said Griffa.

“I wonder if you really do. It seems you and the rest of the Ring think our world revolves around Abscon,” said Devland. “But I suppose we all get caught up in what we know.”

“It’s not like we ever see you in Abscon, Devland,” said Griffa, her eyes flashing. “I think it goes both ways.”

“I am not the leader of the Ring or the principal member of one of if not the most important family in the community,” said Devland. “I know your father taught you responsibility and what you owe to your people. It took you long enough to accept your place. What have you been doing all these years, Gryphon?”

“I was sixteen when my father died. I wasn’t ready to lead. Perhaps, I took more time than I should have, but I’m here now.”

“I saw how you spent some of your time, Gryphon,” said Devland with a small smile as he glanced at Talon. “I wondered if we would ever hear any kind of announcement that would have united our communities permanently, but I suppose it wasn’t how it appeared, or maybe it was.”

Max heard Talon lightly hiss. Ansel put down his fork loudly and stared at Devland. Griffa gave Devland a cold look. Max could feel Griffa’s unsettled magic building next to him. He heard her take a deep breath.

“I’m sorry you feel that I have ignored my duty. I may have not always have been as circumspect as I should have been, but I have done nothing to be ashamed of. I’m also sorry that it seems Abscon has not included the Valley in our plans. I or anyone on the Ring never meant to ignore the Valley. We are always available if you need us.”

“We know that, Griffa,” said Talon shooting a look at Devland. “Now tell me about your training, Max.”

The rest of the dinner went fairly well. Max described his training and what he had learned. Devland and Griffa traded words a few more times, but Talon was able to defuse the situation. Soon it was time to leave the table and go back to the parlor.

In the parlor, Max was shuffled from person to person by Talon. He was asked many questions about his youth, his training, his thoughts on the upcoming war, and every other thing anyone could ask. He was eventually exhausted. At a momentary break from questioning, he stood by Issa and drank a glass of wine.

“I know this is hard, Max, but I think you have done really well,” said Issa encouragingly. “I don’t think Griffa is having a good time either.”

Max looked over and Griffa was surrounded by seven people all trying to ask her questions. Her face looked calm, but Max could see she was getting frustrated by her body language and red spots on her face.

“No, I hope she keeps it together. You many have not heard it from your end of the table, but Devland was really getting under her skin at dinner,” said Max.

He watched as Talon walked over and took Griffa’s hand. Talon said something and took Griffa through the doorway to the entry hall.

“I thought he was an old friend of her fathers. I thought he would be on her side,” said Issa.

Max shrugged his shoulders. He spotted the back door and noticed the back lawn was dimly lit. “I’m going to walk around outside for a moment. I need some fresh air. Do you mind?”

“No, go ahead. I’ll stay here and watch what’s going on, so you don’t miss anything,” said Issa. Max kissed her on her cheek and quietly moved to the back door.

Max walked out onto the dim, snow covered lawn and took a deep breath. He never really minded the cold. He was reminded of cold nights helping Danin with the horses in the stable. Max walked to his left and stood by a tree looking up at the stars.

“Needed to get out for a bit, eh?” said a voice in the darkness.

Max jumped and was about to head back to the house when Devland appeared from around the tree.

“I didn’t mean to scare you. I got a bit warm in there. Thought I’d come out here to cool off.”

Max nodded. “I did too. I was hoping to get a break from all the questions.”

“I know it seems like I’m being very harsh on you and Gryphon, but you have to understand. The Valley is my home. My wife lives here with me, and I want to make sure she is safe. I have to do the right thing for my family and my people.”

Max nodded. “I hope you know Griffa feels the same way. She wants what’s best for everyone.”

“I’m sure she does. She is a clever woman from a good family. Her father was an excellent man. She lost him at a young age. I know it affected her deeply. I don’t doubt her intentions. I just hope she is right in her actions.”

Max nodded. They stood in silence for a few minutes.

“I think we better get inside before either of us are missed,” said Devland. Max agreed.

They began to walk back to the house when they were stopped by voices.

“Ansel, I know I need to keep my head about me. I’m really trying. I just can’t answer the same questions over and over. I don’t know what else I can do.”

Max looked at Devland who was staring at Ansel and Griffa.

Ansel took Griffa into his arms and held her. “You’re doing fine, Griffa. You really are. We are almost done and then we can go home and relax. I’m ready to get out of here. I don’t like how Talon parades you around like he owns you.”

“He’s just used to controlling things, Ansel, pay him no mind. He doesn’t mean anything by it.”

Ansel gave a snort of disbelief.

Griffa separated from Ansel a bit and looked up at him as he rubbed her arms.

“Still, I’m ready for this to be over. I can’t wait to get you home. I don’t know if I’ve told you this tonight, but you look beautiful,” said Ansel softly.

“Max said I looked intimidating. I think I rather like that. I would like to be intimidating enough that people actually listen to me when I talk,” said Griffa hanging her head down.

Ansel put his hand under Griffa’s chin and gently brought her head up to look at him. “You are doing everything you can to make things right. Don’t doubt yourself.” Ansel then leaned down and kissed Griffa. Griffa responded by throwing her arms around Ansel. After a moment they broke apart.

“Come on, let’s go inside and see if we can find a way to go home soon,” said Griffa taking Ansel’s hand and leading him back to the house.

Max looked over at Devland who was watching Ansel and Griffa return to the house. He had an unreadable look on his face. “Interesting,” Devland said. Then He walked to the house without looking back at Max.

Max returned to the house through the back door. Issa was waiting for him.

“Is everything ok, Max?” asked Issa looking at him.

“Yes, I think so. Something strange happened, but I’ll tell you later,” said Max seeing Talon heading their way.

Max took Issa’s hand and turned towards the wall to look at a large portrait there. It was beautifully done. It was a young couple standing together. The man was tall and handsome with light brown hair and blue eyes. The woman was a little shorter. She was beautiful with green eyes and red hair. They were both dressed well. Something about them seemed familiar to Max.

“Ah, I see you admiring my favorite portrait in the house. It’s very old, almost as old as the home itself,” said Talon coming up behind Issa and Max.

“Are they relatives of yours?” asked Max looking up at the portrait.

“I’m not sure. Let’s see,” said Talon looking at the small inscription on the frame. “It says Von and Lucia Hyde. I think I remember. I believe the man was a ward of my family back when the Valley was first established. There were lots of parentless children after the kingdom taken over by the Ancients. If I remember correctly Hyde was the woman’s last name so he must have taken it when they married. I was given quite a few lessons on my family heritage, but I’m not as sharp as I should be on it,” said Talon smiling.

“I think Griffa is signaling that it’s time to leave, Max,” said Issa.

“Alright,” said Max. He stayed a few moments and stared at the portrait before him.