Griffa sat at the desk in her small study trying to read one of the books on protectors of the kingdom she had gotten from Ansel. She would usually have found the information very interesting, but today she was expecting a visit from Talon. It had been three days since the dinner at Wendell house. Talon had sent a message saying the council would meet this morning. The decision would be made.

Griffa looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost lunchtime. Hopefully, Talon would come before long. Griffa looked back down at her book trying to concentrate. She read:

The magical bond between a protector and his sovereign is one that cannot be broken except under deception by protector or denial of reign by sovereign. The magical bond creates a thread of magic that connects the sovereign and the protector at all times. If the sovereign is in danger the protector will be aware. If the sovereign dies, the protector will feel the bond break. The protector will be released, as the next in the line will take up the bond for the next sovereign. If a King or Queen is too young to rule, the old protector will stand as regent until the sovereign is of age.

The sovereign will be aware of the protector’s magic in times of need. If a protector is disloyal the sovereign will be aware. If the protector dies, the sovereign will be aware. A new bond will be formed with the new protector is named. The kingdom depends on the line of Adalwen and Raya. The line of Adalwen and the line of Raya depends on each other.

Griffa looked up as Ansel came in with a tray of food. He put it down on her desk.

“I thought you might want to eat in here. Nora, Issa, and Max have gone out to the marketplace to buy things for mid-winter. They said they would eat in town.”

Griffa closed her book and looked up at Ansel. “You think it wise for them to go unprotected?”

Ansel shrugged. “Max is more than able to defend himself. Besides, everyone will be out preparing for the holiday. It would be hard to pull anything in a crowd. Everyone is aware who Max is. They won’t be gone long.”

Griffa took some cheese off the tray and popped it in her mouth. After swallowing she said, “I think there might be something to your bond with Max only forming once he is crowned. Look here at this. If a king dies, then the protector only begins a new bond once a new king or queen is crowned. Once Max is crowned, you should feel more connected to him. It explains why you are able to let him have a little more freedom at the moment.”

“What about in the forest? You said you could feel protector magic at work,” said Ansel as he poured two cups of wine.

“I think there may always be some connection between the lines of Raya and Adalwen. Maybe if the line of Adalwen is in danger, the protection magic is enabled? It’s just a guess. I haven’t found anything on it, yet” said Griffa as she ate some bread.

“What else have you been working on lately? I feel like you’ve constantly been in this study for two days.”

“I’m still doing research on that potion we received from your spy. I know most of the ingredients, but I still can’t find anything that resembles the potion in my books. I know Max and Issa are working on it as well. Maybe, they will have more luck.”

“I hope you plan on taking a short break for the holiday. It starts tomorrow or have you forgotten?” asked Ansel.

“I know. We need to plan a day of festivities tomorrow at home. You will have to play a game. I know you look forward to that,” said Griffa sarcastically.

“If it will stop you from working for a moment, I will happily play a game.”

Griffa gave Ansel a smirk. “No work, tomorrow I promise. I hope we have something to celebrate besides mid-winter. Talon should be here soon.”

“What happens if he says the Valley won’t support the Ring?” asked Ansel. “I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen, but what if?”

“Then we go home for a short mid-winter rest. We meet with the Ring and move forward without the Valley. It will make things harder, but we will still fight for what’s right.”

A knock at the front door of the house caused Griffa to jump up. She quickly walked from around her desk, out of the office and to the front door. Ansel followed close behind. She opened it slowly to reveal Talon smiling at her.

“Talon, would you like to come in?”

“Actually, I was hoping you would take a walk with me. Have a chat leader to leader, Griffa.”

Griffa looked behind her shoulder at Ansel and then turned to Talon and nodded. “Let me grab my cloak.”

Ansel grabbed it before Griffa could. He walked in front of her, blocking Talon from her view. As he fastened the cloak around her shoulders he whispered, “Are you sure you want to go alone?”

Griffa nodded. “It will be fine.” Ansel moved to her side. Before she could walk out the door, Ansel grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. He kissed her gently before letting her go.

Talon smiled slightly. “We won’t be long, Ansel.”

Griffa glance at Ansel before stepping out and joining Talon for a walk. They walked to the main path of the village until they came to a small, wooded area. Talon led her off the path into the cover of the trees.

“Well?” said Griffa turning to face Talon.

“There are assurances and concessions the council wants from the Ring,” said Talon.

“What assurances and concessions?” asked Griffa.

“They want to be made aware of all decisions the Ring makes on the coming war with Aurumist.”

“Understandable,” said Griffa.

“They want me to be able to travel to Abscon at least every two weeks to check in with the Ring. I will bring any concerns or decisions we have made.”

“Are you alright with traveling so frequently?” asked Griffa. “That seems inconvenient.”

“When is war every convenient?” replied Talon. “I am fine with coming to Abscon frequently. I might need a place to stay if I am required to stay overnight.”

“You will be welcomed at Keene Manor,” said Griffa. “What else?”

“The Valley would like assurances of aid from Abscon if we are ever under attack.”

“If we agree will the Valley help Abscon if the roles are reversed?”

Talon nodded.

“Then you can be assured of our support if the Valley requires it,” said Griffa.

“The Valley also requires at least two positions on the Ring when it is reformed in Aurumist. The king may choose who, but we will be represented.”

“All these seem quite reasonable. Why do I feel like you are leading up to something?”

“The young king will stay behind after mid-winter and train in the Valley with council members able to be present. He will stay through spring.”

“What? You want Max to stay here six months?” asked Griffa loudly.

“The council wants to have time with the king. He is going to be our ruler, Griffa. We deserve to know him as well as the Ring and Abscon.”

Griffa walked away. How would this work? If Max stayed, Issa would want to stay. Nora probably would as well. Ansel would have to stay. Griffa would be needed back in Abscon. Ansel would be furious, but what choice did she have? They needed the Valley’s support.

“Four months, Talon. Max will stay for four months,” said Griffa turning back to look at Talon. “I will have to talk to Max and Ansel first, but I believe we can commit to four months.”

“I believe I can make that work with the council. I assume the king and Ansel will stay at your home here in the Valley?”

“Yes, probably everyone in my current party, but me. I will be needed back in Abscon to lead the Ring.”

Talon held out his hand. “Do we have an agreement?”

Griffa took his hand. “Yes, Talon. We have an agreement. Thank you.”

Talon bowed and kissed Griffa’s hand. “Good, let’s walk back.”

Talon offered Griffa his arm, and she took it. He pulled her close. and they walked back towards Griffa’s home.

“I guess I should be glad the council didn’t require a marriage arrangement to unite our houses,” said Griffa laughing lightly.

“You know I wouldn’t have been opposed,” said Talon brushing his shoulder against Griffa’s. “I do think someone would have been angry about it though. Sometimes I still can’t believe you are with Ansel.”

“Why not?” asked Griffa. “He is a good man.”

“He is, but it just seems odd. You are so lively, and I mean this in the best way, wild. I remember our time together vividly. Ansel just seems so quiet and dull.”

“He is quiet, but he is not dull. He has many worthy qualities. I will not discuss them with you, but I am happy.”

“Good, one of the things I want more than anything in this kingdom is for you to be happy. I guess he won’t like being away from you while he stays here.”

“No, it seems I will be traveling as much as you in the coming months,” said Griffa.

“I will be glad we get to spend more time together, Griffa. I hope you feel the same way.”

“Yes,” said Griffa smiling at Talon. “You are one of my dearest friends. Your support through all of this has meant a lot.”

Talon covered Griffa’s hand on his arm. “You will always have my support. You don’t ever need to worry about losing it.”

Talon said his goodbyes to Griffa from the path to her house. Griffa walked slowly to the house. She didn’t look forward to the conversation she was about to have with Ansel.

Griffa opened the door and was met immediately by Ansel. She took off her cloak and hung it by the door.

“Well, how did it go? Did they agree?” asked Ansel following Griffa to the parlor.

“Have a seat, Ansel. There are some things we need to discuss,” said Griffa sitting down in a chair. Ansel sat down across from Griffa.

“The Valley is willing to help in the coming war. There are some things they want in exchange for their loyalty and aid.”

“Of course, we expected as much. What things?”

“They want to be informed of the decision of the Ring on the war.”

Ansel nodded.

“They want Talon to come to Abscon at least every two weeks to meet with the Ring.”

“That sounds like a lot of travel for Talon, but I understand the reasoning behind it,” said Ansel.

“They want support from Abscon if they are attacked. They will help us if the roles are reversed. They want two members on the new Ring that will form in Aurumist to be from the Valley.”

“All of this sounds very doable. I hope you said yes.”

“I’m not done yet. They want Max to stay here after mid-winter. They wanted six months, but I told them four months.”

Ansel looked at her with his mouth open. “You agreed to this? You agreed to Max staying four months in the Valley?” Ansel stood up and walked to the fireplace.

“Yes, they want to know their king. Can you blame them?” asked Griffa to Ansel’s back.

Ansel turned to look at her. “You do realize this means I will have to stay in the Valley as well.”

“Yes, and I will have to go back to Abscon. I don’t like being away for you, but I can travel here often. The Ring will want me to check on Max anyway.”

Ansel just stared at the fire.

Griffa got up and moved to his side. “I don’t want to do this, I don’t, but what choice do we have? We need the Valley. This is not an unreasonable request.”

Ansel turned to look at Griffa. He said nothing.

“What did you want me to do? Ansel, it’s not like you won’t see me almost every week. It’s only four months.”

Ansel looked down at the floor. He still would not speak.

Griffa took his hand. “Please say something. Don’t be angry.”

Ansel turned to her and took her other hand. “I’m not angry, Griffa. I do understand. It’s hard to explain, but it feels wrong to be away from you. I don’t know how I’m going to do this.”

“I know. I don’t like it at all, but we will get through it. I will come visit. Maybe you can get away for a few hours. It’s not like we can’t travel quickly.”

Ansel pulled her to him and held her. “So, with all that, they have agreed?” he asked.

Griffa pulled back and looked up at him. “Yes, we have an agreement.”

Max, Issa, and Nora walked in the living room their arms full of packages.

“You have an agreement about what?” asked Max.

“Sit down, Max. We need to talk,” said Ansel.