Ansel walked out of Keene Manor. The morning was cold and gray. He walked slowly onto the main path towards the town’s center. He felt tired, alone, and angry. He had barely slept the night before. He had come home from the Valley and tried to tell Issa and Maybell what had happened. Issa had sat down and cried softly. Maybelle had been in hysterics.

Ansel didn’t have the strength to comfort them. He sat with both of them for a bit. Issa tried to tell him about Griffa. She tried to tell him Griffa was really the queen. Ansel told her; he already knew. She tried to explain to him how Max had found out, but Ansel didn’t really listen. He couldn’t focus on anything she said. All that mattered to him was the truth. The truth was Griffa was his queen.

Ansel eventually excused himself and went upstairs. Maybelle hugged him and he patted her on the back. He probably should have been kinder to Maybelle. He should have sat with her and let her talk, but he just couldn’t do it. He went to Griffa’s room out of habit. He thought of it as his room, their room. He laid on her bed fully dressed and looked up at the ceiling. He felt his magic inside of him. It spoke to him, asking for vengeance, asking for its queen.

Ansel could barely believe it. He didn’t want to believe it, but it was true. He had no doubt. Griffa was the true queen of Regventus. He was bound to serve her, to protect her. Above all he just wanted to find her and Max and save them. Nothing else should matter at the moment but Griffa and Max’s safety.

Still as he laid in the bed, other thoughts came into his head. He knew what it meant to be a protector. He knew what he owed his queen. He knew what kind of relationship he was supposed to have with his queen. He was supposed to put her above everything else. He was supposed to be prepared to give his life for her.

He had no problems with either of these. He had felt that way about Griffa without realizing he was her protector. What bothered him, what kept him awake through most of the night, was he wasn’t supposed to be in love with Griffa. Protectors never had romantic feelings for their sovereign. It was made into the magical bond they shared. The Protector was devoted to his king or queen, but never in love, not romantic love.

Ansel thought and wondered if his feelings for Griffa had changed. Knowing that he was her protector, did he still love her? He knew the answer immediately. He loved her. If anything, the protector magic that bonded them had made his love for her even more intense. He wasn’t supposed to love her. It wasn’t supposed to be possible, but he did. He loved her. He wanted her. He needed her. He would not give her up.

Ansel smiled slightly as he remembered Griffa had promised to marry him. He would see that she kept that promise one day. He didn’t care if she was the queen, and he was her protector. He would figure out a way for them. He had finally drifted off to sleep early in the morning, thinking only of Griffa.

Now, he walked with purpose to the meeting hall. He had to meet with the Ring of Nine. He had to make them understand what had changed. They had to find a way to get Max and Griffa back alive. There could be no alternative. Ansel would go himself and fight all the forces in Aurumist if he had to.

Ansel came to the front of the meeting hall and stopped before the statue of King Nathin. He smiled slightly as he thought of Griffa’s small ceremony she performed before each Ring meeting. Ansel bowed before the statue of King Nathin. He then turned and bowed before the statue of the Gods. He did ask for wisdom and humor, but he also said a prayer for Max and Griffa’s safety.

“Hello, Ansel,” said Talon quietly coming up to him in front of Nathin’s statue.

“Talon,” said Ansel. “How are things in the Valley?”

“Grim, but coming along. We lost several folk. I know Abscon did as well. We are planning to honor the fallen in the coming weeks. I am sure Abscon will do the same.”

Ansel nodded. “I’m sure the Ring will see to it.”

Talon hesitated but then said, “I wanted to ask you about what you said after Max and Griffa were taken, about saving Max and our queen.”

Ansel looked at Talon. “Yes?”

“Well, what did you mean?” asked Ansel.

“I meant exactly what I said. I will find a way to save Max and Griffa.”

“Ansel,” said Talon impatiently. “You know what I mean.”

Ansel looked up to see Hector and Helmer arriving at the meeting hall. “You will find out in the meeting, Talon.” He walked over and followed Hector and Helmer into the meeting hall. Ansel heard Talon follow behind him.

Ansel followed Helmer and Hector into the Ring of Nine meeting space. Many were already gathered, including Madam Sidora. She eyed Ansel as he walked into the room. The group started gathering around the table when they saw Hector. Hector looked at the first chair, but then moved over to his usually second chair.

Ansel stood back from the table with Talon. He wasn’t sure how to start what he needed to say. The last few members hurried into the room and took their place at the table. Everyone turned to Hector.

“Well, I guess we should get started. Since Gryphon is unavailable, I will start the meeting.”

“Wait, Hector,” said Madam Sidora. “That is not the correct order of things. In the days of the line of Adalwen when a sovereign was not available or too young to rule, the protector stood in their place. Ansel, come take your chair for your queen.”

Ansel looked at Sidora. He did as she bid. He awkwardly stepped behind the chair.

“What’s this nonsense?” asked Helmer. “What do you mean for your queen? We have a king and he isn’t on the Ring as of yet.”

“You are incorrect, Helmer,” said Madam Sidora. She turned to Ansel “Please start the meeting, Protector.”

Ansel looked around the table at confused expressions. He looked down at Hector who shrugged at him.

“Uh, may the gods guide us in our discussions, and may we always remember the responsibility we owe to one another,” said Ansel quickly. He sat down in the first chair. “Please provide a chair for Talon, the leader of the council of the Valley.” A chair was brought over and sat at Ansel’s left. Talon sat down quickly staring at Ansel.

“What is this about?” asked Helmer. “Sidora, are you going to explain?”

“I am unless the protector wants to explain himself?” asked Sidora.

Ansel shook his head.

“Very well. I was wrong in my prophecy, or at least I was partially wrong. Maxwell is the blood of Adalwen on both sides, but there was another born first. The Keene’s have long been of the blood of Adalwen. When Queen Agatha, our last queen, came to live in the Valley with her young daughter, her husband had been killed. She married Brien Keene, taking his name. Her young daughter, Malin, also took the Keene name

Agatha set up the Ring here in Abscon. She ruled over it as she had done before in Aurumist. Her daughter ruled after her. So, the Keene’s became the leaders of the Ring even though they were really of the blood of Adalwen. At the same time, Agatha’s son, Von, was raised in the Valley. He married and took off to travel the kingdom. We lost track of his bloodline.

“It is true that young Max is of the blood of Adalwen, twice, but he is not the only one. Gryphon’s mother is from the line of Adalwen through Von. When she married Renweard, the line was made complete again in Gryphon. I think Renweard knew it, but that is a discussion for another day.

When Gryphon took her place as the leader of the Ring, she accepted the throne Agatha and Malin had left. She is the first with the full line of Adalwen to lead the Ring since Malin Keene. When she took her place at this table, she essential declared herself our queen.”

“But you said, Max was the one,” said Hector. “You declared he was the king.”

“I was wrong, Hector. Do you think prophecy is easy? Do you think visions are always clear? The boy does have an important part to play. He is the next great diviner. He will serve his queen.”

“What does this mean?” asked Helmer with agitation. “What are you saying?”

“She is saying that Griffa is our queen. She is the rightful Queen of Regventus. I can tell you it’s true. My magic knows it to be true. Even now it calls out for her return.”

There were murmurs around the circle.

“So, what now?” asked a brown hair witch. “What do we do?”

“We do as our queen commanded,” said Ansel. “We continue to strengthen our forces, and we devise a plan to save Griffa and Max. I will not stand for them to be held in Aurumist for any longer than is necessary.”

“The Valley will help you where we can, Ansel. We will go fetch our queen and young Max,” said Talon emphatically.

“You can say that with certainty?” asked Hector looking at Talon.

“Griffa has always kept her word to the Valley. She fought for us. She is brave and she is kind. I can think of no better queen to lead us. I know my people will stand behind her.”

“You mean like your council member, Devland did?” asked Helmer. “Didn’t he turn her over to Philo?”

“He did, and he will pay. One day I will take care of him myself. He is a disgrace to the council, the Valley, and his family name. Everyone else on the council feels the same way,” said Talon, his eyes flashing at Helmer.

“Thank you, Talon,” said Ansel trying to defuse the situation. Fighting amongst themselves would get them nowhere. “Now, we need to find every magic user we can to fight for us. We need to go out to non-magical villages and spread the words of warning. We need to unite as many folk as we can to face the powers in Aurumist.”

The council discussed villages to visit. They made plans for different Ring members to reach out to small magical communities throughout Regventus. Talon pledged the Valley’s help in the endeavor. After that was settled, they talked about how to save Max and Griffa.

“I hate to ask this, Ansel, but I must,” said Hector. “Do we even know if they are still alive?”

“They are,” said Ansel with conviction. “I know Griffa is for certain. They think Max is our king. They will want to keep him alive for some time to bargain with us if it comes to that.”

Hector nodded. They discussed ideas, but kept coming to dead ends. A large force would be seen easily. They would have to face an all-out war, and Ansel knew they weren’t ready for that. A smaller force would be better, but how would they sneak into the palace? Ansel said he would do some research on the palace. They agreed to meet within the next week.

Ansel walked back to the manor with Talon.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to stay at the manor for a few days and help you do some research. I know Griffa has a fine collection of books. I will find what I can here and then go look in the Valley.”

“You are welcome to stay, but I’m sure you can find everything you need in your own library or the main one in the Valley.”

“Probably, but I would like to stay here,” said Talon.

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Talon asked, “Ansel, how are you feeling? I mean how are you really feeling? I know this can’t be easy for you.”

Ansel looked at Talon. He had never really been close to him, but Talon sounded sincere. “I am doing as well as can be expected. I believe knowing who I really am, who I really serve, has helped me in some ways. It’s still difficult to settle at times.”

“Do you still have some of the potion Griffa made for you?” asked Ansel.

“A little. She was gathering ingredients yesterday before the Valley was attacked,” said Ansel softly. He couldn’t believe it had barely been twenty-fours since his time with Griffa in the forest.

“Are the ingredients in the manor?” asked Talon.

“Yes, her basket was delivered to the house while we were gone yesterday. Why do you ask?”

“I’m not bad at potions. I could brew you some more while I’m here,” said Talon. “Look, Ansel, Griffa asked me to watch out for you when she wasn’t around. I know she just meant when you were in the Valley and she was in Abscon, but I would like to keep my word all the same.”

“Fine, brew the potion, but don’t think you have to watch my every move, Talon. I am capable of taking care of myself and my duty.”

“I know. It can’t hurt to have help though, right? I care about Griffa, you know I do. I’ve become quite fond of Max as well. I want to get them back. Let me help you.”

Ansel gave Talon a little smile and nodded. They arrived at the manor to find Nora hugging Issa. Cillian was standing close by. Nora broke off from Issa and came over to Ansel.

“Ansel, I am so sorry,” she said softly. “I know this can’t be easy for you, any of it.”

“It’s not. I’m sure you are hurting as well, but we will get them back soon. I promise you; I will bring Max home safety.”

Nora took his hand and squeezed it. They all sat down to eat a late lunch together. They discussed Griffa and Max. They talked about how everything had changed. They shared stories of Max and Griffa. Some made them laugh. They worked on plans to save them both. Ansel appreciated them all, much more than he ever had before.

Later, before dinner, Ansel was reading a book on the palace in the parlor when there was a knock at the door. He got up and walked to the entry hall to answer it. It was Desmona. Ansel felt his irritation rise.

“Yes?” he asked briskly.

“I won’t come in and take up any of your time, but I was helping clean up in the Valley and I found something I think you would want.” She held up Griffa’ staff and handed it to him.

Ansel took it slowly. He held it in his hands running his hand down the staff. He looked up at Desmona. “Thank you, Desma. This means a lot. Griffa would hate to lose it.”

Desmona nodded. “I am sorry, Ansel, but she is strong. She will get through this, both her and Max.”

“I know,” said Ansel.

“My father told me what happened in the Ring today. Is it true?”

“It is,” said Ansel simply.

“I know how difficult this news must be for you. This must change many things,” said Desmona touching Ansel’s arm. “If you ever need to chat, I am here for you.”

Ansel looked up at Desmona and she smiled slightly at him. He moved out of her grasp. “Thank you, Desma, but I find myself with an extraordinary amount of support at the moment. I do appreciate you dropping this by, but I must go.” Ansel shut the door.

Later that evening Ansel sat with Talon and Issa in the parlor. They were all reading books on Aurumist and the palace. Talon would get up every now and then to go stir the potion he was making for Ansel. Talon had just walked back in the room when there was a small tapping at the front door.

“Don’t get up, I’ll get it, “said Talon. He went to the front door. He came back soon with a letter. “Ansel, there is a message for Griffa.” Talon walked over and handed it to Ansel.

Ansel opened it. As he read the note, he felt his eyebrows rise.

“What is it, Ansel?” asked Issa watching him.

“It is from our spy. We haven’t heard from her in a while. She says she has someone Griffa needs to meet. Someone who could help us on our quest to save the kingdom,” said Ansel looking up. He handed the note to Talon.

Talon read over it quickly and looked at Ansel. “It says we should meet with this person mid-morning after we receive the letter. Will you go?” Talon handed the note to Issa who was asking for it.

“I will. If they say they can help us, I must go see what they think they can do. I will take guards with me incase it’s some sort of trap,” replied Ansel.

“I will go as well. I’ve been to Clarton. It’s been a while, but I can still remember how to get there,” said Talon.

The next morning, Talon and Ansel walked to the gate of Abscon. Ansel had sent a few of his guards ahead to check things out. Before they left, one came back and told him all looked clear. Ansel nodded to Talon and closed his eyes. He traveled to the forest edge near Clarton. Talon appeared by him quickly. They waited in silence, waiting for someone to appear.

Before long, a man in a tattered black cloak slowly walked towards them. He looked at them and stopped. He looked like he might run.

“Are you looking for Gryphon Keene?” asked Talon to the man.

The man nodded and walked slowly towards them. Ansel could see he was filthy. He had scratches on his face. The gloves he wore had holes in them.

“Who are you?” asked Ansel as the man got close.

“I am Kedan Belles. I was told to come here and meet with Gryphon Keene. Is she with you?”

“No,” said Talon.

“Can you take me to her? I need to speak with her.”

“That’s impossible at the moment,” said Ansel. “She is currently being held in the palace of Aurumist.”

Kedan looked at Talon and Ansel with wide eyes. “Who am I speaking with?”

“This is Talon Wendell. He is the leader of the Valley. I am Ansel of the line of Raya. I am the protector of the kingdom and the rightful Queen of Regventus, Gryphon Keene.”

Kedan looked confused. “I’m sorry, I was under the impression that you had a king.”

“You have the wrong information,” said Ansel coldly. “What do you want?”

“I want to help you. I want to help save Regventus.”

“How do you think you can do that?” asked Talon doubtfully.

“I was once the Lord of the Kingdom. I was crowned as a false king in the fall. I have spent over half my life in the palace of Aurumist. I can get you in the palace to save your queen.”

“How are we going to get him back to Abscon?” asked Talon quietly, looking at Ansel. “I don’t want to walk all the way back.”

Ansel sighed and turned away. He wasn’t sure what to do. Could they really trust this man? Ansel suddenly felt a warmth on his chest. His hand went to the Keene pendant he wore.

“Griffa,” Ansel whispered as he pressed the pendant into his skin. If there was a chance this man could help them save Griffa and Max, Ansel had to take it.

Ansel turned and looked at Kedan. “Kedan, is that your name? If you want to prove you are really on our side, I’m going to need you to trust me, completely. I’m going to need you to close your eyes and think of two large oak trees. They are both bent in towards each other. Right now, they have no leaves.”