Yanda spent extra time weaving Kelton's hair. She was humming a tune Kelton had heard before but didn't struggle to remember where. It had been an odd night, her pushing into him and pulling his arms around her as if she required physical proof of his presence. It made for a warm sleep.

"Bed cold when not here," Yanda said, guessing his thoughts.

"I missed you as well," Kelton said, guessing hers. Her lips graced his shoulder, a small peck from behind to acknowledge the truth of it. He tried to turn his head, but it was held in place by firm hands as she finished her task.

Kelton rose from the bed when Yanda patted his side, signaling she was done. He turned and held out his hand to guide her from the bed. She was beautiful in her nakedness, proud breasts that cared nothing for where his eyes drifted. No shame as she stood before him and looked over her work from the front.

"Warrior var' que," Yanda announced, then smiled and kissed his forehead. Kelton hadn't realized there were different styles of braiding.

"Warrior?"

"Conquer owner," Yanda said as she poked his chest. There was pride in her eyes. She enjoyed his successes as much as her own. He was happier with the preserving of Freetown than the downfall of Barrenkee, but her praise made his heart sing, so he didn't trouble to correct her. Conqueror of cruelty he would be if it made Yanda's eyes sparkle as they were.

A knock on the door was followed by Vasco's call. "Master awaits us in the main house."

"Aye," Kelton responded as he assembled his clothing. Secretly, he wished they would have waited until after the morning meal. It only took a moment to don clothes and open the door. Vasco tossed him an apple with a smile.

"I thank you," Kelton said and bit deep into the fruit as they moved at a quick pace to heed their master's call.

Vasco and Kelton dropped to their knees upon entering the meeting room. The Prince and Princess were both present, a surprise since the sun had barely begun to crawl above the horizon.

"Rise," the Prince said with obvious impatience. "We must not dally this day. Events must commence before those we wish to thwart get word. Moving soldiers is not a silent endeavor."

"Are you ready to secure ownership?" the Prince asked Filgot.

"Aye, your Highness. We are stretched thin, but will manage," Filgot replied.

"I will leave you six men to help in the task before I ride on to Mila," the Prince said. "A weeks time will do?" Kelton saw a true warrior in the Prince. He was decisive and commanded as if he were born to it. There was none of the hesitancy that was present in the muzzle negotiations.

"Aye, most gracious, your highness," Tarvakian replied. "The quick timing has left us short. A week is all we should need."

"Then it is done, they will answer to you, Filgot." The Prince shared a knowing look with Filgot, one born of a bond from training past. Filgot nodded in return as if it were all an easy thing. Kelton no longer wondered how the King learned that the viners were fooled and not beaten on the road so long ago. The Prince must have acquired the truth from Filgot himself. The trust between them was clear enough.

"We will secure house Barrenkee, then move on to Mila before notice spreads there. I have men stationed at the foot of the trail to stop word running before us." The Prince continued. "Zello and Alliette will lead on the road, secure the cure, and banish any fears of my armies passing. House Mortique will fall in six days, and we shall be done with this rebellion." There was almost a happiness in his voice. He was born to battle, even if this war was more subterfuge than swords.

"Aye, your highness," Zello replied, bravado apparent in his tone. The Prince's determination had an infectious quality, and Zello wasn't immune. He was rewarded by a smiling nod from the Prince, which further bonded Zello to the cause. Future brothers, to be sure.

Kelton found It educational to watch the Prince take charge and spread his strength to others. It was as if they all held the same sword and would thrust as one. It was a talent to steer others to a cause, and the Prince was a master. Kelton studied the posture, the sheer presence of confidence that radiated from the man. It all screamed of success before anything was implemented. No doubt, quality of command handed down from many Victalica kings.

"We will move now," the Prince announced. "I wish a word with your property if you agree." He indicated Kelton as he queried Tarvakian's permission.

"As your highness desires," Tarvakian replied with a bow, and then led everyone from the room.

"High Master?" Kelton asked when all other ears had left.

"My father and I desire you to slow." The Prince instructed. It was an order and not up for negotiation. "The kingdom will digest your muzzle, but nothing more for a year's time. Is that understood?"

"Aye, high Master."

"You are to put your efforts into elevating house Tarvakian only, as is your duty," the Prince continued. "It is best for you to remain unseen to the rest of the world." He placed emphasis on the word 'unseen' as if he understood the Aragonia meaning of the word. The King and his son knew much more than Kelton had ever considered. A frightening thought.

"House Tarvakian only, high Master." Kelton nodded in quick agreement. He realized the precarious position he was in. The laws were clear. A word from the crown, and the truth of his past would condemn him. The royal shackles were forged in iron.

"Good," the Prince said, then smiled. His whole demeanor changed. "Filgot has led me to believe you have a special dislike of owner Barrenkee, something to do with the mistreatment of property that is now of this house."

"Aye, high Master. Felicity was struck to perpetuate a failed ruse. The deed was unnecessary and cruel," Kelton said. "It is what began the look into his affairs."

"If your master allows, bring this Felicity and yourself to the front gate. I will parade the traitor past in chains. It will sting him to know the root of his downfall, probably more than the shame of what is coming. I would have him know the depth of his losses, and the ones who instigated it."

"As high Master desires," Kelton said with a deep bow and smile.

The raid on house Barrenkee created little noise. Kelton had expected shouting and a battle between house guards and the King's army. Instead, the numbers the Prince had brought had quelled any defense before it had begun. Though some, the ones who knew well their guilt, did try their chances at climbing the stone fences. The Prince had foreseen such cowardice and had men stationed about the perimeter to capture the few who tried. It was anti-climatic. Not at all the excitement Kelton had expected.

"I am to stand here?" Felicity asked. She, like most others, was unaware of the day's happenings.

"Aye, with me," Kelton replied. Tarvakian had allowed it, not that denying the Prince's request was ever in doubt. Taggert was assigned to guard them in case the events at house Barrenkee spilled over to house Tarvakian's gate.

"What are all the soldiers doing?" Felicity asked. There were still men moving along the road. Some guiding wagons, others reinforcements or on supply duty. Many more men than necessary by the sound of things.

"Acquiring a gift for you." Kelton smiled, enjoying the cryptic nature of his reply.

"You jest with me," Felicity said, and turned back to the house as if to return. "I have work that needs doing."

"Then you will miss it," Kelton said. Felicity slowed. "It is a memory you will treasure, I assure you." She took a deep breath and turned back to stand at his side. Kelton had to smile at the trust she gave him.

"Good day," Master Tarvakian said as he walked up from behind.

"Master," Felicity said with some surprise. "I was about to return to my work." She looked at Kelton with concern, desiring not to blame him yet her eyes begging for an excuse for her slacking.

"Not this day," Master said, waving away her concern.

"Good day, Master," Kelton said with a grin that continued to tease Felicity. She looked between them, both Master and Kelton now seemingly interested only with the movement of soldiers along the road.

"I will not be working this day, Master?" Felicity asked.

"There is a new task I will have for you," Master replied. Kelton could see the impatient confusion grow on Felicity's features when Master didn't explain further. Kelton was about to surrender to her growing fears and explain when the Prince was spotted coming down the road on his horse. The proud white steed was moving at a slow walk, followed by a thick formation of soldiers.

Kelton and Felicity dropped to their knees, and Tarvakian executed a deep bow. The prince dismounted and signaled them all to rise. Another wave of his hand and a shackled man was led from the middle of the formation of soldiers. Felicity gasped.

"You'll be happy to know that Barrenkee isn't at fault, Heralic," the Prince said as he removed his riding gloves. "He confesses it was all his uncle's plan. Fear of disinheritance made him comply."

"A valid defense, your Highness," Tarvakian said. "Though I confess, I remember no laws governing half-treason." The Prince laughed. Barrenkee's eyes were wide, his mouth chewing on the thick cloth stretched tight between his lips. He looked as if he wished to say something, but drool was all he could produce.

"The crown thanks your house for uncovering this treason, Heralic. It is owners such as yourself that are the bedrock of this kingdom."

"It is the property I care for that has made it so, your Highness," Tarvakian said, indicating Kelton and Felicity. "They work to secure my house, and thus the Kingdom. My debt to them is forever growing."

"Ahh, Aye. I have heard of this Kelton," the Prince said as if he had never spoken to Kelton before. It was a show for Barrenkee and the soldiers that surrounded him. Best if the crown is not visibly tied to other's property. "I am led to believe it was you who unmasked this treachery." Barrenkee struggled to turn away, only to be turned back by the brutish soldiers who flanked him. Forced to face the scene.

"I and others, high Master," Kelton said. "It was Felicity who gave our house the information it needed. Without her, who knows the depths of what might have transpired." Barrenkee mumbled unintelligibly, drool accenting a foolish-looking vision.

"You were the key?" the Prince asked, his full attention falling on Felicity. Her cheeks were turning a pretty shade of pink.

"Only a part at best, high Master," Felicity said.

"I refuse your humility," the Prince said with humor in his voice. "I find it ironic that this traitor was unseated by property whose intelligence far exceeds his." He turned to Barrenkee. "A fool twice over not to seize her mind for profit. Now her place exceeds yours." Kelton could see both anger and fear building water in Barrenkee's eyes. This was not the place he wished to be.

"I am going to have a jug of my favorite vintage sent to your owner," the Prince said to Felicity. "A gift for assistance to the crown that I desire is shared by all who participated." He placed his hand on Felicity's shoulder, a micro-moment of equality. "An extra mug for you, I hope." Felicity's face was beet red.

"I thank you, high Master," Felicity stuttered. The prince retracted his hand. Kelton couldn't believe the Prince had singled her out so directly. It was evident that Barrenkee was equally surprised. He looked as if he had swallowed a rock, and it was churning in his gut.

"Heralic, the crown gifts you with all this traitor possed," the Prince announced loudly. It sounded more magnanimous than the truth. House Tarvakian would be paying for the gift for many years to come. More show to torture Barrenkee. By the look of the bound man, it was working. Tears were beginning to river down his cheeks as the reality of the situation set in.

"An unsought award, your Highness," Tarvakian said with a modicum of diplomacy. "I will endeavor to make sure it furthers the strength of the kingdom, as well as my house."

"You have the crowns trust," the Prince said and waved his hand to his soldiers. A sign to pull Barrenkee back into the ranks. "I must deliver this scourge to the King. When I return, your son will lead the way to Mila."

"Aye, your Highness." Tarvakain bowed. Kelton and Felicity found their knees again as the Prince remounted his horse and the procession continued on its way.

"What happened?" Felicity asked Kelton.

"Barrenkee is ended," Kelton replied. "Your memory of the red tarp and foodstuffs were most helpful."

"He is done?" Felicity asked, having trouble believing what transpired. Her growing smile was evidence that it was beginning to sink in.

"Aye," Master said. "Which leads us to your next task for my house."

"Anything, Master," Felicity said. Kelton could tell she meant it. There was a new joy in her eyes. It lightened his heart to see it.

"Filgot will gather my new property, and I wish you to speak to them. They are to know the differences between Barrenkee and I as you see them."

"It is night and day, Master," Felicity said. "It will be a pleasing task to lessen their burden as you have lessened mine. I thank you for trusting me in this."

"Good, good," Master said. "I would also like your help in choosing a stable master among them. My house's knowledge beyond a wagon or two is limited. I now own a large herd of horses and a bevy of wagons. The feeding and caring are new to us, as well as the packing and shipping."

"You would choose from among them, Master?." Felicity asked.

"Aye, they would know best, would they not?"

"Aye, Master, they would." Felicity's smile grew. "There are some there who love horses more than people. They know horse care as they know their own."

"Go eat, then we will see to it," Tarvakian said as he waved Felicity toward the house. She nodded, then walked as if a wind was pushing her forward. The joy that was in her eyes had moved to her legs.

"It was good the Prince saw to her deeds, Master," Kelton said. He was as pleased as Felicity was. "All that Barrenkee had done has been lessened. It was a wonderful gift of words for her."

"For her?" Tarvakian asked, then chuckled as he headed toward the house.

"What do you mean, Master?" Kelton asked in confusion as he caught up.

"The crown has seen through you." Tarvakian shrugged as if he had seen it coming. "It is you they wish to encumber. There is nothing you desire more than the joy of those around you. It seems they have recognized your value, and yet fear your ire." He chuckled again. "The crown now sees you as do I."

Kelton slowed to a stop, letting his Master move on without him. Tarvakian was right. The words to Felicity were used to bond him to the crown, or at least toward cooperation. Kelton was being manipulated by masters of the craft. He had to smile at Felicity's happiness. It didn't matter how it came about. The crown wished him to slow, and he would. He shrugged before he started walking again. It would take a year for his carvings to be complete anyway.

Beany crouched behind a bush, well hidden, as the wagon maneuvered into the clearing. It was flanked by twenty soldiers, ten on each side. They were the King's men if the clothing was to be believed. Paragon exhaled next to her as if it were to be his last breath.

Something had gone wrong. Kelton was not in the wagon. Instead, there was a woman and a man seated in the rear and two coppers on the buckboard. Both the man and the woman looked well cared for, beauty only wealth could provide. Beany watched as the man dismounted then helped the woman to follow. She wore fine clothes cut to the duty at hand. Traveling attire worth more coin than what it would cost to feed Freetown for a year.

The coppers brought down a small table from the wagon, followed by four chairs and laid them out where the woman directed. It was odd to see all heeding the woman's words. Even the soldiers were moved back by the movements of her hand. The man she traveled with was not shooed away and stayed close. He looked comfortable there.

Paragon tapped Beany on the shoulder to get her attention. He signaled for them to retreat. Freetown was ready to run, and they had only waited to see if Kelton had returned. They were very aware of the large force, not an hour behind the wagon. It was time for them to disperse and seek refuge where they can find it. The gamble had failed.

"I wish to speak to Paragon," the woman yelled into the trees. Paragon stopped his backward movement and looked at Beany. She shook her head - too much of a risk. Beany had no desire to lose the man who had claimed her soul.

"There is one called Beany among you," the woman yelled again. "I would speak to her as well." The last part lacked the volume of the first. As if she would prefer Paragon to Beany. Beany wondered how long Kelton suffered before he gave up the names. She and Paragon were about to retreat again when a small argument ensued.

"I will not say it," the woman said to the man.

"You must."

"They are meaningless words. He only gave them to me because I hit him," the woman argued.

"You struck him?"

"Not hard," the woman replied as if annoyed. She turned away from the man. "As you would an errant child. He had summoned me, and I found it...irritating."

"You must say the words." The man chuckled.

"It is not right," the woman said to the ground. "I will make him pay for it. Someday, somehow, he will regret this." Beany stalled Paragon and their retreat.

"Beany," the woman growled loudly. "You are more of a lady than I."

Beany shook off Paragon's attempt at holder her back. She burst from the bush and into the clearing, a safe distance from the woman and the soldiers behind her. Hands went to the pommels of swords. She also had her hand over her sword.

"And who you be?" Beany asked.

"Princess of the Kingdom of Masocrate, Alliette Victalica," the woman said proudly.

Beany was struggling not to laugh. Kelton would never mention such words to anyone he did not trust. Torturers would fail to derive it, simply because they wouldn't know to ask. She drew her sword, a movement that was mirrored by the soldiers, and stuck the blade into the ground and walked forward unarmed. The other swords were quickly sheathed again.

Five steps before the princess, Beany bowed as she had seen many citizens do before. A knee was for property, and she would rather tempt fate and not return to that.

"Kelton is mistaken, you Highness," Beany said. Her smile couldn't be held back. It blossomed on her face in full force. Before Beany was the highest of princesses who Kelton ranked below her. Humourous and flattering.

"You lie poorly, my lady," Alliette said, her smile breaking the surface as well. "More poorly than our Kelton. At least he tries to hide it." All Beany heard was 'my lady.' A princess had titled her beyond her birth, beyond her life, and beyond her own belief.

"Forgive me, your Highness. The words are new to me, and I can't help finding them pleasing."

"It is why the crown is here, to change your title," Alliette said. "Do you speak for all?"