The soldiers helped Kelton off the wagon, his guts still sore from an angry father's rath. Filgot came forward to relieve the soldiers of their charge and help Kelton to move toward the house. Kelton shook off the assistance once he was on solid ground.

"Your Master is waiting," Filgot said as he shadowed Kelton. "The Prince came with soldiers and retrieved things from your room."

"Aye," Kelton said.

"And you look as if the wagon dragged you back."

"A fall," Kelton lied. "I was not looking where I stepped."

"You can not say," Filgot surmised.

Kelton stopped walking and looked at Filgot with an eye and a half. "Aye, it is best not said."

Filgot nodded his understanding."I am to bring you to your Master," he added, point the way with a wave of his hand. They moved through the house at Kelton's pace, which was slow and steady.

Tarvakian waited in the meeting room with his son and new daughter. The room was devoid of others, and even Yelvin was not present. The Prince's visit must have been disturbing. Filgot closed the door after Kelton entered, leaving him alone with the family.

"My house was raided," Tarvakian said. It was a statement that demanded a response. Both Zello and Alliette were tight-lipped as if it were planned that the father speaks for all.

"My sorrows, Master," Kelton said. "It was not intended." It will be a struggle to explain without explaining. Silence, the King demanded.

"And your face, was it raided as well?"

"A fall, Master," Kelton said. The world demanded too many lies.

"You lie poorly," Tarvakian said. "You are both a blessing and a curse on this house. I need to know which one will win out."

"The curse has won this day," Kelton said. "It is my hope that it loses all the days that follow. I will try not to step too far again." At least not without warning the King. The risks were too high.

"You admit you were the cause?"

"Aye, Master."

"It was this carving project that stirred my King's ire?"

"The project failed, Master," Kelton said. "A dream at best, I now know it to be unworkable. I will no longer pursue it." Lies upon lies. Nothing is real when falsehoods warp reality.

"Again, your face betrays you," Tarvakian said, shaking his head. "This is my house, and I will know what risks you have taken and why?"

Kelton dropped to his knees and bowed his head. He could go no further without risking all - without risking Yanda. Forfeiting his life was preferable. "The project has failed, Master. Do as you must, for I will say no more."

"All-Father!" Tarvakian said as he rose from his chair in anger.

"I see my father in this," Alliette said quickly. "It is not his well-being he protects."

"I protect this house," Tarvakian demanded.

"Aye," Alliette agreed. "As does your property." She pointed at Kelton. "He fell, and his project is a failure. Neither of which rings true, yet he insists they must be. What does he gain by his adamance? Look at his face, do you believe he flouts you for his pleasure?"

"He would not hurt this house intentionally, father," Zello said.

"It is these secrets he holds," Tarvakian said as he moved toward Kelton. "Am I to trust his judgment? It is my house he juggles in his schemes."

"When it comes to my father, there may be no room for judgment," Alliette said. "The crown hides many things, even from me."

Tarvakian placed his fingers under Kelton's chin and lifted his face. He examined the damage. "You fell into a fist." He let go of the jaw. "Are other parts damaged as well?"

"Sore, Master. Nothing more."

"Is it as your Mistress says? Are you given no choice?"

"Only one viable direction to travel, Master," Kelton replied. A choice between silence or death. Like the Nagada, annihilation was not acceptable.

"It is infuriating," Tarvakian said, raising his hands to the ceiling. "You risk without thought, then hide the reason as if I am unworthy of the knowledge. Mayhap, it is Yanda I should query. She does not..."

"Nay, Master!" Kelton said, his one good eye wide.

"You fear you will not own the truth?"

"Father," Alliette said, rising from her chair. "It is not pride in his face. It is fear."

"Aye, it should be," Tarvakian continued. "He has angered the crown and..." Alliette placed her hand on her new father's arm to slow its augmentation of anger.

"When has Kelton ever feared for himself?" Alliette spoke it as if she might be consoling Yelvin. Tarvakian looked at Kelton with new eyes, his head tilting as he considered his daughter's words.

"Is Yanda a risk?" Zello asked, also rising from his chair.

"I must speak to her, Master," Kelton said, begging with implied understanding overlaying the words.

"Others?" Tarvakian asked as the scope of the issue began to present itself.

Kelton nodded in reply. "My project failed, Master. It is best forgotten." He again lowered his eyes to the ground. This was becoming more difficult than with the King. There, he felt impotent. Now it was all laced with shame.

Tarvakian sighed. Anger seemed to fade from his body as his shoulders slumped. "You risked more than you knew." Kelton nodded again.

"Then the project failed," Zello said.

"Aye, a failure," Alliette said, taking her husband's hand in hers.

"And forgotten," Tarvakian agreed. He placed his arm under Kelton's and helped him to his feet. "There will be no more untried things without discussion."

"Aye, Master," Kelton said.

"Are there things you must do to remove risk from this house?"

"Property I must speak with, Master."

"Do so now," Tarvakian said, pointing to the door.

Kelton nodded and moved like his stomach didn't pain him. It was best not to add to the concern. Best if the family never knew the extent of the risk. The world is a flower that would never bloom.

~~~~~

"Does it hurt?" Yanda asked. Her hand brushed the loose hair from the side of Kelton's face with a gentleness that made the ache worthwhile.

"Nay," Kelton lied. "You must forget the wooden symbols and how they are used."

"I shall not," Yanda said. "I shall one day bring the memory home to my mother. The Prince has no sway in my land. I meant to tell him so as his men pilfered our room. For your sake, I thought better of it and remained silent."

"Here, you must stay silent."

"Small minds who need all others to remain smaller," Yanda said. She cradled Kelton's face in her palms. "You will one day change this. Until then, know that I see great bravery in you." Her lips graced his forehead. "I will say no more of the symbols here."

"The King is not king," Kelton said. For some reason, it was important to tell the one he trusted completely. "There is someone beyond him who does not allow things as we have done. Someone who can threaten the King and his daughter. It was the King's fear that caused his anger."

"My mother never spoke of that," Yanda said, releasing Kelton's face. "It is thought that Masocrate is the largest, and most powerful of kingdoms." She shrugged. "My mother thought it wise not to dip our toes into the politics of other kingdoms. We are happy to be left alone. Mayhap, we are too small and ignored by this great king." Yanda smirked. "Mayhap, my mother did not tell me all."

"Kelton," the word was accompanied by a knock on the door. It was the Princess's voice.

"Mistress?" Kelton asked when he let her in. She was alone, a rarity since Yelvin had been born. Alliette moved into the room and gestured for the door to be closed.

"I wish to know what Yanda knows," Alliette said once the door closed.

"I cannot, Mistress."

"What does he not tell me?" Alliette asked Yanda.

"It is your father you need to seek out," Yanda said. "They are his words to say, though family and politics do not sleep well together. Know that you will risk much by asking." She spoke as an equal, ignoring the Princess's place in the family.

"More secrets," Alliette said as if it were a curse. She jabbed her finger at Kelton. "You are at the center of many. The ripples of your doings disturb the heart of them. I will know what you know."

"And you will tell Master Zello," Kelton pleaded. "Nothing good can come from it, Mistress. Would you have me risk Yanda to sate your mind?"

"Aye, I will tell my husband," Alliette said, nodding her head. "Do you not tell Yanda all? Does she use it against you or others? Do you think my love would thwart me? Nay, he will hold it as closely as I."

"How much do you wish to know?" Yanda asked. It was a princess speaking to another, not property to Mistress. Kelton wanted to warn her, but there was something strong growing in Yanda. The King stirred something in her by bruising his face. Something he sensed could not be stopped. "Your husband, your son, even yourself, are at risk. This land does not see women as worthy of such truth. Will you step on your father's will and claim to be equal?"

Alliette's eyes stiffened as she considered Yanda anew. She straightened, stood taller. "Who are you?"

"We will trade secrets," Yanda said. Kelton grabbed her arm, but it did not slow her. "And we will demand your silence for them. I will not see Kelton moving blindly in this world. He will know what you know so that he can traverse with eyes wide."

"Who are you?" Alliette asked again.

"Your word," Yanda demanded.

"You have it," Alliette replied.

"I am Yanda Serinda Orctavia Onlain Grovicko Sabo Divarina Linbola Travici Bangala Wath Nab Fortuna Mina Mordico Yovia Aborocollo, first Princess of Sorinnia."

Alliette's mouth opened and did not close.

"Is it time?" Kelton asked Yanda.

"Aye, for truth with your Mistress," Yanda said. "I have dresses to make and wish to remain. The crown is still too weighty for my head." It was the first time Yanda had admitted it was more than her mother that frightened her. She was not ready for the responsibility of her birthright.

"All-Father," Alliette said with a deep breath.

"No one knows of this, Mistress," Kelton said.

"What are the odds?" Alliette asked the world. "Two princesses find refuge in house Tarvakian, both running from forced duty." Her eyes widened as she looked at Yanda. "Though I was born without a snake between my legs, and in this land, the crown will never be mine."

"You came for love," Yanda pointed out.

"Nay," Alliette said. "I thought Zello kind and controllable. It was his love that found me. A wondrous trap he set." She grinned at Yanda as if Kelton was no longer present. "I had no idea he would stir me up as he does."

"Ohh," Yanda sighed. "I have yearned for such a thing." Alliette face became serious and looked between Yanda and Kelton. Yanda laughed. "We are each other's warmth, nothing more. Though I would risk all for him."

"And I for her, Mistress," Kelton added with pride.

"There are too many secrets," Alliette said, shaking her head.

"Many," Yanda agreed. "It was your father's own fist that marred Kelton's eye." She held out her hand and drew Kelton close.

"I never knew him to sully himself with such things?" Alliette said.

"It was you he feared for, Mistress," Kelton said. "I would do no less if it were my daughter at risk."

"What?"

"We have only dented the truth," Yanda said. "There is much we do not understand. Do you wish to dive into the depths? The knowledge that will preserve Kelton's beating heart is all I seek."

"Aye," Alliette agreed. She sat on the bed. "All I know for all you know." The princess in her fled, replaced by an inquisitive woman who cared not for birthright. Yanda released Kelton's hand and sat next to Alliette. Kelton thought it best to sit upon his chest against the wall.

"The beginning is the best," Yanda said, gesturing to Kelton.

"I am born of the Aragonia, the Dark Isle," Kelton said. He paused to register the shock in Alliette's eyes. "Your father and your brother know this, yet I still walk this land. I have read the ancient laws and know I should not be breathing. There is something that stalls their hand, though I do not know what it is."

"Rolic," Alliette said. It was Kelton's turn to be surprised. "You know the name?"

"I know one who called himself that, Mistress," Kelton admitted. "It bewilders me how you would know of him. Mayhap, we are talking of different men."

"Mayhap, the same man," Alliette said. "He knows of you."

"He is here?"

"Nay," Alliette replied, shaking her head. "A missive that took over a month to receive. I only read a portion of it. Fire consumed the rest. My father was told not to end you, that you may help him with a decision."

Kelton shrugged. "I know nothing of a decision. The Rolic I knew was half a friend at best. He plied me with mead and had me spilling secrets, then my stomach the next morning." Yanda laughed, then sucked it back in when Kelton looked at her. He was not proud of the weakness he showed in the cave.

"I am not aware of my father bowing to anyone," Alliette said. "The missive was written as a command, or seemed as such."

"I think we talk of two people," Kelton said. "My Rolic resides in a cave, far from the closest village. I know now, he was once here or a place like it. His manner of facial hair mirrors that of the first King. And he possesses many comforts, like oil lamps, not found in the rest of Aragonia. Poorly worked iron and candles are the normal extent of things there."

"The island is the key to many secrets. It is hidden away by laws, and my father and brother steer all conversation away. Even the forbidden books I have viewed have been cleared of the knowledge. I have been told not to delve into such things."

"The surest way to pique our minds," Yanda said to Alliette.

"Aye," Alliette agreed, sharing a smile with Yanda. "I would know what you know of the isle and your place in it," she said to Kelton.

Kelton looked at Yanda, who nodded her agreement. He sighed, then began to explain his past. It was the first time he tried to explain it all. Even Yanda learned it over time, piece by piece. He was deep into what he knew of the Brotherhood when Zello interrupted, looking for his wife.

"She is here, Master," Kelton said, opening the door wide.

"Is Yelvin alright?" Alliette asked, rising as if she sensed something wrong.

"Asleep under Glenda's eyes. I was shooed away for making too much noise," Zello replied. "What is happening here?"

"A talk with property, my love," Alliette said as she led Zello out the door. They talked quietly for a moment, then she returned without him and closed the door and sat down again. "Shall we continue?"

"You will tell him all, Mistress?" Kelton asked.

"Aye, later when we are alone. We hide nothing from each other."

"Your father may protect you, but will he do the same for your husband?" Yanda asked.

"He will be silent if I request it from him," Alliette said. "As I am for him."

Kelton wondered what secrets Zello might have, but discounted them as personal. Those are much easier to keep. He decided to trust in the two princesses in front of him and continued with his history. It took the better part of the afternoon.

"So, you were a thief?" Yanda asked with a smirk.

"Aye," Kelton said. Out of everything he had said, Yanda grasped that as the most important. He would have to remember to query her on her past. "I know now it was the best way for me to grow up hidden in Aragonia. Gossamer took many risks to ensure I did just that."

"And this knowing of yours, it does not work here?" Alliette asked.

"Aye, as I said, Mistress," Kelton replied. "It was on the verge of failing when our ship was taken. It is tied to the land. I do not know why, or even what it is. A gift from the Goddess, some say. More of a curse in my mind." He thought deeper than added. "There is some of it still, though subtle and undefined. Not much better than a guess if I think on it."

"This Rolic, you think he paid for your passage?"

"It is a guess, more likely if we speak of the same Rolic," Kelton said.

"It is this Brotherhood that interests me most," Alliette said. "Mayhap, it is their power that taints this land."

"Something taints the world, Mistress," Kelton said. "I meant to alter it, and your father recognized my scheme as a threat. It took him little time to discern it as if I was not the first to attempt such a thing."

"What was your project?" Alliette said.

"I promised your father word of it would not leave this house, Mistress."

"And it won't. Your promise is safe."

"A way of scribing pages," Yanda said when Kelton stalled. He realized her trust in Alliette was complete. "It does it a page at a time, each page taking only a moment. It was meant to spread books to all, not just those with library access."

"And it worked?" Alliette said.

"Aye, Mistress," Kelton said, indicating his face as proof. "Too well. Knowledge is not meant for all in this land." His voice lowered. "Gladfee's life was threatened just for seeing it. Not what I planned, not at all. There was a moment during your father's rage when I thought I had doomed everyone."

Alliette's mind seemed to wander behind her eyes. Something solidified, then she responded. "You meant to undo property."

"Aye, in time, Mistress," Kelton admitted. "No swords, no death. A slow drift as knowledge is no longer owned by a few. I guessed it would take years, perhaps a lifetime or two."

"A power shift is rarely done without bloodshed. Did you think owners would sit idle?"

"Nay," Kelton said, shaking his head. "Knowledge would bring profit with it. Those that embrace it would profit most. The muzzle is proof of that. Once started, little will stop its growth. It is the idle houses that would fail." He grinned. "Does not the muzzle fund loosen the shackles on the ones you call property now?" Alliette nodded, and the truth of it became apparent on her face.

"It is this knowledge your father holds back," Yanda said. "Kelton's mind does not cease in such things. It is best to know why before he takes more errant steps and finds both eyes swollen shut."

"I must feed my son," Alliette said with a sigh. She rose and adjusted the top of her dress as if it were uncomfortable. "It is best to think and meet again with clearer minds. I desire to be less ignorant of what drives this world."

"Aye, Mistress," Kelton said. Yanda nodded her agreement as Alliette left.

"You do not see her as Mistress now?" Kelton asked Yanda once the door closed.

"She is now my equal behind a closed door and Mistress in front of it." Yanda shrugged. "She wished the truth and received it. It comes with changes." She ran her hand along the bruised side of Kelton's face, a soft caress. "It is her family that did such a thing to you. Some loss of respect is expected."

Kelton was feeling better in the morning, though Yanda assured him his face looked worse. The bruise around his eye had found new colors, leaning toward a sickly green. Kelton was pleased that the swelling had eased enough to allow sight from both eyes. His stomach muscles had tightened in the night and desired to remain immobile. Stretching had changed their minds and eased Kelton's fear of something worse wrong inside.