As the trees transform from emerald to gold and the summer slips into autumn, a regretful sadness weighs on Zack’s heart. This morning Chris announced his departure, and with in the hour he was heading to the ferry to return to Lollardum. He wanted it that way, claiming its best to pull it off like a bandage, then wallow in tears for another day or two. But he can’t discredit his own listlessness. Chris became a fixture of the palace. His laugh and mischievous ploys brought the place to life. His absence leaves a hole no one can fill. Even if the thief is more trouble than he's worth.

But like everything else in his life, even his daily routine changed. He and Moira both adjust to the rhythm of the palace. There are meetings, debates, dinner parties, and a new training schedule for both of them. Today he finds himself in the graveyard. A place he hasn’t visited in years. Sprawling over the grassy landscape are tall cylindrical stone towers arranged in rows around the grounds.

Each tower is a family plot, stone, and metal urns stack on top of the other until they reach the treetops. He stands under the curling red leaves, watching the royal mausoleum. Its the only building; an impressive granite and marble one with a circular roof and ivory pillars. The heavy door is ajar; and inside he hears her boots echo over the marble.

But his attention shifts to a stout rounded bush sitting across the way. Tattered white ribbons tangle around its bare branches. Beside it, is his family plot. It’s not as high as the surrounding columns but his family is as cemented there as anyone else’s. His parents and Susan rest together and wait for him in Paradise. He’s glad they were far away from the misfortune and chaos of the summer.

He doesn’t know how he and Moira survived it all, but everyday he hopes the worst is behind them. The wind blows from over the mountains, and he shoves his hands into his coat pocket against the chill. The paper inside crinkles against his knuckles.

“Is your family nearby?” Eclipse asks, taking a seat next to him.

“Just there.”

“Perhaps you should pay your respects before we leave.”

“Its fine, I’ll come again when I’m not on the crown’s time. How is she doing in there?”

“I am not sure what you believe my abilities are, but I can not see through walls.”

“Maybe not, but you two have this connection...” He remembers the panther’s sudden aging as Moira slipped closer to death. He knows they’re linked in some way. But neither of them wants to talk about it.

“Connection yes, mind reading not so much.” He clears his throat, “I would not worry about her in there. It is part of her healing.”

“This was your idea then?” He doesn’t answer but watches the wind blow through the leaves. What ever the panther’s purpose it seems to have a positive affect on her. For the moment he’s strangely optimistic about the future. Then Eclipse begins to speak.

“I have word that Bellavere is dissolving the Treaty of Triad Empires. They will no longer honour the terms and conditions set by the past kings. I will brief Moira later today; however, I wanted you to be aware of the situation. I do not have to stress the complications Nicole’s actions will cause.”

The complications are as clear as day; it leaves them vulnerable. With no treaty in place, they’re exposed on all sides. He might have considered the Kingdom of Ancients to the west as a neutral state, but he didn’t like what he saw after the Coronation. He can’t read Godfrey, but he can’t trust him either. His brain begins to drift to the next steps. The what, the where, the who; all spilling into a cascading ravine of his mind. Did Nicole plan to attack Alexanderia next? Or is Lollardum the threat? He shifts his weight, loosening his shoulders but his hand brushes the paper in his pocket.

“Unfinished business General?” he nods towards the crinkling from his confidential correspondence.

“Something like that…”

Unfolding the parchment, he rereads the slanted handwriting. Chris’s favourite tavern at 2100hrs. When he arrives, he pushes his way into the crowded tavern. He spies Chris sitting in their usual spot, in one of two comfy—ratty—chairs next to the fireplace. Careful not to disturb bottle of wine and two glasses balancing on the crooked table, he slumps into the empty chair.

“The palace thinks you left this morning."

“I had some unfinished business before I left. It’s done now so I head out on the morning ferry,” he pours Zack a glass of wine.

“You don’t have to leave, you know.”

“Moira already made that offer and I’ll tell you what I told her: my life is in Lollardum. I can’t stay here, despite how lovely it is.”

“I can’t imagine what I’m going to do with you gone.” It's cruel to say goodbye twice.

“Nah, you two will be fine. With you and Moira at the reigns nothing is out of reach. But I admit you had me worried for a moment there. I hate to admit it but you’re probably the only true friend I have. Don’t make me go through the rest of my years without you, okay? You tell that queen of yours she is to keep you alive, got it?” he flashes his carefree smile before taking a drink.

“You know preventing her from doing anything is like fighting the damn tide right?”

“Oh, she’s going to be a magnificent queen! And you’ll be a valiant General.”

“I don’t know how to follow in Lex’s shadow.”

“You can start by eating more pork pies.”

“I’m serious,”

“Alexanderia doesn’t need another Lexington Stone, she’d one already, and it was pretty great. But now it’s your turn. Your soldiers respect you; trust me I played enough cards with them to know.”

“How many did you cheat?”

“Only the boring ones,” he winks. “You’re capable of overcoming any challenge. Your uncle was a great man, but this is the dawn of something greater. You and Moira conquered your own nightmares. Now it’s time to fight the monsters roaming in the daylight.”

“That’s rather dark don’t you think?”

“Remember our adventure in Lollardum,” his face darkens, “I can’t escape it. I thought I’ll get past it while I’m here, but I can’t.”

“Lex had Eclipse fetch a report from the Mage Council member who was at the Trade Conference. Apparently, the guy investigated a Mage radical group in Lollardum.”

“Of all the radical groups kicking dust around town, I’ve never heard of a Mage one.”

“Exactly. The investigation concluded that there was no evidence to support Castellan’s claim. But he discovered a high number of Mages missing. No ransom notes, no threats, no bodies. They vanished.”

“We both know where they go. I doubt it’s stopped since I left.”

“The report also mentions Mage relics potentially sold on the black market out of Lollardum ports. This is too dangerous for you to stick your nose in.”

“It’s going to change the odds. Or maybe level the playing field, I don’t quite know which. But I don’t like it.”

“And you think I do? Your kingdom is only noted for two things: your hate for Mages and weapons. To think they might’ve found a way to combine the two…”

“Fireworks,” he hums, “Castellan called them fireworks. Pretty things.”

“They weren’t pretty when we set off a barrel of that powder and it blew the building sky high.”

“My informants say something is in the works,” Chris sips his drink.

“Informants? You sound like some spy,”

“I didn’t think of that,” he suppresses a grin, “but, nonetheless, I got eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Now you sound like Eclipse,”

“We’re two peas in a pod, I suppose,”

“Queen Cecelia.” The mention of the name pulls Chris’s stare to him, “she’s one of them, isn’t she? You stole her earrings to distract the guards, but I bet you the gold in your left pocket she gave them to you as a decoy.”

“Ah Sunshine, you and your overactive imagination.”

“Are you telling me about this doomsday plot as a friend or as an informant to a soldier?”

“I’m telling you this because you love something very dear to me.” Zack purses his lips at the word; preventing any aspect (thought or otherwise) from escaping. “My world won’t be the same without her, and I know you feel that way too. Don’t start, I saw the same look in your eyes as you carried her body. I lost the greatest love of my life, but you, you still have a chance.”

“I’ve told you; I can’t cross that line.”

“Say what you may, my valiant knight, but we both know you’ve already crossed it. I saw your heart that day. But we’ll leave it here.” He takes another drink. “I want you to promise me you’ll keep everyone safe.”

“It’s my sworn duty to do so.”

“I don’t know what Lollardum’s planning, but if it’s as bad as I think it is, then Moira—no matter how powerful she is—won’t be safe.”

“Let me know what you find out.”

“Who sounds like a spymaster now?” he laughs. “I’ll continue my work. Expect word from me.” They drink in silence. As the fire crackles and crowd dwindles, he accepts the facts.

“You’re really leaving.”

“Yup,”

“Will you visit again?”

“I sure hope so, Alexanderia may be my favourite vacation destination.” They down their drink and stand facing each other. It isn’t any easier the second time. Soon he’ll be alone in a strange uncertain world.

“Hope to see you again my friend,” he holds out his hand, but Chris pushes it aside, wrapping him in a strong bear hug.

“Take care, be brave, and be good.”

“Be safe,” he speaks into his shoulder, “I hate to suffer that ferry to bail you out of prison.”

“You better ask Moira to spot you the gold, my freedom won’t be cheap.” As he leaves Chris calls to him, pulling a gold coin from his left pocket. He gazes at it fondly tossing it in his hand a few times. “Here put it towards my bail.”

He catches it with a nod as a twinge of fear coils in his stomach. Moira isn’t any safer now than she was before and he’s uncertain if he’ll ever see his friend again. Gone are the days where he simply followed orders. Now his monochromatic world has gelled into an unfamiliar shade of grey, and he hates it.

Story will continue in Book 2: Rivals for Umara