Ruler of the Skies

The Gap

Anita was in a fierce fight with Elbert. They were still locked together above the battle raging in the Gap below.

Captain Diego of the defenders realised that holding the Gap any longer was impossible. The Animoid army had breached several bulwarks along the defences near Bundamook. His men were being overpowered, they had to retreat. He sounded the retreat and leapt into the fight once more so that some of his men would start to withdraw.

Ambrose heard the call to retreat from his position on the ridge. He immediately shouted to Loretta and Fineen.

“We must direct all of our Elemental powers at the Dark Ones above the Gap. The defenders are retreating; they cannot hold the Gap any longer.”

Loretta just nodded her understanding. They both used fireballs to great effect and Ambrose also used the wind whenever possible to knock a Dark One, off course. Fineen was deadly accurate as usual, but her supply of arrows was almost finished.

Calzar, seeing the defenders retreating and Ambrose aiding them decided to concentrate all his efforts on killing Ambrose. He was wounded from two stray arrows but rallied a group of Dark Ones to him. On his signal, he and the Dark Ones flew directly at Ambrose’s position. Fineen saw them coming. She pulled out her last two arrows. She called to Ambrose and pointed at the attackers. He nodded his understanding as she took aim. She had to wait until Calzar was very close. It had to be a kill shot. Ambrose quickly threw fireballs at the Dark Ones either side of Calzar. They peeled off to evade the fire, but Calzar was in a rage, nothing would stop him as he continued on his path, racing toward Ambrose.

Ambrose called another fireball and held it in his hand, waiting. He also wanted Calzar to be in close range.

“Now.” He shouted at Fineen. Her arrow was true. Striking Calzar in the throat. Ambrose fireball hit him at the same time and there was an explosion of flames. Calzar screamed and fell crashing into the side of the ridge. Ambrose immediately blasted the other Dark Ones with a gust of wind, knocking them into confusion.

Their leader was dead. His body was tumbling down the side of the ridge to the Gap below. The remaining Dark Ones quickly turned and fled towards the mountains sounding a retreat. All the Dark Ones heard the sound of the horns and started their retreat.

With their powerful wings beating hard, Anita and Elbert were twisting and turning, both trying to get the better of their opponent. Suddenly, Solana was there to help. She attacked Elbert. She had to be careful not to hit Anita. She attacked Elbert’s wings, trying to injure his wings so he couldn’t stay in the air.

Anita took the opportunity to release her grip of his talons and broke away. Once they were apart Jaymar quickly called a ball of fire and threw it at Elbert. Now Elbert was free, he managed to dodge the fireball. The Apex Eagle kept swooping him. He was finding it increasingly hard to stay in the air, but he knew he couldn’t descend as they would have the advantage. Plus, he would not be able to fight on the ground.

Anita and Solana came at him again and this time Solana caught him off guard. She latched onto his shoulders from behind and bit down hard into his neck. Elbert screamed in agony. Their combined weight now had the desired effect. They started falling rapidly to the ground.

Ambrose and Loretta turned their attention once more to the battle below. The defenders were trying to retreat, but the numbers were against them.

Ambrose shouted. “We need to fill the gaps in the bulwarks with fire.”

Loretta nodded in agreement. “Aim for the nearest one first.” He added.

They both threw as many fireballs as they could into the Gap, hoping to stop the advancing Animoids.

“We need to get off this ridge and get closer to the action.” Ambrose had started climbing down as quickly as he could. Fineen was jumping nimbly from rock to rock as she also descended into the battle. Loretta followed as fast as she could.

Udolf and Rafeeq had gone their job. Two Elementals were dead. There would be no thunderstorm in the morning. Udolf called to Rafeeq. “It’s time to re-join the fight. Come, follow me.” Rafeeq quickly turned and was on Udolf heels as they raced back to the battle.

Jaymar circled around the two combatants as they fell toward the ground. Anita was keeping her distance. Solana had a firm grip and Elbert could do nothing but scream as they fell. They were heading for a group of sharp rocks. The landing was going to be hard. Solana braced herself against Elbert’s back and then they slammed into the rocks. Elbert was killed instantly, and Solana was thrown off. Even though she had landed hard she survived with little damage. Jaymar landed a few metres away and they both walked back to check Elbert’s broken body. The Apex Eagle remained circling above keeping watch over the area for any Animoids or Dark Ones that might attack.

Solara turned Elbert’s body over to reveal his body have split open and his innards were hanging out. The smell was horrid and Jaymar almost vomited. Solara noticed something strange sticking out of Elbert’s gullet. She reached in and pulled it free. It was the remains of a leg of a medium sized bird. The leg started to vibrate in her hand and a light began to glow around the object. Suddenly a massive gust of wind came down from the mountains and the wind screamed loudly. Anita also screamed in alarm. Jaymar was blown over. Solana managed to stay on her feet as dust was blowing everywhere. The wind swirled around Solana and she covered her eyes for a moment to protect them.

The strong wind blew all the way down into the Gap. Many of the combatant’s, defenders and Animoids alike were caught by surprise and knocked over. Ambrose saw the wind and used his Elemental powers to direct more wind at the remaining break in the defences. It worked. Many Animoids were knocked over or smashed into the walls. Most of the defenders quickly regained their footing and were now able to retreat from the battle. Captain Diego urged his men on. Commander Roxy and her platoon had arrived and they helped the retreating troops get away.

The wind subsided just as quickly as it had blown up. Solana looked down at her hand and to her surprise the leg had transformed into a beautiful yellow gem about the size of her palm.

“Jaymar. Come and look at this.” She turned and walked towards him as he scrambled to his feet.

“What is it?”

“A yellow gem. The leg has transformed.” She couldn’t believe it.

Ambrose, Fineen and Loretta were running towards them.

“Quick. We need to leave. It won’t be long before the Animoid army re-groups.” Ambrose yelled out as he approached them. Fineen got to Jaymar and Solana first and stared that the gem.

“Where did it come from?”

“It was inside the vulture.” Solana replied.

Ambrose and Loretta final joined them. Ambrose was amazed at what he saw.

“Where did you get that?” He couldn’t contain his excitement.

“It was inside the vulture. It seems to have transformed from a leg.”

Ambrose was delighted. “By the Elements. At last. It’s one of the ancient Elemental gems. I have been searching for ages. This is wonderful news. Plus, it has transformed for you, Solana. I’ll explain later, but now we must go.”

He turned to Jaymar. “Are you alright?”

“I think so. Quickly check my wings.” He turned and they all gave them a quick once over.

“They look okay.” Solana answered.

“Fly to Sweetsprings. The Conaldra Royals will have established a defensive position on the river. We will find you there. Now go.” Ambrose grabbed Loretta by the arm and ran after the retreating defenders. Fineen was quickly ahead of them.

Solana and Jaymar hesitated for a moment staring at the gem and the vulture’s body. Animoids were flooding through the broken blockade. Some had spotted the winged pair and had started racing up the slope towards them.

Jaymar adjusted the vest and he called the wind. He sprang forward down the slope. Solana was quick to follow him with a couple of beats of her wings. It took a few moments but eventually, Jaymar got enough wind to start climbing and none too soon as he was heading straight towards the approach Animoids. Several tried to shoot him down with their arrows, but he was going too fast and was quickly gaining altitude. He flashed by over their heads. The Anita quickly joined the pair as they started to ascend towards the mountains. They all squawked and screeched with joy at being safely reunited.

On the Road to Daarook

Princess Isabella was sitting on the ground holding her dead husband. She was softly sobbing and rocking gently back and forwards. Centurion Riley approached her. “Your Highness. I am truly sorry, but we cannot stay here. The Dark Ones may return. We must get to Daarook quickly. I have arranged for a couple of the men to carry your husband. Please Your Highness, we must go.”

She looked up at Riley. “Why did no one come from Daarook to help us?”

“I cannot answer that, Your Highness. Please.” He knelt down and took her by the arm to help her stand. A couple of the men that were standing close by quickly stepped in and help Isabella pick up Prince Melville’s body. They carried his body to a horse and lay him over the saddle and then one of the men climbed on the horse to hold him steady.

Centurion Riley ordered everybody to mount up and make for Daarook. He helped Isabella on to her horse before mounting his own.

Daarook

Donarto stormed into Centurion Oban’s room.

“We cannot sit by and let this battle rage on. Why are you not demanding the High Centurion act?”

“It’s too late now. Soon Daarook will be cut off. The Animoid army has broken through the Gap. The resident Centurions and Elementals will be deployed to defend the Citadel and the High School.” Oban slumped in his chair. He looked a defeated man.

“We must also at least defend the city of Daarook.” Donarto insisted.

“You will need to take that up with the High Centurion. I am done with them. I thought I could influence Gintaras and Graguut, but I have failed.”

“What about Conaldra? Who will defend it?” Donarto spat out his questions.

“I sent word some time ago, when I thought something like this would happen, to all the water Elementals loyal to us. I commanded them to go to Sweetsprings. If enough get there and with the right coordination, they should be able to hold the river from the town to the sea against the Animoid army. I hope it will give Prince Anastas enough time to rally all the troops he can from the North and West.”

“Let me go now with a couple of Centurions and I will coordinate the defence.”

“The High Centurion will not let you leave. If you defy him it would lead to fighting between Centurions.”

“Well, maybe it’s time we forced the issue …”

“No.” Shouted Oban, jumping out of his seat to reinforce his objection. “I will not see Centurions fighting each other. We must preserve the Centurion Order.”

“Why? It’s corrupt and you know it.” Donarto countered.

“The Centurion Order will be needed more than ever, if the Animoid Army succeeds in sweeping across all of Mikaia. We will be key in bringing order and peace back to the people.” Oban slumped in his seat again.

“You are more of a fool than I thought. To think the Head Master will let a bunch of Centurions interfere with his grand plan for complete dominance. I am going to the High Centurion to urge him to extend the defences and at least protect the city of Daarook.” Donarto marched out of Oban’s room.

High Centurion Gintaras and Graguut were entering the great hall of the Citadel. They seemed to be happy with themselves. News of the fall of the Gap had come quickly. A crowd of Centurions and Elementals had gathered in the hall, many discussing the recent events. A hush fell over the hall as they realised the two senior Centurions had entered. The pair walked to their normal chairs on the dais and sat down.

One Centurion approached and asked. “Your Eminence, High Centurion. Are you going to dispatch a force to fight against the Animoids?”

Gintaras cleared his throat. “The Centurion Order will not be getting involved in this conflict.”

A few murmurs and comments echoed around the hall from the assembled crowd.

Graguut added. “We have a small contingent already prepared to assist in negotiations, once the two parties come to stalemate, but we will not interfere until then. Shortly, you will be issued with orders to take up defensive posts around the High School and the Citadel in case we are threatened.”

Donarto had entered the hall and joined the back of the crowd. He now asked a question. “Your Eminence, Centurion Graguut. From whom do you think the threat will come?” He moved through the crowd to the front.

Graguut shifted his enormous weight in his seat before answering. “Time will tell, Centurion Donarto. In these dangerous times the threat could come from anywhere.” He smirked at Donarto.

“Your Eminence, High Centurion. Will the defences be extended to protect the city of Daarook and all the people within its boundary?”

Gintaras turned to Graguut and they exchanged a few quiet words, then the High Centurion replied.

“Centurion Donarto. I am heartened by your concern for the people of Daarook. I give you leave to take a few of your colleagues and mount a defence of the city.”

Gintaras stood up and signalled to a couple of Elementals waiting at the side of the dais. “Come and receive your orders.” He then walked off the dais and left the hall, leaving Graguut to distribute the orders.

Donarto didn’t waste any time hanging around. He quickly marched out of the hall. He would collect some of his closet Centurions and Elementals and head for Daarook.

All the students at the High School for Elementals had been ordered to their rooms, when the news of the battle for the Gap had first arrived. Ava had been sitting watching all the activities from her window, while her roommates sat nervously chatting about what could happen. She recognised Centurion Donarto as he exited the Citadel. She watched as he issued orders to a number of Elementals and then a couple of Centurions joined him. They had a short discussion and then they marched across the square and out the gate heading down into Daarook. She wondered what they were up to.

Tahmore was standing by the window in his office. He had a commanding view across the valleys below almost stretching to the Gap. He had watched as the Dark Ones joined the battle. With nightfall, all he could see now was the glow from the fires. Somehow, he sensed that Elbert was dead. His mental link with the bird medium was now broken. His power and influence over the Centurion Order leadership might now be tested. He had some thinking to do and needed to plan his next move carefully. The Animoid Army in the East had done their job and they would continue to advance on Conaldra. He now would turn his attention back to the West.

Centurion Riley, Princess Isabella and their escort had arrived at the gates to Daarook. Guards recognising the Centurion immediately opened the gates and the group moved quickly through. Inside Daarook people were running everywhere as they prepared to defend against as a possible Animoid attack. The group was about halfway through the city when Riley saw Centurion Donarto and some others marching down the main road.

“Centurion, Your Highness. What are you doing here?” Donarto was surprised.

“We have grave news. His Highness, Prince Melville is dead.” Riley turned in his saddle to indicate the body draped over the other horse. “The Prince and Princess were coming from Sweetsprings to take their daughter home.”

“Your Highness, I am deeply sorry to hear of this terrible loss.” Donarto walked to Princess Isabella's side and placed his hand on hers. “What happened?”

“The Dark Ones attacked us on the road. Could you not see the attack from the Citadel?” Riley was puzzled.

“We saw the Dark Ones, but all our eyes were drawn towards the Gap. I didn’t know about your approach. Was there communication of your journey?” Donarto was also puzzled.

“No.” Isabella answered. “We kept it a secret. My husband.” She paused and raised her hand to her face. She was struggling to hold back more tears. “My husband wanted to surprise the High Centurion. Hoping to gain the upper hand and take back our daughter.”

“Quickly, you must get up to the Citadel. Riley, take Her Highness to my rooms. Your Highness, you can use my rooms. I will be coordinating defences here in Daarook.” He then turned to Riley again. “Arrange for Prince Melville’s body to lay in rest in the Water House of Worship. Once you have settled the Princess, go to the High School and get Ava, their daughter, and take her to the Princess. Don’t let anyone dissuade you. Ava needs to hear about her father from her mother.”

Riley nodded his head in acknowledgement. Donarto bowed his head slightly toward the Princess, then he stood back to let then proceed. Once they had moved on, he quickly turned his attention to defending Daarook.

Sweetsprings

Centurion Logan, a water and air Elemental, had recently arrived in the town based on an urgent request from Centurion Oban. He was met by a number of water Elementals. They too had answered the call from Oban and Prince Anastas. Centurion Pryborg was also there. News of the fall of the Gap had travelled fast and in fact, some of the retreating defenders were already entering the town.

A command centre had been quickly established in the Mayor’s house located next to the town square. Centurions Logan, Pryborg and Mayor Stedman had assembled the local militia leaders, Elementals and other dignitaries from the town.

They were called to order by the Mayor. “Quiet everyone. Thank you to those recently arrived for heeding the call to help us. I have news from Conaldra. Prince Anastas has arrived back in his capital and has despatched several squads of Royals to defend strategic locations along the Sweetsprings River. But the main force of the Animoid Army will most likely strike here first, because of the substantial bridge here that crosses the river. As most of you know there is no other major bridge between here and the sea. There are only fords. I will hand over now to Centurion Logan to outline our strategy.”

“Thank you, Mayor Stedman. As already mentioned, our main defence will be of the bridge. Retreating defenders from the Gap have been arriving all day and I expect Captain Diego to join us soon. Water Elementals will be stationed at intervals along the river, because I am sure the Animoids will try and find other ways to cross.”

“Will there be more help coming from Daarook?” Asked one of the locals.

“Not at this stage.” Centurion Santina had entered the room. There was a number of grumbles from the crowd. “Daarook will be mounting their own defence of the town, Citadel and High School.” Santina added.

Just then there was a commotion at the back of the crowd. Captain Diego, Elemental Loretta and a number of battle-weary troops entered the room. Loretta had caught up with the Captain and Commander Roxy as they fled towards Sweetsprings. They had been the last to cross the bridge as Captain Diego wanted to make sure all the remainder of his troops were safely across. Loretta had explained to the Captain that Ambrose and his followers would not be entering the town. They would camp up in the hills. Ambrose wanted to stay out of sight away from any Centurions for the moment. Commander Roxy took her leave. She and her troops would join Ambrose in the hills.

“Captain. Good to see you made it. We thank you for your efforts in defending the Gap for so long.” The Mayor called out over the noise.

“The enemy is hot on our heels. How are your defences?” Captain Diego strode up to the Mayor and grasped his arm in welcome. Loretta nodded to the Centurions as she too pushed her way through the crowd. Mayor Stedman proceeded in filling in the Captain and Loretta on the preparations so far.

The Captain turned to the crowd. “The Animoid Army will most likely regroup on the other side of the river; assess our strength before making their move. Return to your stations and await further orders.” As the crowd dispersed, Diego turned to the Centurions. “What the hell is the Centurion Order playing at? A couple of Centurions supporting us, and we could have held the Gap. I sent word several times with no response.”

“Captain, I am not part of the main factions within the Order. I cannot give you an answer. I did receive the call from Centurion Oban and here I am. The Elementals and I will do our part.” Logan turned and walked out of the room.

“Captain, the High Centurion will not directly involve the Centurion Order in this conflict. We will assist in mediation as required. The Centurion Order will protect Daarook and the High School at all costs.” Centurion Santina offered an excuse. The Captain and Pryborg turned away to discuss the defence of Sweetsprings with the Major.

The High School

Even though it was very late, no one wanted to sleep. Ava was still watching from her window, fascinated by all the commotion outside, but Chereen called her away. “Ava. Come on, the others have gone to the Hall. They are putting on a supper since no one is sleeping. We can also catch up on the gossip.” Ava hadn’t noticed that Macee and Lorilee had gone. She tended to take less notice of them. Reluctantly, she dragged herself away from the window and left with Chereen for the Hall. She wasn’t at the window when Centurion Riley, her mother and their escort came through the gates and into the square in front of the Citadel.

Riley immediately ordered of his men to take Prince Melville’s body into the Water House of Worship. They were greeted by Centurion Hendrix, the head priest, and he ushered them in. Centurion Riley assisted Princess Isabella from her horse.

“I must go with him.” She said.

“Your Highness. You should go and rest. They will look after him and lay him out. You can come back later.” He was trying to direct her away.

She pushed him slightly away and said. “No. He is my husband. Go get my daughter and bring her here. She must not hear of his death other than from me.” She then walked into the House of Worship.

Centurion Riley hesitated for a moment. He needed to report to the High Centurion, but he thought of the Isabella’s request. He made up his mind and headed for the High School for Elementals.

The Hills Outside Sweetsprings

Before the bridge across the river was closed, Ambrose and his friend slipped across the bridge undetected amongst the people fleeing the approaching army. They had made camp in the hills overlooking the town. Solana, Jaymar and Anita had arrived earlier. They had positioned themselves higher up in the hills and Ambrose had sent Fineen to find them. Fineen had just returned accompanied by Jaymar and the others.

Ambrose welcomed them. “Jaymar. Well done. You really are turning into an excellent flyer.” He slapped Jaymar on the shoulder and then turned to Solana. “The gem. Can I see it?”

Solana took it from a small pouch around her waist and held it out for Ambrose.

“No. You must keep it with you always. Don’t ever let it leave you. This is one of the four ancient Elemental gems. The gem has chosen you as its new owner and the new Air Councillor. For a long time, I had thought it was lost, but all that time it was inside that vulture’s gullet. It’s amazing.”

Everyone crowded around to look at the yellow gem.

Fineen asked. “Why didn’t it transform before now? Why not for Elbert?”

“The gems will only transform back to their original form when the circumstances are right, and it has found the right person or creature. Margot was an original ‘Keeper’ and I know that she was captured by a Centurion. How Elbert got involved I am not sure, but when she was killed, he must have eaten her. Perhaps as a cover up. My spies in Daarook are still looking into it.” Ambrose gave Solana a side glance.

Solana placed the gem back in her pouch. “So, what does this all mean? You have drawn me and the Eagles into a war we didn’t know about and now you tell me I am the new Air Councillor?”

“Solana this is a momentous occasion. For more than a thousand years the four Elemental gems have been hidden or lost. This is the first to transform. We are at the dawn of a new era. Once all four gems are restored, to four new Councillors, a new alliance can be formed. The Council of the Elements will rule again and restore Mikaia to peace and harmony.”

“That sounds all very grand, but there is an Animoid army sweeping across the land. Where are the other three gems you speak of and what am I supposed to do?” Solana asked.

Ambrose looked around at all his friends; they were all waiting to hear his answer. Jaymar broke the silence. “We need to make sure the Animoid Army doesn’t get to Conaldra. We need more reinforcements and we need to give Ambrose and Wanda time to find the remaining gems.”

“Thank you Jaymar. Solana, given time you will know what to do. The gem has bonded with you. Your Air Elemental skills will be enhanced, and you’ll be able to communicate with all things. Yes, we do need more time. The other three gems will reveal themselves over time, we are now so close.” Ambrose then moved to break up the group. Once they had all re-settled around the campfire. He continued. “Okay. The defences along the Sweetsprings River are paramount. So, we will be staying here for some time to lend our assistance and see how they hold. The water Elementals will be key. Solana, if we can use your Eagles as our eyes. That way we will be able to report to Captain Diego on the Animoid army’s movements along the river.”

“Winter is nearly upon us. The Dark Terror surely will return.” Commented Udolf.

“That is always a possibility, but they have been severely weakened and their leader is dead. I need Jalen to return so we can send messages, plus I will use the animal networks. We must get word to the West and have Tamplina and Middleton send reinforcements.”

“I can help.” Jaymar said.

“No. I want you close to me.” Ambrose was quick to cut short that idea.

“Ambrose, I have greater mental powers now and communicated with Dallas.” Jaymar countered.

“Great. That is amazing, and you can fill me on that later.” Ambrose smiled at Jaymar.

Solana then spoke again. “Now that I am part of your merry little group. I can ask the Eagles to help. Not only can my eagles be your eyes, but they can also carry your messages.”

There was a collective sigh of relief. The group settled down to discussing plans and Udolf started cooking some food. A little later, Ambrose pulled Jaymar aside and they walked a short distance to a ridge looking out over the river. Many fires could be seen on the other side of the river as Prince Tolgarn’s army setup camp. Anita followed them, always not far from Jaymar’s side.

“I am very proud of you. Your powers are developing well. I hope Jalen got word back to your parents that you are okay.” Ambrose started.

“Yes.” Jaymar hadn’t thought about his parents for some time. “Ambrose, the vest and this headband have really enhanced my powers. There is a deeper glow. I did speak to Dallas and he had a message for you.” Jaymar told Ambrose what Dallas had discovered.

“This just confirmed my thoughts that Dahlmor is in fact Tahmore.”

“There is another thing.” Jaymar interrupted. “Another Medium overheard my conversation with Dallas. He knows our names.”

“You must be very careful this close to Daarook. Tahmore and the High Centurion will be even more determined than ever to find both of us. So, you cannot let your control waver for a moment. Be very careful when you mind communicate. Also, I don’t want you flying off without me knowing where you are going. This battle over the river will rage for some time. This war has only just begun and there will be many twists and turns before it will be over, which means we have to be patient.” Ambrose looked for acknowledgement and understanding from Jaymar.

“I know but flying is so fantastic.”

“There are many other Elemental things you will be able to do, given time and training. Now let’s get back to the group and have something to eat.” Ambrose took Jaymar by the arm and led him back to the camp. Anita joined them.

Daarook

The Hall in the High School for Elementals was full of students and the noise was deafening. With them confined mostly to their rooms because of the conflict that was now raging, coming to the Hall, was a time they could talk to others about the current events. Gossip was rife. Was Daarook going to be attacked? Would they be allowed to fight? The Dark Winter was only a matter of days away and normally the majority of the younger students would be going home. But no one seemed to be talking about the option of leaving.

Ava and Chereen had found Jacqueth. They were sitting on a bench at one side of Hall. Teachers were wandering through the Hall, doing their best to answer questions and calm things down.

Centurion Riley had gone straight to the Head Matron’s office. He had spent some time explaining to her the events leading up to Prince Melville’s death. Now he and Centurion Kaskali were approaching the three girls. They all stood up as the pair approached.

“Ava. This is Centurion Riley. You are to go with him now.” Kaskali was keeping a straight face not wanting to show any emotion.

“What’s this about?” Ava asked.

“Your mother is here.” Riley responded, and then he turned and indicated that Ava should lead the way. Ava was so excited. She quickly looked at the other girls and started for the exit. Riley was right by her side.

“Where is she? When did she arrive?” Ava was so happy at the thought of seeing her mother again.

“I am sorry. I am just a messenger.” Riley was resisting her questions.

Ava then started to think. Why is her mother here? Was she going home? Her mind was racing with all the possibilities. They quickly crossed the main square in front of the Citadel and Riley directed Ava to the Water House of Worship. Ava looked uncertain as the Centurion stopped at the door.

“I must leave you here. I must see the High Centurion. Goodbye.” Rile walked off in the direction of the Citadel. Ava hesitated for a moment. Then she thought of her mother and pushed through the door.

It was dark inside, only a few candles were dimly lighting the inside.. Ava saw several people gathered together near an altar. She walked towards them and was about to ask, where was her mother. When Princess Isabella turned around and they saw each other. Ava ran into to her mother’s arms. They embraced each other warmly. Ava noticed her mother was sobbing. She broke away from her embrace and looked at her mother. “Are you not happy to see me mother?”

“Yes, my darling.” Isabella wiped away some tears. “I have bad news.” She stepped to one side.

Ava couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Laid out on the altar was a person draped in a fine cloak. It had her family crest on it.

“It’s your father…” Isabella didn’t finish. Ava rushed forward and threw herself across her father’s chest. She took hold of his face and kissed him.

“Father. It’s me. Ava.” There was no response. She bowed her head on to his chest and cried.

Isabella stepped up beside her, placed her arms around her daughter and she too let the tears flow again. After what seems like an age. Ava lifted her head and turned to look at her mother.

“Why?” Is all she could say.

“Come sit with me.” Isabella directed her daughter to a bench seat just in front of the altar. Together they sat arm in arm.

“We were coming from Sweetsprings to take you home. We were attacked by Dark Ones on the road just before Daarook. Your father was brave as always, but we were outnumbered, and he died protecting me.” Isabella was struggling to get the word out through her tears.

“Was there no one there to help him?” Ava asked between sobs.

“A Centurion and our escort, but it was not enough.” Isabella fell silent and just stared at her husband’s lifeless body.

After a long pause, Ava asked. “What happens now?”

“I don’t know. Your father’s body must return to Tamplina.”

“We must both go.” Ava insisted.

“The High Centurion will decide. The Dark Winter is nearly on us. They will not risk sending him home during the Winter.”

Mother and daughter just sat there numb. Both uncertain as to their future.