Upheaval and Change - Tales 1

It hadn't been but a moment before the captain of the guard had slipped away from the general tumult at their return, waiting only long enough to be sure her steed was taken care of. She was certain the royal family would be safe - they were within the confines of the palace at Abertawe. She slipped through the emptying corridors, returning to her room only long enough to slip out of her traveling cloak and into her worn, but loved, dark green cloak, the cloth slipping over her shoulders as if returning home. And without even pausing to brush the dust off her boots, she was gone again, the only signal that she had been there was the neatly folded cloak upon the mattress.

The infirmary smelled of the pungent aroma of herbs and salves; her nose wrinkled automatically at the stale, earthy odor. Her dark clothes were a stark contrast against the starched white of the beds, and the dust she trailed into the room did not go without notice. A fierce looking healer with beady eyes approached her, his face already contorting with indignance.

"Women are not allowed in the sick hall," he ordered, his arms crossed stoutly against his chest. The fact that a mean-looking sword hung at her waist meant no difference to him; this was his territory and his rule.

Deirdre stepped back, startled at his sudden pronouncement until she realized that the hood of her cloak had fallen onto her shoulders without her noticing it. Her eyes flashed dangerously as he barred her way from entering further into the long room. "I have come to see my man," she grumbled through clenched teeth. She didn't feel as if she needed to explain herself, even to this healer. "I am the captain of the guard; let me through."

He looked surprised; at least Deirdre had that much satisfaction. It seems the word of a female captain had not reached this far into the castle proper. But Lord Iorwerth's opinion of them obviously had. Or, former opinion, it seemed. "I see," he replied, gathering his thoughts. "Wait here until I send for you. I must prepare the area for a female visitor, then." With a loud harrumph, he strode off into the curtained area to their right.

Deirdre sagged against the wall, her shoulder still throbbing from the long ride back to Abertawe. She dreaded seeing Merk; she couldn't bear to see the fury in his eyes when she had to explain that she had allowed the murderer of his two closest friends to escape without harm. She couldn't bear to look herself in the looking glass. She had failed her position and she had failed the memory of her two fallen men.

So lost in thought was she that she jumped in surprise when the healer called her over. Calming the thumping of her heart, she followed his lead, her fingers absently pushing the hilt of her sword farther into the folds of her cloak.

A smile quirked upon her lips as they approached, however. She could already hear Merk's frustrated arguments with the younger healer, his gutteral voice carrying through the hallway clearly. "And I'm tired of this broth that is thin enough to starve a baby! I should be back in the watch, dining upon the newest roasted venison of the year, not choking on this pathetic attempt at -"

His voice trailed off suddenly as he saw the dark figure enter, his eyes blinking in surprise. Fully dressed he was, limping hurriedly around to the healer's apprentice's back, trying his best to recover the large sword the boy was keeping from him. He straightened up after another moment into a attention position, visibly wincing as he did so. "Captain!" he growled, saluting. Although he didn't move a muscle, his eyes were clearly searching her face for any kind of news.

"Rest, Merk. Sit down," she ordered, her tone brooking no argument. She turned towards the pair of healers, both of them trying to find a new hiding place to store the guardsman's sword. "If you may, I would like a moment alone with him." It was not a request - simply a statement.

"No more than a few minutes," the older man said, harrumphing loudly again as the pair left, fumbling with the sword between them. It was almost as if he had to get the last word.

Deirdre turned back to the wounded man only after she was certain the two healers were past hearing range. "Didn't I order you to sit?" she asked, her tone more kind, but daring him to argue. The stout, heavyset man looked frustrated for a moment, then finally flopped into the chair opposite her with a heavy sigh.

Silence hung between them like a heavy curtain, stifling them both. Each moment that passed made Merk more certain that he wasn't going to like what the captain was going to say. Her face twisted a bit as she searched for words that she simply could not find.

"Did the lady live, at least?" he finally asked, his voice remorseful. It was as if his chest had suddenly deflated, and his strength of will had left him all at once.

Deirdre's eyebrows shot upwards in surprise. "Of course she did. She is doing... well," she added, with only a moment's hesitation. The captain let out a small sigh and leaned against the wall, ignoring the persistant ache in her shoulder. She was silent for a long moment, sizing the injured man up with her eyes.

"He escaped." Her tone was flat, devoid of emotion. "That much, I think you know." She paused a moment before continuing. "But the youngest daughter, Rowena, is now missing." She continued on before he could interrupt, surveying the grieved expression lining his wearied features. "The impetuous lass was chasing after her mother, and is simply lost in the forest. At least, that is what we hope." The other conclusions were too hard to even mention aloud.

"Lord Iorwerth has offered me command of one of the search parties. And, if you feel up to it, I would like you to be beside me." She held up her hand gently, as if stifling any quick decisions he would make. It was obvious he was eager to leave the confines of the infirmary.

"Merk." She spoke seriously, her eyes hardening. "If you are hesitant about your abilites, even for a moment, do not come. I do not have the time to slow my pace to allow you to keep up. You'll only be hurting the lass, not helping her." She paused. "But the decision is yours." Her fear that Allyn was somehow involved in this mess she left unspoken - she was sure that would only stir the guardsman into thoughts of revenge.

And if anyone was going to seek revenge for the deaths of her men, it would be she.

A grim expression was set upon the man's hardened features as he locked eyes with his captain. "I would like to accompany you, captain." Instinctively, he reached to his side to lay his hand upon the hilt of his sword, as if to prove his intentions, but only scowled as he found it missing.

"Good," she replied swiftly, turning before he could see the relief in her face. "Then join us at the stableyards in one hour. I would like to set off immediately, with Lord Iorwerth's permission." With that, she wheeled around, cloak swirling like a cloud surrounding her, and strode out of the infirmary, leaving a cursory explanation with the healer's apprentice.

Her steps sure, they took her back towards the center of the castle grounds to begin the lengthy preparations needed for the search party

Bronwen finally left the meeting of the family. She was tired and in want of a bath and her bed. She was headed for her room when a maid stopped her.

"Before you retire, milady, your personal gaurd requires a word with ye." She smiled at the young princess.

"Personal gaurd? I have no personal gaurd? Show me?" Bronwen was confused as to who this could be.

The maid escorted her into a parlor where a young man waited. Bronwen signaled the maid to stay. "I am Bronwen. You wished to speak to me?" She asked politely.

He had stood waiting and said,"i thought it best to itnroduce myself m'lady. Pleasure to meet you in person. I am Seth McCullen and recently appointed Personal Guard. It is my duty to protect you wherever you go. I was appointed while you were away."

"By who, may I inquire?" Bronwen barely held her temper. She did not need a nanny to follow her around.

He faced her fully now revealing a good amount of muscle even under his garb and said,"The King."

"Really, my uncle or my brother?" She inquired coldly.

"Your uncle,"he said not even changing his stature at all with her coldness.

"Ahh, see that is the difficulty. My brother is now King so you do not have to worry about me. I will inform my brother that I do not need a gaurd." She replied sweetly.

He stepped forward and asked,"Can one king dismiss a directly appointed guard by the former king?"

Bronwen smiled. "A King can do anything he wishes." Bronwen was sure she could twist her brother into dismissing this man. "I am sure you are a good gaurd, but you see, I am not in need of one." She did not bring up her recent adventures.

"How can you be so sure you are not in need of one,"he asked.

That brought Bronwen up short for only a moment. "I do not go anywhere where I would need protection. Though, if I decide to do so, I will be sure to send for you."

The King had warned Seth that Bronwen was a strong minded young woman. So he was not surprised by her reaction. "In most cases you would not have that choice which is why I could be of use. I have been trained by some of the best and I would die if it meant keeping you safe. That is my duty and I will follow through with it. I would hope you would be greatful for any extra protection given to you. I promise not to disappoint."

Bronwen cocked her head. She could see the man was determined. "And what does being a personal gaurd mean your duties are?"

"Protecting you wherever you go essentially. I will respect your privacy of course,"he said.

"So when I am in my quarters, you will be off duty?" She wanted to know what this meant.

"I will be off duty, but on call if you need me,"he said.

"I see. Well, I still don't think I need a gaurd. I will take this matter to the King and he will inform you of your new duties." She replied with a soft voice. She pushed her hair back out of her face. "Now if you will excuse me, I wish to find my bed." She turned on her heel and left him to his thoughts.

He watched her leave and decided to visit the King before she would to try and let him now the situation from more than his sister's perspective.

When he left the office, Hawk went in search of Audrey. Hawk was still in shock. When he found her, he drew her aside. "My love, I have to talk to you."

She looked at him with a small smile. "Of course," she said.

Hawk made her sit down, and then took her hands in his. "My uncle has gone looking for my niece. Some years ago, he made up a document making me Regent in his absence. My father is a soldier he has never wanted to rule. But I am not sure I can rule, I have been dead to the world for so long. I am only just now finding myself. I do not know what to say, I do not know what to do. What do you want?"

Audrey managed a small smile in the face of the shocking news. "What are you worried about?" she joked. "You already know what to do." She took his chin in her hand. "Delegate, like you did with your army. And if you could lead an army against a foe like Costic in the physical state you were in, then leading a nation will be child's play." She let go of his face but kept a firm grip on his hand. "It will not be easy but... I believe in you, I know you can do it."

Hawk embraced her. "That is not what I asked. I will not do this without you, if you are not ready to be a Queen, I will not do it. I cannot live without you any more." He looked deeply into her eyes.

Audrey looked back at him and waited for a few seconds before she responded. "Love, I am not going anywhere." She took in a deep breath. "But I cannot be queen, for reason you probably do not see now but will in time."

Hawk looked at her stubbornly. "I am not a snob, I do not care that you are not a noble lady. You are a good person, caring person, that is what this country needs. My uncle would agree with me. And I know my parents like you already." He sank to one knee. "Marry me now, my heart."

She took in a deep breath and held it until she could bear it no longer. "I said I would marry you already," she said, reaching around her neck and pulling out the necklace where the ring was. "But not now. Your country will have enough to deal with with a new king. Allow time for that to heal then we will see. I do not doubt you or your family but I know the world and know that there are rules that must be abided by. Please, I just do not want to see you get hurt."

"You are so wise, my Love. That is why I need you by my side, you are also my strength. I am far weaker, then I would care to admit. But I see your reason, we will wait. But my love, I have to tell my family that I love you. Will you come with me? They are waiting for me."

Audrey tried not to pale at the thought of it and tried to think of a reason not to go. "Maybe it would be best if you told your family by yourself," she said softly.

"Don't be afraid" he whispered, especially my mother would never hurt you. You know she is Saxon, and she had a hard time being excepted here. She will understand and help you of. But I will go in alone, and I'll tell them. But will you come in when I call?

Audrey bit her lip and looked at him for a moment without answering.

Half an hour later, Hawk came into his mother's bedroom. She looked tired, just as tired as he felt , he wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep, his whole body ached.

He saw his father patiently waiting, his mother anxious for him his peace but keeping her peace of as well. His brother and sister were silent.

"Father, I have decided that I will fill in for Uncle Wyn. I cannot let him down. But I am going to need help from all of you of. And there is another matter I want to discuss with you. I have fallen in love again."

Isa's face lit up with expectation. She had hoped this was the case. "Oh love, I am so happy for you. Who is this special woman who has recaptured your heart?"

Bronwen was still astounded at the fact her brother would be King, even if it were temporary. The fact that he had found a prospective wife did not even faze her.

Brendan could not believe that his brother was going to stay here, he loved Hawk, but he was not looking forward to spending that much time with his great elder brother.

"I know you are not snobs, yet I am not sure that you are pleased with my choice. But I love her, and I will have no other women. It's Audrey." He finished softly.

Isa was shocked for only a moment. Then she smiled, the signs had all been there, she had just not been looking. "She is a fine lass. I think you have chosen well."

Bronwen was shocked, her brother was in love with a healer? Weren't princes supposed to marry princesses? "Does she know you will be King?" she asked in confusion.

Iowerth had said nothing. He himself had married below his station, and he was not a man to believe in rank. He liked the young healer, but his son was going to be a king. That changed the rules. But he decided to talk to his wife first, if he spoke out now, there would be a fight, and the boy looked deadly tired all ready.

Hawk saw his sister is shocked expression, and was defensive right away. "She is worth more than 10 Princesses." He said far from friendly. "And she isn't after money or anything, she doesn't even want to marry me because I am going to be king!"

Bronwen bit her tongue. That was ridiculous. If anything, she should want to marry him more because he WOULD be King. But, she was tired and obviously not going to influence her brother. Besides, she had like the healer.

"No one is suggesting she is after your titles, Hawk. I am sure she will make you a fine wife." Isa tried to smooth her son's ruffled demeanor.

"I am sorry mother." He said, his legs felt like lead, and he had the feeling that he still have long day ahead of him. "I want you to meet a her, as the women I love." Hawk walked to the door. "Audrey, would you please join us."

Audrey clasped her hands together, trying to avoid digging her nails into her skin. She knew she had been in worse situations than this but they seemed hard to bring to mind at the moment. Instead, she concentrated on looking calm as she stepped slowly into the room.

"Mother, father, I want you to meet the woman in my life, Audrey, who I am going to marry as soon she will have me." He gave her and encouraging smile, trying again to hide his exhaustion. If he did not sit down soon, he were sure. He was going to fall.

Isa spoke first. "We are most please, my dear. See, I told you that you had wrought changes in my son." She smiled warmly.

"It is a work in progress," she smiled. "But as I said before, all of it comes from Hawk himself. I just help him along.

That was the moment that Hawk decided to finally faint. Audrey watched him waver and go down, feeling her stomach follow him. It wasn't anything more than exhaustion she could see that as she moved over to his side but the damage was done to her pride.

The family immediately surrounded the two and Isa dropped to her knees beside him. "Lass, is he okay?" She asked with deep concern. "What is amiss?"

Amazingly it was Iorwerth who came to rescue, once Hawk was settled on a couch. He turned to Audrey. "I want to tell you what a wonderful job you have done with our son. We had lost him, we could not reach him any more. You have brought him back to life, and restored him to us. Don't worry about that fool falling down, there will always be a stubborn streak in him." He could hear his wife snorting behind him. "But you are good for him, we are in your debt, my lady."

Audrey nodded a bit and then turned back to Isa. He will be fine but I think you will follow suit if you continue to remain out of bed.

Iorwerth laughed deeply. " I certainly like this girl, my dear. Now you be a good girl, and do as she says. Give that boy the good example."

Isa started to argue and realized she was indeed tired. "Aye, I will do that she muttered. "If you all will excuse me. Bronwen, you walk with me." The two women left, it had been a full day.

Iorwerth felt he needed the solitude of the horses after this invigorating day. So he made his way over to the stable, after sending away the stable boys, he began brushing his favorite stallion himself of. This always calmed him down. When the captain of the guard came in a little later, he smiled. "Hello, my dear. Just the women I was looking for. If you would be so kind as to meet me in the hall in an hour time."

Deirdre blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected to see anyone in the stable - she had simply wanted some time alone to spend with her steed before she met with the men she was going to take on the rescue mission. But meeting Iorwerth here had completely thrown her off balance. "Of course, my lord," she said, after only a moment's hesitation. She paused a moment before continuing. "Is this regarding the search party for the child? For the men that will be joining me will be arriving in ten minutes time," she added, in case he would like to meet them.

"No," he said. "It has nothing to do with the search party. You will be leaving today?" The thought of Rowena being out there alone and scared made him angry. But he could not join the party, his eldest son would need him here now, especially in the beginning. "I am sorry, I cannot wait here, I have a lot to organize. "Just be there on time."

"Of course, my lord," she repeated. "I will be there within the hour." Oddly, looking at Iorwerth's gruff features made an idea spring to her mind. "If you will excuse me, my lord, I have one more errand to attend to before meeting with my men." Bowing slightly, she pivoted on her heel to go.

"Of course, as long as you are in the hall on time." He said with a smile.

She flew across the yard, breaking into a run when she was sure she was out of Iorwerth's sight. She only had a few minutes before her men would start to arrive. So it was with cheeks flushed with exertion and chest heaving slightly that she arrived at the door to Brendan's room - where she had been assured the young man rested.

Taking a deep breath of air to calm her wildly beating heart, she knocked on the door. "My lord?" She cursed herself silently, forgetting his request to drop the title in his presence. "Brendan? May I speak with you a moment?"

Brendan was not in a good mood. The news that his brother was to be King had shocked him greatly. Of what future was there for him at this Court; he could not live in his brother's shadow forever. But he tried to hide his dark mood when the captain came in. "What can do for you?" he asked.

She entered the room, missing the dark look haunting his eyes. She had never been in a lord's chamber before; it was magnificent in its splendor. Everything from the carpet beneath her muddy boots to the plush armchair by the small fireplace gave her the impression of comfortable wealth. She was silent a moment as her eyes roved over the room - the delicately carved maple cabinet, the matching curtained bed... her cheeks pinked as she turned quickly back to face Brendan.

"I only wish to take a few moments of your time, my-" she caught herself before proceeding further. "Your father has requested that a few men and myself return to the woods to find some trace of little Rowena." She fingered a small portrait in her pocket she had taken as a description of the child - she had only seen her from afar. "And I was wondering if you were willing to join us. We could only benefit from your knowledge of the land and your expertise.

His brother worked fast, Brendan had to give him that.. So he wanted to get rid of his little brother from court, nothing unexpected there... He sighed. "Of course, captain." The tone of his voice was flat and not friendly.

Deirdre stepped back involuntarily, taken aback. She hadn't expected such a blatantly negative response to her request - she had thought he would be eager to join right in. She studied his face carefully before responding, struck by the darkness in his eyes; quite a contrast to the lighthearted sparkle to his eyes earlier. It was almost as if he were a completely different man.

"My lord, I apologize if I overstepped my bounds," she finally said formally, and more than a bit hesitantly.

"It is alright, captain. We must all follow our new King's orders." He went on, still unfriendly. "I know he must have asked you to take me with you. He does not want his worthless little brother hanging around to diminish his greatness."

"No, no, Brendan," she shook her head, tiny locks of her hair swishing about her face. She moved a step closer, her eyebrows creasing in concern. "I have not even spoken to the new Regent yet. Not at all since our return, in truth." She paused, biting her lip, realizing what implications his words held.

"And you are anything but worthless, my lord. I wouldn't have asked you to join if that were true," she said quietly, addressing the least of her concerns.

He looked at her for long time, then shook his head. "I am an idiot, I am sorry if I offended you, captain... Deirdre. I do not really hate my brother, but he and I... I will be glad to come our long, when will we leave?"

Expression softening, the corners of her lips twitched upwards in what seemed like the start of a sympathetic smile. She hesitated, her hand twitching as if not sure whether to comfort him or to ignore his slip. "Think nothing of it. The Regent's sudden appointment has surprised us all." She knew it was something more complex than that, but she didn't feel it was her place to inquire further, so she allowed him a graceful excuse.

Her tone becoming more businesslike, she continued. "I will be meeting with my men in a few minutes, and then your father has requested my presence in the hall in less than an hour." Her delicate eyebrows creased. "You wouldn't have an idea what he would want to speak to me about, would you?"

The young man smiled. He often had a pretty good idea what his father had planned, but he was not going to spoil it. "I have no idea, captain. You must ask my father."

Although his words pleaded ignorance, it was clear to the captain that the secretive smile that glanced across his features hinted at another conclusion. No matter - she would find out soon enough. She shrugged, dismissing the topic. "Come, my men are meeting in the stable as we speak. I will depend on your knowledge of the terrain of Abertawe greatly, as I am yet unfamiliar with it's farther territories."

She led the way outside as she spoke, but paused at the doorframe. She smiled slightly, looking up at him. "And thank you, Brendan. For agreeing to join me, no matter what."

Jon had a meeting with the currier this afternoon. He was going to send Alverian some information for Protection from his Kings troops He got dressed and headed to the den were he was going to meet Jake from Nethbo. He sat in the chair and waited. One of his servants walked in and bowed and said "Sir Jake is here."

"Send him in" Jon said.

Jake entered and sat down in the chair across from him. Jon did not bother to rise.

Jake looked at the Earl. "You said you got the information.

Jon smiled lazily. "Do I have the guarantee from your King?"

Jake pulled the parchment from his coat. "He sent it with his own seal."

The Earl unrolled the parchement and smiled. "And my gold?" He said rolling up the parchment.

"That will depend on the information. You have your gaurantee, first the information and then payment." Jake was used to money grubbing individuals such as this man.

"Fine!" he said. "There are 8,000 soldiers at the border, 5,000 soldiers in training. It is thought that the Regent will send the four remaining Knights. The actual King has been led off as you requested. The regent is in a state of confusion and will most likely take time to find his feet. There are two outposts at the Dale. 4,000 troops at each one." Jon uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. "I do have bad news however. The General's wife is not dead as you said she would be. In fact, they have all returned to the palace."

"But that can't be, the man in charge of that has a reputation of completeing every contract. How can she have lived unless.." The answer was obvious. The man in charge of the distraction must have failed.

"unless Iowerth killed her captor. I know not, I only know they are all here." Jon smiled warmly. "Do to that fact, I will need to be at the palace. One of my reputation will need to appear."

"What of selling arms to the King? We do not want them armed." Jake said with insistence.

"I gave you information. I am in this for the gold. I care not who pays it." Jon said with tight frown. "I will not be dictated in that regards. Speaking of which, I have given you the numbers you needed. I want my payment. I will send regular reports with the pigeons you have brought in."

Jake frowned and stood up. He went to the door and motioned to a servant. A man brought in a small chest and set it in front of Jon. Jon moved quickly and opened the chest. He ran is fingers through the coinage of gold and silver. Jake stood up. "We expect a weekly update."

The Earl rose, the smile wide on his face. "Oh you will have it."

He waited until the man had left and then turned to his mute servant. "Kill him!"

The Earl of Sanglet set down and wrote the information and the unfortunate death of the messenger on on a carrier parchment and then attached it to one of the three birds he had been given. The one thing the Earl was careful of, there was never anyone left alive who could trace such negotiations back to him.

Festis, the servant, returned an hour later. He made the motion for death letting the Earl know that the messenger Jake was dead. Yes, life was most interesting. He had increased his coffers today. Now, he would head to the capital to offer the Regent his allegiance and outfit his army with the finest blades south of the great Watercity.

Bronwen waited until the next day to approach her brother. She knew that the previous night he had too much to deal with. She was confident in her ability to get what she wanted, it merely meant taking the time to do so.

Finally catching him alone, she approached him. "Hawk, I have a matter I need to speak to you of."

"Of course, Princess." A good night's rest had done him a world of good.

"It seems Uncle Wyn appointed a personal gaurd. I do not wish some man following me about. He will not accept dismissal unless you approve, so can you call him off?" She smiled sweetly at her brother. "Please..."

"No way. After what happened to mother, and Rowena, you will have a guard. No buts about it,, young lady." Secretly he smiled, knowing his sister, this could not be the end of it.

"That is ridiculous Hawk. Both happened to them while out of the castle, if you wish me to take this man when I ride, fine. But I will not be followed about like some fledgling just out of the nursery." She stomped her foot in frustration.

Hawk looked at her. "You are behaving like a small child that needs a nurse right now. First you will have to prove to me that you are a grown woman, little one. The guard stays."

Bronwen's face flushed with anger. "I am no longer little, but a woman grown. If you had bothered to be here, you would know this." Bronwen turned on her heel and headed for the door.

That hit him hard, leaving his family still made Hawk feel very guilty. "I am sorry" he said softly turning to the window to hide his pain.

Bronwen stopped, her words had been harsh but she truly felt them. She turned slowly and looked at her brother. "Sorry for what Hawk? That you ran? Is that the example you want us to take? To run when we do not like life's challenges? Look at Brendan, he is so resentful he can scarce contain it and mother and father will say not to you for fear of losing you again." Her words were soft. She knew no one else would tell him these things. Part of what she felt, was the little girl who had lost her favorite brother and all he had meant to her.

He hung his head. It had been a mistake to come back, the wounds had almost healed, they were used to not having him around. And Here he was upsetting every body again, he was a loser, and he knew it. But he was not going to run again, there was a better way. He turned to his sister, his eyes empty. "You are right, Bron, I am a coward, a bad example, and I will probably make a lousy King. I will tell father to take over for me, I will not run, how will not do that to mother again. Will stay here, and then do penetance for my wrongs." How silly of him to think he could come back, and things would be as they had been.

Bronwen through up her hands in frustration. "When will you learn that you are not the center of what is right and well with the world. You will be a grand King. If you tell father to take over, then you are running once again. We LOVE you, that is what hurts the most. That you will not see your own worth to those around you. Why can you not see the man that all those around you see? Instead of beating yourself up for mistakes, live with them. The rest of us have too. I have too. My little sister is missing because of choices I made. You think that doesn't eat at me. You don't see me running off to some far off land." Her eyes filled with tears.

He drew her to his big chest and held her close. "I know it does, and I think you are being very brave, I am proud of you, princess. I am just not as strong as you are but maybe one day you will understand what it is to lose a loved one though I pray that day will be far in the future. But you are right, I have to stay and face my duties as King and I will."

Bronwen hid against his chest for a long moment and then drew away. "So, if you are going to be King, let your first command be that I don't need a gaurd!" She ventured softly. She did not know if she could get her way, but it was her nature to try.

"Sorry, that I will not do." Her brother said firmly.

Bronwen flashed him a look that usually got her what she wanted from the other young knights and squires. "Pleassee, at least while I am in the castle? Why do I need a gaurd in the castle proper?"

Unfortunately her brother saw right through it. "Tell you what, he will not be with you when you are in private rooms. And when there is no danger, we will see. For now I am taking no chances with my family."

Bronwen knew when to quit. She gave her brother a quick hug. "I am off to ride then. I will take him with me, not to worry." She stopped at the door and looked back at Hawk. "I am glad you are home." She said and then slipped out the door.