Queen Saleane joined them for a late luncheon meal to discuss the Parliamentary assembly of the High Council the next day.

  "My husband regained consciousness last night. The healers have been working with him all day today, trying to make him well enough for the session with the assembly. He is insisting on being there in person." She shook her head in exasperation. "He can be so stubborn sometimes, even when he’s deathly ill."

  Tristan chuckled. “That sounds like him. Always trying to put the welfare of the kingdom above his own personal well being. I assume he will preside over the Council?”

  Saleane nodded. “If nothing else, it could dispel some of the doubts that have been creeping into people’s minds about his lack of public appearances lately.”

  “What can we expect at the council meeting tomorrow?” Aria asked.

  The Queen set her fork aside and folded her hands in front of her. “Well, now that Morsteck’s army has been defeated in Feldon, the passage through the Sentinel Woods seems to be clear. Several other messengers are arriving from the Southlands. The council will hear testimony from all of you, and then make a decision based upon all of the events regarding what action we should take.” she smiled in Darius’ direction, “ In the meantime, I have dispatched soldiers to reinforce the garrison at Feldon, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that. I have also requested that General Halgon be brought to Falconhome tomorrow so that the High Council can question him.”

  Tristan looked thoughtful and said, “I think that I would like to speak to the Council tomorrow as well. My research into the record crystals revealed some startling information about the earthquakes and what Morsteck might be using to cause them. I also may be able to find out how to stop him, but I will need to do more research.”

  The queen nodded. “I will add your name to the list of speakers. Is there anything else you need?”

  “Come to think of it, yes.” Tristan said, “I know that we have spies in Trideria, I think that it would be wise to have them try to find out more about the explosives used during the Battle of Feldon.”

  Aria agreed. “In order to defeat my uncle, we’re going to need as much information as possible about what Morsteck is capable of, and where they discovered the secrets that they now possess.”

  “I will speak with our operatives, but it will take time to try to discover the sort of information you are asking about.” Saleane shook her head as she considered the magnitude of the task. “That’s not something that just any soldier would know. Besides, with General Halgon in custody, we may be able to discover everything we need to know from him.”

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  After a few moments, Tristan slid his chair away from the table. “If you will excuse me, I still have many preparations for the Council meeting tomorrow.”

  As servants entered to clear away the dishes, Darius rose as well. “Your Highness, if you’ll excuse me, I want to check on our horses. We may need to leave tomorrow if the High Council makes its decision early. “

  Saleane smiled, “Would you be able to spare Aria for a while? There are some things I would like to discuss with her.” she looked to Aria, “If that’s all right with you, that is.”

  “Of course, Your Highness.” Aria told her. “Darius, I’ll catch up with you later.”

  Dusk was beginning to set in when Darius finally found Aria. She was walking alone along the walkway that circled the roof of the Castle. A bitter wind had picked up - a storm was brewing over the watelands to the west. He stood watching her for a few moments. “Looking southeast towards Trideria.”, he thought to himself.

  He approached her slowly and linked her arm with his. “Thinking of home?” he asked gently.

  “Just thinking.” she replied. She moved closer to him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, she didn’t resist. She was still gazing towards Trideria with a faraway look in her eyes.

  “Darius, do you ever wonder what things would be like if we hadn’t gone into exile?” Aria finally asked.

  He thought for a moment before replying. “We either would have been executed, or you would be Queen by now.... that is, if the civil war hadn’t torn the kingdom apart and destroyed it completely. Are you questioning the wisdom of leaving?”

  She sighed, looking up at him with liquid blue eyes. “No, I know that we had no choice. But it’s been three years since we left, and we’re still no closer to knowing the truth about what happened than we were back then. In the meantime my uncle has been able to gain total control of Trideria, and has amassed a great deal of power.”

  “What did Saleane say to you?” Darius asked concerned.

  “She told me about the things that my uncle has done since we left. He removed the Ruling Council of Knights, and has the Kingdom under martial law. The Army has been tripled in size, and he has the scholars of the University under house arrest working on some sort of secret project. Now he has declared war on Malthorm, and may be trying to invade Feltharin.” She shook her head, tears in her eyes. “I have to stop him, Darius. I think it’s time for me to return home when all of this is over in Feldon.” She buried her face in his chest while he held her tightly against him.

  Darius looked off towards the Barrier Mountains where the storm clouds were gathering. They both felt the air began to shift, and a cold breeze blew in from the west.

  “The winds are beginning to change.” he said absently, as he considered what she had said.

  “Change can be a good thing.” she replied with a weak smile.

  As she looked up at him for his approval, he wiped a tear from her cheek with the back of his hand. “This storm could be a bad one.” he told her gently. “It’s threatening to roll across all of Aralistra, and destroy everything in its path.” He held her a little tighter at the thought of losing her. The realization that he cared for her so strongly surprised him.

  “I’m not afraid.”, she told him. “Not while you’re here with me.”

  He thought about that for a moment before replying. “I’m always here.” he said finally.

  They stood there in silence for a long time drawing strength from each other’s presence, watching the approaching storm swoop in. Both lost in their own private thoughts, both wondering if the coming war would leave anything but charred ruins behind.