CHAPTER 7

	Pahl continued to wave as Tia and Lorina road on to Surik 
with a family of traders.  The skies had finally cleared and he was 
in a good mood despite parting with a girl he had strong feelings 
for.  Tia had given him a kiss completely on the mouth when they 
said their good byes and Pahl was floating on air.
	It had taken four days to reach Surik's outlying borders and 
they had passed the cut off road two hours earlier.  A toll guard had 
demanded two silvers per person, a high price for travelers.  
Despite having to pay twice Hawk felt it important to continue 
further with the two girls even after they had met the young family 
of animal farmers and began riding with them.  Naturally, Derek 
and Pahl had agreed, both wanting to spend as much time with the 
girls as possible.  The family had proven good company and Hawk 
had finally decided it was time to part.
	In youthful extravagance, Pahl and Derek had bid the young 
women farewell as two knights going into battle.  The gesture 
appeared comical, but the girls had not seemed to mind and Lorina 
had gifted Derek with a warm hug and a light kiss on the cheek, 
while Tia kissed Pahl fully on the mouth sending him careening 
into his first struggle with love.
	It had seemed to Pahl that Hawk had taken unusual time to 
caution the girls on whom they trusted and to make certain Lorina 
did not forget to send word of Pahl and Derek's safety to their 
Aubon parents.  Finally, Hawk had promised that he and the young 
men would return in two weeks and in a strange fashion had held 
both the girls' hands silently as if speaking in their minds.
	Four days of rain and sleeping under jury rigged tarps had left 
the boys tired, but very happy to see the sun.  A feeling of 
conviction and invincibility visited Pahl and Derek as they gave 
the girls a final wave and turned their horses around.  They were 
going to the legendary Keep, home of the ancient Retters, 
champions of the light of the Path.
	Since no sign of pursuit or danger had shown itself, Pahl and 
Derek rode with confidence and little fear.  Hawk allowed them to 
ride ahead, leading.  He could feel the positive emotions radiating 
from the boys and as he had weeks earlier he wondered at the 
power emanating from Pahl.  There seemed to be almost a glow of 
potential energies surrounding Pahl.  Hawk knew that only a Retter 
attuned to Pahl would notice this, but he decided to test this young 
man's potential.  Stretching forth his right arm he motioned from 
right to left, sending an illusion of movement to Pahl's right side 
that only a Retter should detect.
	Immediately Pahl ducked and then looked quickly to his right.
	"What are you doing?"  Asked Derek, looking strangely at his 
brother.

	"I saw something in those trees,"  Pahl said. "At least, I 
thought I saw something coming at me."
	"Quit messing around Pahl, were just getting started, and I 
don't need to get jumpy."
	"What did you see, Pahl?"  Hawk asked.
	"I, well, I thought I saw a..."  Pahl paused looking at his 
brother, then blurted, "A dragon fly."
	Hawk raised his eyebrows, then asked, "What color was the 
dragon fly?"
	"It was silver, I think."
	"A silver dragon fly, Pahl?"  Derek looked on the verge of 
laughing.
	"Don't worry Pahl,"  said Hawk, smiling at the confused 
young man.  "You saw a silver dragon fly.  Only, you saw it in 
your mind.  I created it and let it fly to test your ability to discern 
the power."
	"Are you saying that Pahl is a Retter?"  Asked Derek 
exasperated.	
	"No, not yet," answered Hawk.  "But he does have the 
potential to become a great follower of the Path and wielder of 
tremendous power."
	Seeing the two boys incredulous looks, Hawk explained,  "I 
just sent  a mental image to Pahl that a even a student of the Path 
would not be able to describe in such detail and he saw it without 
any training at all."
	"Well, why didn't I see it,"  asked Derek and immediately 
knowing the answer to his own question, he looked as though he 
had just lost a friend.
	"Not all are gifted with the power, Derek," Hawk said mildly.  
And taken on a harder edge added, "Or cursed with the 
responsibility of it."
	The two brothers had stopped riding and both looked from one 
another to Hawk.

	Focusing his full attention on Pahl, Hawk said, "Pahl, you are 
gifted with the potential to be a Retter, never forget that.  This is a 
great gift, but can also be your undoing if fail to receive the proper 
training and guidance."
	Looking at Hawk with a serious expression, Pahl asked, "Will 
you teach me?"
	Shaking his head negatively, Hawk answered, "Perhaps when 
we find my old master, Jeshur Baerd, he may teach you, as he 
taught me." 
	"But you said that you knew and practiced the Retter arts,"  
countered Pahl, "then why not help me to learn?  That must be the 
reason we met, and are still together.  Right, Derek?"
	Derek shrugged.  Not knowing what to say he waited for 
Hawk's reply.
	"I cannot teach someone things that I myself have not yet 
mastered.  It would follow the proverb of the blind leading the 
blind.  Do not be over anxious Pahl.  Understand that following the 
Path and using the arts of the Light demand patience and 
singleness of heart and mind.
	"Remember when I fought the two Sojourns on the trail to 
Lohtsurn."  Both the young men nodded.  "Prior to your waking I 
was experimenting with a powerful spell I had not used in years 
and never fully understood.  My mind was almost lost in a mishap 
and abuse of power that would have left me insane for life.  That is 
why I was groggy and slow to meet the Sojourn attack."

	"But you did defeat them," said Derek.
	"Only through my own experience and luck," replied Hawk.  
"Had I not been weakened from the previous ordeal, they would 
not even have been a threat."
	"The way you fought," said Derek, "could you at least teach 
us that."
	"Actually, the skills in combat I use are part of a Retter's 
physical training," said Hawk.  "But, I will teach you that, as well 
as some techniques with the sword and daggers we appropriated.  
However, you must be willing to follow my instructions word for 
word."
	He looked at both boys and said, "Agreed?"
	"Agreed," the boys replied excitedly.
 	"Good, then we will start now.  Dismount and lead your 
horses to the small grassland."
	The boys followed Hawk to a grass filled area just off the trail 
to the right.  Hawk had them stand behind him and mimic his 
motions he took them through a series of exercises unfamiliar to 
the Aubon boys.  At first the movements were awkward, but after 
repeating them several times the boys began to understand the flow 
and rhythm they were taught.  Just as they began to feel limber 
Hawk taught them what he called the first mahte'.  To Derek and 
Pahl, the mahte' was nothing as much as a strange dance without 
music.  Once the boys had learned the first mahte' to where they 
could repeat it without following Hawk, he directed them to get 
their horses and lead them down the trail at a jog.  Hawk mounted 
the stallion and followed his new students.

	For the next two hours, Hawk had the boys jog for ten minutes 
and ride for five until they reached the cross road and toll gate that 
led west.  After paying the toll, the three companions began the 
westward trek to Old Keep trail.  Hawk knew they would have to 
stay overnight somewhere along the main road before reaching the 
Keep, because he did not want to travel the trail at night. He 
decided to stay at an inn or tavern once they were closer to the 
trail.
	By mid afternoon they had reached a river town that was only 
an hour ride from the Old Keep trail.  The town was relatively new, 
since Hawk did not remember it from his prior journey's west.  
Evidently it had sprung up when lumbering became popular near 
rivers.  For a small fee Hawk was able to acquire accommodations 
and hay for the horses.
	After a nice evening meal, Hawk took the boys through 
another series of exercises and made them practice the mahte' they 
had learned earlier that day.  After the exercise and continuous 
running, Derek and Pahl were exhausted and fell immediately 
asleep.   Hawk watched them sleep and then after some meditation 
lay down to rest.
	
 **********
	The family Lorina and Tia rode with was sheep herders.  A 
common enough trade in Surik and one that Lorina knew was 
saturated.  This family would work long and hard to produce the 
wool that would sell for very little in the Surik market place.  Too 
many sheep farmers and the fashion for silk made prices drop 
significantly in the past few years.  Lorina kept these obvious 
comments to herself as she made friendly conversation with the 
family.

	Remembering what Hawk had told her, Lorina tried to sound 
ignorant of many political things that were brought up and though 
Sojourns and Southerners alike were common in Surik, Tia kept 
quiet except to agree occasionally on one topic or another.
	It appeared the family did not notice the two girls' 
peculiarities and seemed as simple and friendly as the farmers 
Lorina was used to dealing with when she worked at the orphanage 
west of Gahlen.  The younger children's quickness to laughter and 
frivolous bantering eased the tension Lorina felt at returning home 
and Tia's fear of entering the largest city she had ever seen.
	As they neared Surik the road became wider but more 
crowded with various teamsters, coaches, wagons, merchant 
caravans, and soldiers.  The crowds concerned Lorina since the 
roads into the outer city were normally clear.  Only the inner gates 
to the city proper tended to bolster traffic.  But more alarming was 
the patrols of armed soldiers that were periodically interviewing 
and checking the goods of incomers.
	Lorina questioned the father of the family only to find out that 
the crowds and patrols had been continuous for the past several 
weeks.  He also noted that as far as he could tell the city was under 
martial law, not that he knew why.  From the way others in the line 
to enter grumbled if it had not been for travel costs and the chance 
of robbery many of the merchants and farmers would go to other 
cities to sell their goods.
	Shocked at this news, Lorina decided not to ask any more 
questions lest she became suspect and attract the patrols.  She 
wanted to approach her parents privately, not under escort of 
armed guards.  Then she began to wonder how Tia and she would 
enter the city without being recognized by one of the soldiers.  She 
did not know all the city guard, but certainly a few would 
recognize a daughter to the king.

	Seeing Lorina's concern Tia withdrew a dark red handkerchief 
from a saddlebag.  "Here, wrap your hair in this,"  she said and 
held Lorina's horse steady while she covered her hair.  The cloth 
made Lorina's hair appear auburn in color and much shorter than 
normal.  The effect was good, only someone who had seen her 
recently or knew her well would know her on sight.
	The procession into the city was long, but the two girls and the 
family were passed over by several guards.  Lorina found it strange 
that so many guards checked incoming travelers outside the main 
gate.  What could possibly cause this type of concern in the capitol 
city?
	After passing through the outer gates, which were more just a 
checkpoint than actual gates, Lorina thanked the family for their 
company and took a road away from the main gates and parallel to 
the city's outer wall.  She found a stables and paid the owner to 
keep their horses.  The area between the outer wall and outer gates 
was less congested than the city proper, but still supported taverns, 
inns, and several stables and granaries.  The Fishermen's Market 
that lay just north of the Eastern Main Gate was the most 
significant part of this area.  The market lay as a backdrop to the 
docks and fish hatcheries on Surik Sea.
	Surik Sea was actually a fresh water lake over one hundred 
miles in diameter--so large that winter storms could sink ships in 
its waves.  Several towns and cities lie along its shore, most 
notably, Surik.  The lake stretched from the capitol of Nordenland 
to its edges near the western ocean and eastward more than fifty 
miles.  A large river to the ocean allowed for ocean faring craft to 
enter the kingdom via the sea.  Several Southern seashore cities 
prospered by sailing into the kingdom through this straight 
developing an ever growing trade between sea faring nations.

	It was through the Fisherman's Market that Lorina guided Tia.  
She told her they would have a much easier time entering the city 
and making their way to the palace from the northern gate.  This 
proved to be true, since most of the people entering here were off 
loading ships that had passed through customs.  Lorina and Tia 
went through the gates without question.
	Once inside the city Lorina was again struck by the garbage 
on the streets and number of soldiers questioning citizens who had 
already passed through the gates.  She could not believe that this 
was her home city, where she had spent sixteen years of her life.  
The city she had left only three months ago was not beautiful, but 
it was clean and definitely not under armed patrol.  More than ever, 
Lorina wanted to get to her family as quickly as possible.
	"Tia," Lorina said somewhat casually as they walked up a 
particularly ill kept street.  "I must get into the palace and to my 
father.  I fear something dreadful has occurred here."
	"I have never been to such a city as this,"  said Tia, "But 
something does seem peculiar.  I thought the capitol of your nation 
would be cleaner, anyway."
	"You don't understand, Tia," said Lorina, barely able to keep 
her voice sounding normal.  "Surik is not like this.  Something 
must have happened.  I must see my family.  These guards,  I do 
not recognize them.  Any of them."
	"You have been away awhile," said Tia, mildly.
	"Tia, they all wear the tabard of my family and I should have 
recognized at least one or two of them since we got here,"  said 
Lorina in an increasingly rising voice.
	"Lorina, settle down, you attract attention."
	Sure enough two guards walked through the crowds in the 
girl's direction.  Tia and Lorina stopped talking and tried to walk 
away, but it was too late.
	"You there, state your business,"  said one of the guards.

	"Our business?"  Lorina began, but Tia cut her off.
	"We have come to sell our wares,"  said Tia seductively, 
swaying her hips and pouting her mouth.
	The guard stared at the girls for a moment and then said, 
"Well, the Red District is in the southeast quarter.  Don't attempt 
to prostitute here or you will be jailed."
	"Of course not," said Tia.  With a smile that betrayed 
innocence from a girl so young, Tia grabbed Lorina's arm and led 
her shocked friend south-east, toward the Red District.
	"What are you doing?"  Lorina asked when they rounded a 
corner.  She stopped walking and stared at Tia.
	Dropping her friend's arm Tia said with a laugh, "Just saving 
us the trouble of two self important guards."
	"Maybe I wanted to order them to take me to the palace and 
my father,"  Lorina said angrily.
	"Lorina," Tia said quite seriously, "You have said yourself 
you do not recognize these guards.  Perhaps we should find what is 
happening here before we find out the king."
	"Maybe you are right,"  conceded Lorina, "It's just that...well, 
I thought things would be different when I came home."
	"I am sorry,  it is difficult, but we must find some things 
ourselves."
	"Yes we must."  Lorina began walking briskly down the street 
and Tia had to run to catch up.
	"Where are you going," Tia asked.
	"To a good friend of our family.  He is not royalty so he lives 
outside of the palace.  My brothers and I used to visit him quite 
often."
	"Good,"  said Tia,  "Then he may help us."
	"He will probably at least know what's going on here.  He is a 
silk merchant and very highly respected in Surik."  Lorina smiled 
and sped up her pace.  She finally felt good about an idea and 
wanted it implemented quickly.

	One of many coaches prevalent to Surik past by and Lorina 
hailed the driver by brandishing a silver coin in her right hand and 
raising her left arm above her head.  Coaches, both rugged and 
splendidly comfortable, were common place in larger cities.  For a 
reasonable fair you could be taken anywhere in the city.  Over the 
past twenty years, coaches had become a lucrative business, 
ranging from cheap wood seated to luxurious velvet covered and 
draped coaches fit for royalty.  Lorina had chosen a moderately 
inexpensive coach that would attract less attention and provide 
adequate comfort.
	"Your pleasure?"  Asked the driver, a young man wearing a 
somewhat comical puffy hat and breeches that stopped at his 
knees.
	"Lord Buranigan's estate," said Lorina, as the girls seated 
themselves.
	"The fair is two silver crowns,"  the driver said holding out his 
hand.
	"Two silver crowns!"  Lorina exclaimed.  "I hope you plan on 
giving us a grand tour with lunch and fine wine."
	The driver smiled, apparently used to the sarcasm from his 
high prices.  "I'm sorry about the price malady, but you know the 
martial law has created turmoil in the city and business has been 
difficult."
	Lorina grudgingly placed the valuable coins in the driver's 
hand and seeing a window of opportunity asked, "About this 
martial law.  Do you know the purpose for it?"
	The driver looked at the girls suspiciously.  Tia added,  "We 
are from the South and rarely travel here."
	Tossing the two crowns into a locked metal box the young 
man responded, "I am but a driver and don't take much note of 
affairs of state."  Then looking around conspiratorially, he said, 
"But, word on the street is that someone killed an ambassador of 
the Elves.  A prince, I think.   And the Viceroy believes we will go 
to war if the culprit isn't caught."
	"When did this happened?"  Lorina asked alarmed at the 
news.
	"Two or three weeks ago, I imagine,"  he said, "And it's put a 
difficult strain on business."
	Tia looked heavenward and said under her breath, "We know, 
you've already mentioned that."
	"That long and nobody's been caught?"  Lorina asked.	
	"No, but last week a rumor spread that the royal family is 
involved somehow.  Can you imagine that?"
	Lorina and Tia exchanged glances.  Lorina said, "Well, it is 
not our concern.  Drive on."
	The coachman shrugged and shaking the reins, headed for the 
silk merchant's estate.  Tia could barely contain herself from 
gawking at all of the buildings, shops, and people milling about the 
streets.  It was early afternoon which explained the mass of sellers 
and buyers who shouted their wares or yelled an offer.  She looked 
this way and that, trying to take in all of  her surroundings like a 
child in a candy store.

	As the carriage drew nearer to the estate district of Surik, the 
number of people lessened dramatically.  The coach rode freely up 
cobblestone streets with nicely built mansions and landscaping.  
The streets were much cleaner, but periodically armed guards 
passed on horseback and this bothered Lorina.  Tia had never seen 
paved streets and landscaped homes and the sight exhilarated her.
	"You lived among this?"  Tia asked Lorina quietly.
	"No,"  Lorina replied.  The noise of hooves on cobblestone 
drowned out their conversation, but Lorina remained wary of the 
coachman.  "I lived in the palace.  It is much different than these 
homes." Tia simply shook her head in wonder.
	After passing several streets the coach came to a stop in front 
of a gated home that lay adjacent to a park.  The estate was richly 
decorated with fountains and statues.  Green grass spotted with 
bushes and flowers filled the front yard and gave it a luster and 
beauty that pleased the eye.  Thanking the driver the girls step out 
of the coach and approached the gate.
	Lorina had not seen the merchant since she had left Surik and 
was unsure how to enter the gate.  Normal protocol called for 
ringing the large bell that hung beside the metal gate and awaiting 
a servant, but Lorina knew this was loud and would cause 
unneeded attention.  She stood in front of the gate for a few 
moments looking up the street and across the park.  Few people 
were in the park and those seemed occupied with their own 
concerns.
	"What now?"  Asked Tia.
	"Follow me,"  Lorina replied and opened the gate.  Some 
estates housed guard dogs to keep out intruders and Lorina was 
glad Lord Buranigan refrained from such practice.  The two 
walked up the stone path between numerous statues of ancient 
lords and ladies carved by gifted sculptors making the front yard a 
splendid representation of archaic design.
	As they climbed the steps to the entrance an old man wearing 
brown and light-tan robes over a fine silken shirt opened one of the 
large oaken doors.  He looked at the girls with contempt, but 
showed no anger.  He was a butler, and quite professional in his 
own right.
	"May I help you, young ladies?"  Said the staunch old butler 
and dryly added,  "the bell at the gate is there for a purpose, you 
know."
  	"Yes, I understand," said Lorina quickly.  "My friend and I are 
here to see the master merchant."
	"Do you have an appointment?  My master is quite busy, you 
know."
	Knowing that this was just part of the charade all the upper 
class used to discourage unwanted guests, Lorina played along.  "I 
do not have an appointment per-se, but he will be most grateful to 
see me."
	"Malady, Lord Buranigan is presently unavailable,"  the butler 
said with indifference.  "However, if you will leave your name and 
a place of contact, I will be happy to see that he gets it."

	"Sir, it is imperative that I speak with Lord Buranigan 
immediately," said Lorina.
	"I am most sorry, but as I said..."
	"Look, you buffoon," Tia interrupted without preamble, "this 
is Kingdom business, and unless you want soldiers bothering your 
master instead of nice ladies, I suggest you get him."
	The butler stared in guffaw at the brash young girl.
	Lorina stifled the smile that fought to raise the corners of her 
mouth and said simply, "Gentle butler, I admire your concern to 
protect your master, and I apologize for the outburst of my 
colleague, but we must see Lord Buranigan."
	Resuming his poise the butler said, "Come inside and I will 
announce your presence to his Lordship.  Follow me, please"
	The two girls followed the butler down a lavishly decorated 
hall.  Tia stared wide eyed at the paintings and murals that were set 
in nicely fashioned oiled frames.  Chandeliers that held large 
candles and beautiful crystals hung from a variety of locations and 
lit the hall and front room where the girls now waited.  Seated 
upon nicely cushioned fur sofa's Lorina looked right at home while 
Tia shifted and moved about as if the cushions were filled with 
rocks.
	Lorina looked at Tia queerly and the young Sojourn said, "I 
am not used to such comfort."  Lorina laughed.  Tia gave her a 
sinister frown that only made her laugh more loudly.
 	"And what, may I ask, gives me the pleasure of such 
wonderful laughter?"  A short, middle-aged man with a voice as 
smooth as the silk he wore, entered the brightly lit room.
	Hearing her old friend's voice, Lorina jumped to her feet and 
ran to the short man.  Throwing her arms about him she said 
tearfully, "Kartwert, it is so good to see a familiar face."
	Lord Kartwert Buranigan hugged the girl he thought of as a 
daughter and in kind words said, "Lorina, your family had thought 
you lost forever.  I myself was beginning to doubt ever seeing you 
again, but am happy to see I was mistaken in my thoughts.  Now 
let me look at you."
	He held the girl back and looked at her with a smile, "You 
look much older than when we last met."
	"I am almost seventeen," Lorina said smiling and wiped her 
tears with her sleeve."
	"And you seem to have forgotten some mannerisms of the 
court.  Which I find delightful."  He handed her a silk handkerchief 
and in mock-proper fashion she blotted the tears on her face.
	Looking down at Tia, who had remained quietly seated during 
the exchange, Lord Buranigan asked, "And who might this young 
upstart be?  I hear you gave my servant, Nibson, quite a shock."
  	Before she could answer the brown robed butler appeared next 
to Lord Buranigan.  "That she did, sir," he said with a smile.
	Tia stood up saying, "I am sorry,  I only thought that..." she 
stopped for loss of words, normally uncommon to the brash young 
thief.

	Nibson raised a hand, "No apology necessary, young miss.  
Your style and forthrightness bring a fresh scent to this otherwise 
stale abode."
	"Stale?"  Asked Lord Buranigan with raised eyebrows.
	"No offense intended, sir,"  Nibson said routinely.
	"None taken,"  responded Lord Buranigan.  Watching the two, 
Tia quickly learned that these men were more friends and equals 
than master and servant.  Their use of title was but a necessary 
arrangement for the benefit of occupation, but otherwise unneeded.  
She thought this strange behavior, never meeting the like in her 
time as a Sojourn.  
	"The ladies appear hungry, sir, shall I set the table and fetch 
new clothing for our guests?"  Nibson asked.
	"Always one step ahead of me,"  Lord Buranigan said smiling, 
"By all means, do so, Nibson."
	"Right away, sir,"  Nibson said, and turning, left the room.
	Lord Buranigan took Lorina by the arm and led her back to the 
sofa.  He sat in a wooden backed chair that seemed more 
appropriate for his attire.  The short man had dressed in several 
layers of fine silk of varying colors.  The cut of the silk gave the 
Lord a noble look and made him appear dressed more for a ritual 
than anything else.
	Focusing on Lorina, Lord Buranigan said, "While Nibson 
prepares dinner, you will have to relate to me where you have been 
and how it is you came here.  The last I heard was that you had 
gone on a mercy mission to a Gahlen orphanage."
	Fully trusting the silk merchant's integrity and their 
friendship, Lorina described all the events that filled the last 
several months of her life.  Leaving nothing out, she told of the 
time she had spent teaching the poor, but richly spirited children at 
the orphanage; her capture then subsequent escape from the 
Sojourn slave traders with the help of Tia; the meeting of Hawk, 
Derek, and Pahl; and finally, the events that transpired to bring her 
to Surik.  Tia assisted her with some of the latter episode, but for 
the most part the story went uninterrupted.
	Lord Buranigan listened intently, only nodding and giving an 
occasional comment of interest.  When she had finished he asked, 
"So, why did you come here instead of going directly to the 
palace?"
	"I felt that something strange was happening here, Kartwert.  I 
failed to recognize any of my father's guards."
	Lord Buranigan's face took on an expression devoid of any 
cheerfulness as he said, "It is true, the capitol has changed 
significantly since you left, princess."  It was the first time since 
Lorina had arrived that he had used her royal title.
	Rubbing his chin in thought Lord Buranigan said, "I can send 
word to the boys' parents in Aubon, but it will not be as easy as 
you might imagine.  All correspondence in or out of the capitol is 
under heavy scrutiny."

	"Tell us, Kartwert, what is happening here?"  Lorina looked to 
him with concern burning in her eyes.
	"In time, Lorina, in time," he answered.  "After dinner, you 
will meet someone and he will describe the present conditions 
here.  It is important that he do so, instead of me."
	Nibson entered.  He paused a moment, and then said, "When 
you are ready, sir?"
	"Of course," replied Lord Buranigan, "Thank you, Nibson.  
Lorina, Tia, will you accompany me."
	Lorina wanted to know more, but decided she could wait until 
after dinner and rose to follow Nibson to the dining room.  This  
room was the most lavishly decorated one in the estate.  
Apparently Lord Buranigan used it for business dealings and 
wanted to give his customers the impression of quality.  He 
succeeded immensely with Tia.  She found the silver eating 
utensils and gold painted plates unbelievably exquisite.  The 
serving plates had silver edging and were made from a shiny 
pottery that reflected in the light.  She thought that if she decided 
to be a thief here, she could retire by next summer.
	If Lord Buranigan thought Tia's mannerisms at the table were 
undomesticated he never said anything about it.  The three ate 
carrying on light conversation about the latest trend in silk fashion.  
Lord Buranigan seemed to hold a wealth of information in the 
clothing trade and never tired of explaining the many styles of silk 
apparel.  The girls learned that the Vahlees turban--a hat made of 
interwoven lengths of silk--was now the fashion statement for 
young nobility and silk slippers garnished every regal person's feet 
at night.
 	When they had finished eating Lord Buranigan brought the 
two girls into a dimly lit study.  The study was laid out in stark 
contrast to the rest of the home, having lantern lighting and less 
gaudy, but more practical furnishings.  Lord Buranigan left them 
with new clothes to change into and said he would return shortly 
with the guest he had previously promised.
	Lorina and Tia used an adjacent washroom to clean up and 
changed into the new silk clothes.  The apparel consisted of baggy 
pants and long sleeve shirts appropriate in giving the appearance 
that the girls were merchant daughters.  Lord Buranigan said they  
would not stand out as they did in their Sojourn attire.  Both girls 
found the clothing comfortable, but Tia would have liked a brighter 
color.
	They had changed and sat on a long couch near a warm fire 
place talking quietly when  Lord Buranigan returned.  He opened 
the door and stepped through followed by a young man dressed 
similarly to the girls.  Tia looked upon the man with bold 
infatuation for he was extremely handsome.  He had long, sandy-
blond hair, a large chest, powerful arms, and a finely chiseled face 
that looked as if it had been cut from stone.

	"Yeourg!"  Lorina exclaimed rushing to the young man.
	"Lorina!"  Yeourg said embracing her in a bear hug.  
"Kartwert said my youngest sister had come and I almost forced 
him to bring me to you, but he had cautioned against it, until he 
was certain you were not followed."
	"So you have been here the whole time?"  Lorina let him go 
but held his hands.
	"Yes, I am staying in the cellar?"
	"But why, Yeourg?"  Lorina asked.
	"First sit,"  Yeourg said letting go of her hands and giving her 
soft push, "and I will explain."   
	When everyone had sat, Yeourg began to describe what had 
happened in the last month to the royal family.  "To begin, 
understand that our claim to the thrown is in jeopardy.  We, as sons 
and daughters to Marcus von Allmen, King of Nordenland, have 
lost all legal claim of authority.  The Viceroy of Surik, first advisor 
to the King, has usurped the crown under the guise of national 
emergency.  He has declared my voice in the magistrate void."  
Yeourg paused, knowing that this was an unthinkable act and 
spoke of treason that Lorina would find difficult to follow.  Yeourg 
was first heir to the throne, the crown prince, and to strip him of 
power would be next to impossible.  He decided it best to first 
describe the events that brought about this catastrophic change.

	"Two months ago, we were visited by an unusual group of 
delegates from the South.  As you know it is not uncommon for the 
southern barons and warlords to periodically make trading 
agreements with the kingdom.  These delegates appeared to be on 
the same mission.  The only difference was the head delegate's 
claim to speak for the entire Southland.  He wanted to speak 
directly with the king and would not deal with any member of the 
Magistrate, which is our normal custom.  Father, who was very 
busy, gave Bernit, his First Advisor and Viceroy, the authority to 
speak on his behalf.  The delegate agreed but demanded to speak to 
Bernit alone.  Not wishing to upset the foreigners Bernit held an 
informal court meeting.
	"Shortly after the Southern delegates had left, Bernit, began 
acting strangely, saying that we needed to be more concerned with 
the elves, that they were planning treachery and war.  He began 
whispering his fears into the ears of the more phobic Magistrate 
members.  So strong were his aspirations and claims that after only 
a few weeks almost half of the magistrate wanted immediate call to 
arms to protect the Eastern Border.  Father, I, and several vocal 
members began to put down the uprising and unsubstantiated fear.  
Father called for representatives from the Elves to visit the capitol 
in an effort to cool the fire of hostility that threatened to undo the 
Magistrate.
	"Just after the Elven emissaries arrived Father fell very ill and 
it was assumed that I would continue as Head of the High Court in 
his absence.  Then, as if by magic, the delegates from the South 
mysteriously returned and before court was held, several high 
officials from the elven emissary as well as Magistrate members 
most loyal to the crown were missing.  The Viceroy called it 
treachery and held immediate private council with his own loyal 
members to obtain emergency authority.  When I voiced objection,  
he branded the royal family suspect and mother, our sisters, and 
younger brother were placed under house arrest.  Several members 
loyal to the family helped me escape the palace.  After which the 
Viceroy sent a rumor that I had killed the elven prince, grand 
emissary from the elven homeland.  Immediately following, he 
ordered martial law and replaced the city garrison with his own 
handpicked men.  
	"That was two weeks ago, and I do not know whether our 
family has been secretly killed or not, but I doubt it.  Too many in 
the Magistrate are still loyal to the crown."
	"What do we do now, Yeourg?  Can the Viceroy actually hold 
such power?"  Lorina was close to tears.  She knew something had 
been wrong, but she had no idea it included treason and murder.
	The look that Yeourg had, as he gazed upon his sister, 
frightened her more than any she had ever seen.  It was a look of 
pure anger waiting for a chance to vent.  With barely contained 
fury he said, "I have recently obtained knowledge of a secured 
passage to the dungeons and I have set a plan to release our family.  
I will do so in three days. After that, the Viceroy will lose all 
power."

	With a face flushed with emotion he said proudly, "Once 
again Marcus von Allmen will hold the thrown and this madness 
will cease!"
	Tia's heart swam as she listened to the young man speak with 
honor and courage.  She nearly shouted in concert.  She guessed 
the young man to be nineteen or twenty, but thought he spoke with 
the strength of someone twice his age.  He was everything she had 
ever dreamed and a prince of the Northern Kingdom.
	Tia's imaginings diminished when she heard her friend's  
concerned voice.  "Yeourg, is this wise?"
	Lord Buranigan spoke next, "You can't stop him, Lorina, he 
has his mind set.  I offered him passage on one of my merchant 
ships to Vahlees, but he will have none of it."
	Yeourg interjected, "I will not be responsible for civil war in 
my homeland.  That is exactly what will occur if I run to a sister 
city.  The only thing that holds off civil war is the fact that none of 
the royal family is in sight."
	"To this I must agree," conceded Lord Buranigan.  "If they 
had a cause many nobles would jump at the chance to overthrow 
the Viceroy and be seen as heroes, thereby moving themselves 
closer to the crown and the power that goes with it."
	Lorina looked at Yeourg with fondness. "It is good to see you 
well, brother,"  she said.
	"And you, little one,"  replied Yeourg, using an endearment 
they had shared for years.
	"I wish to rest now,"  Lorina said, "But tomorrow, perhaps we 
can talk about this plan of yours."
	Yeourg smiled broadly.  "Perhaps," he said.