have good news,” Isabel said. “At least I think it’s good news. Abigail bonded with a wyvern. Mistress Bianca says she’ll be trained as a Sky Knight.”
Wren looked at her with stunned amazement. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for her.”
“Me too,” Isabel said. “Now, it’s late. Your parents are probably wondering where you are. Go home and we’ll talk more tomorrow. I’m sure Abigail will have some stories to tell us about her new friend.”
Chapter 6
Alexander strode into the permanent encampment with Conner Ithilian at his side and a throng of people following behind. It was a well-ordered and clean camp. Roads were clearly marked and well traveled. Oilskin tents were lined up in neat rows and organized in clusters. The soldiers were well equipped with serviceable-looking weapons and armor that was well maintained. These men were disciplined soldiers who took their profession seriously.
Conner led them to the center of the camp and ordered an officer to provide tents for Alexander’s Rangers and offered Alexander his father’s tent. Apparently it was customary for deployed legions to maintain a well-appointed command tent in the event that the King arrived unannounced. It was a comfortable tent easily big enough to house a dozen men or more. A large bed sat opposite the entrance and the floor was lined with carpets. There was a table and furnishings but the place was cold and unused. Clearly it had sat empty for many months. Alexander had Lucky put Anatoly in the bed and ordered Boaberous to remain with them. Then he and Jataan and Jack went to the command tent to talk with Conner.
Conner was waiting with the mage and another man dressed in full battle armor.
“Please, share a meal with us,” Conner said, motioning to the table as they entered. “I’ll have food delivered to your tent for your men, and my healer will see if he can assist your injured friend.”
Alexander took the seat at the head of the table which drew a look from the older man in plate armor, but no objection. Jataan and Jack took seats to his right. Conner sat at Alexander’s left, followed by the mage and general.
“Lord Reishi, allow me to introduce Mage Dax, my chief advisor, and General Brand, my Second,” Conner said.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Prince Conner,” Alexander said. “This is Jataan P’Tal, General Commander of the Reishi Protectorate, and Master Jack Colton, the Bard of Ruatha.” At the mention of Jataan P’Tal’s name, Mage Dax stiffened perceptibly and his colors flared with anxiety. Commander P’Tal was known to the man. Alexander decided to ignore the concern for now in the hopes that their conversation would ease any tensions.
“It has been many generations since anyone came through the Reishi Gate,” Conner said. “We were expecting an all-out invasion. When we saw a small party come through, we feared that Phane had come to force our hand. In truth, I don’t know what to make of your arrival.”
Alexander smiled and nodded. Conner Ithilian’s colors were clear and steady. He was a man who spoke his mind without guile or apology. Alexander decided he liked him.
“I come in search of allies against Phane,” Alexander said. “War has broken out across the Seven Isles. No corner of the world will be spared. Those who love life and liberty must stand together, or the future will suffer greatly for our failure.”
“I have many questions that must be answered before I can take you to meet my father,” Conner said.
“Ask what you will, I will answer what I can,” Alexander said.
“If I may,” Mage Dax said.
Conner nodded.
“It is well known that the Sovereign Stone was lost during the Reishi War. How has it come to be in your possession?”
Alexander smiled gently. He had asked Chloe to remain hidden when they arrived. He spoke to her without speaking. “I believe a grand entrance is in order, Little One.”
In the
Wren looked at her with stunned amazement. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for her.”
“Me too,” Isabel said. “Now, it’s late. Your parents are probably wondering where you are. Go home and we’ll talk more tomorrow. I’m sure Abigail will have some stories to tell us about her new friend.”
Chapter 6
Alexander strode into the permanent encampment with Conner Ithilian at his side and a throng of people following behind. It was a well-ordered and clean camp. Roads were clearly marked and well traveled. Oilskin tents were lined up in neat rows and organized in clusters. The soldiers were well equipped with serviceable-looking weapons and armor that was well maintained. These men were disciplined soldiers who took their profession seriously.
Conner led them to the center of the camp and ordered an officer to provide tents for Alexander’s Rangers and offered Alexander his father’s tent. Apparently it was customary for deployed legions to maintain a well-appointed command tent in the event that the King arrived unannounced. It was a comfortable tent easily big enough to house a dozen men or more. A large bed sat opposite the entrance and the floor was lined with carpets. There was a table and furnishings but the place was cold and unused. Clearly it had sat empty for many months. Alexander had Lucky put Anatoly in the bed and ordered Boaberous to remain with them. Then he and Jataan and Jack went to the command tent to talk with Conner.
Conner was waiting with the mage and another man dressed in full battle armor.
“Please, share a meal with us,” Conner said, motioning to the table as they entered. “I’ll have food delivered to your tent for your men, and my healer will see if he can assist your injured friend.”
Alexander took the seat at the head of the table which drew a look from the older man in plate armor, but no objection. Jataan and Jack took seats to his right. Conner sat at Alexander’s left, followed by the mage and general.
“Lord Reishi, allow me to introduce Mage Dax, my chief advisor, and General Brand, my Second,” Conner said.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Prince Conner,” Alexander said. “This is Jataan P’Tal, General Commander of the Reishi Protectorate, and Master Jack Colton, the Bard of Ruatha.” At the mention of Jataan P’Tal’s name, Mage Dax stiffened perceptibly and his colors flared with anxiety. Commander P’Tal was known to the man. Alexander decided to ignore the concern for now in the hopes that their conversation would ease any tensions.
“It has been many generations since anyone came through the Reishi Gate,” Conner said. “We were expecting an all-out invasion. When we saw a small party come through, we feared that Phane had come to force our hand. In truth, I don’t know what to make of your arrival.”
Alexander smiled and nodded. Conner Ithilian’s colors were clear and steady. He was a man who spoke his mind without guile or apology. Alexander decided he liked him.
“I come in search of allies against Phane,” Alexander said. “War has broken out across the Seven Isles. No corner of the world will be spared. Those who love life and liberty must stand together, or the future will suffer greatly for our failure.”
“I have many questions that must be answered before I can take you to meet my father,” Conner said.
“Ask what you will, I will answer what I can,” Alexander said.
“If I may,” Mage Dax said.
Conner nodded.
“It is well known that the Sovereign Stone was lost during the Reishi War. How has it come to be in your possession?”
Alexander smiled gently. He had asked Chloe to remain hidden when they arrived. He spoke to her without speaking. “I believe a grand entrance is in order, Little One.”
In the
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