We ride out at a break-neck pace. Louisa seems determined to have her mission accomplished in one day. Lykaios and I do all we can just to keep up. We wisely pass by on the outskirts of the villages, rather than riding through them, to avoid unwanted recognition and attention.

I have heard the rumors. No doubt this is what has promted Louisa to take a risk such as this in attemting to determine what Fate has in store for her. I do not envy her position, having been there myself. Torn between love and duty, honor and happiness, past and future, the options become like a heavy anchor one must carry until a suitable cove is found in which one's ship may be safe.

It took Louisa a long time to get over her husband's disappearance. We used to take long walks on the beach, talking about King Corwin. Knowing how deeply she had loved before, when her affections turned to me at long last, I knew I had been truly blessed by the gods. Letting go of her was the hardest thing I have had to face in my lifetime, for I chose duty over love in marrying according to my parents' wishes. Will she do the same? And will doing her duty bring her love once again, as it has done for me? Perhaps I am one of the lucky ones. I hope in whatever choice she makes, she will be fulfilled too.