...too quiet...

I go about the daily activities, changing of the guard and waiting for word or orders. The Royal Family has been gone months, re-fortifications have been done, as well as the restorations to parts of the palace.

I sigh wanting to hear some good news. King Corwin dead, the twins now rulers, which was not a bad thing, but nevertheless a strange thing to do in such uncertain times. But no rival kingdom has made a bold move. Maybe the new Queen of Crete has made a choice for a consort. It's been awhile since I instructed any royal children.

I look to hear a small flurry of activity, the young and over excitably Panos has not only tripped and fallen, but ploughed into a rather thorny flower bush. Another nearby guard, helps Panos untangle himself. He hurries over to present himself to me.

"Commander Phia," he pants "There'a a m...Permission to speak."

"Granted."

"There's a man on the road riding hard this way, Zanita barely road in before him. We do not his intentions as he wears not any messenger garb we know." I quickly break into a quick stride to the wall to catch a glimpse of the man riding in. I do know the man immediately, but I recognize the breeding of the horse, as it is not one of ours.

"Find Belen and have him meet me in the courtyard. We shall greet this hurried man as he dismounts."