Griffa sat at the desk in her study reading a message she had received earlier in the week. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. It was from Malchom Delis, Hectors son. He hadn’t lived in Abscon since before he was married. He lived out in a small community of magical users who lived in the Lakelands. Griffa hadn’t seen him in many years.

She had written him to come see her as she had an offer for him. She wanted to see if he would be right to serve on her Ring. She needed people to fill her Ring, and the Delis family had served on the ring since the days of Nathin. While she wasn’t big on tradition, she could not keep the Delis line completely from the Ring without first seeing if Malchom might be worthy.

In her message to Malchom, she had not told him about the Ring. She only said she wished to meet with him if he could come to Abscon. He had responded that he had no wish to return to Abscon at any time, but as a courtesy to her and the memory of her father, he would meet with her.

Griffa wondered what had caused Malchom to flee Abscon and never come back. Perhaps she would find out in their meeting tomorrow. She put her letter away as Ansel came into the room carrying a long wooden case.

“You found it, then?” asked Griffa standing up.

“Yes, just where you said it would be,” replied Ansel. He laid the case on the desk. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I am. Why wouldn’t I be sure?”

“This has been in your family since before Nathin ruled. I wasn’t sure you would want to give it away.”

“I’m not giving it away; I’m letting him borrow it. It could be returned to the Keene line at any time. Of course, there isn’t really a Keene line anymore, not since Brien Keene.”

“Does it bother you?” asked Ansel watching as Griffa undid latches to open the case.

Griffa stopped and looked up at Ansel. “Does it bother me that I’m not a true Keene by blood?”

Ansel nodded.

“No,” said Griffa shaking her head. “For one I am sure there is Keene blood in the Adalwen line somewhere. I believe there were a few consorts that came from the Keene family. Also, does blood always make you family? I believe the ideas and values of the Keene’s were passed down from Brien to me. In everything that matters, I am a Keene.”

Ansel smiled at her. “Being of the blood of line of Adalwen might not be a bad trade off, either.”

“No, but it does make things more complicated. I never dreamed I would be here trying to figure out what it means to be the queen of the kingdom. I knew I would have responsibility. I knew I would have to lead the Ring, but nothing like this,” said Griffa softly. She looked up at Ansel.

He must have felt her uncertainty because he walked to her and pulled her into his arms. She felt the comfort of his protector’s magic wash over her.

“Griffa, if I’m being honest and selfish, I would do almost anything to change your fate,” said Ansel as he held her. “Being a queen is not easy, and it is not safe. I can’t stand the thought of you being constantly in danger.”

Griffa sighed against him. “I’m not worried about the danger. I’m worried if I am good enough. Can I do this?”

“Yes,” said Ansel. “I know you can. If I put away my selfish desires, I can think of no one among us who can do this better than you. I think the gods knew exactly what they were doing when you were born and chosen. You will be a glorious queen. I will do everything in my power and beyond to keep you safe.”

Griffa pulled back and looked up at Ansel. “Do you think you are biased as my protector?”

“Maybe,” said Ansel smiling down at her. “Perhaps more so as the man who loves you, but there is a house full of people here who would agree with me. They all want to serve you, even Kedan, and he has not known you long.” Ansel leaned down and kissed her gently.

Griffa stepped back and went back to opening the case. “Can you go get Kedan for me? I want both of you to meet me on the back lawn. If Talon is around, he can come as well.”

“Yes, my queen,” said Ansel. He turned to walk out of the room.

“That wasn’t an order. It was a request,” said Griffa.

“I know, but you will need to get comfortable giving orders, even to me,” said Ansel. He opened the door and left.

Griffa blew out a puff of air and focused on opening the case. When she finally got the lid off, she looked down and smiled. She had not seen the sword inside since before her father died. He had shown it to her one day when they were rearranging books in storage. It was a long sword.

The pommel was gold and looked like the tail of the falcon. The hilt was smooth brass. The cross guard looked like the head and wings of falcon. The falcon eye was a red gym that gleamed in the light. The blade’s steel still looked sharp. Griffa slowly picked it up, and she could feel the magic in the sword move through her hand and up her arm.

Griffa moved her free hand slightly and sent a small spell at the sword. It seemed to absorb the spell, and she could feel it join the magic already encased within the steel. Griffa gave the sword a little flick and her spell rebounded out of it, knocking over a small picture on the desk. Griffa smiled. It was perfect. She quickly left the study, walking towards the back lawn.

When she reached the back lawn, she found Kedan, Ansel, and Talon standing in a group. They turned as they heard her approach.

“Good afternoon,” said Griffa. “Kedan, here is the gift I have promised you. I am giving it to you as a loan. I hope one day you will restore it to the Keene line, if there is a Keene line to restore it to.”

She saw Ansel’s head snap up, and he gave her searching look. Griffa responded with a small smile.

Kedan walked over to Griffa, and she handed him the sword. “This has been in my family since before the time of King Nathin. One of my ancestors wielded it in the battle of Aurumist. After reading the books Max has found, I believe it may have been used to forge the blood bond between Adalwen and Raya.

“It is not an ordinary sword. It is enchanted with old magic. It will offer you protection from magic in battle. I believe it will also give you a way to fight back.”

Kedan looked over the sword. He held it in his hand and looked up at Griffa. “I don’t think I can accept this. I don’t feel worthy to even hold this sword.”

“It is mine to give to whoever I wish. I believe you are worthy, Kedan. I will not require you to fight for me, but if you wish to fight for your kingdom, I will have you well equipped.”

Kedan took Griffa’s hand and kissed it. “I will fight for our kingdom, but I will also fight for you, Griffa. I will give my life it that is what it takes to put you on the throne.”

Griffa squeezed Kedan’s hand and let it go. “I don’t want it to come to that. This sword is able to absorb curses and spells. You can also throw the spells and curses back. I think you can deflect as well if you learn how. You will train with this sword daily. If I am not available, you will find someone else to help you.” She turned to Ansel and Talon. “I am asking you both to help him when you can.”

Ansel nodded. Talon smiled at Griffa. “If I knew you were handing out such nice gift’s, maybe I would have waited to pledge myself to you.”

“I think I’ve given you plenty, Talon,” said Griffa boldly, “but if you can think of something, I can do for you, you let me know.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Griffa,” said Talon with a wink as Ansel looked at Talon harshly. “I’m only joking, Ansel. You can turn your protector’s magic elsewhere.”

“Trust me, Talon, nothing I am thinking right now has anything to do with me being Griffa protector.”

Talon smirked at Ansel. “Come on, Kedan. Let’s see how that thing works.”

Griffa watched with Ansel as Talon threw spells at Kedan. Kedan worked on learning how to block with the sword.

“I noticed you insulated there might not be a Keene line after you,” said Ansel quietly.

“I have to be realistic. Many things could cause me to be the last Keene. I could easily die in the upcoming war. I could not have children or only have one or two. I’m still not sure how it will work if we have children together. Will the line of protectors go on as before with Adalwen and Raya blood?”

“You will not die in war. I will see you seated on the throne,” said Ansel with conviction. “As for the rest, we will figure it out.”

Griffa sighed as she watched Kedan shoot a curse back at Talon with his sword.

Ansel grabbed Griffa’s hand. He pulled her to his side, and whispered to her, “Griffa, I need you to understand that no matter what we will figure this out. I need you to believe it. I will not give you up for anything.”

Griffa looked up at Ansel and nodded. “I believe you, Ansel. I do. I will still worry about it at times, but I know we can figure it out.”

Ansel squeezed her hand. He continued to hold it as they watched Kedan and Talon. Griffa wanted very much to believe what Ansel was saying. She did not want to have to give Ansel up for anything, but she knew who he was. She knew how important his duty was. He was a protector of the kingdom and the line of Adalwen. It was in his blood. He would want to continue the line on. If it came to it, could she really ask him to give that up for her? It was a problem for another day, so Griffa tucked it away for now.

After an hour, Kedan was sweating and looked tired. Griffa called Kedan and Talon back to the house, saying it was enough for today. Kedan walked besides her into the house looking at his sword. Ansel fell behind to walk with Talon.

“This sword reminds me. I’ve been meaning to ask about the falcon I see around the manor. I notice you wear it on your clothes.”

“It is the sigil of my family line. The falcon has long represented the Keene’s,” said Griffa as they slowly walked to the house.

“I only ask because I have seen the symbol before. It was etched above the door of my home in Aurumist.”

Griffa stopped walking, making Kedan stop with her. He looked at her closely.

“I believe you may have grown up in my ancestral Aurumist home. The Keene’s had a large manor in the first circle of Aurumist before being forced to flee the city.”

“Griffa,” said Kedan sounding stricken. “I didn’t know.”

“Of course not,” said Griffa smiling as she began walking again. “It’s no bother, really. It could never be home again. If there are Keene’s after this war, they will live here in Abscon as village leaders. It is interesting though. It seems we are more connected than we thought, Kedan.” Griffa threaded her arm in Kedan’s and lead him to the manor.

The next day, Griffa sat in her study, waiting for Malchom Delis to arrive. Ansel sat in front of the desk looking at her.

“Why is that you want to meet with Malchom Delis?” asked Ansel

“I want to see if he would be suitable for the Ring. The Delis’ have held a Ring position since it was created. I won’t just throw that away without seeing if Malchom is capable and willing.”

“You usually aren’t one for tradition,” said Ansel. “Why even bother?”

“I don’t blame Malchom for what his father did. Should Malchom lose his place just because of the actions of Hector? I will talk to Malchom, and we will go from there.”

Ansel nodded. There was a knock at the door. Ansel got up and opened it to find Talon with Malchom Delis. Malchom looked much like Hector in many ways. He was handsome with dark hair and eyes. He was a little older than Ansel, but like other magical folk, he looked young for his age. Griffa stood as he entered.

“Hello, Malchom. I am glad you could meet with me.”

“Gryphon,” said Malchom, “Or should I refer to you as my queen?”

“Gryphon is fine, or Griffa if you prefer. Please have a seat.”

Griffa sat down, and Ansel stood next to her. Malchom and Talon each had a seat in the chairs in front of the desk.

“I haven’t seen you since your father’s send off,” said Malchom. “I would ask you how you have been, but I already know the answer.”

“Your father keeps you informed?” asked Griffa.

“He does. He wrote to me and told me the truth of what happened to Renweard. I don’t know if my apologies will do any good, but you have them.”

“I don’t want your apologies; you had no part in any of it.”

“Unless you knew, of course,” said Talon looking at Malchom.

“I didn’t know. If I had, I would have come forward years ago. I admired Renweard very much, much more than my own father. Renweard was very kind and helpful to me. It grieved me when he died. When my father took over the Ring, I wanted no part of this place.”

“I have always wondered why you left Abscon,” said Griffa

Malchom gave a short laugh. “Gryphon, you know my mother and sister. I know you know Desmona very well, Ansel.”

“Yes,” replied Ansel. “I know her far better than I would like.”

“You are a much smarter and stronger man than my father. You have chosen much better for yourself from what I can see.”

Ansel nodded slightly.

“So, you left to avoid your mother and sister?” asked Griffa disbelievingly.

“Partly, but there are other reasons. My father is not a bad man. No matter what large mistakes he has made, he is not one who wants to do wrong. Some would say he is even an intelligent man. I can agree that in many areas he has knowledge. When it came to setting up his life, he had no sense.

“He married an enchantress, not just any entrances. He married a fairly nasty one. I love my mother because she is my mother, but she is a piece of work. She craves attention and power over others. She used her charms to work her way through half of the powerful men here and the Valley. She trained her daughter to be just like her. Desmona may have set her sights on you, Ansel, but she would never have been faithful to you.

“My mother made a joke of my father. He let her do as she pleased. My father is weak. You have probably figured that out by now, Gryphon. Why would he allow others to harm his best friend and his leader? I could never live here amongst my family. I felt nothing but shame, so I ran far away from Abscon. I’m glad I did. I met a faithful women whom I love, and we have a family now. We are safe.”

“I am sorry you feel that way about the place you grew up, Malchom,” said Griffa. “What I have to talk to you about may not be appeasing to you in any way, but I hope you will hear me out.”

“I am here, aren’t I? Please tell me whatever it is you would like to say.”

“Your father betrayed my father and me. He practically killed Renweard himself by letting Helmer proceed with that potion. What’s more while I was being tortured in Aurumist, he actually considered leaving me there. I could not allow him to continue to serve on my Ring.”

“If you want my blessing for your decision, you have it. I would have done the same thing,” said Malchom as he stared at Griffa.

“I didn’t ask you to come all the way here for your blessing. I don’t need them. I am the Queen of Regventus, and the Ring is mine. All who serve, serve at my pleasure. What I brought you here for is to see if you would be a good replacement for your father on my Ring.”

Malchom’s eyes widened a little at this. “You barely know me. You would ask me to serve on your Ring without seeing me for seven years?”

“No,” said Griffa. “I brought you here to try to get to know you. The Delis family has served on the Ring since it was formed. I am not one to follow tradition, but I could not completely throw off your family without seeing if there was at least one deserving Delis family member left. I was hoping you would consent to stay here tonight and come to the Ring meeting tomorrow. We could all spend time getting to know one another.”

Malchom frowned. “You would want me to consider living here in Abscon and serving on the Ring? I’m afraid that doesn’t sound very appealing, Gryphon. I ran away from everything here. I am quite happy where I am.”

“Are you?” asked Griffa. “Are you happy knowing your family lives in partial disgrace here. I don’t say that to give you pain. I say it because it’s true. Everyone knows what your father did. Like you said everyone knows who your mother and sister are. Doesn’t it bother you that your family name is losing all credibility amongst your folk?”

Malchom gave Griffa grim smile. “I’d being lying if I said it didn’t bother me, but it doesn’t bother me enough to risk the safety of my family.”

“How safe do you think your family will continue to be if the forces in Aurumist continue to gain power?” asked Talon. “You should ask Griffa what happens to those who oppose them. I assume you oppose the followers of the Ancients?”

“I do. I follow the true gods of our folk. My father has written to me that Gryphon is the true queen. I do not dispute it, but our community is hidden away. We have many wards.”

“So did the Valley when we were attacked,” said Talon. “Our queen and her kin were taken right in the middle of the village. It only takes one thing to go wrong before your whole community will be vulnerable.”

“If you join my Ring, you can help us fight the powers that would destroy us and everything decent in the kingdom. I know moving back to Abscon is not what you want to do, but I ask you not to dismiss it. Please come tomorrow to the meeting. See and hear what we are doing. Then go back and talk it over with your wife, while we will discuss your placement here. We can then see if we can come to some sort of agreement.”

Malchom folded his hands together and leaned on the arm of his chair. “May I stay here tonight? I have no wish to stay with my family.”

“Yes, we have a room we can give you for the night. You can use a falcon to send a message to your wife.”

“Very well,” said Malchom. “I will stay tonight and go with you to your meeting tomorrow. I make no promises.”

“Neither do we,” said Griffa smiling. She stood up. “Ansel, will you show Malcom to your old room. I am sure we have some clothes he could borrow between you, Talon, and Kedan.”

“Yes, my queen,” said Ansel with a small smile at Griffa.

“We will eat dinner in two hours. I hope you will join us. There should be some paper and quills in your room. As soon as your letter is ready bring it downstairs and I will send it directly.”

Malchom stood up. “Thank you, Gryphon. I will see to it now.”

Malchom walked out with Ansel. Talon looked at Griffa with an interesting smile.

“What?” asked Griffa sitting back down.

Talon shifted a little in his seat. “I like watching you when you are all queenly. You are quite a site.”

Griffa waved her hand at Talon. “Please, I barely know what I am doing.”

“I’m serious, you are good at this. You are our queen, Griffa. You are going to have to realize this is what you were meant to do. You are magnificent, my dear.”

“I’ll take your word for it. I’ve been meaning to ask you; will you be the second chair on my Ring? Will you be my second in command?”

“I thought you would offer that to Ansel,” said Talon.

“Ansel is my protector, he will lead meetings if I am unable and he is available, but I need you to be by my side helping me make every decision. Besides Ansel, there is no one in this kingdom I trust more than you. You are also a very capable leader. I believe you have skills that Ansel nor even I have.”

“Then I shall serve you as you wish,” declared Talon.

Griffa stood up and Talon did the same. She walked over to him and grabbed his arm, escorting him from the room. “Good. Now, let’s go see if we can find Kedan. You can spend an hour or so shooting spells at him.”

Talon stopped her before they made it into the parlor. He bent down and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for your trust, Griffa.”

“You have earned it. I hope yours in me is just as well founded.”

“It is, my queen,” said Talon tenderly. “You have never let me down. I do love you, you know.”

“I do,” said Griffa giving Talon’s arm a squeeze. “I love you, as well. You are my dearest friend.”

They walked on to the parlor towards the back door.

“You were lying when you said you would rather have Kedan as your consort, weren’t you?”

“I don’t know,” said Griffa laughing. “He is very handsome.”

“Griffa,” said Talon pleadingly.

Griffa smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “Of course, I’d rather have you.”