Max flopped down on the sofa in the parlor. Issa looked up from her book, and her eyes went wide.

“Max you are a filthy, sweaty mess. What have you been doing?” asked Issa. She put her book down.

“I’ve been training with Ansel all day. I didn’t even really get lunch. He gave me a five-minute break and threw some bread and cheese at me. I mean he literally threw it at me.”

Issa gave him a look of sympathy. “He has been in a terrible mood since Griffa left.”

“I know. He has me training or studying every hour I’m awake. I guess I should be glad he lets me sleep. I’ve barely seen you this week,” said Max. He got up and poured some water from the side table. He drained his glass and poured another.

“Have you talked to him about it?” asked Issa. “Have you told him he’s pushing you too hard? He cares about you, Max. He would want to know.”

“He barely lets me speak. If I say something, he tells me to stop complaining and get back to work.”

“Well, you’ll get a break tonight. A couple of council members are coming over with Talon for dinner. You better go clean up,” said Issa as she picked up her book.

Max nodded and put down his glass. “Good, at least I’ll get to talk to and look at someone besides Ansel for a while. Maybe you and I can get some time together after.” Max walked over to Issa and tried to kiss her.

Issa gave him a quick peck on his lips and then recoiled. “I’m sorry Max, but you smell awful. Go take a bath.”

Max sighed and started for the kitchen. “But tonight, after dinner, will you meet me outside my room or yours?”

“I will if you promise to go talk to Ansel first. I think he could really use a friend right now.”

“Fine. After dinner I will try to get him to talk to me, but I can’t force him.”

“I know,” said Issa smiling. “Now go get ready for dinner. Our guests will be here soon.”

Max quickly went to the kitchens to find Nora arranging some food.

“Nora, are you alright? Do you need some help?”

“No, I’m fine, Max. Talon sent food from his kitchens all prepared. I’m just trying to get it all set up to take to the table. It looks like you need to clean up.”

“I know. I’m here to get some water.” Max waved his hand a large bucket flew under the sink to fill itself with water.

“How is Ansel today, Max?” asked Nora as she put some potatoes in a big serving bowl.

“Same as he’s been this past week. If this is how it’s going to be the next four months, Griffa’s just going to have to find a way to run the Ring from the Valley.”

“It’s still early. He hasn’t gotten used to being apart from her. Give him some time,” said Nora.

Max sighed and waved his hands. The bucket rose and hovered by his side. “I’ll be down soon. Let me go clean up.” Max walked with his bucket up the stairs. He met Ansel who was clean and changed into fresh clothes at the top of the stair way.

“You haven’t changed yet?” asked Ansel angrily. “The council members will be here soon.”

“I’m on my way, Ansel. I won’t be long,” said Max walking by him.

He heard Ansel give an angry snort in retaliation.

Max went to his room and quickly took a hot bath. He changed into a green tunic with the Adalwen sun stitched on it. He wore black pants and his favorite boots. He looked in the mirror for a moment to make sure his hair was somewhat tamed.

As he came down the stairs, Ansel was coming into the parlor with Talon, Clara, and a middle-aged man with black hair.

“Max, there you are. Come greet our guest,” said Ansel looking up at Max.

Max walked over and stood before Talon and the council members.

“Good evening, Max. I hope you remember Clara Vin and Cillian Walsh.”

Max bowed to them. “I am glad to see you again.”

“We are glad you are staying in the Valley with us for a while, my king,” said Cillian.

“Please call me Max. I prefer it,” said Max with a smile. “Should we go into dinner?”

Everyone went into the dining room where Nora had set out all the dishes on the table. The table was very full with the number of diners present, but they made it work. Max was hungry. He started filling his plate until Ansel cleared his throat. Max looked up and everyone was looking at him.

“What?” he asked.

“I will ask the gods blessing, if you don’t mind Max,” said Talon brightly.

Max nodded as Ansel rolled his eyes at Max.

“We ask the gods blessing on all gathered here and those we love who are apart from us. May we live to be an example to our future generations.”

Everyone nodded and started filling their plates. Max put everything he could fit on his dish, happy to finally be eating.

“Are you going to make a pig of yourself?” asked Ansel quietly to Max.

“I’ve barely eaten all day,” said Max in an angry whisper.

“How is training going in the Valley, Max?” asked Talon.

“It’s… invigorating,” said Max. “Ansel has set up a rigorous schedule.”

“Now, that I’m back in town. I hope to come and observe if that will be okay with you and Ansel.”

“I don’t see why not,” said Max. “That’s why I’m here.”

They all ate in silence for a few moments.

“How was Griffa when you left,” asked Issa to Talon. “We all miss her very much.”

“She is well. She is very busy. The Ring meetings I attended lasted all day, but they went well. Griffa is a very impressive leader.”

Max looked carefully at Ansel to see his reaction, but Ansel just concentrated on his food.

“I believe she wanted to make this dinner, but she had to meet with some of the folk of the forest this afternoon.”

“What?” asked Ansel abruptly.

“Griffa had a meeting with some families out in the forest this afternoon. I think more of them want to join the cause. She was hoping to finalize the agreement,” said Talon glancing at Ansel.

“Did she go alone?” asked Ansel staring at Talon.

“I’m not sure. I left last night. I’m sure she took another member of the Ring with her.”

Max saw Ansel’s hand fly to his neck. Ansel held his hand to his upper chest and closed his eyes. A moment later he exhaled and relaxed.

“It’s Nora isn’t it?” said Cillian smiling at Nora.

“Yes, my name is Nora,” answered Nora.

“You were Max’s guardian when he grew up in Clarton, weren’t you?”

“Yes, with my husband Danin,” said Nora quietly. “He is no longer with us.”

“I am so sorry,” said Cillian reaching out and touching Nora’s hand. “The young king seems an intelligent, kind young man. I am sure that had much to do with you and your late husband.”

Nora smiled. “Thank you. Max has always been a joy to me. Especially since I never had children of my own.”

Max gave Nora a large smile. “Nora and Danin were very good to me. I am grateful I was able to grow up under their guidance,” said Max.

The rest of dinner was a quiet affair with Talon making observations every now and then. After dinner they all sat in the parlor. Talon sat across form Max and Issa.

“Issa, you grew up in Clarton as well?” asked Talon

“Yes, I have known Max most of my life.”

“How do you feel about him being the King of Regventus?”

“I think he would be a good king. I think Max does well at almost all the things he sets his mind to.”

“And how will you fit into this new kingdom and his rule?” asked Talon kindly.

Issa blushed as she looked at Max. “I’m…not sure. I mean, I hope to be with Max in some way. I..”

Talon smiled. “I see how it is. Say no more. I think the council might need to get to know you better someday soon, Issa.”

Max grabbed Issa’s hand and nodded. “She will be a credit to any position she holds.”

“I’m sure,” said Talon.

“What are you speaking of?” asked Ansel coming over and sitting down next to Talon. He had a large glass of wine in his hand.

“Young love, Ansel,” said Talon with a wink to Issa.

“Distractions you mean,” said Ansel taking a large gulp of wine.

“You don’t mean that, Ansel. I would think you of all people would know how important love is,” said Talon.

“Hmph,” said Ansel. “Love complicates things.”

“Perhaps,” mused Talon, “but it makes life much more worth living.”

“There is a war coming. Max needs to concentrate. We will need to increase your training in the coming weeks, Max.” said Ansel taking another drink of wine.

“Increase? I train all day as it is. Will you have me train through the night?”

“If that is what it takes for you to understand how serious things are, yes,” said Ansel loudly.

Everyone looked over at Max and Ansel.

“It is getting late. I think it is time for us to go. The young king and his protector need to rest. Come on Clara, Cillian, let’s go,” said Talon standing up.

Max stood and walked with them to the small entrance hall.

“I’m sorry about tonight. Ansel hasn’t been in the best of moods,” said Max to Talon.

“I can see that. Is he usually like this with you? I haven’t noticed it before.”

“No, he’s only been like this since Griffa left. I knew he would miss her. They’ve been apart before and he’s been grumpy but not like this.”

“Someone should talk to him, see what’s really going on. I will do it if you want, but it would probably be best coming from you. You are his king.”

“Yeah, you’re the second person who says I should talk to him,” said Max grumpily.

“Then you better do it. Let me know if I can do anything,” said Talon putting his cloak on. He opened the door and walked out with Cillian and Clara.

Max walked back into the parlor to find Issa and Nora sitting together.

“Where is Ansel?” asked Max.

“He went into the study,” said Nora. “Are you going to speak with him?”

“Yes, he can’t go on like this. You two should go up to bed. It might be a while.”

Nora stood up and hugged Max. Issa gave him a kiss on his cheek. They walked towards the stairs together looking at Max like he was going to his death.

Max walked to the study door and knocked. He opened it without waiting for a response. Ansel sat at the desk with his head down and his eyes closed.

“Whatever it is you are going to say, Max, don’t bother. I know how I’ve been. I’d apologize, but I know it won’t do any good. I can’t say I’ll act any better.”

Max walked in and sat down in a chair in front of the desk.

“Why are you acting like this? Is it just because of Griffa? You’ll see her soon, Ansel.”

“I know. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just don’t feel right. I can barely sleep. I feel tired and agitated all day. I feel like I can barely even do simple spells sometimes.”

“Do you think you are ill? Should we have you checked by someone? I’m sure Talon could recommend a healer.”

“I’m not sick, Max. It’s something else. I can’t explain what it is, but it’s not a sickness.” Ansel looked up at Max. His eyes were red. He looked lost.

“I still think you might need to see a healer. It might be something that can be fixed. I don’t want anything to happen to you, Ansel. I care about you. We all do.”

Ansel smiled slightly. “I know. Maybe you’re right. I’ll see how I feel in the morning. You need to go to bed. Why don’t we take a break from training in the morning? If we are both feeling up to it, we will begin after lunch.”

“Are you sure, Ansel? Are you going to be alright? I can stay up with you for a bit.”

“No, go on up, Max. I’ll go to bed soon. I have some sleeping powders Griffa keeps on hand. I’m going to try those tonight.”

Max stood up. He paused for a second and looked at Ansel. He wished he could do more. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself. He turned and walked out of the room. Max closed the door behind him and went to the fireplace. He stood in front of the fire for a moment worrying about Ansel when he heard the front door open.

Max hurried to the entry hall to find Griffa hanging up her cloak and setting her staff by the door. He felt instant relief come over him. Max launched himself at her and engulfed her in a hug. “Griffa, thank the gods.”

Griffa hugged Max back and said, “Good to see you too, Max. Are things not going well?”

Max let go and stepped back and looked at Griffa. “Ansel has not been handling things well. I think he might need to see a healer.”

Griffa looked concerned. “Where is he?”

“He’s in the study. I think you need to go see him.”

Griffa grabbed Max’s hand and gave it a squeeze. She walked to the parlor. Max followed behind her. As he entered the parlor, he heard a glass fall to the ground and break. Max looked up to see Ansel staring at Griffa.

“Good evening, Ansel. I’m sorry, I meant to be here for the dinner, but I had to go meet with some families in the forest.”

Ansel quickly walked over and wrapped his arms around Griffa. He placed his head on top of hers and closed his eyes.

Max quickly walked around them and went to the stairs. He walked up the stairs and knocked on Issa’s door. She answered in her night gown and let him in. Max immediately took her in his arms and kissed her.

After they broke apart Issa smiled at Max. “I’m guessing your conversation went well?”

“Even better,” said Max beaming. “Griffa’s here.”