Brinn continued calmly, "We initially believed that these sailors were just a low level operation trying to avoid taxes. Upon further observation, it turns out they are actually highly organized. They never stay anywhere more than a week or two. First they take the mayor of a small town and his family prisoner. Then they terrorize the townspeople and take anything that isn't nailed down. The people generally suffer through the invasion as they want to escape with their lives. After a week or two, about the time the army can arrive, they poof without a trace into the sea."

"Impressive, if only they weren't so evil." Devrim stroked his chin.

Brinn went on, "I also have reason to believe they are trafficking weapons to Her Majesty's enemies." She looked at Gandr.

"They were willing to sell me all sorts of stolen weapons for half price if I planned to use them against the Empress. I bought up all they had on hand to deplete their supply. Speaking of which, I will need to be reimbursed."

"As soon as you hand over all the weapons, that can be arranged," Zan said with a warning look. The gnome nodded and went silent.

"You have enemies?" Alaron asked with surprise. Other than the 'misunderstanding' with Cafer, Alaron was unaware that anyone did not like Aurora. Around him everyone sung her praises, so he knew no better. The prince had spoken out of turn, for he was merely a guest of the Council, but no one would correct him.

Aurora sighed. "Every decision a ruler makes causes someone not to like them. Unfortunately some of those people turn into enemies because they think someone else can do a better job of ruling."

Nanny laughed, "Your mother could cure all sickness, hunger and poverty, and still someone would want to take her throne." Nanny was the newest member of the Council. They had saved Cafer's old position for her until she felt comfortable leaving the care of the twins in others' hands. The Council had offered to call her by her given name, Ci'amonae, but she had declined.

"This enemy is one who claims to be familiar with the Empress. Their leader goes by the name of Xander." Brinn watched as Ezer's face blanched. "You know him?"

"We need to call Anna in here immediately," the councilman said.

Aurora nodded, "I agree, but as you know she has the day off and is visiting her father with her sisters and children. I am surprised that you didn't join her, Councilman Ezer." Ezer and Anna had officially wed five years ago. They had sworn their allegiance to serve the Empire and could not be wed due to their promises. The Empress happily made an exception and even changed the law to allow unions under special circumstances. The pair had two children, and all four of them lived in a suite of rooms especially for them.

"I had planned to join them this afternoon..." Ezer left the rest to the imagination. He had been called to this meeting instead.

"If Anna is not here, perhaps we should adjourn until tomorrow. Unless you have some reason to believe that Xander is an immediate threat today." Zan's question was for Brinn.

The elf stroked her chin. "No more threat than usual, I suppose, but the townspeople he is exploiting probably feel differently."

"Give us Xander's most recent location, and we will send a squadron of soldiers to make sure they are protected while they rebuild. I will also have our navy concentrate their efforts on that part of the western coast. Maybe that will encourage Xander to stay at sea while we figure out what to do with him." Aurora laid out her plan.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will make sure it is done." Zan wrote some notes on a slip of paper. "If there is nothing else…"

"Since you are all here, I wanted to formally remind you about the twin's birthday ball in three weeks. This is both an invitation for you to attend and a warning that I better not be called away on business." The Empress gave a sharp look at the Council and many shrank in their seats.

"Glory to the Empress!" The meeting was over.

Mairwen followed closely behind her mother, "Are you always so harsh with the Council?"

Aurora's face broke into a grin, "Only when it comes to you and Alaron my dear. There is one emergency or another every moment of the day which could use my attention, but I trust that I have chosen my subordinates well. They can handle things for a few hours." The Empress draped her arms around her daughter and squeezed. "Speaking of parties, we should get with the castle steward and make sure everything is planned to your liking."

"Can we do archery first," the girl pleaded.

"Of course. That is if your brother and father are ready to lose…"

Dervim overheard their chatter, "I don't plan to lose to anyone. Perhaps you'd like to place a little wager? If Alaron and I win, you ladies have to announce our superiority while wearing outfits of our choosing at the Royal Tea next week, and if you win, we will run laps around the palace singing Glory to the Empress tonight after dinner."

"I don't like bets but I do like being serenaded…" Aurora debated with herself.

Mairwen piped in, "We accept!"

————————-

Alaron plopped on his bed, exhausted. Running around the palace was much harder than it sounded and his lungs ached from singing the whole way. "Blasted bet," he muttered. The ladies said they did not need to follow through with the bet, but the men were too proud to accept their mercy. "I'm certainly not going to tell Cafer about this…"

Cafer! Alaron hadn't spoken to him in… about a week. How could he forget his friend? Life had been quite enjoyable these days. It was more fun to spend time around the castle grounds with the children of the nobility than it was to play mirror tag with the former councilman. But Cafer had been good to him since he was born, and he should give an update on how things were at the castle. It was only fair.

The boy pulled a locked box that slid out of a hiding place at the base of one wall. Since he had moved out of the nursery and into a more princely suite of rooms, he had found a new hiding place for his treasure. Unlocking the box with his key, Alaron saw the glowing mirror. There was a message waiting for him. The prince held the mirror in both hands as Cafer's image came into view in the glass.

"My son, I have not heard from you in some time, and I hope you are well. I have been doing some research and I am excited at the prospect that we may be reunited soon. In fact, I leave this very evening to head your way. I have something spectacular to show you. But you need to borrow your mother's golden necklace, the one she always wears around her neck. Do you think you can complete this mission? It is of upmost importance, and I feel you are the only one I can trust. I hope you will help your poor Uncle Cafer, or else my trip to you may only be a brief social visit." The glass went dull.

A mission! And one only he could do. This was indeed something special. The boy's mind, which had been so tired, raced with excitement. Everyone around the palace treated him like a pampered royal, but Cafer saw his true value. Perhaps this would be the key that would finally allow Cafer to come home.

He lowered the glass then lifted it in response. "You can rely on me Uncle Cafer. Just tell me when and where to meet you!"