"Thank you four for coming on such short notice" King Duncan sat behind his large wooden desk. He motioned for the four friends to rise from where they had been knelt and they did so. "I suppose you're all wondering why I've asked you here." There were nods from all four of the figures standing in front of the desk. "There have been various reports coming in from several different Fiefs from both the local law enforcement and the Rangers and they all say the same thing. There seems to be a new political group rising down in the southern Fiefs. Now we all know how bothersome politics and politicians can be. They call themselves Libertate Pugnantium. But this isn't just your typical political party. They have reportedly gotten aggressive. Trying force their opinions and views on the residents of these Fiefs."

"And what might those view be" Halt asked.

"All of them seem to be bashes upon me and the recent actions of making a treaty with the Skandians." King Duncan replied displeased. "They think that I am unfit to be King and they appear to be very persuasive."

"Meaning their getting their point across." Lea said.

"Yes" King Duncan nodded deplorably. "And what's most notable is that due to their aggressive nature they have been disposing of those who don't feel the way they do. Their forces have been growing so rapidly in the southern Fiefs that local law haven't been able to keep up. Most of them have been used as an example of what happens when you oppose them. Even the Rangers in the area haven't been able to apprehend them because there are just to many. This is growing into quite the problem."

"Judging by their aggression towards the Crown, is there rumor of them planning to over throw you?" Will asked and again the King nodded.

"Unfortunately yes. And their reach has begun to spread towards the north. If they gain enough headway I fear they will succeed." The King replied. "You've all proved your loyalty and your skill numerous times in the past. That's why I've called on you four specifically. I need your help to maintain my place as ruler of this country."

"We won't fail you" Horace said chiming in for the first time. King Duncan nodded.

"I know you won't. I trust all four of you with my life. I wouldn't trust anyone else with this" King Duncan said looking at each of them individually.

"When would you like us to move out" Halt said. "Is here anymore debriefing that needs to be done"

"I'd like you to head out as soon as possible" King Duncan said. "The sooner this whole thing is resolved the better. I'm counting on you. The future of this country may very well rest on your shoulders"

~

As soon as the four left King Duncan's office they began their preparations for the journey ahead.

The Rangers got together their camping gear and got provisions from the kitchen.

Horace gathered his things he would need for this trek. His sword and shield, his camping gear, light armour made for travel and provisions of his own. As he made his way through the halls to meet up with the Rangers he ran into Princess Cassandra. She seemed angry.

"So you're about to be off on another adventure" She had her hands on her hips telling Horace he should tred lightly.

"Well not really an adventure" Horace said trying to avoid her hard gaze.

"And I suppose you were planning on going without me" Cassandra said. "Isn't that right?" Horace looked up at the ceiling and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "You were!"

"Its nothing personal it's just-" Horace said before Cassandra cut him off.

"And you were gonna leave why saying goodbye weren't you!" Cassandra said.

"All this happened so fast I haven't had time to do anything!" Horace said defensively. "I would love more than anything for you to come with us but you can't!"

"And why's that?!" Cassandra said growing more agitated by the second. "You think I'll drag down?"

"Of course not!" Horace said.

"Then what!" Cassandra said both of their voices had been increasing in volume.

"We dint really know what we're up against here!" Horace said "Its to dangerous!"

"Oh so now I can't take care of myself!"

"You know that's not what I mean!" Horace said.

"Then for once just tell me what you mean!" Cassandra said.

"I don't want you to be in danger!" Horace said. "I'll be to worried about you to be able to focus!" Cassandra was taken aback.

"Really?" She said her volume had decreased significantly.

"Yes!" Horace said. "I care about you!" His voice toned down as well. "I don't want you hurt." What Cassandra did next surprised Horace.

Cassandra leaned forward on her toes before he could react and kissed him on the lips. Horace pushed away the initial shock and pulled her close to him and she put her arms around his neck. Once the intimate moment between them had ended Cassandra stayed close to Horace and put a hand on his chest looking up at him.

"Promise me that you'll come back to me in one piece." Cassandra said.

"I promise." Horace said. He leaned down and kissed her again then moved past her and began to make his way down the hall. Cassanda stood there and watched him as he walked away.

~

Horace made his way to the stables where he met up with the three Rangers.

"There you are." Halt said. "What took you so long?" Horace noticed that all three of the Rangers had saddled their horses, put their gear in the appropriate places and were ready to go. "We've been ready for ages now"

"I was um- held up." Horace said hesitantly. "But in ready now." He went to the stable Kicker, his horse, was in and began to ready him for the journey ahead.

"Held up by what exactly?" Will asked.

"Nothing in particular." Horace said without making eye contact with any of them. Lea snickered from where she was standing next to Halt. They all knew where he had been. Halt had sent Will after him when he started taking to long and Will had been witness to the exchange between Horace and the Princess. "And what's so funny?" Horace asked looking at Lea.

"Oh nothing in particular" Lea said with a sly grin and Horace narrowed his eyes at her then looked from Lea to Will who had both exchanged looks of amusement.

"What's gotten into you two all of a sudden?" Horace asked suspiciously making his two friends smile uncontrollably. "Well!"

"Nothing!" Will said and he walked over to Tug.

"If you three are done messing around,"  Halt said. "We need to get moving if we want to make it out of the Fief by sunset." Even though it had been raining all day it was evident that it was early afternoon. Will and Lea mounted their horses and a disgruntled Horace did the same followed by Halt and they all rode out of the stables towards the Castle gates.

~

The rain continued relentlessly as the group rode south but no amount of rain would stop them now. They had a mission, a destination, and they were all together again on what would be yet another adventure. Not even rain could dampen the mood of the traveling party.

None except Halt of course.