"An attack, my lord," the rider said, "Sylice was attacked. Balor conquered one of our warships. The town, my lord, it's destroyed."

Gasps were heard throughout the group.

"What is your name, soldier?" Hector asked.

"Cornel, my lord," the rider spoke.

"Cornel," Hector continued, "what happened? How did Balor conquer one of our ships? What of the crew?"

"We don't know, my lord," Cornel said, "they flied our colors. It was one of our ships. We thought it was the patrol, returning to report, but Balor soldiers filed out and attacked the village. What they couldn't take, they destroyed. We warded them off, my lord, but the town is in ruins and there are so many dead."

Hector listened with a serious expression and waved one of his guards closer. "Switch horses with Cornel," he ordered. He waved two other guards over. "You and you. Take Cornel and ride for Stregare. Report everything to my father and have him send aid. We will continue towards Sylice and offer help." He looked at Cyrus. "My prince, we need to make sure the lady Vara and lady Ariane are accompanied back to Stregare where they are safe."

Cyrus nodded in agreement. He looked at Iason. "You, I trust you will protect my wife in the same manner as you do with Vara. Keep her safe."

Iason bowed. "I will protect both of them with my life."

Cyrus nodded and turned to Iolaus. "You come with me." He looked at Hector. "Lead the way."

They split up, the three soldiers rushing towards Stregare and Cyrus and Hector towards Sylice, leaving Iason with Vara and Ariane on the middle of the road.

Before Iason could say anything, Vara spoke. "You are not taking us back to Stregare. We need to see if we can help."

"No my lady," Iason said in shock, "it is far too dangerous. The prince ordered me to keep you and lady Ariane safe. I cannot allow you to ride towards a village that is under attack."

Vara shook her head. "You heard that rider. The attackers are gone. And Hector has his soldiers. There is no danger. The people in that village need help. I'm not going to sit around in Stregare being useless."

"I have a duty, my lady," Iason said, "I'm not risking your safety. Lord Strega will send aid. Prince Cyrus is already in the village. He told me to bring you and lady Ariane back to Stregare."

"Technically, he only told you to..."

"Could you please, for once, not make my task any more difficult than it has to be?!" Iason barked at her.

His sudden shout startled and silenced her. She stared at him wide-eyed and wasn't sure how to respond. He had never raised his voice before.

Ariane too stared at him in shock. She bit her lip and watched him nervously. She was pretty sure Iason was right. It was not safe to go to the village, but Vara had a point too. These people were in need of help and if Ariane was going to be queen one day, these people were her subjects. They were her responsibility. And Cyrus had told her they were representing the king. She needed to support him. "We..." she started and hesitated for a moment. "We will ride to this village," she said softly.

She flinched when both Vara and Iason stared at her surprised, but she couldn't back down now. "Lady Vara is right. These people need our help."

"But my lady..." Iason argued carefully.

Ariane took a deep breath and reminded herself that Iason might be a man, he was still a servant. He would have to obey her. "I understand your concern. We will ride at a slow pace. So the soldiers will have dealt with any danger that might still be there. And both my husband and lady Vara have confidence in your ability to protect us. You will bring us to the village."

Iason let out a sigh. The king might have given him permission to ignore Vara's demands if they endangered her safety, but the same could not be said for lady Ariane. She was wife to the crown prince. He couldn't disobey direct orders. "As you wish, my lady," he conceded, and he steered his horse towards the village. "Please stay close to me."

***

It was hard to believe this had once been a village when all that was left now were smoking piles of wood and brick. Cyrus had dismounted and now walked past collapsed buildings, dead bodies and injured people. Never in his twenty-one years of living had he encountered so much chaos.

He listened as Hector gave commands to his men. This town was under the Strega jurisdiction, so he didn't interfere.

"My prince," Hector had turned to him now, "the garrison is ready to receive us and report."

Cyrus nodded and followed the man towards a corner of the town where the barracks had been. A handful of soldiers were still alive. Some of them were injured, but they were still able to relay what had happened.

They confirmed Cornel's story.

"I assure you, my father will hear of this," Cyrus said, "and we will strike back. We will send more soldiers to protect our coast."

"Thank you," Hector answered. He sighed. "It is most unfortunate this has happened during your visit."

"It was unfortunate this happened at all," Cyrus corrected, "all we can do now is aid those who survived and treat the injured. We need a place to house them. We can't leave them outside."

Hector nodded. "Stregare will provide food and water. A few buildings are still strong enough to shelter people. As soon as my father's soldiers are here, we can make other arrangements."

Cyrus turned to Iolaus. "Go with Hector's men and find those who are injured. Gather them here at the barracks. We will discuss further arrangements once we know how many people were are dealing with."

Iolaus bowed and took two soldiers with him.

Cyrus narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. "Balor will pay for this."

***

"Greetings, my friend."

Torcan stopped his trek down the hall and looked over his shoulder. "Lord Byron," he greeted.

Byron pushed away from the wall and walked up to him with a grin on his face. "No 'lord', my friend. I may have married a princess, it is still only Byron."

Torcan nodded. "What can I help you with, Byron?"

Byron glanced up and down the hallway before turning back to Torcan. "I was merely curious about your lord prince Darius."

"What about him?" Torcan asked cautiously.

"No need to be suspicious," Byron waved his hand dismissively, "I only wish for more insight in his persona. King Elon entrusted me with this task. He wants to do good by his daughters and I wouldn't want a sister of mine to be unhappy."

"Why would she be unhappy?" Torcan questioned.

"I am a blunt man," Byron said, "so I will be straightforward with you. From what I have seen so far, your lord has a temper and he does not think much of women. I understand customs in Tirèze differ from ours, but he chose a princess of Lavos as a bride. They are raised alongside men." Byron paused. "I wouldn't want a difference in upbringing to be the cause of... mistreatment."

Torcan's eyes narrowed. "I do not like what you are insinuating."

Byron narrowed his eyes as well. "He accused me of deception and wants his wife at his back and call. I only wish to know if his temper will get the better of him. I've heard how he speaks to you. Don't judge me for being cautious."

Torcan let out a sigh. The man was right. Hadn't Darius himself reacted the same to Cyrus? "You are not the first person to meet him under the guise of someone else. Darius is a forward man, just like yourself. And though it is true that customs are different here, he will not mistreat his wife. She will have her own wing in the palace, with servants. She will be free to do as she pleases as long as she is faithful and joins him if he calls on her. She will want for nothing."

Byron looked at him thoughtfully and nodded. "I will take your word for it, but king Elon will still want to meet him." He tilted his head. "But tell me, in a land as Tirèze, how does a servant call his master by name?"

"You are not the only one that may call his lord kin," Torcan answered quietly.

Byron seemed to think on it. "I know prince Darius has one sister who is married to the prince of Zeir. So you must be related through blood, not marriage. I didn't think the house Tirzé would force their own blood into servitude."

Torcan's eyes became distant. He wasn't comfortable discussing that topic, especially with strangers. "Tell me about the princesses," he changed the subject, "I believe three have the marriageable age?"

Byron nodded, respecting Torcan's privacy. "There is princess Eloise and princess Elora, twenty three and twenty one years of age. And the princess Elvira, seventeen." He smirked. "They couldn't be more different. I'm sure your prince will like one of them."

Torcan sighed. Darius actually liking a woman? That would be the day. "I pray you are right," he said, but he feared the worst.

***

Ariane's face turned pale when the three of them reached the village. Or rather, what remained of it. Involuntarily she steered her horse closer to Iason. When she looked at Vara, who had dismounted, she read the same devastated expression on her face as must be on her own. She, too, climbed off her horse, glad to be on solid ground again.

Her husband and lord Hector were nowhere in sight, but she saw some of the soldiers that had ridden with them, so they must be here too.

Ariane looked around the ruins of the village. All she saw was broken buildings and crying people.

It made her uncomfortable.

Vara didn't seem to share her opinions. She had handed her horse to Iason and was now kneeling next to a woman that was covered in sooth and mud. The woman seemed in shock and Vara talked to her in a soothing manner, asking Iason for a waterskin.

Her guard handed it to her quietly and Vara took her shawl, poured water on it and started cleaning the woman's face.

Ariane looked at it stunned. The shawl had been a gift from lord Hector and now it was soiled. Vara didn't seem to care, nor that her dress was covered in dirt. "Lady Vara," she protested, "your shawl..."

Vara looked up at her and smiled sadly. "Sit with her," she said, "I'll go see if anyone else needs help."

Ariane's eyes went wide. "Sit with her? But, I do not know what to do."

Vara shook her head. "She is frightened. She lost her home. Just speak with her. Be kind to her. Once the soldiers arrive, they will help." She stood up and directed Ariane towards the woman while walking away.

"My lady," Iason protested quietly. He looked back and forth between Ariane and Vara.

"I promise I will stay within eyesight," Vara said tiredly, "so you can watch us both." She took a few more steps before kneeling down again next to a broken well. Two small children were hiding behind it, cowering when she drew near. "Don't be frightened," she told the children, "I only want to help. Are you hurt? Where are your parents?"

The little girl started to cry. She couldn't be much older than six. The boy, probably her brother, locked his arms around her. He stared at Vara timidly. "Poppa..." he started and his lip trembled. "There was a bad man. He had a sword..." His voice broke and tears filled his eyes.

Vara sighed sadly. "And your mother?" she asked kindly.

The boy's tear-filled eyes turned angry. "Another man came. They hurt momma. She was yelling. She told me to take Lily and hide. The men... they were laughing..."

Vara averted her eyes. She could fill in what had happened and it made her sick. "You are very brave," she told the boy, "what is your name? How old are you?"

"I'm Benji," the boy said hoarsely, "I'm ten. Lily is six."

Vara looked at the girl who had hid her head in her brother's shoulder. "Are you hurt anywhere, Lily?"

"She fell and hurt her knee," Benji provided.

"Will you let me see?" Vara asked.

The girl stuck out her leg to show a nasty gash. It was still slightly bleeding. The girl peeked at Vara under her arm.

Vara smiled warmly to comfort her and took the waterskin she was still carrying. Carefully she washed away the blood and cleaned the wound. Then she took her shawl and tore off a piece of the fabric, tying it securely around the little girl's leg.

The boy's eyes grew wide. "Miss," he said, "your scarf. It's all ruined now."

Vara winked at him. "It's being put to good use. Don't worry about it." She looked up when a shadow fell over her. Iason stood behind her, leading their horses by the reins. Vara looked at him surprised and peered around him, wondering why he would leave Ariane on her own, but relaxed when she saw Iolaus had appeared at Ariane's side. Vara sighed. "We will take them to Stregare. They have nowhere to go."

Iason nodded solemnly and kneeled next to her. He looked at the children with a calm expression. "Would you two like to ride the horse? It is a very friendly animal."

Benji looked at the horse longingly, but his sister was more hesitant. She stared at the large beast doubtful.

"Why don't you pet her first?" Iason suggested, "get to know her? She'll be happy to carry you."

As if on cue, the mare stuck out her nose towards the girl and let out a loud snort.

Lily giggled and reached for the horse, patting the mare's nose. "Nice," she said.

Benji had stood up and looked up at the impossible height of the horse. He looked at Iason questioningly.

The guard smiled. "I'll help you." He picked up the boy and lifted him onto the horse. Next, he lifted Lily and placed her behind her brother. "Hold on tight," he said.

Lily firmly locked her arms around her brother.

Iason turned to Vara and found her looking at him. She looked even less a lady than usual with mud all over her dress and face. There was a look of defeat in her eyes. Before he could think, he had raised his hand to wipe a smudge from her cheek. When he realized what he had done, he stiffened and looked down. "Forgive me."

Before Vara could respond another voice rang at her shoulder. "Vara! Why are you here?!" Cyrus glared at her furiously and then looked at Iason. "Didn't I tell you to keep her safe? Why didn't you bring her back to Stregare?"

Iason straightened up, a slightly colder look in his eyes, though he remained polite and submissive. "Your Highness, I was ordered to bring your sister and your wife here."

Cyrus set his eyes back on Vara. "Why would you tell him that?"

"Actually," Vara said casually, "I didn't do anything. Your wife ordered him to bring us here." She left out the part that she had initiated it and Ariane was merely trying to pacify the situation. "Perhaps you should check on her."

Cyrus looked as if he wanted to say something, but settled for another glare before stalking towards Ariane.

Vara let out a sigh. "I'm ready to go home," she sounded tired.

"Why don't you ride my horse back, my lady," Iason said kindly, "I'll lead this one with the little ones."

"I don't want to force you to walk all the way home, Iason," Vara said, but he shook his head dismissively.

"I'll be fine. Here, let me help you." He turned her towards his horse and helped her into the saddle. The horse was more tempered than the mare she had ridden before, as it was a horse trained for battle, but Iason knew she could handle it.

Someone else didn't seem to share that opinion.

Hector had gotten wind of her presence in the village and now hurried towards her. He stared at her on the large horse in shock and turned to Iason. "What are you thinking, man? This horse is far too strong for her. Aren't you supposed to be her guard? You should be protecting her."

"Lord Hector," Vara interrupted him tiredly, "do not talk to my guard in that way. I assure you, I have ridden horses wilder than this. I appreciate your concern for my welfare, but I am no brittle little girl."

"My lady," Hector said startled.

Vara took a deep breath. "You are a good man, lord Hector, but if you are looking for a wife that sits at the hearth, knitting pretty flowers on a cloth, then I'm afraid I can't fulfill that position." She hadn't meant to be so direct and when she saw the crestfallen look on Hector's face, she looked down. "Forgive me, my lord, I didn't mean to be so blunt."

He smiled at her sadly. "No, my lady, it is I that should ask for forgiveness. It was not my intention to make you feel restricted." His eyes took in her muddied appearance, then moved to the children until his eyes fell on the piece of cloth around the girl's leg.

Vara bit her lip. "I'm sorry about the shawl. I will reimburse you."

Hector shook his head. "You are an extraordinary woman, my lady. Worry not about the shawl. It was a gift." He glanced at the children again. "We will bring these two to Stregare. I'm sure we can find a place for them."

Vara bowed her head. "Thank you, my lord."

The sound of horses made them look up. Down the road, a large squadron neared the village, wearing the Strega colors. Cassius, lord Strega's heir, was at the head of the group. He rode up to Hector and Vara while ordering his soldiers about and then turned to Hector. "Brother," he nodded, "my lady."

"Lord Cassius," Vara inclined her head.

Cassius turned back to Hector. "I will take over here. Father ordered the injured to be brought to Stregare. We brought wagons. The dead will be buried. Are you sure the enemy is gone?"

"We did a swipe of the village," Hector answered, "we found no one. We gathered the injured at the barracks. And these two." He motioned towards the children who were following the exchange quietly. "I plan to take them back. They have nowhere to go."

Cassius looked at the children. "Is this true?"

The girl buried her head in her brother's back. The boy looked down at the saddle. "Our parents are dead, sir," he said hoarsely.

"And you have no family to take you in?"

Benji shook his head. His lip started to tremble again.

"Cas," Hector began.

Cassius sighed. "Perhaps Gaspar can take them," he mentioned his brother, "they have room at Moraye. Vik and Teresa are of an age, I think." He glanced at Vara and hid an amused smile. Unlike his brother, he knew exactly what type of person she was. He had met her yesterday. She held the same mischievous glint in her eyes and his two youngest brothers. "Go back to Stregare, brother. I'm sure the lady would like to change into something dry."

Hector nodded. "Of course."

Cassius patted his shoulder and joined his soldiers.

Hector looked at Vara. "Shall we go, my lady?"

Vara nodded and waited for Hector to mount his horse. With Iason leading Vara's mare that carried the children, they joined Cyrus and Iolaus. Ariane stood between them looking rather miserable and Vara felt a pang of remorse. She hoped Cyrus hadn't lashed out at her. The woman Vara had left with Ariane earlier was nowhere in sight, probably already taken to the other injured.

"My prince," Hector said, "will you join us back to Stregare? The soldiers will handle the situation here. Let us bring our ladies to safety."

Cyrus nodded grimly. He turned to Ariane and helped her into the saddle.

Slowly the group returned to Stregare.