We packed quickly and for a moment, I found the thought of leaving so early to be a sad one. I wanted to swim in the lagoon again, I wanted to hide behind the waterfall with Merrick and I wanted to spend hours alone with him in the hut. Even though it was hot, I found the thought to be enticing. But that was not happening and it was likely that it wouldn't happen again, not when my father's wife wanted me dead.

With my bag hitched, I walked to the hut door where Merrick was waiting. The rest of our platoon was starting to form, Petersen was talking to Gus. The small traveling party that was coming with us was in no way small. Aside from the guards, they had helpers and Kronthelm to carry the things they were bringing with them.

Udranel was coming with us too, not just because he was the leader of the guards but because he wanted to meet his family. Nothing was going to stop him and I was happy for Emmeline but it pained me to think that I would not have the same kind of relationship with my father. Toness had accepted that I was alive and I think he was grateful for it but that's where it ended. I came here with high hopes of finding him, I'd been given that but now it's left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

Merrick offered a vague smile as I walked to the door. He didn't say anything and I am kind of glad he didn't. Positive words were great but right now they meant nothing. They wouldn't do any good and I think that they'd only make my heartache worse.

Joining the formation, we moved out with the platoon. Gus and a few of the guards were behind us. Behind them were the helpers, then the high priestess, her partner, and Imren. More guards and then those that carried the wood boxes.

"What's in the boxes?"

Petersen turned to me.

"Food, they understand that vampires have a blood based diet and knew that the base would not have anything to feed all of them. They do however believe that appropriate accommodation will be offered as they gave to us. We radioed ahead and warned them that we were on our way and that certain things would be expected."

"Did they have another meltdown?"

"They did."

I chuckled.

The journey seemed to be shorter, maybe it was because we knew where we were going and what we were faced with at the end of the path. Seeing the bridge again was a relief.

Floodlights spanned the entire bridge as we stopped in front of the gates. Petersen was giving signals to the gatehouse. I turned to Gus knowing that the guards would open the main gate very soon.

"The soldiers will want to check everything. Please make sure they understand that this is standard procedure and ask that they not be offended. She wants to make sure that Imren is always safe, then point out how much effort is put in to ensure the safety of this base and everyone in it."

He nodded and moved through the helpers and guards, I followed and of course, Merrick was right beside me.

The high priestess listened to Gus and then nodded with her response.

"She finds it pleasing that the vampires take security seriously and is more than happy to let the guards check whatever they want."

"Excellent."

Returning to our positions, we waited for the main gates to be opened. The guards moved through to the caged section and we were ushered through. It was a long process but it had to be done. Everyone was checked, including our bags and the equipment.

By the time we entered the compound, the sun had fully set and the main lights were on. The villagers stared in wonder, looking around at the place that they'd only ever seen from the outside

General Blyth rushed over, eagerly smiling at us.

"So good to see you back safe and with guests, how truly wonderful. We have set up a meeting area rather than the room, we assumed that there might be a few guests. It looked like we assumed correctly. His Highness is keen to meet with the villagers and discuss the agreement with them."

"Of course." I murmured. "There are a few things that need to be done first."

He nodded and guided us to the area that had been set aside for this meeting. It was the car park. I stifled the amusement. The cars had been cleared out and a low platform had been added. Chairs faced the platform and interestingly, several chairs were on it as well, not just the standard three.

When Alaric saw us approaching, he stood. Emmeline and Nava followed suit. I smiled when I saw my parents were here too.

"Your Highness," I offered with a dutiful nod.

"Captain Beaumont, you have brought guests."

"We have. This is their leader, the high priestess."

The crowd parted and she walked forward, Gus scampering up the side.

"And they have a vampire living with them who has been incredibly helpful with translating. This is Gus Olsen."

"Your Highness," He bowed. "Allow me to introduce to you, Amrina, the high priestess and leader of the Kronthelm."

"Thank you, Gus, and please extend a warm welcome to Amrina and the others, adding how grateful we are that they made the journey here. Then ask them to join us for a discussion."

Gus rattled off the greeting and then gestured to the chairs that had been set aside for each of them. When they were seated, their attention turned to the man that was still standing, staring at the woman with flaming red hair.

Emmeline frowned for a moment and then turned to me.

"Otanawa, what's the deal?"

"This is Udranel, he's your father."

Silence hit the group, Emmeline stared as the tears slid down her cheeks. Before now, I'd had moments of self-pity and seeing how easy it was for Emmeline and Udranel, I felt it again but, in all honesty, I was happy. I realized that I'd been raised in a house that was loving and I had two parents who gave me everything that I've ever wanted. Emmeline on the other hand, she'd been dumped into an orphanage, never adopted and her childhood was an emotionless time that left her jaded. She needed something like this and I would not resent her for it.