Downfall of two houses started not long after Rudolf and Ember reached vicinity of Gods finger. Four banners waved in same direction as they stood one next to another.

"Send message to Tamara. This seems bad for house you serve." Embers intuition warned him of danger such a peaceful meeting could bear.

"She is lady Tamara for you. Only lord Luis is allowed to call her without title."

"Now you talk, eh?"

"Of course I talk, you halfblood. I need voice to keep order among those below me."

"Why did call me halfblood so spitefully, did I do something to you?"

Had two of them been closer to camp, their verbal fight could have attracted attention from soldiers keeping guard. Unfortunately for them, their senseless anger has robbed them of sight of the mission they were on. They didn't see army started to move until galop of horses thundered around the area.

"This is enough. Now is time to send that goddamn message when you couldn't have done it earlier." Ember hit the ground between two of them to stop the quarrel.

"Next time you don't use titles, it won't be just verbal fight. Remember that." Butler glared for few seconds at unyielding half elf.

****

"My lady. Prepare for worst. Our allies appear to have turned against us. They didn't follow order of lord Luis and they started march towards the castle... Along with those from Egale house."

The message Tamara received was unexpected, even for her. Traitors acted too normal to expect rebellion. Shock on her aging face could be easily seen.

"Mom? What happened?" Usually disinterested Evan, feeling grave situation, asked for explanation of distress his mother slipped showing. Without receiving an answer he clapped loudly near her ear. She reacted to that.

"We need to go. We don't have enough army to defend. Go, our servants need to evacuate. You too." She pulled her dress slightly upward to be able to run even a bit faster. "Tell everyone about it. And come to my room as soon as you are finished." She looked around frantically. There is so much stuff she have to do. Would burning her husband's room be enough to hide treasure her son's should later find? Where is Luis? Why did they turn against Astem family?

So many questions without an answer. First thing, she needs document with favour from King. Second, bow that should have been given to Evan in two years will be given sooner.

She pushed Evan in the other direction. He didn't understand what information he should relay. 'Evacuate' is most he knew. Stupefied, he jogged through the castle shouting one word over and over.

All adults around him were shocked as well but they raised tension even more. They all started running towards their rooms. To Evan, it seemed like he had least information of what is happening. Nonetheless, he kept making rounds, checked if everyone knew they should run away from castle. Not even half an hour passed before terror took the crown.

Shouting and screaming echoed through the hallways.

Stop it! Stop it! STOP SCREAMING!!! Evan wanted to shout back at them. In all the running around him, he felt like a statue that just came to life and trying to grasp what is happening. Annoyance flashed every time new voice was heard.

Thinking that everyone knows what is happening by now, he started walking towards the room his mom is in. Inner circle of small castle was calm and quiet finally. Relief washed over him as his ears didn't hurt anymore. After knocking on the door of his destination, he didn't wait for response as he pushed the door open.

If not for hair in Tamara's mouth, she would be as graceful as always. Noticing Evan, she pulled the hair out. She straightened herself trying to look as normal as always. Although failing. Her expression was far from normal.

"You hear the screaming and shouting, I've done as you asked." Evan came close to his mom. He crouched in front of her and placed his hands on her knees. "What is happening?"

"You will know soon enough. You see this document? Take it to the King, give this letter as well. Personally give it to him." She took rolled up document and handed it to Evan. The roll was pushed into band of a large ring. It was wide golden ring without any decorations besides crown being engraved.

"I'll do it. What else?" He glanced at the bow.

Tamara noticed him looking at the object behind her.

"That bow is yours. We were supposed to give it to you on your birthday in three years. Unfortunately, that plan went up in flames...

Grip and limbs are made of dragon bone. The string is arachne web. It is incredibly sturdy piece of work. Unless if your opponent also has weapon made of dragon bone, feel free to guard blows with it. And arachne web should repel your arrows due to it's characteristics. I suppose, some getting used to it will take time, it is much different than ordinary bows you used." She pulled bow, turned it around once and placed it over shoulder of her son. Tamara looked at him, wanting to stay with him. But dwelling on those feelings would be bad. It is best if she at least attempts to secure one descendant rather than keep him where he is.

She stood up pulling Evan up with herself.

"Please, be safe and go." Holding her hands on his shoulders, she attempted to rotate him around.

"I'll go. But first..." Evan pulled her in his embrace. Tears started welling in his eyes. Understanding of situation is finally catching up to him. His mother gripped him hard and started to sob.

It's time to go.

As suddenly as he pulled her in a hug, he pushed her away and ran away towards him room. He'll need money and his saving should be higher than those of a commoner. After picking up two pouches from under hidden compartment under his bed he ran for stables. Finding extra cloak, smelly and awfully looking, but waterproof, he took the horse and rode south.