The Prince Returns

Two days before the birthday party, a messenger ran looking for the Empress. "Your Majesty, Prince Alaron's caravan was spotted entering Valiant!"

Aurora stopped mid-bite and looked down the breakfast table at Devrim and Mairwen. They were equally concerned. Although the princess was unaware of all the details, she knew that Aurora had received another visit from the Fates and that the news was not good. She worried what her twin's return might bring.

"Is his caravan with him?" Devrim asked the servant.

The messenger nodded. "Yes, Sire, everything seemed to be in order." She was confused by the royals. They looked more like they were about to attend a funeral than a joyous reunion.

"Tell Spymaster Brinn that we need to see her, please," Aurora requested.

"Glory to the Empress." The servant bowed and exited to complete her task.

Before the elf could arrive, Gandr was announced and hurried into the room. He bowed. "I am sorry for not coming sooner. I went all the way to Oblivion and back and found no trace of Prince Alaron. I circled back and listened for rumors, and at last I found His Highness on the way back from the beach. I have been watching him the past day and a half from afar—I was wary of getting too close— and I discovered and unnatural connection between Alaron and his personal guard, Warin. He spoke almost exclusively to his guard and had Warin speak on his behalf. I have never noticed that behavior before."

"Nor have I," the Empress agreed. "Do you suspect that Warin is actually Cafer?"

"Cafer? Can Cafer shape-shift? I thought he was a gnome." Mairwen had received her magical education from her mother. Unlike Alaron, she believed every word.

"Alaron helped Cafer steal an artifact from the Fate's Storehouse. We think it helps the user change their appearance," Devrim told the princess quickly. To Gandr he said, "What do you think? Is he Cafer in disguise?"

"That is my assessment, yes," Gandr said. "Though I cannot be positive. There were so many people and animals between us that I could not smell if he is a gnome."

"What do we do? Should we stop them at the gate?" Devrim asked.

"I say we let them in," Brinn said as she strode in unannounced. She enjoyed sneaking past the guards at every opportunity. "If it is Cafer is with him, then we will have him surrounded. If we stop them outside the gates, he may disappear into the city and we will lose him."

"Then that's our plan. Nurlan, apprise Captain Caleb of the situation and have him meet us with his men outside the stable. That should be their first stop." Aurora said. Nurlan hurried off to complete his task.

"We need to prepare," Devrim motioned to Junayd, who was positioned along the wall. The Emperor and Empress stood. Mairwen also moved to leave.

"You can finish your breakfast," Aurora said.

"I am coming." Mairwen put her napkin on her plater and joined her parents.

"No," Aurora and Devrim said together.

With a gentle smile, the princess took each of the Rulers' hand. "You need me. Alaron is far less likely to do something foolish if I am there."

Seeing the sense in her words, the Empress's agreed. "Let us go."

The royal trio positioned themselves carefully outside the stable. Next to them, Brinn, Gandr, Nurlan and Junayd flanked them on either side. The archers on the outer curtain wall crouched low, and soldiers hid around the courtyard. The tension in the air was thick. "I hope you are wrong about all this," Mairwen said, thinking aloud.

"Me too," the Empress agreed.

Finally there was commotion at the front gate and a mass of people entered. The royal carriage was wheeled into the stable followed by soldiers on horseback and carts that carried the caravan's cargo. The whole process took time and the Empress struggled to stay vigilant.

At last Prince Alaron emerged from the stable and walked toward his family. Everyone held their breath as he crossed the ground. The prince's face was solemn. He approached his twin and hugged her tightly. "Welcome home, brother," Mairwen said into his ear.

Alaron released his sister and looked at the Emperor and Empress. For a moment, time stood still. Then, without warning, the prince surged toward Aurora, wrapping his arms around her neck. "I am sorry," he said.

When the Empress recovered from her shock, she hugged Alaron in return. "No need to apologize, my love. We missed you. We were so worried. Where have you been?"

Alaron stepped back a pace, looking embarrassed. "I was so angry with you that I did not want to go where you sent me. So I went to the beach instead."

"But the pirates!" Mairwen gasped.

"It was a foolish choice, and I have paid. Some bandits set upon us and took a large portion of our supplies. The men are fine, but I sustained this." Alaron pushed back his short blonde hair to reveal a gash above his hairline.

"Oh!" Aurora gasped, sympathy pouring out of her.

"Where was Warin when this occurred? And where is he now?" Devrim was angry and growing more suspicious by the second.

Alaron shook his head. "I was arrogant and tried to bully my way out of the situation. Warin did all that he could. Right now he is in the stable."

"Call him out, please, Your Highness," Brinn said with a scowl. Her hand rested lightly on her sword.

The prince furrowed his brow. "He is helping the stable hands put up the horses. You know how helpful he is. I told him I would be fine for a moment."

"We want to speak to him. Shall I call him out myself?" Devrim asked.

"No, no. I will do it." The prince's face looked pained with grief. "But please be gentle with him. None of it is his fault. Warin! I need you!" Alaron called. There was a long pause. "Warin! Come out!" A ripple of conversation could be heard inside the stable. "That's strange," Alaron said, "he is usually so quick to come."

Devrim took a step forward to investigate, when Warin burst out of the door and ran toward them. The personal guard dropped to one knee. "Forgive me, Your Highness. One of the mares had a thorn just above her hoof and I offered to hold her steady while it was removed."

The Empress and Emperor watched for a sign from Brinn, but she looked disappointed. "He is human," she announced.

"Well, I am sure not a horse," Warin joked before remembering his audience. "Forgive me, Your Majesty." He bowed his head low.

"But how can that be?" Gandr said softly.

"I do not understand, what are all of you so worried about?" Alaron looked across the faces of his welcoming party. They were a less than joyous sight.

"We were worried about you, but I am glad you are safe now. Take care of your head and get some rest." The Empress said. "And Warin, We will talk about your poor protection of the prince later."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Warin bowed his head.

Alaron touched Aurora's shoulder, "Perhaps you should rest too." He turned away from all the shocked faces toward the palace, and an evil smile hooked his mouth. 'Relax while you can, Empress. I am coming for you.'