As with the previous stories, this installment will take place during the events of Ember's End. As such, it will naturally contain SPOILERS for that book and the series as a whole. This one in particular will touch on events from The Archer’s Cup. I expect most folks who frequent New Seddleton are all caught up, but Sam was pretty big on making sure we make sure new fans are aware of possible spoilers during the most recent Q&A session. Consider yourselves warned.

Coleden Blackstar made his weary way to where the various citadel forces were gathering for muster, further preparation for the battle that would come early tomorrow. It had been two days since the destruction of Harbone. Those days had been days of brief, exhausted sleep and long hours of training with both the Royal Fowlers Auxiliary and the forces of Kingston. Now, after a training session with the former, he was going to lead the latter in drilling with the forces of Blackstone, Chelmsford, Halfwind, and the other secret citadels.

Hard work was a way of life for the bucks of Kingston, moreso the sons of the line of Fleck Blackstar. From his earliest days Cole had been brought up to endure hardship, whether in training as a soldier or working in Kingston’s mines. However, these last weeks had been the most grueling of his life, and none of it more so than the past few days. Though he was determined to give whatever was asked of him, he felt tired to his bones.

Doing his best to shake off the feeling, or at least the appearance of it, Cole nodded to various citadel soldiers as he passed them. His own comrades from Kingston were already in position, so well trained that even without him or his father present they didn’t require much direction. The forces of Blackstone, Halfwind, and Vandalia were gathered as well, and he could see Lord Ronan some distance away conversing with his officers. Nearer at hand he spotted Lord Morgan conversing with a red-furred rabbit whom, to Cole’s surprise, he thought he recognized.

“Lokson?”

Breaking off from his conversation with Lord Morgan, the other buck turned around. When he spotted Cole, he smiled-it was indeed Lokson. “Captain Coleden Blackstar! Well met!”

The surprise Cole had felt at the sight of Lokson mounted as he took a good look at the buck he had become reacquainted with at Blackstone. He wore a black cape, but his old black tunic had been replaced with a white one bearing the crossed spears and blood moon of Halfwind. Moreover, around his neck hung a lord’s medallion, and one that Cole recognized. The last time he had seen it, it had hung around the neck of the late Lord Ramnor.

Seeing Cole’s expression, Lokson’s smile became awkward and somewhat forced. “Ah, yes…I have some news to share. I must begin by stating that my current position was not my idea.”

“I should hope not,” Cole replied, recovering himself. “If you’ll pardon my saying so…Lord Lokson…the last time we met your political aspirations caused quite a bit of trouble for us. I also distinctly recall that your departure from Blackstone was preceded by the renouncing of all designs on its lordship, in spite of your claim to it as the son of Lord Lokken. Having said so much, and so graciously, it would hardly be fitting to then seek lordship of a citadel where you are presumably unknown.”

“Quite aside from the sheer lunacy of wanting to ascend to lordship during such times as these,” Lord Morgan quipped. He gave Lokson a friendly nudge, and the newly appointed lord gave him a smile that was both sheepish and grateful. Whatever else Lokson had done since they parted, Cole observed, he had clearly befriended at least one of his new peers.

Looking back at Cole, Lokson nodded. “You require no pardon from me, Cole; your assertions are true and wise. I did indeed surrender all claim to lordship of Blackstone, acknowledging Ronan as its duly appointed ruler. I then led my company to Halfwind Citadel on an important errand, as requested by Princess Emma herself.

“While completing that mission, I gained the respect of those who remained at Halfwind after most of the personnel left for the Battle of Rockback Valley. At their request, and with the support of Captain Wilfred Longtreader, I led our group to First Warren and arrived yesterday. After consulting with Princess Emma, Lord Captain Helmer, Captain Frye, and others, the rabbits of Halfwind made the decision to appoint me as lord. I assure you, I protested vehemently, and it took Lord Ronan and Captain Truff expressing support for the decision for me to accept it.”

Cole nodded, digesting that information. It must indeed have been powerful for Ronan and Truff to voice approval, after all the trouble Lokson’s attempts to reclaim his family’s place at Blackstone had caused them. The fact that they could rise above that to acknowledge Lokson’s abilities as a commander was a tribute to them. Even so, he could imagine that Lokson found it difficult, finding himself thrust into a role he had first sought and then rejected.

“Of course, it’s something of a wonder there are any forces left for me to command,” Lokson commented drily. “Between the Royal Warrenguard, Highwall Wardens, and Royal Fowlers Auxiliary, the ranks of Halfwind and my self-proclaimed personal guard have been picked nearly clean. I hope I didn’t miss the Battles of Rockback Valley and for First Warren only to go into the final battle with no more bucks than will be needed to make up a couple of teams for a game of bouncer. I’m no good at the game, for one thing; my time at Harbone made me more of a hoopvolley player.”

“Hopefully the rabbits, wolves, and raptors we expect to fight aren’t good at either,” Cole said with a half-smile. “Will Captain Cheltham be joining us?”

Lokson’s expression became somewhat uncomfortable. “Chelt…isn’t my Lead Captain. Things between us are still somewhat…strained…after the Ultimate Archer’s Cup. I also wanted to insure that the bucks of Halfwind didn’t think their own officers were being passed over. Since Captain Frye is partly in command of the Warrenguard, and Lieutenant Drand was left incapacitated, Kout has been promoted and is serving as my second-in-command.

“He was left in charge of the few soldiers left at Halfwind after most of the force and the Terralain army departed for Cloud Mountain. Captain Longtreader was considered, but he opted to place himself at Lord Captain Helmer’s direct disposal. I could have used his help, but I suppose we all must play our given parts as best we can. The princess has requested that I work on consolidating my forces after all the dispersions, disruptions, and new additions.

“For that reason, I’ve not been included in the princess’ councils; quite understandable, given my juniority. Wiser heads than mine will direct my course and that of my bucks, and I am content with that. Most of my old band, including Chelt, are naturally serving in the Highwall Wardens. They remain a separate division, however; I’m afraid they’re not too popular with the archers of Blackstone, Halfwind, or even our old home of Harbone at the moment.”

Before Cole could make a comment on this, another voice broke in. “Your collection of braggarts, deserters, and rabble-rousers isn’t popular, Lokson? I can’t imagine why.”

The words were spoken with a cold anger. It was not at all like Lokson’s charming humor, nor even Cheltham’s superior sarcasm. It reminded Cole more of words he had heard uttered not three days ago, by the princes Kylen and Naylen. The buck who spoke was not joking, teasing, or even trying to disguise sincere antagonism under a veil of mockery; he was deadly serious.

Cole turned to see another recently appointed citadel lord, who like Lokson was so new to his position that he was not a formal part of Princess Emma’s council. Gantlin, son of Hewson, stood glaring at Lokson with barely controlled fury. He looked nearly as tired as Cole felt and not half as good at concealing it. Despite that, his green tunic, bearing Harbone’s emblem of a white tree on which grew seven yellow stars, was straight and clean. Around his neck hung his father’s lordship medallion, brought to him by Lieutenant Dev Meeker and the few bucks of Lord Hewson’s party who had escaped their battle with the Wild Wolf Pack.

In the time since he had reencountered Lokson, Cole had seen the red rabbit in many moods. However, the pain in his face at the words of Gantlin was something new. Cole did not know Gantlin, some years older than Lokson or himself, particularly well. But knowing that Lokson had lived for many years at Harbone, he guessed that the two of them had a history.

Judging by the depth of feeling he could see, Cole thought that Lokson must have greatly admired the other buck. As the oldest son of Harbone’s lord, Gantlin would undoubtedly have been someone whom Lokson would have looked up to. Doubtless he would have sought Gantlin’s friendship and treasured it if gained. To have such a rabbit now facing you with a look most bucks would have reserved for traitors and predators must be difficult indeed.

Morgan frowned at Gantlin, whom he was somewhat closer to in age than either Lokson or Cole. “Those are hard words to speak of rabbits and comrades, Lord Gantlin.”

“Honorless rabbits and unreliable comrades, Lord Morgan,” Gantlin replied, not taking his eyes off of Lokson. “Our need is dire, and if these bucks are as penitent as they claim then it is fitting that they should be here. My only hope is that they will not turn out to traitors ready to shoot us in our backs. Or, as their past deeds would suggest, that they do not abandon us at the earliest opportunity.”

“Abandon?” Now it was Lokson who sounded angry, though hurt was also evident in his voice. “Gant, I never-”

Gantlin’s eyes flashed with fury, stopping Lokson cold. “The blue fever outbreak, Lok! The Wild Wolf Pack! The attack that Captain Blackstar here,” Gantlin said, waving in Cole’s direction, “helped to fight off, though the arrival of him and his comrades was too late for so many of our friends!

“You came from Blackstone, and I can understand your desire to return there. But in your mad scheme for power, you sought allies among Harbone’s sons. I am glad many, like Himson, were wise and loyal enough to reject your invitation. But you collected enough like Cheltham, eager for glory and unwilling to accept a place in the established order.

“Most of them were willing enough to cause trouble, whether to advance themselves or for its own sake. I might have thanked you for ridding us of them, had we not needed their strength-your strength-so badly! While you were off training them for your own private war, the blue fever came. How much good might have been done, and evil prevented, if your bucks had been where they belonged!?”

Stepping forward, Cole laid a supportive hand on Lokson’s shoulder before addressing Gantlin. “With all due respect, Lord Gantlin, such speculation is pointless. None of us can know what might have been. Perhaps the fever would have killed many of Lokson’s band, or left them ill enough to be an even greater burden. Princess Emma might not have saved as many as she did, but either way we cannot know.”

“And what about afterwards, Captain Blackstar? Lokson here,” Gantlin said, stabbing a finger at the red rabbit, “knew of our plight. But instead of bringing his bucks home, he led them to Blackstone. Do not tell me that their presence would not have been a help when the Wild Wolf Pack came upon us!

“Had Lokson, or at least those who follow him, been loyal, my father might still be alive. He might have had forces enough to dissuade the Wild Wolf Pack from plaguing Harbone. But Lokson’s bucks left us, and so gave our enemies the opportunity to strike many of us down. It seems to me a form of treason, witting or not, akin to that which has cost so many lives in this war. Not least among them your own mother, Captain.”

The allusion to his mother’s cruel death made Cole’s heart clench. Both he and his father had been away from Kingston. A traitorous conspiracy had taken advantage, and his mother had been killed by raiding wolves. The pack, led by a brute named Blenk, had then escaped with no losses.

Lord Victor had dealt with the treachery, but the wolves had never been caught. Cole had spent many nights grieving for his mother, often wishing he or his father had been there to intervene. He knew Heyna, who had been present but powerless to do anything, felt the same. Never had he let his feelings turn to anger, nor had he set them on vengeance. But he knew the temptation of that path, and could imagine it pressing down on Gantlin now.

“Gantlin…the raid,” Lokson said, struggling to reply to the older rabbit’s fury. “The one…that just happened. I hadn’t had the chance to find out much…but your family? Lady Hewson?”

For a moment the anger in Gantlin’s eyes dimmed, and he bowed his head in grief. After a moment he raised it again, tears flowing freely. “Mother died just after First Warren was retaken. She lived long enough to hear the news, and was glad.

“She’d been sick for years, and we all feared she didn’t have long. Losing father…was the final blow. I was here in First Warren, as was my brother Perry, when the attack occurred. Three of our siblings were away at Blackstone…for which I am sure you are grateful.”

“You-you know?”

“Of course I know, Lokson. Have you ever tried to keep a secret in a family of seven children? No, I suppose not. We all saw how you and Amber were together. It wasn’t so different from Gwen and-“ Gantlin stopped suddenly, fresh grief apparent in his expression.

“Gwen…your sister…she was at Harbone?” Cole asked.

Lord Gantlin nodded. “With Helmer…our youngest brother. She stayed to look after him and help with the rabbits being evacuated there. When the attack came, she got Helmer and one of his classmates out…but was killed by the wolves.*

“Helmer survived, and he is with my wife at one of the refuges. Gwen was laid to rest in one of the few stable sections of Harbone, which Captain Longtreader had sealed off once all was done. My only consolation is that, wherever her body lies, her spirit is with our parents…and with the eldest son of Lord Ronan. The two of them were engaged…before he was killed.” As he said this, Gantlin’s eyes returned to Lokson, and the fire that had left them rekindled suddenly.

“You were always so quick to condemn Ronan and comment on his not being from Blackstone originally. And yet his son, a buck who was sent to Harbone on a temporary tour of duty, proved more loyal than many of our own rabbits! He died in our defense, while you were seeking to take over his home! Is it any wonder your band is not welcome here?!”

“But they are welcome, Gantlin. So long as they are now determined to stay true to the Cause of the Mended Wood, they are welcome.”

It was a new voice that spoke, older than those of the three recently elevated lords or Cole. They turned to see Lord Felson of Chelmsford standing a short distance from them. His expression was kind, and he looked at them with a mixture of admiration and sadness in his eyes. Perhaps, Cole thought, that was at least partly due to being one of the oldest in a group where, two months before, he would have been one of the youngest.

Felson went around the circle, greeting the younger bucks briefly. He expressed condolences to Morgan for his father, Lord Booker. Cole was asked about his own father, and Lokson about his arrival in the city. Finally he turned back to Gantlin.

“Pain and anger are natural responses, Gant, but they should not guide your behavior. Lokson and his bucks have done wrong in the past, yes. But they are here, with us, now, and determined to make amends. As Princess Emma said not so long ago, there are many disputes to be settled, but that must wait until this war has ended.

“We must also be careful of the names we put upon others. It wasn’t so long ago that many of us used the word traitor to describe any member of the Longtreader family. And yet, as things turned out, that description applied only to one Longtreader. Our esteemed Lord Captain Helmer, for whom your brother is named, might have been called a deserter by some. Until a little over a year ago his path was one of self-destruction, not devotion to duty.

“And as for braggarts,” Felson said, and now he looked amused, “I could tell you some stories about your father. I served with Hewson, and Lord Captain Helmer too, in my younger days. To hear Hewson back then, you’d think Flint Firstking had been reborn. I certainly wouldn’t have pictured him as the father of the buck whom I would, one day, grant my blessing when he asked permission to marry my daughter.”

Now the heat was no longer in Gantlin’s eyes, but in his face, and he smiled sheepishly at his father-in-law. Felson clapped Gantlin on the shoulder good-naturedly, and the younger lord apologized to Lokson for his outbursts. With the tension eased, the five of them-joined by Lord Ronan and the various officers-set about organizing their troops for drilling. Seeing the way Felson had so quickly brought peace to a tense situation, Cole thought he had been given a glimpse of the reconciliation that lay ahead in the Mending…if they could live to see it.

That same hour the following day, Cole was gliding above First Warren in the midst of the Royal Fowlers Auxiliary. To his left flew Picket and Jo, the last of the original Fowlers leading those they had trained in desperate haste for this final confrontation. They had been held back in spite of all the hordes of foes that had come against First Warren and the many losses that had been suffered. Now the time had come for their task: to challenge the last remaining, though still far too numerous, Preylords led by Morbin Blackhawk himself.

It wasn’t long before the ordered waves of rabbits dissolved into a chaotic melee with the attacking raptors. Cole lost sight of Picket but kept relatively close to Jo. As they soared over the city, Cole spotted ships riding the floodwaters of the emptying Lake Merle into the streets. Curiously, there seemed to be two fleets of disparate design from one another, but he had no time to ponder the difference.

Seeing a brown owl coming up behind a trio of unaware bucks, Cole dove towards them. Sword in hand, he tilted so that his wings and arms were stretched almost vertically. His blade sliced deeply, and the owl plummeted from the sky with a shriek of rage and pain. Cole tracked its descent and saw the bird plunge into the waters of one flooded street while its severed wing landed in another.

Looking around for Jo, he saw that his friend had lost his own sword but still clutched his bow. Climbing high, Jo disengaged the glider, rapidly drew and knocked two arrows, and shot them at the nearest Preylord. However, Jo convulsed with pain once the arrows had been released and began to plummet. When it became evident that he wasn’t recovering, Cole dove after him, pushing down his rising fear as he strove to catch up to his falling friend. Out of the corner of his eye he saw another Fowler-Harmon, from Harbone Citadel-diving beside him.

Catching Jo, the pair spread their wings as much as possible to slow their fall and tried to angle their descent. They came down on a rooftop not far from the palace, and Cole turned Jo onto his back to look him over. Before he could begin his examination, however, a loud shriek sounded behind him. Turning, he saw a raptor, obviously aged but still massive and powerful, descending on them with one of the Akolan Longtreaders on his back.

“Kill them, Marbole!” The hate-filled call of the rabbit to his raptor mount jolted Cole into action. Ripping the bow from Jo’s grip, he grabbed an arrow from Jo’s quiver and spun on the attackers. He sent the arrow speeding towards the swooping raptor, and though he was far from being Jo’s equal his shot lodged in one of the bird’s shoulders.

Reeling in pain, Marbole halted his deadly plunge, ignoring his rider’s screams of rage. Before the raptor could recover, several weapons came flying from behind Cole’s position to strike him. Pierced in multiple places, Marbole’s strength failed and he toppled from the air into the floodwaters. His rider’s shriek of dismay was soon cut off as bird and rabbit sank.

Surprised, Cole turned to find a band of battered soldiers on the roof behind him, Harmon, and Jo. They were a disparate group, and he recognized the uniforms of several citadels among them. A medic he recognized from Cloud Mountain-Windanner, he believed-quickly rushed forward and began tending to Jo. One of the soldiers, clad in a filthy Halfwind tunic, hobbled forward to peer at the prone archer.

“Well well, if it ain’t Jo Goofy Legs himself!”

Though still obviously in pain, Jo managed to open an eye and gaze up at his interrogator. “Lund? What are you doing here?”

“Good question. I think my strategy of being behind you all the way has finally backfired. I was so far behind you that I somehow ended up somewhere ahead of you. And anyway, what’d you do to yourself to come plummeting out of the sky like that?”

One of the other bucks, a short rabbit in the livery of Chelmsford, stepped up. “Got himself hurt taking down two of the Six, or so I heard from my bucks. Ricker of Chelmsford,” he said, extending a hand to first Cole, then Harmon, who responded in kind. “Jo here pulled off what may have been the most miraculous bow shot in the history of Natalia, but it seems he paid for it. You’ve been patched up, but not as much as you should have, eh Jo?”

“I…may have been told I should go to field triage.”

Cole groaned and shook his head. “Jo, if the raptors, wolves, and traitors don’t kill me, you will. How could you ignore advice like that? Are you trying to die?”

“Not much need to try, Cole,” Jo said, giving his friend a solemn look even as Windanner worked on him. “I couldn’t very well leave you, Picket, and everyone else while this is going on. I think even Emma and Heather wouldn’t be so strict about injuries with the city falling down around us. Helmer gave his life for this battle; if I have to do the same, I will.”

Yet another buck moved up, this one a familiar face from Blackstone: Mac Harty, captain of the Rangers. “Well said, Jo. I was up on the wall with the Highwallers, and saw many a buck better than I go down fighting. Don’t know how I managed to survive, but I’ll keep fighting until the enemy have killed me or they’re all dead. Of course, there’s not a whole lot we can do from this roof unless the enemy decide to come for us here.”

Before anything else could be said, Harmon cried out and pointed towards the palace. “Captain Blackstar, look!”

Following his pointing finger, Cole saw a ship pulling up alongside the palace, wolves poised to leap from its deck. Moreover, a small group of raptors with Akolan Longtreaders on their backs were also descending on the roof. Knowing that Emma, his father and sister, and others were atop or inside the palace, Cole set his jaw grimly. He knew what he had to do, and felt his anger at Jo’s lack of self-regard dissipate as he recognized what his friend must have felt.

“Harmon, we’re going over there. The rest of you, keep an eye on Lieutenant Shanks and do what you can.” With a parting nod to Jo, whom he could see was agonized by his inability to accompany them, Cole leaped to the edge of the roof. Harmon joined him, and they engaged their gliders and dove.

Pulling up just before they would have crashed into the raging waters filling the streets, Cole and Harmon shot towards the palace. As they neared, Cole saw Prince Whitbie lead several rabbits in a charge against the enemies coming from the ship. Unfortunately, a number of wolves got by them and charged a second knot of rabbits on the far side of the roof. Cole saw his father standing with a party of royal guards, and behind them Heyna standing in front of Emma with her knife drawn and her face set in grim determination.

Dire as was the peril of his father, sister, and the others, Cole’s attention turned to the raptors hovering over the palace. He and Harmon were the only ones equipped to deal with them, though the two of them would be a poor match for so many birds. However, to his astonishment, the winged terrors were suddenly struck by a barrage of nets and arrows. A second ship, this one crewed by rabbits, was rapidly approaching the roof and seemed bent on ramming the wolf vessel and shooting their Preylord allies from the air.

Quickly switching targets, as the unexpected allies seemed to have things well in hand, Cole aimed towards the end of the roof where Emma and her defenders were gathered. He shot up into the air above them, taking in the scene as he did. His father and the guards had rushed forward to engage the charging wolves. Victor Blackstar now lay on his back, with the lead wolf-a stout beast clad in a captain’s uniform-stood over him.

A group of rabbits from the ship were charging up behind the wolves, but Cole had eyes only for his father’s attacker. Disengaging his glider, he took his sword hilt in both hands, blade downwards, as he dropped towards the roof. Victor, seeing his son’s descent, quickly rolled to one side. The wolf, puzzled and enraged, was just moving to leap after him when Cole’s blade plunged into his back. Gasping in shock and pain, he staggered forward a single step before collapsing, lifeless, to the roof with Cole perched on his back.

With Harmon joining in the attack on the remaining wolves, Cole left his sword in the brute and rushed to his father’s side, where he was joined by Heyna. The two helped Victor to stand, and he clasped them both to him. However, as he looked past them, he suddenly went rigid. Wondering what could be wrong, Cole turned and saw that his father was staring at the face of the wolf that had been about to kill him.

“Father? What is it?” Heyna’s words hung in the air a moment, her confusion the mirror of Cole’s own. Victor said nothing at first, but simply stared at the prone form of the wolf. Finally he gave a great sigh, and to the astonishment of both his children his eyes filled with tears.

“It’s…Blenk.”

Now it was the twins’ turn to go rigid. Heyna looked at her father, her eyes losing focus. “Blenk? You mean…this is the wolf…”

“Yes…this is the one who killed your mother.”

Victor’s tears continued to flow, and Cole knew his father was thinking back to that terrible day and to the wife whom he had loved and lost. Instinctively, he drew his father and sister into another embrace, and the three Blackstars held each other close for a moment. Looking over his father’s shoulder, Cole noted with surprise that they were not the only rabbits to be doing so. Maggie Weaver, her own eyes streaming, was tightly hugging one of the newcomers, an equally elderly buck with a quiver on his back.

After that, things happened quickly. Morbin fell, and another ship pulled up alongside the palace. From this one descended Prince Smalden Joveson, Heather Longtreader, and a horribly wounded Picket. Cole’s heart went out to his friend, but he could do nothing but watch as Emma and Heather took charge of his litter and descended into the palace. They were followed by Heather’s parents and brother Jacks, as well as Lords Blackstar and Morgan and various members of the royal family.

Officers took charge of the two ships, drawing away the wreckage of the wolf craft as they made their way towards another mooring point. In short order, the roof was virtually empty, with only Cole, Harmon, and a few sentries who had been assigned to watch for anyone attempting to signal the palace. The two Fowlers, who had not been assigned any duty or task, stood briefly in puzzlement as to what they should do. Then Cole noticed that there was one other rabbit on the roof who seemed to have been left in similar straits.

Judging by her rough attire, the doe-who looked to be about Cole’s age-was one of the newly arrived rabbits from Akolan. She was staring in the direction of the stairs leading down into the palace, as though she had watched those she came with descend the steps. Cole could imagine that she had been in the company of some rabbit or rabbits from Akolan, only for them to be reunited with a friend or loved one from First Warren. In such a situation, she presumably wouldn’t want to intrude, and had thus found herself alone.

Feeling pity for the lost-looking doe, Cole caught Harmon’s attention and nodded towards her. Harmon nodded in silent agreement, and the pair of them moved over to greet the newcomer. Cole took the lead and coughed politely, not wanting to startle her. Shaking out of her stupor, she turned to look Cole in the eyes. Her eyes widened, and she looked at him with an expression Cole couldn’t recall ever seeing on a doe’s face before. For a few seconds he felt suddenly awkward and uncomfortably aware that his clothes and fur were filthy from the day’s combat and exertions.

“Um…welcome to First Warren, miss.” Did I really just say ‘um’, he thought to himself, and hurriedly went on. “My name is Cole, and this is my comrade Harmon. Might I ask what your name is, and if there’s anything we might do for you?”

Blushing, as though realizing how she had been staring at him, the doe looked down briefly. Looking up again, she did her best to smile through her embarrassment. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. My name happens to be Harmony.”

“Well, how’s that for a coincidence?” To his credit, Harmon was the model of courtesy, showing no indication that he had marked the odd initial interaction between Cole and Harmony. Smiling, he gestured towards the stairs. “I don’t know about you two, but I could use something to eat, seeing as how I’m apparently not going to be eaten myself.”

Harmony and Cole nodded in agreement and followed Harmon down into the palace. He led them down a hallway and another set of stairs, having become familiar with the palace layout during his time staying there for training with the R.F.A. They soon made their way to what had once been a large dining room, but had been converted into a mess hall. A number of other rabbits were present, though most of the palace’s inhabitants had departed in the course of the conflict that had raged since early in the day. Still others were doubtless occupied with various business, including the royal family and their counselors.

Several votaries and other helpers were busy preparing or serving food, doubtless anticipating further visitors. Cole imagined that this dining hall would fill up eventually, particularly if the palace’s lower levels had been flooded. As he watched, a young doe emerged from the preparation area and brought a tray of food to a table where two weary-looking guards sat. Harmon caught sight of her as well and ran forward, his voice rising in a joyous cry.

“Dalla!”

The doe spun around at the sound of his voice, fortunately having already set down her tray. At the sight of him, tears began flowing from Dalla’s eyes, even as she smiled and started laughing. She ran to meet him, and the pair came together in the center of the hall. Harmon lifted Dalla and spun her around, his own eyes streaming tears as he joined in her laughter. Then he set her down, and the two of them pulled each other close.

Cole smiled at the sight, and saw Harmony doing the same. “Harmon and Dalla both came from Harbone Citadel. She’s been serving as a runner while he’s been preparing for the battle we just went through. I knew they were close, but I don’t think I realized just how close.”

“I’d imagine that it doesn’t hurt their affection to find that they’ve both lived through something they knew might leave one or both of them dead, along with who knows who else.” Though Harmony was obviously pleased by the sight of the reunited pair, her tone was somewhat wistful. Sensing that Harmony, like him, knew something of the pain of loss, Cole moved over to a nearby empty table. He pulled a chair out for her, affecting an over-the-top courtly bow as he did so, and was pleased by her answering smile.

Once Harmony was seated, Cole took the seat across from her. Harmon and Dalla, having worked out the excess of their feelings, came over to join them. Dalla and Harmony were introduced, and the four were soon chatting amiably, marveling over the day’s events. It was only after another server, who smilingly relieved Dalla of her duties, took their orders for some food and drinks that Dalla turned to Harmony with a questioning look.

“You’ll forgive me for asking, I hope, Harmony, but I see sadness in your eyes. Doubtless, despite the day’s victories, we all have some reason for sorrow. Harmon and I both lost friends and loved ones when Harbone Citadel was destroyed. Might I ask what troubles you?”

Looking down, Harmony didn’t answer for a long moment. Finally, she looked up, eyes shining with unshed tears. “I am indeed happy to find myself here, in First Warren, with the Mending begun. But I feel sad because I am the only member of my family for whom that can be said.

“Seeing you and Harmon, so happy in your reunion…it made me think of everyone who isn’t here. My mother is long dead, and my father died not long ago. I had seven older brothers too, each lost in one tragedy or another in Akolan. And there was Melody…my twin sister…slain by Morbin Blackhawk himself.”

The sorrow in her tone made Cole’s heart ache, and without thinking he reached out and rested his hand atop one of hers. She didn’t pull away, and looked at him with gratitude in her eyes. He was struck by the brightness of her eyes. Moreover, he could sense that, behind the sorrow she was currently suffering, there was a strength at least the equal of any rabbit he had ever met.

“My mother was killed years ago by a wolf,” he said. “I met and killed that very wolf this day, though I didn’t know it until I had done it. I have no brothers by blood, and my only sister was among the survivors as well. But I have lost many comrades in the course of this war, so perhaps I have some idea of what you’ve suffered.”

Harmony nodded, giving Cole’s hand a sympathetic squeeze. They sat in silence for a moment, with the three First Warren rabbits radiating sympathy and support for their new friend. Then they heard the sound of shuffling footsteps, and looked up to see a rabbit approaching with a tray loaded with food and drinks. To Cole’s surprise, he recognized the tall, exceedingly thin rabbit from his time at Blackstone.

“Can it be? Slimmo?”

“Aye, young Cole; ‘tis me. Grateful to see you alive and well, and your friends also, though I don’t know their names as yet. I recognized you, and thought I’d take the liberty of bringing over your meal myself. I remember our acquaintance at Blackstone fondly, though…I can understand if you are less than pleased to see me.”

It was, perhaps, the greatest understatement Cole had ever heard. The last time he had seen this rabbit, he had been helping to subdue him after a failed attempt to assassinate Lord Ronan and abduct Ronan’s wife Elisabeth. From what Jo had told him later, Elisabeth and Slimmo had loved each other in their youth, but Slimmo had been unable to accept her rejection. Afterwards, as a form of penance-and a means of getting him out of Blackstone as they readied for war-he had been sent to Halfwind in company with Lokson’s band.

Recalling all this, Cole was at first unsure how to respond. However, he thought back to the words spoken yesterday by Lord Felson, now dead on the field of battle. Looking at Slimmo, he saw contrition and, perhaps, a bit of fear as he awaited Cole’s response. That sight, and the absence of the skinny chef’s usual humor, moved Cole almost as much as the sorrow he had seen in Harmony.

“Master Slimmo, I am most grateful to see you alive as well. Our acquaintanceship was pleasant for me as well, in spite of the…difficulties. Whatever troubles there were, I am willing to lay them aside. May you find happiness…in this Mended Wood.”

The older buck smiled, eyes brimming at Cole’s kind words. Laying the tray on the table, he quickly distributed the food to the younger rabbits, with Cole’s companions introducing themselves to him. He would probably have stayed to chat with them, but there was a call from an old votary doe in the kitchen area. “On my way, Sister Lala! Enjoy your meals, my friends!”

“We will-thank you Slimmo!”

“And thank you, Captain Blackstar!”

Cole turned his attention back to his meal, only to find that Harmony was now staring at him again in much the same way she had when they first met on the roof. Again, he felt awkward, and wondered if he should have asked Harmon to take them somewhere where he could do more than wash off his hands before eating. It was unnerving, the way Harmony’s glance could unbalance him. He had faced down predators and traitor rabbits without flinching, but this doe he had met less than an hour ago could make him nervous with no apparent effort.

Finally, Harmony spoke. “Blackstar? As in…Fleck Blackstar?”

“...yes. He was my great-grandfather. Well, I suppose I should properly add in a few more greats, but it always exhausted me as a young buck. I am a direct descendant of his through the second Lord Blackstar-that’s rather easier to say. I suppose while I’m at it, I might as well tell you that my full first name is Coleden, but almost no one uses it.”

Harmony nodded, smiling faintly with amusement at his answer. She still seemed somewhat wide-eyed at the information. Dalla noticed, and apparently detected something other than the usual reaction to Cole’s ancestry being revealed. “Any particular reason you’re so interested, Harmony?”

Now it was Harmony’s turn to seem unnerved, and she even blushed slightly. Again she looked down, apparently reluctant to answer, but then took a deep breath and looked Cole in the eyes. “Well…you may recall that I behaved somewhat…oddly…when you first approached me on the roof. I apologize for that; it was hardly a proper reaction to an effort at courtesy.

“Fleck Blackstar is a great hero to the rabbits of Akolan, as I know he is elsewhere in Natalia. But as the one who started the practice of mining in Natalia, he is particularly dear to those rabbits who made up Akolan’s Seventh District, including my late father the Tunneler. I grew up with stories of Fleck Blackstar, and often tried to imagine what he must have been like. You must know, Cole…the reason I was so startled by you…is that you looked much as I always imagined Fleck Bleckstar must have.”

Unable to think how he could respond to such a comment, Cole turned his attention to his meal. Harmony, clearly feeling just as uncomfortable, did likewise. They ate in silence, not noticing the smiles and looks Harmon and Dalla shared as they ate their own meals. Slowly, other rabbits started filling the mess hall, and a jolly-if subdued-atmosphere began to prevail. Most of the diners seemed caught between the joy of survival and the reverence of the news that, impossible as it seemed, the Mending had come at last.

Cole was getting up to see about getting another cup of cider when he stumbled suddenly. Harmony, demonstrating surprising reflexes, came up from her seat and caught him before he could hit the floor. Thanking her, he began to pull away, but she refused to let go of him. She looked at him with those bright eyes again, but this time with a concern that quickly eroded his sense of embarrassment.

“You’re dead on your feet, Cole; I can see it. When was the last time you got a full night’s sleep?”

“Um,” Cole said. Um again? What is wrong with my brain today? “When did this war start again?”

Harmon snorted. “I can’t speak for anything before we retook First Warren, but it seemed whenever I noticed it that he didn’t make it to the barracks before I went to sleep and was always up before I was awake. This last week in particular he’s also been handling duty after duty. None of us have slept well, but Captain Blackstar here has made the rest of us look like old soldiers fresh from a nap.”

“Then you’re going to bed, Captain Blackstar.”

“I-I can’t! Prince Smalden…or Princess Emma…or my father-”

“Would be agreeing with us if they saw you in this condition,” Dalla said firmly. “The Mending has come, the enemies are all defeated. If you were needed urgently you wouldn’t be here chatting with us. Now let’s get you to the R.F.A. barracks.”

Over his continuing protests, the two does each took one of his arms and looped them over their shoulders. Half-carrying, half-dragging him from the mess hall, they followed Harmon down to a large chamber. Whatever its original purpose, it had been converted into a barracks for the Royal Fowlers Auxiliary. At the door, Harmon stopped and, as Harmony and Dalla moved back, took charge of Cole himself.

“Really, you’re all being ridiculous,” Cole muttered, though the tiredness he had been fighting for so long seemed to finally be winning the battle.

Dalla smiled sweetly at him. “With what we’ve been through, I think we’re allowed a bit of ridiculousness. At any rate, you’re hardly one to talk; you won’t be much help to any royals, lords, or comrades if you walk straight into a wall from fatigue.”

“I’ll see that he gets some sleep,” Harmon promised. Then he looked at Dalla with a look of deep affection. “And I’ll see you in the morning.”

Making one final attempt to protest, Cole opened his mouth. Harmony, however, gave him a look he had seen his sister use, usually right before she kicked someone in the face. She opened the door to the barracks, allowing Harmon to pull Cole through into the dimly lit room. However, before letting the bucks through, she undid Cole’s sword belt and threw it, sheathed blade and all, into a corner. She then rejoined Dalla in the hallway, her hand on the doorhandle.

“Go to bed, Captain Blackstar,” she said firmly. Then, with a shy smile, she went on. “And I will see you in the morning...Cole.”

The Beginning

*Anyone remember the unnamed nurse from Ember’s End?

Well, I hope everyone enjoys this latest installment. My apologies if it is or seems a bit dialogue heavy; that just felt like the best way to do it. I have plans for a couple more entries in this series, and that will probably be the end of it. I do have ideas for a few other fics though, so stay tuned if you’ve enjoyed what I’ve been putting out so far.