Well, this seems to be going pretty well so far, so here we go again. As with the previous stories, this installment will take place during the latter chapters of Ember's End. As such, it will naturally contain SPOILERS for that book and the series as a whole. 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.

"Prince Naylen, look out!"

Before Naylen could react to Lord Ronan's warning, he felt himself shoved. As he regained his balance a few feet from where he'd been standing, an agonized cry sounded behind him. Whirling around, he saw with horror that Ronan had been run through, and that the she-wolf responsible was looming over the citadel lord with a savage grin upon her face. Realizing that he had been her target, and that Ronan had taken the blow meant for him, Naylen raced towards the pair even as the wolf opened her jaws in preparation to sink her fangs into Ronan.

She never got the chance, as Captain Valter-having heard Ronan's warning to Naylen-drove his own sword into the wolf's back. Naylen quickly sheathed his sword and grabbed Ronan as the older buck slumped, the sword impaling him dropping from the nerveless grasp of the dead wolf. Valter threw aside the fallen wolf and joined others of the Terralain royal guard in forming a defensive ring around their prince. It broke briefly, however, as Lead Captain Truff rushed in.

"Lord Ronan!" Truff's voice was filled with anguish, the first display of emotion Naylen had seen from the large white buck. He and Naylen took Ronan between them and began moving away from the fighting with Valter and his bucks surrounding them. Eventually they reached a line of trees on the edge of the old Black Gap and helped Ronan into a sitting position.

From this new vantage point, Naylen was able to look out across the milling masses of Terralain and Blackstone rabbits as they engaged King Farlock's army. Though the monstrous white wolf had fallen to Picket Longtreader's sword some hours ago, and many of his wolves had fallen, there were still plenty of the hulking beasts to be dealt with. Despite the size of the Terralain bucks and the valor of their Blackstone comrades, they were slowly but surely losing ground. Even as Naylen watched, Farlock's forces surged towards First Warren's west gate, with the rabbits desperately trying to maintain a defensive line against them.

Hearing Ronan cough violently, Naylen turned to where a pair of medics were attending to the citadel lord. Captain Truff hovered anxiously nearby, clearly worried by the state of his lord. As Naylen approached, the medics looked up at him and Truff. With sorrowful looks, they shook their heads; Lord Ronan's wounds were mortal. Truff shut his eyes tight, let out a shuddering breath, and nodded. Taking a flare from his belt, he turned and walked away from the assembled rabbits, Truff sent it flying into the air, high enough to be visible from within the city.

"It's a prearranged signal for the fall of a lord," Truff said, answering the question Naylen had opened his mouth to ask. Closing it, the Terralain prince nodded, then moved closer to Ronan alongside Truff. The white rabbit knelt by the side of his brown-furred lord, who managed a pained smile for his loyal second-in-command.

"You...must carry on...the fight...Truff. I wish...I could...stay."

Taking Ronan's hand, Truff bowed his head. "It should have been me, old friend."

"No, Captain," Naylen said, stepping closer to the pair. "Lord Ronan took a blow that was meant for me. You saved me, Lord...and after I came here to make war on you and yours. It is an honor of which I am not worthy."

Shaking his head, Ronan beckoned Naylen closer. Drawing his hand from Truff's, he reached up and pulled his lord's medallion from around his neck. He then took Naylen's hand and placed the chain in it, closing Naylen's fingers around the metal links. Though his strength was quickly ebbing, he met Naylen's gaze with a firm stare that forestalled any words of objection or inquiry.

"You chose...the right path...Prince Naylen. In spite...of everything...you chose...the Mending. Would...that I...could have been...so quick...to do so. Please...take care...of this medallion. My oldest...daughter...is in First...Warren. Take it...to her...if you can..."

With that, Ronan's eyes closed, his head slumped, and his arms fell to his sides. Truff took a shuddering breath, then brought his fist up over his heart in salute to his fallen lord. Naylen, gripping Ronan's medallion, did likewise. The sound of running footsteps reached them, and they whirled around with hands on sword hilts.

Naylen gave a relieved sigh as he recognized Kylen, battered but not seriously hurt, accompanied by the Pilgrim's band. The odd but formidable force of rabbits had clearly been busy, their quivers empty and their blades drawn. Naylen wondered briefly where the Pilgrim himself was but held his silence as Kylen caught sight of the fallen Ronan. With a remorseful shake of his head, Kylen turned and pointed toward the field.

"Farlock's wolves have broken through our lines and are heading into the city now. Our bucks would have to fight their way through the entire army in order to stop them. Another wolf army is charging into the city from the east, and another wave of Preylords just arrived. I don't know how the rabbits inside First Warren are going to survive this."

Surprisingly, Truff gave a half smile as he regarded the two younger bucks. "We have a contingency in place for the wolves, Your Highnesses. Hopefully our comrades inside the wall can deal with the raptors. For now, I suggest we turn our attention to the other casualties."

Naylen nodded his agreement. "Captain Valter, leave some of your bucks here with me, then accompany Prince Kylen and Captain Truff with the rest. I shall insure that Lord Ronan's body remains undisturbed...as long as I am able."

The prince's resolute statement was punctuated by a loud explosion from within the city.

Unbelievably, Naylen's promise to watch over Ronan's body proved easy to fulfill. The blast they had heard, and the flood that followed it, swept away the soldiers of both wolf armies and killed many of the newly arrived Preylords. Those that remained left to join the incoming final wave, led by Morbin Blackhawk himself, as it swept into First Warren with a wolf fleet riding beneath it. Unable to intervene, the Terralain and Blackstone survivors watched silently, waiting for what seemed to be the inevitable fall of the city and the predators' subsequent rush on their position.

Incredibly, however, a second fleet-this one manned by rabbits-sailed into the city behind the wolves and dealt death to the forces seeking to annihilate rabbitkind. As Naylen had watched, raptors had fallen from the sky before amazing weaponry, while wolves were swept from the rooftops by fierce fighting bucks. Last of all, he had watched the hideous shape of Morbin Blackhawk tumble from the sky above the towering Seven Standing Stones.

After two days, the floodwaters receded enough that the Blackstone and Terralain rabbits were able to make their way into the city proper. Most of their force remained beyond the walls, watching over the bodies of fallen comrades. However, the princes of Terralain and the top officers of both armies made their way to the palace, bearing with them the body of Lord Ronan. Naylen personally took one corner of the litter they had fashioned to carry the late lord, with Valter, Truff, and another Blackstone buck shouldering the others.

Many rabbits, seeing the burden they carried, bowed their heads or saluted as the group passed them by. Eventually, they arrived at the palace, and managed to find a clear space to one side to lay the litter down. With a nod to Naylen, Kylen headed for the steps, flanked by Truff and several other officers. Naylen remained standing at attention by the bier, looking around at the bustle of the square as he did so.

It was hard to believe that he stood in First Warren, the city where his father had been born, but which Bleston had left after his brother Jupiter was appointed their father's successor. For most of his life, Naylen had burned at the supposed injustice committed by his grandfather Walter. However, whatever his father's reasons, Naylen could not consider Bleston justified in his attempts to betray fellow rabbits-their own near kin among them-to Morbin Blackhawk. The very thought was appalling, and yet...his father had done it.

Naylen felt sick at heart, forced to confront the reality of his father's depravity. He had not had space to think about it before, between acting to save Kylen's life from Tameth Seer's assassins, confronting the traitorous rabbit, and then battling against King Farlock's army. But in the days since the battle's end, when not occupied attending to the wounded and fallen, he and Kylen had found time to speak of their father's actions. That Bleston could have acted in such a way...and that his own sons could have failed to recognize the truth...

"FATHER!"

The loud cry broke into Naylen's thoughts, and he looked up to see a doe rushing towards where he stood with Captain Truff walking briskly behind her. She was around Naylen's age, and her brown fur and other features so resembled Lord Ronan that Naylen knew she must be his daughter. Her tearful expression accentuated other signs that the past weeks had been as difficult for her as the other rabbits of First Warren, and the last few days most of all. For all of that, she was lovely, and pity for her quickly pushed down Naylen's own turbulent feelings.

Arriving at Ronan's side, the doe fell to her knees, the tears flowing freely as she stared down at him. Truff came up alongside her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder as he remained standing. Naylen stood apart, wanting to offer comfort but conscious of the fact that he was a complete stranger to this doe. Instead, he looked down at Ronan as well, feeling a fresh wonder at the peaceful expression the buck wore despite the painful manner of his death.

Ronan's daughter noticed this as well and reached out to gently touch her father's cheek. After a moment she gave a great, shuddering sigh as she mastered her weeping, and planted a kiss on her father's brow. With some assistance from Captain Truff, she returned to her feet, but continued staring down at Ronan. Swallowing hard, she at last managed to speak.

"I'd heard...that the flare had been seen. But I hoped..."

"My deepest regrets, Miss Rowan," Truff said, head bowed. "I was the one who fired the flare. For what it's worth, he fought bravely, giving his all for the Cause. You were in his thoughts, even as he took his last breaths."

Drawing Ronan's medallion from a pouch on his belt, Naylen held it out to Rowan. "I can vouch for that, lady. Your father entrusted me with delivering this to you. He...he saved my life...and died by a wound that was meant for me."

Her hand trembling, Rowan took the medallion from him, gazing at it for a long moment. Then she looked up into Naylen's eyes, and seemed to sense the pain and the guilt in his heart over her father's loss. In spite of her own fresh grief, her expression became kind, and she bowed her head to him gratefully. Captain Truff, remembering that the two were unacquainted, promptly introduced Naylen to her.

"Well, Prince Naylen," Rowan said, "I am grateful for you taking on this task, and for attending to my father's body. I'm sure the prospect of speaking to a buck's daughter after witnessing his death was not an easy one to face. Please, don't reproach yourself for what happened. My father would gladly have given his life to save any comrade, and you must have impressed him in the brief time you were acquainted."

Rowan's sentiment, and the kindly tone with which she expressed it, left Naylen momentarily speechless. Coming back to his senses, he bowed gratefully. At a call from Truff, several soldiers came to take charge of Ronan's bier, and Naylen followed Rowan and the captain as they made their way up the palace steps. He allowed himself one last look at Ronan's body, bidding a silent farewell-and thanks-before entering his ancestral home.

The rest of the day was a blur of activity for Naylen as he and Kylen worked with the rabbits they had so recently intended to destroy in battle. In addition to being miraculously introduced to Prince Smalls, whom they had believed dead, they met other cousins and even King Jupiter's widow. Incredibly, they also became acquainted with Samual Goodson, brother to both their father and the fallen king. Such experiences were surreal, in particular as the princes were greeted warmly by relatives they had been raised to regard with contempt.

Reunion soon gave way to duty, as Naylen and Kylen joined in coordinating with their new allies in the wake of the great battle. Though the ancient prophecies of the coming of the Mending had been fulfilled, there was much practical work to be attended to now. Damage had to be repaired, wounded rabbits cared for, shelter and food provided, and the dead laid to rest. For the latter, it was agreed that a section of First Warren, far east of the Brute's Gorge, would be set aside as a burial ground for the vast majority of the fallen rabbits.

However, the Hero's Field, as it was dubbed, would not be the last resting place of all of those who had fallen. Lords Ronan and Felson, along with Captain Frye and certain other notables, would be taken back to the citadels where they had so long served. Various parties of rabbits would return to their respective citadels with the fallen. This would serve the dual purpose of alerting those still at the citadels of what had transpired, as well as alleviating the crush of rabbits in the city.

Though Naylen felt as though he should remain in First Warren, there was no shortage of royals to oversee the various tasks that needed doing. Even without all the cousins, Kylen seemed determined to make up for his previous treachery and illness by fully assuming his authority as prince of Terralain. Not wanting to intrude on his brother's territory, Naylen decided to volunteer himself and a party of the Terralain royal guard to accompany the party taking Lord Ronan's body back to Blackstone. This offer was gratefully accepted by Captain Truff and Rowan and approved by the royal council with no objection.

And so, the following day, Naylen found himself in the midst of a band of mixed Blackstone and Terralain rabbits making their way north from First Warren. They pulled with them a number of carts, one of which bore Lord Ronan's body. It was a surreal experience for many of the Blackstone rabbits, as it had been many years since it was possible to travel the paths of the Great Wood openly. The Terralains, for their part, had only traveled outside their own lands in recent years as part of large forces, though the royal guards were disciplined enough that moving in this smaller band wasn't too off-putting.

Despite the solemn nature of their procession, the newly acquainted rabbits soon found themselves opening up to each other as they walked. Valter and Truff, who had fought together during the final battle, soon found themselves talking over similar experiences in their soldiering careers. Other rabbits in the group found other subjects to discuss, ranging from curiosity about each other's homes to the wonder of the longed-for Mending. As for Naylen, he found himself in the company of Rowan.

Over the course of their first day's march, Naylen learned that she and two of her siblings-who were also part of the group-had served at Harbone Citadel under the recently deceased Lord Hewson. They had relocated to First Warren after the city had been retaken by Princess Emma's army with other members of Harbone's command staff. As such, they had not been present when the citadel was destroyed though all had lost friends. It was also a sad blow to the siblings, as their oldest brother, who had died while in service at Harbone, had been laid to rest within the now ruined citadel.

Naylen listened to these griefs sympathetically, silently wishing that he and his fellow Terralains could have prevented the tragedy at Harbone. However, gradually the talk turned to Rowan's siblings, including those who had remained behind at Blackstone when the army marched to the retaking of First Warren. The two laughed as Rowan shared stories of her brothers and sisters, with Naylen occasionally reciting an episode about Kylen. Both also spoke about their mothers but seemed to unconsciously agree-and for different reasons-not to discuss their fathers.

He was back on the battlefield outside First Warren, watching with horror as the hideously grinning she-wolf sneered down at the mortally wounded Lord Ronan. As before, Naylen rushed towards them, hoping against hope that he could still save the life of the older buck. But this time, in the space of a single eye blink, the wolf was suddenly gone. Instead, it was Naylen's own father who had Ronan impaled on his blade.

Bleston's easy smile, so familiar and, once, so comforting to Naylen, was horrifying to behold as he looked down at the dying rabbit. As he lifted his eyes to Naylen, the smile became crazed, his teeth suddenly resembling those of the wolf who had actually killed Lord Ronan. Yanking his sword free, Bleston let Ronan fall and advanced on his son, who dropped his own weapon at the sight of his father approaching with murderous intent. Terrified but finding himself unable to move, Naylen threw up his arms in a vain attempt at defense and cried out.

"Naylen! Naylen, wake up!"

With a start, Naylen came awake, sitting up and breathing rapidly. Above him stood captains Truff and Valter, while Rowan knelt beside his sleeping mat with obvious concern on her face. Seeing her helped Naylen come fully back to reality, and he signaled his well-being to the two large captains. "Nothing to worry about, captains; my apologies if I disturbed you."

"Very well, Prince Naylen," Valter rumbled, before walking off to resume his guard duty. Truff eyed Naylen briefly, but apparently decided that the younger buck looked well enough and that he was not, at least at this point, eager to talk about whatever had troubled his sleep. With a nod, he strode off as well. That left Naylen with Rowan, who continued to regard him with worry.

"It was just a nightmare, Rowan," he said softly, trying to make light of it. However, to his surprise he felt tears trickle down both of his cheeks. Before he could reach up to wipe them away, Rowan surprised him by leaning forward and wrapping him in a comforting hug. The gesture, so sudden and unexpected from a doe he had known only a couple of days, left him momentarily stunned.

Rowan broke away soon enough and sat quietly looking at him. Naylen brushed at his eyes briefly, finding it a little hard to look at her. For a moment the two sat in silence, the rest of the camp quiet around them; then Rowan spoke. "Do you...want to tell me about it?"

For a moment Naylen considered refusing. He was a grown buck, a prince of Terralain and a soldier, not a youngling who couldn't get through the night without a bedtime story. But the expression on her face told him that she was genuinely concerned for him. And, despite their brief acquaintance, he already knew her to be the sort of rabbit who would listen to anything he had to say and would not make him feel less for opening up.

"It was...about your father," he said, speaking quietly. "And...and mine."

Her eyes became sad at the mention of Ronan, but still she looked at him expectantly, so he went on. "I saw the moment when your father was given the wound that killed him again. But this time, after the wolf struck, it was suddenly replaced by Bleston...by my father. He seemed just as pleased as the wolf had been by such a cruel deed, and then he came at me.

"You must understand, Rowan...I didn't know what my father truly was until after Kylen and I joined in the battle against Farlock's army. I came up from Terralain to seek justice upon the rabbits I believed had murdered him and defied his birthright. It was only when rabbits of the Cause spared my brother's life...and helped me to save him from those who would have taken it...that I realized they had always spoken the truth. Which meant that the things they said about my father...about his treachery...were not lies.

"My father was a proud buck, always pushing me and Kylen and expecting us to do more than our best. He kept secrets from us, but we always believed that it was because he was wise and wanted to protect us. I loved him, and did my best to be worthy of his respect. But now...now I find that I never really knew him, or at least not the parts of him that really mattered."

Silence followed his words, and Naylen was astonished for a moment that he had spoken so freely. He had shared these thoughts and feelings so far only with Kylen, who like him was aggrieved by the realization of Bleston's true character. Still, it was less of a shock for Kylen, who had glimpsed what Bleston was truly capable of during his time as an infiltrator at Cloud Mountain. Naylen, the second son-the spare, not the heir-had been utterly unaware of their father's duplicity.

"My father was the last of the citadel lords to pledge himself fully to the Cause," Rowan said quietly. "I was at Harbone when Prince Smalden revealed himself, and later when Princess Emma took his place. Having seen them both in action, I was fully convinced that theirs was the right way. It burdened my heart when, in spite of all I or anyone could say by letter or in person, father refused to acknowledge either of them.

"It took Princess Emma's personal visit to Blackstone, and the heroics of her companions, to finally sway my father. I know that his heart was always for the Mended Wood, but there were times when I was ashamed of him. Seeing him charge into battle for the Cause...even knowing that it led to his death...was a great comfort to me. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I learned that he had deceived me and our family, all in the name of his own advancement."

Rowan's honesty touched Naylen, and he marveled again at how they could feel so comfortable speaking of such things in such a short time. He was further impressed that she did not make any effort to pretend that their experiences had been the same but acknowledged his feelings with respect and kindness. Moreover, she had not tried to either justify his father or condemn him but spoke only of how she had felt and what Naylen was feeling. Naylen felt a sense of both gratitude and loss, for if Rowan's character came from her parents, then Lord Ronan must have been a noble buck indeed, whatever his struggles.

Soon enough, the group arrived at Blackstone, where they were greeted with both sorrow and with joy. Sorrow, of course, because Lord Ronan and so many other Blackstone rabbits had not come marching home. Joy, because they had died in a great cause-indeed, THE great Cause-and had helped win the Mending for which rabbitkind had so long been hoping. Tears flowed freely from many eyes, even as voices lifted in songs of gratitude.

While the rest of their group-including Rowan's siblings from Harbone-spoke to the many Blackstone rabbits who had remained in the citadel, Naylen and Rowan joined a meeting of the Lord's Council. Captain Valter joined Naylen as a matter of courtesy, and Rowan led them to the Lord's Quarter. Arriving at the council chamber, they were welcomed by Lady Elisabeth, Ronan's widow; Captain Truff; Captain Brone, who had commanded the few soldiers left behind at Blackstone as a precaution; and Matron Gallipot Grenda, chief of Blackstone Hospital.

The new arrivals quickly informed the Lord's Council of all that had transpired since the Blackstone army had marched off to join in the retaking of First Warren. Naylen, himself ignorant of much of that battle and the preparations that had taken place afterwards, felt the same astonishment as those who had remained at Blackstone. Soon enough, he recounted his own part in affairs, and spoke of Lord Ronan's sacrifice both gently and with as much of his admiration for the fallen lord as he could convey in words. Rowan gave him a grateful look as he finished, even as she drew her father's medallion from a bag and laid it in front of her mother.

Her eyes filled with tears, Lady Elisabeth lifted from around her neck a chain with a key hanging from it, matching the ones worn by Captain Truff and Matron Grenda. She laid it beside her husband's medallion, bowing her head as she sobbed quietly. The other council attendees maintained a reverent silence as she cried. Finally, however, she mastered herself, dried her streaming eyes with a handkerchief, and turned to regard Naylen.

"Our thanks to you, Prince Naylen, for safeguarding Lord Ronan's body and medallion and for accompanying that party that brought them both home. Truly I can see that my husband saw in you a comrade worthy of defense, even at the cost of his own life. If you will consent to it, I would like you to have a place in the burial party when the time comes to lay Lord Ronan to rest. It will be my last command in his name, before I surrender his key and medallion to whichever rabbit is deemed most worthy to succeed him."

"No, Lady Elisabeth," Captain Truff said, his tone firm. "Your husband was lord of this citadel, and I see no reason for that lordship to pass from his house. True, your children are either not of an age or trained for the duties of lordship, but I know from experience that you are well qualified. Speaking for myself, I can think of no rabbit more suited to lead us until one of your children is ready."

Matron Grenda nodded vehement agreement. "I second Captain Truff, my lady. Lord Ronan's loss, heroic as it was, will be hard enough for the rabbits of this citadel. To have his lordship pass to some other family, however well respected, would be a sad and unnecessary thing. And I doubt even Breelia Wilder could have commanded as much support in this situation, were she able to plead her case to the rabbits of Blackstone, as you do."

"Pardon me," interrupted Captain Valter, "but who is Breelia Wilder?"

"Was, not is, Captain," said Captain Brone, speaking for the first time. "Up until shortly before Lord Ronan left Blackstone for First Warren, Breelia Wilder was our hospital matron. She was also leader of one of several factions within Blackstone that vied with each other for dominance before Princess Emma helped us to unite. Wilder was imprisoned on suspicion of terrorist activities but escaped with some of her most loyal followers before she came to trial.

"Her party traveled to Black Lake, and from there made their way northeast to the Red Valley Hills. However, it is through there that the army of King Farlock-which you mentioned facing at First Warren, Prince Naylen-made its way south. We became aware of the army's passage but had no way to alert First Warren without making our way through the army itself. I sent some scouts back along their route, and they discovered the remains of Breelia Wilder's base...and its inhabitants."

For a moment no one spoke, with Naylen and the other new arrivals slowly digesting this new intelligence. Then Lady Elisabeth rose, her face set, and lifted both lord's medallion and key from the table. In apparent acceptance of the will of the council, she hung both around her neck. As she stood there, regal and beautiful, Naylen couldn't help but note that while Rowan certainly resembled her father, there was a great deal of her mother in her as well.

Naylen felt a strange mixture of happiness and heaviness when, a few weeks later, he looked down into the Valley of Stars. The "thousand torches"-it was an artistic description rather than an accurate count of the lights-burned as cheerily as ever as night settled over Terralain. Clearly, those who had been left behind here when he departed with the remainder of the army had kept themselves busy. It seemed they had also held out hope, in spite of the army's absence, regarding the return of their absent fighting bucks and leaders.

The prince's lip curved in a half-smile, and he wondered what the populace of Terralain would have to say upon their arrival. As expected, they were coming back without many of their warriors, though that any had survived the battle they had marched to at all was cause enough for thanks. However, they were also coming back with tidings far different than what they had promised. Instead of returning to proclaim that Kylen had assumed his "rightful" place as ruler of the rabbits of Natalia, they would instead be reporting that both he and Naylen had submitted to the true authority of Jupiter's heir and joined Terralain to his kingdom.

Furthermore, Naylen thought, they were coming back without Tameth Seer or even his body, which had been lost in the chaos of the final battle. Tameth Seer's surviving temple guards were also being marched along in chains, awaiting trial for their part in Tameth's schemes. The Terralain army was also being accompanied by a number of their new allies from First Warren, including a party of votaries led by none other than Prester Kell and Sage Kins. It was their hope, with the support of the princes, to help the Terralains return fully to the path of Flint and Fay, a path from which they had deviated in the years of isolation ever before Bleston and Tameth had corrupted their beliefs.

Remembering Bleston helped Naylen to recognize the reason for his curious emotions. Happy as he was to be returning home, even with such uncertainty looming, his heart turned towards the friends-and indeed family-he had left behind in First Warren and Blackstone. Indeed, he felt a surprisingly strong desire to have Rowan by his side. He would have loved to see her face and hear her reaction as she looked upon what, to her, had long been a land of childhood myth.

He had taken leave of her at Blackstone's gate, a few days after Lord Ronan had been laid to rest. As Lady Elisabeth had invited, he had taken part, helping to bear the body to its resting place. He had then taken part in the celebrations of Ronan's life and the coming of the Mending. Rowan had shown him around the citadel where she had been born, introducing him to her other siblings and to friends. Eventually, however, Captain Valter had reminded him-though with his own regret evident in eyes and voice-of their comrades awaiting them back in First Warren, and of all who looked for their return back in Terralain.

Both of them had promised to write to one another and hoped that they might find opportunities to visit. With the Lords of Prey and their wolf allies gone, Natalia was free of hazards to travelers-or at least, hazards that would actively seek to kill them. Still, old and well-established courier routes could now be used without fear, though new ones would have to be established to connect Terralain to the larger Natalia. This would be easy enough, however, particularly as the kingdom's innovators and explorers could now turn their talents away from the ways of war.

"You have the look of a rabbit whose heart and mind have been left behind by his feet."

Smiling more fully, if somewhat sheepishly, Naylen turned to regard the rabbit who had spoken. Samual "Sam" Goodson, the last surviving son of King Walter Good, watched his nephew with a knowing look in his one good eye. The badly scarred rabbit had become well-acquainted with Kylen, and with Naylen too, in the time they had spent in First Warren. Still, it had been quite a surprise when their uncle, so recently returned to his birthplace after many years in Akolan, had volunteered to join those First Warren rabbits who were to accompany the Terralains home.

"It is a bit strange to be going back home, after all that's happened. The rabbits I left here thinking of as enemies are now my friends, and the family I expected would hate me welcomed me with love. The world has indeed changed, and the changes are only just beginning. I suppose that it feels strange to leave those places where the change is moving swiftly, and to go where it must still be set in motion, without those...most of those...who have shown me the need."

"Would that your father could have spoken with such wisdom," Sam said, his gaze turning distant as he thought of his estranged brother. "He may have passed on his eloquence to you, but your clarity of vision must have come from somewhere else. Unless, perhaps, it was something Bleston once possessed but stifled. Hatred is a powerful distraction, and he was slow to forgive-if he forgave at all-when he felt that he had been wronged.

"Change is certainly difficult, particularly when you come as one bringing it about or even word of it. I certainly did not find it easy to be a mover of things in Akolan, or to return to it in First Warren. And unlike you, I was fortunate enough to bring all my friends-or at least those who survived-with me when I made the journey. But then," he said, grinning, "I was never quite so taken with anyone I met in Akolan as you were with Miss Rowan."

"Are you sure it wasn't just that they were put off by your terrible taste in jokes?"

"No, pretty sure it was my face," Sam retorted drily. "To hear my brothers talk, when we were young, looking at it was only slightly more preferable to staring down a wolf's open gullet. I somehow doubt being mauled, decades of slavery and playing the part of a Preylord's pawn, or the last days of desperate escape and battle have improved matters much. Still, if pretty young does can stand your company I suppose there's always hope for me, right?"

In spite of himself, Naylen laughed. It wasn't just his uncle's easy wit; it was the fact that it was just the sort of comment he and Kylen would have traded with each other before Kylen left for Cloud Mountain. As if summoned by this thought, Kylen came up to the pair, smiling slightly himself to see them bonding. Together, the trio led the way down into the valley, followed by the army and their other companions.

There was no small uproar in the city as their presence became known, and as upon Naylen's arrival at Blackstone there was both joy and sorrow at the tidings they bore. As quickly as they were able, the princes-including Samual-made their way towards the center of the city. They were accompanied by the royal guard and a few others, while Captain Granger and other officers set to spreading news of what had transpired among the populace. With their travels thus unimpeded, Naylen and Kylen were able to lead their small band to their childhood home: the House of Galt.

Resembling a cross between the palace in First Warren and an ancient but sizable manor, the structure had stood for over a hundred years, though Bleston had made additions to it after becoming king of Terralain. However, it was the older parts of the structure that were most favored by the one rabbit Naylen now most yearned to see. And it was there, in a chamber that was more common room than reception area, that they found her.

"My sons!" At the sight of Kylen and Naylen, the tall doe, aging but still beautiful with her soft golden fur, rose from her favorite chair and moved to embrace them. Though not usually prone to such displays, both Kylen and Naylen returned her hug fiercely, so glad were they to see her again. Surprised but glad, she held them tightly for a long moment, before turning her attention to the scarred stranger who had followed them into the room.

"Lady," Captain Valter said, stepping forward, "allow me to present Prince Samual Goodson of First Warren. He is the brother, long thought lost, of your late husband. Prince Samual, this is Lady Regina of the line of Galt. Her family has governed Terralain since the days of her great ancestor, who fought with Kings Whitson and Lander against the vile dragons."

Obviously surprised, but courtly as ever, Regina curtsied, and Sam responded with a bow. Mother, sons, and uncle made their way to seats, while Valter and his guards took up their old positions on watch. A servant, having been alerted by the princes, soon arrived with refreshments. Making themselves comfortable, the four rabbits began to talk.

The conversation went long into the night, as Kylen and Naylen-with some input by Sam-shared with Regina all that had transpired. Though she knew of Bleston's death, it was their sad duty to relate the truth about his fate and intentions. Naylen also related the treachery of Tameth Seer, the ensuing battle with the army of Farlock, and the fall of Morbin. When they had finished, Regina was quiet for a long moment.

"I remember when Bleston first came to Terralain with his followers, so many years ago. It had been so long since we had any word from First Warren, some of us thought it had been destroyed...if it had ever existed at all. Then Bleston came, a scion of Whitson Mariner himself, and it was like our greatest legends had come alive. And he was charming...and handsome...

"He quickly won the love of our rabbits...and mine as well. But for many years he was occupied with reordering Terralain as he saw fit, claiming all the time that it was for the good of our land. It was only when he had firmly established himself as king that he spoke of having children. But, though he loved our sons...and me, in his way...I came to realize that we were secondary in his heart. Whatever love he felt for us, his true love was for what he believed to be his birthright."

Kylen took his mother's hand, his expression sorrowful. "Is that really how you felt?"

"Why do you think you and Naylen have no siblings, Kylen? Once I realized Bleston's true priorities...and saw that he would use even our children to further his ambitions...I could not bear the thought of bringing more into the world. Though I remained his wife, there was a distance between us...though I couldn't help but feel that he was content with what he had gained by marrying me. Still, even I never thought he would go to such lengths as you speak of...though perhaps I should have.

"Tameth's betrayal is also heart-rending, though perhaps less surprising. I remember that he spoke against Bleston's 'reforms' in the beginning, feeling that they went against the teachings of our founder Galt. However, when it became clear that the rabbits as a whole sided with Bleston, he changed tack and worked his way into Bleston's confidence. It didn't hurt that Bleston was able to use his marriage into our family to take advantage of Tameth's power to appoint Terralain's leaders, who have been chosen from among Galt's descendants since King Whitson's day.

"My husband and his advisor made their choices and have paid the price for choosing power over truth. While I mourn their loss, and that of those whom they led astray, I rejoice that their tyranny is ended. And while I mourn our brave bucks who fell in defense of First Warren, I rejoice in their bravery and the coming of the Mending we have so long awaited. We shall tell our rabbits of both, and celebrate both, as part of our festival."

Naylen blinked in surprise. "You haven't held the festival?"

Regina gave her son a soft smile. "How could we, my son? We knew not whether you and Kylen still lived, or whether war would soon march upon our doorstep. Besides, with all our brave warriors gone off to battle, our does wouldn't have had many partners to choose from for the dances. Prince Samual-"

"Please, Lady Regina; call me Sam."

"...Sam, then; you and your companions from First Warren will be our honored guests. You are all welcome here, and we are grateful for the aid you bring. The Mending has been a long time in coming, and part of what must be mended are the ills of Bleston and Tameth."

Bowing gallantly, Sam smiled. "Whatever I can do, I will do gladly, Lady Regina."

"Then you may begin by not calling me Lady Regina. I think I would prefer...Gina."*

For many reasons, that festival was a memorable and happy one. Free from the looming shadow of confessing his father and Tameth's wickedness to his mother and finding her more receptive to these truths than he himself had been, Naylen was able to relax. He looked on proudly as his mother, Kylen, and Sam took it in turn to address the populace of Terralain at the start of the festival. Through their confidence, the concerns and questions of Terralain's rabbits were answered, and all rejoiced at the news that came from First Warren.

As it happened, most of Bleston's surviving former confederates had been involved in his attempt to kidnap Emma at Cloud Mountain. For those who had not been, their hearts had for years been turned less to their ruler and more to the new land to which they had followed him. It was thus easy enough for them to accept the account of Bleston's treachery and renounce their allegiance. Tameth's own accomplices in treason were already in custody, and his other adherents had found in Prester Kell and Sage Kins the purity of purpose that had been so long lacking in the fallen seer.

Though much remained to be done, the Mending was something all could celebrate gladly, and so they did. Naylen was pleasantly surprised to see his mother sharing many of the dances with Sam, given that they were so newly acquainted. But then, as he considered her admission of the long-cooled and unequal love between her and Bleston, he could only feel pleasure at the sight of the two enjoying themselves. Indeed, he only wished he could feel quite as happy, for though he enjoyed the festivities and danced with many lovely does, he felt a keen absence.

In all of this newfound happiness, he missed Rowan.

Months later, a full year after the fall of Morbin Blackhawk, Naylen found himself once again arriving in the Great Wood at the head of a veritable army. However, this army was made up of pilgrims, not invaders, and as many does marched as did bucks. Soon enough, they arrived at Newcity, and marveled over the spectacle of the buildings suspended above the forest floor. Then, they set up their tents and changed into the clothing they had been instructed to bring.

Clad now all in clean white, the rabbits of Terralain moved in to mingle with the masses of their long-estranged kin from across Natalia. They were greeted warmly, and the army soon broke up into smaller and smaller bands as they took places among the rest of rabbitkind. Naylen remained with Kylen as they walked deeper into the happy throng, following behind their mother. Lady Gina Goodson, as she was now known in Terralain, walked arm-in-arm with Sam.

Naylen looked at his uncle-turned-stepfather fondly, remembering when, a few months after their arrival in Terralain, Sam had asked to speak to him and Kylen. They had seen the growing affection between him and their mother and felt only happiness for them both. Still, it had been surprising when Sam had asked them for their blessing on his plan to propose to Gina. Of course, perhaps that was mostly due to having a buck old enough to be their father seeking their approval to marry their mother.

Under his own arm, Naylen carried a bundle intended for Rowan. They had exchanged many letters over the months since his return to Terralain, deepening their friendship and, for Naylen's part at least, affection. Based on what Rowan's letters had told him, he had-with help from Sam and his mother-selected a present for her. Naylen recalled well how Sam had smiled, an expression that seemed to come easier and easier to the scarred buck in his new life.

Just as he was about to follow Sam, Gina, and Kylen towards a cluster of tables where various other visiting nobles sat, he heard a loud cry. "Naylen!"

Turning toward the sound, he saw a large table with several rabbits seated around it. Lady Elisabeth sat smiling at the head, her late husband's lordship medallion shining against her white dress. Her children, from her youngest daughter Jane upwards, circled the table, with various friends mixed in with them. And there, standing up and waving to him, an empty seat at her side, was Rowan.

Naylen smiled.

The Beginning

*It occurs to me that I was likely inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, whether consciously or unconsciously, in the creation of Rowan and her relationship with Naylen. It very much parallels the story of King Èomer and Lothiriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth.

*I'd kind of had the idea of the Commandant, who I decided was Bleston and Jupiter's brother, hook up with Kylen and Naylen's mother for a bit. Having decided to name him after S.D. Smith, after a fashion, it seemed only right to name her after the real Sam's wife Gina.