Leeta knocked lightly on the wooden door before her. "Come in," came Carmen's voice from inside.
The Princess pushed open the door and walked into the priestess' room. The door eased shut behind her. Leeta smiled at Carmen, who was laying in her bed with a book in her hands. The priestess of Althena was dressed in a woolen night robe, despite the warm spring weather. Her hair was tussled, and there were shadows under her eyes. Otherwise, she looked okay. "How are you feeling?" asked Leeta.
Carmen smiled back. "I'm better," she replied. "The herbs I've been taking have gotten rid of the fever and chills." Leeta's face creased in worry. "Oh, don't worry, Leeta. It was only a little flu. I'm fine now."
The dark haired priestess put down her book and threw off her covers. "In fact, I think I'll freshen up and go on a walk," she said cheerfully.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" questioned Leeta.
Carmen glared at her. "I've been in bed for almost three days now. I need to get a little exercise before I turn to flab." She gave the Princess a crooked smile.
"Well, then I'm coming with you," stated Leeta.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," replied Carmen with a twinkle in her eyes.
A short time later, the two friends were walking through one of the Palace's many gardens. They spoke of mundane affairs, taking special efforts to avoid the topic of the current political situation. "Well isn't this a pretty little sight?" said a familiar voice. "The Princess and the Priestess taking a stroll as if war isn't about to break out."
Leeta and Carmen stopped walking and looked to their left. "Hello, Aunt Ruby," said the Princess with a smile.
"Aren't we in a good mood today," said Carmen sarcastically.
The Red Dragon of Althena rose from the bench she had been sitting on. She gave Carmen a smooth smile. "You're getting better, Carmen. That last retort was almost dripping with sarcasm."
Carmen made a small curtsy. "Thank you, Mistress." She smiled cheerfully. "Better?"
Ruby nodded. "Yes, it was."
"What brings you out here to the garden, Aunt Ruby?" asked Leeta.
Ruby sighed. "I'm looking for the kids. It's time for them to get their fur trimmed, but like all children the don't want hair cuts. So, now we're playing the usual hide and go seek." She snapped her fingers and a fan appeared in her left hand. She began to fan herself. "Having my powers back is so comforting."
The three of them started to walk again. "That's something I've been meaning to ask you about, Ruby," said Carmen. "I know you have your aura again, but where are the other three Dragon auras?"
Ruby continued to fan herself. "Don't worry, dear. They're safe."
A bush rustled nearby, and they all stopped. Carmen was about to speak, but Ruby signaled her to be silent. The Red Dragon calmly walked over to the bush. "Okay, the fun's over. Are you going to come out by yourselves, or do I have to make you come out?"
The three Dragon kids trotted out with sullen looks plastered all over their faces. "Awww mom," whined Narin. "Do we have to get hair cuts?"
Ruby knelt down and picked up her son. She scratched him behind the ears. "Yes. You three look like a pack of wild animals. That is no way for future Dragons of Althena be."
She put the baby Red down between his siblings. "Now go to the Palace Groomer and get a trim," ordered Ruby. "And you better do it because I'll know if you haven't," she called as they flew away.
Leeta smiled as the children left. "You've certainly grown accustomed to the role of the mother."
"I raised you, didn't I?" replied the Dragon with a smirk.
The three women began laughing as a page ran up to them. "Princess, I have a message for you."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Sir Argile and Sir Fox have returned from the city and wish to speak with you," said the page rather quickly.
Any good humor that Leeta had gathered during her peaceful morning was dashed at the remembrance of the current situation. "Tell them I'm on the way." The page nodded and ran off.
"Do you want us to come with you?" asked Carmen.
Leeta gave her a half smile and patted her lightly on the back. "No, it's all right. You look tired. Why don't you go back to your room and get some rest. I'll come and talk to you later."
"Good luck, dear," said Ruby. "Now, IÊhave to go and check on the kids. My instincts tell me they've taken a detour to the kitchen." The Red Dragon gave the Princess a small hug and left.
Carmen walked with Leeta as far as the nearest stair case, and then headed in the direction of her room. The Princess walked solemnly towards the council chambers. When she arrived, Argile and Fox were waiting. "Well, what is it?" she said with obvious distress.
Each of them were dressed in peasant cloths in order to remain inconspicuous. Argile watched her from his seat and waited until she was seated. "We've been talking to the local guilds who've had dealings with the Eastern Empire."
"Unfortunately, since the Emperor closed all of his borders, most of the guilds' representatives were forced to leave any area occupied by the Empire," finished Fox. "The only thing we were able to find out was that there is something strange going on in the capital city of the Empire, Yis-Toril."
"Do you have a clue as to what this situation is at Yis-Toril?' asked Leeta.
Both Knights shook their heads. "Figures," muttered the Princess. She put her hands over her face and just sat there for a moment. She took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay, here's what we're going to do. You two keep trying to dig up some information. I'll see if I can get a message to the Emperor requesting a conference in neutral territory." With that said, she rose and started to leave the room.
"I guess it's the best we can do until Cole gets back with the others," said Argile.
Leeta stopped at he door way. She was about to snap at Argile for that comment, but the Princess bit it back. He was just searching for answers like herself. All she did was nod and leave without a word.
Cole shifted the Goddess' Sword at his side and waited for Carla to finish giving her final orders to the elders of the Guild. To his right, Connery and Mirage waited as well. The thief was busy making sure all of his things were in order, and the Pirate Lord was leaning up against a tree with his eyes closed. Cole began to tap his foot with impatience.
Carla said her final words and walked over. "Are we finally ready?" asked the Dragonmaster.
The dark haired Premier made a deep curtsy. "We are, my Lord," she said sarcastically.
He gave her a forced chuckle and reached beneath his tan cape for the Dragon Wings. "You know, you still haven't told me why you changed your mind." he said.
Carla's face darkened a little. "I have my reasons," she muttered.
Mirage, eyes open now, gave Cole a look that told the Dragonmaster to avoid that particular subject. Cole heeded the warning and let it drop. "Everyone ready?"
Connery gave one last kick to a mettle box near him and gave the go ahead signal. Cole nodded and took a deep breath. He raised the Wings above his head and focused his will. "Lucitania," he said softly.