The final chapter, guys. It has been an awesome pleasure. Much thanks go to Sirius7 for her ideas (and sometimes way too talented additions), and her awesome beta skills. Without her, this Fic would be a shallow shell of itself. Sirius7 also wrote the story that Santanara tells at the end of the fic, I am not that brilliant!
Also, even if she thinks I've forgotten about her, my little nummy piece of cupcake, Skavnema-(you know I love ya). Thank you for all the reviews and encouragement. I hope this meets your expectations.
Also- if you want to see Karigan's dress, go to ravenswoodleather .com Click on dresses- "saberist dress" and "more pictures" it's the one in white. I saw that and knew that our Kari wouldn't have a floofy dress.
Again, thanks!!
Lady
Karigan grunted as her sword met her opponent's.
"Good! Good! You are improving!" Arms Master Gresia clapped.
Her opponent, Lady Estora nodded in the direction of her teacher, and then swung her sword in an upward arc, hoping to dislodge Karigan's. They went around in the ring several times, before Gresia held up her hand to halt.
"That is enough for today, Lady," Gresia murmured, tossing both fighters a clean linen towel.
"You are improving," Karigan sighed as she wiped the sweat from her neck.
Estora smiled, dabbing daintily at her forehead. "I have you to thank."
"What do you mean?" Karigan asked as they handed their practice swords to another trainee.
"Remember after I told you that Zachary and I were engaged? It was before you stopped talking to me entirely..." Estora arched her eyebrow at her friend, before staring off into the distance.
"Lady Estora, you must learn how to defend yourself."
"Karigan, I don't understand. What are you talking about?"
"You are to be Queen, Estora... and you must act like it. That you will always be a target is no easy thought to stomach, but you must become accustomed to it, because it is part and parcel of being Queen in these times. Yes, you have Black Shields and Green Riders and soldiers to protect you... but you know as well as I that your protectors are mortal. We can bleed and we can die. Should you find your protection has fallen, and the enemy advances to you, what will you do? Will you run? Will you stand and wait for your death? Or will you pick up a blade and take a few of them with you?"
Estora shook herself. "You were so determined, that I should know how to use a blade. I didn't take you seriously then."
Karigan laughed. "I remember now. As soon as you came back, you cornered me and Arms Master Gresia."
Estora nodded. "I doubt I'll ever need a blade now."
The Green Rider looked at her sideways. "Never say never, Estora."
"Yes, my Lady," the noble bowed.
"Gods," Karigan groaned as they entered the castle.
The slap of leather and metal on the Council Table caught every Lord's attention. Zachary stood at the head of the table, flanked by Lord Coutre and Lord D'yer. His eyes met Timas Mirwell's in a satisfied smirk.
"The patents of nobility, my Lords."
Several Lords glanced down and glanced up again, and Lord Mirwell had the audacity to pick them p and peer at them closely.
"They are original?" He asked.
"Do you doubt the integrity of your King, Timas?" Alton growled.
"Of course not, but, even our King can be mistaken."
"You'll just have to ask Rider Sir G'ladheon's Grandfather, His Grace the Duke, when he arrives, Lord Mirwell," Zachary stressed the 'duke'.
Mirwell scowled. "So, they will be present at the wedding Majesty?"
The rest of the Lords squirmed in their seats. It had been more apparent that Timas was on a personal vendetta rather than safeguarding the well being of the Kingdom.
Zachary grit his teeth. "Of course."
Before Mirwell could interject, Lord Harlow stood. "Thank you Majesty for listening to our council, we wish nothing but pleasant tidings for you and your bride. Shall we begin the day's business, gentlemen?"
The King nodded, pleased. Lord Coutre and Lord D'yer took their seats. Perhaps now Timas would be satisfied and discontinue his petty competition with Karigan. Seeing the expression on the Lord's face, somehow, the King doubted it.
"She has taken everything from me. My father, my honor, and now...she will command me? Never!" Timas hissed, pacing his chamber. His head snapped up in thought. "Barrett!" He bellowed.
The steward let himself into the room, leaning against the wall, his posture belying his emotions. "Timas?"
"The time for this foolishness is at an end. I swear on my father's soul, that bitch will not be Queen!"
"Timas, there is nothing more we can do..."
"Oh yes there is. Grab your cloak Barrett we are going into Lower Sacor City."
Barrett sucked air between his teeth, the hairs on the back of his neck were on end. This did not bode well, not at all.
Karigan paused outside of the Rider Common Room.
"I'm telling you! She is not the King's mistress! By the Gods, she wouldn't even consider having sex when it was offered to her!"
Fergal! Karigan slapped her hand against her head. The last thing she needed was his help.
"So she's a prude?" One Rider asked.
"Prude...obviously, you've never taken notice of when the King and Karigan are in the same room. By the gods, the sparks could set the tapestries on fire. Prude, my... what did you think I was trying to prevent? I don't have any objections to the wedding... it was the possible stupidity that was the problem."
Captain Mapstone? Karigan had heard enough and entered the room silently. "Contrary to popular belief, I am neither prude, nor whore!"
The gathered Riders and Captain colored in embarrassment.
"We weren't saying that..." Captain Mapstone began, before faltering under Karigan's gaze.
"Oh come on, Kari! You know that you are a vir-"
"Fergal!" Karigan hissed, wishing for her saber.
"Shut up, Rider!" Captain Mapstone joined in.
The Captain and Rider looked at each other awkwardly for a moment before Laren sighed. "I brought you something from your Uncle. It's in my office."
Karigan nodded, following the Captain. On her way out she stopped and pointed to Fergal. "You, me tomorrow in the practice ring," she hissed.
Fergal groaned in dismay.
Karigan fought the urge to bolt as Captain Mapstone closed the door behind her.
"Karigan, I wanted to tell you something."
The Green Rider crossed her arms. "Oh? That is something new."
Laren gave her a level look. "I may deserve that, but I still am your commanding officer. A little respect, please, Rider?"
Karigan looked down at the floor for a moment. "Thanks for defending me," she mumbled.
Captain Mapstone relaxed slightly. Perhaps this would go better than she thought. "Listen, I wanted to tell you that I was sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't have faith in you, and I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you. I was scared, scared that this entire situation would lead to Sacoridia being enveloped in a Civil War, and...I was jealous."
Karigan's head snapped up. "What?"
Laren turned away, fighting her emotions. "Before I was even a Lieutenant, I met a man. I thought that I was in love and that we were going to be married," Captain Mapstone chuckled sarcastically. "How naive I was. He was a Lord, Karigan," she turned to her Rider. "And instead of standing up to his family, he abandoned me. After that, I threw myself into being a Green Rider, and never looked back."
It finally all made sense, Karigan could see how her relationship with Zachary would bring nothing but painful memories for the Rider Captain. "I'm sorry."
Laren waved her hand. "It doesn't matter. I finally understood, throughout all of this, that I had no right to interfere in your relationship, no matter how mine had ended. The past is that, and it is over," she walked over to her desk and lifted the small wooden coffer.
"Your Uncle, Lord Keigan, gave me this to give you. It has no key, and no one has ever opened it. Apparently, it has been passed from mother to daughter in your family."
Karigan accepted the coffer, caressing the lid. "Thank you," she said softly, looking up.
Laren touched Karigan's shoulder. They stared at each other a moment, not needing any words at all.
"I see," Estora murmured, listening to her companion's whispered words. Estora leaned back, folding back the hood of her cloak. "I will tell the King all that you have told me. He will be warned."
"Thank you, my lady,"the man knelt and kissed her hand.
"Why are you doing this? Do you not fear to be known as a traitor?"
Barrett looked up into Estora's beautiful face. "No, my lady. I do not fear doing what is right. Too long have I allowed Timas to have his way. When we were young, it brought no harm, now, it is time he grew up."
"Thank you, my Lord." Estora turned to go.
Barrett caught her hand. "My Lady, forgive my forwardness, but with the King's announcement of his coming marriage to Lady Karigan, are you well?"
Lady Estora tilted her head. The sincerity of Barrett's concern touched her and she smiled softly, allowing her white palm to touch his cheek.
Barrett resisted turning his face to kiss her palm, instead, rose and took both her hands in his. "I am sorry if I hurt you with my question."
"Far from it, Lord Barrett. I am happy for the King and Karigan. It leaves me free to pursue my own destiny." Her eyes were sharp as she gazed into Barrett's, and he colored.
"That is good to know, my lady."
Fastion checked the perimeter of the Astronomy Tower one last time. The guests were assembled and waiting, and the Weapon guard had been doubled. The moon was almost at it's zenith, and soon the ceremony would begin. He ducked back into the Guard Room adjacent to the tower.
"Everything seems to be ready," he murmured, resisting the urge to shift from foot to foot. The sheer abundance of women in the room was enough to make any man uncomfortable, even a Weapon.
"Thank you, Fastion. Are we prepared?" Karigan asked from behind a screen.
"Karigan! Stop fidgeting! You are going to muss your hair!" Estora fussed.
Fastion smothered a chuckle when all he heard in response from the Green Rider was a growl.
"Estora...I swear to the Gods themselves, if you don't..."
A knock interrupted the bride-to-be's threat, and Fastion opened the door cautiously. A Green Foot waited anxiously. "The King says they are ready to begin."
Fastion nodded and closed the door.
"Is my Grandfather and Uncle here, Fastion?" Karigan asked.
"No, my Lady. They haven't arrived, yet."
From behind the screen, Karigan's brow furrowed. Estora laid a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it in comfort.
"Please tell the King that we are ready," Estora called.
Fastion nodded. "Yes, my lady." As he bowed out, he heard Estora shriek, "there is no way that you are wearing your saber to your wedding! Karigan!"
Closing the door, Fastion roared in laughter startling the gathered guests; who for years to come would marvel at the sight of a Weapon laughing.
Aeryc, the moon God shone down brightly on the Astronomy Tower. The assembled guests whispered to themselves, each wondering what this night would bring. Their King waited at the Altar of Aeryc, his Weapon Fastion at his side. To his left waited the bride's Father and Captain.
Finally in the luminous face of their God, the people gasped. A small quartet of musicians had started to play a soft lullaby, and Stevic smiled, knowing that Karigan chose the song her mother had sang to her.
The bride strode confidently up the aisle way to the Altar, her eyes never leaving that of her future intended, who was resplendent in a tunic of embroidered blue, offset by his black leather boots and breeches, his cloak of navy and black making him the handsomest she had ever seen.
Zachary felt his mouth grow dry, and he felt himself sway. Karigan was stunning. Clad in a white leather dress that hugged her features in a way that Zachary almost felt jealous, her hair was down with white flowers entwined in her golden locks. And at her waist, was her faithful saber.
"Your warrior Queen, Majesty," Fastion leaned forward to whisper.
"I would not have any other," Zachary returned as he grasped Karigan's hand, pulling her up to him.
"You are beautiful," he whispered.
Karigan blushed. "Your comment should be reserved for yourself," she returned.
"Then we must make quite a picture."
Karigan shivered, her soon-to-be husband's eyes smoldered, and she could feel the heat emanating off of him from where she stood.
The Scion of the Moon God began to light incense, waving his arms around as he began his incantations.
"Zachary, did my Uncle or Grandfather arrive?" Karigan whispered to Zachary, as the Scion of Aeryc was making preparations to begin the ceremony.
"They will be here," Zachary reassured, his hand testing the pommel of his blade.
"What if they aren't, the Lords..."
"Will be appeased somehow. Peace, Karigan, it is our wedding day," Zachary smiled, bringing Karigan's hand to his lips, earning a glare from the Scion as he chanted. As the moon shone brightly directly overhead, Aerstal held his hands aloft for silence.
"Children of..."
"That is quite enough," a voice thundered.
A riot broke out in the center of the room, as Timas' entourage threw back their cloaks to reveal armed men who quickly swarmed the room. As Weapons stepped forward to intercept, Timas grabbed Lady Estora, and held a sharp dagger to her throat.
"Now, now, Zachary, please be kind enough to call off your pets."
Zachary motioned with his hand, and the Weapons backed away, their hands never leaving their blades.
"Timas, you are committing treason. You will hang for this. Stand down, and I will be lenient." Zachary intoned.
Karigan stepped next to her betrothed, drawing her saber. Thank the Gods for Estora's intelligence, they would've been ill prepared for Timas' treachery.
"Lenient? That is all you are, Zachary! You are lenient to those that should be slaughtered for their insolence, you are lenient toward the people, who are lazy and stupid, and most of all your are lenient to your duty as our monarch," Timas spat.
"Do not do this," Zachary said, hoping to avoid bloodshed.
"You will step down. I will not allow this marriage to take place." Timas hissed, his dagger held closely to Lady Estora's throat.
"Timas, you evil little..." Karigan broke off her approach as Timas pressed the blade to Estora's throat, eliciting a squeak from the Lady.
"I would suggest that you rein in your little Rider whore, Zachary," Timas said, his pleased expression making Karigan's stomach turn.
"She is going to be your Queen!" Estora protested, her voice a rasp.
Timas smiled down at her. "I think I'll have you for that job," he murmured, kissing the side of her neck.
"Enough, Timas! Let her go!" Barrett strode forward, tugging on his friend's sleeve.
The Lordling's eyes widened. "Barrett, what in the five hells are you doing?"
"You have gone too far. Leave the Lady be!" Barrett looked into Estora's eyes, assuring himself that she was well.
Timas glanced from Barrett to Estora. "Ah. I understand. You want the Lady for yourself, it's all right, Barrett, I'll share."
"I have had enough!" Estora shouted, snapping her head back to connect with Timas' nose. She stomped her foot down, her heel making a sickening crunch. Bringing her hands together she shoved her elbows into his gut before spinning out of his grasp, her own dagger in her hands and at his throat.
"Don't ever touch me again, mouse boy!" Estora declared. Her eyes caught Karigan's and she grinned. The sparring sessions were a godsend, after all.
Timas gurgled, his eyes filled with hate.
Barrett stepped next to Lady Estora, adding his blade to hers. "You know, Timas, you really have no luck with women and blades, do you?"
"Kill them!" Timas shrieked at his mercenaries.
"We can't, sir!" One shouted, from the back of the room.
"Why in the hells not!?"
"We can't move!" Another one panicked.
Karigan and Zachary shared a glance, before the Green Rider strode forward, and with the tip of her saber, poked the nearest mercenary. He fell over like a statue, his eyes the only thing betraying that he was alive.
"What is going on?" Karigan asked.
"My apologies, Majesties, but I thought it better to act first, and explain later."
From the stairwell emerged a party of Eletian's, the tienden with their milky armor shining in the moonlight, and it's center, glowing of his own accord, was a man that none could mistake for anyone else but who he was. King Santanara of the Elt.
King Zachary was the first to react, gracing his fellow monarch with a sincere bow, which was echoed and returned by both parties.
"As we were coming up the stair, I heard this pup's words. I could not allow any harm to come to either of you." Santanara spoke, observing the room with solemnity.
"My deepest of thanks to you, Majesty," Zachary spoke with heartfelt sympathy.
"We have also escorted some guests that were late in coming." Santanara stood aside as Lord Keigan and Duke Lukas entered.
Karigan gasped, seeing her mother in each of their features. Her father, who was standing off to her left, clenched his jaw. Apparently, old wounds still festered.
"Kari, lass, you look like your mother!" Keigan strode forward, immediately enveloping the soon-to-be Queen in his arms.
"Aye, that you do." Her Grandfather tilted his head. "Seems that the G'ladheon blood agrees with you."
Stevic G'ladheon relaxed. He stepped forward, offering his hand to his father-in-law. "Aye, sir, it does. As it did with your daughter."
Duke Lukas eyed the merchant's hand, before taking it. "It is well, then."
"Sire, the moon..."Aerstal tersely whispered.
Zachary glanced above, the moon was beginning to leave it's fullest point.
"Donal, escort the traitors from the tower, confine them to the dungeons until the Council and I can decide their fate." Zachary ordered.
"With pleasure, Majesty." The Black Shields gathered up the ruffians, hoisting them, still frozen over their shoulders. Timas, being jerked and dragged from the room, started wailing.
Zachary waited until the keening sound had disappeared. "Shall we continue?" he asked Karigan, offering his hand.
Her eyes twinkled. "Let's."
"Before you begin the ceremony, I would ask a boon of you and your bride, Majesty," Santanara inclined his head, stepping forward slightly.
"That is?" Zachary asked, wary. Though Karigan trusted the tienden Somial, Zachary's own experiences with Shawdell made him skittish about the Elt people.
"Allow me to marry you."
Aerstal sputtered and spoke up."With all due respect majesty...I am the Scion of Aeryc and..."
"Do you not think that a direct, immortal descendant of Laurelyn, the mother of Light, would be inappropriate to officiate this marriage?" Santanara's eyes dared the priest to argue.
Aerstal gulped a breath, bowing hastily. "By all means," he bowed backwards, muttering beneath his breath.
"We would be honored,"Zachary smiled, handing his usually ornamental sword to Fastion, and took Karigan's hand.
The Eletian King's smile betrayed nothing, and he turned to the Green Rider Captain. "I believe though, that you have something that we need," Santanara's eyes held Captain Mapstones.
"Sire?" Laren asked.
"Lord Keigan gave you a coffer which has been passed from generation to generation of women in his family. A coffer, I believe that has not been able to be opened."
"Yes, I gave it to Karigan."
"Have it fetched immediately," Santanara ordered.
King Zachary nodded to a Green Foot, who left the room in haste.
"As we wait, I will tell you a memory, that will prove to be something to keep this Kingdom strong," Santanara began, his eyes sweeping the room, his commanding voice arresting everyone's attention. He glanced back to Karigan, and looked searchingly at the face of the soon-to-be Queen.
"It is good," he said, "for Sacoridia to have a Rider-Queen now. It will make whatever is left of Mornhavon remember what happened when he met in battle with the last Rider-Queen."
"A Rider has been Queen before?" Mapstone's voice was shocked. This was one part of Rider history that she hadn't heard.
A soft smile graced Santanara's face. "Neither Sacoridia nor Jonaeus would tolerate any Queen other than Lilieth. Then, no loyal Eletian or Sacoridian would dream of harming this Queen. The same oath is made, Lady Karigan, to you and to King Zachary. No loyal Eletian will attempt any harm to you, Rider-Queen, despite any incidents that may have happened in the past. The Elt Wood owes you too much."
Zachary saw the slightly confused look on his fiancé's face, and politely requested an explanation. He was well aware of how much his beloved had done for Sacoridia, but how had she aided Eletia?
Santanara looked away for a moment, appearing lost in thought, and then said, "Come, let me tell you a tale of the First Rider. It came to pass that one who was close to Mornhavon realized that the man who had been a brother to him was someone he could no longer recognize. The man he knew had become a monster. In a desperate attempt to correct at least some of the damage he had helped cause, Mornhavon's friend sent word to Lil Ambriothe that he wished to aid Sacoridia's cause, and he suggested a meeting time and place. Much of this I know after the fact, for I was not there, but Lil and Jonaeus told me all of it."
Zachary knew this part of the story; Karigan had told him one night. It was one of the first nights they had been truly alone, sitting by the fire in his study. He had asked her to tell of her adventures, all of them. Most of the tales he had heard, but to listen to her emotions accompanying the harrowing times, and the fantastical history she lived in her travelings through time, he was gifted with a wonderful woman. Furrowing his brow, he forced his thoughts from softer times to the Eletian King's voice.
"Lil was injured… gravely so, and the menders held no hope for her. In an act that they would have termed merciful, one of them prepared a drink that would have eased her into a peaceful rest, but as the mender drew closer to Lilieth, a dagger from the sheath of an attending Rider moved – apparently of its own will – to knock the goblet from his hand. That was the extent of what anyone in that chamber would know, save for Lil and Jonaeus themselves. Later, my two friends told me what they did not tell anyone else."
Kari was tense, but Zachary did not think anyone else noticed. He held her hand lightly as the Eletian King continued.
"Lil spoke of seeing a Rider, a Rider that she did not know, who told her that her legacy, her Riders, had spanned a thousand years, but that her Riders then still needed her. This was a Rider to whom she was bound by her broach, a Rider who kept the cup from Lil, who told her that she was still needed and made her believe it."
"She lived?" Kari's voice was filled with hope, and it was, Zachary realized, because she had never known whether or not Lil had survived that day.
"Yes, Lady Karigan, she lived. And because she lived, because you would not let the menders hurry her to a death she did not wish, Sacoridia survived, and Mornhavon fell. Lil's gift was key to the plan we developed to trap Mornhavon in his own weapon, and had she died that night, there would not have been time for a newly-Called Rider to develop the level of skill with the gift that was needed to succeed. That task was Lil's alone. Because you saved her, you saved Sacoridia. Because you saved her, you saved Eletia."
"Also," and here, Santanara's smile was unmistakable, "because Lil lived, so too did her children, all four of them."
"There should have been five," Karigan whispered, eyes haunted anew by that remembered scene.
"Yes, there should have, and of course, you would remember that. The ache never went away, but it did ease in time. The presence of the two sons and two daughters who came after the one that was lost helped Lil and Jonaeus greatly. The elder of these daughters, a strong woman in her own right, wed a foreign noble, and that bloodline left the country for a time. The other children grew into their own legacies – the elder son as King in his father's footsteps, and the younger son as Rider. The younger daughter – as strong-willed as the elder, found that her color of choice was black, and became a Royal protecting Royals. The last time I saw the four of them together was at Lil's funeral. She died before Jonaeus, surrounded by her family and her Riders, and in accordance with her wishes, was buried alongside those of her fallen Riders whose bodies had been returned to Sacor City, in what would become the Hall of Heroes. By the time the Royal Tombs were constructed, those in power had managed to forget that Lil had been Queen, and moved Jonaeus from where he rested at her side."
Santanara paused again, seeming to let his mind wander back to the day when he'd bid farewell to someone who was clearly a friend. "Of Jonaeus and Lil's children, only one of the four lines has survived to this day."
"There are living members of the First Rider's bloodline?" Laren's voice was eager, almost giddy.
"They are few, but they live. All members of that line are descended of Lil's elder daughter, the mother of a line of uncommonly strong-willed women, particularly given the country into which she had wed. Kara married a Rhovan noble, and that bloodline returned to Sacoridia with your mother, Lady Karigan. If ever a Rider were to be Queen again, it would be a Rider of Ambriothe blood."
"I'm descended from Lil Ambriothe?" If Zachary hadn't been holding tightly to her hand, Karigan would've swooned.
Laren stole a look at Lord Keigan; he was beaming. Understanding dawned on her, he had known the entire time, it was the reasoning that Karigan was fulfilling the destiny of her predecessor that had swayed her Grandfather into providing patents of her nobility. Sneaky son of a...
Lord Keigan felt Captain Mapstone's eye on him and gave her a cheeky wink.
The Green Foot arrived amidst the whispers of the Court, to present the coffer to his King. Zachary nodded his thanks before handing the small wooden box to Santanara.
"Karigan Galadheon, daughter of Kara, daughter of Lilieth Ambriothe, do you accept the mantle of Rider-Queen, to use your magic, your might and your eternal spirit to protect and serve this country and this man until the day you breathe your last?" Santanara's voice thundered, causing the very stones of the castle to shiver.
"I do," Karigan vowed, her face tilted to Zachary's.
Santanara offered her the coffer. "Accept your destiny."
At Karigan's touch the coffer sprung open, and she peered inside. Nestled in a delicate silk of a tartan pattern was a simple silver circlet, engraved with the symbol of the Green Riders. It could've belonged to none other than Lil. Santanara plucked the item from its resting place, sliding it onto Karigan's bowed head.
"Behold your Rider-Queen," Santanara boomed. The room, including Zachary, reverence low, and Karigan felt tears spring to her eyes.
"Now, Firebrand, do you swear in your might as King, in your compassion as a man, to protect, to love and to serve this woman who you claim as yours?" Santanara asked.
"I do," Zachary looked up, rising smoothly to his feet.
"Accept your mantle," Santanara swept aside the plaid in the coffer, to reveal a simple silver band, engraved like Karigan's circlet.
Zachary accepted the ring, sliding it onto his finger. Grinning, he kissed Karigan exuberantly.
"Sacoridia, let every mortal rejoice. You have at last, King Zachary Firebrand Hillander and his Warrior Rider Queen Karigan Firebrand Hillander."
The din of the room drowned out even the happy thudding of Karigan's heart.
Epilogue
Agemon looked up as the sound of the celebration of the King's wedding reached the tombs. He sighed, finishing the last stroke of his task. Brushing his fingers along the Sarcophagus, he brushed the stone dust from the smooth cheek of Queen Karigan. He had known from the moment he had seen the Rider that she would become Queen. Not waiting for orders from above, he had begun work.
"Now she'll be in the tombs whenever she wishes," Agemon complained, picking up his tools, walking away grumbling.
He left the effigy's in silence, together in life still yet above...but always together in the afterlife to come.