The six travelers had finally made it to Ikros Capitol, and though it was dusk, they were all anxious to find the King to tell them what they had been though.  Without horses, Garalt, Kullvox, Greylen and Demonclaw were exhausted, while Garn and Moraine, used to traveling everywhere on foot, seemed almost fresh.  As they approached the main city gates, they were greeted by the royal guard.
    "Greetings Sir Kullvox, Sir Garalt!  Welcome home!" shouted one of the guards.
    "Greetings, we seek an audience with his majesty, he is in the castle?" Kullvox said, brushing the dust off of his sleeves.
    "Nay, Sir, His Majesty has taken the the knights and gone on crusade."
    "What??" Garalt jumped.
    "After you two helped return the Queen and Princess to him, the King decided to counter attack Ethelred for destroying Halcyon."
    "The Queen and Princess?  So they made it?  The gamble worked?" Garalt grabbed the shoulders of the guard.
    "Aye, Sir, it's the talk of all Ikros, you two are heroes."
    "Wonderful news!" Kullvox clapped his hands together, "Where has His Majesty gone so that we may join him?"
    "The Queen expected you to want to go, she left orders for you to see her first before you set out."
    "Very well then, Garalt, friends, we go to Illana." Kullvox said, walking briskly into the city.  The other five followed closely.  As they walked through the city, what few Ikrosians still out of doors greeted the group with cheers and welcomes.  It brought a smile to all of their faces.  However, none of them spoke on their way to the castle.  With the country now at all out war with Ethelred, there were more important things to do than idly chat, at least for the two knights of Ikros.

    As they approached the castle gates, the guards immediately opened up the gates for them.  They made their way into the castle and met with the head servant to the Queen in the thrown room.
    "We wish to speak with Her Majesty," Garalt informed the man.
    "Aye, she is expecting you," he replied.
    "That I am," Allamir said loudly, walking slowly into the room.  She was met by salutes and bows by all.  "My husband has gone out to attack Ethelred directly, no doubt you two are anxious to join him."
    "Yes, your Majesty," Garalt nodded.
    "I never had the opportunity to thank you two properly for protecting my daughter and myself."
    "We were only doing our sworn duty, Milady," Kullvox said.
    "Yes, well, I know it was at least more for our young Garalt, was it not Sir Knight?" Allamir raised an eyebrow at Garalt.  Garalt's eyes dropped to the floor.  He had no idea she knew how he felt about her daughter, but then again, how could she have not known?  Garalt slowly nodded to his Queen.  He lifted his eyes slowly to her face and noticed that the corner of her mouth was lifted in a small grin.
    "I... I..." Garalt stuttered, the Queen's smile grew larger.
    "Fear not Sir Knight, I bare no ill will for your feelings for my daughter.  Since you have joined our ranks I've seen a life in her that I have not seen in years."  Garalt looked over at his mentor only to see a large grin on his face.  Kullvox lifted his eyebrows quickly, showing his envy of the younger knight.
    "I have been nothing but honorable with her, your Majesty, I assure you." Garalt spoke nervously.
    "Oh, I know Sir Knight, do not worry." Allamir's smile was quite large now, "I trust you with my daughter, otherwise I would not have let her leave the castle the night before you left for Halcyon."  Garalt's draw dropped, how could she have known?  A thousand questions flew through his mind at once, and only after a few seconds did he remember to close his mouth.  The Queen chuckled softly.  "I am not as blind to my daughter's actions as my husband is."
    Garalt could feel his face growing brighter and brighter red as the conversation continued.
    "Methinks you are embarrassing the young knight, your Majesty," Kullvox smiled.
    "Yes, perhaps," the Queen smiled, "now, I have selected my two finest horses for you two to ride out on the morrow to meet with my husband.  All of our mounted knights have one with him to the border of Laquos, Durall spied Ethelred's camp near the shores of the Laquos river."
    "Aye, Milady.  We thank you for the horses, we shall do Ikros proud," Kullvox saluted.