Prologue

Mist drifting across the surface of the dark green water, two black swans drifting smoothly in and out of view from where she stood on the river bank, the small smooth stones sliding beneath her boots.
A breeze blowing off the river swept Morrigan's long blonde hair across her face as she looked out across the water. Long shadows were slowly giving way to the first rays of day as the sun begins it's assent into the sky.
The sounds of footsteps shifting the rocks behind her tell her that her husband was joining her, she could always tell when he was near. His strong arms wrap around her waist pulling her back against him making her giggle.
"You're awake early." Riel observes, his beard tickling her ear as he speaks.
He is correct; she was rarely up this early and never out of bed. She wasn't sure why but she was restless; her body needed to move, the letter had set her nerves on end.
She brushes her hair out of her face and leans her head against his chest looking up at him, his brown eyes searching her blue ones.
"What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?" he asks and kisses her forehead.
"Worried about leaving I guess. But I have you so everything is going to be okay."
King Aeramon, the ruler of Demon and Morrigan's father, had received word of a quickly advancing army that had been laying waste to many of the surrounding island kingdoms so he'd called council to decide what was to be done. She'd sat in on her father's council many times, he'd given her an advisor seat ten years ago but this time was different. It wasn't one of her cousins or other lordlings wanting to take over, they knew nothing of this enemy, she couldn't just talk and reason with them.
She also knew her father would insist she move back to the capital with him. She liked living out here in the middle of nowhere with her small village. They didn't treat her like she was the next queen of Demon, she was just 'momma'. Of course that was just a running joke, she wasn't old enough to be their mother and has no kids of her own.
"Come on. We have to leave soon to make it to the council meeting on time."
The little village by the river was home to roughly 100 people, mainly families. There are two road to get to the village that cut through the mountains at surround the village on all sides. The river connects to the ocean on both ends though any passersby on the coast would not know they were there unless they knew to look and even then it was tricky.
The castle ruins further up the mountain behind their village were fairly well known but were said to be haunted and the forest plagued by monsters so no one ventured to them unless they had to. Even most of the villagers wouldn't go past the city walls and those that did, didn't go far.
Their little town was coming alive as they made their way up the path to the road. The scent of baking bread as they pass the bakers makes Morrigan's stomach growl and for the first time she notices how hungry she is. Everyone they pass waves and gives a good morning and again she dreads leaving. They were leaving as soon as they ate and had the town meeting though she knew her town would have very few problems with her gone.
A group of children run past as the pair reach the road heading for the river, a couple dire wolf pups in tow. Orphaned animals wondered in from time to time and a family would take them in. Everyone assumed it was part of the ruins legend. She couldn't confirm or deny it, just enjoyed seeing them living together. That wouldn't be the case in Tregaron, not that she'd have much time to take in the sights most likely.
She had a couple places she had to visit, like her mother's garden and she'd have to go see Stone the blacksmith, he always had some nice blades for her when the council was called. Her female cousins preferred visiting the Jewelers and though the woman was nice enough she'd never been too fond of looking like a lady in dresses and jewels. Even as a child she was more likely to be found sparing with the squires in the yard than up in her chamber learning how to sow pretty things.
"You've disappeared again." Riel says tugging on her hand lightly as they walk. The touch of his hand on hers sending her heart racing filling her with a scenes of total adoration for her.
"I'm sorry my love." She says squeezing his hand back looking up at him, he smiles back at her.
"Don't you ever leave me for too long, you might decide not to come back." he leans down and kisses her softly.
"I'll always come back. Nothing could keep me away from my home." she lays her hand over his heart, "Home."

The town hall was full, all the adults had shown up so it wouldn't be a long meeting, the others had things they had to do and Morrigan and Riel had to get on the road to Tregaron. They'd decided to take the eastern road out and meet up with Thunder from Daemondale in the Grim Forest and travel together but if they took too long here Thunder would leave without them she knew. Riel wasn't fond of the man as a whole but he'd always been good to Morrigan even if they'd had some rather vocal disagreements in the past, one of the few outside of her own town she considered a true friend.
"So everyone knows, I do not know how long we will be gone but I will send ravens to Phil as we know more." Morrigan says from her seat by the cold hearth.
"Can you tell us about the war party that's coming?" Darkness asks.
Darkness and her family were recent additions to the village, they'd come along with four other families from a village further east into the Fell Mountains and Grim Forest from where they are who's lord had just up and vanished one night. Morrigan had been up at Frostford by invitation of Lord and Lady Stidolph when their group had shown up.
Frostford is the highest city in all of Demon situated on the tallest peak of the Fell Mountains. No matter the time of year there was likely to be a good bit of snow on the ground. Frostford despite being high in the mountains was also home to large hot springs named Dragon Springs. Even with the springs tho most found the area inhospitable for extended amounts of time unless they lived there. By the time Darkness's group had reached the city they were near frozen to the bone. They'd left out with Morrigan the next day and had fit right in with her band of misfits.
"I can tell you what I know which isn't much right now. As you know the islands south and east of us have been raided and all but burned to the ground. The few who keeps our scouts can see from the open ocean are now flying a dark crimson banner with a black panther on it. At last report the enemy ships were sailing straight for us. Demon is larger than the other islands and has a better army so if it comes to a fight I think we have a fair chance. I'm hoping it doesn't come to a battle."
"How will we know? If Tregaron falls the rest of Demon will have no warning."
"If Tregaron falls the Raven's Tower will be the last to be secured and they will have time to send out ravens. Just be on guard, don't keep the gatehouses open if it will make you feel safer and make sure the towers are manned round the clock. As I get more information I will find a way to pass it to you."
"We trust you. Just come home soon." Phil says, "Both of you."
Phil had never particularly liked her husband. Phil had grown up in the capital with her, a son of one of her father's advisors and Riel had grown up in Aramoor north of the capital where most of the capital guardsmen were trained. They were more of an act first ask questions later group and Riel was much the same. Most considered him an asshole, she knew he is an asshole but he'd always been good to her and he made her happy. She seemed to balance him out too, wasn't as much of an asshole anymore now that they'd gone off on their own away from the capital and asshole or not he was a good hunter and fighter.
"We will. Are there any other questions?"
"Are we still going to take in travelers while you're away?" asks Kaiju, another who had been with Darkness in the mountains.
"Yes, you all know all are welcome here but they must understand how we do things. There's plenty of room here still. Darkness, would you like to take over that task for me, find out where they're from, names, ages and write it in my book?"
"I would be honored." Darkness replies beaming.
"I have known Phil since we were babes in the capital, it is you I will trust to act as Lord while I am away if you'll agree. I trust you to represent me and my ways as I would myself." I say handing him a scroll sealed with my stamp, "Should you have need to act outside our walls this states what I've said and will hold even at the capital and my father."
"You know I will; would be my honor."
"Possum, you will lead the hunters in my husband's absence. The first snow should fall soon so fill our stores in case it's a hard winter."
"Yes my lady."
"Kai, you will continue to train everyone and be in charge of the cities defenses. Riel and I agree that you have proven yourself ready for the task."
"Thank you." he says, bowing his head to each of us.
"Everyone else continue as you always have. With any luck we will be back home before the snows are too deep. Are there any questions before we ride out?"
"I propose a toast." Smoke says patting the barrel of wine beside him.
Smoke is a funny man but makes a fine mead and any other kind of wine you can think of, and probably a few you'd never think of for that matter. We had met him and his large family on our way when we were first coming here to set up. Our party had easily doubled when they decided to join them.
She smiles at the man and nodes, "Of course you would suggest drinking." she says laughing and everyone joins in.
His daughters bring trays around to everyone giving everyone a cup of light pink liquid. When everyone has a cup he clears his throat and raises his cup.
"May your journey be quick and boring and return to us soon." Everyone raises their cups and repeats his words before downing their drink.
"After all, Phil is pretty enough but not near as fair as you Captain. I'll keep him out of your dresses as long as I can." he adds making everyone laugh.
"Aye but who's gonna keep you out of them Smoke?" Phil quips back adding to the laughter.
Morrigan loved her people, and these were her people. They were here because they wanted to be, they believed in her...trusted her. She would do everything in her power to keep them safe no matter what happened. She would get back to them no matter the cost.
"If that is all..." she says waiting a few moments to see if anyone else voices any concerns or questions. When no one says anything she finishes. "Thank you for your time and continued effort while we are away. Never betray family."
"Never betray family." The others echoes.