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.Such events forge deep bonds.I am notsuch a fool as to ignore the promptings of the ancestors.Therefore, I herename with all of you as my witnesses, Sapphire Shield the crown princess ofHawk Haven! Now, clearly, was a time for cheering and none attempted to restrain thethunderous applause that arose as Duke Allister led forward his son and hisdaughter-in-law-to-be.As the young couple stepped decorously forward toreceive the acclaim of those who would someday be their subjects, theyclasped hands tightly.Firekeeper was pleased to note that this was not mereform.From her elevated perch she could clearly see that the knuckles on bothhands were white from the tightness of that grasp.When the shouts and cheers faded to a happy murmur, King Tedriccontinued, My voice is old and weak.Therefore, I ask my nephew, AllisterSeagleam, to continue explaining the terms of peace. Allister stepped next to the woman he had deposed and offered her a deepbow.Queen Gustin IV, soon to be Queen Valora of the Isles, was graciousenough, but the tight lines around mouth and eyes could not be smoothedaway by mere intention.Allister held up his hand for silence.When he spoke, his strong voiceseemed emblematic of the promise of the new days to follow. My good people, tomorrow morning I shall depart for Silver WhaleCove, the capital of Bright Bay.There, with the full agreement of thesenobles and the families they represent& Here he paused to gesture at thegathered representatives of Bright Bay s five Great Houses. I shall becrowned king of Bright Bay.However, I will not be made King Gustin theFifth.The name Gustin shall be allowed to rest.Nor shall I be King AllisterSeagleam.Instead, the name I will take is King Allister of the Pledge, chosenas a reminder of what has brought us all to this point. My son and heir, Shad, and Crown Princess Sapphire will be marriedsoon after, also in Bright Bay.Thereafter, together, they will travel to HawkHaven and renew their vows before their new countrymen.When I pass on tothe ancestors, Shad and Sapphire will reunite the portions of our severedpeople.At that time, Bright Bay and Hawk Haven will cease to exist,becoming instead a new nation embracing the best of our peoples.Tocommemorate that change, a new name will be taken.Uncle Tedric has suggested we call our new country Bright Haven.What say you all? Firekeeper thought there could be no doubt of the people s approval.Inkeeping with the general festive atmosphere, even Blind Seer threw back hishead and howled enthusiastically. I want you to know, Allister said, that this union of our kingdoms isnot contingent upon chance.If something takes Shad before me, Sapphireshall still follow me and reunification continue.The same is true if Sapphiredies suddenly.Shad is her heir, even as he is mine.The child of their bodieswill follow them either of them to the throne.Their lives will not be easyfor they must learn to govern wisely not one, but two peoples.Yet our dreamis that by the time Bright Haven is born the people of that nation will nolonger be two but one. I have spoken long enough.You gathered here have seen history made.The realm of the Isles is born.Bright Haven is conceived.Each one of you iswitness to those births.Guard that responsibility as you would any newbornchild, knowing that you stand as ancestors to those great events.Blessings onyou all! As Duke Allister stepped back, Firekeeper joined in the new wave ofacclaim, a thunder of cheering and shouting that lasted until the noble partyhad retreated from the dais.As the joyful noise faded, the crowd surroundingthem began to break up, flowing about their little wolf-guarded group like astream parting around a rock.Looking down from her seat on Patience,Firekeeper saw that Derian was looking at her, a quizzical expression on hisface. You look awfully happy for someone who just learned she isn t going tobe queen, Derian said. I knew that I wouldn t be for a time, Firekeeper replied. I was gladthen and am gladder now because now Earl Kestrel won t look at me thathungry, hopeful way anymore. I wonder what he will do about you? Derian asked.Ox spoke up for his employer. Kestrel adopted her.The earl won t dumpher.He has too much pride of house for that. Valet nodded agreement. Firekeeper will never need search for a home.She has one in Kestrel. Firekeeper thought about this as the group returned to the Kestrel camp.On threat of Doc s wrath, she was immediately returned to a cot.The othersbegan breaking down the tents and storing the gear.Some of Hawk Haven s army Race among them would remain inBright Bay to make certain that Stonehold left as scheduled, but Earl Kestrelhad been released from his command to tend his other duties.Immediately,he had arranged for a suite of comfortable rooms at one of Hope s better inns.Valet was openly pleased. What if, Firekeeper asked the five men, I already have a home? Am Ito be Kestrel s prisoner? Derian looked embarrassed, Ox and Race puzzled, Doc carefully blank,but Valet understood and reassured her. You should have freedom to come and go, Valet said, his hands busystowing polished cookware. Even if you are still nearly a child by HawkHaven s standards, you have lived a very different life and Earl Kestrel willnot wish you to be unhappy.Tell me, do you intend to return to the wilds? Firekeeper shrugged. Winter is hard in the wolflands, but someday Iwould wish to see my pack, maybe in the spring.Then you found me; then Icould return. Forever? Derian s voice sounded oddly choked.He turned away andmade himself busy stacking some blankets. Forever? Firekeeper laughed. After I go to all such trouble to learnhuman ways! Of course I come back
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