Alric, standing in front of a fire as he read a letter, heard a knock. He turned to see Jack opening the door.
"The princess and Commander Matheson are here to see you, Highness," the caviler announced.
"Show them in, Jack," he replied.
"News from home?" asked Anna, as she spied the paper.
"Yes, from my brother, Alstan. It seems the queen has agreed with my decision regarding the Clan alliance."
"I'm happy for you, Alric," she said, "but I need to bring some disturbing facts to your attention."
"This sounds serious," he responded. "Shall we sit?"
"Of course," she agreed, taking a seat.
Alric sat down in the chair facing her while Gerald moved toward the fireplace to warm his hands. "There's quite a chill in the hall this morning," he commented.
"And likely to grow even chillier wi
