As Fawn looked out her chamber window watching the snow fall on the workers dragging the logs in for the winter's wood to heat Chalandor, she thought of the Yule time coming with a bit of bittersweet excitement.

She knew her father was in charge of the celebration but he was so weak. He had to declare an heir this year. His health was waning and she feared what would come.

She knew he worried about this, as he had no male heir. There were men from all of the kingdom coming to fight for the kingship. It was supposed to be a happy time of year, but her heart could not feel the happiness in knowing that her father may not survive the winter months.

A chickadee couple twittered happily over the seed and crumbs she had placed on the windowsill that morning and she smiled, trying to break away from the sadness that plagued her mind.

She turned away from the scene outside and walked toward the fireplace to stir the coals and placed another log on the fire. The flames leaped to life with the prodding. Fawn wondered at the element that could warm or devour a soul at any moment if it were not contained and directed. the magick within the flame was calling to her as she settled in the furs covering the chair next to the comfort of the hearth. It was calming to just enter into its warmth.

The flames mesmerized her. As she stared at the colors she suddenly started to see images. She felt the tug of vision edge its way into her mind.

KNOCK KNOCK...

"M'Lady, the delivery of Yule trees has arrived for the celebration" a young Priestess softly spoke through the door. This brought Fawn out of her almost meditative state into reality yet again. The Celebration must move forward.

"Have them set them up in the formation in the Courtyard, Thank you" Fawn called back, trying to straighten her thoughts.

If only she had married, maybe her mate would measure up to the task at hand…perhaps her Father's wishes of a male heir could be true. If only he could accept her as an heir to the Chalandor dynasty, maybe he could be more at peace with himself.

"Never mind this, there are preparations to make" she muttered to herself, and put on her outside furs to over-see the trees that had arrived for the Yule celebration.

The sight was indeed something to take ones breath away, Fawn thought as it did, Indeed, take hers. All thoughts of her father came rushing back to her in one cold breath. Than her tears started to fall.

Her thoughts shifted in a heartbeat back to the present. She took another breath of the cold wintry air and prepared for what had to come soon, in her heart she knew that the time of her fathers reign was coming to an end and some stranger could take over soon if her father decided so. Fawn thought again to herself that she wasn't about to let just anyone take her father’s place.

There was a yell from to courtyard that shook her out of her thoughts. She stared at the Iron gates and saw a legion of men, suited in the finest of armor, with their pages carrying their various coats of arms representing many kingdoms from afar as they waited for the gates of Chalandor to open.

Though they gave the impression of military engagement as Fawn look on at them, she knew the Yule festivities had invited them to Chalandor by invitation from her father.. It was not her place to meet them at the gate so she turned back toward the castle to prepare for her guests.

As she approached to enter the great halls, she could hear Sir Knyght in the courtyard as he rode up to the gates asking the men their intent and then inviting them in.

As Fawn hurried herself into the castle, she ignored the excitement. All around the sounds of the many hooves brought on thoughts of her father when he came home from one of his great hunts and all the joy the people showed their great Master for the bounty he had brought.

Fawn knew it was now her responsibility to make sure this Yule time flowed as smoothly as it did in the past. She was having such a hard time remembering all the details. But she wanted to make sure her father did not worry and would be proud of her. She would prove to him that she could carry on. She had an idea, "I should go to the library and read from the journals of the Ladies of the past. She knew there were journals that would let her see how they made celebration for the Yule season."

As she hustled through the grand halls that were filled with balsam, holly and berries, their scent filling the air, the atmosphere could not help but make you feel a little merry. Just as she was about to move into the library, there was a little voice, "ahh, excuse Miss".

Fawn turned towards the faint voice but there was not one to be seen, so she thought it must be my ears playing tricks. Then a bit louder, "Excuse Miss, may I be so bold to talk with you a moment?"

Fawn definitely heard that and she turned toward where she thought it was coming. There a beautiful wreath that hung on one of the pillars. There was a movement, so she approached very cautiously peering into the greenery, "where are�?who are�?show yourself."

Fawn stared. Then suddenly one of the berries moved aside and there stood little creature, half caterpillar/woman. Fawn, a little startled, jumped back, "OOOOh!" She put her hands over her mouth so not to startle anyone in the halls. She stopped looked again, "My what are you, and who are you?"

The little creature bowed graciously and Fawn could see the most breathtaking colors of the rainbow on her back, she was quite beautiful. "Sorry Miss, I did not mean to scare you, I was brought in by one of your workers and made to be part of this decoration. But when I saw your sadness, I felt maybe I could be of comfort. To your question - what am I, a simple being of the Ziazan Tamika clan, and I am called Seda."

The little creature brought a smile to Fawn, "Nice to meet you Seda, you seem like a wonderful being, but at the moment I am quite busy with preparation and feel a bit overwhelmed with all I need to do, and there's..." Fawn eyes dropped and welled.

Just then the halls became quite busy. Fawn looked up, to see the men from the gate making there way down the hall towards the great room, with their loud, thunderous voices laughing and swinging their swords around, Fawn felt offended and it was all she could do to not scold them for their disrespectful behavior.

Instead she started to step into the library, just as the door was about the shut behind her she heard her new little friend let out a scream. Fawn pushed the door open to see this little being falling to the stone floor, she ran towards her cupped her hands and caught her before she fell to her demise. There was a sigh of relief from both of them, then Fawn asked, "what happened?"

Fawn stood up and was about to place Seda back in the wreath. "Oh my Lady, one of the men swung his mighty blade and clipped the branch I was sitting on. Thank you, my Lady, you saved my life, I shall forever being indebted to you."

Just as Fawn was raising her hand toward the wreath, there was a tapped on her shoulder. She pulled her hand back behind her and turn abruptly to see who was so bold to touch her unannounced. There he stood. Her knight�?every time he came into her sights, her heart would flutter and she could not help but smile.

"Good day, Lady Fawn," Sir Knyght smiled back at her. " I wanted to tell you that I would handle the new guests, Do not worry about their needs." He put his hand to his heart and then towards her in salute, he bowed his head, and started off.

"Thank you, Knyght!" that was all she could get out to him as he hurried off toward the others.

Fawn almost forgot about her new friend when she felt the slight tickle in her palm. She brought her friend forward and looked into her tiny little face, "Hmm, I don't think living in the decorative vegetation is a safe place for such a little being. I think I shall keep you safe with me, if you don't mind, Seda."

Fawn felt a warmth fill her hand, Seda smiled and shook her head "oh yes, Thank you again, m�?Lady."

The little creature settles into her hand. "Here, Seda, I shall put you on my collar. Others will think you are a fine piece of jewelry, and you will be safe here," Fawn placed carefully onto her shoulder.

Now Fawn had to busy herself in the library she did not have much time and there was much she needed to know to make this Yule as beautiful as the many in the past.

In the library waiting to assist her was a older man. She knew he must have been as old as the oldest books there, Fawn never knew his real name, every just called him Tadhg. As soon as she sat, he brought three old dusty books, journals from the past. She giggle in amazement that he knew exactly why she was there. She smiled at him as he backed away to his books.

As she opened the first book the pages were so beautiful, filled with beautiful illustration that were drawn by the past woman of the castle as she started to read the illustration came alive. Fawn loved the library because it was like being with her ancestor every time she opened their journals.

She flipped through the pages till she found the entries for Yule, as she started to read she could see all the joy come alive on the pages. Seda too was finding amusement in historical celebration.

Fawn turned the page and was reading when suddenly there was a thunderous crash from behind her. The sound of steel meeting steel resounded with a screech, and there were loud voices suddenly in the hallway. Fawn was startled, and looked behind her with her mouth agape, wondering who would disturb such a peaceful setting. The tiny creature, which sat with her also, looked up. Curiosity and fear intermingled.

There, she saw a man dressed in the furs of the North, his under-armor just barely visible beneath his bear-like coat. He lay on his back with his blade drawn; a beautiful sword inlaid with gold and silver and bearing a crest of Nordic descent. His hair and beard were black, his body was strong and thick, and his eyes glittered with the intensity of a man offended. Above and over him stood a thin, tall individual dressed in nondescript black tunic, jerkin and trousers. The man was young, looking just a few years past the age of 20, and his sword was triangular and serrated on one edge. His face was shaved, his hair was long and brown as the color of fresh mud. The young man's eyes were fixated on a third individual... Less the individual, and more the blade which blocked his own from descending upon it's helpless would-be victim.

The blade was blackened and silver. In it's guard was a single shining sapphire, glittering with it's own Inner Light and casting a glimmer of blue which pulsed, as if it were a beating heart. Holding the blade, one handed, was Sir Knyght, his eyes fixated on the younger man.

Fawn stared, unable to pull her eyes away from the strange, soundless battle of power in the two men's eyes. She had never seen Sir Shaun look the way he did at that moment. He had blocked the younger man's blade from bringing bloodshed into the halls of Chalandor. There had been an argument that much was clear, but why? Fawn looked on.

The younger man spoke first. His accent was soft and carried with it an educated, gentlemanly accent. "You have stopped my blade in a contest of Honor....My business is not with you, but with this mongrel before us. He has insulted me, and I will have my satisfaction... Do you deny me this?"

Knyght continued to stare into the young man's eyes without a word. His eyes were hardened. Fawn had never seen this before. She felt as if Knyght had simply forgotten anyone else was near...

He was focused on this young man.

Finally, "There will be no bloodshed on these grounds, or anywhere within the halls and lands of Chalandor during this time of celebration!"

At that moment, Knyght twisted his wrist with a flourish and knocked the young man's blade aside and down, away from the both of them, "You may settle your quarrel once you leave here, if it means that much to you. Now be gone - Both of you."

The younger man continued to stare for a moment, and watched the older, bearded man rise and bow to the defender of Chalandor's halls, obviously respecting their Knight's wishes. The younger did not repeat his gesture, but simply watched as his adversary turned and walked away. Knyght continued to watch as well, his blade held by his side. He did not return it to its scabbard until the young man had, too, walked away, and resheathing his blade as he went.

Fawn watched as Chalandor's KnyghtSkye sighed with the release of a man as taut as whipcord. She saw the muscles in his neck and shoulders flex, and saw the way he stood. He had been prepared for battle.

She watched as Chalandor's KnyghtSkye turned and retreated down the hall toward the Grand Hall. No doubt, she thought, to report the occurrence to the Coven Elders. Fawn shook her head, turned, and looked down at her book. She had turned three pages before she realized she hadn't read a word...

All she could do was think of how Sir Shaun had looked, ready for battle.

Seda the Caterpillar did not seem at all phased.

Knyght felt a bit pleased with himself as he disappeared down the hallway to be alone for a moment. An old memory came to his mind as he thought of what just happened. He remembered the same look of determined valor in another young man…when he was but nine years old. That was the Prince of Chalandor - his friend and one he looked to with pride so many times. He remembered the king’s son and how he fought until he could no longer stand, for the honor of his mother. He fought through tears of a ruined and hopeless battle. He would never let that happen in Chalandor again.

The king had never forgiven himself for being gone to the battlefield when his own family was being slaughtered.

Shawn KnyghtSkye had always known his destiny. He vowed upon the Prince’s grave that he would always be the King’s champion. Knyght would never allow such horror to return to Chalandor. He would give his life if it need be. But not this day…this was a time to focus on happiness and celebration. What mixed feelings he had as he turned back toward the palace Great Hall.

As he gathered his composure, to keep order in the halls of Chalandor, he could hear the gathered men of the kingdom’s most Elite visiting about old times.

In the library, Fawn started relaxing, forgetting the encounter, now solved.

As she turned the pages in the old journals, new ideas started forming in her mind and a smile curled her lips in a mischievous way. She knew that the castle staff had already made things perfect for the most part. But it was her choice to do special things.

She decided that she would bring some fun to her father’s bedchamber. He was missing out on all the gaiety. It dawned on her that simple magick could make him better! The magick of Yule was her birthright. She carried the magick of Yule!

She saw, in the pages, how many times the ladies of Chalandor created the heart and soul of Yule. It was now passed to her. Ideas came to her, one after another. She closed the book in front of her and almost skipped out of the room. "It is time to spread some happiness."

She felt fresh inspiration as she sorted out the things coming to her mind and the little faery fluttered it’s iridescent wings to stay balanced as she danced down the corridor and pounced up the staircase toward the Solar. She had work to do.

A portly, middle aged woman entered the Solar. Her name was Mildred. She was the woman who had cared for Fawn since her birth. Mildred was happy to have a few hours to herself to work on the gift she was making for Fawn's birthday at Solstice. She had just thought about that bit of peace when she heard strange scurrying noises coming out of the room where the holiday decorations that needed repairs were stored. She put down her task and started to the next room investigate, when she heard a loud crash, she rushed in to see what was happening.

What she saw was a pile of overturned boxes and two feet waving in the air. She recognized those slippers....."Fawn Majyk! What in the name of.... Are you alright??"

Fawn giggled, "Oh I'm fine! I landed in the garlands! Could you give me a hand? I can't seem to get upright!"

"What on earth are you doing in here??" Mildred demanded to know as she yanked Fawn out of a box and straightened her dress for her.

"Oh," panted Fawn, combing her hair back in place with her fingers, "I was looking for some things to cheer Papa's chambers for Yule. Most everything else is already out in the Great Hall, and he's been so tired and sick. I really wanted to do something to help him get better."

Mildred smiled and said, "That is very thoughtful of you child...but wait... you aren't a child any longer now are you? You've grown up to be quite a Lady of the Manor haven't you?"

"I am trying I really am. Papa doesn't need to concern himself with being a host right now. I'm worried about him." Fawn's eyes began to well with tears.

Mildred knew how sick the King was, but this girl had been her priority since she emerged into the world, so she held her and told her, "Now don't you fret, It's Yuletide! You have the magick of Yule in you! It's the time of hope and rejoicing! All will be as it was meant to be and if anyone can bring a smile to your Father's lips, you can! Now, let's see what we can find here."

Fawn brushed away her tears and they both started sorting through the array of decorations.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Knyght was patrolling the halls weaving in and out of corridors to make sure an incident like before did not reoccur. So many people from nearby regions had come to the Yule festivities at Chalandor, not all of them friendly, but in the spirit of the season, met together here to celebrate the Solstice.

Chalandor's reputation as a haven of Peace made it neutral ground and Knyght was going to make sure it stayed that way.

It was nearly dinnertime and his stomach let him know it. He was concerned because many of the guests had made ample use of the contents of the bottlery, so he decided to go to the kitchens to see how soon they would be ready to serve. That and he thought he might snag something to snack on if Agnes, the chief Cook, wasn't guarding it too well.

He entered the kitchens and nearly swooned from the wonderful aromas of savory meats and sauces. a basket full of fresh baked rolls was sitting on the end of a table. Lost in the euphoria the scents provided he reached for one, and suddenly felt a sharp smack on the back of his hand.

He looked up and there was Agnes wagging a wooden spoon at him.

"I hope you make a better Defender than a thief!"

Knyght blushed and rubbed his hand then shrugged his shoulders and said," But Agnes, my sweet, how could any man resist the talents of one such as you????"

"PAH!" said Agnes as she shook her head which wagged her ample double chin.

"Better for you to use your ears then your tongue tonight boy, word in the scullery is there is trouble afoot with them folk out there, now off with you!" She brandished her wooden spoon like a weapon of mass destruction and Knyght hustled off toward the Scullery.

Just as he was about to enter the door a young lad, about 13, Ehren, Agnes's youngest son came out of it in a hurry and nearly ran right into Knyght's breastplate.

"Whoa Lad! Is there a fire in the Scullery?" Knyght looked over the boy's shoulder into the room that clattered with dishes and cutlery, flagons and chalices and the chatter of gossip like a pen full of geese.

"Oh Sir Knyght! ..No,No! Nothing like that.. Sir Knyght," the boy gasped for air as if he'd been running, "I am so glad to see you! I was just coming to find you! There something very wrong going on with the guests!"

"What is it, boy?"

"Well, Sir, you remember that haughty fellow who was arguing with the barbarian?"

Knyght scowled slightly, "Yes, I do."

"Well him and some of his companions were talking, I overheard them while I was collecting used chalices...to bring in for washing... anyway.. some of the things they were saying are very worrisome Sir."

Knyght's scowl drew his eyebrows down further, "What kinds of things were they saying son?"

"Things like wondering where the King was, and why hadn't he come down...some wondered if he was sick or dying, one even thought the King might be dead!" the boy said, obviously agitated and wringing his hands. "They also said things like if the old King were dead that without a son to rule, that Chalandor would be ripe for conquest!!! Oh Sir Knyght, Is the King alive?"

Knyght put a hand on the boy's shoulder and assured him the King was indeed alive. Relief swelled over the boys face. "Worry not son, all will be as it is meant to be." Knyght paused for a moment to think, and asked Ehren if he thought the haughty one noticed him listening to their conversation.

Ehren shook his head, "No Sir Knyght, people like them never notice folk like me, we are too far beneath their noses."

Knyght patted the boys shoulder, "Well that's good, because it's folks like you that trip up folks like them." and he winked as Ehren’s face broke out in a broad grin. "Great job Ehren, and one more thing.. it might be best to keep this just between you and me, OK?"

"Yes sir!"

The boy returned to the Scullery and Knyght decided it was a good time to mingle among the guests for a while. Then perhaps go check on the King.

Knyght started to make his way towards the King's Chambers. Walking down the well-decorated halls, pausing at some of the artwork on the walls, portraits, weapons, all decorated for the season with garlands and leaves. He was passing some of the house staff, and caught them murmuring about the state of the King, just like Ehren had said.

He passed one of the rooms filled with some of the King's closest men talking very loudly. He paused outside the door to listen for a moment. "…but. I do not care if it he did make it his deathbed edict, I can not, and will not, serve under this Gir! !" grumbled the man in the center of everyone.

They all were agreeing with him, adding in that Fawn should stay in the kitchen, care for the house, too delicate for real men's work, her job was to find a good man.

This was upsetting to Knyght, invoking some very strong feelings that he did not exactly understand yet. Shaking his head, he continued towards the King's chambers.

He could tell when he got closer, there was a scent in the air. Healing incense, pinewood in the fireplace, plasters with their scent that always reminded him of home. Nursemaids scuttled out of the room ahead of him and Knyght took pause to gather himself before entering.

He walked through the door and was shocked at what he saw. He expected the King to look like he was quite literally on death's door with the way people were talking. Except, he did not! He was sitting up in his bed, hot drink next to him, writing in a large book.

The King looked up for a moment, "Knyght! Wonderful blessed Knyght! Come closer" the King called, with a little cough in his voice.

Knyght approached the King's bed, seating himself on the chair next to it. He still could not believe his eyes. To those untrained, he did not look at all ill. "Sir, I do not understand, you do not look�?,

"Ill? I know, Knyght, but do not always believe your eyes" the King replied, "This is a time to celebrate and Rejoice, and I wish everyone here at Chalandor to do so, and not worry about me so. This old man still has a few tricks up his sleeve! …and a few sage wise ones who are more than willing to help." He winked, and leaned his head towards a door in the room that was closed, and was the source of some of the incense he could smell. "Now, Knyght, what brings you to the Castle, other than our festivities?"

Knyght took a moment. He wanted to tell the King what his own men were saying behind his back, what the staffs were saying, and what his own thoughts were on all of this.

"Sir, I have something a little troubling that you should be made aware of�?

The King listened to Knyght's recitations with the sort of calm control that had helped him to build a kingdom. Knyght explained the words passing from servant to servant, the troubling actions of the Castle's visitors, and Knyght's personal feelings on the matters. The King said nothing until Knyght began to speak of his worry at the king's health... To that, the King surprised him with a hearty laugh and a firm slap between his shoulder blades.

Knyght was immediately convinced that however sick the King may be, he had not been physically weakened in the slightest.

"My boy, my boy... If my kingdom were indeed in such dire straights, do you think I would be blind to such things? I hear the whispers with my own ears... Remember, I am as much a Man as I am a King."

Knyght smiled, and let out a soft laugh. He nodded, took a step away from his Lord's bed, and bowed. "Sire, I understand..."

The King smiled up at Chalandor's Guardian. "Knyght, my boy, this is only the beginning eve of our Celebration... We have not spoken in friendship for what seems like ages. Fetch a bottle of Agnes' finest Spirits and join me for a drink... We have some catching up to do, you and I."

Knyght was awestruck, but chuckled and bowed. "At once, Sire... I'll have one of the maids fetch it." The King smiled, nodding, fluffed his pillows, and invited Knyght to sit.

They spent the next few hours in raucous laughter, the color of their jokes and stories sending any maids that came near enough to hear fleeing in blushed embarrassment.

The King seemed to be gaining strength, until one looked deep into his eyes that showed signs of pain. An occasional wheeze reminded all in the room that the magick within the chamber needed refreshing with more eucalyptus potion steaming next to his bed.

The pendulum on the hall clock chimed four times and let the men know that the time of idle chatter was about to end. The king wanted to dress for the evening gathering so he noted this. He bid Knyght farewell as his daughter entered the room covered with piles of garland and holly and a smile that lit her father’s heart.

Papa…You are supposed to be resting! This was to be a surprise for you." Fawn dropped the decorations and went to her father’s side as she passed Shawn, bowing as he left the room.

She hugged her father and went to her task as she chattered about her plans for the Yule festivities coming in a few days. He hair was plaited in two long braids on either side of her head making her look like a child instead of the young lady she was becoming.

"Daughter, this old king needs to get ready to greet the guests tonight so I ask that you go ahead and depart for now so I may have time to meditate on my speech while I dress." M’aglyn smiled at his daughter and assured her all was fine against her objections. "Fawn, my daughter, you are not to show yourself this night. But wait until the celebration before the men of the other kingdoms set eyes on you. This is important to me so please do not argue with me as you usually do."

He kissed his daughter and sent her to her rooms to have her own dinner now being served there.

"I understand Papa, but I do not like having to be left out!" She was a bit irritated with the fact she could not go see the visitors but she did have something she needed to work on anyway.

She left with a bounce to keep the smile on her papa’s face and not let him feel her ire at being dismissed. She should be used to it, but she was becoming a woman and he needed to realize this. She has a plan forming in her mind to show not only the King, but all in the castle that she was no longer a little girl as they all see her as, but was the Princess of Chalandor …the Woman behind the King.

~13~

There was not much time so she needed to get busy this night. She now was glad she did not have to be a part of the men’s gathering at the feasting table.

Getting back to her chamber, she took a large jeweled chest from behind her bureau that she kept her most precious things in.

Gently she opened the hinged top to expose an inner drawer filled with jewels glistening to ornament a queen. In fact these were the adornments of her mother that had been secreted away into Fawn’s possession many years before.

She fingered each piece and picked up the crown jewels with embedded rubies and emeralds and placed them up to her neck as she stared at her reflection in the bureau mirror. A matching cuff and elegant earrings still lay in the white velvet casing. She smiled as she envisioned her plan and returned the necklace in it’s nesting place. Next to the crown that graced her mother’s head. She had never seen these things worn, but always imagined them …now it was her turn to wear the family jewels and this she planned to do.

She lifted the drawer casing out of the chest exposing the storage chamber below.

There in all it’s majesty was the crowning gown of the Yule Queen. It was a rich, deep green so soft to the touch. It was covered with fine diamonds that shown in the slightest light like the snow at first light.

It took Fawn’s breath away to see it again. She slowly lifted it out of it’s bed and put it up to her body. Yes…this was perfect. She would summon her seamstress right away as this must fit perfectly. She would show all those people who she was…who this WOMAN of Chalandor that most often was not even noticed.

This time…she would grace her father’s side and shine as none other had since her own mother. This coming Yule would dazzle even the most unaware! Tonight would pass without anyone except her finest dressmakers seeing her. By Yule they all would see a future Queen. The one who will emerge from the child they have not noticed, was being groomed and trained to wear the crown of the ages.

Fawn squealed with excitement and then stopped as she found a new elegance that she would start showing. Her new friend Seda fluttered around the room with the same excitement and knew that Fawn was going to make a big impression.

~*~*~*~

M’aglyn called for the priestess to come to him as he slipped into his dinner attire and stumbled slightly as his dizziness made him sit in his side chair next to the fireplace.

The nursemaid started toward him and he motioned her to do his bidding. She warily bowed and went to summon the high priestess of Chalandor to his side.

As he awaited his audience with Lady Ma’jyk, he heard the clock strike the half-hour. This, he knew, gave him only an hour more to ready himself to be at his best. …and The High Priestess would know just how to do this.

She had been preparing the Solstice Sabbat and just putting the finishing touches on her script.

"Yes?" she asked the girl, who looked worried.

The girl made a small curtsy, and said, "Milady, His Majesty requests your presence, he is not well."

"I see, Tell His Majesty I will be with him anon, where is he?"

"In his Solar Milady, preparing to go down to greet the guests for dinner."

"Thank you, I will come directly."

The maid scurried off to give the message to the King that Lady Majyk was on her way.

Lady Majyk, closed the door and went to her Cabinet and closed her eyes and reached out with her mind to find what she needed. After gathering a few items, she placed them in her basket and headed for the Royal Solar.

Along the way, she passed by Lady Qyzida’s chambers and knocked on her door. Lady Qyzida opened it and smiled. "It’s a little chilly for a picnic isn’t it?" she asked noticing the basket.

Lady Majyk shook her head, knowing her apprentice’s sense of humor. "We have work to do to help the King, come, I’ll tell you about it on the way."

Lady Qyzida grabbed her shawl and they stepped lively toward their task.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A distinguished looking man with white hair and a thin trim beard was leaning toward the ear of the young man standing next to him and whispered, "No one has seen the King in months, his chancellor keeps dodging a straight forth answer to my inquiries"

"Well, if he is still alive, watch him closely, look for any sign of weakness, If he is in as dire straights as we have reason to suspect, we can take this land with little effort, Pacifists are easy prey." Ehren heard as he passed behind man who had been whispered to, who wore a black tunic.

"Pacifist Chalandor may be, but they are also protectors and have powers from unseen sources, I do not think it will be as easy as you think." murmured the voice of an older woman, "My great grandmother had her eye on Chalandor at one time, and her whole army was swallowed in a mist and never seen again."

Ehren swallowed hard and prayed a silent prayer that Sir Knyght had gone to see the King and tell him what was happening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lady Majyk and Lady Qyzida were escorted into the Royal Solar by the King’s valet. "Your Majesty," he said as he bowed to the King, "may I present Lady Majyk, and Lady Qyzida."

"Thank you Byron, that will be all for now," the king sat a little straighter in his Chair, "My Ladies! Do come in, I need to ask you something."

"Yes My Lord, How may we serve you?" Lady Majyk said as she made a small bow of the head. As High Priestess, Lady Majyk was on equal footing with the King in his eyes. They had been close friends since childhood.

"I suppose you are aware of the condition of my health," said the King pausing for a response.

Lady Majyk only nodded and sighed.

"Yes, well, This has come at a most unfortunate time. When the eyes of all the surrounding Kingdoms leaders are here to see the condition I am in, some with ulterior motives. I cannot allow them to see me in less than what seems to be perfect health, for Chalandor’s sake." Mag’Ln’s eyes seemed haunted. He recalled the last time someone tried to overtake Chalandor, he lost his beloved first wife, and his heir, his only son. "And for Fawn’s sake too." he added.

"We quite understand. Please relax and we will do all we can." said Lady Majyk as she passed her basket to Lady Qyzida.

The King sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. He listened as he heard the clinking of bottles and the soft footsteps around him, knowing that the two Priestesses of Chalandor would work their magick effectively.

Mag’Lyn had supreme trust in Majyk, She had saved his life dozens of times and was the kindest soul he ever knew. He’d forgotten how many times he had wished she were his blood sister. Her mother was his mother’s best friend, a High Priestess of Chalandor as well, and they played together as children. Majyk introduced him to his first wife, delivered his son, and was there with his wife and son when they passed beyond the veil days after being brutalized by the enemy, making their passage as peaceful and painless as possible.

He felt a comforting warmth as the Priestesses worked their Magick and felt his pain shed away like water. The scents that filled his nostrils brought memories of warm summer nights and walks in the moonlight with his darling wife as a young man filled with strength and vigor.

He felt the years withdraw from him and in his mind’s eye he was in his prime, a commanding figure and guardian of peace.

Finally after what seemed like a full night’s restful sleep, he felt a hand on his arm, and heard Lady Majyk’s voice say, "Mag’Lyn, it is done."

He slowly opened his eyes and took a deep breath. He wasn’t coughing! This had been the first time in months he could breathe that deeply without having coughing spasms! He smiled.

"You know I wish I could make this permanent, but the damage is just too extensive." Lady Majyk said with kind concern, " However, it should last for the next few days, until after Yule."

"Thank you dear friend," as he patted her hand, "That will have to do. And thank you Lady Qyzida for your kind talents, you both have my undying appreciation."

Lady Majyk bowed her head and winked at him as she turned to go, Lady Qyzida bowed more deeply and followed Lady Majyk out of the Solar.

Mag’Lyn got up and walked over to the mirror. He was pleased he felt no trembling or dizziness. What he saw in the mirror took his breath away. Before him stood the man he had been 20 years ago. Even his gray hair had vanished!

"Byron!" he called out. His valet came running in, when he saw the King he was stunned and gasped in amazement.

" I believe it’s time to join our guests." Mag’Lyn said as he smiled dashingly at his reflection and straightened his westcott.

Meanwhile, in the King’s bedchambers, Lady Majyk and Lady Qyzida were feverishly working to keep the king alive. So much so the clamor of concerned members of the household and guests being kept at bay by the King’s loyal servants was muffled to their ears.

The spell they had cast on him before the debacle was waning quickly. His rejuvenated state had been all that had made it possible to survive the attack.

Finally Lady Majyk looked deep into Lady Qyzida’s eyes and Qyzida knew what she meant. She turned and whispered to Byron, "Quickly, bring The High Chancellor, and then Princess Fawn."

Byron’s face drained of color. "Now man! Step to it!" Qyzida said with an authority that brought him to his senses.

Qyzida the turned to the Captain of the house Guard. "Get these people back down stairs, there is nothing they can do here, and the King needs to rest. Show in the Chancellor and Princess in when they arrive."

"Yes your Ladyship, right away."

The crowd faded back down the hallway and quiet blanketed the room. Knyght was the last one heading out the door. But M'aglyn stretched out his hand toward him and cried out, "No... No Knyght, my boy, please, stay."

Knyght turned and looked at him and nodded and closed the door.

The King looked at Lady Majyk and smiled weakly. She smiled back as she fought back the welling of tears in her eyes, and squeezed his hand.

"All will be well old friend," said Lady Majyk as she brushed M’aglyn’s hair from his forehead.

"All will be as it was meant to be." they said together.

The captain of the guard announced the High Chancellor had arrived.

"Show him in." said Lady Qyzida.

As The High Chancellor entered he saw Knyght standing guard at the foot of the King’s bed, and the room surprisingly in order. He had expected bedlam, blood and body parts. "Your Majesty..." he said with a bow.

The king motioned him to come near.

"Chancellor," he said, " As you know, I had plans to name an heir to the throne this evening, but it seems circumstances have altered my schedule. So I must count on you to make the announcement for me."

"By all means your Majesty, surely this can wait until you are healed. Which by all appearances, should be quite soon."

"On the contrary, I have made my decision and I want it known and implemented as soon as possible." said the king.

The Chancellor’s eyes widened as he saw the spell that had rejuvenated the king before dinner suddenly fade away before him. He looked at Lady Majyk and she shook her head ever so slightly to let him know that King M'aglyn would not live much longer. He looked at Knyght, whose pained eyes had a look of being a thousand miles away lost in his own thoughts. And at Lady Qyzida, who nodded to affirm Lady Majyk’s consensus and bowed her head.

"Your Majesty, the Council must have time to convene and groom whoever is to assume the throne, you must hold on!"

"The person I have chosen has already been prepared. I didn’t realize how prepared until this evening, but now that I do know that person is ready, I expect your full support in this matter. Is that clear?"

"Yes your Majesty, it will be as you say." the Chancellor bowed his head and looked out of the corner of his eyes at Knyght, suspecting the King had chosen him.

The Captain of the Guard announced the arrival of Princess Fawn.

As she entered the room wrapped in the same air of royal dignity which she had maintained downstairs which still enveloped her.

"Behold, the Queen of Chalandor" said the King softly, beaming with pride.

The High Chancellor and Knyght both stood in stunned silence. As the words the King uttered where heard, Knyght’s eyes beheld her as such, and knew it was true, and he knelt, bowing his head. The High Chancellor however, was shocked.

"But your majesty!" he protested, "How can you do this! She’s only a child! A girl! I thought surely you would have chosen a more suitable candidate!"

Lady Majyk and Lady Qyzida both raised an eyebrow and Knyght lifted his head to glare with reproach at the Chancellor and he shrank back. He bowed his head and muttered," As you say My Lord."

Fawn had not heard her father’s declaration, her ears were roaring inside with the effort to control her emotions. "Father, I have come. How may I serve you?" she asked, barely able to keep herself from running to his bedside.

"Fawn," Ma'glyn said as he lifted his hand toward her. She crossed the room and took it in hers and caressed it with her cheek. Tears she had kept in check until now, burst and spilled over her face.

"Now, now," comforted the King, " tonight is a night for happiness my child, you have made me so proud. You have grown to be such a beautiful and blessed woman. Someone I know I can entrust with a great responsibility."

Fawn paused in her sorrow and worry to listen more carefully, while in a stew of conflicting feelings.

"Father?"

M’aglyn motioned to Knyght to hand him his scepter from the cabinet on the wall and said, "You showed me tonight, with your courage and strength, all that I have overlooked for sometime, and I know I am placing the future in the right hands." As he gently wrapped Fawn’s fingers around the handle of his scepter.

As he did so a glow from above surrounded them both. "Listen well to Lady Majyk, she will be your guide, and depend on Sir KnyghtSkye. He will be your Champion and Defender, and perhaps one day, when the time is right, something even more. Be wary of politicians, and those who would try to manipulate you. Trust in the Lady and the Lord, and know I am always in your heart."

The glow around them seemed to shift toward Fawn. And the jewel at the top of the scepter sparkled as she held it tighter. She looked down at it in stunned and painful awe.

She would rather have her father alive and well than any of the riches and power anyone could bestow upon her.

She felt his fingers around her hands go limp, and she looked up into his face. He wasn’t there. Only the shell he had inhabited remained.

Fawn held the scepter close to her heart with one hand, she cradled her father’s hand in the other and slowly leaned down to kiss his forehead. Then laid her head on his chest and wept.

Time seemed to stop as the Chancellor, Lady Majyk, Lady Qyzida and Knyght bowed their heads and silently bid farewell to King. The only sound heard was that of Fawn’s grief.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Solstice had come. The longest night had passed and the sun dared to lightened the eastern sky.

Standing at the window in her chambers Fawn whispered, "How can the sun shine without him?"

Lady Majyk came to her and comforted Fawn with a gentle hug and said, "To give you the strength to do what your father wished. He is there, with the sun, to shine for you, dear one."

The first beams of sunlight peeked over the mountains and illuminated Fawn’s tear streaked face, She closed her eyes and heard her father’s last words once more inside her mind.

She inhaled a shuddering breath and held it for a moment and let the light warm her face.

The sun’s light suddenly refracted on the jewel of the scepter her father had given her that she had placed on the table next to her bed, and a burst of rainbows freckling her entire chambers, filling it with a glowing light.

To Fawn this seemed like a confirmation of Lady Majyk’s words. Her father had always known how she loved rainbows.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Downstairs the staff prepared for breakfast and the smells of sausage and coffee and cinnamon baked bread filled the halls. There had not been an announcement of the King’s passing, and all moved and spoke in respectful and subdued tones.

Guests were waking and preparing for meeting in the Great Hall.

The Chancellor and the Council had been up all night discussing the events in the King’s chamber.

Knyght stood out on a hill east of Chalandor staring at the sunrise. The wind whipped his cloak, but he couldn’t feel it. He could only feel the heartache of saying goodbye to a man he had devoted himself to a man he loved and respected as a father.

As the sun’s rays ascended over the horizon, he knelt and made the most fervent heartfelt promise, that to his last breath he would serve and protect the Queen and her realm.

The warmth of the sun on his bowed head was as a blessing from not only the king, but the Lord as well and he was filled to overflowing with that blessing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The bells in the tower tolled waking Knyght from his reverie. He rose and mounted his horse to return to the castle.

As he entered the Great Hall, he saw it was filled with people sitting quietly at their tables. Breakfast had not yet been served. The table on the dias as filled as well save for the seats of the Council and the center seat....the one reserved for the Ruler of Chalandor. Seeing all was calm, he turned and remained outside the side of the Hall to Guard the entryway as that was his place as Defender of the Realm.

As an official assembly approached the entry to the Hall, Knyght nodded to the High Chancellor and let them pass.

All was silent as the High Chancellor and the Council entered from the rear of the Hall dressed in all their official raiments in single file up the center aisle. They reached the front of the Dias and split off to either side leaving the High Chancellor in the middle and turned to face the visitors and guests.

It seemed that everyone held their breath as the High Chancellor began to speak.

"Blessed Yule to all those here and abroad, May the Divine shine Light on all who seek Their wisdom."

The Chancellor paused for a moment and unrolled a scroll to read aloud. "It is with great sadness I must announce that our Majesty King M’aglyn has left us this night to venture into the Otherworld to Serve the Goddess."

Several gasps, and muttering of "Oh, no!" and "Dear Goddess!" and cries littered the Hall. A crash of broken dishes was heard beyond the doors leading to the kitchen.

The Chancellor raised his hand to quell the crowd.

"His Majesty departed this realm with one last command."

The room fell silent once more with the exception of a few sniffles here and there.

He straightened his parchment scroll and read in his most official voice, "The heir to the Realm of Chalandor shall be one that has had the magick and wisdom of the ages bred and born into them. One that will practice the will of the Lord and Lady of the Universe to lead Chalandor into the uncertain days ahead with grace and strength and wisdom. I, King M’aglyn of Chalandor, declare now and henceforth by Royal Decree that all within the sound of my words and those who will hear of them after, to swear and pay due fealty and honor to my Royal Heir......" he paused and looked up at the crowd who was poised on the edge of their seats in anticipation.

"Her Royal Highness, Queen Fawn Majyk of Chalandor. The King is dead, Long live the Queen."

There was absolute silence.

The sound of boot steps at the head of the staircase seemed to snap the crowd to remember to breathe again, and everyone stood and turned to look in one mass movement.

There stood Sir KnyghtSkye eyeing the crowd to see if there would be any sign of trouble, for he knew some might protest, but no one moved or spoke.

Trumpeters proceed to either side of the stairs and lifted their instruments to their lips and raise their horns to the ceiling, sounding out the heraldry of the Ruler of Chalandor.

Knyght led the procession down the stairs with the house guards on either side. After all were in place lining the aisle to the dias, Fawn appeared at the head of the staircase.

Her presentation the night before paled in comparison to her appearance now. She was the embodiment of all the dignity and authority a Queen could radiate.

As Knyght watched her walk down toward him the thought that only the Goddess herself could compete with her Royal Highness in beauty or regal authority.

Her dress of rich forest green velvet with white satin, accented with holly made her seem stately and as eternal as evergreen. The Royal Crown gracing her head sparkled in the morning light filtering through the windows and created a glowing aura around her.

Only those who had witnessed the hours she had spent in wretched pain and grief the night before noticed the slightly swelling or the tint of red around her eyes.

As she approached the dias, Sir Knyght, the High Chancellor and all the council members knelt on one knee and bowed their heads.

She gently tapped Knyght’s shoulder with her scepter and said, " Rise, faithful servants of the Realm."

All rose and bowed as Knyght offered her his arm to escort her to the center seat of the table on the dias.

She stood in front of her chair and looked out upon all those still standing staring at her in awe.

She smiled, raised her arms toward them all as if she were embracing each one and said, "Blessed Yule. May this season of hope and new beginnings bring hope and endurance to all that seek the wisdom of the Goddess. Blessed Be."

In unison the crowd responded, "Blessed Be".

As Fawn looked up through the stained glass pentacle window high above the entryway at the rising sun, she could have sworn she saw her father’s face smiling down at her.