The following morning Jamie takes Katrina down towards the city, as she is intent on having more clothing suitable for the climate and the beach. Alex whispers something to the guards as they leave, resulting in a couple of his men following the pair about their business. There’s no doubt that Jamie can take care of himself, but they need to consider the safety of a guest who isn’t used to such freedom.

Alex and Markus find themselves a comfortable spot in the gardens, suitably shaded from the heat of the sun and away from the bustle of a seemingly busy embassy office. Shara follows them out, sitting comfortable beside Alex’s chair and allowing his ears to be scratched idly. The first of the summer shrubs are just beginning to bloom, loading the air with a heavy yet pleasant range of scents and delightful pale colours.

“Do you think you may be the next king?” Alex asks after a long silence.

“Most probably. The king’s first wife never showed even the slightest sign of getting pregnant. It’s probably my uncle who has a problem. Being unable to have children is more common than many believe.”

“Not something I’ve ever really considered,” Alex admits. “I never expected to be a father and it doesn’t bother me. Not that I dislike children – far from it, in fact – but the thought of a woman. Augh!”

“And Jamie?”

“Well, I think he feels the same about the mechanics of the process, but he’s possibly more inclined than I am to consider adoption. I’m prepared to be led by him in these matters. Whatever brings him happiness will make me happy too.”

“I’m sure you would make a great parent – both of you in fact. For Katrina and myself it is more or less expected, but we’re looking forward to the possibility.”

“And the possibility of being king?”

“No, if I’m honest, not looking forward to that quite as much at all. I actually work hard enough already. My uncle is a realist. He’s prepared for the possibility that I might succeed him and his training regimen is time consuming and tiring.”

“Well, however much I might dislike the man on a personal level, I have to confess that he does seem to do a pretty good job of running his kingdom,” Alex admits reluctantly. “We’re lucky that Jamie shouldn’t have to take such a responsibility. Tabitha’s pregnancy seems to be progressing well. I’m sure Taneria will soon have another generation in line to the throne.”

“Then you will have a niece or nephew to fawn over.”

“And I’m sure we will do just that,” Alex admits with a smile.

“What of your present work? Much of the continent seems to now be at peace. Do you still seek new adventure?”

“Well, it was never what I became a guard to do, but the travel throughout the continent was an inevitable part of that occupation. I’d be lying to myself if I said that I didn’t miss that life. Let us just say that we remain open to the possibility of future travels.”

“Fair enough. The Flame of the West isn’t the only great treasure of this world.”

“No, Markus, no!” Alex exclaims. “Don’t even suggest such a thing. I’m well aware of the other jewels and the potential power that they grant, but that’s really not on the agenda. Everyone seems to labour under the same incorrect assumption. People assume that either Jamie or myself wanted this power. We didn’t.”

“Yet you have both taken to your new-found powers and the position that goes with it?”

“Fundamentally, that’s just a consequence of the Flame itself. The whole thing about having to be a ‘worthy’ recipient seems to be quite genuine. Jamie is a very naturally honest and good person, as he needed to be to take the jewel and live.”

“Yet, there’s no such restriction on either of you now.”

“No. The Flame seems to give the power to those who will wield it reasonably. Doing so for me was clearly a mistake. I immediately did terrible violence with it. Some of it might have been justified, but it was terrible to a degree that few have ever witnessed.”

“I’m no expert on magic,” Markus says after some thought. “What I would say is that you seem to be aware of the potential for abuse of your power and that alone is probably enough to ensure that you’ll never do anything to take advantage with it.”

“Perhaps, but I do feel the weight of responsibility to ensure that neither Jamie or myself overstep the mark. Of course, I don’t know where that mark is in relation to anything that we do.”

At the sound of a sudden commotion, Alex looks around to see Jack walking very briskly out of the residence looking slightly concerned. “Sorry to bother you, my lord,” Jack begins very formally. “There are people at the gate. A substantial delegation from the city of Mekalla, or so they say.”

“We were not expecting anyone, were we?” Alex asks with a glance and a shrug to Markus.

“No, sir. The gentleman who seems to be in charge did apologise for the interruption, but insists that he must see the ambassadors.”

Alex closes his eyes for a moment, scanning outward around the embassy and the surrounding area until he spots Jamie and Katrina. They are walking slowly back towards the compound, weighed down with bags of clothing and trinkets. Even the guards are carrying packages.

“Give my complements to them, then. Tell them we will be with them in a few minutes. Jamie is only a couple of minutes away. Have someone intercept him at the gate and bring him round the side. He will need to change as well before we meet whoever they are.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Mekalla?” Markus asks as Jack rushes off to do his job. “I wasn’t aware that anyone had actual diplomatic contact with the other continents.”

“Honestly, Markus, neither was I. Please stay out here and relax. I’ll see what they want and send them on their way. Will you and Katrina be able to entertain yourselves for a short while?”

“Of course. Go and work, my friend. I’m sure Katrina has much shopping to show me in any case. You’ll tell me what this is all about later, perhaps?”

“Of course, my friend,” Alex agrees readily as he stands and follows Jack inside.