“What were you and the teacher going on about all that time?” Kevis asked, as they made their way down the cobbled road toward their homes.

“Even if I told you, you wouldn't get it,” Markella answered.

He shot back a mocking grimace and a grin.

“There they go again, the little lovebirds and their spat!” Louppos called out.

“Shut it, Louppos!” Kevis threatened, grinding his teeth.

“Enough of that. We're friends. All of us. And as your friend, I'm telling you to watch what you say. What was that, in the classroom?” Markella asked, stopping short.

Louppos looked up at the sky. “Myth or not, I don't see why we're forbidden to even speak of it.”

“Because it's forbidden. That's reason enough,” said Markella, and walked on.

“He won't do it again, because I'll clout him,” said Kevis. They ambled on down the pine-shaded slope, talking over their plans for the next day, when there'd be no lessons. Before long they reached the crossroads that led to her house.

“Tomorrow, shall we go down to the square together?”

“Of course. I'll be waiting for you to come by,” Markella answered.

“And your mother? Will she miss the ceremony this year too?” Louppos asked.

“You know how it is. She's rather frail.” Markella's voice was barely audible. She knew her mother would never get to stand in the crowd and be proud of the daughter she'd raised.

It was the perfect excuse, whenever anyone asked why so beautiful a woman never came out into the light of the square, why she always kept her eyes lowered. Markella knew the true word. She simply never spoke it — not even inside her own head, as though someone might overhear it there too.

“A shame… Good evening, Markella!” said Louppos, and went on his way.

“See you in the morning, then!” said Kevis. Now that Louppos wasn't looking, he reached out shyly and took her hand. She smiled at him.

“I'll be waiting!” she said, and ran off toward the little two-story house among the trees.

She knew very well what Louppos's teasing meant. She knew what Kevis wanted. The son of an army officer — not a bad match. She herself wasn't sure yet. In any case, once she was at the Academy she wouldn't be able to see him.

Lost in these thoughts she reached her house. She pushed open the heavy wooden door, and the moment it shut behind her she slid the iron bar into place.

“Mother! I'm home!” she called.

“Welcome home, my girl! I'm in the kitchen!” came her mother's voice.

She ran, following not only the voice but the smell.

“What smells so wonderful?” she asked eagerly.

“Can't you tell? Roast pork!” said her mother, wiping her hands on her apron.

Mother Ellanimi. A striking, beautiful woman, with black hair and blue eyes. It was those lovely eyes that made her frail.

Markella wrapped her arms around her and lost herself in the embrace. She was a head and a half too short for her green eyes to meet Ellanimi's at the same height. They looked nothing alike — green eyes, not blue; russet hair, not black — and neither of them had ever said so aloud. There was no need. Ellanimi stroked her daughter's russet mane.

“I made it for you to enjoy today, since you've no studying,” said Ellanimi, turning back to sorting a heap of vegetables.

“You know perfectly well I'll study…”

“Less than usual… I was thinking we'd train a little with the blades this afternoon. Last time, I beat you far too easily,” Ellanimi told her, with a sly smile.

“I was just distracted. You're a very good teacher. You've taught me everything. Don't expect to win so easily again!” Markella answered, munching a carrot.

“If I don't pass my tricks on to you, all that talent will go to waste! Come now — get ready to eat, so you'll have time to rest for the big day tomorrow!” said Ellanimi.

“Yes! Let us glorify King Trittos, eighth descendant of Niota, for all the good he does for Aseri… I'd rather sleep,” Markella said flatly.

“What have we said?” Ellanimi asked.

“Change comes from within…” Markella knew she didn't mean what the teachers meant by it. Her mother always spoke of dozens of small stones that would pave a new world — and every time she said it, there was a spark in her eyes that Markella had seen nowhere else.

“And we're on the right road! Now go and wash up!” Ellanimi told her, smiling, and Markella obeyed.

I'll be patient, Mother. For both our sakes.

The square was packed. The students stood arrayed in their places, in front of the common folk, waiting proudly to see the royal family's brilliant procession. Kevis was beside her, clearing a path so she could reach the front row.

“Make way for the number-one student!” he called.

Markella followed him, smiling. When they reached the front they stood side by side. He was the number two of their year, after all. He was simply bound for the military academy.

The procession began. In the distance they saw the towering palace gates swing open. The avenue filled with a colored river of banners. Higher than all the rest flew the crest of the House of the Falcon — a golden falcon on a black field.

Among them came six magnificent white horses drawing an enormous golden carriage, bearing the royal emblem as well. King Trittos stood haughtily upon the carriage. Behind him his wife, the queen, the crown prince, and the two princesses.

The gathered crowd cheered. The instant he passed before the students, they cried out as one: “Hail King Trittos!”

Smiling but arrogant, he waved to them. The queen held the princesses by the shoulders and whispered something to the prince. Markella couldn't help but study him. His face was a mask of stone. It was plain he wanted no part of the festivities.

For a moment his gaze met hers. Markella froze. It was so intense she nearly took a step back. She felt as though some force had made him pick her out among hundreds of faces. She reached for Kevis's arm. She took hold of it discreetly, seeking a little warmth. Kevis smiled.

Soon Trittos was climbing the dais raised at the center of the square to address the people.

“My fellow Aserians. I stand before you as your proud ruler, carrying on what the Great King Niota achieved two hundred years ago,” said Trittos.

Applause and cheering filled the square.

“Our father Niota is our savior, and the one who carried on the great royal house of Aseri. He drove out the weakling Viros, who gave in to comfort, and wed his daughter — the last descendant of the House of the Panthers. He joined his own greatness to the tradition of our land. And he made us greater. Stronger.”

Another pointless history lesson…

“I promise you that until the day I die, I will carry on his work — to keep Aseri safe from her greatest enemies!”

The voices of the crowd rose up, as though it were a rallying cry they had been waiting for.

“At my side stands the future of Aseri. My son, Laveris. When I am no longer with you, he will take up the burden of Aseri's salvation. The House of the Falcon will forever protect this land!”

The future of Aseri at his side didn't even trouble himself to look at his people. Expressionless, he took a single step forward — only to step back again into his place.

The celebrations ran longer than in previous years. When it was all over, Markella let out a sigh.

“Finally…” she whispered to Kevis.

“You can say that again… Listen. The others have arranged to go down to the river. Will you come?” he asked her.

Mother would forgive her if she was a little late. “All right!” she said, and they found their friends.

The river, beside the little bridge, was a place where the students gathered in summer. Among the trees and the grass they dreamed of the future, laughed, and let their guard down. Kevis did not leave her side for a moment. And so the time slipped away from them, and the sun began to sink.

Then Louppos came running at them. “Markella! Kevis! Quick!”

They ran to him. “What is it?” Kevis asked, annoyed.

“My cousin,” he said, struggling to catch his breath. “The one who works… in the guard. He came past the bridge. He told me… that… the Royal Security. It's on the move.”

“Why is it on the move?” Markella asked.

Louppos took another deep breath. “They've found them. Enemies of Aseri.”