Grawden was pacing his office. He was nervous and for him to be nervous things had to be very wrong. Every since the announcement that a Nibe envoy was on their way to Klonkar had been announced the palace had erupted into chaos. Rogeth had locked himself away in closed conference with Koflan. He felt useless. With his troops only being built up and trained there was not much need for Grawden at the moment. With events now moving further into the realms of diplomacy there was even less that he could do.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," said Grawden.

The door opened and in walked Marden his son and also hand picked successor to Grawden. Marden was well built and echoed many of Grawden's features most notably Grawden's strong nose. Grawden watched his son close the door behind him and then walk across to his father. "I have news for you from the king."

"What does he want?" asked Grawden, his interest suddenly renewed. Perhaps he could be useful after all.

"He wishes to see you in his study. I assume he would like for you to arrange an escort to meet and accompany the envoy to Klonkar."

Better than nothing thought Grawden. "I'd better see the king then. Finally some action." With that Grawden walked off to the King's tower."

The study was still decorated the way his father had left it. Rogeth had never thought to update it and have the walls plastered. In his view, there was no need. He was turning into his father more than he knew. Koflan sat beside Rogeth, it was an informal meeting and the two just sat round the low table which occupied the centre of the room.

It had been only an hour since Jobek had told Rogeth the news and during that time the palace had erupted into activity. Servants were busy getting quarters ready in the Queen's tower for the Nibe envoy and entourage. Entertainers were getting ready to perform in a special show which was to be put on in the envoy's honour. Guards were securing the towers and extra security had been assigned to the Cloud tower. Rogeth had met with Koflan and the pair had spoken for the last hour about various tactics to take with the Nibe envoy.

"The Nibe value strength and honour. Their main concern though is duty."

"So what you're saying is, as long as we respect these key values then we should be fine to negotiate with the envoy." Rogeth was not looking forward to this. As far as Koflan had told him the Nibe were a strange race. They were not scarred of other races it was just that they were very secluded. Their society was, as far as the few reports that had been gathered, very hierarchical with a definite order to it. Their order was evident in all their decisions, well thought out so they could look at the big picture. they valued duty, and honour. This was as a result of their ordered hierarchical society which prevented people from stepping out of line. It also prevented people from rising through the ranks, you were born into your you station in life and that never changed. It was also noted that the Nibe were not a religious people and in fact had no gods to worship. No wonder Ertan doesn't liked them, thought Rogeth to himself.

"Hopefully they will respect you. I'm not saying that negotiations will be fine just that they will go a lot smoother. You will be able to make a favourable impression on their envoy and hopefully we want that to happen."

Rogeth decided that he needed to change the subject slightly. The very fact that the Nibe were sending an envoy was disturbing to him. Normally the Nibe made a decision and acted on them, negotiation was a term which did not exist for them. "What do you think they want?"

"Obviously they are trying to avert a war," replied Koflan not really realising the depth in Rogeth's question.

"No it's something more than that. The Nibe in all the time that we have known about them have never negotiated ever. Something has changed. The situation is different for them."

Koflan considered the question more thoroughly this time and then answered after a few moments, "they are desperate."

"I had thought the same thing myself," agreed Rogeth, his adviser confirming something that had been preying on his mind. "The question that we have to ask now is desperate for what?"

"Could it be resources, perhaps they are running low."

Rogeth shook his head and stood. He walked to the window and looked out on the majesty of Klonkar and the surrounding town. Unlike his father Rogeth preferred the shutters to the window open, the view inspired him to do work. "I doubt it," he eventually said. "This is definitely something far worse. The Nibe are in trouble and they are wanting something from us..."

Rogeth was interrupted by a knock at the door. He knew it would be Grawden so he asked him to enter. As the door opened Rogeth was indeed presented with the sight of Grawden as he had expected. Grawden stepped forward and closed the door behind him, "your majesty."

"Sit down," Rogeth motioned towards the only other seat in the room. Grawden looked at it and eventually sat down. Rogeth studied the Captain of the guard, he was looking tired at the moment but anxious as though wanting something to do. He understood that it would not be easy for Grawden to just sit there waiting while everyone else had a job to do preparing for the Nibe envoy, Continuing Rogeth looked at Grawden and said, "as Marden may have informed you I wish for you to escort the Nibe envoy to Klonkar. I would not like for the Nibe to be ambushed in this kingdom, that would be very bad for us. However, both Koflan and I agree that there will be more to your task than simply escorting the envoy. You will question and inquire of him."

Grawden was suddenly very interested in this. Rogeth could see his eyes light up. Escort duty would have been more exciting for Grawden than sitting around but to have the duty of trying to gain information from the envoy. Grawden was definitely excited. "What is his name?"

It was Koflan who answered, "we don't know, we don't even know if it is a he."

"That smacks of secrecy. Surely the Nibe would wish us to know how to recognise their envoy."

Rogeth pursed his lips and after a moment finally spoke, "everything is odd. Koflan and I were just speaking about this as you arrived." Rogeth decided that it was time to let Grawden in on what Koflan and him had talked about just moments ago. "This could have consequences for the security of the nation."

Those words struck fear into everyone in the room and a quiet hush descended while the king continued to speak. "The Nibe are wanting something otherwise they would not be sending an envoy. I find it highly irregular that they have even decided to resort to negotiation unless they are desperate..."

"And if the Nibe are desperate then we're in danger," finished Grawden.

"Exactly," confirmed Koflan. "Your job is to gather an escort of ten men including yourself. Any greater and we feel that we would intimidate the Nibe envoy and his entourage. These ten men must be completely trustworthy and will follow orders to the letter. If the Nibe are going to perform any trickery here you must be ready."

Grawden nodded his understanding, "If everything you are saying is true you are fearing that this may be something more than war."

"That is our fear exactly," agreed Rogeth. "Koflan and I have come to the conclusion that war may not be the Nibe's ultimate goal. We fear that they are plotting something far more sinister."

The temple was on the ground floor of the Queen's Tower. A grand opulent place with gold trimmings and fancy paintings. So much for the humbled nature of the fruits, they would be most dissatisfied. Mawreth stood in the aisle, rows of seats extended up to the front of the temple on either side. At the very front of the temple was a raised dais on which sat a long elaborate sarcophagus made of marble and gold. The sarcophagus was empty and was used only as the altar from which Ertan preached. Currently the temple was empty apart from Mawreth.

Standing there, admiring the high roof from which hung lit candles, Mawreth heard a voice. Looking up she saw the face of Ertan. Ertan stood at the doorway to the hallway, his face a picture of urgency. "Mawreth, hurry, we don't wish for you to be seen." Ertan signalled to Mawreth, motioning for her to join the religious leader in the hall.

Mawreth scurried over, her black dress clung to her curves but it did not hinder any of her movements. As she reached the door Ertan grabbed her arm and pulled her into the hallway. He contained a considerable strength, even if he were half his age. Shutting the door behind the pair Ertan whispered to Mawreth, "we must proceed to the crypt."

The hallway led to either Ertan's office or down a long flight of stone steps to the family crypt where royal families of past had been laid to rest. Ertan grabbed a lantern of the wall and altered the shutters to allow more light to escape. Mawreth only watched Ertan's hurried movements then eventually spoke, "well at least I'm dressed for meeting father."

Ertan gave a scowling look towards Mawreth, he was not fond of the girl's twisted humour. Ertan pulled out his set of heavy iron keys, one of which would open the door to the crypt. The door was opened and the pair proceeded through the doorway.

The rough cut steps caught and dragged Mawreth's long dress, she cursed out loud and was immediately silenced with a single look from Ertan. Mawreth looked at the old man, age may have dimmed his features but his mind and his power were still as sharp as ever. The steps, all 52, were actually cut from the wall of the crypt itself. Unlike the rest of Klonkar which had been carefully planned out, the crypt was added as an afterthought and was actually carved straight from the rock underneath the temple.

Once the pair were down the stairs the crypt was spread out before them. Sarcophagi, containing past rulers and their family were placed in columns of six as far as the eye could see. Ertan never once spoke but Mawreth could see the fear in his eyes, he was frightened and what he was about to Mawreth would frighten her as well. Ertan led the way up the centre aisle to a heavy velvet curtain of a blood red colour and pushed it aside.

In the alcove stood the Sacred Pineapple, a jewelled artefact in the shape of a pineapple. It contained power beyond belief, Mawreth was fascinated. If only I could somehow tap this power, she shook her head, any release of the power within the Sacred Pineapple would only lead to final destruction - or at least that was how the prophesies went.

Ertan took a step forward, nearer the artefact. He seemed to gaze deep within the object almost entranced. "Do you see it?" he eventually asked.

"See what?" Mawreth was confused.

"The pulsing. Watch carefully," every word was whispered, tinged with dread.

Mawreth looked at the artefact closer, concentrating harder. Then she saw it, the Sacred Pineapple was pulsing rhythmically, very slowly, that was why she had not noticed it earlier. "What does it mean?" Mawreth was becoming entranced by the pulses of light which reflected and refracted through every facet of the artefact.

"It means danger. It is nearing the time for you to complete you task. You must kill Aneth soon. That evil woman must die."

Mawreth grinned, she liked Ertan.

Aneth stood up from the bed on which she was sitting. Rogeth entered and instantly Aneth flung herself across the room and into his arms.

"What was it? Why did you ask to see me?" asked Rogeth suddenly very confused.

"I'm sorry Rogeth. I know I was wrong to get angry with you yesterday. The strain of taking over the throne and all the pressures of the Nibe crises would have been affecting you. Then for me to accuse you of the horrible things I did was utterly wrong."

Rogeth pulled his wife away from him and stared deep into her eyes. She was crying, tears were flowing down her face. Rogeth tried to put on a comforting face and began to wipe Aneth's tears away. "It's all right, I understand. It couldn't have been easy for you either."

"I don't want any more arguments between us anymore."

"Neither do I." Rogeth pulled his wife close and at that point everything was forgiven between them.

Aneth then pulled away and walked over to her dresser where she retrieved a delicate, white silk handkerchief. Her initial had been embroidered in thin blue thread onto one corner. As she turned to face Rogeth her face seemed brighter. She walked across to the bed and sat down then motioned for her husband to sit down next to her. "What's going on?" she eventually asked once Rogeth was seated next to her. "Klonkar seems to have gone crazy."

"The Nibe situation has taken an unexpected turn."

"Oh?" asked Aneth, a worried look suddenly crossed her face.

No," said Rogeth, trying to reassure his wife, "nothing like that. The Nibe are sending an envoy to negotiate. He's expected to arrive in three days time. I've dispatched Grawden to meet the envoy and his entourage, he should be leaving later this afternoon."

"Then that's good news," said Aneth in her usual optimistic tone.

"Hopefully," replied Rogeth as he pulled his wife closer, "hopefully."

Styrin sat behind his in his office. This was the only room in which he felt he had any power nowadays. Ever since Rogeth had taken the throne from that old fool Koflan, Styrin had felt his power decrease. He power base was crumbling as the king took more control with every passing day. The meeting earlier had been a perfect example of his weakness. Before, Koflan would have listened to his judgements even put a few of them into action. Now, Rogeth was in charge and frequently over the last few days Styrin had been shot down in flames. His advice was now being ignored and he was even being humiliated, the resource report being a prime example.

Styrin stood and paced the room. The very fact that Rogeth had called a closed meeting with Koflan was further proof that somebody was poisoning the king to his chamberlain. If I find out who is doing this I will have them killed. Styrin frowned, perhaps the king was doing this of his own accord. That would never do and Styrin would see to it that the king would listen to him - or else.

Grawden was gathering his men in the courtyard. Horses and supplies were being prepared. Marden was standing next to his father looking at the scene of hurried preparation. When Grawden had been asked to select ten men who could be trusted he instantly thought of his son. Koflan had wanted to go as well as one of the ten men since Grawden could use his advice. Rogeth had then stepped in and told Koflan that he should stay but that Grawden could instead take Arron. Rogeth explained that Arron could be trusted and that he was young and was able to defend himself if things became rough. Grawden had then accepted. The other seven men who were coming on the mission were guards who Grawden knew personally and he could trust them with his life.

Arron was approaching the group from the Work tower. He waved towards Grawden and the Captain of the guard politely waved back. Marden looked at his father and rolled his eyes. He had little time for Arron who was always flouncing around Klonkar as though there was never anything wrong. At 25 Marden was two years younger than Arron but he had little patience for the adviser. "Does he have to come?"

Grawden turned and looked at his son as though he had just asked the most stupid question ever. "The king wishes people he can trust on this mission and Arron is the most trustworthy."

"But what does he do? He can't fight. He can't defend himself. He's a completely pointless waste of time."

Grawden grabbed his son by the arm and shook him. With a ferocious voice he scolded his son, "don't ever let me hear you say that again. Arron is King Rogeth's most trusted friend and adviser. I have seen him in council meetings and he could put anyone in their place. He has a way with words and Koflan and King Rogeth hope that if the envoy does not respect militaristic strength then maybe he will respect Arron's diplomatic ways."

"Maybe."

Grawden glowered at his son, "and maybe that man will be all that stands between us and a Nibe invasion."

Marden shook his head and sighed slowly, "then I fear we will lose any chance of peace that we might have."

"It's fortunate that I have enough faith in Arron for both of us."

Arron was rapidly approaching the pair and called out, "when do we leave?"

It was Grawden who replied as the adviser stepped up to greet the two guards, "hopefully within the hour. There are a few more supplies that we need to prepare but as soon as we get them we leave." "Why? Do you need more time to prepare yourself?" Sarcasm dripped off of Marden's voice.

"Oh no," replied Arron dismissing any hint of annoyance from Marden. "I've just come from Rogeth," Grawden winced at the informality of Arron but it was to be expected as the pair were very close friends. "Just getting last minute instructions." Arron clapped his hands together and rubbed them, it was getting cold. "I'm just going to pack a change of clothes and a couple of books. I shouldn't be more than ten minutes."

"Then there's no trouble at all," Grawden looked at his son. There was a tension there that Arron could sense.

"I'd better hurry, don't want to miss any of the fun," Arron stated off towards the Work tower.

"Wouldn't want that to happen," called Marden after Arron.

Grawden turned and clipped his hand round his son's head, "and you know full well what that was for. Now lets get completely ready, Arron will be back in ten minutes and we should have our supplies by then."

There was a knock at the door and Styrin looked up. "Come in," he shouted irritably at however was on the other side of the door.

The large wooden door was pushed open gingerly and in walked Krentar, "sir, I have some news concerning who is departing in the expedition to meet the Nibe envoy."

Styrin was suddenly alert and commanding, "well shut the door and sit down. I want all the facts and remember miss nothing out."

Rogeth was looking out one of the windows of the King's tower. He was standing in a corridor watching Grawden organise his men and preparing them for his absence. Grawden would be meeting the Nibe envoy in a day and a half and would escort the Nibe entourage for the rest of the journey to Klonkar which would also take a day and a half. It would be safer a Nibe entourage being escorted by Rogeth's men, people might get the wrong idea otherwise and try to attack the Nibe. Rogeth shuddered at the thought, it was bad enough that the Nibe were travelling through The Kingdom for more than a day without an escort.

A gentle cough interrupted Rogeth's thoughts and he turned to see his friend Arron. "I don't have long but I just wanted to say bye. I didn't want to do it in front of everyone else."

"It's only going to be three days that you're away."

"I know, but I just wanted to wish you luck here."

Rogeth looked at his friend as though he was stupid, "it's you who'll be needing the luck. The weight of The Kingdom could be resting on your shoulders."

Arron adopted a look of mock worry, "don't remind me. Koflan would be better at this than me."

"Koflan's needed here and anyway he's old."

Arron grinned broadly and started to laugh, "he wouldn't like to hear that."

Rogeth began to laugh as well. There had been so little joviality of late that these little snatched moments were genuinely precious. "I suppose you'd better be going otherwise Grawden will be having your head."

"It's not Grawden who I'm worried about," Arron seemed totally serious.

"Oh?" asked Rogeth suddenly worried for his friend.

"It's nothing," Arron dismissed the subject with a wave of his hand.

The pair looked at each other then Rogeth stepped forward and hugged his friend, "good luck."

"And to you as well," replied Arron.

Somewhere else Aneth was watching Grawden's men with an equal interest. She had heard through various people that Arron would be departing as well. All the better, thought Aneth, at least now I'll have Rogeth all to myself. Aneth turned and bumped straight into Mawreth who was standing right behind her.

She looked straight at Mawreth then finally after a moments silence spoke, "you shouldn't stand so close to people, you might get hurt."

Mawreth stared back at Aneth looking deep into her brown eyes. There was almost a hypnotic quality to them. She was silent and only stared at her adversary. There was a very real tension between the pair. Then Mawreth spoke, "you know, don't you. You know why I'm here."

Aneth just stared straight back at her sister in law holding her ground easily, "my dear Mawreth, I knew the instant you arrived at Klonkar."

Mawreth shivered and with an unbridled sense of panic she ran down the corridor away from Aneth.

Ten horses with ten men were waiting in the courtyard for a final inspection by the king. Grawden sat ridged waiting for the all clear, it was only a formality but it was a morale booster for his men. Rogeth completed his tour of the ten men and looked at Grawden. "Everything's fine," the king called to the Captain of the guard.

Grawden turned to face the rest of his men and Arron, turning his horse around. "We ride out now."

On that command ten men and ten horses rode forward out of the courtyard, out of Klonkar, on a mission to save The Kingdom.