Glorian or shall we say now Raven and I, walked home hand in hand. Newly born of mist and magic. The people rushed forth from their homes and cheered our survival. Did they see the difference in us, of course, but no one uttered a word.

Mother Willow fell to the floor weeping and Father Oak ran in the keep grabbing his chest with happiness that we were alive. Ash approached us very differently. He stepped into the great hall and fell to the ground at my feet. I was shocked, Ash, my brother, had no need to bow to me. I knew in my mind then that things would never be the same.

I crouched down in front of him, placing his chin in my hands and lifted his face. Tears streamed from his pale green eyes. I kissed first one cheek, and then the next. He rose with a smile and went to greet Raven with an enormous hug and lots of back slapping. Mother Willow was fussing all over us both and Father Ash just stood aside grinning.

They didn’t question us. Mother told the boys to go to the tavern and enjoy some ale then went back to her sweeping. It was like nothing changed. I was dumbfounded! Then Father Ash, asked me to walk with him. I changed into my breeches and vest then we headed out. The walk was at a slow pace and for the most part we did not speak, but that is his way. Father Ash doesn’t say much.

We walked to a clearing where I was surprised to find two large silver wolves waiting. ” We are Shadow and Shawdowdancer. we have been sent to give your words to the beasts”. I was amazed, they could talk, I wanted to know how this could be. “The Mother gave the beasts life, my Queen, but the Father gave us knowledge and speech, a gift to you my Queen.” So my parents had done this, but why. ” To be queen you must rule all” said Shadow. I sat down and Shadowdancer came and rubbed her black muzzle across my cheek. I glanced up at Father Ash “You may leave us please father”. And there we stayed, the wolves and I for the rest of the day and night. I learned much from them and with the breaking of dawn sent them back into the wild with words of love and greeting for the beasts of my kingdom.