Odin began to speak as I finished reading the letter from Echo. I raised my eyes to his, “In private”, I told him silently. I had long past remembered how to shut him and my brothers out of my mind but now I reopened myself to them. Raven and Ash were blurting out orders to the guards until I opened my mind and then they all crowded in. The conversation went something like this. Yes, we must go immediately. Emily and Hamish must stay and care for things here. Nicky and Ash would go with us. No, Nicky stays here, Hamish and Emily must go with us. No, Emily is too far along with child. Who are they? How did they get here? Stupid girl! I warned you! Not now Odin! It is too far to travel by horse. We must use one of my doors. No, the doors are too dangerous. We must fly. Yes, we must fly and we must go now.

Flying was something we did little of. We did not want to frighten the people, memories of the Blood War and Black Years were still too fresh. There was no other way this time. We would send out riders to the villages and towns to assure the people that there was no need to fear. I could carry three riders. Raven could carry five or six. We would take Ash, Nicky and five guards.

I went to the nursery to kiss Hawk and Iz while they slept. I woke Balzar, who had starting sleeping in the nursery as well, and told him to keep Iz close, to take her and Hawk to hiding if I called for him to do so. I met everyone out in the courtyard. Raven had already changed and the five guards sat upon his back. With a step I changed, it felt wonderful! It took forever for Ash to convince Nicky to climb up. No sooner than I felt his weight on me, I shot up into the morning sky! For the beginning of the trip Nicky whined and moaned, Ash laughed so hard he almost fell at one point. We took the route clear of most towns. We reached Echo’s keep the next afternoon.

We were escorted into the hall by an aging butler who seemed very nervous. Entering the hall Echo sat at the long table in heavy discussion with two men. Margaret sat across from him picking at the food before her. The butler made a little coughing sound and Echo turned to see us. He looked tired, stressed but his wife looked even more so. Something I would need to look into once this matter was handled. It may have been due to the unexplained guests. They all stood as we entered the room.

“Majesties” Margaret said with a small curtsy. “Thank the stars you’ve arrived”  Echo blurted while making his way to us. We all exchanged small greetings but there was no time for niceties. We had Echo take us directly to his guest, all the while I plagued him with questions. No, no one yet could understand them. No, they did not seem ill. Nor were they hostile, scared yes. No, the others in the woods had not been caught. As we made our way toward the tower, the humming began anew in my head, stronger, louder, vibrating through my entire body!

“Wait” I said, halting my steps. “I believe I may learn more if I visit the forest first” I said. “Aye, that’s the wisest move” Odin voice popped into my head. “Echo, make our guards, Nicky and Ash comfortable, Raven and I will return as soon as we can” I told him. Raven sniffed the air “Um, Wolf?” he asked. I kissed him then. “Let’s run Love” I called out as I raced ahead in wolf form.