8

Stephan goes to the palace to meet Alex after he just gave him internship. They get a song sung by a blind man dedicated to Steve.

In Alka's house, she is preparing to have play time with her "girl friends". Her father, the kings naval right hand man, has left to go prepare for war. Alka is prepare a war scenario herself. She has set up dolls to play nurses. When her friends come over they get on the subject of Steve. Some girls dont seem to respect him too much on the contrary to Alka, who actually thinks that he will forget her. Speak of the devil, Steve shows up to say good bye because hes has to follow Alex into war. There is some bitterness from Alka. Its a classic your never going to see me again so im going to pout about it. Stephan reassures her differently and says his goodbyes.

Alex is trying to get to sleep but keeps thinking about the war. He is setting off tommorow and is very confident but nervous. His nurse comes in and tells him that his mother wants to give him her blessing. Alex goes to his mother and tells the gods to protect him.

I think the book will get interesting now. Steve may have a bigger role than I thought. Given that he has armour now, and a sword, he could be a contender to save his life again. Mark my words