King Sunrider walked over to his youngest son and said, "Since you and I did not part on good terms last time, I will give you the chance to tell your thoughts. You may even have the company of your friends if it so pleases you, Willow."

"That won't be necessary," Prince Willow responded evenly, "I have family and friends here enough to share my thoughts freely. I left your kingdom, father, because I could not and would not marry Princess Eilionwy. Whether she is bethroed to me or not, I do not love her! I never have loved her, I never will love her and I will not marry her!"

"On a side note, my son, you and your allies were of great help in getting her to reveal her intentions. It seems that she was groomed to be a tyrant and her immediate family have been detained as co-conspirators." Sunrider said calmly, "The moment you left, word reached my ears of someone plotting to over throw me by using our customs against us."

"I am sorry to hear that, father, I truly am," Willow sighed, "In truth, I would rather spend the rest of my life banished from this kingdom and wandering the Realm alone than to spend one day in her company as my wife! I came home, father, to help save our people and to help save our kingdom. And now that the war is won, I see no reason to stay any longer if you still desire me to wed Princess Eilionwy. What say you, father?"

The elven king shook his head, "No, my son. Not after she openly announced her true intent during the battle. Not to mention consorting with an orc and other vile creatures, that is high treason and punishable by death. Against my better judgement and reasoning to secure a full and complete empire, I will let you choose of your own free will."

Prince Birch raised an eyebrow at the bluntness of his brother's reply while Irzen nodded his head in agreement.

"Thank you, father," Prince Willow smiled in relief, "Thank you for understanding. You are most kind!"

"And on that note, father, come and join us for the celebrations," Prince Birch invited the King, "Once we have tended to our dead and healed our wounded, we shall have celebrations that will rival those of the very gods themselves!"

Prince Birch threw up his hands and roared at the top of his lungs, "ENVY THE COUNTRY WHO HAS HEROES!"

The crown prince chuckled at his brother's announcement but said nothing.

"AND PITY THE COUNTRY THAT NEEDS THEM!" Irzen clapped Prince Birch on the back, "Your Royal Highness, I like your style! Would you drink with me? There is a rare vintage of Drow make that you will not find anywhere on the Surface World. We, Drow, call it Cannard."

"Sounds delightful!" Prince Birch patted Irzen on the back, "Count me in! Father, brothers, are you coming? Watch me drink the Drow under the table with his own brew! Ha! Ha!"

Prince Ash nodded to Birch and Willow, "I will join you in a bit."

"As you wish, brother, but do not take too long," Prince Birch smiled as he led Irzen out of the room, "We will save a seat for you at the table."

"There's always a seat for me at the table unless father says otherwise, Birch." Ash gave his brother a thumbs up.

The bronze man made his way to the throne room entrance and remained there just watching the interaction. He gave the king and his sons a courtly bow before turning his attention to the ranger, "Prince Willow, do you have a moment? I wish to speak with you."

"For our resident, Cleric, of course I do!" Prince Willow smiled before he turned to his brother and Irzen, "I will catch up with the both of you as soon as I can."

"As you wish, brother, but don't tarry too long!" Birch laughed as the Prince and the Swordsman exited the throne room.

Sunder, tenth of his name, ruler of the kingdom of Northaven was joined by his sons, Ash, Birch, and now Yew, who had made a complete recovery from his ordeal. The prince entered and bowed before the king, "Father!"

"Yew!" Sunrider rose up from his throne and embraced his son for several moments and stepped back, "How do you fare?"

"Honestly, had it not been for Willow and his friends, I fear my fate would of have far worse. I am still strong and able enough to rule Westfall with Liliandra although mentally, I may still have some minor issues in that regard." Prince Yew confessed to the king.

"Perhaps its time to have Willow's insight on this matter." Sunrider sent a messenger to find Willow.

********

Down in banquet hall, the crown prince was having a conversation with Mandur, Andaerean, and Captain Lion. "We are most grateful for the aid from Asylum."

Captain Lion raised his glass of wine to him, "Your highness, when ambassadors of a sovereign nation come to Asylum seeking aid, we will most assuredly answer the call."

Andaerean sipped his wine, "It's good to see your brother, Prince Yew here in Arborhaven, my prince."

"Aye, Prince Ash." Mandur set his empty stein on the table, "One can only hope that Prince Willow might stay now."

The crown prince raised his glass of wine, "The gods showed us favor against this terrible foe and we prevailed!"