A/N: Here’s the next chapter. Enough said. For Disclaimer see chapter 1 (I think).

Karigan stopped outside the door in the Mender’s Wing, the Prince’s voice had shocked her. Judging by the silence, it had everyone else. Even this ‘Saira’, who was she apart from Prince Jametari’s half-sister? Karigan hand closed around the letter she held, it reminded her of the errand she had just come back from.

She cleared her throat and entered, “you’re Excellency, your Highnesses.” She bowed to them, holding out the letter from Alton. Garth had said Alton had said it was urgent. She couldn’t argue with other riders about letter importance with out knowing the content.

King Zachary took the letter, “Ari-triel Jametari, my apologies.”

“Not at all Firebrand.” Jametari said his hand clasped Saira’s arm. She didn’t struggle, occupied by trying to work it all out.

Zachary nodded to Jametari and opened the letter. He quickly scanned the contents, his face darkened as he read.

“It’s the wall isn’t it?” Jametari he knew it had to be. His people kept a close eye on Galadheon. His stepmother must have known it was time to send Saira home. She had a skill they all didn’t, magic.

Zachary replied, “Yes, despite the work the Second Empire is fighting us back.”

Jametari looked over at Saira; her eyes went wide with fear and understanding, “Firebrand, my sister will be able to help.”

“WHAT!” Saira cried her grey eyes were wide. “No way.”

The others stared at her, “Lady…”

She hissed at Zachary, “I am not a Lady! I don’t even belong here!”

“Would you let your own kin, and countless innocents die?” Jametari asked he knew it would have an effect on her. Saira hung her head in a sign submitting.

He was right, she couldn’t let not help them. Mother had intended this, as had Sehanine Moonbow, “Fine.” Jametari heard the reluctance in her voice, but it was a start.

Zachary wasn’t sure what exactly was going on, but took it as a good sign. “Ari-Triel, would you please explain what is going on?”

Jametari rolled his eyes; humans appeared to need things explained for them. Annoyingly often according to some Elts, well they were shorter lived. “Very well, but shall we go else where?”

“How about my study?” Zachary asked, he supposed that Jametari wished for a more private place to speak. It was a good idea; they never knew where a Second Empire agent was lurking. He didn’t like the current level of paranoia in the castle, but it did serve some purpose.

“Very gracious of you Firebrand.” Jametari replied inclining his head. He looked over as the still confused and unhappy Saira. “My sister will need her clothing back.”

Zachary motioned to one on his Weapons. He stepped out, before heading down the hall.

Karigan felt rather left out during to whole exchange. She tried to leave but Zachary motioned her forward. “Rider G’ladheon, I wish you to stay with Saira while Jametari and I talk in private. You and Fastion are to escort her to us when she has changed.” He wanted her to come with them, but having her escort Saira gave him an excuse to see her again. Lord D’Ivary couldn’t argue with him over it. He heart lightened when she nodded, he knew she would.

When Jametari, Zachary, two Weapons and Destrion left the two women eyed each other suspiciously.

“So Saira where are you from?” Karigan broke the silence.

“Far away.”

That wasn’t a really an answer, Karigan could tell Saira knew it too. “How far?”

“Very far.”

“Perhaps you’ll see it again.” Karigan tried to be optimistic, and didn’t really succeed. She didn’t really want to see the King again. She had tried to get out of delivering the message had failed miserable. Mapstone had sent her anyhow; she suspected that the Captain knew of her feelings for Zachary. So why put them close together? It didn’t make that much sense.

“Perhaps,” Saira didn’t understand why this human woman was even trying to talk with her. She knew more than her on the subject.

Karigan turned when the door opened and a Weapon passed in a bundle of Saira’s clothing. She passed it on and left. While waiting she remembered her days in the Mender’s Wing. They had been absolutely boring; sitting still for days wasn’t easy. She remembered Master Destrion’s comment that Green Riders and Menders were the worst patients. When the Elt came out, she was dressed in well worn long sleeved dark blue tunic and brown pants. Gold hair was brushed and tied back, and a used brown belt rested loosely on her hips. Mud stained and cracked ankle high shoes completed the adventure look.

“Shall we?” Karigan asked waving Saira a head of her. The Elt seemed to understand quite well and walked a head of her and the Weapon. They made their way through the halls, people stared at Saira but the Elt appeared to be completely unaware of it.

They passed Lady Estora in the hall, who ordered them to stop. Being servants of the crown all three stopped. Karigan and the Weapon bowed while Saira bobbed her head.

“My lady, we must be going, King Zachary and Atri-triel Jametari are waiting for us.” Karigan said politely.

Estora put her hands on her hips, “Then I am coming with you.” Karigan and the Weapon protested, but Estora refused to leave. She began walking a head of them, all three obligingly followed her. Saira even didn’t bother to hide her amusement.

Karigan was secretly glad Estora had grown a backbone after the incident the previous year. At least Sacordia was getting a stronger Queen then Estora would have been. Karigan wondered just how much of it was bravado and how much was strength. She suspected it was a little of both.

The Weapons outside the study let them in silently. The one behind them and Estora’s came in.

Zachary hid his surprise at seeing Lady Estora but greeted her politely. He had a Weapon bring her a chair which was placed behind the desk. Karigan stood by the door unsure of what to do next and Saira took the chair next to Jametari.

“Lady Saira, your brother and I have reached an agreement.” Zachary stated, getting right to the point. He would fill Estora in on everything later. “We need help against a force of magic, but lack the skill of over power them.”

Saira nodded, “So, Jametari told you I have skill in magic. A skill you have lost over time, with the exception of a few highly minor talents.” That they weren’t expecting.

“How do you know?” Zachary asked his surprise evident. Only a day here and already she knew that much.

Saira shrugged, “I sense the lack of magic. Any mage or elf would be able to tell to.” It wouldn’t affect her power of course. Magic was always there, they had just lost the ability to call on it. With the hole in the wall they spoke of she could draw the necessary magic from it. And from the shadows and darkness if need be.

“You mean Elts don’t you?” Estora asked.

Saira shook her head, “No my lady, despite the difference in consonant end, I suspect Elves and Elts are very different. Out side appearance and ideals of course.” Jametari nodded his agreement, she was correct. “There were strong differences between Eletians and Elves.”

“Sister,” Jametari asked getting to the point, “Will you help?”

“It seems I have no real choice.” Saira said shaking her head. She had come to accept it would be a long time before she could return home. If she ever returned home.

A/N: Does anyone know the Eletian term to prince. I know it’s something like ‘Ari’treil’. Oh, just so you I will not update with out three reviews. Oh, one more thing, does anyone have a good idea for title? 'Wait? Where' doesn't really work. Please send in your suggestions.