"My name is Raila Astrin Halythern, rightful heir of Ithyneia, a queen of the arkryllians, and I have come to you as a warrior...and as a renderer."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I expected at least one person to cry out in horror or protest, but none of that happened. Instead, they looked up at me with realization dawning on them. Yes, a renderer, the rarest power that only came around once every century when something major was happening in the world.

The same female warrior tentatively met my eyes, as if meeting my gaze was somehow now a crime. She nodded with respect and immediate loyalty, "You can win us this war, My Queen?"

"With all of your help...yes, I can."

A new-found battle cry rose up from the rebels' ranks as if a blazing spark of hope had been given physical form in the center of the camp. Weapons bright and dull were raised to the sky as the cry echoed across the mountains, like it intended to travel all the way to Renithyn himself. And I realized that the cry filled with determination and confident victory was meant for me, and me alone. I would win them this.

"I believe you all know what you are to prepare for next? No more small victories against the false king. Soon, we will bring this war to an end in one grand finale! Renithyn will perish, I give you my word." Synchronized sounds of metal striking metal sounded as the rebels' gave me their version of a salute, that same battle-cry rising up. Still in a daze, they dispersed with a single purpose in mind as I whirled to face my friends, allowing my wings to flare wide before disappearing. They all felt it, the war was coming to a close after twenty years of blood and death.

I smiled slightly as Clane helped his father up, who scowled and shoved his hand away, saying he wasn't an old man yet. I took a step towards them when Kalinier suddenly teleported right in front of me and swept me into his arms. I let out a breathless laugh, wrapping my arms around him as he smiled against my neck.

"Not bad, Rai. Not bad at all," Kalinier said with a smile when he finally put me down, "But do I have to start bowing to you now? You know that as a thief, I'm not good at acting formal...or obeying orders."

I let out another laugh and hit him on the arm playfully, "Don't worry Kal, I'll always be a thief on the inside." He placed a quick kiss to my brow at that.

"Good, I still intend to steal things."

"Kal."

"What? When you defeat Renithyn, what am I supposed to do then?"

"You could be my advisor."

"And attend boring council meetings for the rest of my life?"

"It suits you. At least if we're discussing politics, you won't be able to follow along. I'll finally be able to shut you up."

"I appreciate your consideration, My Queen."

"Idiot."

"Yes, I know you're one, but what about me?"

"Hey!" I whacked him upside the head. We both laughed then as Kalinier slung an arm around my shoulders like an older brother.

"Kal," I suddenly said, my voice turning serious. The others stood by with small smiles, but I didn't care about them right now. Kalinier had known me the longest, since I was five, and I had hurt him with my lies and secrets the most, "Do you forgive me? For not telling you about my wings and my powers?"

Kalinier didn't seem to care about our audience either, "Always, Rai. You're like a little sister to me, I wish I could protect you from everything, but I can't. You had to make some tough choices."

"My father is dead."

He lowered his voice to a whisper. "I know, you told me he faked his death."

"No, Kal. He really is dead. I told you he wasn't because I didn't want to believe it myself." I couldn't meet his gaze.

His arm tightened in a helpless reflex, "...Raila."

I couldn't decipher his tone, but I didn't have to. He twisted until his green eyes were peering down at my glacier blue ones, and wrapped me in an embrace. I clung to him like he was a lifeline, my lifeline.

"I'm so sorry, Rai. I'm so sorry," he said as he stroked my hair back.

I sniffled into his shoulder, "I know. I feel like, I just feel like his death is because of me."

He pulled back immediately and gripped my shoulders hard. "You listen here, Felynis--Halythern, whatever you're calling yourself. Your father chose to sacrifice his life for you."

"You weren't even there that day."

"No, but I've met him before. He's a good man, a prince apparently--three moons, I'm still getting use to that. My point is, don't blame yourself for something he chose to do. He loved you, and he would have laid down his life for you in a heartbeat."

"...Thanks, Kal."

"Anytime, partner."

"No really, thank you. For being my friend and like an older brother. Thank you for being here with me right now."

"Anytime, partner," he repeated.

"Raila." Xylin!

I faced the prince of Arien, "Yes?"

"If Renithyn knows who your father is...didn't you mention having a sister?"

"Robin."

"If Renithyn is as insane as we saw he was, he'll go after your family next. To weaken you."

"Just like the murderers did when they interrogated your father all those years ago," I mused.

"Exactly, he'll strike where you're weakest. Besides us, he knows who you care for. He'll hold them hostage and make you choose between the throne or your family."

"Xylin," he straightened when I said his name, like he enjoyed hearing me say his name, "will you help me save my family?"

"I lost my mother the same way, I won't let you lose yours or your sister."

"Thank you." He nodded.

Senetric Brokivere stepped forward, the Rebel Leader's gaze solemn, "Are you sure Renithyn intends to strike against you like this?"

"I'm sure."

"With all due respect, My Queen--"

"Father," Clane interrupted, placing a calloused hand on his father's arm, "I trust Raila." I blinked in shock. I didn't think I'd ever heard him say my name.

He sighed at his son, "Alright. I suppose you're all going with her?"

"Incase Renithyn sends soldiers." It was Kanin who said it.

"Be careful--all of you. We'll wait for you at Monganmier. It's a town a few miles north from where you live, Miss Halythern."

"You know where I live?"

"Where all the other thieves live."

"Ah. Monganmier it is."

We joined hands as Kalinier got ready to teleport us again, black mist snaking around our feet, "Be careful." I heard Senetric Brokivere say to Clane. I dared a glance and saw Clane embracing his father with one arm.

"I will." Kanin reached out to Clane with a small smile and an extended hand. The Rebel Leader's son grasped it and we were immediately swallowed by darkness.