The next morning, Seth awoke before anyone else. Careful not to let anyone see, he dressed in his familiar blue jeans and black T-shirt, preparing to leave Briana, his father, and Cambria behind. He decided to go without last farewells; he just could not bear the thought of telling Briana and his father goodbye.

As Seth slowly walked to the royal stables to say goodbye to Kirlin, the sun was shooting yellow and orange streaks in the early morning as it began to rise against ...