Her breath stuttered-caught-and then she jolted.

A sharp inhale.

Eyes wide, pupils blown with fear.

She clung to him instinctively, trembling.

Elowyn steadied her breath as the last echo of her nightmare slipped away. Her voice came out low but firm:

"We have to pour the ashes at the gates again... tonight."

Baron nodded once. He was already pulling on a shirt when-

A frantic knock.

"Elowyn?"

"Princess Lisa?" Baron called.

The door flew open before he finished ...