King Arik subconsciously tried to put it out of his mind, but it continued with annoying regularity. “Are you going to see who that is?” asked Queen Tanya. “Or do I have to get out of bed?” King Arik immediately sat up and opened his eyes. “I thought I was dreaming,” apologized the king. “Stay in bed, Mother. I will see what the problem is.” The queen laughed. “Now that woke me up more than the knocking did. I am not even showing yet.” The king grinned and hurried to the door. He cracked it open and saw a Red Sword officer with a grim face waiting on the other side. “I am sorry for disturbing you, King Arik,” apologized the soldier. “I know that you had a late night of it last night, but I think this warrants your attention. We had a fairy arrive from Sordoa. She reports that two Knights of Alcea and two unicorns are in dire need of healing.”
