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only one way to find out…test her. He glanced at Alred’s concerned face.
    “She is progressing very well but I cannot guarantee that she will behave. I do not know if I can trust her on that aspect.” He eyed Alred before continuing. “I have other matters that concern me more.”
    “Such as…?”
    “For several months now I have had this foreboding that something is not right.”
    “With Diedre?” He jumped up in alarm.
    “No, not Diedre. This is something else. I sense the presence of… Athor.”
    Alred’s stormy eyes met his in astonishment. If anyone could feel his existence it would be Athor’s son. He had no reason to doubt him.
    “Did you not kill him with the Spear of Destiny? How could he survive that?”
    Lokai shook his head. “I know not. I killed the body he was occupying…but, perhaps, he leapt from it as I struck him down. All I can be certain of is that I have sensed his essence on occasion. I plan on visiting the Ancient, Hagar, soon to find what she can tell me.”
    The king nodded. “I would not wait too long. She is old and eager to join the others of her kind.” They were silent for a few moments as they contemplated the ramifications of Athor still being alive.
    Lokai made a decision about Diedre then, as he realized the danger she may be in. “Sire, to answer your question about the princess…all is not well with her.”
    His head snapped up. “What is wrong?”
    “I am not certain. Perhaps her isolation is the cause but I see sadness in her eyes when she thinks I am not looking. She is melancholy although she attempts to shield it from me.”
    “What can be done? Should I visit her?”
    “I think a visit may be helpful but, with the threat of Athor out there, a restoration of her magic would be even more so. I would not have her defenseless.”
    Seeing the wisdom of his request, the king had to agree. With a slight gesture of his hand Diedre’s magic was restored. “It is done.”
    “Thank you, Sire. My mind will rest easier now.” The thought of Diedre being vulnerable had been on his mind since she started her archery lessons. She was skilled at it but it was useless against magic.
    Alred puffed up his chest as his thoughts strayed to his other daughter. “I have news of Seonaid that you may wish to pass on to Diedre. She gave birth a sennight ago. ”
    Lokai arched his dark brow in askance. “Garrick’s heir has arrived safely?”
    “Not only his heir but his spare… plus a daughter! She had a litter!” The king chuckled. “Apparently, she does not complete her tasks in half-measures.”
    Lokai barked out a laugh. “Apparently not. Garrick must be strutting around like a peacock! Is Seonaid well? It could not have been an easy birth.”
    “She is fine. The MacGregor and I will be visiting her soon when the snows begin to melt. ” He turned his crafty gaze on Lokai. “And what of you, Lokai? Have you fulfilled your duties toward an heir? I would not be adverse to more grandchildren.”
    Lokai’s eyes rounded in alarm as his thoughts scrambled to remember when he had last been denied the pleasure of Diedre’s charms. Had it been more than two moons past? He mentally kicked himself at his callousness as dawning awareness reached him. No wonder she has been morose lately! She must be breeding. Why has she not said anything to me? He mentally cringed. I have no one to blame but myself. I have treated her like a broodmare…bedding her then disappearing with the dawn. She deserves better. It is time to test what she has learned. He glanced at his king sheepishly.
    “It would seem that you have solved the question of her sadness, my lord. A bairn would explain much that I have observed lately except for one thing.”
    “Which is what?”
    “Why has she not said anything to me?”
    King Alred shook his head. “Perhaps she does not know. She has not spent much time in the company of women…and even less with bairns. How could she know? She may believe she is