on a large white blossom. The gardens were overflowing with the orchids and wild flowers Prince Mikel had brought his wife from Latria upon his return from across the Tempest Sea and the Eastern Peace Summits. It always seemed to pacify Katars mother during those absences. Spending her time contemplating what the new addition to her growing garden would be and where it would be placed. "If it freezes tonight, she'll get an earful in the morning, I’ll wager." Katar smiled at the thought of his mother having to face the angry gardener amidst the cracked and frozen fountains.
"The Queen's gardens are her pride and joy. You can't blame her for wanting them to be at their most beautiful when she had an esteemed guest arriving." Hanlin answered coming to his side to view the spectacle.
"The winters here are long, cold, and full of snow. She knows those fountains will have to be replaced if they’re not drained by dusk. “Katar turned away from the windows releasing the vision of his father from his thoughts.
"The Queen isn't the only member of the Royal Family who charges into spring ventures. Are you sure the sraebs have emerged from hibernation?" Hanlin said.
"I warned Commander Connor, we might have a difficult time finding a large male. He didn't seem concerned. He acted as if sraeb hunting was a national sport instead of a necessary population control device." Katar shook his head in disgust. "You know that I love being deep in those mountains, hunting it is a duty that I enjoy. But it’s more than just the hunt. The enjoyment I receive from being away from civilization is just a great as the necessity to keep the sraeb from reaching a dangerous population level again. I don't want to torture the giant beasts. I just want them to stay few and scattered."
"The odds of killing a female and leaving her cubs to die this time of the year is high." Hanlin's voice reasoned.
"Yes, but too many people have died due to a low food source and overpopulation of sraeb. It’s been 15 years since the plague nearly wiped the out the elk and deer they feed on and the herds are still weak and diseased. I'm afraid they will never recover sufficiently to keep the sraeb satisfied. Even with the assistance of the Healers fifty percent of the herds have still births year after year." Katar said.
"Perhaps it is time to approach the situation from another direction." Hanlin said.
"We've been through this before Hanlin. The female sraeb can have 2 or 3 cubs each spring. Short of slaughtering hundreds of cubs every year, we go in and kill the largest of the males. During mating season the younger males are killed by what larger males have managed to elude us and the situation is rectified." Katar rose frustrated and drained the last of the amber liquid from his glass. "I need to head to the stables and see if Cap's ready with the provisions, we're leaving at dawn.”
"Please inform Commander Taylor that there will be a need for another horse. I will be accompanying you.” Hanlin announced much to Katars dismay.
"You hate the woods.” Katar answered the surprise evident in his voice as he turned to stare at the reserved Advisor.
"I also would hate to explain why my future King was delayed or unable to attend the first Continental Alliance Summit." Following Katar to the double doors of the study he added, "I know you to be a man of your word. But I also know that the mountains tend to transport you to another plane of existence. You become lost in an ancient world, forgetting about your present obligations.”
“The nights are cold and dark under the trees," Katar answered ignoring the reprimand. Hanlin's expression was unwavering. "Alright, pack a week’s worth of warm clothes. We'll clean up when we reach the lodge. You are a man of determination, my friend." Katar smiled amused at the length his mother’s advisor was willing to go to fulfill his promise. Exactly how far Hanlin would go suddenly concerned him. Turning back to Hanlin Katar asked, "Have you approached Lord Nolan about a courtship?"
"No, Your Highness. I merely mentioned that I would like to introduce the young lady to you. I’ve learned not to push you too hard." Hanlin answered cautiously.
"When there are wedding plans to be made Hanlin, I will attend to them myself." Katar sternly ordered.
Insulted by the Princes' demeaning attitude, Hanlin moved past