"Is that it?" Zelgadis looked to the horizon.

After getting lost more than once, Zelgadis had finally purchased a map. Currently, he was confirming the far-off city.

"What do you see, Mr. Zelgadis?" Amelia asked.

Zelgadis rolled up the map. "We've finally made it to Sairaag."

"Really? Let's go!" Amelia made to dash off, sight or not!

"Calm down, Amelia. I know you're eager, but it's still half a day's journey."

"Then let's go! ...at a generous pace?" Amelia grinned.

Zelgadis smiled. Amelia would have gone to Sairaag in a day if she were able to.

"All right, Amelia, I hear you. Come, Hiro."

The trio continued down the road, albeit at a slightly faster pace than before.

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Zelgadis was impressed. It was amazing what a twice-decimated city could become after ten years of peace! Sairaag was more grand than he had ever seen it. Even Old Sairaag had been restored! Zelgadis, however, wasn't here to site-see. Instead, he headed to the main shrine.

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Amelia heaved a sigh. So far she and Zelgadis had covered most of the city with no success. Amelia had finally convinced Zelgadis to take a break, so she was sitting by a fountain. Zelgadis had only one shrine left, so he had left Amelia behind. She wasn't about to complain! All of that walking on the hard street had left her tired and achy. It was nice to just sit and relax, listening to the cascading water.

Soon after, Amelia heard a horse approaching. The horse was moving at a rather slow pace though, so Amelia wasn't sure if it was Zelgadis returning or not. As the horse drew near, Amelia heard the rider dismount and approach her.

"Come Amelia, we should get going." a glum Zelgadis said.

"What's the matter, Mr. Zelgadis? You sound so down."

"Nobody here can help, and what's more, none of Rezo's library was ever recovered."

Amelia's face fell. She had been certain that they would succeed! But now... No! It's best to stay positive! Surely they'll prevail if they don't give up!

"That's all right, Mr. Zelgadis. I just know we'll find what we're looking for if we keep trying!" Amelia pumped her fists in the air to emphasize her point.

"You really are something else." Zelgadis smiled at Amelia's antics. "Let's go get some food and an inn to stay in for the night. We'll start off fresh tomorrow."

"Right! Justice will-"

Zelgadis clapped his hand over Amelia's mouth. "Don't blow your cover! Remember what your father said!" he whispered.

"Mphy. Phi o augt u i eh mphmnt." Amelia responded, Zelgadis' hand still over her mouth.

"Let's just go, people are starting to stare."

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Night passed, as did the morning, as Zelgadis and Amelia continued down the road.

"You know, Mr. Zelgadis, there just aren't any good songs to sing while traveling."

"Songs?" Zelgadis glanced over at Amelia. "Don't tell me you're thinking of becoming a bard, Amelia."

Amelia shook her head. "Of course not! I just thought it would be nice to have something to do to break up the monotony."

"I think I have just the thing for you, Amelia. I'm not good with lyrics though."

"You wrote a song, Mr. Zelgadis?"

"It's nothing special, just something I thought up during my travels. It's called "Wandering". If I had a guitar, I'd play it for you."

"I'd like to hear it. You can hum, can't you?" Amelia questioned.

Zelgadis waved his hands around in denial. "No way, I can't carry a tune!"

"That's not true, you sing quite well." Amelia smiled at the memory. "Please?"

"All right, but you'd better not tell anyone!"

"Of course, not, Mr. Zelgadis."

So, as they walked, Zelgadis hummed out his song to Amelia. As he finished, Amelia wiped a tear from her eye.

"That was so sad, but so beautiful! You have a wonderful gift, Mr. Zelgadis."

"Yes, well, thank you. Just don't tell anyone."

"Oh, all right." Amelia mock pouted. "Do you mind if I think up some lyrics?"

"If it will keep you happy." Zelgadis sighed.

"Yay! All right! Hmm..." Amelia got lost in thought.

Zelgadis walked on, listening to Amelia's composition.

"Long, Long is the road that I travel down for e-ter-ni-ty! ...and that's all I can think of at the moment."

"You just might have something there, Amelia, although I'm no longer a wanderer."

Amelia wrapped her arms through one of Zelgadis'. "No, you're my guardian angel. I want to thank you for what you've done for me."

"Amelia...you know I would do anything for you."

"I know, Mr. Zelgadis. I just wish I could return the favor."

"You've done more than you realize, Amelia."

Amelia hugged Zelgadis' arm tightly as they continued on.

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As they continued on, they came to another forest. Nothing seemed amiss so they continued onward. About an hour in, Zelgadis noticed a house in a clearing.

"Well that's odd." Zelgadis remarked.

"What is it, Mr. Zelgadis?"

"It looks like somebody lives out here. Whoever it is is very bold, or very stupid."

"Hopefully it isn't another bandit gang." Amelia cringed.

"I doubt it. The place is well-kept. Let's continue on, I would like to be out of here before nightfall."

As they neared the house, Zelgadis noticed a young boy peering at them from behind some bushes. The boy kept looking, specifically at Amelia. Just as they were passing by, the boy stepped out in front of them.

"Where are you going?" the boy asked.

Amelia nearly jumped at the unexpected intrusion, but didn't forget her manners. "We're just out on a stroll. Isn't that right, Mr. Zelgadis?"

"You weren't supposed to say anything." Zelgadis sighed.

Amelia turned to Zelgadis. "He's just a child. I didn't see any harm in it."

Zelgadis looked up. The boy was following them.

"Shouldn't you be staying home?" Zelgadis demanded.

"Nope, not if I don't trust you. For all I know you could be holding that lady hostage so you can sacrifice her to some demon!" the boy responded.

"What?! Where would you get an idea like that?" Zelgadis gaped.

Suddenly, a voice came from inside the house.

"Philip, who are you talking to?"

Philip, as that was the boy's name, jumped in surprise but responded, "Just some people, Mama!"

A tall woman came storming out of house towards the trio. Zelgadis groaned, while Amelia clung closer to him.

"What have I told you about talking to strangers?" the woman demanded, totally ignoring Zelgadis and Amelia.

Philip looked ashamed. "I know, but that lady," Philip pointed to Amelia, "looked just like you. She didn't look like a stranger to me."

The woman looked at Zelgadis and Amelia, as if she had just realized their existence. She stared at them a moment before continuing.

"Where do you come from, travelers?"

Zelgadis knew better than to reveal anything, so he only responded with, "We've just come from Sairaag."

The woman looked at him crossly. "Any simpleton can figure that out. What land do you originate from?"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot reveal that to you." Zelgadis replied cooly.

The woman crossed her arms in disgust, but then thought of another approach.

"You must be tired. You can stay here for the night if you wish."

Amelia was confused. That woman sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite figure out why. Also, what Philip had said puzzled her. Just who was this 'twin'?

"I'm sorry, but we should really be going." Zelgadis replied.

Amelia tugged on Zelgadis' shoulder then whispered in his ear, "But Mr. Zelgadis, I am getting tired, and it would be rude of us to be disrespectful."

Zelgadis whispered back, "Amelia, we don't even know this woman!"

"I know, but I feel that we can trust her."

"All right, but if she does any funny stuff, we're leaving."

"Okay, Mr. Zelgadis."

The whispering session over, Amelia tuned to the woman. "We would be honored to stay the night."

"But of course you are!" The woman threw back her head and laughed.

Zelgadis glared at Amelia. 'You had better be right about this!'

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The inside of the house was well furnished. As they walked in, Philip started pestering Zelgadis with a flood of questions.

"What's it like to travel? Ooh! You have a sword! Do you really fight with it?" Philip asked with excitement.

Zelgadis tried to ignore him, but Amelia wouldn't have it.

"Humor him, Mr. Zelgadis. He seems like such a sweet boy." Amelia smiled.

The woman turned to Zelgadis. "Do you mind spending some time with him? His father is constantly away, and he doesn't have many friends."

"What about you, Amelia?" Zelgadis looked for a way out.

Before Amelia could answer, the woman cut her off. "Actually I was hoping she could help me prepare dinner. It will be done sooner if I have some help."

Zelgadis looked like a martyr, but he allowed Philip to drag him away. The woman gave a sigh of relief.

"Finally! I thought I would have to pry him away from you." The woman laughed. "Now come, the kitchen is this way."

The woman walked down the hallway, leaving Amelia to follow after as best she could.

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Amelia and the woman sat in the kitchen, Amelia being unsure what to do.

"So what can I help you with?" Amelia asked.

"Nothing. I made dinner earlier. I just told him that to get him to leave."

"But why?" Amelia was a bit shocked.

"Isn't it obvious? He wasn't being very cooperative, so I'll just have to ask you."

Amelia desperately wished to be elsewhere, but since she had no way to get out she decided to hear the woman out.

"You came from Seyruun, didn't you?"

Amelia face faulted. "But how did you...?"

"It's obvious from the way you look. You look very much like one of the royal family."

"Who are you? How do you know? Unless..." Things started to click into place. "Gracia?"

"Shh! Keep it down, Amelia. Of course it's me. Don't you recognize your own sister?" Gracia looked quizzically at Amelia.

"Gracia, it is you! I thought I'd never see you again!" Amelia's face fell as tears came to her eyes.

Gracia reached an arm out and placed her hand on Amelia's shoulder. "Come now, it isn't that dramatic."

Amelia shook her head. "It isn't that. It's just that I waited so long for you to return, but now that we're finally reunited..." Amelia cried into her arm.

"Amelia, what's wrong?"

Amelia lifted her head, letting Gracia get a good look at her eyes. Gracia looked shocked.

"No! But how? What's happened to you, Amelia?"

"I'm blind, Gracia. That's why Mr. Zelgadis and I were out journeying to find a cure. We finally have found a spell, but no one can cast it. I'm beginning to think it's a lost cause."

Gracia was at a loss. She had never seen Amelia like this, other than when Gracia had left home. Gracia had vowed that she would never use White Magic again, but this was her own sister! Surely her mother would have wanted it. Gracia again spoke to Amelia.

"Where is this cure you speak of?"

"Gracia, what?" Amelia took a moment to collect thoughts. "Mr. Zelgadis has it. But why?"

"I vowed never to use White Magic again, as it couldn't save Mother, but for you, I'll try."

"Oh, Gracia!" Amelia attempted to hug her sister, but grabbed air instead.

Gracia put her hand to her head. "For your sake, I hope this works."

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"She's who?" Zelgadis was amazed. It wasn't every day you went into a forest only to find the long-lost Crown Princess of Seyruun!

"My sister, Gracia. She wants to help. Do you still have the spell, Mr. Zelgadis?" Amelia replied.

"Yes, of course." Zelgadis dug into a pouch and pulled out the scroll, handing it to Gracia. He continued to gape.

Gracia unrolled the scroll and looked it over. "Ah, mm-hm, yes..."

"And?" Amelia looked hopeful.

"I can't cast it."

"What? But..?"

Gracia cut Amelia off. "Let me finish! A-hem. I can't cast it. Not until I've memorized this. You do want it to work, do you not?"

Amelia nodded her head.

"I thought as much. I'll start working on this, but first, we eat!"

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Zelgadis grimaced. Sure, he was very grateful that they had found somebody who could help, and yet...

"Amelia, why do I have to babysit Philip? He's your nephew!"

"He's so taken with you, Mr. Zelgadis! I think it's rather sweet. Besides, Gracia shouldn't take more than a day. Maybe a few days. A week, tops! I vaguely recall she was a fast leaner." Amelia beamed.

Zelgadis frowned. He didn't want to here a whole week with Philip, who was currently pulling at Zelgadis' sword's sheath.

"Stop, don't touch that!" Zelgadis pulled his sword out of the boy's grasp.

"But it's so cool, Mr. Zelgadis, sir! Mom wouldn't let me have one. Do you really fight with it?" Philip asked.

"No, it's strictly ornamental." Zelgadis wasn't in the mood to out up with children.

"Mr. Zelgadis, you're lying! Lying is deceitful, let alone unjust!" Amelia scolded.

Zelgadis sighed in exasperation. He may as well surrender. "Yes Philip, I do fight with it. Here, let's go outside and I'll teach you the basics."

"Really? Wow! You're the best, Mr. Zelgadis, sir!" Philip pulled Zelgadis out of the room and out the door.

"Have fun, you two!" Amelia giggled, but then realized she was alone. "Well, I guess I could get some sleep...only Gracia didn't show us where we'll be sleeping. Hmm... I'll just take a quick nap."

Amelia lay down on the couch she had been sitting on, and fell into a deep sleep.

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In another part of the house, hideous laughter burst out.

"Oh ho ho ho! I have succeeded yet again!" Gracia let out a large yawn. "However, it's best to attempt such a spell after a good night's rest. Amelia and her friend will just have to wait! Oh ho h-" Gracia coughed. "My lung capacity isn't what it once was. No matter!"

Gracia, completely forgetting she had guests, trotted off to her bedroom and fell asleep.

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Later, since it was too dark to stay outside, Philip and Zelgadis reentered the house.

"Wow, Mr. Zelgadis, sir! That was so cool! You've got to be the best swordsman alive!" Philip beamed.

"Far from it, actually. If you want to see a real master I'll have to introduce you to a friend of mine."

"Wow, really?"

"Well, the next time I run into him."

Zelgadis and Philip walked into the living room, where Zelgadis spied Amelia sound asleep on the couch.

Zelgadis turned to Philip and spoke in a hushed voice, "Don't tell me there aren't any spare rooms?"

Philip gave Zelgadis a puzzled expression. "Are you kidding! We have tons! ...well, a few anyway. Dad likes to invite his business partners over when he's home."

"Well then why is Amelia sleeping down here?" Zelgadis wondered.

"Oh, Mom does this all the time. She can be very forgetful, especially when she's tired. Want me to show you to the rooms?"

"Yes, thank you, but I'd better not leave Amelia down here all night."

Zelgadis moved over to the couch and lifted Amelia into his arms, being careful not to wake her.

Philip beckoned to Zelgadis. "Follow me."

They trekked up the stairs, past what had to be the master bedroom and Philip's room, until Philip stopped in front of a door.

"Here, you can put Aunt Amelia in here." Philip opened the door and pointed to the bed inside.

Zelgadis quietly walked to the bed, lay Amelia down, and tucked her in. He then snuck back out into the hall where Philip waited.

"You love her, don't you?" Philip asked.

Zelgadis looked at him, baffled. "What? Well... I care for her, yes." he admitted.

Philip grinned. "I knew it! Come on, I'll show you to your room."

Zelgadis was unsure what to make of Philip's sudden accusation, but since the boy said no more about the subject, Zelgadis let it slide. He couldn't wait to get out of here, that was for sure! Zelgadis remained in deep thought as he followed behind Philip.

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Zelgadis was having a pleasant dream when a light knocking woke him up.

"Mr. Zelgadis, sir? Mom wanted me to get you because breakfast is done. It'll get cold if you sleep in any longer." Philip's voice was easy to distinguish, even from the other side of the door.

Zelgadis rolled over and looked to the window.

"Gah!"

Zelgadis fell out of bed. The sun was already high in the sky! Just how long had he slept?! Zelgadis got up, quickly made the bed, and threw his clothes on.

"I'm coming, Philip!"

Zelgadis opened the door. Sure enough, Philip's smiling face awaited him.

"Good morning, Philip. Did you sleep well?" Zelgadis attempted to be quaint.

"You bet! I dreamed that a huge dragon attacked, but that I was able to beat it, just like you showed me! Could you teach me some more?"

"We'll see how things go. Has Amelia gotten up yet?"

"She got up a long time ago! She and Mom were talking so loud that it woke me up."

Zelgadis and Philip walked into the kitchen and were met by Gracia and Amelia. Gracia shook her head at them with a smug expression on her face.

"I thought you were going to sleep forever! You'll be lucky if your breakfast is still warm." Gracia said.

Zelgadis looked down at what must have been his plate: waffles, syrup, and a small mug of what he hoped was tea. Not what he usually had for breakfast, but it looked appetizing nevertheless. Zelgadis sat down and dug in.

Gracia meanwhile, turned back to Amelia to continue their conversation.

"Anyway, Amelia, are you about ready?"

Zelgadis choked on his tea and spent a moment coughing to clear his throat.

"What, you mean you've memorized it already?" Zelgadis choked out.

"I told you she was a fast learner!" Amelia beamed. "Gracia, I'm ready whenever you are."

"Then let's do it." Gracia started for the door.

Zelgadis stood up from his unfinished breakfast. "Shouldn't I go as well?"

Gracia shook her head. "No, you stay here and finish your breakfast. I've never cast this before, so I'm not sure how it will turn out. I'd rather not have any distractions. That goes for you as well, Philip."

"Aw, Mom!" Philip pouted.

Gracia and Amelia left the room, leaving Zelgadis and Philip to wonder and wait.

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Zelgadis had long since finished his breakfast, so he sat at the table, drumming his fingers impatiently. The dirty breakfast plates were starting to annoy him so he took it upon himself to wash, dry, and put them all away. (With Philip's help, of course!)

Still Zelgadis and Philip sat, waiting.

Zelgadis finally turned to Philip. "What do you suppose could be-"

Just then a shriek rang through the air!

"Oh no, Amelia!" Zelgadis lept to his feet and dashed out the door.

Upon exiting the house, Zelgadis saw Gracia and Amelia not far off. From what he could see Amelia appeared to be crying.

"What happened?" Zelgadis shouted.

Gracia turned to face Zelgadis. "Just a minor shock to the system. Nothing to be worried about."

Amelia, meanwhile, was drying her eyes then looked to Zelgadis. Tears wet her cheeks once again.

"Oh Mr. Zelgadis, I can see!"

Amelia dashed to Zelgadis, but stopped short of tackling him (much to Zelgadis' surprise.) She took a moment to study him.

"You look just the way I had imagined you!" Amelia hugged him around the waist.

After regaining his breath, Zelgadis returned the hug.

Philip walked over to Gracia. "So when do I get to learn stuff like that?"

Gracia gave a tired smile to her son. "I suppose I can't keep you safe from the world forever."

"You mean I can?"

"Well, soon enough. We'll have to find a good school for you, provided your father approves."

Amelia looked at Gracia. "Speaking of your husband, does he know about you? I mean, who you really are?"

"Well..." Gracia scratched her cheek nervously. "Not exactly. I've hinted to Lester about where I come from, but nothing else."

"You were going to tell him, weren't you?" Amelia asked.

"Yes, but I was waiting for the right time. I've spent so long hiding from the past that I've been scared to confront it again." Gracia admitted.

"Gracia, I missed you so much! And Daddy, too. Surely you'll come back to Seyruun?" Amelia glanced over to Philip. "Besides, Seyruun has some of the best teachers of magic around. And Philip is rightfully an heir to the throne."

"Wow, you mean I'm a prince?" Philip beamed.

"Well, yes, I was going to tell you. I suppose it's been wrong of me to keep away Father's only grandchild, unless you..?" Gracia looked at Amelia.

Amelia blushed bright red. "No, no! I've not even courted anyone...yet." Amelia stole a glance at Zelgadis.

Gracia gave a skeptical look. "You would have me believe that you two have been traveling around together, just because? 'Not courted', indeed!" Gracia laughed, then addressed Zelgadis, "Then you are you? A soldier? Or a page perhaps?"

"No, nor do I intend to be." Zelgadis crossed his arms. "I am merely an old traveling companion helping out a friend."

Gracia noticed the faint blush on Zelgadis' face. "Oh-ho, I see."

Amelia could see the tension between Zelgadis and Gracia building. Better put a damper on it...

"Gracia, I am extremely grateful to you, but Mr. Zelgadis and I should be leaving soon. I've been away for a long time, and I wouldn't want to worry Daddy any further." Amelia said.

"No, I would imagine not. Before you go, could you deliver a letter for me? Father ought to know what I've been up to before I just drop in." Gracia replied.

"Yes, of course, Gracia. Daddy will be delighted to hear from you again!" Amelia clasped her hands together happily.

"Well then, let's go back inside so I can write it, first!"

Zelgadis was back in his room packing his things. Philip, of course, had never left his side.

"So you're really leaving?" Philip asked.

"Yes, I've got to take Amelia back home."

"Mr. Zelgadis, sir, I'm going to miss you! Do you think we'll ever see you again?"

Zelgadis looked at Philip. The boy appeared really torn up about this. Zelgadis still considered the boy an annoyance, and yet he was starting to like Philip. It had been nice to share some of his knowledge and skill. Perhaps having children wouldn't be so bad after all.

"I'm sure we will, Philip." Zelgadis smiled at the boy.

"And you'll teach me more about sword fighting too, right?"

Zelgadis sighed. "Yes, Philip, I'll teach you more about sword fighting."

"Yay!" Philip hugged Zelgadis then dashed out of the room. He stuck his head back in a moment later. "I'm going to say good-bye to Aunt Amelia."

"All right, Philip, she'll appreciate that."

Philip disappeared from view again, but could easily be heard stomping down the hallway. Zelgadis shook his head. Some children...

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"Do we have everything?" Amelia asked. "I'm not even sure of all we brought with us, other than Hiro, of course."

Hiro whinnied in response. He was eager to get going!

"Yes, other than saying good-bye." Zelgadis motioned to the front porch where Gracia and Philip stood.

"Good-bye, Gracia! Good-bye, Philip! Be sure to visit soon!" Amelia waved.

"You can bet on it." Gracia responded.

"Bye, Aunt Amelia! Good-bye, Mr. Zelgadis, sir!"

Zelgadis gave a short wave, then began walking down the path, Amelia and Hiro right behind him.

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They walked for most of the day, choosing to take the quickest route back to Seyruun (which meant avoiding all of the major cities.) As evening fell, they stopped and set up camp for the night.

Amelia was pulling out some cookware, but then turned to Zelgadis.

"Mr. Zelgadis, I was wondering."

"Yes, what is it, Amelia?" Zelgadis looked up from setting up the tent.

"Well, I was just wondering if you would come back to Seyruun with me."

"Aren't I doing that already?" Zelgadis grinned. He knew where this was going.

Amelia fidgeted nervously. "I mean, to stay."

"Amelia, I thought you would never ask."

"Really?" Amelia blushed, then noticed something.

"What happened to the other tent?"