????The King stirred on his throne as if waking from a slumber."Traitors and spies abound."He muttered to himself,"I have been lenient for far too long.This is how I am repaid by the very clans I united!"His fist slammed down on the armrest of the throne,echoing through the chamber."They force me to take drastic measures...Barrus!"

????"Majesty?"

????"Empty the dungeons.Let any fugitive in the kingdom earn his freedom hunting my enemies."

????The guard captain saluted,"At once,Majesty.And the matter of the new Lord Steward?"

????The King nodded,"Bring him to me."

????The rat had found the cultist at a small shrine on top of the mountain.He had fought to protect the poppet but had been no match for Mercurio.

????He began preparing his horse for the journey back to Bleakmarsh when someone called from behind him,"Baron Mercurio."

????Mercurio turned,hastily hiding the poppet behind his back,to see a pair of King's Guards sitting astride their destriers."Can I help you?"

????"You claimed the bounty on the Winter Wolf?"One of the guards asked as he dismounted.

????Mercurio raised his hands,"I was told he was dead,I swear."

????"The King wishes to meet you."

????Mercurio's eyes flicked between the two guards,"What's this about?"

????The second guard approached,"His Majesty believes that you're a trustworthy subject.The King's trust is not to be spurned."

????Lady Amber,we greet you Far Seeker,and wish you well on your travels.It's with a heavy heart that we bring dire news.The King has cast aside the counsel of the Rabbit Clan.We no longer have his ear,and the realm suffers for it.As a legend throughout Armello,we ask that you consolidate your prestige,and regain the King's trust.We can still calm this situation before it escalates.

Florian,Master of the Rabbit Clan

????Amber placed the letter back on the table beside her."It sounds awfully formal.He must have been in a hurry to leave the capital."

????"But he's safe,right?"A smaller rabbit sat on the couch opposite Amber,fidgeting agitatedly.He had brown and white fur and wore a black doublet embroidered with gold thread,his long ears tied back with a black velvet ribbon.

????"I'm sure he's fine,Barnaby.He's probably already on his way back to Skytower."

????"So what are you gonna do?"

????Amber shrugged,"If Uncle Florian is relying on me then I'll perform my duty to the clan."

????Barnaby sprang to his feet,"Then I'm going with you."

????Amber sighed,standing.She patted her young cousin on the head,"You're staying here,Little Screwloose.You're the heir to the clan,you need to watch over Skytower while Florian's away."

????"You always do this."Barnaby moaned as Amber walked away,"You're always running off and having adventures,and I'm stuck here in some old tower with nothing to do and no one who cares!"

????Amber paused by the door.She picked up a bright yellow parasol from its stand and looked back with a sad smile."That's your duty to the clan,Barnaby.Some day you'll realise that."She stepped out into the hallway,letting the door swing shut behind her.

????Outside her chambers she came face to face with another rabbit;tall and slender with black and white fur that formed a thick,snowy collar which spilled out from her crisp white shirt.She wore puffy breeches,striped black and yellow,and a black silk waistcoat trimmed with gold.A leather belt and pouch around her waist held an assortment of architectural tools,and a pair of small,round spectacles hung at her breast.Atop her head sat a yellow beret adorned with,in place of where a badge might be worn,a small red ink bottle and eagle feather quill pen.

????The rabbit greeted Amber with a curtsey."Lady Amber."

????"Elyssia.How long have you been out here?"

????"Long enough."Elyssia fell into step beside Amber as she progressed down the hallway."If you intend to journey the kingdom I will gladly accompany you."

????"Thank you Elyssia,but that won't be necessary.I've asked Horatio to join me.We'll move faster with just the two of us."

????"Minister Jakurr?"Elyssia frowned,"My lady,with all due respect,I shouldn't think the Master of Coin knows one end of a sword from the other."

????"Well that shouldn't be a problem.I don't need a bodyguard,just someone to hold my purse.Beside's which,if I am to integrate myself into the royal court I'll need to know everything I can.The Minister is better suited to instructing me in the political games of the capital."

????"This is not one of your usual expeditions,my lady.The King has exiled Lord Florian,he executed your-"Elyssia caught herself,"All I'm saying is,the danger is very clear.And I am sworn to protect you."

????"You are sworn to protect Barnaby."

????"Do you fear for his safety?"

????"Not so much as I fear him trying to escape the castle.Who will watch over him if not you?"

????Elyssia sighed,"Very well.Just...please be careful,Amber."

????Amber smiled,"Thank you,Lady Wardress.Though you needn't worry,I can take care of myself.After all,you taught me everything I know."She gave Elyssia a reassuring touch on the arm and descended the long stairs that brought her to the castle's great hall.

????She stepped out into the courtyard and made for the stables.She was halfway through saddling her favourite horse,a sleek,black coated mare,when she heard someone behind her clear their throat.

????She turned to see a rotund badger in a gold brocade tunic under a deep red robe with a brown fur collar.He also wore a small black hat.Both the hat and the sleeves of his robe were embroidered with gold thread.

????Horatio was stood beside a two horse carriage,its sides hung with golden banners bearing a pair of prancing rabbits,one white and one black.They held between them a standard,bisected black and white.

????"If you think I'm riding you can think again."

????Amber sighed,"Alright,we'll take the carriage.But I'm driving."

????"I know you were keen to go treasure hunting,but it looks like those plans might need to go on hold."Amber made a face as she removed the saddle from her horse."But maybe we've got time to search a dungeon or two.It is your speciality."The badger climbed into the carriage and was soon joined by Amber."We'll build influence by exploring and seeking out treasures and followers.Let's get going...Although I would like to maybe have a cup of wyldweed tea."The rabbit shot him another glare that said they'd wasted enough time already."No?Fine."

????A flight of pigeons burst into the air and scattered as the horses and carriage rattled over the cobbles and through the castle gates.Amber glanced back at Horatio,"So,we're on an adventure for treasure and fame?Sounds like this could be fun after all.And have you heard any rumours of where we might find such rewards?"

????"There is one thing.Apparently a skilled bard was researching the tale of a lost treasure for a song and went missing in Broken Lair.So,a bard,a chance at treasure and probably danger as well.I might just stay outside if that's okay."

????Amber grinned,"It's just some old tomb.What do you have to worry about?"

????"I've heard that there's some strange old magic at work in there."He looked sidelong at Amber,"Then again,you've got some strange magic yourself...You should focus your spirit.It may help you in the journey ahead."

????"Right."Amber closed her eyes and breathed in slowly,reaching within herself.She could feel it there,like a thread tied around her soul that wound away and connected to some distant point,feeding her its strength.The branch that bound her to the great tree,her link to the Wyld.She took hold of it,feeling its warmth suffuse her body.A gentle breeze swirled around her,ruffling her skirts,and for a moment she was bathed in a faint green haze,the colour of new leaves.Then it faded and she exhaled."I'm ready."

????The carriage rolled across the Skystead Plains.The sun was starting to dip towards the horizon when they came to the cracked and overgrown flagstones that surrounded Broken Lair.They followed an old pathway that led between sunken graves and crumbling statues,deeper into the burial site.At the centre of the cemetery they passed through a half collapsed archway into a small plaza.Here stood a mausoleum,its walls engraved with scenes of battles and great discoveries,now so worn as to be barely recognisable,and any decoration long since lost to the chipped marble husk.A short flight of steps led down to the entrance,long ago split open by a wide crack in the masonry,which gave the tomb its name.

????Amber jumped down from the carriage."I'm going in.Wait here,I won't be long."

????"Don't need to tell me twice."Horatio replied,producing a book from within his robes.He looked around anxiously,"Just,please hurry.This place doesn't feel right."

????Amber reached into the carriage to a large canvas bag at Horatio's feet.After some rummaging she pulled out a torch and a flint and steel.She lit the torch and,with it in one hand and her parasol in the other,strode confidently into the tomb.

????This place was an old rabbit burial ground,built by the clan best known for burrowing deep.As such,the tunnel quickly spiralled down into the cold and dark before it levelled out.From here Amber passed through a number of small chambers.Some had a single sarcophagus set in place of reverence,others had several coffins set into alcoves that lined the walls.The torchlight reflected off a few scraps of ancient opulence;ceremonial weapons and armour,ornaments crafted from precious metals and stones,all rusted and tarnished beyond repair.

????As she continued her trek through the catacombs Amber almost gave up hope of finding anything worth taking back,though in one chamber she did come across a small leather pouch that held a handful of gold coins.They were old,crudely hammered wider and flatter than modern leos,with rough edges.One side was stamped with the face of some long dead rabbit king,the other bore the sign of the Druidic Sun.She pocketed the coins anyway,gold was still gold after all,and continued.

????When she came to a fork in the passageway she stopped to get her bearings.Her torch guttered in a sudden gust of wind.There was a sound on the edge of hearing,a low,screeching hiss.Amber swept her torch to the left path.The shadows crept back away from the light like a thick black oil oozing across the stone.Amber shook herself,turning instead to the right fork,where a faint blue-green light glowed from around a corner.

????She approached the ethereal light and rounded the corner into the tomb's main chamber.In the middle of the room on a small dais was a large,ornate sarcophagus.Suspended roughly five feet above the casket was a large bubble of magical energy,some kind of stasis spell.Floating within it,like a fly trapped in amber,was a fox dressed in a plain blue and white dress.A lute was slung over her shoulder,and a flamboyant wide brimmed hat with four long white plumes drifted near her dormant form.

????"I guess you're the missing bard."Amber muttered.She took a moment to assess the spell holding the fox in place and then waved a hand,banishing the magic.The glowing bubble vanished instantly,dropping the bard to the ground with a heavy thud.

????"Whuzzat?"The fox sprang awake and scooped up her hat from where it had fallen before standing quickly,glancing around the chamber.

????"Are you alright?"Amber asked.

????"Yeah,fine."The bard spoke in a voice like gravel soaked in whiskey,"Was just poking around some and got caught up in that bubble thing."She suddenly gasped,clapping a hand to her forehead,"Wyld!How long have I been trapped here?What year is it?"

????Amber bemusedly raised a hand,"I shouldn't think you've been missing more than a few days."

????"Huh.Well that figures,I am feeling pretty hungry.Thanks for getting me out of that by the way.Name's Rusty."She extended a hand which Amber shook.

????"I am Lady Amber of the Rabbit Clan."

????"The Far Seeker?Well damn,looks I've got myself rescued by a real hero.Think I might write a song about it.At least then this trip won't have been a complete waste."

????"So you didn't happen to come across any lost treasures while you were down here?"

????"No more'n what you see here."Rusty spread her arms to encompass the chamber and its contents."You were here after some prize too,I'd wager."

????"I was hoping to find some ancient relic or perform some other heroic deeds.I'm on a quest to raise my clan's standing in the royal court."

????"Ha!Why didn't you say so?Tell you what,I'll come along with you and sing of your deeds in every tavern from here to the capital.Least I can do for you saving me."

????Amber smiled,"Thank you Rusty.I think I'll take you up on that offer."

????It was dusk when Amber and Rusty emerged from the tomb.Amber greeted Horatio and introduced the bard.The rabbit and fox quickly mounted up and their carriage was soon on the move again,leaving the dark crypts below empty and lifeless once more.

????"Where to now?"Amber asked over her shoulder.

????"If you're going to regain the King's ear you'll need to gain prestige."Horatio replied,"I know a few ways you could get your name out there again."

????"Like crashing a high profile duel?"Rusty piped up.

????"You have something in mind?"Amber enquired,curiosity piqued.

????"Sure.I guess the wolves and rats finally got sick of tolerating each other.I heard they arranged for a couple of their champions to meet at the Iron Needles and settle their differences with steel."

????"They would take this matter into their own hands?"Horatio sounded aghast,"That's a direct violation of the Armistice Treaty!"

????"Aye,and it'll likely lead to a clan war.'Course,normally that sort of thing wouldn't stand with the King,but it seems like nothing's been right in the kingdom lately."

????"It's a long way to the Iron Needles."Amber muttered,"We'll have to hurry if we're going to make it in time."

????"What do you plan to do?"Horatio asked.

????"I'll put a stop to their idiotic power games myself.One way or another."She cracked her whip,spurring the horses on faster.Redhorn Meadow,the Silken Green and Thistle Down all blurred past and melted away behind the carriage.They eventually came to a tent city outside Duncastle where Horatio suggested they rest until morning.

????When dawn broke Amber was woken by shouting nearby.Stretching,she stood and spotted a column of Kings Guard's riding into town.One guard broke away and came into the tent city,calling out,"The settlement of Duncastle is under martial law,by order of the Lord Steward,Baron Mercurio."

????Amber was soon joined by Horatio."Curse it!"The badger hissed,"Mercurio of the Rat Clan must have the King's ear.As Lord Steward he has a say in which laws the King enforces."

????"What should we do?"Amber asked.

????"You'll need to raise your reputation higher than his to earn the King's trust and reaffirm the Rabbit Clan's position in court."

????Rusty had also woken and approached the pair with a yawn,"I've been asking around some.That duel?It's happening tonight.We should get a move on."

????Amber silently nodded in agreement,climbing onto the carriage.

????They spent most of the day crossing the snowy fields of the Burrows Cap Tundra,passing only a few other travellers along their way.Most seemed to be heading towards the Iron Needles as well,drawn by rumours of the imminent duel.

????"Why do you think Mercurio is placing towns under martial law?"Amber asked,breaking the silence of the journey.

????"I couldn't say."Horatio replied,"But knowing the Rat Clan-and Mercurio specifically,judging by his reputation-it can't be anything good.What worries me more is why the King would allow it."

????"It's like I said."Rusty grunted,lifting her hat off her face,"There's something not right at the capital.Not been right for a long time,and now it's spreading.You can feel it in the air everywhere you go.Like a kind of tension,like a storm waiting to break."

????Amber stared ahead grimly,"The sooner I retake Uncle Florian's place at court the better.Then I'll get to the bottom of all this."

????They finally arrived at the foothills of the Iron Needles.The distinctive,sheer sided spikes of black rock rose high above.The trio waited there until night fell.

????The narrow mountain path wound its way up between rocky outcrops and into a natural basin within a ring of high peaks.A wide circle had been drawn in the dirt here and lined with torches that cast a flickering red illumination across the arena.A crowd of onlookers had formed,thick and bustling,everyone craning to see what was about to unfold.In the middle of the commotion the combatants stood ready;a big wolf warrior carrying a two handed battle axe,and a slim white rat armed with a pair of daggers.

????The wolf champion called out,"Everyone here knows you're outmatched,rat.Surrender now and spare your clan the embarrassment of defeat!"

????The rat scoffed,"Typical wolf,barking out demands rather than defending your clan's honour.I won't back down for a coward like you."

????The wolf snarled,raising his axe,and prepared to charge.

????"Looks like it's time I stepped in."Amber said cheerfully.She strode into the crowd and began shouldering her way to the front.

????Rusty looked somewhat startled and whispered to Horatio,"You sure she knows what she's doing?"

????"Just watch."Horatio smiled confidently.

????Just as the two champions made to dash towards each other,Amber leaped into the ring between them.There was a rasp of steel and she stood poised,parasol opened and extended with one hand,a narrow bladed sword in the other,holding both combatants at bay.A murmur rippled through the crowd.

????"What's the meaning of this,girl?"The wolf growled.

????Amber spoke in a loud,clear voice so all could hear,"My name is Lady Amber,Far Seeker,representative off the Rabbit Clan.Your actions here are a disruption of the King's peace.I command you to stand down and disperse."

????The rat scowled,"Get out of my way or you die too!"He knocked Amber's parasol aside and lunged at her.Twisting,Amber deftly parried a flurry of jabs and landed a heavy kick in the middle of his chest.The wolf's axe came crashing down from above and Amber raised the parasol.The axe tore a gash in the flimsy material and bit into the steel hidden beneath-lightweight but as tough as any shield.With a swift riposte Amber brought her sword around,forcing the wolf to duck beneath the blade.She now turned to face both duellists,two to one.

????The wolf came first.Before he could even lift his axe Amber quickly closed her parasol and then fluttered it open again in his face,causing him to stagger back.Even as the wolf was flinching away,the rat was already moving.He planted one foot on the wolf's back and vaulted over him,descending on Amber with both blades outstretched.The rabbit easily caught her attacker with the parasol and lifted him over her head,dumping him on the ground behind her.She spun on her heel,raising her sword as if to strike.The wide eyed rat jumped back and scurried away into the sea of shocked onlookers.

????Amber turned again,deflecting another swing of the wolf's axe and stepped past him,cracking him over the head with her closed parasol as she did so.The wolf dropped to one knee and swung low,aiming for Amber's legs.She nimbly jumped over the axe and flicked her blade down so the point was on a level with the wolf's eyeline.

????"Yield."She spoke the single word calmly but with icy intent.

????The wolf gave a long growl,then dropped his axe to the ground.

????Amber slid her sword back into the parasol's handle and turned to face the crowd."This fight is over.Return to your homes and spread the word of what happened here."She picked her way through the hastily disbanding mob to her companions.

????Rusty laughed and clapped Amber on the back,"That was a hell of a fight,I didn't think you had it in you."

????"I'm tougher than I look."Amber sighed and wiped her brow with a handkerchief."Well that ought to draw some attention at least.Come on,let's head back."

????They left the mountain and returned to the carriage.They crossed Emerald Park to Southbank where they rested until morning.As they made their way back to the stables Amber heard whispers from the people lining the streets.News was already spreading of the illicit duel and her intervention.

????As they neared the town gates they were spotted by a group of King's Guards.One approached,inclining his head slightly,"Lady Amber.The King has heard of your recent exploits in keeping the peace.He has shown an interest in meeting with you."

????Amber glanced at Horatio,who nodded.She turned back to the guard,"Very well.Take me to the capital.There are things that I would also like to discuss with His Majesty."

????"Of course,My Lady,you can come along with us.We just need a little more time to finish up here."The hound gestured over his shoulder.

????Looking past him Amber saw a cluster of citizens,all manacled and chained together in single file.As she watched they were herded into an orderly line and marched out through the gates.She turned to the guard again,"What's happening here?"

????The guard shrugged,"Prisoners to be brought back to the capital.King's orders."

????Amber gaped as the guard left to join the column of his comrades escorting the prisoners.A few of the unfortunates looked up,gaunt faces and hollow eyes meeting hers.She saw no sign of guilt or malice there,just fear and a silent plea for help.

????Horatio shook his head,"This can't be the work of the same wise king who united the clans and ruled peacefully for a generation.I never thought I'd see this day,there's nothing worse than madness..."

????Amber watched mournfully as the last of the prisoners shuffled past."Do we stick to Florian's plan?"

????"For the time being I think it's best that we do.And pray."He clasped his hands together,"Wyld save us from the king."