Gavin motioned for Tansen and Deston to follow him to the stables, intent on showing them a measure of trust by allowing them to pick from the royal horses for a nice afternoon out, when a guard came running up to them. The man was wide-eyed and covered in blood.<br/><br/>"What is it? What is going on," Gavin demanded, his fears going to his father, his sister and Honore. Did something happen to them?<br/><br/>"Your father," the guard gasped. "A demon! Oh, gods, the king!"<br/><br/>Gavin pushed past the guard and ran to his father's room. By the time he got there, he had to push past the Ritter Hex. For his own safety, they held him back, but he could see the blood splattered room. He sagged in the arms of the Ritter holding him, unable to stay up in the face of his loss.<br/><br/>The old king was dead. Long live the king.