The morning routine was broken by the sound of horses cantering across the near country and into the castle that was home.   A small group of riders, one of which held the banner of Prince Roger, passed unopposed into the deepest parts of the castle.   The riders dismounted, the leader was obviously His Imperial Highness himself.<br/><br/>He'd been several days ride away, yet had made remarkable time on his return once news had reached him.   In fact, he'd barely arrived an hour behind the dispatch rider that he'd sent ahead.  He'd done something that he'd rarely done: hammering an agreement down the throat of two stubborn vassal lords.<br/><br/>He swept into the castle, speaking to various aides that came up to him.   "Where is my father?  And my wife?"  He demanded, pushing open the main doors to the throne room.  Spurs clinked on the stonework, steel tapping against stone.  He was dressed for battle, and his expression matched his armor.