King GarGar finished the final review of the mounted knights. Looking over his shoulder, he could see Queen Pirouette and her entourage approaching from a distance. The morning sun was in his eyes, so he had to squint to get a good look at her. She was radiant as usual. One her palfrey, dressed in a silver, ceremonial breast plate, she looked every inch the warrior queen. On her head was a simple, silver coronet. To GarGar, she was like an angel, drawing closer to wish him god speed.

My God! thought the king. It gets harder every time I have to say goodbye.