“Yes, presents!”

They clapped their hands and then darted away among the rose bushes toward the fountain.

“Very like hummingbirds,” mused Durwin.

“There you are, Mother,” said Bria as she came to stand with them. “I see they have told you their secret.”

“Yes, dear. How happy you must be.”

“I am almost as excited as they are-if that were possible!” she replied and laughed, her eyes following the girls as they ran. “Good day, Durwin. I am glad to see Mother has dragged you from your noisome den. I was beginning to wonder whether you would ever come out.”

“Oh, in time, in time. But once this old head gets hold of an idea, it will not let it go.” He smiled broadly. “That is why I have you two to look after me. I know you will not allow me to remain too long alone. I thank you for that.”

“There is another who I wish were as easily persuaded,” said Bria.

“Quentin?”

Bria smiled a little sadly and nodded. “Oh, I know he is very busy now. He is preoccupied with his temple. But he is gone from morning until night nearly every day, closeted with his builders and architects. He never stops. I rarely see him anymore.”

Alinea looked longingly at her daughter. “With a King it is ever so. You must remember, my love, that he does not belong to himself, or even his family. He belongs to the kingdom, to the people. Quentin carries a very great burden in this temple. Old ways die hard, and he seeks to fulfill the god’s leading.”

Bria hung her head. “I know I should be more patient. But he has become a stranger in his own house.”

“Quentin is called to high deeds. Through him great things will be accomplished.”

“So it is,” said Durwin. “But my Lady Bria speaks truth. He also must look to the nurturing of his home. King or no, that is a man’s first responsibility. The Most High is happy in small deeds, as well as large. I often think he must care less for temples than for the simple strength of a family.” He paused and looked at Bria. “I will speak to him if you wish.”