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“Y ou need to come to the wall,” Uncle Tank said.

Zelda saw his expression and got up immediately, leaving the account books behind. Stewart's old eyes were not what they used to be and his handwriting was large and a little shaky, and Gory was busy transcribing some of it.

Thankfully, Steward had settled happily into retirement. By all reports, he was content to chat with other retirees at the hot springs as he soaked away his aches.

The weather had steadily warmed, and the grasslands were green with tender new growth.

A huge goblin sat on a monstrous black battle ram, looking expectantly up at the wall. He was surrounded by five warriors, bristling with weapons.

She smiled, amused. She hadn't seen him in months. “Yarbo! Have you come to lay siege to my castle?”

“Lady Zelda, it's been a long search. Word was you were kidnapped, taken away in the night.”

It was nice to know that someone cared. Her neighbors might have gossiped about her sudden leaving, but he was the only one who actually took the time to see what had happened.

By the looks of it, he'd been ready to rescue her.

How touching. “My father's men came to fetch me, actually. I'm his heir.”

He nodded, his gaze intent. “It's been a long road. Now that I found you, I will help you to leave this place or rule it. Whichever one you want.”

As declarations went, that was pretty good. Yarbo had always been very straightforward. The trouble was, she didn't return his affection, at least not the way he would like.

“I already rule it,” she said simply. “But you’ve come a long way. Come inside and we’ll feed you.”

Ozzy arrived as the enormous goblin dismounted. Ozzy was large, but this guy towered half a head over him and was as wide as a door, and solid muscle.

Ozzy stood next to Zelda, ready to grab his sword.

Zelda glanced at him and smiled, perfectly relaxed. “Ozzy Redbone, meet Yarbo. He's an old neighbor, come to check up on me.”

The men sized each other up. Yarbo noted how Ozzy stood at Zelda's side and frowned.

Ozzy noted that Yarbo had ridden weeks prepared to fight and free Zelda from unknown captors.

Both of them bristled.

Zelda noted the violence in the air and said lightly, “We've had some trouble around here with a local thug. Ozzy is one of the local chieftains who have allied with me. Come inside and I'll fill you in. Bring your men, of course. You're my guests tonight.”

She said the magic word, "guest", so that put violence off the table. Ozzy would be in trouble if he started anything.

Zelda noted his expression and said, “Stay if you like. We might as well make a party of it." She smiled at her Uncle Tank. “Cook should be able to add a little more meat on the fire.”

The alphas sized each other up. It was going to be an interesting meal.

Not being a fool, Zelda invited one of the local tribe's elders, a woman named Oyon, along with the mayor and his wife. Uncle Tank was there, of course. She knew Ozzy would be less defensive if he thought he had people on his side.

Of course, the only “side” Zelda was interested in was her own. She knew why Yarbo was there.

They got through a basic discussion of local politics, and then it got sticky.

“Sounds like fun,” Yarbo said. “I will help you fight her.”

“You're not married then? Oyon asked. “No one waiting for you back home?”

Zelda frowned at the woman. She could not have asked a worse question.

“No.” Yarbo said. “I've asked Lady Zelda to marry me.”

Ozzy stiffened. “I've also asked the lady to marry me.”

Yarbo pierced him with a violent stare. “I have a prior claim.”

“I told you both no,” Zelda pointed out, exasperated. “Many times.”

They ignored that. Obviously, she'll choose one of them. Each is convinced that it’s going to be him.

“I have a granddaughter,” Oyan announced, like a merchant joining a bidding war. She eyed Yarbo. “l want to introduce you.”

“I'm spoken for,” Yarbo said and turned his attention back to Ozzy.

“You're not, actually,” Zelda pointed out, annoyed. “The girl has as much claim on you as anyone.”

He stared at her, unmoved. “I am spoken for,” he said with slow deliberation.

It was impossible not to feel a thrill at such obvious devotion. Unfortunately, she knew he was all wrong for her. He lacked a sense of humor, for one thing. Everything was deadly serious, and he was inflexible.

Exactly like the castle. Every day would be a battle if they disagreed. Ozzy would at least...

She quickly shut down that comparison. Now was not the time.

“My granddaughter will be here in a few days,” Oyan said, standing up. “My lady. Would you mind walking me to the door?”

Now that was an awesome exit plan! Zelda almost forgave her for starting a war at the dinner table. She stood up happily. “Of course. The castle can be moody.” She sent a warning glance around the table. “Make sure you don't set it off.”

Zelda linked arms with the old woman. As soon as they were out of earshot, Oyan patted her hand. “It's not really about you, you know. Men have to sort these things out. Alpha dogs, you see.”

Zelda sighed. “I know.”

Oyan glanced back at the table. “Still, the grandbabies he could give me! I can't wait to introduce him.”

“He was very popular,” Zelda cautioned her, not wanting her to get her hopes up.

“Of course he was! But you haven't seen my granddaughter.” Oyan winked. “I'll be off, then. Enjoy your evening.” She smirked, undoubtedly expecting fireworks. Feisty old wench!

The guests dispersed after that. Yarbo and his friends were given private quarters in the barracks. There was no way she could house them in the castle without giving the wrong impression.

Ozzy hung back, as she knew he would. What she didn't know was what he would say.