Gaspard mounted up with a heavy heart. "My love..." a whisper came from the door. His dearest, Emily, looked at him with tears in her eyes. He looked at her and thought of all their time together. "The King commands me foward, sweet Emily" he resgined "I must ride out. We don't have time for goodbyes." Gaspard turned back to the horizon, his purpose clear in his mind. Death was almost a certainty, but it was die in duty, or cowering at home. He knew he'd do his Father proud, if it came to it. Without turning around, he spoke his last words to the love of his life "Leave a candle lit by the window. I
will be back." Gaspard rode off, into his uncertain destiny.