Six Months Later. . . .

Angara and Bengali were having lunch when Arten came back to the house.

"Arten, is something wrong?" Maria asked.

"I was just visited by two guards. One from the North, and other from the East. It seems that the Nobles of those lands are retiring." Said Arten.

"Why would they send word to you?" Maria asked.

"They have chosen our cubs as the new nobles." Said Arten.

"They're only cubs. They are too young to rule kingdoms." Said Maria.

Arten then said that it didn't matter what they think. He continued to say that the Nobles had made their decision, and it was final. Maria stormed out of the room. Arten shut the door, and went after his wife. Angara and Bengali looked at each other, and shrugged their shoulders. Angara could tell that her mama was upset. She finished her lunch, and then went to check on her mama. Angara got to her parent's room.

"Maria, I know how you feel, but the choice has been made. We can't change that." Said Arten.

"Can't you go to Lord Claudus, and ask him?" Maria asked.

"I'm afraid not. The Nobles have more power than the Lord of Thundera." Said Arten.

"Arten, we can't let them go. They're our cubs, and they are too young." Said Maria.

"You said that last part already." Said Arten.

Angara had then at that part knocked on the door. Arten walked over to the door, and opened it. When he opened it, there standing in front of him was Angara.

"Angara, is everything alright?" Arten asked.

"I wanted to make sure mama's ok." Said Angara.

"Come here sweetheart." Said Maria.

Angara walked over to Maria, and sat next to her on the bed. Maria then pulled Angara close to her, and that is when she asked her question.

"I'm just a little upset. We just got you and your brother; now they are taking the both of you away to become Nobles." Said Maria.

"Isn't it an honor to be chosen for such a position?" Angara asked.

"Yes, but the reason your mother is upset, is because you two are so young. Nobles aren't chosen often, but when they are; they're already adults." Said Arten.

Angara looked back to her mother, and could tell she was trying not to cry. Angara stood, and then looked her mother in the eye. Maria could see that Angara was a determined little girl, and she would most likely be able to handle the responsibility of the position of Noble of the North.

"Angara, sweetheart. If I let you, and your brother go; you must promise me that you'll visit us. You two will still be my cubs, even though you both will be very powerful." Said Maria.

"Or you could visit us." Said Angara.

"That's a promise." Said Maria.

Maria then pulled Angara into a hug, and then looked up at Arten. She told him that she had to get started on a new outfit for them before they leave with those that would take them to the North, and East. Angara then said that she wanted to go finish her lunch. Maria let her go, and watched her leave the room. Arten put a hand on Maria's shoulder, and told her that maybe this was why the cubs needed them. Maria patted her husband's hand, and then went to get started on the outfits.

When Maria came back out to the table, she noticed that the cubs had gone back outside. Maria was still working on the outfit for Angara, when she noticed that she had to get supper started. Once it was finished, she went over to the door, and opened it; she then called to her family to come in.