• ~Chapter One~


    The sound of a horse galloping through the woods, there is heavy breathing coming from the horse. The rider whispers to the horse, “Ride on.”
    The chill salty air rushed by the rider, waving her black cloak and dark auburn hair, behind her. The light from the full moon glowed within the branches of the forest; giving the area a mystical blue, green, and purple glowing aura. The shore line swiftly showing in the horizon, she quickens her mount to his fastest. A quiet whinny is the horse’s only reply.
    She reaches a secluded dock noticing a row boat and the captain waiting in his peasant looking clothes. She gets down from the tired horse, loosening the bonds of the saddle bags. Shortly after releasing the horse to graze and rest, she climbs into the boat and is taken away. “Love’y night ‘er ma’am?” the captain of the boat nervously said. The woman said nothing in return. Another nervous look from the captain, he stutters. “Ye just tell me te stop when yer stop nears.” Quiet are her words in reply.
    Feeling distant from anything, she looks ahead, waiting for the right place to debark. Thinking to her self “I wonder what he means, “We have to meet.” It sounds quite important, this’ll be fun.” In no time, her time on the boat came to an end.
    Debarking, and giving the captain a few silver for the task; she begins to walk away. Up a slight incline, and into the same looking forest from where she left, she found a path leading to her destination. The foreign animals that stay in the shadows, observe the stranger.
    She finds a cave and enters into the darkness. Her eyes adjust to the sudden change and looks upon a door to the far end of the cavern. She takes her time though, not wanting to look as though his words meant something.
    Going to one end of the chamber to the other, her eyes spotted the one thing her heart desired to have. Knowing that she was being watched, she quietly steps to the piece and gently strokes the golden statue of a man. The face contorted into a frame of shock and anger, a slight shake of her hand as the cool metal permeated within her fingers.
    Stepping away from the statue and placing her hand on her chest, she calms herself by a steady breath and turns to the door.

    ---^---

    Sitting by the subtly crackling fire, he sits and drinks a robust brandy. Sighing heavily, he gets up from his red velvet arm chair and paces around the small sitting room. Keeping his drink in his hand, he walks to the mantle of the fire place, and takes another sip of the liquid. He looks up as the door to the chamber creaks open.
    The light from the other room reveals the rusty red color of his tunic and black pants, as well reflecting off of his buckles and weapons. He turns and faces the form in the door way, “It’s about time you got here.” He says sternly “We need to talk.” He motions with his free hand to the seat opposite to him.
    The figure swiftly sways side to side, making its way to the indicated chair. In a soft melodic tone, the figure speaks. “Greetings to you as well, Almn.” She laughs, “What is it you want us to talk about now?”
    Almn sits down into the chair where he once was and looks over to the female. “About your whereabouts lately.” He replied.
    A frown crossed her face when Almn said those words. “MY whereabouts?” she asked pointing to her self. Her laugh made her shiny long auburn hair fall in front of her pale face.
    “Yes, your whereabouts.” Almn firmly replies. Looking down to the floor, he sighs. “Please, Svannah, don’t make this difficult by playing your games.” He looks up at her, his piercing gaze meets hers. “Now, please tell me. This is of the most important things for me to know.”
    Svannah’s gaze meets his own. “You give me your reason why, and I’ll tell you, leaving no detail out.” She smirked.
    “Enough!” Almn screams at his rival.
    “Fine, fine.” Rolling her eyes, she sighs. “It's more fun this way.” Svannah looks to Almn seriously. “I want something in return, and you know what that is.”
    Not taking his gaze off of her, she stands up and walks to a table standing in the far corner. She pours a drink into a large bellied glass, its’ color turning orange from the light of the fire. She takes a sip and chuckles.
    “Well are you not going to ask me?” she says looking back at Almn.
    “Nothing ever prepares me for you.” He whispers to himself. “What is it you want Svannah?” he said louder than what he intended.
    Svannah smiled and motioned him to follow. Her form swiftly moving passed the chairs and a very interested companion. Almn followed her to the door and looked passed her in the direction of her pointing finger. “That.” Svannah said calmly, though there was a slight tremor in her voice. The statue stood as still as the stone in the cavern, its golden sheen looking as though it was just polished.
    Almn’s face contorted into disgustment. “Him?” he asked incredulously. “Why would you want something so hideous?” He finished, going back to his chair Svannah’s words followed him. “Why?” startled, she follows Almn back to the sitting room.
    “First of all Torin DuVallian is not hideous, and second, my heart desires him, you cannot keep him away from me.” Svannah’s words echoed within the small chamber.
    “Torin DuVallian is dead, Svannah, you know this. You’d seen his body fall during the great war.” Almn said in a forced informative voice.
    He could have stabbed a dagger in her chest, for his words stung profoundly. Anger within her heart started to rise. “You may think he is, but in my heart, he is not.”
    Sitting in the chair opposite to Almn, she sipped her drink. “Now, you wanted to know where I have been?” she calmly stated. Almn nodded in reply, knowing well that she’ll not leave a detail out, he motioned her to continue.
    “I was in the village Platos across the river Anosis.” She started. “Looking for some information about the campsite of the Tre’Dashin Bandits, they have something I want back.” She smiled when Almn’s face was formed into amazement.
    Svannah continued, “Then as I was gathering my things to leave, a cute little messenger boy came to me and gave me this.” She takes out a folded piece of paper, and hands it to Almn. He nods in recognition. “Yes, this is from me.”
    Annoyed at the thought of being interrupted, Svannah glared at him.
    “Though, I could have just left it unread, and went to look for the bandits by myself.” She smiled. “I realized that wouldn’t be fair to you and your adventurous side.” She straightened herself, and took a sip of her brandy.
    “So, you came here to ask if I wanted to join you.” Almn inquired.
    “And, I wanted to see why you needed me so bad.” Svannah replied mischievously.
    Almn raised his right eyebrow, a customary pose for when he doubted something. “Indeed.” He said calmly.
    “Well, first of all, thank you for coming so hastily.” Almn said sarcastically. “Well, you have done one thing I needed first.” Standing from his chair he continued. “You have taken the initiative to stop the bandits, finding the whereabouts of their hide-out.”
    “But I haven’t even seen the place yet.” Svannah said.
    “It does not matter.” Almn impulsively said. “We both will go and sneak around their lair, and give them the surprise to their last breath.” He smiled and chuckled slyly.
    Leaning down, holding on to the arms of Svannah’s chair Almn smiled again. “Shall we say a small wager and the winner will get what they’ve always wanted?”
    “You do know how to whet my appetite.” Svannah smiled coyly.
    Their faces so close, they could each feel the warm breath of their opponent. Almn broke away first, knowing what sort of woman he was speaking to. Svannah laughed at his uneasiness.
    “Then I suppose the deal is on?” Svannah said breaking the moment of silence. “Listen, if you want to get the bandits, then we must hurry and start to make some attack plans.” Svannah said excitedly.
    ---^---

    They were completing the final stages of their attack on the Tre’Dashin Bandits when a knock on the chamber door startled them.
    “Enter.” Almn said in a forceful tone.
    The door creaked open enough for a man’s head to peek through.
    “A’re pardon me disturbance ‘er master, but ‘er e’ve got a guest waitin’ at da front gate.” A wretched servant said in his customary foreign dialect. Almn looked to Svannah and then back to the servant.
    “Thank you Gerrob, you may take a break, but as soon as I and Lady Svannah leave, you will tend to your duties as normal, though I am in no mood for guest till I return. Understand?” he ordered, Gerrob nodded and returned to his duties.
    Almn left the chamber with Svannah inside hoping to get this guest out of the way before he and Svannah left to their sport.
    The cavern was dark with only the flickers of torch light guiding the path to the front gate where the guest was waiting, Almn walked with the intention to get a minor problem quickly finished.
    “Who is it that calls at this hour?” Almn demanded.
    “A merchant who lost his way, would you not let a cold man get warm by your grand fire?” the man on the other side of the gate asked. His black cloak torn from many seasons of travel, wavered in the breeze. Almn looked as though he recognised the voice, but dismissed it from his mind.
    “Go away sir, I have no time for your squandering kind.” He said sharply, the merchant raised his dark hands to the bars of the gate.
    “Surely you wouldn’t leave me out here alone with the wild wolves, good sir?” The merchant looked to Almn, his eyes glimmering in the moon light. “No, I don’t think you would, Almn Makaiver.”
    Almn stopped in his turn and looked back to the old merchant, a flicker of recognition flashed through his mind.
    “Take off your hat; I would like to know who I am truly talking to.” Almn said firmly.
    “Alright, fair is fair I guess,” the man reveals himself “Since I’ve known you for a very long time, and, you’ve never changed.” The man said.
    Almn’s eyes went wide, “Why you crazy son of a dog, Sethrin Kail. If I knew it was you, I would have told my servant to let you in.” Almn immediately opened the gate’s lock and let it silently slide open. Sethrin gave a courteous bow and tactfully moved within the area.
    Almn led the way down to where Svannah was waiting.
    The door still open, Svannah, standing before the golden statue once again, looked to where the two men were approaching. She quickly turned around and stood by the door, wondering who Almn was bringing back. Looking more than a few times at the statue, she noticed the new form to be a man, a man Almn knew very well.
    “Greetings,” She said, as soon as the two were in the entrance chamber of the sitting room.
    The men looked to Svannah, “Sethrin Kail this is Svannah Winters, a traveling companion who will be with us in the attack to the Tre’Dashin Bandits.” Almn introduced.
    Sethrin bowed and smiled. “As beautiful as a dove.” He commented.
    “I would also like to add that I am as skilled as both of you put together.” Svannah chimed in with a sly smile.
    “We will see, Svannah,” Almn said, chuckling to himself.
    A deadly glare from Svannah stopped his mirth. She turned to enter the sitting room, Almn smiled to Sethrin, both sharing a quiet snicker at Svannah’s expense. They entered the room after Svannah and shared a drink before heading out to their adventure.

    ---^---

    After a few minutes waiting for the boat back to the village Platos, Svannah and the two men stood on the dock, staring into the sky.
    “It is a good night for a battle.” Svannah said bravely.
    “It is indeed.” Sethrin said mysteriously.
    A chuckle from Almn took Svannah’s attention from the night’s sky.
    “What are you laughing about?” She asked Almn.
    Almn still laughing to himself answered, “Just at the thought that you actually think that you’re going to best both myself and Sethrin in this battle.” Sethrin laughed aloud, and Svannah’s face turned a scarlet red to Almn’s comment.
    A sigh if inpatients gave away Svannah’s growing urge to strike at Almn and his constant badgering.
    The boat finally arrived to the secret dock; within, the peasant looking captain threw the rope to secure the boat safely.
    “Ladies first,” Almn said sarcastically. Svannah started to get onto the boat when she was tugged away.
    “What are you doing?” she asked forcefully.
    “I didn’t mean you,” Almn laughed.
    “Then why did you say that?” she glared.
    “What, you think you’re a lady?” Almn huffed humorously.
    “I meant him,” pointing to Sethrin. An explosion of laughter ruptured between the two friends as they placed themselves onto the craft; angry and humiliated, Svannah regained her composer and settled in between the captain and Almn.
    Quietly the boat moved across the Anosis River; leaving only the slightest of wakes in its journey. Svannah, with her arms crossed before her, glared angrily at Almn.
    Sethrin motioned to Almn, pointing out something strange in the water.
    Svannah watched as Almn leaned over to get a better view in the darkness, he quickly sat back realizing what it was, he unsheathed his long sword and waited.
    Sethrin, with his customary twin thin scimitars in hand, stood and watched as the massive snake head emerged from the water.
    Svannah mumbled to herself, the beginning words of a fire spell.
    Almn looked at her, “Your spell isn’t needed; we can take this beast without any magic.” Svannah wasn’t listening, still too angry at Almn and his insults.
    The snarl of the snake like water beast took the attention of both male adventurers. Its head moved with a flash, attacking the duo standing before it. A hiss and a screech from the beast was the only sound it made before Svannah said aloud the remaining words of her fire spell.
    Three fire arrows flew between Sethrin and Almn, singing a bit of Almn’s hair in the process, plunging into the snake’s head precisely. The beast’s squall echoed in the night, the captain of the boat covered his ears, losing the oars in the water.
    As the beast wailed, Sethrin and Almn began their onslaught of twin scimitars, long sword and dagger flashing elegantly into the beast’s neck and head. Its flesh flying off its’ body in bits and pieces until the river flowed red with the beast’s own blood.
    A final cry of defiance came from within the snake like beast, not wanting to surrender; as a final moment for its pride, the beast’s maw opened wide and flashed down between the two swordsmen and bit a large chunk out of the boat.
    Water quickly flowed into the boat, the captain struggling to grab a hold onto the oars. As soon as he took hold of the handles, the captain quickly started to row to the shore.
    By the time the boat and its occupants reached the shore, the boat was sinking into the water. Almn and Sethrin helped the captain drag the boat upon the ground for repair.
    Gathering their things, Svannah stomped away angrily. The two men looked to each other, Almn a slight concerned look on his face and Sethrin a look of amusement.
    “We don’t want any distractions when we do reach the encampment.” Almn whispered to Sethrin. Sethrin nodded and handed the captain a small bag of gold for the repairs.
    The two followed Svannah to a well beaten path where they found her tacking up a saddle to a horse.
    “By chance she found one I’m guessing.” Sethrin said to Almn as soon as Svannah finished and lead the way to the village. Svannah looked ahead, not wanting the two to see she was listening.
    Almn doubled his pace to catch up to Svannah and ask her where she got the horse from, but then started to think about what has happened in the previous moments.
    “Are you alright?” he asked casually, Svannah turned a glare at him.
    “Was it something I said, for if it was, I was only joking,” Almn said nonchalantly. Svannah stopped and turned to face Almn,
    “I would have thought you to have better manners in treating a woman, but I can see now that I am just one of your jesters to laugh at,” she said through gritting teeth.
    Sethrin walked ahead to scout out the area while the two argued.
    “I’ve had enough of this bantering anyways, so lets get this done with and I can leave with my prize and you with yours.” Svannah said to Almn looking into his eyes before she started to walk the horse once again.
    “The village is near.” Sethrin called back to them.
    “Feel better Svannah, the battle with those dirty thugs is soon to be starting. I need your complete focus with your spells to best them.” Almn said to her. Leaving Svannah with the horse and her thoughts, Almn found Sethrin at the road leading to Platos.

    ---^---

    Instead of going though the village, Sethrin found a hidden path that would lead the trio around the community. The sound of a rushing creek flowed around them, filling their ears with a loud rush. A bridge was soon spotted ahead and they quickly and silently crossed the wooden planks. Sethrin motioned to Almn and Svannah to be quiet and pointed to the path where the camp was set.
    Looking into the campsite, through a tall bush, the trio saw only two of the bandits sitting near the fire. The other was no where to be seen, but Sethrin realised that he must be posted as the sentry.
    Quietly, Sethrin whispered into Almn’s ear, “I’ll take care of the sentry, as soon as you hear my signal, attack.” He slipped into the thick shadows without a sound.
    Almn reiterated the command to Svannah and they sat ready and quietly. A subtle grunt turned the attention of one of the bandits,
    “Oi! Bruiser, for hells sake keep it down eh!” the dark haired thief sat back down when he heard nothing in reply. A chuckle from his companion started their conversation over.
    Sethrin’s signal was subtle, but Almn’s ears were trained on the sound. A hoot and a whistle then the two in waiting charged.
    Svannah started muttering a spell that was targeted on the lighter bandit.
    Almn set his eyes on the dark haired thief and completed an over hand chop that was immediately blocked by the bandit’s club.
    Svannah finished her casting and a spear of fire soared at her target. The man howled and fell to the ground rolling, trying desperately to snuff out the flames on his clothing.
    Svannah was casting yet again when her eyes discovered an abnormal outcropping. The brush looking as though it was placed there, she grew curious.
    “What in the great gods is that?” she whispers to herself.
    She looked more closely to the ground noticing a boot sticking out from the cover, and then blackness overtook her as she was struck hard from behind by the burning bandit.
    Sethrin quickly used his stealth to find a better spot to gain total advantage in the fight. Climbing a nearby tree and finding a low thick branch to stand on, he set his scimitars before him and waited; he jumped on top of the bandit that struck Svannah and laid him low. A double slash and stab made sure the thief would never get up again.
    Almn finished his duel with the dark haired bandit as soon as Sethrin joined the fray. The man clutching a deep gash in his side fell with a groan, the last sound he made before death took over.
    Almn, breathless, looked over to Sethrin, who was standing above his kill wiping his blades on the tattered tunic of what was left of the highway man, gave a motion that lead Almn’s gaze to the fallen Svannah. Almn went to her side, after a close inspection, he heard a whimper in the brush across from him.
    As soon as he was sure that Svannah was alright, Almn went to the brush and tore away the shrubs to reveal a young woman. Her red hair streaked with light blond highlights was tangled, and only the tattered remains of her white frilled under-dress covered her battered and bruised shapely body.
    She was trembling when Almn extended his hand to her, “I won’t harm you, promise.” He calmly said to the frightened woman.
    “What is your name?” he asked kindly, her answer came in a whisper that he could not hear.
    “Please, come with me out of this hole and warm yourself by the fire.” Almn coaxed. With his hand still extended to her, she took it and he gently yet firmly pulled her out from her imprisonment.
    He lead her to the closest sitting log by the fire, Sethrin still focusing his attention to Svannah, looked up to watch his friend care for the young woman. She was crying in Almn’s arms, her body shuddering from the sobs.
    Sethrin placed a blanket under Svannah’s head and walked back to the horse that was temporarily tied to the bridge. Taking a few articles of clothing for the woman, and a spare blanket to wrap her shivering body, he walked back to the camp and handed them to her.
    Once the girl calmed, she took the clothes and dressed quickly from behind a bush that was close by her rescuers.
    She returned to sit near Almn; wrapping a blanket around herself she looked to him and silently thanked him.
    “I apologise for asking once again, but I couldn’t hear you the first time.” He quietly said. “What is your name?”
    The red haired woman looked to Sethrin then to Almn, “Lythia Lu’Endel.” She said loud enough for both of them to hear.
    “I was traveling to Platos to visit an old friend, when I was attacked by these highway men you destroyed.” She continued. Almn looked at Lythia, stunned by her beauty and her melodic voice that he couldn’t find the words to continue his line of questions; he looked to Sethrin for help.
    “Where are you from?” Sethrin asked Lythia.
    “From the kingdom Bethinya, in the land of Quanos,” she answered.
    A groan from where Svannah lay interrupted the small conversation. Almn stood up and walked over to Svannah, smiling he teased.
    “See I told you so.” Svannah still trying to focus herself to her surroundings didn’t notice that Almn was talking to her.
    “Did you see the bush?” Svannah asked hesitantly.
    “You mean her?” Almn asked, pointing in the direction where Lythia was sitting.
    It took Svannah a moment to prop herself on her elbows to see who Almn was talking about. When she did see the woman, a frown crossed her face for a moment. Sethrin didn’t miss the glare Svannah had to Lythia, and silently chuckled, thinking of the careless display by Svannah during the battle. Then again, if it weren’t for that pitiful display, they would have never found Lythia.
    “Svannah Winters meet Lythia Lu’Endel, from the kingdom Bethinya of Quanos, Lythia; this is my associate Svannah Winters from the city Dardash of Su’Odin.” Almn introduced the women with exhibit sarcasm. Both women nodded in accord to their own introduction.
    Svannah, still sore from the heavy hit, stood up and placed herself near Lythia. She smiled and looked to the beautiful woman,
    “Almn is such the plausible child.” She whispered in Lythia’s ear.
    “What do you mean?” Lythia asked Svannah in the same low tone.
    “He is an immature man who would bed any woman in the land, relying on his good looks and charm to get what he wants out of them.” Svannah manipulatively whispered. Lythia’s eyes grew wide indeed when she heard those words. She looked to Almn standing by his mysterious dark skinned friend, then back again at Svannah.
    “Thank you for that bit of information, but I think I can figure out my own translation about that man.” Lythia said to Svannah loudly enough for the two men to take notice. Lythia moved to the other side of the sitting log and placed her hands before the fire.
    Sethrin, with his keen ears, heard every word Svannah planted within Lythia’s mind. He was informing Almn about the secretive conversation the two women were having when the two separated.
    Almn, angry at the thought of Svannah telling lies to Lythia, began to walk over to Svannah and berate her for her actions when he was grabbed in the arm by Sethrin.
    “Not now, confront Svannah about her actions when we get Lythia safely back to the village.” Sethrin reassured his friend. Almn nodded and went to the fire to warm himself.
    Sethrin started to gather the rest of the belongings for the short trip back to the small community. He looked over to Almn and the two women and walked to the horse, waiting at the bridge.
    Tying the supplies down to the unburdened horse, he thought of another adventurer from where he once came. Her deep blue eyes and smile warming his heart, making him yearn to go back to her. A rustle in the bushes told him to check his thoughts and bring himself to the present time.
    Almn came out of the bushes then and walked to his dark skinned friend. “We are to lead Lady Lythia back to the village and be on our way to the object Svannah desires for herself.” Almn informed him. “Indeed,” Sethrin nodded, “And to where would that be?” Sethrin asked. “I am quite sure it is that magical device to free her lost love.” Almn sarcastically swooned with amusement. Chuckles erupted from the two men as they made their way back to the camp where the two women stayed. The four left the camp as if it were still occupied, though the gold and other dangerous items remained with the adventurers. The village, with hardly a lit candle blazing in the windows, lay before them.

    ---^---

    The hearth was warm with a roaring fire within. Four bed rolls lay on the floor before the fire, though only two of them were filled. Almn and Svannah outside once again under the stars were quietly arguing. “A lie you told Lythia,” Almn quietly said angrily. “It was just something to say, and to keep your mind on our deal.” Svannah said, determined to keep Almn from straying from a promise he gave her the hours before they left to battle the bandits. “I sense a slight amount of jealousy from you Svannah.” Almn said quietly. “Yes, but only on behalf that we were to battle the bandits ourselves.” Svannah answered. “Do you not forget?” She asked with force. “Of course I do remember, but you still didn’t have to say those words to Lythia.” Almn curtly answered. “You sound as though you are falling for her.” Svannah observed. She noticed the strain in Almn’s face, trying to discern if she hit a nerve or not. “You are just like the rest of them out there, only though my Torin would never treat me so severe.” She continued. “You are hurt from my words previous, I understand, but I will hold you responsible for the lies you’ve told this night.” Almn forcefully said. A smirk from Svannah revealed her conclusions to him. Almn had Svannah up against the wall in a blink of an eye, she could feel the heat of his anger rising. “You are nothing but a conniving tramp, and if you do anything to get between Lythia and I; you will personally feel my blade within your heart.” Almn whispered threateningly. He quickly stomped away back within the warmth of their room, not looking back to the stunned Svannah. Svannah stood against the wall for a short time before entering the room where Almn previously stomped through. She was just threatened, and she knew that Almn would follow through with that threat if she bothered to go through with her plan to keep Almn and Lythia apart. A jumble of thoughts rolled through her mind as she walked back to the rented room. She was still in deep thought as she went to lie on her bed roll, but more profoundly was the thought of the item that would free Torin DuVallian, her only true love.
    Lythia took Almn aside and looked to him seriously, “I need to talk to you, meet me in the forest outside the cabin.” Almn nodded and went back to un-tacking his horse. As soon as he was finished, Almn made his way over to a fallen log on the side of the trail lading from the cabin. He sat and waited for Lythia to find him. A few minutes later Almn heard someone coming in his direction, he knew it would be Lythia with something important to say. Since the time she looked at him, so seriously and with dread in her eyes, there was no reason not to meet up with Lythia. Almn started thinking to himself about how much he has been thinking of her since he, along with two of his friends, saved her life from a dreadful fate. There was indeed something about Lythia that enchanted him. The noise finally became a figure in the darkness, and as it came closer, Almn could recognize that the figure was in fact Lythia. “Good, I hoped that you would come.” She said to him. “So what is it that you wanted to tell me?” Almn asked. Lythia sat down on the fallen log beside Almn, “I’m not telling the truth about who I am.” She paused a little, “But, don’t think I won’t tell you... I’m to be married, but I can’t let him take me, for my heart belongs to someone else.” Almn could hardly believe what he was hearing. “What are you trying to say?” he asked her unsure of the outcome. “Well-.
    CRASH
    The noise was so loud that the mountain giants could hear through their hibernation. Lythia and Almn decided to continue their talk another time and instead check out what was going on in the village. As soon as they got there, they found themselves looking at an awful accident. Two farmer’s carts lost the break hold at the top of the hill and came careening down crashing into a young girls shop at the bottom. Both Lythia and Almn helped take the rubble away from the scene, and Sethrin came with Svannah behind carrying the medical kit. It took them the entire day and half the night to finish clearing out the debris and mending the wounded. By the time the four were finished with their good deed of the day, they went back to their rented cabin and took their long awaited rest.


    ---^---

    Down a corridor her lavender and green dress swayed with her subtle movements of grace, as she walked. Her arms to her side, she turned the corner and into another hallway that led to her bedroom chamber. Before stepping further though, she heard a sound in the room next to her. Her hand already on the latch, she turned it and opened the door to find herself looking into the nursery. Her younger sister still awake and cooing at the caring nanny; a smile found itself on her face and she entered the room. “You should be sleeping, silly little girl.” The nanny said to the infant. She took the baby out of the bassinet and sat in the rocking chair, slowly rocking the infant to sleep once again. The nanny looked up to see the woman in the lavender and green dress before her. “Maybe I could try?” the woman asked reaching for the babe. The nanny nodded and handed the infant over to the woman. “I hope that your older sister Ilanna will put you to sleep.” The nanny said to the babe, and left the room to her other duties. Ilanna smiled as soon as she looked to her youngest sister. Her mother, the queen of Bethinya; gave birth to her ninth child three months previous. Cryshall Diamond Lu’Endel, the most wondrous daughter of the family, a miracle that she was even conceived. Ilanna’s mother was at the age where conceiving a child would be harmful, if not deadly.
    A while later, Ilanna still holding Cryshall in her arms, rocking back and forth, a noise from down the hall caught her attention. She looked down to the infant and saw that she was sound asleep. Carefully standing, she walked over to the bassinet and placed her sleeping sister and covered her with a warm emerald blanket. Another noise made her turn curiously and step away from the babe. “Dhonna,” Ilanna called the nanny. “Yes.” Dhonna answered. “Cryshall is asleep; take care of her while I go to my room.” She ordered. Dhonna gave a slight curtsy and went back to folding laundry, listening to the baby intently.
    Ilanna walked to her room, the noise getting louder. “Sethrin?” she called. No answer, “I thought you would be away for a while.” Ilanna said with a smile. Still no reply, her smile became a mask of concern. “Who is in here?” she commanded. A gurgling noise was all that she needed for an answer. Ilanna immediately went for her weapons she knew to be near her bed. Blackness engulfed her and a feeling of panic arose within her heart. The moment of weakness subsided, and she scolded herself as she made her way, by memory, to her bed. A gargling cackle stopped Ilanna; she was a few steps away from her bed now, when the touch of the intruder sent a cold shiver down her spine. Paralyzed, Ilanna tried to scream for help but her voice was constricted by the evil magic around her. “You will be a treat for his majesty’s wishes.” The horrible guttural voice croaked in her ear. The darkness spell gone Ilanna opened her eyes to find that she was still in her room and standing in front of the intruder. It’s skin blood red and charred in some places, and eyes as dark as the emptiness Ilanna just came out of. Its smile showing the yellow colored long sharp pointy teeth, and the sulphur smell of its breath overwhelmed its victim. She gasped as she recognised what it was that entered her room. The smile from the demon told Ilanna that she was revealing to it more than what she intended. The demon let out another guttural laugh and snapped its clawed fingers. A flash of light and a scream from Ilanna caught the attention of Dhonna. An urgent feeling of despair rolled through the nanny’s body. “Mistress Ilanna! Are you alright?” Dhonna shouted. No answer came after the shout. Dhonna walked carefully to the entrance and peeked through the frame. She knew that Ilanna was within her room, but she found it empty. Her piercing scream awoke Cryshall and the rest of the guards in the rest of the area.

    ---^---

    Miles from Bethinya, Sethrin woke up with beads of sweat streaming down his forehead. An uncertainty floated through his body as he remembered the horrid dream he just had. Worry crossed his face when he thought of Ilanna, his true love.