The Book of Knowledge

Part Three - Homecoming

I have found this book laying upon the desk, covered with a year's worth of dust. The quill laying atop it was brittle and old, and I have discarded it for a new one. It feels strangely to be sitting here in this chair, with these pages spread before me.

I parted the cover of this book to see familiar, dark words written in it. However there is a mystery about it as well, for there are several pages past the end of the text which appear blank, yet I cannot write upon them. I finally have found a space which will take my ink, and so I sit to add to the narrative that is found in the first pages.

This time I write not at the request of Arhyn, but at my own urging. The last time I set pen to this parchment I was afraid of losing my life; now I am a bit afraid of finding it again.

Yes, it is I, Bethany Duncan. You are probably unaware of events that have transpired since that night over a year ago when I wrote last, on the eve of that battle that nearly saw the end of my beloved Senoth. I will try to write all that has happened between this moment and that, though much of it will be very difficult for me.

I exited my rooms at the end of that night which saw the start of this book, to see two soldiers and Arhyn awaiting me.

I donned my sword, which one man handed to me, and bade her walk with me to the courtyard. We said nothing or not much as we went; I cannot recall the words if they were spoken, and I suppose it matters little. Lion joined us as we stepped outside, and I went to embrace my father.

"This is the day, my little Bethany." He murmured into my ear as he hugged me. "Senoth may die on this day, as may we."

"Rather we than Senoth." I answered, voice trembling in my fear. I wished neither his death nor my own, but I knew that I would give my life and his if it were necessary to spare our kingdom.

"Fight bravely, Beth." He said, kissing my forehead and turning to his horse. I mounted upon Winter, hoping I cut a courageous figure, for I certainly did not feel one! We rode from the yard, and I cast no looks back at either Arhyn or Lion. If I refused to say goodbye to them, however slight that goodbye might be, then I would see them again.

I shall not overbore you with details of battle. We rode to our borders and the fight was met, and any who has seen or heard of battle knows what then transpired. It was a mess of our men and theirs, screams of pain and death, clashes of weapons. It went on and on. At times I lost sight of my father, at times we were side on side. The flag bearer was struck in the ribs, and I urged him to keep the standard aloft despite his pain.

"Your heart is strong, despite your wounds." I shouted to him. "If our flag is gone, our hope is gone, keep those colors to the wind!"

He struggled to do as I bade, and when I last saw him, he was still holding it up. I was bursting with pride at such a noble lad.

That day passed fast as a burst of flame, and slow as the crawling of centuries. I was, miraculously, not struck during this. I found myself on the far fringes of the bout when the armies all began to retreat, to regather and rest themselves. The evening was beginning to fall, and I was in a knot of twenty men or more.

"Come, Your Highness," One said to me. "To the castle, and rest, for the morning will see us at arms again."

"No." I said, though I trembled with exhaustion. Yet, an idea was coming to my mind. "Those of you who wish, away to the castle. All others, with me."

I turned Winter without waiting to see who would follow, and galloped towards a grove that seperated Senoth from Fatrie. I could see through the trees as I dismounted the lanterns of their army as they retreated into their kingdom. I watched them go past, even as I shed my cloak and sword and belt. Hoofsteps, as the twenty of mine entered into the grove behind me, and jumped from their horses.

"What is it we do?" One asked. I heard and felt the fear in his voice.

"We win this war for Senoth." I whispered. Gathering my sword and belt, and all reflective things I had donned, I wrapped them in my cloak and buried them there under Winter's hooves. I directed them to the same, and we all smeared mud upon our faces, until you could scarce see us in the dark. All of us were armed with naught but our daggers in our boots. I whispered to them then my plan, and many of them trembled, as did I. However none retreated, though I gave them the option. I was never more grateful for such a group than I was of them! If it came to it, I would die with these men, and be honored.

We left the grove, moving like wraiths into Fatrie. They were not alerted, for they hardly expected such a tactic by us, who they already viewed as beaten.

That night, more than one Fatrian officer fell under our silent strikes as they slept drunk or in the arms of wenches in their tents. I felt part of me die each time I spilled their blood, but I dare not stop. I fought not to weep, for the tears would cut tracks in the dark mud on my face, and would possibly reveal me.

It was I and one other of mine who came upon the royal tent. The Prince of Fatrie had decided to sleep here, with his men, rather than return to the comfort of his own castle. A man and a demeanor I could respect. I bade mine wait outside the tent to guard, and I slipped in, certain he would hear the thunder of my heart.

I froze, for the lad was not asleep as the others had been, but sitting awake, his back to me, and his hands clasping a book that enthralled him. I hesitated, for all the others had been asleep, and I knew not what to do.

He must have sensed me, for the book fell from his fingers and he turned, his eyes wide in his boyish face as he scrabbled for his sword. I spurned myself into movement, leaping at him and bearing him to the furs, pinning him and holding my dagger to his throat. I had only to strike and I could leave the tent, but my knife hesitated.

I was looking into the eyes of a young life, a life that I was going to take. He was the son of his parents the same as I was the daughter of mine. Perhaps he had a love that awaited his safe return; perhaps his thoughts even now were on her in the certainty of his death. I still did not strike, as he watched me, terrified.

"Please," He said at last, his voice calm despite his fear. "If you must slay me, at least tell me your name, that I may ask God to forgive you."

"Why would you ask God to have mercy on me, who intends your death?" I asked, incredulous.

"I wanted not this war, and I well know the grief you must feel." He said softly. "I know you kill me not from hatred or spite, but because my father and his foolish ideals have made it necessary. I hold no sin against you in this."

How could I take the life of such a man? It was hard enough to take the life of one wicked, but he was an innocent as surely as John was.

Yet how could I not, for his death would throw Fatrie into chaos, and they would pose little threat to Senoth on the morrow. My soul was torn.

"I don't want to kill you." I whispered. "I do not, but to stay my hand means the death of my kingdom, my family." He was silent, and in his eyes I got the first flights of an idea. "Do you love your father?" I asked.

"He is my father." He answered simply.

"Is he a good king?" I asked.

"He has done this to his kingdom and has betrayed his allies for gold and land, and you must ask that?"

Indeed, I should have known better. "Will you be a good king?"

"You intend to kill my father in my stead." he stated. He licked his lips for a moment. "To do so will mean your death, for you cannot enter the castle and his chambers and escape again."

"That is for my concern." I removed my blade from his throat, allowed him to sit. I went so far as to sheath my blade and take up his hands. "You will not stop me from doing this?"

"You do what you must." He said.

"Will you forgive me for this as well?"

"My forgiveness is already yours."

"I am Princess Bethany of Senoth." I told him.

"I am Prince Far." He replied. I kissed his forehead, grateful I did not have to rob him of his young life, and left the tent.

This was a great foolishness on my part, for I did not know if he would alert his men or his father. At that moment, I did not truly care. I met my man outside and he asked me if it was done.

"He lives, and will live. He'll make a good king." I replied. I turned not to the grove again, but towards the castle. I felt his clutch at my arm.

"What go you to do?" He asked in a harsh whisper.

"I go to make sure he is king." I replied.

"You speak suicide."

"I speak necessity. You do not have to come, if you do not wish."

"I do not abandon my princess to this." He growled, almost offended at the notion. "I come."

I will not go into how we broke into the palace and slew the King of Fatrie. He was drunk and vile, and even asleep I could sense the wickedness and greed of him. How such an angel had sprung from the loins of such a devil, I understood not. I took his life with no guilt, for God did not look kindly on this creature, and it was His will that had let us into his rooms unhindered. It was His guidance that led us out again.

We had no time that night to visit the officers and leaders of the other three armies, but I had not thought we would. Fatrie was the strongest of these, and the confusion we caused that night would spread to those. It was not much of a chance, but we had hopefully gained Senoth the edge that she needed. My man and I returned to the grove in the waxing dawn, joining the others already there. We washed our faces of the mud, dug up our things, and redressed in them. When we climbed again aboard our horses, we could hear the trumpets as the battle was met once more.

We rode to join them.

I saw not my father that day, but it was only an hour or so before the battle was ended for me. Almost as soon as we returned to our army we heard of a squad that had valiantly tried to cut off a portion of the Harmoness, and were now trapped. I and the twenty who had crept with me the night before went to their aide, for I would not leave any man of Senoth to his death if I could intervene.

Had I stopped to think on my actions, I would never have done so. But I have never been one to think before I act, and we were there with the already slain squadron in minutes. I saw them already dead upon the ground, realized my folly. I called for the retreat, but we were surrounded, outnumbered by many.

I can recall that scene only too brightly, too painfully. I can smell the fresh scent of the breeze through leaves, tinged with the blood of those upon the ground. The trembling of Winter beneath me as if she too sensed this was the end. All around were the bared weapons and hard eyes of the Harmoness. As if my lips were not my own I called the attack. My good, brave men did not question me, but leapt into battle.

I was unsaddled, and fought upon my feet. Man after man of Senoth collapsed unmoving to the ground, until I could see no more of them standing. My mind uttered a constant prayer for their souls.

A pain burst upon my head from behind and I was cast to the ground. My vision turned brilliant white for a long moment, before it threatened darkness. I fought it away, realized there was a last man of mine standing over me with his bared weapon, the same man who had been with me when I slayed the Fatrian king. I saw his blade knocked away and steeled myself to witness his death.

A cruel-faced Harmoness lieutenant, sword cold in the light, grasped this man and threw him into his soldiers, who grasped him in turn. He bent over me, hauled me up and to my feet. My stomach clenched, my head was floating and throbbing. I did all I could; I spit on him, clenching at his hands to try and break free. The fear was thundering over me again; there was no rescue. I would be slain on this field. This was Death, this man who held me so and laughed at my struggle.

"You wear the seal of a Senoth royal." He said, or words to that effect. Another stepped and ripped the seal from me, causing my cloak to fall free to the ground.

Through my fear and the ache of my head, I hardly heard his words. I am now only vaguely recalling him speaking of my torture and death, and realizing that he meant to do these awful things to me. I heard not half of it, but what I did hear, I wished I had not. Finally he finished, demanded a response or words from me. I looked into his eyes, feeling a great sadness for this man. Did he not know the evil he did now would be greatly punished in God's sight?

"May God have mercy on you." I said, and I meant it. "My life for Senoth."

At that he pulled me into the crowd of his men.

I knew I would have to break at that point, and take a breath of air, for even now the memory of what they did causes my hand to shake and my eyes to tear. You know well, or should know, what women captured in battle are lead through; especially royal women.

I did not give them the satisfaction of my agony. I did not cry out or let in to them. I passed out once or twice, I believe, for I recall blinking and looking suddenly into the eyes of yet another. Many, many of those eyes were sadistic and were enjoying what they did to me. One or two of them seemed horrified and ashamed of themselves, but still they did it. I did not know which was worse; a cold man doing cold things is one matter, a caring man driven to doing cold things is quite another. I wept at one point, despite my admonishing myself I would not. I could not help it.

Then, it was done. No others stepped forward when the last was finished. Finally, the cruel-eyed lieutenant who had been the first appeared, drawing his blade from its sheath and lifting it overhead.

The pain of the first strike was more than I expected. The sword drove into my shoulder and chest, a burning brand of fire that drew an unwanted cry from my lips. I saw him wrench his blade free even as unconsciousness scrabbled at me with its dark fingers. I saw the light on the blade and the blood on it as he lifted it high above me.

My last vision that appeared on my eyes as they closed was of Vincent's face. I heard the sing of the sword as it came down, I heard the distant sound of the strike.

Then I heard no more.

I woke to movement, and pain, and fear. I was curled tightly in a ball, my body feeling as if flames licked upon it. I knew then I had died and was beginning my soul's torment in hell, for the heat was unbearable. Sweat rolled from my face and soaked my hair. Each breath was a superheated agony, my head pounded as a heavy drum. I parted my lips through some dream and whispered, for I sensed others near.

"Is Senoth well?" I asked. I could endure an eternity of agony, if only my kingdom and family fared.

A prescence, then a hard hand on my face. A calloused thumb drew back my eyelid and I looked into the same, hard-faced lieutenant that had led in my rape. Fitting, I supposed, that the face of my eternal demon would be his! He released my face, letting my eyes close again, then struck me hard across my cheek. The blow was a balm, the stinging of it shocked me back into reality, and I opened my eyes this time of my own volition.

It was night, for darkness surrounded us past the glow of the fire I lay dangerously close to; the source of my heat. I was tied tightly, and my body ached both inside and out. I managed to turn my head, and recieved another blow from the lieutenant for my pains.

"I see that you are awake." He stated, a summation I thought quite obvious. I answered him not. He crouched, taking my chin, his face not inches from mine. He smirked. "You don't like me much, do you?"

"My feelings are inconsequential." I murmured, my throat burning as the fire. "I am not the one to judge."

I think he was confused by my words, for he looked at me oddly for a long moment before giving my head a shake with his hand. "You are mine now." He declared, as if this revelation was to cause me such fear I would be reduced to trembling. I was, indeed, afraid, but not of this man. He, I felt sorry for.

I tested my bonds slightly, my shoulder screaming in agony where he had stabbed it. "It seems, for the moment, your words are true." I told him. Again a slight glimmer of confusion lit his eyes. "Aren't you afraid?" He growled.

"Indeed." I answered truthfully. "But not of you."

He struck me again, hard. "I shall teach you to fear me then!" He hissed. His lips were forced hard on mine, and I knew he intended to rape me again, there before the fire. I was saved by an ordering voice.

"Leave her be, lieutenant."

He released me, straightened. "Yes, Captain."

A pair of boots in my sight, and I looked up, feeling dizzy again. The man who had joined us was older, scarred. His face was not kind, but nearly as hard as my tormenter's. "You and your men have had your fun with her, as is your due, but now she is the official prisoner of Harmoness, and King Atrein."

"Yes, Captain." The lieutenant replied.

"Why did you not kill me, when you threatened?" I demanded suddenly. The rivulets of sweat staining my face were ticklish and irritating. The captain looked upon me as if I were a bug.

"He did not kill you. Be satisfied with that, and hold your tongue, lest you wish it ripped from your mouth! Atrein will not care whether or not you can speak."

I held my tongue. My head hurt too much for proper thought, anyway, and I felt as if the blade of the sword was still violating my arm. I lay my head down, moving as best I could as far from the fire as I could manage. It was not far, but it was a bit cooler.

"Senoth has driven us out." The captain told the lieutenant, as if I were not there. I felt a thrill of hope; Senoth! Victorious!

"We can change the tide, get them to surrender." The lieutenant spoke. "We hold one of their royalty."

"We hold more than 'one of their royalty.' As of our reports of late, she is the Queen of Senoth. However, we cannot hostage her in order to gain their surrender."

"Whyever not?"

"Because, you fool, you did far too good a job in making them believe she was slain. They will never accept that we hold her in truth!"

My head was swimming now from more than the blow I'd recieved. Senoth had gained the day! But...if they thought me the queen, then that meant my dear father was slain.

My heart crushed and went numb. I stared at the ground, at the dirt and the soft shadows cast by the rocks, too hurt to even cry. I envisioned my father's face, his laugh, his hands and his kindness, and my pain only compounded. He was dead and gone, torn from me. I closed my eyes.

I woke again some hours or days later, and I was in the back of a wagon. My head felt better, but my arm was hideous, the sleeve upon it tight. I did not doubt my arm was swollen greatly, and probably getting infected, as I felt sickly and hot. There were creaks of the wheels, thumping hooves, and the rocking of the wagon was not helping my belly, empty or not. I tried to push myself up, did not succeed, and lay weakly until I fell into sleep again.

I was thrust to my knees before the throne of Harmoness. It did not take much force to get me there, for I had no energy left to me. My arms were chained instead of tied, but I still wore the same torn clothes I had at battle. I was shivering, filthy, deeply pained.

"Your Majesty," The captain who had presented me before the throne spoke, his voice ringing. I could hear the disgusted murmurs of the courtiers about me. "I present unto you our prisoner, Queen Bethany of Senoth."

"Indeed," The word sounded effeminate, offended. I looked up, through the fallen, greasy cords of my hair, to look upon the king. He was well into his middle years, and bore a beard and moustache as sharp as the edges of a knife. His eyes were upon me as if I were something he'd stepped in near a stable. "Well, she's of little use to us now, isn't she? They already think her dead."

"Yes, sire." The captain said, and I heard him draw his blade. He lifted it, and I caught a breath, waiting for the blow that would take my head from my shoulders.

"Wait!"

The voice rang through the hall, halting the captain mid-strike. The courtiers fell silent, only to reburst into murmurs. I looked for the source of the voice, and saw a pale woman of great bearing enter, her skirts sweeping the floor. Her clothes were of silks and velvet, and the blonde hair upon her shoulders shimmered as she came to me. She crouched, her skirts pooling, and took up my chin in her gentle hand. I found my eyes meeting hers.

"Who is responsible for this?" She demanded, looking up at the captain. "She is unclean, and wounded."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty." The captain said to her, bowing slightly. "She is about to die, anyway. What matters her state of being?"

Her hand dropped from my face and she rose, facing the captain. "You will speak of her with some respect, sir." She said. "That is no mere common prisoner in chains, but a queen."

"Dearest..." The king rose from his throne with a long suffering tone to his word, and stepped towards her. "She is condemned. She is our enemy, and the captain has been most proper in his treatment of her. This is not your concern."

"And perchance the roles were reversed?" She flared back. Her tone and temper reminded me of Sarissa. "Perchance her people had captured me, instead? Would you wish them to treat me so unkindly as to beat me and wound me and leave me in filth, only to be slain pointlessly at the foot of their throne?"

Silence all about. "We cannot leave her to live." The king's eyes were flashing now as well. "Her death is a must."

"Then, let her choose how she dies." The queen replied, her shoulders squaring and her voice strong. "Let her choose if she is beheaded here, now, in filth. Or let her choose if she will accept our hospitality, be bathed and tended and clothed and fed, and face at least a day's comfort before her end is brought upon her. And give her a more royal death than one cringing in chains!"

The king looked as if he'd burst in anger, but stayed his tongue. "Very well!" He threw a hand in my direction as he returned to his throne. "If she so chooses it, you may pamper her as you wish, under guard of course. And she will die at dawn in a proper execution."

She was again before me, her hand on my chin. "Which do you choose?" She asked softly, and her eyes were kind, pained with my plight. I licked my broken and cracked lips. Which should I pick? I knew it was a matter of pride to accept her conditions, but I also was terrified beyond reckoning, and every moment that I could hold off my execution was a chance at my escape.

"I accept Your Highness's generosity." I said, and my voice was that of a toad too long in hibernation. I lowered my head to her, and she rose.

"Have your men take her up to the baths." She ordered the captain. "Summon the doctors. I will be up in a moment."

I was hauled to my feet and led away, looking back only a moment to see her again, and if her glares could be as sharp as a knife the king would be laying dead there even now!

Once in the bathing chamber my chains were removed and two guard were left with me as the queen's own handmaids removed my torn and stained clothes. They were careful not to manipulate my wounded arm much, but their every touch jarred it and caused me to grit my teeth. I went into the hot water and sat on the ledge there, nearly swooning in the feel of it. It penetrated every ache and bruise and soothed it, and my muscles relaxed swiftly. I looked at my wound, and grimaced.

The sword had taken my shoulder and part of my chest, and the gash was swollen and red, crusted with dirt and dried blood. My arm had swollen as well, and was dark with bruises from my elbow nearly to my throat. I washed it gingerly, wincing and hissing when the water touched the wound, but knowing it had to be cleaned.

I looked up to see the queen had entered. Wordlessly she moved to the side of the bath and gathered up an urn, filling it with water. Without speaking or asking permission, she began to wash my hair. As she rinsed it, her bared feet dangling in the baths, I looked at her.

"Thank you." I said softly. "You have the spirit of an angel."

She smiled a bit, and I thought I saw a hint of color in her cheeks. "Do not thank me too greatly." She said. "I did what I did mostly to irritate my husband."

"I do not believe it. Kindness isn't a spite." I said.

She laughed slightly. "So you are Princess, pardon, Queen Bethany."

"Queen, alas. If rumors of my father's death are true." I said regretfully.

"You have my sympathies. I wish there were more I could do, but at least your last night on this Earth will be as comfortable as I can make it."

"I am deeply grateful."

We talked for a long time, throughout the bath and the tending of the medics. We talked as I was dressed in softer and much cleaner garments and led to eat. I felt almost human again when my belly was full.

Queen Andrea, for that was her name, was a very winning soul. She was a lady of the court, much as Amethyst and July, but she was also very used to gaining her way. When thwarted, her temper rivaled any famed redhead's. She told me of her life, and her marriage to the husband she loathed but endured. She had never seen battle, and the stories I told her horrified her. I did not tell her of the rape; she seemed to know nothing of it, and I saw no point in revealing such a cruelty to her, and distressing her further. I had no desire to remember it, either.

Finally, I was led to guarded rooms and she bade me goodnight, embracing me as if we were lifelong sisters. I fell instantly in to sleep, and I suppose if I had a choice as to how I would spend my last evening on Earth, I would pick something much as this. The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been to feel Vincent's arms about me as I drifted away.

I was brought down to the courtyard at dawn by the guard. The gallows was already set for my execution, and I felt it rather fitting that I should be hung as those who had sought my life at home had been.

Queen Andrea was there, holding her cloak tight about her. She offered me a sad smile, and I returned it. I wished God would smile on her and rid her of such a heartless husband as the king was.

He was there as well, his eyes like ice, his smile every bit as sharp as his beard. The captain was there and the lieutenant. I avoided looking at them as I was taken up the steps to the wooden platform. I was placed over the door, and the rope was brought over my head. My heart was pounding, but I dared not let my fear shine on my face.

Words were said I did not hear, and the executioner took hold of the lever that would release the door. I closed my eyes, heard the lever pulled, felt the floor beneath my feet vanish, felt myself falling.

I hit the ground. There was not so much as a tightening of the noose about my throat. Startled, I blinked, and realized I was standing beneath the platform, and the crowd without was gasping and crying out in surprise. Guards leapt down after me, and hauled me back to the platform.

"Intervention!" The queen cried. "Divine intervention! The rope parted! You know the law as well as I." This last was directed to her husband. The rope was removed from my neck and examined as he snorted his derision.

"Divine intervention my ass; someone used a rotted rope. Fetch a new one immediately; we will see if God," He said the word sarcastically. "seeks to spare her again."

My heart was still thundering, and I was greatly confused. The rope must have been rotted, for I was hardly worthy of divine intervention. A new rope was brought, tied to the crossbar. The door was closed, and a noose retied. A large man was brought up, and hung from his hands by the rope, to insure it would not part again. It held his weight easily.

My head was returned to the noose, and it was retightened. My fear exploded on me again, and again I closed my eyes.

The movement of the lever, the disappearance of the ground, the sensation of freefall...and I hit the ground.

The roar this time was deafening as the guards leapt in beside me and hauled me up again. This time more were crying for divine intervention. I could see a red-faced Andrea arguing with her unhearing husband as I was hauled to my weak and trembling legs, gasping for my lungs were clenching and would let no air in. Despite the demands of his wife and the cries of the crowd, yet a third rope was brought and the process repeated. I was still gasping when the final noose was placed about my throat. This time the executioner hardly waited before pulling the lever and dropping the trap. I fell and struck the ground once more, the rope falling behind me. The noose itself this time had unravelled, allowing me to land unharmed.

Thundering footsteps all around me as the crowd overran the platform and accosted the guard. I could hear Andrea shouting somewhere as hands reached down, hauling me out. I was shoved through the crowd, hands passing me to other hands. At some point, my binds were released and my arms were freed.

"Hurry!" Andrea was now at my side, urging me through the crowd. "Out that gate and run. Any direction, as far as you can go, hurry!" She pressed a bag of gold into my hand. "God has spared you, but if my husband gets hold of you he will not, but run you through himself. Now go!"

She shoved me to the gate and I lost her in the crowd. I ran, no other choice left me, thrusting my way through the crowd and finally gaining the gate and bursting outside.

More people were outside; apparently my execution was a real draw for a crowd! Many of these did not know what was happening, but were incited by the cries of those inside and were reacting with their own fervor. I finally pushed past these as well, unrecognized, and fled into the woods. I wanted to go home; I knew that Harmoness was a small kingdom and it could only be ten miles to Senoth no matter where in it I was. However, I did NOT know where I was, nor which direction home was in. I was alone, and I knew it was only a matter of time before the king sent his men to find me. I picked a direction and ran. When I could no longer run, I walked. When I finally could no longer do that it was late afternoon, and I knew I had to be outside Harmoness. I did not recognize my surroundings, so I had picked the wrong direction after all. I sat for an hour, gaining my strength, then rose and walked again. I did not wish to spend the night in the woods.

As I went I thought and I wept and I grew angered. I was deep in confusion, for I did not know how my life had been spared three times, but I knew only God could have done what had happened. But why? Why spare me from death and not my father, who was far more worthy than I would ever be? I sobbed as I thought of my father, and wished for the hundredth time that I was home again. I needed the comfort of Lion, and Arhyn. I needed to lose myself in Vincent's arms, to hear his voice telling me it would be all right. I cried as I walked, and my bound arm began to throb again, as did my head. I continued on until dark, then lay myself down at the spot I could no longer continue, and fell deep into sleep.

The next day was filled with ever more walking, and I wavered in and out of a dreamstate. My shoulder, though it had been treated and sewn, was far from well, and the pain of it was making me delirious. My feet were leaden and only the greatest efforts seemed to move them. I had seen no sign of human life since I'd fled the Harmoness castle, and was wandering deeper and deeper into hilled woods. I staggered over rocks and fallen trees, stumbling across uneven ground, pulling myself as one dead through vegetation. I heard voices as I went, whispered words that made no sense. I saw figures dancing at the corners of my eyes, figures that vanished when I looked upon them fully. The sun rose and then dropped in the heavens. I had not eaten, for I knew only of a few plants that were edible and I had found none of these. If this went on, I had escaped hanging only to die wandering in the wood.

I fell finally to my knees, not remembering doing so, but suddenly finding myself there. I had no energy to continue. I sank to the earth and curled into myself. I found a prayer beginning in my mind.

"Our Father, if this be Your will, than I accept it." I murmured aloud the words my mind generated. "I do not know why You would have spared me the rope only to lead me into this, but who am I to presume the mind of God? You have brought me here for a purpose; if that purpose is to die, than it is to die. Forgive me of my sins, for I fear hell. But I would gladly go to that doom if it is Your will."

I had closed my eyes at some point during this, and as I finished I opened them again.

There was a great shine of silver in my eyes, only inches from my face. I could see my own eyes within it, green with the reflection of the leaves on which I lay. My face was distorted by its curve, and I could see a ripple where the silver was cloven.

Thick, red-brown hair overhung this silver, and I followed it up a powerful, shining leg to the beast that stood there. Golden-brown eyes regarded me softly beneath the crowning golden wonder of a unicorn's horn.

I could not breathe, so taken by his beauty was I. I could only look upon his grace and feel tears rising in my eyes to spill down my face.

His head lowered to mine, his gentle breath carressed my face, as sweet as flowers and springtime. I raised a shaking hand, feeling his invitation, and wound my fingers in his mane. The feel of his hair was like holding pure strands of water.

He lifted his head, taking me to my feet with his strength. I leaned on him, in even more of a dreamstate than I had been, and he began to walk. I walked with him, my head on his shoulder, bursts of color and light shining on my eyelids whenever I shut them. We moved silently, my footsteps making more noise than his hoofbeats, regardless of the weight of that silver.

We walked for an indeterminable time, and it seemed almost as if his strength was moving in to me, soothing my pain and fatigue, though I was still oddly disjointed. Then my hand weakened in his mane and I felt it slipping from my grasp. I sank to my knees and heard him moving away. In seconds, he was gone and I was alone again.

Or, so I thought.

Instead, I looked up and caught piercing storm eyes behind a longbow drawn at full extension. The tip of the arrow was but inches from my face. What was it with people wishing my death, anyway?

A pause for dinner. I revel now greatly in the delights of my family and those close to me, and I cherish every moment I can get with them. I'm sure you can understand why! When I was young I thought they would always be there, but now I am more than aware as to what can happen with no notice. Any moment, any of them could be torn from me. I fear this less than I did, though I still fear it, and I am determined to make the time we have worth as much as it can be.

But now I have returned to continue this tale, for I oddly feel almost as close to you as I do to those in my life. I no longer believe this will only be read by Arhyn, though I doubt not that she will read it. As I write, I get the distinct feel of you, across whatever time and years might seperate us. It is as if I talk to you, and I enjoy your company. I wonder often as I write what your story is, and what has brought you to the point you are now, holding this book in your hands.

There I knelt, near swooning on the ground, with the point of an arrow resting definately on me, the eyes of him who held it suspicious and ungiving.

I took him in before I spoke, and though I had never seen one, I knew what he was. Unlike Faerie, Elves resembled their tales.

He was thin and lithe, and exuded grace though he was as still as the trees near which he stood. He was tall as well, perhaps a head again greater than I, and his long flowing silver hair was past his waist, and hung free. His face was chiseled and childlike, and very handsome. His eyes seemed somehow fit wrong for his features, more slanted than they should be, and larger as well.

"Please," I whispered, the wood tilting about me. "I mean you no harm."

"How come you to be here?" He demanded, and even when speaking rough words his voice was high and songlike, a carress of sound.

"I think it was a unicorn." I murmured. Lights were seeming to explode from the trees, thousands of dancing lights that swirled about him and touched his hair, his clothes. Two or three danced near my face, and the closest of these I could almost have sworn bore limbs and features of humans. Their light was too bright to tell, however, and their size was not much greater than half the size of the tip of my pinky. I was not sure if they were alive or merely bursting from my wavering, tired mind.

"You think?" He asked. He in no way acknowledged these tiny beings, nor did any part of him save his mouth move. The arrow was still and sharp.

"I mean you no harm." I repeated. "Look at me...even if I wished to hurt you, think you that I could?"

I was sagging to the ground even as I spoke, and now was held up by my knees and one hand. He responded not to me, and I started to weep again. I needed help, and he only looked coldy on me. I felt the leaves under my cheek and realized I had fallen completely, and lay spread on the ground.

Hands, movements. It seems I heard a voice other than his, but just as sensual. More lights dancing about my face. I could almost swear they were tiny beings before I fell into exhausted sleep.

It seems in these days I spent a good deal of my time falling asleep or passing out, or half-aware of those things happening about me! This visited upon me a great sense of helplessness, for I could not control events when I kept passing in and out of them. I was a leaf tossed on the wind, a twig rushing through a river, tossed hither and yon and back again, with no will or want.

I woke again in strange surroundings, upon an uncovered bed. I sat up, recalling the face of the man in the woods, and noted a pitcher and cup at the bedside. I poured some water from it, and swiftly drained a glass, then another, for such was my thirst. I touched my shoulder, realizing it was not paining me, only to feel the ache and tenderness under my fingers. However, it was much better than it had been, and if I did not stimulate it it did not hurt. I was also in different clothing than I had been; forest green trousers and a loose shirt of the same hue that doubtless were reflected strongly in my eyes. They looked cotton, but felt far softer than that material. My feet were bare, and when I stood, they delighted in the feel of the carpet that was lain over the wood of the floor.

As I rose tentatively to my feet a dozen sparkles rose off of some flowers in a nearby vase, the same tiny dancing lights that had been in the wood with the Elf. They spun closer to me, making tiny humming sounds as they did. One touched my face with a carress as soft as a breath, then went dancing away. I smiled, then laughed as I watched them spin about and chase each other. Then they flowed past me and I turned to track their motions, only to see a woman behind me in the doorway.

She, too, was an Elf; powerfully graceful though she stood perfectly at rest, bearing the same slanted, overlarge eyes the man in the woods had. The points of her ears held back her liquid hair that was the color of a dark raincloud. The motes of gold flashed around her in a halo for a moment before dancing about her and away through the door.

I stood only, regarding her in silence, for I knew not what to say. I did not even know if she spoke my language, though her counterpart in the wood had. I was more than a bit humbled in the prescence of such beauty and nobility.

"How do you feel?" She asked at length, after regarding me for the longest time. Her voice sounded as if she normally sung, and had merely taken on regular tones for this conversation. It was too smooth, too flowing, each word an intricate part of the next.

"Very well," I said, and my voice sounded harsh and uncultured compared to hers. "Thank you for all that you have done."

She waved a hand in a motion that flowed like water, then came towards me. She smelled of cinnamon and fresh air, and looked at me in wonder. I could not imagine why she would regard me with such intricacy, I, who must have looked repulsive to her! "You were in need." She said.

"What is your name?" I asked, tentatively. Her head tilted ever so slightly, as if she had to listen to some unknown source in order to gain her own name from its lips.

"Tranci." She said at last. "And yours?"

"Bethany." I replied. I offered not my title or my last name; it seemed neither were needed here. Her hand clasped mine in greeting for a moment, then she dropped it.

"Come; I'm sure you are hungry."

I followed her into the house, down a narrow hall that was lit by more of the teasing, playing lights. They followed us down a narrow, carved staircase, and again I could hear them humming.

"Please, what are these?" I asked, lifting a hand. One or two of the lights touched my fingers before zipping merrily away.

"They are wisps." She answered me. One touched the very tip of her pointed ear, and she idly waved it away. "Do not mind them."

"They are beautiful." I smiled. This seemed to delight the little things, for they all vibrated and hummed as one, flashing about me.

"They have their points." She agreed.

We entered a low and comfortable dining room, dominated by an oaken table so polished my reflection was easily seen in it. She bade me sit, gathered up some dishes from somewhere I couldn't quite see, and swiftly laid the table.

"May I help?" I asked, not wishing her to serve me.

"Not at all. You may sit and relax." She ordered. I could not protest; her tone was that firm.

"The man who found me in the wood, does he live here as well?"

Her eyes found mine, a smile flickering against her lips, playing gently with her face. "Yes, he is my love."

Such a blunt way to say it, but accurate I suppose. She offered no more on him than that, and I did not probe further. The plates were laid, already bearing food. I ate and drank of it at her bidding, and with every bite I felt more energized and alive. I was slowly returning to my true self.

I could not help but notice, however, that she was watching me continuously throughout, in undisguised fascination. I felt very self- conscious, for I had not heard enough on Elves to understand what was causing her interest.

"Tell me how you came to be in the wood where Desen found you." She gently inquired. "How you came to be in the company of a unicorn, and in such a wounded state?"

I did not want to tell her, but they had been so hospitable I felt I owed her the story. And so I told her about Senoth and the war, about my capture and my miraculous escape from execution. I told her about fainting in the wood and seeing the unicorn there, and how it had taken me to her love. She listened with attention so rapt I could feel color raising to my cheeks, and avoided her eyes.

"Indeed, that is a tale, isn't it?" She asked merrily. Sympathy, too, colored her voice. "I am sorry to hear you went through such an ordeal."

"I only want to return home to Senoth." I said. I had finished the food before me, and was now drinking some berry wine I'd been offered.

"I'm afraid you are a good deal away from there," She said. "I know of where it is, though I have never ventured there. It is some distance, but not an impossible one. I do not think it would be too hard for you to return, though you would have to pass through at least one of the kingdoms that fought you."

What did I care? She knew where home was! I would go through the armies of all four kingdoms if only it would see me back in my beloved courtyard, looking upon the faces of my family again!

"I know that you have done a great deal for me already; I owe you my life! But, if you could, would you direct me on how to return there?" I asked. Her face broke into a glowing smile.

"Of course I shall! As soon as you are rested, of course. I will even give you whatever supplies you need, as well as a strong horse to take you."

I nearly broke into tears then. "I will do whatever I can to repay you, though I fear that no matter what I do, it will not be enough."

"I wouldn't dream of taking payment for this." She said firmly. I could not speak again before the door opened, and into the room stepped the same silver haired, storm-eyed man who had pointed his arrow at me. His eyes slid over me, pausing momentarily on my face, before he regarded Tranci.

"Desen," She rose and indicated us both. "This is Bethany, whom you found in the woods."

He bowed oddly towards me, every bit as graceful as his aura promised. "It is good to see you awake." He was looking at me in the same rapt way Tranci had, and again I felt the color rise to my face. What was it about me that so fascinated them? I learned only later what it was.

I was mortal.

Elves, not every one knows, are immortal. They do not age or die from age, though they can be slain. They live secluded, apart from mortals, and rarely come across them. Everything about a mortal fascinates an Elf; we have a feel about us that draws them. They are more at home with Unicorns and Faerie, and others close to themselves, but when they come across one of us they are transfixed by our very being. I was lucky I came across Tranci and Desen; while fascinated they were goodnatured, and would do nothing to harm me. Other Elves were known to make prisoners of mortals they found, unwilling to let them go and lose the object of their rapture. Had I fallen in with any of these, I would have been lost in their house until I eventually perished of old age. Here, with these two, I need not fear that.

But, at this time, I did not know or understand this, and their attentiveness to me was embarrassing and a bit discomfiting. I did not think they wished me ill, but their attitudes made me wonder if something more sinistar lurked beneath their grace and beauty.

"That unicorn that brought you to me." Desen said, sitting near his Tranci, his eyes still moving over me. "How came you to know him?"

"I did not know him. Still do not." I answered honestly. "He merely appeared and brought me to you."

"You don't know his name, then. You've never before seen him?"

"No, I do not, and have not."

He and Tranci exchanged looks, eyes flickering to each other before returning to me. "Perhaps your virginity drew him?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. His skin, I noticed, did not wrinkle on his forehead when he did this; it was as if the eyebrow merely flowed to a differing place.

I looked down, feeling my cheeks heat more from shame than from embarrassment.

"Look what you have done, Desen!" Tranci admonished. "Forgive him, Beth, for being so forward."

"No, it's all right." I made myself look back at them, my shoulders already trembling from the memory of the battlefield. "It could not have been my state of grace that drew him, for I am no virgin."

Another flickering of their eyes. "There must be some reason the Mortal Unicorn was drawn to you. He does not come to anyone lightly, and only appears when life is endangered."

"The Mortal Unicorn?" Something about the way he said this drew my attention. "Why do you call him that?"

"He was born from a mortal mare, sired of a unicorn." Tranci explained. "He is the only unicorn that will die of causes other than violent ones, for he is tied to a mortal woman and will perish when she does."

Something about her words brought a thought to me. "This mortal woman, do you know her name?"

"We know more than her name, for we both have met and spoken with her." Desen said. "She is called Arhyn."

"Arhyn!" I exclaimed. My thought was true, this was THAT unicorn!

They blinked at me, their startlement only making their faces even more beautiful. "You know her?" Tranci asked.

"She is my father's sorceress, and my mentor, and my closest friend from my birth. I well know her." I said.

"That is why, then. He was drawn to your tie to her to save your life." Desen nodded, batting away an annoying wisp that had been fluttering his eyelashes. "And if you are a friend of Arhyn's, than we are even more bound to your assistance, for she is a woman we greatly admire."

"I will repay you one day for all." I swore. "If ever you are in need, either of you, you have but to send message to me, and I will assist you. You will always be welcome in Senoth, and in my home."

This, now, seemed to embarrass THEM, though they did not blush. Tranci rose, clearing the dishes with a swiftness that bordered on magical.

"It grows late." She said. "Return to bed, and in the morning we shall talk more, and start on plans to return you to your home."

It was nearly a week before I left the house of Tranci and Desen, on the back of a splendid black gelding. I hugged both of them tightly, kissed Desen's cheek and Tranci's in turn. I thought I saw the sparkle of tears in her eyes; I knew there were ones in mine.

"Please, if ever you need me, do not hesitate to ask." I urged them. "Even if all you need is a chat or two."

"We will." Desen said. The wisps danced and curled about my head, many touching my face and ears in gentle goodbyes. I whispered mine to them as well, and they hummed sadly at me.

I hugged them each again and mounted the horse, turning his head to the path that would take me back to my Senoth. I looked back once, to see his arm about her and her head upon his shoulder as both lifted their hands in goodbye. I raised my own as well.

Then the woods closed about me and I lost sight of them.

I was on my way home!

I was so filled with happiness that the first miles passed swiftly, and I hummed and sang as I rode. It was this singing that was, ironically, my undoing; the sound of my happiness was to lead to my tragedy! For I had been gone not three hours from the house of the Elves when I found my way blocked by a troupe in ragtag clothes and bright colors. One or two wore masks. I reined in far from them, mindful of the bag of gold I still carried thanks to Andrea, and regarded them.

There were twenty or more, men and woman alike. We watched each other for a while.

"Please, good madam," One man finally spoke, bowing towards me so deeply his forehead almost touched the wooded ground. "We are but a group of wandering performers, in search of a warm meal and some employment. Do you happen to know of a town or village near about that might serve to provide us with this?"

"I'm sorry," I answered warily. Many a bandit had disguised himself as a harmless trouper, and I was right to be cautious. "But I myself am unfamiliar with this area, and know of no such things nearby."

One of the women started to cry when I said this, and concern thrust through my heart. "I'm sorry," I said. "I did not mean to cause you distress."

"Of course you did not." The same man said, comforting the woman. "It is just, we've not eaten in a long time. Our food and money has run out, and we have found no place to earn either back again. We are not familiar with this wood, and are rather lost. We were beginning to despair when you came upon us, and now it seems we must despair again."

I was torn, for I could not leave them like this! They may be bandits, true, but they may be speaking truth. How could I, in good conscious, leave them like this? I had plenty of food for the journey home; Tranci had seen to that. I did not need the gold in my purse. Without thinking, I untied it and tossed it at his feet. "You will find in there a hefty sum, good sir." I said. "Take it with my blessing, and feed your group. In fact, I would be more than happy to ride with you until you find a village."

He fell onto his knees in the dirt, taking up the pouch and looking up at me with undisguised gratitude. I flinched under the look; I had done what any good person should have! "You are the picture of graciousness and generosity!" He exclaimed, as did many of the others, more breaking into tears. "Yet surely you need such money for yourself? We cannot take all of it from you; our hearts would not be at ease if we knew we had caused your starvation to stave off ours!"

"Do not worry yourselves a moment more; I'll be fine." I said. "Come, let us find your village."

I kept to my horse, for I still could not be sure that they did not mean any harm, though with every passing moment I grew more and more comfortable with them. The man's name was Jeriko, the woman who had cried at first his daughter, Jolinda. I gave them the name Bethany only, again leaving my family name and rank from them. Out here, in the world, I was no better than they. I had never viewed myself as better than others, common or not, but I knew if they knew my true rank they would treat me thusly, and I would not be able to speak with such ease around them. They had been wandering performers for years, and were used to hard times.

"These are harder than most, alas." He told me as we went. The tiny bells fixed to his patched hood tinkled when he shook his head. "War seems resplendent in these areas lately. A great one has just taken place in Senoth, against four kingdoms; do you believe this? One kingdom triumphant over four. I cannot wait to write a song about it, for tis such the event songs should tribute!"

He had struck close to home without knowing. I asked him for all he knew on Senoth, which, alas, was not much.

"I know that their king was slain," My heart clenched again. "And that the beloved of the heir was appointed king in his stead. I do not know the name or what happened to the heir; all I know is that she was slain by one of the enemy armies."

So Vincent had become King of Senoth. I was relieved a bit; my home was in good hands. I recalled his face and his arms about me, and felt a pang of deep homesickness.

I will come home to you, my Vincent, I swore in my mind. It is but a little time, and I will be there again.

"We heard you singing as you came." Jolinda told me. She had the face of a child, though she had to have been of an age with me. "You must be a performer yourself, with such a voice."

"I am no performer, or singer. I have never sang other than psalms in the church, I assure you." I was blushing again; it seemed I did an increasing amount of that as well!

"She is right," Jeriko replied to me, his voice seriously. "You could make great money with such a voice."

I blushed again, and perhaps sensing my embarrassment at this, he blessedly changed the subject.

We came upon a village that evening, a cluster of a dozen or so buildings and houses. There was, however, an inn and tavern, and we took rooms there for the night. I learned from the innkeep that we were only five miles or so from Fatrie's border; I was but fifteen miles from home! My excitement was such that if I didn't know the folly of such a thing, I would have been back on my horse and at full gallop in an instant. Yet, my impetuousness had gotten me in enough trouble as of late, and I stifled the urge. Tomorrow would have to be soon enough.

I can laugh on that now, looking back. I restrained my impetuousness, fearing to not do so would lead as it always had into trouble. Instead, my restraint led to more trouble than ever my unthinking action had!

I joined the troupe down in the tavern, where already they were performing amid laughter. They had no need for the money now, since I had given them such an amount, but they could no more stifle themselves from performance than a fish could stop himself from breathing water. They were juggling and tumbling and telling jokes fit to make my sides burst with laughter. Gold and silver were raining at their feet, and how well they deserved it, for I have not seen the like of their talents! It made me wonder however they had fallen so destitute to begin.

I suppose the world is just harsh like that, at times.

I was well enjoying the performance when Jeriko and Jolinda came from it and drew to me, taking up my hands and pulling me to my feet. They were urging me to sing before the crowd!

I protested, tried to pull away, but they had none of it. The crowd was calling for me to sing as well, thinking it part of the act. My boots clinked against the money on the ground.

Could I do it? I had sung in church before, but everyone around me had been singing as well. I only sang otherwise when I was alone, and none could hear.

Yet, as a child I had often fantasized about being a singer and a dancer; here, in this place, I was not a princess or queen. I was nothing but Bethany, and I was being given my chance to feel that fantasy again.

More urging by Jeriko and his daughter, and my protests weakened. Finally, I relented. I picked one of the psalms, for those were all I knew, and as the tavern grew silent about me, I tentatively began.

I sang to continued silence, and almost faltered, until I realized the crowd was actually listening to me. They seemed genuinely enthralled. My voice gained strength, and when it was finished the applause flowed over my blushing cheeks, and I gasped for breath. Every fibre of my body felt alive with the moment and the praise, and I felt as if I were floating. They called for another song, and I sang again, dancing this time, letting my body move with the song. This one was greeted with even more praise and the clatter of coins at my feet when I had finished was almost thunderous.

I returned to my rooms later trembling, filled with excitement at what I had done and how they had liked it. I wondered if I was being wicked again, prideful at my accomplishments, but I felt so wonderful that I could not even be guilted by it. Jolinda burst in on me, excited as well, and hugged me.

"You were wonderous! They adored you!" She exclaimed.

"I have never before felt like that." I gasped. "I...I can't even describe it!"

She laughed and hugged me again. "It's a great feeling, isn't it?"

"Oh, indeed! Did they really like me?"

"Did they? Such applause and for a psalm of all things! Bethany, you must join our troupe and do this every night; we would never go hungry again with you with us!"

For one, brief and shining instant, I was actually tempted by her words. In that moment I could be anything I wished. I could be the singer and dancer I had often pictured myself as. I could go with this troupe and see the world, staying in no place longer than a few days, visiting lands so distant their very ways were alien to me.

Then I faltered. Of course I could not. I could not give up my home, my family, for such a dream. I could not live without again seeing Vincent or Arhyn or my little Loretta. Still, for one moment...

"I cannot, Jolinda, I'm sorry." I told her. "Yet I shall never forget this night. If you and your father and friends are ever in Senoth, go to the castle. I'm sure they would welcome such entertainment!"

She was disappointed at my denial, but she did not argue with me. Perhaps she sensed that I had greater responsibilites I could not just discard. We talked for a while, and she left me to sleep.

I tried to sleep but could not. I was still too keyed about what I had done and the prospect of being home the next day. So, after an hour or so of trying, I redressed and went back to the tavern, hoping some food in my belly would lull me enough to sleep.

Most of the crowd had left by then, though a good dozen remained. The troupe had all retired, and the floor was clean from coins. Many of these greeted me when I appeared and offered kind words of praise; I thanked them demurely, still pleasantly warm from earlier. A few even offered to buy me drinks, which I declined. Though many of the men were handsome, I carried only Vincent in my heart.

Then, a heavy man with thinning dark hair sat beside me as I ate. Something about him made me feel instantly cold, but as I could not place the reason for my feeling, I did nothing about it.

"You sing marvelously." He said to me.

"Thank you." I murmured, not meeting his face. He was plain of countenance, and did not seem physically strong or imposing in any way, yet I got a very real sense of danger.

"Have you been with that troupe long?" He inquired.

"I am not with that troupe." I admitted. I was very close to rising and retreating back to my rooms. "I met them only earlier this afternoon."

"Pity," said he. "You seemed as if you were born to it. Your music was almost... magical."

I opened my mouth to deny or address his compliment, but my heart was seizing in my chest, and my fear was almost palpable. I rose without muttering any excuse or goodbye, and practically fled towards my rooms. I fumbled with the door, my heart pounding hard within my ribs, but hardly had I managed to open it than his hand grasped my arm, thrusting me into the room and nearly sending me to the floor.

He shut the door and locked it behind him as I crouched, searching about for any weapon. I grabbed at last for the iron candlestick upon the table. His eyes moved to the instrument in my hand, and from his side he drew his shortsword. "Think you that you can thwart this with an ornament?" He laughed. He swung at my head, and I showed him precisely what I could do with an ornament. It struck him across the knuckles, causing him to loose his grip on the sword. It spun away, slashing a curtain as it did. My next blow caught his jaw and twisted him, throwing him into the door. I drew close, lifting my 'ornament', prepared to bring it on his head and knock him cold, when his boot flashed out and caught my belly. I crashed backwards, upsetting the table and nearly going out the window itself. I thumped instead into the wall, my breath exiting my lungs as the pain in my shoulder flared once again. A hand ripped the candlestick from my grasp and I was taken up in his arms, held tightly. I was pressed into the wall, but his intent did not seem carnal, but rather it was merely the most convenient way to pin me. His eyes were bright and tiny in his beefy face, and I could see the sweat upon his head through the strands of his hair.

"What do you want of me?" I demanded when my voice returned to me. His grip about me was tighter than I thought such an out of shape body could manage; I could do nothing against him.

"You have the scent of the unicorn about you." He grinned. Taking my up by the back of my neck, he drew a dagger and placed it firmly upon my throat. I could feel the sharpness of it, and fought not to swallow, lest I cut myself upon it. He brought me to the door, and it was opened to reveal four men, dressed in much a manner as he was. Two dogs held they by leashes, and when the dogs scented me they growled in an odd way.

I was shoved into the arms of the two who held not the dogs, and I was gripped tightly. "Take her to the carriage and off to my ship." My captor ordered them. "We must be off before her friends realize what we have done, or before the animal comes to her rescue."

I was spirited out of the inn and nearly dragged into the carriage. As the horses were whipped up and the vehicle began to roll, I glanced out the window and thought I saw Jolinda standing near the tavern entrance, hidden in shadows, shock and fear upon her face.

We rode for hours, those men within the carriage with me saying nothing as we went. I demanded of them an explanation, but they offered none. I finally settled into thought. Who was this man who had taken me? What knew he of the unicorn, and why would that urge him to my kidnapping? Did he intend my death, and if so why hadn't he merely slain me in the room and let it be?

No, it wasn't my life he wanted, it was something else.

I was ushered out of the carriage when it came to a stop. The strong smell of the sea was all about me, and I could hear the breakers upon rocks. They took me along a wooden dock, and up the gangplank of a small sailing ship. There, I was locked into a room not much bigger than a closet, and left to my own thoughts.

I did not know where they were taking me, but I knew that where ever it was, it was all the more far from Senoth. Would I never see my home again?

I must have sat an hour more there before I felt the movement of the ship. I tested the door again, pulling upon it with all my strength, but it was more sturdy than it appeared, and I could do naught against it. I pounded upon it in despair, demanding that they release me and tell me what was going on. No one, of course, answered. I had not expected them too.

Finally I sat again, feeling the motion of the ship. I could not truly feel despair this time as I had before, but only a red and blinding anger. Who were they to snatch me from the hope of home just as I was so close to reaching it? Who were they to lock me like a theif in the dark and leave me without words?

My anger led me into sleep, and when I dreamt, they were dreams of Vincent and I, standing upon the gates of the castle, watching as my father led his army home victorious.

I woke and it was still dark. I could not see outside, but I knew that not much time had passed. The boat, however, was still, and as I roused myself my door was unlocked. I threw myself against it, determined to push past whomever was there, armed or not. Instead I was greeted by the harsh snarl of one of the dogs I had seen afore. Wicked long teeth shone white at me, and I pulled back.

"You try that again..." My fat captor smirked. "and he will have your arm off."

"Who are you?" I asked.

"My name is Dugan, and that is all you need know." He responded. "You are mine now."

"What is it with people and that sentance?" I asked. My anger was lending me courage. "What? Am I to tremble in fear and beg for mercy when you spout off such words? Prepare to be disappointed, sir. I'll neither tremble or beg, and as it is obvious at this moment I am yours and at your mercy, then I'll thank you not to state such obvious things again."

He laughed at the conclusion of my tirade, a disgusting, bellowing laughter. "Come on. Time to see your new home."

"I have but one home. Unless you are in the far harbor of Senoth, I have no desire to come with you."

He only had his men pull me out. It was easy as that. I did not fight them much, as there was no true point to it. Were I to escape, the dog would easily catch me and it would be done.

I was brought off the small ship onto an island. A great house dominated it, and there was not much vegetation that must originally have been here remaining. Everything I could see was stoned and paved and made cold. The lines of the house were stark and harsh, and fit the man who had called himself Dugan.

I was brought into this house, taken to a room, and left there with him. He had in his hand a riding crop. I watched him.

"What is your name?" He demanded.

"I am Bethany." I said. No need to be obstinant yet; there would be plenty of time for that later.

"What is your station?" He asked.

"At current? Vagabond and trouper and wanderer and seeker of home. I have been prisoner and condemned and rescued and Elven guest. Is that specific enough for you?"

A slam with the riding crop took me across the jaw. I had seen his arm lift and knew what was coming, and had turned my head, avoiding most of the blow. It stung, but not greatly.

"You will soon learn not to speak a sharp tongue with me, child." said he.

"Then ask questions you truly wish the answers too, if you must punish me for what you hear."

His eyes narrowed, and his lip lifted. "Do you know who I am?"

"You are Dugan, as you so introduced." Said I. "You are a kidnapper and a cruel man, as I can easily see from your eyes. You hold no grace in God's sight. He has no mercy on you, and would not condemn me for your death."

Another slam with the crop. Again I saw it coming and turned my head. He grasped my chin.

"Is that a threat, child?" He asked coldly.

"I do not threaten, sir." I said simply. "You and I both know if you give me half the chance I will do what I see fit."

"Indeed." He released my face. "What do you know of the unicorn?"

What did he care? I had no secrets I must hide in that. "He saved my life in the wood. I saw him for less than the space of a half hour, and he was gone. I have never before seen him and never again expect to."

"You are lying to me."

"Why would I do that?"

"To save your life and that of his."

I actually laughed. "If you seek to take my life, regardless of what I say I cannot stop you from it. As for his, I doubt you can find him all that easily, else I would not be standing here to begin with."

"You have no idea what you have found yourself in." He snarled. "You think you know fear of death? I can make you beg for it. Come, and I will show you."

He shouted for the guard and I was taken along with him, down into the bowels of the house. I saw there a horror I never wish to remember.

I had to go briefly and seek out Lion, for I needed to see his face and reassure myself he was not hidden behind bars, cringing and beaten. I don't think he knows the reason I came upon him and embraced him without word. He did not ask, however, but merely embraced me in turn.

Sometimes no questions are needed.

Now, I have returned, solid in the knowledge that he is safe, and can relate to you what I saw.

There was a marbled, pillared hall deep in the island and beneath his house. Between each pillar, flanked by potted ferns, was a cage. Within each was a creature or more of magick.

I saw Faerie, cat-faced as Lion, some so closely resembling him I had to look very closely to realize that they were not he. All were starved, beaten, hopeless in their eyes.

"Cruel thing!" I cried at Dugan. "Why have you done such a wicked deed?"

"Power." He replied. He led me down further along the corridor. These cages bore others, satyrs and fauns and other creatures I had no names for. All were drained and starved and wished their deaths; I could see it upon their faces. "I have been after power for a long time." Dugan continued. "I seek one in particular; one who escaped me when she was but a child. This unicorn that you encountered is part of her. When I have her power and his, there will be none who can stop me."

Arhyn! He was speaking of Arhyn! I was stunned so greatly I nearly stopped walking. The story of her youth was further true! The wicked man who had pursued her for her magic and tried to kill her before she came to our castle was the selfsame man who stood next to me now. I had been thrust from my life by war and somehow had fallen into her past; her enemies then were mine now. I felt cold, and determined to say nothing on Arhyn or my knowledge of her, for if he found her she was dead. He could draw his sword to kill me now, and I would not speak!

"I almost had her, a short while ago." He said wistfully. "She had dropped into a vision with the Mortal Unicorn, and her mind was foolishly left open to me. I would have killed her then, had not that Faerie bastard of hers aided in drawing her free."

I shivered, for his words drew the horror from me. He had almost killed Arhyn! Her death was one I never could quite imagine; she seemed beyond such mundane things as mortality.

His hands were on my shoulders now, tightly, causing my wound to ache again. "I will discover why the Mortal Unicorn was drawn to you. I will find your magic, and I will have it as I have these pathetic creatures."

"I have no magic." I told him. "This is all madness and insanity."

He snorted just as a pig might. A wicked grin then appeared on his face, and he pulled me to a far cage against the wall. "I have followed the trail of this Unicorn for years." Said he. "And this early evening, before I found you in the inn, I came across a very interesting sign on the trail."

With that he turned me towards the cage, and I saw what was within.

"No!" I felt the cry burst from my mouth and leapt for the bars. I reached through, grasping the hands of Desen and Tranci who were imprisoned within. They looked on me in fear and confusion. I saw the tiniest sparkles of light, and from Tranci's pocket the wisps silently moved, through the bars, and into mine. Then, Dugan was pulling me, tearing me from the bars.

I rounded on him, filled with grief and fury. "Release them! They have done nothing to you! You cannot harm them!"

His fist in my jaw and I was thrown to the ground amid Tranci's screams. A boot in my side, and my breath found another dwelling than my lungs. I gasped, my breath finally steaming on the marbled floor, my fingers digging into it weakly. He crouched to me, forcing my head down hard into the marble, growling in my ear.

"You speak to me thusly again, Bethany," My name was a sarcastic hiss. "And I'll beat you so near death you'll be able to shake his hand. Do you know how long I have tried to capture an Elf? Elves hold powerful magic, and I would have it for my own. I WILL have it for my own. They are as good as dead already."

"I won't let you hurt them." I returned.

"You haven't much of a choice." He hauled me up. He shoved me at his guard. "Return her to her rooms. Let her think on her situation for a day or so." His eyes moved cruelly to my friends. "I have other things I need to take care of in the meanwhile."

"No!" I shouted again, even as I was pulled away. "No! You cannot hurt them! Please!"

The door shut behind us.

I saw no one for nearly three days. I was given neither food nor water, and could do nothing but pace in despair and try not to think on what he was doing to Tranci and Desen. Their fate was my fault, for I had led Dugan to them! I fell upon my knees more times than I can recall, praying to God for their protection and forgiveness, for that was the only resort left me. I prayed once for such a long time that I found myself laying on my floor, but still I could not stop.

He had once seen fit to allow the rope to part thrice so that I might live. I could only assume He had done so so that I could complete some task He wished of me. I had to believe He would aide me in it now.

I did not sleep, but neither was I fully awake. I lay on the floor, feeling nothing but a warmth that seemed to come from inside me. I lay there for hours, I think, and I felt no hunger or thirst or fear. I have never again in my life been so contented. The wisps danced from my pocket and fluttered about me, often landing upon my hair and face and hands, their humming soothing and comforting. Yet, they too eventually retreated back into my pocket, leaving me alone upon the floor.

Finally, the guards came for me.

They thought I was weak from my starvation, and pulled me to my feet, supporting my weight. I let them, aiding them not as they half-dragged me down the hallway.

I kept my head lowered, still feeling the warmth inside me. It was a comforting that lent me strength, and I put my faith in it.

Dugan was in the corridor of cages again. He turned from that one which held Tranci and Desen and smiled at me. I only slightly lifted my head in order to look upon him and them, and what I saw was not what I expected.

Tranci and Desen did indeed look drained, tired, thin as the others. Yet they seemed to still shine within from power. Their eyes were pitied and angered as they looked upon me, yet deep within them there was still a strong hope.

Dugan's expression was triumphant, haughty, and chilled, but I also saw something else inside him. Deeply hidden, I saw only fear and loneliness and pain. For a long moment I was tempted to hug him, and had not they been holding my arms, I might have done just that.

He took up my jaw and lifted my head again. "I see your time with no food and water has taken the defiance from your eye as well as the strength from your body." He told me.

"Why do you cry, Dugan?" I asked him.

He had not expected this, for confusion added itself to his face. "You silly child; I do not cry." He said. "I triumph! Look, for your friends have hardly the strength to move. I have taken their magic from them, and made it mine!"

He had not, though he had taken a great deal from them. They still held magic, I could see it, even if he could not.

I felt dizzy at that moment, and my head dropped again. I fell it seems into a swoon, and I recall nothing of what happened.

I woke on a boat large enough for five, and to the sound of moving oars. I woke to find my head in Tranci's lap as she stroked my hair, and it was Desen at the oars. Night was all around, the stars flares of light above, the water a smooth reflection of the sky so perfect it seemed we floated through space itself. The wisps lit the area, else we would have been lost in darkness. I was so warm and contented I could not move for the longest time, but could only listen to Desen's movements and watch the ballet of the wisps.

Then I realized that Tranci and Desen were speaking to each other, and had been all along. Their voices were as soothing as everything else.

"There is no sign of them." Desen was looking about as he rowed. "No boats about. I think we may have lost them."

"I think we may be lost in turn." She replied musically, even in concern. "The tide is carrying us, and we knew not where we started from."

"Aye," He replied. "Still, we have not come this far in such a way only to be lost at sea. I believe we will find land, and shortly."

"As do I." Her hand stroked down my hair again, as a mother might comfort her child.

"Is she awake?" He asked. I wondered why he could not see my eyes were open. I learned later my eyes had been open and staring since we made the boat.

"I don't know." She replied. "She hasn't moved. Whatever it is that aided us has left her, and I'm afraid it's power was too great for her."

It had not left me, however. And it wasn't an it; it was nothing more than God's grace once again. I knew this, why did they not? It seemed so obvious.

Silence for a while, save the beating of the oars and the soft sound of the water. I did not want to break the silence, for I was comfortable in it, but I could not let them worry over my inactivity, when I knew that I was well. Finally, I drew up enough will to speak to them.

"The sky looks so deep." I said, and I meant it. It looked as if the stars went on forever, extending so that I could not even imagine where it ended, or even if it did.

Desen stopped rowing, setting the oars and moving to me, taking me up in his arms to sit. Tranci held me as well, and I put my arms around them both. "You have saved us, Beth. How do you feel?" He asked.

"I don't remember saving you." I told him. "And I feel as if I could float here forever, without fear or anger or pain. I am at ease."

They told me the story as we sat there upon the sea, alone in the stars. They told me of how Dugan had brought me to him, and this I recalled. They told me of me asking why he cried, and this too I recalled.

"Then," Said Desen. "It was as if you made a decision. You stood straight between the guards, and flung them from your arms to tumble down the hall as if they were but naughty children. You took up Dugan by the throat, and lifted him from the ground though he weighed many times more than you, and you had no effort in doing it. He cursed you in his fear and tried spells upon you; dark spells that should have sent you to your death, but you were not touched by them. You spoke to him, told him that he was a wounded child, and that he could not wound others to heal himself. You told him that he would live, but if he continued in this way he would fall as powerless as he was born. Then you cast him to the ground, and he could not rise again."

I listened silently, for I recalled none of it, and it was as if I heard the tale of a stranger.

"You broke the bars and freed us from the cage." Tranci took up where Desen left off. "Together, we freed the others and the guards entered and we ran. We came upon this boat and as we entered it you sagged and lay as one dead, save your eyes were open and moved from time to time. And now we are here."

I wondered if, for some time, another spirit had entered me and led me to these things. It would explain why I could recall none of it; while such a spirit is in control you sleep beneath its influence. But who's spirit? And what interest had it in me, and why?

It seems the list of questions I wished answers too only grew with every day that passed, and I put it out of my mind. I offered another prayer as Desen took up the oars again, thanking God for whatever power had released us.

We made land before dawn, and pulled the boat ashore. I drank deeply from a nearby stream, for my contentment and warmth was fading and with it my hunger and thirst returned, as did my fear. Though there was a stream the land seemed desert in nature, no vegetation on the rising hills of sand, and no shelter in sight. We slept in the shadow of a dune, and woke before afternoon to walk. The dark fell again when we'd lost sight and sound and scent of the sea. We walked by the lit stars we had sailed by, surrounded by waves of sand rather than water. My hunger now was a living thing, eating away at my belly. There was nothing in this land to eat; we saw no creatures and no vegetation, and we could only cinch our belts and continue on.

We walked thusly for three more days, the wisps floating about us on nights where the moon lent no light, their humming giving us the courage we needed. I was faltering again, and Tranci and Desen took me in their arms and helped me along. Being immortal, they needed little food, and could continue for months before they felt their hunger as I was. They whispered words of encouragement to me as they bore me up.

Then, through the dark, one of the dunes seemed to glow.

It was actually a house so covered with sand it seemed part of the desert. The glow was the warm light within filtering through windows and a doorway. Tranci and Desen slowed, and we talked in hushed tones about whether or not we should risk approaching, for we knew not who lived within. The discussion was, of course, short. We could hardly be worse off if we approached than we were now!

It was Tranci who knocked upon the door as Desen held me upon my feet. The wood creaked as it was open, and a girl peered out. Her hair was as dark as the night around us, and her eyes were wide and innocent.

"Do not be afraid," Tranci said to her. "We are lost and tired, and we haven't eaten. Could you help us?"

The wide eyes looked from Tranci to us, and then she ushered us in. Up close, she seemed even younger than she had before, and I doubted she was much over her fifteenth year. She was alone in the house, which was little more than one room. She spoke not a word, but took me from Desen's arms and helped me to sit. She then bustled about the house, and in moments the stimulating smells of food were flowing through the small place. I seem to recall asking her name, but I do not know if she answered me or not. We ate, of that I'm sure, and drank, and when we had finished she lay out blankets upon which we lay, and fell into sleep.

We woke in the sand, outside, and there was no sign of the house or the girl. It could not have been a dream, for not only were our bellies still full, but we had small packs that held more food with us, and waterskins as well. None of us knew what had happened. Desen finally said that she must have been a spirit or magical being even more rare than Elves, one that lived in the desert and helped those in need, but must keep herself secret else men like Dugan find her.

I whispered a thank you to the sand and again we started away.

An additional week of wandering found us hard and lean, and on the tail end of the supplies the desert being had given us. The ground had grown rocky through the sand, and dry, harsh mountains were rising in the distance. It was only a day after we first saw them that we came to a cliff. There, below us, was a dust colored city, dominated by a shimmering white palace.

I have never been to such a place! We entered the city to such sights we could only look about us in wonder. Desen and Tranci were even more enraptured than I, for now they were surrounded by the call of mortals.

They were all about us, children skipping through the stoned streets, wearing naught but cotton cloths wrapped about their waists, baring their golden bronze skin to the sun. Birds with brilliant feathers and tails perched around doors and cried at us as we passed, flapping wings that had more colors than rainbows. Jugglers passed us, as did those bearing all sorts of wares that any one could ever wish to buy.

We stayed close to each other, for we knew not the customs here. I was awed by everything I saw.

Those of this city spoke our language though they also spoke another, and I questioned many in the market on Senoth. None had heard of it, and I feared we were farther away from it than I had thought. As we passed one booth, a tiny white monkey leapt from its perch atop the wood structure and landed happily upon my shoulder, chattering and plucking at my hair. I laughed, tried to remove him and return him to the man at the booth, but he would have none of it.

"No, no no." Said the man. "He is none of mine, for he has chosen you. Very good luck. Keep him, many blessings."

He stayed and I named him Jiji for it seemed to fit, and he endeared himself to me. He delighted in the wisps, and whenever they appeared he would wave and snatch at them, hooting in happiness. They never allowed themselves to be caught, but seemed to enjoy teasing him, wavering just outside his fingertips as his long tail curled about my shoulders. His face was pink, and clever, and his brown eyes melting. He planted tiny kisses on my temple and we continued on into the city.

We took rooms at an inn and rested, for the first time since we'd left the desert spirit, in beds. Our rooms were open and filled with the scent of the flowers that hung upon our windows.

My days were filled with searching for news or directions to Senoth. Tranci and Desen spent endless hours in their rooms, and endless more wandering the market and feeling the thrum of mortality about them. Those of this city accepted them as if Elves were as everyday as humans. Jiji stayed near me at all times, riding on my shoulder and adding his tiny, chattering comments to all we saw.

We had been here nearly a month. I was feeling more and more the desire to return to my Senoth, but I could not seem to tear myself from this city. It did not help that no one in this entire place seemed to know of it, let alone the way to return to it. I frequented any place that merchants of other lands might go, so that I could question them in turn about my home.

I was at such a task when I first saw the young man. He was across the cobbled street, and two men of immense strength and size were beside him. His hair was black and short, curled against his neck and his temples. His skin was the bronze of the rest in this city, and he was bare to the waist, save a silken sash. He was nineteen, I learned later, though he looked a bit younger than that, and his dark eyes shone with the same innocence the desert spirit had portrayed. I wondered for a moment if he was another such spirit. Then Jiji was gone from my shoulder, leaping over the stones and perching upon the young man's shoulder. Startled, the boy jumped slightly, exclaiming over the monkey.

I walked over, leaving my conversation, and scolded the little monkey, taking him from the man's shoulder and returning him to mine.

"I'm sorry if he frightened you." I said. "He was only being friendly."

"I have never seen a white monkey before." He breathed. I had learned by now that many here thought white monkeys magical, almost sacred. Then his gaze moved from Jiji to me, and his face still looked afeared.

"I had not seen one before I met him, either." I said, with a gentle smile. "I am Bethany, and this is Jiji."

"Lauden," He offered his hand to me. "Prince of Chakani."

I had long since learned Chakani was this city we had found ourselves in. I had not known the boy a prince! I bowed my head to him, for in these days I was just Bethany, and not a queen, or a princess, or anything else of mention but what circumstance dropped me in.

"Your Highness." I greeted. I looked back up to see he was still staring at me. I could not fathom why. "I'm sorry again for Jiji, sire. I will leave you to your business now." I bowed again, and made to return to the merchants I'd been speaking to. I was stopped by his hand, and turned to look at him again.

"Please, you are new here to Chakani." Said he. "I insist that you and whatever guests you wish join our family for dinner at the palace tonight, for we delight in hearing of lands other than ours, and my instincts tell me you have a tale to tell."

"I would be honored." I said, a bit surprised at this offer. Still, if I ever were to return home, it would do well to be on good terms with Chakani, and I could not risk offending their prince.

"Are you staying here?" He asked, indicating the inn we stood before.

"Yes, sire." I replied.

"I will send a carriage for you this evening, that will take you to the palace. Until then."

This time, he bowed to me before returning to his men and moving away through the crowd. Jiji chattered something, and I stroked his head a bit as I again addressed the merchanters.

Desen and Tranci were delighted at the invitation. They had seen the palace from as close as its gates, and described lawns and statues and such landscapes as even they had never seen. The possibility of seeing it up close sparked something in them, and their eyes lit with the excitement of it.

The carriage came at dusk and two muscular men in soft cotton urged us within it. We rode through the streets, which were coming alive with lanterns and torches and the scents of incense. Then the building made way to a high, white stone wall and the golden gates of the palace grounds.

Such wealth this kingdom had! My companions words did no justice to the actual beauty of the landscape surrounding the ediface. The grass was greener than any I'd seen, and looked soft as velvet, running in hills and gentle slopes. Trees and hedges cut to resemble men and animals were scattered here and there, and wonderous birds wandered and flew everywhere.

The doors of the palace were flanked by enormous carved marble statues of crouching men who held up the golden sill that cast shade upon the door. I stepped out of the carriage with Desen and Tranci, and Jiji on my shoulder, and saw that a tiny monkey rendered of polished ivory was in the center of each door.

The prince appeared through those doors, greeting me with a wide and warm smile, bidding us within.

I could spend this entire book telling of the palace! The splendour was not limited to the outside. Within were vaulting halls of gold and marble. Thick plants created almost a jungle atmosphere at points, and a scarlet and sapphire parrot of immense size perched on one of these branches, regarding us from white rimmed, tiny eyes. I could hear running water and the night breeze moved through the palace unhindered, coming from the many arched windows that were open to the outside.

The king and queen awaited us at a round table in the center of a hall, a table already overladen with rich foods prepared in sinfully delicious ways. The king was a solid, handsome figure of a man, dressed as his son with only a sash across his chest. The queen was a delicate beauty with thin fingers and wide brown eyes. She greeted us warmly and bade us sit.

My chair was beside Lauden's, and I thought nothing on this at first.

"Where are you from, Bethany?" The queen asked as the first course was served.

"I am from a kingdom called Senoth." I said. "I was taken from there cruelly and seek only to return."

"Senoth." The king's voice was deep, and I knew the instant he said the name he'd heard of it. My heart leapt. "Grand place, or so I've heard. My grandfather travelled there many years ago. It's near the Hills of Willow, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." I agreed, feeling a bit lightheaded. "Pray, sire, do you know how to get to it? I am terribly lost and cannot find my way there."

"I don't know." He said. "I believe my grandfather kept some of his old maps; I can look through them and see if I can find the way, if you wish."

"I would be indebted to you for the remainder of my life, sire, if you would but look." I said. The conversation moved from Senoth to other topics, and through it all more and more delicacies were placed on our plates. I have not eaten like that before or since! Even Jiji got his fill of dates and figs and chattered happily. The queen in particular seemed prone to spoiling him, and cooed over him as if he were a child.

Through it all, Lauden sat fairly silent, asking me a few questions about Senoth and how we had come to be in Chakani. I told him the truth, more or less, and he expressed his pity. Finally, we were all filled. Desen and Tranci exclaimed over the delights of the castle, and the king offered a tour, which they immediately accepted. I let them go without joining them, for I was enjoying my conversation with the queen. Lauden, too, remained.

Finally, however, she excused herself and bid me goodnight. When she'd left, I rose as well. "I should probably find my friends, and return to the inn. The hour grows late."

"I will come with you." Lauden offered, and rose, offering his arm. I took it, for it was custom in my kingdom as well, and I wished not to be rude. We explored the palace in search of them, and I was quite taken with all that I saw. Nothing like this was in Senoth!

We eventually moved outside onto a wide veranda, to see if his father had taken them to the menagerie. We stopped at the railing, looking down into the line of caged birds and animals, and indeed there was the king, with Tranci and Desen in tow. They were too far to shout to, and so I turned with the intent of going down to the lawn and fetching them.

Lauden stopped me. "Please, a moment more. I would talk with you." He said.

I smiled at him. "Certainly, Highness. What is it you wish to speak of?"

He seemed unsure of how to begin, and despite the night I thought I saw color in his cheeks. His awkwardness sparked my own, and I grew suspicious as to his motivations. Finally, he spoke.

"I know that it has been but one night, and that you are not of my kingdom." Said he. Indeed, this was leading right where I thought. I opened my mouth to speak, but he silenced me. "Wait until I've finished." He said softly. "I am a young man, but I am of age. I have never met a woman that has struck me so, but when you came to retrieve Jiji, and I looked upon you..."

"Please, Prince Lauden..." I tried again. Again he halted me, this time with a finger on my lips. His arms went softly about my waist and he drew me close. Before I could pull away, his lips were on mine.

"Please, Your Highness," I pulled from him, and I saw hurt in his eyes. I could not lie to him, however. "I am very flattered sir, but..."

"If you are concerned because you are common born and I am a prince, do not fear." He said, and his arms tightened about me. "My family and I have no compunctions about this. You are a beauty I have rarely seen."

He must not have seen many women, if he could say that about me!

"You embarrass me, sire." I said. "But this cannot be. It is not because of our stations."

"Then why is it?" He asked. This time the hurt was in his voice as well.

"My heart belongs to another." I told him. "You are very kind, and handsome, and have a giving spirit. But I love him, and I will always. I cannot love you in this way."

He did not drop his arms. "What has he, that I do not? What can he give you that I cannot?" He asked. "I would make you a queen, Bethany!"

"He has my heart, and can give me his, and I have no desire to be queen." All this was truth. Finally his arms dropped from me. "You are a wonderful man, Lauden." I said softly. "And one day, you will find in your arms a woman more free and beautiful than I could ever hope to be. And her heart will be yours, without hindrance. But I cannot lie to you."

"Come." He said at last, turning away. "We shall find your friends."

I felt guilt for what I had done. I knew that it was the only way, for I loved Vincent completely and could not look upon another as long as he lived, and probably beyond. I do not know what it was that made Prince Lauden so taken with me; I had seen other ladies in the markets and streets of Chakani that were far more lovely than I. By now my hair had grown a bit, my skin had hardened and darkened in reaction to my travels, and I felt roughly made and dirty, even when I wasn't.

We were silent as we went down to the menagerie. We came upon the king and the Elves and they spoke to me of all the things they had seen. We said our goodbyes to Their Majesties and returned to the door, where we found the carriage waiting us.

"Lauden was taken with you." Tranci said during the ride. My eyes had been on the outside view, and now returned to her.

"I can't understand why." I told her. She and Dresen exchanged looks.

"Did you not like him?" Dresen asked. "He seems a grand sort, him and his family. Did he repulse you in some way?"

"No, of course not." I answered. Jiji was dozing upon my shoulder. "He was the picture of geniality."

"Then why did you spurn him?" Tranci asked. "I saw the pain in his eyes when you met us in the menagerie."

"I love another." I told them.

"Another," She nodded understandingly. "Yet, this other thinks you dead."

"Most surely." I said sadly. "What has that to do with anything?"

"If you return to Senoth, and we certainly believe you will, someday," Desen answered. "What will you do if you find he has found another?" He said this gently, and I know he meant no malice in it. He wanted me to see all possibilites.

I had not considered this. Vincent surely believed me slain; what if I returned to find he loved another, or had married? Could I blame him for that? Of course I could not; but I well knew my Vincent, and I knew that he would not love another. He was the sort of man who gave his heart but once, and once only.

"He will not have." I said confidently. "You do not know my Vincent."

They only nodded and agreed, but I could still see some doubt in their eyes. I dismissed it, looked back outside my window, and tried not to feel the memory of Vincent's lips on mine.

Two days later we recieved a messenger from the palace. I stepped out of my rooms at the innkeeper's behest to see Lauden there in the tavern, looking sadly upon me, with parchments in his hands.

"Sire," I greeted, lowering my head in respect.

"Bethany," He returned, and his voice was guarded. I again felt a bit of guilt. "We must talk."

"Of course." I bade him to a private table, and his guard stayed within eyesight but out of earshot. "What is it?"

He lay out the parchments. "My father asked me to bring these to you." He said. "They are all the maps of his grandfather, who journeyed to Senoth."

My hands tembled as I spread one out, and he pointed. "This is Chakani, here." His finger landed on a patch high to the north of the map. Several miles away was the sea where we had come ashore. Further away were clusters of islands; any one of which could easily be the one where Dugan held us. Woods were drawn as rippled circles, the desert waves indicating dunes. Mountains formed peaks to the north and south and west, rivers cut through the land in bold strokes. I searched along the map, trying to retrace my route, and finally I cried out in triumph. "There!" I touched a place some good many miles to the north, across a small range of mountains we'd bypassed by travelling the sea. In tiny letters were many familiar words. Fatrie. Harmoness. Laberdowick. Scalls. And near the center of the gathering of these, one small word. Senoth.

I felt light-headed with relief as I gathered up the map, hearing myself thanking Lauden over and over. I even took up his hands and kissed them, such was my delight!

"I cannot hope to repay you for this!" I said, my eyes tearing. He smiled at me, wistful and soft.

"My repayment would be a letter when you return, saying how you have found your home and your love again, and how happy you are. That is all I ask."

I would, of course, and more! How surprised would he be to find my letter arrived with parcels and packages and bearing the royal seal of Senoth! I hugged him tightly, swore that I would, thanked him again.

Then I was rushing upstairs to share the news with Tranci and Desen!

We planned to set out in the morning, using what was left of our money to purchase as many supplies as we could carry. Alas that we had not enough for a horse or three, but I little cared at this point. My home was found!

We woke at dawn eager to go, and we stepped out of the tavern to the pinkening sky and soft morning air. There, just outside the door, the innkeeper stood holding three incomparable mounts replete with saddlebags.

"Gifts from His Highness the Prince." Said he as we exited. "He brought them by only moments ago. He wishes you to have them with his blessings, and told me to tell you godspeed, and don't forget his letter."

I let tears fall then, and Tranci hugged me for a moment before we mounted. Only an hour later we were upon a ridge and looking down at the brilliant city of Chakani. We bid our goodbyes, and we were off again for the north. The north, and home!

I did not know then, or for a while after, that we were being followed, and had been followed for a very long time. I knew only the joy and hope in my heart as we traced the map to the north, heading for the range of mountains that would be our first major obstacle. Jiji rode on my pommel or back or shoulder, and during the brightest parts of the day he hurt to look upon. We went swiftly for we had food and water and the good strong horses beneath us. We came upon no real hardships for the week it took us to reach the foothills and look upon the mountains we must cross.

They looked much smaller on the map, but they were not as daunting as they could be. We knew of no path through them, for the map held only that they were there. Fortunately, there was a township nearby, where we could rest for the night and inquire as to the best way to conquer the peaks.

We came to the inn after a ride through streets curiously empty. We were all silent, having noticed this, and I was more than a little apprehensive as I dismounted and tried the inn door.

It was locked.

I looked oddly at Desen and Tranci, and then I knocked. The door opened, but only an inch or two, and only enough to show a single eye as it peered out and regarded us.

"Who are you?" The voice to which the eye belonged demanded harshly.

"We are but travellers who seek shelter for the night, and information on crossing the mountains."

"Fools, no one crosses those mountains." Cursed the voice.

"Regardless, we must."

"You will perish in the doing of it!"

"It would perhaps be more comfortable talking of this within," I said. "We have money enough to pay for rooms, if that is your fear."

At that the door opened enough to let us in. I stepped through, past the woman who had spoken to us, and waited while Desen and Tranci did the same. She was the only one in the common room. Jiji leapt from my shoulder to the bar and helped himself to a bowl of nuts. She glowered at him but said nothing.

"Now," Said I. "Why is it that these streets are empty, and that the door to an inn is locked against those who wish to enter?"

"For the same reason, child, that the mountains are death." She said, gathering her shawl tightly. "It is because of the dragon."

"Dragon?" The word came from all three of our mouths as we exchanged looks.

"I thought they were myths." This was just from me.

"No, indeed, dragons are very real." Said Tranci. She now looked frightened. "They are among the most powerful of magic beasts."

"More powerful than a unicorn?"

"In ways. A unicorn is the epitome of light; a dragon one of darkness. They are right to lock their doors."

I was not convinced. "How could a dragon enter into someone's house? What good would a locked door be to a thing so massive he could tear the very roof off of this building? Unless all I've heard of dragons is wrong..."

"No, dragons are indeed big." Desen nodded. "However, the eldest of them hold the power to turn themselves into humans, in order to fool their way into buildings."

"And the one in these mountains is old?" I asked this of the innkeep woman. She shivered.

"Some say he is the oldest. It is he and his mate that dwell in these mountains. They arrived some five years past, and since they have no one has crossed these hills and lived to see the other side. They come into the town sometimes, in the dark of the night, and try to enter. They do it just to frighten us, keep us terrified."

"We must cross these mountains." I said. "I cannot let something like a dragon stand in my way of home, and to detour to the sea invites not only more travel, but the wrath of Dugan, who is surely still looking for us."

"Death on either hand." Desen spoke sadly. "It is your choice, Beth, for we follow you."

"Do you know where this dragon lairs?" I asked of the old woman. "If we know where he and his mate sleep, we can perhaps avoid them."

"Avoid them? Ha!" She cackled. "They smell and hear all that goes on in these hills and crags. You could no more hide yourselves from them than that monkey could write a sonnet."

Jiji had several nuts stuffed in his cheeks now, and was rocking in bliss, and utterly incapable of writing anything. I pondered, and as I did, an incredible thought came to me. I shoved it away, horrified, but it returned and refused to be ignored.

I wondered if it was God who was telling me this, and why He would wish my death. Still, I could not go against the wishes of Our Father! And if it wasn't God but some other force, perhaps He would know I did it for Him, and aide me anyway.

"Very well." Said I. I handed the old woman a fistful of coins. "This is enough for rooms for my friends for a week. Set them up properly, and make sure their every need is taken care of."

"Where go you?" Desen asked, his wide eyes reflected on Tranci's face.

"I go to slay the dragons, of course." I said.

"Your friend is insane!" The woman said to the Elves.

"I'm inclined to agree." Tranci replied, taking my arm, pleading. "This is death you speak of, Beth! You do not know dragons, but Desen and I do; you will not triumph."

"Nonetheless, I go."

"Be reasonable." Desen goaded. "We can travel to the sea and cross there. It risks Dugan, but you defeated him afore. And he may not even know we are there. To enter these mountains means your doom."

I plucked Jiji from the bar and handed him to Tranci. "Take care of him and watch him while I'm gone. Don't let him overeat!"

"You cannot do this!" Her musical voice was grieved, and her overlarge eyes shone with overlarge tears. "Please, Beth, listen to reason."

I kissed her forehead, then Desen's cheek, and ruffled the fur upon Jiji's head. I went to the door, only to find Desen blocked it.

"I will not allow this!" He burst. "If you must go, then we go with you."

"No sense in all of us being slain."

"No sense in you being slain, either!" He growled. "For that is what will happen, Beth. The dragons will roast you with fire afore you even know they are there. If they are in a mood for it, they will play with you like a cat and mouse, before they spear you with their claws or tumble you down a ravine, where you will die slowly with broken bones and punctured organs. You cannot do this."

I put my hand upon his shoulder, and I moved him away. I could not answer him, for to do so would show the fear in my voice that his words had inspired. Did he not know my own mind was screaming at me as well, calling me fool and idiot? Did he not know that I wanted to be anywhere and doing anything, even back prisoner of Dugan's, than to do this? He resisted me moving him, but I did indeed get him out of the way. Before he could further stop me, I was upon my horse and riding for the mountains. Tranci's frantic voice followed me into the night.

"Bethany! Bethany please! Please don't!"

I rode at a gallop, for to slow would have invited my fearful heart to turn back to the safety of the inn. The ground grew rockier under me, and when the horse could no longer move in assurance I dismounted and left him there.

It was past midnight of that eve when I was well into the rocks, and the ground and the town below were almost as far as I seemed from Senoth. I clung to the stones about me, then found a flat path and dropped to it.

The wind sounded a living thing, and it bore its own teeth of cold. I continued on, growing more apprehensive as I searched my surroundings and the night sky above me; surely the dragons knew I was here by now!

Yet for another hour I heard nor saw nothing of them. I had continued to follow the path and the wind continued to torment me.

A thunder behind me, and the ground trembled. I flew around, wide eyed, to see the enormous beast perched only yards away. He was greater than the size of a castle and each of his claws longer than I was tall. He was dark in the night, yet his eyes were white infernoes of eldritch light. I saw a movement from him, realized through my shock he was inhaling, and flung myself to the ground. Just in time! A wash of heat passed over where I had just been, the light of the flame streaming from his gaped jaws brightening the area more sharply than day. I saw him more clearly in this light; his broad chest and powerful arms, the glimmer of his scales, the sharpness of his rows of teeth.

I rolled from instinct when the flame ceased, and gasped as his powerful hand crushed the ground where I had been, the claws cutting through the stone as if it were made of mud. I made my feet, ran to a boulder, and ducked behind it as another wash of dragonfire surrounded me.

And this was only one of the beasts! Where was the other?

There! Behind me!

A strike with claws rent the boulder into slices as I fell away from them. Yet my avoiding her blow only opened me to his. I saw his head dart down to me and I could do nothing but fling my arm over my face.

Then he had me. Teeth sank into my leg and shoulder and lifted me from the ground. His warm, vile breath was all around me as I was brought, pained and dizzy, high into the air. His jaws tensed, the pain increased, and I knew I was gone.

A flash of lights from my pocket transformed themselves into the wisps. They darted about his face and hers, and the dragons seemed enthralled by them. I could feel my blood swiftly leaving me and could not move or speak. The wisps had acted to late.

Then, the male was lowering his head and I was tumbling from his jaws. I could only lay broken upon the stones for a moment, watching the huge beasts above me and the minute flashes of gold, before I was sucked away and knew no more.

Would I never wake to something familiar?

I regained myself, and I was upon bearskins, and torches were burning about me. I was in a cavern, for the long teeth of rock fell from the ceiling and rose from the ground all about me. There was, crouched close to me, a woman. Her eyes were green and blue and quick, and her hair was dark and frightening. Her fingers, when they approached me and touched my face, were cold and too thin, and I shrank from them.

"Fear not." Said she. "You are well and safe, and will come to no harm here."

Of course I was not well; could she not see it? I had been in the jaws of a dragon, and bore wounds in my leg and shoulder...or did I? I could feel no pain. I felt for them, and encountered nothing but the whole, untorn cloth of my garments. I was healed, even of the old wound the lieutenant had inflicted upon my shoulder. How could this be?"

"Pray," Said I. "Who are you, and how have you done this wonderous thing?"

"My name is Ele." Her hands were upon my shoulders now, drawing me into a sit. She had incredible strength in her fingers. "And it is by magic this thing has been done."

"But how? How did you rescue me from the dragons?"

She laughed at this, and her quick eyes darted about the cave before once more finding me. "I did not rescue you, for we are the dragons." She said with great amusement.

It was true, for hadn't the innkeep woman said that the dragons often turned into humans in order to terrorize their town?

"Then...why did you spare me and cure the wounds you inflicted?" I asked guardedly.

She did not answer this question. "You are Bethany." She stated instead, as if I knew not my own name.

"Who told you this?" I asked.

"The wisps." She smiled. "Alun wishes to speak with you, for you are the one we've been seeking."

"I don't understand."

"You will." She drew me into her arms and kissed my temple, and I felt cold in her embrace. I pushed from her, and she laughed again. "You need not fear me."

"That is a judgement I make on my own." I said. "You and your mate tried to kill me."

"We did kill you. It is by our magic that you lived, for had we done nothing, you would have perished."

"But why? Why hurt me only to spare me?"

"Alun will tell you." Was all she would say.

Dragons were immortals as Elves were, and as such they were drawn to mortality in much the same way. Unfortunately, dragons are more fascinated by the death of mortality, which was why these two slew any that came near their lair or through their mountains. However, for some reason, she had been denied the pleasure of killing me. Yet she was still drawn, which was what had prompted the embrace. That, and she had doubtless wanted to see my reaction.

Again, I learned this all later. For now I was in a cave with a dragon in human guise, and she spoke riddles and frightened me, and I could not understand her.

When the male dragon returned he, too, was in human from. His eyes were green and yellow, and he bore more power to his frame. The wisps were about his head, and they moved to mine as he drew close, crouching beside me and stroking my face. I pulled from him, for his hands were as cold and frightening as his mate's had been.

"You are the one we've been seeking." Said he. His voice was deep and seemed far stronger than his body could support. It was the voice of a monster.

"I don't understand."

"For years we have searched the village for you, yet you are never there." He told me. "The mortals believe we come there to terrorize them, and perhaps that is part of it. Yet, instead, you have come here to us."

"Speak clearly!" My anger was rising. "I care not if you are mortal or winged beast; you are holding me here and if you wish too you must speak clearly."

"Or what?" The female, Ele, seemed amused. "You will fight us?"

"Think you I could not?" I asked.

"You could, and end up again within my jaws." Alun said, eyes narrowing into lizard slits. "More pleasant it would be to make yourself comfortable and listen."

I opened my mouth and shut it again, cursing my foolish anger. I was at their mercy, and might as well listen to the reason I still lived.

"For years and centuries and uncounted eons I have waited for you." said Alun. "We knew you almost too late, for you were already within my jaws when I saw the wisps and realized who you were."

"Who am I?" I pressed.

"My apprentice." He smiled, and the expression was a bit wider for his face than it should have been. Had I not known better, I would have quickly surmised that the being before me was no mundane human, but something disguised as such. His movements were exaggerated and unnatural at times, or nonexistant where they should have been flamboyant.

He told me about how every dragon in the world, of which there were not many, eventually took a mortal apprentice, and only once in their lives. They taught this mortal many things, of either a physical nature or a magical one, but not both.

"But why is this done?" I asked. "Why would a dragon wish to take a mortal and train them, and why in such a limited way?"

"Hardly limited!" He snorted at me. "And there are some things even dragons do not understand. All I know is that this has always been done, and that you are mine."

I was more than apprehensive. "Dragons are evil." I said. "I do not wish to learn evil arts or tricks! I have enough wickedness without aide from another."

He laughed, a thundering sound. "Yes, we are evil." He said. "As vile Unicorns are light. We only train, we don't change your heart. I could no more force you to use what I teach you for evil if you do not wish it, than you could change the weather by dancing!" He leaned closer to me, drawn by whatever had drew his mate. I pulled from him, but the rock wall was at my back and I could not move far enough to escape him. I held my breath as his lips brushed my cheek, and shivered. "But know this; once trained no dragon anywhere can do you harm, for they are bound. Once trained, you will be more powerful than you can imagine; but there will always be those more powerful than you."

"And if I refuse this?" I said, holding myself tight to the wall, for he was very close to me. "If I have no wish to be your apprentice, what then?"

"Search your heart for that one," He whispered. "And you tell me if you can refuse your apprenticeship."

I was silent, for I knew I had been brought to this place for a reason. I had been drawn every step of the way for this, and as I looked back I could see it. Why else had I run foolishly into these mountains, unarmed, intent on slaying two such beasts? Impetuous I may be, but I was no fool!

"You will stay." He said calmly, and I knew it was the truth. I would stay, and I would learn.

It was decided he would train me physically and not magically. More, I decided it, for I was well used to fighting but knew nothing about magic and its arts. Throughout every lesson, Ele was there and watching. He instructed me at first in only his human form. I loathed this for both he and Ele would stare at me in uncomfortable ways. Yet, when he finally assumed his dragon form for instruction, it was little better, and more intimidating given his size. As a beast, he was green and yellow in color, a picture of power and might. Ele was in turn green and sapphire, and though smaller than her mate she was every bit as strong, with a snakelike sharpness about her features and movements.

I was there with them in the mountains for nearly six months. I could not leave, even to tell Desen and Tranci I was well, for the dragons would not let me. Ah, Desen and Tranci! They must have thought me dead when that day dawned and I had not returned. Surely they thought it now, for I had gone and the dragons were still there, and unharmed. The wisps remained with me, however. I once urged them to go to the Elves and tell them I fared, but they would not leave me. I hoped that my friends had gone to the sea and found their way home, and were safe.

I learned such things in the caverns and mountains as I can not relate. Nor would I, if I could, for during training I came to know many things, and understand many more.

Finally, Alun declared me finished, and took me deep into his caves in his human form.

"Where go we?" I asked him. I had never before been this deep; they had never allowed me this deep.

"You will see." He said.

I was silent then, following him as we went, and grateful he was before me and not behind. If I could see him there, he could not place his arms about me and startle me, as he often did.

Down and down and down we went, until it felt we must be approaching the other side of the Earth. The air grew cool at first, then warm and stifling and I found it hard to breathe. I relaxed myself as he had taught, and urged more air into my lungs, and found my struggles eased.

Finally, we entered upon a cave bigger than any I had before seen. It was not lit at first, but he swiftly became dragon, and burst his breath upon a wooden pyre in the center of it, and it was thusly illuminated.

There was uncountable treasure within. Chests and heaps of coin and weapons and suits of armor mounted upon rotted bones. I stood within the shadow of Alun's chest, between his powerful forelegs, and looked upon it with amazement. His head lowered until it was beside me, this position made possible by his serpentine neck. "Grand, is it not?"

"You are very fortunate." Said I as I looked.

"You do not wish to take it with you?" He asked me. Odd question.

"Why would I? I need no wealth, for I have my kingdom." I laughed. "Besides, how would I carry it?"

He laughed, then laughed again, his voice filling the cavern and thundering through me.

"Truly you are a dragon's apprentice!" He said. "But no longer. Your training is done, and you may finally leave us. Fortunate for you, because it is all you wish, and fortunate for us, for you are a hideous distraction!"

"I am grateful to you, Alun." Said I. "But why have you brought me so deep and shown me this to release me?"

His huge hand lifted and he swept it to encompass the cave. "My apprentice cannot leave without a weapon." Said he. "Had you chosen magic I would have given you a book of spells, but since you chose the other...you may now choose again."

"Any I wish?" I asked him.

"With my blessing." He answered me. I ventured out into the hoarde, walking between the heaps of treasure carefully, disturbing nothing. I saw such weapons there I cannot describe! Swords made of pure gold, so glittering with jewels they rivaled the sun. Bows of silver, carved with unreadable runes. Staves of bronze, clubs of ivory, every weapon there was the epitome of craftsmanship.

I saw a sword half buried in gold. I reached it, carefully dug it out for I did not wish the pile to slide and crush me. I drew it finally from the coins, and felt it in my hand.

The blade was steel and polished, and the handle a dragon in flight. Its gaping mouth formed the pommel, the wings and talons the crossguard. It was simple yet elegant.

"Is that the one you wish?" Alun asked suddenly in my ear. He was human again, and had moved upon me silently.

"It fits, does it not?" I asked.

"That it does." He smiled, then turned. "Come, back to the surface, and you can go on your way."

He took up a leather sheath and belt as we left and handed it to me. I tied it about my waist and slid the sword home. I could only feel relief that I was finished and could leave. It had been so long since I'd been home, I wondered if they even remembered me!

Both Alun and Ele were in their human form when I emerged into sunlight and took my leave of them. I had no desire to embrace either of them, but I knew they would me. I did not pull away, but endured their hugs and kisses, for I owed them. I finally spoke goodbye and headed towards the ridge that would lead me back to the town where I had left Desen and Tranci. I doubted they would still be there, but I had to make sure. They were my friends, after all!

I climbed down the rocks, far more easily than I had mounted them earlier, for I had learned many things. It was near unto evening when I was upon rolling hill again, and the dusk had hardly deepened before I entered the town.

The streets, as usual, were empty of life. I came upon the inn, and knocked, for I knew it would be locked. The door cracked, the same eye peered from within.

The door was flung open wide as the innkeep woman recognized me, and she cried out in surprise. This time, there were many within the common room, and all heads turned to me as I stepped in.

I was caught up in arms amid laughter and shouts, and found those arms belonged to Jolinda! Her father was there, as well, and the remainder of the troupe. She cried as she hugged me and I embraced her in return, kissed her father's cheek.

Jiji was then on my shoulder, hopping and chattering excitedly as Desen and Tranci pushed their way to my side, and hugged me in turn.

"Bethany!" Tranci cried, tears on her face. "You live!"

"I do, but why do you remain? I was certain you would have left when I did not return."

"We hoped you had not perished." Desen said. "The wisps went with you, and they did not return. We were certain they would have had you been killed, but we were still uncertain. How good it is to see you!" And he hugged me again.

"And Jolinda, Jeriko...how came you and your friends to be here as well?" I asked. I felt giddy with joy and the sights of all their faces. "I had left you in the village so long ago."

"That is a long tale to tell." Jeriko said. "And I think you have a long one to relate as well. Come, let us sit and we can answer all questions."

I was urged to go first. I told them of meeting the dragons and the brief fight. I told them of waking in their lair with Ele over me in human form, and what Alun told me about apprenticeship.

"They would not let me leave until I finished training." Said I. "I once tried to send the wisps to you, but they would not leave."

"And good they did not, for their appearance would have surely made us believe you lived no longer." Desen said. Jiji was thrumming and stroking my ear.

"I have never heard of this, dragons and mortal apprentices." Jeriko said in wonder. "Such things they must have taught you! I could write such stories on it."

"But how did you come to be here?" I asked him. It was his turn for a story, and he told it well.

What happened was this.

Jolinda had just entered the common room when I had fled, Dugan in pursuit, up to my rooms. She knew not what to do, for she was no fighter. Before she could come to a decision and alert the other troupers, I was being taken from the inn at knifepoint. She followed and watched as I was taken away by the carriage.

So I HAD seen her there! I thought I had.

She noted the direction we went and roused the others, nearly in a fit. Instantly they came after me, but they could not, of course, catch a carriage at full speed. They followed the tracks to the dock, and could see the ship far on the horizon.

Jolinda wept, certain I was lost and that it was hopeless. Yet the troupe was not ready to give up; I had shown them kindness, and here was the opportunity to repay.

They interregated all in the town on the ship and its owner, and finally someone reluctantly told them of Dugan and his island, and warned them against going there. They went anyway, using some of their gold they earned performing to hire a boat and guide.

They arrived at the island only to find the place in chaos, with Faeries and Satyrs and all manner of creatures running about! One Faerie told them of what had occured and said I had fled with two Elves aboard a small ship, but he saw not the direction we had gone.

I listened through the whole story, shocked. I had known the troupe for only a day, yet they went to such lengths for me. They spent the next several months searching harbor and coast towns for any rumor or sign, but found none. Finally, they came across a lonely and marooned boat at the edge of the desert, and knew it had to have been ours.

The nearest city was Chakani, but it was a good distance away. They travelled there, unknowingly following almost our exact trail, though they came not across the desert spirit who had helped us. They arrived long after we had left, for they had spent many months looking along the coast for us. They gained no word of us there, and began to despair, when they came across a man who had known us. He directed them to the palace. They but spoke my name to the guard at the gate and were immediately ushered in! They talked with the king, and the queen, and young Lauden, and learned that they had given me maps and I was on my way home to Senoth.

"We were certain by then you had reached it and were safe, for it was only a month's journey and you had left Chakani long over that when we arrived." Jeriko said. "Yet we headed north anyway, if only to assure ourselves you were well and safe."

They had arrived at this town only this morning, and had inquired at the inn. The innkeeper had called for Desen and Tranci, and they had told how I had gone into the mountains to slay the dragons and had not returned. How surprised were they all to hear the knock upon the door and to see me, healthy and whole, standing there!

"You need not have travelled so far to find me." Said I, a bit flustered. "It was done out of great kindness, and I appreciate it, but such efforts for me?"

"A friend who saved our lives and earned us in one night enough gold for months of good meals." Jeriko said. "We could not watch idle as someone dragged you into the night! Besides, we are wanderers; it is what we do. We just happened to 'wander' along your trail."

I hugged him again, weeping. I could not describe the amount of gratitude I felt for him and his daughter and friends at that point. How fortunate I had been to come upon them in the wood!

We talked long into the night, and Desen and Tranci kept touching my hand or shoulder, as if affirming I were there and alive. The wisps did their dance above us, lighting our table even after the innkeep had dimmed the lanterns. It was decided before we retired that the troupe would come with us to Senoth, and I could not have been happier.

They feared crossing the mountains, for they knew the dragons were still there. I know they feared, though they said naught of it to me. Yet they trusted me, and I knew we would be safe.

We had to leave the horses behind; we gave them in payment to the innkeep woman who had been more than kind to Desen and Tranci in my absence, allowing them to stay on long after their money had run out. We entered the mountains, and were not far within them when Ele and Alun appeared.

Jolinda gasped and took my arm in fear as she looked upon the looming creatures. They were on the peaks to either side of us, and watched us with their white fire eyes.

"Fear not." I whispered to her. "They granted me safe passage through these hills and any with me. They will not harm us, though I would not suggest returning later, thinking yourself safe!"

She only swallowed and trembled as she followed along with me. I looked up once, meeting Alun's eyes, but swiftly I looked away and we lost ourselves in the mountains.

It really was a small range, and we had crossed at the narrowest place. We were out of the granite crags only two days after we entered it, and our path to Senoth lay unhindered by geography before us! Our travel seemed lighter, for there were always jokes or tricks or singing to carry us on our way. We soon gained more horses as the troupe earned gold at a village or two we passed, and our journey grew almost comfortable.

Yet our hardships were not yet done, for our tale preceeded us, and bandits can smell gold upon the wind as sharks can scent blood. We were soon set upon a band of these that doubled our number, and they looked upon us cruelly.

"You will let us pass, please." I asked of them when they blocked our path.

"You may pass, lighter of your gold." Came the reply from a man harshly scarred and cruel of mouth.

"Why should we give you what is not yours?" I asked. "Are you starving or otherwise infirm? We would be glad to give you aide if this is the case, for we are not cruel people."

"We are not starving." Said he. Such a wrong response! True or not, had he claimed himself and his men hungry, I would have given them all I could. Yet, men like him did not thrive unless they took what they felt belonged them by force.

"Then why do you hinder us?"

He did not like this conversation. "You will give us your gold, or you will die."

"And how would you kill us?" I asked. He pulled his sword as did his men, and showed it to me.

"Thusly." He said simply. I dismounted my horse and pulled the sword that Alun had given me. I was not afraid, perhaps for the first time in my life during battle. This man held not my death in his hands.

"I will have to fight you then." Said I.

"You alone?" He could not believe it, for the Elves and the troupers had not drawn weapon.

"Me alone." Said I. "I cannot make the decision for them to fight you as well. I can only make my own."

He said no further word, but came at me with sword raised.

How crudely he moved! How barbarously! I had not seen battle since I left the dragons, and had not fully understood how such training had affected me. Yet as I saw him come I realized how ridiculously slow his motions were, how unrefined. I thought for a moment as he came on that he was ill, or unskilled, but that was not the case.

It was I who was different.

I stepped within that slow stroke, grasped his wrist, drove my boot into his belly and snatched the sword from his fingers as he fell. It was all frighteningly simple.

He looked at me from the ground as I turned his sword in my hand with a flick of my fingers and sent it into the dirt at his beside.

"Why...did you not kill me?" He was frightened, and frightened of me. I was shocked by this, for I had not wished to cause him fear! I had only wanted to stop him. I would not kill him, surely he could see that!

"Why should I kill you?" I asked, very confused. "You are disarmed and no further threat to me. If you take up your sword again and attack, I will disarm you again. I do not slay men if at all avoidable, for God does not forgive such murder. I am no murderer."

He rose, and took up his blade again, looking at it and me as if he were trying to make a decision. He made it, and came at me again.

Again I disarmed him. Though I had my sword in my hand I did not use it, but snatched his from his grip and again knocked him back, returning it to the ground by his hand. His anger was growing in his eyes; who was I, a mere woman, to do such things to him? And with such ease and speed?

"Kill her!" He cried to his men, and they came upon me.

God forgive me, but I was beginning to enjoy this! My dragon training had affected me much further than I had thought. Every movement I made was swift and easy and powerful. Man after man fell back, sword after sword found their points in the ground near their hands. Two men came at me at once and I lept up from between them, higher in the air than I ever had jumped before. And it was so easy! As if someone had lifted and vaulted me high over their heads. I came down upon them, my fisted hand crashing into the head of one as the pommel of my still otherwise unused sword crashed into the head of the other. Both fell unconscious, and I landed easily on my feet.

They tried, to their credit, only one more time before crying 'spirit' and 'demon' and fled away. Only the leader stayed and faced me.

"Do you wish to attack me again?" I asked. I was growing weary of this; was this man's head as hard as it looked?

"They are right," He said, speaking of his men. "You are some demon or spirit."

"I'm no more demon or spirit than you are toad!" Said I. "Leave here, now. Learn something from this."

He spat a curse at my feet and fled from me. I watched him go and returned to my horse. My companions had been silent through the whole thing, and remained silent as we started again. Desen came up next to me and took my hand and squeezed it, and that was it.

I had thought that event done with, and put no more mind on it, save to wonder about how I had done what I had so easily. I hadn't thought all that much about my training, for my mind was constantly on leaving the dragons and returning home. Apparently I had learned more than I had thought!

Yet it was not done with. Apparently word of it got round, for when we stopped again at a village, people were staring at us.

"What do you think is on their minds?" I whispered to Jolinda as we rode through, looking for the inn. "They look as if they don't know our race! Do you think it is Desen and Tranci that draw their eyes?"

"Perhaps." She whispered back. "Perhaps you are already a legend."

I laughed, for she said this in a joking manner and I took it thusly. We found the inn and dismounted, and I was beset by children.

"Are you the great warrior?" One wide eyed boy asked me.

"Me? Do I look a warrior to you?" I asked him with a smile.

"You have the dragon sword." He pointed to my blade.

"I fight when I must, but I am not great."

He did not look convinced, but already the others were heading inside, and I left him to join them.

How many events can happen to one person? How many times can a life be endangered only to be plucked from death? Already, I had been wounded by soldiers, raped, kidnapped, tried, nearly executed, lost, kidnapped again, marooned, wandered, and wounded yet again by dragon. I had thought my life could hold no more, at least not for a very long time! Yet, in that village, Death once again tried to snatch me into his keeping.

We were supping when the cry of fire came. Those in the common room burst outside to see a distant farmhouse enflamed through some accident. Already those of the village were rushing to aide, going to the wells for water and flying towards the house. We went with them, of course, to do what we could.

The house would be lost; even I could see that from where I stood. Jiji was screeching and bounding upon my shoulder, frightened by the flames.

"Please!" I heard the boy's shout and recognized him as he came to me as the same I'd spoken to outside the inn. He clutched at me with tearfilled eyes. "My mother is in there! Help her, please!"

I unclasped my cloak and let it fall almost before his words were free of his mouth. I snatched Jiji from his perch and practically threw him to Jolinda, before dropping my sword. Without thinking, I burst through the door and into the flames.

All was hell about me. The heat was enormous and I could not see for the smoke. My throat clenched and burned almost immediately from it and the hot air, and my eyes began to stream. I struggled forward, mindlessly. I knew it was stupidity to do this, for I knew not where the woman was!

There! I stumbled upon her without seeing, and fell to my knees. Yet I was already swooning from the smoke and heat, and continued down until I was laying beside her, the roar of the flames strong in my ears. I thought idly that I must rise or perish, but it was only the thought.

Then...

I was upon my feet, the woman in my arms as I struggled for the door. I walked calmly, at an unhurried pace, whilest burning timbers crashed to the ground inches from my heels. I was aware of doing this, but it was the awareness of an observer, nothing more. I stepped through the front door as the house came down behind me, and continued at a steady pace into the fresh air. The villagers and my friends were gathered there, staring at me. I stopped, and one man took her from my arms. Already she was gasping and coughing. Then Desen was there and I was sagging into his arms.

I did not quite pass out this time, but I came very close. Water was brought and poured upon me and it brought me fully awake. I coughed, for my lungs and throat burned, and sat.

"How did you do that?" Jolinda asked, awed. "How did you walk through the flames?"

"I didn't." I said hoarsely. "Perhaps, through the smoke, it looked..."

"No." Jeriko said. "That doorway was filled with flames. You walked straight through them with no injury. How did you do this? Was it your training again?"

"I...don't think so." I managed. Nothing in my training could have halted the flames from me! Then I felt, deep inside, a warmth depart from me. It was the same warmth that had filled me when we escaped Dugan. This time, I had not even been aware it was there before it was leaving me. "I think it was something else."

The boy was there, kissing my face and my hands, laughing and crying in his joy. "You saved her! Great warrior and saint, you have saved my mother."

Flames came to my cheeks, but this time they were the flames of a blush. "I told you, I am no great warrior, and I am surely no saint! It was luck that saved your mother."

"No, no!" He shook his head, his shining eyes on me. "I saw the angel with you! I saw it as it held aside the flames and let you through. You are a saint!" He pressed his forehead to my fingers.

Angel? Surely not! Why would an angel aide me, and why...if it had...would none of the others have seen it? I could not stop shaking my head; my shoulders were trembling and tears spilled down my cheeks. An angel? No, no, it could not be true. I did not want it to be true! I was unworthy!!

Desen held me close as Tranci gently pulled the boy away and returned him to his father and mother. He stroked my hair until I had cried myself out, then helped me rise. Someone settled my cloak again on my shoulders, and my sword was handed to me. I sheathed it dully, Jiji moving gently to my shoulder and embracing me with his tail. Then Jeriko and Desen had their arms about me, and were leading me back to the inn.

We left the next morning, and the children ran after our horses, cheering and crying out until we could no longer hear them. The woman I had saved in the fire and her husband had lost all they owned; I gave them what gold I could, and told them I would send more as soon as I returned home. The woman wept, her voice still harsh from the smoke that had almost killed her, and thanked me until my whole face was red and I felt I must faint. Her boy was no better, taking up where his mother left off in praise and hugs. I was greatly uncomfortable, and not only due to their praise. The boy still insisted I was a saint, and held firm to his story of the angel. It did not help that Jolinda was believing it either, though she had not seen it.

"How else could you have walked through flame like that?" She asked me. "And you said that you had collapsed next to the woman, yet then were upon your feet with her in your arms. How did you do this?"

"I don't know how I did it." I told her. "But that does not mean I am a saint, or that I warrented divine help!"

"Think back, on the ropes in Harmoness. Think you it was an accident they parted? And your escape from Dugan..."

"Enough!" I was confused and afeared, and I did not like speaking of this. "Please, talk no more about it. It happened and that is enough, and I wish to know nothing more!"

She stopped speaking of it, but I could still see it in her eyes when ever I met them.

I spent most of the remainder of our trip in silence, thinking on all that had happened to me. I often wept as we went, oftentimes not realizing I was doing so until my eyes started to burn. I was lost within myself, and I was more frightened about what all this could mean than I had ever been of death!

We stopped in many places as we went. They all blurr in my mind; the troupe performing to the clatter of gold, and people looking oddly at the Elves and wisps. Children exclaiming in delight as Jiji took bits of fruit from their hands and cut amusing capers. I was always sitting in the corner, hunched and huddled and apart from it.

I stayed this way for most of the trip. I only began to feel again my old self when I began to recognize the area we were travelling through. This was the wood where I had first met Jeriko and the troupers; the wood where Desen and Tranci lived!

And there! Their house, as I remembered it! Undamaged and waiting for their return.

We supped there with them that night, and our hearts were all filled with hope and delight. However, the next morn was one of sadness.

I urged Desen and Tranci to continue with us to Senoth.

"We cannot." Tranci said sadly. "We have already spent too much time among mortals, and we need to replenish our strength and magic that Dugan stole of us."

"But surely you are not safe here! He knows where you dwell, and will find you again."

"No." Desen replied. "We were taken unawares, for we had not seen visitors before you in years. Our house will be well protected; he won't find it again."

"I do not want to part from you." I wept, hugging them both at once.

They wept as well, and hugged me in return. "You will see us again, Bethany. Should we need you, we know where you are."

"And," Desen added. "Should you need us, merely step into any wood anywhere, and call, and the wisps will hear you and come for us."

I wept more, and kissed their faces. The wisps surrounded me and touched my hair and fingers gently, and I wept at parting with them as well. Finally, I could do nothing but mount my horse and bid a final farewell as I followed the troupe into the wood.

I looked back, and saw them in the doorway, the sparkles of light around them, arms about each other as they waved. I waved back, feeling my heart tighten, and turned to join the troupe. When I again glanced round only moments later, they and the house were gone.

We stopped without incident in that tavern where Dugan had taken me. Those there remembered us and called for a performance, which the troupe of course gave them. Many called for me to sing, and I did so as well. This time the night finished without incident, but I could hardly sleep. I was near to home, and every moment and step brought me only nearer! And Jiji snoring upon my pillow did not help either.

Then we were at the border of Harmoness. In order to return to Senoth, I would have to pass through the very kingdom that had begun my journey. We paused before we crossed that invisible line, and Jeriko leaned over, holding me by the shoulders. "You certain you wish to do this? But another half day and we can cross more safely through Scalls."

"No, I must do this." Answered I. "Come."

I spurred forward my horse and we went. Miraculously, we came upon no soldiers or any other who recognized me, and as darkness once again approached us and the stars began to shine, we passed into Senoth.

I was home.

I have always had a desire to be dramatic. After such a trip I had been on, and after all that had happened, it seemed rather anticlimactic for me to merely ride to the castle and walk inside. And, I was rather nervous. What if Vincent HAD found another? What if other things had changed? What if they had forgotten me?

I know this was foolishness, but I could not help it anymore than I could explain all that had occurred on this journey. Jeriko, however, had an idea, and so my lust for drama was filled, and my return home was rather more of an event than merely striding through the door!

He gave me a comedic mask of an old woman, and a gray wig. Jolinda offered a costume of hers, for we were much the same build, and this served to hide my clothes and sword. The others donned masks as well, and with Jiji upon my shoulder I looked nothing more than another member of the troupe.

We rode then for the castle, and I stayed near the rear, aflutter with excitement as Jeriko flamboyantly addressed the gate guards.

"The finest troupe in all the realm and beyond!" He announced to them. "We have performed for kings of many lands, and have never failed to entertain."

"We wish no troupers." Said the guard. "Our kingdom is in mourning, see the flags?" He indicated the black standards that streamed from the battlements. "It has not been a year yet since we lost both king and heir to this land."

"Ah." Said Jeriko. "And such a terrible thing to hear! But, I assure you, good sir. If we are given the chance to perform, we will do a great deal to relieving this grief that weighs on this realm."

The guard was, of course, skeptical. Still, after several more minutes of Jeriko's silvered tongue, he agreed to inquire to the king as to if he wanted us in the dinner hall or not.

We waited eagerly for the answer, and Jolinda squeezed my hand. I was trembling.

Finally the guard returned and his words struck me hard. "The king has no desire for your entertainment. Please, leave."

I began to panic! Had I come so far only to be thwarted at the very gate? I nearly lifted my hand to cast of my mask and reveal myself, but before I could dear, brilliant Jeriko spoke.

"Well, if that is his wish. Pity, for Desen and Tranci were so certain Arhyn would welcome us!"

"You know Arhyn?" The guard sounded suspicious.

"I do not; merely some friends of ours." Jeriko admitted. "They had not seen her for a long while, and wished us to deliver their greetings and well wishes."

"Wait here again." The guard said, and returned to the courtyard. He came back moments later with Arhyn along.

How did my heart leap! I wanted to jump down and hug her when I saw her, but I restrained myself. Soon and I could. Soon, and they would have the surprise of their lives! Her eyes seemed tired but her face was unchanged as she looked at Jeriko.

"How know you Desen and Tranci?" She asked him.

"We travelled with them for a time." He said. "They were taken from their home by a man named Dugan," I'm sure none but me noticed the slight tensing of her shoulders at the name. "and managed to escape. We came upon them in lands far from their home, and returned them to their house. They said if we continued on to Senoth to give you their love and greetings, and that you would surely accept our performance. If even for one night."

I could see her weighing him, trying to judge whether or not he was lying. Lion had appeared behind her, and my heart thrilled at him, as well. Of course she saw no lie in him; he had spoken all truth!

"Very well; since Desen and Tranci send their good wishes with you." She relented. "But I warn you; you may not recieve much warmth from your audience this night."

"Yes, of course. We wish only to try and lighten your hearts, and I believe we might succeed."

"We'll see."

And at that, we were allowed in.

I was home! Well and truly! All about me were the familiar sounds, sights and halls of my youth. I wanted to yell for joy and weep at the same time, for my thrill was punctuated with my grief. I was home, but my father was not.

I did not remove my mask and I walked within feet of Arhyn and Lion, and was not recognized by them. I felt devious at this, and for once it felt wonderful. Dinner was just starting, so we had no real pause before we were in the hall to perform.

The courtiers were gathered about at their lined tables. My throat clenched tight within my mouth when I looked to the head table where Arhyn was seating herself. There was my little Loretta, looking as if she had grown a head or more. And John, who had been so small, was a regular little gentleman! Sarissa, July...only Clarinda was absent. Doubtless she was married by now as she had been betrothed when I had left. And there, in the place that had been my father's was my dear Vincent. His hair was as black as I remembered, his eyes just as blue. He did not seem to have changed at all, save I could see the sadness in his eyes and bearing.

Just a few minutes longer, my love, and I will be in your arms again.

We started to perform. The troupe tumbled and juggled and told jokes, and indeed they made several laugh. Vincent's face remained unchanged however; he did not even smile. If only he knew!

Then came my part. Jeriko and I were the main singers in a skit about a seedy tavern. We sang and teased each other as the others played the patrons who did not realize Jiji was robbing them blind while we distracted them. Our performance reached a thundering conclusion, but it was not yet finished.

This was it! As we bowed toward the table, Jeriko stepped forward.

"We thank you for your hospitality and your grace, Your Highnesses." He said to my family. "We have oft heard of Senoth," Yes, from me, I thought wickedly. "and it is truly as great and generous as tales lead."

"Thank you, sir trouper." Vincent said. "We are grateful for your talented performance in these dark times. You have lifted many hearts."

"Indeed," Jeriko bowed. "And we would lift them further. Tell me, Highness," His eyes flickered intently at Vincent. "What would you have most in the world? But name it, and it shall be yours."

Please, Vincent, be as I always knew you, and give the answer only you can!

His face fell slightly, and he shook his head. "What I want most in this world you cannot give me." He said softly.

"Try us, Highness. Anything you wish! You have but to name it, and it is yours."

"Can you reverse death?" Vincent demanded. "Can you bring back one who is slain? That is what I would most have."

"Hmm." Jeriko placed his finger to his lips. I was greatly trembling now. "Now, that is quite an order. I don't know if we can do it."

"Of course you cannot." Vincent replied. "No one can. And that is all I wish."

"Hmm." He repeated. "Perhaps...if we knew the name of the one you wish unslain?" He prodded.

"What good would that do?" Vincent wanted to know.

"Perhaps none, perhaps all." Jeriko replied. "The name, sir?"

Vincent was silent for a long moment. I silently urged him, and eventually, skeptically, he spoke. "The name of the one I would have returned is Bethany. But she is long dead and gone, and you cannot return her to me."

"Bethany, Bethany," Again he tapped his lips with his fingers.

"Stop this cruelty." Arhyn said from her seat. Jeriko lifted his hand.

"In a moment, in a moment." He said. "You cannot dismiss me without even giving me a chance to grant His Majesty's wish!"

With that we all gathered together, the troupers surrounding and hiding me as I crouched and shed my mask and costume. I could hear Jeriko chanting meaningless words and dancing wildly about.

"The king wishes Bethany!" He shouted, as if pleading to God. "So, give him Bethany!"

At that those around me dropped to their knees as I rose to my height, no longer disguised.

"Who am I," I said loudly to the stunned quiet. "to deny the wishes of the king?"

All were now on their feet, staring at me with white faces and gaped mouths. God forgive me, but I was adoring it! There was perfect silence around for the space of nearly a full minute. Even Lion looked shocked, bless his dear heart! I must have been grinning like a maniac.

Loretta then burst over the table, skirts and all, knocking plates hither and yon as she scrambled. She hit the ground running, and in an instant was flinging herself into my arms.

"Bethany!" She cried through her sobs, hugging me and kissing me. I hugged her in return.

"It is me, dearest. It is."

"Are you a spirit?"

"No, sweet, I am as alive as you."

She cried again and nearly strangled me with her emotion.

"Is this some trick?" I heard Sarissa demand. The year of my absence had not served to quell her temper!

"No trick," Jeriko said. "She is flesh and blood."

"No trick." Arhyn whispered. "It is, she is here."

The next instant I was surrounded by my family, hugged and kissed and exclaimed over, my tears joining theirs. Arhyn was trembling when I hugged her, as was I. She kissed my forehead and my hair. "How?" She asked. "How can this be?"

"It is a very long story, one we have plenty of time to tell." I whispered to her. I kissed her face again, then was taken up by Lion and embraced.

Only one had not moved. Vincent had only come around the table and stood there, not approaching, his jaw loose in its moorings. My family parted around me as I looked to him, and I stepped forward.

"Vincent?" I said softly.

"Can it be true?" He whispered. "Or are you some spectre to haunt me?"

I smiled, moving towards him, taking up his hands and kissing them. "I am no spectre; feel my flesh?" I said, as he once had when I thought him gone, and he'd appeared in the hall. "I am real. I am warm. I'm alive, Vincent."

We both dissolved into sobs then, throwing our arms about each other and kissing each other's faces. We fell to our knees unnoticed and held each other, both shaking with our tears.

"My Bethany." He whispered over and over. "My dearest Bethany."

And so I am here now. Back where I belong. There is so much that is written, so much that is done, and yet I feel it is only the start of things. I have done as I promised and sent more gold to the family who lost their house; enough to buy them four, if they so wished! I also wrote the letter to Lauden, along with books for his library and yet more gold to thank him for his help. I wish I could see his face when he gets them!

I have been in contact with King Atrein of Harmoness. He knows not the message came from me; he only knows the Monarch of Senoth will be coming to discuss a new treaty. He thinks it is Vincent, of course. This face I will have the chance to see. I do not intend to take it easy on him, for his heartlessness cost more than nearly my life; it cost the lives of hundreds of Senothians and it cost that of my father. I already have visits scheduled with Scalls and Laberdowick as well. And the new King of Fatrie, the former Prince Far. I cannot wait to see him.

I have told all here this story, and they know now all that has happened to me. We still have much to discuss, especially Arhyn and I, in regards to Dugan and my dragon apprenticeship.

There is also a problem I have not forseen. I found rather swiftly that I am greatly uncomfortable holding or kissing Vincent; not because of any lack of love for him on my part, but rather because I am no longer clean. I am not good enough for him anymore, though it breaks my heart with every beat to admit it. He knows not of this, and I must speak to him about it, before he becomes hurt at my hesitations.

He has given the throne of Senoth over to me as was his duty, and I am now in all officiality the Queen of Senoth. I visited my father's tomb and wept there, and kissed the stone. I know that he watches over me. Perhaps he was the angel who saved me from Dugan, and from the fire.

And now I must end, for my hand is weary and my eyes drooping, and I wish to kiss my family one more time before retiring. I don't think this is the last time I will put quill to these pages. I only hope that the next tale that fills them is one more light-hearted than this.

God, give me strength to speak with Vincent. And may Your will prevail forever.

Bethany Duncan.

Return to the Main Page