" Day forty-five , nighttime: I don't understand. The enemy has been waiting at the Siege Line for more than a month now without moving so much as a horse's length. What do I do?"
 

"Day forty-five, nighttime:" I entered into my journal. "I don't understand. The enemy has been waiting at the Siege Line for more than a month now without moving so much as a horse's length. What do I do?"

Frustrated, I slammed the book shut. We've been at this stalemate for forty-five days, and needless to say, our troops were understandably fed up.

"Lord Aeola, sir, there's still no sign of any movement," a soldier said to me as I looked around camp. "They're just sitting there, like always, sir."

"Surprise, surprise," I told him, looking at our soldiers. "Take your post."

"Aye, sir."

As he left, Paige approached me and sighed.

"This is ridiculous, Kayin," she said. "We're wasting our time here."

"Perhaps they're waiting for us to leave," I answered her, still watching the enemy across the border. "But I agree. Gather the men; I think Milan should say something."

As our loyal soldiers met at the center of camp, Milan D'Mitri, the captain of the guard, stepped up to the front and gave her orders.

"Soldiers of Angel's Crest, this confrontation is pointless; at dawn tomorrow we ride home!"

"What about the threat across the Siege Line?" one soldier called out.

"I fear whatever upcoming battle there may be will have no need for a large show of force," I said aloud," and so all your lives are in unnecessary danger."

"You have your orders," Milan concluded.

There were whispers among the men as they dispersed to their various activities.

For my special cabinet, however, I had additional words.

"All right, soldiers, we've been through this before," I said.

Beside me stood two of my best friends and most trusted soldiers: Paige Robard, the princess of Angel's Crest, my fiancée and keeper of Dragonwing, and Milan, the rebellious daughter of a Darkworld baron who became head of the Angel's Crest royal army.

"It's always us," said Milan, replacing her whip to her belt. "You know, those hundreds of men in armor that make up this army should be going to war. This started when Arkhane attacked all those years ago."

Milan spoke all our minds. I remember when armies used to meet at dawn on the battlefield and face off for their kingdoms; somewhere this perception became twisted and magic came into play.

"She's right," Paige added, brushing her long, dark hair from her face.

"Rasha , I remember there was a time when the royal army meant something to invaders; now, our military is hardly as respected as it was before, and yet all these men and women join the royal militia to put down their lives in service of their king or queen. Why was it always up to the three or four of us to face the adversary?"

For the Princess of the kingdom to speak so said much of what has happened lately. Not long ago this young woman with only her sister defeated the forces of a Darkworld King, Megas. Defending the kingdom was all she cared about. I don't doubt that now, but the frustration of having four warriors doing the job of a thousand has not unexpectedly set in.

"It won't matter," I told them both. I point out to the army waiting on the other side of the Siege Line.

"That's the small threat, and you know it."

They both let out a deep sigh.

"It's not military that's important here; it's magic. Even if our entire army was able to defeat this one, odds are their leader is more than strong enough to take us all out himself. Sure, we could definitely use some numbers behind us, but why take unnecessary risks?"

Only in a land of magic and sorcery could one army go up against one man and lose. This land had more than its share of both.

"I remember when Katharine and I defeated Megas," Paige said, reminiscing. "I still can't believe how Jonas wasn't really my father. I loved him like he was my real father, since to me, he was. I even kept his name.

She laughed. "It's like a fairy tale."

"I can't believe it either," Milan said. "The shock of such a revelation..."

"Then Roga returned to Angel's Crest," I smiled, also feeling nostalgic. "You met up with Milan and me. My life changed the day I met you..."

Paige smiled in return.

"Then, of course, we faced Arkhane," Milan said, annoyed at our sentiment," to finish this trip down memory lane of Angel's Crest's Greatest Wars...

"We wouldn't have been able to defeat him without Jessica," she added, seriously. "Your cousin packs a mean kick, Paige."

"Only one to beat me in a fair fight, too," I added, quietly.

"We'll return to Angel's Crest with the troops tomorrow," Paige said," then we'll have Jesse join us on our quest. It wouldn't be wise for Katharine to come with us; she means too much to the people to lose."

"Right," Milan said. "Someone should stay here when we go, though."

She looked in my direction, and I knew I had no choice but to spend the night alone, guarding the border against three hundred men.

"Fine, but don't leave me hanging," I told her. "I don't know how long I could last if these soldiers attack. I'll be alone, remember that."

"Fair enough, love," Paige told me. "Besides, you're a good little magician..."

"...who might not be here when you get back. In one piece anyway..."

"I suppose someone should stay with you," Milan said. "The odds are, ahem, 300 to 1, as it stands."

"Magic takes multitude, two out of three falls," I answered. "Go on; I'll be okay."

"All right," sighed Paige.

The three of us watched the fires in both camps for a while before we turned in for the night.
 

"It could be over soon," I wrote in my journal. "End day forty-five."
 
 

" I grew up outside of Angel's Crest , in a place of green meadows , snowy mountains , peace and serenity. My people had no need for fighting , yet the teachings of the village elders centered on what seemed like methods and styles of the fighting arts.

" ' It's all in the name of discipline ,' they would tell me. ' It builds mora.'

"Strength. Character."
 
 

"Day forty-six," I wrote. "I'm scared. For the first time in a long time, I'm scared. What was I thinking when I volunteered to stay here alone? Kera ! What if I can't repel this entire army, should they attack, even with my magic? I hope the others return soon...

"I haven't slept a wink since Paige and Milan went with the troops back to Angel's Crest, fearing that the enemy might strike while I slept, provided I even could sleep. It was just past dawn, and to put my mind at ease, I tried to remember my life when I was growing up:
 

I grew up outside of Angel's Crest, in a place of green meadows, snowy mountains, peace and serenity. My people had no need for fighting, yet the teachings of the village elders centered on what seemed like methods and styles of the fighting arts.

"It's all in the name of discipline," they would tell me. "It builds mora ."

Strength. Character.

My parents pushed me to study and practice from a very young age, saying it was the destiny of all boys my age. The way they said it, however, made me believe it was something else, as if they had seen some kind of sign.

Coincidentally enough, on my fifteenth birthday, invaders came from over the mountains and raided my village. These invaders were like no men I had never seen before. They wore gleaming metal and rode magnificent beasts. Though my people fought well at hand-to-hand combat, the enemy's weapons made short work of my people.

Homes were ransacked, livestock taken, men killed, women raped, and then the entire village was put to the torch. I was coming home from the fields when I saw the chaos. I hid and watched helplessly by as my family was brutally killed. Heaven knows what happened to my mother, sister, and especially my old grandmother, but I witnessed the invading soldiers humiliate and mock my father and brother, who fought bravely to defend their homeland. I fought the urge to rush to their side, and soon enough, when they had had their fun, they were put to the sword.

My internal scream was so loud it could have sent the mountains crumbling to the ground, but I was determined not to reveal my position. When the evil men left, I surveyed the damage and found no survivors. I vowed vengeance and left, not having any place to come home to.

Throughout the many adventures that followed, I visited many lands and perfected my fighting arts. My final training came from an old man who lived high in the mountains far to the north of where Angel's Crest is now. There were only three of us studying. My only classmates were the Kylie sisters, princesses from another land, no less, who were innately and unbelievably skilled in the fighting arts.

Tara was the elder of the pair. She was fair-skinned and light-voiced, and the first time I saw her was on one hot afternoon, when she was sitting by a waterfall, fanning herself. I struggled to breathe.

Then I met Rose, Tara's younger, spunkier sibling. When I first saw Rose, she was apparently swimming in the river above; she came plummeting and squealing down the waterfall moments after I arrived.

The three of us trained together for at least five or six years, though it's been so long I've lost count, and over that time, we grew to be much more than just classmates.

My heart first felt love then, but soon it was time for us to go our separate ways. I was heartbroken. Tara and Rose reluctantly returned to their homeland while I pursued another, unknown purpose. Upon leaving, my master gifted me with my Sabre, a blade he found in the lake at the foot of the raging waterfall behind our dojo.

"Somehow, I know this belongs to you," he said when he handed me the sword. "Good luck in your future, Kayin. I sense you are destined for great adventures."

I was speechless, meaning I didn't know what he was talking about and could say nothing, but I thanked old Tachibana just the same. I proceeded from there to the great plains of Angel's Crest, just a little further than where I sat now.

I wandered the endless plains for an eternity. I was tired, frustrated, broken, and hopeless. I still longed for revenge, but soon the darkness came over me, and I slept. I dreamed of war, and fire,...

I awoke to the sound of battle around me. Suddenly the field I was in was full of soldiers, their swords clanging against the others' shields, and their horses screaming as they charged forward.

I quickly got to my feet, and I scrambled out of everyone's way. I didn't know what was going on. I ran from the battle, but I stayed to watch the fight. In the middle of the chaos, a girl left the battle and approached me. I stepped back, but I didn't run from her. Heaven have mercy had I run from her that day.

She was beautiful, with long brown hair and blue eyes, and her armor did nothing to hinder her figure, both slender and shapely.

"I don't have a lot of time," she said," but if you're not a soldier, you really shouldn't be here."

"Where am I?" I asked her.

"Angel's Crest, my friend. This is my sister's kingdom, and if you don't want me to strike you down now, you'll either join us or run away and not look back."

She smiled, and I felt something when she did. I could have been under a spell, but all I knew was I liked her.

I drew my Sabre and said, "Let's go."

We rushed to battle, a battle the girl's forces were losing badly. After the dust had settled, though, and the battle was over, only we were standing. A few men from her army were alive, but struggling, and what few of the opposing army that survived limped home.

She asked me to return to Angel's Crest with her as a special guest. I agreed to go with her, since I had nowhere else to go anyway. Her name was Paige, as it turned out, and she was the younger twin of the queen, Katharine I. She and her sister were left in charge of the kingdom after their mother, the legendary Queen AlthÆa, died during an invasion by a rival king named Roga, who had returned to finish the job of conquering Angel's Crest.

I asked to stay with Paige and Katharine as a member of their army. Katharine had learned of my pivotal role in the day's battle, and offered me a position as an officer in the royal army. I accepted, and on Paige's suggestion, I ended up staying in the castle.

From the moment I set foot on Angel's Crest soil, my world began to take shape. I found a home, and a job as well. I had friends. I was doing something noble, and I was with people I could really like. During the struggle against Roga, Milan joined the team. She was a rebel from a later invasion led by her father, a Dark World baron, which proved to be successful. She rebelled when King Roga betrayed his baron and took control for himself, and with her help, Paige, Katharine, and I were able to take back the kingdom of Angel's Crest. Milan chose to stay with us; after all, she, like me, was also in need of a new home.

As time passed, I became closer with what would become my new family. Eventually, the four of us became such good friends that Milan and I, by the word of Queen Katharine I and Princess Paige-AlthÆa of Angel's Crest, became members of the royal house. Not family, just royalty. I thought of Katharine, Milan, and later Jesse, as my closest friends, almost like sisters.

Not Paige, though. I'd always felt something with her, something else. The one moment I remember as clearly as if it were yesterday was the day I made my feelings known to her. It happened less than a year after I moved into the castle.

One day, I saw her leaning on a balcony on one of the castle's upper levels, I went over to her. I had to tell her.

"I have to thank you, Paige. You saved me from wandering the face of the earth forever," I told her. "You came like a vision, keeping me safe from harm."

She just looked at me and smiled. "You're welcome," she finally said.

"I'm not trying to act sensitive, Paige," I told her. "I wouldn't know how. But I can't explain it. I felt something when I met you."

"I really don't know why I trusted you," she admitted, "but I did. I felt something pulling inside me, too. That's why I approached you that day."

I took her hand in my own and told her," Ever since I came to this kingdom, I've always wanted to tell you...I love you, my princess."

She leaned her head to one side and said, "I know. Somehow, I've always known. It's led you here, you to me, and me to you."

She added, "It was hard, having you here and not being able to tell you. You were just a stranger, after all, Kayin. But I felt it, too."

It was the best day of my life. We were in love, and that was all I cared about. We were young back then, and maybe that's what made it so beautiful.

The sounds of battle around me jerked me back into the present. The enemy was on the move and had crossed the Siege Line, and was marching onward. They didn't see me, so rolled to safety and ran ahead of them. Just over a nearby hill, I stood before them, all by myself.

"You are trespassing on the kingdom of Angel's Crest!" I called out. "Return across the Siege Line or prepare for battle!"

F'nara . F'nara, f'nara, f'nara...

I closed my eyes and shook my head, realizing I was standing alone before an attack squad of at least three hundred men.

They rushed at me, and as I slashed randomly at one then another, I tried to run to a safer place so I could form some kind of plan. Lifting my arms to the sky, which the enemy considered a sign of surrender, I shut my eyes and recited the words to the ancient spell of lightning:

"Sho mita kyraphor...Nira spiro turiya kinso...Chin roku miritum..."
 

The sky immediately darkened, and thunder began to roar. The troops stopped advancing.
 

"Fiya rasha kin nobatra...Troya gilorium nile migarum!"
 

They fled away as lightning came forth from the clouds and struck the ground. A few made it away, but the march on Angel's Crest was stopped. I drove them off, and I was still alive. Completely exhausted, I collapsed.

I hadn't used a spell that powerful in some time, and I'd forgotten how much using my magic drained me. I didn't have the strength to continue if the enemy made it past my act of desperation.

Soon the clouds parted and I, deeply relieved, returned to my camp to rest. Peering out of my tent at the hill of the recent battle, I saw three silhouettes.

Rushing outside, I yelled...," said Paige, scratching her head.

"We're going after the threat," finished Milan.

"What?" I asked. "Why?"

"There've been skirmishes all over the southern and northern borders. They just keep on coming. Don't worry; I've got the map."

"South and west? Sounds like a pretty tough army, Milan."

"Tell me something I don't know. The strange thing is, I've never seen their crest before. I even checked all the history books!"

"New army," I said. "How do we know where to go? Where's that map lead, anyway?"

"The Seer of Storm Mountain," said Jessica.

"What seer?"

"He can tell us who's behind this," said Milan, "and also where to find him."

"I'll take your word of it," I replied.

We cooked some soup over a fire that night, and we sat around talking about old times.

"Still think we have what it takes to beat this guy?" I asked the team.

"It has been a long time," added Jessica.

"I can't believe I'm hearing this," Milan said, her mouth dropped in disbelief. "We're Angel's Crest's leaders! Fin ro shina ! Of course we can do this!"

"Besides," said Paige, "we've gotten to this point in our lives. We'll be fine. I mean, if we're capable of leading Katharine's troops..."

"...who else should go?" Milan finished.

"I was just trying to start a conversation," I said quietly, stirring my soup.

The others laughed. We all knew a mission like this was nothing routine. We wouldn't be laughing when we're in the middle of a dark forest or in the middle of battle with a powerful sorcerer.

"So, Kayin," Jesse asked, "have you been working on your moves?"

Everyone looked up, and I just mumbled something and finished my dinner.

"Day forty-six, nighttime:
 

"Paige and Milan have returned, and they've brought Jessica. It's good to see them again, even if they're too late to stop the enemy troops. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Con ti'cha. I tire.
 

"End day forty-six."
 
 

" Life holds no logic in a world full of magic. Maybe it's because in some strange way , we become more heroic at the final fight. Or maybe we're unconsciously testing ourselves."
 
 

At dawn the next day, we readied our supplies and set off on foot. It was a scenario that seemed all too familiar to us.

A journey like this would require extensive hiking and traveling, and so we limited ourselves to only necessary items. We brought no tents or cooking pans, and the only weapons we carried were either on our backs or at our waists.

A negative aspect to traversing the great plains was that one could see as far ahead as his eyes would allow, since there were hardly any trees to obstruct one's view. Thus, we could see exactly how far we had to go. We had to travel beyond the great plains.

"Why do we have to journey by foot? Don't we have horses?" Jesse asked, fastening two leather studded bracelets to her wrists.

Milan smiled, "Life holds no logic in a world full of magic." Sighing, she brushed her flaming red hair from her face and added, "Maybe it's because in some strange way, we become more heroic at the final fight. Or maybe we're unconsciously testing ourselves."

"Or maybe we journey on foot because it's possible some sorcerer could turn our horses into giant fire-breathing dragons in the blink of an eye," I added dryly.

The other thought about that for a moment.

"You know, Jessica, you look quite pretty with hair like that and those bracelets," I said later. "And that outfit..."

She was wearing a short red dress she cut short and down the sides, showing off her well-conditioned legs. Her hair shoulder-length brown hair was tied in a ponytail. She really did look pretty.

Jessica smiled.

"Kayin!" yelled Paige, slapping me behind the head. "I should throw you in the river...!"

I just laughed. "I thought you'd say that, mahno'dra ."

Paige shook her head, groaned, and we all kept walking.

The enemy could easily have attacked us now; after all, we were in the middle of an open field with no trees or any other kind of cover. I kept quiet, though, because I didn't want to worry the others with my own apprehension.

We followed Milan's map for what seemed like an eternity, and yet all our eyes could see was more of the plain. We were, without a doubt, deep within another kingdom, one where we were probably not welcome. As the hours passed, we grew weary.

"Milan," I began, "are you sure you're reading that map correctly? We've been walking for hours, and I could swear that's the third time we've passed that tree."

"I'm following the map, Kayin," she answered. "There should be a forest ahead."

"None of us can see it," Jesse said.

I noticed she was wearing a ribbon in her hair. I remembered Jessica always wore a ribbon in her hair, both for luck and fashion. She never went anywhere without one, and today she was wearing a clean white one.

"Still wearing a ribbon in your hair, Jesse?" I asked her. "Still a girl at heart, eh?"

"You know it," she replied.

Suddenly a vision of Katharine appeared in the sky before us.

"Hello, my friends," she said. "I am aware of your predicament, but I also bear urgent news."

"Hello, sister," Paige greeted. "What news?"

"Enemy soldiers have pushed their way through in the north. I do not sense any strong magic, but our army needs a leader!"

"The north this time?" I frowned. "How large is this army, anyway?"

"And...?" Milan pressed.

"Milan, my sincerest apologies, but we were in dire need of your services at once! I shall transport you to the castle, and you may rejoin the others when the threat was eliminated."

"As my majestrix commands," Milan said with a respectful bow as she was magically whisked away in a flash of light to the castle Ravensong.

"I hope this is not too much of an inconvenience, sister," Katharine added.

"What must be done must be done," Paige answered. "If anything else should arise..."

"...I will asked for your help. Thank you."

"Wait, Katharine," I interrupted. "What about our situation? I'm sure something's amiss here."

"I...can't say for sure. I feel strong magic at work. All I can say is something important takes place at midnight. That's all I can say now."

"Thank you," Jessica said. "Will you be able to help us on our quest?"

"Every so often, I may be able to. I can't make any promises, however."

"I guess that will have to do," Paige said. "Sis, we have to go. Keep us informed on the events happening there now. Goodbye."

"Too bad you couldn't join us, Katharine," I added.

"I'm not a warrior," Katharine answered. "Besides, Angel's Crest needs a queen and a leader, my friend, and I am that queen."

"Goodbye, Katharine," I smiled.

"Goodbye," the Queen said, her vision fading.

Paige and Jessica studied the map, hoping they could find something to resolve this dilemma. It's late in the afternoon, and the sun was beginning to set.

"Katharine said midnight," Jessica reminded us. "We have to be ready for anything."

"Right," I said, lying down and stretching out for a nap. "In the meantime, I believe we all could use some rest."

Back in Angel's Crest,...

Milan has arrived in the throne room. Katharine was briefing some of Milan's men on what to do.

"Kath, what's going on?"

"Excellent; you're here, Milan. An unknown enemy has moved into the kingdom and has already reduced the quiet town of Gardansen to ashes. By now they are no more than a day's ride from here. I do not sense any powerful sorcery, but do proceed with caution. Paige and the others will proceed as planned."

"You got it," Milan said, gathering her top officers and heading out to the troops.

Standing before the gathered forces of Angel's Crest's army, she addresses her men:
 

"Soldiers of Angel's Crest, war has befallen us! Even as I speak an unknown force was advancing toward, even through the kingdom! They are but a day's ride from here, and we have orders to intercept and eliminate this threat as quickly as possible!"
 

With a loud, unified, cheer, the troops broke off into their platoons and rode off. If the enemy continued to advance, the two forces would meet on the battlefield at sunset the following day.

The plain,...
 

"Day forty-seven, nighttime:
 

"The awaited moment draws nearer. Something vital to our mission will take place here, in Angel's Crest, or wherever Milan's men are now. I pray that nothing takes our forces by surprise.

"Paige is sitting outside watching the stars. I'd better go join her. It's been so long since we've been by ourselves. We're all a little on edge about this new invasion. I want to tell her she's safe, that I'll take care of her. That sounds so cliché, I know, but it's true.

"I hope Milan's okay; after all, she's the Captain of the Guard. The men really look up to her. She's done a terrific job with them.

"But listen to me. I sound like I'm writing my will.
 

"End day forty-seven."

Laughing, I closed the book. I left my tent and sat by Paige, who was watching the stars. My mahno'dra. It was funny, we'd been together so long, and I couldn't think of anything to say. We just sat there together quietly. I guess we knew what was in each other's heart, and that was enough.

Midnight was a special time in this world of sword and sorcery. Every so often, the night sky would be lit up by brilliant showers of light and shooting stars, and it was just beautiful. It was a spectacular display, the likes of which can never hope to be matched by anything man-made. Only the heavens could produce such a creation, the elder gods' way of showing their presence.

Jesse joined us before the lightshow started. It felt good to be in the company of friends, especially when tomorrow meant war.

"It's almost time," said Jesse. "Think we'll get a show?"

"We're due for one," Paige replied. "It's been over a month."

"Ssh," I said. "Here it comes."

First, only one or two comets appeared, but then the aurora borealis shone forth and then the sky was filled with light. In the distance, some villagers were sending up rockets that exploded in the sky in different colors, something that's becoming popular in Angel's Crest and other nations.

And so we sat, admiring nature's beauty, for who knew when we would ever be able to do so again?
 

The castle Ravensong,...
 

Katharine was alone in the room, and she was standing on the balcony watching the night's events.

"I hope they're all right," she thought to herself. "They're my family. I just pray they won't be overwhelmed by magic. I don't know if Kayin can handle it. I should be out there with them."

Ah, the perils of being a young queen. Princess Katharine, daughter of AlthÆa, became Queen Katharine I at the tender age of eighteen after AlthÆa's death at the hands of King Roga less than a decade ago.

She walked back into the throne room and looked at her jeweled crown. She rested it on her head, whispering, "I'm the queen."

A voice came from a dark corner of the room. "Yes, you are," it said.

It was a female voice. Another came from the opposite corner.

Droga .

"But not for long," the second voice said.
 

Near the northern border of Angel's Crest,...
 

"Captain, the enemy be attackin'!" Lt. Trevor Miles, Milan's first officer, called. "Captain!"

"I see them!" Milan shouted, pulling her bladed whip.

Her men rushed the oncoming soldiers and the fight began. Both sides fought fiercely to gain the upper hand, but neither was able to advance. Milan led her men in the fight, fighting better than any of her attackers.

The fight seemed even until Milan suddenly dropped to the ground in the middle of the battle. She just let out a loud scream and fell. The defeat of her army came soon after, with some of her men running back to Angel's Crest to warn the castle.

"Captain, I await your orders," Trevor said. "Captain, please be all right!"

"It's Katharine," Milan choked. "Just return to the castle. Try to...get word to...Paige...She's in charge...now..."

Her head dropped to the floor and her eyes closed. Trevor quickly grabbed his sword, hopped on his horse and sped away as the enemy soldiers marched onward.
 

The eastern border,...
 

"She's dead! Can't you see?!"

"Paige, cala sh'ia! " I yelled. "Calm down!"

"She felt something, Kayin," Jessica said. "It's a bond with her twin."

Paige shook her head and looked at us. "You're right," she said. "My head feels like it's ready to blow any moment."

"What happened?" I asked urgently.

"I'm not too sure," she answered. "I saw a vision, but it was cloudy. She was in the throne room, then suddenly two assassins came from nowhere. They were two females, and they killed the guards. One held two shiny daggers...pronged daggers, and the other fought theatrically with...what looked like a collapsible

blade...like a fan."

"Who could have gotten into the castle unnoticed?" Jesse asked. "I'm positive the guards could have at least detected them."

"It's too late for that, Jesse," I told her. "We must go on now."

"I have to get back to Angel's Crest," Paige said, handing Jessica the map Milan brought. "I'm the Princess, and I have to assume command at the castle now."

"And Milan's off in the North," I added.

"Paige, you're the queen now," Jesse said, hesitantly.

"No," she answered. "To the people, I guess, but Kath's still the queen."

"Paige," I said, "good luck."

"Good luck to you as well, my friends," said Paige as she walked off. "Goodbye."

"Yes," I whispered. "Goodbye..."
 

" Oftentimes , we all feel like pawns in the hands of fate. I grew up the daughter of a farmer , and now look where I am. I guess we all have to learn to accept and deal with the actions of fate or we'll just end up going crazy. But if not for my own good , since I'm just one person , just a piece of dust, I do it for the good of my people, who look to me for guidance and strength..."

Paige knew the importance of this mission. She left for Angel's Crest, but she went alone because she knew we had to go on against the new conqueror. It was hard for me, or anyone, to accept that even the four of us in the beginning could go up against an entire army and hope to succeed.

Now, it was only me and Jessica. It wouldn't look right printed on the daily journal to have an entire army defeated by only two soldiers.

"Rafino ," I thought to myself. "I should be proud, not scared."

"It's only the two of us," Jesse said. "You're not even the slightest bit scared?"

"A little, but it's natural," I told her. "Besides, this isn't unlike anything we've done before. You were with us when we took on Arkhane."

"Right, right," she answered, nodding her head.

As fate would have it, we followed the map and indeed, the forest was there now. I suppose things had to turn out the way they did, for some divine reason. All I knew was, we didn't even sleep last night.

We were watching the lightshow, then Paige started screaming about Katharine's death. Then we split up, and after that would be now.

We reached the edge of the forest just after dawn, and we hesitated to enter. Neither Jessica nor I could see anything in the forest, for it was nearly black as pitch. Still, there was only one way of getting around this forest without adding a day or two's journey to our time. And considering the nature of our mission, we didn't have that luxury.

We rested and slept for a while, just long enough to be fresh and alert when inside the forest. It was mid-morning when we entered the forest, and we both hoped the sunlight would help us get through quickly and safely.

Stepping inside, I could see almost nothing. The trees formed a blanket that kept all sunlight outside, and what few rays penetrated the thick canopy faded and shed no light on the forest.

The ground was moist. It was very damp, indeed, like the bottom of a pond, if one can imagine. It was slippery, and I could feel my feet sinking deeper into it with every step.

I soon began to feel water beneath my feet. Just puddles at first, but then the water started to become significantly deeper. We would no doubt be swimming soon.

"Jesse, where are you?" I called out. "I can't see you."

"I can't see anything," her reply came. She was about fifty feet ahead of me.

"Can you swim?"

I had my answer. After a few moments, I, too, was swimming in the water. I started to wonder if it even was water. Rather than worry myself, though, I just kept on swimming. After all, what I didn't know couldn't hurt me.

I heard a strange noise ahead of me, and I hesitated to move ahead.

"Hey, Jesse," I called out. "Where are you?"

The only response I heard was the sound of insects and other creatures of the forest. I still couldn't see much, but now I could see hundreds, no, thousands,

of sets of glowing eyes.

"Jesse!" I yelled, pulling my arms faster and kicking frantically.

"Help!" she screamed. I heard a splash, then a horrible noise, one that no one could ever mistake.

It came from the deepest bowels of a beast, a large beast.

"Jesse, I can't see you!" I cried out.

"Find...me...!" she choked.

She was in front of me. I swam forward, and suddenly I felt a slimy tentacle wrap around me and fling me back into the water. I landed in the water about fifty yards back, and I quickly struggled to regain the surface. I really wasn't aware which way was up because there was no sunlight, but I soon found my way up. I hurried back to Jesse and the monster.

I was blind as a bat, forcing me to use my other senses to guide me. I drew my Sabre, and listening for the monster, I slashed at it. I took the chance that Jesse wouldn't be hurt, but I tried to wait until I could hear she wasn't in the way.

If anything could strike ear into a man's heart, it would be having to fight a hungry monster in a swamp while being blind.

"Ow! Watch it with that thing!" Jesse shrieked. "I felt that one!"
"Sorry," I said as I attacked the monster. "I'm doing (ow!) my best!"

As I thrust my sword forward, I heard the monster give a terrifying shriek. Finally I had hit it.

I kept attacking and finally I heard a splash, followed by the monster's hiss as it returned to the bottom of the bog.

"Jesse," I called, swimming forward. "Where are you?"

"Give me a hand," she replied, not too far ahead of me.

I grabbed her and swam, hoping to reach some land soon. I was tired, we were both exhausted, and I didn't know how long I could keep going. All I could see was the thousands of glowing eyes surrounding me.

"This forest is way too big," Jesse said. "Kita . Let me go. I think I can go on now."

I let go, and we kept going. After swimming for what seemed like hours, we reached an end in the pool. Solid rock blocked the passage of water, and we scurried to dry ground as if our lives depended on it.

"I can't go on, Kayin," Jesse said. "I have to rest now."

"Me, too," I replied.

Unable to go any further, we fell to the ground.
 

Milan's location,...
 

"Ow," Milan groaned as she woke up. "Where the hell am I?"

Her eyes were greeted by a shocking picture.

Her captors were sharpening their weapons, snapping their whips, one of which was hers, and readying two sets of shackles bolted on a large rock.

"Me fellows," she heard one of the guards say, "I ain't been wit' a woman in t'ree months!" He laughed an evil, cruel, laugh that cut to Milan's very core.

"First, she will talk," another soldier said, staring her straight in the face as he brandished Milan's whip. "I think she'll need convincing."

"Droga," she muttered.

The dark forest,...
 

"Jesse!" I shrieked as I bolted up. "I must have fallen asleep! Where is she?"

"(groan) Here," she answered, hazily. "I was sleeping..."

She was lying next to me.

"Um, let's go. We have to...go," I muttered, shaking my head.

"I never realized you were so grouchy in the morning," she snarled, getting up.

I had trouble blinking, thinking of what could have happened while we slept.

"Let's go," Jessica said. "I want to get out of here."

Pushing branches and leaves out of our way, we made our way through the forest. I was still unsure about the little glowing eyes, but I wanted to get of this place so badly I didn't care anymore.

After hacking our way for eternity, we saw a slight glimmer of sunlight. That was all we needed to pick up our step and hurry out. We started running, and it happened more than once that one, or both, of us would trip or slip, but we'd just get up, laugh, then keep running.

That light, that freedom, was all that mattered now.

When we were clear of the forest, we felt the warm rush of sunlight hit our faces, and we were forced to shield our eyes. When our eyesight returned, however, we were more than a little disappointed.

Our clothes were tattered and torn, we were caked in mud, and the battle in the forest with the monster left its marks on both our bodies.

Jesse's white ribbon was spotless, though.

"I love this," Jesse smiled, playing with the still-pure white ribbon.

"We need to clean ourselves up," I said. "Too bad we don't have any other clothes..."

"And we don't have any supplies," Jesse added.

She's right. We must have dropped our packs while we fought the monster in the dark forest.

Shaking my head, I answered, "We'll figure something out..."

We headed on to the lakeshore, admiring the serene beauty of this welcomed place. The water was completely blue and clear, and we could see fish swimming in it. There was a rainbow in the sky, and the overall picture of this valley looked like a painting of heaven. It was almost too beautiful to be real.

"I'm going to wash myself off now, my dear, so..." Jesse said, starting remove her garments.

"Oh, right," I stuttered, turning away. "I'll wait for you over that hill."

Jessica smiled. "You're so naive," she said. "Paige isn't with you all the time, you know..."

I bit my lip.

"No...no, you go ahead and clean yourself up."

"You're in charge," she said sweetly. I could hear her slowly get in the water.

"Just call when you're ready," I told her.

"Right," she answered.

I started to walk away when Jesse let out a loud whistle. I looked at her and saw her smile.

"Just checking," she said.

I head over the nearest hill, post haste, and lay down. From here, I could see Jessica swimming and splashing water on her angelic face.

"What am I thinking?" I asked myself. "Don't even-"

I'm interrupted by a telepathic voice.

"Hey," Paige's voice said. "I just got into the castle. The Royal Guard briefed me on Katharine's condition."

"And?" I asked urgently.

"Well,...she's dead. Don't get me started."

"This was not unexpected."

"I'm hoping we could find some way to magic her out of this, but remember I'm desperate."

"Is there anything I can do, my love?"

"Just kept your guard up and bring yourself and Jesse home safely. Look out for any magic items that might help us with Katharine."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, I'm going to be staying here and try to formulate some sort of plan for the castle before I go after Milan. Her scouts should be able to guide me to the enemy's latest camp, and I'll take over from there."

"Are you sure you're up to this? After all, it's already been a long walk back to Angel's Crest..."

"I couldn't stop, matta , even if I wanted to. Feel free to worry about me, but you must kept going."

"I'll see you soon, Paige. I miss you already."

"And I you, my love. Goodbye..."

With those words she left my mind. I pray with all my soul that she be all right and that she manage to rejoin us somehow so that I may be with her again.

Jessica, however, was as good a friend as one could be, and I must remember that if I am to make it through this journey. Much to my surprise, I realize she was more than half the reason I choose to go on now.
 
 

" Paige used to talk to me about fate. I guess that's why we do what we do. I know I never asked for self- sacrifice and loss , not to mention the heartache I've felt in years past. And I'm sure I never wanted to risk not just my life , but those in my charge as well , on the battlefield facing certain doom..."

My mind wondered, "Where we going anyway?"

I never heard of any Seer, nor have I ever heard of Storm Mountain before.

I would have asked sooner, except I had more pressing issues on my mind. Now that I had the opportunity, though, I thought I'd ask Jesse. She ought to know, since she was the one carrying the map.

"Hey, Jesse!" I called out.

She's still swimming in the lake, but she turned around.

"What?"

"I need to asked you something important!"

Finally I would know. She had the map; in fact, she carried the map in her pack...which was now at the bottom of the bog in the dark forest.

"Never mind, Jesse!"

Shaking my head, I walked back down the hill. As I approached the lakeshore, Jessica swam to the water's edge.

"What did you want to asked me?" she asked.

"Nothing; I forgot we lost the map," I answered.

She reached for her pile of clothes. "Are you referring to this map?" she asked me as she pulled out the map from her garments.

"Don't worry," she said. "I won't lose it. I know how you'd rather not ask anyone for directions anyway."

I had no idea what she was talking about.

"Whatever," I said. "Oh, and look out for lake dragons. They just love pushy women."

Jesse shook her head. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that, matta ," she laughed and resumed her recreation.

I could feel this journey was going to take much longer than I expected, but I smiled anyway.

"This is too much for me," I thought as I removed my boots and rested my feet in the water. "Hurry up, Jesse..."
 

Back in Ravensong,...

Paige was about to embark on her attempt to rescue Milan, and she was giving some last minute orders to the men she was leaving in charge of the castle.

"Make sure nobody leaves the city," she said, mounting her horse. "And don't let anyone in unless you were absolutely certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that whoever you let in was on our side. Sorcerers could make you think anything, and the last thing we need was for castle Ravensong to fall into our enemy's hands."

"Understood, Princess," the head of the Royal Guard said. "We will protect this castle with our lives."

Paige turned around and rode out of the castle. "Let's hope it's enough," she said to herself.

The castle gates slammed shut behind her.
 

The lake,...
 

Jessica and I were now ready to resume our way, but only after Jesse convinced me she knew how to reach the Seer. We were wearing the same clothing we wore when we came here, but at least they're a little cleaner. At the very least, they're cool and wet.

"We'll have to come back here," Jesse said, glancing back at the valley that so closely resembled the portrait of paradise.

"We?"

"Yes, 'we,'" she said. "Whether we're lovers or not, Kayin, we're still friends. Friends go places together, and I think we should come back here."

"You're wonderful," I told her. "You really are. Allow me to say that, but mind you, that's all I'll ever tell you."

I had to say it. She deserved it, and I wanted to.

"Now we're getting closer, t'chanra 0," she said. "We're going to be together a long time, my poor, confused, friend, so we'd better learn to enjoy each other's company if either of us was to survive."

"Define 'enjoying' your company, Jessica," I asked, smiling.

Jesse raised an eyebrow. "Like I said, matta , you're in charge," she answered and pulls out the map. "Now let's go; we have to climb those mountains over there."

Did I say I thought of her as a sister? No, I don't think I did.

She pointed to a mountain range about twenty miles ahead of us. The area was dark and cloudy, and from here we could both see a stormy climate near the mountaintops.

"By all means," I told her, wide-eyed.

Northern Angel's Crest,...
 

Milan's hands were tied together and raised above her head, and her legs were shackled to the large rock, pressing her to the rock face with her back to her interrogators.

"Talk, witch!" the soldier yelled as he lashed forth with Milan's whip.

The sound of Milan's whip as it cracked against her own back put a lump in the throats of even the enemy soldiers. The lash was not only dealt with power, but Milan herself had seen to it that her weapon carried a bite unlike any other weapon in the land.

"Aaahhh!" Milan cried out as the leather struck her back. The pain was unbearable.

"Don't...waste your...breath," she gasped.

"Tell us what we want to hear, little whore," the soldier sneered, preparing to strike again with Milan's whip.

"AAAHHH!" Milan screamed again, louder, as the bladed tip of her whip dug into her flesh. "What...can I tell...you...I know...nothing..."

"You are the Captain of the Guard," the soldier said, cocking back his arm.

No sound escaped Milan's lips as the lash struck her again. She didn't have the strength anymore. With any luck, she would die soon.

He whipped her again, and Milan only clenched her teeth and shut her eyes.

She prayed for death.

"No," she thought. "I won't die here. Not like this."

"TALK!" he yelled. "TALK!"

Milan made neither sound nor movement.

"You little bitch, you're turning me on," the soldier growled as he whipped her again.

And again...and again...and again...
 

Milan's camp,...

Paige was approaching the site of Milan's last camp. All that remained, however, were tents either on fire, torn to shreds, or both, and there was no sign of life anywhere. She recognized some of Milan's men lying on the ground; they had no chance.

"Rasha! Who could have done this to an army like ours?" she wondered. "I'd better be more careful now."

Examining the remains, she explored the camp. She found what's left of Milan's tent and looks inside. Sadly, nothing useful could be found.

"Damn it," Paige said. "I still don't have any leads."

When she exited the tent, she found two soldiers scrounging around the camp.

"Hey!" she called out. She recognized the soldiers' uniform as Angel's Crest's. "What are you doing here?"

One of the soldiers recognized her and responded, "We're the Captain's scouts, your Highness. When the enemy attacked, she ordered us to hide ourselves and trail the enemy should they escape. Well, they escaped, all right."

"And did you trail them?"

"We did, Princess," the other answered. "Their base was a day's ride from the Siege Line in the North. We would have attempted to rescue the Captain, but the enemy forces were just too great."

"Understandable. Look, your orders now are to return to Ravensong. The guards stationed there have instructions not to let anyone in, so you must prove your identity."

"Yes, Princess. As you command."

"You may go."

As the men left on their horses, Paige faced the northern border of the kingdom.

"This is my kingdom now. Sister, aid me on my quest!"

With those words she mounted her horse and rode off to unknown danger.
 

Elsewhere,...
 

Jessica and I were well on our way to the foreboding mountains ahead of us. In my own opinion, this was a rather extensive detour just to see this visionary.

I wouldn't say anything, however, since we have already come this far.

After walking for many miles, both of us were understandably quiet. I don't know if this was because of fatigue or because of fear, or possibly of some other reason. It was no matter; we probably have nothing to discuss anyway.

Before the end of the day, we shall have reached the mountains' base. The sooner we find out the necessary information, the sooner we could get back to our real mission.
 
 

" Sometimes , it's hard not to lose faith. Things happen that we can do nothing about , and we wonder where our path will ultimately lead. I suppose what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. All I know is , until you're dead, the best thing to do in times of doubt is keep going..."
 

"Give me your hand!" I called out.

"Shut up and kept climbing!" Jesse shouted, fighting for her grip.

We reached the mountains and had undertaken the arduous task of climbing it. As if this was not difficult enough, the stormy climate around here was making this additionally rough.

After climbing for two hours, by my estimate, I reasoned we had only scaled somewhere in the range of two to three thousand feet. At this rate, we'd reach the summit in about a week.

The storm was incredible, and it seemed to exist only around the mountains. Winds were at a dangerous level, and most people usually stayed indoors in this kind of rain.

We, however, were risking our lives scaling this mountain, whose summit was hidden from view by clouds. We should reach these clouds by tomorrow afternoon.

"Jesse, we need to find shelter soon!" I yelled.

"I know!" she answered. "Keep going until you find some level ground!"

The rain was bruising my skin already, and the wind was nearly blowing me off the face of the mountain, but I kept going. Slowly, painfully, I reached hand over hand, grabbing hold of rocks, and pulling myself up. From what I could see now, there was no level ground on this mountain.
 

Near the northern border of the kingdom,...

"I hope I'm doing the right thing," Paige thought.

She crossed the Siege Line over an hour ago, so now she was fair game to any attacks. Worse, this land was famous for its great plains, and the land beyond the Siege Line was nothing but an endless plain.

"Terrific. I'm a sitting duck out here."

There were no trees, only grass as far as the eye could see.

She rode on through the fields, hoping that no hostile elements notice her presence and attack her. In her current state, she wouldn't be able to defend herself from a large assault.

Her mind was filled with images of her sister: the terror she felt and the brutality with which she was killed. Her killers were not in hiding when the dreaded act took place; they stepped out of the shadows, killed her guards, then killed her.

Paige shut her eyes as tears welled up inside them.
"I can't let this affect me," she told herself. "I can't."

Images of the two assassins described by Katharine's spirit-voice fill her mind. How helpless Katharine must have been before these two masters of death!

Paige opened her eyes, clenched her teeth, and revitalized her spirit.

"After I save Milan," she said with renewed determination, "I'm going to eliminate this threat myself!"

"Paige,..." a voice within her mind suddenly said.

"Milan? Are you all right?"

"I'll live, for what it's worth. But you must hurry. I don't know how long these...things will kept me alive."

"I'm on my way, Milan. Just hang in there, and try to conserve your strength. We may need it."

"...Just...hurry..."
 

On the stormy mountain,...
 

"T'atra 1 , it's bad out there!" Jesse said, squeezing her clothes in attempt to dry herself.

We found a small cave in the mountain wall. It wasn't as large as we would like, but it'll do for now.

Jesse sticks her head out. "I still can't see the summit!" she screams over the roar of the wind and rain.

"You won't see it this week," I answered quietly, trying to get a fire going on the cave floor. "I wish we had some wood or something," I added. "Even my magic can't set dirt on fire..."

"Well," Jesse said, thinking. "Here..."

She handed me the map.

"Good idea! We don't need this anymore, right?"

"I don't think so..."

"Fine, then do it."

She placed the map on the floor and my fire spell took effect. It wouldn't burn out unless we wanted it to, but once I extinguished it, we wouldn't have any more material to burn.

We dried ourselves off, and eventually went to sleep.

"I'm so tired...," Jesse moaned, curling up beside the fire.

"I'm tired, too...and worried."

I thought about Paige, all alone wherever she was. She was taking an enormous, yet necessary, risk going after Milan.

"Why can't she contact me mentally?" I asked Jesse.

"There's too much magic around here," she answered. "Her message would get lost in the atmosphere."

I sighed. "Whatever."

"I'm really glad you're here, Jesse," I said, lying down.

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm glad you're here, too."

We smiled at each other.

"You know," Jesse said, moving beside me, "it's rather cold where I am. Do you mind...?"

She curled up beside me and we went to sleep.

"Jesse...?"

"Yes?"

"You're beautiful, you know that? Thanks for helping me."

She raised her eyebrows. "Need I remind you, you already have a girlfriend? And I'm not helping you, matta ; we're in this together."

"I meant it as nothing more than a compliment, Jesse."

She smiled. "Thank you. You're a pretty good guy, Kayin. I missed you."

We paused.

"We'd better get some rest," she said.

We awoke hours later, and to no one's surprise, the storm raged on outside. Weather like this had been known to level entire civilizations, and yet Jesse and I faced it on our own, climbing an enchanted mountain to complete our seeming masochism.

"We need another man here," Jesse muttered as I help her reach a ledge. "Don't you think it's unusual that there's just me, Paige, Milan, and you?"

"Nice thing to say," I grunted as I pull her up, nearly ripping my arm out of its socket. "You could help..."

"I was beginning to think you were lonely, being the only male and all," she answered.

"Look, could we discuss this elsewhere, maybe some other time?" I asked, urgently. "I'm taking a beating from all this rain."

"Let's go, then."

We proceeded up the mountain. I lost track of time after the second time I nearly fell off the face of the mountain. Time really didn't matter anymore; apparently, even survival was not guaranteed anymore.

We kept climbing.

Hours passed, and we come to another cave. This cave was extensive, running seemingly through the course of the entire mountain range.

"We'd better look into this," I told Jessica. "Otherwise we'll be climbing forever."

Jesse nodded in agreement, obviously too beat to speak even a single word.

A glow radiated from down in the cave, revealing a narrow passageway. It seemed more of a...hallway...than anything.

I smiled.

"This is it..."
 

The plains just beyond the northern border of Angel's Crest,...
 

Paige awoke from a short nap in the grassy meadows of the great plains. She found adequate cover in some tall grass, but in exchange for protecting her, the grass also gave her a rather annoying itch.

"Damn grass," she frowned, scratching her arm. "T'atra! "

Her horse, whom she raised from birth to be a creature both quick and dependable, waited loyally by her side, lying down near her.

"That's a good boy, Gabriel," she said, patting him on the head. "Come on; we have to move."

Gabriel obediently stood up, and Paige rode on.

Just over a ridge, roughly five hours from when she started, she could see a camp of soldiers. She was still too far to tell whether or not Milan was among them, but they definitely looked hostile.

"Gabriel, stay up here and don't let anyone see you," Paige whispered.

The horse lay down on the ground.

Paige, slowly descended the ridge, mindful of being caught.

"I probably can't take this camp by myself," she said. "But if I have to..."

She hid in some tall grass near the edge of the camp and made a quick survey of the terrain.

She pulled Dragonwing from her scabbard. "There she is."

She spied a crude cage made of wood and rope, and Milan lay unconscious on the floor. Paige couldn't told if she was alive or not.

"May the heavens have mercy on you if you've harmed her..."

She circled the camp until she was at the closest point to Milan's cage on the perimeter. When no one was looking, she cut the rope that served as the lock and pulled Milan's limp, lifeless form away from the camp.

Setting her down gently on the ground, Paige saw the soldiers eating near the center of the camp and decided to release some of her pent-up frustrations.

"Ahem," she coughed, intentionally loud.

"Well, well," the enemy leader smirked, rising from his place. "It seems we have a visitor, men. Let's hope she's friendly, eh?"

Paige leaned against a stack of wooden crates and crossed her arms.

Smiling, she said innocently, "Anytime you're ready, boys. Who's man enough to make a real woman out of me?"

She loosened her shoulder strap.

"Ki noma shu r'anta, de'tra mira'ta 2," she teased, throwing her hips out.

"I think that will be me," the leader grinned, eagerly removing his belt. His sword and scabbard, not to his knowledge, fall to the ground along with the old strap of leather.

"I'll make a real woman out of you, my dear..."

Paige smiled again, barely able to kept her laughter internal.

"Here it comes, soldier," she whispered as she approaches him.

The commander, still grinning, reached for her, and Paige caught his arm and twisted it upward. Aiming for the tender, exposed elbow, she struck with her open palm. She grit her teeth as she heard the bone crack. The enemy leader fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

Paige smiled triumphantly. "Next?"

"Get her, you cowards! What is one woman against his Royal Highness's army!"

Paige turned her now icy gaze to the fallen soldier. "Silence yourself, t'chanra ," she said, knocking him unconscious with a kick to the head.

The fifteen or twenty men that made up the force drew their weapons, which included swords, daggers, clubs and maces, and crossbows.

"Stab their eyes; they have crossbows!" Paige thought.

She rolled to safety as the first wave of arrows flew at her. While the men reload, Paige rushed in and dealt several crushing blows to the soldiers, determined to make her way to the arrow-shooters.

"What's the matter, boys?" she taunted as she parried their sword strikes with her own. "Too much for you?"

Paige was most lethal when she had a sword in her hand, and she decided to show them just how deadly.

One soldier swung his sword at her neck, and instead of parrying or even just ducking away, Paige spun aside and buried her blade in the soldier's back.

Dragonwing glowed with Paige's rage.

Three others decided to try and surround her. They circled menacingly, wielding a mace, an axe, and a sword. They all attacked simultaneously.

Paige charged back, violently slashing the soldier with the mace downward from his chest to his left leg as she ran through the assault. She only struck once. Had she attacked him again, he'd have split in two.

The soldier with the axe rushed at her next, and spinning around, she ducked and swept him to the floor. His remaining comrade could only watch as Paige dealt her own justice, her own execution for their crime.

The crime of invading her country, and moreover, for serving the being responsible for Katharine's death. Katharine's murder.

"What...what person wields such a mystical weapon?" the remaining attacker shuddered. "'Tis magical, it is."

He put his guard up.

"Good, you're still here," Paige growled. "You're next."

She swung at the soldier's sword and broke it in two. Dragonwing was a blur, leaving a trail of white magical energy behind it.

"Please...," the soldier begged, falling to his knees. "Please don't kill me. I...my family...! Litana m'trium 3 ! "

"Why should I spare you, you who have defiled my kingdom?" she snarled. "You who represent he who had my sister slain? Answer me!"

"I...I'm just a lowly soldier, m'lady! I was forced to serve when soldiers held my entire family by the sword."

"I care not for your misfortunes," Paige answered.

"PLEASE!" the soldier pleaded.

"A pity. A soldier should at least have the dignity to die like a...ahem, man."

"Please don't kill me."

"That's not your choice to make," Paige said as she swung the hilt of her sword at his head, rendering him unconscious.

"Damn you."

By the time Paige's vengeance had been carried out, to her satisfaction, only three soldiers were left alive, barely, and only one was able to stand on his own. The remaining two soldiers voluntarily lay their weapons on the ground and surrendered.

Paige heard the sound of horses coming from the ridge where she left Gabriel.

"Princess!"

Paige smiled. "Good to see you all here!" she called out.

Milan's two scouts made it back to Angel's Crest and rounded up the troops. They rode without stopping to the enemy camp, intending to aid the princess.

"Take these men back to Angel's Crest," Paige told the leader of the rescue party. "Milan needs help now. I want you back at the castle as quickly as you came here, understood?"

"Yes, your highness."

"You're in charge until I return. I'm going to rejoin the others at the Seer's. From there, we'll move on to destroy the core of this new threat."

"I needn't be telling you this is bordering on the suicidal," the soldier said.

"I understand, and if you could suggest a better alternative, I'd like to hear it."

"I have...none, Princess."

She laughed. "Look, just follow your orders. This has happened before, soldier, so just do as you're told. We all knew it would happen this way."

The soldier nodded. "We will leave at once."

Paige smiled in agreement. "Godspeed."

She watched the army leave, then she mounted her steed and rode off.

"I hope they reached the Seer in one piece," she said to herself. "Lord knows the weather up on those mountains could really kill a person..."
 
 

" Over the years , I've learned to trust my friends. I've put my life in their hands , and they in mine. Facing Arkhane all those years ago , I'd never been in a battle like that before. They've risked their lives to save mine more often than I could thank them. I've witnessed their devotion and loyalty to what they believe and to each other and me , and it isn't difficult for me to say I'd give my life for them , too..."
 

"I don't know about this," Jesse said, hesitantly. "This passage was awfully narrow, and I can't see any light source anywhere."

"I don't care," I muttered. "I'm not going back into that storm."

"Well, I'm going with you," Jesse added.

I went in first, following the passage slowly. Jessica followed me closely.

After following the passage for approximately two hundred feet, the way came to an abrupt stop. There were no apparent exits, but both Jesse and I wondered why there would be a tunnel here that wouldn't go anywhere.

"Jesse, have any suggestions?"

"Aside from turning around and going outside? No."

"Great..."
 

The castle Ravensong...

"Captain," one of the guards called. "Are you okay?"

"Y...yes," Milan moaned. "I'm just exhausted...and hungry."

"Someone get some food over here!" the guard shouted.

Immediately another soldier burst in, carrying some bread and cheese.

"Here, Captain," he said, handing Milan the food. "Regain your strength."

Milan gratefully took and ate the bread and cheese, then got up to update herself on current events. She walked over to the throne room, where all the troops and counselors were gathered.

"Okay, people!" she called out. "I'm assuming command now."

She pointed to one of the queen's advisers. "What's happened since I was captured?"

"Most of the men made it safely back to the castle before they could be captured by the enemy. There were some casualties, of course."

"I understand."

"In addition, we were not aware of the exact location of Lady Jessica and Lord Aeola. All we know for certain was that the Princess did not return with us to the castle in order to follow them to the seer of Storm Mountain."

"Good. Thank you for your assistance," Milan said. "I wish to rest now, but you may move freely until I return; your only orders are to stay in the castle."

She turned and walked off to her chamber, where she would get some much-earned rest.
 

Somewhere else,...
 

Paige arrived at the valley just outside the great forest.

"They were here, all right," she thought. "They can't be that far ahead of me now..."

She rode on toward the stormy mountains, hoping to meet up with her friends.

"I miss them so much," she thought to herself. "Each year that goes by, I only love Kayin more. Mahno'dra. And the others...I know this constant war is killing them inside, I'm sure."

She rubbed a tear from her eye as she beat Gabriel's reins against him, urging him to go faster.

"I'm on my way, my friends..."
 

Storm Mountain,...
 

"Jade's ghost..." Jesse said.

I turned around. "What...?"

Jesse had just put her arm through the dead end of the passage, as if there was nothing there. It was some kind of illusion; after all, only skilled magicians were able to pass through walls like this, and Jesse wasn't such a person.

"Let's see what's behind this," she said, offering her hand.

"In the name of bravery," I told her. "F'nara. "

Both of us closed our eyes as we stepped through what looked like solid rock. The sight we beheld when we opened our eyes astounded and frightened us at the same time.

There was a long walkway, lined with shining pearl-colored tile, on the floor of a vast cavern. Stalactites and stalagmites lined the surfaces of cave, and only darkness lay ahead. What frightened us was the millions upon millions of insects and creatures that crawled over every inch of the cave, except the walkway.

It was the most disgusting sight either of us had ever seen.

"Ka...Kayin,...I think I'm going to throw up..."

Upon opening my eyes and seeing the room, I immediately shut them again. With my eyes still shut, I told Jesse, "Follow the walkway. Don't look anywhere but forward."

I opened my eyes and gripped Jesse's hand tight, and we walk slowly down the walkway.

Surely, unfortunately, this was the way of the warrior.
 

A faraway place, the land of Dakren...
 

Huge steel doors fly open, letting bright light into a usually dark room. Two figures walk through the doors, and stop just short of a majestic throne.

"You've done well, my assassins," a cloaked figure stated in a deep, thundering voice. "You've earned this."

The cloaked figure flung a large sack at the feet of the two assassins. Opening the bag revealed a treasure of golden coins, the sum of which was enough to buy one's own castle.

"You're too kind," a female voice said. "But you know we have no need of money."

"You know very well that our deal was for Dragonwing," the other assassin said.

"Don't worry," the cloaked figure said, "the Princess will be here soon, and when she does, you'll have your sword."

"And me?" another voice called out from the back of the room.

The two women turned around. In the doorway stood a young man with short black hair and a scar crossing his right eye. He wore the garb of one skilled in the martial arts, and he held a glimmering sword.

"It's been a long time, Rufio," said the first assassin, twirling her daggers.

"I trust you know this interloper," the cloaked figure said, still hidden in shadow.

"I am no interloper, dread lord; I am Rufio," the person stated, sheathing his sword. "I hail from Fyra, and if you want a second opinion as to my capabilities, just ask either of these two young ladies here! We're close friends."

"I am pleased, Rufio of Fyra. I have heard of you, and your famous victory at Rhys-Avalon. Stay a while and become familiar with events," the cloaked figure roared as he stood up off his throne and revealed himself.

The figure that rose had the form of a man who looked as if he could easily lift his throne above his head and throw it across the room. Towering over seven feet tall, this monster seemed inhuman.

He wore armor of the deepest black, lined with gold and silver. This armor covered a massive body, the strength of which one could only guess the limits of. On his head, he wore no crown. Instead he wore a helmet, a mask that hid his face from the world. In his black armor and mask, and a flowing cape of blood-red, he looked like an angered demon straight from the fires of hell.

"The fall of Angel's Crest is at hand, and all shall bow before Laos!"

Thunder and lightning raged outside while Laos roared, then all was quiet again.

"Angel's Crest...," Rufio whispered silently, touching his scar. "Kayin..."

The two assassins looked at each other in wonder. "Kayin?"
 

Storm Mountain,...
 

"Kayin!" Jessica called.

"What?" I gasped, surprised.

"Look at this," she said.

"I'm trying not to."

"I mean it. Look."

We'd been following the walkway for about an hour, and we came to an iron door. It had a large ring, but I doubt even our combined strength was enough to move the huge metal door.

"Not a problem," I said as I drew my Sabre and slashed the door. The monstrous iron broke in two and fell loudly to the floor.

"Thank you for breaking my door," said a man, kneeling before an altar at the end of the room. It was a cavelike room, with steps leading up to where the man knelt praying.

"You have our apologies, Seer," Jessica said, "but we are in dire need of your help."

"Yes, I know," the Seer said. "I too have felt disturbances in your kingdom of Angel's Crest. Even here, far away from your land, in Nolmar."

"I'll say it's far," I muttered.

He led us down the steps to a pool of water near one side of the room. The water was clear, but as the old man neared his hand to it, the water slowly became cloudy.

When the water cleared up, Jesse and I saw the image of a castle. A floating castle, rising above the clouds, with a great walkway leading up from the field.

"This is the place you seek," the Seer said. "The home of Laos, a powerful king who can not only fight on the battlefield, but also on the astral plane."

The water formed a picture of Laos, and Jesse and I backed away.

"D'litrum 4. Who knows what kind of power he holds," I said to her.

Jesse said nothing.

"Following the River of Tallis, this place is not two day's walk from Nolmar, but beware once you enter the kingdom of Laos. It may seem peaceful and safe, but for you..."

"We understand," I told him. "We must be on our way now, Seer. Thank you for your assistance."

"Yes," said Jessica. "Thank you."

"Step in the pool and you will find yourselves outside," he said. "You'll never make it down. I don't even know how you made it up here in the first place."

"Never mind," I said as I took Jesse's hand and stepped in the pool.

I felt myself fall, and the next thing I knew, I was sitting in the grass at the foot of Storm Mountain. I saw a portal emerge above me and Jessica fell through it and landed on me.

"Ow!" I choked as I had the breath knocked out of me. "Watch it!"

"Sorry," said Jesse, rubbing her head.

"You folks do some fine work," a voice said.

Jesse and I turned around.

There was Paige, sitting on Gabriel, marking time until we got back.

I jumped to my feet and ran to her.

"Paige," I said as I pulled her off her horse, "I've missed you so much!"

"Easy there, tiger," she smiled, embracing me.

We kissed, then she asked Jesse to tell her what we found out.

Smiling, Jesse replied, "If we follow the River of Tallis, we should reach the place within two days."

"We're looking for someone named Laos," I said. "We may be in over our heads here, but..."

"...But we're the only ones who have even a ghost of a chance," said Jessica.

"We'd better get going, then," said Paige.

"What about Gabriel?" I asked.

"I'll send him home for Milan," she answered. "We need her help, too. Goodbye, Gabriel."

The horse whinnied and kicked up its feet, then ran off toward Angel's Crest.

"Let's go, then," I said.
 
 

" I know we hadn't been together and alone in a while , but that hasn't made being away from Kayin any easier. The counselors and even the other soldiers think I should get used to it , that our relationship was on its way to hell and there was nothing to be done about it. Several men would have been willing to lay with me when I felt lonely.

" But I knew deep down inside , he still loved me and cared for me. Why did I think so? Because he and I are one , kindred spirits , and because I feel the same way about him... "
 

The Tallis River had a legend about it. First, no one has measured the depth of the river. It's almost magical, like a bottomless river. Also, for centuries, as the legends said, if anyone were to follow the river to its end, they would find a kingdom full of gold, diamonds, rubies, and more wealth than one could possibly imagine.

The river's source, somewhere in the desert far, far away from any known civilization, fed it with these jewels. The remoteness of this place had made finding the source of the River of Tallis impossible. However, the end was definitely a possibility.

What created the legend is that no one has ever been to the mouth of the river. Expeditions would set out to follow the river, and they would never be seen again. Anyone who tried to get the jewels while they were still in the river would find that the jewels were just deeper than whatever they were trying to reach it with, whether it be an arm or a ten-foot pole. Most people who did were either swept up by the current or drowned in the countless fathoms of the River Tallis.

We found the river later just before dusk, crossing over hills, streams, and forests, until finally Storm Mountain was out of sight. There was no mistaking it: the water was shining from all the jewels that flowed in it, and the water rushed forth as if propelled by an angry spirit. This was the River of Tallis.

"Maybe I could get just one," Jesse said, walking to the river's edge.

"No!" I called, running after her. "D'frane 5! You know what'll happen. This river is cursed; it'll suck you in."

"Fine."

"It isn't like you need the jewels," Paige said. "You're part of the Royal Family, need I remind you."

Jessica shook her head. "It was just a thought."

"Paige, what happened, anyway?"

"Yes," said Jessica, "is Milan safe?"

"I got to her just in time," Paige answered, sitting down. "She was almost dead. But the northern border's clear."

"You took on the northern force?" I asked. "What were you thinking?"

"I'd been itching to get back at these lanare 6 ," she said.

"Poor soldiers," said Jessica, shaking her head.

"Let's just pitch camp already," Paige said. "It's getting dark."
 

The castle of Laos,...
 

"Your army is ready for battle, my lord," Rufio said proudly. "A few couldn't learn my maneuvers, though, so I was forced to kill them..."

He drew his blade and started proceeded to wipe it with a cloth rag.

"Just keep them ready when the Princess and her band get here," Laos roared. "My fortuneteller has foretold their coming.

"She just took out my northern force," he added.

"Alone?" asked the assassin with the daggers. "And who's coming? Who would be foolish enough to come to Dakren by themselves?"

"It's Kayin," Rufio said, again touching his scar. "It has to be. If he's in Angel's Crest, there's no way he'd resist a quest like this."

The two assassins kept quiet. "The sword," they said in unison. "We must have it."

"Wait, then," answered Laos. "They will come."

"We need it now. They will arrive in Shir tomorrow. We must go."

"Will you return?"

"We will return to finish the fight, yes."

"Then off with you. Keep your promise."

"Thank you, my lord."
 

The castle Ravensong,...

"Milan!"

"What?" Milan was suddenly jolted awake. "Who's there?"

"It's us, Milan. We're okay. How are you feeling?"

The image of Kayin appeared in her chamber.

"Kayin! It's so good to hear from you again! I'm all right now, considering where I was a day ago."

"That's great," the image said, looking around. She could see a river not far behind him. "We'll be following the Tallis River. The Seer at Storm Mountain told us to follow it. Have you ever heard of a king named Laos?"

"No," Milan replied hastily. "I'll check on it for you, though."

"Okay, but we all have a bad feeling about this. What with the legends and all."

"Take care, my friends. Good luck."
 

The bank of the Tallis River,...
 

The three of us were sitting by the water, resting our tired feet in the cool river water. I figured as long as we weren't going after the jewels, we were all right.

We were all quiet, though. The three of us just sat there and stared at the water. It was scary, the way none of us spoke. I think we were scared.

The image I saw of Laos was really incredible. He was a giant, and I'm sure magic is a weapon of his as well. I hoped we're up for this.

I got up and looked in my pack. I found my journal, and I noticed how I'd stopped writing in it. I'd lost track of what day it was, but I had to let my feelings out somewhere.
 

"Day one, new journey:
 

"Saw the Seer yesterday. Never going to do it again. Laos is really getting to me, and we've never even met. I hope I could look back on this someday and remember what we did all this for. That's why I started this journal. I just couldn't write everyday."
 

F'nara.

I closed the book and set it down. When I turned around, Paige and Jesse were roasting some fish on the fire. These two worked so hard, I hoped it was worth it. After all, we've all been through so much in our lives already, what was another mission against an evil king? Surely this wasn't the first time it's happened.

"We've crossed into the Dakren kingdom now," said Paige. "The last king I know of that ruled this area was King Salon. That was only a few years ago, though, and Dakren wasn't too bad back then. Angel's Crest has always had good trading with them, last time I checked."

"We'll come into the town of Shir tomorrow, around noon," said Jesse. "Whatever supplies we'll need we'll have to buy there, because there's no other town around for two days' journey after that."

"We'll reach Laos's castle before that," I told them. "Tomorrow."

I smiled. "Just like old times."

"We were just kids," said Paige, also starting to smile.

Jessica was shaking her head. "I still can't believe it. Fifteen and already ransacking kingdoms!"

We all smiled as we ate our dinner. It was no use worrying excessively about the coming battle.
 
 

" Few things hurt more than a shattered faith. You always believe something to be true , and you believe it firmly , and then suddenly it's over, just like that. I don't go around looking for things to believe in , but I find them just the same. I know what it feels like to have a perfect image shattered , and that makes it even worse when I have to do it to someone else..."
 

Before dawn, I woke up, and the others were still asleep. It was so peaceful, watching Paige and Jesse sleep like that. If it had been the first time I saw them, I would have guessed they were out picking berries instead of marching off to a war.

I shook my head as I noticed Jessica's ribbon, keeping her shoulder-length brown hair in a ponytail, was still clean white. Matta really was beautiful.

Paige awoke next, and we sat together and watched the sun rise. Under any other circumstances, it would have been very romantic. She giggled as I kissed her on the cheek before I went to check my pack.

When we were all ready, we set off. The sun rose particularly quickly that day, and was almost directly overhead only three or four hours after dawn. When the heat was almost unbearable, we saw a town over the next grassy knoll and we proceeded there.

"This is Shir," Jesse said as we walked among the straw-covered wooden houses and shops. We stopped in a local tavern to buy some drink.

We sat down at a table and looked the place over. It was a typical tavern, wooden floors and tables. A shined countertop with a plethora of bottles on shelves behind. Townspeople sitting around either celebrating or drowning their sorrows in liquor.

"Looks perfectly fine to me," I said. "Of course a tavern is a tavern."

In the far corner of the room, behind a rowdy group of farmers, was a young girl who looked strangely familiar. She was sitting down, fanning herself, and gazing out a window.

"Tara?"

Paige and Jesse look at each other in wonder as I made my way over to her.

"Excuse me, miss, but...," I began, trying to get her attention.

"Kayin? Is that you?" she asked, bewildered. "Impossible..."

"It's been too long," I said, embracing her. "More than ten years, my friend."

I brought her over to the table where Paige and Jesse were sitting. Paige had a skeptical look on her face.

"My friends, this is Tara. We trained together when we were children!"

"The princess, right," Paige said as they shook hands.

"Kayin's told us about you," added Jesse, also shaking hands with her.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. "I thought by now you'd be queen of your kingdom for sure."

"Well," she answered, "to be honest, the royal life just wasn't enough for me."

Paige's eyes widened, and she sat back in disbelief.

"Excuse me?" she coughed.

"Not to put you down," she said, "but I'm just not the type to sit on a throne."

Paige raised an eyebrow.

"And what 'type' might that be?"

"Yes, Rose and I left Cyan and wandered the countryside," she sighed, ignoring Paige's inquiry," and we ended up here. There she is now."

She pointed to the tavern's counter, where another girl was mixing drinks and pushing around a bunch of surly customers.

"That's Rose, all right," I said.

"Hey, Rose!" Tara called. "Come here!"

Rose leapt over the counter and rushed over to our table. Her eyes lit up and she smiled very girlishly.

"Kayin? Rasha , it's been so long!"

She hugged me, and Paige dropped her face into her hand and shook her head.

"Is this for real?" she asked Jesse. "Tell me when it's over, will you?"

Jesse just rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Well, don't just sit there," said Rose. "Tell us...what brings you to Shir?"

"Actually, we're on our way to visit Laos. He's been causing some trouble back in Angel's Crest."

"Is this the Princess?" asked Rose, excitedly.

Paige closed her eyes, sighed, and nodded reluctantly.

"Wow. Always did have a fancy taste, haven't you, Kayin?"

Paige looked up at me, surprised.

"You don't want to fight Laos," Tara told me, grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me back and forth. "You're crazy if you think you can beat him."

"We'll fight if we have to, Tara," I answered, pushing her back. "We can handle him."

Tara turned away. "I can't stand to see you march off to your death like this, Kayin. I lost you for an eternity when you wouldn't return with me and Rose. You can't leave again like this."

"Tara, please," I told her, looking at Paige out of the corner of my eye. "It's been ten years. Haven't you moved on?"

"No. Why?" she asked. She looked at Paige. "Oh, I see."

Paige and Jesse were suddenly riveted to our conversation.

"I loved you, Kayin," she said. "I can't believe you..."

I was shocked. This girl, who, as I remembered, could chase a mountain lion away with her bare hands and not have one hair out of place, was being as completely irrational and emotional as a child.

"Tara, would you look at yourself?" I said. "I'm sorry. I loved you, too, but ten years is a lifetime apart. I missed you like you'll never know, but something's happened to you."

One of the customers, a large, scruffy man, rose from his seat. "Are you insulting my lady, you sissy-boy?"

"Great," said Tara. "It's Buck."

"This is not an affair of yours, Buck, whoever the hell you are," I answered, frustrated. I refrained from even looking at him.

"We'll see about that!" he yelled as he picked up his chair and threw it at me. I ducked and pushed Tara out of the way. Seven of Buck's friends decided to join the fray. Paige, Jesse, and Rose did likewise.

Buck lunged at me and I ducked my head under him and flipped him over the counter, breaking countless bottles. He hit the floor with a thundering crash. Getting up, he picked up a broken bottle and tried to swing it at me, but I grabbed his arm and slammed it against the countertop, forcing him to drop the bottle. Then I brought my arm back and elbowed him in the face.

Four of Buck's allies circled Jessica and Paige.

"I hear they teach you royal wenches to be pretty good in bed," one said. "I could get a good ransom fer ya, too."

Furious, Paige charged at him and put him on the floor with a knee to his stomach and a solid punch to his head.

"Kera! Who starts all these sickening rumors?" she cried as she backhanded another man. "Jesse!"

Paige ducked, and Jesse vaulted off her and landed feet first into the other two. They quickly rose to their feet, and Jesse leapt once into the air, kicking one with her right foot, then spinning and kicking the other with her left.

Tara and Rose stood back-to-back, warning the men, "It's over, fellas. Leave them alone."

"No woman's gonna tell us w'at ta do," one said. "'Sides, your little sister spilled a drink on me!"

"Rose...?"

"He was asking for it."

Tara groaned.

"Tanara kon shi tiro 7!"

Reaching into her dress and waistband, Tara pulled out two sais, the pronged dagger of the martial warrior. She twirled them masterfully between her fingertips.

Rose, weaponless, also reached into the folds of Tara's dress and pulled her fan. She suddenly opened it and sashayed to and fro, hiding her face behind the fan, and then she threw it at the two men while they were distracted. Tara gripped her daggers and hit the last one with the handle, knocking him out.

"I'll see you again, Kayin," she said, breathing heavily. "Promise me that, mahno'dra. But if you must go, then good luck. Be careful, my...friend."

"I'm sorry, Tara," I said, dropping my head.

She kissed me, then we both turned away and walked off. I waved goodbye to Rose, who smiled and waved back.

Paige and Jesse ran after me.

"I don't want to talk about it," I warned them.

"Let's just go," Paige said, putting her arm on my shoulder.
 

Back at the tavern, in the backroom,...
 

"Did you get it?" a voice asked.

"Like taking candy from a baby," came the answer.

One of these persons held Dragonwing.

"Then let the games begin."
 

Outside,...

We left town immediately. We didn't even stop for weapons, as if we would have carried them anyway. From the edge of town, we could see the River of Tallis, which proceeded next through a patch of woods.

Fair enough.

We walked onward, and as we approached the edge of the forest, the skies darkened. It took only a matter of minutes to turned from clear blue to deep gray.

It started to rain.

"Laos must know we're getting close," I said to the others. "He's trying to set the scene for the final battle."

"It is too coincidental," Paige said. "We'd better be careful."

We proceeded on, following the river. I was furious about what had taken place back in the tavern. I wanted our reunion to be special, and instead, we ended breaking each others' hearts all over again.

Worse yet, my heart wasn't with her when she broke it this time. I could hardly think straight.

We found a dry spot under a great tree and sat down to rest. I started a fire, and we gathered around it.

"Paige," said Jessica, "where's your sword?"

Her scabbard was empty.
 

The castle Ravensong,...
 

The royal army, or rather what was left of the royal army, rose to their feet as Milan entered the throne room. They were weary from all the waiting of the past few days, when they could just sit and watch helplessly as Laos's troops marched across the borders.

"As you were, men," Milan said softly. "Nothing new."

One of the guards on watch burst into the room.

"Captain, there's someone at the gate claiming he's a scout from the southern region!"

"Did he prove himself?"

"Yes."

"Let him in."

The large metal doors of the throne room swung open and the scout ran in, gasping for air. "Ca...captain," he choked, "you...must...help us."

"It's okay, soldier. Slow down. Catch your breath."

The scout fell to the ground. "No...they need help...attack..."

Milan turned to her troops. "No more waiting around, soldiers," she said.

"We're going to battle now!"

She marched out of the room, her troops marching faithfully behind her. They walked down to the stables, where they would prepare for battle. The squires were on hand to assist their knights, as was their royal job.

"Sir Byron," said one of the squires, Lance, as he handed the knight his shiny helmet.

"Thank you, lad," he said. "One day you will defend your country like those before you."

"I hope so, sir," Lance answered. "'Tis my dream to be one of the royal knights."
Helmet in hand, Byron rode off to join the other soldiers.

Milan was giving some last-minute orders to the men staying behind.

"There's only about fifty of you left here, Trevor," she said. "There's little probability of an attack, but as my number one, I'm counting on you to keep this castle safe just the same.

"The only attackers are in the south now, and I'll need most of the men to help White's forces in the south," Milan added. "The Princess, Lady Jessica, and Lord Aeola are going after the heart of the army right now."

"Heaven help them," Trevor sighed. "Captain, I..."

"You're my most trusted officer, Trevor," Milan said. "Don't lose heart, my friend. You'll be fine; just keep your head."

"Good luck, Captain."

They were silent for a few moments, then, with a smile, Milan turned around, mounted her horse, and rode off.
 

The forest outside Shir,...
 

Paige decided to take advantage of the rain and enjoy the free shower. She walked off into the woods and removed her armor and garments.

She closed her eyes as she felt the cool raindrops on her bare skin, a feeling that was both relaxing and liberating. For at least one moment, she wasn't Princess, no, Queen, Paige of Angel's Crest. She was once again a young girl reveling in the beauty of nature.

Jessica was asleep by the fire, her white ribbon flowing freely in the wind.

I watched Paige from near a tree by our camp, still unable to believe how lucky I was. She was more than just the Princess, she was really perfect. I remembered how I smiled when I first noticed her bright blue eyes and those lips that spoke such spirited words, I fought for her in a war I knew nothing about.

More than this, though, I fell in love with her spirit. I felt a kindred soul in her. She was brave and independent, yet she knew love when she found it. We were both warriors on the outside, but inside, we both sought the same peace.

She didn't see me, and she gasped when I held her.

"Oh, lord, Kayin," she smiled, shaking her head. "It's just you."

"'Just me', my love?" I asked.

"You startled me, mahno'dra ," she explained, turning her face back to the gentle rain.

"Paige, I...," I stuttered. "I think..."

"We haven't been alone, in a long time, Kayin," she sighed. "I've missed you."

"My thoughts exactly," I answered. "But putting the nation ahead of ourselves...it is the right thing to do, isn't it?"

"I love you," she said. "I love you, and I never have the chance to tell you... to be with you. It doesn't make any sense."

"I know," I said. "I feel the same way. We've been engaged for almost a year, and we still haven't had time to be wed."

"I feel like I'm losing you," Paige admitted, teary-eyed. "I really do."

I didn't know how to react, but I did the best I could. "I'll be by your side forever," I told her. "Like always."

"I've missed you lately," she contested. "Is that what you mean by 'like always'?"

"Don't be a mule," I told her. "I told you when that night that I'd never leave you. I'm sticking with that promise today, six years and two, now, three, great wars later!"

"Promise?"

"I promise. Paige, I..."

"Ssh," she smiled understandingly, caressing my face. "No need for words now, my dear."

Of course. Actions are worth a thousand words, though none came to mind as we kissed. As we lay in the grass and the flowers, I knew that poets and bards spend their entire lives trying to capture moments like this in words.

I had to let her know how much I really did care for her, as deeply as ever, and I kissed her as words of love fell from my lips.

She and I have been through so much, just being together was enough. But to be here now, to lay in each other's arms, was nothing but pure heaven.

All these thoughts raced through my mind in less than a second or two, but the only words that came from my mouth were, "I love you."

"That's all I need to know," she whispered, stroking my hair. "I love you, too, mahno'dra ."
 
 

" I never had any reason to doubt his love for me. I realized that. We've been through too much together for it to be otherwise. Whenever I'm facing a crisis or even just feeling blue , I know he'll be there to lend a shoulder to cry on or a sympathetic ear. At least , I hope he feels the same way about me , because if he cares for me as much as I do him , I know he'll stay with me forever. Our love will carry us through all this , I pray , and lead us home..."

"Paige, you're very gifted," I said.

She just smiled. "It's been a long time, though, Kayin. I think you'd say that to any woman by now..."

"That isn't what I meant," I said. "One would think your beauty was only skin deep, but they'd be dead wrong. And not because you'd kill them."

"Stop it," she laughed. "I accepted the fact that I had my talents from a very early age. I also knew I had an obligation to use my gifts, so it evens out."

"Sometimes I feel like you're too good for someone like me," I admitted.

"No one is too good for you, Kayin. I sometimes feel the same way."

I smiled. "You're kidding."

"You've forgotten your own talents, Kayin. Beyond your warrior skills. Your painting, and your music,...

"Sometimes I feel you're too good for me. What does it take to be a princess or a queen, anyway? One just has to be born to the right parents."

"Let's never feel that way again," I said. "Our time on this earth together could be over before the sun rises tomorrow."

"It's a promise, dear one."

"I love you," we said in unison.

"A little less work, a little more play," she said. "I think we've earned it."

"Yes, my queen," I smiled. "Need I remind you, your word is law now."

"Then your queen says, 'Never again surprise me when I'm naked."

We both laughed.

"I'll go get ready," I said.

"Yes," she sighed.

I breathed deeply, then left to prepare to continue the journey. Paige would follow in a few moments.

She put on her garments, a thin silver-and-gold armor and a white skirt with a plated waist for her weapons. She gazed at the empty scabbard, wondering what could have happened to her sword, Dragonwing. They would likely have to return to Shir to look for it.

Her contemplation was interrupted by a rustle among the bushes.

She instinctively reached for her sword, then realized she didn't have it.

"Who's there?" she called.

"J-just me, Princess," a voice said. It was a young man, no older than sixteen or seventeen, carrying a long wooden pole, which he probably used as a weapon.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"My name is Ranzou Pariah, your highness," he explained. "Laos killed my family, and I want his head on a plate! I overheard at the tavern you and your band were going after him, and I want to join you."

"Why would he attack your family?" Paige asked. "I thought Shir was part of Dakren!"

"Not before he took it over, your highness. I was spared because I was young and had potential to be one of his soldiers. But I escaped his camp, and now I live on my own in the streets and as a farmhand."

"You live by yourself?"

"Mostly, yes."

Paige sighed and shook her head. How could she bring a child into this war? He still had his entire life before him. He obviously didn't know what he was doing.

"Ranzou, I can't-"

"You have to!" he pleaded. "They took my life from me! I raised myself from the age of ten. What kind of life can I have now? At least give me this."

"You can still lead a normal life!" Paige contested. "You have that power. We're not fighting this war for revenge!"

"I understand that."

The boy didn't even have decent battle attire. He wore old leather sandals and ragged clothes. He looked more like a beggar than a warrior. But then he was, anyway.

Suddenly Paige flashed back to her first war. Before she met all her friends. She was about the same age as this young boy. She understood what was driving him to risk his life for revenge, and though revenge was against everything she believed in, she couldn't say Katharine's death didn't play a part in her being there now in Dakren.

"Okay," she said. "You can come with us, but you'd better not get in our way. I just don't have the strength to argue."

"You'll never regret this, Princess."

"I'd better not," she sighed.

She started walking toward the camp, and Ranzou eagerly followed her.

So that's how the older soldiers felt when she joined them against Megas. She understood now why they were so overprotective and didn't want her to come.

Paige suddenly turned around.

"Ranzou," she asked, "how long have you been watching?"
 

The southern lands of Angel's Crest,...
 

"Good lord," Milan muttered as she watched from a hill the armies of Katharine and Laos doing battle.

Even from that distance, she could see the battle was fierce, people no longer fighting to protect their homeland or advance their territory, but fighting for their lives.

"Soldiers, go!" she ordered, snapping Gabriel's reins.

With an ear-shattering scream, the royal army rushed forth from the hill. She led the charge, followed by the ten or eleven knights on their horses, who were in turn followed by the three hundred or so soldiers on foot.

The tide of battle fell in Milan's direction, with her troops outnumbering the enemy soldiers two to one now.

"Troops, fall back!" the enemy leader shouted. "T'atra! Retreat!"

"Bring me their leader!" Milan shouted. "He must answer for his crimes!"

Milan's men relentlessly swung their swords and axes at their adversaries, getting their own revenge for their friends and family killed during Laos's northern invasion.

The enemy soldiers who didn't run away were slain. The Angel's Crest soldiers stationed at the border were relieved at their arrival, not knowing how much longer they could have held on.

"Captain," the battalion leader gasped, turning to reveal a young woman with long blonde hair, tied in braids behind her.

"You're timing couldn't have been any better!"

"Happy to oblige, commander," she smiled.

She embraced her friend. "You did well, Jill."

"Kera! 'Jill' is a child's name, Milan," she answered defiantly. "It's Rachel. Anyway, thanks for the rescue, but many of my men will also need to be returned to Angel's Crest."

"That won't be a problem, my friend."
 

The forest on the River Tallis,...
 

"Paige, who's...?"

"This is Ranzou," Paige began. "He was orphaned when Laos took over Dakren, Shir, specifically. He's out for revenge, and he says he's ready to give his life just to see Laos's end."

"Just one of the many Laos has orphaned, I'm sure," Jesse said, retying her ribbon, which was still amazingly a perfect clean white.

"Paige, I-" I began.

"I know," she answered. "Look, I think we all know what it's like..."

"I suppose," I sighed.

"Thank you, Lord Aeola, sir," Ranzou blurted out.

"Save the formalities for the processions," Jesse said. "For now, she's Paige, he's Kayin, and I'm Jessica."

"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I don't remember you."

"I'm Paige's cousin," she said, annoyed. "I'm surprised. Jessica of Phyta?"

Nothing. D'frane.

"Learn your country's heroes," I advised Ranzou. "Jesse's royalty, even though she's not a princess, and she's a hell of a fighter."

"Do you remember Arkhane?" pressed Jessica.

"Arkhane who?"

"Let's just test and see what skills you have, Ranzou," Jesse suddenly said, getting up. "Come on, let's go."

A look of fear and panic raced onto Ranzou's face as he stood up. I stopped Paige from getting up and stopping them.

"It's for his own good," I said to her. "Let's watch this."

"Sadist," Paige groaned.

Struggling to overcome his nerves, Ranzou gripped his staff. He twirled it around his body and over his head, bracing himself.

He swung his staff at Jesse, who blocked it to the side, grabbed him, and flipped him over.

"Uf!" Ranzou groaned as he hit the floor.

Jesse stood above him, ready to gloat. "One more time?" she asked.

He quickly rose to his feet, and twirled his staff. He attacked again, and Jesse blocked his strike and grabbed his staff in an attempt to reverse the attack.

Ranzou instead let go of the staff and threw Jessica to the ground, falling on top of her in the process.

"Well, m'lady,?" he asked, breathing deeply. "Have I proven myself?"

Jesse couldn't keep from smiling. "You're too naive for your own good, chi'ara 8," she said. "Stop smiling."

"I am no chi'ara ," Ranzou protested.

Paige and I sat by the fire, laughing uncontrollably.

"He's earned his place on this mission," I said.
 

The floating castle of Laos,...
 

"Look what we've brought, my lord," his first assassin said, drawing Dragonwing. "Art thou impressed?"

"You've done well, but you two were the ones who wanted the damned sword to begin with, mind you," Laos said, indifferently.

"Now, we can repay that Princess Paige for sending her men on Cyan!"

"I sense a deep grudge here," Rufio smiled, showing off his fancy dragon-crested dagger. "This is for Kayin."

"Watch yourself, d'frane ," said the other assassin.

He remembered the assassin's story. "Two beautiful princesses screaming and pulling each other's hair, eh? Let's hear it."

"When we returned to our homeland," the other woman said, "we found it in ashes. I'm surprised she didn't remember."

"I saw the Angel's Crest flag waving high as the opposing army marched off," the first continued. "Our family was spared, but the kingdom was destroyed."

"You bore me with your tragic tales," Laos snorted. "All I want is to see the destruction of those who march against me. I want the kingdom of Angel's Crest."

"Kayin shall also pay for his crimes," Rufio growled.

"Don't be so petty," the first assassin sighed. "If you spoil this one for us..."

The heavy metal doors swung open again, and Laos's fortuneteller Sophia walked in.

"If the Princess is marching against you," Sophia began, "I can use this sword to bring your forces to her and stop her."

"Yes," Rufio grinned. "If you can, then, please, do it!"

The assassins handed Sophia the sword, and she in turn began her work. She held the sword by its handle, feeling the blade, and muttered a few words of magic.

When she was finished, she cast the sword into the air. It hovered in place, and it shone a bright ray forward, like a pool of light.

"This is your portal," Sophia said.

"You're on your own," Laos warned.

"Yes, m'lord," Rufio mumbled. "Are you two coming with me?"

"Y...yes," the two assassins said hesitantly.

The three of them stepped through the portal, which disappeared behind them.

The forest,...

"Keep your eyes open," I warned the group. "We're in his land now."

We were at the edge of the forest, still following the River Tallis. We could see an open plain, one that looked too much like a battleground.

"I think that's the valley of the staircase to Laos' castle," Paige said, pointing over a far-off hill.

We all turned and looked. We could see a great staircase leading up into the sky, beyond the clouds.

"We shouldn't try to get there tonight," Paige suggested.

Ranzou forced down a lump in his throat. "Let...Let's do that," he stumbled.

As we crossed the great plain, a strange white light appeared before us.

"Scatter!" I yelled, seeing three dark figures fall from the light at us.

"What the-?" shrieked Jessica.

A menacing-looking young man garbed in black took the lead as he and two masked women in combat attire walked forward to us.

"I've been waiting years for this, Kayin," he said.

"Reta noku b'ratium fenadri, l'fino'cres talpa! 9."

I signaled the others to back away. "Who are you?" I asked.

"You don't even remember me," he said. "I am Rufio of Fyra! Look at my face and remember!"

I saw a red scar crossing his right eye, but I still didn't remember who he was. How and why was I supposed to remember?

"I've fought many men," I warned him. "Have you come all the way from your homeland just for revenge?"

"We all have," one of the females muttered, pulling two pronged daggers from her waistband.

The other female pulled out a fan and flushed it, revealing a glimmering razor edge.

"Kayin is mine," the leader, Rufio, said, drawing his sword. "You can have the others."

"So be it, lanare ," I groaned. "It's your funeral."

I drew my Sabre.

Jesse only had her bracelets, and Ranzou had his wooden staff, but Paige was weaponless. Her pack contained a dagger, but she dropped it as she rolled away from her attacker, and it was too far to reach.

Those women looked lethal, too, and they were armed.

Rufio rushed at me and swung his sword. Pushing off his shoulders, I straightened my body and vaulted over him, then dared him to attack again.

"You should have known better to challenge me," I snarled. "I can do worse than a scar."

He screamed and charged again, but this time, I blocked his sword upward with my own and delivered a knee to his stomach. He hunched over, and he crashed to the floor after I delivered an elbow to his back.

This maniac was after my head, no doubt. I had to take him out.

Paige, Jesse, and Ranzou also had their hands full. The one armed with sais was attacking Paige in particular. Paige, by the same token, could only dodge or push away her attacks.

Her attacker thrust with one dagger, and Paige side-stepped the attack, grabbed the attacker's arm, and flipped her to the floor. Paige dealt a powerful backhand to the masked warrior's face as she struggled to get up. Finally, she was able to free herself, and she rolled to a safe distance, slashing Paige's arm as she escaped.

"You have no honor," Paige growled, curling her upper lip. "T'atra! Fighting an unarmed opponent."

"You ravaged my homeland," the attacker muttered. "You will pay!"

She attacked again.

Paige ducked to the ground, and spinning around with her right leg, she tripped her adversary.

"Ta fito malkane 0! " she yelled.

And so they fought their cat-and-mouse fight.

Jesse and Ranzou faired a little better, outnumbering their foe, who attacked theatrically with her bladed fan.

Ranzou thrust his staff forward, and the attacker kicked it to the floor and delivered an elbow to his face, then a spinning side-kick to his stomach.

"You should've protected your neck," she warned. "Next time I won't be as forgiving."

"Who are you?" Jesse yelled, lunging forward with a kick to her opponent's face. She connected, sending her attacker flying to the floor a few yards back.

She in turn flushed her fan and threw it. Jesse was barely able to duck out of its way. The fan turned around and flew back into the hands of its owner.

I had little time to worry about my friends, though. Rufio was obsessed with finding the most painful way he could kill me, and I could tell it was clouding his judgment. He left himself open to attack so many times I've lost count.

Finally I parried his attack, kicked the sword out of his hands, and kicked him in the face with a roundhouse and then a spinning side-kick. I grew weary of the senseless battle.

"Fall back," he called to his companions. "We shall fight again some day!"

The same bright light that brought them reappeared, and the three of them jumped through.

"Don't think this is over," Paige's enemy snarled, feeling the effects of Paige's attacks.

She grinned, "After all, you'll need your sword..."

Paige was left bent over on one knee. Between the wounds her enemy's sais inflicted and the power behind her knees, fists, and elbows, she could barely stand. The rest of us were in considerably better shape.

"I know...her," she moaned.

"Quiet," I told her. "Take it easy. We'll take care of you."

"We'll take care of your injuries," Jesse said. "Is anything broken?"

"N...no. Just...let me sleep."

"Only if you promise to wake up," I told her.

"It's not too bad, mahno'dra ," she whispered. "I'm just out of breath."

"You got cut up pretty bad, Princess," Ranzou said.

"They're just a few flesh wounds," Paige groaned, starting to feel a little better. "I'll just wash myself off in the river."

"Don't even think of the jewels," I warned her. "I'm coming with you."

"Whatever you say."

She leaned on my shoulder as we walked slowly down to the river's edge.