I resembled a god.

My massive warhorse, Blaze, layered in glistening gold-plated

armor and appropriate war paint, resembled a beast fit for a god. I
wore no war-helmet upon my head, opting instead to let the stiff
breeze blowing off the Eastern Sea to race through my jet-black hair
but every other inch of me was covered in armor polished and gleaming
in the brilliant late-afternoon sun. My number one War-General,
Lansing kept his tongue still over me not donning my helmet, but threw
me disapproving looks all the same. Lansing rode beside me a full pace
in front of the standard bearer who, in turn was followed by the rest
of the legion. Our banner, a black phoenix emblazoned on a field of
blood red, whipped proudly in the wind, displaying for all Ravencrest
to see that I had been victorious were so many others had met defeat.
War was over.
After seven grueling winters I, King Zyphran of Barrington, had
prevailed against the mighty forces of King Drakor of Carygrove.
Victory was mine, and it was complete. Now, my proud army of five
thousand cavalry, traveling in two disciplined columns, was en route
to the capitol city of Randor with its imposing, magic-laced Black
Fortress and fabled elite guards to present the head of the defeated
Drakor and to claim my hard-won prize; all the lands west of the Great
Mountain Divide, and the title of Lordship Zyphran, second-in-command
of all Ravencrest behind Overlord Ammen himself.
My reward was of epic proportions and it filled my chest with
great pride to have them bestowed upon me. I would be graced with
freedoms and privileges no other man besides the great Overlord had
ever known, all of which I planned on enjoying to the fullest extent.
I would want for nothing; no woman would be forbidden to me, no vice
denied me, and I would have my choice of owning any magic power I
chose. However, as splendid as all my gifts were, they were not what I
truly sought in Randor. My true reward, what I sought above
everything else, what I was willing to risk my kingdom and life for,
were the magical amulets known as Flames of Eternity.
The amulets were two fist-sized golden stones that were joined
together by a very powerful and ancient magic. Magic, it was whispered
by the warlocks of the realm, forged from the very Elders themselves.
It was well-known that whomever owned the amulets owned an eternal
life of invincibility and unimaginable power. These golden stone
amulets, these fabled Flames of Eternity was my ultimate prize. With
the stones in my possession I would be even mightier than Overlord
Ammen, I would be the supreme power in Ravencrest. The world, and
everything in it, would be my playthings.
The stones would not be so easily won, I knew. Legend told of the
stones great and powerful protector, the sorceress Regyna. No living
man had ever laid eyes upon the witch, though stories about her flowed
throughout the land like the eight waterfalls spilling into the
Eastern Sea. She was claimed to be beautiful beyond measure, with eyes
that could entrap your soul to do her bidding with a single look. Her
hair was said to be the color of the mid-day sunshine and flowed
around her like a graceful golden pond.
Every living creature, even a beautiful and powerful sorceress,
has its weakness. Regyna’s was love. Bards in every inn throughout the
land sang of how the lonely protector of the amulets just wanted a man
to love her for who she was and not for what she did. Immediately
after making love, the story went, the sorceress would fall into a
deep slumber, and her magic spell protecting the amulets would
dissolve until she awoke, leaving them free for the taking. Love. The
word almost turned black in my mouth. Such an emotion was surely a
sign of true and utter weakness. No man should be lead around by his
prick over any lass, sorceress or not.
Still, love was the name of Regyna’s game and I would be forced
to abide by her rules. I had heard the giggled whisperings of the
wenches back in my kingdom and knew that I was an attractive man in my
own right. My piercing ocean-blue eyes, high cheekbones and rugged
features hardly ever found my bedchambers devoid of willing female
companionship. I would seduce the witch, using all of my charm, wit
and influence wait her to tumble into the waiting arms of slumber.
Then I would run my blade through her black, magic-corroded heart just
to be extra sure her wicked spell was removed, then the Flames of
Eternity, and all the power and glory that came with them would be
mine. The thought caused a sly grin to spread across my face, and I
ran my hand through my thick black beard.
Lansing, ever the observant one, raised an eyebrow and gave me a
quizzical look. “Entertaining thoughts, My Lord?”
“Of the most exquisite kind,” I replied, unable to keep the
laughter out of my voice. Lansing opened his mouth for a retort but
quickly changed his mind. Lately, he his tongue had become looser with
me and it was not a habit I cared for very much. A true ruler should
never be questioned by his lessers; even by such a beloved and trusted
friend like my dear Lansing. And never in front of his men who saw and
judged everything with raptor-like eyes and suspicious minds.
Finally, Lansing did speak. “We should be well within sight of
Randor’s mighty towers by now. Yet, they send no escort out to greet
us? This is insolence, My Lord.”
I held up my hand to silence my most trusted friend. “Put it
away, Lansing. The day is ours. Let nothing spoil it. Randor will send
the escorts. Patience be upon you.”
Lansing turned his head away from me and spat on the ground. I
couldn’t see the anger burning behind his cold, gray eyes, but I knew
it was there just the same. Lansing was a warrior through-and-through
and the thought of peace didn’t sit well in his stomach. To him,
strength and respect was gained on a battlefield with a blade, not
with fancy words and great festivals. He knew nothing of my plans to
win the amulets, and supreme power over Ravencrest, and I dared not
tell him. Best to let the fighter stew in his own juices then to take
any unnecessary chances.
“Do you think the Sorceress of the Stones really exists?” asked
Lansing out of nowhere. I immediately tensed in my leather saddle. His
voice, however, was inquisitive, not prodding. I realized he was
merely curious. He was a man of flesh-and-blood after all, the idea of
such a divine magical creature must be just as enticing to him as it
was to me. Though, I suspected, for very different reasons.
I let another smile play across my lips. “Aye,” I said with a
nod. “I’m counting on it.”

I could feel the army before I could see them, the gentle
vibration of the ground caused in the wake of thousands of hooves
beating against the earth as they carried the army towards us. I was
alone in my awareness of what was coming; others unable to feel the
vibrations went about their lives, visiting the small inns and vendors
who lined the dusty streets of Randor.
Glancing at the towers above, the large black pillars standing
high over the city, meant to alert of potential dangers but though I
could tell the guards were on alert I knew they had not yet sent word
to the city officials that such a large group approached.
Tucking my shawl around my shoulders, I turn and make my way to
the city’s edge, my straight black hair hanging loosely over my face,
covering my pale blue eyes as if I was hiding myself from others. Not
that many paid much attention to me, with my pale ivory skin and thin
sickly frame most just passed me by, those who did take time to notice
me, just gave a sympathetic smile before going on their way.
In a city this large it was easy to blend, not draw attention
to yourself, I was a loner, wandering the city, taking in what new
goods the merchants had created or on rare occasion received in the
few shipments that found their way to the city. I was accepted for my
coin, and willingness to spend it. If not for that, I am sure they
would have tried to cast me out.
I smiled at the thought of them casting me away, never knowing my
true identity or true appearance. If they only knew who I was and what
power I possessed I was sure to have been treated different.
To most, my true identity was nothing more than a fable, a
fairytale passed down through generation to generation. I had to laugh
as I thought about the variations of the tale that had reached my ears
through the years. Some said I was an enchantress, others a sorceress,
some claimed I was a witch. I guess you could call me a combination of
all the above, yet more. With the Flames of Eternity in my possession,
I had powers and gifts that most men could not even conjure in their
wildest imaginations.
I stop at one of the last vendors lining the entrance to the
city, the smell of fresh baked bread too tempting to pass. Exchanging
several coins with the young girl selling the bread I move to the side
of her shack to watch the oncoming cloud of dust heading for town.
I was amused by the ignorance of the people around me, ignoring the
coming danger, the change that is riding in upon us.
Lifting my hand to shield my eyes from the glare of the hot
afternoon sun, I watch as small black forms start to take hold in the
dust as the army nears. The dark specs become larger and slowly I can
make out the horses and then the men that ride upon them. As I see
the flag carried by the guard I stand taller, knowing what this means.
The rumors were untrue; King Zyphran had won the war, not King Drakor
as was thought.
I turn, glancing back over the city I can only wonder at what
this will mean for the people of Randor. They had suffered under the
greed of Overlord Ammen and now as the army neared, even I did not
have the power to see what the future would bring. Would King Zyphran
have the power to unseat the Overlord or would he be just another
minion to the mighty lord, doing his bidding?
“Selena?”
I jump as a hand touches lightly to my shoulder and I turn to see
my best friend Lilly looking worried as she watches the cloud of dust
grow closer. Her slightly crooked front teeth biting down upon her lip
nervously as she twists at her long auburn hair with her finger.
“Lilly, you scared me.” I smile at her gently. “Yes, it is King
Zyphran; I can just make out the flag.” As I speak horses speed past
us as a group of the elite guard rush to greet the incoming visitors.
“King Zyphran, but I thought . . .” Lilly bites down on her lip
even harder as worry feels her eyes.
Placing a hand on her arm, I pull her closer to the shacks wall as
we try to avoid the dust from the horses. “Fear not Lilly, I am sure
it is nothing. We have no need to worry, I have heard stories of King
Zyphran and though he is powerful and conquers many, he is not known
for his bloodlust. I am sure he is just come to claim his prize and be
on his way.”
“Selena, we must go, they are almost here.” Lilly pulled at my
arm, trying to pull me back through the town with her away from the
approaching army.
Shaking her off I laughed, “Oh calm yourself, they are not going
to harm us. They come in peace, not in war. Our guard is escorting
them in. Stay with me Lilly, perhaps your future husband rides amongst
them.” I teased knowing her yearning to find a male and raise a
family.
Immediately her demeanor changed, her eyes turning hopeful. “Do
your really think so?” Her eyes searched over the mass of men upon
horseback that were now visible just a few hundred feet from the city
gates. “There are a lot of them aren’t there.” She was biting at her
lip again, this time not in fear but curiosity and anticipation.
I laughed. “Yes Lilly, I would guess several thousand, come now,
let us watch as they enter.” I pulled her once again to the side of
the shack and ignored the squeeze of her hand nervously on my arm.
A cloud of heavy dust and the odor of sweat and beast filled the
air as we stood side by side. Randor’s elite guard approached the
gates first,in full armor sitting high as they led the masses into the
city. A gasp went though the crowd as they realized who was being
led.
King Zyphran sat proudly on his steed flanked by his men as they
walked through the gate, his eyes scanning over the crowd as if
searching for danger or threats. As his gaze met mine I knew I was
wrong. He had not come just to seek his reward, he had come seeking
me.

Lansing leaned close to me, “I’ll enter first, my lord. If there

is an ambush waiting for us, I’d wish not to have you walk into it.”
I thought my number one War-General was overreacting, yet I
reigned in my eagerness and came to a dead stop while Lansing waved a
few of his men forward. Behind me I heard the jangling choir of armor
ringing out as thousands of troops came to a halt.
The guards of Randor had finally come to greet us and escort my
army into the capitol city. Lansing had looked bitter when I had
pointed them out on the horizon; there was nothing the blond warrior
loved better than a good battle, and finding insult with another
kingdom was the best fodder possible to start a war. Even now his body
was tense and his eyes hard and alert. I wondered if the man ever
fully relaxed. Somehow, I doubted it.
The head guard of Randor, a beefy looking man with a barrel chest
and dark eyes, approached us with extreme caution. I was sure that
Lansing’s reputation for being a fierce and ruthless warrior had
preceded us here; like an ill wind it preceded him wherever he went,
and the guard wasn’t looking to start a fight.
He bowed respectfully in front of me. “King Zyphran, we are most
honored to have you and your men among us as our guests. Overlord
Ammen is looking forward to receiving you in his grand hall, and a
formal dinner shall be held for all the kingdom tonight in your honor.”
The last thing in the world I wanted to do was suffer through a
long and tedious formal dinner, even though I understood it was custom
and therefore necessary. If Overlord Ammen had not held such a
banquet, that could just be the kind of insult Lansing would need to
draw his sword and declare war. Best not to mess with the beast.
I nodded my head in a respectful acknowledgment of the guard. “On
behalf of all my men, we thank you for your hospitality and we’re
honored by your Overlord’s kind gesture. I look forward to meeting him
in his grand hall, and am even more eager to partake of the fine meal.
The quality of food in Randor is legendary throughout all of
Ravencrest. Why, my mouth is watering already.”
Lansing snorted and I gave him a stern look to let him know such
behavior would not be tolerated; seven years of war was quite enough.
I had no desire to start another one before the corpses of the last
one had even cooled. We were going to Randor so I could receive my
prize and nothing more. I didn’t wish for our visit to be under the
roof of hostility. Until I had my lands and title, all I had was a
promise from a very fickle man. Overlord Ammen had been known to
change his mind before and too much was to be won to take the chance
on making the man reconsider his vow to me.
“Please, my lord, if you’ll follow me. I’ll escort you through
our city and to the Overlord. I must warn you, however, our streets
are lined with citizens eager to get a look at the king that defeated
Carygrove.”
“Duly noted,” I said.
Lansing’s eyes became even harder, if such were possible. I
understood the reason for his stormy expression completely. He was
tasked with the daunting duty of keeping me alive; the news that the
streets were going to be lined with commoners just made his job that
much more daunting. A part of my heart felt for him, while another
part enjoyed watching him squirm.
We traveled the short distance to the gates of Randor in silence,
though I’m sure all five thousand of my troops could feel the tension
and anger pouring out of Lansing. As could the small escorting party
from the capitol city. I tried to keep my smile at bay, which was by
no means an easy task. An uncomfortable War-General was a very
beneficial thing. It had kept me alive on more than one occasion. I
trusted it to do so now.
I could hear the din from the people long before I could see
them. It sounded like thousands of hooves upon sword-steel; not an
altogether unpleasant sound, but not one you could stand to listen to
for very long either. The noise assaulted us like angry insects, and
with every step we took, Lansing fell a little deeper into his
bloodlust.
As we crossed the threshold proper, the music started as the
musicians lining the avenues strummed their guitars and blew into
their fancy-looking horns. The green flags of Randor were everywhere,
hanging down from tall windows, and held aloft by young children
dashing in front of us like jackals.
None of my men had ever been this close to a city as large and
splendid as Randor, and they gawked at everything with wide eyes and
open mouths. All except Lansing that was. He scanned the throng of
onlookers with a trained eye and a warrior’s heart, one hand on the
pommel of his sword, the other in a tight fist. The deeper we went
into the massive city, however, we saw our own flags mixed in with the
green of Randor’s banners, and curiosity turned to cheers of welcome
from the people dotting the streets and hanging out of windows. It
was a true hero’s welcome.
A mile or so into the city, we were met by Randor’s Grand
Noblemen, who stood apart from the escorting party by their crisp
green tunics and snow white gloves. All of them were bearded and bore
serious looks.
The official welcoming was about to commence. This is where the
fun of the whole ordeal would be stripped away for me. I had no
patience to deal with pomp and circumstance. I’d much rather just be
brought to Overlord Ammen, be granted my title and land, and be done
with the whole thing. Anything that delayed that from happening was
just a maddening waste of time in my eyes.
That’s when I saw her.
She was a thin, dark-haired girl no older than twenty, but with
knowing blue eyes that seemed to be much older than the rest of her.
She was huddled off to one side along with another girl who was biting
her lip and looking as uncomfortable as Lansing. I could care less
about the lip-biter, she was utterly unimportant. The dark-haired one
had so completely captured my attention that I found it impossible not
to stare.
“My lord,” Lansing said in his usual harsh tone. “Is there a
problem? Do you detect a threat?”
My eyes locked onto the dark-haired angel’s as I slowly shook my
head. “No. I detect no threat, Lansing. You can stand down.”
“Might I inquire then why you have decided to ignore the official
greeting of the Noblemen? They do seem rather annoyed with being made
to wait.”
“Do you see her, Lansing?”
“Who, my lord? I see many hers. Which one in specific has
caught your eye?”
“The dark-haired one, in the gray and white dress. The one next
to the sow biting her lip.” I pointed and Lansing’s eyes followed my
direction; he was clearly not pleased by what he saw, as evidenced by
his snort of disdain.
“Surely my lord does not mean the -- the dark-haired one? My
lord, are your eyes serving you correctly? I see no dark-haired
female.”
“Are you blind, man?” I said in clear annoyance. I turned to face
my War-General who still had his gaze locked in the direction I had
pointed. “Right there, you bloody fool. Next to the ugly one biting
her lip. By the cart. Oh, for the love of all that’s holy, Lansing.
How can you miss her?”
The blond warrior took some time before he answered me. He never
removed his gaze, and I knew for a fact that he had found my dark-
haired beauty. A strange expression overtook his ruggedly handsome
features, and I watched the change in him the way a child might watch
an approaching storm. There was a definite softening to his eyes, and
his mouth, which was always set in a hard thin line, seemed to relax.
In fact, the man came dangerously close to smiling. It was the oddest
thing I’d ever seen. “My lord,” he said at last. I could tell just
by his tone that he was choosing his words carefully, “I see the
wench biting her lip by the cart clear enough. However, the girl
standing next to her isn’t dark-haired, but rather has locks the color
of sunshine on the most perfect summer day, and eyes blue enough to
rival the Eastern Sea. She is, quite literally, the most exquisite
creature I have ever laid eyes upon.”
I looked again thinking perhaps I might’ve been mistaken in my
assessment before. Lansing sounded so sure in his description that
the cocky bastard had me doubting myself. Perhaps the sun was
reflecting in an odd manner and I got her hair-color wrong. Yet, when
I turned my head back to the girls standing by the cart, I knew I had
made no mistake; she had dark hair, was thin as the reeds along the
lagoon that faced the southern wall of my castle, and had the palest
complexion I’ve ever seen, almost as if she was made of milk.
Lansing was correct in one thing however, she was the most
beautiful girl I had ever seen. I knew not her name, nor her story,
but I knew as surely as I was standing there that I was in love with
her.
With a mighty tug on my shoulders, Lansing pried me away from my
view of the dark-haired angel, and dragged me in front of Randor’s
Noblemen. Ceremony might be a grand waste of time, but it must be
observed, no matter my feelings for it. Yet, as the first Nobleman
blathered on about great honor and deep respect and brave warriors, I
stole another glance at the cart where the angel in the gray and white
dress had been standing. All I needed to get me through this boring
bit of statesmanship was one more look at her. Yet, my eyes could not
find her. I scanned all over the area, knowing that she couldn’t have
gone too far, but was unable to locate her before my duties as king
forced me to turn my attention back to the ancient lot before me and
mutter my very cordial, and completely fabricated, responses.
I had seen her but only briefly, yet her image was forever burned
into my memory. I would make it my mission to discover who she was
before we left Randor. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Lansing
stealing his own long look in the direction of where my angel had been
standing. His eyes were hard as stone again, and his mouth had
returned to its normal thin line. Apparently, he couldn’t locate the
mysterious blonde-haired woman he had spotted before either. Perhaps,
I thought with a morbid and unexplainable panic, the ground here in
Randor was filled with trapdoors leading to cold and gray dungeons,
and my new love had tragically fallen prisoner to Overlord Ammen. With
a shake of my head, I banished such foolishness. My angel was safe
and sound, and couldn’t be very far from me.
That would just have to satisfy me until I could discover who she
was and have her brought to me. I would gladly give up my quest to
win the fabled Flames of Eternity if it meant I could own the love of
my dark-haired angel.

The moment our eyes met, I grabbed Lilly’s hand. “We must go now
Lilly, before the crowds become too large and we are unable to move
through the streets. Your father will worry if you are late, even with
all the excitement throughout the city.”
I could not let her see my worry, and using her overprotective
father was the perfect excuse to get her moving. With a final glance
back towards the King, I watch as he points me out to his guard, two
sets of heated eyes taking me in, both men ignoring the celebration
around them as they watch Lilly and I.
Throwing a cloak of invisibility over us, I start to move. I know
that it will only take us a moment to get lost in the throngs of
people who are still coming forth to greet the King as news of his
arrival spread through the city.
“But Selena, I want to watch, I have time yet. Father will
understand this one time.” Lilly’s voice pleaded as she tugged back on
my arm to stop me from moving. Her brown eyes beseeching as she looked
back over the incoming army.
Reaching a hand out I grab Lilly’s chin and turn her to look at
me. “You know your father will not understand, he will listen to no
excuses. Come we must go now.”
With a exaggerated sigh and a final glance back at the armored men
who were starting to pass us by she nodded and we took off, weaving
and dodging our way towards the center of the city.
As we ran down the street, I tried to understand the warning I
had felt at this man’s gaze. Many had come in hopes of finding the
legendary Flames of Eternity but it had been years since any posed a
threat to the stones or me. Something about this King was different;
somehow he would be the one to challenge me.
As we neared the center of the city, we slowed to a walk, the
crowds had thinned and we moved freely down the dirt roadway. I lifted
the invisibility cover from us as we neared Lilly’s home. Vendors and
merchants, smiled and waved at us as we passed, their eyes hopeful
that we might stop and buy something. Politely waving back, I wanted
nothing more than to see Lilly to safety and return to the stones to
insure their protection.
“Did you see them all? Do you really think that one of them could
be my fated husband?” Lilly asked dreamily.
I could not help but laugh. “There is a good chance, but you must
be careful. Many of those men have been out in battle for a long time,
they will be seeking female companionship, and you do not want to be
used by them just for a night or two. Promise me you will stay away
from them unless I am with you, Lilly. You must not trust them.”
She nodded and I was not sure she even understood what I was
speaking about. Lilly had always been shy, and her father protective
of his only child. I knew that she had few life experiences that would
have prepared her for the desires I knew many of these men had.
When I had found Lilly, she was a young girl of maybe sixteen.
She was hiding behind some barrels of ale behind her father’s Inn,
her nose bleeding and dress torn. I had taken her to my home on the
city’s edge and cleaned her up. Giving her a cup of hot cider, she had
finally told me that she had angered her father by showing up late to
help in the kitchen. My rage at her father’s actions was instant and I
had to hold myself back from taking the man’s life myself at what he
had done to his own child. From that day on, I had made sure to stop
by the Inn and visit with Lily, to make sure she was safe and when
needed use my magic to keep her safe from her father, be it changing
his memories of events, or even simply causing him to stumble to give
Lilly time to run.
I knew the day was coming when I would have her move into my home
and help her learn how to be on her own, make a life for herself. Even
I could not help but be hopeful that one of the many men who had just
rode into town, might be the one to rescue her from her personal hell.
Show her the love that she deserved to find.
As we approached the backside of the inn, I used my powers to
reach out and find her father; he was in one of the bedrooms with a
serving maid. Shaking my head, I hugged Lilly. “Go inside, you will
be safe. I will come by tonight and we can go for a stroll as the sun
sets. By then things around the streets should have calmed.”
She nodded apprehensively and opened the door. “Thank you, Selena.
Thank you for being my friend.” Turning she ran inside leaving me
alone.
I smiled as I thought about how alike we were, both yearning for
more; to run away from the lives we were given, for freedom to live.
Lilly had no idea of my true identity, no one did. It was a risk I
could not take, no matter how close the friend, how trusted they were.
For the stones to get into the wrong hands would be too big a risk for
me to take. I would forgo the simplest dreams and pleasures to keep
them safe, even my one greatest desire. Love.
Moving into the shadows, I will myself to the caves that sat high
above the city to the West. Though I had a house within the city,
this was my home, the one place I could be myself without the cover
of illusion. As I step deeper into the cave, I drop the spell and my
true form comes forth, long blonde hair flowing behind me in waves as
I walk, my skin taking on its natural gentle glow almost illuminating
the path as I walk.
Heading towards the deepest cavern in the cave to where I keep the
stones, I can feel their energy before I can see them. I know they
are safe. The cave protected by spells that even the most profound
sorcerer would have trouble sensing, the entrance not visible to any
human eye. The glow from the stones almost pulsing from around them
as if they were alive. I was still in awe every time I saw them; even
centuries after having them passed into my care, I still felt the same
excitement as that first day.
Walking a few steps, I stand over them as they sit upon a large
pillar of ivory. Two beautiful diamond stones, golden in color, the
strong points at the end of each connected to the other with magic.
Nothing surrounds them, they are open to touch if one dared; protected
by my spells and powers. Death would be instant to anyone who dared
try to touch them while I was awake, and I was always awake. I had
never slept, the only time I would sleep is after taking a lover, and
I had yet to find one that I could trust to do so.
As the glow warms my skin I remember back, I was a young girl of
fourteen, my mother stood beside me. I could hear her words still as
clear as the day she had spoke them. “The time has come, Selena for me
to pass these on to you, it is now up to you to protect the World from
the dangers that this could bring. Your life is not your own anymore,
you now are protector and keeper of the Flames of Eternity. They must
always be your first priority, nothing must come before them. You
sacrifice much to save many.”
In the next few hours she had told me everything I needed to know
about them, how to use them, the power they possessed and the evil
they could cause in the wrong hands. I listened and forced every word
to my memory. Overwhelmed and in awe, I stared at the glow for hours,
never taking my eyes from the stones as we talked. It was as if they
were feeding me my power, I felt myself grow stronger, the magic
burning inside me.
“How will I know mother, how will I know when the time comes to
use them, or to pass them on?” Unblinking the light from the stones
illuminated my eyes. I desired what they gave me, needed to be fed by
their power.
“Someday love will find you, when you give your heart to a man and
your body, in the way a woman does, you will sleep a long slumber.
While you sleep, the powers protecting the stones is dropped and you
and the stones will be vulnerable. If he who you love is true, the
stones and you will be safe. From this joining a child will be born,
a daughter. You will pass the stones on to her at her fourteenth
birthday as I have done to you. If his heart is not true, he may kill
you, steal the stones. I do not want to tell you what would happen to
the world if this should happen. You must not fail.”
Turning away from the stones, I wander back to the cave entrance
willing myself invisible again I look down the high cliff walls over
the city below. The procession is still going on. I use my superior
eyesight to watch the King. He looks bored but plays along with the
dignitaries as he must. I can’t help but feel drawn to him, he is
handsome and strong. The stories of his fearless conquests spread
through cities and towns.
With a shake of my head, I push thoughts of his attractiveness
from my mind. I cannot be distracted. I had prepared many years to
protect the stones and the time had finally come to do so. As I
watched King Zyphran from above, I can’t help but wonder if I am
ready.

2
The Grand Hall of Castle Randor was breathtaking. It spread out
before Lansing and I high and vaulted. Massive iron chandeliers
dangled from the ceiling and colorful tapestries covered the walls; a
formidable throne at its far end. The throne was made out of highly-
polished marble and carved with runes and ruts that had sparkling gems
in them. The bottom step was formed like dragon’s claws; which made
sense, since the dragon was Randor’s symbol. Perched on the throne,
wearing a splendid golden crown, brilliant green tunic and eyes has
hard as diamonds, was Overlord Ammen.
I heard Lansing’s quick intake of breath at the sight that laid
before us. “Any words of advice for me, my lord?”
“Do not avert your eyes from his,” I answered as quietly as I
could. “We’ve already established eye-contact. To break it now would
be taken as a sign of weakness on our part.”
“Oh, fret not, my lord. I have no intentions of taking my eyes
off him.”
“Good man.”
We took careful steps towards the ruler of all Ravencrest, me out
front as etiquette demanded and Lansing a respectful pace behind.
Ammen studied us all the while with a disinterested look and twitching
ringed fingers. I knew his bored expression was merely a mask. He was
very keen to see how far we’d go before halting and waiting for him to
call us forth the rest of the way. This was a very tricky bit of
statesmanship; to go too far was a gross sign of disrespect against
him and Randor, don’t go far enough, and it would be admitting that my
kingdom of Barrington was weak and therefore unworthy of the great
honors being bestowed upon me. After all, I was to be Ammen’s second-
in-command. Showing the proper balance of respect and strength was a
very fine line, but one I was fully expected to walk with perfect
precision.
When I passed the half-way point to the throne, Lansing bristled
and made a low warning sound in his throat. Making my War-General
uncomfortable was one of my favorite pastimes; and I had been doing so
since we were small children.
Lansing had been left for dead in a grove near Castle Barrington
as an infant. As the fates would have it, I was the one who found him
wrapped in a blue cloak lodged between the roots of a huge oak tree
screaming for all he was worth. I could’ve carried him, yet somehow
that thought never occurred to me, so I unceremoniously dragged the
newborn Lansing by his cloak to where my Pa was crouched low hunting
hares. It took me a good long while to reach my Pa, for I kept getting
distracted by chasing butterflies and grasshoppers, however, whenever
I started dragging him again, Lansing stopped blubbering and became
quiet. How Pa missed the racket is a mystery, but the look on his face
when he saw what I what I dragging behind me was one I’ll never
forget.
Lansing has been with me everyday since then. I love him like a
brother. However, keeping true to the duties of a big brother, I never
missed an opportunity to push him past his limits and boundaries.
Just as I was doing now by walking much closer to Overlord
Ammen’s throne than he was comfortable with. Had the situation not
been so important to my future, I would’ve had to fight back a grin.
However, if the situation wasn’t of such import, Lansing wouldn’t be
shuffling his feet behind me like an old maid trying to pull a
stubborn ox.
Suddenly, I dropped to one knee before the throne. A moment
later, I heard Lansing do the same thing with an irritated growl that
was meant only for my ears. Once we were in our private chambers, I
knew I’d be hearing all about how I failed to give him our prearranged
signal letting him know when I planned on stopping.
I bowed my head and draped an arm across my knee like I was
about to be knighted and said, “Overlord Ammen, I am your humble and
loyal servant. I have come, as summoned by your official degree, to
stand before you and be humbled by your generosity and greatness. I
am honored beyond words to be accepted as a guest in your beautiful
home.”
“King Zyphran,” he said at long last. “Thank you for the respect
you’ve shown to me. You, and only you, may rise and come to me.”
I rose and stepped towards the highly polished marble throne in
measured paces. “My lord. As is custom when you are an invited guest
in someone’s home, I have brought you a gift.” I reach into the
sheath that I usually kept my sword and withdrew an ornamental blade
wrapped very carefully in the finest blue silk. I presented the sword
as an offering in both hands to Ravencrest’s ruler. His steel-gray
eyes study my gift but his weather-worn face remained expressionless.
He didn’t fool me in the least. The man’s great love for
weaponry was legendary throughout all Ravencrest. I knew he wouldn’t
be able to hold to custom if he was offered a high-quality blade, and
the one I had settled on as his gift was a real work of art. The
pommel was made of the finest leather Barrington had to offer, and was
studded with rubies and emeralds and other gems. The blade was crafted
of the strongest steel, and even though it cost me handsomely, I had
insisted that a thin strip of pure diamond be forged down the center
of the blade from tip to pommel. It was magnificent. A true testament
of Barrington’s superior craftsmanship, which we were known for
throughout all Ravencrest. Any sword made in Barrington would be
suitable as a gift, even for the Overlord himself, but this particular
weapon was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
He took the bait.
Finally, Ammen rose from his throne and stepped down to accept
his blade. He took it into his hands with the greatest care and met my
gaze with glowing eyes. “Custom degrees that I wait until after the
official banquet to open this marvelous gift. However, if you will
grant me the leniency of that barbaric custom, so that I may unwrap
this truly fine gift now, I will grant you one request. You may use
this request to ask for anything within my kingdom, and it shall be
granted to you, King Zyphran. Do you accept these terms?”
Playing him had been so much child’s play. I knew he would try to
bypass custom by offering to grant me a request, for that was his way.
The march from my castle in Barrington to Overlord Ammen’s was spent
on forming my request, and there was only one thing in this world I
wanted; Regyna, the mystical Sorceress of the Stones, keeper of the
Flames of Eternity. I had every word carefully planned out. I wanted
to leave no doubt in Ammen’s mind that my gift to him was of such high
caliber as to justify my outlandish request.
“I find that your generous offer is far too delicious to bypass,
my lord,” I said with my well-rehearsed smile spreading across my
lips. “I accept your terms with great pleasure.”
“Excellent, King Zyphran.” He turned his back on me and walked
slowly back onto his throne, as if he was afraid he would shrivel up
and blow away if he was off it for too long. Like a child with a new
toy, Ammen ripped the silk covering off the sword and stared in open-
mouthed wonderment at his new weapon. His look pleased me greatly. I
knew I could ask for Regyna’s head to be delivered to me on a silver
platter and it would be done within the hour.
I had every intention of fulfilling my planned request, however
I found myself utterly amazed at the words that tumbled out of my
mouth. “My lord, as we were being escorted through your marvelous
city, my attention was captured, quite completely I must admit, by a
thin dark-haired girl in a gray and white dress. I only saw her for
the briefest of moments, you understand, but I’ll remember her always.
“For my request, in exchange for forgoing custom, I’d like to
be granted full ownership of her, and be allowed to take her back to
Barrington with me when I leave your most gracious hospitality. If
such a request would be found as acceptable to you, my lord.”
Ammen never hesitated. He smiled an oily grin, tilted his head
and with a dismissive wave of his hand said, “Granted. I shall order
her found immediately. This . . . request of yours will be presented
to you during your dinner tonight when I grant you your land and
title.” His smile deepened, and I knew he couldn't believe my request
was so light in the wake of giving him such an exquisite gift. “Your
rooms have already been prepared. My servants will escort you and see
to your needs. You still have a few hours before the banquet tonight.
Rest well, King Zyphran. Something tells me this night is going to be
extraordinary.”

Curiosity had been the downfall of many and as I paced the cave,
I wondered if it would be mine. I had never cared for matters of the
city. I blended, made my way from vendor to vendor trying to spread
my wealth and help those in need prosper, but I had no need for the
politics of Overlord Ammen. I knew that he was not a leader who cared
for his people, but only his own gain. Many of the city’s residents
suffered under his greed, going hungry and living in poverty when
he would steal goods from them or failed to assist those in need.
However, as I thought over the day’s events I could not help the call
in my heart to attend tonight’s banquet.
It had been years since I had wandered the castle halls,
taken on the form of a maid to gain access to the Overlords’s chambers
to seek information I had needed. I knew that I would never be welcome
to the banquet as sickly Selena; I would need a new persona, and new
look. If I was to be in attendance, I would also need an invitation.
Closing my eyes, I drew into my power and willed myself
to my home with in the city’s limits. It was a simple wooden home,
well kept and one of the nicer ones that lined the streets of Randor.
Flowers and small shrubs lined the edge of the home in assortments of
sizes and colors. I enjoyed nature’s beauty and took enjoyment and
planting and caring for that which I grew. Lilly and I spent many
hours in the small area behind my house where a garden grew the fresh
fruits and vegetables that we sold or gave to those in need.
I took the form as Selena once more as I appeared in my room
beside the bed, always careful that any neighbor who might be watching
would never see my true form while I was in the city limits. Moving
from the bedroom to the kitchen I found what I needed, a simple white
piece of parchment. I let the magic flow through my body as I seek
out what I needed. Finding the vision of an elderly man sitting in a
small room of the castle as he scrolled in old writing invitations to
all those invited to attend tonight’s events. I let the magic flow to
my fingers, a gentle glow emanating from them as I laid them upon the
paper. When my eyes opened, I held a perfectly scripted invitation in
my hands. Smiling to myself like a giddy teen, I had to laugh at the
excitement I felt at attending such a grand event. It was not often I
allowed myself to enjoy the finer things in life. Too much of it would
draw attention to myself and attention was never good for one with
secrets such as I had.
Next, I needed a gown. I closed my eyes once more and let
my hands slide down the simple peasant dress that I wore, I could
feel the chill of magic as my dress was transformed into a gown. A
brilliant lavender dress with layers of satin and lace fit perfectly
to my body. I glanced in the small looking glass that hung on the
wall and frowned at the image I saw. Selena’s frail from and pale
skin and hollow eyes looking back at me. Once more, I let the magic
flow around me and changed my appearance. I kept the dark brown hair
but added body, so it flowed in waves and curls down the center of
my back. Next, I changed my skin, darkening it to a deep olive tone,
setting off my new eye color of deep forest green.
A sudden rapping on the door startled me and I jumped as I
reprimand myself for not paying closer attention to my surroundings,
too caught up in my princess fantasy to have noticed those who
approached my home. Turning with swiftness, I open the door. Standing
before me are two elite guards in full uniform. My mind reeled with
wonder at what they could want.
“Excuse us milady. We are searching for a young girl named
Selena and were told that she resides here. Would she be in?” The
young guard tried to look around me as he spoke as the other guard
walked around the side of the house.
Keeping my composure, I smile. “I am afraid you have missed
my cousin, she left to watch the King’s arrival and has yet to return.
Might I give her a message?” I step back opening the door wider
allowing him to look past me to the empty room.
He frowns and glances to the other guard off to the side. “If
you would allow might we search the home? We are on orders from
Overlord Ammen to bring Miss Selena back to the castle with us.” He
starts forward before I can respond.
Having nothing to lose I step aside as he steps in. I follow
him to the center of the room and wait while he searches the three
small rooms of my home. His frown deepening as he realizes that his
search will come up empty.
Stopping before me, he smiles. “Thank you for allowing us
to search, should your cousin arrive could you please escort her
to the nearest guard that you find. This is of urgent matter to our
Overlord.”
“It would be my pleasure to do so. Nevertheless, I fear
my cousin has a mind of her own and it may be days before she even
returns home or contacts me to let me know she is safe. You know how
the young ones are now days.” I smile as I wonder at what need they
would have of me at the castle.
Turning, he sees the invitation sitting on the table and
smiles. “I see you will be in attendance tonight. It will be a grand
event. I hope that you enjoy yourself. Thank you for your assistance
and we wish you well.”
Giving a slight nod, I watch as they leave, I hear the orders
for one guard to remain and keep an eye on the house for Selena’s
return. I let out a long sigh; tonight was taking on a more serious
turn than I had even thought. Not only do I need to find out more
about King Zyphran but now I needed to find out why Overlord Ammen was
seeking me as well.
Looking up at the sky, I step back into the house. It was near
time to leave for the castle. My home, being one of the nicer ones in
town, was closer to the court than most others were. It would take me
a few minutes to reach the outer gates. I grabbed the invitation and
headed on my way ignoring the looks I received as I walked down the
street. I was a new face in town and I was on foot instead of using
a coach. It was a calculated risk not arriving with coach, one that
would draw unwanted attention to me but I lived close enough I hoped
it would be overlooked.
As I walked down the street, I took in the excitement around
me, musicians played as residents hoping to sneak a glance at the
festivities waited around the castle’s grounds. Children stood on
their parents shoulders watching the magnificent coaches decorated in
gold trim roll up to the gates seeking entrance.
I could not understand the need for such luxuries and waste.
I had lived centuries and had watched many suffer in need while others
wasted their money on lavish items such as these. I never understood
why they refused to help those less fortunate while flaunting their
wealth for others to see. I had learned long ago that an act of
charity was remembered much longer than the glint and glamour of gold.
Reaching the main gate, I stood in the long line of
dignitaries and rich who had just arrived seeking admittance. I forced
myself to wait and follow procedure, when I could have just willed
myself into the shadows of the grounds and bypassed waiting in the hot
afternoon sun.
Those around me watched me cautiously; I was not one they
knew, they whispered behind painted fans as they tried to place me
and my position. I laughed inwardly at their vain need to know and how
they would react if they knew me in either of my other forms. Sickly
Selena would be chastised and chased from the line while Regyna would
be welcomed as they attempted to lure her treasure from her.
“Invitation please.” The guard called to me as I stepped
forth.
I handed it to him and gave a small curtsy as he looked it
over and nodded. “Lady Isabella, please enjoy your evening.”
I smiled and stepped through the gate and onto the castle
ground making the short walk up to the castle steps. As I looked up at
the castle above me, I could not help but glance even higher to cliffs
over town and to the cave that held my cherished stones. As if they
knew I was looking towards them, I felt their power flow through me as
I made my way up the steps and into the castle.
Even though I had been inside the castle before I was still
in awe as I took in the high vaulted ceilings, the deep chiseled
sculptures and magnificent artwork that surrounded me. Gold glistened
from everywhere, reflecting on itself sending a shimmering of lights
dancing across the entry. I took it all in as I walked further in and
was greeted by more guards motioning me towards the large Banquet
Chamber.
This room was darker, done in mahogany and deep reds. Large
round etched columns lined the room. Tables lined the floor and people
took their seats, readying themselves for King Zyphran’s arrival.
Several groups of people milled around the sides of the room accepting
wine and light refreshments while they waited for dinner to be served.
I took the chance to wander and listen to conversations. Most were
still in surprise of Zyphran’s victory. Others talked of what his
reward would be. I listened bored as I searched for information I
desired, wandering from group to group with polite nods and smiles.
As I came across several servants standing to the side of
the hall I finally got what I desired as they talked of the gift that
King Zyphran had presented to the lord. I listened as they described
a wonderful jeweled sword, stopping and turning towards them as they
started to discuss Zyphran’s request in turn. The delivery of a young
girl he had seen on the streets as he entered the city. My heart froze
while at the same moment the room went silent then fell into loud
applause as King Zyphran and his War-General entered the room. I could
still feel the way their stare cut through me when we had been on the
street and I stepped closer to the servants, wanting to blend in with
the crowd and remain unseen. As we waited for the King to be seated
the servants continued to whisper, I moved closer still not wanting to
miss a word as they described the girl right down to her gray dress.
I held my composure as they went on to explain that King Zyphran had
requested ownership of her.
Ownership, the word went through me like a sword. I held
my breath as I listened to how the guards had been searching for her
so she could be presented to him this evening. Having heard enough I
turned to leave, to plan and prepare. In my rush, I stumbled, only to
be caught by strong arms that righted me on my feet.
Looking up into the eyes of the man who had caught me I felt
my breath leave me in a rush. He might have been cleaned up, shaved
and wearing formal clothing instead of his armor but there was no
doubt, I would remember those eyes anywhere. It was King Zyphran who
held my arm.

It was time for me to enter the great Banquet Chamber.

The clamour that was coming from the huge wooden doors suggested
that a few hundred people were already inside and enjoying the feat.
Duck, I believe, was being served. I, of course, detested eating
fowl of any kind, the skin always seem slimy and disgusting to me. I
strongly preferred veal or beef, or even in dire circumstances, fish.
I was dressed in my best finery, gleaming gold crown with
sparkling diamond trim, and the Gem of Barrington as its center
piece. My red tunic with a large phoenix in black owning the chest,
a black satin cape with wolf-fur trim draped across my shoulders.
Black pants with a thin red stripe running down the outside of each
leg were tucked smartly into a pair of freshly-polished leather boots,
the buckles shining and laced tightly. My trusted sword back in its
sheath.
Beside me was Lansing, also dressed for the occasion in a blood-
red tunic, black pants without the stripe and boots that were just
beginning to show the signs of age. His hair and been scrubbed clean,
as had his face and hands, and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
The storm raging in his ocean-blue eyes told me all I needed to know
about how my War-General thought about being clean.
Lansing held up a finger to me in mock warning. “Not one word, my
lord. I swear, I feel like an ugly pig stuffed into fancy clothes.”
My smile widened. “Look like one as well.” His angry eyes
darkened even more. “We’re going to be here all night, Lansing. You
might as well try to relax and enjoy yourself. Who knows, you might
even find a bride in there.”
“You truly do hate me, don’t you, my lord?”
“Hate is such a strong word. I’m far more comfortable with
detest. Are you ready for this?”
“I hope you trip over your cape and land face-first in your fig
pudding, my lord.”
I steadied myself with a deep breath. Then, with Lansing at my
side, we stepped into the tumult of the banquet. Instantly, every
head in the chamber turned towards us, and the music came to a sudden
halt. An awkward few moments of silence covered us until a crescendo
of applause erupted and the good people of Randor banged their fists
and tankards on the tables and cheered for me and my fidgeting War-
General.
Servants stopped in mid-service to gape at us, and the same
children who had carried the banners of Randor hours before when we
arrived into the city, now pointed greasy fingers at us and giggled.
At the far end of the chamber, at a raised table, Overlord Ammen
stood and joined in the applause. Even from as far away as we were, I
could tell his new sword was resting in his sheath. The man really
was a glutton.
“Of course,” Lansing said under his breath. “He would have to be
all the way over there wouldn’t he? I feel like a jester on display.”
I offered a small smile and nodded my head a few times in
acknowledgement of the greeting directed at us. “I think that was the
whole point. Just grin and wave, Lansing. And do try not to break into
a dead run for our table. That would not be received well.”
“I make no such promise, my lord.”
 A smartly-dressed servant rushed up to us with wide eyes and
blushing cheeks. He had to be all of fourteen and scared out of his
wits, not that blame could to placed on him, Lansing and I made an
opposing sight. “My lords,” he said with a bow so low I was surprised
he didn’t fall over. “Please allow me to escort you to your table.
Overlord Ammen awaits you.”
“Thank you, son.”
The servant turned around and practically dashed at a full
gallop, zig-zagging haphazardly around tables and groups of tightly
clustered people.
“What were you saying about not running, my lord. I fret that
may be the only way I can keep up with the frightened little pup.”
“Do behave, Lansing.”
Custom decreed that I make the walk to our table alone, for no
man should walk in front of a king, and it would be considered in the
poorest of taste to have a lesser arrive at the table after the guest
of honor, even if it was just by a step or two. So, with a resigned
sigh and a non-amused look, Lansing gave chase to the servant. I had
to wait until the servant returned for me before I was allowed to
move. This gave me time to wonder what brainless twit came up with
such an asinine custom; I, a crowned king, a man who on this very
night was to be named the second-in-command of all Ravencrest, was at
the mercy of a teenage servant.
Fortunately, the lad returned in what seemed an amazingly
short amount of time. “My lord,” he said without the courtesy to be
winded. “If you’d do me the extreme honor of following me, please.”
I nodded at him with a patient smile. “Lead the way, son.”
Having the advantage of watching the speed of which this human
jackrabbit moved, I was prepared to quicken my pace and save my
dignity. Something my War-General was unsuccessful in achieving.
Even knowing what was coming, keeping pace with him was no easy
task. I barely managed to avoid a collision with the first two tables
he led me past, however I my luck ran afoul when I tried to maneuver
past a small grouping of people. A very pretty dark-haired girl, with
deep green eyes and a voluptuous body, suddenly broke away from the
group fell directly into me. Acting on pure instinct, I grabbed her by
her upper arms and held her until she found her legs once again.
She looked up and began saying something when her eyes went wild
and all the color was chased away from her olive-colored skin. “You’re
okay, miss. However, I suggest next time leading with your eyes
instead of your shoulders. You’ll have a much easier go of it.” I
said.
Those wild green eyes just stared at mine like she had seen a
ghost. She was trembling and looked even more frightened than the
servant who was escorting me to my table. I tried offering her a
reassuring smile to let her know I took no insult at having her throw
herself into my arms. I’m sure it wasn’t everyday she saw a king,
let alone got close enough to one to touch or to speak to. Had I not
had such a massive, adoring audience I would’ve been a lot more stern
with the lass, but truth be told there was no damage done. In fact,
she made me look even more regal to the citizens of Randor by not
simply stepping aside and letting her fall flat, as many a king I know
would’ve done.
Finally, she found her ability to walk, if not speak, for she
tore out of my arms and out of the chamber as if the devil himself was
giving her chase. Everyone became very still, and all eyes were upon
me. I smiled brightly, shrugged my shoulders and offered, “The story
of my life, my good people. Now you know the true reason why I’ve
never found a wife.”
The Banquet Chamber exploded in laughter, and I breathed a sigh
of relief at having saved my dignity. Thankfully, the rest of the
trip to my table was completed without incident.
After everyone was seated, and the rest of the chamber had
returned to their meals and conversations, I leaned very close to
Overlord Ammen and asked, “Do you know who that young lass was that
ran into me, my lord?”
Ammen shook his head. “I have a huge kingdom, I’m afraid. I do
not know the names of everyone who dwells within it. However, finding
out her name should prove no trouble. Shall I add her to your already
impressive collection of gifts, King Zyphran? If so, then please
allow me to inquire if you plan on leaving any of Randor’s women
behind when you take your leave of my city?”
I was not pleased with the rebuke, but could hardly afford to
show my displeasure. “Was just s simple inquest, my lord. She seemed
very frightened, and yet, there was something . . . familiar about
her.”
A few minutes later, Lansing nudged me with his elbow. “There’s
no way you could’ve missed her this time, my lord.”
“What do you mean, Lansing? Miss who?”
“That beautiful golden-haired girl who was standing by the
cart today as we came into Randor. The one who was standing close to
whoever you were looking at, remember?”
I looked at my long-time friend and War-General like he had come
down with a severe case of madness. “My memory works just fine, I
assure you. It’s you I’m beginning to worry about, Lansing. That’s
the second time today that you’ve mistaken a dark-haired lass for a
beautiful blonde. Perhaps you’ve been struck one too many times in
that thick melon you call a head.”
“Jest with me if you must, my lord,” Lansing said, his mouth
turning as hard as his stare. “But in truth, you fool me not. I think
you were right before when you said I might find my bride in here
tonight; for I believe I have done just that. You just mark my words,
my lord. One day I will wed that golden-haired beauty from this
afternoon who almost ran you down. I swear it on my life.”
All I could do was stare at Lansing. I knew well his tone of
voice; he was as serious as I have ever seen him in my entire life. It
was now my belief that Randor was one strange city.

I could not have moved faster if I had wings. Running from the
Great Banquet Hall as fast as my feet would carry me. My skin still
burned from where his hands had gently grasped my arms. The intense
stare of his eyes still fresh in my mind. I had never experienced such
emotion or physical response to anyone in the centuries that I had
lived. I took it as warning, a strong feeling to stay away, but yet at
the same time my curiosity pulled me too him.
Forcing myself to stop running, I look up and find myself
standing in the large castle entryway. A few guards stared at me as
if I was crazy and maybe I was. Never before had I felt so unsure
and insecure in my stature. I squared my shoulders, offering them an
apologetic smile and slowly started walking out of the castle.
Making it almost to the large wooden doors, I stopped. I had come
here for information, not to run away at a simple stumble. I took a
deep breath and turned, forcing myself to walk back into the Banquet
Chambers.
I was relieved to find the room filled with conversation,
servants were bringing trays of food out as the meal was served.
Finding an empty chair in the back of the hall near the doors, I took
a seat. Others glanced up at me and then went back to eating not
showing any sign of recognizing me as the one who had almost ran down
the King on his way to his table.
I busied myself fixing my napkin on my lap while I glanced up
towards the head table at the King and his War-General. They both were
lost in conversation with each other, paying no attention to the many
who stared there way, the women in lust and men in jealousy. Overlord
Ammen sat beside them looking bored and angry and I was sure he was
thinking about how much this was going to cost him, and how much more
having to award the King with his reward would cut into his profits.
I thanked the servant as he set a plate before me and inhaled
deeply at the pleasant aroma of fresh duck. I had no appetite after
the night’s events but forced myself to swallow a few bites as not to
draw attention to myself once again.
I wished Lily were here with me, she would have enjoyed all
the fancy dress and food more than I was. She had dreams of someday
enjoying a lavish lifestyle where I had always been content to blend
in.
Forcing my thoughts from Lilly, I continued to watch King
Zyphran and his War-General smile and laugh with each other as if
they were old friends. I wondered at how long they had been together
as I watched the ease in which they bantered with each other. With
my powers I had enhanced hearing, but even with it the conversation
echoing through the hall made it impossible to make out what they were
saying.
Taking a long sip of wine, I watched and waited while the rest
finished their meals and the plates were cleared and everyone turned
their attention towards Overlord Ammen and the presentation of King
Zyphran to the people.
A silence came over the room as Overlord Ammen stood. “Tonight we
welcome King Zyphran of Barrington and his army back from a victorious
battle over King Drakor of Carygrove.” The crowd erupted in applause
as Ammen nodded towards the King. “Furthermore, by his victory come
rewards of great value . . .”
The speech went on and on as I watched King Zyphran smile and nod
in agreement. He looked as uncomfortable in this setting as I felt and
I found myself wondering at his background. He was different from the
Overlord who fed off the power and honors that his position offered,
and while I had no doubt that the King also enjoyed the honor and
prestige that went with victory, it was more about the conquest and
defeating an enemy with the King than about profit and gains.
His War-General looked even more uncomfortable, as his fingers
pulled at his high collar, fidgeting in the formal dress of the
evening. He half-heartily listened to the speech, applauded and nodded
at the right moments yet his stare was focused on the many young women
of the crowd as if he was searching for someone.
I smiled thinking of Lilly and wondered if he or one of his army
might really find her to their liking. Not that I wished her bridled
with a army man, always living in fear of him not returning, but I
wanted her happy and to find love and if one of these men were able to
deliver that to her so be it.
King Zyphran stood, shaking Overlord Ammen’s hand as he accepted
the gifts and honors of his success. I watched taking in his muscular
body, his ocean blue eyes sweeping over the crowd accepting their
applause and welcome. He beamed with honor and pride, yet something
about his demeanor told me that his mind was elsewhere, his thoughts
on something other than his reward.
As the crowd settled and desserts were served, I watched a
Zyphran’s War-General excused himself from the table, I figured he
was off to check in with his guards and others in command. I decided
the night was a waste and that any chance of gaining information had
come and gone. Pushing my chair back, I stood, taking a final glance
towards the King before turning and heading towards the doors. As
the guard opened the door for me to leave the Banquet Hall, I smiled
a thank you and stepped through, only to for the second time in the
night run straight into a large male. Looking up ready to apologize I
was caught of guard by the man before me.
“You . . .” King Zyphran’s War-General cried out in surprise.

3
I had been given chambers in the western section of Castle
Randor, overlooking the marketplace of the vast city. Autumn was
lurking just off the horizon, truth be told, it had more than likely
already fallen upon my kingdom of Barrington, but the days here were
still warm and summer-like.
My chambers were fit for the second-in-command of all
Ravencrest’s occupation, lavishly furnished with silk tapestries on on
the walls and a window with actual glass in it. A hallway separated my
sleeping chamber, with it’s massive iron-framed bed and lush pillows
from a dressing room, and another one for bathing. Huge throw-rugs
with fancy designs covered the hard floors, and teams of candles and
sweet-smelling scented sticks were placed everywhere. A large wooden
bowl with fresh fruit had been set on the table in the main room; a
full tankard of ale sat next to it along with three ornately decorated
crystal goblets.
The chamber, indeed his entire castle, was a grand testament to
Ammen’s love of having the best of everything. And in Ammen’s eyes,
the best clearly meant the most expensive. Still, the man was the
Overlord of Ravencrest, it wouldn’t be proper to have such a powerful
man dwelling in squalor like the commoners I was watching mill about
the marketplace from my window.
I was in a bitterly foul mood, for my special request to Overlord
Ammen had not been honored. Oh, he stood there, in his regal gown and
exquisite crown of gleaming sold gold, and announced in a voice as
loud as thunder that full and complete ownership of my angel, (he had
called her Selena) was granted to me. This degree had made her just as
much my property as the lands he had bestowed on me as well, yet no
female had been brought forth.
 The insult had burned a hole in my stomach for the rest of the
night, which never seemed to end. Ammen offered no explanation for his
failure to honor his promise; instead he smiled in his oily grin and
told me not to worry. “The girl will be in your chambers by midday
tomorrow, my friend.”
Now, it was midday and there was still no Selena. My anger
swelled inside me like a pie inside the large ovens the kitchen of
Barrington Castle.
With nothing else to do, I simmered in my anger like a piece of
meat in a pot and watched the goings on in the marketplace, in the
vein hope that I’d spot Selena.
At first light, the activity had been slow, just a few early-
risers buying sticks of butter, or small sacks of sugar to satisfy
their cooking needs. A few drunken lads had run through the main
section of the market yelling obscenities at the woman-folk and
pushing old men to the ground. I had watched with an amused smile as
a few armed guards gave the hooligans chase. I could remember a time,
not so very long ago, when Lansing and I would’ve been those drunken
lads, tipping over stands with goods on them, and generally being a
nuisance.
I missed those days. The summers of my youth in Barrington
seemed to vanish like a vapor before they even had time to get started
properly. Well, I suppose that really wasn’t so; I was just always
entwined with stately duties. Whenever I could break away from being
Prince Zyphran, Lansing and I would lose ourselves in the grand woods
surrounding the castle hunting fox, boor, and deer.
Lansing would become consumed with the hunt.
Even from a very early age, Lansing was destined to be a solider,
he just fell into that life as easily as the red banners of Barrington
blew in the breeze. As a toddler, he would always try to sneak up on
the stray cats that somehow found their way into the castle proper. By
the time he was three, he was catching the felines with ease.
Somewhere between in fifth and sixth year, his enjoyment of
hunting cats became something of an obsession; an obsession that
did not escape the notice of my Pa, who had come to love the infant
castaway as his own flesh and blood, and the order was given to teach
Lansing to hunt. The blond-haired lad with the intense eyes took to
his teachings like moon took to the nighttime sky. Within months,
Lansing had traded capturing cats to killing hares, foxes and other
small game. Often, I was sent out into the woods to hunt with Lansing.
I always enjoyed the time I got to spend with him, though sometimes he
would frighten me with how intense he got while on the hunt. His eyes
would grow hard and cold, and his face would look as if it was carved
in stone. Even though I was his elder, and his prince, he would brook
no distraction from me once he began tracking his prey.
 I stood by the window, a half-eaten green apple in one hand, a
goblet of strong ale in the other, and watched the swarm of people
conducting their business far below me. I had opened the glass hours
ago, and the sounds, sights and smells of the marketplace assaulted
my senses like storm clouds against a blue sky. The more the commoners
entertained the colorful calls of the vendors trying to sell their
wares, the more of Randor’s armed guards became visible.
My gaze landed on a solider with golden hair and a new-grown
beard, a hard stare peeking out of his gleaming helmet, a notched
and nicked broadsword firmly held in one hand, a heavy wooden shield
in the other. He was alert and ready for battle while the rest of
his comrades were lackadaisical in their duty. I had to smile as I
finished off Ammen’s ale and dropped the expensive glass goblet out
the window to watch it splinter into a million shards as it found the
ground, how much this intense soldier reminded me of Lansing.
By the time he turned seventeen, Lansing had traded hunting
animals altogether for the thrill of hunting men. While I was locked
up behind closed doors learning how to end the war against Carygrove
that had just invaded our land, Lansing was learning how to fight it.
A thin dark-haired girl wearing a worn brown dress and a blonde-
haired man donned in a red tunic and dark brown leggings, caught my
attention as they entered the marketplace. They had their backs to
me, and I thought they made an odd couple; her with her demure manner
and him stiff and awkward, as if he didn’t know what was expected
of him. My heart went out to him, for I could well relate to his
discomfiture. Nothing made my skin crawl quite like shopping did. To
me, it was woman’s work, and this poor bastard clearly held the same
opinion. The girl seemed to know exactly where she wanted to go, and
all the vendors greeted her with warm smiles and eager waves. She had
a wicker-basket in her hand and began making swift work of filling
it with this and that, always finding time to give the vendors a few
words.
Eventually, my mind, and my attention, began to wonder again.
I tried to concentrate on the Fires of Eternity, and their keeper,
Regyna. Legend has it that the beautiful sorceress lives in, or
around, Randor, though nobody knows just quite where. Some say the
magical stones rest at the bottom of the Eastern Sea, while others
claim they are buried deep within the jagged mountains that boarder
the northern and eastern sides of this sprawling city.
In hindsight, I’m sickened that I wasted my request on such
a foolish passing fancy. Some king I was, a pretty face in a crowd
was all it took to shake me from my true mission; and that’s all she
was, after all, just a face in a crowd. She was a nothing, a nobody,
a lowly commoner. I was after something much grander than her. I
was wanted immortality. I hungered for power unlike anyone had ever
enjoyed before. I sought sheer greatness. I wanted the fabled Fires of
Eternity.
My stare falls on the intense soldier again, and that brings
my thoughts back around to the subject of war. War made me think of
Lansing.
Now, my War-General was twenty-four and I was twenty-six; three
years into my rule, victory over Drakor’s forces had been achieved.
The cost to my kingdom had been severe, the loss of life alone
reaching into the thousands, however, the gains had been mind-blowing.
Nobody could deny me my conquests. I had defeated a deeply detested
enemy in Carygrove, I owned more land than my father ever did, and I
was the second-in-command behind the Overlord himself. Yet, I was seen
as a boy still by so many. Even by most of the soldiers in my vast
army, though they didn’t dare express such thought where I or Lansing
could hear them.
A feminine laugh drifted up through the window and captured my
attention. It was the girl in the worn brown dress. She was now in
the arms of her uncomfortable companion, and as he swung her around
so that I saw his face and then hers, I nearly fell out of the window
with shock.
It was Lansing! And that rotten backstabbing bastard had his
hands all over my request. He had his hands all over Selena!

How many times in a day could this happen to one person? I

struggled to regain my composure as once again a set of strong hands
steadied me. Taking a deep breath, I smiled apologetically ready to
give my excuses and be on my way. I looked over his shoulder eyeing
the entry hall before me, judging the distance to my escape.
“You.” His eyes followed mine, understanding that I was leaving.
With a gentle grasp on my arm, he pulled to the side of the doorway,
the smile never leaving his face. “I have been watching for you.
Please don’t leave. Stay. Enjoy the celebration with me this eve.”
I stared into his eyes in surprise. Taking in how truly handsome
he was. The blond hair and blue eyes only enhanced dark tanned skin,
earned from many days in the sun. “You have been watching for me?”
He grinned nervously as he pulled again at the tight collar around
his neck. “Forgive me, I am Lansing, King Zyphran’s War-General. I saw
you as we entered the city, now to find you here tonight.” He shrugged
and his smile grew. “Please stay, the celebration is just getting
started; let me escort you for the evening.”
Relief flooded through me, surely he had mistaken me for someone
else, as I had taken on a new form since he had entered town. There
was no way possible I could be the one he thought I was. With a gentle
smile, I placed my hand upon his as it rested on my arm.
“I am sorry Lansing; you must be mistaking me for someone else. I
was not about the city when your Army arrived. Please forgive me for
my clumsiness, I really must go.” With a small curtsy, I try to move
past only to have him grasp my arm tighter.
“Please my lady, would you reconsider. I would be most honored to
spend some time with you.” His eyes pleaded though he held himself
tall and proud.
With a simple shake of my head, I refused once more. “I’m sorry; I
have things to tend to and can not remain. Perhaps another time.”
He wasted no time in taking me up on my offer. “How about in the
morning, might I meet with you then?” His grasp on my arm released as
he offered. “Will you meet me outside the castle gates at sun up so
that I might take the time to know you?”
Knowing that I would not again take the form of Lady Isabella
and that there would be no way for him to find me again I nodded. “I
will meet you upon the sun rise at the castle gate, now please I
really must go.” With a polite smile and a nod, I pressed past him and
started through the entry hall towards the castle exit. I could feel
his eyes on me as I moved and held my breath hoping that he would not
stop me again.
“Wait!” he called his voice echoing through the entry hall. “Your
name, please tell me your name.”
Turning I flashed him another smile and a small wave. “In the
morning, you will find out all in the morning.” Carefully watching my
step not wanting to stumble again, I quickly walked through the large
wooden doors and into the night air. My feet descending the castle
stairs in record time as I made my escape.
As I hit the last step I turned making sure that I was not being
followed, taking deep breaths of the cool evening air as I tried to
remain calm, reminding myself that there was no way he knew who I
was and that I was overreacting in my fears of my true identify being
revealed.
Seeing no one behind me I slowed my pace to a brisk walk and
exited the castle grounds quickly, making my way through the still
crowded streets as I headed to my home. Vendors called to me hoping to
make a sell but I waved them off with a smile as I weaved through the
musicians and children lining the road.
I approached my home several minutes later, taking a moment to say
hello to the guard who sat in front of my house, assuring him that
I had not been in contact with Selena and still had no idea to her
whereabouts. As he wished me goodnight I stepped into my home closing
the door behind me.
Going straight to the bedroom I light a small lantern and I once
again change my appearance back to Selena, she was whom I was most
comfortable with and I did not plan on leaving the house again for
anyone to see me. Once that was done and I had changed into a simple
nightgown and sat down upon the bed to think over the day’s events.
Even I had to laugh at the events. What were the chances of one person
running figuratively and literally into both the King and his War-
General in the same day, let alone within the same hour?
Reaching for the hairbrush that sat on the small simple wooden
nightstand next to the bed, I started to brush out my hair as I tried
to figure out why King Zyphran would request ownership of one such as
me. We had never even spoken; he had no idea who I was. Yet he had
requested me. I knew with his looks and honors his bed would never be
void of willing, beautiful women. He could have chosen any female in
the city and they would have gone willingly but yet he had requested
the one who looked ill and plain, the one who wished to stay as far
away from him as she could.
Tossing the brush back onto the nightstand, I pulled back the
covers as I debated what I should do. The safety of the stones lay
in my hands, and some deep gut feeling told me that King Zyphran
was after the stones. I knew it was probably best for me to leave
the city, reside in the cave until he left but yet another part of
me pulled me to stay, find out all I could of the King and his War-
General and find a way to fight them on equal ground.
Leaning over to blow out the lantern, I pull the bed sheets aside
and lay back onto the soft feather mattress. Fatigue overcomes me
quickly and I fade into a restless sleep with dreams of the stones
golden light surrounding me, calling out their warning.
Banging on my front door woke me what felt like minutes later but
from the fading of the darkness around me, I knew it had to have been
hours. Jumping from the bed I ran into the front room of the small
house as the banging continued. Knowing the guards were searching for
Selena I hesitated until a woman’s voice cried out to me from the
other side of the door.
“Selena, wake up, it’s Lilly, she had been injured and is asking
for you. Selena wake up.” The voice cried out.
I threw the door open with only a small thought to my own safety.
I drew the woman into the house with a gentle tug, slamming the door
closed behind her. It was one of the local vendors who lived close to
the inn Lilly’s father owned.
“Tell me, how bad is it?” I asked, as I turned walking back to the
bedroom and changing from my bedclothes to a brown cotton dress.
As I reappeared, the older woman shook her head. “It is not good
Selena, she may not make it, she could only whisper for me to get you
before she lost consciousness.”
Had I been alone I would have just willed myself into the shadows
of the alley near her home but I knew this woman would insist on
escorting me there. I had to force myself to remain calm and not do so
anyway. There were few that I had loved in my centuries but Lilly was
one of those who had touched my soul and I loved her deeply.
“Let’s go. Have they called for the doctor?” I grabbed my shawl,
throwing the thin white material over my shoulders as we ran out the
door.
I had only made it to the end of the walkway before I heard a loud
male voice call out. “There she is, grab her.”
Turning, I saw three large elite guards coming at me with
determined looks. I turned to the woman as she watched in fear as the
men grabbed me by the arms.
“Please, go to her, I will be there. Go; let her know I am on my
way.” I gestured with my head for her to leave before turning to the
guards. “Please my friend is injured, I will go with you to the castle
but please first let me go to my friend, she may not live. Please,” I
pleaded with them. “Give me this one request and I will go with you.”
“Our orders are to bring you to the Overlord, which is what we
will do; we can not be stopping for you to visit with a friend, what
do we look like your knitting circle?” One of the younger guards
teased as they led me to the horses.
Panic ran through me and I let my feet drop from underneath me
forcing them to drag me, dust bellowing around us in the darkness as
my feet dragged through the dirt. “Please, she is dying. You don’t
understand, I must go to her, please let me go!”
“You may plead your case to the Overlord but he is already angered
that you were not delivered to the King last eve. I do not think he
will listen to your pleas.” Large arms picked me up setting me upon
the horse in front of one of the other guards.
I closed my eyes trying to find a way out of this as the horse
started to move. I knew I could just will myself away, but the
attention my sudden disappearance would bring was something I could
not risk. I struggle as the guards arms surrounded me, my fist
flailing in all directions as I tried to escape. If I could only make
it to the shadows, I would be able to lose them.
I cried out and yelled, drawing people to the streets to see what
was going on. It was near sunrise and the city was just starting to
come to life. As I struggled, the guard tightened his arms around me.
I tried to bring my feet up to my chest making it harder for him to
grip me and in doing so we both started to lose our balance. We would
have both gone over if it had not been for someone suddenly grabbing
the reins of the horse and forcing us to a stop.
“Release her this instant.” A loud voice bellowed. “Release her
now.”
Turning my head from my struggle, I let out a heavy breath as I
saw Lansing standing before us. His entire demeanor changed from the
man I had met last night. Before me now stood the War-General, not
just Lansing. He was ready to fight; barking orders and he left no
doubt that he expected them to be followed.
“Are you deaf? I said release her now,” his eyes hard as steal as
he challenged the guards who held me.
“With due respect General; the Overlord had requested her brought
to the Castle at the King’s request. We must deliver her per his
orders.”
Reaching up with strong hands, he pulled me down from the horse
in one swift motion. “I will deliver her to the Overlord myself, I
relieve you of your duty, she is now in my custody.” His strong hand
held my arm as he pulled me to his side and away from the horses.
The guards looked from one to another unsure of what they should
do. To argue with the War-General was a show of extreme disrespect,
yet to disobey the command of the Overlord was much greater an
offense.
Turning to Lansing I begged. “Please, I was just made aware my
best friend is injured, I must get to her before she dies. Take me to
the Overlord, to the King if you must but first please let me get to
Lilly. I must see her before she dies.”
His deep blue eyes softened as he listened to my pleas, his grip
on my arm easing enough that I could have ran if I had desired.
Nevertheless, I waited, hoping that he would assist me; with him by my
side other guards would not hassle me as I made my way to Lilly.
His eyes met mine and he saw the fear and worry in that possessed
me. He took one more look to the guards and nodded. “Leave us, I will
escort her to her friend’s and then I shall deliver her to the castle.
Trust that any issue the Overlord has with you handing her into my
custody will be handled. I take full responsibility for her as of this
moment.” Turning his back on the guards in a form of dismissal, he
looked to me. “Now, where is your friend?”
I let out a relieved breath and pointed. “Two streets over, in the
old section. Please we must hurry I was told she may not live.” I took
hold of his hand all but pulling him after me.
Turning he called to two of his army who stood behind him. “Follow
us; we may need assistance if this is as bad as she informs us.”
Falling into step beside me, he kept pace as I ran towards Lilly’s
home.
“Thank you. Thank you for allowing me this. I was on my way to
her when the guards grabbed me. I know not what need the Overlord has
of me, but I know I must see Lilly first.” I made my way through the
streets expertly avoiding the vendors setting up for the day.
“You do not know why the Overlord has requested you?” He asked
keeping perfect pace with me, his body strong and not even winded by
our quick speed.
 “No. I have no idea, they mentioned King Zyphran had requested me,
but I know not why. I have never met the King and surly he would have
no use for one such as me.” I turned the last corner and pointed once
again. “The inn, she is in the inn.”
I took off ahead of him running through the doorway as I followed
the noise in the inn to the dining room. What greeted me took the
breath out of me. Lilly lay pale and still on the floor, a large pool
of her own blood surrounding her head. It seeped into the throw rug
that covered the floor and slowly soaked into the plain lavender dress
that she wore.
Upon my entrance, the crowd parted and I fell to my knees beside
her. “Oh Lilly, no! He really did it to you this time didn’t he?” My
fingers reached out to touch her cheek, relieved to find it still
warm. Glancing at her chest I could see a struggled rise and fall of
her breathing.
“Get a doctor!” Lansing yelled to his guards, “Bring him here
now!”
“Wait, I can not afford a doctor.” A drunken voice boomed from the
kitchen. “She is too far gone, I can not afford to waste the money on
her when she will just die anyway.”
I stood, anger and rage flooding through my body. Taking every bit
of strength to hold back my powers and not kill the man on sight. “You
bastard, you did this to her and now you sit and watch her die without
even trying to save her!” My body shook as I started to approach her
father.
“Wait.” A strong arm stopped me holding me back. “Go, get the
doctor, I will pay for him.” He nodded to one of his guards before
looking to me. “Are you sure this is the man responsible for this?”
I nodded, “It is not the first time that he has done this to her,
I have no doubt if you question the help here at the inn they will
back up my story.” I glared at her father a moment more before turning
back to Lilly.
“Arrest him, take him into custody, I will be by later to question
him.” Lansing ordered and his guard stepped forth grasping Lilly’s
fathers arm.
“She lies, Lilly fell. She has always been clumsy. She fell and
hit her head on the table. I swear it she did.” He father struggled
as the guard took him, but in his drunken state was no challenge to
the young guard.
As they continued to deal with Lilly’s father, I placed my hands
upon Lilly’s head, closing my eyes I used my powers to see into her,
letting my powers seep through my hands and into her head, easing the
swelling and damage done to her. I dared not do too much, at risk of
the others noticing, using only enough to keep the glow from my hands
from being seen by the others around us. I hoped that I could do more
if I got a chance to be alone with her later.
Lansing kneeled down beside me, his supportive hand going to my
shoulder as he whispered to me in a gentle voice. “We will do what
we can for her. I promise, if the doctor they bring can’t help her we
will take her to the castle and have our doctor there try. I promise
you she will get the best care possible.”
Turning to him with tears in my eyes, I could only nod. How I
wished I had forced Lilly to leave here sooner, wished I had not left
her alone, knowing the danger she was in. I felt the blame for this
squarely on my shoulders. Frustration at not being able to heal her
completely also tore at my soul. I hated having to hide who I was,
what I could do. So many I could help yet had to hide for the safety
of the stones.
“Thank you, Lansing, I will repay you for your kindness.” I
reached up placing my hand upon his as it rested on my shoulder. “You
have been more than kind in your assistance today.”
The doctor and guard entered the room before he could respond.
Taking my hand in his he pulled me up with him as we moved aside to
allow the doctor to evaluate Lilly.
I stood on shaky legs as I watched, knowing in my heart that she
would survive this, but not knowing how severe the injury to her head
was, or if there would be any lasting damage from her being attacked.
It felt like forever before the doctor stood and turned towards us.
“I will not lie to you, it is bad, but I have seen much worse.
The swelling is not as severe as I would have expected for this kind
of injury and the bleeding has stopped. Now all we can do is watch
and wait. An injury of this kind, time is the only thing we have.” He
looked back at Lilly as she lay before us. “Damn shame a girl this
young. I hope they find the person who did this to her.” He nodded to
Lansing. “We need to move her to a safe place; she will need to have
someone with her most of the time for the next few days. We will not
know the extent of the damage until she wakes. Does she have a bed
here?” He asked looking around the room.
Stepping forward I spoke quickly. “She is not safe here; if he
returns he will kill her. Please take her to my home; I will hire
someone to stay with her if I can not be with her myself.” I paused
thinking about having to meet with the Overlord. Shaking my head
forcing my worries aside I looked to Lansing. “Can we please take her
to my home?”
Lansing smiled and nodded. “I will have my men move her right
away.” Looking back at the doctor, he spoke in a commanding voice,
leaving no room for argument. “You will care for her, no matter what
it takes or how long. I want this girl to be your top priority.
I could not help but admire the way Lansing took charge of the
situation. His true character showing as he did everything he could to
assist Lilly and I, both two young females who he did not even know.
I watched as he threw orders around the inn making sure the building
was secure and taken care of while Lilly recovered, wanting assurance
that she would have a place to come back to if she wished to upon her
recovery.
Orders in place, we watched as the doctor and guards loaded Lilly
onto a cart and headed towards my home. We followed closely behind,
both silent as onlookers watched in curiosity at our procession.
Lansing and I walked proudly side by side ignoring the questions that
were called to us from the crowds.
Once at my house we got Lilly situated into my bed. I left her
with the doctor and walked back out to the front room to find Lansing
leaning against the wall watching me curiously.
“Might I now know your name?” He asked with a half grin playing
on his lips. “I think that is fair payment for the assistance I have
given today.”
I could not help but smile back at him as I stepped closer to
him and held out my hand. “My name is Selena, and I am in your debt,
Lansing, I do not know what would have happened had you not happened
by this morning when you did.”
“Selena.” The name fell from his mouth like honey, and I could
not help but find enjoyment in the way he said it. “I was waiting
for a beautiful woman to meet me this morning by the gates,” he
winked. “When I heard you screaming I knew I had to investigate. It
was my honor to assist you and Miss Lilly today. I am also glad that I
could be of assistance where she is concerned. Things like that should
not happen, and I shall make sure that the one who did this to her is
handled accordingly.”
I nodded. “He has done this to her before, never this severe, I
only wish I had taken her from there sooner, saved her from this.” I
glanced back towards the bedroom and took a deep breath. “If you will
allow me just a little more time to find someone to stay with her, I
will keep my end of the bargain and you may take me to the Overlord.”
I played with a frayed edge of my shawl nervously as I awaited his
answer.
“Selena, I am not a horrible man, I will not take you from her now
when you are all she has. You leave the Overlord to me; you are free
right now to care for her.” He smiled at my obvious relief. “However,
I do have one request in turn for offering this.” He lifted his head
meeting my eyes head on.
Willing to do anything to stay with Lilly I nodded. “Anything,
I will do anything you ask. It is the least I can do for your
assistance.”
He laughed. “If I were not such a gentleman, that offer just might
get you into trouble, Selena, but what I request is really quite
simple. All I ask is that while you are here with her, helping her to
heal, that I might be allowed to visit you, sit with you and have the
chance to know the beautiful woman before me who fights armed guards
to assist her friend. Brushing his fingers through his blond hair, he
grinned. “I only ask for your company.”
I was shocked by the simplicity of his request, but even more by
the pleasure the thought of spending more time with him brought me. “I
would be honored to have you visit, Lancing. The pleasure of your
company would be welcome.”
He tilted his head and smiled. “Then the morning is has not been
in vain. My rewards are great.”
I laughed and for the first time since the pounding on my door
woke me I felt a little bit of peace. “I will need to leave for a bit
to do some shopping, I do not have food here for Lilly should she
wake. I need to find someone to sit with her while I go out.” I turned
walking to the pantry finding nothing but a few old potatoes starting
to grow roots. Turning back around I jumped finding Lansing standing
directly behind me.
“I will ask the doctor to stay with her if you wish to go now. If
you do not mind, I will accompany you. Until I have had a chance to
speak with the Overlord it is best if you do not venture out onto the
streets alone.” Lansing stepped back as I walked past him.
I smiled at his willingness to assist me; I wondered what he would
say if he had known that I was really the woman he had been waiting on
at the gates this morning. I bit my tongue holding back a laugh at the
way fate had at throwing a curve at you when you least expected it. “I
would enjoy your company, Lansing. I am sorry you missed your date
this morning, I hope that my company now might make up for it in some
small way.”
He bowed deep and smiled. “I will go tell the doctor we will be
away, you gather what you need.”
Watching him head into the bedroom I could not help but feel I had
possibly made a new friend. Grabbing my basket and some money from the
stash I had hidden away, I smiled as I waited for him to return.

4
 I watched in stunned silence. Anger flooding into me like the red
waters of the Ashe River into the Eastern Ocean, as my friend, my War-
General, Lansing pawed my request. Blood pounded like war drums in my
temples and my hands started to shake with the uncontrolled rage. He
dare he defy me? Lansing took too much for granted if he thought our
past would protect him from my wrath at his cruel betrayal. I was a
king, for the love of all that’s holy; and more than that, I was now
the second-in-command behind Overlord Ammen for rule of all
Ravencrest. I was not a man to be trifled with. Friend or not, War-
General or not, brother or not, Lansing would pay dearly for his
insolence against me.
I grabbed the window sill tightly with both hands in an attempt
to contain my shaking. My mind was a torrent of thoughts ranging from
how enjoyable tar-and-feathering my backstabbing War-General would be,
to how custom and my new title would demand that I act in a regal and
stately manner. Right now, I didn’t give a blast about handling
Lansing’s gross insult in any kind of diplomatic fashion; no, what I
wanted was to laugh in victory as I washed his blood off my hands.
As my troops had marched from Barrington Kingdom to the capitol
city of Randor, I had wondered with great amusement what my first
command as Ravencrest’s number two would be. Never in my life did I
imagine that command would be the death of my dearest friend. The
Fates were already proving themselves a harsh mistress, yet I was
determined no to bow or fold under the pressure. Hard betrayals
demanded even harder punishments; news of this was bound to spread
among the commoners, and I couldn’t show them a weak face just because
I loved Lansing.
With God as my witness, he would pay with his life.
An insistent knocking forced my attention away from the
disturbing scene playing out below me, and my anger swelled to even
newer heights at the unwanted intrusion. Apparently, lofty titles and
prestige was not enough to earn respect in this regal city with its
mysterious magical ways and damnable citizens.
One of Ammen’s servants who had been assigned to me answered the
door. I heard the rapid tones of a hushed conversation, then the
unmistakable patter of footsteps on the throw rugs, and I knew whoever
it was, I was going to be forced to be stately.
Of all the damn times . . .
“Underlord Zyphran, Court Advisor of the Ways, Ryken is here
to officially beg an audience with you, my lord. He says it’s of the
highest import, was rather insistent of it, in fact, my lord.”
I closed my eyes tight against the boiling rage that threatened
to pour out of me in a murderous wave of action. Finally, I was able
to force a welcoming smile on my face and turned around to face my
uninvited guest.
 What stood before was a sight worthy of a laugh, though I was
hardly in a mind to offer one. A man of highly advanced age stood
twenty paces from me dressed in a dark purple robe belted with a
bright yellow sash of silk. Black velvet boots covered his feet, and
an aged and gnarled walking stick was gripped tightly in his skeleton-
like hand. His hair was long, gray and so unkept I expected spiders
to crawl out of it at any moment. Eyes the color of an angry ocean
peered at me with obvious interest. I assumed he had a mouth, though
all trace of it was buried behind a heavy moustache and a long beard
that was as unruly as his hair. His skin looked like parchment that
had been crumbled in someone’s hand, thick lines ran across his
forehead while thinner ones webbed out from the corners of his eyes
and fell down his cheeks.
He allowed me a few moments to soak in his appearance before
he bowed deeply, sweeping one arms along his midsection in a grand
display of respect. “My young lord, how I have longed to meet you.”
The ancient one stayed in his bowed position, until I realized
he was waiting for permission to stand upright again. My anger was
slightly abated. Finally, I was being shown some proper respect, this
funny little man was welcomed in my chamber even if I hadn’t summoned
him. “Forgive me my lack of manners, my friend. You may rise. If you
would, my good man, what exactly is an Advisor of the Ways?”
Ryken straightened with some difficulty, his eyes betraying
gratitude at not having to stay bend over. “Thank you for your
kindness, my lord. In meanings spoken in words you understand, my
lord, I am a warlock. I dwell in the kingdom of magic.”
I furrowed my brow at the old one. A warlock. I should’ve guessed
by his ridiculous manner of dress. “What an odd way of speaking you
have, my friend. It reminds me of the language of the Elders.”
“Of this assessment of my speech, you are not incorrect, my lord.
I am of their wondrous ilk, and I do own their musical manner of word-
forming and thought processing.”
I nodded my head in acknowledgement. I could already tell
this ancient bag of bones was going to cause my head to ache. There
was only one way I could think of to limit his blather, “Ryken,
as I’m sure you can understand, I am a very busy man with many
duties to attend to. In the face of that, I must ask you that if you
have a reason for honoring me with this visit, that you get to it
immediately, please.”
“Of course, yes. Of course, yes. Apologise, my lord. I’m here to
speak to you about mysteries that of interest I know you have. Namely,
the ancient and all-powerful stones you incorrectly call the Fires of
Eternity.”
“What do you mean by incorrectly?”
The robed fool gave me a look of such inquiry I thought he had
fallen ill with madness. “Apologise, I do, my lord. Incorrectly is a
word I assumed the meaning of you knew.”
My anger had returned in full-force. “For the love of all that’s
holy, man. I know what the word means.”
“Why then state you that you did not, my lord?”
I took a few deep breaths to try and reign in my rage. “The
point, Ryken,” I said in a very tight tone. “Get to the point before I
lose all patience with you.”
The ancient fool bristled at my rebuke, then cleared his
throat. “Prophecy is written clear, my lord. Wrong is one thing
prophecy knows not how to be. I speak to you of the stones you seek
because demand it the prophecy does very loudly. You must be in
knowledge of this.”
I ran a hand down my face. It was something I often did when I
was frustrated with something, or in this particular case, someone. I
actually had no idea what all his blathering was about, I knew nothing
of prophecy whatsoever. However, I wasn’t going to let the warlock
know this; I wouldn’t exactly look regal and Underlord-like if I
admitted I didn’t know anything about prophecy. “Remind me of which
particular prophecy you are referring to, Ryken.”
“‘From another land, a great King will come to defeat the evil
sorceress, Regyna and be a mighty champion of the Rocks of Life. Of
young age and much power will the champion possess. The warlock of the
champions choosing shall act as the rod used by the champion to strike
down the sorceress.’ That passage be the one of which I quote, my
lord.” He pointed a bony finger at me and smiled in what looked like
took a great effort. “Prophecy’s champion is who you are. I feel this
true in the blood that sustains this life of mine. Rod of yours to use
is the offer I make to you, my lord. To win you the Stones of Life, or
as you call them, Fires of Eternity, I wish to see you achieve. Being
wrong is one thing prophecy is not able to be.”
The bag of bones had my full and complete attention now. All the
anger I’d felt moments ago about Lansing’s brutal betrayal had flown
out of the still open window. Perhaps, if the Fates were of such a
mind, they’d allow that anger to drop directly on that bastard’s no-
good head and crush him like the worm he truly was. At the moment,
however, I had greater issues before me. “Ryken,” I said as I took
the ancient one shoulders firmly in my hands. The warlock winced in
pain, but I didn’t care. This was far too important to worry about his
discomfiture. “Do you know where the stones are?”
The old one’s eyes stormed over, and I knew the answer before he
said a single word. “Their precise location is a frustrating mystery
to everyone, my lord. Including myself. However, hope is never all
lost. As a warlock, I can feel the stones. Their power, like blood
through these old veins of mine does run. Young I will never be again,
and the winning of the stones is a game for one blessed with youth.”
“Ryken!” I interrupted in a booming voice. I fixed the warlock
with a fiery stare and gripped his shoulders even tighter. My patience
with his flowery speech had reached its end. “Do you or don’t you know
where the stones are?”
The warlock grinned at me, the storm in his eyes
receding. “Question already asked, and question already answered,
my lord. I know not of the location to the Stones of Life, because
never have I looked for them.” Again, he pointed at me. “Champion I’ve
waited for, champion promised by prophecy is suddenly upon me. Now,
prophecy has been fulfilled. To find Stones of Life, you and I shall
embark.”