AVALANTICA - PART 1 Fate and circumstance

Part 1.

Fate and Circumstance.

Long ago in the far away kingdom of Avalantia, with its green hills and snow covered mountains, down to the golden beaches and beautiful blue sea, lived a princess with hair has red as the setting sun and eyes as green as emeralds. Her father ruled the land for many years without argument or quarrels, as he sat at the head of a great council, with its twelve lords which governed there race or land fairly.

Now in winter the land was white with snow and they all met in the king’s castle sat upon its cliff top. Eleven of the lords arrived, but the twelve had sent his sun in place, on seeing the king’s daughter for the first time, he fell in love with her. Though he pleaded with the king to meet her again he refused him. The lord’s son, left in anger swearing that he would have her for his bride and that no man, not even the king would stand in his way.

Winter now summer, the lords son returned with an army and laid siege against the castle, after the kings army had fought for many days the supplies now exhausted, in one last valiant effort to defeat the opposing army the king was wounded now dying he sent for his daughter, telling her to leave the castle and flee for her life, but she refused to leave her dying father, but was helped from the castle by a maid who took her place.

The princess ran in to deep into the forest beyond the castle and hid frightened what would happen to her if she should be discovered.

For days she wondered with no idea of where she should go, exhausted and hungry she passed out. It was long before a Black Smith soon found her, and took pity on the beautiful maid. He fed and clothed her until she was well again, in the time that she was with him she had fallen in love with the black smith and he had with her. Knowing that she would have to soon leave him she revealed her secret and told him who she was, though at first he refused to believe her, until she showed him her fathers ring with the royal insignia upon it.

The black smith realizing she had to leave even though it would break his heart he took her to the elves. The elves helped her raise an army to take back her throne but an evil wizard named Waldmore had built a magical gate to the underworld and evil that consume the land would emerge from it’s dark pit. An alliance was made with the lord that had over thrown the king and the Princess led the army to battle defeating the wizard and his minions and restoring order to Avalantia.

Now the princess had to leave the Black smith she left him with a magical ring, declaring her undying love for him and that one day not in this life but in another they shall meet again, keeping a matching ring for herself.

The Princess married the lord and soon gave birth to a baby girl and she grew ill, soon to die, she had to see her love again and her maid managed to help him sneak into the castle. The Princess gave him the other ring and made him promise to find a new love and have children and bestowing on him the title of Overseer and that when she had died if it was ever needed she knew he would help the people again. Soon after she died and the maid fearing for the princess’s daughter snuck the child out in a laundry basket and after running some distance away from the castle came across a clan of kindly gypsies who took the child in. Now as there was no proper descendant to the throne the Lord took the title of Lord-on-high and took care of Avalantia. Four hundred years later………
 

Chapter 1.

The leaves where going through their usual array of colours, reds, gold’s and purples before making there merry dance upon the wind to the ground. Brython looked out of the window into the courtyard of the great hall, it’s circular walls and four high towers that looked up to the sky where the sun was just rising and painting the sky with reddish tones. Brython stood as if waiting for someone, though he’d been here a week he liked to watch the people in the courtyard and he was beginning to realise why The Lord-on-High had summoned him to train his son Denethore, who was proving to be quite the spoilt brat. Brython had been very careful when taking the appointment, he’d normally select his students on a basis of strict meeting and more than several of them had appeared by chance at his door, but he couldn’t help but be curious about Denethore has he knew what was too come and he couldn’t help but wonder if his interference would have any sway in a more favourable direction. Denethore had completely disappeared before training, which usually left Brython searching for him, but he had given up and stood looking out of the window, as at the moment he was passing he felt a cold tingling sensation, the type that you or I ignore but Brython having been around for some time knew that something important was about to happen and perhaps too important he should be there if history have it written. Brython then noticed Denethore whom had taken notice of a young woman, well just barely a woman but she was a similar age to Denethore, and it was then that Brython realised that it wasn’t something but someone and began to run down the Great halls steps, which at his age he was beginning to realise there where far too many of them which made him think of the times he would have carried himself across on a breeze, but not now he was far too old, well not old just older than that kind of behaviour, as he reached the bottom and the large wooden door to the courtyard he wished he had. Brython being very good at keeping out of the way until he was needed or it was appropriate for him disappeared in to the shadows keeping a watchful eye on what was happening.

                        Ammon arrived looking for an explanation as to what had happened and told the guards to release the girl and looked at one of the guards whom had arrived too late. “This is your daughter Kane.” He said. “Would you like to offer an explanation?” Ammon’s voice was stern and he looked across at his daughter, the odd grey hair amongst his thick black hair, now felt as if there were more and as he ran his hand through it he felt he’d lost a great deal on thickness at being summoned to find his daughter brawling with Lord Ammon’s son.  “I can only offer to take full responsibility for this MY-Lord.”  Kane said quickly not regretting the words only what was going to happen to him as a result of him saying that and his daughter quickly swept the her red hair from her face, to reveal her green eyes full of regret and concern for her father and stood in front of her father. “No.” She said bluntly. Kane gave a huge sigh, wishing his daughter would learn to keep her mouth shut.

            “Why won’t you let your father take responsibility for what you have done?” Ammon enquired, “Clearly, you are still young and it is your father right to do so.” His voice now calm and he admired her honesty and the fact she clearly realised how much trouble this would cause for her father, “Zanna isn’t it.” He said as he beckoned her forward. Looking back for reassurance from her father and he gave her a confirming nod and she gingerly approached and politely threw a little curtsey before addressing him, “I punched your son, my father did not MY-Lord.”

“You didn’t just punch him Zanna; you kicked him somewhere detrimental to the continuation of my family line.” Ammon could see Zanna squirm, and she clearly wished at this point she had no idea what he was talking about and she didn’t have the habit of giggling when nervous, it was then that Ammon decided not to harm Zanna ,

“Father.” Denethore interrupted, Ammon looked across at his son angry with him for being there when he should have been with Brython and angry at him for being beaten by a girl.

 “I’ll talk with you later.” He said dismissing his son and Denethore quickly disappeared back into the hall and he looked back down at Zanna and beckoned one of the guards over and said something quietly too him and the guard made a quiet reply, Ammon shuck his head disbelieve, and then asked a couple of the guards to escort Zanna to the dungeon while he decided what else should be done. Zanna left with the quietly and was led down the steps as she put on a convincing stubborn look upon her face but the truth was she was scared but she wasn’t going to show it, even when she arrived in the dark dank place that smelt horrible and she could hear the sounds of the other prisoners and the only light coming from the torches lit every so often along the wall. It wasn’t until the door of the cell was closed and there was nothing but a pile of straw in the corner to sit, on did she even think of crying.

Brython had emerged from the shadows where he had been hiding all this time and had seen everything, he didn’t say anything to Ammon at first he even made it a point to avoid him and was rather glad of the decision when he heard Ammon giving Denethore a scalding for letting a woman get the better of him. Brython approached Kane, and after a quick introduction Brython sat next to him on the stone steps, “Does she do that often?” Brython enquired.

            “Would she have her head on her shoulders if she did?” Kane replied not really in the mood to discuss it, “Why so interested?”

“I was impressed with the way she handled it.” Brython replied, and Kane looked at him not sure how he meant that, “I take it she’s often in trouble.”

            “Yes but...” Kane then stopped not sure he should be talking about to him, “There’s normally a good reason for it.”

            I’m sure there is, and I wouldn’t worry too much I’m sure she going to come out the other end of this in one piece.” Brython said trying to reassure him.

            “It doesn’t stop me worrying.” Kane said, “Then again with Zanna it’s a constant worry.”

            “In the wrong place, at the wrong.” Brython said knowing,

            “She’s not a bad girl, just...” Kane wasn’t sure what words to use.

            “I’ll see what I can do for her.” Brython said before departing and entering the hall again, with something’s to think about after the brief conversation with Kane. They were things he heard more than several times before, and being around as much as him he had got in the way of thinking that perhaps it was fates idea of letting them know they were in the wrong place and fate had a strange way of making sure he came across them or they across him and they had been on more than one occasion where the child had nowhere else to go.

In the bleakness of the cell Zanna was beginning to realise that it wasn’t going to be a quick fix, and was severely regretting not thinking before she had acted, then she quickly changed her mind and blamed Denethore for making an offer. She hadn’t been exactly dressed like she was looking for business of that sort, nor was she. Zanna scrunched up and rested her head on her knees and began to quietly cry to herself. A large black rat scampered in and around looking for whatever it could find, not too put off with the fact that Zanna was there. She snarled at it not wanting even the rat to see her tears and it scampered off through a hole in the bottom of the door, and that upset her even more. Knowing that she was a witch and too most it would have been simple enough to transform into a rat and scamper out the same way the rat had and this annoyed her. She didn’t know that sort of magic and the fact was she didn’t know much at all, her mother was all potions and lotions and that sort of witch and she’d never gotten the hang of that and her mother had tried to keep her away from it all, trying to keep her hidden and safe from everyone, but being born a witch and being told that she couldn’t be one didn’t mix all too well. Her father, though he wasn’t her real father had taken them both on knowing and at times even though he couldn’t use magic understood, well not understood sympathised with Zanna and the way things where, and frustrated she got. Zanna lay thinking about all these things, it helped distract her from what might happen and what had happened, though her mind ran over those things trying to find another way she should have handled it and though several possibilities ran through her head, she hadn’t thought of at the time it was too late now.

The key in the lock went clunk and Zanna’s heart thumped as she jumped to her feet, fearing what was going to happen next, and Brython entered the cell and he could see the questioning look from Zanna. Zanna knew who he was, the great weapons master, wizard and several other things as well if she was too believe half of the stories about him. “Hello.” Brython said cheerfully and he could see by the expression on Zanna’s face she wasn’t too sure about him and he backed off slightly.

            “What do you want?” She asked still trying to work him out and Brython was quite willing for her to do so.

            “I need your help.” Brython replied.

            “I don’t think you do really.” She laughed.

            “I see one night in here, hasn’t improved your manners at all.” Brython said. “Look if you don’t need my help and you’d rather stop here that fine.”

            “What do you mean?” Zanna asked not in the mood for games and knowing anywhere would be better than where she was at the moment.

“You have a simple choice, stop here or help me. Now which one is it?” Brython replied bluntly.

“And what is it exactly, that you need help with?” Zanna enquired, not too sure why she was asking and wasn’t just getting out of there but she wanted to make sure she wasn’t getting herself into any more trouble.

“I need a sparring partner for Denethore.”  Brython replied not quite sure how she’d take that, “And you just happened to stumble in at the right time.”

“I can see why people think you’re crazy.” Zanna replied quickly.

“That might be the case but you’re the only person that isn’t frightened to hit him.” Brython replied. “And then....”

“And then?” Zanna asked.

“We’ll talk about that later, let’s get you cleaned and fed.” He said and showed Zanna out of the cell.

Brython led her up the stairs and she didn’t say a word, and it was clear she had never entered the building before and had only seen it from the outside as she was clearly taken aback by the size of everything and Zanna stayed close to Brython until they reached her room.  “Get a wash and get something to eat and I’ll meet you in a little while.” Brython told her as he left her too it and returned to his own chambers he sat upon the bed thinking over what he’d done and whether or not it was the right thing, and then he couldn’t get over the feeling they’d met before or she looked familiar and perhaps reminded him of someone he’d seen in his youth, but that was a long time ago and clearly wasn’t Zanna. It was then decided whatever had to be done about Zanna, had to be done well and he’d make sure of that.

Brython had to start at the beginning with Zanna, mainly because she absolutely knew nothing and mostly because the beginning was a good place to start and after a brief visit too her family he knew why this was so. Her mother being afraid for Zanna’s safety for some reason had made her hide who she was, he didn’t like that but it was becoming more and more frequent and it was a sign of things to come. It also became apparent after speaking with them that Zanna wasn’t the type of witch who’d be stood over a caldron making spells and potions and another thing that took Brython by surprise was when he was introduced to her familiar, usually a cat, squirrel or something small, but no a horse called Smudge and like most animals he spoke his mind and wasn’t afraid to let everyone know he was in a bad mood. Brython had the idea of bringing him to the stables but had little reason too so he might find it hard convincing Ammon this was necessary.

Starting can be the hardest thing especially when someone isn’t sure they’re willing to and able too. Zanna soon showed Brython that she could do both and was quick to learn things and soon grasp the basics of weapon handling and in addition Brython was giving her other lesson like reading and writing which Zanna at first found hard and had problems concentrating but wasn’t about to give up so easy and after a few weeks Brython was able to start giving her books to read with spells and other magical orientated books, though Brython reminded her this wasn’t the place or time to let anyone in on her secret and though she didn’t understand she agreed a little too easily for Brython’s liking he’d had rather had some complaint than her being totally compliant.

Chapter 2.

The first snow of winter was starting to fall and Zanna and Denethore where outside practicing archery shooting at the large targets that had been placed a little away from them. Denethore had turned it into a competition and first Zanna had not been to bothered but has all ways he wasn’t going to leave until he’d won and getting rather cold and fed up Zanna was ready for letting him win just to get back inside. “You seem a little distracted of late Zanna.” Denethore said interrupting Zanna concentration.

“Do I?” She replied, the fact was she had been and though everything had started off to be some sort of an adventure all new and exciting it was beginning to be a chore and times when she wasn’t training or with Brython though she wouldn’t admit it out loud she was beginning to feel a little home sick.

“Yes you do.” Denethore replied, Zanna let go of the bow string and the arrow hit the target for the first time off centre. “Does this have something to do with me?”

“Yes,” Zanna replied quickly “You’re talking when it’s my go.”

“I see.” Denethore appeared to be tiptoeing around what he actually wanted to say and Zanna had some idea and didn’t want to hear it.

Brython had stood watching the pair of them from a distance though Zanna was quite well aware of the boundaries at times they became hazy to Denethore, and on occasion had not deliberately or intentionally had breached those boundaries and on occasion she’d ignored or tolerated it. Though he’d never again propositioned her or made any advances other than as a friend, it was clear at times she found it uncomfortable and hard to deal with. Brython appeared to be ignoring but was keeping a watchful eye on one of those moments now, as Ammon approached him and looked at the pair of them. “Brython.” Ammon said.

“My-Lord.” He quickly replied pretending he hadn’t seen him realising he was one of the few people who could get away with it.

“How are they getting on?” He enquired watching the pair of them talking, but he was stood far enough away not to hear much of the conversation.

“Denethore has a lot to learn about other things, which may be better coming from you My-Lord.” Brython replied.

            “I have arranged an excursion with him; I think it will do him good to see things he normally wouldn’t.” Ammon replied, “Something that my father didn’t have time to do with me.”

            “When you go pay a visit to the Draconi riders.” Brython guessed.

“Yes, I think seeing is better than reading about it.” Ammon replied. “I was thinking that perhaps more responsibilities and….”

“Show him how things are done around here, so it’s not such a shock when he takes your place.” Brython finished what Ammon couldn’t. “That is a very good idea.”

“And Zanna is perhaps better waiting here with you.” Ammon added.

“As she done anything to offend you or….”

“No, I feel that she’s a good influence on him in many ways.” Ammon said with a smile, “I don’t want him becoming too close.”

“I understand your concerns but Zanna has no interest and I think he has learnt she’s not a woman that is suitable for him.” Brython said, “They are friends and nothing more.”

“Not everyone is sharing your view on this.”

“I see.”

“And the fact she’s clearly a better swords-man, not to mention her archery skills, are making him look really bad.” Ammon continued, “Especially when she lets him win like that.”

“Don’t think…”

“I know you try with him and how you’ve kept your patients I’ll never know.”

“Some people can and others can’t.” Brython said. “Perhaps I was the wrong person, for this job.”

“No, you’re not; just my son is the wrong pupil.” Ammon replied and left them too it.

Zanna and Denethore call it quits for the day and Zanna was about to make a quick exit when Denethore stopped her, “You miss your family, don’t you?” Denethore enquired and took hold of her hand; Zanna quickly withdrew it she didn’t want to talk not about that and not in front of him. “I thought that you and I were friends.” Denethore sounded saddened by Zanna’s reaction.

“We are friends, just…..” Zanna didn’t finish she just left hurriedly.

Brython approached Denethore who seemed a little put out and upset by Zanna’s departure, “I wouldn’t worry.” Brython told him, “She’s….”

“She’s missing her family.” Denethore said, “And I might have pointed that out and it upset her.”

“Zanna will calm down in a little while.” Brython said with a smile.

“She still will be unhappy though.” Denethore said, “And she won’t be happy until she goes home.”

“I hear you and your father are going on a trip.” Brython said changing the subject.

“I don’t see the point.” Denethore said in a sulk and walked off.

Brython decided to check on Zanna later on, her was concerned for her too but there was little he could do for her and he knew that, “Zanna.” Brython said gently as he peered around the chamber door, and she was sat gazing out of the window and didn’t even acknowledge him. He sat on the bed, she was aware he was there she was just choosing to ignore him, “Denethore is going on a trip.” Brython told her.

“Good.” Zanna grumbled, “I wish you’d go on one too instead of pestering me.”

“You don’t mean that.” Brython said.

“Well no but…”

“You haven’t slept have you?” Zanna shrugged and turned around to face him, but said nothing. “Try and get some rest, you’re starting to look ill.”   

“I’m fine.” Zanna lied as she sat down on the bed next to him.

“That’s not true, you’re not fine.” Brython told her gently. “I want to go home too you know.”

“I’m surprised you have a home the amount of travelling you do.” Zanna pointed out.

“I’m not there as often as I would like to be.” Brython admitted

“Perhaps you should make up an excuse and leave.” Zanna suggested.

“Perhaps, but where would that leave you.” Brython replied, “I’ll make an excuse for the pair of us and make sure you’re safe.”

“I don’t feel safe here; I’m all ways having to watch what I’m doing or saying and continually having to….”

“Hide and watch your back.” Brython finished for her, “I couldn’t imagine living my live like that it must be hard for you at times.”

“I feel, I can’t really get too know anyone, because they might start too know who I am and then…” She didn’t have to finish Brython understood what it was like to be different and gave her a cuddle. “And you miss home, you miss home because that’s the only place you can be yourself.” Zanna nodded, nearly crying and Brython held her close, he almost loved her the way he loved his daughter and he couldn’t bear to see her unhappy.

The following day after Denethore and Ammon had left, she had the pleasant surprise of her father come visit her, Brython had managed to arrange it, he thought it might cheer her up and it worked as they sat and talked a while Brython went on a wonder around the great hall and managing to bump into Kane when he was leaving to start his duty in the guard house. “Is she happier?” Brython asked with a smile.

“She seems to be.” Kane replied, “Thank you for taking care of her.”

“She doesn’t really need it.” Brython said.

“That’s not what she told me, nor is it what I’ve seen.” Kane said. “I’m here nearly every day.”

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know her.” Brython said with a smile, before saying a quick goodbye to one another and Kane disappearing back to the guard-house, leaving Brython stood for a moment or two pondering over what he’d said and how that sounded somehow not right.

Later that day Brython found Zanna had left her room and was looking a lot better, “I thought that you would have turned up earlier.” She said with a smile and twinkling green eyes.

“I thought you needed a rest.” Brython replied, “I’m sure that you’re already getting quite bored with an old man like me telling you what to do.”

“Maybe, but there isn’t much else to do and nobody seems to be able to stop to talk.”

“That’s how these places work.” Brython told Zanna.

“I can see why Denethore’s lonely and spoilt and…”

“Watch what you say even though he’s not about.” Brython warned her, “Especially here.”

“Sorry.”

“What have I told you about apologising all the time.” He reminded her. “But I agree with you entirely.” Brython wrapped his arm over Zanna’s shoulder and led her to the gardens around the back of the great hall that looked across the sea and the pair of them sat on the edge of the cliff. “Perhaps it’s time you understood who I am.” He told Zanna.

“A crazy old fool.” she replied with a smile.

“Well, maybe.” Brython replied, “I was meaning what I…” He stopped for a moment and gently touched her cheek, she shouldn’t have to be dragged into all this and yet he knew if he didn’t she would find her-self in amongst it all one way or another and Zanna could see by his expression that something was bothering him and she sat next to him on a large rock.

“Perhaps we should try this later when no one else is about.” She suggested.

“At times you’re too understanding.” Brython said and gave her a friendly hug, “You don’t have to be.” He told her.

Chapter 3.

For the past couple of weeks Brython tried his best to keep Zanna busy, to keep her mind off things but it hadn’t quite worked in fact she was beginning to look quite ill and Brython’s concern for her was growing, he wanted permission to take her back home. He would have just snuck her out but she was in enough trouble as it was without her picking up his bad habits. Lord Ammon and Denethore where due back that day and everything had gone from quiet to a complete upheaval as everyone rushed around getting everything ready and picking up the slack from the past couple of weeks without them being there. Brython was busy looking for Zanna whom seemed to have wandered off to escape the commotion and had found herself a quiet place in the library. “I wondered where you had disappeared too.” Brython said cheerfully when he approached as she sat on the rug hunched up by the fire.

            “I just fancied some peace.” She murmured her reply.

            “Are you hungry?” He asked and his reply was a shrug, “Zanna I know you’re missing home,”

            “Can I have a moment’s peace without being followed and watched over?” She snapped and was about to walk off when Brython gently took hold of her arm and stopped her, “You’re making yourself ill Zanna, and I’m concerned for you.”

            “You’ll soon be off to where ever it is you’ve come from and leaving me behind, so don’t try and pretend that it really matters to you what happens to me.” Zanna told him and shuck him off,

            “I do care.” Brython called out after her. Zanna looked behind her and stopped and hung her head and apologised and Brython walked over to her, “It’s this place.” He told her and gave her a friendly hug, “It’s playing with you, all the gossip and back stabbing and...” he let go of her and looked her straight in the eyes, “You’re quite right, I do go back, but you’re going back home first I’ll make sure of it.” Zanna could see that he wasn’t lying and she knew he had a few tricks up his sleeves that would be helpful in cases like this and she smiled back.

            Late on in the afternoon Denethore and Ammon arrived, and after the usual greeting from the people and staff of the hall Ammon disappeared from view tiered from travelling and though Brython tried several times the rest of the day to speak with Ammon he found himself being turned away and told to come back later and he didn’t like leaving thing the way they were but he had little choice other than return to his room for the night. As Brython took the long stair case to his room, he became suddenly aware that things were not as they should have been, and as he walked past Zanna’s he heard voices talking quietly and that made him stop, he didn’t want to be listening in at doors but he wanted to make sure Zanna was safe so he move close to the shadows and blended in to wait for whoever it was to leave or keep an ear out should they have ill intent towards her.

            Zanna sat on her bed under the blankets, and sat on the edge of her bed was Denethore, the room lit by a couple of candles. “I wish you could have come.” He told her.

            “Brython’s been keeping me busy around here.” She replied.

            “Too busy by the look of you.” He gently touched her pale cheek. “You look ill; perhaps my healer should take a look at you.” He offered.

            “I’m fine.” She replied quickly it was clear she was uncomfortable with him being there but she wasn’t sure how she could tell him, or even if he’d go if she’d tell him too. “I’m tiered as well which…”

            “He pushes you too hard.” Denethore replied before she had a chance to finish, “You’ll end up like him in a bit; you’re already starting to follow him around like a lost puppy.”

            “I am not.” Zanna retorted sharply forgetting briefly whose company she was in and the quickly changed her tact, “I don’t think Brython wants a little lost puppy following at his heels, and I have no intention of being that.”

            “Just watch what you’re doing, and don’t make any rash decisions.” Denethore said, “I can see you following him blindly and I don’t want you getting into trouble because of him.” He lent forward and took hold of Zanna’s hand, this made her feel uneasy, “Before I go I have something for you.” He let go of Zanna’s hand realising the she wasn’t comfortable with that kind of contact.

            “For me?” she asked, surprised he’d even thought of her,

            “No arguing.” He told her as he pulled out a large egg, and at first glance it appeared to be solely a cream blue colour and as Zanna took it from him she could see thin swirls of white that glistened like an oyster shell in the light of the candle. “Do you like it?” Denethore asked. Zanna wasn’t too sure what to say, “Do you?”

            “It’s beautiful; I just think that maybe this isn’t something that’s appropriate to give to someone like me.”

            “It’s a gift for a friend; I can do that can’t I?”

            “It’s a beautiful gift and a beautiful gesture…” Zanna carefully put the egg to one side and as she did Denethore looked saddened and it was more than just about the gift. “My-Lord?”

            “I prefer it when you use my name.” He told her, Zanna moved back from him when he said she had only ever really used his name to wind him up when they were sparring and somehow in this situation it didn’t feel comfortable. “And then you don’t have to pretend to be polite with me, like everyone else.” He continued, “Everyone thinks I’m going to become some sort of monster, just because someone wrote a bunch of fairy tales.”

            “They aren’t a bunch of fairy tales.” Zanna started and then looked at his expression, “You wanted me to be honest with you, so I will.” She told him. “You are not a bad person, you are many thing but evil isn’t one of them.”

            “Many things?” He enquired not liking that on bit.

            “Well a spoilt brat, for one.” Zanna explained and smiled to show she meant no malice with the comment.

            “I’m scared Zanna.” He said and he began to cry, “I do silly things, and sometimes I don’t realise until afterwards.” Zanna gave him a handkerchief that she always kept tucked up her night shirt sleeve.

            “Just remember greed and power can corrupt.” Zanna warned him then something more important than anything else came out of Zanna’s mouth, it may have sounded like she’d thought about it, but it was merely as if she’d plucked out of the air at that point in time, “Never ever, ever under any circumstances except any offer from a witch.” She told him looking him straight in the eyes as she spoke to him, “Especially for something you know you cannot have.” Denethore nodded and said nothing, “If I ever hear of you doing that, I’ll give you a warning three times as hard as the last warning you got of me.” She joked to relive the tension, she then looked down somewhat confused herself as to why she’d said that,
“You’d best go before anyone miss’s you, it won’t do for you to be found here talking to me.” She told. He went to hand her, her handkerchief back. “Keep it.” She told him, “It’ll remind you.” He the quietly left the room. Brython waited till he had passed and then left the shadows he was curious as to what he’d given Zanna and his motives behind it but he knew it wasn’t the time to confront her about it so he returned to his chambers.

            Zanna had picked up her journal and was writing in it the egg still on her bed, she stopped saw she felt the egg move and sure she saw it move too and picked it up and placed it too her cheek listening and waiting for any sign of life, she put it down again thinking she was probably tiered and that she was seeing things and soon fell asleep with the egg still in her bed.

Chapter 4.

Brython was awoken early in the morning to Zanna frantically knocking and calling for him at his chamber door, realizing that it was urgent he wasted no time in answering the door. “It hatched.” Zanna said not sure what else to say at this point in time as Brython looked down at her and a small creature sat around her neck, he quickly ushered her into the room and closed the door behind them both. Brython picked the creature up and took a good look at him, clearly it was a Draconi it’s almost serpentine neck and head, with two horns and it dragon shaped body with smooth shinny scales and leathery wings. The Draconi became very distressed at being removed from Zanna and not wanting to upset it anymore he handed it back. “Congratulations it’s a boy.” Brython replied anger in his tone.

            “That’s helpful.” Zanna retorted not happy with his tone with her, after all she hadn’t known what the egg was and she still wasn’t clear.

            “It’s a Draconi, Zanna.” Brython explained, still annoyed. “I’m not angry with you, but you have to tell me what exactly did Denethore brought to you last night.”

            “You where spying on me.” Zanna now annoyed.

            “You can argue with me about this later, but for now we have to sort this out.”

            “Denethore bought me an egg as a present.” Zanna started, “I didn’t realise it was a real egg, I’ve never seen…” Brython stopped her as the creature was getting hungry, “I will go get him some food, you must go to the library and find out how to take care of him.”

            “Does he not have a home to take him too?” Zanna enquired.

            “I’ll explain after he’s been fed.” Brython told her and quickly he, headed down to the kitchens and Zanna not happy went to the library and after looking at the shelves found a book on creature of Avalantia. After finding a section on the Draconi which was only a small mention considering some of the other animals had lengthy essays and diagrams she found that of little use other than the fact they lived with their riders and had an unbreakable bond, which in her case wasn’t very helpful at this moment of time. She then managed to find one about magical creatures of Avalantia and though she didn’t hold out much hope for this one either she opened it up to find more of an explanation about them, how the eggs are laid and the children take care of the eggs until they come of a suitable age which to take responsibility and the Draconi would hatch, it mentioned that baby Draconi’s favourite food was chicken which she thought was helpful. She continued to read how looking after the Draconi had something to do with the bond between the rider and the Draconi and usually the egg would not survive if removed from the rider. Zanna stopped and thought and looked at him, the hatchling now chirping for food and Brython returned “You’re cute but I don’t think you belong with me, I think you should go home.” She told the Draconi. Brython approached her, “That might be more difficult than you think.” He told her as he handed her some chicken the little Draconi chirped loudly and Zanna tried various ways of feeding him it until she managed to get his head in the right position and he began to take it. Brython sat next to her as she fed him, “You see, it’s very hard after the egg has hatched with someone else to get the Draconi to go back, there have been the odd case where that has happened but, it is the odd case.” Brython told her.

            “Isn’t it worth a try?” Zanna asked, “You can take him, you can take him now.”

            “It’ll have to be you that take's him, after all you’re the one he hatched for and he won’t like me holding him or feeding him at all.” Brython explained. “Have you given him a name yet?” Brython asked, Zanna shuck her head. “Give him a name, we can’t be calling him Draconi and it all the time and I’m going to have a word with Lord Ammon.” Brython told her.

            “I’m in trouble again.” Zanna guessed.

            “Not this time.” Brython told her, “I’m sorry about earlier, I’m not angry with you.”

            “I know.”

            Brython left Zanna too it and she returned to her chambers where she sat down and let the Draconi wander around the room until he fell asleep, Zanna watched him curled up by the fire and immediately thought of a story which she was told when she was young about a Dragon named Braemon whom had lost his horde and couldn’t remember where it was. “I shall call you Braemon.” She told him and picked him up and placed him under the blanket so he wouldn’t get cold. Brython soon returned with a leather bag, “This is too put him in.” He offered her the bag.

            “Braemon.” Zanna informed him proud of herself for picking such a good name.

            “The dragon that lost his horde, that does quite fit him.” Brython said with a smile. “I suppose it’s better than fluffy.”

            “Fluffy?” Zanna looked rather annoyed at him for suggesting she’d give the Draconi a name like that.

            “Ammon wants to see you, so I suggest making yourself a little more presentable and taking little Braemon with you.” Brython instructed her, “I’ll wait outside and we’ll go together.” He could tell by the look on Zanna’s face she wasn’t too keen and thoughts of her first encounter with Lord Ammon where running through her head. “You’re not in trouble this time, now hurry yourself.” Brython said quietly to her.

            After talking to Ammon Zanna was asked to wait outside the room while he talked with Brython, Zanna felt sure she was in trouble after all Denethore wouldn’t get the blame and they’d have to blame someone so it would be her, Denethore walked up to her, “You could keep him.” Denethore told her Zanna bit her tongue, she didn’t want to say anything that she might get in trouble for and thought it better not to speak at all. “You could have kept him.”

            “Because you say so.” She blurted out, “Well it doesn’t work like that, you should have left him.”

            “Because they say so.” Denethore retorted.

            “No. because that’s where he belongs.” Zanna replied bluntly.

            “They said earlier that you’d be going home too.” He told her, Zanna smiled when he said that. “You want to go?” He asked.

            “You belong here, I belong in a little wooden shack in town and Braemon belongs with his own kind.” Zanna told him, “I’m, not explaining anymore because, you don’t understand and you don’t want to understand.” Denethore stormed off at this point and Zanna didn’t have to say any more nor did she want too, she was quite aware she may have crossed the line but no one else would tell him. Brython popped his head out of the door, “Where is Denethore?” He asked.

            “He stormed off, because I told him off.” Zanna said.

            Brython and Ammon both stepped out of the room and gave Zanna a smile, “You told him off?” Ammon replied.

            “I’m sorry, My-lord…”

            “No explanation is needed.” Ammon said dismissing it and though he was annoyed he didn’t want Zanna to see it, “You’ll have to go with Brython to take this little chap back.” He told Zanna who nodded but didn’t quite know what to say, “But first you must go see your family.”

            “Thank you.” Zanna said and gave him a hug. “Sorry.” Zanna quickly apologized when she realised what she’d done.

            “If that makes you happy, what about going home afterwards.” Ammon continued, Zanna smiled and thanked him, “Now go and pack and Brython will take you home and then will take little Braemon home with you.”

            “Thank you.” she said again.

            “It’s been a pleasure having you here and you’re all ways welcome to come and visit.” Ammon told her and the dismissed her and Zanna hurriedly went back to her room and began packing.

Chapter 5.

The following night Zanna was sat awake in the middle of a forest she’d only ever heard of, she had never left the town since her family had moved there from a farm that her father’s family had. Zanna couldn’t remember the life she had, had with her mother before when they were travellers and there clan would move around the land from place to place and she had never really thought about it until now as she wished she could remember what that was like as now in the dark she felt nervous and even a little scared about being in a strange place. During the day she had been excited and somewhat enjoyed the ride through the countryside and seeing things and sights she had never really seen before. Brython had kept the pace slow not sure whether or not Zanna could keep on her horse riding at speed, he’d also expected complaints about the cold and rain but Zanna seemed to be taking in her surroundings and enjoying the experience. Braemon had stirred from his sleep hungry, Zanna hadn’t quite thought about him eating at night but Draconi’s wake at all hours and when they are hungry. Zanna set too and fed him. She hadn’t expected getting much sleep but she had expected some, between Brython’s snoring and the Braemon's demands she hadn’t had any. When Brython had eventually awoken and Zanna had put her head down to rest briefly the sounds of someone approaching made Smudge snort a warning to Brython. Brython knowing who was aware of it was cast a small sleeping spell on Zanna and Smudge stamped his foot in disapproval, “Just this once.” He told the horse, the horse snorted and moved towards Zanna as a hooded man popped out of the bushes, “Morning Brython.” He said cheerfully, and Brython greeted him in return. “I take it the little miss isn’t one of your pupils.”

             “It’s complicated, Tolrean.” Brython said.

            “Don’t tell me the fact she’s a girl puts you off.” Tolrean said.

            “It’s Zanna.”

            “The plucky little thing that gave Denethore a beating?”

            “Yes, that’s her.”

            “Before she wakes up, I need to ask a favour.” Tolrean said hopefully. “I need you to the Great hall and…”

            “No.” Brython said realizing what this was about. “I can’t do that right now.”

            “This is important.” Tolrean said, “When Ammon and Denethore went to visit….” There was a chirp and Braemon’s head popped out from under Zanna’s blankets. “I was told Draconi egg.”

            “Clearly it hatched.” Brython said with a smile. “Denethore gave Braemon to Zanna and it hatched.”

            “This changes things.” Tolrean said thinking, “Braemon?”

            “Yes Braemon.” Brython told him.

            “Well at least she didn’t call him something stupid, like Smudge…” The horse stamped his foot, in anger.

            “That’s the horses name and before you insult him even further he’s Zanna’s familiar.” Brython warned.

            “He’s heard everything we’ve been talking about then.” Tolrean said and Brython nodded.

            “Obviously.” Smudge grunted, only Brython could hear him. “There’s nothing wrong with Smudge, Smudge is a fine name and I think your so called friend should apologise because when mistress wakes I’ll tell her everything.” He tossed his mane and turned around, mumbling something as he chomped on grass.

            “Apologize to him.” Brython told Tolrean quickly.

            “I apologise, if I’ve offended you.” Tolrean said hopefully. Smudge turned around and looked at Tolrean checking him out, he then noticed something on his hand something sparkly and began to mouth at it.

            “He wants to see your ring.” Brython told him and Tolrean held up his hand so Smudge could see the shiny metal with a rose stem carved in it, topped with a large cut red stone shaped like the flower. “That’s why Zanna’s asleep.” Brython explained. Smudge quite happy with that explanation went back to chewing on the grass though he kept a close eye on Zanna. The Draconi now tugged on Zanna’s hair and was chirping furiously at her not understanding why she wouldn’t wake up as she all ways had done before. “I’ll send a message on and let her feed the little one.” Tolrean said and quickly disappeared, Brython waited a moment or two to make sure he was gone then woke Zanna, who was surprised to find she hadn’t heard Braemon’s calls for feeding, “You were much tiered.” Brython quickly explained, he didn’t like lying to Zanna and this made it hard to disguise the fact and she obviously knew there was more to it than that but she didn’t ask anything.

            Now getting late and the first snow of winter had begun to fall, at first a little sprinkling then it soon changed to almost a blizzard, Zanna wasn’t too happy so Brython rather than taking the direct route took a little detour to a local inn that wasn’t too far from the river crossing. Zanna had heard stories about the Five fingers and found none of them to be true when she entered half expecting a brawl and filled with women touting for business, she had been into a couple in town and found them like that but this was quiet almost empty. Entering the inn cold and wet, Brython told her to warm up by the fire while he got her a drink, Zanna seeing the inn was almost empty took Braemon out of the leather bag to find even he was cold and after she’d wrapped him up so tightly with fur to keep him cosy. He chirped to show his disapproval at being cold and stuck in a leather bag most of the day, he shuck himself and stretched his legs and because he was cold curled up as close as he could by the fire. “He’ll warm up in a little while, and get back to his usual chirpy self in no time.” Brython said as he saw the look of concern on Zanna’s face. “They’re quite hardy creatures.” Just as he was explaining all this Martha, who run the inn came over with a hot stew, it smelt so good and Zanna was so hungry she tucked right in. After a while Zanna seemed to have settled and grown accustomed to her surroundings, “Martha has made you a room in the back where she lives.” Brython said cheerfully, “She didn’t want you having to fight off all the young men around here.”

            “Martha’s your wife isn’t she?” Zanna enquired, Brython nodded “Poor woman.”

            “How’d you work that out?” Brython asked.

            “She knows everything what you get up too, and seen as she not near enough old enough to be you mother, she’s you wife.” Zanna informed him.

            “Well…” Brython started,

            “You mentioned her on several occasions, as well as your daughter Maya.” Zanna reminded him. “That night you had far too much wine from his Lord-on-Highs kitchen.”

            “Really?” He asked, “And what else did I say?”

            “On a need to know basis.” Zanna replied with a cheeky smile, “Besides all that your wife’s giving you that look.”

            “What look?”

            “You men really are stupid.” She took hold of his head and turned it. “That looks.” She pointed out and Martha gave him a sly wink.

            “I’ll be back in a little while.” Brython then took hold of one of the young men walking past, “Meet Tristan.” He said with a smile, “Tristan, keep an eye on Zanna until I get back.” He then quickly disappeared. Leaving Tristan stood over Zanna she looked up and smiled at him, “You don’t want to be babysitting me.” She said

            “No I don’t, but I don’t think you need to be.” Tristan said as he sat down, “Don’t worry I won’t mention the incident with Denethore.”

            “It would have been a conversation starter.” She joked.

            “Can I say?” Tristan continued, “How nicely you got rid of Brython, just then.”

            “Either you’re seriously impressed, or you’re flattering me.” She replied.

            “I’ve been trying to rid of Brython for the past three years and I haven’t succeeded yet.”

            “And you must have serious problems then.” Zanna replied, “I’ve been stuck with him for four month keeping an eye on me, he’s been driving me crazy.” Braemon jumped up on to the table from where he’d been laid by the fire, “Are you hungry?” Zanna asked him gently as she offered him some tit bits that Martha had given her earlier.

            “Is he yours?” Tristan asked.

            “No, not really.” She replied, “He’s been misplaced.”

            “Well that explains why I’m taking a message in that direction.” Tristan said. “I’ve got to be going now, I might see you again.”  After goodbyes Tristan departed and she soon realised the inn apart from her and Braemon was empty. Enjoying the beer rather too much, she decided to help herself while she thought no one was watching, and the most expensive beer she could lay her hands on. Braemon had decided it was time to play hide and seek which resulted in Zanna half-heartedly chasing him around the pub for a moment or two and then gave up calling Braemon over, but the little Draconi had found something, or someone as Zanna began to realise as he kept chirping and snarling for someone to come out from behind what appeared to be a window, but Zanna was quite aware it only led to the stables. She quickly opened it and peered around seeing no one but the shadows and the horses as the light from the fire shone through the gap. Smudge walked over for what appeared to be a pet on the nose, to anyone else. “A man’s here.” he snorted to her, “He knows Brython and was talking with him earlier.” Zanna rubbed his nose and said nothing; she didn’t have too, horses where generally good at reading unspoken words. Braemon had managed to pull himself up on to the ledge of the window and called loudly into the darkness, Zanna was about to pick him up, when he jumped off and scurried into the darkness. “Braemon.” she called out after him but it was clear she was going to have to go retrieve him and was about to clamber through the window and do so when a hooded man came out of the shadows holding Braemon, the Draconi didn’t seem to bothered by this unlike when Brython had picked him up and he’d squealed and struggled and left him with a nasty scratch. Smudge stamped his foot still angry with him from earlier and positioned himself in front of Zanna. “Smudge.” Zanna gave him a gentle warning and the horse obediently backed off, and she was handed back Braemon whom wiggled his way on to her shoulders like a cat. “Thank you.” She said politely.

            “You’re welcome.” Tolrean said gently from beneath the hood.

            “Were you spying on me?” Zanna asked bluntly.

            “Keeping an eye on you from an appropriate distance.” He replied quickly.

            “Same thing.” She said. “Why?”

            “The Draconi and Brython asked me too.” He said hoping he’d bypass any more conversation.

            “If I was going to lie I’d make something up a bit more convincing than that.” She told him bluntly “And I wouldn’t worry too much about skulking around in the shadows.”

            “Really.” He replied,

            “Really.” she told him, “It makes you look like a pervert or a murderer.” she continued “Besides all that you may have slipped into the conversation.”

            “When?” He asked not too surprised.

            “Well, he may have had a drink or two, and the conversation was getting rather interesting and I may have poured him a couple more.” Zanna replied honestly.

            “So how much did he say?” Tolrean asked, finding it all amusing.

            “Why would I tell you that?” Zanna asked, Tolrean laughed.

            “Seen as you’ve just landed Brython in it with me, I’d best give you a warning.” Tolrean said quietly and beckoned her over she approached, “In a little while he’s going to get abducted.”

            “Abducted?” Zanna enquired, “Not one of his silly games again.”

            “Precisely.” Tolrean replied. Zanna could tell he wasn’t lying it was something that she did without thinking and was quite natural for her; she was also a good judge of character even if she couldn’t see his face. “Now seen as you managed to help yourself earlier, I think you should pass me one through.” Tolrean told her. Zanna clambered back through the window and after filling her tankard she filled Brython’s friend one and past it through the window and quietly shut him in the stable making sure she did so quietly.

            Brython and the others where stood outside the back in the pouring rain, whispering to them quietly Brython told them to go and get Zanna now while he hid around the side of the door. Zanna however knowing all what was going on and the fact it was cold outside couldn’t really be bothered playing along so she decided the best thing to do was too play fair maid in distress and get someone else to do the running around and just as she was contemplating how she was going to do it, a couple of the men rushed in almost startling Zanna. They quickly told her Brython had been abducted and that he needed help, “Oh no.” Zanna said sounding believably upset and distressed, “What am I going to do?” They all stood there believing every word that came out of Zanna’s mouth, “You’ll have to help him, I’m afraid I cannot go out alone and defenceless in the dark, I won’t know where to look or what to do.”

            “Have you never left the town before?” One of them asked.

            “No.” She replied the only thing that she portrayed honestly, “And now I’m lost, alone and…” she stopped looking rather upset. “How will I take Braemon back home and how am I to get back home and…” She looked at one of them with pleading eyes, “If you don’t find Brython, you’ll help me, won’t you?”

            “We’ll find Brython and bring him back for you.” One of them said and quickly started to encourage the others out of the door with him, “You’ll be fine here.”

            “I think I’ll manage.” Zanna said, and then thinking about it briefly she thought she might have over played it but they seemed to be convinced enough to quickly leave. Zanna sat briefly still not sure if one of them would come back or what would happen next, then her attention was suddenly drawn to Braemon whom was making some rather strange noises. Looking across at him Zanna watched his odd behaviour as he scampered around in a circle and every so often hold his head up and call up to the sky and he looked rather stressed or so she thought and went to pick the Draconi up and as she went to pick him up he snarled and turned to bite her and before he had a chance a hand scooped him up and covered him in a black, “He’d have bitten you.” Tolrean told a somewhat startled Zanna. “Don’t tell me Brython didn’t tell you about him turning.”

            “No he didn’t.” Zanna said, not too surprised that Brython hadn’t told her everything. “What do you mean by turning?”

            “Draconi’s turn and bite and then you’re joined.” He explained. “Tolrean.” He introduced himself and Zanna shuck his free hand as he held the Draconi wrapped tightly in the cloak in the other still hissing and snarling and wiggling trying to break out. “I won’t hurt him.” He told her gently as she looked at the sack concerned for Braemon, Brython walked in at that point, and looked to his friend for an explanation. “He’s turned Tolrean explained, “Have you got a box to keep him in for the night?” He asked cheerfully as if the near miss hadn’t just happened. Martha had overheard and entered with a box she’d picked out for Braemon to spend the night in and after quickly putting a snapping Braemon into the box and closing the lid on him tightly so there was no chance of him getting out. “He’ll calm down now he’s in the dark.” Brython reassured Zanna, as Martha took him around into the back.    “I’ll keep an eye on him tonight and then we’ll set off early.”

            “Early?” Zanna enquired, knowing what that meant and not liking it one bit.

            “Yes early and don’t be drinking much more or you’ll have a bad head.” Brython told her.

            “You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you?” She retorted and then noticed the cut on Tolrean’s hand, “What have done there?” She quickly changed the subject and gently took hold of his hand.

            “It’s nothing, just a scratch.” Tolrean protested.

            “I’ll fetch some warm water and give it a clean.” Martha told him, and disappeared off to fetch the water and soon came tottering back with a small bowl of warm water and put it on the bar, Zanna then quickly dipped it in the water and the water shone blue and then she let go of Tolrean’s hand and he took it out, and he looked at it seeing the wound completely healed, “You do that often?” He asked Zanna, she didn’t reply she only smiled at him and he sat next to her.

            “What else can you do?” One of the others asked.

            “The usual.” Brython replied, “Now I think you’ve got some where to be Tristan.” Brython reminded him and after Tristan left, some of the others disappeared off and it suddenly became quite quiet and Zanna deciding she had, had enough to drink and the lack of sleep she had last night was enough to encourage her to go to bed, leaving Brython and Tolrean talking.

            They sat by the fire keeping warm in the last of the embers quietly glowed, “Why aren’t you at home?” Brython asked.

            “Keeping busy.” Tolrean replied, still checking his hand. “She’s is certainly special.”

            “Why after I told you not to go near did you totally ignore me?” Brython enquired.

            “Well, it wasn’t exactly planned.” Tolrean said, “And I like the fact she had the nerve to ply you with beer to get more information out of you.”

            “She didn’t.” Brython replied quickly and the thought about it, and there was one night in particular where Zanna was being more than eager to bring him another glass of wine. “She did didn’t she.”

            “I think you’ve got your going to have to keep a close eye on her.” Tolrean told him. “Especially near your decent home brew.”

            “No wonder she’s more than a little merry.” Brython said with a smile.

            “If you want my opinion…”

            “I know what your opinion is.” Brython replied with a knowing smile, “But I have reservations about taking her on as a pupil.”

            “What is your hesitation, she’s a good lasso and you’ve got nothing too loose by taking her on.”

            “Zanna and Denethore’s relationship.” Brython replies bluntly, “He gave her the egg for a present.”

            “You think he and she are….”

            “No, especially not from Zanna’s point of view and I think she’d at least half kill him if he was even to try and suggest anything else.” Brython told him, “But from his point of view.”

            “There’s something else that’s bothering you.” Tolrean said,

            “I was expecting some sort of sign of impending evil or something.”

            “Isn’t stealing the Draconi enough to give you a sign?”

            “He’s just a spoilt, stupid, brat.” Brython replied, “Nothing more than that.” He finished and then the pair of them talked for a long time.

            Zanna got up in the morning still feeling a little woozy, from all the ale she’d managed to drink, and after stumbling around for a little while before she had a hot mug of tea. She then timidly approached Braemon in his box and peered in through the gaps, “Don’t worry, he should be fine to have out now.” A somewhat familiar voice from last night said and she turned around to see Tolrean and smiled and then removed the lid off the box and the little Draconi jumped out giving several chirps and snorts letting her know he wasn’t happy and then jumped up on her shoulder for attention which she obliged him by giving him a scratch behind the ear. She couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about keeping him in the box like that, but he could at least stretch his legs a bit before they set off after breakfast. Martha was busy cooking breakfast as she sat down at the table and Braemon instantly jumped down on to it and approached Tolrean, immediately rolling over on to his back and chirping at him. “He wants a belly tickle.” Zanna told him, it was then that she saw something in his eyes a sort of expectance and sadness, she hadn’t noticed it before but it was there to see now.

            “Really?” Tolrean asked and gave his belly a quick rub on the belly.

            “He likes you.” Zanna said.

            “It’s part of the job.” Tolrean explained, “That’s why I was sent for too find him.”

            “I wouldn’t exactly describe being the Overseer as a job.” Zanna pointed out.

            “You’re right.” Tolrean said with a smile, “It would be like saying it’s your job to be a witch, when it’s more of a birth right.”

            “”Don’t say it like that either, it makes it sound scary.” Zanna said clearly not keen on the thought.

            “I know exactly what you mean.” Tolrean replied, and then his mind started thinking over something that clearly had been bothering him.

            “I’ve done that again haven’t I?” Zanna said seeing that he was contemplating over what had just been said.

            “Done what?” Tolrean asked,

            “Mentioned something that didn’t seem important, but was.” Then Zanna thought that, that didn’t quite come out as she meant it.

            “I wouldn’t worry.” As Tolrean spoke Brython appeared, just as Martha was putting the breakfast plates down. “Your timing is excellent as all ways.” He commented. Brython didn’t reply he just sat next to him and picked up Braemon whom yapped at him as he put him on the floor to make room for the plates. Braemon had other ideas and clambered up the back of Tolrean’s chair and back, then started to started to try and build a nest with his hair which made Zanna giggle. “Now you’re pushing your luck.” Tolrean warned him, but not in a threatening tone and Zanna stretched over the table and gently pulled him free and put him on the floor and told him off gently and it seemed to put him off for a moment at least and it ended up as some sort of game as Zanna tried to eat. After breakfast she eventually gave up trying to chase him around as it was clear that being stuck in the box and being stuck in a satchel for the past couple of days had given him a lot of pent up energy and wasn’t too keen and put up a bit of a struggle when she put him back in the satchel.       

Chapter 6.

After riding for a couple more days near enough none stop Zanna was about ready to drop off the horse, knowing he wasn’t so far away and aware that the sun was low in the sky he didn’t want to keep the Draconi another night in the satchel it was clearly distressing him not being able to do what came natural to it. Brython pulled on the reins and brought the horse to a stop, “Tiered?” He asked, Zanna nodded, “We’re not far off.” He informed her cheerfully, “If we hurry we’ll get there before nightfall.”

“That’s easy for him too say he’s not carrying you.” Smudge grumbled and Zanna looked down at Smudge not too happy with that comment.

“At the other end, there’s a nice warm stable and a fresh bale of hay.” Brython told him, the horse snorted liking the sound of that, “And there’s a nice warm bed for you too, if you hurry up.” Brython told.

“I think he means, you’re supposed to move a bit faster.” Zanna said and gave Smudge a slight kick and he immediately set off into a gallop and Brython quickly turned his horse around and followed after, the countryside seemed to roll beneath the horses as they raced along, Brython hoping to beat the sun and have enough time to explain things when he arrived before Braemon turned again, bypassing the nearby village and farms not once stopping until they  had to cross a river and Smudge stopped on seeing the other horse up to his belly in the cold water. “Don’t be silly.” Zanna told him, “It’s only water.” Her calm reassurance seemed to do the trick and attentively he took his first steps in and slowly took his time following Brython, “Has he ever done this before?” He asked.

“Only in the stream by town.” Zanna replied and all of a sudden he stopped “What’s wrong?” She asked the horse and just as she asked Brython’s horse lost its footing and stumbled into the water Brython falling off and drifting down stream as the horse scrambled up on to the bank and Smudge followed more urgently, “I suppose we find him.” Smudge snorted and set off in a gallop following the direction of the stream, making Zanna almost lost her balance. They soon entered a small forest with steep slopes at either side of the stream too steep for Smudge to walk upon, she quickly and without hesitation dismounted, “Zanna.” she heard Brython called out, she looked down the steep sides and at the river and was relieved but only briefly to find him clinging on to a fallen tree. Not quite sure what to do now knowing she couldn’t leave him she scrambled down the slope edge, and partly slid on her bum until she reached the bottom and the river’s edge, it was only when she reached the bottom she noticed the sound of water thundering as it dropped over the edge of a cliff she held her breath for a moment taking in what was happening. “Zanna.” Brython called out over the sound, that had almost becoming deafening and she immediately drew her attention back to Brython and without thinking almost took a step on the tree, “It won’t hold you as well as me.” He warned her, just as the tree creaked to reassure her of that fact. “I don’t want you falling in as well.” He said. “See the vines on the trees?” Brython told her.

            “I see.” Zanna called back, “I can use the knife Papa loaned me.” She then climb part way up the tree and cut down lengths of the vines, then  clambering back round she instantly and quickly twisted them together and made a makeshift rope out of them and tied a noose at one end. Zanna paused for a moment and thought, “It’s all well and good having a rope but how do I get it too Brython.” She contemplated to herself, the tree creaked again which drew Zanna back to the here and now making sure she didn’t have time to think about things too much. “Throw me the rope Zanna.” Brython told her, “And tie it around the tree, I’ll do the rest.” She quickly did as she was told and as she threw the vines and without thinking she most have cast a spell upon them and they began to shine with a silvery light and it guided the rope to Brython’s hands and she quickly tied the makeshift rope round the trunk of the nearest tree. Brython then hand over hand worked his way up the rope and Zanna helped pull him out of the water just as tree gave a final groan and gave up its hold and broke free of the bank. Brython took a moment or two to catch his breath, water dripping from him, “Thank you.”  He eventually said to Zanna.

            “You know, you should really find a way of doing things so it’s not life threatening every time you step out of the door.” She joked.

“I have a reputation to keep up too.”

“I’m surprised you’re alive at all.”

“Just don’t tell my wife about this little incident.” He told her as they both got back up to their feet. “We must get going now, where are the horses?”

“That way,” Zanna pointed, “Well mine is anyway.”

“Don’t worry, mine won’t have gone far.” Brython reassured her as the scrambled up the steep slope and made their way back to Smudge and Braemon, whom was scrambling around in the bag at the sound of Zanna approaching. She quickly opened the leather bag to find a less than happy, but relieved to see her Draconi.

Brython still wet and now very much feeling the cold began to wish for a nice warm fire and a hot meal more than Zanna, whom seemed to be concerned for him, and now he set off more eager to press on than ever. Fortunately they weren’t too far from their destination and found a group of their elders waiting just outside the village. “You watch the horses.” Brython told her.

“Wouldn’t it be better if I….”

“Wait with the horses, and leave this too me.” He interrupted and gave Zanna a stern look, she wasn’t happy but she did as she was told and sat a little way from Brython with the group of elders and they began talking in hushed tones.

Brython approached and after a slight bowing of heads courteously at one another and brief introductions they began the serious business of decision making, “You received my message.” Brython stated rather than enquired.

            “Yes it was more than efficient and hasty delivery which is more than what could be said about your arrival.” One of the elders, that didn’t appear to be as old as some of them.

“Judging by the state of him there’s a reasonable explanation.” One of the elders told him, “And look at that young girl, she’s barley at an age to be looking after a Draconi hatchling, never mind travelling with this likely one.”

            “Zanna is more than capable of dealing with me.” Brython replied quickly avoiding any reference to how he got wet, before it was mentioned. “I don’t know whether my messenger was clear or not on the Draconi having turned.”

“He hasn’t bitten anyone?” The eldest one asked. Brython gave him a quick shake of his head, “The Overseer saw too that.”

“Tolrean how is he?” Was the reply.

“Fine.” Brython replied, wanting to make the discussion out in the open as short and sweet as possible, now feeling the cold and wet as the warmth from the sun was quickly fading.

Zanna wasn’t too happy being left out of the conversation and being tired and hungry wasn’t helping, surely they could see it would take more than a quick talk to Brython and not one of them seemed interested in her. A young man walked up from the village, Zanna could tell by the look of him he wasn’t much older than her, if not the same age at first he wanted to talk to the group of elders as if he had something important too say but he was soon sent to one side by one of them. Zanna seeing this guessed he had something to do with what was going on and approached him and introduced herself, “Hello, I’m Zanna.” She held out her hand for him to shake.

“So I’ve heard.” He replied wishing she wasn’t there and none of this was happening has he looked at the ground more upset with himself than anyone else.

“Yes well….,” Zanna paused not too sure what to say or if anything she would say right now would be appropriate.

“You might as well know.” He continued, “You have my egg.”

“Draconi.” Zanna corrected then wished she could take it back, because that seemed to upset him even more, “You’ll be wanting to meet him then.” She said and led him to where he was by the horses. Braemon popped his head out from the long grass and chirped and then scampered over to Zanna and she gently scooped him up. “I err called him Braemon, I hope you don’t mind that.” She said hopefully.

“They call me Demetrius.” He said, sounding a little more cheerful, “And Braemon kind of suits him.” As he spoke there was large downward breeze startling both Zanna and Smudge, she quickly looked around to see a larger version of Braemon.

“This is Craeco.” Demetrius introduced the Draconi.

“Hello little ,witchling.” Craeco said in a friendly way, his voice sounding somewhat snake like in its manner.

“You’re a witch?” Demetrius asked, and it was clear Zanna was a little uncomfortable with that, “Don’t worry, no harm will come too you here.”

“I’m still getting used to everyone knowing; in the town things are a little different.” She admitted. “But I don’t mind.”

“You’re sat having a chat, while that beast has designs on me for supper.” Smudge neighed and reared and was clearly distressed, Zanna quickly ran up to him and tried to calm him down.

“It takes some horses some getting used to.” Demetrius explained,

“That’s other horses.” Zanna explained, “Smudge is my familiar.”

“I thought they were usually cats.”

“Generally a small animal, I just have to be different.” She said, “He’ll not eat you.” She told Smudge gently.

“I only eat what I get offered.” Craeco said, “Though we do like hunting, we tend to stick to wild animals and not ones in pens.” He finished and Smudge seemed to calm down a little, though he made it very clear he wasn’t happy nor was he going to be happy while he was around here, Zanna ignored him having heard more than enough of his complaints along the way and took some chicken out of the leather bag, Braemon started chirping for the food and ran over to her, following at her heels jumping up trying to grab some as she sat next to Demetrius. “Here,” She handed him the chicken, “You try.” Demetrius didn’t look too sure when she said that, “It’s quite simple.” She reassured him and showed him how, he tried and Braemon let them know he wasn’t happy about it. Demetrius got frustrated at this point, “Let’s have another go.” She suggested and placed the chicken in the palm of her hand and put hers on top of Demetrius’s and when the little Draconi was fully distracted she gently removed her leaving Demetrius holding the chicken in his palm and Zanna put some more on there.

“What are they talking about over there?” Demetrius asked Craeco.

“What is the best way for you to meet Braemon?” Craeco replied, “And there have also been several suggestions on whether or not Zanna should meet you and be part of the introduction.”

“Perhaps we should have waited for them too…”

“Knowing Brython, they will be here for some time having this debate.” Zanna interrupted, “He’ll be full grown by the time they’ve finished.”

“Perhaps you should come round to our nest.” Craeco offered as a splash of rain fell upon his nose.

“Would you like supper?” Demetrius asked. “My mother all ways makes far too much anyway.”

“Thank you.” Zanna replied happy with that suggestion,

“Bring the horses as well, there some stables with some fresh bedding for them.” Demetrius told her, they both got up from the ground and dusted themselves off.

                        Zanna received a warm welcome by Demetrius’s mother and they were soon sat down enjoying the warmth of the fire and a home cooked meal, was placed in front of them just as Alexander, (Demetrious’s father) and Brython entered the house. “I see you managed to find yourself a warm place and a cooked meal.” Brython pointed out, “Your horse isn’t appreciative of his stable companions.”

            “He thinks he’s going to be eaten.” Zanna informed him.

            “So I heard, the rest I won’t bother repeating.” Brython said. “How is Braemon?”

            “Sleeping.” She replied and pointed to a little box in the corner by the large fire and as she spoke she turned her head to see the big doors at the back of the house open and Craeco and his companion walked into an enclosed space set aside for them with straw and other bedding.

“I suppose you’ll all want feeding now.” Demetrius’s mother said not too surprised that everyone had turned up Demetrius’s grandfather whom had taken the rocking chair by the fire. “You too Papa.” She told him. The old man looked up and smiled as if he’d been expecting that and beckoned Zanna over, “You look like a clever lass, what are you doing with the like of him?” he gave a slight nod of the head in Brython’s direction.

“I bumped into him.” Zanna said with a smile, “Besides that he needs someone to keep an eye on him.”

“You’re not wrong there lassie.” The old man replied with a laugh, “You’re not wrong there.”

            Dinner was served and everyone enjoyed it especially Zanna, it was warm and tasty and made a change from the cold meals she’d had over the past couple of days, it all seemed to quieten down after super and everyone sat having a cosy chat around the fire, Zanna feeling sleepy gazed into the flames half dosing off, it was then that she appeared to blank out and in a flash she saw images of large black birds and flames, she heard the sound of people screaming and shouting land just as fast as the vision arrived it stop and Zanna bolted upright no longer sleepy, Brython having a keen eye and senses quickly approached Zanna and crouched, “What did you see?” Brython asked and it was clear she wasn’t too sure herself what she’d seen and that she was trying to make sense of it.

            “I’m not sure,” She said honestly, “Giant black birds, fire and smoke; it was all a bit chaotic like random images.”

            “Here?” Brython asked.

            “Yes, but I couldn’t tell you when exactly only that it was dark.”

            “Describe the birds to me?” Brython told her.

            “Big, black, claws and sharp beaks with teeth.” As soon as she said that Craeco had barged open the door at the back of the house. “Have I said something wrong?” As the Draconi called out, Zanna didn’t have to be told he was calling out a warning.

            “No you haven’t.” Brython reassured her, “Can you explain to her, she’ll be fine in a moment or two.” He explained to a concerned Demetrius as he handed his bow and arrows to Zanna and then followed everyone else. Zanna looked across at her new companion for an explanation, “Do you do that often?” He asked a little unsure.

            “Sometimes.” Zanna replied. “Why?”

            “You had a vision of Scarooth attacking the village.” Demetrious’s grandfather interrupted, “The Scarooth and Draconi don’t get along, not since the last great war, the Scarooth were a peaceful race up in the mountains, living alongside the wild Draconi.”

            “Grandpa enough fairy stories.” Demetrius complained.

            “What happened?” Zanna asked curious, knowing there was a lot to be said for old tales, though some of them were obviously over exaggerated and played with a bit, there was still an element of truth about them,

            “They say that the evil magic the great wizard Waldamore, brought up from below consumed them and they turned upon the Draconi killing many of them.”

            “Sounds plausible to me.” Zanna said.

            “Really?” Demetrius said not too convinced.

            “You said you saw fire in your vision.” Zanna nodded, “It was said, the queen herself summoned flames from out the earth to protect the Draconi.”

            “There not keen on flames now.” Zanna guessed.

            “You are a clever and that’s because you listen unlike our Demetrius there.” He said pointing towards him, Demetrious didn’t look too impressed.

            “Not all ways, but that was far more believable than Brython’s stories.”

            “Braemon.” Demetrious called out seeing the little Draconi had gone missing.

            “He is fine.” The other Draconi pointed out as Braemon popped up from behind her and was scrambling up her back. Others then piled into the house, young and old and those not capable of defending their village. Zanna popped her head out of the window the shutters not yet closed and watched as they built fires in and around the buildings, Brython was helping and didn’t time to speak not the she needed to speak with him.

            “Something is wrong.” Demetrious said.

            “What’s wrong is, there following information that might not be exactly accurate.”

            “You had a vision.” Demetrious reminded her.

            “I’m afraid it’s not quite as simple as that.” Zanna explained hoping all the fuss was for nothing and on the other hand she’d look rather silly if it was. “When you have a vision, you usually can pin point when by certain things in your vision and I cannot be certain, there was nothing to give me any ideas as to when.”

            “But you have the where right.” Demetrious said with a smile. “That’s at least something.”

            “If you put it like that.” Zanna said none too convinced.

            “If you think about it, too be as good as Brython you have to have been doing it as long as Brython.” Demetrius pointed out, and then noticed what appeared to be a large dark cloud at first glance, “What’s that?” He asked Zanna, she looked and pondered over it a second or two, it was moving fast and reminded her of the way a flock of migrating birds would gather, “I think that’s what we’ve been waiting for.” She replied and quickly pulled the shutter closed and placed the bar across, holding it fast. “Perhaps we should find something to make them more secure.” She suggested, a moment later the Draconi’s could be heard snarling and loud calls from the Scarooth could be heard making everyone stop as they waited for both sides to clash with a gut wrenching sound as teeth, claws and beaks connected and the sounds of large birds screeching and the snarls of the Draconi snarling and hissing filled the air. Never hearing anything like that before it took Zanna a moment to realise where she was and what she was doing, which was holding a table at one end helping Demetrious to push it up against the door. “Do you seriously think it will stop them?” He asked.

            “It might give us some extra time.” Zanna said, Demetrious didn’t like the sound of that, “I’m a witch, I can do a lot in that time.” She reassured him with a smile.

            “I hope you’re right about being so confident.”

            “I never said that I was confident, I said I could do a lot.”

            They all sat huddled together in the house listening the noise from outside, Zanna had never heard anything like that before and though she was scared tried her best to keep calm, until one of the Scarooth landed on the roof making the building creak and groan as it dug it’s claws ripping of the thatch, Zanna calmly placed an arrow in the bow took her aim and released it into the foot of the Scarooth, she repeated the action four or five time in rapid succession until the giant bird backed off leaving a gaping hole in the roof in which Zanna could see the stars and one of the three moons, also the smell of smoke floated in and the noise from outside seemed more real. “Help me up.” She told Demetrious, and before he had chance to think Zanna had climbed upon his shoulders and then through the hole in the roof. “Do you know what you are doing?” He asked.

            “Yes.” She lied, now not quite sure of what to do next as she stood and looked at the commotion below it made her heart pound and her breath stop as she beheld the sight before her, it was hard to tell who had the upper hand of there was as both the Draconi and the Scarooth seemed to ripping into each other with no other desire than to kill one another, the men on the ground however launched arrows and fended them off with swords. Zanna spotted Brython out of the corner of her eye, while one of the large birds had him near enough pinned from the front another was about to attack from behind, Zanna instinctively shot a couple of arrows into the bird behind which retreated back from Brython giving him a chance to fend of the other. Now though Zanna had drawn the attention of a couple of the birds in their direction, “Whoops.” Zanna muttered under her breath as she realised what had happened too late now to worry about it she scrambled up on to the roof, concentrating hard for she had never tried anything like this before, muttering incoherent words under her breath then outstretching her hands a circle of flames appeared at her command around the house, waiting for her moment just as the birds had flown close she raised her hands above her head and the flames appeared to consume the building making them back off. The flames instantly died back down revealing an unharmed building as it was before. Demetrious had climb up on to the roof now and was stood next to her, “Are you sure you know what you doing?” He asked a little unnerved by what she had just done.

            “Do not worry the fires not real.” Zanna explained, though not fully but she didn’t have time, “Hold these.” She told him as she handed him the arrows.

            “What are you doing?” Demetrious asked, ignoring the question Zanna held her hand over the arrows and they glowed red briefly. “You’re not going to set me on fire, are you?”

            “Don’t be silly.” Zanna told him, but didn’t have chance to say anymore as a Scarooth fancied it’s look and she quickly released another arrow from the bow, it began to fizz in the air then it burst into flames and when it reached its high point it exploded and flames darted fizzed and popped as droplets from the explosion faded before they touched the ground. “How many of them have you made?” Brython called up.

            “Enough.” Zanna called back.

            “Well don’t hang about then.” He called back, Zanna could hear Brython calling the others to shelter and Zanna began to fire the arrows, the noise and the flames caused the Scarooth to scatter in fear and confusion. When the flames had disappeared into the night air, Brython looked up, “You and your friend, jump down.” Demetrious and Zanna did as they were told, “Did I not tell you to wait in there?” Brython said not really angry.

            “So I sit and wait, to get eaten.” She grumbled back.

            “I’m glad you didn’t.” Brython said with a smile, “Did you encourage her in anyway.”

            “I got dragged along.” Demetrious complained, “She’s just crazy and...”

            “You don’t need to tell me lad.” Brython said with a smile. The door opened to the house as he spoke and the others began to pile out and they all stood there looking at Zanna which made her feel uncomfortable, Braemon then scampered out and bolted behind Demetrious, not quite sure what to make of Zanna.

            A couple of days later Brython and Zanna were getting the horses ready, it was highly clear by Smudges mumblings that he was pleased to be leaving. “Will you stop complaining we’re going, aren’t we.” Zanna told him.

            “About time too, if I stay any longer I’ll be breakfast.” Smudge grumbled “Either for a giant bird or for one of those things.”

            “There Draconi.” Zanna reminded him gently, “And stop being so negative.”

            “What’s he saying?” Demetrious enquired as he approached her from behind, Braemon up on his shoulder,

 Zanna turned and smiled, “He’s complaining as usual.” She replied. “Did you want something?”

“Just too say good- bye and...”

“And?”

“Thank you, for bringing Braemon back home.” Demetrious said hurriedly not sure how she’d take that.

“I’m glad I did.” Zanna replied confident, though she would miss the little Draconi she knew he was in safe hands and where he belonged.

“We’ll probably bump into each other again.”

“I hope so.” Zanna said with a smile and gave him a kiss on the cheek goodbye.

“Zanna.” Brython called out grabbing her attention; she turned around to see the elders stood with Brython and all with serious looks upon the faces, “They want to give you something.” Brython gently led her towards the group; Zanna wasn’t too sure about this,

“We want to give you this.” One of the elders held out his outstretched hand with a ring in it. “Take it, it’s yours.” He told her.

“But…”

“It’s a sun stone ring, we give then to our best riders, but in your case we’re giving it to you, just in case you should ever need a friend.”

“Thank you.” Zanna said politely and gently picked up the ring, its yellow stone with hues of orange through to red as the sun hit looked beautiful. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

“It’s time to be going now.” Brython said and patted her on the back. Smudge approached and Zanna mounted him and Brython mounted his horse and they began there, journey home.

Chapter 7.

A couple of weeks after returning home, Zanna was finding, adjusting back to her normal chores more difficult than she had first thought. The difficulty was that she hadn’t realised that life had continued without her being there and that everyone had slipped into a routine without her, and though she had been missed it appeared to Zanna that she hadn’t. The bit she also found tricky was the, what she felt was a lack of purpose for her being there. Storin had been her close friend beforehand, he was more of a family member, like her brother as he often spent time around there house having no family, he had noticed her rather odd behaviour and had followed her on an early morning ride. Zanna stopped once she had left the town gates and waited for him to catch up and gave him a hand up behind her on the horse, “What is it?” She asked her friend.

“I could ask the same of you.” He replied with a smile.

“Everything’s…Well it’s…”

“Boring.” Storin interrupted her.

“I wouldn’t exactly use those words.” Zanna replied, “I just feel lacking in a purpose.”

“You mean doing the house hold chores isn’t what us men make it out to be.” Storin joked, and the pair of them laughed. “Why don’t you go meet up with Brython now and see if he’s off somewhere exciting.” He suggested hoping she’d say yes and drag him along with her, but knowing she wouldn’t do that.

“I can’t do that and you know I can’t.” She jumped from the horse, “My mother’s barley spoken to me since I’ve come back as it is, never mind if I just up and left.”

“Perhaps you’re thinking too much of others and not of yourself?” Storin told her, “I think it’s time you stopped having your mother dictate too you.”

“Dictate?” Zanna said not too happy about the way he’d just spoken about her mother and in other ways angry that he was right. “She doesn’t dictate, she just trying to protect me.”

“From yourself?” Storin said, “Or is there something else, that she hasn’t bothered telling anyone about?”

“What do you mean something else?” Zanna retorted without thinking, and then briefly thought about what he’d said and how it somehow made sense. “Look I’m sorry.” She apologised after a brief pause.

“Just forget I even said anything.” Storin replied, and the pair continued on their ride, not going too far from home, should Zanna feel the urge to go further.

Brython that night however was sat in the five fingers pondering over things, over an almost stale pint. He had found himself doing that a lot since Zanna and he had parted company. Tolrean walked in and sat next to him, it took him a moment or two to realise he was there. “Are things really that complicated?” Tolrean enquired with a smile.

“No, not really.” Brython said glad of the distraction, “How are you?”

“Don’t change the subject.” Tolrean said giving his old friend a knowing smile, “It’s about that girl, isn’t it?”

“Maybe.” Brython said half-heartedly.

“You’re worried about her.” Tolrean guessed. “If you’re that worried about her you should bring her back here.”

“She is well taken care of; I am not worried for her.”

“Why are you lying to me for?” Tolrean took a drink out of his tankard giving his friend a chance to reply, but Brython didn’t. “Why don’t you just bring her here?” Tolrean continued as he received no reply,

“It’s complicated.” Brython replied quickly.

“A good friend of mine once said, it’s only complicated, if you make it complicated.

            “How old was I when I said that?” Brython reminded him.

            “You might have only been sixteen, but it still counts.” Tolrean said.

            “If I remember rightly, it was just before we were going to head of up the forbidden mountains.”

            “It rained, and it was cold.” Tolrean reminisced,

            “And we ended up in the Trap and Pony.” Brython said, the pair of them laughed over it, “That was the most pathetic rebellion we ever concocted.”

            “I think it was more a pathetic execution.” Tolrean said and the pair laughed, “If only they had told us there was nothing there but rocks at the time.”

            “Yes it would have saved all the lists and route planning.” Brython added.

            “Do you ever regret not going?” Tolrean enquired.

            “We got a chance, to do it later, did we not?” Brython replied.

            “I suppose.” Tolrean said, “And by the looks of it we didn’t miss much.”

            “Now you’re lying.” Brython pointed out.

            “I don’t have time to go over all my regrets.” Tolrean added, “I possibly don’t have time to make up for them all.” Brython went quiet for a moment as he said that not quite sure what to say too that, he knew his friend hadn’t much time left for this life and that was something he had , had to live with most of his life. “If you want my opinion, it’s quite simple.” Tolrean continued, “If you’ll regret it later, then do it.”

            “You’re right; I shall go get her now.” Brython said with renewed enthusiasm. “But there something else I should tell you first.” He added, which made Tolrean rather curious as to what that could be.

            Two days later Zanna was out collecting supplies from the market, though it was still cold she was enjoying the morning sun and chatting too people that she recognised, she had decided that nothing much was going to come of anything and that maybe her brief encounter with Brython was meant to be brief and thinking that he wasn’t the sort of man too keep in touch with everybody he met she, though rather disappointed had decided to settle back down into what she was doing beforehand. “Hello.” Said a familiar voice that took her by surprise as she turned to see Brython stood behind her. “Well aren’t you going to say hello, or are you that distraught over what happened you’re not speaking to me either?”

            “Hello.” She said pleased to see him, “Now, the question is, what are you doing here?”

            “Looking for you.” Brython replied, “What else would I be doing here?”

            “I don’t know with you.” Zanna replied sharply,

            “I never said thank you for…”

            “We wouldn’t want to say that I saved your neck.” Zanna replied with a smile, “It might make you look bad.”

            “I have reputation to keep up too.” He joked. “Come on I’ll walk you back.” He offered.

            When they turned up at the door of the house her father was waiting for her on the doorstep, “I was told someone had spotted you in town.” Kane said to Brython and showed him in the house, “You can explain to me what took you so long in-between visits.” He continued as Brython sat down on the stool near the table.

            “I just popped into see….”

            “Don’t fill my head with that rubbish.” Kane interrupted him. “How about the truth?” Kane looked across at Zanna, “Why don’t you go out and feed your horse.” He said trying to get her out of the room.

            “Papa, I’m not a child anymore.” She grumbled.

            “Just do as you’re told this once.” Kane told her, Zanna left slamming the door in protest, “I know what you’re here for.” He told Brython.

            “She needs guidance and help to find her own path.”

            “Do not tell me what I already know.” Kane replied, “But it’s not me you need to convince.” He offered Brython a pot of tea, which he politely accepted.

            Zanna was propping up the fence Zanna was propping up the fence to the horse’s paddock and Smudge had come over for a scratch behind the ear when Storin leaned against the fence, “Shouldn’t you be guarding His Lord-on-High?” Zanna enquired rather hoping he’s leave her alone.

            “Not until tonight.” Storin replied, “Do you think Brython asked for you to go back and train with the rest of pupils.”

            “If he is I don’t think Papa’s too happy.” Zanna replied, “The old mans booted me out too have a word with him.”

            “Well at least there talking about it and the old mans, not giving him his marching orders.”

            “That would be something to watch.” Zanna said with a cheeky grin.

            “You might be right.” Storin said and turned around to watch the back door to the house. Zanna turned around just too see if that would happen but it wasn’t too be the case, as her mother turned up carrying some cloth, in a wicker basket in one hand and holding Zanna’s younger sisters with the other, she looked across at the pair of them watching the back door. As soon as she caught sight of them she realised something was going on, though she didn’t say anything until she entered the house and Gwen was neatly deposited outside for Zanna to watch. “Come on Gwen.” Zanna called over and Gwen clambered up on to the fence and sat next to where Zanna had propped herself against it. “What are they talking about?” Gwen asked.

            “I’m not allowed to snoop either.” Zanna replied, “Which is really annoying because it’s about me.”

            “Perhaps you should tell them that?” Storin suggested, and Brython left the house very calmly, Zanna was about to go see what was said when he called out he’d be back in a while. “What do we do now?”

            “We?” Zanna said,

            “I’m going in.” Gwen said defiantly, Zanna ignored her as she went back in the house.

            “I wasn’t talking about….,” storing paused seeing Zanna wasn’t in the best mood. “Look I’m going to the Guards arms.” He offered.

            “I’ll be around.” Zanna replied, not quite sure what to do, or even if she should be doing anything.

Storin entered the inn and immediately saw Brython sulking over a tankard and it was clear that he hadn’t had much luck, he got himself a beer and pulled up a stool and sat next to him. “What happened?” Storin asked.

“Nothing much.” Brython replied, “Has Zanna said anything?”

“Perhaps you should tell her why you’re here?” Storin told him.

“I was trying to ask if she’d come back and train, with the rest of my pupils.” Brython said sounding a bit fed up with it all, “It was Kane’s idea I had a chat with him first.”

“And then Ellen or came back.” Storin said. “She’s under the impression she’s protecting her from something.”

“I realise that, and I have a fair idea of what that is.” Brython replied quickly.

“If you do then perhaps you should convince her that she doesn’t have too.”

“She does, but not in the way she’s going about it.”

            “In a way I understand what you’re saying.” Storin said looking a little confused.

            “Too give you more of an idea, let’s put it this way, “Brython started, “We all know the stories about what might happen at the lunar alignment.” Storin nodded, “If we take every story and prophecy literary then someone like Zanna would either be caught up in the purge, or…” Brython stopped at this point; perhaps he was being a bit over dramatic and perhaps taking things too literary himself.

            “Or?” Storin asked, intrigued but also a little concerned for his friend.

            “Zanna is an untapped potential for anybody to get hold of.” Brython said bluntly.

            “What do you mean by that?”

            “Well...” Brython beckoned him closer, and then whispered to him, “Zanna has the potential of becoming greater than me.”

            “Have you told Zanna that?” Storin said fully understanding the concept behind that, “You don’t want her falling into the wrong hands, then she’d turn.”

            “We don’t talk turning out loud.” Brython said, not too happy he used that term. “Look I care about her, almost if not as much as if she was my daughter.”

            “I see that being thrown together and stuck in the hall together has brought out your softer side.” Storin joked, Brython then gave him an angry look, “Or maybe not.” He quickly retracted his last statement.

            “Could you help?” Brython then asked.

            “There isn’t any giant bird involved, or perhaps a trip down the river.” Storin said with a cheeky grin, and Brython didn’t look impressed, “No promises, but I’ll see what I can do.”

            “Thank you.”

            “I’d have a word with Zanna if I where you.” Storin told him, “If anyone is going to decide whether she is going or not, then it should be her.”

            “You’re right.” Brython and Storin shuck hands and parted company, leaving Brython stuck has to what else to do while he was there.

            It was late that night and Zanna had tried to sleep she couldn’t, all she could do was look out into the darkness of the little room, while her sister slept soundly next to her. Listening to the sounds of the night as she lay almost motionless, Zanna felt the urge to cry and tears rolled down her face, though she didn’t quite understand why she wiped them away with the back of her hand and swallowed hard to prevent the tears from coming back, but they left a painful reminder in her throat. Zanna hate this feeling, she’d had felt it when she first came back, it was almost as if she morning for a loss, and she couldn’t help feeling trapped and alone here. Zanna heard a noise in the house, someone moving around, a lamp was lit and she could see the light through the gap under the door made of planks of wood nailed together, so crudely it wasn’t quite even a door. Zanna knew if she moved someone would hear or see her and she didn’t want that, the door to her room slowly opened and she closed her eyes, hoping they’d go away. “Zanna.” Kane whispered into the dimly lit room, “I know you’re awake.” She opened her eyes and he motioned with his head for her to leave the room, she quietly got up and tiptoed into the light of the lamp and stood looking at her father curious as to what he was doing. He handed her, the clothes Brython had given her and placed his finger to his lip to tell her to be quiet and led her out to the stable carrying the lamp and ushered her in telling her to get changed. Zanna did as she was told though not quite understanding why he was telling her to do this. When she had finished dressing she left the stable, to find him stood on guard and waiting for her, “What are we doing?” She questioned him, still making sure she didn’t disturb anyone who was sleeping.

            “We nothing, but you...” He paused and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, “Brython is waiting just outside the town gates, you are to go meet him there.” Kane told Zanna.

            “But shouldn’t I say goodbye first?” She asked.

            “Zanna….” He paused wanting say something but something stopped him, “You have to go find out who you are and I can’t help you with this.” Kane told her.

            “Papa.” Zanna said looking up at him with a smile and her green eyes filled with tears, “I don’t want to go like this.”

            “I love you as if you were my own and I cannot bare to see you unhappy any longer.” Kane said, she reached up and hugged him and Kane began to cry,

            “I’m not unhappy Papa.” Zanna replied.

            “You will be.” Kane replied, “Now here’s some money.” Kane said and handed her a small purse, “Just in case.” He said with a smile, “And there’s this.” He took a cloak from out from under his shirt, “Your mother’s had this hidden for years.” Zanna looked at him questioningly, then looked down at the cloak, in the dark it looked plain and of a very fine material but nothing special. “It makes you invisible.” He informed her with a smile, “Don’t worry about me getting in any trouble, it just sits in a box.” He told Zanna as she took it and put it on fastening the small silver rose head clasp at the front. “You hurry along now; you know how impatient Brython is.” He told her.

            “Why are you doing this?” Zanna asked.

            “You need to go before anyone notices we’re gone.” Kane told her and he gave Zanna another hug and tear began to steadily fall from his cheeks, not wanting to let go but he knew he had too, “Goodbye.” He said softly when he eventually let go and saw Zanna was crying, “Weapons, masters don’t cry, now dry those tears.” He told her, and she wiped them away with her hand, and then he helped her on to Smudge, “You take care of her.” He told Smudge as he patted him on his flank.

            “He says, he will.” Zanna replied for the horse.

            “Now go make me proud.” He told her, “Go give Brython a hard time.” He slapped the horse’s rear and Smudge galloped off, as Kane watched her leave he realised that he’d done the right thing, but he was sad to see her go as he looked at the empty stable he pulled out his pipe and lit it, puffing on it slowly as he reminisced about his daughter.

            Zanna and Brython arrived late at the five fingers, she was so tiered she went straight to sleep in the room which she had used before. Martha stepped out from around the back of the bar and sat next to her husband, Brython looked up at and saw concern in her face, “Did she speak with you along the way?” she enquired about Zanna.

            “She’s tiered Martha.” He said and put his hand on hers.

            “What happened?” She enquired. Brython didn’t reply he wasn’t too sure himself, “That young lass as run away and you know it.” She told him. Tolrean entered the room as he spoke and looked at him suspecting what Martha had said was true, “You won’t replace Maya.” She told him bluntly, “And if you had anything about you which you claim, you’d go speak with her.”

            “This isn’t about Maya.” Brython told her, “And she hasn’t run away, her father told me to meet her.” Martha got up and left when he said that, not wanting to argue any further with him. Tolrean had ducked behind the bar and after waiting for his wife to be out of the way he called him over; he jumped out from behind the bar and sat next to Brython, “Well?” Brython enquired, knowing that he’s heard the conversation.

            “Well….” Tolrean paused not wanting to upset his friend, “She has a point, about Maya.”

            “Talk some sense into him Tolrean.” Martha called from the back, “Either that or you knock it into him.”

            “Why don’t you speak with Zanna in the morning?” Tolrean suggested, “And here’s a novel suggestion, try telling the truth.” He told his friend.

            “It isn’t as easy as that, and you know it.” Briton replied, not happy with two people telling him what he didn’t want too here.

            “It is as easy as that, now.” Tolrean continued, “You wait and it won’t be.” He was being told whether he liked it or not, that’s what a real friend would do and Tolrean wasn’t about to finish with him there. “And once you’ve done all that go talk to your daughter.”

            “She ran off with him.” Brython added.

            “You tried to kill him.” Tolrean replied sharply. “Grovel, if you have too just make it up to her.” He said quietly, “Don’t make me order you to do it, because I will.”

            “That’s under your influence.” Brython replied sharply, “Besides that she’ll just slam the door in my face.” Brython said somewhat saddened by all this, “We weren’t talking about this, we were talking about Zanna.”

            “What about me?” Zanna asked stood behind them both, not too happy that her name had been brought up in conversation and she hadn’t been invited to join in. The pair of them turned around, to see Zanna with her arms folded, “I apologize for disturbing your conversation, but I was trying to get some sleep.” The pair of them quickly apologized and she waited for and explanation as to the rest. “Well?” She said when one wasn’t forth-coming.

            “Martha was just worried that you might have run away.” Brython said calmly.

            “That’s not the case, and even if it was you have more important things to be dealing with, from what I hear.”

            “And what exactly did you hear?” Brython asked.

            “Everything.” Zanna replied calmly, “And don’t know why you’re giving him a hard time?” She said directed at Tolrean, “If you had a daughter at her age you’d be exactly the same.”

            “Well…”

            “You men are all the same, that’s why you can’t bare it when a man looks at your daughters.”

            “She’s right.” Martha interrupted,

            “My father, would have me walking out with a blanket over my head, I’m sure of it.” Zanna continued,

            “You’re right; I’ll apologize to my daughter.” Brython said defeated and not too happy.

            “You’ll grovel; I’ll make sure of it.” Zanna warned him.

            “You shouldn’t be interfering with this.” Brython warned her, a little annoyed that she had gotten herself involved.

            “You shouldn’t have stuck me right in the middle of your argument then.” Zanna replied sharply.

            “I’m sorry.” Brython muttered.

            “I didn’t hear that from way back here.” Zanna said sharply.

            “I’m sorry.” Brython repeated louder.

            “It wasn’t that hard was it.” She said with a smile, “In a few moments, there’s going to be a knock at the back, you open it and do exactly as you’re told, and grovel.” Zanna and Martha looked at one another knowingly and just as she said there was a knock at the door. “I’ll take one of the rooms upstairs.” Zanna offered before Brython had gone around the back.

            “I’m impressed.” Tolrean said with a smile,

            “You impress far too easily.” Zanna said and sat down next to him, “I’d have thought, you’d have gone back to your family, but it appears you have nothing better to do than to hang around with that crazy fool.” She said with a friendly smile.

            “Before you have one of those crazy dreams about me, may I suggest keeping your nose out of my business.” Tolrean told her sharply.

            “That would be all well and good, but I don’t control what or who I have dreams and visions about.” Zanna replied, “Sometime it’s rather useful like in this case, other times it can be more than a little complicated.”

            “Go wait out there instead of panicking, woman.” Brython snapped at Martha, and she came tottering back out in a fluster. Zanna walked over and put her arm around her and sat her down, “Are you so sure of everything.”

            “No, not all ways.” Zanna admitted, “But I have a good feeling and that’s usually enough.”

            “You remind me of someone.” Tolrean said looking at Zanna. “Not someone I’ve met someone I’ve heard about. Zanna felt uncomfortable with that comment and Tolrean could see it. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way.” He said.

            “I think I’ll go get some rest.” She said and quickly disappeared upstairs.

            The following morning Zanna was awoken by Brython, “Come on let’s get you settled.” Zanna sat up in bed and gave him a blurry eyed confused look, “You didn’t think you would be stopping here?” She shuck her head and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Brython waited patiently for her, “How’s your daughter?” She asked, when she saw he wasn’t his usual cheery self.

            “She’ll be fine.” He said quietly, “Now let’s take you to where you’ll be stopping while you will be here with us.” Zanna didn’t say anything she just got Smudge ready and led him out of the stables where Brython was waiting for her. “It’s not far.” He told her.

            “I’ve upset you.” She said, as they entered the woods behind the inn. Brython didn’t answer, “I know I shouldn’t have interfered last night but….”

            “Now stop right there.” Brython said in a voice of authority, and took hold of her shoulder and turned her around; Zanna hung her head and was looking at the ground. “Your methods might need improving, but your heart is in the right place.” Zanna didn’t seem too convinced and didn’t say anything, “Just come out with it next time.” He said to her.

            “Fine, you don’t like it when I do that either.”

            “Well ignore me, if I’m being like that.” Brython said.

            Zanna was led to a large opening in the forest, dotted about in the opening was a small group of huts and large area in the middle set out as a practice area with targets and several young men a similar age to Zanna practicing with swords, next to that was a large group of stones in a circle and a pile of wood ready to set alight, “There’s where we have supper.” Brython told her, “You don’t have to join in, but…”

            “Everyone does.” Zanna finished for him, as they stopped in front of a hut, “This is your home while you’re here.” Brython led her in, “It’s not much, but some of the lads have put their own things in to brighten it up and you can do the same.”

            “You don’t think, I’m going to put ribbons and frills on everything do you?” she joked as she entered the small hut, though Brython was right it needed something other than a bed, a small stove for cooking on and a chair other than that you couldn’t really fit anything else in it, this didn’t bother Zanna,  “I’ll leave you to get yourself sorted, and then you come and find me Brython told her and before she had a chance to say anything else he’d disappeared. Zanna put her bag under her bed, thinking she wasn’t too sure what to think and how to feel as she sat on her bed checking out how comfy it was, when there was a knock at her door. She jumped up and went to answer and there was Tristan. “Hello again.” He said cheerfully and with a sly look of mischief in his eyes.

            “Whatever you’re up to don’t bother.” Zanna said bluntly, “But you can come in anyway.”

            “Well…,” Tristan pulled out a rat from behind his back, “It was kind of a…”

            “Welcome present.” Zanna said with a smile, “If you are expecting me to scream, you’ll have to find something better than that.” She looked at the rat sat quite calmly in his hands, “I think someone will be missing you.” She spoke gently at the rat and the rat jumped down and scampered back to his companion and she watched which wizard it was and then showed Tristan in. “Did I pass your little initiation? Or am I upsetting someone by not screaming like a girl.” She said as she sat on the bed.

            “Well…” Tristan didn’t know how to answer and Zanna gave him a look to press him for him for an answer. “I think I’ve been duped into spying on you.” He said quietly, “What is it with your sort you can’t say hello straight away.”

            “My sort?” She enquired annoyed with the use of that term, Tristan apologised, “We have to make sure who we’re meeting.” Zanna replied and then went quiet, not really sure of the reason as she’d only ever been around her mother and then Brython. “I haven’t really had much experience in meeting others that can use magic.”

            “I see.” Tristan said, “So Brython’s the only wizard you’ve come across.”

            “Only my mother was that way inclined where I live.” Zanna then felt very uncomfortable about talking about her, “Look is there something you seriously want to talk about or….”

            “I just came over to say hello.” Tristan said, “Is there something wrong?” He asked.

            “No…there’s nothing wrong.” Zanna replied, “I’d said I’d meet up with Brython after I’d sorted myself out.”

            “I’ll see you around then.” Tristan replied getting the hint and left her alone. He couldn’t help but think over what he’d said that could have upset her so much; he saw Brython and headed over to him,

            “You haven’t tried the rat trick?” Brython enquired shaking his head,

            “I think I may have said something wrong?” Tristan admitted.

            “Give her a chance to settle down.” Brython said and patted him on the back, “Can I trust you with her?”

            “I wouldn’t hurt her.” Tristan replied confidently, “Why?”

            “You’d take care of her, like you would my own daughter?”

            “If that is what you are asking.” He replied with a smile. “You want me to show her around and introduced her to everyone?” He asked.

            “Yes.” Brython replied and led him back towards Zanna’s, the pair of the chatting as they went. Zanna popped her head out; even she would admit too finding everything a little overwhelming at this point. After a brief talk, Brython was quite happy leaving Zanna with Tristan and went back to care for his daughter.

            A couple of days later Brython returned with his daughter and her husband, “They’re stopping here for a while.” He told Zanna, “Thank you.”

            “For what?” She asked.

            “Not letting a crazy old fool, be too stubborn for his own good.” He said with a smile and gave Zanna a hug. “How are you finding it here?”

            “Fine.” She replied quickly,

            “Have you been given the welcoming committees usual greeting?”

            “Thanks for the heads up about that.” Zanna replied, not too impressed he hadn’t warned her about the practical jokes. “Next time I find a frog in my hut, I know where to return it to.”

            “Well as long as the frog isn’t harmed.” Brython said with a smile and laughed, “Any other trouble?”

            “Tristan’s been filling you in.” Zanna guessed correctly, “No harm was done.”

            “I’ve already had a word with Aaron.” Brython told her, “They are rules Zanna.”

            “I know, but…”

            “No buts.” Brython told her, “Those rules apply to you too, so I don’t want to see you getting your own back.” He warned her, she gave him a nod to let him know she understood. “If you need someone to practice sparring with like that you come see me.” There was a brief discussion that followed before the pair of them parted and Zanna trotted off for some sword practice.

Chapter 8.

A few weeks later and it was coming up to the Midyear celebration, those that were staying where busy discussing the large party that Brython normally had and those that were going home where talking about seeing their families again. Zanna wasn’t quite sure which she was, after her departure and he father sneaking her out at night she was wondering whether or not she’d be made welcome or not. Maya (Brython’s daughter) had spoken with her on more than one occasion and in fact Zanna was glad that she did and enjoyed her company, and was rather concerned when she wasn't greeted with the usual smile. “You don’t seem your usual cheery self, Zanna.” She pointed out as she stood next to Zanna sat on her door step.

            “I want to go home, but I dare not.” Zanna replied.

            “Why not?” She asked.

            “I’m not sure myself.”

            “What is the worst that can happen?” Maya said as Zanna got too her feet, “From what you’ve told me you have a caring family and a good home to go to, so whatever has happened I’m sure they will be glad to see you doing so well.”

            “Zanna!” Brython called out and by the sounds of it she was in trouble.

            “What have I done now?” she grumble, “I’ll see you later.” She told Maya, as she ran off to go to Brython. Brython was stood waiting for her outside his house and with a look that made Zanna wonder whether or not she should go home, “A message for you.” He handed it over to Zanna and he could see by the look on her face she was confused and had no idea about this, “It’s from Denethore and your fathers in the Five fingers.”

            “How did….?”

            “Don’t worry about that, I told him where he could find you.” Brython replied with a smile, “What are you waiting around here for?” Zanna quickly disappeared, Tristan followed her as she tossed the letter on her bed and then was about to head of directly to see Kane, “What is it?” Zanna asked,

            “What’s in the letter?” She shrugged not really interested, though she was a little curious, Tristan looked at her a little concerned, “You know Brython doesn’t normally allow any contact with any on the outside?” He reminded her. Zanna didn’t say anything and didn’t want to say any more.

            Zanna enjoyed spending the day with her father and she wasn’t surprised when he told her, to wait a little while before coming home, she’d been given the impression that her mother hadn’t taken too things so well and her father had taken the most of the blame. Returning that night she noticed all eyes upon her, Brython walked up to her and she waited for the inquisition, “What’s in the letter?” He asked bluntly.

            “I don’t know and I don’t care, you can burn it if you want, in fact you should have.” Zanna said in one mouthful barely giving her time to breath.

            “I let you have the letter for a reason.” Brython informed her.

            “If you’re that interested you should read it.” She snapped and opened the door and threw it at him. “Don’t think I’m going to be you informant, you want information go get it yourself.” She told him and then closed the door and laid on her bed.

            “Well that told you.” Tristan said with a smirk, “If you want my advice?”

            “I don’t need your advice Tristan; I think it’s you that’s in need of mine.” Brython replied with a knowing smile. Tristan didn’t look too happy at that comment, “Why don’t you give her the letter?” He suggested.

            Tristan knocked on the door of Zanna’s hut, “Go away.” She called out. Tristan opened the door and peered round it, to see Zanna laid on her bed, “Are you death as well as stupid?” She clearly didn’t want to be disturbed and Tristan put the letter on the table top and then left her, feeling a little deflated and more than a little curious as to what had happened between her and Denethore, or whether it was that at all that was getting such and emotional response.

            The following morning Zanna was awake before everyone else she sat, there was a deep red sky that gave everything an orangey hue and as she sat on her doorstep with her head propped against the door with the appearance she was staring at something that was so far away that no one else could see it. She hadn’t noticed Brython was also up and was stood next to her until he spoke, “Good morning.” He said quietly, she gave him a side wards glance but said nothing. “I know what happened when you left.” He told her quietly and sat next to her on the doorstep,

            “I don’t need a lecture of you.” She commented, “And if you are that interested in that stupid letter, from that….” Brython wrapped his arm around her and gave her a squeeze, “Are you bothered about the letter or the other?”

            “I couldn’t care less about that stupid letter.” She said and Brython gave her a knowing smile, “I am a little curious as to what’s in it.”

            “Well, read it and at least that isn’t on your mind.” Brython told her. “And the other I’ll help you where I can.” Giving in to Brython’s demands she got the letter and broke the seal, taking a moment or two to open it. She realised she needn’t have perhaps been quite so concerned about the content as it was merely a glorified apology and informing her that he would be married soon, then came the confusing part of the message he began to talk about his father’s illness and that he wouldn’t live much longer and because of this he would be away from his wife and he requested Zanna to keep her company and if required to protect her. This wasn’t at all what she was expecting and handed it to Brython to see what he thought about it. “He doesn’t require you there for a couple of weeks. It means you can stay for Midyear feast and then go.”

            “Go?” She asked, “I’m not sure I want too?”

            “The money is good; you cannot say you do not need that.” Brython said, but he could see that it wasn’t going to be that easy to convince Zanna. “Think about it, there’s no hurry is there.”

            A few days later it was time for the midyear feast and everything was ready for a big celebration, a large fire was built and there was plenty of wine and beer, also a few of them had been out hunting and came back with deer, pheasant and rabbits. Zanna however was still busy thinking about the letter she had received from Denethore, Tristan had noticed how distracted she was and approached her, “Why don’t you go?” He asked. Zanna didn’t reply, “It’s not like he’s sent you an egg.” He joked, she looked at him none too amused. “Sorry.”

            “He…” She stopped and then looked down.

            “Denethore what?” Tristan asked, “He hasn’t hurt you?”

            “I wouldn’t let him.” She replied quickly, “I just thought that maybe he’d forget that I existed and move on.”

            “Is he in love with you?” Tristan asked, then not sure he should have done.

            “No.” She snapped. “Let’s forget this; I would like to enjoy the feast.” She quickly changed the subject, Tristan didn’t ask any more a part of not wanting to hear any more and part of him wanted to know more.

            Sat around the table everyone together, Zanna forgot her other worries and all about the letter, Brython walked up to her before he officially announced the start of the feast. “Zanna.” He said quietly to her, “Come over here.” She got up and followed him curious as to what he was up to and what he had in store for her, “You haven’t got a uniform yet.” He said with a smile, it was then that Zanna noticed that everyone else was wearing the bright red tunic, smart black pants and boots, that everyone wore on special occasions or when Brython sent them out on an errand, she had noticed but she hadn’t enquired, besides things like that usually cost money and she really didn’t have a lot too her name, “Don’t tell me you hadn’t noticed.” He added with a smile, as he opened her hut door to reveal it neatly placed on the bed. Zanna gave him a suspicious sideward glance realising this had something to do with the letter that Denethore had sent. “Regardless, of whether or not, you are going to His Lordships house you need to look the part.”

            “Brython.” She started, and he looked at her in a way that made her go quite a moment, “Why do you want me to go?” She asked, “You know what he is like and you know what kind of man he is.” She continued before he got a word in. “What more could you possibly gain from me being there, the truth. Not some half made up story.”

            “I want you to keep an eye on him.” Brython replied with a smile, “I know better than to try and keep you in the dark.”

            “Keep an eye on him?”

            “If you see anything, anything at all that would link him too, or…”

            “You want me to check out, if there’s anything to connect him to the darker side.” Zanna said, “If that is all, then a few weeks there will be easily dealt with.”

            “Maybe not.” Brython said,  

            “You’ve met him, you know he isn’t under any evil curse or tampering with that side of things, why in the few months since we have left do you think it has changed?” Zanna replied sharply, “I’ll do it, as long as you realise that you could be putting me in an awkward situation.”

            “Awkward situation?” Brython asked.

            “He didn’t steal an egg for no reason.” She pointed out, what Brython had already gone through in his head on more than one occasion, and the reason he struggled with asking her in the first place.

            “I didn’t think…” Zanna gave him a warning look, not wanting to hear any excuses, stopping Brython from saying anything that might gloss over the fact he’d been concerned about that too. “I’ll give you this.” He handed her a small box and she opened it, revealing a small Brass whistle. “Everyone has one around here, you blow it if you need help and someone will come.” He told her. Zanna thought about it briefly and then smiled and nodded in agreement and muttered something under her breath, Brython gave her a sharp look and the pair of them laughed. “Put on the uniform, I’ve got to hand out some stars before they all start fighting over them.” Brython told her.

            “By the way, this uniforms bloody horrible.” She called out after him as he closed the door ignoring her comments.

            A few minutes later Zanna emerged from her hut wearing the uniform, she looked rather smart in the red tunic sewed with black cotton to match the black bodice that he’d had made especially for her by Martha. Tristan walked over and examined her up and down, “How do I look?” She asked not to sure what the answer was going to be.

            “It looks good on you.” Tristan replied and then lent in close, “Are you going?” He whispered.

            “I’ve been talked into going.”

            “Brython is very good at that.” Tristan said, “I’ve got you a present.” He then announced.

            “A present?” she asked clearly remembering the last time a man had said that too her. Tristan handed her a box and she looked at it, “If you don’t like, I can ask to change it.” She took the box from him and opened the box and took a moment looking at the chain with a tear drop shaped Emerald coloured stone hanging from it. “It reminded me of the way your eyes sparkle when you laugh.”

            “It’s lovely, it’s just…”

            “Here I’ll help you put it on.” He said taking it from the box and then as Zanna held up her hair he fastened it from the back and then she released her hair and turned around quickly, “it suits you.” He said hopefully, Zanna wasn’t quite sure what to say next, only she was really fond of Tristan and she really liked the present. “You will wear it when you’re away?”

            “Yes.” She said with a smile, “Why did you go to all this trouble?” She eventually plucked up the courage to ask.

            “To see you smile, why else?” He replied confidently, then leaned in closer and whispered something to her. She looked at him briefly and then they kissed. After they’d kissed Zanna lowered her gaze, “Did you not like that?” He asked quietly.

            “It’s something silly it does not matter.”

            “You’ve never kissed a man before.” Tristan guessed,

            “I haven’t and I wasn’t expecting it then.” She said a little embarrassed, he gently touched her cheek that had turned slightly red, “We’d best…” She motioned in direction of the supper table, where a lot of them had already taken they’re seats and were waiting for the few remaining to join them. Brython looked over and said nothing as Zanna and Tristan sat down next to one another, “Well if we are all ready?” He began a big cheer emerged from the gathering as Brython threw some red powder over the fire and it burst into flames. Zanna and Tristan sat around eating and drinking, Brython to her surprise hadn’t been over, in fact he’d quite disappeared from view. “He’s gone fetch the stars.” Tristan told Zanna.

            “Those stupid things.” She commented pointing at Tristan’s three, “He never did explain what they were for.” She said now curious, as before she hadn’t really been interested but seen as he was handing them out, she had grown a little interested in them.

            “One is beginner, two a little more advanced and three you’re one of the best.”

            “I gathered that, but you didn’t mention four and five obviously reserved for him.”

            “Well four is Brython’s apprentice.”

            “I don’t want that, it was bad enough putting up with him for three months, never mind any longer.” She joked. Tristan laughed and they sat, ate and drank, until Brython returned and instead of going straight back to where he had sat he approached Zanna first. “I know you don’t like a big fuss being made of you so..” he handed her three stars, “Don’t think you don’t deserve them.” He said and patted her on the back and went around to the head of the table.

            “How many?” Tristan asked and Zanna showed him, “Come here, and I’ll pin them on.” He offered and Zanna moved closer and let Tristan pin them on to her tunic for her. “That’s better.” He said and gently touched her cheek.

            “Thank you.” She said quietly, as Brython began to hand out the rest, and the rest of the night was filled with eating and drinking to the point where you could drink no more. Zanna had almost forgotten how much she missed home and by early morning everyone was staggering back to their huts, Tristan walked her back to hers, “Goodnight.” He said trying not to slur his words and he kissed her again, she smiled a goodnight and closed the door, leaving Tristan to walk back to his.

            The morning after the celebrations Brython was up before anyone else and scrutinised over the mess and wasn’t too happy. He was surprised to Zanna had just stirred from her slumber and was looking a bit blurry eyed as she left the hut to get some much needed fresh air to try and clear her head. Brython smiled when he saw her, “Before you leave tomorrow, could you please organise a clean-up?”

            “Are you asking because I’m a woman, or the first up.” She said.

            “Both.” Brython replied with a smile, “Just wait until they all wake up.” She didn’t look too happy, a mixture of too much beer and wine and not really wanting to be the one bossing people about with hangovers especially if they where has half has bad as hers. “I don’t remember that being part of the uniform?” Brython pointed to the chain that Tristan had bought, “Where is the lucky boy?”

            “I don’t remember you being left in charge.” Zanna joked. Just then Tristan stumbled out of his hut and Brython shuck his head, “I can take care of myself.” She reminded him.

            “One day someone will crack your hardened shell.” Brython warned her, she wasn’t too happy with that comment and ignored it as she went up to talk to Tristan.

            In a few hours there was little sign of the chaos that had taken over the place for the last couple of days and Brython had managed to avoid any work as usual by pretending he had business elsewhere and disappearing off to the five fingers where he wouldn’t be disturbed. “So you’re going to do that job?” Tristan asked not sounding too enthusiastic. Zanna nodded and said nothing, “I don’t want you to go.” Tristan replied and took hold of her hand, she shuck hers free and ignored, “Zanna.” He pleaded with her.

            “Perhaps I was to hasty, in excepting your gift.” She said and was about to remove the chain when he stopped her, “Before you argue the point with me…”

            “I know I have to except you for who you are, but it still doesn’t stop me from worrying.” Tristan replied, “I care for you, is that such a bad thing?”

            “I’m fond of you too Tristan.” She gently touched his cheek, “That’s why I don’t want you to get hurt.” Tristan took hold of her hand and led her away from the group a little way into the forest and they sat next to a large tree. “What is it, you want from me?” She asked.

            “Straight to the point aren’t you?” Tristan replied, the whole question making him feel uncomfortable.

            “Well?”

            “If I said I wanted to be with you, would that be so bad?” He replied eventually, “Men don’t this talking thing very well.”

            “As long as it’s me and not someone you want me to be.” Zanna said and then a part of her squirmed at the thought of herself saying such a thing.

            “I wouldn’t want to change you.” He said confidently, they kissed “Are you certain now?” He whispered in her ear and they kissed again.

Chapter 9.

Early the following morning she set off, Tristan had volunteered to make sure she arrived safely. It was late in the afternoon when they drew near Denethore’s castle, Zanna stopped Smudge and looked at it from a distance. It was square with solid stone walls and she got the same feeling of a cold loneliness creeping over like she had in the great hall. Tristan stopped and looked back, “What is it?” He asked concerned for her as he rode up alongside of her.

            “Why are these places so…”

            “Soulless.” Tristan filled in for her, “They’re meant to impress and not much else.” He sounded as if he’d had experience.

            “How would you know?” she asked, Tristan didn’t answer he just kissed her on the cheek, “You are not making it your home and before you know it you’ll be back.” He told her and he led her, the rest of the way up to the gates where they stopped and said goodbye to one another, though it was clear that Zanna was having second thoughts she wasn’t going to lose face by returning so quickly.

            After handing over the letter Denethore had wrote to her, she was admitted in and then shown to her room by one of Denethore personal guards, or High guard as they were known by. The room didn’t have much to say for itself in fact it was pretty much like the room she had, had in the great hall, the furniture and drapes were similar as well. She waited to the guards had left before taking a glance out of the window to see if she could catch a final glance of Tristan leaving, but he was already clear from view. Brython had given her a sword and a bow before she left, it wasn’t anything spectacular, only what they used for practice, she removed the belt with the hilt and sword attached and propped the bow and arrows by the bed. She wasn’t quite sure what to do next as Denethore’s wife Lady Kaya, was busy and had just told the guards to let her settle in to her room, but being left with nothing much to do didn’t suit Zanna she fancied having a look around or at least making an attempt at what Brython had asked of her even though she knew it was too early for that kind of snooping and she more than likely get caught. Just as she was about to leave the room one of the maids entered with a tray and a meal on it. “I’ve been asked to bring your supper up miss.” She said in a jolly way, she was quite old and her silver hair was tied practically up and the way she smiled made Zanna think of her mother and wonder what it would be like to have a grandmother. “My name is Sophie.” She introduced herself.

            “I thought I’d be having my supper in the kitchen.” Zanna replied with a smile.

            “No.” she replied back with a smile, “Not tonight at least, Lady Kaya would rather you didn’t take your supper with guards either.”

            “I’m rather grateful for that.” Zanna smiled, she remembered what it was like having to eat supper with the guards at the great hall and after the once she’d decided it was better to take it in her room, “I don’t mind going to the kitchen and eating there, though.” She added.

            “So what are you here for?” Sophie asked and Zanna looked surprised when she asked that, “I was Lady Kaya’s minder and now, well now I just…”

            “The same, only she’s older.” Zanna interrupted, Sophie didn’t like her interruption, “Because I can see you have only Lady Kaya’s interests at heart then I’ll be brutally honest, and tell you it’s just for the money.”

            “And why is it I heard rumours at the great hall about Denethore having a keen interest in you?” she enquired in a whisper.

            “I’ll say this only once, Lady Kaya is welcome to him.” Zanna said, “And that is all I can say on the matter, seen as I’m in his home.”

            “I see.” She said with a smile, “He’s not your type, and Denethore is typical young man who has an eye for pretty young women.”

            “I didn’t say that.”

            “No I did.” Sophie stopped dead in the conversation, the room falling silent, “The young man that escorted you here, he is more to your liking.”

            “Tristan,” Zanna said and felt herself blush slightly, “He is more to my liking, yes.”

            “Tristan?” she enquired and Zanna nodded, “I’ll leave you to eat you supper, I’ll be back shortly to pick up the plates and if you want to take a look then you can do.” She finished talking as she closed the door. Zanna sat down and began to eat her supper then realised what she’d done by saying Triton’s name, he hadn’t asked her too, nor had Brython mentioned not too but she got the resounding feeling that perhaps she shouldn’t have.

            Come next morning, Zanna was summoned to speak with Lady Kaya and with some trepidation she approached her chambers and then knocked at her door, “Enter Zanna.” Her voice didn’t sound hash or authoritative more gentle and soft which removed some of her fear as soon as she heard it. Opening the door Sophie showed Zanna in and she entered, Kaya’s long soft brown hair, blue eyes, couldn’t have been more different to what she had been expecting, though Zanna wasn’t quite sure what she had been expecting except for it wasn’t her. “My Lady.” Zanna spoke as she bowed courteously.

            “Come closer Zanna.” She said softly and Zanna approached. “I might as well be honest with you.” She said as she moved towards Zanna, a sweet smell of rose petals filled the air, “I talked my husband into sending for you, I was rather curious and I wished to meet you.”

            “I see.” Zanna replied not sure what to make of that.

            “And you may have some interesting stories about my husband, ones that I’m sure he won’t admit to be a true account.” Kaya smiled, “There is also a matter of my security and he was more than persuasive about me having my own personal guard, even though it seems that is all there is here already and men are..”

            “There men My Lady,” Zanna then quickly apologised for interrupting. Kaya smiled and then offered to show her around, which Zanna graciously excepted. As she showed Zanna from room to room, she gave her a brief explanation as to what she expected Zanna to do and how to behave and Zanna nodded quite confident she would be able to manage. It was then that Kaya showed her the library, it was much bigger than the one at the hall and quite possibly contained books and scrolls on every subject you could possibly imagine. “Denethore told me that Brython has taught you to read.” She enquired.

            “Yes he did.” Zanna replied quite confidently.

            “Well when you are not required you may read the books if you wish.” Kaya commented. “My mother would have a fit at a woman being able to read.” She added at the end.

            “You can’t read?”

            “No, Ladies should sew and gossip, to read and write would be to interfere with affairs of men, or so my mother would tell me.”

             “Sometimes mothers don’t know everything.” Zanna added, “Even though they try their best to take care of us.”

            “You speak from the heart, I like that.” Kaya replied quietly. “Will you show me how to read?” She plucked up the courage to ask as they left the library, “I will pay you, out of my allowance.” She turned and faced Zanna who was about to speak, “If I happen to be in the library, you will have to be there also to protect me.” Zanna could hardly refuse Kaya and agreed though she had to admit she quite possibly wouldn’t be the best tutor.

Chapter 10.

After a few weeks of being alone in the castle with Kaya a message arrived from Denethore, she asked Zanna to read it for her. Zanna wasn’t too comfortable about this but she seemed concerned and would rather have her read it than anyone else. Zanna read the message out loud and was quite relieved when it wasn’t too personal and he was just saying how much he missed her and that he’d be home soon. Kaya didn’t seem too happy, “I’m stuck here alone a little longer.” She said to herself and sighed.

            “My Lady.” Zanna started and Kaya gave her a nod of approval for her to continue “Why do you not send for your family and show them round your new home.”

            “Are you suggesting a feast?” She enquired, “And invite friends and family around to… what?”

            “I was suggesting that you should invite someone around to keep you company.” Zanna said,

            “I need a reason to invite them round.” Kaya replied, “And this place is so drab and dreary it’s like stepping out into a grey and cloudy morning.” She added.

            “Perhaps it needs a Ladies touch.” Zanna said an idea creeping over her mind.

            “It does.” Kaya said thinking out loud, “I shall have to send a message asking for money to do so.”

            “Why?” Zanna enquired, “His lord-on-High as already said that if you need anything to take the money.” Kaya smiled when she said that. “All you need is to get hold of some workers willing to give a hand and afterwards you can show it off by throwing a feast and inviting friends and family over for a few days.”

            “I shall surprise Denethore.” She said happy she’d found something to do instead of sewing and sitting around all day.

            A few days later the castle was filled with noise as people where  putting up new drapes and furniture being put in. Zanna had found herself moving back and forth around the castle as Kaya over saw the project and to be quite honest Zanna hadn’t been quite so aware of how much a project something like this was until it started. Zanna was glad when Kaya had let her have a day off and it gave her a chance to go for a ride to get away from the commotion in the castle and she was more than happy to meet up with Tristan. When she arrived at the meeting spot Tristan was already waiting for her and he greeted her with a smile and a kiss. “I missed you.” Tristan softly whispered to her as he held her. Zanna didn’t reply, she wanted to say she had missed him too but she didn’t want to appear to eager. “Getting business out of the way first,” He started, as the pair of them sat down under the shade of the trees, “Is there anything of note?” He asked.

            “I’m sure Brython will be highly disappointed when I say no.”

            “His wife?” He asked.

            “Lady Kaya is a typical Lady, she sews, she goes riding and someone may have put it into her head to decorate the castle but other than that, there’s nothing really to say about her.”

            “Kaya, did you say?”

            “Yes, why?”

            “Does she have a maid called Sophie?”

            “How do you know her?” Zanna enquired curious, he didn’t reply only he was very quiet about things, “You can start by being honest with me, I know you don’t talk about your past but if she was one of your previous acquaintances then I’d rather hear it from you.”

            “She is definitely not that, I’ll explain later.” He replied quickly.

            “Whatever it is, I don’t like secrets.” She told him firmly.

            “I know.” Tristan told her gently, “Can you not just let it go, just for now?” He continued and she didn’t seem too convinced, “You have nothing to fear, I just want to make sure of something first.”

            “Very well.” Zanna replied not to happy, he wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder, “You really did miss me.” She said quietly.

            “Of cause, let forget about the other and enjoy what time we have.” They kissed and he gently touched her cheek, “How long have you got?”

            “All day.” She said, “Apparently I’ve been working too hard.”

            “I see.” He lent closer to kiss her, and she moved away just as Brython appeared from behind a tree, “Good morning Brython.” Tristan replied not too happy about the disturbance.

            “What are you doing here?” Zanna asked,

            “Checking up on you.” Brython answered honestly, she didn’t reply to that as she stood up to greet him, “So?”

            “What I’ve just told him.” She said none too impressed that Brython had turned up and Tristan had forgotten to mention he would be.

            “Well at least I can look forward to the feast I’ve just been invited too.” He added, “Tristan is coming too.” He added with a smile, Tristan’s face fell not too happy about this, “It was a special invite for me and you.”

            “How did she…?”

            “That might be my fault.” Zanna admitted, “Sophie just enquired your name and before I realised I’d opened my mouth.”

            “What else did she say?” Tristan asked rather curious,

            “Nothing, why what else would she be saying?”

            “That can wait until later, you have to get back now before you are missed.” Brython told Zanna whom was looking less than pleased and even more, unhappy when she was left with no explanation. Brython looked at Tristan not to impressed with him either, “I suggest you catch up and tell her the truth.” He warned him, Tristan didn’t say anything or make an attempt to catch up with Zanna.

            Two days before the feast news came that Denethore would be returning, Zanna wasn’t too sure how she felt about that, they hadn’t exactly parted on amicable terms and she had thought she needn’t have to see him again, or he would want too. All the staff went to greet him and Kaya was stood next to Zanna, she seemed to light up at the mention of him returning and now she stood waiting for his return in greet anticipation. The horses stopped at the gates and Denethore jumped off and ran to greet his wife with an embrace and a kiss, it took a moment or two for him to notice Zanna not that she was really wanting his attention. “I wish to speak to you Zanna.” He said quietly as he past her and went back into his home, followed by all the staff and Zanna whom was a little nervous as to what he had to say to her in fact she felt a churning in her belly and her hands began to sweat. She dragged behind a moment just to give herself chance to compose herself, before following the couple in.

            Kaya was dressing for super when Zanna was summoned to speak with Denethore in his study, she had waited most of the day, she didn’t like waiting much and now she was confronted with his door she couldn’t wait to get this over and done with one way or the other. “Enter.” He called out after Zanna had knocked on the door. She walked in and closed the door behind her, hoping that she hadn’t been too hasty in closing the door. “I don’t remember you being this polite.” Denethore said with a smile.

            “You’re in charge now, My Lord.” Zanna replied, reminding things had altered slightly.

            “I am.” He stated though he didn’t seem too happy about it.

            “I was upset when I received news about your father, and all this must be a bit sudden for you.”

            “Let me make one thing clear Zanna.” He said, “I brought you here to apologise, for what I did.”

            “People make mistakes.” She replied and accepted his apology.

            “Can I ask your personal opinion about something?” He asked and Zanna nodded, “Honest opinion as well?”

            “Of cause.” She replied confidently as Denethore pulled out a velvet covered box she approached the desk he was sat behind to take a closer look as he opened the box to reveal a necklace covered in precious stones on a delicate gold chain. “Your wife is a very lucky woman.” Zanna replied.

            “Do you think Kaya will like it?” he asked.

            “I do, but if I’m wrong, I know a good jeweller I can sell it on too on your behalf.” Zanna joked and Denethore laughed and so did Zanna.

            “What is this?” Denethore asked gently touching the chain around her neck.

            “It’s nothing.” She quickly replied, “A present from a friend.”

            “This friend of yours,” He continued, “Is either very lucky or has a lot of hard work ahead of him.” He replied with a friendly smile,

            “What makes you say that, My lord?” she enquired.

            “He deserves more than them three stars that you have putting up with an hard faced woman like you.” Denethore replied knowing he could get away with it now.

            “You’re lucky, you’re his-Lord-on-high or you would not get away with that comment.” Zanna told him and the pair laughed, Denethore pulled out a bottle of wine and poured out to goblets full and past one too Zanna. “Just the one.” He told her, “I’ve heard stories about how lose your mouth gets after a couple of drinks.”

            “That may be an accurate description.” They both laughed.

            After what seemed hours Zanna was able to make a quick exit to disappear back to her room, he had spoken all evening about what they had done while at the great hall together and then Zanna mentioned his father and then went quiet as she realised how much it upset him. “I think it’s time you returned to your duties.” He said and she quickly left though feeling a little guilty. Zanna was taking the long stair case back to her room when she bumped into Kaya on the stairs looking rather distressed, “What is it?” Zanna enquired concerned for her and she pointed into Zanna’s room indicating she had heard someone or something in there, she drew her sword and burst in on whomever was in there. Zanna motioned for Kaya to stay put in the hall way as she entered to check the room, there wasn’t a sign of any one until she looked under the bed to find Tristan hidden under there, “I could have run you threw you idiot.” Zanna complained as he slid out from under the bed.

            “Cousin.” Kaya said surprised to see him.

            “Cousin?” Zanna enquired, “That was the I’ll tell you later.” She remarked none too impressed with him and she wanted to argue with him to shout at him until she was red in the face but she wasn’t given the opportunity, as he now realising he had no other way of getting out of it explained how he’d run away from home a few years earlier and had bumped into Brython whom had taken him back with him. Kaya looked less pleased than Zanna at his story. When he finished Kaya took him to one side and asked Zanna to wait there as Kaya led him from the room she slumped on the bed, not happy at being told to wait, not happy at being in a way misled. It wasn’t long however before he returned, “I’ll have to go.” He told Zanna, not happy at the upset he’d caused.

            “You can explain first.” She said and folded her arms,

            “I have explained.” Tristan protested not wanting to get in to an argument with Zanna.

            “Not why you didn’t tell me.” She pointed out.

            “I didn’t tell you, because I don’t like talking about it.” Tristan told her, “They think I’m dead and I’d rather it stopped that way.”

            “That bad?” She asked

            “I didn’t fit in and where I’m from that is bad.” Tristan said and sat on the bed next to her and took hold of her hand, “None of that matters, I’m still whom I was before you found out all that.”

            “Perhaps, but…”

            “But what?” he took hold of her other hand, “I know I should have told you, I won’t make that mistake again.” He lent forward and kissed her cheek and Zanna smiled, and then gave him a good bye kiss before opening the door and showing him out, “I told the guards, I’d come visiting you.”

            “You’d best see yourself out, I’m working.” Zanna told him bluntly, he said goodbye to Zanna and Kaya and disappeared, down the stairs. “I apologise for…”

            “He is my cousin, and I know exactly what Tristan is like he hasn’t changed a bit.” Kaya said with a smile.

            “I can believe that.” Zanna replied, forgetting momentarily whom she was talking too. “Will you be, needing me My-Lady?”

            “Not tonight.” Kaya replied with a smile, before she disappeared around the corner and down the stairs.

Chapter 11.

The following morning Zanna woke before the sun had risen, managed to get herself something to eat from the kitchen before Kaya was ready for her early morning ride. Denethore had decided to take one with her so she kept a distance and left them both talking, when they arrived back at their home, there was already a message sent from one of the guests saying they would arrive soon. Guest after guest soon turned up until the castle was full, Zanna was surprised to see Brython though he had told her about his invite she was certain he wouldn’t show. “How are you coping?” Brython enquired quietly.

            “Just about.” Zanna said back. “I’m not looking forward to being left alone with a bunch of ladies.” She whispered.

            “Frightened they might put ribbons in your hair?” Brython joked.

            “Ha ha.” She said sarcastically as Brython was dragged over to join the men and the women departed into another room.

            Zanna reluctantly followed though it was clear she wasn’t comfortable, Kaya approached Zanna and smiled, “I need you to escort us around the gardens.” She told Zanna whom gave a courteous nod of the head but said nothing.

            “Does your husband feel it necessary for you to have your own guard?” He mother asked.

            “I hired her.” Kaya corrected, getting somewhat annoyed with her mother’s habit of constantly pointing out what she considered the needing some work and according to her they were many.

            “And he let you.” She continued, “I’m sure he finds her to his liking.”

            “Mother.” Kaya grumbled at her and some of the others gathered around at that point, making Zanna feel rather uncomfortable, though she tried her best not to show it. “You can point out more alterations as we go around.” Kaya said trying to distract her mother from Zanna’s presence.

            “Well you do only do half a job, my dear.” She told her, “Zanna isn’t it?”

            “Yes my lady.” Zanna replied confidently, though it was merely for show as deep down inside a voice was screaming let me out of here.

            “You spent some time at the great hall didn’t you?” she enquired and Zanna gave her a brief nod of the head, not really wanting to continue this conversation because she had an, inkling where this was going. “Can you speak for yourself, or has my daughter somehow managed to make you be silent?”

            “I can speak for myself and I can speak honestly.” Zanna replied, “But you wouldn’t like what I had to say.”

            “If you’re honest as you declare you are so confidently, you can tell me what you are here for?”

            “I am here at your daughter’s request, and the pay is good.” Zanna replied. “Well better than ploughing a field.”

            “Tell me what other skills you have besides chopping a man’s head off.”

            “I can read and write.” Zanna replied.

            “In your situation, I don’t see the need for such gifts.” Kaya’s mother replied, “Besides that a commoner wouldn’t have the head to learn such things.”

            “You assume.” Zanna replied and the others gathered closer around realizing something could happen that would be of interest, “What is it you really want to ask me?”

            “Very well, I can see you are not used to making civilised conversation,” She replied with a smug grin upon her face, “Have you ever been Denethore’s mistress?”

            “No.” Zanna replied with a smile, “I think that his Lord-on-High as more sense than to even suggest that.”

            “He’s a man and men…”

            “They generally see a pretty face and make their intentions clear.” Zanna interrupted, “And you’re presuming that because his Lord-on-High has power and wealth I’d immediately jump at the chance, but the truth is I’m not interested in that, I prefer the luxury of freedom.”

            “I see, you don’t wish for the burden of a man and responsibilities that come with that.”

            “Something like that.” Zanna replied confidently. “And I think his Lordship as clearly better taste than the like of me.” She pointed at her daughter.

            “True.” Kaya’s mother said, “You are either very good at diplomacy or, you are speaking the truth.”

            “I’m speaking the truth.” Zanna replied bluntly, “What would his want with a commoner, when he has his pick of women and your daughter.”

            “I see your point.” She replied, not too happy to be wrong about something, “Though if he wanted he could take you.”

            “I think you’ll find that not to be the case.” Denethore said as he approached from behind the group, “She’d kill me.” He said as he approached Kaya’s mother whom was stood now very quiet and head lowered. “There is no need to apologise for your mother.” He told kaya as he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. Kaya’s mother quickly apologised and kept her head hung low, “In my generosity, I’ll forget this conversation ever took place.” He said. “If you’ll excuse me, while I have a moment with my wife.” He then pulled Kaya to one side and beckoned Zanna to follow and she obediently followed, after a quiet word with Kaya and then sent her back to the group of women waiting for her, “Zanna.” He said quietly, “If anyone, was to harm my wife you’d protect her?”

            “That is what you pay me for, My Lord.”

            “Even if it was a Lady?” He asked.

            “I would. But..” she paused, “More of a tactful warning rather than my fist connecting with their delicate faces.”

            “A fully respect that Zanna, being on the end of one of your blows.” He replied, “But if necessary you have to raise a fist at a certain woman, you have my permission.” Denethore told her, “Now make sure, the ladies are given the grand tour of my fine home.” He said with a smile.

            “As you wish My-Lord.” She replied and promptly returned to escorting the group.

            After the tour everyone sat down to eat and drink until late, Zanna followed Kaya to her room and before she returned to hers Kaya stopped her. “Can you stay in my room tonight?” She asked timidly. Zanna was about to reply when Denethore appeared and sent Zanna to her room, and though she knew something wasn’t quite right she left them alone. Brython was in her room, he’d snuck up there to make sure that Zanna was well. “What happened earlier when you were left alone with the women?” He questioned.

            “Kaya’s mother made the suggestion that me Denethore and I were..”

            “I see.” Brython replied not too happy with that comment either, “Some of the men are curious about you as well.” Brython stopped before he made Zanna feel any more uncomfortable about things, “Some of the men would even like to challenge you, make sure you’re worth what Denethore is paying you.”

            “Not only do I have to contend with Ladies poking and prodding me, but Lords with sharp pointy objects want to poke and prod me.” Zanna complained, “Is there anything else you would like to tell me?”

            “Some of the men find you…”

            “Get out, I need some sleep.” She told him bluntly not wanting to hear any more and ushered Brython out of the door and closed it before she said something she’d regret.

            Zanna had a genuine concern for Kaya and after Denethore had left her chambers in the morning she went straight to them to check on her, though she needn’t have been that concerned as Kaya was getting ready and Sophie was helping her dress, “Have you eaten?” She asked Zanna.

            “Yes My-Lady.” Zanna replied, “Can I remind you, it is my job to be concerned for you, not the other way around.”

            “I know, but…” Kaya stopped for a moment, “I must apologise for my mother’s behaviour yesterday.”

            “Don’t apologise on her behalf, besides there was no real harm done.” Zanna replied.

            “I was apologising on mine.” She replied.

            “You have done nothing wrong.” Zanna told her. “I know my place, My-Lady.” She told her.

            “What do you mean by that?” Kaya replied.

            “I’m not your equal.” She reminded her.

            “I know some would say that.” Kaya replied with a smile, “Just because you don’t have fancy dresses and a wealthy husband doesn’t mean to say you don’t have the same feelings I do.” She sat on her bed and patted it to invite Zanna to sit next to her and she moved over and sat next to her. “I invited my mother to stop wagging tongues, thinking about it now I would have rather dealt with them.” She began to explain, and then began to cry at that point Zanna wrapped her arms around her and held her close, comforting Kaya as she told her many stories of her mother’s hatred and sometimes vicious ways with her. Zanna had never experienced such cruel behaviour from her family and though she couldn’t now how it felt, she could understand how horrible it must have been for her. There was a knock at the door and Zanna backed off and was about to stand up when Kaya stopped her. “You are my friend Zanna, there is no need to act any different in front of my sisters.” When Sophie opened the door, her two sisters Sorena and Merina entered the room along with her cousin Solena. All three of them where beautiful and shared a family resemblance to Kaya. Merina clearly the youngest was the first to come over and sit next to her sister to comfort her, “Ignore that old hag.” Merina told her sister as she sat next to her. “Zanna will punch her if tell her too.” Merina suggested and Zanna tried not to show too much enthusiasm for that idea.

            “Zanna is not paid to give mother a good slap.” Kaya told Merina bluntly.

            “Solena please tell her to cheer up.” Merina asked.

            “Perhaps a ride would cheer you up.” Solena suggested, “Then we can have some practice for the archery contest this afternoon.”

            “I don’t even know how too.” Kaya replied,

            “You know how mother is, ‘women should be good at child birth that is all that is required of us.’” Sorena said mimicking her mother.

            “Kaya is not at home any longer and it is up to her what she chooses to do.” Solena pointed out,

            “Besides how are we going to look, against all those that have practiced for years?” Kaya replied, “My husband as set it out as teams of five and we have not put our names forward and we are short by one.” Zanna cleared her throat at this point in time letting her know she was available.

            “What an excellent idea Zanna.” Solena said with a smile. “She can teach us as well.”

            “It would be my pleasure My-Lady.” Zanna replied.

            “This is so exciting, we might stand a chance with Zanna on our team.” Merina said and clapped her hands in anticipation.

            That morning Zanna spent the whole time showing the Ladies how to at least hit the target with an arrow, it was no surprise that Solena was the better of the four as she clearly had, had more instruction than the others, Merina was far too impatient, but Sorena and Kaya seemed near enough on the same level, though Kaya’s competitive side could clearly be seen and started with friendly banter amongst the others. Zanna almost forgot she was amongst a group of Ladies and almost felt as if she was surrounded by her own peers. A group of men had gathered watching as they practiced, Kaya glanced over, “Do you think they fear the competition yet?” She asked Zanna.

            “They may just be admiring the view, My-Lady.” She replied with a smile.

            “They are waiting for Zanna to take a shot.” Merina said confidently, “I overheard one of them saying if she was good, they would declare that we are at an unfair advantage.”

            “Your go.” Kaya immediately told Zanna and handed her the bow with three arrows and one by one three arrows smartly hit the centre of the target with little trouble at all, the Ladies applauded Zanna enthusiastically, though she really didn’t need that sort of encouragement and it made her feel a little uncomfortable. “You should be happy with that.” Kaya replied.

            “Forgive me for interrupting My-Lady.” Brython said as he stepped forward from the crowd and approached them,

            “What is the problem Brython?” Kaya guessed by the look on his face.

            “Zanna isn’t used to being on display and…”

            “Zanna volunteered her assistance.” Kaya told him, Brython looked at Zanna and she nodded, “If you think that I am flaunting her as if she was an expensive necklace, then I apologise to Zanna and to you.” Kaya spoke from the heart and she genuinely meant every word and the others were in agreement.

            That afternoon the competition was under way and fortunately for Zanna she had been drawn against Brython and Kaya against Denethore, she had a sneaky suspicion that it was a little too convenient but said nothing. After the competition the Ladies the retreated to change for supper and Zanna was stopped many times along the way, but Kaya kindly and assertively moved them out of her way before they asked too many awkward questions. After Kaya had changed she left her room and immediately Zanna noticed the necklace that Denethore had shown Zanna the other night. “I believe my husband has already asked your opinion.” She said to Zanna as she saw her quick glance upon it.

            “His Lordship may have enquired, but in the box it didn’t look as good as it does around your neck.” Zanna replied.

            “They never do.” Kaya replied with a smile. “Now you are too come with me and the other Ladies that will be seated separately, but it appears you have left an impression on some of the gentlemen, apparently Brython has been fending, them off with a stick.” Kaya said with a smile, “My mother on the other hand wants to have you hung amongst other things.”

            “Thank you for the warning My-Lady.” Zanna replied quickly as several of the ladies then approached them as they reached the bottom of the stairs, applauding Kaya and handing her out compliment after compliment, while Zanna stood too one side. Kaya’s mother then approached, and whispered something into Kaya’s ear which Zanna didn’t manage to hear but she knew she wasn’t impressed but Kaya seemed to either ignore it or not let it bother her. They entered the dining hall and the ladies sat to eat, they all seemed to know there places and Kaya being at the head of the table looking beautiful and in Zanna’s eyes more confident and able to take on the world if she needed too.

            It grew near midnight and Zanna had been stood on her feet all evening and was beginning to feel it as her feet and legs ached, she soon however felt something wasn’t right and this alerted her and made her stand up more straight. She blocked the noise of the chattering crowd out and focused and stretched out with her mind to feel a dark presence within the castle walls, Zanna momentarily looked about the table to see everyone was in here except for the men, whom were still eating in the main hall and she could see there were no other guards in the room. Zanna walked over to the door and double check on the outside but there was no sign of them. Her eyes where then drawn to the sound of something being dragged along a stone floor and in the dark corridor what appeared to be a silhouette of boots clearly attached to someone as they disappeared around the corner. AT that moment Zanna almost stopped breathing and drew her bow and made ready an arrow, as she heard a sound of young women giggling, but not as the ladies would do in the hall, it was twisted in a way that if the person hearing it was knowledgeable in these things they’d know. Zanna quickly removed her bow and made ready an arrow, “Come out, come out where ever you are.” She taunted whomever it was in the shadows as she slowly walked down the corridor, she turned the corner to encounter three women one of them whisked what Zanna guessed was blood from her lips, with the back of her hand so swiftly you could almost have mistaken it had not been there at all. “Hello, why don’t you come over and join us.” One of the beckoned her over and her eyes flashed with a deep red glow.

            “I don’t think so.” Zanna said and let the arrow fly piercing one through the heart making her burst into flames and crumble to ash, the other two clearly not impressed bared there fangs and lunged towards Zanna.

            Meanwhile back in the dining hall Kaya hadn’t noticed Zanna’s disappearance, but her mother had, “You give your bodyguard far too much leniency.” Kaya’s mother commented.

            “Kindly keep your opinions to yourself.” Kaya snapped at her mother.

            “Where is she?” Kaya’s mother pointed out and motioned with her hand around the room. “Probably having a goodnights rest, after all who can blame her, especially with all that work she does.” She continued sarcastically and enjoying thinking she was right and at that moment Zanna burst back in the room and called out for all the doors to be sealed. Kaya approached Zanna, “What is the problem?” Zanna gently took Kaya to one side, “Well?” She enquired impatiently.

            “Not wishing to cause a panic but I encountered three intruders.” Zanna replied trying to be diplomatic, but realizing that it wasn’t perhaps going to be possible.

            “The guards will deal with them, if there are only three.” Kaya replied confidently.

            “It appears they have dealt with the guards, though I have dealt with the three that I came across, there are others.” Zanna told her bluntly.

            “All of them?” Kaya asked.

            “They are specifically meant for killing men, they have a pretty face but a nasty bite.”

            “It sound like you mean nightwalkers, they’re stories to scare children.” Kaya’s mother said not happy with the interruption and not too impressed.

            “If you want, I can open the doors and you can go tell them that My-Lady.” Zanna replied sharply. “You can tell their friends that as well.”

            “We need to go to the men and warn them.” Kaya replied.

            “No need.” Zanna took the whistle that Brython had given her and blew hard on it, the only person that could hear it was Brython and he was in the middle of a large goblet of wine which he nearly choked on.

            “The whistle doesn’t even work.” Kayas mother said with a smile.

            “Brython can hear it.” Kaya told her, “All his pupils have one.” There was a bang at the main door causing everyone to panic as the banging was followed by scrapping and clearly there footsteps could be heard and talking amongst themselves. “They can hear us?” Kaya said in a whisper.

            “They can hear us even if we talk in a whisper, they can taste us on the air, they’ll track us like hunting dogs.” Zanna replied quietly and led them to the servant’s passage ways which connected all the rooms, she opened the door and just as she did Kaya’s mother slammed the door closed again.

            “Mother.” Kaya snapped, “This is no time for your arrogant pride to get in the way.”

            “I’m saving you the hassle of running away, Kaya dear.” She said with a smile that could have mistaken for kindness. “You have nowhere to go to.” Zanna felt a strange sensation run down her spine she had never felt it before but all her instincts told her it was bad and she took hold of Kaya’s shoulder to gently move her to one side. “Kaya is coming with me.” Her mother hissed as she took hold of Kaya’s hand and was about to drag her away when Zanna snatched hold of her and dragged Kaya from her grasp.

            “And where would that be exactly?” Zanna asked, still aware of the thumps and movement outside the door.

            “What business is it of yours?” she snapped and the room grew cold and Zanna held Kaya behind her, “You will let go of my daughter.” She snarled.

            “Where she goes, I go.” Zanna told her, there was another thump at the door, and then some commotion. “Well?” Zanna asked, not sure what she was getting into and whether or not she could handle it alone, but she couldn’t sit back and let whatever she had in mind to happen, happen without at least trying something. She watched Kaya’s mother take several steps backwards, not backing off giving herself more room, Zanna kept a close eye on her, before motioning to Kaya for her to open the door and let the others through and as Kaya’s finger tips touched the handle, he mother raised her hands the main door to the hall blew open, in an instant there was an onset of panic and Zanna drew her sword as others picked themselves up from the ground and Zanna reached down with her hand still keeping an eye on Kaya’s mother as she pulled Kaya to her feet and as the dust settled all manner of dark creatures entered the dining hall, night walkers bearing there fangs, Horde and Orc, not to mention Shadow demons and others Zanna hadn’t read about not to mention seen before. “Not so bossy now are you?” Kaya’s mother snarled and as she did there was a bright flash of light and several of the creature closest to the flash fled in terror other screamed as their skin burned and Zanna was momentarily relieved to see Brython his sword drawn and red flames dancing across the blade as he sliced down a couple of the creatures. Zanna predicament however hadn’t changed she was still stood between Kaya and her mother whom was now surrounded by the creatures, she stared at Kaya’s mother ignoring what else was going on around her. “You think a little wench like you can stop me.” Her cruel laugh echoed through the hall and Zanna. “I am a priestess of Solena, and you are nothing more than an minor distraction that I will enjoy crushing with my bare hands before I…” she went quiet as the room filled with a grim chill and plunged into darkness, even the creatures of darkness hushed and bowed submissively and Zanna felt Kaya clutch hold of her tunic in fear. The glow from Brython sword the only light in the room as the creatures backed off he still clutched it tightly, as the rest of the castle appeared frozen in time, the people  stood rooted to the spots almost as if they had been turned to stone , all except for Brython, Zanna, Kaya and her mother. “Zanna.” He called out, “This is the exception to the rule we discussed.”

             “I except your challenge.” Zanna said and tossed down the sword, the clanging could be heard echoing throughout the castle.

            “What do you mean, you except my challenge?” She enquired not too impressed.

            “You threatened me, which my rules and the rules you have to obey while you have use of magic clearly dictates if it is seen as a challenge can be taken as so.”

            “I don’t have time for this foolish nonsense.” She snapped at Zanna.

            “It would appear that your mistress is beckoning, but under the circumstances you have little choice.” Zanna stepped forward, “You see,” She spoke quietly, “If you do not abide by the rules you lose your abilities and you lose control.” She reminded Kaya’s mother who took a step back.

            “We’ll do this later.” She snapped.

            “No, we’ll do this now.” Zanna said standing her ground firm, though deep inside she was shaking in fear. “You issued the challenge, I pick the time and place.” Zanna continued and stopped as the door to the servant’s passageway broke open and Tristan burst through. Zanna turned her head to see him stood there, and gently removed Kaya’s hand from her arm and handed it to him, “Take care of her.” She said gently. Brython beckoned him over to stand by him and the orb of light he just conjured, the creatures staid huddled to the shadows and didn’t even try to interfere with what was going to happen, Tristan led Kaya to Brython and where they stood. “You’re in a hurry and I wouldn’t want you to be late.” As Zanna spoke the castle began to shake rumbling beneath their feet.

            “Are you sure this is wise?” Tristan asked Brython.

            “Kaya’s mother made the challenge.” He replied, “And Zanna excepted, it’s up to them two to sort this out now, and we have enough to deal with whichever way this turns out.”

            “Brython, surely Zanna isn’t capable of taking up such a challenge.” Kaya replied, “You should go help her.”

            “Zanna is fully capable of this challenge, and the rules are very clear on such matters.” Brython told her and gently took hold of her hand. “I cannot help her, even though I would like too.”

            The room now ran with a deathly chill through it, bring a deafening silence to it, a red glow could be seen emerging from the corridor, a small glint at first and slowly growing brighter. The creature huddled in the corner began to hiss and snarl bearing their teeth and fangs some still dripping with the blood of their victims. Zanna wasn’t in a hurry, though she’d rather get it over and done with she knew that it wouldn’t be long before Kaya’s mother could no longer use the gifts she had been lent for a purpose she was yet to reveal and her mistress was growing even more impatient. Zanna stood her ground not moving and not wavering, just holding out until her time had run out. “It seems I have little choice but to get rid of you first.” She snarled at Zanna and raised her hand and before she had chance to cast a spell Zanna released an blast of energy making her fly across the room and hit the wall hard, Zanna had hoped it would have knocked her unconscious but that wasn’t to be the case as she returned a volley of smaller burst of energy rapidly making it harder for Zanna to dodge them but she was none too pleased to see her still stood fully capable of protect herself against such an onslaught. Kaya’s mother snarled displeased with the fact she had yet to make a dint in Zanna’s defences, as she prepared another ball of energy and Zanna was about to give her blast to remember her by the red light that had steadily been growing brighter filled the room with its energy, knocking Zanna and the small group still not frozen to the ground, Zanna was quick to get up and shake this from her to see Kaya being dragged from the hall by her mother. Without thinking or hesitation Zanna picked up her sword and began to follow, leaving Brython and Tristan still stunned.

            Kaya and her mother reached the top of the stone stairs leading to beneath the castle, Kaya struggling to get free of her mother’s tight grasp, she clearly didn’t want to let go of her prize, “Be still.” Kaya’s mother told her and gave her arm a quick yank, “I’m doing this for your own good.”

            “When has anything you’ve ever done been for your own good?” Kaya screamed as she tried to break free and nearly fell down the stairs but her mother held her even tighter and barley stopped as she continued to drag Kaya to her destination, with a intent that no one would else would get in her way it wasn’t until she heard Zanna at the top of the stairs, that she realised that wasn’t going to be the case and she hurriedly dragged her daughter to a room with a large archway with runes covering it. She waved her hands and the runes lit up and glowed blue in the darkness, and a wind picked up and a large swirling vortex appeared. Zanna at the other end of the corridor could see the light from the vortex and quickly ran towards it, she could hear Brython and Tristan close too though she wasn’t going to wait for them and as she entered the room she flung herself straight at Kaya’s mother just as she entered the vortex and dragged through with them both.

Chapter 12.

Zanna emerged at the other side and threw up, the motion of going through the vortex had left her feeling sick and dazed it took a moment for to realise where she was and remember who she was following and why. She quickly got to her feet and took a look around and caught her breath, Kaya wasn’t anywhere in sight and she was clearly in a large stone building, it was so dark the light from the burning torches didn’t help much. She summoned a light in her hand and then blew on it gently and as it travelled from her hand it shone brighter, it was then that she noticed Brython’s sword on the ground and memories of him shouting after her, as she jumped in without thinking again. She picked it up from the ground though she wasn’t sure how this would help her, but had she touched the cold metal with her fingertips she was sure it would be of some help. Realising she was in a room of somewhere much bigger she approached the door quietly and slowly and took a deep breath in before touching the handle she hoped it would open and it did. It was then that she heard Kaya’s screams and pleas for her mother to return her home. Zanna checked both directions in the corridor, before stepping out it was then that she became all most overwhelmed with the presence of evil, it was almost as if it was in the very air she breathed as she felt her chest tighten and she gasped for breath and she clutched tightly to Brython’s sword though it couldn’t do anything over than offer her comfort just by being close too.

            Brython and Tristan where left standing at the other archway underneath Denethore’s castle, Brython stepped forward to check out the arc, “It’s a port.” Brython said thinking out loud more than telling Tristan. “It might be locked.” He continued.

            “This is helpful.” Tristan replied sarcastically interrupting Brython’s train of thought and he removed his glance from the arc and looked at Tristan. “Why don’t you just do whatever it is you do and then she can get back?”

            “I’m afraid it’s not that simple.” Brython replied, “If I was to open it up from this direction, you can only go to where ever the other one is that has been opened, you can’t get back here.”

            “So they’re stuck.” Tristan said and threw down his sword in anger, “Why didn’t you stop Zanna?”

            “Stop Zanna?” Brython questioned Tristan over what he’d just said, “How do you propose I do that?”

            “Well….” Tristan began,  

            “Perhaps there is something else we can do to help her.” Brython suggested, “And it doesn’t involve us rushing head long in after her.” Brython began the walk back up to the dining hall.

            Zanna was still following the sound of Kaya’s and her mother’s voice, where ever she was she didn’t want to be there for very long if she could help it. As quietly as she could she walked the corridors and when she realised she was heading in the right direction she drew Brython’s sword from its sheath and as the red flames burst into life it almost startled her, she wasn’t expecting it to happen as it was Brython’s and the sword knew it. She took a deep breath in and began to climb the upward spiralling stair case, one step at a time and the feelings of dread grew stronger with every step she took, until she hardly breath for fear of what lie ahead and her hands where almost shaking, making her grip the hilt of the sword even tighter as she slowly ascended the stairs to her destination. When she near the top she lay with her back flattened against the wall and took a deep breath, it was from this place that she felt that evil had worked its way around these walls from, and the sense of it here was almost overwhelming but somehow Zanna managed to keep her nerve and burst into the room, hoping to catch whomever was in there off guard. “You should have left things well alone, witch.”

Kaya’s mother said as she stood over Kaya now bound and laid in the centre of a circular dip in the floor decorated with runes and spells around the outside and a symbol of three circles entwined in the centre. Zanna had never seen a place like this nor did she want to be anywhere near a place like this, she didn’t have to be told that its sole purpose was for evil as she could feel it in the very air she breathed and as she took a step into the room she heard the whispers in the dark and had she not the strong feeling that she needed to get Kaya away from this place she may have left it well alone. “My mistress will be here soon and you are no match for her.” Kaya’s mother continued as Zanna approached her.

            “Maybe not.” Zanna replied coolly, though deep down inside she was shaking in fear, “But you.”

            “After you’ve finished with me, how are you going to get home?” She enquired. Zanna hadn’t thought of that nor had she thought about what she was going to do once she had freed Kaya, clearly that was going to be enough to annoy whomever was pulling Kaya’s mothers strings and Zanna was well aware that she didn’t have the capabilities and knowledge to take on a witch with all that and years of experience. “Well?” She asked looking for an answer and as she turned back to continue what she was doing, Zanna noticed something around her neck she wasn’t sure how it had gotten there or how she had missed it before, but it reminded her of something, a symbol on the arc a seven pointed star shape that had been cut deeply into the top of the arc. She took a brief glance of the large cumbersome object on the chain and it glinted with a spark of magic, it was then that Zanna began to realise that it could be a key. “Speak girl.” She said growing impatient for an answer and rather enjoying tormenting Zanna as it filled her with a sense of power.

            “I see very little reason to continue this conversation.” Zanna said and stepped closer holding up Brython’s sword ready to strike, “I’m actually rather board of listening to your mouth.”

            “Do realise whom you are speaking too?” Kaya’s mother clearly had never had anyone dare speak to her like that before.

            “A fucking whore, and what of it?” Zanna replied sharply and was ready for Kaya’s mother as she swung to hit her, Zanna quick reactions meant she was soon able to take hold and restrain her and take Brython’s sword to her throat while relieving her of the key. “Now you’re going to tell me how we get back.” She told her and pressed the cold metal against her skin and she screamed with pain as the magic contained within the blade burned through her skin.

            Brython and Tristan had given up momentarily waiting at the port and Brython had started a seemingly endless task of waking the guests, while Tristan had been left pondering over Zanna’s disappearance and thoughts of never seeing her again. “Are you sure we have to destroy the port?” Tristan asked Brython as several more guests awoke from there frozen like states.

            “We cannot risk, anything else returning through it.” Brython told him again, “I’ll give her as much time as I can.” Brython was getting annoyed with Tristan’s suggestions and he would rather not hear them because the more he did the more he wanted to consider them himself, even though he was well aware that the risks would be far greater than any possibility of Zanna getting back. “Go guard the port.” He told Tristan and Tristan looked at him not too happy with the way he’d just been spoken too, but he decided that there was little chance of arguing with him, especially when he was in this mood and wondered back down to the port, where in front of it Denethore was stood staring at it blankly almost as if he was trying to see through it and what was on the other side. “My Lord.” Tristan approached him quietly, but it was more to make him aware of his presence than too actually start up a conversation.

            “Does Brython know where the other side is?” Denethore asked Tristan quietly as he turned to face him.

            “Not at this moment in time.” Tristan replied. “He thinks it’s too dangerous to go in after them.”

            “From what I know of Brython, he all ways air’s on the side of caution.” Denethore said, still half thinking about the port he even reached out and touched it though it was brief and quickly withdrew his hand in fear of what power it had and in fear of where it had come from. “Perhaps in this case he is justified.” His reluctance to leave it at that was apparent. “Can I ask you something personal, about your cousin?”

            “We haven’t spoken in year’s My-Lord.” Tristan replied honestly, “But I will try to help.”

            “You’ve seen her here though.” Denethore pointed out, “Does she seem happy?”

            “From what I’ve seen, she does.” Tristan replied, “But I have not seen her up too close and personal and perhaps I am not the best person to be asking.”

            “Perhaps.” Denethore replied quietly, “But has Zanna said anything?”

            “My-Lord, what has this to do with what has just happened?” Tristan enquired, not happy with this conversation and that his thoughts wasn’t on his cousin’s wellbeing at all.

            “I wouldn’t wish there predicament on either of them, especially not Kaya.” Denethore explained himself better, “I just can’t bear the thought of something happening to Kaya, and her final thoughts to be she was glad not to be coming back to me.”

            “I’m sure where ever that leads to it is not as bad as being with you.” Tristan replied.

            “I cannot shake the feeling that she hates and resents me.” Denethore said quietly, “I know this may sound a little selfish, but I don’t want her to feel the same way my mother did.”

            “I’m sure she doesn’t.” Tristan replied.

            “And then what happens to her when I….” He paused holding back tears and not quite sure what to say next, “I’ll turn into something like that,” He pointed at the port, “Half man, half creature from the pit.” Tristan didn’t know what to say at that moment, or whether or not he should even speak. “Or something worse.” Denethore continued and then stopped.

            “If..” Tristan corrected him.

            “There’s no if, only when.” Denethore hung his head, “I’ve known since I was a child, I’d turn into this murdering, blood sucking tyrant.” Tristan tried to approach him at that point, “Go, I wish to be alone.” Denethore said, Tristan wasn’t too keen on leaving him but when Denethore told him to leave again he had little choice in the matter and left to find Brython.

            Zanna still had a tight grip on Kaya’s mother, though at first she hadn’t even thought about killing merely giving her a good thumping and dragging her back with them it was becoming less of an option and more of a necessity and she didn’t have the time to be wasting on her any longer, besides she wasn’t very helpful and Zanna had to hope she’d figure a way out of here without her, and that wasn’t going to be easy as the torches burning in the room had projected there light through an arched  window and on to solid rock. “One last chance, you either tell me how to get out of here or I’ll kill you.” Zanna warned her. Kaya’s mother staid quiet and Zanna ran Brython’s blade through her back and straight through her chest. “you cannot tell you I didn’t give you enough warning.” Zanna snarled as she pulled the blade from her letting her fall to the ground with her final breath. Zanna wasn’t going to stick around to see the consequences of killing another witch’s aid so she quickly cut Kaya’s bonds and helped her to her feet. “Quickly, we must leave.” Zanna told Kaya as she led her from the room and back to stairs that led back down and Zanna quickly hoped that she would find the room with the port in though she wasn’t quite sure how she’d find it or if she remembered the way.  

            Tristan had found Brython and his mood hadn’t improved but he thought he’d best tell Brython about Denethore, so he tapped Brython on the shoulder after he’d finished awakening the last of the guests. “I think we may have another problem.” Tristan began then explained about the conversation that Denethore and he had, had by the port he didn’t want to interfere but under the circumstances, he couldn’t leave Denethore stood next to the port in the mood he was in and what would happen if he decided there was no hope for Kaya and Zanna. Brython listened as Tristan told him a near enough word for word account of what happened. “You did the right thing telling me.” Brython said, though he felt tiered from waking the guests and really in need of a break he still went down to check on him. Brython attentively approached him not sure how Denethore would react as it was clear that he wasn’t thinking quite straight, “I asked to be left alone.” Denethore snapped.

            “Do you think this is helping?” Brython pointed out rather than enquired.

            “You’ll take this down and leave them too their fate, if I leave.”

            “Do you want more coming through and next time I might not be about.” Brython said firmly,

            “The only things I want coming through there, is my wife and my friend.” Denethore replied sharply. “You’ll leave it up as long as I say.”

            “You’ll put everyone else at risk.” Brython informed him, “Do you think, I don’t want to leave it up just to chance that the pair of them could come back through.” Brython snapped he was tired and everything that Denethore was saying he wanted to do but it was against his better judgment to leave the port up, the thought of leaving Zanna on the other side was almost unbearable, but what would happen should he leave it up selfishly could give him more grieve later on. “I’ll give them a couple of days, it’s highly unlikely that even Zanna would be able to face off what is on the other side any longer than that.” Brython said giving in to Denethore and giving in to his fondness of Zanna, though his head full of thoughts against it. “A couple of days, we cannot risk any longer than that.” Brython told him.

            “If you can ask some of your pupils to help?” Denethore asked, “Don’t patronise me by saying there’s only Tristan and Zanna.” He added quickly before Brython had a chance to speak, “I’ll pay, whatever you decide.” Denethore quickly added. “Besides that I’m very short of guards at this moment in time.” He informed Brython.

            “I’ll see what I can do, but no promises.” Brython replied honestly.

            “Thank you.” Denethore replied and then turned back around to face the port, “how long do you think it’s been there?” He then questioned.

            “Who can tell?” Brython replied, “But he had a suspicion it wasn’t a recent addition. “I’ll go see if I can see to your other problem.” He finished before disappearing back up the stairs.

            Zanna had tried more than a couple of time to place the key in to what she presumed was the correct hole but with no success and no idea what to do next she soon gave up for a while, thinking over and over again she almost wanted to cry herself but she held back the tears knowing they wouldn’t help and she needed to stay focused, she also didn’t want Kaya seeing her cry. “My-lady.” Zanna spoke softly as she sat next to Kaya on the cold floor, she was shivering with cold and fear and Zanna wrapped her arms around her to hold her close to keep her warm and comfort her and keep herself warm as she wrapped her cloak around the pair of them. “We’ll keep each other warm.” Zanna said softly as the pair of them huddled tightly in the corner of the room, waiting for what would happen next.

            “Zanna.” Kaya eventually spoke as her teeth finished chattering. “Will you call me by name that is until we get out of here that is if you want too. Just in here we’re both equals and there’s no need to bother with titles and such.”

            “Of cause I can.” Zanna said and held Kaya closer than before and she held Zanna back just as tight. “I’ll think of something Kaya.” She said quietly hoping that she would or Brython could come up with something.

            All that day and that night, Denethore and Tristan kept vigil over the port, as Zanna and Kaya where huddled in a corner of the room. Zanna had nothing to gage the time with only that she needed rest and Kaya slept close to her and her eyes slowly closed as she drifted of too sleep, she should have kept a watchful eye on things, maybe the fact she didn’t believe that they would be able to get out of this made and sheer exhaustion made her forget or not bother too, but she was awoken by a light from the port and she quickly shuck Kaya awake and was about to lead her from the room before whomever it was appeared from the swirling void, a book landed smartly and slid across the floor, landing not too far away from Zanna and the void quickly closed plunging the room back into darkness. Something stirred within the walls Zanna felt it and she was almost sure Kaya did as well as she clutched Zanna’s arm tightly. Zanna held out her hand and breathed life into a small light she attentively walked over to the book, she touched it with her finger, not quite sure why but this place was making all her senses stand on edge, but she needn’t have been so worried as it was leather bound and nothing more. She knelt down beside it and picked it up, “A book?” Kaya questioned, “what good is that?”

            “Not just a book, but directions on…” Zanna was suddenly stopped half way through her explanation as an ear piercing roar could be heard, “I don’t want to meet you.” Zanna whispered more to herself than too Kaya.

            “You can get us out of here now?” Kaya asked not wanting to meet the beast that lurked below and eager to get out of this place. She wiped her face with her hand brushing away the tears from last night as she’d cried in her sleep as she leant over to peer at the book curious as to its content. “The pages are blank.” She said disappointed.

            “To you.” Zanna replied, though she was paying more attention to the book and in it was a letter written by Brython. Zanna quietly studied the book and all Kaya could do was wait until Zanna had finished reading, every so often a roar from the creature that stirred in the castle and echoed throughout and against the rock that it was so deeply buried within. Zanna read several passages and seemed to understand them though reading was difficult in the light she had created and had once or twice felt like brightening it but daren’t fearing that she would give themselves away to whatever lurked in the shadows. Zanna eventually looked up from the book and looked at Kaya, “You can’t get us out of here.” Kaya guessed and held back the tears that where now forming in the corner of her eyes.

            “I’ve never done this before and I’m a little concerned that’s all.” Zanna replied. “Not only that, these in the book appear to be slightly different in design so there’s no guarantee I can get this to work.”

            “So you’re going to try again.” Kaya said a sense of hope returning to her.

            “Well I’m not going to sit around and wait to be eaten.” Zanna replied quickly and rose to her feet, “But I must have concentration on this.”

            “You won’t be able to protect the door.” Kaya said for her.

            “I need you to watch my back.” Zanna told her honestly as she removed the bow from over her shoulder and handed it to her, along with the arrows.

            “I don’t think I can do that.” Kaya answered honestly and now trembling with fear.

            “If you can’t, we can’t get out of here.” Zanna took a tight hold of her hands to prevent her from trembling, “I’m scared too, but I need you to do this.” Kaya nodded though it was clear that she was gripped by fear. Zanna stood up next to her and helped her. “Just like when we practiced.” Zanna spoke softly gently moving behind her and holding the bow with her and making an arrow ready and pointing at the door. “No matter how terrifying they look, the majority of them go down when they are shot with an arrow in the head.” Zanna explained. Kaya’s breathing slowed as she felt Zanna calm breathing behind her and her hands steadied with her gentle touch and Zanna released her grip on the bow and bow string and took hold of her around the waist. “Now remember, straight in between the eyes and don’t think about it.” Another ear-piercing roar closer this time. “You can do this, I know you can otherwise I wouldn’t be even attempting this.” Zanna said and gently backed away from her. Kaya saw Zanna back off and looked at her, “Just stay focused on the door.” Zanna told her, “We’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Zanna then picked the book back up and opened it up at the page of the spell needed to open the port, she closed her eyes after she’d read the words letting the meaning of the words fill her head and the thoughts of where she wanted to go fill her mind. Opening her eyes only to set down the key before continuing with the spell and the enchantments on the door failed and then that the scraping of claws against stone could be heard and the muttering in the darkness. Kaya swallowed and tried to stay calm as Zanna blocked out all thoughts of those that were approaching, and the key lifted from the ground as if by itself then fitted itself in place at the top of the port, Zanna kept an almost clear state of mind as the door burst open and a creature barged in not wanting the distractions Zanna didn’t check even to see what it was and kaya let the arrow fly and hoped it found its target and more out of look than anything else it did and she was more surprised than anything to find the creature burst into flames and disintegrate to ash. Pleased with herself for a moment before she remembered they were others and she quickly made another arrow ready this time it didn’t quite make its mark so she tried again and when it did, she took another arrow and made it ready for the next and the next few moments became a blur as several more came through at once and she was sure she’d be overwhelmed and what would Zanna think of her then when she failed protect them both, but the blue glow appeared in the arch and Kaya let loose one more arrow before approaching Zanna and the pair jumped through the port.

            Brython, Denethore and Tristan stood at the other side waiting for them both to come back and though several of Brython’s pupils had turned up they had mainly kept away from the port and left Brython too it. Brython wasn’t too pleased with how things had gone and had almost let Zanna’s secret slip, the longer he could keep it secret the better and when Denethore had left he’d thrown the book through and hoped it landed in her hands and nothing or nobody else’s. Brython also wasn’t too confident that Zanna would be able to use it as port travelling was used many years ago by the more experienced witches and wizards and that was something that Zanna didn’t have, experience. The runes on the port had begun to glow and Brython watched anticipating the worst but hoping for the best, but he hadn’t expected what happened next. The ground shuck violently and the port began to crumble and collapse, Brython managed to take hold of Denethore and dragged him from the room safely as Tristan made a quick exit. Just after they had fled the room and stopped to turn around and watch it fill in on itself. “Now what?” Tristan asked, hoping there was going to be a now what but there wasn’t and Denethore sat on the floor waiting for his wife to return even though now it seemed impossible. “Take His Lord-on-High to rest.” Brython instructed him, “I have to go somewhere.” He explained and then quickly went up the stairs and disappeared into a quiet corner.

Chapter 13.

A few weeks later in dark swamp huddled next to a stone arch lay Zanna and Kaya, huddled together for warmth, Kaya’s once beautiful dress now soiled ripped and had stains of dried blood on it, Zanna wasn’t looking too much better either she was exhausted and covered with bumps bruises and claw marks across her arm that had become infected. Kaya awoke and looked down at Zanna whom slept soundly and listened to the sounds of the insects and animals in the swamp. She had never been to a place like this and had been surprised to find out Zanna hadn’t either, this had been the safest place they had come across in days as they jumped from port to port hoping to come across one in a familiar place or person stood at the end of one of them. It was becoming apparent to Kaya that Zanna couldn’t continue this indefinitely and if they didn’t find one that led to home and was safe enough they’d have to stop for a while, if only to let Zanna heal. Kaya stood up and looked from left to right souring the horizon for something to eat but she couldn’t see anything and quickly gave up the thought of food reminded her how hungry she was and the pain returned to her belly. Zanna had rolled over and realised Kaya was no longer there she sat up to see her stood not so far away. “You should be resting.” Kaya told her sweetly and walked over to her and knelt beside her and placed her hand on her forehead it felt hot and sticky. “You have a fever, Zanna you must rest.”

            “One more try and then…”

            “You said that two ports ago.” Kaya told her, though she wasn’t quite sure when she’d started measuring time by how many ports they’d travelled. “You have an infection you must rest.” Kaya pleaded with her but Zanna was too stubborn to listen and she’d rather be anywhere than in this swamp for another night, she didn’t like the smell and there was nothing really too eat, she needed to eat if she was going to get strong enough to find their way back. “Zanna please just rest a little longer.” Kaya asked her and gently took hold of her arm.

            “Last one I promise.” Zanna told her and approached the port, she had open that many over the weeks it had almost become second nature to her and she had read the book from back to front scouring for anything she’d missed the others but nothing other than what she was doing at that moment and what she had done near enough every day since the first. Kaya stood and watched and waited for the shimmering blue void to appear and as it did she picked up the bow and arrows and approached it taking hold of Zanna as she did whom nearly toppled over in exhaustion and Kaya only just manage to help her through, before it closed again. For some reason it felt different this time, almost as if some had changed direction or cut the journey short. They stepped out the other side and Zanna placed her arm on the side of a cave where the port was, she could smell the fresh air and the sweet scent of flowers in full bloom. “Lie down now.” Kaya told Zanna softly, not having the strength to argue Zanna did as she was told, more out of the fact she couldn’t do anything but that and soon found her eyes closing.

            It could have been days, it could have been weeks, until Zanna opened her eyes again. She found herself in a warm bed, her wounds dressed and she was clean wearing a white gown. Zanna slid herself up still feeling pain in her arm she winced and took hold of it. “You are awake.” A familiar voice said from what seemed to be a distant memory, she turned her head to see Brython sat in a chair in the corner. “I would give you your favourite lecture, well I can only assume that it is your favourite, because I have to keep repeating it.” Brython told her with a smile and handed her a glass of water, “Your lucky.” He pointed out as he hugged her relieved to see Zanna in one piece a little battered and bruised but in one piece.

            “You don’t have to tell me that.” Zanna replied after finishing the glass of water, it tasted sweet and fresh and reminded her of summer days. “Where am I?” She asked.

            “You’re in an elfish healing house, the port is in a cave not far from here.” Brython told her in a more serious tone, “You are also lucky we managed to get too Kaya before Denethore had arrived.

            “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Zanna said not liking the sound of that.

            “We managed to blur some of her, more than accurate memories of you.” Brython replied, quietly, “Look this will wait until you’re feeling better, then I’ll take you home.”

            “Home?” Zanna enquired,

            “Your home and your family, it will give you time to think and rest up properly.” Brython told her, at that point Tristan came bounding in and sat down on next to Zanna interrupting Brython whom decided he was better leaving as Tristan embraced her.

A few days later they had all set off back home, Brython and Tristan behind Kaya and Denethore and all around was Denethore’s personal guard called the High guard. Zanna however was lagging behind, she didn’t want company right now and the thought of being cheered through every village as they followed Denethore didn’t fill her with joy either. That night Zanna couldn’t sleep and was sat awake tending the fire, close to the fire was Tristan and Brython both snoring as she prodded it with a stick and watched the flames dance and the embers glow and was almost hypnotised by it. Her thoughts lingered over what has happened while she had been away and then what Brython had done to Kaya to keep her secret, she hated that nearly as much as she hated being stuck in some far off land with a huge monster trying to kill her. She looked across at Brython, she was angry with him as well, for making Kaya forget, without even asking her first, but the truth was all she wanted to know was why it had to be done. Zanna looked up briefly as footsteps approached from Denethore’s camp, it was Kaya concentrating hard on the flames she hoped she’d leave, if she saw Zanna wasn’t in the mood for company, but she did and she sat next to her. Zanna didn’t look up from the flames, she wanted her to leave, before Zanna said something or she did. “I know you don’t want to speak to anyone right now, but may I sit with you?” She asked timidly. Zanna could barely look up at her, because when she saw her face she was reminded of Brython had done too her. “May I?” She asked again.

            “I’m afraid, I won’t be much in the way of company my Lady.” Zanna said quietly.

            “I thought we were friends.” She reminded Zanna and she looked up at Kaya’s face but said nothing, returning her gaze to the flames.

            “Good evening.” Tristan said cheerfully as he awoke from his sleep, “What brings my cousin over here to mingle with the family outcast and…” He stopped mid-sentence when she look towards Zanna, “Did I just interrupt something?”

            “No.” Zanna said not lifting her head, Brython then began to snore,

            “Zanna.” Tristan tried to coax her to lift her head but she didn’t, he ignored her at that point, “Well we haven’t any fine silver cups, but would you like a pot of tea from a tin one.”

            “If you’re offering.” Zanna said realising he was trying to cheer her up, and a pot of tea would be good, perhaps take her mind off other things and Brython’s rather loud snoring was doing that as well she was getting annoyed with it, that was one of the few things she hadn’t missed, but when all said and done she’d rather listen to Brython snore than some of those creature and whatever else that lay at the sides of some of the ports.

            “Would you like one Kaya?” He asked and she smiled and nodded.

            “Will we not disturb Brython?” Kaya eventually dared asked what she wanted too as Tristan handed out the mugs with hot elfish tea.

            “If his snoring doesn’t wake him up, I doubt anything will.” Zanna joked and all three of them laughed.

            “It normally takes months before someone has the courage to complain to Brython about his snoring.” Tristan began, “Zanna took a couple of days and more than a couple of tankards.” Kaya laughed Zanna gave him a warning look and Kaya laughed.

            “Zanna isn’t one too hold back.” Kaya said and Brython’s snoring got louder in response and Zanna prodded him with a stick making him turn over and his snoring stopped temporarily. Three of them spoke for a long time, until Kaya couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer and she said her goodnights and returned to her husband.

            Tristan looked across at Zanna, “She was wanting to speak to you.” He told her, not that she needed.

            “Well…” she paused, “Why would she?” She snapped,

            “Do you think I like lying to people?” He looked across at her and she shrugged, “I know that whatever the reason is, it’s for you.”

            “Is it?” She said, “I don’t even know what the reason is, I just go along with it.” It was clear she was distressed by this and Tristan sat down by her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze and Zanna lent her head on his shoulder, “I’m going to go back home.” She added trying to see the lighter side of everything that had happened.

            “I’m taking you back,” Tristan replied, “I promised if we found you, I’d bring you back.”

            “What exactly did you say?” Zanna enquired,

“You had gone missing and we were looking for you.” Tristan replied, “Though in truth Brython thought you…. But it doesn’t matter.”

“Really?” Zanna asked.

“He wasn’t himself, it was like.” Tristan stopped and looked straight into her eyes, “He missed you and so did I.” At that point Zanna lent forward and kissed him and he lent forward and returned the kiss.

“Did I hear there was a pot of tea going around.” Brython interrupted the pair of the kissing. Zanna looked across to see him holding out his mug.

            “You may have.” Tristan replied, “but that was some time ago.” He added and then gave up the stand-off  and decided to make another. “Now you have to fill me in on your adventures.”

            “I didn’t take notes.” Zanna replied not wanting to regale the stories to him of the entire trip, so he could point out every place where she went wrong and tell her what he would have done was he there.

            “I didn’t ask for an in-depth account of your travels I just asked for…”

            “No comments.” Zanna interrupted him midsentence, “All ways tell you something and you start criticizing.”

            “It’s not criticizing it’s pointing out where you went wrong.” Brython replied slightly put off by Zanna’s comments, but not too put off he didn’t want to hear her stories.

            “Very well.” Zanna began, not seeing the need for these sorts of stories around the camp fire but she didn’t want to disappoint Brython and just having Kaya to talk to all this time she was rather glad to off load to someone else.

            The next few days they all travelled the same road until Denethore decided to take Kaya home and it gave Zanna a chance to pick up her horse and get back to hers, she’d have rather travelled alone but Brython and Tristan were more than insistent that they make sure she was returned without her taking any more detours. When they finally arrived her father was stood outside waiting for her, which she had been expecting as a message had been sent ahead, but it was the look on his face that led Zanna to think something was wrong and though he was overjoyed to see her back you could tell that all was not well. “What’s wrong? Zanna asked, hoping that her mother could forget her running away in the middle of the night or at least forgive her for it.

            “Your mother is ill.” He said quietly, “But she is glad to have you home, even if it is for a little while.”

            “Papa…”

            “You’ve been through enough of recent without worrying about all this.” Kane insisted that she came in with Tristan and Brython and they politely excepted. “She is resting in bed, do not upset her, the healer said she needed rest and so do you.” Kane pointed as Gwen tottered in, she stood close to Kane a bit wary of Zanna to start with but after a while she came round to the idea that her big sister had come back for a visit and that was fine.

            Zanna was sat in the room talking to her mother, it was clear to Zanna how ill she was and that maybe it was mere chance that let them make up for past mistakes on both sides. Zanna sat on the edge of the bed, as Brython and Tristan talked to Kane. Zanna’s mother took hold of her hand, “I’m sorry.” She said.

            “No I am.” Ellen replied quietly. “You can tell me all about your adventures.” She said breathlessly.

            “I don’t want to upset you.” Zanna replied, but her mother encouraged her to go on genuinely curious as to what had happened to Zanna.

            After a while she left the room thinking she’d be saying goodbye to Tristan and Brython, but only Brython was leaving and Tristan wanted to stay with Zanna a while over winter and though a little reluctant Kane had offered the room that Zanna usually had too herself and Zanna would share with Gwen. Gwen looked less than pleased but she had little choice in the matter after Kane had put his foot down. Brython was very reluctant to leave Zanna, but after Zanna promised several times to keep out of mischief and let him know should she decide to get into any, he left promising to return in a bit too check on her when he had the time to do so.

Chapter 14.

A few weeks later Brython turned up, a thin layer of snow lay on the ground and he could feel the bight of the cold air but he had something important for Zanna or he possibly wouldn’t have turned up. Tristan had also sent a few messages back too him explaining that Zanna’s mother was getting no better in fat she was getting worse. Brython approached the town through the main gate not knowing what to expect when he arrived at Zanna’s home. He was about to knock at the door when Zanna opened it and she found it rather strange that he was hiding something behind his back. “What have you got?” Zanna asked curious.

            “Are you going to let me in first?” Brython said and Zanna opened the door and showed him through. “Gwen I’ve brought something back from my travels.” He said directly at the little ten year old, which jumped up and greeted him with some enthusiasm after he mentioned there might be a present involved. Kane popped his head out of the room where Zanna’s mother laid resting and told Zanna to go tend to her mother while they spoke. Zanna left thinking whatever he had was meant for Gwen so it possibly wouldn’t interest her at all, “There you go.” He said and handed Gwen a beautiful rag doll with a pretty dress with ribbons in its woollen hair.

            “Thank you uncle Brython.” Gwen said smiling and quite happy with her doll, Zanna could hear through the wooden door as she sat on the edge of her mother’s bed holding her hand. “Look what I got.” Gwen announced proudly as she burst open the door, showing her doll to her mother and Zanna and jumped on the bed next to Ellen, “Mama do you think she’s pretty?”

            “Not as pretty as you.” Her mother said breathlessly.

            “Be careful.” Zanna warned Gwen gently as she snuggled next to her mother.

            “Go check what them two are up too.” Ellen told Zanna.

            “No need.” Kane said as Brython and he both walked through the door, Brython still holding something behind his back. “Brython has something for you too.”

            “Brython shouldn’t.” Ellen said.

            “Perhaps.” Brython replied, “But in this case, you’ll have to complain to the elves.”

            “You explain that later.” Ellen told him, though it was clear how ill she was she wasn’t going to let him get away without an explanation and she certainly wasn’t going to let him think he was in charge.

            “Mama.” Zanna said, concerned and not wanting to let her get too upset.

            “Don’t you think I’m not capable of having an argument if I want to.” She warned Zanna

            “Can I?” Brython asked and Ellen nodded though it was clear she wasn’t happy, but she didn’t argue. Brython brought out from behind his back a sword, it was clearly a magical blade and though not at all like Brython’s as it was definitely meant for a woman. The sword was beautifully decorated with a clear crystal in the centre of the hilt surrounded by trailing flowers and swirls delicately etched into the steel and elfish runes decorating and weaving there magic upon the blade. “Take it.” Brython told her as she looked at the sword admiring its beauty and the craftsman ship. “She’s yours and she’ll only work for you.”

            “But..” Zanna said knowing this wasn’t gift to be taken lightly, Brython held it out for her and she couldn’t refuse and she gently took hold of the sword.

            “She’s called Chloe and she’ll look after you if you look after her.” Brython told her.

            “I will.” She told him confidently, “Thank you and thank our friends for me.”

            “Why don’t you take her outside and have a proper look, just..”

            “I know.” Zanna told him hating being reminded that she shouldn’t be flaunting the fact she was a witch and she dashed outside and ran to find Tristan and Storin whom hadn’t gone too far.

            Later on in the evening Brython left and the excitement had died down a bit but had left a more positive feeling around the place, though it was only short lived as a few days later Zanna was sat on her mother’s bed talking to her. Telling her mother stories of her adventures, as Ellen had asked to hear them again, she stopped Zanna from speaking midway through one of them, “Zanna.” She spoke quietly and took hold of her hand, “Whatever I’ve done, I’ve done because I love you.”

            “I know that.” Zanna replied and kissed her mother on her forehead, “I’ll go fetch papa.” She said and left the room and came back with Kane and the both sat next to her talking until late when Zanna’s mother finally closed her eyes, and Zanna left her father holding Ellen’s hand, while she sat on the floor by the fire. Tristan was awake and he sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her to comfort her. It wasn’t until early morning when Kane left the room, “Can you…”

            “Why don’t you go for a lie down.” Zanna suggested, not quite sure what to say at this point and she led him to her room, which Tristan had been using and then sat back next to the fire and Tristan sat next to her holding her close as she cried for a short while and took a deep breath before she disappeared from the house and brought back several women with her.

            Zanna couldn’t remember much about preparing her mother for the cremation; she shut it out as she rubbed her cold skin with the oils and then wrapped the body and bound it in preparation. She could remember being relieved that her mother was no longer suffering and that she was no longer having to wait, then feeling guilty about that. The precession in the snow to the cemetery where the cremations took place just outside the city wall, it was decorated with winter flowers and the wood was already stacked waiting to be set alight and her mother was laid on top, though Tristan had felt like he was intruding at first he soon began to realise that everyone would be there and one more person didn’t make much difference. After the fire was lit they piled back down to the house and a small group of the local women had gathered together to cook a small feast, a celebration of the life and the fact death was a part of it. Kane was sat next to Gwen and Zanna wondered around and as she past several people would stop her here and there until she managed to find Tristan and Storin busy talking to a group of Storin’s friends and though she sat and talked for a while she found she didn’t really want company and wandered off and sat by herself on the steps to her house. Tristan began to follow and Storin stopped him, “Leave her.” Storin told him, “She’s better off by herself for a while.” And though he was concerned Tristan thought that Storin knowing her better was right and left her alone.

            Zanna sat on the doorstep as the flames from the fire began to die down, it was then that the feeling of being alone crept over her and tears started to appear, she swallowed holding them back, “It’s been a long day.” Kane said and sat next to her, Zanna nodded and said nothing and he give her a hug, “You’re not alone, and don’t you forget that.” He reminded her and she smiled half-heartedly. “We’ll manage you’ll see.” He told her as if he was trying to convince himself more than anyone else.

            “We will.” Zanna reassured him.

            “I don’t know how we’ll manage for money, but…”

            “I have some.” Zanna replied confidently, “I knew you couldn’t work anymore with your leg being as bad as it is, so a saved some just in case.” She said as she patted her father on the back, “We don’t have to worry about that for a while and you won’t have to either, that is if you can cope alone.”

            “You’re right, why am I worrying about that at a time like this.” Kane said and shrugged, not quite sure what else to say.

            “I’ll go find Tristan.” She told him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and ran off to find Tristan.

            After a couple of months the weather began to get warmer and the days longer again, Tristan had gone back to Brython’s and although Zanna was sad to see him go she was grateful to get her own room back and in a way she curious to see if her father was managing or Tristan had been picking up the slack. After a couple of weeks she was happy that her father was coping with her sister, and was making himself rather useful around the house to the point where Zanna was sat around board and all she had to do was to feed and keep the animals which consisted of Smudge, several hens and a couple of pigs. Though she was certain there were going to be more pigs in a little while, though she couldn’t be sure how many and when. As she watched the pigs in the pen, she felt a tap on her shoulder she turned to see Brython. “Hello.” She said and gave him a hug which Brython. “How is Tristan?” She asked.

            “Tristan is fine and he says hello.” Brython replied. “I actually have a job for you.”

            “A job?” Zanna asked curiously as she let him in the house.

            “Do you have a problem with that?” Brython asked, “Look if it’s too soon after…”

            “I don’t know.” Zanna answered honestly, “Does this job involve a wage?”

            “You enjoy getting straight to the point.” Brython said.

            “If I’m honest before my father turns up,” Zanna began,

            “Are things that bad.” Brython enquired, “What about your wage from Denethore?”

            “There’s still some left, but it won’t last.” Zanna replied and then quickly changed subject as Kane walked in and she gave him a quick explanation as to why Brython was there and Brython the finished what he’d started explaining before they were interrupted.

            “It’s very simple.” Brython finished, “Just a trip to the mountains that’s all and she’ll be paid.” He added to further encourage Zanna to come along.

            “I’ll think on it.” Zanna replied, “I’ll meet you in the inn in an hour.” She said before ushering him out of the door.

            “We need the money.” Kane added, “But I don’t quite believe the treasure hunt story.”

            “I thought that was only me.” She replied with a smile, “I’ll only go if you can manage.”

            “Don’t be stupid, but find out what exactly he’s up to.” Kane replied curious, “And don’t give me that kind of story when you get back.” He warned Zanna before she left to go grab Brython whom had not gotten that far. Zanna tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around, “Even my father didn’t believe that rubbish.” Zanna said bluntly.

            “I didn’t want him worrying.” Brython excused himself, “But I’ve been asked to take a look at the black mountains, just a small group of us.”

            “Why?” She asked.

            “Well, you came back through the port with a story about a castle hidden under ground.”

            “You lot are obsessed you know that?” Zanna replied, fully well knowing that he had an idea that it might have been the great wizard Waldamore’s castle, though Zanna wasn’t too convinced by this and the thought of a castle being buried for four hundred years until the next lunar alignment really was the kind of thing you heard in fairy tales. “I’ll go, but don’t be too disappointed if we don’t find anything and that other castle that I was in was somewhere entirely different.”

            “Can you get ready for tonight?” Brython asked.

            “A little more notice next time.” Zanna told him, and led him back to the house, “Now you can explain to Papa the truth, just not with anything else you might happen to think might be up there.”

Chapter 15.

A few days later Zanna arrived at Brython’s hideout, as Zanna had affectionately named it, “we’ll rest here the night and get out supplies ready for the morning.” Brython told her. Tristan ran up to great her with a big hug and a kiss, “He talked you around to coming then.” He said happy to see her again. She smiled and nodded and took hold of his hand, she wanted to say she’d missed him but she wasn’t sure how, or if she should, she was distracted by Brython announcing the fact he was back by shouting out a list of instructions he’d chalked on to a piece of slate. Zanna however whom been listening to this repeatedly all the way up had somewhat switched off at this point, “You haven’t been on an expedition before, have you?” Tristan whispered.

            “I get the point of the list.” She whispered quickly having heard Brython go over it many a times while he escorted her here. There was tap on Zanna shoulder and she turned to see who it was and smiled instantly to see Tolrean stood behind her, “Will the overseer be coming along for the trip?”

            “Not this time.” Tolrean replied. “How long is this list?”

            “How long is a piece of string?” Zanna replied, “It keeps changing, though the majority of it stays the same.”

            “I here you may have a new sword.” Tolrean enquired.

            “I do.” She quickly replied,

            “Keep it close.” Tolrean told her serious now. “And keep a tight hold of it.”

            “I will.” She said curious as to how he meant that, “You don’t think we’re going to find anything other than rock and ice.”

            “A few months ago, I may have been as sceptical as you.” Tolrean said, “But after I heard your story.”

            “He might have a point.” Tristan interrupted. “How many places in Avalantia is there a castle buried under rock.”

            “What makes you so sceptical when you’ve seen it?” Tolrean asked.

            “I never said I’d seen Waldamore’s castle, I said I’d been in a castle buried beneath rock.”
Zanna informed him. “And perhaps just maybe, I might have been wrong about that.”

            “What makes you so sure about that?” Tolrean replied,

            “How is it we could breathe then?” Zanna said, “And where did all the nasty creatures come from?”

            “Good point.” Tolrean said, “But you yourself know that things can be done, that other people might deem impossible.” She didn’t like having things being pointed out to her like that and she didn’t like everyone thinking what she’d seen was some legendary castle and that she might come face to face with it again somewhere up in the black mountains. “Can I ask you something about your travels?”

            “Go on.” She said but not too sure she wanted to answer. “You said something about the presence of a witch.”

            “I did why?”

            “She didn’t reveal herself to you?” Tolrean asked. Zanna shuck her head, “Make sure she doesn’t.” He said and then slid off without even saying goodbye, but he desperately needed to talk to Brython.

            “What do you think he meant by that?” Tristan asked.

            “I’ll guess I’ll find out.” She said, thinking over things, not liking the fact she may have to take back earlier about what she’d said to Brython about it all being it being a fairy story to keep children from misbehaving.

            “Zanna.” Tristan said as they walked over to fetch there kit, “What if that place you saw was…”

            “I don’t know, that’s why I don’t like saying it is.” She replied honestly, “You’d best hope there is something there, because if there isn’t we could be camping there until there is.” She joked revealing the tension she felt building in her mind running over her memories of that castle and the fear she felt. They were other places she’d visited through the ports but none of them where as scary as that castle and even the sheer thought of it sent a shiver down her spine. Brython stopped her and gave her a sharp look, “Have you been gossiping?” He enquired.

            “Gossiping?” Zanna enquired with a smile and Brython gave her a warning look, “You friend came over and we had a little chat that’s all.”

            “I see.” Brython said.

            “And before you ask, he was a little curious about my little adventure through the port and he asked a couple of questions.” Zanna told him as she picked up the fur cloak and blankets where they’d been already retrieved from the store room and laid out in piles for those who were going to select from.

            “Did you answer him truthfully?” Brython asked.

            “I saw no reason to lie.” Zanna said offended by the question, “What is the problem?” Zanna said hoping for an honest response.

            “I’m sorry I’ve offended you and…”

            “What should you be telling me but you aren’t?” Zanna asked making herself more clearer to Brython and making a point as well.

            “There’s a greater chance of the witch recognizing you if you and her had met properly.”

            “And there isn’t a chance now?” she asked already knowing the answer.

            “A small chance, but not as great.” Brython said, “You probably have more chance of recognising her.”

            “Is this why I’m here?” She asked, Brython nodded and said nothing, “You do realise that if she recognises me that she’ll more than likely be not in the best of moods with me?”

            “Yes,” Brython said honestly.

            “Are you using me as bait to draw her out?”

            “No, I’m using you to track her, but the thought had crossed my mind it could possibly work the other way as well, but I wouldn’t risk that if I was to believe there was more than the slightest chance she’d recognise you.” Brython continued,

            “These are the kind of things, you should tell me before we set off.” Zanna replied annoyed with him slightly.

            “It is highly unlikely if that witch is there she’d recognise you, I just need you to recognise her.” Brython said.

            “I’m fine with that, but are the rest of them?” She added before she turned to leave, Tolrean was stood behind her, “Why don’t you try and explain to him.”

            “She has a point Brython.” Tolrean agreed with Zanna, “Well are you going to say something or…”

            “I’ll say something.” Brython interrupted his friend and Tolrean looked at him sharply, “Now.” Brython finished annoyed at having being pointed out his mistake. He then turned around and gathered all twelve of the group that where going and explained what he had just explained to Zanna to them and after a brief chattering amongst themselves they agreed.

            “That wasn’t that hard, was it?” Tolrean said with a smile to Brython and Brython said nothing.  

            Early the next morning Brython woke everyone up, Zanna scrambled out of bed and went to get breakfast like she had done before when she was here and found that the group usually collect there meal and had sat around Brython and as they ate Brython was giving instructions and doing last minuet checks and explaining the route. Everyone when then handed a glass of wine as it was traditional to have one just before you left on an quest like this one, everyone raised there glasses and wished each other a good journey.

They rode for a couple of weeks, sometimes together in a group and sometime meeting up at the end of the day and camping together at night. The mood at first was cheerful and positive but as the days went by group became more sedate and just concentrated on getting there and coming back, as it was spring the nights where still cold and everyone huddled near the fires for warmth and it rained more than it was sunny. Brython decided it was time to get a good night’s rest and has the drew close to an inn, he sent one of them off to check there was room and was rather glad when he said there was but only three rooms and between twelve of them meant Zanna had to share with three and she wasn’t happy but it was better than stopping another night out in the cold, then he whispered something to Brython, and he beckoned Zanna over. “We are going to have to sneak you in.” Brython told Zanna.

            “Why?” Zanna asked. “Or is it one of those things I’m better off not knowing.”

            “They said seen as you are with me they’ll let you in, but you’ll have to take the back entrance because it’s a brothel as well.”

            “Thanks for the warning.” Zanna said, not sure that this was good idea now, but at that moment the rain began to pour down. “Well it could be worse.” Zanna said not too happy with the situation but even less happy with getting soaked and cold again.

            “That’s the spirit.” Brython said and patted her on the back, “Keep away from the women boys, and we’ll keep the bill low and I won’t be getting into any trouble when I get back.” Brython said with a smile, thinking that it wouldn’t be all that bad and he couldn’t have been further from the truth.

            The back door opened and Zanna walked in by Tristan had to step over a drunk, which was sleeping in his own vomit and urine. Zanna cringed as she stepped over him and so did Tristan though he was more able to cover up his disgust. The inn was definitely crowded as she could hear the noise from downstairs, the others were either enjoying the bar or were just keeping up appearances, while Zanna was stood in a dimly lit room staring at mats on the floor wondering whether or not they were filled with something alive or something alive was going to come crawling out of the floor boards as she lay on them. “Do you want me to stay?” Tristan asked.

            “Do you need to ask that?” She replied, as he pulled out his sleeping mat and blankets, “I’m not sure about this.”

            “About the inn, or?”

            “This place.” Zanna replied sharply, Tristan invited her to share his blankets and not wanting to be left out alone she took her bag off and cloak and snuggled down next to him. “I don’t think I’ll be sleeping much.”  Zanna replied and cuddled up close to him making her feel a little more safe, he smoothed down her hair gently with his hand and then kissed her forehead and a down pour of hail could be heard bouncing off the shutters. “It’s better than out there, just about.” Zanna added and the kissed him on the cheek, “In ways a lot better than out there.” She said and they began to kiss and were interrupted by Brython barging in, to check on them. “What is it?” Zanna said and looked up from where she lay,

            “We have decided the beer isn’t any good.” Brython said with a smile.

            “Right, so you’re having an early night then.” Tristan said as all the others came bounding in to that room and the room next to that one. “Well if it’s that bad, I’ll give you full warning the mats are just as bad.”

            “That will explain, why you took your own blankets out, but why hasn’t Zanna taken hers…”

            “Couldn’t be bothered.” She interrupted him, “Besides you should try minding your own business.”

            “Snappy aren’t you this evening.” Brython said with a smile completely ignoring the Tristan and Zanna’s annoyed looks, in fact he was rather enjoying teasing them. “Don’t you like the accommodation?” the others laughed and rolled out there sleeping blankets and Zanna got her own out and laid next to Tristan, but she had no intention of sleeping though she hadn’t really slept since she’d left and as soon as the candles went out, Zanna reached out and took hold of Tristan’s hand. A candle flickered alight shortly after it appeared that everyone had gone to sleep, Zanna however was not and staid quiet for a while and waited for the unmistakable footsteps of Brython to leave the room. She gently removed Tristan’s hand from hers and Brython popped his head around the door. “Come on you.” He told Zanna not mad at her, “You can explain to me along the way why you haven’t been sleeping.” Brython told her gently as he led her down the stairs into the bar area, Zanna stopped reluctant to go on, “Don’t worry you’re with me.” He told her.

            “Am not going to have some man leaching at me.” She said quietly.

            “There are something’s you need to toughen up about.” Brython told her. “Is that why you haven’t been sleeping, frighten one of them lot will..” Zanna laughed when he said that and shuck her head, “Well then what is it?”

            “I’ve been sleep walking.” She said honestly, “Not every night just a couple.”

            “It’s good job your father said something before you left.” He tossed her a small blue bottle, “Take that before you go to sleep.” He told her and then disappeared behind the bar, “Come over here there’s something I want to show you.” Zanna got up and followed him, in the back there was a small hatch, “There’s one of these in the five fingers.” He told her has he opened it, revealing a large metal ring with symbols on it that looked familiar, “This is how I get messages around so fast.”

            “It’s a port.” Zanna guessed. “But a smaller version.”

            “They’ve been in use for many years now.” Brython told her, “My great-grandfather had a habit of exploring them.” Brython explained and the removed a message from his belt, “There was one thing what you didn’t have, which he had, that was the symbols and unfortunately I don’t have them either.”

            “I knew you could choose where to go, I just didn’t know how.” Zanna said.

            “Here.” He gently took hold of her hand and moved it near in the air near the symbols, Zanna could feel a slight pull sensation every time the tips of her fingers went near one. “Do you feel that?” He asked and she nodded. “We’ll be with you in a moment Tristan.” He called out.

            “If she’s with you I’ll go back to sleep.” Tristan called back. “I was just worried that..”

            “I’m fine.” Zanna called back. Tristan being used to it went back to bed and left the pair of them too it. “You were showing me.” Zanna reminded him.

            “You take this.” He handed her the message, “Now pick the symbols you want as you move your fingers past them.” Zanna tried it with a couple of the symbols and after a couple of attempts she got them to light up, Brython explained which ones he wanted and Zanna lit them up and the un-forgettable swirling void appeared in the centre and making sure she didn’t get her fingers to close she placed t letter in and quickly withdrew her fingers, making sure she wasn’t going to end up with her fingers halfway across Avalantia. “It will only take the message.” Brython told her, “You’re far too big to fit through that.”

            “My fingers aren’t.” Zanna replied.

            “Come here.” He told her and gave her a hug, “You’re not alone.”

            “I know that.” Zanna replied, “What’s Papa been saying to you?”

            “Nothing, but he doesn’t have too.” Brython replied. “I now you’ve got better things to do, than talk to an old man but if you need to.”

            “Thank you.” Zanna said and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Having you around is like having a second father, I don’t need one, but I have one.”

            “You mean that?” he asked,

            “That’s not all ways a good thing though.” Zanna warned him, before disappearing to get a good night’s sleep.

Chapter 16.

            Another two weeks past and The small group where approaching the black mountains, Zanna looked up at them, the clouds hid their snow covered tops, “Have you ever seen mountains before?” Tristan asked as he saw her looking at them in wonder. She shuck her head, “Well there generally not as scary as they look and I wouldn’t worry we’re not climbing to the top of one.”

            “Knowing Brython, he’d find a way to make us climb to the top of one while he’s sat at the bottom smoking his pipe waiting for us to get back down.” She joked and the pair of them laughed.

            “And you’ll be the first if you carry on with that cheek.” Brython called back as he’d overheard Zanna’s comments. She quickly apologised, knowing that Brython didn’t mind the odd joke but she may have overstepped the mark in the last day or two. “Black water farm’s up ahead.” He pointed to a small building, “We’re stopping there for the night and leaving the horses’.” He told them. “We go on foot from here.” He said as he turned his horse in that direction.  

            Stopping at the farm for a couple of days, made a quite refreshing change and Zanna enjoyed it, Brython wasn’t busy keeping an eye on her everywhere she went. One day when she was sat in the field with Tristan the pair where approached by and elderly lady selling lucky stones, Zanna mother being a gypsy had told Zanna about many lucky thing before but none of them involved stones, being curious and not wanting to offend the lady she took a peek in the small pouch she was carrying, to find it full of stones that glinted a pure white, she recognised them at once after Brython had showed he one and she remembered him say that Star of hope crystals where hard to come by. Zanna picked one out of the bag to check its authenticity “How much for the lot?” she enquired, Tristan looked at her a little confused as to why she be buying worthless shinny stones, and thought that perhaps she felt sorry for her.

            “Well I was thinking a Crayno.” The old lady said.

            “That’s ten silver, let’s start at four which I think is more than reasonable.”

            “Eight, but you’re driving a hard bargain.” The woman said not too happy, that Zanna was well more than happy to barter with her, as the old saying goes ‘Never barter with a witch.’ But Zanna wasn’t going to be put off by that.

            “Five.”

            “Seven.”

            “Six, final offer.” Zanna replied.

            “Seven final offer, and you got yourself a good deal at that, and you know it.” She told Zanna.

            “Very well seven it is.” Zanna said and shuck her hand and exchanged the coins for the stones.

            “May you enjoy you’re lucky stones.” The old woman hissed as she hobbled off and appeared to disappear into the distance.

            “Well you’ve just been coned.” Tristan said looking less than impressed. “I’m going to tell Brython about this.”

            “Go fetch him.” Zanna said, “He’ll be impressed.” She said with a smile.

            “He’ll be impressed all right.” Tristan said sarcastically and laughing to himself and disappeared off as Zanna checked the bag more thoroughly to find they were all real and then carefully closed the bag and dashed after Tristan to find Brython.

            Brython was having a tankard of the farmer’s home brew when Tristan told him the story, “Typical woman felt sorry for the old hag.” Marlon said after listening in, but then he was all ways on the listen out for something interesting.

            “We’ll see.” Brython said, “What did these lucky stones look like?” He asked.

            “They’re small, clear as glass and big bag of them.” Tristan said, just as Zanna turned up, “Show him.” He told Zanna.

             “No, there mine.” She said bluntly, “Besides you weren’t interested a minuet ago.”

            “Zanna.” Brython said trying not to laugh, “We don’t want lucky stones.”

             “Not even theses,” she held up one of the crystals, “I thought as much.” She said as Brython took an interest.

            “How much?” He asked, “And are they all real?”

            “As far as I can tell they’re real.” Zanna replied,

            “Pass them here.” Brython told her, “How much?” Brython asked, Zanna reluctantly passed him the crystals.

            “Seven silver.” She said, “But, because of supply and demand, they’ve gone up to ten.”

            “Would that be because you have the supply and what if I make the demand that you share them out.”

            “What are they?” Tristan asked curious as to what the stones where.

            “Well you can have them for the moment.” Brython said.

            “So when we need to use one, I feel obliged to give you for free.” Zanna grumbled and disappeared to put them in her bag.

            “If there’s any left, we’ll work out a reasonable price.” Brython said with a smile.

            “What are they?” Tristan asked again,

            “They’re star of hope crystals.” Brython said leaning in close and telling him quietly. “Whatever she’s paid for them, she’s got a good deal.”

            “What makes you say that?” Tristan asked.

            “I’d be so lucky to pick up one for a Crayno.” Brython said and Tristan looked a little surprised at this. “How much?” Brython asked.

            “Seven silver for the bag.” Tristan replied, “she asked for a Crayno for the lot, but Zanna bartered her down.

            “I think that old woman didn’t know what she had or…” Brython was about to say something, “Never-mind.”

            They set off in the morning on foot and began their march to the mountains, Zanna found it easy going at first but soon found her pack getting heavy and climbing up and down hill tiring but she continued without complaint. They were no more farms or buildings only rocky hills to the foot of the mountains. They had kept mainly to the paths but now the group were getting closer they decided it would be better to stay clear of the paths not that there was any. Now it was getting higher you could feel the cold and all the fur cloaks, mittens and hats came out, which lightened the bags a bit, but not enough to make much of a difference. Zanna found some Yellow mint, most people dismissed it has a weed which it was but it had medicinal qualities, being a treatment for small wounds and it was particularly useful on blisters which she had more than one of, and she knew Tristan had been suffering with them as well, so she gathered it up every time she came near to a bunch.

            “You can make me up some ointment as well.” Brython called out as he saw Zanna picking a small bunch of the yellow mint, remembering all the time to leave some should someone else need it or should she later.

            “I hope that’s for blisters.” Tristan grumbled.

            “It is.” Zanna replied, “I should have enough to make some for everyone.”

            “Only a woman would need that.” Marlon said as he walked past and then stubbed his toe with a rather painful blister on it and winced in pain.

            “More for me then.” Zanna said not to bothered, about his comment.

            “There’s a storm coming on and there’s cave over there, we’ll take shelter in there.” Brython said.

            “You’re checking this one.” Zanna said, as he’d earlier sent her to check on one and found it full of a mountain cat and cubs and she made a quick exit before she ended up being clawed and bitten.

            “Very well.” Brython reluctantly agreed and started in the direction of the cave and peered into the darkness to find it empty. “It’s empty.” He called and everyone entered the cave and made camp for the night. A fire was lit and despite blisters and aching feet everyone was in a good mood and after something to eat Zanna managed to make a batch of the ointment for everyone and she was pleasantly surprised she made enough to have some spare for later.  

Chapter 17.

After a few more days they finally reached the mountains, Zanna didn’t look up as something about them made a cold shiver go down her spine, Brython had been up here before and Zanna could tell by the way he was acting that something had changed and he was uneasy, she waited until he’d separated from the group a bit and followed. “Brython.” Zanna said disturbing him in thought, “I’m sorry.” She apologised. “I was just checking on you.”

            “I need checking on?” Brython asked. Zanna smiled and nodded. “Well I’m fine.”

            “Here.” She said and handed him a handful of the crystals, “Just in case we get split up.”

            “Thank you.” Brython said. “If we should be parted you, get yourself back down here and wait three days, then go back.” He told her. “Just in case.”

            “Right.” Zanna said, “It’s changed hasn’t it.”

            “Since I’d been here last and that was many years ago, with my father.” Brython said, “We’ll stop here and rest the night, make sure they know.” Zanna then left him for a while, while she told the others to make camp.

            The first few days into the mountains where fairly easy going, but then they ended up with a length of rope tied around there waist too each other as they walked along thin paths cut into the mountains and the only thing too stop you was the bottom of the precipice. Zanna had very much decided that she preferred to keep her feet firm on the ground and if she could help it she wouldn’t be going anywhere near a mountain again. One night they had found a fairly large ridge to take a rest on and Brython and Zanna where first on watch as everyone slept they sat by the fire talking, he hadn’t had much of a chance to speak to her since they began to ascend the mountain trails. “Pass me your sword.” Brython said to her and Zanna handed it to him, “The stone has been changing colour quite frequently.”

            “I noticed that.” Zanna said, “You never explained why.” She added.

            “It changes colour for your mood, “Yellow is happy, greens are thinking, Reds and pinks are love , Oranges are usually because your sad, Purples fear and blues danger.”

            “I see.” She said, “And you think there’s something wrong with it.”

            “No, just sometimes it takes a while to adjust.” He said and handed it back to her, “Have you tried any of the other…” Brython paused momentarily as she took the sword back and it took a deeper shade of blue than it had done before. “We’re being followed, or hunted.” He said when he saw that.

            “Or getting closer.” Zanna added, “Have you not noticed, how things seem to change.”

            “I have.” Brython replied, “But why didn’t you say something before.” He whispered.

            “The same reason you didn’t.” Zanna replied quietly, “I noticed you made a drastic change in direction, but seem just to be heading in the same.”

            “You’re too bright.” He told Zanna, “We need to be heading down and out of here.”

            “Why aren’t we?” she asked, thinking there was more to it than he was letting on,

            “The mountains don’t change, we just think they do.” Brython told her in a whisper. “It’s even starting to mess with my head.”

            “What?”

            “This place.” He replied, “The whispers in the dark and the shadows that creep about when we’re sleep.” As he spoke Zanna grew concerned for him, and tossed one of the crystals into the fire and the flames turned from their normal orange glow to a light blue. “Why did you do that?”

            “I felt safer.” Zanna replied.

            “Why?” he said.

            “That conversation we had a moment ago.” Zanna said.

            “We were talking about your sword.” Brython said, Zanna didn’t say anything. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

            “I think I need some rest.” Zanna said. “And you do as well.”

            “I wouldn’t be lying if I said I didn’t need a decent night sleep.” Brython admitted, “but you saw something else.” Zanna didn’t reply at first, she didn’t want to offend him and she wasn’t sure how he’d react, “Well?” He pressed her.

            “It’s this place.” Zanna replied strategically, “It messes with you.”

            “You’re right.” Brython replied and then got up and was about to go for a wander, “Wait here.” He told Zanna.

            “I think you shouldn’t go off by yourself.” Zanna told Brython, but he didn’t listen, “Brython.” She called out after him, he stopped but he didn’t turn, “Watch yourself, out there.” She warned him.

            “I’m fine.” He told her, “It’s you who needs to be careful.” He warned her, but though it sounded like Brython there was something in the tone of his voice that wasn’t right.

Zanna watched as he left, she knew something was wrong but she wasn’t sure what. Leaning across she woke up Tristan he’d been on watch the night before with Brython, “Tristan.” She spoke gently and gave him a gentle nudge. “Tristan wake up.” She said more urgently. Tristan woke up though it was clear he wasn’t happy, “There’s something wrong.” She told him and he could see form the concern on her face.

“What is it?” He asked as he gently touched he face.

“It’s more of a who.” She said, “It’s Brython.” She said reluctantly.

“Brython?” Tristan said he didn’t sound too surprised, “Well he goes on a little wander too check the road ahead and he gets grumpy when he’s tiered.”

“Do you believe that?” she asked. “I’m not questioning Brython, just what this place is doing to him.” Zanna said, trying to make him understand. “I just need to know it’s not the one who’s mind being played tricks on.”

“Well…” Tristan found it difficult to say anything bad about Brython, “He has been a little different, but that could be just because of where we are.”

“What are you saying?” Marlon said angry when he’d overheard what Zanna was suggesting. “If anyone needs to questioned about their motives it should be you.” Zanna got up to follow Brython ignoring his comment, and Tristan stopped her. “The whole thing about her being here, when she’s hardly a skilled witch and the only experience she’s had is baby-sitting his Lord-on-high’s wife.”

“Zanna wouldn’t say anything about Brython, in fact she’s concerned about him.” Tristan stuck up for Zanna.  

“Let’s not fight.” Zanna said calmly, “We’ll wait until he returns.”

“Leave Zanna be.” One of the others said, “Besides that she’s right he has been acting wired and you know it you said so yourself.” The others all the arose from their sleep and stood around Zanna and there was an argument.

“Shut up the lot of you.” Zanna shouted, “This is probably whatever it is that’s out there wants, us arguing so we all split up and then picking us off one at a time.” They all went quiet then and Zanna looked at them all, “Brython isn’t back and with all the commotion we were making he would have been.” Zanna pointed out, she looked at Marlon waiting for him to explain this away but he didn’t.

“What’s your plan then, because from what I know about you, you haven’t performed an exorcism.” Marlon said.

“You have.” Zanna pointed out. “And why would you think Brython needed one of those.” Zanna said not too happy with that suggestion, especially out here and on Brython, her mother had performed one once and though Zanna did not partake in the ritual she knew it wasn’t pleasant. “I said he wasn’t thinking straight that’s all and we need to find him and help him.”

            “Right, I’ll go with you but these lot need protection.” Marlon pointed out and gave Zanna a sly glance at her sword the stone had turned a deep blue. “You can do that.” He told her. She hurriedly drew a circle of protection it’s blue flames flickered in the night the group stood in it. And after leaving instruction to light more fires and keep them lit once adding the crystals, Marlon and her set off to find Brython.

In the dark with just a small light that Marlon had conjured they made their way in the direction that Brython had left in. The path was steep and treacherous, there was more than one occasion where the pair had to hold on to one another. “I’m sorry.” Marlon said, “At times I’ve been..”

“Annoying.” Zanna said, “And pig headed, but now isn’t the time.”

“I just thought I’d say that just in case…”

“Apology excepted.” Zanna said interrupting not wanting to hear the rest, as she walked by his side in the dark and though he needn’t have said that she felt a bit better that he had. “Did you see that?” Zanna asked on seeing a glint of something shinny in the dark be the side of a stone close to the path, Marlon turned around to take a look and Zanna went over to explore. Brython’s sword laid tossed to one side, she picked it up and went looking for Brython again, knowing that they couldn’t be too long.

The others stood on the cliff edge where getting fearful for their companions and fearful for what else was out there. “We should go.” One of them said fearing what was out there.

            “We’ll wait.” Tristan told him, “You leave the circle and you won’t be coming back.” And as he spoke the flames flickered as a shadow demon tested it, and though they couldn’t see the danger they knew it too be there. “Listen to me.” Tristan said to some of the younger ones, “Zanna knows what she’s doing.” He said and then looked beyond the flames to see two bright red eyes in the darkness just out of the reach of the light of the flames.

“They’ll stay there, won’t they?”

“I wouldn’t be too sure on that.” Tristan said as he stood to his feet, “I suggest we wait until we can see them clearly before we let them have a taste of our arrows.” He said and made ready his bow and the others followed suit.

Marlon and Zanna were about ready to return after not finding Brython and as they turned to return. “Zanna.” His familiar voice called from behind and the pair of them turned, “I told you to stay, it’s about time you learnt to do as you were told.” As he approached Zanna he raised his hand and went to grab her Zanna quickly dodged him, though it wasn’t too difficult as it was clear he was suffering.

“Do it.” Marlon shouted and Zanna raised her hands and an invisible blast of energy threw Brython against the wall and pinned him against it, as Marlon moved forward, Brython began struggling, Zanna didn’t know how long she was going to be able to hold him as Marlon set to work. Brython screamed in pain as the Demon released it was clear by how long this was taking Brython had been fighting it for some time and though it appeared merely as shadow there where tell tail signs that it was stunned and tiered, Marlon quickly pulled out an empty bottle and in an instant and swirling mist the demon was sealed in it. “That’s it.” Marlon said.

“As quick as that?” Zanna asked as timidly released her grip on Brython.

“It’s not normally that quick, but he took on a strong wizard with Brython and I think it took on more than what it was capable of.” Marlon said and placed the bottle safe in leather pouch, “You’ve seen one before.” He guessed.

“My mother performed one once, and it took days.” Zanna said quietly.

“It had already been fighting for days with Brython.” Marlon told her. Brython was slumped on the floor, “We should try and wake him up, and then get back.”

When they had returned to the group, the defensive circle that had been in place had almost faded, and not surprisingly as a large group of creatures had been testing it, “A group of Akashi.” Marlon said at a close inspection the Akash had a similar appearance to the Draconi, but only in the fact they, where a similar race , there dark leather skin and the bright red eyes and three tails with spikes at the end of each of them and a forked tongue. They flapped there wings and hissed and snarled as they tried to get close to the group in the protective circle. Brython came too at that moment and rubbed his head he had a headache. “I’m not surprised, you have a head ache you’ve had a misery demon floating in it.”

“I was dealing with it.” Brython said and stood up looking not entirely his best but you could have mistaken him just being weary after traveling. “Right lets deal with this now.” He looked for Zanna whom had disappeared and almost sliding down the steep path drew her sword and summoned the light of hope and destiny and swirling mixture of blue and white light swirled up before her and formed a large ball of light in the air above, before it came crashing down with a brilliant flash of light and an explosion that followed by a large mushroom shaped cloud rose up and drops of light fell all about. Most of the Akash had run off and the ones that remained dazed and bewildered, Zanna drew her sword and took the first one out, the second had shuck of some of the shock and approached her and she spun the sword around as it burst into blue flames and then she had too quickly remove Brython’s sword from its sheath and use it too fen of the other, both fell to the ground and the other two that had been left ran for their lives. Brython had managed to get down to the circle where the others where stood waiting for him, “Remind me never to argue with her.” Tristan said to him in a whisper as Zanna approached and handed back Brython’s sword and Brython gave her a less than impressed look and Zanna looked back at him less than impressed with him, Tristan took a couple of side steps, “Do you know how to be subtle?” Brython said.

“Before you give me a lecture, I’d like to tell you all about male pride.” Zanna said and Brython didn’t give a lecture he just quickly moved the group on leaving their equipment other than weapon and food they could carry on their person they left their bags and began a much quicker decent of the mountains.

Chapter 17.

            A couple of days into the march back Brython was just beginning to find his bearings, Zanna and Marlon had taken it in turns on night watch, as they hid in caves or where ever they could find shelter. The trek was hard going and Zanna could clearly see that everyone was tired and hungry, they had, had too ration what they had left of their food. They came to a stone bridge and stopped, they hadn’t seen it on the way up and not too sure what they should do. Zanna approached Brython as he was examining the bridge for clues of its origin. “Did you say something to me that night?” He asked.

            “Everything seems to be changing and we seem to be getting nowhere.” Zanna said, the rest she left out, after all that wasn’t Brython talking just some demon trying to talk his way into another victim. “Why?” she asked.

            “We’re getting closer not further away.” Brython said quietly. “It’s either that or evil has better builders than we have.”

            “Where are we?” Zanna asked.

            “At the foot of the thunder mountain.” Brython said and pointed to a peak across the other side of the bridge.

            “Crackus.” Zanna said under her breath and stared at it for a moment, she had heard so many stories and songs written about this mountain that the thought of being this close filled her with fear and awe. “So do we cross or…”

            “We cross, there’s a river bed and we can follow that down.” Brython said, “It’s the quickest way down.” Zanna looked at him not sure about this. “And it’s what we came for.”

            “I know but…” Zanna went quiet, “With all we’ve been through, somebodies likely to be waiting for us.”

            “More than likely, they are.” He said. “But we need to get back fast and that’s a short cut.”

            “Why didn’t you take us up the short cut?” Zanna said not looking to impressed with him when he just cleared his throat. “Well I hope those protection spells you put on yourself where worth the hassle, because I’m not going on another walk about.” She joked, Brython didn’t look too impressed with the comment but he ignored it.

            Brython decided it was time to take the bridge across and for some reason he was busy explaining the route down to everyone as they followed him, considering the bridge had been there for a long time and no one had maintained it, it was sturdy enough to probably last another four hundred years or so. After Brython had explained the route down more than a couple of times everyone had begun chatting amongst themselves as they reached the road on the other side, Brython decided to stop and everyone took the opportunity to rest and take some of what was left of the rations. Zanna was more than a little nervous about what would lie ahead though she was curious and she found that others in the group also where and though she didn’t join in the conversation she listened. Tristan was sat next to her, “You’re being quiet.” He enquired.

            “I’m thinking.” She replied half listening. “Before you ask, I’m not quite sure.” Tristan gave her a squeeze when she said that, though some of the times he didn’t understand Zanna’s point of view, he loved her all the same.

            “If she has any idea what happened the other night, that witch in there will be shaking.”

            “That’s nothing.” Zanna replied, “That’s just letting a few minor nasty’s at the bottom of the pecking order know who’s in charge.”

            “I wouldn’t underestimate yourself.” Marlon said.

            “He’s right.” Brython interrupted before Zanna had a chance to speak, “They haven’t been back for seconds.” He pointed out, “They’ve been lurking around but they haven’t come close.”

He continued not letting Zanna get a word in edge way, “Besides that there’s three of us and possibly one of her.”

            “I see your point there.” Zanna replied, “Puts the odds in our favour.”

            “Unless they’re conduit.” Marlon replied with smile on his face, “But there hasn’t been one since the last….”

            “There is one, but she disappeared a long time ago.” Brython told them, Zanna wasn’t sure she was wanting to be hearing this right now.

            “So she’s more than likely dead, as conduits tend to use up some of their life every time they perform certain spells.” Marlon said.

            “There’s a way around that and not one that I would recommend.” Brython made his point, “Waldamore apparently gave his life to whatever’s in charge of the pit, now when he did that the master of the pit kept him alive until he failed in his task.”

            “Can we have this topical debate when we get down from the mountains.” Zanna said not wanting to hear any more of it.

            “Can someone explain all this to me?” Tristan asked.

            “Later.” Zanna replied. “You’re better off not knowing.”

            “Time to get moving.” Brython called out from ahead. “We need to find somewhere a little less open before dark.” Everyone got up and did as they were told, though a little reluctant to get going at first but everyone soon got going again after they picked each other from the ground and dusted each other off. Now there was an end in sight everyone mood had lifted, it was then that they found a short cut through the mountains in a tunnel, it wasn’t until they’d gone some way through it that everyone became jumpy and on edge and the chatter had silenced. Brython kept close to Zanna as he grew fearful for her, especially as they could see the light at the end of the tunnel, Brython then took Zanna to one side, along with Tristan, “You need to keep close to me.” He told her and Zanna didn’t argue or even try to make a point as Brython’s tone was very serious, “If you get separated, make sure you’re with Tristan.” He told her and she nodded, not knowing why he was asking, but she knew there was a reason behind it, he then let her wait with the others whom were resting just before the exit to the cave as he talked to Tristan. “You need to keep her safe.” Brython told him,

            “I will.” Tristan said. “You know I will.”

            “Now listen to me.”

            “Brython?” Tristan looked at him questioningly.

            “If no one else is going to make it down from here, you have to make sure she does.” Brython explained and gently took hold of him on the shoulder. “Make sure she stays out of trouble and keep her safe.”

            “I will.” Tristan said, “Even if it means my own life.”

            “When we hit that pass, you run with her.” Brython told him, “We’ll all be running, but you run faster and don’t let her argue with you.”

            “I understand.” Tristan replied, “If you knew she was that important, why did you bring her here?” He asked.

            “I didn’t until last night.” Brython replied, “Just get her down to the bottom.” He said and Tristan nodded, “I’d tell her but she wouldn’t believe me.”

            “Safe Journey, Brython.” Brython tapped him on the shoulder and didn’t say anything and it was at that point Tristan realised, he might not ever see Brython again. He walked over to Zanna and took hold of her hand and as she looked back at him he kissed her and she kissed him. “I love you.” He whispered in her ear.

            “I love you too.” She whispered back and hugged him tightly, “I’ll get you down.” She told him. Tristan smiled and didn’t reply to that. “What did Brython want?” Zanna asked.

            “Making sure I knew the way down that’s all.” Tristan said, “I was too busy looking lovingly into your eyes, as he put it.” She smiled when he said that and she wasn’t too sure whether or not she believed him but she didn’t say anything and just took hold of his hand.

             All paired up they left the cave into the sunshine, Brython was the first to leave and the rest followed. It was a sheer drop own the mountain side and everyone had to walk side wards down a very narrow path, Zanna wasn’t too keen on this and took hold of Tristan hand, when they reached the bottom everyone sat down and took a breather, not daring to look up at where they’d just come from, only to where they were heading too. There was no path to see only rocks scorched by the fires with Crackus, and then the fabled mountain standing tall above the rest and casting it’s long shadow over the blackened and bare earth. There wasn’t any cover or anything to hide behind they would be out in the open easy pickings for anything or anyone whom might be around, the only thing Zanna could think of that it reminded her of was a clearing in a forest, only the trees where the mountains and the clearing was so big that even if they ran the whole way they would be out in the open far too long. “We run.” Brython said, “Try and keep together, if not in a group then with your partner.” And after a brief explanation where the dried river bed was, though they couldn’t see it from where they were sat they trusted enough in Brython to know where it was. Tristan found Zanna’s hand as she sat next to him and gave it a squeeze to remind her he was there and to comfort himself as well, she turned her head and smiled at him. They all stood up ready to go and set off, they had to move fast but not too fast as they would be too exhausted to get there, there was something waiting on the cliffs for them, Akash. They would swoop down and try and pick them off one at a time but none of them quite made their mark as they tended to be deterred by arrows and Zanna had a natural reaction to shield herself, from there seemingly relentless attacks. It soon became clear where the dry river bed was and having made it they dived down and snuck into a small crevice, only on a closer in section it was no river bed and they were not sat in a crevice, it was like a reservoir and this was where the water entered it, Zanna curious nature wanted to explore it some more but was quickly distracted from doing so, as Marlon and his companion turned up out of breath and Marlon gave Tristan a look, “What did Brython tell you?” He said in one breath, “Now get her out of here.” As he said that Tristan took a tight hold of Zanna’s hand and dragged her with him before she had a chance to complain.

Chapter 18.

            Zanna and Tristan had managed to get clear and where making some headway, when Zanna had to stop and rest. “What did Brython tell you.” She said when she eventually caught her breath.

            “He told me to make sure you got safely down.” Tristan replied. “Come on the others will catch up.”

            “So we just leave them.” Zanna replied not happy.

            “I’ve known Brython longer than you, and he doesn’t say something like that without good reason.” Tristan told her, “I don’t want to argue with you, just please..” He held out his hand and Zanna took hold of it, “Trust me and trust Brython.” He said before they started running again.

            The next few days they ran and ran, only stopping to rest and occasionally eat, it came to the fourth day when the pair where exhausted and had to rest longer. Zanna and Tristan huddled up keeping each other warm, they couldn’t light a fire as they’d no wood and the light would draw attention to where they were hiding alongside the river bed. Zanna and Tristan woke it was late at night, Zanna wanted to stay and rest but Tristan said no they had to keep going. They started to make their way along the side of the river where they could, Zanna lost her footing and Tristan helped her up, “We’re going to be fine.” He told her as he took hold of her hand, “You’ll see.” He could see that Zanna didn’t have much hope left, tired and exhausted a part of her wanted to lie down and wait for them to come. It was worse at night for the pair of them, travelling without the rest made it lonely and less people to take it in turns to watch as they slept, they generally didn’t bother stopping as every time they did they were certain something or someone was following them and that they would be caught. It was late and they’d slowed down to a walk, they couldn’t even if they had to go any faster, Zanna stopped and propped herself against a rock, Tristan at first hadn’t noticed and then turned around to go get her, “Come on.” He said with a smile and took hold of her hand and tugged on her arm to encourage her to move.

            “Just a little rest.” She said, “I can’t go on.”

            “We need to if we stop, especially at night.” Tristan told her, “Please Zanna.”

            “I’ll try.” She said reluctantly,

            “You won’t try, you will.” He said and took Zanna’s arm of his shoulder and begun helping to continue, “I’ll carry you if I have too, but you’re getting home.” He told her.

            “I’m not going to win an argument with you.” She said and kissed him on the cheek, but it was clear that every part of her ached and from a lack of food and sleep she was suffering, but with Tristan’s encouragement she continued along the side of the dry river bed.

            It grew late and not being able to see much meant being careful and feeling your way around, and though Zanna had summoned a light she didn’t want it to give away their position so it was there more for comfort than to see as they clambered along the side of the dry river bed. It wasn’t until that point that Zanna had noticed how they were avoiding the easier route and using the path that the river had clearly cut, and why would a river bed be dried up in the mountains in spring it should be filled to over flowing. “When did we both start walking along the sides of the river bed, instead of using it?”

            “Since you chose to climb up.” Tristan told her, “Remember.” Zanna thought back and seemed to vaguely remember deciding it wasn’t a good place to be. “You think like Brython at times.” He informed her.

            “I do.” Zanna said.

            “That’s probably why he likes you.” Tristan told her, “You can be as stubborn as him.”

            “Thank you.” Zanna replied sarcastically,

            “Why did you mention the river bed now?” He asked changing the subject back to what had started.

            “I just got a strong feeling I didn’t want to end up in it and I just noticed that we weren’t using it.” Zanna admitted.

            “Well at least we won’t get wet.” Tristan added with a smile.

            “That’s the other thing.” Zanna said, “Why is it dry?” And as she asked that, the pair of them stopped on a ledger large enough to stand on without having to grip onto something, “Why is it dry?” she asked herself more than him.

            “Look.” Tristan pointed upwards and swirling mists could be seen from Solena the third moon. “What’s that?” He asked Zanna.

            “I don’t think we want to know.” She replied and then felt a sharp burning pain in her head, it was almost as if her head was on fire, she nearly fell backwards into the river bed but Tristan caught her in time and helped her sit next to him, as she held her head in pain. He comforted her until the pain had stopped and watched as the mists turned too clouds and it started to rain, high up in the mountains where they had left Crackus far behind.

            “Are you..?”

            “I’m fine.” She told him as the pain left as quickly as it started, “Before you ask I don’t know but I’m guessing it has something to do with that.” She pointed in the direction of Crackus, the peak of which had disappeared behind the swirling clouds. “We need to get out of here.” Zanna said with a renewed sense of urgency, as the stone in her sword went a deep blue. She stood up and helped Tristan to his feet, “I don’t know what I’d have done without you.” She said and then kissed him and he returned the kiss, she held him for a moment feeling safe and warm in his arms, and then the ground shuck and the ledge crumbled beneath their and they tumbled into the river bed. Battered, bruised and exhausted the pair helped each other up. Zanna was surprised she had only twisted her ankle and not broken it the distance she’d fallen, and after a quick dust off Tristan appeared to be not to harmed by the fall and began to make their way to the sides to climb back up. It was then that they heard a distant rumbling growing louder and louder, Zanna thought it might be another earthquake but it didn’t sound like the last, Zanna held her breath as she realised what it was and so did Tristan and they both scrambled for the side of the river bed and gripped the rock to climb it, but it was too late a wall of water crashed against them and dragged them along with it. The rush of the cold water and the force of which it hit them made Zanna loose her breath. Somehow Tristan had managed to  take hold of her and wasn’t about to let go of her and held on until they reached the bottom blocked off by a solid stone wall Tristan held his breath and closed his eyes, stiffening his body and waiting to hit the rocks and as he did he felt something sharp drive through his back before being dragged under by the water.

            She wasn’t sure how long she’d been unconscious but when she awoke she found herself on a ledge of a cave, shivering and at first she thought she was alone but Tristan was in the water holding on to the ledge. “Hello.” He said and gently touched her face and she smiled at him and then sat up. “I don’t know where we are.” He said.

            “It doesn’t matter.” Zanna said and dragged him by the belt on to the ledge next to her, “You’re bleeding.” She said gently.

            “That doesn’t matter.” He said and held her tightly, holding back the tears. “I was looking for a way out and I found something.” He said trying to keep his mind off things. He took out a large silver chalice and though it needed a good clean it was clear it was silver. Zanna took hold of it and turned it upside down, she’d recognised some of the decoration, “It’s a blood chalice.” Zanna told him, “Under any other circumstances, if you’d have shown me it  that way up I’d have to kill you.”

            “That bad.” Tristan said and Zanna nodded. He sat it on the ledge upside down next to them, the water level rising slowly, “Zanna?” He saw her looking at it, it looked similar to one she’d seen before but in a book that Brython had given her. “What is it?” he asked as she began to laugh and then she laughed some more. “Go on tell me.”

            “It looks like the great wizard Waldamores cup.” Zanna said giggling.

            “I guess it does look like that drawing Brython has.” Tristan said and then winced in pain, “Look perhaps you should get out of here.” Tristan said to her now breathless. “You’ve lost a lot of blood.” She said and the turned back around to look at the cup and went to touch it as she put her finger tips close, she quickly withdrew her hand as she felt the strong influence over it and that it would be a great influence over her if she’d let it. “Is it…What you said it was?” Tristan said becoming more breathless by the minuet and the pain was excruciating. “It might be, then again it just might be a powerful object.” Zanna said, “Don’t worry about it.” She said as she plunged herself back into the cold water and summoned a ball of light, this time brighter than in the cliff, “We can climb out she said as she swam back. Tristan had fainted from loss of blood and Zanna touched his face and awakened him, the water now just beginning to cover the surface of the ledge and Zanna was struggling to stand on the bottom. “Tristan.” She said quietly, “Wake up Tristan.” She said and tears began to appear in her eyes, “Don’t you go leave me alone, I’m not very good at being alone.” She told him as he opened his eyes and she kissed him on the forehead. “Don’t do that too me again.” She told him. “We’ll climb out.” She told him, “Together me and you, I’ll help you.” She told him gently.

            “I can’t, and you can’t with me.” Just then rocks could be heard moving from the direction the water was entering the cave. “You have to climb out Zanna.” He told her and the water started entering the cave faster now. “You have to go take that, whatever that thing is to Brython, say it’s a present from me.”

            “You can give it to him.” Zanna said and wrapped the object up in his cloak and tied it to her belt, then dragged him in to the water with her he screamed in pain and she apologised. Helping him over to the cliff edge she found a part that looked the most easiest, not that any of it really looked suitable to climb. “Take hold and I’ll help you.” She told him and though he tried more for her than himself he couldn’t. “Try again.” She told him, “You will try again until…” at that point Zanna head went under the water while trying to hold up Tristan and she quickly reappeared coughing up the water which she’d swallowed. “That doesn’t taste like any water.” She complained.

            “I can’t.” He told her. Zanna took hold of her whistle and was going to blow for help, “If anyone else could hear that they’d find you.” He told her, she ignored him and blew hard and long on it, she didn’t care what or who else heard it she fight them all of or die trying as long as Tristan got out of the cave and as long as he was going to be all right. “Zanna.” He whispered to her. “I know you love me.” He said gently and beneath the water the stone on the sword glowed red and glow lit up them both, “I love you.” He said, “And I want you to have what’s in my pouch.” He told her and she reached in and felt something hard in a cloth bag. “That’s yours.” He said when she took her hand out of the water and he could see the cloth bag it was in. “Now get out of here.” He told her.

            “Not without you.” She said. “I couldn’t leave without you.” She said now treading the water, and helping Tristan too by wrapping her arm around his waist and holding on to him tightly, she wasn’t going to let go, because if she let go she knew she’d never see him again, tears started to fall down her face as she held him and she was glad he couldn’t see them in the dark and she closed her eyes hoping someone would come soon.

            Zanna now tiered from keeping her and Tristan above the water bobbed under the water again but she managed to get herself back up and still holding Tristan. “Zanna, let me go.” He whispered to her and she held him tighter, “Let me go.” He told her firmly now and she shuck her head. “you have to get out of here while you can.” He told her.

            “No I won’t.” she said now crying. “I won’t let you go and I won’t leave you.” And as she spoke she felt Tristan move under water. “Don’t you even try and make me drop you. I’ll never forgive you if you do that.” She warned him held him close to her and kissed his head, “Don’t you dare leave me alone, not in this place.” She told him now crying and not afraid to let him know.

            “Zanna.” Tristan said making himself breathless, she loosened her grip her grip realizing it was hurting him and it was then that he sank his knife into him and catching Zanna’s arm, he’d caught her off guard an she instinctively let go and before she had a chance to grab him he sank beneath the water. Zanna ducked under the water to try and reach out for him, but all she managed to do was gently touch his finger tips with hers before she had to come up for air, she tried over and over again but she never found and didn’t stop even when Brython turned up through a small opening at the top of the cave, she couldn’t remember much about how she got out, only Brython’s arms taking hold of her and being pulled up with him. She fought against him kicking and screaming, all she wanted to do was look for him, and the thought of him still being in that dark hole and filling with water she couldn’t bear.

            Zanna came too later, she must have past-out but she wasn’t sure, she didn’t know where she was and what had happened at first her head was still in a whirl and then as she came to a bit she began to remember, what had happened and then realise that Brython was carrying her on his back. “You can put me down now.” She said quite calmly to Brython and he gently set her down and looked at her full of concern. “I’ll be fine now.” She said a little embarrassed about what had happened when Brython had dragged her out of the cave.

            “Carry on and we’ll catch up.” Brython told the others and when they’d gone some distance, they both sat down on the grass, “I know you possibly don’t want to talk about what happened but…”

            “Carry on.” Zanna told him, “Though I’m not sure I remember everything.” She replied honestly, looking a little pale and woozy. Brython handed her some food before she began telling him what had happened, it wasn’t until she had finished she’d realised she’d missed something, “The cup.” She said out loud as she remembered.

            “The blood cup?” Brython asked.

            “Tristan found it.” Zanna said quietly. “He found it when he managed to save me…” Zanna stopped, how had she forgotten the cup, perhaps there was a part of her that wanted too.

            “You did tell me the truth how you got that cut on your arm?” He asked her.

            “Why would I lie about that?” She asked, not liking what Brython was leading too.

            “Sorry.” He said, “All I need to know is that your blood didn’t get into that cup.”

            “I was carrying it upside down but…,” she paused thinking back and knowing she should be honest but a part of her didn’t want him to know fearing what might happen to her because of it and, what Brython might think of her. “The cup was under the water and my blood was in the water.” She eventually said.

            “You know if you offer anyone your blood in one of those, that anything you offer them will happen but at a price?” He asked. “And that one..”

            “Is it the one it looks like?”

            “The great wizard Waldamore’s cup of eternal life.” Brython said and looked at her with a smile, “It looks like it from what I’ve seen of it.” Brython then lowered his gaze, “I cannot hold it like you are, nor can I look at it for long.”

            “Why?” She asked.

            “It has a power and will of its own.” Brython said, “It will bend me and shape me too its will.” Zanna looked at him questioningly, she had never felt a drawn to use it or possess it, “I can see for whatever reason you are protected from that.”

            “You can destroy it though.” Zanna said,

            “The elves can.”

            “No matter what, I say later you will get them to do it.” Zanna told him,

            “Is that what you want?”

            “When I’m thinking clearly, but if there comes a time I don’t, you’ll still do it.” She told him and looked him straight in the eyes, Brython could see she was being honest and from years of experience he was usually right about these things. “I’m sorry.” Zanna said quietly.

            “About what, little one?” he said which usually meant what else had happened has been forgotten. “This was in your hand.” He handed Zanna the small cloth bag that Tristan had given her.

            “Thank you.” She said and took the bag from him and felt the soft material in her hand as she looked at it momentarily.

            “You can see it better when you open the bag.” Brython pointed out.

            “Possibly.” Zanna said and stuck it in her own leather pocket attached to her belt. Not wanting to see it at all, but not wanting to part with it either.

            “We should get going now.” He told her as he got back up on his feet and then helped Zanna to hers. “Can you manage to walk?”

            “I much as I hate walking long distances, I think your back needs a rest.” She said with a smile.

            “Let me know if you’re feeling ill, you had more than a mouthful of that water and it’s not too good for you.” Brython said.

            “I gathered that with the taste.” She replied, “But I’m feeling fine for now.”

Chapter 19.

After picking up the horses at Black water farm, Brython was going to leave the others to make their way home while he took Zanna to meet the elves at a prearranged meeting place. Marlon stopped him has he was getting the horses ready, “We’ve come so far together, we’ll go the rest of the way together.” Marlon told him.

            “You need to go back.”  Brython replied knowing that he wasn’t being listened too.

            “Is something happens, you may be glad of the extra help.” Marlon added, “Not that we’re planning for that.” Brython didn’t reply he just looked back at Zanna she was tiered and carrying the blood cup had begun to have an effect on her, every so often she would stop and look back in the direction of the mountains and she had grumbled about it being heavy or more than one occasion. “What happens to her if something should happen to you?” Marlon asked.

            “You’d think I’d turn on her.” Brython snapped.

            “Don’t be so proud Brython.” Marlon warned him, “I saw the way you looked at that cup when you saw it.” Marlon whispered.

            “If you must all come then I suppose it’s not a bad idea.” Brython said, “We have to get that cup to the elves and fast.”

            “I’ll let the others know then.” Marlon said, Brython said nothing he had hoped it would have just been the pair of them, they could travel more discreetly and quicker than in a large group.

            They all set off and though he tried to keep up the speed he found it difficult with Zanna, she didn’t seem to want to go anywhere and she had hardly slept, tossing and turning of a night time and during the day every time she closed her eyes she bolted upright. “Zanna.” He said a few days into their journey, “Is that thing messing with your head?” Zanna nodded and said nothing as everyone was eating breakfast and she was sat a little away from everyone else. “You should eat.” He told her gently, “Just a little.”

            “I’m not hungry.” She said quietly. “I just want some sleep.”

            “We need to get going in a bit.” Brython told her gently.

            “Don’t tell me when we’re going.” She snapped. “I know when we’re going.” Brython backed off at that point knowing she wasn’t her usual self and Brython was beginning to feel a bit on edge with the cup being so close, there had been a few times at night where he’d awoken sure he could hear it calling out to him. He looked at Zanna as he ate with the rest and she flopped down on her blanket, she was beginning to look ill and he didn’t think she was going to last out much longer.

They took it in turns from that point on helping her to ride the horses, when it was Brython’s turn he should have said no, but he didn’t. As Zanna wearily rode in front of him, he heard the whispers from the cup, telling him to use its power to find his glory with it and filling his head with false promises. Zanna was too tired to notice a small change in Brython at that point, it wasn’t until it was dark and they made camp. Zanna wearily put down her new blanket and put her head down to rest, she wanted the dreams and visions to stop, especially the ones of Tristan, the cup twisted her memories and tried to get her to take it back to the mountain where he was an he’d be waiting there for her. It tried blaming her for what had happened to him, the image of Tristan would recount what had happen to make her feel more guilty and then tell her she could put it all right if she took the cup back to its rightful place, then they stopped being like that and he would be more the Tristan she’d remember, the Tristan she loved and had nearly fooled her once but she wasn’t going to let that happen again. She rested her head on the blanket and before she even tried to close her eyes. “I think you’ve forgotten me.” The vision of Tristan spoke to her gently and touched her cheek, she could feel the warmth of his fingers like she remembered, but it was only a memory and she brushed the hand to one side and turned over hiding her head under the blanket trying to keep him away. Brython noticed her do this and kept a close eye on her as she hid her head under the blankets. Though Zanna could see the image of Tristan everyone else saw just Zanna, Brython turned away not wanting to see any more. He couldn’t help but feel guilty as it should be him carrying the cup, especially after what had happened and then there were the darker thoughts came about taking the cup from her and returning it to the mountains, people would see how great he was then, Brython quickly shuck those thoughts from him and was ashamed of himself for thinking that way. “Brython.” Marlon attentively approached him, “I think that perhaps it’s better if me and you don’t..”

            “I know.” Brython said, “Don’t think I’m going to let that cup be destroyed by her.” As he spoke it was as if what he’d meant to say had been twisted as they left his mouth and everyone went quiet and Marlon looked at Brython, “What did I say?” He asked Marlon.

            “I don’t think you want to know.” Marlon replied, “But you’re not the only one being tempted by it, I’ve found myself on numerous occasions thinking about it and what I could do with it.”

            “We’ll keep a distance.” Brython said and looked across at Zanna, “I don’t know how she’s managed.” He said quietly.

            “Perhaps she has been protected from it by whatever means, but she’s no longer and it’s only a matter of time before she gives in.” Marlon said as he heard her mumblings under the blankets, telling someone to leave her alone. Someone tried to approach her and Brython shuck his head  and he backed off, “We must hurry this up before all three of us are fighting over a piece of metal that none of us really want.” Marlon added.

            “I agree, we’ll set off again after we’ve eaten and get to the meeting point early and I need a volunteer to get a message to the elves.” Brython said and Smudge approached. “You must stay with us and watch Zanna.” He told the horse.

            “But I can run fast over a distance.” Smudge protested.

            “I know, but stay here with Zanna and remind her who she is.” Brython told the horse gently and patted him gently on the side.

            Every-one sat and ate quietly as Zanna tried to rest, though you could hear her muttering to herself, the messenger was soon sent off and the rest of the horses still needed some rest so everyone sat around whispering and talking, trying to avoid conversation about what was going on. Brython watched Zanna from a distance and feared going any closer and so did the others. “Bring her closer to the fire.” Brython asked one of them. “Carry her if you have too.” Brython couldn’t help but feel guilty about what had  happened; it didn’t help when he heard her call out Tristan’s name on more than one occasion. He tossed one of the crystals that Zanna had given him in the fire, more hoping that it would help if even a little, it would make him feel a little more comfortable. “Zanna.” He said gently to her, but she didn’t reply only buried her head under the blankets and Brython hung his head.

            “We’ll set of in a bit.” Brython said quietly.

            “No need.” A familiar voice said from over his shoulder and he turned his head to see Tolrean. “I didn’t quite get the full story, off your messenger.” He said and then stopped and rubbed his finger with the ring on as a burning sensation could be felt coming from it. “What have you picked up?” he asked and Brython gave him a brief explanation and Tolrean looked at him, rather concerned at this point. “How much of Zanna is left?” He asked Brython, the others turned around at that point.

            “I don’t know I can’t get close.” Brython said, “Sometimes she looks at me and I don’t see Zanna at all, others.” He stopped briefly, “Others I look at her, and if she’s in there wanting, to get out.”

            “I wouldn’t recommend you stay around here, when she comes around a bit…” Brython paused and watched as Zanna stirred beneath the blankets.

            “That could be interesting, but not in a good way.” Tolrean said, now cautious and well aware of Zanna he kept a close eye on her. “Is there anything you can do for her?” He asked and Brython shuck his head and said nothing.

The pair of them moved away from the group and started talking quietly and Zanna bolted upright from beneath the blankets, she’d given up trying to rest and burying her head under the blankets hadn’t worked so she sat up and took a good look around making sure she wasn’t having another vision. She noticed that everyone was keeping their distance from her and was more than a little jumpy, it was then that she noticed Brython stood next to Tolrean and the image of Tristan appeared by her side, knowing it wasn’t really there she ignored it and she kept her gaze lowered and tried to clear her mind by closing her eyes, “Kill him and I’ll leave you alone.” Zanna didn’t need to be told he was talking about Tolrean she just knew, “It would be easy.” He incited her, “One little spell, that’s all it takes.” He continued and Zanna opened her eyes and looked at the pair of them, “They’re talking about you.” Zanna felt him behind her and his hands upon her shoulder, the cold breath upon her neck as he spoke, “Kill them both, before they kill you.” The thought slipped into her mind and then she made it disappear again just as quickly. “You know they will Zanna.” She ignored him again and felt horrible for even thinking it just for a moment and wanting rid of that cup even more. “You want rid of me Zanna.” He whispered to her, “You hate me.” She felt the anger surging through her, “You can do whatever you want with me once you’re my mistress, you can even command me to leave you.” He continued, “You like the sound of that don’t you.” Zanna said nothing and just kept her head lowered but her eye’s fixed on Tolrean. “You know what I want Zanna, what I need to make this happen.” Zanna looked at the cup laid next to her and then stared back at Tolrean. “That’s right.” He continued, “After all men just leave you alone and in the dark.” As he spoke Zanna felt the anger inside her boiling over inside her, and she picked up the cup and stood up, “Now kill him.” He whispered in her ear as a twisted smile spread across his face and that filled her with even more hatred towards it, Tristan never smiled like that and she didn’t want to think of him ever smiling at her like that, this thing was twisting her memories of him and making her hate him and she hated that. “Go on do it.” It said. Holding the cup she looked it straight in the eyes and then threw the cup up and blasted it with a ball of blue light sending it flying across the camp and though she doubled up in pain she quickly scrambled after the cup and blasted with heat and flames and it slid along the ground furtherer into the forest, she casted spell upon spell upon the cup neither did it make a dint or scratch upon it, but she felt the pain every time she cast a spell, trying to destroy it and make it leave her alone, she then picked the cup, Stop it, stop it.” She screamed at it as she repeatedly hit the cup against the rock and every time the metal of the cup struck the rock she felt the pain shoot through her. Zanna’s arm where Tristan had caught it with the blade had started to bleed again, as tears streamed, “You’re not him.” She shouted at it tears streaming down her face and exhausted and feeling the pain, “Just leave me alone.” She screamed hysterical and fit for collapsing she wasn’t going to stop until she’d destroyed the cup or herself, but neither outcome came about as she collapsed. Tear and blood stained Zanna in the middle of a wood now quiet and without hope tears falling from her cheeks as she lay in the dirt, she looked at the cup and hated it as it lay on the ground next to her, but couldn’t move another muscle, the pain was too much and she was too tiered and she thought she was going to die, she would have been glad if she’d have died at that moment, but all she remembered was a light and a gentle voice talking to her, he knew her name and as he gently picked her up she could smell flowers and herbs it reminded her of when her mother would brew her potions and the memory of her mother on a bright summer day the house filled with light as she’d hum while stood by the fire place various things bubbling in the pans, she smiled briefly as she remembered and tears of joy now fell. “You’re safe now.” He said as he picked her up, that made her cry even more as that was what she’d wanted someone to say to her and to hold her so she could feel the warmth of someone close to her.

            Zanna awoke a little while later, in a tent and covered with arm blankets, at first she assumed she was dead and gave herself a quick check over and saw her wrist bandaged and felt the pain. “You certainly how to give everyone a fright.” And elfin lady spoke to her as she entered the tent, hear raven hair down past her waist and her blue friendly eyes that sparkled as she smiled.

            “My-Lady..” Zanna began to explain.

            “There is no need for an explanation.” She quickly interrupted Zanna, “And you have no need to worry that cup won’t be clouding your judgement.”

            “You destroyed it?”

            “That is not for me to do that is for you, I just put it somewhere to keep it safe and you.” She told Zanna, her tone was serious but not threatening. “You wished to destroy it last night, is it the same this morning.”

            “Last night happened.” Zanna said still a little confused, and began to think over it and the elf patiently waited, “I still want to destroy it, but last night I hated it so much I..” she paused ashamed of how she felt at that moment and ashamed of what she’d let it turn her into and what she was becoming because of it and tears began to fall down her face, “I don’t want to be like that again.” She said through trying to hold back more tears.

            “That is a good enough answer for me.” She said with a smile, “You can walk.” She told Zanna and Zanna attempted to get up and found that a goodnights rest had returned some of her strength. “Come.” She said to Zanna and led her out of the tent, on stands they were to boxes, made of what appeared to be silver, one was completely sealed and there was no way of seeing into it and the other was beautifully decorated with what Zanna assumed was glass and a deep red glow could be seen from within that flickered like fire. “Your friends are waiting for you, not far from here.” She told Zanna. “I thought it best they didn’t see this.”

            “This is going to hurt isn’t it?” Zanna asked remembering the pain she felt last night.

            “Yes.” The elf answered honestly, “But the pain won’t last long.” They both sat on pillows on the ground as the boxes where brought forward and sat on the ground before them. Before Zanna opened the box the elf touched her hand, and Zanna looked at her curiously. “What is it?” she asked.

            “Have we met before?” Zanna asked, “You seem familiar for some reason and I know it’s not when I ended up through that port.”

            “No we haven’t but I’ve got a feeling we’ll meet again.” She said, “My name is Aspiradora, I would go through my family history but unfortunately we don’t have time.” Aspiradora replied, “Before you do this I must explain.” She said returning to the reason for her being there, “The flame in the box is from Crackus itself, and the only way to destroy such objects, the flame is hotter than any other and has a magic of its own, it would rather you didn’t put the cup init.” Zanna nodded to show she understood, “You may proceed.” She told her. Zanna took a deep breath in at that point as she took the cup from out the box and ignoring the voices of Tristan telling her not too and the visions swimming around in her head as she opened the second, she felt the heat of the flames warding her off and felt dizzy for a moment until she placed it in the flames and closed the box. The flames consumed the cup and Zanna felt the burning from within so hot she almost wished she hadn’t done that and the pain grew and grew as the flames grew and consumed the cup, until Zanna fell back unconscious.

            More than a week later Zanna awoke, Brython was on the edge of the bed in his home, he gently smoothed down her hair and smiled happy to see that she was on the mend, “Good morning.” Brython said sounding cheerful and Zanna smiled at first and then it dropped and she began to cry, “Come here.” He told her and wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as she cried. He spoke to her gently as he held her and he began to cry. When she stopped crying Brython quickly wiped his tears away, “You’re making me cry now.” He told her, “Just don’t tell no one that.” He told her and Zanna wiped her tears away.

            “Was I really that horrible?” she asked, half remembering what had happened.

            “You scared me back there.” Brython admitted.

            “I thought nothing scared, the Great Brython.” Zanna said smiling.

            “Losing you did.” He told her and took hold of her hand, “I’m just glad to have you back and..,” Marlon popped his head through the window he had been listening in, “You have to do that don’t you.” Brython complained.

            “Hello.” Marlon said to Zanna. She smiled and said nothing she wasn’t quite sure what to say. “We are all glad, you’re getting better.” Marlon said with a smile and past a bunch of flowers to her, “We know you’re not like a girl who’s..”

            “Thank you.” Zanna said, interrupting him. “If you two don’t mind, I’d like some rest.” She said, wanting to be left alone.

            “Martha found this.” He said and handed Zanna a cloth bag, she vaguely remembered Tristan telling her to take it from his pocket, just before, he died. Zanna didn’t say anything she took it from Brython and they both left her alone. Zanna sat in bed fingering the small cloth, she didn’t want to look in it, not yet anyway, she just wanted to hold it and remember him for a moment and then the wound on her arm stung as a less painful reminder. Martha walked in with a bowl of chicken broth and a drink, “You look half starved.” She said ignoring what Zanna was holding but it was clear she was curious, “I made you some broth, it’s chicken.” Martha announced as she handed Zanna the bowl she hadn’t realised she was that hungry she smiled and said thank you, “Go steady with it, you haven’t eaten for a while.” She warned her as Zanna was about to tuck in. Zanna heeded Martha’s words briefly but it tasted so good she couldn’t help herself and was nearly sick after eating all that. “What did I say to you?” Martha said sweetly, as she took hold of the bowl and put it on a small wooden stool next to the bed as she sat on the bed. “If you want to talk about things.” She offered.

            “You mean Tristan.” Zanna said, “I know where you are.” She said not wanting to mention even his name again, “Thank you.” She said.

            “I’ll leave you alone now.” Martha said seeing that she wanted to be left alone. Zanna flopped back down on the pillow as she left and stared at the cloth bag and having a fair idea what it contained didn’t help, Martha popped her head around the door and Zanna looked up at her. “Do you want me to sit with you?” She asked. Zanna nodded, rather glad she wasn’t going to be left alone and with company at least she didn’t have to think so much about what had happened. Martha sat on the edge of the bed then Maya popped her head through and sat next to her and a conversation started up about what Zanna had missed while she had been unconscious and she smiled rather glad that she wasn’t expected to be talking about what had happened and the appearance that everything was getting back to normal.

            After being stuck inside for what seemed to be weeks she was glad to be out in the fresh air and feel the warmth of the sunshine on her face, “Are you sure you can manage to get home?” Brython asked and Zanna nodded she wouldn’t have minded Brython coming in fact she would rather he was. She didn’t say anything though she didn’t want to appear stupid and childish, as she got the horse ready, “Are you sure you can make it home?” Brython said peering over the horse as she put the saddle on Smudge.

            “If you must take me home, then take me home.” She snapped, trying to make it look like it was his idea.

            “I will.” Brython replied sharply and walked off to get his horse.

            “You don’t have to let him come.” Smudge snorted. She patted the horse and said nothing, “I said you don’t have to let him come, I’ll keep a watch.” He said and stamped his hoof near enough on Zanna’s foot.

            “If he wants to come he can come.” Zanna told Smudge. “And watch where you putting your oversized hooves.” She told the horse,

            “I was just making sure you hadn’t changed again.” Smudge added and shuck his mane, “You didn’t like me.”

            “I’m sorry.” She apologised, “I didn’t know what I was doing, I know you don’t understand, but I’m better now.”

            “No thanks to him.” Smudge said and looked across at Brython.

            “That had nothing to do with Brython that was that cup.” Zanna explained. He neighed and stamped his foot in anger at the mention of it. “And I picked it up.” She told him.

            “Zanna.” Marlon stopped her before she got on the Smudge, “I wouldn’t be asking you this but…” He paused and Zanna smiled, he gently touched her shoulder and gave her a ring with a family crest on it. Zanna looked at it momentarily, “Tristan said if anything happened to him, to take this to his family and I wondered if you would.” Marlon said not sure how she’d take it, and Zanna wasn’t sure quite what to do if she did see any of his family and then she thought of Kaya.

            “I’ll take this too his cousin.” She said quietly, “At least then she knows.”

            “I’m sure you’re probably the best person to be doing it.” Marlon said, “Safe journey.” He said and they hugged.

            “Hurry up.” Brython called out as he was busy waiting, “I thought you were desperate to get back.”

            “We’re taking a detour.” Zanna said as she mounted Smudge and everyone came out to say goodbye to her and she seemed to cheer up and though she felt guilty about what had happened to Tristan, she had been reassured that no one else thought that.

            She approached Denethore’s home and the sight of it didn’t fill her with joy, it filled her with dread, on the sight of Zanna arriving with Brython, Kaya had run down the stairs glad to see her friend and when she saw Zanna’s expression she knew something was wrong. Zanna got of Smudge and approached her, Smudge followed and popped his head over her shoulder. Smudge liked Kaya and he didn’t quite understand why people did this, horses generally knew when the horse didn’t come back to the stable. Zanna wasn’t quite sure what to say and Brython approached behind Zanna and they went inside. Brython waited outside the room and Zanna told her some of the story and handed her the ring. It was clear she was upset, but she did her best not to show it as Zanna and Brython left. Zanna couldn’t help but feel even worse and the fact that Kaya was on her own and clearly upset Zanna didn’t like either.

Brython and Zanna turned up late in the afternoon and she was relieved at the sight of her father and sister stood on the doorstep waiting, she ran over and gave her father a hug, glad to be home and with her family. Brython was invited in as well as Storin and though there was no discussion over what had happened, her father had plenty of gossip and plenty of usual things to complain about as they drank a few glasses of wine and settled down to a meal until late. Zanna disappeared as Brython and her father where talking and she got board of listening and her mind was wondering, she pulled herself on to the thatched roof and sat on top, looking of into the distance the three moons shining brightly and she took the small cloth bag out that shed put in her leather purse attached to her belt. Looking at it again she then gently opened the bag and tipped it up and let the contents fall gently on to the palm of her hand. She fingered the shinning metal of the betrothal band in her hand and then looked up at the moons and felt the tears roll down her cheek and then she’d quickly wipe them away.   

The end.

Like 0 Pin it 0