 
### Amongst the Dragons series

### Book III

### A Vigilante Amongst the Foes

### By

### Stephanie Daich on Smashwords

### Text Copyright ©2012

### Stephanie Daich

### All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Cover Design:

Amber McNemar

www.ethinkgraphics.com

Dedication:

### Natalie and Emily, thank you for seeing it to the end.

### Nathan, I love you!

Table of Contents

### Chapter 1

Without warning, the burly man leaned over and vomited everywhere on the beautiful princess. Chunks of regurgitated food splattered her, bits of his meager dinner from a few hours earlier embedded in her hair. Princess Alashia's own stomach churned as she inhaled the acidic smell, puke dripping all over her clothes and skin.

"Ooh," the man groaned, unable to handle the spinning that overtook his brain. His head dropped into her lap. It was heavy, and his breath was rank.

"Get him off me," she shrieked. Disgusted, she tried to push the man away, but struggled, for her own urge to puke was powerful, threatening to blow at any second. Some vomit forced its way up, but she quickly swallowed the tart glop back down.

"Vile," she said as the puke lingered behind in her mouth.

From across the ship, Sterling hastily made his way to her aid. He grabbed the collar of the man. Drool slipped out of the offender's mouth, pooling on Alashia's legs.

"Get up," Sterling said as he tried to hoist the man up. He worked at dragging him away, but the man was dead weight, and Sterling struggled to get him off her.

As he tried to lower the man to a different seat, the man's head flung back and rolled around a couple of times, then flipped forward, making him nose to nose with Sterling. His eyes slit open.

"Hey son," he burped out. He looked at Sterling, then without reservation, heaved all over Sterling's face. The sour liquid splashed into Sterling's eyes, stinging them upon contact.

"No, no, no," Sterling called out. Disgust and anger boiled within. Did the man really just puke in his face? Repulsed, he dropped the man to the floor. _Thud_. The man curled into the fetal position and moaned.

"That's great, that is great," Sterling murmured as he went to Princess Alashia's side. He sat next to her and removed his shirt, using it to wipe the sticky secretions off his face. The smell overpowered his senses. He couldn't hold it back. His body rebelled to the liquid assault it had taken. His urge to vomit intensified. Quickly, he ran to the corner of the berth and retched in a small area. The other passengers tried to look away, for their stomachs were also queasy from the ride and the powerful smell of all the vomit intensified their queasiness. When Sterling finished, he sat down so he didn't pass out. His face grew hot, breathing heavily. Sweat dripped off his brow. Princess Alashia came to his side to see if he was all right, despite her own cramping stomach pains.

"I better not have to wear this man's vomit for the rest of the passage. What I would give for a change of clothes. I miss my fine linens," she murmured as she stiffly sat. With every movement she made, she could feel the wet puke soak closer to her skin.

"We need to get to the top of the ship," Sterling said rather raspy, for his throat was raw from the acidic burn that had ripped its way up.

"I agree."

The rules on the ship weren't as stringent as the last voyage they took. Before, during their boat trip away from Andleburg, they weren't allowed to come to the top of the ship. It was a ride all passengers aboard, at one point or other, contemplated heaving themselves over the side of the ship just to get away from the misery. The conditions had been unbearable. On this trip, the crew members would let the passengers come up in small numbers. There really wasn't much room on top for many more than the crew, but at least they were all allowed turns to get out into the open sky.

"We need fresh air now," Sterling said grasping Alashia's petite hand as they both went to the deck of the ship. Up on top, a breeze brushed by them, fresh air tingled at their noses. Instantly, things felt better. The rays of the sun warmed their cold extremities, bathing them in the sun's energizing rays, providing a source of hope, while all around them the deck hands were skittering about, busily engaged in their tasks. No one paid Sterling or Alashia a bit of attention.

Sterling looked at Alashia as her curly blond hair flew in the wind. It was so long, resting a little below her waist. Usually, she had such a fair complexion, but at that moment, she looked pasty and white. The atmosphere of the ship was not conducive to physical health.

After being ignored for some time, Sterling and Alashia walked around looking for the captain. He wasn't in sight. Finally, Sterling stopped someone.

"We need to see the captain now."

"Cap'ns busy."

"The princess needs a change of clothes," Sterling stated.

The deckhand stopped. He had been raised in Andleburg and was familiar with the image of the princess. Because he had been so busy cleaning, he hadn't even looked up when Sterling and Alashia had first addressed him, failing to notice whose presence he was in. Curious and in awe, he lifted his brow, and for a short second, he dared himself to look briskly into the eyes of the princess, eyes blue as a cloudless sky, eyes that penetrated him. Nervous, he immediately dropped to the planks and bowed. With energy, he jumped back up, refusing to look into those eyes again.

"Aye, sure thing. And what about you sir, do you need clothes as well?"

"Seeing that I am wearing another man's innards; that would be a yes."

The deckhand took off and did not return for twenty minutes. When he did, he carried with him an armful of rags.

"I took these out of storage," he said with a crooked smile. Pride filled the deckhand for his role in assisting a princess.

He tossed the rags at Sterling who caught most of them, except for a pair of oily pants which slipped to the floor. Sterling took a shirt for himself and handed the rest to Princess Alashia. She held the shirt and pants away from her body, not wanting to touch their filth, her face twisting in disgust.

"Is this all you have?" she protested.

"Sorry Princess. We work hard as you can see by our clothes."

Alashia dropped the threadbare clothing on the floor. She lifted her chin and elevated her nose in the air, making it clear how she felt about the tatters he had shared. The deckhand's spirits dropped, for he had hoped to gain her approval, not her discord.

"Really, you would rather wear puke for a couple more days, than to wear worn clothes?" Sterling asked.

Alashia glared at the clothes crumpled at her feet and begrudgingly picked them up. The mildew on them could be smelt above the puke on her own body. A few tears spilled out of her eyes. The last six months had been the worst months of her life.

The most horrifying moment was when her father, the King of Andleburg, was murdered in front of her. He lost his life because he had saved the man she loved, Thelton The Dragon Slayer, from his pending execution, an execution her father's people demanded.

At the time, the risk of helping him escape seemed worth it, because she was so in love with him, but now, her father was dead and she was on a ship heading to her cousin's house, while the man she loved was on another ship heading the opposite direction, back to Andleburg. It tore her apart not to return with him. Would they ever see each other again? Did her father give his life in vain?

She thought about Thelton with his ravishing good looks. She had been in love with him for half of her life. His sandy blond hair went to the middle of his back. When she left him, he had a full beard. He sometimes had a beard, and sometimes didn't. She liked him best when she could see his full tan face without all the facial hair, but she would have taken him either way. Thelton was very muscular and strong. And his eyes, black and alluring. A shiver went up Alashia's spine as she thought about his eyes.

She still loved Thelton, however, her heart had changed as confusion seeped in. The transformation took place from the moment he came to rescue her from her hiding spot beneath the castle after her father was murdered. Thelton had been calloused during the rescue and things only got worse when they became stranded on a deserted island together. During that time, she learned what an insensitive man he was. He constantly broke her heart because of his self-centeredness and lack of emotion towards her. But the thing that hurt more than any of that was the dragon woman. Thelton seemed to love the dragon woman more than he loved her. How could he, for the dragon woman was hideous compared to her beauty. She fumed as she thought about her last time with him. The princess was indeed a prize to behold. She was fairer than any woman around. There was a charisma about her that overpowered every man who met her, except for Thelton, the man she loved the most. Although he held an attraction to her, she had not captured his heart.

After being stranded on the island for what felt like an eternity, a large ship came to the island to resupply, thus discovering Alashia and those with her. When the passengers found out she was the princess along with Thelton The Dragon Slayer, many of the men were ready to return to Andleburg and fight to regain the princess' throne from the evil tyrant, Trevor. He had beguiled most of the kingdom into a revolution against the king, her father. After he had overthrown Andleburg and gained the crown, he turned out to be a horrific king, slaughtering the people by the hordes. He had no mercy. He plundered from the people. His evilness reigned over the land.

On the island, the people from the boat formulated plans to return to Andleburg, and at the time, Princess Alashia considered going, but she was frightened to return. For starters, she didn't think she could endure another ship passage. Also, she had great trepidation over what would happen. Trevor was very powerful and had large armies under his control. The group of men returning was few in number. Although they were small, they felt with Thelton and herself at the head, they could rally the kingdom to fight behind them and reclaim her kingdom. But, what if they were wrong? What if their numbers turned out to be too few? She didn't think they could get more than three hundred on their side. Trevor had thousands. "If I returned and was captured, I would either be killed by Trevor, or forced to wed him. I would rather kill myself than to be his bride."

Hoping for a fresh start, and to follow her Father's wishes, Alashia chose to go to Landseisha, her cousin's kingdom. Upon making her decision, she had hoped Thelton would give up the dangerous idea of returning to Andleburg and continue to escort her to Landseisha where they could be married. But, he didn't. He had a fiery determination in his eyes, and nothing she said would change his mind.

It severed Alashia's heart to part from Thelton. He was the reason her father had been killed. He was the reason her kingdom was lost. If they didn't end up together, then it is all in vain. When Thelton refused to further accompany her to Landseisha, she could feel some of her love turn to cold. For the first time, she could clearly see he had never loved her. Her strong desire for him made her blind to the lack of love he held for her. The realization was almost as painful as losing her father. With the new clarity, she was glad she wasn't returning to Andleburg with him, deciding he didn't deserve her.

She didn't have to journey overseas by herself. She had her younger sister, Princess Stephanie and Sterling, who had been exiled with them on the deserted island.

Sterling had turned out to be a very nice gentleman, although he and Thelton remained bitter toward each other. He always attended to the princesses with kindness and service. With his wonderful personality, Alashia found it refreshing to be around Sterling. He brought much joy to her during her times of sadness. Alashia soon found she had deep feelings for Sterling as well. At times, she felt so guilty to have feelings for Sterling. Her whole world had been sacrificed for Thelton; therefore, her heart must stay true to him. But, she couldn't help it. The more time she spent comparing Sterling to Thelton, Sterling always won, and besides, Thelton cared for the Dragon Woman. It only seemed fitting Alashia loved another as well.

Sterling was good looking, in an innocent way. Not as breathtakingly handsome as Thelton, but he was more a boyish handsome, for he had a face that looked young and sweet. Sterling was gentle, and he was ever trying to please the princess.

Alashia looked down at the shabby clothes in her arms. She remembered the luxurious clothing that used to adorn her body; material from the soft undergrowth of the Kashmir goat, silk from the Bombyx mori, wools blended together from alpacas, angora goats, and some animal called a camel, and of course fibers from the Thalanger plant. She missed the delicate and soft materials against her skin. She missed bathing her body in perfumes and oils. "What I would give for a hot bath," she thought. She had lived a life of finery, and now she was covered in puke, wearing the same clothes she had for months, and she was about to put on some greasy sea man's pants. What had happened?

Despite the rancid smell of vomit on her, she carried the clothes to the ships side and looked down into the water instead of putting them on. The turquoise water rushed under the ship as the vessel carved its way through the waves. White caps formed from the wake. Small black birds glided over the ship, as if they were happily making the journey with them.

...

Alashia let her thoughts slip away into the tranquility of the sea. There was something calming and curative about looking into the water. The wind lifted her golden hair off her shoulders and carried it around her face. Some of the tension she had been carrying melted away. "If I don't have to go back down to the lower deck, then maybe the rest of the ship ride wouldn't be so bad." She told Sterling. Sterling stood back silently watching her.

He tried to imagine how hard everything must be for her, but he really couldn't. He had been raised in caves and in the woods. He wasn't used to extravagant things. He still found it magical man could cross the water floating on a vessel. If there were hardships on the crossing, so be it, for they were still experiencing a miracle.

Princess Stephanie came up besides Sterling and watched her sister. Alashia looked peaceful, the first time in days. The wrinkles from her forehead had disappeared. The lines on her face had smoothed and all gone away. Stephanie wanted to join her sister in her serenity. She grabbed Sterling and dragged him over to Alashia, where Stephanie stood in between the two, with her arms locked around both.

### Chapter 2

The ship ride to Andleburg was more dreadful than the travel away had been. There seemed to be a constant storm rocking the boat back and forth, only letting up for short spells at a time. Often it seemed as if the storm would tear the ship in two, though it never did. Most of the passengers had been sick since they left. It was horrific. Indy was relieved the rules on the ship were more relaxed, allowing her to move about the vessel. When things became too much, Indy would go to the upper deck, even if it was stormy. She had lived in the Vegus Forest amongst the elements, so they didn't scare her. The first day it became calm, she took Thelton up in the sky and flew him around. Her wings popped, and cracked. It felt good to stretch them open. When she returned to the ship, the captain was there to meet her.

"I heard rumors about you, but I thought they were tales. A woman raised by a dragon; how so? How's they not tears you apart?"

Indy shrugged at his inquiry. She had no answer, for they were her family, and she couldn't explain why they raised her; they just had.

The captain studied her. She was as tall as Thelton, and almost as stout and muscular. She had wild dark hair, hair flowing past her mid back. Instead of fingernails, she had claws. But, the most astounding feature about her was her wings.

"An look at those wings, wills you open thems again?"

Indy wrinkled her brow, for she had few positive experiences when dealing with man. Sterling and Thelton had been the exception. Most others seemed to want to harm her. Thelton could sense Indy was troubled, and he wasn't sure if she would attack. He didn't want to be kicked off another ship, so he quickly interjected to keep the peace.

"Go ahead, Imara, open them." Indy was the name her birth mom gave her before she died. Indy hadn't known her name, and so Thelton and Sterling had both named her something different. Sterling had called her Rose, because at one time, she had reminded him of a flower. Thelton called her Imara, because he thought it was a strong, feminine name. She responded to both Rose and Imara.

Indy looked hesitant, but she unleashed her wings, stretching them to their full capacity. As they unfolded, they spread above the deck. One of the crew had to duck to keep from being clocked in the face by them. The captain bent down, then backed away and stood up, avoiding being knocked over. He went to her right wing and traced his finger along the purple and teal adorning the blackness of the wing. He fingered the gold accents. He was in awe.

"Are you woman or are you dragon?"

Indy had pondered this question often. She had never seen another like herself. When she had met Thelton, she was overjoyed to meet a human, for he seemed like her. But soon, she decided he was very different than her, the most obvious reason being the lack of wings and claws. But, she had found multiple reasons they were unalike. This left her wondering if she was human or dragon.

"Both," she said, for she had decided she was both.

"How so, who birthed ye, a dragon or man?"

"Don't remember. I do remember living in dragon's nest, so maybe dragon birthed me." Indy had learned to speak from Sterling and Thelton, and she was still learning to form correct sentences.

"Fascinating, so fascinating. Did ye hatch out of un egg?"

"Maybe," Indy replied. The captain hadn't stopped touching her, which made her very uncomfortable. She held her claws out, ready to attack if needed.

The captain looked into the sky. A dark cloud was moving in from the horizon, sucking up the sun, turning the sky dark.

"Will ye fly me round like ye did him, fore' the storm settles in?"

Indy looked to Thelton. She didn't want to fly the man anywhere.

"Sure she will," Thelton offered.

Indy just stood there, not moving.

"How's it work?" the captain asked.

"She grabs a hold of you and takes you up; simple."

The captain pushed his back into Indy's chest. "I be ready," he declared.

Indy looked again to Thelton, for she really didn't want any part of this. Thelton gave her a look saying she best comply, piercing her with his black eyes. Obeying Thelton, she wrapped her arms around the captain's chest, and sprung up into the sky.

The wind rushed around the captain's face as their speed accelerated, his cheeks flapping in the wind. Indy flew him higher and higher, so high he thought she might be aiming for the sun.

"Can ye reach the sun?" he stupidly asked her. She didn't respond.

He was facing forward and his arms dangled in front of him. He wished he could swing around and wrap his arms around her, for he didn't fully trust her grip. Indy could feel his heart pound beneath her hands. She finally stopped flying up, and flew straight. The captain looked down on the ship. It looked so small.

"Ha, ha!" he laughed out loud. The sight of his ship so tiny delighted him. He felt like he was having an out of body experience. Everything was light and free. The wind rushed through his hair, pushing it into his eyes and mouth. He would pull the hair back, but it would instantly return. He soon stopped fighting it and allowed the hair to scratch his eyes.

Indy did a couple of spiral turns. The thrill of it sucked a scream out of his lungs. "I hope me men hadn't heard me scream like a woman. The acrobatics be fun, and I hopes ye does more."

The color of the sea below was dark and grey. The captain wasn't sure if it was because of the impending storm, or if it was from the height they were looking down from. He peered up at the clouds.

"If ye get a bit closer, I be able to reach out and touch em. I heard clouds be made of wool. I don't believe it, but still want to check. Fly closer to em." He said as he tried to stretch his hand to grab a handful of it, but he only returned with a cold, drenched hand.

The dark clouds absorbed the sky. Everything dull and grim. Sharp splashes of rain stung their faces. The captain hardly noticed, for he had found his ecstasy. Indy was getting nervous, having experienced enough storms at sea to understand their abilities. With that in mind, she dove back toward the ship.

"Where ye be heading?" the captain cried in desperation. "I not done."

"The weather bad," Indy replied.

"We be fine. Let's stay out a bit longer."

"It's hard to fly," she said.

"A lil longer," the captain pleaded. Flying did something to him he had never experience before, and he wasn't ready to end the rush he felt.

They had almost reached the ship. Listening to the captain, Indy smiled at Thelton and spun away from him. The captain let out a victorious cry as they flew farther away from the ship. The captain was pleased to get a longer ride.

"Where are you going?" Thelton cried out in worry, his tenor voice could not be heard. He could see the storm rushing in. He knew it wasn't safe for them to be out. Not far from the ship, lightning struck the water, about seven kilometers away.

"Get back here," Thelton screamed, madly waving his arms around. Indy could not hear him over the storm, but she had seen the lightening and it frightened her. She flipped around again and headed back to the ship.

With his new experience at flight, the captain had lost all sense of reason. "What ye doing?" he barked. "We not done."

"Yes we are," Indy said.

"Please, please, please?" the captain pleaded like a baby.

"Listen, Captain, I think that..." Indy started to say, but was stopped when a bolt of lightning struck into her wings. The electric current surged through her body and into the captain. Her muscles seized, locking up the use of her wings. Unable to fly, she plummeted down, splashing into the ocean. The shock of the cold water sent her body into spasms. She had barely enough time to fill her lungs with air before she went under. The captain wasn't as fortunate. His lungs took in the water.

Indy's wings and clothes dragged beneath the water creating a pulling motion, barreling her further and further from the surface. Panic entered Indy as she tried to fight against the underwater current, but she didn't succeed. She was surprised to find the deeper she got, the panic disappeared, and a calmness replaced her anxiety, for she no longer was afraid. Everything went dark.

The captain had already blacked out.

Up on the ship, a good two kilometers from where she had gone under, Thelton watched in horror as Indy slipped into the water. He wanted to dive in after her, but the ship was too far away. They must get it closer.

"The captain and Imara are in the water, we must get to them," he shouted out in desperation.

The men scurried around the ship, changing the directions of the sails. The ship responded and moved toward the spot that sucked up Indy. A sudden violent wind kicked up and caught hold of the sail, ripping it down the middle, sending the boat spinning a half circle back.

"No, no, no," Thelton yelled as the ship was carried further and further from Indy. "You must do something," he yelled. "You must do something!"

Despite their best efforts, the ship blew away from where Thelton had seen Indy go down. "Why had she not listened to me and come back to the ship when I had told her to? Why?"

### Chapter 3

Thankfully, the rest of the ship ride went without incident. The safety ship pulled into Port Thatcher at mid day. The port was dingy with broken pieces of ships floating everywhere. The tied up boats all looked in poor condition. Around the dock where very haggard looking men. Stephanie clung tight to Sterling. Inside, Sterling was frightened, but for the sake of the girls, he held his head high. As he stared at a creepy looking man, he realized how brave he had become. Not very long ago, he would have looked away. There was no carriage pickup at the Port Thatcher. Sterling asked for directions to the castle, and without transportation, the three began walking.

"I am so tired of walking," Stephanie whined. "I am done." They hadn't been walking very long.

"Hop on my back, and I will carry you a ways," Sterling offered.

"Oh thank you," Stephanie almost cried.

"I am with you, I am tired of walking. Don't worry, as soon as we get to Cousin Flora's house, we can stay in the castle for years if we want," Alashia said trying to comfort Stephanie.

"What is Cousin Flora like?" Stephanie asked, not able to recall ever meeting her before.

"I don't know. The same as you or I. We were kids together. She was raised in the castle. She was quiet, never said much."

The sun was blazing hot as they walked. Sterling looked intently at the girls and realized how much weight Alashia had lost since he had first met her. Everyone had lost a lot of weight on the miserable ship rides, including himself. They were still wearing the dingy crew member's clothes. If they thought the clothes were disgusting when presented, they were even worse after the wear they had sustained on the rest of the trip. Their cheek bones protruding, and their eye sockets sunk in. He studied Alashia. Although she was still very beautiful, she looked far less attractive in the rags, and with her hair in lots of frizz and knots. Stephanie looked in poor shape as well.

They really didn't know where they were going. After receiving directions at various times, they went north. Their walk took them along many fields and forest edges, but they never really went into any towns. They hardly had the strength for such a journey, for they needed nourishment. When dusk settled in, Alashia finally sat down on a large rock and bawled.

"I can't go on anymore. I am so tired and weak. I need something to eat." Sterling looked over at the woods next to them.

"I can go and try to find something to hunt," he said. Stephanie went and sat next to Alashia. The sky was darkening. The thought of being left alone frightened both girls.

"Don't leave us alone," Alashia pleaded.

Sterling looked around. In the far distance he was sure he saw some type of man built structure. "Can you walk a little ways longer?" he asked.

"I really don't think I can," Alashia replied.

"Look over there," he said pointing off in the distance. "I think that is a farm. Please walk a little ways more. Maybe there is someone there who can help us. If not, then at least we might be able to find food," he told them.

Stephanie stood up. She hoped there would be beds they could sleep in. She was willing to go a little ways more for shelter and a bed. Alashia continued to cry. "I really can't go anymore. I have nothing left to move with."

Sterling turned his back, standing in front of her. "Climb on, I will carry you the rest of the ways." Alashia draped herself over his back, and he carried her. As it turned out, the building was a barn. Behind the barn was a small cottage. Sterling let Alashia down in front of the cottage as he knocked on the door. A middle aged woman with scraggly hair opened it.

"What do you want?" she asked. She had no teeth, and Sterling realized her clothing looked much like their own.

"Can you spare a bed and meal for my friends and myself?"

"His wife and sister," Alashia corrected through a tired voice. Sterling looked at her with a quizzical face then looked back at the lady. Alashia knew it sounded better to be husband and wife, instead of an unmarried man and woman traveling together.

"I have little to spare," the woman said.

Sterling pulled out a slip coin and presented it to the lady. "I can pay."

The lady picked up the coin and passed it back and forth. "That is worthless," she said.

"It's worth a few days of labor in Andleburg," Sterling said.

"Does this look like Andleburg?" she asked.

"No."

"Like I said, it is worthless. What else do you have to offer?"

"I can braid your hair," Sterling sheepishly said.

The lady looked at him like he was a complete fool. "Go," she said pointing off in the distance.

"Who's at the door, woman?" a male voice shouted behind the lady.

"A couple of beggars," she replied.

"Send them away," he said.

"I am trying, how about you do it." She stepped back into the cottage. A tall, thin man came to the door. He looked warn with years of heavy labor. "We don't offer charity," he said to Sterling. As he was closing the door, he looked over at Alashia. He stopped. Because he was used to dirt and tattered clothing, he could see her beauty behind the rags she wore. His eyes widened. He was smitten by her looks.

He opened the door back up. "Martha, I am going to kill a chicken and you are going to prepare it for these people," he said.

Martha shoved him aside and came back to the doorway. "We don't feed beggars," she said challenging her husband.

"Woman, you will feed these people, and that is that!" he bellowed as he pushed by her.

"Come with me," he said to Sterling. "You can kill the chicken." As the men walked away, Martha slammed the door in the girls' faces. Dejected, Stephanie and Alashia went to a small spot in the yard and sat down until Sterling and the man returned.

"Why aren't you inside?" the man asked Alashia as he pulled her to her feet.

"Your wife closed me out," Alashia replied.

The husband stomped up the door and threw it open. "That is no way to treat our guests!" he yelled. Everyone followed him into the small house. There was a small room in the front, a kitchen in the back, and a sleeping room to the side.

"They aren't my guest," the woman replied from the kitchen. "Send them away, Danzig."

"You are my woman. Since they are my guests, that makes them your guests as well," he said as he stomped into the kitchen. "Now cook them this chicken." He threw the bloody chicken at Martha. It splattered against her dress as she caught it. With blood on her hands, she looked at her husband. "I won't cook for them," she said as she pushed her way past everyone and went outside.

"If she's gone to be like that, then she can just sleep out with the animals," he said as latched the door behind her. He turned to Alashia. She could see the lust in his eyes and it scared her. "The chicken is in the kitchen. Go cook it," he said to her.

Alashia's eye became big. She didn't know how to pluck feathers off a chicken then to cook it. "Thank you for your effort, but I am not hungry. Do you think I may have a place to lie down?" she asked.

"She is hungry," Sterling said trying to correct her.

"No, I am too tired."

"Go lie down, and I will make the chicken," Sterling offered.

"You cook like a woman?" Danzig questioned Sterling with disgust. "That is woman's work."

"I didn't have a mom growing up. If we wanted to eat, then I had to cook," Sterling said in defense.

"But you have a woman now. Make her cook."

"It really is okay. She is feeling pretty sick, so I don't mind cooking."

"I make my woman cook even if she is sick. It's woman's work."

Stephanie wanted to kick the man. He was worse than Thelton. Why wasn't anyone telling him she and Alashia were actually princesses? If he knew they were princesses, then he would understand why they didn't cook. Women or not, princesses never cooked.

Without waiting to debate anymore with the man, Sterling went into the kitchen and prepared the chicken. Alashia looked like she was going to pass out. She was so exhausted.

"You can share my bed," Danzig said to her, seeing her wariness.

"I can't do that."

"Then take it, you and your sister. I can sleep on the floor."

"Thank you," Alashia said as she let him lead her to the room with the bed. The room was small with a hay filled mattress in the middle. Fleas crawled over the filthy linen. Alashia no longer cared about such trivial things. She let the man lower her to the bed. Even though it scratched her skin, she couldn't recall anything ever feeling as good. She let her body sink into the hay and almost instantly fell asleep. The man hovered above, watching her, until Stephanie pulled on his arm.

"Let her be," Stephanie commanded. Even though she was young, she was used to giving orders. The man seemed to realize he should leave, so he let Stephanie drag him out of the room. They went into the kitchen and watched Sterling cook.

Alashia was so worn out. She slept for three days, only waking at times for food. Sterling tried to ease the burden of being there, so he went with Danzig and helped on the farm. Danzig appreciated the help and hoped they would stay awhile. Martha, on the other hand, despised having them there. She wasn't a charitable woman naturally, hating to share their meager things with strangers. She also detested Alashia sleeping in her bed. She wasn't stupid. She knew why her husband let them stay. She could see the beauty in Alashia, and it made her despise her even more. While Martha went about doing house chores, she made as much noise as possible, hoping to chase Alashia away, but Alashia never woke. Stephanie hated being inside with Martha, so she would tag around with Sterling all day.

On the fourth day, Alashia got out of bed and was filled with more energy. "I feel better. These people have been nice enough. We really should get going."

"I don't think you are ready," Sterling said. "You need to rest more." He rubbed his fingers gently through her hair. Warmness of their togetherness bonded them.

"I will get all the rest I need at the castle," Alashia said.

"Danzig said the castle is a week's journey from here. You aren't ready for that."

Alashia could feel her own weakness. "No, I guess you are right." She allowed Sterling to lower her back in the bed. The thought of a week journey sapped away her energy. She just wanted to sleep.

Sterling continued to farm while Alashia rested. They had been there for a week and a half when Alashia insisted they leave. Together, Sterling and Stephanie prepared some dried meat and fruit for the journey. Since Sterling had worked so hard, Danzig gave him a pepper coin, the currency for the kingdom. "It's not much," he said," but if you are frugal, it should be enough to get you to the castle. I really have nothing more to give."

"You really don't even have that to give," Martha grumbled.

The three left, and to their great relief, they found a merchant heading in the direction of the castle. He was willing to give them a ride to the village for the pepper coin. Alashia and Stephanie were so relieved to make the journey in the wagon. It got them there in two days. Once dropped off, they only had one day's worth of walking to do. With plenty to eat, and over a week's worth of rest, Alashia was able to endure the last day of walking.

### Chapter 4

Princess Alashia had envisioned a grand reception once she arrived to her cousin's castle. Queen Flora, her cousin, reigned over the kingdom of Landseisha. It was a fairly young kingdom, one her husband King Thomas had started. Shortly before King Thomas's father passed, he divided his kingdom into four. He wanted each one of his sons to have the chance to rule their own kingdom. So they did, naming their own kingdom and creating their own rules. Sometimes they would quibble over minor land disputes, but for the most part, they stayed pretty united.

The only reason Alashia had gone to Landseisha was because her father had always told her if there were any problems, then to go to Landseisha. He adored his daughter Alashia, and he felt a faraway kingdom would keep her the safest. Alashia had one sister who had married into Cloats; a neighboring kingdom that allied Andleburg. Even with her sister's kingdom close, King Wolfgang had always feared it would not be safe enough for his prized daughter.

When she got to the castle, she was not received as she had hoped.

"Please let me in to audience with Queen Flora, for she is my cousin," Alashia pleaded. The guards could hardly bear to be around the three because their smell was putrid. They looked at the princess's threadbare attire.

"There is no way that you are royalty. Now be gone with you," the guards said.

"Just ask her. Tell her Princess Alashia and Princess Stephanie are here. We are from Andleburg. All you have to do is tell her that, then she will let us in."

"Be gone with you NOW!" the guard yelled as he pushed Alashia away. His force sent her back into a mud puddle. The brown mud slopped against her backside, arms, and even her face. "And I don't want to see you here again," he said.

Alashia pulled herself up. "I will be on the outer wall waiting to see my cousin, you tell her that," Alashia said as she walked away. Sterling and Stephanie joined her. They went to the outer wall where a camp of beggars stationed. Stephanie's muscles locked up and she grabbed Alashia's hand when she realized where they were headed.

"We are not going to stay here," Stephanie said a little too loud. Everyone turned and looked at them.

"We have no other options. We are strangers in this land, and we have no money," Alashia said.

"We can think of something better than this." Stephanie pleaded.

Alashia turned to her with tears in her eyes. "We have nothing left, do you understand that? Nothing. And, without Flora acknowledging us, we are nothing. If we walk away now, where will we go? There is nowhere to go?"

"We can go back to Danzig and Martha's. They seemed to like us."

"And what, live off some farmer for the rest of our lives? That isn't an option. We must stay right here, so any chance we get, we can let Flora know we are here."

Stephanie looked at the beggars gathered around the wall. The rain had begun again as it pounded down on their heads. The beggars didn't appear to notice. All of them seemed to have the same sullen expression of defeat. The rain splashed in the puddles below them and drenched them from top to bottom. Little bony kids clung to their parent's sides. "We can't stay here," Stephanie again tried to emphasize.

"We are nothing if we don't. We can't go back to Andleburg. That is gone from us."

"Then let us go to Lucille's."

"How, and with what money. At this moment, we are no better than they are," Alashia whispered, pointing to the people.

"Well, I am a princess, and there is no way I will join those people," Stephanie said as she threw her arms over her chest.

Alashia turned her back to Stephanie and went and took a seat in a mud puddle next to the wall. Sterling went to her side and draped his arm around her.

"If you would like, I could go and earn some money. Maybe you can buy an audience with Flora, or maybe I can send you to your sister's."

"No, none of those will work. One does not buy an audience with a queen, and I will never travel overseas again. The only thing I can do is sit here and wait," Alashia said.

"Well, then let me at least earn money so you can have food to eat each day."

Lightning flashed overhead. Stephanie was still standing a ways away from Sterling and Alashia.

"Sterling, you have been kind to me. There really isn't anything more you can do for me know. You got me safely here, and that was your duty. You are free to leave and return to your life. Stephanie and I will always be in your debt."

"I will not leave you until you are safe. If you want me to stay by your side and protect you, then I will. Otherwise, I will go and earn food and clothing for you. But I refuse to abandon you!"

"You are so kind, Sterling of Candleshaw."

Eventually, Stephanie felt foolish standing alone in the rain. She sat to the side of Sterling where he draped his arm around her and Alashia. The rain continued to pour down.

The next morning, Sterling went to leave the girls, but they begged him to stay. They told him as long as they had food, they wished his company. Sterling obliged them and stayed by their side. Since their stomachs had already shrunk from not eating much, their food supply lasted for a few more days.

While they waited, a letter reached Queen Flora informing her about the death of King Andleburg and the disappearance of his two young daughters. She had heard about two girls outside the castle claiming to be her cousins. With the new information about Andleburg, she decided to grant them an audience.

Instantly upon seeing them, she recognized Alashia. She wouldn't have identified Stephanie, for she had barely been born when Flora had come overseas. But there was no way Flora would ever forget Alashia.

For a moment, Queen Flora almost ran over to Alashia and embraced her. Seeing Alashia reminded her of her upbringing. She had been raised in the Andleburg Castle and she greatly missed her home. But, then she stopped herself. Such a display of affection would be unfitting for a queen. And besides, she hated Alashia.

As Flora looked Alashia over, she smiled. Alashia looked so distraught and tattered. It brought Flora such joy to see Alashia in that condition. She was surprised when all her feelings of jealousy returned to her. She hadn't seen Alashia for eight years. She thought with time those unkind feelings would have dispersed, but they were still heavily there.

Flora had been a very plain looking girl, and the older she became, the plainness turned unsightly. Her hair was the consistency of stringy hay and almost as dry. Her nose curled up into a piggish look, with oversized nostrils. She had a wart above her eyelid, and her eyebrows had grown into one wild brow. She was overweight, with thick sausage like fingers. During her whole childhood, all she ever heard were people rave about Alashia's beauty. They always doted over Alashia and turned their backs to her own homely presence. Flora had spent her childhood feeling like the most repugnant person in the world, and she blamed her unpleasing looks on Alashia. She was sure if Alashia hadn't been around stunning everyone with her presence, all would have noticed Flora.

Once she was betrothed to Prince Thomas, Flora knew she would move overseas to a place where no one knew about Alashia. Flora was ecstatic, for she would no longer have her unlovely looks compared to the ravishing Alashia. And it had worked. Once she moved, she no longer heard people put her down for her repulsive looks, and no one compared her to Alashia. But now, that would all be shattered with Alashia standing in her kingdom. This could not be.

Alashia explained her story to Flora. Flora barely listened. At one time, Alashia was sure Flora had fallen asleep, so Alashia stopped talking. After a bit, Flora opened her eyes. She ordered her servant to bring in some food. With the moments of silence lingering above them, she finally spoke to Alashia.

"Who is that man by your side? Is he your husband?"

"I tried to explain to you who he was. His name is Sterling of Candleshaw."

"And is he your husband?" Flora asked as she stuffed a cream filled pastry in her mouth. The cream dribbled down her fat chin.

"No, he is my escort."

"Then why is he still here? You are safe, my dear. He is free to return to his home."

Sterling and Alashia looked at each other. Their eyes seemed to be talking, something was being communicated.

"I wish him to stay," Alashia said.

"But he is not your husband. That would create a scandal." Flora shoved the rest of the pastry into her mouth. Her cheeks puffed out, while a glob of cream landed in her lap. She smeared her chunky finger in the oily spot and brought it to her mouth where she sucked it off.

"You are excused to leave," Flora commanded Sterling as she scanned the food tray next to her and looked for something else to gorge on.

"Well, actually, he stays with me," Alashia said shyly, but with determination.

"He can only stay if you are properly married."

"Flora, do you forget I am your cousin? Royalty as well. You speak as if I was your subject."

"As far as I understand, you have no kingdom, therefore you have no sway. Besides, my little pet, don't forget you are in my kingdom!"

Who was this queen before her? Alashia couldn't figure out what had turned her cousin so sour and hard.

"Are you with child?" Flora asked as she licked a jelly filled roll.

"Flora, I never! How can you accuse me of such things? I have never been with a man. I am a proper princess."

"You travel alone with a man and want him to live with you. Oh the rumors will run wild with that one. I am sorry Alashia. I cannot have you staying here with such a scandal attached to your name."

"Flora, what are you saying? No one here even knows my name."

"Let's keep it that way," Flora said in a very unkind voice.

"Flora, what is going on? Father told me if I ever was in trouble, then I was to come to you and you would help me out."

"Oh, and I will, for you are family. But I won't do it in my husband's castle. I respect him way too much to bring a scandal into our family. There is a château at the North Front Vineyard. I will expel the ground keepers at once. You and your lover can go there and care for the grounds. They make twenty two silver coins a month. Since you are my cousin, I will give you a never ending allowance. Anything you need, just send word, and it is yours."

"Flora, surely there is an extra room here for me?" Princess Alashia squealed in desperation.

"No, not with the scandal you bring. I must distance the connection we share."

Alashia bawled. Why was her cousin treating her so poorly? She had always envisioned a warm welcome and a comfortable home with her cousin, for they had been childhood friends. Flora had been raised in the castle. They had shared memories and family life, so why would Flora turn on her so badly?

Thelton had really tried to get Alashia to go stay with her sister, Lucille. Why had she fought it? She thought she was following her father's wishes by going to stay with her cousin Flora. She could now see what a horrible choice that had been. Lucille would have taken her in, opening the doors fully to her. If she would have gone to her sister's, she would have also missed the nightmarish boat ride. Maybe, Thelton was smarter than her. How she wished she had listened to him. How she missed him.

"Flora, can you not do better for me? I can't keep the grounds of a vineyard. I am a princess."

Flora picked the food out of her teeth. Nonchalantly, she said, "Take it, or leave it."

### Chapter 5

The darkness in her head was replaced by the blackness her eyes drew in, stinging swelled over them as the water beat against her eyes, regardless, she daren't close them, for she needed to make sense of the new -aquatic world around her. When she tried to take in a breath, she realized something was breathing for her. There were thick warm lips encased over her frozen lips. She could feel the breath of life pass between her and her unknown savior. Maybe Thelton had jumped in to rescue her. The thought brought her peace. Suddenly, the saving breath stopped and suction replaced it. Air was being drawn out of her lungs at powerful force. Excruciating pain radiated her chest cavity, while her lungs felt as if they were being ripped out. She didn't realize the sucking was pulling all the water out she had inhaled, saving her life. She withered around and fought, but strong hands held her down. The dark water flowed around her. Just when she felt her chest would implode, the breath of life returned. Her muscles relaxed.

Straining her eyes, she tried to see who had a hold of her, who had control of her, for she could feel she was being towed through the water. In time, her eyes adjusted slightly and she could make out the figures of a group of people, all swimming around her. Had the men from the ship come to save her? A wisp of blond hair smacked her in the face, it was long and golden. She didn't recall seeing anyone on the ship with such hair.

As they dragged her along, continually breathing for her, they passed areas where beams of light shown through, this gave her opportunity to see more of the details of her rescue party. She was shocked when she noticed the people who surrounded her were women. There were a few women on the boat, but she couldn't imagine any of them diving in after her. She looked at the woman stuck to her lips, disappointed to see it wasn't Thelton. In fact, there were no men around her, not even the captain. "What had happened to him?" she wondered.

The women continued to propel her through the chilly waters of the sea. A few times, Indy would panic and try to break free, feelings of claustrophobia and doubt overtook her, but the women kept a saving grip on her and kept her in line. During those times, they would lovingly stroke their hands across her arms to bring her calm and reassurance.

While they swam, large schools of fish crossed their path. Indy remembered the silver fish she and Sterling had caught, but these fish were nothing of the sort. They came in a bright array of colors and designs. Some were bright, others spinney, some had stripes, while others had spots. The glowing ones mesmerized her.

There was a vast array of plants. Some had long hollow tubes, while others looked like grass. There were plants looking like spider web, and some were bright orange. Indy let go of all her reservations and fears. She had no idea a world like this existed. She felt excitement as she let her eyes explore the new world before her. Peace took control of her emotions.

With a new calmness, things became brighter and brighter, despite the deeper they got. As Indy found the ability to see clearer, she noticed something very particular about the women. None of them had legs; instead they all had tails like a fish! Their tails ranged from purple, green, red, black, and yellow. These women were some type of fish. It boggled her as to what they could be. She realized however, there was probably still much in the world to discover, for she had lived most of her life in the Vegus Forest amongst the dragons. It had only been about a year since she had discovered man existed. Up to that point, she had been oblivious to the fact the world was populated by humans.

The women-fish carried Indy through a cave opening into a large underwater cavern. The cavern was illuminated so bright it hurt her eyes. It must have been a congregating ground for the women-fish, since there were many floating around, interacting with each other. They seemed to find unity in touch, for they were all interlaced together through their hands. Upon her entrance, their activities stopped and their attention was drawn to Indy. They gathered around her. Soon she was being touched and prodded all over her body. They were very interested in her.

Indy decided if they were going to touch her, she would touch them. She stretched her fingers out and rubbed them across every tail she could. The tails were slick and soft, even squishy. She caught handfuls of their hair, which felt more silken than hers. During this, she was still receiving breaths of life, always having a woman-fish attached to her lips.

Indy decided to give the women-fish something else to explore. With much strength, she opened her wings against the pressure of the water. They uncoiled and filled the area. The women-fishes' eyes widened. They gathered around her wings and touched and prodded, letting their fingers weave in and out of the scaly wonder. Indy smiled. She knew her wings were a great mystery to all she met.

While the women-fish explored Indy, she continued to look around the cavern. She noticed the source of light was emanating from a plant, a large white and translucent plant. It had large fanlike leaves stretching far past its base. The light seemed to pour out of every part of the plant, a light resembled the brightness of the sun. Indy couldn't study it for long because it burned her eyes.

While she looked away, one women-fish came over to Indy, and all the other women-fish moved aside, even the one that gave her life. Indy felt the pressure build in her lungs as she was left without oxygen, along with the pressure came panic and fear, for she needed oxygen. The woman draped several necklaces made from shells over Indy's neck, then she latched onto Indy's lips, restoring air to Indy's lungs.

One by one, the women-fish were satisfied with meeting Indy and fluttered away. Eventually, Indy was left with only three women-fish. When they too had felt fulfilled, they swam her out of the cave and up to the surface, with one still breathing for her. Her eyes took one last glance of a world of amazement; a world where brightly colored fish swam all around her, a world were creatures of every shape displayed their uniqueness. When her head broke through the water, Indy was left to breathe on her own.

Indy took big breaths of the salty air and rejoiced in the ability to breathe on her own. She looked over at the three heads bobbing in the water next to her.

"What are you?" Indy asked.

The women-fish smiled, but none answered her. She figured they didn't understand how to communicate with her, which made sense, for it had only been a short time since she learned the words of humans.

Each women-fish came to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then disappeared into the water. Indy let herself sink under the water where she could watch the striking women-fish swim away. When they were gone, she resurfaced to the top of the water. She rubbed her red eyes. Had that really just happened? She treaded water, glad Sterling had taught her how to swim.

"Remarkable," she heard. She swung around and looked at a small rock island next to her. Sitting on it, with a face of pure pleasure, was the captain.

"First I fly in the sky with a dragon woman, then I saved by mermaids. This be the best day of me life."

Indy was happy to see the captain. She had worried about him. She reached for the rock island and climbed up. "What were they?" she asked him.

"Mermaids; half fish, half woman, half legend. Boy oh boy, I don't think theres many out there who will believe me day."

"Why? The men saw you fly with me, they'd believe."

"Sure they may, but not the part about mermaids."

"Are they rare like me?" Indy asked.

"Indeed they be," the captain replied.

"I'm glad I got to see them, so wonderful." Indy's eyes sparkled as she recalled her experience.

"Indeed."

"And all those fish and all those plants, are they rare like the mer...mermeds?"

"Mermaids. No, they not. Fish we see an eat all the time. Plants we don't eat but they not rare. But mermaids, most people don't believe in em."

Although tired, Indy felt refreshed from the experience. "Well, I'm glad I got to see them."

"They saved us." the captain said.

Indy stretched out and let the warm sun bake her skin with a penetrating heat forcing its way past her flesh and into her bones. The storm had cleared as quickly as it came. Everything shriveled on her. She had been so cold. She glanced around the rock island. It wasn't much bigger than she and the captain. She looked around the sea. All she saw was calm water ahead. She realized the storm was gone, but the ship was gone as well. She had already been stranded on an island. She didn't want to go through it again. Besides, the island was far too small to sustain life for any length of time.

Worried, she looked at the captain who had fallen asleep. She pushed him until he opened his eyes.

"Where's the ship?" she asked.

"Gone," he replied in a calm manner, letting his eyes close again. Indy pushed him again.

"Gone where, we can't be stuck on this island."

The captain looked around, as if he was noticing their situation for the first time. "Not good fortune." he replied. "Maybe no one will hear me tale of mermaids." He frowned at the thought.

"This bad," Indy said. "Where did ship go?"

"Sunk by storm, me reckon, or on its way to port."

"What'll we do?"

"How's bout ye fly around til ye find it?"

Indy wondered why she hadn't thought about that herself. She immediately jumped up, opened her wings and took off into the sky. She spent several hours flying until she returned to the rock, gloom setting in.

"No luck?" the captain asked.

"No, let me rest for a while, then I will search in other direction." She said pointing out where she hadn't been yet. She was exhausted and needed a break.

After a nap, she set off into the sky again. This time she returned within the hour, a bright expression on her face.

"I found it! I found it!" she shouted as she landed.

The lazy captain stood up. He moved around at snail's pace, not carrying a worry about him. Indy went over to him and wrapped her arms around his chest. With a heave, they flew off the island and in the direction of the ship. The captain relaxed as he enjoyed another flight through the clouds. If he died right now he would be satisfied, for nothing beat the experiences he just had.

### Chapter 6

The ship had been out for four weeks. The confinement and poor quality of food was wearing on the passengers and the ship hands. The only three that found real respite amongst the strain of the travel were Indy, Thelton, and the captain. Every day Indy would take them for a short flight above the ship. Because she was nervous of flying too far from the ship, she didn't go very far. She also refused to go during storms.

Indy released Thelton after a flight around the sea.

He really enjoyed his time in the air with her because it helped him clear his thoughts. Every day he became more antsy for the war he was about to lead, feelings of fright and inadequacy clung to him, so thick he could hardly shake them off. Although people naturally drew to his good looks and the majestic manner he carried, he didn't know how to lead. When he had tried to lead in the past, he had failed miserably. He was a selfish man and always put his own interests first. "As a leader, I will have to learn to put other's needs before mine. Can I do that?" he wasn't too sure.

During the long ship ride, Thelton had much time to think. "I should have gone on with Alashia and lived the easy life she had chosen," he often thought. But, deep inside, he was very vain and very prideful, a pride wove deep into the fiber of his soul, and because of this, he couldn't handle walking away from the reputation he had built for himself in the tri-kingdoms. For most of his life, the people had almost worshiped him. It had only been the last little while he had become a wanted, and much hated man. If he moved anywhere else, he would be a nobody.

Thelton glanced over at Indy. It never ceased to fascinate him the way she carried herself about. At that moment, she looked stately to him despite how ratty her black hair was getting. Sterling had kept her hair very groomed on the island. Thelton didn't have the ability to help her with things like that. A warmness radiated inside him as he looked at her. "I am glad you came with me," he told her. He had fought hard to win her. He wasn't sure where their paths would end. Since he was so distracted with his upcoming battle, he rarely took time to notice her. He hated that, but he didn't need any distractions, and when they weren't flying, she was a distraction. Sometimes, she would try to talk to him, but he would hush her. He needed to think.

Indy grew restless with Thelton. On her first ship ride with Sterling, he had spent most of their free time together teaching Indy new things. Now, during the trip to Andleburg, she had only her mind to keep her company, for Thelton kept pushing her away. If he continued treating her like this, she would leave him once the ship docked.

During her meditation, she thought much about Sterling. She missed him. She wondered if she had made the right choice. Maybe she should have stayed on the island with Sterling. The island had been pretty pleasant and it had everything they needed to survive. They both liked the outdoors and could have been very happy alone. More often than not, she regretted her decision to follow Thelton.

Of course, Thelton wasn't the only reason she chose to get on the ship. She missed her family. She had been raised by dragons, and they had been the only family she had known for most of her life. Although the dynamics seemed odd to most who heard about it, it was perfectly natural to her. They had given her the skills and nourishment she needed to survive. For those reasons, she planned on visiting her family shortly after they made port.

### Chapter 7

Flora brought her bishop to the castle. "I insist you and your escort are immediately married, because I will not have you living together on my land without it being proper," she said.

"Flora, I have not sinned, nor do I plan on it. I am not ready to go into marriage with him, he isn't even my betrothed." Alashia tried to protest, but before she could do much squawking, she was whisked off to the bath where the servants doused her in thick soapy water. It felt tremendous as weeks of filth washed away. Fragrant bubbles popped against her skin, swirling warm water relaxed her muscles, and faithful servants messaged her scalp. When the bath ended, the servants dressed her in a frumpy dress which Flora had provided."

"This material is so itchy," she said as she madly scratched her soft skin.

"I can't get married. This isn't right," Alashia protested as the guards steered her down the aisle. No one listened to her.

Flora sat to the side of the altar as pride filled her. "Now Alashia will be married, and no longer a threat to me. I still can't believe that mongrel came to my kingdom to haunt me," she thought.

When she saw Alashia walk down the aisle, heat filled her. She wanted to rip the dress off of her cousin. How did she do it? How did Alashia manage to look stunning in that dress? The dress had belonged to a newly hired servant. It was ordered to be burned, for it was the ugliest thing ever to be brought into the castle. But when Flora decided to force Alashia into wedlock, she thought about the dress and saved it from its infernal doom. She wanted to make Alashia as hideous as she could. Flora could hardly contain her bitterness for Alashia. And now, just to spite Flora, Alashia looked radiant in the rags. Her very movements and actions were divine and it made Flora sick. Flora needed to quickly get her married and rush Alashia out the door. Flora's husband would return home in the morning from business. She did not want him to see her cousin's beauty, nor did she want him to even know her cousin existed.

The wedding had taken place so fast. Alashia wasn't entirely sure she wanted to marry Sterling. She had thought about it, and even at times dreamt about it. But now, here she was being rushed into marrying him, and she wanted to run. Even though she and Thelton had parted ways, she couldn't stop feeling like she was betraying him. What if he won back Andleburg then sent for her to rule by his side? Her stomach felt like there were fifty pound rocks in it.

When the bishop asked her if she agreed to marry Sterling, she could barely utter, "I do". When they kissed, she felt numb. The bishop turned them around and presented them as husband and wife. Sterling happily took Alashia's hand. He was determined to spend the rest of his life making her happy. Alashia just stared at him with her blue eyes. Was he really her husband?

The word husband was still lingering in the air when Alashia and Sterling were rushed out to their new château.

...

The agonizing voyage ended up taking five weeks instead of the anticipated four. The sickly, tormented passengers stumbled off the ship. Indy vowed she would never take another boat ride again. As she stretched her legs on the dock, she looked around for Thelton. He was immediately surrounded by the men who had returned with him. Even though they had spent almost the entirety of the trip planning their strategy, they were at it again.

Indy pushed her way through the crowd and approached Thelton.

"Thelton," she yelled above all the noise. She had finally started calling him his full name.

Thelton looked annoyed by her intrusion on his time. He pointed over to a rock. "Go wait for me over there."

"I need talk at you," she said.

Thelton turned his broad back to her, showing her he was done listening. Indy reached out and spun him back facing her.

"I really hoping to..."

"Imara," Thelton growled through his teeth, using the name he had given her. "Not now!" he again turned his back to her.

Indy clawed at the air in front of her. His gruffness hurt her. She really wanted to talk to Thelton, but he didn't want to listen to what she had to say. In fact, he had hardly listened to her during the long five weeks.

Indy paced back and forth for a bit. She didn't want to sit on the rocks. She wasn't going to let him tell her what to do. As the time dragged on, Indy wearied of waiting for him. Finally, she decided she was done. If that was how Thelton was going to act, she didn't need him.

Indy stretched forth her brilliant wings. Many of the men stopped listening to Thelton and watched her. Her massive black, gold, teal, and purple wings stretched open, filling the space around her. She looked powerful. Although most of the men had seen her come and go off of the ship, her wings and ability to fly still mesmerized them. She was about to fly away, when someone called out.

"Dragon!"

At first, everyone thought the men back at the port were referring to Indy, but when they looked to the dock, they noticed a dragon had flown in. It was a brilliant looking dragon, with yellow and teal wings. The scales on its body reflected the light and shimmered rainbows on the ground. Everyone stared at the dragon. It was flying over the ship they had just come in on, spraying it with fire. The men were dumbfounded, not sure of what to do.

"Do something," they said turning to Thelton. Before he had time to pull out his swords, Indy had taken off in the air toward the dragon. Hopefully she was going to stop it.

Indy didn't know the dragon, for it wasn't one of her family from the Vegus Forest. She flew over to it. The dragon stopped blowing fire at the ship and met Indy face to face in the air. It let out a loud screech. The men below held their ears in pain because the noise was so loud. Indy replied with a screeching of her own. Unexpectedly, the dragon sent a bolt of fire into Indy' face. The flames ignited her hair. With its winged hand, the dragon racked its claws across her face. The force sent Indy tumbling out of the sky. _Thud_. She met the ground.

Her hair was still on fire when Thelton's men met her side. Using their own shirts, they wrapped them around her hair and put out the flames. When the fire was out, she looked at them through the blood dripping off her face. The dragon had torn it open pretty wide. Just then, the dragon landed next to Indy. All the men backed away. Thelton had already unleashed his swords and charged at it. He knew the best chance he had was to come at the dragon's back side. With the dragon distracted by Indy, Thelton came to the side of its neck and shoved his golden sword into the dragon's carotid artery. Simultaneously, he pierced the dragon in the heart with his emerald sword. The dragon turned from Indy and let out a huge squeal of pain, jerking back and forth as it fought death. With effort, Thelton was able to pull his golden sword out, then he stuck it in again and again. He did the same thing with the emerald sword at the heart. The dragon fought f for a couple more minutes, then it fell dead. Thelton didn't waste any time severing off the head with his golden sword. He was so fast, Indy hadn't had the time to stop him. She wanted to, but she moved too slowly.

"That is why he is called The Dragon Slayer," a man said in awe.

"He is good," another said.

The men watched with new adoration building inside. The dragon was massive. Most men had never seen a dragon that close. Thelton had killed him within seconds, making the work he did look effortless. He picked up the head and carried it over to Indy where he dropped it next to her. She scooted back away from it in horror.

"What you do?" she screamed. "What you do?" She turned away, for she couldn't handle the sight of the dragon's head.

"I avenged you." he said, feeling a bit confused by her reaction.

"You kill dragon!" Indy screamed.

"The dragon tried to kill you. I saved your life."

"Dragon wouldn't kill me," Indy said.

"Oh yes, it was trying to. Is this dragon your family?"

"No, but you don't kill dragons." Tears were running down the blood on her face.

"It was going to kill you."

Indy stood up and pushed Thelton to the ground. "YOU DON'T KILL DRAGONS!" she yelled.

Indy's reaction angered Thelton. "I saved your life!" he said, rolling out from under her. All the men smirked as they watched the mighty hunter take a lashing from Indy.

"I no need you to save my life. I can save my life. You don't kill dragons," Indy again said.

"Why?" Thelton was annoyed.

"Dragons are family."

"You said this one wasn't."

"So, I am part dragon. It's like killing me."

"Not even close to the same thing," Thelton growled. "This is how life works. We kill to survive. We either kill for food, or we kill to not become food."

"But no dragons."

"You kill. It might not be dragons, but you still kill. You kill all sorts of animals and eat them. In fact, so does your dragons. They kill animals, and they even kill humans. It is the way of life."

Indy looked down at her hands. She was shaking. "Don't kill dragons."

"I did what I had to, and I would do it again," Thelton growled in a low voice.

Indy pulled herself up and went to Thelton. With her claws, she scraped them across his face, just like the gold and teal dragon had done to her. She let out a huge scream then flew up into the sky. Thelton threw his swords to the ground as his hands shot to his face to cradle the pain. Again, he watched Indy fly away.

### Chapter 8

As Indy flew, she felt a freedom she hadn't felt for a long time. She had been stuck on the island for what felt like forever. When she was there, she rarely got the alone time she so desperately craved. Sure, at times she had wandered the island alone, but at the end of the day, she always returned to the chaos waiting her amongst her friends. Now, as she took her solitary flight, she felt so relieved. She was her own person. She had practically raised herself. Although she had found protection by her dragon family, she had taught herself most of what she knew. It brought peace to once again be alone.

She had been raised in one of the deadliest forest in the world, with all sorts of dangers in it. The biggest danger was her family, the dragons. To her, they were a protection, possibly one of the reasons she managed not to die in the forest.

Without even thinking about it, Indy flew back to her childhood home, back to the Vegus Forest. As she flew above the canopy of trees, a sense of peace and tranquility rushed over her. She couldn't describe the feelings she felt as she saw the landmarks she was raised amongst. As she flew over different parts of the forest, she would pick up certain smells that would bring back feelings and memories. Indy felt so good. She felt alive.

As she finished her flight home, she did a few rolls and twists in the air. She sang, something she had picked up from watching Princess Stephanie. Stephanie had sung all the time. Indy enjoyed the ability to create music from her own mouth. As she flew into the dragon camp, the hairs on her arms tingled, a rush of emotions built up inside while excitement filled her body. She couldn't wait to greet her family.

When she landed, she saw eight of her brothers. She was overjoyed to see more had returned. Earlier in the year, she and her family had flown into the Flankton Forest. There had been a battle between her family of dragons and the dragon family of the Flankton Forest. Indy had left without seeing how it ended. Since that time, she hadn't seen most of her family. fearing they had all died.

Upon seeing some of her brothers back in the camp, Indy ran up to them and gave them all hugs. Each one bent down and smelled her and nuzzled against her. A rush of emotions and memories filled Indy. She breathed deeply to capture their musk, a powerful and calming odor. She rubbed her hands across their scales, so rough and familiar. After she had soaked in being amongst her brothers, she looked around for the spotted dragon. She was nowhere to be seen. Indy wondered if she was gone for good or just out flying around.

After an affectionate greeting, Indy gazed around the camp, seeing if there were any changes. Not much new, the camp still looked the same as she remembered. She made her way over to the two nests. A flood of security surrounded her. She had been brought up in the nests by her mother, the queen dragon. One nest was used for birthing eggs in. The other was used for raising young dragons in. The spotted dragon was the last living dragon the queen had birthed. At that time, the queen was very old, and had worn out. She had laid some eggs a year after the spotted dragon hatched, but because she was so weary, she hadn't properly incubated the eggs and those eggs ended up dying, and she never laid another egg again because of her weary state. So Indy had never seen a dragon egg.

Indy remembered the last time she returned to the Vegus Forest, she had seen the spotted dragon lounging in a nest. Indy had been raised in the nest alongside the spotted dragon. Seeing her sister there, Indy had gone to the nest to greet her, but to her uttermost surprise, the spotted dragon tried to kill her. The spotted dragon was only territorial with Indy around the nests, but away from them she was peaceful. After that incident, Indy stayed clear of the nests. But, with the spotted dragon nowhere to be seen, Indy cautiously ventured over to them. She was awed by what she saw.

Inside one of the nests were three eggs, each a bit larger than her head. They were magnificent to look at. One was iridescent and captured the rays of the sun. It sent prisms out on the ground and upon Indy. Indy passed her hand back and forth through the casted rainbow. She tried to capture it and hold it, but was never able to contain it. Another egg glimmered purple with green scattered dots. The third was a brilliant sea green.

Indy had no idea what they were. She picked up each egg one at a time, rotating them around in her hand. Rubbing her fingers across their bumpy surface gave her a vibrating sensation. She smelled them. She licked them. To her, they looked like large rocks, but she knew they weren't. Picking up the brilliant sea green egg, she shook it and shook it, then she knocked the surface with her fist. A low resonating sound echoed off the egg.

Deciding to explore the eggs more, Indy jumped out of the nest and searched for a rock. She found a large, heavy one and took it back to the eggs. Lifting the rock high above her head, she brought it down swiftly and hit the sea green egg with it. A solid thud ricocheted off the egg. The impact slammed against the palm off her hands and stung, regardless, she went to do it again, but this time with even more force. She was curious as to what was inside. As she raised the cumbersome rock higher above her head, she could hear wings flapping in the sky. Fearful it was her sister the spotted dragon, Indy dropped the rock in the nest and jumped out. She had learned the nest was a territorial place for the spotted dragon, and the spotted dragon would kill anything by it. Indy ran to where the other dragons were and quickly lay next to one. Her heart beat heavily in her chest.

From up above, green wings filled the sky. Indy gazed from her spot and watched her sister soar into camp. The spotted dragon immediately noticed Indy and upon landing, went over to her. Indy jumped up and wrapped her arms around her sister. The two nuzzled each other. The spotted dragon seemed pleased with the return of Indy. Indy felt relieved, for the spotted dragon didn't seem to know Indy had been at the nests.

As they greeted each other, Indy noticed the spotted dragon carried a wolf in its claw. She dropped her catch before Indy, as a welcome offering. It was a universal practice amongst the dragons to share food; however, they also fought over food. Indy's ravenous hunger compelled her to dive mouth first into the wolf. Her teeth tore away several chunks of fur, some of it embedding between her gums. She spit out some fur and swallowed the rest. She didn't particularly care for fur, but she didn't shy away from it either. Her third bite produced meat. The sweetness of the meat tingled her tongue while the warmness filled her mouth. She hardly took the time to chew it before she swallowed it down and went for another bite. A smear of blood surrounded her lips and spread to her cheeks. She had only gotten two real bites when the dragons began fighting for the carcass. The wolf was ripped out of her hands where three dragons played tug-a-war with it. Indy had long since learned she didn't stand a chance in a fight for food. With that in mind, she quickly backed out of the brawl.

Her mouth salivated for another bite while the flavor of the wolf lingered behind. She sat down on the dirt and watched her brothers fight for the remainders of their meal. A huge smile spread across her face. She couldn't believe she was home. This was where she belonged, and it brought her great pleasure to be amongst her family again.

...

There was a large cave barely inside the Vegus Forest Thelton knew about. It was well hidden in an area he was sure no man traveled. With that in mind, he took the one hundred fifty men from the ship to the cave. They needed a concealed, safe place for them to group and bring recruits to. The cave had many deep caverns spanning in multiple directions. It would have the ability to house a whole army, if needed. Since most people were deathly afraid of the Vegus Forest, Thelton was sure no one would notice or stumble across them.

It was decided night would be the safest time to gather recruits. This responsibility was left to the men. Thelton would go to Cloats and Candleshaw and request the aid of their king to help them fight against Andleburg. He had met both kings on multiple occasions. He had also helped King Trenton of Candleshaw rid the kingdom of dragons several times. He wasn't as familiar with King Amadeus of Cloats, but since Alashia's sister had married Prince Stommer, Thelton was sure they would be his ally. Thelton also counted on the alliance Cloats and Candleshaw had forged with Andleburg many years ago.

Thelton didn't think it would take much to gain the support of the neighboring kings. What worried was him was the time involved. It would take time to travel between the two kingdoms. He was sure the kings would want time to gather supplies and prepare the men for battle. Thelton was impatient and he wanted to start fighting right away.

### Chapter 9

"This is the stable's fastest horse," Plithon said. Not only was he the stable hand for King Trevor, he was also the brother-in law to Fredrick, one of Thelton's men.

"How long will it take for the king to notice him gone?" Fredrick asked.

Plithon smiled huge, his eyes twinkled like they had a secret to share. "A shipment of tainted oats came in a few days ago. Over forty of the king's horses bloated and died. We are still in the processes of collecting the dead horses. I will just count this one amongst the dead."

"Can I rely on a horse that might bloat during my journey and die?" Thelton asked cautiously. He rubbed his face where Indy had slashed him. Why had she done that, and why did she leave him? If he hadn't killed that dragon, then it would have killed her. Couldn't she understand that?

"Yes you can, because not all of the horses ate the grain. If this horse was going to get sick and die, he would have already done it."

Thelton stood by Fredrick's side and examined the black stallion. He wasn't sure he trusted it, but what choice did he have? It was a horse and he needed a horse quickly.

...

The men had already gathered supplies from friends and family. "These caverns have the food in it," a man named Stubby said, as he gave a tour of their workings. "Now watch your head as we go into this next room." The two had to bend low to make it into the next cavern.

"This room has the tools and weapons."

Thelton looked disappointedly at their meager pile of supplies. "Is this the best you can do? You dragged me on a ship for five weeks for this pathetic lot? Get the men out and bring in more tools and make more weapons if you have to. We are going to war!" Thelton barked. He flexed his large bicep up and down.

"Sorry," Stubby said as he bowed his head and avoided looking at Thelton's dark eyes. Thelton gathered what he would need for his trip to the ally kingdoms.

The first thing he grabbed was a pack. He liked to carry all his things close to his body. Opening it up, he filled it with fruit, roots, nuts, jerky, and cheese. He then grabbed some ointment for healing. There wasn't much rope to pick from, for they were all thin and weak. He found the strongest one and put it in the pack. After he gathered a handful of tea leaves, he tucked them into the pack. Tying the pack around his waist, Thelton readied himself for his journey.

During the ship ride, Thelton had already set up a hierarchy. He had his first mate, and the first mate had a mate. He had placed people in charge of gathering food. Others were in charge of collecting or making weapons. A few men were ordered to protect the cave. The remainder of the men was responsible for recruiting. Thelton felt proud at how easy it was to lead the men. They responded to his every wish. His whole life he had fought hard against leading. In fact, it was because he had resisted a leadership position the kingdom unraveled and was overthrown by Trevor.

"What would happen if I could go back and change the events of the past? What if I would have led the men into the Vegus Forest like I was supposed to and exterminated the dragons. If I had done it like I was supposed to, than none of the men would have died or got turned into tree like people. The king would still be on the throne. The princesses would still have all their fluffy things in the castle. Everything would have gone on like it was supposed to. How I wish I hadn't been so selfish and short sided."

Thelton tried to banish the images out of his mind by mounting his horse. He didn't want to think of Indy anymore. She was a distraction.

When Indy flew away at first, Thelton was angry. He decided she could go, what did he care? But, he did care, and it bothered him to have her gone again. At one point, he almost left the men to go and get her. He was pretty sure he would find her at the dragon camp in the heart of the Vegus Forest. He felt much of their relationship had consisted of him searching for her. Why were they always getting separated? Why couldn't she just stay put? He failed to realize it was his actions which drove her away. Just when he had about talked himself into searching her out in the Vegus Forest, he slapped his own face.

"What are you doing?" he asked himself. "She will be there when this is over. And if she is not, then so be it. I owe it to the kingdom to destroy Trevor. I can't walk away from them for my own heart. Besides, if we never end up together, then the better. I never wanted a woman anyways."

With his pack full, Thelton gathered the men.

"I will be quick and return with the army of Cloats and Candleshaw," Thelton said looking at the dozen of men who listened to him. He rubbed his hand across his tight chest. "Does everyone remember their orders?" Thelton asked.

The men nodded.

"Good. I expect my errand to take longer than yours. I will return as quickly as I can. At that time, I expect the rest of Andleburg ready."

Thelton dug his heals into the side of the stallion and headed to Candleshaw through the outskirts of the Vegus Forest.

Although the Vegus Forest was very deadly, the outer edges of it weren't as dangerous. At times, there would be something vicious at the outer part, but usually the most threatening creatures were deeper in. Thelton didn't fear anything inside the forest. Traveling through the forest would provide him with the coverage he needed from Trevor.

When the men could no longer see Thelton, they went back inside the cave.

...

As Thelton was three fourths of the way to Candleshaw, he saw a troll bent over trying to pull a root out of the ground. The troll saw Thelton and dropped the root and ran off.

"It sure is weird the troll's smell didn't overpower me like it usually does. Of course I have never seen a lone troll before. What is he doing away from his pack?" Thelton said to the horse as they rode by.

Trolls didn't scare Thelton. Nothing did. Every treacherous thing in the forest he saw as a challenge. Thelton was a magnificent hunter, the best in the world. No one came close to the skills he possessed. It was because of his incredible ability he had killed so many dragons and earned his reputation as the once beloved Dragon Slayer.

As Thelton continued to ride toward Candleshaw, he wished he hadn't been so selfish and tainted his reputation. He had enjoyed his reign as the Dragon Slayer. He had been an icon to the tri-kingdoms. His name was loved and revered. He decided to earn back his icon status.

Surprisingly, Thelton found he liked to lead. Because he had been such a beloved figure, it was easy for others to follow him. Not many dared tell him no or argue with him. Thelton realized power accompanied those who led. And suddenly, Thelton found himself attracted to power.

He continued to think about power and many other things during his journey. He finally ended a very uneventful trip around the outskirts of the Vegus Forest and headed to Candleshaw.

...

The guard at the gate didn't know what to do when Thelton arrived. He had guarded the main gate for years, and had always opened them without hesitation for the Dragon Slayer. But so much had changed over the year. Thelton had never wronged Candleshaw, but the guard was fully aware of the trouble he had caused Andleburg. The guard weighed out the decision in his mind. He looked Thelton's built body up and down. Thelton had a fixed stance, one of power, and the guard feared him.

Thelton grew impatient of the guard's quizzical stare. "Hey, open up. I know you recognize me."

He ignored Thelton. Unsure of what to do, he called over a nearby guard. They both turned their backs to Thelton and consulted each other for a few minutes. When they finished, the second guard slipped through the castle gate onto the castle grounds. Behind him the heavy gate banged closed. The original guard stood tall and stared through Thelton, not saying a word.

"Open the gates," Thelton demanded.

The guard felt so compelled to open the gates to Thelton, but he knew his place. He would not open the gates without an order. He tried to think of other things and block out Thelton.

After a long, uncomfortable silence, the other guard returned through the thick, rusty gates.

"Open the gates," he demanded.

The first guard gladly threw open the gates. He was relieved to end his standoff against The Dragon Slayer.

"Your horse stays here," the second guard said.

Reluctantly, Thelton dismounted his horse.

"And weapons," the guard said.

"This is so unnecessary. You have never made such demands before."

"That is because you hadn't been responsible for the death of a king before that."

Thelton didn't know what to say. The last comment from the guard had been unexpected, and it actually stung a little.

With his dark eyes, Thelton stared at the two guards. He had two swords, a golden sword, which he could take or leave, and an emerald sword. His emerald sword was a gift from King Wolfgang. It carried a huge personal value. Plus, it was very precise and he used it on all his major kills. He couldn't simply hand them over to common men.

Thelton removed the golden sword from the sheath and handed it over to the guard. The guard passed it to the other, and kept his hand out.

Thelton looked at him as if he had completed the expected orders.

"Come on Dragon Slayer, we all know about your emerald sword. Hand it over."

"Not a chance in the world," Thelton said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Then don't ever plan on seeing the king."

Thelton stepped up to the guard and grabbed the front of his tunic. He twisted the material, putting pressure on the guard's throat. Thelton's voice dropped to a rumbling base.

"You listen here. I carry more weight in this kingdom than one hundred of you. I have come and gone from this castle at leisure and will continue to do so. Do you understand?"

The guard's face turned red. The other guard forgot his duties and stood there watching, not lifting a finger to aid his comrade.

"With me I bring news of Princess Alashia and Princess Stephanie who have been lost to Andleburg. I know this will be a personal interest to your king since he was dear friends with their father, King Wolfgang."

The guard's head became fuzzy due to lack of air because, Thelton was pulling the front of the guard's shirt too tight. Just before he passed out, Thelton dropped him. He crumbled to the floor and held his neck. His breathing labored quickly trying to restore the loss of oxygen he had suffered. Thelton picked up his golden sword off the ground and returned it to his sheath. He stretched out his strong muscles, then he went over to the other guard. The guard feared Thelton and quickly opened the gate. Thelton walked through with his long head held high. The guard timidly followed behind, leaving the second guard who was still in distress.

Fearing he would lose his head for letting Thelton in with his weapons, the guard trailed behind, putting his sword to Thelton's back. He wanted to at least look like he was in control and escorting Thelton to the king.

Thelton didn't walk to the throne room as the guard had expected. Instead, he walked to the king's cigar room. Thelton knew at this time of day the king liked to drink bourbon and escape all his pressures alone in his cigar room.

A few of the servants stopped what they were doing when Thelton walked by. They stared and gawked. Since Thelton had been gone for so long, rumor had it King Trevor had killed him. For many of the servants, it felt as if a ghost passed by.

Inside his cigar room, King Trenton was lounging in a large plush chair when the door to the room flew open. He startled and dumped the bourbon on his shirt. He looked up, his face turned white. Seeing Thelton dumbfounded him, He choked on his spit. The king let out a couple of big coughs, his face gained color, a deep crimson. When he recovered he jumped up.

"Thelton," he called out.

Thelton bowed his stout body to the ground.

"I thought you were dead."

Thelton stayed to the ground until the king bid him to rise.

"Dearest King, I have been alive and well. I have spent these past months escorting Princess Alashia and Stephanie to their cousin's across the sea."

The king's eye balls widened and his pupils dilated. He was even more stunned to hear the princesses were alive. Adrenaline rushed threw him, for Thelton's news was very pleasing.

"Stand and tell," the king commanded. "They are really alive?"

"Alive and well. I can't deny this last year has been the worst experience of their lives, but I have seen them safely across the seas."

"Why would you send them away? They had a welcome home here at my castle."

"Yes, and I tried to get them to come here or to Cloats. But apparently, Wolfgang had told them to escape to their cousins if ever they were in danger. He felt they were the safest across the seas."

"Why would he think such things? I would keep them safe, and I know they would have been safe at Cloats as well."

"Again my dear king, I agree, but after all the princesses had been through, I decided it was best to respect their wishes."

The king called his servant in to fill another glass of bourbon for him and one for Thelton.

"Sit down and tell me of your journey," the king said as the servant offered the drink to Thelton.

"I tremble to turn down an offer from the king, but I don't drink."

The king looked troubled. "That is right, I heard about you, but I always thought it was a rumor. Why would you not drink?"

"Because, alcohol only causes problems when it dulls the mind. I need to stay fast and alert."

"Debatable," the king took a huge swallow of his bourbon and pointed to a large floral chair. "You may not drink, but I love the stuff. Either way, sit down and fill me in."

Thelton sat. The king noticed the guard lingering behind him.

"What is your business?" he barked at the guard, for his cigar room was sacred to him and the guards were not permitted to enter.

"Uh, well, I am escorting the Dragon Slayer," the guard said.

"He doesn't need an escort." The king then raised his voice. "Get out of here!"

The guard quickly backed out and slammed the door behind him.

The king went over and filled up his cup before he sat by Thelton.

"Do go on," he ordered.

Thelton started his story with finding the princesses in the secret room below the castle. He told the king how he had rescued them and about their horrible time on the deserted island. He told the king he had sent the princesses safely to Landseisha while he had returned to Andleburg to win the princesses' kingdom back.

"So you didn't personally escort the princesses to Landseisha?" King Trenton asked.

"Well, not exactly."

"Then how do you know they made it there safely? How do you know someone on that ship wasn't working for Trevor? How do you know they made it there at all?" The king took a sip of bourbon, a little dribbled into his grey and black beard.

...

Thelton sweat. He hadn't thought about any of those scenarios. He had assumed the princesses had made it, but everything the king implied could be true. Thelton suddenly felt sick. In all his efforts to save the princesses, maybe he had failed in the end. Thelton's long face drained of color.

"The look on your face tells me you didn't even consider their safety?"

"No, that's not true. I did send them with an escort. He is strong and reliable and will see they make it safely."

"Can you trust him?"

The question was such an ironic one for Thelton to answer. Did he trust Sterling? Yes and no. Thelton and Sterling had spent a long time building distrust for one another. He hated Sterling. He detested Sterling. He didn't want to trust Sterling for anything. But, on the flip of it, he trusted Sterling out of necessity for the safety of the princesses.

"I fully trust their escort will protect and fight for their lives even to death. He will see them safely to their cousins."

Thelton didn't fully believe his own words. He hoped Sterling would keep them safe. But if Trevor's men were on the boat, Sterling would not be enough to protect the princesses. But, if Thelton admitted this, then the king would not trust him for anything more. He had to look like he was in control.

"They will be fine, and by this time they are safely with their cousin."

"Have you received word?" The king asked.

"Soon enough, soon enough."

"Soon enough could be too late," the king pressed on.

Thelton had to change the subject. The king was relentless.

"There was more than one escort on their ship, but the man I speak of will be escort enough. Meanwhile, I returned to Andleburg with one hundred fifty men. These men will rally behind me to kill Trevor and remove him from the throne."

The king snorted in disbelief. "You plan on taking Trevor on with only one hundred fifty men?"

Thelton rubbed his moist forehead. The more he talked, the more he felt foolish. He feared he was losing any chance with the king.

"If it was only one hundred fifty men, I wouldn't stand a chance. But these are the citizens of Andleburg. They have brothers, fathers, uncles, friends, neighbors. They will use their influence and rally up the citizens to follow behind me."

"I thought the people of Andleburg wanted you dead. Isn't it because of the fact you live, Trevor was able to lead the masses?"

Thelton perspired heavily, for he couldn't recall ever being so hot. The king was laying the questions on thick and heavy. Thelton felt like he was under examination for his life.

"Yes, that was then. After being under the dictatorship of Trevor, the people are tired and worn out. There isn't a citizen of Andleburg who hasn't watched as Trevor has killed a family member, taken their land, and oppressed them. Although I might be a sour aftertaste in their mouth, they trust me. I have protected them over these last ten years. They know I am strong and they know I will lead them to a better tomorrow than the one that has Trevor in it."

"So you are saying they are desperate and you make a better option than Trevor?"

Thelton didn't care for the way the king summed it up, but he had to stay on his side. "If that is how you want to say it," he answered.

"So many of the citizens of Andleburg have died. Do you think the ones that are left will be enough? Do you think they will have strength left? I heard they are being starved."

Thelton was pleased with the direction the king had steered the conversation. It was the perfect opening to his request.

Thelton climbed out of his chair and bowed again before the king.

"My dear fair king of Candleshaw, I have not only been in service of Andleburg, I have served Candleshaw as well. You have trusted me to protect your kingdom from dragons. All I ask is you trust the words I am about to say."

Thelton stopped and waited for the king to bid him to continue. The king paused a moment and reflected their conversation up to that point. He took another drink and coughed. After yet another drink, he nodded for Thelton to go on.

"We may be able to do this alone, but like you pointed out, we may not have the numbers. For that reason I am going to ask you and Cloats join our side in removing Trevor from the throne. Let us return the tri-kingdoms in alliance."

Thelton put his big hands in his lap and waited.

"Who rules Andleburg if you succeed?"

"I will send for the princesses at that time."

"Then you will rule Andleburg by Alashia's side."

"Yes."

"So you do this for your own personal gain. You fight Trevor away so you can take his place?"

"No, that is not my motive at all. I love Andleburg, and I have spent my life protecting it. I take Trevor off the throne for my kingdom. I do not do it to be king."

"I am not sure I entirely trust you, Thelton. I have heard the rumors accompany your name. Your path has been one of deceit, selfishness, and so much more. How do I know you will be the best for Andleburg? What if we place you on the throne and you are just as oppressive as Trevor?"

"Wolfgang trusted me. He gave me his daughter, and he planned to give me his kingdom upon his death."

"Which you expedited."

"No, I didn't. When Wolfgang died, I lost a father. He has been there for me most of my life. I would never have arranged to have the king be killed. I love Wolfgang."

"Then why did you betray him?"

Thelton dropped his long head into his hands. He was silent for a few minutes.

"I have made a lot of mistakes. A lot. I know this now. I was very selfish when Wolfgang asked me to exterminate the Vegus Forest of its dragons. I wanted all the glory to myself. I wanted to please Wolfgang to the fullest. If I could kill all the dragons, I believed I could honor Wolfgang more than I ever had before.

"But Wolfgang wanted me to work with others. At the time, I had never done that before. I was a solitary man to the fullest. What he requested went against my very fiber of existence. But, he is the king, so I had to do it. And I tried, but it didn't go over very well. I didn't want to lead the men. I didn't want to be sympathetic to their needs. I wanted to leave them so I could bring all the glory to Wolfgang.

"Foolishly I had sought out the help of the medicine woman. She had given me some magic pills she said would help me. She never told me what they would do. I should have asked, but I didn't. When the right time presented itself, I used the pills. To my horror, the next day I saw all the men had turned to a form of trees. That wasn't my intention. I guess I kind of expected the spell to be something simple, like putting them to sleep.

"When I poisoned the men, I was being selfish, but I wasn't trying to betray the king."

"Seriously, you still don't see your folly? If a king commands you to lead his men, you lead. Anything different than that is betrayal; worthy of death."

Thelton ducked his long head, his sandy blond hair spilled over his chest. The king's word's racked his soul.

"If I helped you Thelton, would you betray me?"

Thelton kept his head down for a few minutes then looked up. "Sometimes the best education a man can get is out on the battlefield. I have learned much during this last year, it has been my battlefield. I have grown up and matured greatly. There's not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could go back and change the past, follow orders." Thelton's tenor voice choked up.

"But, I can't. All I can do is change the future. Right now, that future is grim. I cannot bring Andleburg back their king, but I can bring them back their princesses. I cannot return father's to their families." Thelton stopped talking, for the grief was too much. He felt sincere, deep sorrow. He felt real empathy. For the first time, it wasn't about him. The burdens of everything slumped his shoulders down, they felt so heavy. Why had he been so selfish?

When he finally controlled his emotions, he continued, "I can only work on who I am now, and that man is not the same boy from a year ago. This man will lead the people into battle, and I will put their needs as the upmost importance. I will do everything I can to restore Andleburg. I am a changed man."

"You sound sincere enough, Thelton. I am still not sure I want you to be the King of Andleburg, for I need a king there I can trust, but I do know how the people love you and they will follow you anywhere. I am willing to let you lead my people against Trevor. I don't do this for you. I don't do it for the princesses. I do it for my people. For I know Trevor has already formed alliances with Arlisaine and Prestide. He hasn't gotten Travail yet, but it won't be long. We have been at peace with them for a long time, and Trevor plans to change that. He plans to take over the whole of the kingdoms and be the only ruler standing. This I must stop, and if you can help, then we will work together."

Thelton clung to the legs of his chair. Things were working out well.

### Chapter 10

Looking around the dragon camp, Indy took satisfaction in the changes she had made. While she was gone, the camp had filled with animal carcasses and bones. Giant holes formed all over the ground where dragons had dug. Things were in great disarray. The tidiness of the camp never had entered her mind before she met humans, but after living amongst them for so long, she found she liked things in order.

The modifications she made brought her peace. She looked at the area that once were holes, now buried and smoothed over. It had been one of her first projects. She got the idea to do it because on her second night there, she had tripped into a hole and sprained her ankle. Just as it started to heal, she tripped into another hole and reinjured the same ankle. The ankle turned purple and blue and swelled up to twice its size. She found it very hard to move around on. As her ankle throbbed, she decided the holes must be filled, for she never wanted to trip into one again. As she worked, the labor stirred something in her. She liked doing it and took satisfaction watching the camp improve by the endeavor of her own hand. This made her want to find more projects to enhance the camp.

It didn't take long to find her next project. There were bones scattered everywhere. She gathered all the bones into a pile. At first, she was going to haul them away, but then she realized they could be crafted into tools. She had seen Thelton make tools out of animal bones while on the island. With the intention of keeping them and making them into tools, Indy went a meter away from the camp and stockpiled them.

Back at the camp, she collected scattered animal hides. Most of them were rotten with mildew and had mold growing on them. There were also little worms all over them. She picked out a few worms and ate them. As she chewed, she pondered what to do with the putrescent hides. She had seen Sterling and Thelton make cloth out of animal skin. She was pretty sure they had used fresh skins and not mildew ones. The hides were good for nothing. She reopened one of the holes, and buried the hides in it.

When she had finished, she sat to eat a snack. As she ate, she heard a sound. _Crack._ She looked over to the nests to see if the spotted dragon had returned from her hunting trip. There was no sign of the spotted dragon at the nests. Indy went back to eating her mushroom. _Crack. Pop_. If the spotted dragon was gone, what animal was over there? Indy stood up and silently made her way to the nest, anticipating catching something to eat, for the mushroom wasn't doing much to stop the hunger in her stomach.

At first, everything looked normal. The three eggs sat in the middle of the nest. Indy scanned the area. There were no animals to be seen. As she started heading back to the main part of the camp, she heard a loud crack. Quickly, she spun around to see what animal was hiding. Nothing. She looked closely in the nest and around it. Had she missed something? _Pop!_ She saw a crack span over an egg.

Very curious, Indy dove into the nest. She grabbed the egg and held it close. It was hot. She didn't remember heat emanating out of it the last time she held it. While it was in her hand it cracked again, a new fracture spreading in the opposite area, making designs as it reshaped the egg. What was happening? Indy embedded her claws into the crack and chipped away pieces of shell. Her heart raced as she wondered what might be inside. She kept chipping away at the hard enamel, but suddenly stopped, for she had heard the crunching of dirt and twigs. Fearful, her head shot up. Was it the spotted dragon? Still a bit away, she saw one of her brother dragons moving around the camp. The tension in her heart relaxed and she turned her attention back to the egg.

With relief and a rising inquisitiveness, Indy went back to pealing apart the egg. The sharp shell sliced into her hand, causing blood to seep out of her skin and dribble on the egg. Indy didn't even feel the pain, she kept working. As she did, a crack ran through the sea green egg next to her thigh. Her head tingled, things were getting exciting.

Finally, Indy fragmented enough shell away from the egg where she could see something stuffed inside the majestic casing. It was pale yellow and tightly compacted inside. She really couldn't make sense of what it was. Covering the foreign object was a layer of transparent film similar to the pellucid covering she sometimes found on leaves. She sliced through the limpid film with her claws and pulled it away from the object inside. Her hands rubbed across the life form in the egg, finding it very smooth, smooth almost like her own skin. With a new determination to see what mystery the egg held, Indy ripped more shell away. She worked at it until her hands where a huge bloody mess. The more she progressed, the more the pain registered, but she didn't care, she kept chipping away pieces of shell. After three fourths of the shell was gone, she removed the creature inside.

Out came a bundle of soft, yellow flesh. She held up the egg's creation and decided it looked like a mini dragon. Indy's heart leapt. A mini dragon! The small dragon still had its eyes closed. It squirmed around a little, but not much. Indy didn't know what to do with it. She had never seen a baby dragon before. Her maternal instinct instantly formed a bond to it. She had seen a few baby humans around the kingdoms, so she decided the baby dragon had much of the same shape and size of a baby human. As she held the lethargic body, she wanted it to do something, but it did very little. Its abilities were disappointing. Indy shook it, trying to prompt it to move. When the dragon didn't respond, she turned it over and inspected its delicate features. It had four legs, a long tail, and stubby snout. The eyes were shut tight. Indy tried to pry them open, for she wanted to see what they looked like. The grip on the eye lids were strong. Indy didn't want to pull so hard that she ripped them off, so she quit trying to pry them open and explored other parts of the baby.

As she did, something particular caught her attention. There were no wings on it. That didn't make any sense. How could there not be wings? All dragons had wings. Was there something wrong with this baby? Indy brought the baby to her chest where she could feel the heat coming off it, transferring to Indy. As she held the baby, something inside Indy hummed, while nature aligned. She felt peace and one with the baby. She liked the way it felt to hold the baby. Indy unconsciously swayed her body back and forth while snuggling the baby closer.

While she enjoyed the bonding with the baby dragon, she could hear more cracking. The purple egg continued to crack. Indy lazily looked over at it. Although she was eager to see the other baby inside, she was very content holding the yellow baby. Indy lost in a maternal trance ignored the hatching egg and continued to bond with the yellow baby.

Comfortable holding the baby dragon, she drifted to sleep and slept for over an hour. _Pop_. A loud noise startled her awake. The purple egg was splitting open. Indy looked at the yellow baby soundly asleep in her arms and smiled, feeling very relaxed. Suddenly her peace was replaced by panic. She didn't have to look up to recognize the sound of the spotted dragon flying toward the camp. Fear seized her for a moment, but then she realized she had to get out of the nest. If the spotted dragon saw Indy in with the babies, she would kill her. Indy dropped the baby and dove into some nearby bushes. The thorns tore at her skin. Crouching low to the ground, Indy worked to regain her breathing. The spotted dragon descended into the nest.

### Chapter 11

Thelton sat alone in the barren throne room of Cloats. He felt very pleased with how his time went with King Trenton. He felt more relaxed to talk with King Amadeus. King Amadeus was loud and boisterous and more pleasant than King Trenton.

As Thelton waited for the king to enter, he thought about Indy. He missed her. He wondered if she was still at the dragon camp, if that is where she had gone. He really did hate being away from her. He fantasized going to the dragon camp and retrieving Indy after the war. "I will take her to a preacher and marry her." He smiled when he thought about it, but then his face dropped. Indy would only be a fantasy, for once he overtook Andleburg he would be expected to marry Alashia.

Although he had dreaded marrying Alashia, it seemed like the fates kept pushing him to the marriage. He had never wanted to be king. He hated the time he had lived at the castle. He was a hunter, a man of the land. Life in the castle stole his freedom and hampered his spirit. But what choice did he have? He would have to marry her and rule the land.

Thelton let his thoughts return to Indy. As he fantasized about her, the doors to the throne room banged open. King Amadeus was followed in by thirty guards. Thelton bowed his mighty body to the ground as the king walked by and took his seat in the throne.

"Arise, Dragon Slayer," the king shouted. The guards took their place behind Thelton.

Thelton jumped up.

"So either you live, or you are a ghost. Which one is it?" the king asked.

Thelton wanted to laugh at such a stupid question, but he knew it was unwise to mock a king.

"I live."

"Where have you been hiding?"

"My dear king, I do not hide. I have been escorting Princess Alashia and Princess Stephanie to their cousin's across the sea."

The king jumped out of the throne. "The princesses are alive? Oh, that will make my daughter-in-law Lucille very happy." The king turned and faced a guard. "Quick, send news to Princess Lucille her sisters live." The guard scurried out with the news. The king turned back to Thelton.

"Look at you, alive and in my throne room. What is your business?"

Thelton had hoped for a little more small chat before he came forth and requested the help of the king.

Rubbing his hairy chin, Thelton searched his mind for the right words to say. "I have formed an alliance with King Trenton of Candleshaw. We are going to join forces and fight for Andleburg."

"Join forces? You lead what army?"

"The people of Andleburg."

"Will they follow you? I thought they hated you."

"I am all they have left, so they have turned to me and asked me to lead them."

"Very interesting."

Silence hung in the air. Thelton knew the king was waiting on him to continue.

"I fear for the alliance of the tri-kingdom. Trevor has plans to take over all the kingdoms. He has already formed alliances with Preside, Arlisaine, and Travial. We need to stop him before he takes over Cloats and Candleshaw."

The king slammed his fist on the arm of the throne. "He will never take Cloats. We are too POWERFUL!" he yelled.

Thelton bowed to the floor then stood up. "I am here to ask you my dear king, to fight with Candleshaw and Andleburg and remove Trevor from the throne."

The king clapped his hands. "Sounds like a splendid idea. Count me in. I will supply you with the best weaponry and men around."

"Oh thank you, dear king, thank you!"

"Once we remove that horrible Trevor from the throne, who will rule Andleburg?"

"I will send for Alashia, and I guess the two of us will rule it."

"You guess the two of you will rule it?" the king blurted out. "You don't sound like you want it."

"That is what the people will expect."

The king jumped out of his throne and ran around the room. He was hollering and going on like a mad man. He finally returned to his throne and sat down. He was breathing very heavily.

"I couldn't be more happier! You have solved the biggest dilemma. I could kiss you."

Thelton stood confused.

"You see, I had only planned on having one son. I didn't want a divided kingdom. My plans went well until Stommer was twenty, when my dumb wife told me we were going to have another baby. I prayed and sent out enchantments that the life in her womb would be a girl. But, with all the supplications I did, I had a boy! It has worried me one day Troy my youngest son would want to rule and kill Stommer for the kingdom. I have heard it happening to other kingdoms."

The king jumped up, excited.

"You have solved everything! Once we take over Andleburg, I will put Stommer and Lucille to rule over it. The kingdom belongs more to her than Alashia, for Lucille is much older."

The king laughed and laughed. Tears streaked down his cheeks. "You know, Stommer is so hungry for power. I actually had feared my life a bit. But, now he will have Andleburg, he won't have to kill me. Then, when I die of old age, Troy can rule my kingdom."

The king wiped the tears away from his cheeks. "Oh it is funny how things work out, isn't it. Yes, Dragon Slayer, you have the full support of my army. Anything you need, just tell me. Together the tri-kingdoms will join hands and rid the world of Trevor!"

### Chapter 12

As Thelton rode away from the Cloats castle, he had mixed feelings. He was elated to have full support of both kingdoms. Even if he couldn't get many men from Andleburg to support him, he would have enough power from the other kingdoms. Thelton felt a surge of control run through him. He was excited to lead the war. But, he felt a loss.

His loss was from Amadeus declaration that Prince Stommer and Princess Lucille would rule Andleburg. As much as Thelton detested the idea of living in the castle, he was starting to grow power hungry and a huge part of him actually craved the thought. Now the possibility had been taken away from him, and he wanted it back.

"Who does King Amadeus think he is? Wolfgang had never granted the kingdom to Stommer and Lucille. The kingdom had been promised to Alashia and me. It is my kingdom. The people don't know Stommer. They wouldn't want a Cloats coming in to rule them. They are comfortable with me. At one time they adored me. After I return their kingdom to them, they will demand I take the throne."

Thelton decided he better send for Alashia now. By the time she got his letter and made the passage back over the sea, it still might be too late. If he had any plans of sitting on the throne, he needed her by his side.

"Oh, why hadn't I married her when I had the chance? If we had been married, then I wouldn't need her here to claim the kingdom. But, without that betrothal, I need her here".

Thelton thought things over, an idea forming. "But then again, the people don't know we haven't married. We have been away for half a year. Who's to say we didn't get married during that time? I think I might just tell the people we married. That would help my cause in so many ways. I know Alashia won't mind the lie. She has been dying to marry me for years."

As Thelton rode back to the Vegus Forest, he created a scam inside his head. His quest for power grew stronger and stronger. He once had been the people's most favorite hero. They had adored him. When that was gone, he missed it. He wanted it again. Sure, he could start killing more dragons and win them back that way, but he wanted more than just their admiration. He wanted to rule them. And besides, since he had met Indy, he had lost a bit of the desire to kill dragons.

...

When Thelton returned to the cave, he found it stuffed full of people from Andleburg. They were ready to fight, and they were even willing to let Thelton lead them.

...

"People of Andleburg, I will do everything in my power to restore your kingdom."

All the men gathered around Thelton in a little clearing next to the cave. There were nine hundred and twenty three men. The numbers were smaller than Thelton had hoped for, but it would work, for he had the other kingdoms and that would be sufficient. How many men could Trevor still have? Hadn't he killed most of his followers?

"Before I tell you everything you need to know, I must first apologize." Thelton swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. He was about to tell all the people what a horrible person he had been. It would be hard. It went against his pride and nature.

"I am sorry for the events a year ago. I never planned to hurt your fathers, brothers, uncles, and friends. I was selfish, and I admit that. I was tricked by the medicine woman. She told me I had a sleeping pill. My only intentions were to have the men sleep deeply while I killed the queen dragon. I never knew her pills would turn them into trees. I wouldn't have done it if I had known."

"Liar!" someone shouted out to him. The guy was right; Thelton was lying.

Thelton didn't know what to say. He couldn't admit to intentionally poisoning them. Who would follow him if he told the truth?

Thelton carefully used his words. "I can understand how it might look to you, and I don't blame you for not trusting me right now. But if you don't trust me, then who do you have to trust?" Thelton stopped speaking and let his words set in.

"I am very skilled, powerful, and strong. I will lead you to war and we will win if you follow my command."

"Look what happened last time I followed your command!" Calvin shouted, for he had been on the failed hunt led by Thelton. He stood there with most of his skin thick and dark like bark. "You are selfish and we would be foolish to trust you."

"Yeah," several other people shouted out.

Thelton felt like he was losing control.

"Let us pick a different leader," someone called out.

Thelton couldn't have that. Getting Andleburg back was not enough for him. He had to be the one who returned the kingdom to the people. It was his name he wanted them to honor. He wanted the power of the throne.

"There is no other one better to lead you, and let me tell you why. I am a changed man. I admit I failed the kingdom when I led them on the hunt for the queen dragon. I was selfish, and I didn't want to be your leader. The king had forced me to it. I made mistakes. But, I can promise you over this last year, I have learned so much. I have the skills necessary to lead you and win."

Thelton could hear the people murmuring amongst themselves. He had to do something, he was losing his chance.

"Besides the obvious reasons of having me lead, I have two other reasons. The first is; I am your king."

Everyone went silent. They didn't know what Thelton was talking about.

"Just before Trevor started his revolution, King Wolfgang had a private wedding for Alashia and me."

Everyone gasped. Was Thelton telling the truth? They didn't know. They had heard nothing about the wedding. The whole kingdom knew Wolfgang had loved Thelton and that Alashia was betrothed to him. They knew the king had plans on turning the kingdom to Thelton when he died. But, had there really been a secret wedding?

Thelton knew he could safely tell his lie because Trevor had killed all of Wolfgang's servants. There would be no one around to say otherwise. Thelton stood erect, trying to look like a king. The people were excited and madly conversed amongst themselves. If Thelton really had married Alashia, then it would explain why the king had risked his life in keeping Thelton alive.

"What's the other reason?" someone asked.

"The other reason is I have secured the service of Cloats and Candleshaw. They have appointed me to lead their armies. Their numbers alone will win this war for us. If you pull me away as your leader, I promise you, they will not follow you to war. They follow me; and me alone."

Again the people mumbled amongst their selves. Thelton had very convincing reasons for them to follow him. They needed the help of the tri-kingdoms, and Thelton had delivered help. Thelton could see the anger slowly erase off their faces. They seemed to come to except the idea of Thelton as their leader, even their king.

As Thelton saw the people's hearts turn to him, he smirked. He loved the way it felt to have their support again. Sure he had to lie a little to get it, but it would never be discovered. Before long, Alashia would return to his side and they would rule Andleburg together! He was confident she would approve of the plan and become his wife.

### Chapter 13

When Alashia, Sterling, and Stephanie were sent to the vineyard, Queen Flora had ordered the workers off the land. They had only two hours to pack up and leave. Sterling felt horrible as he watched them scramble to collect their things. The worker's wives bawled as they feared they would no longer have an income. Running the vineyard was all they ever knew.

Sterling's heart felt for them. "Listen, I have no idea how to run a vineyard. Besides, I would hate to throw you out without another source of employment. You are free to stay and work the ground. Teach me your skills that I may learn the trade. If you are willing to do that then I will build you a small cottage at the other end of the vineyard."

"I am Pottifer. Where do I and my wife live until the cottage is built?" Pottifer scratched his white beard. He was an older man, his skin leathered by the years of labor he spent in the sun. He had a long pointed nose, and very large ears. He looked tired.

"Why, you can share the château with us until then."

Alashia's hands flew to her hips. "No way, no way will I share my home with a common man."

"You share it with me, I am as common as they get," Sterling said jokily.

Alashia ignored his comment, and continued raging, "I will not share it with them. I command you to send them away."

"No Alashia! Those are strong words to use with your husband." Sterling had been ordered around by Alashia since they met. Now they were bounded together, he wasn't sure he cared for it anymore. "I hate to tell you this, but here in this part of the world you are no longer a princess. You, my dear, are now considered common. If you had kept your position, then Flora would have let us stay at the castle. It is very clear her intentions were to demote you, and since this is her kingdom, she can."

Alashia felt shock run through her. Was Sterling really talking to her like that? He sounded more like Thelton with those words. But the next words he said, angered her more.

"Also my dear, I am your husband. As your husband you will stop ordering me around. You will learn to start aligning your will to mine."

Sterling looked away as he said the last words. He shook. He had never been so bold in speech. He felt bad talking to Alashia so harshly. He grabbed his hand to stop the shaking. He didn't dare look her in the eyes. He hoped she wasn't too mad at him. But now they were married, he wanted more respect then what she gave. It was the custom for woman to succumb to their husband's every will. He didn't expect that, but he did want a little more say in what they did.

Alashia noticed all eyes were on her. How could Sterling belittle her in front of the grape farmers? Alashia didn't know what to do. She wanted to lash back at Sterling, but she realized how right he was. Here in Landseisha, she was no longer the princess. And as her husband, he was the domineering lead in the marriage. The laws of the land favored the husband over the wife. She had really done the wrong thing in coming to Landseisha with Sterling. She should have returned to Andleburg with Thelton. Alashia grabbed Stephanie's hand and stomped away from Sterling. She headed deep into the vineyard.

Sterling made plans with Pottifer and Spencer, the keepers of the vineyard.
Chapter 14

King Trevor rubbed his hands across his thick brown arms, touching a rough layer hardly resembled skin. His hands vibrated as they stroked the bark that had become his skin layer. He tried to watch the play taking place in front of him, but his mind kept wandering. He was painfully bored.

Life in the castle had finally stabilized. Order had been established and everyone knew their place. The castle ran smoothly without much to complain about, and so Trevor grew bored.

As the king, Trevor tried to keep himself busy. He went on hunts, he had balls, he had feasts, he kept company with many women, and he did all sorts of things, but he was always just mildly entertained. One day, he had decided a play would bring him satisfaction. He had heard about them before he was king. Now, he decided he wanted to see one. He ordered a play to be performed for him in the castle. Two hundred men, woman, and children were gathered and forced to learn the play and to build sets. Most of them had no acting skills at all. They spent three months exhaustedly learning their lines. They had to share three large rooms in the castle and were denied privileges to see their families until the play was over.

After all their hard work, the day had come to present the play. As they gave the performance their very best, Trevor could hardly contain his lack of interest. Even before the second act, he got up and left.

The cast members stopped and looked at each other.

"Is he coming back?"

"What do we do now?"

"Are we supposed to finish it?"

"Should we go home?"

Many of the children cried. They had sacrificed three months of their life and seeing their family for this moment, then the king had rudely walked out. They had worked so hard, they had envisioned the king falling in love with the play. They had dreamed of rewards and fame. No one had expected him to just walk out. They really didn't know what to do. The guards could see the cast member's dilemma. They tried to chase Trevor down to see what he wanted.

"Leave me alone," he growled as he reached his chambers.

"But, King Trevor, the people await your word, what should they..."

Trevor angrily spun around and looked at the guard.

"If you value your life, you will leave me alone!" Trevor went into his chamber and slammed the door closed.

No one knew what to do. Would Trevor want to finish watching the rest of the play? Trevor was so volatile; it didn't take much to anger him. Usually when he became angry, someone got killed. No one wanted to take responsibility of dismissing the cast members. So, they were held up in their rooms for a week, just in case King Trevor wanted to finish watching the play. Finally, one guard felt too much sympathy for them. He granted them permission to leave. Thankfully, Trevor never addressed the issue and the guard was able to live.

...

Trevor lazily lounged in his bath while his attendants scrubbed at his hard skin. The hot water relaxed his tense muscles. As his hair was being lathered with bubbles, the doors flew open, two guards stormed in.

Fury boiled in Trevor, what where they doing entering his bath? "Two guards want to die," he screamed as he looked over at them. As he did, the soap spilled into his eyes, burning them.

Both guards dropped to the floor. "Please King Trevor, the news we share is of great importance. If we didn't share it this very instance, then you would have killed us."

Trevor madly rubbed at his eyes. "Then it looks like you die either way."

The men laid against the ground until Trevor bid them to rise.

"Do share your final words before your death," he said. He had been able to wash a little of the soap out, but they were still inflamed and irritated. He peered through his tears and saw the guards facing him.

"Turn around and tell me, for you shall not look at me naked!"

The guards quickly spun around, trembling, fearing for their lives. They stood their silently waiting for permission to continue.

Trevor had lost all patience for them. Why were they dumbly standing there? They needed to deliver their message and leave.

"GO ON!" Trevor growled, his fierce manner scratched his throat.

The guards trembled even more. "We have learned a small army is forming in the Vegus Forest."

"You thought that news worthy of losing your lives? I fear no army, especially a small one."

"The army is led by Thelton."

Trevor popped up out of the bath. He screamed and yelled. He splashed the water over and over again. Everyone in the room became soaked. His anger raged madly inside him, tensing up every muscle he had.

"No, no, no. How can it be that he is alive? How is it that the people would follow him? That is okay, let him come. LET HIM COME!!!"

### Chapter 15

In the nest, the spotted dragon noticed two of her eggs had hatched. She picked up both babies in her wing hands. She licked both of them. Although they were the first babies she had ever had, and had ever seen, instinct took over and she seemed to know exactly what to do with them. After she felt they were adequately clean, she stretched down in the nest and put the babies to her underside.

The babies snuggled in and soon latched to a nipple.

With the need for survival, dragons had evolved to the ability to nurse their young. It was something they did until the dragon was about five years old and strong enough to go hunting for its own food. The milk was very nutritious and it had the vital ingredients the dragons needed for wing and claw growth. The milk also provided much strength. It was because of the dragon milk introduced to Indy as an infant, she was able to grow wings and claws. It also helped her to grow large in stature.

Indy watched from the bush, mesmerized by what took place in the nest. The spotted dragon fell asleep while the babies nursed. When Indy felt safe, she snuck out of the bushes and tiptoed to the main area of the camp. As she did, she tripped on a root and landed flat on her face. A loud bang echoed off the surrounding trees. Indy's muscles tensed in alarm as she lifted her head up and looked over at the spotted dragon. The dragons head shot up turning in Indy's direction, but thankfully her eyes never opened. Indy lay flat against the ground until the spotted dragon buried her head into her own body. Instead of standing, Indy crawled back to the main dragon camp.

As she stayed in the nest with the new babies, the other dragons brought game and prey to the spotted dragon. She was never without food to eat. It astounded Indy to watch how every dragon played a role in the raising of the baby dragons. They always brought food and they even brought sticks and leaves so the spotted dragon could make repairs to the nest. How did the dragons know their parts?

The third egg didn't hatch for another week. When it did, Indy snuck into the bush to watch. The spotted dragon didn't help the process at all. Once it had hatched, a smooth black baby pushed its way out. Indy took note they all looked very similar. The first two babies were a bit bigger because they had been born first and had already started to grow. Their eyes had opened, which drove Indy crazy, for she wanted to go in for a closer look, but she didn't dare. She had seen several times when one of the dragons would bring food to the spotted dragon. If the dragon got to close to the nest, the queen would spring out and claw them across the face.

...

Indy often left the dragon camp for walks, flights, or to explore. One day she had ventured to a patch of strawberries. She enjoyed eating them, but also collected them for her dye. As she was gathering them, she heard some high pitched grunting and squawking. She followed the sound with her eyes and found the black baby dragon headed toward her. Indy dropped her strawberries and went to the dragon.

"Hey little one, what you doing out here? It's not safe for you. There's trolls and other things around. You'd make a yummy meal for them."

Indy reached down and picked up the black dragon. It had grown a bit since its birth. Indy sat down and looked the baby over. She was glad to explore him, since he was the only baby dragon she hadn't held yet. She took the opportunity to gaze into its eyes. They astounded her with their sharp orange glow.

Indy tried to draw the dragon into her chest like she had done with the other two, but he was an active baby and refused to hold still. He squirmed in her arms, his claws grating across her skin. She tried stabilizing him, but he wiggled so much he slipped out of her arms and dropped to the ground.

"You so moving," Indy said.

She reached down and picked him up again. She put her face to his, and unexpectedly, he bit it.

"Ohhh!" Indy screeched as she dropped him again.

"You be a dragon for sure," she said laughing.

Indy stole as many touches as she could from him, but she left him on the ground, because he seemed happier that way. She played around with the dragon for about an hour, then she decided she should help him get back to the nest.

With that in mind, she picked him up, and despite his restless nature, she carried him, careful to keep her face out of the range of his mouth. As she lugged him back, she forgot to bring the strawberries she had collected.

As Indy entered the camp, she came face to face with its mother, the spotted dragon!

Indy's leathered tan skin prickled, her arm hair stood erect. Was the spotted dragon going to tear her apart for having the black baby? The spotted dragon should realize Indy saved its life by bringing it back to the dragon camp. Indy liked how she could talk words to humans. They could clear up misunderstandings with words. There was nothing she could say to the spotted dragon to stop her from killing her.

The spotted dragon circled around Indy blowing hot air on her. Indy put the baby on the ground then submissively laid in the dirt in front of the spotted dragon. She had seen this display of yielding often used by the dragons when dealing with the queen dragon. As Indy lay prostate to the ground, the spotted dragon continued to breathe hot air onto her. Indy shook more, her heart felt heavy as it pumped the blood through her body. She closed her eyes, waiting for the lashing from the queen. She should have never held the baby.

The spotted dragon brought her head right next to Indy's. It was time. She opened her colossal mouth and lunged forward. Her large mouth wrapped around the nape of the black dragon. With the baby in her mouth, she carried it away. Indy was left untouched, violently shaking in fear. She could hardly believe the spotted dragon hadn't attacked her for holding one of her babies.

After that day, the dragon babies climbed out of the nest on a regular basis. Some of the other dragons would sometimes herd the babies back to the nest, but for the most part they ran ramped. Indy noticed the queen was not territorial with the babies outside of the nest. Any of the dragons could interact with them, and she didn't mind. But, for reasons Indy didn't understand, if any got to close to the nest, she attacked.

As the days went by, Indy felt safer to play with the babies. She took it upon herself to be their sitter, keeping them in the perimeters of the camp. They were always trying to wander away. Indy would chase them down and bring them back.

### Chapter 16

Thelton decided he needed time to get the men ready for battle. He had nine hundred and twenty three men from Andleburg. He was disappointed by the small number, but there really wasn't anyone left to recruit. Trevor had either enlisted most of the men from Andleburg in his servitude, or he had killed them. Very few escaped the trenches of their new king. The men Thelton had to train were nothing close to warriors or soldiers. They were very young and very old. If they had been all Thelton had to work with, then the kingdom would have been as good as lost to them. The only reason Thelton felt confident to go to battle against Trevor was because he had the promised aid from Candleshaw and Cloats.

Thelton had appointed Scallon as his first in command. Scallon had been on the original hunt with Thelton and had much strength. He was tall with brown hair. His muscles were thick and large. He had a little bark still on his skin, but not as bad as others he had seen. He had also been on the ship that brought Thelton back to Andleburg. Thelton would spend a few days at the cave trying to teach the men to fight. When Thelton was gone, Scallon would continue training the men.

One night, after most of the men had gone to sleep, Scallon was still in the training field located a small distance from the cave. His limber body seemed to sway effortlessly as he taught three of the men better sword skills. As Scallon and his men sparred back and forth, Trevor sent out an ambush to the cave, sending in over a thousand men to destroy Thelton's men.

Apparently, there had been three of the king's spies in their midst. They had told Trevor where the cave was and where the men were training. Trevor had hoped he could stop the war before it had fully started. He had also hoped Thelton would be amongst the men, but he had come too early. Thelton was still making his way back from Cloats.

There was mass chaos as Trevor's men entered the cave. All the sentinels were immediately struck down. The sleeping men woke to screaming and clanking of steal.

Thelton had chosen their cave for various reasons. One of the biggest reasons was the three entrances into the cave. He didn't want to house his men in a place where they could become trapped. Another reason he had chose the cave was because of its massive size. The cave went very deep and had the potential to house all the men if needed. The last reason he chose the cave was because of its extensive labyrinths inside. The cave continued to wind and weave under the earth. One could get lost in it for days. There were hundreds of caverns to find refuge in.

As the men awoke to the sounds of death, most of them did what they had been trained to do; run into the labyrinths. They headed through the mazes trying to remember the way to the other exits. Even though Thelton had showed them the way multiple times, it was hard to keep track of their way in the dark. The men twisted this way and that way. Some made it to the exit before Trevor's men came upon them, others became lost, moving deeper into the cave.

A few men felt brave from their training sessions with Thelton. They took it upon their self to defend the cave. They had no comprehension to the mass numbers entering and were soon killed.

...

A gut-wrenching sight met Thelton on his return to the cave. The first thing hitting his senses was the smell of trolls. Although he would never get used to the smell, Thelton found ways to work through it. As he struggled to fully inflate his lungs, he headed to the cave. He had his golden and emerald sword pulled and ready for action. He knew the trolls were near, possibly at the cave's entrance. He hoped the men had been brave enough to fight the trolls away. Most men were frightened of trolls and would cower at the smell of them. Thelton had taken on as many as eight before. He felt they were simple to kill. Cautiously, he made his way to the cave, desiring the element of surprise on his side. As he rounded a large tree, he saw a swarm of trolls at the mouth of the cave. It almost felt like he had entered a nest of trolls. There were so many of the slimy creatures crawling around. He was completely baffled because he had expected to see five or six, not twenty trolls. This was by far the largest congregation of them he had ever seen.

Thelton slid his burly body back behind the massive tree. His mind swirled. What was going on? Why were there so many trolls? With the distraction of the trolls, he had failed to see the whole situation. Stealthily, he stole another glance of the scene before him. When he did, he felt like he had been kicked in the stomach. What he saw was the trolls surrounding the dead bodies of his men. Thelton dove back behind the tree. He forth-with turned and puked. His stomach muscles contracted tightly and brought havoc upon the rest of his body. With his innards on fire and sweat filling his underarms and brow, he dropped to the ground. He rubbed his hand across his chest.

What had happened while he was gone? Lying close to the ground, Thelton turned and looked at the trolls again. They were fighting each other for bites of food. They were hideous and cankerous. Thelton wanted to run into their pack with his swords drawn and plow every one of them down. He knew he couldn't, for the masses were too thick. He might be able to kill ten or so, but they would eventually win. What had happened, why had the men given up to the trolls? Even though there were a lot of trolls, his men were way more numerous and could have won. Also, why were there so many trolls? He had never seen them out in such thick masses.

Although the sight greatly disturbed Thelton, he forced himself to look at the scene so he could figure out what had happened. As he analyzed the situation before him, he soon took note to the arrows and slash marks on his men. With the new evidence at light, he knew what had happened. Trevor's forces must have snuck up on his men. The trolls must have come later.

A debilitating sorrow entered Thelton. He felt weak and unstable, he couldn't move for several minutes. Trevor had been there and killed some of his men. How many? He had no idea. He hoped most had escaped through the passages of the cave, for that is what he had trained them to do. Guilt replaced his sorrow. "I shouldn't have left the men. They had needed me. They aren't warriors. They wouldn't know how to fight without me. Why did I leave? I should have sent Scallon to conference with the other kingdoms."

After twenty minutes, Thelton crawled to the west side of the cave. He kept low to the ground until he felt far enough away from the cave where the trolls wouldn't notice him.

When he felt safe, he stood up and headed toward the cave's second entrance. Hopefully the men would have followed the escape plan and made it safely out. On his journey there, he passed many dead bodies. The thing disturbed him the most was that none of the bodies belonged to Trevor's armies.

Thelton spent the rest of the day traveling to the cave's second exit, where the evacuation plan had been established. He had to weave around the forest to reach it. Once there, he saw a few more dead bodies, but no one alive. He continued past the exit and went five kilometers until he reached their safe house, a thicket of bush. There he found Scallon and six hundred eighty eight men.

When the men saw him, they surrounded him and shared with him the horrors of their plight. Thelton looked deep into their eyes as they spoke. He saw so much fear and trauma. His heart ached for his men. Again, guilt plagued him. He felt responsible for their horrid ordeal.

After the men had unloaded their stories, Thelton took an assessment of their injuries. More than half of them were injured to one degree or another. Some had battle wounds, other had wounds were they hit their heads in the cave, or where they broke an ankle during their escape.

Thelton shoved the tip of the emerald sword into the ground. He kneeled on one knee before them.

"Men, you were brave these last few days. I greatly regret the ordeal you have been through. I am sorry I wasn't here to protect you. As I look over you, I can see most of you are hurt. I regret any harm that has come to you. As you leader, I want to see you heal.

"There are many secrets to the Vegus Forest. I am sure by now most of you have heard of Firelake. It is a body of water with healing properties. If you will do all in your willpower to follow me, I can take you there where you can heal. You will find after only minutes, you will feel better than you did before you ever even joined this war."

Most of the men had heard about Firelake. With much strain and great effort, they pulled themselves up to follow Thelton to the lake. To their relief, the lake was only twenty minutes away.

Even before they could see the lake past the thicket of trees, they could see light glowing up in the sky. When they broke through the trees, a brilliant sight greeted their eyes. In front of them was a large lake covered in fire. The fire was incandescent with multiple colors dancing and leaping for the sky. There were some places where the fire reached six meters high, swaying and moving. The fire didn't sit still, for it flowed around as if a rhythm controlled its movement, a rhythm swaying back and forth. The flame shot out in a mystical phenomenon, it captured the eyes of all its beholders. They stood in a breathtaking trance, while a wondrous beckoning over took them. Some abandoned their stance and ran to the lake and jumped head first into the flames. Others were cautious and feared the incomprehensible power. But soon, everyone entered, even Thelton.

The healing power overtook all. They were carried away into their deepest fantasies while their bodies become whole. Warmth radiated inside and numbed them to their problems and cares. Thelton allowed himself an hour of the pleasure, but he finally exited the water. Scallon heard him move, and followed Thelton out.

"Do you remember the last time we came here? How many men refused to leave the water? Wasn't it about twenty?"

"Yeah, something like that," Thelton replied.

"You think we'll be able to get these men out?" Scallon asked. He closed his brown eyes for a moment.

"We don't need to," Thelton replied.

"And why is that?" Scallon asked.

"Because, these men aren't warriors. Most of them couldn't even escape out of a cave. I can't do it to them. I can't kill them. If I take them to fight against Trevor, I will kill them."

"You won't kill them. Trevor might, but you won't."

"It's the same thing. If I take them to battle, undoubtedly they will all die. And therefore, I will have killed them."

Scallon put his arm around Thelton's strong shoulder. Thelton's muscles tightened up, for he didn't like to be touched by another man.

"Don't take these losses hard on yourself. We were ambushed. We didn't stand a chance."

"If I was there, I could have stopped so many of the men from dying."

"Really, just you could have done that? Trevor had thousands of men. There is nothing more you could have done then we did. Maybe if you were there, then maybe, just maybe two more men would have lived. Don't beat yourself up."

All the healing magic of the lake disappeared from Thelton. Deep dark sorrow racked over him. "I should have been here. I caused these men to lose their lives. That is why I don't like to lead. That is why I am not a leader. How many people have died or how many lives changed because of me?"

Scallon squeezed Thelton tighter. "My man, you will do yourself no good with this kind of talk. War is ugly. People will die. In the end, we both will probably die. We know this. Those men knew that. It is a chance you take for freedom. Even if you don't get to taste it, as long as someone else does because of you, then it is worth it."

Thelton didn't seem to hear a word Scallon said. He was lost in his own despair. "Not only have I killed these men, I killed all the other men during the hunt for the queen dragon. What good have I done? I have done none. It is because of me Trevor rules. If I had only accepted my execution, the king would live today. It is all my fault." Even though the tears never flowed, Thelton was whirl-winded into the self-pity of his mind.

"I am good for nothing. NOTHING!"

Scallon had enough. He let go of Thelton and with the same arm that had comforted him, he slapped him. A red mark stayed on Thelton's cheek.

"Stop it," Scallon yelled.

Thelton looked startled, but it was what he needed. He could feel the self-pity vanish by his stinging cheek.

"Hold tight," he said to Scallon. Thelton turned his hefty back to him and returned into Firelake. The fire climbed up his arms and saturated his head. He closed his eyes and let the serenity of the fire take away his dismay. Five minutes later, he forced himself out and returned to Scallon's side. Scallon had sat on a rock and was chewing on some grass with his dull teeth.

"Listen, I know what must be done. These men are no longer required to fight. They must return home to their families and restart their lives."

"My man, most of them don't have families to return to. Let them fight."

"No!" Thelton barked. "They don't have what it takes to fight. I will kill them if I take them to war."

"So are you quitting on us again?"

Thelton had to hold his tongue. Scallon's words stabbed him, for he had quit on his men before.

"I will not quit until I right all the evil I have brought into this world. And this is where I start. The men will not fight! We have plenty of men from Cloats and Candleshaw. With those two kingdoms fighting behind me, we will win. We do not need the tired people of Andleburg. Let them rest."

"Are you sure we can pull it off without the men?"

"Look at them. That is nothing compared to Trevor's thousands. They will be no good to us, and all they have to offer is their lost lives. We will have our numbers with Cloats and Candleshaw."

"Then I trust you my man." Scallon said.

### Chapter 17

The massacre at the cave had pushed Thelton into action. He had wanted his men to have more time to prepare for battle, but that time had ended. It was time to dethrone Trevor. The longer he lived, the more people died. Thelton hoped Trevor would celebrate his victory and let down his guard. Maybe, he would no longer see Andleburg as a threat and would relax.

Thelton gathered the men from Candleshaw and Cloats together and they came upon the castle walls at night. They were astounded with what awaited them.

The castle had been tightly fortified. Trevor had dug a massive moat around the walls, to the width of eight meters. On the bank in front of the moat, he had piled branches with very sharp ends sticking straight up. The sticks formed barriers of deadly spikes all around the moat. It seemed dauntless, the idea of breaking through. Behind the castle wall were thousands of men stationed. Men assisted from the kingdoms of Arlisaine, and Prestide. The brilliantly constructed barricades were no match for Thelton and his men. But unaware of the massive power inside, and with insatiable sense to win the kingdom back, Thelton led the men into the bloodiest battle the kingdoms had ever seen.

Thelton wasn't really sure what his line of attack should be. He hadn't anticipated the moat and the sharp barrier. He started the rampage by sending some of his men to the underground passages into the castle. Disappointed, they all returned saying the passages had been sealed by a thick wall. Thelton made them return and told them to do what it took to break down the walls.

Thelton, Scallon, and the commanders from Candleshaw and Cloats talked about strategy. They couldn't come up with many options. Trevor had done a magnificent job of fortifying the castle. Thelton would work on forcing their way through, but they really wondered if they could. They decided if they couldn't break through, then maybe they could starve Trevor out. If they didn't allow any resources to come in, eventually Trevor's men would have to come out for want of food. But, since Thelton's men were fighting from other kingdoms, they didn't have the patience or the desire for such a plan.

Instead of fighting the first night like they planned, they spent it talking strategy. The next morning they decided to attack.

The front men were sent in to break down the barrier. As they labored at it, they were quickly showered with arrows from above. Although Thelton's archers tried to bring down the castle's archers, they failed miserably. Trevor's archers were able to fight behind slots built into the castle for that very purpose. For every one man Thelton's men killed, he lost five. Only a few sticks of the wall had been removed. The plan had not worked at all.

Thelton hastily pulled the men back. The situation before them seemed impossible. After they explored every option, they decided as long as the barrier of spears stood, there was nothing they could do.

Ceasing the fighting, the men camped outside of the castle and waited for Cloats to send oil. Nothing happened while the men waited. Unfortunately, the weather became really cold, and the men were chilled to the bone. A week later the oil arrived on large wagons.

With huge vats of oil, they took it to the barrier and drenched as much of it as they could. Arrows sprayed the working men. After the oil was dumped on the barrier, it was lit to a magnificent flame. They would burn the barrier down. The fire lapped up and down the wooden spears. Thelton's men cheered and cheered, for the first time in over a week they felt victory.

The fire didn't have long to burn before large vats of red powder fell down from the upper walls of the castle. The powder covered the flames and immediately arrested the flames. When the fire was good and out, the archers from above dumped water onto the wood to make it wet.

Thelton's men's spirits dropped. It seemed nothing they did worked, but without any other strategy, the men had to wait for the wood to dry. Once it was dry, they covered it in oil again. Once again, as soon as the barrier was ignited, the men above would douse it out with their red powder. However, this time Trevor's men didn't give the wood a chance to dry. Every six hours they would wet the wood. After a couple of days, Thelton's men decided to dump the rest of the oil on the barrier and see if it would be enough to overcome the wet wood. Desperate, they had no other strategies.

With the spear wall drenched in oil, and many more men dead, the wall was relight. The fire, although much weaker than before, took off. But, again, the men above put it out.

Thelton's men were out of oil and out of plans.

It had already been over two weeks since Thelton had launched his attack. They had lost many men but had made zero headway. The morale was very low with the men, for they were cold, hungry, and tired. They were ready to quit. They did not see any way to win the war. The men wanted to go home to their wives and children. This was not their war, they despised being in it. The kings granted Thelton more time, despite his defeat, for they understand the gravity of the situation. They knew Trevor had formed alliances with Arlisaine and Prestide. If Trevor wasn't removed from the throne, then there was no doubt he would be seeking to control Cloats and Candleshaw.

...

Thelton waited for a new shipment of oil from Candleshaw. The night was downcast and the rain poured down relentlessly. Everyone was in a foul mood. While most of the men tried to hide under make shift shelters, Thelton was walking around the barrier. He made sure he wasn't close enough for any lose arrows. As he rounded the east side of the castle, a figure in a long cloak approached him. Thelton held his swords out, wary of the unsolicited figure.

"If you make one more step my way, I will kill you," he told the cloaked stranger.

"Please be kind, my love." the sweet voice under the cloak called back.

"Who are you?" Thelton asked, completely taken off guard by the feminine reply.

The hood opened enough for Thelton to see the face beneath it. Looking back at him was two mystical blue eyes, around the face bounced beautiful golden hair. His heart leapt in surprise and fear. Was it really Alashia under the cloak? He was excited to see her, but very uneasy with her being out on the battle field.

"Alashia, is that you?" he asked.

"Yes my love, it is. Please, I fear my life out in the open like this. Accompany me back to the woods so we may talk."

Thelton looked around. He was the only one out in the rain. All his men were out of sight. A small, tender hand snaked out from under the robe and grabbed Thelton's beefy hand. He noticed how frozen the hand was.

"I hope you won't catch a chill from being out in the weather." Thelton held the delicate hand and allowed her to lead him into the trees. As they walked, things just didn't seem right.

What was Alashia doing back in Andleburg and what was she doing on the battle field? Had she missed him so much she had decided to return to him? Surely she wasn't dumb enough to be out in the battlefield? The least she could have done was sent a messenger to Thelton. Maybe she didn't trust anyone. If Trevor captured her, all would be lost.

Alashia led Thelton deep into the trees. Finally, he stopped her and spun her around. He lifted the hood from her head. Her beautiful hair poured out onto her shoulders. Thelton's heart leapt while she gracefully removed the hair away from her eyes putting him in a trance. She was so beautiful. He hadn't realized how much he had missed her.

Thelton snapped himself back to reality. He was drenched to the bone and bitterly cold. "What are you doing here?"

"You're not happy to see me? I thought you would be happy to see me."

"I am, but not here, this is foolishness."

"I fear for you, my love," Alashia said.

"I can handle myself. It is you who I fear for. Where is Sterling?"

"Never mind him. If you fear for me, then see me to safety. Let us run away from here, let us be together."

"That is nonsense talk. What about your kingdom? This is your kingdom I am fighting for."

"Please, Thelton, you have been out here almost three weeks. How many men have you lost? Could it be a thousand? Do you not see there is no way into Trevor's fortress? Let this kingdom go. If you don't, in the end, you will all be dead and Trevor will still be king. Can't you see that? You don't stand a chance. Come with me while you can and let us start a life anew. Please, I beg you."

Alashia leaned into Thelton and gave him a long passionate kiss. The kiss was nice for Thelton, but he was so cold, he hardly enjoyed it.

Alashia pulled away. "Does that not do anything for you?"

Thelton looked at her for a minute. "Alashia, I don't know what to say. You threw me off guard. You are the last person I ever expected to see out here. The only thing I can think about right now is getting you to safety."

Alashia took Thelton's calloused hand and placed it on her heart. "Then take me to safety."

"No, Alashia, I can't. I must lead my men."

"Lead them to what, death?"

"We will win this one, you will see."

"No you won't, you will die, and I could never live again if you did."

"You will never live again if you stay here. Please, I will have the men escort you to your sister's in Cloats. You will find safety there, I promise."

"I don't trust any of the men," Alashia said as she swung her hips back and forth, she took her finger and traced it along Thelton's lips. They were so frozen they numbed his lips.

"Please, you are my husband, you must protect me."

Thelton looked away sheepishly. "Oh, you heard about that. I am sorry, I felt it was necessary."

"Felt what was necessary?"

Thelton looked at Alashia. She was shaking from the cold.

"Alashia, listen if you don't die by an arrow, then you will die from a chill." He wrapped his arm around her and led her toward his men. "I must get you to safety."

"So, you will take me there yourself?"

"No, I have to stay with my men. But they will take you there. They are your sister's men and you can trust them."

Alashia pushed her body into Thelton's, forcing him to stop. She was trying to seduce him.

"Please, see me to safety then you can know me again."

"Again?" Thelton asked.

"Yes, again. Tell me you haven't forgotten everything special between us?"

Thelton stared at Alashia for a moment, then he spun her around and met her neck with his emerald sword. The sharp cold blade pierced into her skin.

"Who are you?" Thelton growled.

"I am your wife," Alashia said as her voice elevated in fear.

"No you are not. Tell me who you are or I will kill you."

"I," Alashia swallowed as she trembled beneath the sword. "I am your wife."

The sword dug deep into the neck, the pressure made it hard for Alashia to breathe. "I won't hesitate to slit your throat if you don't tell me exactly who you are."

Through muffled voice, Alashia said again. "I am your wife, please don't kill me." Big tears rolled down her cheeks.

"This is your only test. If you are Alashia, who married us?"

"Why, daddy did it himself, just before Trevor overtook the castle."

That was the lie Thelton had spread. Thelton took the sword and slit superficially across Alashia's throat. He had intended to fully split it open, but he couldn't, for the enemy looked too much like Alashia. A small red mark poked out from where his sword had scratched.

Alashia pulled away and grabbed at her throat. A small amount of blood trickled out.

"What have you done?" she screeched. She grabbed her throat and fell to the ground. "Why would you kill me?" she asked.

Thelton felt horrible. Had he been wrong, had he really killed Alashia?

He reached down to help her, but she backed away from him.

"What kind of man would kill his own wife?" she bawled.

Thelton stood there confused. Was this Alashia, or wasn't it?

"Don't worry, you aren't going to die, I barely broke the surface," he said. Again, he reached down and grabbed her hand. He tried pulling her up. As he did, he felt sharp nails pierce into his wrist. The nails dug hard and even drew blood.

He yanked Alashia to a stand, but her nails were still embedded into his skin. He pulled them out; they were long, yellowish brown, and thick. Those were not the nails of Alashia. As he looked at her hand, he watched as the soft pink skin slowly transformed into wrinkly thin skin. The change took place all over Alashia's body. Her thin skin turned bumpy and age spots and warts formed all over. Her thick golden hair turned dull and grey. Her eye sunk into her head and bags formed under them. When the wave of ugliness was finished passing over her, she had completely morphed into a hideously ugly old woman.

"You," Thelton said as he held the wrist of the medicine woman. "What kind of sorcery are you trying to put over me?"

The medicine woman refused to look into his eyes. She looked away.

Thelton thought about the kiss they had shared. He was disgusted. He looked at her mouth, for it looked like a dead worm had taken the place of her lips. He pushed her to the ground and spit.

"What are you doing? I don't have time for games. I am leading an invasion."

"Please don't be mad at me Thelton. You know I have always loved you. Once a woman knows true love, she never forgets it."

"You are wasting my time." Thelton kicked dirt into her face and walked away.

As he stomped in anger, he suddenly stopped. The medicine woman appeared in front of him, she held onto his wrists. He tried to break away, but he couldn't, her grasp was surprisingly strong.

"Let go of me," he ordered. Her embrace only grew tighter.

"Let go of me!" he yelled. Again, she increased her hold. Thelton looked at her scrawny arms. How could such an aged woman have so much strength?

"We have a past together, and I respect you. But if you don't let me go I won't hesitate to hurt you," he threatened.

"Try your best, my lover," she said.

Thelton swung his thick wrists around to break her grip. He could not. He struggled with it for a moment, then threw her to the ground. She didn't let go, and he tumbled down on top of her. She flipped Thelton's muscular body off hers and pounced on top of him. She locked him to the forest floor. She laughed a shrill laugh as she gained the advantage over him.

"Let me go, you hag," he yelled.

"Let you go?" she questioned. "You are The Dragon Slayer, fight me off."

Thelton thrashed around until he was able to break free. He tried to crawl out from under her, but she pulled him in. The two of them rolled around on the ground. Thelton ended up on top. He jumped up and pulled her with him. He then thrust her into a tree.

"Leave me alone," he said as he turned his back and walked away. After he took his third step, he was flung to the ground. The medicine woman did a high jump right onto his belly. The air passed out of Thelton. He reached over and grabbed her ankle and slammed her to the ground. He crawled on top of her, pinning her where she was.

"I warn you, if you don't leave me alone, I will kill you." Thelton put his sword to her neck again.

"You didn't have the heart to kill me when I was Alashia," she said under his pressure.

"You're not as pretty as Alashia," he said.

The medicine woman reached her leg up behind him and kicked him squarely in the back of the head. Thelton saw lights as he tumbled to the ground. The medicine women pounced on top of him again and pinned him tightly down.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" he yelled.

"Do you think I am strong?"

Thelton didn't answer, his pride wouldn't let him. She took her knee and shoved it into his throat. He tried to use all his energy to break through, but couldn't.

"Do you think I am strong, Lover?"

"A little," he squeaked out.

The medicine woman rolled off him and laughed, "I am strong, aren't I?"

Without answering, Thelton grabbed his golden sword off the ground and jumped up. He quickly backed away from her.

"I don't know what type of game you are playing, but I must get back to the war." Thelton said backing farther away from her.

She jumped up and stood right in his face.

"You want that strength?"

"I got what I need," he said, staring her down.

"No, I don't think you do. You just got bested by an old woman."

Her words had some truth.

"What do you want?" Thelton asked again.

The medicine woman became very serious.

"I am sorry I played around with you. Like I was saying before, I love you. I know the only way I would ever have you is as Alashia. So, I took what chance I could. I failed. I was pretty sure I would, but it was worth a shot, even if it was just for that wonderful kiss we shared."

Thelton's face contorted to the thought.

"My real reason to talk with you is to help you. I wasn't kidding when I said you would lose this war. I have seen it, Thelton. You die. Your men die. Trevor goes on to become all powerful. He takes over all the kingdoms around and many, many die."

"I didn't think affairs such as these mattered to you?" Thelton asked. They both relaxed, letting down their guard.

"Normally they don't," she said, "but I now have my reasons."

"What are they? Are they because I die?"

"I would hate to see you die, my love, but if you don't marry me, your fate is in your own hands."

"Then what is it?"

"I want revenge."

"Revenge?"

"Yes, Trevor burned my cottage down. He had his men tie me up and take me to the town square where they set me ablaze. They called me a witch and tried to burn me!"

"Burn you?"

"Yes, what arrogant people they are. I am not a witch. Why would I want to be one?"

"How did you escape? I can only assume you escaped since you are here with me. Or, are you dead and have come as a spirit?"

"I just bested you in a fight; do you really think I am a spirit?"

"No, I guess not. You must have fought your way free."

"I wasn't strong then," she confessed.

"Well, how'd you do it?"

"Seriously, you're asking me how I did it, as if you believe I couldn't. You know I have all the powers, never ending. If I need to escape, then I escape."

"So, then why are you here seeking my help?"

"Who said I am seeking your help?"

"Is that not what you are doing right now?"

"No, I am here offering you my help."

"How so?"

She opened her hand, inside was a small brown oval. "This pill here will make you as strong as me."

"So, it is a pill of strength?"

"Yes."

"I could see how that would have its advantages."

"I have made enough for your men. The powers in it will last three months." The medicine woman dropped it in Thelton's hand.

Thelton rolled it over back and forth, examining it.

"Go ahead, take it," she told him.

Thelton slipped it into his mouth and swallowed.

"I don't feel different."

"Ohhhh, but you will be."

"That is not all. I have more for you. I have the smoking logs. When they are lit they let out a thick smoke causing whoever breathing it to fall asleep. It makes it very handy to have your enemy fall asleep right before you. To protect yourself from falling asleep, I have twenty cloths your men can put around their faces so when they breathe the smoke, they will not fall asleep."

"So I will have strong men who can put each other to sleep, but how will that help us if we can't get into the castle?"

"Oh, I can get you into the castle."

The medicine woman then explained to Thelton the other devices she had for him to penetrate Trevor's forces.

When she was done, Thelton bowed to her in respect. "I appreciate what you have done for me, but why?"

"I told you, for revenge."

"Yeah, but you said it yourself, you are all powerful, never ending. Why don't you kill Trevor yourself? You could probably cast a spell on him from right there and he would die this instant. Why don't you do that?"

"Things are complicated."

"Well, thank you."

"Hurry Thelton, return to your men and tell them your plan. Avenge my name for me."

Thelton took his hands and squeezed the medicine's woman's shoulders in a sort of hugging manner. Her shoulders were bony and thin. He picked up a magic bag the medicine woman had given him, one compressing all her magic gifts inside. Thelton turned his back to her and walked away. Then he stopped, he turned back and looked at her still watching him.

The medicine woman had played a very important role in his life. Without her, he probably never would have been in the trouble he was in, but with that aside, she had done so much for him. He turned his body fully around and went back to stand in front of her. He held much gratitude in his heart for her, and he wanted her to know it. He picked up her withered hand and put a simple kiss on it. He then bent over and placed a delicate kiss on her lips.

"Thanks for everything," he said. He turned and walked away.

The medicine woman watched him until she could see him no more. Her heart was on fire. In her hundreds of years of life, she had never met another like The Dragon Slayer.

### Chapter 18

The group of cold men gathered around Thelton. He kept the majority of them in the back perimeters, while up front with him, he had two hundred archers. The archers rocked back and forth on their feet because of their coldness. They felt they could no longer stand the gelid rains that never seemed to let up. The sky had been darkened for days and so were their spirits. Thelton sensed their growing melancholy and hoped his gifts from the medicine woman would be the things they needed to raise their spirits and win the war.

"...and all you have to do is swallow it, and you will have immeasurable strength. With this strength, we will be able to break down those walls and take the castle."

"I won't be taking any magic pill from you," someone shouted out.

"Yeah, we heard the last time you used magic pills you turned men into trees."

All the archers joined in the rebellion of the pills. They had heard the stories about Thelton and did not trust him when it came to things like magic pills.

"I took the pill. See what I can do." Thelton looked around for the largest man there. He found two who towered over him. He ran over to the men and hoisted them both up effortlessly, one in each arm

"Granted I am a strong man, but there still is no way I could do this of my own accord. I feel you men need to trust me. I have been through so much since the tales of me turning men into trees. I must confess those tales are true; however, I can attest I am not the same man.

"Back then, I was selfish and thought only of me. Today, I think only of the tri-kingdoms and restoring order to everyone. These pills will give us the edge we need. As you can see, we cannot do this on our own. We need some help, and the medicine woman has given us that help."

As much as Thelton tried to convince the men to take the pills, they refused. Maybe he couldn't talk the archers into it, but he would try with the rest of the men later.

When he knew his pills would not be consumed, he moved on with the plans.

"This next plan will not involve any eating of mysterious things. What I have is a small cauldron of black goo-like substance. You will take your arrows and dip it in the goo, then you are to shoot an arrow into one of the spears on the wooden barrier surrounding the moat."

"What will it do?" an archer asked.

"To tell you the truth, I really don't know, but I was promised it will tear down their stronghold."

"It sounds like she is fooling you," another man said.

"I fully trust the medicine woman," Thelton replied.

"Then demonstrate it to us."

Thelton reached down and picked up an arrow. He bent over the cauldron and dipped it in the thick tar-like substance.

He spread his thick legs open and stabilized his stance then attached the arrow in the bow and studied his target. A silence moved in as all the men watched. Thelton pulled back the bow and let go. The arrow sprung forward and soared high into the air, so high, it zoomed past his target and landed in the moat. The men laughed at Thelton's fail. His face reddened. Embarrassed, he rapidly re-dipped another arrow and launched it toward the spears. The arrow sailed through the air and stuck straight into one of the spears. A small spark shot out upon contact, then nothing.

"That's it? A small spark? How will that tear down their barrier?"

Thelton rubbed his long head. "I don't know, maybe if we all send them over at the same time, the spark will be big enough to knock the whole thing down," Thelton said. He bent down to dip another arrow. So far, all the medicine woman had done was make him look like a fool.

"Wow, look at that," an archer shouted out. Thelton flung around. The sight in front of him astounded him. The spear his arrow had penetrated moved. Its rigid form morphed into an elastic, soft, moving solid. A ripple seemed to flow through the spear. It wiggled and turned until it took the full form of a long creature. Some of it looked like a snake and other parts of it looked like a worm. Whatever it was, it was alive. On the top end of the creature, it had a wide mouth full of razor sharp teeth. The skin emitted a slimy substance. A high pitched hissing rose out of the wormy creature. It turned around and even though it didn't have eyes, it seemed to be looking at the archers. Suddenly, it slid down the barrier and with great speed headed toward them.

The men quickly loaded their arrows, ready to kill the creature if it got much closer.

"Wait!" Thelton yelled at the men. "I am sure it is here to help." Thelton walked toward the creature and held his hand forward. The snaky thing reached him and stopped centimeters away from his face, standing tall and erect, towering above Thelton. Silence. An electric charge vibrated in the air. The men held their breath. Thelton held his breath. Was the creature going to attack him?

Thelton pointed toward the castle, and commanded, "Attack!" The creature let out an ear deafening squeal. All the men covered their ears, for they felt like they were going to explode. Still squealing, the wormish creature turned around and crawled along the ground until it reached the barrier, leaving a trail of slime. It slid up the side and over the top then fell into the moat. After it swam across the moat, it slithered up the castle wall and to the other side amongst Trevor's men. Several screams were heard, then silence.

"What are you waiting for?" Thelton yelled. "Attack!"

The men scrambled and pushed each other as they gathered arrows and worked on putting the tar like stuff on their arrow's tips. Soon the air was filled with arrows being sent to the wooden barrier. As the arrows entered the spears, small sparks would burst. The spears transformed into the creepy creatures. Hissing and squealing ricocheted in the air. The men tried to cover their ears and still send arrows over.

Once a spear turned into a creature, it would wiggle around a bit, then it would slither over the barrier, swim across the moat then snake its way up the wall of the castle. Constant screaming could be heard beyond the castle walls.

The archers spread out and sent an arrow into each spear of the wooden barrier. Eventually, the barrier no longer existed. All the spears had turned into deadly creatures and had gone over to the castle grounds. Thelton wondered what happened when the creatures went over the wall. Did they kill any of Trevor's men?

Once there was no longer a barrier of spears, Thelton's men let out war cries, feeling so much relief. It was their first victory and it sent their spirits on fire. Thelton sent the archers to rest while he brought in his climbers. He explained the magic pills to them telling them it would bring them strength to scale the wall and go over and kill Trevor's men. He was sure after they had seen the display of magic work on the spears, the new group of men would take the pills. But none would. They, like the archers, did not trust him.

"Fine, don't take the pills, but you may find you will need the extra strength after we enter the castle. Trevor has a stronghold of fighters on the other side of the wall. Nonetheless, our next step is to cross the moat."

One man stepped forward. "I know how we will do it. During these last two weeks, I have been designing plans for some platforms that will aid us over the moat." The man handed Thelton a sheet of papyrus on which he had his plans. Thelton barely looked at them, instead wadding them up.

"We won't be needing that." He dropped the papyrus on the ground and stood on it. The architect was offended, he had worked hard on his plans, and Thelton hadn't even given them a chance.

"The medicine woman has given me a powder."

"We will not eat your powder," someone shouted.

Thelton rolled his dark eyes. "I don't need you to eat my powder. This powder will make the moat crossable. Now, we can't just walk up to the water and dump it in. Trevor's men would shoot us down with their arrows. What we can do is make some catapults and wrap the powder in some leaves. We can launch the powder into the moat and it will dissolve upon contact."

"We have catapults in our supplies," one of the men said.

"Go and fetch as many as you can," Thelton ordered.

Thirty men ran off into the woods. They returned with twenty catapults. While they had been gone, Thelton had constructed the powder bombs. The men positioned the catapults evenly around the moat.

"On the count of three, send them off. One...two...three," Thelton called out.

The powder bombs flew through the air. A few missed the moat, but most of them made it in. When the powder dumped out of the leaves and into the water, an instantaneous reaction took place. The water solidified. It looked almost like ice. Crystals raced along the water as the moat turned hard. The men could be heard sighing in awe.

One of the men ran over to the moat and touched it.

"Hey, it looks like ice, but it's not cold. Come, let's cross over and take down the castle!" As he finished his last word, five arrows pierced into his body from above. Every eye rose up and saw the top of the castle walls filled with archers.

Thelton's men returned the fire, and arrows shot back and forth. And once again, it seemed for every man of Trevor's who died, a couple of Thelton's died. Although they had removed the obstacle of the moat and the barrier, there were still the protected archers from above. As long as they were there, it was going to make the castle hard to get through.

"Bring out more men," Thelton called. More fighters emerged from the woods and joined in the battle. They tried to stay clear from Trevor's arrows, but that made it almost impossible for them to take out any of Trevor's men. Eventually, Thelton's men retreated for the night.

...

"I really don't know what to do," Thelton consulted in Scallon. "I have never led men into battle. It is obvious I am not a soldier or a commander."

"Then let Cloats or Candleshaw lead the battle. They are trained and know strategy."

"No they don't. I have consulted in them with most every maneuver we have made. They don't know any more than I do."

"It will come to you. Get some sleep. Tonight, celebrate your two victories. Tomorrow, we will take down the wall."

"How? The medicine woman didn't give me anything to shake down the wall. And besides, what good is the moat and such being out of the way, if we still can't get close enough to penetrate their walls?"

Scallon reached his freckled arms back and yawned. "It will come to you, my man. Don't beat yourself up over it."

Scallon quickly drifted off to sleep. "What does he care? He doesn't have thousands of men's lives in his hands," Thelton bitterly thought.

Thelton couldn't sleep. All he could think about was the impossibility of the walls. If the men would just take the pills, maybe they would be strong enough to punch through the castle walls. Their stubbornness wasn't helping. What could they do?

The day had worn the men out while the rain continued to pound down upon them. Lulled into security by their advancement, most men fell asleep with ease. Only Thelton and a few others were still awake keeping guard.

As Thelton accidently drifted to sleep, he heard some scuffling about by Scallon. He turned to see if his comrade needed anything. What he saw caused his heart to skip a beat.

One of Trevor's men was dropping Scallon's limp body to the ground. He had lifted him up enough to slit his throat. Sickened by the sight, Thelton jumped up and rammed his sword into the man's chest. He died instantly.

"Men awake!" Thelton yelled. "The enemy is upon us!"

The men were surrounded from every angle. Trevor's men were thickly amongst them.

Thelton's men jumped up and the clashing of swords began.

It was more difficult to fight in the woods than it would have been out in the clearing in front of the castle. The men fought five days straight with numerous casualties on both sides. Trevor had only sent a third of his men out to fight. The rest he had kept in the castle grounds to protect his fortress. As Trevor's men began to dwindle in size, they decided to retreat back into the castle.

With the enemy momentarily gone, Thelton and his men swept across the sea of bodies looking for any of their men who was still alive. He was able to find two hundred thirty injured warriors amongst the dead. They were collected and sent off with an escort to Firelake.

The following days were quiet. The men rested and contemplated. The rains came down in a steady drizzle. The mood hung full of despair. Everyone complained, for all they wanted to do was go home.

"Dragon Slayer, our men are tired and we are ready to be done. We are cold and miserable and we want to return home to our wives and children. This is not our war, it is yours. You lost before we ever helped. The only thing we have accomplished is losing many of our fine men," The captain of Cloats told Thelton over a bowl of cold stew. As they ate, the rain further watered down the stew.

"Candleshaw is done as well," the captain of Candleshaw announced.

"I know this is not your war, but it will be if you do not stop Trevor. He has already aligned with Arlisaine and Prestide. If you don't stop him then he will come into your kingdoms and take your throne."

"We will fortify our castles to the manner he has his. We will make ourselves impenetrable. As you can see, the ones inside the fort are safe. It is the ones on the outside trying to get in who get killed. We are the ones on the outside."

"Give us more time. Our destruction and his rise have already been prophesied. If we don't stop him, we are all doomed, and not just Andleburg, but Cloats and Candleshaw as well."

"Look, Dragon Slayer, our men are not warriors. We have been blessed to live in times of peace. Our countries haven't known war for so long we have forgotten how to fight. I think it is time to be done."

"Give me two more weeks, two more weeks is all I ask."

"Two more weeks for what? To watch the rest of our men to die? If you could figure a way into the castle, then we would have a chance, but right now their archers are too numerous. Any attempts we make ends up with our men dead."

Thelton twirled his spoon in his stew. "Just two more weeks," he mumbled.

"No, we are done."

Thelton's head popped up. A thought struck him. "Captain, this is not your call. Your king put me in charge of this war. You were consigned to aid me, assist me, but I am in charge. I order you and your men to fight for two more weeks. That is the same for both of you."

The captains knew Thelton was right. Their orders were to help him, but he was to lead. After Thelton left their company, the captains both wrote letters to their kings. They requested permission to end the war and return home with their men.

### Chapter 19

Princess Lucille was awoken by the creaking of her chamber doors.

"My lady, I hate to disturb you, but you have received a letter of utmost importance." The servant tiptoed into the room, still uninvited. She knew it was risky to call upon a princess without being summoned, but she was sure if Lucille found out about the letter and had discovered it wasn't immediately brought to her, then the servant would find herself in even greater trouble.

Lucille sat up in bed and rubbed the cobwebs out of her eyes. She wasn't nearly as beautiful as her sister, Alashia. Lucille's complexion was somewhat ashy. It hadn't always been that way, but since living with her in laws, the royalty of Cloats, life had been very stressful. She felt picked on, like she was an outsider in their castle. She tried to be a faithful wife to their son, and she tried to please the queen, but she felt like she was always failing, then after she heard about the death of her father and her childhood kingdom being overthrown, she had taken to her bed ill. Very few days Lucille got out of bed. Her husband was too busy helping to rule the kingdom to take time to notice her. She dwindled in misery knowing her father was dead and her younger sisters were across the sea, she possibly would never see them again.

As Lucille adjusted to the light slipping into her room, her temperament became agitated. "What nerve do you have coming in and waking me up? Unless someone had died, what letter could be worth your position? I hope you will know how to adjust to life outside the castle." Lucille sniped at the servant who was handing her the letter.

The servant ducked her head lower and hastily backed out the door. As she was closing it, she heard Princess Lucille call out, "Start packing your bags." The door closed as the tears slipped out of the servant's eyes.

Princess Lucille didn't recognize the coat of arms branded on the front of the letter. Maybe she shouldn't have been so gruff and had taken time to ask the servant where the letter came from. She supposed it didn't matter. She would learn the origin of the letter as soon as she read it. Princess Lucille untwisted the red ribbon binding the letter closed. When she opened it and saw the penmanship, her heart leapt.

...

Dearest Sister, Princess Lucille of Cloats,

I hope this note finds you well. This is written from your dearest sister, Alashia. I do not know if news has reached you that I and Stephanie are alive and well. Actually, I am not sure you can call us well, but we are healthy and I guess that is truly what matters.

Since the news of me being alive may come as a shock, let me fill you in on the details of the past...

Lucille wiped the tears from her eyes, for she couldn't believe she was reading Alashia's words. She read all about the death of Wolfgang and Alashia's exodus. Alashia told her about the wedding and everything up to that point.

... _Now Sterling makes a fine husband, actually, he is more than a fine husband, for I have never seen a man treat a woman so good. He is kind and gentle and he always puts me first. He adores Stephanie and plays with her often. He is so good. He is pleasant to look at. My problem, my sin, is I still love Thelton. I love my husband, don't get me wrong. I find myself falling more and more in love with him every day. But, will Thelton ever leave my heart?_

I do have a secret to tell you. I think I am with child. I haven't told my husband yet, because I want to be sure. But I don't know. There are no women here for me to talk to, to ask. My body is doing some strange things, but does that mean I am pregnant? What if I have a boy? That would make father so happy, a first boy to be born through his line. I would name him Wolfgang after father.

Lucille, I don't know what to do. I want to come home. I want to return to Andleburg so bad. But, is there an Andleburg to return to? Has Thelton won the war? Is he still alive? I guess I could come and live with you, for that would be way better then living in Landseisha. Flora is evil.

Things have gotten worse between her and I. She is trying very hard to get me to leave. Her husband, King Thomas came out to the vineyard for a tour and to collect some wine. When he met me he was taken by my beauty. Before he left, he found out I was a princess, cousin to his wife. That must have made him fall in love, because he comes over to the vineyard three times a week. He claims it is his sudden interest in winery and wine. I know better.

Sterling seems to be oblivious to all the advances King Thomas is making at me, but I am fully aware. I think Flora knows, for out of revenge, she had taken away my allowance. She said I will now live off the fruit of my husband's labor. Flora is trying to get me to leave. She promised if I left, she would send me out on her fanciest ship, so I could have a pleasant return to my kingdom. I am really considering this. I dread another long voyage at sea, but if I could do it away from common people, and in luxury, it may be worth it.

I also fear for my dear husband's life. King Thomas has been talking about taking Sterling out on a hunting trip. I beg Sterling not to go. I am sure the king will have him killed and move me into the castle. Things are getting too hard to handle over here.

Whatever happened to that simple life I dreamed of? A dream in which Thelton and I get married and rule side by side in Andleburg for the rest of my days. I was a simple woman before these events took place. I didn't long for much or complain often. Why have I been dealt this hand in life?

I anxiously await your response. But maybe one day I will surprise you and show up at your door.

With so much love, and a very heavy heart.

Your dearest sister

Alashia (and Stephanie)

...

Lucille brought the letter to her chest. Her heart aching for her sister. The letter only compounded her depression.

### Chapter 20

Not much had changed outside the castle walls. Thelton's men would shoot arrows at the archers on the castle for a time, but they never accomplished much. After watching their own men die, they would retreat and rest for a day or two. One day it finally quit raining. The men basked in the sun and refused to fight, for they wanted to rest and enjoy the heat, a heat bathing them in warmth, reaching their bones and soul. The sun provided a respite from weeks of turmoil. Thelton let them enjoy the sun because he knew nothing they did was making a difference. He only had a week and a half left with the troops. They were promised to return home to their families if they hadn't broke into the castle. Thelton wondered if he might send them home in a few more days. His spirits were starting to drop. It seemed like they would never find a way to penetrate the walls, for none of them had any strategic training; they were hunters, not warriors. He found it ironic; however, for at one time he had fought so hard to get out of the castle walls, now he was fighting to get in them.

As Thelton was resting with the men, twelve of Cloats royal guards rode over to him. They had come straight from Cloats.

"Thelton, you are to accompany us to the Princess."

"What Princess?" Thelton asked.

"Princess Lucille of Cloats."

Thelton's faced scrunched up. "What need does the princess have of me?" Thelton asked, very confused, for his dealings had always been with the king, never with the king's daughter-in-law.

"You will learn that when you meet with her."

Thelton didn't make any effort to stand. "You tell princess I am in the middle of a war, and I will have tea with her when I am finished." Thelton put his rounded arms behind his head and closed his eyes.

"You will come now by orders of the princess," the guards said, unsheathing their swords.

"Oh, this looks serious," Thelton mocked. He wanted to continue the power struggle, but he feared if he angered Lucille then her father-in law would take away the troops and supplies he was assisting with. Did it matter? They were going to quit any day now. The war was lost before they had begun.

Thelton stood up. He hated how powerful princesses were. They just thought they could control anyone they wanted.

Bitter, Thelton mounted on the horse they had brought for him. "Does your princess know by taking me out of the battle field, we might lose this war?"

"Your war is already lost," one of the guards responded.

"That is what you think." Thelton replied. "Do you know how long of a trip it is to go to Cloats and back? The war will end while I am having tea with your princess."

"From the looks of it, your men are on a sabbatical anyways."

Thelton looked around at the men who were sleeping, talking, or simply taking it easy. The guard was right, Thelton really didn't have much of an argument.

They rode for half the day until they came to a large luxurious tent. It was made out of the finest material. Around the lavender tent stood fifty royal guards. Thelton was at least glad he didn't have to ride all the way to Cloats.

He was accompanied into the tent where he saw a lone table in the middle of the make-shift dwelling. On the table was a crystal tray set for tea. Behind the table, the princess stood. Thelton looked at her, she stood patiently waiting for him to bow and give his respects. He didn't want to bow, for he wanted her to know how wrong it was of her to pull him away from the war. He stood there defiantly looking at her features. She had stringy brown hair, nothing like Alashia's silky blond hair. Her face was ashen and her eyes sunk in.

"At least I hadn't been forced to be betrothed to her," he thought as a shiver ascended his spine. "Could the two really be sisters?"

Thelton decided to comment on the tea set on the table. "Ah, so I did leave the war for tea, what a shameful way to lose the war; over tea."

The princess motioned for the guard to leave. She and Thelton were alone.

Thelton's stomach growled. He looked down at the pastries and hot drink. He had been living off stale food for too long. Without waiting, he went to the platter and grabbed several pastries and stuffed them in his mouth.

"Tea has not even been offered yet," the princess said in disgust.

"I'm starving. If you had eaten the stuff I have, you would throw all social graces out the window as well."

Princess Lucille looked Thelton over. His personality grated at her nerves. He was pompous and arrogant. "Alashia was right," she thought. "He does act much like my husband." The thing bothering Lucille the most about him, was the way she found herself attracted to him. His face captured her attention and she couldn't pull her eyes away. Now she was in his presence, she could understand Alashia's feelings better, however, despite the attraction, his personality still annoyed her.

"Well, since you started, you might as well help yourself to tea," Lucille said as she wrapped her arms over her chest.

"Sounds good." Thelton grabbed two more pastries and chewed on them. His mouth was open and food spluttered out. Lucille turned her nose up in disgust.

"What, you don't like me?" Thelton asked.

"Not a bit," Lucille said tartly, but with that, she still couldn't remove her eyes.

"Hey, I didn't ask to be brought here. Do you realize we will probably lose this war because you brought me here to have tea with you?"

"No, Sir Thelton, we will lose this war because you lack the knowledge as to how to lead an army into war. You are responsible for killing a good portion of our men, and you have hardly advanced. If I had my way, we would pull out now."

Thelton slammed the crystal cup on the table and it shattered. Tea splattered out and went over the lacey table cloth and onto Lucille's velvet gown.

"Was there a purpose to you dragging me here?" Thelton asked as he pushed his face into Lucille's. She could feel his hot breath on her. Her inhibitions were crumbling by his closeness. How could she despise him and desire him at the same time?

She shook her head to clear it. She couldn't let him get to her. "Yes, there was. The tea was a gesture of my kindness, one I will be sure not to repeat. The reason I brought you here was I wanted to ask you about your wedding with my sister. I feel bad I didn't get to see it. Do you realize with father gone, she is all I have left?"

"The wedding was short because of the circumstances."

"But, please tell me?"

"You dragged me out of a war to tell you this? I am sure it could have waited."

"What if you died out there? I must hear from your own words about my sister's wedding."

"That is why women don't rule the nations. Your priorities are messed up. You want to sit around and have tea and talk when there are urgent matters going on. Let me make this quick so I can return to battle. Your father married us. The end."

"Can you not do better than that?"

"It was a rushed wedding. Can I go now?"

"Not yet. Please tell me in full details your plans for Andleburg if we are to win it back."

"Not if," Thelton spit out. "But when we do, I will send for Alashia to return and we will rule it side by side."

"Did you know my father-in law plans to hand Andleburg to me and King Stommer to rule over when this war is over."

"Yes, he told me as much, but this kingdom is not his to do that with."

"Oh really, those are bold words from a no-body. You have no royal blood in your veins."

"No, I don't, but my wife Alashia does. Your father gave the kingdom to us, and with us it will stay. I am out there risking my life to give the throne back to my wife. Your father will not take it from us."

"But, it is my father-in-law who provides you with the men to do this. You would have no forces if it wasn't for him."

"Do you really think this is the time to discuss this? I have a war to win, and I can't do it while having tea with you."

"No, you are right. You must return to the front. Maybe you will die there."

Thelton wanted to punch the princess, but he held his fist tight. It didn't really matter what she said, after he won the war, he would make sure he secured his kingdom, and he would discuss it man to man with the king, not her.

As Thelton was leaving the tent, the princess called after him.

"Oh wait, Thelton, I have been selfish, you are right. My father did give Andleburg to Alashia. This kingdom does belong to her and her husband. I do apologize."

Thelton didn't know what to think of the princess' change of words. He turned around and looked at her. She wore a smug look, what was she getting at?

"Great, apology accepted. I must leave now."

"One more thing."

"It is always one more thing."

"Alashia will be returning to Andleburg soon. Please have her kingdom ready for her at that time."

"That is my plan."

"She and her husband, Sir Sterling of Candleshaw will reward your kindness, I am sure."

The color drained from Thelton's tan face.

Lucille noticed the change, and laughed. "That is right, you scoundrel. My sister married another. She is not your wife, nor was she ever. You came to us with this lie in order to get my father-in law to supply you with men and take your side. Maybe you envisioned Alashia returning to you and marrying you before your lie ever was discovered. Well, you are too late. She is another man's wife now, and with child, I might add. She does not belong to you, and never will." Thelton felt like a sword pierced into his stomach, his air escaped his mouth, and he couldn't draw it back in.

"I will keep your secret, for the moment. Long enough for you to win the war, if you can, which I highly doubt you will. But nonetheless, Queen Alashia and King Sterling will return, and I am sure just in time for your hanging for the treasonous lie you spread about her marrying you."

Thelton stared at her, dumbfounded by the news.

"Good day Thelton, best of luck winning the war."

### Chapter 21

Thelton could hardly sleep. His mind whirled and spun with all the things in it. His shoulders sagged at the mental weight he carried around. His back ached from stress, his body fatigued from war.

Nothing had happened while he had been away with Princess Lucille. The men had rested and enjoyed the sun without fighting. When Thelton returned, he looked at the gravity of the situation. There was no way they were going to win. The men were depressed and had lost their spirit to fight. The castle remained strong and locked up. As Thelton lay there, he decided to stop the fighting in the morning.

After talking with Lucille, he had lost his desire and urge to keep going. He had tried, he had failed. Many had died once again because of him. There was no reason to keep going. The kingdom wouldn't be his even if he did win. If there was a chance of victory, he would keep going, but what chance did he have? None. In the morning, Thelton would call the war off.

During the night, his thoughts shifted to Alashia. She was married. And worse, it was to Sterling. Sterling was such a thorn in his side, a real problem. He thought about Alashia's beauty, it was true there wasn't another around that came close to matching it. It seemed rather strange to him, how over the last ten years he could have wed her anytime, if he had wanted to. She had thrown herself on him over and over again. When she had desired him the most, he had despised her. But now she was another man's wife, he longed to make her his.

He had first recognized his feelings for her when he was in the dungeon. She had spent every waking moment with him. At that time, she had showered him with kindness and love, but even then, he wasn't ready to commit to her.

Their time together on the island increased his feelings for her. Had he made the right decision in returning to Andleburg without her? What had it profited him? Nothing. His men were being killed and in the end Trevor would still have Andleburg. Thelton would still be alone.

If he would have married Alashia, then what about Indy? As much as he cared for Alashia, he enjoyed Indy so much more. He basically left Alashia for Indy, but where was Indy now? She had suddenly left. He was pretty sure he knew where to find her, but he didn't have time for her right now. He didn't have time for anyone right now. He was leading a war.

But what if they won and he had to watch Alashia come back to Andleburg with Sterling by her side. Could he handle that? No, not really. What a kick in the gut that would be. How could Alashia have married Sterling? He felt a sickness wash over him.

...

While he laid there and contemplated everything, he saw Trevor's men sneak into their camp. They were planning another ambush. Before they attacked, Thelton jumped up and began yelling.

"Men awake, the enemy is upon us."

Quickly, the men jumped up to defend themselves. They had a little more energy than they had before, and they fought with power. Trevor's men dropped quickly, and only a very few of Thelton's men were killed. For the moment, they felt they had the advantage.

Thelton seemed to be the only one amongst them who had lost his drive. Even though he still carried an unreal amount of strength, he had no conviction. He fought with very little energy, and he didn't pay attention to his surroundings. He was stuck in a cloud of disappointment and misery. While he was engaged in sword battle, an arrow pierced into his leg.

Thelton screamed upon the pain. He bent down to investigate the arrow when another shot into his arm. The stinging from the arrow caused him to drop his emerald sword. The swordsman he was up against took his own sword and brought it down into Thelton's stomach. Thelton screamed out in pain as he crashed to the ground. Satisfied over his victory, the swordsman removed his sword and turned to fight another man, not realizing it was Thelton he had battered.

Thelton lay on the ground as his own blood pooled under his sides. His head felt dizzy while coldness settled over him. He tried to lift his head to look at his stomach, but the pain pushed him back to the ground. He brought his good hand over his belly and held tightly to where the wound was. Blood seeped between his fingers. A gnawing kind of sting penetrated his stomach. It burned around the edges of the wound and shot to his sides and to his back. Thelton tilted his head around to look at his left leg. He saw an arrow with brown feathers sticking out of the side of his leg. His leg swelled up while black and purple crept across his skin. Thelton moved his hand over to his leg, grabbing the arrow and trying to pull it out, but just touching the arrow intensified the pain tenfold.

Thelton tried to be strong, but he could not hold in the moan escaping his lips. His eyes twitched and he felt nausea radiate inside. Thelton couldn't feel any pain in his left arm where another arrow was penetrating. He touched his arm with his left hand, unable to feel the sensation from his hand. He didn't know if that was good or bad. He was just glad there was no pain from the arrow.

The war continued around him, but no one minded him any attention. He was left amongst the other bodies to slowly die. Thelton tried to call some of his men over, but every time he tried to speak, blood pulsated out of his stomach.

His body temperature rapidly dropped. His heart beat raced uncontrollably. He felt the pressure rise in his head to the point if felt like it would explode. He shivered violently because he was so cold. He tried to call out again, but nothing came out.

Huge hot tears spilled out of his eyes.

"So this was it, this is how the famed Dragon Slayer is going to die," he thought. There would be much rejoicing when they found his body amongst the dead. There were many who had longed to see him slaughtered. "Well the time has come. I am on my way to meet my maker."

"How will God react when I meet him in heaven? Will he let me in? I have done some bad things, but are they condemnable to send me to hell? Sure people have died because of me, but I hadn't meant for anyone to die. It had resulted from a series of misfortunes. I am a good guy, aren't I? I have spent most of my life making the kingdom safe from dragons."

Thelton concluded he was trying too hard to convince himself. "I might be able to fool Alashia, but how can I fool myself? I have lived a selfish life. A life focused on only me. What was so wrong with that? Isn't that what everyone else does? If you didn't serve yourself, what is the point of life?"

Those questions only raised more questions for Thelton. "What is the point of life? Why did people come down and live then die? No one really seems to be a good person inside. Well, I can't say all people are bad, for King Wolfgang had proven to be a good person, an excellent person."

A swell of pain passed over Thelton. He squeezed his eyes tight and clenched his fists. A roar passed over his vocal cords and out his mouth. "Can't anyone make the pain stop?" He screamed inside his head. He rolled around back and forth and whimpered like a cat. "I am so cold."

So cold, and now he was going to die alone. "Will Alashia cry? Doubtful. Indy probably never will find out. She would finish her life wondering whatever happened to me. Or maybe she has stopped thinking about me some time ago."

More pain pounded every cell in his body. His head blackened until nothing could be seen but darkness. He could feel the darkness pull him toward it. The darkness scared him. Where would it take him if he fully let go. Thelton grasped hard to anything he could think of. He didn't want the darkness to take hold yet. He fought hard and was finally able to open his eyes again. Not much light came in, since it was still dark outside, but at least he returned to consciousness.

A flash of lightening seemed to display in Thelton's head, then everything stayed dark.

Above his body metal continued to clang. Men shouted to each other. Bodies fell to the earth. The war continued.

### Chapter 22

"Please don't go my husband," Alashia pleaded. "I sense only ill will for you on this trip."

"Nonsense," Sterling replied. "Men go hunting all the time and come back fine. Besides, I am a hunter. Not really right now, not since we started working at the vineyard, but I hunt. And, did you know, I used to live in the Vegus Forest? If I could stay alive there, I can stay alive anywhere."

"It is not the forest or the animals I am afraid of."

Sterling could tell Alashia was very distressed. He stopped packing his things and sat by her on their bed. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.

"What has you so worried, my love?" he cared for her so deeply.

"I hesitate to tell you."

"I am your husband, I would have hoped by now you would trust me to tell me anything, especially things that bother you. Please trust me." He took his finger and gently removed a golden strand of hair away from her eye. The sensation tickled her a little.

Sterling's kindness never stopped amazing Alashia. He was so gentle to her. At that moment, she was glad he was her husband.

Alashia pulled away from Sterling and looked up at him. He had a very nice figure with strong muscles. The more they were together, the better looking he became to her.

"Well, what worries me is I fear King Thomas only wants you to go on this hunt to kill you."

Sterling's face looked startled. "Now why would the king want to kill me? I don't know if you realize this, but the king is quite fond of me. We have built up a great relationship. I mean seriously, what type of king visits a man three times a week? That is unheard of. No, we are great friends. You have nothing to worry, for I will be safe."

"You are right; three times a week is unheard of. Do you really think he is doing it to spend time with you?"

The way she put it did sound a bit odd. "Of course, what other reasons would a king take time out of a very busy schedule and visit someone for?"

"Maybe you are not the one he is fond of."

"I don't seem to be following where you are going with this."

"Sterling, look at me. Do you think I am beautiful?"

Her question caused his face to light up and he smiled. He pulled her in for a kiss then said, "Of course. The most beautiful woman alive."

"Are you only saying that because I am your wife, or do you think I am the most beautiful woman to everyone?"

"Why are you asking such odd questions? You know the power of your beauty. Your looks are a legend amongst many lands."

"Do you think my cousin Flora is beautiful?"

Sterling laughed then choked on his spit. He had to stop and cough until his throat cleared. "Sorry about that," he said as he wiped his chin.

"So do I take that as a no?" Alashia asked.

"I don't mean to mock her, for she has done so much for us."

"She has done nothing for us! She has locked us away on some forsaken vineyard. I am a princess and should be living at a castle, not here."

"This is really not a bad living; in fact, it has been very pleasant. I quite enjoy laboring amongst the vines."

"Yeah, for a lowly peasant boy, I am sure this is luxury. What do you have to compare it to, a hole in the rock you called a cave? Well, I am better than that. I have royal blood, and compared to my life before, this feels like peasant living."

Sterling let go of the princess. Her words stung him.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you," Alashia said as she picked up Sterling's hand. He kept it limp in her grasp. "I let my speech veer away from the point I was trying to make."

"Was that point to hurt me?" Sterling asked. He turned his head away from her avoiding eye contact.

Alashia felt bad. She rubbed her hand over his shoulders. "No, my point was about how ugly Flora is and how pretty I am. Can't you see where I am going with this?"

Sterling had no idea. He shrugged. He couldn't move from the hurt so easily.

"My point is, King Thomas is fond of me, not you. His wife is a hideous cow, and he can't stand her. I can't blame him. He has caught fancy to me. I did not provoke this; in fact I try to avoid him when he is here, but he is very persistent."

Sterling scratched his head and tried to think back to all the times the king had visited. He had no recollection as to what Alashia was talking about. Maybe she was a little too in love with herself and projected feelings on him he did not possess.

"I really can't recall anything he has done to disrespect you," Sterling said.

Alashia snorted, "Then you are blind."

Sterling again bowed his head. "There you go again with the insults," he mumbled. He was very sensitive and her words hurt him.

"I am sorry. I am sorry," Alashia said lowering her voice.

"Listen, you are not always with me when he visits." She continued. "You two leave to the fields together, but the king always sneaks back to the house when you are in the far end of the fields. He says things to me. He looks at me...Yesterday, he kissed me."

Sterling stood up. He slammed his arm against the table. His hurt was replaced with rage. "He did what?"

"I am sorry," Alashia said. She buried her head in shame.

"Did you kiss him back?"

Alashia's head shot up. "Of course not. I only love you."

"Why did you not tell me this before now?" Sterling felt like such a fool.

"Because, I feared you would do something rash to the king. To anger a king is a death sentence."

Alashia was right.

Sterling sat back down. He didn't feel so good.

"Do you really think he intends to harm me?" he asked. He squeezed his fists open and closed.

"I have no doubts," Alashia said looking away. She felt shameful even though she had done nothing wrong. She truly tried to avoid the king whenever he was there, but he made it hard.

"Has he molested you in any other way?"

"Sterling!" Alashia said in shock. "Really?"

"That is a fair question. If he kissed you, then he has more on his mind than that."

"No, he most certainly has not touched me in the way you imply."

Sterling thought about her words. Did he really intend to take Alashia out from under his own nose? Did the king plan to kill him for his bride? A chill ran down his back.

"You are right. I can't go on this hunt with him. But, what do I do? One cannot tell a king no."

"No, you most certainly cannot tell a king no. How about you fake being sick?"

Sterling looked relieved. "Sick, that is what I will do."

"Hurry, he will be here soon. Put on your bed clothes and hop in bed."

Sterling quickly removed his hunting clothes and put his bed clothes on. He jumped into bed and Alashia pulled the covers up around him.

Alashia went to the fire place and fetched a hot coal out of it. She wrapped it in cloth and placed it on Sterling's head.

"What is that for?" he asked.

"Just in case the king wants to touch your skin, we want you good and hot."

"Yes, good idea."

Alashia sat next to Sterling's head. "Did I tell you that..." Alashia was interrupted by pounding on the door. Her heart leapt. It was King Thomas.

"Stay here and look sick."

Alashia hurried out the room and went to the front door and opened it. The king stood there, his face lit up when she opened the door.

"Ah, like a ray of sunshine to greet me before my hunt," he said. Alashia stood blocking the doorway.

"Aren't you going to let me in?"

Alashia blushed, and moved aside.

The king stepped inside and looked around the empty parlor. He was a massive man with his weight distributed evenly on all parts of his body. He was very hairy, with bright red hair crawling out from his opened shirt. He had a wild red beard with long red hair on top of his head. He looked fierce, not one to be messed with.

With much glee in his voice, he asked, "Are we alone?" His eyes penetrated her. Being around her gave him a sensational feeling.

"No," Alashia blurted out. "Sterling is in bed. I am afraid he has come down with a fever during the night. He will not be able to go with you today."

The king's expression changed. His face reddened. He looked angry. "No, no, no. That doesn't' work. He must go. He MUST! I have everything planned out. It took a lot of work, he must go."

The king charged into the bedroom and looked at Sterling. Sterling had barely enough time to toss the coal under the bed before the king entered the room. The king made it to the bed in one large stride. He put his hand on Sterling's forehead where an immense amount of heat met his hand.

"Wow, his head is burning up," the king observed. Sterling moaned, trying to play the part.

"He ruins all my plans, all my plans. It took some work to set up what I have in store."

Both Alashia's and Sterling's hearts pounded to the proclamation. Both of them were sure the king's plans involved an ambush waiting to claim Sterling's life.

Alashia put her hands on the king's arms. A burst of electricity radiated from her touch. The king was alert. With her hands on his arm, she gently escorted him out of the room. She didn't want him to touch Sterling's head again just in case it had cooled down.

The king eagerly followed Alashia into the parlor and sat on a chair. He was very disturbed. He sat there and mumbled for a long time until something passed over his mind. His expression entirely changed.

"It is a shame Sterling can't join me," he said.

"A shame," Alashia agreed.

"Well, I would hate for a good hunt to go to waste, so get dressed. You are coming with me."

The king's words took her breath away. She had to regain her air. "What do you mean?" she asked as she trembled. His new plan frightened her.

"I mean I will take you in his place."

"But, I am a woman, a princess at that. I have never been on a hunt."

"Well, this is my kingdom, and I am law, and in my kingdom, I say you hunt."

"Oh please, don't make me go with you." Alashia shook.

"Don't bother protesting, my lovely flower. My mind is made up, and once I make up my mind, I never change it."

Dread filled Alashia. What had she gotten into? She couldn't go with the king. She feared his plans.

"Run into your room and change," he said. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation while a look of evil spread across his face.

"But, it doesn't look proper. At the very least, let us get Flora and have her come along to keep me company."

"Oh no, she is much too busy at the castle. Besides, you don't need her to keep you company, you will have me," the king winked at Alashia. Her face burned.

"It still will not look proper," she stammered.

"How so? You are a relative. Relatives do things together."

"But, it doesn't look proper."

"Don't worry, my hummingbird, in a few days everything we do together will be proper, you can take my word for that. Now time is wasting, go change."

Alashia slowly went into her room and closed the door. Sterling was up, out of bed, and fully dressed in his hunting clothes.

"We don't have time to talk right now. I have written you a note and I want you to follow the instructions accordingly. Under no circumstances are you to go with King Thomas," Sterling whispered as he handed Alashia a note.

"You can't go with him, he will kill you." Alashia whispered as terror flashed across her face. She had been suspicious of the hunting trip up to this point, but after exchanging words with the king, she was completely sure he had plans on murdering Sterling during the trip. What else could he have meant when he said, "in a few days everything we do together will be proper. You can take my word for that"?

"I can't let you go, he will kill you," Alashia whispered. Warm tears spilled out of her eyes.

"I can take care of myself. I won't let him do that."

"You won't be able to stop him. It sounds as if he has a huge trap already set for you. All he needs is for you to walk into it. Please don't go."

"We have no choice, for I cannot let him take you and defile you. Follow my note exactly."

There was heavy pounding on the door. "Alashia, it is not wise to keep a king waiting for too long," they heard King Thomas shout. He was growing eager for the new plan he was formulating in his head.

Sterling grabbed Alashia into a giant hug, he squeezed her tight. "I love you," he said. More tears rolled down her face, for she feared this was the last time she would ever see her husband.

...

The bedroom door opened, and Sterling stepped out. Disappointment entered the king.

"Where is my cousin?" the king asked, trying to look past Sterling. Sterling shut the door to stop the king from gazing any further upon his wife.

"I decided you worked so hard to put together this special hunt for me. I don't want to let you down."

"I thought you were sick?" the king questioned in distain. At first he was bothered when he heard Sterling wasn't coming. He had arranged his plans and was anxious to follow through with them. But, when he imagined a whole day with Alashia alone in the woods, his body longed for his new plan.

The king looked at Sterling. Oh well, he supposed it was best Sterling came, for he would be able to initiate his intentions, and after that day, there would be plenty of time with Alashia.

Sterling answered the king's question. "I am sick, but I will deal with it. I can't disappoint you."

"Right you are," the king said as he slapped Sterling on the back. "You mustn't ever disappoint a king, especially this one. Come, let us not stall anymore."

...

Alashia watched as the royal carriage, escorted by four other carriages, pulled away from her château and onto the road. Was her life about to change drastically? Was she about to become a widow?

Alashia went outside to get some air, the house was becoming hot and stuffy and it felt as if the walls were closing in on her.

She unfolded the note as her lungs inflated with fresh morning air. She rubbed her abdomen.

...

Alashia,

I fear for your life and virtue. We must leave at once. Remember how Flora has been trying to get us to return to Andleburg? Since she offered us use of her royal ship, go to her at once and tell her we are ready. Stress to her the importance of secrecy. Tell her how the king intends to kill me and make you his wife. That will be enough for her to do whatever we ask. It is obvious now why she has treated you so unkind, for she foresaw this day.

Down by the royal port, there is a green adobe. There is only one green adobe. I have a friend who lives there. Wait for me there. If I don't meet you there in a week, leave without me.

I love you forever, and ever, and ever.

Thanks for making me the happiest man alive,

Love your husband,

Sterling of Candleshaw

...

Alashia crumpled the letter and threw it on the ground. Anger surged through her.

"Why must I always be on the run? Why must I always be in hiding? I am sick of it, so sick of it. All I wanted to do was be the Princess of Andleburg, and one day the queen. But everything was stolen from me, and now possibly my husband. Ahhh!" she screamed.

Stephanie walked out onto the porch and sat next to Alashia. She rubbed her eyes then stretched out. "Why do you look so mad?" she asked Alashia. Alashia had no words, for all she could do was glare at Stephanie.

### Chapter 23

Flora had forbid Alashia from making personal appearances at the castle to shield her from her husband. Alashia was told correspondence would be strictly by messengers. If she must, then Flora would meet her at her château, but other than that, Alashia was not allowed at the castle.

"What is she doing here?" Flora growled at her servant. "She should never come here!" she roared. The servant cowered from the queen. He hoped she wouldn't take her anger out on the messenger.

Flora had to stop for a moment and think to where her husband was. Her thoughts went blank for a moment. Where was he? She searched her mind. Oh yeah, he had gone on a hunt. He had been preparing for this hunt for several weeks and seemed more excited about it than he ever had about a hunt. King Thomas really wasn't a hunter. He would go occasionally with some dignitary or other, but never for himself. This hunt he seemed to have set up for himself, which seemed odd for him to do.

"Well, since he is gone, I suppose you can send her to see me in the aviary. But, she best not repeat this." The queen reached out for some roses adorning her sitting table. She grabbed the delicate red tops with her fat hand and crumbled the pedals. She yanked out the stems and tried to rip them apart, forgetting about the thorns. Three thorns immediately pierced her skin. She yelped as she dropped them. Her hands shot to her mouth where she sucked on her abrasions. More anger filled her. With an ear piercing scream, she grabbed the crystal vase and threw it across the room. The glass shattered everywhere as the water sprayed onto everything around it. The servant quickly dropped down and collected the broken shards of crystal.

Flora was so peeved Alashia had come to the castle. What if her husband had been here and seen her? That was more than Flora could bear to think about. She would teach Alashia a lesson for this.

...

Alashia was led to the aviary. She had requested for Stephanie to stay in the library, because she didn't want Stephanie to hear the troubles, not yet. Once in the aviary, Alashia looked around. The room was made entirely of glass. Large tropical plants grew everywhere. There were ones with green fan leaves, while others bore yellow bell shaped fruit. One plant had purple wispy tops. Alashia touched the wisps, they reminded her of feathers. She hadn't seen most of the plants in the aviary. She was curious to them. As she explored, she wiped away some sweat that ran down her forehead. The aviary was warm and humid which made it a little difficult to suck in full breaths of air. While wiping away more sweat, Alashia spun around and looked at all the birds flying around. There were yellow ones, brown ones, and spotted ones. She really didn't know her birds. She did recognize a few parrots and macaws. While she was admiring the birds, a giant monarch butterfly flew right by her nose. Mesmerized, Alashia reached out to grab it, but missed. The room was also full of butterflies. There was so much beauty in there. She could barely take it all in.

As she discovered new things, Alashia's spirits lifted. For the moment, she forgot she had any problems. Reaching out, she was able to catch a large purple butterfly. Slowly, she brought it to her lips and kissed it. It had to be good luck to kiss a butterfly. She would have been fully content with the butterfly, if the movement of something more magnificent hadn't spiked her attention.

In the corner, she saw something almost the size of her hand fly by. Had that really been a fairy? She wasn't sure. Whatever it was, it had a big wingspan, one certainly bigger than any butterfly in there. Alashia had heard the tales about fairies. Thelton had told her about his time amongst the fairies, but Alashia had always been a tad skeptical because she had never seen one.

She shook the butterfly off her hand and slowly went to the corner, trying to be ever so quiet and careful. Silently, she bent down and looked into a bush. Inside, there were two fairies playing with each other's hair.

The adrenalin shot through Alashia. Her heart beat wildly. Here she was standing centimeters away from real live fairies! Baffled, she looked at them closely. One was very slender and had long blond hair, it looked much like Alashia's own, except it went past her feet, for it was so long. The fairy's wings had a mixture of gold, red, and amber in them. Her complexion was very fair. The other fairy had equally as long hair, except it was black. She wasn't slender like the other fairy, quite the opposite. She was stout and muscular. Her wings were a mixture of dark red and black. This fairy had a mature quality to her.

Suddenly, Alashia made a comparison. The dragon lady looked much like the fairies, but different. Alashia realized Indy resembled the fairy with the black hair. They both were large. The fairy wasn't large to Alashia, but she looked fairly large compared to the other fairy. Maybe, Indy wasn't a dragon woman after all; maybe she was queen of the fairies. But how could she be the queen, since she was so ugly? Fairies were beautiful.

Alashia cautiously slipped her hand into the bush, for she didn't want to startle the fairies. She continued to slide her hand in until it was right next to the delicate creatures. The fairies turned and looked at it. Without giving her hand much thought, they returned to doing each other's hair. They were used to people staring at them, such was their life since they were moved into the aviary.

"I won't hurt you," Alashia whispered, trying to keep her voice soft and calm. "Can I please hold you?" she asked.

Feeling intruded upon, the black haired fairy scowled at Alashia and flew out of the bush landing next to Alashia's arm. The blond fairy looked at Alashia. Her disposition was more trusting, therefore, she climbed onto Alashia's hand.

Alashia gradually brought her hand closer to her face. She didn't want to make any jerky movements that might scare the fairy away.

"Hi there," she told the fairy when she had her hand in the position she wanted. "I won't hurt you. My name is Princess Alashia. I come from Andleburg. Do you have a name?"

The fairy smiled at her. Alashia wasn't sure if the fairy could speak her language, or if she spoke at all.

"Thank you for letting me hold you, maybe I can take you home with me."

"PUT MY FAIRY DOWN!" the curdling voice of Flora boomed through the aviary. The glass shook at her volume.

Alashia jumped, which frightened the fairy away. Alashia spun around and saw Flora. Her hands were on her thick hips. Her face contoured into pure hate.

"What are you doing here?" Flora demanded. She couldn't stand how Alashia stood there in majestic delight.

"Um, well your servants brought me here."

Flora's voice rose louder. "No, not here! What are you doing at my castle? I told you to never come here." She glared at Alashia. Everything was proportioned perfectly on Alashia, and it made Flora green with envy.

"I am sorry," Alashia said without looking down or away. She held her eyes up and kept eye contact with Flora. "It is a matter of life and death that I am here. I desperately need your help."

"Whose life is in danger?" Flora asked.

"My husbands, and possibly mine."

Flora shrugged her shoulders apathetically and snorted an "hmm".

"Listen, I am afraid I have caught your husband's eye, and now he is..."

"When has my husband seen you?" Flora barked.

"Um, um," Alashia stuttered. "He has been coming to the vineyard on a regular basis, at least three times a week."

"No way!" Flora yelled. "He was never supposed to have met you. What is he doing visiting you three times a week? What is he doing?" Flora couldn't believe her ears. Her cousin, the one who had destroyed her childhood, was now destroying her reign as queen.

Flora scowled at Alashia. Alashia had to look away. Flora's eyes alone looked like they could tear Alashia apart.

"Have you slept with him?" Flora asked.

"No. Never. I love my husband." Alashia kept shaking her head. "Never."

"He was never supposed to have seen you," Flora spit out. "I want you out of my kingdom, and now!"

"Very good, so do I. I am ready to leave right now."

"Then I will arrange it. I will have my ship ready to sail you out by sunset this evening."

"I can't leave so soon," Alashia said.

"Why not? I want you gone before my husband returns."

"I can't because my husband is on a hunt with him. I must wait until Sterling returns."

Flora looked baffled. "Why is your husband on a hunting trip with the king? Your husband is a nobody. The king only takes men of statue on hunting trips."

"I am afraid," Alashia stopped. It was hard telling another woman her husband was a monster. "I am afraid your husband intends to kill Sterling on the hunting trip."

"Why would he do that? The king is not a murderer. Do not slander my husband's name any further." Flora went over to Alashia and pushed her body right in front of Alashia. She breathed heavy garlic breath down on Alashia while pressing her massive body against Alashia's petite one.

"I don't mean to slander anyone's name, it is... I believe he will kill my husband then force me to marry him." Alashia said as she tried to take a few steps backwards, but Flora stepped forward and kept the tight distance between them.

Hate and anger boiled to the breaking point in Flora. Her face reddened and she screamed at the top of her lungs. She turned to a plant and ripped it out of a pot. Dirt embedded into Flora's thick yellowing nails and dirt flew around the aviary.

"You are a tramp and a harlot. I knew I should have never allowed you into my kingdom. If you think King Thomas plans to kill your husband, why did you allow him to go on the hunting trip?"

Alashia didn't want to further anger Flora. She decided not to tell all about the whole events of the morning. She kept her answer simple. "One does not tell a king no."

"True, true," Flora said through a tightened jaw.

Alashia watched as Flora paced back and forth in front of her. She didn't know why, but Flora's features reminded her of a pig. No wonder Flora had been so protective of her marriage. When one was that ugly, what man would want to look on that face the rest of his life?

Alashia felt horrible for thinking that.

"You mustn't be here when King Thomas returns, for if he does indeed kill your husband, I do not want you around where he can marry you."

Alashia shook her head in disgust. "Nor do I want to be around."

"What are the chances your husband will escape?" Flora asked. Her fingers ripped the embroidered flowers off her dress.

Tears filled Alashia's blue eyes. She had seen the four carriages accompany the king and Sterling. All they had to do was pull over to the side of the road and slit his throat. What chance did he really have? Alashia could not answer Flora's question. Instead, she wrapped her arms around her chest and hugged herself.

"Since it looks like your husband is already as good as dead, let us send you tonight," Flora said with no empathy.

Her callused words pierced Alashia's heart. How could Flora talk so bluntly about the murder of Sterling, like it wasn't a big deal?

It took Alashia a minute to find her voice. "I will wait a week for my husband, just like he instructed, then you may send me."

"A week! A week is too long. My husband can have you wed in a week's time. You must leave NOW!"

Alashia shook her head. She couldn't imagine making the horrific boat journey alone, not without Sterling.

"You are being so stubborn, what do you think there is to stop me from killing you myself? I will not share my husband with you." Flora's eyes were a blaze.

Alashia's blue eyes widened. Did Flora really threaten Alashia's life?

"I have a safe place to hide. The king will not find me. Stephanie and I will hide there for a week. If Sterling is alive, he will meet us there. Please, give me a week. Don't tell anyone so the king won't find out. This time next week, I will board your ship and leave Landseisha forever."

Flora came right up to the princess and put her stout face into the princesses'. "Fine, I will give you a week," she said in a very stony voice. "But, I warn you. If my husband finds you and weds you, I will personally kill you on your wedding night."

...

The royal carriage pulled over for the third time, and Sterling bounded out. He ran behind the bushes and moaned. He was playing the part of a sick man. He wanted the king to still think he was sick. Maybe, he would return Sterling home and reschedule the hunt for another day. But, so far, it didn't seem to be working. It didn't matter much to the king if he killed a sick Sterling or a well Sterling. Everything was in place, and soon enough, Sterling would be out of his misery.

### Chapter 24

Cold. Darkness. Pain. Thelton was close to death. He thought he had died, but then sensation began to return. He could feel his body floating, like it was above the ground; however, it wasn't floating very smoothly, rather jerkily. He forced his eyes opened and looked down as he hovered above it, why was he above the ground? Confused, he looked around and saw he was surrounded by his men. They were carrying him. Hurting him.

Darkness.

Darkness.

So much pain.

When would it end?

He wished he would slip away. The pain.

"They are retreating again," he heard, it sounded as if the words were meters away.

"Is he dead?" a voice asked close to his ear.

A hand smeared across his face.

"Probably," he heard.

After he was dropped on the ground, the impact ricocheted against his body. More pain flowed everywhere. It was too much, too much.

The pain intensified while heat expanded into every part of his body. He became very hot.

Darkness.

Loneliness.

Sorrow.

Pain.

"Come to me Thelton," he heard, but the voice was somewhere else. It wasn't next to him, but seemed more like it was coming from inside him.

"You don't have to hurt anymore, come to me."

There was another flash of light.

Darkness.

Everything went mute. He couldn't hear.

"Why can't I hear?" he no longer heard the sounds of blades clashing, the sound of men yelling.

Nothing.

Silence.

Darkness.

The soft voice returned, coming from inside him. "Come to me, let go, you don't have to hurt anymore."

A face appeared, not in front of him, for he couldn't open his eyes, but inside him, somewhere within the chambers of his soul.

The woman was very beautiful. At first her face was a blur and she was far away. She came closer and closer.

"Well, hello there, she said. "It sure has been a long time."

Light. Tons of light. More light than he had ever seen. He tried to close his eyes, but they were already closed.

Suddenly, Thelton was floating next to the woman. She wrapped her arms around him and enclosed him in love.

"I have missed you and have been waiting for this day for a long time."

"Who are you?" Thelton asked.

"Surely you recognize me?" the woman said. She flashed a smile at him. Something about her seemed so familiar. Her smell dazzled him and brought him comfort.

"A babe was born in the light of day. He brought much joy his families' way." The woman continued holding Thelton as she rocked back and forth and sang. "That used to be your favorite song." Thelton remembered the song. He had heard it before. It brought him so much tranquility.

He looked intently at the woman. She was everything kind and wonderful. Who was she?

"And in the clover field we run, our lives together are so much fun..."Thelton snuggled into her. A power passed through the two of them, warmth, joy, love.

Darkness.

Flash of light.

Pain.

Darkness.

Where did she go?

Thelton felt panic, "Where did she go?" He wanted to be with her.

Darkness.

He forced his eyes open. The darkness of night was burning away as the sun crept in its place. His body was swarmed with men. They were attending to his wounds. They were not gentle, they were hurting him. Why didn't they leave him alone? Where did the woman go?

A horrific pain seized his whole body. Every muscle contorted. It was too much. He closed his eyes.

It was too much!

Darkness.

Light returned, it was coming back. As the light returned, the pain left. He searched for the light. It became brighter. The woman; she was there, she was far away, but he could see her. Come back, come back.

She floated over to him. He was floating again. The warmth from the light penetrated everywhere. It felt so good. She was next to him again. Her hair flowed around her like there was wind, but there was no wind. Thelton smiled. She wrapped her arms around him again. He felt so safe; so protected.

"I have come for you. let go, come with me."

Thelton tried, but he didn't follow.

"I am trying."

"Let go."

Something sharp zapped the light away. There was only pain and darkness.

Sound returned.

"Thelton, Thelton, it is me, it is Indy."

Thelton opened his dark eyes, there was more light, and the sun was getting higher. A halo of light rays surrounded Indy.

"Please, Thelton, hold tight. Don't let go," she said. She wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him all over the cheeks. Was she real? She couldn't be real. He couldn't feel her kisses, nor could he feel her touch.

The woman, she was real. Where was she?

Thelton closed his eyes.

Darkness, than light.

The woman was back.

She smiled and took Thelton's hand. He could feel her. She was real.

"Thelton, just let go and come with me."

"How do I let go?"

"Just let go. Trust."

"I trust you. I trust you." He said with a smile.

The woman rubbed his arm.

"You have grown so much. I am so proud of you."

"Who are you?" Thelton asked.

"Don't you know?" the woman replied.

He looked at her. Her eyes. They were so gentle. He knew those eyes. He knew those eye!

"It's coming to me. I almost have it." He had to think hard, as he did, she begun to slip away, like a vacuum was sucking her away from him. He couldn't think about it too much or she would be gone, but he needed to figure it out.

"Stop trying to think about it so hard. It will come to you."

Thelton stopped thinking and the woman appeared by his side again. She kissed his cheek. He could feel her kiss. He knew that kiss.

"Mom!" Thelton shouted. He was so excited. He knew her. She was his mom. He hadn't seen her forever. He started to cry. He hadn't even realized he had missed her.

"I have missed you so much."

"And I you," she replied with another kiss on his cheek. The kiss tingled through him.

"Oh mom," he said as he cuddled into her.

"You can let go now, honey, you are safe with me."

"I can let go," Thelton said, sounding like a little child.

He was going with her. He could feel his spirit detach from his body. It became brighter and brighter until suddenly...

PAIN!!!!

Something was shoved into the wound on his stomach. It was dark. Pure darkness. His mom was gone.

"Come back!" Thelton cried. "I am ready."

PAIN!!

Darkness.

"Please Thelton, wake up, wake up." It was Indy's voice trying to penetrate the darkness.

"You might want to hold him down, this is going to hurt," he heard another voice say.

What was going to hurt?

The pain hit full force. Thelton thrashed around in spasms. So much pain. He screamed and cried. He couldn't take this. Where was his mom?

Another zap of lighting shot through his brain. Everything went silent.

### Chapter 25

"Here we are," the king declared.

The carriages pulled through the thick trees along a rutted path. It must have been ages since the path had been smoothed over, for there were large holes they had to pass over. The deeper they got into the woods, the more sinister the king looked. His expression twisted and his eyes looked threatening and despite all the sights to see, the king never took those eyes off Sterling. They had passed through the woods for over an hour when the carriages finally stopped and twenty two men, plus the king and Sterling, piled out.

A bird cooed in the distance while a thick beam of sunlight broke through the leaves. The king let out a large sigh as he stretched his arms heavenward then back and forth.

"What a magnificent day for a hunt," he proclaimed.

The men piled out of the carriages and gathered their gear. Each man slung a case of arrows around his chest. Their bows were made out of the finest materials. Sterling looked dejectedly down at his bow. It had been constructed out of wood he had found at the vineyard. The hunter's arrows had sharp tips and were very straight. Sterling's arrows were made out of chicken feathers and sticks. After looking at the other hunters' gear, he doubted the accuracy of his own supplies.

As the king stretched, he appeared to be in good spirits. Sterling wondered if Alashia had fabricated the idea of the king wanting to kill Sterling.

"My dear comrades," he began. "I promised you a day of suburb hunting, and I promise to deliver. This will be a hunt with many challenges and obstacles. You men have been bragging about your skills for way too long. I am done hearing how all of you fancy yourselves to be the best hunter around. The main prey will attest to that. Today, I will challenge you. Today, we will see which one of you are men."

The men laughed. King Thomas had captured their attention. They liked where he was going with his speech.

"You will find in the woods a host of different prey. For our hunt, I have supplied it with twelve wild boar, three foxes, one black bear, five trolls, a young dragon, two goats, a sameron, and the grand prize, which I will disclose in a moment."

Sterling wasn't sure what a sameron was. It must be an animal exclusive to that side of the sea.

"Now you are all probably thinking in your minds, no problem, I can bring them all in by myself." The men laughed. His words were true. "I know you are thinking that, but be wary of your pride, for there are traps set out everywhere before you. What may look promising may turn out to be your doom."

Sterling relaxed as the tension escaped his muscles. Alashia must have been mad thinking the king wanted to kill him. He felt bad for letting her get him all worried about the king and creating scenarios that were obviously not the case. She acted like the king had planned on killing him, but now it was apparent the king had created an amazing hunt, a sort of challenge for his best hunters. Sterling felt honored to be included in such an expedition. He must have done something right to earn the king's high favor.

"Is it dangerous?" one man asked.

The king turned to the man, a fury had filled his brow. "Did you really ask if it was dangerous? You are a hunter, you should fear no danger. But just so you men all know what you are getting into, it is dangerous, and if you aren't careful, you may die. But that is the risk of a good hunt, is it not?"

Most of the men looked excited for the challenge. Only two looked worried.

"Now, I am a generous king, am I not?"

The men nodded and replied _yes_.

"I plan to have prizes for everything you catch. Most things you catch, I will have my artisan stuff it for you. For the boar, we won't stuff them, but they will be returned to my kitchen where a great feast will be prepared. For the hunter who brings in the boars, they will sit at the head of my table to dine, plus I will give them leathered footings. Then we have the foxes, you can have it stuffed or you can have the fur. For the hunter who brings in the foxes, I also have some of the finest honey to give. This honey has been mixed with fruits and will bring you much pleasure. For the trolls, I hope you don't want them stuffed, but do what you want with the hideous creatures. I will give each troll hunter three rubies and two emeralds. You can have these jewels set into a ring or what manner of jewelry you desire. For the goats, there will be three wheels of goat cheese for each goat caught. If you catch the dragon or the bear, I believe their bodies stuffed would be prize enough, but I will also give you a new bow. Like I said, you will get the joy of the hunt, the bragging rights to assert you are indeed a great hunter, a feast at the end, and small prizes as well. Is this not indeed a great hunt?" the king saluted himself.

"What is the main prize?" a hunter asked.

The king spun toward him with sheer wildness in his eyes. "I am so glad you asked. Let me divulged the prize to this game. For whoever catches the main prize, I give a vineyard with a fine chateau situated on it."

Sterling became nervous again. Was there another vineyard in the kingdom, or was he talking about the one Sterling lived on?

"Now hunters, I don't want you working together. Any man can be a hunter if he works with a group. This you must do, and do alone."

"You still haven't told us what the final prey is?"

"Oh yes, you are right." The king pointed at Sterling. "It is this man; no he isn't even a man, for he is a shell of a man. He came to my castle with a delivery and upon his business, he snuck into my wife's chambers where he tried to seduce her and remove her virtue. Thankfully, my servants caught him before he brought any shame upon the castle. So, since this is a hunt, I will give this vagrant twenty minutes to run, then the hunt is on!"

Sterling stared in disbelief. Did the king really intend to have the men hunt him? He stared at the king.

"Well if you just sit around for twenty minutes, you won't give us much sport. Run, for your life depends on it." The king took the flat part of his sword and swatted Sterling on the rump. The king was serious. Fearful for his life, Sterling took off in a run. The men laughed as they watched him disappear into the trees. Alashia had been right.

...

Floating, flying.

Thelton felt as if he was drifting above the world, drifting above life. Would he see his mom again? It was so weird, he hadn't thought about her most of his life, and now all he wanted was to be in the presence of her light again.

Warmth, light.

He could feel the heat from the sun, and it did nothing for the extreme cold which overtook his body. The parts that weren't cold were numb, and he was thankful for the numbness. But, then there was the pain. Sometimes the pain was so strong it felt like his body would rip apart into a million pieces. Where was his mom, for when she was around, he didn't hurt?

"Hang on," he heard a recognizable voice say.

"Is that mom's voice?" No, it seemed different. It seemed as comfortable. "Whose voice is it? Is it one of my men?" No, it was too high to be a man's voice. "Whose voice is it?"

"You must hang on, we're almost there. Don't let me lose you," the voice said.

Another shock of pain. Where was his mom to take him away from it all?

Darkness.

Pain.

Complete darkness swirled all around him, as it did, light replaced it. At first the light was a small pinprick, then a massive amount, until it was almost too bright to be around. And there she was. His mom!

"You came back," he said.

"I've always been here," the voice replied. "I have never left you. NEVER!"

"But how come I haven't seen you for all these years?"

"Because, you haven't needed me, dear one."

"I need you now."

"I know you do. I know."

His mom picked him up in a cradle position. It felt so natural, so right, he never wanted her to let go.

"Are you ready my son?"

"I am so ready."

Suddenly his mom dropped him. He really didn't go anywhere, just stayed suspended in air. His mom began to get sucked away, the farther she went from him, the darker it got and the more the pain returned.

"Mom, don't go, don't leave me alone," he called out.

"This is all in your control, son, fight it. Fight it off then you can come with me."

A jolt of pain struck Thelton in the stomach and burst every neuron in his body. He felt he would shoot out of his skin. He screamed and as he did the light and darkness disappeared. Everything was gone, including his mom.

Thelton opened his eyes. The dryness of his eyelids scratched at his cornea. Light flooded in from the sky. The light was different than that of his mom's, not as bright, not as warm, not as intense. There were clouds floating above him, within reach of his arms, if he could only move them. Drops of water sprayed his skin, feeling sharp and cold. There was a strong wind beating at every part of him. Then she was there.

"Indy!" Her face was right next to his. She was concentrating. Flying. He was flying. Thelton rolled his head around and looked down. They were very high in the air. He had never been scared of flying before, but at that moment, he was terrified.

"This is not real," he told himself. "She is only an image like my mom."

Pain.

Thelton shut his eyes. The pain was so bad. He wished he would just die and it would all be over.

His body jerked and contorted with spasms. He was having a seizure. When the seizure stopped, so did the pain, but also the feeling. He hung limply in Indy's arms.

"No, no, no." He could hear Indy scream. "Don't go. Hang on there. We almost there."

Indy increased her speed then went into a dive bomb, flying faster and faster toward the ground. She had never gone so fast before. She put everything she had into it until their bodies crashed into the water. They were submerged.

Thelton breathed in a large amount of water. He gasped and panicked as more water entered his lungs. Why hadn't Indy told him to hold his breath? Thelton thrashed about, trying to find his way out of the water. A powerful force yanked him up through the water. Cold air met his face and his body. He began coughing and coughing violently, the inhaled water irritating his lungs. He coughed so hard he felt like he projected out one of his lungs. The coughing forced the water out of his lungs along with a fair amount of blood. Thelton opened his eyes.

Fire was all over him. He felt a new panic arise. He was on fire, maybe Trevor's men had set him ablaze. He tried to smother the fire with his hands, but the flames claimed every inch of him. He spun around wildly, screaming in fear and pain.

"Relax, Thelton, let flames do their work," he heard Indy say. Thelton spun around and saw Indy next to him, smiling as the flames spread across her own body.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. He still had not comprehended where he was. He wasn't even sure if this was real. Because he had lost so much blood, his brain was slow to figure things out.

"I brought you here," she said with a smile. "I thought I was going to lose you."

"You didn't bring me to the war, I brought myself. You must get out of here before they kill you," he said in a panic.

"Too late," she said.

Thelton's dark eyes widened. "They killed you?" he asked in disbelief. "Does that mean they killed me too?" Thelton could feel the pain slowly slip away. With each minute that passed, he felt more and more relief.

"No, neither one of us dead. What I meant was; I got hit with arrow."

"Where at?" Thelton asked with concern. The fire moved about their bodies in a rhythmic motion.

"In thigh." Indy pointed at her thigh.

"Are you alright?"

"I am now."

"Good," he said.

There was silence for a moment. More of his pain slipped away.

"I can't figure out where we are at or what is going on here." Because he had lost so much blood, Thelton had lost sense with reality.

"We are at Firelake," Indy said.

"Firelake? Firelake?" He felt like he should know the word, but the idea of it still baffled him.

"You know what Firelake is?" she said.

Thelton searched his brain until he found recollection. Firelake! Of course. She had brought him here to save his life.

"Oh yeah!" he said. He remembered his mom. Had she been real or had she been a dream. He wondered if he was really at Firelake or if it was only a dream.

Indy closed her eyes and let the tranquility take her away.

"How did you know to rescue me?" Thelton asked as he found more strength return.

"Your men called it destiny. I don't know what means that. I was with family and I missed you. I wondered if you won war. I decided to check. I went to castle and found a battle going on. There was killing everywhere. I didn't like it and went to leave. A man said he knew me. He said he came over on the ship with us and saw you and I together. He asked me if I wanted you. I said yes. Then we went looking for you. He asked lots of men, until they finally helped me find you.

"When I reached you, you were on ground like you were dead. I was scared. I have seen dead before, and you looked it. The men were wrapping material around your wounds. Oh, they removed a few arrows too. You screamed, and I knew you weren't dead. They did lots of things to you. Then someone asked me if I could fly. I said yes. They told me fly you to Firelake. So I did, and here we are."

Thelton looked at Indy with much appreciation. She had saved his life. He smiled at the thought, then frowned

"Did I want my life to be saved?" he remembered how it felt to be with his mom. "Indy should have let me die. There is nothing in the lands compared to being with my mom. Why hadn't Indy let me be? If she hadn't interfered, I would be at peace, away from all the pain and hate."

At the moment, Thelton had conflicting feelings for Indy. He was appreciative she saved his life, and he was angry she did. He glared at her, but she didn't notice. She had reclosed her eyes and had drifted into a better place.

Thelton hung to his anger as long as he could, but eventually the power of Firelake overcame his contention. After several hours, the pain and anger was gone. Thelton allowed himself to be completely consumed in peace and tranquility.

### Chapter 26

Thelton and Indy spent three hours in the lake. Their bodies had taken on rejuvenation and strength. The only thing they had left to show for the war was the scars.

When they had finished healing, Indy flew them to the dragon camp. It was strange for Thelton to return there. He had been there two times before. The first time he had entered the camp, he had come with the mission to kill Indy's mom, the queen dragon. He would have too, if it hadn't been for Indy. She had stopped him a split second before he had killed the queen.

The second time he had gone to the camp was to steal Indy away from Sterling. He had felt so powerful at the time, sweeping in and taking her.

Now he was back at the camp. As soon as Indy released Thelton from their flight, several of the male dragons came sniffing over to him. She could see the hunger in their eyes. Thelton could sense it as well. Nervous, he quickly reached for his swords to attack, but they were gone.

"Imara, I don't think this is a good idea," he said using the name he had given Indy, swinging a stick in front of him. He remembered how the dragons had chased after him.

Indy crouched down into fighting position between Thelton and the dragons while she spread her wings open to full span. She growled and hissed as she paced back and forth in front of Thelton. The dragons kept their distance, but they continued to circle around the two of them. One of the dragons stepped too close, and Indy launched her long claws into his face. She ripped away a flap of skin. Although the dragon could have easily taken her, he stepped back, for she was family.

This display went on for a while, until slowly, each dragon walked away and went to another side of the camp.

Sweat poured down Indy's face and stung her eyes. When all the dragons had retreated, she sat down, panting. Thelton slid next to her, but he didn't let up his guard. He held tightly to his stick.

Indy looked at Thelton and saw the color hadn't returned to his face.

"You were scared," she mocked. She had rarely seen Thelton scared.

"No I wasn't, I could handle myself. Don't forget, they call me the Dragon Slayer."

Indy's face turned sour. "Don't you dare kill any of my family." He remembered how sensitive she became when he had killed a dragon in front of her.

Thelton felt stupid for using his title in front of her. Of course she wouldn't want to hear about all the dragons he had killed. Having nothing else to say, they sat back to back, supporting each other in silence.

When night came, they went up into the tree house Sterling had built for Indy.

"Did you love him?" Thelton asked as he examined the craftsmanship of the tree house. He was very impressed by the quality of the work. Sterling built it without any real tools. He had done an impressive job.

"Did I love who?" Indy asked.

"Did you love Sterling?" Thelton asked as he spit out Sterling's name.

Thelton was playing games with her, and she didn't like it. Of course she loved Sterling, just like she loved Thelton. She decided to throw the game back at him.

"Did you love her?" she asked, in reference to Princess Alashia.

Thelton got the hint, and let the subject go.

The two cuddled against each other for warmth and went to sleep.

Thelton slept all through the night and into the early morning. It had been a long time since he had gotten such a good deep sleep. When he woke up, he laid in the tree house, listening to the sounds of the Vegus Forest all around him. Indy was gone. Still tired, he drifted back to sleep.

When he awoke again, he could smell the savor of roasting meat. It kind of smelt good, and horrifically stunk at the same time. As he stretched, his joints creaked. When he felt good and limber, he jumped out of the tree house and joined Indy by a fire she had built. In the middle of the fire was a roasting troll.

Indy had learned from Thelton and Sterling how to roast an animal. She could eat meat raw, and actually preferred it that way, but she had learned men liked to eat things cooked. So as a tribute to Thelton, she roasted the troll.

"You are not planning on me eating that?" he asked. His brow raised in disgust.

"Yes, I caught you breakfast this morning why you sleep."

Thelton turned his nose in the air. "I don't eat troll."

"Oh," Indy winked. "You picky like Alashia." Thelton had told Indy all about the time when he had rescued the princesses out of Andleburg. He had taken them to a tavern where they had been too picky and proper to eat the food he had bought them. And it wasn't just there they were picky. They complained and refused food during every point of their time with him. Their aversions had bothered him quite a bit.

Her comparison struck a nerve with him. She was right, for he was acting like the princesses. He was too much of a man to let a comment like that stick.

"Fine, I will try your stinky troll."

When it had finished cooking, Thelton slowly brought the offered meat to his mouth. It was still very hot and singed his palms. He tossed the questionable meat back and forth between his hands, trying to cool it down. Hesitantly, he brought the meat to his mouth. It tasted worse than he had imagined, for it was vile and gamey tasting, tasting exactly like it smelt. His stomach rebelled and attempted to return the swallowed meat several times, but he would push it back down with a hard swallow. After four bites, he could no longer eat it. He decided he would rather starve than finish the gritty food.

"You aren't as bold as you say," Indy said. "You like princesses. I will call you princess Thelton."

Her taunting humiliated him, which turned to anger.

"Just because I won't eat rotten meat, doesn't make me weak and docile."

"Meat not rotten. I caught today."

"You can't even call troll meat. Troll was never meant for eating."

"We eat troll," Indy said as she swept her arm pointing to the sleeping dragons.

"You are animals. I am not."

"No, you not animal, you princess."

Thelton had enough. He got up and stomped away. He went over to where four dragons slept. His walking awoke one. It opened its eye and closely watched Thelton. Thelton could hear a low growl in the dragon. It probably wasn't a good idea to get too close to them, at least without Indy by his side. Thelton quickly backed away and rejoined Indy.

The two sat around the fire. They talked a little, but mostly there was silence. Thelton had been through a lot over the last few weeks, and he wasn't full of words. Mostly, he thought about the war. "Is it still going on without me? How many more men had died? Should I return?"

The more he thought about it, the more he decided he didn't want to return. "What is the point? We are losing. There is no way we are ever going to get past the castle wall. And even if we do win the castle back, what will I profit from it? I won't be the king. Sterling will be the king." The thought alone boiled the blood inside his veins.

"Sterling doesn't deserve to be king. He has no right to the crown. He is a nobody, a nobody who crawled out of the woods one day and completely ruined my life. Why does it seem the world keeps getting handed to Sterling? The crown belongs to me. I have earned it fighting, not Sterling."

Guilt and sorrow racked Thelton. "What good has my life been up to this point? I had it all, and now I have nothing. Nothing. And what benefit have I been to society? Yes, I had kept the dragons away from the people, but was that it? Was that all I was good for? Because of Indy, I feel bad for killing dragons, but killing dragons is what defines me." Taking that aspect away from his life left him a hollow shell. What would he do to fill it?

Thelton retired back to bed before it fully became light. He was exhausted with life. He so badly wished his mom had taken him away from his world. He was done. There was nothing left for him in it.

Utter despair overcame him and he went back into the tree house for a midmorning nap. He had fitful dreams of terror and horror. He awoke several times being completely drenched in sweat. He stared at the walls of the tree house, the tree house his enemy had constructed. The thought made him weary, so he closed his eyes and fell back to sleep. Immediately, a new nightmare overcame him.

As he slept, a dark mist moved into the dragon camp and encircled the tree house. It moved in like a thief, ready to claim any life form it came across. As it searched for a place to rest, it entered Thelton. Thelton's sleeping body became ridged and shot thirty centimeters off the ground. A moaning escaped his lips, his eye fluttered back and forth. As the thick vapor of evil penetrated every crevice in his soul, he fought hard to scream, to fight, but nothing, everything paralyzed.

"I can't let this force overtake me," he thought. "I am The Dragon Slayer. I can fight this." Thelton concentrated deep within while he pulled all his energy and strength together and yelled out, "HELP ME!"

Indy was instantly to his side. "Thelton, Thelton, wake up. Wake up."

He wanted to feel the gentleness of her touch, but the evil stopped him from feeling. She kissed him and his eyes flipped open. Seeing her face, his fear evaporated. She gave him the power he needed to sit up. She wrapped her arms around him to bring comfort.

"Oh Imara, it was so horrible," he said glad to be awake and in her care.

"You can find trust in me," Indy replied.

Indy squeezed him tight. At first the firmness of her grip continued to bring him comfort, but her grip kept getting tighter and tighter. He felt if she didn't let up soon, his ribs would crack. He tried to tell her to stop, but her arms crushed his lungs and he couldn't speak. Feeling his head get light due to lack of oxygen, he hit at her, when that didn't stop her, he scratched her. To his utter horror, as he scratched, he ripped her skin away. Big chunks of bloody skin filled his hands. He wanted to stop ripping off her skin, but he couldn't breathe, so he kept scratching in hopes she would release him, but the more he scratched, the more her skin unraveled, and the tighter her grip got. The lightness in his head was replaced with pressure. The pressure became intense, and he thought his head would explode. In one last effort to get Indy to release him, he kicked, scratched, and hit, giving her everything he had.

Because of Thelton's intensity, Indy's skin was thrashed, there was barely any skin left intact. She was a bloody mess, but his attack had worked, she finally let go. Thelton looked her up and down and it broke his heart to see what he had done to her. Why hadn't she let go? He looked into her eyes, for they had changed. They no longer reflected her kindness and innocence. They were demonic, full of hate and anger.

"Imara, what is going on?" After Indy released him, he could find his voice again.

She didn't answer him. He again caught notice of her torn up appearance. He felt horrible. He took off his shirt and gently wipe the blood off her. As he wiped, he noticed a new layer of skin under the blood. He worked at removing the blood and was intrigued by her under layer of skin. When he rubbed the blood off her face, not only did new skin appear, but new features as well. Her face morphed from the woman he loved, into something cold and sinister. Thelton dropped his shirt and jumped back. He recognized the face but couldn't place where he had seen it before.

"Hello there, dear friend." A masculine voice said. "Come to play?"

Friend, friend, friend? Thelton didn't have friends. Who could this be? As he tried to place who he was looking at, the man became taller and larger by the second. The man soon towered over Thelton, but he didn't stop growing. He grew so big he soon became too much for the tree house and his arms and legs broke through the wood. He grew larger and larger. Then, when he was done growing, he bent his massive head down and looked at Thelton.

"So, you've come to take my kingdom from me?" the man bellowed, his voice banged against Thelton's ear drums.

TREVOR! It was Trevor in front of him. How did Trevor become so large? Trevor snarled and foamed out of the mouth. Fury enveloped his face. Thelton knew he must run if he wanted to survive.

He jumped out of the tree house, but Trevor caught him in his gigantic hand just before Thelton hit the ground. He took Thelton and banged him against the tree over and over. Things went dark.

Everything was so dark Thelton thought he would be swallowed up by the evil consuming him. He so desperately wished to escape the pearl he felt. He tried, but nothing changed. The darkness felt like it was sucking his soul away. As he fought, suddenly a small dot of light appeared. The small dot grew brighter until it was almost unbearably light. In the middle of the light was his mom.

"Oh Mom, you came again."

"I told you I was there for you."

"Take me with you, I am ready."

"I can't take you this time."

"What! You tried to take me before. Why would you leave me here?"

"You were close to death last time I saw you. I was given permission to bring you home."

"So let's go," Thelton said. "There is nothing left for me here."

"I am sorry Son, since you decided to live, your course has changed. There is a work for you to do here."

"I didn't choose to live!" Thelton screamed. "People forced me to live, they healed me. I didn't ask to be healed."

"Nonetheless, I cannot take you now. There is something you must do."

Thelton's mom stepped aside, and Trevor stood before Thelton. Before Thelton could even grasp the situation, Trevor balled up his fist and slammed it down on Thelton's head. Thelton yelped as the massive hand shoved him to the ground.

"Help me MOM!" Thelton yelled.

It looked as if his mom was crying. "I am sorry, Son, you must do this yourself."

Before Thelton could stand up, Trevor kicked him. His force sent Thelton flying into a tree. He hit it going very fast. A cracking nose came out of his back on impact. Thelton slid to the ground. He wondered if his back was broke, the pain was intense.

"Please help me Mom," he said as he lay at the bottom of the tree. His mom floated over him and hovered overhead.

"Thelton, this journey you must do on your own. You can conquer Trevor, for you have the answers in you."

"I can't Mom, I can't. Please, just take me from this life. I am done. I am done. I have nothing left to live for."

"But that is where you are so wrong; you have so much to live for. Look deep inside yourself Thelton. If you don't stop Trevor, no one will. I promise you can find the answer within yourself."

Trevor charged toward Thelton. He only took one giant step when he was almost directly above Thelton. He brought his hand down to Thelton ready to crush him. The hand froze in place centimeters above Thelton's head.

Thelton's mom floated down to Thelton and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She had momentarily stopped Trevor.

"I am so proud of you, Son. You have made some choices that weren't the best, but you have made many good choices as well. Use the rest of your life as a gift and make it the very best you can. Forget yourself in the service of others." His mom gave him another kiss on the cheek.

Suddenly, Trevor broke through the trance that had stopped him, and he came straight down upon Thelton. As Thelton reached through his mom, she disappeared. Thelton noticed he was holding his golden and emerald sword-somehow his mom had brought them to him. He thought he had lost them back at the battle field. With great haste, he thrust the swords up into Trevor's heart. Both swords pierced him. With a deafening screech, Trevor staggered backwards. He wobbled back and forth then fell head first onto Thelton. Thelton was trapped under Trevor's massive dead body.

### Chapter 27

Thelton's eyes flipped open. He was drenched in sweat, and Indy was sitting next to him, watching him. He backed away from her, not trusting her.

"Are you good?" Indy asked.

Thelton looked dazed. He peered around, trying to gain bearings to where he was.

"Your dreams frighten you," Indy stated. She slowly crept next to his side and wiped the sweat away from his brow. "It's good, we are good," she said, trying to bring comfort.

Thelton could feel his heart bang against his chest cavity. He looked around at the tree house. It was all in one piece, nothing broken on it. Everything had been a dream. It all had been a dream.

"Would you like to eat?" Indy asked.

Thelton felt his stomach growl at the thought of food. He was pretty hungry. He sat for a few minutes trying to clear his head.

"Yea, I guess I would." he finally replied back.

Indy left Thelton in the tree house as she went to hunt for some food. She still had some troll left, but she knew Thelton wouldn't eat it. While she was gone, he thought about his dream. It was the most powerful dream he ever recalled having. He could feel pain in it and fear. He could feel the love of his mom. Everything was so real.

He tried to figure out if his dream was real or not. Maybe it was a revelation, directing him to finish the battle he had started. He thought about the war and how horribly he was losing it. He thought about the impermeable castle. Even if he were to go back, he wouldn't be able to get his men through and more lives would be lost, and besides, even if they did win, the castle would be turned over to Sterling. He couldn't handle the thought of Sterling living off the fruits of Thelton's labor. "Why should I risk my life any further for Sterling?"

"Forget yourself in the service of others," his mom's words echoed in his mind.

He really hadn't been one to serve others unless there was something in it that would benefit him.

"Aggh," he yelled out. "It was only a dream. I don't owe anyone anything. I don't owe Sterling the kingdom. I am done fighting. DONE!"

When Thelton stood up, he noticed he had been sitting on his golden and emerald sword, as well as his emerald dagger. He picked them up in disbelief, for he hadn't seen them since the battle field. Surely, he had lost them when he had passed out and had come close to losing his life.

He picked them up and examined them over and over again. "How did they get here? Had Indy brought them and hadn't said anything to me about them?" It was very curious indeed. He thought back to his rescue. There was no way she was concealing two swords and a dagger.

Thelton kept examining the swords until Indy called him down to eat. She hadn't brought back any meat, but she had plenty of fruit.

"Where did these come from?" he asked holding the swords out in front of her.

"I too wondered that," she replied.

"So you didn't bring them with us when you rescued me?"

"No, and I wonder how you carried them? I didn't see them on you."

Thelton looked at his hips. There were no sheaves attached for the swords. Since there were no sheaves, there was no way they could have been brought with them without someone holding them.

Thelton thought about his dream, in it his mom had returned his swords to him. Now he sat there holding his lost swords. Had she really delivered his swords to him? Had the dream really been true? If it was, did that mean Trevor was dead? He doubted that. Instead, he was pretty sure the dream meant he was to return to Andleburg and kill Trevor.

The task in front of him was impossible. They had tried for weeks and had only managed to have many of his men killed. Sure, they had removed two of the outer barriers, but unless they could break through the castle's walls, they would continue to have their men killed.

As Thelton ate the fruit, he developed a pounding headache. "What am I to do? I am content to stay here with Indy and let the rest of the world take care of itself. But my dream was so powerful, surely it was a revelation, surely I am being summoned back to the battlefield, but for what, to die? There is no way we will win." Thelton rubbed his finger along the blades of his sword.

Not very far from him, a small fight amongst two dragons erupted. They were battling over a wolf. They slashed at each other and threw balls of fire. The strongest won the wolf while the loser flew off into the sky.

As Thelton watched the dragon disappear into the clouds, inspiration set in. With excitement in his eyes, he turned to find Indy. She had gone over to the other end of the camp and was sitting next to one of the baby dragons, feeding it fruit. The baby was now bigger than her, it had grown so fast. The queen came over and exchanged growls and grunts with Indy, then took off into the sky. Indy turned back to the baby and gave it the last bite of fruit. The baby growled wanting more.

"Can you guys understand each other?" Thelton asked.

Indy looked up as he approached her. "Sure," she answered.

"But how?"

Indy shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. We just do. A grunt here, a gesture there, it's pretty easy."

"Is it a simple communication or a complex one, like humans have?"

"I would say same as humans."

"No," Thelton said. "There's no way. Human language is so complex. Plus it can be written down and read. You can't write down a grunt and a gesture."

"Think what you want, it's same," Indy replied.

Thelton wanted to continue to debate, but that wasn't his intention when he had asked her about her language.

"I need some help from your dragons. Do you think if you asked them they would help me?"

"What kind of help?" Indy asked. She wasn't paying attention to what she was doing with the dragon, and it bit her finger.

"Pain," she said as a little bit of blood snuck out of her skin. She brought her injured finger to her mouth and sucked on it, the metallic taste of blood swished down her throat.

"Would you be able to talk your dragons into flying me over the castle walls? Once over, they could burn the castle to the ground, with Trevor in it."

Thelton stopped and thought about it for a minute. "I don't want to destroy Andleburg's castle, but if I can have one dragon fly me in, and another fly a few of my men in, that's all we would need, two dragons. The affect of them alone would be enough to frighten all of Trevor's men into submission. If we can breach the castle walls with the dragons on our team, victory would be ours. I'm sure of it!"

"Yeah, I guess we could do that. It sounds like an easy way in," Indy said.

"So when you say we, does that mean you are coming with me?" Thelton asked

Indy looked surprised. "I don't want to fight your war. I already got arrow in my leg when I helped you. That hurt."

"You are powerful. With you on the inside with us, you could take down ten men at a time."

"I don't want to," Indy said.

"Yeah, but don't forgot, we go against Trevor. Don't forget, he is the one who tied you up and beat you and starved you. I would think you would want to kill him yourself."

Thelton's words snagged her in, for Trevor had tortured her and had used her as bait to lure Thelton into a trap. Ugliness surged through her. Yes, she would help kill Trevor.

### Chapter 28

Sterling ran with all his might. He couldn't believe he was about to be hunted by twenty men. If they caught him, they got a vineyard. What man wouldn't want a vineyard? "Are they really going to kill me for land? Of course they think I hurt the queen. She is indeed ugly, what manner of man would even want to look at her more than a moment, let alone advance at her? It really doesn't matter, for I am the prey, and I will be hunted. I am glad the king has at least given me twenty minutes, maybe I have a chance."

Sterling had been running for only five minutes when he fell into one of the first obstacles laid out by the king. He had become tangled in a thick vine, and the more he worked at loosing in, the more constricting it became. When his foot was wrapped so tight it cut off circulation, the vine sprung up and lifted him three meters above the ground. He was trapped. Running was his only chance for escape, and he blew it. He tried to pull out his sword to cut through the vines, but he couldn't quite reach his sheath. He thrashed about trying to escape, until he heard the men running. He became still and quiet.

He watched as eight men passed by. They were so busy following his tracks they didn't look up, running right below him. His skin was clammy. "That was close," he thought. Sterling looked around to see if anymore men were coming. He could neither see nor hear anymore. For the moment, he was alone. He fought the vines trapping his arms until he was able to release them and remove his sword. He cut his way free until he landed on the ground.

Sterling didn't want to continue in the same direction he had been headed, for there were now those eight men ahead of him. He couldn't go back the way he came, so he cut a diagonal course to his right side. He no longer had the advantage of being the lead man. Now, there could be men any direction he headed in. Fearful of the noise running would make, he slowed his pace to a silent creep. He carefully moved through the woods, trying to keep as concealed as possible. He also realized not only did he have to worry about the men, he had to worry about the traps the king had set. And not only that, but he had to worry about the residents of the woods, the dangerous animals he might cross. How he wished he could end this nightmare.

Sterling continued in his diagonal course until he heard the loud snapping of branches ahead of him. He quickly scanned the area for a place to hide. He found a clump of bushes and dove into them. As he lay close to the ground, a hunter came right next to the bush. He meticulously looked up in the trees, around the trees, and in some neighboring bushes. He never did search the bush Sterling was in, but he got pretty close to it. Sterling could hear his heart pounding in his ears.

"Shut up heart," he thought. He was afraid the hunter could hear his heart beating since it seemed so loud to Sterling. The hunter, feeling the area was clear, continued on his way. Sterling couldn't believe the hunter hadn't found him. He wondered if he should stay in the bushes until all the hunters wearied and went home.

As he stayed hidden, he felt like something was crawling all over him. He looked down at his skin and noticed it was infested with bush lice, small little bugs bit his sin and left angry welts. The welts itched and burned, they swelled and reddened. Sterling worked like mad to rub the lice off, but there were so many, he didn't succeed. When he couldn't take the itching anymore, he jumped out from behind the bush. Once away from the bush, he was able to clear his skin of the pesky little bugs, but the irritated skin lingered.

Voices floated to him. He could hear some talking not too far off. "What am I going to do? How will I escape so many hunters looking for me? Maybe I can hide in a tree. Any one of the really full trees would make for an excellent hiding place; however, the problem is if I am spotted, I will be a sitting target, for I won't have a chance for escape. Maybe I could bury myself."

He liked the idea of burying himself, if he buried himself all the way to the face, he could cover his face with a pile of leaves or something. Sterling looked around until he found a flat, angled rock. He picked it up to use as a shovel. He worked the soil until he could tell someone was almost on him. It really had been a stupid idea. He looked over his shoulder and caught the eye of a hunter. Swiftly, an arrow whizzed by his head. That was close. He dropped the rock and ran, with so many arrows flying by his face, he couldn't believe he hadn't been hit. He didn't feel like he had time to retrieve his arrows and set his bow, so he kept running. He wasn't fast enough, and the hunter was on his heels. When he was close enough, the hunter launched himself forward and tackled Sterling to the ground. Sterling had the advantage in size. The two rolled around, exchanging fists and blows. Sterling pushed the hunter down then he stood to run. Before he could get anywhere, the hunter jumped on Sterling's back and bit Sterling's ear. Sterling twirled around, trying to knock the hunter off. The hunter bit Sterling's neck. Sterling leaned back, and with his force, launched the hunter to the left into a dark area of mud. The mud was thick and gooey and easily trapped the hunter, swiftly pulling him under. The more the hunter tried to escape, the quicker he was dragged under, until he was to his shoulders.

"Help me," he cried to Sterling. "Help me and I will save your life."

Sterling didn't trust him. He didn't trust anyone. Sterling refused to save the man who had tried to kill him, but he couldn't bear to watch the man die. He turned his back to the man and walked away.

"Save me," he could hear the man cry.

Sterling turned back to the man. How could he leave a man to die? Sterling searched for a large stick. Upon finding one, he picked it up and offered it to the hunter. The hunter eagerly grasped the stick and Sterling pulled. The man lifted a little out of the mud, but only by a few centimeters. Sterling yanked again. Voices of hunters could be heard approaching them. Sterling looked at the trapped hunter. He hated to leave him, but if he stayed, then the other hunters would overtake him. As he dropped the stick and ran, he hoped the oncoming hunters would save their own comrade.

Sterling shuddered while he ran and continued to look for a place to hide. Carefully, he made his way through the woods until he found a very tight rock alcove. There was a bush in front of the opening. It was only by luck Sterling had found the crevice in which he slid his body into. He felt he would be safe there until night fall, when he planned to fully escape from the woods. He had jammed his body in seconds before two hunters went by.

"Why were they working together?" Sterling thought. "The king had told them to work separately."

Sterling spent the rest of the day hiding in the rock alcove. He had become weary and against his fight, he had fallen asleep. After a short doze, he awoke to the snorting of a boar.

Right at his opening, the boar wiggled his nose through, smelling Sterling's leg. His dull teeth sunk in, taking a chunk of flesh with it. Sterling almost screamed out in pain when he noticed a hunter slowly approach the hind side of the boar. Sterling bit his hand to hold the pain while resisting the urge to scream. He watched as the hunter loaded his bow and released an arrow into the boar's rump. The boar squealed and flew into the air. A bit of bush snagged away caught in the pig's hoof, this left Sterling exposed. He was a sitting target with nowhere to run. Although he stood centimeters from the hunter, the hunter did not see Sterling, for his eyes followed the angry boar as it crashed through the trees away from the alcove. The hunter pulled out several more arrows and launched them into the boar. The boar ran off through the trees despite the arrows piercing out of his side, and the hunter followed close behind.

Sterling rubbed his brow, another close call. He shook as he had once again escaped death. With his heart pounding, he looked at his dilapidated spot. It was ruined and he could no longer hide there. Needing to find a new place to hide, he crept out and snuck off into a different direction. It was getting darker in the woods and Sterling felt he had a few more hiding options with the new shadows and dark spots cast everywhere.

He walked for a while, hoping he was forging a trail no one was on. The shadows thickened and Sterling's bravery increased. He decided as soon as the sun set, he would be safe to move around the woods. Until then, he would hide.

While he was walking, something to the right caught his attention. He let his eyes divert to the movement while he kept walking forward. Since the item held his attention, he failed to notice the hunter right in front of him until he crashed into the large stocky man. Both were startled by the collision.

Without giving the hunter time to register who was in front of him, Sterling cocked his arm back and hit the hunter square into the face. The hunter staggered back and was met by another blow from Sterling. Despite the pain, the hunter straightened up and met Sterling with a couple blows of his own. Sterling went straight to the ground. While he was fumbling to get up, the hunter withdrew his sword and came straight at Sterling's chest with it. At the last second, Sterling rolled and the sword pierced the ground.

Sterling kicked the legs out from under the hunter. He took the handle of his sword and bashed it against the hunter's head. The hunter immediately lost consciousness. Sterling took off in a run.

He ran and ran until he again came face to face with another hunter. Sterling presented his sword and almost rammed it into the guy's chest, but he noticed the hunter did not have a sword, for it laid on the ground just out of his reach. Sterling assessed the scene and discovered the hunter's leg was caught in a thick metal bear trap. The teeth of the trap wrapped their sharp spikes around the hunter's ankle. There was much distress in the hunter's face.

Sterling stepped out of reach of the hunter, he lowered his sword.

"Please don't kill me, please don't kill me." The hunter replied.

Sterling felt pity on the man, but he couldn't afford to help anyone. He picked up the hunter's sword and placed it in the hunter's hand.

"I won't kill you, but I can't save you," he looked around, and headed in the same direction, hoping to escape.

It was good and dark now, and very hard to see in front of one's face. Sterling crouched in the shadows, happy to take a break. He was so exhausted; he decided to rest for a moment. He thought his fear would not let him fall asleep, but he was wrong. Slept overcame him, and he slept until dawn. When he awoke, it was getting light and the forest was becoming easier to see in.

"How could I have let myself fall asleep?" he cursed. "I should have used the security of the night to have escaped. Now it was morning, my chance to escape is gone."

Carefully, he made his way through the woods and walked the rest of the morning and afternoon without incident. When the evening was upon him, he kept walking. He hadn't taken time to eat and was famished, but he kept walking. He could see breaks in the trees ahead and anticipated he was almost out of the woods. He walked until he was sure the woods opened up. With hope filling his breast, he took off in a sprint. He was almost out, almost free!

Unexpectedly, he was tackled to the ground. He had not been prepared for the attack and his sword flew out of his hand. The burly arms of the king wrapped around Sterling's throat.

"Well, well, it looks like I must be the greatest hunter alive, for I have caught the main prize," he said as he squeezed Sterling's throat. Sterling struggled until he broke free, he tried tackling the king, but the king again gained the upper hand, and once again had Sterling in a choke hold.

"I will never know how a peasant like you ended up with Princess Alashia. Her beauty is one never to be topped."

His words angered Sterling. Sterling lashed back and scratched the king's face. The king let go for a moment, then regained his hold.

"You are feisty. I will take great pleasure in seeing you die, for you do not deserve such a fine woman as the princess. I am a noble king, and she belongs to me. My luck left me in the beginning when my father betrothed me to that hideous pig I call wife. But my father is dead, and I am king. It is time I marry the most desirable princess around. Thank you for your blessing."

His words infuriated Sterling. Sterling broke the king's choke hold, and the two ended in a wresting pose, both rolling each other around. Fists were flung and soon the men found themselves back on their feet. The king seized Sterling's arms and pinned them behind his back. For the moment, he had the advantage.

"You will not touch my wife," Sterling said.

"Who's to say I haven't already?" The king chimed back as he lifted Sterling's arms higher and pushed Sterling forward. As Sterling fought for escape, the king withdrew his dagger out of his boot and lifted it to Sterling's throat. The cold blade almost broke the skin when suddenly the king went limp and slipped down to the ground. Confused, Sterling looked down at the king. There was an arrow sticking out of the king's head. Shocked, Sterling peered behind him where a panic-stricken hunter stood, his bow dangling by his side.

"I didn't mean to kill him, that arrow was meant for you."

The hunter snapped out of his daze, and loaded another arrow. Sterling had already begun to run. The hunter launched the arrows at Sterling, but missed.

"I will tell them you did it!" he yelled after Sterling. "Do you hear me? You will take the blame for the king's death."

Sterling ran with all his might through the opening and out of the woods.

### Chapter 29

The men had lost all motivation to fight, and with Thelton gone, they saw no reason to stay. They gathered all their supplies and awaited the orders to move out. Both generals from Cloats and Candleshaw had been killed. The disarranged men didn't know what to do, and hoped the king would send them word soon. It took two days, but finally the men were ordered to pull out. As they turned their back to the Andleburg Castle, something massive caught their attention. All men stopped and turned their eyes to the sky.

Two giant dragons came flying overhead. In fear, all the men abandoned what they were holding and ducked into bushes and long grass. Every man's heart pounded as they hid. There were dragons overhead!

The dragons landed and so did the dragon woman who had flown in next to them. The frightened men peaked through the bushes to see the dragon's next move. Unexpectedly, a man jumped off one of the dragons. It wasn't just any man. It was their leader.

"Come out of hiding, men," he called out. "These dragons won't hurt you. They are on our side."

Slowly and nervously the men came out of hiding. They were all in awe to watch Thelton fly in with the dragons. They had also wondered how he was even alive, for some had been sure he had died.

"This war is ours for the taking. Listen closely men, for I want to initiate the new plan without any more distractions." The men cautiously gathered around and listened to Thelton's plans.

...

The dragons flew over the castle walls and onto its east grounds. They hoped with the darkness of the night Trevor's men would not be on alert.

The dragons glided over the walls without one arrow shot their way. Trevor had watched the men pack up and he was sure the fight was over. He had heard how Thelton and the other leaders had died. With a false sense of security, Trevor had let down some of his watch. As Trevor's men kept a vigilant eye on the north grounds, Thelton, Indy, the dragons, and twelve men made it over the walls on the east and landed in the middle of the castle's courtyard. The courtyard was empty.

Trevor's men had long grown comfortable and complacent inside the castle walls. During the beginning of the war, the men had stood in formation. But, after several days, they realized Thelton wasn't penetrating their walls. If at any point the archers felt there would be a breach, then they would gather Trevor's men together. Up to that point, that day had never happened. Since it was night, most of the army was in their tents sleeping.

Indy exchanged grunts with the dragons. Without delay, both dragons let out a high pitch shrill. Their attention was turned to the tents where they bathed them in a spray of fire. Trevor's men shrieked and yelled as they tumbled out of the tents. The fire spray continued to drench them as they emerged.

The men were in utter confusion as they ran around in circles. Most of them were on fire and were looking for ways to distinguish it. The archer's turned their attention away from the outer castle walls and focused on the inside. Panic stuck them as they observed the scene below them on their side of the walls. The shocked men launched arrows down at the dragons.

The arrows hit the dragon's sides and bounced off, unable to penetrate their scaly skin. With their attention caught, the dragons looked up and sprayed fire on the top of the walls at the archers. The sound of screaming could be heard from all over the courtyard.

While the dragons were spraying their fire, eight of Thelton's men made their way to the drawbridge and opened it to his men on the outside. Thelton's men poured through the opening. Meanwhile, Thelton, Indy, and four men stormed over to the castle. Thelton was surprised to see the castle doors unguarded, for the guards had taken off shortly after the dragons arrived.

Thelton and his men rammed their bodies into the heavy wooden door, they didn't even make a dent on it, but they jacked up their arms. Indy turned and whistled one of the dragons over. He came to the door and sprayed it with fire. The door immediately took to flames and they waited until its integrity was gone and they could bust their way through. By the time they entered, they had hundreds of their own men at their backs, ready to offer aid in the war against Trevor.

As Thelton ran down the corridors of the castle, he reached into his bag to get out the things the medicine woman had given him. He saw all the logs, and thought about getting them out for the men to use. He could see they were already engaged in sword battles, and he felt they would be fine without the sleeping logs. He pushed the logs aside and grabbed the poisoned tipped arrow and dagger the medicine woman had given him. He would use those to end Trevor's life.

As Thelton continued to go through the castle, any of Trevor's men he met stepped aside, for they feared Indy who accompanied Thelton.

There was utter confusion and chaos in the castle. Thelton searched everywhere for Trevor, but could not find him. Getting frustrated, he grabbed one of Trevor's men and held a sword to his throat.

"You're The Dragon Slayer," the man said.

"Ah, you must be an Andleburg native. Why do you fight alongside the tyrant Trevor?" Thelton asked as he pressed his blade into the man's skin.

"I had no choice," the man said. "It was fight with him or die by him."

"A coward's choice. I would have chosen death," Thelton said.

The man looked away, shamed by his own weakness.

"Where is Trevor?" Thelton asked.

"If I tell you, will you let me live?"

Thelton pressed the blade harder against the man's Adam's apple. "Tell me," Thelton growled.

"I would happily show you if you remove your sword," the man replied.

"Can I trust you?" Thelton asked.

"Over the graves of my entire family. Trevor has taken them all away from me, as well as my land. You can trust me."

Thelton removed his sword. "Lead the way," he told the man.

The man turned everyone around and they went back through the corridors of the castle. He led them to a stair case where they wound their way to almost the top of the castle. When they reached a random door, he opened and guided them through more corridors. Soon they ended at another door.

"You will find Trevor in there," he told Thelton.

"Would you by chance have the key?" Thelton asked after he found the door locked.

"No," the guard said.

The door was solid and looked challenging to open. The men looked around the corridor and found nothing that would bring the door down. They spread out until a large metal statue was found. They hauled the statue back to the door, and with a combined effort, they used it to bust the door open.

Behind the door they were greeted by a room full of men. The room was rather large and finding the men there was a bit of a surprise. Thelton slipped his way to the back of his men. His battle was for Trevor, and he didn't want to get caught up with the front guards.

Thelton's men pushed their way into the room. Swords were met and the battle was on. Trevor's men fought hard, but Thelton's men fought harder. They were tired of the war and anxious to return to their families. They despised Trevor and his fight for power. They used all of this, plus the confidence having dragons on their side, and fiercely took on Trevor's men.

As the swords clanged and the battle pursued, more and more of Trevor's men dropped. Thelton waited patiently until he found his opportunity to creep into the room, past the fighting. He saw Trevor in the corner, cowering like a cornered rabbit. The tyrant lacked the bravery to fight. He had used his words to get him to his position of power, not his bravery or fighting skill.

Thelton loaded the poisoned arrow onto the bow. He put Trevor in his sights, and pulled back the tension. He had Trevor where he wanted, a straight shot it would be. Milliseconds before he released the arrow, Thelton felt cold metal slice into his leg. The arrow released, missing the target by centimeters. Thelton dropped the bow and brought up his emerald sword. He sliced the arm off the man who had caused him to miss Trevor.

Meanwhile, Trevor saw how close the arrow came to piercing him. Fear overcame him. He had not been prepared for the intrusion on his castle. After weeks at keeping Thelton at bay, Trevor had already concluded the win of the war. Thelton's entrance into the castle courtyard had brought everyone to a rude awaking. They were under attack, and although they were prepared, they were nowhere close to being prepared.

Trevor was trapped in the room. There was hardly anywhere he could go that wasn't occupied by fighting men. Trevor found a large armchair and ducked behind it. Maybe he would not be seen.

Thelton became engaged in a two way sword fight. He made quick work of the men he battled and headed toward Trevor.

Indy fought without sword. She had power, strength, and her claws and teeth. Whenever someone charged at her, she would step aside and as their sword went by her, she would grab the man's arm and tear into him. She was able to take down two times the number of men as anyone else.

When she found herself free for a moment, she noticed Trevor ducking behind the armchair. He was the whole reason she had come. Pushing several men out her way, she threw herself at the armchair. Once she was on top of it, she dove at Trevor. She tore him out from behind the chair and raked her claws across his body. The coward screamed out in pain. Thelton joined her side.

"Let me at him. I have a poisoned dagger," he said, pulling his dagger out of his boot.

"I don't need your poison," Indy said. She grabbed Trevor and hoisted him into the air.

"No, give him to me. I want to see him suffer in complete agony."

Indy looked at Trevor. She could kill him in seconds. She was used to killing all sorts of things for food. She really wanted to kill Trevor, but something inside her stopped her. She decided to give the kill to Thelton.

Indy put Trevor down. He looked back and forth between Indy and Thelton. Thelton was still retrieving his dagger. Trevor backed his way into the stain glass window and thrust himself through. The glass shattered everywhere and Trevor fell towards the ground.

Indy could fly after him, but she didn't really want to jump through the sharp shards of glass to do it. Thelton leaned over and watched Trevor fall.

"You let him get away," he snarled at Indy.

Indy stuck her head out the window and let out a loud screeching noise. From down in the royal grounds, one of the dragons looked up, and flew toward Trevor. Just centimeters before Trevor splattered on the ground, the dragon caught Trevor in its claws. Indy growled loud enough for the dragon to hear. In response to her command, it flew toward the Vegus Forest, still grasping Trevor. The other dragon spread open its wings, and followed its brother.

All of Trevor's men in the castle, and around the castle dropped their swords. The battle was over. Their leader was gone, and so were their loyalties.

### Chapter 30

Alashia and Stephanie waited for Sterling in the green adobe as instructed. Inside, they had found a large slob of a fisherman. His placed reeked of rotten fish, for he brought all his nets and gear into his a home, a home that was tiny, and nets that weren't properly cleaned, nets that trapped in pieces of fish that were rank and rotten. Alashia was sure the man had never bathed in his life. The creases in his skin were blackened with embedded dirt while flecks of particles clung into his arm hair. His long scraggly beard grew down to his enormous belly, it was ratted and crusted over from dried food. When he first greeted Alashia and Stephanie at the door, they were afraid to go in, but they had no one to trust, so they did.

Although the man looked frightening, he turned out to be very kind. He heard the princesses' stories and graciously offered them refuge in his home until Sterling arrived. He didn't have a bed for the princesses, but he presented them a corner in the adobe. Stephanie wanted to protest, but since she feared the man, she kept quiet. Together, Stephanie and Alashia cleared a spot for sleeping, pushing aside rotten food and unidentifiable garbage. They stayed there day and night hardly moving about, for the rest of his place disgusted them. Alashia once asked the man if he could dispose of all the scattered fish heads that stared at her. In gay spirits, he suggested if the heads offend her, then she was free to clear them away. Alashia couldn't imagine herself cleaning anymore of the man's filth, so she remained quiet.

The fisherman was courteous enough to provide two meals a day for the princesses. At first they wouldn't eat, but after a couple of days, hunger drove them to eat the man's offerings. By the end of the week, Sterling arrived.

"Oh husband, I was sure you had been killed." Alashia fell upon Sterling and held him tight, the tears streamed down her face. "I rejoice in your safe return." Feelings of peace and relief rushed over Alashia.

Sterling shared with them the attempts on his life. Alashia felt even more rejoiced he had lived.

"You returned just in time, my love, for tomorrow there will be a ship at port for us. Flora has promised our safe return to Andleburg."

"Oh, I am eager to get as far from this place as possible," Sterling said.

"Me too," Stephanie interjected.

The fat fisherman stuffed some bread into his mouth, crumbs littered his beard. "You guys aren't serious, are you?"

"What do you mean, Tom?" Sterling asked.

"You trust the queen. If what you say is true, the king being dead and all, the queen will want your head." Tom wiped his nose across the sleeve of his arm.

The fisherman hadn't heard news about the death of the king, because he had stayed in the adobe with the princesses for the week.

"Oh, you might be right," Sterling said.

Alashia felt her spirits crash. "We must escape tomorrow on her ships. She promised me she would have them ready. She promised because she wants me out of her kingdom."

"Oh she promised, and they will be here for sure, but they will be full of guards, you mark my word," Tom said as he crammed the last chunk of bread in his mouth, little bits of soggy bread flew out of his mouth as he talked.

Alashia turned in disgust. She wrapped her arms around her legs and cried. "This can't be. I must get out of this kingdom," she cried. "I can't believe your words, my cousin would never betray me. We are blood relatives."

Sterling touched Alashia's soft cheek, "Darling, she already has betrayed you."

Alashia couldn't accept the thought of her escape attempt compromised. She had used every milliliter of strength she had to spend a week in the fisherman's adobe. "Am I doomed to spend the rest of my life here? I mentally can't take anymore. I am about to break. I still want to try for it, for it's my only chance."

"No way," Sterling replied.

The fisherman offered to go out during the night and set his nets. That would give him a chance to talk to people, to watch the ship and the port, and to catch wind of any plans.

"If something is up, I will know of it."

His offer made Alashia feel better.

...

The next morning, the time had arrived where Alashia was to board the ship. She was anxious and angry the fisherman had not returned to give word.

"I am going now," she said as she tried to open the door. Sterling grabbed her and pulled away.

"You must have patience."

"Where is he, where is that good for nothing fisherman? While he putters away the morning, the ship will sail away without me, and I will be stuck in this horrible place forever! I can't wait on him. I can't wait on anyone. I must rescue myself."

Alashia was on the verge of going mad. She again tried to escape, and Sterling had to tackle her down. Her body was pushed on top of a pile of rotten fish heads. When she landed on them, a black cloud of flies rose off them. The rotten meat smeared onto Alashia, the smell invaded her nose and sent a wave of nausea through her.

"Get off me, get off me. That is no way to treat your wife!" she screamed. She grabbed a handful of putrid fish and smeared it into Sterling's face, despite the offences; he continued to hold her down.

Stephanie cowered in the corner, frightened by the wildness that overtook Alashia.

"If you go now, you will be killed," Sterling said. "I can't allow it."

"Get off me," she screamed and she spit in his face. Sterling would not release her. She finally stopped fighting. After she lay still for twenty minutes, Sterling got off of her. She scampered into her corner to join Stephanie.

"We will be stuck here forever, and it will be your fault, all your fault," she yelled. Her eyes were wide and crazy looking.

Two hours later, the fisherman returned. As he walked in the door, Sterling turned to Alashia and with all firmness commanded her to keep still. She had hardly seen him so assertive and it silenced her into submission.

The fisherman dragged in two large nets filled with fish.

"A mighty good day for a catch," he said behind his yellow gapping teeth.

He should have been out there figuring things out for her, not fishing. Alashia could not hold back.

"You compromised my chance to escape for your own selfish follies. How dare you, how dare you!" she yelled.

"Wow, that is a tongue on your bride. If she was my woman, I would slap her down and she would learn her place."

Sterling was embarrassed. "She is a princess," he said in defenses.

"Princess or not, you are her husband, and that makes you over her."

"Why, you are nothing but a fat slob," Alashia retorted.

"I give you my hospitality, and this is your return." The fisherman dropped his nets and went to the door and opened it, motioning for Alashia to leave.

"You must leave now, and good riddance. The port is crawling with guards, all waiting to capture you. They hold up for all of you."

Alashia backed away from the door, she bowed her head.

"Well go all ready," he growled.

Sterling stepped forward. "Please hold no ill will toward us."

"I don't, but there is no place for your woman in my home."

"She will apologize," Sterling offered.

The fisherman turned to the princess and waited.

Silence.

"Well go ahead already," he grumbled.

Alashia looked at her feet. If she didn't apologize, she was a dead woman.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"That's that," the fisherman said, and closed the door. He wasn't one to hold a grudge. "Who's ready for fish?"

Flora's men stayed at the port watching for Sterling and Alashia for two weeks. The fisherman was good enough to house them, and Alashia held her tongue.

### Chapter 31

Thelton looked at the castle. The outer structure looked like the castle he had known. The inner had been changed drastically. Trevor had removed all semblance of Wolfgang's reign, and he had filled it with memorials displaying his era. He had foolishly squandered the recourses of Andleburg to reconstruct the throne room, the ballroom, his room, and many other wings of the castle.

Thelton checked the treasury and found it almost empty. He remembered when Alashia had shown him the room. It had been filled with gold coins and other forms of currency and many fine wares. She told him how it had been built up over generations from her family line. Her ancestors, including her father, had been fair to the people, and although they taxed them, they used their money sensibly, and the taxes were a light burden, one to be expected.

Thelton shook his head at such a waste. Trevor had been such a waste. He destroyed a legacy of monarchs with his selfish nature and selfish desires. Not only had he massacred the royal family of Andleburg, he had annihilated their whole nation. He had burnt down working farms and fields of grain. He had torn apart families and slaughtered many. There was nothing he did that had been good or beneficial. He had brought a wave of destruction and hate.

"I am glad Alashia isn't around to see what Trevor has done to her kingdom." He felt a dark gloom settle in him. At first, he was elated to have won the kingdom back, but then he experienced so much sorrow as he learned more and more to what Trevor had done. "How could the people have supported such a man and granted him so much power? If they would have only turned their backs to his rantings in the beginning, then none of this would have happened."

Thelton also carried a great weight of guilt burdening him. He felt responsible for all that had happened in the kingdom. If he hadn't been so selfish in the beginning, then none of this would have happened. The kingdom would be strong and healthy and King Wolfgang would be ruling from his throne. But, because of Thelton's egotistic choices, everything was gone. "How could I have been so self-centered?"

When word had reached the people of Andleburg Trevor had been killed, and Andleburg had been won back, they swarmed the castle in hoards. Thelton left the gates open and allowed all to enter who wanted to. He knew that the people coming to him were empty shells of who they used to be. They had all suffered serious loss.

The people were excited to have their freedoms returned, but they, like Thelton, were weary and broken. They wanted to know what Thelton planned to do to restore to them their numerous losses. Thelton wondered the same. Somehow he would have to rebuild their empire. Everyone turned to him for answers and relief.

Instead of addressing the people from the top balcony, as King Wolfgang always did, Thelton met the people on the ground, in front of the castle. He had placed a small platform in front of them, just high enough to elevate him where all the people could hear him.

Thelton stood in front of the people, all eyes turned to him. He felt a lump in his throat.

"My fine people of Andleburg." Thelton gazed over the hollow faces. There were close to a thousand people there. That wasn't much. Andleburg had been made up of thousands upon thousands of people. Thelton didn't know the exact census, but it had been a strong thriving kingdom before the reign of Trevor. It broke his heart to see such few numbers. In the castle, Thelton imprisoned a thousand men, followers of Trevor they had captured. Five hundred men from Cloats and Candleshaw willingly stayed behind to guard them. They hadn't yet decided what to do with the prisoners. Thelton would have to decide their fates later.

The people were waiting for him to speak.

He started over. "My fine people of Andleburg, let me begin with my sincerest apologies. I fear I am to blame for the direction this kingdom had gone in. I have learned much since those days and have spent the rest of the time trying to right my wrongs and make it up to you." The people watched him. Their affects were flat without emotion or feeling.

"We cannot afford to live in the past, for we must move forward. So, I will offer my apologies again, but we must no longer talk of what was or has been or might have been. Instead, we need to focus our attention as to how to rebuild the kingdom. For now, I will hold the position of the ruler. I do not want to be regarded as your king, for I am not. I will take the place as the ruler until your rightful king arrives."

There was a murmur amongst the crowd. What was Thelton talking about? All the people had heard he had married Alashia, and in their minds that made him king. They were ready to follow him, for he had proven himself worthy when he had removed their oppressor from the throne. And if he wasn't going to be the king, then who would?

"Who else has earned your spot?" someone called out. "The throne is yours and Alashia's."

Thelton shamefully looked down at his feet. The people would find out soon enough he hadn't married Alashia. It would be better for him to tell them now, than for them to catch wind of it later. He wanted their help in rebuilding the kingdom, so they needed to start on a ground of trust.

He looked up at the murmuring crowd, soon the conversations stopped.

"Listen, I knew with the support and help from you and the tri-kingdoms, I could win back your kingdom. That was of upmost importance. I needed you to have faith in me and rally behind me. I was fully aware you had lost all faith and trust in me. But, I knew I could get your kingdom back, and I did." Thelton paused and looked back down at his feet.

"I said something at the time I didn't see as much of a lie. I told the people I had married Alashia. And as you are all aware by the proclamation sent out by the king himself, we were to wed. But, because of the events of the past, the wedding never took place.

"I thought if I told you Princess Alashia and I had already married, you would support me to be your general in battle. I didn't see this as a bad lie, since I was under the impression when she returned to Andleburg, we would marry."

There was a ripple of commotion amongst the people. Thelton had deceived them again. "I don't know what happened, but I have received word she married another. My heart is heavy with sorrow at the loss of my love." He pitifully said it, but more of it came from the loss of power than the loss of a marriage.

"I tell you these things to be honest and forthright with you. There will be no more deceiving, no more underhandedness. I lay out my full intentions in front of you and ask you to follow behind me for just a bit longer."

The noise level rose and many of the people had a hard time hearing him. They had so much to discuss amongst themselves about the latest scandal unveiled.

"SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO HIM!" someone shouted. The crowd grew quiet.

"Thank you," Thelton said. "I will be honest with you. Andleburg is my country, it is my kingdom, and I have great pride in my kingdom. I will help rebuild our kingdom, and when our Queen Alashia returns, I will hand her over her kingdom. I need you to get behind me and support me on this.

"I can see from your faces you are all tired. I am tired too. But, we must reach deep within ourselves and pull out the last bit of our strength and rebuild our kingdom together. I will need help from everyone. I will need a panel of advisors, how about twenty men who can read and have a bit of knowledge. I will need them to be advisors to the affairs of the kingdom."

Twenty seven men stepped forward. They quarreled amongst themselves in order to thin the numbers down to twenty.

"Men, we just finished fighting. No more. We can have twenty seven advisors; we don't need to be exact. Now we have that settled, I will need someone strong, as the second in command."

There was silence. No one stepped forward.

"Someone brave," Thelton continued to prod.

There was a stir, and several people pushed forward one man.

Thelton looked down. "How can he be brave if he is pushed forward by others?"

"Oh he is brave," the woman beside him shouted. "He fought and killed hundreds of Trevor's men in secret."

"Is this true?" Thelton asked. He wondered if it was bit of an exaggeration. The man looked away.

"He is very humble," the woman said.

"For the grace of your kingdom, answer me. Do you feel you are brave and knowledgeable to lead as second in command?"

The man looked up with a new fury in his eyes. "I am brave and I will help you restore our kingdom." Thelton didn't know how to run a kingdom or to set up advisors. He had thought of bringing in some of the men who had fought by his side, but most he had trusted were dead.

"Good, that is in order. We will now need keepers of the castle. I need one man who will be in charge of recruiting cooks, servants, and maids. The pay will be scarce until our kingdom is strong, but you will have a home in the castle and food in your bellies."

A man stepped forward and the role was given to him.

"We will need workers to rebuild homes and farms. We have enough to fund the projects, but they must be done with bare minimum cost. I need several men to oversee this project. How about forty?"

Thelton got thirty five and was satisfied with the count, even though it was lower than he had asked for.

"I will need four men of trusted reputation. They will be in charge of distribution of funds and goods. They will give money to the people, and once there is an increase, they will collect taxes from the people. But don't worry citizens, I have advisors who are the same as you, together we will create a fair and equal tax."

Thelton spent several more hours recruiting men and women to rebuild the kingdom. That night, when he went to sleep, he slept for two days, being so exhausted.

### Chapter 32

Dear Lucille,

Things are very grave for me, very grave indeed. In my lest letter, I told you I thought King Thomas was planning to kill Sterling. Well, I was right. He took Sterling on a hunt with twenty to thirty other men. Sterling was announced as the hunted. That is right; all the men were hunting him. He had a scare of time escaping, but he did. Upon his escape, the king was killed. Now Sterling told me another hunter accidently killed the king, but I wonder if Sterling did it himself in defense, for if he did, he had every right. Nonetheless, the people of the kingdom believes he killed the king and they search for us.

I was unable to escape as I had hoped, for we are wanted everywhere. I dare not say where we are holed up, but for the moment we are safe. The circumstances are frightening and the accommodations are disgusting, but I guess we are safe and alive. What more could I want?

We are in the safety of a very honest person. This person works on our passage out of country. It will be very dangerous and very horrible. I am filled with dread over the idea of crossing that horrible sea once again. There will be no luxurious accommodations made for me as promised. I will escape like a thief and will always be on the run and look out.

More dread fills me as I think to where I am escaping to. Wasn't it once I fled for my life from Andleburg, and now I return? Was Thelton successful, was he able to defeat the enemies of the treacherous Trevor? Was he dead? (please no) Is Trevor still sitting on Father's throne? I fear if I return, I will be forced to marry Trevor. There is no solace for me, no place of refuge.

I used to think my life would be full of pleasure and joy. How foolish I was. For all I have known has been heartache and misery. Everything has been stolen from me, everything gone. I now must protect myself and Stephanie, for she is all I have. Well, that is not true; I have my husband, who I rejoice was not killed. Nonetheless, my life is grim.

Like I said, an escape has been planned. I fear to tell you dates and details. Let me assure you, I will do everything I can to return to our Andleburg, or if not there, then to your castle.

I will send you word again when I can.

If I never shall see you again, know that I love you,

Your sister, Princess Alashia

...

Thelton lay in bed surrounded by silken linen. He could hardly pull himself out, for the rest was so welcomed after everything he had been through. A loud bang shook his door.

He stretched his body out then said, "Enter."

A man walked in carrying a tray of food for him.

"Thank you," Thelton said. "Put it on the desk."

"Do you think I am a servant?" the man asked.

"You're not?" Thelton replied as he pulled the blankets around him.

"I thought you were here to lead us," the man said. "So far all you have done is sleep."

"Hey," Thelton growled. "I just won a war, a war in which I had several arrows go through me and my stomach impaled. I feel I am justified to a bit of recovery time. What were you doing while I won back our kingdom?"

"I was foolish to trust you," the man said. "If this is how you are going to be then I resign from my position as your first in command."

Thelton sat up. He probably owed the guy an apology, but he avoided saying he was sorry as little as possible. Besides, he felt he had done enough apologizing over the last little while.

"Tell me your name," Thelton commanded.

"I am Thistle."

"Thistle, I see. You are the one they claim is brave, right?"

"That I am."

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let us put this kingdom back together. As my first in command, I order you to call an assembly of the advisors. While you do that, I will quickly eat my meal and meet you in the war room."

"I have already called the assembly. We are missing only you."

Thelton wrapped a thick brown robe around his body as he climbed out of bed. "Oh, you are good. Then let us waste no more time."

Thelton grabbed his tray of food and met the men in the war room. They were all waiting there, anxious to move forward with rebuilding their kingdom. Trevor had destroyed many farms and buildings. There were also lots of homes abandoned. Families were left without husbands since they had been killed by Trevor, or had joined Trevor. The king was gone, and so the whole hierarchy of the castle needed to be rebuilt. The laws need to be restructured. There was so much to do.

...

"Our numbers are small," a man named George said. "We ran a census yesterday and as far as we calculated, there are fewer than two-thousand citizens of the kingdom. The numbers are unbalanced, mostly woman, a few men, and a handful of children. This is not enough to maintain a kingdom. We would not be able to support ourselves or defend ourselves with these numbers."

George continued, "I've been thinking, we should open the kingdom up to the people of Cloats and Candleshaw. They helped us win the war, so they can be trusted. Let them come up and take land and occupation amongst us. We will give them the land at a cheap price, but they must stay and work it and live amongst us."

"I do not want to give our best land to outsiders," an advisor said.

"We won't," George replied. "I also don't want that. Since there are many abandon homes, we will give the people of Andleburg a month to claim new land. Then what ever is leftover, we sale to the rest of the tri-kingdoms. Do you all agree?"

Everyone said yes.

"What do we do about the prisoners? They take great recourses to maintain. Plus, do we even have the number of men it takes to keep them from breaking through?"

"I hardly see them as a threat anymore. Sure, some of them might have started the revolution with Trevor, but they were disillusioned. Trevor promised great things, and I don't believe anyone really knew what he was going to be like. Once they discovered his wicked heart, they were stuck under his direction. The other prisoners, I think were forced into service. I bet if you let them all go they would peacefully return to their homes and not be a threat again," an advisor said.

"Although I agree somewhat with you," Thistle said. "They have committed serious crimes and must be punished. I too was forced to join Trevor, but instead, I killed the men that tried to force me. Everyone has a choice, and they picked Trevor."

"So what are you suggesting?" Thelton asked.

"I agree, we can't keep them as prisoners for long, they will be expensive to feed and they will surely break free. Instead, we should make a deal with them. Their numbers are large and they could be used to help us rebuild the kingdom. Put each one under oath to work for their freedom. Once they have put the kingdom back to order, then they will be given a full pardon, with land and all. They know they have sinned against the crown. So, when we offer such a pardon, they won't be able to refuse."

"What if they do?"

"Then we kill them."

"Why would we give land to the very people that killed my family?" an advisor spat out. He hated the plan, he would rather see them all beheaded.

The men continued to talk. There were small arguments here and there, but everyone was respectful, and for the most part, there was an agreeable spirit amongst them. Their conversations flowed and there was little contention in the way. They all seemed to have the same goal and they found agreeable ways at reaching their goals. The men met every morning and worked late into the night working various duties in building the kingdom back to its former greatness.

It wasn't until two weeks into the process, Thelton took a moment of reflection. It had suddenly occurred to him he hadn't seen Indy since the war. She had gone down with him to speak to the people in front of the castle, but after he had stepped on the platform, he hadn't seen her since. He worried about her a little, but not much. She was a strong woman and he knew she could handle herself. Chances were, she must have felt lost in the sea of men. She probably had returned to her family at the dragon camp.

A month into the rebuilding of the kingdom, King Trenton and King Amadeus were brought to the castle. They stayed for a week. While they were there, Thelton shared with them the offer of letting any man from their kingdoms come over and claim land. Both kings liked the plan. The kings in return offered assistance, advice, and even funds to help rebuild Andleburg. Since the kingdoms had been allies, King Trenton and Amadeus wanted to help the kingdom return to its independent status, and as a kingdom they could trust.

Six months into the rebuilding of the kingdom, Thelton, George, and Thistle gathered for their daily meeting. As the hierarchy of the castle unfolded, Thelton stopped meeting with all the advisors. He had appointed George as his chief advisor. He would meet with George and Thistle, then George would take the plans to the assembly of advisors.

"The kingdom is coming along nicely, Thelton. You have done an excellent job," George said with praise.

"Indeed I have," Thelton replied. He was very proud of the work he had done. He had really enjoyed playing the role as Andleburg's leader. It made him wish he hadn't fought against it so hard when Alashia had begged him to marry her.

"The crops are coming in nicely and we are actually starting to collect goods from the people instead of always handing them out," George said.

Thelton clapped his hands at the news.

"Have you taken a census which includes the liberated prisoners?" Thelton asked. The prisoners had been released a month previous and were acclimating to the new kingdom peacefully. They liked the idea of starting fresh and being pardon for their role in helping Trevor.

George's eyes lightened up, for he was excited to share the numbers with Thelton. "Yes we have, and I am proud to say Andleburg has three thousand citizens. We are still a small kingdom, but we are starting to get healthy and strong."

"Very fine news indeed," Thelton said.

There was a knock on the door.

"We are in session," Thistle said as he went to the door. He opened it a crack and talked to someone on the other side.

"Apparently King Amadeus of Cloats is here to see you," he related to Thelton after he closed the door.

...

Thelton adjusted his cloak as he sat on the throne. He really didn't like ruling from a throne, but he found it gave him a mantel of power when he needed it. As he scratched at his uncomfortable attire, King Amadeus of Cloats came in.

Thelton wondered if a king was supposed to rush and greet another king, or if he was to display his power and let the king come to him. Not sure of what to do, Thelton sat there and allowed King Amadeus to approach him.

"Really Thelton, you act as if you are a king more powerful than I. Get off your high throne and give me a proper greeting."

Thelton felt a bit foolish. He jumped down and the two kings embraced. They had grown close together as they had worked side by side in restoring Andleburg.

"You make a fine king, Thelton," King Amadeus said.

"It is because I have learned all I know from you."

"I am very proud as to what you have done with this kingdom. I am proud of you. You have turned into a fine man, and you make an excellent king. I wish I could keep you here on the throne, but we all knew that the day would come where you would have to step down and give it to another."

All the joy melted out of Thelton's face. "Where are you going with this?" he asked.

"I am afraid you know. I just received word Princess Alashia and her husband are in route to Andleburg. They will be here in a week or two. I am sorry, for I would like to see you stay right where you are."

"As would I," Thelton said. His expression dropped.

"Why don't you stay at least as the king's advisor? I am sure you would be helpful as he learns all that is going on."

Thelton cringed. He couldn't imagine taking orders from Sterling. First Sterling steals his girl, then he steals his kingdom. No way would Thelton stay at the castle walls with him. No way.

"I worry about your kingdom. I hear her husband has peasant origins," King Amadeus said. "They need you Thelton. Your kingdom still needs you." Thelton had been in such high status for so long that most had forgot about his own peasant origin.

"You know this man. Is he fit to rule Andleburg?" King Amadeus asked.

Thelton didn't know how to respond. He was fervently jealous of Sterling. How could he be expected to say anything good about him? However, he didn't want King Amadeus to worry about the kingdom. He needed to say something to ease the king's mind.

"He is fair and honest. What he lacks, Alashia will make up for."

"And you, as his first in command," The king interjected. Thelton's anger grew.

The king stayed at the Andleburg castle for one more night, then returned to Cloats. Thelton had a heavy heart. He had built up Andleburg to what it was. He was the rightful king. Besides, King Wolfgang had entrusted the kingdom to Thelton. He had sacrificed his own life so that Thelton and Alashia could rule the kingdom together. Who was Sterling? A nobody. What right did he have to rule? Why did Alashia marry him in the first place?

Thelton spent the next few days thinking about Alashia's return. He became sick and was confined to bed for three days because it had made him so sick to think about.

"I can have him killed," he thought one evening while he suffered a raging fever. He rolled around in bed, furious the time was coming closer where he would turn the kingdom over to Sterling.

"I have a few men I can trust. They can wait at the port, and when Alashia returns, they can kill Sterling," he thought.

Thelton liked the plan for awhile, and he actually considered doing it. But then he remembered the vision he had had with his mom. In it she had advised him, "Forget yourself in the service of others."

"Is that not what I have been doing?" he screamed. "I have served the people of Andleburg every single day, and now, for what, for Sterling to take it away?"

The thought hit him again, "Forget yourself in the service of others."

How could he? Why should he?

### Chapter 33

Thelton fidgeted at his tunic. He hated when he wore royal clothes, but he wanted to look his best. He paced back and forth in the library. He tried to read a book, but he was too nervous. Just when he sat down, the heavy mahogany doors swung open, through them entered Alashia and Sterling hand in hand. The first thing that really caught his attention was Alashia's bulging belly. In it she carried the seed of Sterling. Thelton looked away as a stab of regret hit him hard. He had spent his life running from marriage and family responsibilities. The basic pleasures of the world were not his to know.

Alashia looked at Thelton and observed how he turned away from her stomach. Her heart also ached when she saw him. As he stood in king's attire, he was everything she dreamed he could be. He was more handsome than she ever remembered him. Desire flooded over her. She tried to push it out, but it was too powerful. She folded her arms in front of her stomach, as if to hide the fact she carried another man's child. Why hadn't she waited to marry Thelton? Why had she married Sterling?

Alashia couldn't restrain her emotions anymore; she flung herself into Thelton's powerful arms and held to him. He returned the hug, locking tightly to her. Cradled in his strong arms, she bawled. She cried for all the loss she had suffered. She cried for the loss of her father, and for the loss of her dreams. She cried for the horrible escape she had to make from her cousin's kingdom. She cried for her wicked heart, in not being able to love her own husband at that very moment, and she cried that Thelton would never be hers. Thelton held her tightly until Sterling came over and removed the two from their embrace.

Alashia looked up into Sterling's blue eyes. She could see the love he had for her, and she could see the hurt he was feeling at the moment. She felt guilty, guilty she still loved Thelton, but she couldn't help it. As she looked into Sterling's eyes, she regretted the pain she was causing him. He had been an excellent husband to her, far better than Thelton would ever be. She quickly repented in heart of her evil ways, and turned away from Thelton to comfort Sterling.

"I am sorry husband. You see, I share a long history with Thelton and I am indebted to him for returning our kingdom to us," she said as she stood on her toes and gave Sterling a quick kiss on the lips.

Her words soothed him a little bit, but he knew the look of passion and regret she had in her eyes when she looked at Thelton, that look felt like a sword slashing Sterling's heart into shreds.

Thelton could feel his skin redden and get hot as he watched Alashia and Sterling interact. There in front of him was his enemy, an enemy that filled his shoes upon his absence. That enemy had taken his betrothed and now he was going to take his throne.

...

Thelton could hardly stand to be in their presence for much longer. He needed to break free, it was time to leave. They had greeted each other and now it was time to say goodbye.

"I am glad you made it safely, my Queen," Thelton stiffly said, no longer feeling he could address Alashia by her name. The passions and dreams that once tied them together were now severed. As he used her title, Alashia's heart dropped again. She could tell things between them would never be the same again.

"I hand over your kingdom. I and your faithful followers have worked hard this last part of the year in restoring your kingdom. We fought hard and many lives were lost in conquering Trevor and restoring everything to proper order."

"Thank you Sir Thelton of Andleburg," Alashia said, playing along with his game of formalities.

"With you, I leave Sir Thistle of Andleburg and Sir George of Andleburg. They are the royal advisors and chiefs. They will fill you in on all the workings of the kingdom. They are very noble and can be highly trusted." Alashia didn't know who Thistle and George were. Why were they noble and trusted? She would need to reappoint advisors and staff. She wondered if anyone was still alive who had served her father.

Alashia's face dropped in disappointment. "I thought you would be the first in command to help advice us?" she pouted her lip out.

"Princess, I mean, Queen, you don't need me. I have been here long enough, and now it is time to return to the life I know."

"Oh please Thelton, stay awhile. We just got here," Alashia's voice elevated, she almost sounded desperate. Sterling shifted his weight back and forth embarrassed at her response.

Thelton couldn't handle being around Alashia any longer. She was salt that stung his many unseen wounds, wounds he hadn't even known he had until she stood before him hand in hand with Sterling.

"Sterling, will you?" Thelton said as he walked out the door. He wanted Sterling to join him in the hall.

Sterling followed him out. The mahogany door banged closed and echoed in the corridors.

Thelton put his face right into Sterling's. "You have taken everything from me, everything. You win. The kingdom is yours and all that goes with it, including Alashia," Thelton said snarling.

Sterling didn't know what to say. He stood there startled, searching his mind for a comeback, then one came. "You have Rose," Rose was Sterling's name for Indy.

"Really, do you see her around the castle? I don't. I have no one. I am alone, and this kingdom was all I had, and now you take that as well."

Against his own desire, more out of guilt, Sterling replied. "Then stay here with us, be our advisor." He hadn't meant it, for he despised Thelton, and he really didn't want him around, but Sterling was too sympathetic, saying and doing things just to keep the peace.

"And watch you live the life that was supposed to be mine. NEVER!"

Thelton stared intently into Sterling's blue eyes. Sterling was sure at any moment Thelton was going to slug him.

"Listen, I left you a gift on the throne," Thelton said in a low growl. It almost seemed painful for Thelton to say. Their eyes were still locked on each other.

"Well, thank you Thelton, you didn't have to, the kingdom was gift enough."

"I didn't do it for you. I didn't do it for me. I did it for my mom," Thelton said as he turned his back to Sterling and walked away.

...

Sterling and Alashia walked hand in hand to the throne room, very curious as to what Thelton would leave for them. Sterling saw the hate and jealousy in Thelton's eyes as he relinquished the kingdom to him. He feared whatever was in the throne room would not be of good nature.

...

Sterling stood in front of the throne room doors. Was this one of Thelton's traps? The heavy doors creaked open. Sterling held to Alashia's hand tightly, his heart pounded, a trickle of sweet dribbled onto his brow. What could be there awaiting him?

As they slowly strolled in, Sterling's breath was taken away. He gasped and let go of Alashia's hand, hardly believing what he saw.

There in his throne sat Flance of Candleshaw, his father whom he loved and cherished. A father he once had thought had been murdered. He had later learned his father was alive, but he had failed at locating him. And there he sat, a father who had been very sick and Sterling had suspected had died by now. His soul rejoiced as Sterling ran to the throne and dropped at his father's knees. Flance wanted to do the same, but he was weak from his lung disease. He coughed while Sterling embraced his knees with hugs and kisses.

"Oh Father, oh Father, you live. You are alive!" huge tears streamed down Sterling's face. Flance had always hated that his son cried, but during their reunion, Flance could not stop his own tears from shedding. The two men held tightly to each other, bawling like babies. Alashia came up to the throne, her own tears staining her face.

Flance looked past his son and saw the princess. He tried to rise, so he could bow, but it sent him in an awful coughing fit.

"Sit, sit," Alashia said.

Flance put his hand up to his mouth and bawled uncontrollably. His body shook and his lungs coughed.

"My family," he said. "My family." Huge tears dumped out of Flance's eyes. His soul felt completed, a happiness that had been void for a long time returned. Alashia reached in and embraced the father in-law she had never met. The three of them hugged for some time.

Finally, Flance pulled away and pointed to Alashia's stomach. "Is that my grandbaby in there?" he asked.

Through her tears, Alashia replied. "He is indeed."

"I'm going to be a grandpa," Flance pronounced through his tears. A huge smile spread across his face. He pulled Alashia and Sterling into him again, holding them even tighter while he coughed and bawled.

...

Thelton had really hoped to leave before Sterling or Alashia had the chance to talk to him again. He really didn't want to hear any thanks about reuniting Flance and Sterling. On his way to his room, he had been detained by Thistle who had a million questions for him. He had barely returned to his room to collect his things when Sterling entered.

...

"You have done so much for us. Please let us give you a tribute before you leave." Sterling was standing in the bedroom with Thelton.

"I'm not really into things like that," Thelton said.

"If not for us, then at least do it for the kingdom. They feel indebted to you, as we do. It will be hard on all if you disappear. Let us send you away with a party, then everyone will be satisfied."

"Fine," Thelton said. "But no gifts. Just a small party to bring happiness to the people. But, don't spend much money on it, for the treasury is awfully low."

"Agreed."

...

Two days before the party, Princess Alashia and Sterling had their coronation. They had been officially declared the king and queen of Andleburg. Thelton had stayed in his room for the whole thing. If he hadn't promised the people to attend the party, he would have left that night. It pained him to watch everything he had earned given to another, especially his enemy. Of course, they had been together so long, and had to work together often, that if someone had to take the kingdom and Alashia from him, he secretly was glad it was Sterling.

The night of the party, almost the entire kingdom had turned out to honor Thelton. Sterling had done something no king had ever done, he commanded every guest to bring a dish of food to share. He took Thelton's request to keep the expense down. The people were glad to know their tax money wasn't being wasted on frivolous party food.

Thelton wandered around the party in a daze. He was sure he had shook hands with the entire kingdom of Andleburg. His hand felt numb and so did his head. He wasn't sure he could endure much more of the festivities. As he was planning to make his escape, Alashia approached him in the outer courtyard.

"Please come have a dance with me," she said.

Thelton's dark eyes bulged. "You are the queen, and I am just a lowly peasant."

Tears dribbled out of her eyes. "You are more than a peasant, you are a hero, and you always have been."

"Stop, Alashia," Thelton said.

"No, I will not stop. Thelton, I have always seen good in you. I don't know why you fight it so much. It is there, the fruits of your labor attest to that."

"Listen, Princess, I mean Queen. I destroyed your kingdom. I am not the good guy you keep wanting to see." Thelton looked away, ashamed by his past.

Alashia put her finger to his lips, "Shush, you won't say that anymore. As your queen, I command you to listen to me and not to talk. You are a good man, a very good man. You did not lose my kingdom. Trevor stole the kingdom from us. But you cannot, nor ever will, share the blame with him."

Thelton tried to speak, but Alashia pushed her finger harder into his lip, "Hush, I am speaking.

"Do you understand, Trevor is to blame? He wanted the kingdom, and sure he used your name to rally the people, but he was a smooth talker and probably would have found a different way to get the kingdom if he didn't use your name.

"And I know you blame yourself for Father's death, but you must stop. We made the choices we did, and we take full responsibility. So I never want to hear you think or say those things again."

Thelton bowed to Alashia, "My dearest queen, you are too kind."

"Please stop with the formalities, call me Alashia."

"I dare not, Queen, for it wouldn't be proper."

Alashia stopped and listened to the music flowing out of the castle ballroom.

"Oh, there is the song I requested for us. Come with me and pleasure me with this last dance before you steal away."

"Oh no, that would be a bad idea. Sterling is king now, and one never wrongs a king."

"He gives you this blessing for this dance," Alashia said as she pulled Thelton into the ballroom.

Alashia had picked the longest song she knew. As Thelton moved her across the ballroom floor, the tears poured out of her eyes.

"I am so sorry," she said to him.

"Really Queen, you must stop apologizing to me. You've done no wrong."

"But, I can't," she bawled. "I am so sorry I betrayed you, for we were betrothed, and I married another man."

"What is done is done."

"But I am so sorry."

They danced in silence for a bit longer then Alashia started talking again.

"Thelton, I want you to know I will always love you."

"Stop such talk, you are a married woman, and Sterling is your husband. He loves you much and will treat you well."

"I know, and I love him too. I just needed you to know I love you."

They finished the song in silence, and when the next song begun, Alashia hadn't let go of Thelton. Sterling stood by his throne, nervously waiting for the two to part from each other.

"Queen, we must really be done. One dance is appropriate, but no more," Thelton said as he tried to release her. Hesitantly, Alashia let go and looked deeply into his dark eyes. Then, unexpectedly, she reached up and embraced his face between her hands. She laid her lips on Thelton's and gave him a long passionate kiss. Thelton returned it then he pulled away. During the kiss, Sterling had lost a visual on Alashia and Thelton. He walked over to a different spot in order to keep watching them. When they finally came in view again, the kiss was over, and Sterling had missed seeing it.

He held her head in his hands and said in the softest voice ever, "I must leave you now. You are a fine woman and deserve the best. Sterling is the best. He will treat you better than I can, and I believe we both know this. You must get on with your life and offer Sterling the best wife you can be." Thelton stopped for a minute. He placed a gentle kiss on her ear then whispered in it. "Alashia, I will always love you as well." He reached to his boot and took out his emerald dagger. He placed it in her hand as a token, then turned and walked away from the castle and away from Alashia forever.

### Chapter 34

Indy was running around the dragon camp with the young dragons chasing her about. They had grown three times in size. She really enjoyed having the babies around, especially since the other dragons were very lazy and slept most of the day, rarely did they interact with her. The queen dragon also enjoyed having Indy around. Indy took such good care of the babies the queen didn't have to watch them much.

As Indy laughed and rolled around with the dragon babies, Thelton gazed at them from a distance. He smiled as he watched her have so much fun. His heart filled with joy at being close to her again. There was no mistake, Indy was his true love. Sure, he had loved Alashia, but it had developed over time, and it was such a different degree than the love he felt for Indy. With Indy, he was in love, and it had been that way almost since he met her.

"Can I join your game?" Thelton called out. The sunlight hit her at such an angle she looked angelic. He was so happy to be with her again.

Indy startled, for she wasn't used to hearing voices at the camp. She looked up and saw Thelton stroll toward her. She ran into his open arms and showered him with kisses.

"You returned." she said. "I missed you."

"Why did you leave without saying goodbye?" Thelton asked, as he spun her around.

"I don't know, I felt bad there. It wasn't good place for me. I had to get home."

Thelton understood, for there was one time in his life he had felt the same about living at the castle.

Indy gave Thelton a huge smile and it set his heart on fire. For the first time, he was glad for the way things had worked out. He looked around the camp. The dragon camp was located in the heart of the most dangerous forest. His spirits soared. This was where he belonged. He didn't belong in a castle. He belonged out in the wild, and there was no wilder place than right there.

"How is your kingdom doing?" Indy asked.

"I returned it to Alashia and Sterling. Did you know they are married now?"

"Oh, well good for them." Indy said. "But why did you give to them. You fought for it, it is yours now. You seemed to want it so much."

"I wanted to restore order, but it is not where I belong. I know where I belong."

"And where is that?" Indy asked.

"Here," Thelton said, "With you." His words excited her.

Indy looked at him and noticed the large, fresh open abrasions across his face. She traced them with her fingers. "What happened?" she asked.

"You know the forest is dangerous, let's say I had to fight a few animals to make my way to you."

"Oh," she replied.

The dragon babies came to Thelton and sniffed him. They brought out their coarse tongues and licked him, their touch tickled him and he laughed. Indy enjoyed his laughter and she tickled him as well. The two rolled around and wrestled with each other. When they had stopped, Indy asked him a question.

"What are your plans now?"

"To live here, if that is okay with you."

"Sure, I would love it!" Indy said as she clapped her hands together in excitement.

Thelton looked up at the tree house. A few winds had torn it up a bit, for it looked like it needed some repairs. As he contemplated what needed to be done, a thought hit him.

"Sterling lives in the home I secured, in the castle. Now I will live in the home he built, the tree house."

He and Indy shared a laugh at his words.

The baby dragons nudged at Indy to get up and play with them. She stood to join them, but Thelton pulled her back down.

"Imara, I have done a lot of thinking. I want to do more than just live here."

"What?" she asked, as she settled into his side. Thelton took his fingers and cleared the dark hair from her face. The two locked eyes with each other.

"You look like you really like the dragon babies," he observed.

"I do, they so much more fun than the big dragons."

"Would you ever like to have your own babies?" Thelton asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Indy's face lifted, "What do you mean?" she asked.

"I would like to take you as my wife. We can fly into the nearest town and make it proper tonight, then we can spend the rest of our days living right here with your family, raising kids together, and hunting together."

"Oh yes, I would like that, I would like that." Indy said, jumping up and down.

"How much do you understand about marriage?" Thelton asked.

"I know a man and woman marries and has children together. I learned about it from Sterling."

Thelton cringed at hearing Sterling's name.

"Do you realize once you marry a man, you can never love another?"

"Yes," Indy said.

"So that means you could never love Sterling or any other man again. It would just be you and me forever."

"And that means you can never love Alashia or any other woman again. It would just be you and me forever."

Thelton jumped up and pulled Indy up to him. "And that is exactly how I want it," he said. "I want to spend my life with you forever, right here, amongst the dragons."

He leaned into her and the two exchanged a beautiful kiss while the bonds of eternity passed through them.

### About the Author

Stephanie Daich loves life, family; learning, dancing, skating, imagining, hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, cannoning, playing music, listening to music, and Writing!!!!!

### Other Books written by Stephanie Daich

Amongst the Dragons series:

A Rose Amongst the Dragons I

A Tyrant Amongst the Kingdoms II

A Vigilante Amongst the Foe III

Alora Funk Series:

Alora Funk- The Deliverance I

Alora Funk- The Discovery II

