Red-Haired Runaway Princess (OYAN)

CHAPTER 1

I walked through the castle, my pink boots clomping on the hard stone floor. The sound bounced off the high ceiling and sent an echo through the hallways.
"Where have you been, Brittany?" Asked a familiar voice.
I spun around to face my maid, Marcie. Her long golden hair hung down to her waist and she had a quizzical look on her face.
"I was out riding my horse." I muttered with an air of annoyance, even though I was slightly relieved at her presence, and brushed a strand of my short red hair out of my blue eyes.
"Your mother and father returned almost an hour ago. They're waiting for you in the den." Marcie wrung her hands in her apron, a bad habit of some sort.
“Oh.” I perked up.
"They're waiting for you in the den." Marcie repeated.
“Thanks.” I replied, and took off. When I got there I swung open the door without knocking. My parents looked surprised at my sudden and loud entry.
"There’s my other princess!" My father said and a huge smile lit up his round face. I smiled back. He wasn’t kidding about the princess part. I was princess of the kingdom of Serenna. The other princess was my mother. Who was actually a queen.
"How have you been, Honey?" My mother asked, smiling at me. Her long red hair fell past her waist and her blue eyes sparkled. My features resembled her own, but my hair was much shorter. She came over and gave me a hug, which I returned.
"Okay, I guess.” I pulled away and shrugged.
My father walked to the desk in the middle of the room and mother and I followed. Thinking I was unneeded, I didn’t notice anything until my father spoke.
“Britt,” He began.  “When we were gone, we went to Tramoto to sign a peace treaty.”
“That’s nice.” I looked up at him.
“The agreement was that you marry their youngest son.”
At first I just stared at him, jaw dropped. There was a long minute when none of us spoke. Then I blew.
“What?!”
“You’re betrothed to the prince of Tramoto.” My mother said, placing an elegant hand on my shoulder.
“Why?” I glared at her.
“Because that was the agreement.” Mother moved to the window overlooking the stables. “Serenna has been in time of peace since the time of my grandmother. Your father and I hope to complete that peace. You know that.”
“So you thought, ‘oh, why don’t we arrange our daughter in an unwanted marriage’.” I crossed my arms, seething.
“He’s a very nice young man.”
“Well then, at least he’s young.” I rolled my eyes. “Have you met him?”
There was a pause, then: “No.”
“Oh great. I bet he’s ugly.” I snorted.
“He is not. The young man has a very good reputation.”
“Just because he has a good reputation doesn’t mean I’ll like him.”
“Yes you will! Now you stop talking like that this minute!” My father was now almost as angry as I was.
How dare they! Setting me up for marriage with my permission. It’s ridiculous!
“How do you know? You haven’t seen or met him! ” I threw my hands up in the air in distress. Tears were running down my face.
“Dear, we’re sorry. I’m sure you’ll like him. Your father and I’s marriage was arranged the same was for the same reasons.” My mother said quietly. “My parents wanted peace for the kingdom. Sometimes you need to give up some things for the sake of others.”
“Oh, so that’s it.” I scoffed. My nose was running now. “You’re giving me up for the sake of them.” I spat out the vague term for all those people of the kingdom I had never met.
“Enough!” Shouted my father, slamming his fist down on the table.
All was silent as he regained his composure. When he spoke, he spoke quietly, voice shaky.
“We decided it was best, because Tramoto is the last kingdom bordering ours--the last piece needed for prosperity in Serenna.” Mother walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “We have heard that the young prince is handsome and has a likable personality. I’m sure you will be very happy with him. You will be married on your seventeenth birthday. That is all. You may go now.”
I slowly turned and headed to the door. Seventeenth birthday! That’s hardly three months away! Just as I made it to the door, it opened. I jumped back just in time to make way for Lord Falco, my fathers most trusted advisor. I shivered as he brushed me aside like a servant, not even noticing me. An evil chill followed him like a cloud of dust.
I stood by the open door as he strutted towards my parents. He looked like a peacock walking around his own territory, even though he had crossed into mine. I glared daggers at his aloft shoulders and curled my lip in disgust.
“Ah,” Sighed my father. “you’re just the man I wanted to see.”
“Really?” Lord Falco questioned, though he didn’t sound at all surprised.
“Yes. I wanted to speak to you about a that betrothal for the princess.”
I realized that no one knew I was present so I backed towards the door.
“Sounds like a marvelous idea!” Lord Falco exclaimed. He made it sound as though he was the one who came up with it.
Some how, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he had.
“But right now we have more important matters to discuss.” Lord Falco smiled. It was a hideous smile that made me shiver. He snapped his fingers twice-or he tried to at least. He couldn’t quite get it- and guards filed into the room. One glanced at me and his eyes with wide, frightened eyes, but he said nothing. His helmet hid most of his face, but I noticed he had eyes the color of what could only be described as chocolate.
The men formed a circle around my parents. On Lord Falco’s signal, they raised their guns.
My father put a protective arm around my mother’s waist. “What is the meaning of this?” He demanded.
“It means,” Falco chuckled. The horrid sound still rings in my ears. “That you time has come, and so has mine.”
I wanted to roll my eyes at his dramatics.
“Speak english please.” Said my father, rolling his eyes. We were more alike than I sometimes realized.
“I’m going to kill you,”
I choked on my own saliva. What?!
My father stared at him.
“and take your kingdom.”
My father was silent. And when my father was silent, it meant that he was angry. Very angry.
“So you think that you can just come in here and walk all over me?” My father dropped the hand around my mother and took a step toward Lord Falco.
“I do.”
“I see how it is. You wanted wealth and power, so you came to me, offering you service. I made you a lord. Now you want even more, but I can’t give it to you, so you’re going to kill me.”
Lord Falco nodded. “That just about sums it up.”
“If you want my kingdom, my people, my family,” My father charged at Lord Falco, roaring like a lion. “You’re going to have to make it through me first!” He landed a might punch on Lord Falco’s stomach. The lord doubled over and gun shots rang out.

I watched as my father fell to the ground, blood gathering in a puddle around him. My own blood pounded in my eardrums. My mother’s mouth was open in a soundless scream, but I was struck dumb. She knelt next to him. His lips moved. I couldn’t hear him, but I knew what he said. “I love my two princesses.”
Bullet shots rang out once again and my mother fell.
I stood there, staring at the scene. My legs wouldn’t move. My eyes met the dark chocolate of the soldier’s. “Go!” He mouthed franticly.
I turned and ran. My pink boots pounding on the cement floor, red hair flying. A shout rang out and I knew I didn’t have much time before they caught me. I headed for the stables. I pushed past a group of giggling maids and out the door. I raced toward my horses stall and swung open the door. Pride, my white arabian snorted and trotted out. I swung onto his back with out a saddle, kicked his sides and took off at a gallop down the cobblestone road.
We headed toward the city and the thundering of horse-hoofs followed. We dodged people standing in the road and I prayed that our pursuers were having even more trouble than we were. I caught sight of the main gate. It was closing. I clicked my tongue and leaned farther forward. The gap was closing. We thundered out of the city onto a dirt road. There were shouts behind us and the complaints of horses and the soldiers pulled them to a stop. I silently celebrated the fact that they couldn’t follow until the gates were opened again. It would buy us some time.
We continued down the road at full speed, barely missing a few ox carts. They shouted oaths after us, but I didn’t slow down. My life was on the line. I heard the shouts of the soldiers, signaling that they were onto us again. Pride was tiring, after two hard rides within two hours of each other. He couldn’t go on much longer. I looked around. I had two options: get caught, or hide in the forest. It didn’t take me a second to decide. Without a second thought I swung off my horse and dove into the trees.

CHAPTER 2

Knowing the soldier would soon follow, I forced my way into a short, dense tree. The branches closed around me just as I heard the sound of footfalls on the rotting leaves. I held my breath, not daring to move, even as my legs quickly became cramped. The men thundered past, pushing and hacking branches aside. I smothered a scream as a sword hacked into the trunk only inches above my head. The bush shuddered as the soldier tried to pull back his weapon, but the sword refused to be budged. The branches were pushed aside and the young soldier with the chocolate eyes stared back at me. I thought he would cry out to his comrades, with his jaw hanging open and all, but instead he recovered from the shock of finding a orphaned princess in a bush and pried out his sword. He stepped back and the branches closed over me again.
“Lets head back. We’re never gonna find her like this.” A voice said and I assumed it was that of the young soldier.
“Oh yeah?” Said a raspy voice. “Why are you so sure?”
“She’s much faster than we are.” The soldier said, much more convincingly than I would have thought him capable of. “She’s smaller than we are, and she’s not wearing over ten pounds of armor.”
“The kid has I point.” Said another.
Most of the others agreed and no one complained as the group headed back.
 I let out a sigh of relief and crawled out of hiding. I fought my way over fallen trees, under branches, and deeper into the forest, headed not towards something, but away from certain death. I wandered until the sun began to set, then plopped in a heap on the ground. My limbs ached and blood pounded in my head. My adrenaline gave way to fatigue. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I drifted into a fitful sleep, filled with blood, gunshots and my mothers screams.
I awoke with a start. I shot up to a sitting position, gasping for breath.
It was just a dream.
I struggled to my feet, body cramped from yesterdays events.
No, it was reality.
I ran until late in the light diminished. I sat down, dizzy and tired. My stomach growled and my throat begged for water. I laid down to rest. I could hear crickets and rushing water.
Water!
I got up and carefully made my way towards the sound until I found a stream. Kneeling, I drank until I was satisfied. Then I curled up in a ball and drifted to sleep.

I awoke and rubbed my eyes. This night was no better than the last. As I took a drink from the stream a noticed some berry bushes. The berries looked plump and juicy. I grabbed a handful and held them up to my lips.
“Don’t!” I was tackled from the rear and the red fruit flew from my hands.
“What are-!” I yelped.
“Those are poisonous!”
The young soldier glared at me. I just stared back dumbly, eyes wide.
“Even for a princess, you sure are stupid!”
SMACK! The soldier fell backwards and I shook my stinging hand. No one ever said punching someone was painful for the attacker too.
“Who looks stupid now?” I muttered, just loud enough for him to hear, and stood.
“Mattias! Where are you?”
“Here!” Mattias winced, massaged his jaw and shot me a look.
I chuckled.
“Well, what do we have here?” A soldier in his fifties emerged from the trees and sneered.
“I don’t know, a leprechaun?” I said sarcastically. “But if we’re talking about him, then I’d say we’ve got one big booboo.” I cooed and ruffled the wounded soldiers hair. He swatted my hand away.
The old man chuckled. “Horrid thing, this one is.”
“You’re one to talk, grandpa.”
WHACK! Grandpa packed a pretty hard punch.
“Who looks stupid now?” Mattias chuckled.
I blinked back tears. “Shut up.”
“Come on, let’s be heading back.” Grandpa gave my a hard look. “And you better not try anything. There’s more where that came from.” He shook a fist in my face, turned, and started back where I had come from. Mattias and I followed, both rubbing sore jaws. When I looked back, he grinned at my swollen face. I stuck out my tongue and him.

“Are we there yet?” I asked sarcastically.
Mattias grinned. “I’m huuuuungry.”
Grandpa glared at us. The sun was setting and we had been walking almost all day.
“We’ll stop here for the night.” Grandpa mumbled and walked away. “Keep an eye on her while I get some wood.”
We were left standing. I looked at Mattias. He shrugged. I shrugged too and we sat down in the grass. Mattias fingered the laces on him boots and I stared up at the stars. A few minutes of silence passed.
“This is how the story ends...?” I whispered.
Mattias looked up at me. “What are you talking about?”
I didn’t answer at first, then I said, “Why did you cover for me before?”
“Huh?”
“When you found me in the bush.”
He paused. “I don’t know.” His laces came undone and he retied them. “I guess... I guess I thought there was still hope.”
“Hope?”
“That you could take back your kingdom. That you could kill Lord Falco.”
“Oh.”
Mattias paused again. “I still think you can.”
I rolled my eyes. “And what am I supposed to do? Gather an army of rebels and vanquish the foe? Surely goodness will overcome the evils in this world and we will all be giggling and laughing like the leprechauns! Is that what you had in mind?”
Mattias stared at me. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“I can’t do that!”
“Quit your hollerin’!” Grandpa shouted, emerging with an armful of wood.
I fumed silently as Grandpa started the fire. When he left again to kill some game, Mattias scooted closer.
“I could help you escape,” He said excitedly. “You could gather rebels from the outside, and I from the inside, then we could form a plan and conquer Lord Falco!”
I snorted. “You make it sound so simple.”
He frowned. “It isn’t, but I think we could do it.”
I thought for a bit. “Mattias, that would take months. Years! And besides the point, we would probably fail, and die while we’re at it.”
“That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“For what? Honor?”
Mattias opened his mouth to reply, but Grandpa return once more, holding a rabbit and two birds. He roasted them over the fire. He began eating the rabbit, and tossed the two birds to Mattias.
I glared at Gramps. “What? None for me? Selfish oaf.”
WHAP! I got my dinner. I scraped the meat off my face and rubbed my cheek.
After dinner, Grandpa lay down, and Mattias stayed up to “make sure the runt doesn’t run off.”
Soon enough, Grandpa’s chain-saw of a snore could be heard to miles.
Mattias whispered in my ear. “Freedom. Peace.”
Peace. What my parents fought for. They strove to make Serenna a peaceful kingdom.
Could I strive for peace like they did? Was I willing to give my life for what was supposed to be my kingdom? For the people of Serenna? These faceless people that had nothing to do with me?
As I thought, I realized they had everything to do with me. This was potentially my kingdom. A queen was supposed to rule her kingdom and fight for it. Even to the death.
All night my thoughts spun and whirled in my head. Needless to say, I did not sleep much that night.

Grandpa was awake when I woke up. “Come on, runt. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.” He landed a kick to my ribs. After a breakfast of dried fruit and leftovers, we started again towards my certain death in the clutches of Lord Falco.
When Gramps wasn’t looking, I pulled Mattias aside.
“I wont promise you anything,” I whispered firmly, “I wont promise anyone anything, but I think I’m willing to give it a try.”
Mattias grinned.

That night, when grandpa was asleep and it was Mattias’ “runt watching” shift, we put our plan into action.
“Are you sure you want me to do this?” I whispered.
“Positive.”
“Alrighty then.”
I made sure Grandpa was asleep, then snuck up behind Mattias, who had turned his back for a moment.
“I’ll find a way to contact you.” He whispered.
“Kay. Here goes.” I gripped a heavy branch.
THUNK! I bashed Mattias on the head. He cried out and fell to the ground, unconscious. Grandpa shot to his feet.
I took off, with Gramps following close behind.
I leaped over rocks and swerved under fallen trees, trying to shake Grandpa off my tail. Finally his angry cussing and shouts faded into the distance and I stopped for a minute to catch my breath.
It worked. I’m free.
My spirits soared as I made my way farther into the bush. Then I thought of Mattias.
I wonder if I hit him to hard... what if he’s dead? What will happen to me?!
Nah, he’s fine. I told myself. He has a pretty thick skull.
The sun was just beginning to rise when I collapsed in a heap, and fell into a deep sleep.

It was the afternoon when I awoke. I walked the rest of the day, then went to sleep.
The next morning I woke up with a start. I looked around. Nothing but the birds. Then:
Whoa. Did that bush just move? Kay, I’m outta here.
I ran. I could hear the sound of breaking branches and snapping twigs close behind me. It could have just been me, but I wasn’t waiting to find out.
Suddenly I burst out onto a road. There was a shout the trampling of hooves to my left. I screamed and rolled on my shoulder to avoid being trampled.
“Are you alright missy?”
I stood and dusted myself off. “Shaken, but not harmed.” I looked up to see a large man on an ox-drawn cart. His muscles rippled underneath his shirt and his sun-bleached blond hair was cut short and spiked.
“Next time make sure to watch were you’re goin’.” He said in a slight Irish accent, and stepped down from his cart. He held out a large, tanned and callused hand. “I’m Ace. Nice to meet you.”
“Aeryn.” I said. Mattais decided that I should use a cover. I told him he could find me under my grandmother’s name, and my middle name.
As for my cover story, I was an orphan. Which was actually true. The details I would have to figure out.
“Pleasure.” He nodded. “What’s a lass like you doin’ out ere?”
“I’d rather not answer that.”
“Alright then. It’s none of my business.” Ace put his hands up. “As for me, my business is selling goods. Would you like t’ take a look at my wares?”
“Sure.” I said, figuring I’d need some food, water, and other things.
Ace walked to the back of the cart and pulled back a beige tarp. “Well? What’ll it be?”
“Food, and a pack.”
“Alrighty.” Ace took produced some dried fruit and meat, and a rucksack. I also bought a canteen. I reached for my money bag in my inside coat pocket, when I noticed something that might come in handy. I reached for it.
“What colors do you have?”
“Hair dye? Why would a lass with such purty hair like you want ta’ dye it?” Ace shrugged. “I’ve got blonde, brunette and black.”
“I’ll take black.” I placed two coins in his hand. “Extra. Because you never once saw me.”
Ace laughed. “No missy, I’ve never met anyone quite like you!”
I grinned. “Thank very much.”
“Pleasure!” Ace got back on his cart, tipped a non-existent hat and was on his way.
I crossed the road and headed back into the trees.

I walked until I found a stream. There I filled my canteen and took out my hair dye. I took a deep breath.
Here goes. Good bye red hair.
I Followed the instructions until I found myself lathering the blueish dye into my scalp. I washed my hair in the stream until the water ran clear once more.
I wonder how many animals I’m killing...
I rung out my hair. A black strand fell in front of my eyes. I smiled.
I’m sure even old Falco wouldn’t recognize me.
I ripped the dye box into tiny pieces and threw them into the breeze. I picked up my rucksack and I continued walking. I admired my hair. Black hair wasn’t so bad. I think I liked it almost better than red hair.
An hour later I stopped to rest. I took a drink from my canteen and ate some dried fruit. The sun was just beginning to set. Slowly, twilight began to settled over the forest. The birds chirped and the squirrels rustled the treetops as the scurried from branch to branch.
I screamed as someone grabbed me from behind.
“Draco, check the bag.” A rough voice ordered.
A tall, thin man stepped in front of me. His movement were graceful and quiet like a snakes’. A deadly looking bow hung over his back. The way he eyed me sent a shiver down my spine.
“Put me down, you bully!” I shouted at my captor and began struggling in his iron grip. I kicked until I hit the right spot.
He with a shout he released me and I spun to face him.
The man doubled over in pain was almost twice my hight, with a scar running down his face. A patch covered his right eye and his muscles rippled under his tattered shirt. The sight of him made my heart thud with fear.
He regained is composure and glowered down at me. “Well, what do we have here?”
“I’ve been asked that question already.” I couldn’t keep the annoyed sarcasm out of my voice.
“She’s got nothing here but food and water, Cheif.” Draco’s voice was quiet and velvety. It sent a shiver down my spine.
They looked at me with hard expressions. I glared back at them stubbornly crossing my arms and tapping my foot impatiently.
The big man’s--Chief’s-- massive hand was just beginning to reach for me when I gave in. I dug into my pocket and produced my purse, which I threw at the nearest one’s head.
I re-crossed my arms and glared at Chief, ignoring the howls of pain of the one now rolling on the ground.
Cheif just put his hand to his face and shook his head. “Rudy, get up and take the girl. Come on men, let’s head back to camp.”
I considered running, but one glance at Draco’s deadly expression kept me rooted in place.
Rudy warily took my arm and practically had to pull me along. I let myself drag on the ground.
Eventually he gathered enough guts to ask, “What have you been eating, rocks?”
I snorted. “Why, is your head missing some?”
That shut him up.

“Stop complaining.” I said for the hundredth time.
Rudy pouted. “But you’re hard to pull.”
“Hey,” I snapped, “I’m the one being dragged on the hard ground over rock and roots.”
“You could always walk.”
I chuckled. “But what fun would that be?”
I grinned cheekily at one of the men, a young man around my age with blond hair and broad shoulders. He just scowled back.
When we arrived at their camp, Chief ordered Rudy to tie me up.
“But she-- and I--” Rudy protested.
The blond growled. “I’ll do it.”
“Fine.” Cheif turned on his heal al stalked off.
Blondie grabbed my arm and led me to a small tent, where he tied my arms behind my back to a wooden chest. He kept glancing at the humongous pile of pilaged treasure. He barely glanced and me as he left the tent.
I sighed. Without much hope, I struggled against my bonds, without any success. The chest to heavy, and the ropes to tight. I leaned against the trunk and sighed again.
Well this sucks.

I woke up in the middle of the night to a shout.
“What’s going on?”
A red glow shone through the gap in the tent flap. The camp was alive with shouts and orders.
“What happened?”
“Fire!”
“Where did he go?”
“Over there!”
“Get him!”
Someone burst into the tent and clapped a hand over my mouth, smothering my scream. I stared at the Blond with wide eyes. Slowly her removed his hand, the look in his eyes telling me not to say a word. I just looked at him pitifully.
He turned his back to me and began to fill a bag with coins.
“What are you doing?” I whispered.
The Blond glared at me, then turned his back to his work.
A few seconds passed, so I asked again, a little louder this time, “What are you doing?”
“What all bandits do.” He snapped.
I stared at him with an expression that said ‘Oh, great explanation.’
“Do I have to spell it out for you? We steal.” His bag was full and he carefully lifted the flap. The coast was clear. Except for Rudy, who’s butt had caught fire, causing him run around screaming like a madman.
The Blond was about to bolt for it when I interrupted him again. “Where are you going?” Fear crept into my voice. With every roar of the flames my heart skipped a beat.
He dropped the flap and ground out through gritted teeth, “Anywhere you aren’t!”
“And leave me here like this?” I pulled at my ropes in desperation.
As if to prove my point, a corner of the tent caught fire. I smothered a scream.
The Blond hesitated. I could hear the sound of the men coming closer. If he didn’t run soon, he’d be caught.
“Please?” I begged.
Finally he gave in a dove for the knot and quickly untied it. “Now get lost.” He whispered, then bolted.
I jumped to my feet and ran out of the tent.
“Hey!”
I glanced over my shoulder to see Draco. He dropped his torch to grab hold of an arrow and flame leaped up from the ground.
I glanced around and saw the Blond making a beeline for the woods. My heart was in my throat as I ran after him.
Draco readied his arrow and let it fly.

I fell hard. The world faded in and out of focus as red blotches clouded my vision.
The Blond looked back over his shoulder.
Draco reached for another arrow.
In a split second both were on the ground.
The blond leaned over me, expression grim.
Blood pounded loudly in my ears.
After a moment of hesitation he slipped his arms under me, picked me up and ran.
My eyelids felt heavy and my vision blurred.
I could hear his ragged breath feel his heart thudding against my shoulder. Or maybe that was my own heart.
I lost all sense of time, but eventually he laid me gently on a bed of pine needles.
His lips moved. This is gonna hurt. He wrapped his fingers around the shaft of the arrow and pulled.
The world turned black.



CHAPTER 3

I woke up in a daze. It took a while for my head to clear and for me to realize I was under the canvas roof of a tent. For a few minutes I just lay there, staring up at the dull brown fabric. Finally a thought burst through the blurriness of my mind.
Where am I?
I pushed off the warm covers and sat bolt upright. Let out a pain-filled whimper, I fell back onto the pillows, remembering that I had been hit by an arrow. After the stinging faded I lifted my head and looked down at my stomach, expecting to see a bleeding gash, but instead finding a clean bandage wrapped snugly around my torso. I gently lifted myself onto my haunches and fingered the white bandage. The tent was quite large, with enough room for two people to move around freely. I went to the opening and hesitantly crawled out. I quietly stood and looked around. Trees towered above a small clearing and the sun shone straight overhead. A beautiful white horse grazed on the long grass at the edge of the clearing. I stifled a startled squeak when I realized I wasn't alone. The blond sat by a fire, cooking some meat above the flames. His head snapped around I stumbled backward in surprise, landing hard on my behind inside the tent. My wound stung so that tears came to my eyes. I sat up and peeked out timidly. The boy was half standing, unsure, with his brow wrinkled in concern.
I gave him a sheepish, awkward grin and he relaxed and plopped back down with a scowl.
"You feeling okay?" His hair fell in front of his deep mossy green eyes and he brushed it away.
"Yes." I squeaked, then more bravely: “Thank you.”
He just turned his back to me. "Will you come sit down? Or are you comfortable where you are?"
I stood and walked over to him and sat, wondering why I felt so shy.
He added another stick to the fire and mumbled something barely audible. “Nightmares?”
"Nightmares?"
I grimaced. "Yeah." My whole life is a nightmare. “My name is Aeryn.” I twiddled my thumbs and glanced at him.
“Aurum.” He kicked a fallen log into the fire. “What are you doing here?”
I paused, trying to decide whether or not to tell him the truth. Finally I spoke. “I was traveling to Serenna.”
“What about to your family?” He asked, more suspicion than concern, I thought.
“My father was killed in a logging accident and my mother became sick and died.”
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine."
Aurum seemed satisfied enough and we fell back into silence once again. I thought about my parents. They really were dead. Lost, gone, forever. I was an orphan now. I had no one. As the reality of being alone began to set in, images of my father lying in a pool of blood flashed before my eyes. A sob escaped my lips. I began to shake and I choked up tears.
“Are you okay?” I felt Aurum’s hand on my shoulder.
I flinched and turned away, shaking my head and trying to stop the tears, cheeks burning in embarrassment at my awkward outburst. Aurum was quiet and waited for me to finish. I took a shaky breath. “Sorry.” I mumbled.
He just brushed it off and changed to another subject. “You should probably check your wound.” He tossed me a leather bag. “The stuff you need is in there.”
I clumsily caught the bag and flinched as it bumped my stomach.
Aurum noticed, but I hurried into the tent just in case he started to say anything.
I plopped gently onto the blankets and opened the bag. I rummaged through it a bit, but then gave up and dumped the whole thing onto my lap. There were bandages, oils, medicines,so many things that I didn't know what half of them were.
I slowly unwrapped my bandages and tried to twist enough to see my wound. I let out a squeak when I did. I tried not to panic when I saw how deep it was. From the looks of it, it was ...deep. Blood was crusted around fresh stitching.
"Holy moly..." I murmured. I poked at it and flinched. Ouch. I sorted through the bottles and containers, but couldn’t find anything that seemed helpful. I found one labeled: “cough medicine”, but that was all I could figure out. Finally I gave up and dumped everything back into the bag and went outside again.
Aurum gave me a questioning look which I ignored.
I sat down near him and watched as he took the sizzling meat carefully off the fire. The sun was beginning to set and my stomach growled in complaint. I hadn't ate since breakfast.
Aurum looked up at me and I grimaced. He cut off a portion and handed it to me in a plate, along with a knife.
"What is this?" I asked wearily.
"It's a bunny." Aurum said it in such a silly way that I laughed a little. I was to hungry to worry about the fuzzy little creatures. I dug in. It could have used a little more seasoning, but it tasted good.
"Tastes like chicken."
He looked up from his plate with an expression that asked if I was serious. Then he rolled his eyes.
I smiled.
That night I slept in the tent and Aurum lay outside. Tired from a long day, I zonked out as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next few days past fairly the same way. We talked, ate, and slept. He and I got together fine, I guess, but we didn’t talk much and he often seemed grumpy. He wasn’t about to leave me alone in the forest, and I was no condition to leave, so I stayed.

On the fifth day, I came out of the tent to find Aurum.
He was hunched over a bag, sorting through the things inside. His brow was furrowed in thought. "I only have enough food too last a little over a week." He seemed to be talking more to himself than to me. He rested his chin in his hand. "It looks like I'll need more food before the end of the week." He stood. "The next town is quite a few miles away, so it looks like I'll have to leave today." He sighed.
"You're going?"
He spun around like he had forgotten I existed. He blew out a breath and ran his fingers through his hair, turning away from me. "No, we're going."
"Oh."
I stood in one spot while Aurum started putting stuff away. Finally when he was taking the tent down I walked up to him.
"Can I help?"
"No." Was his short answer.
"I want to do something."
He looked up at me and blinked. "Are you feeling okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"You look kind of pale."
"I feel fine." I smiled. You liar.
"You should sit down."
"I want to help."
Aurum sighed, “Fine, go put out the fire and get the horse.”
I went over to the fire, dumped a bucket of dirt on the glowing coals and stomped on it. Then stared at my boots. They're getting completely ruined. I realized with disappointment. They were my favorite shoes.
But they were just shoes. I went to get the horse. She whinnied when I reached to untie her halter. I patted her neck and led her to Aurum.
I waited for him to finish rolling up the tent before holding out the reigns.
"Just keep holding Maxie while I tie on the bags."
I grinned, “Maxie?”
“Yeah.” Aurum mumbled.
A few minutes later he looked up from putting on the last bag and walked over to take the reigns from me. He turned the horse around and started walking out of the clearing. I followed next to him.
"You can walk until you get tired, and then you can ride if you want." He explained.
"Am I slowing you down?" I asked.
Aurum shook his head. "I'm never in a hurry to get anywhere. I just roam where I like. And anyway, I usually walk instead of making Maxie carry both me and the supplies."
“Because that would be animal cruelty.” I said in mock disgust.
Aurum grinned for the first time.
I decided I wish he did it more often.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><

That night I slept under the stars. Aurum hadn’t bothered with the tent. I would survive.
I looked through the flames of the fire at him. His eyes were closed and he seemed asleep. The light of the fire danced across his square jaw. His eyes snapped open and locked with mine. For a moment I couldn't breath, then he turned over and I was left staring at his back.

I groggily forced my eyes open. Sun streamed through the leaves of the branches above was blinding and I pulled my blanket over my head. I felt a cold draft brush my bare feet. Aurum should have bigger blankets.
I heaved a heavy sigh and started to doze off again, until I felt something grab my foot. I shrieked, tucked in my feet, and threw the blanket off my face to glare at Aurum. He squatted by my feet, a mischievous grin on his face.
I sat up, fuming. "Go jump in a lake." I growled.
"I will gladly if you can find me one."
"Found one." In one swift motion I picked up my water skin, pulled off the cap and dumped it over Aurum's head. He gasped as cold water ran off his head and down his back. He pulled back and stood, shaking his head to get rid of the water on his face.
"How dare you!"
"I dare." I growled.
Aurum rubbed his face and wrung his shirt. I sat and grinned triumphantly. Finally he turned on me.
"I don't know about you, but I need a hug!"
My jaw dropped. "You wouldn't dare!"
"I would!"
I threw the covers off and fled as fast as my searing side would let me, Aurum only a few paces behind. His dripping arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back. His wet cheek pressed against mine and I turned away.
"Ooh! That's cold! Ouch! My waist-let go!" I wailed trying to loosen his grip on me.
His arms loosened and I pulled away, looking down at my wet shirt.
"What did you go and get me wet for?" I sputtered, shivering.
"What did you go and dump your water over me for?" He shook his head, sending water droplets flying
"What did you go and grab my feet for?" I rubbed my goose-bump covered arms.
He shrugged and looked at me hard.
I shivered, “What?” I snapped.
“Are your feeling alright?”
“Yeah,” I scoffed.
He looked at me like he didn’t believe me, but left me alone.
I didn’t blame him. My head spun as I sat down.

That evening I felt worse than ever. Sick even.
As the rays of the sun began to turn red I lost it. I jumped off Maxie and vomited in the grass. I finished and turned around. Aurum was staring at me. I couldn't tell if he was angry or upset.
Finally he opened his mouth to speak. "You didn’t check you wound, did you?”
I shrugged guiltily. “I did.”
Aurum glared.
“I looked at it,” I insisted, “But I didn’t quite know what to do with it.”
“What does it look like now?”
“Normal I guess,” then I added, “But there is yellow stuff coming out of it. What is that?”
Aurum ran his hands through his hair and began to pace.
“What?” I asked, somewhat defensively.
He spun on me, "Why didn't you tell me?"
I squared my small shoulders, “Why should I have?”
“Because that means it’s infected!” He practically shouted.
I may not have known much about cutts and puss, but I knew how dangerous infection could be in the middle of nowhere.
"Come on." Aurum grabbed my arm and pulled me over to Maxie. He lifted me onto her back, then mounted behind me.
"What are we doing?"
"Getting you to a doctor." He spurred the horse into a canter.
"What?!" I leaned forward, away from Aurum.
He snorted. "What are you, daft? Don't you know an infection when you see one?"
"Yeah." I said quietly, hurt by his harsh tone but not willing to show it I added: “How far is the next town?”
"It will take three more days going at a pace we were to get to the town. I'm afraid you might not have that long."



CHAPTER 4

I leaned into Aurum's chest, too feverish even notice where we were until he whispered in my ear. "We're almost there." I forced opened my eyes to see a small town was closer to the size of a village. Old houses stood in lines on either side of a cobblestone road. Aurum stopped Maxie in front of a building and swung off the horse. I wavered and nearly fell off, landing in Aurums arms. My eyelids were heavy and I barely caught sight of a little face peeking around a corner before they fell closed and sleep overtook me.

I awoke in a small room with white curtains on two sides, separating me from whatever was on the other side. Sun streamed through a window by my head. Blue wallpaper was beginning to peal on the walls, but the room was cozy. A woman in a nurse uniform pushed aside the curtain and walked in.
"How are you feeling?" The lady asked. Her brown hair was pulled into a bun, a classic nurse hat perched on her head and a frilly apron wrapped around her torso.
"Better."
The nurse nodded with an air of responsibility and smiled a little. "My name is Maria. I'm the doctor here in Alvarna."
"Aeryn." I said.
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Same."
"Later, if you are feeling well enough, you can take a look around." Maria said. "But for now, if you are hungry, I will bring you some food."
My stomach complained loudly in response.
Maria smiled again and swept out of the room. She returned shortly afterward with a tray of food. After she left, I ate and fell asleep.

The next day I awoke to what I assumed was a beautiful sun rise. I could see the bright rays streaming across the sky, but the actual sun itself, I could not see.
I wondered where Aurum was. Maybe he wasn’t even here anymore, maybe he left. I began to feel lonely, but chided myself. It’s not like I should care.
Finally Maria walked in carrying a box. She asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Good.” I replied.
“Do you feel like getting up? There’s a hair brush on the stand over there, and a bathroom out here.” Maria placed the cardboard box on the end of my bed. “Your friend bought this for you.” She said, and left.
At first I just glared at the white box, with it’s perfect pink bow on top. I felt kind of mad at Aurum for not showing up. But my curiosity got the better of me and I swung my legs off the bed and shifted toward the box. Undoing the ribbon I lifted the lid.
Inside was a pastel yellow dress, some sandals, and a long sleeved denim shrug.
I smiled and fingered the fabric of the dress. Taking off my old, blood stained clothing, I slipped on the simple, yet beautiful dress. After putting on the sandals and shrug and combing my hair, I picked up my bundle of clothing, lifted the curtain, and went to find Aurum. It didn’t take me long. I bumped into him just outside. Literally.
“Sorry.” He said, attention elsewhere.
“I’s okay.” I said.
He suddenly realized it was me and smiled. “You look pretty.”
“Really? Thanks.” I twirled.
“Of course. I have incredible taste when it comes to girl clothes.”
I frowned. “That would explain your outfit.”
He elbowed me. “This conversation has taken an ugly turn.”
“I know.” I said, curling my lip in mock disgust as my gaze swept over him.
His blond hair was combed neatly and he wore baggy cargo pants and a white “V” neck. He held a package of flour in one hand.
Suddenly I noticed someone standing behind him. I peered over Aurum’s shoulder to find a girl standing and watching us, lip curled with disgusted amusement.
“Who’s this?” She asked.
Took the words right out of my mouth, sister. I frowned.
“Kirsten, this is Aeryn. Aeryn, this is Kirsten.”
“Hey.” My gaze skimmed over her. She was very pretty. Her blonde hair hung to her shoulders in golden ringlets. She wore a frilly nurse uniform that made her look cute and girly.
I immediately disliked her.
“Kirsten, I need you in here.” Maria called from another room.
“Bye, Aurum,” She smiled sweetly at him batted her eyelashes. I rolled my eyes. “Aeryn.” She nodded at me sourly and strode away.
“So,” Aurum smiled down at me, which I thought was strange. “I think we’ll both stay here until your wound heals properly. I'm staying at the inn, and I've got you a room too. Should I take you there?”
“Sure.” I raised my eyebrows at him, surprised, but pleased.

The village of Alvarna was very small. Houses lined the main road on either side and a small mansion stood at the end of the road, behind a small town square. Roughly made barracks protected the humble village from attacks.
"I just need to drop off this flour at the Simon's." Aurum took me to a house, knocked, then opened the door.
A girl and boy ran around the room, screaming and shouting like anything. A girl was trying to get them to be quiet.
“Hey!” Aurum called over the racket.
All eyes turned to him and everything was quiet for one... two seconds. Then the room was filled with squeals as the children ran to hug Aurum, nearly knocking him over.
“You sure are popular.” I remarked, completely thrown off.
Struggling to stay on his feet, he brushed of my comment and introduced me to the girl. “Aeryn, this is Quinn Simon,” Aurum motioned to the girl that looked about my age. Her silky brown hair was put up in a braid that fell past her waist. She smiled at me and her brown eyes sparkled behind her spectacles.
“And her siblings, Roxanne and Roxas.” Roxanne and Roxas were identical twins. I noticed that both of them had different colored eyes, Roxannes right eye was blue, and her left one was brown. Roxas's eyes were the opposite. Aurum ruffled Roxas's brown, spiked hair.
Quinn gave a tired sigh. "I would invite you in for tea, but I have chores to do, errands to run and these two to take care of."
"Don't worry, I just needed to drop off the flour you ordered." Aurum handed her the package.
"Oh, thank you." She smiled at him.
He just shrugged and turned to go.
I smiled at Quinn, gave a small wave and followed Aurum out the door.

"Quinn seems nice." I said.
"I thought you'd like her." Aurum shoved his hand deep into his pockets.
Aurum took me to the inn next. A large lady with wispy grey hair greeted us.
"Hello Aurum." She have him a massive smile. "This must be your friend. I've been wanting to meet you, Aeryn. I'm Lucy. I run the inn while my husband is gone." She gave me a hearty hand shake and invited us into a back room for tea.
“Oh, hallo!” A girl walked into the room and smiled at Aurum and I. Her brown wavy hair bounced with each step.
“Lowla, this is Aurum’s friend, Aeryn.” Lucy said. “This is my daughter, Lowla. I think she’s about your age.”
“Hi.” I smiled.
“So, how did you two meet?” She glanced between us.
“I was traveling to Serenna to visit a friend when I was captured by bandits. Aurum got me out of there.”
He looked embarrassed.
I think Lucy noticed, because she didn’t pry. “Well, I’ve got a room upstairs ready for you.”
“Oh. Thank you.” I smiled.
“I’ll let you two go.” Lucy stood.
Aurum followed her lead. “I have a few things to do.”
He left and Lucy showed me to my room.
The blueish wallpaper was grey and peeling, the bed was small, and the only other things in the room was a dresser and mirror. It gave off a tired and musty but clean feel.
Placing my things on the bed, I turned around on the spot to look at the room.
Plopping down on the bed, I fingered the rough baby blue blanket. I quickly became restless.
Aimlessly I wandered about the town.
“Hey! You’re the girl that Aurum brought, aren’t you?”
I spun around to see a young lady waving at me from a shop window. I went over hesitantly. “Yeah, how’d you know?”
She smiled. “Small town.”
“Sure is,” I agreed.
“I’m Tianna. Apple?” She tossed me one and I gladly took a bite.
“Thanks. My name’s Aeryn.”
She smiled with pleasure. “Nice to meet you. Staying long?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well I hope you do.” She twirled her red hair and gave me a freckled grinned, “See you around?”
“Sure,” She turned to her work and I felt a tug on my dress. I looked down in to the bright emerald eyes of a little boy. Fingering a sprig of holly leaf pinned into his shaggy black hair he mumbled something barely audible. “I like you,”
I smiled at him, “I like you too, would you like my apple?” Oh my goodness, he’s so adorable!
He smiled shyly and took the offering.
“My name’s Aeryn,” I squat
Biting hungrily in the fruit he mumbled again, “I know,”
My eyebrows rose. “Well then what’s your name?”
“Solomon,” He said, puffing out his chest proudly.
“Solomon! Can you help me with my groceries?” With a quick wave the boy ran away to help an old woman with her small load.
Before he walked away he glanced over his shoulder and grinned at me.

“Do you know Solomon?” I asked Aurum later, leaning against the counter of the inn lobby.
Shrugging Aurum walked out the door. “No, not personally.”
I trotted after him. “Why not?”
“He doesn’t talk to anyone.” He shrugged again.
“He talked to me,”
Aurum glanced at me, “Are we talking about the same person?”
“Black hair, green eyes, holly leaf?”
Another shrug. “That’s him. What did he say?”
This time it was my turn to shrug. “He said he liked me so I gave him my apple.”
Aurum grinned a little, “Bribery?”
Shaking my head I hurried to keep up with his brisk pace. “I don’t think so. He’s cute, don’t you think?”
Shrug. “I guess,”
“Where are you going?”
“The Simons’ farm. It’s harvest time, so I’m gonna help.”
I grinned slyly. “How chivalrous of you.”
“Not really. I’m getting paid,”
I frowned and stopped abruptly.
Aurum kept walking but grinned over his shoulder at me, “In lunch. Wanna come?”
I noticed Solomon peeking out from an alley. “Uh,” He beckoned to me. Nodding in Solomon’s direction I smiled, “I think I’ve already got other plans.”
Aurum frowned a little. “Okay, see you then.”
Aurum walked off and I hurried over to Solomon. “What’s up?
“I wanna show you something.” He mumbled, “But first I want you to meet Aunt Madonna and Uncle Sebastian.”
“All right.”
Solomon led the way to a small house at the edge of the village. But instead of going through the front door he led me to the back. Turning the doorknob he entered the house.
“Why didn’t we just go through the front door?”
Solomon looked surprised and even hurt. “I always use the back door.”
“Solomon is that you?” The little old woman from the town square hobbled into sight. “Oh, hallo. You must be Aeryn. Solomon mentioned you. My name is Madonna, nice to meet you.”
With a smile she shook my hand. Poking her head out the door she shouted, “Sebastian, Come have a snack with us!”
Solomon hurried to the kitchen and I followed.
“My husband is always in his shed inventing what-not. I believe right now he’s making something for transporting crops.”
“Hallo,” Sebastian shuffled into the kitchen. “You must be Aeryn.” He turned to Madonna, “I think I’ve finally found a way to make the motor work.”
“That’s nice dear, would you like to sit down for some cookies and milk? Zoey’s special.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Madonna produced some cookies and a bottle of milk, which she shakily poured into tin mugs.
Reaching for a cream filled sandwich cookie, Solomon twisted the two halves apart, licked out the middle and dipped the cookies in milk. “Have you met Zoey?” He asked me.
“No, I haven’t.” I copied what Solomon had done.
Smiling as my cookie crumbled when I tried to separate the two halves, he reached for another. “Zoey owns the bakery. He makes the best desserts ever. You should see his cakes. They’re really pretty.”
Madonna and Sebastian shared a look as if to say ‘He sure is talkative today.’
“How did you get way out here?” Solomon asked me.
I smiled grimly, “I was on my way to Serenna when was captured by bandits. Aurum rescued me and took me here.”
“What of your parents?” Madonna asked, concerned.
I paused. Staring into my mug I answered in almost a whisper, “They died about a month ago.”
Madonna gasped softly and Sebastian shook his head. Solomon was rigid.
Slipping off his chair he hurried out the door.
“Solomon?”
Sebastian smiled sadly. “I think he wants you to follow him.”
Hurrying after him, I hoped I hadn’t done something wrong. I followed him out of the village and  up a hill, when he kneeled next to a rock.
The hill was scattered with rocks.
I gently approached Solomon.
“You and I are alike,” He murmured, “My Pa died in a logging accident and my Mum died with my little sister.”
I kneeled next to him a read the crude gravestones.
Solomon Pleasure. Wonderful husband, Loving father, may you rest in peace. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Salome Pleasure. Lovely wife, caring mother, may God bless your soul. “Love is Patient, Love is Kind,--It always protects, Always trusts, Always hopes, Always perseveres.”
And then simply:
Sophie Pleasure.
“I never even got to meet her.”
I stared at my hands folded in my lap and whispered, “Maybe it’s even better that way.”
“How could it be?” Solomon asked angrily. He ripped up a handful of grass and flug it at the sky.
“I had a little brother once. Hugh was his name. Raven hair, emerald eyes. My mum nearly died and he didn’t make it past a year.” A tear dropped into my lap. “Once you actually know someone it’s even harder to let them go.” Tilting my head to look at the sky I whispered, “I thought I’d forgotten, but I guess you never really forget.”
Solomon slipped a hand into mine and I pulled him onto my lap. “But he’s in heaven now.”
I didn’t answer at first. My family went to church on occasion, but we didn’t talk about it much. “Are you afraid to die?”
Solomon cocked his head in thought. “Not really.”
“Why not?”
“Do you believe in God?”
I hesitated.
“I do.”
“You wont die. I’m going to take care of you. I promise.”



CHAPTER 5

I’d been in Alvarna for almost a week now, not counting the time I was unconscious. Almost every minute was spent with Solomon. I loved it there and hoped I’d never have to leave.

Looking up a the tall ceiling of the small church I scuffled down the aisle. At the front of the church on a pedestal sat a large book. It read: “Holy Bible”. We had one much like it at home. I had skimmed through it a many times, but I didn’t always hold my interest.
Opening it carefully I skimmed over the page.
“What are you looking for?” Asked a jolly voice.
I turned to see a tall muscular man in priestly robes. ”I’m not sure, really.”
He chuckled and rubbed his bearded chin. “Well, that’s a start at least. I’m Gordo, pleased to meet you. You must be Aeryn. I’ve heard alot about you.”
“Hello.”
“I’m the... well, I guess I don’t really know what I am! Priest, pastor, bishop? Call me whatever, I’m a clergyman of sorts and I teach and learn about the Big Guy! Can I help you with anything? No one comes in here without a reason.”
“I guess I want to learn about a bunch of stuff.”
“Well then let’s start with the basics.” He thumbed through the ‘Holy Bible’. “Have you ever read about Jesus?”
I thought a bit then nodded.
“I guess the big question is do you understand it?”
Thinking again I nodded again. “I think so.”
“To put it simply, Jesus died a horrible death for us to save us from death. If we accept that he died for us and believe in him we will have eternal life in heaven.”
“And if we don’t..?”
Gordo looked into my eyes. “Do you believe?”
I glanced at my boots. “I don’t know.”
“What would you like to know about?”
Embarassed, I stared hard at the old book and fingered the thin pages.
“Can you keep a secret?” I whispered, barely audible.
“Of course.” Gordos’ towering stature crouched next to me.
“You know the princess that ran away?”
“Yes.” Gordo nodded, surprised.
Still not looking at him I murmured, “I know where she is.”
“Where?” He asked gently.
Feeling like a little girl I pointed to myself. “She’s me.”
Gordo smiled warmly and gathered me into his arms. I let myself be hugged. “Do you want to tell me about it?” 
I nodded into his shoulder.

“Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord will guard you from all dangers. He will guard your life. The will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
“I like that one.” I smiled a little.
Gordo nodded and smiled. "What about this one?" He offered. "Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
"That one's really nice."
“Aeryn?” Asked a small voice.
“Coming, Solomon.” I turned from the bible, thanked Gordo and ran off with Solomon.
“Aeryn?”
“Yeah?” Solomon and I skidded to a stop and looked at Aurum.
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and glanced at Solomon. “Wanna do something?”
“Uh,”
Solomon shrugged and dropped my hand. “I can find something else to do.” He offered, then ran off.
I frowned at Aurum, who only shrugged in reply.
We walked out of the village and down the road.
“The village is holding a dance tonight.”
“I heard. What for?”
“It’s harvest time, and they just do it every once in a a while for fun.”
“Sounds fun.”
“Are you gonna come?”
I snorted. “No, I’m gonna sit up in my room all afternoon.”
Aurum grinned .
Cocking my head I looked at him for a long moment, thinking.
Reddening, he muttered, “Don’t do that.”
I smiled. “Do what?”
“Never mind. Why are you staring at me?”
I smiled again. “Oh, I was just thinking you don’t smile much.”
Chuckling, he asked, “Would you like me to do it more?”
I thought a little. “Yes, I think I would like that.”
He grinned even wider.
“Because when you frown I believe any cow within sight will curdle.”
He scowled and I burst into a fit of laughter.

I folded up my orange camisole and placed it in my dresser. Next to it was a baby blue dress I had bought from a traveling salesman in the village square. With a gleeful smile I slipped it over my head and smoothed the wrinkled frills.
I looked out my window to see that the festival had long started. Quinn seemed to be waiting for me. I managed to find Aurum in the small crowd around the buffet table. He and his friends were laughing around the punch bowl.
Lowla was playing her flute, Tianna held a drum between her knees, and the sound of Zoey’s beautiful violin wafted throughout the village.
A couple villagers danced to the music and many candles set the outdoor ballroom aglow.
A chilly draft came through the gaps in the window so I grabbed a shawl Lucy had given me. I hurried down stairs.
Strapping on my sandals I ran out to the party.
“You’re late!” Quinn called and I joined her and Kirsten.
“Yeah, I had trouble with my hair. I had a huge knot.”
Kirsten laughed a little. “How do you get such large knots with so little hair?”
“It’s a gift, really.” I looked around. Not seeing Aurum and his friends, I wondered where they were.
“Would you girls like to dance?”
The girls I jumped and spun around.
Aurum, Kale and Andrew grinned at us.
“Sure,” We said, and I added, “I don’t know any of these dances.”
“No problem.” Aurum shrugged. “Just follow our lead.”
The song began and I followed the other dancers in a lighthearted jig. It was not at all like the ballroom dances I was used to, but I quickly caught on and had the time of my life.

“Have you heard about the Princess?” Kirsten asked later by the punch bowl.
I wouldn’t go there, if I were you.
Quinn nodded. “Her parent’s were killed, poor soul.”
“Poor soul is right!” Lowla chimed. “the girl ran away. She could be starving and lost in the forest with no hope.”
Aha. Doesn’t that sound scarily like someone you know? I sipped my punch, not saying a word and not meeting anyone’s gaze.
Kirsten laughed. “Lowla, oh Lowla. You’re so imaginative. I bet she went to some wealthy relative.”
Why didn’t I think of that? Oh yes. I have more or less no relatives.
“I think it was cowardly of her to run away.” Andrew laughed.
I nearly spewed my punch, but didn’t say a word.
Kale punched his shoulder. “Cowardly? She’s a girl, Andrew, not a well trained knight.”
“Well,” Andrew jumped back dramatically. “She could have grabbed a sword from a nearby suit of armor and fought Lord Falco to the death!” Waving an imaginary sword, he fought the evil lord to the death.
Aurum laughed, leaning on the table for support.
I can’t handle a sword for the life of me. “Excuse me.” I said, putting down my punch. “I’ll be back in a moment.” With that I turned and walked away.

“I know your secret.”
I jumped. Solomon had crept up so silently I had not heard him. “Hallo.” He said down close to me, a thoughtful look on his face.
The harvest festival was still in full swing. The sound of laughter wafting through the cool night air.
“I know you’re the princess everyone’s talking about.” Solomon repeated.
“It was that easy?” I murmured.
The boy shook his head. “No, it wasn’t. But I notice things. Like the little things you say, the small things you do.”
“If you’ve figured it out, why haven’t they?” I asked him.
“Grown ups just don’t believe what they, whether they know it or not, believe to be impossible and fantastical.” Solomon answered wisely. He laid a hand over mine and rested his shaggy black head on my shoulder. “Why are you here?”
I took a deep breath. “I ran away. My parents were killed, so I ran.”
Solomon nodded. “When my parents and my sister died, I ran. I came here. But you can’t always run. Not forever.”
“Why not?”
“You’ll have to face your fears sometime. Lord Falco will chase you until he finds you. It’s that or you find him first.”
“He wont find me.”
“He can fish you out. With someone you love.” Solomon stared at his hands. “You love alot of people. It wouldn’t be to hard for him.”
“My parents did everything they did because they love the people of Serenna. I don’t.” I frowned. “Not really. I don’t want to put my life on the line just because of them.”
“You do care though, no matter how much you say you don’t. You have to save them from Lord Falco.”
“I don’t have to.”
“Promise me.” He whispered. “Promise me you will. For them. For me.”
Thinking hard, we sat in silence for a long moment.
“No.” I stood. “I can’t promise you anything.” Walking down the hill of the cemetery, I left Solomon alone at Sophie’s grave.



 CHAPTER 6

A scream awoke me from my slumber.
“Fire!”
I flung off the sheets and ran to the window. The distant end of the village was glowing with an orange light. The flames were spreading wildly.
My heart stopped. I ran. Throwing open the door, my throat tight with fear a shouted, “Aurum!”
Aurum stepped out of his room, dressed with sword in hand. He walked towards me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Bandits have set the east fence on fire.” He spoke quickly. “Help get the children out.”
He bound down the stairs and disappeared. I ran after him and out into the street.
“Aeryn!” Quinn shouted. She held Roxanne in one arm and Roxas’ hand with the other.
I ran over and scooped up the boy. We ran towards the front gate, passing men that were heading towards the fire, which was spreading quickly and had already caught the mansion roof aflame.
Once outside I put Roxas down on the grass. Quinn put Roxanne down beside her brother, but she began to cry.
“You stay, I’ll make sure everyone gets out.” I said and rushed back into the village.
The horizon was burning an eerie red and I knew the village could not be saved.
Madona and Sebastian hobbled towards me, worried looks on their faces.
“Minnie!” I heard Fiona’s scream and turned. Kirsten held her mother back from their flaming house.
“You can’t go in there! You’ll die!” Tears ran down her cheeks and her golden curls shone in the firelight.
“Minnie!” Fiona sobbed.
No.
I tore past them and burst into the flaming building. Smoke stung my eyes. “Minnie?” I called, heat burning my face.
Where could she be? I thought. Bedroom.
I ran for the stairs. A flaming board fell where I had been standing just a second before. Ash was falling from the ceiling. I had to hurry.
A step collapsed under my weight and my knee scraped against the rough wood. I winced.
Trying to ignore the pain, I continued.
The door to Minnie’s room was a blackened and the doorknob glowed with heat. I threw my weight against it. I creaked and gave a little. My shoulder burned, but again I rammed it against the door. It fell and I stepped into the smoldering room. Minnie sat curled up in the corner, hugging Thorvald to her chest. Her face was stained with tears and soot, her eyes wide with fear.
My heart thunder within my own chest. “Come on!” The bottoms of my bare feet were stinging with pain as I leaped across the flaming room and pulled the little girl into my arms.
“It’s gonna be okay. I’m gonna get you out of here.” I whispered into her ear as I picked her up. She was heavy in my weary arms.
A rafter fell to the floor and I could feel it beginning to give away.
Run.
I dodged falling objects and made my way to the stairs I climbed down them as fast as I could and made it for the door. The upper floor began to cave in and smoldering timber fell all around me. Minnie sobbed into my shoulder.
The door was blocked halfway with flaming boards.
I mustered my courage and took a shaky, smoke filled breath. Then I ran and flung myself through the gap.
My shoulder hit the ground and I rolled, protecting Minnie with my body. Then I laid there, breathing heavily.
I felt Fiona take Minnie from me, gasping and thanking me.
Then I was gathered up in strong arms. Aurum.
He ran, cradling me in his arms, out of the village, now almost completely enveloped in flames.
He laid me down on the grass a safe distance away from the village where most of the villagers had already gathered.
I lay there in a daze. Madonna came over to me and patted my forehead. I glanced at her. Her eyes were filled with tears.
Solomon.
I looked at her with a questioning look.
Solomon.
She shook her head sadly.
“Solomon!” I screamed and staggered to my unsteady feet, only to fall back into Aurum’s arms.
His arms wrapped around me again and I sobbed into his shirt.
No... not Solomon... not my Solomon.
I looked up only to see the roof of Madonna and Sebastian’s house collapse.
I buried my face in Aurums shoulder as more tears rolled down my cheek.
No one said anything. When village was just a smoldering ruin, Aurum scooped me up and brought me to where the women had laid out saved sheets.
I passed out before I touched the ground.

I awoke the next day in a crowded room.
“She’s awake!” Lucy said.
Quinn bent over me with a look of concern knitting her brow. “You’ve been out for over a whole day! How are you feeling, Aeryn?”
“I feel like, like pudding.” I groaned. “Pudding with nerve endings. Pudding in great pain.”
Quinn laughed.
“Poor dear.” Lucy crooned and I heard a giggle.
“Where am I?”
“The whole village had taken shelter at the Simons’ farm.” Lucy explained. “We will let you rest now. Quinn, would you be a dear and help me bring this laundry downstairs? We’ll have to wait for the rain to stop before we wash them.”
The two left the room and I was left in peace.
I lay for a while, staring up at the ceiling, but I quickly became restless. I had to move around. My whole body seared with pain as I rose to my feet.
Stepping across the bedding spread across the floor, I made my way to the window.
The rain was pouring down as I looked out of the upstairs room of the Simons’ farm house.
The men were coming out of the barn, where they had been staying the night. They wore jackets and ran quickly through the puddles.
“You certainly are a sight to behold.” I looked up to see Aurum in the doorway, then down at the bandages that peaked out from under my extra-large shirt and skinny jeans.
“You too.” I scowled at his wet clothes and muddy boots. “What are you doing in here? Get out of the house, you’re muddying up the floors.”
He quickly became serious. “How are you feeling?”
“Like pudding.”
Aurum raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t ask.” I muttered. “Is everyone alright?”
“Other than a couple minor burns, scratches, bruises, and you? Yeah.”
I snorted, stared out the window and hesitated. “...Solomon?”
“They uh...” He stumbled for words. “found him.”
I just nodded.
Andrew called from downstairs. “We’re going to the village, Aurum, wanna come?”
“Sure.” Aurum turned and started to leave.
“Who did it?” I looked at him hard, trying not to cry.
He paused “Chief.”
“Oh.” Was all I could manage.
His boots stumped down the hall and down the stairs. I collapsed onto the only actual bed in the room and cried. I cried because of Solomon. I cried because of the village. And I cried because it seemed my whole world was falling apart and I could do nothing to stop it.
I felt a tug on my shirt and looked down to see Minnie’s soot streaked face peeking out from under the bed. Her eyes were puffy and red, and there were lines where tears had streamed down her cheeks.
“How long have you been there?” I asked, wiping away my own tears.
“Thince before you woke up.” She crawled out and I hoisted her into my lap. She snuggled up to me and let out a sob. “I fort you were going to die.”
I gave her a squeeze. “No. I’m alright.”
“What doeth it mean if you feel like pudding?” She looked up at me questioningly.
“You sneak!” I poked her in the tummy and she squealed.
Then she reached into her pocket. “Tholomon gave me thith yethterday. I wanted you to have it.”
She held up Thorvald. I took the stuffed pony carefully from her hands.
It was covered in ash, and one leg was coming loose, but I smiled.
Minnie’s looked like she was going to cry agian, so I hugged her close. “Thank you. You’re very thoughtful.” I whispered and kissed the top of her head.
Minnie gave me a squeeze and slipped off my lap. “Mum probably wants my help.” I gave her a pat and she hurried away.
I looked at the animal in my hands.
Promise me.
Solomon’s small voice rang in my head.
Promise me you’ll do it. For them. For me.
I squeezed the toy in my fist. I would do it for Solomon. But first, I had some business to take care of.

“Teach me to fight.” I finally found Aurum in the midst of the village ruins. The rain had lessened to a drizzle, and the charcoaled ruins hissed with steam.
He looked at me like I had sprouted another head that told him I found a real live unicorn.
“With a sword.” I explained.
He blinked. “No.”
I stuck out my bottom lip in protest. “Why not?”
“Because.” He snapped and began to walk away.
“But-”
“Unless this is a matter of life and death, I don’t want to hear it.” He continued walking, uninterested.
“It is.”
“Uh huh. And my uncle is a monkey.”
“If you don’t I’m going after them alone and unarmed!” I huffed.
“After who?” He gave a tired sigh.
“Chief and co.”
He stopped mid-stride. Spinning on me, he glared with an anger that made my heart thud in my chest. “Why? That’s stupid! You could get killed.” His voice began to rise. “Do you realize what they are? They’re bloodthirsty killers! They’ll kill you!”
“I know that!” Which, I did. “They killed Solomon and I’m not resting until he’s avenged.” I put my foot down stubbornly.
He looked at me, arms crossed. I mimicked his position.
He stared at me for a long time, searching my face, thinking. Finally he said, “Let me think about it.” He spun on his heel and walked away. I ran after him.
“What is there to think about? You teach me and that’s it!” I tugged on his sleeve.
He spun on me. “So you’re just gonna march in there and kill a bunch of men-and for what? A dead kid?”
I stepped back, struck, and Aurum looked like he wanted to take it back. “No, he’s not just a dead kid.” My voice wavered. “He was the brother I never got a chance to know. I loved him. And just because you’re jealous of him, doesn’t mean you can take his place.” Aurum looked down and I knew he was hurt, but so was I. I wanted to take my words back, lock them up and guard them with my life, but at the same time, I wanted them to hurt more.
I continued. “And no, I’m not ready to kill anyone, even bloodthirsty killers. And I’m not going to. I want to know why. Why would a bunch of bandits burn down a quiet village and pillage nothing. Why? Does that answer your question?”
“Yes.” He whispered, but then he turned to me and I could see that he was still angry. “But there’s also the question of your safety. You’re going after a bunch of killers that are totally ready to cut you in half.”
“So?” I bit back. But inside I asked myself different questions. Would I be willing to risk my life to avenge someone I loved? To answer unanswered questions? Or, could I just let it go?
My father used to say: When facing the cold waters of doubt, sometimes it may just be best to plunge in.
Aurum looked away with a hard expression.
I tilted my head questioningly and I thought I saw his face redden.
“What?” I asked.
“Don’t do that.” He mumbled.
“Do what?” I blinked.
“Never mind.” He paused. “I’ll think about it.”
He walked away

When the rain stopped two days later, Quinn and I were ushered out of the cramped house and ordered to wash the little laundry that had survived the fire. Most of it was grey with smoke and soot.
“The water’s black.” I observed while washing what I assumed was supposed to be a white shirt.
Quinn laughed dryly. She was hanging the laundry out to dry. “You’ve never washed laundry before?” She asked and look up at me questioningly.
I laughed too. “Never. My mother didn’t like for me to do it.”
Which is mostly true. My mom wouldn’t have allowed me to do it. Not that I would have wanted to in the first place.
Quinn didn’t respond, just stared past me.
“Let’s go.”
I jumped and spun around, flinging dirtied water everywhere.
Aurum looked down at the splotches on his shirt, then back up at me.
We hadn’t spoken since the village two days ago. We’d both been busy, but I suppose we’d kind of avoided each other.
“Go where?” I asked as if I had known he’d been there all along. Which, I hadn’t.
“After Chief.”
I had won, but I didn’t feel very triumphant. “And sword lessons?”
Aurum looked away, frowning into the distance, and then back at me. “Fine. I’ll teach you while we go after them. Now go get your things.”
He walked away and Quinn and I watched him go.
“I will never understand him.” Quinn smiled.
I shook my head and threw the last cloth in the general direction of the clothes line. “Me neither.”

“Come... on!” I kneeled on my bed, trying to fit all of my few possessions into my bag.
Aurum knocked at the open door and stepped in.
“Ever tried folding your clothes?” He swung his bag of things at me so that it bumped, not-so-gently, against my shoulder.
I rolled my eyes at him and with a heavy sigh, and some exaggerated difficulty, unpacked my things, folded my clothing, and put my belongings back into the bag.
“Hmm? Isn’t that much better?” Aurum, who had been watching over my shoulder with a sort of professional air, asked smugly.
“No.” I mumbled, refusing to admit that there was now plenty of extra room in my rucksack.
“All packed?”
“Yes.” I hope so.
“Ready?”
“Yes.” I think so.
“Then lets go!”
Fine then.
I followed him outside. The whole time he walked straight and tall, with a strange sort of cocky glee.
“We’re only allowed one horse, they say. Only one!” He rambled on. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought he was mad. Which, he wasn’t.
You aren’t, are you?
“But I supposed it’s better than walking the whole way. You don’t mind sharing do you?” He laughed at himself and I rolled my eyes.
We arrived at the stables and, prior to what I’d been lead to believe, we both had our own horses.
“And they’re off!” Aurum trotted out of the stable on Maxie, who had survived the fire.
I followed slowly behind on an grey horse.
“Lynch is off to a slow start!” He began narrating everything we did like some sort of horse race announcer. “Moon takes the lead-and look at his horse! It’s a beauty!” He began to turn laps around me.
“Bye Quinn!” I called to her.
She waved, raised an eyebrow and mouthed, ‘what’s wrong with him?’
I shook my head and grinned. ‘I have no idea.’



CHAPTER 7

Aurum and I faced off with sticks.
I wasn’t doing too well.
“Ouch!” I yelped when his stick hit the side of my leg.
He grinned. “You said not to go easy on you.”
I scowled at him, ready to whack him apart.
If I could even touch him first.
An hour later I still wasn’t doing much better.
“Ugh. I’m sure off to a great start.” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
“You’re not doing that bad.”
I looked at Aurum. He was actually serious.
“Whoa.” I said and he looked at me. “You actually said something nice and encouraging for once.”
He shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah, well...”
I stared at him questioningly. He seemed to be avoiding my gaze. I punched his shoulder lightly and shook my head. “You’re weird.”
He rolled his eyes. “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
“Shut up.” Aurum walked to where we had set up camp. “Let’s have dinner.”

“Have you heard?” Aurum asked me when we were seated and eating.
I shook my head and stabbed my roast animal with my knife. My former kingdom for a fork. “Heard what?”
“A bunch of soldiers have camped out not far from the village.”
“Really?” I asked with interest.
“Yeah. Who knows what they’re there for.”
I nodded in agreement and took a bite of the meat. Bland, but still tasty.
Aurum shrugged. “Maybe they’re looking for the missing princess.”
This conversation was starting to take an ugly turn, so I continued eating and didn’t answer. I hoped he would drop the subject.
He didn’t. “I wonder what she’s up to right now.”
Maybe she’s in the middle of nowhere chasing after a bunch of bandits. Nah.
I shrugged with a wary glance across the fire at my companion.
“I bet she’s selfishly hiding in some sort of pompous sanctuary--”
“Why do you say that?” I cut in, rather too angrily.
Aurum looked at me. “Well she must be selfish, because she ran away with no trace.”
“Why does that make her selfish?”
He snorted. “She hasn’t done anything yet, and this Falco dude has been ruling for over a month already.”
Oh, it seems so much shorter. I only have two weeks until my crowning.
Aurum continued, but didn’t hear, my heart thudding with realization.
That’s how much time I had to save the kingdom.
Two weeks.
fourteen days.
“The selfish coward.”
Maybe it was what he said, maybe it was the sudden pressure of running low on time, but no matter what, what I did next scared me as much as it did Aurum.
“Shut... Up!” I shouted.
Aurum stared at me with wide eyes. The knife lodged in the tree behind him with a painful thunk.
I looked at Aurum in horror.
Did I just... I jumped to my feet, heart hammering.
“Aeryn...” Aurum whispered.
I turned and ran.
I nearly killed him.
My fingers tingled numbly.
I nearly killed him.
I could hear Aurum calling far behind, so picked myself up again.
I nearly-
A shout from ahead stopped me in my tracks. I could see the light of a fire and hear the sound of drunken men.
I crept forward, still unwilling to face Aurum.
A band of men sat in a circle around a fire. Weapons were strewn about them.
Soldiers.
Most of them were drunk, I could tell, except for three who sat off to the side.
Mattias.
He was talking quietly with his two comrades.
I crawled along the inside of the clearing, hidden by shadow and bushes, silent as a fox.
Carefully, I picked up a pebble and threw it toward him. As I did, I couldn’t help but think of the knife. Again I heard the voice in the back of my mind.
I nearly killed him.
Mattias looked up and his chocolate eyes met mine. I beckoned to him and slipped back into the shelter of the trees, but not before I saw him smile.
I leaned against a tree to wait.
“For a while there I thought I’d never see you again.” A voice whispered next to my ear.
I turned slowly, arms crossed. “No, I was just busy.”
Mattias eyes search my face. “Just how busy?”
“Like, nearly dying and saving a life busy.”
He whistled. “That’s pretty busy. And that took you nearly a month?”
“Yeah, thanks for the concern.” I laughed softly, then, “Who’re your friends?”
Mattais’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Rebels.”
“Neat.” I raised my eyebrows at him.
His playful grin faded. “When are you planning to start this rebellion?”
I stared off into the trees. “I have... business to take care of. It probably wont take more that a few days.”
“Hmm.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Is a little over a week enough time to plan and attack a castle?”
“It’d better be.” I said seriously.
Mattias sighed. “I’ll find a way to contact you.”
“If...” I began, then hesitated.
“What?”
“If I’m not back in five days--” I began again.
“You will be.”
“You have to go one with the attack--”
“You’ll be back.”
“Without me.” I finished.
Mattias stepped toward me and took my right hand in his. “You’ll be back.” He whispered.
“I can’t promise anything.” I stepped away, trying to pry my hand from his.
“You have to come back.” With that, Mattias kissed my knuckles softly, turned, and disappeared back to camp.
I stood alone, bewildered and shaken, rubbing my knuckles where the feel of his lips still lingered.
Finally I turned back.

I found Aurum standing not far from camp, waiting for me.
Starting to walk past him, I didn’t meeting his gaze.
He reached out and grabbed my arm. I flinched.
“Hey,” He pulled me closer. “Are you feeling okay?”
I shook my head, trying to hold back tears. “No.”
He wrapped his arms around me and I let him hug me.
After a while he whispered with a laugh: “I think I’m teaching you the wrong weapon.”
Oh dear.

“I will not!” I protested, backing away from Aurums hand which held a dagger.
“Oh come on! You have real talent.” A spark of laughter shone in his blue eyes.
I almost killed you. Is that what you call talent? I thought and huffed, close to tears, eyeing the knife. “And I’m not proud of the fact! I never want to touch a knife again.”
Aurum rolled his eyes. “And what are you gonna cut your food with? A spoon?”
I folded my arms. I can cut steak with a spoon, just you watch.
Finally he threw the knife aside, turned his back on me, and began filling his bag with his belongings.
I watched him for a while, fuming.
He ignored me.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Packing.”
I waited for him to volunteer more information. When he didn’t, I asked. “Why?”
“If you can’t protect yourself, we may as well turn back.” Aurum answered without turning.
I stomped my foot, irritated. “No!”
He just shrugged.
“Fine.” I picked up the dagger, and sent it flying towards the nearest tree. I almost missed, but it glanced off the side of the trunk. Wood chips fluttered to the ground as Aurum gave me a triumphant smile.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I growled.


“Oopsy-daisy.” I said for the thirty-fourth time.
The throwing part was easy. It was with aiming that I struggled with.
Aurum sighed and went into the bush to find the dagger.
When he came back, he pressed the knife into my palm. “Please don’t make me go in there again,” He pleaded, “There’s stingy-nettle in there.”
I cocked my hip and grinned. “Guess you shouldn’t have worn shorts.”
“Just try harder.”
I aimed again.
And missed.
Aurum shot me a glance that said: Really? “Don’t say it.” He took a slow step forward, blowing out a breath. “Let’s move on.”

Aurum pulled his horse to an abrupt stop and put a finger to his lips, frowning.
He motioned and we slid of our horses. I stepped toward him, quite as I could.
“What is it?” I whispered.
“Ssh. Listen.”
The sound of boisterous laughter and angry shouts met my ears.
We tied the horses to a tree and crept forward.
Peering through the bushes we found a small camp filled with rough looking men.
In the center of it all sat Chief. In front of him was a chest. With a nasty grin he reached in and pulled out a handful of coins.
I didn’t think much of it until I herd the word ‘Falco.’
What do I do? I wondered, panic seeping into my veins. What?
When facing the cold waters of doubt, sometimes it may just be best to plunge in.
Without a second thought I stepped out of hiding and walked right up to the hulking monster.
No one seemed to notice me until my small voice cut through the noise.
“What have you done?”



CHAPTER 8

Chief seemed to flinch at my words as the whole camp quieted.
“What have you done?” I repeated.
Glancing around at his men, he slowly recovered and asked with a smug look and a chuckle, “What have I done?”
I stared at him and shook my head sadly, anger boiling. “You set fire to my home, the home of the best people alive, people that accepted me for who I was; you killed my best friend. No, my brother! Whom I had sworn to protect and I now have failed; and for what? For money. And for the very man who killed my mother, my father, took my kingdom under his evil thumb, and has scourged the whole land, searching for me, only so that he may separate my head from my shoulders!” My voice rose and I swore.
“Aeryn.”
I blinked at the knife I held to Chief’s throat.
“You’re...” He murmured with realization and stared at my hair, my red roots peeking through the black.
I flinched. “Yes I am, and I ought to kill you.”
Chief’s men finally gathered their wits and raised their weapons.
Fighting my emotions I searched Chief’s face. There I saw awe, surprise, and fear.
This hulking man was afraid of me. Why?
Because I was royalty? Maybe it was something more...
“Aeryn.” Aurum warned. I had forgotten all about him.
But Chief motioned for his men to lower their weapons.
“But,” I flung my dagger to the side. “I wouldn’t stoops so low.” I stepped back.
To my surprise and embarrassment, Cheif kneeled at my feet. “My queen.” He murmured.
All around me his men kneeled. Everyone of them knelt at the feet of a fifteen-year-old, red-haired, runaway princess.
“I-” I stuttered and spun around.
Aurum stood there, conflicting emotions showing on his face. Surprise, hurt, anger. He spun on his heel and left.
A little creeped out by the bandits, I hurried after him. “Aurum, wait!”
He didn’t turn around.
“Why are you mad?”
He stopped. “I’m not mad.”
“Then why...” I caught up to him and reached out, but he spun out of my reach.
“Queen?” He sputtered angrily.
I flinched and stared down at my feet. “Well, princess, really.”
“I guess I should have known when you hurled that knife in my direction! Why didn’t you tell me? I thought-”
“Thought what? That just because you’re my friend I’d tell you absolutely everything about me? Even tell you the very secret that’s kept me alive? If I told everyone I met I’d be dead by now.”
“I can keep a secret.” Aurum frowned.
I sighed in sad frustration. “I know you would, Aurum, but I couldn’t take the chance!”
He kicked the ground. “That I’m a liar?”
“No!”
Silence.
Aurum gazed at the ground.
Trying to hold back tears I searched his face.
“So you’re the runaway princess everyone’s talking about?”
I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. “Yes.”
“Is it true that you ran away?”
“Yes, but-”
“You ran away when your whole kingdom needed you, fled in the time of Serenna’s greatest need?”
I stepped back, stung by Aurum’s words. Tears overflowed down my cheeks and I clenched my fists. “What was I supposed to do? Stay and die only for the sake of honor? What good would that do? I watched them die, Aurum! Before my very eyes I watched as he killed my parents. I fled as my parents lay in a pool of blood! Maybe I was only thinking of myself when I ran, maybe I was a coward, maybe Serenna was in need of me, but I did.” I took a shuddering breath. “You don’t know what it’s like.”
Aurum flinched at my last words. “I do.” Something in his face told of past regrets, but he turned away. “I’m sorry.”
We didn’t speak for a long time.

We hardly said a word to each other all the way back.

“Did you find them?” Quinn ran out to meet me.
“Yeah.” I slid off my horse.
She looked between out sober faces. “What happened?”
I glanced at Aurum, who avoided my gaze. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
I tried to cheer up later in the day. Lucy and Zoey baked cookies, but I didn’t feel very hungry.
That night I lay in bed, staring at the moonbeams that  streamed through the window.
I have to do something.
This thought had been nagging at me ever since I started running.
Stepping carefully over the women sleeping on the floor, I made it to the door and stepped out. I wandered out on to the porch and sat on the steps.
I stared off into the distance, deep in thought.
“Hey.”
I jumped. Aurum stood right in front of me. “How long have you been standing there?”
“A few minutes.” He sat down next to me on the steps, leaning casually back on his elbows.
We didn’t talk for a long time.
Finally I whispered, “I have to do something.”
For a moment I was afraid what Aurum might do, but he only whispered, “What are you going to do?”
“I have a friend inside the ranks of Serenna that’s gathering rebels, that will be ready at my command. But I fear it wont be enough.” I took a breath of chilly air.
“I guess we’ll find out.” He sighed.
I looked at him.
“What?”
“We?” I asked.
He put his hands behind his head. “I know a bit about war.”
“War?”
“That is what this is, isn’t it?”
I shrugged. “I guess.”
“See there, you need me.”
I elbowed him. “If you really must tag along.”
He sighed. “If I must. So, how are we keeping in touch with your ‘insider’ keeping in touch with you?”
“He said he’d find a way to contact me. I’m just waiting for him to send a sign or something that he’s ready and we’ll start.”
“What’s taking him so long?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know. I hope he hurries. We don’t have much time left.”



CHAPTER 9

There was a weary knock at the door early that morning.
We all hurried down stairs, Fiona holding the lantern high. Crowding around the door, we watched as Lucy opened the door a crack and peeked out. With a cry she flung open the door.
A man stood outside the door, arms wide and inviting.
Lowla ran into his arms and the two embraced.
The man stepped into the lantern lit room and Lucy gave him a kiss. “Welcome home, dear.”
Everyone began to talk excitedly. From the stairs I stared, surprise and unease churning in my stomach.
Ace held his wife and daughter in his muscular arms, grinning at the women and children around him.
He glanced up and saw me. To my further hesitance, shot me a knowing grin and a wink.

After breakfast, Ace walked past me and slipped a note into my hand. Leaning close to my ear he whispered, “I believe a certain friend sent this for you.” He hesitated. “Your secret is safe with me, princess.”
“Thank you, sir.” I fingered the sealed envelope.
Ace winked. “Anything for you lass.”
I smiled and hurried to find Aurum.
I found him sitting in the hay loft, lounging in a pile of hay.
“Mattias sent me this.” I handed him the note and plopped down beside him.
“Mattias?” Aurum asked.
“My “rebel friend.””
He raised an eyebrow. “Ah.” Slipping a finger under the flap, he pried open the envelope. “Where’d you get this?”
“Ace. I met him on the road when I first started running.”
Aurum unfolded the letter and I read it over his shoulder:

Aeryn,

I trust I have handed this letter into good hands.
I have gathered the forces. In four days from when you will receive this, we will meet in the largest of the Sera Caves.
We will plan our attack from there.
I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely, Mattias.

“Seems legit.” Aurum nodded and stroked his chin. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”
I shrugged. “Okay.”
Aurum gave me a reassuring smile. “Get packed. If we want to make it in time, we’ll have to hurry. The road will will be fastest.”

Gently, I placed Thorvald in my bag and looked out the window. The sun was almost set. The only light in the room was from a small candle on the dresser.
There was a light knock at the door. “I’ve told everyone that we’re leaving on the urgent request of a friend.” Aurum walked in.
“Alright.” Closing my bag I threw it onto my mat. “I’m ready to go.”
The sound of hooves on the dirt path outside interrupted us.
Aurum and I peered out the window.
A hooded figure led twelve soldiers up to the front door of the house.
“Come out at once!”
My blood ran cold. Gripping Aurum’s shirt I whispered harshly, “He’s found me.”
The door was open and light was cast on the dark figure.
Aurum cracked open the window so we could hear better.
“What is it that you want?” Came Ace’s thundering voice.
The figure dismounted his horse, and the soldiers followed his lead. “We want the princess.”
“Are you mad?” Ace laughed dryly, “There is no princess to be found here. Only men and women with no home.”
“Search the house.” The hooded man ordered his soldiers.”
“Aurum.” My voice quivered with fear. “They can’t find me. They can’t.”
The soldiers pushed past Ace and the sound of their untidy search could be heard from the bedroom.
Oh God, help us.
“Don’t worry. Follow me.” Aurum pushed open the window all the way and stepped out.
The sound of footsteps could be heard on the stairs.
“Hurry now,” Aurum offered me a hand, which I took, and he led me out onto the roof. He closed the window behind us.
I shivered and Aurum placed an arm around my shoulders.
I could hear my friends protesting down below. Some of the men ran in from the fields, shouting. Ace angrily stalked up to the man.
No one noticed Aurum and I upon the roof.
The soldiers began searching the forest.
“You have one last chance to tell me where she is.” Threatened the hooded man.
Ace folded his arms across his chest. “I have told you before and I will tell you again: You are wasting your time. There is no princess here.”
In one clean movement the man slit Ace’s throat.
I barely heard Lucy and Lowla’s screams as I watched Ace fall to the ground.
“Aeryn,” Aurum warned.
When I didn’t look away he shifted to shield me from the sight below.
I didn’t dare close my eyes, in fear of what I would see if I did. My body quivered with shock. “It’s my fault.”
“No,” Aurum ground out angrily, “Just... no. Don’t you ever start thinking that.”
Aurum took my hands and led me back through the window.
When Quinn came upstairs the only thing she found was me, Aurum, and a locked window.



CHAPTER 10

Aurum and I left early the next morning. Melancholy hung like a heavy fog over the dewy morning. The skies were a depressing grey. Our horses hung their heads glumly.
“Here.” Aurum handed me a white hooded cloak. He wore a matching one.
I slipped it on. Mounting my horse, I glanced a Aurum, who gave me a sad smile.
“When will you be back?” Quinn asked, hands clasped.
“Can’t say.” I smiled down at her. “Thank you so much for everything Quinn. You’ve been been the best of friends.”
Aurum started down the road with a wave of farewell.
I turned my horse after him. “Good bye everyone! Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me. I pray God will bless you!”
With a wave and tears, I started off after Aurum.


“Who goes there?” Came a shout from deep in the cave.
“It is I, Princess Brittany.” I shouted back, then to Aurum: “Man, it feels weird being called by my first name.”
He chuckled a little.
Now that I was so close, butterflies began to protest in my stomach, flitting around like unsettled ashes.
“To be honest, I was afraid you wouldn’t show up.” Mattias stepped around the corner.
“So was I.” I dismounted my horse and tied it to a tree. It immediately began to graze. The though of eating anything made me feel like puking.
“Hey,” Aurum whispered. “It’s gonna be okay.”
I relaxed a little. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

“What do you think?” Mattias had just finished explaining the plan he had come up with.
“Well,” Aurum began, studying the maps spread out before us.
My head was already spinning with all the military terms the two had been spewing out the past hour, so I didn’t hear a word Aurum said next.
“Aeryn?” He looked at me expectantly.
I shook my head to clear the fuzziness. “Sorry?”
“Alliances. Does Serenna have any alliances with any kingdoms with large armies? We need more men.”
I racked my brian. “There was one... the name sounded like Tomato.”
“Tramoto.”
I nodded. “That’s it.”
Aurum nodded. “Then I must leave at once.”
I looked up at him, alarmed. “Why?”
“We need their help.” He was already untying his horse.
“We can send a messenger!”
“No!” Aurum almost shouted. “No, it would be best if I went. Follow Mattias’s plan. In three days, begin the attack. Don’t wait for me.”
“But,” I protested as he swung his leg over his horse. “Aurum I need you.”
He reached down and took my hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’ll come back for you.”
Before I could say any more he slipped his hand from mine and took off down the road at a gallop.
I stood in silence until he was out of sight.
“Britt?” I heard Mattias ask behind me.
I took a determined deep breath. “Let us prepare the men.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” In the waning light of the afternoon, I could hardly make out Mattias’ face.
All throughout the camp, men were making themselves busy, reading to be off as soon as Mattias bid. Every face was set in a stern expression .
Taking a deep breath I surveyed the grim scene. “Yes, I’m sure.” I somewhat clumsily mounted my horse, hands slippery and clamy. My horse pranced under me, agitated.
Mattias and the men bid me farewell and goodluck and I was off, riding as fast as I dared.
Lord Falco was planning to be crowned that very night.
Happy Birthday, Brittany. For your birthday, you might be dead.

The castle walls rose high above me, the torchlight playing eerily with the shadows.
“Go on.” I whispered to my horse and patted the animal and bade it go back to the army who must’ve been much far behind by that time. This is where things get tricky.
Slipping through the shadows, hooded cloak pulled around me firmly, I ducked behind a wagon late in coming to the city.
“Who goes there?” The guards shouted to the owner of the wagon. I ducked lower, praying they wouldn’t bother to search it.
“I have brought wine for the Lord’s feast.” Claimed the well rounded man.
“That is what you say,” Said another guard, who sounded as though he was enjoying this much. “But Lord Falco takes no chances. Search the wagon!”
My breath caught in my throat. Hide. My mind screamed.
The guards sauntered around the wagon to my hiding place. “What do we have here?” Cried one.
But they found only wine barrels filled with only the best for the unworthy lord.
I clung madly to the underside of the wagon, not daring to let go.
“Move on!” The guards yelled once again, and the wagon lurched, nearly sending me head over heals on the the hard road.
I made it past the gates and after the winemaker had turned the corner, I dropped to the cobblestone street.
Gather myself, I raced through alleys and side streets, making my way to the castle. At the market place I blended in with the noisy crowds, following the flow of pressing bodies.
My hood almost got knocked of my head once, but I managed to keep it on. I breathed a low sigh of relief. Any sign of red hair would surely give me away, and already the red of my roots was a good centimeter long.
The sound of many instruments rang from the castle. The party was certainly underway.
I had little time. The rebel army would be here any minute.
Making my way up the long street that lead to the castle, I hurried along, no time to waste.
It seemed like eternity before I reached the castle. Pacing the outskirts of the high walls, I found the giant stained windows of the throne room.
I fished an arrow from my pack and removed the bow hidden under my cloak. Attached to the end of it was a long rope. I could only hope this rope was long enough.
My hands shook. I was hardly able to fit the customized arrow to the bow. Having had only had possibly four days worth of practice in my entire life, my plan was based mostly on luck.
Here goes. You can do this.
Raising the bow high above my head, I aimed at the balcony far up the castle walls.
Breath in.
Breath out.
Breath in.
With a small whoosh, I let the arrow fly. I came within inches of the balcony before falling back to the ground.
I pulled it in and once again fitted it to my bow.
Breath in.
Breath ...
The arrow flew through the air and up over the railing of the balcony.
Tugging until the rope was secure, I began to scale the  side of the castle.
My blood pounded in my ears, a steady drumming that beat along with my thundering hearts.
A wasn’t nearly half way up when there was a shout.
My army had made it to the gates.
I hadn’t gone quite fast enough.
Mustering all the strength I had in my, I clambered desperately up the rest of the way.
With a quick glance to make sure I was alone, I looked around the next corner.
There stood Lord Falco.
He stood in front of the thrones, arms wide with horrible smile dancing across his face.
“Hallo,” He purred. “My kingdom awaits.”



CHAPTER 11

I sucked in a quick breath. God, help me. I prayed.
“I know you’re here.” Lord Falco called. “There’s no use hiding from me.”
Stepping in to the throne room, I faced my parent’s murderer.
“Welcome, Brittany. I have been expecting you.” He held out his hands, a fiendish smile upon his face. “Nice hair, by the way.”
“Really?” I frowned and let my cloak slip from my shoulders. “How did you know I’d come?”
Chuckling, he looked at me with mock fondness, slowly advancing toward me. “You know, you’re not quite as cowardly as may sometimes like to think.”
I gripped a hidden dagger. “I don’t know whether to be flattered or slit your throat.”
“Slit my throat, to be sure.”
“You mustn't mock me. I have an army.”
The sound of the battle between Serenna and the Rebel army could be heard from the castle. Shouts and cries arose from the gates.
Lord Falco laughed. “And a rather pitiful army at the that. You’re little rebel army is puny.”
“That may be so,” I countered, staring into the blood thirsty eyes of Lord Falco. “but Serenna was not made for war. It’s army is not as it should be.”
Lord Falco tossed an object upon the polished floor between us. “True,”
It was Chief's chain necklace, stained with blood.
“but I have connections.”
My blood ran cold. “Not very trustworthy ones, were they?” I murmured bitterly.
“No, but connections all the same.”
I hardly heard what he said next. My mind was realing, connecting the dots.
The bandits.
The village.
Solomon.
“Augh!”  Next thing I knew, Lord Faloc had a knife in his shoulder and I stood fuming, fists clenching and unclenching.
“You killed him!”
Lord Falco pulled the knife from his shoulder. “Cheif and his men didn’t do my work properly. I merely gave him what he deserved.” Wiping the blood off the blade onto his robe, Lord Falco looked at it curiously.
“That’s not what I meant.” I spat.
“Oh, you mean little Solomon.”
I flinched.
“Yes, I know all about your friend. I have ears... spies.” He smiled again.
A sudden cry rang up from the city. “The Tramotans! The Tramotan army has come!”
“Connections.” A sad little smiled pulled at the corners of my lips with my realization. “It seems I have connections as well.”
Falco’s eyebrows raised in amusement. “You’re not as bad I thought. How foolish of me to underestimate you.” He laughed. “There’s no way you can win. I’ll kill you first.”
When I spoke, my voice was quiet. “You’ve killed my father. You’ve killed my mother. You’ve killed Solomon and Ace. You’ve burned practically everything dear to me to the ground. You-”
There was a piercing shatter as something flew through the window, sending a shower of stained glass over us. A boulder landed with a thud, denting the polished stone floor.
When I touched my face it felt sticky and I saw the blood on my arms.
“Well that was an interesting turn of events.” Falco brushed pieces of glass from his robe and licked his bleeding lip.
Body shuddering, I wouldn’t let the pain stop me.
“Aeryn!” Aurum called from the balcony. “Look out!”
In one swift motion Lord Falco crossed the glass strewn floor and held a knife to my throat.
Two regal looking men ran in from the hall and stopped when they saw me.
“One false move and the princess dies.” He hissed, slowly pulling me back across the room. My stomach felt empty.
Aurum froze, eyes flitting from me, to Lord Falco, unsure what to do.
I stumbled once, my hands stung as I clutched at the glass on the ground, trying to regain my balance.
Falco yanked me to my feet and pressed the blade to my throat. “Don’t try any funny stuff.” He hissed dragging me farther from Aurum and the men.
The corner of my lips lifted a little. “Aurum, are you afraid to die?”
“Aeryn,” Aurum shifted from foot to foot.
“I’m not.” With that I gripped the shard of glass I held in my hand and stabbed.
For a moment, time stopped.
Then Lord Falco let out a whimper and fell to the ground.
Aurum raced across the room and wrapped his arms around me, shielding me when I did not turn away from the sight of Lord Falco.
“I came as fast as I could.” Aurum whispered.
The wider of the two men started making orders. “Take the man away, tend to his wounds.”
“When I saw the boulder go through the window,”
Some soldiers lifted Lord Falco and carried him away. Aurum  wouldn’t let me look.
“and when I saw the rope to the balcony, I climbed as quickly as I could.” He smiled a little. “You’re bleeding.”
“I know.”
The two men approached us. The older was a little wide in the  paunch, his hair was graying, and he was dressed in white and blue robes. He smiled at me and I liked him at once.
The younger had a stern expression on his face, though he didn’t seem at all rude. He was dressed in likewise clothing, only green.
“This is my father, Stephen, King of Tramoto, and my elder brother, Prince Stephen the second.” Aurum smiled mischievously. “I happen to have a few secrets of my own.”
“How do you do?” Prince Stephen nodded, and the king gave me a hearty hand shake.
“I would introduce you two, but it seems you already know your betrothed.”
I cocked my head with realization and Aurum’s face went a strange shade.
“Oh, I had not told you?” The king chuckled. “I guess I simply forgot when you came back in such a hurry.” Stoking his beard he walked toward the balcony, from which cried arose. “Are you coming princess? Your people await.”
“In a moment.” Aurum waved them off, then turned to me. “Betrothed. Why didn’t you tell me?”
I cocked my head and rolled my eyes at him. “How was I supposed to know?”
He laughed and he scuffed the floor with his boot. “Stop doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Cocking your head to the side. It makes me want to...” He paused, then slipped his arms around my waist.
I sensed the whole world turning upside down as Aurum dipped me in the middle of the shattered glass and pressed his lips to mine.
“Do that.” He smiled. “Are you coming? Your people await.”



CHAPTER 12

Aurum and I were married and crowned on the following day, the day of my seventeenth birthday.
All our friends were present, especially Quinn, Lowla, Kale, Andrew, and yes, even Kirsten.
“It’s so overwhelming,” Lucy remarked to me. “One day our Aeryn is a wounded victim, the next you’re a grown up queen getting married.”
Aurum and I helped rebuild the town of Alvarna to its former glory. At first they told us off, saying they didn’t want our charity, but I insisted stubbornly, saying it was my home almost as much as it was theirs.
It was, in fact. Aurum and I spent most of our time there. It was funny how little time I had lived there really, though it was us much my home as Serenna was.
Aurum’s family was quite welcoming to me. His parents were so loving and I got along marvelously with his sister in law, Posy.
As for Lord Falco, the doctors say he died from loss of blood--though I shudder at the thought--but some people say he decided he couldn’t live with his failure.

“Coming?” Aurum’s voice pulled me out of my daydream. I looked up from the view of Serenna outside my window and he offered me his hand. “I like your dress, by the way.”
I cocked my head. “Because I look so wonderful in it, or because it’s the one you chose yourself?”
He kissed my with a twinkle in his eye. “I do have good taste. Now hurry, before Kale and Andrew eat all the sandwiches.”
He led me outside to a picnic waiting. Quinn patted the blanket beside her and Andrew waved us over. Popping a strawberry into his mouth, Kale grinned as Lowla tapped him over the head.
Aurum got a thoughtful look in his eye as he ate a sandwich.
“What is it?” I asked. “Marcie makes the best peanut butter and jelly in the world?”
“No,” He shook his head. “I was just thinking how lucky I was, that one day in the woods, to come upon a red-haired runaway princess.”
And he was.