The Witch's Gift

1.

         Nathan glared at his wife across the kitchen table.

         She's not really my wife, he reminded himself, though she sure vexes me enough.

         Rika wore a glare of her own, but she kept hers trained on the scarred table in front of her. Due to the intensity of her stare, Nathan almost expected the dry wood to burst into flames at any moment.

         The table had been one of Rika's finds in the marketplace. The seller swore it was an antique, although Nathan had his doubts. Still, the price had been right and the table was serviceable, sturdy and strong.

         Rika insisted they didn't need anything better; she didn't expect to stay here long. If she got her way, she would head home tomorrow.

         Nathan dropped his gaze and stirred his soup, which was rapidly cooling. Rika was a passable cook, but Nathan missed the palace food he had grown up with.

         "You know we can't leave, Rika," he said into the echoing silence after the lack of sound became almost painful.

         Nathan recognized the stubborn set to her jaw and knew it didn't bode well for him, but this wasn't an argument he could afford to lose.

         "The Dragon Empire is marching on Ander even as we speak," Rika said through gritted teeth. "You expect me to just ignore that?"

         "Yes," he replied. Even to his own ears the response sounded too harsh, but he had to make her see reason. "What do you think you can accomplish?" he demanded. "One person isn't going to make much of a difference. All that you could add is one more body to the funeral pyres. And then where would the kingdom be?"

         "Well I can't just sit here and do nothing," she exploded, dropping her spoon into her half-eaten soup. She scraped her chair back to stand and placed her hands on either side of her bowl to lean over the table.

         Nathan swallowed hard. The sunlight slanted in the window at just the right angle to turn her red hair into a fiery halo. Gods, she was beautiful!

         Nathan squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He had to keep his head straight here or Rika would talk him into the thing she wanted most.

         "Nathan," she said, her tone more reasonable. Nathan's guard went up even more. "We can help. I know we can. I've been trained in the ways of combat; I'm one of the best swordsmen in the kingdom."

         Nathan raised a hand, two fingers extended. "Two things. One, you're a woman."

         Rika scowled down at him. "Don't be so old-fashioned."

         "And two," he continued, "you're the princess--the only heir to the throne. If anything were to happen to you, the kingdom would be as good as lost."

         Rika looked away, staring out the small window at the fading sunlight. Her jaw was tight and an unshed tear stood out in the eye closest to Nathan. It shimmered in the sunset, but didn't spill. Rika had always possessed tight self-control. He admired her for it.

         Nathan dropped his gaze and let his hands come together in his lap, where she wouldn't be able to see their nervous twisting together. He knew he could win this argument if he remained strong, but he didn't know how long he could outlast her headstrong will. For years he had blindly followed her orders. It felt wrong to disobey her.

         I follow a higher authority now.

         "I don't feel much like eating anymore," Rika said, her voice stiff.

         Nathan nodded and closed his eyes with relief. "Why don't you turn in, Rika? I'll clean up."

         She didn't say anything and he didn't see her reaction; he only heard her booted footsteps as she disappeared down the short hallway to the bedroom they shared.

         Nathan picked up his cloth napkin, plucking at the fabric before wiping his lips with it and then blowing out a shaky breath. His stomach felt tied in knots. He hated having Rika mad at him.

         It's for her own good though, he told himself. He had to believe that. Everything he did, he did for her.

         He threw the napkin back on the table and pushed his chair back. His own bowl was still half full. He scraped the remains of their meal back into the pot still bubbling over the kitchen fire. Rika could reheat the leftovers tomorrow. Their little argument had stolen Nathan's own appetite.

         The last of the light faded as Nathan scooped up the single candle sitting in the middle of the table. He touched the wick with one finger and it burst into flame, providing just enough light for him to see his surroundings. He glanced around at the tidy, cramped kitchen. Even though Rika was used to being waited on hand and foot, she managed to keep their home spotless. Their living situation seemed to agree with her, even though he pretended not to notice her pining homesickness.

         Nathan moved to the front door to double check the lock. Once satisfied, he allowed himself to follow Rika to the bedroom. It wasn't much bigger than the kitchen. A threadbare carpet covered the floor and two cots sat three feet away from each other on the opposite side of the room.

         Nathan paused in the doorway. The light from his candle illuminated the room just enough to make out the blanket-covered form in Rika's bed. A lump formed in his throat at the space that separated their twin cots. Tonight that chasm seemed insurmountable.

         Nathan crossed the room, setting his candle on the bedside table in between the cots. He pulled off his boots, thought for a moment, and then pulled off his trousers. It was late spring and the room was a little warm. His simple white peasant's tunic fell nearly to his knees, providing him a small amount of decency. Not that it really mattered. He was always up and out of the house before Rika rolled out of bed.

         The cot creaked when he fell into it and for a while he lay there, listening to Rika's quiet breathing. She wasn't asleep--he could tell that just by listening to her. He didn't know what she could be thinking, although he would have bet it had something to do with the letter she received that morning while Nathan was out checking his fish lines.

         If only I had been home, Nathan thought, laying in the dark on his back, staring at a ceiling he couldn't see. If he had been home, he could have intercepted that damnable letter! Then he wouldn't have to persuade Rika she was better off here in sleepy Melidor. Nothing happened in the tiny hamlet. War could roll right past them and Rika would remain safe.

         But that letter!

         "You are magi," Rika said. Her voice was hard to make out, so Nathan surmised she faced away from him. He strained his ears to hear her better, not liking the accusatory tone that crept in. "You can take out a whole battalion by yourself."

         Nathan wanted to laugh at her blind faith. She knew almost as well as he what his powers were capable of. Lighting small fires he could do, but homicide on a mass scale--he shuddered to think of it!

         "I'm a novice, Rika," he said as gently as he could. The black robes that marked his true profession and status among the magi remained locked in the trunk at the foot of his bed. Some days he longed to pull them back out and wear them, but things were too risky right now. He didn't want to blow Rika's cover, thin as it was. "You know I don't have that kind of power."

         He heard her cot squeak as she rolled over to face him. He turned his head and could see the pale oval of her face. Her green eyes overflowed with tears that Nathan could hardly see.

         "Nathan, please," she whispered, desperation in her voice.

         "Forget about it, Rika." Nathan returned his contemplation to the ceiling so he wouldn't have to look at the anguish in her eyes anymore.

         "They'll kill him!" she hissed.

         "The witch has foreseen all that is coming," Nathan said, his tone firm. "You must stay here."

         Her sniffles intensified, but she didn't cry out loud. She had too much strength for that. If she had, he might have slipped out of bed and gone to her, to provide what comfort he could, but he knew she didn't like to show weakness. He remained where he was, hating himself for every tear that hit her pillow.

         He remained awake until her gentle crying subsided and her breathing evened out, signifying her descent into sleep.

*****

         Sunlight awoke Nathan with a jerk. Sweat rolled down his body and he kicked off the heavy blanket. He swung his feet over the edge of the cot and perched there for a moment, feeling sick and a little dizzy. Usually he was up at the crack of dawn. His eyelids felt heavy now.

         He ran a hand over the stubble of his chin. It rasped under his palm. Lurching to his feet, he managed to find a clean pair of trousers and a tunic in the dresser he shared with Rika. She folded all his clothes neatly after laundering them, and they always came out of the drawer smelling of fresh air and sunshine.

         Nathan took a big breath of the clean shirt and then shook his head at his foolishness. He was grateful to be here with Rika, that was all. He had to admit this simple lifestyle had grown on him in the four months they had been here.

         Thinking of Rika, he looked back at her cot, assuming she'd still be sleeping.

         Her bed was empty, the covers neatly pulled up.

         He hurriedly pulled his pants on and shucked the shirt he had slept in. He stepped into his boots before heading out to the kitchen.

         Rika stood at the kitchen counter, staring out of the window.

         Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. He had been sure she would be gone, that despite the fact that she knew better, she would have left him behind to try to stop an army by herself. He shook his head at his own foolishness and pulled his shirt on.

         Rika turned at the sound of his booted steps heading for the door. "I made breakfast."

         Nathan paused with his hand on the knob and looked back. "I never eat breakfast. Besides, I’m running late. I have to go check my nets."

         "That can wait." Rika waved a hand through the air and then pointed to the table. A plate of steaming eggs sat at Nathan's place. A vase of fresh flowers--yellow carmathians if Nathan wasn't mistaken--made a nice centerpiece.

         "Why did you let me sleep?" Nathan's hand dropped away from the door. The breakfast looked delicious and Nathan was starving. She was right; his traps could wait.

         Rika shrugged and sat down across from his seat as Nathan slipped into his chair. "You looked so peaceful I didn't want to wake you."

         Nathan glanced at her in surprise, but she was staring out the window again, her head propped in her hand.

         "I'm sorry about last night," he said. He hated arguing with her. He scooped up a forkful of eggs and tried to enjoy his breakfast.

         Rika wouldn't speak to him or even look at him, so Nathan stared at the vase of carmathians instead. Two of the yellow flowers stared back, while the third faced away from him.

         "I'm so worried, Nathan," Rika said once Nathan scraped up the last of his eggs. "I stepped outside this morning to pick the flowers and I could just feel it in the air."

         "Feel what?"

         "War."

         The one word left a chill marching up Nathan's spine and he shivered despite the warm heat of the kitchen.

         Rika's gaze turned to regard him. "He's going to die, isn't he? That's why I'm here. That's why Shasta had him send me away, isn't it?"

         Nathan busied himself by taking his plate to the sink, not sure how he should respond to her question. His eye landed on the letter that had started their argument yesterday. It lay next to the sink. Nathan fingered it. The message was simple.

         They march on Ander.

         He didn't know how much he could reveal to Rika. Shasta, the witch, had told him to be discreet. Rika's father had been more straightforward in his direction. Guard Rika with your life. But he hadn't told Nathan to lie to Rika, to keep secrets from her.

         Picking up the letter, Nathan turned and leaned back against the counter. The sunlight streaming through the window warmed his back.

         "The witch told me the kingdom will fall, Rika," Nathan acknowledged. That was the truth, but not the whole truth. He didn't think he could afford to offer her the whole truth. "Your father simply wants to keep you safe and out of harm's way."

         "But I could help!" she protested, getting to her feet.

         Nathan held up his empty hand. "Please, Rika. Not now. I have to get going." He crossed the couple of steps separating them and clasped her hand, deciding to voice his biggest worry. "Please, promise me you'll be here when I get back tonight."

         Rika stared at him with sad and frightened eyes. "You were right about one thing, Nathan. What would a single swordswoman do against a horde of thousands?"

         Nathan raised the letter. "War marches to this land, Rika. We both have to be strong now, for hardships are coming."

         He felt the old power surge through him, directed at his will. The sheet of parchment with its simple message burst into flame, an unholy magic fire consuming it. Nathan let it drop to the ground at his feet where it left a black pile of ashes on the dirt floor.

         He squeezed Rika's shoulders. "I'll be back late tonight. I have to make up for the morning hours I lost. Try to keep yourself busy, Rika."

         Rika nodded and started turning away. "I have some sewing to do today."

         "Good." Nathan allowed a smile to break out on his lips. Oh, how he wished for such normalcy all the time! To make a life here with Rika--that would be true heaven.

         "After all, socks don't darn themselves, husband." She put inflection on the last word as she always did, letting him know it was their own private joke.

         He opened his mouth, wanting to tell her that he wished it wasn't a joke, that he wished he really were her husband, but she had already started humming and heading for the bedroom to collect the things she would need to start her day.

         Nathan sighed and let the moment slip past as he had a hundred others, maybe thousands.

         She's a princess, he reminded himself. Out of your league. The forceful thought helped and once he stepped outside, he even managed a grin at the beautiful day.

2.

         Nathan tromped to the docks on the western edge of town, waving to people he knew as he passed them in the streets. At this time of day, the docks were mostly empty. The fishermen lucky enough to own boats sailed the waters and the rest had gone home to partake of an early lunch, or to the market to trade off some of their good fortunes.

         An older man stood on the end of the dock where Nathan found most of his catches. "How they hanging, Nate?" the man asked as Nathan drew closer. The man squinted at him, a knowing gleam entering his eyes. "You're late. You and the missus have a little tussle?"

         I wish, Nathan thought as he bent to check his lines. He grinned over at the old salt, letting him draw his own conclusions.

         The man roared with approval and slapped Nathan on the back, almost throwing him into the water. "I tells ya, if I had a missus like that, I'd be giving her a tussle every morning, noon, and night."

         Nathan felt his cheeks grow hot, so he busied himself with drawing his nets up, hoping the old man wouldn't notice. Rory was a good sort, but a bit too graphic at times, and Nathan could do without his frankness at the moment.

         Rory pushed a bucket towards Nathan, who nodded his appreciation and began filling the bucket with fish.

         Nathan would have much rather been an herbalist, but there was already one of those in town when he arrived, and not enough work to support another. Nathan found he didn't mind fishing so much anymore. The activity had grown on him and now he found it relaxed him. The tightness oozed out of his muscles as he worked.

         After spending years cooped up in the castle studying books of magic, exercise in the great outdoors was new. But Nathan liked the tan he had developed and his lean, sinewy strength. Being a fisherman sure built character, he thought, glancing at Rory.

         Nathan always kept a portion of his catch for Rika to fry up at home, but most of it went to the market to trade for other things.

         "Watch the rest of my catch?" Nathan asked Rory, hefting two full pails of fish.

         "You got it, kid." Rory saluted and settled himself on the dock. Some days Nathan wasn't really sure the old man ever left.

         Nathan nodded. "Thanks."

         The pails were heavy but the marketplace wasn't far. He just had to walk to the end of the docks and then turn left. Nathan moved slowly, trying not to overexert himself in the heat of the day.

         He didn't know what he would trade for just yet. Rika didn't really like fish, so usually he got a couple slabs of meat or some chicken, plus fruits and herbs. Maybe he could get something else though, something that would please Rika.

         He reached the first stalls of the marketplace and was able to barter away a few fish on items for tomorrow night's dinner. He passed stalls that contained jewelry, fabrics, beads, ale. Nathan wasn't sure what Rika might like although he lingered over the jewelry booths. Nothing caught his eye so he moved on.

         He bartered away more fish for a few bolts of plain cotton fabric that Rika had mentioned needing. The seller agreed to deliver them as soon as she closed up shop so that Nathan wouldn't have to haul them along with his half-empty buckets of fish.

         The booth next to the fabric seller's caught his eye and he moved closer for a better look.

         "Good luck charms," the seller promised, seeing Nathan pause in front of his shop.

         Vials of sparkly powder hung from thongs tied to a stick that overhung the counter.

         "Fairy dust," the seller said, fingering one.

         Nathan smiled and shook his head, backing away from the stall. "No thank you." He turned away. Growing frustrated, Nathan almost walked right by the next booth, but something made him pause and look back.

         The shop displayed bracelets under glass cases. The one that caught Nathan's eye gleamed silver, nearly blinding him with its brilliance. A big black stone was set into the center of the bracelet, delicate engravings branching away from it.

         "Ah, I see you have excellent taste," a woman said, appearing from behind a curtain set up at the back of the stall.

         Nathan glanced up in startled surprise. Something about the voice sounded familiar and he almost expected to find himself back in Castle Sunderland again.

         "Shasta?" he asked uncertainly, squinting at the dark shape.

         "I don't know anyone by that name. My name is Glimmer."

         Nathan blinked and the woman stepped further into the light. She was dressed in a gauzy material that hid little from Nathan's gaze and he hastily focused on her eyes, a blush heating his cheeks. How could he have mistaken this woman for Shasta? Shasta's hair was as red as Rika's and she was smaller and thinner than this woman. Something about the voice, though--and the eyes.

         Nathan dropped his gaze back to the jewelry case in front of him lest he be caught staring.

         The woman gave voice to a throaty laugh, her jewelry tinkling with her delicate movements.

         "See anything you like, Nathan?"

         Nathan's gaze jumped back up. "How did you know my name? I don't know you."

         "The simple answer? I think you know."

         "You're a witch." No question. She reminded him of Shasta in a lot of ways and even though Shasta was the only witch he knew, he couldn't mistake the signs of another magic-user. "What's the complicated answer?" he asked.

         "There's been some talk of you ever since you and your 'wife' moved in."

         He didn't miss the strange emphasis on the word 'wife.' His brow lowered in a frown.

         "Don't get all upset." She waved a well-manicured hand, the bracelets on her wrist jingling together. "Now, there's a reason you stopped at my shop, Nathan."

         "Yes." He swallowed with difficulty and dragged his gaze away from hers to look at the bracelet in the case. He pointed to it. "How much?"

         "It's going to cost you." She raised up on her tiptoes to peer over the edge of the counter at his burden. "The rest of your fish and one gold piece."

         Nathan let out a slow breath. He couldn't say why he felt the need to buy that particular bracelet so much. Even the exorbitant price couldn't deter him. He set a bucket down to dig in his trouser pants, fairly certain he had a gold coin tucked away somewhere. After digging for a few moments, he came up with one and placed it on the counter.

         Glimmer raised a thin eyebrow. "Not much for haggling are you?"

         "Why bother?" Nathan replied. "I know you won't change your mind."

         One corner of her mouth lifted in a half smile. "What makes you say that?"

         "I know a witch. A witch always suggests a fair price and never haggles."

         Glimmer reached for the gold coin. It disappeared into a pocket of her skirts. "Just set the fish on the counter."

         Nathan did as directed while Glimmer removed the bracelet from the case. He watched her polish it with a clean rag and then place it in a little box which she handed over to Nathan.

         "This is a nice choice, Nathan," the witch said seriously, her gaze capturing his. "Rika will be pleased."

         The words of praise made Nathan happy. He hadn't been sure if Rika would like the gift or not, but Glimmer's words reassured him.

         "Thank you," he said, gathering his few packages together.

         Glimmer inclined her head. "I will have the buckets returned to you tomorrow, Nathan." He moved to turn away, but she reached out, capturing his wrist in one of her delicate hands.

         Nathan gasped and took a step backwards. He knew he could break the witch's grip easily, but once again her strange blue eyes captured his.

         "Listen to me, Nathan."

         Her voice seemed to come from far away, as if down a long hallway. Nathan made an effort to focus on her words, but it was hard.

         "Rika must not leave Melidor within the next two weeks, or she will be lost forever. Do you understand?"

         "I--under--stand." He found it difficult to speak. He wanted the witch to let him go so that he could drift away.

         "This is important, Nathan." She squeezed his wrist. "Make sure Rika stays in Melidor. You have to guard her, Nathan. You have to keep her safe. Guard her secret, save her life."

         "Guard--her--secret, save--her--life."

         "Very good." She smiled, revealing perfect teeth. "There's one more thing you must do, Nathan."

         Nathan listened and then repeated her instructions back to her.

         "Yes, that's right." She gave his wrist another squeeze and then let go so fast Nathan almost fell over backwards. She stepped away from him, nearly disappearing into the shadows that filled her stall.

         Nathan blinked with difficulty and then shook his head, feeling dizzy and groggy. He was pretty sure Shasta had never done anything like that to him.

         Nathan started walking, surprised to find that his legs worked. For a while it felt as if he walked on stilts, but by the time he approached the docks, he felt normalcy begin to creep back into his limbs. He still clutched his few purchases to his chest.

         "Keep her safe," he muttered to himself, glancing back over his shoulder. "What does she think I've been trying to do?"

         "Hey, watch where you're going!" a voice called out.

         Nathan didn't have time to react to the shouted words, though he knew they were directed at him. He turned back, but not in time to stop himself from tripping over a net laying in the middle of the dock.

         He went sprawling, his few packages flying out of his hands. He could only watch helplessly as the jewelry box flew through the air, straight towards the edge of the dock.

         Nathan winced, expecting that he would have to jump into the sea after it, but a hand reached out and snatched it out of the air before it could hit the water.

         Nathan breathed a sigh of relief and stumbled to his feet, untangling himself from the net as he went.

         "You should be more careful, kid," Rory said, offering the precious box to Nathan.

         He took it and held it close. He had spent way too much on this gift to let the sea claim it. Rory clapped him on the shoulder and then turned away to gather up the rest of Nathan's packages. Only one had been lost to the sea--a small packet of herbs; a loss that Nathan could live with.

         By now, dusk was closing in on the tiny hamlet. Nathan hadn't realized he'd spent so much time in the market.

         "I'd better be getting home," he said.

         "Right. I got your fish all ready to go for you." Rory pointed to a fresh bucket. While Nathan had been gone he'd let the extra fish dry out and then wrapped them in paper to keep them fresh.

         Nathan nodded his thanks, placed his remaining packages in the pail, then hefted the bucket and headed for home.

         He really couldn't wait to see the look on Rika's face when she opened her present. His strange encounter with the witch was already starting to fade from his mind and soon he started whistling as he walked home in the twilight dusk.

         It's really beautiful out here. He took a deep breath, savoring the slightly salty air. His steps slowed as he approached the tiny shack he shared with Rika.

         She didn't like Melidor as much as he did.

         He knew this to be true even though they had never discussed it. She didn't try to mingle with the other fishermen's wives; in fact, she spent most of her time cooped up in the house.

         Maybe that's part of the problem, Nathan thought. Maybe Rika needed a change of scenery. A little trip might take her mind off the strange note she had received.

         Nathan stopped on the front steps of his house, his hand on the knob, his head bent in thought.

         The witch told him to keep Rika in Melidor for the next two weeks. But surely she had only meant that Rika mustn't return to the palace where she would surely be killed. A tiny trip into the countryside couldn't hurt.

         Someone had told him about an apple orchard not too far distant. Nathan had heard good things about the place. There were horse drawn carriages offering rides to people and for only two gold pieces a person could pick all the ripe apples they wanted.

         Rika bought their apples at the marketplace, but she usually had to cut out the worms and the bad spots. She would appreciate some fresh produce.

         Drawing another deep breath, Nathan turned the knob and pushed the door open, a smile appearing on his lips. This sham of a marriage could be trying at times, especially since Rika pushed him away so often. He hated trying to be a doting husband when it was all a lie. But maybe he could try a little harder--for Rika's sake.

         A single candle sat on the kitchen table, awaiting his arrival. Retrieving the box that contained the bracelet, Nathan set the pail down just beside the door with plans to put everything away in the morning. It would keep for that long.

         A plate of leftovers sat next to the candle, but Nathan wanted to show off his gift first. Rika wasn't in the kitchen, so he headed down the hallway to the bedroom, pausing in the doorway to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. He should have grabbed the candle.

         "Nathan?" Rika's raspy whisper came from her bed and Nathan felt a moment of relief that she was still there.

         A tiny part of him always worried that he would return one day to find her missing--or worse. He shook off his dread and stepped further into the room. A candle sat on the bedside table in between the two cots. Nathan touched it with a finger, causing the wick to start burning.

         "Rika, I'm glad you're awake." He settled himself on the edge of her cot, holding the jewelry box in both hands, his fingers tapping the edges. Now that it was time to present her with the gift, he couldn't quell his nervousness.

         He steeled himself as she rolled over to face him. She couldn't have been sleeping long; her eyes were still bright and aware, not sleep-dulled. Curiosity shone in them when she spied the package.

         "What's that, Nathan?"

         "It's for you." He thrust it at her, letting her claim it from his shaking fingers.

         Rika pushed herself up on an elbow. "You didn't have to get me anything."

         Nathan couldn't quite meet her gaze. "I--I really did feel sorry for our fight," he stammered. "Just open it."

         Rika nodded, a sheaf of red hair slipping over one shoulder. The nightgown she wore tonight had thin spaghetti straps, revealing pale milky skin. Nathan shifted his eyes elsewhere, his fingers now tapping out a rhythm on his leg. Behind him, he heard a rustle and then Rika's gasp of delight.

         "It's beautiful, Nathan!"

         Nathan dared a peek, wanting to see the pleasure in her face, in the way her eyes lit up, in the way her lips curved up into a delighted grin.

         One of her fingers stroked the black stone set in the center of the bracelet and she shivered.

         "It's so cold. Help me with the clasp?" She held both the bracelet and one of her delicate wrists out to him.

         Nathan took the bracelet, studied it for a moment, then managed to unhook it and slip it onto her wrist. His hands were oddly steady for this operation and soon he had it clasped. Once done, he allowed his thumb to stroke the smooth skin of her inner forearm, knowing he had to find the nerve to suggest a little trip away.

         She looked so beautiful lying there, her hair slightly mussed, her green eyes sparkling with delight, her lips parted, revealing straight white teeth. Nathan couldn't stop staring at her. If only things could be different between them!

         "Nathan." She put her hand on the bed, supporting her weight and raising herself up enough to look him straight in the eye.

         He wanted so much to taste her sweet lips!

         "Then why don't you?" she asked, wetting her lips in invitation.

         Surprised, Nathan jerked back, his eyes widening. "How did you--?"

         She cocked her head to one side, frowning. "I don't know. But you want to, right?"

         He nodded and raised the hand that had been tracing lines on her wrist to cup her cheek, committing himself.

         "Such a lovely gift deserves a little reward," she whispered, her gaze focusing on his lips.

         Nathan felt a little thrill shoot through him at her words. Here she was, offering herself of her own free will. He'd be a fool not to accept! How long he had dreamed of this. Nathan had watched over her ever since they were kids, but being her bodyguard just wasn't enough anymore.

         He dipped his head, not wanting to think anymore about the consequences. His fingers traced a light path over her cheek, cupping her head, pulling her to him until their lips touched in a light kiss that deepened into something more and left Nathan gasping for air.

         He wanted her so much! He didn't want to stop, didn't want the kiss to end. Too long he had been a mere bodyguard, someone always standing in the background, never at the forefront of her thoughts. Now he held center stage in her attentions.

         This is wrong, a voice of reason tried to tell him. She will be queen someday. You can't do this!

         Damn that voice! Good sense dictated he push her away.

         "Rika," he whispered, breaking the kiss and leaning his forehead against hers. His whole body throbbed in time with his rushing pulse. "We can't do this."

         "Why not?" She ran her hand over his chest.

         "Because it isn't right." He jerked away, not wanting to hurt her feelings, but needing to extricate himself from her caresses. He needed time to think, time to get his head straight.

         "Nathan." She reached out for him. Her new bracelet appeared to drink in the light of the candle.

         He crouched down beside the cot. "I have loved you forever, even knowing that I can never have you."

         Her eyes reflected hurt in the dim light. Nathan hated to see her this way, but he had to speak his mind. "I am beneath your station, Rika. You need a leader, not a weak-willed mage."

         "You're not weak, Nathan." She would have touched him then, but he stood and began to pace, his heartbeat pounding in his temples.

         "I got you the bracelet because I thought it would please you," he said. "And I want to take you into the countryside to get out of Melidor for a few days." He paused his long-legged stride to stare down at her. "A change of scenery will be good for us both and it will help to take your mind off of--things."

         Rika didn't reply. She drew her knees up to her chest, clasping her arms around them, the sheet bunching up in a loose puddle around her.

         "Your father told me to protect you and that's what I'm doing," Nathan whispered. "But as much as he trusts me, he still wants you to marry nobly." Nathan blew out a breath and pushed his dark hair back. "I think I need to take a walk."

         Rika's eyes glittered in the candlelight. "Don't go far," she murmured, laying back down. "Troubled times are upon us."

         He didn't need the reminder. Shasta's last prophecy still burned in his memory like a brand. If Rika only knew what he knew--she wouldn't be laying there so calmly.

         Nathan waved a hand, extinguishing the candle from across the room. He saw Rika's blanket-covered form shiver, but the cold breeze his magic had created soon dissipated, replaced with the stifling heat of a midsummer night. He paused in the doorway to look back at her; she was just a black shadow on the bed.

         He headed back outside and leaned against the wall next to the front door, letting his eyes slip closed. Behind closed lids he could still see her image, looking sweet and vulnerable. A crushing fierce protectiveness overcame him, sweeping through him. Her father had chosen the right man for this job; he wouldn't let anything happen to Rika while he still breathed.

3.

         "Come on, pack your gear!" Rika's excited shout drifted through the small house. "Hurry up!"

         Cinching his bag tight, Nathan grinned to himself. "We won't be gone long," he called back. "We don't need much."

         Rika appeared in the bedroom doorway. She had tucked her mass of red hair underneath a pageboy's cap, but wispy tendrils snuck out, framing her face in a fiery halo.

         Nathan raised an eyebrow. "What's with the hat?"

         Rika fingered the leather brim. "You like it?"

         "You look like a boy," Nathan complained, getting to his feet and hefting his bag onto his shoulder. It contained only a couple changes of clothes and a book he'd been itching to read through. He would add some food and herbs from the kitchen and they would be all set.

         Rika bounced on the heels of her feet, her hands clasped behind her. Her excitedness to get going pleased him. He didn't think his offer would cause such a reaction from her. It had been so long since he'd last seen her smile.

         It had taken nearly two weeks to make all the preparations they needed. Nathan had arranged to have someone check his lines while they were gone and Rika had asked one of the neighbors to keep an eye on the place.

         "Okay, let's go," Nathan said.

         Rika led the way into the kitchen where Nathan threw their food supplies into his bag.

         "I've already got Apple all saddled," Rika said.

         They had sold their own horses nearly four months ago, trading both purebred animals in on an ornery dappled mare that they used mostly for hauling goods around. She would come in handy for carrying their gear, but they would have to walk themselves.

         Nathan followed Rika outside to secure his bag to Apple's saddle. The horse eyed him with a liquid black eye, but didn't move to bite--a definite improvement as far as Nathan was concerned. Perhaps the horse was warming up to him. She didn't much care for strangers though.

         "I'll lead her," Rika said. The mare loved Rika, while she merely tolerated Nathan.

         "How far is it?" Rika asked once they were safely on the road.

         "Not far. A couple of hours walk maybe." Without thinking, Nathan kept his stride slow, matching hers. The horse's lead trailed back behind them, extending from Rika's right fist. Her new bracelet glinted in the bright sunlight, throwing silvery sparkles everywhere, while the black stone reflected nothing.

         "I'm so glad to be getting out of Melidor for a little while," Rika said, taking a deep breath. "Sometimes the place feels like a prison."

         He nudged her with his shoulder. "You know you don't have to stay cooped up in the house all day."

         She sighed and lifted a strand of hair out of her face. "I know, but I don't really know how to talk to the other women. We have nothing in common, and I can't tell them who I really am." She shrugged. "So I just stay away."

         Nathan remained silent. Even though he might have suspected her feelings, she had never come right out and admitted them before.

         "I hope I don't sound like a real palace brat, but I miss the castle," she said. "I miss the servants, I miss the beautiful fabrics, I miss the knights-in-training, I miss all of it." She glanced up at him. "I miss my father most of all. You're the only familiar thing to me here, Nathan."

         "I know. But we won't be here much longer." A chill swept up his spine. He didn't know where the words came from but now that he had spoken them, he knew that it was true.

         "No, we won't, will we." Rika's gaze dropped to the trail they followed.

         Did she feel it too? The cold certainty that their lives were not their own? That they only followed destiny's preset path? Shasta's last words to him haunted him still.

         The kingdom will fall.

         He shivered despite the warm day. He was sick of prophecies and premonitions.

         "Look, Nathan." Rika pointed and Nathan raised his head enough to see their destination coming into view. An old weather-beaten sign marked the beginning of the trail into the orchard. Rika tugged at Apple's lead, getting the stubborn mare to turn into the path.

         "It's beautiful here," Rika murmured.

         She was right. For some reason, everything looked greener here in the orchard. Nathan hadn't expected any apples to be hanging from the trees; at this time of year, apple blossoms were more likely, but big, ripe apples weighed branches down on every tree.

         Dropping his gaze to regard a trunk of one of the trees, Nathan's eyes narrowed. Faint green lines threaded through the bark and into the soil surrounding each tree.

         "These are magically grown trees," he realized, nudging Rika's arm. She glanced to where he pointed, but shrugged and shook her head. She couldn't see the magic lines. Nathan could only see them because he was magi.

         "Of course these are magically grown," an unfamiliar voice said from behind and above them.

         Both Nathan and Rika turned to watch a small, thin man scamper down a ladder, carrying a bushel of apples. The extra weight didn't deter him any and a few moments later he stood in front of them.

         "How else do you expect apples to grow at this time of year?" He plucked a juicy apple from his basket and offered it to Rika. She accepted it, but didn't bite into it. A small frown puckered her brow, but the apple orchard worker recaptured Nathan's interest.

         The man glanced at the tree Nathan had been staring at. "We don't really get many mages out here."

         Nathan tried not to let his expression change. He couldn't let anyone guess his true identity. Only anonymity could protect Rika from those who might harm her. "I'm not a mage. But how else do you expect them to grow this time of year?"

         They were the right words. The small man's face broke into a wide grin. "Enjoy your time here."

         "Nathan?" Rika's faint voice grabbed Nathan's attention. "I don't feel well."

         Noticing how pale she looked, Nathan fumbled for his canteen. "Take a drink."

         "I don't think--" she slumped against him.

         Nathan caught her awkwardly, letting the canteen fall to the ground.

         "Is she okay?" the worker asked with concern. He leaned forward as if afraid to get too close.

         "I'm not sure." Nathan lowered Rika to the ground. Aside from her pale skin, she looked healthy. He felt her forehead; her skin was cool to the touch. "Rika?" He brushed a lock of her red air away from her face, his fingers caressing her cheek.

         "I'll go get a cleric," the worker offered, reminding Nathan of his presence. The man ran off.

         A gasp drew Nathan's attention. Rika's green eyes regarded him and Nathan let out a heavy sigh of relief.

         "Are you all right?"

         Rika shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. "They march on the castle."

         The words felt like a physical blow to Nathan. He winced and covered his eyes with one hand. "Are you sure? How can you know?"

         "I saw it."

         "Like a vision?" Confused, Nathan sat back on his heels. A few moments ago, she hadn't been able to see the glowing green lines of magic, now she claimed she'd had a vision? Only witches and prophets had visions.

         Nathan's gaze landed on her bracelet. The black stone set into it had faint lines of red running through it. Nathan grabbed her wrist, trying to get a better look. He'd never noticed the red lines before, but now they were impossible to mistake. Red lines signified powerful magic.

         "Can you stand?" Nathan asked. His temple throbbed with one thought: the witch. The witch had wanted Rika to have this bracelet. Nathan hadn't really picked it out; it had captured his attention as it was designed to do. But why? What could the witch gain from Rika's visions?

         Nathan helped Rika to her feet, holding on to her until she could stand on her own. "Let's go home."

         The tears in her eyes stood out like jewels, but they didn't fall. "I'm sorry I ruined our outing."

         "This isn't your fault, Rika." Nathan rearranged the bags that weighed Apple down, taking a few of them to carry himself. "Let's get out of here." Trusting Apple not to bite him at this crucial moment, Nathan boosted Rika onto the mare's back and picked up the lead.

         Rika leaned against the horse's broad neck.

         "Here, I found the cleric," the orchard worker shouted, running up to them and then leaning his hands on his legs and panting. A portly man dressed in white robes was still several yards behind him.

         "I'm sorry," Nathan said. "I don't think we'll be needing the cleric's services." He tugged on Apple's lead. "I'm taking my wife home."

4.

         "How are you feeling, Rika?" Nathan settled on the edge of her cot, careful not to disturb her too much.

         "I'm fine. You can stop worrying." She put a hand to her forehead, the silver bracelet with the black jewel clinking on her delicate wrist. The threads of red had faded, but Nathan knew they lurked just beneath the surface. He wanted to take the dreadful thing from her and hurl it into the ocean, but he didn't want to alarm her. The thing hadn't proved dangerous. Visions could be upsetting, but rarely fatal.

         He grasped her hand, pulling it away from her face. "What did you see?"

         "It couldn't have been a real vision." Rika shook her head slowly from side to side. "I'm not a witch." Fresh tears shone in her eyes.

         Nathan hated to see her like this, but still he had to know. "Tell me what you saw, Rika. And then I'll let you rest."

         She sighed and lifted her shoulders a little in a shrug. "It was very confusing--it didn't make much sense. I saw armored men, some on warhorses, but most on foot. I saw blood--lots of it. I could actually smell smoke, but that's crazy. That part had to be my imagination."

         "Some visions can be very real, Rika. What else did you see?"

         She drew in a deep breath and let it out before responding. "The castle. Engulfed in flames. I saw the window of my room. It was filled with smoke." The tears started falling, leaving shining tracks on her cheeks. "The fire started in the library." Her gaze rose to meet his. "Nathan, all your books--they destroyed them. Used them for kindling." The next breath she drew was ragged. "I could hear people screaming. And all around me was death."

         Nathan extracted his hand from hers before leaning forward to kiss her temple. "Get some rest, Rika."

         She grabbed for his hand when he would have left. "What about you?" Her gaze darted to the window. "It's late."

         "I'm not tired yet. Sleep now, Rika." Nathan gathered up the burning candle and headed for the kitchen, hoping it wouldn't take Rika long to fall asleep. It had been a long day for both, although Nathan wasn't sure sleep would be possible for him this night. He had too many things to puzzle over; his mind wouldn't let him rest.

         Her vision had certainly been disturbing. The news of his lost books of magic pained him more than he would ever like to admit. Many of the books in his own personal collection had been priceless. He had spent years gathering them and now to think they were all ashes--

         "I imagine it's hard keeping someone as important as Rika safe, Nathan."

         The familiar voice made Nathan jerk his head up, his brown hair flying out of his eyes. The candlelight guttered, making the shadows dance, but Nathan's gaze settled on a shadow that didn't move. Nathan raised his free hand, pointing at the fireplace which burst into flame, revealing his unwanted guest.

         "Impressive work for a novice." Glimmer nodded at the fire before gliding forward to come to a stop directly in front of Nathan.

         "What are you doing here?"

         Her blue eyes drew him in, though he tried to ignore her hypnotic power.

         "Rika liked her little gift, didn't she?"

         "You sent her that vision." Nathan found it hard to speak.

         Glimmer shook her head, her dark curls bouncing around her shoulders. "You have such potential, Nathan." She reached out to brush his hair out of his face, but Nathan jerked back. "Yet you have so much to learn."

         "What are you talking about?"

         "You didn't recognize that stone, did you, Nathan? The stone in her bracelet." Glimmer tapped her own wrist to illustrate her point. Her own bracelets clinked together.

         "Should I have?"

         A wry smile appeared on Glimmer's lips. "I suppose not, though I was really hoping for better in you, Nathan. That stone is called a Mage's Gift. It brings forth latent power and enhances magic that's already present."

         Nathan frowned. "You're saying Rika's a witch?"

         Glimmer threw her head back and laughed, her jewelry tinkling like music. "My dear, everyone possesses latent abilities. That doesn't necessarily make them a witch or a mage. Take that stone away and Rika's back to her nonmagical self."

         "You wanted her to have it," Nathan accused. "I thought I picked it out, but it was really drawing me to it. Why?"

         "Did you like the orchard, Nathan?" Glimmer asked, ignoring his question. "The magic lines there are weak, but they serve their purpose."

         Understanding dawned. Nathan's eyes widened. "You told me to take her there. I thought it was my idea, but it wasn't. The lines helped augment the stone's natural power, didn't they?"

         "You really are meant for better things, Nathan. And they'll come. Soon." Glimmer folded her hands together, extending her index fingers and bowing her head. "You know it's time for Rika to go."

         "Go? Go where?" Despite the hypnotic state Nathan felt himself drowning in, panic surfaced. He hated witches. They liked to talk in circles, never really explaining anything, and by the time you figured out what they were trying to say it was too late.

         "I have to go, Nathan. That bracelet will come in handy for Rika in the coming year."

         "Wait." He grabbed for her, but it was like grabbing smoke. His hands passed right through her. "Tell me what you know!" His demand met only empty air as the teleportation spell finished; Glimmer was gone.

         "Damn it!"

         With her disappearance, Nathan's head cleared, but now he was much too angry to think about going to bed. He wanted to know where Glimmer thought Rika might be going. His orders were to remain in Melidor, keeping Rika safe, but for how long? They couldn't remain there indefinitely. Was it already time for them to move on?

         Nathan felt a chill crawl up his spine. Things would soon spiral out of his control, if they hadn't already. He didn't need to be a prophet to realize that.

*****

         Nathan eyed his catch, spread out on the dock before him.

         "Something wrong, mate?" a passing sailor asked.

         Nathan frowned at the fish, not bothering to see who addressed him. "I'm not sure."

         A bad feeling had settled into the pit of his stomach as soon as he left home this morning. Now it had its iron teeth sunk into him and he couldn't shake the feeling.

         He scraped his knife along a fish, cleaning off its scales, but his mind wasn't on the task at hand. He had a strong urge to go home and check on Rika, but he couldn't bring himself to just pack up and leave. If they wanted to stay in Melidor, they needed to blend in.

         But he could just say that his wife was sick and he wanted to go home and check on her. They'd believe that--maybe even feel sorry for him.

         "Hey, kid," Rory called from the next pier over.

         Nathan raised his head, flipping his long hair out of his eyes.

         "Something eatin' ya?"

         Now was his chance. Everyone could see something bothered him. Nathan got to his feet, still holding his knife and the fish.

         "I think I need to go home."

         "You sick or somethin'?" Rory squinted at him, but the distance between them was too great for the grizzled old salt to see anything.

         Nathan dropped his half-cleaned fish into the bucket next to him. "My wife. She's sick." He kept hold of the knife and backed away from the bucket. "I should go check on her."

         "Sure." Rory nodded. "I'll watch your catch 'til ya get back."

         Nathan hesitated at the end of the pier. "Split it!" he called back. "I won't be needing it."

         Something told him this was true. He turned and broke into a run. The bad feeling had extended to his chest and throat, nearly choking him.

         Something's happened to Rika. Something's happened to Rika.

         The words beat a steady tattoo in Nathan's mind as he ran. He should never have left the house today.

         He skidded to a stop at the front door. It was locked and he had to dig out his key to open it.

         "Hey, Nathan! What are you doing home so early?"

         Not now!

         Nathan turned his head enough to flash a smile at the neighbor addressing him as he pushed the door open. "Just checking on Rika."

         The kitchen was empty. Their dishes sat on the counter, waiting to be cleaned. Ashes from Nathan's fire last night still filled the fireplace and Rika's sewing basket still sat in its usual corner, untouched.

         Nathan swallowed past the lump of fear in his throat. Skirting the dining table, he made his way to the hallway leading to their bedroom.

         "Rika?" No answer drifted back to him. "Rika, if you're here answer me!"

         "She's not here," a voice said behind him.

         Nathan whirled. The neighbor stood in the doorway, her hands in her apron pockets. She was a small woman compared to Nathan's impressive height and wide shoulders and she cowered back when Nathan's gaze fell on her.

         Nathan dredged his memory, trying to recall the woman's name. "Minda, right?"

         Cowering in the doorway, the woman nodded. Nathan tried a reassuring smile, but his heart hammered uncomfortably in his chest, his concern for Rika overwhelming.

         "Tell me," he said, crossing the small room. "Where is she?"

         His shaky smile must have worked, because the stiffness left Minda's shoulders. "This morning I saw her saddling up that horse of your's. She ain't been back since. I asked her where she was going, trying to be friendly like. She don't usually say much and today weren't no different."

         "What did she say?" Nathan asked. "Where did she go?"

         "She said she was just following her destiny." The small woman shrugged. "She took off that way, though. If that helps." She pointed east, causing Nathan to curse under his breath.

         "I know where she's going," he said aloud, turning and striding back down the hallway, heading for the bedroom. "Thanks for the information."

         Minda followed him and hovered in the bedroom doorway, her hands twisting together nervously. "She's all right, isn't she? She don't really talk to me and the other ladies, but she's a nice girl."

         "I'm sure she's fine," Nathan murmured, sinking to his knees in front of the oak chest that held his most valuable possessions. He slipped a key into its lock, popping the lid open.

         "You folks ain't from around here, are you?"

         "You already knew that, Minda," Nathan said. "You helped Rika unpack, remember?" Nathan snuck a glance over his shoulder.

         Minda hovered on the threshold, looking like a flighty bird, wanting to fly, but wanting her curiosity satisfied just as much. "That's not what I meant. You and her, you're not simple people. You don't talk like us. You try to dress like us, but it just don't seem natural. I'm not a stupid woman--" She broke off with a gasp.

         Nathan lifted his novice mage robes from the trunk. They were a deep black, insignia etched into the voluminous sleeves. Pulling them on, Nathan peered back into the trunk, trying to decide if there was anything else he would need.

         "You're a mage!"

         Nathan grabbed a package of herbs, but decided against the two magic books nestled in the bottom of the trunk. He would need to travel light if he wanted to catch up to Rika. Even though she had a horse, Apple wasn't that fast. The mare wouldn't provide much speed. Closing the lid of the trunk, Nathan turned. The robes felt comfortable wrapped around him. He closed his eyes and stood for a moment, letting the shaft of sunlight strike him. Taking a deep breath revealed the heady smell of magical components. Oh, he had missed this! His robes were a symbol of his status. He had hated hiding that.

         He opened his eyes. Minda had backed further into the hallway, pressing up against the wall, her hands to her mouth and her eyes wide.

         "I'm just a novice," Nathan said, frowning at her. The woman was jumpy! He could understand Rika's reluctance to mingle with peasant women if they were all like this. "I have to go after Rika. I don't know if we'll ever return here, but I'd like you to look after this place while we're gone."

         Nathan lifted his robes to retrieve the house key tucked into a pocket of his breeches.

         "If we don't return within the year, sell it and everything within. Keep the money for yourself."

         Minda reached for the key when Nathan offered it to her, but she shook her head at his instructions. "I can't! Nathan, this stuff is yours!"

         Nathan took a look around and then headed for the front door. "Not anymore."

5.

         Fresh hoof prints led away from the house; in Nathan's earlier hurry he hadn't noticed them. He didn't need to follow them to find Rika though. Her vision had shown her the castle and that was where she headed now.

         Nathan took off at a quick trot, sure he wouldn't be able to keep up the rapid pace for long. The day was hot and his robes were heavy. Sweat soon started rolling down his forehead and his back, making him lament his earlier haste. He hadn't grabbed a canteen or anything to eat, though he knew this trail well enough so that he wouldn't starve. It wasn't like him to be so careless, but he didn't want Rika to face whatever lay ahead by herself.

         The trail Nathan followed was a well traveled one. It was the main access route between Ander and Melidor. Nathan often had to move aside for traveling merchants carting their wares back and forth. This was the only path Rika knew of to get to her destination though, and as far as paths went, it was safe enough to put Nathan's mind to rest.

         He had no doubt that she would push Apple as much as she was able, but Rika was smart enough to find protection among the various traders along the route should she find the need to rest. And Nathan hoped she planned on resting. He knew he couldn't run all night.

         The first few traders he met heading towards Melidor had seen Rika.

         "Hard to miss a flaming redhead like that," one said. "A witch, is she?"

         Nathan accepted the drink the man offered and shook his head, before excusing himself and pushing on. Knowing that Rika still followed this trail put him at ease. He had hoped she wouldn't try to cut through the forest to reach the castle sooner. Leaving the path was far too dangerous.

         As fast as Nathan traveled, he couldn't catch up to Rika. Apple seemed to have reserves of stamina Nathan had never even guessed at. When Nathan bedded down for the night, he did so with strangers heading in the same direction. People he passed all mentioned Rika when he asked, but none had shared her company for any length of time.

         Rika was too determined now, Nathan realized. Her whole world remained in that castle. Determination drove her and she wouldn't allow anything to stop her.

         A little past dawn on the fourth day, Nathan found something that jolted his heart. Apple stood by the side of the road, her saddle laying on the ground at her feet. She cropped the grass around her in contentment, with no sign of her rider anywhere.

         Nathan grabbed the horse's lead, his gaze scanning the woods crowding the edge of the road. Apple nickered and nudged his shoulder before returning to her meal.

         A white object next to the saddle fluttered in the light breeze. Nathan bent to retrieve it, needing to lift the saddle to do so.

         A note, he realized, excitement coursing through him.

         Nathan. I know you're following me. I had to leave Apple behind to regain her strength, but I must push on. I have a feeling I'm already too late.

Rika

         Her flowing script brought to mind the countless handwriting lessons she had lamented as a child. Nathan smiled at the memory as he pocketed the note and gathered up the horse's lead. Not wanting to encumber the mare, he decided he would leave the saddle behind. It had Rika's name engraved on it; Nathan had bought it for her shortly after buying the horse. A pang hit him over its necessary loss, but it was replaceable. The only thing that made him urge Apple to follow him was the thought of how much Rika loved the horse.

         By now Nathan was footsore and weary. He had been traveling on as little as four hours of sleep a night, but his destination was very close. On foot, the trip to Melidor lasted five days. By pushing himself, Nathan thought he might eliminate an entire day.

         Apple followed him with little encouragement although he had to stop more frequently than he would have by himself to let her graze. The need for water drove them both a few yards into the woods to drink from a freshwater stream, but Nathan wouldn't allow very long breaks. His need to find Rika increased with each passing moment; it surged in his veins. He had a dreadful feeling that he would arrive just in time to watch her die, so he pushed himself past his physical limitations.

         By noon he and Apple left the woods together. Uninterrupted plains spread before them. The view was very different from the last time Nathan had seen it.

         He stopped at the edge of the forest, Apple nudging him from behind.

         Scorched earth lay where once fertile fields had grown. A village lay at the base of the castle's impressive walls, but nothing stirred within it and bodies littered the landscape all around. Thousands lay rotting in the sun, birds of death wheeling overhead. If not for the canopy of leaves in the forest, Nathan might have seen them miles away.

         Nathan released Apple's lead, not sure he had the strength to drag the skittish animal through the carnage. Now the sickening stench of death assaulted his senses, making him gag. He held a black-robed arm over his nose and picked his way through the battlefield. Some armor carried the insignia of the Dragon Empire. Most of it boasted the royal crest of the kingdom.

         Nathan tried not to focus on any of the bodies, afraid he might see someone he knew.

         The castle walls still stood. They should have been impenetrable, but once Nathan drew closer he saw the large iron gate stood open. Only silence and the cawing of carrion birds filled his ears. An unnatural pall lay over everything. This place had been so full of life the last time he saw it!

         He stared through the heavy gate. The castle lay in ruined rubble before him. Movement caught his eye. He stepped forward, skirting the dead Captain of the Guard.

         "Rika?"

         She stood in front of the ruin that had once been her home, her long red hair blowing in the breeze. She made no move to brush it away from her face.

         Nathan came abreast of her, joining her silent contemplation of the stones before them.

         "We're too late," she said finally.

         An hour might have passed, or only a minute; Nathan couldn't judge time in this place of death. His mind kept recalling familiar faces, faces he'd never see again. The cook, the witch, his magic instructor, Rika's weaponry teacher.

         "There have to be some survivors," Rika said, her voice shaky yet firm. Nathan admired her iron will, even at this time. She turned to him then, lovely and determined. "Help me look."

         "Rika, there's nothing here." He threw an arm out, encompassing the landscape with a gesture. "We don't know how long it's been since this battle, but any survivors have long since fled."

         Rika stifled a gasp behind her hand, tears showing in her eyes. "I have to find him. Even if it's just his body."

         "Rika--"

         She turned on him, her green eyes flaring. "Help me find my father!"

         She plowed into the rubble without waiting for him. The structure didn't look very safe to Nathan. The east wall still stood, but it tilted at an alarming angle.

         Nathan charged after Rika, catching up to her on top of a small hill. She started throwing smaller rocks aside.

         Nathan grabbed her upper arms and forced her to face him. "Rika, listen to me. We can't stay here! And we certainly can't search this by ourselves!"

         Rika shrugged her shoulders, throwing his hands off. "Then use your magic! Do something useful!" She raised a fist and hit him in the chest. "Help me!" Starting to sob, she hit him again.

         "We have to go, Rika," he repeated, her safety the foremost thing on his mind. What if enemy forces camped nearby? He couldn't let them destroy the last of the royal line.

         Rika cried out and fell against him, clutching at him with a panicky tightness.

         He let her cry, just holding her, knowing she had to get it out. His heart ached for all they had lost, but at least they still had each other. His wandering gaze caressed the crumbled stonework, trying to remember it as it once was. This couldn't be their home, it couldn't.

         Rika pulled away from him and scrambled down the pile of boulders without help. Nathan hurried to catch up, not bothering to ask where she was going.

         At the iron gate Rika stopped and turned back. Her eyes were clear of tears now and an iron resolve filled them. "They will pay for this." She clenched her hands into small fists.

         A sense of foreboding dread swept over Nathan at Rika's words. The dark winds of change Nathan feared had arrived, just as prophecy foresaw.

         Trying to shake off the ill feeling overtaking him, Nathan held out his hand. "Come. There is nothing left for us here."