The two companions stood up. The female embraced Willow and Seth tightly while the male shook Seth’s hand and ignored Willow completely. Madison was still out of sight behind Seth, her hood still over her face.

“So” the female said sitting down once more, “What is this all about? This little reunion?”

She had a very cheerful personality, much like Cody’s. She was eighteen years old and her long blond hair reached all the way down her back. Her eyes were bright lime green. The clothing she wore was very bright as well, with the magenta shirt, green pants, and bright pink gloves. Around her waist was a belt containing a small dagger, and on her back was a quiver full of arrows.

“Yes. I would like to know exactly what this is all about?” the male added.

He was quieter. His age was twenty-one and he seemed like the patient type. He had medium length black hair, in which his bangs hung in his eyes, which he was constantly brushing away. His eyes were blue-green and matched the many waters throughout the world. He wore a purple top, with plum pants, which were very fancy compared to the rest of the group. He too had a belt, but it contained a magnificent sword encrusted with his family jewel, The Amethyst.

“I suppose that Seth should be the one to explain” Willow replied sitting down next to the girl.

“Good idea Willow” Cody agreed.

Seth looked around at his companions and gently took Madison’s hand and placed her before him. He took off her hood and for a moment the room was silent.

“I would like to introduce” Seth replied, “Madison Robertson. Nostrebor.”

(Next Scene)

The shadows flew back and forth across the plains. They needed to deliver their information to their master soon. But first it was given to a servant of the Emperor himself. He stood on a hill waiting for their arrival. He looked to be about twenty-two years old. His long mahogany hair was tied back and his grey eyes held such wonder as the shadows came closer. His navy blue top was a symbol that he was a soldier, but now he was much more than that. He in fact knew how important he was to the Yaramir family. As he watched his black cape which matched his pants whistled behind him an echo of pure mystery. He was a mysterious person, but not so much that he kept to himself. As the shadows flew over they dropped a small parcel, filled with writings and letters from spies all over Xenotobiaya. He picked them up, jumped onto his horse and headed for the palace. Certain that the news he would bring to the Prince would thrill him indeed.

(Next Scene)

“Nostrebor?” the girl spoke first, “But she is a girl.”

“We are quite aware of that” Willow replied cynically.

“Yea, I was surprised too” Cody grinned, “But it was a nice surprise.”

“Knock it off Cody” Seth said angrily.

“But are you certain?” the boy stood up, “That she is Nostrebor?”

“Yes I am. She carries with her the three jewels. That’s proof enough for me.”

“Well than” the boy said coming over, “Then my lady my sword you shall have. I am called Zander.”

“And I am Kori. Short for Korrin. And you shall have my bow” the girl replied also coming over.

Madison nodded slowly.

“There is much we need to do” Seth said as they all sat down again, “We need to locate our remaining party. They will be needed for this.”

“I agree” Zander nodded, “If what we are facing is as bad as the last time, we will need their skills.”

Throughout the conversation Madison was very quiet. The one named Zander had been surprised that she was a girl, just like the others. What if it was a mistake? What if it had all been just a huge mistake?

(Next Scene)

He rode till he spotted the blue flags at the top of the Palace of Jerthia. It was a towering place, with black brick surrounding it. It was definitely in disrepair and very old. The gargoyle statues, which guarded looked menacingly. The guards immediately let him through the gate, as soon as they spotted his horse. He rode all the way to the palace gates where a servant was waiting to take his horse.

“Welcome back Master Devon” the boy replied.

“Thank you Phillip. Take care of Gedson won’t you?” he said patting the black horses side.

“Yes sir.”

Devon removed his gloves and walked inside, where he passed several servants. He walked up the staircase covered with long royal blue carpeting. He walked up another flight of stairs getting closer to the Prince’s room. He knocked once on the large wooden door. He was let in by two stewards, who led him to the Prince, who was lying on a seat on his balcony. He smiled as Devon approached. His short brown hair shone in the sunshine and his brown eyes twinkled as he shook Devon’s hand.

“A good ride?” he asked as Devon sat down in a chair just opposite him.

“Yes, my lord. I was able to retrieve the information.”

“Well hand it over.”

Devon pulled the parcel out of his pocket and handed it over to the excited fingers.

The prince scanned the papers till he saw something quite unbelievable.

“Impossible” he said standing up, “This is just too perfect.”

“What is?” Devon asked.

“Nostrebor has arrived. Just as I thought. However, this is too rich.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Go.” The prince pointed, “Get some rest. I will speak with you this evening. It will be much more secret then my friend.”

Devon sighed and stood up.

“As you wish your majesty.”

He walked out leaving the prince giddy with excitement.

“This is just unreal” the prince said to himself, “This is just so perfect.”

(Next Scene)

Devon walked to his chamber quietly. He threw off his boots when he entered and lay down, closing his eyes immediately. A door on the side of the room opened and a girl who was twenty-one years old walked over to him. Her medium length blond hair was curly and she had very penetrating blue eyes. She wore pink gowns and a pink bow tied her hair back. She sat down on the bed beside him and stroked her fingers through his hair.

“Aislyn” he whispered happily, “That feels good. Your touch always feels good after a long day.”

“I missed you,” she replied in a sweet English accent smiling, “I miss you every time you leave.”

“I know” he replied stroking her face, “But it is my duty to the Emperor, that makes me go away.”

“Yes. But it doesn’t stop me from worrying. What did you find out?” she said standing up and walking over to the mirror.

“I don’t know yet” he sighed, “He is very happy though. He wants to see me again tonight.”

“So soon” she replied, “Can you not spend time with me?”

“Of course I can” he smiled, “If that is what you want?”

She walked over and leaned down. She kissed him lightly on the lips, in which he drew her in kissing her more passionately by the minute.

“What does that tell you?” she said.

(Next Scene)

Late that night a steward of the prince arrived to inform Devon that he was wanted. He kissed Aislyn on the forehead, who was lying peacefully beside him in the bed. He pulled his shirt back on and straightened out his hair, then followed the steward down the hall. The prince was waiting in his chamber at a table. He ordered for the stewards to leave and for Devon to sit with him. After a few minutes of wine, he spoke.

“Ah thank you for coming. I’d rather share this with you then anyone else.”

“I’m honored” Devon said exasperated, “But please Hayden I am tired of your games.”

Hayden chuckled.

“I know old friend. I shouldn’t play such games with you. After all I was there beside you back then.”

“What news? What news of our old enemies?”

“It’s not really much about them at all, that I wanted to talk to you about. It seems Nostrebor will not be as hard as we thought.”

“What do you mean?” Devon asked eyes wide.

“Nostrebor, apparently is a girl” Hayden smiled on the last line.

(To be continued..)

Authors Note:

Next Chapter: Palace of Seliute

The travelers journey to the mountains to convince their longtime companion Princess Paige to join in their quest.