Rumors of Eli being back in the country soon hit Taen's ears. He knew it would have not taken long before he would be upon his doors. Taen paced his room; standing at the window once and awhile.

“Paranoid...he is not going to pop up like a frog waiting for a fly.” He told himself. However, the lurching shadow of Eli made him jittery.

“Master, what displeases you so?” one of Taen's faithful manservant asked.

“Its that boy....that Rashian boy.” Taen said.

Curses were held upon his lips as he set deep into thoughts. The servant decided not to venture far into what his master was silently cursing over. He shuffled out of the room and closed the door behind him. Taen was left a lone once more. He stood at the window and gazed over the west side of Arrith.

“It will be mine....” he whispered with determination in his tone.

“By force or other means, this kingdom will be mine.”

Taen took a cloak from his chair and left his chambers. He stalked out of the castle with purpose. Taen slammed the doors which echoed out through the halls. The troubles shone through on his haggard face making him look older then he was. The sinking sun threw shadows around as the streets began to clear. As Taen stole down a semi deserted street; he heard a merry pub song being sung and a mother scolding her child. He wrapped himself in his cloak and walk on down the street. Lamps were being lit as he found a dirty stone door off anyone's direct path. He brought out a key stashed in his cloak and unlocked the door. Taen shoved the heavy door open and then closed it. He stood in complete darkness; he felt around for a lard candle and lit the wick. The dim light shone itself upon a dank smelling, rotting looking room that only had one chair and a table in it. Taen crinkled his nose with the musty smell as a shaft of wind came through an opening. He willed himself to walk down a corridor leading off the room. His footsteps echoed off the walls along with the constant dripping of water. He dared not to look to his right or left in fear of what he might see in the creased shadows. Finally, he turned off the main corridor and walked a few paces more before coming in front of a large holding cell. A crumpled figure sat under the small window inches above her head. Taen sneered at the pathetic state the girl was in. “This is what will happen to all those who claim to be from your country, accursed people!” Taen spat on the ground. The girl said nothing back; Taen did not know if she was even looking at him or not. He came close to the holding cell door and shone his light into the dim darkness. He saw what had become of Eilsa in the past week.

“You're nothing but a stupid slave,” he said in a low whisper.

“You were captured by raiders who cared nothing for you and then you stumbled upon the king and his ignorance.” The more Taen spoke the more his tone softened.

Eilsa looked up at him; her eyes reflected the glow of the candle. There was silence that seemed to echo off all the walls in the prison. Eilsa stood up and tried to turn away from Taen.

“You knew all about this plan and yet you kept it a secret until you learned of Eli's traveling.” Taen's voice raised a little as he spoke of Eli. Eilsa listened carefully to Taen's justification of his wrong doings.

“You told that cursed Rashian of what I was going to do, of my plan you over heard.” Taen stopped and the silence resumed again.

“You are not the only thief among friends.” Eilsa whispered out of the dark.

“A thief am I?” Taen laughed.

His laugh was haunting to Eilsa, not merry nor evil but something more sinister.

“Lamen,” Eilsa reminded him.

Taen frowned at the mention of his old partner.

“Oh but you do not see; you are blind to the fact that Lamen is no longer with me.” Taen said.

His tone was joyous to this fact but Eilsa did not know why.

“You must be thinking how could I send out my partner at such a time as this but little girl that is none of your business.” Taen sounded cold.

Eilsa sat down and brushed her matted hair from her face.

“Why did you lock me here?” She asked him.

Taen smiled at her and grabbed one of the old guard chairs.

“I could not have my plans destroyed by some little beggaring brat. I want the throne and I will get it no matter.” Taen began.

“You're only killing yourself slowly.” Eilsa spat at him.

Taen laughed once more and then stared at Eilsa.

“You do not know anything about the king, how foolish he is and his son is just the same. Wanting peace and wishing to treat slaves like Arrithican citizens.” Taen's tone became dark as he spoke.

“Oh yes, such a fool is he.” Eilsa said, crossing his arms.

Taen shot Eilsa a contiguous glance. He noted he sarcasm in her tone. Taen thought for a while before speaking to her again but Eilsa started first.

“As if I wanted to be here, I had a lovely life before....before all of this. I had a happy life, glorious and full of love before this.” Eilsa looked around her.

“What has this gained me? Nothing, but an empty cell....” Eilsa's voice trickled off.

Taen cocked his head and then stood up; he came to the cell door and stood there for a long time. He had a question on his lips but it faded.

“I care not for your pity.” He said.

His words hit hard on Eilsa's ears.

“I only care for the throne and to clean up Arrith.” Taen went on.

“You're a selfish pig; you'd risk everything just to lose it in the end.” Eilsa told him.

“Thief, murder, liar.” She went on.

“Shut up! You are nothing but a filthy slave, scum on this earth that will amount to nothing! I will be the greatest king this land has ever known!” Taen shouted at her.

“You will die at the hand of Eli! He will not sit back and let this happen! He is closer to the king than you ever were! Face it Taen; Eli has always been the royal favourite and you....you will always be stuck in his shadow.” Eilsa taunted Taen.

Taen's rage hit the top as he opened the cell door.

“How dare you!” He whispered coldly.

“How dare you speak out such things? Have I not taught you a lesson? You are ignorant, stupid, you don't know anything of what I know. I will defeat my foes and I will rise to the top. Not even the smallest and incompetent slave can defeat me.” Taen came closer and closer, his rage building as he walked.

Eilsa became scare; her heart thumped loudly in her chest as she backed up against the wall. Taen stood now so close to Eilsa that she could feel him breath.

“However, you're just a pawn in my game. Once pathetic Eli finds you are missing he will stop at nothing to find you.” Eilsa looked up into Taen's eyes; a flicker of sorrow betrayed her feelings.

“Oh yes, long have I known you loved him and he has shut you out. Well not any more. Now the snare is set and my prey is almost in my trap and I will have the throne.” He spoke softly now.

Shivers went down Eilsa's spine.

“What will you do with me?” Eilsa asked.

Taen smiled; Eilsa recoiled. He touched her dark hair and felt her shuttered under his gaze. “Keep you for myself as....loot of this....great adventure of ours.” He whispered into her ear.

Eilsa collapsed into sobs as he walked out. She heard the clanging of the cell door as he slammed it shut.