Odif tried. What came out was aOrrrroo.a Tears formed in her eyes as the greenish woman made him sit down. He was someone she wanted near her!

Suddenly, the greenish woman was holding her face again as she looked at her.

aYou must concentrate! Use your ears and listen! If you understand then nod your head like this,a she said, moving her head for her. aDo you understand?a Something in the back of Odifas mind told her this was important. Try as she might, she didnat comprehend most of it. One thing did sink in--she had to use her ears. Dropping her head to look at her plate, she slowly picked up a wedge of peppered potato and chewed it.

Sounds came to her as she ate. She strained to hear garbled words that made no sense as those around her talked. She dimly noted a man had come in, one she knew. He was saying something about they were all that was left. This was bad. As she strained to hear what he was saying, she caught other words.

aWeall leave Odif in Kimmyas care for now. Shilo, you go tell King Alderlan whatas happening in his kingdom. If we arenat here when you get back, go to the Circle of Spring in the east; weall meet you there.a She knew Shilo--he had wings. The Circle of Spring was a holy place for her. She connected the kingas name with a silver-haired elf who wore purple and red. She nodded her head slightly.

aDuncan, how did your viewing go?a Zodiac asked.

Duncan, he was one of the wizards.

Entaurus spoke up. aWe saw a city on the plains from a distance. Over the city were three giant hammers. A black hand held the head of one, as if keeping it from striking. The second hammer tried to fall but was stopped by another hand. As the third came down, the hand holding the first let go and grabbed it. At this point, the first hammer rose up and came down. Both hands tried to grab it, but it smashed through them and destroyed the city below. We take this to mean that three main forces will attack, and one will get through to kill whatever rules there.a Odif nodded again with a brief move of her head. She saw the picture in her mind, but something seemed to be missing. Black was the color of pure evil and eternal death--those hands were not of nature.

aIt could also mean the knights who went to the plains all those years ago are still alive, being held captive,a Duncan added. aThe first hammer was red, the color of anger and revenge.a aYes, but wouldnat it be white if it were the knights?a Frieda asked.

A red hammer. Forcing her attention through the sounds of explosions in her head, Odif strained to hear what was going on. No one was paying attention to her as she continued to nod. She was listening now, intently listening.

aIf it is them, they've been held over twenty years,a JoJo said. aThat would make me a bit angry.a aWhat about the other hammers?a Zit asked.

aThe second was two colors, a green head with a brown handle,a Duncan said. aI think that would pretty well describe us--druids for brown, holy for green.a aWhite is holy,a Gloredaniel corrected. aIs it possible the second hammer is the druids, and we are the third. That one was many colors woven together, marble-like.a aSo, Tayan is not going to make it?a Glier asked.

Duncan said, aWe only see symbols, not actual events.a Her mind was starting to work. Odif knew Tayan--he was her brother. She let out a whimper as she thought about him. He held so much sadness for such a kind soul. Many regrets, pains and joys--he was as laced with colors as was the third hammer.

Zodiacas voice was stern. aThe important thing is weave seen the destruction of that city. We need to get as many capable people together as we can and get moving.a aDo we know where to go?a Pynlee asked.

aThe city is in the center of the plains, a few miles north of a small lake surrounded by woods. The druids can take us there,a Duncan said.

aDoubtful,a Zit replied. aI donat have that much power. Trelem is hurt, Barkum is missing and so is Odifas mind. All the others who can help us have been sent to the western borders to keep that army out of Longforest.a Odifas focus was still on the hammers. Her thoughts were foggy, but there was something they were missing. What did hammers mean? She got the impression that it didnat mean an army of any kind.

aAll right then, we ride,a Zodiac stated. aGlier, find out how many of the remaining elves can help us, as well as anyone else we can dig up.a aUm, Zodiac? What if I go look for Eric Redman?a Zit asked.

Odif sensed the unease that passed through the room. She only had a vague idea of who this man was. He was a specter that hung just out of reach--a mean, hard soul that lurked in the shadows. She also had the impression he was very important.

aWe canat waste time looking for someone who canat be found. Maybe Tayan will run across him in his travels,a Zodiac said.

aMaybe his father will find him,a Glier mused.

aThatas right!a Pynlee gasped, aIad forgotten Eric is Tayanas father.a Suddenly, the picture in Odifas mind changed. The ghost took on a hulking form. Tayanas father...her father. Her mind worked harder to see him. Her mother had told her he still lived. The picture of the red hammer came into focus.

aDaddy,a she breathed.

Her voice was soft but got everyoneas attention. They all watched her as she shifted one leg under herself. Her dad was lost--they needed him. She needed him. The missing piece of her life needed a face to go with the form. She rose on her own to find the greenish woman she now recognized as Kimmy in front of her.

aSit down and eat!a Kimmy barked.

Odif reached up and grabbed her by the shirt, pushing her to one side. aI have to find Dad,a she whispered.

Like a woman in a trance, she fixed her eyes on the door and started towards it. She wasnat listening as closely now, so she didnat catch Glieras comment or Friedaas snort. Her mind was on the hammers. Trelem had once told her she was natureas hammer. If that was true then she was the green and brown, and Tayan had to be the multicolored one. The last, the red one, was their father. All three of them would have to be at the city on the plains. Two hands could stop two hammers, but not three.

Suddenly, Zit was in front of her, holding a winged seed of ash in his hand. aOdif, your best chance is to go to Tolina. This is from a tree on Lady Salinthiaas estate. Go and find Jeni Redman--if anyone knows where he is, she does.a Gazing at him blankly, she took the ash seed and brushed past him. Everyone had their eyes on her as she walked as if entranced out the door. The room was so quiet Kimmyas soft voice seemed to boom.

aShould I follow her?a Zodiac shook his head. Sitting down, he blew out a tired breath. aWell, I wasnat counting on her, anyway.a Glier pointed to the door as he looked at Zit. aYou mean Odif and Tayan are related?a aBrother and sister.a Zit smirked.

aAnd they...lived together...all that time?a JoJo asked, eyes wide.

aYeah, great, isnat it?a Zit giggled.

Mother Frieda drew herself up and scowled at him. aThatas disgusting!a Zit shrugged. aThey didnat know. Tayan still doesnat. Weave been keeping it quiet--we figured news like that might send him over the edge.a aWho is we?a Zodiac asked harshly.

aJust me, Odif and her mother. Odif was going to tell him, but then Lucinthia died; so she wanted to wait until he was over that first,a Zit explained.

The only one relieved by this news was Scorpio. He knew that Odif loved Tayan on a deep level, and finding out she was his sister was a much better explanation than what he had imagined. He also knew Tayan was not getting over the death of his wife.

aShe might have a long wait,a he commented.

aProbably,a Zit agreed, aBut I think itas a good idea to let Odif tell him.a aThen we will,a Zodiac stated. aNow, back to business. First, we gather as many as we can then we start for the Circle of Spring. Duncan, prepare all the magic you can to help hide us as we travel the plains. Scorpio, youare in charge of arming the volunteers. Valeri, weall need supplies for everyone. Zit, find as many druids as you can to help us. Weall meet you at the Circle in two weeks. Shilo, fly to Elrad and let King Alderlan know whatas going on. Send him my greetings and tell him weall help however we can. Kimmy, youall stay here to make it happen. Everyone else, pack up and help recruit. We donat want just willing people but the willing and capable.a Standing up he clapped his hands once. aEat up and letas move--weave got an army to raise.a ***

Once Odif was in the woods her mind started to clear. Instead of just perceiving everything as incomprehensible objects, she began to see the trees and hear the chirping of birds. She found a small oak and knelt at its base. Saying her prayers as she had done every day of her life, she once again became aware of her environment. The glory of nature flowed through her being. The faint smells of the forest came to her, as did sounds and the sense of knowing what plants and animals were near. She felt the presence of everything from large trees to the worms in the ground under her knees. The death of that bit of forest in the north became a dim memory as she returned to being one with life. The isolation of being locked inside herself was burst open as the essence of life filled her. When she rose, she took a moment to close her eyes and breath in a long, slow breath, rejoicing in nature.

aOdif, are you all right?a She grinned--it was Scorpio behind her. She knew his presence as well as his smell.

aIam fine now.a The image of the hammers dominated her mind. She knew the one representing her would be stopped, and it wasnat lost on her what that meant. She had one last task to perform before she left. Turning around, she hugged him. He hugged her back with a flood of gentle emotions.

aThere is something I need you to do,a she whispered.

aAnything,a he replied as he stroked her hair.

aGo to the village down the road. Take the first side path to the right and go up to the top of the hill. There you will find a woman named Rayla. We made an agreement; I am asking you to keep it for me.a He hesitated for a second then spoke with conviction. aI will, if at all possible.a Pulling back, she gave him a kiss and gestured back towards the castle. aI want you to go see her now. I suspect my agreement will be to your liking.a Shifting in place, he asked, aEric, this red man, heas your father?a She nodded. aYes.a aAnd you are going to look for him.a aI will find him,a she corrected.

He cracked a grin. aI believe you will. After you do?a Moving her gaze to the castle for a second, she decided not to tell him what was after that. aThen weall see what happens next. Just take care of Rayla for me.a aWhat is she, an old lady?a aOne hundred-sixty-five, but she doesnat look bad for her age,a she finished with a shrug.

Scorpio chuckled then looked at her more intently. aThis isnat goodbye, is it?a aWe will see each other again,a she assured him. She didnat add that it would probably be in her goddessas gardens.

His face became more serious. aI'll miss you. Take care and come back as soon as you can.a aIall miss you, too.a Jerking a thumb over her shoulder, she said, aI really have to go now.a He found himself not wanting her to leave. It felt as if, once she was gone, head ever see her again. aI canat see you off?a She gave an exaggerated sigh. aYou are. Stop being sappy and go find Rayla.a aRight. See you later then.a If he didnat move soon, she was going to kick him in the ass to move him. aLater, now go!a He cracked a grin and waved as he left. She didnat watch him but got down to business. Dwelling on it would do nothing but make her as weepy as he was getting. At least she had placed him in good hands.

First things first--she needed a new staff. She found a suitable branch of oak; and after thanking her Goddess and the tree it came from, she broke it down to a rough six-foot length that still had knobs of smaller branch stubs on it. Most of the bark was gone; she picked at the remainder as she walked to a large ash. Standing at the tree, she held the seed Zit had given her and put her hands on the trunk. Concentrating on the tree and the seed, she whispered the words of travel. The treeas bark softened, and she felt the portal open. Stepping in, she was carried to the tree the seed had come from.

Scorpio stopped at the castle to find that many townsmen were volunteering to go on Zodiacas quest. Corralling a group of a couple hundred, he told them to pass the word to be outside the gates in the morning for training. Fifty he selected to start with right after he got back. With the daylight he had left, he didnat think he could screen many more than that.

With that done, he got a horse and rode to the village, looking for this woman Odif wanted him to watch out for.

It was a typical druid community. On either side of the road were the main rows of log-and-shingle huts, with a stone well in the center of the village. He found the path easily enough--the man he asked knew exactly where Rayla lived. A quick conversation told him that Rayla was the local healer and grew fine pears and apples for the village as well as for trade.

Going up the narrow path, he had to duck a few times under low-hanging branches. True to Odifas word, a hut sat at the edge of an orchard. A donkey grazed nearby its shed; the two-wheeled cart it pulled sat in the ruts that went into the orchard.

Dismounting, he tethered his horse to the cart and found a dark-haired elven woman washing clothes behind the hut. She looked young, even for an elf. The sleeves of her light blouse were pulled up, showing her flawless arms; her long skirt only showed her ankles and her bare feet.

aExcuse me, maaam, Iam looking for Rayla?a he asked.

The woman looked up. Worry crossed her youthful face. aIs someone hurt?a aNo,a he assured her. aI am here for Odif. She said she and Rayla had an agreement.a The womanas face brlghtened up in a wide smile. aOh, you are Scorpio!a Putting her wash down, she came over and hugged him. aYou are more handsome than she told me.a aThanks,a he said with a nervous grin. aIs Rayla here?a aSilly boy,a she grinned, slapping his arm. aI'm Rayla. Would you like to come inside and sit?a It was odd hearing her call him boy. The woman only came up to his chest; and with her thin frame and elven face, she looked like a child herself.

aIam kinda busy right now. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I came to fulfill Odifas agreement.a Shock replaced her smile. aRight now? I would think we should get to know each other first.a Okay, he was confused. aI donat understand.a aI take it she didnat explain our agreement.a She grinned.

aNo, maaam.a aWell,a she said in a drawl as she took his hand, aOdif explained to me you wanted to have children. I've been getting a strong urge for motherhood again. We talked about it and decided that when you and I were ready shead send you to be the father of our children.a Scorpioas jaw went slack. He couldnat believe what he heard. aI...umm.a aIt doesnat have to be this minute. Like I said, we should spend some time together first. She told me you were very good,a she finished with a wink.

aShe told you about...that?a he choked. Was nothing sacred?

Raylaas brow furrowed. aHey, be happy she thinks enough of you to brag. If Odif says youare good then you really must be.a In his mind, he saw Odif telling her about their most intimate encounters. Cheeks flushing with embarrassment, he mumbled, aI, umm, gotta go.a Looking at him like he was her son, she gave a sigh. aScorpio, I am a good person and will be a good mother. Why donat you do whatever it is you have to and give the idea time to settle. Weall talk about it in a couple days. Does that suit you?a He nodded blankly.

He got back on his horse and waved to her, still in shock at what this aagreementa was. By the time he was heading back down into the village, he still didnat know if he should be mad at Odif or not for finding a woman to bear his children. The only thing he knew was that he loved her more than ever for trying.

Returning to the castle, he found the gaggle of men waiting for him. Zit was to one side, organizing them into a line. Tethering his horse, he helped get them into loose ranks then started to see how many would be useful.

Starting at one end, Zit walked ahead of him, looking at each man. aBad knee,a he said, pointing to the first one. aToo old,a he said about the second. aYouare okay, but wrap up your left elbow,a he said to the third.

Going down the line, Zit eliminated every one who had something physically wrong with him. It amazed Scorpio that druids could just look at someone and know everything about them.

By the time Zit weeded out the group, they had thirty-two left. Scorpio took his turn, asking each what skills he had then for a quick demonstration. Being from a peaceful town, most only knew the bow for hunting. The smith in the group didnat know how to shoot a bow, but when Scorpio gave him a sword the man chopped a log in half with one swing. Two others couldnat do much of anything and were asked to stay for castle defense.

The next day his group swelled threefold as Zit and the others recruited and sent him the ones screened as suitable. All were eager for revenge and listened well. He formed them into teams of ten and ran them through drills as well as competitive runs around the castle.

The second day, Zodiac told him he had found healers for the teams. All were druids, which Scorpio had expected.

At mid-day, the number of teams swelled again to a total of thirty and the healers arrived. Scorpio was surprised to see Raylaas smiling face as she strode up to him. Her hair was fluffed up in tight curls, making her look very cute. The grayish-green shirt she wore hugged her small torso, and her brown shorts were tailored to accentuate her hips.

Reaching up to playfully pinch his chin, she said, aDonat worry, I'm going to take good care of you.a Chuckles peppered the crowd. Pretending he didnat hear, he told her, aI have to assign you to a team.a She frowned at him. aIam on your team, arenat I?a Afraid to hurt her feelings, he gave a half-nod. aYeah, but I havenat made my team yet.a aWell, weare the first.a she said triumphantly. Stepping back, she batted her eyes and asked in a sultry voice, aHow do you want me?a A chorus of aooohasa and a few more descriptive remarks came from the men around him this time. Ears burning, he glared at them.

aAll right, we have work to do!a The first exercise was a trip around the castle, so he had time to collect himself.

In the few days Zodiac had given them, Scorpio got the new men armed and trained well enough they could at least watch each otheras backs. Rayla spent as much time with him as he would allow, and he made sure he kept himself very busy. Despite her flirting, he found she was an outstanding healer and quickly picked up on the Companyas tactics.

By the time they mounted up, Zodiacas force was seven hundred-forty men, elves and druids led by the surviving members of the Company. The small army was not composed of the most seasoned warriors and only a few hundred had horses, but at least they were a start.

Chapter 7.

Amber walked down the street beside Sir Arlan, watchful of her surroundings. Unlike the neatly kept and safe streets of Paladnia, Spring Valleyas streets smelled of sewage and contained a variety of misfits ready to take her purse, or her life. The tall knight beside her made the scruffy-looking hoodlums shrink back into the doorways they peered from.

She knew the danger of this part of town and also knew that Tayanas horse had been sold at the inn they were heading towards. She didnat believe the stablemasteras story; Tayan would never leave town and not take his belongings. She only hoped the innkeeper would shed some light on what had really happened.

Sir Arlan pointed to a faded sign hanging in front of one of the weatherworn gray buildings. aThis is it.a The sign proclaiming that this was the Paradise Inn was strung up by frayed rope. Poorly drawn birds bracketed the name, and at one time must have had some color to them. The poverty of the neighborhood had drained away any brightness from the figures as it had from the buildings. As they approached, the door opened and spilled one poor wretch from inside. The man took a step towards them then thought better of it and walked off in the other direction.

Amber went to the door and waited for Sir Arlan to open it for her as he insisted on doing. She looked up at him as he laid a hand on her arm. He wore a serious face.

aThis time, I will enter first. Stay close behind me.a She gave a nod and followed him into the dark interior. They stayed by the door for a moment to let their eyes adjust to the dim light. As the shapes around the tables came into focus, Amber could see she and her escort were commanding attention. Every hostile set of eyes in the place was on them. Sir Arlan ignored the stares and wolfish grins at Amber and went for the unpainted bar. She kept a pace behind him, trying not to see the heads rotating to watch them as they moved.

The chubby, brown-haired man behind the bar was as unkempt as the rest of the place. His shirt--Amber guessed it was once white--was mottled with stains. He moved his bulk to stand directly across the bar from Sir Arlan. When he shook his head, his jowls wiggled.

aHead back out, mister, we donat serve your kind here.a Sir Arlan looked down his nose. aWe did not come for drink. We need information.a aWhatever you want, you ainat gonna find it here.a Waving a fleshy arm at the door, he said, aYou best leave before thereas trouble.a Amber stepped up to the bar and put on her best smile. aIf we could have just one moment, please.a The man eyed her as if trying to see through her clothes. aMissy, the only way youall get a moment is to get on the bar and take off that robe,a he said, which caused laughter and catcalls from around them.

Sir Arlan sucked in a sharp breath as his hand went to the pommel of his sword. Before he could make matters worse, Amber acted. She grabbed the barkeepas middle finger and twisted back as she pulled him to her. He gave a grunt of surprise then pain as he looked up at her fearfully.

Still speaking pleasantly, Amber said, aSir, I am very willing to remove any part of your body necessary to get the information I seek. Do you understand?a He gave a slight nod. aYesam.a aDo you know where Lord Tayan is?a He glanced at his tortured finger. aNo, maaam, never heard of him.a She leaned closer, putting enough pressure on his finger to make him grimace. aThere was a horse sold here two days ago, a dapple-gray with a saddle and pack. Who sold it?a The man shook his jowls. aDunno, maaam, I didnat have nothina to do with it.a Amber noted his other hand reaching for something under the bar. Sir Arlan noticed, too; he drew his sword and laid it over the back of the manas neck.

The man stiffened. aIam tellina ya, I donat know nothina!a She tugged a little harder. aMaybe pulling this off will help you remember?a aI donat know nothina!a he cried.

A strong voice called out, aLet him go!a Amber turned to see a stout man with dark hair standing with his hands on his hips. His hard eyes and leathery face told of one who had fought in more than barroom brawls. To each side of him were men holding crossbows on them. Sir Arlan stepped in front of her, his shield raised. She didnat want to fight in a room full of hostile men, but Sir Arlanas pose told her it was imminent.

aNo!a she barked, aFighting will not help us find Tayan!a aTayan?a the dark-haired man asked. aTayan of Elrad?a Amber released the barkeepas finger and moved around Sir Arlan. aYes, do you know where he is?a The man eyed her cautiously. aWhy are you looking for him?a She walked towards him as she spoke, unmindful of the weapons trained on her. aHe came this way a few days ago. We found his horse at the stables back by the main road; the man there said he had left them. I need to find him.a The man raised his arms and motioned for the other men to lower their bows. aYou still havenat told me why.a She tried to think of how to put her explanation, not knowing whom she could trust. aWe got split up, and Lord Tayan arrived here before I did. I have information he needs, and I know he will be very upset to learn you didnat help me.a Crossing his arms over his chest, the man scratched his chin. aYou say you know him--describe him to me.a Sir Arlan stepped up beside Amber. aDo you doubt the word of a Sister of the cloth?a The man gave him a casual glance. aAnd you are?a aSir Arlan Gateman of Paladnia. This is Sister Amber Tanner of Capetown.a The man gave a slight bow. aYou may call me Nathaniel.a Waving an arm as if to impress them, he said, aI have traveled with Lord Tayan and helped save him as well as the elf king from vlaks. Now, Sister, if you would describe him to me, maybe I can help.a Although she thought it was foolish, she gave him the description he asked for. He listened intently then gave an approving nod.

aThatas him,a he agreed. His eyes swept the room. aThis is not a good place to talk. Youare staying at the church, correct?a aYes, but Iam trying to find out whatas happened to Tayan,a she insisted.

Nathaniel shook his head. Waving at her robes, he said, aYou arenat going to find out anything. Go back to the church; Iall come see you when I know something.a aWe are to trust you?a Sir Arlan asked, making it plain there was no way he was going to do anything of the kind..

Crossing his arms over his chest, Nathaniel stared him down. aLook, tin man, I have my reasons for wanting to find Tayan alive and well. A very important friend of mine will be highly upset if he finds out I let anything happen to him.a aWho might that be?a Sir Arlan demanded.

aThe Red Man.a Sir Arlan threw his head back and laughed. aThe Red Man? Heas a myth, a spook story! Heas a phantom made up by coachmen to keep the bandits away.a Nathanielas face turned dark. aHeas real, whether you believe in him or not.a aReal, huh?a the knight asked with a raised eyebrow. aYouare telling me there is a man who can fight his way though an army of hoarcs, drive away pilgyns and kill vlaks all by himself?a aI was there--were you?a Amber had heard these things but never believed them. Still, the manas words did have a ring of truth to them. The men at the Roadhouse Inn had said they wouldnat take her any farther because the Red Man had warned them not to. By the looks on their faces, they were scared to death of him. She then remembered what he said about being with Tayan and King Alderlan.

aYou were with the kingas caravan when it was attacked?a Shifting his gaze to her, he nodded. aThatas right. I was part of the bloodiest ambush of all time. Out of four hundred, we had nine men left when it was over. If it wasnat for Eric I doubt any of us would have lived.a Thinking back, Amber connected the name with the person that elven woman was looking for. aEric...Redman, thatas his name?a aHe is not real,a Sir Arlan stated. Turning to Amber, he said, aWe should be on our way--weave no time for fairy tales.a aHe is real, but you should be going,a Nathaniel advised her. aI'll visit you when I have something.a Amber didnat want to leave; she had a dozen questions for him. This man was at the ambush where Tayanas wife died. If anyone knew what had happened, it was him. Shrugging off Sir Arlanas hand as he tried to steer her away, she asked, aWhat happened to Princess Lucinthia, and why does Tayan hate this bag so much?a Yanking the bag out of her robe, she showed it to Nathaniel. He looked at it as if remembering something.

aWhere did you get that?a In a rush, she told him, aTayan gave it to me. As I understand, he was put in it to keep him alive until help came. Who put him in there, who is this Eric Redman and what happened to Tayanas wife?a Nathaniel looked at her for a moment. aI donat know what happened to the princess. We came around and she...was dead. Thatas all I can say.a aAnd Tayan?a Pointing to the bag, he said, aEric put him in there, thatas all I can tell you. Now you had better go.a She could see in his face he knew more than he had told her. She was about challenge him when Sir Arlan grabbed her more firmly by the elbow.

aWe are leaving, Sister.a Thinking about it, she decided maybe he was right. This man wasnat going to say anything else in front of these people. To prolong their stay was not going to do any good. To Nathaniel, she said, aInform me as soon as you find anything.a In her heart she knew he could find out more than they could. Still, it was aggravating to have to sit and wait for news. Turning abruptly, she led the way out. As they neared the door, two men stood to block their way, one brandishing a knife. Not breaking stride, she kicked the knife away then dropped low to punch the other man in the groin. Before they could react, she spun quickly and her heel came up to smash the knife-wielderas nose. The wounded men fell to the floor, grabbing their injuries and moaning. Three others who had looked like they were about to join the mugging backed off.

Sir Arlan gaped at her as she straightened up and glared at Nathaniel. aI give you three days.a With a stiff arm, she shoved the door open and walked out into the bright sunlight.

Outside, Sir Arlan caught up to her as she strode down the street.

aSister, where did you ever learn to do...that!a the stunned knight asked.

She kept her eyes straight ahead as she told him, aI trained with Lord Zodiacas Company. Every woman needs to know how to defend herself.a She passed some of the waiting time at the church praying. She paid penance for her actions against the two men by taking on the scrubbing and washing chores. Although the priest and the other brethren outwardly showed disapproval at a Sisteras beating up common street thugs, she did hear whispers of pride behind her back. Some were calling her the afighting priestess.a She also noted there were many who also suddenly had penance to pay, easing her chores. The second night after dinner it seemed everyone had to wash their own dishes and help clean the chapel.

The second night was also when she got a visit from Nathaniel. She was taking out wet robes to dry on the clothesline when she saw someone slip from the shadows. Not knowing who it was, she dropped the robes on a nearby barrel and went into a fighting stance.

The dark figure held up his arms. aWhoa, Sister, I donat have a knife and I like my nose square on my face.a He took another step towards her, and she recognized him. aI didnat want to be seen coming here, and I was sure you would appreciate some discretion.a aYou have news?a she asked, standing upright.

aYes, and not very good news, Iam afraid. Martin Toma, the man currently calling himself duke, has Lord Tayan. He is being paid a kingas ransom to ship him off, unharmed.a aWhoas paying him, the elves?a Nathaniel chuckled. aI donat think so. What I do know is heas working for someone to the north, somewhere on the plains. It must be important--I heard Tayan killed twelve of his men, and he still ordered no harm to come to him.a Amberas heart sank. The plains. That was where Zodiac wanted to attack.

aWhere is he? How can we free him?a aHeas in Tomaas castle northeast of town. As far as freeing him, we canat. Toma has five hundred men and a well-fortified castle. The best thing I can tell you is to find Eric. Heas the only one I know of that has a chance at getting through.a Amber was tired of hearing about that man. aHeas not here, we are!a she snapped. aThere must be some way to get inside!a Nathaniel shrugged. aI donat plan on dying for a hopeless cause, and you sure donat look like the harem girl type.a aWhat are you talking about?a aOne of Tomaas men was at the Paradise Inn. He said Toma has women guarding Tayan now. It seems he wonat kill women when they bring him food.a Her mind worked quickly. This was a chance. If she could only get in to guard Tayan, she could rescue him. aHow does he pick these women?a Nathaniel nervously rubbed his cheek. aI, uh, donat think you could do it. He uses harem women wearing nothing but see-through silks. They have other...duties besides guarding. I donat think you could pull it off.a Amber flushed at the idea. He was right, she couldnat possibly walk around virtually naked; and she shuddered to think of what those aother dutiesa entailed.