Her satchels and pockets were soon bulging with strawberries, apples, blackberries, and raspberries.  Glancing up at the sun, she decided it was time to head home and empty her pockets.  Her father would be home soon and then her parents would come to help her gather fruit.

 

 Her mouth began to water as she pictured all the jams, jellies, and other treats she would help her mother make.  Breaking into a trot, she laughed as a butterfly tried to keep pace with her.  She spotted some wild purple snapdragons and paused to gather a bouquet for her mother.  Resuming her journey home, she tried to guess what mother would have prepared for lunch.  A scream broke her out of the daydream and she froze at the sound.

 

 The scream repeated, laced with fear and anger, and she recognized her mother's voice.  A pillar of black smoke was rising from the trees ahead and she felt her heart lurch.  "Mother!" she yelled dashing forward in fear.  "Moth-Urk?!?"

 

 A pair of strong arms darted out of a bush and jerked her to the side.  One hand covered her mouth as she was dragged into the brush while the other pinned her arms to her sides.  She tried to struggle and the arm tightened.

 "Shh!" a voice cautioned and she stilled in fear.

 

 Just then two men in guard uniforms came running up the path, wielding bloody swords.  Their outfits were torn and ripped, as though from a fight and soot dusted their faces.

 

 "Where is she?" one asked the other. "We can't let the girl get away.  The king wants them all dead."

 

 "I know that," the other snapped.  "But how long do you think she'll last with that price on her head?  And she's only a child.  Even if we don't find her, she won't last long."

 

 "Heh," the first guard sneered.  "You're right.  Let's go."

 

 Tears had sprung to the girl's eyes as soon as she'd seen the bloody swords and the symbol of the king on the tunics.  She knew her parents were dead.  The king had been growing increasingly paranoid about her family and had finally made his move.  Just as the guard had said, she was a good as dead.  She sobbed silently as she listened to the guards leave, knowing her end would be coming soon.

 

 Her capturer began to pull her through the forest, but she didn't care.  She glanced up as they entered a clearing and she recognized the cabin of her family's good friends, The Sprinter's.  Charlene came outside carrying her bow and waved them inside, then quickly shut the door.

 

 "Well?" she asked as she looked outside the window.

 

 "I was too late," the man answered.  He gently pushed Tonya into a chair and she recognized Frank, Charlene's husband.  "He was dead already and she was mortally wounded.  I barely managed to find her before the guards came."

 

 "So now what do we do?" Charlene asked.  "She can't stay here or she'll be killed."

 

 "We're going to try to get her on a boat," Frank answered as he began to dig through the storage pantry.  "Her grandmother lives on the main land and hopefully she'll take her in."  He pulled a canvas wrapped bundle from its hiding place.  "Even if she doesn't, Tonya can take care of herself if she doesn't have the king's army after her."

 

 He handed the bundle to the girl who was now just staring at the wall.  Tonya looked at the bundle in her lap, then up at the couple.  "Your father wanted you to have this.  He was going to give it to you for your birthday," Charlene said.

 

 Tonya opened the package slowly and carefully withdrew the crimson hooded cloak from its wrapping.  "A fire fox cloak," she said awed at the gift.  She had known she would get one someday, but hadn't expected it for many years.

 

 "Put it on," Frank said softly.

 

 She stood, removed her dark cloak, and put on the new one.  It was lightweight and she marveled at the texture of the fabric.   The red wasn't her favorite color, but she knew that at a later date, she would be able to change the color.  Wearing this cloak, she knew that she could survive this and any threat that came her way.  Reaching into one of the large pockets in the cloak, she closed her eyes and concentrated.  A smile lit her eyes as she pulled out a long sausage.  It was much too long to have been in the pocket, but it demonstrated the basic power of the cloak.

 

 A normal person could put on a fire fox cloak, and it would just be a cloak, although more rare and more expensive than most.  But if a person with a connection to magic wore one, the cloak's true nature could be revealed.  In addition to producing all the needs and desires of its wearer from its pockets, the cloak would protect against both magic and physical attacks.  The stronger the magic of the wearer, the stronger the cloak's powers would be.

 

 Fire fox cloaks were never given lightly, as they commanded great discipline to be used properly.  Many a person had met their doom by misusing the powers of the cloak.  If the makers of the cloaks, the fire foxes, thought their wares could be even slightly misused, they would refuse to part with them.  The intense screening process coupled with the danger of getting to the volcanic island the foxes called home made the cloaks even more valuable.

 

- - - - - - - -

 

 Tonya stood at the stern of the ship, her dark outer cloak pulled close around her.  The island that had been her home her entire life was barely a line on the western horizon now.  Finding a ship hadn't been easy and in the end they were forced to choose the most ill reputed boat at the docks.

 

 The Falcon was an old ship, ancient suited it better, and the captain was supposedly a smuggler.  Tonya had crossed his palm with a large amount of silver before he had agreed to take her aboard the ship.  He had warned her there were no refunds and if she decided at the last second not to come, he would keep the money.  She knew she had disappointed Captain Solo by not screaming, fainting, or running at the sight of the first mate.  The shaggy Wookie looked fierce, but Tonya knew that Chewbacca would be friendly unless he got mad.

 

 Half the night had passed already, and she would spend at least two more upon this rickety looking boat.  In truth, the ship just looked rickety due to a spell the captain had won off a wizard.  It was incredibly fast and could out run any ship in the water if need be, but the captain preferred subterfuge.

 

 "Are you going to stand there the entire trip?" Captain Solo asked as he came up behind her.  "If you're looking for a great view, you should try the bow.  Besides, the figure head stands at the bow not the stern."

 

 Tonya didn't answer him immediately, just kept looking back towards her former home.  "Tomorrow," she said softly.  "Tonight is for reflection.  Tomorrow will be for the future."

 

 "There's a bed in the hold for you," the Captain said, then left her to her thoughts.

- - - -- -

 

 "Is that it?" Tonya asked, her eyes wide.  "It's huge!"

 

 The Captain and Chewbacca laughed at her expression of shocked wonder.  "That is the mainland," the Captain said.  "We'll be docked in two hours."

 

 She spent the next two hours up in the crow's nest staring at the land.  Every now and then she would shout out her observations to the captain who answered her questions with the patience of a father.  Finally they docked the ship and Tonya skipped down the ramp.  The captain and first mate pointed her to the inn and she paid them the rest of the money she owned them.

 

 Tonya entered the inn and looked around.  It was actually more of a tavern because it had a huge bar on the first floor.  She hesitated, then approached the bar, trying to look like she knew what she was doing.  Her hand gripped the hilt of her short sword as she pushed between a couple of burly, tattooed sailors.

 

 "Excuse me!" she called to the barkeeper.

"What can I get for ya?" he drawled as he lumbered over to her.  He eyed her curiously, noting she was much to young to be there alone.

 

 "I...I'm looking for someone," she said drawing herself up to her full height.  "I need directions to Lady Minerva Phoenix-Tail's house."

 

 "What do you want with her?" the bartender asked grinning.  "How bad do you want to know?"

 

 "My reasons are my own," she answered sharply looking him directly in the eye.  "I am willing to pay handsomely for this information."

 

 The bartender laughed and she eyed him, startled by his outburst.  "Relax, little girl.  I'll tell you with out lightening your purse too much," he smirked as he said this.  "Shall we say three gold galleons?"

 

 She nodded.  "But you tell me first, then I'll pay you," she said.

 

 "You don't trust me.  Smart girl," he said.  "You just go straight down this street and follow it clear to the end of town.  Follow it left at the fork and head into the forest.  At the second fork in the forest, turn right and just go till you see her house.  It's the only one on that path.  An old ash tree shades the fork you want."

 

 "Thank you," Tonya said bowing slightly.  She withdrew her hand from the cloak and dropped three golden galleons and a silver shickle onto the bar.

 

 Turning to go, she was well aware of all the eyes watching her, but pretended not to care.  The sound of stools scraping informed her that she was being followed, but didn't acknowledge it.  Walking out into the street, she turned and began to walk toward the end of town.

 

 "Where ya going, sweetheart?" a rough voice asked as a hand caught her shoulder.

 

 Tonya stopped and turned to face the six sailors who were following her.  They were all leering at her and the one who had stopped her, didn't remove his hand from her shoulder.  Each man stood a good six inches taller than her, were well muscled, heavily tattooed, and bore scars from the many fights they'd been in.

 

 "We haven't had a chance to show you around the town yet," another of the men said sneering.

 

 "Maybe some other time," Tonya replied carefully, her knuckles white as she gripped her sword.

 

 The men laughed as though she'd said something incredibly funny.  The man squeezed her shoulder hard, but she didn't flinch.  "You don't have a choice," he hissed as he leaned closer.

 

"I believe the young woman said she did not want to dally with you," a voice to the right said.  It was deeper, more refined, accented, and held the air of command to it.

 

Tonya and the men looked at the intruder in surprise.  He was taller than the sailors and dressed in a long black cloak.  The cloak hid his entire body, including his face, from view.  Only his bright golden eyes could be seen as they glared at the ruffians.

 

"Oh?  And what you gonna do 'bout it?" one of the men sneered.

 

"Maybe you should worry less about him and more about us."  Tonya recognized Captain Solo's voice and smirked.

 

"Boys, take care of these idiots," the leader said.  "I'll take our 'guest' back to the ship."

 

The men attacked the three outsiders and a huge fight broke out.  People came to the windows of the tavern and began betting on the outcome.  Though the fight was fairly evenly matched, but the rescuers were definitely on the winning side.

 

Suddenly there was a high-pitched scream of pain and the combatants froze.  Turning slowly and keeping an eye on their opponents, they looked towards the source.  The leader of the gang was kneeling in the dust, face twisted with pain, gripping his obviously brokenly arm.  Tonya stood there, her face emotionless as she held her blade to his throat.

 

"Back off," she commanded.  "Or I'll kill him."

 

The gang members looked at each other then moved away from the other men.  "Now take your leader and leave us alone," she growled as she sheathed her sword and shoved the man forward.

 

His men hurried to pick him up and get him away from her.  One of the men pulled his dagger and slashed at the girl.  The blade flashed but never connected with flesh.  The man stared in shock at the broken blade in the dirt, the hilt in his hand, then the girl and her sword.  Silently, they turned tail and ran.

 

Captain Solo cleared his throat then rubbed the back of his head.  "Well," he started.  "I guess you didn't need our help after all."

 

"If you hadn't intervened," she replied, "I may have needed to kill one of them and I didn't want to do that."

 

The wookie said something to the cloaked man in another language and they began to discuss something.  They talked for several minutes before turning back to the Captain and Tonya.

 

"I am leaving town soon," the cloaked figure said.  "I will accompany you as far as the ash tree marking the fork you need to take to reach Lady Phoenix-Tail's home.  Two travelers present a less vulnerable target than a lone girl walking into the woods."

 

Tonya blinked, quite startled by the offer.  She looked at the wookie uncertainly and he nodded.  "Well...okay," she said slowly.  "When do we leave?"

 

The cloaked figure looked in the direction the thugs had fled.  "As soon as possible.  Your new 'friends' may decide to come back if we wait."

"I'm ready to leave now, if you are," Tonya answered.  He nodded and they headed out of town.

 

- - - -- - - - -

 

The girl relaxed back against the trunk of the tree, feeling quite secure despite the fact she was a good 15 feet off the ground.  Nestled in a fork between three limbs, she was very comfortable as she arranged her cloaks around her.  The cloaked man had been concerned about werewolves and highwaymen attacking in the night, therefore decided the trees would be safer.  She could see his form resting amid the branches of the tree across from her and wondered if he was asleep yet.  Yawning, she closed her eyes and slept peacefully.

 

- - - - - -

 

The sun peeked over the hills, casting a rosy glow over the forest.  Stirring, the cloaked figure opened his eyes and slowly looked around, surveying for danger.  His gaze lingered on the girl in the tree opposite his.  She was very hesitant to discuss her background or her life in general.  He realized with a start her had yet to even find out her name!

 

 The girl was a mystery; a beautiful, young, vibrant mystery that he wished he had longer to discover and explore her secrets.  In two days they would be at the fork and he would probable never see her again.  Right now she looked like an angel, sleeping peacefully with her cloaks draped around her like wings.

 

 Stop it! he told himself angrily.  By the Goddess!  You can't afford to fall in love with a human.  It wouldn't be fair to her.  Sadness filled his gaze.  Or yourself.  He shook his head, then dropped from the tree, landing lightly on his feet.

 

 He heard her stir and glanced up at her tree startled to see a pair of sleepy green eyes watching him.  Never in his life had he seen a pair of eyes so deep and green, like a pair of living emeralds.  He froze, feeling himself becoming lost in that innocent gaze.

 

 "Something wrong?" she asked rubbing a hand over her eyes, breaking the spell.

 

 He started slightly and looked away, glad his hood would hide his burning cheeks.  "No, but we should soon resume our journey."

 

 "Oh."  She yawned.  "Okay."  Tonya dropped to the ground gracefully and stretched.  They began to walk down the trail silently.  Pulling an apple from her pocket, she offered it to her companion.

 

 "Thank you,...umm..." he paused.  "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of your name."

 

 Tonya pulled another apple from her pocket and studied the skin intently as they moved.  "Tonya," she said after a long moment.

 

 "Tonya.  That's a nice name.  Very lovely," he said with a nod.

 

 "Thank you." She glanced at him.  "What's yours?"

 

  He mentally smacked himself, as he realized why he hadn't asked her before.  "My name is unimportant," he said shortly and picked up his pace so that Tonya had to trot to keep up with him.

 

 "Unimportant?" she asked curiously.  "That's an unusual name.  Is it a common name here on the mainland?"

 

 He slowed and turned to look at her.  She was smiling, trying to look innocent, as he glared at her.  Snorting, he turned and continued down the path, though he did slow his pace.

 

 "Would you mind if I gave you another name?" Tonya asked still grinning.  "I'm not fond of Unimportant."

 

- - - - - - - -

 

"Shadow!" Tonya said suddenly, snapping her fingers.

 

 "What?" he asked confused.

 

 "I'm going to call you Shadow," she said grinning.  "Cause you wear all black."

 

 He looked at her without breaking his stride.  "Shadow, hmm?" He considered it a moment, noticing the hopeful look on her face.  "I guess I could live with that."

 

 "Yay!" she cheered jumping into the air.  Tonya glomped him for a moment, before pulling back looking slightly ashamed of her behavior.

 

 They resumed walking in silence, each occupied with their own thoughts, occasionally stealing sidelong glances at each other.  Shadow was having trouble believing that she had actually hugged him.  He could still feel the warmth of her arms wrapped around him and was quite taken aback by her affection.  It had been a long time since someone had shown him that much affection, and he had almost forgotten how it felt.

 

 Tonya on the other hand felt like an idiot.  She couldn't believe she had gotten so excited about such a simple thing.  And why was she so comfortable around this man?  She felt completely at ease with him, but she barely knew him.

 

 The day was starting to get fairly warm as the sun passed directly overhead.  Tonya began to pant slightly, than undid her black cloak.  Shadow glanced at her as she took it off then stared in surprise.

 

 "A fire fox cloak," he said surprise coloring his voice.

 

 Tonya looked at him shyly.  "Yes."

 

 "How long have you had it?" he asked though he could already guess.

 

 "About a week," she added slowly.

 

 Shadow nodded, pleased that he was correct.  "How old are you?" he asked.

 

 Tonya hesitated.  "Old enough," she answered defensively, looking him in the eye.  His gaze didn't falter and Tonya dropped her head, looking away.  "I'll be 17 in two weeks," she mumbled.

 

 Shadow was startled by this revelation; he had thought her young, but not that young.  "You must have had an excellent master to be given a cloak so young," he said quite impressed.  "Who did you study under or are you still apprenticing?"

 

 The girl was silent for several minutes and Shadow sensed he had stumbled onto a sensitive subject.  "My parents trained me," she finally said.  He couldn't see her face because of the hood of her cloak, but her voice was strained.  "They died recently," she added softly and he heard her voice break with emotion as she stopped.

 

 "I'm sorry," he said, sympathy filling his eyes.

 

 Slowly, he reached over and put an arm around her shoulders.  Something inside her broke and she turned to him, eyes shining with tears.  She fell into his arms, sobbing against his chest.  He held her tightly, murmuring soothingly as her emotions ran their course.  Shadow's eyes flicked up occasionally to survey their surroundings for danger.

 

 They stood there for a few moments after her tears had subsided, neither wishing to lose the moment.  Shadow hugged her tighter for a second, then took a step back to look at her.

 

 "Come on, Red," he said softly.  "We'll never get to Lady Phoenix-Tail's just standing here."

 

 Tonya nodded and wiped her eyes.  He slipped an arm around her shoulders again, offering silent comfort.  They walked in a comfortable silence for several minutes before she suddenly straightened and looked at him.

 

 "Red?" she asked softly as her fingers touched her cloak.  He nodded, his eyes conveying his smile.  She smiled back, pleased with her new name, and he felt the walls around his heart begin to crack even more.

 

- - - - -

 

 "There's the ash tree," Shadow said pointing to a tree far down the path.  He mentally smacked himself as he realized it was still too far away for a human to see it.

 

 "Oh," she said, then cocked her head.  "What are those strings hanging from it?"

 

 Shadow looked at the girl, then at the tree.  "Charms and warding spells," he answered.  "Lady Phoenix-Tail makes them and hangs them here for travelers.  They are quite powerful.  Weary travelers can rest under its spreading branches."  He gestured higher up into the tree.  "Those are permanent, but the lower ones can be removed and taken with you.  It is said that they can even protect you when you are unaware of your danger."

 

 "She sounds like a very powerful person to make such powerful objects," Tonya said, beginging to look worried.

 

 "She is," Shadow answered.  "But she is very kind as well.  Many people come to her for help with illnesses and crop problems."

 

 Tonya smiled wondering if it was a common family trait.  Her father was legendary for bringing crops, animals, and people back from the brink of death.  Mother's specialty was herbs and foods, and together they had saved the people on the island several times.

 

 They reached the tree as the sun began to sink below the horizon.  Both looked down the path leading to Lady Phoenix-Tail's house.  Tonya shivered as a terrible sense of foreboding filled her.

 

 "We should stay here tonight," Shadow said.  "It is still an hour's walk to her house."

 

 "Ok."  Tonya studied the tree and the ground beneath it.  "Should we climb it?"

 

 Shadow chuckled and shook his head.  "We can sleep on the ground tonight," he said indicating the fire ring.  "Why don't you relax and I'll gather some wood."

 

- - - - - -

 

 The morning sun peeked over the hills, filling the forest with its cheery rays.  Shadow woke slowly, aware of a warm presence sleeping against his side.  Her black cloak had reappeared and covered them both like a blanket.  She awoke as he shifted and blinked at him for a second, trapping him again with her kittenish gaze.

 

 "Morning already?" she asked and yawned, breaking eye contact.

 

 "Yeah," he answered carefully detangling himself from her side.

 

She stood and put on the black cloak over the red one.  Tonya looked down the path, dread filling her again.  "I guess I should be going then," she said glancing at him.

 

 "Probably," he agreed.

 

 They stood there, neither really wanting to say goodbye.  Tonya took a deep breath, then extended her hand.

 

 "Thank you for escorting me this far," she said.  "I'm going to miss you."

 

 "It was no trouble," he answered taking her hand and kissing the back.  "I hope you learn a lot from her."

 

 "Godspeed on your journey and may you stay safe," she said formally, stepping back.

 

 "May the Goddess watch over you and keep you from harm," he replied with equal formality.

 

 Both turned and started their separate ways.  Shadow paused and watched her go, but she never looked back.  Sighing, he continued on his way.

 

- - - - - - -

 

Straightening her clothes and wiping the dust from her face, Tonya tried to make herself presentable.  She admired the beautiful house; it was just as her father had described it.  Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she wondered if her grandmother would even remember her.  The girl had been about two the first and last time she has met her grandmother, and Tonya was fairly sure she looked quite different now.

 

 Steeling herself, Tonya knocked on the door and waited.  Her mind began to wander as the minutes ticked by.  She raised her hand to knock again when the door suddenly jerked open.  Tonya jumped slightly and stared at the old woman before her in shock.

 

 Wiry white hair was flattened under a rusty brown kerchief, but it still looked as wild as the wind.  Her cold, coal black eyes were slightly sunken in their sockets and her face was horribly wrinkled.  The simple dress she wore was black and spider webs clung to various places on the fabric.  Her frame was thin, almost skeletal, and her nose looked almost as sharp as her fingernails.

 "What do you want?" the old woman rasped out, glaring at her. 

 

 It took Tonya a couple of tries to get her voice to work and she swallowed hard.  "Lady Phoenix-Tail?" she asked

 

 "That's my name," the woman answered curtly.

 

 "I'm your granddaughter, Tonya." The woman looked and her blankly.  "From the island?"

 

 Suddenly the old lady brightened.  "Oh yes," she said and smiled, revealing brown and green crooked teeth.  "Now I remember.  Do come in dear.  It's chilly outside."  She pulled the girl into the house and shut the door.  "Now my child, let's get you something to eat.  You're nothing but skin and bones," Phoenix-Tail said as she led Tonya deeper into the house.

 

 It looked like the interior hadn't been cleaned in a month and a faint odor seemed to permeate the air.  Tonya sniffed trying to place it, but it danced just out of reached of her memory.  The scent was stronger in the massive kitchen and Tonya began to feel slightly ill.  Huge pots boiled and simmered on the stove and various cuts of meat hung from the rafters.  Fear began to pool in her stomach as the sense that something wasn't quite right grew.

 

 "Oh, darn," Phoenix-Tail sighed.  "The fire's going out in the oven.  Would you be a dear and add some more wood while I prepare some lunch."

 

 "Umm, okay," Tonya answered and picked up some wood.  She opened the oven door and started to bend to put it in when a cold shiver slid down her spine.  She stood up and turned quickly to see her grandmother standing behind her.  "Hi," she said for lack of anything better.  "Do you need something, grandma?" Tonya asked.

 

 Her uneasiness increased as her grandma smiled at her.  The smile didn't reach the woman's eyes so it looked like she was baring her teeth.  It didn't help matters when Phoenix-Tail eyed her like a prime cut of beef and licked her lips.  Suddenly Tonya realized what the odor was; blood.  Human blood.  Her eyes flickered towards the 'meat' hanging above their heads.

 

 Disgust, anger, and revolution filled her, momentarily burying her fear.  "You're not my grandmother," Tonya said angrily.  "Who are you?  What have you done with her?"

 

 The hag cackled unpleasantly.  "So you figured it out so quickly?  Pity...I was looking forward to an easy meal," she said.  "I am called Chem Mystery.  And I shall eat you alive!"  The hag lunged at her, the nails on her hands lengthening for the kill.

 

 Tonya dodged and dove across the table, scattering utensils, meat, and pots.  She ran for the front door, but a hex caught her in the back, knocking her to the floor.  Pulling her fire fox cloak tighter around her, she closed her eyes and prayed to the Goddess for help as the black cloak burned to ash.

 

 The witch screeched in anger at the sight of the second cloak and began to hurl more hexes at the obstacle.  Tonya trembled in fear wishing she had just stayed with Shadow.  She heard a window break and the rain of curses suddenly stopped.  The witch started yelling obscenities at someone or something, but Tonya didn't dare to raise her head to find out whom.

 

 The intruder growled, then all hell broke loose around her.  She thought she heard the words wolf and half-breed, but couldn't be sure.  Suddenly there was a piercing shriek and the house went silent.  Tonya wanted to run, but was too terrified to move lest the unknown intruder was waiting to attack.

 

 She heard footsteps coming back and she tensed again.  The footsteps paused, then rushed forward.  Something grabbed her around the waist, drug her to her feet and along with the unknown person.  The door was kicked open and she was half carried/half dragged outside and down the path.

"Put me down!" she squeaked struggling to get free. 

 

 Her captor paused for half a second to set her on her feet before latching on to her arm and forcing her to run down the path.  He was tall with long black hair, and appeared quite well built.  His tunic was tattering and patched, and his legging were stained.

 

 In no time at all they had reached the ash tree and he pulled her under its spreading branches, pushing her against the tree.  Both were panting and the man looked down the path as though expecting something.  Suddenly a horrible shrieking wail filled the air as a luminance blue fog flew down the path.  It slammed against an invisible wall that surrounded the tree.  The fog howled around the tree and the man moved to stand in front in Tonya.  The mist condensed into the shape of the horrible old hag.

 

 "Damn you!" she howled at the couple clawing at the wall.  "Damn you!" she shrieked again in rage and whirled around the tree.  "A curse on you!  A curse on both of you!" the hag hissed.  "Any human that you give your heart too shall die a most horrible death!"  The fog glowed green then exploded.  The air slowly cleared and the man sank to the ground.

 

 Tonya dropped to her knees and put a hand on his shoulder.  "Thank you," she said.

 

 The man looked at her for a minute then shrugged off her hand.  He stood gracefully and looked down at her, his face impassive.  "Don't thank me," he said shortly.  "I only saved you because I prefer to make my own kills."

 

 "I see," she said standing effortlessly, but still had to look up to look him in the eye.  "So now what?"

 

 "Now we go back to my den for dinner," he said and started to walk away.  "Oh and be my guest to run.  I enjoy the chase."

 

 "May I ask the name of my chef?" she asked sweetly, following him.

 

 "Swift paw.  Alec Swift paw."

 

- - - - - - -

 

"You seem quite comfortable for a girl who's going to be dinner," Alec observed as they walked.  Tonya smirked to herself and he raised and eyebrow.  "What?"

 

 "You're not going to eat me," Tonya answered simply.

 

 "And how do you figure that?"

 

 "Well, first, if you intended to harm me, you would have never been able to move me from the house," she said.  "Second, if what I was told was true, you couldn't have been under the tree with me if you intended to eat me."  Tonya turned to face him, walking backwards.  "And finally a werewolf never reveals the location of his den to a victim, just in case their ghost comes back for revenge."

 

 Alec just looked at her for a minute.  "So then...why are you still here?"

 

 Tonya shrugged.  "A friend warned me about walking in these woods alone," she answered.  "And you're going the same way I want to go, so I might  as well stay with you."  She pulled some berries from her cloak.  "And maybe I can find a way to repay you for saving my life."

- - - - - - 

 The werewolf moved at a much faster pace then her last companion had, but the girl had no problem keeping up.  As they walked, she asked him about himself, wondering why he was all alone instead of with a pack. 

 

 Alec had been silent for a while before confessing he was only half werewolf.  His mother had dallied with an elven man before ripping him to shreds, and he was the result of that union.  He had lived with his mother's pack up until he was about fourteen, when he had been forced to leave or die.  The others had said that he just didn't have the 'true' nature of the wolf because he didn't share their bloodlust.  In fact, he couldn't eat human flesh, a favorite meal of the pack, because he would become violently ill.

 

 Alec paused for a second.  "You're the first I've ever told all of this," he said frowning slightly.  He looked at her for a long moment.  "I think I can trust you to keep this between us," Alec said still looking at her.  "I would hope Lady Phoenix-Tail's granddaughter was able to keep a secret."

 

 Tonya froze, her mouth dropping slightly.  She swallowed hard, trying to think of something to say as he continued to look at her, concerned now creasing his features.  "How...?" she started then trailed off, fear stilling her tongue.

 

 "I overheard you talking to the hag.  I thought that she might be watching the house for Lady Phoenix-Tail until she said she was Phoenix-Tail.  She drug you inside before I could warn you," Alec said.  "Are you alright?  You look very pale."

 

 "No.  No I'm not," she answered looking away.  "My parents were murdered and I barely escaped.  I was hoping to live with my grandmother."  She looked at Alec hopefully.  "Are you a friend of hers?  Do you know where she is?"

 

 Alec avoided those too bright emerald eyes.  He knew if he phrased his answer badly, she would probably burst into tears.  "She was like a grandmother to me," he began.  "I was alone, scared, cold, and hungry and she took me in.  She taught me to hunt, to read, and many other important things."  Alec smiled fondly, his eyes taking on a far away look.

 

 Tonya smiled, relaxing again, glad to have found someone who consider himself kin, even if he really wasn't.  "Where is she now?" she asked again.
 
 "I came to warn her strange things were happening on your island and that your family might be in danger.  She had gone to the town a few days ago to send you a letter about something.  Maybe she decided to deliver it in person."

 

 The girl bowed her head sadly.  "Then she is dead," she said quietly.  She raised her head and looked down the road, seeing but not seeing.  "Now what do I do?"

 

 "You can stay with me," Alec offered.  "I don't have much, but I'm sure you'll think of something soon.  I have places scattered about the country side if you'd prefer to keep moving."

 

 Tonya nodded.  "That may be best.  If the king sends troops looking for me..." She trailed off and they began to walk down the road in silence.

 

- - - - - - -

 

 "Did you hear that?" they whispered at the same time.

 

 "What is it?" Tonya asked as the fierce bellowing roar sounded again.

 

 "Minotaurs," Alec answered.  "Not the friendliest beasts in the forest.  Not the brightest either."

 

 They crept forward silently until they could see the small herd.  The five big, heavily muscled creatures roared as one and waved their clubs.  Their glittering black horns looked very sharp and their hoofs were as big as dinner plates.  At first Tonya thought they were just bonding or something, then one of the shadows in the center of the circle moved independently of the others.

 

 "Oh no, they've trapped Shadow," Tonya whispered eyes wide.   She turned to Alec, her eyes pleading.  "We have to save him."

 

 Alec looked at her, a question on the tip of his tongue, but he nodded instead.  "I'll save him," he whispered catching her arm as she started to move.  "You get up into a tree where it's safe."  She glared at him and he returned it.  "Do you know what Minotaurs do to females?" he whispered harshly.

 

 Tonya swallowed hard and nodded slowly.  "I'm not afraid," she whispered softly, but he could feel her tremble.

 

 "You should be.  Now get up there." 

 

His tone made her hold her tongue and she quickly scaled a nearby tree.  He waited until she was safety out of reach then shifted into his wolf form.  Hopefully he could spook the stupid cattle and cause a stampede.  Otherwise...he shivered slightly thinking of much less painful ways to die.  Creeping up as close as he could, Alec took a deep breath then charged.  Snarling, he leapt at the closet bull, aiming for the tender meat on the shoulder.

 

 Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the bull to his left swing his club.  Alec tried to twist in the air and dodge it, but to no avail.  It struck him just behind the shoulders, flipped him head over tail, and knocked him inside the ring.  He felt a hand on his head and opened his eyes.  A pair of golden eyes filled with concern looked back at him.

 

 "Are you okay?" Shadow asked.

 

 "I think so," Alec answered sitting up.  "Not much of a rescue attempt, eh...Shadow?"

 

 "No, no really," Shadow answered glancing at the roaring bovines.  He blinked then raised an eyebrow.  "You've been to Phoenix-Tail's house.  How's Tonya doing in her studies?"

 

 Alec hung his head.  "It's a long story, but...she's not there."  Looking up, he tried to pick her cloak out from amid the leaves, but it was impossible.  "She's safe...for now.  We need to get away from these stupid..."

 

 A shrill whistle cut him off.  All the Minotaurs whipped around to look for the source, ready for battle.  Tonya dropped to the ground lightly, sword drawn and her red cape glowing brightly.  The beasts grew excited as they realized this new threat was female.

 

 "If you want me, come and claim me," she taunted before turning tail and running, flipping her cape behind her.

 

 The bulls roared and charged, eager to follow the girl.  Alec and Shadow sat there, forgotten, gaping at the cloud of dust the monsters had kicked up.  They knew there was nothing they could do to help her now, and if the Minotaurs caught her...both shuddered at the thought of their friend's gruesome fate.  Alec changed back to his human form and stood up.  Shadow stood as well and they bowed their heads, each saying a silent farewell.  Suddenly a loud roar filled the forest and both men jumped in surprise.

 

 "Was that a...?" Alec trailed off uncertain.

 

 "Dragon," Zarbon whispered.  "A mad dragon.  We should go now."

 

 The bushes parted right in front of them and a red shape hurtled towards them.  Their eyes widened as it fell right at their feet and laid still.  Panting, Tonya looked up at them, a big grin on her face.  The dragon roared again and the men quickly dipped, each grabbing an arm, and ran down the path.  After a couple miles, they stopped and climbed up a large oak.

 

 "What were you thinking?" both men said.

 

 "You were in trouble," Tonya said.  "I'm a great runner and an even better hider so I thought I could distract them.  Then I stumbled upon a big red dragon."  She smirked.  "I don't know who was more surprised: me or him.  I bowed then jumped over his tail just as the Minotaurs entered the clearing.  I guess he was hungry for beef."

 

 "You are lucky that he wasn't hungry for you," Shadow said.  "So why aren't you at Phoenix-Tail's home."

 

 She glanced at Alec, then looked at the ground.  "She wasn't there.  An old hag had taken over the house.  Alec saved me."

 

Shadow looked at Alec who nodded.  "She was going to deliver letter to her family and I guess she went in person."  Alec paused. "There's been rumors of trouble on the island and I fear the worst."

 

 "Both humans and nekos have been killed and I'm not sure why," Tonya said.  "The king's getting old and since the death of his son..." she shook her head sadly.

 

 "By the Goddess," Shadow swore softly.  "What could drive a man to do such things?"

 

- - - - -

 

 "What's that?" Tonya asked as the forest opened up letting sunlight fall directly onto the path.  The trio had been walking for several days without trouble, but now something new lay in their path.

 

 "I'm not sure," Shadow answered.  "It wasn't here when I came through less then a month ago."

 

 "It wasn't here two weeks ago," Alec said.  "I came this way returning from Bob."

 

 "Toll required to pass.  Pay or die," Tonya read as they came up to the small building.  "Well that's...interesting."

 

 "What does it cost?" Alec asked looking around for an amount.

 

 "Who cares?" Tonya said.  "We can just go around it."  Tonya skipped off the path and proceeded around the building.  "Just like..." She fell back as she collided with an invisible wall.  "Ouch!"

 

 "Who goes there?"

 

 "Three simple travelers," Shadow answered.  Tonya hurried back to her friends.  "Who is asking?"

 

 A white fog curled out from under the building and condensed into the see through image of an old hag.  "Gina Metry, Mistress of this toll road.  Pay or die."

 

 "By whose authority is this sanctioned?" Alec asked.

 

 "Mine alone.  I need no other."  The hag smirked.  "May haps you would like your fortunes told?  Be warned.  Once they are, you must pay or your lives will be forfeit."  The ghost cackled.  "There is no way around, but you may go back without harm."

 

 "I'm not sure I'd want you to tell my fortune," Tonya quipped.  "I'd probably be desert."

 

 The hag cackled again. "I don't tell your fate.  She does."

 

 A curtain of invisibility fell away to reveal a cage suspended off the ground by a rope hung from long wooden poles.  In the cage sat a beautiful young woman with blond brown hair.  She looked extremely sad, her gaze on her hands folded in her lap.  Absently, she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, revealing its pointed tip and an earring declaring her rank.

 

 "An elven princess," Alec breathed, a look of awe on his face.

 

 Tonya and Shadow looked at him in surprise.  "Gentle Cupid, with arrow and bow, can make even the wildest beasts mellow," Shadow said quietly.

 

 "We have to help her," Alec said without looking away from the cage.  "What price must we pay?"

 

 "Tis very simple.  You must give me my heart's desire," the old hag said.

 

 They waited a moment.  "Which is...?" Tonya finally asked.

 

 The witch smiled evilly.  "That is your problem.  Would you like to here your fortunes now?"  The group exchanged glances then nodded.  "All right elf, do your magic," the hag barked.  The maiden just kept her gaze on her hands, not wanting to condemn anyone else to death.  The witch glared at the maid, then said one word, "Methcathon."

 

 The elf tensed as the cage began to glow white with magic, then she screamed in pain.  The scream lasted for only a few seconds before she passed out.  A thin trickle of blood ran from her mouth and she wasn't breathing.

 

 "The hag killed her," Tonya whispered, her eyes wide with fear and surprise.  "I thought elves were Immortal."

 

 "They are," both men answered. 

 

 "But she's dead," Tonya said pointing.

 

 "Yes," Alec answered.  Just then the elf sat up again and wiped her mouth.

 "I'm really confused," Tonya said frowning.

 

 "I'll explain it later," Shadow replied.

 

 "Tell them their fate," the hag growled at the elf.

 

 Slowly, the maiden looked up at the group, her periwinkle eyes filled with sorrow and unshed tears.  She opened her mouth, then shut it as her eyes widened.  Swallowing hard, she looked at Tonya and wet her suddenly dry lips.

 

 "Well?" the hag barked.

 

 "You will die," the elf intoned still staring at Tonya, but her eyes were now filled with hope.

 

 "Now pay the toll or except your fate!"

 

 Tonya looked at the hag then back at the elf, an idea forming quickly in her mind.  Reaching deep into her pocket, she concentrated on pulling out what the witch wanted.  A canvas bag emerged and Tonya frowned, then shivered as the bag twitched.  Without a word, she offered it to the hag.

 

 Grinning evilly, the hag took it and peered inside.  Her eyes widened with surprised delight, then horror crossed her face.  Suddenly, with a sound like a banshee's wail, three shadowy shapes rose up out of the ground and seized the witch.  She screamed once and the four of them disappeared with a puff of brimstone.  Those that remained were left staring in shock and surprise.

 

 "What was in that bag?" Alec asked Tonya.

 

 "I don't know."  She shivered again.  "I don't think I want to either."

 

 "It was her heart's desire," the elf answered.  "When a ghost completes whatever task that is keeping it on this plane, it is transported to its final resting place."

 

 "Oh," Tonya said as Shadow moved to untie the rope suspending the cage.

 

 He slowly lowered it and Alec helped guide it to the ground.  Opening the cage door, Alec offered the maiden a hand and helped her to her feet.  Tonya blinked at the elf, then realizing she was staring, curtsied.  The elf seemed to glow from within and she was at least two inches taller than Tonya.  The stupid, love struck look had returned to Alec's face and only increase when the princess smiled at him.

 

 "I am Princess Shashani of Memphis, but my friends refer to me as Poopsie Penelope Periwinkle," she said.  "May I ask the names of my rescuers?"

 

 "I'm Tonya, this is Shadow, and he is Alec Swift paw."  Tonya then glanced from Shadow to the elf.  "Can you explain it now?" she asked quietly.

 

 Shadow raised an unseen eyebrow in surprise, then laughed.  The other two had heard as well and chuckle at her curiosity.

 

 "May I, your majesty?" he asked.

 

 "Yes, but please call me Poopsie," she answered.  "And may I suggest we continue down the road?"  So they set off, Tonya walking next to Shadow, the Princess and Alec just a step behind listening as Shadow began.

 

 "Elves are immortal," he started.  "They can not truly die, but they can be killed."  Tonya's eyes crossed as her brow furrowed.  "Then they just come back to life.  Depending on the extent of damage to their bodies, this can take minutes or days."

 

 Tonya nodded, then frowned again.  "What if they were shredded and eaten?"

 

 "Then it would take the elf a long time to regenerate," Poopsie answered.  "But as soon as he had enough magic, he would teleport himself back to Memphis where his kind could help."  She paused.  "It's surprising you should ask about that.  About two decades ago that happened to an elvish noble of my acquaintance.  His name is Alexander and he dallied with a werewolf maiden before he realized her true nature."  She grinned slightly.  "He claims he would have married her anyway, if she hadn't eaten and run, because he was quite sure he got her with child."  Both Tonya and Shadow glanced back at Alec who looked quite surprised to here about his father's fate.  A heavy silence fell over the group.

 

 "Are werewolves immortal, too?" Tonya asked.

 

 "Yes, but not like an elf," Shadow answered after a moment.  "The proper spell and weapon can permanently kill one or another werewolf can do the job.  That is the case with most were-animals."

 

 "What about nekos?" she asked.  Shadow didn't answer simply because he didn't know; all the nekos he had known in the area had been killed.

 

 "Immortal," Poopsie answered when it appeared Shadow couldn't.  "They can be killed, but it's difficult, almost impossible."  The group fell silent again, each pondering their new information.

 

- - - - -  -

 

 "If you were half the prince you say you are, Dumbass, you'd have me down by now!" a female voice yelled.

 

 "If you were half the princess you are, you wouldn't be in this situation!" a gruff male voice shouted back.

 

 The female voice didn't reply and the crew wondered if she was confused about that retort as they were.  Cautiously, they moved off the path and towards the voices.  Shadow and Alec leading the way, while the princess and Tonya watched their backs.  Tonya's jaw dropped as they entered the clearing where the noise seemed to originate.

 

 A single stone tower, about 50 feet tall, jutted up towards the sky.  It had only a single window from what she could see and no stairs or other means of reaching said window was visible.  At the base sat a young man dressed in black, writing on a tablet while his white horse grazed nearby.  A beautiful young woman sat on the ledge of the window, frowning as she tried to figure out a way down

 

 "Dee!" Poopsie exclaimed as she recognized the woman.  "What happened?"

 

 Dee looked down in surprise and smile.  "Poopsie!  Oh, a stupid old witch ambushed me on the way to my wedding.  I've been stuck up here for...for..."

 

 "Six months, two weeks, and three days.  Approximately," the man in black finished for her.  Tonya now noticed an eye patch covered his right eye and at least three days of stubble graced his chin. 

 

 "Poopsie, this is my fiancé, Prince Techno of Cyber.  He's a wizard and inventor, but he still can't get me down."  She ignored the glare the man sent her.  "Techno, this is my friend Princess Shashani of Memphis."

 

 "And these are my friends, Tonya of River Isle, Alec Swift paw, and Shadow," Poopsie said.

 

 "It's a pleasure to meet you ladies," he said with a bow.  "Good to see you again, Alec," Techno said.  "You too, 'Shadow.'"  He looked up the tower at Dee.  "My magic won't work in this glade.  If I leave to get supplies to build something, the tower changes location and shape."

 

 "Oh, that sounds like fun," Tonya said sarcastically.

 

 "Princess Dee's powers don't work here either," Techno said.  "She could regenerate, so we were considering making a bone ladder."  A visible shudder ran through the group.  "That was my thought as well."

 

 "Does your cloak still work, Tonya?" Shadow asked.

 

 She pulled a large coil of rope from her pocket.  "I think so."

 

 "A bow and a quiver of arrows would be helpful," Poopsie said.  Tonya dutifully pulled the items from her pocket and handed them to the elf.  Poopsie quickly tied the end of the rope to an arrow and notched it.  "Stand back, Dee," Poopsie called, then drew the bow and took aim.  Releasing it, the arrow flew true and Poopsie smiled with satisfaction.

 

 Dee quickly anchored the rope, then came back to the window.  "Now no peeking up my skirt when I come down, boys, or I'll cut off your balls."

 

 "They won't get the chance because I'm coming up," Techno called.  Before Dee could protest, he was half way up the rope.  She helped him in the window.

 

 Tonya frowned as she realized they weren't coming back down immediately.  "What are they doing up there?" she asked.

 

 Her male companions smiled at her naivety, but Poopsie looked surprised.  "How old are you?" she asked.

 

 "Seventeen.  My birthday was a week before I met you."

 

 "They are engaged.  She was kidnapped en route to the wedding.  They have been separated for six months.  Do you follow me, so far?" Poopsie asked.  Tonya nodded slowly, then her eyes widened and she blushed.  Poopsie laughed as the girl turned her back to the tower and stared at the forest.  "I don't think they're quite that far along."

 

 "Watch out below," Dee called as Techno began his descent.  He had been right; no one could see up her skirt now.  Somehow, he had convinced her to allow him to use the firemen's carry to bring her down.  When his feet were firmly on the ground, he nodded to the two men before sitting his lady lightly on her feet.

 

 "Incoming!" Tonya shouted as a loud roar filled the glade.

 

 A huge black snake charged straight at the newly reunited lovers.  Without hesitating, Techno pushed Dee behind him and drew his sword.  With a mighty blow, he cleaved the snake's head from its body, then pinned the still snapping jaws to the earth with his blade.  Slowly, the terrible serpent transformed back into the ugly, old witch.

 

 "I think she looked better as the snake," Dee commented as Techno pulled his blade from the hag's skull.

 

 Techno nodded, then whistled to his steed.  The white horse immediately looked up, the trotted over to its master.  With the grace of a true princess, Dee mounted the horse.  Nodding to the others, Techno mounted, sitting behind Dee.  Dee waved as he clucked to the horse.  It started off, then broke into an easy trot.  The group watched them go, then continued on their own journey.

 

- - - --- - -

 

 "The moon will be full in three days," Shadow said shifting against the tree trunk.

 

 "I know," Alec said watching Poopsie and Tonya making wreaths of wild flowers.  The girls had picked this fragrant glade to stop for lunch and he was glad for the opportunity to relax.

 

 "Will you tell her this time?"

 

 "No."

 

 "You can't hide it forever," Shadow said.  "She was suspicious form the first time and I don't think the third time will be a charm."

 

 "Neither do I," Alec replied hugging his knees.  "But I don't want her to hate me."

 

 "Who?" Tonya asked coming over to show off her latest creation.  "Poopsie?"

 

 "Never mind, Tonya.  It's not important," Alec said looking at the ground.

 

 "She really likes you, you know," Tonya said dropping the wreath around Shadow's neck.  "And you like her.  You should say something."

 

 "I don't think that would be for the best," Alec said.  "The curse..." he trailed off.

 

 Tonya blinked, then frowned.  "One, I don't think the curse is valid because that tree protects against such things.  Two, if you'd care to remember, the hag said humans.  Poopsie's an elf.  Three, since she's an elf, that makes her immortal, so she can't die."

 

 "And she is a princess," Alec snapped.  "Why would she want me?"

 

 "You should still tell her," Shadow said.

 

 "If you won't I will," Tonya declared standing back up.

 

 "Tell me what?" Poopsie asked walking up to the group.  She looked at each of them in turn waiting for an answer.

 

 "He's embarrassed to admit it," Tonya began and the boys looked at her sharply, "but Alec thought you looked like a fairytale princess while you were making your wreath."

 

 Poopsie looked surprised and turned her gaze to Alec who blushed.  "Really?" she asked softly.  The blush increased and he nodded.  Poopsie smiled, then placed the wreath around his neck, and kissed his cheek.  "Thanks," she whispered, then straightened.  "Shall we move on?"

 

- - - - - - -

 

When they stopped the next night, after the campfire was built, supper was eaten, and they had climbed up into the trees, Tonya found she wasn't tired.  And by the sounds of it, her companions were still awake as well.

 

"Poopsie?" she asked the dark.

 

"Yes?"

 

"If I may ask, why are you out here on the road with us, instead of home in Memphis?" Tonya asked.

 

"I'm looking for something," Poopsie answered.  "Someone actually."

 

"A friend?" Shadow asked.

 

"Hopefully." The princess was quiet a few moments.  "There are several branches of Elves, ranging from the snow loving Polar elves to the heat loving Equator Elves.  Cave dwellers to mountain climbers.  Forest dwellers and ocean voyagers.  But all of them answer to one king, my father, Elrond, of the wolf riders.  The entire royal family rides wolves, and develops special bonds with their mounts.  These bonds are formed when a wolf chooses its rider, and gives the wolves immortality like their Elven counterparts.  A wolf will choose its rider before the Elf turns 18; some are chosen earlier, but never later than that."  Another long pause.  "I turned 20 six months ago and no wolf has chosen me."  She smiled slightly.  "My grandmother had a vision that my companion was waiting for me somewhere outside of Memphis and that I had to find them."

 

"I don't think there are many wolves in the area," Shadow said.

 

"There are.  But you'll never get within a mile of them to ask," Alec replied.  The group fell silent, each sorting their own thought and feelings.

 

- - - - - -

A howl near the campsite almost made Tonya drop the armful of wood she carried as she knelt to place it by the fire.  She looked at Shadow, who was staring into the darkness trying to pinpoint the source.  He met her worried gaze and gave a small shake of his head to confirm her fears.  Another howl from the opposite direction brought them onto their feet.

 

"Wolves?" Poopsie asked.  "I thought Alec said they were hard to find."

 

"Not wolves," Shadow answered as Tonya loosened her sword in its sheath.  "Werewolves.  Start climbing."

 

Shadow boosted the girls up into a high-branched oak, then jumped up to join them.  Tonya peered around, hoping the werewolves would just pass by.  Shadow stretched silently, preparing for the trouble he was sure was coming.  Poopsie knew her friends were worried, but really wanted to see one of the 'werewolves.'  She had heard of them, but never seen one.  Several minutes passed and the howls increased in number as well as proximity. 

 

Suddenly, the Princess looked around at her companions.  "Where's Alec?" she asked wide-eyed.

 

Tonya swallowed hard and looked at Shadow who was looking at her.  Just as she opened her mouth to reply, a large red wolf leapt at her.  She yelped in surprised fright as his jaws snapped shut, though he missed her by a mile.  Four other wolves rushed into the clearing, leaping at the tree, but none coming closer then three feet.  They circled the tree, snarling and showing their sharp teeth to the trapped companions.

 

After a few minutes, the wolves realized they couldn't reach their quarry.  The red wolf, which appeared to be the leader, sat down and scratched his ear with a hind foot.  Pausing mid stroke, he looked at the dying fire and grinned a wolfish smile.

 

"Grab a brand," he barked to his pack.  "We'll burn them down."

 

The pack members, eager and hungry, rushed to obey, but a large black wolf suddenly blocked the way.

 

"Half breed," the tan wolf said taking a step back.

 

"Leave them alone," Alec said glaring at the other three.

 

The gray one and pale blond followed the tan one's lead and began to back away.  But the earth-toned wolf would have sooner cut off his paws then back down from a lowly mix half his weight.  "Why should we, mutt?" he snarled.  "This is our territory, so we call the shots."

 

"I won't let you harm them."

 

"You don't have a choice," the red one growled moving to stand beside his pack mate.  The other three took courage from them and flanked them.

 

In the blink of an eye, the earth tone lunged for Alec's throat while the red one went for his side.  The other three jumped in and fur flew.  Alec seemed to be holding his own until a misstep caused him to singe his back paws and tail in the still smoldering coals.  The red wolf took advantage of the distraction to rip Alec's shoulder open.

 

Alec yelped in pain and Shadow jumped to the ground.  The three smaller wolves turned on him in a instant, but were no match for his strength, though they kept trying.  Then they caught a clear whiff of his scent and froze.

 

Tucking their tails tightly between their legs, they limped off as quickly as possible.  Shadow then grabbed a hold of the red wolf that was trying to rip another chunk out of Alec's shoulder.  He threw him against a tree, knocking the wind and fight out of the wolf.  Turning back to aid Alec, he smirked.  Alec had the earth-shaded wolf by the scruff and was shaking him viciously.

 

Alec released his opponent and the wolf bolted after his pack mates.  The red wolf slowly rose to his feet and looked for his friends.  With a final snarl at Alec and Shadow, he tucked his tail and ran.  Shadow caught Alec as his leg collapsed and jumped up into the tree with him.  Tonya pulled a brightly glowing ball from her pocket and held it up so Shadow and Poopsie could tend to their injured friend.  Alec's head lay in the princess's lap while she attended his shoulder.

 

"I can see the bone," Poopsie said awed.  "This is the worst injury I've seen in a while."

 

"You just singed your paws and tail, Alec," Shadow said.  "It should heal just fine."

 

"Why did you just call this wolf Alec?" Poopsie asked looking at Shadow curiously.  Alec closed his eyes and waited for the yelling to start.

 

Shadow just looked at her, then at Tonya.  "Because it is Alec," Tonya answered.  "He's half werewolf, half elf.  He didn't want to tell you because he thought you'd hate him for it."

 

The princess frowned and glared at both Shadow and Tonya.  Her hand still gently stroked the thick fur on his neck.  "Alexander's son?" she asked quietly.

 

"Possibly," Tonya replied.  "Unless there was another elf who dallied with a werewolf."

 

The Princess was quiet for several moments, but her hand never stilled.  "Can you change at anytime?" she asked finally.

 

Alec opened his eyes and looked up at her.  "Yes," he answered simply.

 

She nodded to herself, then place her hands over his shoulder wound.  A blue light surrounded the couple and the wound rapidly closed.  The light faded and Alec was completely healed, but the shoulder still bore a bald patch.  He snuggled against her and yawned as she resumed petting his head.  Tonya watched them for a while, but her eyelids soon grew too heavy to stay open and she slept.

 

-- - - - - - -

 

 She awoke the next morning to find she was alone in the tree.  She sat up so fast she almost fell out of the tree, worried something had happened while she slept.  Shadow had rebuilt the fire and was cooking breakfast, but Alec and Poopsie were nowhere in sight.

 

 Jumping lightly to the ground, she looked around again, then walked over to the fire.  "Where are Alec and Poopsie?"

 

 "What no 'good morning'" Shadow quipped.  "They went to talk somewhere in private."

 

 "Oh, I see," she said sitting down.  Tonya sat there watching the flames.

 "You okay?"

 

 She blinked at him for a second.  "Yeah, fine.  Just thinking."

 

 Several minutes passed, then Poopsie and Alec returned holding hands.  Tonya smiled, glanced at Shadow, then grinned broader.

 

"I want to thank you for saving me and allowing me to travel with you," Poopsie said.  "I will always consider you my friends."  She paused and took a deep breath.  "I think it is time for me to return home now."

 

 Alec put an arm around her waist and smiled fondly at her.  "Penny and I are going to be married, but I need to meet her family first.  Maybe meet my father..."

 

 "Congratulations," Shadow said standing to shake hands with the couple.  "I hope the Goddess smiles upon your union."

 

 Tonya stood shyly and just looked at them for a moment.  Suddenly she hugged Alec tightly.  "Thank you," she whispered.  She hugged Poopsie, then stepped back.  "May the Goddess watch over you and protect your house."

 The group ate in silence, then prepared to go their separate ways.  Alec turned to Shadow and fixed him with a gaze.

 

 "Take good care of her, 'Shadow'," he said.  "Or I'll make sure you'll regret it."  Then Alec shifted into his wolf form and Poopsie climbed up onto his back.  She waved, then he turned and began to trot away. 

 

 Shadow and Tonya watched until they were out of sight, then turned to resume their journey.

 

- - - - - - - -
 
 Tonya and Zarbon walked along the forested path admiring the beautiful flowers that dotted the foliage and perfumed the air.  A glittering light shot from somewhere on the left to float in front of a vivid red tulip.

 

 "Morgan!" demanded a tiny voice.  "Wake up!"

 

 A tiny man peeked over the petals than stood up.  "What is it now, Luna?" he asked rubbing his eyes.  "What time is it?"

 

 "It's almost noon," the glittering light replied, "and you were supposed to meet me there after breakfast!"  The light flashed angrily and landed on a black-eyed Susan next to the tulip.  The light faded, revealing a tiny woman with beautiful translucent wings.  "Lazy pixie!"

 

 "Hey," Morgan said.  "Pixies are nighttime creatures and sleep most of the day."  He jumped up to stand atop the petals.  "Unlike fairies who hide when the sun sets."  Crossing his arms, he glared at his friend.  "You know I have a lot to do when the moon is full."

 

 "Sorry," Luna replied looking abashed.  "It's just that that human is really beginning to annoy me.  I mean, I know he can't see us, but we've given him so many hints that even a child could figure out how to break the curse."

 "What curse?" Tonya asked crouching down to get a better look at the tiny figure as they were barely six inches tall.  "What human?"

 

 Both of the little people stared at her in shock.  "You can see us?" Luna asked taking to the air.  She hovered in front of Tonya's nose, making the girl cross her eyes.

 

 "Yes I can."

 

 "Great!" Luna exclaimed, clapping her hands.

 

 Morgan stretched his gossamer wings and flew up to sit on Tonya's shoulder.  "The story goes like this.  Roughly 20 years ago, the King and Queen of Wrestles were blessed with a beautiful baby girl.  A dark fairy was jealous of the girl's beauty and cast of curse upon her.  A curse that on her 18th birthday she would prick her finger on the stem of a yellow stemmed three leafed fern rose and fall into a death like sleep that could never be broken."

 

 "But that flower only grows in Bob and even there it is extremely rare," Shadow said frowning.

 

 "That's why the king and queen weren't very worried," Luna replied landing on Tonya's other shoulder.

 

 "They came to a beautiful clearing just down the path, for a picnic lunch.  The royal family planned to celebrate both their daughter's birthday and her engagement to Prince Sebastian of Mania," Morgan continued.

 

 "This marriage would unite the kingdoms of Wrestles and Mania, ending the quarrels over land the two had fought for centuries," Luna added.

 

 "But as they were setting up the area, the Princess pricked her finger as she bent to retrieve the ball she and her lady-in-waiting were playing with.  She gasped then fell unconscious as the tiny fern rose burst into flames and an evil cackle filled the air," Morgan said.

 

 "An angry swarm of bees appeared and chased everyone from the clearing before they could help the Princess.  The bees disappeared as suddenly as they had appeared, but the clearing had magically overgrown so reentrance was almost impossible," Luna added grimly.

 

 Morgan nodded.  "But to his credit, the Prince wouldn't give up and about a month ago he succeeded in entering the clearing.  There, he had to slay the giant serpent that guarded the princess.  That proved an easy task for him and he kissed the Princess to awaken her," he said.

 

 "But that didn't break the curse completely and she's still asleep, though she no longer looks dead like before," Luna said.  "Now he just sits there, waiting for her to wake up, ignoring the clues we've tried to give him."

 

 "Can't he see you?" Tonya asked.

 

 "No," Luna said sighing.

 

 "When the Princess was trapped by the curse, he decided never to believe another fairy or pixie again," Morgan explained.

 

 "And if you don't believe, we are invisible and silent," Luna finished.

 

 "How do you break the curse?" Shadow asked.

 

 "He must say her name," Morgan answered.

 

 "That's all?!" Tonya asked shocked.

 

 "That's enough," Morgan replied.  "He's called her everything, but her name.  Honey, darling, dearest, love, angel, etc."

 

 "We don't even know her name.  And we're not 100% sure that will really break the curse," Luna admitted.  "But Morgan overheard the dark fairy say it way true."

 

 Morgan nodded again.  Tonya looked at Shadow who shrugged.  "Where is this Prince Sebastian?" he asked.

 

 Luna immediately sprang into the air.  "Follow me!  I know the way!" She darted off and Tonya jumped to her feet to hurry after her.  Shadow paused only a second before dashing after the girl.

 

 The fairy stopped, hovering in the air, and signaled the duo to be quiet.  She led them into the greenery and down a path that looked like it been hacked out by a sword.  A moment later, they entered a beautiful clearing, filled with flowers of every shade of purple imaginable.  In the center lay the Princess, dressed in a gown of lavender, with Prince Sebastian kneeling by her side.  The bed of soft moss and vines cradling the sleeping beauty was supported by four young trees, which made it look like she slept in a four-poster bed.

 

 "Don't tell him fairies brought you here," Morgan cautioned from his seat on Tonya's shoulder.  "Remember, he doesn't trust any of the winged fair folk.  But who can blame him?"

 

 Tonya glanced at Shadow then stepped from the tunnel into the clearing.  "Hello there," she called.  "What happened here?"

 

 Sebastian stood quickly, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword.  "Who are you?  What do you want?"

 

 Tonya raised her hands to show she was unarmed and bowed.  "I didn't mean to startle you, your highness," she said.  "I am but a harmless wanderer, trying to help those I meet.  My companion and I noticed this path and wished to know its cause."

 

 The prince relaxed slightly but still warily eyed the cloaked figure before him.  "You have not told me your name yet, and appear to be alone."

 

 Tonya bowed again.  "My name is Tonya and I hail from River Isle.  My companion is hanging back as not to make you feel threatened.  With your leave, my lord?"  Sebastian nodded and Shadow stepped forward into the light.  "This is Shadow, my companion and friend."

 

 "I am Prince Sebastian of Mania.  Forgive my rudeness and unwelcoming attitude, but my fiancé has been enchanted.  I am worried about her safety as I have not been able to break the curse," he said looking at the couple.

 

 "What have you tried?" Shadow asked.

 

 "I broke through the barrier around this glade and killed the serpent that guarded it.  She was in a death like sleep, but when I kissed her, part of the curse was lifted," he answered.  "Now she looks alive, but I cannot rouse her."

 

 "What is her name?" Tonya asked innocently.  A dark blush lit the Prince's face and his gaze dropped to contemplate the ground at his feet.  "You don't know!" she exclaimed in surprise and Luna almost fell of her shoulder.

 

 "Can't remember," he said gruffly kicking at a tuff of grass.  "No one can.  We can remember everything but her name."

 

 "Now what?" Morgan asked standing up.  "If he can't remember..."

 

 "Could you remember it if you heard it?" Shadow asked.

 

 "I think so.  But where to start?" Sebastian groaned.

 

 "Do you remember a nickname?" Tonya asked.

 

 Sebastian brightened slightly.  "Her friends sometimes called her Jed."

 

 "Well that's a start.  So J names," Shadow said crossing his arms.  "Jamie?" Sebastian shook his head.

 

 "Jewel, Julie, or Julia?" asked Tonya.  Another head shake.  They paused then began to list all the j names they could think of.

 

 "Juno, Jan, Jane," Shadow listed.

 

"Jacey, Jacelyn,  Jacinda," Tonya suggested. 

 

"Jackie, Jean, Jackleen."

 

"Jamelia, Jade, Jae."

 

"Jezebel, Janella, Janette."

 

"Jasmin, Jessamine, Jetta."

 

"Jeanice, Jennifer, Jazz."

 

 "Jessie, Jess, or Jessica?"

 

 "No, I..." Sebastian paused.  "What was that last one?"

 

 Tonya chewed her lip for a second.  "Jessica?"

 

 "I think that's it!" the prince said excitedly.  "Jessica!  Jessica, honey, wake up."

 

 The Princess stirred then sit up.  "What's going on?"  She looked around confusedly.  "Where's Maria?  Where's the picnic?"

 

 "You were under the curse," Sebastian said helping her to her feet.  "You've been asleep for two years."

 

 "Oh," was all the stunned woman could say.

 

 "Tonya and Shadow just helped me to break the curse.  We owe them a lot," he said

 "Thank you," Jessica said.  They walked back to the main path.

 

 "I don't want you to think bad of us, but I would like to get the Princess back to her family," Sebastian said.

 

 "We understand," Shadow said.  "Safe journey."

 

 "To you as well," Sebastian said then whistle.  A beautiful white stallion galloped up and tossed his head.  He helped his lady up onto the horse, then jumped up behind her.  "Thank you again."  Then the couple was gone.

 

- - - - - - -

 

 A couple of days later, the duo finally left the forest behind them.  Beautiful, flower dotted, sun kissed meadows stretched out before them.  Tall trees formed the occasional windbreak, for the fields of grains that sprang up between the meadows.

 

 "Welcome to Bob," Shadow said as they stood at the edge of the forest. 

"Ruled by powerful, yet kind wizards, this land has enjoyed prosperity and peace for many generations.  The princess, just and powerful as her parents, will be a great ruler, even if she has a fascination for decapitation."

 

 "What?" she asked her eyes wide.

 

 Shadow laughed and shook his head.  "Sorry," he said still chuckling.  "It's an old joke, though it's quite true.  When she was younger, her father hired a man to teach her how to fight.  During her first sword lesson, she somehow managed to decapitate the practice dummy with a bamboo sword."  Shadow laughed again.  "She has long since graduated to real swords, but keeps the royal tailor busy by frequently chopping the heads off the practice dummies."

 Tonya smiled.  "She sounds like fun.  Does she have a name?"

 

 "Sally.  Princess Sally."

 

- - - - - -

 

 The sun was beginning to turn the sky into brilliant palette of colors as it set.  "I can smell the sea," Tonya said turning into the breeze that ruffled her cloak.

 

 "Yes, we are quite close to the shore now," Shadow replied.

 

 "May we go to see it?" she asked, her eyes bright with hope and excitement.

 

 "Okay," he replied smiling.  She took off at a dead run and he chuckled.  "Hey Red," he called running after her.  "Slow down.  The water's not going anywhere."

 

 Either she didn't hear him, was too excited, or was ignoring him, but the girl didn't slow down.  Shadow quickly caught up and they ran swiftly towards the source of the salty tang.  Tonya slowed only slightly as the night fell around them.  Finally she stopped as they came upon the cliffs by the shoreline, unsure of the path in the darkness.

 

 She could see the water in the starlight, hear the waves crashing on the shore, and the breeze was now wet with spray.  The sandy beach looked inviting, but was impossible to reach.  They began to walk along the edge, searching for a way down.  Shadow paused and Tonya ran into him.

 

 "Wha..."

 

 "Shh!" he hissed.  "Do you hear that?"

 

 Tonya cocked her head and listened.  She was about to say all she heard was the ocean when she caught the faint sound.  "Someone's...singing?"

 

 "Possibly a mermaid," Shadow replied.

 

 "They sound sad," Tonya added.

 

 They crept along quietly, still trying to find a way down without spooking the singer.  She could hear Shadow mumbling to himself about a path, but it seemed to have disappeared with the dark.  The voice had been growing progressively louder, yet the words were still too indistinct. 

 

 Shadow stopped again and looked at Tonya who looked back expectantly.  "We'll never find the path at this rate," he whispered.  "Would you mind if we tried something else?"  Tonya nodded her consent and he scooped her up.  "Don't scream," he cautioned, then jumped off the cliff.

 

 Tonya clapped a hand over her mouth while her other arm around his neck.  Though it was a good 30-foot drop, he landed lightly on his feet.  He sat her gently on her feet and smiled as she looked from the cliffs to him then back again.  Tugging gently on her arm, he indicated they should keep moving.  The song continued to increase in volume until they could understand the words.
  
  One little star, all-alone in the sky
Do you ever get lonely as the twilight drifts by?

 

 

One little star, reaching far through the night
Do you shine on my someone? Are we sharing your light?
Oh, one little star, shine on us both tonight.

 

Cautiously, they peeked around a boulder and there sat the singer, bathed in the light of the now rising moon.  The fishy tail was a brilliant green and it's translucent fins floated as the waves lapped around it.  To both their surprise, the singer was not a mermaid, but a merman!

 

 "Daniel," Shadow said stepping out of hiding.  "Is that you?"

 

 The merman started in surprise, then lunged for the water, but Shadow cut him off before he could make it.  "Who are you?" he asked the fear plain on his face.

 

 "You know me," Shadow replied quietly.  The merman frowned then a look of recognition crossed his face.  Raising his hand to cut off the reply, he continued, "Call me Shadow."  Daniel nodded slowly and Shadow gestured for Tonya to come forward.  "Daniel, this is my friend, Tonya of River Isle.  Tonya this is Prince Daniel."

 

 Daniel tried to bow and Tonya curtsied.  "Sorry I cannot show you due respect by standing," Daniel said with a rueful smile.  "But I have yet to figure out how to do that."

 

 "What happen?" Shadow asked.  "I thought you and Princess Sally would be celebrating your first anniversary by now."

 

 Sadness filled the merman's eyes again.  "We should be, but we never had the chance to marry.  About a month before the wedding was to take place, I was summoned home by an urgent letter from my father." Daniel's face darkened with anger and embarrassment.  "I should have realized that it was a forgery.  An evil sorceress ambushed me and demanded I marry her or else.  I politely refused and she attacked me."  Daniel rubbed his temple.  "My escort was scattered when their mounts panicked, so I had to face her and her band alone.  I tried to get to a more open place then the wooden path so that I could dodge her spells better.  They cornered me up against the cliffs.  I managed to tangle her men up in a bramble bush, but the sorceress somehow avoided it.  The battle raged for several hours and I was finally forced to turn her into a tree.  Unfortunately, I didn't successfully dodge her last spell and..." he trailed off gesturing to his tail.

 

 "If you were up there, how did you get down here?" Tonya asked.

 

 Daniel raised his hand and the sparse grass that grew on the beach began to grow thicker and longer.  Within seconds, a thick carpet of grass had formed around and underneath his recumbent figure.  With another gesture he was able to move, his carpet carrying him, his magic doing the work.

 

 "Show off," Shadow chided.  "Prince Daniel can control and/or grow any plant imaginable."  He paused and cocked his head.  "Does she know about your transformation?"

 

 Daniel blushed and shook his head guilty.  "I didn't want her to see me like this.  What good is a fishtailed King who can't even leave the shoreline?  She deserves better."  He looked up at the stars again.  "I wish I could send her a message." A soft smile touched his lips.  "She's so stubborn...she's probably still trying to find me."

 

 "I could take her a message," Tonya volunteered.  She pulled a quill, a bottle of ink, and some parchment from her cloak and handed it to him. 

 

 The merman thought for a long moment then began to write.  Both Shadow and Tonya sat down on the warm sand, watching him formulate his message.  Tonya yawned and leaned against Shadow, who put his arm around her.  She drifted off quickly, lulled to sleep by that lapping waves.

 

- - - - - - -
 
 Morning dawned bright and early.  Tonya awoke still in the same position she had gone to sleep in.  Blinking sleepily, she watched as the sky transformed from black to indigo to a cerulean blue.  Suddenly she noticed the merman was gone, but a sealed letter rested in her lap.

 

 "Where did Daniel go?" she asked straightening to look at Shadow.

 

 "He's catching our breakfast," he replied.  "He'll be back soon."

 

 Just then, their missing friend suddenly reappeared.  "Hey Shadow," he called.  "Come give me a hand, will you?"  Shadow rose quickly and helped Daniel drag the fish onto the beach.  Then with a great display of strength, he picked up the fish as Daniel summoned his carpet of plants.  "Now who's showing off," Daniel said smirking.

 

 "That is huge!"  Tonya exclaimed as Shadow sat it down.  "It's at least six feet long!"

 

 Daniel just grinned as Shadow began to clean the massive fish.  "Tonya, gather some drift wood and we'll get this fish cooking," Shadow said.

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

 "Hair as golden as ripe wheat glistening in the sun, eyes filled with the bluest blue the sky can produce, and wit sharp enough to cut the toughest granite."  That was the description the prince had given her of his ladylove.  She was sure there was more, but she'd zoned out as he'd started to get even mushier. 

 

 The castle was just a mile or so ahead; she could see its brightly colored flags waving in the wind.  Stopping at the edge of the drawbridge, she eyed the two guards standing at the gate.  Squaring her shoulders, she walked to the guards.

 

 "Hello," she said cheerfully.  "I would like to have an audience with her royal majesty, Princess Sally."

 

 "The Princess is very busy.  May I ask why you seek her counsel?" the older guard asked.

 

 "I was entrusted with a letter from Prince Daniel that I was charged with delivering personally," Tonya replied still smiling.

 

 "What?!" the younger guard cried.  "You're under arrest for kidnapping the Prince!"  He charged her with his spear.

 

 "Wait!" cried the older man, but it was too late.  Tonya turned and ran as fast as she could, quickly leaving the guards in the dust.  The young man stopped in shock as she disappeared behind the tree break.

 

 The older guard opened his mouth to berate his partner, but another voice cut him off and he cringed.  "What is going on out here?"

 

 "Your majesty," the older guard said, bowing deeply to the princess who now stood at the gate.  Dressed in a royal blue tunic and gray leggings, with her sword in hand she looked quite formidable.  "A girl came to see you.  She claimed to have a letter from the Prince, but before I could find out if she really did...he scared her off."

 

 The princess fixed the young guardsman with a murderous glare.  "Is this true?" she asked quietly.

 

 "Y-y-yes, milady," he stammered.

 

 She closed her eyes and counted VERY slowly to ten, trying to remember why it was wrong to decapitate members of her staff.  "Humphrey," she growled.  "Get out of my sight and back to the stable!"

 

 The young man paled then darted away, realizing just how close he'd come to losing his head.

 

* * * * * * *

 

 Tonya walked around the massive castle trying to figure out how she would get in now.  She knew swimming the moat was an option, but preferred to think of it as a last resort.  After debating a few moments, she pulled an arrow, a bow, and rope from her cloak.  Casting a simply spell on the arrow, she tied the rope to it and then fired it at the high wall.

 

 It stuck firmly to the stone it struck and she pulled it taunt.  Another spell staked the rope down and she stepped up onto the rope.  Balancing herself for a moment, she dashed up the rope and jumped up to land on top of the wall.  Turning, she grasped the arrow and dispelled both enchantments and placed the items back in her cloak.

 

 Below her spread a massive garden and she realized that she had no idea where to find the princess.  Dropping down into the garden, she wondered if Daniel had anything to do with the care of this foliage before he was transformed.  She wandered around for a while trying to figure out a plan, but nothing came to her.

 

 "How am I to find the Princess when I don't even know what she looks like?" she moaned to the plants.

 

 "Why do you want to find her?" a voice asked.

 

 Tonya jumped and looked around for the source, but no one was around except for the greenery.  "I have a letter for her," she replied hesitantly.

 

 "From whom?"

 

 The voice appeared to be coming from the lilac bush in front of her and she cocked her head slightly.  "Prince Daniel.  Can you help me?"

 

 "Is it truly from the prince?"

 

 "Yes."

 

 "Then I can help you," the voice answered.  A black and white dog emerged from the bush and wagged his tail.  He grinned at her surprised look and said, "What?  Did you really think the bush was talking?"

 

 "Umm, well...yes," Tonya replied.  "After what I've seen the Prince do, it wouldn't be hard to believe."

 

 "Well just follow me.  We'll find my Mistress in no time.  By the way, my name is Bowie," the dog said extending a paw.

 

 "I'm Tonya."

 

 Despite his knowledge of the castle, its grounds, and his mistress's habits it took them over an hour to find her.  She hadn't changed and was standing on the walkway over the drawbridge, her arms folded across her chest.  Her gaze was on the land in front of her, wondering when and if the mysterious messenger would return and what news she would bring.

 

 "Princess?" Bowie asked.

 

 "Yes, Bowie?"

 

 "You're in a scruffy mood," the dog observed.  "I've brought you a visitor."

 

 "An hour ago I had a glimmer of hope that I'd nearly forgotten and it was snatched away.  I'm in no mood for 'visitors'," the Princess snarled.

 

 "Well, your Majesty, if your guards were a little less ready to arrest and/or spear me, I could have delivered the letter," Tonya replied.

 

 Blue eyes darted towards the voice, as the Princess eyed the girl in front of her.  Forcing herself to guard her anxiety, she said, "And who might you be?"

 

 Tonya curtsied.  "I am but a simply wanderer charged with delivering a letter."

 

 The Princess cocked an eyebrow.  "Somehow, I don't think simple would describe the situation you have found yourself in.  But if you have something that belongs to me, I would suggest that you deliver it."

 

 Tonya smiled and produced the sealed envelope from her cloak.  She presented the letter to the Princess who took it firmly.  She hesitated to break the seal that had so long ago held within words of love.  Opening the letter, she read it, her heart lifting at the words of love only to have it plummet to the ground and shatter.  The pieces ignited into a fiery anger and she glared at the messenger.

 

 "Where is he?" she demanded.

 

 "Umm, well, you see, he made me promise to not tell," Tonya said taking a step back out of sword's reach.

 

 "This is not a game you silly girl, tell me where he is," the Princess growled.

Bowie looked from his Mistress to the girl.  "If you want to keep your head, you'd better tell her."

 

 Tonya shrugged and saluted the Princess.  "Sorry, but now that I've deliver the letter, I must be going.  Bye."  She turned to run.

 

 "Guards!  Seize her!" Princess Sally shouted.

 

 Immediately, five men charged up on to the walkway from both sides surrounding the Princess, Bowie, and Tonya.  Two rushed forward to grab the girl and she jumped up on to the wall.  Looking down at the moat, she swallowed hard, then flashed the Princess a smile and jumped just as the guards reached her.  She landed in the moat with a splash, popped to the surface, and quickly swam to the edge.  Not bothering to even ring out her cloak, she took off at a dead run. 

 

- - - - - - -

 

 "Tonya!" Shadow called seeing the girl coming down the path.  He frowned as he noticed she was soaked.  "What happened?"

 

 "The Princess wasn't to thrilled with my refusal to tell her where you are," Tonya said smiling ruefully.  "She tried to arrest me, so I had to jump into the moat to escape."

 

 "What did she do?  What did she say?  Is she still as beautiful as I remember?" Daniel asked.

 

 Tonya stepped behind the rocks and began to ring out her clothes, pitching her voice for the guys to hear.  "She didn't say much, but the look on her face was very happy while she read most of the letter, then she got very upset and began to threaten me.  When I refused to tell her where you are, she called for the guards to arrest me, and I had to jump into the moat to get away."

 

 Daniel sighed.  "I'd hoped she would have taken it better, but I should have known she would react this way."

 

 "What did you tell her?" Shadow asked.

 

 "That I loved her, would always love her, but could never return so she should move on with her life," Daniel replied looking out across the water.

 

 "And how did you expect her to react?  This is Sally we are talking about.  The most faithful woman a man could hope for, with a stubborn streak five miles wide.  Unless she sees you are all right, she will never give up looking for you," Shadow said.

 

 Coming back around the rock, Tonya cocked her head.  "Why don't you want to see her?"

 

 Daniel frowned.  "I do but not like this.  I know she would love me still, but I couldn't do that to her."  He fanned his tail fin and closed it.  "What good is a Prince or King that can't leave the shore line?  He can't protect his lands, his home, or his loved ones.  Sally is the only one in line for the crown of her bloodline.  What if we had children and they were trapped here like me?"  His tail slapped the sand and he slammed his fist into the soft grains.  "I won't be the cause of the downfall of this kingdom."  His eyes closed against the hot tears that threatened and he swallowed hard.  "I will write one more letter," he said softly.  "Then I will leave the land and live in the open sea where merfolk belong."

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

 Tonya stood before the castle, invisible thanks to her fire fox cloak, trying to decide what to do.  In the short time she had known Prince Daniel she had come to think of him as a friend and she wanted him to be happy.  She knew he truly loved the Princess, which was the only reason she had agreed to come back to the castle.  And in the even shorter time she had known the Princess, coupled with what Shadow and Daniel said while they thought she was asleep, she had come to like her too.

 

 Taking a deep breath, she dispelled the enchantment and stepped on to the drawbridge.  The older guard was still there, but he had a new partner and to her surprise Bowie was waiting between them.  She paused in front of them and bowed.

 

 "Hello again," she said.  "I am back to request another audience with the Princess."

 

 The guards nodded and Bowie stood.  "Follow me," he said.

 

 She followed him into the courtyard where the Princess was practicing her swordsmanship.  Slashing viciously at the cloth dummies, Princess Sally tried to figure out why Daniel would have said what he had in his letter.  If he loved her, why didn't he return to her?  Did that girl have him trapped somehow?

 

 "Princess, she has returned," Bowie said interrupting her thoughts.

 

 The Princess turned to look at the girl.  "What brings you back into my presence?  Have you another simple task?"

 

 "Nay, milady.  This task is far more difficult than could be described with words," Tonya replied.

 

 "Then perhaps you could start with your name," the Princess said.

 

 The girl smiled.  "My name is Tonya."

 

 "I wish I could say it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but the last time we met wasn't under the best circumstances," Princess Sally retorted.  "And I'm not sure this rendezvous will be promising either."

 

 Tonya looked away, unsure how to respond.  Clearing her throat she met the Princess's steady gaze.  "On one hand, I'm sure it will not.  But on the other..." 

 

 "Perhaps you would like something to eat," the Princess said, sheathing her sword.  "Chef has a wonderful store of cheeses."

 

 Tonya hesitated.  "I would like that, but they are waiting for my return.  The Prince wanted to leave before low tide."  At the hurt look on the Princess's face, Tonya clarified.  "He didn't want to trouble you or keep Shadow and I from our travels any longer."

 

 The Princess's mind whirled as she tried to comprehend the connection between the girl and her wayward fiancé.  "Tell me one thing before you leave.  Are you his captor?"

 

"Captor?"  Tonya cocked her head.  "No, he's doing a nice job of that himself.  I just met him, but my companion Shadow is a friend of his.  He said he knew you too."  Tonya suddenly started.  "Oh, I should give you this before I leave or the Prince would be annoyed."  She handed the princess the letter.

 

 She took the letter and her face fell as she read it.  Silently she refolded the letter.  "You're excused," she said quietly, not meeting the girl's gaze.

 

 "You could stop him if you knew where he was," Tonya said.  "If I wasn't bound by my oath, I would tell you."  She turned before the Princess could reply and began to walk away. 

 

 Tonya didn't hurry back to her friends, taking her time to enjoy the scenery.  She could understand why Daniel didn't want to tell Sally, but it didn't really seem fair to the princess.  Finally she reached the cliffs and followed the path down to the beach.

 

 "It must have gone okay," Shadow said.  "Your not wet this time."

 

 "What did she say?" Daniel asked from the water.

 

 "What did I say?  I'll tell you what I said," Princess Sally yelled coming down the path to the beach.  "Get out of the water and face me like a man."

 

 Daniel paled, but realized swimming away wouldn't be the best idea.  His lady could freeze the entire shoreline with a flick of her wrist.  He swam over to the shore and pulled himself out of the water, his tail scales glittering green in the sunlight.  "Hi, Sally," he said shyly.

 

 Despite the emotions that were surging through her, the Princess's exterior remained calm.  "So this is the reason you're running away?"

 

 Daniel hung his head.  "I think you deserve a man who can actually help you rule, instead of a half fish who can't leave the shoreline.  I can't even protect you from anything that might happen on top of these cliffs."

 

 "You're more stubborn than I am you foolish boy," she replied.  "Since your disappearance, I have been training even harder thinking that I would have to rescue you from hordes of thing-a-bobs and evil thingies.  The only way our kingdom would fall is if you were not by my side."

 

 "But how could you love a fish?" Daniel asked looking up at her.

 

 "I don't," Sally replied kneeling down by his side.  "I love you."

 

 Unnoticed by the reunited couple, Shadow and Tonya had slipped back up the cliffs, leaving them alone.  Daniel looked deep into the blue eyes he loved and grinned shyly. The princess leaned closer to her prince as she too found herself lost in his eyes.  Somehow their lips found each other. 

 

 They broke for air, Daniel tensed suddenly as his tail began to glow.  Sally pulled him into her embrace, determined not to loose him again.  The light grew brighter blinding them, then disappeared.  When she could see again, she realized legs had replaced his tail.  His green leggings were ripped, but covered what they were supposed to.

 

 Sally pouted slightly.  "Aw man, there goes my dreams of a castle by the sea," she said.  Daniel gave her a look as she giggled then kissed her again.

 

- - - - ----  -

 

 Tonya was surprised at the number of people that had arrived for the wedding and was busy trying to stay out of the way.  She stepped back into an alcove as some servants carried a huge arrangement of flowers past, accidentally stepping on someone's foot.

 

 "Hey, watch your step," a familiar voice chided.

 

 She whirled in surprise and smiled at Alec.  "What are you doing here?"

 

 "I'm a friend of both the bride and groom," he replied giving her a hug.  "Plus Penny is royalty and this is one of the biggest weddings on the continent, so we had to come.  Where's Shadow?"

 

 "I think he's with Daniel trying help him to figure out how to put on his outfit," she replied.

 

 "Is this a private corner or can anyone hide here?" Techno asked as he stepped into the alcove.

 

 "Hello, Techno," Alec said with a grin.  "How's the married life treating you?"

 "I could ask you the same question," Techno replied with a grin.

 

 "Are you Prince Alec and Prince Techno?" Prince Sebastian asked coming up to the group.  "Oh hello, Tonya."  He shook her hand in greeting.  "The girls want to talk to us."

 

- - - -- - - -

 

 The wedding was a spectacular affair, one of the biggest that had occurred in the past century.  Princess Sally was beautiful in her gown, and she even got her wish for snow though it was late spring.  The flakes fell gently out of the cloudless sky, melting on contact, but creating a beautiful contrast to the deep green of the garden.  The ceremony was short and sweet, with a huge party following it.

 

-  - - - - -

 

 Tonya and Shadow were preparing to leave the castle when Sally pulled Tonya aside.  "Tonya," she started.  "I feel I should warn you about the path you are traveling.  Not far from my castle is an ancient castle that is inhabited by some kind of creature.  It hasn't bothered anyone unless they have trespassed onto its grounds, but I think you should avoid it at all costs."

 

 "Do you know why it's there?" Tonya asked curiously.

 

 "No, but I've heard rumors that the people who went in were never seen again," Sally said.  Tonya gave her a strange look, getting the distinct impression the Princess wasn't telling her the full story.

 

 "Ready?" Shadow called from the gate.

 

 "Yes, be right there," Tonya called back.  "Thanks for the warning," she said to Sally then hurried to join her companion.

 

- - - -  - -

 

 They had been walking at a leisurely pace for a few hours when Shadow stopped Tonya.  "I'm afraid I can travel no farther with you.  There is a small village just up the path on the right fork.  The villagers are very friendly and can give you a lot of information about the surrounding lands."  He paused.  "Do not take the left fork.  A horrible beast lives there and it would love to get its claws on you."

 

 "Where are you going?" Tonya asked frowning with concern.

 

 "I wish I could tell you, but I cannot, and you cannot follow me," he replied looking her in the eye.  "Farewell."  With that he stepped off the path and disappeared. 

 

 Tonya blinked in surprise then looked around in shock.  He had just vanished into thin air leaving her alone and confused.  She began to walk again, continuing down the path until she came to the fork it seemed everyone was warning her about.  Setting her will, she made her choice and walked with her head held high.

 

A creature hmmm...what could it be? she thought.  Another poor, unfortunate soul that was cursed by an evil witch?

 

- - --- -  -

 

 The gate in the thick stonewall was ten feet tall, wrought iron, and very heavy as Tonya pushed it open.  The sweet fragrance of roses filled the air and she realized the castle was surrounded by a huge garden.  Stone angels and cherubs watched from the roof of the castle, while marble elves and fairies played in the fountains.  She dropped to her knees to better appreciate a pale purple rose when she felt eyes watching her.  Ignoring the urge to run she dipped her head to smell the sweet aroma of the roses.

 

 "What are you doing here?" a gruff voice demanded.

 

 "Enjoying your beautiful roses," Tonya replied turning to see the owner of the voice.  Most ladies would have fainted, but she smiled at the huge Black Panther.  "Did you grow them?"

 

 "Yes and you're trespassing," he replied.  "You should leave.  Did the Princess and Shadow not warn you about coming here?"  He turned and began to walk away.  "You have ten minutes to leave or become a permanent part of my garden."

 

 She stood and dusted herself off.  "So are you going to tell me your real name now?"

 

 He paused and looked back.  "What?"

 

 "You never told me your name?" Tonya repeated.  "You just let me give you a new one."  She stepped towards him smiling.  "Most of the people on this journey know your real name, and you stopped them from telling me.  Why?"

 

 "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied standing up on his back legs.  "You have seven minutes."

 

 "Princess Sally told me you don't bother anyone who doesn't trespass, implying that the beast doesn't leave these grounds.  But you knew I had been to the castle," Tonya explained looking the bipedal cat in the eye.  "That could be from my scent, but you couldn't have known that I'd named my companion Shadow unless you were there."  She smirked.  "The same golden eyes and a black fire fox cloak.  How fitting for a Neko.  But what is your true name?"

 

 Shadow sighed knowing she had him caught.  "Zarbon Rosenclaw," he admitted.

 

 "Of the family that grows roses for medicinal and artistic proposes?" she asked wide-eyed.  He nodded.  "Why didn't you tell me?"

 

 "I didn't want to scare you," Zarbon answered. 

 

 "Scare me?"

 

 "I'm trapped in this form," he replied angrily.  "The witch that killed my parents cursed me when I tried to killed her.  I wanted to help you, but was afraid you'd turn me down if you knew I looked like this.  Others have before."

 

 "So you travel in disguise," Tonya added.

 

 Zarbon nodded again.  "You can stay here tonight if you wish," he said.  "It will be dark soon."

 

- - - -  - -

 

 Tonya walked into the kitchen the next morning wondering if she would have to cook breakfast.  To her surprise, a woman was already there, frying eggs and bacon.  The scent of fresh baked breads filled the air as well.

 

 "Good morning.  You must be the girl the master said was staying here.  My name's Erin," the woman said.

 

 "Good morning.  My name is Tonya.  I thought Zarbon lived here alone."

 

 "Oh he does, though he was hoping Lady Phoenix-Tail's granddaughter might consider moving in." Erin shook her head.  "Tis a shame the entire family's dead.  The staff here lives in the village that's just up the other fork.  We all work here, and it's been in the family for generations."

 

 "May I help you?" Tonya asked.  At Erin's nod, Tonya picked up some dough and began to knead it.  "He said a witch killed his parents, how did he escape?"

 

 "He wasn't here, which is part of why he feels so guilty," Erin replied.  "The other part comes from the fact that the hag killed the woman that was his nurse, then impersonated her to get close enough to kill.  When he returned from Lady Phoenix-Tail's with the books he'd borrowed, she confronted him, demanding that he become her slave or she would kill his parents."  Erin paused.  "Unfortunately for her, he could smell his parents' blood on her, so he tried to kill her instead, transforming into his cat form in order to succeed.  She cursed him, escaped his attack, and fled the country."

 

 "How did she kill them?" Tonya asked.

 

 "She used a magic spell to create a beast that vaguely resembles a transformed Nook," Erin replied.  "It was..."

 

 "Immune to arrows, swords, and magic attacks.  It killed its intended victims, then disappeared without leaving a sign," Tonya said cutting her off, her face pale.  Erin nodded slowly.  Tonya turned to look at Erin, her eyes wide.  "The same beast killed the Crown-Prince of River Isle."

 

 Before Erin could reply, Zarbon came in carrying a big buck.  "I found you a stag, Erin," he said panting slightly.  "Where do I put it?"

 

 Erin hurried to move some buns from the table.  "Right here will be fine."  He placed the deer on the table then sigh in relief as he stretched.  Erin frowned and fixed him with a look.  "I would venture to say, young master, there are more brambles and cockleburs than meat on this deer."  She looked him up and down.  "And yourself for that matter."

 

 He opened his mouth to reply, then noticed Tonya.  She was trying to stifle the giggles that threatened to bubble out.  "What?" he asked frowning slightly.  She was supposed to be repulsed by this display and want to leave, not have a giggle fit.

 

 "I'm sorry," she replied smiling.  "It's just that I haven't seen a bramble buck since I left River Isle."  She smiled fondly at the deer, her eyes distant.  "That's what my mother called them and she claimed they had more burrs than meat as well.  She would spend hours picking burrs out of my father and my hair and coats.  I've gotten really good at removing them."

 

 "Good," Erin said with a nod.  "Then you can help this young idiot while I work on the deer."

 

 "But..." Zarbon started to protest.

 

 "No buts," Erin said.  "No one has the time to help you right now because of Spring Cleaning, but Tonya's an expert.  Now out of my kitchen."  She gave him a shove and he stalked off.  Erin flashed Tonya a smile and a wink.  "He's just a big pussycat, dear.  Don't be afraid of him."

 

 Tonya hurried after him and found him out on the patio, laying on his side trying to pick out the burrs.  "Here now, let me help," she chided.  "You'll just make it worse doing it like that."

 

 Zarbon froze as she touched him.  He relaxed slowly, watching her work and he wondered why she didn't run.  She seemed completely comfortable doing this; in fact she was smiling.  Maybe I should stop trying to push her away...

 

- - - - - -

 
 Months passed and Zarbon wondered how he'd survived so long by hiding from his friends.  Tonya was constantly trying to involve him in things and she'd convinced him to join her at more than one party that Princess Sally was throwing.  She had discovered the massive library and had decided to continue her studies with Zarbon helping her along.  After a while though, she had reached his level and they helped each other learn.  By her eighteenth birthday, Tonya was strong enough to change her cloak from crimson to her choice of emerald. 

 

 - -- - - - - -
 
 "Zarbon has to declined to come today because he has to work with some roses he's growing for asthma," Tonya informed Princess Sally.

 

 "Well, that's a good excuse," Prince Daniel said.  "Are they ill or...sorry, Tonya.  I know you don't know.  I'll just have to talk to Zarbon when I visit in a couple of days."

 

 "That would probably be the best," Tonya replied.  "I don't really understand half of what he says about his roses."

 

 "Hey, Red," Alec called from across the ballroom.

 

 "Alec!" she called back waving.  She excused herself and hurried over to where Alec was.

 

 He was having an interesting conversation with Prince Techno and wanted Tonya to back him up.  A friendly little debate began and Tonya backed up both sides.  The music started and Alec asked if he could have the first dance.  Part way through the dance, they switched partners with Daniel and Sally.  Daniel was an expert ballroom dancer just like Zarbon, putting Tonya and Alec to shame.  Laughing as he dipped her, Tonya suddenly tensed as she felt eyes watching her.  He brought her out of the dip smiling, then frowned as he noticed her sudden nervousness.  Daniel was about to ask her what was wrong when an unfamiliar male voice spoke up.

 

 "May I cut in?" Well it was unfamiliar to Daniel, but Tonya paled.  Just then the song ended.

 

 "I guess not, but you might have a chance at the next dance," Daniel began.  But Tonya slipped away before the man could ask or Daniel could figure out why she was nervous.

 

 "Excuse me," the man said and tried to follow Tonya, but Sally cut him off.

 

 "Hello," she said.  "I don't believe I've had the pleasure to meet you.  I am Princess Sally and this is my husband, Prince Daniel.  This is Prince Alec of Memphis."

 

 The man looked around for the girl, but she had disappeared.  He frowned slightly, a worried expression on his face.  Suddenly, he seemed to realize that an answer was required of him and brought his attention back to the Princess.

 

 "I am Prince Dylan of River Isle," he said, immediately noticing Alec's dark look.  "Excuse me, but I need to find that girl."

 

 "Why?" Alec asked, a menacing note in his voice.

 

 "She looks a lot like my friend whom I believed to be dead," Dylan answered.  "I need to talk to her."

 

 "If she is your friend, you should be able to give me a message that she will recognize and be able to respond to," Sally said stopping him.

 

 Dylan smiled ruefully.  "I could give you many such messages," he said his eyes mournful, "but she would not respond in a favorable way.  She might even run from me."  He gave a broken sigh.  "Who would want to talk to someone related to the one that ordered your family's execution?"  Dylan cast another glance around.  "I should leave.  I'm putting her in danger by being here."

 

 "You're not going anywhere until you explain this matter in more detail," Princess Sally said.  "Alec, find her and make sure she's okay."  She turned back to Dylan.  "Come along, Prince Dylan.  You'll stay under my watch tonight."

 

- - - - - - -

 

 "Tonya just left," Alec retorted.  "She refused an escort, but I don't think she'll need it.  Zarbon usually meets her halfway."

 

 "All right," Sally said with a nod.  "I'm keeping a close guard over our guest.  We should get a full explanation in the morning."

 

- -- - - - - -

 

 "This story goes back over fifty years," Prince Dylan started trying to decide what to say.  "My grandmother was a Princess on the isle and had two extremely close friends and advisors, which happened to be Tonya's grandparents.  She married my grandfather, who became more and more jealous of the friendship the trio shared."  Dylan paused.  "He was outraged when Tonya's father was born because they'd dared to bear a male child before him.  But my grandmother was still a princess and they had only been married a little over a year at the time, so she saw no reason to rush."  He stared at the wall behind Sally as though watching the events unfold. 

 

"In due time, my father was born and he became great friends with Tonya's father despite my grandfather's objections.  When my father was about fifteen, a small matter arose that meant the Queen and Tonya's grandfather would have to travel to the mainland to resolve it.  There was no need to rush, so they were going to wait out the coming hurricane.  My grandfather had no patience for this and ordered then to leave immediately." 

 

His eyes misted slightly.  "The storm hit when they were too far from land to turn around and the ship was destroyed.  All members of the crew perished, but somehow Tonya's grandfather managed to drag the Queen back to the island.  He died on the beach at the feet of our fathers.  His stomach had been ripped open in the storm and he had been eviscerated by the waves.  He was fortunate to die before realizing my grandmother was already dead.  Something had pierced her chest and heart, killing her, but the ocean had concealed her fate."  Poopsie handed him a glass of water that he gratefully accepted.

 

 "My grandfather tried to blame Tonya's family for the lost of his Queen, but no one believed him.  Her grandmother, stricken with grief, moved to the mainland to start a new life."  Dylan looked at the glass for a moment.  "Tonya's father married before mine and grandfather put a lot of pressure on mine to find a suitable wife."  He smiled slightly.  "My father took his time and fell in love with my mother, Ula the selkie princess.  Grandfather is prejudice against magical beings like elves, Nekos, dwarves, and selkies, so father kept this knowledge from him.

 

 "To Grandfather's delight, I was born before Tonya was even thought of and he tried hard to prevent me from becoming friends with Tonya parents.  He failed again and was even angrier when she was born six years later and I began to play with her."  Dylan frowned again.  "About five years ago, my father was killed by a wild beast while patrolling the island with his guard.  Tonya's father was present and tried to fight the beast, but the guards and him failed.  They never found my father's body and grandfather once again tried to blame Tonya's family."

 

He paused and drew a shaky breath.  "My mother believed my grandfather had somehow done this vile deed as no trace of the beast could be found either.  Fearing for my life, she told me all she knew of this matter and sent me to the mainland to hide."  He paused again.  "I received a letter from my grandfather not long afterwards that she had been poisoned and was dead.  He wished me to return, but I was more afraid than ever.  He told me she had been poisoned with raspberry wine made by Tonya's mother.  Her mother hated raspberries and never used them to make anything.  My mother also hated them and was allergic as well so I knew he was lying.

 

 "When I did not return, he sent me another letter telling me that Tonya, her parents, and her grandmother were dead." Dylan shook as he remembered the gruesome letter.  "Enclosed in the envelope were pieces of their fingers and the seal her father had wore around his neck."  He looked at Sally pleadingly.  "Since that day, I have renounced my grandfather though I kept my title to remind me of my parents and grandmother."

 

 Suddenly, the sounds of a scuffle could be heard in the hallway.  "Let me through!  I must see my Prince!"

 

 Dylan rose with the others, but stayed where he was as the door opened and one of his men was brought in.  "My lord, forgive me.  I came as soon as I realized he was gone."

 

 "Who?" Sally demanded.

 

 "Sir Jake," the man said trembling.  "I think he went to find the girl you wanted to talk to last night.  Sir Aaron, Sir Mike, and Sir Ralph are missing as well."

 

 Dylan blanched.  "Oh no," he whispered.  "If he finds out..."  He didn't finish his statement but ran for the door.  "John, find the others and arm yourselves.  We must stop him before he reaches her."

 

 "He has a long head start, my lord.  He may already be there," John replied.

 

 "Then we must pray we are not too late to save her," Dylan replied.  "Don't try to stop me," he called to Sally and Alec who had risen to do just that.  "If Jake finds Tonya, he will most certainly kill her and I cannot allow that to happen."

 

 "The girl is Tonya?" the knight asked freezing for a second, before taking off at full speed.  His voice echoed through the castle as he called his comrades to arms.

 

 "I'm coming with you," Alec said.

 

 "I will come as well," Daniel added.

 

 They hurried to the stable were Dylan's men were waiting with horses already saddled for them.  The gate was raised and the group headed for Rosenclaw castle with all the speed they could muster from their mounts.  Both Poopsie and Sally had run to change into something they could fight in and summon the others.  Sally gave her orders to her guards, then jumped onto her horse.  It sprang into a gallop at the light touch of her heel, with Poopsie and the others close behind.

 

* * * * * *

 

 Tonya wove the young rose bushes into the trellis just as Zarbon had taught her.  Occasionally, she would prick her finger on a thorn, but most were too young and soft to hurt much.  She had just finished her first and was about to start on the next one, when the sound of horses reached her ears.  Thinking it was Daniel or another of her friends, she dusted herself off and headed towards the gate to greet the visitors.  She frowned slightly as they came through the gate, realizing none of her friends were present.  Terror raced through her blood as she recognized the tunics the men wore and she turned to run, but it was too late.

 

 Sir Aaron caught her by the arm and dismounted from his horse.  "I see Prince Dylan likes them young," he remarked to his friends.  "This one is barely old enough to fill her tunic properly."

 

 Sir Jake grinned.  "That is not our concern.  Let's take this little treat back and claim our reward." 

 

Tonya was terrified to run, but she knew she couldn't go with these men.  She stamped on his foot, slipped from his grasp, and ran.  Jake ran up her down on his horse, tackled her, and she screamed as loud as she could as he drug her to her feet.  The other knights jumped off their horses with their swords drawn as Zarbon appeared, plunging through the thick foliage to face them.

 

 "Let her go," he snarled, his long black tail lashing in anger.

 

 "No dice, fur ball," Jake retorted.  "She's coming with us.  Boys take care of this beast."

 

 The men advanced on Zarbon who held his ground and snarled, claws at the ready.  "Wait," Tonya cried still struggling to get feet of Jake's grasp.  "I'll go with you willingly if you promise not to hurt him."

 

 "No," Zarbon said.  "I can handle them."

 

 "I don't want to see you killed," Tonya replied.  "I'll be okay if I know you're alive."

 

 The sound of more hooves reached them and the men paused.  "Let both of them go!" Dylan commanded charging through the gate.

 

 "But my lord," Jake started.  "The Neko..."

 

 "That was an order, Sir Jake," Dylan replied dismounting.  "If the girl wants to come with you, let her do so willingly, but leave the Neko alone."  He walked towards Jake with his hand on his sword.

 

 "We have our orders directly from the King," Jake retorted, letting go of Tonya who stepped back hastily.  The men with Jake moved to support their captain, while Alec, Daniel, and the rest of Dylan guard moved forward to help the Prince.  "His kind is responsible for all the trouble in world.  I don't take orders from a snot nosed weakling Prince." Jake's hand moved before anyone could stop him and the dagger found its mark.

 

 Dylan knocked him to the ground a second later and drew his sword, not realizing what had happen quite yet.  "Drop your weapons," he ordered the other conspirators who complied as they realized they were out numbered. 

 

 Poopsie and Sally, who had just arrived in time to see the whole thing, hurriedly dismounted and ran to help Tonya.  "Zarbon," she said softly, kneeling on the ground, "You'll be okay.  Poopsie is here.  She'll help you."  She cradled him in her arms, trying to reassure both him and herself.

 

 The elf took a hold of the blade and pulled it from his heart.  It crumbled to dust and Poopsie shook her head sadly.  "Tis a cursed blade meant to kill a Neko.  This wound is beyond my skill to heal."

 

 Tears began to course down Tonya's cheeks.  "No.  That can't be.  He can't die," she pleaded, but her friends looked away.

 

 "I'm sorry, Tonya," Poopsie said as her own tears began.  "There's nothing I can do."

 

 Erin, her husband, and a few other servants came to find out what was happening, armed with pitchforks and hoes.  Without taking his eyes off Jake, Dylan spoke to Sir John.  "Gather firewood and make a pyre.  Hurry."   The man signaled to a few others and they rushed to comply.  The servants lead them to the corpse were the castle's firewood was obtained.

 

 Zarbon's breath was shallow and his blood flow thickly from the wound.  His eyes opened slowly and he looked up at Tonya's tear streak face.  "Hey, Red," he said his voice barely a whisper.  "Don't cry for me.  This is for the best."  He noticed Sally standing there and he smiled.  "Take care of her for me, Princess."

 

 "I will," Sally replied her voice choked with tears.

 

 "Don't say that," Tonya said.  "You're going to be alright.  You'll see.  Then we can finish the trellises and work on that broken fountain."  Her voice broke with a sob.  "You can't die.  You just can't."

 

 Zarbon smiled softly at her.  "Don't forget me," he whispered.  "Thank you for showing me how to live again."  His eyes closed and his chest failed to rise again.  The group went silent waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.

 

 "I'm sorry, Tonya," Dylan said, but she didn't here him.  Her tears fell like rain, soaking Zarbon's fur. 

 

 Jake, on the other hand, heard him perfectly well.  "Tonya?"  He looked at the grieving girl, his anger rising.  "Tonya Phoenix-Tail?"  Almost as if in answer to his query, the girl tossed her head back and gave an anguished howl that could never come from a human throat.  As she did, her hood fell back, revealing her cat like ears for the first time.  "She's a damned Neko!" Jake cried in anger.

 

 "Princess Sally, watch this man.  If he moves, well, I'll let you decide his fate," Dylan said.  "Prince Alec, help me with his body.  Is that pyre ready John?"

 

 "Aye, my lord."

 

 They picked up Zarbon's lifeless form and place it on the pyre.  Dylan turned quickly and pulled Tonya to her feet.  "Come along, Tonya, I need your skills."

 

 "Give her a moment, for pity sake," Jessica cried.

 

 "I can't," Dylan shouted back leading the grief stricken girl to the pyre.  Her legs started to collapse, but he wouldn't let her fall.  "Light it," he commanded.  She didn't move or reply.  "Come on, Tonya, I know you can do it.  Do this one last thing for him." 

 

He stepped back and she seemed to be a statue.  Then she deftly undid her cloak and tossed it away.  Her chestnut colored hair was braid, but still fell past her waist.  Her long, fluffy tail was the same color as her hair except for the tip, which was the color of a bright flame.  Tonya touched the tip to the wood and it immediately caught fire.  Stepping back a few paces, she dropped to her knees as though the to effort stand was too great.  Tears streamed down her face, but her face was blank of emotion as she looked through the flames.

 

 The group watched silently as the flames consumed the pyre and the body of their friend.  The flames suddenly changed from the normal colors to a bright emerald and Dylan let out the breath he'd be holding.  But his eyes widened and he frowned with concern as the flames suddenly turned crimson and the flames grew higher.

 

 "Wha-What's going on?" Jake asked in shock as the flames shifted from one hue to another.

 

 The flames had turned gold and then just as suddenly as it had started, the fire was extinguished.  The wood was unburned, but the body on top of the pyre was no longer covered in thick, black fur.  In his place lay a young man dressed in a tunic of dark blue with green leggings.  The man slowly stirred and sat up, looking around sleepily.  His golden eyes blinked at the group and he brushed some of his long, black hair out of his face.  His cat ears twitched and he noticed Tonya sitting only a few feet away.  Without hesitation, he stood and his long tail flicked behind him as he gained his balance.

 

 He dropped to his knees before the girl, who appeared to be unaware of man in front of her.  "Tonya," he said softly, touching her cheek.  "Come back to me."  Her eyes focused slightly and he smiled.  "It's me, Zarbon."

 

 "Zarbon?" she asked focusing more on his face.  He nodded and she lunged into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck.  "I'm sorry.  I'm so sorry."

 He stood up without letting her go, hugging her tightly.  "It's not your fault," he answered quietly.  "Though I wish you had told me you were a Neko."

 

 "I thought if I didn't tell you, you would be safe," she said looking into his eyes.  "I didn't want to lose you."

 

 He chuckled softly looking deep into her eyes.  "We were both afraid of scaring each other away, and we almost lost each other anyway."

 

"I thought the Phoenix-tails all died," Poopsie said looking at the equally confused Sally.

 

 "She wanted everyone to think that," Alec replied as Zarbon lead Tonya over to the others after picking up her cloak.  "She wasn't sure who to trust."

 

 "But you knew," Poopsie accused.

 

 "Of course," Alec replied smugly.  "I saved her from the witch at Phoenix-Tail's house.  Plus she looks like her grandmother."

 

 "How did you know that Zarbon would be revived by that fire?" Techno asked Dylan.  "I don't think she even knew she could do that."

 

 "No, I had no idea," Tonya replied looking at her old friend for an explanation.

 

 "All Nekos have magical powers and each family has a specific special gift.  This gift is usually described by the family's last name.  I have seen her father perform this task many times, but Tonya was much to young to know of her power.  Then her parents were murdered so she had no one to tell her," Dylan answered.

 

 "You wrote a letter to my parents," Tonya said looking at Zarbon.  "Erin said you wanted me to come here to live with you.  Why?"

 

 Zarbon blushed and the six Princes chuckled as the Princesses waited with smiles.  "I wanted you to become my wife," he finally said.  "Nekos marry Nekos, and your family was the only one I knew of nearby.  I would have come in person by I thought a letter would be best."

 

 Tonya's eyes shined with tears again and she cleared her throat.  "I wasn't worried about scaring you away," she admitted looking up into his eyes.  In his human form, he was only six inches taller than she, which seemed to make this easier.  "Everyone I've ever truly loved was taken from me and I was afraid if I told you, you would die as well."  A weak smirk crossed her face.  "Since that has already happened, I feel I can tell you now."  She took a deep breath and looked deep into his eyes.  "I love you."

 

 Zarbon smiled as tears of joy filled his own eyes.  "And I love you."  He dipped his head and kissed her as the sound of applause erupted around them.

 

 Tonya opened her eyes and blinked, surprised.  She was alone and she wasn't even outside.  She slowly sat up, feeling a little dizzy and looked around her room in confusion.