World

by D.A. Ignatius

The red dragon circled lazily above the battlements. Horen glanced up from sorting his herbs to watch it glide to a halt on the courtyard. Shading his eyes with one hand, he watched in awe as the majestic beast folded its wings and arched its neck gracefully. Strength and beauty.

That was the only phrase to describe the woman who swung off the dragonsaddle and dropped cat-like to the ground. She spared a moment to stroke the dragon's side before turning to walk towards him. Horen gulped. A Queen's Guard. She had the loose-limbed walk of a warrior and was dressed in full battle armor. Trouble was afoot.

Lorelei came to halt in front of the young man gaping at her. She smiled. So young and already a healer. That smile reached out to the boy and hit him directly in the groin. Young, yes. Dead, no! Horen couldn't take his eyes of her.

Auburn hair tied into an inticate braid, a few tendrils blown loose to curl recklessly about her face. Flawless skin, perhaps more tanned than fashionable but glowing with life. Eyes of grass and a body showing trim and subtly muscled beneath her ornate but lightweight armor. Strength and beauty.

"I bear a message from Her Majesty for the Alvamar. It is of the utmost urgency." This in a voice, low and husky. Horen suddenly came to life.

"The Alvamar is in the Healing Hall. I'll take you to him, my lady."

Lorelei pursed her lips softly.

"Not my lady. I can only be referred to as Warrior." she rebuked gently. Horen turned fiery red. Of course! Even a village idiot would know that!

"I'm sorry, Warrior.." he mumbled. She smiled back at him with a gentleness she reserved only for children and small animals..

The Alvamar sighed and wiped his hands. The last of the pilgrims had been taken care of. He looked around the huge hall. Everyday the hall was filled to capacity and everyday he and his mages cleared it. This was the way it had been for 300 years, and he had to admit that he was getting just a little bored with it...

"Master." He swung around to meet a pair of very green, very direct eyes. "A messenger from the Queen."

"This is the Alvamar?" Lorelei blurted out. This was the famed healer, the ageless who seen 6 generations and would see many more. This was a gorgeous man in the prime of life! Mage? Him? The soft navy robes he wore should have hidden the body beneath but instead hinted at long, lean muscles and leashed power. Tall, with clear grey eyes and thick black hair that waved gently to his shoulders. He didn't belong in this place. The man's sculptured lips curved in an amused smile.

"I do happen to bear that name.. What does Her Majesty desire of me?" Lorelei pulled herself together.

"My lord, I bring greetings from the Queen and a plea for help. The Prince has been wounded mortally in battle and needs your talent!"

The Alvamar nodded gravely.

"As soon as the young prince is here, I would be happy to do what I can.", he answered.

Lorelei shook her head firmly.

"The castle healer has warned us that the prince would die if he were to be moved.", she stated. "My Lord, the Queen needs your help. She needs you to go to him with all possible speed."

Alvamar fixed her with a steady gaze. Lorelei instinctively stiffened her back. She had never trusted magic and the sheer power of it emanating from this man was disconcerting. But not even by a flicker of an eyelash, did she betray that to him.

"Do you know of the curse that binds me here?" Lorelei nodded.

"You are required to stay within the boundaries of the castle or be hunted to the death.." Alvamar nodded briefly in agreement.

"That was why I was sent to deliver the message. I am to be your protector. No one will harm you as long as I live."

A brief flicker of irritation crossed Alvamar's face.

"I am well aware of the Guards reputation and I am sure that you would be perfectly capable of defending me against physical attackers. But we are not talking about men or beasts here, but demons of magic. Only a mage would be able to defeat them. And I cannot stay awake 24 hours a day to see to keeping myself alive! As I have said before, if the prince is brought here, I would be happy to assist him."

Lorelei's face darkened. "Please my Lord, please reconsider."

Alvamar's face softened. The woman was certainly dedicated, and the battle armor she wore certainly became her..

"I'm sorry."

"So am I.." she murmured. She moved in a blur of color. The next instant, she was behind the Alvamar, holding her short sword to his throat. Horen screamed for help. Alvamar merely stiffened.

"I'm the Alvamar, Warrior. You can't kill me."

"No? My orders are to get you to Miramar and I will. In one piece or many!", she growled. "Now MOVE!"

Lorelei moved him swiftly towards the entrance she had noted on the way in. All the while, her mind was racing. There was no way the Alvamar's mages could stop her. They were healers. Weapons were forbidden them as were spells of attack. She wondered briefly why her captive had not blasted her with a spell of defense but she chose not to continue with that particular line of thought..

They moved out into the small, sunlit courtyard. There were already several blue robes milling around them but a single motion of the Alvamar's hand kept them from breaking their vows and picking up their gardening implements to defend him. Suddenly, a wall of rushing wind hit them, scattering them to the safety of the halls. Lorelei screamed an order as she and the Alvamar stood firm against the buffeting winds. Kirsah slowly descended into the courtyard, his immense body barely fitting within its confines. As soon as the huge wings ceased beating, Lorelei was shoving her captive into the dragonsaddle and they were away!

Now she was really worried. The Alvamar hadn't put up much of a fight at all, which was completely contrary to his reputation. In fact, he was sitting quietly in front of her, trying to keep his wildly flapping robes intact. She would have figured that he would have electrocuted her or something..

Kirsah! She telepathed to her dragon. What do you sense about him? He does not fight us, came a liquid gold voice in her head. He is glad to be going. Thats impossible! He was so worried about his curse! Kirsah shrugged mentally. I can only tell you what I feel..

"Your pardon, My Lord, for abducting you in this way, but I am willing to do anything to save my prince.", she shouted against the rushing winds.

"No harm done Warrior, since you will be shortly taking me back to my castle.", he replied. As if right on cue, the dragon made a wide sweep and started heading back to the castle.

Kirsah! A wave of rage and pain from the dragon flooded her mind. I can't stop him! He's in my mind! Lorelei reacted instantly, reaching instinctively to put Alvamar in a choke hold. She hadn't even managed to touch him when she felt his magic start battering at her magic shield. It broke through faster than she thought possible and an excruciating pain exploded from within her. She suddenly felt like she was being incinerated from the inside out. Gasping, she doubled over clutching her abdomen, all thought of stopping the man erased from her mind.

Firm hands reached for her then, keeping her in the saddle and easing the pain magically.

"It will pass in a minute. You should have known better than to stop me.." Lorelei's breathing stablized somewhat, the pain now receeding amazingly fast.

"Why did you let me take you this far? You could have prevented this if you wanted to.."

The Alvamar smiled wryly. "It was a break in my monotonous schedule.. Quite entertaining, in fact. Plus, I have to set an example for my apprentices. As you probably know, we're not allowed to attack, only to defend. I couldn't possibly have practised that spell until we were out of their sight.."

"Practise?", she murmered, feeling a little better. "YOU WERE PRACTISING ON ME??", she yelled, her strength suddenly restored by the thought of shoving him off the dragon.. The Alvamar casually began to study the vicious-looking sparks that started darting from one hand. Lorelei forced herself to calm down, thinking furiously all the time..

Kirsah, if you have any control left at all, pretend to be in trouble. Nothing happened. Kirth! she swore. Then suddenly the dragon practically froze in mid-air and started plummeting to the ground. Both riders gasped in panic, but the Alavamar instantly closed his eyes and started yelling the arcane words of magic. Little by little, the dragon came out of its dive, borne up by the sheer strength of the Alvamar's will. Stealthily, Lorelei began to unbuckle her thigh guard. As soon as she got it free, she lifted it high and brought it down hard on the man's skull. He slumped forward on the dragon's neck with a soft sigh. With the magic gone, they started falling again. Lorelei screamed Kirsah's name, and immediately dropped the ornate guard to take a firm hold on the unconcious man. The dragon quickly took over and righted himself about 50 feet off the ground!

Lorelei was trembling in fear. No matter how many times she had flown with Kirsah, no matter how much she trusted him, the sight of the ground spinning uncontrollably towards her had cracked her nerve. Getting stabbed in battle was infinetely better than getting splattered all over the ground like a bug..

To Miramar but keep to the hills, she ordered wearily as she took a firm hold on the Alvamar. We need the cover. As for the healer, I'll keep knocking him out until we get there..

They had been flying for 30 minutes when the storm started brewing. Dark clouds seemed to appear from nowhere, boiling ominously around them. The mage was still out cold. Lorelei had already sent the him back into his unwilling slumber a second time...

Kirsah was uneasy. Even a dragon of his power would tire very quickly against the buffeting winds of a major storm. But he also knew that time was of the essence. He would get his riders to Miramar even if he had to fly through a hailstorm. He slowed his pace, conserving his energy for the battle ahead. That was when the dragonriders appeared on the horizon.

I see them, Lorelei answered grimly. Their spies are better than we thought. She loosened the battle lance strapped to the Kirsah's saddle. Two of them, and a few griffons.. Lord Taren probably hadn't been able to spare more from his army but what he had sent was probably enough to keep the Healer from reaching the Prince.

"Alvamar! Wake up!", she hissed into the man's ear as she started shaking him. He remained unresponsive. Damn! How the hell was she supposed to fight when she had an unconcious man to keep in the saddle? We'll have to land, Kirsah. Kirsah growled in response. The blood lust was already in his eyes. He didn't want to expose himself to attack from the higher regions, but he also realised that the presence of the mage would keep his rider from fighting effectively. He dropped into a controlled dive, reaching the ground in a few seconds. Lorelei unceremoniously shoved the mage out of the saddle and they were airborn again in the next minute.

Almost immediately, they were surrounded by snapping Griffons, all darting in and out, claws extended to gouge out some unlucky flesh. Kirsah drew a deep breath and suddenly the world around them was flame! Lorelei winced from the heat, yanking out her battle lance as she did. When the smoke cleared, one of the Griffons was plummeting to the ground with a shrill scream, its beautiful plumage afire.

Kirsah went into a roll, heading after another griffon. A sharp set of claws gashed along his side but a skilled thrust of Lorelei's lance, left a bright red splotch on the attacker's breast. It wouldn't live long. Almost immediately another set of claws fastened on her shoulder plates and yanked up furiously. Lorelei felt some of her harness straps strain and then break. If the screaming beast kept on like this, she would be plucked out of the saddle and dropped like a stone to her death.. Keeping hold of her lance with one hand, she reached for her short sword with her other and jabbed sharply upwards with it. A shrill cry from the eagle head, the claws dug deeper into her skin, another stab.. and another... blood flowing onto her hair.. she screamed in fury and thrust ... more blood and the lion's body dropped past her... fire everywhere... the smell of burnt feathers. And dragons..

The slower dragons finally arrived on the scene. Only one of the Griffons remained to aid them, but the sheer magnificence of the green dragons did enough to dishearten their opponents. They circled lazily around Kirsah, their riders almost invisible on their broad backs. Fight well Kirsah, Lorelei telepathed, perhaps as a good-bye. Fight well, Warrior came the formal response. And then he was soaring up into the heavens. The two dragons exploded after them..

Kirsah made a swift loop and dived below one of the dragons, emitting a blast that singed its back. The other dragon immediately attacked from the side, flames heading straight for Lorelei. She ducked even as Kirsah dodged the blast adroitly. But then he screamed as sharp talons ripped into his flank, twisting around in mid-air to snarl and grapple with his attacker. Lorelei lunged instinctively to drive her lance into the other dragon's side, putting her entire weight on its point. But the other rider had the same idea. Swiftly she deflected his lance with her sword even as her lance sank into the shrieking dragon. A little deeper, she panted. The other rider produced a sword and hacked at her lance. No time! she screamed mentally, yanking the lance out to save it. Both dragons were locked together, wings flapping, mouths snarling, teeth and claws sinking into exposed flesh.

From behind, the other attacked, air whistling as it hurtled towards the struggling dragons. Its rider held his lance steady, aiming straight for Kirsah's spine. Lorelei heard the dragon's cry and twisted around to protect her friend but it was too late. The lance sank into Kirsah's flesh, snapping in two as the force of his attacker's dive carried its rider past them. Kirsah's scream of pain sliced through her, both mentally and physically. He started dropping towards the ground. Lorelei cried out then, suffering together with her dragon but sent a wave of her own energy to him through their bond.

The other dragons were coming after them. Kirsah kept dropping, the shock and pain freezing his muscles. KIRSAH! she screamed, sending him another surge of her energy. The huge wings opened slowly and caught the currents but they were still losing altitude. Kirsah slowly rolled into position as Lorelei felt him recover. Weak but alive! Lorelei felt her fury mount, churned it carefully and sent a surge of that to him. It awoke the battle lust in him again as he swung up to face the oncoming dragons. Lorelei swung her lance into position. The left one!

Kirsah shot up towards the left dragon, meeting its blast of fire with his own. The flames flowed over her like water, bouncing off her armor but digging deep into her exposed thigh. Ignoring the pain, she used the cover of the flames to aim her lance directly at the oncoming dragon's breast. By the time, the other rider saw her, it was too late. Kirsah's force drove it deep into the dragon's heart. She let it go as they thundered past her, their screams fading away as they dropped away. All Lorelei heard after that was the explosion as the dragon hit the ground.

Pain. Lorelei felt it. Her own and Kirsah's. She felt his exhaustion, his draining strength. She could feel his blood flowing around her from his back wound. She could feel the agony of her own burnt flesh. They could never survive an attack from the other dragon. She looked behind them to find it. Diving? Diving towards the ground.... The Alvamar!

Kirsah swung around to follow but his wing beats were faltering. He was losing too much blood too fast and he couldn't feel his back legs. Dying. It echoed in both their minds, but duty came first. They would have to defend the Alvamar. Carefully, he folded his wings in and dropped swiftly in a reckless dive.

The other dragon was sweeping along the valley where they had dumped him, scanning for her victim. Seeing a splash of blue on the mountainside, she swooped in lower, working up a blast that would incinerate him instantly. She opened her mouth to blow, but her rider suddenly ordered a halt mentally. The robes were empty. Where was he? The dragon suddenly felt an insidious presence slipping into her mind. No! she screamed, recognizing it, but the force was too strong. She felt herself wheel around and head towards the cliff on her left... The force of the blast tore away half of the mountain top, sending an avalanche of rocks tumbling down into the valley..

Kirsah practically crashed to the ground. Miraculously, he managed to land before his huge bulk crumpled to the ground. Lorelei swiftly slipped off him to examine his injuries. The end of the broken lance was still stuck in his back and when she yanked it out, the deep hole started gushing more rich blood. She quickly grabbed some clean clothes out of her saddlebags and stauched the flow. Thinking swiftly, she calculated the time needed to stoke a fire and get her dagger ready to sear the wound closed. But the blood poured out with a speed that struck a little dread into her heart. Ruthlessly she forced it down. Kirsah would need a clear mind to see to him. He would not die.

Kirsah turned his head weakly to face her. Lorelei gasped in horror. Part of his face had melted under the flames from the other dragon. He had only one good eye left and it was regarding her sadly. Its no use, came his beautiful voice in her mind. The wound is mortal. My rear is paralysed. "No!" she stormed. "This isn't over. We have the Alvamar!"

"No.", came a quiet voice from behind her. "I cannot help him. His spine is broken. No magic in the world can heal that." He stepped forward to put a soothing hand on the dragon's neck. He turned his head slowly to look at Lorelei. "I can ease his pain though. And perhaps make the end come a little sooner."

Lorelei paled and backed away from him instinctively. No, Kirsah. Please, I need you. She could feel the warmth radiate from him. My friend, you know I love you but I don't wish to live like this. Nothing can bring my legs back. I'm a fighting dragon, not an object to be pitied! I wish to be remembered as I was. Lorelei nodded slowly. She could understand pride and perhaps the proof of her love for him would be to let him go.

She looked at the Alvamar. Her voice, when it came, was cold. "Kirsah has chosen to die. It is my responsiblity to end his suffering." The Alvamar nodded briefly, but compassion was in his eyes. He stepped back from Kirsah. Lorelei walked over to the dragon's head. Bending over, she took one of the scales over his heart and broke it off. She looked at the irridescent scale for a long time before tucking in safely under her breastplate.

Lifting her hand over her shoulder, she grasped the hilt of the long sword strapped to her back and unsheathed it. The beautifully ornate design glinted softly in the dim light. She could feel the pain that the dragon was trying to hide from her. Peace descended upon her. This was right.

Warrior. Friend, she replied. Lifting a hand, she placed a hand on the soft, black nose of her dragon in farewell. The gleaming red eyes closed. Swiftly she placed the point of her sword against his breast and put her weight on it. Kirsah stiffened, sighed softly once and it was over.

Lightning flashed over them, followed by the rolling bass of thunder. Both people looked up startled.

"We can shelter under that overhang.", said Alvamar, pointing to their left. Lorelei nodded briskly in agreement. She had put together a survival pack from the contents of Kirsah's saddlebags. She kept none of her armor except for her breastplate. Five hours of walking and even the lightest would feel like wrought iron. She hefted the hefted the pack over her shoulder and loped towards the deep hole in the hillside. The mage retrieved his robes, and followed her slowly, picking up dried branches on his way.

Later, when they had got a fire going and the rain was pouring from the ledge over them, the Alvamar tended to Lorelei's burnt thigh. She winced as he laid his hand on the ugly, puffed flesh. He closed his eyes then and took a deep breath. No chanting, no herbs, nothing. Lorelei bit down on her lip as the pain intensified for a burning moment and then it faded as a sensation of coolness washed over her leg. He lifted his hand then, revealing a patch of redness where the burn had been. She stretched her muscles cautiously. No pain. No pain at all. She smiled involuntarily then. "Thank you. It feels fine."

Later she produced some dried jerkin from her pack. As she glanced over to offer some to the Alvamar, the words died on her tongue. She had been in too much pain to realise it before, but the man had abandoned his robes and was still bare-chested. With a sense of shock, she averted her eyes. She had sensed the lean strength of his body but she never could have guessed the power and beauty that was the reality. In that single instant, she had drunk in the sight of strong, broad shoulders tapering to a slim waist, well-muscled arms and legs that were displayed to their full advantage by the supple leather breeches that he wore.

She was suddenly wary. This was no ordinary mage. He had the look of a warrior and it was pretty obvious that handling herbs wasn't the only exercise he took. Swiftly she tried to recall all the stories that she had heard about him in the past.

Not much. Just that he was a renegade prince whose unrelenting ambition had driven him to seek immortality. He had found it too, but the angry wizard he had stolen the secret from, had put a curse on him as a punishment. He would live forever but only if he stayed within a 5 mile radius of his castle. Any escape attempt would set in motion the intricate spell that would set magical assasins on his trail. The old legends had stated that the prince had repented, renounced his status and settled down to use his magic for the good of humanity. Very altruistic. Unfortunately she couldn't reconcile that romantic figure from the legends with the man leaning casually against the damp wall.

"My Lord."

The Alvamar opened his eyes to look at her.

"My lord, you must know by now that I'm prepared to do anything to get you to Miramar. But you also know that I'm no longer in any position to take you there by force... That is why, I'm asking you now to come with me of your own free will. We are already a third of the way to Miramar. It would only take 4 more days to get there. I know its selfish of me to ask you to risk your life for the Prince but I can do no more than pledge my own to ensure your safety." She fell silent then, embarrassed for abasing herself in front of him, but it would be worth it if he consented.

He didn't say anything for a long while, but merely regarded her with those calm grey eyes.

"That will be enough.", he stated simply.

That single sentence practically knocked Lorelei over. She had figured that nothing would have made him consent after what she had done to him. She quickly found her voice.

"Thank you.", she said quietly. "You have my gratitude."

He smiled at her then. A smile of such utter charm that all her defenses went swinging back up. She still couldn't shake the feeling that the man was dangerous..

She reached down into her clevage to pull forth a slim wooden rod from the hidden pocket there and handed it to him. The Alvamar broke the seal on it and drew forth the gossamer thin scroll. Unrolling it on the ground, he read the case description sent by the castle healer. His brow darkened as he read about the treachery and murder he just committed himself to.

Barion. Injured in battle and taken home to recover. Surrounded by part of his Guard, he lay unconcious in his bedroom. The castle healer had left his vigil to recover his strength when Lord Taren's assasins made a strike against the Prince. The Guard died to the last man, but they took the assasins with them. Except for one. He managed to slash the Prince's throat before collapsing on top of him. That was the carnage that greated the horrified healer's eyes as he returned from his dinner. With a great presence of mind, he cast a stasis spell on the dying Prince and halted the gush of blood from his jugular. The Prince would still bleed but time had slowed down for him. His mind wandered now in the twilight world from where only a great mage like the Alvamar could bring it back. Six days instead of 2 minutes before death. Six days that suddenly seemed too short.

The next day she was shaken awake by the Alvamar. There was barely enough light for her to see him put his finger to his lips. Swiftly she came to her feet and mists of sleep begin to clear. He was standing at the mouth of the overhang, looking out into the cold grey fog, his eyes focused and searching as if for something that only he could see. She came up beside him with her long sword drawn.

"There is evil magic here." he said quietly without looking at her. "I can feel it chilling my bones."

He held out a small pouch to her. A magic shield. She took it and looped it around her neck together with her current one. Suddenly a twig cracked. They both froze. Lorelei felt her instinctive fear of magic rise up to clutch at her throat. Suddenly she felt completely defenceless and very much alone. She could feel the presence now, all around them.

The Alvamar suddenly shouted something and threw his hand upwards. Light exploded all around them, sending the awful creatures in front of them cringing away from the shock. The fireball remained suspended in the air, flames shooting out to light their way.

Lorelei screamed her battle cry and lunged at the closest creature. It stood 2 feet taller than her, bound with muscle and brown fur. It also had the longest fangs she had ever seen..

Alyssa, Lorelei's aunt and personal guard to the Queen, had once commented that the secret behind her nieces' success in the Guards was due mostly to her speed and agility. She was certainly proved right as Lorelei thrust her sword deep into creature's chest, ripped downwards and out, even as she dropped under the blow the thing aimed at her throat. It let out a thin scream as razor sharp claws whistled over her head. She didn't wait to see it fall before she was attacking another.

Behind her, the Alvamar's chanting rose and fell as shrieks and the smell of burning flesh floated towards her. Lorelei fought on ignoring the bloody gashes she had taken across her chest and back. Suddenly light exploded around her as some force slammed into her body, knocking her to the ground. Looking up she caught a glimpse of swirling black robes before one of the mutants threw itself on her. She screamed as claws ripped into her body, as she struggled to get enough space to thrust her sword into its body. Suddenly the snarling beast stiffened and then collapsed on her. She barely heard the anxious voice calling her name and the hands pulling her out from under the creature.

Held protectively within the Alvamar's arms, she turned her head weakly in the direction that he was glaring. A dark mage stood there, black robes fluttering around him. Black eyes, long black hair, he was an impressive sight. He stood impassively for a second before making a courtly bow to the Alvamar. The man holding her paused for a second before acknoledging it with a nod of his head. As if on cue, a firedrake dropped from the sky and landed by the mage, who swiftly mounted and was gone in minutes.

"Its over.", Alvamar said harshly. "For now."

That was when Lorelei passed out.

Part 2

Lorelei regained conciously at mid-day. Her body throbbed unmercifully but instead of the deep gashes all over her body, she found red, tender welts. There were advantages travelling with a healer. She sat up gingerly, wincing as recently mended muscles strained.

"Here, drink this." She took the steaming mug filled with a cloudy green liquid from him. He too had been wounded as the healing streaks across his body stood out clearly against his tan.

"We'll have to leave soon if we're to make it to Miramar in time."

She nodded and gulped down the noxious liquid, trying not to gag on it.

"Those creatures. They were part of the curse, weren't they?

He nodded.

"We can expect a lot more of that.", he said quietly as he slashed his deep blue robes in the middle.

"You are very fast.", he continued matter-of-factly.

"I have rarely seen anyone dispatch those animals as efficiently as you did." He cut off a long strip of material and used it to belt in the shorter version of his mages robe. She murmered an appropriate reply to the compliment.

Lorelei looked him over under the cover of her lashes. The makeshift shirt was much more practical, short and loose enough to allow him free movement. She also had to appreciate it in a purely feminine way. It empasized the strength of his shoulders, the trim waist and the long length of leg. She could only offer up thanks to Mira, that her Onset was not due for another 3 months. Her eyes swept back up his body to meet his own eyes, filled with exact same intensity she was affording him. She calmly stared right back at him.

He took a step forward to stand in front of her. She had to tilt her head back to keep eye contact but as in the way of opponents, she would not be the first to look away. His gaze turned warm, amusement trickled in, and then he bent his head to place his lips on hers. Lorelei's eyes widened as she stepped away, her hand reaching instinctively for her dagger. He smiled then.

"You're quite a woman, Warrior." But then he tilted his head and looked at her quizically. "But are you a woman?"

Lorelei flushed in anger. "Of course, I am!"

"I've seen virgins less skittish than you. It was just a simple kiss, nothing more. Nothing to be afraid of.."

Another attribute Lorelei's aunt would have spoken of, was her niece's occassional act of utter and complete recklessness. Such was it when Lorelei stepped forward and boldly claimed the Alvamar's lips. And again it was totally in character to find herself in over her head.

The man's arm came around her like a band of steel as she found herself been kissed with a throughness that was totally intimidating. His head tilted to let his tongue stroke in even deeper into her mouth as his free hand swept down her side. Heat, passion, she thought dimly. Never would she have imagined the force of it. Self-preservation snapped into place. She pried him away with a well placed elbow, anger snapping from her eyes.

"I am a Warrior, my lord, not some barmaid you can tumble. I have earned the right to respect and I demand it!"

The Alvamar lifted an eyebrow calmly. His eyes turned cool again.

"I'm not aware that I have ever insulted or treated you as less than you are. I admit that I was carried away by the moment. I may be ageless but I'm still a man." He shrugged wryly. "But rest assured, I will not make any further advances towards you."

"Good!", she snorted. "One less thing to worry about."

"Yes," he continued confidently as he started North, "next time you will come on to me."

The trekked across the barren landscape in silence, each wrapped up in their own thougths. The Alvamar, poring throught the defense spells in his mind and Lorelei remembering the Prince she was trying to save.

Barion. She had grown up with him. From the very beginning, the Queen had noticed her speed and had singled her out to be part of the prince's personal guard. The Prince had not been adverse to the fresh faced girl, far from it. He flirted and fought with her, soothed her fears and made her frighteningly aware of her own body. There seemed to be a world of experiance between his 18 years and her 16. She hadn't put up much of a fight when he finally took her virginity. Secretly and passionately.

Then the Queen found out and she was transferred to the Queen's Guard post-haste. There could be nothing between a prince of the royal house and a warrior maid. That was 10 years and many men ago. She had been about to be transferred back to the Prince's Guard when the Prince was attacked. The Kingdom's future rested on the Alvamar's shoulders and she would make sure that it would have a future. She had worked too hard to redeem herself to screw it up now..

The Alvamar returned to awareness slowly. He was satisfied that the spells he had remembered would be enough to deal with whatever the Old One could throw at him. He cast a quick glance at his companion. A secret smile curved his lips. He hadn't felt like this in a long time. The thrill of an adventure, a beautiful woman to stir his senses. A reluctant beautiful woman to stir his senses.. He immediately realised the reason he had picked his more spectacular spells to deal with the Old One's minions. A juvenile need to impress the girl.. He fought back a very un-Alvamarish laugh. Mira, it was good to feel young again!

Lorelei cast a glance at the sky. It would be dark soon. They had lost too much time dealing with the attackers. She started examining her internal map, searching for the nearest fortress. There would be dragons or firedrakes. At the worst, horses. Anything to get to Miramar.

A loud snap sounded from behind her. Without thinking, she flung herself at the Alvamar, knocking him to the ground. Looking up, her eyes met those of a placid pig, chewing happily away. A soft laugh vibrated through the body beneath her.

"When I predicted that you would come on to me, I didn't really mean it so literally." His eyes gleamed with an unholy glee. "But since you have made your move, I would be a total cad to refuse you..", he continued with a saintly sigh, his arms coming round to hold her.

"No!", she wriggled away, the delightful heat of his body still warm on her skin. "Touch me and lose your hands!" The Alvamar threw back and laughed as he had wanted to all day.

"If nothing else Warrior, you're always entertaining."

"You're in a awfully good mood for someone who's being hunted down like a dog.", she said grouchily, coming to her feet.

"Can you blame me?" he replied, propping his hands under his head. "This is the first time in many, many years that I have been free of my work, free of responsibility.

I've missed the freedom of my youth.", he finished softly. "And you, Warrior. When was the last time you had a holiday?"

Lorelei blinked. "A holiday? Err... 3 months ago." If you could call the Onset a holiday.. She felt herself grow warm under his intent gaze.

"Can you read my mind?", she blurted out. The Alvamar relaxed slightly.

"I cannot enter a human's mind unless he or she permits it. Don't worry, Lorelei, I will not invade your privacy." He got up and dusted himself off. "We don't have much light left, so we'd better make camp here."

"Do you think we'll be attacked tonight?", asked Lorelei.

"I have no idea. The Old One probably doesn't even care about me anymore. The business of the curse has most likely been delegated to one of his apprentices." He cast a hungry look at the wandering pig.

"That looks like dinner to me!"

Lorelei shifted restlessly all through the night. Strange disjointed sensations flowed through her body. Soft urges, delicious thrills, she floated alone in her dream state. When she woke the next day, she felt a throbbing heaviness in her abdomen. Puzzled, disoriented but not extremely worried, she put together her pack for the day's travel.

She turned around to douse the camp fire and staggered as a spasm gripped her body. Her eyes glued themselves to the bare-chested form of the Alvamar as he strode into the campsite carrying two full water skins. Lorelei could not drag her eyes off the wonderful physique on display. She licked her lips slowly. Please Mira! Not this! Not now! She screamed silently with a growing sense of horror. Her body growled in response, the urge to mate growing more powerful by the second.

Lorelei swung away from the sight, her hands balling into fists as she squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated on controlling the animal that had awakened within her. Oh Mira, this was all wrong. The feeling of the linen she wore, rubbing against the swollen, wet flesh between her thighs was agonizing. Not for another 3 months!

"Ready to go, Warrior?", Alvamar called out.

"In another minute.", came her muffled voice. When she came towards him, her face was strained and pale.

"Is something wrong?", he asked solitciously.

"No, not at all.", she replied with a brittle smile. "We should be able to make good time today."

Please, put your robe back on, she begged silently.

The Alvamar nodded and swung his pack onto his bare shoulders, striding away in the general direction of Miramar. She swore furiously in an undertone.

At the end of the day, Lorelei was walking in an electric aura generated by her lust. Her feet stumbled over themselves, she was exhausted fighting both herself and the rough terrain. Ahead of her, the Alvamar strode on, his muscles glistening with sweat. Lorelei's eyes were fixed determinedly to the ground in front of her, but an image of his bare body flashed into her mind. The broadness of his chest, tapering down to a narrow waist and firm, muscled buttocks. The fire flared in her groin. She bit a finger savagely to fight it. The sharpness of the pain cleared her mind a little. Temporary relief from the urges that would only get stronger..

She could withstand this. She would withstand this, she swore determined. The idea of that man finding out that she was caught in the throes of a sexual frenzy was.. impossible. In the middle of nowhere, with no protection. A child would be inevitable. She pressed a hand against the throbbing ache in her lower back. The pain killers she had taken didn't seem to work against something like this. Mira! You bitch! She swore in a fury. You have no right to do this to me!

The Alvamar stopped so suddenly that she walked right into him. He caught her and steadied them both. Lorelei gasped softly and stiffened. Her entire body seemed to focus on the touch of his hands on her upper arms. The Alvamar swore softly.

"Something's wrong. You look like death."

"Its been a tough day. I'm exhausted.", she said bruskly

He tilted her face up to examine it. Sizzling green eyes met cool grey ones.. which began to widen as her musky female scent began to surround him.. and arouse him as it was designed to do.

"Lorelei..", he whispered.

"No!", she yelled, shoving him away. The passions swirling around in her found a vent in fury. "No!", she sent a kick towards his shin.

"Shut up!", he yelled right back at her, grabbing her arm and spinning her around to put her in a head lock.

"Now, you're going to listen to me", he bellowed into her ear, setting her brain ringing. Lorelei could only whimper as her body broke free of her control and pressed in closer to his.

"Oh Mira..", he groaned as her bottom started grinding suggestively against his groin. "Lorelei, why the hell did they send you out to me if you were due for your Onset?"

"I'm not due for another 3 months! I don't know whats happening to me!", she moaned as her hands came behind her to clasp his buttocks. "I feel like dying!"

The Alvamar winced as the movements of her body and her hands set a mighty erection going.

"Alright. I'm going to let go of you now and we're going to figure this out."

Lorelei crumpled to the ground as soon as he let go of her. Her body was shaking like an autumn leaf but she was too exhausted and humiliated to care.

"You must let me help you..", said the Alvamar urgently, crouching down beside her.

Lorelei lifted her eyes to meet the sight of the straining bulge in his breeches. "No.", she said in a strangled whisper. "I can't. If this is the Onset, I would get pregnant for sure. I don't have a potion and I bet you don't either.."

"No dammit, I don't!", he ground out, struggling to keep his wits. The blood was flowing from his brain to his throbbing cock, respondingly instinctively to the scent of a woman in heat..

"Lorelei, you have to trust me!"

She made a negative sound and lifted a hand to ward him off. He caught hold of her chin and forced her to look into his eyes.

"I will not let you get pregnant.", he swore.

Lorelei stared at him silently for a while. His eyes were hot with desire, but they were also honest. Her shoulders bowed as she came to a decision. What choice did she have? It was either that or go insane..

"Do whatever you have to.", she whispered so softly that he could barely hear.

Alvamar grabbed her pack and pulled out her blanket, spreading it under a lone tree. Grabbing his water skin, he poured some into a bowl and washed the dust from his hands. Around him, the setting sun sent shafts of golden light, turning the droplets falling from his hands into a rainbow of colors. Turning around to go get her, his eyes met the sight of the warrior maid struggling to her feet. Her eyes came up to meet his. Not just blazing with lust but with a wounded pride. His heart came up to lodge in his throat, every protective instinct in him as a man and as a healer came to choke his breath. The rich sunlight turned her hair into flame as she walked slowly towards him.

When she was standing in front of him, he took hold of both her hands and lowered her down to their makeshift bed. He sank down to lie beside her, propping himself up on an elbow. One hand reached to caress her face softly.

"Trust me.", he said again. She nodded wearily, wondering at the sudden tenderness in his eyes. Slowly his lips came down to claim hers.

His lips were soft on hers, tasting gently. Her body recognized the victory immediately and surged against him, impatient now that the battle had been won. She heard him groan as her hips thrust against his rigid shaft. The woman Lorelei, tired and disheartened, retreated into herself where nothing could touch her.

The Alvamar felt her legs lock themselves around him, the hardness of her armour digging into his bare chest. Gasping, he wrestled with the buckles that held them in place, ripping off her breastplate to reveal the dove grey linen that lay beneath. The scent of her arousal was driving him so crazy that he had to fight against the urge to rip the bodysuit off her body. His vaunted mental powers had gone to the dogs when faced with the oldest magic of all. His hands swiftly unlaced her bodice and plunged into its warm depths to cup her breasts.

He swallowed slowly. Warm, living flesh pulsing in his hands. Her nipples felt like pebbles in his palms. Instinctively his hands circled, rubbing her sensitive tips against the calluses of his hands. The sharp cry of pain she let out caused a quick frown to flash across his face. Too sensitive for touch.. What she really needed was release..

Regretfully, his hands left her breasts to stroke downwards over her stomach to slide under the cloth still covering her hips. She froze as his fingers parted her wet lips for one second, two, before she ground herself heavily against his hand. Alvamar gasped as the wet heat spread over his skin, his entire body reacting deliciously to the slick fluid coating his hand. Without conscious thought, his fingers started stroking her, rubbing along the length of her slit, rubbing deeper and deeper with each stroke. Lorelei arched up against him, high cries escaping her as her body moved to his rythmn. He looked into her eyes then, wanting to see her passion, her desire as he brought her to climax.

Nothing. There was nothing but blankness in her eyes. Her face was strained with passion, her hands clutching at his shoulders, but the woman he was touching wasn't Lorelei. The desire in him chilled then. He had no wish to make love to a lifeless doll. Gritting his teeth, he speeded up his hand's thrusting until she finally came in a series of wild spasms. He held her exhausted body then until she fell asleep in his arms.

It was dark when he roused her a couple of hours later. She yawned and stretched slowly, not quite understanding the languorous throbbing in her abdomen. And then her face flamed as memory flooded back. The Alvamar noticed her heightened color when he turned to hand her a bowl of dried jerkin mixed with a small portion of rice. She took it with a curt nod.

Things seemed to have calmed down somewhat, she realised as she checked herself over. The urge had faded into a faint throb in the back of her conciousness, but she knew from experiance that this would only be a momentary reprieve. She gritted her teeth. Nothing could have damaged her mission like this had. They could only make good time during times like these. And the stops... The stops would have to be frequent and fast.

The same thought was running through the Alvamar's mind as he repacked his gear. Traveling tonight would be very uncomfortable but they had already lost more time that they could afford. Then there was also the matter of Lorelei..

He had already scouted the area for streams.. None. The herb, Arbouria, was plentiful in the lush landscape of his home. In fact it was so common, he never bothered to carry it in the herb pouch hanging from his waist. There always seemed to be a frond growing outside the front door. Now, of course, right when he needed it, not a single one could be found. No Arbouria, no potion, no protection.. He grimmaced. Sexual frustration would be a major part of his life for a little while longer..

"There's a supply station about 3 hours from here," said Lorelei briskly, bending over a map. "It's unmanned but there will be emergency rations and water." Even as she spoke, she could feel the urge stir within her. Three hours suddenly seemed like forever. Without wasting any more time, she efficiently put her pack together and strapped it onto her back. The Alvamar put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "How do you feel?" She stiffened inexplicably. Not even with a flicker of an eyelash did he betray that he had felt her muscles tighten under his touch. Instead, he dropped his hand and pretended to shift his pack to a more comfortable location.

"I'm feeling fine," she replied awkwardly, cursing herself for reacting so childishly to such a simple gesture. "We really should get going before my sex drive decides to come back on." He nodded, a little warmth coming into his eyes. "Everything will be alright, you know." She smiled at him. Without another word, they headed off into the darkness.

Four hours later, after a few wrong turns in the dark, a crudely built hut loomed up within the lighted circle cast by their torch. Lorelei was sweating profusely, her face flushed in the soft golden glow as she fought against the most natural of impulses. The door unlatched easily under the Alvamar's hands and creaked open to reveal the cabin's dusty interior. Both packs fell to the floor and the door slammed shut behind them as Lorelei dropped onto the single camp bed in the cramped space. The Alvamar swiftly located a bottle of oil and some flints and lighted the lamp sitting on a table. It flared into life, clearly outlining the dust and the dilapidated condition of the cabin. And Lorelei's pain as she lay on the bed. He was beside her in the next second, stripping away her stained and soaked bodysuit. Her flesh glowed damply in the lamplight even as Lorelei closed her eyes determinedly.

An hour later, they found a goldmine of supplies in a small cupboard. Everything from dried jerkin and grain to toiletries and soaps so the Alvamar immediately got busy restocking their backpacks. Outside, Lorelei poured buckets of well water over her nude body washing away the dirt and perspiration. She reveled in the sheer pleasure of cleaniness and the weight of the water flowing through her loose hair. The night still sat heavily on the land but the light streaming out of the cabin's open door and windows colored her lithe body with a loving hand. He watched her with a dry throat as her back arched over and over again, the water running over her body like the best of lovers. He couldn't explain the sense of loss within him.. Could it be because he couldn't inspire the exhiliration in her that chilly well water was obviously doing? An hour earlier, she had arched against him, seeking pleasure and fulfillment, but always detached.

Lorelei squeezed the water out of her hair, smiling softly. The pleasure of the bath had revived her spirits as well as her strength, Even with all the stops, they were making pretty good time. The next leg would be a lot longer but travelling in daylight would certainly be a lot easier. For now though, she looked forward to food and a few hours of sleep. Grabbing a thin towel, she dried herself off efficiently and wrapped herself in it. Both her uniforms were still drying on the edge of the well, so she simply headed back to the cabin to keep warm.

He met her at the door, turning sideways to allow her by before continuing on to the well to have his own bath. Lorelei sat on the edge of the rickety table and with a grimace took a bit out of a piece of dried jerkey, thinking longingly all the while of the hot, steaming meals that were standard fare at her barracks. With a sigh, she straightened up and ran into the sight of the Alvamar shaving his face in the nude. With a small shock, she suddenly realised that even though they had been more or less intimate, she had never allowed herself to really see him. She hadn't known of the

long deep scar that ran the length of one muscled thigh. Or that his lower body was a work of art. Unconciously, she began to repeat history and watched him at his bath. She watched the deliberate movements of his hands with the razor, drew in her breath in appreciation when he stretched to draw another bucket of well water. She smiled when she heard him yelp as the coldness of the water hit his skin and she stared fascinated as the water flowed through his hair. Then when he slowly turned his head and grey eyes met green, she allowed her eyes to tell him that she found him attractive. Without a word, he held out his hand and after a moment's hesitation, she went to him.

Part 3

Lorelei awoke with a start, propping herself on the bed with an elbow. As the mists of sleep receeded swiftly, a inexplicable unease flowered in her. She rose and swiftly shrugged into her bodysuit, all the while trying to figure out why the back of her neck was prickling uncomfortably. After her short sword was safely on her hip, she strode over to the door and pushed. It held true. Frowning, she put her shoulder to it and shoved. The door didn't even shift.

"Alvamar," she yelled. "I'm locked in!" It was then she noticed the unearthly silence that enveloped her. No bird song, a truly unusual occurance for this time of year. She darted to a window and tried it. It was sealed too. She put her eye to the crack between the edges of the peeling wood and peered out. All she could see was a hazy blue film overlapping the well in the distance. She yelled for the Alvamar again at the top of her lungs. When no answer came, her unease deepened into a certainty of danger.

She threw herself against the door, her shoulder making a sickening thud as it made contact with the rotting wood. A corner of the door broke off from the rest and hit the floor. She dropped to one kneww to break off more from the area when she stiffened in surprise. In the space where the chunk had been was a pulsing pale blue film that shifted and glowed with a life of its own. The Old One had made another move. She slid a finger through the space, cautiously feeling the film give a little before suddenly firming up and pushing her finger back into the cabin. Dread settled around her heart. The door and windows were sealed against escape. She put her hand to the magic shield slung around her neck. It was obviously not enough to overcome the field. Then an idea hit her.

With a bloodcurdling yell, she threw a side kick at a part of the wall. The sound of splintering wood echoed through the cabin. Another kick and another, while portions of the wall cracked and fell apart. Eagerly, she peered through the crack that had formed. Grass grew a few inches away, glowing a bright green in the morning sunlight. She grinned in triumph before swinging back to her feet and resumed the pounding. As the wall shuddered, cracked and splintered she sped up, ignoring the pain as she alternated legs. Suddenly her right foot went right through the wall and three minutes later, she scrambled through the shattered wall out into the light. Behind her, the blue film still pulsed around the exit points of the cabin

"Alvamar!" The cry rang out into the deathly silence, as she quickly scanned her surroundings. Then suddenly, she felt a soft touch on her shoulder. She swung around, settling into a defensive stance. There was nothing there. Then again, a faint pulling. Uncertainly, she drew away from what ever was there. Another tug, a little more insistant. "Oh Mira!" she swore before sprinting in the direction of th invisible guide.

As she shoved her way through the thicket, she caught a whiff of burning wood. When finally, she crashed into another clearing, the smell was overpowering. Her mind froze as it tried to absorb the extent of the destruction before her. In the middle of the blazing clearing, two figures struggled in a full-scale mage war.

Bolts of blue fire flashed between outstretched hands, glancing off protective shields before falling in a shower of sparks around the pair. There was not a single living thing within a 20 foot radius around them. At the other side of the clearing, sounds of crashing branches reached her as a forest fire took hold. Then suddenly, the Alvamar caught sight of her and gasped. His opponent took his momentary advantage and cast a fire ball at the Alvamar, which knocked him back, his shield pulsing erratically as it tried to keep up with the pounding. The black mage sneaked a quick glance at Lorelei to judge her position. She dropped into a side roll as a flash of blue lightning struck the bushes where she had formerly been. Quickly, she scrambled back into the relative safety of the thicket, wisely realising that she would only be a hinderance instead of help in this fight. With her out of the way, the black mage turned back to his original prey, who had staggered back to his feet. Both mages had burns slashing across their bodies, their clothes smoking from the impact. Once again, they started circling each other, constantly muttering, softly weaving spells to confound, disrupt and destroy each other.

Suddenly the Alvamar yelled something and stretched out one hand. A tree branch came whistling straight at the black mage's head, but he ducked just in time to avoid being brained. The ground at the Alvamar's feet suddenly heaved and opened up, throwing the Alvamar to one side. He lithely curled up into a roll and came up to his feet swiftly before returning a punishing blow of mage fire at his nemesis. It hit the magic shield squarely, causing a ripple over its invisible surface as the shield weakened. Another blow in the same spot and the evil mage staggered back, his ornately embroidered black robes swishing about his ankles. In front of him, the Alvamar was a distinct contrast in his ragged half-robe but he stood firm, ignoring the pain of his wounds and forcing himself to conserve his strength.

They circled each other, ancient words weaving the substance of earth and air into deadly weapons. The elements came at their beckoning. First lightning and hail to weaken, then fire to wound. And with each phenomenal display, they were killing themselves. The black mage's face was drawn, his cheeks hollowing themselves out until it resembled a deathhead. The Alvamar moved like a old man, struggling to keep his balance but the power that moved around him surged and trembled with proud power. Two forces that were perfectly matched. And then there was a shift in the balance.

From overhead, a fierce scream cut through the smoke. From out of the black smoke billowing above the clearing, a large dark shape hurtled towards the Alvamar, wings spread out to the max. Deadly claws sliced right through his shield and ripped into his face and shoulders. The Alvamar dropped to his knees with an agonized scream. Lorelei gasped. Unfair! She took off, drawing her short sword as she sprinted towards the two figures. The black mage let loose a fire bolt which slammed into the Alvamar, knocking him into an awkward sprawl a few meters away. His body twitched once and subsided into unconciousness.

The black mage turned and caught sight of Lorelei running toward him. His eyes rested on her for a brief moment before he raised his hand dismissively. With another blood-curdling scream, the firedrake returned at its master's command, this time zooming in on Lorelei. She twisted to avoid its deadly claws, dropping to a roll to come lithely to her feet again, ready for the next attack. The black mage, satisfied that she was going to be busy for a little while, walked cautiously to where the Alavamar's body lay among the jagged, smoldering ruins of what had once been a meadow. Fire crackled from his hands and he kicked the motionless body viciously. Behind him, the firedrake dropped out of the sky again, streaking down on its victim. The black mage smiled, the last thing he did. The Alavamar's eyes flew open, his hand struck out and the mage bolt that emerged ripped right into the black mage's heart.

Lorelei heard the shrill scream but she had problems of her own. Talons raked into her shoulders, sharp teeth snapping at her face. Steel swung and was rewarded by a scream of fury. The firedrake rose above her a few feet, blood dripping from a shallow gash in its side, hissing angrily. Without warning, it dropped on her again, knocking her on her back, exposing her dangerously to its claws. She kicked to push the flapping, screaming creature away from her and then sprang to her feet, using her momentum to channel force into her swing. The sword sliced into the firedrake's neck, sending a spray of ichor outwards over her. The shocked beast crashed into her, pining her down amid struggling limbs and flapping wings. Hot ichor burned Lorelei skin as she struggled, gasping, out from under the creature. She came to her feet, looking at the two silent bodies lying amid the vast destruction.

She shoved the black mage's body unceremoniously off the Alavamar. Oh Mira, she swore violently. Her hand searched for his heart, and a faint fluttering rewarded her for it. Suddenly he started hacking, blood spilling from his lips...

Part 4

She shoved the black mage's body unceremoniously off the Alvamar. Oh Mira, she swore violently. Her hand searched for his heart, and a faint fluttering rewarded her for it. Suddenly he started hacking, blood spilling from his lips. Lorelei swore and shifted him gently onto his side to prevent him from choking as series of spasms racked his body. After the attacks had passed, the Alvamar’s eyes drew open slowly, his gaze unfocused. Lorelei bent down closer to him.

"Alvamar, do you know me?", she asked gently. He nodded and then jerked as another fit of coughing took him.
"Tell me how to help you", she urged. "What can I do?" His eyes flew to her face as his burnt hand groped for hers.
"Life force. I need it..", he whispered, his voice dry and crackling. "Will you give?" Lorelei froze for a second but then her resolution firmed.
"Take whatever you need."
"Then open yourself to me.."

Lorelei closed her eyes and willed her strength to him. She felt something pull deep inside her, getting stronger and stronger until it started moving to their joined hands. She gasped involuntarily, her self-defense mechanisms threatening to slam down but she willed herself to keep open. Strength drained slowly from her body, her mind started swimming, her body to tremble. Her eyes flew open, her gaze fearful as she felt the core of her existence start to melt away. The Alvamar’s grip on her hands strengthened as he concentrated on drawing her life force. Lorelei bit her lip as her body started to shake violently and darkness began to descend down on her vision but she didn’t allow herself to break away. And then, she didn’t know anything because she crumpled to the ground.

Lorelei came to, the blood pounding in her head. She was lying beside the Alvamar, still amidst the destruction. She moved cautiously. As far as she could tell, she was fine. Drained but fine. She inched towards the Alvamar slowly. He looked more like a man dead than alive. Terrible burns marked his hands and body while dark, clotted gashes slashed across his face and shoulders. But beyond all that, his breathing was even and his heartbeat steady. Lorelei breathed quick thanks to Mira as she shook him awake gently.

"Lorelei", he croaked after a few tries. "Are you all right?" She nodded hastily.
"We need to move away from here now." She looked around them. "Who knows when the next wave will hit.." The smoking, blackened ruins around would serve as a banner especially when seen from the sky. The Alvamar winced as he tried to move. His body was a single scream of agony but even that was distanced by the sheer sense of relief that he was still intact.
"I can barely move.. You’ll have to help me. But first, I’ll need to gain more strength." "From a tree, I think", he amended as he sensed her reluctance to "donate" more. "Help me.. to a nice sturdy oak.."

Three trees later, he was sleeping like the dead as his body started to rebuilt itself at an inhuman rate.

Lorelei was depressed. She had just trapped a small rabbit in the woods for their next meal but the thought that they were never going to make it in time to Miramar was foremost in her mind. The mage had been badly hurt. There was no way that they could continue the pace they had maintained all through this journey now. As she headed back towards the outpost with the rabbit slung over her shoulder she allowed herself the luxury of brooding over all the mistakes she had made during this journey. If only she had seen the lance heading towards Kirsah, she castigated herself bitterly as she put one hand onto the shack’s door and pushed it open. If only she had … She gasped. The rabbit fell to the floor as she swung into a attack stance.

The young man standing over the sleeping Alvamar had turned swiftly on the sound of the door opening and gaped at her obviously practiced moves. He put his hands palms up and quickly moved his hands away from his body in the internationally recognized signal of peace. "I mean no harm," he said quickly.

"Get away from him.", demanded Lorelei. He complied quickly. Lorelei circled around to put herself between him and the prone healer. "Now, tell me who you are."

"I’m the security patrol for this sanction. I saw signs of a forest fire from the air and I came down to investigate. I had just entered this outpost when you came in." He suddenly caught a whiff of Lorelei’s scent which had intensified due to her agitation. His eyes widened as he realized what that signified. His gaze unconsciously dropped to the Alvamar’s body as he instinctively sized him up. "Pardon me for intruding.", he continued self-consciously as a faint blush colored his cheeks. Lorelei ignored his discomfiture even though she had guessed what had caused it.

"How did you get here", she asked guardedly. She had learnt from the past that powerful people of all kinds used youthful and innocent-looking people as their best weapons.
"Firedrake," said the young man, gesturing towards the outside.
"Show me.", replied Lorelei.

Tied to a tree behind the shack lurked a dun-colored, very real firedrake. It showed its yellow teeth and hissed as Lorelei and the man approached it.

"He’s not a very friendly fellow.", said the man, still struggling with the embarrassment of the situation and his involuntary reaction to a woman in the middle of Onset.
"I can see that", replied Lorelei dryly as the animal snapped at them both. Her mind raced with the possibilities. Hope loomed on the horizon. She fumbled with the seal of the Imperial Guard tucked away in one of the hidden pockets of her bodysuit.

"I need your mount.", said Lorelei as she handed it to him. The young man’s eyes widened and grew more confused as he absorbed the import of the seal. "I’ll send back a rescue party for you once I get to the next base." Her voice lowered as she deliberately took on a confidential tone. "I’m on the Queen’s business."

"Of course. Anything I can do to help you, Warrior." stammered the young man and was immediately graced with a dazzling smile.
"What is your name anyway?", asked Lorelei belatedly.
"Andrei.", he replied shyly as he became the recipient of another flashing smile. "Thank you, Andrei.", she said sincerely as she took his hand.

Thirty minutes later, Lorelei helped a wan Alvamar into the firedrake’s saddle. Andrei was holding the head of the beast steady but he really didn’t have to because the animal had become a lot friendlier after he had gotten a whiff of Lorelei. Apparently even some animals related to the pheromones a woman emitted..

When they were ready, she lifted a hand to wave to Andrei. He nodded and smiled back at her. The firedrake, Manaus, crouched down low to get the thrust it needed to get off the ground. A jerk and a sudden thrust of the wings and they were airborne and back on their way. Sitting behind her, the Alvamar leaned up against her back and instantly reentered his healing sleep.

Heading due north, Lorelei calculated the time needed to reach Axis. There would be a Guard’s post there and fresh firedrakes. And the potion she needed.. She smiled softly. Things were finally getting better.

The Alvamar awoke with a start. For the first time in hours, his mind was clear and functioning. He took swift inventory of himself. His burns and cuts had healed well, everything seemed to be functioning normally. Next he took stock of his surroundings. Lorelei and he were airborne again. His mind had dimly registered the breaks they had made to rest the laboring firedrake. Lorelei turned her head to glance at him.

"Feeling better?"
"Much.", he yelled back over the rush of the wind. "How are you doing?"
"Good." But she was blatantly lying. The urge had hit once again while he was out. She had been straining against it for a couple of hours now. The Alvamar’s gaze rested on the back of her bodysuit. It was soaked through, a very familiar signal. He didn’t even have to ask to know.

He bent his head to kiss her shoulder. Lorelei started under the soft touch but she didn’t tense up. For some reason, she didn’t mind his touch as much as she used to. In fact, she liked it. A lot. Perhaps because part of his life force was hers now. Well, hers and a few trees worth… But that last night had left its impression. She had to respect the man for what he was able to do. Satisfy her needs as far as possible without even attempting to push her into sex with him. He had kept his promise in every way, even when he had had to leave her afterwards to go satisfy himself in private… Deep down, he had a warrior’s honor.

His hands slid from her waist to her breasts. Lorelei’s lips parted as her breath started coming in swift pants. Her body had caught on and was rising to the occasion very, very eagerly. His hands gently squeezed her breasts, eliciting a sharp gasp of pleasure out of her. She swiftly tied the reins in her hands to a spike in the saddle to avoid dropping them. A rough tongue rasped up her neck, making her squirm in pleasure. Behind her, the Alvamar smiled in pleasure at her reactions. This was the first time he’d felt Lorelei remain fully aware after he had started touching her. Her body arched back against him, opening herself to touch. He leapt at the chance.

One hand stroke slowly down to her groin, thoughtfully left accessible because of the saddle. Her hands moved hesitantly to his thighs as she leaned back against him, causing his leg muscles to tighten and sending blood rushing to his groin. His questing fingers slipped under the damp fabric at her groin only to be met with a rush of hot fluid. Lorelei sighed softly at his touch on her clitoris. Soft slow strokes, his other hand caressing her breath and his mouth nibbling on one earlobe. A sweet shudder swept through her as she let herself feel everything he was doing.

The stroking of his fingers intensified slightly, just enough to make her tense up and long for more. The hands on his thighs tightened as she started breathing hard, her lips parted in concentration. Her hips started to grind against his. His fingers speeded up their tempo in response. This couldn’t be real, she thought. The rushing wind, the pleasure flowing in her veins, the touch of an unseen lover, all this couldn’t really be happening. And then the pressure of his fingers intensified as a warm, wet tongue thrust into her ear. Lorelei gave an involuntary cry as she arched back again, seeking her pleasure. She forced to keep her eyes open but soft moans escaped her as her hips began to move to his rhythm. The pleasure suddenly sharpened. Lorelei froze, her vision fading as she drowned in the pulsing waves of her climax.

His hands held her in place gently as she floated along, wisps of her hair streaming with the wind.
"Better?", he asked, his voice soft and seductive in her ear. She smiled tremulously.
"Oh, yes!"

The firedrake circled over the town of Axis. Lorelei strained to catch sight of the banners signifying a Guard’s Post. There! On the west side of the town. The firedrake swooped down, responding willing to the touch on its reins. In a clatter of claws and a cloud of dust, they landed in the courtyard. A young Guardsman ran up to take Manaus’s reins. Lorelei and the Alvamar announced themselves as they dismounted and were escorted to the Captain’s offices.

Marrilyn Assemate, Captain of the Axis Guards walked into the office with the striding gait of a warrior in her prime. A wide swath of gray cut through her hair but her manner and her obvious health made her look like a woman half her age. With a smile and gesture, she invited them to sit. Lorelei swiftly outlined their mission, unwillingly noticing the slight furrow in her hostess’s brow as she gazed at the younger warrior maid.

"Alvamar, we are honored by your presence. Please accept the services of our healer for anything you desire."
"That’s very kind of you", he replied smoothly. "Perhaps a room for me to rest..", he continued meaningfully.
"Of course." The captain rapped on her desk. A young guard entered and was instructed to guide the Alvamar to the healer’s offices. As Lorelei stood to accompany them, the captain gestured her to a halt. The Alvamar sent the captain a penetrating look but turned to go with his escort. Lorelei sank slowly back into her chair and turned to face the captain.

"Lorelei", started the captain without preamble. "What are you doing here during your Onset?"
"It started quite unexpectedly after I picked up the Alvamar.", replied Lorelei baldly. The concern in the captain’s eyes was understandable.
"Were you .. prepared?", she asked. Lorelei shook her head. A hiss of breath escaped the captain’s lips.
"Then you are.." Lorelei cut her off quickly.
"No, there is no way I am pregnant." The captain relaxed.
"That is a relief. I hate to see a young warrior’s career cut short by such an incident. We have several good partners here for you. Feel free to select whomever you wish to aid you during this time. Our healer will make sure you are supplied with the prevention potion and whatever else you desire."

"Pardon me Captain, but the Alvamar and I need to continue as soon as possible. I would like to request two fresh firedrakes or a dragon if you have one available and I would like to leave as soon as the Alvamar is ready." The furrow reentered the captain’s brow.
"Warrior, do you know what you are doing? He is not the best person to be with at this time."
"Nevertheless I have a mission to fulfill.", stated Lorelei flatly.
The captain nodded in resignation.
"Please see the healer before you leave. She will be able to provide you with whatever you need. We will have the firedrakes ready for you in two hours."

Lorelei clattered down the stairs of the barrack, turned the corner and promptly bumped into a broad chest clad in warrior armor.
"Lorelei!", came a delighted voice above her.
"Varius!", she replied happily and hugged him. An old buddy from a couple of years ago, Varius was one of the most charming men she had ever known. Predictably, he caught the scent of the Onset as it swirled upwards towards him.

"Lorelei..", he said in concern as he moved her back to look into her eyes. "What are you doing here now?" Lorelei sighed as she repeated her story for what appeared to be the tenth time. And all during her tale, she watched the hunter enter his eyes as his body responded to nature’s call. After she was done, he swept her into his arms and claimed her lips in a proper hello. When they parted again, her cheeks were flushed and her breath came in swift pants. Lust had once again reared its demanding head and found him very, very suitable..

"I would be honored if you would select me to be one of your partners for this Onset.", he stated formally. "We been friends for several years and I have always found you to be a very capable warrior as well as a very attractive woman. I would take care of your needs in…." he continued on, launching into the traditional spiel. Lorelei didn’t hear a word. Her gaze swept down his body eagerly. Long and lean, with sunlight streaks in his hair, Varius was a very well formed man and very well endowed from the size of the bulge in his breeches. And her body was letting her know in no uncertain terms that it wanted a thick shaft thrusting into her now!

"Thank you, Varius.", she said in an agonized voice. "You must know that I do want to desperately, but.. " Varius started in surprise. "I have a mission to complete." She groaned softly. Kirth, Karuth and all the other evil gods! Varius was perfect for her! Unlike the Alvamar, he was familiar, not a hint of magic about him.. She liked and trusted him completely. He would pleasure her into senselessness... The mere thought of their bodies moving together sent washes of driving need though her. Two hours! She had two hours! Maybe, if she got to the healer really fast!!

Varius felt her resolve waver and swiftly stepped into the breach. She found herself pressed up against the wall of the corridor, his lips on her neck and his hands coming up to rest temptingly under her breasts. Her knees gave way under the sheer violence of her need, her head dropping back to give him full access to her neck. A warm, wet tongue swept up from her shoulder to her ear, making her yelp from the stab of pleasure that shot straight to her groin.

"If you’re sure you don’t want me…", came a low, sensuous voice in her ear as his body pressed into hers. Lorelei groaned seductively, her eyes fluttering shut. To Kirth with her damned mission! She needed a man! She hooked one leg over his hip and ground her hips against his as she took his lips aggressively right there in the corridor.

His body was sweaty against hers as they twined together. Beside the bed was an empty glass. The healer had told them to wait an hour to let it take effect but Varius wasn’t wasting the time waiting. He had taken her to two climaxes already and was preparing to satisfy her properly.. She was wanton in the candlelight, her hands sweeping possessively over his body, tasting, licking and biting as she explored his body. Her entire groin was soaking wet and the scent... the scent was driving him mad! The animal in him had been held in check too long and was screaming to be freed. He lifted himself off her and grabbed a slim packet off the bedside table. His hands shook as he struggled to slip the thin membrane onto his pulsing penis. The pressure was unbearable and Lorelei wasn’t helping any when she got behind him, plastering her damp body against his back, her nails raking sharply up his body.

With a triumphant cry, he got the thing on, shoved her back onto the bed and knelt over her. Her eyes were blazing with lust as she spread her legs wide for him. Their gazes locked as he fitted his throbbing penis to her entrance and leaned forward. Her pupils dilated, her mouth opened in a silent scream, her body arching up towards him as he forced himself to slide ever so slowly into her soaking body. He groaned. The pleasure was exquisite.. When at last he was hilt deep in her, all restraints snapped. Her strong legs wrapped around his waist as her hips started pumping roughly against him. Lorelei was whimpering and gasping, her eyes glazed as she sought to satisfy her body’s needs. With a deep growl, he thrust deep into her. Lorelei stiffened instantly, her body freezing into pleasure.

"Oh Mira, yeeessss!" With each deep, strong thrust, the room echoed with her strangled cries as her body got what it craved. Varius propped himself up with his arms, using the additional leverage to ram into her. She lifted her hips arching up to meet his thrusts, her strong legs braced to let him dive as deep as he could. Varius sat back onto his heels, and grabbed her hips, using them to pull her body onto his shaft repeatedly. His eyes were intense, boring into hers as he gave her what she needed. There was no time for gentleness. This was for pure lust…

Then suddenly Lorelei seized control. She swung up, shoving him back until she was sitting impaled, face to face with him. His arms wrapped around her as she started pumping her body on his, one arm braced behind her on his knee. She gave a groan of deep satisfaction, her head dropping back as she worked her body on his. Just the way she liked it. Varius groaned tightly as his eyes drank in the erotic picture she made. Rich hair glowing in the candlelight, her head back to expose her body to his gaze. And her body, her body was drinking him in. Oh Mira, she was so unbelievably wet! Varius began to thrust his hips to meet her, using his arms to pull her down harder onto his shaft. Her pace picked up, her strong body surging on his faster and faster. Lorelei started to whimper helplessly as she drove blindly towards satisfaction.

Suddenly, her body froze into rigidity, her vocal cords working as she tried to cry out. Her eyes glazed swiftly into a stunning blackness as her body arched painfully towards him. A scream worked its way from her throat as her sheath contracted tightly around his shaft. He took over. One thrust, two and he was exploding with her.

Freshly washed, Lorelei thundered down the stairs towards the courtyard. The Alvamar was waiting beside a pair of firedrakes, an inscrutable look on his face. She was a just a tad easier to figure out because she was glowing like a candle. She flashed him a cocky grin as she tucked the precious vials of prevention potion into the creature’s saddlebags. They both swung into their saddles. As Lorelei gathered up the reins in her hands, her eyes lifted to meet a pair of laughing blue eyes staring at her from a second floor window. Varius was leaning, bare-chested and grinning, against the window jam, arm lifted in a jaunty salute. With an answering grin and wave, Lorelei took to the skies with the Alvamar right behind her.

Part 5

Two hours later, twilight was coming over the land. The landscape beneath them has changed into the rich woods of the northern sanctions. A lazy stream cut through the greens and purple of the foliage. There couldn’t be a better spot to camp. Lorelei looked over to the mage gliding besides her with a meaningful look. He nodded in reply. A slight pressure with her heels and her mount responded by circling down. She guided the firedrake to the stream, flying low over the flowing water. When she found a small clear spot beside the water, she drew the firedrake to a landing. The Alvamar landed with a thump beside her a minute later.

An hour later, the site was the epitome of domesticity, with a fire going, the scent of roasting meat redolent in the air and two hungry firedrakes gorging on tough chunks of meat. Lorelei cast the animals a wry glance. Traveling with firedrakes had its disadvantages. They had already finished off all the meat from their restocked saddlebags. But they were tough animals and would get them to Miramar the next day. Unless yet another incident occurred.

The Alvamar tested the unidentifiable hunk of meat roasting over the fire with his dagger.
"Done.", he announced. "Let’s eat!" Lorelei cut herself a piece and groaned in pleasure as she bit into it.
"At last! Non-preserved food!" Sighing, she propped herself back on one elbow, taking an occasional bite as she stared at the stream meditatively. The fire cast its light over a small part of the stream, its ripples sparking like diamonds as it made its way to the sea. She was very relaxed and she knew why. Lorelei smiled to herself softly. It was good to see Varius again…

Beside her, the Alvamar ate quietly, not looking at her at all. Of course he knew what had happened. He’d have to be blind not to. He’d managed to ignore the incident this far but his bruised ego needed to be tended to.. Of course, he knew what she had done was perfectly acceptable. All unmarried women chose multiple partners for their Onset. It was supposed to be a time for joyous abandon! But other parts of his psyche was raging. Why not ME??

Lorelei had gone past satisfying herself with food and had turned to the important question of whether to undo her braid for her bath. The flight would have knotted it beyond repair. Deciding that clean hair was particularly important to her today, she untied the thong and combed through the auburn tresses with her fingers as best she could. Flipping her hair over her shoulder and leaving it to flow down her back, she untied the ties of her bodysuit and let it fall to the ground. Turning back, she grabbed a towel from her saddlebags before walking to the stream’s edge.

She stepped into the water, yelping as the chill of the water hit her calves. With the courage that had made her eligible for the Imperial Guard, she forced herself to immerse herself completely. Being brave however did not mean that she didn’t shriek at the awful temperature of the water against her formerly warm skin. An answering yell greeted her when she bobbed back up. The Alvamar stood equally nude with an agonized expression on his face just a few feet away from her. She couldn’t help giggling at him as he started rubbing furiously at his arms. And then she got a mouthful of water when he splashed some her way…

Five minutes later, they were still busy trying to drown each other, their laughter and shrieks ringing in the peace of the camp. The firedrakes shifted nervously, no doubt wondering what those crazed humans were up to now. Lorelei had her back to the Alvamar, hair hanging in tangled strings, her hands busily swooping air behind her at the Alvamar. He decided to take the frontal approach, taking most of her attack in the face but having the definite advantage of targeting her accurately. Under the cover of the splashing, he crept up behind her until he leapt forward without warning and dunked her quite efficiently. She came to the surface, laughing hysterically and yelling "I give!!"

"Lorelei", murmured the Alvamar softly as he steadied her in the water. The grin on her face faded slowly at the sight of the look in his eyes. "Are you feeling normal?", he asked meaningfully. Her eyes automatically swept down his body at the delicate insinuation. Her libido so recently been satiated suddenly surged once again. And so it was that a wave of heat flowed through her at the sight of the Alvamar’s body so close to hers. Lorelei stiffened in resistance. No! Not him! She owed him for taking care of her needs on their journey but a woman’s choice was exactly that. A choice. And he would never be her free choice. There was nothing to be done. She freed herself from his hold and dunked herself into the freezing cold water one more time to kill the urge. She came back to the surface, shivering and cursing softly.

Sometimes, it was better to come straight to the point, the Alvamar realized
"I offer myself as your partner tonight.", he began. "Will you take me?" She glanced at him, shaking her head dumbly. "Why?", he asked simply.
"I don’t know why…" But she did. And she realized that at the very least, she owed him the truth. She lifted her head and looked him straight in the eye. "It’s because I don’t trust you. You aren’t natural. You aren’t human.", she replied in an intense voice.
That was when she saw the change come over him. Suddenly, the flamboyant mage-healer was gone. His chin lifted, his eyes turned into steel, his muscles suddenly became defined, humming with the leashed power of a trained body. The original warrior prince was back.

"You are very wrong.", he said in a deadly voice, as every inch of his body vibrated with a hint of danger and violence. "I am completely human. I have feelings, I have desires. My life was extended through unnatural means but the spell left everything else intact." The frustration came pouring forth. "Did you think the last few days were easy? Wanting you, touching you but always denying myself the pleasure of your body. How easy do you think it was, trying to keep myself in check when every basic instinct in me was screaming out to take you, knowing that you wouldn’t put up a fight?"

"You want payback.", stated Lorelei flatly.
"No!", the Alvamar hissed fiercely. "I want to know that what I did meant something to you." A startled look replaced the look of distaste on Lorelei’s face. The Alvamar turned and waded out of the river without another word. She followed him a moment later, not knowing what to say.

"I do appreciate what you did. You must know that.", she spoke, suddenly feeling horribly embarrassed and guilty. "It’s just that I’m … not used to depending on other people for.. things. I never thanked you, I realize that now and that was a terrible oversight." Lorelei stopped in place, flushing a deep red. The Alvamar turned around to face her, a neutral look on his face. She took his hand hesitantly. "Thank you for taking care of me when I needed it.", she finished softly. Not knowing what else to do, she lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it in the royal greeting. Ignoring his startled look at the honor, she turned on her heel and headed for her bedroll.

Miramar!

The guards at the royal palace of Miramar spotted the two firedrakes at a distance. Aerial patrols swept towards them for verification. Lorelei flashed them her seal. A few minutes later, they landed under heavy guard. Identities were verified, introductions were made and a formal escort formed to lead the pair straight to the Healer’s quarters.

"Alvamar!" The castle healer hurried forth to meet the procession. "Thank Mira, you are finally here!"
"Reza, my old friend!.", the Alvamar took his hands in his own. "You look … terrible." Reza bowed his head sighing.
"I never knew it was possible to feel this tired all the time. I linked myself to the Prince to keep him alive and it has been quite a strain."
"Then it’s time to end it.", stated the Alvamar decisively. The healer looked startled.
"Surely, some rest for you first.." The Alvamar shook his head firmly.
"No, I’m ready." Reza inclined his head in doubtful acceptance but escorted the Alvamar and Lorelei to the next room.

Lorelei gasped as the sight of her prince.
Barion looked quite dead. No breath lifted his chest., his face was chalky and the bandage around his neck was clean except for a thin line of red where his wound had bled slowly through. The Alvamar sat on the side of the bed. Taking a deep breath, he placed his hands over the prince’s and closed his eyes slowly. Swiftly, he performed a cursory inspection of Barion’s injuries.

Will the Alvamar succeed in his perilous task?
What will become of Lorelei and him?
Or Lorelei and Varius?
Or Barion and Lorelei?
Lorelei and the Queen?

Tune in for the continuing saga of ..
The Problem With Being Immortal!

Part 6

In the peculiar realm of the Alvamar’s mind, healthy tissue shimmered with a faint blue light, damaged areas with a deep glowing red. He focused in on to the traumatized region of the prince’s neck, checking over the damage carefully. It looked like a work of art, he acknowledged to himself. Reza had grown far beyond the skills he had gained as his apprentice. Blood vessels had been stitched painstakingly together with silestra thread, tissues brushed with the juice of the tisra plant before being sewed up. The Alvamar swiftly checked over the rest of the prince’s injuries. Nothing major. All that was required now was the return of the prince’s life-force to animate this shell and start up the healing process.

The Alvamar opened his eyes and removed his hands from the prince’s, looking pensive.
"Everything looks good.", he said looking over at the castle healer. "You’ve done wonderful work." Reza inclined his head, accepting the compliment modestly.
"I’ve sent word to the Queen. She should be here shortly. In the meantime, please accept some refreshments.", he answered. As he turned, he nearly bumped in Lorelei who was still haunting the room.
"Perhaps Warrior, you would like to clean up..", hinted the healer gently. She flushed faintly.
"Thank you, but I think I should stay here awhile longer.. The Alvamar’s curse, you know." The healer shot a glance back at the Alvamar.
"Yes, perhaps that would be best", he smiled. "I don’t think I’ll be much use if anything untoward suddenly happened."

At that moment, a commotion sounded in the outer rooms. A moment later, the Queen’s retinue entered into the prince’s chamber.
"My lord!" The Queen swept forward in a swish of heavy silks to take the Alvamar’s hands. "Thank Mira, you are finally here!"
"Your Majesty..", replied the Alvamar, bowing smoothly. "It is a pleasure to be able to serve you and the prince." The Queen looked over at Lorelei.
"Warrior. My thanks to you for getting the Alvamar here safely.", she said as she held out her hand. Lorelei sank onto one knee, and kissed it in the royal salute.
"It was a fairly uneventful journey, Your Majesty.." smiled Lorelei faintly. The smile on the Queen’s face broadened.
"I’m sure it was…", she replied. At a single look, another warrior stepped out of the retinue. "Alyssa, you should thank Mira for your niece’s safe return.."

The Alvamar’s gaze sharpened as he heard the name of Lorelei’s famed aunt. She was almost an exact copy of the niece except for the strands of gray in her bright auburn braid. Alyssa in her turn folded her niece in a tight hug.
"Majesty, it is no surprise to me that Lorelei is back here, hale and hearty. She has the uncommon luck of the insane..", Alyssa continued as she drew back and pretended to cuff the younger warrior affectionately. She was rewarded instantly with a jaunty grin.

The Queen then moved to her son’s bedside to stroke his hair gently. The smile on her face faded into a look of loving concern as she looked down at the pale face of her only child.
"Is there any hope, my lord?", she asked softly.
"Of course, Majesty! He is young and strong, and the castle healer has done a sterling job in setting up his recovery. All I require now is some incense and perhaps your help.." The Queen swung around to meet his gaze.
"Anything!", she swore intensely. "What do you desire of me?"
"I will need an anchor when I travel to recover your son’s life-force. Someone with a vested interest in his successful return. Both our lives will depend on that person. We will not make it back otherwise.."
"Of course, my lord! Instruct me in what I should do." Alyssa stepped in immediately.

"A moment, Majesty." She turned to face the Alvamar. "How dangerous is this position of .. anchor, my lord?", she asked sternly. He regarded her quietly, congratulating her silently on her wise concerns.
"There is an element of danger involved. The anchor risks being pulled into the Hinterworld along with me and the prince."
"Then you are saying that there is a chance that the Queen could be lost as well as the Prince.", she pressed.
"Yes.", answered the Alvamar, matter-of-factly.

Alyssa shook her head.
"Then it is impossible. The Queen cannot take that risk", she stated firmly. The Queen started to protest but she was fixed with her bodyguard’s stern gaze.
"Selene, think of the possible consequences! Both you and Barion out of reach. The country will be thrown in chaos and we will all be under Taren’s thumb in no time at all. As your personal guard, I cannot allow it."

At that point, the hereto ignored Lorelei stepped forward firmly.
"I will do it.", she announced. Alyssa sent her a questioning look.
"I have a vested interest in getting the prince back safely. I have already put my life at risk to get the Alvamar here.." And Barion was my first lover, she added silently. Looking over at the Queen’s face, she could see that the other woman was remembering that too.
"No, Lorelei.", began Alyssa irritably. "I should be the one.." At that point, both the Alvamar and the Queen overruled her.
"Lorelei and I have already linked.", said the Alvamar, putting an end to the argument quite effectively. He looked her over with a appraising glance. "She would be a fine anchor." Every gaze in the room turned onto Lorelei, standing there, looking wonderfully confident on the outside but busy quailing on the inside. Being lost forever in the Hinterland wasn’t a particular pleasant prospect… But a warrior’s duty was to take risks like this for her liege lord.

The Queen clapped her hands, startling everybody in the room.
"Everybody out! Bring the incense immediately." She turned towards the Alvamar, taking his hands once again.
"My lord. Please bring my son back safely.."
He nodded. "With your prayers, Majesty.."

Fifteen minutes later, with the scent of the incense flowing around him, the Alvamar slipped into a deep meditative trance. Once again his hands were resting on Barion’s. Lorelei stood with her hand on his shoulder, her eyes half-shut. She had already been put into a half-trance by the Alvamar minutes earlier, awake enough only to be aware of her surroundings and of what she had to do.

The Alvamar floated gently within his own mind. Slowly, he rose into a vertical position even though there was no substance beneath his feet. Everything around him was a mad whirl of rose and purple but there was order and beauty in the patterns. Slowly, he turned to see the shadowy image of Lorelei over his shoulder. She stood there immobile, more like a cardboard cutout than a three dimensional being. At her throat pulsed a silver glow, the heart of her life-force. He reached for it and drew a thin thread of light from it. Swiftly he tied it around his ankle, using her as a lifeline. His way home. When he was ready, he concentrated on the words of the spell.

"Esra lehin carpatha…
Lemia shukra zhe"

The faint outline of a doorway appeared before him, its edges wavering. Beyond that, Chaos. Swiftly, he metamorphosed into his favorite form, a peregrine falcon. With a challenging shriek, he drove through the portal and into the shifting mists of the Hinterland.

Wings outspread, he shot through the dizzying patterns, the trail of light streaming from his ankle. His eagle eyes searched before him, looking for a similar trail, anything to show him where the prince existed. Every now and then, small explosions of lights occurred around him as other souls entered and departed the Hinterland almost instantly on their way to Mira’s Arms. Suddenly, he noticed a faint trail, turned dark with age and broken up but certainly showing the presence of a being. Swooping down, he lined himself up with it and shot further and further into the unknown. Flashes of images and voices came to him as he traveled, none of which he recognized. Then suddenly he slammed through a painfully hard wall..

Trilling in surprise, he spread his wings and landed onto a firm floor. Around him was the semblance of a peasant’s hut and sitting at a corner table was a little dark-haired boy. The Alvamar transformed himself back into his human form as fast as he could. When he rose to his feet, the boy was looking at him disconsolately. The Alvamar gasped at the familiar face. Faint memories suddenly crystallized. A peasant woman with a young boy laid out on one of his examining tables. A boy with the face of this boy here. The faint words "Please my lord, bring back my son." He had failed to find him then but fate had allowed it this time. If only, it wasn’t a century too late...

"Do you know where my mama is?", asked the boy hopefully a high, piping voice. The Alvamar’s mouth worked silently. The child had been here alone for over a century, not knowing what had happened to him. Waiting endlessly for his mother to return home. Guilt and the horror of the situation suddenly overwhelmed him. Had he looked hard enough the last time?? This child had paid the price of his failure. An innocent child… The Alvamar shook his head in mute denial. Suffering here all alone...

A soft tug on his robes brought him back to this reality. The small face looked hopefully up at him.
"Do you know when she’ll be back?"
The Alvamar sank onto one knee, struggling to regain his composure. The small face in front of him looked into his eyes trustingly. He felt another wrenching bolt in his soul. This was inhuman! Every moment he sacrificed to help this child lessened the chances of his finding Barion but every single fiber of his being demanded that he set this wrong right.. He took a deep breath.
"Your mama had gone to Mira’s arms, child, and she wants you to meet her there." At the puzzled look on the boy’s face, he continued quickly. "Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll help you get to her.."
His mind raced. It was obvious that the boy did not know what had happened to him and that he had, by sheer force of will, kept himself in the hinterland waiting for his mother. How was he going to get the boy to go onwards when he probably didn’t even know what death and heaven was?

The only way he could start a change was to convince the boy to go into the unknown. To be willing to face it alone. And what was a better symbol of going out into the unknown than walking out the front door…
"What is your name, child?", he asked.
"Jenest, sir.."
"Jenest, your mother is waiting for you in another place, a better place." The Alvamar forced a smile to his lips. It’s like a big festival there, with all sorts of goodies and kids to play with!" Jenest perked up at that. "Wouldn’t you like to go find her there?" Jenest looked a little uncomfortable at that.
"Mama said that I can’t go out by myself. She told me to stay here until she got back. She would be real angry if I showed up there without permission…"
"Well, she got delayed", said the Alvamar, lying skillfully. "She told me that she was worried that you were here all alone and I told her that I would give you a message when I came through here. She wants you to walk there and it’s only a very short walk at that.."
"Can’t you come with me?", asked the boy plaintively.
"No, son." said the Alvamar gently. "It isn’t time for me to go there yet. But a brave boy like you needn’t worry about going by yourself."

The Alvamar took Jenest by the hand and drew him to the door.
"Don’t be afraid by what you see.", he said softly as he opened the door. Beyond the doorway was the terrifying emptiness of the Hinterland. The boy shrank against him wordlessly as looked out into nothingness. The Alvamar got back down onto his knees to look into the child’s eyes.
"Remember Jenest, your mother would never let anything happen to you.", he said gently. "Nothing out there can harm you. Just trust in her and yourself…" With that he planted a swift kiss on the boy’s forehead. "May Mira take care of you."

Jenest turned to look at the darkness before him and took the first step to eternal rest. And another. And disappeared in a flash of blinding light. The Alvamar gasped as he squeezed his eyes against the brightness. The floor beneath him disappeared as did the rest of the cottage. It was time for him to move on.

He was a falcon again, flying through nothingness, searching for his quarry’s trail. He didn’t know how long he had been flying and he didn’t really care. Here, he had the strength to fly forever… Suddenly, he caught a faint whiff of humanity and then he saw it, a faint trail of light in the darkness. Once again, he swooped down to follow it, his own light trail blazing brightly behind him. The end of his search was upon him in moments…

Barion lifted his head off his knees to see an unusually large falcon land beside him on his barren rock. He knew exactly where he was so it didn’t surprise him in the least when the falcon’s body unfolded into a man, standing over him.
"His Royal Highness, I presume..", said the stranger.
"Who are you?", demanded Barion.
"I am known as the Alvamar. Your mother sent me to bring you back." Barion’s lips curved into a bitter smile in response.

"Is there much of my body left over there?" The Alvamar looked somewhat startled.
"Your body is fine."
"Are you lying?", asked the prince, an challenging glint in his eye. "I have no wish to go back and find myself a cripple or worse.."
The Alvamar lowered himself down to sit by the prince and ran a hand through his hair.
"I swear to you on my honor, that the only injury you sustained was a slit throat", he said wearily. "True, it is very serious cut. The truth is that even if you go back, there is no guarantee that you would live. Time has only slowed for you. You might still bleed to death from the injury but the good news is that your healer has had time to throw the odds in your favor." The prince remained silent.
"I can’t force you to go back with me, of course. But personally speaking, I would grab any chance, no matter how faint, to get out of this place. There are a lot more appealing choices than spending eternity here.."
The prince cracked a smile. "I was beginning to get a little bored…", he answered wryly.
Lifting his head, he took a long look at the emptiness around him.
"So when do we leave?"

In Barion’s room, deep night had fallen and the two figures near the bed remained frozen in trance state. Around them, sat the faithful few watching for a change. Any change. Alyssa stood stoically behind the Queen’s chair. The healer had fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion in a chair. The Queen herself looked like a cold, marble statue as her eyes rested on her son.
"Selene." The Queen started at the soft voice and looked over her shoulder.

"Selene, go to bed. I’ll keep watch for you", said Alyssa kindly. The Queen shook her head mutely and turned her gaze back to her son’s silent form. Another moment passed in silence. And then the body in the bed jerked spastically as it drew in a shuddering breath. The Queen stiffened in her chair and uttered a hopeful cry. The prince drew in another long breath. The Queen was out of her chair instantly and bending over him, calling his name. Alyssa sprang forward to wake the healer and he was as the prince’s side instantly, checking his pulse and the bandage around his neck carefully.

An instant later, the Alvamar uttered a soft groan and opened his eyes slowly to witness pandemonium erupt around him. Warriors running out the door to spread the word, the Queen weeping openly over her son, the healer trying to convince everyone to back off and give the prince some air. Behind him, a soft moan as Lorelei came back to herself, aching in every muscle and feeling completely strung out. The Alvamar smiled a soft, beautiful smile to himself, sank back into his chair and felt into a deep, healing sleep.

Part 7

"The Alvamar of the Norwestern Sanction!", echoed the Chamberlain’s strident tones through the vast hall.

The Alvamar strode through the tall, gilded doors of the Receiving Hall, richly embroided blue velvet swishing about his heels. At the end of the long carpeted walk, sat the Queen in her royal robes, glowing like a rich jewel under the sparkling lights overhead. The Alvamar looked wonderingly at this place, familiar still after all this centuries. This was where his father had received foreign dignitaries. This was where he was proclaimed crown prince, knighted and given his first sword. His eyes swung to the Queen, beautiful and smiling at him in welcome. His line had died out but this new royal line long since had proved itself to be a worthy successor. As he approached the dais, he started searching the crowds subtly for a familiar face. He found it.

She was standing in the ranks of warriors close to the Queen. Rich auburn hair flowing loose for once about her shoulders, her ceremonial armor glinting in the light. She met his gaze with her own, and flashed him a conspiratorial smile. Suddenly, he was heartily wishing that he didn’t have to go through this ceremony. Thoughts of flying free through the skies with a feisty woman suddenly seemed a lot more appealing. But when the queen stood up, walked towards him and took his hands in hers, he reacted smoothly and perfectly. Raising his head after kissing her hands, she surprised him by kissing him gracefully on both cheeks.

Smiling warmly at him, her voice rang out like a clarion in the silent hall.
"This is the man that gave us back our prince!"
The jubilant cheering shook the chandeliers shining overhead. The cheering died slowly away as the Queen gestured for silence.

"At this moment, the prince is recovering well and busy trying to empty his warrior’s purses in a game of K’resh!" Laughter spread like music through the hall.
"And we owe it all to you.", she added slowly, looking straight into the Alvamar’s eyes.
"You do me great honor, Your Majesty. It was an honor to be off use to my country." The Queen nodded, her violet eyes deepening momentarily.

"Warrior Lorelei!"
Lorelei stepped forward smartly, her boots ringing on the polished floor of the chamber. The Queen glided over to her.
"You brought the Alvamar to us safely and at great peril to your life.", she stated clearly. "In all ways, you acted nobly and.." Yeah right!, though Lorelei. Kidnapping the Alvamar was a real noble gesture.. She finished the thought just in time to hear the Queen’s last words.
"It is our desire that you take on the position of Captain of the Prince’s Guards. Will you consent?" Lorelei gasped in shock. Behind her, a murmur rank through the ranks of warriors. And quite distinctly, a triumphant "yeess!!" in tones that sounded suspiciously like her aunt’s…
Lorelei finally found her voice. What a boost to her career! "Your Majesty… It would be a honor!" The Queen nodded with a smile.
"Your warriors await you above.", she replied.

"Your Majesty", came a quiet voice from the Alvamar. The Queen turned to face him gracefully. "I have a request for you regarding the Warrior Lorelei.." She gestured for him to continue.
"I have decided to seek out the black mage known as the Old One." Lorelei turned disbelieving eyes on him.
"Why?", asked the Queen, curiously. "Isn’t he a danger to you personally?"
The Alvamar nodded. "That is precisely why I wish to seek him out. I want to end the ridiculous constraints on my freedom. I intend to find him and challenge him to a duel. It is time for this matter to be put to rest."
The silence around them exploded into a frenzy of chatter. The Queen and Lorelei exchanged stunned looks. Challenging the Old One to a duel? The craziest mage on the planet?? The Alvamar was obviously a close second in the insanity sweepstakes…

"I’ll need someone to watch my back and I can think of nobody more suitable that this warrior.", continued the Alvamar. He turned to face Lorelei.
"Warrior, will you join me?", he asked, his eyes clear and direct.
Every eye in the room turned towards the silent figure of the warrior maid.

The sound of whirring wings grew in the room. Suddenly, glass shattered all around them. Dagger sharp shards started dropping in deadly falls from the high windows. Thousands of birds swarmed into the room in a flurry of deadly claws and beaks. Every warrior there reacted. instantly. Alyssa leapt upon the Queen, bearing her to the floor and covering her with her own body.

"To arms!!", shouted Lorelei at the top of her lungs as she reached over her shoulder to draw her sword.

Part 8

"To arms!!", shouted Lorelei at the top of her lungs as she reached over her shoulder to draw her sword. Behind her came the hiss of steel as the Queen’s Guard closed in around their liege. She heard a muffled yelp from Alyssa as the Queen dug an elbow into her guard’s stomach and shoved her off. Lorelei cast a swift look over her shoulder, protecting her eyes with one arm. She saw the Queen’s rich robes fall to reveal a simple white gown and a jeweled sword strapped to her hips. Her face was impassive as she drew her sword to join her warriors.

The screaming started as everybody in the hall scrambled to get out. The doors swung open as the crowd streamed relentlessly through them, effectively preventing the guards outside from shoving their way in. The birds swooped and dived all through the hall, attacking indiscriminately with beaks and talons. Then out of the dark mass of shrieking avians came three figures, walking forwards calmly. Two black mages and a figure dressed magnificently in scarlet and green.

"Lord Taren sends his regards.", he said calmly as he held forth his hand. A mage bolt hurtled towards the cluster of warriors. Lorelei cried out in fury as she saw the two warriors in front crumple to the floor, their flesh sizzling. Then out of nowhere, the Alvamar leapt in front of the remaining warriors, eyes blazing as he engaged his shields. All three mages lifted their hands to fire simultaneously. Lorelei didn’t wait to see more. She dived quickly behind the protections of the shields as the cadre rushed the Queen out the doors behind them. The mage bolts struck. She heard the Alvamar cry out in pain as he deflected as much of the energy as he could. Blue light rippled around his shields making it visible and showing clearly where the bolt had broken through. The mage in the middle laughed tersely, bowed to his comrades and dematerialized in a shimmering mass.

"Go!", hissed the Alvamar without looking back at Lorelei. At that moment, the guards from outside finally struggled their way into the hall, screaming their war cry. Both the remaining mages turned at the sound involuntarily. That was all the chance Lorelei needed. She grabbed the dagger hidden in her boot, stepped out from behind the shields and threw it, all in a smooth fluid motion. The female mage turned just in time to see death coming as she took the silver blade into her throat. She toppled to the ground with a horrible gurgle. The Alvamar laughed, a triumphant sound as he blasted the remaining mage with a stream of liquid fire. The dark mage brought up his shields just in time to protect himself, but it was already over for him. Their was no way to win against both the guards and the Alvamar. Lorelei grabbed the Alvamar’s sleeve.
"Let them take care of him", she yelled. "We’ve got to get the other one." Both she and the Alvamar turned in unison as the stream of guards reached the last mage.

Lorelei and the Alvamar pounded down the corridor outside the hall.
"If you were a mage working for Taren, who would you go after?", gasped Lorelei, sword in hand, as they raced for the common courtyard.
"The Prince… To destroy the Hope of the Future!"
"Right!"
"Wait!", gasped the Alvamar as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to a halt. "Give me something.", he indicated her weapons. Lorelei looked down at herself and pulled her short sword from her waist.
"Do you know how to use this?" The Alvamar took it in a practiced grip as an answer. She nodded in silent tribute.
"I’m no match for him, you know.." said the Alvamar tersely as he looked back up at her. "He has the power of transmutation. That’s part of Warrior Mage training. You’d best pray that your prince is still alive."
"Don’t you know? All vital areas in this castle are sealed with triple level magic shields. Sandrose The Effective put them in place last year."
The Alvamar’s gray eyes swung towards the Prince’s Tower. "Then we’re in luck!"

The Alvamar stepped silently into the room. Standing in front of him was the missing mage, his robes gleaming softly as he tried to find a weak spot in Sandrose’s spell casting. At a soft sound, he turned his head to see the Alvamar.
"Are they dead?", he asked casually. The Alvamar inclined his head regally.
"You must know you’re no match for me, healer…"
The Alvamar smiled like a shark.
"But I’ve lived a lot longer than you have..", he replied in a dangerously soft voice. The other mage replied with a mocking laugh.

Outside, Lorelei dug her fingers and bare toes into the damp, mossy sides of the wall. She gritted her teeth impotently as she groped above her with one hand. Now why was it that she the one clinging to the side of a tower while he was nice and safe inside?? The wind screamed about her ears as she found another finger hold a foot above her. Suddenly she heard a loud thud as the window she had climbed out of slammed shut. Lorelei groaned, slowly banging her forehead against the cold stone. No way back. Thankfully, the window she needed was almost beside her. She could hear the two mages try to intimidate each other faintly through the glass. After she felt secure with her precarious position, she lifted one foot and placed it softly on the window sill. Slowly, she shifted her weight more onto that foot, praying fervently that the old wood would hold. Searching for another finger hold that would allow her to settle into less useless position, she couldn’t help wondering what the two men inside were saying now…

"Shall we?", asked the Alvamar with a courtly gesture. The other mage bowed politely in response just before he emitted a stream of flame from one hand. The Alvamar dropped to the floor in a roll, easily getting out of the way. On the way up to his feet, he whispered a quick spell. Sticky, binding threads formed around the renegade, pining his arms to his side. They dissolved an instant later but by then the Alvamar had his shields up and was ready for a good fight…

Lorelei balanced carefully on the ledge. The wind was starting to pick up, howling like a banshee as it swept around the sides of the tower. She picked up one foot and replaced it to gain her more leverage for when she made her grand entrance into the tower room. Her bare foot slipped off the slimy wood, throwing her off balance. Her breath froze in the chest as she scrambled for her balance. Her body continued to shift backwards. No choice! She grabbed the top of the window frame with her hands and thrust herself forward towards the window.

Both mages twisted around in shock as a warrior smashed through a window with a loud yell. She felt to the floor, the broken glass crunching sickeningly under her. The Alvamar moved instinctively, throwing himself into the body of the renegade mage. The breath left the mage’s body in a loud whoosh as the Alvamar’s body slammed into him and knocked him to the floor. A moment later, he was wrestling with the Alvamar, surprise and sudden anger forcing all his defensive spells from his mind. Pain exploded as a fist thudded into his face. His hands found the Alvamar’s neck and began to squeeze for dear life…

Lorelei climbed to her feet, bleeding profusely. Glass shards dug into her bare feet but she hardly felt them because she couldn’t believe she wasn’t a greasy spot on the cobblestones below. She stooped for her dagger before she remembered that she didn’t have it anymore. Her long sword was all she had left and was much too cumbersome for use in these close quarters. In front of her, the Alvamar and the mage were rolling around as each did their best to kill the other. Lorelei took a precious moment to enjoy the sight…

"Do something, for Mira’s sake!!", came a tortured croak from the Alvamar as he pounded the renegade’s head enthusiastically against the floor.
The renegade felt cold steel slide over his throat. He could barely see because of all the stars whirling about him but he definitely felt the pressure as the flat of the blade pressed down slowly on his windpipe. Wisely deciding to cooperate, he released his hold on the Alvamar. That exalted personage scrambled off his victim, clutching his throat and gasping like a fish. As his vision cleared, the renegade found himself looking into a pair of very green, very beautiful eyes. And felt the skin beneath the edges of the blade break and begin to trickle blood.

"In a moment, your windpipe will be crushed.", came a beautiful voice. "Unless you tell me everything you know about this night’s work."
He croaked in assent. The pressure eased just enough to enable him to talk. The mage made an immense effort to calm himself. He needed to remember his attack spells. In the meantime…
"Taren sent me to kill the royal family. The other two were volunteered by the Old One.." Lorelei cast the Alvamar a long look.
"You’re lying!", hissed the Alvamar as he crawled over to crouch over the mage’s face. "The Old One never gets involved in politics. All he’s interested in is knowledge."
The renegade gave the Alvamar a long, measuring look. "He had something to gain this time. Your death and the guarantee that it would be done right…"

"Wonderful!", exclaimed Lorelei sarcastically. "With that nutcase on Taren’s side, we’re really in trouble!" She didn’t see the look of concentration that entered the mage’s eyes. But the Alvamar did. Moving like a snake, he slipped his hand onto the side of the mage’s neck and pinched twice. The mage’s eyes faded over as he slipped down into oblivion. Raising his head, the Alvamar met Lorelei’s questioning eyes. He shrugged in response to the unspoken query.
"I don’t think we would have liked what he was about to do.."

Part 9

Lorelei and the Alvamar strode into the Queen’s quarters. Lorelei’s injuries had been tended to and they were already almost completely healed. Even the nasty gash on her face looked fairly respectable. The Queen was sitting in a chair talking to Alyssa in a low voice but she looked up when she heard the warriors at the door announce them.
"It seems that I owe the two of you even more thanks than before", she said with a smile. "Where is the Taren’s pet mage now?"
"The healer is keeping him drugged in the dungeons till a warrior mage from the Third Battalion arrives." answered Lorelei. "He’ll be able to squeeze a lot more information out of the prisoner than we would have."
"So the Old One has entered the arena... That puts a whole new complexion on the matter. No one knows exactly what the man is capable of.", said the Queen grimly. She exchanged a long look with Alyssa before turning back to look directly at Lorelei.
"Warrior, the alliance has decided to act upon this new threat. The Alvamar has already indicated he is willing to face the Old One in a duel. What exactly would that entail?" This last question was directed towards the Alvamar.
"He and I would face off without the help of any weapons except their magic. The winner may claim any prize from the loser."

"But what do you intent to do to him?", pressed the Queen.
"Simply to force him to recant the vendetta he has against me", answered the Alvamar guardedly as he suddenly saw the trend the conversation was taking. "I wasn’t strong enough to do it before but I have learned a lot since the last time we met.."
"What if I asked you to kill him on the behalf of the alliance?"
"I would not do it.", answered the Alvamar firmly. "There have been times that a contestant was killed during a duel but I will not go into one with the intention of taking a life. That would be a betrayal of all that a healer believes in."
The Queen nodded regretfully. "And such is the way it should be.." She firmed up her resolution as she looked back up at Lorelei. "Then it is up to you, Warrior. It will be your duty to either kill him or force a surrender."

Lorelei froze in dread. Her captaincy suddenly seemed in doubt. "Majesty, what of my new command?", she asked cautiously, bracing herself for the worst.
"You may not take the Guards with you, of course. They belong with the prince. Your second in command, Gerraint is an effective commander. He will take good care of them until you return." The Queen stood up and walked to the window overlooking the courtyard. "You may select your team from the other cadres stationed here", she said nodding towards the ranks training below.

"Majesty", interjected the Alvamar. "The Old One has shown that he can pinpoint my position at any time. The question remains: How does he do it? If it is with basic scrying, he would easily be able to see everyone I’m traveling with. Our strength lies in his underestimating us. A large attack force would only make him more careful with his defenses. Therefore, I suggest that only the warrior and I go. She has proven her good judgment and has a positive talent for taking advantage of a mage’s distraction…" Lorelei shot him a suspicious glance but he continued blandly. "In addition, I believe we work well together.. She doesn’t get in my way and I don’t get in hers."
The Queen looked at Lorelei. "What do you say, Warrior?"
Regretfully, Lorelei was forced to concede the Alvamar’s wisdom. "A small group does have a definite advantage in slipping into tight places..", she answered.
"Lorelei will need a new dragon, Selene", said Alyssa as she came forward to stand by her niece. "I will take care of it myself." The Queen nodded in agreement.
"May Mira watch over you both.", she murmured.

Lorelei walked out into the sunshine the next day to meet her aunt at the landing grounds. Alyssa was leaning against a fence, her eyes closed and her head tilted up to catch the sun’s rays.
"Ah Lora, there you are! Ready to fly?"
"Yes Aunt, it’s been too long since the last time.", said Lorelei smiling into her aunt’s kind eyes.
"Are you missing him still?"
"More and more each day. I almost feel like I don’t want to take another partner…"
"It passes, child. The day I lost Ramesh was the worst of my life but both he and Kirsah have gone on to better things and as heroes, I might add! There are worse things than that.. Come!"

Alyssa turned her head to face the mountains nearby and sent a telepathic call for her dragon. A few moments later, a dragon appeared flying low to skim over the fields. Lorelei looked at her admiringly.
"S’aan has such beautiful form. I don’t think I’ve seen another like her."
"Well you might soon", replied Alyssa proudly. "She has her first clutch warming in the hatchery. Two more weeks, they tell me.."
"Then a whole lot of hatchlings toddling around your quarters", laughed Lorelei. "Alyssa! Queen’s Guard and dragon baby-sitter!"

S’aan made a smooth landing, her scales glistening in the sunlight. She was from a southern clan and showed their characteristic swirls of color. The women took off at a run towards her. S’aan turned her massive head towards her riders.
"She says hello and that she is sorry for Kirsah’s death", said Alyssa to Lorelei.
Lorelei thanked S’aan for her condolences.
A moment later, they were soaring up into the blue skies. They left the sprawling city behind them as they made for the mountains and the lair of the Matriarch.

S’aan thumped to a halt on the jutting lip of a cave. After the warriors dismounted, she spread her wings and promptly disappeared.
"Kevin is supposed to meet us here. Come sit by me Lorelei, and tell me of your adventures.."
Lorelei began to summarize her journey, making her aunt chuckle at how she had taken the Alvamar. When she got to the part about the Onset, Alyssa cast her a sharp look.
"And you’re telling me that he didn’t try to have sex with you…", she said in patent disbelief. Lorelei shrugged her shoulders and nodded.
"All I can say is that the man must a will of iron. And so must you! I’ve never been able to show such restraint during those times…", Alyssa said, shaking her head wryly. "Still, I’m glad you didn’t lose your head. You’re much too young to be saddled with children", she continued, stroking Lorelei’s hair affectionately. "Not that there’s anything wrong with having children.. I intent to have a couple myself with my Maten once I retire. Children are a wonderful part of life but they just don’t go very well with the training!"

"So what happened to your Onset, anyway?"
"I don’t know. The moment I got back to Miramar and all those things started happening, it seemed to cease. It’s terribly strange. I’ve never had it so short before."
"Time to get checked out, my dear", lectured her aunt. "I personally like to know and be prepared when the thing strikes…"
"So do you like him?", she continued archly.
"Who? The Alvamar?" "Well, I respect him and I guess I like him too, but I don’t like him.. He’s not for me, aunt."
"Why not?", asked Alyssa, feigning shock. "I’ve looked him over. The man looks like a god! I wouldn’t mind having a go at him myself. That chest! Mmmm… Rivals any warrior I’ve seen!"
Lorelei blushed. Her aunt was famed for letting the world know when she admired a man and she suddenly had a vision of her slight aunt tackling the unwary Alvamar and having her wicked way with him. Tearing open his shirt, pulling off his breaches… Lorelei blinked rapidly and brought herself back to reality. Alyssa was wearing a very self-satisfied look on her face.

"So you’re not as immune to him as you’d like to think." She ignored her niece’s glare and continued blithely. "Let me pass on a valuable piece of wisdom. Men are wonderful. You should enjoy them for all you’re worth and when you’re done, you should just walk away…" Lorelei snorted inelegantly.
"So that’s why you’ve been with Maten for Mira knows how long!"
"Well the man just grew on me.. Somewhat like a fungus.", replied Alyssa regretfully. "Things like that happen sometimes. Everybody’s philandering days come to an end with a single look and a wrench of the heart. But until that unhappy day, my dear, enjoy life to fullest! You’re such a young, beautiful thing, Lora. Don’t fall in love anytime soon, all right?"

"Alyssa. Lorelei. Sorry I’m late", puffed a rather rotund man and he climbed up the steep path. "Treven is waiting for us so let’s hurry to her." The two women followed him into the dank cave, moving deeper and deeper into it until only the light of Kevin’s lantern lighted their way. The walls were damp and dripping constantly and there was definitely a smell of wet dragon in the air.
"She likes in it because of her scales, you know. She’s had such a problem with them as she aged, poor thing. The moisture helps quite a bit."
Suddenly they emerged from the wide tunnel into a large cavern deep in the mountain’s belly. And curled up in the center of the cavern was the most immense dragon Lorelei had ever seen. As the group approached her, Treven the Matriarch of the Miramar clans, uncoiled her body to greet them. Blazing red eyes, undimmed by age, regarded them with interest.

"Treven. This is Alyssa and you remember Lorelei..", introduced Kevin to his partner.
Lorelei gasped as a faintly husky voice sounded in her head. "Yes, I remember you." The blazing eyes looked at her with amusement.
"Why are you surprised at hearing me? Doesn’t my son’s blood flow in your veins…"
"Yes, Matriarch", answered Lorelei aloud. "You have heard of Kirsah’s death, I’m sure. He died well." The massive head lifted, the foot long horns on her head grazing the ceiling of the cavern.
"Yes, he did. I am very proud of him. I expect I shall be seeing him soon..."
"Nonsense, Treven.", scoffed Kevin. "You’ll outlive us all!"
"I would like to petition you for another partner, Matriarch. I will be going on a critical mission and I’ll need help.", said Lorelei.
The massive head dipped in consideration.
"Kirsah always spoke of you with the greatest respect. I know he would want me to grant your wish. I have always liked you as well, Lorelei. Your heart is true and there is no guile in you. It is my hope that one of my brood chooses you for his or her own. Come out into the air with me.."

Once they were back at the mouth of the cave, the Matriarch sent out a loud, booming call. In minutes, three young dragons circled outside the warren and landed, one at a time, on the cave ledge. Lorelei stepped forward to face them.
"This is Lorelei of the Queen’s Guard. If any of you want her, she is yours!"
Three head dipped to sniff at Lorelei. Her scent would tell them much of her character and of their compatibility. Swiftly the female on the right stepped forward to claim her.
"K’san? You wish her?"
"I do, Mother. She was the one Kirsah chose, wasn’t she?"
"Yes, my child. Lorelei, this is my daughter from my second last clutch. Her name is K’san and she has consented to bind with you. Will you accept her?"

Lorelei turned to look at the young female. Bright intelligent eyes regarded her in return. Although she didn’t have a telepathic bond with her yet, she sensed that the dragon would be as close a friend as Kirsah ever was. His sister! What a wonderful thing!"
"Yes, I will accept her."
Alyssa and Kevin broke out into congratulatory grins.
"The binding should be held tonight so the three of you can set out in a few days. Once you are recovered, that is.", said Alyssa. Kevin translated for all the dragons. K’san dipped her head in acknowledgment.
"K’san said that she will be there. At Mira’s temple, at the seventh hour!"

Lorelei felt her stomach clench involuntarily. The last binding had been agonizing for her. She had barely lived. She couldn’t help hoping that this one would be a lot easier on her…

Part 11

"Lorelei my dear, you’re back.." purred a grainy voice in her ear. Lorelei closed her eyes slowly before drawing her sword and turning to face a very familiar figure.
"Go back to Kirth, demon spawn, before I chop you into little pieces."
The red-haired woman with the glowing eyes laughed delightedly. "Oh Lorelei, entertaining as ever! As if you could defeat me… All you have is that pathetic sword. I have all the endless power of Kirth to use."
"Is that why I got away the last time?" goaded Lorelei. "You’re nothing but a third rate imp with delusions of grandeur. You’re pathetic…"
Demon-Kira’s eyes flamed as its voice dropped menacingly. "Could a third rate imp have done this to that tasty little morsel you called a mother?" Suddenly, the figure standing in front of Lorelei truly was her mother. The eyes were terrified and completely human. Kira backed away from Lorelei in horror.
"Lorelei, RUN!"
"Mother…", gasped Lorelei.
"RUN!," screamed the woman as she suddenly convulsed in agony, A dripping black tentacle forced its way out of one eyeball. Her body started to rip apart to reveal something hideous and black within it. "Ruuunnn…"
But Lorelei couldn’t hear anything anymore. She started screaming as her childhood nightmares became reality.

The Alvamar and Alyssa were holding a shrieking Lorelei down onto the bed. From outside, came a dragon scream as K’san felt her partner’s unreasoning terror through the barely healed bond.
"The dragon!" gasped the Alvamar, looking over at Alyssa in sudden hope. "We can reach her through the dragon!"
He leapt out the window, heading towards K’san at a run. She was lying on the ground, twitching as her mother and another dragon splattered mud onto her body with their wings to bring her temperature down. Kevin ran to meet the Alvamar part-way.
"K’san says that she doesn’t know how to help Lorelei. The bond is too undeveloped and the pain has crippled her mind."
"Tell her that we can still use the bond to help Lorelei. She just needs to lift herself above the pain." Kevin translated to Treven who in turn telepathed the message to K’san. The younger dragon’s eyes flamed and rolled as she whimpered in terror and agony.
"She agrees! Do whatever you have to!"

The Alvamar drove into the dragon’s mind and gasped. So much pain! Beside him was the shadowy form of the dragon’s being. He reached out to channel some of his strength to it and the pain instantly eased. Now, he telepathed, follow the screaming! The dragon spread her shadowy wings and shot off into the void with the Alvamar, in falcon form, close behind. They cut through the shifting colors, using the sound of Lorelei’s shrieks as their guide. But then, the screams suddenly cut off. Thankfully, they had come far enough. The pair slammed through a black wall into Lorelei’s world.

In front of them, Lorelei lay unconscious with blue fire flickering over her body and surrounded by gore. Both her arms had been torn off her body, one still clutching her sword. A black, hulking monstrosity crouched chuckling over the remnants of her body as it prepared to rip her legs off. The Alvamar suddenly felt anger, such as he had never felt in his life, burn right through him. His existence coalesced into a single, grinding thought. It was time to destroy… He felt himself change into his Warrior self and willed his father’s broadsword into his hands. The dragon lifeforce beside him suddenly expanded in size as it screamed a blazingly furious challenge. A distinct shape began to emerge, that of K’san in her full physical glory.

The creature looked up at the Warrior and grinned evilly. It took hold of one of Lorelei’s legs and prepared to twist it off. The Warrior’s broadsword swung and took off the creature’s head. The head bounced away a short distance and begin to chuckle as the creature’s body continued with its work. Lorelei’s leg snapped like a twig in its hands. Then a gale force wind descended with the sound of flapping wings and knocked the Warrior to the ground. K’san dragged the creature away from Lorelei and soared up and away with it dangling from her claws. As she began to dismember the creature in her rage, the Warrior walked over to the creature’s grinning head and crushed it into a pulp with his heel.

The red curtain of rage faded as the Warrior changed back into the Alvamar and took Lorelei’s destroyed inner-self into his arms. Above him, K’san continued to shriek in fury as she tore the demon apart. The Alvamar had never been so afraid in his life as he bowed his head and began to beg Mira silently to keep Lorelei unconscious. If she awoke, thinking herself dismembered, nothing could ever help her heal. He began to draw on his reserves, building and concentrating his power for the next stage: erasing this whole thing from her memory. He thrust into her mind, using K’san as his link and searched for her last memory. When he found it, it began to play for him, showing him all that she had endured. He didn’t wait to see it all. He took hold of it and ripped it forcibly out of her.

As K’san landed beside them to nose gently at her partner, the Alvamar looked up into her intelligent eyes. He never let go of Lorelei as K’san flew them both back into reality.

Part 12

Lorelei opened her eyes to see the light of a new day. She blinked rapidly, shading her eyes with one hand as she groaned and turned away from the glare. As she did, her gaze felt upon the sleeping pair sitting in the uncomfortable chairs beside her. As she lifted her head from the pillow to stare at them in puzzlement, a golden voice spoke in her mind.
Are you all right? Lorelei started with a gasp.
Kirsah?
No, this is K’san. Do you remember the bonding? Lorelei blinked in confusion as she struggled to regain her equilibrium. She remembered the meeting with the Matriarch clearly but everything after that seemed incomplete. Flashes of memory that she vainly tried to reach but couldn’t recover. Then suddenly she felt the touch of another mind, a questing dragon mind. As soon as it came, it withdrew from her.

It matters not. You’re well now and we’re safely paired, came the voice reassuringly. Lorelei sank back into the comfort of her bed, pulling the covers up to chest level, suddenly feeling that everybody knew something she didn’t.
Something happened, I know it. I can feel it in my soul. Tell me..
You had a bad reaction to the binding. Lorelei became very still. Suddenly the warm morning light seemed to be touched with a tinge of coldness. Something crystallized in a corner of her mind but even as she strained towards it, it melted away.

You have been unconscious for two days now and we were all worried that you would die from it. The healers have been with you continuously, feeding you all sorts of potions and spells. Their care has obviously been rewarded. Here you are, none the worst for the experience.
Lorelei accepted the explanation grudgingly. It was hard to be suspicious with sunlight dancing in the corners of the room and the pleasure of having a partner to talk with again. She swung her feet to the floor and made a vain clutch for the covers as she suddenly realized that she was nude under the sheets. Her eyes came to rest on the sleeping figures of her aunt and the Alvamar scrunched up like accordions in the stiff, wicker chairs. She put out a hand to rouse them but something made her draw it back. A vision of the Alvamar holding a sword, feet braced apart, with fire in his eyes. As soon as the picture came, it was gone, leaving her puzzled and wondering vainly what a healer would be doing with a sword in his hands. She shrugged the thought off and settled back instead, to regard him quietly.

In sleep, his face was relaxed, yet it retained the character that he had acquired through his many years. If he were a normal man, he would definitely draw a second look from her. And a third. Her aunt’s words came back to whisper in her mind: "The man looks like a god!"
She had to admit that her aunt was right. Physically, he was beautiful. Rich black locks, wonderfully broad shoulders, sexy waist, strong thick penis, long muscled legs.. As she remembered him standing by that well, pouring water over his long, lithe body, she felt the delicious thrill of attraction flare up again. Now that they were doomed to travel together on yet another mission, wasn’t it foolish to continue denying it?
Yes! Her body screamed as it got into the act. Sure, he is unnatural. Sure, he is a lot older that you, but you know for certain how good that experience can be... No! replied Lorelei’s brain firmly. This is strictly business. I need to be focused right now, not a yowling cat in heat. But, wouldn’t it be oh, so satisfying… Lorelei shoved the renegade thought from her mind as she shook the sleeping pair awake. First things first. She had a dragon to get acquainted with…

Two days later, Lorelei and the Alvamar were summoned to the Queen’s quarters. As they entered, they found Selene talking to a tall, slender man dressed in red and black robes. A warrior mage.
"The renegade had revealed the location of the Old One’s fortress," said the Queen to the pair abruptly. "It lies in the furthest sanction of this land, up in the north."
Great! Thought Lorelei to herself. Now I’m going to be frozen to death…
"When can you leave?" Lorelei exchanged a glance with the Alvamar, reaching a consensus instantly.
"We’re ready to go, Majesty. We just need to get set up for the journey."
"You do know that you can’t be associated with the alliance, don’t you Warrior?" stated the Queen sternly. "Thanks to the Alvamar’s announcement of his intentions in full court, everybody thinks that you are merely his bodyguard. And that’s way it has to stay. Once the two of you leave here, you will be on your own. We cannot be seen to involve ourselves in a personal vendetta…" The Alvamar inclined his head in acknowledgment of that. "Hopefully, the Old One will focus on fighting the Alvamar and leave you a way to get to him."

"Then I obviously can’t go in the uniform of a Prince’s guard," murmured Lorelei, half to herself. "In fact, we should both look as normal as possible… The Northern sanctions are Taren’s territory. No one will look twice at a pair of mercenaries traveling to join his army."
"The Old One will still see us coming but at least we won’t have to deal with trouble from the local populace," continued the Alvamar, nodding his head in agreement. "It might make sense for us to leave in secret just in case Taren has spies somewhere in the castle." The Queen cracked a grim smile at that.
"My Lord, I can guarantee that Taren has spies in this castle and that they have been watching you with a great deal of interest. The Alvamar has been a legend and a hero to the people. You could be prove very useful in a power struggle.." The Alvamar’s eyes suddenly snapped silver fire.
"Majesty, I want you to understand that I am not going to be drawn into this political situation! I have always been a neutral party and that’s the way it is going to continue. I am doing this to free myself of this vendetta," he stated in a firm, resounding voice. "I have no interest in getting involved in this war or in aiding the alliance. I will not interfere with the Warrior’s mission as long as she doesn’t interfere with mine. That means that I will get the first shot at the Old One. Whatever Lorelei does, she does after the duel!" This drew a angry look from Lorelei. "That part of the mission is wholly and completely separate from mine."

The Queen’s face stiffened. "I understand, my lord."
"I must protest, your Majesty!" Lorelei broke in. "I am being sent as an assassin! I can’t be restrained by all these rules. I will take any chance I can get to.. terminate the target."
"Not if you travel with me, Lorelei.." replied the Alvamar smoothly.
"The thing is, Alvamar, you need me more than I need you.." answered Lorelei equally smoothly as she turned to look him straight in the eye. "I can travel on my own and get the job done just as well.."
"I think not, Warrior. The Old One’s castle is protected not only by human guards but also by his mutant creations and a series of intricate spells. Without me, you wouldn’t get past the first level.."
"And without me, you wouldn’t live to get there!"
"It seems that the two of you need to reach a compromise," interrupted the Queen, silently approving the fact that Lorelei was trying to gain herself every advantage. "I agree with Lorelei in that she should take advantage of any opportunity to complete her mission but I also agree with you in that she should not interfere with your task or that you become involved in our political games. If the two of you feel that you cannot work together on this, speak up now and we’ll find someone else to do the job!"

Lorelei and the Alvamar didn’t look at each other as they considered the Queen’s ultimatum.
"The Alvamar and I will continue to discuss this after we leave Miramar," said Lorelei stiffly as she broke the uncomfortable impasse. The Alvamar didn’t contradict her so she continued. "We shall sneak out of the palace compound as soon as our disguises are ready…"

"We’ll need to get you armed," said Lorelei to the Alvamar as they left the Queen’s chambers. "I don’t know much about Healer training, what weapons are you trained to handle?"
"The training does include anything on weaponry, but I was trained in the use of the broadsword, axe and staff before becoming a healer." Lorelei grimaced. All those were heavy and cumbersome weapons. "I’ve kept practicing with them over the years but more for fun than for real use. I’ve definitely more comfortable with my magic than with my weapon skills," he continued frankly.
"Oh well, we’ll get in some practice time during our journey. I’ve been a little lax myself these past few weeks. So we’ll need to get you a broadsword, an axe and a staff. Maten should have some in his private stock…"
"Just a staff, I think. I have a broadsword and an axe would just be too clumsy to use against these light swords you have now."
"You already have a broadsword.." repeated Lorelei slowly. "My Lord, I must admit that for a healer, you seem awfully prepared for life as a warrior…" The Alvamar smiled blandly in response but didn’t offer an explanation.

That night, two figures dressed in mercenary leathers sneaked out of the northern gates of the palace compound. As they disappeared into the darkness, a large dark shape swept silently over the palace walls and soared up into the black velvet sky.

End