“Saddle up, boy!” cried Kal in a cheerful voice. “You ready Phillip?”

            “Just… about…” Phillip had a large sack in his arms and was struggling to carry it. “What… in the world…. do you have in here??”

            “Oh, just the usual. Bath oils, dragon scales, dwarves powder, rope. You can never have enough rope.”

            Phillip heaved the sack upon the horse and breathed a sigh as he turned to his red-headed friend. “Kal! We’re not going on a hundred-day trek!”

            “You never know,” Kal winked and patted his white horse on the back.

            “What are you two up to?” a gruff voice asked as the friends turned around and faced Aoli. “And what in the King’s name is this?” he pointed to the sack.

            “Oh…” The red-headed companion sputtered as he glanced at a snickering Phillip. “Just the usual… rope, food, necessities.”

            “And bath oils, dragon scales, dwarves powder,” Phillip continued as Kal glared at him.

            “Well get rid of it! The only thing you should be bringing is a weapon, blanket, water, and a rope. Everything else has been taken care of.” Aoli narrowed his eyes critically.

            “Yes sir!” Kal grabbed the sack and ran back to the estate in a sprint. He passed by a girl and gave a shout, “Mornin Gabi!”

            She laughed, “Morning Kal!” She walked to the horses and began checking over her belongings, feeling even stronger than before.

            “Feeling better?” Aoli grunted, his ring twinking on his finger.

            “Much,” she replied, holding on to the fence for support. She still felt a bit nauseous and dizzy, but physically much healthier. 

            Aoli had taken care of all the business for their journey, asking Lady for permission, getting maps and books, and most importantly, helped Gabrielle heal. After such an experience, she was still weak and confused, but time had been a great factor and had restored her strength. Aoli had even searched and found Phillip and Kal, asking them along on the journey which they had promptly accepted. The day had come when Gabi was healthy enough to begin the journey.

            Gabi suddenly felt a strong hand at her arm. Looking to the side, she found Phillip’s encouraging smile and soft blue eyes beaming at her. “How is our adventuress?”

            “Ready to start!” She looked fondly back at him as he helped her to the horse. “Where will we travel first?”

            Offering a hand as she climbed upon the horse, he explained. “We’ll be traveling to the nearby Ayorthaian palace to look in its library for whatever Aoli is looking for. After that, I’m not exactly sure. Aoli is bound to lead us in the right direction.”

            “Of course!” Gabrielle realized that Aoli had not told Phillip or Kal anything about her past or what they were truly seeking out. “Well, then… what exactly did Aoli tell you?”

            “He said we’d be going on a journey, to find some family or something along the same lines.”

            “What else?”

            “Oh he mentioned that we might have some danger, y’know the usual bandits, trolls, and such.”

            Gabrielle’s eyes flickered as she looked at Phillip, wanting to tell him that he was getting himself into more trouble than he knew of, but she knew that she would not be able to tell any information. The less people knew about Rowêna and her quest for the Vornorian ring, the better. If Phillip and Kal were killed during their journey, Gabi would never be able to forgive herself.

            “Well you do know that Kal and I will protect you at all costs,” Phillip added.

            “Fear not, for the mighty knight Kal is here to protect our company of four!” exclaimed Kal who had just returned. Phillip snickered as he went over to Aoli and began helping.

            Aoli, who was standing right behind Kal, winked at Gabi and then picked up a cockroach from the ground. Placing it gently upon Kal’s shoulder, he quickly turned around and continued grooming his horse.

            A few moments later, a great chorus of noise was heard. Kal had begun squealing as he jumped around trying to flick the cockroach off. While stomping on the cockroach, he ran into Aoli’s horse who had reared with a great neigh and kicked Aoli, sending him back into Phillip. Both landed in the dirt.

            Gabrielle couldn’t help but laugh at the scene. Helping Aoli and Phillip up, she turned to Kal and curtsied while saying, “I shall be honored to be under the protection of the mighty knight Kal unless it comes to cockroaches.”

            “And beetles,” Phillip added, dusting off the dirt on his pants.

            Laughing, she brushed some dirt off of Phillip’s nose and then shyly turned away, blushing.

            “My word! What is going on out here?” Lady’s voice carried over through the window up in the balcony.

            “Nothing Lady! These men are just preparing for our journey!” Gabrielle called.

            “Good mistress of the house! I pray that you will come down so that we can enjoy your beautiful and radiant presence for one last time!” Phillip bowed low as he spoke with a half-polite half-joking manner.

            There were sounds of a chair being moved, and Lady suddenly appeared upon the balcony. She had taken a liking for Phillip and was deeply impressed with his manner and etiquette. “Phillip! You need not flatter me so!”

            “Oh but I must! Beauty hardly comes in such rare forms!” He grinned, eying Kal who gave him a thumbs up sign. Gabi had to cover her mouth from bursting out with laughter.

            “You little scoundrel!” Lady smiled at him. “And plus, you already have even greater beauty in Gabrielle.”

            With that he grew quiet, and glanced at Gabi’s shocked face. Kal saw the moment growing awkward and changed the subject. “But Lady, we are ready to leave and really would like to say goodbye, so please do come down.”

            “Just a moment.” Lady vanished from the balcony.

            The silence between the four companions was strange. For some reason, Gabi found that whenever she or her traits were the subject of discussion, Phillip grew quiet and almost a recluse. She couldn’t understand why, and longed to talk alone with him to discover the reason.

            Lady appeared in the doorway, her grace and air giving her a grand entrance. She first embraced Aoli, much to his surprise. “Take care Aoli. Protect the company and take this special dagger with you. It is made from fairy smiths, ancient and powerful.”

            “Thank you ma’am. I will.”

            She turned to Kal, as he gave her a warm hug. “Be strong, Sir Kal. Here is some potion, a healing potion that will help the company if one gets hurt.” He bowed low to her.

            “Gabrielle, my dearest. Take this brooch, and always remember me.” Lady’s slender hand lay something in Gabi’s, cool to touch. It was a bow and arrow with vines weaving around it, all made of silver filigree.

            “Thank you, Lady. You’ve been like a mother to me.” Gabrielle threw her arms upon the maternal figure, tears flowing from her eyes.

            Last of all, Lady turned to Phillip. “Phillip. I leave you with this necklace. It’s charm is of the star Olio, northernmost star in the constellation Vadia. It contains memories that I have deemed important for you.” She took the necklace and showed it to him, the charm a tiny crystal star, so delicate in detail and craftsmanship. Lifting it up, she touched the star against his forehead. He closed his eyes, and the star glowed briefly. “Take it, and cherish is well. You know what it means.”

            He nodded, his eyes misty and dazed. Taking the necklace, he bowed low to her and hung his head.

            The four got up upon their horses, and were ready to go when Lady gave her last piece of advice. “If you go to the fairy kingdom, seek out the fairy named Piave. He may help you on your quest.”

            “Thank you, for everything.” Gabrielle choked.

            The company reared their horses and trotted to the gate. Before exiting, they looked once more at the estate, Lady’s beautiful home.

            Their journey had begun.

~-~

            “The Ayorthaian palace is about five days away if we cut through the forest that we’re in now,” Gabrielle replied, analyzing the map.

            “That sounds like a good route, but I’ve heard of many dangerous creatures living near the lake that’s located in the center of the forest.” Aoli mentioned.

            “Should we circle around the lake and avoid it completely?” Gabrielle asked.

            “If we cut around the lake too much, we’ll lose a good day or two.” Kal was roasting a potato by the fire. It was late evening, and they had traveled far into the forest, directly west of Ehana. When Aoli had said that they had traveled enough, they stopped in a clearing and made a small campfire. The forest was completely pitch black.

            “I say we take to the lake and find the quickest route to the palace.” Gabi suggested.

            “I don’t know. There are stories about travelers finding dead body parts hanging in trees, and some strange music coming from the lake. Not to mention the dangerous animals.” Aoli’s deep voice questioned.

            “But there are bound to be dangerous animals all over the place. The forest in and of itself it extremely treacherous.” The red-head responded, concentrating on his potato.

            “If you’re worried about safety, we might as well avoid the forest altogether.” Gabrielle added. She looked over and found Phillip gazing into the forest, quiet. He had been like that ever since they left, not talking to anyone and more contemplative than usual. What had Lady shown him with the necklace? “What do you think Phillip?”

            “What?” His head looked towards her. “Sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

            “What do you think we should do? Go directly through to the palace as quick as possible, or swing far around the lake to avoid danger?”

            He seemed distracted by something. “I don’t know, but speaking of danger…” He stood up, reaching for his dagger.

            Aoli was up as well, looking concerned at Phillip’s alarmed face. “What?”

            Phillip pointed into the dark woods. “Over there. I thought I saw something.”

            “Like a fairy or something?” Kal grinned, his mouth full of roasted potato.

            “No… like eyes. I’m pretty sure there were eyes staring at me.” The young man said mysteriously. “At first I thought they were two lights, but then I realized that they were these yellow-greenish eyes. Glowing. First there was one, and then the other joined later.”

            Gabrielle shivered, and looked around her into the dark. She didn’t see anything, but she didn’t like the way Phillip’s description sounded.

            “Are you sure you just weren’t seeing things?” Kal inspected his half-eaten potato.

            “I’m definitely sure I saw something. It wasn’t my imagination.”

            Aoli walked around the clearing with a torch, looking for anything that might have proved Phillip’s claim. “Don’t worry about it, it was probably just a bat or something.”

            “I swear those eyes were bigger than that of a bat.”

            “It’s okay. We’ll take turns keeping watch while others get sleep. I’ll take first watch, Phillip second, Kal third, and Gabi last. Agree?”

            No one objected, and so they weakened the fire so that there was just a dim light. The three spread out their blankets and went to sleep. Before long, the sound of Kal’s snoring could be heard amidst the eerie sounds of the forest…

~-~

            It was Phillip’s watch. He had not been able to get to sleep at all, and just simply lay there in his cold blanket, thinking. Now he sat up and sat upon the log, looking at his fellow travelers. Kal, one of his best friends, was so similar to Luke. They were both funny, witty and light-hearted. Aoli was definitely the leader, and it was nice to have someone that was confident and knowledgeable. And Gabi. She was something different. Phillip could tell that she had been struggling for a long time, and he wished that he could talk to her about it, but for some reason, he felt a barrier between them.

            That day, Lady had shown him memories in the necklace, and they had been imprinted in his mind. How could he deal with them? Would he reject them any longer?

            Only time would tell…

~-~

            Kal was so sleepy. It was his watch, and he had to step on a hot piece of wood to keep him awake. The journey was nice, with such companions, but what was their quest truly about? What were they really searching for?

            His head dropped, and he felt his eyes shutting. He was asleep.

~-~

            Aoli’s head jerked up. The fire had burned out, and all the rest of the company was asleep. Everything seemed okay, everyone was safe…

            But wait! Who was suppose to be on watch? Kal! He had fallen asleep! He was tired though.

            A pair of eyes shone brightly in the dark. Aoli stared at them, and realized that they were the same as what Phillip had seen.

            The eyes came closer and became bigger. Stepping into the clearing, the creature that had the eyes revealed itself.

            Aoli took a deep breath as he mentally recognized the creature. “Shapeshifter!”

            “Oh yea…. This is the life,” Kal smacked his lips as he gazed hungrily at the mounds of food before him. There were piles and piles of every food imaginable, from roast quail to chestnut bread to mince pies to even the most exotic food like phoenix stew or dragon’s blood. “Yo Phillip, you want some?”

            “Don’t mind if I do.” Phillip reached for a slice of Humperdinck Cheese and munched on it cautiously.

            “Where’s Aoli?” Kal had shoved about ten different foods in his mouth.

            “In the other room.” Gabi’s sweet voice filled Kal’s mind as he stared breathlessly at her. She had just strolled into the room with a beautiful shimmering white gown. With her beautiful long hair, a soft brown color with a slight curl, she looked like a fairy, an elf, or even an angel. “He’s practically bathing… in the strawberry wine.”

            “Err… I see.” Kal couldn’t take his eyes off of Gabi, but suddenly he remembered Phillip and turned to look at his friend, blushing.

            “You’re turning red Kal,” Gabi leaned over him, smiling gently.

            “Uhhh….yea,” He looked at Phillip helplessly, but only saw his friend smile.

            Gabi turned at sat at her own side of the table, helping herself to a cream pie. Kal was beginning to be a bit bewildered by the whole situation, but how could he complain? He was practically living in paradise, here with mountains of food, his companions, and no danger.

            No danger…

“Wait a sec, when are we going to get going on your journey?” He suddenly felt concerned.

“Aw don’t worry about that,” Phillip replied nonchalantly. “We’re here, and we’ve got all we need. That’s good enough.”

“But Gabi, don’t you have some errands or goals to fulfill? I thought Lady had told you to…” he trailed off.

“Don’t you worry. My journey isn’t important at all. You just stay here and be comfortable.” Gabi said sweetly, licking the cream off of her finger.

“Um… okay,” he looked down at his plate of food, his appetite suddenly gone. He was feeling a sick strange feeling, not in his stomach but in his thoughts.

“Aren’t you hungry Kal?” Phillip asked.

“Naww… not anymore…”

“But there’s still so much food!” Gabi chimed in.

“No seriously. I’m set for now.” Was it just him or was his belly rising?

“You should get up Kal,” Phillip nodded at him. “You’ll feel better!”

“What?”

“Get up Kal,” Gabi’s voice sounded urgent.

“Uhh… ”

“Get up Kal!” Aoli’s voice hissed, coming from nowhere.

“Who-ah!” Kal’s mind snapped back, and he opened his eyes, finding himself wrapped up in his blanket in the middle of the woods. The fire had gone out, and all was dark. “What is it Aoli?”

“Shhh…” the man whispered, and then pointed to the edge of the clearing.

Kal rubbed his eyes, coming back to reality. So it was all a dream; no wonder they had all acted so strangely. A dark glimmer appeared at where Aoli had pointed. Kal looked over and found both Gabi and Phillip awake, watching intently.

“What the…” There was something there. Some kind of creature, moving, breathing, alive. It was too dark to see clearly, but the creature seemed to have wisps of gas floating around it. There were shades of blue mixed in with the darkness around the creature, and it was moving forwards. “What is it Aoli?”

“Urliba.” Aoli’s voice was raspy in the night, and it sounded like he was about to say more, but then the creature moved forward once again, and Aoli quieted.

Kal’s eyes briefly glanced to the side, and he saw Phillip’s fingers reach for his sword. Gabi had something clutched her own hands: Lady’s brooch. She whispered something quickly, something in a different language and sounding like the wind.

The brooch shimmered a dark silver, and then faded. Before Kal could even blink, the tiny bow and arrow had become life-size in Gabi’s hands. Trembling, she took up the bow and arrow, and aimed for the creature.

Whoosh! The arrow wizzed through the air like a wind current and struck its target. There was the sound of a slump, and then a long terrible hiss followed by the scampering of feet. The creature had gone.

Aoli stood up silently and tiptoed quietly, glancing around him in alarm. After walking around the clearing, he finally announced, “It’s okay.”

Kal breathed a sigh of relief, and got up. Squatting by the pile of ashes and firewood, he started a fire, welcoming the safety of light. “So… that… that thing was what again?”

“Urliba,” Aoli replied.

“A shapeshifter,” Gabi explained, warming her hands by the fire as she hugged her blanket closer.

“Could it have harmed us?” Phillip asked.

“More than you know,” Aoli shuddered. “Those… those creatures are evil and malicious. They’re Rowêna’s beings you know.”

“Who’s Rowêna?” Phillip looked up, eying Aoli suspiciously.

Gabi glanced at Aoli uneasily. Aoli cleared his throat, and then sat down on a log. “She’s a treacherous fairy who could prove to be dangerous to our journey. Especially to Gabi.”

There was silence at the campfire as the four companions stared at the fire. Kal looked around as the silence burned deeper; he wished that something could happen, even if it meant that the shapeshifter had to come back, so that they would be able to talk. Phillip seemed most hurt, with an expression on his face of betrayal. The red-headed young man squirmed anxiously, and then decidedly stood up and walked to the forest edge, looking down at the ground closely. “Hey wait, come look at this!”

The three came over, curious to see what Kal had found. Pointing excitedly, Kal exclaimed, “What is it?”

There were three droplets of a dark turquoise liquid, all on the moist ground. The strange thing was that they were quivering, as if each droplet had a life of its own. The colors were constantly changing with streams of light turquoise and greens and blues mixing together; there were even hints of the same gas that encircled the creature inside.

“It’s… blood, if I’m not mistaken,” Aoli bent down even closer. “Urliba blood.”

“What’s this?” Gabi asked, picking up a small wooden object. She handed it to Aoli inquiringly.

Turning it over carefully in his hand, he inspected its intricate carvings. “A Norliba horn. It’s a sacred object to them, and they use it to call to others when they are in need of help. No one can help it but their own kind because it is so low pitched.”

“Did the shapeshifter drop it?” The red-headed young man scratched his head just as the sun’s rays blossomed from the sky. It was morning, and the companions welcomed the light gladly.

“It must have, when Gabi shot it. By the way, how did you know about your brooch Gabi?”

“I… I don’t know,” Gabi looked puzzled herself, looking at Phillip. “When the shapeshifter came forward, I found myself holding Lady’s brooch tightly, and then words tumbled out of my mouth, words I had never known, and in a different language! Before I knew it, I had the bow and arrow in my hand, and so I shot. For some reason though, the creature seemed to be looking only at you, Aoli.”

“I noticed that too,” Phillip nodded.

            Aoli shrugged and pocketed the horn. Sitting back near the fire, he began scooping handfuls of dirt into the fire. “We should travel far away from this place. Who knows if the Urliba will call more of its own. No doubt they will be following us.”

            “We are running low on water…” Gabi mentioned.

            “I saw a stream not too far away from here. It won’t be long if I go and get some water for us,” Phillip volunteered quietly, his face still looking distant.

            “Alright. But be quick,” Aoli grunted.

            “I think I’ll take a little nap until he comes back,” Kal snuggled into his blanket, shutting his eyes.

            “You’ve slept the most out of all of us!” Gabi laughed at him.

            “Need my beauty sleep Gab; can’t have those shapeshifters thinking I’m hideous or anything.”

            Gabi sat down on the log, peering in the direction that Phillip had gone in. Sighing, she wished she knew what was bothering him; he had been more quiet in the last two days than ever before. What was going on?

~-~

            Phillip stamped off into the woods, kicking stones angrily in every direction. Hopefully he would find a water source because truthfully, he had not seen any stream nearby; he just said that to get away, to spend some time alone. How could he live with her right beside him?

            The images that Lady had given him were even more haunting, reoccurring in his mind even more and without him even requesting them. Dropping the water containers, he sank down on his knees and pressed Lady’s gift to his forehead.

*flash*

            “I know that it is hard for you to deal with this now, but it is important that you care for these memories. You are the only one who has the power to sort these memories,” Lady’s comforting voice enveloped his mind. “They will become clearer in time, and you will eventually have to share them with Gabrielle, when both you and her are ready for them.”

            A memory surfaced in his mind like a gigantic graceful bubble.

*flash*

            "And from here on, I banish you and your child from the fairy world." The voice overpowered from the platform. It came from one person, but it seemed to be speaking for the seven who were sitting there.

            "Please! I'm begging you! Don't send us away! I swear I had nothing to do with the crime!!" A mother was holding a baby in her arms and crying helplessly.

            "Also, to ensure safety to those around you, you are hereby stricken of your magical powers…" The speaker seemed to have trouble issuing the decree. He looked down at the woman with a look of sorrow and regret.

A woman stood up and began to speak in his place. "Erenta Norwood," the new speaker's cold steel-like tone was authoritative, "you are now forced to live as a human, without any powers or chance of being a part of this established Fairy society. Your child, will be stricken of her powe—”

*flash*

            “You cannot hold on to the memory of her forever,” a women’s voice was hard and cold. “She’s gone. There is only us.”

            “I still love her, Norlia,” the man gasped. He was the speaker of the seven.

            “It’s over, Piave. There’s nothing you can do. Even you should be punished for what you did, marrying a half-fairy. What happened to our love?”

            “But the chil—”

*flash*

Bewildering shapes were forming. It was an abstract mural filled with dark colors swirling together. Voices were calling from all directions, and then one became clearer than ever. “Sister! Why are you doing this to our people?” An older woman croaked from the balcony. Upon her head was a silver ringlet of power.

“You fool, How dare you take what is mine and call it for your—”

The voices mixed in with each other, creating a loud undecipherable calamity.

“—for  my people. You must carry the royal Vornor line, and keep away from Rowêna. Warn your children. Make them aware. If the ring is taken, all is lost.”

Images swirled of a fiery green-eyed maiden, a roaring battle, bodies lying upon the ground, the bright shining metal of rings…

“Il ënçxwp kchónoli. Il ënçxwp kchónoli. Il ënçxwp kchónoli.” The words echoed in his mind, over and over again.

*flash*

            There was silence. No voices, no images. And then lady’s voice took over again, soothing and comforting. “You will struggle with what you have seen, and more memories will appear and others will disappear. Do not resist them, but learn from them and help her. You cannot deny your love for her; I could see it in your eyes. But now you know that she is of great blood, of higher blood than anyone could even imagine. Take care of her, Phillip…” The voice faded away.

*end flash*

            Phillip was breathing heavily, his mind pounding with images and voices. Gasping, he arose and began walking again, not knowing where he was going. Lady was right and had easily read it in his eyes: he did love her. But he did not feel that love returned, and how could he face rejection? She was different than anyone else he had ever met, not Yvonne, not any of Luke’s many admirers, not even Lady. She was… herself. Gabrielle.

            That was the reason Kal and him had so promptly accepted Aoli’s offer. But Kal! Phillip shook his head. He could feel that Kal was becoming fond of Gabi as well, but how could they have this come between their friendship?

            The sun was now shining heavily throughout the forest; he had no idea how long he had been gone. Just ahead, he finally found a gurgling brook. Bending down, he took a handful and washed his face, feeling refreshed. Filling up the water sacks, he noticed some animal footprints in the—

            “Phillip!”

            Phillip’s head spun around, and he saw Gabi running towards him. “What are you doing here?”

            “I thought I should come after you, see how you were doing. I think you’ve given Kal a really nice long naptime.”

            Phillip smiled, and looked back at the stream, his eyes distant again. He had to stop himself from getting even closer with her now. It was too dangerous, too risky for him to fall in love with her even more.

            “Hey are you okay?” She bent down next to him, looking intently at him.

            “I’m fine.” His voice was more cold than he had expected.

            “Oh,” she looked a taken back. “You’ve just seemed… different, these past two days.”

            “I’m okay. We should be heading back.” He turned and walked away without even looking at her.

            She glanced at the stream and closed her eyes, looking pained. After a moment, she caught up and walked beside him, silent. They continued walking back without a word, the conversation atmosphere dead…

            …only to be met with an eerie screaming and yelling off in the distance.

            “That’s from our campsite!” Gabi looked wide-eyed at Phillip. They broke into a run.

            “What’s going on???” Phillip panted. He was back in the clearing with Gabi beside him, looking around.

            Gabi took a step forward, hers eyes glancing around with confusion. The telling had come from here; she was sure of that. And yet…

            There was nothing.

            Aoli was sitting by the campfire, staring into the fire. Kal was sleeping soundly upon the ground, curled up like a baby. The horses were munching on tall grass, faintly snorting.

            “Aoli! What happened?” Gabrielle walked over and sat next to the Ayorthaian man.

            He looked up at her and smiled, a smile that Gabi had never seen before upon him. “What do you mean?”

            “There was some yelling…” Phillip exclaimed.

            “By who?” Aoli asked, perplexed.

            “We thought it came from here,” Gabi clarified. There was no doubt in her mind that the yell had originated from their campsite.

            “Nope… Nothing’s really happened,” Aoli shrugged and then grinned again. Pointing at the red-haired knight, he explained, “He’s been sleeping like a baby here for the past hour or so.”

            Phillip looked at him strangely. “So… you didn’t hear anything?”

            “Nope. I don’t know what you two are talking about. Maybe you just imagined it.”

            Gabi gazed at Phillip, both thinking exactly the same thing: the yelling had been real.

            “Anyway,” Aoli arose and brushed off his hands, “We had better start moving now. Want to gain some good distance today.”

            Gabrielle walked over and shook Kal gently. “Kal, wake up!”

            This time Kal jerked up instantly, rubbing his eyes. “What’s going on?”

            “You overslept…” Phillip muttered, walking over to the horses.

            Soon enough, the company was moving onward with Aoli at the lead, Gabrielle riding along beside him and the others riding behind. The day had turned cloudier, the sky a murky gray.

            “Aoli.” Gabrielle turned.

            He didn’t hear and seemed to be in deep thought. Gabrielle repeated herself, “Aoli.”

            He turned to her and smiled, the same awkward smile as before.

            “What would the Urliba last night have done to us?”

            The expression on his face dropped to a frown. “The Urliba you saw would have taken you all hostage, bringing you before his leader.”

            “His leader… is that… Rowena?”

            Aoli looked at her in surprise, his eyes suddenly flickered. “I… don’t know…”

            “She… well, the thought of her often scares me.”

            “She’s very frightening… very dangerous and powerful.”

            “I wouldn’t know what to do if I confronted her.”

            “That’s why you have all of us,” Kal chimed in.

            Gabrielle’s head spun around, smiling encouragingly at him, but with a slight alarm within her mind. Had Kal heard any of what they had just been talking about? He didn’t realize… Aoli and her had kept the details secret for one sole reason: to protect them.

            Her eyes darted to Phillip, clutching his reins fiercely. He seemed to be staring at Aoli with a look of deep contemplative thought. Gabrielle longed to speak with him right then, but she knew he would just push her away. When would she be able to find out what was going on with him? Distance… it was the thing she wanted least from him.

            Wait… “Aoli. Where’s your ring?” The familiar copper band was gone from his finger.

            “I took it off. Didn’t like the feel.” He answered quickly, reassuring her as he patted his pocket.

            Gabrielle stared down at her own ring, feeling the smooth metal upon her skin. She thought of the blood poured into the ring. Its purpose. HER purpose.

            They continued riding…

~-~

            Shadows.

Darkness.

“I’m sorry Erwen… she’s gone…” Norlia’s voice trembled in the presence of her master.

            “Fool…” Erwen’s voice muttered, “you don’t think I already know? I had been planning this for too long.”

              “You… you knew?”

            “Yes. Do not underestimate my power, Norlia. Just because I’m ancient doesn’t mean I don’t have my sources.”

            “Why of course… Forgive me…”

            Erwen waved her hand impatiently. “The importance is that we have Gabrielle in our grasp. She’s closer than ever before.”

            “Where is she?”

            “She’s heading towards the Ayorthaian capital. A pity that she won’t get there…”

            “Her allies are strong.” There was a hint of doubt in Norlia’s voice.

            Erwen stepped out of the shadows into the only crack of dimmed light, her green eyes piercing everything in sight. “I fear that you have fallen too far astray.”

            “…what?”

            “The time has come to show you my true form.”

            “Erwen. I know you are all-powerful, the ruler of all and especially of me,” Norlia’s voice was in a panic. “There is no—”

            “Yes there is a need. You have wavered, and I must reaffirm your allegiance to me.”

            “Erwen…” Norlia’s voice was weakening.

            “You know who I am, but few have seen my original form.” Erwen stared ahead, and suddenly began trembling. Her skin began swirling, as if it were composed of a million tiny moving particles. Her hair turned a deadly black and then flashed a brilliant white, spurting longer and longer. Her complexion turned pale and wrinkly, but with the same intense green eyes.

            She stood in her true form, eyes ablaze with fiery passion. Her fist was clenched, and her voice arose powerfully as she declared, “I am ruler and creator of the Urliba! I am all-powerful, all-magnificent! The time has come to regain my kingdom! IT IS MINE!!!!”

            Norlia fell to the floor, gasping and weeping, repeating the same thing over and over. “Rowena…”

~-~

            Evening had set upon the travelers, but they were still moving. Gabrielle yawned and rubbed her sore eyes. They had journeyed far into the forest but had not seen sight of the lake. Earlier that day, they had uncovered a body hanging from a tree tied to a strange contraption designed to ensnare a leg with an iron-spiked clamp the drove into your flesh, and then turn you upside-down as deadly poisoned dribbled down and into your body.

            She shuddered at the thought of the body and was suddenly thankful of her companions. Aoli, their wise leader, bound to her as the Vornorian guardian. Kal, funny and quirky, always uplifting her day with his comments. And Phillip. The prince. Strong, yet gentle. He was the most intriguing of all.

            Her mind snapped back to the front as the night sky grew increasingly darker. Glancing around her, her horse jolted to a sudden stop. The other horses followed suit.

            Jumping off, she observed the surrounding forest. “Is something wrong with the horses?”

            “No, I don’t think so.” Phillip leapt off his own horse and patted it fondly.

            Aoli and Kal strolled to meet them, Kal looking drowsily around. “Do they sense something?” Kal asked.

            “Maybe…” Gabi stroked her horses soft mane. “I think I’m getting the same feeling as they are…”

            “Like something’s wrong, and we’re just walking around blindly?” Phillip asked quietly.

            She gazed at him. “Exactly.”

            “Don’t worry about anything. I think we’re fine!” Aoli exclaimed, a grin spread upon his face. “I bet our horses were just hungry.”

            A concerned look appeared on Phillip’s face. “Where exactly are we?”

            “We’re almost there,” Aoli informed him as he watched Phillip walk over to his horse and look into his bag.

            Gabrielle walked forward a few steps. Suddenly she tripped and fell…

            …until a strong arm held her up. “Thanks.”

            “You need to be careful. We don’t want you getting killed or anything,” Aoli’s grip was firm as he pulled her back up.

            “Aoli, where is the horn that you found from the Urliba?” Gabrielle inquired.

            His face hardened as he spat, “I have it.” His expression changed for a moment. “On another note however, could I see your ring for a moment?”

            Gabrielle looked at him strangely, a sense of mistrust growing over her. But no! This was Aoli! Of course she could trust him! “Of course…” she murmured.

            Her other hand grasped the silver band as she slid it off her finger. The cool circlet lay in the palm of her hand as her arm outstretched to Aoli’s waiting hand.

            She suddenly stopped, seeing something. “Phillip!”

            Aoli spun around and then collapsed upon the floor, gasping as the sword was thrust in his stomach. Phillip looked down at him with a merciless stare.

            “Phillip! What did you do???” Gabi was so alarmed as she bent over to help Aoli, but found Phillip’s strong hands holding her from kneeling down.

            “Look.” He pointed at where the sword was.

            Turquoise blood.

            A wave of shock passed Gabrielle as realization dawned upon her. Turquoise blood only came from… shapeshifters!

The cackling of a multitude was heard in the forest surrounding them, and Phillip suddenly drew Gabrielle close to him protectively. The two glanced around them as eyes appeared in the dark.

Many eyes.

The evil laughing grew louder, and creatures stepped into the light of the pale moon, advancing upon Phillip and Gabrielle. “Kal! What about Kal?” Gabi asked, her eyes darting over to where her companion and the horses had been…

…only to find four shapeshifters standing in place of the horses as well as a Kal… half-transformed into his original form. Trembling, she clutched Phillip and felt his warmth as well as the reassurance that he was real.

The Urliba were advancing…

~-~

            “Gabi….come closer.” Phillip urgently whispered. He drew Gabrielle close, and put his strong arms around her as if to shield her from advancing Urliba.

            Gabrielle’s eyes were in wide terror, but she held on to Phillip, feeling a sense of safety and warmth being so near to him. If only the moment could last forever… She didn’t know what to think….what to do… The shapeshifters, they would kill her, kill Phillip. “Aoli… Kal…” she managed to choke out.

            “The Urliba must have captured them while we were gone. I don’t know… where they are.” Phillip looked around at the shapeshifters who were close enough to hear now.

            “Take the girl.”

            “What about the boy?”

            “We’ll dispose of him. He doesn’t matter.”

            “He killed Oidn!”

            “Then subject him to torture! I don’t care! It’s the girl that matters.”

            Gabrielle looked desperately into Phillip’s eyes. They both had heard every word. “I won’t leave you. They won’t be able to tear me apart from you…”

            There was pain in his eyes, but he managed to smile and hold her tighter. “Listen to me Gabi, they’re going to separate us. Don’t worry about me. I’ll always be there.”

            “Oh gosh… Phillip you heard them… Please… don’t…”

            “Be strong. For me.” He reached up and stroked her face, wiping away the tears that began to roll down her cheek.

            A shapeshifter hissed, “You all take him. Remember, don’t harm the girl.”

            “Take this,” Phillip pressed something urgently into her hand. “It’ll explain a lot. It’ll…” he choked, “you’ll… understand.”

            Gabrielle couldn’t tear her gaze from his eyes to look what was in his hand, but she felt a warm smooth object. “Understand… what? What did you know?”

            “No, just trust me.”

            “I would trust you with my life.”

            The shapeshifters started pulling him away from her, but Phillip and Gabrielle held on tighter. Phillip closed his eyes in a grimace. “Don’t forget, I’ll always be there.”

            Tears rolled down her eyes. The pain… the internal pain.

            “Gabi…” he felt the shapeshifter’s slimy pulling on his shirt harder and harder. Just as he was being wrenched from her, he suddenly bent down and kissed her on the lips. Why did it have to be this way?

            Gabrielle closed her eyes during the kiss, feeling his warmth. He was the last thing… the very last thing that she could hold on to. Her only hope…

            The shapeshifters threw him back, dragging him away. She was suddenly swept with a feeling of emptiness… of despair… Gabrielle ran towards him but was immediately held back by a group of Urliba. “PHILLIP!”

            “Always remember…” Phillip’s figure disappeared into the dark woods.

            Gabrielle whirled around to find a group of shapeshifters staring at her.

            “Come with us…”

            She was truly alone.

~-~

            Darkness.

            Pure darkness.

            The only thing that Phillip could see were shadows. Moving dark shadows, glimmers of light. He was being dragged on the ground because he was determined NOT go to quietly.

            The kiss…. He just couldn’t help it… He loved her more than anything else. And back there…

            Did she love him?

            Maybe she was just so scared… maybe her fear had overshadowed her true feelings…

            Maybe.

            His love for her would be the only thing keeping him alive; that was all he knew. He would be strong… just to have her in his arms once more. He would fight till the death… just to see her hazel eyes… to stroke her chestnut hair... to feel his lips pressed against hers…

            He had given her Lady’s necklace that contained the charm of the star Olio. He had finally begun to understand what the memories were that the necklace had shown him… 

*flash*

“I know that it is hard for you to deal with this now, but it is important that you care for these memories. You are the only one who has the power to sort these memories. They will become clearer in time, and you will eventually have to share them with Gabrielle, when both you and her are ready for them.”

*end flash*

            He could still hear Lady’s voice echoing in his mind. The memories… the reminders of the past…

            Suddenly, he felt a large blow to his head, a massive weight hit upon his head. Suddenly, he became woozy, and then he slumped down, unconscious.

~-~

            Gabrielle’s hands were chained together as she reluctantly walked forward. She felt a continual push on her back whenever she slowed down.

            NO WAY she would walk fast with these creatures… She wouldn’t comply… she would be as difficult as possible.

            A harder push this time. “Walk faster,” a creature behind her hissed.

            “YOU walk faster!” she retorted.

            Silence. They continued walking, walking to the unknown. Where were they taking her? And why wouldn’t they harm her? Surely Phillip, a prince, was more significant than a lowly-servant like her!

            Phillip…

            The void in her heart was almost too much just thinking of him. He was always there for her. Always.

            And the kiss…

            She had been speechless. And to think….now he would be subject to torture… even death.

            Feeling the warmth in her hand, she finally looked down to see a delicate crystal, sparkling. Lady’s gift to Phillip!

            She clasped her hand tightly around it, and immediately felt a shockwave travel through her…

            Voices…

*flash*

Images swirled of a fiery green-eyed maiden, a roaring battle, bodies lying upon the ground, the bright shining metal of rings…

“Il ënçxwp kchónoli. Il ënçxwp kchónoli. Il ënçxwp kchónoli.” The words echoed in his mind, over and over again.

*end flash*

            Gabi blinked. What was that…? It was as if someone had placed a moving picture and words inside her mind. The words… that strange language, it all sounded so familiar to her.

            The group abruptly stopped. Gabrielle peered up to see a strange building in the middle of the forest. It was beautiful, made of a metallic material and with a lovely natural sheen.

            One of the shapeshifters at the front opened the door. A bright shining light flashed for just one moment, and then died down.

            She was led inside to a dark room. Two chairs of black marble set in the middle of the room.

            “So nice of you to join me.” A voice replied.

            Gabrielle locked eyes on a woman who had just suddenly appeared.

            The green-eyes maiden!