Author’s Note: I’m struggling to keep my promise of adding a chapter each month for you guys. So here is the next one.

Night had fallen swiftly, descending like a swift strike of the hand, chasing the last rays of the sun away and leaving the countryside bathed in shadows. The moon rose into the darkened sky and cast a steady glow of light across the land, seeping silently across the earth as the spilling froth of the ocean waves.

The forest that bordered between the lands of Alexandria and Korinthos stood as a barrier between the two, marking the terrain that remained one and led off into another. Among these trees Centurion soldiers had built several fires to warm themselves, setting up camp for the night as the large riding distance they had put in that day finally caught up with their weary bodies.

Malachite had his own leather tent set some feet away from his men, slowly roasting the rabbit he had killed for his dinner. He could hear the laughter of his men, the low murmurs and occasional angry retorts. They had been traveling for days, nearly a week, and with little rest. The Dark King had made it known that he wished for them to go into the mountains, dispose of what they could, and bring back whatever it was they found as well as soon as possible.

Malachite had planned for he and his men to leave the night after the battle for Alexandria, giving his men twenty four hours of rest before relying on them to yet again travel across the country. Before departing, the Dark King had pulled him aside, his dark face pensive, a frown marring his brow. Malachite had been curious as to what could have caused his liege to pace for a few moments in the outer recesses of the camp, his movements agitated.

When he had finally spoken, his tone had been harsh and brisk with authority. “I’ve already told you to bring back whatever you may find.” He took a breath, and when he turned to face his General, his eyes were as cold as frost, and edged with a distinct warning. “Do not touch whatever you find. Any prisoners belong to me and will therefore be brought to me unharmed.”

He had been a little surprised at the request, but had quickly complied. He had returned and ordered his men to move out, leaving the camp in the thick of the night, heading for the looming mountains of Abaskira.

In silence he took the roasted rabbit from the stick he’d set atop the fire, taking a healthy bite of the warm meat. It had been hours since he’d eaten, and the hunger he felt he doubted the small rabbit would quench easily.

His thoughts drifted to the mountains they traveled too, to the odd request the Dark King had made of him. It was as if he knew they would find a prisoner, as if he knew they would come across something or someone. What was it that gave his King the power to know and see where no normal man ever could?

He glanced at the towering shadows of the mountain, skimming his gaze across the high peaks and considering them for a moment. What was it those mountains held that could interest the Dark King so much? Malachite knew it had be something of great importance, something he considered valuable and would not allow any other to harm. But what could it be?

He decided he would have to wait and see. Perhaps he was making too much of a simple request from his sovereign. Perhaps when they finally did go into these mountains they would find nothing but rebels hiding in the caves.

But deep inside his heart, he knew his instincts were right.

The night grew later, and much darker, and soon all of his men were encased inside their tents, sleeping soundly. The fires they’d built had all been put out, the surrounding darkness enclosing them like a fine, silken cloak of black. The only light he could now see by was the light from the moon.

He was restless this night, toying instead with a jeweled dagger that had belonged to him since he was a child. As the dark, blood red jewels winked teasingly against the moon’s soft reflections, he remembered vaguely a story he’d often heard from his mother as a child.

His memories where his family was concerned were minimal. What he remembered more were emotions, images and voices. The fact that a simple story of legend and myth had remained with him when no other memories had always baffled him.

He recalled settling himself at her feet as she sewed by the warmth of the fire in their small home, remembered watching her small hands work quickly and efficiently at the needlework she’d had in her lap. Her eyes had been kind, her voice soothing and gentle. The story she’d told had been just as soothing, and intriguing to him as well.

She had spoken of a time when only gods had lived, when only gods had reigned and ruled the lands of the earth. In time they had created men, and watched with satisfaction as their creations grew with life and knowledge. And as the years went by, these gods came to realize they would soon be leaving the earth itself to be ruled by their own creations, retreating into the mystical lands known as Telhatas.

Time had passed, many hundreds of years, and only two gods had remained. One had found a woman, a single woman living among the mortals of the world, who had been blessed with the immense beauty only a god should be bestowed with. Taking it upon himself to cherish this woman, he had taken her from the mortal lands and placed her in the mountains, where he would watch over and protect her, and she would also grow to respect and cherish him as well. She would serve as a mediator, a gatekeeper between mortal men and this god. In her generation after generation of maidens would be born, to be loved and honored by him.

The Silvery Maiden of Osiris. He recalled the name now, the name his mother had given to him. She was legend, a woman so immensely beautiful and pure that no man had the right to look upon or even touch her. It was why this god, Adonis, had taken the first Maiden and placed her away from the spoils of men. He had found his purpose in her.

He rubbed a hand down his face, pausing briefly to press deeply into his eyes. The story of the Silvery Maiden was well known, but spoken of as a myth much as the gods that had once roamed the earth and created men. People spoke of her, wondered and were in awe of her, but did not for one moment believe the story could be true.

But even as he scoffed at the idea of her, he wondered with some curiosity at what the mountains of Abaskira would hold.

The fields that stretched like silent fingers across the plains of the city were green as gems, and glistened with the morning dew that settled quietly along the rich earth. The sun had emerged as strong and brightly as diamonds that day, and warmed the chilly breeze that remained after the long night of cold. With the warmth of early spring here and the spreading of a new day, soldiers rose and patrolled, peasants worked and sweated, and established the steady rhythm that came with the passing of each day.

The life that had once reigned in Alexandria was now changed dramatically by the presence of the Dark King and the Parthicus Guard. Soldiers daily patrolled the borders of the lands, set up at strategic points that the Dark King saw as weak, where they could still suffer an attack from unsuspecting invaders. His Generals each sent men to protect what they could, and worked daily to provide the offense their king asked of them.

The taking of Alexandria had taken a large amount of the Dark King’s time, with preparations and plans, with war tactics and the careful placement of men. After several long months of attacking Miles’ men, of pecking at them and diminishing the protection that had served to stop the Parthicus Guard, he had surged forward and taken the final stronghold of Miles, driving him into the cold, remote lands of Korinthos.

He had been up with the sun that morning, taking his stallion out into the open hills that rolled as gently as the waves of the ocean. With his hands held rigid over the reigns, he directed his stallion away from the palace he had left behind, galloping steadily across the land, the wind whipping like the stroke of steady fingers through his dark hair.

He now ruled a huge portion of the known earth. With Numidia, Ramadan, and now Alexandria held by him, he was rapidly gaining the power he had craved all his life, but satisfaction was a far off way for him yet. Miles still held Korinthos, and small portions of Alexandria littered near the borders that ran between the two continents. He would not be fully satisfied until Miles was dead, his men defeated, and the earth belonged solely to him.

He wasn’t fool enough not to realize that Miles still gained supporters in some areas of the earth. People were terrified of him, of the dynasty he was creating, of the absolute, tyrannical rule that had accompanied his take over. With fear there was the assurance of obedience. With courage, there was the threat of retaliation.

His own army of men were by the tens of thousands, positioned with accuracy to guard what he had conquered thus far. If Miles could continue to gather enough supporters to him with the skill and knowledge to fight, then what he had gained so far would become an easy target for them to take back.

But he was always one step ahead of them. He knew what they planned even before they thought it. He knew what they would do and how they would react before they had a chance too. As long as he kept himself above them, they would have no chance of rising to take their lands back.

The morning progressed, heated and warmed by the steady glare of the sun, teased occasionally by a light, cooling breeze. Jerking back on the reigns, he came to an abrupt halt, to where his vision was no longer obscured by forests and misty clouds, to where a full view of Abaskira Mountains was presented in the shining brilliance of the early sun. With the consistent glow encompassing the great mountains, he allowed his stallion to rest and gazed thoughtfully at the peaks before him.

He estimated that Malachite and his men were not yet there. The distance between Alexandria and those mountains was too great for them to have reached it so quickly. But since his instructions had been for them to make the journey as quickly as possible, he imagined they would arrive within the next two days.

And what would he find, he mused quietly. What would present itself to his head General? What would he do when the mystery was revealed and he could see what it was he had been sent for?

His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching against what could be done. The hands that held the reigns of the stallion tightened with brutal strength, and inside a steady flow of rage raced through his blood. If Malachite valued his own life, he would heed the warning he had issued him before he left and bring back what he found untouched.

While the morning drew on and the Dark King kept himself immersed in Alexandria’s lands, Gregori personally oversaw the training of the men. Kendrick had left early that morning to see to a group of unruly peasants on the southern province who had attempted a retaliation against the soldiers stationed there. Julius was in a meeting with several first lieutenants who they would be sending to see to the areas in Alexandria still held by Miles. Julius had instructed the first lieutenants to prepare their units before the meeting began and inform them they would be moving out in less then an hour.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Gregori kept a steady vigilance on the present training, watching with a critical eye as several soldiers battled against one another. This was where they learned what could come in battle, when the unexpected could happen, and the defense as well as offense they were expected of.

In the former years when their army had consisted of merely the Dark King, the four Generals, and several simple soldiers, they had all trained and learned what would be necessary for them under the Dark King. The man had seemed to have been born with the immense knowledge to fight. He had instructed them carefully in the ways of handling a blade, a bow and arrow, a dagger, and their own bare fists if necessary. He had not tolerated weakness in them and forced them to train their bodies and minds to be able to take days without sleep or nourishment, until he felt they were well enough trained to be able to fight alongside him.

Gregori knew that the Dark King and Malachite had known one another since they were young children, and he had often wondered what his lord had been like in those early years. What could have shaped him into the man he was, what could have given him the need to feel and want such power from the whole of earth? What was it that drove the dark, deep ambitions he held?

He wondered if Malachite himself understood the man. Even with years of comradeship between them, he highly doubted the head General understood where the thirst for more power and gain could come from.

Julius emerged from the meeting and joined him in the courtyard of the palace, having a quick, brief word with the first lieutenants before allowing them to disperse and leave the two men alone. He turned to watch the training for a long moment, then glanced back at Gregori.

”Kendrick hasn’t returned?” Julius asked quietly, watching as a young soldier handled himself well in a fierce combat.

”No, he hasn’t. I expect he should be arriving soon.”

”And Endymion?”

”He hasn’t returned all morning either.” The fact that their king had disappeared was no surprise. He most usually did and none of them had the authority to ask where it was he went. “He’s been restless for Malachite’s return.”

Julius frowned deeply. “Why would he be waiting with such obsession for Malachite to return? He’s never shown such interest in any of the missions he’s sent us on before.”

Gregori raised one hand, signaling for the training to momentarily halt and the men to rest. “I have an odd feeling he expects something—or someone—to return with Malachite.”

Julius turned his sharp frown toward the other dark man. “What?”

”It was something Malachite and I spoke on briefly before he left for the mountains.” Gregori moved his shoulders restlessly. “He warned Malachite that whatever was found was to be brought back untouched.”

”As if he already knew.” Julius cocked a dark brow, his tone mild with wonder and surprise. “Perhaps our king does know something we do not.”

”Why should that surprise us now?” Gregori motioned for the men to begin training once again. “He always has. It’s what aids our victories in battle.”

”I know that, but haven’t you ever wondered how it is he could know such things before they take place?” Julius watched Gregori’s expression, watched the quick flicker pass through the dark eyes. “You have wondered, haven’t you?”

”And what sane man wouldn’t?” Gregori shot back, frustrated. “But it’s not in our right to question his methods. What he knows remains his alone.”

”Your right, of course.” Julius fell silent, contemplating their king and the dark powers that surrounded the man. “Perhaps one day the mystery will reveal itself and we will wish we had taken ignorance to knowledge.”

Gregori didn’t respond, instead continued watching the training progress, but in his silence Julius could hear the quiet agreement to what he’d said.

At the foot of the mountain Malachite ordered his Centurions to tether the horses and bring only their weapons. These mountains were much too steep and treacherous. Bringing the horses would be useless and only bring danger to themselves.

They set out to climb them carefully, cautious of the steep incline and slippery dirt and rocks beneath them. There was no path that could lead them up into the deeper recesses of the mountains and so Malachite, having taken the lead, created a path himself, ordering his men to follow directly behind him.

They had arrived at the mountains early in the afternoon, but already one hour of climbing had passed and the day had changed to when the sun was slowly making its final descent of the day and the dark fought for it’s own control over the land. Malachite struggled to hurry up the mountain, hoping to cover much of the sloped terrain before the sun deserted them for sleep.

His muscles screamed at him for rest, but his mind forged on, ignoring the sweat that trickled down his brow, the fatigue that beat at his eyes. A sudden determination to ascend this mountain and find what the Dark King had known was here was suddenly upon him.

Higher they went, until they were among the mists that were the clouds, their breathing labored, they’re pants emerging in small gusts of frost. He couldn’t see through the thick mists, couldn’t see where it was he was going, but it seemed his instincts led him now, and he followed them with complete trust as he always had.

A sharp wind swept through the mists, a cold, frosty current that swirled about them and seemed to howl in deep warning. Lifting his head and squinting his eyes against the dense fog, the winds suddenly parted the veil of mists and revealed the outline of a large temple up ahead.

He was a man accustomed to surprises, and paid little heed to the quick racing his heart had leapt to the moment the temple came into sight. He moved forward steadily, through the river of fog that seemed intent on blocking him, and forward to the temple that revealed itself more clearly now as they neared.

A small path appeared at they approached, and he took it as he kept a wary eye on his surroundings, waiting for an attack. His hand was kept at his sword in preparation, and he made a slashing motion with his hand to warn his men to be prepared themselves.

But only the chilly breeze moved here, only the quiet whistle of wind that teased at the heavy fog and sent it moving gently along their tense bodies. He sensed no danger, and just a bit confused, walked the last of the remaining distance to the temple doors.

The temple was large, with arch’s that ran on either side of it and beautifully stained glass windows glowing against the darkness of the night that had fallen. He could see a small glow coming from inside, signaling someone lived in this isolated place.

His mind raced with possibilities, with suspicions of why a temple would be in the middle of the high mountains. Yet even as the muscles of his back tensed, he reached a hand forward and pushed at the temple doors, remaining back when they gave gently, sliding smoothly open.

With his sword poised at his side, he inched inside the temple, his eyes quickly adjusting to the flickering glow several candles along the sides created. The temple was bare, the floor beneath them smooth as marble, a cool blue like the floor of the ocean, the walls a shimmering white that radiated against the dark. The quiet of the building engulfed he and his men, and the only sounds were those of there quiet footsteps.

He made his way closer to the alter, and noted that it was made of pure gold, the soft, shining treasure winking almost teasingly at them. A bit taken back by this, he swept his gaze beyond the alter before him and scanned the large, deeper recesses of the room, his gaze falling on an opening that led into a hallway to the far left of the alter.

He signaled four of his men to remain within the front of the temple and keep watch, taking the remaining four with him into the hallway. Simple candles burned along the walls, illuminating their figures and causing their shadows the dance as they moved. He could scent a soft fragrance now, could scent something sweet and alluring as he moved further down, to where he could see a single doorway at the end of the hall, the door ajar.

And even as the scent wrapped around his senses, the male inside recognized the scent of a female immediately.

At the doorway he jerked his head to his men, the silent command for them to wait as he took a quick assessment of the room. He slipped inside silently, stealthily, and his dark gaze moved over every aspect of the room quickly, pausing and locking onto the bed that rested in the middle of the room, lacy, white curtains drawn together about the magnificent bed.

The room itself was beautiful, and clearly belonged to a female. The softness of the atmosphere was enchanting, the drifting scent he had noted more strong now that he was inside. Approaching the bed slowly, his eyes seeking to see past the transparent curtains, his entire being froze when his hard gaze landed on what lay so still atop the bed.

For one long moment he couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe, as the blood seemed to drain from his head and shoot like rapid fire straight to his loins. The expression of hard concentration faded, melted away, to be replaced by pure astonishment, his mind numb of any thought.

And in one split second her eyes opened, eyes of smoky blue clashing with glittering obsidian. He felt his heart stutter, felt his tight grip on his sword loosen and the weapon fall to clatter heavily on the ground, the sound like echoing thunder in the silence of the room.

It was her……..

He stared in utter silence, transfixed. And lost his heart, his mind.

She had been found. He knew it, could feel it, could almost taste it. The urgency inside of her was strong, the confusion brief, but it was the fear that beat like a steady drum against her heart.

She was his now. She would belong to him. His victories would mean nothing without her at his side.

And in the heavy shadows of the dark, he swore with a ferocious fury that no one would take her from him.

In his state of shock he had watched in silence as she had scrambled up, forgetting to take the silk sheets to cover herself, and cornered herself against the large bedpost, her small form trembling with fear. Her eyes were huge and on him, watching warily much as a small doe watched a predator who stalked her.

She was……..perfect, absolutely perfect. She was enchanting, alluring, magnificent, beautiful, erotic. He couldn’t seem to think of enough words that could describe her immense, haunting beauty.

She had yards of cascading silvery hair, the ends curling wildly against her waist, the soft glow of the moon making the silvery strands appear almost white. Her eyes were almond shaped, slanting just slightly at the ends, the color like the fog that settled itself gently over the ocean, a smoky blue fringed with long, thick lash’s. Her nose and lips were small in shape, made only more enchanting by the sharp slash of cheekbones covered by smooth, ivory skin. But it was the lancing, dark brows that made her erotic and dispelled the touch of innocence she carried, giving her eyes the look of a sorceress who knew the power she wielded over the weak race of men.

It took him some time to come back to himself, moments of silence that ticked by with only her labored breaths filling the quiet room. When sense and reason managed to seep through the thick fog of pulsing desire veiling his better judgment, he was mortally ashamed he had left her to watch him in such fear for so long.

He took a step forward, but halted when she hunched more into the corner. Cautious, raising his hands and holding them up as a peace offering, he spoke and made sure to keep his voice even and calm. “I won’t hurt you.”

His tone was husky, as if the sight of her had robbed him of his powers of speech. He cleared his throat, and when he was met with silence, repeated what he’d said. “I won’t hurt you.”

Still she wouldn’t respond, continuing to watch his every movement. Struggling to overcome the roaring desire that had possessed him at the sight of her, he shut his eyes and prayed for strength.

In that instant the sound of the Dark King’s warning came back full force, as if the man himself knew of the weakening resolve of his head General.

”Do not touch whatever you find. Any prisoners belong to me and will therefore be brought to me unharmed.”

Duty and honor had his back stiffening, had him shoving desire and a sudden, consuming love aside, and he strode forward to take her.

Her screech surprised him, but only made him pause momentarily. He thrust the filmy curtains aside, reaching out and taking a firm grip on her arm, dragging her from the protection of her bed and before him.

He ignored the temptation of her, ignored the softness of her flesh beneath his hard palm, ignored the scent that drifted to him and maddened him. His other hand came up and gripped both her arms, holding her struggling form still.

”Who are you?” he asked it sharply, his eyes locked to hers. He could see the wildness of fear there, and although it sickened him to know he was the cause of it, he followed through with his orders. “Who are you?” he asked it more loudly, shaking her enough to have her head snapping back.

”Let me go!” the soft voice was just as smoky and beautiful as her, and he could feel his belly tighten in silent response.

”I asked you a question.” He brought her forward against him, and she gasped quietly when the softness of her body came into contact with the hard steel of his. “Now answer me.”

For a moment he thought she would spit on him, that she would demand her release again, but when she spoke her voice was suddenly calm. “My name is Serenity, the Maiden of Osiris.”

He stared at her, his grip over her arms tightening without his realizing it. His gaze searched hers, intense, and he saw with a sudden jolt that she told the truth.

Even as his mind rebelled, his heart knew the truth of her words. Carefully, slowly, he loosened his grip over her arms, but kept a firm enough grip so she couldn’t get away. In silence, he contemplated his options.

The legend was true. That much was certain. He wasn’t fool enough not to admit that to himself. The proof surrounded him, but more importantly stood right before his eyes.

But even he knew he had no options. His orders had been precise and he was to follow them through. He was now certain of what this mission had been for, although he wondered how it was the Dark King had known she would be here.

His gaze wondered down her lightly clad body, lingered on the small, ivory breasts that clung to the silk nightgown she wore. He swallowed and spoke with deliberate authority. “You are now the prisoner of the Dark King. Your fate and future will be decided forthwith by him.”

Their eyes held, and in the ensuing silence he could see the fire of rebellion in her sultry gaze. “We will see.”

He couldn’t help when his eyes slid over her, growing darker, hotter as he took in the sight of her. “Pack what things you will need. You have five minutes before we move out.” He released her, and she stumbled back at her sudden unexpected freedom.

He watched as she realized what she wore, watched with some amusement as she raced for the closet in her room and tore it open, snatching a silver robe out and quickly donning it. When she whirled to face him, the fire had leapt into burning flames.

”If you dare to take me from this temple, your life will be forfeit. Adonis will murder you for this.” She said it quietly, with utter conviction.

His expression didn’t waver, and although he felt a small unease, he wouldn’t relent. “As you said, we will see.” His smile was slow and mocking.

Glaring at him, she crossed her arms over her breasts. “You cannot force me to go.”

He cocked a brow, amused. “Can’t I?” he bent slowly and picked up his sword, bringing it to point up at her, watching as the defiance drained and fear replaced it. “Choose whether you will go freely or be tied and bound.”

He watched her emotions flit over her face, wondering how it was such a woman could have remained hidden away from the world for so long. Considering the legends were true, she had been completely isolated from men her entire life.

He felt a small stab of guilt that he would tear her from her home, from the only place she had known, but he could not return without her. He wasn’t certain how, but he knew if he didn’t bring her with him, the Dark King might very well murder him for it.

His own emotions would have to be put on hold at the moment, his own fierce desire’s and hopes. She didn’t belong to him and she more then likely never would. This woman was the Dark King’s prisoner, and her fate was now in his hands.

But he couldn’t help the surge of emotion that gripped him when her small shoulders sagged in defeat.

He left her alone only momentarily, emerging to give a quick, brief explanation to his men of what he had found and that they were not to touch or harm her. Clearly confused, his men all nodded immediate agreement, and he ordered one of the Centurions who had remained outside the door of her room to brief the others waiting in the temple halls.

When he walked back inside she was shutting her trunk, a small case lined with both silver and gold, weaved intricately together. She now wore a simple gown of clinging white that left her shoulders bare, a snaking band tied securely about her upper arm, a thick, fur lined coat held together by a gold band at her neck wrapped about her intriguing little body. She had taken her long, thick hair and tied it back at the nape of her neck, allowing it to flow like cool water down her back, curling wildly at the ends. She looked magnificent, her sorceress eyes rising to meet his, her jaw clenched with anger at what they forced on her.

He wondered briefly if his life would indeed be forfeit for this act against Adonis.

He took the trunk himself and led her outside, making sure to keep himself between her and his men. He wasn’t surprised when his men stared and gaped for several long moments, and found some amusement when she glared at them as well and snapped why they were staring at her. Chuckling beneath his breath, he sharply ordered his men to move out.

They were met with the heavy, dense fog outside, with an ice cold, frosty breeze that caused Serenity to shiver in the thick fur coat she wore. Surrounded by Malachite’s Centurions, she was led further down the path.

Walking silently, they merged with the fog, with the night, and proceeded down the path Malachite had created earlier, toward the man who impatiently awaited her arrival.

Last Notes: First I’d like to point out that this chapter was much longer then the other’s and I hope you guys enjoyed that. There isn’t much for me to explain so far, the story is progressing at the exact pace I’d like for it. As you can see we’re nearing to where the original story takes place, but remember, this version will be different in several ways when Serenity and Endymion finally do meet. You guys will have to wait and see what it is I mean.

Now if you enjoyed what you read and hope for more very soon, please leave me a review telling me what you thought. It would be greatly appreciated from you guys since I’m coming through with my promise to add one chapter a month. =) ~SailorP