Muse

of Rogue knights and mystery muses come visit the world of of Muse and witness an adventure that's just beginning :)

Muse

By Leigh Hodgens and Jeff Margavage

We start our story In a land of magic and loyalty. The name of which has changed over the years, altered by king and queen alike. The flow of time dulling the memories of the people to the current name. For the world is Dordora. In this world where the trust between kings and knights is not easily broken. Where free will and passion to choose something different from the status quo is rare.

A knight gone rogue from the ways of his former king and a young Muse struggling with her purpose meet in a twist of fate. Travelling together and helping the people of Dordora in the most ordinary ways creates the most extraordinary events. They set off to change the world they know... but the question is: will it be for the better or for the worst?

In a world where trust is forced and nothing about your own life is certain... who can you believe?

In the country of Arasha, King Felix ruled with his Knights of the moon. A supposedly holy order that cared for and protected the people of Arasha... from both themselves and outside forces. The people seemed contented. They lived in their simple little lives, content to do as they were told and follow the rules of their benevolent king. But even in this peaceful country where free will and change are never uttered two citizens are rebelling from the comforting dream and are making their own destiny they rebel and that dear reader is where we start our story in a quiet little village called Cain.

Chapter 1 Meetings

In the village of Cain, looked after by the benevolent King Felix, a small woman struggles to find her way not only to escape her current disaster but to find the local inn. Her green eyes darting about for something that matched what her books told her was an inn. The sights smells and sounds were making her dazed. She wasn't used to a village like this. The forest was her home with her aunt Calra. How she longed to return there and be done with this persistent pursuit. The young woman, known only as Muse, continued her rushed search of the buildings as she walked briskly by, in search of something, anything, that might say inn.

“Now I know why auntie never leaves the forest... this place is insane,” Muse grumbled, pushing her way through the crowd once more. She was cautious. She had to be. Not only had she had pursuers everywhere, ones that seemed to hide under every rock and tree she could almost say, but she was a little clueless of the world outside Descendants Forest. The Knights of the Moon were hunting her for their king. Having Muse in his possession would greatly expand his kingdom. Muse herself doubted she would ever live to see that happen. She would either be rotting in the dungeons or sitting on the arm of that vile villain that poses as a caring ruler. As what though? She didn't want to think about that... she had just eaten.

In hopes of hiding herself among the contented and slightly dazed citizens of Cain, she had gone to great lengths to borrow, buy, and barter for her new outfit after her previous dress and shawl were now too recognisable to wear. She now wore a brown hooded cloak paired with a rather large red scarf to cover her face. Both cloak and scarf layered over a set of male adventuring gear. Black leather boots over tough hide pants with a light chest armour completing the rather stylish look. Her long brown hair tied in a braid and hidden under the hood. On first glance she passed for a young male traveller. Hoping the disguise would hide her, she continued on as she sighed for what felt like the millionth time. Once again her diminutive height had caused a staggering oaf of a man to step on her shoes.

She found herself unable to keep quiet and opened her mouth to speak. “Why is it that, be it male or female, the small still get semi trampled in a crowd?” she growled at the older man that stepped on her shoe and attempted to push her way out of the crowd. Anything would be better than being slowly buried by both people and mud. She broke out of the crowd in a light run almost dancing in her speed. If Muse was one thing, it was fast, and she used this talent of hers to both escape and evade the Knights at every turn. Even training herself in the art of daggers in an effort to fight back. She could by no means go toe to toe with a Knight, but she had a few tricks that could allow her to escape. But first things first... she had to get her bearings in this quiet village. It was a perfect place to have the Knights of The Moon waiting for her. “Wouldn't be the first time they popped out of nowhere.” She winced rubbing the crescent shaped scar on her wrist. A reminder of the last time she thought she was safe. Shaking her head, she found a nice place to rest and to look out at the busy little village that was cute in a simple and easy way. Leaning against the building, she traced her scar as she took some deep breaths to recover from the near stampede.

Calming down her beating heart, she breathed and slowly relaxed against the stone at her back. Muse had not been back to the hustle of village life since her mother died. Her mother lived as a commoner in the small remote hamlet she grew up in. She wasn’t very social with the children. She saw them growing up faster than she did. She could never quite catch up. Muse’s mother was caring, always putting others first, it was this trait that led to her death. Muse being but a child was told her mother simply got lost and maybe if she prayed to the goddess she would return. Muse knew better than to believe in such a tale. Things changed when her aunt came. She said it was time Muse lived with her. To learn of her own kind. It was then that Muse learned of what she is and the truth of her unusual childhood. Her knowledge of the world beyond the village came from the books her Aunt Calra gave to her. But books smarts only got her so far. She may be close to eighty years in a human's life span, but that meant nothing giving her rather sheltered status. Suddenly, a warning coming from the hairs on the back of her neck standing up, shivering down her spine. Glancing up, she quickly realised the danger. “Oh goddess help me,” she whimpered as once again she spotted the kingdom Knights parting the crowd like a boat breaking water. Walking right up to the building she was currently leaning on. Muse, quickly ducking her head, hoped they didn't spot her. The guards prowled and searched like a stalking cat. The Knights of the Moon, full of deadly grace, the king's personal hunters as she called them. And, boy, did they like to play with their prey.

The head guard strode up to her, the crimson emblem on his chest depicting his rank. “You there, young sir, have you seen a young woman about? Has long brown hair. Last seen in a ragged red dress and green shawl. Would be looking worried. She's wanted for...questioning.” Her skin ran cold. As much as she might look the part, if she spoke... she would be revealed. Taking a deep breath, she called to the power inside her.

THIS was the real reason the knights were after her. The ability to Inspire... to raise a person's true passion and talent and give them the will to fight for it. She thrust out her hand... hitting the armoured chest plate but her blow was all in the soul. The knight staggered and it drew the others to him. Slipping into the shadows, she left just after hearing the words the King feared she could make everyone speak... “This... is a lie.”

Moving further down the shadowed alley she breathed a relieved sigh. That knight didn't want to fight. His true passion was painting the most beautiful things. The King's Knights had warped him into believing it was more of an honour to serve him. This is why she was on the run. The true reason why she was hunted and the reason to fear her as well. What she was’ was a Muse... a physical being of creative energy and inspiration, that could set the flame of passion to the very soul of any person. She was Muse both in name and in title... and she was one of the last left.

Swallowing her sudden feeling of loneliness that always came from thinking of her departed family, she felt the same shiver as before. Glancing up she noticed that the Knights were too close to her hiding place. Backing up, she took three steps before spinning around and dashing for the closest door. Her heart beating hard against her chest, she couldn't be captured... not now. In her panic, Muse sent out her power, hoping someone within the building would hear its call and let her in.

“Let me in, please... let me live!” she pleaded silently from within as she heard the clanking of armour come closer. She glanced back seeing the knights pouring down the alley. Her fear choking her breath, she charged at the door with enough force that she couldn't stop before slamming into someone else. Barely registering the room she was in, she shivered as the knights poured in after her. They closed the door shut behind them, as Muse panted out her breath. The fear that chilled her skin, making her shiver, slowly was melting to anger she refused to go out like this. The knights talked and she glared at them. “Wanted?” came the voice of the man she currently was in the arms of. She turned around and came face to chest of what seemed like knight armour. Looking up, she found herself in the arms of a knight. Their gaze met and time slowed. Muse could only hope that something... anything, would save her now.

Chapter 2 Knight's Tale

Earlier that day...

His hair was a disaster. Haggard in countenance, covered in mud and the gore of what seemed to be a war, he crashed through the door of the inn. It had not been a good day. His arms felt like lead and his legs threatened to give out at any moment... but right at this moment, he needed food and ale. Sleep, and a bath could wait.

He had been tracking his prey for days. An unceasing torment gnawed at him. His brother, Bryn, had gone missing. Break enough bones and you will always find the truth, but that truth terrified him. He knew what the Knights of The Moon did to their captives. RK knew he was running out of time... quickly.

RK collapsed at a table near the far corner of the crowded room. The place was dismal, but so long as there were food and drink to be had he would stay… and overlook the vermin slinking about for scraps of food, the obnoxious drunkards, and the unpleasant odors permeating the place. The serving wench was pretty in an odd, wild and untamed way. He couldn't help but notice that her eyes were a stunning shade of silver, very nearly matching the highlights of her otherwise dark tresses, adding to her exotic allure. Sadly, even she, too, smelled of wet dog, which he hoped had no bearing on the food to be served. He knew all eyes were on him from the moment he entered. As long as no one tried anything stupid, he might be able to rest... but he knew that would probably not be the case.

An old man eyed him curiously from the across the room

He let down his guard for a moment to reflect on what he had learned that day. Bryn had been investigating myths of the legendary Muse. Alleged to inspire the dreams of men to do great things. RK shook his head solemnly. Bryn's was a fool's errand, things such as these didn't exist. How could they in a land where all hope seemed to be drained away as if by some vampiric force? RK had warned Bryn that delving into such things would draw him ill favour from the King and his Knights of the Moon... and it had.

The serving wench returned with a plate of food and a large mug of ale. As she did, filthy hands groped at her as though she were a pony at auction. Lewd remarks filled the air, followed by raucous laughter from the degenerates surrounding her, slapping her bottom, making requests that would make the town prostitutes blush.

She looked weary as she placed the food and ale before him. “You shouldn't have to deal with this behaviour, good lady,” R.K. muttered to her. She gave a weary smile, “Well, I'm no lady, I'm afraid, so what's a girl to do?” was her reply, “That'll be four gold, if you please.”

RK reached into his waist pouch and pulled the coins along with a small bag. “Four for the food, with many thanks, and the pouch is for you. Use it wisely... leave this town, buy yourself a home in a better place and live well, you've earned it with this rabble I should think,” he commented as he handed them to her.

His words drew more unwanted attention towards him and a look of surprise from the serving girl. She looked into the pouch and found more coin than she may have ever seen, and not just any coin, but Mithril coins... the highest form of currency in the realm. She gave RK a shocked look, “but I can't take this...” she began to argue.

“Please do,” he replied, his tone turning quite sincere, “I don't know if I am a good man, but please allow me this one good deed. Take it and live well.” Her heart melted at his words, his eyes bore their truth. Never had anyone shown her such kindness. “Oh, I think you are a very good man, sir,” she smiled as she spoke, “you will know it to be true someday. If you should ever find yourself in the North lands, find me there. I have family there. I should like to repay you the courtesy.” With a wink she turned to walk away, bowing graciously. “By the by,” she quickly added, “my name is Vanessa Durath, I shouldn't be too difficult to find” She then turned and left him to his meal... and the dirty inn behind forever.

He began to eat hastily as he knew things were about to turn. Three brigands from the South lands were walking towards him. He recognized their attire because he had recently had a rather unpleasant run in with several of their brethren earlier in the day. They had been the source of the small pouch, which they no doubt had murdered someone of high stature to gain. One fondled his dual daggers at his belt, one a curved sabre of questionable quality, the third a hand crossbow already notched and ready to fire... he was the biggest threat. Sitting here at the table might be problematic.

The crossbowman sat at the table across from him, undoubtedly aiming, willing to pull the trigger at any moment. “You're mighty generous friend, what say you share your generosity with me and my mates... before things get... unpleasant,” he hissed cruelly as the two standing behind chuckled.

RK noted the town Squire eyeing the situation, and sheepishly turning to leave. Typical. This town seemed as though it could not become more corrupt.

“I'm really not in the mood for this, so what say you and your little friends go home before things, as you say, become unpleasant... very unpleasant... for YOU,” RK responded never raising his eyes to the brigands and casually eating his food. The two standing brigands howled with laughter. The seated crossbowman gave a bemused smile. “And just why do you think it would be us who should fare poorly,” he sneered.

“Because,” RK Explained between sips of ale, “the first thing I'm going to do is make your crossbow useless, then when your sabre wielding friend decides to be stupid, I'm going to shatter his rusty old sabre. And finally, when daggers there tries to throw his little pointy sticks...” RK drew two high quality daggers of his own from their wrist sheaths with a flick of his wrists and laid them on the table beside his hands, “I'll put these two right into his eyes and stick him to the wall for the crows to feed on.”

The brigands laughter died quickly. The dagger wielder blinked as though he might already feel the piercing pain. The crossbowman expression became quite cross. “well.. I'm afraid that's not going to happen...” he growled.

RK heard the tension of the crossbows trigger springs increase to fire. Time seemed to slow for RK in moments like this. He was truly skilled in the arts of violence, something he bore no pride for.

RK rocked back in his chair and kicked with his left foot, catching the string of the crossbow in mid release. The momentum slammed the brigands hand up to the bottom of the table with force enough to shatter the bones within. The crossbow, broken, clattered to the floor. Continuing in one fluid motion RK spun from his chair unsheathing his own sword and with an almost fluid grace spun to slice the feather from the cap of the seated brigand. The blade sang through the air as it shattered the sabre of the second brigand before he had even managed to completely unsheathe it, leaving a very nasty slice in the big oafs thigh. The dagger carrier stood dumbfounded as RK completed his swing directly back into the blade's sheathes with blinding speed.

RK already had both daggers from the table in his frightfully capable hands before the dagger wielder even managed to bring his own daggers to bear. But RK paused...

The dagger wielder still not completely able to register what had just happened, suddenly remembered RK's earlier threat. His bowels released in his trousers and he ran for the door.

RK casually sat back down to finish his meal. “Now, please... go, I have shed more than enough blood these passed few days.” The crossbowman was finally snapped from his stare of utter surprise and rose from his chair slowly and turned to leave. “Oh, and you… with the sabre... accept my apology for the wound, but honestly who steps INTO the direction they are drawing? Mayhap you will remember to step away from your draw next time.”

The two slunk away in shock and shame.

The room had fallen silent as RK finished his meal. Most of the patrons had actually fled the room. Those that remained went about hushed conversations. All except the little old man who rose unsteadily to approach RK.

“I thought it was you... now I am certain,” he muttered shakily as he spoke. RK offered the seat before him, but then rose to change out the chair for one not covered in urine.

The old man chuckled as he slumped into the offered chair. Many winters had passed for this old man, RK knew to treat him with much deserved respect for having weathered so many seasons in this wretched town.

The man chuckled pleasantly, “Your reputation precedes you RK, and your actions certainly do not disappoint.” He paused laboriously a moment. RK offered him some food, which he graciously declined. “Now here I sit before RK, The Angel of Death and Mercy, who'd have thought it so,” the man continued.

RK knew of the implied title, he found it neither flattering nor amusing. He only did what was necessary when he had absolutely no other recourse, but the considerable list of grim achievements lent credence to the first moniker, his sparing of even more who deserved final justice the second.

The old man prattled on about how everyone in the land looked to him as hope for the realm. Such a thing seemed ridiculous to RK. He knew he was different from most, but he was no saviour. Right now his thoughts were on nothing but finding his brother...

The old man's voice began to fade. A urging in the back of the knights mind becoming great he needed to go. Something was calling him. Pushing him to the door of the tavern he barely remembered if he said his goodbyes to the man. As he came closer to the door his arm reached for the latch and as soon as he had unlocked it a figure slammed into him with enough force to make him to step back and take the movement. He looked down and in his arms was a small hooded figure. A slightly stand out red scarf blocking the bottom half of their face. Knights of the moon poured in behind them. The knights shutting the exit to the tavern. "You, sir, give the boy to us, he's wanted by the king." The head guard ordered as the figure glared back at them. "Wanted?" RK muttered to himself. What might this terrified boy have done to enrage the king? The hooded figure turned back to him as he spoke and looked up meeting the knight's gaze. Green emerald orbs stared at him the lashes barely holding back tears pleading for his help. RK faltered... those eyes. The stare had him entranced in seconds. He shivered. No boy he had ever known had eyes like these. Surely, no boy of any age should have eyes that alluring. Was that what happened? Had he been spotted by the king and thought female with those eyes? In an act of outrage, the king had sent knights to hunt him?

RK's blood boiled at the thought of such an unjustified act and unconsciously brought the hooded figure closer. "Give us the boy now, knight, or be drawn for the same offence!" The knight guard was getting hostile. RK was mentally preparing. Who would be the first to attack.

Suddenly, the figure ripped off their hood and lowered the red scarf. “I am a female, you fool of a guard!" the irate woman yelled, her small fists clenched beside her. "If you're going to try and capture me at least give me my gender!" the fiery woman spat. Even going so far as to jab the head guard with her finger. She seemed to have shocked everyone into silence. RK was in just as much shock as the rest, but recovered quickly. Noticing that the guard the woman was jabbing was very close to attacking the irate woman, RK grabbed her arm and spun her to his side just as the soldier had drawn his sword and slashed at the air the girl had just previously occupied. "Perhaps it would be best not to taunt them any more," he suggested a light tone in his voice, glancing at her eyes again. He and the girl backed up. RK was going to need some space. The woman said nothing only stared at him. When he chanced another look, those emerald orbs were turned away, but a dark blush was on the girl's cheeks. He didn't have time to question, he had to prepare for a fight pushing the girl to his back he drew his sword and watched the guards. Reciting the mental lesson he was taught. "First, focus on your blade, not your grip. Second, mind your breathing. In and out. Keep with the pace of battle. And most importantly, let them make the first mistake."

The knights of the moon had moved to surround them, their intention quite clear to the man standing between the knights and their intended prey. As the first knight directly in front of him charged, the whole of time seemed to slow to a stop. RK assessed the entire scene and formed his plan and it would begin with a simple upward thrust from his left hand dagger, directly up and through the chin, killing the charging fiend instantly. Would that RK had allowed, the soldiers body would have slumped to the floor, but with the strength of his single arm, RK held the corpse aloft as the body dropped his sword and shield, useless to the dead. RK quickly surveyed the reactions around the room as he held the corpse, their reactions forming his next move. The only one he could not be sure of was that of the girl he was now bound to protect. These foes would not be easily dissuaded. Behind him the diminutive girl stared in awe. The dead knight must surely weigh a considerable amount, stout of build, fully armoured, and now dead weight. Yet, here stood her unknown protector, unwavering as though he held a kitten in his outstretched hand. What manner of man bore such strength?

"Now… Before this gets out of hand any further," RK spoke coolly, "what charge do you have against this woman that you could not even be aware of her being female at all?" The third knight from the left replied in lecherous tone, "Charges don't matter any more… It's how we intend to… Punish her once we get you out of the way." RK snarled in challenge. "Well… That's not going to happen… Not any more. I can certainly assure you of that. Leave on your own… Or be rounded up alongside the corpse of this fool when it's over." RK's words echoed truth in the ears of his charge. She somehow knew fully well he meant every word and he would certainly match those words in deeds. The soldier to RK's right side eyed RK carefully, "She's a traitor to the crown… RK. You are known as RK, are you not? Yes… Yes you are. I recognize you. You know all about being a traitor then, don't you?"

The lady was not liking the fact these guards recognized her guardian. Was he wanted as well? She realized this situation just became infinitely more complicated.

"So this is the mighty RK, is it?" Sneered the third guard from the left. "I've been looking forward to crossing blades with the oh so scary RK." RK glanced at the man. "You really are very very stupid then my friend, because I have no idea who you are… And I do not care in the slightest," RK replied, knowing the next mistake was about to happen, might as well speed it along. The largest of the guards foolishly fell for the ploy, in his anger he moved to flip the table between he and RK off to the side. In that brief moment, RK had dropped the first Knight and drawn his sword in his right hand. With a singing hiss, RK's sword sliced through the air and through the torso of the large knight. The body split in two, fell to the floor in a wave of gore that nearly made the young lady wretch. In two almost gracefully horrific motions, this protector took two lives and yet remained unmoving, as though these lives meant less than nothing to him. Her mind was reeling… Was this man an even greater threat than the four soldiers that remained?

"Now," RK began, still not a single stroke of emotion to his tone, "enough blood has been shed. Return to your king and tell him he will never take this woman." Reasoned RK "Do you really believe the legend of your own life so much that you think you could take the four of us? Madness or ale has stolen reason from you, fool," replied the knight directly to RK's right. RK immediately ascertained this was the new leader. RK looked him directly in the eye, "This is your final warning, Terric. I will speak no more, how this ends is entirely on your head now." Now the young lady was fully concerned, they recognized him and he them. There must be some history behind this man to find him familiar with the Knight's the Moon, a discomforting thought. Except... This man stood to protect her, and he was in fact offering them a chance to break off their attack. He truly seemed to be a man of honor. Suddenly the young lady was struck from behind. RK heard the strike and spun around, letting fly one of the viscous daggers from his belt. As the young lady slowly began to fade into unconsciousness, she saw the dagger blur passed her, narrowly missing her and striking the soldier who had struck her squarely in the throat with enough force to nearly cleave his head from his shoulders. Her protector roared in rage... It was the last thing she heard.

Though fury filled him RK felt a twinge of relief that the enthralling woman would not witness what was to come. He had heard her reaction to the second knight being slain... And sadly he knew things were about to get much much worse.

Even to his own mind, what followed was a terrifying blur of fury and gore. Bodies hewn,limbs lost, and what seemed like more blood than even that of seven men, but it had to be done. Even thru the fury, RK knew this woman was to be protected... To be cared for... What made him think that last remark? It was the only pause to the massacre.

Chapter 3 The Escape

When finally the slaughter ended, RK stood untouched among the ruins of the seven misguided men who vainly had any hope of besting him. Would that he hadn't been there, they most surely would have taken their prisoner, but by grim chance, he was there... And none of them would ever see their homes again. RK was saddened by that fact. In an act of honoring the fallen, RK placed 3 gold coins on the chest of each man. one to honor their sacrifice, one to honor their families, the third to barter their passage to afterworld and the hall of the honorable fallen. Except for the guard who insinuated his horrible intent for this fragile woman he was gently lifting from the floor, for such intent disproved any honor this man may have had. It was time to go, this battle would be known to the rest of the town guards soon. Cain was no longer safe. RK dropped five more gold coins on the bar for the inn keeper. Cleaning this mess up would not be easy. Into the night RK strode barely noticing the weight of the tiny young woman in his arms. Arrowhead would be safe enough... For now.

As RK and his tiny unconscious companion stole away into the night, RK heard the distant call of a lone wolf. Had it caught the scent of so much blood having been spilled? RK knew all too well that the most dangerous element of battle is the one no one ever seemed to prepare for… scavengers drawn to the scent of blood once a battle had subsided. A second lupine voice answered, then another, then another… Things were about to truly get horrific. RK knew he’d best get cleaned up himself lest he also draw their attention… wolves loved moving prey.

Getting out of the village was his first task. Luckily the distraction of the scene at the tavern worked in his favour as he carried the girl out of the small village of Cain. He was used to carrying a lot of weight so the petite woman was barely affecting him. Quickly he secretly jogged into the wooded area surrounding the village of Cain.

The forest that was to the east of Cain was wide and thick enough that he lost sight of the small village quickly but he didn't want to chance a random villager following them. So he pressed on pushing his body to travel. He knew the closest location that wasn't heavily infested with The Knights of the Moon was indeed Arrowhead. The bustling city did have a lot of seedy parts, but he knew of the places to avoid and hopefully he and the girl he was carrying would be able to breathe a bit easier in Arrowhead.

Since his plans of staying the night in an inn were shot for now, he would have to make camp in the forest. He smiled sardonically at the thought of the state he left Cain's inn in. He doubted anyone would be using it so that comforted him a little. He journeyed further into the forest hoping to find a suitable area where he could rest. Though carrying the girl was not a drain on him, his battles and previous adventures were affecting him. Luckily he was soon hearing a small trickle of water. Tracking the sound down, he discovered a gentle stream. Not quite big enough to have a bath in, but handy enough to refresh his water supply and maybe have a decent enough wash. In spying some mossy ground he set about laying the passed out girl gently down. The forest floor was dry and warm, thanking his stars that he didn't have to worry about the girl catching a cold out here. “Though, I suppose I could ask for worse travelling partners than an unconscious girl.” He found himself scanning over her frame and repeating his rushed meeting with her in his head. Her eyes blown, wide with fear, were an enchanting mix of green with flecks of gold. She was pretty and he was having a hard time not letting his eyes and mind wander.

Coughing a bit he decided to focus on making camp. He set about unpacking his gear. His small hide shelter could cover two people. Luckily the girl was as small and lithe as she was. He noted that the frail disguise of a male traveller was revealed when her curves were shown. “Mind your situation, RK. You're a Knight, not a lecher for goddess sake!” grumbled the worked up knight to himself. He needed to cool off and with that idea he finished making a small encampment, setting the fire close to the girl to keep her warm. He removed his armour and some padding to get as much of a bath as he could. Though he did cast a cautious glance in the girls direction every now and then, he didn't want to be caught with his pants down... literally . With that thought, he sped up his movements the cold water refreshing some of his tired muscles.

Rinsing his hair out after a quick dunk in the cold water had woken him up. The forest was quiet and there was no sign of predators. Nonetheless the knight still had his sword and daggers near him as he lifted the girl into the hide shelter. He wasn't going to get much sleep, not with a girl like that in there, so he chose to take up guard duty. Though it was a relaxed task so he could rest his muscles a little. As he took a slightly relaxed position against a tree the hide shelter within his sight, he calmed his heart and head. The sounds of the stream and the quiet forest soothing him. The last vestiges of his frustration vanishing, he took a deep breath. Though he was not sure of the girl's crimes, nor if she would even appreciate the effort on his part, he felt he needed to protect the quick witted girl. There was something about her that wasn't leaving his mind and was nudging him to think about her. “Ridiculous,” he thought. He had barely said two words to her and the only words he heard her say was her sassy retort to the knights. Though the accent was different, she definitely wasn't from Cain. It was too different and it was sticking in his head. Giving up trying to get his mind to not think about the girl, he almost let himself daydream. Those green eyes of hers flashing with laughter. “Goddess what am I doing… ” the knight sighed and growled at his traitorous mind. The night passed as RK settled in for a very long night.

The following morning was a bit more relaxed and RK, though he had not slept, did feel refreshed enough to travel on to Arrowhead. The thought of a warm comfortable bed was a keen driving force. The thought of a warm bath had him positively bouncing on his feet. Checking on the girl, he found her still asleep. He noticed one of the knights had managed to hit her head. The slight graze on her forehead was now surrounded in a deep bruise. Checking her over thoroughly, her breathing was steady. She simply would need a bit longer to recover, meaning she would once again be out cold during the travelling. “Asleep for the boring parts, I see?” he said mostly to himself, amusement in his tone as he packed up his gear and refilled his water at the tepid stream. It wasn't long before he had his pack on and scooped up the girl making his way to Arrowhead on foot.

As he walked, the forest soon faded into fields with a stone road to follow. The city of Arrowhead far in the distance, RK was determined and kept walking. The forest floor was muddy and slick from a previous rain making his journey more difficult than he expected, enough that he stopped, taking a light break. He rested the girl beside him on a log fallen beside the path. The ground a little too muddy to lay on. It was during this break that RK heard the sound of a carriage. A wooden cart drawing up beside them.

An older man and what he guessed to be his son were riding the cart. “Good travels to you, Knight. Are you bound for Arrowhead? You and your young maiden?” queried the older man looking over the odd duo. RK smiled. The man was perhaps a bit too trusting but he wouldn't refuse a lift to the city either. “I am, sir. My companion and I have been travelling for a bit. It would be a great favour to me if we could ride in your cart until then. She doesn't travel much and the distance has been tiring her out badly,” RK said gesturing to the young girl. “Oh dear, poor girl… but of course you can ride in back. I'll get you to Arrowhead as quickly as this old girl can,” he promised, patting the elder horse. “Well don't just sit there, my boy, go help the Knight,” the father pestered his son. The gangly youth jumping down from the front seat and once spying the sleeping girl his intentions to help RK were quickly switched to help carry the sleeping girl. RK narrowed his eyes at the youth, and had the girl in his arms and settled in the cart in a quicksilver fashion, ignoring the boy's attempt to help him, having him carry his pack instead, deliberately sitting beside the girl to make sure the youth could not sit in the back. His actions making the older man laugh, “Aye, sir Knight, if I had a girl like that I wouldn't let any man near her when asleep. Put your tongue in Jory, the girls spoken for.” With a respectful nod, the man snapped the reins, his dejected son trying to explain himself to his father, their banter comforting RK as he relaxed and laid beside the girl. The smell of lavender drifting on the wind, the scent soon let him drift to sleep. The gentle rocking of the cart being the last sound he heard.

RK woke up to the father shaking him awake. The son was tending to the horse. RK was in the stable where they were sheltered them from the cold rain. The winter was approaching and the touch of ice was not improving the knights mood. He dragged himself awake. “Here you are, sir Knight, Arrowhead. There's an inn not too far from here. You and the young lass can rest there.” RK nodded his head and gathered his things. When he picked up the girl, she made a small groan of protest before settling again. It seemed his travelling partner would soon wake. Following the older man's word, RK soon found the nearby inn and quickly explained that the girl had travelling sickness and he needed a room for the night. RK flashed a charming smile at the inn keeper. The woman flushed but fussed after the young girl and quickly led the pair up to a nice room of a higher standard than that of the village of Cain's. Lying the girl on the bed, he asked the innkeeper to help put the girl in some proper bed clothes. Smiling at the flustered knight, the woman quickly undressed the girl and put her in a plain white nightgown that she had spare. RK had left the room to give himself a little space to calm down and gather some much needed food and the possible option of a proper bath. The food was easy to acquire as the innkeeper had provided both of them with a light meal of some meat stew and fresh bread. Thanking the innkeeper, whose name he learned was Mira, RK set off for the bath, finally unwinding his tired muscles. His limbs feeling weary but he was relaxed, and soon collapsed into the bed. The girl was still sleeping but had made a few more groans shifting about. RK was fairly sure she would be waking soon. RK, full and tired, decided on a nap and laid down, his arms under his head as he let his mind go drifting off to sleep.

Waking up from his light sleep RK soon went in search of information. Bryn might have travelled through here and though he was protecting the girl, he had to find his brother, too. Time wasn't a luxury he had a lot of. Walking down to talk with Mira, he found no new information about his brother, but he did talk about his companion. If she didn't wake soon, he might have to send for a healer. Mira wanted to check on the girl, the inn keeper having some light healing skill. She went to the room with RK to check on her. Entering the room, RK heard a slight gasp and slight shuffle of covers that told him the girl was awake but pretending to be asleep. He convinced the innkeeper all was well and entered the room it was time to find out more from this mysterious girl.

Chapter 4 By any other Name

Waking up, Muse found herself in a comfortable bed in what looked like a room in an inn. Not the cold damp floor of a dungeon she fully expected, having been in the arms of a knight, but then she remembered how he fought, how he seemed to get more and more furious whenever the other Knights of the Moon approached how he smiled at her sly remark. He had a brutal fighting style, to be sure, but for whatever reason, he fought to defend her. It was strange... in that knight's arms she had felt safe, and it seems her instincts were right. She hadn't been captured. She seemed to have been hidden and saved from the Knights. It was a rare thing for someone to defy them, and, for a fellow knight to do so seemed practically impossible to her. Why would a knight save her if all of the order were sent to capture her? Unless the odd figure of a knight wasn't a Knight of the Moon. "How curious" she thought. Was he from a different kingdom? Even then, knights from other kingdoms were supposed to follow the rules of the order of the country they are visiting. Did that mean she was simply being held here? Curious. She sent out her power trying to sense how many people lie beyond the door. She immediately regretted the choice to do so, because two figures were right outside and her push of power compelled them to come inside!

Hearing footsteps outside in the hall, she quickly lay back down and pretended to sleep. If she was only safe because she wasn't awake, she wasn't going to take her chances, just yet. “I thank you again for giving us a room for the night, milady. I know not when the young one will wake but I shall call upon thy services should healing be required.” Said a smooth and charming voice, easily convincing the other person; the innkeeper she presumed, out of the room and leaving her with this stranger... who was coming closer to her. Barely managing to keep from jolting as a caring hand was wrapped around her own, she sensed the figure leaning closer until a hot breath washed across her face. Unsuccessfully fighting off the shiver she heard the chuckle from above her. Letting out a quiet sigh, she sat up, her sleeping cover was blown as she gave a light glare to the knight. The knight not only saved her, but he also knew she was pretending to sleep.

Raising her head to meet the man's gaze she spoke out her annoyance at the sly move he just pulled on her. “That was a little mean,” she muttered. Muse's comment gaining another laugh from the strange knight, “Oh, t’was fair of thee to pretend to sleep? One might gather all manner of information in such fashion.” The knight levelled a no nonsense gaze at her, only his lips having a touch of a smile. “Ugh... that glare reminds me of my aunt when I am in trouble. You don't get to give that look.” Muse sighed, feeling every bit the scolded child, gaining a deep chuckle from the odd knight again as he drew a chair close to the bed.

“Perchance, young lady why might the Knights of the Moon hunt after such a person as thee, and what is thy name that I do not have to sound like unto your aunt. I do not think I should do very well as a woman.” He smiled, allowing Muse's defences to relax as she gave a light laugh in response. “My name is Muse... and what are you? Some sort of Rogue Knight? And, don't say you're not. You protected me from them, and last time I checked, this isn't a dungeon,” she stated with bit of sass to her tone, causing the newly dubbed Rogue Knight to rise an eyebrow. “I do go by the title RK, milady indeed I suppose thou mayest use Rogue Knight as a full name... a clever summary, miss Muse.” How curious she didn't seem to be frightened of him. And she had guessed that Knight was his title. His theory of her being a spy was getting a little more plausible... and her name... Muse! The same legendary creatures his brother was studying so intently. The two were related and he could see the pieces forming. If the girl ...this Muse, did have the power his brother had more than once prattled on about, then it was reason enough to get her killed. But this girl could also help get his brother back. Could he trust her? He could tell she was skilled in stealth and had a lot of the habits of a thief. He knew she had checked all her escape options before giving him her gaze. Could he trust this Muse?

Muse, on the other hand, swallowed. She really did have a talent for putting herself into trouble just by opening her mouth. She knew she had said too much by guessing his name, but it was part of her gift. Anyone the power touched, she picked a piece of information about them up. With this knight she picked up his initials and quickly had given him a name to go by. Though this seemed to just increase his suspicion towards her. She knew her exit points, but she also knew she wouldn't make it to the door before being caught. Something about the way he moved himself said he was highly trained. “Oh boy,” she muttered under her breath... now what trouble was she in ? It wasn't like she was armed in fact she was only in her underclothes and a plain white nightgown. Just what was she going to do against a fully armed knight?

Shifting in the bed she tried to smile her way out of the vague suggestion that she knew more than she was saying. That didn't seem to work. All she got back from RK was a smirk as if he knew exactly what she was trying to do. With a loud sigh she gave in for his unspoken press for information. Finally she turned and before she could control her mouth rapidly blurted out her answers in rapid fire succession, “I honestly didn't know who you were or that your initials were RK... I know nothing about you... I am just a girl trying to get some items for home, then I fully intend to return there, please. Just forget about me OK ?” she finished, slightly scared and more than a little begging. This was the last thing she wanted to be involved in. She really didn't want all this trouble, she just wanted to go home. Her aunt would be worrying about her very much. But with the Knights of the Moon pressing this hard for her capture, could she go home?

RK blinked. That was a lot of words to come tumbling out of what he suspected either a petty thief or a spy for another kingdom but she seemed to just be a young woman trying to get home. Had this kingdom stooped to chasing young women for simple entertainment. It would explain his missing brother. Sighing he strode over and calmed this skittish girl with a hand on her head, patting it gently. “Relax, miss Muse, I thought it only curious. I do not intend to keep you,” he said with a comforting smile, though her name was curious to him. “Muse... such an odd name,” he muttered to himself. Those rare beings his brother was searching for. Why was this woman named after them. Did she know of Muses? He laughed. Just having the name Muse means nothing. An apple could be called a pear but that doesn't make it so. “Are you OK?” came Muse's voice, startling him from his thoughts. She seemed concerned and a little jumpy. “You were sad, then you started laughing. If you haven't got your senses... I'd rather leave before you lose yourself,” she stated in a joking tone, giggling at the face the Rogue Knight pulled. His mouth opened before curling into a smile. “Says the small woman that thinks it would be wise to back talk a knight?” He smirked as her small fist struck his armour. Muse crying out as she had injured her hand. “Bloody knight!” RK suddenly felt sympathy for this courageous young woman. "Ooh, that had to hurt," he questioned considerately first looking at her bruised hand, then his eyes meeting hers. She was almost overwhelmed at the concern in his eyes. She was not sure how much of the pain in his eyes was for her... and how much was his own, but it was the first time she had noticed it. "I'll be fine, " She tried to reply in jest, suddenly also realizing he was gently holding her hand. She pulled away shyly. "Don't worry about it, tin man, I'm tougher than I look," she smiled trying to cheer the knight up. RK felt odd but hopeful and this bundle of energy before him made him feel more at ease. If such a character like her existed then maybe, just maybe, not all hope was lost .

Eventually Muse and RK came to the agreement that no one who stood out as much as either of them could be working for either the Knights of the Moon, a shared enemy of theirs, or for the King.

RK asked Muse if she would want extra protection to get to her home since the Knights were after her. It might be harder to get home by her own means. “Besides, Muse, you have been asleep for almost two days. Your strength might not have returned,” he sweetened the deal by even volunteering to pay for the items she would need, saying it was by way of an apology. She did injure her hand even though he wasn't entirely successful at hiding a small grin at that. Little did Muse know, RK had absolutely no intention of taking “no” for an answer. This woman intrigued him, he did not fully understand why, but she did.

Muse thought about the offer as the two of them had walked out of the room and down to the well kept tavern below. RK had explained that they were now in Arrowhead and detailed their journey here. Muse thanked him profusely even hugging the man in a sudden act before blushing and refusing to meet his eye afterwards. She did think of his offer. The Knights were a lot more persistent and having the good favour of a rogue knight would be a handy thing to have. She also rather enjoyed this quirky knight's company already. “Very well RK, I agree to your proposal and expect to be delivered home post haste,” she finished speaking in a grandiose manner causing the pair to both burst into merriment. “And on that rather grand announcement I shall bid you farewell for a moment, I have some finishing business to attend with the innkeeper. Do not go wandering off,” RK warned lightly causing Muse to stick out her tongue at him, the childish gesture making him smile.

As RK walked off to deal with the innkeeper a strange woman came to Muse's side dressed in lavish robes “Travelling with that knight are you miss?” She asked her breathing a bit laboured. “Why yes... I guess I was a bit too loud in my announcement. I am truly sorry if I disturbed you, miss,” Muse offered a polite bow to the woman and smiled in apology. “Oh nonsense my dear, you are fine... but that knight... he is not ordinary. He has the reputation of that of a saint and a sinner my dear. He is known as an angel, but both of mercy and death.” Muse nodded and thanked the woman. Muse later found out from the Innkeeper that the old woman was in fact a fortune teller . “An angel of both death and mercy?”. Who was she to judge? She wasn't even human.

Resolving to file this new found knowledge under “not important until later”, she greeted RK back with a smirk. “Finished flirting with the barkeep, Knight?” she teased. RK laughed and began to lead them out of the tavern. “Would that I were flirting, Muse, thou would notice”. Muse flushed red showing on her cheeks.“Oh be silent,” she muttered walking ahead, RK's laughter echoing behind her as they began their journey to Muse's home in the Descendants Forest.

Chapter 5 The Market place

Before they started for the adventure of getting Muse home, she wanted to visit the market and gather the needed items her aunt had sent her for. Ink, paper and a small vial of blessed water. What she didn't count on were the people selling everything she could think of and the cheer the sellers had about them, even RK commenting on them, “A change of pace from that village, no?” Muse nodded her agreement. The place was busy but she spotted the right store. Barely thinking, she grabbed RK's hand, dragging him behind in her wake as she quickly gathered her aunt's items, not noticing RK was lost in thought. “There it is again. That mysterious pull about her. Shooting straight up my hand. Tis the same as the first ever I held her hand... the slightest stirrings of energy,” the knight thought to himself. But seeing how Muse was now darting from store to store with a look of wonder on her face, he didn't fight her grip. Finding himself walking hand in hand with a woman he barely knew, like it was the most logical thing in the world. “Strange,” he thought, but he didn't try and study it, he was just content to let it go. It was rare to feel contented, so he couldn't be blamed for over indulging in it, could he?

RK proved to be a source of information whenever a shiny trinket or strange item caught her attention. The shops offering a wide range of goods from delicate metal works to hand crafted items. Exotic foods and stock from different lands filling out the rather large market. Muse was entranced with all the different stores. Darting about and towing her protection, she guessed somewhat like a child with a rag doll, but he didn't seem to mind too much.

As they continued to walk among the stalls, sellers shouting out their deals and the conversation of the other folk creating a light din, it surrounded them in a light atmosphere. Both dropping their guards a bit, letting themselves feel safe for a while. Spying an elegant blanket with an odd pattern on it, she stalled in her quick hunt feeling a sense of familiarity about the object. She gently let her fingers trace over the shape until the vendor's voice sounded in her ear. “That will be 20 gold pieces dearies. It is ever so lovely ain't it lass?” The older woman smiled catching Muse's attention. “20 pieces?” she repeated a little numb. She knew she didn't have enough. She was only sent with the minimum to get her aunts supplies and the rest of the money was blown buying her new outfit. “Might I purchase it for thee, Muse, you seem to be quite smitten with it,” RK stated as he had watched a warm look cross her face when she touched it and the brief look of loss when told the price. “Oh, no, I couldn't let you do that. You're helping me home and that's enough.” Muse shook her head, backing away from the store with a slight grin on her face that was a little forced. “T’would be no problem, Muse,” he insisted tugging her back to the table lightly. “But... I can't pay you back for it,” she worried her bottom lip as she spoke against it, before tugging the knight away from the store.

As an afterthought, she allowed him to instead buy a few candy pieces, popping them into her mouth with glee. She spun around in a light twirl as RK finished paying for more. He offered the small bag to her. Seeing this, she broke their hand holding and placed the sweets into small bag attached to her hip. “I... thank you, RK,” she spoke softly, offering a polite bow to him. “I have a strong sweet tooth that's kinda hard to ignore” she giggled. Both now noticing the level of comfort between them was slightly diminished by the lack of contact.

As Muse was striding through the market, the strange woman from the inn that spoke to her earlier beckoned to her. Curious, regardless of her mood, Muse walked over to the strange woman. RK decided that he didn't need to hear some teller's wisdom. “Muse, I shall be gathering more… supplies” RK grimaced as he glanced at the fortune teller. Muse nodded but came closer to the teller. Hearing the laboured voice as she croaked out, "Together… Finally… For better and worse… Now to see the truth… Things are not always what they seem." The words seemed to hum with a strange kind of power. When prompted for more information the woman revealed nothing, simply stating, “It will make sense soon enough.” With a sly grin the woman bowed and walked away, leaving Muse confused. Setting back to the market again Muse thought of these strange words, before shaking her head and returning to RK who was finishing up gathering the additional things they would need. They both agreed that spending one more night in the inn would be wise before setting off for the Descendants Forest in the morning, a rather far journey. But for now, Muse found herself in Arrowhead. RK had saved her and for the time being she was safe from the knights. She knew this odd Knight wouldn't let her be captured. Not on his watch.

After retiring to the room they were staying in, Muse asked a question that had been bugging her since she woke up “RK? How did I wake up in a plain nightgown when I had my travelling gear on?” Muse asked curiously. Was it a type of magic? “The inn keeper dressed you. I thought it would be wise to have your travelling clothes washed. You did spend two days in them with mud and leaves sticking to them,” answered the knight though there was a slight red tint to his cheeks. Muse took his answer at face value. The implications went over her head as she thanked him for thinking of her well-being and wished him a good night as she slipped the nightgown on again while she was under the covers. The Knights blush was still on his cheeks but he turned over and wished the odd woman a good night, both of them soon lost to the waking world .

The following morning had the rather embarrassing situation of RK waking up to see Muse in the process of dressing. Though the Knight had coughed and claimed to have seen nothing, the two agreed to simply forget it had even happened. The two pushed past the event and had breakfast at the inn before heading out of Arrowhead. Walking back down the road that would eventually lead to The Descendants Forest, RK had marked what would be the shortest route to the forest. Muse had considered that with her being hunted, and quite possibly RK himself, taking the shortest route back through the village of Cain wouldn't be smart nor would be entering any towns or cities guarded by the Knight's of the Moon. With their rather long journey planned, the next destination was a fishing port called Seafare, known for its famous sailing ships and its busy ports, it was a far detour and added another day or two to the pair's journey, but that mattered little to Muse and to RK. He could still search for news of his brother while staying with this Muse, a woman that was quickly becoming something to the Knight. What that was, he had no clue.

Chapter 6 The Journey Begins

While they walked, the scenery soon changed from grassy fields to roads with a distant view of the sea. Trees becoming more sparse throughout the land. It was along the path that the pair found an overturned wagon and a rather distressed middle aged merchant. “Oh no... oh no... What a tragedy! What a horrible act! Oh dear, oh dear!” the merchant was bawling out his woes to the world. Sharing a look, the pair decided to investigate the strange man and his overturned wagon.

“What seems to be the problem?” RK asked as he set down his pack. The wagon wasn't damaged but seemed to only need to be pushed back onto its wheels but looking at the rather well fed merchant he understood the cause for the alarm. “Oh! A strong knight. You, you could protect me from the beasties that attacked me. Those hoodlums over turned my cart and stole my finest silk!” The merchant huffed and puffed out his distressing news. Muse, though, was trying not to laugh at the man's voice and the overly enthusiastic actions of the strange little merchant. Luckily the merchant seemed too distressed to notice the laughing woman. RK was watching her laugh and his mind had not done the sight justice. Her eyes lit up when she laughed and he couldn't help chuckling at the merchants overly flamboyant actions. But RK did want to help, and so set about pushing the wagon onto its wheels.

“Here, let me help,” Muse offered and together they pushed the wagon back up on to it's wheels. The odd merchant thanked them and busily checked his wares, his energy level seemly increased. “thou art strong for thy size,” RK stated, the thought curious to him. Muse smiled at him. The knight was a lot stronger than her. “What can I say I have hidden talents,” Muse giggled, the pairs eyes meeting again before the Merchant interrupted the moment, “Ahh... you two are blessings! Blessings I tell you. I am Francis Tolken, Merchant of the Southern Dodora Merchants Guild. You have my eternal gratitude. If you, Sir Knight, and your lady friend here might accompany me to the village of Tika, I can pay you for your services. But those dastardly beasties might ruin my precious wares!” Francis was weeping again and both RK and Muse were trying to contain their amusement.“We would love to help!” Muse blurted out, the merchants odd mix of despair and excitement enthralling her. “Muse… that would be quite a bit away from Seafare. Art thou sure?” RK asked. He knew the woman was homesick and this added member to their party could delay them more. “It's fine RK, we're helping,” she beamed back at him as she dashed around helping Francis sort his wares barely containing her excitement. As she peeked the merchant's wares, half of the objects she couldn't recognise. RK could only smile knowing that; at the very least, he was right with one thing. Things would not be boring.

After Francis had organised his wares, and Muse had stopped inquiring about all the little trinkets she could see, they got the wagon moving. Luckily for them, the horse for the wagon had not wandered far and within moments the travelling group was on the move again, the merchant behind the reins as RK and Muse walked together. “So what is on the way to Tika,” Muse asked, curious about their destination and having not traversed this far east before. The merchant politely answered her question, “Well, miss, on the way to Tika, we have some ruins of a dusty old temple and I'm afraid that's about it. Then it's straight to the village where my dear Kira waits,” explained the merchant developing a bit of a far away look. “Oh Kira, you say?” RK dropped his tone, hinting at something playfully. Muse just adopted a look of confusion. The merchant blushed and refused to say anything more, causing RK to smirk. When Muse asked what was so funny the knight simply smiled and said, “let it trouble thee naught, Muse.” Muse knew she missed something, but she would leave it be. Some things she would never understand.

Chapter 7 Darkness Comes

Travelling further out, the group encountered the ruins the merchant had mentioned. Muse hesitated when travelling past it. “Muse ? Are you alright?” asked RK as he looked at the girl. “Can... can I just check this temple out please? I haven't seen one before,” Muse shyly admitted, though it was actually because she sensed something about the ruins. RK smiled and nodded as he helped the merchant tie the wagon horse to a couple of trees that were nearby. Muse approached the ruins of the temple where a stone floor had survived the ages. A shadow being cast from a wall encasing stain glass images. As Muse walked across the stone floor looking upon the images, she came to two side panels one side of which was smashed. Muse guessed that time had caused the damage as she gazed at the remaining image. Displayed in the glass was a woman in a black dress with a lace like veil covering her face though there was a small detail Muse wanted to see.

Walking closer with RK coming behind her Muse stepped into the light that shone through the glass decorating the stone floor below. Soon it cascaded around her, the dark light covering Muses body as she looked up and saw a flash of red in the eyes of the glass figure. A shiver of a warning struck her. Muse spun around shouting a warning. “RK! RUN!” The area around them darkened and a black vortex erupted out of the stain glass quickly surrounding Muse pulling her in. “Muse!” RK reached for her hand as the dark energy consumed her. “Stay away!” screamed Muse as she let go of his hand, refusing to drag him into the vortex with her. If she was doomed then she alone would be.

RK was powerless as he watched the power sink into Muse, her form darkening. Her once lightly tanned skin now looking as white as a corpse's. Her brown hair turning long and black, as the cloak she always wore transformed into a black Gothic gown, worthy of a woman in mourning. The lace veil obscuring her face. But the power was not done as it changed more of the woman. The power burned around her in a black flame. “Muse?” RK dared to ask. He couldn't believe his sight. The girl in front of him now couldn't be Muse... not any more. The figure raised her head, once green eyes now a glowing red, burning with hunger. “Afraid not, Knight. Your Muse isn't in control any more,” the voice coming from Muse was different. It dripped with dark allure, every word like honey. “Who..are you.” RK felt numb. Who was this being? Was she Muse any more?

“Oh! It feels so good to have a physical form for once,” the figure stretched as if they had just awoken from a long sleep “I, handsome, am Ella... though you would know me better as the black vortex that your friend absorbed. What a funny thing to do,” Ella laughed. Again the sound was different to Muse's. The light cheery laugh was replaced with a deeper, silky version. The figure twirled the gown spilling out like a flower blooming as she danced, as if testing what this new body could do. RK asked the question he feared the answer to, “Can Muse return?” His voice was strained with both rising fury and concern. “Of course she can. I only possess her, I haven't absorbed her... that's far too much work.” Ella clarified sounding as though the effort to absorb Muse wasn't worth her time. “Then leave her body now or I shall remove you myself,” RK commanded raising his sword to the beings' throat, his eyes full of grim determination that he would get his Muse back.

Dark laughter echoed all around him. The figure disappeared from view, causing RK to spin in search of the creature that had inhabited Muse's body. She appeared behind RK in a black flame, the power flaring making the very ground appear to be fire. RK spun around, his eyes watching the figure closely. What power was this? “You really think I'll let you do that?” Ella's voice chuckled from the body of Muse, the sound like honey on his ears, but it was wrong all wrong for Muse. “Oh you foolish man...” her dark laughter echoing around the ruins of the castle, power throbbing to her fingertips. “Let's see how you fare against the power of shadows!” Ella unleashed the force of the power she was controlling, cracking the ground as she summoned the souls and corpses of her former thralls, long since dead, to come to her aid.

“Come to me, my fallen. Let us test this rogue knight...” she offered her hand as the warriors surrounded her, a twisted version of Muse's smile on her face. As the black gown she wore twirled and flared out, Ella manipulated Muse's body to dance among the warriors. Ella's control so complete that even Muse's memories were no longer her own, as one of the dead warriors took her hand leading her in a dance. The others reacting by charging at RK. He countered like he was trained as he brought his sword to bear blocking the spear from a dead warrior he slashed and kicked at the warrior but this warrior wasn't alive, pain wouldn't make it stop moving. He would have to take these foes apart roaring with fury he put more strength behind his blade and cut and cleaved limbs off his enemies.

Sounding less like the rending of flesh and muscle, and more like the sound of dried leaves scattered to the wind, RK hacked at the shambling soldiers that approached. His rage, tempered by the frustration he began to feel that this insurmountable enemy would not stay dead, RK unleashed the full extent of his wrath. "Oh, is the little knight angry now?" Ella taunted RK, spinning around as she send her power flaring around her, "oh, how wonderful." She laughed, smirking at the knight with glee. The relentless tide of opponents took RK to the darkest of places. Where once he might have shown mercy, his vengeance was so terrible as to give pause to even the undead witnessing his fury.

He hacked and hammered at any portion of their bodies he could. Would that they had any blood flowing through their veins, RK would have shed it all to protect Muse.

He soon realized his only recourse was to make sure they would not be able to draw weapons against him. He mercilessly destroyed their sword arms. As they continued to press on he obliterated their legs. A legless man, even one of the undead, could not travel very far. With an almost obscene glee he realized the tide of battle was turning. Muse though not in control of her body or voice was awake within the mind of Ella watching what was happening to the man she knew Ella's dark voice whispering in the back of head. "See the type of man you have been travelling with? Give it up girl, you don't stand a chance against that sort of rage," sneered the possessing spirit, "but see how he enjoys this. He hungers to release this sort of power, look, little Muse, look!" The spirit stopped spinning and was merely clapping, as if to keep time, not letting Muse look away from the battle. As she endured every swing of his blade and looking at what was left of the man she was travelling with.

In his final acts of rage against these undead pawns, RK went about crushing the skulls of the zombie hoard. But only with his bare hands could he truly revel in their destruction. Some skulls were crushed with his mighty fists... Other heads he savagely pulled from the shoulders that bore them. He fell to pulling apart the fallen, as if in his mind they may yet rise. Ella was laughing, revelling in the glee as the knight set about ripping her warriors apart. "Oh you do know how to give a girl an impression," Ella spoke to the blood lusting knight, her voice soothing, as if to be spell the knight with its honeyed tones. "Mmm, what a weapon you are," Ella purred at the Knight, spinning close to him. The veil had been discarded giving the knight the full weight of the burning red irises.

His chest heaving in his armor, RK was nearly spent, both in fury and strength. He loosed his own armor that he may draw breath. Slowly his attention turned to the dark tressed woman who had taken his Muse. He had saved his last strength to see her returned. His mind awash with nothing but vengeance, it was clear he could no longer discern between friend and foe. He would have his Muse... whatever the cost.

He rose to approach this demon before him. Her spells would not have an effect. His intentions were quite well pronounced. He very much meant to destroy this b***h with every fiber of his being. "If you find what I have done to your army so amusing, you are going to positively adore what I have in mind for you..." RK growled inhumanly... "Give her back to me NOW." Ella twirled before giving the Knight a mocking bow before standing ready, black flames dancing around her fingers.

"Care to play with me, Knight? Oh, I do hope so, " the woman smirked as she launched her fire at the knight, not really aiming, but simply using Muses speed to dance hoping to evade the Knight. His approach would not be slowed... Ella noticing she was cornered, paused her movement shivering at the look of vengeance and fury on the knight "Now... that is a look I shall obey," the woman giggled but stopped moving and smiled giving the knight time to catch her. Unknown to him Muse was witness to her true intent, as a dagger of black energy was formed behind her back. RK ascended the stairs to not his prey... but his intended victim. There would be no hunt here... just destruction. Her little tricks had done nothing more than rekindled the fury in him... He could smell the fear building on her. For all her bravado... she was intelligent enough to know fear. His gauntleted hand trembled with seething rage as he reached out to take hold of her.

But in that impending moment wherein he truly gain his vengeance, he smelled it... not the fear and evil about this horrid creature... but lavender.

For a brief moment he suddenly remembered just what it was he meant to protect… the enchanting little Muse and the air of lavender about her always.

Ella took her chance, "I hope that was a pleasant memory, Knight." Ella smirked a quicksilver grin and with flash of red struck the dagger already piercing the padding on the Knight's chest."NO!" Muse screamed and forced her own power though her body reaching the dagger, golden energy destroying the blade instantly as the dark form of Muse melted away leaving the familiar cloak and brown hair RK was used to, green eyes wide with both shock and surprise as Muse now stood in place of the creature he was going to kill.

In that instant RK's rage disappeared as though it never was...

By whatever strength she herself held... Muse had bested the forces corrupting her form. Was there no limit to the amazing qualities of this woman.

Reaching for the knight, her fingers traced the hole in his padding. If she was any later, he would have been killed by her own hand. "Are....you ok?” Muse asked. She trembled uncontrollably. With all that she had seen from this man, was she even safe? "Now...?" RK's voice wavered unsteadily, "never better." But with his fury, so to left the strength of his limbs. He slowly slumped to the ground at Muse's feet. He could rest now, for he had looked upon his Muse once again. He knew she was safe.

Muse barely caught the collapsing RK and helped ease the knight to the ground. She saw no comfortable place to rest, so knelt with the knight letting her lap be used as a pillow. It was this moment that cemented the idea in Muse’s mind that RK would never truly be her enemy. If he was willing to fight to the point of losing himself, then she would give the same in return. She swore to the Goddess above that she would save this knight, even if the danger was himself.

Muse took a breath carefully watching the resting knight. Secretly she was pleased that he hadn't moved from her lap and was simply resting, but she had to know what was that side to him she saw? "RK? What just happened in there?" Muse cautiously asked, she didn't want to press the knight for information. After all, it had to get tiring saving her from trouble. RK sighed. "I am so very sorry you had to see that, Muse." RK feeling his strength returning, tried to hide his face in shame.

"You must certainly think me as much a monster as those who oppose me" Gently she reached and stopped the Knight from moving. a gentle smile on her face "I’d rather see your fury than have you hide,” Muse soothed as she played with a strand of his hair that was in his eyes."When I was very young, my parents were slain before me. My brother, Bryn, and I were taken by the very villains that slew our parents," RK continued. "As their captives, we were forced to fight for everything. Food, clothing, a place even to sleep. If we got out of line we were punished severely. If we showed mercy we were punished. We were raised and treated as savages" RK sat up as he reflected. "I made my first kill when I was 6. I remember it as though it was yesterday. He was an older boy. Toric was his name. He often bullied us younger children, taking whatever it was that he wanted."

"One day he attacked my brother. He had surely meant to slay Bryn that day. He had tackled him to the ground and was going to strike him with a rather large rock. When suddenly, something took over in me. I could not stop myself. I would not let this foul whelp bring anymore harm to Bryn. I knocked him to the ground and took the rock from him. I used that rock as he had meant to use it upon my brother.... I don't remember everything, but they told me I had struck him repeatedly for several minutes even though it was the first or second strike that surely must have been the killing blow."

Muse remained silent but offered a sort of silent comfort by keeping her smile and running her fingers through his hair. The action was a little odd like a person petting a pet but it was still comforting to the knight. “No wonder he can't control himself after a point... he's been pushed far too much.” There was a slight tear in Muse's eye but she willed it not to fall. Something told her that letting a tear fall would not be wise. Especially if she wanted to find out more to the man.

"I had reduced the head another human being to a mass of bloody pulp. Worst of all... I remember enjoying it. It seemed justified. Perhaps it was... perhaps not. I didn't care, my brother was safe." RK rolled over and brought himself upright upon his knees and took Muses hands into his own. "I do not do it by choice but from a...." RK searched for a word momentarily, "A necessity. I will never allow anyone in my charge to ever be harmed again, Muse." His eyes locked into hers and for some reason in his mind he suddenly felt a slight sensation as though he were falling... intoxicated. What was happening? This was like nothing he had ever felt before. "I'll... um... I'll... uh...you..." Some strange force was fouling his ability to speak... "I'll protect you..." RK could feel his face becoming flush, and so he awkwardly released Muse's hands and quickly went to put his armor back on. "I'm sure I'll not be of much use protecting you if I'm in your underwear.... MY underwear...need my armor... to protect you..." Oh... by the fates it was getting worse the harder he tried...

Muse was beaming and as the knight continued to try and speak it turned into giggling. She hadn't seen RK be this flustered and it was endearing to see him like this. The more flustered the more she felt a certain pull to him. She giggled more when he said he couldn't protect her in her own underwear. "I am pretty sure my underwear wouldn't fit you, knight.” She was barely holding back her laughter at this point and the red tint that the knight’s face had become was too much to ignore. She walked over and lightly kissed his cheek, the action meant to calm the blushing knight."Be still knight, I understood what you were trying to say and your oath to me but I shall pledge the same to you even if it's just rescuing you from blushing to death." She smiled though there was a considerate blush on her own cheeks. She had no idea what compelled her to kiss his cheek but now the action was repeating in her head.  

RK was lost. He wished he could hide. Such a slip of his words. He almost began to speak again, but thought better of it. He took a deep breath to regain his composure. He pondered his next words very carefully and internally prayed they were spoken with as much care as they had been chosen, "We'd best be going. I fear the chance of us making Tika by nightfall is terribly unlikely as it is." He breathed a sigh of achievement.

As they left the ruins, they were greeted by the merchant who had inadvertently seen all of the events which had transpired. He knew he must speak the praise of these two people to any who would listen.

Listening and watching from the edge of the forest, a pair of golden eyes surveyed the group… unknown to the group the creature huffed and disappeared in glimpse of grey fur

Muse wasn't paying attention to anything beside what was in her head. She was following the knight and though she was hearing his words her attention was on the previous events so much so that in her lack of focus she walked right into the knight. “Oh … I am so sorry!." she squeaked out hurrying to the other side of the wagon where the merchant was soon busy telling her of all the events he saw. Positively gushing in his praise of them banishing the evil in the ruins. Muse was worried though if that spirit was the darker form of her own power what was stopping her from falling to the same fate.

Muse had one ray of hope. If she ever fell that far to her own powers, RK would protect people from her and try his hardest to rescue her of that she was sure.

Chapter 8 Greed

It was indeed night time before they arrived in Tika. While Muse had this image of an exotic place full of colour and life. What greeted the group was anything but exotic. The tribal village was dull, the very life of the place looked drained. The people were worse. They all looked like they had been starved for days. Each person looked at RK and Muse with a high level of fear, cowering away when Muse tried to help a small child get to her feet.

RK sensing that something was very wrong in this village came to Muse's side to offer some comfort.“Oh dear, oh no! What ever happened here? This isn't right. The village was so beautiful when I was last here… oh my dear Kira. What ever happened?” The merchant was in tears again bawling out his worries once again. Both Muse and RK didn't blame him. If there was ever a reason to cry it was this very village.

While the buildings were made of dried mud and clay with straw and stick roofs, one building stood out. A stone building with a thicker roof then the rest that stood in the middle of the village. The merchant, in a panic for his beloved, raced from his wagon and bolted into the building. Shortly after disappearing behind the door both Muse and RK heard a scream. Sharing a quick look the pair rushed into the building where they found the merchant weeping at the feet of what looked like a troll of a woman, her very skin seemed to be stretched to the point of bursting. “Oh my dear Kira... no, not my beloved.” Francis wasn't making any more sense. RK decided to help the wailing man out of the building. The woman, though the creature barely deserved the word, seemed to be making him worse. He finally got the man outside, but the merchant was nothing but a weeping mess. When he turned back around to ask Muse to help she wasn't there. “Muse?... Muse!” He shouted in a panic as he watched the building door close. A glimpse of Muse the last thing he saw before it was locked.

Muse had felt that something was off about the village. The same way something was off about the ruins. There was a dark force here and it seemed to be possessing the woman Kira. The sloth like thing licked its lips at her. “Have you come to feed me?” asked the creature, the thought of food seemed to excite it. Muse summoned her courage. If she could set herself free of a possession she could free this woman. “I think you have been fed enough creature, leave your host now I’ll only ask once,” Muse commanded with a flare of her golden flame backing her command up. “Oh, you’re something rare… mmm... something tasty,” gurgled the giant morass of horror.

The creature came towards Muse reaching to grab her. It gelatinous mass jiggled and and seemed to be made out of slime. Muse darted out of the way and shivered at the sight of the creature. It was making her sick. It seemed to be getting bigger and more over fed every second. She had to act soon or there would be nothing left of Kira. Summoning her power to her fingertips “OH I really don't wanna touch you slimy… ” she reached for the creature and with a deep breath made a connection to the creature’s mind scape.

The real world faded as Muse found herself in a place similar to where Ella had kept her. She soon found the real Kira on the floor crying. “My village… my love they can't hear me… they all hate me… ” the tribal matriarch repeated over and over as a darkening shadow hovered over her… whispering into the woman’s mind. “Stop! Begone from here, you twisted thing!” Muse snarled at the shadow. Her power flaring once more, she dashed to Kira's side. She destroyed Ella’s shadow by pushing her power though her body, if she can do the same to Kira the shadow was as good as gone. Noticing Muse the shadow roared at her. The shadow’s form was slimy as well, charging her with long shadow fingers that looked as deadly as any dagger. Muse drew her own daggers; which RK had returned to her, and deflected the blow, ducking under the shadow as she now stood protectively over Kira. “A Muse! No… your kind are dead. We dark one's rule the masses now!” Muse smirked, flipping her daggers into their sheaths. “You missed a few,” Muse stated smugly as she grabbed Kira’s hand and pushed her power into her body, boosting the tribal leader’s self belief and inner strength. The shadow began to burn as Muse fed more of her power into the woman. She made sure to make it suffer before it died, burning in the pure flame of inspiration. Creatures like those would never deserve mercy. Muse checked on the slowly recovering tribal leader and asked her if she was alright. “You are a Lady of Starlight. You came to save my village!” Kira hugged Muse tightly and was soon sobbing her relief. “Hey… easy … easy! Ok, we need to get out of here first then we can celebrate,” Muse took Kira's hand, and with a focused thought they both found themselves back in the stone building, but this time the creature was gone and in its place was a tall Amazon of a woman. Who quickly bowed to Muse and praised her to the goddess above. “Ah… please stop, it was nothing… please, I am travelling with a man who doesn't know I am a Lady of Starlight. Please, you mustn't tell him” Muse tried to get Kira to understand, but it didn't work as she took off out of the building singing the praises of the Lady of Starlight to the village.

While Muse was fighting the slime of a shadow RK was banging on the door, screaming for Muse to answer. He hadn't saved her to be some appetiser to an overgrown slug. He was about to swing his sword to start bashing his way into the building, but the merchant stopped him. “Wait no! My Kira is in there, no you mustn't harm her. She’s not herself. No you mustn't!” The man was in the way of the door and was pleading with him. “Muse is in there, too. I shall not let her be harmed because thou art blinded to the truth! Do not make me cut you down Francis!” RK was getting more panicked. There hadn't been any sound from the building, no sounds of a struggle… but this fact alone brought him no comfort. He didn't have time for a mad man right now.

“No please... sir, she is my heart… my whole world.” Francis was getting louder and louder the rest of the village was quickly coming toward the building. RK was outnumbered and Muse was trapped in a building with something that should have been put down long ago. RK roared… startling the villagers as Francis repeated his whining… to the knight. Everything was getting in his way, quickly losing his control, his sword rang from its’ sheath… the blade barely missing Francis's neck. RK knew the man wasn't going to move “if there ever was time for a miracle” prayed the Knight, as he steeled himself to attack the man that was simply defending his love.

He suddenly felt a soundless wave of energy hit, causing both he and Francis and the villagers to fall to the ground. RK was the first to recover and what he saw shocked him. All around, the villagers were healing, life returning to their once withered forms. The heavy, depressing atmosphere lifted as colours that were dull returning to more vibrant hues. Flames that were dying flared to life. The merchant was no longer weeping he looked like he did when he talked about Kira. It was then that RK received his second surprise for the night as a tall Amazon of a woman burst out of the building bearing a passing resemblance to the creature that was inside the building. She ran straight into the arms of Francis, kissing him fervently as the villagers erupted in joy.

The knight was in shock as he looked around, seeing the happy faces of the villagers. He made his way past the doting couple and into the building and there was his Muse untouched and looking as happy as the rest of them. She looked at RK and smiled with a shrug of her shoulders the only explanation she she dared give. RK simply shook his head and smiled offering his hand to Muse. She took his hand as he led them out of the building into the villagers impromptu celebration. Dancing and singing happening everywhere, it was when Kira saw Muse again she started a chant of “Starlight” that Muse ducked behind RK. The knight laughed, he guessed Muse wasn't used to such attention. He took Muse to a quieter section of the village and asked just what in the Fates had happened? Muse sighed and began to explain a highly edited tale of what happened. RK wasn't happy that Muse had gotten in danger again but it seemed it was another case of possession involving the tribal chieftain Kira. The merchants love had been infected. RK wasn't sure if it was Muse's luck or inner strength that gave her the ability to fight such things but the girl was now being called a “Lady of Starlight.” The merchant explained that a Lady of Starlight was the opposite of the creature's that possessed both Muse and Kira. Muse herself didn't look happy at the new nickname. Nor the feast that was held in her honor. The village had gotten its life and color back though, so she supposed it was worth a little embarrassment, she just hoped that RK didn't know what being called A Lady of Starlight translated into or the coincidence of her name might be something he couldn't overlook.

When morning broke Muse awoke to find RK had already packed a majority of their belongings. Seafare was less than a day's journey but he found no reason why they should leave anything behind. It was a habit of his. Having grown up under the conditions he had, supplies were never easy to come by.

After the celebration feast of the previous evening, RK felt he may not have to eat at all for the next few days."I feel like I ate a boulder," Muse groaned as she gathered her own belongings at a sluggish pace. RK chuckled at Muse's remark and took her hand to set them on their journey. Though Muse still grumbled at the fact of having to move on so soon she was happy enough to walk at RK's side. The two walked through the Village of Tika, soon spying both Francis and Kira at the village exit . "I trust your stay was pleasant in our humble village," Kira greeted them warmly. "We are forever in your debt, my Lady of Starlight." she concluded bowing low. Francis was not so formal, "I trust you slept well," he turned to give Kira a wink and a gentle pat on her bottom, "At least had a good time in your sleeping chambers like we did... eh, my little Mountain of Molten lust, raawr..." Kira blushed profusely as she giggled coyly. Muse looked between the two and it took a bit to get what the merchant referred to. When she figured it out Muse, could barely look at the two. "Oh! Well… um… we slept, um… well?” she offered. Muse wanted to crawl back under her cover why did she read the book Aunt Calra said not to. "Alrighty then… time to go… " RK hastily intoned.And the pair quickly escaped setting out for Seafare.

A short distance from the village RK knelt down to examine something on the ground. "What is it," Muse asked inquisitively. "Well, it is these tracks. These are wolf tracks, " RK answered, "I have seen them all over this area. Even back at the Temple Ruins. This is a mighty big wolf... but I have not seen a single trace of a wolf other than the tracks... it is just odd..." RK concluded and did his best to dismiss the idea. But something about those tracks had RK puzzled.

"Perhaps the beast is hungry for a Knight and side dish of young maiden," Muse giggled lightly pushing the knight before walking on, a slight smirk to her lips. RK let out a slight amused sigh as they pushed on.

Chapter 9 Of Store's and Muse's

Before too long they came upon Seafare. By comparison it was the largest most lively city they had seen. The streets teeming with merchants. Goods from all corners of Dordora bought and sold as casually as vegetables at a farmer's market.

"If Muse was interested with the market at Arrowhead she must surely be bursting," RK pondered watching the wonder on Muse's face for each stand of exotic wares they would pass.

He could not help but find her amazement and curiosity extremely attractive.

"Well, this place is big… " Muse felt a little out of her depth in such a city and perhaps in an act of comfort, grabbed RK’s hand as her gaze found trinket after trinket, even finding a little monkey that was one of the seller's pets. The monkey apparently liked Muse and had climbed onto her shoulder. “Aww ain't you sweet.” Muse crooned at the animal as she gently pet it. It seemed to be friendly to RK and scampered around his armour for a bit before returning to its perch. Near the monkey was a store that was selling clothes and accessories that were usually seen at a port city like Seafare. Muse lingered around the area as she tugged RK back to look at the fabrics, peeking at the wares on offer. Not knowing the purpose of a long silk fabric she asked RK about them even going as far as to ask him to demonstrate them.

"Ohh! it looks so soft and it does suit your armour, RK. " Muse reassured as she had somehow convinced RK to wear a silk scarf with a rather colorful pattern. Having not seen the object before she asked what it was when he replied "It’s a scarf, Muse, you wear it." She had asked how it was worn and thus the knight was now wearing the scarf.

Suddenly the pair became aware of two burly sailor types laughing from nearby. At first RK felt a flush of embarrassment, but to see the smile of aMusement beaming on Muse's face, RK could not help but react in any other way. RK turned to the sailors, and in his sultriest madame of the evening impression he cooed, "See anything you like, fellas?" as he fluttered his eyelashes at them. Embarrassment washed over their own faces as they slunk away from the stand. RK blew them a kiss as Muse howled with laughter before declaring she was travelling with a mad man and had grabbed the scarf from RK. They wandered the streets and at Muse's insistence checked nearly every store. With a strong impulse to the contrary, she resisted giving him any more clothes to wear.

Eventually the pair found themselves at the shop of what appeared to be a holy person. Here in Seafare these holy people were also known to be fortune tellers of sorts. Somewhere in RK's mind he realized this person might provide some information to the whereabouts of his missing brother. Any insight gleaned would be a great help as they really had no information to go on.

Entering the shop they found themselves in a small crowd of people within. Though a few of the parishioners seemed to be drinking, they seemed to have interrupted a sermon. One that both RK and Muse had heard many times before, the story of the Goddess. The head priestess was captivating Muse as she was hearing her history from this priestess.

“For untold aeons, the Goddess toiled among the stars. Painting the constellations among the heavenly bodies until such a time she felt it right that her gifts be shared. And so in her infinite wisdom did she create the myriad creatures of Dodora that they might praise the Goddess for her remarkable skill and eye for beauty, for she longed to be admired, adored”.

“Time did pass and the Goddess decided that she might create a race of creatures with which to share her gifts of art and music, particularly in praise of her name, for even as a deity, vanity was not unknown to her.”

“These new creatures walked as men but sadly did not explore the world she had gifted for them. They lived in fear of that which they did not know. And so, the Goddess gifted them again with the light of hope and inspiration from the stars. This light came as the benevolent Muse race. Their light inspired the peoples to find what lie beyond their boundaries. The people's went forth and saw the many wondrous creations the Goddess had created, and as she had hoped they began to praise her in all their many tongues and ways. But for every light a shadow must fall... And from the dark places slithered the Shadow. For all the hope and inspiration of the Muse, these Shadow bore the malevolence of despair and greed, for they were not so blessed as the Muse and men”

“And thus concludes the Sacrament of the Goddess.” after the priestess had finished her sermon the crowd wandered away, RK guessed to inhabit the nearest tavern. The pair turned to meet this Head Priestess and see if there was any news for both of them. RK bristled with scepticism. He'd heard these tales before. These were the same tales that got his brother taken by the Knights of the Moon. He felt like leaving but decided to give this priestess the benefit of the doubt.

Muse on the other hand was excited, talking to this priestess might tell her more about her own existence though she remembered her aunts warning and was prepared to take what was said with a pinch of common sense after all religion wasn't the absolute best place to get the facts of a situation.

Suddenly RK realized something. His money pouch was missing. He checked all of his pockets and even in his pack. It was nowhere to be found. "Damn it... " RK growled, "I'll bet it was that damn monkey at the shops... I have to go get it back. I'll be back as soon as I can." Rk left the shop, not entirety upset at that fact.

Muse giggled as RK stormed off and she only felt a twinge of guilt as she had in fact swiped his money pouch herself. She had really wanted to buy that silk scarf for herself, but RK did look rather nice in it, too. Maybe she would buy the scarf for him. She sniggered at the thought of RK suddenly finding the scarf in his pack.

She approached the priestess and was going to ask about the Ladies of Starlight when the woman shivered and looked at Muse like she was seeing a ghost. "By the great goddess you are starchild sent to us in our hour of need !" Muse was both shocked and confused. How was she so easily spotted? "I had heard of a young girl with a brown cloak helping the village of Tika. A merchant had sent word of you by bird.” Muse sighed. Francis, it appeared, had decided that everyone should hear that her race did actually exist. Muse pleaded with the priestess. ”No, please… just be quiet. I don't wish to be known.” Once again her wishes went unheeded as the Priestess grew louder and louder beckoning the masses to see the lady of stars "Our saviour is here, people! Come greet her!" Muse was growling in frustration and in a rushed act used her power on the Priestess, "Be still Priestess I mean you no harm but i don't wish to be known." the Priestess quieted and wandered away looking lost but blissful at the same time "Why do I always attract the religious types? " Muse sighed already tired of keeping her secret. She quickly escaped the shop with the intention of finding RK. With all the strange things happening to her today, she wouldn't be surprised if she found RK arguing with a monkey. Though the thought had her laughing as she set out to find him, his money pouch secured in her own pack. The feeling making Muse smile.

Muse soon found RK at the store trying to discreetly search for his pouch. Though the monkey was pouncing around him causing the knight to grumble. “Where in the fates did you put it?” RK wasn't having the best of times on his knees. Muse had been watching from a bit away, and though she was smiling, she found herself wondering what the sight of RK on his knees would be without the armour “What in the goddess?” shaking her head at the thought she blushed but moved to greet the knight if only to get him off his knees. Tapping the knight on the shoulder she helped RK up. Again, RK thought her strong. “I can’t find it.. that monkey must have put it somewhere I can't see.” The knight grumbled. Muse tried hard not to break, but a smirk was on her lips. “And why, miss Muse, are you smirking?” The knight asked suspiciously. “No reason,” she tried to lie, unsuccessfully. RK raised an eyebrow. “Muse, if you want to lie to me, you need to do better than that.” The knight was smiling, Muse being a bad liar was a good sign to him. The knight was still glaring at the monkey. Muse couldn't take it and broke, giggling to herself. “Wrong culprit,” she smirked as she dangled RK's money pouch just out of his reach. She was already preparing to run, a wicked smirk on her face as she was taking steps back and the knight narrowed his eyes playfully “Oh, you’re going to pay for that.” RK promised as he reached for the girl. Muse twisted out of his grip with glee and dashed down the street, a persistent knight now on her tail. RK was smiling as he chased after Muse whose giggles echoed around the buildings.

After a while RK found Muse being distracted by a fountain and snuck up, quickly capturing the girl and swiping his money pouch back. Muse wriggled in his grip as she laughed out. “So... you wouldn't let me buy you a blanket, but stealing my entire money pouch was considered acceptable behaviour,” RK jokingly scolded to the grinning little thief. The knight let her go soon enough. Both were happy and RK offered his hand as he lead Muse to the food markets. Her penchant for something sweet was something he remembered and maybe it might save his pouch being taken again.

Muse and RK walked around the shops devoted to selling foods of all manner here in the market. RK was looking for sweets but Muse soon got his attention as she had spotted an odd object of yellow she turned to her companion. “What are those ?” she stated pointing to a yellow fruit. “They are lemons, a fruit from the south lands”. He smiled his response back. Muse truly wasn't from any village if she couldn't identify the fruit but somehow that made her more appealing. Shaking his head of the thought he caught Muse asking another question. “Are they sweet maybe like apples?” she asked her eyes wide and her voice hopeful. RK thought about telling the truth but he couldn't resist playing with the girl it was to cute. “Yes, they are very sweet” he lied smoothly even offering a semi genuine grin. Muse's eyes widened and before he knew it Muse had grabbed the lemon and bit though peel and fruit quickly. Her face twisting as the sour taste seeped over her tongue. Dropping the fruit straight away as she coughed and spluttered her eyes wide as she looked at RK with shock and confusion. RK was chuckling at the faces she was pulling but was kind enough to give her some water to help swallow the taste down.

As she recovered and finally stopped gulping down the water she glared at him hard. “You… you… ” she choked on the words as she fumed silently. Quickly turning on her heel and growling stalked off her destination was simply away from the Knight before she did use her power on him. Though it was tempting to have him act like he did before with the silk scarf Muse knew that would be a serious misuse of her powers. Though it didn't mean she wasn't tempted. RK followed Muse chuckling. He could practically see the thoughts of revenge in her head but decided his little trick was worth it. It had been a long while since he felt so playful. RK's grin didn't leave his lips. Muse glowered at the grinning knight and with a huff she strode off. The port cities exit on her mind she was heading to the forest with or without that Rogue of a Knight.

As the pair exited the port city Muse was still being distant and every couple of steps she would drink from the water skin that RK had given her. Which was also keeping RK's playful mood up. After travelling a fair little while the pair could see the entrance to Muse's home, The Descendants Forest. The duo entered the forest. Though RK was alert, he was still chuckling at the events of the day. While Muse debated on warning the knight of the dangers of the forest, she took it upon herself to at least give a few helpful hints. Even if a large part of her wanted to let him find out for himself. Rogue Knight indeed! She decided to warn her companion of the perils of the forest… or maybe he was her bodyguard she hadn't decided what position he really fit in.

“RK… Wait. there are a few things you might be better off knowing about the forest before we encounter them,” she finished, a little weary of him since the lemon trick. “What sort of things, Miss Muse ?” he questioned curious though a smile still played about his lips. “Well… there are some dangers that lurk in the forest. You might fall for nymphs for one thing.” Muse stated looking at RK with a mild glare and a knowing look. RK held up his hands to placate but his grin did not leave.

How curious, RK thought. Muse was acting very different now almost weary and annoyed of him. Surely his trick wasn't that bad? “Muse.. I am sorry about the lemons you know ?” he pleaded lightly. Muse nodded and gave him a light smile. “It's ok, it would be pretty funny… but to someone else.” She winced, her facing twisting at the memory of the taste. “But you have to listen nymph are dangerous if you look in their eyes they can be spell you.” She stressed her point by looking into RK eyes. “Are you trying to be spell me, Muse?” he grinned, his tone smooth, hinting at something. Muse blushed and picked up her pace marching off into the forest with RK following with a smile as he watched her antics, unaware of three floating lights following their trail.

Ahead, Muse was keeping an eye out for the river she knew was around here. The water was always so fresh and clean and she was pretty low for water. Listening for the gentle trickle of the river she called out to RK. “Come on, there's a river nearby you can refresh yourself there. It’s supposed to make you feel better, like a healing spring.” She half called out to him as the river was soon before them.

The sparkling crystal gleam filling her with peace as it formed a sort of large pond deep enough to swim in. “In that case can I take a bath in it?” he chuckled causing Muse to giggle along with him. “That might not be a bad idea,” she agreed until she heard soft little giggles after her and RK's laughter died down.

Turning around she took a step back into the water as what she feared had happened. RK was watching the three tree nymphs dance around him using their cute charm to get him defenseless. “RK! Don't look at them!” She shouted, but it was too late as she watched him gaze at the nymph's before his head slumped slowly rising with a slightly mischievous grin on his lips. “Such a beautiful display, little ones, won’t you dance more for me?” RK’s voice spoke the deep and smooth tone carrying a bit of the charm he had. Muse giggled as he continued to sweet talk the nymphs “Well, looks like I get you back Knight”. She giggled and relaxed a little. Luckily these nymphs wanted nothing more than to be little tricksters and have someone praise them and RK was doing that splendidly.

Muse walked further in the water contented to let RK and the nymphs play while she got some much needed water she chuckled to herself glancing back at RK and the nymphs before hearing a familiar voice sounding in her head. "Trust the Knight to be spelled." Muse froze looking at her reflection in the water was the spirit that had possessed her in the ruins… Ella. "How…" Muse barely uttered. "Oh, don't be dense we are of the same power. You absorbed me with your little disappearing dagger trick. I am a part of you now, so I can’t hurt you. I don't even want to." Ella sighed her reflection in the water pouting at Muse. "You… don't want to hurt me?" Muse was confused, but Ella was right she had felt different ever since the ruins. Muse glared. "You… you’re the reason am feeling the way I do!" Ella laughed in Muse's head. "Oh, no, honey, those thoughts and feelings are all yours. Don't forget I am in your head, I know every little thought you think, including that image at Seafare you know the one with… " Muse splashed the water hard. "Enough!" Muse was blushing hard, her thoughts in a disarray. Ella chuckled quietly. "Why don't you go for it?" Ella asked slyly deeply enjoying the flustered Muse. "What are you on about?" Muse replied, annoyed. "Why don't you kiss him? He is enchanted now, he's not going to remember it… " Ella whispered, her voice soft and soothing. "But… I don't… " Muse couldn't finish her sentence it would have been a lie. "Think about it," Ella suggested before fading from both Muse's mind and the surface of the water. Muse stood in the river dazed, not hearing the splashing of the water behind her…

“Would you like to dance, sweet Muse?” RK spoke to her in a soft tone, his breath caressing the skin of her neck as she realized he was right behind her keeping little space between them. Muse shivered, the tone doing something to her as he walked to her front, the water not bothering him at all as he slid his hand from her waist down to her hand lightly gripping it and brought her hand to his mouth gifting, a small simple kiss to her knuckles. Muse, stared mouth slightly open she wasn't so sure of herself now and with the feelings she felt towards the Knight it was a heady combination resulting in her almost leaning forward till the soft giggle of a Nymph woke her from her daze. She had to snap RK out of it and soon a mischievous idea formed. Giving RK a smirk she rushed forward using the surprise to push him into the water, soon hearing a gasp of breath and a crashing of water meeting armour. “Well… that should cool him off,” she sassed with glee.

Chapter 10: Forest Dreams

RK pressed on through the forest, still grumbling about the unpleasantness of trudging through a forest soaking wet... in armour, no less. Muse lost count of how many times she had heard the word 'rust' in the last few hours. “I said I was sorry... mostly” she said for what seemed to be as many times. The soft chuckle that followed somehow detracted from the sincerity of her words...

After a short while they came upon a clearing. “it's getting dark. This seems as good a spot as any to camp for the night,” RK muttered, “Better get a fire started.” He concluded. They hadn't seen any signs of anything that may be problematic, and so set about gathering firewood. Moonlight aided their search the full moon was approaching.

The warmth of the fire felt good against the chill night air. Winter would soon fall across the land. Muse felt as though it might be this very night. The cold didn't seem to bother RK. He still seemed upset about the river incident and not much in the mood for chatting and so announced he would be turning in. Muse had actually done all she could do given the circumstances back at the river, and deep down RK knew this. His discomfort was in all actuality tempered by the understanding that Muse was actually quite resourceful.

As he emptied his pack, glad he had put it down before his impromptu assisted swim, he noted Muse shivering but the damage had already been done. She also became painfully aware of how many times she had apologized to him in just this one day. “Thank you,” she sheepishly replied as she approached and slid beneath the heavy blanket facing away from him. It was so warm she almost forgot she was lying on the forest floor on the verge of winter. “You're welcome,” RK replied after a moment's pause.

As Muse lie there with her back to him she heard RK rustling around. She suddenly felt compelled to complete her apology, “RK... I truly am sorry I...” she managed to say as she rolled over to face him when she discovered RK was stripping completely. She quickly rolled back to face away, “what are you doing!?” She blurted out. “What? You didn't expect me to sleep in my armour did you? My clothes underneath are still soaked as well,” RK replied never turning to face her. RK was many things but shy was not one of them. Nor was being crude.

Muse could not help but glance back at something she had noticed. She had never seen a man before. She wasn't seeing him very well now either. The waning fire had dimmed. What she could make out was the form of a strongly built man silhouetted in the moonlight, covered with as many scars as muscle. She could see full well that these were scars of both battle and captivity. How much pain had this man man been forced to endure in his lifetime? The evidence before her broke her heart a thousand times. As she rolled back to face away from him she felt a tear sliding down her cheek.

RK slid under the blanket, careful not to touch Muse. He knew this must be embarrassing enough for her already. He couldn't help but grin a tiny bit. “now we're even for the river,” he Mused in his mind… fully putting to rest any further notions of playful revenge. “Are you comfortable? Warm? Enough blanket?” He could not help but be completely concerned for her safety and comfort.

“Oh, yes, plenty, thank you,” Muse replied, wiping away the tear. “I'm fine, thank you. Good night, Knight...” The unintended alliteration made her smile.

RK smiled, too. “Pleasant dreams, little Muse.” RK knew a lie when he heard one. She was anything but fine. The cause though, that eluded him. Maybe she would tell him someday, but that time could wait until she was ready. And soon the night fell silent as they drifted off to sleep

During the night, Muse was groaning and soon shivered like she was suddenly cold. With a slight groan, black flames danced on her body and slowly in the light of the waxing moon released the spirit within. Slowly waking, she looked up and smiled in the moonlight for its rays made all shadows stronger. With a wicked smirk she started to get out of the bed and spread the mischief she longed for but instead found the knight she tried to kill. "Well, hello, handsome," she purred but quickly noticed the knight was asleep. "Take the fun out of it," she sighed. When the knight shifted and groaned she noticed his breath was heavy his skin clammy and she could practically hear his heart pounding against his chest ."Now what could possibly make a knight quiver in fear… " with a sly smirk the idea struck, if Muse's knight was having a bad dream… perhaps she could help. "I may no longer wish to kill you, knight, but mess with you? Now that I really want to try." While the knight was too focused in the fight at the ruins to sense or be charmed by her powers… but, in a dream? Ella was going to show him exactly what aspect she stood for.

Slipping back beside the knight she summoned her flame and with a barely there caress, trailed it up the knights body leaving a light trail. Quickly the fire was absorbed into his skin and with all the grace Ella had, she slipped into his dream, her fire creating a subtle link. With a smirk she closed her eyes, her mind's eye showing the dream RK was currently having.

inside the dream all Ella could see was fire hot and intense the kind primal man feared and inside it she found the knight barely keeping himself together. "Now this won’t do, having a nightmare while I am sleeping beside you… tsk, tsk, you could ruin my reputation, knight" Ella stated to herself, watching for a few more minutes before summoning her flame to cover her body. Bound with the element until she was nothing but flame, she allowed a shiver to run down her spine. In this form she was her most potent, most in tune with the fire of lust. With a wave, the fires surrounding RK turned black and lowered and barely licked at her ankles as she stepped towards the bewildered knight. She stalked towards him, using every bit of her form, to distract him… to charm him. Letting her power flow through him, she met his eyes and danced around him, light caresses against his back and arms, caresses affected as Ella lay beside him, using his body to tease him. Every touch affecting the dream, every action done, Ella performed outside of the dream, as her fiery self twirled about him, keeping just out of arm's reach but stealing soft caresses. Her voice whispered of dark promises in his ear… the things she tempted him with echoing in his head.

Ella toyed with the knight. As soon as he responded to her touch, she stopped or simply whispered more promise into his ear. She was working the knight. Her fiery self dancing with him. Staying fluid and in motion. Always managing to rile the knight up. She chuckled, deciding to risk staying still enough to whisper against his lips "Burn with me… knight" she whispered teasing the knight hard watching his reaction and running a finger down his spine to cause the shiver she had hoped for. She couldn't help giving the knight a clue as to who was actually tempting him but it seemed the knight was a little too far gone to register a subtle hint.

With a dark thought she pressed closer having her fiery self wrap around the knight tilting his head to hers. She slowed her action drawing it out, letting their lips come closer, breath caressing each other's face. At the very last second, she brushed their lips together and with a slow breath, her form flickering in the wind faded, stealing the knights will away and leaving him simply stunned. Ella smiled and slipped out of the dream, fully aware of the state she left the worked up knight in and with sun lighting up the sky allowed a simple smile to grace her features. "Now were are even, knight, you really shouldn't play with fire" she thought to herself as black flames danced over her form revealing a sleeping Muse.

Muse could feel the warmth of the sun rising as dawn broke. For a moment she was disoriented with her current surroundings. How could the forest floor be so comfortable? Then something strange happened. It felt like something had sniffed the back of her neck. Had RK rolled over in his sleep… naked? This suddenly became awkward. She snapped awake but remaining still. Had she dreamed it? The sensation came again. Now she knew it was no dream. The sniffing continued slowly up the back of her neck to her hair. She could hear and feel the warm breaths moving closer to her ear. Oh how it tickled, but she dare not move. What was she to do? Suddenly a warm wet tongue tickled her cheek…

That was too much… she was afraid she actually might be starting to enjoy it. She was blushing as she sprang to her feet from under the blanket and whirled to face him with an elegant agility befitting one such as her. “Hold it right there… ” she scolded as she spun to face… a rather shocked looking fox. RK was nowhere to be found. “What the… ” was all she could manage to say, utterly beMmused at the poor, little, seemingly petrified fox. She could not help but laugh at the whole scene. She was literally doubled over in laughter as she thought aloud, “If RK saw that he be in hysterics.” This made the whole situation that much more hilarious to her. She glanced back to the fox. Still in shock, it hadn't budged in the slightest. Her laughter was uncontrollable.

“By the moon… you are a Muse,” came a shy whisper…

This startled Muse. All laughter ceased. She immediately sprang back to her defensive posture. She was not alone. She glanced around quickly to find the source of the whisper.

“No human could move like that,” the small voice whispered again.

Her patience had shattered. “Who said that? Come out...Show yourself!” she commanded sternly.

Suddenly she became aware of the fox who was now sitting at her feet, staring intently at her. “It was me…”, came the whisper once more. Muse staggered back, falling to the ground. The voice seemed to be coming from the fox. The fox approached and sat before her again. “My name is Vex,” Muse heard the voice say, not with her ears but from within her mind. “Are… are you speaking to me,” Muse stammered. “In a manner of speaking. You can hear my thoughts. Only the gifts of the Muse allow such things,” Vex replied.

Muse regained her composure and crawled to the fox extending her hand to him. “My name is Muse, yes.” Muse replied stunned. “Your kind was only thought to be legend among the woodland creatures. No Muse has been seen for nearly 20 generations,” Vex explained, “we feared none remained.”

“Sadly, you are very nearly correct, kind Vex,” Muse replied, "I know only of my aunt and myself." Vex nuzzled her hand as a gesture of trust.

“Mistress, it would be of the highest honour if you were to permit me to serve you in any way that I might,” implored Vex. “The honour would be entirely mine, Vex,” Muse espoused as she rose scratching Vex's ears.

Just then RK returned to the camp, thankfully dressed. He had gone foraging for some food in order to supplement their rations. “Sleep OK, Muse?” he asked as he noticed the little fox. “Oh, I see you've made a friend.”

“RK, come and meet Vex,” Muse started excitedly, “he… ” Muse trailed off as Vex shook his head.“Muse, stop,” Vex interrupted her, “He cannot hear me. Only you can. Humans might think you mad, or worse… a witch.”

“Vex? You named him already?” RK chuckled. Following the counsel of Vex, Muse stated, “Vex was the one that woke me, he's going to be our companion” Muse smiled and looked to Vex, comforting the worry from his animal eyes. RK sighed, “Alright then. If a fuzzy wake up call means so much to you. But he better not have fleas.” With that RK broke into raucous laughter.

“FLEAS? Well I never! How rude!” grumbled Vex, Muse could not help but chuckle herself.

Suddenly RK and Vex fell silent, quickly turning to face East. RK already had sword and dagger at hand.

“Impressive,” Vex muttered, “I think he heard them before I did.”

“RK, what is it?” Muse stammered suddenly feeling nervous.

“Orcs… two of them,” Vex replied

“Orcs… three of them,” whispered RK, “One drags his leg. His stride broken, as though he's injured. Two others. I can't believe you can't smell them, Muse.”

Just then Muse caught the slightest hint of something foul on the wind. She looked with surprise at Vex who was staring more intently at RK than the direction of the orcs. He seemed lost in his thoughts, which Muse could hear.

“Smell them? And he could hear a lame step? I'm not only impressed, I'm almost embarrassed. And where did his sword come from? I never saw him draw… who is he?”

“Never mind that, what do we do?” Muse called out to RK.

“You two find cover … NOW!” RK ordered.

Muse and Vex had no intention of arguing as they spied the orcs beginning to clear the knoll.

Chapter 11 : The Fury Returns

RK sheathed his sword and dagger as he eyed their approach. One thing was certain, he knew they had not seen him yet. As his camp was already set up he decided to begin packing his things. “What in the hell is he doing!?” Vex all but screamed in Muse's mind. Muse could do nothing but shake her head in astonishment. She had absolutely no idea what RK's plan could possibly be.

The trio of foul smelling and tempered creatures staggered into the encampment. RK casually went about what he was doing. Occasionally glancing back at the unkempt rabble. Oddly enough, rather than attacking RK on sight, as Muse and Vex had expected, the orcs stopped and looked utterly baffled at what they had found.

As they stood muttering to each other, RK stood to face them. “You know fellows, as raiding parties go, you're not particularly stealthy. I heard you coming from nearly 200 paces.” The orcs, if amused, most certainly didn't express it.

“So are you coming from the Pass of Triapharous? I had heard they were ambushed just a few days ago? Nice work. Took them in their sleep,” RK espoused, sounding almost respectful of the heinous deed.

Vex and Muse stayed silent. His tone made them both nervous. He seemed to actually admire what they had done. Dozens slaughtered. Muse began to recall echoes of the fortune teller naming RK the Angel of Death. Could it be that he really did approve of such a thing. Vex didn't say a word, Muse didn't feel he had to.

RK casually strolled up to the trio. As he approached he mustered his strength to keep from retching at their stench. How anything could smell THAT foul was beyond him. But he was not unfamiliar to their unpleasantness. “But I have to tell you… you made one serious mistake,” RK began, “and it was a really big one.”

The trio was curious. Troghar, the leader spoke in gravelly tones, “And what mistake was that, you puny pink-skin. They all cried as babes when we tore them apart. None survived. It was a grand victory.”

RK was fussing with his bracers as he approached. He was steeling his mind for what he soon had to do. He always remained calm going into battle by reminding himself of the lessons he had learned. The orcs towered over him nearly by a meter. It was safe to equate each orc as at least an RK and a half. If there was any trepidation in him, Muse could not see it. He placed both hands behind his back as he stood face to chest with Troghar and looked him dead in the eye as he spoke. “Your mistake was ever entering that town.”

With the speed that even Vex could barely follow RK had drawn his sword which he had sheathed upside down over his shoulder. Drawing it down and thrusting to the left of Troghar, RK drove the silver instrument of death straight into the throat of the orc behind him. By thrusting to Troghars right side it would take longer for Troghar to bring the gore crusted battle axe in his left hand to bear,

the orc on his left would have to go through Troghar to get at him.

With his sword firmly lodged in the throat of the orc, RK strode passed Troghar and away. The circular slash cleaving the head of the orc from its shoulders. The body didn't even have time to react as RK stepped behind the spouting corpse and kicked it towards the other two, sending them both reeling even further away from RK.

“Surprise and distance… Always do the unexpected… lull them in… use their own strengths to defeat them… Create distance by using their weaknesses against them… Make the loss be of their own design… And once you've exhausted surprise and created distance… ” RK heard his mentors say.

“I had friends in Triaphorous,” RK roared with a guttural fury which startled Muse and Vex as he himself sounded very nearly inhuman. “I showed this fiend mercy compared to the hell I shall drive you to this day. I took away the problem with his leg.” RK's face had been twisted in fury from the moment he first struck, but now his expression was that of a terrifying maniac. “But now I'm all out of mercy, you b******s.”

“Destroy them, showing no more mercy than they would ever show you” the mental lesson faded to the sound of his own heartbeat pounding like furious drums in his own ears.

This image was one that may haunt Muse for the rest of her days. Such malice. it was terrifying. So much so that she could not stifle a shocked gasp. Troghar heard her, and shot RK a look of vicious evil in return. “Murg, bring me the wench. I will dispatch of this pink-skin. Then we're going to have some fun with her… ” Murg circled around behind Troghar and headed straight for Muse.

RK roared again... his fury unhinged. RK charged headlong into Troghar who had pulled a broad shield from his back. Both crashing to the ground. Even Troghar did not expect such fury from a pink-skin, “You would make a fine orc, pink-skin, a fine orc WOMAN” RK slammed at the prone orc with every fiber of his being, hacking and slashing at the orc's shield with blow after crushing blow. Eventually, RK could tell the shield was going to give out, and it did. Troghar was shocked, even he had never seen a shield of the orc's shattered, his impulse to kick RK off sent RK crashing into an unyielding tree.

Muse sped through the forest in order to find a better spot where she might take on this lumbering oaf. Vex was nowhere to be found. She hoped he hadn't tried facing these brutes and been harmed. Finally she came upon a clearing where she hoped to make a stand. The orc came crashing in blindly, just as she had hoped, he was pelted by the branches she so easily ducked under. The orc lunged clumsily, as he did so Muse deftly side stepped and slashed him twice with her daggers using a back handed stroke as she spun to get behind him. Much to her dismay she discovered that this side smelled even worse than the other. She spun quickly to return to his front slashing more brutal slices into the brutes repulsive hide. He was still turning to face her. Possibly blood loss already slowing his movements, but deep inside she knew it was her speed that made him seem to be moving so slowly. She chuckled as she darted around him hacking as she went. The ease she experienced was almost comical. It almost played out like a dance in her mind… 1-2-3-stab, 4-5-6-slice 1-2-3-stab, 4-5-6-slice. She felt she could do this all day… or easily until he dropped. 1-2-3-stab, 4-5-6-WHULF! She had gotten so caught up in the dance she hadn't realized Murg was swatting her away with a mighty forearm. Apparently he had caught on to the dance. The strike knocked her senseless for a moment, sprawling to the ground. Her daggers clattered into the deep under-brush and disappeared. But that was the least of her worries at the moment. Murg was bearing down on her and he was not happy.

The tree dazed RK, but not so much that he did not recognize the approaching shadow. Rather than turn to check the source, RK rolled to the right side of the tree, narrowly escaping a punishing chop from Troghar's brutal axe. It was quite unusual for RK to be unaware of where his sword was, but this was one of those times. RK quickly scanned the area, the sword gleamed in the sun not 20 paces distant to his left. For now, though his daggers would suffice. As Troghar struggled to pull his axe from the tree, RK rushed in with two quick stabs to the repulsive creatures flabby belly, and ducking strike two more to the orcs left side.

RK had learned long ago, “If you're going to put your dagger into someone, you might as well make it count. Twist the blade, stir the wound, whatever it takes.” Rk had learned his lessons well.

Unfortunately every cut seemed to enrage the brute further. RK's instincts created the perfect plan, he dodged to the brutes left side just as the mighty axe began to come free. Troghar's arm was now nearly straightened as he pulled. RK drove his dagger directly into the orcs elbow joint. Twisting the blade, RK ensured the orc would never use this arm again. “Next time you try to use that arm, I want you to fail using it and remember the lives you stole,” RK snarled at Troghar, “IF I let you live, but it's not looking like that's very likely today.” The orc turned exceptionally quickly and drove his fist, nearly as large as RK's own head, into the side of his head with enough fury to send him crashing to the ground again. Right next to his sword.

As Muse rose to her feet a very odd site caught her eye. She allowed herself an instant to register what she saw. Vex at the end of the path the orc had crashed into the foliage barrelling in after her, was running to the east, calling to her as though he didn't know where she had gone, but he seemed to be more calling AFTER her. This made no sense but now was not the time to try to make sense of it either. Here she was in the path of an enraged orc, her power useless considering their savage nature, and weapon-less. How was she going to get out of this? She refused to give up. Suddenly she heard a whistle back down the path she had seen Vex. She looked but saw no one. BUT she did suddenly notice two daggers stuck into a tree not 10 paces distant. She immediately bolted for them. Somehow they looked identical to her own. But how could that be? The giant orc gave chase. Without breaking stride, she grabbed the daggers and slipped them in her hip sheaths. Two paces more she grabbed a young tree with both hands and used it to reverse her momentum back towards the orc. She broke into a feet first slide when she neared the beast, unsheathing her daggers she slid between the tree like legs of Murg, reaching out with the daggers tearing the tendons below his knees clean to the bone. Completing her slide behind him he had already fallen on ruined knees, unable to stand. With a brief prayer for his passing, she then drove her daggers straight into his ear canals. The quickest most merciful death she knew to perform. She paused briefly to clean the muck from her daggers then took off again to help RK if he needed it. She doubted very much that he would need helping, but if he was ok, then why didn't he come to her aid. Something wasn't right. The image of his fury still haunting her.

Vex met her in the clearing, but he seemed quite puzzled.

RK raised his sword in time to intercept the incoming blow from Troghar, he had hoped to keep Muse from harm, but now that was not to be the case. He tried his best to keep his mind on the enormous task before him, but his concern went with Muse as she turned to run into the forest. He knew she was quick and agile. He hoped it would be enough to keep her safe until he could dispatch this foe. The fog of his fury had begun to clear. RK raised his feet and shoved Thorgar back down the gentle slope so he might have just a moment to recollect his wits. Looking down at his foe, something didn't look, right. The orcs shadow seemed... wrong Perhaps the blow to his head rattled him more than he thought

RK couldn't help but notice the orcs shadow seemed to be growing as the slavering beast raised it's gore crusted battle axe with his one good arm to charge RK to deliver what might well be a lethal strike.

Staggered and still feeling the effects of the savage blow to his head, RK could barely keep focus on the approaching horror. He staggered barely able to stand, he truly felt this might be his end. His only concern was who would help Muse get home safely? He looked to where he saw her last, thankfully she and Vex appeared to be right where he left them.

He found it rather odd that Vex was nudging Muse as if beckoning her to look up. A look of utter horror twisted Muse's face. RK barely had time to cast his glance upward as a massive black object dropped from the sky with a meteor like impact.

As the dust settled RK became aware that this mysterious black object that had fallen from the sky landed squarely on Troghar crushing him instantly. This miraculous coincidence just saved his life. Until the truth began to become painfully apparent. Things may have just gotten infinitely worse... and RK slipped into unconsciousness.

Chapter 12 Power Play

Meanwhile Muse was dashing back to the clearing to assist RK when he wasn't there in fact. There wasn't even a sign of the two of them ever camping in the place. No fire remains, no dead orc, no foot falls it was like They had never been there. Puzzled she stopped “ but… this doesn't make sense… where did the fire's ash go or the body of the orc.” Sinking to her knees Muse tried to figure out what was happening. How can the forest look unchanged when she had just been here? Did she hit her head while fighting that orc and she was dreaming? She didn't know.

“Mistress, if we are to save your companion I do believe we should hurry and return to the right time.” Vex stated nudging her hand with his nose. “What do you mean right time?” She queried but now was beginning to feel a certain drain to her power. “I… don't feel right… ” she slumped feeling weak as the drain flared. “Mistress you need to send us back or your companion will be in trouble!” Vex insisted as he tried to help her . “RK… in danger…” she repeated, the words felt heavy as her fading mind struggled to understand the meaning. It wasn't until her mind gave her a flash of RK injured and out cold did her focus return. Her eyes snapping open as she struggled with the drain. “If am in control of this whatever it is send me back to RK now!” she commanded with a shout.

As the world wavered and came back into focus. Muse looked around the clearing finding it how she left it . Hearing a roar she looked to see a black elder dragon bearing down on a unmoving RK. “No… NO!” she screamed dashing to RK's side in an instant and standing over him daggers drawn and ready for attack. Her power flared around her in a brilliant golden glow. “Come on, BRING IT !” snarled Muse as the elder dragon reared back snarling at this small thing in the way of its prey. “Step away from the meat, Spirit, I have no quarrel with your kind.” Muse snarled back her power flaring harder as she took a step closer to the dragon. Her instinct screaming at her to run. “You will NOT harm him!” the dragon hissed again but backed up from the golden glow of Muse. “He is meat! Freely given you have no claim of him. I demand a tribute to my kind!.” The dragon snarled and growled back fangs and claws crashing at the thought of being denied fresh meat.

Muse knew he was right it was the law of the forest those that fell in the forest where meat for all and RK wasn't waking up anytime soon. Searching her mind for something to help. She remembered an old claim Muse's could make to give a person the same level of protection a Muse could ask for. One problem it was reserved for lovers and partners of Muse's. Could she really do this claim RK ? “Oh what choice do I have he's dead if I don't… auntie's gonna kill me… if RK doesn't first,” thought Muse her face the picture of grim determination. “I claim him as my Spark!” she shouted… a thunderous wave of energy burst forth from Muse sending an arc of golden light through the ground in a circular pattern startling the elder dragon. Muse stood at the center in grim determination, breathing heavily; having just declared to the whole forest that RK was hers. The spark that fuelled her creative energy. The elder dragon roared and snarled trying to threaten Muse but she stood her ground even Vex stood beside her his tail curling around her leg in comfort. Noticing that the Muse was not going to back down the dragon leapt to the sky his wings blowing Muse down to her knees. “Fine… the Meat is yours, Spirit, may he not be so unresponsive to your touch,” the dragon concluded. The venom hissed at her almost a physical thing.

Muse shook and shivered as the relief passed through her though the fear she kept in check chilled her to the core. Vex coming over to offer the woman what little comfort he could. Wrapping her arms around the fox cuddling him she lifted him and walked to RK'S side sinking to her knees beside him. As she let the fox down Vex scanned the Knight for injury. Finishing his observation he spoke. “Mistress he is injured heavily, most concerning is his head“. “Now what?” she thought sighing. She got up and set to work collecting wood, leaves and binding she would just have to wait to see her aunt this man did protect her. Even if his fury was something that scared her he had helped her and was always trying to help she owed him and she was going to repay that debt. Now it was her turn to rescue him.

After a while, Muse had successfully built a little shelter big enough to house RK laying down and herself curled up. Vex curled into a ball to help and was rewarded by some meat she found in RK's things. She had gotten the big blanket out and had brought the rest of his things, even collecting his daggers and placed them within reach.

”Now how do I help him..?” she wondered looking at the fallen knight, removing his armour had been tricky. Trying to support a heavy guy without letting him crush you was no easy task. She noticed blood on his padded shirt too. “Sorry RK.” She muttered as she removed his padded shirt finally revealing the true extent of the damages been done to him. Scars new and old puckered his chest. Holes and what looked like rips melded together, criss crossing his form. “Oh, dear goddess, how can anyone survive all of that?” Shaking her head she rid herself of the depressing thoughts. She realised that the blood was from a wound to his side and swiftly gathered a bowl and a clean rag from RK's things. From her own pouch she uncapped a poultice to place on the wound to help heal. Dabbing at the wound with care. She sighed starting the same process to the wound on his head and repeating the movement. She cleared away the blood and was thankful they weren't too deep rubbing the healing poultice on to the wound on his head and side she bandaged him up as best she could. Her healing skill only practiced on herself hopefully serving her well. RK seemed to be breathing easier as if the pain had stopped letting him rest easier letting him sleep and hopefully, Muse thought, heal.

With nothing left to do it gave her time to think and she wasn't so sure she wanted to. “What's wrong mistress?” queried Vex, the clever fox had answered what had happened to her before. In times of danger a Muse can shift to the future or the past and gain the upper hand in battle so when she left the clearing she was still in a different time and so their camp was never there to begin with. It also meant that during the process of gathering wood and binding for the shelter she had to jog by the place of her fight and stab her daggers into the tree. While whistling after they were in place, she watched her daggers fading from the tree and returned to their holsters meaning she had completed the action to get herself out of danger and had given her past self her daggers, the loop was fixed.

Muse sighed “I've got another Muse power to master, RK is injured and shows no signs of waking, and to top it all off I had to announce him as my spark to the forest to save his life… no doubt auntie already knows.” She ranted to Vex, curling up on her side she gazed at the sleeping Knight watching his chest rise and fall with deep breaths. “Well I can’t claim my life is boring any more with you around. Good night… Knight, good night Vex.” She whispered out curling under the big blanket once more. “Good night mistress.” Vex wished curling up beside his mistress's head as the pair fell asleep to the gentle sounds of a light shower of rain. Washing away the blood and mud of both Muse's and RK's fights the forest quieting and peaceful. The three companions creating enough heat to make the nights slight chill gone. Muse let herself think one last thought before surrendering to the pull for sleep. “I hope RK wakes up tomorrow… and doesn't find out what I did… please, goddess.” She finished her prayer and snuggled deeper into herself hoping that the coming day would bring relief.

Muse's hope for a new day never came, as during the night RK got much worse coughing and struggling with his bandages. Muse was still asleep, the effects from the previous day taking their effect. Vex, though, heard and saw that RK was in trouble and leaped into action as he barked and pawed at his mistress trying to wake her. “Mistress please you need to wake. We don't have time to waste!” Vex huffed and rubbed his wet muzzle against her cheek waking Muse with a start.

“Ahh!..Vex!..jeez did you have to wake me like that??” Muse complained the wet cold startling her from her comfy sleep.

Her gaze quickly turned to RK, his form restless and trying to undo the bandages on him, “RK! No stop!” she cried, out holding him down stopping his hands from removing his binds. “Please RK stop, listen to me, you're ok, sleep, please!” Muse pleaded. His struggles did not cease finally she pushed her power into him firmly touching his mind with the command of sleep. Only then was RK stilled. Breathing hard, Muse sat at his side. She needed help.

Chapter 13 Time to explain

As Muse pondered her options, she wondered, could she get her aunt to come to her? Muse's aunt had much better healing arts then her and she would be able to explain exactly what Muse gotten herself in for. The sparking process was not a claim she knew well. Apart from that it granted the sparked person the protection of a Muse. She needed her aunt and the only way to get her was to send Vex. “Vex?” she asked hoping that he could do this task. “Do you know my aunt or maybe can you find her and get her to follow you?” Muse pleaded she was running out of options and without proper care RK wasn't going to heal right. “Mistress if your aunt is a Muse, it should be a simple matter to find her but she may not trust a strange fox, ” Vex responded. Vex was right. Her aunt wouldn't trust a strange fox, but if he knew something no other fox would it might work. “Tell her Demitra needs her… hurry, Vex. I don't know what else I can do.” And with that the fox dashed out of the clearing, carrying the last remaining hope of a rather hopeless Muse and her fallen Knight.

It was the following day that Vex returned to the clearing with a tall elegant woman. A woman whose appearance denied her wisdom beyond years. Muse rose to greet her at the edge of the clearing. Her appearance weary from the nights struggles. Muse had not slept. Her caring for RK became more necessary as he became more and more restless.

"Demitria, this fine little fox brought me your message," the tall woman began, "How can I help you," she asked. "I did come as quickly as I could." The woman's tone was warmer than her expression allowed, an air of concern bristled from her. Muse could sense it. “Auntie!” she cried out dashing in to her aunt's arms for comfort. Her fear for RK and what damage she done by claiming him making her shiver as she raised her eyes to meet her aunt. "Auntie I need your help I've got a injured knight… he's a… companion he offered to get me home safely… he got hurt badly and I've done all I can to heal him.” Muse answered filling her aunt in on the current situation. “He got injured fighting to protect me auntie.” Muse continued but noticed the worried look her aunt was giving her trying to spot any injuries Muse might have. "I am fine auntie. My shift power saved me," Muse sighed as she shrugged her shoulders, an air of hopelessness about her as she stepped away from her aunt.

Gesturing for her aunt to follow, Muse turned leading her Aunt to RK, as Vex followed the two women brushing his tail against Muse in an attempt to comfort. RK was still unconscious. The tall woman knelt at RK's side and touched his face. The woman's expression changed as a shiver ran through her. The woman shot an intense glare at Muse, "Demitra… what have you done?" she whispered sternly. Muse could only wince the words feeling like a physical blow.

Suddenly the woman rose. "Vex, I need you to fetch me some tanglewood root from the forest. Some grows by the river just north of here… go now. Time is of the essence," she asked but it was clearly an order. Muse sighed and lowered her head."Go, Vex," she whispered out. Vex nodded in understanding and sprang from the clearing.

The woman turned to RK and closed her eyes in concentration. Some invisible energy sprang from her extended hand, slight graceful motions of her hand manipulating the forces sending them around RK. RK's form went rigid for a moment then relaxed.

"Now he will sleep while we wait for Vex." Muse opened her mouth to say something thinking she knew what her aunt was going to say. Only to hear her aunt state.“And no, Demitra… I don't think you do know what I am going to say.” Muse flinched she was always to readable to her aunt she couldn't hide anything from her.

Calra Muse, Muse's aunts full name, rushed to Muse grabbing her wrist and shaking it sternly, "Do you have any idea what you have done?" Calra scolded her hoping to get through to her stubborn headed niece. "Auntie it was my only choice," she pleaded for her aunt to understand. "There is always a choice, little one, this should not be, but it cannot be undone… you know that…" Calra sighed. "I'm sorry Auntie but he was going to be killed in front of me! I won't regret saving him, not from a death like that," Muse pleaded again knowing her aunt's frustration was not abated by her apology. "You have bound yourself to this man for eternity… and you don't even know his proper name," Calra tried to reason with her niece. “and he doesn't know mine I get it but I wasn't going to let him die he's a good man!" Muse pleaded again defending RK.

"He's not a good man,” Calra spoke with an authoritative tone, "he is a man who has done terrible terrible things.”

Muse glowering but remembered his fury and shivered uncontrollably. " No… no one's a pure innocent auntie," Muse said the words but she could feel her own doubt rising.

"He has done many things that he truly believed to be for the greater good… but to take a life is never a good thing.”

"His rage and fury is a fire that cannot be quenched… it knows no depth… you cannot fathom the things he has done in this state. And yet… ” Calra paused for a moment. Reflecting on something.

Muse sighed but still voiced her opinion, "I won't judge him for his past sins. The world has hurt him just as much as he has hurt the world, auntie," she stated, feeling conflicted all the same.

Calra nodded but knelt by Rk and touched his face again. Just as she had before, she shivered. "Demitra, what do you know of the bond you have created?" Muse sighed and tried to remember the legends of Muse's in history lessons Calra herself taught her, "It's a bond that can't be undone. I didn't have time to worry about the details ok!” She pouted already sensing the disapproval.

“Yes, " Calra whispered, with a touch of a smile, "it can not be undone" confirmed Calra, her smile fading. "I remembered that much of your lessons, I suppose aunt" she gave a wry smile in return. Calra rose and approached Muse. "I know why you did this, Darmauth was going to take him from you." She gently embraced Muse, "and you couldn't let that happen." Muse sniffed "I am sorry aunt.. I couldn't just stand there" she muttered into her aunt's chest. “Demitra, the bond is meant to forever entwine your soul with his. So young to have chosen, so young" the compassion in Calra's voice was so intense as to make Muse feel as though she should cry.

Calra took Muse's hands and began to explain. "This bond creates a contract with Destiny... the one who is the future. When the bond is invoked you become bound. Destiny will one day Take this mortal form of Reridian Kel… and send back, through time, his spiritual energy. This energy will become a companion to you that will never leave you until the end of your days.

So that was his name. Muse thought. “Reridian Kel” she tested the name on her lips it was strangely familiar as if she heard it before. “Wait companion, you don't mean … Vex?” she reeled back form the information. “Your perception is quite keen, Demitra...”

"The price of the bond is that you will not know the energy as the one you knew... it will be as a spirit guide. I presume you now realize why Vex could follow you into the shift.” Muse was stunned. She couldn't be saying that right? "Vex can follow you because he is Reridian,” Calra confirmed the thought in Muse's head but continued.

"But the energy retains no memory. Only the emotional bond between you,” Muse felt the truth in her aunt's words.

“Oh, dear goddess. So I really did bond with RK… I mean… Reridian. That's going to take getting used to," Muse's mind was still recovering but her aunt was not finished. "Little one, you must listen to me very carefully now, " Calra began her tone taking the utmost seriousness, "Neither Reridian or Vex may ever know of this bond. For them to ever be given the slightest indication, it would literally tear their shared souls to shreds… scattering them into the void.” “Destiny would consider this a hideous insult and so would come for your soul as well. Your fate would be the same…” finished her aunt, looking at her with worry. "Oh great I'd been better off not knowing." Muse grumbled but found herself looking at Reridian. "So me and you actually work… surprising." She spoke to him a slight smile curling about her lips. Calra laughed a bit but sobered. "Demitra, this rage in Reridian… it is to be feared. I have been granted a small glimpse into his future… his rage will be essential soon. I cannot say more on the matter, but, there is a choice to be made. You will know it when the time comes.”

"You are changing him, Demitra. Your power has nothing to do with this change in him. Take care that he does not lose that which drives him… the fury.” Calra warned her niece.

"When did you become prophet to the stars?" Muse complained but nodded to show she understood. “And what do you mean change?" she queried. "Don't be all mysterious now" sassed Muse. "Little Demitra, " Calra smiled, “I cannot give you all the answers. Lessons are to be learned, that is when the answers become the the treasures of wisdom."

"And one more thing," Calra started her tone becoming stern again, "Time shift is not to done so lightly. The shift is quite dangerous. The thread of a life can only be wound in so many directions before it becomes irreparably knotted."

"You are young and these gifts we share will become more natural as time passes. But for now, using them recklessly could cause more harm than good." warned Calra.

"Yes, ma'am, no power wasted. No recklessness, yes, ma'am" Muse sassed snapping a salute.

"Demitra Muse! Do not think for one moment I appreciate such impertinence. Also harbor no delusion that though you have seen nearly eighty autumn's that I would not hesitate to put you across my knee and tan your sassy little fanny!" scolded Calra at her impish niece. "Only kidding auntie. " Muse giggled smiling at her aunt, a hint of mischief playing on her face. "Hmmm… " Calra paused a moment, then her expression softening, conceded, "Some things will never change, you silly thing."Muse grinned out. "You wouldn't want me to change auntie" Muse smiled before distantly hearing the patter of paws as Vex trotted into the clearing.

Muse noticed Vex returning with a mouth full of the strange root Calra had requested. Once in the camp again, Vex laid down and rolled around on the roots chewing at them playfully. Muse was concerned by this, Calra needed them to heal Reridian. "Vex, stop," Muse blurted out heading to Vex to take them from him. "Oh, let him play, Demitra." Calra stopped, eyeing the playful little fox with amusement. "But, Auntie, we need them to… " Muse began, but was hushed by Calra. "No, little one, they were but to distract Vex so we might speak. Tanglewood is almost like catnip for foxes." Calra smiled, "He probably doesn't even remember me sending him for them. " Calra turned to Muse, "My magics will speed his recovery on their own. He will be well tomorrow. Try not to get into any trouble until then." Calra smiled lightly as she teased her niece. "How very funny auntie, I was doing just fine before tin man over there got hurt.” Muse grumbled and pouted bringing her knees to her chest in a defensive position. With a warm smile Calra lifted Muse to her feet again. "I must go now. Aid Reridian on his quest," Calra pulled Muse close in a warm embrace. "Have a care, little one, things are not what they seem. If you should need my aid, just send Vex to find me again" She smiled. Muse hesitated letting her aunt go. Could she really continue this adventure? Wasn't it too dangerous?

"Auntie, I am not even sure what to do next," Muse admitted, her tone seeking comfort and direction. "The doubt you are feeling, now, Demitra, hold it close. Let it serve as a reminder from becoming overly confident," Calra hesitated and added,"Like a certain recent dance that did not end so well." Calra chuckled a little bit. Muse snapped her head up in reply her cheeks a bright red "but...but you weren't there!" she stuttered her mind flashing the scene in reminder causing even more of a blush to decorate her face.

"Vex is really quite chatty when he is excited," Calra admitted eyeing the Fox again as he played, oblivious to any sort of care in the world. "But, never question your ability, little one. In you, there is a power. It may take a very long time to fully understand, but now that power is even greater for as he remains your companion, Reridian now shares his strength as well. Together you are now truly one." Muse was still blushing at the statement but nodded to show she understood. Calra hesitated in leaving and reached into her satchel revealing a green book with a hand written title, “If you ever find yourself in need of my guidance and cannot come to me yourself then use this book as a method to calm your mind. Be careful though,” Calra warned Muse, “only open this if there is really no way to figure out the problem on your own. Lessons do need to be learned to be accepted.” With a final hug Muse accepted the book and took the warning to heart. All the while, Muse also made a note to mention to Vex to not tell her aunt everything in the future. Regardless, Muse hugged her aunt good-bye and promised to send Vex if things got difficult. She wasn't sure where this journey of hers would take her now but one thing she was certain of she would face it side by side with Vex and RK.

During that day Muse entertained herself by gathering supplies needed for travel. More food was definitely needed but she did make a small note to bring some Tanglewood. Her fox did seem to love it so, especially since he had been playing with the damn weed since her aunt had left. Word seemed to have gotten out that a Muse was camping in the clearing as no beasts even dared to wander near the area. Though this did make the choice for food limited. “Berries and dried meat it is,” Muttered Muse as she gathered the berries some sweet others a little too sour since her newly developed hatred for all things sour.

Collecting her spoils for the day, she set the fire and cooked her berries and meat lightly as she set about eating. She would attempt to feed RK something but the spell her aunt had placed would not allow him to awake till he was healed. Leaving Muse to deal with a hyper fox who's new game was to steal her meat. Muse smiled though she didn't mind. The fox was happy barking and pouncing on little bugs and creatures and considering who he once was… it was a nice change of pace from the tin man himself. “Vex, stop attacking things the night's going to come and I don't want to have to leash you to a damn tree.” The young woman sighed for what felt like the billionth time. She had sighed a lot today, maybe it was a new habit.

Vex panted, “sorry mistress but I was full of energy I wanted to hunt and play.” The fox was still happy but it seemed more contented now. Muse chuckled leaning over to pet the young fox. “Well it's nice to see you so happy it has been a rough day and night.” Muse stated all of the events that happened in such a short time. It felt like it aged her, or maybe she had just grown some from this. Wouldn't auntie be proud.

Shaking her head she began to hum a little lullaby her auntie had sang to her when she was but a kid. The tune was soothing and familiar and calmed her mind. There were still many questions to find the answers to but for now she would simply let go.

She hummed a little louder as she stroked Vex. The fox himself lulled into a deep sleep as Muse soon followed. A deep peace settling around the clearing as if just for this night all would be still and only the morning light would break the spell. As Muse fell asleep with a smile on her lips unaware that RK face was anything but smiling.

Chapter 8: Dreaming a Nightmare

Muse was stirred to her senses by a roar she knew she had heard before. Spinning around she once again came face to face with the black elder dragon Darmauth. The same scenario of RK out cold beneath him and the great dragon bearing down for the kill. Without hesitating she dashed to his side again standing over the unmoving body of the fallen knight. “Enough, he is protected you can't harm him !” Muse yelled defying the dragon. Yet fear still crept across her skin. She wasn't so furious this time and even in what she guessed was RK'S dream. She didn't know the rules here and simply with her being here the dream could distort rapidly.

The dragon chuckled a cold heartless thing, "Oh, there are no more deals for you to make, little one. I do not come for him this time, but for you. Your pact with Destiny defends him… But not you… " Darmauth roared and charged for the unprepared Muse. “Oh, goddess,” Muse barely muttered as she dodged the massive claws that swiped for her. “You can not evade me forever, Muse.” The dragon snarled as he attacked again at an impossibly fast rate, too fast for a dragon his size. The dream was becoming a nightmare and Muse wasn't the only victim.

RK was screaming, yelling and fighting to get his frozen body to move as he was forced to watch the elder dragon hunt down Muse. He couldn't help as he watched claws pierce her skin, her blood dripping down her prone arm. As Muse screamed so hard that she shattered her voice reducing it to a whisper. Tears mixed with blood the scene so painful to watch the knight wanted to be killed as well instead of having to endure this woman's suffering. As the dragon played with Muse's injured body before letting it drop beside him a bloodied mess of pale limbs and silent screams.

Muse was in hell. Every nerve was screaming at her and the cruel hissed laugh of Darmauth vibrated in her bones as he sliced and toyed with her flesh. She couldn't stop this nightmare it was too far gone. She summoned her strength and asked the one question she could think of. “Why” came the broken whisper of a voice. One she barely recognised as hers. The dragon soon answered. “The eye of moon amulet, the treasure of the Muse's is corrupted young one.” As his claws wrapped around her body. “The power to corrupt men's hearts and destroy their minds, a treasure your kind has abused even the brother of the very knight you seek to protect is ensnared by it. In the Ancients castle ruins far from here. Tell me, little Muse, how have you made your power so strong as to sense it even there?” “How can you be so powerful already? Should that knight of yours even trust such a corrupted soul? Surely it's best if I end you now,” Darmauth’s dark promise echoed throughout the clearing as he brought a single claw to her chest. Muse struggled and cried streams of tears joining her blood giving the illusion of her crying blood. She pleaded one last time “p… please… ” Her broken voice barely heard as the claw pierced her heart. Her body going limp as a rag doll in the dragon's claws as he threw her at the unmoving knight. Muse's corpse staring at him with unblinking eyes. RK lost his mind as he screamed and mercilessly he fell into the void knowing no more.

RK sprang from his sleep. The whole thing was a dream? If he believed in such things, RK would have surely thanked the goddess that none of what had transpired in his dreams had been real. His mind could not fully adjust to whether he was actually awake or not. The rigors of battle had clouded his judgement. His disorientation unnerved him a bit, but then again, he had been through worse in his past.

"You don't look so good handsome," came a familiar voice from the shadows slowly the figure revealed herself to be Ella though her look was a little different, the black dress was gone and Muse's outfit in its place, her red burning eyes now simply ruby colored and her black tresses were in Muse's customary braid.

RK gave a start. It was the same shadowy figure he had faced in the ruins, "You?" RK growled, "what have you done with Muse this time, harlot?" RK fumbled in the dark for a weapon, any weapon. None were within reach. Was this the doings of the woman before him?

"Well that's gratitude for you!" Ella pouted and walked closer before pulling on the bandages around the knight's side. "I go through all the effort of redoing these and you call me a harlot? Handsome, you really need to work on your manners," Ella gave the knight a light glare but stayed where she was at RK's side. RK's confusion grew, "You... what? How dare you claim credit for what surely must have been the work of Muse? You torment us and then dare feign concern? Do you take me for a fool?"

"A self sacrificing fool yes," Ella wittily replied, "and will you not move around so much you are not healed yet and Muse is already at her wits end looking after you. For once listen, knight. I am not here to harm you." Ella had gotten irritated enough that she has struck the back of RK's head. "Muse is fine, handsome. She sleeps, I awaken. Get it yet? It happens when the moon shines the brightest."

"What are you playing at, witch?" RK replied in a sharp tone, "You wake while Muse sleeps? What nonsense is that?" RK was growing weary of these games. Yet, something in her demeanor spoke differently. Could she be telling the truth? Though blazing like crimson stars, her eyes spoke of a deep hidden sadness. RK felt compelled to hear what she had to say, despite her treacherous passed actions. He had no idea why, but he felt pity for this woman before him. "I… I am sorry, " RK began to apologize, "I suppose I should say thank you. Our first encounter was not on the best of terms, so please, excuse my mistrust." RK hoped he had not already been inexcusably rude thus far.

"Well, first off, my name is Ella. I understand it is confusing but that’s how it is. When Muse released me I didn't have a physical form anymore. When she defeated me she absorbed me. Tough for a girl that blushed because she kissed your cheek. How fair is that! You get kissed and I get trapped in her body to watch you two make kissy faces! Do I not get a break?" Ella was ranting now and had long since started pacing in the tiny shelter.

RK eyed her with a sense of almost amusement. For all the apparent differences, she did have many of Muse's qualities. Could she actually really be a darker shade of Muse? RK calmed himself. He knew he would be better able to understand what was going on if he could just focus more on the matter at hand, but Muse still occupied his thoughts. He had such trouble containing his concern for her.

"So what do we do now, Ella, was it?" RK asked inquisitively, still not convinced of her sincerity, and why was he paying particular attention to certain... physical features... of this darkened Muse as she gracefully walked about? He knew himself to not be a womanizer, but he could not help himself in this instance.

Ella paused her tirade and spun around to meet RK's gaze. "You sit there and rest while I...well I’ll wait it out until dawn and miss Muse comes back. Then I get to see more blushing and awkwardness, yay, " Ella's tone was borderline flat and her posture was less than amused at her future. She quickly exited the tent heading for the clearing.

The gentle sway of her features was mildly hypnotizing to RK. Something was amiss but he could not put his finger on it… Though he wouldn't mind trying. "Wait… What is going on here?" a tiny voice called out in RK's mind. This is not how he was. He rose from the ground to follow Ella into the night. "What are you?" RK called out after her. In the stark moonlight her beauty seemed exquisitely amplified, was it a spell?

"A hard answer. I used to be a shadow. You know, the whole ‘Though the moon is your greatest light all shadows grow stronger from its rays.’” That kind of shadow. Now, I suppose I am another side to miss Muse. That reminds me. I want a reward for keeping her and you alive after the orcs. So pay up knight." Ella smiled spinning around to face him again.

RK was startled. He was most certainly unsure if she really meant what she seemed to imply, or was it the wishful thinking of his now very naughty impulses? "I… I'm… Um… I'm not sure what you mean." RK stammered.

Ella giggled walking a bit closer she deliberately trailed a finger from his chest downward, "I think you know exactly what I mean especially with that stutter. My, my, having impure thoughts knight?" she teased lightly, a devilish smile on her features.

This was scintillating to RK. Her touch mesmerizing. Her voice intoxicating. Her beauty seemed unnatural. The dreamy scent of lavender in the air about her, she even smelled like Muse. Lavender? But, this was not Muse. Wait. This suddenly seemed… wrong. RK gently grabbed ahold of Ella's hand just above his belt. "I'm sorry, Ella, this isn't, right" The tiny voice heaved a sigh of relief. Other parts of him cried out in disappointment.

Ella sighed but backed away a smile still played about her lips. "No harm done, knight. I already know what side you choose but forgive me but it is in my nature to… tempt… " she smirked snapping her fingers to summon a black flame."Being placed in Muse’s head hasn't cured me of that. Your… virtue is safe knight, I won’t press you." Ella smiled and nodded. "I am a shadow though knight you may want to develop a resistance to me, I can wait on a reward." the woman smiled but it didn't last. She remained where she stood.

"Ella, I sense a sadness about you." RK remarked, his voice reflecting his pity. "We are not always what we chose to be, are we?"

“I didn't choose knight," Ella muttered, her posture slumped all the teasing air left her, as she slid down a nearby tree to sit her arms coming around to hug herself. "Some of us are born without the choice."

RK slowly walked to Ella's side and sat next to her. "Truly, I understand. I, too, am not always who I choose to be." RK gently put his arm around her shoulders, a gesture of compassion. He rested his head against hers. "But sometimes, rather than being who we choose, we become who we must be. My impulses are not so kind as yours, but necessity does not always allow us the choice."

"What is necessary to charm and seduce any male with a pulse? " Ella hissed under her breath but the flare of anger was directed to herself. As she accepted the Knights gesture. "You knew what I was trying to do, knight. I know I could make you go against your judgement. If I truly wanted. But… I don't. This won't do, a shadow crying? That girl must have messed with me, " Ella offered a light smile but tears were falling still regardless.

There was so much he wanted to tell her. That she was not alone. That he understood. That he accepted her as a part of Muse. But, he had no idea what words to use. In that moment, RK felt a compulsion, but he knew it was of his own accord. He gently put his hand to her cheek and turned her face to his. Ever so gently he kissed her.

Ella was scared. Scared of who she was, of who she was becoming. Her eyes were still filled with tears but she clung to the knight and kissed him back. It didn't make sense to her but she wanted just one moment of silence before the chaos claimed her again. "Just one moment," she thought and finally let her tear stained eyes close.

Slowly the form of Ella faded to that of Muse. Though his eyes were closed to the change, he could sense it. Muse lie asleep in his arms. RK was so relieved to have his Muse back it didn't even matter that she was fast asleep. Besides, he had no idea how to explain any of what had happened. He was not particularly inclined to let this moment fade as well.

RK gently picked up the sleeping Muse as he stood. He carried her into the shelter and lie her on the blankets, covering her carefully so as to not wake her. Then he lay down next to her, perhaps to get a bit more rest himself. Perhaps to keep her close, to keep her safe. He slowly found himself drifting to sleep. He honestly could not tell if what was happening had actually happened, or if it, too, was a dream... If so it was a fine dream...

One he hoped he would not forget.

Chapter 9: Awakenings

It was later in the day when Muse woke with a start desperately checking her chest for injury as her heart pounded wildly. Her breath ragged as her hand pressed to her chest finding no claw pierced hole she forced herself to breath deeply as the fear from the nightmare was still on her skin. She peaked out of the shelter she made to see the sun's rays hitting the trees the clearing looking just as peaceful and quiet as ever doing little to calm her down. She got up and walked out of the shelter as a slowly waking Vex followed her. “Mistress are you well?” The clever fox asked brushing his tail against her let in support Muse knelt down and petted the fox's fur the action helping to settle her frantic heart. “ Vex ..no it’s fine just a really bad dream am going to the river to get clean water keep a look out ok ?” She asked fluffing up the fox's fur. “Of course Mistress,” the fox agreed sitting in front of the shelter his senses on alert as Muse slinked off to the river with a small bowl.

Under the pretence of cleaning RK's wounds she stood in the river letting the gentle trickle and sparkle calm her soul and heal her mind “if I shared that dream with RK.. I dread to think the damage.. how did it get so out of hand? And what is the eye of moon amulet.. he couldn't have been talking about the Muse gem" she saw something similar in a script the one that boosted a Muse's power could it be?..and his brother, where was his brother now? Shaking her head, she let the river calm her down. Though she was surprised Ella didn't show as she did before in the water. Drinking the water though made her feel better as she filled the bowl and made it back to camp.

Coming back she was welcomed back with Vex rubbing his body against her legs “thank you Vex .. I feel better but thank you for the comfort.” she thanked sincerely as she reached down and gave the fox a scratch . Muse entered the shelter and sunk to her knees before RK starting to unwind his bandages. He would need new ones now and any sort of task would help her mind focus better. As she unwrapped his side before lightly washing away the blood and cleaning the healing wound. Letting the air heal it now she kept it bandage free. As Muse finished with RK's side she moved on to his head. In a small act of indulgence she sweeped some hair covering his eyes away from his face. As she began to untie the bind there before a questioning voice interrupted her. "..Muse?" asked RK as he looked up at the young woman who seemed to be frozen.

After two beats of his heart she blushed like she had be caught doing something she shouldn't and squeaked out a reply. "You’re awake.." Muse couldn't hold eye contact with the Knight. What surprised her was the sudden hug she was wrapped up in. As the knight had her pressed against him tightly she had to admit it was a bit odd but it felt good as well. Till she felt him shake and she knew they had the same nightmare. Gingerly wrapping her arms around the knight she didn't know what to say. So she hummed instead humming the lullaby from the night before she offered what comfort she could. As she felt the Knight crumble in her arms his body falling back. Muse gently laid him back down she didn't say a word just comforted with what she could. Keeping her silent vigil over her fallen Knight.

Eventually day finally broke for RK. It was fully near midday when he finally rose and began to dress. He wasn't sure how he came to be naked to his waist, nor how he managed to survive at all. The orc had nearly laid him to waste, but then the dragon appeared... After that things were much less clear. He surely expected to not rise at all. Now here he stood in a makeshift shelter he didn't recognize. All he knew was somehow Muse had saved him but he had no idea how.

His latest wounds had healed that the fresh scars were nearly indiscernible from his already vast collection.

And that damnable nightmare...

Just then Muse entered the shelter. "Well i guess you're feeling better." Muse commented looking at the healing wounds before her eyes began to stray a little too much for her tastes. She ducked her head refusing to look up and see a grin on his face. The blush of her cheeks let RK know Muse still embarrassed quite easily. He pulled his shirt on to try to ease the tension. She still had her back to him as he approached. He gently laid a hand on her shoulder, "is this better?" Muse turned to see the now clothed chest of Rk and grumbled that she was so readable.

"I.. It's fine you didn't have to put on the shirt on my account." Muse replied barely thinking then realized how it sounded. "Oh no! I. I just mean that you should let your wounds get some air..I wasn't meaning...that. I was just. Oh goddess. " Muse gave up her blushing tirade and simply clasped a hand over her mouth hoping to stop her mouth engaging before she could think.

A smile broke across RK's face. He could not understand why it seemed he must, but he gently took Muse by her shoulders and pulled her into the embrace of his large arms. She seemed so tiny as he held her close. "Oh, Muse... I do not know what fates have brought us together, but you are the most amazing thing I have ever found. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met" He suddenly felt no matter how hard he tried, the words he wanted to find would elude him at every turn. He wanted to express gratitude and something more. But every phrase he would fumble through felt as though it wasn't even close to what he meant to express. Muse though had squeaked when she felt RK's hands around her though Muse was confused she was strangely happy to as she timidly hugged RK back a small smile on her face at the unexpected gesture. Her blush though was deepening as RK spoke. Did the nightmare shake him this bad ? "Well...I thank you for turning my cheeks the color of cherries and the.. Hug..but you have lost me a little bit..." Muse muttered out as she refrained from burying herself in the warm comfort of RK that was a little too tempting.

"Let's just say I had no way to stop myself. You have done so many amazing things, I couldn't stop my arms from holding you close if I wanted to" RK stopped suddenly. Had he said too much?

Seemingly dozens of memories of just the passed few days congratulated him on this leap of faith, while a little voice in his mind cautioned him to stop before he continued to make even more of a fool of himself.

His heart chimed in, "tell her you foolish oaf", that was the voice he decided to heed.

'I don't know how you healed me. I don't know how you dispatched that dragon? But no matter what explanation you chose to give, I would not question it for a moment." he stated with promise in his words. "While I slept, a terrible dream filled my mind. If such terrible things were to actually happen... I ... " RK stammered a moment. A tear welled up that he could not swallow. He had no memory of crying since he was a small child, but he could think of no more valid of a reason than to shed a tear at this moment. "I would surely rather perish myself."

The nightmare. Muse instinctively held RK a bit tighter. “It was only a nightmare. you don't need to get this worked up.” Muse sighed “RK just what...what are you trying to say?. Are you sure you have control of your senses? " She raised a hand to his forehead testing for fever but finding none. This was worrying Muse.. Had she used her power on RK too much and now he was acting like a love stuck fool but was he really just acting?. “I.. It was but a dream knight you need not make such declarations for dreams " Muse reasoned with the emotional knight. Though inside she was panicking... What had she done to Rk?.

RK retold Muse the dream she already knew. She couldn't let on that she knew it might raise questions. She suspected they shared the dream because of the spark, until she realized... This dream had revealed RK's deepest fear. Losing Muse. RK struggled with his own feelings all the while hoping to convey the sincerity of his words. He needed for her to know what he was trying to say... Because he had no idea how to say it himself.

"Muse... " RK let her from his grasp and began to pace. "When I was child I lived in the the shadow of my brother though it was never his intention. We were all we ever knew of people that might not hate us. As they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger... Over time I grew quite strong for that. But no matter, Bryn would forever be the hero I aspired to be. He was taken by the King’s guard and that was in fact the quest I had undertaken when I met you.” he finished.

"You said when we met, but you knew those knights at the inn..you didn't say how… you never have." Muse summoned her courage.. if the times for truths was now then she would get the truth to " ..how did you know them?" Muse held his gaze barely but she needed to know..could she trust him with her secret.

RK sighed. "I had hoped you hadn't picked up on that. But knowing you as I do now I realize you're far too smart to have not." RK tried to muster a sheepish grin. "Those men… I trained them. I once wore the banner of the king." Muse gave a start, she had suspected as much but also held a hope in her heart she was wrong. "It was the King’s guard that took Bryn and myself in after the deaths of our parents. We were too young to realize they were the guilty party all along. By the time we realized the truth, I had already been chosen to be one of their strike soldiers. They taught us every conceivable way to harm... To kill. It never sat well with me. Honestly. But I learned my lessons well, so well I was chose to train those who came after me. Those seven were among my last students before the King’s private cadre took my brother. With all I learned... Taking my brother became more than I could bear. I escaped the first chance I had." clarified the Knight

"I am no more a knight than the lowest vermin. To turn on one's king is to forfeit one's honor."

Muse glared hard at the comment and within two steps had RK pinned to the side of the hide shelter. "What utter absurdity! You RK are the most honor driven man i know. If you don't deserve the title of Knight then none of the others do as well." Muse's temper was flaring a bit as she had grabbed the knights shirt to keep him still. " Listen and listen well. You are a knight you do not need a king to prove that fact." Muse finished channelling the same sort of determination she had seen in him the first night they met and now was challenging him to find fault to her words her eyes held his as if daring him.

Her outburst took him by surprise. His shock slowly gave way to an appreciative smile that he could not help. "Little Muse... You will never stop finding ways to surprise me, will you?" She relaxed her grip for a moment. Resting her head upon his chest. "You've never been wrong that I know.... Perhaps there IS hope for me yet" RK chuckled softly, "Hope..." He repeated almost whispering. .

"Hope was never on my side... Until I met you. Now though, with you at my side I truly feel I could do anything" RK concluded.

Though it finally clicked for Muse to .Though it was her power he felt. She was the reason he felt he could do anything but the side effect of that was if she was ever lost to him it would wreck him. Her aunt's words echoed in her ears. "You two are truly one" Muse had bonded RK to her and now but was RK feeling the bond?.

Muse closed her eyes as she tried to will her tears away he felt something for her but she didn't trust if it was her power or Muse herself that caused the emotion.

Backing away she flashed a quick silver grin at his comment. She took a deep breath and prepared to admit to the Knight exactly what she was and what she could inspire in people . Praying in her heart of hearts that all that he said. Was for once not done with a touch of inspiration.

Muse was terrified but she owed it to herself and RK to tell the truth “RK, there is a reason why you feel like you can take on the world” Muse was struggling the fear of RK rejecting but actually leaving was like a bitter taste on her tongue.

RK suddenly had felt a bit of confusion. He suddenly feared he had said too much. He turned away from Muse as his head began to swim. Should he have listened better to the inner voice urging him to stop?

“I… I can inspire great deeds in people to light their passion and use it to push them to ...to a fate not entirely of their own choice.. Muse isn't just my name it's my title. Demitra Muse I am A Lady of Starlight . I ...am a Muse...”

A Muse... an actual Muse? The alleged myth come to life? The same being, which driven, by the pursuit of understanding, had gotten his brother taken? Suddenly he felt very unsure of a great many things...

“... a being of inspiration..and I have used my power on you RK...” Muse continued, but she was unaware of the fact that her voice was trailing off for RK. His head swimming. He felt dizzy and disoriented. Suddenly he was unsure of everything it seemed.

Vex, gently nudged at Muse's hand. Vex had noticed the struggle RK was experiencing, “Mistress… ” He tried to gain her attention but Muse disregarded him with a wave.

“...and i'm sorry truly .. but it could mean that what you're feeling is just what my power is telling you to feel.” Muse had shrunk in on herself at this point curling into a herself as she both made herself the smallest target she could and to hide from her own truth.

Why would she do this? His instincts had warned him, truly he was the fool. A myriad of emotions spoke to him. Was she the reason for that horrific dream? Her voice was all but gone to him now. But what he had felt seemed so very real. If it WAS an illusion, why did it seem so awkward.

“Mistress… ” Vex desperately was trying to get her attention now... something was happening. Vex could not clearly see what was happening within RK's mind but his expressions drew from one extreme to another.

Muse unfurled a bit from her protective stance and reached down petting Vex "Vex be still now is not the time to be energetic," Muse lightly scolded as stood back ready to face whatever RK would say to her

RK stood silent for a moment. Conflict tore at him. He had no idea what he should be feeling. He kept his back to her trying hard to hide his inner struggle.

"I… I'm… " was all that RK could muster into words at this point."RK?...." now Muse was worried he was to quiet and hadn't turned to face her..was he that disgusted by her actions that he couldn't look at her. Vex's tension rising, Muse began to ponder if his agitation might be a reflection of the fact that he and RK were one and the same.

For so long, RK had wondered what it might be like to share an emotional bond with someone, but now here he was, tormented by the thought that what he might be feeling was all a false dream."I… I think I need to be alone for a moment," RK stammered after a long pause.

Muse's heart fell at those words. So he was going to leave "Oh, sure, right that's fine" Muse tone was flat and almost empty. what had she done...

As Muse turned to leave, RK cast a wary glance over his shoulder. "Fool," screaming within his mind now. "Let her go," the voice grated in his mind. But still, he MUST know if what he felt for her was real. He steadied himself, he knew what he must do.

The conflicting voices raged within his mind, "Muse, wait… I… " RK fought all the urges to let her go. He had to know.

She paused for a moment before the entrance of the shelter, her heart racing.

She could sense RK approaching behind her. She didn't turn as he spoke,uncertain what she should feel with whatever he had to say.

Then he was right behind her. She could feel his breath upon her neck. He paused for a moment hearing the voices of discord fading, "fool..." trailed off into oblivion. He gently laid his hand on her trembling shoulder

As she turned to face him, she almost had time to hear Vex wail an alarm. She never saw the blow coming that ignited an agony to the side of her face. The world began to grow dark as he towered over her. The voices of the darkness which now filled his mind had won.

Somewhere in the darkest recesses of an ancient castle far to the east a shadowy figure began to thrill with laughter. The Muse would soon be his.

Chapter 10 Captured

It was dark wherever Muse was. Not that she could bring herself to care or move to find out more details. There were flashes of in her mind of RK standing to attention when Knights of the moon came to the clearing. Then another of her being placed in a carriage of sorts by some faceless knight. The sounds of the wheels hitting stone letting her know she was far away from the forest. The smell of damp stone as a iron gate slammed shut with the finality of death behind it. Muse knew she was captured knew she was in a lot danger but the one scene that replayed in her head was RK the gentle hand on her shoulder only for pain to explode on her cheek and his towering shadow above her. Over and over it taunted her.

“Please...RK..no..” Muse whimpered the string of broken words fell on deaf ears, she was on her own. How could it have gone so wrong. She was bounded to RK and now… was he her enemy? Oh how it crushed her to think of him as so “Oh, goddess, how messed up am I? I still care for him. Will I never learn?” she tried to reason with her heart that RK was no longer worthy of having such a hold of her. But it didn't listen. “Great am gonna spend the rest of my days loving what should be my enemy.” But, that promise she made, RK would never be her enemy. That promise still rang true. “Oh, auntie, how could I have gotten it so wrong!” Muse was screaming in her head. She dared not make too much sound. Who knew where her guards were. Though it was a small comfort to know that Vex would be ok. He was still free in the forest. “My little furball..” she allowed the barest hint of a smile on her lips thinking of the energetic fox gave her some hope. Hope enough to sit up and actually look at her surroundings.

The cell was rather bare a mat that vaguely resembled a bed and some other basic essentials. Though she would rather be as far away from them as possible giving their over used and rundown state . “A frog would be very happy here,” she uttered dryly as she stood up. The bruise on her face throbbed. Luckily the guards that took her didn't take the pouch that had her healing poultice. As she covered the bruise in the medicine the throbbing dulled quickly.

It also was helping her mind clear. checking the rest of her belongings she still had her dagger holsters no daggers of course but the moment she thought it they appeared as strong and as sturdy as ever. She almost screamed in surprise and joy but slapped a hand over her mouth to quiet herself. If the guards saw she was re-armed then they surely wouldn't let her anywhere near the king. With the thought of hiding them the daggers faded. “So that's how I got my daggers back. I willed them back. They are a part of me, my power.. heh talk about inspiration manifestation.” Muse smiled her hope was building. All she needed was the king to call for her. Then she was escaping.

Though her heart was throbbing at the thought of leaving Reridian behind she wanted this to be nothing more then a very bad dream. Muse though couldn't afford for her heart to trap her. And with that thought she sat on the mat and waited, biding her time for her hopeful escape. It was a while after that Muse heard the clanking of armour coming to her cell with a jingling of keys. The guard was inside, but instead of taking her chance now, she simply followed. She was going to hurt this king he had messed with her life and right now more than anything she really wanted to hurt something so the king served both purposes. Getting towed along by what she guess a low level knight of the moon she got a feel for the castle it was grand and elegant but it had an undertone of darkness. As if you looked too hard you would find something that didn't fit in with the airs and graces of the social elite. Muse kept herself calm and narrowed her focus to her self imposed task.

She was mad but she couldn't let her power manifest like it did with the elder dragon. This time she had to contain it with a quick smirk. She was eventually lead into the throne room. Two thrones faced her as the rest of the room faded from her mind… focusing entirely on the man on the King’s throne. She was forced to her knees in front of him and made to bow. With a wave of his hand, the King sent the knight away as Muse raised her head, her eyes meeting the one person she had tried so hard not to meet.

"Well well well... We meet at last. I am Felix, lord sovereign of this kingdom" the sinister figure upon the throne grumbled."Sorry I have a habit of killing your invitations. " Muse responded her tone dripping with venom. “Hmmm... Quite..." Was his reply, equally filled with amusement and irritation. "You and your kind have led me on quite the merry chase... Your attitude amuses me.” Muse sneered at the king. "I am not here to amuse you... but i’ll gladly lead you on an not so merry chase to oblivion." She felt her power flare but kept it as contained as she could but it showed in her now golden irises. "Oh... Is that so" Felix cackled. "I have walked this realm for ages beyond measure... More even than your fetching Aunt Calra... And yet you both harbour the delusion I have anything to fear from even one so powerful as you.” Muse fought against the sliver of fear in her blood her aunt was fine. Obviously this "king" wasn't who he appeared to be."Funny for you to talk about delusions, you must be cracked in the head... some benevolent ruler." She spat at him keeping her tone even. The faceless knight by the king stepped to intercept the crude projectile. "My goodness, how rude. Hardly befitting a princess." The king struggled to his feet. The years seemed to have taken its toll. “My captain here would be eager to physically teach you better behaviour... Subservience to be more precise," the king sneered in a most distressing and lecherous tone. Muse knew what that would mean and couldn't help shivering at the implications.

Turning her head from the king she couldn't stomach the image in her mind. Digging for her anger she found the courage to raise her head again."Rude would be gutting your Captain like a fish you snake!." Muse growled. "And she's already on her knees..." The captain huffed in a vile tone as be began to approach Muse, adjusting his trousers. Muse's words went unheeded. "Hollow threats, I can assure you." Sneered the King The captain dropped the battle axe from his belt. "This will be fun... for me," the Captain growled as he grabbed her by the hair "This not so much." Muse snarled as her daggers came to life as she sent the blades into his throat with a vicious sound spinning to stand as the captain's body fell to her feet. Muse stood ready, her power surrounding her like a flame as her daggers dripped blood her murderous gaze wholly on the king. "Oh... Now that was fun. To see such murderous glee from one so quick to proclaim themselves so pure. Perhaps your soul is as corrupt as I had imagined..." Felix erupted into vile laughter... Something in his words sparking a memory in Muse. "No...the nightmare.." the voice the same voice in the nightmare saying those same words. Muse's grip when white knuckled as her heart began to beat harder. "How… you’re not human." Muse declared as ice ran in her veins her power wild and unfocused as the shock was destroying her focus.

"How narrow your focus, young one. Humanity is a... " Felix paused, "useless thing. This husk of the human form is so fragile... I can barely maintain one for a single moon without my own energies burning them out. Surely your dear Aunt told you of the power Eye of The Moon.” Muse remembered what the voice had said about the amulet what it could do. "It's the corrupted version of a Muse's power. your despicable how can you steal someone like that I won’t let you continue to use it !" Muse proclaimed readying her daggers again. "Corrupted? Ha! What a ridiculous notion. This IS the source of the Muse gift... The true power. It enslaves these simple creatures and shreds them as dry leaves... The weak do not deserve existence. It was simpering fools, like your aunt, who felt some strong affinity for these weaklings," Felix hissed, "They deserve destruction... Just as your parents deserved to die... Their foolishness was the true corruption of the power..." Muse was frozen for a moment.

"Oh yes, Demitria, it was your own mother that performed the first spark ritual. She had to die... I was ever so glad to destroy one so foolish as to squander our gifts on the parasites of this world."

"You… YOU! AHHHH!" Muse let loose an almost inhuman scream her power surging through her veins into her daggers and she rushed Felix berserk rage fuelling her actions she pushed her power to meet him sending one clear command to die. All of Muse feelings exploded from her. The seething rage blinding her as she hacked at the King. Hatred driving every thrust, every slash. What made it worse was the fact she could not seem to touch the loathsome b*****d, he had manifested his energies as a barrier from her fury. He stood safely beyond her reach. The frustration compounding her rage... Her power flared to a degree even Felix had never seen. His barrier shuddered for a moment. Muse would not relent. The barrier began to falter. Felix amusement quickly disappeared when at last a slash made its mark, a single crimson streak down the side of Felix face. Muse hesitated for a moment to let terror register for the King. She wanted him to know he was about to die... To feel that icy realization of the coming pain she would deliver. Suddenly she felt an incredibly powerful grip take her tunic front. In a moment she was hoisted from her feet! To her uttermost horror, the hand was Reridian's. He held her aloft easily as she struggled. The King bellowed a sinister laugh…"Strike now, little hell cat... If you care to..."

Muse was suddenly aware that in her struggle she had rent the flesh from Reridian's arm. Deep cuts hinting the bone beneath. He did not flinch."RK! release me!" She commanded with her… power pushing it into man with force. As she cut the fabric that his hand had grabbed, the command aimed for his very soul, setting him to scream. He dropped her. With a dash back, she growled at Felix "What did you do him.." Muse kept moving, watching both Felix and RK her heart breaking at the image of her dagger cutting Reridian's flesh. "Silly Muse, this one was all too easy to manipulate, his unbridled fury... Raging against the feelings you had begun to stir within him. Such a clash... His marionette strings all too easy to take once his defences were so shattered from within... And you helped provide the last... Little... Nudge, " Felix explained, an evil playfulness in his tone, gently shoving RK. "Why you felt compelled to reveal your identity.... I couldn't have possibly planned your timing better myself." Muse realized now what had happened what Vex tried to warn her about. Her secret left him defenceless to Felix's power she had given the one she cared about most to the enemy allowing him to be controlled like a puppet on strings simply because she didn't believe his feelings true. “Oh RK... goddess... I am sorry”, she whispered speaking to the be spelled man. Her anger fading the more she looked at her Knight.

"Would you like to know the most amazingly hilarious detail of it all?" Felix snarled. "No... I don't think you would... That is why this will be all the more deliciously torturous for you. Your power, it could never work on on such as him. You were so enamoured with your own powers it never even occurred to you he might be doing what he was doing because he chose to."

"But now you're attempt to control him has created the synaptic link which causes your energy to draw his from him. His fate is now the same as any thrall... To wither and die as long as you remain in his presence. This is the true nature if the Muse gift."Felix cruelly gloated "No! Silence your tongue, you little toad!" Muse snapped at Felix her control was frayed and her defences were down the emotional storm in here head ruining her mind, she fell to her knees as her tears spilled. "RK please..." she pleaded with her knight the bond between them a heavy thing in her heart. There was no response from RK as Muse pleaded. He cast not a single glance.

"Mistress," came a shy whisper in to Muse's mind, "perhaps we should run..." Vex planted in her mind an image of himself near the iron gate. "The king speaks true... RK grows weaker with each passing moment."

Muse shakily got to her feet the emptiness in her gaze haunting as she responded to Vex with a weak yes she brought her eyes to meet RK's and through their connection said the words she hoped he would hear "come back to me" gathering her power she threw out her hand and sent pure inspiration into RK and Felix distracting them as she shifted out of the room leaving but a cracking of energy.

Muse had shifted to Vex tumbling out of the tear she created with little care as she barely stayed standing her mind and heart fighting as she looked at the fox her once alive eyes void "Vex...what have I done.." she faintly asked her will fading as she stared at the fox. "The fault is not your own, mistress, your rage drove your heart... The inspiration that much stronger. The effect amplifying the rate of decay. Your feelings were so well intended, Mistress. Do not despair..." Vex implored her. "I..i need to fix this ..the further way the less the effect right?" Muse asked her thoughts narrowing to saving RK. "Vex I need you to say here watch over him tell me if he gets better .. I need to go I ...this has to be able to be undone." Muse stood to leave preparing another shift as she gently petted her fox good bye. "I will do as you ask, mistress, " Vex whimpered, "perhaps that woman from the camp could help. She helped RK before, did she not?" Vex suggested "I can hope Vex.. I can hope." she gave the fox a quick smile and whispered the words be strong into his ear with a crackle of energy she leapt into the shift. "Mistress.." Vex whimpered being the last thing she heard as she shifted out of sight.

"I think not... " Snarled the King from his throne. Felix manifest a new barrier to halt Muse power. Muse was wrenched most violently from the shift the disturbance bringing her back to the throne room. She turned to run on foot if she must. She could not bear to make Reridian suffer any further. "Thrall, stop her."

Suddenly the room was filled with that voice that once terrified her, "Muse..." Erupted RK's bellowed notice, "Stop" As he strode forward, RK scooped the former captains battle axe from the floor and without breaking stride hurled the axe with nearly unimaginable force towards Muse. The deadly projectile whirled through the air created an loud thrumming sound. Muse slid right a small amount in order to barely avoid the blade and yet keep stride. The axe found its mark None the less, it buried itself deep into the frame of the dungeon door, rendering it useless.

The slam of the axe echoed in Muse's mind but she couldn't be distracted by it she had entered as much of a shift as she could. Muse was but a heartbeat back in time. She was stretching the Moment out in her shift if she kept her cool she had all the time she needed. Her aunt that's was where she needed to be though she had to see Reridian. Turning she met Reridian's eyes though he was but an empty husk of a man right now the same pull was there his strength his kindness all hidden but she knew they were there. Walking closer she reached up and moved the same piece of hair she had when he was healing in the forest. Fearing that this stolen moment would be all she could ever have her heart surged and for once Muse followed it. As she raised herself up on the very tips of her toes and gave a soft kiss to the man's lips the power flared then. The emotion making the kiss buzz with energy. Enough energy that she wasn't sure that she wasn't kissed back . The world wavered again and she realised her moment was up.

“Muse I have something to show you” gloated Felix as RK turns and stands at Felix's side Muse sank to her knees almost hopeless .

“For SO long I have feared your influence,” Felix muttered, his tone quite stern, “I see now that fear was for nothing,” he continued as he began to cackle, “You are NOTHING before me. I see that now. You are but a child tinkering with forces they do not even understand.”

Muse looked to RK for any sign of emotion. There was nothing. Not even the slightest flicker. His implication stirred the sense of doubt that maybe he was right.

As Felix turned to sit upon the throne his tone returned to a sinister grumble, “I had toyed with the notion of having Reridian kill you right now... but I have something much worse in mind for you.” His face contorted to a grin that chilled Muse. After all she had seen of his vile influence, she could scarcely imagine the depths of the twisted King's depravity.

“Muse, I have dreamed of so many ways to punish you,” Felix grinned as his unseen influence forced RK to move his hand to the hilt of his sword. “Reridian has provided me the perfect instrument to crush you once and for all. Reridian, I want you to kill... your SELF!”

All words were stolen as she helplessly watched Reridian draw his sword and raise it to his own throat. What was the twisted King playing at?

“Harming you would only hurt, Muse. Killing this man, a man who would so willingly give his own life to defend you... endure any pain to keep you safe... That my dear, will kill you every moment for the rest of your life," Felix concluded with a dark finality that struck Muse to her core. He was right. She couldn't imagine anything more terrible than this.

RK stepped from the dais to stand before Muse. He still would show no emotion. Muse realized Felix wanted to make damn sure she would witness every horrific detail. Muse wanted to look away... to run... but she was frozen staring into the eyes of RK. Searching desperately for some sign that he was still in there. She felt a tear run down her cheek as the realization dawned that he was gone... perhaps forever.

“Reridian... kill for your King,” Felix commanded carefully studying the tortured expression of her face.

“Yes... my... good … King... Felix...” RK muttered in a low stilted tone that seemed to not be his own voice. Muse could only look on in horror as RK touched the blade to his exposed throat. He paused for what seemed to be an eternity to Muse.

“Felix...” RK muttered once more and hesitated. “When did you start going by the name 'Felix'... Bryn”

Muse could not believe the words RK had spoken in a tone more resembling the voice she was much more familiar with. Felix bolted upright in shock. “What did you say?” Felix whispered.

“I know who you really are, brother. I know not what twisted forces have brought you to this tortured state, but I will ever know the eyes of my own brother when I see them. How twisted you have become,” Reridian spoke as he slowly turned his head looking over his shoulder to cast a glance at the now visibly nervous King.

“But whatever those forces may be...” RK announced as he spun in a fluid motion at a speed nearly impossible to follow, launching his sword at the twisted figure now shivering in horror... “I release you from them.”

The sword cleaved the air as it flew with the deadly accuracy for which RK was so well known. The blade sank deep, directly into the crimson medallion slung around the King's neck. The force of the impact slamming the King back into the throne. Bryn's unmoving form began to seethe with a crimson energy which grew in fury to a blinding degree.

Reridian dove forward tackling Muse to the floor. His own body shielding her from the massive explosion of energy released. RK's sword clattered to the floor next to them. Narrowly missing them.

The room was silent for a moment, filled with dust and debris. At long last, Muse and Reridian began to cough and sort their way from the debris around them.

“What in oblivion was that?” Muse coughed through the dust. “More importantly... are you OK?” Reridian questioning, gazing tenderly into the eyes of the woman beneath him as he supported his own weight to keep from crushing her beneath his armoured frame.

Muse smiled sweetly as she put her hand to Reridian's cheek, “My Rogue Knight..You came back, thank you.”

Her hand upon his cheek, the lustrous sparkle in her hypnotic eyes, and that sensuous scent of lavender... His emotion was no longer something he could resist. He lowered his face to hers and gently pressed his lips to hers. He could do nothing but close his eyes and drink in this moment. It was as if suddenly all his broken parts were made whole again. He still could not find words for this feeling that seemed to fill him so completely, and it no longer mattered. Perhaps this was the 'love' he had heard mention of in poetry and from doe eyed lasses. He could only hope she found the experience as pleasant as he.

Muse was a little stunned but soon gave in to the emotion her eyes slipping closed. She followed Her knights action pressing her lips back. Her heart was threatening to pound out of her chest she put all her fear and relief into the kiss when the two broke apart both were a little lost for words it wasn't till Muse winced her hand finding the debris from the stone that now surrounded them broke the two from their spell.

Reridian soon got his his feet and extended his hand to Muse to help her to her own. “It's over,” the relieved knight whispered to Muse as he hugged her tightly, “You never have to run again.”

She stood there for a long moment comforted by his words, content in his arms, and so grateful she had him back. Suddenly she came to a sad realization, “But... your brother...”

Reridian knelt to pick up his sword from the cluttered floor. He paused for a moment staring at the blade. “What is it?” Muse inquired curiously. “The blade,” Reridian replied quietly, “There isn't a drop of blood on the blade...”

The dust was beginning to to settle when they turned their attention to where the King had been seated before the explosion. A dim image was becoming visible. The form looked different somehow as the body slumped to the floor. Reridian strode through the debris with sheer abandon.

As Muse followed she saw Reridian scoop the body from the floor and hug it tightly. The body resembled the withered form of the King so little as to imply it was a different man.

“It's Bryn... my brother, “ Reridian's voice broke a little, “and he's alive”

Slowly Bryn began to stir, “Ease up, brother, or surely it will be you that kills me” he groaned with a weak smile.

“But how...” was the only phrase Muse could muster at this amazing turn of events.

“It was the amulet, The Eye of The Moon, that turned him,” Reridian replied, “I wasn't certain destroying the amulet would release you, Bryn, and I wasn't entirely sure you would survive destroying the amulet... but you were surely gone if I had not tried.”

“Wow... that's comforting,” Bryn chuckled.

After introducing Muse and Bryn to each other, the trio turned to leave the ruined throne room. As they walked, Muse offered one final introduction. “Gentlemen, I'd to introduce you to... the door RK sealed when he tried to kill me,” Muse attempted her most stern expression as she turned to face Bryn and RK as they came to a stop before the enormous gate.”How do you propose we get passed it?”

“Between the three of us,” RK started, “I don't think anything could ever bar our way”

The three shared a laugh at that remark. Those words seemed to ring so very true.

If they only knew what lie behind that gate…

The End…?

Author's Note

comments wanted :) ( i do not own the image)