Chapter 5

"Welcome home," Edward said softly to his lover as they stepped into the grand hall of Damcyan palace. He watched Anna's face carefully to try and absorb her reaction. It was a lot for her to take in at one time. The huge stone walls were colorfully decorated with the many flags and honors they had received as a nation over the centuries they had been in existence. Extravagant torches lined the wall with perfect symmetry, shedding their warm light over the giant foyer. An enormous red carpet was rolled all the way across the floor, leading to a large doorway on the other side. Anna's eyes moved slowly as she tried to absorb all that she saw. The firelight reflected softly off her red hair as it flickered gently throughout the massive lobby.

"Oh Edward," she breathed, her blue eyes wide with amazement. She stepped forward and placed her hand on her chest. "This place is magnificent!" Edward brushed a lock of his blonde hair from his eyes and smiled. He took her hand waved his arm around. "This is all yours, sweet Anna. All of it. Now that you have graced me with your love, all that is mine is yours."

His lover was silent, taken aback by the beauty of his palace. She took another careful step forward, as if the floor would break under her weight. It was all so beautiful, and Edward was giving it to her. She quickly turned to him and pulled him into a passionate embrace. He returned her gesture and held her tightly against him. Her sweet fragrance filled his nose as he pressed his cheek against her soft hair. It was then that he noticed her embrace was different than that of what she had given him so many times before. She clung to him with a slight desperation.

"Anna, my love," Edward whispered into her ear, suddenly concerned. "Are you alright?" His words were a cue for Anna's tears. A soft cry escaped her lips, muffled because her head was buried in his shoulder. He pulled away from her and put his hands on her shoulders. She looked down at her feet, and wiped her eyes with the back of her hands. Edward continued, horrified at the sight of his lover crying. "What is wrong?" She did not speak, only fought tears. "Did I do something wrong? I did, didn't I? This is all too much for you right now isn't it? Anna, I am so sorry, how could I be so insensitive? You come from a smaller town and now…"

Anna interrupted his words by looking up and placing her finger to his lips. Her big blue eyes glistened with tears. She swallowed the lump of tears that was in her throat and spoke softly. "It is not you, Edward. It's not you." She became choked up again and placed her hand to her mouth. Her head fell down towards her feet. Edward immediately reached two fingers under her chin and lifted it back up. He looked into her soft eyes with remorse.

"I don't understand, Anna. Help me understand. Please." She opened her lips slightly but no words came out. He begged again as a huge tear rolled slowly down her cheek. "Please, baby. Tell me what's wrong."

"It's my father." Edward became confused.

"Your father?" She nodded miserably. "Why? He gave you his blessing, didn't he?" Anna was silent. Edward felt his heart leap into his throat. He spoke with worry. "Didn't he?"

"No, Edward he didn't." With those words, a sob escaped Anna's throat and she covered her delicate face with her hands. Her shoulders heaved with sadness. Edward pulled her into his arms and held her tight. He stared off at the wall, shocked at what he had just heard.

"You told me, Anna, that he gave you his blessing," he said carefully as he held his crying lover in his arms. She clung to him with terrible sorrow and was unable to speak. Edward's heart broke for his lover as she wept. Trying not to move too fast, he began to lead her out of the hall and up a flight of stairs. He continuously whispered words of comfort to her in an effort to sooth her heartache, but it didn't work. They soon came to a door. When he opened it, they were met by a wall of warm air. Now on top of one of the lookout towers, Edward threw a vicious look at the two guards that were posted there, as if to say, Get the hell out of here. They scrambled from their position.

"Take a breath, Anna," Edward said calmly as they sat down on a nearby bench. She sniffled and nodded, reaching up and rubbing her eyes with force. Edward took one of her hands and squeezed while placing his other arm around her shoulder. He did not press her for answers. They sat in silence for a few moments to let her gather herself. When her tears had finally slowed, Anna spoke cautiously, not looking her lover in the eyes.

"He was so angry, Edward. I have never seen him that furious in my whole entire life."

Edward was quiet for a moment before he said anything. He spoke calmly. "You told me that he gave you his blessing when you met me yesterday in Kaipo, my love. Why did you tell me that if 'twas not true?"

"I knew you would not go away with me." Edward silently agreed with her. I don't want to come between the love of you and your father…

"Anna, you love and respect Tellah. That means more than anything in this world. I wanted you to have his approval to marry me, not his disapproval, Anna!"

She looked at her lover with sudden fierceness. "He does not make my decisions, Edward. Having his blessing is an advantage, not a must."

"But you are sitting here in my arms crying about it. I can't stand to see you unhappy!"

"Edward, coming to Damcyan was my decision and that can't be made by anyone else. He thinks you won't be able to take care of me but I am eighteen years old. That is old enough to know what I want out of life."

"But…" Anna placed her finger once again on his lips. She looked up into the face of her lover. His blonde hair hung loosely from under his bard cap as he watched her intently with his soft brown eyes. A slight redness covered his nose, an effect of his constant living under the sun.

"I love you Edward. I love you so much that I will do anything to be with you."

"But Anna, did you tell him that I am a Prince of Damcyan, or does he still think that I am a bard?"

"Bard." The Prince cried out in frustration.

"If you told him what I really was, maybe he would realize that I can indeed take care of you." Anna stood up suddenly and walked to the edge of the castle. She looked down upon the desert land. Edward walked up behind her and placed his hands around

her waist. Anna sighed sadly and leaned back into her lover, covering his hands with hers. They were so soft, so loving.

"I want him to accept you for who you are, Edward. I want him to know how well you treat me and just how much we love each other." A soft breeze rustled through her long red hair.

"Yes, I know you do, but how can I live with myself knowing that you are estranged from Tellah? He is all the family you have left." Anna turned around abruptly and looked into Edward’s eyes. He stared back. Her gaze was serious and unlike anything he had ever seen from her before. She reached up placed her soft palms on his face, stroking his chin softly with her tiny thumb.

"Edward, listen to me. I love you more than life itself. You treat me with the affection and commitment that I have always longed to be able to feel, and I want to spend my life giving that back to you." Edward reached up and covered her hand with his. Her warmth spread throughout his fingers.

"I love you too, Anna. You complete me. You really, truly, honestly, complete me." She smiled delicately, her eyes crinkling softly.

"My father will come around in time, Edward, when he realizes how good you are for me. He is just a stubborn old fool that can’t see past his own nose half the time."

"Are you sure? Please, tell me the truth, because I want you to be happy." Anna leaned forward and kissed his lips with a gentle passion. Edward’s heart fluttered in his chest, a fire lighting within him. She pulled away and smiled again, the tears finally beginning to dry up.

"Have I ever lied to you?" The Prince shook his head. "Well there’s your answer. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Edward. Nothing is going to stop us. Nothing." No more words were shared between the lovers after that. They pulled each other into a passionate embrace, clinging to one another as if their love was all they had to hold them together.

* * *

Rydia walked in front of Cecil and Tellah in silence, her eyes carefully helping her feet through the dim cave. The sound of dripping water echoed through her ears and the dampness caused her green hair to cling to her forehead. A faint weakness sat deep in her muscles for they had been walking for a very long time.

"How big is this cave, Cecil?" she asked, without looking over her shoulder. She reached down and adjusted her little belt that had begun to slip off.

"Not sure," he replied through his dark helmet. "Tellah?"

The old man carefully lifted his foot to step over a jagged rock that was in his path. "It shouldn’t be too much farther."

Rydia sighed and continued to lead the way through the cave. It was getting darker and narrower as they went and it was making her nervous. She couldn’t show her weakness though. That was one thing that her mommy had always taught her. The second you show your weaknesses to someone, you are letting your defenses down

Mommy…she thought sadly. I wish you were here…

"Rydia," Makaela scolded, looking down at her little daughter with irritation. "Why aren’t you eating your breakfast? I’ve asked you a thousand times to stop playing with it and just eat it!"

"I’m sorry, mommy," the little Caller apologized, sitting back in her chair and dropping her spoon into her bowl of oatmeal. "I’m just not hungry though." Makaela frowned.

"You’re such a picky eater." She picked the bowl up and scraped it’s contents into the trash. "How do you expect to have your energy for your Caller training?"

"I have lots of energy, mommy!" She jumped down from her chair and did a few jumping jacks, her green hair bouncing up and down. Makaela couldn’t help but laugh at her little girl. She licked her thumb and wiped a smudge of dirt off Rydia’s face.

"Child, you are always moving!"

"I like moving!" Rydia smiled her huge smile and began to finish clearing the food off the table. Her back still to her mother, the little Caller continued to speak. "Ya see mommy, Master Omelia told me today that I have a great…uh…what did she say? I think she said posental. Yea! I have a great posental to be a great Caller. I might even be able to call Bahamut one day!" Rydia’s tone of voice peaked at the mention of the Blue Planet’s most powerful call. When she got no reply from her mother, she turned around quickly.

"Oh no…" Makaela suddenly mumbled, her head drooping down. Rydia’s ran to her mother’s side and looked up at her.

"Mommy? Is everything okay?" Makaela didn’t answer for a moment, overtaken by a sudden, terrible feeling of dread. Her heart skipped a beat in her chest. Something was very wrong. Danger was coming…

"Rydia," Makaela said sternly, kneeling down and putting her hands firmly on the little girl’s shoulders. "You stay in the house okay?"

"But why? What’s wrong?" Her mother’s desperate eyes searched her face.

"Please, just listen to me when I tell you to stay in the house." A feeling of fright fell over Rydia. She had never seen her mother act like this before, and so suddenly at that.

"Mommy…"

"Rydia, I can’t explain it right now okay? Promise me you will stay in the house, darling. Promise me." The little girl nodded feebly, unable to speak. Her mother smiled and pulled her into a hug. Rydia clung to her fiercely, confused and scared. "I love you honey, very, very much."

"I love you too mommy." With those words, Makaela stood up and rushed out of the house. The slam of the door on her way out echoed throughout the house, leaving Rydia all alone in the kitchen. She stood there for a moment, too scared to move. Her mother had never acted that way before. Never.

Finally, Rydia gained her composure and walked over to the screen door. She pulled a chair up and climbed on, for the window was too high for her when she stood on the ground. She peered out curiously and immediately saw her mother frantically talking to a couple other village men. Bits and pieces of their conversation floated through the screen and into the little girl’s ears.

…Baron…danger…Mist Dragon…help…right away…why?…we need…but…

Rydia watched as the two men that her mother was talking to turned around and walked away from her. A look of frustration crossed Makaela’s face but she wasted no time. Clasping her hands together, she closed her eyes. Her lips began to move as she chanted something under her breath.

What are you calling mommy? Rydia whispered, watching her mother intently. Makaela’s hands furiously began to encircle each other. A cloud of fog slowly began to form at her feet. It started to swirl around her legs, capturing her long yellow dress in its flow. She slowly brought her hands above her head and looked to the sky.

"MIST!" she called loudly. The shrill cry of a dragon ripped through the air. Rydia covered her ears, surprised by the sound. An explosion of whiteness filled the air above her mother. A huge white lizard lifted its head from the fog and stretched its neck towards the sky. It cried out again, spitting a stream of white fire from its mouth. A set of powerful wings extended from the body of the massive beast and flapped masterfully, unsettling Mist’s air with strong authority. Makaela suddenly threw her hands in front of her and yelled an order. The dragon immediately obliged and flew off in the direction of the Mist Cave.

"Good luck," Rydia whispered, watching her mother carry out her magic. She placed her little hand against the screen. Something serious must have made her call the Mist Dragon. Whatever it was, she hoped it could be defeated. A number of villagers looked at Makaela with the same curiosity Rydia had. What was she sending the dragon after? The little Caller did not take her eyes off of her mother though. Suddenly, something happened that she had never seen before. Makaela, eyes still closed and obviously controlling the dragon with whatever it was doing, jerked violently. Rydia’s eye widened.

"Mommy!" She didn’t move though, as she saw her mother gain her footing. Her long green hair was ruffled slightly and a rip appeared on her dress. Then another violent jerk. And another. And another. Rydia cried out in distress. This wasn’t supposed to happen! The little Caller jumped off of the chair and threw open the screen door. She raced for her mother, but a number of villagers beat her there. The little Caller stopped dead in her tracks.

"Makaela!" one villager screamed, grabbing onto her arm and yelling into her ear. Rydia stepped back in horror. Her mother’s shoulders were shoved backwards, and her head thrown forwards. A cry of pain escaped her lips. The villagers screamed desperately at Makaela.

"Please Makaela! Pull back! It’s killing your dragon!"

Killing her dragon?! Rydia’s mind screamed. Her body became numb. She opened up her mouth in and effort to yell for her mother, but she was frozen. Every Caller was taught from the day they were born that if the monster they called was killed, they died as well…

Rydia watched helplessly as the villagers continued to beg Makaela to pull away from the dragon’s attacker. She shook her head violently, as if she could still hear what they were saying, even though her mind was so far away. "Danger…will…not…enter… Mist…"

"Makaela, don’t do this!! Don’t be reckless! Pull back! Pull back!" She suddenly became racked a violent seizure, as if an invisible set of hands were punching her body. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she shook. Unable to stand anymore, the Caller collapsed back into the arms of the one of the villagers and continued to convulse. They wrapped their arms around her in an attempt to keep her body from damaging itself any further.

"Mommy!" Rydia howled, finally finding the ability to speak. Her mother’s dragon was being beaten…and so was her mother. Rushing forward, she pushed frantically through the group of villagers and knelt beside her trembling mother. What her eyes saw, she was not prepared for. Her dress had been ripped to shreds. Huge bruises formed all over her face and arms with each violent wrench of her body. In hopes of trying to pull her mother away from the attack, Rydia placed her tiny hands on Makaela’s body.

"Mommy!" she cried sadly, tears beginning to burn her eyes. The site of mother in such a state was something she had never experienced or seen in anyone during her seven years on the Blue Planet. She begged with childlike innocence. "Please mommy, don’t do this! Come back to me! Come back to me!"

Another mumble escaped Makaela’s lips but Rydia was unable to make out what it was. Her head jerked suddenly and a shower of red came from her mouth. Rydia tried to turn away but she was not fast enough. Her mother’s blood blanketed her face. The tears began to flow then and the flowed even harder when someone tried to pull her from her mother’s side.

"NO!" the little Caller shrieked, yanking away from their grasp with incredible force. She fell onto her trembling mother with desperation. Her little body was tossed around with each violent jerk of her seizuring mother. More blood gurgled from the Makaela’s mouth. Rydia sobbed devastatingly. A deep gash suddenly split open the side of her mother’s body. The little Caller reached over with a scream and pressed her little hands over the wound.

"Mommy, please don’t bleed!" Her words barely came out, her voice choking on tears. The blood bubbled around her fingers, staining them a deep red. The voices of the other villagers sounded far away as she clung to her mother. Another massive attack hit Makaela right then. A wave of energy seemed to flow into Rydia from her mother’s body.

The fog swirled violently around her head. Where was she? She couldn’t see a thing but the noise of the wind was deafening.

"Mommy!" Her voice was carried away by the gale that surrounded her. She reached up to push her hair from her eyes. A sticky warmth covered the skin that she touched. Horrified, she pulled her hands away and saw that they were covered in blood. Her heart began to pound uncontrollably. She wiped her hands on her tunic and continued to scream.

"MOMMY!!!" Rydia stumbled forward, blinded by the surging fog. A blue light caught her eye though. Squinting through the endless white, she saw that it was source of her mother’s call. It was the blue ball of magic her mother’s mind was using to control the dragon. She began to run towards it but she stopped when another figure caught her eye. It was running towards her mother with his sword raised. Dark Armor. That’s all she saw… Dark Armor and a Dark Sword. Her eyes widened with horror when she realized that he was going after her mother. He was too quick though. Before she could do anything, he brought the sword down upon the blue ball. An agonizing scream ripped through the air as an explosion rocked the atmosphere. Rydia’s own voice joined in her mother’s cry…

Rydia’s mind rushed back into her body, and she opened her eyes. Makaela had stopped shaking and fallen limp into the arms of one of the villager that had been holding her. Covered in blood, the little Caller weakly lifted herself up. Tears streaked her tiny cheeks as she looked at the gashes on her mother’s body. Her lungs felt as if they would burst when she realized what had happened. Her mother’s dragon had been defeated. Another ear splitting wail broke the air…

Rydia felt a lump start to rise in her throat. It had only been a few days since her mother had died and every time she thought about it, which had pretty much been constantly, she had to be brave. Fighting tears drained her energy. Walking for hours drained her energy. Now here she was, in a dark, dank cave with two men that she barely knew, one of which was her mother’s murderer.

Why aren’t I more angry with him? Rydia thought to herself, suddenly feeling extremely guilty. I should hate him so much for killing my mommy and her dragon. But there was something about him. Cecil had been on his knees apologizing to her in Kaipo. He had said that the King of Baron made him do it and been so sincere about it. She had seen the look in his eyes when he begged for her forgiveness. There was something inside of him that told her he meant every word he said.

I’m sorry, mommy. I want to hate him, but I can’t. He said he didn’t mean to hurt you, and I believe him. Am I a bad girl for that? Rydia’s thoughts went up and down inside of her head. She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing, but it felt okay in her heart. There was just something about Cecil that calmed her and made her feel safe. Killing her mother was a misunderstanding…. a horrible misunderstanding… I hope you can forgive me, mommy. He needs my help. I am a Caller and I can help him with my magic. Please forgive me…

* * *

* *

The shadowed soldier stood tall upon the nose of the ship as they sped towards their destination. In the distance he could see the royal castle of Damcyan. His thins lips curled around his teeth in an evil smirk. He spoke quietly to himself with his hands clasped behind his back.

"So innocent you are Damcyan. Little do you know what is about to become upon your tiny desert kingdom." A low guttural laugh escaped his throat. It was caught in the flow of the swirling wind and was whisked away. The ignorance of the people in Damcyan was amazing to him. To have one of the worlds most powerful forces sit in the desert, out of the immediate reach of any of their allies, was some he would never understand. It was as if they were asking him to steal it. This is not going to be a problem. Maybe for Cecil it would have been a problem. Another cocky smirk crossed his lips. Cecil. You are such a fool. All these years I've been watching you have made me realize that you are nothing but a gutless fool. Come and stop me, young Dark Knight. I beg of you. Just try to stop me.

Anna peered out into the desert sky with growing interest. She and Edward had been sitting in each other's arms, enjoying the warmth of the sun, the occasional cool breeze and the comfort of each other's presence. Her tears had long ceased and became nothing more than a bad memory. Who knows how long they had been sitting together? Time passed so quickly when they were with each other. Now though, something in the horizon caught her eye. She sat up from Edward's lap and continued to watch the approaching object.

"What are you looking at?" the Prince asked her, releasing his grip on her as she stood up and walked over to the edge. He got up and followed the point of her finger.

"It's an airship," she replied curiously. Edward looked and nodded his head.

"It is! I wonder what father has planned that an airship needed to come here?" They continued to watch as the ship got closer and soon realized that there was more than one. In fact, there were six. Edward felt his heart begin to pick up it's pace. The ships were from Baron.

"Baron has never sent six of it's ships here before!" he exclaimed, rubbing his chin. The airships had now arrived and began to descend. The wind picked up, a result of the swirling propellers that mounted the massive beasts. Twisting tornadoes of sand erupted from the ground and flew around violently in the gale. The noise of their engines deafened Edward and Anna. The Prince stood strong at the edge, though, and eagerly waited to see who was going to exit the ship. He watched nervously as a group of Damcyan's soldiers approached the visitors. A ramp was thrown to the ground from the main vessel. Almost immediately, a slew of Baronian soldiers left the ship and swarmed around the men of Damcyan. The next thing he knew, flashes of sharp steel blurred the clear image of the soldiers below him. Edward watched in horror as his soldiers began to fall, victim of Baron's swords.

"Oh my god!" the Prince screamed frantically. "STOP!" He shouted desperately from his position but the loudness of the ships' propellers drowned him out. The image of a long silver sword piercing the chest of a Damcyan soldier filled his eyes. The injured man collapsed into a dying heap in the sand. The Baronian soldier withdrew his bloodied sword and went after another. Not wasting any more time, the Prince turned to Anna.

"Stay here, my love. I have to get to my father!" Anna's eyes filled with fear.

"But Edward…"

"Don't argue, Anna, please! We are under attack and I want you as far away from them as possible. Stay right here!"

"I'm scared, Edward." The Prince looked into her soft eyes with worry.

"I will be back for you, sweet Anna, I promise you. Swear to me, though, that you will not move from his tower." She hesitated. "Swear to me Anna."

"Okay, Edward, just promise me you will come back."

The Prince pulled his lover into a passionate kiss. She clung to him with desperation and whimpered when she pulled away. She was scared.

"I promise you, by the depths of my love, I will come back." With those words, the Prince rushed away. He took each stair two at a time, stumbling only once. Please stay there Anna…please stay there.

"Father!" Edward cried as he burst into the main hall of the castle. The guard looked at him with confusion but had no time to react. Edward watched as the main entrance to the palace exploded in a ball of fire. He recoiled away from the inferno and covered his eyes. Shards of splintered wood showered the hall, clattering against the walls, ceiling and floor. The heat of the fire brushed upon his back as he scrambled to get away. He lost his footing and was thrown to the ground. An agonizing scream filled his ears. Looking over his shoulder, he saw a frantic figure rolling around on the ground, flames engulfing it's body. A stream of Baronian soldiers kicked the remains of the door out of the way and trampled into the castle. Some held swords, some held arrows and some held orbs of magic.

"STOP!" a deep voice thundered. The King of Damcyan burst out of his throne room and held out his hand. The Queen stood behind him, surveying the scene in horror. Edward cried out.

"Father! Mother! Get back!" Three Damcyan guards quickly over came the royalty and pushed them back into the safety of the throne room. Edward scrambled to his feet and looked towards the enemy. A mass of battling soldiers occupied the foyer. The clang of swords and sling of arrows radiated through the air as they fought valiantly. Move, Edward, move! Another explosion rattled the castle walls as the Prince started to run. He ducked through the shower of fire, his eyes focused on the door ahead of him. He threw open the gateway and collapsed into the huge thrown room, heaving exhaustedly. The King and the Queen were headed for a stairway. They stopped and turned when they heard Edward cry out.

"Father! Mother!" The Prince pressed his back against the doorframe, bracing himself for the soldiers to try and break it down any second. A pump of adrenaline ran through his veins as another ear splitting explosion sounded through the palace. The Queen grimaced and ran over to her son. She pulled on his arm frantically, her brown eyes wide with desperation.

"Edward, come now! There is no time!" The Prince succumbed to his mother’s pull and was led across the throne room. The sound of screaming men split the air. Edward immediately stopped, reminded of his task.

"Father! You have to do something! Our men are being defeated!" The King rushed forward and tried to drag his son towards the stairwell.

"We have to get to safety first! Come on, Edward! It is not safe here!" Suddenly, the door behind them exploded with a violent burst of fire. The force knocked Edward and the King from their feet. His body was thrown across the room. He slammed against the hard marble floor and skidded along until he finally crashed into the wall. The Prince groaned, sharp pain shooting through his body. Air would not come and he tried to breathe in. Bright stars flashed in front of his eyes, threatening to make his head explode. He blinked a few times and was able to regain his vision. Weakly, the Prince lifted his head and watched in horror as a flood of Baronian soldiers filed into the room.

Get the Crystal!…Move, move, move!…Leave no one alive!…Storm the shrine!…Kill the King!

The words of the soldiers echoed in Edward’s ears. His head spun as he watched the enemy swarm the room. The cries for help from his fallen parents filled the air. The Prince turned his head slowly and saw that they too had been thrown to the ground with the forceful blast. The massive heat from the fire pounded against his face as he tried to get to his feet. The flags of peace Damcyan had acquired over its centuries of existence became licked with flame. Smoke tornadoed around the ceiling. With a grunt of pain, Edward forced himself to his feet and began to run toward his parents. He had to get them to safety.

"NO!!!" The shrill scream of his mother rocked the room as one of the soldiers jumped on top of her. With no mercy, he drove his sword deep into her chest. Her cry was cut short and replaced by a gurgle of blood from her throat. Edward felt his breath leave him again. He stopped, overcome by a sudden weakness.

Mother! he tried to scream, unable to move his legs. He watched with unimaginable horror as the soldiers quickly swarmed his father as if they were flies on a dead carcass. NO!!! PLEASE DON’T!!! And before Edward could do anything, his father’s life was taken.

Get the Crystal!

Edward found the strength to do nothing other than stumble backwards, away from his dead parents. They had been killed…murdered. His mind told him to run to their aid but his legs told him different. Almost unconsciously, Edward turned and sprinted from the room. The guards seemed too preoccupied by their task of stealing the Crystal of Damcyan to notice him. They must not have known he was the Prince…of course they didn’t. He was dressed as a bard.

Anna. The thought of his lover suddenly ran through his mind as he ran. Dodging the fire and falling pieces of the castle. A bloody fight was still going on between Damcyan and Baron. Edward stumbled frantically towards the stairwell that would lead him back up to Anna, his stomach heaving with nausea. Anna. As if his she had been reading his mind, his lover burst out of the stairwell before he could get there. He fell against her and looked at her, his eyes wild with grief.

"My…parents…are…dead!" he heaved, clinging to her with desperation. A terrible churning feeling sat in his gut. He suddenly glared at her. "Why are you down here?! I told you to stay upstairs! We have to get out, Anna, it’s not safe!"

"I’m sorry Edward, I couldn’t stay up there alone…I had to get to you!"

"Hey!" a deep voice shouted from behind them. Edward looked over his shoulder. A huge Baronian soldier covered in blood was pointing his massive hand towards he and Anna. The soldier pulled out his bow and arrow and aimed for them. With a war like cry, the arrow left the weapon and began careening straight for Edward's back. The Prince squeezed his eyes shut and prepared for the pain. Instead, he felt his body being whirled around, out of its path. Agony did not come. The only thing the Prince sensed was the sickening warmth of someone else’s blood running down the front of his pale, white tunic.