Sebastien had been pacing all day. They had received news before reaching Twynd about the location of the dragon. Lucifer had announced the information a bit old. He told Silvia to go on ahead and send the weapon back with the army. It was a long, annoying argument that ended only when Lucius began to turn.

They never reached Pravignon. The Luciorian army gathered at the Forest Castle where a large number of Nemnos and mercenaries had joined.

He was worried about his brother. Would Antoine go to Pravignon first? There would be no way to tell him the battle plans. Would he have to fight without his brother? Did Antoine even survive at all? All the doubts in his mind made him sick with worry.

Brianna did what she could to comfort Sebastien. She had snuck in with the army when he had told her to stay, but he was glad for her company. And what was new, Abbot Columbo returned and had confessed his involvement with Peregrine and coughed up information about Ferrium.

“Sebby, I brought you something to drink. You should rest a bit,” Brianna entered with a tray of goblets.

Sebastien sighed and wished circumstances were better and he could enjoy her company. They had both been miserable for days and neither could do a thing to cheer the other up. Sebastien sat and quietly drank with Brianna.

“It was very noble of your brother to go after Cecilia. If anything happened it would be my fault,” Brianna said for the twentieth time.

“Don’t blame yourself too much. We are all in danger. I am only sorry to involve you in such terrible matters again.”

“I know. We keep getting into trouble with you two,” Brianna chuckled. It was a cold sound, without mirth or joy. Sebastien could hardly stand the sound.

“Let us talk of other things. Tell me a bit what you have done since we last met,” Sebastien encouraged. “We have a moment to breath now.”

Brianna turned a little pink. She felt a little embarrassed about having a few boyfriends now. Sebastien would understand, though. They had not expected to see each other again.

“Well, Cecilia and I traveled a bit during the summer before starting college. We went to different schools so I didn’t see much of Cecilia. I made lots of new friends quickly and it was very exciting. I had just started dating Greg a few weeks before our spring break when Cecilia and I decided to travel to Europe. She had been getting depressed. Things weren’t going well for her in college at all. She really didn’t make any friends and then she heard Father Andy got sick and left Mount Carmel. Even our trip to Europe seemed to be a disaster around her. She got sick on the first day, our hostess kept upsetting her, and the weather was always rotten when we did go out,” Brianna related feeling more and more unhappy.

“I was so selfish. I never thought how miserable she would be. I was so sure she would recover from last year, she seemed just fine. And then we arrive here and I just cause her more problems by getting her involved. I can understand why she would run away.”

“Brianna, stop,” Sebastien seized her hand. Brianna had started crying and buried herself into Sebastien’s chest. Sebastien was unaccustomed to this reaction and felt mildly confused on the proper reaction. For now he just sat dumbly and let Brianna get it out of her system.

“Thank you, Seb,” Brianna sighed at last. “I know I am such a burden to you.”

“Don’t think like that,” Sebastien snapped. “Making yourself upset will do us no good. Let’s go visit with the Abbot for awhile.

Brianna pouted, “You know I don’t like him. He seems shifty to me.”

“Don’t be silly. He’s too afraid to betray us now.”

Brianna looked grim.

“There are very few women here besides the mercenaries. The Abbot is at least gentle in speech.”

Brianna knew she would not win this one. Reluctantly she followed after Sebastien.

They never reached the Abbot due to a commotion at the front gate. The king, Leon and Lucifer had rushed out to meet the new arrivals.

An escort of Nemnos elf mercenaries escorted Antoine and Cecilia to the fortress walls and took their mounts. Cecilia hung behind Antoine while he was greeted by his Father. The king had a very kind face that did not suit someone about to go to war. Cecilia liked his face for it reminded her vaguely of her own father. Her stomach sank at that thought. Before she could let it bother her, she found herself trapped in arms and pressed against cold metal.

“Thank God you’re safe. I was so worried about you. You weren’t harmed were you? Tell me, did Aidern do anything to you?” Lucifer asked eagerly.

Cecilia was pleased to see him. Although, he did not seem as gentle in full armour. She could also not forget the scar down Aidern’s back.

“I’m fine. Really,” she replied coldly, brushing Lucifer aside.

“That’s right, we have discovered many new developments on our travels here,” Antoine reported firmly.

“I know of their movements,” Cecilia said quickly, stunning everyone silent. “The weapon needs two days to recharge, but they shall use it against us once they find us. They know of this place.”

“My child, let me gather the generals and you can impart to us your knowledge,” Leon said softly.

Even his voice was unfit for the battlefield. Cecilia felt horrible for him.

“You knew and never told me?” Antoine asked in obvious anger.

“I could not betray Lord Aidern until the appointed time,” Cecilia said. “I will explain more inside, my lords.”

Antoine marched inside, deciding he was not interested in what Cecilia had to say. He would hear it through the grapevine later. He was infuriated. Brianna was the first sight he saw. Her eyes anxious and joyful. He glowered at her. Even after all this, Brianna would not be interested in him.

“She’s back? Is she all right?”

“The Viper is fine…but it shall be the last time I pull a favor for her,” Antoine snarled and brushed by her.

“Antoine,” Sebastien started.

“I’m not in the mood now, Seb. I’m going to lie down.”

“Oh Seb…do you think I…did something?”

Sebastien sighed, “I’ve never seen him so angry. But he has a lot on his mind now. I’m sure Cecilia has upset him somehow. Come now, I’m sure you’re anxious to see your friend again.”

She had done it. The plan was going smoothly for now. The generals now knew the involvement with Horen and Baron. They also learned of the reserve army hidden in Valon that was aimed at Twynd. Sereenis’la was no target. They were trying to spread the Luciorian army thin.

Lucifer was infuriated to learn that Aidern was involved with the attack on Pravignon and would confront them here. Cecilia tried to convince him that Aidern was not interested in destroying Pravignon but in overthrowing his father. Lucifer was stubborn. Cecilia gave up on him. Even with her influence over him, the elf would not sway. Although, she did leave out mention that Aidern wanted Lucifer out of power.

After the exhausting meeting, Cecilia went to meet with Brianna. She owed her friend an apology at least.

Brianna and Cecilia made up quickly. Cecilia mentioned that she had possibly found a way home. Brianna looked pleased.

“That’s wonderful news,” Brianna exclaimed. “Although, with all this Halls of Time business, that would prove Antoine and Sebastien are not the Prophesied.”

“This prophecy thing seems to be the cause of a lot of problems,” Cecilia mentioned. “There have obviously been power struggles between these nations for years.”

“You would think that a promise of peace would put an end to it,” Brianna said firmly.

“Ah yes, but you see, war is profitable for many nations. Especially in times of great need. That is why World War I saved us from the Great Depression. The war time opened up new jobs in factories, soldiers positions, and an increase in research.”

“Cecilia, that sounds so weird coming from you.”

“I bothered to do some research which is why I went with Aidern.”

“Is that why? I thought for sure it was because you were angry at us.”

“What? No…well…I was upset and I haven’t been very kind to anyone, really. I thought it would be best if I went away. It’s too difficult for Antoine to be around me and it’s difficult for me to be around him. We really just don’t get on. Even if we try occasionally we end up angry at each other,” Cecilia explained, thinking about what Antoine had said.

“But he did go to save you. He volunteered on his own,” Brianna insisted.

Cecilia shook her head, “Whatever the reason…I have been cruel to him. All I can do is be useful and resourceful. That‘s all I will be for him.”

Cecilia insisted that Brianna try to cheer Antoine up. Brianna promised she would try and left Cecilia. Cecilia made her way out into the courtyard that was crowded with mercenaries both elven and human. She bit her lower lip, intimidated by the sheer size of some of the soldiers. The looks she got made her uncomfortable, but Aidern had advised her to find body guards among the mercenaries.

“Are you lost little girl?” an elf with silver green hair snickered.

A she-elf with a solid spear rapped him over the head, “Mind your manners, Arius. She’s the one who has bested both Aidern and Lucifer”.

Cecilia flushed. Had her reputation really spread that quickly?

“Cornelia…you are full of horse shit,” Arius laughed. “Someone so small could not best any elf. I could break her arm if I just…”.

Cecilia slipped out of Arius’ grip and glared. “I am really sick of grabby elves, you come near me again and your girlfriend will be very disappointed.”

Arius’ mouth hung open before laughing again. Cornelia cuffed his head again. “I told yeh, mind your manners you lummox. And I’m not his girlfriend…I’m his wife…unfortunately.”

“Then I’m sure she’d be doubly disappointed you won’t produce children.”

“She has the tongue of a mercenary but hardly the build. What are you doing out here then?”

“Recruiting. I will need a few bodyguards when I go into battle,” Cecilia stated flatly.

Several of the surrounding soldiers started laughing. Cecilia remained stubbornly defiant, although inside she felt like crying. The laughter stopped suddenly when a large woman slammed her sword near Cecilia, making her yelp.

“I will help ye. It sounds like yeh will be in the thick of the fray and things will be interesting around ye. I am Cambree and you have my sword.”

Cecilia mentioned thanks in a small voice.

“And I certainly won’t be bested by Cambree,” Cornelia announced. “My spear shall be yours, as well. Lady of the Prophecy.”

Cecilia’s eyebrows shot up and everyone was stunned to silence.

“What did you call me?”

“That’s the rumor. You came from another time without the aide of a Tempus. You were able to earn the trust of the enemy and retrieve information for our victory. You have bested Lucifer in your time and hold power over him. Whether or not the Prophecy is true is meaningless,” Cornelia explained. “You and your friend hold strange powers.”

Arius scoffed and shoved his wife, “Cornelia, enough of that fantasy. She is just a little twig of a girl.”

“And you call yourself a man? You will not aid a twiggy girl into battle?” Cornelia argued back, smiling coyly. “Beloved Husband, I know you will not fight without me.”

Arius sighed in defeat, “I won’t like it. You have my scourge, milady.”

“I am grateful. You see, this is part of the plan I have not revealed to the generals in fear that they would not let me proceed.”

Arius chuckled, “Are you planning to betray Pravignon after all?”

“Why don’t we discuss this in private?” Cecilia smirked, now feeling reassured.

“Good idea. This will be very interesting indeed,” Cambree nodded.

After informing her little squad, Cecilia returned to try to find Brianna again. Instead she found a little goat of a man slinking around the hallway, muttering incoherently. For a moment she followed him and listened.

“Yes my lord, she has revealed the army’s weakness to the generals. Lucifer calls out for blood.”

“Hush, you blithering fool. It seems we are being delayed here. Do not fear for your life. You are just a bumbling idiot, remember? I will do what I must here. I will contact you again when the time is right.”

Cecilia hurried away before she was seen. There was a traitor within the fortress. The voices were familiar. She recognized them as Columbo and the Baron. She would have to warn someone about this.

Unfortunately, the first person she ran into was Antoine. He opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it. He turned sharply away from her and began heading in the opposite direction.

“Antoine wait! Stop!” Cecilia pleaded.

“I have no time for you now, good day.”

“Oh would you just stop. I need to warn you…”

“About what now? More secret plans? Is there anything else you don’t want to tell me?”

“Plenty now, but Antoine you have a traitor in the castle walls.”

“I am already aware,” Antoine replied gruffly.

“You are?” Cecilia looked surprised.

“Of course, she’s standing right in front of me.”

“Antoine stop it. I am being serious.”

“So am I. Now I said good day.”

“Antoine! Columbo will betray you.”

“Oh, really? Why should I believe you?”

“You are being so pig-headed! I had reasons not to tell you right away.”

“I’m not terribly interested, Cecilia. We are done, good day.”

Cecilia growled after him and stormed off. Anyone else would believe her. Luckily, she found Brianna. Quickly she relayed the information about Columbo to her.

“I knew it,” Brianna said. “I’ve tried telling Sebastien, but he is too endeared to the old monk.”

“Those knights are so stubborn…it’s going to get them into trouble.”

“I know,” Brianna sighed. “Let’s tell one of the generals.”

After relaying the news about Columbo, extra watch was put on him. Cecilia then told Brianna about the battle.

“I’m going in, Bree. You can’t stop me.”

“Cecilia no! You can’t, you’ll be killed.”

“Our chances of survival are the same should Ignac succeed,” Cecilia said grimly.

“But you said you didn’t want to be involved and you can’t fight,” Brianna insisted.

“I don’t want to be involved, but I am. I can’t change that fact. I’ve hired some bodyguards to help me. I’m small and Aidern trusts me. I need to sneak into enemy lines so I can stop the dragon.”

“But why you? Can’t one of the knights do it or another soldier?”

“No…because another soldier would use the Dragon against Ignac. Whether its Pravignon or Ignac, using the Dragon to kill them would be wrong,” Cecilia argued. “I don’t want to harm either side. I will steal the dragon and take it out of the picture. Without it, the battle will proceed as normal, but it gives Lord Aidern his chance to overthrow his father and save his family.”

“His family?”

“The Lady of Valon is wedded to Lord Aidern. They have two children that they have to keep hidden. Aidern has already, through marriage, sealed an alliance with Valia. He is also interested in helping Telras who are allied with him.”

“If he’s even telling the truth!”

“He didn’t tell me this. His daughter and mother-in-law did. If it came from his mouth alone, I would never trust it.”

Brianna was silent in thought.

“Ceese, this is very serious. This isn’t a movie.”

“I understand that, Bree. This is something I can do. Then…then we can go home,” Cecilia said, with a sad smile.

Brianna shook her head. “That sounds so wonderful. I do miss Greg and my friends, but would you really be happy?”

“I was thinking about transferring to a bigger university. I think I need to be involved with a more diverse crowd. Somewhere I can start over again.”

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