"Everyone get inside quickly!" Alexander said. Every one filed into James' and Sarah's house. James looked a little shocked to see so many people in the house.

"James, I do apologise for the inconvenience but we were attacked and we need to recover before heading back." Alexander said.

"It's not a problem, but where's Lucifer?"

"He was captured by the light raiders after Alexandria wounded Gabriel."

Damien said, "Alexander we need to head back to the castle. If the light raiders discover were all gone they will take over the castle again, and that is something we don't need right now!

Alexander nodded and I said, "I think that James and Sarah should come with us as the light raiders might attack them."

Alexander said, "No, I think that you should stay here with them."

"Now that my father has been taken I'm in charge and James and Sara are coming with us! Damien and I will come back to get the people we've recruited. We need to leave now!"

Alexander said, "Very well, I won't argue with you, your highness. You are right."

We all got ready to leave. Peter hugged me and said "Don't worry we'll get your father back."

I nodded. We left the house. I put on my black cloak to hide who I was. The council surrounded me. James and Sarah were behind them. We set off at a fast pace. We didn't stop, except to feed and water the horses and ourselves, until we reached the castle.

When we got our horses to the stable I said to the men, "I want you all in the council room as soon as possible. Peter could you come with me please." Peter nodded.

I went to my room and found flash on my bed. She jumped off the bed and jumped on me.

"Lex are you okay?"

"My fathers just been kidnapped how do you think I feel?" I asked with tears in my eyes. He gave me a hug and a kiss.

"It will be okay Lex we'll get him back!"

"I know, but we will have to fight to get him back!"

As I said this he hugged me tighter.

"We will fight with all of our strength!" Peter said.

I nodded and threw my cloak on the bed. Flash immediately jumped on it.

Peter held my hand as we walked to the council room. No one was there yet. I sat were my father usually sat and Peter sat next to me. It was a while before the rest of the council came in. Alexander was the last one to arrive. He sat next to Peter.

"Could you tell me first what happened, Alexander?"

He nodded. "When we got there the light raiders were furious that you wounded Gabriel. They were concentrating on getting you. Since the light raiders were surprised they didn't fight, they seemed to just scatter. We got away with little injury. When I turned round they had your father bound and gagged. It appeared that he had been knocked out, some how. We chased after them but they sped ahead of us and we didn't want to leave you unattended."

I nodded and asked Peter, "You do realise what this is, don't you Peter?"

Peter looked puzzled.

"The vision I had a while ago about the fight in the execution arena remember?"

"But I thought you said that it was Jason that fought you, but he's dead." Peter said.

"Yes, but the event hasn't changed obviously. I knew that my father would be kidnapped at some point. The question is what do we do now?"

Alexander spoke "We need to find out where he is. They might want to make a deal with us."

"The only thing they want is me! Gabriel offered me to join them but I told him where to stick it."

Everyone laughed.

Peter said, "Maybe we could use this to our advantage make them think that you're one of them again."

"No, that won't work this time as they want me to be killed. Anyway, they wouldn't trust me anyway."

"She has a point, but what ever we do it must be soon! They may try and execute your father. However, I think that we should leave the question until tomorrow. We need to rest and think about this with fresh, clear, minds. We can convene tomorrow and discuss this in more detail."

I nodded. All, but Peter, left. He leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Peter, where are James and Sarah?"

"They have been settled in a room and they've been looked after." There was a knock, they looked at the door.

"Yes!"

A guard entered. "Your highness I apologise for the interruption but Alexander told me to come to you."

"What is the problem?"

"A fight has broken out in the kitchen and we can't separate them. Could you possibly come down and separate them?"

"Very well!"

I stood up and followed the guard out and down to the kitchen there were two woman fighting like two cats.

I shouted, "What the hell is going on here?" they stopped immediately.

"Well?"

One of the women spoke up. "It's nothing your highness, just a small disagreement."

"You call fighting a small disagreement? Let me make this clear. If I hear of any more fighting you will both be sent to the dungeons until my father returns to deal with you. Do I make my self clear?"

they both nodded.

I turned, "is there anything else you need my help with?", I asked the guard.

"No your highness, thank you for helping."

I nodded. "I'm going up to my room to lie down Peter."

"Okay, I'll be up soon Lex."

I turned and headed up to my room. I was playing with flash when Peter came in with a tray of food and a cup of wolf's blood. He sat next to me.

"Thanks Peter.", I said as I took a long drink of wolf blood. "I take it that I will have to deal with everything now that father isn't here."

"I'm afraid so Lex. Only someone with royal blood can take over the throne, even if it's only temporary. Don't worry, it won't be for long." He slid his arm around my waist and kissed me.

When he did, I felt the twinge again. I was walking down a dimly lit corridor. I had a flaming torch in my hand. "He's down here?" I looked around and saw Peter and Alexander. We walked down the corridor. We came to a stone door that was locked. It had strange markings on the door. The markings included two snakes circling a black orb.

I asked, "How do we open it?"

"I have no idea I've never seen these markings before", Alexander said.

"Lex?" Peter said while shaking me from my vision.

"What did you see?"

"We found where father was, but we couldn't open the door. I need to go to the library. I need to find the markings I saw on the door. If I don't we won't get father back."

Peter nodded. We headed to the library.

"What, exactly, are we looking for Lex?"

I drew the symbol for him. "This is what were looking for. Look in the light raiders books because in my vision I think we were in their dungeons."

Peter nodded.

I grab a handful of books and brought them to the table and started to look through them. It was near dawn when Alexander came in to the library.

"There you are, your highness. I went to look for you in your room but you weren't there why are you here?"

"I had a vision last night and if we don't find this symbol we won't be able to get my father back. So Peter and I started looking for it."

Alexander asked, "Have you had any sleep?"

"I can't sleep until we find this. It's the key to finding my father."

"Very well, I will have some food and the rest of the council sent up."

I nodded.

The food came shortly after Alexander left. For which I was glad. The rest of the council arrived about an hour after that. I was glad for their help.

Michael asked, "What does it look like your highness?"

I showed them all what it looked like. None of them recognised it.

"Why don't you go and get some sleep Lex?" Peter asked.

"I can't sleep not until I find it."

"Look, with you as tired as you are; you won't be any help to your father. Go and get some rest. I will call you if we find anything I promise."

"Thank you Peter, I don't like the idea of leaving, but we have been up all night and we're both exhausted. You should get some sleep as well.

I went to bed and fell asleep right away. It seemed as if I had just closed my eyes when I was nudged awake by Peter.

"What's going on? Did you find something?"

"We're not sure. We need you to come and look."

I nodded. I quickly dressed and almost ran to the library.

"Let me see what you found."

Michael handed me a book. They had found it!

"That's it! Where did you find it?"

Michael said, "It was in the very old books. We were lucky to find it."

I read the page that had the symbol from my vision. It said,

"There are many legends in our kingdom but none more mysterious than the legends of the orbs. These mystical orbs can only be touched by royal blood and if they ever fell into the hands of the light raiders great tragedy would befall our clan."

I turned to Michael. "Do you have any idea what this has to do with father?"

"I don't know. I've heard of this legend, but what it has to do with your father I don't know."

"Maybe it has to do with royal blood.", Peter said.

"Maybe but why would they have a door that only I could open? Doesn't that seem suspicious to you?"

Alexander suggested a thought. "It might have some importance if they had him on our grounds. Is it possible that the battle is just a distraction to draw us out so they can take the castle back?"

"It's very possible. Is there any where that only the royal family can enter?", I asked.

They all looked at each other.

"What?", I asked.

Alexander said, "There is a place that only a member of the royal family can enter!"

"So what's the problem?"

"Only your father knows where it is.", Alexander said.

"That is a problem, but there must be a record of it somewhere, yes?"

"It might be in the royal family archives. But if we do find it we can not enter. It's forbidden!", Michael said.

"We will discuss that if we find it."

They all nodded. Alexander went to the back of the library and came back with an armful of papers.

"These are the royal family archives. There are more but these are the more recent ones. I think they date from when your mother and father ascended to the throne to just before the attack when we lost the castle.", Alexander said.

I asked, "Do you have ones a bit further back?"

"Yes, just one moment your highness."

I sat down next to Peter and looked through the papers. One in particular caught my eye. It said,

"His majesty passed away today. Melissa and I will be installed as king and queen today. We have been trying for a child for nearly a year now. I'm starting to loose hope that we can have a child."

It was an entry from my father. I read on.

"We will be burying Melissa's father tomorrow. Only royal family members can enter the burial chambers, and only a royal family member can open the door."

I looked up from it.

"Alexander where is the royal family burial chamber?"

Alexander came from the back of the library.

"Have you found something?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if it's what we're looking for."

"It's located at the border of our land. I can take you there if you like."

"Yes, we may find the answer we're looking for."

"Okay, ready yourself and I will take you there."

"Very well, while I'm away Michael you're in charge."

They all nodded.

I went to my room and got my cloak. Peter came in and asked, "Are you okay?".

"I'm fine, I just want my father back!"

Peter nodded, "Be safe", he said as he gave me a kiss and a tight hug. We went down to the stables. Alexander was already on his horse. Spirit was ready for me. I mounted him, said goodbye to Peter, and we set off.

I followed Alexander we started to go through forest we slowed to a walk.

"What do you hope to find at in the burial chambers?"

"Hopefully an answer to the meaning of that symbol and how the door should be opened. Because no one seems to know what this symbol is for and we need to know how to open that stone door to get my father back."

"I've never seen the symbol before and it's never been discussed at council as far as I know."

"Do you think my father was hiding something from us?"

"I don't honestly know. Even he may have not known about this since he's technically not royalty and your mother may not have told him. We're almost there."

We stopped at a clearing in the forest there were large black gates. We dismounted and walked over to them. They were locked.

"Alexander, do you know how to open them?"

"I took the key from your father's room. Please don't tell him, okay?"

I laughed. As he opened the gates we heard the thunder of horse hoof coming from behind us Alexander threw me in and locked the gate after me "run and hide I will deal with who ever comes no arguments."

I didn't want to argue with him. I ran and looked for a place to hide. There was no where except behind the headstones. I found the largest one and hid behind it. I listened for any noise. There was the thunder of hoofs the clash of swords then, "Bloody hell Peter, I could have killed you. I thought you were one of the light raiders."

There was laughter. "Lex it's okay, you can come out.", Peter said.

I stood up and Alexander opened the gates again I ran over to Peter and hugged him. "Don't do that again Peter! Alexander could have killed you. Anyway, were are the burial chambers?"

"It's over here.", Alexander said. We followed him. He led us to the top of the graveyard. There was a small door. Alexander opened it, took a torch from inside, lit it, and handed it to me.

"I'm sorry, but we're not allowed to go in. It's against tradition!"

"But, I want you to come with me if father says anything I'll tell him that I told you to come with me."

"Very well, we will come with you."

I went in first. Torches lined a small corridor we walked down the corridor we reached the door from my vision.

"This is the door from my vision. But how do we open it?"

Peter and Alexander looked at each other.

Peter said, "I don't know can you remember what the book said about the orbs?"

"It said something about royal blood, but I can't remember anything else."

"Maybe a drop of you're blood will open it. Here take this."

Alexander handed me a small dagger. I cut my palm with it.

"What now?"

"Try putting you're blood on the orb.", Alexander said.

I nodded I squeezed some blood from the cut and pressed my palm against the black orb. I stood back, it started to glow and the door slid away. Peter took his shirt and ripped it a little and tied it around my hand to help stop the bleeding.

"Thanks Peter!"

I went in through the door. The corridor was lined with stone coffins with the same markings as the door.

"Which one is my grandfather?"

"I'm not sure, keep moving.", Alexander said.

The corridor seemed to go on forever. The coffins had strange markings on them. Suddenly there was a rush of freezing air that extinguished our torches. I moved forward colliding with a stone door.

"Ouch!"

Peter asked, "Lex! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Peter, can you get a torch so I can see were am going?"

There was silence for a few minutes then Peter and Alexander appeared with torches. Peter helped me up. This door was the same as the last one. I unbound my hand and squeezed a little blood the door. It opened like the last one.

I stepped through, and when I did the door shut behind me!

Alexander shouted through the door, "Alexandria are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Go back and wait for me." The door had opened up to a large circular room with a stone coffin in the middle. I walked up to it and I saw markings on it that were identical to those on the door. There was no name on the coffin, so I slid the lid off. I was covered in dust. After the dust settled in the coffin laid a skeleton with a shield across the chest with a gold wolf engraved on it. I lifted the shield.

"This has to be my grandfather." I said to my self. In his hand there was a paper. I took it from his hand it read.

"To my granddaughter,

I knew you would find me one day. It is a shame that I could never see you grow up. Your father is being held at the light raiders execution grounds deep within the dungeons. To get to the dungeons you must go to the light raider's execution grounds. The second page of this note shows a shortcut that will save you an hour's climb. the shortcut comes out just above their fortifications. The light raiders do not seem to know about this path since it's entrance is not easy to discern. Unlike the path that the light raiders use you will find that horses can traverse this path. It should take you about two hours to get there from the castle. This was the last vision I had. I know you will have the same gift that I have if you are reading this. Good luck! Never give up hope! With deepest love

Your grandfather."

His sword was also in the coffin with him. It was longer and stronger than that of my mothers. I picked it up and strapped it to my waist. I replaced the coffin lid and opened the door. I made my way up to the entrance. Alexander and Peter were waiting for me.

Alexander asked, "Alexandria are you all right? What happened?"

"I found my grandfather! He was expecting me to find him and he left me a letter and map leading us to my father. We need to get back to council."

They both nodded. I strapped my grandfather's shield to my back and mounted Spirit. We set off for the castle. It only took us an hour to get back. Michael met us in the stables.

"Michael, please gather the council as quickly as you can."

"Yes you're highness."

I went straight to the council room and waited for the council members. Everyone filed in. Peter sat next to me.

"Did anything happen when I was away?"

"Yes! This arrived for you, your highness." Michael said as he handed me a letter.

The letter said:

"If you want to bargain for your father I will meet you at the cross path at midday five days from now. Gabriel"

"It's a trap! I know that they won't bring him. But, send a note that we'll be there. I want Alexander and a few men to distract Gabriel and his raiders while Peter, Damien, Michael, and I will go and find my father. I know where he is, but we need the light raiders distracted for as long as possible. Can you do that Alexander?"

"I will do my best your highness."

"That's all I can ask. Thank you!

"There is one other thing that needs to be done. I need to send a message to my new army. I will write it and use the royal seal to indicate its authenticity. I would like James and Sara to deliver it for me. I want them to leave in one hour! Now, let's all go to bed we need to be up early tomorrow."

They nodded and left. Peter came up to my room with me.

"Lex how do you know where your father is?"

"My grandfather left me a letter and a map telling me where he is. It was the last vision he had. Now, let's go to bed."

That night I slept well knowing that we would be getting my father back.

The morning of the fifth day I woke before Peter. Flash was yapping, as usual, to get food.

"Peter get up. We have to go.", I said tapping him on the head. He woke with a start.

"Okay, okay, I'm up! No need to shout."

I had finished getting the armour that the light raiders had given me, on when Peter finally got up out of bed.

"My, my you look dangerous. Remind me never to get on you're bad side."

"If you don't hurry up and get ready to go you will be on my bad side! You've got ten minutes. If you're not down in the stables I'll be coming to find you and it won't be pretty." I said with a chuckle.

I left for the stables. Alexander and the rest of the council were waiting.

"Do you all know what you have to do?"

Alexander said, "We do you're highness."

"Very well, I want you to leave half an hour after we start out. That will give us the best chance of avoiding Gabriel's main force."
Michael and Damien joined me in the stable.

"Michael, why is it impossible to get your son out of bed in the morning?"

Michael just laughed just as Peter came running into the stables.

"Ah! sleeping beauty is here now can we go?" I said as I mounted Spirit.

I told them, "We need to head south to the mountain range. Beyond the mountains is the execution ground. There is a secret passage to the execution ground that the light raiders do not know about. Our horses can traverse that path with little difficulty."

I nodded and we set off at a fast pace. We sped through the forest as quickly as we could. It took us about half an hour to get out of the forest. The mountain range was then in front of us. The mountains were breath taking. They were covered in snow and seemed to be as high as the sky.

Peter said, "There's a path that the light raiders use but we can't take the horses they wouldn't make it up the steep climb."

"I know about that path, Peter. Grandfather's letter told me of it. There is a better way. Follow me."

We made a five mile trip parallel to the mountains until I saw the large rock described in grandfather's letter. We approached the rock and passed through a narrow "fish hook" bend onto a very narrow path. The path led gently upwards. As we approached the end of the path, I looked down and I saw it for the first time. The execution grounds were in a large coliseum. I could see that it was crawling with light raiders.

Peter said, "I think were going to have a problem getting in."

"Getting in isn't the problem; it's getting out that's going to be the problem. Peter, how often do the guards here receive instructions or news from Gabriel's headquarters?"

Peter responded, "These guys up here don't communicate with Gabriel very often."

I saw what we had to do. We all dismounted and "ground hitched" our horses. Then I changed my outfit slightly.

"Right, who wants to be the look out?", I asked.

"I will", Damien said.

I nodded. Peter, Michael and I set off for the execution grounds. We bound Michaels wrists and mouth with cloth. When we reached the gates we were greeted by a guard that I'd seen once at the light raiders council.

"Ah well, if it isn't the new general who have you there?" he asked.

"A member of Lucifer's council. Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to let us in?" I asked.

He yelled at someone to open the gates. We dragged Michael in.

"So where's this one going?" he asked.

"Straight to execution along with Lucifer so in with him I guess.", I said.

"Here's the keys. Lucifer is down on level five, right at the back."

"Thanks!" We headed to the stairs. We followed the stairs right down to the bottom. I realised Michael from his bonds and lit a torch. I went right to the back.

"Well it's about time you got here!", I heard father say.

I ran over to him. "Father! Thank heavens we found you. I wasn't sure if you were here." I opened the door and gave my father a hug.

"I'm glad you're safe, Alexandria." He gave me a hug.

"We're going to have to fight our way out of here. Are you prepared to do that father?"

"Fighting is my middle name!"

Michael handed him a sword.

"Alexandria, where did you get that sword and shield?", father asked.

"Grandfather's grave. It's also how I found you."

"Michael is it me, or is Alexandria getting more and more like her mother every time I see her?", father asked.

"She is getting more like your wife with every passing day; and I'm proud to serve her.", Michael said.

I said, "Enough of this. We need to get out of here and its not going to be easy."

We all nodded.

A guard said, "General, are you okay?"

I had an idea. I went out to the stairs "Yeah, everything's fine." I said, as I went up the stairs. I joined the guard at the watch tower.

"Tell me what's your name? We were never formally introduced."

"It's Christian and you're Alexandria, right?"

"Yes that's right. So tell me, how many guards do we have here?"

"There are only about twenty. We don't need as many as were needed for the princess' wedding How is the princess?"

"Didn't you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"The princess was killed by the shadow raider's princess."

"What? We didn't hear anything about that! How do you know?"

"I was there." I could hear the muted footsteps coming up the stairs.

"But, I thought we killed the shadow raider princess!"

"They used a decoy. The person we killed that night wasn't her."

"What's Gabriel doing now?"

"He's trying to find their princess, to kill her; although his attempts have failed so far."

"How do you know so much general?"

"Because I'm the shadow raider princess!" I said as I pressed my sword to his throat.

"Now, you're going to open the gates and let us out.", father said.

The guard nodded and opened the gates. I threw him down the stairs and we made our way to the gates. We were met by Alexander and Damien.

"Your highness, we fought them off for as long as we could. They're headed here and they're not happy!", Alexander said.

"Right! Everyone get inside and head to the execution area."

"Why there? The place is crawling with light raiders as it is.", father said.

"This is one of the battles leading up to the final battle, and it needs to be fought on bloodied ground!"

Father nodded and gave the order. When inside we were met by the captain and his guards. We had to fight through them to get to the execution grounds. When we got there the light raiders surrounded us. Swords were flashing and light raiders were falling every where. The only thing that stopped us from fighting was Gabriel's voice.

"Enough!", he shouted.

Gabriel said, "Well, well! You're smarter than I thought little princess."

"Hello Gabriel, long time no see."

"Tell you what Lex, Why don't we settle this like adults. Why don't you and I have a duel. If you win, you can all go home untouched. If you loose, you and your father will be executed."

I thought about it. Then I tapped into my visions and saw what I had to do.

"You know what Gabriel, I'd rather settle this the traditional way."

"Well then, as you wish! Attack!" he shouted.

The gates opened and the light raiders flooded in. As they were reaching us I looked round and saw her standing at the top of the mountain

"Damien do you have a bow and arrow?" I asked.

"Yes, of course your highness."

"Light and arrow and aim for that person that's standing were we came in from; but don't hit them."

Damien nodded lit his arrow and set it loose and hit the snow beside the figure. I heard shouting and people started to flood down the mountain path.

"Alexandria do you know them?" father asked.

"Yes I do, there from my school and there here to help us. Now lets show them why we're the most feared beings on this planet!", I shouted and all the men lunged into the battle.

I didn't care where I swung my sword as long as it connected with the skull of a light raider. I got lost in the fighting. When Lauren and the rest of them joined us the battle just turned into a brawl. It was difficult to tell who was on who's side. In the middle of the chaos I met Andrew.

"Well Andrew, how's Jason?" I asked as I laughed.

"You're evil bitch!", he said as he swung his sword. I met with his sword and blocked him. I slid my sword into his hilt and twisted sharply he gave a yell. I was about to plunge my sword in through his heart when Gabriel shouted above us; "Stop right there!"

Everyone stopped what they were doing. I pulled Andrew to his feet and pushed my sword to his throat.

"Care to bargain for his life?" I shouted to Gabriel.

"Name your price princess." Gabriel said. Father came up next to me and took Andrew from my grasp.

"What should we bargain for?", I asked father. He thought for a moment.

"Immunity from them until the final battle. They're not allowed to come near us and were not allowed near them."

I nodded. "Okay Gabriel, we'll let your father go but we want immunity from you. We won't bother you and you don't bother us until the final battle. How about it?"

"Very well you have my word. If you release my father unharmed we will grant you immunity form us." he said.

I asked, "Can he be trusted father?"

"If he gives his word, yes! They can never brake that."

"Do I have your word on it Gabriel?"

"Yes, you have my word now release my father."

I turned to my father and nodded to him. He let Andrew go. Andrew went running to Gabriel.

"Now get off our land before I change my mind.", Gabriel shouted.

I nodded and we left the execution grounds.

"Lets go back." father said. We started to leave. As soon as we left the execution grounds Gabriel shouted after us,

"By the way I said that we would grant you immunity, but I never said when it would come into affect. After them!"

"Alexander, get father back to the castle.", I shouted.

"No way Alexandria! you're going and I'm staying!", father said.

"Not a chance father. Look what happened the last time you stayed to fight. You're going back with Alexander, that's an order."

"Fine, but if your not back by midnight I'm coming after you."

I nodded. Father and Alexander left as the light raiders came at us again. This time I didn't care which way my sword went nor who it connected with. We fought and ran at the same time. Peter stayed at my side while we fought.

"Lex are you all right?" Peter shouted.

"I'm fine Peter, but I'm a bit busy at the moment."

I tackled a light raider.

"I need to ask you something" Peter shouted.

"Can it wait, I'm busy." I shouted.

"It's now or never Lex." Peter shouted.

"What is it then Peter?" I shouted. Peter spun me round to face him and took me in his arm,

"Marry me Lex!" he said.

"I don't think now is the right time to ask me Peter. Duck!!", I shouted as a sword came flying towards his head. I rolled away from him as he dealt with his assailant. Peter came running after me and helped me up.

"So will you?" he asked.

"Of course I will Peter." I said.

We kissed and Michael shouted over to us, "I don't think now is the time for kissing Peter protect the princess at all cost."

Peter nodded. The battle raged on into the night until the last light raider was silenced. Gabriel fled, along with his father.

"We better get back before father starts sending troops after us."

Michael nodded. I found Lauren in amongst the soldiers.

"Lauren, thank you for coming!?"

"We received your letter telling us where to be your highness."

"Very well, follow me please."

I led her to where the horses were tied up. Peter, Michael and Damien were waiting for me.

"Do we have a spare horse?" I asked.

"Yes we do. It was supposed to be for your father, why do you ask?"

"It's for Lauren, she's the one in charge of the reinforcements."

"Thank you for coming to our aid, Lauren, it wouldn't have been a victory without you and your troops!", Michael said.

Lauren just nodded. She mounted the horse next to me. We set off at a slow pace as most of us had injuries. Peter was walking next to me with Lauren at my other side.

"Your highness, if you don't mind me asking where is your father?", Lauren asked me.

"Lauren, you can call me Lex. He's at the castle waiting for us to return. How many people did you get to join us?"

"About twenty or so, most didn't believe me until we got the letter from you with the royal seal on it."

"Well I'm very glad that you came. Do you remember Peter?"

Lauren nodded.

"We're almost there." I said.

I dug my heels into Spirit and charged in front of every one. Peter was just behind me. I reached the castle first, and dismounted Spirit, and put him in his stable. As I was doing this father came in and gave me a hug.

"I was so worried Alexandria thank heavens your okay"

"Thank Lauren for that, the battle wouldn't have been a success without her."

Father hugged me tighter as the rest of the people came into the stable. When Lauren came in I took father over to her.

"Father, this is Lauren."

Father took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Thank you for coming to help my daughter so quickly!"

"It was my honour, my lord." she said.

Father said, "Come, let's eat. you all must be hungry. I've already gotten our medical people on hand to help patch up those of you who need medical attention."

Father put his arm around me and guided me to his room.

"So tell me what happened when I was away Alexandria.", he said as I sat down on his bed. I told him everything that happened while he was away.

"There's just one more thing, when we were on the battle after you left. Peter proposed to me."

"And what did you say?"

"I said yes".

Father almost ran to the bed.

"Congratulations Alexandria! I'm glad you have said yes to Peter. There's no one finer for you. When do you plan on having the wedding?"

I had never seen my father so excited before.

"I don't know. I will have to talk to Peter about it."

There was a knock at the door. Michael came in "Ah, Michael, just the person! Did Peter tell you the news yet?", my father said.

"No, Peter hasn't told me anything. I haven't seen you this happy since Melissa gave birth. I've come to tell you that the food hall is ready my lord." Michael said.

There was another knock at the door, it was Peter this time.

"Ah, father, I need a word.", he said giving me a quick glance.

"Right, what's going on Peter?", Michael asked.

"I asked Lex to marry me and she said yes.", Peter said with a big smile on his face.

Michael was gob smacked! He couldn't say anything.

"I think this calls for a celebration!" father said.

We all nodded. Peter came over to me and slid his arm around my waist. We all went down to the food hall. Michael never said anything all night. He was still in shock.

As the food was being served I asked Michael, Alexander, and Damien to take Lauren's group and teach them the arts of war. That put a grin on Lauren's face.

That night we all spent celebrating our victory over the light raiders and my engagement to Peter.

When I woke the next morning, Peter's arm was round my waist, and flash was at my door trying to get in. I got up and let the pup in. She ran in and jumped on the bed and gave Peter the fright of his life.

"Bloody hell, were did that wolf come from?" he shouted.

"Relax Peter, its just flash." I said.

"Please come here, we have something to discuss Lex."

"And what's that exactly Peter?"

I climbed back into bed beside flash and Peter.

"Our wedding of course. We need to set a date!" Peter said.

"When would you like it?" I asked Peter.

"How about Halloween?" he suggested.

"Could you wait that long?" I asked .

"I would wait years to have you as my wife!" Peter said.

I kissed him. "I love you Peter"

"I love you too Lex." with that we fell back asleep in each others arms feeling very safe and secure.