A/N (FOR NEW READERS): Note, this is a SEQUEL. In case you're like me and don't read summaries all that well, the first story was the Child in the Forest, which can quickly be located on my profile page. I mean, I guess you could read this first, but really, you'll only confuse yourself further. Just go read the first story.

Prologue

The rain thundered down mercilessly and she gazed up hopelessly at the grey sky. It was growing dark and late and she was sure her family would be growing worried by now. But sadly, the rain had washed away her trail and she became hopelessly lost. She took cover under a thick canvas of leaves, grumbling to herself. The rain came down in such a panic, muffling all other sounds. That was why she did not hear the sound of hooves beating into the soggy earth.

She saw the horses, though, and sighed in relief, thinking the horsemen to be her saviors. Premature relief, that is. The moment she stepped out from under the leaves to be seen, her heart stopped, an icy feeling crawling into her chest. Then a fiery hate took over and she gritted her teeth.

Ten black horses came to a stop in front of her, huffing and thrusting their hooves into the mud. The rain still fell as quickly as ever.

"You are trespassing," she hissed angrily, standing tall.

The man in the center, riding the largest horse, its saddle adorned with jewels and died a blood-red, laughed. "No, it is you who is trespassing, girl."

She tried not to look surprised and a bit guilty. With her mindless wandering, trying to find a familiar spot, it was possible she had wandered too far. She would not hear the end of this when she returned home.

The man on the horse squinted and looked her over, confusion evident in his eyes. Suddenly, it clicked and his eyes brightened in understanding.

"Who are you?" she demanded hotly, not liking the look in his eyes. While she had never met this man before in her life, she had a hunch as to who it was.

He signaled to one of his men and the guard nodded, jumping off his horse and grabbing her by her arm.

"You are not going anywhere," he grunted as she struggled. She threw a fist into his face and the guard stumbled back, clutching his nose. Another guard hurried off his horse and rushed at her, but she was quicker. She ducked and spun around, one leg out, knocking the man off his feet, head going straight into the mud.

She stood up, smirking, happy to see she had acquired no injuries, when she felt a rope wrap around her wrist. She quickly yanked it off, whipping around to face the man. He smirked evilly at her as she pulled a throwing knife from her boot and aimed it right at him. He ducked and the knife flew over his head, the blade sinking into the bark of a tree. With her back turned, one of the guards was able to throw a rope around her neck. She tugged on it as another sailed through the air, wrapping over her shoulder. More flew through the air and soon she was tied down, jerking about, trying to free an arm, a hand, anything! It was futile, though and she shrieked.

"Release me now! I command you!" she barked and the man laughed at her.

"I know exactly what you are," the man hissed, "And I am not letting you go anytime soon."

He jerked back her head, making her look him directly in the eyes. She did not notice that he had pulled something out of his pocket, only seeing it when he brought it into view.

And that was the last thing she saw before the burning set in. It was like fire, overwhelming her sense and thoughts. She did not realize that the scream emitting through the air was her, all she knew was the burning.

The world dimmed and darkened, falling to black in her eyes. The burning lingered, forever scarring her mind. Her head slumped and her body was pulled up by the guard, thrown over the back of a horse. Hooves thundered as the group continued their travel, the rain falling as quickly as ever.

1234567890987654321234567890

Down in the cellar, sat two men, one on either side of a rickety table. Few lanterns dotted the stone walls, making the room dim and uninviting. Behind the tables was a line of cells, each one empty, the ground covered in dirt and the bodily remains of old guests.

One man, with a prickly black beard and thick eyebrows, downed another bottle, slamming it back on the table. He hissed slightly, his eyes closing as the liquid burned down his throat. The other man, with hard skin and black eyes, threw and small knife into the table, pulled it out, and repeated the action. Both looked bored, but neither dared to move. It was not expected, nor allowed, of them.

With a bang, the heavy metal door to the cellar slammed open and the sound of heavy boots could be heard as someone made their way down the stairs. The two men exchanged glances with one another, apprehensive. They shared the same thought. He never comes down here!

The owner of the boots finally made his way to the cellar, a smirk plastered on his face. His eyes glinted and the man with the beard swallowed hard.

"M'lord," he began, but his Lord held up a hand, silencing the bearded man.

"I have brought something," their Lord spoke, and evil glint evident in his dark, unforgiving eyes.

What had gone unnoticed was now visible. Their Lord had brought a guest. The man with the dark eyes knew that he should not feel this way, but he felt sorry for the being. No one usually came out of here alive.

"They will be a new guest here," their lord smiled dementedly. The guest, a woman, made not a sound or a movement. She only stood immobile, eyes glued to the floor.

The bearded guard stood up, taking the guest. Their lord nodded and spun on his heel, leaving. "You know how to correctly accommodate them," he called as the cellar door slammed shut, turning the room to silence once more.

The other man rushed forward, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay? Who are you?"

"That is not important," She hissed in a raspy voice. "None of that matters, not now."

"Can you escape?" The man asked.

For once, she looked up, and the guards gasped. She smiled sadly, gazing not at their eyes, but still at their faces. She could not see them, but she knew where the guards were.

"I cannot, I am afraid. You see, I have been struck blind."

A/N: Yay! Sequel! For those darling viewers who have waited patiently for me to finally finish this. And for those who were impatient as well. Happy now? :)

Anyway, as usual, I just need one simply little review and I'll continue this story. Because it has only just begun…