Disclaimer: dont own.

A/N: the knights have been fighting for 12 years now.

Aldrogen, a small village on the edge of a thick woods, set beside a gently flowing stream, a few leagues from the stronghold of Hadrian's Wall. A quaint place, a quiet place, inhabited by no more than 30 people, aging from very young to very old. Simple people. But amongst them, another lives, strong, fierce, courageous, ready to throw down her life to save those who have shown her so much kindness and caring.

Alerica Olan squinted her eyes against the rising light of dawn and frowned a little. Another day, simple like the others but also restless, safety resting on the edge of a knife. Sitting upon the wooden rooftop of a stable, Alerica could easily see the woods to her right, an ominous place where few ventured, fearing the attack of Woads, and in front of her, rolling green hills stretched endlessly on. The wide Trona River flowed along her left side, bridge set over it so that any could travel easily across. Any day now, she was expecting to see legions of Saxons marching over a hilltop, a hoard of death.

Alerica had often dreamt such a nightmare, waking her suddenly from sleep, drenched in a cold sweat. It had done so that very night, and weary, Alerica rose from her bed, dressed quietly, and climbed the ladder to the loft in the stable before slipping easily up the rafters to the hatch leading to the roof. Often she came here to watch the sunrise and set, gathering and sorting through her thoughts.

With the suns rays just peaking over the far hills, Alerica heard the first stirrings of the villagers, starting their daily chores, repeated day after day after day. Her only job was to keep watch of their borders, scouting at times, making sure no enemies were to threaten their peaceful lives. But if such a thing were to happen, she would make sure every being was safe before she would draw her weapons, fighting to defend them. She was willing to give her life to protect the village and it's inhabitants, every last one of them.

A sound snapped her from her thoughts and Alerica stood, squinting her eyes as she gazed far across the horizon. She could hear horses, but wasn't entirely sure how many or what direction they were coming from. The whinnies and neighs echoed off the forest's thick trees, playing a trick upon her senses. Seven figures on horseback appeared over a hilltop and Alerica forced her eyes to see far, determining friend from foe.

Seven horses, seven men. One rode somewhat hunched over in his saddle, faltering as his horse galloped towards their village. All were armed and armored, headed straight for Aldrogen. A particularly Roman chest plate caught Alerica's attention and she smirked lightly. A Roman posed no threat to the village, nor did six more, if that was indeed the others heritage. Though Alerica thought of Romans as nothing more than overly showy, rich cowards, she would allow the presence of some in their small village.

Smirking lightly, Alerica opened the roof's hatch and slipped inside, climbing nimbly down the rafters before sliding down the ladder. Dennan, the stable master, jumped at her sudden presence then softened with a smile once he realized who it was. "Good morning, Alerica. Did you sleep well?"

She smiled gently. "Well enough, my friend. Is Redik up? I must speak with him."

"Eh?" Dennan paused. "I believe I saw him stirring in his home. Why? Is something wrong?"

Alerica shook her head. "Nothing for you to worry of. I believe we will have visitors soon though. Make sure at least seven stalls are clear and clean." Dennan nodded slowly and watched her as she left the stable.


A/N: got a bit discouraged with how little notice The Flame of a Warrioress recieved, especially in reviews, so i got a bit turned off it. decided to make a new story, been thinking for a few days, and wrote 3 chapters today. might rewrite 3rd chp tho, it seems a bit unlikely. anyway, you know the drill: read & review!