Riam had seen a company of royal soldiers before but even so, the sight before her was real glory. Up front, she recognised the short knight to be the Lady Knight Alanna, her shield standing out from the grey of her armour. Her white horse was holding its head high. She was accompanied by Sir Raoul on her right hand side and both were happily chatting and laughing together ignorant of the little girl hidden in the bushed a few yards ahead of them. By the looks of it they were leading one squad from each of the Riders and the Own. Riam moved her gaze back to the Lioness and Lord Raoul wondering what they were doing here. 'Aren't they getting a bit old for this.' She thought to herself but she wasn't one to complain. After all, not many people can boast about meeting the Lioness face to face!!

With these thoughts Riam jumped up from the bushes and stepped lightly out onto the road. The horses, though startled by the young girl popping out from nowhere, were quickly calmed. As the horses were arranged back into order the soldiers looked to see who or what had caused such a stir. Seeing the looks she was getting, Riam stood still while Alanna took the time to quickly size her up.

She looked to be about ten and had what most people would call blonde hair, though it was bordering on brown. She had hazel eyes that showed that she had seen things most children her age could not even imagine and small lips, held up by a soft chin. Her nose maybe looked a little large but not too much and not many people would notice the bauble shape. Her skin was tanned and by the looks of her clothes and weapons, she was nobility who had been through some rough times. She was about four feet ten and slightly muscled. Alanna noted the bow in her hand, a quiver on her back, a sword at her hip and though well hidden, her time with George helped to recognise the many hidden daggers. 'Well she's brave,' Alanna thought. 'I'll give her that much.'

Though Riam was awed by what was before her, she had seen things as such before, though not up close, and she didn't have time to be amazed.

"State you name and fiefdom." Alanna called out in her most professional manner.

"I am Ariam of Archerscove my Lady." Riam replied bowing. She then shifted her gaze to Sir Raoul as he spoke.

"We were just on our way to Archerscove but we were told that there were no survivors." He stated.

"Begging your pardon my Lord, but if there were no survivors, then who told you the story?" Once again Riam bowed, noting the grins on everyone's faces.

"Poor old chap," Alanna said, thumping Raoul on the back. "Being outdone by a girl."

"It's not the girl part of it I assure you, I'm used to that." Raoul started to grin as well. "It's the fact that she's ten years old." By this time, everyone in the company was laughing.

"Ariam, we were just headed to your fief, and I know it might seem harsh to force you to, but it would really help if you came with us." Alanna's eyes held sympathy as she said this. Riam tensed, but nodded.

Thoughts were running through her head. 'I don't want to go back. I saw my family die there, but I owe it to my people. And Sir Raoul and Lady Alanna need me to tell them everything, who was there, where to go and such. It's my duty.' She finally put her conscious to peace. She was startled out of her reverie by Raoul's voice.

"Well if it's OK we had better start moving, it doesn't do to stand in the open. Commander Domitan, would you be so kind as to lend the lady your horse?" Riam watched as a man dismounted and led his horse towards her. He gave her an encouraging smile and handed her the reins of his mare. He was black like midnight, white socks and a white stripe on one flank.

"His name is Kisham." He told her. She took Kisham's head into her hands, looked him in the eye and asked him "You don't mind me riding you do you boy?"

"Of course not," She heard him reply in her mind whilst nudging her with his head, "Better you than Twinkle Toes." Riam laughed and quickly petted the mare before expertly swinging herself up into the saddle and settling down for a long ride. Too engrossed in her thoughts however, she missed everybody's confused stares.

They started out slowly with Dom on his spare horse. She had no idea why she couldn't have ridden his spare but gave it no second thought she was happy to ride Kisham. As they neared the fief Alanna called a halt.

"I doubt they are still there but just as a precaution…" Alanna drifted off. "Ariam is there any way we can get inside undetected. It looks well guarded."

"It is, no one can get in there without someone on the inside. Even with only half our soldiers.' Riam muttered before again raising her voice, "I'll go." She stated, and quickly dismounted.

"That's not necessary. One of our men…" Alanna stopped as Ariam disappeared.

"She's good." Raoul noted. "Dom, go after her, protect her, I have a feeling she will play an important part in our future."

"Of course." Dom stated before following the young girl.