Chapter 4

(Prima Facie)

The road to Uru'baen was rocky and uncomfortable. For an entire week the wagon rolled through the desert. Rene thought she would lose her mind. She was bored to the point of tears and missed her village more than she ever knew possible. The only thing that kept her from insanity was a soldier they called Ivan.

Compared to the rest of his peers, Ivan was unique. He was kind and gentle and had a pretty face with rich brown hair and eyes that were a phosphorescent green. It was through him that Rene learned of her fate. He brought her blankets for warmth and extra food during meal times knowing that her meager serving would not keep her from starving.

Because of Ivan, Rene was no longer as helpless. She knew now where they were headed and what would happen when they arrived. She would be taken to the palace where she would live with the rest of the king's potential brides. There was to be a short time allowance so the women could get accustomed to their new life and then the courting began.

Although they had known each other for a short time, Rene felt herself quickly being drawn to Ivan. In only a few days he had already shown her a level of loyalty that surpassed that which anyone had ever shown her before. Rene knew that, in Ivan, she had found a true friend.

It was on the final night of the journey that things got interesting. The soldiers were beginning to tire as the hour of darkness was drawing near. Heeding to the aching in their legs and the growling of their bellies, the decision was made to rest and set up camp. Rene, sleeping on the wagon floor, was awoken as a pair of hands shook her.

"Rene," A voice said, "Rene, wake up."

She stirred slightly before slowly opening her eyes.

"Ivan?" She inquired through her sleepy haze, "What's going on?"

Ivan's eyes darted around as if searching for something. "We must keep quiet."

Rene shot him a questioning look but he merely smiled.

"Come," he told her, "I have something I wish to show you."

Ivan took her hand and led her out of the wagon, making sure the coast was clear they darted from cover to cover, always vigilant. One moment they were ducking behind a rock and the next Ivan froze. Rene's heart dropped into her stomach as she followed his gaze.

Almost one hundred yards away was the soldiers' camp. Tents were erected in a semi circle and in the center was a bonfire. The men stood around it, some eating, others cooking, but the majority of them were huddled together in small groups speaking in hushed voices. One man, however, was not engaging in activities of any sort. No, he was simply standing, staring, staring straight ahead, directly at them.

Rene held her breath, attempted to stand still, and prayed he would not see either of them. She pressed herself tightly to Ivan's back and waited. He was tense, she noticed, as frightened as she was, possibly more. The difference was he had more to lose. While she would be scolded, Rene knew she would just be returned to the wagon and placed under heavier guard. Ivan, on the other hand, would surely be dishonorably discharged, marked as a traitor, or, at least, severely punished.

No such things happened. Several minutes that seemed to last hours passed but, in the end, the man shook his head, apparently convinced he was imagining things, and returned to his task of preparing his food.

Ivan once again took Rene's hand in his own and started off again. They had only a few rocks to jump between till the two of them rounded one and found themselves in a clearing. It was then that they both allowed themselves to breathe.

Ivan began to chuckle. It started out as a whispered snicker and continued to grow until it reached a full blown laugh. Rene stood in silent astonishment. They were so close to being caught. How could possibly laughing at something like that?

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Ivan looked at Rene.

"Oh, come now, Rene. Don't tell me you didn't find that even slightly humorous."

She thought the entire experience was frightening! There were elements of adventure as well but humor? Thinking back she supposed there was the smallest bit of comedy in it. The fact that a simple girl and a common soldier could slip away so easily right under the noses of the remaining troops was grin worth. They were nearly discovered but still they remained ignorant and that is what did it for Rene.

Her eyes met Ivan's and she laughed. They laughed together, both watching the other. They were still laughing when he led her to the other side of the clearing and stopped.

"Close your eyes." He told her, voice still ringing with the ghost of laughter.

She complied.

He walked behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Do you trust me?" Ivan whispered, his breath hot upon her ear.

Rene hardly had time to choke out a raspy reply; she did indeed, before he scooped her up in his arms and continued walking.

Could this be it? Rene's breath was caught in her throat. Could Ivan be my prince?

He was caring, sweet, he was adventurous, and he made her laugh.

She was deep into her contemplations when she felt her feet hit solid ground.

"Alright," His voice was soft, "now you can look."

The sight Rene saw before her was breathtaking. The midnight sky stretched on forever blanketed by an untold number of glistening stars. Lower, where the heavens meet the earth, was a city larger than any she had ever seen. It was lit with torches and fires. It seemed the city itself was ablaze, and it was beautiful.

Rene was at a loss for words. All she could do was turn toward Ivan and hope he understood how she felt by looking at her. Their eyes met and Ivan stepped closer.

"Rene, I…"

A horn sounded.

"I'm sorry." Ivan told her. "It is my duty. I must go."

He left her standing, watching him walk away.

'`'`'`'`'`'`'`

Rene's head was filled with emotions. She was angry Ivan left her, anxious to get to Uru'baen, sad to leave her home, giddy about the way Ivan made her feel, but confused about everything as well. She wanted so badly to turn around and run home but could not. There were too many things at risk. Not only would she most likely die traveling in the desert alone, but the soldiers might become angry and track her down. Perhaps they would punish her village because of it but either way she knew she would lose any hope of seeing Ivan again and that would destroy her chance on finding out how she really felt about him.

I can't stay here. Rene told herself. The sun is beginning to rise. We will be leaving soon, I must get back.

Despite what she thought, after looking around herself Rene realized she had absolutely no idea where she was.

Fantastic! Now I'll never get back!

It crossed her mind to stay put. Ivan was sure to come looking for her eventually, but she was never the type to sit idly by and so she left.

Rene was just about to turn around the third boulder when she heard muted voices on the other side. She peered around the corner and there he was, clad entirely black garments and leather, disheveled hair falling elegantly into his face. She no longer contemplated love with Ivan. This man, this warrior, he made her heart fly from her chest. Rene knew from looking at him, he was the one she had dreamed of.

She listened absentmindedly as he spoke quietly with a man whose face she could not see. They spoke of bringing an end to tyranny, freedom, and other things Rene knew nothing of. Still, she could not tear her eyes from his face.

"We must stop my uncle." She heard him say.

"Yes, but will it be possible?" The other man answered.

Where have I heard that voice? Rene wondered.

She never heard his reply. A hand quickly clasped itself over her mouth. Rene tried to scream but the noise was muffled. The attacker turned her and she came face to face with Ivan. He placed a finger to his lips signaling for her to be silent. He peaked around the corner, making sure neither of the men heard, before directing her back to the clearing.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Me?!" Rene spun to face Ivan. "What do I think I am doing?! What do you think you are doing?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

He waved his hand as if it made no difference. "That's not the point! You could have been killed!"

She scoffed, "Killed? I would have been fine if you hadn't have left me!"

He hung his head, acknowledging responsibility, "I'm sorry." He told her, "Please, let me take you back."

A/N: I know I've said I'd post an update per week but, due to break, things are moving along much quicker. Perhaps I will get out another 3,000 words by the end of the week, cross your fingers, would you? This chapter was really started last night but, quite frankly, I got preoccupied with writing other stuff, I am currently working on a full length novel and an idea popped into my head that I just had to get down on paper. The entire time I've had some internal struggles going on. I do not want to rush into things and spoil the story by either betraying a character's personality (out of character thoughts, actions, etc.) as well as not wanting to make things too easy (Romeo and Juliet storylines make me sick). But I wanted to get the good stuff happening as well. I hope things turned out right but, honestly, I haven't read any of it and probably will not until the story is at least halfway through. The support I have gotten from everyone is fantastic. I would like you to know that when I log on and see exactly how many readers I have, it makes me smile and motivates me to write quicker. I would also like to respond to the reviews I have gotten.

To NationalWonder - Thank you for the compliments. I sincerely hope that my story is not like one anyone has read before. I like to believe there is a little bit of originality to my work. Updates will be out as frequently as possible, I can promise you that.

To TheLastRider - Again, I really do not want to rush things and spoil the story. Believe me, I am really anxious to begin developing a relationship between Rene and Murtagh. I am glad you find her interesting. It is in my best intention to develop her character as much as I can.

And to the rest of you, trust me when I say your continued support means a great deal. Now that the story is finally getting rolling I would love to hear what you think (good, bad, or otherwise). Keep in mind the words of Toni Morrison, "If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." Get out there and write something great! -TVM