I changed this chapter to all those who have read this from the beginning. I realized that the magic really doesn't work with the rest of the story, and I don't want Namir to have powers, because Kaylen would need them. It was all very awkward and I didn't like the way it looked or sounded, or fit with the plotline. Instead, Vivara is trained in the art of potion making - a form of magic, but more about herbs and proper mixing and such.

-Catie

Kaylen awoke to a rustling sound. She parted her sticky eyes and waited until they adjusted to the light. Peeking out of the bed curtains, Kaylen scanned the room. Her eyes stopped on a moving character near the door. The entrance was open and small figure was standing just inside the room.

"Hurry," the boy urged. "I need to return to my lord by daybreak with your reply."

"Hush," whispered an annoyed female voice which Kaylen didn't recognize. Was a stranger in her room? What was she doing? Suddenly a maid stirred, sitting up. Kaylen saw the shimmer of blond hair in the darkness.

"Hello? What's going on?" asked young girl's voice groggily. "Is there something wrong?" The taller figure whipped around and swore. There was the sound of movement and a muffled thump; the girl had fallen back onto her pallet. The standing person darted to one corner of the room and rummaged for a couple of moments before finally pulling something out. She tiptoed across floor before reaching her victim.

"Hold her mouth open," she instructed to the boy.

"Missus," the boy began.

"She'll be fine. It's only a simple stunning. Hurry." The woman uncorked something with a small pop and poured liquid into Darlita's mouth. "I'll take the flask with us. Follow me." She instructed the boy. She stood and left, closing the door behind her with a soft thump. Kaylen jumped out of bed and fairly leapt across the room to the door, pausing momentarily to identify the character: Darlita lay stunned on the floor, barely breathing.

Kaylen treaded softly until she reached a "T" in the corridor. Footsteps retreated to the left, as did a small bobbing light; Kaylen followed them until the couple reached an exit to the castle, leading to the palace gardens. They walked briskly to the lawn, Kaylen trailing carefully behind them. When they at last stopped, far away from the castle, she came as close as she dared, hiding behind a bulky bush.

"I have a message from Namir, missus." The light from the moon cast a glow across the lawn. The woman shifted her weight and Kaylen saw Vivara's face in the moonlight.

"I figured. Show me the proof." The messenger fumbled with his jacket for a moment before he pulled a fine cloth sack from his pocket. He reached in and felt around until he found something very small. He handed it to Vivara. "Dear God," The messenger bit his lip worriedly.

"He said that it's time, missus. He said that he called for you months back and he wishes you godspeed. The town is called Marksville." Vivara nodded and handed the object back to the boy.

"I remember. Tell Namir that it takes preparation and I'll be there soon. Go," Vivara ordered. "I'll make it back on my own." With a curt nod, the boy handed Vivara his lantern took off across the lawn, weaving through the trees until he disappeared from sight. "Damn," Vivara swore, and began striding towards Kaylen's hiding spot. The princess hadn't counted on this. Kaylen leapt up and scurried around to the side entrance. As soon as she turned the corner and was out of Vivara's line of sight, Kaylen sprinted to the door and towards her chamber.

When she was just paces away from the turn where her hallway was, Kaylen heard footsteps coming around the corner. Kaylen froze and crouched low, praying that Vivara wouldn't see her. Vivara halted, examining the darkness ahead of her.

"Princess," she greeted, dropping into a low curtsy (What a time for curtsying, Kaylen thought). "What would you be doing up at such a late hour?

"Um, just…" Kaylen stalled for time, clearing her throat. "Going to the chamber pot."

"Why not use the one in your own chambers? Surely it is more convenient."

"Um, yes. They – they were all er – full." Kaylen explained hesitantly.

"I see," Vivara arched her eyebrows suspiciously. "Well, you best be off to bed miss,"

"Right," Kaylen agreed. Vivara gestured towards to hall. As soon as Kaylen touched the bed, thoughts began racing through her mind and didn't quit until daybreak.

Was the redo ok? Read and review!

-Catie