They reached Guilder by nightfall, just as the gates were closing. Cara let go of Arthur now the horse had stopped; she had clung on for dear life as Arthur rode; he didn't hang around. Arthur dismounted the stallion, helping Cara do the same.

He stood there for a minute, seeming lost. Cara smiled, 'Come on.' She led the horse and the prince to the closest inn, which was packed with local men, all clustered round the bar. Cara tied the horse up outside with another chestnut mare. Arthur looked apprehensive, but followed her inside. 'How are you going to pay these people?' Arthur asked in a whisper.

Cara gave him a condescending look, 'I used to work in a tavern; I know all the tricks of the trade.' She gave a bright smile, approaching the plump woman behind the bar, 'Hello.' She said in a smooth voice, 'My brother and I need a room.'

The plump woman gave a sullen look at Cara, 'Four silver pieces. Food costs more.'

Cara gave another dazzling smile to the surly woman, 'I have no money.'

'Then y'd best be leaving. You don't get somethin' for nothin' in 'ere.' The barmaid said gruffly.

Cara's smile did not fade, 'I'll make you a deal. If I can bring you more customers, can I have the room for free?'

'I don't know - it's summer festival tomorrow, I only have one room left.'

Cara gave the barmaid a dazzling smile.

She left the inn, leaving a bewildered Arthur to stare after her. She found the nearest pub easily. Most of the men were drunk of asleep, but the majority turned to look at her; all eyes hungry. Cara ignored them, throwing another perfect smile at them. 'Gentlemen, would you accompany me to the inn. Perhaps you could buy me a drink or two.'

In the blink of an eye, the men shot up, even some who had seemed asleep were escorting her out the door. Hands touched her arms, her hair and the stench of alcohol on their breath was sickening, but Cara made it back to the inn, letting them all drift to the bar. Cara gave the barmaid a small grin. The plump woman returned a misshapen smile, pointing to the stairs.

Cara drifted up the rickety stairs, feeling the uneven banister pass under her fingers. Following the hall down, Cara found a door ajar, slipping into the vacant room with Arthur close behind.

'Sorry it's not what you're used to sire, but it's the best we have for the moment.' Cara smiled apologetically. The room was small and dark, with two candles lighting the small space. A stone bowl of water was visible, with a cloth and soap laid out nearby. The bed was only large enough for one person, with tattered covers and a mattress which dipped in the middle. Only two blankets lay in the corner, near a small box for waste. The room smelt of damp, and the noise from downstairs was clear through the floorboards.

Cara took a blanket from the corner, laying it out on the floor for herself.

'Cara. You can't sleep on the floor, it's not right.'

'I've lasted for most of my life by sleeping on the ground, I think I can last one more night sire.'

'No. I insist.'

Cara shook her head, lying down on the blanket covered floor. 'Goodnight sire.'

* * *

Cara woke up, the light streaming through the window into her eyes. She turned her face out of the blinding light; suddenly realising she was no longer on the floor. Cara sat up, 'Arthur?' There was no reply. Cara looked around the room. He wasn't there. She grew panicked, 'Arthur!'

At that very moment Arthur entered the room.

'Arthur. Where were you? You scared me.'

Arthur smiled weakly, 'Sorry. I went out to get you something. And I moved you off the floor; did you really think I'd give in that easily?'

'You got me something?' Cara asked, stunned.

Arthur nodded to something laid over the foot of the bed as he washed his face with the bowl of water by the window.

Cara looked at the end of the bed, picking up the material that lay there. She almost dropped it in shock. 'Arthur… I can't accept this…' Cara stammered looking at the red dress before her.

'Of course you can.' He replied coolly, drying his face, 'I doubt it would suit me, and you need another dress now you shredded the one you are wearing to bandage my arm.'

'How did you pay for this?' Cara asked, still marvelling at the dress. It was plain at the top, except for a lace up front.

Arthur hesitated, 'Well with summer on the way, my jacket was useless anyway.' He shrugged, looking out the window.

'You traded for it. Arthur… I don't know how to thank you.' Cara spluttered. 'It's beautiful.'

'Then it suits you.' He grinned, turning to face her. 'I'll let you change in peace, but then we should find the sorcerer, time's running out.' Arthur smiled once, and then left again. Cara washed quickly, then changed from her white dress into the new red one. The dress fitted well, even if it was slightly too large, but Cara tied the laces tight enough to hold it in place. The old white dress Cara made into some more spare bandages, and threw the rest into the small box for disposal. She left the room then, finding Arthur leaning against the corridor wall, admiring her as she walked towards him. 'Come on, we have to find the sorcerer.'

'I know sire.' Cara answered, breezing past him, and down the curved, gnarled stairs. She walked out the door and froze. Arthur came up behind her too, staring outside. The roads were filled with people, banners and colourful tents surrounded the streets. Cara stepped out into the crowds; Arthur close behind.

'What on earth is going on? This pace was dead last night; when did this happen?'

Cara looked up at him, smiling, 'You've lived a life without magic sire, welcome to a kingdom powered by it.'

Arthur gaped, 'all this was done with sorcery? Why?'

'The summer festival. It's the biggest celebration of the year in the northland. My father brought me here once as a child. Believe me; it's amazing.' Cara grinned with delight, absorbing every colour and shape as they walked with the crowd into the main plaza. This was littered with small stalls, large attractions, wandering entertainers, and traders. Arthur was swept along, trying his best to stay close to Cara. Eventually they escaped the tide of people, slipping in next to one of the stalls.

'This place is mad.' Arthur said.

Cara gave a small smile, 'I told you before when we were in Camelot, life here is very different. Not your sort of place at all; but we get by alright.'

Arthur grew defensive, 'I could like it.'

'Believe me sire, there is none of the comfort you had in Camelot here; we are simple people round here… not your sort of people.'

Arthur saw her fake smile fade, replaced with a slight sadness, 'Cara. Believe me, nothing here is simple, least of all you. Besides, I've never been anywhere like this; I might like it.'

Cara gave him a sceptical glance before moving away from the stall. Arthur followed her again. He saw where she was going after a few moments. There was a man in a long black hooded robe standing with some children. He made eccentric hand movements infront of them before producing two doves from nowhere. Arthur stopped. A sorcerer. Everything he had been taught to fear stood before him. His eyes fell on Cara, who was still moving towards the man in black. She also looked apprehensive.

* * *