A/N: Another quick update! We're on a spree here!

Thanks to all the reviewers of last chapter, you keep me inspired! I also got a ton of PMs; thanks to you lot too, I love talking with you!

Enjoy the chapter!

~~Malice~~

"How do you know she will come?"

"Because I asked her to," Link replied simply.

"Link, she could be on the other side of Hyrule," Stella said skeptically. "I don't doubt your horse loves you, but she's not going to just come because you played a few notes on your little flute."

"It's not a flute, it's an ocarina," he corrected. "Be patient, she'll be here in a few minutes."

They sat down on the hillside and looked out over Castle Town far below them. They'd eaten breakfast with the Queen an hour ago, but Zelda had duties to attend to and she could not simply miss court. Link had decided to go for a walk in the hills above the city with Stella. Once he was in the fields, however, he felt like riding and he'd decided to give Epona a call.

Stella, for her part, was finding it difficult to believe that his horse would come from anywhere. She thought the melody that he'd played on the ocarina was beautiful and soothing, but wasn't sure how a horse halfway across the kingdom was supposed to hear it.

They waited a few more minutes but Epona did not arrive.

"She's not coming Link," Stella said, rising. "Let's get back to the castle and find out what Beaumont is up to."

"Trust me, she's coming," he said confidently. "She's free to roam wherever she pleases but she never strays too far from where I am."

Stella shook her head and sat back down.

"So what do you think of the Queen?" he asked as she rejoined him on the ground.

"What do you mean?"

"I know you probably find her a little imperious," he replied. There had certainly been some tension between the two over breakfast, although Link had no idea what over. They had sniped back and forth, and though he knew both women were kind souls, they shared little more than cool respect for each other at the time being. "Just give her time to get to know you."

"I know, I mean, she's not all that bad for royalty," Stella answered. "You two seem pretty close."

Link balled his left hand into and a fist and held it up. "It's because of this. We've always been friends but we have less trouble understanding each other than most."

"What exactly is the Triforce anyways? And the sacred realm?" she asked curiously. "Everyone's myths and stories are different but you … well, you've been there."

Link opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted a joyful whinny from the bottom of the hill.

They looked down and saw Epona charging up to meet them. Link leapt up and ran to meet her, his mouth forming a happy smile.

"I don't believe it," Stella said in astonishment. "She came."

Epona gave a jubilant whinny as Link stroked her mane softly.

"Gratias tibi ago," he whispered in her ear. Thank you. She brayed softly in response and he swung himself up her back fluidly.

"Care to join me for a ride back to the city?" he called.

"You have another horse you can magically call up?" she asked cynically.

"'Fraid not. Just hop on behind me, Epona can carry two."

"I'm not sure that's—"

"Alright, enjoy the walk back," he said, turning Epona and lightly cantering away.

"No wait!" she called, jogging after him.

He turned her around almost immediately with a broad grin on his face. "Change your mind?"

"Shut it, you scoundrel. Give me a hand up."

He reached out and helped her swing up onto the majestic horses' back. She teetered backwards, losing her balance for a moment, but she quickly wrapped her arms around Link's waist and kept herself from falling.

"Don't get any funny ideas," she said, blushing. "I just need to hold onto something."

"Whatever you say," he teased, laughing. He lightly spurred onwards with his heels and soon they were galloping through the fields and over hills, the countryside flying by.

It wasn't long before they were back at the gates of the city. Link dismounted and helped Stella off. He scratched Epona behind her ears and said another thank-you to her in Hylian. She whinnied again and galloped away.

"I still can't believe she came," Stella murmured, watching the proud horse disappear over a hill on the horizon.

"She's more than a horse; she's a friend," he replied as they walked under the raised iron portcullis.

The city was busy this morning and it took them almost forty minutes to make it to the castle gates.

"State your business," one of the guards called.

"Link an—I mean, Finn and Stella, returning from our walk."

Link had discussed his dual identity with Zelda this morning. She was still a little frustrated with him, but it quickly melted away. The two were just happy to see each other again, and they decided for now he should remain anonymous. He'd come clean to his friends but he wasn't ready to tell the kingdom yet. Perhaps after whatever dangers had passed but not while there was work to be done.

They made their way up the castle path and through the doors.

"Guess we have to find Beaumont now," Link said, remembering that he was completely unfamiliar with this castle.

"Let's ask a guard somewhere," Stella responded.

"Good idea," he replied with a nod. They turned the corner and ran right into a group of marching soldiers.

"Oops! Sorry," Stella apologized.

"It's quite alright," said the lead man. "Happens to us all the time." He frowned for a moment, not recognizing them. "Might I ask your names?"

"Stella," she said, holding out her head.

"And I'm Finn," Link chimed in.

The man shook their hands warmly and his broad smile returned.

"I'm very happy to have finally met you; you're quite famous among the soldiers for what you've done for us. I'm Jon Swift, Captain of the Guard."

"It's a pleasure, Jon," Link replied.

"We're looking for Sir Beaumont. Have you any idea where we might find him?" Stella asked.

"Yes, he's in the training area with his team," Swift said with a nod. "Go to the main courtyard and follow the path north past the gardens. Can't miss it."

"Thanks for your help, we appreciate it," Stella answered with a smile.

Swift nodded. "I'd love to talk more, but we're on our way to a patrol. Are you staying at the castle?"

"Yes, for a week or so," Stella divulged.

"Good. I hope we meet again soon." They promised they would and Swift shook their hands one last time. With that he resumed marching formation and led his troops down the hall.

"Nice guy," Link commented as they headed for the training area, following Swift's instructions.

"Yeah, he was," she replied.

They made it through the court and walked through the gardens. They were even more beautiful than the original, and also much more heavily guarded. The guards cast the two strangers suspicious glances as they made their way down the garden path.

At last they arrived at the training grounds, a large field where many young soldiers and grizzled veterans were sparring, running laps, or making their way through an obstacle course.

"Can I help you?" asked a soldier, jogging up to them.

"We're looking for Sir Beaumont. Captain Swift pointed us here," Stella replied.

"That's right," the soldier replied. "He's inside the arena on the far side of the grounds."

"The arena?" Link asked.

"Yeah, they usually use it for training new recruits, but right now the Commander is training a special team in there."

They thanked the young soldier for his assistance and crossed the field, making their way towards a large, ovular building on the far side of the fields Link assumed was the arena.

"Lot of men training here," Stella observed, watching a platoon go jogging by, driven by a sergeant.

"You're right, there's for too many for this to be normal," he said thoughtfully. All of a sudden he snapped his fingers as it hit him. "Zelda's mobilizing the Hylian army!"

"What for? We don't even know who's responsible for the attacks."

"I guess we'll find out," Link replied as they reached the arena. He followed Stella through the doors and was greeted by the sight of at least a score of men sparring. He spotted the broad figure of Beaumont on the far side, exchanging light blows with a recruit. Grinning, he stopped Stella and they leant against the wall to watch.

Owen jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding Beaumont's lightning slash. They'd been sparring for the last five minutes with neither of them making a blow, but he was tiring and he knew it wouldn't be long before the knight had him yet again.

They shuffled back and forth. Owen gave a quick stab but it was parried and he barely got his shield up to block the counter thrust in time. Beaumont knew he had him on the defensive and he pressed his advantage, driving the young soldier slowly backwards.

Beaumont was raining blows down upon him and he was just barely managing to block them. He backed up quickly, but he got his heel. His stomach rose in his throat as he felt the inevitable feeling of complete panic as he toppled backwards.

He crashed into the ground, hard. The air was driven from his lungs and he groaned loudly. Blackness swam at the edge of his vision and everything felt like it was slowing down in time.

He looked up to see Beaumont lifting the practice sword to deliver a final blow to end the bout. Owen struggled to raise the shield but his muscles wouldn't respond. As the sword came whistling down he abandoned reason and surrendered to instinct.

Beaumont slashed down at Owen, knowing it wasn't over until one of them delivered the final blow. He felt kind of bad hitting someone lying on the ground, but they were soldiers, and this was serious training. You didn't pull punches in practice or men would get complacent in reality.

Beaumont was already so confident in his victory the last thing he expected was what happened next. Owen rolled to the side, barely avoiding the sword as it smashed into the ground. It was Kyle Beaumont's turn to feel a brief moment of panic as Owen's leg kicked out, sweeping his feet from beneath him.

He was only sprawled in the dust for a moment before he started to pick himself up, but as his vision came back into focus the first thing he saw was the point of a wooden sword. Owen was looking down at him, breathing hard and looking haggard, but also very proud.

"Looks like you're losing your edge, Beaumont," called a male voice, shattering the silence between the knight and his pupil.

Owen let out a large sigh and lowered the sword, offering Beaumont his arm. The knight pulled himself up and turned to see Link and Stella walking towards them, smiles plastered on both their faces.

"I'm not losing my edge, Owen's just sharpening his," he replied, giving the soldier a smile. "Soon he'll be one of the sharpest in Hyrule."

"I wish. It's the first time I've ever beat him," Owen said modestly. "It was a lucky win, in any case."

"Exploiting the overconfidence of your foes is never luck," Beaumont admonished. "You did good, lad."

Owen nodded his thanks.

"I'd like you to meet Stella and Finn, the ones everyone's been talking about. They'll be assisting us once we find out who's responsible for the atrocities."

"Well met, Owen," Stella greeted. Link merely nodded his greeting.

"It's a pleasure t—you!" he said in surprise, pointing at Link. "We saw you two nights ago at the Hero's Triumph Inn. My brother saw you sneak into the castle grounds!" He drew his steel sword and pointed the blade at Link.

"Sir, this is the man we're looking for!" His yells had drawn the attention of the others sparring in the area, and everyone was quiet as they saw the young soldier pointing the blade at the man. Before Owen could even blink, however, Stella had her bow drawn and an arrow pointed at his face. Suddenly every soldier in the room had his blade unsheathed.

"Make a move," she said quietly to the young soldier. The tension in the arena was so high it was practically deafening, and it was ready to snap like a whip at any second. Someone was going to get lashed when it did.

"Stella," Link said warningly. She relaxed the bowstring but did not put the bow away or take the arrow from the string.

"Sheathe your swords, this instant!" Beaumont yelled. Most of the soldiers obeyed his command; their hands did not leave the hilts though.

"Owen, relax. He's a guest and friend of the Queen, and he's here to help," Beaumont said, raising his hands and trying to defuse the situation.

"It's okay Kyle, he's right," Link said to Beaumont. He returned his gaze to Owen. "I did sneak into the castle grounds, to visit a very old and very dear friend of mine. I swear to you I mean no harm to Hyrule or its people."

"Owen…" Oliver said pleadingly from the group of soldiers. Neither of them could afford to lose this job and disobeying a direct order for the Knight Commander was not a good mark on your record.

Owen let out a long breath and lowered the sword. "I don't trust you."

"Nor should you. Trust is a boon that must be earned," he replied. Owen glared a moment longer, but after a second he lowered his sword and sighed. They were all silent for a moment. Stella put away her bow and arrow but her eyes never stopped scanning the room for potential threats.

"I need to take a walk," Owen said to Beaumont. The knight nodded and let the young soldier take his leave. Oliver followed him from the training area.

"Link, I am deeply sorry about this," Beaumont whispered in an undertone.

"Don't be. He has a right to be suspicious."

Beaumont's concerned look lasted a moment longer, then he nodded once, trusting Link. "Time for you to meet the men."

"3rd Company! Assemble!" he called, turning to face the men.

The men jogged over and aligned themselves in formation. Many of them still shot distrustful looks at the couple.

"I'd like to introduce Stella and Finn, the two you've heard so many rumors about." The distrust changed to wonder and respect as the men realized soldiers they knew owed their lives to the pair.

"It's an honor to meet the two of you," said one of the soldiers, stepping forward and giving a bow.

They spent the next few minutes meeting most of the company of soldiers and answering questions about the attacks on the villages. Most of the men were grateful and reverent; the bond of soldiers was not always a close one but something about fighting alongside your fellow man forged something that transcended mere friendship. The knowledge that the pair of wanderers had fought with and saved many of their brothers-in-arms was enough that they treated them with warmth and respect.

Only one man treated them with something that bordered on disdain.

"The Knight Commander told me you're in command of these men. It must be quite the honor to have your squad chosen for such an important task," Stella said warmly, holding out her hand in greeting.

"They chose me because I'm the best," Sergeant Greene replied with a sneer, refusing to shake. "Wars are won by soldiers like me, not shabby travelers who've killed a coupla moblins. Think you're tough because you sauntered into a skirmish and cleaned up the scraps?"

"I think that if you were the best you wouldn't be garrisoned at the castle, sitting on your hands," she replied coolly. "But you're right. We helped save a town or two, nothing too backbreaking. What have you done for Hyrule again?"

Greene bared his teeth and stepped forward. "The rest of the men may think you and your friend are something special, but I could knock the stuffing out of either one of you without breaking a sweat."

"Are you threatening guests of the Queen, Sergeant?" Greene spun around to see Beaumont standing over his shoulder.

"It's okay Commander," said Stella, regarding Greene thoughtfully. "I'll take your wager, Greene. Care to spar with me?"

"As long as I don't get heat when I beat the insolence out of this woman," he said, looking at Beaumont.

"Your call, Stella," Beaumont said to her.

"This 'woman' could use a little amusement," she replied, smirking at Greene.

Greene snatched a wooden sword from the rack.

"Do you have wooden knives?" Stella asked Beaumont.

He shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. You'll have to use a sword if you want to fight him."

"What's going on here?" Link asked, joining the pair of them.

"Stella has challenged Sergeant Greene to a duel," Beaumont replied. "We don't have any practice knives though, so she'll be forced to use a blade."

"That won't be necessary," Link replied. "I can dull her knives with magic."

Beaumont considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, as long as they won't draw blood."

Link nodded and took the knives as Stella handed them to him.

"Obtusi," he whispered, drawing his thumb and forefinger in a pinch motion up and down the blades. He tapped his arm with one of the knives. "See? Sharp as a rolling pin."

Beaumont took one of the knives and examined it for himself. "That's fine," he replied. He leant down and whispered in Stella's ear. "Listen, Greene's crazy and he's cruel to boot. Only reason he's still on the guard is because he's a good brawler, but I've been trying to get him thrown out for years."

"What are you saying?" she quietly, turning to face him.

"I'm saying watch yourself. If he gets a chance to hurt you, be damn well sure he'll do it."

"Understood. Thanks, Kyle."

Beaumont nodded, and she walked towards the ring.

"She's allowed two weapons? Can't beat me without an edge, huh?" Greene called from the center of one of the training rings.

"You're welcome to two swords," she called back. "Wouldn't have your shield to hide behind then though, would ya?"

He just leered in reply as she stepped into the ring. Before she could even lift her weapons he leaped towards her, slashing downwards.

She calmly rolled to the side and watched his sword strike the ground.

"A little overzealous, are we?" she commented, fluidly recovering from the roll and raising her knives in the same motion.

"Just excited to break a few bones," he snarled in reply, raising his own sword again. Beaumont was right, the man obviously reveled in pain.

"What a noble goal," she replied sarcastically, keeping an eye on his movements. Greene's expression was hungry and cruel; he truly looked mad.

He stepped forward and slashed again, which she deflected with a flick of one of her blades. She lashed out with her other blade but he raised his shield quickly and caught the blow on it.

For at least thirty seconds the two of them traded blows, dancing back and forth. Link, Beaumont, and the soldiers all watched as the two combatants struggled to gain an edge over the other.

Owen and Oliver also returned, entering the arena again. They stopped and watched their superior squaring off against the adventurer that had pointed an arrow at Owen's face only minutes earlier.

"I'm not sure who I want to win," Owen admitted, as they walked back towards 3rd Company. "I don't trust either of them."

"Obviously the traveler, uh, Stella I think her name is," Oliver replied. "Didn't you hear what they did for Beaumont's squad and Argyle?"

"Could be the soldiers exaggerating."

"Do you think Beaumont would lie about something like that?" Oliver asked skeptically. "She saved his life, that's good enough for me."

"I suppose you're right," Owen conceded. He still didn't trust either of them but he knew for sure he'd rather see Greene on the floor at the end of the bout.

All of the soldiers watched with rapt attention and awe at the duel. By now both of the duelists were dripping sweat. Greene looked angrier than ever, but Stella looked completely at ease, a small grin even tracing the corners of her lips.

"They're well matched," Beaumont commented to Link. "I just hope he doesn't hurt her."

"Evenly matched? Ha! Just wait," Link replied. "I'm surprised you don't have more faith. Have you forgotten how she fought at the moblin camp?"

"No, I – You're right, she was much faster," Beaumont said quietly.

Link smirked. "She's just drawing it out because she's enjoying herself. I promise that when she decides the fun is over, it will go badly for your Sergeant Greene."

"If you say so," Beaumont said, not entirely convinced. He didn't want his friend hurt by the vindictive Greene.

Another few minutes passed as the two fought. Greene's attacks were becoming more reckless and vicious, and if some of them had connected they would have easily left shattered bones. The powerful attacks left him very vulnerable, but Stella curiously avoided exploiting the openings.

Link noticed the smile fade from her lips and he knew it wouldn't be long now.

It was another thirty seconds before Stella dropped the hammer on him. She ducked under a vicious horizontal slash from Greene and lashed out at his arm with her blade. Greene gave a cry of pain as the blunt edge connected with his arm and his sword went flying.

Almost simultaneously she lashed out with her other arm, her elbow driving right into Greene's nose, which gave a loud crack and started to bleed profusely. He staggered backwards, panting. The assembled soldiers gave cheers and whoops as the young woman broke into a confident smile and sheathed her knives. Many of them had been afraid that the venomous Greene would leave her in rough shape.

"That was incredible!" Oliver said excitedly to his brother. "I thought for sure it was a matter of time before Greene got her, but she was just playing him all along. Wow!"

Owen said nothing, but inside he felt pretty happy that Greene had gotten a taste of his own spite.

Stella reached out her hand for him to shake. Greene's eyes blazed and he spat on her. She just stared at him sadly and shook her head, turning her back to him and walking away.

"I can't believe I doubted her," Beaumont said in amazement, shaking his head at Link.

"She's no tourist," he replied, smiling at her as she walked back towards them. She smiled back and mimed wiping her brow with the back of her hand.

That was when Link noticed movement behind her. The sergeant picked himself up, spittle dripping from his lips. Greene drew his real sword, his eyes blazing manically. Link saw what he was doing and called out frantically.

"Stella, behind you!"

She spun around just as he lunged, aiming to run her through. She sidestepped most of the stab, but Greene's blade still cut deep through the side of her abdomen. Link was already in motion as the small gasp of pain passed her lips.

Immediately she grabbed the arm that had stabbed her and twisted it sharply. Greene yelped in pain and dropped the blade, but he swung at her with his left fist. She ducked under the swipe and drove her knee into his groin causing him to double over in pain.

She didn't give him a second chance to backstab her, however. As he was bent over, she put all her remaining strength into her arm as she struck out in a vicious uppercut. Link heard Greene's jaw break as he was sent flying onto his back.

He arrived at her side just in time to catch her as she collapsed in shock. The wound in her waist was bleeding heavily.

He distantly heard Beaumont shouting for medics to get in here. He looked around for something to bind the wound with but saw nothing. He was about to tear off his shirt when the young soldier who'd pointed a sword at him earlier arrived at his side. He handed Link his tabard, which he'd just torn off.

Link nodded his thanks and quickly wrapped the wound. He kept pressure on it with his hands. The wound was mostly superficial; it certainly wasn't life threatening and by experience he knew it hadn't hit anything essential.

"I can't believe he'd do that," Owen said in shock. "He was always a bastard, but he tried to…" He trailed off.

Link vaguely noticed soldiers dragging the unconscious Greene away.

"I hope she'll be alright," Owen said sadly, looking down on Stella's unconscious form.

"What is it to you? You don't like either one of us," Link replied absentmindedly, focused on his friend.

"I don't even know you," he replied, shaking his head. "I can't condemn you just because I don't know you."

"Fair enough," Link said, not really listening. He brushed a lock of hair from Stella's face.

Stella's eyes opened. "Am I dead? Is this the Sacred Realm?" she croaked.

"Rise and shine," Link said, grinning down at her. He tried to appear confident, but he underneath his façade he was shaken.

"Definitely not the Sacred Realm, it's Link's ugly mug," she groaned, trying to ignore the pain lancing from her side. Pain was shooting from her right hand too; she wondered if she broke it from hitting Greene.

Owen watched the exchange with something bordering on wonder. Thirty seconds ago this woman had barely escaped death and they were joking with each other?

"Who's Link?" he asked with curiosity.

"Not important right now," Link replied. "Get Beaumont, now."

Owen nodded and ran to get the commander.

Stella tried to sit up and her face contorted in pain.

"Don't move," Link said, pushing her back down. "Medics from the castle are on the way."

"I'm fine Link, just a scrape," she protested, waving a hand.

He tried not to laugh. "You've got a rupee sized hole punched in your side. Quite the scrape."

"My mother always did warn me not to get in dangerous fights with insane Hylian soldiers," she replied thoughtfully. Then she frowned. "No wait, she warned me not to talk to strangers. I always get those two mixed up."

This time he laughed aloud and gave her a warm hug. He felt her grimace in pain in his embrace.

"Oops, sorry!" he said, quickly releasing her.

"No, it's okay," she smiled. "I needed that."

"Din's breath, that bastard is going to pay with his head if I have anything to say about it!" Beaumont said as he arrived, crouching next to them and slamming his fist into his palm. "Are you okay?"

"I've been through worse," she replied, concealing the pain behind a smile. Beaumont noticed the tightness in her jaw as she smiled though, and he knew she was in a lot of pain.

He nodded slowly. "We'll get you to the infirmary as soon as possible."

As he said it medics rushed into the arena, carrying a stretcher. They carefully loaded Stella onto it, and bore her out and towards the castle.

Link rose and followed the stretcher back to the castle. As they approached the gate from the gardens, Zelda came tearing down the steps.

"Your highness," the medics chorused as they ran by.

"What in Din's name happened, Link?"

"It's Stella, she's hurt," he replied, Zelda joining his stride. "She was dueling with one of the soldiers and he tried to stab her in the back after it was over."

"What? Who did this?" Her face was taut with worry.

"Um, Greene I think his name was."

"Don't they use practice swords so no one is hurt?" Zelda asked.

"He drew his blade after the duel was over and tried to run her through."

"Treachery," Zelda hissed. "Is she going to be okay?" Zelda struggled to keep up with his pace in her flowing dress.

"She had better be, or I'll rip Greene's tongue from his rancid mouth," he replied grimly.

"We have the best healers in Hyrule, I'm sure she'll be fine," Zelda said soothingly. "Let's go and sit with her now."

He nodded but remained silent as they strode through the halls.

They turned the corner and almost ran into Greene being dragged down the hall, in chains, by several guards. An insane grin lit his face when he saw Link.

"Got your friend real good didn't I? She bleeding out on a table somewhere?"

Before anyone could do anything, the Master Sword was at his throat.

"Let it go, Link," Zelda said quietly. "The courts will deal with him."

Link's breathing was heavy as he stared into the man's blazing eyes. The left side of Greene's face was oddly shapen where Stella had broken it.

"If I ever see you again, I will personally make sure your head is no longer connected with your shoulders," he swore.

Greene laughed in his face. "Your strength pales in comparison to the power of my masters, Hero. Soon they will come for this place, and you will be nothing but ash."

Link did in a double take in shock. He knew. "How did you — what masters?" he asked shakily.

Greene just laughed again and spat at him.

Link drew back his arm and hit him in the face, exactly where Stella had shattered the jaw. Greene howled in agony.

"You miserable bit of scum … who are your masters? Tell me!" he yelled right in Greene's face.

"Link.." Zelda said softly, and he felt her hand on his shoulder. "He's mad, and hurting him isn't going to help."

Link stepped back, and Zelda turned to the guards who had Greene in chains. "Take him away," she said.

Link leant on his knees, breathing heavily. He wouldn't meet her gaze.

"I'm sorry," he whispered after a moment. "I - I lost control."

"I understand," she said softly, lifting his chin so he met her gaze. "Don't be ashamed of your anger."

"He was defenseless; he couldn't even fight back for Din's sake!" Link pulled away and leant his arms against the wall. "And I threatened him and then punched him."

"It was honest emotion," she replied simply. "It was wrong, but it was honest. You truly care for her." She tried not to inject any of her jealousy into the last sentence. This was not the time.

He didn't reply, and she wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"We'll go and sit with her now, make sure she's okay in the infirmary. She's going to be alright, Link."

He looked over at her, his eyes a little wet for a moment before he dragged the back of his sleeve across them.

"You're right. Now isn't the time for this. Thanks."

Zelda nodded and led him down the hall to the infirmary.

Link only had one thought on his mind besides Stella's welfare. Whoever Greene's masters were, he would find them, and when he did, they were going to pay.

Closing Note: Thanks for reading this chapter, hope you enjoyed it! You may have noticed that it was a little shorter than my usual; let me know if you like chapters more when they are this length. To anyone who is eagerly awaiting more romantic fluffiness, be patient, I promise you'll get your fill soon(ish).

To everyone who sent me a PM or wished me well on my fishing trip in a review, thanks so much! The trip was a lot of fun, even if it was raining the entire time.

I'll be away again this weekend, this time in Las Vegas for the Electric Daisy Carnival! If you don't know what that is, it's an electronic music festival ... I'm so excited! I will be able to answer your reviews and PMs because I am certain the iPad has signal there ... just don't be surprised if I sound like Stella after her stint in the bar in chapter 10! Kiddding (or am I?)

I ramble on, per usual ... sincerely hoped you enjoyed the chapter, let me know whatcha think!

Cheers!

Kab