Chapter 17: Family reunion, a mother's son

A night began to fall Logan was looking out the grand windows in his bedroom, he had his bag ready. The best way to escape was to use the servant tunnels that connected to every room in the castle, that way the staff can not be seen nor heard. Before Logan reached his room, he walked past the kitchen where the staff had a table to pile up their uniforms before they got washed, grimacing at the dirty clothes he had no choice.

Logan changed into a cleaning staff members outfit then threw on a long cloak pulling up the hood slinging his bag across his chest. He found the servant tunnel that connected his room down to the kitchen, sneaking down the tunnel he luckily didn't bump into any staff. He reached the kitchen poking his head around he didn't see anyone, so he quickly darted through, he passed a few guards who spotted the servants uniform not bothering the man they ignored him as he disappeared down the street. Once he got into Bowerstone he entered the pub going to one of the spare rooms to change. He tossed the dirty servants clothes in a nearby bin then changed into his civilian clothes which he managed to acquire from digging through a few draws in the spare bedrooms at the castle, it was the men's highwayman suit minus the hat and mask. Logan threw his cloak back on grabbing his bag he wasn't so glaringly royal now as he walked down the streets of Bowerstone heading for Millfield's.

After a few hours of walking Logan reached Millfield's, knowing it would be dangerous Logan did arm himself with a pistol and cutlass hiding them under his cloak. Luckily the only trouble he found was a few wolves and two bandits which he killed quickly with his pistol. Stopping to appreciate the beauty of Millfield's Logan then spotted Reaver's mansion. He swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat as he slowly walked up the path. The guard posted outside Reaver's gate gave Logan a side glance but otherwise ignored him letting him enter. Logan held his breath as he knocked on the front door, after a few minutes passed the butler answered the door.

"Good evening, I have an appointment with Reaver"

"Really? I was not made aware"

Logan was about to panic but another member of staff spotted it was Logan, they pushed the butler out of the way.

"Logan! Oh, yes right this way your mother and father are waiting for you in the next room"

"Thank you"

"Don't mention it, ignore Alexander here he probably just didn't recognise you. We all knew Reaver's son was coming home"

"Good to know"

Logan pulled down his hood readjusting his bag over his shoulder as he marvelled at the nice furnishing in the mansion, some of it was better than what was in the castle. They walked down a long corridor then stopped before the big double doors, the staff member knocked on the door hearing Reaver call out 'enter' the staff member pushed down on the handles looking at Logan with a smile.

"*whispering* Don't be nervous, you'll do fine"

"Master Reaver, Lady Angelia… your son is here"

Angelia and Reaver were just discussing the time where Reaver went through the silly charade of getting her ring measurements without her knowing. They both laughed when he said one of the ring sizes got stuck using her lotion to get it off, Angelia always wondered why her hand was slippery that day, thinking rude thoughts she winked at Reaver who decided to scoot closer to his wife trailing kisses down her neck being careful not to spill their wine. Before he got too carried away that's when the knock at the door happened and the staff announced Logan's arrival. Angelia didn't move she was nervous, Reaver backed away from her neck giving her a kiss on the cheek then stood up walking behind the chaise lounge to greet Logan.

"There you are! We were wondering when you would arrive, wine?"

"Ugh yes… please, thank you"

Reaver clicked his fingers pointing at his glass, a staff member quickly disappeared to get Logan a glass. He approached Logan putting his hand behind Logan's back gently pushing him to walk forward.

"Come on. Do you want to finally meet your mother? Angelia!"

The hero of Bowerlake slowly came to a stand with her back to her son she shut her eyes inhaling deeply then exhaling as she turned around opening her eyes to look at her son. She walked around the chaise approaching Reaver and Logan, her son looked just as nervous as he studied her. Her son was definitely handsome, so much of him reminded her of Reaver, to the point it was laughable that Cartwright didn't see the family resemblance. As for Logan he saw his mother, a beautiful woman covered in soft glowing blue lines spiralling across her skin, he assumed this must be her hero Will lines. She had soft blonde hair with blue eyes and a kind face. Reaver slipped past the pair sitting back down enjoying his wine.

"Logan?"

"… You're my…*clears throat* You're my mother?"

"Yes… Look I know you must be angry, trust me when I say: If there was a way to rescue you both I would've but I – "

Before Angelia could finish Logan embraced her in a tight hug resting his head on her shoulder, after a minute Angelia returned the hug wrapping her arms around her son softly stroking his hair. Eventually Logan pulled away from the hug a few tears trickling down his cheek.

"Sorry I didn't mean to – "

"Never apologise Logan"

Angelia pulled him in for another hug, the tears that trickled down Logan's cheek stained his mother's jacket, he sniffed wiping his eyes.

"Come, come sit with me and your father"

By the time Angelia and Logan sat down a staff member returned with a glass of wine for Logan. As they handed him the glass they took his bag telling him they'd put his stuff in the spare bedroom. Logan sat on a single armchair whilst Angelia and Reaver sat together on the chaise lounge, Reaver slipped an arm around his wife's waist holding her softly as they talked. Looking at his parents Logan couldn't believe it, Reaver's whole persona was put on to hide the fact he was married to the hero queen and very much happy with his marriage.

"I still can't believe I'm sitting here with my parents"

"Weird? It is for us too. The last time we saw you, you were our adorable little 7yr old. Now look at you! You've grown into a young handsome man"

"Haha don't embarrass the boy Angelia. And of course, he's handsome takes after his father *wink*"

Logan shifted uncomfortably in his chair taking a large swig of his wine enjoying the smooth liquid as he swallowed. Angelia rolled her eyes at her husband taking another sip of her wine.

"Naturally my dear Reav, naturally *kisses his cheek* Oh, Logan sweetie… you haven't mentioned your sister do you know much about where she is?"

"I saw her when Major Swift was executed *eyes to the floor* I was there when…"

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause upset we can change the subject"

"No, no it's ok mum ("Oh that feels really weird to say after all this time"). I was there when Swift was executed. The idiot who I thought was my father did a public execution and, in the crowd, I spotted Hannah"

"How did she look?"

"Fine, I think, dad. She was comforting a man in the crowd"

"Blonde hair, tall, in soldier's uniform?"

"Ye-yeah… wait do you know who it is mum?"

"Yes, Ben Finn the captain of Swift's brigade… well actually he's Swift's successor so he's Major Finn now"

"How do you know all this? Is he dating Hannah?"

"Walter saw me when I arrived here, told me he had a feeling there might be something going on between them"

The conversation continued for a few more hours, Angelia told Logan of Hannah's difficulties when she left the castle including what that boy Elliott did. It was funny, Logan reacted the exact same way as Reaver threatening to kill him if he ever see's him, it made Reaver laugh. Logan then asked about his mum and dad as a couple such as how they met and where they got married. Reaver actually spoke up telling the tale in incredible detail. As Reaver told the tale about the Bloodstone street parties and adventuring with his mother then rescuing her when she was kidnapped, Logan could see why they were together. The way they spoke about each other and looked at each other, he could see the love between them. Soon the staff came in informing them dinner is ready.

They moved from the lounge area to the dining room, it was a long elegant wooden table with chairs at either end which were Reaver's and Angelia's seats then a chair directly in the middle on one side clearly for Logan. They all sat down for dinner keeping the wine flowing, Logan did express his worry about their safety since the king might come looking for Logan, Reaver told him not to worry the king won't think to check here. Soon they were eating dessert and Logan knew all their stories from their life, including that fateful day that made the heroes and Treacle immortal.

"I did wonder why Treacle never looked any different compared to our early memories"

"Yes, she is also immortal… but that doesn't mean we are indestructible we can still die so we don't publicly announce it"

"So how old should you both be?"

"Honey you can go first, you know age before beauty *wink*"

"Cheeky minx! Logan, I've been around a whole lot longer. If you want to put a number on it, I'm 151yrs old"

Logan spat out his wine in shock.

"Don't waste the wine!"

"Sorry dad but did I just hear you right? 151yrs old?"

"You heard right"

"What about you mum?"

"Not a big number in comparison. I would be 64yrs old"

"Heh… quite the age gap then?"

"Hahaha Yes you could say I like the older men"

"Oh? Laugh it up"

Angelia started laughing and her infectious laugh started Reaver off then eventually Logan joined in laughing along with his parents. When they all calmed down Logan thanked them, he hasn't laughed like that in years. They finished at the table retiring to the lounge again to continue talking, Angelia asked Logan what was it that made the memories come flooding back he explained the soft toy he remembers giving Hannah. He got up going to his new bedroom digging the toy out of his bag then returned to the lounge passing it to Angelia, she held up the toy then looked at Reaver.

"Ah yes I can see why it reminded you of your dad. He used to dress like this, my pirate king"

"Another life, maybe one I might consider going back to when the mess is over"

"Yes exactly. Though I do hope Hannah is ok in Aurora"

"Logan, if she's got this Ben fellow with her and Walter she'll be fine"

"She better be. That man still needs to impress us before he can even think about dating her"

"Reav, you are so protective over Hannah-Rose. Like I said before Daddy's girl is a hero remember"

"Doesn't mean I can't still protect her, I am the hero of skill after all"

It was getting late, a yawn from Logan caught Angelia's attention as she noticed the time. She pulled Reaver by the hand coming to a stand she said good night to Logan giving him a hug. Logan wished his mum goodnight hugging her back, Angelia stepped to the side waiting for Reaver he said goodnight to Logan but as Logan said goodnight and turned to leave Reaver gave him a quick hug then quickly walked off.

"I thought you said no hugs dad?"

"Only in public I said no"

Laughing under his breath shaking his head Logan walked off to his room to go to sleep. Reaver and Angelia watched as their son disappeared into his bedroom then Reaver looked at his wife giving her a wink he picked her up flinging her over his shoulder as he carried her to bed where they made love another 2 more times before finally falling asleep.

Chapter 18: Aurora

Hannah-Rose and Walter were walking through a dark cavern escaping the blistering heat of the desert, but they had a feeling they weren't alone, Treacle was snarling at the darkness. Climbing up some cragged steps Hannah's fire torch extinguished she heard Walter scream, panicking she quickly used her fire spell to reignite her torch but Walter was no where to be found however she heard him yelling. Swallowing her fear, she and Treacle pushed on desperate to find Walter and escape this mini hell.

She soon found him on his knees he looked like he was going to throw up but then she saw his face, his eyes were full of black pouring out like tar. The horror of it happening to Walter stopped the vomit that was caught in her throat, coming to her senses she slid across the floor over to Walter. Treacle licked Walter's hand getting his attention, he flicked his hand towards the dog feeling the soft warm fur of the old hero queen's furry companion he smiled but panic arose from his voice.

"I can't see! Everything is dark, where is the light!?"

"Ssh Walter I'm here, c'mon I'm getting you out of here"

Before she could attempt to lift him, the crawler revealed himself threatening to end anyone to tries to stop him. Suddenly the giant stone angel statues came to life slashing their stone blades at Hannah-Rose, using her force push spell she launched Walter out of harms way then battled these concrete monsters.

Among her travels in-between quests Hannah had studied what weapons were available to her, of course she always had the hero weapons her mother left to her, but other weapons were out there which helped depending on the foe. For example, in Mouringwood she had the bone smasher pistol and now she favoured a weapon designed specifically by Reaver. She found it in Bowerstone Market weapons shop and something about the gun pulled to her like it was calling her, she knew it was stupid to think like that but still she brought the gun and her Skill abilities have improved remarkably.

"woof, woof"

Treacle barked to get Hannah's attention before one of the stone monsters sliced through her back, she narrowly rolled to the side just avoiding it.

"Thanks, girl"

Hannah-Rose did a few back flips then pulled out her pistol lining it up she powered up her Skill hero ability, everything went into slow motion as she quickly fired at the stone angels hand, leg, stomach then head. When time sped back up to normality the stone statues crumbled into bits leaving Hannah alone in the darkness. She ignited her fire spell to light her torch she dropped grabbing Walter by the arm they found the exit to this dark cave basking in the glorious warm sunlight.

"Walter, we made it! Look we're outside"

"I can't see, *groans* Ow I feel so weak. I can't go on, go on without me"

"Don't be daft, now come on lean into me"

Hannah-Rose picked Walter up by the arm when he stumbled forward hooking his arm around her shoulder. They stumbled into the blistering hot sands trying desperately to find civilisation of some sorts but all they saw for miles was more sand. Poor Treacle was panting dragging her paws through the hot sand, they came across another set of ruins taking refuge in the shade only for a mere moment. Walter slid down against the wall crumbling to his knees, he placed his hands in front of him feeling the stone floor.

"Please go on without me. I don't want to drag you down anymore"

Hannah gathered her thoughts chewing the inside of her cheek, not happy with it she knew she'd move faster on her own with Treacle.

"I'll go get help! Just stay here, I promise I'll be back"

"Be careful Hannah"

"You too Walter"

Whistling to get Treacle's attention, the pair disappeared into the desert leaving Walter behind in the shadowy section of some ruins. She made a mental note of the place, so she'd know where to go when she comes back with help. Soon the heat became too much for her too, it didn't help that they were attacked by Sand Furies which used up the last of her strength. Hannah breathed in the hot dry air feeling her lungs dry up she looked at Treacle who was panting profusely then she collapsed, the only thing she remembers before blacking out was a faint cry. Someone was calling her name, but she passed out before she could recognise the voice.

"Taking a nap in the sun? Typical royalty. You had me worried there for a while"

Hannah opened her eyes seeing Ben bent over her, his head was blocking out the sunlight allowing her to see him. She didn't even notice the colourfully dressed and painted woman to the side of Ben.

"…Ben? Is that you or am I hallucinating…"

A playful smile quirked on her lips as she spoke, Ben took a hold on her hand checking she was alright. When she play-flirted with him about seeing him as a mirage he laughed under his breath.

"Are you telling me you see me in your visions? Should I be offended or flattered? *wink*"

"Heh, a bit of both?"

Ben grinned at her as he subconsciously got closer to her, holding her hand in his own against his chest. Before they both got distracted by each other the Aurorean woman spoke out about Walter. Hannah's eyes widened in horror, Ben quickly pulled her to her feet as Hannah babbled about Walters safety. The woman subconsciously put her hands up as if to say take it easy to the princess, Walter was currently being carried back to the city of Aurora. Relieved Hannah took two steps forward but felt woozy again but before she hit the sand Ben quickly grabbed a hold of her picking her up bridal style.

"Come on, I got you, love. *whistles* C'mon mutt this way"

Treacle lifted her ears tilting her head to the side then followed the people to Aurora. Hannah wanted to blush at the fact she fainted in front of Ben and the fact he was now carrying her, but she blacked out before she could react.

They reached the city of Aurora and Kalin brought Ben to a hut where they had Walter. Whilst they were working on Walter's condition, Ben took the princess to the next room pushing the curtain aside that separated the rooms he gently laid her down on the hard bed. Knowing her condition is more fatigue and thirst he quickly got her some water and fruit that she can have when she wakes up again. Knowing he'd be useless in the other room with Walter, Ben remained by the princess's side waiting for her to wake up. Something about her gave him an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach but when he's around her, talking to her, flirting with her, he feels like a new man. Whatever it maybe he knew he had to watch himself, he didn't want to distract the hero not with the revolution just over the horizon.

The princess remained passed out for a few hours, so Ben sat down on a nearby chair propping his feet up on the end of her bed dozing off. When Hannah woke up she noticed she's now indoors in a small hut from the looks of it then she spotted Ben asleep in the chair next to her and a plate of fruit nearby with water. To regain her strength Hannah quietly ate the fruit and downed the water enjoying the cool liquid quench her thirst. She then laid back down rolling onto her side to admire Ben as he slept. He looked so peaceful with his golden blonde hair half blown about from the desert winds, his stubble looked more prominent but that maybe because Hannah's never had the chance to look this closely. Ben felt a presence watching him, slightly opening one eye he saw Hannah staring at him. He shuffled in his seat keeping his eyes closed he broke out a devilish grin.

"You know it's impolite to stare. Unless you can't help yourself"

Ben opened his eyes to see Hannah blushing profusely from being caught checking him out, he liked having this effect on her. He winked after speaking to tease her even further, Hannah averted his gaze rolling over sitting up on the opposite edge of the bed.

"How long was I out?"

"Only a few hours… Poor Walt is currently in some coma, hopefully he'll wake up soon"

"Oh, avo! Walter. I want to see him"

"Sure thing, love. He's just through that curtain with Kalin"

Hannah-Rose got off the bed keeping her back to Ben still ashamed that she was caught checking out the Captain of her royal army, well, her soon-to-be army. She was about to leave through the curtain to see Walter, but she paused, Ben shuffled behind her lifting his feet off the edge of the bed but still remained sat down. Hannah looked back at him smiling sincerely turning her body to face him she took a few cautious steps towards him, unsure whether or not to do what she wanted to do.

"Ben… I-I just wanted to say… Well… Thanks"

The Captain could see it written all over her face, she was hiding something. Perhaps it was the same thing he was hiding too but he didn't say anything he merely smiled at her.

"Don't mention it, your highness"

"You know I don't like it when you refer to me as that"

"Sorry, love. I mean, Hannah"

The playful undertone of flirting started almost immediately it's like they just couldn't help themselves. Before Hannah lost her nerve, she placed a hand on Ben's shoulder looking down at him with a smile leaning closer to him.

"So? What's a solider going to get for rescuing the princess?"

"You mean a reward? How about… this…"

He was only teasing her since she leant closer to him with her hand on his shoulder, Ben wondered how far he could push her before she became embarrassed again. When she trailed off her sentence she got closer, her eyes softly closed as she leaned in for a kiss. Ben didn't shy away or try to push her off, in truth he wanted this and was curious if she wanted it too. When their lips met in a tender faint kiss something clicked between the two, there was a deep feeling bubbling up inside of them as they made this sweet tender connection. Hannah pulled away smiling, she backed up sitting on the edge of her bed bringing a hand to her lips delicately touching her lips.

"What's the matter? Was it bad?"

"No, no. Just weird… but not a bad weird, just different"

Ben just laughed as he came to a stand he sat next to Hannah on the bed brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she stared at the floor then she looked at Ben with curiosity.

"Can I? I mean would you mind… If you wouldn't mind terribly… Doing that again?"

Ben double blinked trying to fish through her rabble, but he caught the end, smirking rising an eyebrow at her suggestively.

"Is that a trick question?"

With a smile Hannah closed her eyes waiting for Ben to make the next move. He brought his hands up brushing her hair back cupping her face then he sprinkled light kisses over the closed eyelids then her forehead, cheek, chin then her soft tempting lips. As their lips met again Hannah got that explosive feeling again and she didn't want it to end. It was a tempting mix of his aftershave mixed with gunpowder that stirred something deep inside of her a scent she feels she can't live without.

Taking the risk, Ben slowly parted his mouth tracing his tongue along her bottom lip and to his keen surprise she opened her mouth deepening the kiss. They both moaned in unison when their tongues met in a passionate dance of dominance, Ben snaked his hands around her waist holding her body close to his. Hannah threw one leg over his getting closer to him, but before they let go to their animalistic lust they heard a cough.

"Ah hem… Do you want to see Walter your highness?"

It was Kalin, she broke the tense atmosphere leaving the princess feeling rather foolish and sheepish. Hannah pulled away from Ben with a burning red-hot blush creeping over her, Ben smirked at Hannah giving her a wink then hopped off the bed passing by Kalin in the doorway.

"I'll be outside if you need me… Hannah"

"He's a kind but odd fellow. We haven't been properly introduced I'm Kalin and you are in the city of Aurora"

Hannah approached the woman holding out her hand to shake it accepting the introduction.

"I'm assuming you know who I am?"

"Yes your… 'friend' arrived here first then got worried when yourself and Walter didn't arrive on time"

As the ladies talked they walked into the room where Walter was resting, Kalin explained Walter's condition saying he needed to rest and Hannah should explore the city to learn more about the crawler from the villagers. Hannah looked down at Walter taking his hand she gave it a squeeze telling him to rest then left the hut. She couldn't find Ben, probably for the best given the circumstances. Treacle was asleep outside under some shade a canopy provided, she lifted her head barking happily when she saw Hannah running up to her jumping up licking her face. Hannah gave the dog fusses then they wandered the city talking to people about the darkness, Treacle sniffed out pages of diary entries written by the locals including Kalin about the crawler.

"What kind of evil is this? I'm not sure if this revolution, with my allies, is enough to stop it Treacle. *sigh* I wish mother was alive to give me some hero advice"

The hero and companion walked back to the hut as the sun was beginning to set, she didn't see Ben again until she was in Walter's room. Walter was now awake sat up in bed and could see again, Hannah brushed past Kalin giving Walter a hug.

"You're awake! Walter I was so worried, we all were"

"She's not wrong there, mate. You gave us quite the scare"

"Thank you both. It was horrible the complete darkness, I pity any blind person living in such a world of pitch blackness"

With that Hannah introduced Kalin to Walter properly and they explained their reasons for coming to Aurora. Kalin explained what needed to be done to Aurora for her to form an alliance with Hannah-Rose. As Hannah made her promise Theresa froze everyone again opening up a Road to Rule gateway. After she got her speech from Theresa, that she had all her allies now and that the next step was to revolt, Hannah was brought back to Aurora in the same spot she had been standing as if she never left the room.

"So, did you and Ben keep out of trouble whilst I was out of it?"

"Of course, Walt, what do you take me for? Some kind of trouble-maker?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I take you as"

Hannah meanwhile was focusing on not blushing again as she looked at Ben with a guilty face, Walter picked up on it as he saw the way she looked at Ben and how Ben was putting up an emotional barrier.

"Come on you two trouble-makers. Let's head back to Albion, you have a revolution to lead"

Walter told Hannah he'll travel back with Ben since he knew she'd go to the guild rooms then fast travel back to Bowerstone. Walter headed towards the ship Ben arrived on first leaving a brief fleeting moment between Hannah and Ben. Smiling at the hero Ben took a hold of her hand pulling her closer to him.

"So, I'll see you in battle then?"

"Yes, you will. Ben… I just- "

"Don't fret, love. We can pick 'this' up later… and if disaster happens then I'll hold onto this moment until the very end"

Ben cupped her face tilting her head as he sealed the gap between them in a soft tender kiss. Hannah ran her gloved fingers through his blonde hair remembering every detail about him, inhaling that intoxicating aroma of his aftershave and gunpowder. Soon they broke away looking at each other with promising eyes that they wanted to pick this up again when the times right. Walter paused turning back around to see if Ben was following and saw the two kissing, he laughed under his breath ("I knew there was something going on"). He watched as Hannah disappeared in a sea of blue lights teleporting to the guild rooms leaving Ben standing there a bit lost and conflicted. Ben started walking to catch up with Walter but as his eyes lifted he saw Walter staring right at him, his eyes widened in shock.

"How long were you looking?"

"Long enough"

"Walt, buddy I can explain…"

"Just be good to her. You know her mother is still alive, and I also know who her father is"

"You… you do? Who?"

"Someone who won't pay kindly to know another man is toying with his daughter's feelings"

"Okay, hear you loud and clear. But why won't you tell me who Hannah's father is?"

"He doesn't want her to know… yet"