King Jonathan, Numair, Daine, Alanna, George, Thom, and Lanen sat in the study and contemplated the the attack.
"I can't understand how the Scanrans would know about Lanen's magic" said Numair as he paced the room. "We only found out about it yesterday, and then even we weren't so sure that's what it could be."

"Damn!" everyone looked at the king startled. "I just remembered that yesterday I was to meet with the Scanran ambassador when Numair came to me. He must of overheard us and informed his king."

"Then we can question him, find out if he heard us, and why his king is attacking Lanen." exclaimed Numair excitedly.

"No, we can't" sighed King Jon,"I was meeting with him to wish him a safe journey. He's probably already back in Scanra. But what I can't seem to understand is why the King wanted to capture Lanen. One could assume that he wants to destroy the world in order to rule it or he could just want to kill Lanen to prevent that from happening. Who knows? There are tons of possible reasons as to what's his motivation."

"I'm sorry you had to find out this way Lanen. We didn't want to tell you because we weren't sure ourselves." said Daine.

"That's alright, but how does this essence of life thing work? How do I control it and use it?" asked Lanen.

"I'm glad you asked. That's the thing-you can't control it and you can't use it at will. The essence of life is controlled by your emotions, as we found out today. The last bearer destroyed the Ancient Ones in pure hate. We didn't know what 'pure hate' meant until this afternoon. You see you hated your attackers because they killed Thom, and in doing so you took away their essence, their very existence. Then in loving Thom so much you gave him back his essence. I believe that this power only works through love and hate because nobody has ever died because you got angry."

"What if these attacks continue?" asked Alanna.

"Then I guess Lanen won't be able to go into the city alone anymore." replied George.

____________________________________________________

* a few weeks later *

Thom sighed as he wiped his face after training with Lanen in the practice courts. "I don't even know why I bother. Every time I go into the city with I'm stuck defending you." The attacks on Lanen were becoming less and less, but almost every time she went into the city there was another attack.

"I can defend myself, and you don't have to go." said Lanen hurt by his tone.

"Yeah, sure. Just like you didn't need any help with your father. You become more and more like him everyday."

"And what would know of my father?" asked Lanen hotly.

"I know that he was a lazy good-for-nothing, just like you." said Thom. By now most of the people in the practice courts were listening intently.

"What?! A lazy go...Well, I certainly didn't here you complaining last night!" said Lanen hotly.

Thom snorted,"That's just about all your good for." At that comment, Lanen's hand lashed out but Thom caught it. Lanen struggled to free her hand when Thom held on to it, so Lanen kicked him in between the legs. As Thom doubled over in pain, Lanen spat at his feet and said "Let's here you complain now, you pompous ass!"

Lanen returned to her rooms, packed her things and headed for the city.
She was so consumed in her thoughts that Lanen didn't even see the man in front of her until she ran into him.

"I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going..." Lanen was cut short as the man grabbed her. Thoughts raced through Lanen's head as she fought to get free, but she knew it was useless-the man was much stronger than her. How could she have been so thoughtless? Thom was right, she couldn't take care of herself.

The man dragged her into an inn nearby, and once inside he let her go. Lanen seized her chance grabbed her knife and swung around to face her kidnaper. Lanen stared at the man in front of her, he was Lanen's height, lanky but, as she had just found out, very strong. He had strong facial features, deep blue eyes, sandy-blond hair, and was very handsome. "Jocelin?" she asked in amazement.

"Lanen, are you crazy?! What the hell do you think your doing? Walking in your own little world and not paying attention! I could have been an attacker, just lucky enough to grab you! You stupid idiot!" He yelled as he hugged her tight. Jocelin was an old friend of Lanen's, who cared for her deeply.

"What?...How did you...where..."

"Lanen, I saw you in the market with King Jonathan when you were attacked. I've been watching you ever since. It's been good to see you. Been keeping high company lately, haven't you?" he asked as he raised his eyebrows.

Lanen sighed as they took a seat, and ordered some ale. "So, what have you been doing?" she asked

"Oh no. I want to here all about what has happened and why these men are attacking you. Starting with your father..." Lanen told him all about how George and Thom had stopped her father from beating her.

"Good, that ass-hole deserved...I'm sorry Lanen,but..." Lanen held up her hand, "No, your right, I'm not going to deny it. My friends helped me to see that." Lanen continued to tell him about the past two years at Pirate's Swoop and the palace. Then she explained the attacks and her new powers. Joss listened to it all quietly, absorbing it all in, and contemplating it all.

"You've changed." he said looking at her. "This essence of life, if you've always had it...then why didn't it kill your father or save your mother and sisters?"

"I asked the same thing. As for my father, I guess it's because I didn't truly hate him, and I have no answer for my mother and sisters. I wish I did, but I don't."

"What are you doing in the city all by yourself? Why aren't you at the palace where you're safe?" Joss asked concerned.

Lanen blushed, she hadn't told him about Thom and didn't intend to. "I don't want to talk about it. So...What are you doing here? I thought you would be off in some distant land, learning all you can." Jocelin was an artist and had left Corus in search of a better education.

"I was, but I felt compelled to come back to Corus and I'm glad I did."

"What do you plan to do now?"

"Travel, look for jobs here and there. You?"

"Well...I don't know."

"Well, with the trouble you've been in you're not going anywhere by yourself." He thought for a moment then said "You're coming with me, weather you like it or not! I not going to sit here and let you walk to your doom."