I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned around to see Nina looking at me. I gave her a weak smile, and she returned it just as weak. "Milady, please don't leave us out in the dark. Please tell us what is going on, and why Shand so hastily left. Why have you been acting so strange with your talks and your cuts and bruises." She looked at me with those big brown eyes, fear and worriment flickering, and suddenly I wanted to cry again. I led her over to the fire, and looked at everyone. They sat down by the fire, and no one talked. Eerie silence, the light dancing across everyone's face made me afraid, and I took a deep breath. Nothing to worry about, it's all in my imagination, everyone is fine, no one here is corrupted by Darkness. Yet. "You probably think that I'm crazy for the way I've been acting." A few mumbled no, but I held up my hand to stop them. "I need to explain this to you all, from the beginning. There are some things that I cannot tell you, but I will try. My mom's cousin Vagnone murdered my father. He was angry that my mother married my father, and vowed revenge that every one he loved would die. My mother was murdered and my uncle Stefan was too. Vagnone isn't normal, he is a mage, a very powerful mage, and I need to help the Mother to defeat Vagnone. I was call to gather an army for Light to defeat Darkness. We, I must destroy Vagnone before the year is up, or he will kill me also. Not only me, but also everyone I love. That is all of you, for I love you. I wouldn't have gone this far if it wasn't for you. Stable boys, I love you for your love of the horses. Without you, we would be in trouble. Guards, I love you because ever since I was a baby you have always looked after me. Savanna I love you because since I was little you have always taught me how to me a proper woman, and Nina, I love you because you have been my best friend since I could talk. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. That is why I must fight, and if you can, fight with me, and once more Light will concur Darkness." I was facing opened mouths and mystified faces. No one spoke all was quite. I waited a minute, and then went to stand, but then I heard a small laugh. "Milady, I'm disappointed in you. What made you think that you even needed to ask us to help you? We love you just as much as you love us, and will always follow you." Katata walked over to me and hugged me. I yawned and he lifted me up and laid me down onto my sleeping furs. I looked up at the love in his eyes and then fell asleep. When I woke, I said goodbye to the Shepards and we traveled until we say a fork in the road. I remembered what Marguerite told me, and sent a small group away. It was noon, but I decided to make camp, for she said that Shand would meet me here. I waited all day, and by dusk I was losing hope. We started dinner when a noise was brought to my attention. Hoof beats! I ran to the road, and waited while the horse came closer. It was Shand, for I would know Aster anywhere. Shand drew closer, and when he was almost upon me, I throw up my hands and waved at him. He reared Aster and jumped off. "Angelina, what are you doing here? And what happened to your face?" He grabbed my hand, and led me to the fire, where he studied me better. "Shand I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. Please know that I love you and that I want you back." I kissed him, but he pulled away. He looked at me, and went to touch my face, but thought better and pulled away. "Are you still in you pagan worship, because if you are, I can't with you. I can't continue to be married to you if you follow that evil bitch. You must understand me, I'm not going to fool around with this."