A/N: I realized when I started writing this chapter that I have absolutely no control over my story. This is completely different than how I had planned it. I put my hand on a pencil and it just—jumps out! All I was gonna do was flesh out the fairy tale a bit and now I'm waiting just as anxiously as any of you to see what happens next! Thanks for all the support. No, that was not sarcastic, Acorn. Hey, I thought I told you to take Banana away! AAAAAA—Well, that's all, folks! ^_^

Chapter Five

Black Boots and Blood

I was bundled away by servants who seemed to think that after only a week and a half of travel I just might need a bath. I bathed quickly and jumped out of the large tub that was more like a tiny pond but it was to late, the servants had already whisked away every scrap of clothing that I owned. In their place was a dark blue tunic that matched my eyes, a pair of black breeches, thigh-high black boots and a clue cloak trimmed with gold. I eyed the things with disgust. I was no lord or princeling who needed fancy cloth to make me better, faster, smarter, etc. All I wanted was my own comfortable, sturdy, old rags back. Finally, with only other option being to walk around naked, I slipped on the shirt, breeches, and boots. I glared at the cloak. I was NOT going to wear something trimmed in gold! I was just about to go out the door when I remembered the cloak the old woman had given me. I poked around in my bag until I found it and pulled it out. It was still a drab black color, with stains and rips decorating it.

Still, better than that gold trim.

I shrugged it on and pushed open the large double doors.

I walked down the hall and beckoned one of the servants who were hurrying up and down the halls. I was hoping one of them could tell me were I was supposed to spend the night. The servant didn't even glance my way but bustled on.

Well that was rude! I thought, annoyed.

I continued down the hall. Passing a second servant, I tapped him on the shoulder. The servant let out a piercing scream and whirled about. I cleared my throat. "Uh, didn't mean to frighten you, but I was wondering if you could………" I trailed off as the servant turned snow white.

"Who's there?" the servant asked, his voice quavering.

"What are you talking about?! I'm standing right in front of you!"

The poor man looked as though he was going to start bawling at any moment. "I assure you, kind sir, I see absolutely nothing in front of me."

I stared a moment, wondering if the man had suddenly been struck blind. "Are you sure you can't see me?" I asked. "Cause ya' know I can see myself and I'm pretty sure I'm not dead…" I stopped when the servant's eyes rolled up in his head. He fell to the ground with a quiet thud.

Just like he'd been shot.

I grimaced at the memories stirred up by the comparison. It took a moment for the sight in front of me to register but when it did I felt icy fear grip my heart. I quickly scanned the room then turned back to the fallen man with a grimace of distaste. There was no mistaking the hilt of a dagger protruding from his chest or pretend that the spreading pool of red was anything other than what it was—blood.

====

Jamil! Hey Jamil, wait up!

Derek, what are you doing? Go—DEREK! DEREK, WATCH OUT!!!!

Jamil? You won't tell mommy will you?

No, no………

Jamil, am I gonna die?

NO!

====

"NO!" I wrenched myself out of the memories only to find myself kneeling on the floor, blood soaking into my fine black breeches. I wiped away the tears sliding down my face and let out a shuddering breath. I carefully averted my eyes from the dead man and pushed myself to my feet using the rough stone wall as support. I made my way, stumbling occasionally, to the nearest room and fell inside.

It was the Guardroom.

"Aeron," I croaked.

He turned a moment, as though he thought he'd heard me but couldn't see me.

Just like the servant, I thought glumly. Maybe I am dead………

Something wet brushed against my arm and I realized that the dull black cloak had soaked up the blood but because of its color I hadn't noticed till now. With a cry of disgust I jerked it off and flung it as far as I could.

"Jamil!"

I looked up to see Aeron's shocked face.

"What kept you so long?" I asked with weary humor.

****

Later, Aeron had bundled me in countless blankets and placed a mug of whiskey in my hand.

"What happened, Jamil?"

I gave a tired laugh. "I'm not sure."

"Well, try."

So I told him.

Leaving out my own personal reaction.

When I'd finished, Aeron had a thoughtful look on his face.

"What are you thinking?"

He looked up, startled. "Hmm—oh. I was just wondering who would want to kill a servant. I mean, a lord or the King or something I could see, but a servant? I don't know……… it just seems strange."

I thought about it for a while.

"Maybe they thought he was talking to a spirit. There're a lot of fanatics who would kill a man for less."

Aeron nodded slowly. "I guess that could be it." He paused for a second. "But I have this gut feeling."

I focused on him. When a soldier says they have a gut feeling about something, you don't ignore it. It's usually why they're still alive.

Seeing he had my attention, he continued. "I keep thinking that maybe he wasn't the target. Maybe it was you."

I stared at him. The thought had occurred to me, but— "But what about the fact that no one seemed to be able to see me?"

Aeron shrugged. "I think he may have been aiming towards your voice but the servant was in the way."

I winced. "You make him sound like some damn wall!" I replied angrily.

Aeron looked at me, brows raised.

I sighed. "Sorry. It's just………" I stopped, unable to continue.

Aeron echoed my sigh. "I know."

We sat a moment in silence until a creak from outside the door startled us out of our reverie. I glanced at Aeron and he held up a cautioning finger. He moved with a fluid grace that I didn't know a man of his wrestler like bulk had. He drew up by the door and carefully reached out for the knob. With a quick wrench, he pulled open the door. Someone let out a gasp and a body tumbled into the room.

****

A/N: WOO HOO!!! OVER A 1000 WORDS!!!! I know, I know……… I need to get a life……… Also, my first cliffhanger! It's not much, but it's mine. :) Anyone have any ideas about who it is? Review and tell me, cause I'm not sure who it is yet……… lol! And, while I'm doing this, thanks to Dido and P.O.D. for giving me something to listen to besides my sisters whining! Oh, I also apologize that these chapters are so short, but I'm afraid that I only write 700-1000 word chapters and if I write over that it feels like I'm stretching it to much. Jeez, if I don't stop this is going to be longer than my story!

Hi! To all of my new friends and to the old ones who knew me 'before the story'. ; )

Thank you's:

Thank you to my beta-reader, the extraordinary…Kassi of Pirate's Swoop!!! You rock!! Update soon and good luck on the finals. ;) I'll write you a novel someday………

Thank you to marvindamartin for, first off, writing a great story ('You've Got Mail' in the HP section) and second, for taking time out of your busy (I'm sure) schedule to be nice and return a review! Thanks!

Thank you to person: I'm sorry about the misunderstanding! ^_^

R&R!