Danric's heart was racing as he sped towards the castle. Thousands of images raced through his head. Where could she be? Could he really be alive? How did he survive?

There were so many questions and no answers. All he knew is that something was not right and Mel was not home.

With what the dying man had said and the news, he had the most unlikely situation in mind. Degebri was shot in the back. There is no way to live!

"Woooo." He said, slowing the horse to a trot as he waited for the gates to open. Bran and Nee were waiting for him on the other side.

"Fill me in on every detail." He said in a grave tone as he dismounted.

Skye sniggered at the shocked face that was painted on Mel's face.

"You see, my dear Meliara, things can change when the king thinks you are dead. It is much easier to sneak around when you are not supposed to be alive. That way, anyone who does see you, thinks themself mad and would not tall another soul, and if they did, then everyone else would think them mad. It's all quite simple really," He said, pure amusement lacing his grin.

Meliara opened her mouth to say something, but was unable to find her voice. There were so many questions! Thoughts and ideas intermingled in her head causing weird reasons and impossible situations.

"Let's see…ah here is an interesting question that you have floating about in that petite head of yours! How am I alive? Well let me give you the short version. No one really bothered to check if I was dead and in fact, though I was close to those black gates, I had never passed through them. My body was paralyzed and my mind was clouded over. It seems the tree-people you hold so dear made one small mistake. When they laced the arrows with magic, they didn't forget about the one heading for me. They put magic in that one as well to make it resistant to any other influences, giving the wood new life as well as more magic. When the arrow struck my back, it hit my spinal chord. The magic mixed with my system, and here I am with advanced magics, controlled by my mind," He said with an evil smirk pulling at his lips.

"You…you…vile beast!" Meliara stuttered.

"HEY! Don't you talk to my master that way you worthless piece of hill trash. Don't forget your humble beginnings lady queen!" The woman named Skye half yelled, raising herself from the little stool she was perched on.

"Calm yourself love. Come here and open up the bars for me," He crooned.

Skye smiled, "Certainly."

The bars creaked open and Meliara had nothing to protect her from the old baron. He reached down and grabbed her chin, pulling her up to his eye level, a smile playing on his lips.

"The same beautiful hair, enigmatic eyes, and comely figure. Its good to see that palace life hasn't ruined you much…" He said.

His words made her shiver and the look of lust in his pig like eyes was enough to make her whimper, but she didn't. She stood as firmly as she could.

"I can read your thoughts. I can control your mind. Do not think that your worst fears will not come true," He said, throwing her against the wall and leaving with a laugh.

"Keep the wench locked up," He said, stalking out of the dungeon with an important air about him.

Skye smiled. "I'd be more than happy to."

Okies here we are. I updated finally and won't be able to for about another month since I am going on vacation with a friend…hope you like it!! Oh and sorry its so short…