Meredith firmed her jaw and stood up. She faced her opponent head on and miraculously won her first fight with a sword against her mentor. Allar stood grinning at her proudly and thumping her back sportingly. A blow like that should have sent her flying face first but she was stronger then she looked. The ten youths who watched ran or walked to congratulate her on her victory all still laughing.

The moonlight came through the windows in the silver throne room. It shined on an onyx statue that stood in place of the throne. The large sculpture was of an evil mage who was defeated after 20 years of battle. It has been many centuries sense that last day of war. One of the royal family's ancestors Arthurem had defeated this terrible evil. The present king liked to come in here and think, but he has not done that in 3 years now. He has been busy patrolling his land watching for bandits and enemy armies. Some Scanran's from the army still caused trouble in small groups of bandits in the kingdom.

Princess Meredith made her way to the throne room on silent feet. She was

axousted from her weapons practice and could not sleep. She thought that the silver throne room could help her chaotic mind to settle. It was the largest room in the palace. And the view from it was spectacular. She watched the halls as she hurried to her final destination. No one was about at this time of night. She had no candle with her because she knew where to go. This place was and still is her home ever sense she was born. Meredith knew it just like she knew the back of her hand.

She slowly opened the white gold door. Thank goodness it did not creek. As she stepped fully into the room her hands where seized from the back and her mouth covered by a large strong hand. A male voice whispered into her left ear "Not a word boy you hear me. Not a peep out of you shall I hear. I'll kill you in seconds if you scream." Meredith's mind screamed in ratios indignation BOY…….BOY. I am no boy you moron. But then again she was dressed as a boy due to the weapons practice she had had earlier that day. The princess nodded her head in affirmation. She would be silent. The man released her mouth and hands putting a knife to her neck. She gulped at the feel of the blade next to her skin. Just great, wonderful. Why did she always get herself in these situations, she muttered quietly to herself. "Move" the man growled pushing her forward and almost cutting her neck. "Back way out, lead on boy" he whispered still having a hint of threat in his deep voice. With her head free and the moon's light shining clearly she saw wide eyed that the statue was gone from its usual place. Meredith gulped now realizing who the man behind her, holding her captive was.

She was in shock as she guided her kidnapper through and from her home. The princess could not believe that she was being kidnapped by none other then the bloody statue which was now a very real life breathing man. As she walked steadily outdoors she saw the dark blue almost black robe glittering with moons and stars that her captor the evil mage wore. Meredith scowled trying to remember his name. She did not notice the tree limb in front of her and went down flat on her face. The mage chuckled and put away his sharp weapon. "Come on" he said still laughing at her. She growled and swiped at his hand. Slowly she got herself upright then took a step and fell flat on her back. The mage laughed harder trying to cover the sound with his hands. Meredith grumbled but stood up and then began to walk forward her eyes only looking at the trees in front of them. Her hands though where trying as best as they could to clean her already stained clothes. The mage followed her snickering off and on. "Shut up" she growled to make him stop but that only increased his laughter.

When they entered the forest and where concealed by the trees he stopped laughing. By that time princess Meredith had remembered his name. It was Bradonith Dark. She shuddered not in fear but at the horrible name itself. What mother could give her child such an ugly name. Why, it was just cruel she thought distractedly. "Come" the command came briskly. She sighed tiredly but followed the man through the dark and shadowed trees.

It took them all night and a little part of the morning to walk through the forest. Meredith had dropped as many pieces of clothing as she could without being seen or winding up naked. Bradonith still thought her a boy which she guessed to be good. He changed directions faster then a snake attacked. She was tiered and starving and wanted to rest. When they finally made it into a clearing two miles from the town of Morning Glory she sat or fell to the ground. Bradonith turned around and scowled down at her, she at the same time scowled up at him. "I am tiered. We have been walking for hours. I am taking a rest" she told him defiantly. After a time his scowl vanished. He nodded in agreement and smiled tiredly himself. He sat down slowly onto fresh smelling grass and sighed contentedly. Then he quickly opened his eyes and looked at her. "Boy, what year is this" he asked sharply. "Its 464 H.E." Meredith replied curiously. He nodded his head in understanding. "Then I have been asleep a veryyyyyyyyyyyyyy long time" he whispered softly. She sighed and nodded in affirmation. They sat like that quietly for hours neither one moving from their spot or saying a word.