A/N Thanks to all who reviewed. This stime, I really won't be able to update until Monday. I'm off to my dad's house and he doesn't have the internet. Sorry, but I'll post as soon as possible.

Lioness Fury- I've been told that before and I changed it once. If youread it again and it's still not an eye-catcher, could you give me a suggestion on what it should say?

Mage Light- It does seem to do that an awful lot. LOL

Great Merciful Goddess- don't worry, her softer side comes out later on, and she tries tosquash it, but she can't. It should be fun.

Angel-on-earth- thanky

Chapter ten: Seeking

Burdock had finally tracked her down. After two weeks of searching, he had found her. After spending two weeks weeding through the lowest of street rats, he had hit the jackpot. Old Two Toe Joe had had a lot to say about the Novellee Shadow. Including where her place of business was located.

Now he stood outside the Dog House inn a few streets down from the Dnacing Dove. He had no idea what he would say when he entered the inn, all he knew was that he was looking for her and she was in that building.

Taking a moment, Burdock got his feelings in check. He admitted to himself that he was a little frightened of her. She had made it through the Chamber of Ordeal after virtually no preparation. He, who had eight years of preparation, had barely made it through himself.

That fear was swallowed with the amount of other feeling that swarmed through him. Anticipation of revenge. The excitement of seeing her again. The pleasure of a job well done.

Burdock entered the building to a common room filled with rowdy men in all stages of drunk. Smoke clouded the air and he smelt the distinct stench of Rainbow Weed. Serving girls wandered from table to table, passing around food and drink.

He was still deciding on a plan of action when a man walked up to him. Burdock took quick note of the man's appearance. He had blond hair, green eyes, and tan skin. The man had a good build.

"Can I help you, stranger?" the man asked of Burdock. He stuck out his hand for shaking, "I'm Cameron. Who are you?"

"Burdock," he replied grasping his hand in a shake. "I'm looking for Novellee. She said I could find her here when we last spoke," he lied with out a qualm.

He saw Cameron's feature's change into a mask. His face became blank of any emotion. "Let's discuss this in the kitchen."

He didn't wait for Burdock's answer, instead turning and walking away. Burdock had half a mind to turn and leave. But he had to find Novellee, so he followed the man he assumed was an assassin into the kitchens.

"How do you know Novellee?" Cameron demanded when he heard the door close behind Burdock.

"We meet a few weeks ago in the temple district. We discussed weapons and she said if I ever was in need of companionship to seek her here," the lie flowed easily from him. He had no regrets lying to this man.

He heard a clatter from the pantry and a serving girl walked out. She had long brown hair and blue eyes. When she saw Cameron her cheeks flushed.

"Oh, Cameron. Did you need something?" her voice was girlish and breathy. Cameron dismissed her with a wave of his hand, but she didn't leave the room. Instead she busied herself with the dishes.

"How well do you know Novellee?" he inquired, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Oh, quite well," Burdock said, getting into his roll. "We've been friends for a long time. I've warmed her more then once, if you catch my drift," he said with a slight chuckle.

Cameron made a sound like a wounded animal. He loved Novellee, had given everything to her, and how had she repaid him? By sleeping with someone behind his back. He had thought she was saving herself until they were married. Now he knew the truth.

But this wasn't possible. There was no way his precious Novellee would do this to him. She was too pure, too innocent. This man must have forced her. His gaze went red.

With a roar, he turned and leapt at Burdock, catching him of guard. Cameron's shoulder rammed into Burdock's stomach, knocking the wind from him. Burdock couldn't believe this was happening.

They slammed into the wall, Cameron's hands around Burdock's throat, cutting of his air. Burdock raised his arm and slammed it down into Cameron's arms with his elbow, breaking Cameron's grip.

He pushed away, scrambling for some distance to try to explain. "Look, I only want to talk to her."

"She doesn't want to talk to you. That's why she left. I knew something was wrong and now I know, you raped her. That's why she's been so distant lately. I'll kill you!" he shouted.

Burdock maneuvered so that a table was between them. He countered every move that Cameron made so that the table was always between them.

"What are you talking about? I didn't rape her. Why would I, she was willing! Just tell me where she is!" he shouted back, forgetting that his whole part conversation was a lie.

That was the last straw for Cameron. He roared again and scrapped his feet along the floor like a bull on a rampage. He knocked the table out of the way, diving for Burdock again.

But Burdock was waiting. He dodged at the last second, ramming his elbow into Cameron's back. He hit the floor hard, his head making a cracking noise. He didn't get up.

"You've killed him," Jolene gasped, her hand fluttering to her breast. Her wide eyes went to Burdock, who was leaning over Cameron. He checked to make sure he was alive and was thankful that he was. Burdock hadn't really hurt him that much, just knocked him out.

"No, he's just out for a little bit. Can you tell me where to find Novellee?" he looked to her and watched the emotions that crossed her face. He saw clearly reluctance before spit, then determination.

"I know. I'll draw you a map."

Without hesitating, Jolene drew a map of how to get to Novellee's country estate. Not for a minute did she feel guilty about sending this man to her. Sure, he could be a rapist, but Jolene didn't care. As far as she was concerned, Novellee would get what she deserved for cheating on Cameron, for hurting him this way.

"Here," she explained, handing him the map. "If you get lost, just ask the locals how to get to Dream Country Estate. They'll tell you."

Burdock accepted the map. As he studied it carefully he was shocked. Her estate was just outside of Pirate's Swoop.

$$

Burdock settled into the saddle of a dappled-gray mare. Beside him road Numair and his wife Daine along with Alanna and her husband, George. They were headed back to Pirate's Swoop on the king's orders.

They were to touch base at Pirate's Swoop, then Burdock was to head to Novellee's estate. He would then convince her to work with the kingdom. When she accepted the offer, he was to bring her to Pirate's Swoop.

Along with them was a mna named Trent. Burdock had brought him along for when Novellee accepted the job. Trent knew everything about their target and he could breif Novellee.

The only flaw was that Burdock had no idea on how to get Novellee to accept the offer. The king hadn't been specific, simply saying to get her to agree by any means possible.

This could be fun, he decided as the group speeded up. Very fun.

A/N I know it's really short, but there was nothing for it. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. it was really fun to write. NEways, in the next couple of chapters, Novellee seems a little crazy. But she just got out of the chamber, so give her a chance. Review please.

Nubia