So, how do you like it so far? I'm still waiting for those thousand bucks you owe me! Pulls out pea shooter and laughs I 'm armed and dangerous so watch out!

Chapter Two

Yuri gripped Sheena's waist tightly. They had been riding horseback for what seemed like hours. Didn't she ever get tired?

Yuri let out a yawn. He was exausted, but he didn't want to sleep for Sheena hadn't briefed him on his mission yet. He was dieing from curiosity. What was so important that Pappa had died for?

There was another thought. Pappa. He had died in combat. Yuri didn't realy know his father. He had left when he was just a baby. Should he be sad that Pappa died or should he be proud that Pappa died a hero's death. It was all so overwhelming. After all, he was only thirteen, just becoming a teenager.

"Sheena,"Yuri finally spoke up,"You haven't told me anything about what I am supposed to do or how Pappa died. I'm so confused."

Tears were about to spill, as Yuri let his feelings free.

Sheena grimaced and explained,"I guess we're far enough from any possible spies lurking about. You're mission does have a great deal to do with Starlight Dwarf, but it's also much more than that. The war is affecting more than just the elves and dwarves, it's affecting the whole kingdom of Derkona. The king is very worried, and that is where I am taking you now."

Yuri gasped; he was going to meet the king. What an honor!

"What about Pappa,"Yuri questioned.

Sheena just continued to ride in silence then finally continued in her explaining,"Your father was a great man and it is a shame that you never knew him. I knew him well; he was like a father to me as he should have been to you. I was his apprentice and he taught me well.

"His death was very hard for me,"Sheena's voice actually quavered," He almost finished off the war for good and..."

Sheena didn't continue and halted her horse, Goblet. She appeared to be staring at something, but what? Yuri followed her gaze, only to see nothing.

"You should get to sleep,"Sheena sternly ordered.

"But," Yuri started.

"Do as I say!"

Yuri didn't want to argue so he pulled a blanket out of the saddle bag and gazed up into the sky, drifting off into a restless slumber.

"Yuri, wake up! We're here!"

Yuri groned; Sheena must be one of those morning people for her voice seemed just a little too cheerful.

Then he remembered the events of last night. What exactly had Sheena seen that had made her so hateful? He recalled the the how Sheena explained his mission and about Pappa, but she never did tell him how he died.

Yuri pushed his thoughts aside and sat up in the saddle. He saw for the first time the city of Derkona, the kingdom's capital. Thick stone walls surrounded the city from behind a deep mote. The only entrance was a drawbridge centered in the front.

"Beautiful, isn't it,"Sheena offered.

Yuri could only nod his head as he sat there in awe. It seemed the world just stood still for a few moments, but something disrupted the silence.

An arrow whizzed passed Sheena's head, missing it by an inch, maybe even less. Sheena jumped off Goblet and Yuri followed suit. Sheena unsheathed her sword and held it ready. Yuri had no weapon so he backed up to the drawbridge.

Yuri swept his gaze across the prarie to see two figures closing in on horseback. How could Sheena possibly defend herself against them; it was unevenly matched.

Sheena tossed a glance over her shoulder and shouted,"Yuri, run! I'll meet you inside the castle!"

Sheena could say no more for the two men were upon her. Yuri could here the clanging of swords as he ran into the city.

End of Chapter Two

So, how did you like it? You better say you do like it!Pulls out pea shooter and shoots. Someone yelling "My eye" is heard in the backround Remember that I'm armed and dangerous!