A/N: I am terribly sorry to wait so long to update. My computer died on me; and believe me, it didn't go to computer heaven! NOT that I think there's anyone out there reading this. IF there is anyone there, CLICK THAT LITTLE BUTTON! Sorry for that little outburst, but I have a total of one, yes one, review. So…I will write this for the one person reading it. ENJOY THE RIDE.

Chapter 3: Quests

When the morning sun topped the trees, Venture and I were already moving. I took a different path into the forest, hoping to find Rogero. That morning was uneventful; I met no one. I was beginning to think I was the only one on the path. That idea was soon proven wrong.

During the afternoon, I came across a beautiful clearing near a stream. I was leading Venture to the stream to drink when I heard a noise in the bushes. I drew my sword thinking that an enemy was trying to surprise me. When no one jumped out of the bushes, I stepped forward to investigate. What I saw was not what I had expected.

A man was lying on the bank of the stream. The noise I had heard was only the man moving around. I took him for a knight because a suit of armor was lying on the ground near him.

"Sir, it is not wise to scare an unknown knight in these times," I said.

"You would only be doing me a kindness if you killed me," the man answered, rolling onto his back to look at me.

"Why do you say that, sir?" I inquired.

The man looked at me for a moment before answering. "My betrothed was captured by a powerful enchanter, and I cannot rescue her. This enchanter's fortress is on the top of a steep mountain; the only way to reach it is by means of a flying horse."

"You have to be joking," I said. "Surely you could scale the mountain."

"It's impossible. Two other knights have tried to reach the fortress, and both of them have been captured. I have traveled far and wide to find someone to help me save my love, and I can fond no one able to do it." The man threw himself back down on the ground.

"At least tell me who these captured knights were. If I know of them I will try to rescue them. Perhaps if both of us fight we can get into this fortress," I suggested.

"You?" the knight said, looking me up and down. "Rogero of Tusaine could not defeat the enchanter; do you think you can do what he could not?"

I was shocked to hear that Rogero had been captured by this magician. Surely no one could defeat Rogero so easily; he was one of the greatest knights in the known world. This love-lorn knight was probably right; I had no chance against a man who could so easily capture one of the best knights to ever carry a sword, but I was strangely compelled to attempt a rescue.

"I'll do it," I blurted out. The other knight only looked at me. "I'll do it," I repeated. "I'll save your betrothed."