That was pretty cool, I got 3 reviews on the first day. Anyway, onwards with the story.

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"No. I do not believe that this is a wise decision at the current moment."

"How can you say that Lord Shevraeth? At the current moment is when we need this the most." An elderly man argued calmly.

"The Countess of Tlanth has had little court upbringing, and is still a little shaken by the current disasters. Her brother and future sister in law were after all victims for a moment." Vidanric flickered his eyes over the group of men before him, uneasy thoughts running through his head.

"But her mother showed great skill in the arts of magic. If we could teach her, she could prevent another Flauvic. We need her to secure the safety of this kingdom, and possibly many others." The elderly man stood his ground.

Vidanric thought a little on the last part of that sentence 'possibly many others?' not able to concentrate on it long he continued to resist their offer. "There are hundreds of people. Surely there is someone better to fit that role then her."

"No. She alone has that strong potential, common to her mother's. We need the Countess of Tlanth."

"Give me a month's time to consider the circumstances."

"We will give you one week. You are not king yet. Until you are, there is not much you can do to stop us from seeking her out openly." The elderly man turned to the rest of the group and motioned them forward. Making little noise they all exited leaving Vidanric to think things over.

"Oh Mel, why is it when we are finally together, events try to tear us apart?"

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Mel opened her eyes.

Then quickly shut them again wincing in pain.

"There now my lady, all is well." Nessaren gently eased Mel into a sitting position. "Don't know who it was, but we'll notify lord Shevraeth immediately. It seems that their target was you, but we can't be too sure."

Mel pondered this information for a while. 'After me? Why?' Getting up she dusted herself off for a moment then turned toward home.

"I'll escort you my lady, we can't be to careful."

"What happened though? I was sure you were knocked unconscious too."

"Oh right! I forgot to tell you." Pointing to a bump on her head she continued. "Yeah I was hit pretty hard. Took me by surprise he did. Dale, the other guy, came back and scared her off. Drew a little blood with his knife while he was at it. I'm pretty sure he was after you though. After all, she hit you the hardest, maybe more than once."

"I can believe that all right." Mel fussed. She felt a little dry blood on her forehead. They had just arrived at Mel's rooms when Dale appeared.

"Lord Shevraeth is on his way my lady. He'll be here shortly."

"Thank you Dale, I'll be lying down till he comes." Trudging into her room she subconsciously listened to a bit of their conversation.

"I hope we find that guy soon." Ness growled. "I can't believe he snuck by me."

"I'm not too sure it was a-"

That was all Mel heard before the voices grew too quiet to hear. Still very sore and weary, she didn't bother to undress and quickly slipped into bed.

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Once again thank you for the reviews. More would be nice by the way.

Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

-Evil Oni