I haven't updated in the past two days (I REALLY need to get a social life…then again, you get the chapters faster this way) because things have gotten a little stressful lately. My other story (Mulgarath's Revenge) hasn't been getting any reviews from anyone but my cousin and I'm on the verge of tearing it down. I mean, what's the point of asking for feedback if you're not going to get it? Ah well, enough about my problems, this is a story, not a diary. So let's get on with it.

Disclaimer: No, it's still not mine.

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Chapter 5: Fight

The four being finally came into her view as Daine rode into town. "There you guys are!" She cried as she dismounted.

"Daine!"

"What in the name of Mithros are you doing?" Placing her hands on her hips, she looked at the four expecting."

"Well…you see… It's like this…uh-" Shinko was cut off.

"It was my idea." Roald started.

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Numair grumbled as he climbed out of bed to answer the door.

Outside stood Perin.

"What is it?" The man asked, suppressing a yawn.

"It's Daine and the others! They've all left the tavern. I think they've headed into town!"

"Didn't you try to stop them?"

"I did, but nearly got killed. We've got to go after them!"

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Daine squealed. "I'm so happy for you! I think you two will make a great couple!" She hugged the prince and rider. Her smile suddenly faded at a thought. "But what about the mission?"

"None of us even thought of it…" The sparkle in Shinko's eyes faded.

"If we don't come up with a way so that everyone's happy, there'll be trouble!" Raoul pointed out.

"There'll be trouble alright!" A new voice sounded.

The group turned to see Numair dismount and march towards them, Perin close behind.

Daine looked at Perin coldly. I told him not to wake Numair up! I'll deal with him later, though. "Numair…what're you-"

"Perin told me about the five of you sneaking out. All of you, back to the tavern. We leave tomorrow. In case you have forgotten, we have a mission to complete."

Daine stood her ground as the others left. "Numair, what are you so wound up about? I'm well aware of the fact that we have a mission to complete, but I'm sure we can work something out!"

"Daine, the mission comes first. You and I both know we have only two days to reach Tyra." He looked at her, eyes hard.

"I'm well aware of that." Daine flipped some smoky brown curls out of her face.

"Then why are you trying to thwart it?" He crossed his arms across his chest.

"I'm not trying to thwart anything! Why can't you see that Shinko and Roald love each other?"

"Why can't you see that we've got a mission to complete?"

"I'm so sorry, Master Numair. Perhaps the world should put the duty to their king before the duty to their hearts like you!" She stormed past him to cloud.

"Daine!"

"What the hell do you want! If you want us to complete the mission, fine! Just don't expect to see me ever again afterwards!" She mounted cloud.

He tried to stop her from leaving but was nearly bitten by the mountain pony. "Daine, let's talk!"

"I have nothing to say!" And with that, she rode off.

Numair buried his head in one of his hands. What have we gotten into?

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Is it just me, or does this chapter seem shorter than the others? I'm so tired right now, I must already be dreaming. It IS just after one in the morning.

CodeRomance: Have I told you how much I love your enthusiasm? I'm glad to hear you say that about my work. I just makes me feel so good!