Rath had gone for a walk after dinner. Time to think about what was coming up and what he needed to do before he left. He didn't know if he wanted to tell his mother about it. The young man didn't want to worry her, but yet he intended to see her before he left. He would leave a letter for her with a friend just in case. He would also leave one for Vilandra as well.

The garden was a place that Rath could relax and enjoy the peace. The fragrant air calmed him and his thoughts roamed. Two moons hung overhead like a night-light that lit his way along the stone paths among the scrubs, trees and flowers. He heard the night birds and smiled.

Rath had been walking for an hour when he felt something nearby. He turned moving in a defensive move, striking out as a shadow rushed him. The glint of a weapon warned him of the slicing movement that he managed to avoid. Rath struck out with a powerful blow to the shadows face, and then a kick to the mid section of the man who struck out at him catching him in the thigh. Blood gushed from the cut as Rath as he felt the burning struck out again, catching the man across the throat with a palm strike. The man feel back holding his throat gurgling sounds reached the Generals ears. He turned as he heard running footsteps.

"General sir, are you alright?" Two of his men ran up, weapons drawn and one of them turned on a bright flashlight. Rath looked down at the man that had attacked him.

"A little cut is all. I don't recognize this man. " Rath bend down as the man's eyes bulged in his head as he jerked in death's grip and then relaxed.

"We need to get you to the doctor General, that cut is deep."

Rath looked down at the cut in the light and saw the bone showing. He looked up at one of his men. Maybe a little bandage is needed. I am fine." He began to walk back to the castle, a slight limp only.

When Rath entered the castle, there was blood streaming down his leg. The burning was distracting now that he didn't have to concentrate on defending himself. He moved towards the stairs, and to the west wing where his apartment was. He moved slowly up the stairs. Feeling the skin pull as he did.

"Rath?"

The young General looked up and saw the young prince standing at the top of the stairs. He quirked his lips, as he moved up the last three steps.

"What happened?"

"Nothing much, just an assassin who wants my job." Rath wasn't going to tell Zan that he thought the man had been sent to stop him from his mission. He would talk to the King in the morning before breakfast."

"Come on Rath, we'll go to your room, and I will fix it for you." Rath led the way as Zan walked along with him. When they arrived in his room, Zan motioned to the chair by the fireplace and Rath sat down. Zan came down on his heels and placed a hand over the wound, as a bright light enveloped his hand and part of Rath's leg.

"Thanks Zan," said Rath as Zan removed his hand. "Now I can dance again."

"You don't like dancing."

"You're right, unless it's the right partner." He stood up and stretched, it had been a long day.

Zan watched him for a moment, before turning to leave. "Is there something going on? A reason that that man was after you?"

"Maybe they don't like my friendship with your family."

"Sleep well my friend, I will see you at breakfast." He left, shutting the door quietly behind him.

Rath began to undress for bed. He hated lying to Zan, but he had no choice. When he had changed into his silk pants he went over to his desk and took out some paper and began to write Vilandra. He needed to get it done, before he left tomorrow night. Two letters to write, to the two most important women in his life.

Next evening Vilandra came into the dining hall and took her seat. She glanced around at her family and a few other relatives there. But there was one missing. She glanced at her brother, if anyone knew where Rath was, Zan would know.

"Zan, we are missing someone."

Zan smiled over at his sister, and then glanced around. "Looks like everyone is here, and two extras."

"You know what I mean Zan. I heard he was hurt last night, and I have not seen him today. One of his Captains was my instructor today. Since I started on Rath has trained me."

"Yes he has spoiled you little sister. Special training just for you. Sure you wouldn't want his job?" Then seeing her expression he stopped teasing. "He's fine Vilandra, I fixed his leg last night. He is busy tonight that is all. Don't worry about him."

"I want to finish my training is all. I want to be the best warrior of our people."

"I think Rath has that title, maybe you can have second. Have you learned a lot?"

"Would you like to see first hand?"

Zan just smiled and shook his head. "No, I'll just ask Rath for information on your skills. I don't fight girls, only wrestle."

"Zan!"

"Sorry mother." He turned back to his breakfast.

Vilandra went back up to her room to dress for her training. She would not work with anyone else today if Rath wasn't available. She found a letter on her bed and she picked it up. The one Rath had trusted with it, had given it to her against orders. She was supposed to get it only if he died.

She opened the letter.

Vilandra,

I wanted to speak to you before I left but orders from your father prevented that. If you are reading this it means that I am dead. There are some things I have wanted to say to you, since we were kids. I do not know if you have ever thought of me other than as a friend, or would consider my courtship. I can only hope that you will not look unfavorably on my words. As a kid I had a crush on you. That crush turned to love when I was sixteen. I love you so much Vilandra, that you invade my dreams at night with such bittersweet visions of you. To simply hear your voice makes my heart skip a beat. I know you probably don't feel the same, but I do not want your pity either. But know Vilandra that my last thought at night was of you, and my first of each day. I would do anything for you. You are beautiful, sexy, smart and one hell of a fighter. I shall love you forever. I just wish I could have had a chance to tell you in person, but it wasn't possible.

Forever in my heart, Rath

Vilandra sat there holding the paper with a look of wonder on her fair face. 'He loves me...the man of my dreams, loves me.' She ran out of her room, and to her brothers room, he had changed into hunting clothes. He looked up at her intrusion.

"What is it Vilandra?" He moved over to her seeing that she was upsetting, clutching a piece of paper in her hand.

"Zan, you have to help me. It's Rath. He left me a letter, that I wasn't supposed to get unless... well I did." There were tears shining in her eyes, as Zan pulled her to him. "All this time we wanted the same thing, and now it might be too late. I love him Zan."

Zan stood there holding her. He was hearing things, from what he heard it seemed she was saying she loved his best friend. That he loved her? He had to help them, he just don't know what was going on. "Vilandra, it will be alright. Rath is off with his friends, he is fine. Maybe someone is playing a nasty joke on you. Are you sure it's his writing?"

Vilandra pulled away and thrust the paper at him, he glanced at it, seeing the writing and recognizing it instantly. She snatched it back holding it to her chest. " Don't read that."

"I will check with his second in charge and have him found for you. Then if you want I will throw him in the dungeon."

"Don't you dare!" She glared at him. "Just find him for me. Please Zan, I am worried about him."

"I will. Then I will let you know." He walked her to the door, and she went down the hall towards her parents apartment, to talk to her mother. Zan went in search of answers.