The darkness of the caves was giving the men pause as they tried to move about. Rath had memorized the layout of the caves to the tunnels that would lead them to their destination.

With sure steps, he led them, each holding onto the shoulder of the one in front of him. The sounds of their footsteps though light echoed off the stonewalls that was damp.

Four two hours they had been moving in the darkness, going by feel alone. Following General Rath, the men totally believing in him, trusting their leader. When Rath stopped and the others did to, he leaned and whispered to the one behind him, that they were now at the tunnels to get ready. Each man passed on the message in a quiet whispered.

Rath felt the wall, looking for and finding the lever and pushing it. On well-oiled hinges it opened, Rath glanced out weapon in hand. The hall was empty, as he stepped out into it his men following him.

Going by memory of the map, he moved to the left and down the hall. Every twenty feet was a soft light on the wall, but they heard nothing. Going into a room, they found it was much like their own war room. Rath moved over to the table seeing the many papers lying there. His men positioned themselves around, and outside. Rath began to check the papers. A grim smile crossed his lips as he took in the information before him. The king had been right, Saulem was up to something. Time to put a stop to it.

Rath motioned to his men, using only hand signals. They followed him out, heading towards Saulem's rooms.

Vilandra walked in the forest her steps sure, as she led the men behind her. There was a fire in her eyes, and a firm set to her jaw. She knew she had to hurry. It looked like it was going to be a nice day, warm even as the sun was rising over the far mountains.

'If only I could fly, so that I could be by Rath's side now. I will either return with him or die beside him. I wish father had not sent him; did he do it to get rid of Rath? Perhaps he knows what we feel for each other and doesn't want us together?' She glanced around, looking for a faster way to the caves. However, found none.

"Princess, we should stop so you can rest."

Vilandra turned to her men. "No. I have no time to rest now. Your General needs us, if you cannot keep up you can return home." Her men looked at her, seeing the steel behind the words, knowing she would keep going until she reached their General's side. But why would she care about him? That was the question, or was she trying to bother her parents.

Rath moved into the dark room, lit only by the large bay windows. With steath he moved over to the bed, and put one hand on the man's throat, squeezing enough to get the man awake. Saulem woke startled as he felt the pressure, looking up into the face lit by moonlight.

"Rath…welcome to your end!" He smiled like that of a Croc, as he snapped his fingers. Men rushed into the room, as Rath's men began to fight back. Rath, pulled the man from the bed.

"It is not my end but yours. You dare to try to take over the throne?" He held the more slender man up with toes several inches above the cold floor. With his left hand he struck the man in the face, and heard bones crack, as skin split over the right cheekbone.

The sounds of fighting filled the room, as Saulem's best met Rath's elite. Rath saw the blade as it was pulled from Saulems pants and Rath dropped him, and struck out, With great speed and deadly strikes his fist destroying his enemy and saw the blade hit the floor. One more strike to the throat and the man fell, his eyes already gazing over.

Rath turned around, seeing what was going on. He weighed in on the battle, picking out the enemy to kill.

Vilandra came in through the side entrance, knowing where to find the trouble. As she came nearer she heard the sounds of battle. She drew her weapon as she moved down the hall, and found reinforcements coming from the other side. Vilandra rushed them, with the other's behind her. Lifting her hand she sent fire balls at the men approaching, ignoring them as they ran on fire, screaming. With her energy sword she took on the lead soldier, the big man over a half foot taller than her and about 1o0 pounds more. He smiled at her, and licked his lips as he took a half swip at her. But she countered, and struck back, cutting him across the chest. The smile dropped from his face. He was mad now. They moved about, like dancers, both trying to kill each other. Her fellow warriors fought with blood in their eye as they gave no quarter.

Rath finished up his battle and hearing the battle outside came out, surprised. "Vilandra!"

Vilandra didn't take her eyes off the big man as he fought. "I came to help you, General."

Rath drew his own weapon, as three others attacked him. Cutting and slashing, and advanced martial arts used to advantage Rath ripped them apart, moving towards Vilandra. Just as he got there, she got under the other man's overhead swing, and came up with her weapon cutting through his stomach and up into his chest. He had a look of surprise before he fell backwards.

Rath's men came out and helped finish the others. Rath came up to Vilandra, looking down at her. "Vilandra, we will talk about this later. We need to get out of here. I have explosives set to go off in less than 40."

"Rath, I have something to say to you to, later."

The group ran for the quickest way out, the front door. They ran down the long stairs, and out the front way. They had cut off the head of the snake that was a traitor.

Rath's group reached a safe distance and looked back as the explosions began. There would be nothing left of the headquarters and the enemy there. But Rath had a feeling that there was more, his instinct screamed there was another snake.

They stopped to camp for the night, setting guards and resting as one of the men began to cook some dinner. Rath took Vilandra's arm and led her a little away from the men. He sat her down on a log and paced in front of her.

"Now Vilandra I need to know what is going on. Why are you here? You could have died."

"I got your letter Rath, I know. I had to come here, to stand by you. It's where I belong you, by your side. I love you Rath." She watched him wondering what he was thinking; she didn't want him mad at her.

He turned and stopped at her words. "You got my letter, but…" He stopped and wondered how that had happened, since he was alive. He pulled her up in front of him. "Are you sure Vilandra?"

Vilandra moved up beside him, and put her arms around his neck. She smiled enticingly up at him. "I am very sure. But I also want to fight beside you, live or die with you…Rath.

Rath's eyes warmed as he looked at her, seeing the love there only for him. He reached and touched her cheek. "When I finish your training then you can be my side in battle…not until then. You did a good job in that fight. I am proud of you."

Vilandra smiled up at him, he had said he was proud of her. That meant more to her than he would ever know. "My mother knows, she put the letter where I would find it. She sent me to you."

Rath pulled her closer and kissed her gently. "The Queen likes me I guess."

"How could she not, my handsome warrior."

"Vilandra, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Rath pulled her close, and their lips met in a passionate kiss, that only ignited a blaze that would have to wait to be put out. They were not alone. They were only vaguely aware of the soldiers in the camp, as they kissed. Smiles lit the faces of Rath's men as they turned away, ignoring the pair. Seemed the General had captured the heart of the Princess.