Chapter 21

"Careful there, Dasian," chuckled Willy, "That deer meat almost slid off yer saddle."

Dasian turned and fastened the large chunks of meat more securely on his saddle. He said to Willy, "That was the best shot I've ever seen you make, Willy. I'm surprised you can actually do something with that bow."

"Me too. But then again, I shouldn't wonder. After all it was you who taught me."

Dasian just grinned and they continued on in silence. Before they reached the valley, Willy said thoughtfully, "You're thinking about Anaella aren't you?"

Dasian looked up startled, and then shrugged sheepishly. He was not one to talk of feelings and thoughts. "Yeah," he muttered. "I guess so. So are you, eh?"

Willy nodded. "Aye, I am. Such a pretty friend she was. Do you think she probably returned to the fairy meadow? Or maybe..."

"I don't want to talk about it," said Dasian curtly. Willy shut his mouth and looked at Dasian cautiously, hoping he hadn't made him cross. It was rare for Dasian to be cross, but when he was, Willy was careful to stay quiet. But Dasian only looked guilty and forlorn, yet far away.

"Captain Dasian!" cried out Nick, running towards them from the house. He stopped and looked up at his master with wide eyes. "You won't believe what happened."

"What, you see the ghost of yer old dog or somethin'?" chuckled Willy.

"An angel ghost more like it," said Nick. "This lady came right up to the house ridin' a big, black horse; she was distraught, and claimed she knew you, Dasian. Oh, man, was she pretty."

Dasian knew who he was talking about and his hopes soared to think that Anaella had come to his home, but he didn't show any surprise in his features. "Continue," he nodded to Nick.

"Yeah, well, anyway, she made me promise to tell you not to sleep tonight. She made that very clear. You are not to sleep tonight. If you do, you're gonna be killed."

"Really."

"I'm tellin' the truth!" cried Nick raising his right hand as if to swear.

"Don't you worry," sighed Dasian handing the reins of the horse to Nick to take care of. "I believe you. I believe every word you said." He walked calmly to the house; his face showed no shock, hope, or curiosity. But all three were bubbling inside him, wondering what possibly could happen that night. He stopped before the door and looked at the setting sun. He could hardly wait for the night, and what it would bring him.

Jengo glanced around in the dark house and nodded to his two companions. Nothing was stirring. The floor boards didn't even creak as they made their way softly down the hallway where they knew Dasian's room was located. The door was already open, and Jengo had to strain his neck to see where the bed was. He did not see it and stepped cautiously into the room.

It wasn't that he was afraid Dasian might be standing there, sword in hand ready to challenge him. He knew Dasian had no idea he was there, but he felt something or someone was watching him closely. He knew this valley was full of magic, and the magic seemed to be glaring at him, either that or sneering at him. He and the other two men crept into the room, looking around warily.

"Welcome, visitors," said a mocking and amused voice. Jengo and his men swung around to see Dasian leaning leisurely against the doorway, about three yards away. His arms were folded, and his sword hung loosely at his side. He did not seem surprised at all, which made Jengo furious. That was one of the many things Jengo hated about Dasian. He was always so calm and sure of himself. He had not seen him once with a look of pure shock on his face, and it infuriated him.

"You don't know how much I want to kill you, Dasian son of Riley," hissed Jengo menacingly.

"Oh, I have no doubt of that," said Dasian. "I've known that since we got in a fight over who should be commander when we were just kids."

Jengo snarled and told his two thugs, "What are you waiting for? Kill him."

The two men took a step forward as Dasian drew his sword smoothly out of its sheath. Two swords came down; both were parried by Dasian's single sword. He lifted a leg and pressed one man's chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. The other man he pushed away with his sword. The first man jumped up, but before he could do anything, Dasian hit him in the head with the flat edge of his sword. The man crumpled to the ground. The second man and Jengo charged at Dasian. As the sword swung, Dasian ducked and swung his own sword, striking the man's legs. He, too, fell to the ground and he knocked him out with the hard hilt of his sword.

Dasian straightened and said softly to Jengo, "I suppose it's your turn now."

Jengo stared at him, not sure what to say. Suddenly he thrust his long thin sword towards Dasian, catching him off guard. The sword pierced him in the shoulder, Dasian grimaced and his hand flew to the wound. Instead of buckling, he swung his sword at Jengo, the two swords clashed noisily, and Jengo's sword was wrenched from his grasp. He then tripped and fell to the ground with Dasian's sword at his chin. Beads of sweat covered Jengo's forehead as he looked at the sword before him in fear, then up at Dasian's clenched teeth.

"You must pay for all the wrong you did," growled Dasian. He drew the sword back as if to finish the job, but then he stopped and lowered the sword. "I came here to be in peace, Jengo. I'm finished with war and bloodshed. I would advise you to do the same, but I know you will not heed my words."

"Just kill me and done with it!" snapped Jengo, not wanting a sermon before his death.

Dasian shook his head. "No, I won't. May the wizards take you to the same place as your father."

Almost immediately the blue lazy light encircled Jengo. Jengo looked around him in shock and tried to speak, but of course, he couldn't. Even Dasian was a little surprised at his choice of words and what had just happened. Somewhere, faint and far away, he could have sworn he heard someone snap their fingers. Jengo disappeared and Dasian was left alone.

Only now did Dasian falter as the blood from his shoulder continued to pour out. He turned and walked down the hall. Willy and Nick had slept through it all. They would have liked to stay up with him and help, but Dasian would not have it. Even now he could hear Willy's high pitched chirp, and Nick's steady snore.

He went outside to the side of the house, where the rain barrel was. After washing off most of the blood with cold water, Dasian leaned against the house and held the wound tightly to stop the bleeding. It still came and Dasian idly splashed water on it.

"You're hurt."

Dasian stopped splashing water and felt his heart leap inside him. He knew that voice. It was a voice he had heard a hundred times, and each time he thought hardly anything of it. But this time the soft smooth voice sounded like music to his ears. He had hoped, longed and wished he could hear Anaella's voice one more time. His wish was coming true.

He straightened and turned to face her. She was standing only a few yards from the rain barrel, just at the corner of the house. In the soft glistening moonlight, she was more beautiful than he remembered. Her curvy hair had grown and shimmered down, like a wave of gold; she was smiling softly, yet uncertainly. Even in the darkness, he could see her dark blue eyes were sparkling, as if the stars themselves were in them.

"Anaella," he breathed, still wondering if this was all just dream. He took a step towards her, then stopped. The wound in his shoulder was deeper and worse than he thought.

She noticed and quickly covered the space between them. As soon as her hand touched his injured shoulder, Dasian not only knew he was not dreaming, but the pain was not nearly as bad as what it used to be. He touched her cheek softly, and then enfolded her in his arms, hardly believing she was really there. He felt her tense body relax as she returned his embrace.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured remembering why she had been gone for so long.

She pulled back. "Don't be," she said simply. "It wasn't your fault. The magic powered you too much. At least you didn't..." she stopped and smiled assuredly. She was so beautiful smiling at him in the moonlight; Dasian couldn't help but kiss her softly. Then he turned her to look at the land. Soft silvery moonlight flooded the valley making it look more beautiful then ever. Anaella breathed the night air and looked up at Dasian wonderingly.

"Anaella," said Dasian, "Welcome to your home."

The End

Thank- you everyone who read it. You guys are awesome. And a special thanks to everyone who reviewed even though my grammar was absolutely horrble. Reviews include: StardustPixie, Ellea Dawn (btw I love your story about Rosaline), kyra-maRia, Nelarun (Thanks for reviewing on my other stories too!), Ariel32, aureusangel, D.L. Shores, and last but certainly not least, Kat (Are you Scoutcraft Piratess?)...

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