Kristina's dreams were plagued with nightmares. She was being chased by all sorts of creatures. She ran desperately up a mountain and by the time she saw the edge of the cliff it was too late! She fell through the air and landed in the arms of the sorcerer.

Kristina woke up and it was morning. The sorcerer was still asleep - she could hear his breathing across the room. Kristina looked down at herself and she was naked; her dress and underclothes were folded neatly on the floor. She felt sick at the idea of what could have happened. Luckily there was no sign that he had done anything to her except take off her clothes. She was almost glad she wasn't awake for that.

Little did she know that he had gazed at her long after he had removed her clothes. He gently ran his hands over her body inhaling her scent of jasmine and honey. She was tall and toned; her tan skin flawless. Her bright green eyes framed by thick dark lashes were closed in sleep. He ran his fingertips over her soft full breasts but restrained himself. He could wait. He smiled with satisfaction; she was perfect and she was his.

Kristina got out of bed, washed her face in the water basin, and got dressed. She found her comb from home in her chest of drawers and proceeded to brush her long, wavy, black hair. When loose it reached the small of her back, but she pulled part of it up into a braid so it would be out of her face. Kristina decided to be the model prisoner to get the sorcerer to relax his guard and went into the kitchen. It looked so much like her kitchen at home, and she felt a pang of homesickness wash over her. Then she remembered how they didn't want her. Her own father sold her.

After rummaging through the kitchen she found many boxes of fruit, vegetables, and eggs as well as barrels of grain. A few cooking utensils, plates, and silverware were also neatly stored. Kristina lit the cooking fire and placed a metal piece across the large hearth. On top of it she put a pan and cracked a few eggs in it. She added potatoes and onion. Once the omelet was ready she took the pan off the flame and set it on a small wooden table to cool. She put out two plates, forks, and cups, and set out some fresh fruit in a bowl as well. In case the sorcerer wanted more she began to bake bread. It was simple but still delicious. She mixed flour, eggs, and water in a pan and let the dough rise on the table. Then she set it over the fire to bake. Soon the aroma of baking bread wafted through the kitchen. The sorcerer walked in and seemed a bit surprised at all the food. "Your breakfast is ready sir," she said, "I hope you like eggs."

He sat down and she served him the eggs and a large slice of bread. He ate with gusto as if this was his first home cooked meal in a long time. She served herself and ate as well. He ate the fruit as she cleaned up the kitchen and washed the dishes. "Very good." he said, "Now we must start your training." She followed him through another doorway barred by magic but was still unable to catch the words he said. This room had many swords and suits of armor displayed but it was mostly empty. The sorcerer picked up a sword. "You know how to use this, yes? he asked. She nodded her head. Once her brothers were learning to fight she had begged the swordsman to teach her too.

Kristina proved to be surprisingly good. At five foot eight she was fairly tall and although she was fit and muscular she was no match, size wise, for a large male opponent. However she was quick on her feet and agile which leveled the playing field. The sorcerer quickly found this out, but if she ever came too close to winning their sparring matches he would simply stop her with an incantation. He was an excellent swordsman but his style was different than hers. He used his size and strength; relying on brute force to win. Once Kristina realized this, she would dance around him and wait to strike until she tired him out. She relied on her stamina rather then her strength, but he did not fight fair.

After hours of training Kristina was bone tired. She could barely drag herself out of the room after the sorcerer. She was allowed to bathe, and thankfully he went out of the room to give her some privacy. She dressed and returned to the kitchen to make lunch. The sorcerer did not return for many hours so Kristina ate alone. She was stuck in the kitchen, for she couldn't leave without his permission, so she decided to make a blueberry pie to occupy herself. The sorcerer entered the kitchen moments after the pie was done. She served him and sat at the table while he ate.

"May I ask you a question sir?" she asked.

"What is it."

"I…I do not know your name sir." She said quietly, expecting a rebuke.

"My name is Darkern Rahl, ruler of D'hara." He said.

"Am I in D'hara then? She asked, "I have never heard of such a place."

"Yes, it is far from your home on the islands. Now no more questions."

Again Kristina was put to sleep. This night she was too tired to dream.