A/N—I know, using vacation as an excuse for not posting a chapter is lame, but it's the best I've got. Don't worry. Me and my family are done vacationing for the summer. Hopefully things will speed up.

R&R!!! Enjoy!

I am never one to freeze up when others need me. I know I am decisive and clear-headed when it comes to battle plans and tactics.

When the pirates sailed off with their three young captives, I froze and was overcome with horror—similar to the emotions that overcome me when I approach any landmass over four-feet high. It wasn't so much as I feared for the children's lives (although that was one concern), or that I wouldn't be able to save the hostages. No, my fear was different: I know I am convicted and honor bound to face judgment—I was aware my actions would warrant some sort of punishment—but I am also equally obligated to chase those pirates down and save the innocent lives of the town children as the Code dictates.

Honor versus duty, while doing my duty will essentially mean I am being honorable.

Mithros help me, I'm confused! I all but screamed in frustration. Although, I know what I'm going to do, anyway. I couldn't live with myself if I left those children to die. No matter what the Crown does to me—even if I'm doubly punished for disobedience—I have now made those children's lives my priority.

Goddess help! Why is it always children?

I tramped through the marshy riverbank in search of a town in which to rent a boat. I still had my bow and quiver—although I was short on arrows—and a jeweled dagger I found near the bandits' horse encampment. Although the bejeweled thing would barely serve to cut fresh bread let alone slice through leather armor. Inside one of the deep pockets in my clothes was a large pile of coins from one of the dead pirate's pants.

Lights penetrated the fog and I ran foreword expectantly. I approached the town and called to the sentry's on duty. Lucky for me they weren't the hardcore veterans that guard most provinces near Corus. No, these were mere youths, only a year or two older than I.

I made a sufficient amount of noise as I approached so as not to appear threatening, though not enough sound escaped my treading feet to concern the guards. I stepped into the torchlight.

"Halt!" said one youth, "take no step further.

I held my hands up in a peace gesture. "I'm just passing through. I need to rent a boat and maybe wet my lips with some of your fine ale." I added with a grin, although I had no intention of doing such nonsense.

One of the boys grinned back and said, "I wouldn't want to begrudge you a drink. How 'bout I escort you to our alehouse. The roads ain't safe for young ladies." He winked at me and continued importantly, "You need me to protect you."

"Yes, in a town as large as this, any number of grave dangers is likely to pop out and attack me," I said sarcastically. Though as the lad looked crestfallen, I regretted my words. "Come now, boy. I can take care of myself. I am Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan."

Instead of the gasp of recognition and immediate lowering of the gate—not to mention apologies that I had been kept waiting outside listening to their bantering—my words were greeted with guffaws of laughter.

"And I'm the Lioness," one said with a grin. "Who do you think we are? What would Lady Knight Keladry be doing in our remote area of the kind king's kingdom? And dressed as you are in that garb?"

I had to admit he had a point. I wasn't in my armor, because technically I am still a prisoner. But not only that, I was also coated head to toe in muck, gore, and swamp water.

I grinned sheepishly at them, but my eyes were cold. "Open the gate. Now!" those poor children were getting farther and farther away as I stood here with these lunatics arguing about whether or not I am who I am. For good measure I drew my useless dagger.

"Oh!" One boy joked. "The girl has drawn a bread knife!"

I flipped the blade expertly in the air, and followed it up with a complex flick of the wrist, which caused it to twist twice in the air. I caught it with a deft hand.

"I've got no time for this," I growled, "open your gates this INSTANT or I will personally disembowel, debrain, and fight you all till you cry for mercy." The boys stopped laughing, though they showed no sign of lowering the gate.

"Wow, the girl bites."

"Now listen well," I snarled, "pirates just attacked the town one over and kidnapped three young children. Now I am chasing these pirates, and if this gate is not lowered right now and I am not given a boat momentarily afterward, the king himself will here of your incompetence." I was breathing deeply, and beginning to regret my harsh words. But, if it gets the gate opened, I would repeat them tenfold with no qualms.

Slowly the gate was opened and three of the young boys escorted me to the boathouse. I nodded my gratitude and paid them handsomely for their troubles. Then I added a large sum to the amount for them to give the owner of the boat.

They walked me all the way to the riverbed, not taking their eyes off me until I was well out of sight.

Well, that was some unusual way to gain entrance. Unusual, yet effective.

I was on my way to save those children.

And nothing and no one would get in my way.

Even if I had to manhandle some youths in the process.