Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.

Chapter 11 –

It was so difficult to just sit there and watch as Bo, Dyson, Kenzi and Tamsin calmly moved into the circle of armed soldiers. Yes, that was the plan. Yes, Hilde needed to know that she was not alone and that they had come to take her home. Yes, Bo could take care of herself and the others. Lauren knew all of this but she could not get around the feeling she had just watched her lover and best friends give themselves willingly to the cruel nature of the Grand Lord. Hearing a low grumbling to her side she glanced at the dwarf next to her. To Bryan's credit he did not look any happier than she felt.

The duo had been forced into an uneasy partnership. It would not have worked for the dwarf or the doctor to be seen as either could be recognized by the soldiers. Bryan as a known entity from his role as stable keeper to the castle for more years than anyone could count and the doctor as one of the targets of the attack the Grand Lord had ordered on the farm. More importantly the fact that Lauren had recovered her fae powers had to be hidden until absolutely necessary.

This left the doctor and the dwarf as the outside team, the lookouts and hidden backup if there was any trouble. The problem was that they had spent next to no time together and the dwarf's behavior was becoming unpredictable. Jumpy and agitated, it was getting to the point that Lauren was sure that Bryan would be running as soon as her back was turned. She would not let that happen. Not because he was the only one that knew the back passageways into and out of the castle but more to the fact that he was hurting and no one should live that way.

The other issue was that Lauren only had the word of her friends that this fae, the one who had made the attack on the farm and her family possible, was truly on their side. At first Bryan seemed to be trying to deal with his role in their current situation by being overly helpful and attentive, but he now was in a state of panic. Lauren, having learned the hard way how quickly a persons intentions could change, was wary of the motivation behind his actions. Was he trying to help or was it something else. She chose to take her time in judging the situation and just analyze what was happening to her companion.

Watching as the dwarf scurried about Lauren had no problem seeing that going against the orders of the Grand Lord and returning to the Open Lands seemed to have Bryan scared to death. The doctor had firsthand knowledge of what it was like to be caught in a subservient role and to disobey orders. The simple fear of the punishment could be overwhelming. It had taken Lauren years to escape the fae's hold over her for this very reason. She just couldn't imagine what being under the under the control of a first fae the likes of Hilde's father would do to a person.

Turning to glance down the slope at her friends and the soldiers, Lauren worked to calm her emotions as the group moved off in mass. Refocusing back on her companion she observed that Bryan, who had been watching the action as well, looked even more overwhelmed than before. His breathing had sped up and his body language was tight. Catching the look in his eyes and seeing the defeat that swam in them Lauren's stomach turned. She had seen this type of suffering before and had a good idea of what she was dealing with and it did not make her happy. Considering his symptoms as a physician it was abundantly clear that she was going to have to address the problem sooner than later.

"Looks like they are on their way. We should get moving too." Lauren said trying to hide her worry and needing to do something instead of watch. "Show me this trail that we will use to follow along with them." She did not look at Bryan as her adrenaline was up enough that she knew her eyes were not entirely human at the moment. The dwarf was skittish enough without having to worry that she was going to gut him for any wrong move.

"Yes, my lady." He said quickly and then stood and was moving away at almost a run. The dwarf's desperation to please was palatable, definitely beyond normal levels of anxiety. "We have to move to the high ground as I said but we will be able to see the road to the castle with just a few breaks due to the trees." He rushed on, "When they clear the tree line we will be able to see them clearly all the way to the gate." He stumbled on a rock in his rush up the hill and Lauren grabbed him before he hit the ground.

"Bryan, slow down for a minute. Everything is going to be okay, take a minute and relax." Lauren held the compact muscular man easily. Feeling the tense state of his body Lauren turned him to look at her. The concern, guilt and fear that crossed his face made her caring nature rush to the forefront. Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, Lauren said, "We are a team here and have to work together. I trust you to do your part. You have got to trust me to do mine." Bryan let out a long breath and slowly shook his head.

A blush crossed the dwarf's face, "I do trust you. I'm worried about how you feel about working with me." came the quiet reply. "I just don't want to make things worse than I already have." He looked away then back to meet Lauren's eyes. "Your problems, Hilde's situation, the danger everyone is in," He waved his hands around, "all of this is my fault, all of it. I can't begin to apologize for what I did. Everything about being back in these lands feels so wrong. My involvement in this plan is a bad idea." The whine in his voice was hard on the ears.

A frown crossed Lauren's face. Carefully she said, "I believe you got involved in this because you were following the orders of your Grand Lord. It wasn't like you could ignore that." Moving by the dwarf, Lauren started to climb up the hill in the direction Bryan had been headed before he stumbled. The doctor added, "If Tamsin is correct you might not have had a choice at all. The Grand Lord has the fae power of guilt or doubt like a Valkyrie. I have seen someone under the influence of an emotional attack of this type. Their normal personalities are muted and their behavior can be altered."

Memories of the effect the Wanderer had on Bo caused Lauren to shiver. As powerful as the dark mage was a first fae with a similar power was a terrifying thought and Bo was walking right into a threat she had already been a victim of once. The doctor was now really uneasy. If Lauren was correct, which she knew she was, she needed to test her theory so she could better prepare herself to help Bo if necessary.

Turning quickly Lauren blocked Bryan motion so abruptly that he almost ran right into her. "Hold still," the doctor said and reached out to grab the sides of the dwarf's head. Before he could pull away or say anything to stop her Lauren pulled in energy from the Earth, then pulsed healing chi into the dwarf.

Bryan let out a shout of surprise as the energy filled his body and he gasp as what felt like a weight blasted from his chest. The strength of Lauren's cat held the dwarf easily as he fought her hold on him. Emotions and fragments of memories bombarded him and he was disoriented. When Lauren finally released him and stepped back, Bryan lost his fight to remain standing hitting the ground not in pain but from a momentary dizziness that took his balance.

Having felt the remnants of the Grand Lord's influence as it left Bryan, Lauren quickly stepped near the dwarf as he tried to catch his breath. Pulling energy from the ground, the doctor cycled the chi within her body fortifying herself and preventing any of the spell from bouncing back on her or Bryan reinfecting them with its negative energy.

To Lauren's surprise her shifter eyes allowed her to watch the dark power as it blew apart into harmless smaller and smaller shreds and lost any threat it might have once had. This was new to her, this level of energy awareness, but now was not the time to consider how her powers had been enhanced. Now was the time to figure out just what the Grand Lord had done to Bryan and how she could keep it from happening to anyone else.

Just to be sure she was safe Lauren did another sharing of energy with the Earth focusing on her thanks for what it had given her. The land responded to her touch immediately. The blast of energy she received in response to her offering was almost overwhelming and she wished Bo was there to give her a place to put the extra energy.

As if in response to her need for Bo the skin under the rings she wore began to tingle. Without a second thought Lauren pushed what chi she could towards the metal that in circled her finger. The rings became uncomfortably warm but then just as quickly cooled as the extra energy disappeared into the metal bands. Doing a quick assessment, the doctor felt no ill effects from the process and was curious as to what she could use the rings for now that they held a dose of energy.

There was a shuffling at her feet and Lauren's attention was drawn from the energy transfer to the man at her feet. Seeing Bryan struggling to get up, she help him to his feet and was relieved when he did not pull away from her touch. Instead the dwarf grasp her arm firmly as he hauled himself to an upright position. She watched as he drew in a deep breath and then turned to her with a serious look on his face. "I was under the effect of that bastard's touch. How did you know?" Gone was the panic and the fear. For better or worse it looked as if those emotions had been replaced by anger and regret.

"Let's just say I'm too familiar with the effects an attack like that can have." Lauren said. Then with a serious look of her own she continued, "I don't know you all that well but I have been providing medical aid to the fae long enough to know when something is off." Not knowing how to explain exactly what she sensed, Lauren simple said, "Your smile was pained and it's not now." The dwarf grinned in spite of himself and Lauren smiled back, "There we go. It's nice to see." Placing a hand on his shoulder she gave it a squeeze. "Let's get going okay."

"Was it Hilde?" asked Bryan after they had moved for a time in an awkward silence. At Lauren's questioning look he clarified, "Was it Hilde after an attack by her father, the one you mentioned was caught by this type of attack?" He was hoping that this group had a way to battle this type of power. It was just sinking in that he hadn't even realized he had been targeted by the Grand Lord's power and it scared him. He had to wonder just how long the power of the first fae had been effecting him. Breaking into his thoughts the doctor answered his questions.

"No. Bo was attacked." said Lauren following behind. "She was held captive for over a year before we could get her away from a dark mage called the Wanderer. He drained her chi and then filled her mind with vile things when she couldn't fight back. He was slowing killing her…"

Hearing the worry and sadness in the doctor's voice, Bryan slowed to a stop then turned interrupting the doctor, "Don't worry we won't let her go through that again." He took a deep cleansing breath, "No, no one will be feeling like that again if we can help it. Come on we need to get eyes on our friends." Holding out his hand he help Lauren over a rocky patch and they moved up the hill another twenty yards until they hit what looked like a small, well defined animal trail.

"How about we move a little faster?" He said with a smile and they began to run much to Lauren's relief. It was good to be moving with purpose and for a dwarf Bryan was agile and quick. The shifter in Lauren felt the hunt and was happy. Within no time they were looking down at their friends again. Too far away to do any good if they were turned on by the guards but close enough to make sure their friends were still safe and not taken anywhere but the castle. At least they had the comfort of knowing exactly where everyone was located.

After watching the group for about an hour, mirroring their motion from the rock edge Lauren caught sight of the castle in the distance. It was a cold looking place and very surreal. The keep was built into a huge stone face. Turret-like guard towers were located on either side, both built into mounds of enormous boulders. Walls of stone connected the towers to the keep forming battlements. These defenses surrounded a huge open area that was ringed by small buildings and what the doctor assumed were the kitchens, barracks and whatever else a castle needed to run. "Holy Hell," Lauren thought to herself. "This is a castle, a real castle, how can this exist without the outside world knowing."

As if reading her mind Bryan said, "This is a fae stronghold and has been for ages. The Open Lands are different than any other fae realm." Putting some thought into his words he said, "It is more old school, to put it as Kenzi would." he added quickly, "Old school doesn't mean it can't be defeated. There are all sorts of ways in and out of that place. It is not as well defended as it once was." Lauren watched as Bryan took a deep breath again. It was as if he was checking to see if he was still able too. It was also as if he was free to say things he would have otherwise kept to himself. It made her wonder just how long his emotions had been played with by Hilde's father. Just how powerful was this first fae? A chill moved down her spine.

"Are we going to run into anyone up here?" Lauren asked not taking her eyes from the small group moving across the rocky landscape and towards what looked suspiciously like a drawbridge. Again she shook her head at the scene before her.

"Only a few of the local hunters, trappers and I showed the path to my friend Hyde so he could help me run the beasts without as many eyes watching us. The rest of the…," Bryan was suddenly cut off.

"Hyde?" questioned Lauren interrupting quickly. "A fae named Hyde was part of the team that attacked me. He was helping Hilde's brother and made it possible for her to be hauled away." The shifter moved very close to the surface and Lauren knew her eyes were not human and she felt her canine teeth sharpen and elongate. "This Hyde did not hurt me but he did not help me either. He just walked away as Roldan ripped at me with his power." With a snarling predatory voice Lauren said, "You will tell me more of this Hyde." A growl ended the statement and Lauren felt an unsettling pride at the look of fear in Bryan's eyes.

Swallowing hard Bryan almost squeaked when he spoke. "He is a victim as much as you or I. The Grand Lord killed his parents when he was very young and holds his sister captive. The boy is totally dependent on the charity of the court for his survival and his sister's well-being. The Grand Lord has made him a ward of the Open Lands. Hyde was not helping because he wanted to, he is a pawn to the desires of the realm."

Continuing quickly as the wild look in Lauren's eyes was not getting any worse, Bryan added, "The Grand Lord often forces him to assist Roldan to keep him from making an ass of himself." Pausing Bryan gathered his thoughts and continued, "Please my Lady, his actions are driven to keep his sister alive. The boy is more than he knows. He is more than most in the Open Lands remember." There was a note of surprise in Bryan's voice as he added that final thought or maybe he just gave voice to a long forgotten memory.

Maybe it was the odd statement that ended Bryan's defense of his friend or the truth that her shifter ears heard in the dwarf's voice but Lauren eyed her companion and let his words sink in. "Let's find a place to make camp then you will explain your words." The shifter nature still close to the surface but more in control now she turned and moved forward quickly.

The trail curved around a large rock outcropping and Bryan pointed to a split in the trail. "There is a good camping spot if we move off to the left. There is shelter and it's easy to defend." he motioned. Lauren stepped aside and let the dwarf lead. The castle was much closer now and even more menacing than before. Looking at the cold, rock structure, Lauren felt all her natures surge, human and fae together. It was as if she was readying herself, their mission to save Hilde just got that much more complicated.

xxxXXXxxx

"Play to the old fae ways." This was the warning Trick had given Kenzi. As the castle loomed before her the little druid thought to the hours before they had started their journey to join Bo and Lauren. The scramble to prepare for just about anything that might come alone. She clutched tighter to the scroll she held and tried to remember everything she had been told. Carefully glancing to her friends, Kenzi knew they all had their part to play. Thinking back to the day they started their journey she tried to remember everything.

Trick had not stop pacing the farmhouse once the morning of the group's departure. Vex for his part had not left Tamsin's side. The dark and light fae leaders could not travel with the group as they were bound by their respective positions but neither leader was happy about staying behind. Hilde was important to both of them as a friend and part of the family. Politically, she was also a fae folk hero and the common fae cared what happened to her.

For as powerful a fae as Hilde to be taken down by a focused attack from an outside realm. It left both leaders wondering how vulnerable their power centers were and whether or not they could have handled such an attack with all the resources they had available to them. If word got out about Hilde's kidnapping, there could be problems. Neither man could be away from their posts when there was a chance the fae that looked to them for leadership and protection would need them to be there to keep the peace.

"This bloody sucks." Growled Vex as he followed Tamsin into the living room brushing by Kenzi who was leaning against the hall wall reading. The Valkyrie was so focused on preparing herself for the trip she gave her lover little thought. Finally Vex blurted out, "I can call another to be of service you know. I could order you to stay here." He winced that the flash of anger in Tamsin's eyes as she turn abruptly and slammed a knife into place at her thigh. "What I meant Pumpkin is that I will miss you and if you're gone too long. I will…worry about you." Tamsin smiled at his attempt to smooth things over. Pulling him into a hard, deep kiss she was satisfied when he groaned deeply.

"Sweetcakes, you have nothing to worry about. Your baby will be home soon to take care of you." She cooed and then licked the side of his neck and nipped him hard enough to leave a mark.

Dyson walked by Kenzi on his way to the living room to drop off his pack and a special bag he had packed for Bryan. As the wolf rounded the corner he found the room occupied and quickly backed up but not fast enough to unsee the dark fae fumble fest. Growling and feeling a bit queasy after seeing all that, he backed into Kenzi who had started to moving again but had her head down reading a scroll of paper in her hand. "Hey there," the little druid grumped as she righted herself after hitting the wall of warm muscle. She moved to go around Dyson but he grabbed her quickly.

"You don't want to go in there." The wolf said with a pained look on his face.

"My bag is in there. I need…" Kenzi started but was interrupted by Vex's manly giggling of "Who's your Daddy," and a sound of a zipper being pulled down. "God Dyson," She looked at him with panic, grabbing his shirt front and pulling, "Run." The pair ran and avoided any unwanted public display of affection observation. As Kenzi pulled Dyson along she said, "They seriously need to avoid public spaces. You are going to have to get my bag. I am not going in there for a year." As the two rounded the kitchen they came to quick stop as Bruce was sitting at the kitchen table. He was pale and too thin but he was dressed and armed with his sledge hammer.

Dyson squeezed Kenzi's hand, "I will go and check in with Trick one last time." She nodded and then moved to sit next to Bruce.

"I want to go with you." The ogre said with as much force as he could muster. Kenzi fought not to reach out and steady him as he swayed just a little in his seat. "My wife. My child…I love them, I should…" he mumbled but couldn't get any more words to come out.

"Yes, Bruce your wife and child are out there and we are going to bring them home to you. We love them too. You know Bo and Lauren are already on her trail and we are going to be there soon for backup." She swallowed hard trying to think of how to tell him that his presence would just slow them down. "They are going to need to feel safe when they return. Heck Hilde will be ready to pop." She nudged his shoulder but he didn't smile. "Hilde will need you to be strong for her and the baby. There is so much to do around here. The nursery will need to be ready for that little one and it's not half way there. The repairs to the out buildings and farmhouse are not finished. Someone will need to fix everything up and take care of things. I mean you know how picky Hilde and Lauren are about the place."

"I know I am too weak to go Kenzi. I know I will slow you down. It is just so frustrating not to help. The place will be ready for their return I promise." Bruce raised his hand stopping his friend's words. He knew she was trying to find ways to tell him he still would be helpful. Concern crossed his face, "These fae you are dealing with they have no modern sensibilities. There is no political correctness in the Open Lands. It is all about pleasing the lord and master. That lord and master wants Hilde dead. You have to stop him Kenz. Please you have to stop him from hurting her." The look on his face brought tears to the little druid's eyes.

"You have no reason to worry. We will bring her back to you Bruce. You have my word." Tamsin walked into the room with a disheveled looking Vex behind her. "I am used to a court like you describe and will watch for the pitfalls. The druid here has more survival smarts than anyone I know. She will see through the pomp and get the rest of us in position to do our jobs."

"I've got another history of the Open Lands for Kenzi to go over just in case. It's an older one than the others." Trick had come in the other door. He tossed another thick scroll to the little druid to go with the three he had handed her earlier that morning. Kenzi rolled her eyes as she took it in and decided she would have to put some druid know how to work to take in all this information the Blood King kept dumping on her.

Trick continued to the group at large, "Bo is incredibly powerful now. It should be enough to get Lauren close enough to collapse the cage and free Hilde. The rest of you are strong enough to arrange a fast escape."

"And lord knows we have experience getting out of tight spots." Dyson said with a growl. He heard all the unspoken words that Trick had kept to himself. Getting out of the castle was going to be a near impossibility and if they did get out the Grand Lord would not just let them out of his realm without a fight. He placed a hand on the ogre's shoulder. "You just be ready to cover us when we return. I have a feeling we will need more than a little assistance." At that Bruce did crack a small smile. The wolf had in not so many words told him that he would be part of the fight, he would just have to wait for the battle to come to him. The ogre was pleased that someone finally wanted to include him in the fight. Dyson removed his hand from his friend's shoulder, "Less than an hour everyone."

Coming back to herself and with the farm house far away, Kenzi saw they were about to enter the castle. She felt her tattoo pulse and smiled, now was the time to put the words of advice and warning to good use and do her thing. The horse under her snorted and shook its head. Instead of jumping at the motion, Kenzi patted the large neck as if to reassure the animal as much as herself. To her surprise the great beast whinnied loudly and as if reading her thoughts picked up is gate as if readying for battle. "Good Boy," Kenzi said and readied herself as well.

Passing through the gates the group moved to the center of an open area. "Hold here," snapped the spokesman for the guard. He rode ahead to the steps of what could only be the keep. He held a discussion with the guard posted there and they watched as that man turned and quickly moved into the building. Moments later a mournful horn sounded and the guards that surrounded the group urged them forward. "I wouldn't make any fast movements if I were you." One of the riders said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Follow us."

As if to emphasis the point, the sound of hundreds of footsteps echoed off the rocks and as they passed through the gates. The battlements lined with archers and troops formed ranks within the walls. Workers and children ran for cover. "Good God," Kenzi said. "I looks like we just stepped back in time." There was a thick, heavy booming sound and the group whipped around to see the gateway closed and a plume of dust rising from the heavy wooded and metal lined gates that had just slammed shut.

"Just so we are not out of time." Said Dyson the wolf so close to the surface everyone could sense it.

"Dyson, don't you dare change. We all play it cool. The plan is to get to the grand hall or whatever it was Bryan called it. We need our audience with the Grand Lord. Then we can decide on how to proceed." Hissed Bo fighting herself not to let the blue chi hit her eyes and give away her own power struggle. There was something about this place that gave her the creeps. The looks in the people's eyes were all too familiar to her and she was suddenly scared. She had seen that look before in her own eyes not so long ago.

Before more could be said, the lead guard returned, "Enough of your whispering. You can do your talking when you reach the hall, if the Grand Lord wishes to receive you." With a laugh he pulled in front of Kenzi causing her mount to rear to stop. "Remember little one you are the one that insisted on seeing the Grand Lord. I can only hope that paper you hold is enough to keep you alive." Looking away from the group to his men, he said, "Take them to the stables and then give them a minute to collect themselves then bring them directly to the Hall." With a kick to the sides of his mount he rode away.

"I hope that paper is enough to keep you alive." Mocked Tamsin is a high wispy voice, "Asshole." She groused as the man moved away. With a brush of her hand to the side of her horses head she moved beside her young companion. "Kenzi you stick with me. That type of macho bravado is for show. Give it no mind, these men won't make a move without orders no matter what they say." She sneered at the armed men still close to them and they looked away. "Get us to the stables now." the Valkyrie ordered. "We need to talk someone with some power." The group sped up, a major part of the plan was about to begin.

Seeing their horses tended too, the group stowed away their gear and dusted off the dirt from the road. The group did what they could to make themselves look imposing. Kenzi removed her jacket to change into something cleaner and everyone saw the new additions to her tattoo. Beautiful scrolling designs capped her shoulders and ended just as her biceps started. The design was different than her back, somehow more ancient in its make-up, but no less striking in appearance.

Seeing the others looking at the ink work the little druid shrugged, "I added the information from Tricks scrolls to Hilde's handy work." Seeing the concern on her friends' faces she puffed up. "Look you yahoos, I'm the druid here and a damn good one. I checked my sources and did the hand thing." She waved her arms in a fast pattern. "I felt no threats. This is a good thing. There was no way to take in all the information Trick gave me." She started counting topics off on her fingers, "hundreds years of fae history, common fae law, fae realms and governances, high court law…" Seeing her companions eyes full of worry Kenzi said quickly, "If I could learn how to be a druid from a tattoo why not this too?"

"Kenzi we just don't want you hurt. Adding this to your body is pretty extreme." Bo said then after a moment of thought, the succubus said "What about the druid's scroll? Did you add that too?"

"Yes I did, but I kept the written copy. It was a tricky piece of work splitting the ink between my skin and the page. I used a mixture of my own ink and herb extracts to fortify the image and sort of burn in the…" she was explaining with pride and looked up to see the shocked looks across Bo and Tamsin faces, she scowled as the others groaned. "Look it was Massimo's cord that was pushed into my skin in the first place. The contract was just more of the same. You have got to trust me when I say I know what I'm doing here. Now we have to go. Get all your pointy things in place. We need to put on a good show."

As the others moved to finish their preparations, Dyson who had been silent moved to Kenzi's side. Bracing herself for more questions and cautions she gave him a hard look. He ran a hand over the new lines of ink slowly. His touch so hot it almost burned as it trailed the new markings. Kenzi had to fight for breath for a moment. Leaning down Dyson kissed her shoulder, "The work is beautiful. I think Hilde would be proud of how far you have come. Let's get this over with, put your gifts to work so we can go home."

He reached around her to place a belt at her waist and then placed a set of small knives into their leather sheaths on either hip. With a sigh Kenzi looked at the wolf with thanks. At that moment she wanted someone to trust her judgement. Dyson as always knew exactly what she needed. Before he could move off, Kenzi pulled him into a hug and then she kissed him lightly. The wolf growled deeply and Kenzi felt the rumble in her own body before they parted.

"Attention in the hall," the guard called to the large room as the doors were swung wide before the group. Tamsin had taken the lead and had her hand on her throwing blades. She was in a deep brown set of leather armor and her hair in a tight braid. There were also two large swords crossed at her back. The blonde looked all the powerful Nordic warrior she was. Kenzi followed and was dressed in leather pants and heavy blood red shirt covered by a long duster style coat that stopped mid-thigh. She wore killer boots which set off her new belt of weapons, the druid looked to be the one in charge.

Bo and Dyson were just behind Kenzi. Both wore black leather armor with a simple set of knives at their hips. At their backs both held more serious weapons. Bo had her sword and Dyson a leather whip with a metal tip. Neither Bo nor Dyson were showing their true weapons which was their individual fae powers but the look was a good one as they made their entrance.

They were not half way across the floor when a pompous voice called over the den, "Well what do we have here?" The group of friends did not miss the soft groans that rippled through the guard and the tension that hit the room like a rogue wave.

"Roldan," the lead guard said flatly as he moved slightly to the left blocking the view the fae he was addressing, "These visitors have business with the Grand Lord. I am here to petition for an audience. I have the situation handled. You must have other things of more importance to do." The leader of the guard said stiffly. Kenzi knew by the guard's body language that this was going to be a problem. She searched her new body of knowledge for some type of answer.

"Of course I have more important things to do. I am your prince and you have no idea of the things I have to handle because of others incompetence." The voice barked and then with the sound of a heavy wooden chair being rapidly slid away from a table the voice gained a body. Bo and the others watched as an over the top fae dressed in furs, studded leather and nursing an eye patch and fresh wounds on his face approached with an evil grin on his face. Stopping in front of the guard, he spoke again with a sneer, "You have the situation handled do you. I think that I should be the judge of that. My father's time it too value for just anyone to have an audience. I will handle their petty request and then send them on their way." Pushing the guard aside he approached the group while placing his hand on his sword. As a cocky smile touched his lips Roldan said loudly enough for everyone to hear, "I will send them on their way one way or another." Power touched his eyes as he focused on the newcomers and everyone moved at once to match the threat.

Tamsin placing herself directly in front of Kenzi, Dyson to the side and Bo turning to face the back. The answer to their immediate dilemma and perhaps a bigger opportunity if they played it right came to Kenzi in a flash. Just loud enough so the others could hear her, she said quickly, "Do not pull your weapons or attack unless I say so." There was a series of grumbles in reply, "I mean it. We have an opportunity here but you have to trust me." Kenzi said with more force. "Let me and Tamsin handle this." At this a surprised Valkyrie turned just enough to get a look at the druid. With a smile Kenzi said, "I need your special talents."

"Dyson and Bo," she said quickly. "You guys are back up. Keep out of the way and don't interfere, no matter what goes on okay." Then there was no time to explain further. Roldan was getting close and Kenzi had to make her play. Moving close to Tamsin she simply said, "This is Hilde's brother Roldan. He has basic weaponry skills and the ability to rip your chi out and destroy it. He is the one that hurt Lauren." Pausing only a moment Kenzi quickly added. "You and I need to piss him off. He must attack me with his fae power. You take care of the weapon attacks." A quick flash of confusion then understanding crossed Tamsin's face and she nodded with approval.

As people stepped aside allowing for the prince to approach. Tamsin moved forward and placed herself squarely in his path. Seeing her motion Roldan grinned and sped up, "What gives you the right to even enter my father's realm none the less ask for an audience with him." He bumped his shoulder hard into the blonde warrior expecting her to move or draw her weapon. Instead he found that she simple absorbed the blow and repositioned herself without a change in expression.

Knowing that Lauren had been so cruelly attacked by this fae, Kenzi went for the lowest blow she could land. Speaking in a loud whisper-like tone that everyone could hear she said, "Hey Tamsin, you need to watch out for this guy. He can't see you very well missing that eye and everything. Poor fella ran right into you." Focusing on Roldan she said in a kindly voice almost as if speaking to a child, "Honey, I think your balance may be a little off with the missing eye thing and all. Try moving just a touch to the left so you don't run into things okay."

"Does he need my help?" asked Tamsin in mock concern. She then turned her attention to the fae prince. "Look at the mess on your face pretty boy." Making a tsking sound Tamsin continued, "You poor baby, someone kicked the shit out of you, didn't they. I bet it was a girl that did this to you, wasn't it? You should have known better. Its take a man not a pretty boy to handle a strong woman." Shaking her head she reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

Fae power rolled through Roldan, "I destroyed the one who harmed me. I will do the same to you if you are not careful. Tell me your business with my father before I gut you were you stand."

Holding out the scroll towards him Kenzi pulled it back just as Roldan grabbed for it. "Nope don't think so," the druid said quickly, "I have business with the one in charge and that clearly isn't you. Let the guard do his job and you go do all those important princely things you were talking about." Looking towards the growing number of bystanders she questioned, "What is it that Princes do exactly?" This remark brought a quiet rumble of laughter from the onlookers. The lead guard groaned and moved away from the scene knowing that things were about to get way out of hand.

Like with any schoolyard fight, the large crowd was closing in around the action, "The more the merrier," Kenzi thought. She could only imagine that the Grand Lord was being made aware of the situation. She nodded to Tamsin, they needed to crank it up a notch to get Roldan to make his move.

Watching how easily the fae could be goaded, Tamsin went for another easy mark as the guy was so obviously vain. "Hey Kenzi, I don't think this guy's other eye is working very well either. Look at what he is wearing. He either couldn't see what he was putting on this morning or he is into some bondage mountain man thing." Motioning to his sword she said, "Baby, you better put that thing away before you hurt yourself."

"The only person I will be hurting is you." Drawing the steel blade quickly, Roldan made a wild swing and then thrust at Tamsin who easily knocked away the blow and stepped aside careful not to take advantage of the stumbling man as he staggered out of position. Any other time the fight would be over and the man's head would be several feet away from his body but that was not the game they were playing so Tamsin held her temper. Turning in a rage Roldan raised his sword for another strike.

Kenzi called out, "Look, we are here to request an audience with the Grand Lord. We have not threatened you with weapon or powers. Go away now and let us get on…."

"Powers you bitch, I will show you power." Roldan's eyes rolled red and smiled that evil smile. Tamsin moved quickly to step into the path of a rapidly approaching Dyson and Bo who had enough of the role of spectator. This left Kenzi totally undefended, just the way they wanted it.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said an overly calm Kenzi. By her tone Tamsin, Bo and Dyson knew that she was fighting not to give into her fear. None of them would be able to get to Kenzi to prevent the attack she had provoked. They could only hope that whatever the druid had come up, it with would work and keep her safe.


AN: Thanks for the welcome back and all the nice words. They are greatly appreciated. It is really good to be writing again. Happy New Year to you all!