Chapter 2

Disclaimer: All characters are mine, I thought of them so find your own.

My name is Belac Lagennod, I am a squire for his Lordship Nemor Raseac. We have been traveling through the countryside of the ancient land of USA. Whatever that meant. My Lord tells me that this was once the pride of all the kingdoms. That no man was considered better than others. I find that hard to believe. There are always peasants to feed the nobles. Our companions consist of two fully trained warriors. Or, at least, so my Lord tells me. These fools could not protect a princess from a fly, much less my Sire from any danger. Fortunately, I am well versed in the use of daggers. My size may fool you into believing I am weak, certainly these two do. Both are nobles sons off to find adventure before retiring to their estates.

Sir Lonathe Lesied is the heir to the Earl of Northern Territories. Being from such a prominent family has done nothing for his personality. He is very quiet, aloof in most things. Everything about his personality screams for people to stay away. His complexion is darker, deep auburn hair and dark eyes with a pale face. As much as he screams danger, I have yet to see him apply any skill beyond orders. Those, he is quite fond of. Humph, Nobles.

Our other esteemed companion is the second son of the Duke of Cannon or some such rot. Where Sir Lonathe is dark, Sir Cam Elppa was as light as light could be. His hair is brighter than summer sun shining against polished metal. The color of his eyes reminds me of ice. The only dark part to him was his skin. He was a deep mahogany, like the stories my master tells me of the natives that used to roam this land. Their personalities seem to match their descriptions; one is dark and quiet as night, the other is bright and cheerful as day. Funny how that works.

"BOY"

Belac looks up quickly from his observations, "Yes, sir."

"Stop dawdling and get the dinner started," says Sir Lonathe.

"Yes sir, I was just wondering about the statue against the wall sir."

"Pay no head to it, relic from a time better left forgotten probably." Sir Cam nods his head in agreement. "Better leave it to your betters, boy. If it is of importance, we'll let you know." And with that Sir Cam picks up his sword and scans the area around the statue he only just noticed.

The area is dark, the statue was well hidden in an alcove of sorts. Disassembled machinery surrounded it except for one. Odd. Most of the Ories held little functional equipment. What made them leave this? What made it so special? Walking closer, Cam carefully placed a machine between him and the statue.

"Hey Lonathe, come take a look at this. Its some sort of ancient cooling system, it must be nearly twice as cold over here."

"Will you stop fooling around Cam, seriously there are bandits everywhere. You know that the King's men are looking for us. Not to mention, every person who wishes to earn favor. Leave it be. At this point it can only cause trouble."

"Oh come on Lon, aren't you the least bit curious. Even the kid is curious." Cam said, as he was getting closer to the statue. "Look at this Lon, its a person. Or at least, I think it was. Why would they put a person in ice?"

"What are you talking about, you idiot. People don't put other people on ice. Not unless their dead and waiting burial, at least. Now stop fooling around, I don't care what you've found. We need to finish with the perimeter. Then you can fantasize about whatever it is you think you've discovered." With that Lonathe started walking back out toward the door, sword at his hip swinging slightly.

"Lon, I'm serious. There is a person in this thing. Who knows how long they've been stuck in there. If they are even still alive. You want to just leave them there for the next group to find this place. And you know as well as I do, that when we leave this place others are bound to find it. A fluke might have brought us here, but our tracks are not well hidden. All a tracker needs is a bit of luck and we're had."

"Dammit Cam, what do you want me to do about it?"

"Just come here and look is all I'm saying. What could it hurt?"

Lonathe sighed as he walked over, "Alright Cam, what has you fascinated this time?"

"Humph, just take a look."

As he walked over, Lonathe took in the surroundings; the rusted chair thrown into the corner, the various broken down Ories equipment. The statue stood maybe six feet in height and three in width. The base was the only thing in the room that looked like it might still work, and by the temperature change he would bet still did. When he glanced up at the statue, all he saw was piercing blue eyes staring back at him and then they blinked.

"Creepy, isn't it" Cam said.

"Did you see that?"

"See what, Lon?"

"It blinked, I'm sure of it."

"Come off it Lon, that's not funny." Cam looked decidedly unsettled at the thought of a live person icicle.

"They trapped a live person in there Cam, I'm sure of it. Help me figure a way to get it out. That's just cruel to abandon a person in there like this. What could they have possibly done to deserve this?" At that he moved around the ice block pressing various buttons hoping to release the statue.

Inside of what was now deemed "the statue", it's victim was quite amused by the situation. This was the first time anyone truly thought, selflessly, to free her. Actually, it was the only time someone tried to. Sure there were protests held to at least attempt to free her. But the scientists always said it was too dangerous. Well if these two novices would hit the off switch on the freeze unit, then who was she to complain. Amazing how long fusion power runs for isn't it?

Meanwhile, Lonathe was pressing buttons around the base of the machine. Cam was trying to figure out what was powering it. Suddenly, a loud beeping noise appeared.

"What did you do, Lon? Sounds like you tripped an alarm or something."

"I'm not sure. Maybe we should have just taken the block from the stand? Moved it next to the fire? That might work too."

"Umm, Lon? Why is it flashing red underneath the statue?"

Suddenly, all they can feel is heat emitting from the machine. Slowly the block of ice begins to melt.

"Well, I would say you figured out how to free it, Lon." Cam said as he clapped his friend on his back. Lonathe just stood in astonishment.

Heat. That's what I feel. For the first time in centuries I feel the brush of heat against my body. What did those idiots do? Why did they have to release me? Oh God, the heat feels like flames licking against my body. When I get my hands on those two idiots, I am going to kill them for putting me through this pain. Hopefully, they have the sense to catch me when I fall. Or at least to make sure I don't break my neck. Oh I think I can move my fingers now. What an amazing feeling. I wonder what the grass feels like beneath my toes. Is it the same softness as it was in the North? Or has the grass changed to the hard sharp blades of the South? Funny, I can't recall where this Lab is located. I've been moved so many times its insane. Or maybe its just me that is insane.

Focus, soldier, Focus. Your drifting again. Keep eye contact with the Tall One. He's the one so determined to get you out, then he can very well take the consequences. Interesting, why is he wearing that look of horror. Am I melting? Quick check... nope not me, but wasn't I wearing clothes before this all started? Ah, so that's his problem. I am now melting and naked. Good, I can corrupt his good sensibilities. That's what you get for releasing me without knowing how. Both of us might as well suffer. It feels like hot metal slicing through my skin, I guess if I don't end up with third degree burns I might feel grateful. My legs feel so weak and tight, my only hope is the muscles can regain their strength quickly to get the hell out of here and away from these morons. And there goes the last bit of ice holding me up, here goes nothing.

My voice is rasping around swollen muscles, decayed in their lack of use "Catch me" I utter before blacking out to this new foreign world.

Lonathe and Cam just stared at the now melting statue in fear.

"What have we done, Cam? Look at the agony on its face, what could create that? Do you think the machine is heating it too fast?"

"I should get the Lord, he will know what to do." Cam looked panicked.

"After not consulting him to release it? Besides, he's probably already foreseen this." Lonathe looked up and noticed that the clothes were practically disintegrating around the form. "Cam go and grab a cloak or a blanket quickly."

Lonathe turned to watch him rush off to find the required items and notify the Lord of the new development when he heard a faint noise.

As he looked back to The Statue, he heard "Catch me" whispered from the lips of the now identifiably female form prior to the form collapsing. Only the grueling training as a knight saved her from breaking her neck against the ground and completely ending her life.

"What do I do with you now? We can't very well leave you alone can we, you wouldn't survive a night on your own." Lonathe looked down on her pale form and noticed for the first time the pale features, high cheekbones, dark flowing hair that desperately needed a good cleansing and faint pink lines running across her exposed collar bone and shoulders. Like battle scars. What was a woman doing with battle scars? Was she a prisoner, and her punishment was life encased in ice? How horrible had been her crime if that was the case.

"Here Lon, this is the best I could find for right now." Cam said as he handed over a very beaten up cloak. "Is it alive?"

"Yes Cam, SHE is alive. Or as alive as you can be after being frozen for who knows how long."

"Well, lets get her over to the fire then. Keep heating her up. Maybe the Lord has some suggestions."

"Probably a good idea. She barely weighs more than a feather. Did you inform the Lord of our additional company?"

"Like he didn't already know? By the time I went back for the cloak, he asked that we not delay and bring the Lady over. Wonder how he knew it was a woman?" Cam cocked his head at Lonathe as he watched the taller man cradling the seemingly fragile woman in his arms. "What do we do with her now, Lon?"

"I suspect the Lord has an idea, Cam." More than we know, my friend. More than we know.

"Do you need help bringing her over to the fire?" Cam asked, curiosity and concern lacing his voice.

"And let you grope every inch of her? Not a chance, Cam, someone needs to save you from your next fiasco." Lonathe replied laughing. He picked her up as careful as he could and began walking back to the Lord Raseac. "Why do you suppose he called her Lady?"

"Who knows Lon, maybe he knows where she came from. But what I want to know is what she did to be encased in ice. Its like those old tales of the ice storms. You remember the ones about the king that raised his hand and encased the traitors and bandits in ice. Those stories used to give me nightmares. Can you imagine any length of time being frozen like that? And why did her clothes dissolve, I have never seen anything like that before." Cam's constant chatter what interrupted shortly by an elderly voice raised just slightly over the crackling of the fire.

"If you wouldn't mind gentlemen, I do believe the Lady would like to warm up after her ordeal. Belac go and fetch her a robe from my things. We cannot have anyone questioning her virtue before meeting her. And bring some of my herbs, I have a feeling she will wish to use some soon." Raseac stated in his omnipotent manner. "Sit down boys, no one is going to find us tonight." He smiled his genteel smile and focused back to the mysterious ice woman "You always do seem to find yourself in the most fascinating circumstances."

"Forgive my Lord, but do you know the Lady?" Lonathe asked. You could practically feel Cam vibrating with curiosity at his side.

"You could say that, more or less, I know of her. We have never been formally introduced. Many believe her to be a myth, a relic from a turbulent past. And in a way they are correct, she is part of our history but how much of it is due to her direct actions or even those that followed her. Well those are too numerous to count. Kings have sought her council over any topic imaginable, nations have tried to destroy her. The fact that she has remained unscathed for so long is unheard of. The King's father even asked her advice upon occasion. He refused to go to war without her council. And since he never lost a battle, I should say he found the answers he was looking for."

"What do we do with her Sir?" Cam asked "Surely, she would be in more danger with us than without us."

Lonathe shifted uncomfortably, "Even without an escort how will she survive? You act as though she comes from ancient times. This cannot be the case, how could she have survived?"

"A true stroke of luck, hopefully it will continue for I fear in the next few days we shall need our wits about us. For her life and for ours."

A slight groan from the otherwise motionless figure resting by the fire attracted the small parties attention. Belac was sitting next to her holding her hand. "Sir, I believe she might be taken with a fever. Shall I administer some herbs, or wait a bit?"

"No my dear boy, she is merely dreaming by the looks of it. Something I could imagine she not be familiar with anymore. Let her rest, we shall try to get some food in her on the morrow. She must be starving after her ordeal. Light, perhaps some bread and broth. That way her stomach can become accustomed to food again." Raseac looked over to see his normally impersonal servant concerned over a complete stranger. His face gentled and soothingly he spoke "Belac, would you mind taking first watch over our new charge? If her condition changes, wake me immediately."

"Yes Sir." Belac quietly settled into his position to watch his new charge.

The rest of the group settled quietly around the fire, lost deep in thought and questions. Waiting for the morning. The firelight played against a pale face, hinting at shadows and a deeper mystery. Even as they watched the woman relaxed into a deeper sleep, questions began forming in all their minds.

The next morning came faster than expected and the woman's condition had not improved. Belac settled himself next to her again with fresh water and cloths, attempting to bring her fever down.

"My Lord Raseac, we need to move. There is a ship nearby that would be able to ferry us across the Ocean, closer to my homeland. Once there, we will be safe for the time being. At least until the King gathers his armies. Even then, I am not sure how well I can protect you." Lonathe looked at him with concern, "Can we move the Lady? It grows more dangerous to stay here. All it would take is a good tracker to find our trail. Much of it is covered, but a clever man could do it."

"We have no choice but to move her with us Lonathe, she will be the key I am sure of it." Raseac looked as old as he felt at that statement. "I had hoped she could be roused by this point. However, it seems as though not even I can predict her movements. Contradictory things, women are." They both turned to gaze at the shivering figure.

"Best have Belac get your things together, as soon as Cam comes back with supplies we will be on our way." Lonathe then turned and began to gather anything that might assist them in the process of leaving. Even now he could see Belac moving quickly to pack things together to continue watching over the Lady.

"Lon, I've got the supplies. Enough to cover the crossing if we are careful with the supplies."

"Good job Cam, is the boat ready?"

"Stocked and prepped, enough space that even a woman could come on board, but..." Cam hesitated, glancing over his shoulder.

"What is it Cam?"

"You know sailors, a woman on board is bad news for them. Especially if they find out who she is."

Sighing, Lonathe looked exasperated. "Cam, we don't even know who she is. For all we know she could be some commoner that Lord Raseac has mistaken as a legend. Now we must move quickly. You will have to carry my gear if I have to carry her."

"She still hasn't awoken?"

"No, the fever still holds her in its grip. Are you sure you wish to continue on this trip? It will mean you will be disowned and dishonored at the least, executed at best." Lonathe looked at him, his closest friend and brother in arms.

"Someone has to keep your hands off the woman while she is defenseless, Brother. Besides why should you get all the glory." Cam brushed off Lonathe's concern with well practiced ease. "Come on friend, lets go rescue the damsel and slay the dragon." With that they both walked back to the fire side.

"Its time, my Lord. The tide is right and we will lose our chance of escape if we delay any further." Cam said as he picked up his and Lonathe's gear.

"I will carry the lady on board the ship, but she must remain below decks. If the sailors catch sight of her, well, lets just say we might have an uprising." Lonathe then reached down and as gently as he could picked up the woman who was still slick with sweat. "How long do you expect her to be out of it?" He said looking at Belac.

With a mistrusting look on his face, Belac replied "Probably another few days. Fevers are dangerous things. The sooner we get her warm, and fluids in her the better. I was just able to get some broth in her earlier. Practically swallowed the whole bowl. She must be starving, poor thing."

"Well at least we don't need to worry about her trying to talk like a man at least. We shall just say she is my younger brother, caught a fever and I am bringing him home to the Northern Territories to recover properly. Seeing as she has dark hair, and many in the Northern Territories do not cut the boys hair until they reach adulthood, this could work in our favor." With that he gently placed the lady, still clad in only a cloak, on his horse before climbing up after her.

It took the four of them on horse back most of the morning to reach the ship. Five if you counted the mysterious Statue. Her condition had still not improved and Lonathe feared riding any faster than he already was in her current condition. As they traveled, he could see Belac throwing concerned glances her way and they stopped frequently for him to administer the healing herbs. By the time they reached the ship, all of them were exhausted. The boat was small but large enough to have a crew of eight men; all from the Territories and all loyal to Lonathe. The boats' size might just be their salvation against the heavy war ships of the King. Small and maneuverable, the boat could slip unnoticed as a fishing vessel through the King's blockade. Looking over to his companions, Lonathe noted the weariness of his companions. Soon they could rest but not yet. Not just yet.

"Quickly, lets get everything on board. Belac, follow me below to the cabin. Bring your herbs, I fear our guest has gotten worse with the ride. Lord Raseac, we will need your assistance as well. Cam, the men will assist in loading the ship and readying to launch; you remember the way?" Lonathe said as he started moving to the ship.

"Yes Sir! You heard the man, you get these bags loaded. Careful of his Grace. Best get moving, young Belac." Cam continued in this fashion following the sailors that were carefully following orders and avoiding being overly curious about the cloaked bundle in their future Earl's arms. That was the surest way to face the end of his sword when he got into one of his moods.