CHAPTER 16:

The Rogues

Ani'Twei placed his new trophy onto his wall inside his quarters. Kaen'Dre and Kwei'De relaxed against the walls near the entry. They had gotten back safely without any troubles which suited them finely after their successful hunt.

"I'm hungry, who's with me?" Kwei'De said, stretching.

"You're always hungry, the gods only know where the food goes" Kaen'Dre sighed.

"Fine, I'll go to my quarters for some lovin'" Kwei'De grinned evilly. He couldn't wait to have his mate back at his side.

"Please, do not speak of my sister like that while I'm here" Ani'Twei said, addressing himself.

"Well, go mate with one of my sisters and . .no, that's just a wrong and dirty thought" Kwei'De said, shuddering. "Go get somebody else!"

Kaen'Dre sighed and walked out the door. But while he did, another taller form knocked him out of the way. He hit the side of the door while growling. This was not his day.

Whoever did this is going to pay!, he thought.

But then he saw it was Sier'Ra. When she was in a rush, all of them would get out of the way or get knocked down. Despite her figure was that of a 6 foot tall human woman, she had the strength of a yautja along with the skin color, claws, and sharp teeth. Her hair was a dark brown along with hazel eyes and pale skin with dark brown mottles. She was friendly and protective just like her brother and had come to Earth be at the side of her mate. Sier'Ra hadn't come to hunt unless it was necessary and with Kwei'De, he'd probably drag her to.

"You guys are back" she said, smiling.

"Of course, no prey can beat us" Kwei'De said, proudly. "We are unstoppable."

"That's not how it looked like when you fell off the wall back at the palace" Ani'Twei laughed.

"And landed in the thorny bushes" Kaen'Dre snickered.

Kwei'De smacked Kaen'Dre over the head and hissed at Ani'Twei. Kaen'Dre kicked him on the leg which made him unbalanced quickly. Sier'Ra just yanked him back and wrapped her arms around his waist happily. He purred and touched his forehead against hers. Kwei'De loved his mate very much, ever since they met actually, and they had become life mates immediately after he passed his trial years ago.

"I missed you" she said, kissing his cheek.

"Oh, go to your rooms!" Ani'Twei cried, placing his hands over his eyes. "My eyes!"

Kaen'Dre winced at their affection and sighed. They looked just like him and Kiara making him miserable yet again. He didn't need to see mates showering their affections in front of him. The only one he wanted to see was the princess and shower her with his embraces.

I miss you more and more every hour, Kiara, he thought. I don't know exactly how to stop it, but I cannot forget you at the same time.

Walking out the door, he headed out into the large hallway. Seeing their Elder come through the walkway, he dipped his head in respect. He expected him to pass by but he stopped in front of him.

Oh crap, I'm in trouble, aren't I?, he thought instantly. But I didn't do anything!

"Kaen'Dre, I heard you and your comrades went into one of the ooman civilizations and killed the ruler" his Elder, Reig'Tu, asked. "Is this true?"

He hesitated while his elder looked at him. Reig'Tu was about 320 years old and a bit young to be an Elder but Kaen'Dre had heard once that he'd fought in a battle here on the planet that earned him his rank. His hair was a mid-black and reached to the middle of his back while having gray clasps in his dreads. His eyes were almost crimson but he held an amber tint within them. His coat was auburn while holding darker stripes on his arms and legs, and he wore his armor along with a crimson cape while standing at 7'9. Reig'Tu was a wise Elder and mostly all of his warriors respected him.

"Yes, it's true" Ani'Twei's voice said, while he stepped up next to Kaen'Dre. "I needed to capture his head as a trophy to bring my family an honor from their past."

"Warrior Ani'Twei, would the honor be of your mother's civilization?" Reig'Tu asked, nodding to him. "The ooman ruler?"

"Yes, but how did-" Ani'Twei said, surprised.

"I was there, young one" he answered for him. "Your father and I are very good friends, I remember that year very well."

"Really?" Ani'Twei asked, curiously. But then quieted when his elder raised his brows at his curiosity.

"Nice one" Kwei'De whispered to him and laughed. Ani'Twei jabbed him at the side.

"Just like your father" Reig'Tu said, smiling. "Your parents will be proud, your father could've done it but your mother worried for him in case there'd be danger. But I think you'll face her wrath instead this time."

"I can take it, Elder" Ani'Twei said, nodding. "I know I should have advised you before attacking a large structure of that much importance but I had to. Besides, we had a good hunt, we hunted down over 40 oomans."

"I do not blame you for your actions, but be careful next time" Reig'Tu said, looking over Ani'Twei and his group. "But by hunting down an important being and his followers, you will be a greater interest for any female."

"I still am waiting for my right mate, like my father" Ani'Twei said, waving his hand.

"I already have mine" Kwei'De said, grabbing Sier'Ra. She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Kaen'Dre?" their elder asked. Kaen'Dre looked up. "If you are ready, your preparations could be made."

"No, not yet" Kaen'Dre said, shaking his head. "I . .I cannot do it yet."

"Why? You have nobody who even likes you yet" Kwei'De retorted. "Nali-Dar likes you, go to her."

Nali-Dar was a huntress on board and came from a strong lineage in the clan. She stood at 8'4 with greenish skin and black mottles. Her eyes were yellow along with long black dreads held in white bony clasps. She had her own little group who she hanged around with but Kaen'Dre didn't like them. They were much too serious and aggressive, unlike his friends.

"I do not have an interest in her" Kaen'Dre said, grimly.

"Then who the hell's going to want you?" Kwei'De exclaimed. Kaen'Dre glared at him.

"Nice way to drop his self-esteem, you moron" Ani'Twei said, smacking Kwei'De.

"All right, you three!" Reig'Tu ordered. They all quieted. "That will be all for today, carry on with your duties. Oh, and Kaen'Dre, if you are to leave for a while again, remind me."

"Yes, Elder" Kaen'Dre nodded.

Their Elder walked away while Kaen'Dre felt miserable. He didn't want a mate yet, he wanted to find someone strong but not one who'd reject his ideals. One among his own could be somewhere on his planet and if so, he'd be glad. But then he remembered Kiara, the ooman female who had made him seem like the only important being to her until it was wrecked. Why did everyone he cared for leave or die in the end? He had wrecked everything that they had built, even what might could've been. Remembering how she'd felt in his arms while he kissed her delicate neck for the first time, he felt his throat tighten.

I cannot stop what I'm feeling for you, princess, he thought. I just wish it could've ended in different terms.

"Are you all right, Kaen'Dre?" Sier'Ra asked, softly. Then smacking her mate, "Look what you did."

"I am fine, I just want to be alone for a while" Kaen'Dre said, simply.

Walking immediately to his quarters, he just felt like roaring from the pain he felt from missing her. Kwei'De and Sier'Ra started after him but Ani'Twei held them back.

"No, he needs to resolve over something, leave him be" he said, firmly.

"He's had a whole day to get over things" Kwei'De whined.

"Some things take longer time" he stated. "Come, we should go train."

The three friends walked away while Kaen'Dre entered his room. Locking the door, he took off everything except his mesh clothing. He roared angrily from his loss and threw some of his stuff clear off his table and bed trying to get rid of his hurt emotions. Breaking some objects onto the floor, he let his hurt rage pass in a bit and he collapsed onto his bed. Clicking his throat sadly, he closed his eyes to rest.

Laying on his side, he felt empty from not being able to hold Kiara or having her hold him. He missed her warm and soft embraces, especially how she cuddled onto him during the night. Grabbing his blankets, he made them into an uneven ball and held them just to feel better.

How I wish I had you in my arms right now, he thought sadly.

"Kiara" he said, softly.

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It was two days later and Kiara's world was solemn for her. She felt as if she was trapped in a pool of sorrow while trying to escape into the sandy paths of recovery. The sun had no warmth against her skin and the only thing she felt was the cold wind that felt like she did. She still felt hurt from Kaen'Dre's leave and the pain wasn't leaving her. She spent time with her family and friends to get over it, but once she was alone, the tears wouldn't stop. She missed him dearly and the hours seemed to get longer every time she did.

She was currently sitting back to back with Aziza in the gardens. Aziza knew that something was wrong with her friend especially after she found her crying in her room, but she didn't say a word. But as her best friend, she'd be there for her until she needed to talk. She'd never seen Kiara in that manner but she'd help her somehow.

"You don't feel hot out here? I'm burning" Aziza laughed.

"I'm fine, I need more sun anyway" she said, simply.

"We should head out and go out to the town" Aziza suggested. "Or swim at the old waterfall."

"No!" Kiara said, quickly. Aziza turned to look at her. "No, I don't want to go there."

Kiara stood up. She didn't need to go there, not to relive painful memories. Remembering how much she'd laughed and held Kaen'Dre made her eyes tear up. How she wished she'd see his outline or form again, just to see him one more time. Closing her eyes for a bit, she sucked in her tears and then opened them.

"What's wrong, Kiara?" Aziza asked, softly. "You look so depressed."

"I'm fine, I just don't feel well" Kiara said, trying to assure her. "I'm probably catching a cold."

"Hopefully not, those are very hard to get over" Aziza warned. "Come on, lets us go somewhere."

"I do not feel up to it" she said, simply.

Aziza sighed but then she saw Set run into the gardens. He was wearing white robes while wearing gray armor on his top body and wearing a decorative head cover. Aziza felt worried instantly, her friends usually never wore those.

"Set, what is it?" she asked, immediately.

"The rogues from Saqqara have moved here" he said, quickly. "They have killed two officials at the outside borders and are trying to get inside the kingdom."

"But why are they here?" Aziza asked, worried.

"I do not know, all I know is that they are our threat now" Set said, sighing. "I had to warn you just in case you were going into the city. I have to go, Atem is waiting."

"Atem's out there?" Kiara asked, quickly gaining her grasp on reality.

"Yes, he's already headed there" Set said, nodding. He turned to leave. "I have to go."

Kiara instantly went to Set and grabbed him by the arm. Her kingdom was in trouble along with her people, her emotions could wait. If she could help, she was going to. She served her family and kingdom first like she always had before Kaen'Dre came.

"I am going with you, prepare my horse" she said, quickly.

"No, you have to stay here, you know this" Set said, shaking his head. "Kiara, you-"

"I have fought before, do not act like I haven't" Kiara pointed out. "I will not let anything happen to my brother or people just because I'm a woman, now do as I say!"

"Kiara-" Set started.

"That is Princess Kiara, and are you disobeying a direct order from your princess?" Kiara ordered. She never ordered her friends but she had to.

"I'd listen to her" Aziza said, smiling. "I'm coming to."

"What! No!" Set exclaimed. They glared at him. "Fine, we don't have much time to argue anyway."

Set ran out of the door along with the two of them. They ran down the hall since the stables were at the other end.

"I hope Atem isn't there already" Kiara said, worriedly.

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Kiara clashed her daggers against the rogue she was fighting. He was taller and older, but her agility came in handy. Set fought his own along with Aziza and Atem. There were three in total but they were strong in skills. They knew how to fight as well as use magic, and it was hard four their quartet to beat the older sorcerers. The rogues wore dark navy cloaks but underneath you could see black robes when they moved. Their eyes were set deep and their faces showed no emotion besides coldness and violence.

Atem hit his opponent in the face but moved back while he swiped his sword at him. Clashing his sword down onto the rogue, he kicked him on the side to throw him off balance.

"Now, I will ask for the fourth time, what do you want?" Atem snapped.

"I will answer nothing, you pathetic excuse for a prince" he shot back.

"Why are you here?" Set growled while dodging his opponent. "You were in Saqqara!"

"The ruler was killed so we couldn't just kill off the new stronger ruler, so we came here for fun" the leader who was currently facing Set said. "A solitary kingdom just how we like it."

"But Saqqara is no short distance" Aziza said, circling around him to protect Set.

"We are nomads, woman, we know how to get to places" Kiara's opponent said.

"Now, surrender to us and we'll let you go" the leader said.

"Never!" Atem and Kiara yelled.

"This is our kingdom and I will not let you enter it while I still hold breath in my body!" Atem said, running at the leader.

He clashed his sword against his and pushed his weight against the older man. But he was taller which made him place their swords to the side and hit his head against Atem's. He fell back from the pain but regained himself, only to find his opponent trip him onto the sand. Seeing the sword come down, he dodged to the side quickly and tripped the leader with his own foot.

Atem's previous opponent grabbed him from behind and put a chokehold onto him. Atem struggled but he couldn't flip him over since he was stronger. Kiara got angry instantly at seeing someone hurt her brother. Running to him, her opponent grabbed her back but Set and Aziza took care of him. Freeing herself, she ran over the sand and jumped up to Atem's opponent. Raising her daggers, she stabbed them into his top back and raked them down.

The sorcerer screamed and let go of Atem immediately. The man tried to get Kiara but she ducked his grasps and dug them deeper into his skin. Feeling the blood go over her wrists, she let go and the man fell to the floor. She looked over at Atem to see if he was all right but he was already fighting the leader again. Kiara got kicked suddenly which caught her off guard and made her fall down. Looking over, she saw the sorcerer she stabbed getting up while chanting under his breath.

He must be doing some sort of healing spell, she thought instantly.

"Oh, no you don't!" she said, quickly.

She charged at her opponent and clashed her daggers under his. Clashing them back with all her strength, she ducked and stabbed him in the abdomen quickly. He roared in anger and swiped her away roughly. She hit the sand in a slight daze and realized one of her daggers were gone.

"Dammit!" she muttered.

Seeing her opponent come at her, she dodged and kicked him on the leg like Atem to push him back. Looking over at Set and Aziza, they had cornered up their opponent next to his leader. Getting up, she kicked her opponent on his thigh to unbalance him. He tumbled back but while she got ready to attack him, he raised his hand and knocked her down onto the sand.

Crap, he has his own powers, she growled mentally.

"Two can play that game" she said to herself.

She sat up and raised her hand to throw him back just like she'd done to the serpent. The sorcerer flew back and tried to get up quickly. But Kiara had already started chanting her own spell, the same spell she'd used on Kaen'Dre back at the dunes but much stronger. The sorcerer get up only to see a giant sand wave go over him and swallow him whole. Kiara waited until he surfaced but it didn't take long, he'd used his own defensive spells.

"Not bad, princess" her opponent said.

"I'd say the same but I do not compliment my opponents" she hissed.

She raised her hand to throw him back but he raised it at the same time. They both fell back onto the sand and regained their breath. Seeing something to her right, she saw one of one of the sorcerers head at her. She saw him holding an orb of black energy in his hand.

"Kiara!" Atem yelled.

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Kaen'Dre groaned at hearing someone banging on his door. He didn't feel like talking to anyone. He'd been feeling depressed for a bit and had mostly stayed in his quarters. The only time he left them was to train, eat, or bathe. Trying to go back to sleep, he kept hearing the knocking.

"Open up, Kaen'Dre!" Ani'Twei said, banging on the door. "I need to tell you something."

"No, I am not helping to train the Unblooded ones!" Kaen'Dre yelled back. "They got us in trouble in the first place with that hard meat."

"No, it's not that. . .yet" Ani'Twei said, cautiously. "Actually, it's about someone you know in particular."

"Who? The god of misery?" Kaen'Dre said, grimly.

"No, her name starts with a K" Ani'Twei said, teasingly.

"Kiara!" Kaen'Dre said, sitting up instantly.

"You said you weren't interested so. . ." Ani'Twei said, starting to leave.

"No, wait!" he said, immediately.

He got up and practically ran like the wind to press his palm on the pad so his door would open. It opened instantly while he tripped over his feet and fell in front of an amused Ani'Twei. How more clumsy could he be?

I don't care as long it's about Kiara, he thought.

"I've heard the ooman term 'when people falls head over heels in love' but I didn't see it literally until now" Ani'Twei grinned. Kaen'Dre hissed and got up.

"What is it? If it isn't about her, then-" Kaen'Dre started.

"Yes, I'd rather say it inside" Ani'Twei said, coming in. Looking over his wrecked room, he said, "What did you do?"

"I've been redecorating" Kaen'Dre said, dryly. "Hurry up!"

"Well, the group and I were looking through the scanners and we saw a battle going on" he started. "We zoomed in just for our entertainment and I saw Kiara in the group. I must say, she does fight very well for an ooman."

"What! What do you mean she's fighting? Whom?" Kaen'Dre asked, worriedly.

"She and three of her comrades are fighting three cloaked oomans" Ani'Twei said, simply. "They have an odd array of abilities, but it's an interesting fight."

Why is she fighting? Kiara, what're you doing?, his mind yelled.

"Who's winning? Is she hurt?" Kaen'Dre demanded.

"She has received minor injuries, but her opponent is injured more" he said, remembering. "I just wanted you to know in case you were interested."

"Why wouldn't I be? She's fighting!" Kaen'Dre exclaimed. "I just left her three days ago, she can't be feeling all right."

"Would you like to see the fight?" he asked, tilting his head.

"No, I'm going to do something better" Kaen'Dre said, quickly.

He walked over his destroyed clutter and grabbed his armor. Putting it on quickly, Ani'Twei sighed.

"What are you doing?" he asked, sighing. "I know I'm not going to like this."

"I have to go find her, she could get hurt" Kaen'Dre said, putting on his belt. "If she would've felt emotionally and mentally well, I wouldn't, but I have to."

"I thought you didn't care" Ani'Twei said, crossing his arms.

"Who said I didn't care? She's my friend!" Kaen'Dre snapped. His friend gave him a look. "What?"

"No one runs to help another so easily, especially when they're of another species" he said, raising his brows. "You care for her, my friend, more than you'll admit."

"I do not have to explain anything" Kaen'Dre muttered. "I am going and that's it."

"I thought you didn't want to go back to there" Ani'Twei pointed out. He hissed. "You want to go back to be with her, am I right?"

"No! I just want to make sure she's safe there" he said, simply. "Nothing else."

"Do you plan to stay more this time again?" Ani'Twei questioned.

"If I am allowed to" Kaen'Dre said, clasping on his mask. "I will see you in a bit."

"If you get to talk to her, my advice is to tell her what you feel, do not feel afraid" Ani'Twei told his friend before he went out the door.

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Kiara dodged the strong flash of energy quickly, but it burned her ankle. She winced in pain while seeing the other sorcerer head at her. Seeing Set take down him down quickly, she focused on the injured one. He tried to throw her back with his mind again but it didn't work.

"Spirits, with the voice of 1000 falcons, let it pierce through the sorcerer's!" she chanted. "Wind spirit, help me with this task now!"

Sitting up, she spread out her hands to the sorcerer and felt a gust of wind come forth. The sorcerer was taken back but not before hearing the glass shattering pierce of a falcon's screech. He reared back and clasped his hands over his ears to stop the cries while yelling. Luckily, she'd trained well enough to focus a spell like that on one individual. Kiara got up and held her dagger tightly, then raising it, she used her powers to guide it straight through the sorcerer's throat. She saw him yank the dagger while choking but the damage was done. The sorcerer choked on his own blood while it flowed down his cut throat. Seeing him hit the sand with no rising chest, Kiara smiled victoriously.

"No healing spell for you" she said, simply.

This is the first person I've actually killed, she thought. I'd feel bad but he was trying to hurt my people.

Seeing Set's opponent throw him, she saw him head at her. She didn't have any weapons now so she'd have to wait for him to come up to her. But before he did, he sent a knife flying at her which she dodged quickly. Coming up to her, he swung his sword down at her and she dodged again. She ducked another of his attacks while keeping conscious. Her last attack had been draining but she had to stay awake.

"Any time you guys want to help would be good!" Kiara yelled over to her friends.

Atem was tangled in a battle between magic and swords so he couldn't. He used a wind element to knock his opponent back but he used a mental shield to block it.

"One of you go!" Atem yelled to Set and Aziza.

"I'll go, you help Atem" Set ordered Aziza.

She nodded and followed Atem while he went to attack the leader. But he threw Atem out of his way with a mental shield, but Aziza ducked and slashed her sword over his thigh. She didn't really on magic to fight so she'd do fine manually. Atem got up and kicked the sorcerer while he brought his sword down on her. He fell back and Atem managed to cut his arm, making him bleed. The sorcerer growled and knocked Aziza out of his way to get to Atem. Atem blocked him with his own mental shields but he got through them.

Oh boy, I'm in trouble, he thought.

Set tackled the sorcerer before he cut Kiara on her side. They fell to the ground and struggled against each other. Knocking each other back and forth with their strength, all Kiara could do was watch. When she saw the sorcerer overpowering Set, she ran to them. Placing one hand over Set's, she helped him push down against the man while using her other hand to hit the man on the forehead. It looked childish but that's all she could do. The sorcerer roared angrily and knocked them both off of him. They fell back on the sand while Set placed Kiara behind him.

Atem watched while the sorcerer clashed his sword with his strongly. He was strong but Atem managed to keep his hold against him. Throwing each other back, Atem hit him with his sword sideways and they fought again. The man brought his sword under Atem's trying to knock it out of his hands but it didn't work. He dodged it by turning around and bringing it down onto the sorcerer's. Kicking him back, Atem felt better at being able to hold him off. They fought hard and stealthily while Aziza kneeled behind the sorcerer.

She had her own plan in mind while the sorcerer fought. Kneeling behind him, she had brought her sword at an angle on the sand. The light reflected from the sun hit her sword and went to the man against his dark robes. Keeping a close hit onto his clothing, she waited until she saw a faint flame sparking in them.

Sometimes this sun comes in handy, she thought.

"Atem! Use a fire element!" she called out.

"I don't have anything belonging to it!" Atem yelled back while clashing his sword with the man.

"Trust me!" she cried out.

"Spirits of fire that come from the sun, bring forth your powers onto this man" Atem chanted carefully. "Now!"

Slashing the man quickly on the arm, his robes caught fire from behind immediately. He yelled out in surprise while trying to take out the fire. Throwing his cloak off, Atem got a better look at him. He was in his mid 30's with a beard and long shaggy hair. He had a scar on his left cheek along with a muscular body.

Great, he's taller and stronger, no wonder I have a hard time beating him, Atem sighed mentally.

Set clashed his sword under the sorcerer who stood above them. Kiara's ankle hurt when she stood and since she had no weapons, she couldn't fight. Trying to get up, Set kicked the sorcerer on the kneecap knocking him back. The man fell but kicked Set in the chest making him fall down next to Kiara. Set groaned from the sudden blow to his chest while Kiara got in front of him protectively.

"Get away from him!" she yelled.

"Come with us, princess, you are strong" the sorcerer said. "Kill these unworthy folk and live in power. Your brother turned us down, are you?"

"I'd rather choke on my own blood before I betray my people" she snapped.

"Your choice" the sorcerer shrugged.

Her brought his sword down but Kiara made a quick defensive shield. Holding it in place, she threw him back mentally. While he was down, she nudged Set on the back which made him get up. He had been regaining his breath but was still able to fight. Getting up at the same time as the sorcerer, he waited for him to attack.

"I can leave the shield on for a while unless he deflects it" Kiara told Set.

"No, you're already as weak as you are, put it down" Set said, shaking his head.

"You're injured yourself" she pointed out. "I'm keeping it up."

She kept the shield up but the sorcerer kept on bringing his sword down along with using his own mental abilities. Kiara fought him back mentally but after a while, she felt a sharp pain in her mind that made her lose focus. Falling to the floor from the sudden pain, the sorcerer brought down his sword at her but Set jumped over her and deflected it with his sword. Throwing the sorcerer back, Set got up and stood firm.

Aziza had gotten behind Atem while he fought the leader. He had gotten angry at having his cloak burned by her. Atem knew he was stronger than the leader in magic but it was hard to conjure up chants because of the other man's strength. Clashing his sword in front of the man, they stood pushing each other back. The sorcerer kicked Atem in the stomach harshly which threw him down. Bringing his sword down, Aziza blocked it from under him.

"Leave him alone!" she yelled.

"Silly girl" the man said.

Throwing her roughly to the side, she hit the sand. She saw the man raise his sword over Atem, ready to strike.

"No!" Aziza yelled.

But before he moved, an arrow shot into the man's leg. He howled in pain and turned to look at who threw it. Frankly, everybody just stopped fighting to see what was happening. Set and Kiara smiled in relief at seeing her father's guards come up in horses. There were about 30 in total so Kiara guessed the rest stayed behind. All of them were dressed in armor and white robes along with gold headbands. All Atem and their group cared about is that they were there and armed.

"Our guards will destroy you" Set said, throwing the sorcerer back.

"My leader?" the man called to Atem's opponent.

"We will be back, come!" their leader yelled.

Set and Kiara sighed when their opponent left to rejoin his leader. Atem and Aziza ran to them and they all ran to their guards. The warriors ran towards the sorcerers but they created a mental shield against them. They both ran quickly over the dunes, while leaving their other deceased comrade.

"You haven't heard the last of us!" the leader yelled.

"If you ever set foot near our lands, you will be punished severely!" the guard leader, Bomani, ordered them. "If you kill one of ours again, you will be hanged!"

"You will hear of us again!" the leader responded. "You will remember the names of Runihura and Abasi when we finish with you all."

So those are their names, all four friends thought.

"And you will remember the name of Atem when I finish with you!" Atem yelled back.

Kiara saw them leave over the dunes and into the distance. Hopefully, that's where they would stay.

"Come, your father is very worried about you two running off" Bomani told them.

"We just came to defend the kingdom" Kiara said, innocently.

"As long as you show no signs of injuries you'll be fine, but you know your parents" Bomani said, smiling. "Especially yours Aziza."

"They'll be fine as long as I come back in one piece" she grinned. "I'm untouchable."

Bomani laughed while the four of them got back onto their horses. Atem helped Kiara up and Set helped him since they were both hurt worse. Riding back to the palace, Kiara felt more uneasy with these new problems.

"We have to find a way to get rid of them somehow" Set said to them.

"Yes, but we have to discuss it with my father first" Atem said, nodding. Kiara looked over to him to speak. "No, Kiara, you have to stay put."

"But I did just fine, before my ankle was hurt" she pointed out. "I saved you."

"Yes, but if you get caught again in that position, you could be hurt more" Atem said, simply.

"I was caught off guard, I need to train more, that's all" Kiara said, shrugging.

"Talk with Father and we will see" Atem said, sighing.

Kiara groaned and led her horse forward. Now, she just felt worse again.

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Kaen'Dre jumped onto Kiara's balcony quietly. The balcony doors were open so that was good. He had gone to the battle site Ani'Twei had told him but found nothing, except a ooman dead body. So, he headed back to the palace where she would obviously be. Looking over the curtains she had at the side of the balcony doors, he saw her. She lay on her bed with Asim and Set while he tended to an injury she had on her leg.

Someone hurt her, he thought. How dare they!

Seeing the ooman male tend to her injuries made him irritated. He wanted to be the one to make her better, not him! But then he remembered how he made her cry, which made him feel hurt. He'd do anything to regain himself to her. He heard them talking while he finished and listened in.

"I knew I could've fought better, but I haven't been feeling well lately" Kiara said, softly. "I need to train again, I haven't for almost a week. But I know I can be better at fighting them."

"I know, but none of us want you hurt, that's why" Set said, squeezing her shoulder.

"But I know I can help somehow, I always have" Kiara said, quickly. "I need to do something around here, I'm a princess and I should be able to protect my kingdom when I please."

She's always so protective of others, Kaen'Dre thought. She is a very rare person to find. I wish I could have her for myself but I may have some competition.

He saw the male touch Kiara's cheek with his hand like he'd done before. Immediately, he felt like throwing the male completely off her but he couldn't. Besides, she was not his mate or anything so he shouldn't be getting jealous.

"But as a princess, you should know when you have to stay here and protect the kingdom from within" Set said, gently. "Just stay calm for a bit and see what your father says."

"My father wants me here, I know it" she said, sighing. "But I will continue to train and if I have to sneak into the army to fight, I will."

"Kiara!" Set said, quickly. "Don't go doing rash things, you're not known for that."

"I can change when things are drastic" Kiara said, crossing her arms. "But for now, I am tired."

"Then take a nap or should I bring up Aziza, she makes you feel better" Set suggested.

"All of you make me feel better" she said, smiling. "But thank you, I will be fine."

"You're sure?" he asked, raising a brow. "I can stay with you if you want."

"I have been alone for a while, I doubt an hour will harm me" she said, softly.

"For certain?" Set asked her. She smiled.

Leave her alone so I can talk to her, you fool!, Kaen'Dre thought.

He saw her nod while Set leaned over to embrace her. If that male touched her one more time, he'd scare him to death! He got up and headed to the door while Kiara followed.

"You need to lay down, I can show myself out" Set said to her.

"I need to lock the door" she pointed out.

"Do you plan to do something?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"No, of course not!" Kiara said, quickly. "Now shoo!"

After finally seeing the male leave, Kaen'Dre sighed in relief. Now, he could talk to her . . .unless Asim tried to maul him. Taking his chances, he walked inside into her room. She turned around and widened her eyes at him in surprise. He thought she would faint when she backed away with her surprised look but she didn't. Seeing her again made his body feel so much better than it had over the last three days. She still looked beautiful despite what she'd gone through.

Oh, will she be happy or angry?, he thought nervously.

Kiara looked at Kaen'Dre standing there before her. He stood wearing the same armor, weapons, and mask like last time. Was he real or was she desperate enough to have him there that she started imagining him? Pinching her arm quickly, she knew it was real.

He's here, he's really here, she thought.

She didn't know what to feel, her whole body was going through a surge of emotions. She was happy for him being here, angry for him leaving, and sad for what he'd done. But what mattered was that he was there. Feeling her eyes water, she wiped them quickly and looked at him.

"Hello Kiara, I came back to see you" Kaen'Dre said, softly.

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End of Chapter 16. I'm so happy I'm doing a good job, especially with the last reviews. Thank you to all of you who've reviewed and read! I hope you liked this chapter as well.