I'M ALIVE !

I know long time no updates but I do have a valid reason; I'm lazy and enjoying the freedom of Easter holidays.

I'm sooooooo excited! My cousin had a little boy on the Tuesday before Easter so I can't wait to meet him…. Also means more babysitting jobs but I need the money.

Also, my right arm has finally stopped hurting after the beating I got paintballing on holy Thursday. I was out and they STILL KEPT ON SHOOTING AT ME ! But oh well…. I feel that my avid fans have waited long enough.

Enjoy and I hope that you didn't get too sick with all hat chocolate! *tehe*

Laters XD

Valek POV

Three days after the news of another kidnapping, myself, the Commander and Irys arrived at the border patrol post. Unfortunately, we had to drag the annoying little brat of a younger brother along with us, who did nothing but try my patience since we left. Captain Donagh greeted us but it was clear to see the worry in his eyes.

"Sir. We're glad that you answered so quickly. Is the situation that bad in the north?"

"It is not the north that worries us but who was taken prior to your daughter. Come we have a lot to speak about." I only half paid attention to what was being said. My thoughts drifted to the worry that if another girl was taken then could that mean she was already dead. I heard someone calling my name. I shook my head and became aware of everyone's eyes on me.

"Sorry sir. My mind was elsewhere." Understanding came into his eyes. Donagh just looked confused. "As the Commander said, we have much to speak about." Turning to my men I gave them orders to look after our guests, paying particular attention to the irritating child in our midst. They nodded and headed to see to the horses. Turning I saw Ambrose and Irys looking at me with amused faces, but the Master Magician's radiated disapproval.

"What? He's been annoying me since we left and before you say anything don't forget that I am in a worse situation than him." I dared Irys to say something but she simply sighed and turned to go into the Captain's office.

"You don't have to stoop to his level with the insults though."

"Believe me there are worse things Valek could call him. Considering his reputation, I'm quite surprised that he is still alive." I was already in a bad mood but Ambrose wasn't helping matters at all. I would make him pay, but could I kill him?

No.

Not even for the sake of the woman I love? The woman who carries my unborn child?

Ammmm…?

That was the question I needed to answer. Unfortunately, it was the answer which eluded me the most.

General POV

Marissa woke to the sound of crying. Looking around her she could see that none of he guards from earlier were their. So where was the noise coming from? Suddenly a shadow moved in a cell not too far away from where she sat. Fear ran through Marissa's heart before she remembered she was not the only girl in this situation.

'Might as well make friends. Daddy can get her out too when he comes.'

"Miss? Are you ok?" The crying stopped as Marissa's voice echoed through the dim cells. The young woman turned to look at her. Tears began to stream down her face as she took in the sight in front of her. The other girl's face was covered in bruises, with what looked like more bruises on top of those. There was a cut above her left eye and her lip was split and swollen.

"As good as can be expected, given the circumstances." The humour in her voice shocked Marissa but she couldn't help but smile. Even in a horrible place such as this the woman could still smile.

"What did they do to you?"

"Passed the time. My face is the only thing they will dare touch. But running knives down my arms seems fun too."

"Why no scars?"

"Magic. But it's nowhere near powerful enough to get us out of this mess. I wouldn't take the risk of losing…" Her voice trailed off, arms going around her abdomen. An unwelcome thought came into her head. Marissa hoped she was wrong.

"Losing the baby?" The other woman nodded, somewhat distracted. "How could they do this to you? Don't they know about it?"

"Yes, that's why I'm here, but also why they have to be careful. If any serious harm comes to either of us, this little ones father will be very upset." Marissa was about to ask who the father was but the clanking sound of a key being turned in a lock silenced them both. Looking round, they saw about 10 men descend the stairs, each heavily armed, each with grim looks upon their faces. They divided themselves and went to each of he cells; 4 came to Marissa and 6 went to the other young woman.

"Come on. Both of yees had better be quiet otherwise that little lassie over there gets a hidin'"

Marissa kept quiet the whole time two of the guards tied her hands and blindfolded her again. Leading her out of the cell, she could hear the other woman behind her. Not knowing what to expect, she held her breath as she was pushed inside a wooden box and told to lie still. Only when the box began to move did she realise that they were being moved. Where she didn't know but she had a feeling that when they got there it would not be good for either of them. Soon the movements of the box lulled her to sleep.

Short. I know but my laptop is playing up and I'm not sure hw to continue this at the moment but it will return to me…. Always does!

Just a little bit more on what's going on with the girls and if you haven't worked out who the "young woman" is then I give up all hope for you …. *hehe*

Any ways , reviews are appreciated and met with a lot of jumping up and down on my part.. *yes I am that attention seeking and self conscious*

Hope you all had a good Easter, I had ten foot snowdrifts and buried tractors so it ws all fun.

Laters

Whiney Smurf XD