Chapter 10
Salvation

Laying on the floor of his cell Derek felt all hope draining away into the darkness. Three days had passed, and the fourth was approaching. Throughout all the time he had spent in the cell Derek had been withheld both food and water. But during that time he had mulled over his predicament.

Knowing that he could never deny the Prince the only choice left to him seemed to be death. Derek despaired of ever seeing his friends again.

Why? He questioned. Oh my Prince, where are you?

I am always with you. Came a silent answer.

The truth hit him like a lightning bolt. How long had it been since he had even thought about the Prince and what he had done?

Dragging his weakened body onto his knees, Derek braced his hands against the stone wall. "Help me, my Prince," he whispered. "I need your help to endure. I need you to help me remember you are with me."

Unable to hold himself up any longer, Derek collapsed onto the stone floor.

~o~o~o~o~o~

"Derek, Derek, arise!"

Hearing his name being called, Derek struggled to open his eyes. Slowly they opened to a sight that was the most wonderful thing he had ever seen. The Prince knelt over him, with a strong yet gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Derek, come and leave the shadows. Your work is not yet complete."

Derek swallowed, his throat dry from lack of water. "How can I, my Lord? I am too weak to move. I cannot even stand."

"Lean on me," the Prince commanded. Reaching down he gripped Derek's arm and easily raised him to his feet.

Strength flowed through his veins and Derek stood but kept his hold on the Prince's arm. The cell door opened on silent hinges — and they walked down an unguarded hall.

I must be dreaming, Derek thought.

Still, they walked through the hall, out of the dark doors, and into the free air. Knees shaking Derek continued following the Prince. He led Derek around a corner in the path and came face to face with a white stallion. Gently He helped him into the saddle and led the horse away from the den of darkness.

A/N: Horray! Derek has been saved! Keep reading to find out more!