“How do we get across?” She asked quietly. “We can’t see a foot in front of our faces.”“They should see our light.” He explained. Then stretched his arm over his head waving the torch back and forth slowly.Flossina screamed at the sudden sight of  an old man appearing. He wore a monk’s robes. His eyes were sewn shut and his gaunt face made him look more ghost than man.The horse jumped at her reaction and Marlon held the reins tight enough to reassure the animal.“We seek passage to Holy Sancti Viri.” He informed the monk.“Follow me.” He said as he turned. Marlon followed closely. 

“Please,Valda, we mean you no harm. I am Flossina Raelia. Heir and future ruler of these lands. My mother, Queen Bihadlly has been murdered by my stepfather, the King. He is after me and I need to know why. A few days ago I was held prisoner in my own home. While I was captive I met a holy man from your order. He told me of my mother and a stone. The Jewel of Humanity.” She felt the air in the room change and move and turn warm once again. Listening to her speak she saw Valda seemed no longer guarded. She continued,“He was very kind to me. He died trying to protect me. Please, I beg of you. Help us!” Marlon was taken aback at her ability to move a crowd. Her words were genuine and she didn’t sound like a Queen in that moment, only a girl who needed help. He admired that she was always genuine, kind, intelligent and beautiful. When he had rescued her from the tower he had

He had another job to complete and this escapade,however informing it was, was taKing up his precious time. Whatever went on he would protect her and keep her safe. That was his vow... Flossina stared at the symbols etched on the page. They looked more like lines with symbols. She turned the page and read the words.‘Only when her heart is truly broken and all hope gone can the stone be used for the reckoning.’ The words resounded within her, but she didn’t know why. She read on and on until she heard the night hymns. They reminded her of home. She felt closer to Baptise now. She had read his words. He had talked about her mother, and their successes. She closed the book and stood up then

“Sir, you don’t think…” He trailed off forgetting the Commander did not speak to him directly, therefore he was to not speak. He swallowed hard in relief when he saw his Commander and General not bat an eye at the small misstep. Instead, he finished the man’s sentence.“Yes it’s the Collective. They’re coming for him.” The General felt numb to this news. He had been the one who had the King disband them once he had secured his position as General immediately after the war. His plan had taken years. He had risked everything. The good King Tehxadlayk had died by his hands and the blame had placed on the SheHaalte’s King’s brother, Prince Yupta. Fvendal never did have the stomach for murder, but

“That’ll be far enough you two. If you please, Healer drop your weapon.” Marlon wanted to punch him in his smug face for killing all of his men and now torturing the last of them, his best friend. He listened and dropped his sword and knives as the arrogant General spoke more. “You made the right decision. Now Healer, or should I say assassin? Yes Assassin sounds better.” He began again. “It’s very simple. Your man’s life for the Princesses. If you hand her over to me right now I swear to you, you and your second in command will be spared.”“And if I say ‘no’ ”“Then your mate’s head is going to roll of of his shoulders in front of you and the Princess,” he said it with