There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way, so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here my good man?" the man in front said.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way, so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man.
"No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies be of our great kingdom?" replied Milriva.

(Added a comma or two in yer sentence, Zig. Also, feel free to edit mine, the second part to something of that effect, it didn't feel quite right at the time of writing.)

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man.
"No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

(I could add more, but I won't )

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man.
"No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing. "Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man.

(my 1000th post )

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

(Congratulations, I'd give you a cookie but that's not my thing . Here's a trophy)
*hands Ras a large gold trophy with his name on it*

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first."

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house."

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house."
One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house."
One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house."
One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors: those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the Knight nearest the table.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

(edited previous post for mistakes)

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was walking, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, my majesty!".

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was waiting, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, your majesty!" Feeling nauseous, Vilona collapsed to the floor.

(edited for accuracy)

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was waiting, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, your majesty!" Feeling nauseous, Vilona collapsed to the floor. She was dreaming about herself being taken away by King Richard into his stone dungeon.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was waiting, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, your majesty!" Feeling nauseous, Vilona collapsed to the floor. She was dreaming about herself being taken away by King Richard into his stone dungeon.

"Look, a secret passage!" said one of the soliders.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was waiting, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, your majesty!" Feeling nauseous, Vilona collapsed to the floor.

"Look, a secret passage!" said one of the soliders. Milriva acted, and used his powers of illusion to cover the passage and just make the area look like the normal floor as the soldier turned back to his allies.

(edited for accuracy/relevance)

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was waiting, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, your majesty!" Feeling nauseous, Vilona collapsed to the floor.

"Look, a secret passage!" said one of the soliders. Milriva acted, and used his powers of illusion to cover the passage and just make the area look like the normal floor as the soldier turned back to his allies. The other soldier looked where the soldier was pointing and saw more stone floor.

There's a house that lies beside a river, and in this house there lives a man by the name of Milriva. Some considered Milriva a poor fisherman, but he was always happy and full of life, which made the nearby villagers jealous. But one girl in the village was interested, why this simple fisherman was so happy and full of life. She decided, one day, to visit Milriva and ask him. The way from the village to the house is rather long, and covered by beautiful flowers on the side of the road, it was remarkably well kept compared to the village.

But the other villagers didn't like the idea that this girl would find that Milriva's way may be better then theirs and leave them, so they sent a messenger to the king asking for his advice as they always hoped that he would marry her, as he had shown much interest in her beauty. The king received this well, and sent the messenger back to seek the girl. Meanwhile the girl had arrived at the house, she knocked on the door and then opened it slightly as she noticed that it was unlocked.

From the dark shadows in the cottage arose a sound most foul, like nails on a chalkboard, along with a smell like rotting flesh. A different man, hideous and old, was shrieking about something that the girl couldn't understand. The girl drew closer to the man, and asked him why he was shrieking; wasn't he the one everyone has said to be full of life and happiness?

Suddenly, he drew a large butchers knife from behind his back, screaming at her, "Tianna, why did you betray me to this fisherman?!". He loomed towards her and raised the butcher knife, but before he could swing it down onto her head the front door flew open and a powerful yet gentle voice could be heard, "There will be no slaying inside of my house".

This man threw a harpoon at the man with the knife, hitting it out of his hand. The man screamed in agony, and with a white flash of rage, he lunged towards the newcomer, attacking him ferociously. As he attacked, the newcomer took a short dagger from a sheath hidden in the long, flowing cloak that he wore, and calmly began to block the man's attack.

Suddenly outside the cottage there was a sound like giant wings, and a ball of flame came bursting through the side of the wall, melting everything in its path. The attacker rebounded in fear, and as he crouched in terror, the great flame disappeared, and he realized it was an illusion, weaved by the cloaked man. The cloaked man glared at the attacker, he spoke up, this time in a threatening voice "The next one won't be an illusion, I suggest you leave my property.".

As the attacker quickly escapes through the half-open door, the cloaked man approaches the cowering girl, and as he takes her hand, asks her, "Hello, my dear, my name is Milriva, are you hurt?" She grabs his hand and slowly raises herself to standing. "I... I'm fine.... He didn't do anything to me..." the man quickly responded "But he was planning to, and that is a sin I can't forgive. So, does this adorable young lady have a name?". But before the girl could respond, there was a loud knocking at the door and a voice could be heard saying, "Open this door in the name of the king."

"Oh, I have a feeling that we'll have to hide you my dear." Milriva said as he carefully shoved the girl towards a door, he waited for her to walk through it and then opened the front door for whoever was knocking on it. Beside the lake stood a man, resplendent in his shining armour, standing next to a horse that, if he hadn't known better, Milriva would have sworn was kin to the drakein of West Urseos. The man spoke, "Greetings fisherman, I'm told that a young lady should have come here whom the king wishes to see; I ask, have you seen her?"

"No, I have not", replied Milriva, "but, curious thought, why would the King wish to see a common girl?" "The reason is not necessary for you to know, just tell me if you may have any idea where she is." "Trust me, if I had any idea then I would be out trying to woo her over instead of talking to you."

Just then the armoured man drew his sword to show the crest proving that he was a knight of the five storm seals, which Milriva recognised instantly, and said in a sarcastic tone, "If you lie to me my good man then I shall have to call the beasts of Lauribya to rend the flesh from your back." Milriva just sighed and said "Now, good knight, why would I have any reason to lie to you? If the king wishes to see a girl, so be it. I have no interest in such matters."

"Very well then, but if I find out that you are lying..." the man left knowing that he had made his point clear. Milriva went inside again and poured himself and the visitor some coffee, "Might I suggest that you leave my bed room and come back in here for a cup of coffee my dear?" he said towards the door the girl had entered.

"Sure, I guess...so anyway, where did we leave off?". "You'll find it easier to speak to me if you first walk trough the door my dear." Milriva said, upon hearing this the girl proceeded to open the door and walk trough, a little flustered by the awkwardness in the situation. She goes to sit down at the nearby table, as Milriva comes with 2 cups of steamy coffee. "So," begins Milriva, "My dear, why could the King himself be out on the lookout for you?"

"I do not know kind sir" she said as she took the steaming beverage "just as I dont know why that strange man called me Tianna. But it is a name that sounds familiar to me, yet I do not know why". "Well now I know that you're not named Tianna, but I'd like you to be more specific." The man said as he calmly drank his coffee. The girl on the other end of the table drank a little from her cup, but quickly got a frowning expression "Augh, this drink is rather... Bad. Anyways, my name is Vilona, I come from the nearby village." Milriva, slightly embarrassed, replied "I am sorry, my dear, the coffee is a tad old for I have not had much luck with the fish lately, but a drink is a drink. Just curious my dear, but why did you venture here in the first place?". She blinks a little "Oh... I wanted to know why you seem to be so happy, despite your life being so simple" she shows of a weak smile.

Milriva chuckles and says, "My dear, my life, simple? No. I just enjoy what I have been given! Can't you see? We've been born! Every morning I wake up and I am greeted by the shining rays of the sun!" "And that really is enough for you...I mean, you don't feel like you need more?" "Life is fickle, my dear, I just follow the wind, and I am perfectly happy and content with whatever it gives me", replied Milriva. Vilona was almost in shock; she had never known anyone to be so happy with so little before.

Meanwhile, Renshaw, first of the five storm seal knights, rode through the forest at a breakneck pace, barely containing his rage at the thought that his plan had failed to such a great extent, despite all those nights of planning and gold pieces that madman Silus had demanded to play his part. Now there was a big chance that the king's messenger would come there, and his plan on keeping the girl from the king would be all for nothing.

You see, Renshaw despised the king and most of the royal family. If it weren't for the twist of fate that had his father, the duke, removed from power, it would be Renshaw on the throne instead and not that fool who would rather chase after farm girls then secure the country. In fact, he now wanted to change the entire government to one that was more people friendly. As a matter of fact, Renshaw was planning a rebellion against the throne. He rode back towards the capital city, ready to meet the other storm seal knights, who had also grown hatred towards the king. They were like a squad of angry children, whining at the higher-ups, but for good reason. He reached the city and found the rest of the knights waiting at a quiet tavern.

When Renshaw got close enough to the knights, he saw that assassins were sneaking up on them,"Behind you!" he shouted to his comrades. Being as skilled as they were, low grade assassins were no match for the knights. However, in that moment, a row of arrows were shot at the knights and 2 of them were killed, but the other 3, including Renshaw, were only injured. The king had obviously discovered their plans, and know the entire royal army was sent after them. Renshaw said "Follow me!" as he led his comrades into the forest to go to Milriva's house, for that was their only chance of losing the king's men. However, he knew he would have a lot of explaining to do, but he didn't know if he would have enough time before the king finally sent a messenger to the house looking for Vilona. Having run through the thick woods to lose the men, the knights finally arrived at Milriva's house and Renshaw knocked on the door.

"Should I open it?" Vilona said to Milriva. "No, allow me my dear, as our visitor might be looking for you," he replied. To Milriva's suprise, Renshaw and 2 other knights were at the door. "You've returned, is there a problem?" asked Milriva. "What does it look like!? The King's men are after us and we're wounded" Said Renshaw. "That's strange," he replied, "because before you said that you were working for the king; explain yourself." "Fine," Said Renshaw, slightly confused and angered,"We were planning to take the King down but he found out our plan first." "That's very nice of you but why would I have to help you hid from the king?" Milriva said with a sly smile on his face. "There is no time! If you don't hide us, the King will kill us all!" Renshaw yelled. "Calm down," Milriva said, "I'll hide you now but I must know how closely you were being followed first." "We were able to lose them in the fore- there is no time; their torches light the distance!" Renshaw replied. "Hmm I see, but I think there's enough time to hide you in the right place... follow me," Milriva said, leading the knights as well as Vilona to the back door. "You'll be hiding in here until the King's men leave" said Milriva, as he pointed to a hidden passage he hid under his bed. "Wait a second," he said as he moved his bed to reveal the passage so everyone could enter.

"What about the blood trail?" Renshaw asked Milriva. "I don't see a blood trail" he quickly responded with a grin; being an illusionist, he had already made it disappear. "How the h-"Before Renshaw could finish his sentence, they were greeted with unpleasant knocking at the door. Opening the door, Milriva notices a small battalion of cavalry; all of them carrying grim faces and heavy weapons. "Hi, how can I help you today" Milriva said.

"We are the army of his majesty, the king, and recently ran into enemies of his who ran this way; so we ask, have you seen anyone come through here, my good man?", said the front man."No I have not, soldier, and who could these enemies of our great kingdom be?" replied Milriva. While the soldier responded, Renshaw and the rest snuck into the passage and closed it off without anyone noticing.

"Mind if we look through your house?" said the front man. Milriva, though worried about whether the people were hidden, kept his cool and calmly replied, "Sure, if you really must do this to settle your doubts," and let the soldier in.

While the soldiers where searching inside Milriva's house, Renshaw and the others found themselves lost inside a big cave, lightened with glowing fire of torches,with 4 different paths. "We should check this out," Renshaw said, "but maybe we should ask Milriva about this first." "We shall not,"said Vilona,"for they may still be searching his house." One of the knights had sat down as the arrow wound in his leg had grown steadily worse from running through the woods. "We should just wait here; wait for Milriva to call for us, for it's our safest bet," said one of the Knights.

"You had visitors; those two cups of coffee can confirm it," said the soldier nearest the table. "A traveler needed assistance, so I let him in and gave him a drink; I sent him on his way hours ago," Milriva said with a perfect poker face.

While Vilona was waiting, she suddenly had a headache and started to hear a voice, calling her, " Princess Tianna! Get out of here! You should hide somewhere or Emperor Richard will see you! Hide for your life, your majesty!" Feeling nauseous, Vilona collapsed to the floor.

"Look, a secret passage!" said one of the soliders. Milriva acted, and used his powers of illusion to cover the passage and just make the area look like the normal floor as the soldier turned back to his allies. The other soldiers looked where he was pointing and saw more stone floor. "Huh, that's strange, I could have sworn there was a passageway under that bed," said the bewildered soldier.

Originally posted by Gold Sceptre

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The grim faced men say in commanding voices "We are the men of Dark and we are taking over all of the world with our swords, striking fear into the hearts of all people to pass us so the the name Dark will live FOEVER!!!"

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...I don't quite get it... do you mean that while the confused soldier saw the secret passageway, a soldier with him said the lines that you typed?