Rowan travelled on until she arrived at the rear of her father's army. This was the difficult part, by now they would have discovered she was missing, and her father was sure to be watchful. She cut her hair and assumed the garb of a cook woman, blending in to the thousands of camp followers that supported the massive army. Days passed and she wandered, seeking a way across the blood soaked fields.
On the sixth day a storm struck. Violent and dark, with strong winds and cold rain that drove all living creatures to shelter. In the midst of this storm, during the flashes of lightning, sentries were sure they saw something moving on the field. Rowan battled the cold wind and fought her way across the battlefield. She stopped to rest for a moment when something caught her eye. Crawling forward she picked up the banner of the house "Leon de Gras". It was clenched in the hands of Miguel, her childhood friend. She wept as the thought about his betrothed, who sat by the fire in the home of de Gras, waiting for news of him. She covered his face and fighting back tears she moved on.
The Southern sentries found her in the early morning hours, exhausted and covered in muddy gore. The brought her to the General, who had received word to expect her. Rowan was given a hot bath and food. She was told that night she would be taken to the fortress at Crossroads, to wait for the Prince.
As darkness fell, seven figures moved to the south on swift horses. Rowan and her escorts stopped for nothing, fearing that they would not make it to Crossroads before Arris. They arrived Midmorning the next day. Rowan was taken to a room and given another bath and fresh clothes; there she waited.
Arris rode into the Fortress sundown that day. He waited as a fresh horse was prepared, and Rowan was brought down to him. It had been years since he had seen her and was pleased with her appearance. She was slender and had flawless skin, despite her recent ordeals. Her eyes were green and her hair was as dark as the raven's feathers. She bowed and was sure to keep her eyes downcast, she was well aware of the kind of man Arris was.
He said nothing but motioned her to mount the horse brought for her. She did so and waited as he mounted behind her, urging the horse out of the gate. They rode hard, neither of them speaking. Through the night they rode and didn't stop until the arrived at Dragon's Keep. Rowan eyes widened as she beheld the massive castle carved out of the mountain, it was awe-inspiring. The Keep towered above the town hewn straight out of the mountain, dark and foreboding.
They rode into the courtyard and dismounted. A serving girl waited and took Rowan inside to her new chambers. She looked back in the doorway and saw Arris watching her; she saw no trace of emotion on his dark face. It was her first good look at him, he was tall and broad, with dark eyes and dark hair. His face was rugged and scarred, and there was a terrifying darkness about him. She left the doorway and followed the silent girl who showed her to a beautiful room, its beauty out of place in this cold prison. Bowing the girl turned to leave; Rowan saw she had no mouth. She fought back tears again the girl looked into her eyes and smiled, bowing she left. The wood was deep mahogany, and there were beautiful tapestries that lined the walls. The drapes were soft greens and the rugs were luxuries.
"I hoped this would please you."
The voice startled Rowan and she turned to face the speaker. Caladon stood in the doorway, an old man in an old castle.
He smiled. "May I come in?"
His smile put Rowan at ease.
"Certainly my Lord."
She gently took his arm and led him to a chair. The girl returned, bearing a tray with hot drinks and sweet snacks. She put the tray on a close table and waited patently.
"The girl's name is Lia, she was one of Arris' experiments. He was displeased with the results so he cast her out. I kept her here until I found a use for her, she will serve as your servant now," Caladon spoke between sips. Lia smiled at Rowan, and Rowan smiled back.
"Why do you allow Arris to do these things?"
"I have been sick a long time child. At first I knew nothing, then when I did it was too late. I am dying; most likely I will not survive till spring. My heart weeps and I see his work, and I fear for you child, you should not have come here."
"What was I to do, he would have taken me eventually, this way lives will be spared."
They sat in silence for a few moments, and then Caladon rose slowly.
"Thank you for your company my dear, I hope that you will join me for my afternoon Teas."
Rowan said she would and walked Caladon to the door.
"Will he call for me tonight?"
The old king's eyes met hers. "Pray not child of the northern kingdom, pray this will be a night of peace."
With that he turned and slowly made his way down the hall, into the waning daylight, like a spectre.
