Welcome to Gaia! ::

Chapter One

Despite the fact that we are different, we are a family. Don't let anyone ever take that away Amira. If more of the races were willing to accept our resolve, then Ziam would never be in such a deranged state.....Never forget that ......my daughter.....

One hundred years. That's how long ago my mother told me that the humans and giants segregated themselves into the diverse regions of on opposite ends of Ziam because of a small dispute over the humans constantly invading the giants land. When I was about two or three, Mother introduced a guild of mercenaries questing to reunite humans and giants called The Ganatoa Fighters that became full of humans and giants alike longing for that same cause. I once asked her why she gave the mercenary that name, but only ever said one thing: "Amira, my name is Gana so it seems like a good choice."

She is a strong and passionate woman, my mother, and that's why I'm proud to be her daughter (even though she's an eighty foot tall giantess and I'm just a human.) She holds our large team together and knows everything that could ever be known. With snowy silver hair, dazzling ebony eyes, and the looks of a goddess she attracted a lot of attention of giants and an occasional human. In the past that they often confessed the love they have for her, but she never once took any of their offers because of one thing only: me.

"Amira!! Time to get up!" A distant yet loud voice called to me as I turned onto my side of my bed. Waiting for a moment, I slowly blinked my green eyes and let out a grunted yawn.

"Ahhh.....Alright Lilica....I'll be down..." pausing, another quick yawn escaped my lips, "in a minute!!" I called back as loudly as I could, while climbing out of the bed and the toasty quilt.

Stretching and resting my arms behind my back, I looked around my room lazily with contempt as the rays of the sun gave the small area a peaceful air. Eventually I decided that I had wasted too much time and quickly gathered fresh clothing and changed. After replacing my night clothing will my normal style of a leather vest, pants, and cape, I swiped my brush hidden under my pillow and quickly combed my messy birds nest of brunette hair.

Staring at my reflection in my extremely large mirror while retraining my hair in a small bun, I quickly nodded my head in improvement and smiled. Falling down to the ground quickly, I moved one the wooden floor tile and snatched the contents sheltered; a slim, yet sturdy rope. Rising to my feet again, I swiftly double knotted the rope to the end of my bed's post and lead the rope to the oak door. Swinging the door open, I looked intently and excitedly at the ground twenty feet below, drawing a deep breath, and took one step forward. Closing my eyes, I gripped the rope steadily and pivoted my body to swing the rope and let go.

"Amira!!" Feeling something soft and warm grasp my entire boy, I opened my eyes to see two giants hands encasing me while above me, a young feminine face with worried, yet angry ocean blue eyes and a speechless expression on her face. "What on earth were you trying to do?!"

"Oh Lilica, you don't need to be so worried. I was just....experimenting?" I pondered on the idea that I mot likely ployed the wrong choice of words for my explanation.

"Experimenting? For goodness sake Amira! You're seventeen, not seven!"

"Exactly. That's why I should be able to get in and out of my own room without help anymore." I motioned towards my newly built compartment plastered high on the wall crossing my arms in annoyance.

Sighing, Lilica set me on a nearby oak table and ran a skeptical hand through her short blond hair. "Listen Amira. Gana sent me to wake you up. Perhaps you should discuss this with her. Alright?"

"Yes Lilica." I said nothing more will giving the giantess a sincere smile, climbing back into her palm when she laid it flat on the table and slowly made her way to the conference room.

Turning my head to look at her with appreciation. It was obvious as to why she was the only adviser of Mother. We couldn't do without Lilica; she has an unexplained sixth sense about things. There are such types like her in many places but one doesn't tend to understand that at first. Most mercenaries has one or maybe two thinkers with traits like hers, but Lilica is one of the most tactical and unique that I have the pleasure to even know.

"Hey gorgeous!! Wait up hun!" A deeper voice called after the two of us as we passed through the hallways.

Lilica made a one-hundred eighty degree turn, allowing me to see a slim and tall giant jogging to catch up. It was Risfu. His short dirty blond hair sparkled as the sun's rays flowed through the windows. His handsome face wrinkled as a huge smile became larger and larger after catching up. Focusing his ruby eyes on me for a moment, he raised his hand and placed his index finger on my head. Murmuring a cheery "Heya kiddo!" he chuckled after catching my annoyed glare an turned back to Lilica. "See you at the meeting hun." After giving her a short but affectionate peck on the cheek, he continued on jogging past us.

Cocking an eyebrow at his silly actions, I couldn't help but to giggle at the man. Risfu was Lilica's opposite in every way. He was all brawns on the battle field and flinched at the sight of a challenging book. Despite the fact that they were engaged, you could never guess it.

"That Risfu..." Lilica's voice quietly murmured while watching Risfu's figure disappear from sight.

Upon arriving at the sight of the conference room, I felt my body freeze up in anxiety and nervousness. I couldn't really help this reaction. I felt something important would happen as soon as I had took a step inside. Gulping, I looked down in depression until Lilica's reassuring hand placed itself on my back. "Don't worry Amira." she whispered, "Just remember one thing. We're all a family in this mercenary."

Giving her a weak nod, I waited for what felt like an eternity for her to knock upon the door and hear a reply.

"Come in." Mother's stern yet gentle voice vented from the door, with Lilica obeying her orders and quickly entering the conference room.

Placing me down onto the satin pillow set on the table between Mother and Sanuk's chairs, Lilica quickly made to her seat and sat contemptibly beside her fiance.

"Took you long enough, you spoiled runt." Sanuk's mocking and intimidating voice sent tingles down my back as I felt his glare and hatred towards me intensify. Turning my head to slightly glance at him in fear, I quickly caught the inconvenient scowl of his silver eyes and looked back down in doubt.

For as long as I could remember Sanuk always hated me for no apparent reason. He could always find a way to make me feel even smaller than a human was to giant. Why couldn't he find another hobby besides taunting me continually? I mean he was really handsome, with a sense of wit and a really mature face (but no way he was!) His black hair and red highlights only enhanced his looks.

"What?!" His tone snarled with hatred as he tapped his fingers in impatience across the table.

"Noth..Nothing Sanuk....."

"Enough Sanuk." A calm and sweet voice relieved my tension as I gladly looked up to my mother's ebony eyes and gave her a affectionate smile. "I have some information to bring up. Any suggestions on last months files that I reported to you Lilica?"

"Well......."

Chapter Three

Everyone is scared of one thing or another Amira ........But if we are to ever understand others, we must first take an understanding as to why we have erratic fears in life......If a person is willing to help shake another of their fear and grow strong, then I think their fears will also become less burdening........ Be that person Amira. Help the humans understand giants and the giants to understand humans.

Heaving a great sigh, I glanced nervously one last time back at the large mercenary fort as Lilica, Risfu, Sanuk, and I slowly made distance away. Even though Lilica was kind enough to volunteer to let me ride on her shoulder, I still felt very guilty about the whole ordeal. Why did Mother have to assign Sanuk to the mission knowing how he hated me so passionately? If I failed this mission, I just know that he would never let me live down. I slowly brought my hands to my face and shook my head with great stress.

During most of the journey I listened to Lilica slightly argue with Risfu as they discussed whether or not it was the right decision for Mother to assign me the mission's leader.

"Risfu. Have you even seen a Snogard? They are frightening creatures I remind you. I couldn't help but imagine how Amira would react to one."

"Nah, Amira....uh er....Boss, ya? Anyway I bet she wouldn't back down from one even though she's small, ya know? After all she's Gana's spawn and all."

"Risfu, remind me to not have any children. I think you would let them do all kinds of dangerous stunts."

"Oi! That's a bit cruel, ya know! Boss! Tell her she's crazy, ya?!"

"Oh...um...Yeah." I meekly answered, looking up from my train of thought. I could sense that the pair turned to me with worried looks on their faces.

"Amira? Are you alright?" Lilica asked immediately, giving me no time to even think of another reply.

"Ya Boss. What's wrong kiddo? If you're worried about that Snogard, I'll skewer it on sight, ya know!" Raising his now sharpened and glistening spear above with his left hand and his right hand to his heart, he casted a reassuring wink to me while walking beside Lilica.

"Ha ha ha. Risfu you nut." I couldn't help but to laugh at the big clown. I don't think anyone couldn't resist a laugh at him and his foreign goofiness. Mother once told me that a while before I was born, Risfu came over to Idyllic Port on an immigration boat to get a new refreshed life, from his previous one on the L'ivaka Province. He spoke in the L'ivakaian tongue after first arriving, but rapidly learned Ziaman due to Lilica and Mother (who still knew each other even that long ago.) But despite that, he says 'ya' and 'ya know' within almost every sentence. "That's all right Risfu. It's not the Snogard I'm worried about. It's just....." I paused, glancing slightly at Sanuk as he languorously followed far behind us.

"Ya know kiddo, you worry to much about what Sanuk says, ya? Do you think he gives a dime about what other people think about him?"

"Not really...." I answered looking forward once again.

"Then there you go, ya? If you let other people worry you too much, then you'll never take time to worry about yourself, ya know?"

"Risfu's right Amira. But don't worry. You have us to watch over you as long as you need." Lilica added in, patting me on the head at the same time.

"Thanks you two."

The time passed by a lot quicker then I had expected, but the scenery hadn't really changed that much at all. It was basically the same hills and plains that only differed from the fact they were covered with an occasional tree here and there. But I felt a strange breeze sweep over me as I saw an ominous air spewing from the nearby forest border that I only spotted. Even though the sun shone brightly, the forest was black as ebony and gave an unnaturally deathly appearance.

"I see you spotted the Cursed Forest Amira, ya? But don't ever wander into the forest just because of curiosity. No one's ever made it through alive ya know?"

"What Risfu means Amira, is to never go through the forest. It has its name for a reason."

"Oh?" I turned to her, raising an eyebrow. But neither of them said anything and only gazed at each other with hesitant looks.

I wanted to know more about why they both seemed reluctant to say anything more. What about the forest could have made the discussion be so bad? Waiting a few moments for just a small notion, I fractiously crossed my arms in annoyance and vented an annoyed sigh. Even though I could order them to tell me with my newly received status, it was probably for good reasons that they didn't say anything.

"Oh would you look at that! I didn't realize how close we are to Idyllic already." I quickly spouted, deciding to change the subject. Despite the fact that I only used that as an excuse, I was over excited and eager to reach Idyllic, as seeing that it would be the first place I ever visited in my life.

The view was magnificent, even though we were a little distance away from the territory. I couldn't believe that this was the same place that Lilica described to me all those times that she visited. I didn't see it as a boring, same old historic city, but instead as a bustling, thriving town. Glistening in the sun as the civlians, humans and giants alike, hustled on with their daily life. I wonder what this new town would be like.

"So boss. You got in mind what we do first, ya?" Risfu voice once again interrupted me as I gazed with envy at the new sight.

"Hm?" I snapped my head up and turned to face him.

"Maybe scout out the Snogard or go talk to the villagers or something, ya know? What do you want us to do first?"

Opps. That was something that never came to mind during the whole hour or so trip. Maybe it would be better to go into to town and ask around for any information, but then again another innocent person could be hurt. I knew making a decision like the one I had in mind would be suicide, but it was worth it.

"I think we should go in pairs." I finally answered after making the two patiently.

"Great idea, ya? Alright I can guess who you want to go with, ya know? You and Lilica. Right boss?"

"Actually...."

"You can see it in her face Risfu. She wants to go with you dear." Lilica argued back to him, with a great urgent tone in her voice.

"Well...I..Actually I have decided to go with Sanuk.." I blurted out. I couldn't blame either of the two for giving me such blank stares that rapidly changed to skeptical ones.

"Amira...." Lilica slowly replied while giving me a worried look as I crossed my arms, trying to hide my doubt.

"Don't worry Lilica. I'll be fine. I want you two to head to town and find out as much information as you can Snogard. Don't let me down guys."

"We might as well listen to her Lilica, ya? It's an order, ya know?"

"....Risfu............Oh alright. You win Amira. But please be careful. If you do find the Snogard, let Sanuk handle it. And you!" Lilica turned threatingly toward Sanuk as he just caught up to us three and most likely ha no idea as to what was going on. "If you let anything and I mean anything happen to Amira, so help me I'll personally see that whatever happens to her, happens to you ten-fold. Understand Sanuk?!"

It was ten minutes after the two had left to Idyllic that I had missed them the most. Even though Risfu explained the situation to him, Sanuk still raised hell like expected of him.

I looked away after seeing the silver eyes narrowing their anger towards me. Almost jumping in surprise when two giant fingers grasped the back of my shirt and jerked me upwards. "You think you're being cute don't you?!" Sanuk's voice hissed with more hatred then I had ever felt before. I had a feeling that I was only inches away from Sanuk's face. "Well let me tell you something, you little ingrate!" He yelled angrily grasping his hand around my body, now squeezing the life out of me. "Don't ever think I'll accept you! If it wasn't for Gana, then you'd be nothing!"Exhaling angry huffs of air, Sanuk lowered me to about ten feet above the ground and hastily dropped me.

"Don't try to follow me! I don't care if Gana assigned you leader or not!" I saw from the corner of my eye his stomping figure head towards Idyllic, not even casting one last back glance.

Sitting up, I felt my burn in agony as tears began to flow freely; not even bothering to wipe them. No one could really blame me though I suppose, right? But it was my fault. I willfully picked Sanuk, knowing how he would react. Why was I so stupid then and still do it?!

In the distance I heard a very loud sound of flapping, which seemed very odd. I hesitantly rose to my feet and looked around instinctively. At first, I thought that maybe my ears were playing. But an immediately rapture on the ground caused me the fall backwards. Looking around once more, I gasped in fear to what awaited my sight. I couldn't move my body at all.

Looking the creature up and down, I saw the two wings and horns and claws from Lilica's drawing. The scales on the beast glistened black as night from the sun; a long tail whipped back and forth and flesh piercing teeth reared out at me. Looking up at the Snogard's yellow eyes, I couldn't help but to feel helpless. Feeling my ears roll back into my head, my body fell backwards on the ground as my vision fade away.

Amira, how much do you care about other people? Do you value friendship strongly?..................I know you don't really have any friends around your age except Ronald and Raymund, but in the future if you stay the way you are......then I know you'll befriend many people who will admire you.................Yes Amira, humans and giants.

"Um....Amira? Maybe I shouldn't go into the town. I'll stay right here." Turning towards to Regjis for a moment, I tilted my head in question as he slowly sat on top the bare earth, crossing his legs. I suppose that he must have felt very guilty and cautious about going anywhere near Idyllic. "Besides, if the town’s people saw me with you, then who knows what would happen to your mercenary's reputation..." His eyes slowly quivered as he looked sadly to the grass, fidgeting with one long strand near his feet. "So take your time and find your friends. I'm sure they're worried about you! It's really obvious why they would be." He shifted his head back to me with a large smile on his face.

"Regjis....." Sighing, I inched my way to him and sat to his right; looking far ahead of me to Idyllic. "Do you feel like you're in the wrong? But you aren't. Don't be scared. I think that if you apologize to the Council and vice versa, then maybe Idyllic will forget this whole incident ever happened." With that I hastily grabbed his wrist and stood up, pulling him along with me. At first he resisted and yanked his hand out of my reach, but instead of going after Regjis's arm I swiped at his arm and captured it in an embrace.

"Hey! Let go!" He at first froze in shock of the embrace and a little embarrassed, but he frantically tried to yank away once again after a few moments.

"Not until you promise to come! Besides what if something happened to a pretty lady like me? You wouldn't let one go by herself in such a dangerous place, would you?!"

"You're not acting like one! So let go Amira!" Seemingly with all of his strength, he finally freed his arm and snatched it back but in the process we both payed the price by falling backwards. I stumbled a few inches until my left foot was caught in a small rabbit hole. I definitely felt the pain of my ankle being most likely twisted as I fell onto the ground face up. Flinching in pain, I slowly pulled my leg upwards from the hole and placed back onto even ground.

"Amira!" Regjis's voice called in shock as I could his figure rise from the earth and rush to me, kneeling by my side. "Are you alright?! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to....." He pleaded with a strong sense of guilt that could easily be heard.

"I'm fine Regjis." I calmly and sweetly replied while placing an arm on his right shoulder. "Just a twisted ankle and a few scratches. But I don't think I'll be able to walk for a while. So you can carry me! it's not that much farther. We've already walked a far way from that cave."

"What?! It's your fault that you have a twisted ankle. Why should I carry you?"

"..........Please?" I slowly looked into his eyes using the oldest trick in the book; the puppy dog face and eyes. Lilica and Risfu always told me that I had a face that could break down even the stubbornness of men. Even Mother couldn't say no to me every now and then.

"Urgh....I.....Stop looking at me like that!!................Grrr... fine! You win Amira. Get on." He hastily turned his back to me and now waited for me. Raising to my knees, I inched towards Regjis and wrapped my arm around his neck as he grabbed my legs and held each under his arms. At first I found it odd that he could easily stand up without hesitation with me clinging to his back. I quickly decided that he must be really strong and left it at that.

"Thanks Regjis." I giggled slightly as he mumbled while slowly trotting the plains. Glancing at his face from my view, I could see his eyebrow twitch and his face flood in embarrassment.

"So what's your countries name?" I quickly asked after a few moments had passed. Even though he had walked for maybe an hour now, it seemed that Idyllic was still the same distance away.

"Dagrovia."

"What's it like there?"

"Um...I guess kind of like it has here on Ziam, but we tend to follow lifestyles based on prophesies. Like our most recent one, The Maiden."

"The....Maiden?" I turned to face the back of his head, my curiosity well beyond peaking.

"I suppose we have time for a small story." Regjis mumbled to himself before turning his attention back to me. "It goes something like this: The Maiden born from two kinds, the savior of the humanity. She will wash the sorrow and fighting from the lands and despite her birthright, ironically reunite those separated by diversity. When she finishes her duty, she will depart from the land and leave the world."

"So who's the Maiden, Regjis?"

"I honestly don't believe the so called "prophecy" myself. The Dagrovian seers foretold that over a hundred years ago, before the humans and giants segregated themselves from each other. It's just a children's story really."

I couldn't find myself to side with Regjis's logic. I mean the story was just too seductive in a way. It made complete sense didn't it? There had to be a way to get the humans and the giants to come back together and if this Maiden was alive and I sought her out, then just maybe that would be the first step.

"So what if it was? Who do you think she would be?"

"I don't know Amira....Maybe royalty?"

"Oh.....Well never mind! There's Idyllic." After what seemed like forever, we finally arrived to the gates of Idyllic as I had said. With a great sense of relief, I eagerly looked forward to meeting up with Lilica, Risfu, and even Sanuk, even though I can't really say I forgave him for what he did. But if he hadn't so coldly abandoned me, then I most likely would not have met Regjis. How the cogs of fate turn.......

"Let's go find Lilica and Risfu, Regjis!"

"Calm down!! You're....choking me!" He hoarsely called to me as I unintentionally wrapped my arms further around his neck in anticipation.

"Opps! Sorry!"

"What's going on? A large crowd of humans and giants are gathering in front of that pub...."

Regjis was right. Half of the entire town must have been crowded in front of the giant brick building. Every few seconds an ear piercing crash could be heard of something either being thrown or broken.

"Oi! Let me in, you lingering buzzards! You shouldn't condone this junk, ya know! So move it, ya!" As soon as I heard the familiar voice, I jerked my head up and smiled as I saw Risfu's figure trying to push his way through the crowd. Unable to achieve his goal, he angrily threw his hands in the air, cursed in L'ivakaian and stomped his way towards us.

"Risfu!" I called in the loudest voice I could. Looking up, I saw him stop walking and glance hastily around and eventually laid his eyes upon the pair of us. Without hesitation, he approached us and knelt before us.

"Amira! You're alright, ya? What happened to you?! Who's your friend?"

"I'll explain after we find Lilica. Where is she by the way Risfu?"

"That's the thing kiddo...." Risfu turned his head in slight worry towards the pub and vented a short sigh. Flinching when another loud crash echoed from inside, he turned back to us.

"Damn it! I warned you to watch her Sanuk!" A rather loud and familiar eerie shriek escaped right after the crash. I couldn't believe as to whose it was though. Lilica..... I let out a small gasp an looked to Risfu in disbelief

"Uh oh...."

"You said it kiddo, ya? When Lilica went into the pub and found Sanuk tipsy, she asked where you were and well it didn't turn out pretty, ya know. She kept her promise alright and is still at it."

Amira? Are you upset because you think you failed your training session?....................I see.....Amira. Let us talk for a while......Amira, let me ask you something. If a man does his best, what else is there? Perhaps, you should not always try your hardest at every single detail and focus on the larger parts in your work. Remember that determination is different then overworking yourself. I will always be proud of you as my daughter, Amira. Just promise me that you'll never give up.

"Allow me to guide you to your destination Milady!" Lulani sprightly turned to me and grabbed my wrist in a graceful manner.

"No!! I couldn't possibly ask anymore from....." I hesitated while trying to pull my arm free.

"I insist...Please......It's no trouble......Amira...." He sweetly turned to me and gave a warm, yet hexing smile; crimson eyes rested upon me. I could do nothing as I felt my eyes in return look to them, yearning for the orbs to acknowledge them. His eyes were very....relaxing...My body began to feel as light as a feather and it seemed that all of my tension was melting away. It felt as if a kind person had wrapped me in a cozy bed of fluff. Suddenly the scenery began to melt away and only darkness remained; those eyes were the only light that could be seen. Everything else was....gone...

"Amira?" Whose voice was it? It was the same one that was very caring and concerned. It seemed like the owner was trying to warn me. But what? "Amira!" He called again. He? Who is he? The voice was familiar, but I couldn't remember. "Amira!! It's me Regjis! You have to fight this!"

"Reg.......jis....." I tediously allowed the name to come pass out of my mouth. "That's right......I remember now........ Regjis is a Snogard but he can take the form of a human. But he's not bad...I really like being around him.....He makes me feel safe....." I closed my eyes for what seemed like minute, and felt a warmness inside my chest slowly bloom as Regjis's image came to mind. It gave more comfort then the crimson eyes could offer. Opening my eyes once more, I stared very much in shock as the alley had returned and now Lulani stood in front of me and Regjis at my side.

Was I hallucinating about a trance? The two were acting like nothing had happened just moments ago. Maybe I was still sleepy. But then again....it seemed like Regjis was there with me...

"I told you, you fraud priest, Amira doesn't want you to touch her!" Regjis's defensive voice pulled my thoughts together again. With an enraged look on his face, he clawed at Lulani's hand that still gripped my wrist and yanked him away from me; pulling his face inches away from his. "Fi er'uoy os suoixna ot dloh sdnah, neht dloh enim! Uoy dratsab! Won ezigolopa!"

Apparently Lulani was fluent in Regjis's language and understood the message, because for a moment he wore a look of worry before turning back to me. "Forgive me Amira. I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable." I smiled with a sense of relief after hearing Lulani and mouthed 'thank you' to Regjis the instant his back was turned.

"It's alright Lulani...." I answered with a reassuring tone. I wasn't really upset, but it didn't hurt to have someone like Regjis around in case he tried his sham again. "Let's go to the pub. You said you knew the way?"

"Ah. I did. Come! It is not to far away." Something seemed strange about Lulani. He wasn't as eager as when we first met him; quietly pacing about fifteen feet ahead of us. And he wasn't preaching about what his life was as a 'man of the book.'

"Hey Regjis...."I whispered out of Lulani's range to the man lingering closely to me now then before like a shadow. His orange eyes glared angrily ahead, watching the priest's every move. "Did anything happen a few moments ago? Like I may have seemed out of it or something?"

"What are you talking about? Are you hallucinating? Or was it that powder?! I knew it! That priest....."

"Regjis! Calm down! I'm fine! Honest. I just imagined it most likely. Besides Lulani isn't a bad person."

"Now you're just sounding delusional. Do you have a fever?" Regjis casted a demanding glance and raised the back of his hand to my forehead. "Yep. I thought so. You should rest when we get back to your mercenary."

"Really? I didn't know I felt that hot...." I mirrored his movements and felt my own forehead in curiosity. "I guess I do have a fever...but how did I get sick so fast I wonder."

"I can tell you who rather then how."

I raised an eyebrow at Regjis's comment as I saw him raise his left forearm and extend his index finger while drawing his others back into a fist. I vented a rather disgruntled sigh and notioned my head in an annoyed manner. How did Regjis find a way to tie Lulani into an irrelevant conversation?

"Aren't you being a bit defensive Regjis? I mean I bet you would blame Lulani for the end of the world right?"

"Now that you mention it...." He mockingly blurted while placing his hand on his chin; as if stroking an imaginary beard.

"Urgh! I can't believe you!!" I shouted in minor fury at the Snogard. Why was he being so difficult about Lulani?! When I asked Lilica once why Risfu didn't like other men being around her, she simply said 'Men are very territorial. They always feel intimidated when another man hits on what they think is their own."

"We're here Amira." Lulani's sudden call and beckoning motions lead the two of us to a large, metal human sized door. Above the door clung a wooden sign that read: "Idyllic Tavern. Home of Ziam's finest brandy" in bold lettering.

"Good." I unintentionally snarled in anger at Lulani and marched past him, leaving Regjis to be bewildered by my actions. I opened the door swiftly and stood in the doorway. "I'll go get them. By myself!" I coldly stated over my shoulder and slammed the door behind me. Thinking instinctively, I turned and locked the door to keep them out.

Ignoring Regjis's surprised protesting, I hesitantly made my through the large inside of the bar and gasped at the sight. Many of the large giant tables were broken in two pieces . Shards of beer glass larger then my whole body lay on the floor. Shards of beer glass larger then my whole body laid on the floor. The place was barren and empty except for the two familiar figures stood in the center of the building; Sanuk and Lilica.

Sanuk had the appearance a confused dog sprawled on all fours. He had many new cuts among his face and along his forearms. Most likely from Lilica's very long nails. His left hand spewed with over flowing blood; a trail on the wooden floor.

"Sanuk! You're a heartless monster!" Lilica yelled in anger at the beaten man and drew her hands into as tight of fists that could be possible. "How could you leave Amira by herself?! Especially on her first mission?! Gana will..."

"I donn........care whut 'bout that damn womannnn.....*hiccup*....or her brat......She's a liarr you know....Hell....you all are.........Too scared to tell..........Amira tat she ain't nothing more then a disposed brat........not blood related to Ganatoa or nuthin'...Opps wasn't 'pposed to say that was I? Well I guess I did.....*hiccup*..."

I froze in shock as I curiously listened to Sanuk's tipsy voice and looked down in disbelief. What did Sanuk mean by disposed? I was abandoned as a child? Mother wasn't my real mother? But why would she lie to me for all of my life? No.....it wasn't real....It just couldn't be.....

"Amira?" I looked up to the voice that called to me, now tears flooding from my eyes. "Amira?" Lilica called to me again. "Did you hear that? Oh Amira....I..." Her voice slowly trailed away as I gave her a questioning look of sorrow.

"Why didn't you...tell me? You knew all along didn't you?! Why?!" I glared angrily at Lilica for what seemed an eternity. Suddenly my body took control of my conscious and didn't wait for an answer. I turned tail and ran as fast as I could; back to the alley door.Hastily unlocking the door and wrenching it open, I fled past Regjis and Lulani deeper through the alley. I heard words call after me, but I didn't understand what they were saying.

I ran and ran until my legs grew fatigued and suddenly collapsed. The rough ground battered my now frail being as I fell face forward onto the familiar earth. Unable to contain my growing sadness, I clutched the ground, hoping for comfort and let out a long, tear filled wail.

Sanuk has complained about you trying to get into his room with Ronald and Raymund on more then one occasion Amira............I understand that you want to become better acquainted with him, but Sanuk wants his privacy. Every person has their own burdens to bear and I think he doesn't want you to discover what he holds his own. Perhaps one day if he feels that you're ready to learn the truth of his trouble, then he will becomingly accept you.

"Puwple! Yowe haiwa is puwple!"

"You little runt! Look what you caused!" Regjis angrily swiped the piece of silk that Sienna grasped in the air, who was twirling it with laughter. Leaning down, he retrieved the other teared piece and glance at both in frustration. He slowly rose back to his feet and gave a loud grunt. "Siht t'nsi doog.....Eht Naivorgad Stuocs lliw dinf em, fi enoemos sezingocer em......Tahw dluohs I od?........"

"Regjis?" I stodgily approached him, a worried tone in my voice. I could see his entire profile thanks to Sienna. His violet hair gave a radiant shine in the sunlight. On the tip of his forehead, just below his hairline, a small blue symbol resided; a piercing of a sapphire stud in his left eyebrow. "Are you alright? You seem a tad edgy."

"I'm fine...." He answered with a sense rickety in his voice. "It's just......."Regjis paused. He then glanced at Lulani and Sienna as if he had forgotten that they both were standing close by. Effusing a heavy sigh, he turned back to me and motioned his head in a disappointed way. “I’ll tell you later...."

"Oh.....I understand Regjis..Forget that I asked then." I calmly responded with a reassuring tone, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I like your hair Regjis. It's really extraordinary! Do all Snogards have such interesting hair colors?"

"Actually only special ranking members of Dragovia are given distinguished hair colors so they can be easily identified." Lulani's voice intervened Regjis before he could answer, taking a step closer with each word. "Am I wrong Regjis?"

"No........ "Regjis hastily answered back, raising a suspicious eyebrow to the silver haired man. “Though I didn't suspect someone of your standing could know that Lulani......" The two pairs of eyes gave one another each indifferent glances. The orange eyes sending a suspecting air, while the crimson held a sense of ignorant innocence.

"Hey Amiwa! Awe we going to find mama?" I turned to the source of yanking of my shirt. Sienna stood behind me with a curious look on her face and her doll snuggled in her arms.

I looked speechlessly to the girl then to the two men as they glared in a deadlock. Venting out a sigh, I lowered myself to my knees and I placed my hand onto Sienna's shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "Sienna. We've looked everywhere in Idyllic. I don't think she's here anymore. You can come with us until we find her. I know we will, but just not right now. Is that ok?"

"I guess so big sister. I want to go to Amiwa's home! Wucinda too!" Sienna gave a large pearly smile and hugged her doll in agreement.

"Alright! Thanks for being so easy to deal with. You're being a lot more reasonable then Lulani and Regjis right now." I calmly said while letting out a giggle. Turning back to the two, I gaped at the sight. Neither said anything and each face bore no emotion; it was as if they were statues. Why did this seem familiar? It was alleyway, just before I went into the bar! It wasn't just my mind playing tricks on me was it! There was something about Lulani's eyes! I just knew it....

"Regjis? Lulani?" The names slowly seeped from my lips as I inched closer to the two. I brought my right hand to Regjis's face and gently pressed against his cheek. I nearly jumped in surprise when his eyes darted to me and his hand swiped at mine, grabbing it around the wrist area. "Are...you alright.. Regjis? I just......"

"I'm fine." He replied coldly, cutting me off. "Are we going yet?" His tone full of anger and worry.

"Oh yes.....I think we should go look for Lilica again....."

"The blond giantess?" Lulani interjected. "She and the other male, (Risfu was it?), anyway they told us that they will be waiting for you in the infirmary. I think they were going to give you sometime to work things out on your own."

"Oh...Thank you Lulani! I think we should go to infirmary then." Immediately after hearing that Regjis turned to another direction and slowly walked off into the crowded part of the port; pulling me along with him. I turned my head to my back to glance at Sienna and Lulani, who were puzzled as to what to do, and motioned for them to stay where they were.

"Do you know the way Regjis?" Not even a nod or any indication that he knew where he was going. He glanced around cautiously and after a few moments of making sure the coast was clear, turned to face me.

"Amira, I need to warn you about Lulani..." Regjis slowly whispered, placing both hands on my shoulders.

"What do you mean Regjis?" I hesistently asked, looking Regjis straight in his orange eyes. Was he going to start this again?

"At first, I couldn't have sure, but now I am. He's a hafling."

"A halfling? What is a halfling?"

"A halfling is a creature born from intercourse between two races. They are despised from birth because they are niether one nor the other of what their blood parents are. Each kind posses abilities of its own. Lulani is halfling born from a dragovian....His eyes speak for themselves. Earlier in the alley, you felt in a trance right?"

"Yes......That was Lulani's doing? But why?"

"I can't say why, but his ability can create illusions to fool his target and manipulate them in lies. He even tried that on me. You have to keep an eye on him, but don't get into eye contact with him Amira. He's definitely up to something."

"I guess that does explains a lot....But Regjis, what did Lulani mean when he was talking about your hair color? Are you a ranked superior in Dagrovia?"

"Erghh.....Well...I." Regjis was hesitant to answer. He gave me a nervous glance and looked to the ground, releasing a deep sigh. "I guess you pay attention to a lot of small details. How smart Amira. I suppose you have the right to know.....The truth is.......I'm the Prince of Dagrovia....."

"The prince? But why would you be here? Why aren't you...."

"In Dagrovia? Ha! That place was too stuffy for me. What I told you in the cave was really true. I had a yearning to see the rest of the world. My kind has become too secluded from the rest of the world...." I listened outwardly as Regjis continued on about his people came to believe that their affiliates in life was to their own and became uncaring for the lives of any other, thus separating themselves from the rest of the world. They even took to isles in the sky to see to that accomplishment.

I then realized something about Regjis at that very moment. He must not have cared about his standing in Dagrovia's society, due to the fact that he never once gave an air of such an upbringing. He didn't complain at all about caring me when I twisted my ankle; not once. To me he didn't seem to be royalty at all, but what if that was what Regjis was trying to accomplish?

"Was my disguise that convincing? You look like you don't believe me Amira!" Regjis smugly commented and roughly patted my shoulder.

"Well it's a bit much to swallow all at once......but I guess I believe you Regjis. Is that the reason why you were agitated when Sienna.....Oh no! Sienna!" I jerked my head in the direction of where we last saw Lulani and Sienna. A new sense of foreboding began to swell. Would Lulani try something on Sienna, if what Regjis said was true? If something did happen to Sienna.....The burdening guilt alone was overpowering just by the thought of all the benighted possibilities.

"What?"

"You made me leave Sienna with Lulani! We have to go find her!"

"He won't hurt her." I raised a skeptical eyebrow at Regjis's reply and turned questioningly to him. "Trust me Amira. He won't." Regjis assuringly motioned for me to follow and held his hand out for mine. "We should go back to the others now. I've heard a lot of things about your mother's mercenary, but have yet to actually glimpse it."

"Regjis....How do you always talk so smoothly? You are quite a mystery to me Your Highness." I adoringly murmured to him and took his hand. I giggled at the new look of surprise and distaste that he wore in place of the confident looking one.

"Oh dear....Maybe I shouldn't have told you. I don't want to be called any of that Amira."

"I know Regjis. I couldn't resist it though!" The rest of the time, we talked about little things that ranged from our favorite foods to colors. Regjis liked meat and could care less if it was raw or cooked as long as he could eat it, while he liked the color blue. Looking at his pierce eyebrow and the marking on his forehead, one could agree with that statement.

It was a matter of minutes before the familiar figures of the five-year-old and the priest came into my vision. I gave a short sigh of relief and a grateful prayer to the gods that Regjis was right. Sienna still grasped her doll and glared at me with a definite look of annoyance. Lulani stood beside her, wearing a look of curiosity.

"How wude Amiwa! Why did you weave me awone big sister? Wucinda was scawed!"

"I'm sorry to worry you, Sienna. Are you two ready to go to the infirmary yet?"

After a seeing a nod from both Sienna and Lulani, I nodded in return and face Regjis once again. "Ok we're all set. Do you know the way there Regjis?" He gave a quick reply of yes and slowly set off. I followed closely behind but nearly fell face forward when a small hand suddenly reached up and grasped my hand. I glanced down to the ground, to Sienna, and smiled approvingly. Together we continued on behind Regjis, with Lulani lastly lingering on our tracks.

Amira.......If my time to say goodbye and leave comes soon, then I want you to know how proud I am of you. We all die at one time or another, but some go faster then others. But I don't want you to mourn over me Amira. You have to be strong for not only yourself, but those who are close to you.

For a moment I couldn't bring myself to understand Ea's sudden order to Colt. He's going with us now? Just what did Risfu say to Ea in L'ivakaian? I raised an eyebrow to the now angered man and crossed my arms in confusion. The only response I received was a concise shrug and a coarse drawl.

"We'd better get back to Lilica, ya?" I heard Risfu's sudden voice with an urging tone. "Oh I saw your lot of friends Amira, ya know? I told them to held over to the infirmary and I would bring you over there. Plum head was the most concerned. Heh heh." Risfu ployed. He chuckled in even more delight at my reaction and jabbed Ea in the side with his elbow. "Miet yoneg ta? Hehehe..."

"Wh...what? Risfu! I know that look! It's not what you think!" I blurted in embarrassment. I crossed my arms and began to stomp out to the exit of the alley way.

"Your boyfriend?" Colt's voice trailed behind an his lingered in my footsteps.

"Regjis is not my boyfriend!" I yelled in annoyance at Colt's figure and continued on stomping to the exit of the alley.

"Whatever you say. Better hurry to your lover..." Colt muttered and quietly snickered before following after me.

"Starting trouble already Colt? Don't be too much of a handful, eh?" Ea called after the thief and extended his arm to Risfu. "Good seeing you Ris'."

"I guess this is goodbye for now Ea." Risfu sadly spoke, while taking Ea's hand and shaking it for a few seconds.

"Ah you sappy old wench! 'Goodbye' is for a funeral! Remember what I said at the academy? Destiny has a strange way of intertwining her pawns, so this won't be the last time we'll see each other. So quit your belly aching, eh?"

".......I guess you're right, ya? See you then Ea." Risfu assuredly replied and placed his left hand on Ea's shoulder. I could feel the ground vibrate greatly as Risfu began to jog to catch up to Colt and I as we slowly made distance away.

"So....You've been with Ea a long time Colt?" I quietly asked to Colt who treaded slowly behind me.

"Are you deaf or something? Ea already said it... Stupid girl! You should really clean your ears out idiot..." Colt snapped in response, not even looking at me. I swear his attitude reminded me of someone, but I just couldn't figure out who.

"Sorry....jerk...." I muttered feeling greatly offended. Why was Colt being so mean to me? Was he that upset with having to come to the mercenary? It's not like I asked him to or anything... Risfu did, right?

"We're here kiddo, ya? I'll go inside and get Lilica. She wanted to tell you something in private, ya know?" Risfu hastily explained, knelling to the ground in the process.

I stared to his ruby eyes in panic. What did Lilica want to say to me? Was it about what I overheard in the bar? About me not being Gana's real child? "Alright Risfu......." I anxiously replied. "Uh thanks!" I called after his departing figure, with Colt following behind. I gulped and look upward to the entrance of the infirmary. On the giant, wooden yet rustic sign hanging just above the large door way, an inscription read: Idyllic Infirmary; Home of the Wounded and Scarred. The building on the outside was very similar to the design of the bar, But the only difference was the fact that the bar had swinging doors and the infirmary didn't have any doors whatsoever. Most likely to make it easy to get patients in and out. I quickly decided and left the though at that.

".......Amira?" I froze at the sound of Lilica's concerned voice and slowly found my sights set upon her ocean blue eyes.

"Oh....h...hi...Lilica.....What's...up?" I hesitantly answered back, looking to the ground with uncertainty.

"Amira...Listen to me.....Whatever you heard Sanuk say....it might be true but I'll never change my opinion of what I think of you despite that." Lilica firmly responded, coming closer to me. Kneeling onto the ground, she laid her hand spread flat on the ground before me. Looking at her palm, I slowly climbed into her hand and at own sadly as she lifted her hand up once more. "Amira....I know you're upset, but let me tell you something....Gana never once though of you as only a human. She loved you more then a mother could love her child."

"I...know Lilica....and I love her like a child could love their mother too.....But I guess I didn't want to hear it......I felt so upset when I heard that Gana wasn't my blood mother.....She's a great person and I want to be strong like she is.."

"Gana is strong because she's struggle a lot for what she believes in. I think if you can pull through this, Amira, then you'll grow stronger. That's why Gana worries so much over you Amira..."

I opened my mouth for a moment to think of something to say, but closed it hastily after fining myself still soaking in what Lilica had meant. I sighed while realizing that she was right and sincere about all of it. Why else would she try so hard to assure me that I wasn't alone? Not that I mind or anything. "......You're right.....Thanks Lilica."

"It's no problem Amira." She warmly answered back, bringing the hand I was in to her chest and wrapping it in a hug. I smiled in relief and placed both of my arms as tightly as I could on her neck. "Feel better?" Lilica asked while placing me back on the ground.

I nodded and murmured a simple 'yes.' "You look like you have a bit on your mind Lilica. Are you feeling well?"

"Well.....There's something else I wanted to tell you though it's a bit embarrassing.....Heh....Oh dear..." Lilica shyly whispered back. Her face turning a slight color of radish.

"Come on Lilica. You can tell me."

"Well the thing is.......Just a little bit ago....After I brought Sanuk here...the doctor told I looked pale with morning sickness....so I took a test and it turned positive....I'm.....I'm....pre....preg.......pregnant Amira."

"You are?! How great! How far in?"

"It happened just before I left to Idyllic around four weeks ago....but you can't tell anyone yet Amira. Especially Risfu......Please!"

"Oh alright! I won't tell daddy about his baby, but you have to tell him soon! I'm sure he'll notice the bump eventually. Is it a girl or boy?"

"Can't really say yet....Do you want to go inside now? Your purple haired friend was anxious to find you. Believe me, when a boy is in that kind of state, the girl better calm him down."

"Alright! Let's go in Lilica!"

Momma! I'm gonna be the best mercenary ever! I'm not joking, really! ..................Hmph! Well you may think that, but just wait 'till I'm old enough to take your place. Then I'll show everybody that they better not underestimate me. I'll put them in their place if they do!.........Hey!.... Stop it momma! That tickles....ha ha... hehehe!

Amira
Age: Eight years old

We were finally heading back home after the very long and eventful. Home......Nothing sounded more to look forward to as we departed from Idyllic, already making good time back. Thanks to our concerted timing, we were nearly half way there in under two hours, even though Sanuk wordlessly wandered far behind us. Mot of the time I was silent and it was peaceful aside from a long chat the Lilica and Risfu had while Colt and Regjis gave each other death glares. But I learned at that walk that silence could be worth more then a lake of gold and I spent a lot more time of thinking of what to say to Mother...Gana about overhearing Sanuk. The thought still produced a variant amount of questions it didn't really upset me as much now as before.......

Was that bad? Should I be worried about the fact that I just wanted to know more about the when instead of why? For a moment, I began to feel a bit queasy on the thought. Could there be a reason for her to.......

"Amira?" Regjis worriedly asked. He abandoned Colt, (who had been approached by Sienna and she asked why he had long, woman's hair) and walked by my side. "You haven't said anything recently. Not since we last left the port."

"Why do men fight over ridiculous things Regjis?" I calmly asked, casting a far-fetched glance to him.

"That pretty boy, know-it-all, smart a** was asking for it Amira!" Regjis defensively replied. He looked like he wanted to continue on ranting, but stopped shortly after catching my annoyed stare. "..............Ok, maybe I reacted just a bit badly but still.........diputs ssa....Eh tog ykcul siht emit, tub tsuj tiaw llitnu Amira tn'si dnuora....." Regjis muttered while stomping off, but making sure to stay of viewing distance of Colt.

"What will I do with Regjis?" I asked aloud, but it wasn't like anyone was around to hear, let alone answer. Was he ever planning on returning to Dagrovia? Was there a reason he left in the first place? I know he told me that he wanted to travel, but could there be more of a reason?

"We're almost home Amira." Lilica now walking closely to me, called down to me while looking onward. "I can't believe we only have a few miles left to go.......How time goes by faster when you're with a lot of people."

"Yeah......When we get back to the mercenary, I'm taking a long bath and then I'll sleep for a day!" I added in agreement, followed by the two of us laughing. I wonder what it will be like now that we have more allies on our side....

Lilica halted a while later of traveling and looked to the air in disbelief. I nearly ran into the back of her boot, but barely avoided in time and stood inches away. "Lilica?! What's wrong?" I called up to her in fret, fearing that something horrible was going to happen. She looked down to me and instantly lifted my body onto the palm of her extended arm. I looked directly ahead of us and gasped in terror at the sight. I couldn't bring myself to believe that the mercenary building had flames blazing from the roof and grew bigger as each second passed, engulfing the building entirely.

"The mercenary! Lilica what happened?!" I yelled in dismay as Lilica gently replaced me on the ground.

"Someone took advantage of our trip! Damn it! They must have planned it all out! Risfu!" Lilica called to the L'ivakaian, wearing a look of fret.

"What is it, ya?..........The fort!" Risfu exclaimed after seeing the mercenary building setting ablaze in the not so distant landscape.

"Amira!" Called a certain familiar voice from a few yards away. Running towards me was one of the twins in the mercenary, Ronald. His blue eyes were strained and diminished and his face red from exhaustion and his short brunette hair gave a sheen of sweatiness. He and his twin brother Raymund were abandoned on the front door step as babies a few months after Ganatoa Fighters was formed so Gana allowed them to come into our "home". The two were two and a half years younger then me.

"What is it Ron?"

"Big trouble!.....Huff......heh......"

"What's happened Ron?" I asked the twin with a distinguished perturbed tone.

"Everything was peaceful for a while after you guys left, huff...heh.... but then a group of human soldiers lead by a man with raven and gold came. They also had a single giant dressed entirely in silver armor and demanded something from your mom." Ron explained slowly, taking a big breath of air after finishing.

"What did they want?" Lilica asked, still looking at the building as it slowly disappeared in the consuming flames.

"They didn't say. The giant said 'We know you still have it Ganatoa.....Hand it over now!' Even though I couldn't see his face, he was very ominous. But your mother told him that she threw it away. The raven then told the giant to take care of the business here and lead the soldiers away a while ago......"

"We have to put the fire out! Now!" I anxiously spoke and turned to Lilica and Risfu. "Can you two get water from the lake?"

"Yep! Good thing we left a few buckets near the lake, ya Lilica?" Risfu volunteered, gently nudging his fiance in the side.

"I think we can save most of the building if we hurry! Let's go Risfu!" Lilica stated. With that, the two were off to the lake. It was around maybe five hundred feet away from our current position.

"Amira. I can help as well." Regjis conveyed as he waited the building ablaze. "If you don't mind your fort being a bit dirty after the fire is put out." He added.

"Oh.....Alright! Be careful Regjis!"

He walked a few feet away from me, seeming to grow a foot taller with each step. Slowly he fell to his front as three large appendixes began to sprout from his back. His clothing disappeared entirely as he skin became black and scaly. I was now standing inches behind the same Snogard who I had just met earlier today. He whipped his long tail to sky as the beast curved his long neck to me and looked down at me with yellow eyes with an assuring stare. Regjis proceeded to flap his large black wings and took to the sky, flying to the building. For a moment I watched him land to the building's front and dig up dirt that was flung to try to lower the fire's oxygen supply. The actions reminded me of a dog's behavior in a kind of way.

"Hey woman!" Colt called to me as he slowly came to lingering behind me.

"Yes Colt?...."

"What am I supposed to do?" He asked with a bored and anticipating tone.

"Um......Stay here and watch. Ron. I'm going to look for my mother. Can you tell Sanuk to help get water when he catches up?"

"Sure thing Amira. Tell Ray to come wait with us when you see him. Oh yeah! Your mother went to the forest just behind the fort. I think she's fighting against the silver knight as we speak."

"Thanks Ron. I appreciate it!"

"Lady Amira? May I come with you? If your mother is hurt, I can give her some healing dust, as I did for you. It's better to be safe then sorry, correct?" Lulani's urgent question took me for surprise as he took a step to me. He said nothing more as he waited for answer.

"Oh....You're right Lulani! Of course! Sienna?"

"I'll stay hewa big sister! I want to pway with Misses howsey!" Sienna answered sprightly as she tugged Colt's red coat.

"What?! Stupid kid! I'm a man! And my name is Colt!" Colt glanced down at Sienna with an uncertain look on his face.

"Please Colt......Jut until I find my mother....."

Colt said nothing as he crossed his arms in anger and turned away. "Fine..." He answered miserly and muttered angrily in L'ivakaian. "Mier....ta mieg lika....Hmph!"

"Thanks Colt. Let's go Lulani!" I turned to the priest and nudge him to follow. Lulani nodded and clutched his back pouch tighter. Together the two of us took off at an incredible sprint. We passed Regjis, who was still digging up large piles of dirt and flinging at the flames, soon passing the flaring building and entering the forest.

"Mother?! Where are you?" I called a few moments later, only to here my own echo as a response from the forest. I began to push desperately through the branches and shrubs. The sun was beginning to set and the forest's pathway was slowly darkening.

"Amira! Listen! It sounds as though there are blades clashing near." Lulani stated while looking around. He then pointed in a north-western direction and I hastily followed the path. I desperately continued to run and run until I found myself crashing to the ground after tripping on a large tree root sticking up.

Looking upwards, I gasped in shock to see Gana in the clearing. In each hand, she grasped a golden sword. She was now wearing a piece of gold trimmed armor on her chest and a silver forehead protector. Hanging from her waist to her ankles was a blue veil covering her dark leather pants and boots. Standing just feet across from her was a giant of similar heights. He wore silver armor that glimmered in the now appearing moonlight. He grasped a large metal shield in his right hand and a large sword with blue designs on the blade.

"Mother?!" I called to her in worry and began to run to her.

"Amira?! Stay back!" She called in warning and raised her blade to the giant. I immediately stopped and slowly walked back. What was going on?

"I know you have it still Ganatoa.....Where have you hidden it?" The armor dressed giant asked with a cryptically tone of voice. Ron was right to call him ominous.

"I've told you....I threw it away the instant I found it." Mother answered back. She gazed at the man with a suspicious look as she continued to hold her sword in position.

"Someone as foxy and witty as you simply threw the item away? Why is that hard to find as the truth?"

"That voice....." Mother suddenly said with a look of disbelief. "I know you....Do you really think you can surpass me? The woman who once tutored you in the art of sword fighting? Have at you boy..." She stated calmly.

For a moment the two gave a deadlock of staring, but that immediately changed as the knight charged at Mother and swung his sword. She easily dodged and swung her weapons continuously at the man. He blocked each blow and gave a swipe to her side. She grunted in pain for a just second and continued at the knight. He quickly blocked and made a swift movement to her left side, around her heart. Mother gaped her mouth open and dropped both swords to the ground. She fell backwards away from the man and crashed into a few trees, grunting in agony.

"Is that...all there is Ganatoa? You've become too old, too weak....." He stated with a sense of pleasure and content.

"Gan......Mother?! Mother!" I called with great fear and despair. I hastily ran from my spot beside Lulani and stopped inches away from Mother's large but limp boy.

"Amira....Ugh.....He's right.......too weak..."

"Now tell where you have hidden it Ganatoa. Either that or you're precious child will be slaughtered here and now with you. Would you like that?"

"No! You mustn't hurt Amira!" Lulani suddenly exclaimed to the giant and stared at him with disapproval.

"What do you care halfling? You've fulfilled your purpose. You can return to your orphanage and as promised Eistrania will leave it standing. Now leave or I will personally see otherwise." The giant knight answered and spat in disgust at Lulani.

"Lulani?!" I asked in confusion. What purpose? Lulani....betrayed us?

"I'm sorry Lady Amira...... I was to stall you so your mercenary could be ambushed......Please forgive me......." Lulani sadly explained and swiftly departed from the scene.

"Lulani! How could you?! I trusted you!" I called after Lulani in failure. I really wanted to pursue the priest, it would probably be the only chance I had but I couldn't leave the wounded giantess alone. There was nothing more I could do, let alone stop the silver knight.

"Now I will ask you once more with such impatience Ganatoa! Tell me where it is!"

"I see.......Wrivolste was too much a coward to dirty his hands......I suppose I am relieved that I will take that secret to my grave..."

"You would rather me to shed your daughter's blood for your so called cause? So be it." The giant harshly stated and slowly took many steps closer to Mother and I. I could not see what his face looked like at that exact moment, but it was safe to say that he was sure on what he was doing.

"Amira......run..away....." Mother weakly warned, coughing up blood the second she finished.

"No! I won't leave you Mother!"

"Ha. Foolish child! Let death be your teacher." The knight viscously spat down at me, lowering his sword just above my head and raised to the air, ready to strike own with more strength. He proceeded to bring the sword down, but stopped in the shock of a ear piercing roar from the skies. The giant and I both looked upwards out of shock to see Regjis flying through the clouds, flames spewing from his mouth as he scanned the forest floor. "The Dagrovian prince is here........Damn it! The halfling didn't inform me on that! I'll deal with him later, but I suppose it is my time to depart. Wrivolste will have my head for this.....You get to keep your life human, but Ganatoa on the other hand will burn in hell, especially with the poison on my sword to assist. Heh heh heh......." The knight sheathed his sword on his back and lifted his shield, with that he slowly walked away with a sense of victory.

"Moth......Mother?" I asked urgently to her as soon as the knight had disappeared from view.

"Ah.......Amira......You must listen to me......" Mother weakly whispered to me, now rising to her knees and leaning against a small group of trees. "I wish this never happened. But the time for you to find the truth would happen soon.........I....I am not your real mother....."

"I know....I accidentally overhear Sanuk while he was tipsy........I don't know why he hates me so much......But anyway, I don't care if I was just abandoned or anything. I'm just happy that you were the one to take care of me."

".....Amira........." Mother whispered teary-eyed in surprise. She looked own at for a moments in silence and slowly moved her head upwards. "You may think that you were abandoned, but you weren't.....You mother, whose name was Rina, escaped the human kingdom Eistrania a week after your birth, pursued by a high ranking man named Wrivolste. She took the quickest route possible; through the Cursed Forest. A poisonous viper caused her death, but I think fatigue and weariness would have done so if she were not bitten........"

"Having fun reminiscing Ganatoa?" A sudden husky voice, surprised not only me, but I think Mother mostly. I looked up to see Sanuk approaching the two of us, glaring as he took each step. "Why does this seem familiar? Oh yes now I remember! You're groveling on the ground like I have to because of you! Well more like had to, seeing you're current position."

"Sanuk......please...." Mother weakly whispered, with a pleading tone to her voice, as she rose to her knees in agony. She was begging now?! She must be in so much pain....

For a moment Sanuk stood motionlessly, watching Mother slowly come closer to him. He then chuckled eerily and reach behind his back to his swords sheath. "I understand perfectly Ganatoa. I'll help you alright." Instantly he drew his sword and charged at Mother, running his sword through her chest area. He pulled the sword out a few moments later and re-stabbed on her upper left side.........around her heart area.

The time from Sanuk pulling his sword out once again to Mother falling to the ground with dilated pupils and pale skin, the seconds became minutes. I felt helpless and frozen as I stared in disbelief at the limp body. Feeling tears flooding from my frail eyes, I looked to Sanuk is anger.

"Sanuk?! You monster! How could you?! She's hurt! She couldn't defend herself and you knew that! I hate you!" I yelled angrily at him, coming closer to the giant without really thinking.

"Oh shut up! Damn stupid brat!" Sanuk replied with a teeming tone as his silver eyes looked down at me with hatred. He raised his right foot up and kicked my entire body, sending me back against a hard surfaced tree. Instants later, the blow knocked me into unconsciousness.

I didn't know how much longer it was when I finally awoke. It could have been minutes or even days. Though I was skeptical to think it was days, because even though Sanuk was nowhere in sight after I sat up and looked around, the moon was still hanging in the sky and Mother was still lying in the same position. I looked in surprise to see a human sized golden sword laid before my feet. I slowly grasped the handle and brought the sword closer to examine it. On the left side of the blade was an inscription that read 'The Key that will open all.' Shrugging at its meaning I slowly stood up and hastily went to Mother's side.

"Mother? Please...get up....." I don't know how many times I pleaded to her, but she never once opened her eyes or said one word or even moved for the rest of the night. My mother, Ganatoa of the Ganatoa Mercenaries, the glue that held it all together.......was gone. Dead. A corpse.... Never to the see the sunrise of a new day ever again.....