Chapter 1
~Secrets are not lost but waiting. Prepare, listen close, they'll whisper your fate.~

Death lingered in the air.

A cold, heavy feeling permeated the surroundings making it hard to breathe. Fog swirled in little wisps with the breeze making it difficult to see far ahead. Two figures strolled forward. One careful, cautious and wary. The other confident with long strides, unafraid of what might be hiding among the thick haze.

"I don't like the look of this Althair," said a voice covered in a hunter green cloak.

Althair turned to look at his longtime friend and smiled. "All is well, Kaldin. You worry too much, my friend. Everything always turns out good when you get your 'feeling'."

Kaldin scowled beneath his hood. "Not always, Althair. You only say that because you weren't the one hanging off a cliff a fortnight ago." The man hated it when he had his so called 'feelings', they normally meant something good was going to happen to his friend and something bad was going to happen to him.

Althair looked off in the distance as he thought to himself. It was true, nothing bad ever seemed to happen to him. Even in very extreme situations he seemed to get out without a scratch. Some called it luck, some called it magic, he didn't think it was either. He just had a good head on his shoulders. "Kal, my friend, you shouldn't let your nerves get the better of you."

Looking around, Althair scanned his surroundings his hand on the hilt of his sword. He was fairly sure that he could handle anything this wooded place had to offer. Slowly the two inched forward. "The village should be just beyond these trees."

"But why is there no sign of life... no voices... nothing." Kaldin mused also looking around and gripping his own weapon's sheath.

"I guess we'll find out."

The two emerged from the thick forest of trees only to find the ground covered in piles of burned ash, buildings half standing, rubble and debris was strewn everywhere. Both warriors separated to search for any sign of someone living, some survivor, something. All Kaldin could find was charred bones. "Nothing. Not a soul left alive." He frowned, his expression held sadness for the deceased village. Every man, woman, and child gone to the afterlife.

Althair knelt and wiped his finger across some rubble of a nearby building. Lifting his finger to his nose, he swore. It had been a fire, but not a natural one. "There's no sign of a struggle... It looks as if they were taken by surprise."

Turning to his friend with a frown, Kaldin scratched his unshaven face. "What the hell happened here?"

"I'm not quite sure, but the village was burned that much is clear. Though, I'm quite sure whatever kind of fire burned this village, it wasn't natural."

"What do you mean, Althair? How could it be unnatural?"

"I know you've heard the stories in the villages we've been too, Kaldin. They are preaching them throughout the lands. In all the villages, there have been the stories of..."

Kaldin cut his friend off, "Ah, yes, some sort of fire breathing night bird." The man said with a roll of his eyes. "It's all rubbish to me. Sounds like magic and myths. Which have been long forsaken from these lands. For hundreds of years now... or so the stories go."

"Rubbish you say? A change in the wind mayhap. Fire breathing night-birds... more like dragons." Sounded a deep, dark voice. A glowing translucent figure glided out from behind a barely standing farm home.

The two men stared at the glowing figure with mouths agape. This was magic, stuff of legends and myths. Not real in their world - at least not for centuries. Everyone spoke of how the gods turned their back on the mortals, thus leaving the world magic-less. Dragons disappeared. Elves either vanished or went into hiding. Dwarves escaped to their underworlds and mountains never to be seen again. And yet, here this ethereal being stood before them, floating above the ground speaking of dragons. His features were hidden, behind the glowing cloak he wore, the only other distinguishing trait was his long seemingly white beard. Both men could see right through the specter and Althair considered seeing his hand would indeed go right through him.

The first to react was Kaldin. "Dragons?" The man scoffed figuring this man to be some sort of trick of the light. "You're crazy old man. Dragon's don't exist anymore."

Finally, Althair found his voice and took a brave step forward. "Dragon's? How can that be? They're not real... not anymore. They're but a myth... aren't they?"

The elderly figure laughed and his scratchy metallic voice made the two men shudder. "Perhaps you should start believing in myths and stuff of old. A dragon attacked this village... and several villages nearby as well. Now where shall it strike next, that is the real question. And, who will stop it?" As suddenly as it appeared the vision of the old man disappeared. A dark mist filled the spot where he was just standing. And then, to their surprise, the mist turned into a crimson red color, the color of blood, and took shape of a large lizard like creature with wings. It then flew at the two and they scrambled to the ground fearing it would harm them. As soon as the dragon mist came near them it dissipated over them.

The voice of the old man then sounded in but a whisper around them, "Beware, the world is changing. Something colossal is going to happen. Your fates have been changed. What will your choice be? To save the world and bring back harmony sacrificing what you hold most dear or let chaos reign and save yourselves?" Laughter then sounded once more, filling their very souls, before it too wafted away.

"What the hell was that? Wait, what the hell is this?" Kaldin asked, irritation flashing across his face.

"That my friend..." Althair began cringing and placing a hand over his nose. "Is a pile of waste you just dropped down into. See? There's the bucket you just knocked over." He motioned to the bucket while trying not to break into the smile that was trying to make way onto his face. Althair stood completely waste free and shook his head at his friend's luck, or lack thereof.

With a slur of curses, Kaldin stood covered in the ickor. "Ugh! Nasty people. Who keeps a waste bucket out in the open? Let's find a creek or riverbed to wash in. I feel... disgusting." He grimaced as the excrement dripped off him.

"You smell it too, Kal." Laughed Althair, unable to control it any longer. "Let's go then. I don't know if I can walk with you long with that horrid stench."

"You're a real pal, you know that Althair?" Frowned Kaldin.

Althair only smiled and headed down the road that lead out of the burned down village, the ghost like elderly man and the mention of dragons moving to the back of his mind for the time being.

Cringing, Kaldin held his breath as he began to follow his friend. The odor that emanated from him was nearly unbearable. "Gods! I do reek. Get me to a bloody creek and fast."

The two men left the town and listened intently for any sign of running water. "By the gods, Kal, you smell like you're rotting."

"Shut up Althair!"

"What?!" Althair asked feigning innocence. "You smell worse than that time you fell in the horse manure at Castle Adagor."

Clenching his fists at his friend's memory, Kaldin glared daggers at the ground. How was it that Althair could remember the most minute details? He grumbled under his breath as he followed behind the lucky bastard in front of him. Something then caught his hearing and he stopped. "Althair, hear that? Water!"

Altair paused and listened intently. Sure enough the sound of flowing water could be heard off to their left. "Good now maybe you can clean up and save my nose the pain of smelling your rotting carcass any longer." He teased with a wicked grin.

"Laugh it up golden boy." Kaldin grumbled. "Just wait, one day your luck will run out and I'll be the one laughing."

"Only in your dreams, Kal." Continued Althair, still teasing his friend.

Turning off the road, the two headed for the running water. Kaldin reached it first and flung himself clothes and all into the wide creek bed. Emerging a few minutes later he opened his mouth to speak but Althair quickly shook his head in warning. "Listen." He mouthed.

Frowning at his friend, Kaldin did what he was asked. At first all he could hear was the sound of the babbling creek. Then he heard it. A melodic voice singing in a tongue he could not recognize. "What the..." He whispered so softly it could barely be heard over the running water. Althair again shook his head and Kaldin frowned.

"I'm going to see who it is... make sure... they're not dangerous." He whispered even softer so Kaldin had to lean forward to hear. He then moved off a strange glint in his eye.

Kaldin swore and watched his friend disappear into the trees. He knew what was going to happen. The voice was clearly from a female, and if he knew his friend, the two would be thrashing about within minutes. It was Althair's way. He always got the girl. Not bothering to follow, he didn't want to watch them... together. It turned his stomach at the mere idea. His friend always got the girl and he got... well, nothing. Instead he merely began to unclothe to wash his own clothes and body.

~~~

Pushing through the trees and brush as quietly as he could, Althair finally saw who was singing the lovely melody. It was a female bathing in the water. To his great surprise, she was bathing completely naked. Unfortunately, all he could see was a long honey gold braid that fell past a strong smooth back and past the slight curve of her buttocks, which he was very disappointed he couldn't see more of. She then turned slightly, but her arm covered any sight of her chest. Again, disappointment filled him.

"Who the bloody hell are you?" Came the sultry yet strong voice of the woman.

The voice brought him out of his reverie and he noticed that she was now covering her naked body as well as lowering herself into the water so she couldn't be seen. Lifting his eyes to her face, he sighed. This had to be love at first sight. She was perfect. Beyond beautiful. Her dark golden hair was dripping along her soft, glistening tanned skin. Small ringlet curls that would not be held back by her braid framed her heart shaped face. Striking green eyes stared at him with a fire that made him want her even more. Perfect soft bow shaped lips begged to be kissed. He then noticed her slightly pointed ears and he arched an eyebrow in surprise. Could this woman be an elf? They were said to be extinct... weren't they? That's what the stories said.

"Stay away!" Her voice growled at him, but he didn't hear. Althair was entranced by her beauty.

Without thinking or saying a word Althair began to slowly approach the woman. His legs moved towards the water of their own accord. He took his armor and shirt off and tossed it on the sand, but didn't care to think about taking the rest of his clothes off just yet. A lopsided smile wormed its way onto his face as he approached, wanting nothing more than to touch that golden skin of hers to see if it was as soft as it looked.

Moving closer to her, he smiled warmly letting his supposed luck work its charm. "Hello miss. Oh, I'm sorry what did you say your name was again? I was busy thinking... about... something else."

The woman's piercing green eyes glared fire at him. This obnoxious beast had ignored her question and come out to her! "I didn't say what my name was. I told you to stay away." She hissed dangerously. "And if you try and touch me, I will kill you." Her eyes narrowed as he continued to come closer.

Ignoring her heated remarks, he continued to wade further towards her. However, to his surprise as he neared her he noticed her eyes were very much like a feline would be. How extraordinary and how odd. Her black pupils were slit and emerald green surrounded them. Her eyes were breathtaking. His eyes moved down to her lips and he realized, her lips weren't shadowed, but tinted a dark mix of black and red. It was then he noticed her skin. It wasn't just tanned it had a faint golden shimmer to it. Who was this odd creature? Or rather, what was she? Could she be an elf? He had never heard of elves with eyes and skin like hers though.

As she clutched at her chest to hide herself from him, he noticed even her hands were clawed. Her nails sharp and deadly were also tinted a dark black-like color. When she opened her mouth to speak he noticed the feral sharp like teeth that were much like some predatory animals. This woman was an odd, yet gorgeous creature.

"Go away!" The woman hissed in warning again.

"Well, I could..." Althair finally spoke up after admiring her exquisite body — at least what he could see of it. "But I much prefer it here in the company of such a fine young woman." He was now only feet away from her and wanting to move even closer. Gingerly he reached out and touched her skin without thinking.

Anger swelled inside the woman causing her face to turn a bright red. She growled low in her throat and gripped Althair's wrist in a fiery grip, while still covering her nakedness with her free hand. "I warned you to not touch me." She practically shouted in rage. "Now, you die!" Her grip was strong and she pulled him beneath the water taking a deep breath. A cold, heartless smile appeared on her lips as bubbles began to swarm out of his mouth. Letting go of his wrist, she pushed his head down, twisting around him, while coming up for air. "Now that's better." Her cold smile grew as the bubbles became less and less.

Althair was shocked at this sudden change. One moment he was being dazzled by the woman's beauty and the next she was trying to kill him. What happened to his supposed luck? He was blinded by the water and the escape of the life-giving air exploding from his mouth. His lungs felt like they were going to burst and he knew he couldn't last much longer. This she-demon was trying to kill him, just because of one simple touch! This was ridiculous. Where the hell was Kaldin when he needed him?!

The drowning man tried to free himself of the woman's grasp, but to his surprise she was stronger than she looked. Despite the claws and fanged teeth, the exotic woman looked fragile. Or was that what Althair thought about all women? They were the fairer, more frail of the human species were they not? Then again... maybe she wasn't entirely human? Cursing himself, he was growing a headache and feeling very close to inhaling the water around him. If he did that, he would surely drown.

~~~

On the other side of the cropping of trees, Kaldin thought he heard his friend yell out. Frowning, he scrambled up, glad he had left his pants on. His shirt and armor were lying on a nearby rock drying off. He grabbed his sword and raced in the direction Althair had gone. Hopefully he wasn't rushing into something intimate. Not hearing his friend anymore, Kaldin frowned and hurried forward. Breaking through the trees he looked around and saw only a woman staring down at the water with a smile on her face. Surprise filled him, finding the woman naked, though, thankfully the water hid her features. He was too much a gentleman to take advantage of a woman's privacy.

Lowering his eyes, Kaldin decided to call out to the woman failing to see the few bubbles surfacing around her. "Excuse me... miss?" He called out shyly. "Have you seen a man with light colored hair and blue eyes? I could have sworn I heard him scream out just now." He then saw Althair's armor on the ground, but no Althair around. A frown etched its way onto Kaldin's face and he looked towards the woman curiosity getting the better of him.

Hearing another man's voice, the woman startled and turned, seeing a darker haired man standing on the shore. Irritation clearly filled her by the look on her face, but unfortunately, she lost her hold on the obnoxious man's head and he bolted upwards.

With burning lungs, Althair shot upwards as soon as he found his head released. He grabbed onto the nearest thing... or rather person's hair around him. Pulling himself up, thinking it to be a rope, Althair was weak and as soon as his head broke through the water he coughed up the water in his lungs and breathed long deep gasping breaths. Reaching out he held himself up on a rather soft rock near him. As his thoughts began to clear, though the massive headache he now suffered from did not seem like it was going to dwindle any time soon. As his ears began to work again he heard the sound of sputtering. Oh yes, what happened to that awful yet beautiful creature that had just tried drowning him?

Kaldin's voice then reached his ears. "Althair! You're drowning her!"

Blinking in nonrecognition he looked around. It took him about a minute to lower his gaze and that was when he realized his rock was a head and the rope was a braid of hair. Kaldin was right he was drowning her! But she had just tried drowning him, so it served her right. However, Althair's conscience got the better of him and let her go before swimming to the shore as fast he could to get away from the crazed woman.

The golden-haired woman broke the surface with a loud gasp and coughed up the water she had previously swallowed from the shock of being pulled under so suddenly. She took a large gulp of air before she went under the water again. Clawing back to the surface, the water around her slowly began to heat up. It was clear she was beyond angry. Her cheeks were red and her eyes practically blazed to life. As soon as she could breathe easier and had herself under control once more, she swam to the nearby boulder that held her clothes, muttering under her breath as she went in an obvious attempt to control her anger.

Kaldin wasn't sure who to go to in aid. On the one hand his friend looked like a drowned dejected rat. On the other hand, there was a beautiful albeit naked woman whom his friend had nearly drowned struggling to get to shore. Should he be a friend or a gentleman? He then thought of all the times Althair had beautiful women fall for him and never a one would even look twice at him. Only the ugly shrews. With great resignation, he picked up his friends armor and boots and headed to Althair. "What happened?"

"That murdering witch! How dare she try and drown me!" Seeing Kaldin with his things he quickly pulled on his boots and armor even though he was still dripping wet. "That bloody wench tried to drown me, Kal. Merely because I wanted her. No woman that looks like that has ever said no to me. Not one."

"I know..." Kaldin grumbled under his breath. Though he had to admit he was just as surprised as his friend to find out that lovely woman wasn't taken by Althair as all the others had been.

"After all, she was merely bathing. All I wanted was to talk to her and maybe get a little closer look at her magnificent body, but no... she had to have an attitude and tried to drown me just because I happened to touch her." Althair was confused by being rejected so harshly.

"You touched her?!" Kal asked in shock and frowned at his friend.

"Oh, you would have done the same thing my friend. There's no doubt about that. Her skin is like liquid gold... I had to see if it was real. She has the body of a goddess, Kal!" Althair sighed then in remembrance. "I am sad to say I was unable to see anything more of that lovely creature's body. But no, she had to hide it from me." He tsked and shook his head as if it were a crime.

Appalled at his friend's behavior, Kaldin shook his head. "Can you blame her? For getting angry with you..."

"Yes, I mean, no... maybe?" Althair frowned growing puzzled over his emotions, interrupting his friend with ease. Why was he struggling with his emotions? That never happened before. Or had it? No, surely not. What was wrong with him?

Kaldin began to scowl. "Althair, quit being a big blubbering child. It's not her fault you walked in on her and gawked at her and then had the gall to touch her. She was probably wanting privacy."

"I guess... but this has never happened to me before. No woman has ever denied me..."

"Knock it off, Althair." Kaldin interrupted, inwardly surprised, but not caring that his friend finally had what was coming to him. "You need to go apologize and try and be polite instead of thinking with your groin."

The lighter haired man looked at his friend with skepticism making its way on his face. "Like that's ever worked for you, Kaldin." Althair said with a sudden smirk. "But I suppose I should at least try and be polite... and maybe apologize."

Irritation flashed in Kaldin's stormy grey eyes but he shrugged the insult off. "That's better. You should be politer every now and then anyway. Women are not objects for your taking. They're people. They have feelings. How many have you left behind with broken hearts? Too many, that I know."

"Well then Mr. Manners and Politeness, you go apologize for me since you're so good at it." Althair said haughtily. "I need to dry off anyway."

"What?!" Kaldin said in shock, not expecting his friend to be so crass. "It doesn't mean anything if it doesn't come from you. Your apology will be worthless."

"It does too." said Althair raising his nose in the air, stubbornly. "Make it worth something, Kal. I have faith in your ability. Now go apologize for me."

"I will not!"

"Come on... I'd do it for you. You know I would, Kal. Please."

Grumbling under his breath, at his friend's childishness, however, Kaldin easily relented. "Fine." Stomping off, Kaldin complained about how selfish his childhood friend turned out to be.

Meanwhile, the young woman pulled her worn leather black pants on. She was still annoyed and enraged by the man's brazenness. And who the hell was that other man? Grabbing her black leather sleeveless top, she slid her arms into it and began tying it up when she heard footsteps approaching.. A frown crossed her face and she quickened her pace in pulling the shirt closed.

Seeing that it was the darker haired male, the one that had called out to her as she tried drowning the other man, she glared at him. "What do you want?" She asked coldly, reaching for her knee-high leather boots.

Kaldin stopped and stared momentarily, before quickly lowering his eyes before speaking. "Um... well, madam, I have come to apologize on behalf of my friend and his earlier actions."

Arching a slender eyebrow, the woman looked at the man curiously. He was handsome as men go. He had dark brown chestnut colored hair with stormy grey eyes. He had a bit of a scruffy beard like he hadn't shaved in about a week. His lips were wide and his nose looked like it had been broken more than once, though it did nothing to hinder his handsome features. He was tall, probably about six feet with broad shoulders like he had been born for heavy lifting.

"The apology means nothing. Unless it came from him... and then I think it still would mean nothing considering he deliberately ignored my warning. How dare he think I would accept an apology from you!" Her eyes began sparking with anger.

Lifting his head slightly, Kal frowned at the tone of her voice... yet he knew he could listen to it all day. It was melodious. "Well then, let me apologize for my friends behavior myself. I'm truly sorry for his intrusion and attempt of drowning you. It was uncalled for. I wish I could have been there to stop it... though not in the water with you... but..." He began rattling and knew he was failing. And this is why Althair always got the women.

An amused smile suddenly lit the woman's face, her anger leaving her eyes. This man was far different than the other. He appeared to be a gentleman. He was polite, kind, and he obviously had a sense of morals. He intrigued her. "Well, you know, I did attempt to drown him first. It was working too, until you showed up." Seeing the expression on his face change, she then added with a smirk. "I told him not to touch me and he didn't listen. It would have served him right."

A frown appeared on Kaldin's face when he learned that the woman had tried to drown his oldest and dearest friend. At the conclusion of what she said, Kaldin couldn't help but roll his eyes. That sounded like his friend. "Althair doesn't often listen very well, though he normally doesn't get much resistance at all." He then thought in addition. 'He normally didn't get any resistance ever.' "I am sorry. Though, since he is my friend, I don't condone you trying to drown him either."

Green eyes sparkled with mirth and a half smile lifted the corner of her mouth. "You know I am dressed. You don't have to look down like that." She said lacing up her boot. "And please don't call me madam or any other such lady like names. I am not a high bred lady." Reaching for her other boot, she looked at the man as he finally lifted his head to look at her. "Now, if you're expecting an apology for my actions, you're going to have to be disappointed. I'm only sorry I didn't kill him."

"Kaldin! Did you..." Althair shouted and then stopped as he came into view. He saw the woman now fully dressed and sighed. She looked just as beautiful clothed... not that he had seen much of her unclothed. He then frowned when she turned those unnatural green eyes on him. She was a rare beauty. Never had he seen a woman like her before. "Um, hello there... My name is Althair and you've already met my friend Kaldin. What's your name madam?" Althair asked trying to join into the conversation and failing miserably.

With a groan and a roll of her feral green eyes she turned from the womanizing idiot and finished lacing up her other boot before gathering her weapons.

After hearing his friend, Kaldin let out a soft groan and turned around praying to the gods his friend wouldn't offend the woman more. Then again, Althair had never had a problem offending women. He was a natural charmer most of the time. Either Althair's luck had finally run out or this woman was immune to his charms. Turning his stormy eyes on the woman, he sighed. More than likely it was a fluke and she would probably fall for Althair in the end. It was never in Kaldin's fortune to gain the woman. It was just his rotten luck. It had been that way ever since he was a little kid.

When the woman didn't reply to Althair's question, both men turned to watch her. She put a knife in her boot and one in the small sheath wrapped around her upper left arm. Her small sword and scabbard were attached to the belt around her slender yet curvaceous waist. It was clear the woman was a fighter. Kaldin took a step closer but Althair held out his hand to stop his friend.

"You're being awfully rude, miss. We told you our names and I even gave you an apology and you treat us as if we're scum beneath your feet." Althair said frowning deeply.

A scoff left the woman's lips and she turned to glare at the man. He was handsome too, she guessed. Though it was clear he had never wanted for anything in his life. Everything was handed to him, she assumed. He was clean shaven, save for the light goatee he was attempting to grow, light hair that could be mistaken for blonde highlights mixed with red could be seen in the sun light, he appeared strong and was just as tall as his friend. His eyes were a clear sky blue that seemed like they were either smiling or mocking... she couldn't be sure. However, it was his personality that made him unappealing.

"You apologized?" The woman said acid dripping from her voice. "You're a bloody idiot! Your friend Kaldin, apologized for you. And it meant nothing. You did nothing but gawk at me as well as touch me when I told you not to. Your friend has more manners than you do... I bet he treats women with far more respect than you do as well. You should take lessons from him." She turned away, but then as an afterthought she looked back a cold smirk on her face. "In fact, you should be thanking your lucky stars I didn't kill you... you should also thank your friend for being a distraction."

Althair grimaced and turned to Kaldin with a frown. Hadn't he told Kaldin to make her believe the apology came from him. However, what he really felt bad for was the fact that this woman didn't know how inexperienced his friend was. "Kaldin has very little experience with a woman. Me on the other hand..."

Kaldin quickly interrupted. "What he means milady... well, he means well, but Althair tends to think with his groin rather than his head. I'm sorry his manners need..."

"Manners?" The woman asked interrupting mid sentence. Cold amusement were evident in her voice and expression as she turned fully to them. "He has none, so stop apologizing for the perverted fool. He should be apologizing for himself, but he won't because, like you said, he thinks with his groin rather than his head... or his heart." Her gaze then turned to Althair in disgust. "And as for you, I wouldn't be with a man like you. Ever. Not in this lifetime or any other. You're crude, vile, selfish, disgusting and I'm sure I could go on and on. I suggest you watch your friend, Kaldin here closely. Maybe one day, he'll rub off on you... then again maybe it's too late. And, one other thing, I'd rather have a man with little to no experience with women rather than a womanizing bastard like you." With a smirk and a nod to both men, she gave a mock salute and turned away. "Good day gentleman."

Both men gaped at her as she walked away her hips swinging gently from side to side; it made it hard for either of them to look away.