The heavily armoured horses crashed down the wooded slope, flattening small shrubs and bushes as they went. The riders strained at the reins to keep the beasts from stumbling on the treacherous terrain. At the bottom of the grade they came together in a dusty clump, stamping and milling about until the riders regained their control.

"We rest here," Came the command from the leader. He swung down from his saddle and tossed the reins to one of his men and swaggered to the base of a large oak, settling himself comfortably.

"Can the men build a fire for some food, Captain?"

"The men can build what they like, I have no fear of being seen by Terrault's soldiers or anyone else." Mingus unbuckled his sword and shoved it aside. "Fetch some of whatever they're cooking when it's ready."

The ride from Dramin was hard and swift over some of the worst terrain for horses. Mingus drove his men hard and eschewing his king's cautionary admonition for discretion. He wanted action. It had been too many years since his sword had rung with the clang of battle. Diplomacy was for the old fools back at the court; his aim was to find the boy king and while doing it, wreak as much havoc as possible.

There was no doubt in his mind that his band of twelve soldiers was more than enough to meet any challenge. Mingus glanced up as one of his men hurried forward with a plate of food and a wineskin.

"Are the sentries posted?"

"Uh- you said you had no fear-" The kick caught the man on the side of the knee and he went down with a howl.

"I said I didn't care if we were seen; I don't want to be surprised."

The soldier limped to his feet and hobbled away shouting angry orders to those nearest.

*****

"Is that the famous Dar Mingus then, Scott?" The young commander whispered to his companion as they watched the group of Dramin soldiers from concealment in the rocks above the encampment.

"It is. And you just witnessed a sample of his character."

"I hold no fear of that, he looks like an old man," the commander said with derision.

"I repeat Captain Gainer's warning, Sergeant Miner, do not engage in way, simply observe and report."

"Are we soldiers or women?" The commander crawled away without waiting for a response and scurried back over the hill to the rest of his men.

"We are but five," the soldier warned, catching up as they joined the others.

"Perhaps, but we hold the high ground and the element of surprise." The young sergeant paced back and forth, the excitement of potential combat heating his blood.

"Sir, I must protest again, Captain Gainer-"

"The Captain is not here and I was left in charge. I will make the strategic decisions." The other soldiers looked at one another and to the soldier who had delivered the message from Terrault. Was this young snip of a sergeant planning on attacking a Dramin force of twelve seasoned soldiers led by a notorious killer like Mingus?

"We can sneak back to that point above their camp, spread out and trap them in that little glade." His eyes shone with anticipation.

"Sir, no. We don't even have a sentry out to prevent them from finding us!" Scott protested.

"Bah! They don't even know we are here. That's the plan. We will make our way back to that point above their camp and capture or kill the lot."

*****

Haito listened to his scout's report and beckoned Jak to join him. "My men have seen five soldiers moving toward our village. They wear garments similar to those you had when you first came to us." He waited for Jak to respond.

"On horseback?"

Haito nodded.

"Did your man see a symbol like this on the harness of any of the animals?" Jak stood and went to his horse, turning the animal so the two men could see.

Haito pointed and muttered a question to his scout, receiving a firm nod in reply.

"They are from Terrault, my kingdom. They must have come in search for the boy and I."

Haito muttered another command and the scout hurried away, disappearing over the small hill and into the forest beyond. Jak came back and squatted down beside Haito.

"Your men won't..."

"They will keep them safe and under watch until we arrive. It is about a few hours from here."

"Can we leave now? I would feel much better hearing what news they bring." He stood along with Haito and smiled a thankyou as the leader issued a series of commands to his men.

"What's happening?" Wyeth followed Jak to the horses and prepared to depart.

"Soldiers from Terrault. Haito's men are watching them as we speak. I want to get there before any unfortunate mistakes are made." They mounted their horses and Wyeth felt a pang once again as Kysoo was made to march along with her father and his men.

The time flew quickly as the trip was over gently rolling fields with few obstructions. As Jak pulled up alongside Haito and his men, he saw the five Terrault soldiers seated in a line in a small clearing, surrounded by Haito's scouts. He looked at Haito, cocking his head for permission and, with Wyeth, rode down to the gathering.

"Gainer! Is all well?" He skidded his horse to a stop and jumped down, running to embrace the Captain.

"Staff, it's good to see you, and good to hear our language again," he grinned, slapping Jak on the shoulder.

"No trouble then?"

"None. These fellows kept their distance but, through a series of gestures, pointed out the folly of resistance. What about you? I see you're with more of the same."

Jak led him down to the other soldiers and after everyone had gathered and introductions completed, he related the tale of their experiences up to that point.

"And this is Wyeth, the true king of Dramoraine?" Gainer looked at the young boy who but a short time ago was Jared Croft, timid messenger to Primula.

"Aye, and as big a surprise to him as to all. But what of your news? What's this about Mingus?"

Gainer told him of the decision to split his tiny force and the orders left with those at Caval, taking small comfort in the fact that only one man had any battle seasoning, adding that, unfortunately, he was not in charge. Jak shared his friend's concern and brought Haito into the discussion, explaining what was taking place.

"My concern is only for my village and my people. Our arrangement was to see you safely to the coast and find you passage to Caval." Haito's stony face gave Gainer a measure of discomfort.

"I understand," said Jak. "But now that my friends are here we will travel back overland with them. If you wish, we will accompany you to your village to make certain all is well there and then-"

"We do not need your escort." Haito grunted and stood abruptly.

"Father!" Kysoo came forward bowing and spreading her hands in apology to the soldiers. "Please forgive my father, Jak-san, it is just his way." She took her father's arm and pressed it tightly.

"Do not apologize, Kysoo. Your father has been more than patient and honourable with Wyeth and I in the face of the trouble we brought. We are most grateful for all you have done," he looked about, waving an inclusive hand at all the Japan people. "I only wish that our discovery of one another had been under happier circumstances." Jak stepped forward and offered his hand to Haito.

"My father does not recognize your gesture, Jak-san."

"Ah, of course." He stepped back and gave Haito a formal bow and then turned and did the same for Kysoo.

Jak and the soldiers from Terrault readied their mounts and adjusted all their equipment under the watchful eyes of Haito's men. Wyeth, lingering apart from the others, tried to catch Kysoo's eye. He couldn't imagine just riding off out of her life, perhaps never to see her again. He saw Haito lean toward her and her head turn in his direction, a pink blush creeping into her cheeks and as if on cue, he made a move toward her, slowly leading his horse.

"I will say goodbye to you, Wyeth-san, and wish you a safe and swift journey to your home."

He stopped in front of her, taking in the gloss of her hair and the glow of her skin, in spite of the fading bruise. "Kysoo- Kysoo I- I don't know what to say. I feel- our meeting just shouldn't end this way..." She raised her eyes to his and bathed him with a magnificent smile that sucked the breath from his chest.

"I have known two of you since we met." Her voice grew soft as she described her impressions of the boy, Jared and the young man, Wyeth. "I hold in my heart a great fondness for both, but..." she reached out and touched his arm, "I will miss Wyeth the most."

He stumbled slightly, his heart threatening to burst from his chest. Words came to his mind but could not find their way past his lips. He grasped her tiny hand and held it passionately.

"Wyeth, I must go now. My father wishes to reach our village as quickly as possible. We have many things to consider now that my- my..." her voice broke and she pulled her hand back, covering her eyes.

He opened his mouth to stay her departure but a gruff command from Haito silenced them both and with one fond, departing glance, Wyeth felt his legs crumbling as Kysoo hurried away.