
      Once A Millennium


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 6
      Darien sat in the filthy dungeon staring at the grimy wall. He wrenched at 
      the chains that held his arms and legs for what felt like the millionth 
      time. It was useless. There was no way he was going to release them using 
      only his strength. He hadnt seen daylight in months. Or so he thought. He 
      had tried to keep count but it was impossible after a time. He tugged at 
      them again. There was enough chain for him to move from a sitting position 
      to lay down. But that was all. Darien looked dubiously at the tray of food 
      in the corner of the cell. Stale bread and slightly rotting chunks of 
      meat. But he was so hungry that it was starting to look appetizing. 
      Moaning in disgust he lay back down. The one thing that kept him from 
      going completely insane was the beauty he knew was waiting for him. At 
      least hed hoped that she was waiting for him. But he had been gone for 
      quite a while, even he knew that much. Serena probably thought he was dead 
      by now. What she must be going through. The thought was unbearable.
      Darien closed his eyes. He could feel the anger start to build again. He 
      yanked at the chains again. "Damn!" His voice reverberated off the cold 
      walls. If he could just get them off he could get back to Serena.
      From the mutterings he heard from the guards, she needed all the 
      protection she could get. He tried again to pry them off with his hands 
      but to no avail. In his frustration he punched at the wall until his fists 
      were bloody. Serena. He had to get back to her.
      Feeling completely inept, Darien stopped. Hed just bide his time. He 
      would find a way out and get back to her if it was the last thing he did. 
      He got himself as comfortable as he could and fell into a troubled sleep.
      As always he dreamed about Serena. But this time it was different. It 
      seemed more real. She was calling out to him. In the darkness he followed 
      her anguished cries. Turning corner after corner through a maze of thorns. 
      Out of breath he turned another corner to find her dressed in a blood red 
      gown and crying. He knelt down beside her and tried to wipe away the 
      tears. He reached out but before his fingers touched her tear stained 
      cheek it encountered a barrier. Darien slammed his fist against it over 
      and over trying to break it down to get to her but it wouldnt give. 
      Serena turned to him eyes wide.
      "Darien!" she turned to throw herself in his arms but hit the barrier. 
      "Whats going on?" she ran her hands over it as if looking for a chink. 
      "Why cant I touch you Darien?"
      His heart stopped when she broke down and started crying again. "Dear 
      heart. Do not cry. I am here." He put his hand up against the invisible 
      wall. He watched the sobs shake her slight form even as she fought to keep 
      them at bay.
      Serena forced herself to stop crying and put her hand up as well, pressing 
      her palm against his wishing she could feel him through the wall. "Darien 
      youre alive." She took a hiccupping breath. "Oh god Ive missed you!"
      "And I you." Serena looked haggard from fatigue, but still looked like an 
      angel to him.
      "Where are you? Ill come get you!" she started to look around frantically 
      trying to take in the details of what surrounded them.
      "I do not know. I was keeping the attackers at bay and then it went black 
      and when I awoke I was here. Someone must have attacked me from behind." 
      He shook his head not wanting to talk about what happened. Darien was more 
      interested in her. "Serena, are you alright? How have you been? And do not 
      lie to me." He warned her.
      "Ive been a wreck. When Diamond came back alone I thought I was going to 
      die. Im just now getting over it." She put her other hand to her face to 
      stifle another sob that threatened. Maybe not. Before she broke down 
      completely she spoke again. "How are we going to find you?"
      "You will. I have no doubt in my mind that you will find me."
      "Oh Darien. Are you going to hold out?" he looked just as bad as she felt. 
      "Ill find you. No matter what it takes Ill find you."
      "I know that you will, Serena." He felt a coldness now. Like something was 
      stalking them. "Serena get out of here!" he stood up and looked around 
      uselessly. An unseen wind whipped around him. "Run Serena! Run!"
      Serena stayed rooted to where she was. "Im not leaving you!"
      "Go!" It was a command that she couldnt refuse.
      "Darien! I love you!" Serena stood staring at him for a moment, then 
      turned and ran. She could hear his voice calling after her.
      "I love you Serena..." the voice disappeared into the wind.
      Serena turned to look at him again but he was gone. There was nothing but 
      a thick blackness. "Darien!"
      ----
      "Darien!" she sat up in bed sweating and panting. It took her a moment to 
      collect herself and realize she was in her room. Serena could still feel 
      the presence. It filled her with dread. She had to find Darien, and soon.
      Just then her door burst open. Diamond, clad only in his breeches ran into 
      her room sword in hand. Sapphire, Chris and Colin were close behind in 
      similar garb.
      "Serena are you alright?" Diamond stalked about the room looking for 
      intruders.
      "Im fine, Diamond. I just had a nightmare." Serena took another deep 
      breath willing herself to relax.
      They relaxed noticeably.
      Sapphire ran his hand through his dark mane. "You gave us quite a fright." 
      He yawned. "If anyone needs me I shall be back in bed." Without waiting 
      for an answer, he abruptly turned and walked back to his room dragging his 
      sword on the ground behind him.
      Chris and Colin stayed a while longer to make sure she was ok, then 
      retired to their rooms as well.
      Diamond stayed behind. He sat on the edge of her bed and made sure for 
      himself that she was indeed as well as she made out to be. "Serena. Are 
      you sure you are ok? That was quite a scream." He put his hand on hers 
      reassuringly.
      She nodded, though none too emphatically. "I had a terrible dream." She 
      noticed her voice was still wobbly.
      "Tell me about it?"
      Diamonds smile was gentle and comforting. Serena could see that he wanted 
      to help. "I was talking to Darien, but we were separated by some sort of 
      wall. It was like I was really talking to him."
      "Perhaps you were. Tell me more." He looked truly interested.
      "Thats most of it. I remember it was dark and it felt like something else 
      was watching us."
      "What did he say to you?"
      "Hes trapped somewhere, he doesnt know where or by whom."
      Diamond nodded. "Do you have the feeling that he is alive?"
      "Yes."
      Diamond nodded slowly. "We must find him."
      "I agree totally. Can we leave to find that wise man today?"
      "As you wish." He got up and walked to the door. "Get some more rest and I 
      shall have Colin get you at dawn." He smiled and shut the door behind him. 
      Diamond stopped on the other side and closed his eyes. This is for Serena 
      and Darien. They deserve each other. They deserve to be happy. Diamond 
      took a deep breath and started down the hall. They were going to be 
      together if it was the last thing he did.
      ----
      Serena couldnt sleep. Not when she knew that Darien was out there and he 
      needed her help. Rather than sleep, she packed up the things that she 
      would need on the expedition. Afterwards, she looked everything over. A 
      bag of clothes, both male and female, a cloak, the thick jerkin she wore 
      at the first battle and of course her small collection of weapons. 
      Satisfied that she had everything she sat on the bed to get a moments 
      rest.
      Darien was still alive! She smiled to herself then frowned. She should 
      have known! Guilt gnawed at her stomach now. She should have been able to 
      feel that he was alive. He could have been back here now instead of that 
      pit he was trapped in. Angry with herself, she pounded at her pillows.
      She laughed a little when it burst and the feathers inside escaped in a 
      white cloud.
      "Serena?" The door swung open slightly. Diamond walked in with Colin. "I 
      knocked but...what happened in here?"
      "Nothing. I was just venting some frustrations." Serena stood up and 
      grabbed her pack. "Are you all ready yet?"
      "Yes. We knew you would want to get an early start." He stopped her when 
      she went for the rest of her things. "First. We have something to eat. 
      Well need all the energy we can get."
      Serena dropped the bag back and nodded. He was right.
      They led her down to the dining hall. There everyone was waiting for her 
      at their usual table. At another table were Catherine and her men. 
      Breakfast was fast and, for the most part, silent. Diamond apologized for 
      their rudeness and explained that they were off to discover who was really 
      behind the attacks. Catherine surprised them all.
      "We shall come with you then. I am curious as well and you will need our 
      help." She stood up and her men did the same.
      "We cannot let you. It will be much too dangerous. And I would not like to 
      have you in danger." Diamond had to admire her courage.
      "Then we shall go on our own." Catherine turned back to her men and 
      motioned to get their things together.
      Serena looked at Diamond, giving him her are you crazy look. She grabbed 
      his arm and dragged him to the side. "You cant let her go alone with so 
      few men. Itll be suicide."
      Diamond stared back at her. "How can we let them come along? We are not 
      sure if they are telling the truth. What if it is them that are causing 
      all this grief? To invite them along would be suicide for us."
      Serena hadnt considered that. But in her mind they didnt seem guilty. 
      "What if we bring them along and at the first sign of trouble, we leave 
      them behind or something?" she looked into his eyes. "You know we could 
      use more help."
      Diamond considered it for a moment then nodded. "Alright. But I cannot 
      have any of you hurt. As soon as I feel uneasy about them, we leave. No 
      arguments. Agreed?
      Serena nodded. "Ill tell the others." She ran over to the others while 
      Diamond approached Catherine. "Guys, it looks like were going to have a 
      few more coming with us."
      Christopher smiled. "Really? Who?"
      Serena looked over at Catherine and Diamond.
      Sapphire frowned. "Are you crazy? They are the enemy!" he moved in the 
      direction of the other couple.
      Serena grabbed his arm. "Sapphire no! Diamond and I had a conversation 
      with them last night. They seem to be victims like we are."
      Sapphire looked at her. "And Diamond believes this as well?"
      Serena smiled weakly. "Not as much as I do. Weve agreed that we need the 
      extra help but as soon as something about them seems wrong, were leaving 
      them behind." She looked at the others. "Is that agreed?"
      They nodded in unison.
      Things were still quiet when they loaded up their things onto their 
      respective horses. Serena noticed Christopher, Sapphire and Colins uneasy 
      gazes at the other group. Theyd have to get over this soon if they were 
      going to get anywhere. By the time they were off the mood was sullen and 
      edgy.
      They decided to head west where rumours told of a wise man. There were no 
      other leads so that was it. Serena rode at the front with Diamond and 
      Sapphire. For miles no one said a word. The sun was riding low when they 
      stopped for a break. Sapphire quickly started a fire while everyone else 
      brought out their food and sat down.
      Serena sat down next to Catherine and pulled her cloak around her tightly. 
      The cold winter air was starting to get to her now.
      Catherine smiled warmly and offered her a chunk of bread. "Hello..." she 
      laughed nervously. "Im sorry I still do not know your name."
      Serena took the proffered bread and smiled back. "Serena. Serena Woodard."
      "Woodard? That is odd. Are you of any relation to that Woodard in the 
      battle several months ago?"
      Serena nodded silently. She wasnt sure if she should bare her soul to the 
      other woman yet.
      "But if your last name is Woodard, then you are not married to the 
Prince."
      "No I am not." Serena watched as she considered this fact for a moment.
      Catherine put her hand on Serenas, "I am sorry I made the assumption last 
      night. You must have been uncomfortable."
      "Dont worry about it." Serena shrugged it off and leaned back against the 
      large oak tree. The movement reminded her of the time Serena and Darien 
      spent by the pond. It seemed like a lifetime ago. The happy memory 
      instantly brought a tear to her eye. She quickly blinked it away. But not 
      before Catherine noticed.
      "Are you alright? Have I said something wrong?"
      She looked so alarmed that Serena put her hand on her shoulder. "No. This 
      just brings back some painful memories."
      "Of a man?"
      Serena looked at her. She was quite astute. "Why yes."
      "Why is it every woman finds herself pining over a man at one point or 
      another in her life? Men never seem to have this problem and if they do 
      they are able disguise the pain very well while we are doomed to wear our 
      hearts on our sleeves." She nibbled at her bread and looked at Serena, her 
      violet eyes watching her every move.
      "Its horrible isnt it?" Serena found herself really liking this woman 
      now.
      "You do not speak like you are from here. Where are you from?"
      Diamond appeared at her side then. "Hrumph, excuse me ladies. I need to 
      speak to Serena for a moment." He extended his hand without another word.
      Serena looked at Catherine. "Excuse me." She nodded and Serena took 
      Diamonds hand. He helped her up easily and led her over to where the 
      others sat huddled on the opposite side of the fire.
      "Serena, I hope that you are not telling her everything." The cold had 
      roughened his voice giving it a husky quality.
      "Diamond. You know I wouldnt do that." She did want to though. It had 
      been so long since she had another woman to talk to. Serena found that she 
      was beginning to miss the relationship she use to have with Mina and Raye.
      "Good." He sat her down next to him on a log. "Are you hungry?"
      "I just had some bread with Catherine" she stopped when she saw the 
      disapproving look on Diamonds face.
      "Serena...you have to be more careful. What if she has poisoned it?"
      "She didnt. Shes eating the same bread now." Serena waved her piece at 
      Catherine who responded in kind. See?"
      "Serena..."
      "Diamond, stop it. I am capable of taking care of myself." She raised her 
      chin like a defiant child.
      Diamond ran a hand over his face. "Just be careful."
      "I will. Now lets just relax a bit ok?" Serena settled back and listened 
      to the jokes and conversations flying past her.
      They sat there for about twenty minutes before getting back on the road. 
      Serena wished they could go faster. Since shed been there she hadnt 
      wished for anything but now shed give anything to have a car.
      "A what?" Diamond was giving her a strange look.
      Was she thinking out loud again? "A car. Its what we travel in back home. 
      It has an engine so it doesnt need horses. They go so much faster than 
      this."
      Sapphire looked interested now. "How much faster?
      "Much, some cars go a little over 200 miles per hour." She laughed at 
      their incredulous expressions. "Im serious."
      Colin rode next to her now, staring at her with enormous eyes. "You are 
      lying."
      Serena crossed her heart. "I swear Im telling the truth."
      They puzzled over that for a while asking question after question about 
      cars. Serena thought it wise not to get into planes until later. She 
      wasnt sure if they were ready for that one yet. They reached a little 
      village just after dusk and Diamond announced that they would be staying 
      there.
      They entered the first inn they found. Sapphire approached the innkeeper 
      and made the arrangements and paid the man with a large pouch of what 
      Serena assumed to be gold.
      "All right. We have acquired the rooms upstairs. There will not be anyone 
      else staying here."
      Everyone went for their things. "But...there are not enough rooms. We will 
      have to pair up."
      Serena looked over at Catherine. She was the only obvious choice for a 
      roommate for her. She didnt have a problem with it, but Diamond sure did.
      "No I cannot allow it." He put up a hand at her imminent refusal. "I do 
      not want to hear it. We do not know what they are up to for certain. Until 
      then I want you to be wary of them all."
      Serena could see where he was coming from, but where did that leave her? 
      "So who do I bunk with then?" She looked at their mischievous grins and 
      gave them an exasperated look. "Come on you guys. This isnt funny."
      Diamond sighed. "With me. I am not sure if trust the others." He teased. 
      As they groaned, they grabbed their things and headed up the stairs. They 
      took the rooms on one side of the hall while Catherine and her entourage 
      took the other side.
      Diamond opened the door to the room furthest down the hall and let her in 
      first. There was a fireplace, a trunk, and a bed. Thats all. Serena 
      looked at the sparse dcor and looked at Diamond.
      He smiled. "You take the bed. I shall sleep on the floor."
      "You cant! Youre a prince. Ill sleep on the floor."
      "I cannot let you do that. You are a lady."
      "Then it seems were at an impasse." Serena looked at the bed again and 
      had an idea. "Well share it."
      Diamond shook his head. "It is not right. And what if Darien found out? He 
      would have my head.
      Serena could definitely see that happening. "Just hear me out. Ill sleep 
      under the covers and you sleep on top. That way were both on the bed but 
      its nothing inappropriate." She waited for his approval.
      "There is no other way is there?" he sighed and nodded. "All right. We 
      will do it your way. I will leave you to get ready for bed." He dropped 
      his bag by the door and walked out.
      Serena quickly washed her face and combed out her hair. She made sure she 
      kept her jerkin on and climbed into bed. Diamond came in a while later. 
      She kept her eyes closed while he got ready. The bed dipped when he got 
      in. Serena reached over the side and pulled up her cloak then rolled onto 
      her back. "Here. Your cloak wont be enough."
      "Thank you." He threw it over himself. "Now get some sleep. We have 
      another long day ahead of us." He closed his eyes uselessly. Diamond knew 
      he wasnt going to get any sleep tonight. He laid there for what seemed 
      like hours before she fell asleep. When her breathing was deep and even he 
      risked opening his eyes. He rolled carefully to his side so he could take 
      a good look at her.
      Her angelic face was warmed by the firelight. It shone in her golden hair 
      and traced shadows on her face. She was so beautiful and yet so 
      unattainable. It was really starting to get to him. He gritted his teeth 
      against the urge to kiss those tempting lips. Instead he tenderly brushed 
      away a strand of hair from her face.
      Serena stirred then and turned into his arms wrapping hers around him 
      mumbling in her sleep. Diamond sighed and held her to him. Why couldnt 
      the name she murmured be his?
      Serena was having a wonderful dream. She and Darien were together again. 
      He was there with her at the inn and he simply held her. The contentedness 
      she felt was incredible. Then cold blast of wind opened the door and a 
      young boy stumbled in. They were instantly on their feet. He shouted 
      something about the wise man and led them out into the winding streets. At 
      the end of one worn path, there was a tiny hut with a fire that could be 
      seen through the window. She reached for the door but someone grabbed her 
      from behind and put a large hand over her mouth.
      She woke up struggling against Diamond, who had put his hand over her 
      mouth.
      "Shhhh. Pretend to sleep." Diamond got up from bed as lithely as a cat. He 
      grabbed his sword and hid behind the door.
      Serena did as she was told and closed her eyes. She may have looked asleep 
      but she was anything but. She listened for the slightest sound totally 
      tense and rigid.
      There was a slight scuffling at the door before it creaked open.
      Serena jumped out of bed and brought the candle up to the face of the 
      intruder.
      Catherine stood frozen in Diamonds arms. Her cloak and nightshirt were 
      dragged aside by Diamonds strong arm. Eyes wide she stared at Serena.
      Diamond immediately let go of her once he realized who it was. "I am 
      sorry, my lady." He dropped the sword to his side but did not sheathe it.
      Catherine quickly straightened her clothes. "It is my fault. I should not 
      have tried to sneak into your room." She stood up erect and looked at them 
      with worried eyes.
      Serena was concerned now. She would never have tried to get into their 
      room unless it was urgent. "Whats wrong?"
      "My men..." She shook her head. "It is easier if you come with me." She 
      grabbed Serenas hand and pulled her out into the hall with her. Hurriedly 
      she pulled her along to a door and pushed it open. On the bed a man lay 
      moaning in great pain while on the floor lay another. "This is how I found 
      them not too long ago. They are all like this except for my page and I. I 
      suggest you check on your men."
      Panic stricken, Serena nodded at Diamond and they ran to the others 
      rooms. She banged on the first door she reached.
      A very sleepy looking Colin answered. "Serena? What is wrong?" he looked 
      down the hall instantly alert.
      "Are you feeling ok?"
      He nodded, though looked a little puzzled. "Yes I am feeling well."
      "What about Chris?"
      Serena held the door while Colin when over and shook Chris. They got a 
      moan and a pillow thrown at them. Serena shook her head and walked in, 
      shaking him herself.
      "Chris. Wake up." She waited until his eyes focused on her. " Are you 
      feeling ok?"
      "Yes. Why?" he sat up and reached for his sword. "Is anything the matter?"
      Serena shook her head. "Catherines men are ill and I wanted to check on 
      you all. Get some rest. Ill get you in the morning." She walked back out 
      into the hall. Diamond was heading toward her.
      "How are Colin and Christopher?"
      "Fine. How is Sapphire?"
      "Same as always." He looked at the doors of Catherines group. "Does it 
      not seem odd to you that all her men are ill, except she?"
      Serena had to agree with that. It was a little strange. "I guess we should 
      keep a closer eye on her."
      He nodded gravely. He moved a hand to the small of her back, gently 
      nudging her toward their room. "Shall we?"
      Serena nodded tiredly. When she got back to the room, she discovered she 
      couldnt sleep. Things were just too crazy. While Diamond dozed on the 
      bed, she walked to the window and peered out at the night landscape. It 
      was such a nice night. She longed to go for a long walk. She stifled a 
      laugh. She could just imagine what Diamond would say to that. She returned 
      her gaze to the well not too far from the inn. There a tiny boy caught her 
      eye.
      He looked exactly like the boy in her dream. The images came flooding back 
      now. The dark path, the wise man. Serena ran back over to the bed.
      "Diamond wake up." She started throwing on her clothes.
      "What is the matter?"
      "You have to come with me." She dragged him out of bed and outside.
      "Serena, what is going on?" he rubbed at his eyes and brushed his hair out 
      of his face.
      She kept pulling. "Just trust me." She followed the boy through the 
      winding alleyways and out of the city.
      Diamond scowled. "I do not think that this is wise. We do not have any 
      weapons or the others with us." He looked around at the dark and eerie 
      roads. They were very easy targets if a band of thieves decided they 
      wanted to have some fun.
      Serena wasnt listening. She was intent on keeping her eyes on the boy. 
      "Come on."
      They followed him deep into the woods. Serena held a little tighter to 
      Diamonds arm the deeper they got into the woods. The gnarled branches 
      twisted into each other, blocking out all but the dimmest light from the 
      moon and casting sinister shadows on the rocky path. She looked around 
      trying to get her bearings and to try and find some markings that they 
      could use to guide their way. A faint light caught her eye.
      A ways into the brush she could see a flickering light.
      "Diamond. Look over there." She pointed at the light. "I think thats what 
      Im looking for."
      "Serena, what are you looking for?" he let her drag him down the path.
      "Just trust me ok?"
      Diamond shrugged to himself. He trusted her this far.
      A few moments later they were an arms reach from the door. Serena looked 
      at Diamond nervously then knocked on the door. The door creaked open and a 
      wizened old man was revealed on the other side. He smiled as if he 
      recognized them.
      "Come in. I have been waiting." He bowed low and swept his hand back in 
      welcome.
      Diamond looked at Serena and led the way in. He helped the old man back up 
      again. "There is no need for that."
      "You are too kind my prince." He turned to Serena. "And I have waited for 
      you for so long."
      Serena smiled warmly. "So you really are the one were looking for?"
      "The wise man at your service, milady." He chuckled when he spoke the 
      title.
      Diamond stood shocked. "Serena how did you know how to find him? You said 
      you couldnt feel a thing."
      Serena shook her head. "I didnt. I had a dream before Catherine woke us 
      up."
      Diamond considered the fact for a moment then nodded. He then turned his 
      golden head to the old man huddled near the fire. "So now what do we do?"
      The man smiled at them, his curiously young eyes twinkling. "Nothing."
      "Say that again?" Serena stepped forward. "What do you mean we do 
nothing?"
      Diamond put a calming hand on her arm. "We did not come all this way just 
      to do nothing. What of my kingdom? What of my people? I cannot sit idle 
      and watch them both suffer."
      Still smiling calmly, he put a withered hand on Diamonds shoulder. "And 
      you wont. I assure you."
      He sat them down by the fire and prepared to tell them what he knew.
      ----
      Darien lay staring at the ceiling of his cell half in a daze. Lack of food 
      and light was really getting to him now. He had no clue how long he had 
      been there. But he knew one thing for sure; he had had enough. He had to 
      find a way out of there.
      Then a plan started to form in his feverish mind. Darien closed his eyes 
      and waited until on of the guards came in with the food.
      "Hey! You!" he kicked at Dariens side with enough force to turn him over. 
      When he got no response, he kicked at him again. He muttered something 
      about him being dead and bent down to take a closer look.
      Darien waited until he was on his knee next to him before he struck. He 
      quickly incapacitated him with a blow to the head. Keeping as quiet as he 
      could, Darien quickly the keys off of him and unchained himself. Then took 
      the mans clothes and replaced them with his own.
      Darien locked him in and stealthily ran down the dank hall. He stopped to 
      catch his breath. He had to find a way out of there. This would have been 
      hard enough when he was at his best, but now hed have to be extra careful 
      not to get caught. He wouldnt be able to fight if he was.
      He ran through the filthy bowels of the castle avoiding contact with 
      anyone and looking for a way out. It seemed like ages before he found the 
      stairway that led out of this hell. He ducked into a dark corner when he 
      heard some gruff voices.
      "I dont know why the master wants him alive. I think we should just kill 
      him and get it over with."
      They walked past him without so much as a glimmer. Darien released the 
      breath hed been holding. Sounded like he was getting out of there at just 
      the right time. He ran up the stairs and into the main hall. There were 
      several women milling about and a page here and there but no one 
      threatening. Darien waited awhile before he made his move. He quickly ran 
      to the stables, which he easily found, and looked through the stalls.
      He sighed with relief when he found Goliath. "Hello old friend." Darien 
      grabbed the saddle and painfully swung it onto Goliaths back. "We have to 
      get home." The horse whinnied his reply as Darien climbed onto his back. 
      "Lets get out of here."
      Under the cover of darkness, Darien rode into the night.
      ----
      An hour away from the castle, he slowed his pace and huddled closer to 
      Goliaths neck. Was it winter already? He looked around at the white 
      landscape. He had missed so much. Darien found himself daydreaming about 
      Serena and what she would be doing.
      At the nearest village, he stopped at a tavern. Darien desperately needed 
      some good food. He walked into the smoky room and sat down at the first 
      empty table he found.
      A buxom waitress bounced over and smiled. "What can I get you?"
      "Meat." He didnt have the strength to get any more specific.
      She nodded and walked off, swatting at the roving hands of the other 
      patrons.
      He drank a pint of ale while he waited for his food to arrive. If he 
      planned it right, he could ride through the night and get home by morning. 
      Darien smiled at the thought. He would be able to see her again.
      Darien stared at his drink and blinked a few times. His vision was blurred 
      and his head felt like it was made out of lead. That long ride in the cold 
      did nothing to improve his condition. He rubbed a clammy hand over her 
      face. He had to get himself together.
      Darien nodded in relief when the waitress came back with the food.
      "Are you well, my lord?" she eyes him suspiciously.
      Stuffing the food into his mouth, Darien simply nodded. He easily finished 
      off the plate within minutes.
      "More." He commanded when she came back again.
      Again he wolfed down the entire plate. They would be looking for him now, 
      Darien was sure of that much. He pulled the few coins he had left out of 
      his boot and walked out. The bitter cold wind cut through his clothing 
      like it was nothing. Gingerly he climbed onto Goliath and prepared for 
      another long ride.
      By the time he saw any more signs of life, he was swaying in his saddle. 
      Darien knew that if he pushed himself anymore he wouldnt make it. He 
      headed toward a sleepy looking village. It looked quiet and secluded. 
      There wasnt much chance of anyone finding him here. At least he hoped 
not.
      He tied Goliaths reins to a railing and walked into the inn. He quickly 
      approached a man sitting at a table not too far away.
      "Who do I see about a room?"
      The man pointed at a man sitting at a table in the far corner of the room. 
      Nodding his thanks, Darien walked over. By now, even his legs felt wooden. 
      He stumbled a few times before he made it.
      "I need a room."
      The man shook his greying head. "Sorry all the rooms are full."
      "Please. Anything. Just for the night."
      The mans eyes widened as he watched Darien sway.
      Darien viciously grabbed at a chair to keep himself upright. "Please." He 
      thought he saw the man nod just before the room spun and went black.