Ariadnae and Tanwen

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. And as far as Ariadnae knew, dragons were a myth. Until they weren't.

Ariadnae stood on the marble-covered veranda overlooking the immense apple orchard as the sun slowly crested over the horizon. The trees were covered with pink and white blossoms. A gentle breeze snatched up petals drifting them high above the canopy to fall slowly down like snowflakes blanketing the ground.

Ariadnae descended the cool marble steps that spiraled around an ancient cypress tree and opened wide onto the lush mossy grass. Taking in a deep breath, she stopped and stood silent, gazing down the orchard path. She was so still that she appeared to be one of the marble garden statues that stood guard in her sanctuary - accenting the beautifully polished marble columns and flagstones of her home.

The rising sun warmed the breeze that swept through the orchard and up the steps to where she stood, lifting her long strawberry blonde hair and brushing strands across her face. She looked upon the sea of green with deep longing.

Sebastian pressed up against her right leg and then circled around, pressing into her as his long tail playfully flitted about in the long folds of her skirt. Ariadnae looked down and was greeted by a quick meow and then a continuous low purr.

Ariadnae answered: "I know. It's such a beautiful day. Shall we begin our adventures with a walk through the orchard?" There was no need for a reply. Sebastian leaned back on his hind paws, raising the front paws in an arc as he looked up at Ariadnae, and then towards the path. In moments he sprung into the air, floating down to the green grass of the orchard with Ariadnae following swiftly and gracefully.

The pleasant fragrance of the blossoms mingled with the freshly crushed grass calmed the senses as the continuous spring breeze carried gentle bursts of lavender from a nearby field. The sparrows chirped from their nests as they walked by and hummingbirds swooped in close - pausing for a second in greeting and then sped off in search of nectar. Life seemed to be bursting out in all its spectacular spring tradition. The sights and sounds - a reminder of the continuous circle of life and renewal.

Following the path that she had tread so many times before, continued through the orchard. She could hear the bubbling waters of the river that bordered her kingdom. She loved the familiar and this orchard was familiar. She felt safe here and she smiled as she recollected times past and the hours she had wiled away. The sun slowly crept high into the sky, warming her skin. The light frock she had chosen to wear fluttered and waved with every step. The intermittent shade of the apple trees became the desired respite and eventually the heat pierced through the dense boughs. Little beads of perspiration began to dot her forehead and a natural blush appeared across her cheeks. Her feline companion, Sebastian, wandered in the thickest and darkest parts to escape the blazing sun.

Remembering a divergent path, Ariadnae cut through the trees towards the river. As they reached the river's edge, she raised her skirt above her knees and stepped into the cool winter thaw. Sebastian lapped up the cool water; pausing only for a moment to look up to meow a thank you. Ariadnae found a boulder and sat while taking in the cool refreshing river. She allowed herself to relax and daydream.

When Ariadnae opened her eyes, she discovered Sebastian curled up beneath the folds of her skirt. As she leaned over to rub his ears and the back of his neck, a wave of water sprayed her face, running down her dress, and pooling in her lap. She stood up, almost toppling into the river. Catching herself, she slowly turned to survey the area. A chill ran down her spine at the moment she came nose to nose with icy blue scales, a pair of silver eyes, and fist-size nostrils.

Slash!

Now completely wet and laying flat on her back Ariadnae exclaimed: "You are no myth!" And the dragon bowed in greeting as he spread his thick velvety purple wings webbed with black veins.

"Hello, I am Tanwen," rising from his bow and stretching to his full height.

"You can speak!" Ariadnae scrambled up the bank tripping over her skirts and then backed up slowly, keeping an eye on the dragon.

"Of course, I can speak. I'm a dragon." Tanwen grinned, showing off his very sharp teeth. Snorting, Tanwen continued: "All dragons can speak."

"All dragons? There are more of you?" Ariadnae began to shiver. She wasn't sure if it was from being drenched or if she was scared.

"Yesssss," Tanwen hissed (only for effect). He was enjoying this conversation. His belly shook as he concealed his amusement.

"Are you going to eat me?" Expressing concern and backing into one of the trees.

"Well, I don't know. How do you taste? I haven't had girl for supper in a while. Let alone a princess."

"What?" She choked on air.

"You are Princess Ariadnae, are you not?" Tanwen grinned again.

"Well, yeah..."

"Yesssss..." Tanwen corrected.

"Yes," she replied in compliance.

Peering from behind Princess Ariadnae's skirts, Sabastian growled at Tanwen and then ducked behind the tree where she stood.

"I see you. Old friend." Tanwen leaned in to look around Princess Ariadnae.

"No, you don't," a whiskery voice responded.

Princess Ariadnae turned around quickly trying to find where the voice came from. All she could see was her cat.

"Well, I do now. How long have you been here?" Tanwen questioned the ground.

"About a month," Sebastian purred back.

"My cat talks too?" Grabbing hold of one of the branches to keep balance.

"I'm not your cat," responding directly to Ariadnae.

"Excuse me, I have had you since I was ten. I should know my own cat." Forgetting the possible danger she was in, she stepped forward, reaching for Sebastian, intent on leaving. Before she could get a hold of him, Sebastian darted towards Tanwen.

"Nope. I'm not your cat." Shaking off the water from the previous tidal wave, Sebastian seemed to step out of a catsuit and into the body of a boy. Not really a boy. He was really tall and had pointy ears. His eyes were silver just like Tanwen's. His jet black hair was pulled back in several braids and bound by a leather band. A few loose strands framed his face like tiny waves rippling across the sea.

"What did you do with my cat?" Crossing her arms and scowling at the two strangers.

"Oh, he is safe. He is with my sister," the boy casually responded, placing his hands on his hips and baring his perfect teeth in a wide grin.

"Sebastian has been gone for a month?" Her fingers curled up into a fist. Not that she would strike. She was just trying to control the urge.

"Nope, just a week." It appeared that this young man was just as slippery as Tanwen. Neither really gave suitable answers to her questions. Plus none of it made any sense.

"You just said that you have been here a month. And Sebastian has only been gone for a week. Where were you before that?" She paused, "Wait a minute. How is this even possible? People can't be cats. This is some kind of trick. There is no way you have been my cat. It's like magic."

"Well, it takes magic to become a cat. Plus I'm not a person. I am a..." Clearing his throat, Tanwen stepped forward, just enough to get their attention.

"May, I interrupt? We really need to get things sorted out here." Tanwen seemed to growl and glare at his old friend.

"Princess Ariadnae, as I was saying, I am Tanwen. I am your guardian." Ariadnae began to say something and was quickly stopped by one raised talon. Tanwen continued: "I will explain everything. Your cat, rather Balin is a wood elf. Actually, he is the Prince of the Wood Elves and Chief Knight of the Royal Guard. And when he is up to no good, he transforms himself into animals."

Tanwen paused, noticing that Princess Ariadnae had turned more pale than usual and looked as if she were going to pass out. Tanwen motioned to Balin, who quickly moved towards the princess as she slowly slumped to the ground.

"Good going!" Balin exclaimed. "You could have tried to be a little more delicate."

"Oh, like turning into a cat?" Tanwen snickered.

"Well, I didn't start off as a cat. I was a dog before that." Balin shrugged his shoulders.

"A dog? And whose dog did you steal for that bit?"

As Balin gestured with his hands, he explained his transformations to his friend: "I didn't steal the dog. I transformed into Daemon, the princess's black and white Siberian husky. But only after Daemon tried to eat me when I was a squirrel. And I was only a squirrel because Sebastian tried to tear me to shreds when I was a bird."

Like a disappointed parent, Tanwen sat back and suggested: "Honestly, why couldn't you just wait? You know that we would have been introduced to the princess at her birthday ball."

"I know, but I heard that there might be spies in the palace and I wanted to keep Princess Ariadnae safe." Balin appeared to be genuinely sorry and genuinely concerned for the princess.

"And you were going to keep her safe as a bird, a squirrel, a dog, or a cat? Seriously, you are a knight," Tanwen chided.

Ariadnae stirred, trying to sit up. Balin supported her as she shifted from being cradled in his arms. She looked at Balin and then up at Tanwen. Lowering her head she said: "You argue too much. You know that, don't you?" She paused and then added: "So, I am to believe that you have been in my room for the past month in various transformations. Including that of my pets."

"Well, I guess you could put it that way." Balin, embarrassed, turned away, whispering "I'm sorry."

"Are you sorry for sleeping in my bed?" She huffed, standing up, and crossing her arms.

"The floor was cold and hard," Balin explained.

"You could have slept on the chaise." At least that would have been the suitable thing to do, she thought. She had heard most of the conversation and felt a little sorry for Balin's predicament.

"Well, Daemon kept on growling at me. So I figured that if I slept in your bed he would leave me alone." I shouldn't have told her that. Balin began to scramble for better explanations but was interrupted before he could think of one.

"I don't permit young men in my room, let alone perfect strangers." Ariadnae felt like she had the upper hand at this moment. She was no longer afraid.

"I have to agree with Ariadnae. You shouldn't have been there at all." Tanwen interjected authoritatively.

Looking at Tanwen, she crinkled her nose and pursed her lips. "I am soaked to the bone because of you. I'm kind of mad at both of you. As I am certain that neither of you means to do me harm or eat me, I am going to finish my walk in the sun to dry off. The two of you can continue your argument without me. I am assuming that my father sent for both of you, I should think that you should be bothering him and not me." Stomping away, Ariadnae shouted: "Goodbye!"

Balin and Tanwen watched Ariadnae storm off.

"So much for first impressions." Balin blurted out.

"Yessss... We should probably let the King and Queen know we are here."

"And probably tell them what we have done," Balin added in agreement.

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Ariadnae stepped out into the open field. The air moved warmly across her face and arms. Lavender and apple blossoms filled the air with renewing and soothing fragrances. Her bare feet felt the cool soft grass, and the breeze rippled the tall green and yellow blades.

Ariadnae stood silently, breathing softly and enjoying the surroundings. There was something wrong with this field. And only her subconscious recognized that this field did not exist beyond the orchard path. However, the peacefulness and serenity of this place calmed her senses and she knew she was where she should be.

Still very wet and overcome with exhaustion, Ariadnae lay down facing upward and watched the cotton-like clouds sail by. This place soothed every part of her being. The gentle breeze flowing through the grass ebbed and flowed rhythmically in time with her steady breathing. The sun warmed her from the inside out and the flow of its energy filled her at the core and then over-flowed and spread through her body leaving her fingers and toes. She felt revitalized and full of power. She felt peace. She was content. Nothing could be better than this moment. This must be heaven... the last thought before she drifted off to sleep.

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"Your Majesty, the ambassadors you have been expecting are waiting in the Grand Hall."

"Thank you, Sir Tegyr. Will you please accompany me?"

Leaving his chambers, King Sargon and Sir Tegyr quickly strode down the hallway to the Grand Hall. They did not speak. As they reached the doors of the Grand Hall, the guards opened the doors. After passing through the threshold, the doors were closed and bolted from the inside by another pair of guards.

Prince Balin stepped out from behind one of the marble columns, extending his arm in greeting. The King clasped Balin's arm and then drew him in close with his other arm embracing him. "How have you been my old friend?"

"That is the second time I have been addressed as someone's old friend. Do I look old to you?"

"Well, you are old." The King laughed, releasing Balin and stepping back to get another look at his old friend.

"Prince Balin, I would like you to meet Sir Tegyr. He is a trusted knight and a member of my council." Prince Balin extended his arm and it was clasped in the same manner, except for the embrace.

"Tanwen and I have come as you asked."

Looking around the Grand Hall, King Sargon asked, "And where would my much older friend be hiding?" Turning to Sir Tegyr, "You are going to like this."

Tanwen, who had rendered himself invisible, materialized, casting a shadow across the floor and over the three men below. Sir Tegyr gasped.

"I have known of dragons, but have never seen one. This is remarkable." Sir Tegyr admired the icy blue armor and the leather of Tanwen's form, noticing a white flame insignia almost hidden by his silver breastplate.

"Thank you, Sir Tegyr. I appreciate the compliment."

"Anyway, I have asked you all here so that we can discuss the upcoming ball for my daughter, Ariadnae," The King began. "Would also like to talk about introductions and how to best ease her into the realities of your existence. And, of course, the Order."

"Well, we have something to share with you," Balin began. "She has already met us. And there were some issues."

"She recovered quickly after her encounter with us. She stomped off after chiding us. She will be alright," Tanwen added.

"Well, I guess I will have some explaining to do at dinner. Not my favorite thing to do as a father." King Sargon smiled. Beckoning the others to follow, the King sat down at the head of the council table, resting his large hands in front of him. His ring glistened in the torchlight, revealing a white flame nestled and gleaming from within the sapphire. Balin and Tegyr took their seats on either side of the King. Tanwen took his place, opposite King Sargon, folding his knees under his body like a cat and sweeping his wings onto his back. And they began discussing the upcoming events of Ariadnae's sixteenth birthday.

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Ariadnae opened her eyes to the sounds of locust chirping and the cool dampness of dusk. Her skin was already moist from the tiny droplets of dew that covered the ground and surrounding foliage. A chill from the ground beneath her seeped slowly through her clothes and into her back. Conflicting with the cool sensation was a warmth that radiated from the top of her head. Lazily she reached up and found Sebastian curled around her head. She smiled to herself realizing that he must have found her while she napped that afternoon, under the warm and drying sun. Ariadnae gazed up at the sky, still flat on her back, and witnessed the dawning of the night sky. Each new star, like pinpricks through paper added light and beauty to the night. As she watched the night sky, she thought she saw a large bird circling above her. It seemed to glide and then gently push up with a few strokes of its wings. It was too big to be a hawk or an eagle. As she watched the bird dance with the stars, she soon realized that it wasn't a bird, but a dragon. She thought to herself: I guess it wasn't a dream.

Sebastian complained softly when Ariadnae sat up. Extending his paws, he stretched long, and then with feline grace, he stood arching his back. His black tail twitched rapidly before he sat facing Ariadnae. Green luminous eyes pierced the darkness, waiting and watching. The tiny black body shuddered in anticipation. Meowing impatiently he pressed his head against the palm of Ariadnae's hand that rested lightly on her right knee as she sat legs crossed before her. She reached over to caress his soft black fur and he began to purr.

The landscape of night filled with dark shapes and shadows revealed nothing. Ariadnae felt alone with the exception of Sebastian - she sensed no other presence. No human or animal sound. The night orchestra was all that indicated there was life awake and active. Sebastian's continuous purr comingled with the locust evening song.

There was no moon to light the sky or to reveal an opening in the trees to a path that would take her home. She stood, turning slowly to see if there was anything to hint which way she should go.

A breeze traveled through the open field; the grass bowing low and the leaves in the trees fluttered and shook. The rustling leaves mimicked a distant ocean crashing upon uninhabited sandy shores. The ebb and flow of the breeze added a new dimension and rhythm to the night symphony.

Underneath the sounds of the night, a low melancholy note rose up from the earth. It began deep and full; bursting to the surface this single tone rang through the night. Softly, intermittent chimes joined in. A melody began to form out of the sounds. Invisible hands strummed and plucked at unseen harp strings. A voice uttered indistinguishable words; the message unclear to her mind was painfully acknowledged by her heart.

Ariadnae, frozen in the place where she stood, felt the music sweep over her like a warm bath. The subliminal harmony pulled at her, urging her to follow it through the darkness of the night. The tiny whisperings of sweet music continued to speak to her. The stars as entranced as Ariadnae, burned more brightly and they danced to the rhythm of the song. Ariadnae slowly made her way across the field and the music grew louder with each silent step.

Ariadnae moved swiftly through the tall grass; Sebastian following in her wake. She didn't notice the thickening of the foliage as she pressed forward. Low lying shrubs grabbed and tugged at her skirts, tearing and ripping the fine cloth. Branches snapped and popped in protest as she continued to follow the music.

Shrubs turned to trees that grew steadily taller and thicker. If she had not been so drawn to the music, she would have grown frustrated with the denseness of the trees. Still pressing forward, she could see fractures of light bursting between the massive trunks like candlelight shining from the welcoming windows of a house at night.

Ariadnae soon stepped out into a small clearing lit up by a bonfire so bright it was as if it were day. The music was building low and deep from the earth, rising high and bursting with chimes and harps, ringing through the clear open night sky.

Ariadnae slowly moved forward and around the blazing fire. There, on the other side, was a small personage singing and playing the harp. There were no distinguishable features. The face seemed to change from a young female child to an angry old man, and then back to a youthful man-child, to a fairy-like creature. Sometimes the skin was fair and smooth. Other times it was weathered and tan. The continuous change of this sublime creature was intriguing and terrifying.

Ariadnae sat down on a feather cushion that appeared to be for her. Once she was settled, she looked upon this beautiful creature that had finished its song. The image before her had submitted to an appearance pleasing to her.

Kind green eyes gazed back. Ariadnae imagined touching the smooth translucent skin. Beneath the surface, colors seem to move freely like water flowing and rippling in a pond. The long flowing golden hair flickered like tiny flames.

Ariadnae watched the crimson lips of this creature as she began to speak: "I am Time. I am Eternal," she began. "There is nothing in the past, the future, or the present I do not see. I know each soul's path and purpose. I am the Keeper of Mysteries and Treasures. I am Life and Death. I am Joy and Sorrow. I am Pleasure and Pain."

Ariadnae gazed upon her companion, as she continued, "I am Light. I am Darkness. I am Hunger and Thirst. I am Water and Earth."

Hesitating, Ariadnae asked, "Why am I here?"

"What do you seek?" the creature returned.

"I seek nothing."

"What do you desire?"

"I want to go home."

"There is something more." The creature began to change. The color of her skin became more solid and fleshy. Her hair burned a brilliant red.

"You would not have heard my call if you weren't ready."

"I don't know what you mean," Ariadnae's voice began to quiver. "I fell asleep in the meadow and awoke at dusk. I could not see the path to go home when I heard your song."

"My song only those whose heart is ready." The creature's features softened, turning a pale shade of pink. Green eyes fixed on Ariadnae's brilliant blue eyes, wide with wonder.

"I want to go home. I don't know how to get there. Can you tell me which way to go?"

"Your path is a long and treacherous one."

"It cannot be. I just walked this way this morning."

"Your home is found after many journeys... This path is long and will be met with many trials."

"I don't understand!" Ariadnae's frustration drawn across her face. She sat staring into the fire. The creature continued to speak in riddles. The sing-song voice and the blazing fire were hypnotizing, and she felt her body sink deep into the earth. She felt heavy and weighted down. She was trapped in this place but did not feel the urgency to leave.

The low melancholy notes began deep below her, rising and swelling. Flutes and horns rang through the trees spiraling upward toward the stars. Harp strings resumed their previous melody and the words that dripped like molasses from the creature's lips pierced Ariadnae's heart.

She began to understand that beauty and peace could not be met without experiencing pain and turmoil. Life could not begin without death. Love and hatred are equal partners. It did not seem fair that all that was worth having would come with an incredible price.

As her young mind began to realize what others learn after a lifetime of experiences, the deep pit of pain in her heart began to feel like a tremendous hole. She felt empty and forsaken. The usually peaceful blue eyes turned yellow-green as salty tears streamed down her cheeks dropping and splattering on her skirt. If a heart could break she was certain that hers would break now.

The song of this immortal creature rang through the night. All things immortal knew its meaning. All of nature respected the turn and lived by its eternal laws.

Filled with sorrow and despair, Ariadnae sobbed. Her body trembling and shaking uncontrollably. She longed for comfort. The creature offered no strength or an arm to hold on to. The song was all it could offer. Ariadnae folded upon herself, falling to her side, sobbing until exhaustion. No strength to rise up. The stars gazed down on her broken body that finally slipped into unconsciousness.

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"Ariadnae."

"Ariadnae."

"Ariadnae."

The voices continued to call out. The search party continued to call out her name. Prince Balin summoned the wood elves for assistance and Tanwen searched from above.

"Ariadnae."

In the clearing, the body of Ariadnae lay very still. Upon hearing the voices in the distance, Sebastian opened his eyes and meowed. He stretched and then sat next to Ariadnae. His ears perked. Once more, her name was called and Sebastian leaned into her face and then pushed his head into her cheek. Ariadnae moved a little, inviting Sebastian to attempt to wake her. Ariadnae shifted, turning towards him, and then she opened her eyes. Sebastian began to purr.

"Ariadnae."

Ariadnae sat up and looked around, listening for her name again.

"Ariadnae."

Weakly she answered, "I'm here."

Then a swooping shadow darkened the clearing. Sebastian and Ariadnae both looked up. As Tanwen came down, she slumped back to the ground. Tanwen gently curled his talons around her frame before springing into the air. Sebastian lept up grasping the scaley tail. All three in the air, flying towards the palace.

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"The fever has passed," Gaius directed toward the Queen. "She needs to rest, her body is exhausted. She is as strong as iron,k and this fiery furnace she has passed through will make for a fine sword."

"Thank you," Queen Mira replied softly; looking at her eldest child. Sargon stood beside his wife with his hand on her shoulder. His reassurance, along with the words of the physician was all she needed to keep hope for the life of her firstborn.

"She looks so peaceful," the Queen tried to reassure herself. Gazing at her daughter she noticed a tiny smile move across Ariadnae's lips.

"We should send word to the family that she has passed through the worst," Sargon stated. "Would you like me to take care of this?"

"Yes. I will gather the children and settle them for the night." Mira stood, wrapping her fingers around her daughter's hand, slightly squeezing to let her daughter know that all is well.

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The bright sunbeams thrust through the dense boughs of ancient trees. The light reflected off the leaves. The constant breeze rustled the leaves - green sequins against a brown canvas. Ariadnae gazed at the clear blue sky. Birds were chirping; bees were humming as they danced from one flower to the next.

Ariadnae sat up quickly hoping to confront the creature. There was no sign of her or the blazing bonfire that had been there the night before. The only reminder or evidence of last night was the pang in her heart. Why she felt such loss; she did not know. A burden that seemed to have no purpose.

Standing up slowly, she walked to the edge of the clearing and walked the edge until she found an opening that would lead out and through the trees. The ground was worn where there had been foot traffic. Using her hands and arms - extending them in front - she pushed branches and foliage away from her as she walked forward.

She continued in this fashion for about fifty paces and then felt the cool smooth surface of a flagstone. She looked down and could see that another was placed just above the first. Still looking down, she moved from one stone to the next until the plant life diminished on either side. Before her, a staircase made from smooth river stones led up a small hill through the trees. Still moving carefully and deliberately she made her way to the top.

She found herself standing on the edge of a large stone jutting out from the face of a mountain. From this viewpoint, she could see a vast desert. The sands glistened. like golden diamonds; the sunlight bouncing off; blinding Ariadnae. As her eyes adjusted, she was able to see a trail leading off this precipice.

The trail was dry and dusty. Thistles and nettles grew from cracks and crags along the way. The descent was easy and each step seemed to be easier as she neared the valley floor. Each step brought the sound of moving water closer and closer and the air became cool. The last few steps of her descent were refreshing and cool. A freshwater spring bubbling up from the base of the mountain caught Arwen's attention. She was glad. She was covered with dust and dirt. Her feet were cracked from walking barefoot for so long. If she had a mirror she would have shrunk from the tear-stained image. She was glad that she did not have a mirror.

She washed her face and wet her hair. This refreshing moment temporarily camouflaged the situation she was in. When she felt that she was as clean as she could get she turned back to the mountain; looking up at the stone jetty- mouth wide open...

"Oh my!" she exclaimed. The cliff from which she descended was much higher than she thought. The trail, visible, was narrow and steep - any misstep would have been fatal.

"Oh my," she whispered. "How did I get here?"

"I can not go back the way I came. It is far too dangerous."

Ariadnae turned toward the desert. Across the sandy expanse, she could see another mountain. She could make out a snake-like ribbon etched on its side and realized it was a road. The distance seemed reasonable. She was certain she could make it to the other side in a day. She turned back to the mountain - contemplating one last time. Hesitantly, she turned back to the desert.

The warm sand rose up between her toes as her feet sunk slowly into the warm, ever-moving floor of this valley. Each step met resistance as she moved forward. The desert seemed to expand as she continued to walk. The distance between her and the mountain behind her never grew. She felt like she was walking in place. The path before her seemed to grow longer. The only change that seemed to occur was the surface she walked upon.

The sand became hot and felt like shards of broken glass pressing against the soles of her feet. The blazing heat of the sun beating down on the sand played tricks on her. Mirages sprung up in various directions as she continued her journey. Once she thought she saw a small child running towards her, she blinked and the image was gone.

The ground would slither across her path, or was it a snake? She could not tell. Red ants marched from their anthills to some unknown destination. Sand beetles, scorpions, and lizards scurried about. An occasional screech from a hawk would echo through the still and otherwise soundless scenery. Looking for the hawk, Ariadnae looked up to see dragons playfully swooping and soaring. So many different colors. The light of the sun played off the scales, making them look like gems and precious stones.

The burning sand made her feet itch with pins and needles. She continued to endure the discomfort - hoping that this part of her journey would be over soon. The painful tingling began to spread through her body. She felt the pricing in her fingertips and hands - moving to her face and scalp.

The pain intensifying with each step.

"STOP!" She screamed, "it burns!"

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Mira ran down the hall. Her footfalls echoed on the stone floor. When she arrived at the doorway of Ariadnae's room she met the worried gaze of Gaius. Mira gasped when she noticed her daughter's blazing red cheeks and parched crimson lips. Her daughter no longer lay peacefully as she had the night before. Writhing in obvious pain, she appeared to be struggling to breathe.

"Mira, we need to bring her body temperature down," the physician stated calmly with a slight sense of urgency. "We need water and cold compresses."

"I will send Beth to help and will return shortly," Mira's voice cracked. Retreating from her daughter's room; turning out into the dimly lit hallway. Tears streamed down her face; overwhelmed with concern and despair. Her body began to quake and she could feel her knees growing weak - about to collapse.

Sargon's muscular arms wrapped around his wife's shaking body. He did not speak. He just held her close. Mira turned to face her beloved King and buried her face in his chest, sobbing. Sargon drew his hands up her back to cradle her head. The tender touch soothed her, and the convulsive breathing slowed to long, slow, labored exhales and shallow inhales.

"Sargon," Mira whispered. "I am so afraid we will lose her. I feel helpless. I don't know what to do."

"Mira, my love, Ariadnae is strong and she will pass through this storm."

"I'm afraid."

"I know."

Sargon and Mira stood silently in the hall wrapped in each other's arms. Both hoping and praying for the life of her daughter.

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Enveloped in a white flame, Ariadnae collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. Her skin was itching and burning - an added torment to her despair born the night before. She could feel the darkness closing in, even though the sun shone brightly above. Pain. Anguish. Loss. Emptiness - words to describe her existence. No hope. No future. No life. Her emotions and state of mind continued to spiral deeper and deeper into the deepest darkest pits of despair. Tormented, she began to give in to the darkness. No desire to fight and free herself.

"Ariadnae, get up." A voice echoed in her mind. Completely drained physically and mentally, she ignored the plea.

"Ariadnae, get up!" More urgency in these words. Annoyed, she only stirred - mentally shrugging off the voice - hoping that it would go away.

"Ariadnae!"

Ariadnae, face down, raised herself up on her hands. Eyes clenched shut.

"Ariadnae, you must get up," the voice rang through her mind. Having no desire to obey, she found strength in the depths of her soul. She stood, trembling with her eyes closed tight.

"Ariadnae, you must continue," the voice softer than before, "this is not the end." Ariadnae opened her tear-brimmed eyes, the sun reflecting off the white sands. She slowly stepped forward - eyes fixed on the goal - the mountain just ahead, beyond the fiery desert.

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