Shiloh watched as Braum herded Erik and Miranda into the stables, wondering what in the hell was going on now. When were they going to get any training done? Looking over at Sampson, she strolled over to him, leaving the training arena and patting his head.

"Well, I guess we should just wait, Sampson. Who knows how long they will be and with Braum, it's anyone's guess."

Sampson gave a whine, shoving his nose into her hand.

Miranda galloped through the slim opening the guards made with the large gates, only to hear hoofbeats behind her. Turning, she saw two guards following her and stopped her mount, her look questioning.

"Commander Kryton ordered us to come with you, Lady Miranda, to keep watch while you gather the healing herbs you need."

Sighing, but realizing that Kryton had been right in sending them, she nodded to them before heading away from the compound, but being sure that she stayed within sight of the tower guards.

She saw a grove of trees and underneath those trees was an her called nightshade that she needed. This herb was mainly used for sedation, but had to be used very carefully as too much would cause death. Dismounting, she told the two guards where she was going and why. They dismounted as well, keeping watch as Miranda walked into the thick grove of trees to collect the nightshade. Once she began digging up the herb, her thoughts strayed to what Braum had told her, trying to sort it all out which is why she felt the need to collect her herbs to begin with.

*************

Serena couldn't believe her luck when she saw Miranda and two guards leave the compound. It seemed that the Dark God was looking favorably upon her today. She quickly gave Gnash his orders to remain close to her, yet hidden and quiet, along with his fellow Lizonians. She then stared into the mare's eyes that she had stolen and taking a hold of her mind, sent her to the far end of the grove of trees, with her following close behind, yet staying hidden in the thick brush.

Once there, the mare whinnied, catching Miranda's attention as she sounded like Satin, her own mount that had been killed not long ago. Looking around, she made sure that it wasn't the dapple gray she'd heard before going back to the arduous task of digging up the nightshade. The mare whinnied again and this time, stepped into the grove of trees where Miranda would be able to see her. With Serena's spell, the mare looked identical to Satin.

Mirana couldn't believe her eyes and she didn't. She knew that Satin was dead and so, this was a trap. Drawing her sword, she looked around, looking for anything out of the ordinary, but the only thing out of place was the mare who looked like Satin.

She hollered to the guards who quickly came to her side.

"Something is not right. That horse should not be here nor should she look like she does. I have what I need of the nightshade. I can always return to collect the rest, but we should head back to the compound."

As the three backed up, two facing the trees, and one facing where they'd left their horses, they began to make their way back to their mounts when Gnash and his men attacked. The guards fought well and one was able to get to his mount before a bolt lodged itself into his back. He was able to make it within yards of the tower guards sounding the alarm.

The tower guards had already seen the attack begin and were sounding the alarm as Miranda and the guard fought the remaining seven Lizonians, including Gnash. Three of the lizard men were already on the ground dead.

Serena swept in, feeling the wall of protection that Braum had put around Miranda and her green eyes blazed with fury as she launched all of her energy into smashing through the spell.

Miranda could feel something battering at the defense Braum had put around her and it almost knocked her to her knees. Calling on what little she knew about protective blocks, she began to build onto what Braum had already put around her, trying to enforce it, but this took concentration away from the battle at hand as she felt a blade slice through her thigh, bringing a cry from her lips as she turned and took the Lizonian's head with one swing of her sword. She saw that the guard was fighting valiantly, but he too, was outnumbered.

That was when she saw Shiloh and other guards coming as well as two riders. Shiloh knew that Erik would probably skin her alive for coming out here, but she couldn't just stay and do nothing when she saw the red headed Lizonian and the witch, Serena. Feeling a sense of relief, Miranda turned to defend herself once more, blood streaming down her leg, yet she felt little pain with the adrenalin rush. Suddenly, Gnash was there, in front of her along with Serena. The smile on the dark witch's face was enough to turn Miranda's blood cold.

Then Miranda was battling Gnash, quickly noticing that the other guards were now there and engaging what was left of the Lizonians. She matched Gnash's slashes and thrusts with her own, but she was tiring and losing blood, where he was fresh and rested. His blade made contact more than once, leaving deep gashes in her arms and sides and still she didn't go down.

Her eyes widened in wonder when she heard Serena shout something to Gnash and they both ran, disappearing in a cloud of red smoke. Once the smoke cleared, they were simply gone.

Miranda leaned on her sword, feeling the loss of blood when Shiloh was at her side. She too, had cuts from Lizonian swords, but not as many as she wrapped an arm around Miranda's waist.

"Let's get you back into the compound, Miranda."

"Fine, but you keep Braum away from me, Shiloh. I don't need to be any more confused than I already am and that arrogant ass has done nothing except cause me even more confusion."

Miranda was pleased to see that the guard who had fought hard by her side was okay if not a little battered. She leaned heavily on Shiloh as she made her way to her mount.

Kryton had enough. As Shiloh, Miranda and the others came limping back into the compound, he called for four of his riders.

”JORDON! SAVASH! MALIK! KILLIAN! Call your dragons and prepare for a lengthy patrol. My office now to get the details.”

As Kryton stormed across the compound he caught sight of Braum and yelled at him as well.

”BRAUM! You can join them!

Erik still held onto the velvet pouch Braum had given him earlier. The words the man spoke still stung Erik but perhaps there was some truth to what the man said. He wanted to be as good if not better than his father and that was some pretty big boots to fill. In order to do that, he would HAVE to learn from an old schooler like Braum. It was the only way.

Giving Shiloh a glance making sure she wasn’t hurt too badly, he quickly fell in step with his other riders and proceeded to Kryton’s office. It was almost an hour later when they all emerged from Kryton’s office. As Erik walked towards the dorms, he kept looking for Shiloh. When he didn’t see her right away he grew worried. Finally, when he entered his room he heard her in her room and breathed a sigh of relief.

Walking over to the doorway that separated them, he knocked on the door and peeked in to see her with her back to him and sliding a new shirt onto her body. Knowing he should divert his gaze, he found he simply couldn’t. Just as she was turning around, pulling the shirt into place, he swallowed hard. Every impulse within him screamed at him to move but he forced himself to stay rooted to the spot and not invade her privacy, even though he could have easily done just that.

”I…..have to go for a while, Shi. Not sure how long I’ll be gone. Promise me you’ll stay in the protected walls of the compound. I’ll go out of my mind if you can’t promise me that.”

Shiloh looked at Erik, seeing the worry on his face.

"I am your aide, Erik, which means I go with you to give you protection on the ground. RainStorm is already saddled and ready to go."

She straps her sword back on and grabs her crossbow.

"I've already had my armor made for me. The smithy has been working on it since before my da died. So, I'm going."

She walked over to him, laying her hand on the side of his face, her eyes full of love for him.

"I know you worry about me, but it is no different for me when you are out there. We are now a team and as a team we work together."

She leaned up and kissed him full on the mouth.

"My place, right now, is with you as your aide. We need to find this Serena and her red-headed Lizonian before she attacks again."

Giving him another kiss, she then turns and walks out of the dorm, heading to the stables where RainStorm is already saddled and waiting. The smithy is there as well with her armor, where another aide helps her put it on over her clothing. It is similar to Erik's armor, except that Shiloh's weighed less and was easier to move around in.

Kryton then came out of his office and upon seeing Shiloh and Erik's enraged face, he knows that his daughter once again showing her mother's stubborness, but this is one time when she cannot go.

"Aide Shiloh, you are to remain here inside the compound. That is an order. None of the aides will be accompining their riders on this patrol. So, stand down and remove your armor."

Looking over at Kryton, Shiloh was confused and ready to argue with him when Erik approached her.

"Please, Shiloh. Do this for me. Stay here this time and let us do our jobs. If you're out there, I will be distracted with worry over you. Please, stay here."

He spoke low enough that she was the only one who could hear him. She nodded her head, then grabbed his hand and led him into the stable walking all the way the end stall where she pulled him into it with her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled his lips down to hers and kissed him long and deep. Breaking off the kiss, she stepped back, her eyes shining with tears.

"You return to me, Erik. You hear me. Just return to me safe and sound. I love you, Erik."

With that, she walked out of the stable, mounting on RainStorm and headed to the training area to become used to wearing her armor. When she looked back at Erik mounting onto Mina, she watched as he left with the others, whether or not to follow somehow or stay behind warring inside of her.

Miranda is rushed into the infirmary, the healer shaking his head at her, tsking as he flits around, barking orders to the aide's of the healers to care for the injured guards who have been brought in as well.

"You just don't when to quit, do you young lady? You just recovered from your other wounds, and now you are brought back here injured again. When are you going to realize that you should leave the fighting to the riders and as a woman, you should remain where it is safe. I don't know about you young women these days, thinking that you are as good as the men."

Before he could finish, Miranda's green eyes glared at him as she got up off of the cot, grabbed some medical supplies from a rolling table and headed for the door. When the healer began to sputter and order her back to the cot, Miranda turned her fury onto him as Braum was entering the infirmary.

"YOU.....YOU....IMBECILE!!!! HOW DARE YOU LECTURE ME AS TO HOW A WOMAN SHOULD REMAIN WHERE IT IS SAFE!! I will treat my own wounds you quack, so shut your trap and leave me be."

Upon saying this, she limps out of the infirmary, glaring at Braum on her way to her room in the visitor's dorm, her face pale from loss of blood.

Braum glanced at Kryton as he told him to join Joredin, Ordon, Savash, Malik and Killian and gave him a nod. He then whistled and Temeraire circled the compound, hovered a settled slowly to the ground. She touched Braum's mind "I am pleased we will once again fly together Braum. It has been too many days that we have languished here. My tounge longs for the taste of Lizonian meat."

Braum touched Temeraire's mind "You are right my dear one, we have squandered our time here far too long. It has cost us dearly. It is time we taught these youngsters what it means to be a RIDER and his Dragon." Braum then grabed his lance and up stepped on Temeraires fore leg, climbing into the saddle in the hollw of her neck. He strapped his legs into the stirrupts and said to the young riders " Pair up, Erick your with me. ......... WE FLY!"

Temeraire then took three steps, leaped into the air, circled the encampment once and flew out over the forest. The other Riders took to the air and in pairs flew off on their patrols. Erick amd Mina formed up just to the right and slightly below Temeraire's left wingtip.

Miranda had healed well over the following several days since Braum, Erik and other riders had left to try and find the witch and her red lizonians. Kryton had yet to give her an answer and she was growing impatient. Finally, she headed towards his office on the 10th day since the riders had left and had every intention of demanding an answer when she heard the commotion from the gate. Heading over that way, she heard one of the guards shout to get Kryton.

"What is going on?! What is all of the commotion?"

"That fool girl, Shiloh. She convinced the new guard, Thomas, that she had Kryton's permission to leave the compound and hunt for extra meat. Her, her horse and the dog took off as soon as they got beyond the gates. She's one in search of Erik, I would imagine."

Miranda shook her head. Of all the fool things to do now. But, young love was strong and foolish at the same time and Shiloh was very stubborn and strong willed. Damn!!

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, SHE'S OUTSIDE THE GATES!!! WHO IN THE HELL ALLOWED HER TO LEAVE!!! THOMAS!!!! GET TO YOUR ROOMS AND DON'T LEAVE THEM!! NOW!!!"

Miranda hadn't been here long enough to know Kryton very well, but she could tell that for him to come unglued like this was out of the ordinary, from the looks on the men's faces. There was more here than meets the eye, but that was for later. Right now, Shiloh had to be found and brought back, but how and before Erik found out that she'd left the safety of the compound. There would be hell to pay for sure then.

"Commander!! Commander Kryton!! Wait!! I will go. You can't spare any more men or aids for that matter. Give me a mount and something to cover my hair. I will bring her back and then you can give me your answer to the question I put before you days ago."

After a lengthy discussion and argument, Kryton finally relented.

"Fine, but don't let that witch locate you and I'm sending 3 guards with you although they will be dressed like simple men with chainmail underneath their clothing for protection. Bring her back, Miranda, before the riders return."

Miranda went to the stables and chose a dark brown gelding with a white blaze down his face named Jax. Making sure she had dried meats and a full water bladder, she saddled Jax and led him out of the stables, her red hair piled up under a rider's leather hat. Seeing three guards ride up next to her, introductions were made and she met Anthony, Simon, and Jake, all of whom looked like every day men except for the chainmail hidden underneath their clothing and the swords strapped to the sides of their saddles.

The group said nothing as they rode out of the compound to track down the willful Shiloh before Erik returned to find the she'd gone searching for him or a Lizoninan found her.

~When I do find her, I'm going to blister the girl's ass with the broadside of my blade. She may be older than me by a few years, but she is definately not wiser.~

The group headed off in the direction the riders and Shiloh had gone in.

Shiloh knew that when she returned to the compound, she would be in for a world of hurt from Kryton and Erik, but she was tired of arguing with Kryton over sending a search party for Erik, Braum and the others. She had been making plans for the last two days to leave the compound and her break had come with the new guard Thomas. He was young and eager to please. It hadn't been hard to convince him that they needed more meat to feed everyone and that she would take Sampson with her as well as being fully armed and dressed in her new armor.

She had headed in the direction she'd seen Erik and Braum fly off in and kept her eyes and ears open for Lizonians. Sampson was ever watchful as well.

She knew she shouldn't have left, but she didn't feel like she had a choice. They'd been gone too long and she'd become worried....more and more each day until she had to do something. So she decided to go search for them herself.

Serena had been keeping watch on the compound for days now, having hidden when she saw the riders take off. She'd sent some of her Lizonians on ahead to lead the riders in a merry chase, more than willing to sacrifice them for the sake of evil as she, Gnash, and 5 other red Lizonians back-tracked back to the compound. It was a brilliant plan, especially when she saw the girl, Shiloh, leave and head in the direction of the riders.

"Gnash, have Souse and Seamus follow the girl and her animals and keep her busy."

Then she saw 4 more riders leave the compound, chasing after the girl. She had no idea that one of the riders was Miranda.

"Gnash, send Baxim and Pax with Souse and Seamus to follow the the riders. Between the four of them, they can keep all of them busy, and maybe even get a bite to eat while they are at it. You and I need to stay here and watch the compound. I need Miranda in order for my plan to work."

Gnash nodded his head at his mistress, "Assss you wisssshhhh, missssstressss."

He gave the other red Lizonians their orders and they headed off after the 4 riders and Shiloh, licking their almost non-existence lips in anticipation of fresh meat. Serena and Gnash settled down to watch the compound, waiting for a weakness to present itself.



Miranda was going to skin the girl alive when she caught up with her. Her and the 3 guards were riding hard and fast to catch up with Shiloh and had to slow down every so often so as not to overtax their mounts. Her green eyes were bright with anger and watchfull for anything out of the ordinary as were the 3 men. With the Lizonians attacks having become more frequent, this was the worst possible time for Shiloh to decide to become the worried little woman. Hopefully, if they didn't catch up to her by nightfall, Shiloh would at least have enough sense to hole up in a nearby village and not a cave.



Shiloh had finally slowed RainStorm down to conserve his strength and stamina as Sampson gave a whine, letting her know that he was hungry and thirsty. Smiling down at him, she headed for a nearby stream that she'd heard earlier. They'd been travelling for approxiamately 4 hours and all of them were thirsty, hungry and becoming tired from the hard pace Shiloh had set for them.

"We can take a quick breather, Sampson, but only a quick one. I saw the plans on Kryton's desk and I know that we are heading in the right direction where Erik, Braum and the others went, but you know that Kryton will send guards after me, so we have to keep going. I won't go back until I find Erik."

Dismounting RainStorm, she rubs his neck as he drinks. Once he's finished, Shiloh then kneels down, cupping her hands she drinks the cool water, leaving the water in the water bladder for emergencies. Taking out a piece of dried jerky, she tosses a piece to Sampson as she chews on her own, before remounting RainStorm and heading on again.

How many days had passed since Erik had left the compound and Shiloh? He couldn’t remember right now. Not that it really mattered. He had his hands full. Between the skirmishes he and the others had with the Lizonian’s they found and learning from Braum, his mind was occupied with a great many other things. In particular making sure he survived this patrol to make sure he COULD return to the compound and Shiloh.

Still, as he and the others sat resting as evening fell in a make shift camp well to the west of the compound, he let his mind drift to the woman who came into his life, turned it upside down and made him remember her soft scent each time he closed his eyes.

Keeping the fire low and using it only to cook the fresh meat they had cooking, the soft amber glow barely lit up the faces around him. The dragons took turns hunting for their own food never leaving their riders unprotected. Mina and Braum;s dragon, Temeraire, were out hunting right now leaving the dragons of the other three dragons to stand watch over the exhausted riders.

The Lizonians were few and far between right now but they still hadn’t found what they were looking for. Red Headed Lizonians. They, for some reason, were very good at eluding the riders. This fact irked the riders to no end, including Erik. Not to mention the lessons Braum was giving him were adding to his fatigue. While he was grateful for the man’s teachings, he found Braum to be nothing short of a grumpy, old bastard who would just as soon yell at him and grind his confidence into the ground then say any kind word.

Erik looked around at his companions. Savash, Malik and Killian looked none the better for wear than he did. Their armor, like Erik’s, was stained with Lizonian blood from top to bottom. In fact, they joked that it would be better to get new armor than try to clean the armor they wore. Malik had taken a hard hit and was suffering form a broken arm but he refused to leave. With the help of all the others, including Braum, they were able to straighten his arm and splint it in a way he could still use it at a minimum.

Erik was beginning to think they would never find the Red Headed Lizonians. Perhaps they were centralized more to closer to the compound than out here somewhere. That thought alone brought a shudder to him. To think he was out here chasing shadows and Shiloh was back at the compound in more danger than he could ever be. Still, he had to put faith in Kryton. The man wouldn’t let his only child wind up hurt…or worse. Mina invaded Erik’s thoughts just then with her gentle voice.

~Don’t worry, Erik. Kryton is keeping a good eye on her for you.~

Erik’s eyes glowed that soft blue color they always did when he and Mina communicated.

~I know, Mina….it still doesn’t stop those bad thoughts from invading my mind from time to time.~

Mina’s eyes glowed that same, soft blue.

~I know….perhaps we will be able to make it back home soon.

Erik nodded.

~I hope so….I grow tired of searching for a ghost. Even though I know these things exist, it’s as if they have become invisible to us.~

Mina nodded as well.

~I agree….

Just then Erik blinked and looked around at the others. He spoke his previous thought over and over in his mind until he finally spoke up as he looked at the others.

”What if they’re hiding in plain sight?”

The others looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Savash furrowed his brows.

“Have you lost your marbles, Jordon? What the hell are you talking about?”

Erik shook his head then sat up more to explain what he was thinking.

”What if the reason we can’t find these red headed bastards is because they’re hiding in plain sight of us? Right under our noses and we can’t see them? How many ‘people’ in remote locations have we seen while on patrol? Don’t you think it kind of odd they were out there so far away from the nearest village or town? We just thought they were traveling from one place to the other but we never took into account they were traveling unescorted.”

Killian listened to Erik and spoke up then.

“If that were true, why couldn’t our dragons smell them? If they were Lizonian’s the dragons would have been able to pick up on their scent right away.

Erik furrowed his brow and shook his head.

”I don’t know, but somehow they’ve been able to pull the wool over our eyes. I’m telling you….those nomads are those Red bastards. I’m SURE of it. First thing in the morning, I’m going to prove it. They won’t be moving tonight as it’s too cold for them right now. But come morning when the sun is up, we’ll find them and see if I’m crazy or not.”

Malik was the only one that seemed to agree with Erik.

“I think you’re right, Erik. How else does it explain we haven’t been able to find them?”

Killian and Savash rolled their eyes and settled back again to keep warm.

“Both of you have taken one too many hits to the head.”

After a short break and quenching their thirst Shiloh, RainStorm, and Sampson moved on, heading further west, not knowing that Miranda and three guards were tracking her or that four Red Lizonians were hot on their trail. Souse and Seamus had moved on ahead, keeping Shiloh's scent in their nostrils as they moved quickly, moving ahead of Shiloh.

Night was falling and it was growing colder when Shiloh decided to stop for the night, making camp along with a small fire. She'd pushed RainStorm to his limits today and he was exhausted and deserved a good rest. After rubbing him down and feeding him, Shiloh then took care of her and Sampson. One good thing about it being chilly was that the Lizonians would not be moving as quickly. Once she'd eaten some dried meat and fed some to Sampson, she checked on RainStorm again and bedded down for the night, relying on Sampson to warn her of danger. As she lay down on her bedroll, Shiloh thought of Erik and whether or not he was okay. Was he laying somewhere injured? Was Mina injured and they were unable to return? Why hadn't they heard anything from any of them? She finally drifted off to sleep, her mind still worried about Erik.

Miranda and the three guards with her had also made camp, knowing that they were closing in on Shiloh from the looks of the trail she was leaving. Miranda's green eyes flashed fire every time she thought of the wayward girl and the danger she was putting herself and them in just to find Erik and make sure he was okay. Every time her eyes flashed, Anthony, Simon, and Jake would find other things to do to steer clear of her. They'd learned ealier that day that a red head with green eyes meant a temper of fire.

Once everything was ready and bellies had been filled, they all bedded down for the night, Miranda still seething over Shiloh and knowing that when Erik found out, he was going to be fit to tied. That thought brought her some pleasure.

*******************************

The following morning, Shiloh was up early and after taking care of herself and the animals, she saddled RainStorm and headed out again, still going west. At the same time, Miranda and the others had also risen and already headed out, resuming their search for Shiloh. They weren't far behind her and knew that they would catch up with her by that afternoon.

The Red Lizonians had also risen and were each drinking a few drops from vials Serena had given them to warm their blood quicker so that they would be able to move long before the sun's rays had warmed them. Souse and Seamus resumed their jaunt to put themselves in front of Shiloh while Baxim and Pax prepared to get rid of the three guards traveling with Miranda.

Shiloh had made it to another stream and was looking around her when Sampson let out a growl, looking at something across the water. Shiloh looked, but saw nothing. Kneeling down, she drank as RainStorm did the same, enjoying the cool water as it ran down their parched throats. She took a rag and after wetting it, she wiped the grime off of her face and neck. Still, Sampson growled deep in his throat and again, Shiloh saw nothing. Looking up, she saw a dragon and rider, but one she didn't recognize. She didn't know all of the riders and their dragons anyway, so she wasn't surprised when she didn't recognize this one. She hoped she was getting closer to where Erik and Mina were for she was growing uneasy as were RainStorm and Sampson, that was when she heard the stick breaking behind her and heard the rustling of bushes across the stream. Standing slowly, she drew her sword, moving closer to RainStorm so that she could get into her saddle quickly if needed.


Seven miles back, Miranda and the three guards were in the middle of a battle of their own. Baxim and Pax had run into what they thought were eight nomads, only to find out that they were Red Lizonians and after a quick assessment on what they were doing and who they worked for, the 'nomads' agreed to help them take out Anthony, Jake, and Simon.

Miranda, Anthony, Jake, and Simon fought valiantly but there were too many and Anthony and Jake fell first, their horses taking off in fear, running blindly. Miranda and Simon were still mounted, but for how long they didn't know. They had only taken out 4 of the 13 Red Lizonians and it was now nine to two. Not good odds.

"Miranda, you need to find Shiloh and return her to the compound. I'll hold them off for as long as I can. Just GO!!"

"I can't leave you, Simon! We stick together! Take out the two to your left and I'll take out the two at my right, creating a hole. Then we can bolt."

Simon didn't like the idea, but he did as she said, expertly moving his war horse strategically to slice into Lizonian flesh, beheading one before taking the arm of the other when he felt teeth sink into his leg from the armless one. Stabbing his sword down into the creature's head, killing him, he turned in the saddle to see how Miranda was faring.

Miranda was cut up pretty good from Lizonian claws as she had no armor, but she'd taken out her two, gave Simon a look and they both bolted through the hole they'd created, still heading west.

Baxim and Pax grinned evilly, conversing with the remaining 'nomads' convincing them to travel with them. The 'nomads' left 2 of their comrades behind to butcher the two dead guards and prepare the meat for travel and then catch up to them.

By the time Miranda had made it to where Shiloh was, she'd left Simon's body behind, the Red Lizonian's poison working quicker than the normal Lizonian's poison. She had taken the time to remove Simon's horse's bridle and sent him back to the compound, knowing that if he didn't become Lizonian food, he would find his way back to his home stables.

As the sun started to crest over the horizon, Miranda heard the sounds of battle up ahead and heard Sampson's growling and Shiloh yelling. Kicking Jax in his sides, she came onto the scene of Shiloh, Sampson, and RainStorm battling Red Lizonians. The horse and the dog were bloodied, Lizonian claws having left deep gashes in them. Shiloh's armor was covered in blood but from the bodies of the Red Lizonians lying around, it was their's. At least she hoped it was. She let out a shrill war cry, startling the beasts enough that she was able to leap off Jax's back and into the fray. That was when she noticed that some of the blood on Shiloh was her own, the Lizonians knowing where to strike....in the joints of the armor as well as her head. Shiloh did not have on her helmet and blood was streaming down into her eyes and covered the left side of her face.

"You had a party and didn't bother to invite me, Shiloh. And here I thought you liked me."

Shiloh chuckled at Miranda as they stood back to back, with Sampson and RainStorm at their sides, watching the remaining Red Lizonians.

"Yea, well...you didn't seem like the partying type, Miranda. Sun's rising again. These guys seem to warm up sooner and quicker than the others. Some of them didn't slow down at all throughout the night."

Miranda's gaze grew worried at this news, but she was more concerned with staying on her feet. None of them were in good shape and Miranda could only hope that they could survive until either help came or something drew the Lizonians away.

Shiloh was a mess and more cut up then Miranda could see. The damned lizards knew exactly to strike with their knives and claws and her armor was lighter in weight and bulk than Erik's so was not as sturdy. A couple of the dead Lizonians had figured out that if they struck with thick, heavy tree limbs then they would hurt her through the armor. Her ribs were cracked, making breathing painful and she had deep slices through the armor joints at her hips and shoulders. She was relieved when Miranda showed up, but how long they would last, she didn't know.

They didn’t have to wonder too long. Shadows obscured the growing light overhead causing the Red Lizonians to take note. Two fo them were struck down immediately with bolts through their heads before the others realized what was happening and sending them scattering into the four winds.

Two dragons and riders took off after the scattering Lizonians while a third landed nearby. Mina stood guard while Erik slid quickly from her back. There was deep concern etched on his face and the fear he felt was clearly reflected in his blue eyes.

”SHILOH! What the hell are you doing here???!!!”

Seeing the amount of blood she sported, he felt his worse fears come true and felt his knees grow weak. Glancing at Miranda, he nodded to her then looked back to Shiloh.

”Quick. You two get on Mina now. Savash and Killian will hold off the others for just a few minutes longer.”

Shiloh began to protest saying something about RainStorm and Samson when Erik pinned her to the spot she stood on with an icy glare. Speaking to her through clenched teeth, he let her know she wasn’t about to win this argument.

”Don’t argue with me, woman. Get on Mina NOW! NOW!”

As Shiloh and Miranda made their way towards Mina, Erik had his cross bow loaded and ready to fire at anything that moved. Backing up towards Mina, he made sure the two females were protected from this angle. As soon as he heard Mina’s voice telling him the two women were set, he turned and slid easily onto Mina’s back before Shiloh.

There was no time to lose. As soon as Erik was set, Mina launched into the air and circled for a few minutes. Savash and Killian came into sight then and Erik had Mina head back to the compound. As they approached, Kryton was pacing back and forth. By the time he landed he was practically screeching at Shiloh for her actions.

Erik slid off Mina’s back and helped Shiloh and Miranda from Mina’s back as well. He didn’t bother to look at Shiloh let alone say anything to her. With a tight lipped look on his face, he merely escorted both women to the infirmary for them to get medical attention for their injuries.

Once the healers came out and started working on both women, he turned on his heel, once more not saying a word to Shiloh and leaving the infirmary. As he was leaving, Kryton was on his way in looking like a mad man in the middle of a frothing rage.

”SHILOH! Have you lost you damn mind?! You actually LEFT this compound to find Erik???!!! What? Do you think he’s not a big enough boy that he can’t take care of himself?! He’s a sworn and sanctioned Dragon Rider, for Gods sake! If that didn’t convince you he could take care of himself then I don’t know what will!”

His whole body trembled with pent up anger and relief at seeing her alive. Injured but alive.

”You not only put yourself in danger, but you placed Miranda and some of my guards in danger looking for you as you went on a fools errand! This, young lady, isn’t a ride in flower covered meadows! This is life and death, in case you haven’t figured that out by now! Pull your head out of y our ass and look around you! There’s more to this life than you’re little corner of it and I’m responsible for making sure all of the people in my command, INCLUDING YOU, can keep their little corner of this messed up world!”

Kryton’s hands curled into tight fists as he tried hard to control his temper, finding it impossible to do so.

”This sort of behavior ends TODAY! Do you hear me!? TODAY! You’re confined to the infirmary until further orders!”

With that said, Kryton stormed out, making sure the door of the infirmary slammed with such force that the entire building seemed to rattle from the force of it. Storming across the compound Kryton saw Erik unsaddling Mina. As he approached he saw the look on the young man’s face.

”She’s confined to the infirmary until I say otherwise.”

Erik snorted and glared at Kryton.

”And you think that will stop her? Isn’t it obvious she is as stubborn as a mule ox and will do what ever she damn well pleases? Trying to keep her in this compound is like trying to hold the wind captive.”

Kryton nodded in agreement.

”What the hell am I supposed to do with her?”

Erik paused what he was doing and gave Kryton a pointed look. Kryton shook his head.

”That wouldn’t work, lad. She’d find a way back to you come hell or high water. Besides, she knows that vision of hers is gospel. Can’t fight fate.”

Erik looked down, sighed heavily and shook his head as he ran his hand through his dirty, matted hair.

”So we take the risk of her doing something like this again?”

Kryton shook his head.

”Nope. From now on, you make sure she is within spitting distance of you each and every time you leave this place.”

Erik snapped his head up and glared at Kryton, who glared right back.

”That glare may work on others, lad, but it ain’t gonna work on me. There’s no other way around it.”

Erik continued to glare.

”So we’re rewarding her bad behavior. Pardon me if I see any benefit to that what so ever.”

Kryton actually smiled then.

”You think yo’re the best person to be around when that temper of your’s is finally set free?”

Kryton let out a hardy chuckle then and gently slapped Erik’s cheek.

”My boy…..you have no idea just how scary that thought makes ME.”

Kryton walked off then leaving Erik to his own thoughts. Glancing over at the infirmary, Erik furrowed his brows then uttered a curse and kicked the ground sending pebbles and dirt flying. It was going to be quite interesting the next few days around here.

By the time Kryton got done with Shiloh she was barely holding it together. Erik hadn't spoken to her since he'd gotten her and Miranda back to the compound and knowing that SHE was responsible for the death of three guards weighed heavily on her. Once Kryton left, she heard some of the healers commenting on his behavior, saying something about there must be something between the him and Shiloh in order for him to react like that....for he'd never come so unglued before over an aid's antics. That was when Miranda turned her own glare onto her, her green eyes flashing.

"I should knock the shit out of you, girl. You and you alone are responsible for the deaths of three guards. From what I've seen and heard, you've been nothing but trouble for Erik and Kryton since you arrived. You had better get your ass in gear before you cost someone else, maybe Erik, their life."

Miranda laid back down, allowing the healers to continue their work. Her voice had been low, but there was a vicious undertone to it and one that got Shiloh's attention.

Shiloh's eyes were shining with unshed tears and when the healer's came to her to give her something for the pain before they stitched up a couple of her wounds and wrapped her ribs, she refused it. When they tried again, she slapped the vial out of their hands and it shattered on the floor.

"I said no. Just do what you need to do and then get away from me."

An hour later, pale and shaking, Shiloh was wrapped and stitched. Miranda was sleeping from the sedative the healers had given her, but Shiloh was wide awake. As the healer's went to check on other patients, Shiloh rose from the bed and made her way to the rear of the building where she slipped out the back. She headed for the stable to see if RainStorm or Sampson were there. She spotted Erik still standing with Mina, looking as pissed as she'd ever seen him and knew that she was to blame. Just as she was to blame for the deaths of three men. She quickly slipped into the stable and was relieved to see RainStorm in his stable and Sampson laying on a soft bundle of hay outside his stable door. Once she reached them both, she hugged Sampson tight enough to cause him to whimper in protest as well as her own ribs. Standing, she opened the stable door and went inside, Sampson following. Stroking RainStorm's neck, she let the tears fall silently. Never had she been so confused before, felt so alone, and like a total and complete failure. She remembered watching her mother sink into a dark hole once after fellow aids had been killed. She hadn't understood until now, just what her mother was feeling.

"We will leave soon, RainStorm. I got three men killed and for what? Just because I was worried about Erik. Kryton was right. I should have trusted the fact that Erik can take care of himself. I have lost all sense since meeting Erik and it needs to end."

"Well..well. I thought you were confined to the infirmary, Shiloh? And here you are, once again disobeying orders."

Shiloh turned and saw five fellow aids standing in the stables, glaring at her. One of them was Roxy...an aid who had given her trouble before.

You know, I finally got to be with Killian out in the open and you go and do the most stupidest thing yet. You are not going to screw this up for the rest of us with you idiotic antics."

Sampson began to growl then whined when Shiloh stepped out of RainStorm's stall and quickly closed the door, latched it, locking Sampson inside. Shiloh could feel what was coming and didn't want Sampson caught in the middle.

"Yea, I know Roxy. I messed up big this time.....you don't have to tell me twice."

"Apparantly I do, Shi. You see...we all like the fact that we can be with the riders of our choice out in the open now and we are not going to let you mess it up. So, the way we see it...vision or not...it's time for you to leave. Besides, we saw Erik's reaction when he brought you back. He can't even look at you. He probably sees his three friends lying dead somewhere everytime he looks at you."

Shiloh knew that Roxy was probably right on both accounts. That this was what Erik saw when he looked at her and that she should leave. Before she knew what was going on, the five women had her backed into an empty stall and Roxy, who was bigger than Shiloh had her pinned to the wall, her arm at her throat, cutting off her air and pressing against her cracked ribs.

Be gone by tomorrow afternoon, Shiloh, or we'll make you wish you'd never come here. Go back to whatever little village you came from. You are a disgrace to all aids, especially your own mother."

Roxy didn't think about the fact that Shiloh wouldn't be able to get out of the compound any time soon, but to be quite honest, she wouldn't have cared anyway.

Roxy's last comment hit home with Shiloh and the pain showed in her gray eyes before she lowered them. As the five left her there, she sank to the floor.

~Why wait? I should leave now, only I can't get out of here.~

She rose a little while later, her ribs making it hard to breath, and let Sampson out of the stall, told RainStorm good-bye and gave Sampson a pat on the head. She walked out the front of the stables, knowing that Erik would see her, but no longer caring. She ignored him and made her way back to the infirmary, her head bowed, shoulders slumped. As she went inside, the head healer was waiting for her.

"Do you care for noone but yourself, young lady?! Kryton will have my head if he finds out that you left the infirmary!! Are that selfish?!"

Shiloh said nothing to him, instead, she headed straight to her bed, laid down and even though it was painful to her ribs, she lay on her side, curled up and stared at the wall. She would take whatever punishment Kryton and Erik would dish out for she knew it was what she deserved. And as she wouldn't be gone by tomorrow afternoon, she would take whatever Roxy and the others would dish out as well. When she sensed Erik coming in and standing next to her bed she didn't move. Roxy's words were playing over and over in her head. She was tired of feeling so out of control with her emotions where Erik was concerned and was working on closing herself off to everyone. She would train...she would learn...she would no longer allow her emotions to override her common sense.