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Blood and Ice Ch. 01

By: shadow_raider



Chapter One: The Beginning 

It was an age of war; we had been battling our enemies for as long as either side can remember. The war of blood as it had been named, had claimed the lives of many brave warriors on both sides. No one truly knows how or what started the war, but in the midst of all the fighting, Lucifer our clan leader,and his wife Melissa, were able to have a child. When our enemies heard of the birth, they launched an attack on the castle. Lucifer and most of his councilmen were captured and imprisoned. Melissa managed to get the child to safety, although she was never seen or heard from again. The days of honour and glory were now scattered to the four winds. All of our hopes now rested on a child that was now being raised by a couple in a small village. Only time would tell if the child will save us all. 

Unlike most of my classmates, I stuck out. I was, by far, the tallest girl of my age in the school. My long black hair, reaching just below my waist, my cheek bones we're unusually high, I was pale as a ghost, and I was extremely thin. No matter what I did I just couldn't put on weight. The doctors couldn't explain it. It just wasn't natural. To me it seemed that I wasn't natural in many ways.

My adoptive parents, James and Sarah, seemed to be like all the other kid's parents. My name is Alexandria but most people call me Lex for short.

I didn't have many friends. Jess was my best, and only, friend. Considering the group of people she normally associated with, it was strange that she and I were best friends. She was like the rest of the girls; the right weight, blond hair, blue eyes, "Little miss perfect" I nicknamed her. The students in my collage seemed to be split into sharply defined groups. The largest of these groups were ordinary school kids. They had "no axe to grind" with anyone. I was in this group. The second group contained the "in crowd". It was mainly populated with kids "from the right side of the tracks". That included my friend Jess. The third, and maybe the strangest group, were the Goths. They had adopted a very strange. View of authority. Both the "in crowd" and the Goths seemed to feel that they were some part of a "secret society", like the Freemasons or such. Even I avoided the Goths they were even too weird for me! 

Anyway, at the end of the school day Jess asked me, "Are you coming over to my house tonight Lex?" 

"I'll need to ask James and Sarah. If they let me, I'll be over about seven or so. Is that okay Jess?" 

"Give me a ring if you can't make it. I'll hope you'll be able to come Lex. Bye!" 

"Bye" 

If James and Sarah let me go I would have to retrace my steps since Jess and I lived on the opposite sides of the town. The town was pretty quiet. In general, you seldom saw a fight after closing hours on a Saturday night. I didn't really care for alcohol.

One reason I got picked on was that I walked passed the graveyard on the way home. Jess always got "the creeps" when we passed the graveyard, but I loved it. That was one of the reasons why I go to her house and she very rarely comes to mine. 

James and Sarah adopted me when I was a small child. They'd been honest with me and insisted that I called them by there first names, not mum and dad. Other than their last name, I never knew my real parents so as far as I was concerned they we're my parents. 

I got to the door and started rummaging for my keys in my school bag. As usual, they we're at the very bottom of my bag. I'd just gotten to them when James and Sarah pulled up in their car. 

"Hi Lex, how was school?" James asked. 

"It was okay. Can I go to jess's about seven or so?" I asked.

"Only if you take your mobile and you're back before eleven. Okay" 

"Okay, thanks James." 

We went into the house and they chatted, with me, about collage and their work. They both worked in a laboratory doing some form of testing. I hadn't ever really paid that much attention to their work. Scientific sorts stuff bored me. They also had a side business. Our house had a barn and a few acres of pasture. At one point our house was "in the country" but slow growth had it now on the town's edge. Anyway, James and Sarah boarded horses for various people. The horses all belonged to other people, so riding them was not an option. Beside that, I was nervous around such large animals.

Sarah made a lovely dinner of chicken potatoes gravy and vegetables. After dinner I got ready to go to jess's. I put on jeans, a t-shirt, and my favourite red jacket. I tied my hair back into a ponytail and went down stairs to tell James and Sarah I was leaving. They made sure that I had my mobile and my house keys with me.

I bid them farewell and set off for Jess's. It took me about half an hour to get to her house. I knocked on their door. Jess's dad answered, "Hi Lex! Jess is upstairs just go on up." he said.

"Thanks!" 

I went up to her room and knocked on her door. 

"Come in." 

That night we talked for quite a while about collage and what we wanted to do after collage. Jess wanted to become a beautician when she graduated. I wasn't at all sure what I wanted to do, but I wasn't worried. I had plenty of time. I was only nineteen after all. 

I looked at my mobile. The time was half past ten. 

"I'm sorry Jess but I have to go. James will kill me if I'm late. I'll see you tomorrow at school." 

I left. I hurried along the street. As I got near to the graveyard I got the feeling that someone was following me. I tuned around and sure enough there was someone standing there. 

"Are you Alexandria Blackhavour?" the figure asked. 

A chill went up my spine. How on earth did he know my birth name and not even Jess knows it? 

"Who wants to know?" I asked. 

"Just answer the question! Are you Alexandria Blackhavour?" 

It sounded as if he was starting to get a bit annoyed. 

"Yes I am. Who are you, and what do you want?" 

The figure stepped into a cone of light formed by one of the street lights. 

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Matthew and all you need to know is that we've been looking for you for a very long time. You need to come with me quietly. I promise I'll make it quick." he said.

"Make what quick?" I asked dreading the answer. 

"Your death of course. Did you honestly think that we would just let you walk around after what your father did?" 

That was more than enough for me. I turned and bolted for James and Sarah's house. I realized that there was no way I was going to make it to the house without him catching me. I saw the graveyard and made my way there. I ran as far, and as fast, as I could, hoping and praying he wouldn't catch me. I dived behind a headstone at the very back of the graveyard. I had my mobile out and was half way dialling the house number when I felt a hand push my mobile away.

"You won't be needing that any more!" 

I thought for one bone chilling second that Matthew had caught up with me. I looked up and was surprised that it wasn't Matthew. I hoped that he might be on my side. 

"Stay here! I will deal with him." I wasn't in any position to argue. I kept crouched behind the headstone but I could hear what went on. 

"You can't hide her there forever Michael." my would be attacker said. 

"I have no intention of hiding her in here" 

There we're some loud noises that sounded like a struggle. Then I heard footsteps. 

"You can come out now Alexandria." 

I got to my feet slowly and shakily my rescuer grasped my arm. "We must leave before more of them arrive." 

We set off at a steady pace I was practically being dragged back to James and Sarah's. The man who helped me rang the door bell. 

It was James who answered the door. "Michael what on earth are you doing here?" 

He dragged me inside and pushed me into the living room to a very surprised Sarah. 

"Matthew just attacked her. She's lucky I was there. She would have been killed. Why the hell was she out alone at this time of night you know that they're getting desperate to kill her!" Michael said.

I was thoroughly confused about what was going. Sarah handed me a mug of coffee that I almost downed in one swallow. I was still shaking from the nights events. 

Michael and James we're having a heated discussion about what had happened 

"She can't stay here any longer! It's not safe for her here!" Michael said.

"But, there's nowhere else for her to go! They took all the strongholds over." James said. 

"Not all! There's one left, Eithidan. She can go there. It's safer." Michael said. 

James didn't like what ever he was proposing. 

I asked James, "What's going on? Why did that guy attack me? Where am I going?" 

"He was trying to kill you so could never come to the throne. Our kingdom would be completely lost if both you and your father are killed." Michael explained. 

"My parents are alive? I thought they both died." I said. 

"Your mother died just after the attack on the castle. We think that your father is still alive. There haven't been any executions we've heard of." he said. 

"What's happening now, and where are you taking me?" I asked. 

No one answered me. 

"Where am I going?" I asked again. 

"Eithidan, the last stronghold of our people. We're just waiting on the horses to arrive." Michael said. 

"Horses? That's how we're getting there?" 

"Well yes. How else do you expect us to get there?" 

I was lost for words. I mean haven't these people never heard of auto-mobiles? What century have they been living in? I just sat down on the couch and started to drift off when James gave me a shake. 

"Lex wake up! The horses are here it's time to go." 

I got up and went to look for my red jacket when Michael said "You won't be needing that jacket where you're going. Use this instead." He draped a thick black cloak round me it was far too long I was almost suffocated by it. 

I went outside and there was Michael standing next to four stunning horses. They we're jet black, quite big, and their coats shone like diamonds in the moonlight. I was gob smacked. I'd never seen horses so beautiful in all my life. 

Michael walked over to me. "Do you like them?" he asked. 

"They're so beautiful. Where did you get them?" I asked. 

"These horses are bred for the councilmen and the royal family. No one else is allowed, by law, to own one. They're scared to us. He brought me over to one of the horses. This one is yours." The only way you could have told it apart from the rest was that it had a tiny spot of white on the face, just below the forelock. The horse was stunning! 

I asked, "This horse is mine?"

"Yes he's yours. He doesn't have a name yet. Picking his name is your job. We must be off. We'll be in formation around you. I'll be in front. My son and the guards will be to your sides and rear. If we come under attack my son Damien will protect you so stay close to him and never under any circumstances take off your cloak. Do you understand Alexandria?" I nodded. 

I pulled the hood of the cloak up over my head. Michael helped me up onto the horse as I had never been on one before. I had to admit I was extremely nervous. A young man about my age rode up beside me. "Are you okay your highness?" he asked. 

"Yes, but I am just a bit nervous. I've never been on a horse before and I'm no princess." I said. 

"Are you Lucifer's daughter?" 

Before I could answer Michael interrupted. 

"You know she is Damien. And you also know that she doesn't know anything about us or her father. She was too young to remember anything." 

"My apologies father, I forgot myself." 

Before I could say anything Michael said "Right! It's time to go Damien. Stay next to Alexandria and get her to Eithidan at all costs. You understand?" he said. 

"Yes father." and so we set off. 

I had no idea of what was happing or where on earth we we're going. I was a little bit wobbly on the horse. Damien kept a close eye on me. I snatched a quick glance at him and I had to admit he was very good looking. He had shoulder length black hair and deep almost black eyes. I don't know how long we had travelled. The scenery started to change and soon after we had left civilisation far behind us. We stopped in a shady glen. I dismounted from my horse. Only then did I realize that riding a horse could leave you sore. I still hadn't thought of a name for the horse. The rest of the group had dismounted and a lit a small fire. No one really said anything. Damien asked if I was okay and handed me some food and water. 

I ate it quite quickly as I hadn't had anything in a while. I looked around to try and find out where I was. I finally asked Damien "Where are we Damien?"

"It's the path to Eithidan. It's quite long. It will take a few days to get there but it's the last stronghold of our people." 

"Who are our people?" I asked. 

"The shadow raiders and your father, Lucifer, is our leader. We're proud to serve both you and your father!" Damien explained. 

I looked around. I didn't see James or Sarah. I started to panic. 

Damien must have seen me panic because he said "it's okay. James and Sarah aren't allowed to come with us" 

I nodded. I was a little afraid of being all alone with these people that I didn't know. 

After a few hours we got back up on the horses. Damien had to help me because getting onto a horse in jeans isn't an easy task. We continued on our journey. The glen turned into a very dense forest and the temperature stated to drop. Before long it started to snow quite heavily. I wasn't getting cold. I think that it was the cloak that was keeping me warm. 

We didn't stop until the following noon. I was so tired that I almost fell off my horse. 

We slept for a several hours. Then we got going again. I was hoping we would get there soon as I was getting very sore and tired from travelling.

Damien handed me a sword. "Here! Take this in case we're attacked. Please don't hesitate to use it for your own safety." 

"Do you think that we might be attacked?" 

"There's always that possibility, especially now our enemies are getting desperate." 

I strapped the sword to my waist hoping that I'd never need to use it. We set off again. I was wondering how much longer it would take to get to where we were going. 

We hadn't gone very far when we stopped. The atmosphere changed completely. Every one was on edge. I heard the guards talking to Michael. He seemed quite tense. The guards and Michael started to circle the area. He nodded to Damien. He then whispered to me. "On my signal hold on tightly, dig your heels into you horse, and keep going north. What ever you do, don't stop! Do you understand your highness?" 

I didn't know what to think. There was a loud bang! Damien shouted for me to run. I didn't object I dug my heels in a little too hard and my horse bolted at top speed. I wasn't sure where I was going but I didn't care. I looked to my right. I saw hooded figures on horseback trying to catch up with me. I just kept looking in front of me as the horse sped on. I saw a flash of silver. I ducked my head just in time dodging my assailant's blade. I started to panic because I couldn't see anyone from our group. I decided to draw my sword and swung it half heartedly. I didn't do any damage but it was enough to make my assailant back off a little. I saw another flash of sliver to my left I realised that I was surrounded. I ducked, but the force of the attack knocked me off balance. I just managed to grab my horse's mane. It was enough to keep me on the horse. I was in way over my head! Where on earth was Damien? 

"Give it up princess! We have you beaten! There's nowhere to run." the person to my left said. I wasn't going to give up without a fight. I dug my heels into my horse. I could hear the thunder of horse hoofs and the clashing of blades. 

"Give it up Gabriel. You'll never get your hands on her!" It was Damien!

"Oh no? Just watch me." he made a grab for me but I hurt his hand with my sword. He yelped in pain as Damien caught up with me he rode along side me fighting off anyone who tried to make a grab for me. 

We were coming to the edge of the forest. Just up ahead there was a large black gate set in a long wall. The wall seemed to stretch a great distance in each direction. 

"Get through that gate and you'll be safe. They can't cross it!" Damien shouted. 

I dug my heels in to my horse. The horse tore ahead as if it knew what was going on. I saw more flashes of sliver intercepted by Damien. I was almost within the gate when I felt a strong pair of hands yank me off my horse and throw me to the ground. The wind had been knocked out of me. I scrambled to my feet and ran for the gate but just before I could reach it I was grabbed by the waist. 

"I don't think so little princess. You're not getting to go home!" my attacker said. I remembered that I was still armed I grabbed my sword in plunged it behind me only meaning to injure him. He let go of me and I ran for the gate. I was just getting through the gate. Before any one could grab me again I looked back. I saw the person that had grabbed me. He was a man in his late thirties with blonde hair and striking blue eyes. He was lying in a pool of blood. It was then that I realised what I'd actually done. The man convulsed, coughed up blood, and then was completely still. I had killed him! I was violently sick. I couldn't believe what I'd done. Before I could dwell on the matter Damien grabbed me and almost threw me up onto my horse. We sped away at high speed. Our pace didn't slow until we were safe. We only stopped to allow the horses, and ourselves, to rest and get food and water. 

I was still in shock about what I'd done. 

"Are you okay your highness?" Damien asked. 

"Not really. I killed someone. It's not exactly a walk in the park is it?" I said. 

"That man you killed was our enemy's leader. You just tipped the scales in our favour. With him dead we have the best chance of getting your father and the councilmen back and restoring glory and honour to our clan. We owe you thanks your highness." What Damien said had stuck with me the rest of the journey. 

I'd never thought of getting my father back! I never thought I could. Thankfully the journey didn't last much longer. We came up to a small derelict castle it looked like it hadn't been looked after very well. There must have only been about five or six floors to it and there was a large shed like building next to it, we headed towards that. When we reached the shed

I realised it was a stable for the horses. I got off mine and lead it into a stable and went to remove its tack when a stable hand came in and said that they would take care of that. Damien gestured for me to follow him so I did. He led me out and up the front of the castle and into the entrance hall. It was very dark. The carpets we're dark green and gold in colour. He led me up to a very large door and said "This is your room. You'll find everything you need in there. If you change, I'll take you down to the food hall." 

I entered the room. It wasn't especially big but the bed was massive. It was bigger than a queen size bed. I couldn't wait to lie down in it as it had been an extremely long few days. I looked around the room and saw what looked like a wardrobe. I opened it and saw it was full of dark green dresses.

"You've got to be joking! I've never even owned one let alone wore one." I thought to my self. I had no choice. I had to wear them. I reluctantly got changed into one of them and had to admit that it did feel lovely on me. I'm almost certain it was real silk. I found matching shoes, all of these clothes were the right size! There was a small sink in which I took a quick wash. I untied my hair and brushed it. I heard a knock on the door. I went over and opened it. Damien was standing in the doorway with Michael. 


Blood and Ice Ch. 01



"Alexandria I can hardly recognise you now that you're all cleaned up. Just one thing is missing your highness." Michael said. 

"What's that?" I asked.

"Your crown, what else?" he placed a crown on my head. It had green jewels at the base of each spike. "There! Now you look like a princess. Come, let us eat." Michael said. 

They led me down stairs and along corridors. We stopped at a large door. Michael opened the door and said, "May I introduce her royal highness princess Alexandria." 

Michael stepped into the room. I stepped in after him, the room was very long. It had a long table laden with lovely food. Everyone stood up when I entered. I looked uneasily at Damien. He nodded at me to go on ahead. I walked into the room and sat down next to Michael.

I couldn't help but notice that everyone was staring at me. Michael introduced me to every one in the room. I was too tired to remember exactly who they were. I just nodded politely. I was starving. Damien told me that these men we're the remains of my fathers council. There were only five of them. I was told that most of the time my father's council consisted of about twelve members. The members that were missing had been captured with my father. There had never been any word of any executions so it was assumed that they were all alive. Our enemies we're probably getting a kick out of keeping them alive. 

"Why did they attack us in the first place?" I asked. 

The person across from me, I think his name was John, answered my question. "We don't really know. We think it had to do with your parents having you. Your parents were believed to be unable to have children. Our enemies, fearing the worst, attacked us to try and kill both you and your mother. Thank heavens you managed to survive. If you hadn't, all would be lost." 

There was more talking. I found out a few things about the clan. The only person I felt uneasy about was a man named William. He was taller than me and very thin. He had straggly grey hair. There was just something about him that made me uneasy. I just couldn't put my finger on it. 

After we ate I was handed a gold goblet filled with a dark red liquid. 

I whispered to Damien, "What's this?" 

"It's wolf blood. Only royalty are allowed to drink it. 

"I raised the goblet. It had a mild, but unusual, smell. I sipped it. 

The taste was slightly salty but not nasty. I emptied the goblet. 

William asked, "Did you enjoy that your highness?" 

"Yes! Why do ask?" 

"Most people don't like it, it has an unusual taste."

"Well, I liked it!"

Damien was giggling to himself. "What's so funny Damien?" William asked. 

"Nothing William, my apologies." 

Damien gave me a funny look as if to say "I'll tell you later". 

The dinner lasted for a few hours I had no idea of the time as there were no clocks. However, I knew that it was late in the evening. I was getting very tired. 

William said, "Now we reach the subject of the princess' security. Who will be her bodyguard? I, personally, would gladly volunteer." 

I didn't want him as my bodyguard so I said, "I thank you for your offer, William, but so much is new to me I would feel better with someone I sort of know. Would it be acceptable if either Damien or Michael would be willing to do it?"

Damien said, "I have no objections do you father?" 

Michael responded, "No, I think that's best since she knows us best."

William looked like someone had just slapped him in the face. He just nodded 

"The hour is getting late; I think its best that the princess retires for the night!" Michael said. 

I nodded in agreement. I rose from the table every one else rose with me. Damien escorted me back to my room. 

When we we're inside I asked him, "What was so funny?" 

"William's pathetic attempt at making a conversation with you. It was very funny." 

"I suppose so. I shouldn't say this but there's just something about him that makes me feel uneasy. I don't trust him and I certainly don't want him any where near me Damien." I said. 

"That's okay. I'll talk to my dad about it. Good night princess".

He kissed the back of my hand and left my room. I found a night dress in the wardrobe. I couldn't wait to get into bed since it had been a long time since I had a good night's sleep. I slipped in between the sheets. Someone had warmed the bed. It was lovely and warm. As soon as my head touched the pillow I drifted off to sleep. I knew nothing after that until I awoke the next morning. 

When I woke up it took me a few minutes to get my bearings and remember what led me to be here. I took time to have a look around my bedroom. There was one very large window. The curtains we're drawn shut. I went over to the window and pulled them back. There wasn't much of a view. There was snow for as far as the eye could see. I heard the door open. 

Damien said "Oh! I'm sorry your highness. I didn't realise you we're awake yet." 

"That's okay Damien. What's going on?" 

"Nothing! We're just waiting for you to awake. I've been checking on you every hour." 

I realised that I was hungry and I think Damien knew because he said "if you get dressed I will organise some food for you, your highness." 

"Thank you Damien." Damien left me to change. Ten minutes later he came back and knocked on the door. I opened it and followed Damien down to the food hall. There was no one there other than William. Damien and I sat down as far away from William as possible. 

William said, "Good afternoon your highness. Did you sleep well?" 

"Yes I did. Thank you for asking." 

I helped myself to some food and asked, "what are we doing today Damien?" 

"Anything you want to do. Do you have anything specific in mind? The only restriction is that my father and I both agree that you should stay in the palace grounds for you own safety." 

"Fair enough! Maybe could we take a look around the castle grounds?" 

"You should take your cloak, it will keep you warm. It's very cold out!"

I nodded after I finished eating. Damien took me back up stairs to get the cloak that Michael had given me. We went outside. The snow was only about an inch deep. Damien showed me the stables where my horse was. I still didn't have a name for him yet. 

"It's a shame you had to come here when it's winter. In the spring and summer the grounds are very beautiful and in the summer the lake is lovely for swimming. Can you swim?" Damien asked. 

"Yes I can swim fairly well. So, tell me what's your job here?" 

"I'm part of the royal guard mainly. But I hope one day to advance in rank to be a general." 

"If you don't mind me asking how old are you?" 

"I've just turned nineteen your highness." 

We continued on chatting and walking until Damien insisted that we go inside. He had seen me shivering. We both got hot drinks and he showed me the rest of the castle. The library was very big along with the games hall but the room that I loved was the throne room. Although the thrones were very dusty and a little dirty I was saddened a little. It was obvious that the castle had once stood proud. Now it was almost destroyed. 

"Is this the only castle that we have?" I asked Damien. 

"No, this is only the last out post in our land." 

"So what happened to our main castle?" 

"Our enemies use it as their main castle. It's where you were born or so my father tells me." 

"Have we never attempted to reclaim the castle?" 

"Our numbers have been so depleted we wouldn't have the strength to reclaim it." 

"Where did are enemies come from and why did they decide to attack us?" 

"No one really knows! We don't know where they came from or why they're here."

We ended up back at the food hall for supper. After supper Damien and spent the rest of the day exploring the castle. Late in the evening Damien took me back to my room, as I still wasn't sure of the palace layout yet. I went to get changed, in the bathroom, as Damien waited in my room. When I got back in my room there was a knock at the door. I said "Come in!" It was William. 

"Can I help you?" I said. 

William said, "I just wanted to wish you a good night your highness." He had been following us all day so I just ignored him. 

"Damien would you mind getting me a drink please? I would go myself but it would be quicker if you went." 

"Why don't you come with me?" Damien said, as he knew I didn't like William. I nodded. 

William said, "There's no need to get the princess out of bed. Why don't you go get her a drink? I'll watch her!" 

Damien looked at me. I just shrugged my shoulders and he nodded. 

"I will only be a minute or two okay?" 

I nodded and he left. I got up out of bed and went to the window. The scenery was beautiful! White crisp snow as far as the eye could see. The small lake had frozen over. As I was looking out I noticed that William went over to the door and locked it. 

"What are you doing? Unlock the door now!" 

"I don't think so little princess. It's time for you to meet your maker" he said as he drew his sword. 

"What are you doing?" I was starting to panic as he backed me up against the window. 

"What does it look like am trying to do? I'm going to kill you stupid."

"You're one of the light raiders aren't you?" 

"You bet I am! There's no way I'm letting you live." 

As he swung his sword, I ducked. The sword smashed the window. I ran to the door and tried to open it; the lock was stiff and wouldn't turn easily. I started to scream, hoping to attract attention, but he swung his sword I ducked again. I could only see one way out. I decided to jump out the window. I grabbed the ledge. I could hear shouting below me and banging at the door but William was at the window and he started to swing his sword at my hands. I had no choice but to let go as I did I saw William laugh. I fell. I hit the ground with a thump and everything went black. 

I tried to open my eyes, but I was racked with intense pain. Every attempted move I made was like a million knifes stabbing me all at once. I blacked out again from the pain. 

When I opened my eyes I could see light coming through the curtains. I managed to pull my self up the bed with great difficulty. My arm was bandaged. I must have broken it when I fell. Every time I moved it, it was pure agony. The door opened and Damien walked in. He looked at me then yelled for his father, who came running in. 

Michael said, "Take it easy! You had a nasty fall." 

I started to panic "Where's William?" 

Damien said, "Its okay. He's locked up. We'll let your father deal with him when he returns." 

"How long was I out?" 

Damien said, "Nearly three days! Your father will kill him when he gets back." 

As I tried to get out of bed, Michael said, "Where are you going? Get back into bed." 

"I need to use the toilet. Am I not allowed?" 

"I will help you" Damien said. 

I nodded. I was too sore to argue with him. 

When I got back to bed. Michael had some food brought to me. 

"Thank you Michael. Was William really a light raider?" 

"No! He was one of us for years, but he turned to them and became bent on killing you. We're lucky you survived. If you die before you produce an heir the clan will be lost!" Damien said. 

"How so?" I asked. 

Michael said, "You're the last remaining member of the royal family. If you don't have a child you are the last." 

"So, how do we get rid of the light raiders?" I asked. 

"Simple, they have the same weakness as us. If their princess dies before she produces an heir, their clan will loose the final battle." Damien said. 

"Do you know who she is?" I asked. 

Michael said, "No one does! We haven't been able to get close enough to identify her, let alone kill her." 

.

I thought about it for a while. I started to formulate a plan. 

I said, "I have an idea about how to get inside the light raiders castle, find and realise my father, an maybe even kill the light raider princess: but, you're not going to like it" 

Damien asked, "What is it?" 

I told them my plan. I knew what the reaction would be.

Michael said, "No way are we letting you do this! Your father would kill us for letting you go through with this." 

"Look, you don't have a choice. If I stay here they will find and kill me. It would be the last place they would look for me." 

Damien looked at Michael. 

"She has a point father." 

Damien stood up. "I want you to tell the council and see what they say."

Michael said, "Fine!" 

"When is the next council?" I asked. 

Michael answered me, "In about an hour or so." 

"I'll be there!" I said. I got up out of the bed. As I stood my body screamed with pain, but I was determined to go to the council meeting. 

Michael helped me get dressed and helped me walk to the council hall. I sat down. Everyone was surprised to see me walking. 

John said, "Your highness, do you really think you should be up and out of bed? You had a very bad fall." 

"Yes, I need to be here. I have a plan to find my father and release him.  However, Michael won't consider it." 

John asked, "What is your plan, your highness?" 

I told the council my plan. They all agreed it was a good plan but they wouldn't let me go through with it. 

John said, "Look your highness, it is a good plan but it's too risky. Your father would kill us if anything ever happened to you." 

"When I find my father I will tell him that it was my idea and that I forced you into letting me go through with it. They're going to be looking for me here. They'll never look at their own door step. I will be safe."

"Okay, you have a point. But how will you convince them? Gabriel is no fool!" Michael said. 

"Simple! I was kidnapped by you and forced to work for you and I ran away" 

John said, "You've thought this through, haven't you?" 

"I'm not going to sit here and wait for them to kill me. If am going to die, I will do so on my feet not cowering in a corner." I said. 

They all looked at me. 

"You really are your father's daughter! Lucifer said that many a time." John said. 

Michael said, "You first will need to learn how to use a sword. And you must promise us that if they suspect you that you leave immediately. Don't let them find you out who you are!" 

I nodded.

Damien said, "First you need to return to bed and recover from that fall. You can't go there injured." 

I nodded and stood. Damien caught me before I fell as I was still a bit weak from pain. He helped me back into bed where I feel asleep in seconds. I spent the next few weeks in bed resting I knew that the council were just hoping that I would forget about the plan but I wasn't going to give up that easy. I had begged Michael to let me learn how to use a sword but he kept on saying I wasn't ready. 

One day I told him that he was to teach me and that was the end of it. He told me to be in the training room at day break. I was up early and had a look around. It was a well built room filled with swords and weapons of all descriptions. I waited for Michael. 

He got in at day break. Seeing me waiting, he said, "Ah! You're early, your highness." 

"Yes, I wanted to get here early so we can get started as soon as possible." 

"Very well, pick a sword and we will start." 

I looked around and saw a sword I liked the look of. It was thin but sharp looking with a wolf at the hilt. It was light and I could wield it with ease. 

I faced Michael and he looked at the sword. "Why did you pick that one?" he asked. 

"I don't know. I was drawn to it." I said. 

"It was your mother's, not that she ever used it. She wasn't one for fighting really." Michael said. 

"Let's start!" I said. 

"Okay, I'm going to come at you and you try and block me. I won't teach you much as servants shouldn't know much." he said. 

When he went in for the lunge I stepped aside and tripped him over and he landed flat on his face. 

Damien had joined us and burst out laughing. This angered Michael and he lunged at me again. Something told me what to do. I wasn't sure what it was but I trusted it. I slid my sword in his hilt and twisted. Michael yelled out in pain. I flicked his sword up in the air and caught it and held it to his throat. 

"So do you think am defenceless?" I asked. 

He shook his head. I gave him his sword. 

"How did you do that?" he asked. 

I shrugged my shoulders. "I really don't know. I just did it, why?" 

"Because that is your father's signature move. No one but your father could do that." he said. 

I was stunned. "When do you think it will be the right time to make our move?" I asked. 

"We heard that our enemies will hold a ball in two days time. I think it will be the best time as there will be more people about." Damien said. 

"How come there's a ball?" I asked. 

"They're celebrating the princess taking over from her father after he was killed." Michael said.

"We'll aim for then. Damien will you inform the council what is happing?" I said. 

He nodded and left. 

Michael said, "I still think you should reconsider this. If they find out who you are they will certainly kill you!" 

"I will be leaving in two days no matter what you say." I said. 

I went to my room. The next few days consisted of sword training all day and evening. The night of the ball had come. The ball, at the enemy's castle would be starting at about eight, so we would need to get there about nine to make sure that everyone was there.

Michael came to my room at seven with servants clothes. "Are you sure you want to do this? You can still back out. No one will blame you!" he said. 

I turned to look at him. "They have destroyed my family and my clan do you honestly think I am just going to sit on my ass and do nothing? I need to try and free my father. If I don't try, I will shame him and the rest of my clan. I'm going through with this and I will free him!"

I took the clothes from him. They we're simple and black. I tied my hair back and followed Michael to the horses. I mounted on the back of Michael's horse and we sped off to the light raiders grounds. It took us about an hour to get there. We waited until we thought everyone was there. 

We spotted two people walking alone. 

I told Michael, "Here's what you're going to do. On the count of three you will chase me. Under no circumstances will you help me! You must act like I'm one of them even if it means pulling a knife on me; you must treat me like one of them okay?" I said  

"I don't like this but I will do what you say your highness." 

"Okay, one, two, three go!" I said as I ran screaming toward the two people we had seen walking. 



Blood and Ice Ch. 02



Chapter Two: The Plan

"Help! Somebody help me please!" 

I ran as fast as I could I could hear Michaels footsteps behind me. I tripped and fell on my face. As I went to get up a strong hand grabbed me and pulled me up. I knew it wasn't Michael as I had told him that under no circumstances was he to help me. 

"What's this? Is Michael picking on servants now?" The person that helped me up stood in front of me. I heard swords being drawn. 

Michael said, "That girl's mine, hand her over Gabriel!" 

"Not a chance! Get out of here before I kill you!" 

Michael responded, "This isn't over Gabriel!" I noticed Michael back up a bit after some guards arrived. Michael turned and left.

Gabriel said, "Now, let's gets you inside and warmed up. Then you can tell me what on earth has happened to you." 

I just nodded. He put his arm around me and led me to the castle. As we entered he took me down to a small room. He told me to sit, and he handed me a warm mug of hot chocolate.

"Here! This should warm you up a little." 

I said, "Thank you." I was very nervous and I think it showed. 

"It's okay! You're safe now. No one will harm you,I promise. Tell me, how did you end up being chased by him?" 

"I don't really remember much. I just remember someone attacking me on my way home from being at a friend's house. Then I was forced into being a servant. I saw a chance to get away and I took it! It's only thanks to you that I'm alive. Thank you!" I told him. 

"You've had a rough time of it." 

There was a knock at the door. 

"Enter!" Gabriel said. 

The door opened and a voice said "Gabriel, Jason was wondering....... Lex?" 

I turned around. It was Jess! I couldn't believe I would find her here. 

"You know this girl your highness?" 

What?!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. 

"Yes she's my best friend, but she disappeared a few months ago after visiting my house. Her parents just told the police that she ran away. They never found her. She was presumed dead."

Thank heavens she just validated my story for me. 

Gabriel asked, "What was Jason asking?" 

Jess said, "He was wondering how long you'd be here. He needs you for something." 

"Very well. Will you stay with, is it Lex?" 

I nodded. 

"I'll try not to be too long. Excuse me." 

He got up and left the room. Jess sat down beside me. 

"Are you okay Lex? You look like you've been through the wars." 

"I'm okay now that I'm away from those people! How come you're here Jess?" 

"It's crazy. You know that I lived with my father. It turned out that he wasn't my father. He was just my protector because it was too dangerous for me to live here. My father was killed two months ago." 

"I'm so sorry Jess! How are you coping?" I asked. 

"I'm dealing with it and Gabriel is a good help to me. He's saying that when I turn twenty I'll assume the throne, but until then I have to listen to what he says." 

I put my arm round her and she burst into tears on my shoulder. "There, there its okay." 

It took her a while to calm down. 

"Anyway, enough about me. What happened to you?" she asked. 

"That night I went to your house I was kidnapped and forced to work for them. It was either be a servant or be killed. It was a nightmare." 

I didn't like lying to my best friend but it was necessary to keep my story up since she was too close to Gabriel. 

"What did they make you do?" Jess asked. 

"Mainly cleaning large floors and the occasional bedroom. They're a bunch of slobs." I said. 

She laughed. 

The door opened and Gabriel walked in. "My apologies ladies, urgent business! May I ask you a few questions Lex?" 

I nodded. 

"Can I stay Gabriel?" Jess asked. 

"If you want to,you may." 

"Now, Lex, first of all what's your full name?" Gabriel asked. 

"Alexandria Orion." I said. 

"Did you hear anything while you were there?" 

"What do you mean?" I asked. 

"Did you hear anything about what their planning, or did anything strange happen when you were there?" he asked. 

"There was one thing. Someone tried to kill there princess. I didn't see anything; I just heard the story from other servants who did see it. A man pushed her out of the window. I think his name was William. He pushed her out, but she survived the thirty foot drop." I said. 

"Do you know what happened to William?" Gabriel asked. 

"The last I heard was that he was arrested and awaiting execution." 

Gabriel just nodded. "Unfortunately we can't really trust you yet, unless someone vouches for you." Gabriel said. 

"I'll vouch for her. I'd trust her with my life." Jess said. 

"Are you sure you want to vouch for her?" 

"Yes and I want her on my personal council as an advisor!" Jess said. 

Gabriel said, "Are you sure your highness?" 

"I'm certain Gabriel!" 

"Very well. I'll get a room organised for her. The ball is over so when we're finished here you should just retire to your room for the night." 

Jess nodded. 

"Follow me please." 

We followed Gabriel out of the room and up a flight of stairs. 

I noticed that Jess had a gorgeous evening gown. "Wow! Where did you get that gorgeous dress?" 

"Oh this thing? I had it made for me." she said. 

I felt awkward beside her in my torn black plain dress. I was taken up to the main hall. There were still some people left after the ball. Jess of course was getting all the attention. I was just getting funny looks. Jess explained who I was to a few people before we were led away out a side door and down a corridor. It was long and lined with candles that threw light onto the floor. It had a rich red carpet. I followed Gabriel and Jess. I couldn't remember the way we had come to get here, where ever that is. We were going up flights of stairs, through doors, down stairs, and along corridors. It was like trying to find your way through a maze.

Gabriel asked, "Jason is there a spare room any where?" 

A voice answered. "I'm not to sure. There may be one near the princess's room and I know there's one near the dungeons. The one near the dungeons is pretty small but it's ready right now." the voice said. 

"We'll take that one, for the time being anyway. Could you take Miss Orion down to that room please? I will escort the princess back to her room." 

I bid Jess good night and she left with Gabriel. That left me with the young man who had been speaking with Gabriel. He looked to be in his mid twenties, quite tall with sparkling blue eyes and blonde hair that fell into his eyes. 

"Follow me, please." 

I nodded. 

He went down the corridor and through a small door. The stairs behind the door were small and winding. I sensed that there was something different about this area of the castle. It got suddenly cold. The atmosphere changed completely. It went from slightly warm, inviting, and almost loving to cold, unwelcoming and cruel. I started to shiver.

The young man said, "It's quite cold down here. This is our dungeon. We keep our most dangerous criminals down here. Would you like a tour?" he asked. 

"Yes, if you wouldn't mind taking the time. I heard Gabriel call you Jason, is that your name?" 

"Yes, and you are?" 

"Alexandria but my friends call me Lex." I said. 

He smiled at me. We went into the dungeons. The floor was soaking with water. There was a long corridor with wooden doors. Each door had a small barred window. There was one cell at the end of the corridor. 

"All these cells are occupied at the moment. Hopefully we won't need any more. These people in here are Lucifer's councilmen and Lucifer himself." 

There was a stir from one of the cells. A voice said "Well, well who's this young beauty you've brought for us Jason?" 

"No one that you'd be interested in Alexander." 

I looked round and saw someone looking through the bars in the door. 

"What do you want Alexander?" Jason asked. 

"I just wanted to see this young beauty and I'm wondering why she's wearing a shadow raider servant's uniform?" 

Jason turned to me. "Why are you wearing one Lex?" he asked. 

I had to explain my story again to him. 

"Nonsense! We would never kidnap a minor it's against our laws!" 

My heart dropped. I thought for a moment my plan was going to fall to pieces before it got started. 

"I wouldn't believe any thing that came out of your mouth Alexander nor anyone else before any of you say anything." 

I was shaking from the fear that the plan would fail. Jason saw this. 

"Oh Lex, am sorry for bringing you down here." he put his arm round me. 

"Thanks! Tell me, who or what is behind that door?" I asked. 

"Lucifer is behind there. There's always a guard there, or at least there's supposed to be. I think they're off for service at the ball. Come, I'll show you to your room."

We left. He never realised that he had just shown the wolf in sheep's clothing where the golden prize was. He took me to a room just beside the room ware my father was. The room wasn't as big as my own room at Eithidan. The bed was just a single bed with plain bed clothes on it. 

"There's a change of clothes in the bathroom for you. I would recommend that you don't wear that dress in here, otherwise you may run into trouble." Jason said. 

"Thank you. I just wore this because I had nothing else. I didn't mean to cause trouble." I said. 

"I know Lex. I'm just offering advice. Anyway, good night Lex. Sleep well, and even though Lucifer isn't far away you're safe here. Sleep soundly Lex." he kissed the back of my hand and my cheek. 

"Sleep well Jason." 

he turned and left me alone in this strange place. I went to the bathroom. It had a simple sink, toilet, bathtub and a small mirror. There were two dresses hanging over the bath. One was a night dress. I took a quick wash and got changed. The dresses were pure white with gold round the waist. I got into my small bed and lay down to sleep; but that night I didn't really sleep that well because I kept thinking of what would happen if my true identity was found out. I kept tossing and turning. There was a knock on my door that woke me up. I got up and went to the door. It was Jason. 

"Hey Lex, you hungry?" 

"I'm starving! Come on in, just let me get changed. " 

I went to the bathroom to change while Jason waited for me. 

When I came out Jason said, "You look lovely Lex." 

"Thanks Jason." 

He put his arm round my waist and led me to the food hall. It was a very large room with a very large table in the middle. Jess was sitting at the head of the table in deep discussion with Gabriel. They both looked up when we came in. 

"Lex!" Jess said running over to me. "Did you sleep well?" 

"As well as can be. Its just very strange not getting ordered about all the time." 

"Well, you'll have to take orders but not in the same way." Jason said 

"I know that Jason, but I won't be forced to do things, or at least I hope not." 

"No you won't. You have free will here but you will have to pull your weight" Jason said. 

"Doing what exactly?" 

"At the minute, the only thing we have for you to do is the cleaning of the cells." Gabriel said he came over from the table. 

"But won't the prisoners escape?" I asked. 

"They're chained to the inside of there cells. They have enough room to move about but they can't get away." Gabriel said. 

"What do I have to do?" 

"Just clean the cells, and there chamber pots it's a bit dirty but you'll only be doing it for a little while is that okay?" Gabriel said. 

"That's okay, I don't mind." I said. 

Jason said, "Let's eat!" 

Jess, Jason, Gabriel and I went over to the table to eat. It was laden with lovely food. I ate a bowl a cereal. I went to pour my self some orange juice but Jason poured it for me. 

"Thanks Jason!" I said. 

He just smiled at me we chatted for a good while as we enjoyed are breakfast. 

"Lex, regarding your work. It doesn't matter when you your job but I must insist that you carry out your duties once a day." Gabriel said. 

"Wonderful! Do you prefer a particular time? I asked. Gabriel nodded no.

"I'll show you what you have to do Lex, okay?" Jason said. 

"I'd like that Jason, thanks." 

I had almost finished my breakfast when Jess said, "After your work, will you meet up with me Lex? We've a lot catching up to do." 

"As long as that's okay with you Gabriel." I said. 

"I see no problem with that." 

Jason and I finished our breakfast and he took me back down to the cells. He handed me a set of keys and said "Be very careful with these. Do not lose them! They're the keys to the doors. Can we trust you with them?" 

"Of course you can Jason." I said, taking the keys and thinking to my self "This is too easy." We walked over to the cell containing the man called Alexander. 

Jason opened to door. It was very dark in the room. The only light was coming through the door. 

"Ah! If it isn't the little slave girl from last night." Alexander said. 

Jason ignored him and just said to me, "Just try and ignore them! All you have to do is take the chamber pot empty it, rinse it out and replace it. Occasionally you may have to give them meals if the kitchen staff are a little short or something like that. Any way, I don't mean to leave you but I have my own work, unfortunately. But I'll see you later, okay?" 

"Okay, I'll see you later. Who do I give the keys back to when I'm finished?" I asked. "When you're done, give them to Gabriel." 

I nodded. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and left. 

I could hear Alexander moving about his chains were dragging along the floor. I looked out at the corridor. The only people about were the guards at my fathers door so I kept my voice down low when I talked to Alexander. 

"I must thank you for almost blowing my cover last night Alexander." I said. 

He whispered back, "What are you talking about slave?" 

"I'm no slave! I'm Lucifer's daughter you twit. We're trying to get you lot out!" I said.

"How do I know your telling the truth? How do I know if this is some sort of trick?" 

I thought for a moment then I remebered the book of my grandfathes that John showed just before I left.

"have you read out of the black book that my grandfather wrote?" I asked. 

"How do you know about that book?" 

"Because John showed it to me. That's why there's a passage that says that if all the royal family are killed when the final battle comes. The light raiders will win the battle but even if one survives they will lose the battle and be completely destroyed. That's why they want me and my mother dead!" 

Alexander was taken back. I let him to think for a minute or two while I cleaned out his chamber pot and came back to his cell. 

"You're really Lucifer's daughter?" I nodded. 

"Your father's going to kill John and Michael for letting you do this. But I am glad to see you princess. You bring great joy to me that I haven't felt in years." 

"You must pretend that I'm just a servant and that you don't know me apart from the fact that I clean your chamber pot okay?" 

"Very well. I will do what you ask princess." he kissed my hand. 

I could feel his beard on my hand. I left his cell, locked it, and cleaned the others. I didn't speak to anyone else because I would have been in hearing range of the guards. Then I came to my father's cell! I couldn't speak to him because a guard came in with me. I didn't really see him as he was sitting in the corner of the room so I just got on with it and left as quickly as possible. 

I went back up to the food hall to find Gabriel, but he wasn't there. I asked one of the girls that were cleaning up if they knew where he was. They said that usually he would be in the council room, which was on the eighth floor. I thanked her and set off to try and find it. 

I started on the main stairs. At the top the corridor branched off to the left and to the right. I went left not really knowing where I was going. At the end there was another staircase that went up to a long corridor. It wasn't a plush as the rest of the corridor. I heard voices coming from a door to my left it was slightly open. I could hear voices saying 

"Why do we need to kill this girl? What did she do to us?" it was Jess. 

"May I remind you that she's the reason your fathers dead!" it was Gabriel. 

"I know but kill her? Is that really necessary?" Jess said. 

"Yes it is, because if she still lives when the last battle comes we will all die." I heard Jason say. 

"Do we know what she looks like yet lord?" 

"Not yet! They seem to be keeping her identity secret, but they will have to reveal her soon. We think they may identify her at the sacrifice this month. We have people in place to deal with her if they do!" Gabriel said. 

Then a voice said, "Have you had any word from William, my lord?" 

Gabriel responded, "I have been told that he has been captured and may even be executed or so that girl Lex said." 

The voice said "Is she that the girl that escaped the shadow raiders?"

Jess said, "Yes, and she's a very good friend of mine, regardless of what anyone else may say." 

I was glad someone was sticking up for me. 

"Listen! It's very suspicious that she turns up after being chased by a shadow raider! I've never heard of them kidnapping a minor. It's not their style. They're evil, but not that bad. Jason tells me that Alexander said that it's against their law." Gabriel said. 

"Okay, you have a point. But there must be a test or something that will prove that she's not one of them!" Jess said. 

"There is one thing. Take her down to the sacrifice room and give her wolf blood. If she spits it out I'll consider trusting her. If she doesn't she's leaving, is that clear?" 

I heard people agreeing there was the scraping of chairs. I ran to the end of the corridor so it would look like I just got there. I saw the council coming out. Jason saw me, came over and gave me a hug. Jess and Gabriel came over. 

"Here are the keys my lord." I said. 

He just nodded. 

"Unfortunately, Jess will not be able to join you today because she's very busy with engagements." Gabriel said. 

"That's okay. There's plenty of time to catch up later." 

Gabriel nodded and escorted Jess off somewhere. 

"So, what do you want to do now that you're free for the rest of the day Lex?" 

"I'd like maybe a tour of the grounds, if that's okay?"

"I was going to suggest that. Do have you a cloak?" I shook my head. 

"Tell you what, you make your way down to the main hall and I'll get one for you okay?" 

I nodded. We both went down to the main stairs. Jason went off to the right I went straight down and waited for him in the hall. I had a good idea how to get them to trust me, which was vital for my real plan to work. All I had to do was spit out the wolf's blood. My father wouldn't like me doing it but desperate times called for desperate measures. Jason appeared with a cloak in his arms. 

"Here, I think it's your size." 

I put it on. It was a little big, which was one of the problems with being so thin.

"Thanks Jason." The cloak was dark blue. Jason was wearing one of the same colour. We walked out into the courtyard. It was completely covered in snow He showed me the lake. There was a small forest, not the one that Michael and I hid in. Jason took me over to it. It looked very creepy. I mentioned this to Jason who just said 

"It's okay. You're right, it is creepy and you'll see why in a minute just follow me please." 

I didn't like it but I followed him. We came to a clearing in the middle of the forest. There was column lined path leading up to a large stone building. I suddenly got a bad pain in my stomach. I saw something flash in my mind as if there was a film reel going in my head I saw flaming torches lining the way to the building. There were people lining the path. At the building there were two figures. One holding a bundle of clothes in their arms. As I approached the figures I could see their faces. One was a man nearly six feet tall, with very dark hair and his eyes were black as night. The other figure was a woman. She was very beautiful; tall, thin and with dark hair. Her eyes were lighter than those of the man. Someone stepped out from the crowd. It was Alexander. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 02



"My lord, this is a joyous day indeed. We never thought that you'd have an heir. We all hoped of course. May I see her?" 

The man nodded. He beckoned the woman forward and showed Alexander the bundle of clothes which held a small child. 

"Oh, my lord, she's beautiful. She looks just like you." 

"Yes, let's get her inside. I want her baptised before they get there hands on her. At least this will give her a chance against them. They walked past everyone and made there way to the building. 

"Lex are you okay?" 

Jason's question knocked me to my senses. 

"Yeah I'm fine, I've just been daydreaming." 

We made are way into the building. The entrance to the building was very impressive there were wolves carved out of the stone. Inside the was a set of stone stairs that led up to a large wooden door. Jason went up to this door. 

"Come on Lex, what's wrong?" Jason asked. 

"Probably nothing. It's just very creepy in here, that's all." 

I ran after Jason to catch up. He opened the door. I couldn't see into the room as it was pitch black. We walked in. I was about to ask Jason if he could light something when he lit a torch and held it up. We walked around the room lighting the torches that lined the walls. When he was finished I could see the room properly there was a stone table covered in a green cloth embroidered with a gold wolf behind the table there was an alter. I walked over to it there were knifes and tall glass jars. 

"What on earth is this place Jason?" I asked. 

"This is the shadow raiders sacrifice room." he said. 

"And what exactly do they sacrifice?" I asked, dreading the answer. 

"Mainly wolves, for their blood. But they do the occasional human as well. It's also how they initiate their people. They're left with a scar on their stomach." 

Before I knew anything else Jason launched him self onto me causing me to fall back on to the table. I couldn't fight him he was far too strong. 

"Jason! What the hell are you doing?" I screamed.

"I'm going to see if your one of them once and for all." Jason said. I felt a pair of hands strap me down to the table. I looked up and it was Gabriel. When I was securely tied to the table Jason produced a knife. 

"Would you like to do the honour my lord?" Jason asked. 

"Yes I would, thank you." Gabriel walked round to the front of me, opened my cloak and cut into my dress around the stomach and cut the cloth away. 

"Well is she?" Jason asked. 

"I don't think so, but I want absolute proof. Where's the blood?" Gabriel asked. 

I heard Jason fumbling about for a moment. "Here it is, my lord. Do you want me to hold her mouth open?" 

This was it! I had to spit this out somehow Jason prized my mouth open and Gabriel poured the blood into my mouth. The good thing was that I didn't have to pretend. The blood was awful! It had probably been lying around for a very long time. As soon as the blood touched my tongue I spat it out and vomited onto the floor. 

Gabriel had loosened the straps. I vomited a few more times before Jason said "Lex I'm sorry. We had to know if you were one of them!" 

I spat back at him, "Are you satisfied now?" 

They both nodded there heads. Gabriel said, "Yes we are. No shadow raider could have spit the blood out no matter how old it might be." 

"Can I go now, please, my lord?" 

He nodded. I pulled my cloak over me and stormed out of the building. Jason came running after me. 

"Lex waits. What's wrong?" he asked. 

"Oh, let's see you take me in there under false intentions strap me to a sacrifice table rip my dress and pour blood down my throat at what part did you think I was okay with it Jason?" 

I stormed off leaving Jason in the snow. I just went straight to the castle. I looked an awful state! My dress ripped and blood and vomit all down my face. Jess was in the main hall when I went in. "Lex what's wrong?" 

I snapped back "Ask Gabriel what's wrong!" I stormed off down to my room. I locked the door behind me. I didn't want to see any one. I got my self cleaned up. I had to change into my night dress since it was the only dress I had. I lay down on the bed and before long I heard a knock on the door. I just ignored it. I wasn't in the mood for talking to anyone. I closed my eyes just for a few minutes and before I knew anything else I drifted off to sleep. 

When I awoke I could hear voices out side my door. I went to the bathroom. Back in my room I looked and saw that there was a note pushed under the door. It said: 

Miss Orion, 

could you please meet us in the food hall when you wake as I would like to explain a few things to you. Also please find a new dress when you open the door. 

 Lord Gabriel 

I thought to my self, "I'd better go or I'll never hear the end of it." I opened the door and sure enough there was a dress waiting for me. I got changed into it and made my way up to the food hall. Gabriel, Jess and Jason were there waiting for me. I said very politely.

"You wanted to see me, my lord?" 

Everyone looked around. 

Gabriel said, "Yes Lex, please sit and eat." 

I sat as far as I could from Jason. 

"Please let me explain why we did what we did. We couldn't trust you because there was no record of you in the castle or any ware and even servants have records, we weren't sure of your parentage but we know now that it's not possible for you to be one of our enemies because if you were you would have swallowed the blood. We all believe you now. I have to admit we didn't believe you at first. Now that we have that sorted out, we're having a ball in three weeks. Would you like to join us for it?" 

I said, "I'd be honoured my lord." 

"If you want Lex, I'll have a dress made for you." Jess said. 

"I'd like that Jess, thanks!" 

Jason was trying to make eye contact but I just ignored him we chatted some more I wanted to spend more time with Jess but some one from the kitchen spoke to Gabriel and told him that there was no one to give the prisoners there food. 

"Lex I'm sorry but you have to go down and feed the prisoners. Be careful, the guards aren't on duty tonight." Gabriel asked. 

"Why aren't the guards on duty my lord?" I asked. 

"We don't have the guards on after ten o'clock at night. It's not necessary." 

Gabriel threw me the keys and told me to find him when I was finished. I nodded. 

I left with the person from the kitchen. I collected the food and made my way down. I opened Alexander's door he smiled when he saw me he whispered, 

"Your highness I'm glad to see you again."

I handed him his food. I locked the door and went to the other cells. When I got to my father's cell he was sitting on his bed. This time I could see him. He was the man from the vision I had before I entered the sacrifice hall. I knelt before him and handed him his food. He looked puzzled. 

"Since when do light raider servants show any respect to us?" 

I know I shouldn't have but I blurted it out "Since I'm not a light raider, my lord. I'm your daughter Alexandria." 

He slid off the bed on to the floor and looked into me eyes. 

"My daughter! What on earth are you doing here?" he whispered in my ear. 

"I'm trying to get you all out! What else would I be doing in here?" 

He gave me a tight hug. "I missed you so much. Look how much you've grown."

"Father listen, when there are guards or anyone about you must pretend that I'm just a servant nothing else. I promise that I'll get you out of this hell." 

He held my head in his hands. "You remind me so much of your dear mother. Here, take this." 

He reached into his pocket and handed me a small silver bracelet that had different charms on it. 

"I was going to give you this when you were old enough. It's a family heirloom; it's a sign of your royal blood." 

"Father, you keep it and when we get out of here you can give it to me. I would be afraid of someone seeing it and identifying me." he nodded.

I gave him a kiss on the cheek and I went to leave before I left I said "I'm going to get you out of here and I'm going to make them pay for what they've done to us! That I promise you father." 

I locked his door. I felt a deep sadness in my heart having to lock up my father, but I meant what I said and I didn't care that Jess was one of them. My loyalty was to my father and always would be no matter what. I went to find Gabriel I found him lounging about on the tenth floor. 

"Did Lucifer give you any problems?" he asked. 

"No, my lord, he didn't. I was just in and out I didn't stay long." 

"Very well I think that Jason is looking for you." 

I just nodded I wasn't in the mood for Jason so I just went back to my room but there he was sitting on my bed.

"Jason could you please leave?" I asked. 

"Not until I explain why I did what I did." 

"Jason I'm not in the mood for this either. Leave or I'll get a guard to help you leave; your choice!" 

"Fine, but we need to talk Lex. I only did what I did because I had no choice. I couldn't disobey Gabriel. I would have been executed!" Then he stormed out of my room. 

I locked the door encase he decided to come back that night. I slept very well knowing that I had given my father some hope. 

The next few weeks passed very quickly. It was a week before the ball. I needed somehow to get in contact with someone from our council. They had suggested that someone keep an eye on me. I had a sneaky suspicion that someone was in the forest. The only problem was getting outside without someone seeing me. That was nearly impossible with Jason hanging around me all the time. I had to try anyway, so one day after my work I went out to the grounds for a walk. 

Sure enough, Jason followed me outside. "Lex wait! Where are you going?" 

"I'm going for a walk alone, so for the millionth time Jason, leave me alone!" I walked away from him. 

Luck was on my side that day. As I walked away a heavy blizzard struck. It was a complete white out! It covered my tracks and it meant that no one could see where I was going. I reached the forest. I searched for a good hour before I found anyone. Damien and Michael were obviously camping out. They were glad to see me. They both threw their arms round me. 

"Princess, are you okay? Did the plan fail? Are they treating you okay?" 

I had a million questions to answer before I could even open my mouth. 

"Look! here's the deal. I'm fine. The plans going well and we have an opportunity to get them out. I just need one of you to get into the castle. I can't get them out alone. I need an alibi. I've spoken to Alexander and my father. they're in the dungeons. The security is lousy. They don't have any guards after ten at night and none at all if there's a ball. There just so happens to be a ball in one week's time. I think that's when we need to strike. I can get the keys to the cells but not to their chains. They're each chained to the wall of their cells. Can I trust you to find away round that?" 

We talked for a while longer to discuss the finer details of the plan of how we were going to get them out of the castle. Eventually we came up with an idea that we all liked. 

I wanted to spend more time with them but I heard a voice shouting "Lex, Lex". 

It was Jason. If he caught me with Damien and Michael it would be over! 

I told them I had to go. Then I realised that I had to explain the length of time I had been gone. As soon as I got clear of Michael and Damien I pretended to collapse in the snow. It was drastic I know, but at the time it was necessary. 

"Lex, Lex!!!" I heard Jason running up to me. He turned me over and checked for a pulse. A few other people heard his screams and ran over. One of them was Gabriel. 

"Jason is she okay?" 

"She's unconscious but breathing and very cold. She must have collapsed in the snow." Jason slid his arms under my legs and lifted me up off the ground and into his arms. 

Gabriel said, "Get her inside quickly Jason." 

I felt Jason run with me. He went upstairs. I felt my self being laid down on a very soft bed. My cloak was removed and I was changed into a night dress and covered with warm blanket. I felt very cosy. I felt Jason stroking my hair. 

"Will she be okay Gabriel?" Jason asked. 

"I will have the doctor see her immediately." Gabriel said, and he left in a hurry. 

I think Jason was crying. 

"Lex I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have let you go on our own. This wouldn't have happened had I been with you."

He brushed the hair out of my eyes and kissed me on the cheek. A few minutes later I could hear people entering the room. I felt hands turning me round and placing a thermometer in my mouth. 

"She has hypothermia. You just need to keep her warm and keep her in bed for a week or two. She'll make a full recovery." 

Gabriel said "Thank you for coming on short notice doctor." 

The doctor said, "it's not a problem my lord." 

He left and Jason stayed at my bed side. I "came round" a few hours later. I looked around. I was in a large room that was gold in colour. The bed clothes were a rich blue. 

"Lex, how are you feeling?" Jason asked. 

"Jason where am I? I the last thing I remember was going out for my walk and everything went black I don't remember anything apart from you picking me up thank you Jason." I said. 

"Any-time Lex. Please understand that I didn't have a choice with helping Gabriel. If I had the choice I wouldn't have done it. I hope you can forgive me." 

"Don't get me wrong, Jason. I was mad. but I understand that you didn't have a choice. That's why I had to take the walk. To clear my head and to think about things." 

Jason leaned over and kissed me. When we broke away he said, "I have something for you. Here!"

he handed me a gold necklace with a gold dragon on it inlayed with diamonds he put it round my neck it fitted perfectly. 

"Thank you Jason, it's beautiful." 

"I was hoping you would wear it to the ball. I was also hoping you'd like to go with me to the ball." Jason kept his eyes to the floor. 

"I'd love to go with you Jason, providing I get a suitable dress." I gave him a kiss on the cheek. 

Gabriel came in with a tray of food for me. "Well, how are we feeling?" 

"A lot better. Thank you my lord." I said. 

"Here, eat up! You look half starved. Get plenty of rest. The doctor said to stay in bed for a week or so. But, if your feeling better for the ball I'll let you go." 

I started into the tray of food. The food was gorgeous. I didn't even know what it was. Jason stayed with me all the time. Gabriel visited when he could and I never saw Jess except when she came down to get my measurements for the dress she said she would get for me. I wasn't allowed out of bed apart from using the bathroom. 

"Where am I, any way?" I asked. 

Jason said, "This is my room. Do you like it?" 

"It's gorgeous. where have you been sleeping?" 

"On a spare bed in Gabriel's room." 

I was shocked that he was giving up his bed for me so I said, "After the ball I'll move back to my room." 

Jason looked a little disappointed and just nodded. 

It was three nights before the ball. Most of my time was spent with Jason. We talked about different things, but mainly about the ball. Apparently this ball was being held because Jess would be coming of age soon and these were the events leading up to that historic moment.

I was sort of looking forward to the ball. I was getting sick of all the bad dresses. At least, at the ball, I could feel like a princess again and no one would be suspicious. It was also when my plan was going into action! Finally, we would have my father back.

The next day Gabriel came and asked me if I was feeling up to cleaning out the cells. They were short handed in the kitchen. I dressed and went down stairs to the cells. The guards were on their break so I got the chance to talk to my father. When I went into his cell I cleaned his chamber pot. 

When I came back in he said " I was afraid that they'd found you out as you didn't come down for nearly a week." 

"No, I had to fake hypothermia because Michael and Damien were talking to me and kept me for to long."

"Good thinking! You have your mothers brain, that's for certain."

I liked the little chat I had with my father. Unfortunately they were cut short thanks to Jason following me around everywhere. It was starting to annoy me but I put up with it. 

The night of the ball was finally upon us. I was in Jason's room when he came in.

"Lex meet me down in the main hall when you're ready; okay?"

"I will Jason." 

He left me alone to get ready. I went to the bathroom. I washed and put on a little make up, did my hair up with a little glitter and hair pins. I picked up my dress. I hadn't actually seen it yet. I put the dress on. It was a gorgeous dress. It was powder blue covered with sequins. I pulled the straps over my shoulders and put on the matching blue shoes. I looked not bad for a wolf in sheep's clothing. I got a shawl to set my outfit off and then set off for the main hall. I walked out and I started to get funny looks from every one. I when I got to the hall Jason was standing at the bottom of the stairs. I had to admit he did look good in his suit with his hair neatly washed and combed. I walked up beside him and he turned round. 

"Lex?" he said. 

"It's me aright. What's the matter Jason, are you okay?" 

He started to stammer and splutter a lot. "You look beautiful!" he finally managed to get out. Gabriel came running up to me. 

"Lex, I'm so sorry I know I said you could have the day off but the person that was supposed to cover you is sick, so we need you to clean the cells." 

This was my golden opportunity. I pretended to be annoyed and just said "Very well my lord. I don't like this but I will do as you ask." 

I took the keys from him and headed down stairs. 

I had a mad idea! It was worth a try. Instead of going down stairs I went out to the place where I met up with Michael and Damien, but this time there was more of them. The whole council had come to see my plan work. 

"Right! Here's what's going to happen. I'll sneak Michael, Damien, and John into the castle. The rest of you get into a position for attacking them. As far as you know, I'm one of them okay?" 

They all nodded and finally it was time for me to keep my promise to my father! It was time to set him free, once and for all.



Blood and Ice Ch. 03



Chapter 03: The Rescue

Michael, Damien and I headed towards the castle. 

"I must say, Lex, you're looking very well tonight!" Damien told me.

"Thanks, Damien, but this is no time for pleasantries," I told him. "We have very little time as the light raiders will be down on us as soon as they hear us. Now, keep to the shadows, please."

As we neared the castle, we found the main hall was empty. I took them down to the dungeons. Michael produced a small metal pick. 

I said, "Is that the best you've got?" 

Michael just laughed and they quickly released the rest of the prisoners, including my father. I was glad they were free. I locked all the doors; it sounds silly, I know, but I had a crazy idea 

"Didn't I tell you she was a genius?" father beamed at me. 

I ruffled up my hair. I didn't want to, but I tore my dress and kicked off my shoes. I knew that Jason would be down soon, looking for me.

father grabbed me and put a dagger to my throat; sure enough, Jason came into the dungeon. "Lex? What's keeping you, Lex?" 

Jason saw Lucifer with me. 

"Move and she dies!" father said. 

I yelled at Jason, "Get out of here! Get Gabriel!" 

He didn't need to be told twice. He ran like a man possessed. 

Michael said, "Right! lets move up to the main hall quickly, the rest of the council should meet us there." 

They nodded. We could hear the commotion that Jason had made in raising the alarm. We entered the main hall and were met by the rest of our council. father still had the knife to my throat. 

Of course, Gabriel and the rest of their council came running out. 

"My lord, I'm so sorry they made me do it. I had no choice," I said with tears running down my face. 

"Its okay, Lex, it's not your fault," Gabriel said. 

"Well, well if this isn't a pleasant surprise, Gabriel. You have a choice: either let us go and this servant girl will live. If you try and stop us I'll kill her," my father said. 

"What makes you think she's worth anything, Lucifer?" Gabriel said. 

"I don't think that you think she's worth anything, but I think your brother does. Don't you, Jason?" father's fixed his eyes on Jason. 

Jason was too stunned to do or say anything.

"So what's it going to be? I'm not going to stand here all day you know," father said. 

Gabriel said, "Very well, we'll let you leave." 

My father and our council went to leave when Gabriel said, "The girl stays. She wasn't part of the deal." 

"Actually, I said she would live. I never said anything about letting her go. I need someone to fill my bed now that my wife is gone and she'll do nicely," he said as he licked my face. 

"You evil son of a bitch, let her go!" Jason yelled at him. 

"Not a chance! She's mine now." He dragged me backwards and I started to scream for Jason to try and help me but my father dragged me towards to door. 

I didn't mind the fact that I was going home. I just had to act up until I got there. I was dragged through the snow and was put on the horse behind my father and tied to him. We sped off at high speed back to Eithidan. 

We hurried in case the light raiders might chase us. I was kept tied up at all times. I was glad when we finally got to Eithidan. I was dragged inside and the bonds finally removed. 

"thank you so much for freeing us. We owe you everything." father gave me a hug that nearly crushed me. 

"Father, no offence, but you really need a bath." 

He broke away laughing. 

"My lord, why have you released the prisoner? We should use her to bargain with," one of fathers councilmen said. 

father laughed and explained everything to everyone who didn't know what was actually going on. Everyone was amazed. father said, 

"The council will convene after we all get baths and a change of clothes. Then we will discuss these events in more detail." 

father put his arm round my shoulders and we started to leave. 

"Michael, have a change of clothes for my daughter brought up to my room as I need to talk to her," 

Michael bowed and left. 

"Come, my daughter, we have much to talk about." 

I went with my father to his room. I sat on his bed and waited for him to emerge from the bathroom. He was in nearly an hour. In that hour he went from being a straggly thin prisoner to a king! He had shaved, washed, and put on clean clothes. He looked like the man from my vision. There was a knock on the door. 

"Enter!" father shouted. 

Michael entered with a bundle of clothes. 

"The clothes for your daughter as requested, sire. Do you need anything else?" 

"Yes, have a small banquet made ready for as I'm sure the rest of the men will be hungry as well," father said. 

Michael nodded and left. father handed me the bundle, and I went into his bathroom to get changed. When I emerged from the bathroom, he turned around, adjusting the sleeves on his cloak. 

"My, my, Alexandria how you've grown! I wish I could have seen you grow up. You look so much like your mother; I miss her very much." I could see tears in his eyes. 

I put my arms round him to try and comfort him. "The main thing to focus on is that you're alive and well. Come, we must go to council," I said gently.

He put an arm around my shoulders and led me off to the council room. When we entered Michael announced us and we took our places at the head of the table. 

"Now, to business. We have a lot of catching up to do. Where is William?"

Everyone just looked at each other no one said anything until I said, "William is in the dungeons." 

"And why is he there?" my father asked. He looked surprised that one of his most trusted men was in prison. 

"Because he attacked me and forced me to escape by jumping out of my window. I nearly died in the process." 

Father remained silent for several long moments; I dreaded his answer. 

"He tried to kill you?" father asked. I nodded. 

"Why wasn't this prevented?" His tone was dark and menacing. 

"My lord, we tried to prevent this but there was nothing we could do. If there had been, we would have done it." Michael said. 

"Who was on guard duty that night?" Father's tone suggested that he didn't want to ask twice. 

"I was, my lord," Damien said. He kept his eyes on the floor.

"And where were you when this was taking place?" father asked him. 

"William had sent me away to get something for the princess. When I was away he tried to kill her. I heard the commotion and ran into her room; William was trying to kill her. I tackled him but I was to late to catch the princess before she fell. I'm sorry, my lord. I did try to get to her. If I could do it over again, I wouldn't have left her." Damien was trembling. 

"I will accept that you did the best you could. What I really want to know is why he did this in the first place," father said. 

"We don't know why he did this; only he can answer that my lord," Michael said. 

"Is there anything else you lot want to tell me?" Father sounded like he wasn't in the mood for any more bad news. 

"Yes, there is, Father. It was my idea to go into the light raider castle. They tried to stop me but I insisted, so please, don't blame them." 

father nodded. "I won't blame them this time because the plan worked. Did you learn anything while you were there?" 

"Yes, I did. The princess' name is Jessica. She's an old friend of mine. Their main concern is to kill me. The only thing is that they don't know what I look like. Their plan is to attack at the next sacrifice. I have a suggestion: we use a decoy and let them think they've killed me." 

"It's worth thinking about. Where's the food? I'm starving." 

He was getting a little impatient. 

"It should be along presently. my lord," John said. 

"Is there anything else you haven't told me?" father said. 

"There is one thing. The light raiders are going to be looking for me and they won't stop until they find me," I said. 

As I was speaking the food arrived.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Now, lets eat." At my father's command, we all began to load our plates. 

We ate our fill. Afterwards the servants came in with wine for everyone except me as I wasn't old enough. 

"Why have you not given my daughter any?" Father asked as he glared at the servant. 

I was glad I wasn't on my dad's bad side! The servant poured me wine but she was shaking so badly that it nearly landed on my lap. 

"Thank you," I said with a small smile, hoping to ease her fear. 

"I thought I was too young to drink?" 

"You are, but this is a special occasion and I'm allowing it." 

I just shrugged my shoulders. I took a sip of the wine, it was very strong. 

"Are you trying to get me drunk, Father?" 

"You might say that," father said with a wink. 

I was a little taken back by his behaviour. 

We all drank and became merrier as the night went on. I felt a hand on my leg. I looked down, hoping it was Damien and it was. "What are you doing?" I asked as his face blurred in front of me. 

"I think we should continue this in private," he whispered in my ear. He held my hand and pretty much carried me to his bedroom. He picked me up and placed me on the bed. He got on the bed beside me and tried to kiss me. 

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I was drunk but not completely out of my head.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm want to make love with you, silly." He kissed me again and I let him, unsure what to do.

" I've never done this before," I said.

Damien immediately pulled back and looked at me. 

"You're a virgin?" 

"Yes, is that a problem?" 

"No, not a problem. I'm just a little shocked is all. I thought that you would have slept with someone by now." He resumed kissing me, starting with my lips, but quickly moving down my neck. 

"I don't think we should do this, Damien. Not yet, any way."

I was so nervous and scared it wasn't that I didn't like him it was just that I had never done it before. 

He moved down and started to unbutton my dress. "Are you sure, Lex?" His eyes were dark as he stared down at me.

I nodded. He got up. 

"are you angry with me Damien?" 

"no of course not lex I like you a lot and I don't want to push you."

"thanks" I said.

"Would you stay the night with me? I promise I won't touch you," Damien said. 

"Okay, I'll stay." I said. 

I hadn't expected Damien to do that, but I trusted him. We got into bed and cuddled up next to each other. For the first time in my life I felt like I was where I was supposed to be. I felt very safe in Damien's arms. I fell asleep wondering what the future would hold. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke the next morning with a stomping headache. Father shouldn't have let me drink so much, I thought. I rolled over expecting to see Damien but he wasn't there. I got up and changed. I felt sick as a dog and went back to my own room to lie down. 

I felt very sick and had a terrible pain in my side. I didn't know what it was and decided to find my father. I made my way slowly down to the food hall. My father wasn't there but Alexander was. 

"Do you know where my father is, Alexander?" I felt like I was on fire

"Yes, he's in the games hall. Are you okay, Alexandria?" 

"No, I don't feel well and my side is very painful." I wasn't sure how I was still on my feet. 

He walked over to me. "Could you show me where its painful?" 

I nodded and showed him where I was sore. He took one look at me and yelled, "Michael, get in here now!" 

Michael came running in at top speed. "What's wrong?" 

"Get Lucifer in here immediately. Tell him it's Alexandria and we need to get her to the table." 

Michael ran out of the room while Alexander lifted me up and sat me on a chair. A few minutes later Michael came running in with father, who put his hand to my forehead. 

"Right! Lets get her to the table. We'll need some help; get the rest of the council down to the table." Michael ran out of the room. "Can you carry her?" father asked Alexander.

Alexander nodded and lifted me up. 

"Father, what's going on?" I asked. 

"You just need a little operation is all. You'll be fine." 

I felt Alexander running with me, but from then on I was in and out of conciseness. I remember the cold air hitting me, people shouting and yelling at each other, a blanket being put over me, and my father was yelling his head off about something but I couldn't understand. I felt the air change and I was being laid on a flat surface; the table, I guessed. 

"Alexandria, can you hear me?" father asked. 

All I could do was moan. 

"We're going to do a little operation on you. We're trying to freeze the area but it may not work. If not, this may be extremely painful so bite down on this." he placed a bit between my teeth. I could feel my arms and legs being strapped down. 

"My lord, we're ready to proceed?" Alexander said. 

"Go on, Alexander." 

father held my hand. I felt my dress being ripped. The next thing I knew I felt a blinding pain just above my hip on the right side. I tried to wriggle away but father said, "Don't move, just bite down. It will be over soon. I promise." Father stroked my face to try and keep me calm.

I stopped moving and bit down. The pain was so bad that I passed out. I came to when they were stitching me up. 

My father looked into my eyes, pushed back my hair, and said: "There, now. It's over. We'll get you back to bed. You're going to be sore for a while." 

He took the bit out of my mouth, the straps were loosened, and my father lifted me up. I couldn't see where I was. My father turned round and I saw that the table was soaked in my blood and wished I hadn't looked. 

My father took me back to his room. He washed where they'd made the incision and I passed out again. I didn't fully wake again for a few days. By then, the pain had subsided but I was very sore and stiff. father stayed by my bed. 

When I came to he said, "How are you feeling? Any better?" 

"A little. I'm still sore but what happened? I went from having a hangover to getting an operation?" 

"Your appendix burst and we had to operate. If we hadn't you would have died. It wasn't the best of places to do it, but we had to do it on the sacrifice table." He looked a little embarrassed. 

There was a knock on the door. Alexander came in. "Ah, your highness, you're awake. How do you feel?" 

"A little sore, but none the worse," I said. 

I started to get up. "Where do you think you're going?" Father asked. 

"To the toilet, why? Am I not allowed to go?" I said. 

"Of course, I just don't want you out of bed yet. Alexander, could you get some food for my daughter please." 

Alexander nodded, bowed and left the room. My dad had to help me to the toilet which wasn't an easy task. He insisted that I stay in bed for a couple of weeks. I was very bored. I begged my father to let me out but he refused me point blank. 

"Father, please let me get up. Even if it's just to walk the hallway. Please?" I begged. "How about the stables? I haven't been outside in forever."

"Very well, I'll allow you to go down to the stables but Damien must go with you, okay?" 

I nodded and said, "Thank you." I got ready to go. Damien met me in my father's room. 

"How are you feeling?" Damien asked. 

"I'm a lot better, thanks, Damien." 

I leaned in to kiss him. He slid his arms around my shoulders and slid his tongue into my mouth. We started to kiss more passionately. He pushed me gently to the wall. His hands roamed my body. 

"Ahem!" a voice said from behind us. I looked over Damien's shoulder; it was my father. 

"Father, er. I .. um.." I stuttered. 

He just smiled. "I never knew that you and Damien had something going on between you. Who knows about this?" 

"No one, my lord," Damien answered. "We've kept it low key. We weren't sure how you'd feel about us." 

Father winked at me. "Well, it's about time you showed interest in men." 

"Let's go, Damien, before he changes his mind." I didn't know quite what to think, but wasn't going to waste the opportunity.

Damien nodded. He draped me in my thick cloak and hand in hand we walked to the stables. 

"So tell me, what's been going on while I've been in bed?" I asked. 

"Not a lot. The councilmen have been asking about you. We're trying to figure out just how to kill your friends Jess and Gabriel. We haven't figured anything out yet, except that we need Gabriel out of the way. But, as of yet, we have no idea of how to do that. Of course, they're trying to kill you. We have agreed on using a decoy when we're in public. But apart from that, nothing else has been decided." He changed the subject. "So, have you got a name for your horse yet?" 

"I've been thinking about it and I think I'm going to call him Spirit because he's a free one," I said. 

"I like it! I think it suites him." 

We started to laugh and joke. I loved spending time with Damien and wished the day would never end. I didn't want to go back because I knew that I'd have to say good-bye to him. That evening, I gave him a hug and kiss goodnight and went to bed a very happy girl indeed. Before I went to sleep father came into my room. 

"I was wondering if we could have a little chat?" 

I shrugged my shoulders as he sat on my bed. 

"I just want to say that I am very happy that you're with Damien. Also, I don't mind if you sleep with him because our laws permit it after the age of eighteen. Just use protection, please!" 

I was taken aback by my dad being so direct.

He coughed. "I must insist on that the person that you do sleep with must be a shadow raider." 

"I can gladly agree to that," I said. 

"Come here and give me a hug." he said. I moved over to the edge of the bed and wrapped my arms round my father. I couldn't see how any one found my father threatening or violent. I loved my father. He was the most kind, caring and loving father anyone could ask for. 

"Sleep well, my daughter," he said, kissing me on the cheek. 

"Goodnight father, sleep well." 

He gave me one final kiss on the cheek and left. 

I lay in bed thinking about everything that had happened to me over the past few months. I felt a pain in my stomach. It was like a film going in my head although it was blurry as if it was a long lost memory.

I could see people on horseback approaching a castle. There was a lot of shouting and screaming. The only thing other thing I saw was a woman with a bundle in her arms running away from the castle. She was being chased by a few men. Alexander ran after her.

"Melissa, run! Get the baby out of here. I'll hold them off for as long as I can." He turned back to challenge the men.

Melissa ran for her life. I felt a twinge of pain again and I was back in my room. There was a knock on the door.

"Sorry to disturb you, your highness, but your father has convened the council and requests your presence," Alexander said. 

"Alexander? Why didn't you tell me you tried to save me and my mother when the castle was under attack?" 

His jaw dropped. "How did you know that? You were far too young to remember." Alexander looked stunned. 

"Dose my father know?" I asked. 

He shook his head. 

"Thank you, you saved my life," I said as I gave him a hug. 

"it was my pleasure and honour your highness" he said as he hugged me back

" now I suggest you get changed and meet your father." I nodded.

Alexander left and waited for me. I changed and met Alexander outside my room. We made Our way up to the council room. Everyone was already there. 

"Ah! Alexandria, sorry to get you out of bed but a letter arrived from the light raiders that concerns you." 

I sat down next to my father and he handed me a letter that said: 

" To Lucifer, I request that you attend a summit to discuss the release of Alexandria Orion. I'm sure that we can come to some arrangement. If you would be so good as to meet me at the gate tomorrow at noon? Many thanks. Lord Gabriel "




Blood and Ice Ch. 03



I finished reading the letter and handed it back. 

"What do you think we should do?" I asked. 

"That's why I called for you. It's up to you. What do you want to do? Keep in mind that if you do go back, they'd be keeping a closer eye on you. Also, we wouldn't be able to make any contact with you. It would be very dangerous. Again, its up to you." 

I thought about it for a few minutes. "It would be a good opportunity to see what they're doing and I am friends with the princess. Getting in isn't a problem and they're still looking elsewhere for me. They don't suspect that I'm the shadow raider princess. As long as you use a decoy to keep them off my tail." 

There was a long silence then John said, "With all due respect, we don't think that this is a good idea, putting the princess in harm's way. Is there another way, my lord?" 

Alexander answered, "Unfortunately not. They want her back. If they attack us here, we'll be sitting ducks. We have no way of defending ourselves. At least this way we can get information on them and keep them away from us until we can build up our numbers. 

"Anyway, they don't know what are princess looks like, so we can use this to our advantage." 

I smiled at Alexander, glad he was backing me. 

"I don't like the situation myself, but Alexander is right. Before we do this, we should deal with William to make sure that he doesn't escape and warn them. Alexander, John, Michael—would you bring William up here please?" my father said. 

They bowed and left the room. "Father, could I talk to you privately please?" I asked. 

He nodded and motioned for everyone else to leave the room. 

"What's wrong, Alexandria?".he sounded concerned 

"I don't know how to explain this with out sounding crazy, but here goes. I've been seeing things that have already happened. I saw you and mother walking towards a building lined with torches and Alexander spoke to you about a baptism? And also something that Alexander never told you—he helped mum escape from the castle during the attack. He held them off until mum could get away. He saved my life. What I don't understand is how I can see these things. It's like a film in my head." 

I waited for my father to say that I was completely crazy and should be locked up. "When did the first one happen?" he asked. 

"A few weeks ago, before we rescued you," I said. 

"I need to explain a few things to you. The reason you see these things is because your grandfather had what we call premonitions. Visions of the past or the future. We weren't sure whether or not you had this ability or not." 

There was a disturbance outside the door. "We'll continue this discussion later." 

He gave me a kiss on the forehead. The doors burst open and Alexander, Michael and John entered, dragging William between them. He was kicking and screaming the house down, begging them not to take him to my father. They threw him at my father's feet. Almost instantly he became a sobbing wreck. 

Damien stood next to me just in case William tried anything. 

"Stand up, William, and face me like a man!" 

William slowly stood up in front of my father. 

"Do you know why you've been locked up, William?" My father stared at him, his expression stony and neutral.

William was silent. Damien sat next to me just in case William tried anything. 

"Answer me!" my father said, in a tone that made every one in the room shake with fear.

"Be-because I-I tried t-to k-kill y-your d-daughter." William finally stuttered out.

"Well, well, so you do have a brain after all. Why did you try to kill her?" 

"Because if she lives, the light raiders will die and I can't allow that." William said.

He was starting to get a bit braver. I could almost sense what was about to happen. I grabbed Damien's sword just in time. William leaped across the table in a final attempt to kill me just as I turned round and plunged Damien's sword deep into William's stomach. I twisted the blade and sealed his fate. As I realised what I had done I wanted to run out of the room but father grabbed me by the arm and made me stay. 

"Do you believe now that she can handle herself, John?" my father said. 

I wanted to vomit I could feel the bile rising in my throat I pulled against father but he held me tight. 

John nodded and I could hear William convulsing and coughing. 

"Michael, finish the traitor off will you?" Michael nodded they dragged his body out of the room. 

I don't know what they did with it. I never found out and never wanted to know. 

"It is agreed that my daughter will go back to the light raiders to find out what their plans are." 

Everyone nodded. 

"Very well. This council is over. You may leave." 

Everyone got up and left except for the guards at the door. 

"Father, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to kill him." I was shaking from head to foot in shock of what I had just done.

"Alexandria, he was going to kill you. It was self defence. Everyone saw it, so there's no need to explain your self." 

I smiled at my father.

"Alexandria, please promise me one thing?" father asked. 

"Of course, Father, anything for you." I took his hand and squeezed it. 

"If you think that you're in over your head, get out of there. Gabriel is not stupid. If he suspects anything, he will hound you like a dog." 

"I promise father. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'll have to stay up all night tonight because I can't look well rested. Is the games hall open?" 

"It is if you want. I could teach you a few things in case of an emergency. It would make me feel better." 

I nodded and went to my room to get changed. I returned and met my father in the games hall. He was waiting for me with a sword in his hand. I picked another from the racks on the wall. 

"Now, I am going to come at you hard and fast the way Gabriel would, okay?" 

I nodded. 

He lunged at me, holding his sword vertically and bringing it down as if to cut me in half. Luckily, Michael had taught me how to block this kind of attack. I managed to block him just in time to stop him splitting me in half. The force of the blow forced me to the floor and I rolled away from him. 

I stood up. swung my sword horizontally and caught him by the hilt. I swung my sword around in a circle, flicked it up and sent his sword flying. I caught his sword with my free hand and held them both to his throat. 

"Well, I have to say I'm very impressed. Michael has taught you well." Father nodded in appreciation.

"I'm a fast learner, Father." I gave him back his sword. 

Father and I spent the night sword fighting. I had to admit I was having fun for once. We sparred all night, barely noticing when the sun came up and pausing only occasionally for food and drink. Our odd bonding ended with a knock on the door.

"My lord, I don't mean to interrupt but it's near noon and we must go if we want to meet them," Alexander said. 

My father nodded. I was given a servant's uniform to change into. The good thing was that the all night sword fighting made me look a mess. I was genuinely tired and sweaty. I skipped a bath and ruffled my hair up as I went to the stables to meet my father. 

"You look a mess, Alexandria," he said. 

"That's the point, Father." 

He laughed. "We're going to tie you behind Damien. You will walk behind his horse. Don't worry. We won't go so fast that you can't keep up,"he said as he bound my hands together and tied me to Damien's saddle. 

We set off. It only took us about fifteen minutes to get to the gate. 

As we approached Gabriel called to us. "Late as always, Lucifer!" 

I couldn't see anything as Damien was behind the rest of the council. 

"Before we start, I want to see that the girl is alive and unharmed," Gabriel said. He sounded slightly bored as if he had done this a thousand time before.

"Fair enough. Damien!" my father shouted. 

Damien moved forward and dismounted, untied me and dragged me forward into Gabriel's view. 

"You can see the girl's alive." My father gestured at me dismissively.

Gabriel nodded and I saw that he wasn't alone. Jason was there along with a few others. Damien handed the rope to my father. 

"So, what's the deal? I'll give you the girl and what will you give me?" Father asked. 

"We'll give you access to your sacrifice hall whenever you want. We'll also let you go free and never try to capture you again. Those are our terms." Gabriel said. 

"Your princess must really want this girl back for you to offer such terms." my father said.

"She is a valued friend of the princess and of my brother. Do you accept these terms or not, Lucifer?" 

"Just one question. When we go to the sacrifice hall will any light raiders be there?" 

"No. We have sealed the area off. It will be part of your domain. No one will stop you. If they do you may kill them as they will be in your territory." Gabriel said. 

"Fair enough, it's a deal!" Father got off his horse, took a knife out his pocket and cut the rope I was bound with. He spun me round and threw me to the ground. The snow cushioned my fall but I scrambled to my feet and ran behind Gabriel's horse. My father and the council left. 

Jason came off his horse and threw his arms around me. I burst into tears in his arms. 

"Let's go home and get you cleaned up, Lex," Jason said as he helped me onto his horse. We rode off once again, into the lion's den. When we got there Jess was waiting in the main hall. 

"Lex!" She threw her arms around me. 

"He made the deal! I knew he would if we made it worth while for him. We're just sorry we didn't get you out sooner, Lex," Gabriel said. 

"It's okay, my lord, it's not your fault," I said. 

. 

I nodded and he led me up to his room. I took a bath which I was glad of and changed into a clean dress. Jason was waiting for me when I came out. 

"Gabriel wants to talk to you down in the food hall. I'll come down with you, okay?" 

"Fine." We walked down to the food hall. I sat down and waited for the questions that I knew if I didn't answer, to his satisfaction, I would be out on my ear. 

"How are you, Lex?" Gabriel asked. He seemed concerned with my well being, with luck the plan was working. 

"I'm a little shaken, but okay," I said. 

"How did they treat you?" he asked. 

"The first day I was there I got a bad beating for running away. After that they made me work till I nearly collapsed. I was so scared. I had a few opportunities to run but I was too scared I'd be caught again," I said with a tear running down my cheek. 

"I don't like asking this, but did they rape you?"

"Lucifer tried to but I fought him. He even took a knife and cut me just above my hip." At this point I burst into tears and Jason put his arm around me. 

Gabriel gave a sigh of relief. "That's good. If he was to conceive another heir we'd be in big trouble," Gabriel said. 

Jason was cuddling and kissing me, trying to comfort me. I hated when he did this, but I just put up with it, I didn't want to give them any reason to doubt me.

"My lord, there is one thing that I did see that I wasn't supposed to." 

Gabriel was suddenly very attentive. "What's that?" he said. 

"Their princess killed William. He tried to attack her again and she managed to kill him somehow. I heard that their main objective is to kill Jess before she comes of age." 

"When did you hear this?" Gabriel asked. 

"Last night after they discussed your letter," I said. 

"Thank you. It's not new information but it confirms a few things for us. Do you know what they did with William's body?" Gabriel asked. 

"No. They dragged it off and I don't know what they did with it." 

Gabriel nodded.

"Here, eat Lex. You look half starved." Jason handed me some food. 

"Thanks, Jason." 

He smiled at me. 

"Why did you give him the sacrifice hall?" I asked as I dug into my food, giving the appearance of not having eaten for days. 

"It was the only thing that he would bargain for. I know him well enough to know that. And any way, we don't need it. He may as well have it." 

I nodded. The door opened and Jess came in. I sprang up and ran over to her. She gave me a big hug. "Lex, I'm so glad you're okay! I don't know what I would have done if anything had happened to you," she said. 

"I'm okay, just shaken. How are you?" I asked. 

"Fine, but I've been worried sick about you." She gave me another hug and we sat back down at the table. 

"Was there anything else that you heard or saw when you were there, Lex?" Jason asked. 

"No, I'm sorry. That's all I know. They seemed to make a point of keeping me busy and away from the council room. They must have known that I might return here at some point." 

"Fair enough. Could you tell me what happened when you went down to the dungeons?" Gabriel asked. 

"I went down to dungeons and the shadow raiders were already there. They grabbed me and took the keys from me and kept a hand over my mouth so I couldn't yell. Then they released the prisoners. I tried to fight back but they were far too strong for me. I'm really sorry." I started to cry again. 

"It's not your fault and no one is blaming you. I wouldn't expect you to take on the entire shadow raider council. Even I wouldn't be that foolhardy. Anyway, there was always a chance that they might figure out how to get out." Gabriel assured me.

Jason gave me a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "I really missed you. I would have died if anything happened to you." 

I smiled and whispered back, "I really missed you too, Jason." 

I felt bad for leading him on because I knew that one day he would find out who I really was. But, at that time I had no choice. 

"By any chance did you get a glimpse of the princess?" Gabriel asked. 

"No." I shook my head. "Most of the servants don't know what she looks like. As far as I know, no one, except the councilmen and her father, has seen what she actually looks like." 

"Because we don't know what she looks like, it's like shooting in the dark. We don't know who we're after," Jason said. 

"I'm sorry. I wish I could be of more help. All I know is that she's under tight security. I have seen her with her hood of her cloak up but never her face. The only thing that I do know is that she's always in the company of a member of their council. They'd never leave her alone, otherwise Lucifer would kill them," I said. 

"She's always in the presence of councilmen and she always has a hood up?" Gabriel asked. 

"She did any time I ever saw her," I said. 

"Well, I think you've just given us a big lead," Gabriel said. 

"I have?" I asked, pretending surprise. 

"Yes. We didn't know that they take her out of the castle. This could work to our advantage. Is there anything else you know about her?" Gabriel asked. 

"No, I'm afraid that's all, my lord." 

"That's all right. Your room is still available for you, unless you'd prefer a different one." 

"No, I like that room, my lord."

"Very well. I will find work for you, but not for a few days. I think you need a period of rest after what you have been through. If you will excuse me, I must go and inform the council of this development." Gabriel got up and left the room. 

"Do you want to go for a walk, Lex?" Jason asked. 

"Yes. You don't mind, do you Jess?" I asked. 

Jess responded, "No. I have stuff to do any way. Come and meet me afterwards, okay?"

I nodded. Jason found me a lovely, warm cloak. He linked my arm through his as we walked out into the courtyard. 

"Are you okay, Lex?" Jason asked. 

"I'm okay, Jason. Thanks for asking. I would have been better if I hadn't had to be with them, but I'm just glad I could help Lord Gabriel," I said. 

"At least you're here now, that's what matters." 

"Do want to see the mark Lucifer gave me?" 

He nodded. I lifted up my dress until he could see the scar left from my operation. It was the perfect cover. 

"He did that because you wouldn't sleep with him?" Jason asked. 

"Yeah, that's the price you get for being a decent human being," I said as I let my dress fall. 

"It looks like it was really deep. That's going to leave a scar. I'm sorry, Lex. I should have protected you better. I'm just so glad your alive. Who knows what would have happened if we had left you any longer?" He took me in his arms and kissed me on the lips. 

I accepted his kiss. I had to admit he was a wonderful romantic, if you were into that. We walked around the grounds for an hour or so. A blizzard had started so Jason whisked me inside before I got hypothermia. He escorted me up to Jess's room, which was the biggest room I had ever seen in my entire life. It was beautifully decorated with gold and blue. I was gob smacked! 

"Do you like it, Lex?" 

All I could do was nod. 

"Come sit. Uh, Jason, could you wait outside for Lex? I want some girl chat with her." 

Jason bowed and left the room.

"I'm so glad to see you again, Jess!" I said as I gave her a hug.i did honestly miss our friendship at times, although it didn't excuse what her clan did to us. 

"I'm so glad you were still alive. Gabriel said there'd be no guarantee you would be okay. He hoped you would be." 

"So, what have you been up to while I was away?" I asked. 

"Not a lot. Our main concern was getting you out of that hell that you were forced into. Gabriel wants me to start defence lessons but I don't want to. Fighting is for guys not girls," she said. 

"Jess, take it from me, when I was kidnapped and I couldn't defend myself I felt weak and helpless. Take the lessons. Maybe you could ask Gabriel if I could do them as well. I'd like to know how to kick ass myself." 

Jess laughed. "I'll think about it, Lex. You know I really missed you. You're the best friend anyone could ask for." 

"Aww, thanks, Jess. You're the best friend anyone could ask for too. I hear you birthday is going to be a big event." 

"It's in six months. It's going to be big because I take over control from Gabriel. I'll be running the clan. Anyway, it's not going to be as big as the wedding between you and Jason." 

My cheeks went bright red. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, knowing exactly what she was talking about. 

"Oh, come on, Lex. I've seen the way you two go on. He totally fancies you. Have you kissed yet?" 

I nodded. 

"When?" She was like a little school girl. 

"Just now, before I came up here. It was lovely." 

She started to giggle like crazy. "Oh you do know that you're not allowed to sleep with someone before you're married?" Jess said. 

"No, I didn't know that, but thanks for telling me. I'm to young to marry at the minute. I'm not saying never but not until I'm at least twenty-one. Who knows, it may be to Jason." 

We both burst into a fit of giggles. I missed this talking with Jess. Having a girl my own age to laugh and joke with. However, I knew deep down in my heart that one day I would have to tell her who I really was. I just had to remind myself of who I was and about the job I was there to do. That job was to find out the opportune moment to strike and get the castle back. 

I already knew that when it was her birthday everyone would be there. Hardly anyone would be armed, especially the people in the throne room since it's forbidden to carry weapons there. I just needed to find a way to let my father and the others know. 

That night when Jason escorted me to my room I had an idea. It was a bit drastic but there was no other way. I told Jason good night. I waited until nearly midnight before I made my move. I grabbed my cloak that Jason gave me and headed up stairs. 

I thought I had gotten away unseen but a voice behind me told me otherwise. 

"Lex, where are you going at this time of night?" It was Gabriel. 

I swore to myself. "I couldn't sleep. I thought a walk might do me some good is all," I said. It was the first thing I could think of. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 03



"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked. 

I was a little taken back so I just said, "No, I don't mind, my lord." 

We walked out into the courtyard. 

"Do you know that my brother thinks a lot of you, Lex? He doesn't stop going on about you and he was the main person that insisted on getting you away from the shadow raiders. Well, apart from Jess obviously," Gabriel said. 

"I knew he had feelings for me but I never knew they were that strong, my lord." 

We looked across the grounds and saw lights illuminating the trees in the distance. "I wondered how long it would be before they did a sacrifice. Obviously not very," he said. 

"Why do they sacrifice?" I asked. 

"We're not really sure. Some say it's to keep them selves alive. Did you know that they are immortal?" 

I shook my head. 

"A shadow raider can only be killed in battle. Some say that Lucifer can never be killed. We're not sure about his daughter yet. She certainly knows how to handle herself, we've learned that. After all, she's killed Jess's father and William. We fear that she's going to be like Lucifer. That's why we must dispose of her," he said. 

"I heard something about if there's any royal blood at the time of the final battle that the shadow raiders will win. Is that right?" I asked. 

"Yes, it is. Where did you hear that?" he asked. 

"A servant told me. She didn't know if it was true or not but that's what she was told by a shadow raider." 

"Well, it's true. That's why we knew Lucifer would escape. The battle hasn't happened yet. It will probably happen after Jess turns twenty. If the shadow raider princess comes of age we're all in big trouble," Gabriel said as we walked around the grounds. 

"How come?" I asked. 

"She's the one person that can kill Jess and myself." 

"Why? What's so special about her?" I asked. I was curious but tried not to sound too interested. My father had never told me about this part of myself.

"You don't know?" I shook my head. 

"It is said that if she comes of age she will have unlimited powers and be completely immortal. She will never be killed, even in battle. That's why we so desperately need her killed." 

I thought if a brilliant idea. "My lord, the shadow raiders are doing a sacrifice at the minute, right?" 

Gabriel nodded, "What's your point?" 

"The princess has never been to one as they haven't had a table to do one properly, is that right?" I said hoping he would get my point. 

"I still don't see what your getting at, Lex," he said.

How he got into his rank and position I'll never know, but it certainly wasn't by brains. 

"They probably have the princess there with them at the sacrifice. Would that not be a good time to try and kill her?" 

"You have a point, but I promised there'd be no light raiders on the site or they could kill us," he reminded me. 

"But, you didn't promise there'd be no attacks!" 

He thought it over for a moment. 

"You have a good point there. Now, get inside and don't come out, please." 

I wasn't going to argue. My idea may have been mad, but if this worked they'd have no reason to suspect me. That night I went to bed hoping that they would kill the "princess" of the shadow raiders and believe the battle to be over. Little did they know she was right under their noses.



Blood and Ice Ch. 04



Chapter four: old friends new enemies 

I awoke to the sounds of people running up and down the corridors shouting to each other. It sounded like we were under attack. I got dressed quickly and ran up to the main hall and caught sight of Jason. 

"Jason what's going on? Are we under attack?" he ran over to me. 

"Gabriel took your advice. We managed to kill the shadow raider princess their trying to retaliate but its not working. They're beaten" 

He threw his arms round me and gave me a big kiss. The shouting stopped as Gabriel appeared form outside. 

"I'm glad you're here Lex we would like to see you in the council room when we get settled down. There are a few things we'd like to discuss with you." Gabriel said as he walked off.

"What does he want to talk to me about?" I asked Jason. 

he just shrugged his shoulders 

"He probably wants to thank you, don't worry about it. I'm sure that it's to thank you, since we killed the princess." Jason said .

I was stunned! I didn't know what to say. I felt bad for sending the poor girl to her death, but it was necessary. 

"I can't believe that we're free; that we don't have to worry about the princess taking over or killing us!" Jason slid his arms down my back as he said this. "It means that we can have more time to spend on us." he said as he kissed me deeply. 

I wish he wouldn't do that but I had little choice as I had to keep up appearances.

"You know that we can't do any more than that. Your brother would kill you if we did." 

Jason laughed: "Yeah, he would. Any way, I wouldn't want to rush you. I just don't want to loose you." he kissed me on the cheek. "Let's go, Gabriel will want to see you now, anyway." 

I nodded and I had knots in my stomach. I was terrified that they'd found me out. Jason held my hand all they way to the council room. 

"Don't be so nervous, you'll be okay! You'll see." he said as he gave me a tight hug. 

"Thanks Jason." 

I walked into the council room. It was a large room with a long table filled with people. They were chatting between themselves. the talking stopped when I entered the room. 

Gabriel spoke; "Ah! I'd like to introduce Alexandria Orion, the brains behind the operation so to speak. Please sit, Lex." 

He pulled out the chair next to him. I sat down. I was shaking like a leaf. 

Gabriel continued. "Any way; to last nights events. Last night I met up with miss Orion heading out for a walk. We got chatting and she came up with the idea of attacking the shadow raiders during the sacrifice. I accepted the idea and the plan worked! Their princess is now dead and we are now free of the shadow raiders as they are not now strong enough to even try to defeat us. It's all due to Miss Orion." 

A man to Gabriel's left spoke. 

"Tell me, miss Orion, how did you come up with the idea?" 

"It just sort of came to me when we were talking about the shadow raiders. I just thought Gabriel would laugh it off. I didn't think he would actually go through with it." 

"Well, it seems as if you have a good head on your shoulders. We could use you on this council, wouldn't you agree Gabriel?" 

The man to Gabriel's left spoke up, "Yes I would agree Gareth she could make a valued member of this council." 

I was in complete shock! I could not believe what I was hearing a member of their council suggesting that I should join them. 

"Are you sure you want me on your council?" 

Gabriel said, "I'm certain! Last night you earned the right to be here because your plan resulted in the death of our biggest enemy We owe you for that. Adding you to the council is the only way we can, rightly, show our appreciation. This would be the first time that a female was on our council, but it's a welcome first. Now, down to business. What's on the agenda today?" 

The man called Gareth said, "The main thing, other than the death of the shadow raider princess, is that our princess' birthday, and her crowning are approaching. I can't think of anything else my lord." 

They went round the table and asked everyone if they knew anything else that they needed to discuss. When it came to me I asked, 

"Will the shadow raiders try and attack us?" 

Gabriel said, "They may try something but they don't have the numbers to overthrow us. Don't worry, even if they did, we could overcome them now. We will be having a ball tonight, would you attend Lex?" 

I nodded. I would have to ask Jess to get me a dress. 

"Very well", Gabriel stated, "council is adjourned!" 

Everyone got up and left. 

"My lord, I just want to say thank you. I really appreciate what you've done for me." 

"Its my pleasure, Lex." He smiled at me as I left the room. Jason was waiting for me. We linked arms. 

"So tell me what happened Lex." 

"Gabriel made me a member of the council." I said. 

"He did what?" 

"He made me a member of the council. I know why. I have trouble believing it too." 

Jason's jaw hit the floor. 

"Have you any idea just how long it takes to get on the council?" 

I shook my head. 

"my father tried, unsuccessfully, to get on the council for over thirty years. Mark my words, they thought long and hard about this. It's a great honour! Don't take this lightly." 

I nodded. 

"Let's eat, we need to feed you up a little, you look like you've been starved." Jason said. 

I laughed. "Many have tried to remove my starved look and none have succeeded!" 

Jason laughed, "Well I will try my best." 

We went to the hall to eat. Jess was there. 

"I heard the good news! Gabriel just told me. I'm so glad their giving you a chance. What are you wearing tonight? I have another dress being made for you, this time don't let Lucifer get a hold of it!" she laughed. 

"Thanks Jess." I said. 

Jason dragged me to the table and we ate our breakfast. I went up to Jess's room to get fitted for the dress. Then, I spent the rest of the day walking around talking to Jason. The only time I saw Jess was when I went to pick up my dress. It had been sent to her room. It was covered by a cloth so that Jason couldn't see it. I went back to my room to get ready. I hadn't seen my dress but when I took the cloth back my jaw dropped. It was gorgeous! It was white with a gold ribbon round the waist giving me hips. The dress went almost to the floor and showed my assets very well. I sprayed glitter in my hair, which I had put up with two strands of hair at either side of my face. I grabbed my shoes and rushed up to the hall. I was a little late. Jason was waiting for me. 

"About time Lex, where...." he stopped in mid sentence when he saw me. "Lex you look amazing!" 

I blushed. "Thanks Jason." He linked my arm and led me into the hall. I had never been in this room as it was only used for special occasions, such as balls. That night the room was filled with people I had never seen before. 

A man spoke to Jason, 

"Jason, who is this beauty? I've never seen her before." 

"Father, this is Alexandria Orion a special friend of mine." Jason said. 

The man, who had spoken, was a bit taller than Jason and a lot broader. 

"I'm pleased to finally meet you." he took my hand and kissed it. 

"I'm pleased to meet you too." I said. 

I was very nervous. Jason introduced me to almost everyone in the room. After a while I just nodded in response to the greetings. The music started to play. It was a waltz. Everyone pared off. Jason put his left hand at my waist and took my left hand in his right hand. We started to dance round the room. 

"You look so amazing tonight. I'm the luckiest man on this planet. The most beautiful girl in this room is dancing with me." 

"Thanks Jason. You're looking very handsome." 

The music stopped and Gabriel stood up and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention for one moment please! I would just like say a few words before we're to drunk to remember." 

Every one laughed. 

"As you know, the shadow raider princess has been killed thanks to our newest member of the council miss Alexandria Orion. Lex could you come up here please?" 

Before I could answer I was pushed forward on to the stage that I hadn't noticed until then.

"This is Alexandria. She's the person responsible for the death of our enemy's princess!"

Every one started to clap. I couldn't believe what was happening. 

"Now, I invite you all to drink and be merry as this is a night for celebration!" 

Everyone cheered, and Gabriel handed me a glass of champagne. 

"You're not allowed to drink except during special events until you come of age. Enjoy this while you can!" 

"Thank you my lord, I will." I went back to Jason and his father. 

"You've made quite an impression on Gabriel, Alexandria." Jason's father said. 

"Please just call me Lex."

The music started again but Jason and I stayed near the wall, drinking and getting merrier by the minute. 

"Do you want to take a walk Lex?" he asked. 

I said I did, so we went out to the grounds. We were laughing and joking and stumbling about everywhere. We hadn't realised that we'd stumbled onto the grounds of the shadow raiders. 

"Lex were are we? I don't recognize this part" Jason said, slurring slightly. 

I looked around. I recognized the grounds. 

"Jason come on we have to get out of here before they appear." I said. I was starting to sober up. 

"Who?" he said. 

"The shadow raiders! We're in their territory." 

"We're where?" 

I could hear footsteps approaching. 

"Jason get out of here!" 

Jason started to walk away staggering. I went after him. 

"And just where do you think your going?" 

I turned around and yelled, "Jason run!" 

He didn't need telling twice. He ran like hell stumbling as he went. I don't think that he even knew what was happening. 

"Now if you'd like to come with me, miss Orion is it?" Damien said. 

I acted up in case anyone was watching. 

"What do you want?" I said. 

"We want you! What else would we want? Let's go, Lucifer's waiting." he grabbed my arm with a little more force than usual. He led me into the sacrifice hall. 

"Are we okay to talk freely Damien?" father asked. 

"I think so, my lord. The guy that was with your daughter is gone." 

father said, "Very well!" Turning to me he said, "How are you Alexandria? I've been worried about you. They killed your decoy." 

"I'm fine father. I know about my decoy. Unfortunately it was my plan that led to her death. Because the plan worked they've put me on their council." 

father asked, "Tell me Alexandria, do you have a mark on your arm?" 

The question was a little weird. I pulled down the top of my dress and I noticed that I did have a mark on my arm. 

"My god! You do have the mark." 

"Why does that matter? What does it mean?" 

"It means that you're the one that will decide the fate of the war. You are the most powerful one of us all." father said with a proud smile on his face. 

"Is there a specific reason you've brought me here?" I said. 

"Yes there is. You must be with us when you come of age. If you're not they will know that you're one of us and they will kill you! Also, have you found anything out yet?" he asked.

"Yes. You need to attack on the princess's birthday as all of the council will be there and they wont be armed. It's the same day as I come of age so you'll have to stage a kidnap." 

father nodded and said, "Very well. Now we need to make it look like you escaped from us. I'm afraid I'll have to rip your dress slightly." 

Jess was going to kill me. He drew his knife and ripped the sleeve of my dress. father grabbed me by the arm. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to hurt you a little." 

He sliced a line down my face. 

"Ouch, that hurt!" I said. 

"I did warn you Alexandria." he dragged me out into the snow. I could see Gabriel and the council in the distance. Father dragged me over toward them. 

"Lucifer let her go this instance we made a deal." Gabriel said. 

father threw me at his feet and grabbed my hair. 

"Do you even know who this is Gabriel?" father asked. 

"What do you mean Lucifer?" 

father burst into laughter. 

"Who is she then? What's your fascination with her?" 

"Have a look on her arm Gabriel." Gabriel looked and his jaw dropped. 

"Is that who I think it is?" Gabriel asked. 

"It is the one that will decide the final battle. You think we didn't know? We discovered her so we're keeping her and anyway your deal didn't say that we could kidnap her back." father said with an evil laugh. 

"So what's your price this time Lucifer?" Gabriel asked. 

"Hmmm, I'll have to think about this." my father said. 

I looked at the way father had me. I was in perfect position to knock him off his feet so I swung my feet round and knocked my father clean off his feet. I got up and ran towards Gabriel. The council gathered round me. Gareth grabbed me and took me to the castle's main hall. 

"What the hell happened?" he asked. 

"I don't know. One minute Jason and I were laughing and joking the next were facing the shadow raiders." I said. 

The rest of the council came running in. Gabriel said "Get the princess out of here! Lucifer's away to raise his minions." 

Gareth nodded and left. 

"What's going on?" I asked. 

"Can you use a sword?" Gabriel asked. 

"I just know how to block that's all." Gabriel handed me a sword. 

"Well do what you can and what you ever you do don't hesitate!" Gabriel said. 

I nodded. 

The hall doors had been sealed off and every one was armed waiting for what was coming. I found Jason's father. "Have you seen Jason?" I asked. 

"No I haven't. He may be with the princess. Why are you here? And why are you armed?" 

"Gabriel handed me a sword and told me to fight. You would need to ask him why." I said.

Jason's father grabbed my arm and took me over to Gabriel. "Why is she still here and armed?" 

"She's still here because she's the one who will decide the final battle! We might need her here to fight and don't argue with me father." Jason's father just nodded and let go of me. 

Gabriel called me over to him. "Do you know what were facing?"

"No my lord, I don't." 

"We're going to be battling Lucifer's minions. They are the most foul creatures to walk this planet. It's going to take all of our strength to drive them off. They will come in a cloud of darkness. They will come fast and they will kill all in their path, so you must fight! If you don't, you will die! Do you understand?" I could do nothing but nod. I had to admit I was scared I had no idea father had that kind of creatures in his power. 

The main door shuddered and there was a loud crashing sound. Everyone moved back a little bit. The door didn't hold for long. The door burst open. The only thing that I saw was a black cloud engulfing everything and everyone in its path. People were screaming in pain. "Men hold your positions!" Gabriel yelled. 

I felt a twinge of pain and I saw what was about to happen. If I didn't do something. Every one would die. Gabriel's yelling brought me back to my senses. I saw Jason's father being attacked by something. I jumped to help him and for the first time I saw my fathers minions. They were the most foul things imaginable. Big tall black creatures with massive teeth and tentacles as long as I could see. They were everywhere, knocking people left and right. The one facing Jason's father moved in for the kill. I jumped in and rammed my blade rite into the creature. It screeched. I yanked my blade out of the creature and noticed that it was glowing pure white! 

"What the hell?" Jason's father asked. 

I just shrugged my shoulders the creatures had surrounded me and Jason's father. 

"Any suggestions on how to get out of this?" I asked. 

"Not a notion, you?" Jason's father said the creatures were coming in closer. I could her people on the other side trying to help us but I knew they wouldn't be able to do anything.

I don't remember much of what happened next, but what I do remember was having a strong desire to help my blade. It was glowing even more brightly, then the glow started to spread from the blade to me. I felt like I was going to burst. The next I remember was feeling like I was flying. I opened my eyes as I had them closed. I noticed that I was flying and I seemed to be emitting a glow from my body that was driving the creatures off. I pushed the light to my hands and pushed it out of my body it hit the creatures and they started to retreat. A light burst out of me and filled the hall driving the creatures out of the hall. I don't know what happened. I collapsed to the floor. 

I don't know how long I was out for but when I woke up Gabriel was standing over me. 

"What happened?" I asked. 

"You just saved all of our lives, that's what happened. You truly are the one of destiny. If it wasn't for you we would have all died, and that's for certain!" 

I looked around for Jason. "where's Jason?" 

"He's with the princess. They should be back soon. Thankfully we didn't have to many fatalities. We only lost two people and I must thank you personally for saving my father." 

He smiled at me and helped me up. I was still a little shaky on my feet but Gabriel held me up. Gareth came running in. He looked around puzzled. "Have the beasts not attacked yet my lord?" he asked.

Gabriel said, "No, they've attacked and we've survived thanks to Miss Orion. She saved us all. We had only two fatalities." 

Gareth looked stunned to say the least. 

"We will explain all at council. Get the princess back here. It's safe now. We just need to pay Lucifer a little visit." Gabriel said. 

Gareth nodded. Gabriel, the rest of the council, and I went outside. I was being held up by Gabriel. 

Father was waiting for us at the edge of the castle grounds. 

"Gabriel am surprised to see you alive" father said. 

"Well I wouldn't have been had it not been for miss Orion here. I must thank you for giving us the girl" Gabriel said. 

father looked at me and smirked. "Really? And what exactly did she do?" father asked. 

"Come on now Lucifer, I'm not going to give our new secret weapon away now am I?" Gabriel said. "Let this be a warning to you Lucifer. Cross us again and you'll have miss Orion to deal with and even I wouldn't do that!" 

Father just said, "We'll see Gabriel, we'll see." Gabriel turned and took me back to the castle. When I got back I was welcomed with a huge hug from Jason. 

"Lex I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried when I got told that you were fighting." 

I tried telling him that I was okay, but I passed out in the middle of telling him. I went in and out of conciseness. When I awoke I was in Jason's bed. The entire council was around the bed. I sat up and Gareth said something to the guard. 

Gareth asked, "Well, well how are we feeling?" 

"I'm okay just a little tired. But thanks for asking." 

Gabriel came in. 

"Ah! you're awake. Good! There's a council in half an hour, could you please attend." 

I nodded and the council left me to get dressed. I headed to the council room Jason caught up with me half way there. 

"Lex how are you feeling?" He put his arm around me and kissed me on the cheek. 

"I'm fine thanks Jason, how's Jess?" I asked. 

"She's fine. A little shaken but none the worse." 

Jason left me off at the council room with a kiss. 

I entered the room and every one was waiting for me. I sat down next to Gareth. Gabriel stood up to address the council. 

"As we know yesterday we were attacked by Lucifer's minions and miraculously we only lost two people thanks to Alexandria. She saved us all. I have a suggestion. I know its never happened before but I would like her to be trained as our general. I want her to lead our army." 

The up roar that followed was unbelievable! 




Blood and Ice Ch. 04



Someone to my left said, "No way! She's a female. She wouldn't stand up to the pressure or the training." 

Everyone was arguing with Gabriel about this. 

I stood up. "My lord, with all due respect, I think that they are right. I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure. I'm grateful for the thought but I must respectfully decline your offer." 

Then I sat down. Everyone stared at me. 

Gabriel asked, "Are you sure Lex?" 

"Even if I did it's very obvious that the council would object anyway." I said. 

Gareth spoke. "I think she should be given a chance if she fails then don't give her the post at least put her through the training before you decide wither or not she can handle the pressure because for all you know she could handle it!" 

Every one thought over what he said. 

"Lex, if we were to give you a chance would you go through the training?" Gabriel asked me. 

I nodded. 

"It's decided then. She will go through the training. If she passed the trials will you agree to make her the new general?" 

Every one nodded. 

"Very well Lex. Please report to the training hall after breakfast." 

I nodded, not knowing what I was getting myself into. 

"Very well, council adjourned." 

I got up and left. Jason was waiting for me. I told him what was happening. He almost collapsed. 

"I can't believe that their allowing you to train as a general. Women aren't even allowed in the army!" 

Jason and I rushed down to breakfast then back to my room where I found shorts and a strap top. I tied my hair back in a ponytail so it wouldn't get in my way. I came out and Jason said, 

"Do think that's appropriate?" 

I said "Yes it is, because I'm going to be training. It's so I can move more easily." 

We went to the training hall. Gabriel was waiting for me. 

"Lex pick a sword out from the ones on the wall and come and face me." 

I looked along the wall. One sword caught my eye. It was quite long but the hilt was engraved with wolves. I picked it up. 

"You like that one?" Gabriel asked. 

"Yes, its gorgeous." I said. 

"Well, that one belonged to Lucifer's wife. I think it would be a fitting sword to kill him with don't you?" 

I nodded. "This was my mothers sword?" I thought to myself I couldn't believe that they had it.

"Very well. You may have that one. You must carry it at all times as you don't know when you could be attacked. 

What have you done with a sword before? I presume you were taught something." 

"I was just taught how to block that's all" I said. 

Gabriel nodded and without warning he attacked me! I managed to block him just as if I was used to violent attacks. He was testing just how much I knew so I just let rip. I started to swing my sword into him. He, of course, blocked everything, but I knew he wouldn't expect my move. I circled him waiting for the perfect moment and it came. I swung my sword forward caught him at the hilt, twisted and pulled upwards wrenching the sword from his grasp and catching it. 

"Well, well I'm surprised! I wasn't expecting that from a female where did you learn that?" Gabriel asked. 

"One of Lucifer's councilmen. They made me learn because they thought that everyone should be able to defend themselves, even females." I said, handing back Gabriel's sword. "Well, I can see you being a very valuable member of this army. I hope you pass your training. It will begin at sunrise tomorrow. you will be treated like everyone else. The trainers will not make any exceptions. Okay?" 

I nodded. 

He told me what I had to do and where I had to be. 

I left Gabriel and went back to my room to prepare for what lay ahead. Little did I know I was heading from the frying pan to the fire and Jess's birthday was getting closer. Little did they know that they were preparing me for the day that I would reveal who I really was. 



Blood and Ice Ch. 05



Chapter Five: the new General

I awoke the next day just before sunrise because I wanted to make a good impression. I didn't know who would be training me. I got to the hall about half an hour before anyone else had arrived.

"Well, were here early Alexandria!" 

I turned and saw Jason's father.

"Oh! I didn't know you were taking the training." I said. 

"Well I won't be going easy on you and Jason's taking this class as well. But if you slack in this class you will be out! I don't take any nonsense do you have a sword yet?" 

I nodded and took my sword out. 

"Very good. Did Gabriel test you yet?" he asked. 

"He did. If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?" 

"It's Andrew and I'm glad he tested you that will save a bit of time. Just sit and wait for the rest of the class." 

I nodded, sat down, and waited. Jason appeared shortly after I sat. 

"Hey Lex! I didn't know you were in my class." he said. 

"I didn't know you were taking classes either Jason." 

His father interrupted and had Jason pick out a sword. Jason's father tested him. Unfortunately he failed miserably. 

"You need a lot of training son. Now Alexandria if you don't mind would you step forward and show the rest how its done." 

I nodded. By this time the rest of the class had arrived. I stepped up and drew my sword. We clashed swords in salute and started to circle. By this time the class had formed a circle around us. Andrew went in for the kill. I managed to block him. I did my signature move that my dad taught me. I caught his sword the people around us cheered. 

"Well it seems as if we have a novice in our midst. This training will interesting." 

He addressed the class. 

"This class is not just sword fighting. It's about your fitness and endurance. I will push you to your limits! This will be the most difficult thing that you will do in your life. But, if you stick with it, you will be rewarded" he turned to me. 

"May I have my sword back Alexandria?" He smiled at me. 

"Yes, here you go. You can call me Lex" I said as I handed back his sword. 

"We'll start off with fitness. I want you all round the assault course now outside all of you." 

We all went outside in single file except Jason who walked beside me. 

"I had no idea you were so good with a sword where did you learn?" 

"I was made to learn when I was in the shadow raiders palace. I didn't want to say anything because I knew it was against your laws and I didn't want to upset Gabriel and the council.", I said. 

We went to the assault course. It was huge. Swings over muddy ponds, rope nets, tiers, everything that one could think of. It looked very difficult. 

"There's no way I'm going to be able to do this." I said. 

Jason said, "Don't worry, you will. You'll get over your uncertainties, Lex." 

"Have you ever been over it?", I asked. 

He shook his head. We all lined up in a row. 

"Now, this is just the warm up. The real challenge will come after this. Now as this is your first time there will be no time limit, but in your final exams you only get three minutes to complete the course." 

He must have been joking! There was no way he'd get me round that in under three minutes. 

"Now, on the count of three I want you to start. No one is to help Lex, regardless of what happens." 

Everyone nodded. He counted to three and we all ran! It was the net rope that was first. It was over ten feet tall and you had to get over to the other side and down. I stated to climb. I got tangled a few times but managed to untangle my self. It was on the way down that I had a little bit of difficultly. My foot kept on getting stuck when I got down most of the way I just dropped it was about a four foot drop but I didn't hurt myself. I ran over the tires. I suppose doing this sort of thing at school helped a little. I got round the rest of the course with little difficulty. When I reached the finish line Andrew was a little surprised to see me. 

"Lex are you finished?" 

"I think so, why?" I asked trying to catch my breath. 

"Have you ever done this course before?" Andrew asked. 

I shook my head. "Do you know how long you were?" 

Again I shook my head. 

"Three minutes! No one has ever done that on first try before, not even Gabriel." 

I was stunned! "Are you sure Andrew?" 

He nodded. I had to wait for the rest of the class to get over the course. It took the rest of the class about half an hour getting over it. They were all embarrassed that they'd been beaten by a female. 

"Now, would you all follow me please? I have today's challenge for you to try and solve." 

We all followed him. He took us to a clearing that had a very large wooden pole. It must have been over twenty feet high. Andrew took a bow (I hadn't even noticed he was carrying one) loaded it with an arrow and shot at the top of the pole. 

"Now, today's challenge is this. Retrieve the arrow! I'm going to leave you, and don't even try and get back to the castle! The guards have been instructed not to let you in unless you have the arrow, and its marked so you can't try and get in with another one. The only thing that I will leave you is this." He opened a large wooden box and revealed two very heavy medals that had gold ribbon round the top of them. "Now, good luck." 

With that he left us in the middle of the forest. The tallest guy spoke first. "How the hell are we going to get the arrow? Please bear in mind we don't get back in 'till we have the arrow. Ideas anyone?" 

Everyone started talking amongst themselves. I walked round the pole and looked at the medals. 

"Tell me, who's the lightest here?" 

The guy that spoke first answered me, "Why, do you have an idea?" 

"Yeh, but we need the lightest person to do it. Other wise it won't work." 

Everyone talked amongst them selves. 

"We think that you're the lightest here because you're the thinnest. What do you need?" 

I told them what I needed, but Jason objected. "What if this doesn't work Lex?" 

"At least I've tried something and haven't just sat around feeling sorry for my self. Don't you get it Jason? This is what this exercise is about! To solve a problem you have to try different solutions and not just to sit. It's about using your head and your brains." 

I stormed off from him. I got the tallest guy to give me boost up. I stood on his shoulders and took the medals which, for the record, were very heavy. I put my arms round the pole and tied the medals together and wrapped the ribbon round my wrist. I gave the signal that I was ready for the guy below me to walk away. As he did, I slid the medals up then pulled myself up. My plan was working. It was very slow but I was moving up the pole. After what seemed like hours I reached the top. I was just in reach of the arrow. I grabbed the ribbon with one hand reached up grabbed the arrow and started to climb down the pole. I was absolutely exhausted. I pretty much just slid down the pole. When I neared the ground the tallest guy told me to jump, and that he'd catch me. I jumped and he caught me and stood me on the ground. 

"Now do you see what happens with a bit of team work and perseverance Jason?"

Jason just nodded. We left to make our way back to the castle. I felt a familiar twinge again. It was like a film in my head. I saw my father and his council ambush us and if we weren't prepared for it we would die. 

"Lex you okay?" ,the tall guy snapped me back to reality. 

"Yeh I'm fine. Is everyone armed?" 

Everyone nodded. 

"Why do you ask?" Jason said. 

"Because we're away from the castle. If we're ambushed and don't fight you will die."

They all looked at me as if I was possessed. 

"Right, let's just get back to the castle Lex." 

I nodded. As we headed towards the castle I heard a rustling behind us. We looked behind us. 

"Lucifer?" the tall guy whispered to me. 

I nodded we all drew our swords and faced where the sound came from. 

Lucifer and his councilmen came out from behind the trees. "Well, well what do we have here? Little army trainees. Watch them squirm." I looked around. everyone was shaking so I stood forward. 

"Well I'm not afraid of you Lucifer." I said. 

He just looked at me. "Well you're one person that I didn't expect to see here." 

"How about we have a little sword fight and if I win you let us go unharmed." I said.

"And if I win what happens?" father asked. 

"I'll go back with you and I'll send a letter to the council telling them not to come and get me. I wouldn't try to run away this time. Does that sound fair?" 

He though for a while then agreed to the deal. 

The tall guy said "Do you really think that you can take him? I really think that you should let one of us deal with him. We don't want to see you get hurt." 

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Its not the first time I've challenged him. I know his moves, and you don't." 

He nodded. Everyone stood in a circle around the clearing. Little did they know that the fight was fixed so that I could talk to my father and tell him when to attack the castle. We clashed swords in salute and started to circle each other. Father ran at me and threw me to the ground. He managed to whisper in my ear, "I was hoping to see you again when should we attack?" 

I whispered back "During the princess's birthday on the thirty first of October." He nodded "Also, before I let you win Damien misses you." he whispered. "Tell him I miss him too." 

I kicked my father where I shouldn't have, he grunted and rolled off me. We both stood up. I brought my sword round to face my father. 

"Recognise it Lucifer?" 

He looked at it. "Well, well we are a smart one aren't we?" father said. 

I smirked at him and I lunged in for the kill. He done his famous skull splitter. I brought my sword up and managed just to block him, which wasn't easy let me say. I managed to do my famous move and disarmed my father. I threw his sword and logged it in a tree and shouted "Run!" 

No one disagreed with me. We ran towards the castle. Andrew was coming in the other direction. 

"Andrew run! the shadow raiders are on the grounds!" I yelled at him. 

Andrew turned and ran in the direction he came from. I turned round and saw a few of the councilmen were chasing us. We didn't stop running until we got in to the castle. Gabriel came running out "What's going on?" he asked. 

The tallest guy in our group spoke before I could say anything. 

"We were ambushed during our training, my lord. If it weren't for Alexandria we would be dead. She fought Lucifer and gave us a chance to get away." 

Gabriel looked at me "You faced Lucifer?" he asked me. 

I nodded. 

"Well I'm impressed! Not many people could face Lucifer and live to tell the tail. If you will excuse me please." 

We nodded he left. We knew that we were safe in the castle. 

"So tell me, how did you know how to handle Lucifer?", the tall guy asked me. 

"What's your name?" I asked him. 

"Peter. So tell me, how did you know how to handle him. It was like you knew how to block that move of his. How do you do that move you did?" 

"Maybe I'll show you one day Peter." I had to admit he was very handsome. He was a lot taller than Jason. He had shoulder length black hair and looked like he could throw a horse a long distance. 

"Maybe you will." He lent down and whispered in my ear, "Your highness it's an honour to final meet you." With a quick kiss on the cheek ,that left Jason seething, I gestured to come close to me. 

"How do you know who I am?" I whispered. 

" I'm a shadow raider." he whispered back. 

"Well, at least I now I have an excuse to get rid of Jason. He's driving me crazy! How do I know that your not just trying to bust me?" I said. 

He took my head in his hands and kissed me. His style was very like Damien. 

"I believe you know my brother Damien." he whispered. I nodded. Jason was fuming with jealousy. Peter linked my arm and Jason came over. 

"Lex what are you doing? I though we were boyfriend and girlfriend." he said. 

"Jason look you're a nice guy. I like you but your just not my type. I'm sorry. It would have never worked anyway." 

Peter took me into the main hall. Jess came running up to us and I bowed to her. Peter kissed my hand and left me with Jess. 

"Since when were you into the tall silent type? What happened with you and Jason?", she asked. 

"Our relationship wasn't going anywhere. Beside that, Jason was a bit on the wimpy side and what's wrong with Peter?" I said. 

"Nothing. It's just that he doesn't talk to anyone and I've never seen him with a woman. Anyway I thought I'd deliver the good news myself." Jess said. 

"What news?" 

"Well Gabriel and I have been talking to the council and they've agreed to let you become our new general." 

I was gob smacked. 

"Are you sure Jess?" 

"After what you've done for us and what you will do for us it's the least we could do for you. The only thing is that you'll have to train on the job and Gabriel is going to be teaching you as he is the current general." 

"So what happens to Gabriel after I finish training?" I asked. 

"Oh, do you not know?" 

"Know what Jess?" 

"When I turn twenty Gabriel and I will marry; so we need someone to take over from him." Jess said.

Our worst fears had been realised. "I'm so happy for you Jess!", I said, giving her a hug and pretending to be happy. Little did she know that I could never let her marry Gabriel! 

I said goodbye to Jess and went to find Peter. I found him in the training hall. I spent most of my time with Peter in the training hall unless I was at council. That night Gabriel came over to me at the dinner hall. "Miss Orion could you meet me in the council hall when your finished eating please?" I nodded. 

He then left. 

"What does he want?" Peter asked. 

"I don't know. Probably something to do with me becoming the general which should work to our advantage." 

Peter nodded. He put his arm round me and kissed me on the cheek. As Jason walked in and saw the kiss he left, seething with jealousy. 

"Meet me in the training hall when your finished, okay Lex?" 

I nodded, got up and left the table. I went up to the council hall and knocked on the door. Gabriel told me to enter. The table, that was normally laden with a cloth was covered in papers. I walked over to the table. "Ah Lex; please have a seat."

I sat down. 

Gabriel started speaking to me. "To become a general you must prove the following: knowledge and understanding of our laws and you must be able to understand the basic manoeuvres of the army. And, of course, you must be able to fight any enemy that comes your way. I have sent your armour to you room. You should wear it at all times. We've moved your room. You're now on the top floor next to the princess and myself." 

I looked at the papers on the table. They were filled with laws and by laws. 

"Do I have to learn all of these, my lord?" I asked. 

"Yes. This takes the longest so I suggest you get going. I will leave the papers here for you. Once you get through these let me know and I will bring the rest in. We couldn't fit them all in at once." 

At that, Gabriel got up to leave. 

"Should you need food or drink there will be a guard outside at all times. I suggest you don't leave until you have these finished." 

With that he left me to struggle through the mountain of papers. 

I started to read the first paper. It was about what women aren't allowed to do by the end of the page it left me wondering what women were actually allowed to do. It took me hours just to get through the first pile. 

Andrew came into the council hall. 

"Why weren't you at training Lex?" 

"Do you see this pile of papers? Gabriel told me that I had to finish learning all that these papers say before I can leave the room." I was getting a bit ratty as I was cooped up in a room with the most boring papers that ever existed. 

"Very well, there's no need to snap. I was just wondering where you were because Jason was upset because of your split with him. May I ask why?" Andrew said. 

"If you must know, I didn't think that we were going any where. I just didn't see a future with him that's all." 

"Fair enough, if you didn't see a future with him. But do you really see a future with Peter?" Andrew asked. 

"What do you have against Peter?" I asked. 

"You don't know about him?" Andrew asked. 

"What are you talking about?" 

"We don't really know anything about him. We think that he may be a spy!" Andrew said. 

"Oh crap!" I thought, but said, "Why do you think that?"

"Well he doesn't talk to anyone and we always find him snooping about the castle. No one trusts him and you shouldn't either." 

With that he left from the hall and left me to my papers. They were so boring it was unbelievable. It appeared that, as a woman, I couldn't do anything legally. Then, I started to wonder what I could actually do. Laws, laws, and laws! Did these people ever do anything? After what seemed like an eternity Gabriel came in to check on me.

"How are we doing? Are you finished yet?" 

"No, not yet. There's a lot to get through. I didn't know that you had so many laws."

"Yes, there are. Laws keep people in there places. Did Andrew tell you about Peter?" Gabriel asked. 

"He mentioned something but didn't say much. What do you have against him? He seems really nice to me." Gabriel looked at me. 

"As a member of my council, since your so keen to know him, find out what side he's on and report back to me. But, I want his kept on the quite do you understand?" 

I nodded. Hey, it was a good excuse to spend time with him. 

"Very well I will allow you to leave the room tonight but I want you back tomorrow by twelve okay?" Gabriel said. 

"Yes my lord, I understand." 

I left the hall and was led to my new room. I changed before meeting Peter. I went down to the training room. He was at the back lifting weights. Here he was away from everyone else. 

"Hey gorgeous, your free!" Peter said. 

"Yeh. Are you free? Do you want to go for a walk?" I asked. 

"Sure, just let me get my cloak meet me in the main hall." he said. He kissed me on the cheek. I got my cloak and waited for him in the main hall.

"So where do you want to go?" he said, linking my arm. 

"Hmmm, some where private" I whispered in his ear. 

"Sounds good to me." Peter whispered back. 

We walked round the grounds and came to a clearing. Peter took off his cloak and lay it on the ground. 

"Come sit with me, I wont bite." he said. I sat down and he slid his arm around my waist. "So tell me, why are you here?" he asked me. 

"You don't know? How do I know that this isn't a trap?" I asked. 

"Simple I can tell you something that only you and your mother saw the day of the siege." Peter said. 

"Really, and what would that be?" I had to admit he had my interest. 

"I know that it was Alexander that saved you and your mother and that it was William that betrayed everyone. I know because I was there. I fought alongside your father in a bid to save your life." 

I thought about what he said. "How old are you if you don't mind me asking." 

"I'm thirty four. I was sixteen when I fought along side your father." 

I looked at him. He didn't look thirty four, that's for sure. He looked more like twenty. I looked into his eyes they were starry black very deep and mysterious. I leaned in to kiss him. He kissed me so gently on the lips he ran his hands up my body he rolled me onto my back and started to kiss down my neck. "Peter not that I don't like this but if Gabriel catches me I'll be killed" I said. 

"Pity, I was just getting started." he took my hand and put it to his groin and I can assure you that he was just getting started! 




Blood and Ice Ch. 05



"I would love to, but if I did and Gabriel found out the plan would fail. But after the plan has finished I would love you to be my first." He rested up on his elbows. 

"You're a virgin?" he asked. 

"Yes does that shock you Peter?" 

"I'm a little surprised. I wouldn't have expected Lucifer's daughter to be a virgin that's all" 

"Then would you be my first? I was planning on the first to be your brother but you seem to have a bit more experience." Peter laughed and got up off me to my disappointment. 

"So what is your plan?" he asked. I told him what it was. 

"Hmm very intelligent. I couldn't have thought of a better one myself." 

We laughed and joked about for a while then I told him. "You do know that they strongly suspect that you're a spy, don't you? You really should stop snooping about the castle if you want to keep your cover." 

He laughed. "Yes well I never was good at keeping secrets. Maybe you could help me?" he said. 

I nodded. We headed back to the castle. On the way we were met by Jason. 

"Where were you two? We couldn't find you." 

Peter said, "We were taking a walk. Do you have a problem with that Jason?" 

He looked taken aback. 

"No it's just that my brother was looking for Lex, that's all. I was just passing on a message." Jason said.

"Thank you Jason, I'll go and find him." 

Peter and I walked off toward the castle leaving Jason standing alone. Peter put his arm around my shoulders and held me close to keep me warm from the wind as it was very windy. 

"Ah Lex! There you are, I was looking for you." It was Gabriel. 

"Yes, Jason just told me that you were looking for me." 

"I want you back in the hall by nine o'clock." Gabriel said. I nodded. I knew what the next few weeks were going to be like. 

"I'll see you later Peter. I'll come and find you when I'm free, okay?" 

He nodded kissed me on the cheek. 

"I'll miss you. I can't wait to get you in private away from here." he whispered in my ear. 

I couldn't help but giggle, but a look from Gabriel made me stop. I followed Gabriel to the council hall he sat down opposite me. "Tell me, what were you and Peter doing?" he asked. 

"Why do you ask my lord?" I said being very polite. 

"I think you know what I mean!" 

"Jason saw Peter on top of you. What were you doing? You know that's against the law!" he said. 

I knew that Jason was being a little sneak. 

"We were just fooling about. We didn't do anything! I wouldn't do anything like that I know that's against the law." I said. 

"Right, well you wouldn't mind proving it?" Gabriel said. 

"And how would I do that?" I asked. 

"Simple! A small internal examination will tell all." he said. 

"Who would do it?" I said. 

"It would be me. I wouldn't let anyone touch you like that." Gabriel said. "

"Okay, I would agree to that! I've nothing to hide as I didn't do anything." Gabriel took me to a private room and did the examination. At the conclusion he agreed that I had told him the truth. Peter and I had not done anything illegal. 

Gabriel told me to go back to the council chamber and to get to work on the papers. 

It took me the best part of three days after that to finish the papers. After I finished the papers it was sword training. Gabriel was working me to the bone. I was so glad to get to my bed each night. Jess's birthday was getting closer and closer. I didn't see Peter for about four weeks. Then, I saw him in the training hall. 

"Hey Lex, how are you doing?", when I managed to steal a moment with him. 

"I'm absolutely knackered! Gabriel's running me into the ground.", I said. 

"It will be worth it in the end. Stick with it because I know that you'd make a brilliant general. Its tough being in the army, and to be a general is near impossible. That's why there's only been two generals before. You'll be the third." Peter said. 

"Gee, no pressure there Peter!" I said. 

Peter laughed. 

Gabriel came into the hall. 

"There will be a council in an hour. I expect you there Lex." he said. 

I nodded, said bye to Peter, and then went to my room to wash and change. I didn't really like my new room. It was a lot bigger than my last room. It had a window that looked out over the lake. I had to admit the view was beautiful! The moonlight was dancing across the water like a ribbon in the wind. 

I tore my eyes away from the view and headed up to the council hall. I went in. The only person there was Gareth. 

"Ah, Lex! I was wondering whether you would be at council or not." he said.

"Why is that, Gareth." 

"Well you must be very busy with your studies. I wasn't sure if you were allowed out." 

"Gabriel insisted that I came to this council. What's it about anyway?" 

"It's just about the final preparations for the princesses birthday. Will you be in charge of the security for that day, as you will have finished your training by then?" 

"I'm not sure. You'd need to ask Gabriel." 

People started to enter the hall. Gabriel and Jess came in last. 

Gabriel spoke, "Now let's begin. As you all know, the princess's birthday is fast approaching and soon she will take over the leadership of the clan. This is a very dangerous time for her! If she were to die, we would loose the war entirely. Until she turns nineteen she's in danger. Luckily for us, and thanks to Lex, the princess of the shadow raiders is dead and that threat is out of the way. The only thing that could endanger her life is Lucifer! If only we could get him out of the way the princess would be safer. Do any of you have any suggestions regarding how to get rid of him?" 

Everyone looked at each other. No one had any suggestions, but finally Gareth spoke up. 

"How about an ambush at his place?" 

Gabriel thought about it. "That might work, but how would we do it?" he asked. 

"If we tried to infiltrate their palace and attack it from the inside, and kill as many as we can, I think it would be a good chance to see what our new general can do." Gareth looked at me and smiled. 

Gabriel asked, "I think that's a good idea what you think Lex?" 

"I would be glad to. Can I assemble my own team for the job?" I asked. 

Gabriel thought for a few moments. 

"Very well, I will allow that." 

"Excellent! If you like, I could help you plan the attack." Gareth said. 

"Yes, thank you. I'd like that and I'd be very grateful for your help." 

"Very well. I want you to get a team of twelve together by this time tomorrow I want your team to attack by this time next week ,okay?" 

In response, I nodded to Gabriel. The rest of the council was just about the security surrounding the princess. I started to think about who I wanted on my team. Peter was a must. There were a few others I wanted as well. After council I approached Peter in the training hall. 

"Do you want to go on a mission with me to try and overthrow the shadow raiders?" I asked. 

"I'd love to Lex, who else is going?" 

"There's a few other people. Gareth's helping me plan it. I need to ask the others but I'll be glad to have you on the team." 

I went to ask the other people and told them when to meet me in the council hall. Peter and I went for our supper. Jason was there. I hadn't seen him since after the day I was with Peter. I was about to give him a piece of my mind. 

"Oh look Peter, it's the little sneak back to spy on us again. Watch you don't touch me or he'll go running to Gabriel." I said very sarcastically. Peter looked round. 

Jason said, "Look Lex, I was only looking out for you. You deserve better than him." 

Peter said, "And what would be better for her, you?" 

Jason didn't say anything. 

"And what do you have that I don't?" Peter asked again. 

"I'm not a spy that's for one and not a brute unlike some people." Jason said. 

I had a funny feeling that this was going to end in tears so I tried to intervene. 

"Look Jason, I'm with Peter now. Please just accept it and walk off before you get hurt." 

"You don't think I can take him, Lex?" 

"I don't think, I know you couldn't take him. Peter's far stronger than you." I said.

Jason looked like he was going to faint. He just walked off. Something told me he was going to be a problem later on.

Peter and I ate our supper then went to the court hall. The people that I asked were already there. I went into the hall. Gareth and Gabriel were waiting for me. 

"Lex where is the rest your team?" Gabriel asked. 

"Their outside waiting. I wasn't sure if they were allowed in." 

Gabriel said, "You're right. Normally they wouldn't be, but we're briefing them on the mission." I went out and told them to come in. They were a little hesitant about going into the court hall, as it wasn't normally allowed. In they all came and sat down when instructed to. Peter sat next to me. 

"Now the plan is simple. you must infiltrate the shadow raiders palace and take out as many shadow raiders as you can." Gabriel said. 

"My lord, if I may, would it not be better to find out what their plans are? It could save the princess' life." I said. 

"What do you mean Lex?" Gabriel asked. 

"What I mean is, a few of us could distract them and the rest of us get into there palace and find out what their plans are. If their going to attack us, it would be to our great advantage to know what they hoped to do." I said. 

Gabriel thought for a moment. 

"I think that would be a good idea Lex. Yes who will go with you into the shadow raiders place?" Gabriel asked. 

"I would want Peter and Mark with me their the strongest. The rest will make the diversion." 

Gabriel nodded, and said, "When will you initiate the attack?" 

"As soon as possible. I think tomorrow will be best if you agree my lord. I also think you should step up security in case something goes wrong and they strike back."

Gabriel nodded. "Very well. Get your team ready for tomorrow." 

I nodded, and got up. My team followed me out of the hall. We went back down to the training hall. 

"I want you all in shape for tomorrow. The diversion will take place on their field. Keep in mind that some of you may not make it back!" I said. 

They all looked like they would collapse. 

"Very well, Mark and Peter, would you come with me please?" 

I walked to the other end of the hall. "What we will be doing is extremely dangerous and we could get caught in the process. We have to get into their palace. If we get caught, they will kill us. Are you both prepared to take this risk? You can back out now and you won't be shamed in anyway." 

I waited for their reaction. 

"I will go with you general Alexandria.", Peter said. I smiled at him. "Me too general. I'd be honoured to fight beside you even if I do die in the process." Mark said. I was glad they didn't pull out as I didn't want to face my father and his council alone. That's for sure! I stayed with my team for a few more hours then told them all to go to bed as we had a very big day ahead of us. On my way to bed Jason met me in the corridor. 

"Lex, I want to come with you tomorrow. I really think that I can help." he said. 

"Jason look this mission is very dangerous you could be killed. It's already quite possible that even Peter and Mark could be killed. I wouldn't want that to happen. Anyway, Gabriel wouldn't allow you to go. Please drop it Okay?" 

I walked on past him and went to my room hoping that he wouldn't knock on my door. I looked out the window. The moon was shining out on to the lake. I was so glad the snow and ice had melted but I had a feeling that ice and snow weren't far away. They never seemed to be. I didn't know where we were located on the world.

For that matter, I was even sure if I was on the same planet at all. All I knew was that in the morning I would be attacking my father and that filled me with fear! My father was a person to be reckoned with. The next morning I awoke, I quickly put on my armour, which was gold in colour, and went down to the main hall. Gabriel and Jess were already there 

"Good morning Lex, how are you feeling today?" Gabriel asked. 

"I'm okay. I'm just a bit nervous about breaking into the shadow raider's palace" I said. 

Gabriel said, "There's one more thing that I didn't mention to you last night as I didn't want to scare the men. If you're caught, we can't get you back! You would be on your own because you are, after all, breaking into their palace. It would be different if we were fighting them on open ground. There we could bargain for you or the men. Do you understand Lex?" 

I nodded. I didn't say more because the rest of the men appeared. Gabriel and Jess wished us all the best and hoped that we returned safely. We started on our journey to the fires of hell. But what most of the men didn't know was that I was so happy I was going home for a while.



Blood and Ice Ch. 06



It took us the better part of three hours, on foot, getting to my fathers palace. 

"Now do you know what you have to do?" I asked the men. 

"Yes we must distract them for as long as possible so Peter, Mark and yourself can get inside and see what their up to."

The man that answered me was a man called Ian. 

"Very good, now as you know you may die and if you do I wish you every honour in death." 

Every one nodded and repeated what I said and so we commenced our mission. Peter, Mark and I moved to the rear of the palace and waited for the diversion to start. Finally, after an hour of waiting the diversion started. They started to attack the castle. Foolish I know, but it was the only thing that would make them come out of the palace. 

There was a lot of shouting and people running around giving orders. The shadow raiders were starting to fight back. That was our cue. We went in through the stable entrance. There was a door to the back that I hadn't seen the last time I was here. The door led to the main hall. I opened the door ever so slightly. there were people running around the corridor. 

I heard my father shouting, "What the hell is going on?" 

Alexander answered him. "My lord some light raiders are attacking us. There aren't many of them, but we need all the people we can." 

My father started to yell more orders. A few minutes later the palace cleared. 

"Come on we need to find their plans quickly. We don't have much time. They won't keep it up for long." I said to Peter and Mark. 

They nodded. We started up the corridor and started looking for the council room. It took us about half an hour finding it. I already knew where it was, but I acted like I didn't. 

"In here! Now start looking for their plans. They must have them written down somewhere." 

We started looking around the council room. There were papers all over the table. 

Mark said, "General, I think I found something." I went over to Mark and looked at what he was holding. It was a paper stating that they planned on attacking the castle a day before Jess's birthday. I knew it was a dud. I picked up a few more papers. 

"Mark get these back to Gabriel. We will follow you. No matter what happens, get these to Gabriel and that's an order!" he nodded. I could here some of the council men coming back. 

"Get out of here. We'll cover you, just get these papers back to Gabriel!" 

With that, Mark turned and left at top speed. Just then the door flew open and Michael walked in. 

"Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here!" 

I didn't answer him. I threw papers at his face and Peter and I ran. I knew we wouldn't get very far. Michael started to shout for other people. We only got to the front of the palace. I saw Mark running away from the palace. That was just before someone threw themselves on top of me pinning me to the ground. They grabbed me by the wrists and pulled me to my feet. 

"So, you think that you can just brake into my palace without being caught? Who do you think you are?" 

It was my father. I was dragged into the palace and thrown back into the council room. I noticed that Peter was also caught and thrown in beside me. 

"So tell me. What did you hope to achieve by this foolish attack?" 

My father asked. 

"At least now we now what your up to as your plans are now in Gabriel's hands." I said. 

Just then Michael came into the room took one look at Peter. 

Michael said, "Peter is that you?" 

Peter got up. "It is father." 

Michael pulled him into a hug. "I thought we lost you years ago." 

Michael was crying his eyes out. 

"Wait a minute, that's little Peter?" my father said. 

I got up off the floor. 

"Well at least I know now that I can trust you Peter." I said. 

My father looked around. "Could you tell me please why you are here?" he asked. 

"Gabriel wanted to see what you were at so he sent me and a few people to find out." my father looked deeply confused. 

"You do know that what you gave that guy was an old plan don't you?" father asked. 

"Yes father, I do. That's why I did give it to him. False information will have them prepared wrong on the day. Then we can attack them." 

Michael and Peter were talking, so father took me to my room to allow me to get changed as I would be staying awhile. 

When I came back Damien and Peter were talking away. Damien smiled at me. 

"Its okay Lex, Peter told me. I don't mind as long as your happy." he said. 

"Thanks for understanding Damien. I didn't mean to hurt you in any way." I said. 

"Lex don't worry. You aren't tied to me." he kissed me on the cheek. 

There was a lot of talk that night. Michael was overjoyed to see Peter again as he thought he was killed in the attack against us. 

Father asked me, "So tell me Lex, what's the plan for the princess's birthday?" 

"The plan is that just after the ceremony starts you attack. I suggest you drop from the ceiling into the ceremony because I will be the only one who will be armed.

Once there, surround me and disarm me. Then Gabriel, will try to organise the troops. But, you must act like I'm one of them. But, you can do what you want to the princess." I said. 

"Well I know what I'd like to do to her." my father said with a wicked smile. 

"Also, what you thought about Gabriel is true. The princess told me herself that they're engaged. If they marry there will be trouble." 

"So, when will you tell them who you really are?" my father asked. 

"After I turn nineteen I'll be safe then." I said. 

"So Peter what happened to you?" my father asked. "I fought in the attack then after it I was separated from everyone I was chased into the forest and after I lost them I wandered for days on end trying to find someone I knew. When I didn't I had no choice but to go back to the castle and tell them that I was a servant and I was forced into fighting. They sort of believed me and I've been there ever since my lord." 

Alexander handed me a goblet of wolf's blood which I was glad of. 

"She's drinking?" Peter asked. 

Everyone threw him dirty looks. 

"Wolf's blood yes but not fully yet." my father said. 

"Oh, sorry my lord. I didn't realise." Peter said. 

"What did he mean by that father?" I asked. 

"Its nothing Alexandria, its just that you usually don't get to drink wolf's blood until after you turn nineteen." my father said. 

But by the look on everyone else's face I knew something was wrong. Or, at least,they weren't telling me something. 

"Anyway, how are you getting on with them. Do they suspect anything?" my father asked. 

"I'm getting on fine, thanks to Jess. I don't think they suspect anything but they have so many laws it's a wonder they can do anything at all. Please tell me we don't have so many laws father." 

My father laughed. "No we don't. The only laws we have are these: if you disobey whoever the leader is, or , if you betray us, you can be executed. The other law is that you can't have sex until you're nineteen. Apart from that there's nothing else. You're free to do what you want." 

I was a little taken back as the light raiders had a law for everything under the sun. 

"I must ask who was it that killed all of my minions? Whoever it was we better watch them very closely because no one has ever so much as injured them before." father asked. 

"I have to admit that it was me. I didn't mean to it just happened. I had no control over it, I'm sorry father" I said. 

"Don't be! I'm just glad it was you, otherwise we would be in very deep water." 

My stomach was starting rumble as I hadn't had anything all day. Alexander heard the rumbling and ordered food up for every one. I was very glad for that. We talked and talked all day. I was glad when my father told me it was time for bed. Peter bid me goodnight at my bedroom door. 

That night I had really bad dreams. I didn't remember exactly what they were, but I was glad when Peter woke me the next morning for breakfast. 

"Good morning your highness. Did you sleep well?" he asked. 

"No I didn't. I had really bad nightmares." 

"What were they?" Peter asked. 

"I can't remember, but I know they were bad." 

"What do you want to do today?" Peter asked. 

"How about sword training?" I said. 

"Yeh, okay but only if your ready for a good ass whipping." 

"Have you ever seen her sword fight Peter?", it was my father. 

"No my lord, I haven't. But I did see her solve a very difficult problem that I wouldn't have been able to solve." Peter said. 

"Well, let me put it this way. I'm glad she's on our side. She can beat me so there's no way you will beat her." 

They were discussing this as I was getting dressed. I was glad that I didn't have to wear a dress for once. When I went back into the room Peter was still adamant that he could beat me. 

"Tell you what, we'll make a little bet. If I win you have to a forfeit." I said. 

"And if I win?" Peter said. 

I whispered something in his ear. 

"Okay I'll agree to that." he said with a grin on his face. 

My father looked a little confused. "I said I'd do something for him, something personal." 

Father just shrugged his shoulders and down we went to the training hall. I drew my sword and faced Peter. "I won't go easy on you Peter." I said. 

"I wouldn't expect you to Lex." We clashed our swords in salute. Peter went right in for the kill. All I did was side stepped and tripped him up. He landed flat on his face. 

My father started to laugh. A few other people from the council had turned up to watch. Peter got up and faced me. We clashed swords and started to circle each other I was waiting for a chance to use my special move. I didn't have to wait long. I slid my sword into his hilt and twisted. He yelped in pain. I flicked the sword up and caught it. 

"At what point do you win Peter?" I asked. 

"Okay, okay you win. So, what's my forfeit?" he asked. 

"I'll have to think of one for you and get back to you." I said. 

My father said, "Peter I wouldn't worry. I couldn't beat her no matter how hard I tried and we spent a whole night doing sword fighting." We spent the day in the training hall. Everyone was trying to beat me but no one ever did. After we finished Peter walked me back to my room. 

"So do you want to do that thing you mentioned earlier?" he whispered into my ear. 

I thought about it for a minute. "Okay, but only if you keep it between us. Agreed?" 

Peter nodded and we both went into my room and locked the door. 

"Now do you want to sit or stand?" I asked him. 

"I'll stand Lex." 

He unbuttoned his trousers and slid them down and I got to work orally pleasing him until he was barely fit to stand. 

"Wow! That was the best I've ever had! Thanks Lex!" Peter said, and he kissed me deeply and slid his tongue into my mouth. His arms slid round my body and we fell onto my bed and started to explore each others bodies. We started to strip. 

"Peter, not that I don't want or like this but......"

"I know Lex, but we can have oral sex because that won't break you." Peter said. 

"Okay, as long as don't break me." 

That night Peter stayed in my room the entire night. We spent much of the night pleasing each other. I fell asleep his arms. 

I awoke to the sight of Peter's toned muscular body. I ran my hands up and down his chest. 

"Do you like what you see?" he asked. 

"Yes, I certainly do. I didn't realise you were so toned under all those clothes." 

"Thanks. You're so beautiful I just cant keep my hands off you." Peter said. He slid his arms around me and kissed me deeply. 

"We better get up before father starts looking for us." 

Peter nodded. We both got up and dressed. I was getting sick of dresses so I found my jeans that I first came in and put on a t-shirt. 

Peter looked at me. "What are you wearing Lex?" 

"Jeans why, what's wrong with them?" 

"Nothing it's just I've never seen a female in trousers before that's all." 

"Well its not against the law is it?" I 

"I suppose not. It's just weird." 

I laughed. We made are way down to the food hall hand in hand. 

"Peter, where were you last night? I couldn't find you anywhere." Michael said. 

"He was with me Michael." 

"Oh, right! That's okay your highness. What are you wearing?" Michael asked me.

"they're jeans. I was sick of wearing dresses, okay" 

"It's okay but what will your father say?" Michael asked. 

I asked him, "Is it against the law Michael?"

"No, it's not. It's just unheard of." 

Just then father walked in. 

"Good morning Alexandria." He stopped and looked at what I was wearing. "What the hell are you wearing Alexandria?" 

Everyone winced, waiting for the explosion. 

"Father, is it against the law?" I asked. 

Father coughed. "No, it isn't." he said quietly. 

"So, why can't I wear them?" I asked. 

"It's not proper for a princess that's all. I would prefer that you didn't wear them Alexandria.", father said. 

I looked in his eyes. There was a look that said either you change or there will be trouble. 

"Okay father, I'll go and change." 

"Thank you Alexandria." he kissed me on the head. 

I went and changed to keep my father happy. When I went back to the food hall father gave me a funny look. 

"That's much better Alexandria. Now, tell me what you two were up to last night. I went to your room and the door was locked. I know that Peter was in you room." I looked at Peter and then I went crimson red. 

"Did you two share each other?" father asked. 

I was to embarrassed to answer so Peter did. "My lord, we shared pleasure but not each other as Alexandria didn't feel ready for that and I wouldn't pressure her." 

As he said this, he put his arm round my waist. My father smiled. 

"Well I'm glad that she chose you. I couldn't have chosen better for her myself. Now, down to business. This arrived for you." Father handed me a letter. It was from Gabriel asking for my release. 

"Tell him that you won't let me go. I'll stage an escape. It will look better that way. Is that okay father?" he nodded. 

Peter looked at me. 

"Peter, if you want to stay you can. I can just say that you were taken to be tortured and I never saw you again." 

"Thanks Lex! I'd find it very hard to go back there after finding my family. Just promise me that you'll be careful." 

"I promise! We will see each other soon as Jess's birthday is just two months away. I'll see you then." I whispered in his ear "And when we do you can make me a woman." 

He grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I'd like that Lex." 

Father had gone off to tell the light raiders that they weren't getting me back. 

Peter and I spent the day just doing odd things. 

Father came back after supper time. "They want to see you in person, to make sure your still alive Alexandria." 

"That's okay. When, and where, do we have to meet them?" 

"Tomorrow, at sunrise. Do you want to go?" father asked. 

"Yeh! And I think I should "escape" then. If that's okay with you. But I want you and the council to fight me and don't go soft on me. I also want Peter to stay here, is that okay?" 

Father nodded and left to get things arranged for the morning. Peter came back to my room with me so that I could get changed into my light raider armour. I slid my sword into its sheath. 

"Wow, you look amazing Lex. I'd love to rip that off you." Peter said. 

"Easy tiger! You'll get your chance to do that soon enough." 

We spent the rest of the night in the training hall so I'd looked like I had a bad time. Just before we left I ruffled my hair and gave my self a few cuts on my arms. I was tied to the back of my fathers horse, walking behind him. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?" father asked. 

I nodded as I was gagged, and we set off to meet the light raiders. I took us about three hours to reach the meeting spot. 

The light raiders were already there. 

A voice called out, "Lucifer, you made it. Do you have the girl?" 

I recognised the voice it was Gabriel. 

Father got off his horse, untied me, and dragged me round his horse. I put up a fight just for show. 

"Well at least she's alive. I can't say the same for the other guy." father said. 

Gabriel went white. 

"So, what are you going to offer me this time Gabriel?" 

Gabriel responded, "Offer you? We're going to give you one chance to let her go. Otherwise you die." 

"Really! You've never been able to injure me so what makes you think you can kill me?" father asked.

"Let her go Lucifer." 

"No! I'm not letting her go. She trespassed on my property." Damien!", father said, "take the girl back to the castle and put her in my room I want a little fun with her."

At this I started kicking and screaming at Damien. He dragged me to his horse, lifted me on to it, and took off at high speed. I was still struggling against Damien. I managed to untie my wrists. I threw myself off the horse but my wrist got caught in the saddle. I was being dragged along by the horse. 

I heard a snap! I was sure I broke my wrist. I pulled against the saddle and fell free. I wasn't sure just how far the horse had pulled me but I ran anyway. I heard footsteps running after me. I ran past my father. He grabbed me by the wrist that was broken. I yelled out in pain and I swung a punch at my father. It connected with his jaw and he let me go. I ran towards Gabriel. The pain was almost blinding. Gareth grabbed me by the wrist. 

"No! the wrist is broken." I said to him. 

Gareth took me away from the fighting as a fight broke out. He held my wrist firmly. "Don't worry! We'll get you fixed up as soon as we can." He brought me back to the castle. I don't know how long we walked, but it felt like an eternity. "Were almost there Lex. Just hold on.", Gareth said. 

He rushed me into the castle and sat me down in the food hall. "Sit here I'll get the doctor." 

I just nodded. The pain was so bad I vomited all over the floor. 

Jess came in. "Lex are you okay?" 

"Sort of. My wrist is broken and it hurts like hell. Gareth has gone to get the doctor." 

Gabriel and the rest of the council came in. Gabriel asked, "Lex how are you?" 

The only thing I could do was nod. Gareth and the doctor came running in. "Let me have a look at her. Step aside." the doctor said. 

The last thing I remember was the doctor moving my wrist. The pain was so intense I passed out. 

When I awoke, the doctor was putting a plaster on my wrist." She should rest up. I'll give her painkillers and the plaster must stay on for at least six weeks.", the doctor said. 

Gabriel said, "Thank you doctor. We will get her to bed as soon as she wakes up." 

I was very groggy from the pain. 

"Lex are you awake" Gabriel asked. 

"Yeh, I'm awake. Where's Lucifer?" 

Gabriel answered my question. "He's back ware he belongs, and you're safe here. How do you feel?" 

"I'm just very sore. Did you get the plans my lord?" I asked. 

"Yes, Mark got them to us." 

"How many of the men were killed?" I asked. 

"There were only two survivors from the diversion. Lucifer and his men decimated them. If you don't mind what happened to Peter?" 

"We were separated. They took him off some where. I saw him once. They made us share the same prison cell. When they brought him back he said that they had tortured him to try and get information out him. He was a mess when he came back. He could barely talk. Then they took him away and he never came back." A tear ran down my face and I started to cry. 

"There, there Lex. It's okay." Gabriel said. 

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have gone there."

"It's not your fault! They knew the risks. Come on, let's get you into bed where you'll feel a little better." Gabriel said as he lifted me up in his arms. 

He took me to my room. "Lex would you mind if I helped you get changed?" Gabriel asked. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 06



"No, as long as it's just you, my lord." 

He helped me get changed. 

"Now, get some rest. If you need anything someone will be outside the door at all times." 

"Thank you my lord. I'm sorry for messing the mission up."

"You didn't mess it up! We got the plans and that's what matters." 

He helped me lie down on the bed. Jason, Gareth and Andrew came in. 

"How is she, my lord?" Andrew asked. 

"Her wrist will be very sore for a while. She's a little shaken and blaming herself for what happened to Peter, but its not her fault." Gabriel whispered to Andrew.

I felt someone tuck me into bed. After that, I fell asleep. 

I didn't wake up until the next morning. When I did my wrist hurt like hell. When I came back from the bathroom Gabriel was in my room. 

He asked, "How are you feeling?" 

"I'm okay. I'm very sore but none the worse." I said. 

"Do you think you would be up to a council late this morning? The council would like to see you." 

"Yes I'll be there, my lord. Can I go down to the food hall?" 

"Yes you may, if you feel up to it Lex." 

"Thank you my lord." 

With that he left the room. Getting changed was a little awkward with the cast. Gabriel had given me a sling for my wrist as the cast was heavy. Jason was waiting outside the door for me. 

"How are you feeling Lex?" he asked. 

"I'm okay Jason. Please don't start, okay? I'm not in the mood for you right now." 

I walked past Jason. 

"Lex I wasn't going to start, I promise." he said while following me down the corridor. 

"If not, why are you following me?" I asked. 

He didn't answer. I went into the food hall. Everyone turned round and looked at me. Gareth came over to me. "How are you Lex?" 

"I'm okay. A little shaken, but none the worse. Where is Mark?" I asked. 

"He's around. Shall I send him to you, general?" Gareth asked. 

"Yes please, if you see him Gareth." Gareth nodded. 

I had a little something to eat. Mark came over to me. 

"Gareth said you wanted to see me general." " Mark I'm so glad your okay. Did you make a clean escape, or did they follow you?" I asked.

"They followed me, but I lost them eventually. It wasn't easy. Did Peter get away?" 

I just shook my head. "I don't know if he's alive or not they took him away and I never saw him again." 

I started to cry again and Mark put his arm around me. 

"It's okay Lex. It's not your fault." 

Gabriel came in and told me that the council would be starting soon. 

I wasn't really in the mood for council, but I had to go. I dragged myself up to the council hall. Every one was already there. 

"Oh, am I late?" I asked. 

"No you're just in time. Have a seat." Gabriel said. 

I sat next to Gareth. 

"Now as you all know, general Alexandria has thankfully been returned to us but at a high cost. We lost some of our new recruits and we lost Peter one of our most promising army cadets. The only consolation is that thanks to their efforts we now know what they're planning. Now we can better prepared to protect the princess." Gabriel said. 

"My lord, I didn't get a proper look at the papers. What are they planning?" I asked, knowing full well what they were planning. 

"They plan to attack from the south by using a secret a door that we use for the servants. At least now we can keep a close eye on it. We owe you Lex! If you didn't risk your life we wouldn't know what we do now." Gabriel said. 

"I'm glad to have helped, my lord. Now we can protect the princess." 

"Lex of you don't mind me asking, could you tell us what happened in the palace?" Gareth asked. 

"Gareth I don't think that's appropriate." Gabriel said. 

"My lord, I don't mind telling them." 

"Are you sure Lex?" 

"Yes I am. We had got into the palace and located their council hall. The diversion had worked and the palace was empty. We found the papers and had just sent Mark away. We were just starting to leave when one of their councilmen, I think it was Michael, but I'm not to sure, started to shout for the rest. We ran but they caught us and dragged us back in. Peter tried to defend me but they separated us. They questioned me. They started to ask me things about the princess and when her birthday was, but I didn't tell them anything. They got fed up asking me questions so they threw me into a cell. A few hours later they threw Peter in with me. He was in a bad state! He could barely breath or talk, and he couldn't move. I don't know how long we were in there but they came back for him and I never saw him after that. I think they've tortured him until he died. They left me in the cell until they pulled me out and tied me behind Lucifer's horse." 

After I was finished no one said anything. 

Gabriel said, "Lex I'm sorry about Peter. If we could have done something we would have, but it sounds like we were to late." 

"I know that if you could have done something you would have, my lord." I said.

Everyone looked at me. Gareth finally spoke. 

"I'm sorry I asked you about that. I shouldn't have." 

"It's okay Gareth. I don't mind. I'm so sorry we lost so many men, and I just wish that we could have saved Peter, that's all" 

Gabriel thankfully changed the subject. 

"To a more happy note; the princess' birthday is coming up soon so we can be grateful for more happy times. That will be all for now, you all are excused. However, Lex could I have a word with you please?" 

I nodded. 

Everyone filed out and left me alone with Gabriel. "As you know, the princess' birthday is coming up soon and I want you in charge of the castle security. You must organise the troops, but I want you to place most of them to the south of the castle as that's where we're anticipating their attack." 

"I must ask, Will there be anyone in the hall that will be armed?" 

"No, there won't be since it's forbidden. I know that were now expecting an attack but we must also adhere to tradition. I know that you will be out of action for awhile but you must organise the troops okay." 

"Very well, my lord. Do you have and floor plans of the castle so that I can plan appropriately?" 

"I will have them sent to you room. Now, off you go!" 

I said, "Thank you, my lord.", and left the room. Jason was waiting for me. 

"Gareth told me what happened. I'm sorry Lex. Do you want to go for a walk?" 

"Thanks Jason, I'd like that." 

We went outside to the grounds. There was an awkward silence. I was hoping that he would break it. He did. 

"How are you feeling?" he asked. 

"I'm still a bit shaken up and still upset about Peter and the other men." 

"I wish I could help you Lex, is there anything the council can do?" Jason asked. 

"No there's not. I think that Peter may be dead. They took him away and I never saw him again." 

I looked out across the lake and shed a few tears. The sun was starting to set and the rays of the sun were stretching across the grounds lighting the grass a beautiful crimson colour. 

"If he's alive the council will find him. I do know that much." Jason said. He gave me a hug and I sobbed into his shoulder. I don't know how long I was crying. The sun had set while I cried. I collapsed in his arms. I woke up in my bed. I heard someone move about. 

"Who's there?" I asked. 

"It's just me Lex." 

It was Gabriel. 

"Jason said you collapsed so I suggested that you stay in bed for a week or two." 

"I was very upset." 

I tried to get up. 

"Lie down Lex. You've been through a lot. I want you to lie in bed,look over the floor plans and our detail plans for the princess' birthday okay?" 

I nodded. 

He handed me a few papers, telling me, "We have made preliminary plans but if you don't agree with them you can change them okay? May I also suggest that Jason helps you. He really just wants to help." 

"Okay, my lord. He can help as long as you don't mind him being in my room." 

"No, on this occasion I won't mind since I know, and trust, both of you. If you need anything the guard outside the door will get it for you." 

I nodded, and as he left he spoke to someone outside the door. Jason entered the room. 

"Lex, thanks for letting me help you." he said as he sat down on the edge of my bed.

"So, what do you know about the outlay of the castle?" 

"Not a lot, but I do know some things. I'll try and help as best I can." Jason said. 

"Well I think we should start with a list of all the available guard members." 

We spent hours going over the preliminary plans. 

"Why do we need so many people round by the south?" Jason asked. 

"You don't know?" I asked .

"No, why?" 

"I cant tell you. It's council business. If Gabriel hasn't told you then I can't either. But you'll have to trust us on this. We need the majority of the guards round by the south." 

"But that will leave the north and the sides of the castle unprotected!" Jason said. 

"Yes, but the south needs more protection. Trust me, it takes priority." 

Jason shrugged his shoulders. "If you say so, you're the expert." Jason said. 

I had arranged it so that if my father attack from the north no one would see them. That was it. Everything was set. It was time for us to take back our castle and I wasn't going to let anyone stand in my way. It was almost time for everyone to knew exactly which side I was on.



Blood and Ice Ch. 07



The next few weeks sped by and Jess's birthday was approaching fast. My wrist was healing and didn't hurt as much as it had. I could now keep it out of the sling. Jess was getting more excited as the days sped by. I noticed that she now wore a very large diamond engagement ring. I was getting more and more nervous.

A couple of days before her birthday I had finalised the security plans and Gabriel had agreed to them.

At that time, Gabriel told me it was time to start calling Jess, "your highness". It was going to be hard to change years of habit. 

Jason was still following me about. I think he was hoping that I would start going out with him again. When he made another pass at me I had told him that I still didn't want to go out with him. 

Using an agreed upon signal, I draped a green scarf outside my window. The next day I saw a green rag tied to a bush on the edge of the woods. Father now knew that everything would be ready for their attack. 

Everything was set. Now it was just a case of waiting for the big day. Jess had sent a message calling me up to her room. So, I went to her. I knocked on her door. 

"Enter!", a voice said. 

"You wanted to see me your highness?" I was being polite encase anyone was in the room. 

Jess didn't mind the familiarity, but Gabriel would. 

"Lex you came! I wasn't sure you would as you've been so busy lately." 

Jess was alone so I could talk to her like normal. 

"What's up Jess?" 

"I want you to be my maid of honour at my wedding." 

"I'd love to Jess, but I think Gabriel will be putting me in charge of security for that day too." 

"No, he's not. He's going to get Andrew to do that! So if you want to be part of my wedding, you can." 

"I'd love to Jess, when is your wedding?" 

"It's the day after our birthday! Isn't it neat that we share the same birthday?" Jess said. 

"Are you excited about your birthday?" I asked. 

"Yes I'm so excited! What about you, are you excited about yours?" Jess asked me. 

"Not much, but I'm to look forward to a part from coming of age. You've got a wedding to plan and look forward to." 

"What about your powers?" Jess asked. 

"What powers Jess?" 

"Gabriel told me how you destroyed Lucifer's minions so you must have powers of some sort. You'd be able to fully access them then. Didn't Gabriel tell you?" 

"No, I don't think he even knows I'm turning nineteen." 

We chatted for a few hours until Gabriel came looking for me. 

"Ah Lex! There you are. I was wondering where you were.", Gabriel said. 

"The princess and I were just chatting." I said. 

"That's fine, I just wanted to have a little chat with you." 

I said my good byes to Jess and followed Gabriel to the council hall. 

"Have a seat Lex we need to talk." 

"About what, my lord?" 

"Tell me, when is your birthday?" 

"The same day as the princess my lord. Why do you ask?" 

"It's just that I tried to plan our wedding for her birthday but Jess wouldn't allow it. Also, on your birthday you must take on oath and give a little blood. This will seal you to our clan for life. On your birthday you will be able to fully access your powers which means you will be able to help us in the final battle." Gabriel said. 

"Here's hoping I can help" I said. 

Gabriel just laughed, "You may take your leave general." 

I nodded and left the room. I was a bit hungry so I went down to the food hall. As usual Jason was there. 

"Hi Lex! How are you? Do you want to go for a walk?" 

"I'm fine Jason. I'm sorry but I can't go for a walk, they are keeping me too busy. I have to help the princess plan her wedding." 

He looked like a kicked dog. 

I ate some breakfast and went back up to Jess's room to help her plan the wedding. Before I knew it, it was the night before Jess's birthday. That night I didn't sleep well. I kept on tossing and turning all night. 

In the morning Jess called me up to her room. 

"Happy birthday! Are you feeling nervous Jess?" 

"Thanks Lex. I'm just a bundle of nerves." 

"Don't worry, you'll be fine! I need to go and check that the security guards are in the right places. I'll talk to you later." 

I left her to get ready. Everyone I saw was wearing formal dress clothes. 

Gabriel found me coming down the corridor. 

"General, is the princess up out of bed yet?" 

"Yes, she is. I left her so that she could get ready. I'm just checking that all the guards are in their positions, my lord. What time will the ceremony start?" 

"The ceremony should start about noon. If you want, you can be in the hall with her." 

"If I did go to the hall, can I keep my sword on me just as a precaution, my lord. You could think of me as the princess's body guard for the day." I said. 

"Very well, I can agree to that Lex." 

"Very well, my lord. I must be off checking my guards. I will see you at the ceremony." 

I bowed and went to check that everyone was in their right place. 

When I was sure that the guards were ready I went back inside. 

"General, is the security set for today?" Andrew asked.

"Yes Andrew. Everything is ready. They're all in place." 

"Jason was looking for you. Did you see him?" 

"Not since breakfast. I've been too busy. I've been rushed off my feet, is it urgent?" 

Andrew answered, "It's sort of urgent but he will find you at some point." 

"If you would excuse me, I need to check on the princess. I need to make sure she's ready in time."

Andrew nodded. 

I knocked on Jess's door. 

"Enter!" 

"Your highness, are you ready?" I asked as I entered her room. 

"I'm almost ready. I just need to finish my make up. " 

"Did Gabriel tell you that I will be your body guard for today Jess?" 

"Yes he did. I'm glad it's you!" She got up from the dressing table and she looked amazing! She really did look like a princess. "Is it time to go yet Lex?" 

"Almost. The ceremony will start at noon. We'll leave just before that. By the way, you look gorgeous Jess. I hope you don't mind me saying that." 

"No, I don't mind as long as your not coming on to me.", she said with a grin on her face. 

"Don't worry Jess I'm not into that." I said laughing. 

There was a knock on the door. 

"Come in." I said. 

Jason came in. "Lex I was wondering where you were. Could I talk to you in private?" 

"I'm sorry Jason, but I'm to be the princess' body guard for today. I can't leave her. Could we talk after the ceremony Jason?" 

"Yeh I guess, I'll find you after the ceremony." Jason said and left. 

As soon as he left Jess said, "You do know what he's looking you for don't you?" 

"I think so, he wants to ask me to marry him, yeh?" 

"Yeh, Gabriel told me, but act like you don't know ,okay?" 

"I don't know what to do Jess. I'm still in love with Peter and I won't be with anyone else until I know for sure that he's dead." I said 

"Does Jason know?" 

"No.". 

"Then just tell him that, I'm sure he will understand." 

I looked at the clock. "It's almost time, we had better go Jess."

She nodded. I opened the door for her and escorted her down to the hall. 

Gabriel was waiting outside the hall for us. "Jess you look radiant as ever, Lex is everything ready to proceed?" 

"Everything is ready as you ordered, my lord." 

I said, but of course everything wasn't going to go as he planned. Gabriel nodded and I followed them into the throne room. I had never been in here before. The room was beautifully decorated in stunning gold and green. It really was a room fit for royalty! The ceiling was made entirely out of glass. I looked up and saw that Damien and Peter were on the roof the glass must have been very strong. I stood behind Jess as the ceremony was about to start. 

As Gabriel started the ceremony the glass shattered showering everyone in glass. 

Gabriel protected Jess from the shatter of glass. I drew my sword and started to shout orders but before I could finish what I was saying I was roughly grabbed, my sword torn out, of my hands, and I was gagged and bound before I could do anything. 

"Well, well that wasn't so tough. And here I thought that the new general would cause a problem." father said. 

I started to struggle against my bonds but I was so tightly bound I couldn't move. I could hear Jess struggling and shouting "Let me go you murderer. How dare you invade our palace!" 

Wow she was brave, talking to father like that. I certainly wouldn't and I'm his daughter. I was pulled up roughly and turned round to see Jess and Gabriel being bound and gagged. It was the last thing I saw before I was knocked out by who ever had tied my hands. 

I don't know how long I was out for. When I came round I was up against a wall I was going to kill who ever it was that knocked me out. I looked around. Gabriel, Andrew, Jason and everyone else were tied up. 

"General are you okay?" Andrew asked me. 

"Sort of. Where's Jess?"

She was taken away by Lucifer. We tried to stop them." Gabriel shouted. 

"Where's my sword?" I asked. 

"It's to your left." Jason answered. 

I looked around I could see it but getting to it was a different story. I had to lie down on my front and wriggle my way to my sword. I finaly managed to get to it and cut my bonds. I cut them very awkwardly, I might add, my father wasn't going to make this easy for me. 

"Lex find the princess and get her out of here. Don't worry about us, we'll find a way out." Gabriel told me. 

"But-" I started to say. 

"But nothing! That's an order Lex." I nodded picked up my sword and ran out of the hall. 

There was no sign of anyone in the castle. They must be in the sacrifice hall. I made my way there and sure enough they were there. I met Damien at the entrance. 

"Princess, your awake?" he whispered. 

"Where's the light raider princess?" I whispered back. 

"She's in there with your father. I don't think you should interrupt." Damien whispered. 

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to make a ruckus." I whispered. 

Damien nodded and shouted "Father, Peter help!" I grabbed Damien and pushed my sword to his throat. Michael and Peter came running out. 

"Well, if it isn't the little general. What are you doing here?" Michael said. 

"I'm here for the princess, where is she?"

"She's in here with Lucifer. Tell you what we'll let her go if you trade places with her?" Michael said. 

"It depends. If you let her go will she be unharmed and be able to go back to the castle with no one following her?" 

"Yes, we will agree to that but first let my son go." 

I let Damien go. "Now the princess." I said. 

Michael nodded he went into the hall with Damien and came back out with Jess. 

"Jess are you okay?"

She nodded. 

"Go into the castle and release Gabriel and the others tell him that I had to trade places with you.", I whispered to her. 

She nodded.

"Now general, if you would come with me please." Michael said. 

I followed Michael into the hall I watched Jess run for her life back to the castle. Once she was back at the castle I felt free.

"So tell me, what did you do to her?" I asked. 

"Your father just felt her up a bit and she freaked out. It was quite funny to watch." Peter said. 

I threw my arms around Peter. "I missed you!" I gave him a big kiss as he slid his arms round my body. 

"I missed you too. Are you ready to become a full shadow raider?" 

I nodded. We entered the hall. 

The whole council was there and it looked like they had added a few members since the last time I saw them. I saw my father and ran over to him and gave him a hug. 

Father said, "I'm so glad that this is finally over and you can come home. But first, we must turn you into a full shadow raider. So, if you would go into the room next to this one and change please Alexandria." 

I nodded and went into the room. Peter followed me. 

"Do you know what's going to happen?" he asked me. 

"No I don't. Why? What happens?" 

Peter looked a little uneasy. "You must loose your innocence and you must infuse your blood with ours." he said, as I was getting changed into the outfit that father had laid out for me. When I had it on it left nothing to the imagination. 

"Tell me who do I loose my innocence to?" 

"Who ever you want too, as long as he's a shadow raider." Peter said. 

"Then I want it to be you." I whispered in his ear. He nodded. I let my hair down and it tumbled down my back. 

"You look amazing Lex!" Peter whispered in my ear. He held my hand and walked me into the hall. The only difference was that only father was standing in the hall.

"Alexandria you look stunning!" he said. 

"Thank you father. I hope you don't mind that I've chosen Peter for this." 

"Of course not. He's a shadow raider and one of good standing I might add. We'll leave you two alone. Take as long as you need but you must give yourself up before midnight!" father said. 

"If you go back to the castle they will probably be freed. Kidnap the princess and take the castle. If you have her, they won't do anything if they think that her life would be in danger. But, please don't harm her." 

Father nodded. "I don't want you worrying about this. I will deal with this situation. Just enjoy your night!" 

I nodded. He kissed me on the head. 

"Be gentle with her Peter." Peter nodded. With that, father left me with Peter. I had to admit I was nervous. 

"Are you okay Lex? You seem a little tense!" 

"I'm just a little nervous." 

Peter slid his arms around me and started to kiss me passionately. He slid his tongue into my mouth his hands he picked me up and placed me on the table. He gently got on top of me as he did he removed the little clothing that I was wearing. He ran his hands up and down my body. I opened his shirt and ran my hands down his body. I was starting to panic a little, but Peter stopped me. 

"Easy Lex. We have loads of time. Don't panic." 

I nodded and we started kissing again this time it was shallow and almost desperate. Peter removed the rest of his clothing. He nudged my legs open. He nestled between them. I ran my hands through his hair as he kissed me down my neck. I was feeling very hot and ready to give my self to him. 

"Are you ready to accept me Lex?" Peter asked. 

We were both out of breath. I nodded and he moved up me a little. I could feel him at my entrance. 

"This might hurt a bit" Peter said. 

"It's okay, just do it!" 

He nodded. He kissed me as he plunged into me and tore my innocence. The pain ripped through my body. 

"The pain will go away quickly. It will start feeling good very soon. I promise." 

Tears were running down my face as it was so painful. But then the pain stopped and Peter started to move inside me. He moved slowly at first. He was right, it did feel good. It was starting to feel really good. 

I don't know how long we made love for but I didn't want it to end. I was sort of disappointed when we finished. 

"Did you enjoy that Lex?" Peter asked, very out of breath. I nodded. There were no words to describe how I felt. Then he kissed me. "I hate to cut this short but we have to go Lex." He got up, off me. 

"Your father has laid out clothes for you. I love you Lex." 

"I love you too Peter." 

I got up off the table. My legs were shaking so much that Peter had to hold me up. Father had laid out a dress for me. It was a lovely dark green dress with matching shoes. 

"Wow! You look gorgeous Lex!" Peter said.

"Thanks Peter. You look gorgeous yourself." 

Peter went to slide his arms around me when my father came back in. 

"Sorry to interrupt, but it's time Lex." 

He placed my crown on my head. 

"Did you loose your innocence?"

"Yes I did, father." 

Father beamed at me. "Come! It's time to make you one of us." 

I followed my father back into the hall. They had moved the table and had put a large stone trough like item which had a raging fire in the middle of it. 

"Now to complete the ceremony we need some of your blood. The knife, if you would Alexander." 

Alexander handed father a small dagger. 

"Hold out your hand Alexandria." 

I held out my hand knowing what was about to happen. He drew the blade across my hand. 

"Ouch! That hurt." 

"Yes this will hurt a little.", father said as he drew the blade across his hand. 

"Now we need to mix our blood." as he said this he pressed his hand to mine. It was the weirdest feeling his blood was mixing with mine. It was making me feel sick. I wanted to vomit all over the floor. I fell to my knees but father kept the connection. Finally he let go of me. 

"Do you swear to follow the laws of our clan? And if I should fall do you swear to lead this clan according to our laws." father asked. 

"Yes father, I swear." I was feeling very nauseous and without warning I vomited all over the floor. 

"Alexander would you hold her please." father asked. 

I felt Alexander come behind me he held my arms and pulled me back. I heard the ripping of fabric. I was feeling sick again. 

"Alexander I'm going to be sick again." 

He warned my father then leaned me forward to allow me to be sick. Then he pulled me back to my position again. The next thing I felt was something ripping into my stomach. It was so painful that I couldn't even shout. I felt something being ripped out of my stomach. Alexander dragged me to my feet. 

"I know your in pain but you need to see this." Alexander whispered in my ear. 

I nodded.

Father had something in his hand. I couldn't see what it was as it was covered in blood. 

"My daughter has gave her innocence, taken the oath, and now sacrifices part of her body. Do you all accept her as a part of the clan? If I fall will you follow her as you have me?" father asked. 

Everyone nodded. What ever father had in his hand he tossed it into the fire and I vomited all over the floor again. 

I wasn't at my prettiest! I felt sick. The last thing I remember was fainting in Alexander's arms. The dreams I had were very disturbing. I kept on seeing a black wolf. It was chasing me round the castle grounds. Just before I was woken the wolf jumped into me, spreading the blackness although my body. I finally felt free for once in my life. I was free from the light raiders once and for all. I woke up on the table. I felt sore. Father and Peter were standing there waiting for me. 

"Father?" 

"Ah, Alexandria, you're awake, I'm glad! How are you feeing?" 

"I'm a bit sore but none the worse." I said as father helped me up off the table. 

"There are clean clothes in the room you changed in before." 

I nodded. 

Peter came into the room with me to help me to get changed. As I was getting changed I noticed that there was a scar in a crescent shape. I asked Peter about this. 

"This is how you are know, as a shadow raider. We all have this scar. Anyway, if you haven't noticed its your birthday Lex. I was hoping to do a little celebration of our own." he said sliding his arms around me. 

"I would love to, but first we have business to attend to. We have to take back the castle, while we can. We have the perfect opportunity to do so." 

When I came back out father and the rest of the council were waiting. 

"Now my daughter, shall we claim the castle back?" 

"Yes father, lead the way!" 

I followed my father and the rest of the council out to the castle. 

"I'm so happy to be back where I belong. I feel so free." I said to Peter. 

"I'm glad your back with us!" He then whispered in my ear, "At least now we can have more time together on our own." I giggled. 

We reached the castle and entered the throne room. Everyone was still tied up. Jess was tied to her throne. Gabriel was not far from her. I couldn't see the rest of them. 

Father started to talk to Gabriel. "Gabriel how are you? Comfortable?" 

"You son of a bitch, what the hell do you think your doing? How dare you invade our castle." 




Blood and Ice Ch. 07



"Your castle? This castle belongs to us. You invaded us! We're just claiming it back. Are you comfortable princess?" father asked. 

I heard Jess's voice saying "What have you done with our general? Let her go." 

"Oh she's about. You'll see her soon, don't you worry." father said. 

Gabriel said, "Tell me Lucifer. How did you plan this? It's to advanced for your thinking. There's no way you planned this." 

"You're right. I didn't plan this on my own. You haven't met my daughter have you Gabriel?" 

"We killed your daughter several months ago Lucifer! Have you lost your mind completely?" 

"No, I haven't. Gabriel, just so you know you didn't kill my daughter that was a decoy to make you think that you killed her. That way you stopped looking for her and you should know that my daughter just came of age so you won't be able to kill her, not on your own anyway" 

Gabriel sounded like he was going to cry. "Sh- she just came of age?" 

"Yes and I would like you to meet her. Allow me to introduce my daughter; princess Alexandria." father said. As he said this Peter pushed me forward into everyone's view. Father put a hand on my shoulder. The look on Gabriel and Jess' face was one of complete disgust. Jess was crying. 

"Lex? You're Lucifer's daughter?" Gabriel asked. 

"That's right Gabriel. I was right under your nose and you didn't even know it." 

Jess was crying uncontrollably. "How could you Lex? I trusted you. I vouched for you and you betrayed me." Jess yelled at me. 

"You betrayed me long before I betrayed you Jess. You betrayed me the moment you stepped foot on these grounds, so don't you talk about me betraying you!" 

Gabriel just looked at me. "I knew we shouldn't have trusted you." 

"Yeh, well maybe you should trust your instincts more often Gabriel. Any way, enough of the pleasantries. You know why were here. You have a choice, either leave the castle quietly or we will have to force you out. What's it going to be?" 

"We will not leave! You can't scare us. There aren't enough of you to force us out." 

"You think so Gabriel? Well, we'll just have to see about that, won't we father? I think we should give them the treatment they gave you." I said. 

"I think that would be a good idea. What about the princess?" father asked. 

"I think she should get the same treatment. Put her in the cells as well. I'll deal with her later." 

"Yes, I think that would be best. Alexander would you escort these gentlemen, and lady, to the cells and make them at home?" father said. 

Alexander nodded. He needed the entire council to get them all down into the cells.

"Now we can celebrate your birthday properly my daughter. I want the rest of you to clean the castle. I want any remains of the light raiders thrown out and make sure you clean my daughters and my rooms as well." father said. 

He put his arm round my shoulders and guided me to the food hall to get something to eat. 

"Father I wanted to ask you, when will the horses be brought over?" 

"If you want, after breakfast we will go back and bring them over. Spirit will be glad to see you." father said. 

Just then Peter and Michael came in with food for which I was very glad. Peter gave me a quick kiss on the cheek on the way past. After breakfast we went back to Eithidan to collect the horses. Spirit was in the last stable. He was glad to see me. 

I managed to get the saddle on him. He was hyper! I just got him to the castle without him throwing me off. Father was right, Spirit was glad to see me. However when we got back to the castle, we had just taken, he put up a bit of a fuss before he went into his stable. 

"He seems a bit feisty for you Lex?" 

I turned around and it was Peter. 

"He is, but I can handle him Peter; thank you!" 

"Is your father around Lex?" 

"He's putting his horse away, what is it? Is there anything I can do to help?" 

"Its nothing major, just something we found he might be interested in." Peter said. 

As he came over to us, Father asked, "What might be interesting?" 

"It's just something we found, my lord. If you would like to see it, follow me please."

We followed Peter to one of the smaller rooms on the top floor of the castle. It was near the room I was staying in. Peter took us to the back of the room. In the wall there was a small safe that Peter had opened. Inside the safe I saw a small sliver necklace. 

"When did you find this?" father asked. 

"I was just cleaning up when I found the safe. On opening it and seeing the necklace I thought it was your wife's but I wasn't sure. That's why I asked you to look at it." Peter said. 

"It was my wife's. She wanted Alexandria to have it when she was old enough." He picked it up and turned round. I looked at the necklace. It had a fine chain with a silver wolf at the end of it. He placed it round my neck. 

" Your mother wanted you to have this and the bracelet when you were old enough. I just wish she was here to see you. She would be so proud of you!", he kissed me on the cheek. 

"Is my daughters room ready yet Peter?" 

"Almost my lord. We just need to change the bedding. It should be ready in about half an hour. However, your room is ready my lord." 

"Very well, that will do for now. Come Alexandria." 

I followed my father out and to his room. I'd never seen this room before. It was at the very top of the castle, at the end of a corridor. The door was the largest I had ever seen. I went in after him. It was beyond a doubt the most beautiful room I'd ever seen.

It was decorated in gold and green. I sat down on the bed .

"So, what do you think, do you like it?" father asked. 

"It's beautiful father. I've never seen this room before. I wonder why I'd never seen it before." 

"That would be because I had the key to it, and without it they couldn't get into it. There is a matter that I need to talk to you about. The council already know about this but I need your clearance on it." 

"What is it father?"

"As you know I assumed the throne after your mother died as you were too young to take over. Now usually, only a person with royal blood may lead the clan and I married into the royal family so I don't have any royal blood. If you want to assume the throne now, you may as it's your birth right.

If you want to leave things as they are you may as the council will accept rule under me." 

Father finished. I thought about it for a while. 

"I think it would be best if I just leave things as they are. I don't have any experience and there's no problem with you leading the clan as long as you don't mind father." 

"I don't mind Alexandria, but if there is any situation where I need your council, is that okay?" 

I nodded. 

"So tell me father. What are we going to do with the light raiders in the dungeons?" 

"I think we should kill the princess and let the rest go what do you think?" 

"That sounds okay father but I think we should build up the army as the final battle is just around the corner; I can feel it father." 

"You have a point. We must replenish our numbers and quickly. The light raiders will not take this move of ours lightly.", father laughed at his pun. 

"No, they won't father that's for sure." 

I laughed. It was good to be home where I belonged. 

I noticed a small door to the rear of the room. 

"Where does that go father?"

"It goes up to the roof. Do you want to see?" 

"Yes please father." 

father opened the door and I followed him through it to a small flight of stairs that led up to the roof. It was a beautiful view of the lake, which had frozen over. 

"The weather is getting colder. It will be snowing soon. This is were I proposed to your mother. I still cant believe she's gone.", father said while looking out at the lake. 

I could tell that he was still hurting inside. 

"Father, I promise you that they will pay for what they did to us; starting with Jess." 

"You remind me so much of your mother; strong, beautiful, and feisty.", father said as he beamed with pride. 

"Thank you father." I said as I gave him a hug. 

We heard foot steps behind us. We looked round and saw Damien. 

"Sorry to interrupt you, my lord, but we have a small disturbance down stairs. One of the light raiders has gotten loose." 

Father and I followed to see who it was. I was amazed that it was Jason .

"Where's Lex?" he asked. 

"I'm right here Jason. What the hell do you think your doing?" I said standing in front of my father.

"Lex, why are you just standing there? Kill him.", Jason shouted at me. 

"Now Jason, why would I kill my own father." 

He looked at me with a dazed look. "Your father?" 

"Yes. Is there an echo in here?" 

The council burst out laughing. 

"But we gave you wolf blood and you couldn't drink it. How can you be one of them?" Jason asked.

"Simple, I over heard you and Gabriel talking. I spat it out because I knew what was going on." 

"So you never wanted to be with me. That's why when Peter came along you just dropped me like old news" 

Jason said now starting to cry.

"Now Jason, this is why you've never had a girlfriend before. For a male, you're extremely weak." 

As I said this Jason fell to the floor crying. I grabbed him and pulled him to his feet. As soon as I touched him I felt an all to familiar feeling in my stomach again. It was like a film in my head. There was a large stone building, oval in shape. Long seats ran the whole length of it. In the centre were people fighting. I was watching it as if I was on one of the seats. As I looked down I could see myself in the middle of the fighting, giving as good as I was getting. There was a platform above the seats. A figure stepped out that I didn't recognise. 

"Have you had enough princess or do you want more?" 

I recognised the voice. 

"I'll give as good as I get Jason! Where's my father?" 

The fighting had stopped as I was shouting at Jason. 

"Oh, he's about Lex. Don't worry about him. I want you to suffer for what you did to my brother and the princess." he shouted back. 

"Oh please, they deserved everything they got, and so will you Jason!" 

Jason jumped off the stand and we started to fight, swords blazing. I watched Jason and my self fight I had to admit he wasn't wimpy any more he could have easily have beaten me .

"Alexandria are you all right?" father said as he snapped me back to reality. 

"I'm fine father. Alexander place Jason under the highest security and keep a close eye on him."

Father, we need to convene the council immediately." 

"Well, you heard my daughter. Off you go." 

"I need to talk to you father, Peter you can come too." 

They both nodded. I went back to my fathers room. 

"Lex was that one of your visions like the one in the woods?" Peter asked. 

I just nodded. 

"Was it bad?" Peter asked. 

"That depends how you look at it. What I saw wasn't pleasant but it could be a warning for us. I know how to avoid it." I said. 

"And how do we do that?" Peter asked. 

"I'll tell everyone at council." I said. 

Peter and I followed father out of the room. Peter linked his arm with mine and we went down to the council hall. It was a lot more comfortable being in with shadow raiders. 

"Now there is something I must tell you before we start, as long as you don't mind me telling them Alexandria." father said. 

"No, I don't mind father."

"When we had the royal family together we never could be beaten! No matter what they did, we bested them. Have any of you ever wondered why?", father paused. 

"The glory days." Alexander said. 

"Yes but the reason we could never be beaten was because Melissa's father had visions of what was about to happen. It was sort of the royal family trait. Every one had this with the exception of Melissa. When her father died we were afraid that the gift died with him. However, fortune has smiled upon us in our time of need. My daughter has this gift. We weren't sure that the gift would continue with Alexandria since Melissa didn't have it." 

Everyone turned to look at me. 

"So that's how you saw what happened during the siege?", Alexander said. 

"Yes I saw you protecting me and my mother as she ran from the castle. That's also how I knew William was a traitor as well."

"Will you tell us what you saw please Alexandria?", father asked. 

"Yes, I will. Gabriel is not the threat any more; Jason is! In my vision we had killed Gabriel and the princess but Jason was the one who nearly killed me. It's him we must kill first, not Gabriel! If we kill Gabriel we could fail at the final battle. Tell me father if you know the place I saw in my vision." 

I described the building that I saw.

"I don't think I know that building Alexandria." father said. 

Peter said, "I do my lord! When I was with the light raiders I saw it. Its their execution arena. I've only seen it once, but it sounds like it all right." 

I asked, "Do you know how to get there Peter?" 

"Yeh, I remember how to get there, if you want to go. But I don't see the point. There's nothing there; just dried blood." he said. 

"As long as you know how to get there that's the important thing. No one is to kill Gabriel with out my or my fathers say so. Do you all understand?!" 

Everyone nodded. 

"What do you want to do with the princess?" father asked. 

"I will deal with her tomorrow" I said. 

"You know that you can't settle this feud by killing her?" Peter said. 

"I know that Peter the only thing that will settle this is the destruction of the light raiders, which is what is going to happen. It will start with Jess." 

Father said, "Very well the official business over with for today. Is the food hall ready Michael?" 

Michael nodded

My father looked round the room. "Where is John? I thought I told everyone about this meeting did I not?", father asked. He was not amused. 

Alexander said, "Yes you did, my lord, but we had sent him to get the present for your daughter that we wanted to give to her. He should be along soon." 

Father said, "Very well, we won't wait here for him. Everyone to the food hall!" 

None of us wanted to annoy him any more, so we all filed out and headed to the food hall. I sat to the left of my father with Peter on my left. The spread that they had prepared was beautiful! The hall door opened and John came in carrying a bundle covered in a cloth. It was shaking ever so slightly. 

He came over to me. Everyone was smiling.

John said, "Happy birthday your highness." as he handed me the bundle. I opened it up slowly not knowing what it was. The first thing I saw was a pair of brown eyes looking up at me. I removed the cloth. It was the cutest wolf cub I'd ever seen. 

"You're giving me a wolf cub?" I asked. 

Father was smiling. He lent over to stroke the cub that was shaking in my hands.

"Where did you get it? I thought all the packs had moved on." father asked. 

John said, "There's one pack left. This little one was orphaned. It's mother was killed by the light raiders and we thought it would be a fitting gift for your daughter." 

"Is it a male or female?" I asked. 

"I think it's a female but we won't know for certain until its a little older" John said. 

"Thank you John I love it." The cub was getting a bit more lively and was starting bite my fingers. I found some meat on the table and gave it to the cub. The poor thing was starving. "This cub isn't for sacrifice is it?" 

Father said, "No definitely not! The cub is for a pet, and pet only!". 

The little cub was adorable. It was grey with a blaze of white round the front and along its back. The rest of the evening went to fast. Peter came back to my room where we shared each other again. This time I wasn't so nervous. When we finished, the wolf cub snuggled up between us. It's fur was lovely against my skin. 

"Do you know what your going to call the cub?" Peter asked. 

"Flash!, because of the stripe of white." 

"The name suits it very well." Peter said. 

The moon was shining through the window on to us. I cuddled up to Peter. I couldn't have felt more content than being in his arms. 

"Good night Lex, I love you." 

"Good night Peter, I love you to.", I said as I fell asleep in peters arms.



Blood and Ice Ch. 08



I was rudely awoken by flash's cold wet nose. I picked the little fluff ball up and gave it a cuddle. I noticed that Peter wasn't in bed so I got dressed and went to find him. Flash was at my heels yapping for food. 

"I'll feed you in a minute flash." I said. 

"That's a lovely name for her.", father said. 

"Thanks I thought it would be, because of the strip of white down her back and front." 

"Tell me, knowing that the light raider's princess must die, what do you plan on doing with her?" 

"I will deal with her today after breakfast. Will you have her brought to the throne room please father and would you mind realising the rest of the light raiders. I want them to see the fall of their princess but no one is to kill Gabriel! Is that okay father? " 

"Very well, I will do as you ask." 

Flash and I headed to the food hall, but Peter wasn't there either but Michael was.

"Have you seen Peter?" 

"Yes He's in the training hall, he didn't want to wake you up." 

"Will you get him up to the throne room along with the rest of our council please?"

"I will, your highness." 

He left me with flash who was still yapping for food. I put her on my lap and fed her a breakfast of bacon which she seemed to like, as she kept looking for more.

Father came in and sat down beside me. 

"Tell me what do you plan on doing with her?" 

"I plan on showing her which clan is really superior." 

He smiled and nodded; "Very well she's waiting for you in the throne room with the rest of our council." 

I nodded. "I'll be there in a minute father." He got up and left me. I went back up to my room to get changed into my armour, (father had given me new armour) and my sword. As I slid my sword into it's scabbard I thought of all the things that the light raiders had done to my family. They'd split my family, up killed my mother, and shattered my clan. Now it was time for revenge. I tried to set flash on my bed but she wasn't having any of it, so I picked the cub up. She licked my face. I gave her a scratch behind the ears. 

When I got to the throne room I gave the cub to my father. 

"Look after her if this goes badly okay?" 

Father nodded. "We have released the rest of the light raiders and sent them out side; their not leaving though not without a fight." father said. 

"That's okay I don't want them to leave not yet any way." I said with a wink. "Get our men armed in case they attack, as I suspect they may." 

Father nodded. Peter came over to me. "Lex, are you sure you want to do this?" 

"Yes I am They're going to pay for what they've done to our family." 

He said no more, just giving me a kiss on the cheek. 

I walked past Peter and I saw Alexander holding Jess by the arms. 

"Before I do what I must do, I need to make some things clear to you Jess. Before we entered this area, we were best friends. I truly have strong feelings about you as the person that I knew then. Since that time I have heard you talk about what you would like to do to the shadow raider's princess. It wasn't pretty. You and I know that for the prophecy to be fulfilled one of us must die. It is an unpleasant job that I have this morning."

I said, "Let her go and give her a sword please Alexander." 

He nodded let her go. My father gave Alexander a sword, which he gave to Jess. She looked a mess. Her dress was torn and there was a little bit of blood on it. Her hair, which she was always proud of, was every where. 

"Since when did shadow raiders believed in being fair? Wouldn't you rather just kill me now without a fight?" 

"No I owe you a chance, however slim. I don't want to be accused of taking advantage of you, even if I am more skilled with a blade than you are. I want to prove something to you and the rest of your miserable clan. We will fight for our future. We will fight and win the war. Now get up and fight." 

Jess stood shaking. "What did we ever do to you?" Jess asked. 

"You don't know?" I asked. 

"No! Please tell me, you owe me that much at least" Jess said 

"Your father and Gabriel attacked our castle, killed my mother, and shattered our clan. 

Now were getting our own back starting with you." 

I'd had enough. I lunged in with my sword. She side stepped and brought her sword up and took a lunge at me. I blocked her effortlessly I moved forward she started to walk backwards. The council moved back. "Father I think you should go outside and let me deal with her." 

"If you wish" he said. 

"Do me a favour and bolt the front door when you go out, please." 

My father nodded. The council moved out and left just me and Jess. Seeing her opportunity she ran. I ran after her. She headed up to the top floor. She tried to get into her old room, but father had locked the door. 

"Do you think were that stupid Jess?" 

"I wouldn't put it past you." 

The only door that was open was my father's room. She ran in and brought her sword up to face me. 

"What? You're not going to run again Jess?" 

"I'm not running from you Lex why the hell would I be scared of you?" she said. 

I knew the door up to the roof was still open as father liked to be out in the fresh air at night. I backed her towards the door. She grabbed the handle and wrenched the door open and ran up the stairs. I went after her when I reached the top. I heard Jess shouting. I locked the door, as the key was in the door. 

"Now that I have finally got you to stop running, will you fight or will I have to just kill you?" 

I could hear shouting down below. The light raiders were trying to get into the castle by any means possible. 

"You won't kill me because Gabriel will get here before you can finish me off." Jess said. 

"You really think that they can get past my father, his council and the locked door behind me?", I asked her. 

Her face took on a look of complete terror. 

"Face it! It's just you and me. We fight to the death.", I said. 

"You're crazy Lex." 

I'd had enough of her. I swung my sword at her. She ducked and swung her own, which I blocked. I pushed her back towards the edge of the roof. She desperately lunged at me. I plunged her sword into her heart. I threw her backwards off the edge of the platform. She fell right on to the now frozen lake and her blood splattered all over the ice. 

I looked over the edge. You couldn't make out Jess in the mess of blood but I knew it was her. I was violently sick but that was the least of my problems. The light raiders had noticed that the victim was Jess and not me. They were screaming their heads off calling me all the names under the sun and moon. I looked down. Father and the council had gone back inside. I unlocked the door and went down into the main hall. Father met me. 

"Lex, are you okay?" 

I just nodded. 

"I know what you did is hard to do. But you did what you had to. I'm proud of you Alexandria.", he said. 

"My lord we need to fight! They're almost breaking through." Michael said. 

"Okay, but were getting my daughter out of here!"

"No! I'm not going any where. You will need me and I know that I can fight." 

He looked straight into my eyes. 

"Very well; I can see that I will not persuade you to stay out of the fight." 

Peter found me. 

"Thank heavens your okay Lex. I was so afraid for you.", he said, giving me a bear hug. 

I was still covered in Jess's blood. 

"I'm fine Peter; we need everyone to fight. The light raiders are mad as hell." 

Peter nodded and left to get everyone organized. The light raiders were hammering the door down. 

"Father do we have any back up?" 

"I'm afraid you killed them off.", father said. 

"There's no back up at all?" I asked. 

"Well there is, but I only use them in extreme circumstances." 

"Well, I think that if things don't go well you should use them." 

Father just nodded. The door was just about to give way. Father was shouting getting people ready to fight then without warning the door gave way and the light raiders flooded in. The didn't have swords, but were prepared to fight none the less.

"Remember what I said, no one kills Gabriel without mine or my fathers permission!" I shouted. 

Jason came charging towards me. "Your going to pay for what you did to Jess!" he yelled. 

"She deserved what she got!" I yelled at him. 

I charged with my sword, he managed to duck my blow. He tried to punch me in the face but I swung my sword hitting him in the side of the head, almost knocking him unconscious. 

"So you think that your pathetic clan can kill me? I don't think so Jason! It's you that will die today." 

He was too dazed to say anything. He stood back up. 

"Go on then, kill me I'm all yours.", he said. 

I knew he was teasing me but I took the opportunity. I drove my sword deep into his belly and twisted the same way I dealt with Jess only this time I pulled it back out and with it a torrent off blood. 

"Still think I wasn't going to kill you?", I said. 

He didn't say anything. He just vomited blood, shuddered, and died. I heard Gabriel scream; "You bitch what have you done?". 

"I killed him, what does it look like I've done. Face it Gabriel, you've lost! Your princess is dead, along with your brother." 

Gabriel looked at me the tears were running down his face. 

"You may have won this battle, but the war is just beginning." he said. 

Addressing the rest of the light raiders he said, "Everyone stop, its over! They've won this fight. Retreat. This isn't over Lucifer. When we meet again you won't survive." Gabriel said, before picking up Jason and leaving. They all followed him. 

I saw Andrew. He was crying his eyes out. When he saw me he said "He loved you and you ripped his heart out and now you've taken him from me you're a monster." He then spat in my face. Father saw this and made quick work of him. Before I knew anything, he was on the ground.

" Take your dead and wounded and leave with Gabriel before any more are killed.", father said. 

The only thing he could do was nod. 

The light raiders left picking up their dead and wounded. 

"Father where's flash?" 

"She's in my room Alexandria." 

"I'm going to go up and get her." 

Father nodded. I headed up to his room and he followed me. Flash came running out when I opened the door. I picked her up and gave her a cuddle. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?", father asked. 

"Sort of. I still can't believe I had to kill Jess and Jason." 

"Listen to me, you did what you had to do. I'm very proud of you. You defended the clan the way a leader should. Now why don't you take a shower. I will have clothes brought up for you." 

I nodded and handed flash to him. 

I went and had a long shower. I still couldn't believe that I'd killed Jess and Jason. I started to panic. The reality of what I'd done was just starting to hit me. When I came out of the shower father had laid clothes out for me on the bed. I was just finishing getting dressed when my father came back in with flash. He sat down beside me. 

"I know how your feeling Alexandria. When I first killed, I felt guilty." 

"Who did you kill?", I asked. 

"Gabriel's uncle. He killed your grandfather. We've been killing each other for generations. It will never stop until one of us is wiped out." 

"How did all of this start?", I asked. 

Father looked into my eyes "I can see that you do want to know. Very well I will tell you. It started nearly a thousand years ago or so, or so they say. We're not entirely sure, the fighting has been going on for so long we've forgotten the details. Anyway, the light raiders and shadow raiders were once one clan. Then your ancestor fell in love with a servant girl and at the time it was strictly forbidden. When the leader found out they executed the girl. Your ancestor, Alexander they called him, was devastated. He broke away from the clan with a few others. They declared war on their old clan, and its been that way ever since. It will never be settled." 

It took me a few minutes to process all the information. Finally I asked, "Why did they execute the girl? Surly its not a crime to be in love?", I asked. 

"No it's not. But as I'm sure you know it is against their laws to have sex before marriage. There laws have never changed and never will." 

I wanted to know more but father didn't know any more than what he had already told me. I decided to do my own digging in the library. 

Father said, "Why don't we go down stairs and get some food." He put his arm round my shoulders and guided me downstairs to the food hall. I wasn't hungry but father insisted that I eat. Peter came and sat next to me. 

"How are you feeling Lex?" he asked. 

"I'm okay. I'd feel better if it wasn't necessary to kill them." 

"Well I'd rather they'd be dead than you Lex", Peter said giving me a kiss and a hug. 

I ate something small but I still felt sick about what I had needed to do. I didn't know what to do with my self. I felt so numb. Every one was saying that it wasn't my fault, that it was self defence. But, deep down, I knew it wasn't. 

"I think tonight you should stay in my room Alexandria.", father said. 

I just nodded. 

Father guided me back up to his room. The door was still open from when we left for food. Flash jumped on the bed beside me. I stroked between her ears. She seemed to like it as she wouldn't leave me alone. 

"Alexandria can I show you something? Your grandfather left it for us." 

I nodded. Father went out of the room. He was gone for about five minutes. During that time flash had cheered me up a little bit. She had stolen one of my fathers socks and was running round the room with it. I was chasing her trying to get it from her when father came back in. He saw me laughing at the cub. 

Father laughed and said, "Well I'm glad someone could put a smile back on your face, the little rascal." 

"Well it's lucky for some she has no worries. The only thing she worries about is where the next meal is coming from. What did you go to get father?" 

"I went to get this." 

He handed me the black book Michael had shown me. 

"I've seen this book before. Michael showed it to me. It said something about the final battle. I didn't really understand it." 

"Did he show you all of it?" 

I shook my head. "well we've known about the final battle for about eighty or ninety years but there has to be certain signs before it can happen. A fight between two princesses is one of them." 

"What? So we were always meant to fight?", I asked. 

"Yes! This would be the only time we've had two princesses. It was always a prince on our side. You're the first princess that we've ever had and were hoping that when you have a child that it will be a female. Have a read if you don't believe me." 

Father handed me the book I found the passage that I'd read before. I looked through the book and found what my father was talking about. The passage said, "The final battle will arise when two princesses fight on a platform in the sky followed by a battle on bloodied ground. Only then will the final battle between the clans commence." I read it over a few times. 

"So its was always meant to be me against Jess?" 

Father nodded. "I'm afraid so. You were never meant to meet her but because of what happened the only safe place was James' and Sarah's house. Unfortunately she was taken near by. I'm sorry you had to go through this. I hope this helps you accept the fact that you would have had to fight her regardless of whether you knew her or not.", father said. He kissed me on the head. 

"The next passage is very unusual. It says, ' When two angles dance together under a sky of blood red only then will the clans be at rest'". Do you know what that one means, father?"

Father looked uneasy

"No, Alexandria, that one has never made sense to me either. Just remember, you were destined to fight Jess. It was just an unfortunate situation that led you to know her as a friend."

"It does help father Thank you. how did this book come to be how did he know all of this?" 

"He saw all of this in his visions. He knew that your mother would have a girl. He told us when your mother was pregnant that it would be a girl, but we didn't believe him."

"Did I ever meet him?" 

"He was killed just after you were born, so you won't remember him. However, he adored you and he insisted on calling you after his wife. 

Your mother was devastated that's why we retaliated by killing Gabriel's uncle. Why don't you look through the book while I go to council you don't need to go. We're just discussing what's happened. I don't want to distress you any more than you already are." father said. 

I nodded council was boring anyway, so I was glad to get out of it. 

"I will be up later, after council." 

"Okay father, thanks"

Father kissed me on the cheek and left. Flash was now trying to rip my fathers sock apart.

"Flash stop that" I grabbed one end of the sock, but the cub thought I was playing with her and started tugging back she was making me laugh I played with her for a little while then I went back to the book when flash decided to hide with the sock I flicked through the book it was a diary of all the visions that my grandfather had seen one caught my eye it said, 

"Last night I had an other vision. Last night I saw her again standing on the edge of the battle. She had my daughters sword and was mounted on a black horse. I saw her talking to Thomas' son Michael. She was giving orders to the men. I remember her saying to the men, 

"We're going to make them pay for what they did to our clan we need to get father back come hell or high water." 

They charged at people who were advancing against the woman and our men. Then I woke up. This may be the final battle, but I'm not sure" 

I had to read it a few times it was then I realised what was going on the light raiders were evil and needed to be stopped at all costs. I went up to the roof top I walked over to the edge. Jess's blood still stained the ice. They'd taken her body away. A deep realisation hit me that it would have been me if I hadn't have fought! I was glad to be alive. Flash had ran up the stairs and was now yapping round my feet to get me to pick her up. When I did she licked my face. I scratched her behind the ears. It was starting to get dark, the setting sun made Jess's blood stretch out onto the snow. I shed a tear. Jess had been a wonderful friend. I was going to miss her. I was so sorry that Jess had to die but I knew my place and I knew that father wouldn't like me to be upset over her. It was starting to snow so I went back inside. I closed the door and lay down on my fathers bed. Flash cuddled up beside me and I slipped into a deep sleep. When I woke, father was standing at the window. He'd pulled the covers over me. 

"Father?" 

"Sorry, did I wake you Alexandria?" 

"No you didn't father." I said sitting up. 

"What time is it?" 

"It's about eleven o'clock, how are you feeling?" 

"Better, the book helped a lot." 

I got up and went over to my father and he gave me a hug. 

"It will get better, I promise" he said as he hugged me tight. 

I was glad of the comfort of his moral support. 

"Do you want me to get some food brought up to you?" 

I nodded. 

"Peter was asking about you. Do you want to see him?" 

"Yes please father." He went to the door. Peter must have been waiting outside. Father said something to him that I didn't hear, and then left. Peter came over to me and hugged me. 

"How are you feeling Lex?"

"I'm better than I was thanks to this little book." We sat down on the bed. I showed him the book. 

"What is this?" Peter asked. 

"Don't tell my father I showed you this I'm not sure if it's secret or not." 

"Don't worry I won't Lex." 

"Its my grandfather's book of the visions. He wrote down everything he saw and he saw that Jess and I would fight and that one of us would die. It's also one of the signs of the final battle. There's an other vision in here that worries me, read it for your self." I handed him the book he read the vision that I'd read. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 08



"Thomas is my grandfather so he must have meant father." 

"But who's the person with his daughters sword?" 

I handed him my sword. "That would be me as this is my mothers sword. But it also mentions that I would fight to get my father back which means that father must get kidnapped."

I paused to see his reaction. "I don't know if he does or not, I'm sure he's read the book." 

"You should tell him your father needs to know!" 

I was ready to protest when I was interrupted. 

"Exactly what do I need to know Alexandria?" father said. He had returned with food.

"It's nothing father, just something I read." I said while trying to hide the book. 

"Peter could you leave us?" father asked. 

Peter nodded and left. Father locked the door. "Now are you going to tell me what it was or will I have to get it out of Peter?" father said. He looked at me very menacingly as if to say do what I say or I will have to hurt Peter. 

"Very well father. I read a vision of grandfather's. It described woman on a horse giving orders to Michael, and that person had mother's sword. She said that they would get their father back come hell or high water. You've probably worked out it was me on the horse and I think you what that means." I said, waiting for the backlash.

"So when were you going to tell me that I was going to be kidnapped?", father said. He was very annoyed. 

"I didn't know how to tell you father. I didn't want to upset you." 

"But you should have told me Alexandria!" he was shouting now. 

"Father, please calm down I didn't know how to tell you and do you honestly think that I would let anything happen to you?" I asked him. 

He sort of calmed down. "I know you wouldn't but if you find anything out you must tell me okay?" Father had now fully calmed down, he pulled me into a hug. 

"Promise me that if you see or read anything that you tell me okay?" 

I nodded. 

"Here, take something to eat and some blood. You need to drink wolf blood more regularly.", he said as he handed me a goblet of blood. 

I drank deeply. It felt like the blood was washing away the memory of Jess and Jason. 

"Why do we drink wolf blood father?" I asked. 

"We drink it because it's scared to us and it keeps us looking young. It's our vital force, so to speak." 

I nodded, sat down on the bed, and he handed me a tray of food, for which I was grateful. Father put his arm around me. "Do you know how it happens?" 

"No father, I don't. I just know what grandfather left in the book. But, if I see anything I will tell you." 

While we were talking flash had brought the sock out again and was running around the room with it. 

Father laughed, "She's a rascal all right. She reminds me of the wolf your mother and I had." 

"You and mother had a wolf?" 

"Yes, his name was storm. He was a character. He ran off during the siege and we never found him again.", he said looking at the cub. "It's a scared bond that we have with wolves which reminds me there will be a sacrifice tomorrow if you want to join us" father said. 

"Okay, as long as its not flash that's sacrificed its fine." 

"Don't worry. Flash will never be sacrificed." father said. 

I picked the cub up. As I did I felt the all to familiar twinge in my stomach. I saw a small camp. It was in the forest. There were a few tents round a fire. I saw Gabriel talking to the rest of the camp. "We need to kill the princess! She's our next target. After that we will take back the castle and our rightful place. Also, I need to concentrate on conceiving an heir after that. They wont be able to stand up to us then but our priority is the princess. We know that if she's alive when the final battle comes we will loose the war! That's what's been foretold." they talked a little more. I heard their plan before father shook me out of it. 

"What happened Alexandria?" 

"I had another vision father. Their going and try and kill me and Gabriel is trying to conceive an heir.", I said looking into fathers eyes. 

"I expected that they would retaliate by trying to kill you but the news about him trying to conceiving an heir is a bit worrying. If he does it will mean big trouble." Father looked worried. 

"Does this mean trouble?", I asked. 

"It might. I take it that your vision wasn't of the future." 

"No, I think it was happing now." 

"I don't want you to worry about this. Why don't you go back to sleep." 

"Only if someone stays in the room with me. I don't want to be left alone, not now." 

"I'll send Peter back in until I come back." 

I nodded. 

He went to the door, unlocked it, and let Peter back in. 

"Sorry for throwing you out Peter, I just needed to talk to my daughter." 

"No problem, my lord." 

Peter came in and sat down next to me on the bed. 

"I won't be long Alexandria." 

"Okay father." 

Father left. 

"I heard everything from outside. Are you okay?" Peter asked. 

"I'm fine Peter. I'm feeling a lot better, well sort of better. I had another vision. Gabriel and the light raiders are going to try and kill me before the final battle."

"Well if I have my way they won't get to within three feet of you. I promise you that Lex." Peter said taking hold of my hand. He stroked my face with his other hand. "I love you Lex.", he said as he leaned in to kiss me. 

"I love you to Peter." We fell on the bed and were kissing passionately, hands roaming all over each other. I was trying to take Peters shirt off and..... 

"Ahem!" 

We heard from behind us. Father was standing watching us. "Oh, father we didn't hear or see you." I said as I pushed Peter off me. 

"It's not a problem. You're allowed to. Just not on my bed okay?", he said laughing.

Peter whispered in my ear. "Maybe you want to go to your own bed?" 

I giggled. "Not tonight Peter. Father wants me to stay here with him, if that's okay with you.", I whispered back. 

He nodded, gave me a kiss, then left me with my father. 

"I'm sorry father, we got carried away." 

"It's not a problem. The only thing that I ask is that until you marry you use protection." 

"Father did you inform the council?" 

"Yes, we've agreed that from now on a member of the council must be with you at all times. Also, security has been tightened and tonight I want you to stay with me okay?", he asked as he kissed me on the head. 

"Where will I be sleeping father?" 

"In my bed with me, but don't worry I'm not going to touch you.", he added noticing the look on my face. "Why don't you go and get changed for bed. I left clothes in the bathroom for you." 

"Thank you father" 

I went to the bathroom to change. He had left me a deep emerald green nightdress that left very little to the imagination. I felt a little exposed wearing that in front of my father so when I went out I tried to cover my self up. 

"Don't be shy Alexandria, its okay", father said as he came over and kissed me on the head. "You've grown into a fine woman. Come lets go to bed." 

I noticed that father was only wearing shorts. He got into one side of the bed and I got into the other. I cuddled up to my father it felt good to be in his arms. I felt safe and secure. Father was stroking my hair when I fell asleep. 

When I woke up father was gone. It must have been afternoon, and the snow was falling very heavily. Father had lit a fire so the room was lovely and warm. I didn't want to move but Damien came in. 

"You're awake! Lex, your father has requested you presence in the council hall." 

"Can you tell him that I'm sleeping I don't want to get up yet." 

"I'm sorry, but he told me to wake you. You're going to have to go!" Damien said.

"Okay, but you may tell my father I'm not happy." 

Damien laughed and left. I got up and got dressed. When I went out of the room Peter was waiting for me. 

"At your father's request, I will take you down to the council room." Peter said, and then he gave me a kiss. 

"I'm glad he did." I smiled. 

We walked down to the hall. Father smiled when I came in. 

"I'm sorry to have to wake you Alexandria, but we needed your presence today. Otherwise I wouldn't have sent for you." 

I sat down next to father. There wasn't a fire lit in this room so I was shivering a little. Peter noticed this and threw his cloak round my shoulders. I felt warmer. 

"Thanks Peter!" 

"Tonight is a very special night as my daughter will take part in the sacrifice for the first time." father said. 

"Here's hoping it's not my last." I said under my breath. Peter burst out laughing. Father shot him a look as if to say, "Why the hell are you laughing?" 

"I'm sorry my lord. The laugh was in response to something that Alexandria said." 

Father gave him more dirty looks. Peter immediately shut up! Father put his hand on my shoulder and I felt the twinge again but this time it was different. I saw it as if it was happing right in front of me. I was sitting on spirit looking over a field. I could hear the thunderous hoofs of horses. I looked round. Our army was very small in comparison with our enemies. Michael rode up to me. 

"Your highness I really don't think we can win the war. We're defeated. We need to retreat. I beg you, we need more men." he said. 

"Okay we will retreat, but this isn't over." I said. 

"Lex? Are you okay?", Peter said. 

"I'm fine, just another vision. Why am I getting them so often?" I asked. 

"I don't know, but there must be a reason. What did you see?" father asked. "I was standing on the edge of a battle field. Michael came up to me and said that we would be killed if we didn't leave because we didn't have enough men to face our enemy." Father looked at me. "Where was I, do you know?" 

"I didn't see you father." 

"I think we should stop all ceremonies until we have built up our army." 

"Alexandria, I think that's a little extreme don't you?" father said. 

"Father, I really think we should build up our army. I'm getting a warning about something. This might be important. If we ignored the visions and entered the final battle, as we are now. Do you honestly think that the light raiders are sitting doing nothing? No! They're building their army and trying to build their royal family. I'm taking over in this case. You know that I can. If you don't do what I say I will remove you from office.", I said and waited for his reaction. 

He looked taken aback. "Very well, everything is postponed until further notice although I don't see the point." he said side eyeing me. 

"Well maybe you should get inside my head and see what I see. Then you would." 

Father was not amused! We spent the rest of the council meeting discussing how we would expand our army. By the time we finished father wasn't happy that I could get one over on him, but he had to live with it for now. By the end of council we had no idea of how to increase our army's size. We decided that we would discuss it at the next council. 

I couldn't think of any way to do it, then it hit me! Of course why didn't I think of it sooner it might be difficult but worth a try and anyway it would be a good excuse to get away from the castle for a little while. Anyway although I wasn't sure if father would agree to it but I had to try I went to sleep that night with a little hope in my heart. I was only hoping that it wouldn't be in vain. 

I was rudely woken by flash sticking her nose in my back. The cold wetness woke me up. "You little scamp! Are you hungry girl?" 

She yapped back in reply so I got dressed and took her down to the food hall. I gave her a breakfast of bacon and sausage which she devoured. Alexander came in when I was feeding her. 

"You seem in better mood today, your highness. How are you?" he asked. 

"I'm better than what I was, that's for sure. It's better knowing that Jess and I were destined to fight and that it could have gone either way. I'm just glad to be alive. I have an idea of how to boost our numbers but I'm not sure if father will agree." 

Alexander looked interested. "What is your idea, your highness?" 

I told him my plan. "He might be interested as they can be trusted with you. Obviously, your father won't be able to go with you; because if he did the castle would be gone. It would probably be either me or Michael that would go with you. Run it by him at council." 

I nodded. I waited until it was time to go up the council room. When I got there father was waiting, looking over papers. 

"Father?"

He looked up. "Alexandria how are you?", he got up and gave me a hug and a kiss.

"I'm fine father and I have an idea for getting more members for our army. It's drastic, but it might work." 

I explained my plan to him. He mused over it for a few minutes. 

"It would work. It's dangerous, but of course I would insist on a few members of the council going with you." 

I was pleased that he was going to agree with my plan. 

"I have come to the same conclusion. Would you mind if it was Alexander and Peter?" 

"That would be okay, but I want Damien to go as well. Okay?" father said. 

"Good! Father, thank you!" 

"No! Thank you If it wasn't for you I would still be in that hell I was in. I thought that both you and your mother were dead. I didn't see a reason for living, but you've breathed life into me again. Please take care while you are away, I couldn't deal with life if anything happened to you"

"Don't worry about me. I will be fine and I'll be taking my sword with me. They are the ones that should worry." 

"I'm so proud of you. I'm glad I have you as a daughter.", father said. He made me beam with pride. The rest of the council had arrived. When they were all settled father told them the plan. 

"So, Alexander, Peter and Damien; would you accompany my daughter on this mission?" 

"My lord, it would be my pleasure and honour to accompany and protect your daughter." So said Alexander, Damien, and Peter at the same time. Finally everything was settled. The council was prepared to take a chance on my plan. I was going back to James and Sarah's house. 



Blood and Ice Ch. 09



We agreed that I would leave as soon as possible. Father insisted that I leave first thing in the morning. That night I hardly slept. I was so excited, but I was also a little sad as I had to leave flash behind. When I got up in the morning I gave her a cuddle. I dressed in the clothes that father hated, but unfortunately they were necessary as girls my age didn't wear dresses where I used to live. I tried explaining that to father but he wouldn't listen. 

"Father it's just until I get back. I have to blend in with the other people my age. I promise that when I get back I will get rid of them.", I said as I strapped my sword to my side. 

"Fine, but take this just encase." 

He handed me a small dagger that had a wolf engraved in the hilt. "Keep this on you at all times okay?" 

"I promise that I will Father, don't worry about me. If things get out of hand we will come back straight away. You have my word." 

Father gave me a kiss on the head. "Be safe my daughter" 

He helped me onto Spirit. I'll tell you, it still wasn't an easy task in jeans! 

Peter, Alexander and Damien rode up beside me. I saw father hand Alexander an envelope. Alexander took it and put it in his cloak pocket. I looked at father. 

He said to me, "It's just a letter explaining all of this to James and Sarah." 

I nodded. 

"Keep her safe!" father said. "we will protect her with our life" Alexander said "very well off you go" father said I nodded and off we went. Father had made me wear a thick cloak so that no one could see me. Knowing that they would attack if they identify me as the princess. On our journey we only stopped once.

Alexander thought it would be best if we reached James' and Sarah's as quickly as possible, but we wanted to arrive at night. It took us a few days. It seemed that the light raiders must have been too busy building up their numbers to care about killing me. Finally after days of forest travel we reached familiar grounds. I knew that James' and Sarah's wasn't far. I dug my heels into Spirit and he took off like the wind. I sped past the graveyard where I was first attacked. Alexander, Peter and Damien weren't far behind me when I reached James' and Sarah's, a little after midnight. I tied Spirit up inside James' and Sara's barn. 

Damien called to me, "I'll take care of the horses, Lex."

"Thanks Damien!"

"I'm not sure if there going to be happy that I'm back." I said to Peter. 

"Nonsense, they will be glad to see you." Peter said. 

I went to the door. I could see the living room light was on so I knocked on the door. There were a few seconds silence, then Sarah opened the door. 

"Can I" she stopped me there. "Lex?" 

I nodded and she threw her arms round me. 

"Oh my god Lex come in out of the cold. Who are your friends?" 

I introduced them all, except for Damien who was tending to the horses. 

"Where's James?" I asked. 

"He's working late tonight, but he will be so glad to see you.", she said as she hugged and kissed me more.

"Sarah I hope you don't think were just using you for a roof. We need somewhere to stay as we try to build up are numbers is that okay?", I asked as Sarah handed us all a hot drink. 

" That's fine Lex. I don't mind and am quite sure James won't mind either. He will just be glad to see you. So tell me what have you been doing?", she asked. 

I gave her the cliff notes of what had happened since I left. I just left the gory bits out. As I was finishing the front door opened. "Sarah where are you?" 

"In the living room, James, we have guests." Sarah said with a smile on her face. 

James came in. "Hi, sorry I'm late but..." and he stopped. 

"But what James?" I asked. 

"Lex?" 

"In the flesh so to speak." I said with a smile on my face. James grabbed me into a hug. "I'm so glad your okay. We heard that one of the princess's was killed but we didn't know who. My word, you've changed!" he said looking me up and down. 

"I haven't changed that much have I?" 

"Of course you have. When you left you were a scrawny teenager, but now you've filled out a little and you look like a woman! I wouldn't want to mess with you now with those muscles." he said. 

Sarah said, "Oh James stop gibbering will you." 

"I'm just glad to see her" James said. 

I asked, "Alexander have you given him the letter?"

"No, I almost forgot! Lord Lucifer asked me to give you this.", he said as he handed the letter over to James.

It took him a minute or two to read it. 

"We will agree to that." James said putting the letter in his pocket. 

"Agree to what?" I asked. 

James said, "Allowing you to stay until you build up your army. There is one thing we must ask of you. When you left we had to make up a story. Some people believed us, but we were questioned by the police because Jess went missing at the same time as you. So we need you to go down to the police with us and explain where you've been." 

"And exactly where have I been?" I asked Peter as I started to laugh.

"You've been looking for you real parents, which is true. And, that you've been living with your father the past few months." James said. 

"Fair enough! I'll go. Alexander, will you come with me?" I asked. 

"Of course your highness." Alexander said. 

"Alexander, please while we're here just call me Lex. Also, we're going to have to leave our swords behind. They may search us and the last thing we want is to be arrested." 

"Okay Lex. " He laughed. 

I handed Peter my sword. With a grin on my face I said, "If you loose this I will kill you okay?" 

"Relax Lex I'll take good care of it, I promise.", he said as he leaned in to kiss me. 

I gave him a quick kiss before leaving with James and Alexander. Getting Alexander into the car was very funny to watch. I managed to persuade him into the back of the car. 

"Why can't we take the horses?" he complained from the back seat. 

" Because, Alexander arriving at the police station on horses would seem weird to them. People here go in cars." I said. 

James responded, "when we get back you can put the horses in the stables as there isn't any horses in there at the minute."

It took us about thirty minutes to get to the police station. 

James drove to the visitor's parking lot. 

Alexander asked, "Will this take long?" 

"It might, the police aren't known for their speed.", I said to him as James parked the car. 

We got out, but Alexander sort of tumbled out of the car and landed on his face . I couldn't help but laugh. 

"Oh so you think that's funny?" he said very annoyed. 

"Yeah, I do actually." I said giggling. 

He got up, straightening himself up a bit. It was nice to see Alexander's reaction, since he was usually very upright and proud.

We were stopped at the front door to the police station. 

"What's your business at this hour?" asked a very ratty looking police officer. 

"My name is James McAlister. I would like to talk to officer Kitty in regards to my daughter Alexandria." James said. 

The officer talked over his mic, then turned to us and said, "You're in luck! He's in tonight. On you go in." 

I followed James into the police station. He spoke to the officer at the desk and we were told to sit and wait until we were called. Finally, after waiting nearly an hour, we were called in to one of their interview rooms. Alexander waited outside for us. 

It was a small room. After another ten minutes an officer walked in. He was in his late twenties, tall with dark hair and eyes. 

"Hello James, what can I do for you at this late hour?" 

James responded, "This is my daughter Alexandria. She's just arrived back to our home for a little visit." 

The officer said, "Would you mind waiting outside James?". 

James nodded, got up, and left me alone with officer Kitty as he was so named on his badge. 

"So, Miss McAlister; Where have you been the past eight months?"

I'm adopted and set out to try to locate my birth parents, as I'm sure James told you." 

"That he did; did you find your parents?" 

"I found my father but, it turns out that my mother died sometime ago." I waited for his reaction.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Are you living with your father now?" 

"Yes I am. I'm just visiting James and Sarah's to let them know that I'm okay." 

"When did you last see Jessica Glover?" he asked. 

"The last time I saw her was the night that James and Sara told me that I was adopted. I'd gone to Jess' house to tell her about being adopted and left her house at about half ten or so. I haven't seen her since. Is she missing?" I said lying through my back teeth of course. 

"Yes, she's missing and we found the whole situation very odd. After all, two best friends went missing on the same night and then never seen or heard of again. You're sure that you haven't seen Jessica?" 

"No I haven't seen her since I left her house that night. Why? where is she?" I asked, acting concerned.

"We don't know. We thought that you both had been up abducted and we didn't know what had happened, but we feared the worst. I am glad to see you alive and well. Did Jess talk to you about taking a trip of visiting friends that last night you saw her?"  

"No. She didn't say a word about anything like that. I hope you're looking for her!"

"Yes we are! We will keep looking for her, until we find her!" 

"Good luck" I said to my self knowing only to well that they wouldn't find her. "Please let me know what you find out. Jess is my best, and almost my only, friend from school." 

"I will do that. I don't have any more questions for you. We will release a statement to the press that you have been found." he said. 

"Is there anything else you need to know?" I asked. 

"No that's everything. I'm just glad that you're safe and well. We'll keep looking for Jessica and we will keep you up to date, how long will you be staying at James and Sarah's?" the officer asked.

" Probably a month or two, but I haven't decided. After all, I do want to get back to my father. I've been away from him for most of my life." 

"Okay, if we hear anything after you go back to your father we will tell James and Sarah. They can pass it on to you." 

I stood up to leave. 

Officer Kitty asked me, "If you hear or see anything concerning Jessica please contact us.", he said as I opened the door.

"I will tell you if I hear anything about Jess. Good evening officer."

As I got to where James and Alexander were sitting, Alexander stood up. 

"Are you okay? Are you free to go?" Alexander asked. 

"Yes, they were just asking questions about Jess." 

"Who?" Alexander asked. 

I signalled Alexander to lean in then I whispered, "The light raider princess." 

"Oh right." Alexander said. 

We left the police station and headed back home. James quizzed me about what they asked. I told him what I had said. 

Alexander started to complain, "Why do we have to use this infernal contraption?" 

"Because were not at the castle and this is the type of thing that people use here. We have to blend in, so stop complaining." 

Minutes later we pulled up to James' house. We stumbled out of the car. When he exited the car, Alexander fell flat on his face again but this time Peter and Damien saw it and they burst out laughing. 

"Stop laughing at me!" he shouted at them. 

When we were all back at the house, Peter and I remained outside, enjoying each other's company. Peter slid his arm round my waist and kissed me on the cheek. 

"Peter I need to spend some time with just you." 

His response was to give me a kiss and he put his arms around me. 

"I've missed this closeness Lex." 

"I missed it too, Peter." 

We kissed some more. 

James came back out, "Are a you two coming in?" 

"Yes, just a moment, James." 

James nodded and went back in. Peter and I went back into the house and sat down in the living room. 

"I've fixed up your old room for you Lex. If you want, Peter can stay with you." Sarah said. 

"Thanks Sarah that will be lovely." 

Alexander said, "I'm glad you're in the clear with the police. That gives us more time to get people together." 

Not long after that Peter and I went to bed since it was getting late and I had a lot of work to do the following day. Peter and I cuddled up close. I felt so at home with Peter! 

I didn't want to get up the following morning when James came in to wake us. "Morning Lex, Morning Peter! It's time to get up." 

We got up, dressed and went down stairs to get something to eat. 

"Peter will you come with me to start looking for people? I think I know where to start." 

"Okay, but take your sword with you as you could be attacked at any time." Peter said. 

As we were talking the door bell rang. James went to answer it. I could hear James talking "Yes she's here, but she doesn't want to see anyone Brian." 

"Please James, I need to talk to her!" Brian said. I walked to the door. 

"What's going on?" I said. 

It was Brian, Jess' step father. "Please, I need to talk to you." Brian said. 

"Okay, come into the living room." I said as I walked in and sat down. 

Brian came in after me and sat down. Peter and James came in as well. 

"Where's Alexander?" I asked. 

"He went out this morning, he didn't say what for but he shouldn't be long." Peter said. 

"How can I help you Brian?" I asked. 

"I need to know. Have you seen Jess? I've been going out of my mind with worry." Brian said.

"No, I wish I could help you but I haven't seen her since the night I left your place to go and see if I could find my birth parents. James and Sarah had just told me that I was adopted and I needed to find out who my parents are. I haven't seen her since that night. If I knew anything I would have told the police last night. I'm dreadfully sorry Brian." I said. 

He burst into tears. James comforted him. 

"I'm sorry Lex. I just want her home so badly; I was hoping you knew something. she just left and never said anything" he said. 

"It's okay Brian, I understand! If I knew anything I would tell you but I honestly don't." I said

I went over and gave him a hug. He stayed for a little and asked me about what I'd been up to. I told him the same things I had told the police, but with a bit more made up detail. 

When he left I was very glad.

"Right! Let's go Peter. I want to try and get the people I'm looking for." 

"Have you got your sword with you Lex?" Peter asked. 

"Yes I do, it's under my jacket and my dagger is in my pocket."

Peter said, "Okay, I'm just trying to protect you Lex." 

"James, when Alexander gets back tell him I want a word with him, okay?" I said. 

"I'll tell him, Lex."

Peter and I said our goodbyes and set off to find the people I wanted to try to recruit. We went past the graveyard. It sent shivers up my back. I stopped and looked in. 

"What's wrong Lex?" 

"This is where it all started. Matthew attacked me here. Your father saved my life." 

Peter gave me a hug. "Its over now. I promise you that I will never let anyone get near you."

"We better get going so we don't miss them." 

"Miss who?" Peter asked.

"The people I'm going to ask to join us; and I think they will."

"Yeah, but who?" 

"You'll see." I said with a wink; and off we went. I took him to the school I had gone to. 

There was a small bike shed just off the soccer field. And there they were! The Goths, the weird ones of the school. The ones the "good people" rejected. There were only a few of them that I recognised. I picked the one I most recognized. Her name was Lauren, she was slightly smaller than me with black hair and heavy black make up. I walked up to her. 

"Can I help you?" she asked. 

"Yeah actually you can." 

"Aren't you Alexandria McAlister, the one that went missing?"

"Yeah and your Lauren Dracon." 

"So, what do you want?" 

"Tell me, were the rumours about you true?" I asked. 

"What if they were? What's it to you?" she said. 

I moved closer to her. In a quiet voice I said, "If they are true, I have a proposition for you." 

"What sort?" 

"One you wouldn't want to refuse." Peter said. 

"Have you ever heard of my real father, a man named Lucifer?" I asked.

"I've heard of him. He was locked up years ago, but there's no way that he has a daughter!." 

"What makes you say that?" I asked. 

"I know these things better than you okay." 

She was getting pissed off now. 

"Do you know how you can tell if someone's one of Lucifer's clan?" I asked. 

"Of course I do; I'm not stupid you know." she said. 

I lifted up my top and showed her my scar. When I did she saw my sword. 

"Where did you get that sword? Only the royal family can carry that kind of sword.", she said starting to back away from me.

"I told you, I'm Lucifer's daughter if you're interested I have a proposition for you. How would you like to be one of us?" I asked.

She was stunned! "Are you sure? I'd be honoured, but what's the catch?" 

"It's simple, we need to get more people like you that we can trust to join us. Our enemies, the light raiders plan on wiping out our clan. To join us, and we need them soon. I'll give you one month to get people together that you and we can trust. It would be even better if they knew how to fight. We must leave after that, and if you don't get them you can't come with us. Do you agree with that?" 

"That's fine. Where can I find you?"

I gave her my address. She thanked me. 

Peter and I left her and went to the local park. 

"Do you think we can trust her?" Peter asked me. 

"She can be trusted. She's too weird that regular people won't believe anything that she might tell them. They already think that she's mad so they wouldn't think anything of it. So, I wouldn't worry." 

I said this as I sat down on a swing. "Okay they can be trusted, but can they fight?" 

"Their the best scrappers in the school so I wouldn't worry about them not being able to fight Peter; would you relax? It's fine!" 

"I can't help but worry; after all it was someone we knew that betrayed us." 

"I know Peter but if we don't get the people, we will loose the battle!" 

I heard foot steps coming from behind us. I turned around, it was the core group of "in crowd" girls from my school. You know the type, the "snooty" ones with blond hair, blue eyes, and big chests. Sally, their leader, was among them.

"Hey freak what you doing alive? I thought you and Jess were kidnapped." It was Sally I wasn't in the mood for her and her little followers. 

Peter got up but I said "Let me deal with her it won't take long." 

"Are you sure? I would take care of her if you want me to." 

"No its okay, I've been waiting for this for a while." I said as I turned to face her. 

"What do you want?" 

"Oh, and here I thought that you'd be pleased to see me freak. I have seen you in months." Sally said. 

I stepped forward her little gang closed a circle around me cutting me off from Peter. I knew that if it went bad he could break through them with little effort. 

"You're right. I haven't seen you in a long time and guess what Sally, I've changed a lot." I said finally standing up for my self. 

"Really and how's that? You still look like the freak to me." Sally said and her little gang started to giggle. 

"Why don't you just try me Sally?"

I slid my hand to the back of my jeans and grabbed hold of the dagger that lay concealed in them. Sally lunged forward and tried to grab my throat, I took hold of her wrist swung her arm round and up her back and pulled out my dagger and pushed it to her throat.

"Still think I'm a freak?" I said into her ear. 

She started to scream at me "Let me go you freak, you'll pay for this!" 

I laughed. "Really, you think so do you? Its going to be you that pays Sally for all the crap you gave me over the years." I said into her ear, then I let her go. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 09



Her little gang had stopped giggling and were shocked that I'd pulled a knife on Sally. 

Sally said, "You have no idea who you're dealing with. I'm a member of the light raiders and I'm a personal friend of the princess." 

I couldn't help but burst out laughing. 

"What's so funny freak?" she yelled at me.

"Tell me, have you heard from the princess lately?" I asked. 

"What's it to you?" she spat at me. 

"Just answer the question. Have you heard from the princess or Gabriel recently?" I asked again.

With a surprised look on her face she said, "No I haven't, and how do you know about Gabriel?"

"Well, you never will hear from the princess again; Haven't you heard that she was killed a week ago?" 

Sally's face dropped. "How do you know that?" a girl to Sally's right asked.

"Because I was there, that's how!" 

Sally seemed to get over the shock. "Are you a light raider?" she asked, her voice softened slightly.

"No, I'm not!" 

"Then how could you have been there? Only light raiders could have been there!", she said looking very confused. 

"I'm a shadow raider and I was there. Let me guess, you haven't heard that we've reclaimed the castle, right?" 

The girls were gob smacked. 

"I thought that the shadow raiders were all killed off." Sally said. 

"Not all of us, and were back and fighting strong that's for sure. How else would we have been able to take back the castle?" 

She looked stunned. I could hear footsteps coming from behind me .I looked around and saw Alexander walking towards us. 

Alexander moved so that he stood in front of me. "Stand down, or you will suffer." he said as he drew his sword. 

"Fine, but mark my words, this isn't finished!" Sally said as she left with all of her gang. 

"Alexander where have you been?" 

"Your highness, I'm sorry but your father asked me to find this for you. It belonged to your mother.", he said as he handed me a black cloth. 

I opened it and found a necklace. In the middle of the necklace was a sliver the pendant which was a six pointed star with purple jewels round the edge. 

"Were did you get this?" I asked. 

"I found it where your mother was killed. She had this on her and it must have fallen when she was killed." Alexander said. He opened the clasp and placed it round my neck. 

"Thanks Alexander!" I said, and then we all headed back to James' and Sarah's house. Sarah had made supper for us. We ate and then moved into the living room. That evening the only thing I could think of was my mother and how the light raiders tore my family apart. 

"Alexander why did the light raiders attack the castle in the first place?" I asked as we were sitting in the living room. 

"They wanted to kill you because of the vision that your grandfather had. We had to protect you, above all. It's unfortunate that we couldn't save your mother. You do know that if we could have saved her we would have, right?

"Yeah, I know Alexander. I'm not blaming anyone, apart from the light raiders of course. I just want to know what happened. Had we done anything to annoy them before that?" 

"Not that I can think of, but we have a very long history so something could have happened." 

"How long have we been fighting them?" 

"The records began nearly a thousand years ago but we think that it began before that." 

"Is there anyway of stopping it?" 

"The only way you will get the fighting to stop is if one of the clans is destroyed!" Alexander said.

"Let's hope it's not us!" 

"Lets hope not, but we shouldn't if we can build our army up. And let's not forget we have you as well! You're one of our most accomplished swordsmen. I have good faith that we will win the war." "I'm going to go to bed, it's getting late!" I said. I bid everyone a good night, Peter came up to my room with me. 

"Do you think that Lauren will help us?" he asked. " I think she will! She wants to be one of us so she will do anything to join us and if gathering people is what's going to get her in I can assure you that she will!" 

Peter slid his arm around me. "It feels like a lifetime since we last had time alone." Peter said as he leaned in to kiss me. 

"We defiantly need more time alone!", I said. We kissed some more as we lay down on the bed. As we lay down I felt an all too familiar twinge in my stomach. I saw Gabriel in the castle with flaming torches setting light to the tapestries and carpets. I then saw him punch my father, who then dropped to the floor unconscious. I saw the light raiders stopping the council men from getting to my father then I saw the castle burn down with my father in it. I looked up at the moon it was a full moon. 

"Lex?" Peter asked. 

I pushed Peter off of me and went to the window to look at the moon it was a crescent it was going to happen soon. 

"Lex are you okay?" Peter asked. 

"I'm fine Peter." I said. 

"Did you have a vision?" 

"Yeah, but its not important.", I said. 

"Are you sure Lex?" 

"Yeah, lets just go to bed."

"As long as you're sure!" 

"I'm sure." I said as we got back into bed. Peter dropped off to sleep but I couldn't I knew that if I didn't go to my father he could be killed. When I was sure that Peter was sound as sleep I slipped out of bed and got dressed. I put my black cloak on and silently crept down the stairs. The light in the living room was still on. I looked in quickly and saw that it was Alexander. I went to the front door, I unlocked it as quietly as possible. I slipped out. 

"And just were do you think your going?" Damien asked. 

"Damien you scared me go back inside and pretend you didn't see me. I have to go!" 

"Go where? Do you honestly think that I'm going to let you go anywhere without me or one of the council members?" Damien said. 

"Listen, I've had another vision. If I don't go back to the castle my father will die! I don't want anyone to know. If you come with me you better not slow me down or I will go on without you and we have to leave now and no one else can come with us okay?" I said. 

Fine, I don't like this but I will come with you." We went back to the barn and saddled our horses. Damien and I both mounted our horses and set off at as fast a pace as we could, without hurting the horses. I knew it would take a few days to get there. Except to let the horses rest and get food and water, we didn't stop all night. 

"Lex, you do know that Alexander, Peter and your father will kill you for trying to leave without telling any one, you do know that, right?" 

"I know, but father will thank me when the light raiders attack." 

"Well let's hope we can get there before they do. When is it going to happen?" 

"When the full moon rises, which is soon!"

We made the trip in record time. As we reached the castle I saw the guards talking and one hurried nside. Damien and I slowed down. 

"I think they've sent to get your father. There could be trouble!" Damien said. 

Then we saw a few people on horses. We stopped and waited for the people to approach us. 

"He's going to kill me isn't he?" I asked Damien. 

"Most likely." 

"Identify yourselves or we will attack." father said. 

I lowered my hood. "Father, it's me, Alexandria." 

"Alexandria? Why are you here? I thought you were at James and Sarah's?" 

Father rode over to me and hugged me. 

"It's a long story, father, can we go inside? Then I will explain everything." I said father nodded we went inside. I put Spirit in the stable and followed my father up to the council room. I sat down next to him. 

"Now is everything okay? Why did you leave James' house? Were you attacked?" father asked.

"No we weren't attacked. Alexander and Peter didn't even know I had left. The only reason Damien is here is because he followed me and insisted on coming with me." 

"But why did you leave if there was no attack?" father asked. 

"I had a vision and it wasn't good!"

"What was it Alexandria?" 

"I saw the light raiders sneak into the castle and set it on fire. The only thing was that you were trapped inside and the council couldn't get to you and you died." 

There was a long silence. 

In a subdued voice father asked, "Are you sure?" 

"Yes! I wouldn't have came back if I didn't think it was important. I couldn't have stayed there and just let this happen." I said. 

"When does it happen?" father asked. 

"When the full moon rises they will sneak into the castle and set everything on fire, knock you out, and leave you to die." 

"I can't believe they would stoop so low as to do that." 

"Very well.... Damien, please go back, immediately, and let everyone know that she's okay!" 

"What are you going to do about the light raiders?" I asked. 

"We'll set a trap for them and get them before they can set fire to the castle." father said. 

"You're not angry that I tried to come back on my own?" 

"No I'm glad you came back. I missed you, but please next time take more people with you.", father said as he leaned over and hugged me. 

"I missed you to father" 

"Are you hungry?" 

I nodded and father shouted for someone to come in. 

"Yes my lord, may I help you?" Then he saw me, "Your highness this is a pleasant surprise." Michael said to me.

"It's good to see you too Michael." 

"Michael could you please bring some food and wolf's blood for my daughter?" 

"Yes, my lord." Michael bowed and left. 

"Where's flash?" 

"She's been sleeping in your bed and snapping at anyone that tries to move her." 

I laughed. Michael came in a with a tray of food and a goblet of blood and a little fluff ball yapping at his heels. Flash ran and jumped into my arms licking my face. 

"I missed you to flash!" As I put her down I took the tray from Michael. "Thank you, Michael." 

"You're very welcome, your highness." Michael bowed and left. 

"So when will you go back?" father asked. 

"I'm not going back until I know that you're safe." 

"But you have to go back Alexandria!"

"I will father, but not until I know you're okay!" 

"I don't want you here when they attack." 

"That's too bad, I'm staying and fighting whether you like it or not."

Father laughed; "I can see that there's no arguing with you, but if things get out of hand I'm insisting that you leave with a member of the council, okay?" 

"Very well father, I will." I said thinking to my self that there's no way I was leaving no matter what happened! 

Flash was yapping at me to pick her up. I did and she started licking my face again. 

"So, has anything happened while I was away?" 

"No, nothing in particular. Is there anything else you saw in the vision?" 

"Not that I can remember father. Can you excuse me so I can get changed into something more appropriate?" 

"Oh, yes you're excused." 

I went to my room and changed clothes. I went back to the council room, Michael and John had joined my father. 

"Your highness, this is a pleasant surprise! Is everything okay?" John asked. 

"Everything is fine. Father did you tell them what I saw?" 

"Not yet, Alexandria." 

I sat down next to my father. I told them what I had seen. They were shocked.

"My lord, what should we do?" John asked.

"We will set a trap for them. At least we have an advantage. They don't know that we know what their plan is. Also, if they change their plan, we have my daughter!" 

Father and I smiled at each other. Michael, John and I spent the rest of the day in the council room discussing plans. When it got late, I excused my self and went to my room. I was just about to drop off to sleep when father came into my room. He sat down on my bed. 

"Is everything okay father?" 

"Yes, everything's fine Alexandria. I just wanted to thank you, again, for coming back to help us. But, I want you to go back to James' and Sarah's place." 

"You haven't got a chance of me leaving; so don't start father. I saw that vision for a reason."

"I understand that, but you need to gather and then train the new recruits. Please go Alexandria. Our clan depends upon your work." As Father gave me a hug, he said; "If anything happened to you, I would never forgive myself. We know that their going to attack, so we will be extra careful." 

When father broke away I got an all too familiar twinge. I saw the same vision of the light raiders setting the castle on fire only it had changed slightly. It wasn't father that they punched, it was me! 

"Alexandria? Are you okay?" 

"Yes I'm fine it was the same vision again." 

"Was there anything different?" 

"No, there wasn't father." I didn't tell him that it had changed because if I had told him he would have insisted on keeping me away from the castle. 

"Will you go back to James and Sarah's tomorrow morning?", father asked. 

I nodded. It obviously wasn't to happen until I was back in the castle. 

"Thank you Alexandria!" Father he gave me a kiss on the cheek, said goodnight, and left me. That night I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned all night. When the sun rose I got up and dressed. Flash followed me down to the food hall. Michael was the only person there. 

"Good morning your highness. How did you sleep?" 

"I slept well, but I don't want to go back when I know there's going to be an attack on the castle." 

"I know that it's difficult for you, but your father's just thinking of your safety. You can't blame him for wanting you out of the way." 

"I don't blame him, but I want to be here to help."

Michael nodded. "I understand. But If you die the clan will be lost because you're the last remaining member of the royal family." 

I nodded. I didn't like the idea of hiding but he had made me see the sense in leaving. I stayed in the food hall until father came in. He would be escorting me back as Damien was still gone. We both mounted our horses and set off at a fast pace. Father seemed a little on edge. 

"Father, are you okay?" 

"Yes, I'm just keeping a close eye out for light raiders. Are you armed?" 

"Yes, I always am." 

A couple of days had passed and we were nearing James' house. We were still in woodland, with open fields ahead of us.

Father had us stop for a moment. "If we're attacked, do not hesitate to strike.", father said. 

I nodded. We moved at a slow pace. I heard rustling coming from behind us. Father whispered "When I give the signal, run!" 

I nodded. I didn't argue with him on this! Something jumped out from behind us, father yelled at me to run, I dug my heels into Spirit and bolted. I heard the clashing of swords I pulled my sword out and was ready for anyone that attacked. There was a thunder of hoofs. I looked around and I was surrounded by men on horses. The next thing I knew the wind was knocked out of me and I landed with a thud on the ground. I stood up and ran. I didn't know ware I was going but I ran anyway. I could hear Gabriel laughing. 

"Do you honestly think that you will survive this princess?" 

I didn't retaliate. I just ran. In the distance I could see the village that James and Sarah lived in. I knew that if I got to the graveyard they couldn't touch me. However, it wasn't long before Gabriel caught up to me. The rest of his council formed a circle round us. I knew then that I would have to fight him. I looked around and I couldn't see my father. 

"Where is my father?" I shouted at them. 

"He ran off like a scared little boy, not much of a father is he?", Gabriel said. 

"He's better than you could ever be!" I spat back at him. 

"You know, if you join us we would pardon everything that you've done. It's simple, you just need to share a little blood.", Gabriel said. 

"I would never join you and anyway I couldn't even if I wanted to."

"What do you mean?", Gabriel asked. He didn't realise that I was just buying time. 

"I'm already a full shadow raider."

"No! That's not possible they don't turn people until there twenty one." He was in shock. 

"You're wrong! We turn at nineteen." 

"Prove it!" 

I pulled out my small dagger and cut my dress away at the stomach to revile my scar. Gabriel looked like he was about to faint. 

"Believe me now?" 

Gabriel lunged at me with his sword. I managed to block him. Just as we were about to clash again there was a thunder of hoofs. Unknown to me, father had arranged for most of the council to follow us, just out of sight, on this trip. Father and the rest of the council came charging up. 

"Get the hell away from my daughter!", father yelled. 

Gabriel turned around. "Ah, Lucifer! I'm glad you're here to see your daughters demise." As he said 

He lunged in again. I swung my sword up caught his sword by the hilt and twisted. He yelled in pain as I wrenched the sword from his grip.

"I think it is your demise that I will be witnessing today Gabriel.", father said. 

Gabriel yelled and lunged with all his strength I only had a split second. I plunged my sword deep in to him. I didn't have time to look as father pulled me away and up onto a horse and we rode away from the fighting. It didn't take long to get to James' and Sarah's place. Father pulled me into the house. He burst through the door and scared James and Sarah. 

"My god Lex! what happened? And, who are you?" James asked. 

"I'm her father. We've corresponded. You received my letter yes?" father said. 

Ashen faced, James said, "Yes my lord, we did but what happened?"

"We were attacked. Where are Alexander and Peter? We need them!" father said. 

"I will go and get them for you my lord.", Sarah said as she left. A few seconds later Peter came in. 

"My lord, what happened? Sarah said that you were attacked." Then Peter saw me covered in Gabriel's blood with a ripped dress. 

"Lex, what happened to you?", Peter asked. "We don't have time to explain. We need Damien to stay and protect Alexandria. I need you and Alexander to help me fight!" 

Peter nodded. 

Sarah handed me a cloth to wash the blood from my face. Father left with Alexander and Peter. Damien came in and asked, "Lex, tell me what happened?" 

"We were attacked by light raiders. I wounded Gabriel that's why am covered in blood. I'm okay but father needs help." 

Damien said, "Yeah, Peter and Alexander left with him. 

James suggested, "Why don't you go and take a shower since your father may need some time to finish this fight." 

I nodded and took a shower. I had to change into the clothes that father hated. When I went back down into the living room father still wasn't back.

"Here, take this, it should help.", Sarah said. 

"Thanks! Is there any sign of my father?" 

Damien said, "Not yet, but they shouldn't be much longer." 

I drank the mug of hot liquid that Sarah handed me. I kept looking out of the window looking for my father. Dawn was starting break and I could see horses in the distance. I ran out to meet them. Alexander dismounted first. 

"Your highness, we need to talk!" he said. I noticed that my father wasn't with them. 

"Where's my father?", I asked, starting to panic.

"Can we just go inside, I will explain everything.", Alexander said. 

"No!, Tell me right now where he is!"

"He was taken captive by the light raiders." 

"What?", I shouted. 

"We went after them, but they got away." Alexander said. 

"What about Gabriel? Is he alive?" 

"Yes you badly injured him; but he is alive." Alexander said.

I knew then that to get my father back we would need to fight Gabriel and the light raider council. It was a fight for which we would needed everyone that we could possibly get! 



Blood and Ice Ch. 10



"Everyone get inside quickly!" Alexander said. Every one filed into James' and Sarah's house. James looked a little shocked to see so many people in the house.

"James, I do apologise for the inconvenience but we were attacked and we need to recover before heading back." Alexander said. 

"It's not a problem, but where's Lucifer?" 

"He was captured by the light raiders after Alexandria wounded Gabriel." 

Damien said, "Alexander we need to head back to the castle. If the light raiders discover were all gone they will take over the castle again, and that is something we don't need right now! 

Alexander nodded and I said, "I think that James and Sarah should come with us as the light raiders might attack them." 

Alexander said, "No, I think that you should stay here with them." 

"Now that my father has been taken I'm in charge and James and Sara are coming with us! Damien and I will come back to get the people we've recruited. We need to leave now!" 

Alexander said, "Very well, I won't argue with you, your highness. You are right." 

We all got ready to leave. Peter hugged me and said "Don't worry we'll get your father back." 

I nodded. We left the house. I put on my black cloak to hide who I was. The council surrounded me. James and Sarah were behind them. We set off at a fast pace. We didn't stop, except to feed and water the horses and ourselves, until we reached the castle. 

When we got our horses to the stable I said to the men, "I want you all in the council room as soon as possible. Peter could you come with me please." Peter nodded.

I went to my room and found flash on my bed. She jumped off the bed and jumped on me. 

"Lex are you okay?" 

"My fathers just been kidnapped how do you think I feel?" I asked with tears in my eyes. He gave me a hug and a kiss. 

"It will be okay Lex we'll get him back!" 

"I know, but we will have to fight to get him back!" 

As I said this he hugged me tighter. 

"We will fight with all of our strength!" Peter said. 

I nodded and threw my cloak on the bed. Flash immediately jumped on it. 

Peter held my hand as we walked to the council room. No one was there yet. I sat were my father usually sat and Peter sat next to me. It was a while before the rest of the council came in. Alexander was the last one to arrive. He sat next to Peter. 

"Could you tell me first what happened, Alexander?" 

He nodded. "When we got there the light raiders were furious that you wounded Gabriel. They were concentrating on getting you. Since the light raiders were surprised they didn't fight, they seemed to just scatter. We got away with little injury. When I turned round they had your father bound and gagged. It appeared that he had been knocked out, some how. We chased after them but they sped ahead of us and we didn't want to leave you unattended." 

I nodded and asked Peter, "You do realise what this is, don't you Peter?" 

Peter looked puzzled. 

"The vision I had a while ago about the fight in the execution arena remember?" 

"But I thought you said that it was Jason that fought you, but he's dead." Peter said. 

"Yes, but the event hasn't changed obviously. I knew that my father would be kidnapped at some point. The question is what do we do now?" 

Alexander spoke "We need to find out where he is. They might want to make a deal with us." 

"The only thing they want is me! Gabriel offered me to join them but I told him where to stick it."

Everyone laughed. 

Peter said, "Maybe we could use this to our advantage make them think that you're one of them again." 

"No, that won't work this time as they want me to be killed. Anyway, they wouldn't trust me anyway." 

"She has a point, but what ever we do it must be soon! They may try and execute your father. However, I think that we should leave the question until tomorrow. We need to rest and think about this with fresh, clear, minds. We can convene tomorrow and discuss this in more detail." 

I nodded. All, but Peter, left. He leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. 

"Peter, where are James and Sarah?" 

"They have been settled in a room and they've been looked after." There was a knock, they looked at the door. 

"Yes!" 

A guard entered. "Your highness I apologise for the interruption but Alexander told me to come to you." 

"What is the problem?" 

"A fight has broken out in the kitchen and we can't separate them. Could you possibly come down and separate them?" 

"Very well!" 

I stood up and followed the guard out and down to the kitchen there were two woman fighting like two cats. 

I shouted, "What the hell is going on here?" they stopped immediately. 

"Well?" 

One of the women spoke up. "It's nothing your highness, just a small disagreement."

"You call fighting a small disagreement? Let me make this clear. If I hear of any more fighting you will both be sent to the dungeons until my father returns to deal with you. Do I make my self clear?" 

they both nodded. 

I turned, "is there anything else you need my help with?", I asked the guard. 

"No your highness, thank you for helping." 

I nodded. "I'm going up to my room to lie down Peter." 

"Okay, I'll be up soon Lex." 

I turned and headed up to my room. I was playing with flash when Peter came in with a tray of food and a cup of wolf's blood. He sat next to me. 

"Thanks Peter.", I said as I took a long drink of wolf blood. "I take it that I will have to deal with everything now that father isn't here."

"I'm afraid so Lex. Only someone with royal blood can take over the throne, even if it's only temporary. Don't worry, it won't be for long." He slid his arm around my waist and kissed me. 

When he did, I felt the twinge again. I was walking down a dimly lit corridor. I had a flaming torch in my hand. "He's down here?" I looked around and saw Peter and Alexander. We walked down the corridor. We came to a stone door that was locked. It had strange markings on the door. The markings included two snakes circling a black orb. 

I asked, "How do we open it?" 

"I have no idea I've never seen these markings before", Alexander said. 

"Lex?" Peter said while shaking me from my vision. 

"What did you see?" 

"We found where father was, but we couldn't open the door. I need to go to the library. I need to find the markings I saw on the door. If I don't we won't get father back." 

Peter nodded. We headed to the library. 

"What, exactly, are we looking for Lex?" 

I drew the symbol for him. "This is what were looking for. Look in the light raiders books because in my vision I think we were in their dungeons." 

Peter nodded. 

I grab a handful of books and brought them to the table and started to look through them. It was near dawn when Alexander came in to the library. 

"There you are, your highness. I went to look for you in your room but you weren't there why are you here?" 

"I had a vision last night and if we don't find this symbol we won't be able to get my father back. So Peter and I started looking for it." 

Alexander asked, "Have you had any sleep?" 

"I can't sleep until we find this. It's the key to finding my father." 

"Very well, I will have some food and the rest of the council sent up." 

I nodded. 

The food came shortly after Alexander left. For which I was glad. The rest of the council arrived about an hour after that. I was glad for their help. 

Michael asked, "What does it look like your highness?" 

I showed them all what it looked like. None of them recognised it. 

"Why don't you go and get some sleep Lex?" Peter asked. 

"I can't sleep not until I find it." 

"Look, with you as tired as you are; you won't be any help to your father. Go and get some rest. I will call you if we find anything I promise." 

"Thank you Peter, I don't like the idea of leaving, but we have been up all night and we're both exhausted. You should get some sleep as well. 

I went to bed and fell asleep right away. It seemed as if I had just closed my eyes when I was nudged awake by Peter. 

"What's going on? Did you find something?"

"We're not sure. We need you to come and look." 

I nodded. I quickly dressed and almost ran to the library. 

"Let me see what you found." 

Michael handed me a book. They had found it! 

"That's it! Where did you find it?" 

Michael said, "It was in the very old books. We were lucky to find it." 

I read the page that had the symbol from my vision. It said,

"There are many legends in our kingdom but none more mysterious than the legends of the orbs. These mystical orbs can only be touched by royal blood and if they ever fell into the hands of the light raiders great tragedy would befall our clan." 

I turned to Michael. "Do you have any idea what this has to do with father?" 

"I don't know. I've heard of this legend, but what it has to do with your father I don't know." 

"Maybe it has to do with royal blood.", Peter said. 

"Maybe but why would they have a door that only I could open? Doesn't that seem suspicious to you?" 

Alexander suggested a thought. "It might have some importance if they had him on our grounds. Is it possible that the battle is just a distraction to draw us out so they can take the castle back?" 

"It's very possible. Is there any where that only the royal family can enter?", I asked.

They all looked at each other. 

"What?", I asked. 

Alexander said, "There is a place that only a member of the royal family can enter!" 

"So what's the problem?"

"Only your father knows where it is.", Alexander said. 

"That is a problem, but there must be a record of it somewhere, yes?" 

"It might be in the royal family archives. But if we do find it we can not enter. It's forbidden!", Michael said. 

"We will discuss that if we find it." 

They all nodded. Alexander went to the back of the library and came back with an armful of papers. 

"These are the royal family archives. There are more but these are the more recent ones. I think they date from when your mother and father ascended to the throne to just before the attack when we lost the castle.", Alexander said. 

I asked, "Do you have ones a bit further back?"

"Yes, just one moment your highness." 

I sat down next to Peter and looked through the papers. One in particular caught my eye. It said, 

"His majesty passed away today. Melissa and I will be installed as king and queen today. We have been trying for a child for nearly a year now. I'm starting to loose hope that we can have a child." 

It was an entry from my father. I read on. 

"We will be burying Melissa's father tomorrow. Only royal family members can enter the burial chambers, and only a royal family member can open the door." 

I looked up from it. 

"Alexander where is the royal family burial chamber?" 

Alexander came from the back of the library. 

"Have you found something?" 

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if it's what we're looking for." 

"It's located at the border of our land. I can take you there if you like." 

"Yes, we may find the answer we're looking for." 

"Okay, ready yourself and I will take you there." 

"Very well, while I'm away Michael you're in charge." 

They all nodded. 

I went to my room and got my cloak. Peter came in and asked, "Are you okay?".

"I'm fine, I just want my father back!" 

Peter nodded, "Be safe", he said as he gave me a kiss and a tight hug. We went down to the stables. Alexander was already on his horse. Spirit was ready for me. I mounted him, said goodbye to Peter, and we set off. 

I followed Alexander we started to go through forest we slowed to a walk.

"What do you hope to find at in the burial chambers?" 

"Hopefully an answer to the meaning of that symbol and how the door should be opened. Because no one seems to know what this symbol is for and we need to know how to open that stone door to get my father back." 

"I've never seen the symbol before and it's never been discussed at council as far as I know." 

"Do you think my father was hiding something from us?" 

"I don't honestly know. Even he may have not known about this since he's technically not royalty and your mother may not have told him. We're almost there."

We stopped at a clearing in the forest there were large black gates. We dismounted and walked over to them. They were locked. 

"Alexander, do you know how to open them?" 

"I took the key from your father's room. Please don't tell him, okay?" 

I laughed. As he opened the gates we heard the thunder of horse hoof coming from behind us Alexander threw me in and locked the gate after me "run and hide I will deal with who ever comes no arguments." 

I didn't want to argue with him. I ran and looked for a place to hide. There was no where except behind the headstones. I found the largest one and hid behind it. I listened for any noise. There was the thunder of hoofs the clash of swords then, "Bloody hell Peter, I could have killed you. I thought you were one of the light raiders." 

There was laughter. "Lex it's okay, you can come out.", Peter said. 

I stood up and Alexander opened the gates again I ran over to Peter and hugged him. "Don't do that again Peter! Alexander could have killed you. Anyway, were are the burial chambers?" 

"It's over here.", Alexander said. We followed him. He led us to the top of the graveyard. There was a small door. Alexander opened it, took a torch from inside, lit it, and handed it to me. 

"I'm sorry, but we're not allowed to go in. It's against tradition!" 

"But, I want you to come with me if father says anything I'll tell him that I told you to come with me." 

"Very well, we will come with you." 

I went in first. Torches lined a small corridor we walked down the corridor we reached the door from my vision. 

"This is the door from my vision. But how do we open it?" 

Peter and Alexander looked at each other. 

Peter said, "I don't know can you remember what the book said about the orbs?" 

"It said something about royal blood, but I can't remember anything else." 

"Maybe a drop of you're blood will open it. Here take this." 

Alexander handed me a small dagger. I cut my palm with it. 

"What now?" 

"Try putting you're blood on the orb.", Alexander said. 

I nodded I squeezed some blood from the cut and pressed my palm against the black orb. I stood back, it started to glow and the door slid away. Peter took his shirt and ripped it a little and tied it around my hand to help stop the bleeding. 

"Thanks Peter!" 

I went in through the door. The corridor was lined with stone coffins with the same markings as the door. 

"Which one is my grandfather?" 

"I'm not sure, keep moving.", Alexander said. 

The corridor seemed to go on forever. The coffins had strange markings on them. Suddenly there was a rush of freezing air that extinguished our torches. I moved forward colliding with a stone door. 

"Ouch!" 

Peter asked, "Lex! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Peter, can you get a torch so I can see were am going?" 

There was silence for a few minutes then Peter and Alexander appeared with torches. Peter helped me up. This door was the same as the last one. I unbound my hand and squeezed a little blood the door. It opened like the last one. 

I stepped through, and when I did the door shut behind me! 

Alexander shouted through the door, "Alexandria are you okay?" 

"I'm fine. Go back and wait for me." The door had opened up to a large circular room with a stone coffin in the middle. I walked up to it and I saw markings on it that were identical to those on the door. There was no name on the coffin, so I slid the lid off. I was covered in dust. After the dust settled in the coffin laid a skeleton with a shield across the chest with a gold wolf engraved on it. I lifted the shield. 

"This has to be my grandfather." I said to my self. In his hand there was a paper. I took it from his hand it read. 

"To my granddaughter, 

I knew you would find me one day. It is a shame that I could never see you grow up. Your father is being held at the light raiders execution grounds deep within the dungeons. To get to the dungeons you must go to the light raider's execution grounds. The second page of this note shows a shortcut that will save you an hour's climb. the shortcut comes out just above their fortifications. The light raiders do not seem to know about this path since it's entrance is not easy to discern. Unlike the path that the light raiders use you will find that horses can traverse this path. It should take you about two hours to get there from the castle. This was the last vision I had. I know you will have the same gift that I have if you are reading this. Good luck! Never give up hope! With deepest love 

Your grandfather." 

His sword was also in the coffin with him. It was longer and stronger than that of my mothers. I picked it up and strapped it to my waist. I replaced the coffin lid and opened the door. I made my way up to the entrance. Alexander and Peter were waiting for me. 

Alexander asked, "Alexandria are you all right? What happened?" 

"I found my grandfather! He was expecting me to find him and he left me a letter and map leading us to my father. We need to get back to council." 

They both nodded. I strapped my grandfather's shield to my back and mounted Spirit. We set off for the castle. It only took us an hour to get back. Michael met us in the stables. 

"Michael, please gather the council as quickly as you can." 

"Yes you're highness." 

I went straight to the council room and waited for the council members. Everyone filed in. Peter sat next to me. 

"Did anything happen when I was away?"

"Yes! This arrived for you, your highness." Michael said as he handed me a letter.

The letter said:

"If you want to bargain for your father I will meet you at the cross path at midday five days from now.         Gabriel"

"It's a trap! I know that they won't bring him. But, send a note that we'll be there. I want Alexander and a few men to distract Gabriel and his raiders while Peter, Damien, Michael, and I will go and find my father. I know where he is, but we need the light raiders distracted for as long as possible. Can you do that Alexander?" 

"I will do my best your highness." 

"That's all I can ask. Thank you! 

"There is one other thing that needs to be done. I need to send a message to my new army. I will write it and use the royal seal to indicate its authenticity. I would like James and Sara to deliver it for me. I want them to leave in one hour! Now, let's all go to bed we need to be up early tomorrow." 

They nodded and left. Peter came up to my room with me. 

"Lex how do you know where your father is?" 

"My grandfather left me a letter and a map telling me where he is. It was the last vision he had. Now, let's go to bed." 

That night I slept well knowing that we would be getting my father back. 

The morning of the fifth day I woke before Peter. Flash was yapping, as usual, to get food. 

"Peter get up. We have to go.", I said tapping him on the head. He woke with a start. 

"Okay, okay, I'm up! No need to shout."

I had finished getting the armour that the light raiders had given me, on when Peter finally got up out of bed. 

"My, my you look dangerous. Remind me never to get on you're bad side." 

"If you don't hurry up and get ready to go you will be on my bad side! You've got ten minutes. If you're not down in the stables I'll be coming to find you and it won't be pretty." I said with a chuckle. 

I left for the stables. Alexander and the rest of the council were waiting. 

"Do you all know what you have to do?" 

Alexander said, "We do you're highness." 

"Very well, I want you to leave half an hour after we start out. That will give us the best chance of avoiding Gabriel's main force." 




Blood and Ice Ch. 10



Michael and Damien joined me in the stable. 

"Michael, why is it impossible to get your son out of bed in the morning?" 

Michael just laughed just as Peter came running into the stables. 

"Ah! sleeping beauty is here now can we go?" I said as I mounted Spirit. 

I told them, "We need to head south to the mountain range. Beyond the mountains is the execution ground. There is a secret passage to the execution ground that the light raiders do not know about. Our horses can traverse that path with little difficulty." 

I nodded and we set off at a fast pace. We sped through the forest as quickly as we could. It took us about half an hour to get out of the forest. The mountain range was then in front of us. The mountains were breath taking. They were covered in snow and seemed to be as high as the sky. 

Peter said, "There's a path that the light raiders use but we can't take the horses they wouldn't make it up the steep climb." 

"I know about that path, Peter. Grandfather's letter told me of it. There is a better way. Follow me."

We made a five mile trip parallel to the mountains until I saw the large rock described in grandfather's letter. We approached the rock and passed through a narrow "fish hook" bend onto a very narrow path. The path led gently upwards. As we approached the end of the path, I looked down and I saw it for the first time. The execution grounds were in a large coliseum. I could see that it was crawling with light raiders. 

Peter said, "I think were going to have a problem getting in." 

"Getting in isn't the problem; it's getting out that's going to be the problem. Peter, how often do the guards here receive instructions or news from Gabriel's headquarters?"

Peter responded, "These guys up here don't communicate with Gabriel very often." 

I saw what we had to do. We all dismounted and "ground hitched" our horses. Then I changed my outfit slightly.

"Right, who wants to be the look out?", I asked. 

"I will", Damien said.

I nodded. Peter, Michael and I set off for the execution grounds. We bound Michaels wrists and mouth with cloth. When we reached the gates we were greeted by a guard that I'd seen once at the light raiders council. 

"Ah well, if it isn't the new general who have you there?" he asked. 

"A member of Lucifer's council. Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to let us in?" I asked. 

He yelled at someone to open the gates. We dragged Michael in. 

"So where's this one going?" he asked. 

"Straight to execution along with Lucifer so in with him I guess.", I said. 

"Here's the keys. Lucifer is down on level five, right at the back." 

"Thanks!" We headed to the stairs. We followed the stairs right down to the bottom. I realised Michael from his bonds and lit a torch. I went right to the back. 

"Well it's about time you got here!", I heard father say. 

I ran over to him. "Father! Thank heavens we found you. I wasn't sure if you were here." I opened the door and gave my father a hug. 

"I'm glad you're safe, Alexandria." He gave me a hug. 

"We're going to have to fight our way out of here. Are you prepared to do that father?"

"Fighting is my middle name!" 

Michael handed him a sword. 

"Alexandria, where did you get that sword and shield?", father asked. 

"Grandfather's grave. It's also how I found you." 

"Michael is it me, or is Alexandria getting more and more like her mother every time I see her?", father asked. 

"She is getting more like your wife with every passing day; and I'm proud to serve her.", Michael said. 

I said, "Enough of this. We need to get out of here and its not going to be easy." 

We all nodded. 

A guard said, "General, are you okay?" 

I had an idea. I went out to the stairs "Yeah, everything's fine." I said, as I went up the stairs. I joined the guard at the watch tower. 

"Tell me what's your name? We were never formally introduced." 

"It's Christian and you're Alexandria, right?" 

"Yes that's right. So tell me, how many guards do we have here?" 

"There are only about twenty. We don't need as many as were needed for the princess' wedding How is the princess?" 

"Didn't you hear?" 

"Hear what?" 

"The princess was killed by the shadow raider's princess." 

"What? We didn't hear anything about that! How do you know?" 

"I was there." I could hear the muted footsteps coming up the stairs. 

"But, I thought we killed the shadow raider princess!" 

"They used a decoy. The person we killed that night wasn't her." 

"What's Gabriel doing now?" 

"He's trying to find their princess, to kill her; although his attempts have failed so far." 

"How do you know so much general?" 

"Because I'm the shadow raider princess!" I said as I pressed my sword to his throat. 

"Now, you're going to open the gates and let us out.", father said. 

The guard nodded and opened the gates. I threw him down the stairs and we made our way to the gates. We were met by Alexander and Damien. 

"Your highness, we fought them off for as long as we could. They're headed here and they're not happy!", Alexander said. 

"Right! Everyone get inside and head to the execution area." 

"Why there? The place is crawling with light raiders as it is.", father said. 

"This is one of the battles leading up to the final battle, and it needs to be fought on bloodied ground!"

Father nodded and gave the order. When inside we were met by the captain and his guards. We had to fight through them to get to the execution grounds. When we got there the light raiders surrounded us. Swords were flashing and light raiders were falling every where. The only thing that stopped us from fighting was Gabriel's voice.

"Enough!", he shouted. 

Gabriel said, "Well, well! You're smarter than I thought little princess." 

"Hello Gabriel, long time no see." 

"Tell you what Lex, Why don't we settle this like adults. Why don't you and I have a duel. If you win, you can all go home untouched. If you loose, you and your father will be executed." 

I thought about it. Then I tapped into my visions and saw what I had to do. 

"You know what Gabriel, I'd rather settle this the traditional way." 

"Well then, as you wish! Attack!" he shouted. 

The gates opened and the light raiders flooded in. As they were reaching us I looked round and saw her standing at the top of the mountain 

"Damien do you have a bow and arrow?" I asked. 

"Yes, of course your highness." 

"Light and arrow and aim for that person that's standing were we came in from; but don't hit them." 

Damien nodded lit his arrow and set it loose and hit the snow beside the figure. I heard shouting and people started to flood down the mountain path. 

"Alexandria do you know them?" father asked. 

"Yes I do, there from my school and there here to help us. Now lets show them why we're the most feared beings on this planet!", I shouted and all the men lunged into the battle.

I didn't care where I swung my sword as long as it connected with the skull of a light raider. I got lost in the fighting. When Lauren and the rest of them joined us the battle just turned into a brawl. It was difficult to tell who was on who's side. In the middle of the chaos I met Andrew. 

"Well Andrew, how's Jason?" I asked as I laughed. 

"You're evil bitch!", he said as he swung his sword. I met with his sword and blocked him. I slid my sword into his hilt and twisted sharply he gave a yell. I was about to plunge my sword in through his heart when Gabriel shouted above us; "Stop right there!" 

Everyone stopped what they were doing. I pulled Andrew to his feet and pushed my sword to his throat. 

"Care to bargain for his life?" I shouted to Gabriel. 

"Name your price princess." Gabriel said. Father came up next to me and took Andrew from my grasp. 

"What should we bargain for?", I asked father. He thought for a moment. 

"Immunity from them until the final battle. They're not allowed to come near us and were not allowed near them." 

I nodded. "Okay Gabriel, we'll let your father go but we want immunity from you. We won't bother you and you don't bother us until the final battle. How about it?" 

"Very well you have my word. If you release my father unharmed we will grant you immunity form us." he said. 

I asked, "Can he be trusted father?" 

"If he gives his word, yes! They can never brake that." 

"Do I have your word on it Gabriel?" 

"Yes, you have my word now release my father." 

I turned to my father and nodded to him. He let Andrew go. Andrew went running to Gabriel. 

"Now get off our land before I change my mind.", Gabriel shouted. 

I nodded and we left the execution grounds. 

"Lets go back." father said. We started to leave. As soon as we left the execution grounds Gabriel shouted after us, 

"By the way I said that we would grant you immunity, but I never said when it would come into affect. After them!" 

"Alexander, get father back to the castle.", I shouted. 

"No way Alexandria! you're going and I'm staying!", father said. 

"Not a chance father. Look what happened the last time you stayed to fight. You're going back with Alexander, that's an order." 

"Fine, but if your not back by midnight I'm coming after you." 

I nodded. Father and Alexander left as the light raiders came at us again. This time I didn't care which way my sword went nor who it connected with. We fought and ran at the same time. Peter stayed at my side while we fought. 

"Lex are you all right?" Peter shouted. 

"I'm fine Peter, but I'm a bit busy at the moment." 

I tackled a light raider. 

"I need to ask you something" Peter shouted. 

"Can it wait, I'm busy." I shouted. 

"It's now or never Lex." Peter shouted. 

"What is it then Peter?" I shouted. Peter spun me round to face him and took me in his arm, 

"Marry me Lex!" he said. 

"I don't think now is the right time to ask me Peter. Duck!!", I shouted as a sword came flying towards his head. I rolled away from him as he dealt with his assailant. Peter came running after me and helped me up. 

"So will you?" he asked. 

"Of course I will Peter." I said. 

We kissed and Michael shouted over to us, "I don't think now is the time for kissing Peter protect the princess at all cost." 

Peter nodded. The battle raged on into the night until the last light raider was silenced. Gabriel fled, along with his father. 

"We better get back before father starts sending troops after us." 

Michael nodded. I found Lauren in amongst the soldiers. 

"Lauren, thank you for coming!?" 

"We received your letter telling us where to be your highness." 

"Very well, follow me please."

I led her to where the horses were tied up. Peter, Michael and Damien were waiting for me. 

"Do we have a spare horse?" I asked. 

"Yes we do. It was supposed to be for your father, why do you ask?" 

"It's for Lauren, she's the one in charge of the reinforcements." 

"Thank you for coming to our aid, Lauren, it wouldn't have been a victory without you and your troops!", Michael said.

Lauren just nodded. She mounted the horse next to me. We set off at a slow pace as most of us had injuries. Peter was walking next to me with Lauren at my other side. 

"Your highness, if you don't mind me asking where is your father?", Lauren asked me. 

"Lauren, you can call me Lex. He's at the castle waiting for us to return. How many people did you get to join us?" 

"About twenty or so, most didn't believe me until we got the letter from you with the royal seal on it." 

"Well I'm very glad that you came. Do you remember Peter?" 

Lauren nodded. 

"We're almost there." I said. 

I dug my heels into Spirit and charged in front of every one. Peter was just behind me. I reached the castle first, and dismounted Spirit, and put him in his stable. As I was doing this father came in and gave me a hug. 

"I was so worried Alexandria thank heavens your okay" 

"Thank Lauren for that, the battle wouldn't have been a success without her." 

Father hugged me tighter as the rest of the people came into the stable. When Lauren came in I took father over to her. 

"Father, this is Lauren." 

Father took her hand and kissed the back of it. 

"Thank you for coming to help my daughter so quickly!" 

"It was my honour, my lord." she said.

Father said, "Come, let's eat. you all must be hungry. I've already gotten our medical people on hand to help patch up those of you who need medical attention." 

Father put his arm around me and guided me to his room. 

"So tell me what happened when I was away Alexandria.", he said as I sat down on his bed. I told him everything that happened while he was away. 

"There's just one more thing, when we were on the battle after you left. Peter proposed to me." 

"And what did you say?" 

"I said yes".

Father almost ran to the bed. 

"Congratulations Alexandria! I'm glad you have said yes to Peter. There's no one finer for you. When do you plan on having the wedding?" 

I had never seen my father so excited before. 

"I don't know. I will have to talk to Peter about it." 

There was a knock at the door. Michael came in "Ah, Michael, just the person! Did Peter tell you the news yet?", my father said. 

"No, Peter hasn't told me anything. I haven't seen you this happy since Melissa gave birth. I've come to tell you that the food hall is ready my lord." Michael said. 

There was another knock at the door, it was Peter this time. 

"Ah, father, I need a word.", he said giving me a quick glance. 

"Right, what's going on Peter?", Michael asked. 

"I asked Lex to marry me and she said yes.", Peter said with a big smile on his face.

Michael was gob smacked! He couldn't say anything. 

"I think this calls for a celebration!" father said. 

We all nodded. Peter came over to me and slid his arm around my waist. We all went down to the food hall. Michael never said anything all night. He was still in shock. 

As the food was being served I asked Michael, Alexander, and Damien to take Lauren's group and teach them the arts of war. That put a grin on Lauren's face.

That night we all spent celebrating our victory over the light raiders and my engagement to Peter. 

When I woke the next morning, Peter's arm was round my waist, and flash was at my door trying to get in. I got up and let the pup in. She ran in and jumped on the bed and gave Peter the fright of his life. 

"Bloody hell, were did that wolf come from?" he shouted. 

"Relax Peter, its just flash." I said. 

"Please come here, we have something to discuss Lex." 

"And what's that exactly Peter?" 

I climbed back into bed beside flash and Peter. 

"Our wedding of course. We need to set a date!" Peter said. 

"When would you like it?" I asked Peter. 

"How about Halloween?" he suggested. 

"Could you wait that long?" I asked .

"I would wait years to have you as my wife!" Peter said. 

I kissed him. "I love you Peter" 

"I love you too Lex." with that we fell back asleep in each others arms feeling very safe and secure.



Blood and Ice Ch. 11



 Chapter eleven: The Shadow



In the morning I went to find my father, to tell him that we'd set a date for the wedding. I went to his room but he wasn't there. As I came out of father's room I met Alexander, 

"Alexander have you seen my father?" 

"The last place I saw him was down in the training hall." 

"Thanks Alexander." 

I headed down to the training hall. Lauren was coming out of the food hall. "Hey Lauren, have you seen my father?" 

"Yeah, he's down in the training hall." 

"Do you want to come with me?" 

"Sure, I haven't been to the training hall yet." 

We headed down to the training hall. I found my father in a sword fight with Michael. Father won of course. 

"Tell me Lauren, how well can you handle a sword?"

"Well enough to fight." 

"Father why don't you test Lauren." 

"Very well, come at me Lauren." 

She drew her sword and tried to attack my father. He easily side stepped her and threw her to the floor.

"Your training is very weak. You will need to improve if you want to be one of us." 

Lauren's face glowed with embarrassment. 

"Lauren why don't you let me show you how it's done. Then I want you to go back home and get more recruits for the final battle." 

Lauren nodded. 

I then drew my sword and faced my father. We clashed swords as a salute father then tried his usual skull cracker on me but I easily blocked it. I slid my sword up his sword and twisted it. I heard a yell from my father. I threw his sword up, caught it, and I tripped my father up so he was on his knees. Then pressed both swords to his throat. 

"That is how we do things in this clan.", I said, handing father his sword back.

Lauren was stunned. 

"Where did you learn that?", she asked me.

" I've often asked her that question too.", father said. 

"I didn't learn it anywhere, I can just do it.", I said. 

Father stood up "Now do you have reason for being in here or are you just in here to kick my ass?", father said with a smile. 

"Peter and I have settled on a date for the wedding. thirty first of october" 

"Excellent! Glad to hear it."

"But now that you mention it father, I could use a work out. I'll go and change and be back to kick your ass again.", I said as I left the training hall.

When I came back ,after having changed into shorts and a t-shirt, I strapped my grandfathers sword to my waist. Father was chatting to one of the council members. 

"Now Alexandria, prepare to loose!" 

"Who said I'm going to loose?" 

"I do." 

I laughed, "Father, you haven't been able to beat me yet what makes you think that you will this time?" 

Father came at me again only this time he came a lot more violently than usual. He was obviously trying to prove a point. He lunged at me with his sword but no matter what he did I easily avoided it. I could see the anger building up in him now.

"What's the matter? Running out of steam?" 

My father was puffing and panting. "If you were not my daughter I would have killed you by now mark my words.", he said through clenched teeth.

"Come on then, show me what you've got!"

That really got my father going. If there's one thing my father can't stand, its been made fun of. He lunged at me with strength and violence I never thought I'd see in my father. He grabbed my arm and went to throw me to the wall. But, something in me that day told me to push against him with all I could. The next thing I knew father was thrown to the far wall of the training room and there was a black glow around my hands. 

"Lex! How did you do that?", Peter asked. 

"Do what?"

"Can't you see Lex?", Peter said. 

"Of course I can see Peter but I don't know what you're talking about." 

"You threw your father to the other side of the hall with some sort of shadow came from your hands.", Lauren said. 

Alexander went down to see if my father was okay. He came back carrying my father. Father's head rolled to one side. 

"Is he okay Alexander?" 

"He's fine you just knocked him out. He's going to be pissed when he wakes up!" ,Alexander said. 

"I will deal with him. I think you should get him up to bed. Please let me know when he wakes." Peter helped Alexander take my father up to his room. Lauren and I went to the food hall. 

"How did you do that?", she asked me. 

"I honestly don't know, it just happened.", I said.

We stayed in the food hall chatting until Alexander came in to tell me that father had woken up. 

"He's really pissed so be careful.", he said. 

I nodded I went to my fathers room and knocked on the door.

"Enter!", father said. 

I opened the door "you wanted to see me father?" 

"Close the door and come over here." 

He wasn't happy, I could tell from his tone. 

"Alexandria do you know how long I've been fighting for this clan?" 

I shook my head. 

"Nearly fifty years! Do you no how many times I've been knocked out?" 

He was looking out the window when he was talking to me.

"Never father, I don't believe anyone could ever knock you out.", I said. 

"You would have been right if we hadn't duelled this morning. I have never been knocked out before, but today was my own fault. I underestimated you. I will never make that mistake again.", he said.

He turned to face me. "Do you know what happened today?" 

I shook my head. 

"You tapped into your powers for the first time. It won't be long before you will fully receive your powers!", father explained. 

"Powers?" I asked. 

"Yes every member of the royal family has had powers, weather they choose to use them or not. Most members choose not to use them. Soon it will be up to you if you want to use them or not." 

Father walked over and stood beside me.

"When will I get them?"

"I don't know. Usually when you need them the most, they will come to you." father said.

"You're not angry that I knocked you out?" 

"If it was anyone else I would have killed them without a thought but you're my daughter and I would never harm you.", he smiled at me. "Off you go, and behave your self!" he said with a wink. 

I smiled at him, kissed him on the cheek and went back down to the food hall. 

"How was he?", Alexander asked me. 

"He's okay, just a little shocked that's all." 

"Thank heavens, I was thinking that I would have to take you back to your room unconscious as well.", he laughed.

"Alexander where is James and Sarah?" 

"They went back home when you sent the letter to Lauren." he said. 

"Will they be safe?" 

"Yes. There is no danger to them since they're not members of the clan; blood wise I mean."

I nodded and turned to Lauren. 

"I would appreciate it if you would go back today and try an get more people. Is that okay with you?" I said, as Lauren handed me a goblet of blood. When she did she touched my hand. 

As she touched my hand I felt a twinge in my stomach, another vision was happening. 

We were in a large circular room with a platform in the middle. On the platform was a large pentagram. There were torches lining the room. 

"Ah I'm glad you could make it. Now men!" someone shouted. I was grabbed from behind.

"Get off me you son of a bitch." I shouted .

"Now, now do you shadow raiders not have any manners?" a voice said. I recognised the voice as Gabriel's. 

"Bring her here!" The person that was holding me dragged me over to Gabriel. "Now you will either open the shadow or you're boyfriend and father will die! Men!" he said. I was spun around. Father and Peter had knifes at their throats. 

"Alexandria don't do what they say! They'll kill us anyway!" father shouted. 

"Well princess what's it going to be?" Gabriel asked. 

"Look, I don't know how to open it!" 

"Well you're in luck. I do!", said Gabriel. 

He took my hand, sliced my palm with his knife, dragged me on to the platform, and smeared my blood over the centre of the pentagram. Black smoke started to rise from the pentagram. Father started to scream as did the rest of the council. Gabriel grabbed me and said, "Have a nice life in hell." He pushed me into the smoke. The last thing I heard before I was shaken out of the vision was Peter screaming at the top of his lungs, 

"Alexandria are you okay?" 

I was lying on the floor of the food hall. Alexander had obviously gotten my father. Everyone was staring at me.

"What happened?", I asked groggily. 

"You collapsed and started to have a fit.", Lauren said. 

"Where's Peter?", I asked.

"I'm here Lex." 

I grabbed Peter, "Are you okay?", I asked him. 

"I'm fine Lex.", he said as he hugged me.

"What happened Alexandria?" father asked after I released Peter. 

"I had a vision. Can I talk to you in private father?" 

He nodded. Peter lifted me and followed my father to his room. Peter laid me down on father's bed.

"Peter will you bring up blood for Alexandria?" father said.

"Yes my lord, I will" Peter gave me a kiss and left. 

I sat up in my father's bed. He sat down beside me. 

"Alexandria, what did you see?" 

I told him what I saw. 

"Are you sure that it was a shadow you saw Alexandria?" father asked.

"I'm certain father! What is it?", I asked. Before father answered me Peter came in with a goblet of blood and handed it to me. 

"Thanks Peter." I said. 

"Peter will you get the council together please?" father said. "Yes, my lord." 

Peter gave me a kiss before leaving. 

Father said, "The shadow is the only thing that can kill a shadow raider. It killed your great grandfather." 

"But what is the shadow?" 

"It's the most powerful force that we know of If it enters you it corrupts you, drives you insane, and finally killing you through madness. No one has ever been able to harness the power. Many have tried but all have failed. Because of this there was a law passed forbidding the release of the shadow. It's too dangerous to be loose." 

"How do you release it father?" 

"With a drop of royal blood. You are the only one on ether side with royal blood." 

There was a knock at the door. 

"Sorry to interrupt, my lord, but the council is waiting for you" Peter said. 

"Very well, I'm on my way." father said. 

he turned to me

"I'm not letting you out of my sight! Come." father said. 

I followed him. Peter was waiting out side for us. He linked my arm and whispered in my ear, "Are you all right Lex?" 

I nodded. 

When we got to the council room every one was waiting for us. I sat next to my father.

"My daughter has had a vision. The light raiders are going after the shadow, but they need my daughters blood to get it, as she's the only one on either side with royal blood. As you can imagine, the security surrounding my daughter will increase as will the castle security any questions?" 

Michael spoke up, "Do we know when they will attack?" 

"No we don't. We just know that they will." father said, everyone nodded. 

"Peter, Damien, I want you two to stay with my daughter at all times. Do not leave her alone!" father said. 

"We won't my lord." 

Father called and end to the council. Peter linked my arm. I had Peter on one side and Damien on the other. 

"What do you want to do Lex?", Peter asked. 

"Can we go out, I need some air.", they both nodded. 

I went to my room to get a cloak. Peter and I met Damien in the entrance hall. 

"Do you have a sword with you Lex?" Damien asked. "Yes I do Damien." We went out side and started to walk around the grounds of the castle. Peter had his arm around me and Damien was on the other side of Peter. As we got to the lake it started to snow. Peter kissed me. I got a quick flash of a vision. It was Gabriel, he was in the sacrifice hall. 

"Lex what's wrong?", Peter asked. 

"It's Gabriel. He's in the sacrifice hall!" 

"Are you sure?", Damien asked. 

"Yes of course I am!" 

"Damien you take Lex back to the castle. Inform your father I'm going to check it out. I'll report back soon.", Peter said. He was away before I could argue. Damien rushed me back to the castle. I ran up to my fathers room and knocked on the door.

"Enter" 

I ran in. "Father, I had another vision. Gabriel's in the sacrifice hall! Peter's gone to check it out, but I think there going to attack soon."

"Very well. I want you to stay in this room with Damien. I will lock the door. Do not leave until I come back!", father said. He called Damien in and told him the same thing. 

Father left, closed the door, and I heard the door lock.

"Do you think we'll be okay in here?", I asked Damien.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine Lex." 

I went to the window and saw my father and a few council men head towards the sacrifice hall. Damien came behind me and gave me a hug. 

"I thought we had immunity from them." 

"They have no honour. They never keep there word. Don't worry, Peter will be fine." Damien said.

There was a knock at the door. Damien shouted, "Who is it?" 

"It's Alexander, where's lord Lucifer?" 

"He has business to take care of, can we help?" Damien said. "it just I haven't seen the princess in a while have you seen her?" Alexander shouted. 

"I'm in here Alexander." I said. 

"Right, I'm coming in!" Alexander said. 

I heard a key in the lock and the door open; Alexander came in. 

"You'd better lock it again. If Lucifer thought I opened it he would kill me.", Damien said.

Alexander nodded. He re-locked the door again and came over to us standing at the window. 

"What's going on?", he asked. 

"Gabriel's in the sacrifice hall. Father has gone to check it out." 

"Are you armed?", he asked me. I nodded. 

"Very well, if we're attacked I know a way out that we can use", Alexander said. Damien nodded. 

There was a huge explosion. Father and the rest of the council came running from the sacrifice hall. Peter wasn't far behind them. Gabriel and the light raiders came running after them. Father and the council made it into the castle, Peter just made it. 

"Damien go down and see if they need help. I will stay here with the princess" Alexander said.

Damien nodded and left. 

"Get ready in case we need to leave quickly." Alexander said. I could hear a lot of shouting coming from down below. The door opened and my father came in followed by Peter. Father gave me a hug.

"Are you okay father?" I asked. 

"I'm fine Alexandria, are you okay?", I nodded. Peter came over and kissed me.

"You were right, the light raiders were there; but they weren't expecting us. We caught them off guard. It won't be long before they attack us again!", father said.

"Were there many, my lord?" Alexander asked. 

"There were enough of them. Now, let's eat. We may not have another chance to eat for a while.", father said. 

Father walked me down to the food hall. I sat down next to my father and helped my self to food. Just as we were finishing the lights went out in the hall there was a loud explosion from above us and we were showered in glass. Peter had grabbed me and pulled me under the table for protection. When we resurfaced, Gabriel and his men had surrounded us.

"You can do this the easy way or the hard way Lucifer.", Gabriel said.

"Gabriel, you're out numbered. We could easily defeat you.". father said.

"You can release the shadow or I will, your choice!" Gabriel said. 

"I will never release the shadow!" father said. 

"Very well, we'll do this the hard way! Grab him, men!", Gabriel said. 

His men ran forward and grabbed Alexander before anyone could help him. 

"Let him go you son of a bitch!", father screamed at him. 

Gabriel said, "Now, now there's no need for swearing, and I'm not letting him go until you give me what I want." 

Father shook his head. "Never!" he said. 

Gabriel said, "Very well, follow me men." 

Gabriel and his men left the room. 

"Father, their going to release the shadow. We need to stop them!" 

"I know Alexandria, but you're not coming with us." 

"If I run they'll catch me in a second! I'm better off here. At least I can defend my self." I said.

"Very well, Peter stay close to her and don't let her out of your sight!" 

Peter nodded and father led the way. I was behind him with Peter at my side. I didn't know where we were going, I had never been in this part of the castle. We kept on going down stairs. Peter must have sensed my nerves as he whispered, "It's okay, the shadow is at the very bottom of the castle!" 

I nodded and I whispered back. 

"I just want you to know that if anything dose happen to me I love you Peter!" 

"I love you to Lex. Don't worry, I'm not going to let anything happen to you, I promise." Father stopped at a door which was already open. We all filled in. Gabriel was standing on a platform.

"Ah, I'm glad you made it. I was beginning to worry." he said. 

"Where is Alexander?" father asked. 

"He's around, don't worry." Torches round the room lit up. "Now men!" Gabriel shouted. I was grabbed from behind. 

"Get off me, you son of a bitch!" I shouted. They dragged me to Gabriel on the platform.

"Now, now don't you shadow raiders have any manners?" Gabriel asked. 

"Why should I waste them on pigs like you?", I asked him. 

"Now, open the shadow little princess or your father and boyfriend will be killed." I was spun round to see that the people holding my father and Peter with knifes held to there throats. 

"Alexandria don't open it they will kill us any way." father shouted. 

"Look Gabriel, I don't know how to open it." 

"Well you're in luck, I do!" 

He grabbed my hand. The person that was holding me let me go. Gabriel took out a small dagger I tried to get away from him, but he held me there he cut my hand and smeared my blood over the platform. I noticed that this was the platform from my vision. He spilled my blood over the pentagram. A black smoke started to appear from the centre he took his sword out and slashed me across the stomach. Blood splattered on to the platform. 

"Have a nice life in hell", he said. Before throwing me into the shadow. 

Peter and my father were screaming along with the rest of the council. I fell face first onto the platform the shadow faced me. I stood up to face it; accepting my fate. The shadow was about to enter my body through the wound Gabriel gave me but it didn't! Father and the council stopped shouting. 

Gabriel started to shout ,"What the hell is going on?"

The shadow faced me then surrounded me, It healed my wounds then circled my body. I heard a voice in my ear, 

"You can control me! Take hold of your destiny, show them who is most powerful." It started to snake around my body I took my cloak off the shadow was like a warm bath the shadow finally entered my body. 

"How come you're still alive?" Gabriel asked. 

"Let me show you Gabriel." I said. 

I thrust my hands forward and Gabriel went flying for the back of the room. 

"Now release everyone or I will kill you!" I said. 

Gabriel started to panic!

Father, Peter and the rest of the council were released.

"Where is Alexander?", I asked. 

Gabriel didn't say anything. I lifted him up and started to cut off his airway. 

"Tell me or I will kill you!" 

Gabriel shook his head. 

Andrew spoke up, "He's in the dungeons, now release my son.", I nodded. 

I threw Gabriel he landed with a thud, he was unconscious. 

"You have one hour to get out of our land or we will come after you.", I said. 

They nodded, picked up Gabriel, and left. I felt the shadow leave my body. It felt like a part of me was leaving too. The last thing I remember before passing out was a voice saying, "You're the one I've been waiting for." 

When I awoke I was in my fathers bed. I could hear people moving about in the room. When I sat up Peter almost smothered me. 

"Oh Lex, thank heavens you're okay. We were so scared that the shadow would kill you!" 




Blood and Ice Ch. 11



"I'm fine Peter, please, your suffocating me."

He sat back a little bit and shouted. Michael came in. 

"Father, will you get Lucifer, Lex is awake!"

Michael nodded. A few minutes later father came running in and nearly smothered me as well.

"You've no idea how glad I am that you're okay! I honestly thought he had killed you.", father said.

"It's going to take a lot more then that to kill me, I am your daughter you know!" 

"You have your mothers strength, that's for sure!", he smiled at me. 

"How long was I out this time?" 

"Just a few hours. There will be council in a short while, but I want you to rest okay? Peter will have to attend, but if you do need any of us just come to the council room." I nodded. 

It seemed a bit strange. Father always made someone stay with me, but I didn't argue. Father gave me a kiss, then left. Peter gave me a hug. 

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" he asked. 

"I'll be fine Peter, don't worry." 

He nodded, gave me a kiss, then left for council. Father was up to something, that I was certain of. But what it was, I didn't know. However, I believed that I needed to find out. 

I waited for about twenty minutes. Council would definitely be started by now. I had changed, strapped my sword to my side, just encase, I crept along to the council room. I was in luck that day the guards were away and the door was open slightly. I put my ear to the door and listened to what was going on inside. 

"My lord, why is you're daughter not present?" someone asked. It sounded like Alexander. 

"She's resting and also it is her I want to talk about. Has there been any luck in finding Melissa's diary?" father asked.

"Not yet, my lord. We've searched the entire castle. It's not here." Alexander said. 

"We must find it. She must have had it on her when she fled." father said. 

"My lord, with all respect, why is it so important to get the book?", Peter asked. 

"The book is said to contain the information on how to kill Gabriel. The catch is that it's written in shadow script! Only a person with royal blood can read it. That means my daughter But I don't think she can handle that yet.", father said. 

"When do you think you will turn her fully?" Alexander asked. 

"When she knows the truth, accepts it, and when she feels ready. If she found out before she was ready, she would run that I'm sure of. We need her to get rid of the light raiders! Do you mind if I stretch my wings? It's just I don't get to fly much with Alexandria around." father said. 

"No, buy all means my lord.", Michael said. 

I could hear the rustling of what sounded like feathers. "But how was that possible? Father doesn't have wings! It must have been something else." I thought to myself. 

"So, do you have any idea where we can find the book?" Michael asked. 

"I have a suspicion that she had it when she died and there's only one person that saw the place where she died. The problem is that she was to young to remember fully. But, she knows! That, I'm certain of." 

This book seemed really important and I was the only one that could find it. I heard people starting to move, I had decided to go and find the book. I knew I only had a short space of time to get out of the castle. 

I ran back to my room and grabbed my cloak. I ran out of the corridor. I could hear father and the council coming out of the room and down the hall. I had a quick flash! There was a door behind the painting across from me. I pushed the painting back. 

There was a door. I opened it and found a set of stairs. I let the painting swing back into place and followed the stairs. They took me straight to the stable. 

I saddled Spirit mounted him, and dug my heels into him. He set off at top speed. I felt guilty about leaving my father but it was needed to finally kill Gabriel. I got to the black gates when I could hear my father screaming, but I didn't let that stop me. 

I sped on. I knew that he would go straight to James and Sarah's so I couldn't go there. If he thought I was there, he would rip them apart. I could hear the thunder of hoofs coming from behind me. I knew father would be quick but I didn't think he'd be that quick! 

I sped through the forest at top speed. I needed to hide, other wise the councilmen would catch me for sure. 

I had another flash! They weren't visions but almost like memories. There was a place to hide. I got there just in time! The trees were very thick and easy to hide behind. 

I watched Peter, Michael, Alexander and a few others speed past me. They slowed down, turning to talk. I was sure they couldn't see me, but I had to wait until they left. 

"Where the hell could she have gone?" Peter asked. 

"I don't know Peter, but if we go back without her, Lucifer will have our heads that's for sure. 

Why the hell did she leave?" Alexander said. 

"I honestly don't know. When we left her she was in her room. When I went back she wasn't there." Peter said. 

"There is the possibility that she went back to James 'and Sarah's . It's the only other people she knew. We should start there!" Michael said. 

"Peter, Michael and I will go to James' and Sarah's. Go back to the castle and tell Lucifer where were going." Alexander said. The rest of the council nodded and left. 

"Do you know the way to James' and Sarah's? I can't remember Michael." Alexander said. Michael nodded and they left.

Spirit was getting restless. I knew mother died near James and Sarah's so I needed to be careful not to be caught. I sped off in a different direction from that being followed by Alexander and the rest of them. I didn't slow until I was clear of the forest. I wasn't sure where I was but I knew I wasn't in the right place yet. I kept on having flashes. 

I was sure they were memories I had to stop and find some food and water. Thankfully I had my sword with me I tied Spirit to a tree I hunted some deer I had to eat it raw as I couldn't light a fire since it could attract attention. I fell asleep next to Spirit with my cloak around me. 

When I woke up I was a little confused as to why I was lying on the cold grass with Spirit next to me. It took me a few minutes to realise what had happened. Unfortunately I needed to speak to James or Sarah. How I was going to do this? I had no idea. Then it hit me. 

I untied Spirit and carried on heading towards James' and Sarah's. It didn't take me long to get to the out skirts of town. I tied Spirit up and headed towards James' work. I had been there before and remembered the way. 

It didn't take long to get there. I looked at the clock. James would be on his lunch break, but he always took his lunch in the lab. I lowered my hood as I approached the security booth. Stan was on duty. I went over to the window and gave it a tap. 

"Is that you Lex?" he asked. 

"Yeah, is James in the lab? I need a quick word with him." 

"Yeah, he's in the usual lab, go on in." 

He raised the gate to let me through. I waved at Stan and headed into the building. I found James' lab quickly. I pulled my hood up just to give him a little fright as I thought he was sitting eating lunch in the lab. I had to act quickly. I ran in to his lab grabbed him by the throat and pinned him against the wall. He started to shout. 

"If you don't stop screaming I will slit your throat." I growled at him. He grew quiet at this threat. "Wh-wh-what do you want?" he stuttered out. 

"Just a little information and I'll let you go unharmed, I promise". I said keeping the growl in my voice so he wouldn't recognise me 

"If you let me go I will tell you anything you want." James said. I nodded and let him go. 

"What do you want to know?" he asked. 

"What do you know about Lucifer's wife?" I asked.

"Not a lot. She died a long time ago. I take it your from one of the clans." he said.

"You could say that. Do you know where she died?" I asked.

"We found her daughter in the graveyard in town. As for Melissa I honestly don't know where she died." he said. 

"Was her body ever found?" 

James shook his head.

"Then how do you know she's dead?" 

"If she were alive she would have contacted Lucifer by now. Just one question. Why do you want to know this information?" he asked.

"You don't need to know that." I said. I turned to leave. 

"Do you know where Lucifer's daughter is?" he asked. 

I lowered my hood and turned around "I think I know where she is James." I said. 

His jaw dropped. "Lex you scared the crap out of why the hell did you? You know I would tell you anything you wanted to know." he was shouting by now.

"James, calm down please. It was necessary. Alexander, Michael and Peter must not know I was here okay?" I said. 

"You know that they were at our house last night and they were worried sick. Why the hell did you leave? Lucifer thinks it was something he did. He thinks he's a terrible father." James said. 

"If I tell you, will you promise not to say anything?" I asked.

James nodded. 

"I over heard father and the council talking. They need to find my mothers diary and the only person that saw where my mother went was me. I need to find it for my father because I don't want to loose him the way I lost my mother. That's why you can't say anything James." 

He nodded.

"Just promise me one thing. If things get too much for you to handle, come back to our house. We'll get in touch with your father just to let him know that you're okay." James said. 

I sighed. "Will you tell him that I came past and tell him that I'm okay but don't tell him what we talked about. I don't want him to know, not yet anyway okay?" I asked. 

James nodded. "Lex if I can help you, you know I will do anything to help you just keep in touch okay?" 

I nodded and pulled my hood back up. I left the lab, only stopping once to talk to Stan briefly. I went back to Spirit. The graveyard was a fair distance and as much as I trusted James but I was certain that he would tell Peter, Michael and Alexander. 

I had to move quickly. I left Spirit outside of town. I kept to the shadows. The trip to the graveyard would normally only take about half an hour. It took me nearly two hours to get there. When I got there, I had another flash. I saw my mother run in here with a bundle of clothes. I knew I was in the right place. I looked around the graveyard for a clue or something. 

If you hadn't have been looking you would have never seen it. It was a gravestone with the black orbs with the snakes intertwining. I took out my sword and sliced my hand. It hurt like hell, but it was worth it. I smeared my blood over the orbs and the gravestone slid down and opened. There was a small rectangle package. I lifted it out. 

The covering was brown cloth when I picked it up I felt a twinge in my stomach. I saw my mother. She was holding the package and a small child. She was talking to the child. 

"My dear daughter. I hope you remember this. If you don't I'm sure you will see this in a vision. This book contains all the secrets of the light raiders and how to kill Gabriel. Please keep it safe! If the light raiders get a hold of this they will certainly destroy it. I love you! I have tried to give you the best start in life that I could. I just hope its enough. You are our final hope."

she closed the grave with her blood and laid the bundle of clothes down. A snap of a twig brought me back to reality! There was someone in the graveyard with me. I could sense them.

"So when exactly were you planning on coming back Lex?" Alexander said. 

"When I get what I came for Alexander." I said. 

"Lex why the hell did you just go with out saying anything. Your father went ballistic we thought that you had been kidnapped!" Alexander said. 

"That's between me and father. As to not telling him why I left, I think there are a few things he hasn't told me. Wouldn't you agree Alexander?" I asked him. 

"If your father didn't tell you something, it was for your protection. He loves you Lex. If he lost you I don't know what he would do. Will you come back with me?" he extended his hand. 

"Not yet Alexander. I still need to find out a few things. Go back to my father and tell him that I will return soon after I find out something." I said. 

"No way! If your going somewhere I'm coming with you." Alexander said. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry Alexander but you can't." I said. Without a warning I drew my sword and came down hard on him knocking him out. I caught him before he hit the ground and laid him down. I slipped the book into my pocket.

I left the graveyard and followed the path that my mother took eighteen years ago when she tried to save my life. 

I had to know what happened to her because no one even knew if she was alive or not. I hoped and prayed that she was alive. It was a slim chance but I had to keep hope in my heart. 

I had the book, the ultimate weapon against the light raiders. As I followed my mothers path I felt like I was taking the steps to finally destroying the light raiders



Blood and Ice Ch. 12



as always a big thanks to my editor and to you the reader.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twelve: Melissa's Diary

I followed mothers path for a few days there was no sign of Alexander or the others I had no idea where the path would take me I was having a different vision each day as if someone wanted me to follow this path.

On the third day I stopped for rest at the foot of a mountain. I decided to take mother's book out and read it. The first few pages didn't make any sense.

It was only when I got to the fourth or fifth page that I began to understand what was being said. I didn't believe it at first but then things began to make sense it said, 

"They came in the middle of the night. We don't know where they came from. Father was taken along with Philip. General Lucifer is certain that we will get them back. He's so kind and caring. I just hope he knows how I feel about him because he is the one I want to marry."

I read it a few times "she must be talking about father" I thought to my self. I read on,

"Lucifer returned today with my father. Philip was killed in the fighting. Father is devastated as I'm I. He was my big brother after all. Lucifer comforted me and gave me a kiss. It was the happiest I'd ever been. I just hope it doesn't end."

I heard footsteps coming from behind me. I put the book back into my pocket and ran as I didn't want anyone to find me. I hid behind some trees and spied on who was following me, it was father! 

"I thought you said she came this way Alexander." father said. 

"She did, my lord. I spoke to her my self. James said she threatened him at his work." Alexander said. 

"But I don't understand why she's doing this. Didn't she think that we would follow her?" father said. 

I could see the tears running down his face. 

"Don't worry, my lord; we will find her we will never give up until we find her!" Alexander said. 

"I just want to know why she ran away; I'm I that bad of a father Alexander?" father asked.

"No, my lord, your not. She said that she needed to find something. Then she will come back. Maybe we should go back and wait for her." Alexander said. 

"What on earth would she need to find so urgently that it would cause her to leave the castle?" father asked. 

"It's just a thought my lord, what if she overheard what we talked about at council?" Alexander said. 

"But she doesn't know anything about that." father said. 

"My lord, remember what happened the last time you underestimated your daughter?" 

"True, but she's my daughter. I should be protecting her!"

"I know my lord, but maybe you should trust her. I'm certain that she would never betray you. She loves you and you're all she has." 

Father nodded, Alexander put his arm around father and led him off towards James and Sarah's. 

I continued on towards the mountain. This time I didn't stop at all. My mother was leading me this way. Why, I didn't know but I trusted my mother. I passed a small stream so I stopped to get a drink of water. 

I took mothers diary out I and skimmed through it. Most of it was about how she felt about father but one page caught my eye. 

"Gabriel had attacked father again. Luckily, Lucifer intercepted the attack. I went to the library to try and find a way to kill him once and for all but I haven't found anything yet." 

I read on, 

"Finally I found out how to kill him you need to pierce him through the heart with the sword of shadows. The legendary sword that Alexander himself used to kill the first king of the light raiders. 

If Gabriel ever came to the throne of the light raiders and conceived an heir, the only person that could kill him is the master of the shadows; the only person on our side to be able to handle the shadow. If Gabriel killed us before this person came we would all be destroyed. I told father this and he has sent people to look for the sword of shadows, and Lucifer proposed to me! I couldn't believe it I'm going to marry the sexiest guy in our clan."

It was then I knew what mother was trying to show me. She must have known the location of this sword. This is what mother wanted me to know, and this is what I needed to find. I read the last entry of her diary, 

"To my darling daughter, if you're reading this it means that Gabriel has taken over. To kill him you need to find the sword of shadows, and kill him with it. I love you deeply. Please tell your father I love him with all my heart, and I always will love him. Good luck my daughter! May the gods speed you on your way. 

Your mother" 

I was crying when I finished reading it. This made me even more determined to get rid of the light raiders.

I set off again and reached the foot of the mountain by night time. I could see a footpath heading up the mountain face. I dug my fingers in and started to climb the path. Half way up there was a cave. I pulled my self into the cave because it was starting to get dark. I decided to rest. 

When I woke the sun was shining high in the sky. I started to explore the cave. At the very back there was the marking of snakes with orbs on the wall. I drew blood and smeared the orbs with my blood. The cave wall slid away revealing a corridor lined with lit torches. 

I grabbed one and started to walk down the corridor. The wall closed behind me. As reached the end of the corridor it opened up to a large circular room. In that room was a large table that had papers all over it. 

I was grabbed from behind. I dropped the torch. My hands were bound behind my back, a blindfold was placed over my eyes, and I was gagged. The person that grabbed me threw me over their shoulder and took me somewhere. 

I had no idea who these people were. I started to panic! If these people were loyal to the light raiders, I was in deep trouble. I started to hear voices. 

The man carrying me said, "My lady, I apologise for the interruption of your dinner but I caught someone snooping about the council hall." 

"Who is it Drake?", a female voice said.

"I don't know my lady." Drake said. 

"Untie the prisoner and let her speak." the female voice said. 

The man known as Drake set me down and untied me. I looked around the room it was filled with people I'd never seen before. 

The only way I was going to get out of this was to fight. I quickly drew my sword and challenged Drake! I lunged at him he was a little taken back he stumbled and fell to the ground. As he did, more guards surrounded me. I threw my cloak off and turned face the rest of the guards. I was about to engage them when the female screamed at them to stop. They backed off. 

"Since when did we become barbarians?" she shouted at them. 

"She attacked us my lady." one of the men said. 

"You gave her reason to, what would you do if someone bound and gagged you?" she said back. 

"But she was the one snooping about!" Drake said. 

"Has anyone asked her why she's here?" the female asked. 

Everyone shook their heads. The female looked at me. I saw her for the first time. She was tall, very thin, with long black hair and her eyes were black as night. 

"Who are you, and why are you here?" she asked me. 

"My name is Alexandria I'm looking for something. I came across you by accident. I didn't mean to intrude." I said. 

"What are you looking for?" she asked me. 

"That depends. What side are you on?" I asked. 

"Why do you ask that?" 

"Well I don't know you and for all I know you could be my enemy looking for information." 

She nodded. "True, we are shadow raiders. The last in fact. Lucifer was my husband"

I nearly feinted! I couldn't believe it. 

"What do you mean by 'was your husband'?" I asked. 

"Lucifer was executed along with the council members over eighteen years ago.", mother said. 

"And what about your daughter?" I asked. 

"How do you know about her?" 

"I know about the shadow raiders history." I said. 

"I tied to save her, but they caught her before I could get her here." she said. 

"You left her in the graveyard along with your diary yes?" I asked. 

"Yes, but I can't get to the diary because if we leave the light raiders will kill us and we have no where to go with my husband dead." mother said. 

"Lucifer isn't dead, we have the castle back, I have your diary!" I picked up my coat and showed her the book. 

"But I don't understand, only a member of the royal family can open the grave and I'm the last member." she said. 

"No, I'm the last member mother!" I said. 

"Alexandria!?" she said 

I nodded, she ran forward. "I don't understand, how come you're alive. I got the word that you had been killed by the light raiders!" 

"James and Sarah, two people that are our allies saved me and raised me as their own child. Then not so long ago Michael took me to Eithidan. We rescued father from the light raiders dungeon and reclaimed the castle. Although, if I don't go back soon father will kill me as he thinks I've ran away." I said. 

"I just can't believe your alive." mother said through tears. 

"Yeah, well fathers going to get a shock when he sees you! We need to get all of you back to the castle." 

Mother nodded. Drake spoke up, 

"How do we know this isn't a trap?" 

I pulled out my grandfather's sword and threw it at him. 

"Recognise it?" I asked. 

He nodded. 

"Melissa's father was buried with it." he said. 

"I'm sure that you know that only a member of the royal family can get into the burial chambers of the royal family, so how would I get into the chamber if my mother was here and I wasn't a member of the royal family?" I asked. 

He nodded and handed me the sword back. 

"My apologies your highness." he said. 

"More importantly how are we going to get all of you out of here with out the light raiders knowing. Do any of you have any horses?" I asked. 

"Just a few. Not enough to get all of us out." mother said. 

"Right, I will take you mother on my horse and send some of the council with more horses to get the rest of you. Those that have horses, follow me to the castle." 

Everyone nodded. I put my cloak back on and put mothers diary back into my pocket. Mother put a cloak on and followed me out of the mountain. I told the others where to meet me and mother. I headed off to where I had Spirit tied up. It took us nearly two days getting there. When we got there mother admired Spirit. 

"My, word what a lovely horse you have Alexandria" 

"Thanks mother, I just hope that father doesn't kill me on sight!" 

Mother laughed. 

"He will be mad as hell but he loves you more than you can imagine." 

"I'll get on first and you get on behind me mother." 

She nodded, I mounted Spirit and mother climbed on behind me and slid her arms around my waist. Just as we were about to set off the rest of mothers council rode up. Drake was among them. 

"We ride in formation! Under no circumstances do you stop if we're attacked. Keep going until you reach the castle. We must protect my mother at all costs." I said to them.

They all nodded and we set off at top speed. We didn't stop all night, but I think my mother slept most of the way. It was night when we approached the castle. I could hear the alarm being raised and I saw men riding out to meet us. I slowed down, stopped, and waited for the men to approach as mother stirred. 

"Alexandria, why have we stopped?" she asked. 

"Father has sent men out to us. If we try and go through them they would cut us to ribbons. It's best to wait for them, trust me!" I said. 

The men approached. It was Alexander who spoke first. 

"State your business, otherwise we will kill you!" 

"Now, now Alexander, I thought you wanted me to come back; but if I'm not welcome I'll go." 

"Alexandria?!", he said. I lowered my hood. 

"Of course who did you think it was. I found what I was looking for so I've came back." I said. 

"Your father is going to kill you." Alexander said. 

"Not when I show him what I've found he won't." I said. 

"Who are these people with you?" he asked. 

"Friends! Go to the castle tell my father to go to his room I have a surprise for him." Alexander nodded. 

"Damien, please escort the princess back to the castle!" Alexander said. 

Alexander and the rest of the council went back to the castle. 

"Lex, why did you leave? Peter took it really badly and started on the drink. He thought he had lost you for good." Damien said. 

"Who's Peter Alexandria?" mother asked. 

"My fiancé. I'll introduce you later." I said, mother nodded. 

Damien gave a quizzical look. "I'll explain later." I said. 

We set off towards the castle. When we got to the stables mother got off Spirit. I got off after her. The next thing I knew I was being smothered by someone who smelled like a drink factory. 

"Lex I thought you'd left me! Thank heavens your okay." Peter said. 

"Peter when was the last time you took a bath?" I said. 

"I'm sorry Lex I haven't been able to think straight since you left. I thought I had lost you." 

"Do me a favour Peter, go to my room and take a bath! Wait there for me! 

"I'll be waiting for you Lex." 

"Thank you." Mother and I headed off to fathers room. I knocked on the door. 

"Enter!" I heard him say. 

I opened the door and lowered my hood. 

"Alexandria?!" he rushed over and gave me a bone crushing hug. 

"Where the hell have you been? I was worried sick!" he let go of me. The tears were streaming down his face. 

"I have a surprise for you father." I went to the door and called in my mother. I stepped back, she lowered her hood and stepped into the room. 

"Lucifer?!" mother said. 

"Melissa? You're alive? But how?" father said he ran over and grabbed mother and sobbed into her shoulder. 

Mother cried into fathers shoulder. Father lifted mother up and laid her down on the bed. 

"I'll leave you two alone." I said. 

They didn't seem to notice me. I went out and called out Alexander. 

"Make sure they're not disturbed!" I said. 

"They?" he asked. 

"Yes, they! I found my mother, I need you to ask some of the council members to go back to where we found them find one of the people that came with us they should show you where to find them. But make sure that my parents aren't disturbed okay?" he nodded smiling. 

"By any chance was there someone called Drake with them?" he asked. 

"Yes there was, why do you ask?" he went very shy and put his head to the floor. 

"If you must know, Drake and I were lovers." 

"I'll send him up to you then, and get someone else to cover the door." I said. 

"Thank you Lex." he said. 

I went down to the stable. I called Drake over. 

"Yes your highness?" he said. 

"Alexander is waiting for you at my fathers room." As I said this his face lit up and he ran off to see him. 

"John could you stand outside my fathers door and make sure that he isn't disturbed, by anyone!" he nodded. 

I told one of the council members to go back with one of mother's council to get the rest of the people. 

I went up to my room. I had to pass Alexander's room but he and drake didn't even make it to his room. They were making out in the corridor. I just walked pass and never said anything. When I got to my room I opened the door and Peter pulled me in and nearly crushed me. Thankfully, this time he didn't stink of drink. 

"I missed you so much. I thought I'd lost you for good! Flash was pining like hell." 

He let go of me. 

"Lex, please promise me that you will never do that again!" 

"Don't worry, I will never do that again, but it was necessary! you will never believe who I found." 

"Who did you find Lex?" 

"My mother!" 

"She's alive?" 

"Yes, she and some council members!" 

"I can't believe this. It's amazing, but I'm glad your back home." 

Peter kissed me deeply and slid his tongue into my mouth. He picked me up and placed me on the bed, slid my cloak from my shoulders and threw it to the floor. I unbuttoned his shirt and threw it to the floor. 

Peter was about to remove my top when I heard, 

"Ahem!" from the door. 

"Peter could you give us a minute please? I want a word with my daughter." 

Peter nodded and left me alone with my father. He came over and sat on the bed. 

"Just answer me this question please Alexandria, and I want the truth." 

I nodded. 

"Did you over hear the council the night you left?" 

"I over heard some thing's but not everything." 

"Was that why you left?", father asked as he put his arm around my shoulders. 

"I left to find the diary. But when I found it there was something else telling me that there was more to it. I kept on having visions. I followed them and they led them to mother. I'm sorry I put you through that father, I just wanted you to have the diary because I knew you didn't know how to kill Gabriel." 

"Did you read the diary?" 

"I did, yeah. We need something called the sword of shadows." I said. 

"The sword of shadows?" father asked. 

I nodded. 

"Then we have a problem as we have no idea where the sword is. Did you hear anything else at council?" father asked. 

"Something about turning me fully, but I didn't know what you meant by that. However, I know that you will tell me when its time for me to know." 

Father gave me a kiss on my cheek. 

"But that's not why you left?" 

I shook my head. "Why would I leave over something I don't know about. I went to find the diary I would never leave you and this clan father. This is my home and family." 

"Here, your mother wanted me to give you this." 

He put mothers bracelet around my wrist. 

"Are you sure father?" I

"Absolutely In the morning will you come up to my room please?" 

I nodded. "I didn't know that you were a General father." 

He smiled, "How did you know that?" 

"It was in mothers diary. Also, who's Philip?" 

"He was your mother's brother. He was killed three years before you were born, but we will talk more in the morning." 

I nodded and father gave me a kiss on the cheek. When father left. Peter and I didn't get sleep much that night as he was very glad to see me. 

I was rudely woken by flash jumping on my stomach. 

"Look, even flash is glad to see you!" Peter said. 

I laughed. "I have to go to my parents room. Father asked me to be there. I'll see you later Peter." 

He nodded. I got up and got dressed. 

"I love staying in your room Lex!" Peter said. 

"And why is that Peter?" 

"Because it has a lovely view in it!" 

"Oh! ha, ha!" I threw his shirt at his face.

I got dressed and headed up to my parents room. Flash tagged along with me, she was getting big! She was now almost fully grown. I knocked on the door and went in. Father was on top of my mother. 

"Oh sorry!" I said, then went back out of their room. 

"Alexandria" father shouted me in. 

"Sorry, I didn't realise!" I said. 

"It's okay Alexandria, I asked you to come up" 

Flash ran in and jumped on mother. 

"Flash! get down now!" I shouted at the wolf. I pulled her off mother. 

"Sorry mother, she's harmless really." 

"Is she yours?" I nodded. 

"She's gorgeous! When did you get her?" 

"The council gave her to me for my birthday." 

"Come, sit, we have a lot to talk about." mother said. 

I went over and sat down next to her. Father sat next to me and they both put their arms around me. 

"I never thought I would be this happy again, after the attack on the castle. Thank you Alexandria! I've never been so proud in all my life." father said. 

"Thank you father" 

"So Alexandria, tell me, when is your wedding?" mother asked. 

"Peter and I decided on the thrirty first of october." I said. 

"Have you started to plan it yet?" 

I shook my head. 

"Well you need to start. Its not that far away. I will help you start. What have you been doing with your time since you got engaged?" mother asked. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 12



"Sword practice mainly, that and trying to find out what the light raiders are up to." 

"Sword practice!?" mother nearly shouted. 

"Yes, what do you think I would be doing?" I asked. 

"Well there's no doubting she's your daughter, that's for sure." mother said.

Father laughed. 

"She's quite the sword wielder! She's knocked me out once before and I've lost count on how many times she's knocked me on my ass." father said. 

"What did you think I would do mother?" I asked. 

"I thought you would be a proper young woman, not a man!" mother said. 

" I'm a woman. I've just learned to defend my self. I've had to! I've lost count of the number of times I've been attacked. If I hadn't have been able to defend my self I would have been dead a long time ago." 

There was a knock on the door. 

"Come in!" father said. 

"My lord, the council is ready to start, at your discretion of course." Michael said. 

"Very well, we will be right along Michael." 

Michael nodded and left. 

"Alexandria will you go along to council now? I will be along with your mother soon." father said. 

I nodded, called flash, and headed to the council room. 

I met Peter outside the council room, he pulled me into a tight embrace. 

"Ahem!" we broke away. Father was smiling. 

"Mother, this is my fiancé Peter." 

Peter said, "It's an honour to finally meet you, your majesty." Peter said. 

"So are you the one who will tame my daughter?" mother asked. 

"I'm afraid that not even the devil himself could tame your daughter! She's a free Spirit, and that's the way I will always want her to be your majesty." 

"Well Alexandria, I can see why you like him." mother said. 

We all went into the council room. I sat next to my mother. Father spoke to the council. 

"As you all know my daughter Alexandria left the castle. When she came back she brought home my wife, Melissa; someone we all thought we lost in the attack. Thankfully, she has returned to us and the royal family has been restored! The next big event is my daughters wedding to Peter." 

Father stood up, he put his hand on my shoulder. I got a twinge in my stomach it felt like I was flying. I could see four volcanic mountains. In the middle of them there was a black temple with the orb and snake sign on the door. The vision changed. It was Gabriel, I couldn't see where he was but I could hear what he was saying. 

"They know how to kill me and it wont be long before they find the sword. We need to find it first, otherwise they will kill me!" A man next to Gabriel said, 

"Why don't we attack them to distract them. We could keep them off the swords trial."

"Yes, we will attack them tonight. It's the last thing they will expect." 

"Alexandria are you okay?" mother said. 

I looked up at father. 

"A vision?" 

I nodded. 

"What was it?" mother asked. 

"The first part showed me the location of the sword of shadows. In the second part I saw Gabriel. They're going after the sword too. They're going to attack tonight as a distraction. They want us to go after them and not the sword." 

Father looked at me. "Do you know where the sword is?" 

"I saw the black temple among the mountains, but I'm not sure of the exact location. I sense that Gabriel knows where it is. We need to get there first." 

"I agree, but the attack concerns me more. We need to get you and your mother out of the castle." 

"I'm not going anywhere, if there's an attack I'm fighting! But we need to get mother out of the castle. I think that mother and maybe Alexander and Drake should accompany her." 

"Alexandria I really think you should go with your mother." 

"Father, if there's an attack, I'm staying! That's my final word on it. I don't run from any fight." I looked deep into my fathers eyes when I said it. 

"Very well, I can see that you will not be swayed on the matter. Melissa, you will go with Alexander and Drake after the council." father said. 

"Father, I think that after the attack I should try and find the sword. If the light raiders find it they could destroy it." 

"They can never touch it. Only a shadow raider can, that's why it's called the sword of shadows. They could defend the temple where its kept, but they could never lay their hands on it." mother said. 

"Never the less, I think we should find it as it will be extremely important to us." I said. 

Father nodded, "Very well, after they attack you may go and find it; but only if Peter and Damien go with you" 

"I will agree to that father" 

"Lucifer I don't like this. If anything happens to her we would never forgive our selves!", mother said, 

"My lord, my I speak?", Michael said.

Father nodded. 

"I think your daughter and my sons should go before the attack as they would have an advantage. The light raiders will be diverted themselves and it will give them a head start." 

"I agree with you Michael! Peter will you go, get your brother, and get ready to go as soon as council is over." father said. 

Peter nodded, and left. 

"Lucifer, please I still don't like this! Please don't let her go." mother pleaded. 

"Melissa, every time I have underestimated our daughter I have came out looking the fool. I didn't think she could beat me in battle, she knocked me out. I didn't think she would know anything about you're diary, and not only did she find the diary she found you. Please don't make the same mistake I did. Otherwise you will end up looking the fool. You need to trust me on this." father said. 

Mother did not look happy! 

"Mother I will be okay, I promise! I can defend my self and I'm going with Peter and Damien. Peter would never let anything happen to me, that I'm certain of" 

"I don't like this but okay I'll let you go, but I want you back as soon as possible okay?" 

"Okay mother. I will be back as soon as I can." 

Mother nodded. 

"Very well Alexandria, go and get what you need to take together. Pack lightly!" 

I nodded and left their room. I went to my room. Flash was sitting on the bed. I started to gather clothes, all of which father hated, and I was sure mother would hate more. I got changed into jeans and my red jacket when Peter came in. 

"You know your father is going to kill you and your mother, I'm certain, will scream the house down." 

"I know, but I don't think that a dress is appropriate for where were going." 

Peter nodded and handed me a rucksack. 

"I have a funny feeling that mother's not going to like this one little bit!" 

Peter laughed. Peter was in jeans and a shirt. 

"You look good in jeans Peter! You should wear them more often." I said. 

Peter just laughed. Damien came in. He, also, was wearing jeans and a shirt. 

"Your mother and father are out of council and your mother is still arguing with your father about this." Damien said. 

I laughed. I tied my hair back into a ponytail, threw the bag onto my back, and headed down to the entrance hall where mother and father were waiting for us. 

Father took a look at what I was wearing. 

"Father, before you say anything, we don't know exactly where we're going. That's why we're in the clothing that we are!" 

"You know I hate you wearing these clothes." father said. 

"I know father, but when I get back I will get rid of them once and for all, I promise." 

Father nodded and pulled me into a hug. "Promise me that if it gets too difficult that you will return here, and please be safe!" 

"I promise father, please keep mother safe." 

Father nodded. We broke our embrace and I hugged mother. 

"Just come back to me Alexandria I couldn't bear it if I lost you." 

"Mother, don't worry, I will be okay. I promise." 

"Damien, Peter, keep a close eye on my daughter and protect her if necessary. If you don't, you will face dire consequences! Understand?" mother said

Damien and Peter both nodded. Peter took my hand and we all stepped out into the night, and into a new adventure!



Blood and Ice Ch. 13



Chapter Thirteen: The Quest For The Sword Of The Shadows Part One

~~~~~~

For the first few hours we went at a quick pace. We wanted to get across the border as quickly as possible. We stopped to get a drink of water from a stream when I heard the crack of a twig. I got a twinge in my stomach and it told me who was there.

"Alexander, Drake come out of the bushes please, I know you are there!" 

Alexander and Drake came out from the bushes. "How did you know we where there?" Alexander asked. 

"Visions are as useful as are things like ears!" 

Alexander's eyes went to the floor as did Drake's. 

"Now could you tell me why you are here?" 

"Your mother asked us to follow you your highness." Drake said. 

I took the bracelet that father gave me and handed it to Alexander. 

"Give this to my mother and tell her not to worry also tell her that if she sends anyone else after me I won't be nice with them okay? Now go back to the castle." 

They both nodded and went back to the castle. We carried on. We crossed the border when night fell. 

"Do you want to stop or carry on?" Peter asked.

"Carry on, I want to go to James and Sarah's. I need to check something out." 

Damien and Peter nodded. We carried on through the night. By morning we arrived at the house. James was just getting into his car for work when we arrived. 

"Lex I hope you haven't come to threaten me again." he laughed. 

"No James, not this time. Do you mind if we stay a little while? I need to use the internet is that okay?" 

"Of course Lex your always welcome here. Sarah's in the kitchen just go on ahead in I'll speak to you when I get home." 

James got into his car and drove off. We went into the house. 

"What did you forget James?" Sarah said. 

When I didn't say anything she came out into the hall; "Lex!?" 

I nodded she gave me a hug. "I'm so glad your okay We had your father and some of his men looking for you."

"I know! I ran away from the castle to find something, and I found it. Then, I went back. Do you mind if we stay a few days? I just need to use the internet." 

"Of course, we don't mind! You are always welcome here. Just don't threaten us again please." she said laughing. 

"Don't worry, I wont! That was a stupid thing to do!" 

"Well, put it this way. We wouldn't want to cross you again, that's for sure. Have you had anything to eat?" 

"No, but do you mind if we get some sleep first? We were walking all night." I said.

"Of course Lex. You can go to your old room and you boys will be in the spare room.", Sarah said. 

"Can't I stay in Lex's room?" Peter asked. 

"Oh, yes, I forgot. Try to get some sleep!" 

"Come on, let's get some sleep." I said. 

I went into my room with Peter and Damien went into his room. We changed, and as soon as our heads hit the pillows We fell asleep in each other's arms. I was woken by the sound of a door slamming. I got dressed and went down the stairs. 

"What's all the noise about?" 

"Oh, sorry Lex! I didn't mean to wake you." James said. 

"No worries! Is Damien awake yet?" I asked. 

James said, "Not yet Lex." 

By this time, Peter had joined us.

"I'll go and wake him." Peter said. 

A couple of minutes later both Peter was back with us, with Damien in tow.

"James, Peter and I are engaged." 

"Your engaged?" James asked. 

We both nodded. James ran forward and hugged me and shook Peter's hand firmly. 

"Is anyone hungry?" James asked. 

"Yes please. James, could I also borrow your laptop please?" I 

"Of course, Lex. I'll bring it down to the living room." James said. 

I went down into the living room. James brought in his laptop and started it up for me. Peter sat next to me. 

"What do you want this thing for?" Peter asked. 

"I need to find something." I said.

"You won't find the sword of shadows on it you know." Peter said. 

"I know that, but we might find the location on the internet." 

"Eh? How do you even know where it is?" Peter asked. 

"I saw it in a vision." 

I looked up maps but I couldn't find anywhere with volcano's. However, I did find a place with four mountains with a valley in the middle. "We should start there!" I said. 

James came in with a plate of food, which I ate very quickly. 

"Do you have a printer James?"

He nodded and got the printer. I printed off the map.

"Do you think the sword is there?" James asked. 

"No, but I think it's where we should start since it's the location that looks most like the one I saw." 

"How long will it take to get there?" James asked. 

"A month, maybe two. I'm not sure and it's just the starting point. The sword, itself, isn't there. But it will give us clues as to where it is." I said. 

"Do you have enough food to last you?" James asked. 

"I'm not sure, ask Damien. I need to go to try and find Lauren. She disappeared and no one knows what happened. I going to go out for a little while." 

"I'm coming with you Lex!" Peter said. 

"I won't be long James." 

"Okay, take this just in case." James said as he handed me my old mobile. 

"Thanks James!" 

I put my red jacket on and headed out to Lauren's house. It didn't take long to get there. Lauren's father that answered the door. 

"Can I help you?" 

"Yes please, is Lauren here?" I asked. 

"Yes, she's in her room who wants to know?" he asked. 

"I'm Alexandria, a friend of hers."

"Lauren can you come down here please?" he shouted. 

I heard footsteps coming from behind him. 

"Yeah dad?" 

"There's someone here to see you." he said, as he stood back .

"Lex! Come in! Father, this is Lucifer's daughter, Alexandria." 

"Lucifer's daughter?" he asked. 

I nodded. "You remember Peter, don't you?" I said. Lauren nodded. 

I filled her in on what had happened. Her father came into the living room with a goblet that he handed to me. 

"It's not the best, I'm afraid, but we seldom have royalty stopping by; your highness." 

I took the goblet from him. It was wolf blood. 

"Thank you very much! Please, just call me Lex, everyone else dose." 

I took a long drink from the goblet. "Lauren, were going to be away from the castle for a while. I want you to keep building the army and moving them to the castle, please. Get as many people as you can, that you can rely on."

"Where are you going?" Lauren asked. 

"I'm afraid I can't tell you; its council business. But what I can tell you is that we will be away for a while!" 

"When are you leaving?" her father asked. 

"I'm not sure, but it will be soon, and I don't know when I'll be back." 

"Thank you for your hospitality and the blood; it's much appreciated!" I said as we got up to go. 

"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact us. Were honoured to serve you and your father." Lauren's father said. 

"Thank you! Here's my mobile number. If you hear or see anything that you think I should know about, please let me know. And would you mind giving this number to my father?" I said. 

He nodded as I handed him a copy of my mobile number; then Peter and I headed back to James' and Sarah's. 

We went into the living room. 

"Sarah and I will go shopping for the food and supplies you will need. Damien, will you come with us?" James asked. 

Damien nodded. 

"We'll be gone for a few hours." he said with a glint in his eye.

Half an hour later James, Sarah and Damien went out to get the shopping done. They weren't out the door more than five minutes before Peter and I were kissing. He kissed me deeply as he picked me up and carried me upstairs and laid me down on my bed. I took his shirt off. He went to take my top off when I felt a twinge in my stomach. I saw Peter standing at an alter of the sacrifice hall. Father was walking beside me. I walked up and stood beside Peter. 

"I'm so proud of you Alexandria and I'm so happy for you!" father said. 

Peter looked at me; "My god Lex, you're stunning!" he said. 

"Thanks Peter. You're looking pretty amazing yourself!" 

We made our vows to each other and kissed. 

The vision changed. I was standing looking out of a window looking out over the lake. It was spring time and the trees were in bloom and the lake was glistening like the stars at night. The door opened behind me. 

"Lex, are you okay? Your father didn't let me in, it's not that I didn't want to be here."

"Do you want to see your daughter?" I said. 

"Of course I do! I've been dying to see her since your father told me you gave birth." 

I handed Peter a bundle of clothes that held a small child. 

"She's beautiful! She looks just like you." Peter said. 

"Lex are you okay?" Peter said. 

I looked up. He was on top of me. 

"What did you see?" Peter asked. 

"I'll tell you later. it's not bad, trust me." I pulled him down against me. We kept very busy until we heard the car pull into the drive. We were then, getting dressed. 

"So tell me what did you see?" Peter said. 

"I saw our wedding and the birth of our child."

"You did?! Was it a boy or a girl?" 

"I don't know I didn't see I just know that we have a child." I said. I didn't want to spoil the surprise! 

"Peter I'm not complaining, but I think we should put our love life on hold until we finish looking for the sword, because accidents can happen!" I said. 

"Very well, I don't like it, but you're right."

We went out and helped James and Sarah with the shopping. They had bought a lot of things for us, mainly food and camping supplies. 

"James, thank you very much for helping us out! It means a lot I think we should head off tonight. Do you have a copy of my mobile number?"

James nodded. 

"If you need help please come back here. You know we will always help you no matter what Lex." 

I hugged James. "Thank you James, you and Sarah mean so much to me. I don't know what I'd do without you two." 

"Right, pack this stuff up and we will see you all off.", Sarah said. 

We packed everything up. James and Sarah walked us to the edge of town. 

James handed Peter a small package and said something to him. I gave James a funny look. He just winked. 

"Be safe and if you need help let us know okay?" 

I nodded, and we set off. Damien and Peter were carrying the heavy supplies, while I had some of the lighter stuff. 

Damien, "So how far is this place exactly?" 

"Its pretty far! About a months walk, and that's if we don't stop at night. It's probably going to take about two maybe three months. If you want to go back to the castle I won't stop you." I said. 

"Are you crazy? Your father would kill me for doing that. I was just curious. Do you think the sword is there?" Damien asked. 

"No, but it's the only place that matches my vision, so it's a good start."

Damien nodded. We started to walk. I don't know how far we walked, but we didn't stop for three days. We only stopped when we felt that it was absolutely necessary. We had lit a fire one night that we'd stopped. Peter had fallen asleep so Damien and I stayed up to talk. 

"Do you honestly think that the sword will kill Gabriel?" Damien asked. 

"I honestly don't know. But it's worth a try. They seem desperate to get it so it must be of some importance." I said. 

"Of course it's important to us! Do you not know the legends around the sword?" 

I shook my head. 

"It is said that the very first leader, Alexander, cursed his sword with his soul. It is said that he made a pact with the devil to do this. This sword is said to be the ultimate weapon against the light raiders." 

"How come we've never found it before now?" 

"Because it's like the shadow. Once you touch it, it turns you insane! It over takes your soul the only one capable of mastering the sword is the master of shadows." Damien said. 

"And who's that?" I asked. 

"The most powerful one of us all, the one who will destroy the light raiders and control shadow and even death it's self!" Damien said. 

"Do you believe such legends?" I asked Damien. 

"I didn't think it was possible, but after seeing you take the shadow in and surviving I believe anything is possible." Damien said. 

Peter stirred. "Morning! Sleepy head." I said. 

Peter smiled at me. 

"There's something I wanted to ask you Lex. You know the night you took in the shadow? What happened from your point of view?" Damien asked.

"It was really weird. The shadow surrounded, me but it felt nice almost like a friend! When the shadow left me I heard a voice. It felt really familiar. It made me feel safe!" I said. 

"What did it say Lex?" Peter asked. 

"It said, you're the one I've been waiting for." 

Peter looked at Damien. "Do you think that means she's the master of shadows?" Peter asked. 

"Its possible." Damien said. 

"We should get going. We're about three days away from the location." I said. 

They both nodded. We packed up and headed off. Then my mobile began to ring. I answered it. 

"hello?" 

"Lex is that you?" 

I didn't recognise the voice. "Yes who's this?" 

"It's Alexander. Your father just wanted to check to make sure that you're okay, but he doesn't know how to operate these things." Alexander said. 

"Right, put the phone to his ear and tell him to talk to it." I said almost laughing. 

"Alexandria is that you?" 

"Yes father, it is. I'm fine. We're about three days away from our first location. Did Gabriel attack yet?" 

"Yes, he attacked the night you left, but they don't understand why were not attacking them back. Are you sure you're all right Alexandria?" 

"I'm fine father. Peter and Damien are taking good care of me, don't worry. I will be okay, just trust me." I said. 

"I won't worry. I do trust you, as dose your mother; especially after you sent Alexander and Drake back to the castle." father said. I heard footsteps coming from behind us. 

"Father, I need to go. I will call you later. Give my love to mother." 

"I will Alexandria, goodbye." 

As I hung up the phone the footsteps were getting closer. 

"Get ready to attack." I whispered to Peter and Damien. They both nodded and drew their swords, as did I. Two men in police uniforms stepped out. I quickly hid my sword and motioned that Peter and Damien do the same. 

"I thought we heard voices! Can you tell us what your doing out in a forest at this hour?" the first man said. 

"We're just travelling through, officer. We had stopped to rest." I said. 

"You three have been hanging about here for nearly a week. Some residents are complaining of your presence." 

"Officer, we're just trying to get to the valley and this is the only way to get there." I said. 

"Very well, but if we find you around here again we will arrest you. Do you understand?" 

We all nodded. When they left we headed off at a fast pace. We reached the valley by midnight the next day. We approached the valley from the south. We scouted round until we found a small cave. 

"Do you think it's the way in?" Peter asked. 

"I don't know, but it's a start." 

Damien and Peter both nodded and we headed into the cave. It was lined with torches. I grabbed one, lit it, and led the way into the cave. It started to head deeper into the mountain. I could hear running water near by, but we, luckily enough, didn't cross the streams path. I wasn't in the mood for getting wet feet. We started to see a light in the distance. We almost ran towards it. 

"I'm glad to be out of there!" Peter said. Damien and I both nodded. I left the torch at the end of the cave. What we saw next nearly floored me. We had walked into was a vast field of grass filled with hills. I put my bag down and ran to the top of the nearest hill. When I got to the top I stopped. Damien and Peter collided with me and we all went tumbling down the hill. Peter ended up on top of me. 

"Why did you stop Lex?" Peter asked me. 

"Get off me and have a look for your self!" 

Peter laughed. Peter and Damien got up. 

"What the hell?" Peter said. 

"That's why I stopped Peter." I said, still on the ground.

"Ah, Lex, what are we going to do now?" Damien said. 

"How about helping me up for a start?" 

Peter held out his hand and helped me to my feet. It was then I saw it properly. It was a very large black temple, guarded with what looked like four very large guards dressed entirely in black. 

"How will we get past them?" Peter asked. 

"Get your swords out, we will need to fight through them." 

"I have a better idea that won't get us killed." Damien said. 

He told us his plan. It was genus! We moved into position. Peter was up first. 

"Hey ugly! Over here! I bet you can't catch me." he shouted. 

They looked at him but didn't move. Peter ran right up to them 

"Na na nana, you cant catch me!" he shouted at them as well as sticking out his tongue. He sounded like a child I had to laugh but it worked. He managed to distract two of the guards. 

Damien stood up and started to shout at them. I wasn't sure what he was shouting but it made me laugh. He got two guards to chase him so the coast was clear. 

I ran towards the temple, but I didn't realise that there was a fifth guard waiting for me. When I realised it, it was too late. I drew my sword ready to fight him. As soon as he saw my sword he shouted to the men: "Halt! A member of the royal family has come to seek guidance." 

I was a little confused. 

"Are you allies of shadow raiders?" I asked. 

He nodded. "Are you are a member of the royal family?" he asked me. 

"Yes, I'm the daughter of Lucifer and Melissa. I'm the current princess." I said. 

By this time the rest of the guards had returned to where we were standing. Peter and Damien pushed their way through. 

"If you want to harm her you will have to go through us" Peter said. 

"Do not worry! No member of the royal family will ever come to any harm here. This is a sanctuary for shadow raiders." he said. 

Peter and Damien lowered there swords. 

"Is the sword of shadows here?" Damien asked. 

"No, but the one of the mystical orbs is here; and that's what we protect here!" 

"The mystical orbs?" I asked. I looked around at Damien and Peter they both shrugged their shoulders. 

"Yes, they are said to hold the location sword, shield and armour of shadows." he said.

"We're just looking for the sword." Peter said. 

"But to find the sword you need the shield and armour first!" the guard said. 

"Right, do you know any of the locations then?" I asked. 

"No but you can find out. If you want to find out, you can." the guard said. 

"And how would I do that exactly?" I asked. 

"Just follow me." he said. 

Peter and Damien stood between me and the guard. 

"Not without us you don't." Peter said. 

"Do not worry, she will come to no harm. While in this sanctuary no shadow raider will ever be harmed!" he said. 

I put my hand on Peter's shoulder. "It's okay, I will be fine. I promise!" I whispered into his ear. 

He turned around to look at me. "Are you sure?" 

I nodded my head, he hugged me. "I love you Lex!" he whispered back. 

"I love you to Peter." I whispered before I headed into the temple with the guard.

The guard opened the door and stepped through the door. I entered after him. It opened up to a large room. There were strange markings all over the walls and ceiling. In the middle of the room there was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a glowing orb with two snakes intertwining. I walked up to the table. 

"Now what?" I asked. 

"Place your hands on the orb and it will show you what you seek." he said. 

I put my hands on the orb. As soon as I touched it I saw battles filled with blood shed a large black castle floating in a pool of lava then finally it showed me where the shield of shadows was. When I came to I was panting as if I had run miles, and I was sweating really badly. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 13



"Did you see the location?" the guard asked me. 

I nodded my head. He held out a black cloth and placed the orb into it. The guard then handed it to me. 

"Things are not always as they seem. Trust your instincts, and never give up hope!" he said. 

"Hope for what?" I said. 

"That you're the one we've been waiting for. Your grandfather told us of your coming. He told me to give you the orb as it will come in useful to you at some point." 

"Thank you for showing me this" 

"No, thank you!" he said. 

"For what?"

"For everything you're about to do for us! We will fight by your side when the final battle comes." he said. 

I nodded my head and headed to the entrance of the temple. I stepped back out to Peter and Damien. 

"Lex are you okay? You look terrible!" Peter said. 

"Oh thanks Peter, that's a brilliant thing to say to your future wife." 

Damien laughed. "Did you get the location of the shield?" Peter asked. 

"Yes I did. its in Eithidan." I said. 

"It can't be. We would have found it by now." Damien said. 

"But what if they didn't know it was there? There's talk about the sword but not the shield or armour the shield is there, we just need to find it!"

"Where do you think it is in Eithidan?" Peter asked. 

"I don't know, but it will be well hidden as they knew that Eithidan wasn't well protected." 

Peter and Damien both nodded. 

"We need to get going."

We headed back to the cave. 

"How long will it take to get to Eithidan?" I asked. 

"About two weeks. Maybe we shouldn't stop at all. We can get there faster." Peter said. Damien and I nodded. 

When we got out of the cave we almost ran to Eithidan. We got there in half the usual time it takes to get there. We entered through the stables. 

"Do you want to rest before we start to search?" I asked. 

Peter and Damien both nodded. I took Peters hand and headed up to my room. We almost collapsed on the bed. We both drifted off very quickly. When I woke Peter was nowhere to be seen. 

"Peter?!" I shouted. He came running out the bathroom. 

"Lex, what's wrong?" 

"Nothing, I just didn't know where you were. I think we should find your brother and start to look for the shield." 

Peter nodded. We found Damien sleeping in his room. We woke him up and started to look although we had no idea where to start. 

"Where do you think we should start to look?" Damien asked. 

"I have no idea. From the vision were looking for an underground room. Is there a cellar here Damien?" I asked. 

"There is, but its used as a store room. There's nothing in it now, we cleared it out." Damien said. 

I could hear the thunder of hoofs. 

"We've got company" Peter said. 

There was a lot of shouting. Someone was giving out orders. By the sound there were about twenty of them. 

"Damien, if things get out of hand, get Lex out of here!"

"Peter am not going anywhere! If there's a fight I'm staying!" 

"Lex your father charged us with your safety, if there's a fight that we can't win your leaving! End of discussion!" Peter said.

I had to admit that this new side of Peter was very sexy. We heard a commotion down stairs. 

"It sounds like its coming from the council room." I whispered. 

We all drew our swords and crept down to the council room. The door was open. I looked at Damien then at Peter who both nodded then we charged into the room swords blazing shouting our heads off. I lunged at the first person knocking them off balance, I went to plunge my sword into them when I realised it was my father. 

"Peter, Damien, stop! It's okay. It's father and the council." I shouted across the room. I gave father my hand to help him up. 

"I'm sorry father. We didn't know it was you." 

"Well that makes two of us. I got word of movement over here. We though it was light raiders trying to take over Eithidan." father said. 

"We though you were light raiders. We were going to kill you my lord." Peter said. Father just laughed. 

"Why are you here your highness?" Drake asked. 

"Our path has taken us here and we need to find something." I said. 

"Find what Alexandria?" father asked. 

"The shield of shadows." I said. 

"The shield?" father said. 

"Yes, is that a problem father?"

"No, but I thought you were looking for a sword!" father said. 

"Yes but we need the shield and armour to get the sword." I said. 

"But why are you here? Is the shield here?"

I nodded. 

"With all due respect your highness, if the shield were here we would have found it by now!" Alexander said. 

"But what if you didn't know it was here? Would you look for something that you didn't know was here?" I asked him. 

He just shook his head. 

"Very well, we will help you look for it. Where do you want to start?" father said.

"The store room. The rest of you turn this place upside down. Father, Peter, and I will be down in the store room." 

"Also, will one of you go back to the castle and inform my wife what is going on?" father said. They all nodded. The rest of the council went off in different directions. 

"Follow me Alexandria." 

I nodded and followed my father who took me down to the store room. It was a very large room filled with shelves and barrels all of which were empty. Father lit one of the torches that lined the room. 

"Exactly what are we looking for Alexandria?" father asked. 

"Anything, a clue, a door, anything that will tell us the location of the shield." 

I started to throw the barrels out of the room, father and Peter did the same until the room was completely empty. 

"There's nothing here!" father said. 

"Things are not always as they seem father. The shield is here, somewhere! I trust my instincts."

Father was a little taken back. 

"Where did you here that expression?" father asked. 

"Why do you ask?" I said. 

"It was one of the things your grandfather always said to your mother!" father said. 

"I think grandfather hid the shield for me to find." I said. 

"It's possible. The shield and amour were said to have been buried with Alexander when Gabriel-" father stopped and looked at Peter. He knew he had said too much.

"How could Gabriel be alive when Alexander was alive? That was thousands of years ago?" I said. 

Father turned into a stuttering wreck. 

"Okay, okay, Gabriel was the one that exiled Alexander. He's immortal! He's over three thousand years old!" father said. 

I almost exploded. "You're getting me to plan and kill someone who's immortal? When were you going to tell me?" I yelled at my father. 

"I'm not sure I wanted you to try, without knowing what he is." father said. 

"Oh, this is just brilliant! Your sending me to try and kill someone who cant be killed. That's real genus father." I yelled at him. 

"My lord, I think its time you told her." Peter said. Father nodded. 

"Tell me what? What else have you not told me?" 

"A lot actually, some of it you have to find out on your own; but this I have to tell you and I don't want you to pass judgement until I finish telling you okay?" father asked. 

I nodded and sat down on the floor, father beside me. 

"The reason were sending you to do this is because you're immortal as well! Also because you're the most powerful being on either side. You see, I can't kill Gabriel because Gabriel's powers are more powerful than mine. They're more powerful than any shadow raider that lives."

"But I still don't understand, why me?" 

"Our bloodlines were to never mix! It was never allowed. The light raiders feared the outcome would be too great. The night the divide into clans came; Alexander, the leader at the time, made a deal with the leader of my clan and I was sent to the shadow raiders to protect them and watch over them." Father said. 

"You're immortal?" I asked 

"Everyone in my clan is. Our bloodlines never mixed until your mother! As soon as I saw her I fell in love with her. I knew I shouldn't have." Father paused. 

"Father just so you know, if you hadn't have made the first move on mother, she would have made the move on you. She was in love with you from the first time she saw you." 

"How do you know that?" 

"It was in her diary." I said. 

Father nodded. "Anyway, as I was saying when the light raiders found out about your existence they knew their worst fears had been realised. The bloodlines had been mixed! Even my own father was worried that you might turn your back on us. He said that the concentration of power is too great for any one person to handle." 

"So what exactly are you saying father?" 

"That you're the one we've been waiting for. You're the one to kill Gabriel and lead us to victory. You're the master of shadows." 



Blood and Ice Ch. 14



sorry this took so long but i had bad computer problems which are hopefully now sorted 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fourteen: The Quest For The Sword Of Shadows Part Two



"I don't understand how that's possible." I said 

"It's possible because your mother and I mixed our blood lines when we weren't supposed to." father said. 

"I don't understand what other bloodline?" 

"My bloodline I'm not a born shadow raider." 

"Then where are you from father?"

"You will find out when you're ready and can handle the truth." he said, and he wouldn't say anything more on the matter. 

"So what has this to do with the shield of shadows?" 

"Only the master of the shadows can find any of the mystics of shadows. It is said that they and they alone know the location of the mystics." 

"So basically your saying that the only person that could possible know where any of the mystics are is me?" 

Both father and Peter nodded. 

"Right then we better start looking a bit harder because if Gabriel gets wind of anything before I'm ready I don't think it will be me doing the killing." 

Peter laughed. "One thing I need to know Alexandria now that you know part of the truth of our existence. Can we still count on you?" father asked. 

"Father I would follow you and mother to the end of the earth and back. This is my family and my home. I would rather die than turn my back on my family. Dose this mean that I will always be a princess?" 

"No, when your mother dies as she's not immortal, I will leave to live with my father and you will do the same when your child is old enough to rule on their own." 

I nodded, got up, and lifted the torch off the wall and started to go around the bottom of the wall looking for anything that could give me a clue. 

"Lex there's nothing here." Peter said. 

"No, there's something here I can feel it! Father can you take this for a moment please?" 

Father nodded and I handed him the torch. As I was giving father the torch that's when I saw it. If you hadn't been looking out for it you definitely wouldn't have seen it. It was the smallest crack in the floor imaginable. 

"Peter, do you have a small knife?" 

He handed me a small pen knife. I positioned it over the crack took the hilt of my sword and started to hammer the knife into the crack. I eventually got the knife deep into the crack I started to move it about a bit, finally prizing the crack wide open. I broke around the hole, widening the crack. I couldn't see anything at first. Father handed me the torch back. I held it to the opening and I could see stairs. 

"Still think there's nothing here Peter?" 

He was lost for words. 

"Peter call the rest of the council will you?" father said. 

Peter nodded and left. 

"I told you that you knew the location of the shield. Just believe your self and you will accomplish your destiny." 

"Just out of curiosity, why dose your father think that I would turn my back on the clan?" 

"He just thinks that it's too much power in one person. Don't judge your grandfather before you meet him." 

"Hasn't he done that already?" 

Father laughed. "When you meet him you can prove him wrong." 

Father put his arm around my shoulders. "Did I ever tell you that your mother and I are very proud of you?" 

I hugged my father tightly as the rest of the council started to fill into the room. 

"Why don't we try and open this hole even more to accommodate us." father said. 

The council got to work breaking open the entrance, but it would only open enough to accommodate one person at a time. 

"I'm going first." I said. I took off my red jacket and my sword. I handed my sword to my father. I slid easily into the entrance I shouted up to my father to hand me my sword. He did then he came after me. 

"The rest of you wait until we return. Guard the entrance and the palace!" father shouted up to them. 

One of the council handed father a torch. Father then handed the torch to me and then asked the council for an other one. I looked around to see where I was but the only thing I saw was dark wet walls. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?" 

"I'm fine father." 

I led the way. It was like walking through complete darkness. I don't know how long we walked for, but we never stopped. I started to hear something. 

"Father, do you hear that?" 

He nodded.

"It sounds like running water" he said. 

"Can you swim?" I asked. 

He nodded his head. "Your mother and I went swimming every summer." he said with a smile on his face.

We carried on until we reached a set of stairs lined with torches. At the bottom of them was a pool of water. 

"Fancy getting wet?" I asked with a laugh. We set down the torches, I removed my shoes, sword, and anything else that would weigh me down. 

"How about I go see where this take us and then I come back for you father." I said. 

"No way! If you go I go so you better take this Alexandria" He said as he handed my sword back.

I nodded. he stripped down to his shirt and trousers I went into the water first it wasn't as cold as I thought it would be. I took a deep breath before diving under the water surprisingly it was light underneath the water. 

I could see where I was going. there was a stone arch that I went through. I could feel father following me. The stone arch lead to another set of stairs that went up. I followed hoping that there was air. Luckily for us, there was. I reached the surface and waited for my father. 

"Where exactly are we now?" I asked. 

"I honestly don't know." father said. 

I climbed out of the water and followed the stairs. They lead up and then down, finally levelling out. At the end there were large and very heavy looking wooden doors. I looked at father. He nodded. I opened them and stepped through. 

I stepped into a extremely large room. There were black pillars. In the middle sat a circular table with an orb in the middle. 

"All this for an orb?" father said. 

I ignored him and walked up to the table and placed my hands on the orb. Again I saw visions of war and bloodshed only this time I saw someone talking to someone shrouded in black.

He said "My lord, I pledge my life and my soul to your teachings. I will follow you as will all who follow in my bloodline! They will be bound to this deal until Gabriel lies dead in the ground."

The person in black said "Very well, and to seal this pact my son will go with you. Learn your ways. Only when Gabriel is dead will our deal terminate." 

It then showed me the location of the next mystic. 

"Alexandria are you okay?" He brought me out of the vision. 

"I'm fine father." 

"Do you know where the shield is?" 

I nodded. I found a black cloth, similar to the one the guard gave me. 

"Hold this father but don't touch the orb itself." He nodded. I drew my sword, sliced my hand, and drew blood. I walked over to the table. There was an engraving of the serpents in the middle.

I let my blood drip onto the table. As soon as my blood hit the table it started to glow. The table turned and opened. In the middle was a shield of pure sliver with the orb and the intertwining snakes. I picked it up. It was heavy, and big. I strapped it to my back. 

"How did you know it was there?" 

"The orb." 

"You've lost me." 

"What do you know about the orbs?" 

He shook his head. 

"They show the location of the mystics of the shadows. Also I saw something else. Someone making a deal." 

"Did you see their faces?" father asked. 

"No just their voices." 

Father nodded. "How are we going to get back, the shields to heavy to go under water?" 

"How about we try that door behind you Alexandria?" 

I turned around and sure enough there was a door at the end of hall. 

"Do you have pockets in your trousers father?" 

He nodded. 

"Can you keep a hold of the orb for now?" 

"Of course." He said as he put the black cloth containing the orb in his pocket. 

We headed to the door. It lead out to a corridor very similar to one we had just came from. This time, however, we had to fumble in the dark as there were no torches in this corridor. I don't know how long we walked for, but I was beginning to get tired.  

At the end of the corridor there was a flight of stairs. At the top I paused. I could hear people moving about. I reached above my head it was a stone floor, but I had no idea where we were. 

I waited until the footsteps and voices and stopped. Then, I moved the stone slab just enough so that I could see where we were. We were in luck that day, it was Eithidan. It was just a different stone. I lifted off the slab, climbed out, and helped my father out. We must have made a lot of commotion as Peter came running in. 

"Lex, thank heavens your okay!" He felt the shield as he hugged me. 

"You found it!" he shouted. 

I nodded. 

Father said, "I think we should arrange a council Alexander, go to the castle and call the council together please." 

Alexander nodded and left. Peter, Damien and I collected our things and headed to the stable. Since we didn't have our horses with us we had to share. I climbed on the back of my fathers, Peter climbed onto Michaels, and Damien onto Drake's. We made it to the castle in record time.

They were all excited about the fact that I had found one of the mystics. When we reached the castle the council was ready. We just walked right into council. Mother almost smothered me with a hug. 

"Oh Alexandria, are you okay?" 

"Mother, I'm glad to see you but your suffocating me." 

"Oh, sorry." she said and then she let go. 

"Is it true that you actually found one of the mystics?" 

I nodded. "We'll explain it all at council mother." I said as I headed up to the council room with mother clinging onto my arm. I took my seat next to father as he began to speak. 

"I am very glad to report that my daughter has found one of the three mystics and she plans on finding them all. 

Alexandria will you place the shield on the table for us?" father said. 

I nodded and placed the shield on the table. Everyone stood up when I had done this. 

"Where did you find it your highness? As a clan we have been looking for them for as long we can remember." Drake said. 

"It was under Eithidan and I have the location of the armour. It will be more difficult to get, but not impossible. I'm going to need help on this one. I can't do it alone this time. I'm hoping that when we find the armour that the location of the sword will be more obvious to me." I said. 

"You know the location of the sword your highness?" John asked. 

I nodded. "I don't know how to get there yet, but I'm hoping that with the next orb I will find the next location." I said. 

"What do you need us to do Lex?" Peter asked. 

"I need a distraction and I need a big one at that. It needs to last at least two hours." I said. 

"And where exactly is the armour?" mother asked. 

"It's deep within the belly of the execution grounds of the light raiders." I said. 

"I'm not going there again!" father said. 

"Look father, I don't pick these locations this is where the armour has been hidden and there's nothing I can do about it." 

Father nodded. 

"Well, your going to need one hell of a distraction your highness!" Drake said. 

"That's why I'm asking for help. It's too big for just Peter, Damien and I." 

Father looked at me. "Are you certain it's there? It just such a big risk that I want to be sure that what we're looking for is defiantly there." father said. 

"Father, when are you going to trust me. If you won't help me then I will have do it alone." 

"Are you turning your back on us?" father said. 

"Never Father! When will you understand that I'm trying to do this for this clan? Why don't you trust me?" 

"Your highness, please try to understand that you're still young and inexperienced. We just want to make sure that you are sure that the armour is there to protect our clan." Alexander said. 

"I know that. But why don't you trust my judgement father?" I asked him again. 

"Because you are young and this council has more experience." father said. 

"Father please, trust me on this. I wouldn't endanger this clan if it wasn't for a good reason. I may be young and inexperienced but please trust my instincts." I looked deep into my fathers eyes. 

"I can see in your eyes that you are telling the truth. We head to the execution grounds in the morning. Council dismissed." father said. Everyone left.

I went to leave with them but father said, "Alexandria wait behind please". 

I reluctantly stayed behind. "Alexandria I don't want you to think that I was patronising you. It's just that I'm charged with this clan's security." 

"Father, I know that! Don't you think that I thought of that before I asked for your help?" 

"My apologies Alexandria. I meant no harm. From now on I will trust your judgement. Will you come to your mother's and my room? We would like to talk you." 

I nodded, picked up the shield, strapped it to my back, then father put his arm around me and guided me to his room. Mother was on the other side of him. We entered there room. 

"I'm just going to get changed." father said. He left for the bathroom. 

"Alexandria please don't be hard on your father. He's just not used to guiding a young person. I'm sure he told you he that he was never meant to have a child. He loves you unconditionally!" mother said. 

"I know mother. I guess I'm not used to being in this situation. Up until about eight months ago I didn't have any parents, now I have both of you and this responsibility." 

Mother nodded. 

Father said, "Alexandria, I believe this is yours." as he came back into the room. He handed me the black cloth with the orb. 

"Thank you father." 

"What's that Alexandria?" mother asked. 

"It's one of the orbs. There is another one in my bag that Peter has" I said. 

"Are they what I think they are?" mother asked. I nodded. 

"Can you use them?" she asked. 

"I think so. Can't you mother?" 

"No, only someone with the gift of visions can use them. What did you see when you used them?" mother asked. 

"I saw past battles and I saw someone making some sort of a deal but I couldn't see their faces." I said. 

There was a knock at the door. Father went to the door and I heard him talking to someone who handed him something. Father closed the door. 

"Alexandria, I hope you don't mind but I had someone bring you night clothes. I was hoping you would stay the night." father said. 

"I'd like that, Father. Were is flash?" 

"She's in your room." father said as he handed me the clothes. 

"I'll just go and get changed." I said.

I removed the shield and placed it with my sword next to my father's. Then I went to the bathroom. I had a quick wash. I could hear my parents talking. 

"She's just scared and overwhelmed Lucifer, just give her time but I'm certain that she knows what she's talking about." 

"I know Melissa. I'm just scared of loosing her! On top of that, you know what my father's like. I'm not sure if he will accept her. He doesn't believe that she can handle her powers." 

"How can you possibly know that when she hasn't even got her powers yet? Do you trust her?" mother asked. 

"Yes I do with all my heart but it's my father I worry about because they will need to meet at some point." 

I changed into the nightdress that father had given me and went back into their room. Mother and father stopped talking when I entered. The night dress was a little reviling, but I wasn't caring. 

"So what else can you tell me about the orbs mother?" 

"What do you know?" she asked. I sat down on the bed next to her. "Not a lot. Just that they contain the whereabouts of the mystics and that only a member of the royal family may touch them." I said. 

She nodded. "When you unite all three orbs and place them in the alter of the dammed you can realise and control the army of the dammed." mother said. 

"The army of the dammed?" I asked. 

"Yes, that's my father's army. He can't use them until they're released." father said. 

"When can I meet your father?" 

Mother looked at father. 

"I'm not sure that would be a good idea. As you know, he thinks that you're too powerful." father said. 

I nodded. Father sat down next to me and slid his arm around my shoulder. When he did I felt a twinge in my stomach. I had seen the vision before. 

I ran into fathers room the corridors were on fire. "Father!" I shouted as I went into his room. 

"He's not here." a voice said. The person turned around, it was Gabriel. 

"Where is he?" I said. 

"Not here!" he said. He balled up his fist and punched me in the face and everything went black. 

"Alexandria", mother said looking concerned. 

"I'm fine mother, just a vision." 

"What did you see?" father asked. 

"Remember the vision I had some time ago about the castle going up in flames?" 

Father nodded. 

"It was the same one.", I said. 

"Was there anything different this time?" father asked. 

I looked at him. "Just one thing. Remember that I said it was you that was knocked out by Gabriel?" 

Father nodded. 

"This time it was me." I said. 

Father looked like he was about to faint. 

"Are you sure?" mother asked. 

I nodded. 

"Is this vision for certain?" father said. 

"It's the third-" I stopped. 

"Third?!" father nearly shouted. Father looked at me. It looked like he was going to go through me. 

"When did you see this the second time?" father yelled at me. 

"Some time ago. I didn't say anything because I thought it would pass." I said. 

"When you see something more than once you can be certain that it will happen, this much I do know about visions." mother said. 

Father was pacing the room in a temper. Mother got up and calmed him down. 

"I'm sorry Alexandria, but please understand, I'm scared that something might happen to you!" father said. 

"Father please don't worry I'll be fine." 

I went over and gave him a hug. 

"Why don't we get some rest?" mother said. 

We both nodded. Mother and I laid down in the bed father climbed in behind me he cuddled up to me and my mother. Before I fell asleep father brushed my hair back and whispered in my ear, "I love you Alexandria. I just don't want anything bad to happen to you." 

I turned round and whispered back. "Don't worry father. I had another vision. I saw Peter and I getting married and having a child." 

"When did you have this?" he asked. 

"When we went to James and Sarah's." I said smiling. 

"Did you give birth to a boy or a girl?" 

I whispered the answer in his ear, and he hugged me very tightly.

"Can we get some sleep please?" mother said.

Both father and I laughed. I fell asleep with father's arms around me and mother in front of me. I felt like I was home. 

A knock on the door woke both father and I. Father said, "Enter!" 

The door opened, I could hear Alexander whispering, "My lord, I'm sorry to wake you but we're ready to move out when you're ready." Father nodded. 

"Alexandria, wake up! We need to go get your armour." 

"okay I'm up." 

I went to the bathroom to get changed. I tied my hair up and came back out "where's my armour father?" 

"It's here your highness.", Alexander said as he handed me my armour. I strapped it on quickly I pulled on the shield as well as my sword. Alexander handed me my helmet. 

Alexander said, "She looks quite the warrior my lord. Just like you, she's defiantly your daughter." 

"I wish she looked more like my daughter!" mother said. 

"Now where would the fun be in that mother?" 

Mother just put her eyes to the ceiling and Father bent down to kiss her, 

"We wont be long" he said. 

Mother nodded and said, "Look after our daughter" 




Blood and Ice Ch. 14



Father nodded and we headed down to the stables. Spirit was ready for me to mount. After mounting, I put my helmet on. 

Peter rode up beside me, "Lex?" 

"Yes Peter?" 

He pulled up close to me he leaned in and gave me a kiss. 

"I missed you last night I just hope after we marry that you won't be letting our bed grow cold." 

"Don't worry! After we marry we won't be out of bed for the first few months!" I whispered back. 

"I look forward to that!" he said as he kissed me again. 

"Could you two love birds keep a lid on it please?" father said. 

I giggled. 

"Do you know where the grounds are?" father asked. 

Peter nodded. "Very well Peter lead the way if you will." 

Peter nodded and went to the head of the council. I rode beside him with father on my other side. 

Father whispered "so tell me when do you conceive?" 

"It's not until after we marry, but don't say anything to Peter. He doesn't know I told you." 

Father nodded but no matter what I said he couldn't stop smiling. 

"What's he so happy about?" Peter asked. 

"You got me!" I said. 

It took us a good couple of hours to reach the light raiders execution grounds. We hid the horses in the trees and journeyed to the top of the hill. The grounds looked empty. Normally they would be hiving with light raiders. 

"Where are the light raiders? They should be here." I said. 

"I don't know, but I don't trust them." father said. 

Father, Peter, and I approached with caution. We got to the gates, they were still open from the last time we were here. Blood was still covering the floor but still there were no light raiders about. The rest of the council were waiting at the top of the hill for any sign of trouble. 

"So, where do you think this armour is Lex?" Peter asked. 

"I'm not sure, but I think we should start with the prisoner cells." 

Father and Peter both nodded. We went down to the prisoner cells. 

"How far do they go down?" I asked. 

"I'm not sure." father said. 

"Right, we go down as far as we can and take it from there." 

We headed to where father was held. I took a torch from the wall and headed down into the belly of the beast. We kept on going down and down. We must have been walking for two or three hours. 

"Is there no end to these stairs?" Peter said. 

"Peter quit your winning." I said. 

Just as he said that, the stairs evened out. At the end of the corridor there was a very high door with a very strange lock at the bottom of it. It was long and instead of numbers there were letters that could be turned. There were enough to spell out a sentence. 

"What do we do now?" father asked. 

"We have to figure out the lock. It's difficult, but not impossible." I said as I saw the look on my father face. 

"And just how, exactly, will we figure out the lock?" Peter asked. 

I sat my torch down and placed my hand on the lock. When I did I saw my grandfather. He showed me the answer to the lock. I turned each digit until I spelled out "Things are never what they seem." As I turned the last letter into place the lock spun and clicked and fell to the floor. 

"How did you do that?" father asked. 

"It seems as if grandfather was the one who set the lock up." 

"Your mothers father?" father asked. I nodded. 

"Help me with this door." I said. 

Father and Peter helped me open the door with great difficulty. The door opened up to a large room that looked exactly like the one we found the shield in. We walked in. 

"Okay, just were exactly is the armour?" Peter said. 

"In this room somewhere." I said. I walked up to the table. 

"Do you have a small knife?" I asked Peter. he handed me a small knife. I sliced my hand and dripped the blood over the table. The table spun and opened. The armour and the orb came out of the table. I removed my armour and put on the armour of shadow. 

Then I placed my hands on the orb. I felt like I was flying I saw the black temple that I first went to. I passed over it, it took me to a forest. There was a small black temple there. I went into the temple. In the main room there was a man standing on a platform. He turned around and spoke. 

"If you are seeing this I'm sorry that I never got to know you my granddaughter. I wish I could see you become the most powerful shadow raider but I know that in my heart that you will find this with out any problems. My only regret is that I never found the sword. No one ever has.I only ever the armour, but I know that you will find them. This place that your seeing is one of the portals to the over side. I know that you will find the sword; it's your destiny!" 

"Alexandria are you okay?", father asked as I came out of the vision. 

"I'm fine Grandfather showed me a portal to the other side, what ever that is." I said. 

I looked at father. 

"The other side is where my father is. There are a few portals to get to where he is. Where was the one you saw?" father asked. 

"It was in the middle of the forest. What do you mean by the other side father?" I asked. 

"You will know when you meet my father. I can't tell you" father said. 

I looked at father. 

"Why not?" 

"My father insists that you don't know the truth until your ready to know. As he's still alive I have to obey him, he is my father after all." 

"Your father must be truly terrifying as I've never seen or heard of you taking orders from anyone!" 

Father just shrugged his shoulders. 

"Let's get out of here before the light raiders get here!" Peter said. 

Father and I both nodded. We headed out of the execution grounds. We went to where we had the horses. As we were mounting them the rest of the council came running up. 

"Any trouble my lord?" Alexander asked. 

"No, nothing! I'm surprised at that!" father said. 

Father rode up beside me and put his hand on my shoulder. 

"Alexandria was right. The armour was there!" father said. 

"Come on father we better get back before mother starts to worry" 

Father nodded as we set off and headed towards the castle. It wasn't until we got to the castle we knew something was wrong. All the lights were off and there wasn't a guard in sight. 

"Father, something wrong!" 

We all stopped. 

"What do you mean Alexandria?" father asked. 

"Something isn't right. All the lights are off and do you see any guard on duty?" 

Father looked. "Your right, something is wrong." 

Father said he was about to charge in. I managed to grab him before he did. 

"Father wait! We need to think before we go in." 

Father shouted at me, "Alexandria let me go now! I'm not loosing your mother again!" 

"Father, be reasonable. Do you honestly think I will let anything happen to mother? If you rush in you will give them a reason to harm her we need to think about how to tackle this." I shouted back.

But father wasn't having any of it. This called for drastic measures. Father took off on his horse I sped after him. As I did I slid my feet out of the stirrups, pushed my self up, let go of the reins, and when I was level with my father I jumped off my horse and knocked him off of his. We rolled over onto the ground I managed to pin him down. 

"You listen to me! If you go in there you condemn them all to death, mother included is that what you want?" 

I looked in to his eyes. 

"Get off of me Alexandria!" 

"Not until you see that if you go in there without a plan that you will kill them all. You know as well as I do that if you go in there that Gabriel will take great pleasure in killing them, mother included!" I shouted into his face. 

"Your right. But I don't want to loose your mother again. I couldn't face loosing her again!" 

"If I let you up will you cool down? Save your energy and your rage for the people who really need it" 

Father nodded. I got up and off him. The horses had run to the stables. Father stood up. 

"So what's the plan?" he asked. 

"Simple we walk into the trap and then bargain with them." 

"We don't have anything to bargain with though." 

"Yes we do now lets get going father." 

He nodded and the rest of the council got off of their horses and gathered round. I told everyone of my plan. They all nodded and agreed to it.

We set off to the stables and put the remainder of the horses in the stables and headed up to the throne room. 

I saw mother sitting on one of the thrones she looked over at as and tried to shout but she had obviously been gagged and tied to the throne, as she couldn't move.

Father rushed over to untie her. Before he could he was stopped by Gabriel. 

"What's your rush Lucifer. I kind of like her that way." 

"Let her go now or suffer the consequences."

"And what would they be exactly?" Gabriel said. 

"Do you know that we know the location of the sword of shadows?" father asked.

Gabriel looked at him. "How is that possible, we've been searching for nearly a thousand years for the sword." 

"Tell you what Gabriel why don't we make a deal?" 

"What kind of deal?" 

"If you leave the castle and everyone in it I will give you the location of the sword." 

Gabriel looked at my father then at me. 

"There's only thing that I really want." Gabriel drew his sword and pushed it to my mothers throat. 

"Your choice Lucifer. Your wife or your daughter." 

He wasn't expecting that. I had no choice, I had to intervene. I stepped forward 

"If you let my mother go I will go with you Gabriel, but you have to swear never to touch my mother or father again." 

Gabriel nodded. "I can accept that is it a deal then?" 

"No Alexandria! Don't do this." 

"Father, I'm doing this! End of story." I said as I walked forward and stood next to Gabriel.

He got one of his men to tie my hands together as they released my mother, father grabbed mother and told Alexander to get her out of the castle. 

"Now we will leave you alone with your wife. I will send word of your daughters execution, just so you can watch her die." Gabriel said as he pulled the rope that was binding me and handed me to his father. 

"Take her to our camp and make sure she doesn't escape." he said. 

His father nodded and pulled on the rope. I followed him, he took me down to the stables. He mounted his horse and someone put me behind him and tied me to him. I could smell him. It smelt like he had never taken a shower before. 

"Don't you ever wash?" I shouted at him. 

"Be quiet or I will silence you!" he shouted back.

He dug his heels into the horse and sped off with me on the back. I looked back at the castle where I had been born and wondered if I would ever see it again.

I don't know how long I was on the back of his horse but I was glad to get off of it. He had brought me to a large clearing. There were tents scattered everywhere. There was a large pole next to one of the tents. It looked like it was for tying the horses up. He untied me and let me slid from the horse. He was very quick getting off the horse. He pulled me over to the pole and tied me to the pole. He gave me enough length to sit and walk around the pole. 

"So how dose it feel to be the one on the lead for a change?" he asked me. 

"Bear in mind that you did not capture me. I went of my own free will." 

"It doesn't matter. You're our prisoner now and you will pay for what you did to the princess!" 

"Your still holding that against me, how pathetic." 

He slapped me across the face. "I may be pathetic but am no murderer." He said as he walked away from me I sat down on the ground.

As I did I could hear the thunder of hoofs, then Gabriel walked over to me. 

"Stand up!" he said to me. 

"I don't take orders from you." 

He reached down grabbed the rope and pulled me to my feet. 

"You have two options. Turn to us and we will give you and honourable death or we will make you suffer in pain and agony the same way that Jess did." 

He looked into my eyes. I turned my head then back again then spat in his face. 

"I will never betray my father and mother." 

"Pain and agony it is then. Prepare to move out to the cave." 

The rest of his men started to cheer. They left me to sleep out in the cold. I waited until they all went to there tents. Because I was near Gabriel's tent they didn't keep a guard on me. Little did they know that I still had Peter's small knife in my pocket. 

I pulled it out and started to cut though the rope. It didn't take long to get through the rope. I quickly got to my feet and ran as quietly as I could. I knew that I had to put distance between me and the light raiders. My problem was that I had no idea where I was, but I ran none the less. I could see lights in the distance.

I was in luck, it was the village that James and Sarah lived in. I ran at least hoping to get to the graveyard. I never stopped running by the time I got to James and Sarah's. James was just getting into his car when I came running in 

"James!" I shouted. 

I ran into his arms. "Shh, its okay, get inside." he said as he guided me inside the house. 

"Look who turned up." he said.

I looked around the room. Father was there with Alexander and mother. 

"Alexandria!!", father rushed over and gave me a bone crushing hug. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" father asked. 

"Father I'm fine. They didn't hurt me but we need to go as they will be coming after me as soon as they realise I'm not there." 

"She's right Lucifer. We need to go." mother said.

"Are you armed Alexandria?" father asked. 

I shook my head. He handed me my sword and shield that I had left on Spirit. 

"Thank you father. Do you have Spirit?" 

"Yes. Alexander, you get Melissa back to the castle. Alexandria and I will protect you at either side." 

Father turned to James. "My apologies for interrupting your life James." 

"It's an honour my lord. Just think of this house as a safe house for shadow raiders." James said. 

Father nodded, we went outside, and I mounted Spirit. Alexander got behind my mother and took off. I rode to his right father to his left. It wasn't long before the light raiders appeared. They surrounded us. 

Gabriel came after me but I was ready for him. I swung my sword, I didn't injure him but I winded him enough to cause him to fall off his horse. We were completely surrounded. I had though that we might loose them in the forest, but they were relentless. We got through the forest and onto a flat plain of grass. That's when we knew we were surrounded. 

"Give it up Lucifer you're beaten." Gabriel said. 

"I don't think so Gabriel!" I said.

"Tell me how is it that every time we have you pinned to the corner you escape." he asked me. 

"That's my secret, one you'll never find out." I said. 

"We will see about that!" As he said that, Gabriel charged at me. 

However, father intercepted the blow with his sword. When father did this the strangest thing happened. A voice in my ear told me to get off of my horse and face Gabriel.

"Father, let him through. Let's see if he can kill me or if he's as weak as I think he is." 

Father looked at me. He seemed very confused but he saw something in my eyes that told him that I knew what I was doing. He pulled his horse back to where Alexander and my mother were. I could hear them whispering. 

"So! come on then since your such a big man!" I said. 

He looked at me. He seemed to be very confused. He dismounted and faced me. 

"The offer I gave you still stands. All you have to do is say that you convert and it will all be over with." Gabriel said. 

"And like I told you Gabriel, I will never betray my mother and father. What part of that are you having trouble with, or are you just stupid?" I said. 

I could hear father and the council laugh at that.

I could see him getting angry. He lunged at me with his sword. I just stood out of the way. He stumbled forward and fell to the ground. He stood up. I don't know what made me do this, but I did it anyway. 

I threw my hand forward at him and from the palms of my hands pure black shadows were thrown at him. It threw him about twelve feet. He got to his feet. He was in shock! 

"What the hell are you?" he shouted at me.

Before I could do anything he was on his horse and away, along with his men. What was I? It was a good question. One I didn't have the answer to, but soon I would have all the answers I needed.



Blood and Ice Ch. 15



 Chapter Fifteen: The Black Castle

We headed back to the castle. Nothing was said. We got back and realised everyone had been silent. 

Peter pulled me into a hug, "Are you okay? I was worried!" 

"I'm fine Peter, are you?" 

He nodded, we kissed, and he slid his arms around me and started to kiss deeply sliding his tongue in my mouth. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I broke away from Peter and turned around to see who it was. It was father. 

"We need to talk. Will you excuse us Peter?" 

Peter nodded, gave me a quick kiss and said, "I'll see you later Lex." 

I followed father up to his and mothers room. I went in and sat on the bed. Father came in after me and locked the door. 

"What's wrong father?" 

"I think that your powers are maturing. Tell me what happened today with Gabriel." 

I explained everything to father. 

"It sounds like it all right." he said. 

"I don't understand. What's happening father?"

"Your powers are surfacing so that you can have full access to them. It will take a while and I will have to give you specialized training to help you deal with these new powers." 

"Do you have powers father?" 

"Yes, but I'm not as powerful as you." 

"What can you do?" I asked. 

"You see that chest of drawers, the one by the window?" 

I nodded. 

"Keep your eye on it." 

I gave him a puzzled look, but I looked at the chest of drawers anyway. 

Father brought his hand up and pulled it down slowly and ever so slowly the chest started to move. It took father a while but eventually he managed to move it about two feet. 

"Larger objects take a lot to move. Why don't you have a go." 

He moved the chest back by pushing back.

"What I want you to do is picture the chest in your mind and picture the chest where you want it to be. Then take your hand and grab it then pull it. Go on, give it a go." 

I turned to the chest and did what father said. But, I pulled a little too hard and the chest of drawers went flying out of the window with a crash. 

"Oops!, I didn't mean to do that father." 

Father was killing him self with laughter. 

"Do you want to go after it?" I asked.

Father shook his head. There was a knock at the door. Father opened the door and mother and Alexander came in. 

"Lucifer what happened to the window?" mother asked. 

Father and I looked at each other and burst out laughing. 

"What is so funny?" mother asked. 

"Mother, why don't you have a look out the window and then you might see what's funny." 

Mother and Alexander looked at each other. Alexander just shrugged his shoulders and they both went over to the window. 

"My lord! Is that your clothes all over the grounds?" Alexander asked. 

"Yes Alexander, I was teaching Alexandria something and she had an accident that threw the chest of drawers out of the window." father said. 

"Do you want it cleaned up my lord?" he asked. 

"Yes, and also could you get someone to fix the window please?" 

Alexander was already out of the room. 

"Lucifer please don't teach our daughter in our room. She'll break things." mother said. 

"Don't worry. I'm having a room being readied as we speak Melissa." 

"Do you mind if I go and get something to eat father?" 

"No I don't, I will come and find you when the room is ready but keep practising and don't worry if you break something." 

I headed down to the food hall. Peter was there with Damien and Michael. I sat down next to Peter. 

"What was your father after?" Peter asked. 

"You see the water jug. Keep your eye on it."

I said they all looked. I concentrated on the jug not moving my hand to quickly it started to move then it shot across the table and hit Damien square in the face drenching him in water. 

Michael and Peter fell about with laughter. I went over to Damien. 

"Are you okay Damien?" 

"I'm fine since when could you do that?" he asked me. 

"Father just showed me. I put his chest of drawers out through the window."

All three fell over with laughter. They calmed down when father and mother came in. 

"Damien, why are you covered in water?" mother asked. 

"That was my fault, mother, I tried to move a jug of water and it covered him instead." 

Peter was giggling with laughter. 

"This is going to be an interesting time in the castle. I think were all going to have to learn how to duck." father said with a smile. 

Alexander approached father. "My lord, the room you requested is ready and I have someone fixing the window and your chest of drawers is back in your room." he said with a smile on his face. He turned to Damien, "I don't think I need to ask what happened Damien." 

Damien responded, "Thank you Alexander." 

Father turned to me. "When you're finished your meal, meet me on the fifth floor." 

"Which room father?" 

"Don't worry there's only one door." father said as he left.

I finished my food and headed up to the fifth floor. There was a door at the far end of the hall. I opened it and went in. It was a large room with no windows. Thank heavens there were swords lining the walls with a wooden pole in the middle of the room.  

"Father?" I said to the room. 

"Come in Alexandria!" 

I walked in and father was standing next to the pole. 

"What is this room for father?" 

"This room is used for training people with powers like yours, although we've never trained someone with your level of powers before." 

"Are my powers only to move things father?" 

"I'll be honest with you. I don't honestly know." 

"So what are we doing?" 

"For the moment we will concentrate on moving things. Do you see that wooden box? Try and move it for me." father said. 

So I concentrated and pulled my hand down the next thing I knew the box came flying at father. Luckily he ducked and the box hit the wall and shattered against the wall. 

"I'm never going to get the hang of this, will I father?"

"Don't worry Alexandria, it took me twenty years to learn to control my power." 

I looked at the shards of the box. I thought of trying something I imagined the box before I broke it, I lifted both of my hands, I could feel father looking at me but I paid no attention.

I closed my eyes to concentrate on what I was doing I made a twisting movement with my hands then I lowered my hands. I opened my eyes and the box was fixed! I couldn't believe it. 

"How did you do that Alexandria?" father asked. 

"I don't know, it was a feeling I just went with it." I said. 

Father looked at me. "If you get these feelings again, just go with them okay?" 

I nodded, I spent the rest of the day with father moving the box. I had to fix it quite a few times, but by the time dinner came I could move the box without breaking it. 

"Meet me here the same time tomorrow okay?" 

"Okay father." as I walked out the door I went to my room to get a wash before dinner. 

I was met by flash. She nearly knocked me to the ground. I washed, changed, and went down to the food hall with flash at my heels. I sat down next to mother. 

"Where is your father?" she asked me. 

"I'm not sure I last saw him in the training room." 

"So when are you going to sit down and plan your wedding?" mother asked. 

"Mother, at the moment, it's the last thing on my mind. I'm just far to busy with sword practice and now father's got more training for me." 

"You could drop the sword practice." mother said. 

"Not a chance. If I did Gabriel would be able to get the upper hand and I'm not letting him do that." 

Mother turned to Alexander. "Will you make her see sense!" 

I looked over at him. "Actually, I think that she is right. She needs all the practice she can get. A lot of us think she's not getting enough practice my lady." 

Mother looked like she was going to blow the roof off. Father walked in just at the right moment. 

"Will you tell your daughter that she needs to start planning her wedding? Otherwise it won't happen!" she yelled at father. 

"No! As you know she's going against Gabriel and needs all the practice she can get. Which reminds me Alexandria, meet me in the training hall after dinner and dress appropriately for sword practice." father said. 

"When will you learn that she's a female. She shouldn't fight!" mother shouted. 

I stood up. "Mother, answer me one question. Can those who don't use swords still die upon them if an enemy attacks you?" 

Every one in the room looked at me stunned. Mother glared at me. "Of course they can!" she said. 

"Then would it not be in my favour to learn how to use a sword to defend my self? If it hasn't accrued to you, I'm the light raiders number one target at the moment." 

"I just don't like the idea of you risking your life when we can defend you." mother said. 

I turned to every one in the room. 

"Hands up, who has actually managed to knock me on my ass?" I asked. No one put their hands up. 

Mother looked at father, "Surely you have Lucifer" mother said. 

"No, actually I haven't." father said. 

"Now, hands up who I've managed to knock on their ass." I said. 

Every one put there hands up including father. 

"Thank you! Now do you see that I can defend my self mother?" I said. 

Mother didn't say anything. She just went back to her food. Father just shrugged his shoulders. I left the hall and went to my room to change into my shorts and t-shirt. I went down to the training room. Father was there with Peter, Damien, Michael and my mother. 

I tied my hair back drew my sword and faced my father without warning, father lunged at me with his full strength but I blocked him with ease. We danced around each other clashing swords as we went. I saw my chance! I slid my sword in his hilt and twisted. He let a yelp of pain but this time I didn't wrench the sword from him. 

I pulled his arm around his back tripped him up so he landed on his face and put my weight on his back and pushed my sword to his throat. Mother looked like someone had just slapped her. I released father, stood, and gave him his sword back. 

"Where did you learn that?" mother asked. 

I shrugged my shoulders, "I didn't, it's just instinct. There's a few things I've never been taught but I know how to do them with ease." I said. 

Mother looked at father. "She must get that from your side, defiantly not mine! All the woman on my side never fought." mother said. 

I stuck my tongue out at my mother. 

"You know as well as I do Melissa that I would have taught her how to fight at some point." father said. 

As he said this I got a twinge in my stomach. It felt like I was flying. I could see a black castle. It sat in the middle of flat grassy plains with a sky of fire. I was taken into the castle into the throne room. Gabriel and his men were there. They had filled the room. Gabriel was talking to a man who was bound to the throne.

"Gabriel, what are you doing here? You have no right!" the man was shouting. 

"I have every right Luke, after the havoc your son has caused and now your granddaughter. Tell me what powers does she have? I'm very interested in her." Gabriel said. 

"I would never betray my family!" he spat back at him. 

Gabriel turned to his men. "Is the castle secure?" he asked. 

"It is my lord." one of his men said. 

"Very good now we just wait until Lucifer comes running to your rescue." Gabriel said. 

The man on the throne looked up at me and shouted to me, "Warn him, tell him not to come, it's a trap." 

Gabriel looked at me. "What the hell are you shouting at there's nothing there!" 

He obviously couldn't see me. 

"Things aren't always what they seem Gabriel." he said back to him.

I felt the air rush. I opened my eyes and I was on my back on the floor of the training hall. I sat up. Father and the rest of the people who were there crowed round. 

"Alexandria are you okay?" father asked. 

"I'm fine father, it was a vision." 

"What did you see?" mother asked. 

I looked at my father I knew then who the man in the throne was. 

"You're not going to like it father." 

"Look, what ever it is we'll deal with it." father said. 

"I will tell you on one condition father, that you don't hit the roof." I said.

"I promise I won't hit the roof Alexandria." father said. 

I took a deep breath before I told him.

"Gabriel has taken over your fathers castle and he's holding him hostage waiting for you. He is going to spring a trap on you to get to me." I said. 

I waited for father to explode but it never came. 

"Are you sure Alexandria?" father asked. 

"It was a man called Luke and you look a lot like him father, but the weirdest thing was when I was in the vision he could see me but Gabriel couldn't." 

"Did he say anything?" father asked. 

"Yes he told me to warn you not to go to his rescue that it was a trap and also Gabriel was trying to get information out of your father." I said. 

"What information?" father asked. 

"What my powers are, but how could your father know that?" I asked. 

"My father can see powers It's what his power is. Did he tell Gabriel?" father asked. 

"No, he said that he would never betray his family!"

Father nodded. "Alexander convene the council immediately." father said. 

Alexander left to get the council together. Father slid his arm around me and guided me to the council hall. 

"Alexandria, I need to ask a favour of you." father said as we entered the council hall. 

"Anything father." 

"I need you by my side for this fight as you're our strongest fighter." 

"Father you know I wouldn't have it any other way. Even if you didn't ask me you know I would go regardless." 

"You have a strength in you that a lot of men have prayed to have. You're fearless in the face of death! I'm very proud to be your father." father said as he pulled me into a hug as the rest of the council arrived. 

I sat next to my father as we planned our attack on my grandfather's castle. 

Mother, of course, wasn't happy about me going.

"Why does she have to go? You say it's dangerous. What can she do that someone else can't." she said. 

By this point I'd had enough of mother and her complaining.

"Mother, what is the problem?" I asked her. 

"I don't want you to go." 

"Tell me mother, when father was imprisoned and you were in hiding and the king of the light raiders came after me who was there to protect me?" I asked her. 

She quietened down. "I don't know." she said. 

"No one he grabbed me and could have killed me with ease, as Damien was busy, I killed him before I had any training. I can defend my self. I will be going with father and I would appreciate that you don't make life difficult for us. This is hard enough on father as it is." 

Mother just hung her head and didn't say anything else. 

"It was you who killed the king of the light raiders?" father asked. 

"It was, yeah. I was on my way to Eithidan the night that I found out who I really was. He knocked me off Spirit and grabbed me. I stabbed him with my sword and killed him. It was accidental, but I killed him." 

"I heard that he was killed, but I never knew who did it." father said, smiling me. 

We finalised the plan, then father ordered us to go to bed and rest. I headed to my room. Peter had been told to spend the night in his own room as father needed me well rested. He wasn't very happy at that but he would never disobey my father. 

I was woken in the morning by Alexander, with a tray of food. He told me that father wanted me ready to leave in an hour. I ate the food, got washed, and I was pulling on my armour when Peter came in. 

"Morning Lex, sleep okay?" he asked as he sat on the bed. 

He was already in his armour. "I did but I missed you." 

"I missed you too, Lex." he said as he pulled me into a hug and kissed me on the cheek. 

"Peter, it's not that I don't love you or don't want to marry you but I think we should postpone the wedding until after the final battle." I said. 

"Funny that my dad was saying the same thing and I was going to speak to you after this business with your grandfather was sorted out. But I think you're right. We should wait." he said as he pulled me into a deep kiss. 

"Ahem!" someone said. 

I turned round, it was mother. "Yes mother?" 

"Alexandria please, I'm begging you don't go." 

"Mother when will you realise that I choose this life and I can defend my self. On top of that, I would never turn my back on father." I said as I strapped my sword, picked up my shield, and fixed it over my back. 

I tied my hair and grabbed my helmet. 

"If you must learn the hard way so be it. Nothing good ever comes from fighting." mother said. 

"Sometimes we have to do things we don't like. For the good of the clan, we do them. I don't like fighting, but it's necessary! If we didn't we would be destroyed I have to go and meet father." 

"Peter please protect her." she said. 

"My lady, as we have tried to tell you, she doesn't need protecting" Peter said. 

Mother just nodded and left. 

"We better get going before father blows a gasket." I said. 

Peter nodded, followed me out of the room, and down to the stable. Only Drake and a few others were staying behind to protect mother. Spirit was ready when I got to the stable. He was wearing armour over his face and chest. 

"Where did that come from father?" 

"We have armour for the horses when we go into a battle to protect them as they are sacred to us." he said. 

I just shrugged my shoulders. Peter held my helmet. I mounted Spirit. When I was in the saddle Peter handed me my helmet. Then he went to mount his own horse. I rode over to where father was as I would be riding with him and the council. Peter would be behind us. 

"Do you know the plan Alexandria?" father asked. 

"Yes father, I do." 

"Very well, let's move." father shouted as he dug his heels into his horse. 

I rode off with him. I followed him into the middle of the grounds of the castle he turned his horse sharply and dug his heels even more. I didn't see what he did but he opened a portal to where his father was. I saw the black castle on the other side. 

I dug my heels as my father explained what it was and what I had to do to make the jump. Spirit jumped and I closed my eyes it felt like I was being pulled in every direction and it was getting difficult to breath when it stopped. I opened my eyes I saw the black castle underneath the sky of fire. 

Father rode over to me. "Are you okay Alexandria?" he asked. 

"I'm fine father but where are we?" I asked. 

"You will find out, just concentrate on the mission" 

I nodded. We waited for the rest of the council to make the jump. When they did we made our first wave of attack on Gabriel's men, the ones outside were our first target.

I drew my sword when father gave us the signal we rode full pelt towards them. I didn't care who they were I swung my sword at them I hit a few when I was on Spirit. 

When I got closer to the castle I got off of Spirit and ran at the men guarding the door. Father was right beside me. I didn't care who I was hitting as long as it was a light raider. 

As father and I made our way into the castle Peter and the rest of the men were just making the jump to mop up the stragglers. Father and I pushed our way to the throne room. Gabriel and his best men were there. 

"Well you don't cease to amaze me Lucifer. It didn't take you long getting here." Gabriel said.

Gabriel's father made a move to kill my father, but I intercepted his blow. Before I noticed we were locked into a close duel, walking round in a circle. I was waiting for the right moment. It didn't take long before I got it. I slid my sword in his hilt twisting his arm around his back throwing him down to the floor. 

I pulled his head back and was about to silt his throat when father shouted at me to stop. I did. But I held the knife there I looked at Gabriel. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 15



"release my father, or we will kill yours." father said. 

"I don't believe that he would." Gabriel said. I looked at father. 

"Very well, you give me no choice." father said. 

He nodded at me I pulled my knife and slit his throat and stood up facing Gabriel. He looked like he was going to vomit. 

"How could you?" he said. 

"Come now Gabriel, do you honestly think that one of my men would disobey me?" he said. 

I could see Gabriel getting worked up by this time. Peter and the rest of the council had arrived in the throne room. 

"Fine! You say your men would do anything you say. I want a duel with the one who just killed my father." Gabriel said. Father looked at me. I nodded. 

"Very well you will have your duel, but be warned! If any of your men step in the rest of my men will and I will do nothing to stop them. What they do is entirely up to them." father said. 

"Fine if your man wins we will leave and if we win I want your daughter." 

"Lucifer no! He will kill her!" the man on the throne shouted at father. 

"Father, don't worry. I have everything under control. But tell me Gabriel, how long will it be before she embarrasses you again? I believe it only took her three hours to escape from you. How embarrassing! You out smarted by a teenager. My, my what has happened to you?" father said, as the men cracked up with laughter. 

"I assure you that when I get my hands on her I will kill her instantly this time." Gabriel said through gritted teeth. 

"You mean if you win against my man." father said. 

"Enough of this! I want his blood. It's the first one to knock the other one out although I will kill your man." Gabriel said as he stood forward drawing his sword. 

I looked at father, he nodded so I stepped forward I took the shield off my back just encase I needed it. Gabriel was getting impatient and lunged crazily at me. 

I blocked him easily with my shield I pushed the shield into his stomach and threw him off of me. I took the shield and threw it at Gabriel. It hit him in the chest sending him flying across the hall. Father laughed. 

Gabriel got up and lunged at me again. I slid my sword in easily and twisted I wrenched his sword away from him. I threw it up and caught it and pressed it to his throat and waited for fathers orders. 

"Do you consider your self beaten Gabriel?" father asked. 

"Yes I do we will leave." he said. 

"Be thankful I don't give the order to kill you." father said.

I looked at father he jerked his head back telling me to back off so I did. I stood next to father. Gabriel stood up. 

"Can I get my sword?" he asked.

I looked at father he nodded so I threw his sword at him, just missing his head and no more. 

"Let that be a warning, if you ever threaten my father again we will just kill you next time. Now get your men and get out of here." father said. 

Gabriel signalled his men. They picked up Gabriel's father and headed out of the castle. 

"Make sure they leave and that they don't go near the castle." he said to Alexander and Michael. 

"Yes my lord." They both said and left without question. 

Father went over to his father to untie him. 

"How could you bargain your daughter like that? What will Melissa say to that?" he was shouting at my father. 

"Melissa will never know and I knew we would win. He had no chance father." 

He wasn't going to give up that easily. 

"And have you forgotten how powerful your daughter is? What will she say when she finds out that her father tried to bargain her away? Think of what she would do to you Lucifer?" he yelled at my father. 

"Father she already knows. Nothing has happened to me." father said. 

I was picking up my shield when father beckoned me over to him. 

"Ah yes, my apologies, we owe you a lot you are a fearsome warrior and I've never seen anyone stand up to Gabriel like that." grandfather said to me. 

Then father spoke to me "why don't you take off your helmet." father said. 

"Yes, please do. I would like to see our saviour." grandfather said.

I removed my helmet and shook the hair from my face. 

"Father, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Alexandria." 

Grandfathers jaw hit the floor when he saw who I was. 

"This is your daughter?" grandfather said. 

"Yes so you can see why she's okay with being part of the deal." 

"Father, please don't tell mother as she will hit the roof." I said. 

"Don't worry I won't." father said. 

"But I don't understand. When I saw visions of your child she couldn't even hold a sword let alone do what I just saw." grandfather said. 

"If my mother had a chance she would have me like that." I said to grandfather. 

"Has she came into her powers yet?" he asked father. 

"She's just starting to father. She has visions and can move things but I think she will be able to do more in given time." father said. 

"Well from what I saw she's not the child from my visions, which means everything I saw mightn't come true!" grandfather said. 

"What did you see?" I asked. 

"I saw the light raider princess defeating you in the final battle, the shadow raiders loosing, and your father would return as a broken man, not able to take over so eventually this kingdom would be lost also." he said.

"Well then I would please you to know that both the light raider king and princess are dead. The light raider royal family doesn't exist any more." I said. 

"And how do you know this?" he asked me.

"Because I killed them both as well as Gabriel's brother. You saw me kill his father. And Gabriel's next." I said. 

"Is she telling me the truth?" grandfather asked father. 

"I witnessed her kill the princess and Gabriel's brother. My councilmen all swear that she was the one that killed the king." father said. 

"Could she be the one?" grandfather asked. 

"She already has two of the three mystics." At that grandfather got up off his throne and grabbed me. 

When he did I saw what I had been waiting for. 

"Alexandria are you okay?" father asked.

"Yes, just a vision" I said. 

"What did you see." grandfather said. 

"The exact location of the sword of shadows." I said.



Blood and Ice Ch. 16



Chapter Sixteen: The Quest For The Sword Of Shadows Part Three

"Are you sure?" grandfather said. 

"Very sure. It's defiantly the sword." I said. 

"How reliable are her visions?" grandfather asked father. 

"Father, do not underestimate her. She has successfully made me and Melissa look like idiots and a good few of my council men as well." 

"Very well, what do you need?" grandfather asked. 

"Father, I need the orbs. They're in my room. Can you get them?" 

Father nodded. "Do you need anything else?" father asked. I shook my head. 

"Very well. I won't be long father. Will you stay with Alexandria?" 

"I will Lucifer." grandfather said. 

Father headed out of the throne room. Some of the councilmen went with him. 

Peter walked up to me and hugged me and whispered in my ear. 

"You okay Lex?" 

I nodded and he kissed me. 

"Excuse me young man. What on earth do you think your doing?" 

"Relax grandfather, he's my fiancé." 

He didn't say anything but glared at Peter. 

"We will be leaving soon. Are you coming with us?" Peter asked. 

"No, I have to stay, but I will see you when I get back as I've really missed you." I pushed my self closer to Peter. 

"I've really missed you to Lex." he kissed me. 

Just as he did one of the men told him it was time to go. He broke away. 

"I'll see you soon Lex." giving me a kiss on the cheek as he went. 

I went after him. 

"Alexandria where are you going?" grandfather asked. 

"I need to find my horse grandfather." 

"I have people who do that." he said. 

"I'm sure you do, but I will find him my self." I said as I walked out. 

Grandfather ran after me. Spirit wasn't far. He had stayed near to where I got off him. When he saw me he walked over. 

"He's a beautiful horse, where did you get him?" grandfather asked. 

"He was given to me when I found out who I was. He's carried me through many struggles." I said. 

"For one so young you have been through a lot and yet you are unshaken by it. How have you stayed so steady? In all of my visions you crumbled under the pressure. It's why I told Lucifer never to have a child." he said. 

"Don't get me wrong, grandfather, I have had many opportunities to join the light raiders. Do you know why I didn't?" 

He shook his head. "Because as far as I'm concerned their evil. They tore my family apart, kept my father captive for eighteen years, and nearly destroyed our clan. I will never rest until Gabriel is dead and in the ground." 

As I said this grandfather looked deep into my eyes. "They really hurt you didn't they." he said. 

I nodded. 

"They will get what they deserve. I can see that you will never rest until they have gotten that. Can I ask you one thing though?" grandfather asked. 

"Sure, what?" I said. 

"Your forgiveness I judged you before knowing you and I now see that I was very wrong in my judgement." he said. 

"Of course anyone can make a mistake but just remember things aren't always what they seem." I said. 

Grandfather smiled when I said that. 

As I was mounting Spirit father made the jump and rode over to us. 

"Sorry I took so long, your mother was going mad that I went back without you." he said. 

"You did tell her that I was okay" 

"Of course, but you know what your mother's like. Are you coming with us father?" he said to grandfather. 

"Yes I will, just let me get my horse." he said as he walked away. 

Father handed me a large black cloth with the orbs inside. He also handed me my cloak. 

"I thought it might make carrying then easer." he said. 

I nodded as I put the cloak on and tucked the orbs away in the pocket. 

"Right! Which way Alexandria?" grandfather asked as he rode up and stood next to father and me. 

I turned Spirit round "Just follow me." I said as I dug my heels into Spirit he sped off at top speed. 

I could see father and grandfather follow me. I wasn't sure exactly where I was going but I trusted my instincts as father had told me to. We approached a forest, I was just over the edge of the forest when father yelled at me to stop. I did I turned to father. 

"What's wrong father?" 

Nether he nor grandfather would come any closer. 

"We can't go through there Alexandria." grandfather said. 

"Why?" I asked. 

"It's haunted." father said. 

"Well if you two girls won't go I will go on my own." I said as I turned and sped off.

I pushed Spirit on. I heard the thunder of hoofs. I assumed that father and grandfather had came so I just pushed on. I came to the end of the forest in front of me was a plain of grass as far as the eye could see. I heard my mobile ring in my cloak pocket. I answered it 

"yes?" I said. 

"Alexandria where are you?", it was father. 

"I'm on the other side of the forest are you coming?" I said. 

"But Alexandria, the forest is never ending. It drives people to madness." father said. 

"Well I'm standing on a plain of grass, defiantly not a forest." I said. 

"Very well. It seems that you must do this on your own as we won't get out of the forest. When you get the sword, head back to my father's castle. I will wait for you." father said. 

"Okay father, don't worry I'll be okay." As I hung up the phone and dug my heels into Spirit; in the far distance I could see a mountain that was where I was headed.

I had to stop a few times to let Spirit rest. It took me what felt like a few days to get to the mountain. I left Spirit at the base of the mountain and scouted around until I found what I was looking for. It took a few hours but I found it the opening. It was very small. 

There was just enough room for me to squeeze through. When I did, it opened to a cave lined with torches. I followed the cave. When I got to the end it didn't open up to a plain of grass like the other one did. It opened up to a volcano. In the middle of the volcano, suspended above the lava, was a black temple very similar to the first one I found. 

The only thing that was saving me from a very painful death was a very thin rope bridge. I pushed my fears aside and started to make my way across the bridge. I was shaking, terrified that the bridge would give way and I would fall, but it held. I took my time but eventually I got across the bridge. 

I opened the temple door with my blood. I walked in. The temple was surprisingly cold compared to the heat of the volcano. This temple was different from the others. In the middle of the room was a platform with a stone arch. Just before the arch was a sword set in a stone block. It was intertwined with vines.

Just before I reached the sword someone pressed a sword to my chest. For a heart stopping moment I thought it was Gabriel, but I looked the person who stopped me. It wasn't Gabriel. 

"What business do you have here?" he asked. 

I drew my sword. "I could ask you the same question. I removed my cloak as I had a feeling I would get caught. 

"So Gabriel has finally sent someone to get the sword. I wondered how long it would have been." he said. 

He obviously didn't know who I was. "I'm no light raider! Who are you?" 

"My name is Alexander. I'm the protector of this sword. If you're not a light raider, who are you then?" he asked me. 

"Do you know of Lucifer?" I asked .

"Yes, of course I do." 

"I'm his daughter!" 

"That is impossible! I don't believe you." he said as he lunged at me. 

I brought my shield up to block his blow; When I did I grabbed his arm and twisted sharply. He let out a yelp. I pushed him to the floor. 

"Do you believe me now?" I asked. 

"Let me up." he said. I let him up and he looked into my eyes. 

"I have been waiting for you take the sword, but only if you promise to kill Gabriel and realise me from this prison that I'm in." he said. 

"What do you mean?" I asked. 

"I made a deal. The deal was that I would never rest until Gabriel was killed. I was cursed into protecting the sword. Do you have the orbs?" he asked. 

"Yes I do." 

"Then you really are the one! When the final battle comes you must release the army!" he said. 

"What army?" I asked. 

"The army of the dammed. They will only answer to the master of shadows." he said.

"And how do I do that?" I asked. 

"Turn the three orbs into one. Now take the sword." he said. I stepped up. 

I placed my hands on the sword; instantly the vines that bound it fell away. I pulled the sword it eased out of the stone. I couldn't believe it. I had the sword in my hands. I looked at the sword there was what looked like shadows dancing along the blade.

"Now, I give you a warning. Everyone will want this sword, but you and only you can wield it." He said, as he handed me its scabbard.

I tied it around my waist and slid the sword into it. I picked up my grandfather's sword and slid it into its scabbard as well. 

"Do not worry, you will be free soon." I said. 

He nodded. I put my cloak back on and left the temple. I headed back over the bridge and back to where Spirit was. Before I mounted him I phoned my father. 

"Yes?" he answered. 

"Father, are you still at grandfathers castle?" I asked. 

"Yes Alexandria, I am. Are you on your way back?" he asked. 

"Yes father, I am." 

"Very well, we will be waiting for you." father said.

As I hung up the phone I mounted Spirit and headed back to grandfather's castle. It took me what felt like a few days getting there. When I reached the edge of the forest, father and grandfather were waiting for me. 

"Well did you get it?" grandfather asked. 

"I will tell you what happened when we get inside." I said. 

Father looked at me, but I never said anything. I didn't say anything until we were all in the throne room. I could see that they were both bursting to know if had got it or not. I sat down on grandfathers throne. 

"Could I possibly get food, I'm starving?" 

Grandfather yelled at someone to bring up food. 

"Come Alexandria, were dying to know. Did you get the sword?" father asked. 

I stood up and slid the sword out.

"Of course father, would I ever disappoint you?" 

Father and grandfather nearly hit the roof.

"I can't believe this. Where was it?" father asked. 

I explained where the sword was and who was there. Neither of them could believe it. I ate the food that was brought up for me. 

"So, when are we going back father?" I asked. 

"As soon as your ready to go." father said. 

"I'm ready now." I said. 

"Very well I will ready the horses." father said. 

Father left to get the horses ready for the jump. Grandfather put his arm around me; "please always remember that you are always welcome here! And when you're here, you will be under my protection." grandfather said. 

"Thank you grandfather." I said as I slid the sword of shadows into it's scabbard.

"I am very glad I lived long enough to see the master of shadows!" grandfather said. 

I went out to where father had the horses. I mounted Spirit and followed father the jump. This time wasn't as bad as the first, and before I knew it we were back home on the grounds of the castle. We slowed down to a walk. 

Alexander came riding out to meet us. "Ah my lord, I'm glad to see you both alive and unharmed." he said. 

"Alexander will you convene the council for me please?" father said. He nodded and left. 

We went in through the stables. Mother was waiting for us. As soon as I got down form Spirit mother was smothering me with hugs. 

"Mother! I'm fine! Now please get off of me before I suffocate." I said. 

Mother looked at father. "I don't understand I thought your father said he would kill her as soon he saw her." mother said. 

"He would have, only Alexandria wasn't what he expected! I will explain all at council." father said as he ushered me to the council hall. 

I sat down next to father, mother looked thoroughly confused. Father started to talk about the history of the sword of shadows, when mother interrupted him.

"Lucifer what has this got do with what happened. We all know the history of the sword and the fact that no one has ever found it." 

"Until now, Alexandria if you would." father said.

I undid the belt of the sword and placed it on the table. Everyone looked confused so I took the sword out of the scabbard and laid it on the table. It was then that every one knew what it was. 

"Is that what I think it is?" Alexander asked. 

"Yes, it is! It's the sword of shadows." I said. 

Everyone looked at me. 

"She really is the master of shadows!" Michael said. 

"She is, yes! Only the master of shadows could have found all three mystics. We now must start training for the final battle as you all know it has been said that only after the sword has been found that the final battle will take place." father said. 

Every one nodded. I strapped the sword back around my waist. Council didn't last much longer. Father had sent someone to get Lauren and the people that she had gathered since the final battle was just around the corner. 

Father intensified my training. I was only allowed five hours of sleep a day and food would be brought up. 

"I want you in the training room, now go and get changed and meet me there." Father said.

I nodded and went to my room to change, then to the training room. I had to wait for father to get there. I could hear my mothers protests as usual, but father just ignored them. 

"Right Alexandria, you know how to move things now I want you to control your weapons in the same way. I will attack you and I want you to move your sword with your mind okay?" he asked.

I just nodded. I drew the sword of shadows and placed in on the floor. When father lunged at me I commanded the sword to move and it did. It was attacking father. I was starting to get a hang of my powers. 

"Very good! Now throw it across the room at me.", father shouted.

So I did. I threw it at his head. If he hadn't have ducked it would have killed him. I pulled my fingers back and the sword came back to my hand with ease. 

"I'm impressed Alexandria. I'm glad your getting the hang of your powers quickly, as you may need them in the final battle. Go sleep, I will wake you when I need you to resume training." father said. 

I nodded and headed back to my room. When I got there I pulled out the orbs. Something in my mind told me to do this. I placed them on the bed. I lifted them into the air with my hands.

When I did I heard the door open and close again but I paid no attention to it. The orbs started to spin. I threw my hands together there was a flash of white light and instead of three orbs there was just one, bigger than all three. I let it fall back gently on to the bed. 

"How the hell did you do that?", it was mother and she had father in tow. 

"I don't know it just happened." I said. 

"But I don't understand. Why did three become one?" mother asked. Father looked at me. 

"Alexander told you to do something that you haven't told us didn't he?" father asked. 

I nodded. 

"I thought as much. Now get some sleep.", father said as he and mother left the room. 

I didn't bother getting changed. I just lay on top of the bed and went to sleep. I don't know how long I was asleep for, but something woke me up. I knew something was wrong. 

I changed into my jeans t-shirt trainers, I tied my hair. There was something wrong, I just couldn't put my finger on it. I strapped the sword of shadows to my waist. Flash wasn't anywhere to be seen. I decided to go to mother and fathers room. When I opened my bedroom door it was then I realised what was wrong. The castle was on fire! 

I knew where Gabriel was so I headed to mother and fathers room. I burst through the door. 

"Father!" 

I shouted but father wasn't there, Gabriel was. He turned around to me.

"There won't be any escape for you this time my dear." he said as he lunged forward.

I felt a thump and everything went black. I couldn't have been out for very long but I found my self tied to father and mothers bed with rope. 

"He just never learns." I thought to my self as he only tied one of my hands I pulled my sword out and cut the rope. I ran to the door but I couldn't get out because of the fire it had gripped the castle the only other way was out the balcony. 

I broke the door down and ran up to the balcony. I ran about looking a way down but I couldn't see one. I saw my father and the council fighting Gabriel and his men but Gabriel was shouting at them. 

"You will watch her burn and die for what she's done." 

I ran to the back of the balcony I saw a way down but it was dangerous. If I fell, I would die so I took the chance I jumped and luckily for me I landed the jump. I had jumped to the servants sleeping quarters.

I opened the door that was at the far end and ran down the stairs. At the end I found my self in a long corridor. Something in the back of my mind told me that there was a secrete passage near by. I was right, it was behind a painting. I ran down it, it took me to the rear of the castle near the forest.

I ran into the forest not caring where I was going. I could hear people yelling and screaming but I didn't care I just ran. I knew that if Gabriel got a hold of the sword all would be lost. I ran right through the night, knowing of only one other place I would be safe. 

It was near midday when I reached James an Sarah's. I knocked on the door James answered it his face was tear stricken. 

"Lex!?" he yelled. 

"Can I come in, I'm in a bit of trouble." I said.

He pulled me into the living room where Sarah was. She obviously had been crying as well. 

"Have I came at a bad time?" I asked. 

"No, never! You've no idea how glad we are to see you." James said. 

"What happened to you. your bleeding?" Sarah said. 

"The castle was set on fire. Gabriel and his men knocked me out and left me to burn." I said. 

"Yes, we heard, Your father contacted us about an hour ago. He said you were dead." James said. 

"Is that why you've been crying?" I asked.

They both nodded. Sarah went and got a cold cloth and wiped the blood off of my head. 

"Do you have my fathers mobile number?" I asked. 

"Yes we do. I will phone him for you." James said. He dialled the number.

"Is Lucifer there?" James asked. "Lucifer you won't believe what happened. Alexandria just turned up at our door." he said. "Yes it's her my lord. Do you want to speak to her?" James asked. He handed me the phone. 

"Father, are you and mother okay?" I asked. 

"Alexandria is that really you?" father asked. 

"Yes father it is." I heard him brake down in tears. 

"Father are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes its just with the castle going on fire we thought you got trapped in it. We thought you were dead!" father said. 

"Father, it's going to take more than that to kill me. Do you want me to stay here or meet you?" I asked. 

"Stay there! Peter and Damien will come and get you." father said. 

"Don't worry father, I'm fine! Honestly! Is mother okay?" I asked. 

"She's fine, she's just glad your okay as are we all." father said. 

"Okay, I will see you later father." I said. As I hug the phone up Sarah handed me some food. 

"You really are an extraordinary person Lex. How many times have the light raiders tried to kill you? And yet they have yet to succeed." James said. 

"I'm Lucifer's daughter, would you expect anything less?" I asked. 

"Certainly not" he said.

As he laughed there was a knock at the door. Peter and Damien came running in. Peter grabbed me and pulled me into a tight hug. 

"Are you okay Lex?" he asked. 

"I'm fine Peter. Did everyone get out okay?" I asked. 

"Gabriel made sure of that. you were the only one left in the castle we all though you were dead." Peter said. 

"how did you to get here so fast?" I asked 

"your father opened a portal to get us here faster. He doesn't normally open them unless he's going to your grandfathers, but he wants you back fast, so he's left it open for us to go back through" Damien said.




Blood and Ice Ch. 16



Peter pulled me into a deep kiss. "I can't wait until this is all over so I can marry you." Peter said. 

"That make two of us then. We better go before father starts to worry." 

Peter nodded. I turned to James and Sarah. "Thank you once again" I said. 

"Look, as we've said loads of times; you will always be welcome here!" James said. 

We went outside. Peter and Damien had brought Spirit with them. I was glad he wasn't hurt. I mounted him and followed Peter and Damien. They took me to Eithidan through the portal it closed when we went through it.

Father was waiting in the stables for me. He nearly pulled me off of Spirit. 

"I'm so glad your okay!" father said. 

He took me to the council hall. Everyone in the room hugged me. Mother was sitting down. She walked over to me. 

"Okay, I get it now You can clearly look after yourself. If you can escape that you can escape anything" she said. 

"Actually, it's thanks to you that I escaped. I went the same route that you took to get me out of the castle during the siege." I said. 

Mother beamed at me and pulled me into a hug. 

"Well, do you have any idea what were going to do now?" father asked.

"Yes, were going to release the army of the dammed." I said. 

Everyone looked at father even mother.

"You'd better tell her Lucifer." mother said. 

"We can't realise the army." father said. 

"And why not?" I asked. 

"Because, you know the orb that you made from the three?" he said. 

I nodded. 

"During the fire the light raiders stole it and it alone is the key to opening the gates to realise the army, and we've no idea where they are." father said.



Blood and Ice Ch. 17



Chapter Seventeen: The Army Of The Dammed Part One

"How the hell did he get the orb! I thought that only members of the royal family could touch it." I asked my father. 

"He got it the same way I brought them to you; by not actually touching them." 

"Father, Alexander, Peter and Damien your coming with me now!" 

"To do what Alexandria?" father asked. 

"To hunt them down. We're going to start where they had me captive and take it from there." I said as I walked out of the council hall and down to the stables. 

Father, Damien and Peter weren't far behind me. 

"Do you remember where they were?" father asked. 

"Yes, I do; but we need to move since they will try and destroy it." 

It was then that it hit me where they would be going. Father handed me my armour. I looked at him. 

"Your mother insisted." 

I looked at him, then something hit me. 

"They think that I'm dead yes?" 

Father nodded. 

"And they've never seen me in full armour.", again father nodded. 

"We could use that against them." I said 

"do you have any idea where they might go?" Damien asked. 

"Yes actually, Peter tell me what do you know of a cave use for execution?" I asked him. When I did he went white with fear and started to shake. 

"The cave isn't used for execution; it's used for sending those who are damned to the centre of hell. It's only used in extreme circumstances." Peter said. 

Alexander asked, "Do you think they would go there your highness?" 

"It's only one of two places I can think of. The other is the camp they had me at." I said as I finished putting my armour on.

I tied my hair back put my helmet on, strapped my shield over my back, and mounted Spirit. 

"I think she's right. We should start at there last known location." father said. 

We all nodded and headed off. It took us about two or three hours getting to where they had taken me. 

We approached the camp site slowly, in case they were still there. When we were close enough to see the camp; the tents were gone and there was no sign of them. 

"Do you know where this cave is Peter?" father asked him. 

"Not really. I just heard stories. I don't even know if they're true or not my lord." Peter said. 

"Well, it's the best we have." I said. 

Father nodded. 

"They say that if you go beyond the execution grounds there lies a mountain. In the mountain lies a gate. Beyond the gate is a place of untold horror and pain. The black gates of hell, guarded by Balthazar, hell's most feared demon." Peter said. 

"Do you think that they would go there?" Alexander asked Peter. 

"I honestly don't know, but my guess is that they would camp close to it, to tempt us and they might hope that they would manage to get one of us in there. Our only advantage is that we have the sword of shadows. Even Balthazar must bend to the will of the sword. It's more powerful than hell itself, if wielded properly." Peter said. 

"Very well. We make our way to the execution grounds!" father said.

We turned our horses and we went off at a walk, so as to not tire the horses. 

I went over to Peter. "Are you okay Peter?" 

"I'm fine Lex; it's just when something is drilled into you as being terrifying I get nervous just thinking about it." 

"I know Peter, but like you said, we have the sword which gives us the advantage." 

"True, but you can understand why I'm like this." he said. 

"Peter if it comes to that, and we have to go near the cave, we will leave you out of it." father said, 

"Thank you my lord. It's not that I don't want to help, but I'm terrified to go near there." 

"I understand Peter, and bear in mind it's because you're my daughters fiancé that I'm allowing it." father said. 

"Thank you my lord." 

"So, tell me, when are you going to marry my daughter?" father asked. 

"We decided to wait until the final battle was over since we all need to concentrate on defeating the light raiders." 

"Fair enough." father said.

"Oh yeah Lex, I forgot something. I just never got the chance to give this to you now since we haven't had five minutes together since all this kicked off. James gave me this to give to you." 

He handed me a small box. I opened it. Set in the middle was a ring with two wolves, one on either side of a blue diamond. 

"It's gorgeous! Thank you Peter you didn't have to." 

"Yes I did. I wasn't sure of how you would do these things. Most shadow raiders give a wolf as a pet, but you already have one. I asked James and he gave me that. Here", he took the ring and slid it on my wedding ring finger.

It was stunning. I lent over to Peter and kissed him. 

"Okay, break it up you two." father said. 

"I can't wait for this to be all over with" Peter said. 

"Me to" I said back. 

It took us about two days getting to the execution grounds. We took the secret path to the execution grounds. Father looked around for any evidence that they had came this way. 

"Hear are their tracks. They look about a day old." father said. "Peter how long dose it take to get to the cave from here?" 

"Not long my lord, maybe two or three hours. Do you see that mountain over there?" 

Father looked in the direction Peter pointed. 

"Is that it Peter?" I asked. 

"Yes. Deep in the mountain lies the gate." 

I could see him shaking head to foot. "Tell you what Peter; why don't you be our look out and stay here." 

He looked into my eyes. 

"Are you going?" Peter asked. 

I nodded my head. "I have to. I'm the only one who can lift the orb." 

"Then I will go with you. I would never leave you to their mercy on your own!" Peter said. 

"Very well, we press on. But Peter, if you go with us there's no turning back." father said. 

"I understand my lord." Peter said. And with that we headed off. 

It took us nearly three hours to get to the mountain. We could have travelled more rapidly, but father wanted us to go slowly in case we came across the light raiders. However, as of yet, we hadn't seen them. 

"Father, don't you think it's a little suspicious that we haven't come across anyone yet?" I whispered to father. 

"I do! Yes. They must have a trap laid out for us somewhere." father whispered back. 

As we reached the base of the mountain we saw a small cave entrance. Peter started to hyperventilate. I put my hand on his shoulder to calm him. He looked at me. 

Nodding, father entered the cave first. I went after him. The cave was well lit. I looked down the cave and in the middle were the black gates which were open. Beyond the gates was the orb. Beyond the gate was a stone arch very similar to the one that I saw when I found the sword. 

"Well, well, well; it's about time you got here Lucifer. Looking revenge over your daughter I assume?" Gabriel said as he walked out from the shadows as he said this to my father. 

"No Gabriel. I will see her in the next life. She wouldn't want vein revenge. I just want the orb." father said. 

Gabriel squared up to father. 

"Well, there it is. Go ahead and take it. I won't stop you." Gabriel said. 

"What's the catch? I've known you long enough to know that there is always a catch Gabriel!" father said. 

"No catch this time, all you have to do is go over and pick it up." Gabriel said.

"Fine, I'll send one of my men." as father said this, he turned to me and nodded. I walked forward. I had just placed my hands on the orb when the gates shut behind me. 

"Oh wait, there was one thing. I said you could get the orb, but I never mentioned that you wouldn't get out." Gabriel said. 

That sent Gabriel into gales of laughter. I slipped the orb into my pocket. As I did, father and the rest of the council went ballistic and started to attack Gabriel. 

I turned to the arch. I could hear a voice calling me. In the middle of the arch there was something that looked like liquid sliver flowing through the middle. I went to touch it. Then I heard Peter yelling, "Don't touch it, it will kill you!" 

But how could it kill me? I touched it. It was warm almost like a warm bath. It was then I heard the voice say "Step through, it will be okay." 

I decided to trust my instincts and stepped through the arch. The last thing I remember was Peter screaming and the rattle of the gate. I couldn't see anything in front of me it was all black although it was starting to get hotter and hotter.

Just when I thought I couldn't take any more heat I felt a thump and the cold of a cement floor. 

I was picked up roughly by someone. I didn't see their face and before I could say or do anything my wrists were tied above my head with some sort of rope. 

"Get used to it, as your going to be here for the rest of eternity." A voice said.

I guessed by the voice it was male, and a big male at that. As he came into my vision I saw my captor. He was about six feet tall and had muscles the size of houses his black hair fell to his shoulders. The only thing he was wearing was leather trousers.  

"Tell me, what is your crime boy?" he asked me. 

I just shook my head. He was in shock when I didn't answer him. He backhanded me, and my helmet came flying off. 

"When I ask you a question, you give me a verbal answer got that boy?" 

He asked me again. Again, I didn't answer him. I had my head turned from when he back handed me I saw someone else hanging not to far from me. When he looked at me I nearly died! It was Jason! 

"If I were you I would answer him. He can be violent at the best of times Lex." Jason said. 

"How is this possible? You're dead!" I shouted at him. 

"You're right; I am dead!" Jason said. 

I had forgotten about the man who tied me up. He grabbed my head and pulled it round to face him.

"Well, well it's been a while since I had a female down here. What is you crime?" he said. 

This time he was a little more gentle with me. 

"I have committed no crime." I said. 

He laughed. "Everyone who ends up here when they die has done something!" I looked him up and down. 

"You're Balthazar, aren't you?" I asked. 

"Yes I am, and how did a female hear of me? Normally, woman of the light raiders never come here." he said. 

That got my back up. "I am no light raider! How dare you insult me?" I shouted at him. He grabbed me by the chin. 

"You will watch your tongue young lady as I am very quick to anger and you must be a light raider as no shadow raider would come down here because it would anger Lucifer. Now when I get back, your punishment will begin." he said, as he left through a door that I hadn't seen until then. 

I waited about five or ten minutes. I tried pulling on the rope. 

"Lex don't bother trying to escape. They will catch you within ten feet." Jason said. 

"Jason, do me a favour and shut up!" I said. 

If only I could get to my sword; then it hit me! I pulled my self up on the rope. I pulled my self up to the ceiling. I had enough give to reach my sword. I pulled it out, cut the rope, and fell tumbling to the floor with a thump. 

"If they catch you it will be the worst pain you have ever felt." Jason said. 

"If they try and catch me I will cut them down." I said. 

"Only the sword of shadows can kill them!" Jason said. 

"And what do you think I have?!" I said, as I snuck out of the door. 

The door opened to a corridor lined with weapons. There were stairs at the end of the corridor. I slowly walked up the stairs. When I reached the top I took a quick look. The stairs had opened to a large banquet hall. 

There were tables lining the walls of the hall and at the top, on a stage there was a long table. I saw the man who had tied me up. Sitting next to him was grandfather! I was saved. I only needed to get to him without anyone seeing me, which wasn't going to happen. There was only one thing for it. I had to run. 

I got my self ready and I just ran. I almost got to grandfathers table before Balthazar yelled at the guards. They caught me with ease. 

"Let go of me you freak! Grandfather help!" I shouted. 

"Gag her!" Balthazar shouted. 

"Stop! release her immediately!" grandfather yelled. 

The guards didn't argue with him. I ran over, "Thank you grandfather!" I said. 

He pulled me into a hug. 

"Tell me are you alive?" grandfather asked me. 

"Yes I am grandfather. Why do you ask?" I asked. 

"I heard that you were killed. How long were you in the dungeon?" he asked. 

"About ten minutes." I said. 

Grandfather was laughing as he broke the hug. 

"Balthazar it seems my granddaughter has gotten the better of you in ten minutes! I think that's a record." grandfather said. 

"She's Lucifer's daughter?" Balthazar asked. 

"She is, and she is also the master of shadows!" grandfather said. 

Balthazar's jaw just dropped. 

"Come Alexandria. Eat, as I'm sure you are hungry." 

A chair was brought up for me. I sat down next to grandfather. Balthazar kept looking at me as I talked to grandfather. At the end of the meal when every one else left Balthazar walked over and kneeled next to me. 

"Your highness, my sincerest apologies! If I had of know that you were of royal blood I would have taken you straight to your grandfather." he said. 

"It's okay. You didn't know. But, tell me, the other person that was in your dungeon with me. Why is he there?" I asked. 

"Because he was a traitor to his kind." he said. 

That got me confused. 

"How so?" I asked. 

"He fell in love with a shadow raider your highness." Balthazar said. 

I turned to grandfather, "But why is he in your castle grandfather?" I asked.

"Balthazar, you may leave now." grandfather said. Balthazar stood up and left. Grandfather turned to address me. 

"Did your father not explain where we are?" I shook my head. 

"He must have his reason for not telling you so I will not either. I will have a room arranged for you." grandfather said. 

"One thing I have to ask of you grandfather; please don't tell my father that I'm here." I said. 

"Why?" grandfather asked. 

"Because I have a plan and I need to do it on my own. I need them to believe that I'm dead for it to work." I said. 

"May I ask what this plan is?" grandfather asked. 

"To release the army of the dammed!" I said. 

"But I thought Gabriel had the orb." 

"He did, but I got it back!" 

"Very well; I will not tell your father. Come I will find you a room." he said as he guided me out of the hall. As he did a guard came running up to him. 

"My lord, your son is about to make the jump." 

"Right! Alexandria go back down to Balthazar. I will distract your father." 

I didn't need telling twice. I got to Balthazar's dungeon just in time. I could hear my father shouting at people. 

"What are you doing back Lex?" Jason asked. 

He got his reply by a punch in the face by Balthazar. 

"How dare you address the princess!" he shouted in Jason's face. 

"How may I help you your highness?" Balthazar asked. 

"You don't mind if I hide here until my father goes away, do you? I have a plan and my father can't be a part of it." I said. 

"You may stay here as long as you want, as your father never comes down here." Balthazar said. 

"Thank you." I said. 

"So how are you and Peter? Are you still together?" Jason asked. 

"I thought I told you to never to address the princess!" Balthazar said, as he delivered another blow to his face. 

"I was only asking." Jason said. 

"You will be silent when a member of the royal family is here, or you will go down below again!" Balthazar said. Jason went silent at that. 

I could hear father yelling at people. "He doesn't sound happy." I said. 

"Your father can have a deadly temper at times. I've been on the wrong end of it a few times and it's not something I would like to repeat." Balthazar said. 

"Well, if you get summoned up, you haven't seen me okay?" 

He nodded. He looked at my waist. "Is that what I think it is your highness?" Balthazar asked. 

"What do you think it is?" I asked him. 

"The sword of shadows!" he said. 

"Well, you would be right." 

"But it was supposed to be lost your highness." Balthazar said. 

"Well, I found it!" I said.

"I'm glad you did." he said, as he did he picked up my hand and kissed it. 

As he kissed my hand I felt a twinge in my stomach. When I did I saw the shadow raider army in the execution grounds of the light raiders, fighting the light raiders. Father was fighting beside me. I looked up expecting to see Gabriel but I didn't, it was Jason! He jumped down and started to fight me. In his hand I saw the sword of shadows. 

I felt a jerk. "Your highness, are you okay?" Balthazar asked. 

"How many times do I have to kill you Jason?" I asked. 

"I don't know what you're talking about." Jason said. I drew my sword and walked over to Jason. I grabbed him by the throat and pushed the sword to his throat. 

"I asked you a question" I yelled at him. 

"You already killed me." Jason said. 

"Then how come you're here?" I asked. 

"My soul was sent to be punished." he said. I turned to Balthazar who hadn't moved. 

"How do you destroy a soul?" I asked him. 

"Kill him with the sword of shadows your highness." Balthazar said. 

"Really? Interesting." I said as I plunged the sword into his stomach and twisted. 

He yelled out in pain, then he exploded into shadow. The bits of shadow sunk into the ground. 

"May I ask why you destroyed him your highness?" Balthazar asked. 

"If his Spirit was kept alive he would have been resurrected, and he was the only one that has a chance of killing me and taking control of the sword." I said. 

He just nodded. "Are you okay?" he asked me. 

"I'm fine, do you mind if I sit down?" I said. He pulled a chair over to where I was standing. I sat down. Just as I did grandfather came in. 

"Alexandria I need you to hide! Your father wants to see Balthazar." grandfather said. 

"Where do you suggest I hide?" 

"Come with me." Balthazar said. I followed him over to the edge of the room where he opened a trap door. 

"It's not comfortable, but as long as you keep quite you'll be fine." he said. 

I nodded, sheathed my sword, and had to tuck my knees to my chin to fit in. He replaced the door. It was still thin enough that I could hear what was going on in the room. I heard father come into the room. 

"Balthazar, tell me, have you had any woman come through here?" father asked. 

"No my lord, we haven't had a woman come through here in a long time." Balthazar asked. 

"I just don't understand it father. How could she get lost in the void?" 

"She must have been one of the unlucky ones my son." 

I could hear father starting to cry. 

"Lucifer, it will be okay!" grandfather said. 

"Father, how can this be okay? She's lost in the void!" 

"Do you want me to check the lower levels?" Balthazar asked. 

"Yes, please do that." grandfather said. 

"Father, she's my only child! She's not only heir to the shadow raider throne she's heir to this throne as well!" father said. 

"I know son, but she will be okay!" grandfather said. 

"And how do you know that?" father said. 

"She has the sword of shadows yes?" grandfather asked. 

"Yes she does." father said. 

"Well you know as well as I do that the sword will protect her if she truly is the master of shadows. Why don't you go home to Melissa. If I hear or see anything I will be straight in contact with you." grandfather said. 

I heard Balthazar coming back into the room. "I'm sorry your highness no one has seen a woman recently." 

"Thank you Balthazar." father said, as he left the room with grandfather. 

Balthazar didn't let me out until father made the jump back over to his side. Then he opened the trap door "are you all right?" he asked. 

"Fine, just cramped." I said as he pulled me from where I had been hiding. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 17



Grandfather came back into the dungeon. 

"I hope this plan is worth it! Your father was furious when I said you weren't here." 

"Trust me, it's worth it. If father knew what I was doing he would try to interfere and I can't have that." I said. 

"Anyway, lets get you out of here and into a nice warm bed okay?" I nodded and followed grandfather out. 

"I got a room near mine so any problems I'm right next door to you. There will be two guards outside your door at all times. There is a bathroom and a change of clothes for you in there." grandfather said. 

"Thank you grandfather." 

"I just hope you know what your doing. Your father isn't the best person to anger." grandfather said. 

"Tell me grandfather, has anyone ever managed to knock my father out in battle or in sword practice?" I asked. 

"Never!, and you've seen the muscles on Balthazar. Even he has never knocked your father out." grandfather said. 

"Well I managed to knock him out before I had any training." I said. 

He was a bit taken aback by that. 

"Good night grandfather." I said as I went into the room that grandfather had gotten ready for me. 

I got changed into the clothes that had been left for me, an went to sleep.

I didn't like deceiving my father, but for my plan to work I had no choice! If they found out before I wanted them to, it could destroy my plan. 

Grandfather woke me the next morning and we headed down to the food hall. I sat next to grandfather. 

"Have you reconsidered your plan Alexandria?" he asked me. 

"No grandfather, I haven't It's the only way to defeat the light raiders and I need you to keep this from my father because if the light raiders get any word of it they will kill me and the plan will fail. I will be leaving after I eat." 

"Very well, I don't like this; but I will not argue with you." grandfather said. 

I nodded. I finished eating quickly. "is there a horse I can borrow?" I asked grandfather. 

"Take my horse. He's I little wild, but am sure you can tame him." grandfather said. 

"Thank you grandfather." I said as I headed to the stables. 

Grandfather followed me. He took the horse out for me. He looked exactly like Spirit, only there was no spot of white on him. 

"This is shadow! Take good care of him." he said, as I mounted him. As I did, Balthazar appeared and handed me a black cloak. 

"Take this it will help hide you." he said. 

"Thank you Balthazar." I said as I put the cloak on. 

I took the reins and dug my heels into shadow and he took off at top speed. I wasn't sure where I was going but I knew that I needed to get away from the castle since my father could come back looking for me. Shadow jumped over a river and sped into the forest. I knew that my father would never come here looking for me. 

I got to the other side of the forest and onto the plain of grass that I found before. This time, instead of going straight ahead I went to the right. I didn't really know where I was going, but I decided to trust my instincts on this matter. 

I stopped to get some rest and some water. When I did, I heard an almighty roar coming from the direction of the castle. My heart sunk. Grandfather told my father! I jumped back on shadow and sped off as I didn't want to face the wrath of my father. 

I decided to put as much distance as possible between us. Shadow sped on. We reached another forest, only this time it was thicker and there was no way possible that shadow could get through. I decided to go it on foot. I turned shadow around and I spoke to him. 

"Go back to the castle boy." I took the cloak off. I felt something in the cloak pocket. I put my hand in. There were two things in the pocket. One was the orb, which I was glad of. The other was a tracking device of some sorts.

so I left the device in the pocket. Put the cloak on shadow, and slapped his hind quarters. He sped off towards the castle and I ran into the forest as if the devil himself was after me. 

I don't know how long I ran for, it was at least two or three hours. The forest seemed to be never ending. I had to use my sword to cut through the branches of the trees. I heard the thunder of hoofs coming from behind me. 

I knew it was father coming to get me. He was getting closer to me so I climbed up the nearest tree. I kept climbing until I was almost at the top. I was out of seeing range, but not hearing range. The thunder of hoofs got closer until they were right below me. They must have used their swords to cut through the thick undergrowth of trees.

"She should be here! I put an extra tracker on her just encase she found the one in the cloak." grandfather said. 

"Well, where is she then!" , that was father. There was no doubting his temper. 

I felt round my body until I found what I was looking for. There was a tracking device on my neck. Grandfather must have slipped it onto me when I wasn't looking. 

"The tracking devices are never wrong. She's here somewhere." grandfather said. 

"We wouldn't be in this mess if you would have told me she was here in the first place!" Father yelled at grandfather. 

"I told you, she asked me not to. I feel bad for telling you and betraying her." grandfather said. 

I took the tracker and quietly threw it as far as I could. I don't know where it landed but it didn't go far since father and grandfather didn't go anywhere. 

"We need to find her. I don't know what Melissa would do if Alexandria was killed. It would destroy the entire clan!" father said. 

"Look, when she left the castle she was fine! She was alive and well." grandfather said. 

"What is she planning father?" 

"She's going to try and release the army of the dammed." grandfather said. 

"There's no way she will be able to do that! Even Alexander couldn't. No one has ever been able to get to the burial ground let alone release them. We have to find her and stop her!" 

"I agree, but where is the burial ground?" grandfather said. 

"It's to the far east, well it would be north now, but the farthest anyone has ever gotten is the lake of fire." father said. 

"How far is that?" grandfather asked. 

"On horse, only two hours. On foot, six maybe seven hours." father said. He seemed to have calmed down a little bit. 

"Maybe we should go back to the castle and wait for you your daughter. As soon as she gets to the lake she will turn back as she can't get any further." grandfather said. 

"Very well. I don't like this, but I will go back to the castle with you." father said, as they turned their horses and left. 

I waited until they were well out of hearing range before I climbed down. 

"Well, that's the last time I trust grandfather!" I thought to my self as I climbed down the tree and headed off. The only good thing was that they told me where I was headed and the fact that they were going back to the castle. 

I headed off in the direction that father said. I noticed that the further I went the warmer it got. It took me about six or seven hours to get to where I wanted, The lake of fire. 

It was a large lake at the bottom of a valley. It stretched as far as the eye could see. Flames danced across the surface of the water. How I was going to get across it? I had no idea, but I knew that there was a way! 

"So this is where you've been hiding from me." a voice said from behind me. I turned around it was father! He grabbed my wrist. 

"Let go of me!" I shouted. 

"No way! You're coming back with me. Do you think that we didn't know that you were in the tree Alexandria?" father said. 

"Look, I don't have time for this." I shouted at him. I twisted to try and free my wrist. 

"You're coming home, you think I'm going to let you do this? I'm your father and you will do as I say!" father shouted back. 

"You may be my father, but you are not my boss!" I shouted back. 

I drew my sword and struck my father stupid. I know; but I had no choice I ran from my father right onto the lake of fire!



Blood and Ice Ch. 18



Chapter Eighteen: The Army Of The Dammed Part Two

I stood in the middle of the flames not knowing what I should do. Father was screaming at me to get off of the lake and back onto the shore.

The strange thing was the flames didn't burn me nor was I afraid. It was then I herd the voice again. It was the same voice that I herd the night I took the shadow in. 

"Take the flames, they won't harm you. You can control it bend it to your will." 

I held out my hands and the flames entered my body through my hands I felt the fire warming my body spreading from my hands right through the rest of me. Father was still screaming at me to get off the lake, but I just ignored him.

When the warming stopped I opened my eyes. I noticed that I couldn't see father through the thick wall of fire so I turned around and started to walk across the lake. I was surprised that I could actually walk across it, but I did. 

When I reached the other side I could still hear my fathers screams. The other side of the lake opened up to reveal a valley floor. I could see light at the end of the valley floor. I made my way to the end of the valley. 

When I got to the end, I was met by the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. Vast grassy plains as far as the eye could see. Cascading water falls which I ran to, to get water as I was very thirsty. It looked like paradise. 

Just as I was about to take an other drink from the pool of the waterfall I was met by a heavy sword. It just missed my face. I rolled away from my assailant and drew my sword to meet him. He swung his sword. I easily dodged it and turned to give him an attack of my own. 

Only then did when I realised that my blade was glowing with fire. I used this against my attacker. I slid my sword into his hilt and twisted sharply. He dropped his sword! I picked it up and held it to his throat. 

"Now who are you, and why are you trying to kill me?" I said. 

"I'm the guardian of the army of the dammed. Are you here to release it?" he asked. 

"I am, yes!" 

"Only one of royal blood can release it!"

"I'm in luck then, as I'm of royal blood." 

"What royal blood?" he asked. 

"I'm the daughter of Lucifer and Melissa." I said. 

He looked me up and down. "Very well, I will take you to the temple, but I can't grantee a safe return." he said. 

"I understand!" I said. 

He turned and I followed him. He took me across the grassy plain. There was a large black temple that seemed to have endless stairs leading to it. At the top I followed my attacker to the door of the temple. It had the symbol of the orb with the snake around it. 

"The only other person that made it this far couldn't open the door, what makes you think you can?" he asked me. 

"I'll show you." I said, as took my sword and sliced my hand and smeared the blood onto the symbol. The door slid back to allow me to enter the temple. 

"Well, I'm impressed"

I entered the temple. It was like all the other temples I had been in. High ceilings covered in black marble. 

The only difference was that in the middle there was a large alter with a small table; and at the back of the alter were black gates that reached from the floor to the ceiling. I walked up to the alter. When I reached there a figure appeared from black smoke. 

"So do you think that you're worthy to release the army of the dammed?" it said. 

"And who are you?" I asked. 

"The leader of the army of the dammed. I'm impressed that you've made it this far little princess, most don't even get across the lake!" he said. 

"So tell me are you going to let me release the army or are you just going to stand here?" I asked. 

"You've got a lot of fight in you, I will say that about you. Very well I will let you attempt to release them. But, you must understand, if you release them you become the new leader of the army of the dammed." he said. 

"What do you mean?" I asked. 

"You will be tied to their fate! Immortal and forever dammed!" he said. 

"What do you mean dammed?" I asked. 

"Dammed that you will spend eternity alone to watch your family grow old and die in front of your eyes." he said. 

"I will agree to that." I said thinking that it could give me the advantage over Gabriel. 

"Very well, come here we need to mix our blood!" he said. 

I walked over to the table there was a small bowl set into the middle of the table which I placed the orb into, he then produced a small dagger then sliced his hand and gestured to me to do the same. I did. 

He then grabbed my hand and pushed his cut to my cut. When his blood entered my body it was excruciating. I had never felt pain like it in my life, but I held on. The leader of the army fell to the floor and disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. 

The cut in my hand healed in seconds. I turned to the black gate, cut my hand again and smeared the blood over the handle of the gate.

I said "army of the dammed I release you from you're prison, and I ask that you help me rid the world of Gabriel and all that follow him." 

When I said this the gates glowed black and swung open. I was smothered in a cloud of black then my world went black.

This is the account of Lucifer:

I screamed and screamed for my daughter to get out of the flames of the lake but she never came back! She was lost to us; this I was certain of, as the lake burns not just your physical body but your soul as well. 

I knew there was no coming back from that. I went back to my father's castle. I left his horse in the stable and stormed up to the throne room. Father was there. 

"Did you find her?" my father asked. 

"Yes! I had her, right before she walked into the lake of fire." I said as I threw my self down to get something to eat. 

"The lake of fire?!" father said. 

"Yes, I couldn't grab her. She walked right out onto it! What are the chances she survived?" I asked. 

"Very little. I've never known of anyone who's survived that. Maybe you should go back to Melissa." father said. 

"Yes, I think I will father. Contact me if you see or hear from her. That's an order! Do you understand?" 

Father nodded. I went back down to the stables mounted my horse and sped off. It wasn't long before I made the jump and was back at the castle. I handed the reigns to a stable hand and went straight to the council hall. Alexander was there. 

"Any luck in finding Alexandria my lord?" he asked. 

"Yes, but I lost her again. Can you tell me where Melissa is?" 

"The last time I saw her she was in her room, I think my lord." 

I nodded and left to find her. I went to our room and found Melissa sleeping in our bed. 

I slipped my cloak off, slipped in beside her, and slid my arms around her. I was so glad that Alexandria had found her alive. I died the day of the siege! 

"Are you awake Melissa?" I whispered in her ear her. 

"Mmmm" she moaned. 

"I found Alexandria, but I lost her again. However, my father will find her." I said. 

Melissa turned to face me. God but she was beautiful. 

"I know you will find her, Lucifer. How was she when you last saw her?" she asked.

"She wasn't happy to see me. She fought me and ran. I just hope she doesn't do anything stupid." 

"You know she's not stupid, Lucifer." Melissa said. 

I nodded and kissed her. When I did there was a knock at the door.

"Enter!" I shouted.

"My lord, I apologise for interrupting but there is a girl at the main entrance saying that your daughter sent her." Michael said. 

I got up out of bed. 

"Stay with my wife Michael" I said as I went down to the main entrance. 

There were two girls, about my daughters age, in the hall. I walked over to them. 

"Lauren how May I help you?" I asked. 

"lord Lucifer?" Lauren asked. 

I nodded

"Alexandria asked me to build an army for you, my lord. She told us that when we were ready, to come to the castle." she said. 

"My daughter ordered you here?" I asked. 

"Yes, the rest of our men are waiting outside my lord." Lauren said. 

"And how many have you managed to get?" I asked. 

"Nearly three hundred, my lord." 

I was stunned! "Three hundred?!" 

"Yes my lord. Your daughter asked us to get as many as we could. These men and woman are ready and willing to fight for you." she said. 

I felt a surge of pride coursing through me. Alexandria did her best to make sure that we had the best chance of beating the light raiders when the final battle came. 

"Very well, Alexander!" I shouted. 

Alexander came running out of the food hall. 

"Yes my lord?" he asked. 

"Will you fix arrangements for these woman and their army, please. Then, call the council." I said. He bowed. 

I left and went back to my room. Melissa was awake and talking to Michael. 

"Is everything okay my lord?" Michael asked. 

"Yes Michael, it is! The council will be meeting soon and I want you there. And you need to be there as well Melissa." 

They both nodded and I left to go to the council hall. When I got to the hall, I heard that my father was trying to contact me. 

I went to the mirror. "Yes father!" I said. 

"You're not going to believe this, but there's black smoke rising from the eastern border." I nearly fainted. 

"What? That can't be!" I said. 

"I know, but the smoke is rising and covering us all!" father said. 

"What about Alexandria?" I said, starting to panic. 

"You know as well as I do that if you're consumed by the black smoke there's no coming back. Even you couldn't survive it Lucifer. I think that she has been killed. I'm sorry Lucifer." he said as he cut the connection. 

With that I got so angry that I threw the council table through the door of the council hall. Luckily Alexander moved out of the way. 

Melissa ran into the hall. I was crying my eyes out, I couldn't believe that I had lost my only child! 

Melissa came over, "Lucifer what's wrong?" she asked. 

"She's gone black smoke" was all I could say. 

"What do you mean Lucifer?" 

"Alexandria! She got caught in the black smoke and no one can survive that!" I said as I broke down again. 

"No! Not that, please tell me it's not true!" Melissa said. 

I looked into her eyes. "It's true! My father wouldn't say something like that if it wasn't!" I said. 

The men were carrying in the council table that I had flung through the door. They all sat down. Melissa ran out of the room crying. Michael went to follow her. "Michael, sit! Let her be." 

He nodded. 

"I had asked you here to receive good news, but I have both good and bad. Which do you want first?" I asked the council. 

It was Alexander who answered. "Give us the good news my lord." 

"My daughter has managed to get and army of three hundred men and woman ready to fight for us." I said. 

"So what's the bad my lord?" Peter asked. 

I looked at him. "Alexandria is dead!" I said. It nearly killed me to actually say it. 

"No, that can't be. You saw her my lord." Peter said. 

"Yes, I did. But my father contacted me and told me there was a shadow cloud covering the east, and that is where Alexandria was last seen. No one can survive the shadow cloud, not me or my father. And, not my daughter!" I said, as Peter broke down in tears. 

"Council dismissed." I said. 

I got up and left the room. I went up to my room to find Melissa. She was crying her eyes out on the bed. I went over and hugged her tight. 

"Is there anyway that she could have survived it Lucifer?" she asked me. 

"None that I'm aware of Melissa." 

She completely broke down in my arms. That night I cried my self to sleep in my wife's arms. 

I was rudely awoken by Alexander. He barged into our room. I was about to sent him for a flying lesson when he spoke. 

"My lord, excuse the interruption but the light raiders have massed on the northern hill and they have a full army of about five or six hundred. I think it's time my lord!" 

It took a few seconds to realise what he was suggesting. "The final battle?" I asked. 

"I think so my lord." 

"Get my wife out of here. Take her to the mountain she was hiding in before. Drake will tell you the way. Under no circumstances are you to leave that mountain until ether a member of the council, or I comes to collect her. Do you understand?" 

Yes my lord. I will ready the horses." He left without further argument. I shook Melissa awake and told her what was happening. 

She was ready and dressed within a few minutes. I threw a cloak on her and took her down to the stables. 

Alexander and Drake were already on their horses. 

"If anything happens to her, I'm holding you two responsible!" I said. 

"My lord, we will protect her with our lives!" Alexander said. 

"Be safe! I will come and collect you when this is over, I love you." I said to Melissa. 

"I love you too Lucifer." she said as she dug her heels into her horse and sped off. 

As soon as she was safely away from the castle I started to shout orders trying to get the men ready for battle. The final battle had begun. 

I was screaming orders at people. "Michael over here now!" 

"Yes my lord?" He was half way through putting his armour on. 

"Get any one who can carry a sword to fight! And that includes your sons." 

"Yes my lord." he said and he ran off. I ran to my room. 

My armour was laid out for me. I strapped on my armour. The only thing I could think of was that my daughter should be here fighting with me. 

I felt a surge of anger rip through me! Gabriel would pay for what he's done. It wasn't enough that I never saw my daughter grow up; but they had to rip her away from me.

I strapped my sword to my waist, picked up my shield, and went down to the stables. The rest of council were waiting for me. I mounted my horse. As I was handed my helmet, there was commotion in the stables. 

"What's going on?" I yelled. 

"It's your daughters horse! He's going berserk my lord.", a stable hand said. 

"Then let him go. You know the law! Let flash go as well." I said with a very heavy heart.

It was an old tradition that you let a deceased persons animals free to run with the wild. I looked around as Spirit bolted from the stable and headed to the forest I almost completely broke down when flash also ran from the castle to join Spirit. 

It felt like my heart was tearing in two. 

"Are the men ready?" I asked John. 

"They are my lord, it's time!" he said as I rode out to the front of the army. They all looked scared to the teeth, and the truth was so was I, although I would never admit it. 

I turned to face the light raiders. Their army was about the same as ours, but I knew that with my daughter gone, we were at a disadvantage! Gabriel and a few of his men rode out to the middle of the battle field. I rode out with Michael and Peter. 

I paused when we got to the middle. 

"What do you want Gabriel?" I said, not in the mood for pleasantries. 

"Simple, put down your arms and only some of you will die!" he said. 

"Do you think that after everything you've put my clan through am going to step down?" I said. 

"What I've done to you?! How about what your daughter has done to us! She killed our king, and last heir to the throne. She killed my brother and father. Do you think were not going to make you pay for what she did?" Gabriel said. 

"I'm very proud of what my daughter has done, why should a father feel any different?" I said beaming over what Alexandria had done in a short space of time. 

I was so very proud of her! I just wish she knew. 

"It's simple step down or die Lucifer." Gabriel said. 

"we will never step down! We will fight to the last man gives his last breath!" I said. 

I rode back to the men. I called the rest of the council round and told them what was said. 

"We fight to the end, are you with me or against me?" I said. 

"After what they did to Alexandria there's no way we're letting them live my lord." Peter said. The rest of them nodded in agreement. 

"So be it! We fight to the end" I said, as we turned and prepared for battle. 

The battle to end all battles. 

We stood on the edge of the battle field waiting for the light raiders to make the first move and the first mistake. 

Before anyone could do anything, flash came running out of the forest and into the middle of the field.

She looked right into my eyes and howled. The light raiders took this as a sign to start the battle and they opened fire on flash with arrows! Before I could give any orders to fire the light raiders arrows turned to ash before my eyes. 

"My lord! Did you do that?" Michael asked. 

"No! I can only move things, there's no way I could have done that!" I said. 

"Then who did my lord?" Michael asked.

I looked over at Gabriel who just shrugged his shoulders. 

"It wasn't them! What is going on?" I asked. 

Before I could say anything the ground started to shake as a shadow crept over the army. In the spaces between my men, men armoured in black armour came from the ground and just stood next to my men. 

"Where did they come from?" I asked Alexander. 

"I have no idea my lord!" 

There was a volley of arrows fried at the light raiders from the direction of the forest. It was then I saw it. A rider dressed completely in black armour, upon a black horse! A long thick sword hung at the rider's side, along with a very thick shield. 

The rider's helmet completely covered the rider's face. They rode out to meet us. We braced for fighting, but the rider signalled that no harm was intended. 

The rider came right up to me and said, "I thought you could use a hand father!" 

I nearly fainted. "Alexandria?" 

"Yes father it's me, the leader of the army of the dammed and am here to help!" Alexandria said as she removed her helmet. 

It was her! She was alive and the leader of the army of the dammed!



Blood and Ice Ch. 19



Chapter Nineteen: The Final Battle Part One

"What's wrong father, aren't you happy to see me?" I asked him. 

"You've no idea how glad I am to see you; we all thought you were dead! How come your alive?!" father asked me. 

"I'll explain later father. I don't have time to explain everything, all you need to know for now is that I'm here with my army and were fighting alongside you!" 

"I'm happy to hear that, as the army of the dammed is a force to be reckoned with!" father said, as he pulled me into a tight hug, and whispered in my ear, "I though you were dead! My world nearly collapsed. Please don't scare me like that again." I replied back, 

"Don't worry father. I will never do that again. I promise! Where is mother?" 

"She's with Drake and Alexander, and she's safe!" father said. 

I nodded and turned to Peter. He looked like someone had just slapped him. 

"Are you okay Peter?" 

"Your alive?" he said. 

I nodded, he pulled me into a deep kiss. "I love you Lex as soon as this is over I'm marrying you!" 

"I love you to Peter and that sounds good to me. But, can you focus on the battle at hand Peter?" He pulled away and nodded. I replaced my helmet and rode up beside my father. 

"Any suggestions on how to start the battle father?" 

"What range are your archers good for?" he asked. 

"Nearly three hundred feet father." I said with a wicked grin. 

Father nodded. I took my bow from my back. 

"Where did you get that Alexandria?" father asked. 

"Again, I will explain later father." 

He nodded. I loaded the arrow, lit the arrow and sent it flying into the air as a signal for the army to move into position. They moved just behind fathers men.

I sent a second arrow and the archers sent volleys of arrows hurtling toward the light raiders. Luckily for us the archers knocked out the first row of light raiders. 

Gabriel screamed at them to move back out of range. 

"Impressive! They knocked out a whole row of light raiders with one volley." father said. 

"Their best all of the men are trained in archery and sword fighting." I said. I saw that Gabriel's men were loading arrows.

"Shields up now"! I screamed. All of the men up their shields up just in time as the arrows came raining down on us. Luckily, we had no fatalities. Gabriel looked like he had been slapped in the face. 

"Do you think we should attack now father?" 

"No we wait for him to make the first move. It's easer to take advantage of the situation if you wait and let him make the mistakes!" father said. 

I nodded. 

Gabriel ordered an other volley of arrows and again we had no fatalities. Gabriel looked like he was going to have a stroke there and then! 

"You see the way he's getting worked up?" father asked me. 

"Yes father I do." I said getting confused. 

"Anger, spite and jealousy have no place on a battle field. If you bring those onto the battlefield you will loose as you will make stupid mistakes. You must keep your mind clear at all times. So we wait. Let him make the mistake." father said. 

"How do you keep your mind clear when the lives of men depend on your actions?" I asked father. 

"That is the very reason you keep a clear mind you think of those you might hurt if you do otherwise." father said. 

I had never though of that before. 

"I may be a bit of a tyrant at times, but there are some things I need to teach you before I step down as leader." father said as we deflected yet an other volley of arrows. 

Gabriel at this point was getting very angry and yelled at the ground troops to start to attack us. That was the mistake we had been waiting for, since he had put his troops right in the range of our arrows. 

I waited until they were close to us. I yelled the order to shoot. We nearly destroyed them! But, Gabriel pulled them back. 

"You learn quickly, my daughter." 

"I have a very good teacher, shall we attack now father?" 

"Yes I think so, but keep the archers back we may need them again!" 

I gave the order for the archers to remain where they were. Father yelled his order to the rest of the army and we started our attack on the light raiders army.

Gabriel wasn't expecting us to attack, so he didn't have his troops ready in time! Our attack broke through their defences with relative ease. As soon as we were in the thick of the fighting I jumped off of Spirit and started to fight.

I didn't care who I plunged my sword into as long as it was a light raider. In the middle of the fighting I met up with a very big man. He must have been nearly seven foot with muscles the size of bowling balls. 

"Time to die shadow raider!" he shouted as he went for the kill. As he did I slid my sword into his hilt and twisted. I heard a load crack! I broke his wrist but I didn't care I grabbed the sword that he dropped.

I took it, pulled his head back, and slit his throat with it. He fell to the ground dead. I felt no remorse for what I did as he would have killed me if I hadn't killed him. 

I dealt with a few more light raiders when I heard commotion in the middle of the fighting. I ran forward and I saw that Gabriel had Peter cornered. 

"Time to meet your princess in the after life scum!" Gabriel said. 

As he went to plunge the sword into Peter I blocked him. 

"What's this? Who the hell are you?" Gabriel yelled. 

"I'm your worst nightmare." I said in the most menacing voice I could. 

I grabbed Gabriel by the throat and threw him as far as I possible could. He landed with a thump. I turned to Peter. "Are you okay?" 

"I'm fine, thanks to you Lex!" Peter said. 

"Leave Gabriel to me okay?" 

Peter nodded and joined the fighting. Father found me in the middle fighting a man twice my height and weight. Father finished him for me. 

"I think we have them almost beaten." he shouted over the clashing of swords. 

"No! the final battle isn't over until Gabriel is dead! That I know." 

"Gabriel fled. He's left his men to fight on their own." father said. 

"But that doesn't make sense! Why would he leave his men to be slaughtered?" 

The fighting was quieting down. The light raiders were almost beaten. There were only a few stragglers that were soon mopped up. The council gathered round father and me. 

"Is it over? Did we win my lord?" Michael asked. 

"No, it's not over, not yet anyway." 

"How come? the light raiders are dead!" Peter said. 

"Not all of them. Gabriel fled." father said. 

"Why would he just leave his men?" I asked father. 

"He wouldn't! He may be my enemy but I know him very well. He would never abandon his men, not without reason." father said. 

"Which way did he go father?" I asked. 

"He went north I think." 

"Right father, Michael and Peter with me, the rest of you get the men back into position encase we need to attack again. Where's Spirit?" 

One of the men handed me Spirits reigns. I mounted him, made sure that the sword of shadows was well strapped to my waist along with my other sword, I slung my shield over my shoulders, and dug my heels into Spirit. 

Off he sped in chase of the last light raider. We slowed down so we wouldn't tire the horses. 

"Do you have any idea where he went father?" I asked. 

"He could have gone anywhere. I must contact my father encase he decides to show up there." father said. He pulled a mirror out of his pocket. I looked at the mirror. 

"This is how we contact one and other with out making the jump." father explained. I shrugged my shoulders. 

"Father can you hear me?" father said. 

"Yes Lucifer what is it?" grandfathers voice said. 

"Have you seen Gabriel? He escaped us and we need to get him immediately!" father said. 

"No I haven't seen him. Lucifer you know that only your daughter can kill him and she's dead so why try and kill him?" grandfather said. 

Father looked at me. 

"You never told your grandfather you were alive?" father asked me. 

"No I couldn't take the risk he would tell you! For my plan to work you needed to believe I was dead." 

"Father! Alexandria is alive and she's the leader of the army of the dammed!" father said. 

"She's what?" grandfather yelled. 

"Father I will talk to you later and explain everything then." Father put the mirror into his pocket.

"But before I can explain this to my father you will need to explain it to me." father said. 

"What do you already know father?" 

"Everything up to the point where you walked out onto the lake of fire. After that you will need to fill me in." father said with a smile on his face. 

I explained my story up to the point where I blacked out when the black smoke came out of the gates. 

"What happened after that? You're lucky that you survived the black smoke. It's known for killing shadow raiders!" father said. 

"Yes, Alexander told me." 

"Alexander?" father asked. 

"Yes the first member of the royal family. What happened next was weird. I can't really explain it. I was sort of like in a trance. He and the rest of the royal family showed me things. How to use a bow, some sword handling techniques, and battle plans!" I said. 

"You saw the royal family?" father asked. 

"Yes, everyone that was killed by light raiders. They also told me that their souls can't fully rest until Gabriel is killed!" 

"Yes, that was the deal when Alexander first went to my father." 

"It was your father that made the deal with Alexander?" I asked. 

"Yes I was only supposed to guide and help until Gabriel was killed. But instead I became too involved with the clan and fell in love with your mother." father said. 

"But you did help father!" I said. 

"How do you work that out? It's my fault that the clan was almost destroyed." father said. 

"You helped because if you had never fallen in love with mother I would have never have been born. If I had been I'm quite sure I wouldn't have had a father as strong as you! You did help the clan, by falling in love! I've accepted that my life was meant to go the way it did. If I had been raised by you and mother I think mother would have had me as a princess who never fought and you know that isn't me!" I said. 

"I would have accepted you as my daughter no matter what!" father said.

"Even if I became a spoiled princess instead of a warrior princess?" I asked him.

"Well, I would have liked you to become a warrior princess; don't get me wrong!" father said. 

I couldn't help but laugh. Father did too. 

"Well, your in luck father. there's no way I'm ever going to become a spoiled princess." 

"I'm glad" father said. I didn't really pay attention to where we were going. 

I heard the thunder of hoofs coming from behind us. We turned around, Michael raised his bow. The rest of us drew swords. I saw who it was before we attacked. 

"Weapons down! it's Damien." I said. He rode up to us. There was blood running down his face. 

"My lord we need you back on the field! Gabriel's leaving was just a diversion to get you and your daughter away from the battle! He's going to destroy the army." he said. 

As soon as he finished we were away at top speed back to the battle field. 

"Father I'm going to call the rest of the army. I only took the archers to start with." I said. 

He nodded. I lowered my head to my chin and mentally called the rest of the army of the dammed. The rest of the army arrived on horse back. Horses black as the night. They stood behind me waiting for orders. Father rode up beside me. 

"My, that is one impressive army my daughter!" he said. 

"Yes! and they can never be killed since their already dead." I said, smiling at my father. He laughed, "You truly are my daughter!" he said 

"And I'm proud to be so!" I said as we reached the battle field again. Sure enough, Gabriel had gotten reinforcements. 

Father yelled an order. The men got back into line. I yelled at my men to charge at the light raiders. They did! Without question! 

Father gave me a puzzled look. 

"Their already dead so I don't have to worry about them being killed." I said. 

"That's very true." he said smiling. 

"Shall we join them father?" Father nodded and ordered our men to attack again! Then father and I rode straight into the thick of the battle once again.

Only this time it would be the last time I jumped off Spirit. When I got into the middle of the fighting I was met in the middle by Gabriel. I knew then that it was time to kill him once and for all.

Most of the men cleared a space for me and Gabriel. Most of the other fighting had stopped to watch the fight between us. 

"So tell me who is my opponent that seeks their death." Gabriel said. 

"The leader of the army of the dammed" I said. 

Gabriel went white. "Army of the dammed? I thought that was just a myth!" he said. 

"Well I'm here so is my army and I serve Lucifer." I said. 

"Lucifer? Why would you serve the loosing side?" he asked. "

"And what would you offer me that he wouldn't?" I asked. 

"Freedom from the hell that you've lived in for eternity." Gabriel said. 

At this father appeared behind me. "The only hell I've been living in is the one that you created for me. I will take great pleasure in destroying you Gabriel." I said. 

"If that's your choice." he said. 

I looked over at father to clear more room for us. He gave the order. Everyone but Gabriel's men moved. 

"Why do you need so much room?" Gabriel asked. 

"You'll see." I said. I drew my sword and turned to face him. He drew his sword. 

"You do know that only the master of the shadows can kill me, and she's long dead!" Gabriel said. 

"We will see." I said. 

Gabriel ordered his men to stand back into their original positions. Father did the same. It was only Gabriel and me in the middle of the battle field. 

We circled each other for what seemed hours before he made the first move. He went straight in for the kill, but I easily blocked it. I brought my shield up and smacked him in the face with it, sending him to the ground.

He stood up and said, "Lucky shot!" 

"Thank you." I said sarcastically. This angered him greatly. He threw a punch at me and knocked my helmet off.

When I looked at him, he looked like he was going to be sick. 

"That's not possible! You were killed in the fire!" 

"Did you ever see a body?" I asked. He shook his head. 

"You should never assume that someone is dead unless you see their body!" I said, as I drew the sword of shadows with my other hand.

As I did, it started to rain. 

"Even the gods are against you living today Gabriel." I said. 

He turned and tried to run. As he did I clicked my fingers and a wall of fire erupted around us preventing his escape. 

"It's time Gabriel!" I said, as I lunged in with both swords, one in each hand.

We danced around each other sparks flying from our blades at every possible point. I looked towards father. He was waiting at the top of the battlefield. He looked very nervous.

As I glanced at father Gabriel took his chance to try and kill me. But he missed. As I pulled away at the last second. But he dragged his sword down my face. I felt the warm blood run down my face. I looked at him. I was going to finish this once and for all. 

I took my ordinary sword, slid it in into him to the hilt, and twisted it. He gave a yelp of pain. When he did this I took the sword of shadows and plunged it in through his heart. He screamed in pain. I twisted the sword just to be sure it hurt. Then pulled it out with a torrent of blood. 

"I may have failed to kill you, but my son will not!" he said. At his last dying breath I could hear the light raiders scream. 

I stood in the rain for a few minutes. I felt the blood run down my face freely. I knew that killing Gabriel wasn't enough. We needed to get his son! The light raiders were trying to get through the wall of fire.

I mentally called a few men to deal with them and they were easily disposed of. I let the wall of fire down. Father came riding down. 

I excused the army of the dammed. I knew they would come if I called them. 

"My daughter, you did it! You killed Gabriel. It's over. We're free!" father said. 

I was handed Spirits reigns. "Father we need to convene the council immediately! It's not over yet!" I said as I set off for the castle. 

Father caught up with me. "What do you mean its not over, Gabriel's dead." father said. 

"I know that father, but we need to talk urgently!" I said. 

As we reached the stables I handed Spirit over to a stable hand and headed to the council hall.

I sat down and waited for the rest of the council. They arrived a few minutes later. Father sat down next to me, Peter on my other side. 

"I know that Gabriel's dead, but there is something that we didn't see or deal with! We need to, because if we don't we will be destroyed completely." I said.

"What is it Lex?" Peter asked. 

"Gabriel has a son! He told me with his last breath. I don't know how old or where but we need to find him. If we don't he will grow up and destroy us!" I said. 

"Are you sure Alexandria?" father asked. 

"It was his dying breath." I said. 

"Very well, we'll start looking for him in the morning. But tonight is for celebration. Gabriel is finally dead and we have been fighting him for as long as anyone can remember. 

Alexandria will you come with me to collect your mother?" father asked. I nodded. 

"Very well, we will leave now. Your mother will be worried sick, but glad to see you!" father said. 

"Shall we go then father?" I asked. 

He nodded. As he stood, everyone else stood as he left. 

"I'll meet you down in the stables in a minute." I said. 

"Don't be long!" father said. 

Everyone else went to leave but I held onto Peter. "What's wrong Lex?" he asked. 

"I haven't seen my fiancé in a very long time. What do you think is wrong Peter?" I said with a glint in my eyes. With that he slid his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him and kissed me very deeply. He gently pushed me against the council hall wall. 

"Peter" I said. 

"Lex, I missed you so much." he said as he kissed down my neck. 

"Not that I'm not enjoying this Peter, but father is waiting for me. Can we continue this when I get back?" I said. He nodded, but before he let me go he bit me on the neck and held it for a few seconds. When he let go I gave him a puzzled look. 

"I'm just marking you as mine that's all." he said as he kissed me and let me go. When I got down to the stables father was already on his horse. He looked at my neck and smiled. 

"So it's official then?" he said. 

"I don't know what you mean father?" I said trying to act innocent. 

"You know full well what I mean Alexandria. The mark on your neck, where did you get it?" father asked. I turned crimson red as I mounted Spirit. 

"Peter gave it to me, why?" I asked.

"Then your engagement is official as he has marked you as his!" father said. 

"Can we just go and get mother, please father?" I said changing the subject. 

Father laughed as we set off to the mountain. It took us longer than usual because father wasn't about to let me off the hook with the mark on my neck. 

"So when are you going to get married?" father asked. 

"I'm not sure father. Once everything calms down but not until after Gabriel's son is killed!" I said. 

Father looked at me. "Can you kill a child that has committed no crime?" father asked me. 

"I don't like the idea, but if we don't kill him he will kill us. He'll rebuild the light raiders and all the men who gave their lives today will have died for no reason." I said. 

Father nodded. We tied our horses up at the foot of the mountain and started to climb. Father started to complain when the climb started to get higher and higher.

"You were the one who suggested mother hide here." I said. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 19



He just grumbled. As we reached the entrance to the inside of the mountain I could hear voices coming from behind the door. As the door slid back I was met with a sliver flash of a sword. I met it with my own sword. 

"Alexander its Lucifer!" father shouted. He immediately dropped his sword when he saw my father. 

"But my lord, we heard that the whole clan was destroyed!" he said. 

"No, the light raiders were destroyed Alexander." I said. He looked at me "Alexandria?!" he said. 

I nodded, he ran inside and got my mother. 

"Alexandria your alive!?" she shouted. 

"Yes mother, I'm alive and Gabriel's dead!" I said as mother pulled me into a tight hug.

I heard Alexander talking to father. Mother saw the mark on my neck. I got some official teasing about that from her. 

"Come on Melissa. Let's go home. There is some celebration in order." father said. 

As we headed down the mountain, Drake went to get their horses, as father and I mounted our own and we headed back to the castle. When we got there we were met by the entire council and the rest of the army that was left after the battle.

I told my father I was going to get changed and washed as I still had blood down my face as well as all over my clothes. Father said he would hold the celebration until I got back down. 

Peter, of course, went with me to my room; where we did a lot more kissing. I finally got washed and changed into a dress, much to my annoyance! 

Peter insisted that I ware my crown as my father and mother would be wearing theirs. 

As I sat next to my father it felt like everything was as it should be. Our family was complete and our enemies destroyed.

The celebrations lasted all night, as well as the celebrations that Peter and I had that night. When I woke the next morning, it felt like there was something very wrong. 

It wasn't long until I found out how right I was.



Blood and Ice Ch. 20



sorry for taking so long computer problems as per usual anyway enjoy and again a huge thanks to my editor 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Chapter Twenty: Taking Flight

When I woke the next morning I knew there was something wrong. Was it really that easy to defeat the light raiders? The answer had to be no! Gabriel was up to something but I didn't know what. I was looking out my bedroom window when Peter came behind me and pulled me into a hug. 

"What's wrong Lex?"

"I don't know. Something isn't right. It's like there's a vision trying to come out but it never quite makes it." 

"Why don't you come back to bed with me?" 

"No thanks Peter. I'd rather be alone until I figure out what's going on. Can you leave me alone for a little while?" 

"Sure Lex I'll go down and get something to eat; do you want anything?" 

I shook my head. 

"Give me a shout if you need anything, okay Lex?" 

"Thanks Peter" 

He kissed me, dressed, and left. When he did I locked the door. It was then I felt a searing pain in my shoulders at both sides it was as if someone had stuck two knifes into my back.

I ran to the bathroom and looked into the mirror. There was blood running down my back. I was afraid, what the hell was going on. As I was wondering this something started to grow out of my back that was when I passed out on the bathroom floor. 

When I woke again and looked into the mirror I nearly screamed. I had two huge white wings sticking out of my back! I had to admit they were beautiful but why were they sticking out of my back? I had to find my father as am sure he would know. I grabbed my cloak. It barely hid the wings. I ran to my parents room. 

I met Alexander on the way. 

"Your highness, is everything okay?" 

"Everything's fine, where is my father?" 

"In his room, but he asked not to be disturbed unless for an emergency your highness." 

"That's okay, I can handle him." 

I ran to his room. I didn't bother to knock since it was an emergency. In retrospect, I wish I had have knocked. When I barged, in father was standing next to their bed.

Mother was lying on the bed but father was stood there with two great black wings coming from his back! 

"Alexandria what are you doing here? I thought you were sleeping!" father said in a bit of panic. 

"Father, what are you?" I said as I backed out of their room. 

Mother got up off the bed. "Let us explain, don't go!" mother said. 

"Maybe you can explain these"! I said as I dropped the cloak and exposed my wings.

Father looked shocked! "When did this happen?" he said as mother closed the door. 

"I passed out from pain in my shoulders. When I woke up I had wings!" 

"I think its time I told you the truth Alexandria" father said. 

"Gee, you think?" I said sarcastically. 

Father said, " please come sit"

"I will go and get us some food." mother said as I sat down next to father. His wings were huge! Mine were big but nothing compared to his. 

"That would be a good idea Melissa." father said as he turned to me. 

"I can't believe that you were able to shift! Your grandfather said that you might never get the ability to shift." 

"What do you mean shift?" 

"You're part angel I'm an angel. I can shift back and forth from my human form to my angel form. I also have abilities like flight and the power over the air." 

"Power over air? What do you mean?"

"When I'm in my angelic form I can control the element of air" 

"Is grandfather one to?" 

"Yes, my entire family have been angels for as long as history has been recorded." 

"Why are my wings white?" I asked, thinking that they should be black the same as my father's. 

"When someone has their first shift, their wings are white. Don't worry, they will turn black within a week or two. They will also grow since they're not at their full size yet!" 

Mother came back with food for us all. 

"Are the light raiders angels as well father?" 

"no there not . But, Gabriel is though we dont know how but he his. Even now, your wings are bigger than his and yours will either be the same size as mine or bigger." 

Mother handed me a goblet of wolf blood. "You'll need to drink this even more for the next two weeks as you will need your strength" 

"Thanks mother. Why did you think I wouldn't be able to shift?" 

"Because the first shift usually occurs a week after you give your blood oath and you did that some months ago." 

I nodded. 

We ate and drank. I was still trying to understand everything. Some things were still a mystery to me. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?" father asked. 

"Yeah I'm just trying to make sense of things, that's all. My concern is not an easy thing to understand." 

"I understand we should have told you earlier, but we didn't want to burden you with it. We had your best interests at heart."

"I know mother, but that's not what I'm trying to understand, it's something else." 

"What is it Alexandria?" father asked. 

"It's what happened with Gabriel. I don't think he is dead, at least not fully"

"What do you mean? You killed him we all saw it. He and his follower's are dead, we killed them all!" father said. 

I stood and went to the window. Blood still stained the battle field. 

"But why would Gabriel tell me about his heir with his last breath? He must have know we would go after him! Is it possible that the person I killed wasn't Gabriel?" I turned to look at father. 

"It's possible there is a rare gift among angels that gives you the ability to mask yourself as an other." father said. 

"Where is Gabriel's body?"

"Still out on the field I think." mother said. 

"Right, let's go." I said as I went to go out of the door. 

"Ah, Alexandria, where are you going?" 

"Down to the field to find Gabriel's body, like I just said." 

Father said, "Not like that, you're not!"

I was confused and looked at him. Mother and Father broke into laughter.

Mother said, "In your excitement about finding that you have wings, had you noticed that you were topless?"

I glanced down at my chest and must have turned beet red.

Mother continued, "Not knowing if you wouldn't shift or not I had some clothes made for you." She went to her closet and walked over to me with a bundle of clothes. Mother handed me the bundle of clothes, saying: "These have been modified so you can wear them with your wings." 

"Can I get changed, mother?" 

"Of course go ahead and I'll help you." 

Mother helped me put on the top which went down to my knees. It was plain green but it was backless with ties that tied underneath my wings. 

"Comfortable?" mother asked as she tied it for me. 

"Yes, thank you mother" 

"Now we'll go down to look after Gabriel. However, you no longer need to walk down. We'll fly down together."

"In case you have forgotten, my wings aren't fully developed yet." 

"Yes, but you can still fly with them." 

"She can?" mother said. 

"Yes she can. I will teach you. Can you open the window Melissa please." Mother went over to the biggest window in the room and opened it wide.

Father stood on the edge spread his wings and jumped. He gave a beat of his wings and he was in the air flying about as if this was normal for him. 

"Come on Alexandria its easy." 

"Easy for you to say. You've been doing this for ages." 

"Look, don't worry trust in your wings. I know it's scary, but if you fall I will catch you." 

"You know your father will never let anything happen to you just give it a try." mother said. 

I nodded as I stood on the window ledge father was hovering so he could catch me if he needed to. 

"How do I spread my wings?" I asked father. 

"See them in your minds eye. Imagine seeing them spread." father said. 

I nodded, closed my eyes, and did what father said. When I opened my eyes my wings were spread I gave them a beat to see if they would hold me and I decided to trust father and jumped off the ledge.

I could feel my self falling so I gave my wings a beat and I soared up towards father. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?" 

"Yeah I'm okay. It's just taking some getting use to, that's all." 

Father said I had to keep beating my wings to keep me hovering. 

"Don't worry, You will get use to it. I was exactly the same on my first flight. Now, lean towards the left and beat your wings." 

I nodded and when I did I went to the left. I did the same on the right. I was starting to get the hang of it. Father and I started to fly around the grounds. 

When we got to the field where the battle had been father gave me instructions on how to land. As we were coming down I could see Peter, Damien, and Michael going to collect our dead.

I headed down and brought my feet up but it didn't work and I went colliding into Damien and Peter and we all landed in a mess with feathers flying everywhere. I could hear my father and Michael laughing. When I disentangled my self from Peter and Damien I tackled my father. 

"What's so funny? I bet your first landing was just as bad!" 

When Peter go up he looked at me. "When did you shift? I thought you said that she couldn't shift, my lord." 

"I thought she couldn't, but she shifted today. But, no matter. where is Gabriel's body?" father asked. 

"It's the last one my lord, it's over there." Damien said. 

Father nodded. We walked over to Gabriel's body. It looked like him As I touched his body I got a twinge in my stomach. I saw angels with pure white wings flying around a cathedral made of pure white marble. The vision took me into the cathedral. In the main hall I saw him Gabriel in his angelic form he was cradling a small child. 

"My lord, are you sure you should have told them about your son?" a angel to his right said. 

"Yes I want them to come after him and fall into my trap. As you know the princess can't shift and that's when we will get them." Gabriel said. 

"Yes my lord, but how do you know that they will come here?" the angel asked. 

"Because they want me dead at all costs! She may have killed my human form but she will never kill me in this form!" Gabriel said. The angel nodded. Gabriel took the small child to its mother. It was a young woman with long blond hair. I didn't recognise her. He handed the child back to her. 

"He's as handsome as his father." she said. 

"Yes, but you know that the shadow raiders will be coming after him!" Gabriel said.

She nodded. 

"Don't worry, I will protect you. The only person that can kill me can't take angelic form." Gabriel said. I felt a rush of air. Then, I was back on the field crouched over Gabriel's body. 

"Lex, are you okay? What did you see?" Peter asked. 

I stood up. "This is Gabriel, its not a trick! But the final battle isn't over yet as Gabriel is still alive!" I said father stepped forward. 

"How is that possible?" 

"Because I killed only his human form. We need to kill both forms to kill him out right." 

"Did you see where he is?" father asked. 

"He's in a pure white cathedral and so is his child!" I said everyone look puzzled. 

It was Peter how spoke first. "I think I know what that is. Light raider legends tell of a pure white cathedral as the doorway to their after life just as is the black castle that you father lives in is for us, my lord." 

"Peter do you know where it is?" 

"No, I don't! I don't think that even their council members know where it is my lord." 

I continued, "There is more. They think that I can't shift. We could use this to our advantage. Can I hide my wings father?" 

"You can't fold your wings in until their fully developed." 

I nodded. 

"We'll have to wait until my wings develop, as we need them to think I cant shift" 

Father nodded. 

"Very well, take his body and burn it with the rest of the light raiders. I need to give my daughter a flying lesson." 

I gave Peter a quick kiss. 

He looked at my wings. "Was this why you were feeling a bit off this morning?"

"Yeah but I didn't know why I was feeling like that. I got the shock of my life!" 

My father called me over to him. I kissed Peter and ran over to my father. 

"We will try taking off from the ground then we will go visit your grandfather. Now spread your wings and bend your knees and when you jump beat your wings as hard as you can to get yourself into the air, okay?" 

I nodded. father jumped into the air to show me how it was done so I did as he said and in no time I was back in the air flying rings around my father. 

"Alexandria, to make the jump when your in the air is really easy okay you just fly in a straight line at top speed after me okay?" 

I nodded. Father took off and I was right behind him I wasn't as fast as him because his wings were bigger than mine but I kept up behind him and before I knew it we had made the jump to my grandfathers. Father and I were flying around the castle there was a flat area on the top of the castle. 

"Alexandria, head for the landing area and be careful when you land if you think you will go over the edge beat your wings okay?" 

I nodded and we headed towards the landing area I noticed that grandfather was there waiting for us. I brought my feet up to land but again it didn't work and I flew right into grandfather and nearly put us both over the edge. 

"Sorry grandfather, I can't get the landing right." I said as I stood up. 

"Not to worry, Alexandria, it will come to you." As grandfather stood, father had tucked his wings away and walked over and looked at father. 

Grandfather said, "I thought she couldn't shift." 

"I though so too, until she came into my room this morning with a pair of white wings." 

"Come, let's eat. You both must be hungry." 

We both nodded and followed grandfather to the food hall. While we were eating everyone started to give me funny looks. Father noticing this yelled at them. 

"Why were they looking at me like that?" 

"We don't get many new angels. I think you are the first since your father was your age." grandfather said as father went off to yell some more. 

"Is he always like that?" 

"Only when you're concerned. You should have heard him when I told him that you had been here" grandfather said. 

"I know. I did hear him, why do you think I ran faster?" I said as grandfather burst out into laughter. 

When father retuned he was red in the face from all the yelling. He turned to grandfather. "Do you know of the white cathedral father?" 

"Yes! Its like here only for those who die peacefully or for the good of their clan." 

"You said it was for those who die peacefully, then what is here?" I asked.

"Underneath the castle we look after the souls who die painfully or commit crimes against there clans." grandfather said. 

"Then why was Gabriel's brother here?" 

"Because he committed a crime against his brother! He fell in love with you and he still loved you when he died." grandfather said. 

Father gave him a look that I though he was going to kill him. 

"It's time for her to know the truth Lucifer; and that's all I've told her!" grandfather said. 

"Grandfather, is it possible that the princess of the light raiders is here, since I killed her painfully." 

"It's possible, why do you ask?" father asked. 

"Because I'm guessing that she may know the location of the cathedral of light! I'm guessing that if Gabriel knew the location she might also know. If she doesn't we can just have a bit of fun with her." I said. 

"Is it possible that if we destroy their souls that they go to the cathedral of light?" father asked. 

"No!, once we destroy them they go into their afterlife whether that be good or bad." grandfather said. 

"Very well, I will get Balthazar and go and look. Please stay here with your grandfather, I don't want you wondering off when you have your wings." 

"Don't worry, I won't father." 

He left to go to the dungeons. 

"I hope you don't hold my telling your father that you were here against me." grandfather said. 

"No, I don't. I know why you did it and my plan worked anyway." 

"I'm glad that you're okay. I was deeply worried when I saw the black smoke I feared the worst but tell me how did you survive it?" grandfather said. 

"I was the one who released the smoke when I became the leader of the army of the dammed. When I became the leader I became immune to the black smoke. I then lead the army along side father. We managed to destroy Gabriel's human form but we need to destroy his angelic form now. 

I had a vision and I saw Gabriel with a small child in the cathedral of light waiting for us. Our only advantage is that they don't know that I can shift. That's why father asked if Jess could get to the light raiders." I said. 

"You killed Gabriel's human form?" grandfather said. 

"I did, yes; but I need to kill him as I'm the only one that can." 

"Yes you are! I'm very proud to be your grandfather! You will be a great leader of both the shadow raiders and here!" 

"So, tell me, are your wings black as well?" 

"Yes they are. All our families wings are black. Yours will be as well after two weeks. Don't worry, they will grow. Our wings are powerful as they are big." grandfather said. 

As he did I could hear a commotion coming from the dungeons.

Father and Balthazar appeared with Jess between them. She was putting up a fight.

"You were right, she's here all right. Can you handle her Balthazar?" father asked. 

"Yes my lord, I can now that she's here." Balthazar said. 

She was put on her knees before grandfather and I. Father joined us as we started to question her. 

"So light raider do you know why you're here?" grandfather asked. 

"Because I was murdered that's why." she said. 

Balthazar hit her round the head. "How dare you speak to the king like that?" he yelled at her. 

"I don't care! I will speak to him as I please." 

Before Balthazar hit her again I stopped him. 

"Well!, I never thought I would see the day when you would grow a back bone Jess. You always were a wimp even to the end." I said. 

She looked up at me. "Well, well I wondered when you would get your comeuppances Lex." she said. 

"Sorry, but I'm not dead and I can't die. But I can destroy your soul and you'll never see the light of day again unless you co-operate with me.", I said. 

She stood up. "You can't kill me! I'm already dead!" 

"I didn't say I'd kill you. I said I'd destroy your soul!" 

"You can't not without the sword of shadows!" 

I laughed, walked over to her and I drew the sword of shadows; placing it to her throat. She swallowed; she could feel the power of the sword. 

"That's not possible! Gabriel said it was lost!" she said. 

"It was, but I found it along with the army of the dammed." 

She looked like she was going to faint. 

"A lot has happened since I killed you Jess. Gabriel's human form is dead and his angelic one will be soon. How about I make you a deal." 

"What kind of deal?" 

"Simple!, tell me the information I need and I will let your soul live." 

"And if I don't?" 

"Simple I destroy your soul and send you into the after life whether that be good or bad is up to the gods. And, if it's bad there is no escape. You can't be brought back. You will burn for all eternity so what will it be?" 

"If I tell you what you want to know I want you to resurrect me fully." Jess said.

I turned to grandfather. "Can we do that?" I asked. 

"We can, but I would advise against it." he said. 

"Grandfather, don't worry I have the situation under control." 

Father said, "But he's right! If you resurrect her the light raiders will know about your shift." 

"Father don't worry, they won't." 

I turned to Jess. "Very well, I will agree to that but I want my information first!" 

"Fine, what do you want to know?" she asked. 

"Where is the cathedral of light?" I asked. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 20



Jess looked at me; "And why would you want to know that?" 

"That is not your concern." 

"Legend says that the cathedral of light is above the birth place of Gabriel. It's a safe house for light raiders." Jess said. 

"And where would the birth place of Gabriel be, exactly?" 

"The most northerly point that you can find if you go north from the castle and keep going for about a week or two you will find the birth place of Gabriel. The cathedral is above that in the skies. Only angels can reach it." Jess said. 

"Very well. Father is there anything else we need to know?" 

"I don't think so." 

I turned to grandfather. 

"She held her end of the bargain it's time we held ours." I said to him. 

He nodded and clicked his fingers. Jess glowed for a few seconds when it stopped she said, "I can breath again!" 

I looked at Balthazar and nodded he grabbed Jess when he did I plunged the sword of shadows deep into her stomach. 

"Thanks for the information Jess. We resurrected you but I never said you would live afterwards." as I said this I twisted the sword and wrenched it out of her with it a torrent of blood.

When this happened her spirit formed again and Balthazar dropped her body and grabbed her spirit 

"This isn't fair! You didn't keep you end of the bargain." she shouted. 

"Actually, we did! My grandfather resurrected you, but I never said you could live and enjoy your life." Balthazar took her away back down to the dungeons but she went kicking and screaming. 

"I'm impressed! You never were going to let her go were you?" grandfather said. 

"Of course not! I'm not stupid enough to do that." 

"Well how about we all go for a fly!" grandfather said. 

"I'd like that father, how about it Alexandria?" 

"Yes I'd like that father." I said 

"Lets go up to the landing area we can take off from there." 

Grandfather nodded and I followed grandfather back up to the landing area. Grandfather spread his wings. They were the same size as father's. I felt so small next to them when they both had their wings out. Father saw the look on my face.

"Don't worry! Your wings will be the same size as ours, if not bigger." father said. 

"It won't be long before your flying past us." Grandfather said as he bent his knees and took flight. Father was next, then I joined them in the air. 

"So tell me, what have you taught her Lucifer?" 

"Not a lot; just taking off and going left and right." 

"What about how to get your speed up?" grandfather asked. 

"No, I was going to do that tomorrow." 

"Very well. I will teach her right now. Alexandria, what I want you to do is beat your wings as fast as you can okay?" grandfather said. 

I nodded and started to beat my wing as fast as I could and I shot upwards. I didn't really know what I was doing but father and grandfather weren't far behind me. 

"Slow down Alexandria." father shouted. 

I stopped beating my wings. "Sorry father, I didn't realise I was going that fast."

"That's okay. Why don't we try a dive since were up so high?" grandfather said. 

"A dive?" I said. 

"Yup! It's easy, just watch." 

Grandfather rose a little higher flipped upside down and pulled his wings in and plummeted towards the ground and just before he hit the ground he spread his wings and skimmed the ground then landed. 

I looked at father. 

"Go on, give it a try then we will go home." 

"Okay, I'll give it a try." I rose up then turned my self upside down then pulled my wings in and I shot towards the ground. Just as I was about to hit the ground I spread my wings and skimmed the ground then pulled up and landed on my feet for the first time. 

"I told you that you would get the landing! It just needs practice." grandfather said as father landed next to me. 

"Come Alexandria. Let's go home as you mother will be worried." 

I nodded and took flight again. Father was just after me. I let father make the jump first as we flew to the castle. Father said "Land on the balcony and try not to go over the edge." I nodded and went to land on the balcony. This time I landed without any problems. 

Father tucked his wings away. 

"When will I be able to do that father?" 

"When your wings fully develop." he said as he ushered me into his room. Mother was there waiting for us. 

"Thank heavens your okay. I was worried. Where did you go?" 

"I took Alexandria to my father's castle and we got a few answers that we needed." 

"Father, you should convene the council as we need to make arrangements to go to where we need to." 

"Yes, but not until you can tuck your wings away!" 

I nodded. 

"Very well, I convene the council. Meet me down there Alexandria. I need to talk to your mother okay?" 

I nodded and headed out the door and towards the council hall. I met Alexander on the way. 

"Father is convening the council. We will need everyone there as soon as possible." 

"Very well, your highness." He had spotted my wings. "When did you shift?" 

"Earlier today." 

I went to the council hall. Damien and Peter were in there. "Good, you're here. Fathers convening the council." 

They both nodded. Peter got up and came over to me and kissed me. "How was your flight?" 

"It was okay, we went to my grandfather's. It will take some getting use to and I felt so small standing beside them." 

"Yeh but it wont be long before you're the same size as them if not bigger" Damien said. 

"That's true. This doesn't change anything between us does it?" I asked Peter.

"Why would it? I love you for who you are not what you are." Peter said as mother father and the rest of the council came in and sat down. I sat next to father with Peter on my right as father stood to speak. 

"I'm sure that you all have noticed my daughter is going through her shift at the moment. In two or three weeks we will be leaving here. Well everyone except Drake and Damien as you will be staying to protect my wife." father said. 

Alexander spoke, "Where are we going my lord?" 

father looked at him. "We are going to finish what we started. Gabriel is still alive in his angelic form but we know where he is and how to get to him. But, we can't leave until my daughter can hide her wings." 

It was Peter who spoke next. 

"Why must we wait my lord?" 

"For two reasons Peter; one, Alexandria is vulnerable until she completes her shift and two, the light raiders thought as we did that she couldn't shift. We need to use this to our advantage!" 

"Where are we going my lord?" Alexander asked. 

"To the white cathedral, to kill Gabriel and his heir." 

"But, my lord, with all due respect no one knows where it is! Not even the light raiders themselves." Alexander said. 

"That's no longer true Alexander. We got the location out of a light raider so we know where were going." 

Everyone looked at him. "Look, my daughter and I know where it is and that will be the end of it, okay" father said in a threatening tone. No one argued with him. 

He excused the council I was about to leave with Peter when father stopped me. 

"During your shift you will need to stay in our room so we can keep an eye on you, okay?" 

I nodded. "I'm just going to say good night to Peter." 

"Very well, but don't be long. Meet us in our room." 

I nodded and went out to Peter. He was waiting in the hall for me. 

"What's wrong Lex?" 

"I have to stay with my parents during my shift." 

"As long as you marry me when this is over I don't mind." he said as he took my hand and we walked into the entrance hall.

I could hear the guards arguing over something but I paid no attention. All of a sudden I was bowled over as a mound of grey fur came flying at me. It took me a few seconds to realise that it was flash. I pushed her off me and gave her a hug. In the middle of the fighting I had forgotten about her. 

As I asked, "Where have you been girl?", she replied with a bark. 

She was a fully grown wolf now; and what a beautiful one she was! She sniffed my wings then licked my face. The guards came running over. 

"Your highness, we're very sorry! We'll get rid of the wolf." 

As they went to grab her I shouted at them, "You'll do no such thing! This is my pet wolf and you will not touch her!" 

As I was making this point, mother and father came in. 

"Is there a problem?" father said. 

"They were going to get rid of flash father." I said. I don't know why but I started to scream and shout at the guard and then I burst into tears. 

Peter put his arm around me to comfort me flash rubbed herself against me. Father excused the guard then took me from peters arms and lifted me up. He took me upstairs and laid me down on the bed. Flash jumped up next to me and cuddled into me and I cried into her fur. Father picked me up and cuddled me. 

"Shh, it's okay. This is normal! You will go through mood swings like this. The guard was out of order and I will deal with him later." he said as mother came in followed by Peter. 

"Is she okay my lord?" 

"She's fine. It's just a mood swing. She will experience these for a few days. Will you stay with her while I deal with the guard?" 

"Of course, my lord." 

Peter came and cuddled me as father left. Peter kissed and cuddled me until I stopped crying. 

"Are you okay Lex?" 

"I am now Peter, thanks! I don't know why I reacted like that." 

"Your father said that you will be going through a lot of changes for the next few days. You will get mood swings as part of it." mother said. 

"Yeah but he didn't do anything and I hit the roof!" 

"Sometimes the smallest thing can set you off when you get mood swings." Peter said. 

"You thought that he would harm flash and she means a lot to you, so reacted." mother said. 

I nodded. I could hear father yelling at the top of his voice I couldn't help but laugh. Peter laughed as well. 

Father came into the room a few minutes later with a tray of food and wolf blood. 

"Drink up, you need it." father said, as he handed me the goblet. 

"Thank you father. I'm sorry that I overreacted." 

"There's no need to apologise. Everyone knows what your going through and they should know not to do anything to upset you. I made that very clear to the guards." 

Peter kissed me. "I'd better let you get some rest Lex. You need it. I'll see you in the morning." 

I nodded as he got up to leave. 

"Peter; thank you for being here for her." father said. 

"You're welcome. She is my fiancé after all. If I can't help her when she needs it, what good am I, my lord?" 

Father nodded. Peter left. My mother and father both sat down on the bed next to me and flash. 

"I though we had lost her after we released her!" 

"What do you mean, father?" 

"When someone dies, if they have any animals, we release them into the wild. When we thought you were dead, we released her. After the battle, I thought we had lost her for good.", father said as he petted flash. 

"I'm glad she came back I really missed her." I said. 

"The bond between you and flash is a special one. I've never seen it before. It's almost as if you're part of one an other." mother said. 

"Well you know, Melissa, that we're close to wolves. Maybe since flash lost her mother when she was young, she has accepted Alexandria as her close relative." 

Flash walked over to me and rested her head on my lap. I hugged her. Mother went to get changed as she was doing this father came back and locked the door as he took his top off and headed to the bathroom to find my mother.

I could hear loads of giggling coming from the bathroom. They both emerged changed for bed. Well father had just changed his trousers. He looked into my eyes. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?" he asked me. 

"I'm fine father, just tired." 

I yawned and climbed into bed. Mother climbed in, in front of me and father behind me being careful of my wings and flash climbed on top of me. I loved the smell of her and I loved being with my parents. 

As I fell asleep I couldn't have been happier. However, I knew that Gabriel was still alive and I wouldn't rest until he and his heir were stone cold dead. That was a promise that I made to my self and my parents as I fell asleep in their arms. 



Blood and Ice Ch. 21



Chapter Twenty One: The White Cathedral

When I woke up flash was sleeping on my head and nearly suffocating me. I pushed her off and went to the bathroom. I noticed my wings had grown slightly. When I went to the bedroom mother and father were still sleeping but I could hear a whisper. It was so faint I could just barely hear it. The door that went to the roof was open. Curious, I went up to the roof. 

I hadn't been up there since I killed Jess. When I got to the top the whispering got louder. I looked over the ledge. The lake had thawed completely and spring was in the air. I could smell it. The grass was starting to bloom. 

I had a flash back to the night I killed Jess. I wish I hadn't needed to since she was the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I shed a tear thinking back on everything that had happened in such a short space of time.

I stood on the edge of the balcony. The water was glistening in the morning sun like fairy lights over a bed of silk. I could hear the whisper again. "Jump into the water." it said. 

I could hear footsteps behind me. I turned and saw that it was mother. "Alexandria what are you doing?" 

When she shouted this I lost my footing and slipped from the balcony. I felt the rush of air and the splash of water. I sunk deep into the cool pool of silk it wrapped around my body and in through my mouth.

For a few seconds I couldn't breath. I thought I would drown but when it went into my lungs I could breath and I could see through the water as if it was glass. The water pushed me up and out of the lake. I could feel the water below me. It placed me on the ground. Father and mother were on the grounds watching me.

I pulled the water around my body. It was as if I could tell the water what to do. I raised the water up and back into the lake with a gigantic splash and soaked everyone within a three meter radius; which of course included my mother and father. I turned around they both looked like drowned rats. I couldn't help but laugh. 

"Wet much?" I said. 

Father was lost for words. When he found his voice his first words were; "How did you do that?" 

"I don't know, it just happened." 

"No angle has ever had power over water. If anything water is a weakness for us." 

"What element is it normally father?" 

"Usually air." 

"Strange, I thought mine was fire." I said 

"Fire?!" mother said. 

I nodded, found the fire in me and brought it to the surface and let it sit in my hands. 

"When did you get that?" father asked. 

"Remember when you came after me when I ran away from grandfathers and I walked into the lake of fire? It entered me and I've been able to conjure it ever since." 

Father looked astounded, to say the least. 

Father said, "Come! Let's get something to eat before today's flying lesson." 

I nodded and followed father and mother into the castle and to the food hall where Peter and flash were waiting for me. Flash bounded over nearly knocking me over. I sat next to Peter and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

When I did he pulled me into him and gave me a deep kiss with him sliding his hands down my body. He then whispered into my ear, "I missed you last night. I want you so much Lex! I can't wait until were married. Then I can have you every night!" When he went back to kissing me again I felt a twinge in my stomach. 

This time we were in the white cathedral, fighting! I saw Gabriel swoop down and plunge a sword right through peters heart. I screamed. I must have screamed out loud as well as it brought me back to the hall.

I could feel the vomit coming up my throat. I ran as fast as I could back to my parents room I locked the bathroom door and vomited over and over again. 

I could hear my father knocking on the door. 

"Alexandria are you okay?" he asked.

"No! Where is Peter?" 

"Down in the food hall. I told him to stay there." 

I took a drink of water then opened the door.

"I had a vision. It wasn't good!" 

I started to cry. Father pulled me into his arms. 

"Shh, it's okay. Whatever it is, we will stop it!" he said as he sat me down on the bed. "What did you see? I need to know." 

"We were in the white cathedral and Gabriel swooped down and stabbed Peter through the heart and killed him." 

Father went white. "Are you sure?"

"Positive father. We can't let Peter come with us. He must stay here. Please father, can you stop him from coming?" 

"There is only one way to completely stop him from coming with us; but your not going to like it In fact, neither will Michael!" 

"Father whatever it is please do it. I can't bear to loose him. I love him father." I started to cry again. 

Father nodded. "Very well I'm only doing this to protect him. You must understand that Alexandria." father said. 

"I do father." 

"Okay, come with me." 

We went back down to the food hall. Peter stood up and went to rush over to me but father stopped him. 

"Lex are you okay? What's going on?" he asked. 

I didn't say anything. 

"Guards!" father shouted and pointed to Peter the guards surrounded him. 

"Lex what's happing?" Peter asked me.

I could bring my self to say anything. Father nodded and the guards handcuffed Peter. 

"My lord, what is going on?" Michael asked. 

"I will explain later Michael." father said and then continued, "Take him down to the dungeons chain him to the wall and two guards at his cell. He is not to be released until I say so. Am I clear?" 

"My lord, please I beg you, what have I done? I have been a faithful servant. Never have I crossed you and I love your daughter more than anything. Please don't take her away from me." Peter said. 

"It is because you love her that I am doing this. I will explain this to you when it's all over. Take him away." 

The guards dragged him away to the dungeons. I wanted to scream at my father to let him go but I knew why he done it, but I cried none the less. 

"I want you all in the council hall to explain this now!" 

I held back to cuddle flash. Father told me to be in the council hall in ten minutes. When I was cuddling her Michael knelt in front of me. 

"Your highness please I beg you, get your father to release Peter. I know you love him. What did he do, or was he going to going to do?" 

"It will be explained at council." I said as I got up and headed to the council hall with Michael right behind me. I sat next to father. 

"I suppose you're all wondering why I had Peter arrested." 

Everyone nodded. 

"What did he do or had planned to do, my lord?" Michael asked. 

"The reason I had him locked up is because Alexandria had a vision that he would be killed and you all know how much they love each other. I had him arrested to protect him, because if I just told him not come with us he would still find a way to come with us because Alexandria would be coming with us. I couldn't bear to watch Alexandria loose him." father said. 

Michael looked at me. "Did you really see him die?" 

I nodded. "Yes, that's why I asked father to do what he could to protect him." 

"Will his position in this council be lost?" Michael asked. 

"No! Certainly not, as he has done no wrong. I'm just doing this to protect him. But, no one can have any contact apart from the guards. He mustn't know until the fight is over." father said. 

Everyone nodded. 

"Very well, this council is dismissed." 

I waited with him until everyone left. 

"Alexandria, I know it was extreme but I had no choice.", father said. 

"Father it's okay. I understand I would rather have him locked up and safe than be killed. I just hope Michael understands." 

"He will. I know he won't disobey me. Would you like to go for a fly?" 

"Thanks father, but I'm not in the mood. Remember to tell the guards that no one is to see him, but that he is to be treated with care." 

Father nodded and left the council hall leaving me on my own. I felt so empty without Peter. I went out for a walk in the grounds. Flash met me outside and was running around my feet. I was hoping that this would all be over soon so that I could get back with Peter. 

I was joined by Damien. 

"I heard what happened. Peter will understand when it's all explained to him, as long as you still love him." 

"Of course I still love him! That's why I'm doing this. I just wish there was another way to protect him." 

"I know Lex, but he's safe now."

Damien and I talked all day in the grounds until the sunset. He reassured me that Peter would be okay with this when it was all explained to him. I certainly hoped so since I loved him more than words could describe. 

When I got back to the castle father ushered me into first to the food hall then to bed as it was getting late and he wanted me to continue flight training on the marrow. 

I went to bed with a very heavy heart, hating myself for doing this to Peter. Father woke me the next morning, told me to get washed and changed and to go to the balcony. 

Mother was still asleep in the bed when I went to the balcony. Father was standing there with his wings fully spread. They were massive when fully open. I felt so small next to him as mine had only grown in length and had turned slightly grey. 

Father turned to me. "Don't worry. They will go black." he said giving me a hug.

"Put Peter out of your mind for now. You need a clear mind to do the task you must do." 

I nodded. Father jumped and was in the air. I spread my wings and jumped. With a few beats of my wings I was in the air beside him. We spent the day flying and sword fighting. I was starting to get the hang of the landing. 

Mother called us in for food and rest. The next week followed the same pattern. Flight and fight practice. It was on the 9th day that something weird happen. My wings had only grown in length but not changed colour. When I landed next to father I folded my wings in and they disappeared! 

"Father, were did my wings go?" I asked starting to panic. 

"It's okay. You've just tucked them in. Its how we disguise our true nature." father said. 

I nodded and went inside with father. Father called a council meeting. At the meeting, Father announced, "I have good news. We will be leaving in the morning as my daughter can now tuck in her wings. We are headed north." 

With that, everyone started to prepare for our trek. 

"Alexandria, come with me." father said. He took me to his bedroom where mother was sitting on the bed. 

"Is everything okay?" I asked. 

"Everything is fine. We just want to spend time with you before you go with your father." mother said. 

I just shrugged my shoulders. 

"I had new armour made for you to allow for you wings." father said. 

"Thank you father. What time will we leave?" 

"Daybreak; so go and get washed and ready for bed. You will need you rest." mother said. 

I nodded and went to the bathroom. I overheard my mother and father talking. 

"Lucifer, I'm scared. What happens if you or Alexandria don't come back? I couldn't deal with it!" 

"Look! We will be coming back, that I can assure you. I will never let anything happen to Alexandria." 

I went out into the room. Father was comforting mother. "Fathers right. The only one who will be dying is Gabriel. I will make sure of it mother Maybe after he's finally gone you could help me with organising my wedding." I said knowing that it would cheer her up. 

"You want me to help you?" 

"Of course I do mother." 

This seemed to cheer her up. 

"How's Peter father? Have you been down to see him?" 

"I have been down to the guards and his cell but not spoken to him. They said that he's okay. They're looking after him, don't worry." 

"Let's get some sleep." mother said. 

Father nodded. I got into the bed and mother and father got in behind me. I liked these nights with my parents but I did wish that I was with Peter. I fell asleep thinking about him and our future together. I was roughly shaken awake. 

"Get up, washed and dressed. Your armour is ready for you." It was father, so I didn't argue.

I got up, dressed, and slipped on the new armour. It had two holes at the back big enough for my wings.

"Spread your wings just to make sure its comfortable." father said. 

I spread my wings the armour was tight around my wings but I could move them freely. 

"It's fine father." I said as I tucked them back in. 

Father said, "Okay, let's go." We both hugged mother. Drake would be staying with mother. The horses were ready for us. I mounted Spirit. 

"Hopefully, one day I'll be able just to go for a horse ride without starting a battle." I said. 

"I hope so to Alexandria." 

Damien would be riding next to me along with his father and my father leading us. I put on my helmet and we rode off heading North. We slowed our pace as we didn't want to tire the horses. I rode up along side my father. 

"Do you think this will ever end father?" 

"Hopefully this will be the end, but I hope not for us!" father said. 

"As long as I live I will never allow Gabriel to live father!" 

"And that is why I'm confident we will win this!" father said. 

After a week of travel, the weather started to turn colder until we hit snow. I could see a lone mountain in the distance. 

"I take it that's where we're headed." I said pulling a cloak around me. 

"Yes, I think so." 

Damien rode up beside me "Is that where were headed?" he asked. 

I nodded and we headed to the mountain. The snow got worse the closer we got to it. We finally reached the base of the mountain. I looked at father. 

"Now what?" I asked. 

"I'll have a fly around and see if I can see anything." He spread his wings and took flight. 

"Where did your father go Lex?" Damien asked. 

"He went to look around. By the way, you mustn't say anything about my ability to shift!" 

Damien nodded and quietly told everyone else. I could see the outline of my father searching the skies for clues. He landed next to me. 

"I couldn't see anything. We must be missing something." 

"Let's find a cave and get out of the snow before we all get frostbite." I said. 

A blizzard had started. Father nodded. We found a cave big enough for our entire group to get into. 

"What could we be missing?" I asked. 

"I don't know! There must be something that Jess didn't tell us about." 

Alexander came up to us. "My lord, you need to see this!" we followed him to the back of the cave. There was a door with the orb intertwined with the snake. Father looked at me. I nodded. He handed me a knife. I sliced my hand and smeared the orb with my blood. Sure enough, the door slid back. 

Alexander asked, "How did you know what to do your highness?" 

"It's the same symbol that I found when I was looking for the sword of shadows. It's the symbol of the royal family." I said. 

"Let's have some torches lit so we can see what were doing.", father barked. 

The men had torches lit within a few seconds. One was handed to me as well as father. The door led to a flight of very winding and narrow stairs. Father went first and I was right behind him. It must have taken us and hour to get up the stairs. When we got to the top it opened up to a platform with stone ruins in a circle, with a stone platform in the middle. I walked over to the platform. 

"This is where Gabriel was born. It's marked on the stone but where is the cathedral?" I asked. 

"I'll search the skies again.", father said as he jumped into the air. I had a look around. The stones around the circle had different names carved in a language I didn't understand. I went back to the platform in the middle. 

This time I looked more closely. There was snow covering something next to Gabriel's name. I brushed it off. It was an entire family tree carved into the stone. Next to Gabriel's name was a name I never thought I would see. I almost fainted when I realised the truth. Damien saw the look on my face. 

"Is everything okay Lex?" I quickly covered it with snow again 

"everything is fine Damien." 

My father landed behind Damien. I couldn't believe he never told me the truth but that was for another time, after we got back. After all he was still my father.

"I think I found it. I will take everyone two at a time. I think it will be wise for you not to fly Alexandria." father said. 

I nodded, too shocked to say anything. 

"Are you all right Alexandria?" 

"I'm fine father, why wouldn't I be?" 

Father nodded and he lifted me into his arms. 

"I will take my daughter then the rest of you.", father said as he jumped into the air. I felt the rush of air and the wet of the clouds on my face then as soon as we were in the air father set me down the ground felt solid. 

"Now I know that there is something bothering you. I know by the look on your face." father said. 

I pushed what I found out of my head. "Your right there is something but it can wait. Remember, you told me before that you need a clear head going into a battle. If I told you, it would bother both of us so we will discus it later." 

"Are your sure Alexandria?" 

"Yes I am father. We shouldn't discuss it here." 

He looked deeply into my eyes. "Very well Alexandria." He took off to get the rest of the men.

When he did I turned around and found my self face to face with the white cathedral. It reached as the far eye could see. It was bathed in a white light. You would have found it stunning, if you weren't going to kill someone in it.

Father came back with Damien and Michael. "Do not do anything without me here Alexandria." 

"Don't worry father. I won't" 

Damien walked up beside me. "Are you okay Lex? You seem off." 

"I'm fine Damien. I just want to get this over with. Then we can get back to the way things are supposed to be!" 

Father came back with more people. It took him the best part of and hour to get everyone to the cathedral. He was out of breath when he landed the last person. 

"We will wait until my father gets a rest." 

Everyone nodded. Father took about and hour to rest then we made our way to the door of the cathedral. Of course the door was open. 

"He's expecting us." 

Father nodded. We made our way into the main hall of the cathedral. It was stunning! There was a large stained glass window at the very top and sitting on a white marble throne was Gabriel. 

"Well, well its about time you got here." he said. 

"Well, if you wanted us here sooner, you should have given us a map." I said. 

"And where would the fun be in that? Let me guess. You're here to kill me, yes?" 

"Yes, that was the general idea." I said. 

Gabriel laughed. "You can't kill me. At least not in this form anyway." 

"There are some things you don't know Gabriel." I said. 

He looked at my father. "I could say the same thing about you." 

I said again, "You would be surprised what I know Gabriel." 

"We will see little princess. There are things which you have no idea of. " 

"Funny, I could say the same thing about you." 

Gabriel looked at me. "No matter. I will kill you and your pitiful clan!", Gabriel said as he jumped into the air and lunged at me.

I stepped aside and let him crash into the floor. Father and the rest of the men howled with laughter. 

"Oh let me guess. You thought I didn't know about your wings?" I asked. 

He got to his feet he yelled, "Now men!" Men ran into the room.

We immediately engaged them in battle as Gabriel watched from the air. I swung my sword cutting down three men in my path. Blood covered the white floor of the cathedral. It didn't take long for us to dispatch the men. 

"Tell you what Gabriel. Why don't just you and me fight to the death?" I said. 

He landed next to the throne. 

"Fine! But your father and your men must go outside and must not come to your rescue. Just one on one to the death!" 




Blood and Ice Ch. 21



I nodded, and said, "I agree." 

I turned to father. He leaned into me. "Lull him into a false sense of security then shift and let loose." he whispered into my ear. 

"Thank you father. If I don't come back tell Peter I'm sorry but I love him." 

"I will Good luck; and I know you will beat him." Father kissed me on the forehead and then left with the men.

I drew my sword and pulled my shield off of my back and readied my self for facing him. He lunged forward. I easily dogged it and struck him in the back. He yelled and fell to the floor. I didn't want it to be over that easy. I wanted him to suffer so I let him get back up. 

"Well, you've improved since our last battle." he said. 

"More than you know." 

"We will see." Gabriel said. He picked up his sword and we danced around each other. I managed to back him into a corner.

I threw my shield at him pining him to the wall. I lunged at him but he jumped into the air. "You can never defeat me." Gabriel said as he lunged at me through the air.

He grabbed me and threw along the floor. I hit the door. I stood covered in the blood of Gabriel's men. Gabriel came at me with fast volleys of his sword. I blocked every one of them. 

I threw Gabriel against the wall. He landed with a thump. 

"When will you learn that you can't kill me. Only the grey winged angle can kill me!" Gabriel said. 

With that he lunged at me again this time his blows hit me across the face he sliced my face with his sword, just barely missing my eye. I could feel the blood run down my face. I thrust my sword at him burying it deep in his gut. I pulled it out but no blood came with it. I looked at him. 

"I told you that you cannot kill me!" he said with a laugh, then plunged his sword into my gut.

I felt the sharp blade go deep into me it was getting difficult to breathe. I then slid off his blade and to the floor. Gabriel went outside I heard foot steps then I saw father he cradled me. 

"Father I'm sorry I failed you." I said. 

"No you haven't failed me. Rest! You'll feel better soon." he said.

I could see the tears running down his face then I stopped breathing. But, I could still hear and see! What was going on? Father laid me down on the floor he started to scream at Gabriel.

I could see what was going on but I felt air rush into my lungs again then I started to glow with a strange light. Gabriel came into the cathedral and gasped. I stood up and picked my sword up. 

"What's the matter Gabriel? Surely you know that you're not the only one that is immortal!" I said. 

"This isn't possible." Gabriel said. 

"Oh, but I think it is and this time I'm not playing games." I said as I shed my armour, getting ready to shift. 

"Father, go back outside with the rest of the men." I said. Father left and went back outside. I removed the last of my armour so I could shift. 

Gabriel looked at me "why are you taking off your armour? Are you that stupid?" he asked me. 

I looked at him preparing to shift. I moved my shoulders bringing my wings forward I shifted into my angelic form.



Blood and Ice Ch. 22



Chapter Twenty Two: The Final Battle Part Two

I felt my wings spring forth I felt them flex and settle. They had grown. They were slightly bigger than father's but my wings were completely grey. 

I heard Gabriel gasp. "That's not possible! You can't shift!" 

"Oh, but I can Gabriel!" I said as I jumped into the air. 

I grabbed Gabriel and threw him through the stained glass window. It gave a resounding smash as he went through. He landed just in front of father. Moments later he was again flying. I flew after him and drew the sword of shadows. I was ready to finish him off, but he could fly extremely rapidly and it was difficult to catch him. We flew away from the cathedral. Father had joined me in the air next to me. 

"Alexandria, are you okay?" 

"I'm fine. But you need to go back down. This is between me and him. You can't get in the way, and you can't stop me father." 

He nodded. "I will not stop you. I know it has to be done. I will go back to the mountain top and bring everyone with me." he kissed me on the forehead. "Just come back to me Alexandria!" 

"I will father!" I flew after Gabriel.

I felt sorry for my father. I don't know what I would do if I was in his position. 

Gabriel had circled around so that we were again near the white cathedral. Gabriel turned to face me. 

"So, Gabriel, you're not running now you coward." 

"You can't defeat me! I'm one of the true immortals!" 

"As am I Gabriel, and I will kill you!"

I drew the sword of shadows. Gabriel lunged at me and threw me through a window in the cathedral. It smashed around me, the glass cutting into my wings and face. I could feel the blood run down my face.

Father came running into the cathedral. I jumped into the air and sped out of the cathedral and as high as I could into the air. Gabriel followed me closely. I pulled up and waited for him. When he drew level with me I plunged the sword deep into him. It only wounded him.

He backed off. I conjured a fire in the palm of my hands only this time I felt deep and pulled the entire fire out of my body and thrust it towards Gabriel he tried to fly out of the way but I caught him and singed his wings 

"what's wrong Gabriel you didn't know about my powers?" I said

He was starting to get worried. I called on the shadow and thrust him out of the window with a resounding smash. 

I jumped into the air and out of the window after him we were locked in a very close and mean duel. I couldn't find a weakness in his sword we flew and fought at the same time Gabriel threw me threw an other window I was getting sick of the glass cutting into my face and wings.

I could feel blood run down my face it was time to finish this once and for all for once we would have peace and peter and I finally get married and maybe even start a family of our own I smiled at that thought.

"have you realised that your finished?" he smiled 

"the only one that will be finished is you" I said 

"your arrogance is your downfall" he said 

"your incompetence is yours" I said it was time I jumped into the air as I had been standing in the middle of the throne room I flew out of one of the smashed windows grazing my wings as I went Gabriel was hot on my tail I spun in the air to face him I could see him gathering a white power in his hand. 

I did the same only it was black and I aimed for the wound I had given him with the sword. Our blasts hit at the same time. Gabriel was sent hurtling to the ground. Later they told me that he was dead before he hit the ground. His body was smashed into the stone on which he had been born.

His blood was splattered all over the snow and ice that laid around the grounds of his birth. His death blast sent me hurtling to the ground. The last thing I remember was the smash of glass and some sort of alarm before I blacked out. 

When I awoke I realised that I had landed on a car windscreen and that one of my wings was broken from the fall. I looked around and I didn't recognise the street but I knew I had to get out of sight. 

I tried to pull my wings in but it was no use the broken one wouldn't move. As the owners of the car started to come out to see the damage I had done to there front screen I just managed to get under the cover of some bushes. I knew they would phone the police so I ran, trying to keep objects between me and other people.

I saw the name of a street. It was close to James' work! I was in luck. I headed to his work hoping that he was there. I looked in the lab window and saw him; but he was with other people so I waited until he was alone. It was getting late and the sun had set. It was pitch dark when I snuck into his lab.

I wasn't sure how he would react to my wings so I crept up behind him, put my hand over his mouth, and whispered in his ear. 

"James it's me I'm in big trouble and I need your help. When you turn around please don't freak out! It's still me okay?" 

He nodded. He knew who I was. I let him go and he turned around. His eyes grew wide with shock. 

"Lex! What happened? You're covered in blood." 

"I killed Gabriel, but the blast sent me back here. I smashed someone's car window and broke my wing so I can't fly. I can't get in touch with my father, so I need your help." 

"Of course we'll help you, Lex. We knew about your father but we weren't sure if you could change or not. First things first. We need to get you home and cleaned up!" 

I nodded. He bundled me into his car, being careful of my broken wing. I lay down in the back seat. James covered me with a blanket and drove me to his house. 

He carried me into the living room. Then he went into the kitchen and came back with a very worried Sarah. They cleaned my wounds and did their best to splint and reinforce my wing. I could move the wing well enough to fly. 

It hurt, and I couldn't fly very fast, but I could fly. I really needed to be able to fly to reach father. 

"Thank you for your help. I need to go back to my father." I said. 

"He will probably be at your grandfather's Lex." James said. I looked at him and I finally understood exactly what was going on. 

I just nodded and went out side to take off. 

I very slowly flew to the castle grounds and made the jump. I just barely made it, but I did make it. I landed on the landing strip. Father and grandfather came out. 

"Alexandria are you okay? What happened to your wing?" I was fired a hundred questions. I had the same number of questions for them. 

"Can we go inside and talk? I need to ask a few questions!" 

They looked at each other and followed me inside to the throne room. Father looked at me.

"Are you okay Alexandria?" 

"I'm tired, sore, shaken up, and sick of being lied to!" 

Grandfather looked at father, then at me. 

"We don't know what your talking about Alexandria." father said. 

Father and grandfather sat down, but I was so upset I couldn't!

The truth was going to come out one way or the other. 

"Really? Well we will see. Now, is Gabriel dead?" 

"Yes he is. He is completely and fully dead. We made sure of it." father said.

I was so angry that I started to pace up and down, flexing my wings.

"So, when were you going to tell me who Gabriel really was?" 

"You know who he was. He was the leader of the light raiders." father said. 

"Is that all?"

"Alexandria what are you getting at?" grandfather asked. 

"So were you ever going to tell me that Gabriel was your brother, father?" 

Father went white. 

"How did you find that out?" grandfather asked. Father was in shock, and speechless. 

"On his birth place was our family tree. Under your name there were two names a third is marked but not named. The two names are Lucifer and Gabriel." I said. 

"Yes, Gabriel was my brother. That's why I could never kill him and why he never killed me. It's against the laws of nature! If you strike your next blood relative you will be cursed." father said. 

"And yet, you let me kill him! Why?!" I shouted at him. 

"Because you were the only one that could! You aren't a direct blood relative of his, and you're the master of the shadows." grandfather said. 

"Wait, did you said that there was a third name on that stone?" father asked. 

"No, there was no name. There was just the date of birth of a third child. You didn't know?" I said. 

Father spoke, "No! I honestly didn't know. Did you father?" 

"I knew there was a third child, I don't know who it is as your mother was pregnant when we were attacked and she fled. All I heard is that she died giving birth. I know she carved the date of birth but no name. I have tried to find the child but I never did. As light raiders took the child before we could get to it I don't even know if it was a boy or girl" grandfather said. 

"Do you have any idea who it is?" father said. 

"I do" a voice came from behind us. We all turned around to see who was there. The voice belonged to James! 

"James what are you doing here? How did you get here?" I asked. 

"Simple. I was the child that mother died giving birth to." he walked over to grandfather and handed him something. 

Grandfather burst into tears when he saw what James handed him. 

"As for how I got here", James opened his black wings; "I flew. I didn't know the way but Lex couldn't fly rapidly. When she made the jump I simply followed her. I've stayed in the shadows to try to understand what was going on."

Father asked, "You've been looking after my daughter all this time and you were my brother?" 

"Yes when I found out who I was, when I approached the castle it under attack. I couldn't let her grow up with strangers. She is my niece and it was the least I could do. I couldn't help you but I knew she would" James said. 

Father hugged him. I was still in shock. James was my uncle! Grandfather came over and hugged James and cried into his shoulder. 

Father led me to a quiet spot just outside the throne room. "Alexandria, I hope you don't hold it against me for not telling you about Gabriel. I thought if you knew you would never kill him." 

I looked at my father. "Father, when I said I would do anything for you and that my loyalty is with you, I meant it! When I killed Gabriel I knew who he was! I still killed him because I knew you wanted him dead." 

"You knew?" 

"Remember when I said I would talk to you later about something just before I killed him? That's what I needed to talk to you about." 

Father pulled me into a tight hug. I screamed in pain. 

"What, what's wrong?" father asked. 

"One of my wings is broken, and you just squeezed it!" I said wincing in pain. 

"Oh, sorry!" father said as we went back into the throne room. 

We all sat down and had something to eat. 

"Tell me James, does Sarah know who you are?" I asked. 

"Yes she does and she doesn't mind. She nearly spilled the beans a good few times with you." he said. 

"Who's Sarah?" grandfather asked. 

"My wife father. If you would like I will bring her here to meet you." James said.

"I have a better idea! Why don't you bring her to my wedding as am sure grandfather will be coming." 

"I certainly will Alexandria." grandfather said. 

"I think that would be best Lucifer. If you don't mind, would you help me with the jump? I followed Alexandria in and I can't get back on my own. If I don't go home Sarah will be up the walls!" 

All the men laughed! When it was time to leave I clung onto father as he didn't want me to fly and risk further damage to my broken wing. Father made the jump in the air with James flying close to us. James went straight to his and Sarah's. Father had insisted that they should move into the castle. I was very pleased with that! 

Father landed at the front entrance to the castle. Mother came running down and nearly toppled me over. Father pulled her off me and explained that my wing was broken. Mother wanted me to go to bed, but I was having none of it. 

"Father, please convene the council and get two guards to bring up Peter up from the dungeons." 

Father nodded. I went to the council hall. Damien was the first to arrive. He hugged me, "Oh Lex, I'm so glad you're okay. When we didn't see you after the blast we were so worried!" he said.

"I'm fine Damien, I just have a broken wing and some scratches." 

The rest of the council appeared as did father. Peter was brought in by Drake and Alexander. Father sat next to me. Peter stood facing us. 

"As you know Peter, you were arrested and my daughter will explain why." father said. 

I looked at Peter. He looked at my hand and saw that I was still wearing the ring he gave me. 

"Peter the reason I had my father arrest you is that I had a vision that you would be killed if you went with us. If you had died, Gabriel would have won and I would have been killed. I had to make sure you didn't come with us and the only solution was to have you put in prison." I said. 

He looked at me. "You arrested me to save me?" 

"Yes Peter because I love you and I don't want to loose you!" 

"Is the wedding still on?" 

I got up and went over to him. I undid the handcuffs and kissed him. "Of course it is! Although you will need a shower." 

He started to cry and he held me tight. "Peter let go of me!" I said. 

"Why, what's wrong?" 

"Broken wing!" I said. 

"Oh, sorry Lex!" 

"Back to business! I have a lot to tell you." father said. He explained about Gabriel, James and Sarah. He put James on the council for protecting me all those years. 

After the council meeting, I held onto Peters hand as we went back to my room. He showered , shaved, and generally cleaned up. While he was doing that, father had sent a medic to see to my wing. They strapped it up properly so that it would heal in the correct position. 

This new splinting also meant I could tuck my wings in, for which I was grateful. Peter and I went down to the main hall for the celebrations that followed. I never let go of Peters hand all night! The parties went on for three or four days. 

My wing healed slowly. Father said the slowness was due to the fact that my wings were still growing. 

After I fully healed I was busy with my Mother and Sarah getting ready for my wedding. There was only a day to go and I was having the final fitting for my wedding dress when father walked in. 

"My god Alexandria, you look amazing!" 

"You better not tell Peter. You know it's bad luck!" mother shouted at him. 

"Don't worry Melissa. I was just wondering if Alexandria would come out for a fly around the grounds." 

"Yes, please father." 

I was glad to get away from the madness that was inherent in the planning of my wedding. I loved my mother, but she drove me crazy at times. 

We took off from the landing ledge that father had built. I followed him. I didn't realise he was leading me to where Gabriel fell and died. I landed next to father. 

"Why did you bring me here father?" 

"For two reasons. One, being here we won't be disturbed. And two, I need to explain what happened to Gabriel." 

I nodded. I had been curious about this but hadn't asked. 

Father took a deep breath. "Gabriel and I were twins. We were so close. He was my best friend while we were growing up. You could never separate us you. In fact, we were so like each other, you could barely tell us apart.

We were alike even when it came to the type of woman we would fall in love with. The woman I fell in love with is your mother. Gabriel also loved your mother, deeply. It almost killed him when your mother chose me and not him. He became jealous and tried to spilt us up. But he got over it and took a wife of his own. But, he couldn't have children. 

When your mother became pregnant, with you, he was beside himself with jealousy! Out of spite he betrayed me by joining the light raiders He told them how to get into the castle. He told them where the weak points of the castle were. He was blooded as one of them, and he rose to a position of power. He lead the attack against the castle. 

Then, when you returned to us, he tried desperately to kill you. You were so strong and wise that no matter what he did, you stopped him! I am so proud of you! 

Tomorrow, when I walk you down that aisle, I know that you made the right decision to marry Peter!" 

I sat down next to father. 

"There's one thing I don't understand. Gabriel had a brother and father who were light raiders!" 

"He was adopted into their family and became one of them." 

I looked at father. "I don't blame you for not telling me. I know that I would have killed him either way as he had to be stopped. I'm so glad I found out who I really was.", I said looking into his eyes. 

Father said, "Come, let's go home." 

I nodded and took flight after my father. I was so excited that I was marrying Peter in the next day! I hardly slept that night. 

In the morning mother and Sarah woke me up. I got washed and dressed in my wedding gown. It was white silk with gold around the waist and bust. It had a long train. I was just putting on the mother's necklace that father had given me when father came in.  

"Here, let me!" he said, as he helped me with the catch.

When I turned around he said, "You look amazing Alexandria!" as he lowered the veil. "Let's go, Peter is waiting for you!"

He took me by the hand and led me down to where we were having the ceremony. It was to be out in the sacrifice hall as father explained that we had all of our important ceremonies there. The council had lined the path to the hall all of them were carrying torches as it was starting to get dark. They followed us into the hall. 

I saw Peter standing at the top of the hall, speaking to his father. He was dressed very well in a suit and tie. His father nodded at and Peter turned around. I heard his breath catch in his throat. Father kissed me on the forehead and said, "I'm so proud of you. I wish you a lifetime of happiness with Peter!" Then father took his place next to mother, James, Sarah, grandfather and Michael. 

The wedding was quick, or so it seemed. We made our vows, exchanged the rings, and then Peter lifted the veil and kissed me. I could hardly believe it! I was married to Peter! I thought I was going to faint with happiness. 

The party lasted all night, although Peter and I didn't stay for the whole party. After all, we had other business to attend to. The next morning I woke up in Peter's arms. 

"Good morning, my beautiful wife!" 

I turned to him. "Good morning, my wonderful husband!" I said with a giggle. 

There was a knock at the door. We covered up and said, "enter!". 

Father stepped into the room. "Peter, could I possibly have a few minutes with my daughter please?" 

Peter nodded, gave me a quick kiss and left the room. 

"What's wrong?" 

He sat down on the bed and took my hand. I knew there was something wrong. "I'm not sure just how to tell you this. You must know that your mother and I still, and always will, love you no matter what. I need you to understand that Alexandria!" 

"Father, you're scaring me. What's going on?" 

Almost bursting into tears father said, "Your mother's pregnant!".

I nearly hit the roof with excitement. "Oh my god, are you sure? How far along is she? Do you know if it a boy or girl?" I started hitting him with a million questions all at once. 

With a startled look father said, "Wait! Your okay with this?" 

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" I said grinning like a Cheshire cat. 

"Well, I just thought that you might think that were trying to replace you, which we're not." 

"Father, look I'm so, so happy! I'm getting a little brother or sister. How could I not be happy?" 

Father smiled and hugged me. "We were so worried that you would take the news badly. We didn't want to upset you!" 

"Upset me? I love the idea of having a brother or sister. How long has she been pregnant?" 




Blood and Ice Ch. 22



"We're not sure, but we think about a month or two. We just noticed that she stopped bleeding and we had a test done. It showed up positive." 

I shrieked with excitement. 

"I take it that you're okay with this then?" 

"Of course I am father!" 

He hugged me tightly. "Melissa, you can come in now." father said. 

Mother must have been outside the door. She came in slowly. I ran over to her and hugged her tightly. "Mother, I'm so happy for you and father!" 

Mother pulled away and looked at me. "You're happy about this?"

Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" 

Mother just looked at me in amazement. 

Finally she spoke, "I'm so glad you're okay with this. I don't want you to hate the new baby." 

"And, pray tell, why would I do that? It's almost like you don't know me at all." 

Then they both laughed. "Well, now that Alexandria knows, I will inform the council. Would you like to come Melissa?" father said.. 

"No, I think I will just stay here Lucifer." 

"Can I stay with mother father?" 

Father kissed my forehead. "Of course you can!" 

Father left and mother and I sat on the bed discussing the new baby. Then there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" I said. 

James entered the room. "Is your father about Alexandria?" 

"I think he's in the council hall James. He left about two seconds ago." James nodded and left the room and Peter came back into the room. 

Peter walked over to my mother. "Lord Lucifer just told me the good news. Congratulations!" he kissed the back of mother's hand. 

"Thank you, Peter." 

Peter sat next to me and kissed me. As he was doing this father barged into the room with James in tow. James was just behind father and he was grinning. 

"What's going on?" I asked. 

"James has some news of his own." father said. 

James said, "Sarah's pregnant!" 

I jumped up and hugged him. I knew what this meant to him. He and Sarah had been trying to have a baby for as long as I had known them. "Oh James, I'm so happy for you. I can't believe it! Two babies at once!" 

"I know the council is over the moon that I have a second heir and that you're okay with it." father said. 

"Have you told grandfather yet?" I asked, breaking away from James. 

"Come to think of it, no I haven't." Father burst out laughing. Mother and father went off to tell grandfather. I could tell that father was over the moon about this. He had put his hand on mothers stomach and kissed her as they were going out of my room. James went after them. 

I was, again, alone with Peter. He pulled me into his arms. "Hopefully well be starting a family of our own someday!" 

"Well we better start somewhere." I said with a glint in my eye. 

"Yes, let's!" he said as he pulled me down onto the bed. 

Over the next few days there were many celebrations. Grandfather was in tears when father told him about both mother and Sarah being pregnant. He couldn't believe that both of his sons here going to be blessed with children at the same time. 

I had trouble believing it too. I was talking to grandfather when Peter came up and linked his arm with mine. When he did I felt a all to familiar twinge in my stomach. I saw Alexander carrying towels and a basin of water. 

"How is Sarah doing?" 

Drake replied, "Her dilation is nearly ten. What about Melissa?" 

"She's only at four, so we have some time." I followed Alexander as if I was standing behind him. 

"Alexandria are you okay?" Alexander asked. 

There I was, sitting up in a bed with Damien behind me. I said, "I'm fine. I never thought this would happen." 

"I know. Neither did I. Just remember to breath through the contractions. I'm just going to check how far along you are." Alexander said. I saw him slide his hand under the night dress I was wearing. "Your fully dilated. You need to start pushing." Alexander said. 

"Lex! Are you okay?" Peter jogged me out of the vision I was in. Everyone was looking at me. 

Father stepped forward and asked, "What did you see?" I couldn't tell him. I just turned and ran out of the hall. I went straight to the bathroom in my room and locked the door. I vomited a few times before my father, Peter and James arrived. They knocked on the door. I just ignored them. 

Peter was saying, "Lex, please open the door. Whatever you saw we can deal with it." 

"I'm going to have to tell them at some point. I may as well get it over with." I said to my self. 

I opened the door. Father looked at me. "How bad was it?" he asked. 

I started to cry. Peter pulled me into his arms. "Shhh.... whatever it is we'll deal with it together." 

I pulled away from him. "What I saw wasn't a bad thing and its not going to cause anyone any harm. At least I hope not." 

All three men looked at me confused. "What's wrong Alexandria?" father said. I took a deep breath and just said it. 

"I'm pregnant!" 

Peter fainted as soon as I said that. 

"Your what?" father said. 

"Pregnant! The vision was of me in labour." I said. 

"Yes but that doesn't mean your pregnant right now it could be a vision of the future." father said. 

"Mother and Sarah were in labour as well!" 

"Oh!" father said. 

I started to cry. James pulled me into his arms since Peter was still out for the count. "It's okay. This isn't a bad thing. We just can't believe it. Three at once!" 

"James is right. I'm okay with this. Honestly! I knew your were going to have a child at some point." father said. 

When he said this, grandfather and the rest of the council came running into my room. They looked at Peter and then at me crying in James arms. 

"What the hell is going on?" grandfather demanded. 

Michael went over to Peter, "what happened?" he asked. 

Father said, "Well there's no point in hiding it. Alexandria is pregnant!"

Everyone looked at me. 

"Are you sure?" grandfather asked. 

Father answered grandfather's question. "Well, she hasn't done a test yet, which we will leave for a week or two as am sure it was conceived not that long ago. It probably won't show on a test yet, but she had a vision that she, Melissa and Sarah were all in labour at the same time. So, I'm guessing that she is!" 

Grandfather looked at me and then at Peter. "So what happened to him? Did you knock him out?" 

James looked at father, then me, and we all burst out laughing. 

"No grandfather. He fainted when I told him I was pregnant." 

James held me tightly. I was glad of the support. 

Michael must have picked up on my thoughts. 

"Alexandria, it's not that were not pleased that your pregnant. Were just over the moon! It's just a shock with you, your mother and Sarah all being pregnant at the same time. I'm sure that when Peter comes around he'll be fine. If he isn't fine, I will make him fine!" 

I nodded. It took him the better part of an hour for Peter to fully regain consciousness. I had been sitting at the window with a blanket over me when he sat up slowly and looked at me. 

"Is it true are you pregnant?" 

"I strongly think so Peter, yes! But we won't know for sure for a few weeks yet." 

Peter got up, walked over to me, and kissed me. 

"Are you okay Peter?" 

He nodded. "The shock has worn off, I'm fine Lex.", he said; putting his hand on my stomach. 

All this time father and grandfather were sitting on my bed. "I think we should leave these two alone. Alexandria, make sure you get plenty of rest!" father said. 

"Father, will you tell mother please?" 

"Of course Alexandria." he said as he and grandfather left me alone with Peter. 

"I can't believe your pregnant, Lex!" 

"Neither can I." I went to get up to go to bed when Peter picked me up and laid me down on the bed. 

Peter he kissed me and said, "You get some sleep. I'll be back in a minute. I just need to talk to my father, okay?" 

I nodded. I heard him leave the room and I drifted off to sleep. When I awoke Peter was no where to be seen. So I thought I would go down and do some sword practice. Gabriel was gone, but I still needed to defend my self. I changed, strapped my sword to my waist, and headed down to the games hall. There I found Peter in a fierce battle with my father, who won of course. 

I drew my sword. "Okay, my turn." I said. 

Father turned to see who it was. "Alexandria what are you doing here?" 

"Sword practice, what else? Come on father." I said as I squared up to meet him. Father looked at Peter. Peter nodded and father walked over to me and took my sword from me. 

"What are you doing?" I said. 

"Since you're pregnant, I'm not letting you have any sword fighting. It could be bad for the baby." father said. 

I looked at him, stunned. 

"Lex, this is for you and the baby. Please?" 

"How am I supposed to defend my self then?" I asked. Peter took my hands. 

"That's my job now. Why don't you go and relax." he said. 

I didn't know what to say. "Let me get this straight. Your not letting me have sword practice?" 

"No, not until the baby is born." father said. 

"So what exactly am I supposed to do with my self for nine months?" 

"Why don't you find your mother." father said. 

I stormed out of the games hall and went to my room and locked the door. I was furious! How dare they take my sword away from me? I was storming about my room when there was a knock at the door. 

"What?!" I shouted. 

"It's me, do you want to talk?" I went to the door and unlocked it. 

Mother said, "What's with the bad mood?" 

"Father took my sword away! He says that I can't do any sword practice!" I yelled "It's not fair!"

"Well, I think that it's about time!" mother said. 

I glared at her. 

"What am I supposed to do for nine months?" I said raging about the room. 

"Well, the bottom line is that swords are for men and you know how I feel about them. It's time you started acting like a princess not a prince!" 

"But that's not me! That's not who I am, like it or not!" 

"Well tough! You're pregnant and you have to start thinking of your baby!" 

I knew she was right. I just didn't want to admit it! I could see that it was going to be a long nine months. 

The next few months went past very quickly. Father confirmed that I was pregnant as he did tests, and they all came back positive. We were all glad of that fact. 

Mother and Sarah had started to show a bump, but I didn't. I was nearly six months pregnant and I had no bump. I was worried but father said that the baby was healthy and there was nothing to worry about. I hadn't gotten any symptoms, whereas Sarah and mother were almost always being sick. 

I was walking the corridors one night as the baby thought it would be fun to keep mommy up all night when father was walking the opposite direction. "are you okay Alexandria?" 

"I'm fine just your grandchild thought it would be fun to keep me up tonight." 

Father laughed. "Your mother was the same when she was pregnant with you. I never thought we could have an other child." 

I could see a tear in his eye. 

"This time I will make sure that you raise this one father!" 

He looked at me, "I would have dearly loved to see you grow up. I take comfort that you were raised by James, the brother I never knew about." 

"How are you getting on with him?" 

"Fine, though I have to admit I'm a little scared to get close to him after Gabriel." 

I saw James standing behind father looking a little hurt. 

"Father, what happened with Gabriel was out of your control. He turned against you and I know James he would never harm anyone. It's not in his nature. Give him a chance, he is your brother!" 

"I know!; And you're right. I should give him a chance, and I will! You better get to bed before Peter finds you out of bed. He wouldn't like that." 

I laughed. All of a sudden I felt this bang! I winced in pain. 

"Alexandria what's wrong?" father said. 

James stepped forward and asked, "What's wrong?" 

"I think the baby just started kicking." I winced again when the baby gave me a kidney shot. 

Father put his hand on my stomach. "My god the baby really is kicking!" 

James felt it too. 

I ran back to my room. "Peter! Peter! Wake up!" I shook him awake. 

He groggily said, "What's wrong!?" 

"The baby is kicking!" 

Peter put his hand to my stomach. "My god! It's kicking up a storm in there!"

We spend the rest of that night sitting up feeling the baby kick. 

Mother and Sarah came in the next morning to feel it kicking. The next few months went by like a blur. Peter and father built a nursery next to our room. I was nearly nine months and still not showing but mother and Sarah were as big as houses. 

It was getting late one night. I had been going to the library to keep my self occupied. Flash was at my feet. She had been keeping me company all night. I had just finished reading a book when I felt a snap then a fluid ran down my leg I felt the first squeeze of a contraction. 

"FATHER!!!" I yelled. I knew that father was in the next room. 

He came running in. "What? What's wrong?" 

"My water just broke." 

Father lifted me and took me to a room that had been set aside for the birth. He sat me down on the bed. "I'm just going to get the council.", he said as he rushed out the door. It only took father a few seconds to get the council to the room where I was. Peter came rushing in and held my hand and kissed me. 

Father put his hand on his shoulder. "You can't be in here for the birth. The fathers have to wait outside." 

Peter nodded and left with father. Mother and Sarah were woken up and taken to the room as well. They got changed into long white night dresses. I had to be helped into mine as the contractions were getting stronger and I could hardly stand.

Damien sat behind me helping me through each one. Alexander examined me. "Your only five centimetres dilated, so it could go on for some time. Just relax and breath." 

I nodded. About an hour later Sarah's water broke and soon after that so did mother's. Alexander, Damien, drake and Michael had their hands full as the rest of the council were down stairs with Peter, father and James. They were anxious about how we women were handling the labour 

Alexander carried in towels and a basin of water. "How's Sarah doing?" 

Drake replied, "She's nearly ten centimetres dilated What about Melissa?"

"She's only four centimetres dilated so we have some time." he said. 

"Alexandria, are you okay?" Alexander said. 

I was sitting up in a bed with Damien behind me for support. "I'm fine. I never really thought this would happen." I said. 

Alexander said, "I know, neither did I. Just remember to breath through the contractions. I'm just going to check how far along you are." 

I saw him slide his hand under the night dress I was wearing. I felt him feel my cervix. "You're fully dilated. You need to start pushing!" 

"Are you sure?" 

"Yes! This baby is ready to come out now!"

He got a few towels and placed them underneath me. "Okay, push! Damien hold her up." 

Damien responded, "Okay!" Damien pushed me up so I was sitting almost upright. 

"Now push!" Alexander said. 

I nodded and pushed. I could feel the baby move slightly. 

"Okay, now relax and then push on your next contraction." Alexander said. I nodded and fell back on Damien who kept me up. I felt a contraction so I pushed. 

"Okay! I can see the babies head! Keep pushing!" Alexander said. 

Wow this was painful! It felt like I was being split in two. 

"You're almost there! Keep pushing Alexandria. It will be over soon!" Alexander said. But I knew different! 

I pushed as hard as I could and felt relief from the pain. Then there was the cry of a baby filling the room. I looked down. Alexander was wrapping the baby up. He had already cut the cord. He handed me a small bundle of blankets. 

I looked at it. "Is it a boy or girl?"

"Have a look and see." Alexander said. I opened the blankets it was a boy! 

"Well?" Damien said 

" you have a nephew " I said Damien kissed me on the head 

Drake said, "Alexander you better get over here. Melissa is ready to deliver!" 

Three hours later both mother and Sarah had given birth. Both had delivered boys!

Drake said, "Damien, will you go down and tell the men they can come up now." 

Damien left. About five minutes later father, James and Peter came in. 

Peter sat down next to me. "I'd like you to meet your son." I said, handing him the bundle of blankets. Peter burst into tears.

I looked over and all the men were in tears. Grandfather joined us some time later. He was so proud as he had three new descendants in one night! And, all of them were male! 

Peter and I took our son to the nursery, got him changed into clothes, fed him, and put him down for the night. 

Peter held me tight and said, "You've made me the happiest man in the world. I love you so much!" 

"I love you to Peter." I kissed him. "Now, what about a name for our son?" 

"Hmmmm, I don't know. Have you any ideas?" 

"I was thinking of Luke, after grandfather." 

"Yeah, why not? Now why don't you go and lie down while I go and tell your father and grandfather, okay?" 

I nodded and lay down on the bed. I hadn't been lying down long when Luke started to cry. I went over to him and picked him up. When I did, I got a twinge in my stomach. 

I saw the most horrific scene but I saw how to stop it. I sat Luke down. I knew that it would be the hardest thing I had to do, but it must been done for the sake of my son I left a note explaining to peter what was happing I grabbed my cloak I felt so bad leaving my new born son but what other choice did I have I managed to get into the forest unseen that's where I met them. 

"come to pick on a new born baby you've gone low Jess" I said 

Jess stepped out "how did you know we were here?" she asked

"That's my business not yours" I said 

"Fine it doesn't change anything" she said

"Why don't we make a deal" I said

"What kind of deal?" she asked

"Simple you never attack the castle or my son and you can have me to do with as u wish am not armed so if you wish to kill me you may" I said

Jess thought about it for a few seconds "does anyone know that am here?" she asked 

"no I didn't tell any one" I said 

"very well it's a deal then" she said 

I looked up at the castle hoping that father and the council found me quickly as I felt my heart breaking slightly with the thought of leaving my new born son.



Blood and Ice Ch. 23



ok three more chapters to go! enjoy again thanks to you the reader and to my editor

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Chapter Twenty Three: Saving The Family



I held out my hands. Jess cuffed me, blindfolded me. We must have walked for a few days. Every day my thoughts went to my son. I just hoped that father and Peter didn't blame me for leaving. 

Suddenly, I was pulled to my feet. The air started to get colder and damper then what felt like stairs? Where the hell were they taking me? 

"Here you are. Home sweet home! Get used to it as it will be the last home you'll ever have." Jess said as she un-cuffed me and took off my blindfold.

I was in a small cell. There was a toilet and a place to sit, but that was all.

"Oh!, I almost forgot" she said.

She pulled up some chains that were linked to the wall and chained me to it. One fetter on each wrist and one around my neck. 

"We can't have you escaping now, can we?" she said.

I just looked at her. 

"How did you do it Jess?" I asked.

She turned to me, "Do what?" she asked.

"Come back from the dead?"

She sneered at me. "When your grandfather was at the birth of your precious son I escaped as Balthazar was busy with something." 

I thought for a second "You're not fully resurrected, are you?"

"A technicality that will shortly be remedied with your death. I can take over your body. Oh, and don't worry dear; daddy will be there to see it." she said.

As she slammed the door shut I looked out the barred window that was set in the door. 

"Father, where the hell are you?" I said. 

I started to cry. I knew I was doing this to protect my son but I wanted to be in Peters arms and hold my son that night. I cried my self to sleep. In the morning I was rudely awoken by a guard. He threw food at my feet. I just looked at him. If he expected me to eat off of the floor he was sadly mistaken. 

"That's all you will get!" he said as he left.

I walked about my cell. I could move that much but as for wing space, that was out of the question. Every time I tried to open my wings they hit the walls and I couldn't move them properly so I just kept them closed. I was sitting looking out the window in the cell door when Jess came in. She brought a chair.

"What the hell do you want Jess?" I said

"Now is that anyway to treat your best friend?" she asked.

"You must be demented or something!" I said. 

"Wrong! I'm dead and pissed!" 

"Yeah, well I can't do anything about that now, can I?" 

Jess ignored my comment and said, "Well, I think you can. I'm here to offer you something." 

I just looked at her. 

"It's simple! You just tell me how to kill your father and grandfather and I will let you and your baby live. Who knows, we may even form an alliance! What do you say?" 

"Why do you want them dead?" 

"Simple, as long as they are alive they will kill me. But you won't since you're my best friend." she said with a simile on her face. 

"Jess have you lost your mind? Don't you remember how you died?" I asked her. 

"Of course I do Lex; but I can forgive you. We are friends after all." 

I knew she was just looking for information of some sort. Either that or she had gone completely insane. I looked at her. 

"Jess if you think for one second that I will betray my father. I am loyal to him no matter what you offer me." 

She sighed and stood.

"The council said that you would say that. I tried to convince them otherwise but I guess they were right." 

As she left she took the chair out of the cell. 

"Tomorrow you die so savour your last night on this planet!" she said as she slammed the door.

I cowered away into the corner and just cried. I was so afraid. I wasn't sure if she could kill me or not, and I didn't have the sword of shadows so I couldn't even call the army of the dead to help me. Night fell, I hugged my self to sleep in the corner. I was just drifting off when I heard voices.

"Down here! The cells are down here!" it was a male voice.

"Try this one!" a male voice said.

"Fine but be quick as we don't have long." the first male voice said 

there was fumbling at my cell door. I looked up four men entered with torches my eyes hurt with the light. 

"Lex!!" One voice shouted. It was Peter. I tried to run over but got caught buy the chains that held me.

"Dear god, what have they done to you?" father said. 

"Nothing yet. What took you so bloody long?" I asked.

Father said, "My apologies! This place isn't near their usual location. It took us some time to find it." They unchained me.

As soon as they freed me I ran into Peters arms. 

"How is Luke?" I managed to get out after we finished kissing. 

Peter responded; "He hasn't stopped crying since the night you left. He needs you." 

I nodded as father handed me a sword. 

"It's not the sword of shadows as we couldn't touch it. I brought your grandfather's sword and your old armour since we need to fight our way out of here." he said. 

I nodded.

I quickly strapped my armour and my sword on and followed father out of the cell. We met no resistance until we got to the higher levels. We seemed to be in a deep cave of some sort. Guards started to yell as they saw us.

They yelled, "Get her out of here!"

I knew that they meant Jess. We were quickly engaged in a fierce battle. It didn't take us that long to decimate the guards. There weren't any more than ten, but boy did it feel good to be fighting again! It was almost like I was born to fight. 

"Come on, let's get home as your mother will be going nuts by now!" father said.

I couldn't help but laugh. We got out of where ever it was we had been in. There was a small field just outside. The place that held the dungeon looked to be some sort of underground bunker.

"Did you bring Spirit?" I asked father. 

"Yes, he's over here."

Father brought me over to where Spirit was. I mounted him and we set off at a slow pace with Peter to my right and father to my left. 

"So tell me, how's my little brother?" 

Father beamed, "He's doing well keeping your mother and I up at night we named him Jamie." 

I smiled. "What did James name his son?" 

"Leo, after Sarah's father I believe." father said.

I nodded. I had met Leo once or twice. He was always smiling and joking. It was a very sad day when he died of a heart attack. 

"Yes he was a lovely man. I met him when I was living with James and Sarah." I said

"I nearly died when I came back and you weren't there!" peter said.

I looked at him. "I'm so sorry Peter but I had to go. I had a vision that if I had of stayed they would have killed our son and my brother. I just couldn't allow that."

As I said this, father put his hand on my shoulder. 

"Thank you! You have no idea how proud I am of you." 

I smiled at that, "Lets just get home. I haven't slept well." 

"Nether have we, as Luke has been keeping us all up!" peter said. 

I couldn't help but laugh. It took us the better part of four hours to get home. As soon as I got into the main hall I could hear the cry of a child.

"Peter can you see to Luke while I get a shower?" I asked. 

"I can try, as I have tried, to comfort him but it hasn't worked." he said. 

I shook my head. "After I get my shower I will see to him." 

I went into our room and Luke was screaming the house down. Peter went into the nursery while I took a quick shower. When I came out peter was trying to bottle feed him but it wasn't working. I sat down on the bed. 

"Give him here." I said. 

Peter handed Luke over to me. Luke stopped crying as soon as I held him. I pulled my dress down and started to breast feed him. 

"Oh yeah, now he stops." Peter said. 

I just glared at Peter. As I fed Luke there was a knock on the door. 

"Enter!" both Peter and I said.

Father popped his head round the door. 

"I don't mean to intrude but there will be a council in a hour." 

"That's fine father, I will be there." 

He left us. I finished feeding Luke. I was burping him when I got a twinge in my stomach. It felt like I was flying. I was standing in front grandfather's castle. 

"Give it up Jess! I'm the stronger one here." I said. 

I jumped into the air spreading my wings. I flew around the castle. When I came back to the front Jess jumped into the air and spread her wings which were pure white. 

"Now who is the strongest?" she shouted, as she flew straight at me. 

"Lex are you okay?" Peter said jogging me from my vision. 

I looked down at Luke who was looking straight at me and started to fuss. I held him close to me hoping to keep him calm. I changed his nappy and went to put him down for a nap when he started to cry again. 

"This is what he has been doing since you left. Even when we held him he wouldn't stop crying." 

"I'll just have to take him to council then." 

I wrapped him in blankets and went to the council room with Luke in my arms. Peter sat next to me. Father stood and told of why I left. In the middle of his explanation Luke started to scream at the top of his lungs. I held him close when I got an other twinge I saw grandfathers castle in ruins then I came back I looked at father. 

"Is it possible for Luke to have his powers?" I asked. 

"Yes, it's unlikely. However anything is possible, why do you ask?" 

"I think that Luke is trying to show me something. I don't think that he knows what it is, but I first saw Jess attacking me and then grandfathers castle in ruins." I said.

"Who is Jess?" Father asked. 

"The light raider princess! The one I killed on the balcony and the one you felt up just before we took the castle back." I said.

Father smiled at the memory. "Ah yes, but how can she be alive to attack you then?" 

"Oh yeah, I haven't told you yet. I think the whole thing with Gabriel was a diversion. We haven't seen what has really been going on." I said. 

"And what is that?" Alexander asked. 

"Jess is alive. She escaped grandfathers dungeon. She was the one that was going to kill Luke and Jamie so that there would be no descendants. She obviously didn't know about you James." I said. 

"But she can't stay outside of your grandfathers dungeon for long as her soul cannot survive without a host." father said.

That made me think. Then it hit me! 

"Yes she can! She has probably been alive since Gabriel died. He sacrificed his life to bring her back and the whole battle and the fact that he had a son was a diversion." I said. 

James looked at me; "What do you mean Lex?" 

"Simple! Gabriel can't have children you said so yourself father." father nodded. "But he knew that if we thought that he had a child we would go after it and try to kill it. While we were looking the other way they brought Jess back! Gabriel's death brought her fully back!" I said. 

"She has a point Lucifer. The whole thing could have been a distraction." Alexander said. 

"Yes, but what I don't understand is why bring her back?" father said. 

"Do you remember the passage from grandfathers book?" I asked. 

"Which one?" father asked. 

"The one about two angels dancing under a sky of fire." I said 

"Ah yes that one, what about it?" 

"I think that Jess and I have one more fight before there will be peace." I said. 

Luke started to fuss again I lifted him and held him close. I could feel him breathing against me I rubbed his back and he fell asleep. 

"Ahhhhh, the sound of silence! He hasn't stopped crying since you left. It's a joy to hear your self think." James said.

"So Peter was telling me, but I think he was crying because he saw something and was trying to tell me! The only way he can is through crying and since none of you have visions he couldn't show you." I said. 

"It's possible, although it is unusual for one to have powers from birth." father said. 

"You also said it wasn't possible for me to have wings remember?" 

"That's true! Do you know when you will fight her?" 

"No, I don't! All I know is that it involves grandfather's castle." 

"Is there anything else we need to know?" father asked. 

"The only other thing is that Jess has lost her mind. She tried to make a deal with me. She said that if I told her how to kill both you and grandfather she would let the rest of us live. She said that then we could form an alliance. She also referred to me as her best friend, even though I've killed her twice." I said.

"That can happen if the souls have been out of a body for to long. She needs a host to complete the resurrection. Gabriel's death would only bring her Spirit back not her body. Only your grandfather can do that! When I take over he will teach me how." father said. 

Luke woke up and started to cry. 

"Wow! He has some set of lungs on him." I said. 

"That's what we have been subjected to the past few days." James said. 

"He's probably needs to be fed." Alexander said. 

I moved my dress down and held Luke close to me and started to feed him. 

"That should keep him quite for a while father. Could you have food brought up as I haven't ate in a long while." I said as my stomach started to growl. 

"Yes I will. Council dismissed." he said to the rest. 

The rest of the council left the room leaving only father, Peter and me. Food was brought up along with mother and Jamie. I gave Luke to Peter and righted my dress then held my little brother for the first time. 

"Oh my god! He looks just like you father!" I said as I handed him back to my mother. 

"Yes! We'll be doing a triple baptism in a few days." father said as he kissed Jamie's head.

"Father I really think that I should be back in sword practice. I haven't had any for over nine months and now with this new threat I really need practice." 

Father agreed but mother, of course, wasn't having any of it. 

"You just had a baby! You need to rest and let the men protect you." she shouted waking both Luke and Jamie up. 

"Mother I need to practice. If Jess comes and kills me do you think that she's going to let Jamie, Luke, or Leo grow up?" I asked. 

"I thought you killed her." she said. 

"I did, twice! But Gabriel found a way around that so I need to get back into shape and quick!" I said. 

She turned to father "Tell her Lucifer, tell her that you can protect her and our son." 

"Unfortunately she is right! Peter I need you to take the main care of Luke as my daughter needs to join me in sword practice." 

"That's fine my lord. I will just take Luke to her when he needs to be fed as I can't do that." 

I leaned over and kissed my son on his head. "He must be tired, will you put him down?" 

Peter nodded and went off to the nursery with Luke. I felt bad not doing that myself but Jess needed to be destroyed for the last time. 

"Meet me in the practice hall as soon as you get your sword." father said.

I went off to my room and picked up my grandfathers sword as well as the sword of shadows. Peter came in and slid his arms around my waist.

"I really missed you." he said as he kissed me. 

"I missed you to Peter. I'm sorry that I can't help you with Luke but I'm in desperate need of sword practice."

"It's okay. I understand, I just hope that there's a day when you, me and Luke can enjoy a day together without having to look over our shoulders." 

"So do I Peter." I said as I kissed him and went down to the practice hall.

When I entered both father and grandfather were waiting for me. 

"Grandfather! This is unexpected." I said as I hugged him. 

"Yes, well your father told me what happened and I feel responsible as I should have increased security when I was away from the castle." he said looking at the floor. 

"Gabriel would have found a way around your security somehow grandfather. Don't worry about it! And any way, it's just an other opportunity to show that they can't beat us no matter what." I said. 

Grandfather smiled. 

"Anyway, I have a special training assignment for you." father said. 

He gestured me to move over to him. When I did so, he slipped a blindfold over my eyes. 

"How am I supposed to fight with this over my eyes?" 

"This is my assignment. You need to learn to fight with no eye sight." father said. 

"Why?" 

"Simple, what would happen if you were in an environment where there was no light? What would you do?" father asked. 

"Simple I'd swing my sword and hope I hit something." 

Grandfather cracked up laughing.

"No! You need to learn this! It's important." father said.

I just shrugged my shoulders. Father made sure that I couldn't see anything. 

"Okay! We're going to attack you and you need to block us. Listen for us attacking." grandfather said. 

I nodded. I heard them draw their swords. I did the same. I could hear their footsteps circle me something told me to jump. I jumped and spread my wings and landed again. 

"Okay, this time block us with your sword don't jump." father said. 

They approached me and circled me again there was a rush of air and thump! 

"Ouch, that hurt!" I shouted. 

"Then block us!" father said. 

Again there was a rush of air I brought my sword up but I didn't connect with anything 

"You swung to wide keep it closer to your body." grandfather said. 

"If you think its so easy why don't you do it!" I shouted back. 

"Alexandria, Concentrate! You can do this. Listen!" father shouted. 

I was starting to get annoyed then the strangest thing happened. I felt a sharp pain in my eyes. When I opened them I could see through the blindfold! It was as if there was nothing on my face, but I could feel the blindfold.

I saw my grandfather nod to my father then come in for the kill. I side stepped him and brought my sword up to challenge him. Before I knew it we were locked in a close duel. I slid my sword up and twisted his sword out of his hands. 

"Okay, you win." he said. 

I reached up and took the blind fold off. When I did the light in the hall nearly blinded me. I screamed in pain and closed my eyes. When I opened them again everything was normal. 

"Okay, how did you do that Alexandria?" father asked. He knew that I hadn't listened as he had told me to do. 

I explained what I saw and what happened father couldn't believe it. 

"Are you sure?" he asked. 

"Yes I am, why?" 

"It just means that your really tapping into your powers as that is something that neither your father nor I can do. We can shift our eyes only so much."

"I don't understand." 

"You know that we can shift our bodies. Well it's the same with our eyes. The only thing is that we can only shift them to see in the dark." father said. 

"This is why we blindfolded you as sometimes we have to fight in the dark." grandfather said. 

"When?" I asked in disbelief

"There is a time in my domain that there is no sunlight for at least four days and sometimes longer so we need to be able to see in the dark and as you say that the final fight between you and the light raiders happens near my castle there is a possibility that you could be fighting in the dark." grandfather said. 

I just looked between father and grandfather they blindfolded me and we spent the rest of the day sword fighting. Peter came to find me a few times to feed Luke. The only rest I got was to either feed Luke or to eat a quick snack. Father was working me harder than ever before. It was on the fifth day that mother came down to the hall and started to scream that I was being over worked. 

"Look at her Lucifer! She's wreaked!" 

"Mother, I'm fine!" 

"No! You're coming with me to rest.", she said as she grabbed my arm trying to drag me from the hall. Then it happened. 

It felt like I was falling I was going through trees and landed in a small camp. 

"Are you sure it's near by?" I heard a female voice say. 

I recognised the voice as Jess. I hid just in case they could see me. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 23



"Yes! Gabriel left strict instructions. It's near by, my lady." a male voice said. 

I recognised it as the guard from the underground bunker that had been ordered to get Jess out to safety.

"Very well then. The sword must be here and your sure that the shadow raiders don't know its here?" Jess asked. 

"My lady, they don't know of the existence of the sword of light or the infinite city." the guard said. 

A rush of wind and I opened my eyes. I was lying flat on my back looking up the ceiling of the training hall. Mother was screaming at father saying that he had over worked me. I stood up. 

"Right! You are going straight to bed no arguments!" mother yelled. 

I wrenched my arm away from her and looked at father. 

"We have a serious problem." 

He looked at me. 

"What do you mean?" father asked. 

"Have you ever heard of a sword of light?" I asked.

"Well yes. It's an old light raider legend. It's the opposite to the sword of shadows, but it doesn't exist." father said. 

"Yes it does! And they have found it." I said. 

Both father's and grandfather's jaws dropped.    



Blood and Ice Ch. 24



as always a huge thanks to my editor and you the reader 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Chapter Twenty Four: The Sword Of Light 



"Are you sure?" grandfather asked 

"I'm certain! They also spoke of a city. The infinite city." I said. 

Father and grandfather looked like they would collapse 

"What is so great about the sword?" I asked. 

"It is said that this sword unlocks the sword of the raiders." mother said. 

I turned to her "What do you mean?" 

"When the clans were one there was a sword of unbelievable power. Only the royal family could wield it. But, when the clans spilt the leader at the time wouldn't give up the sword. There was a massive battle that nobody won, and they still couldn't decide whether we or the light raiders should get the sword. "

"So what happened?" I asked 

"Alexander spilt the sword. I don't know how but he spilt it into two swords; the sword of shadows and the sword of light. When they are brought together they make the sword of the raiders. Who ever has it will be totally unstoppable." she said. 

"Then, we're in deep crap! We have to get that sword." I said.

"But we can't lay our hands on it! Just like they can't touch the sword of shadows." father said. 

I responded, "Yes, but what if we put a cloth over it like Gabriel did with the orbs?" 

"But we can't get it out of the pedestal! Only a light raider can do that." grandfather said. 

"Then we follow them and steal it! We can't let them have that sword." I said. 

"I agree we must do anything to get that sword. Where is this infinite city?" grandfather asked. 

"I have never heard of it." father said. 

Everyone just looked at each other Peter entered with Luke in his arms. Peter handed my son to me and I started to feed him. Then it dawned on me. 

"Peter have you ever heard of an infinite city?" I asked. 

He gave me a puzzled look. "Why do you ask?" 

"We need to find it." I said simply. 

"Very well then, yes. It's the light raiders last out post. It's only used in extreme circumstances. They say that it's never ending which is what gave it its name." Peter said. 

"What about the sword of light?" 

"That's just a legend. No one really believes it; but it's said to be at the end of the infinite city which no-one has found the end of by the way." he said. 

"Do you know where it is?" I asked. 

"No one does, as it's just an old tale." Peter said. 

Luke finished feeding I burped him and held him close knowing that soon I would be out of the castle and away from him. I looked at father, he knew what was coming and nodded. 

"We're going to need to call a council and we must include James." I said. 

"I agree! Drake and Alexander will stay behind to care for the women." father said. 

I handed Luke back to Peter. 

"Can you feed him while I'm away?" 

"Yes. I can bottle feed him but I would prefer not to." he turned to my father. "My lord, is it okay that I stay and look after Luke?" 

"Yes that is okay Peter. Alexandria get ready to go we will be going as soon as we can." 

I left with Peter. He put Luke down in the nursery. Luke was sound asleep in seconds. I changed into my armour and went to the nursery and kissed Luke on the head. Peter came in while I was doing this. 

"Will you promise me something?" I asked 

"Lex you know I will do anything for you."

"If I don't come back I want you to take care of him and let him know that I love him with all my heart." I said with a tear in my eye. 

Peter slid his arms around me and wiped the tear from my eye. 

"Of course I will. But, you're coming back! I know you will. You can't die remember?" 

"I know but something just tells me that Jess has found a way around it. I know I did so am sure she will." 

Peter held me tight. 

"Nothing will happen to you. You're the strongest warrior on either side. Jess hasn't been able to beat you yet, nor will she."

"But will you do what I have asked?" 

"Of course and our son will know what a brave and fearsome warrior you are." 

He kissed me deeply, but I broke the kiss before it led anywhere.

"I'm sorry but I need to go." 

I left the nursery. It nearly broke my heart to be leaving my son but I knew he was in good hands. Spirit was ready and waiting for me. I mounted him and a stable hand handed me my helmet and my sword. My shield was already strapped to my waist and back. Father rode up next to me. 

"Are you okay Alexandria?" 

"I'm fine I just don't like leaving Luke alone. I know he will be looked after but if anything happened to him and I wasn't here I would feel so badly." 

Father put his hand on my shoulder. 

"When I was trapped in that hell I thought like that every day. I wondered where you were. Questioning if you were okay nearly drove me insane, but I had faith in you. I knew that you were strong. You are my daughter after all. Have faith in your son. He will be fine and a strong warrior." 

I smiled at that thought. "Not if mother gets her claws into him he won't." 

Father laughed. The rest of the council rode up next to us. James did look good in armour. He said that father had been given him lessons on how to use a sword as we rode away from the castle. My heart was heavy. I just hoped that Peter would protect our son. 

"You worry too much Lex" James said. 

I looked at him. 

"Am I that transparent?"

"Yes! Don't worry about Luke. He will be fine. Your mother and Sarah will look after him not to mention Peter." 

"I know, but I can't help it James!" 

Father said "Let's get going as I want to get this over with as soon as possible so we can get home as quick as possible."

Everyone agreed and we set off. Father agreed that we should start looking in a forest that was near to where Gabriel was killed. I looked up at the mountain, then at father. 

"This is too much of a coincidence for it not to be here." I said to father. 

"I agree." He turned to the rest of the men. "Set up camp and start the scouting. We're looking for some sort of underground bunker. My daughter and I will search the cathedral." 

I got off my horse and tied him to a tree I walked up to father I brought my wings out. Father looked at me and his jaw dropped. 

"What?" 

"Look at your wings!" 

I looked at them but I didn't see anything wrong with them. 

"What do you mean, I don't see anything!" 

"Look at the size of your wings. Their twice the size of mine." 

He walked around me. He stopped when he got to my back. He kneeled behind me. 

"What's wrong father?" 

"I think your growing a second set of wings!" 

"Is that even possible?" I asked. 

He walked around to face me. "It's extremely rare. It has only happened once before in our history. My mother had double wings." 

"What does it mean?" 

"It doesn't mean anything it's just a rare thing. You might be able to fly faster as you have the equivalent of two sets of wings. Come, let's go." 

I nodded and jumped. I beat my wings twice and I was where Gabriel had died. His blood still stained the stone table. I landed next to the table. Gabriel's body was no where to be seen. Father landed next to me. 

"He would have been killed anyway, if you didn't kill him. I would have found a way to do it." father said. 

"I'm just afraid that I have made things worse by killing him. If he were still alive Jess wouldn't be here. If he were still alive Luke wouldn't be in any danger and I would be home raising my son." I said.

Father turned me around. I had started to cry. He looked deep into my eyes. 

"Now listen to me and listen good! If you didn't kill Gabriel Luke, Jamie and Leo would be dead! In fact they wouldn't even be here as Gabriel would have invaded the castle and killed all the men and kept us captive until he found a way to kill us." father said. 

"I feel like this is all my fault" I said 

"No! This is Gabriel's fault. No one else's."

Father held me tight until I stopped crying. I don't know what came over me. I never cry! Father must have picked up on my thoughts. 

"Don't worry. Your hormones haven't gone back to normal since giving birth to Luke. That's why your crying, so don't worry." 

I looked up at father "I don't know what I would do without you father." 

He smiled. 

"One question father, if you and Gabriel were born here doesn't that mean you used to live here?" I asked him. 

"Yes this is the last remains of the old castle that I grew up in before it was destroyed."

"Did grandfather used to live here?" 

"Yes, but that was a long time ago." 

"What was grandmother like?"

"You're a lot like her. She died a long time before you were born but I know she would have loved you dearly. You're named after her. She was an amazing person; deadly with the blade and stunningly beautiful." 

"I wish I could have met her. She sounds amazing."

"She was! That's why I was glad you were a female, so that I could name you after her." 

"How come she died? I thought your side of the family were immortal?" 

Father sighed. "Unfortunately there are shades of immortality. There are true immortals such as you, me and your grandfather. Then there is false immortality. They will live forever unless killed in battle or by the sword. Your grandmother was a false immortal. She lived for nearly three thousand years before she was killed." Father shed a tear and I decided not to press the matter. 

He hugged me tighter, "Come, let's go and check out the cathedral for any clues." 

We spread our wings and jumped into the air. I gave my wings a few beats and I was at the foot of the white cathedral. Father and I entered. Blood still soaked the floor. The windows that I sent Gabriel through was still smashed. I remembered that there was a wooden door behind the throne. I went over to it and tried to open it. Someone had locked the damn thing. 

"Any ideas?" I asked father 

He nodded. He opened his wings and flew straight at it, smashing right through it. 

"Didn't that hurt?" I asked with a smile. 

"Yes, but it's not the first time I've had to do that." he said with a smile. 

I just shook my head. I conjured a small fire as there was no light behind the door. We followed the corridor which then lead to a flight of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs there was another long corridor.

"Where do you think this leads to?"

"I honestly don't know, I have never been down here." father said. 

We came across a large stone door. There were no markings on it so we had no way of knowing how to open it. 

"I don't think you can smash through this one!" I said half laughing. 

"No I don't think so. I think we should just leave it. There's nothing here." father said.

I nodded and we left the cathedral.

We flew back to camp. Our trip to the cathedral and back didn't take us very long. The men were still out scouting. Father built a small fire for the men. Coming back, James sat next to me. I handed him some food. 

"Thanks Lex." 

"Did you find anything?" I asked. 

"Not a shred. It's like finding a needle in a haystack." 

"We'll just have to look harder. We will find it." father said. 

"Yes we will. We have to!" I said. 

Damien and the rest of the men came back from their scouting. They hadn't found anything. Father was getting annoyed. He was saying that we should have moved on; but there was something telling me that it was near by and my instincts had never led me wrong! So, we stuck with it.

I fell asleep between father and James but I couldn't sleep. Something was keeping me up. I couldn't put my finger on it. 

James rolled over in his sleep and touched my back. I got the all too familiar twinge in my stomach. I was flying over the trees. I finally landed on the ground. There was a small black ring on the ground. You wouldn't have seen it if you weren't looking for it. 

I turned around. I felt a rush of air and I was standing at the edge of camp. I could see myself lying in between father and James another rush of air and I woke up. I sat up and looked around. There was no point in going after it tonight so I just went to sleep. 

I was shaken awake by James, who handed me a plate of food; which I took. I looked around and I couldn't see father. 

"Where is father?" 

"He went out scouting with Michael, why?" 

"I know where the infinite city is. I had a vision last night." 

James turned to one of the men. "Will you go and tell Lucifer to come back to the camp." 

The guard bowed and left. 

"Where did you see it?" 

"In that direction there." I pointed to where I saw my self standing. "There is a trap door in the ground. You wouldn't see it if you weren't actually looking for it." 

"Right! As soon as your father gets back we will leave." 

I got ready. I was strapping the sword of shadows to my side when father came running into camp. 

"James what is wrong?!" he was panicking. 

"Lucifer, there is nothing wrong. Alexandria had a vision she saw the entrance to the city so we need to leave as soon as we can." 

"She did? Where is it?" father asked. 

I walked over to father and pointed in the direction that I saw the door in. 

"I know the men have been over that area but they wouldn't see it if they weren't specifically looking for it." I said 

"Very well, get ready to leave. Should we take the horses?" father asked. 

"No. We need to do this on foot." I said as I strapped my shield to my back. 

"Very well, let's move out. We will follow your lead Alexandria." father said. 

I left the camp and slowly walked about the forest looking for the black ring on the ground. Father was getting annoyed but I just ignored him. Three hours later, and with a very annoyed father and uncle, I finally found it. I brushed off some leaves and I looked up at father. 

"Believe me now?" 

Father nodded. "Okay, swords out. We don't know what were dealing with here. I will go first, James second, then my daughter. If I tell you to get out, do so and don't argue!" father said in a tone which said do it or die and don't piss me off!

Father opened the door there was a flight of stairs I went in after James it was obvious that no one had been here in a while as there were cobwebs all over the walls. Father handed me a wooden stick with cloth on it. I conjured a fire in my hand and set it on fire. I lit a few more of them so we could see where we were going. 

The corridor opened up to the single largest hall I had ever seen. There were pillars upon pillars. I went over to one of them. They were made of either green marble or jade. The room was beautifully spectacular! I stood between two pillars. I looked down both ways it looked endless on either side. 

"Where do we go now?" father asked. 

"I don't honestly know father. I just saw how to get in." 

"Very well, we will just go in one way until we know different." father said. 

I looked both ways I got a gut feeling to go certain way. 

"I think we should go this way father." I said, pointing down the hall. 

No one objected, so off we headed. There was no light other than the torches that we had. It looked like no one had been here in a long time. We had to stop a few times as the men were getting tired. We slept for a few hours.

We lit a fire with the wood some of the men had carried in with them. All the men crowed around the fire. I noticed that Damien was sitting next to Lauren chatting away. He looked over at me and smiled, I smiled back. Father sat down next to me.

"Has anyone ever found the end of this place?" I asked father. 

"This place was only a myth. As far as we were concerned it didn't exist; so I can't tell you anything about it." he said

We put out the fire and continued to walk. 

After what seemed like a few days we came across a door. It had the symbol of the shadow raider royal family. Father handed me a small dagger with which I cut my hand. I grimaced against the pain and then smeared my blood over the symbol. It glowed and the door slid back. 

I went in first much to fathers annoyance. The rest of the men filed in. We looked around the room but we couldn't see anything. A quick twinge in my stomach told me what to do. I went to the side of the room. 

"Father can I have the torch please?" 

Father handed me the torch. I held the torch to a trough of oil that lined the wall. Flames erupted and spread around the wall lighting to room up. It was then we could clearly see what was in the room. There was a small altar, and in the middle was a sword set into a stone.

Behind it was a stone arch. There was a sliver mist dancing in the middle of the arch. I approached the sword and it started to glow white. 

"Don't touch it Alexandria!" father warned. 

"I don't understand" I said. 

"What do you mean?" 

"You can't touch it since you are a shadow raider." father said. 

"What I don't understand is that we needed blood from a shadow raider to get to it. I think I can touch it father." I said. 

"Step away from the sword!" Jess's voice sounded from behind us. I turned to face her. 

"And why would I do that?" I asked her. 

Light raider guards started to fill in the small room we were out numbered at least three to one. 

"Simple, you are outnumbered and you can't touch the sword, so forget it." she said. 

I moved in front of the sword to block her from it. Then I drew my sword, facing her.

"You know you can't beat me Jess. I have killed you twice before." 

"True but that was before I had any training, and I have taken some of Gabriel's blood!" she said smugly. 

"And what would you want his blood for?" I asked. 

"Now why would I tell you what we have planned?" 

"It won't be we for very long if I have anything to do with it." 

"We will see, now get out of the way. We have been travelling for nearly a week now." she said. 

"Well, we have been travelling for three days." I said .

"That isn't possible!" she shouted. 

"Oh, but it is. We found a shortcut." I said smiling. 

I was glad to know that she had been travelling a lot longer than we had. 

At this she got angry and lunged at me. I grabbed her and threw her to the far wall. This stunned her. I was tempted to grab the sword but I didn't. She stood up and jumped at me again. This time she caught me off guard. 

We both fell to the floor. She knocked the sword of shadows out of my hands and we started to fight on the floor. I kicked her every time I could. She grabbed my hair and pulled very hard. 

I let a yell out of me that was enough for father he pulled Jess off me. Before he did, I kicked her hard in the face bursting her lip and nose in the process. 

"That is enough! Save this for the battlefield." he said. 

I picked up the sword of shadows and slid it into its scabbard. Father let go of Jess and she ran over to the sword of light and grabbed it. There was a flash of brilliant white light that nearly blinded me. I looked over at Jess. 

She was about to run out of the room. There was nothing else for it. The position was perfect and I jumped. I grabbed Jess and we both fell through the arch of sliver mist. I kept a hold of her until we landed. I looked around we were in grandfathers dungeon. Balthazar was no where to be seen. I pushed Jess off me. 

"Where the hell have you brought me!?" she shouted at me. 

"Where do you think?" I said back at her. 

She held up her sword to face me I drew mine to face her we started to circle each other I knew this was the beginning of the end. I was about to go in for the lunge when Balthazar walked in on us circling each other. 

"Your highness! What is going on?" he asked. 

"Nothing I can't handle. Is my grandfather here?" 

"Yes he's in his room." he said

The vision that Luke gave me flashed in my mind. 

"Get everyone out of the castle. Tell my grandfather it's an order!" I said. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 24



"He won't listen to me." 

"Fine, tell him to go into the main hall." I said. He nodded and left. 

"It's time Jess." 

"Fine, at least this time we're both on a level playing field." 

I smiled. At least she didn't know the extent of my powers I thought to my self. We both lunged in with our swords. The final fight for peace in our world had begun.   



Blood and Ice Ch. 25



Chapter twenty five: the sword of the raiders

Jess and I hammered into each other. She faltered and I grabbed her and threw her against the door. She opened the door and ran. I ran after her. She got away from me but I didn't care. I ran into the main hall, grandfather was waiting in the hall. 

"Grandfather, you need to get everyone out of the castle and I need you to lock the main door and any other door! And I need it done now!" I shouted at him. 

"Alexandria what is wrong? I just got a message from your father saying that you were missing again." he almost laughed at that. 

"Grandfather, I'm not messing about, get everyone out now!" I shouted at him. 

"Alexandria there is no need to shout. What has got you so worked up?" he said. 

Now I was really pissed off. 

I growled and grabbed him by the shirt. 

"Get your men out of here or they will die! Am in the middle of trying to kill the light raider princess, don't argue with me!" I shouted into his face. 

"What has gotten into you" he said. 

I tightened my grip on his shirt and turned to Balthazar. 

"Get everyone out of the castle now! As my grandfather seems incompetent to do his job so get the hell out of the castle." I said as I threw grandfather towards the door. 

"Fine! Get everyone out of the castle this is what I was afraid of. You can't handle your power and are going crazy! Let's go, get the guards." grandfather said. 

I ran off to find Jess. I saw everyone leaving the castle. I heard a large click from the lock. That told me they had locked the door. I went looking for Jess. It was now a game of cat and mouse. I started to open doors. I finally found her cowering in the corner of the library.

"So this is where you have been hiding Jess. Are you going to fight, or am I just going to have to kill you here?" I asked her. 

She stood up and faced me. We started to clash. Our swords were dancing against each other. Jess made a desperate lunge at me. I ducked and her sword lodged into one of the shelves. I took the chance and pulled the bookcase down on top of her. She pulled her sword away and wriggled out from underneath the torrent of books.

She faced me and we were quickly locked in a close and cruel duel. I heard the door open. I reached over and grabbed Jess throwing her as far as I could so. I could deal with who ever was at the door. It was grandfather. 

Jess ran at me and we both went into the book shelf at the other side. We were quickly destroying his library as we duelled. I turned to him as I got out from under the books. 

"Still think I'm going crazy?" I managed to ask him before Jess jumped on me sending us both into yet more books. 

"Right, stop this now!" grandfather yelled. 

Both Jess and I stopped and looked at him then each other. 

"It's not to late Lex. There still can be peace between the clans." 

I knew she was just saying this in desperation so we didn't have to try and kill each other. 

"The only time there will be peace is when you die and this time am going to make it stick. Do you think that after everything that you and your clan has put us through that I'm simply going to walk away and let you live? No chance!" I said looking at her. 

"That's enough! Why are you trying to annihilate this woman?" grandfather walked up between us and looked at Jess. 

"Weren't you in my dungeons?" he asked. 

"Grandfather remember when we were looking for the white cathedral and we asked a young woman where it was? This is her. She is also the one who escaped from your dungeon." 

"Did she now?" 

"Yes I did and you can't send me back down there. Before you get any ideas as I have a physical body now not just a sprit." Jess said. 

"Well, we do have a smart one! Tell me, how did you get fully restored?" he asked her. 

"She hasn't been fully restored. Gabriel's death allowed her to remain half resorted. The whole thing with Gabriel was a diversion, a plot to get us to look the other way while they were working to restore her." I said. 

"But why are you trying to kill each other?" he asked.

"She is the light raider princess. She's the last remaining heir to their throne. Once she's dead we can finish this war at last." I said.

"And with her dead, Lucifer will be next on the list." Jess said glaring at me. 

"Grandfather get out of here and let me deal with this." I said. 

He looked at me. 

"Why do you need everyone out of the castle?" he asked. 

"Luke showed me something. The castle completely destroyed. I can't have you getting hurt." 

"Luke showed you?" he said. 

"Yes, he has come into his powers very quickly." 

He smiled at that. "Very well I will leave you to it then but do me a favour?" 

I looked at him puzzled "what?" 

"Don't destroy all the bloody books, I need them." 

I couldn't help but laugh at that and nodded he left us. 

"Now where were we?" I said. 

I lunged in and went for Jess' head. She ducked and ran out of the room. I ran after her. She ran into the main hall. Father was standing there with grandfather as Jess and I locked back into the close duel. Our swords were just blazing in front of us. We paid little attention to those around us as the only thing that mattered was our duel. Father caught my attention. While fighting I spoke to him.

"Father I'm kind of busy at the moment. What ever it is can't it wait?" 

"Catch!" he shouted as he threw my shield at me.

I caught it and held it up just in time to block one of Jess' attacks. I pushed her up and threw her off of me. 

"For the love of god, will you to get out of here and let me deal with her or do I have to force you out?" I asked shouting at them. 

"We're going now we promise." father said as they left. 

Jess went to follow them. They were going up to the platform that we used for landing. I could see them both open their wings and take off . Jess ran not noticing that it was just a platform.

She stopped just in time to save herself from falling at least a hundred feet, although it would have saved me a job that was for sure. 

"Doesn't this seem awfully familiar to you Jess?" 

All she could do was shake her head in agreement. I could see that she was scared. It was easy to see in her eyes. I felt sorry for her but I had a duty to perform. 

I couldn't let father down. Father and the rest of the clan. My thoughts drifted to Luke. I wondered if he was okay. I had to do this for him, to make sure that he had a future where he could grow old in peace and have a family of his own. As I was thinking of my son, Jess stood up. She must have gotten a bit braver.

"How did we get to this Lex?" 

I looked at her. "We were always going to fight, whether if we knew each other or not. This was always our destiny, and now we need to fulfil it." I said as lunged in. 

Jess blocked me. We were getting awfully close to the edge. I could see father, grandfather and the rest of the men out on the fields surrounding the castle. Out of the corner of my eye I saw what happened. 

A portal opened near the castle. People on horses came riding up along with foot men. I knew that they weren't our men and that father and grandfather were greatly out numbered. I quickly delivered a punch in the stomach to Jess then ran to the edge and jumped. 

As I did I opened my wings and flew straight up then plummeted to the ground I forced my sword into the ground right in front of father, who had the men ready to fight. The shock wave that was sent from the sword was enough to knock the men back but this only made them more determined to fight. I chanted out loud: 

"Army of the dammed rise to fight!" Then jumped back into the air with the sword.

The ground around the castle turned black and started to shake. Ghostly shapes of men started to appear next to father there were some horses but most of the men were foot solders. Father looked up at me and nodded. 

I screamed the attack. I flew back to the ledge. Jess had ran back inside. This was beginning to wear thin and I was getting even more annoyed. I tucked my wings in so Jess couldn't harm them. It was time to finish this! Sounds of desperation came from a bedroom to my right. I went in and Jess was trying to get the window open. 

"How could you summon them? Gabriel said you wouldn't have any powers? He said you exhausted them the day you killed the minions!" she said her face was tear stricken. 

"There are a lot of things that Gabriel didn't tell you, like the fact he's my uncle." I said. 

Jess' eyes went wide with shock.

"No! That's not possible!" she screamed at me. 

She ran forward and grabbed me and threw me across the room. I landed with a thud against the wall. I stood up. 

"Is that the best you have?" I said, goading her. 

She went mental and lunged at me with her sword I just moved my head in time. If I hadn't she would have connected, but she only scrapped my cheek. I only bled lightly. I could feel the blood running down my cheek. 

I knew now she meant business. I could almost feel the anger in her when she dove at me again. I jumped onto the bed that was in the middle of the room. She slashed again missing me and cutting up the bed. Feathers went everywhere. She took this as an advantage and ran back up to the landing platform. This time when I went up I locked the door. 

We stood and faced each other. I looked over the side father and the army had finished their fight. Father and the men were still standing strong. Blood filled the once green fields. The army of the dammed had retreated to wait for further orders. 

"Seems like your men don't have any guts, just like you and the rest of your clan." I said. 

She looked over the side. "They were brave men and you slaughtered then like animals." she said.

"You should never pick a fight with the side which has the bigger army." I said. 

Jess just looked at me. "So this is how it ends?" 

"You could say that Jess, yes" I said as I went in for the kill. 

Jess and I were in a close duel. I managed to slide my sword into her hilt and wrench her sword away. It landed close to the door. She scrambled to get it. As she did I took my sword and stabbed her through the stomach, but his time when I pulled my sword out she didn't fall to the ground. 

Instead, she turned around and stabbed me in the stomach. I felt the blade enter my body a little bit of blood came out with it but the pain was immense. I wasn't going down without a fight! I grabbed her wrists and twisted. She took the opportunity and threw us both over the edge. Both swords left our grip and landed next to each other in the ground right next to father.

I pushed Jess away from me and opened my wings. A few beats of them, and I was free of her. I noticed that my second set of wings had fully grown. The size of my wings dwarfed those of my father's. 

I watched Jess fall for the second time. everything happened in slow motion. White wings erupted from her shoulders and she pulled her self up and faced me in the air. Her white wings were dwarfed by my massive black ones. I just looked at her. 

"How do you have wings your not of my bloodline?" I asked her 

"Simple, my blood was infused with Gabriel's right after I joined them. I was able to fly before I was first killed." she said. 

Blood was coming out from the wound I had given her it wasn't much but enough. I flew forward and grabbed Jess. We both flew straight into a turret smashing it to pieces. 

Jess damaging her back in the process she wasn't as experienced with flying as I was so I got away before she could even recover and get back in the air. While she was getting back up I was thinking of a way to end this once and for all. I landed next to father and picked up the sword of shadows. I looked at it. 

Shadows were dancing along the blade as I looked at the blade it changed. Words started to appear on it they were strange at first but then I realised what it said and I knew what I had to do. Father grabbed me and hugged me. 

"Thank the heavens that is over with." he said. 

"Says who?" I said. 

"You stabbed her with the sword we all saw you." he said. 

"She's still alive just getting her bearings back." I said. 

We all looked up Jess shook off some dust from her wings and headed towards me. I stabbed to ground next to the sword of light and left the sword there. Jess grabbed me and took me into the air. 

I brought my legs up and kicked her in the chest sending her spinning. I beat my wings. She crashed into the side of the castle and I landed next to father. 

"Do you have a knife or dagger?" I asked. 

"Yes, here!" he said and handed me a small dagger. 

I used the sword of shadows and cut my hand. I stabbed the sword right next to the sword if light I let my blood drip onto the two swords. 

"Why did you do that?" father asked 

"You'll see." I said 

I jumped into the air. Jess was already in the air waiting on me. I lunged forward and stabbed her with the dagger. I hit her in the arm but it was enough. I just needed her blood. I grabbed her arm and threw her back against a wall.

She crashed into a turret I flew over to her she was knocked out. It gave me time. I knew she wouldn't be out for very long and I needed time! I went back down to where my father was standing. I took the dagger out and dripped Jess' blood over the two swords. They glowed black and white at the same time. 

The lights then merged and glowed bright green. When the glowing stopped there was only one sword standing. It was twice the length of either of the swords and twice as deadly. The hilt was encrusted with emeralds. I picked it up. It was light to hold. I swung it, it was very light and easy to wield. Father just looked at me with his jaw on the floor. 

Is that what I think it is?" he asked.

"Yes father, it's the sword of the raiders."

Father and grandfather were gobsmacked. They couldn't believe that I had found it. I could hear movement from where Jess had been thrown. I knew that she was getting up and ready to fight. She shook the dust from her wings and jumped into the air. 

I jumped into the air. She lunged at me and I grabbed her with my free hand. We both went tumbling into the castle. We landed in the throne room and collided with the far wall. As we did I kicked Jess in the ribs. There was a loud crack, I knew I had broken her ribs. She landed on the floor with a thud she looked at me as she winced in pain. 

"Why can't we stop this and there can be peace." she said. 

I just looked at her. I knew it was a diversion. 

"After everything that your clan put us through I don't think so. Count your self lucky that I'm giving you a fair fight." 

Jess stood up looking at me. "Fine, have it your way. But don't say I didn't give you the chance when your begging for death; which, by the way, I will make very slow and very painful after what you did to Jason and Gabriel." she said as she jumped into the air and straight towards me. 

I easily side-stepped her and she went into the throne I jumped into the air and flew into the middle of the hall. Jess flew after me. 

I flew straight up until that point I didn't realise that the roof was made entirely out of glass I smashed through it I flew straight up and shook the glass from my wings as I flew through the glass it cut me in so many places I felt the blood run down my face and down my arms it splashed onto the sword covering the emeralds Jess followed me through the glass we squared up to each other in the air I could see the fear behind her eyes she panicked and flew away from me.

I followed her she was easy to follow as my wings were a lot bigger than hers so I could have caught her easily she stopped when she was over father and grandfather. 

"What's wrong? Are you going to try and out fly me?" I asked. 

"You know I can't out fly you." she said. 

"So will you fight me then?" I asked. 

She nodded I saw her holding a small dagger. She lunged at me and plunged her dagger into my stomach. As she did, I plunged the sword of the raiders deep into her heart I raised my feet up and kicked Jess she went tumbling backwards.

I gathered the shadow in my hands Jess had gathered some sort of white light in her hands we hit each other at the same time.

Father told me later that my blast hit Jess square where I had stabbed her and the blast sent her flying straight into the lake of fire. She was dead before she hit the water. Her body floated on the water while her blood spilled into the water. The blast that Jess threw at me sent me flying back into the castle. 

It was Jesse's last desperate attempt to kill me. The intensity of the blast had the castle falling down around me. I was quickly buried underneath the bricks and rubble. As soon as I had hit the wall my world went black.



Blood and Ice Ch. 26



ok this is the last chapter of blood and ice i am working on a sequal but i will keep you posted and i hope to get the end of the shadow that binds up as well enjoy and thanks to my editor and to you the reader 

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Chapter twenty six: The end for now 



I tried to open my eyes. All I could see were the stones that had piled on top of me. There was screaming and shouting but I couldn't hear it properly. Pain racked almost every part of my body. Blood was running down my face. I could tell that my wings were broken. 

I tried to get up but my legs and the stones on top of me wouldn't allow it. The voices were getting louder. I could father's voice. 

"Alexandria!! Answer me!!" 

I tried to shout back: "Father, help me." 

"I heard something!" that voice sounded like Peter. 

Everyone went quite. This time I screamed. 

"Father!! Help" 

"It's her! She's alive!!!" Peter said. 

It took them a long time to get the stones off me. I must have been right underneath everything. Father picked me up from the rubble, when he did I screamed in pain. 

"I'm sorry Alexandria, but we need to get you out." Then he laid me down. 

I was laid on my front so as to not damage my wings further. A blanket was placed over me. Peter leaned down so he that he was in my field of vision. He kissed me gently on the cheek. 

"We thought you were crushed under the castle. Your father came running into the castle telling every single person to go with him to help."

There was only one thing I was worried about. 

"How's Luke? Is he okay?"

Peter smiled. "He's fine. He was sleeping away when I left. Your mother is looking after him, so don't worry about him." 

I heard father say, "Right, we need to get her to the castle so that Alexander can look at her. Peter, we will need your help to move her onto the stretcher."

Peter stood up. I felt many pairs of hands lift me. I whimpered in pain as they laid me down again. The blanket was tucked in around me and father placed another one over my wings and head. 

"Sorry Alexandria, but if your mother sees you like this she will kill me!" 

I chuckled with laughter only to stop when I felt searing pain come from my ribs. I was moved slowly so they wouldn't cause me any more pain than absolutely necessary. It took us a good hour to get back to the castle and up the front steps. When we reached the main hall father called attention to a guard. 

"Tell Alexander to come to my daughters room urgently!" he said. 

The guard ran off. A loud scream shook me awake as I was starting to drift off. 

"No, please no!" mother cried. 

Father stopped her. "Melissa she's injured but she is alive. We need to get Alexander to look at her." 

Mother wasn't having any of it. "Let me see her! I need to see that she's alive!" 

"She's injured really badly. I don't think you should see her until after Alexander sees her and patches her up. Then you can see her." father said. 

"No! Now!" she shouted. 

I could hear father grumbling as he pulled back the blanket that covered my head I looked up at mother she kneeled next to me. 

"Alexandria are you okay?" she asked. 

"Not really. I'm sore all over. Please mother, can we talk later? I'm too sore right now." 

Mother nodded. The people that were carrying me took me up to my room. Alexander was waiting for us when we arrived. 

"Okay, get her onto the bed so I can look at her properly." he said. 

I was placed on the bed, the stretcher was slid out from underneath me, and the blankets taken off.

"Okay all of you should leave except for Lucifer and Peter please." Alexander said. 

I could hear footsteps going out of the room. I was turned over. I could feel Alexander moving me about looking me over. 

"How bad is it?" father asked. 

"She's pretty bad. Four broken ribs, broken wrist, and ankle. She's also cracked her skull and three out of four wings are broken and need to be reset. Then there are the cuts and bruises. I'm surprised she's still conscious, all things considered." 

"Will she be okay?" Peter asked. 

"She'll be fine, although she will be bed ridden for a while. Peter, you will have to stay with your father for a while." Alexander said. 

"Very well, what do you need to do?" father asked. 

"First off am just going to give her something for the pain. Then I'll get her cleaned up and set her bones." Alexander said. 

I felt the jab of a needle and some sort of fluid going into my arm I felt dizzy and sick then I passed out. 

When I woke up it was night. Peter was sitting next to the window and was feeding Luke. I tried to sit up but the pain of my ribs stopped me. 

"Easy Lex. You've been through a lot, just relax." Peter came over and sat next to me. 

"Can I hold him?" I asked. 

"Lex you don't need to ask to hold your son." he said with a smile. 

I sat up ignoring the pain from my body. Peter handed me Luke and I cradled him close to me. He moaned slightly. When he did I got a twinge in my stomach. When I came back Peter looked concerned. 

"What did you see?" he asked .

"You mean what did you're son see?" I said. 

Peter just nodded. 

"It wasn't bad and you will see in time." I said as I kissed him. 

Peter left it at that. He took Luke and went to put him down to sleep. When he was doing this father and James came in. 

"Hey, what are you doing up?" father said. 

"I was holding my son as I haven't done in a while. I missed him." I said as they both sat down next to me. 

"How do you feel?" James asked. 

"Sore!" I said.

Father laughed. 

"I guessed that I meant emotionally." James said. 

"I'm okay, how is grandfather?" 

"He's fine. They are clearing away the rubble so that they can rebuild the castle. He asked me to send his apologies for calling you crazy." father said. 

I smiled. "I'm just glad no one was hurt. Do you have Jess' body?"

"Yes we recovered it from the lake after we got you out of the wreckage." James said. 

"Will you burn it to make sure that this time it sticks?"

"Don't worry, she is defiantly dead this time." father said.

There was a knock at the door. 

"Enter!" father said. 

It was Michael and Alexander. Michael had a tray of food and wolf blood, for which I was grateful. 

I looked at father, "Where's Flash?" 

Father and James looked at each other then at me. 

"She's in the forest." James said. 

"Why is she there?" 

"She found a mate." father said. 

I nodded. I understood. I had found the same in Peter. As long as Flash was happy I was happy. As Michael handed me the tray there was scratching at the door. We all looked at each other in confusion. James opened the door and in walked Flash. 

I looked at father he just shrugged. Behind Flash there was another wolf. This one was bigger than her and was pure black. Flash ran over and jumped onto the bed. She was carrying something in her mouth which she dropped on my lap. Then she licked my face. The other wolf was slower to approach but it jumped onto the bed next to her.

I went to pet Flash and the black wolf growled a warning. Flash snapped at him. I smiled as I scratched Flash behind her ears. Then I went to the black wolf, he shied away from me but a nudge from Flash told him not to move. He seemed to like my petting as his tail was wagging. I looked at Flash. 

"Its okay, you go with him as long as your happy and stay close to the castle I will be fine." I said to her. 

Flash perked up at this and nudged the small bundle on my lap. It wiggled a little bit. I looked down. It was a wolf cub! I cradled it in my arms. It looked just like Flash except it had amber eyes. It started to bite my fingers. I laughed. The little rascal was just like its mother. I tried to hand the cub back to her, but Flash nudged my hands. I looked over at father.

"I think she's giving you her cub." he said. 

I looked at Flash. 

"I can't take him from you Flash." I said. 

Flash's mate came up and picked the cub up and put him in my arms and licked my face. Then they both jumped off the bed. Flash giving me one last lick on the face and they both went to the door, which James held open for them. 

I felt sad letting my friend go but I was happy for her. I looked up at father. 

"I want her and her pack protected! If any of her pack go for sacrifice there will be severe punishment!" I said. 

Father nodded and kissed the top of my head. "Both Flash and her pack will be protected. I will post the law at the next council."

"Thank you father." 

I picked up the little cub. "I think this is a boy." 

The little cub bit at my fingers so I fed him some scraps of food. Then the little cub snuggled up to me. 

"I think you should rest Alexandria. You need as much as rest as you can get." 

"Very well father, I will." I said as they left my room. 

I fell asleep with the little cub next to me. It took the best part of six months for all of my injures to heal. Peter took Luke in to me everyday. Luke was getting bigger and looking more like his father with every passing day.

He was able to sit up on his own. Father said that it wouldn't be long until he would be walking. 

Soon after that I was playing with Luke and Peter when James came in and sat next to us. 

"I'm sorry to break up this happy scene but your father has requested your presence at council." he said as he cuddled his great nephew. 

I took Luke and put him down for a nap. I headed to the council room and sat down next to father and Peter. 

Father stood and spoke. 

"Now, as you all know this is the first council that my daughter has attended since her injuries. Alexandria, would you mind telling everyone what happened please?" 

I told them all what happened between me and Jess. When I finished I turned to father. 

"Where is the sword of the raiders?" I asked. 

Father looked uneasy. "It was smashed after the blast." 

"That may be a good thing really. It means that it can never fall into the wrong hands and threaten our existence our that of our children." 

"You make a very good point Alexandria." father said. 

"Yes, the sword is best destroyed then no one can try and kill us with it." James said.

"So where are the rest of the light raiders?" I asked. 

"They were all destroyed. We sent the army into the infinite city and annihilated them. They no longer exist." father said. 

"Well that's one less worry for us. Could we possibly use the city just encase we need somewhere to hide?" I asked.

"That's a good idea. I will send supplies to the city along with a few servants." father said.

"Is there anything else? If not I think I will be taking a few years off to raise my son." I said. 

"No, and I think the council will agree to that as I don't think we will be attacked anytime soon." father said. 

Everyone nodded at that, some even smiled. 

"Very well, council dismissed!" 

I got up and went back to the nursery. Luke was standing up holding on to the edge of his crib. I went over and picked him up. He was getting so big! He clung onto my neck. Peter came in.

Peter kissed both of us. That night Luke slept between us. 

It wasn't long before Luke was walking. The other boys were nearly a year before they walked. 

Luke loved the little wolf cub. When he was walking and talking Luke named the cub Scamp. 

In time, I let Luke look after Scamp. It gave me great joy to watch Luke when he was running after the little cub and laughing his head off. 

Peter and I loved watched him run after the cub. Peter slid his arm around my waist just as Luke clattered to the ground and started to cry. I ran over and picked him up. 

"Hey, its okay, mum's here." 

"It hurts!" he wailed. 

"Let me kiss it better." I said. He had only scraped his hand so I kissed it for him. Then, he stopped crying. 

He cuddled into me. "I think he's tired best we get him into bed." I said. 

Peter just nodded. We both headed up to Luke's room. By this time Luke slept in a small bed. It was there I laid him down and tucked him in. He was asleep within seconds. 

Peter and I went back into our room. Peter held me tight. He kissed me deeply and we landed on the bed. That night we spent the entire night together. We were rudely woken by Luke and Scamp jumping on the bed. 

There was a knock at the door. Peter and I hurried to get some clothes on.

"Enter!" I said, once I was decent. 

James came in with Leo and Jamie in tow. All of them jumped on the bed. 

"Big sissy!" Jamie shouted. 

"Hiya squirt!" I said.

"Sorry to dump this on you, but could you watch the kids since your father and I need to go to your grandfather's castle to oversee the last of rebuilding and your mother insists on going with him?" James said. 

"No I don't mind baby-sitting my little brother and cousin." I said as I was jumped by three toddlers. 

"Okay boys, calm down!" James said as he pulled them off me. When I went to get Luke off of me he was looking into space, his eyes were blank. 

"Luke are you okay?" I shook him slightly. 

Peter looked at me. "He's having a vision! That's what you look like when you have them." he said. 

I was getting concerned. His eyes came back to normal and he looked at me. 

"Mum?" Luke said. 

"Sweetie, what is it? What did you see?" I asked. 

He looked at me then at Peter and ran off crying. We all just looked at each other. Peter and I ran after him. We found him in his room crying into his pillow. I sat down on his bed. 

"Luke whatever you saw its okay sweetie. We can deal with it." I said. 

Peter kneeled down next to the bed. 

"Don't worry everything will be okay. Your mother and I will never let anything happen to you." 

"It's not me." he said. 

"Then who sweetie?" I asked. 

He sat up. "You mum." he said his face was tear stricken. His black hair which he normally kept tidy was all over his face. I lent over and brushed the hair from his face. 

"Can I tell you something?" I asked him. 

He nodded. "I once had a vision that your grandfather was to be kidnapped and I was scared to tell him; but I did. He hit the roof but I told him to warn him. We have visions to warn us about what can happen so that we can change the outcome." I said to him. 

He looked at Peter and burst out crying. "Hey come here. What ever you saw we can deal with it." he said. 

He nodded "Everyone was standing around you and you were bleeding a lot then you passed out." he said. 

I looked at him. "Who was standing around me?" I asked. 

"Alexander, Uncle James and Drake. Alexander was telling you to push." he said.  

Peter and I looked at each other. Peter raised his eyebrow. 

"It's too soon to do a test but it's possible." I said. A grin cracked over Peter's face. 

"Luke, what you saw it wasn't bad. I'm not in any danger. If anything it's a good thing" I said.

"What do you mean mum?" he asked. 

Peter and I spent the best part of an hour explaining what was going on. His face lit up. When we were finished James popped his head in the door. 

"Is everything okay Lex?" 

"Everything is fine, where are the boys?" I asked. 

"They're terrorising Drake." 

I laughed. "Come here sweetie." Luke ran over to me. I brushed his hair. He wanted to keep it longish like his father's hair. 

I said, "Come on little man, let's go find your cousin and uncle." Luke held my hand all the way down to the food hall. 

Poor Drake and Alexander were being picked on by Jamie and Leo. Jamie was getting more and more like my father and Leo was James's double. Both boys were very cheeky and smart whereas Luke was a lot quieter. I bid James a safe trip and off he went. 

"Okay boys, stop ganging up on them." Peter said. 

Drake said, "Thank heavens you two got here!" 

"And what is wrong with my little brother and cousin?" I asked. 

Alexander said , "Nothing your highness. They're just a handful and don't seem to want to listen to us." 

"They're three. They're just at that age." I said. Jamie and Leo had taken into running around the hall obviously playing a game of tag. Luke was sitting next to me. 

"Do you not want to play with your uncle and cousin?" I asked him. He just shook his head. 

"Can I get a drink mum?" 

"Of course sweetie." I said as I handed him a drink of water. 

Mother, father and James came into the hall just as Peter was chasing the boys pretending to be a light raider. The boys squealed with delight and ran around the room jumping out on Peter to give him the odd kick in the shins.

Luke, the whole time, stayed very close to me and wouldn't budge that night. We had a struggle getting him to bed. We waited until he was so tired that he stopped putting up a fight. I joined mother, father, James, Peter and Sarah in the council hall. 

We didn't have that many councils to attend to so we often used the room to have a few drinks once the boys were sleeping. It was nice to bond with my family over something that didn't include warfare. Father handed me a drink as usual, but I declined. 

"Are you okay Alexandria? This isn't like you." 

I looked at father and said, "I think I may be pregnant." He dropped the glass he was holding. 

"What makes you say that?" James asked. 

I told them what Luke told us. Father nodded and handed me wolf blood. 

"Drink up." he said with a smile. 

"Poor Luke didn't know what he saw. He thought that Lex was injured and we were just standing by." Peter said. 

"Poor thing. I suppose he was confused." Sarah said. 

"Yeah, but we explained it to him the best we could." I said. 

Mother asked, "How did he take it?" 

"He was fine about it although he wouldn't leave my side. We had a bit of a fight to get him to bed."

Father smiled and said, "Stubborn like his mother!" 

"Yeah and I'm certain that Jamie will become one hell of a warrior!" I said. 

Mother asked, "What makes you say that?" 

"Have you seen the bruises on Peters legs? And what worries me is that he was playing! The same goes for Leo." I said 

"He will not be a warrior!" mother said. 

Both father and I looked at her. 

"And what make you say that?" I asked. 

"I won't let it happen." she said simply. 

"And what happens if, like me, he just ignores you and does it anyway?" 

"He wouldn't dare!" The glare in her eyes told me that she meant business. 

"You can't stop him! You can't stop what he was born to do." I said. 

Mother said, "Watch me!" 

Peter asked, "Will you let Luke learn how to fight?" 

"If he wants to, yes. I can only try and get him interested. If he doesn't want to I won't force it on him." 

Mother yelled at me, "You would let your son fight? You would let him deliberately put him self in danger?" 

"If that is what he wants to do, yes! I wouldn't stop him from doing what he is meant to do." 

Father could sense the tension building.

"Enough you two! Melissa, if any of the boys want to learn how to use a sword you will not stop them." 

Mother went to argue but father held his hand up. 

"Alexandria is right. You can't stop them from doing what they are destined to do anymore than you could stop Alexandria from being the warrior that she is." 

Mother was not happy, but she held her tongue. 

Three weeks later Alexander confirmed my pregnancy. Keeping my self occupied was easy this time as I had the boys. Luke was over the moon when we told him that he was getting a little brother or sister. 

The pregnancy went smoothly again. No symptoms and no weight gain. I asked Alexander about this and he said it was just me and that everything was normal and the baby was very healthy. So I just left it and trusted his judgement. 

Near the end of my pregnancy grandfather paid us a visit as it was near the boy's birthday. He handed them all presents. Their faces lit up. He had given them all toy swords with which they liked to hit us. 




Blood and Ice Ch. 26



When Jamie hit me Luke went nuts and jumped on him pinning him to the ground. The two of them started to really fight, kicking and punching at each other. Father and Peter ran forward and prized them apart. 

I walked over to Luke and kneeled in front of him. 

"Luke what happened? I have never seen you fight like that." 

He looked at me and replied, "He hit you! No one should ever hit a woman!" 

I looked up at Peter and he just shrugged his shoulders. Luke was always advanced for his age, but I had no idea just how much advanced he was. 

"Yes, you are right he shouldn't have hit me. But that's no reason to hit your uncle. He is family and you should never hit family." 

I could hear father giving the same talk to Jamie. Jamie slunk over with his head bowed. 

"I'm sorry for hitting you Lexie and am sorry Luke." 

"Luke, I think you should apologise as well." 

Luke apologised. 

Peter said, "Now let's go back to enjoying ourselves." 

The boys didn't cause any more problems but Luke kept a close eye on Jamie. Grandfather sat next to me and spoke, "When you get a moment can I speak to you?" 

"Of course!" I addressed the group, "Can you excuse us for a moment?" 

Luke went to come with me so I leant down. "Stay with your dad, I will only be a minute." 

He nodded and sat next to Peter. 

Grandfather and I went into the council hall and sat down. 

"What's wrong grandfather?" 

"My men recovered something a few days ago. I thought you might like it." 

He reached down and placed a wooden box in front of me. I opened the box. There lay the sword of the raiders. It was in three bits, which meant that it couldn't be used. 

"Thank you grandfather! We will keep this as a reminder of the struggles that we faced." 

"You're just like your father!", he said with a smile. The door opened and in stepped father. 

"Ah good! You're both here. I would like to talk to you both."

"What about father?"

"Well, your mother and I were discussing this last night and we have decided that when Jamie comes of age we will be leaving and passing on the crown to you.", he said sitting next to me. 

"And where will you be going?" 

"To live with me of course." grandfather said. 

"As long as your sure father." I said. 

"Both your mother and I are sure. When the boys are older it will be time to pass the crown." 

I just nodded. 

"Now onto a more happy note. My castle is fully rebuilt." grandfather said .

I was just about to offer my congratulations when I felt a ripple of a contraction and my water broke. Both father and grandfather looked at me. 

"Are you okay?" father asked. 

"My water just broke!" 

Both men got up at the same time and ushered me out of the council room. 

I winced in pain as another contraction hit me. Father scooped me up into his arms and rushed me to the room that we had set aside for the birth. Father helped me get into a long night dress and sat behind me as Alexander came running in along with James and Drake. 

Alexander said, "Easy Alexandria just breath though your contractions. Don't push yet. I need to examine you." 

I just nodded.

"She's dilated to eight centimetres. So Alexandria, just breath. James and Drake get warm water and towels ready." 

"Where is Peter?" I asked 

"He's down stairs with Luke. He knows that your in labour." James said. 

I was too sore to say anything so I just nodded. Alexander examined me an hour later.

"Okay Alexandria, you need to start pushing." 

I saw the door open and I knew who it was. 

"Drake, take Luke back down and tell him am okay." 

Drake turned around and sure enough there was Luke. He looked like he was going to scream. 

"Hey little man, come with me." Drake said as he picked him up and took him out of the room. 

I could hear Luke's screaming protests going down the corridor. 

Alexander said, "Never mind that Alexandria, push!" 

Father held me up as I pushed. 

"Okay relax. The head is almost out. It's nearly over." Alexander said. 

As Drake came back into the room he commented, "By god, Luke has some set of lungs on him." 

Everyone laughed at that.

"Okay, on your next contraction push as hard as you can." Alexander said. 

Father sat me up. Alexander said, "Okay on three. One, two, three; push!" 

I pushed as hard as I could. I didn't stop until a baby's cry ripped through the room. Father kissed me on the head. Alexander handed me a small bundle of clothes. 

"Is it a boy or girl?" I asked. 

Alexander smiled, "Look for your self."

I gently opened the blanket. 

"Well?" father asked. 

"You have a granddaughter." 

In unison, both father and James said "Congratulations!" 

I turned to Drake, "How much of a fight did Luke put up?" 

"I'm quite certain that I will have a black eye in the morning. I had to put him over my shoulder. He may be small but by god he packs a hell of a punch your highness." 

"Would you expect anything else from my son?" I asked. 

"Not in the least your highness. Now why don't you have a shower and change and we will call the boys up." Alexander said 

I handed my daughter to father. I took a quick shower and took my daughter back from father. 

I was sitting at the window looking out. The snow had long melted the moon was full and high in the sky and its reflection dancing across the water. 

The door opened and Peter entered. "Lex are you okay? Your Grandfather wouldn't let me up." 

"I'm fine. Would you like to meet your child?" 

The smile on his face said his answer. I handed him our daughter. 

"Is it a boy or girl?" he asked. 

"Check for your self." 

He did, and his face lit up he leaned in and kissed me. As he kissed me there was a loud scream coming from the hall. I already knew who that voice belonged to. I went over to the door and opened it. I was met with a tear stricken Luke. 

"Luke what is all the noise about?" I asked him. 

"You were hurt and they didn't do anything about it!" he screamed back at me. 

"Luke, does it look like I'm hurt?" I asked him. 

He shook his head. 

"Would you like to see your new sibling?" I asked him. 

"The baby arrived?" he asked. 

I picked him up "Yes, that's why I was away." I said as I sat down on the bed. Peter sat next to me. 

"Luke, this is your little sister." Peter said, showing him our daughter. 

She moaned slightly and opened her eyes looking at her brother. 

Luke stroked her face. "She's so small." he said. 

"You were the same when you were born." 

He looked at me, "I was?" 

"Everyone is small when their born." Peter said. 

Luke asked, "What's her name?" 

"We haven't thought of one yet. Do you have a name in mind?" I asked him. 

Luke asked, "Can I choose?" 

I looked at Peter who just shrugged. Peter obviously thought the same as me. If the name was silly we would tell Luke to try again. 

"Yes, you can. This can be part of your birthday gift." I said. 

He thought about it for a long time. I had to give our daughter a feed while he was thinking. 

Luke said, "How about Aislinn?" 

I was taken back by what he suggested. I was waiting for him to call her something like "Squeakers". 

"Where did you hear that name?" I asked. 

"It was the name of the woman that Alexander fell in love with and started to war over." he said. 

"I don't have any objections, do you Peter?" 

"No, I think it suits her." 

"Very well, Aislinn it is." I said. 

Luke beamed in pride. 

A few months later we baptised Aislinn. Father was surprised at the name but confirmed that Luke's story was correct. 

Peter and I didn't have any more children. Two were enough for me! Luke grew up and into the warrior that I had hoped him to be. He was far deadlier with the blade than Jamie or Leo; not that they didn't try to beat him. 

Aislinn grew into one of the most beautiful woman in our clan. There wasn't a man in our clan that wasn't after her, apart from her brother, cousin, and uncle of course. 

Damien fell in love with Lauren. They married and had three children, one boy and two girls. 

Father was true to his word. When the boys came of age and became full shadow raiders he and mother both left. 

It saddened my heart to see them leave but mother was growing old and father wanted her to live her last few years in peace. I respected this. 

Peter and I took over the running of the castle. Peter was starting to get on in years. All the boys could beat him in a sword fight. One day I decided to flex my old sword skills again.

I found my old sword and headed down to the training hall. I wanted to see just how good my son actually was. Luke over threw Peter with little effort Jamie and Leo didn't even faze him. I stood up to fight him. 

"Mum what are you doing? You'll be hurt." 

Peter stood. 

"I wouldn't underestimate your mother. Your grandfather did that and ended up knocked out." 

All the boys jaws dropped "You knocked dad out?" Jamie asked. 

"Yes, and who do you think killed Gabriel?" I asked. 

"You?!" Leo said. 

"Yes me, and I want to see how good my son is." 

Luke nodded. Aislinn stood at the edge of the hall watching. We clashed swords in salute. Our swords became a blur of silver sparks. He wasn't just good, he was very good; but not better than me. I saw an opening.

I slid my sword in and twisted as I did I saw a black shadow glow in his hand. He knew about my wings. We had been open with all the children. I opened my wings and jumped just in time as the shadow erupted from his hand and was heading straight for Aislinn.

I knew he had no control over it so I jumped in front of it and held my hand up to block it. It bounced off my hands missing Aislinn. Luke just stared at me. It took a lot of explaining that he didn't deliberately try and kill his sister. 

The year after that Aislinn was turned. Michael passed away. Mother and father attended the funeral. I could see in mothers eyes that age was catching up on her.

Five years after that only Peter was left from fathers council. Mother passed away leaving father distraught. 

I had to spend a good month with him. When I was away Luke had found a lovely woman and had announced that they were to marry. 

When our first grandchild was nine Peter passed away. When he did I knew it was time. I took Luke to one side. 

"Luke I think that it's time that you took over and led the clan. You are more than capable and I know that you will be a fantastic leader." 

"Where are you going?" He asked. 

"To live with your grandfather and great grandfather, my time is over."

Luke nodded. That evening I said my good byes to Aislinn and her husband Kieran. Aislinn's daughter was only a year old, I kissed her on the head. Aislinn had named her after me for which I was proud. 

I had a very tearful good bye from Luke and his son who begged me not to go. I kneeled to face my grandson. 

"Just remember that I will always be looking over you and I will know if you do something wrong." I said. 

"But do you have to go grandma?" he said. 

"My time as a ruler has come to an end. I have to go so that you can become a ruler. If I didn't you would never lead our clan." I said to him. 

"I don't care, I want you to stay." he wailed. 

I handed him a small mirror. 

"Lucifer, see this mirror? When you need me just call my name and I will be there." I said to him. His eyes lit up. 

"You will always be in my heart and in my mind." I said as I kissed him on the head. 

I hugged Luke tightly. "I love you! Never forget that I will always love you and I will be there if you ever need me." I said. 

"I love you to mum." 

I mounted my horse. It wasn't Spirit, it was his daughter Sparkle. My grandson had named him. I took off at top speed.

I didn't want to look back. The pain of leaving my family hurt me to much. I made the jump to grandfathers castle. 

Our clan flourished beyond any ones expectations. 

They had to build a village around the castle. Father, grandfather and James were glad to see me. James had moved here after Sarah died and here I am looking out of my window thinking back on all the struggles, triumphs, and the sorrows I've had over the years.

One thing I will say is that my life changed for the better all those years ago when Matthew attacked me. I wouldn't change any of it not one thing. Life is neither easy nor simple, but I am proud of my family. 

I will always watch over them as I always have. That is my curse and blessing for doing what I have done; and this was and is my story, my destiny, and my life.