Ashton Hood shook out her long curtain of dark black hair from its high ponytail just as the frantic messenger came in.

"Ashton, there's trouble! We have word from our spies that your brother has heard of your continued existence and is looking for you."

She cursed loudly and shot off her seat towards her weapons rack and as she started to strap each of her weapons on she said threatingly, "Tell Aqua I'll be back in about a month. I need to lay a couple of false trails or my dear brother will easily find me. Tell her also that in the mean time to double up on guards, to send out sentries and lookouts, and no matter what if he shows up do not tell him where I am."

The messenger immeadietly left and Ashton quickly prepared for what was to be what felt like longest journey of her life.