Two days passed and still I couldn't get a hold of Eva. Every time I went to her room, she wasn't there or some Brownie booted me out. I spent a lot of time trying to ease my worries by going to the library.

I had devoured three books on the dark forest, each similar to the other. If this had been the mortal world, someone would be screaming plagiarism suits right about now. I also searched for this four legged Keeper of Knowledge but he managed to stay hidden from me as well. For a centaur the guy knew how to hide.

It was at the end of the second day as I was putting another book away when I heard it. The clip clop noise of hooves on the cement. Excited, I crouched low sneaking through the aisles. I found him in the herbology section. He was putting away some books which he carried in a sack over his shoulder. His human half was broad shouldered with tanned skin. Defined muscles caught my attention as he moved to return books to their resting places. His black hair matched his coat, the horse half of him was a cobalt black, shining brightly under the skylight. He appeared to be in his mid thirties though there was a streak of gray at his temple.

Trying to be quiet, I snuck up behind him. Then I remembered my mother telling me not to stand behind a horse and I quickly moved from behind his rump. My feet scraped on the stone and he spun around eyeing me in surprise. "Hello, Lady Laila. I understand you've been looking for me?"

I stood up. "How do you know that?"

"The pixies tell me everything." His voice was deep, filling the large library with its sound. "You wish to ask me about the Dark Forest?"

"Okay how did you know that?"

"From the books you have been reading. I know which books you have read my Lady, it does not take a genius to figure out what you want to know."

"Right, well yeah so can you tell me about the Dark forest? Please?" I added, trying to be polite.

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Very well. Follow me."

I followed him through the aisles to the back of the library where a small door protruded. Despite his large size, he slipped through easily and I followed him into a small room. A fire burned brightly in the corner filling the room with warmth. A small bookshelf of books sat opposite the fire and I tried to make out their names but they were in a strange language.

"They are written in the language of my people," he stated observing my wandering eye. "If you like one day I will read them to you. They depict the Centaurs history and many wars we have battled. I myself feature in many of them."

"Oh cool.' I looked at them with interest. "I may just take you up on that."

"Ah, but of course you wish to talk of creatures of darkness and Fae gone mad."

"Yes please."

"Take a seat my Lady and begin your questioning. Actually before you begin allow me to first tell you something about the dark forest. Then you may ask your questions."

Arthrain placed a small kettle over the fire and curled his legs beneath, sitting on the floor. "Firstly at the beginning of the Fae, the dark forest was not there. I cannot say for sure when it came into existence or why but one day fae began to disappear, never to be seen again.

I recall a tale of a young man who hunted in the forest, chasing a deer in good fun. His friend followed him but he was a portly man and could not keep up with the young spritely Faery. Suddenly his friend vanished from his sight as he rounded a tree. He called out for him to slow down but paused as he noted something strange; the trees were moving.

Many moved around him and he stood still, too afraid to even call out for his friend. Once they stopped their movement the portly man turned and ran faster than he had ever ran, back out of the forest. Many years passed and the young faery was never seen, disappearing from our world.

One day however as a young couple walked lovingly through the forest, a crazed deer burst from the undergrowth, eyes rabid and foam glistening from its mouth. The young man tried to kill it but to no avail. His weapons were useless against the mad deer. Then, before the deer could attack the young woman, a man jumped out from behind a tree, tackling the deer to the ground. The deer roared an unearthly sound as it tried to attack this man. The man's blade, dripping with darkness slashed forward, driving into the deer's heart. With a final roar the creature collapsed to the ground, truly dead.

The young could not believe it, after all who had ever heard of a rabid deer? They turned to thank the man but paused. His eyes held the same rabid look as the deer. He muttered in a strange tongue talking to an invisible entity as he swung his sword crazily around him.

I am sure you know who the poor man is. It was the same man who had vanished some time before, he had chased his deer through the dark forest, never finding an escape until then. Though he had been released from the darkness, it still remained inside him. It had corrupted his mind, leaving him senseless.

The Court managed to capture him and his friend was brought forth to identify him. The portly man was surprised and horrified at what had become of his friend. To keep him safe and stop him from harming anyone, he was locked away. To this day this man still lives and his mind remains filled with darkness."

Arthrain finished speaking and the kettle whistled as it came to boil. Arthrain started getting cups organised and I guessed that meant it was question time. "So why could the crazed faery's weapon hurt the deer but the normal faery's could not?"

"I believe it has something to do with the power of the darkness." Arthrain said as he poured some tea. "The weapon had been in the darkness, it's power seeping into its blade. I think that it also creates a protective barrier around those tainted by darkness so only a weapon made of the same power can kill it."

"So if a crazed dark faery suddenly attacked and you used a normal weapon you wouldn't hurt it?"

"You would hurt it certainly, but kill it? No."

"That doesn't make sense." I took the tea cup from his offered hand. "How can you hurt it but not kill it?"

"A normal weapon will only penetrate so deep. It can cause minor injuries but not enough to cause any real damage. I cannot give you a proper explanation I'm afraid because we know so little about the ways of the dark forest."

"Well that sucks,' I muttered. "So no one has been cured of this darkness?"

"No one,' he said calmly. "Each still retain the darkness which took their minds. It is a dangerous power which tricks and plays with you until you can no longer think or see straight. Every shadow causes them grief, shouting at them as if telling them to do their worst."

"And no one has ever found the princess?"

Arthrain's eyes narrowed. "No, they have not. And if you value your life my Lady you will not speak of the princess within these walls. Even after all these years it is still a fragile subject."

I winced. "Oh right, sorry. So there's no exact way of getting into the darkness?"

"No, there is no point exactly. The trees keep you guessing, moving them around until they can no longer turn back. Many fae have told stories of how the trees moved around them and yet they were spared of the darkness. It seems the trees choose who they wish to be tainted by the darkness as if it is they who control its power."

"But trees can't do that. Can they?"

"Trees are powerful beings not to be taken lightly. Each tree holds a certain amount of power. I'm sure you've heard of Ash and Birch being powerful trees? Their branches often used in faery spells?"

I nodded, their names had popped up in the book my father had given me.

"Well, the trees around the dark forest vary in type and stature and yet all hold the ability to move, to trick those they desire to be lost in the heart of the forest." He explained.

"The heart of the forest? So it doesn't stretch beyond the great forest, it only exists in the centre. Like a world within another world?"

"Precisely," Arthrain nodded. "You have asked many questions my Lady please allow me to ask one; Why do you hold such interest in this place?"

"I don't know." I tried to find the right words which was hard when I didn't know the reason myself. "I feel as though it's something I need to learn. Something I will need to know in the coming future."

He took a sip of his tea. "I see. I certainly hope my Lady that in the future you have no part in the dark forest. Though you may be half mortal I fear it will not be enough to protect you from losing yourself to the madness."

Arthrain's words stuck with me as I wandered back to my room. I wasn't sure why I was desperate to know about this forest but I hoped Arthrain was right and that I didn't get near enough to find out. I broke from my reverie and was surprised to find I was not at my door but at Eva's. Oh well one last try before I retired for the day.

Without knocking I opened the door and let myself in. "Eva? Are you here?"

A gasp sounded from a small room off the left and I heard a cup break. I ran to the noise and found Eva crouched on the floor, picking up the broken shards. "Don't do that Eva, here let me."

I pushed her hands aside and noted they were shaking. "Eva?"

I tried to look at her face but her hair formed a veil between us. "Eva are you alright?"

She flinched as I moved her hair aside and gasped at the large bruise forming around her eye. "Eva! What on earth -?"

"It's nothing," she said quickly brushing my hand aside. Her voice trembled with emotion and I felt a flash of anger burn through my chest.

"Who did this Eva? Was it Woodburn?"

She shook her head frantically, eyes filled with fear. "No, he didn't! I-I just fainted and hit my head -"

"Don't lie to me! I didn't think faeries could lie?"

"We can,' she whispered in defeat. "We just aren't very good at it."

Moving her away from the broken glass I led her back into her bedroom making her sit on the bed while I inspected her bruise. It looked too ugly on her pretty face. The edges were a deep blue, melting into a deep purple and brown at its centre along her cheekbone. I felt an anger beginning to burn in my stomach and I tried to control myself.

"Tell me everything, right now." I demanded.

"Well, after the first date he asked me out on another. It was so magical, he treated me so kindly, offering me food and helping me through tricky terrain. He always smiled, his touch always lingering. I thought he really cared for me." Her voice broke and I held her hand.

"Keep going Eva."

She nodded, face pale. "We went out again yesterday, to this secluded place in the forest. I'd never been there before and something didn't feel right. Woodburn kept saying everything was fine but when we got there, I panicked. I told him I wanted to go home. When I turned around to face him he- he attacked me."

Her voice lowered to a whisper and my hold on her hand tightened as I tried to control my anger. "What do you mean when you say he attacked you?"

I tried to keep my voice even but the words came out stiffly. Eva was looking everywhere but at me. "He forced himself on me. I told him to stop and when he wouldn't I tried to hit him. I scratched his cheek I think but I can't be too sure. Then he got really angry and he hit me. I was so dazed I couldn't stand. He spat at me and told me I wasn't worth it before he left. I managed to sneak back in without anyone noticing. I was going to go to the healer tomorrow."

She burst into tears and threw herself at me. I held her tightly, letting her cry as my eyes glazed red. I'd known that bastard would do something but to try and rape her? She was the Captain's little sister for goodness sake! Was he really that stupid?

"Eva,' I said as gently as I could manage, "Why didn't you tell your brother?"

"Because Woodburn threatened to tell everyone I'd thrown myself at him and that I'd slept with half the guard." She broke free from me, eyes pleading. "I swear I haven't Laila! I would never sink so low-"

"Shh, it's alright," I murmured. "Everything will be alright. Where's the healer's room? I'm taking you right now."

"Um, it's down the east corridor not far from here."

"Right, come on then." Keeping her face covered, I lead her out of her room, her fingers gripping mine tightly. I followed her directions and soon found myself at the healer's room. Without knocking I barged in. A man sat at the only desk in the room, a simple examination table at his left. He stared in shock at our abrupt arrival. Shutting the door, I walked over to him.

"Are you the healer?" I demanded, not in the mood for small talk.

He nodded. "Yes I am you can't just barge in here I could have had a patient -"

"Well you didn't but you have one now." I pulled Eva forward, brushing her hair from her face.

The man gasped in shock standing quickly. "Evangeline what happened to your -"

"She fell and hit her head." I interrupted. I felt Eva's surprise but brushed it aside. "I don't think it's too bad but can you take a look to make sure?"

He nodded, eyes never leaving Eva's face. "Certainly, please lady sit down."

He helped Eva to the table and I moved to the door. "Wait!" Eva cried. "Where are you going?"

"To have a talk with someone." I slammed the door behind me, my control beginning to fray. My legs strode with purpose as I made my way to the training yard. I wasn't sure if I wanted him to be there or not. If he was I didn't know what I would do. My anger was aimed at him but also at myself.

I had seen this coming, I had felt the wrongness in him and yet I let Eva go with him, knowing he was a monster. My heart pounded in ears and I rounded the final corner, seeing the men in the training yard. Through my haze, I saw Woodburn standing off the side, already talking to another young lady who had slipped into yard.

In that moment whatever control I had snapped. Surging forth, I suddenly found myself in front of Woodburn and using a strength buried deep within me, I curled my fist and slammed it into his face before he could react. Pain seared through my hand as I cursed in sailor fashion and I was pretty sure it was broken but I didn't care.

Woodburn went to the ground as the young lady shrieked in shock. Many of the men had stopped, seeing my display and I leaned over Woodburn, spitting in his face. "If you ever hurt or go near Eva again, I'll rip your balls off and feed them to Alpin, you womanising bastard!"

Woodburn sneered in my face and I was happy to see his teeth were stained with blood. "I'd like to see you try mortal bitch!"

I tried to swing at him with my good hand but an arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me back before I could break my other hand.

"Calm down Laila!" Drake's voice snapped in my ear. "What on earth are you doing, have you gone mad?"

I opened my mouth to tell him about Eva but froze. If I told him here, I was ninety-nine percent sure he would kill Woodburn on the spot. As much as I wanted Woodburn to suffer, a - I didn't want anyone to die and b - I didn't want Drake to get into trouble.

"Nothing," I finally muttered, my broken hand beginning to throb painfully. "Now Let me go."

"Not until you calm down."

We were moving out of the training yard, a crowd gathered around Woodburn and I noticed Sir Ambrus following us closely.

"I am calm!" I snapped.

"No you aren't my Lady, you are shaking."

He was right. My entire body was trembling from all my pent up rage. I tried to calm my breathing as I tried to think of calming thoughts. "I'm sorry, please let me down, I'm fine now I swear."

Drake's hold didn't loosen and I tapped his shoulder gently. "I promise Drake. Please."

Drake hesitated before putting me down. My legs shook and I swayed slightly as Drake gripped my arms to steady me. "Would you mind telling me what that was all about Laila?"

"Now isn't a good time to explain." I started but Drake wasn't listening.

"It's now or once I put you in lock up. Tell me." he demanded.

I looked to Sir Ambrus who merely looked concerned. "You might want to be ready to grab him."

As Ambrus looked confused I began to explain everything that had happened to Eva. As I spoke, Drake's face became darker, eyes burning with rage and his grip on my arms tightened until I could barely feel them.

"Where is she?" he demanded once I had finished.

"I left her in the healer's room -"

Letting me go, he rushed past me and Sir Ambrus grabbed me before I could fall. "Are you alright Lady?"

"I'm fine,' I assured him. "I think I'll just go and rest in my room."

Ambrus took me back to my room, never letting go of my arm as my legs still hadn't stopped shaking. Reaching for my door, Ambrus intercepted me, he reached for my broken hand and I cried out as he touched the swelling fingertips.

"My lady you are injured!"

I moved my hand out of reach. "I'm fine, Woodburn's skull was thicker than I thought it would be, that's all. I'll be fine. Thank you for escorting me back. Good bye, Sir Ambrus."

I quickly went into my room before he could protest, leaning against the door. I held my hand up surveying the damage. The skin was discoloured, purple and red blotches appearing. Skin was taken off my knuckles where they had connected with Woodburn's face, the open wound throbbing dully compared to pain further within. I couldn't move my fingers and I was now positive my hand was broken.

"Great," I muttered. I figured I'd wait until Eva and Drake were gone from the healer's room before I went to ask for help. Probably best to wait until morning. Dragging my feet over to my bed, I curled up in a ball as I cradled my broken hand, exhausted from the rage. It wasn't long before I fell asleep.

* * * *

I slept deeply, for what felt like a short time before a loud bang awoke me. Startled, I shot up to see Drake moving towards me, Kalen close behind him.

"What?" I whispered, too stunned to think of anything else to say.

I received no response as Drake hauled me from the bed, picking me up bridle style as he carried me from my room.

"Hey what are you doing?" I complained. "You're meant to knock!"

"I did knock Lady, you were asleep," Kalen called from behind Drake. He smiled in concern. "Drake is not one for waiting I'm afraid."

"Where are we going? Is Eva alright?"

"She'll be fine." Drake growled. "Quain has given her a poultice which will heal the bruise by tomorrow."

"Really? Wow that's pretty cool." I said impressed.

"Aye,' his voice grew darker and I shrunk away from his body. He still seemed to be in a bad mood and I wondered if maybe he'd yelled at Eva.

"Look don't be angry at Eva, I mean it wasn't her fault -"

"I'm not angry at Eva I am angry at you!" He roared. I jumped in his arms and his grip tightened.

"What? Why? Is it because I hit Woodburn? I mean I was just so angry, I didn't think I would actually hit him -"

"Well you did and you injured yourself! Ambrus told me of your injury and your refusal to accept care. It could become infected. Are you that stupid?"

I suddenly felt very small in his big arms. He wasn't angry because I had retaliated against Woodburn. He was angry because I had hurt myself in the process. In a way it was kind of sweet. Not used to this sort of care and worry I decided silence was my best choice and kept my eyes straight ahead, refusing to let his words affect me.

We barged into the healer's room but this time Quain, I now knew his name, was ready for us. "Alright just place her down here Captain and I'll take a quick look."

Though he was angry, Drake sat me gently on the table never moving from my side. Kalen stood behind him peering around curiously. Quain took my broken hand gently, prodding and moving my fingers. I tried not cry out in pain but small noises escaped my throat and I bit my lip as I endured. Drake's hand rested on my shoulder and his grip tightened every time I made a small noise.

"Well I'm afraid three of your fingers are broken my lady and some of the bones in the hand are cracked and shattered. It must have been quite a blow to inflict so much damage."

"The bastard deserved it," I muttered, forgetting myself and I felt Drake stiffen beside me.

"Yes well, I'm afraid I have some good news and some bad news."

"Good news first doc."

"Right well, I can heal the bones in your hand and you will be able to use it once more by morning."

That sounded pretty good to me. "What's the bad news?"

He smiled apologetically. "It's going to be rather painful."

Oh crap.