The rest of Eboni's day consisted of finding small little reading nooks in the castle as she took in as much knowledge as she could. She often saw Iasa and Bren wandering around the castles grounds, though it looked as though they were not helping much she didn't mind. They couldn't use their powers inside the castle in case anyone saw and Bren was useless at retaining facts learnt from books.

The next morning came quickly and after being woken by Aliana, she dressed in a long rose coloured cotton gown, with a matching red cloak- sneaking on a pair of sturdy looking leather boots, ignoring the dainty looking slippers that had been left out for her.

Meeting Bren in the hallway, who was dressed in simple trousers and a pale blue tunic they made their way down to the main hall together. Iasa was stood in front of the large double doors supervising the servants who were loading the last of their trunks onto a carriage. Eboni's trunk mainly consisted of the books and as many trousers and tunics she could find for herself- she didn't fancy walking into a Sher-woods wearing a dress.

They managed to ride through the city unnoticed as the carriage didn't have a coat of arms, allowing Eboni and Bren to get a long look at the areas of the city they had not yet traversed. It didn't escape her attention that Iasa seemed to be taking in the city too- Bren put a comforting hand on her shoulders and she seemed to relax more into the carriage.

"This will not be the last time you see your home Princess." Bren said softly, hoping to comfort her some more.

"I hope not." Iasa whispered before returning to silence while they watched the city pass by.

Orlan was waiting on the deck as they boarded the ship and after giving a signal to the waiting dock hands the ropes were untied and the ship was left to ride the gentle breeze out of the port.

"I have plotted our course to Sher-Woods, we should be there by mid-day tomorrow- The winds are in our favour." Grabbing the ropes that held up the main sails he and Bren both slowly unfurled them and true to his word they filled up with air, pushing the ship out of the port bay and into the ocean.

"Who are we hoping to find do you think?" Iasa asked taking a seat on the railing in front of the captain's wheel.

"I'm guessing we will find each other in the order the prophecy gives- that's what happened with us two."

"I have not yet heard this prophecy- will you tell it?" Orlan asked gently steering the ship starboard.

"Dawn begins as Fire rises, Joining with the spirit of light. This is when Darkness will come. That which holds the bond between brothers shall fall, bringing all Elements together. Spirit, Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Darkness. One will fall." Eboni recounted the prophecy that had been etched into her brain since the High Priestess first told it to her.

"It doesn't really tell us anything does it." Iasa huffed scratching her head as she recounted it in her mind in case she missed something.

"No- but I guess when things happed we will know where we are in our journey. Dawn begins as Fire rises, Joining with the spirit of light. That was Iasa and Eboni at God's Land." Bren stated, joining Iasa on the railings.

"I'm more worried about the fact it doesn't say we will definitely defeat Darkness- It just says one will fall. That could be any of us." Iasa sighed leaning her head onto Bren's shoulder.

"That is why we must start preparing ourselves- properly. You must meditate and we must train. When we find the others, they must do the same. Being stronger than Darkness is the only way we will destroy it." Orlan said. "Talking of preparing- what is our plan for Sher- Woods?"

"Good point." Bren said "We don't want them to kill us before we get a chance to tell them why we are there."

"I think we should spilt up." Eboni said trying to think up a good strategy.

"No way- rule number one of warfare, never split up." Orlan replied.

"That's my point. This isn't warfare so it shouldn't look like it. I think we should set down the anchor before we reach the beaches and row ourselves to shore on one of the rowing boats attached to the side of the ship- if we split up there is a bigger chance they will see we aren't a threat. If Iasa goes with Orlan and I go with Bren the first person we come across we show them our elements. It is a small land so they will know who to take us too." Eboni stated.

"It's a good idea, Orlan." Iasa agreed. "How dangerous can they be?"

That evening after a small bite to eat Iasa and Eboni both sat cross legged on the deck meditating, marvelling at the feel and flow of the power within them. As the sun began to set they followed Orlan down to the sleeping quarters as Bren took over navigation for the night.

Eboni was happy to see the rooms were much larger and comfortable. Three trunks of clothing and the smaller trunk she had packed were waiting for her attention at the foot of a double bed.

Lanterns lined the walls and there were cotton blankets and fur throws on every surface she could see. The King lived in style. She reminded herself- even when he's sailing.

There was a large brass tub in one corner and a desk in another, full of paper and pens- taking another look around she smiled, there was everything she would need for her upcoming journey.

Opening the trunks, she sought out a cotton slip nightgown and snuggled into the fur lined bed. The steady movement of the ship quickly sending her into a deep slumber, as the sun disappeared into the dark depths of the water.

She awoke in the morning as bright sunlight hit her eyelids, rolling over to the window she saw the second sun was just beginning to rise. Quickly bathing in a tub of water and throwing on a pair of pale grey trousers and a white tunic she laced up her boots before joining the others on deck.

"What are you wearing?" Iasa screeched as she was about to take another bite out of her breakfast.

"Suitable clothing for walking through a forest." Eboni replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes when she saw what Iasa had put on. Her dress was bright orange with pink bow shoes. "You will stand out a mile in what you are wearing, when we land we want to blend in until we see find someone friendly, not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves." Eboni smiled as Bren handed her a chunk of bread and some cheese and grapes.

"She is right Princess, you should consider changing at least while we are on the island. Once we are back on board you can be as colourful as you like." Bren reasoned with her and with a reluctant nod Iasa disappeared under the deck.

"You slept for a long time, I didn't want to wake you." Bren said coming to stand by her side as they watched the horizon together.

"The bed was comfy I guess." Eboni shrugged, not really knowing why some days she could sleep and others she couldn't. "Any sign of land?" she asked Orlan who was back at the Captains wheel.

"We should be seeing it soon." He replied, pointing over to a blank area of the horizon.

"Did you get enough sleep?" Eboni asked turning to Bren as he stifled a yawn.

"I have had a couple of hours, Orlan relieved me before Dawn."

"Go and sleep some more, you need to be awake as possible for when we land." Eboni wouldn't take no for an answer and after shoving him to the stairs he returned to his room.

If she had to describe Sher-woods in one words it would be- Green. Very, very green.

They had dropped anchor and were currently winching themselves down to the sea in the rowing boat. Eboni couldn't take her eyes off the trees that seemed to grow up into the clouds or the hum of life that emitted from their leaves.

Slowly Bren and Orlan rowed to a small bank of sand that was jutting out of the forest and into the sea. Eboni was happy to see that Iasa had changed into a similar outfit as hers without much fuss. Together they stared out into the dense wilderness in front of them hoping to catch sight of any danger before it was too late.

"Drop the anchor." Orlan asked pointing to a small lump at her feet. With great effort, she pushed it over the side, landing on the seabed a few feet below them with a splash.

"Meet back here at sunset if you haven't met anyone." Orlan said again. Bren slung a satchel of food and gripped his sword as he jumped onto the sand bank, helping Eboni out first and then Iasa.

"Good luck." Bren said shaking Orlans hand, who too had a hand hovering over the hilt of his sword.

"Be safe!" Iasa cried out flinging her arms out and enveloping Bren in a tight hug. Eboni smirked as Bren hugged back and then shakily detached himself from her arms.

Together they walked into the thin foliage that made up the edge of the forest and after a nod to one another they split up, Eboni and Bren heading east and Iasa and Orlan heading west.

"Let's hope the tales of them being savages are just tales huh." Bren remarked holding out his hand to caress a small flower hanging from a tree. Eboni smacked his hand away before he could touch it, both watching in silent horror as a small fly landed on its petal and with a quick snap the 'flower' had eaten it whole.

"Perhaps it is not just the people we should be worried about." Eboni whispered, tucking her hands firmly to her sides.

Nervously gulping Bren followed suit, taking extra care as he stepped through the thickening forest.

A piercing scream stopped their hearts at the same time an arrow flew past her ear, landing with a thump into the bark of the tree next to her.

"Iasa!" Bren shouted, recognising the owner of the screams.

"Go! I can look after myself, Orlan needs back up." Eboni shoved him towards the screams as another arrow grazed her cheek. Dropping to the ground she crawled until she reached the base of a big tree. With her heart racing and her mind running she tried to think of what to do.

Meet the attackers face to face. She came to the decision quickly and before she could change her mind she sprinted into the depths of the forest. Green and brown blended into one as arrows flew around her, not stopping until she knew she could defend herself she kept on, her legs burning, her breath laboured- her power surging. Jumping over fallen logs, dodging through trees she managed to avoid the arrow flying past her, her mind crying with relief every time she felt the thud of one hitting a tree beside her.

To her right, she saw the beginnings of a large lake. Grinning she changed her path, circling round until she reached the half-way point. Focusing her mind, her power exploded from her –the surface of the water glowing with golden energy as it became hard beneath her feet.

The arrows that had been following her stopped and she laughed triumphantly as she reached the middle of the lake and skidded to a stop. An eerie silence fell across the forest, turning back to where she had just emerged from she saw the shuffle of leaves and heard the quite thump of an arrow being released from its bow. She watched as it flew out of the leaves and headed straight for her. She raised her hand, sensing the energy behind it's flight. She gently tugged backwards in her mind, the energy responding in the same way to the arrow, and with a splash it sunk into the depths of the water below.

A high-pitched whistle sounded from the water's edge. Watching wide eyed- her hand twitching as she readied to defend herself- she saw a figure step out of the forest, followed by others. They seemed talking amongst themselves- a few loud curse words making it to her ears.

Her chest ached from her laboured breaths and her legs were screaming in pain from their sudden use. Scolding herself for her lack of physical ability, she thanked the High Priest for the little exercise he managed to convince her to do. Looking out over the treetops her mind turned to Iasa, Bren and Orlan. She hoped Iasa was ok and that Bren had reached them in time.

Her heart ached. Bren was the only family she had. She couldn't, wouldn't lose him. Making up her mind to speed up the talks the archers were having on the banks of the lake she started to walk towards them.

The cracking of her energy halted her in her tracks. It should not be disappearing away now! It would stay put as long as she was channelling energy into it, and right now, stood above a deep dark lake, she was definitely putting energy into it.

She watched as a crack appeared and began to grow bigger, before splitting apart. As she lifted her hand to fix the crack her breath caught in her throat. Growing through the ice at an alarming rate was a thick green stem and bud. Transfixed, she walked towards it, watching as it stopped just above her waist the bud opening to reveal the most beautiful white Lily she had ever seen.

She had found Earth. Throwing back her head she laughed. Looking to the men at the bank she lifted her hand and created a new energy path towards her, the gold energy weaving together to form a sturdy shield between whoever walked on it and the lake beneath.

Warily and with protests from the figures on the bank one of the archers slowly made his way onto the ice path cautiously walking towards her. As the figure grew nearer she could make out some of his features. He was tall and muscular, with olive skin and midnight black hair that had been cut short. Tattoos covered his bare torso, the odd scar puckering his skin.

He kept his eyes firmly on her as he drew closer. She smiled softly hoping to show she wasn't there to hurt him or his people. He came to a stop his eyes flickering from her to the energy he was stood on.

"It will not break." Her voice was soft- his eyes darted back to hers. He said nothing. "Is this yours?" she gestured to the Lily.

He nodded before slowly pointing to the shield below their feet. "This, is it you?" His voice was deep, powerful- mixed with his obvious skill for the bow and arrow and his physique she could see that he was a skilled warrior.

"It is." She whispered. "We just want to talk. We are not here to harm you." She continued hoping to break the tension in the air.

Screams pierced their ears, spinning to where they had come from, Eboni sucked in a sharp breath as she saw smoke starting to rise from the forest. After sharing a panicked look with the warrior, she ran forward, creating a new path to the banks of the lake. She heard the heavy footfalls of the archer behind her as she broke into the foliage of the forest. Smoke meant fire and fire no doubt meant Iasa.

Racing to the side of a small clearing she saw about 7 men with daggers and arrows aiming to fire at Orlan and Bren. They were both stood in front of Iasa protecting her unconscious figure. Smoke filled her lungs as she burst through. Bren shouting a warning to her which was muffled by the cries of war from the natives. The fire was spreading through the trees but Eboni ignored it all dropping to Iasa's side to check if she was ok.

She noticed Bren tensing and looked up to see the archer and the fighters from the lake appearing after her. The cries were intensified until the archer whistled- stopping them in their tracks. Ignoring the argument that was now forming between the natives she turned her attention back to Iasa. Eboni sighed with relief, Iasa had just drained her powers on starting a fire, her falling unconscious was her minds way of stopping her from draining her power completely- and was the reason it was spreading.

The fire was spreading!

Eboni jumped to her feet ignoring the eyes of the fighters and the pleas of Bren- running straight to the burning trees. Raising her arms, she willed out her element, turning the fire into its most basic form- energy- as she had done so in the temple just a week ago.

Wary of the silence around her she turned back to the clearing. The natives were all holding their weapons at their side forgotten, their eyes wide either on her and the flecks of gold that were slowly drifting off on the wind. The archer was staring at her beaming, she smiled back before looking at the damage the fire had done, her smile dropping as she saw the blackened life around her.

Bren had dropped to Iasa's side, holding her head in his arms. Orlan was still stood rigid, sword in hand ready for any attack.

"She will be OK Bren; her power was drained. A few good night's sleep and she will be back to normal." Eboni assured him, smiling as she saw the tortured look in his eye.

"She just dropped to the ground. There was nothing I could do- they wouldn't stop attacking!" His cry of anguish cut through her heart. He cared about Iasa. Not that it was a bad thing, she was glad he did, but she had never imagined having to share him. Knowing there were more important things to think about now she turned to Orlan.

"Put your sword down Orlan, Iasa is OK and we are not here to bring these people harm." Placing a hand on his wrist he lowered it slowly, keeping a firm grip on its hilt in case he needed to wield it again.

"Come, there is someone I want you to meet." Eboni said, ushering Bren from the floor. He stooped down and picked up the sleeping Iasa in his arms.

Walking slowly to the archer she bowed her head. "I am Eboni of God's Land, Wielder of the element of Spirit." She pointed to Bren "This is my brother, Bren, also of God's Land. In his arms is Princess Iasa of Rolezal, wielder of the element of fire." She smiled grimly, knowing the damage Iasa had caused would not fare well in their hope to show these people they meant no harm.

"I am Orlan. Defender of Rolezal." Orlan said beside her, not waiting for her introduction. He did not bow his head, instead he stared unwavering at the archer in front of them

"I am Kas, brother to the Chief of this Land and wielder of the element of earth." His gaze landed on hers and he smiled again. "Welcome to Sher-Woods. My brother will be eager to meet you, follow me."

Eboni walked next to Kas as Bren carried Iasa behind them, Orlan walking next to him looking over at Iasa a frown etched into his forehead.

The fighters had all but disappeared into the trees, only three remained walking far behind them.

"I have been waiting a long time to see if there is anyone else from the other lands who can wield an element as I do. I am glad I have found you." Kas broke the silence smiling as they made their way through the forest.

"I am glad I have found you too, though it is not for a happy visit. When you are ready I will tell you why we are here." She looked around her, taking in the bright flowers and animals that surrounded her. "When you are not trying to kill me, the forest is beautiful." She said laughing as a small monkey swung above her head on a vine.

"Yes, the forest is very beautiful." Kas replied as a small vine sprouted up in front of them, opening to reveal another white lily. As they approached it he plucked it from its stem and handed it to her. "My apologies for trying to kill you, Eboni." Her heart fluttered as he handed her the flower.

Laughing she tucked it behind her ear. "I accept your apology." She said meeting his gaze. He smiled before turning back to the forest in front of them. She heard Bren snort behind her, turning and raising an eyebrow he shrugged, eyeing the flower in her hair before raising an eyebrow back. Rolling her eyes, she turned back, eager to take as much of the forest as she could.

They heard the angry shouts of the village before they saw it. Emerging into a large clearing she saw the fighters had all returned home and the news that Kas were bringing the 'invaders' in peacefully was not being taken well.

Kas sighed scratching the back of his neck as he seemed to look through the crowd for someone. A Sharp whistle brought the village to silence and Eboni watched as a young man stepped out of the circle that had been formed around him and made his way towards them. His eyes shone like thunder, he curled his fingers into a fist and stood glaring at Kas.

"You better have a good reason, brother, for bringing them here alive and unbound." His gaze fell first on Eboni, who was looking curiously back at him, then Bren and the unconscious Iasa and finally Orlan. Returning his death glare to Kas he waited for an explanation.

"They have come brother. Fire and Spirit. We are not alone." Kas stepped forward his palms spread open in front of him.

"Fire and Spirt?" The young man looked at Bren and Orlan quizzically.

Eboni rolled her eyes. "Seriously. You look at those two? Why couldn't it me huh? That's a bit presumptions." She smirked as his jaw dropped and whispers spread among the watching village people.

"Eboni, this is my brother Atu. He is also the Chief of these people and protector of this Land." Kas introduced them fighting hard not to break out into a grin.

"It is an honour Chief. I am Sister Eboni of God's Land. This is Brother Bren. The Princess Iasa of Rolezal and Orlan- Defender of Rolezal. I apologise if you thought we meant to do you harm, we are in fact on a mission to stop it." Eboni smiled and nodded in respect.

"You say you wield an element of our creator? Which one?" Atu raised his eyebrows expectantly.

Looking around Eboni noticed a small fresh water stream running through the houses. Concentrating her mind, she watched as the water stopped flowing, instead a pulsating gold light flickered in its place. She willed it to move, and it sprung to life, jumping up above their heads and dancing away into the trees.

Cries of horror resounded through the watching people.

"You foreigner just stopped our only fresh water! How dare you? Do you really not have the brain capacity to think?" A girl's voice screamed out from the group.

Eboni just laughed and with a flick of her wrist the flickering gold energy left in the small stream dissipated into the earth. The water continuing to run as though nothing had happened.

"Iasa is fire, though her power is drained from fighting your men. I apologise for the damage done to some of the trees, once she fell unconscious she was no longer able to control the flames." Eboni bit her lip, from the diary she had read just yesterday she had learnt that the people here would protect the trees and animals with their life.

Atu stood for what seemed like an hour as he evaluated the scene in front of him, knowing curiosity would hopefully get the better of him, Eboni waited in silence watching the wildlife in the trees that surrounded them.

"Come. You must be tired, we have things to discuss in private." Without a second glance to his people Atu motioned for the group to follow him. Kas stayed at Eboni's side, a small smile playing on his lips.

They were lead to the largest hut in the village, Atu pointed out a simple wooden bed to Bren who set Iasa down before settling on the floor by her feet.

Eboni followed suit as both Atu and Kas sat, Orlan reluctantly following suit.

"Why are you here?" Atu asked his voice still guarded and wary.

"The Darkness is coming." Orlan answered. His reply was sharp but Eboni knew that was better than trying to wrap the fact that death was coming in cotton wool.

Atu sighed putting his head in his hands while Kas punched the floor by his side.

"I have felt it in the wind for a long time, though the past few weeks there has been a strength to it I did not understand." Atu raised his head and after taking in the puzzled looks of the group he raised his hand. "I can control the wind." A strong gust of wind raced through the hut before disappearing.

A gasp of recognition escaped from Eboni.

"The prophecy!" She cried.

Orlan nodded and Bren smiled sadly as he remembered the passage she had been referring too. Looking to Kas and Atu and their blank faces she explained.

"Dawn begins as Fire rises, Joining with the spirit of light. This is when Darkness will come. That which holds the bond between brothers shall fall, Bringing all Elements together. Spirit, Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Darkness, one will fall."

Iasa and I meeting was the beginning, Fire and Spirit. Dawn was rising by the time the Dark Ones began their attack. It makes sense though as the prophecy is supposed to be in order of events. The next part must refer to you. 'That which holds the bond between brothers shall fall." She explained softly.

She didn't miss the worried glances between Atu and Kas.

"What exactly do we have to do then?" Kas asked.

"There is still one more to find, they must be south as we haven't been there yet." Bren replied, still sending nervous glances to Iasa.

"Then we must go and find this person?" Kas said as his brother's eyes widened in horror.

"Yes, once we are together and only then, are we strong enough to even contemplate destroying the Dark Ones." Eboni watched as Atu seemed to be having an internal battle with himself.

"This is a lot to take in. You have only just arrived. Stay here for a few days as we decide what to do?" Atu said, more as an order than a request.

"Time is not on our side Chief. I will give you till tomorrow evening to decide, we set sail at sundown." Eboni replied, hoping the time limit would force him to think more clearly.

"Very well." Atu stood and left the hut leaving the rest sitting on the ground.

"You can stay in here, there are furs over there to make yourselves more comfortable. I am sorry for my brother, he is the leader of this land. He knows that he must leave and come with you but he is afraid of leaving our people." Kas looked over to Iasa. "Is there anything that can be done?" He asked.

"No, we must let her sleep, her power will come back of its own accord." Eboni stood and stretched, growing tired as the left-over adrenaline left her body.

"Rest for a while, I will fetch your food when it is evening meal." Kas stood, Orlan following suit, still wary over the attack earlier.

"Now we know who you are, we will not harm you. Any of you. We are a peaceful people, please, rest." Kas left them in the hut and followed his brother.

"A peaceful people?" Orlan laughed. "Peaceful people don't carry round bows and poisoned daggers to shoot people." he dragged the firs from the corner and handed them round. "I am staying by the door so I can watch them." He said settling himself at the other end of the hut.

Eboni watched as Bren threw a fur over Iasa before taking one for himself.

"Does she know how you feel?" Eboni asked him softly as Orlan didn't hear their conversation.

"What are you talking about?" Bren said, refusing to meet her eye.

"Sure you don't." She chuckled, snuggling up into the soft furs that surrounded her.

"What about you and arrow boy?" Bren said suddenly after a minute of silence.

"What are you talking about?" she said scoffing. Him trying to convince her he didn't feel anything towards Iasa was failing miserably.

"He couldn't take his eyes off you." Bren grumbled "it was weird."

"Sure thing, lover boy." She laughed turning to face him she watched as his cheeks flushed red.

"Whatever, lover girl." He mimicked her voice before meeting her eye, a familiar playful glint in his eyes.

Knowing sleep would not come to her she studied the hut. It was a fascinating building, she could see exactly how it had been constructed and from what. It was a very peaceful place, the perfect place to meditate- sitting up and crossing her legs she closed her eyes as the image of white ribbons filling her vision.