The trio of Tytus, Danticus and Jazmyn rode on their horses, both rangers on their guard, cautious to avoid another event like that of their first trip and that of three nights ago. Danticus could see Jorden in the distance. The great stone city looked like a simple block from his view.

"I do feel like royalty, if you don't mind me saying. A woman being escorted to the most powerful kingdom in the world, even if the city is a bit old," Jazmyn jested.

Tytus smiled and they resumed traveling. The days and nights had gone by, each almost being the same, thanks to Tytus. Only at night were they able to talk, and that's if they were lucky to avoid a wolf or bandit attack.

"Jorden...the heart of the Four kingdoms. It's not as impressive as Valdor, but still quite a city," said Jazmyn

"It's the oldest kingdom in the land, the city named after our first King. It's a stone fortress meant for war," said Danticus.

Jazmyn shrugged. "I think Valdor is a much more rich and beautiful kingdom. One meant for scholars and artists."

"And Jorden is meant for warriors and ale brewers. It depends upon your culture," said Danticus.

They resumed the rest of the ride in silence. Upon his horse, Danticus sat atop the furs of the Snow wolf. Tytus hadn't taken any souvenirs from the battle, only his battle scars, he said. Within the hour, they reached the city of Jorden.

They dismounted their horses and left them in the stables, quick to meet with Gallador. They walked through Jorden, with Jazmyn making many observations along the way.

"This stone is over a thousand years old. Remarkable. Can you imagine Jorik walking through this very city? It's amazing."

"Yes, yes. It is amazing," said Tytus.

"I don't think you appreciate it as much as I do," she said.

"I did...when I first saw it. Now, the city is nothing new. Quite the contrary, actually."

"I've been here several times and still feel that way when I set foot in any city," she said.

"I've killed hundreds of men, and I don't feel the same way when I slay another," said Tytus.

Jazmyn rolled her eyes at him, but said nothing as they approached the harbor. There had been a few guards there, leaning along the sides of the railings. They bolted upright when Tytus came into view, but he waved them off. "And there it is. The kingdom in the water." Tytus pointed to the structure far out in the distance, just barely visible.

Jazmyn mouth dropped and her eyes widened. "That's...amazing! She leaned over the side of the railing, an inch further and she would have fallen into the bay. "This is physically impossible! How? When? Why!?"

"When? About thirty days ago. How? Don't know. Why? Don't know. But we'll learn more when we're inside the actual castle."

Excitement came over Jazmyn's face. "We're going in the castle?! Oh that is splendid! Where is Magus Irving? I must speak with him immediately."

"Check the record keep. That's likely where he'll be," said Danticus

"Okay. Well, thank you rangers. It was nice getting to know you both. Especially you, Danticus," she said, smiling at him. Danticus smiled back as Jazmyn ran off to meet with Irving.

Danticus stared sympathetically at Tytus. He noticed and rolled his eyes.

"What? Enough of that, I never liked her company in the first place. To bothersome for my taste. I mean, begging us to not kill the thorn wolves? Have some sense woman!"

Danticus chuckled. "Yes...of course."

"Shut your mouth...oh, blast it. Let's just go check in with Gallador." The two rangers walked among the streets of the ancient city. Danticus hated to do so, but he actually agreed with Jazmyn. He liked the city of Valdor, though he was only there for a day. Maybe he would buy a summer home there. But that was far in the future. He refocused his attention onto what was present.

"Who do you think Gallador arranged to be on the team? Besides the rangers?" Danticus asked Tytus.

"Besides the rangers, I'd wager Edwin put together most of the travelers. Gallador likely just gave his selected crew of red cloaks and that was the end of it. But I'd imagine some squadron members, miners and of course, a few scholars.

"Are you nervous as to what we'll find?" Danticus asked

Tytus shook his head. "There can't be anything in there, it's been underwater. Whatever might've been has had to of drowned."

"You're right...but what if there is something in there?" Danticus asked.

"Then I suppose I'm part thorn wolf. But we'll talk later." He said as they found their way to the leader of the Ranger Order.

Gallador was outside the Tower of Rorden conversing with Sir Edwin of the King's Field Squadron. Gallador ceased speaking as they approached.

"Tytus, Danticus, you're back. Good. Been nearly a full moon since I last saw either of you. I assume everything went smoothly? Lady Jazmyn is in the city?" He said, his eyebrows raised.

"Yes sir. We had a few issues along the way, but our mission was successful." Said Tytus

"Excellent. I'll notify the King that we're ready to set out then. Prepare to leave first thing tomorrow. In the mean time, get to know Sir Edwin. He'll be leading the expedition with the King's Field Squadron."

Tytus and Danticus saluted to Gallador, who did the same, and left to his quarters in the Tower of Rorden.

"Sir Baronstone. Gallador has told me much about you," he said. His hair reached back to the crown of his head, the color of autumn.

"I hope what he told you were only praises," said Tytus with a slight smile.

Edwin chuckled. "I'm assured you will be nothing but a benefit, Sir Baronstone. As with you, Sir Stormwell."

"Thank you, sir. How many of your King's Squadron will assume roles on the expedition?"

"Just four of the twenty, myself included. Sir Miles Vallyrian will serve as my second in command, like you do to Gallador, Sir Tytus. Two more members, Darius and Balamar, will accompany us on the journey. We're uncertain as to what we will find, so it'd be best you prepare yourself for the worst. Anyway, I must meet with King Joras to make any final preparations that are incomplete. I suggest you tie up any loose ends and spend some time with your family. We don't know how long we'll be in the castle." He left the rangers to themselves and went off to meet with King Joras.

Tytus gripped Danticus on the shoulder. "It's been good getting to know you, rook. Nightfall will be upon us soon, and I'm going to pound a few ales before tomorrow. I'll save you a seat should you like to join me later," he said. "Take care, rook. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Danticus smiled a goodbye and Cristomir crossed his mind.

*****

Cristomir had been in his quarters, writing upon a scroll. Danticus had approached the open doorway, and knocked on the door jam. Cristomir turned and smiled.

"Danticus!" He said, giving his cousin a tight hug, "how are you?"

"I'm well. The trip took quite some time."

"A full moon without a bed...you poor bastard!" Cristomir teased

Danticus chuckled. "How's Jenna? Have you told Gallador?"

"We did. He took the news well, only later to give me," Cristomir winced, "quite the threatening speech about how I should treat his daughter and my future child. Scariest I've ever seen him, more so even on the battlefield." He said the last few words with a smile.

"It's all in good faith." He smiled, wishing he could have seen the look on Cristomir's face when Gallador gave that speech. Cristomir reddened like tomatoes when Gallador noticed his armor went unpolished, for Gallador to speak of his future fatherhood?

Yes, that look would have been worth gold to have seen...

"Do you want to go pound a few ales? Tytus has a few seats saved."

"I'd like to, but I have a few things I'm taking care of before tomorrow."

"Like what?" Danticus asked

"Some writing. Letters, a will, things like that."

"A will? What for? I sincerely doubt we'll find anything of harm in the castle, save for a few crumbling stones. And after you've been a ranger for two years, you do this now?"

"It's long overdue. We must all write one eventually. And with this upcoming castle trip, I'd rather be prepared."

"Cristomir, you fight in battles constantly, even against some of the most notorious villains the four kingdoms have ever known! What makes this occasion any different?"

"I know, I know I face danger every day, I wouldn't be a ranger lest it were true. I just...I have a bad feeling about this place. I feel a will should be done before I leave."

"And the letters?" Danticus asked

"For my children. I want them to know their father if I can't be there to show them myself."

Danticus grabbed him by his shoulders and turned him around. "Cristomir, listen to me. You and Jenna will grow old together, songs of your victories will be sung in the banquet hall and you will spend your days in the noble quarter of Jorden. And your children will spend every waking second of their lives with you. You will not die in some old, crumbly castle. Of that I assure you."

Cristomir smiled, and tears welled within his eyes. He hugged his cousin tightly. "Thank you, Danticus. You're not my cousin, you're my brother. Now, why don't you go and spend some time with Tytus and get drunk. I'm going to pay Jenna a visit." They shook arms and Danticus walked towards the door.

"Danticus," Cristomir called after his cousin.

Danticus turned, his eyebrows raised.

"Um..." he knew what he wanted to say, but he found it difficult to put into words. "Tell Tytus I'll see him tomorrow."

Danticus smiled and gave him an informal salute. He left his quarters and stopped by his own. He took off his armor and changed into some more comfortable garments. He washed the stress of the past weeks off his face in his water basin.

The idea of writing a will sprung into his head, but he tucked it away. He had no one to leave anything too as it was. But that would change soon, should things go as he liked with Adelyn. He laid in his bed with a loaf of bread and some goat cheese. He sat there for a while, his mind racing about numerous things, mostly possible dangers, but decided to go and pay Adelyn a visit. He rose from his bed and left his chambers. He walked through the Tower of Rorden and into the outside city. He walked quickly to the noble quarter. The sun had begun to set and he wished to be in bed by nightfall, well rested for tomorrow. He had never actually been into the noble quarter. Danticus felt the residents to be pompous and judgmental, traits he hated to find in people. At the gate, he was greeted by more than a few guards.

"Sir. How can I help you?" said one.

"I wish to visit miss Adelyn Granmund," he said. He was not expecting these many guards to be watching over the place. At least eight from what he counted, at the front gate alone.

"It's getting late, and Lord Granmund has wished for no more visitors. I'm sorry. Perhaps you can visit her tomorrow." The guard said.

Danticus sighed. "I'm leaving to that castle tomorrow. I won't have the time."

"My deepest apologies, but I'm afraid orders are orders."

Danticus rolled his eyes and bid the guard farewell. He walked to his left to escape the view of the guards. He tried to climb the wall but found it to be too high, just inches from his fingertips. He took a few steps back and quickly ran as far up the wall as he could. He managed to grasp the edge with his fingers and swung his other arm up. He pulled himself up with all the strength he could muster. He rolled off the side of the great stone wall and into a thorn bush. He let out a few curse words and plucked the thorns from his side. He snuck through the neighborhood, careful to avoid the people he so disliked.

He finally came across the Granmunds mansion. It was large and beautiful, and some say it to be as old as Jorden itself. He snuck around the house, hoping to find Adelyn.

He suddenly heard the sound of laughter coming from behind the house. He had his back against the wall and shuffled over to see. Two women had been sitting in large wooden chairs, conversing and sewing. One was old, her blonde hair fading to white and her wrinkles were deep. The other was who he had wished it to be. Adelyn sat in her chair, her long brown hair in a ponytail. She wore a light blue dress with dark blue accents. She looked up from her chair and caught eye of Danticus. He smiled at her and she did the same.

"Excuse me, Nan, but could you fetch some more tea?" She asked. The old woman politely agreed and set off to fetch what Adelyn requested. After she disappeared into the grand house, Adelyn quickly rose from her chair and raced to meet Danticus. He helped her cross over her thigh high stone fence. They embraced.

"Where have you been? It's been ages since I've seen you."

"I've been busy," Danticus said, "but I'm here now."

She laughed. "Yes you have." They stared into each others eyes, though the silence grew awkward. Danticus broke away for a second and resumed the conversation.

"So, what were you just doing there?" He asked.

"Oh, just boring lady stuff. Sewing. Gods, how I hate it. I used to like it when I was a girl but it's grown quite dull. I prefer to craft wine instead of tunics." She said.

"I would love to try some one day." Said Danticus.

"Well, maybe I could give you a bottle for your trip." She said.

Danticus smiled and shook his head. "Gallador would have my hide if he found me drinking on our journey."

She looked slightly upset. "You leave tomorrow, don't you?" She said.

Danticus slowly nodded. "I won't be there long though. It's unlikely we'll stay for more than a day or two. But I will return."

"You better or else I'll grow very bored." Adelyn jested.

"Adee? Adee? Oh where could that girl have gone?" said the elderly voice.

"My nan is back. Excuse me," she said, "coming Nan!"

"Well...I'll see you in a couple days then." Said Danticus.

"Of course. Do hurry."

Danticus smiled. "Of course, my lady," he said, bowing. Adelyn laughed and bid him farewell. Before he could walk off too far, however, she stopped him, gently gripping onto his shoulder.

"What is it?" He asked, turning to face her.

Her lips locked with his. Once the surprise wore off, he kissed her back and put his hands on her waist. He slightly turned his head as they kissed and her hands went to his shoulders. Danticus felt almost as if the ground beneath him faded away, and somewhat lightheaded. He heard a faint moan escape Adelyn's lips, and felt one of his own about to escape. Adelyn's lips had slowed down, and she slowly pulled away. She said nothing but stared at Danticus for a few seconds. She then pulled him in close and wrapped her arms around him. How she felt against him, in his hands, Danticus found it intoxicating. Her scent, her breath, fingers in his hair. This must've been what love felt like.

Adelyn smiled once more and went to meet her dear old Nan, who went about how worried she was.

Danticus had tried to keep his head from spinning. He had never had a kiss like that, and almost didn't want to go just to receive another. He couldn't wait to be done with the affairs of the castle to be back with Adelyn. He walked awkwardly, having grown large in his pants, and was just a little embarrassed. He hopped over the great stone wall of a gate once again and headed home. However, he remembered Tytus had him a seat saved at the tavern. He decided against sleeping early to pound a few ales with his friend.

*****

Tytus was laughing and pounding on the bar when Danticus entered the tavern. There was a gathered crowd around him, each wearing smiles, each drunk and happy.

"And that's when," the ranger stumbled through his words, trying to keep from laughing, "that's when I wiped the snot from his nose with my blade!"

The gathered crowd roared in laughter.

Danticus sat on a barstool next to Tytus. The ranger welcomed him, and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. He ruffled his curly brown hair and laughed.

"How are you Dan-" he hiccuped, "Dan Tickus!"

Danticus smiled a wide grin. He had never seen Tytus like this. Not even in that tavern at Valdor. Gone was the stone faced warrior from their trip south and here now was a drunk and happy man, like any other.

"I'm well, Tytus, how are you? What were you talking about just now?"

A crowd member spoke up for the ranger, who gulped down a drink or two from his flagon of ale. "Tytus here, was quite the arena fighter. The Black Baron they called him. I saw him fight in person once. And what a battle it was!"

Danticus knew the stories of the Black Baron, most who took after the blade did. A fierce gladiator armored in ebony, the stories went. The Blood Champion six times over, never once defeated in the arena. Danticus had no idea Sir Baronstone of the Ranger Order and the Black Baron of the Valdorian pits were one in the same.

Though the names do add up, I suppose...

"You were the Black Baron? Why didn't you tell me?" Danticus asked.

"Excuse me lads, I'd like to talk to my comrade. Have a drink, Danticus!" Tytus said, raising his mug. Ale sloshed around and spilled onto the floor.

Danticus chuckled. "If you insist." He ordered frothy mug of cider, his stomach not craving wine as it usually did.

Danticus took a few gulps of the sweet, tangy warm beverage. "So, why didn't you tell me you were an arena fighter?"

Tytus shrugged. "You never asked." He propped his elbows up on the bar and massaged his temples with his thick fingers.

"Never asked?! I certainly tried! It was like talking to a boulder!"

Tytus chuckled, and looked at Danticus with drunk eyes and a sloppy grin. "I suppose you're right. Fine," he turned in his chair to face Danticus head on. "Ask away. Whatever you want, I'll answer."

Danticus' grin returned to his face. He would learn everything there was to know about this man. "Okay, Sir Baronstone-"

Tytus cut him off, and raised a finger. "Call me Tytus. Sir Baronstone wears the mantle. Tytus gets drunk and tells stories."

Danticus' grin was wider than ever. "Okay, Tytus...what was it like being a gladiator?"

Tytus smile faded away, and he shook his head. "In truth...its not something I'd wish for anyone. It was awful."

Danticus cocked his head and stared at him with puzzled eyes. Arena fighting was a blood sport, and if you were better at spilling blood than bleeding it, there was much gold to be made. "Awful? I've heard many stories of knights and boys leaving for Valdor to become gladiators. They never said it was awful."

Tyrus slapped the counter. "That was before they were in the arena! Tell me, Danticus, did you ever hear from those knights and this boys ever again?"

Danticus frowned and shook his head. "No...no, actually.

Tytus nodded solemnly. "They're probably dead. Killed by somebody like me. Somebody more desperate than they were. Theres only two reasons men get involved with the blood sport. They want glory, or they're desperate. The ones who want it for glory, they never find it, and the ones who were desperate, they soon find that whatever drove them to take up the blade isn't their problems anymore."

Danticus nodded in understanding. "Which man were you?"

Tytus twitched his lips. "Both...at some point. I was desperate first...but I stayed for the glory. I loved the glory of it."

"And why did you step into the arena?"

Tytus sighed. "I was in a bad way. I hardly had a family growing up. My father died when I was a boy, I dont know how or why, no one ever cared to tell me. I just know that he did. My mother took off with some Arnish lord and left me with my brother Jaymis. And when I became a man, Jaymis left for the Valdorian fleet. I apprenticed with a blacksmith for a spell, but I found wielding the sword suited me better than forging them. I took up gladiator fighting to make some coin. And I was good at it. Gods, was I good at it...but I wasn't proud of it."

"How come?" Asked Danticus with sympathy in his voice.

"There's nothing proud about taking a man's life in the name of sport. Its shameful...but gold can make men do the most wicked of things. Gods know I did."

They both sat there in silence, and Danticus had no more questions he wished to ask. Tytus had told him enough. Danticus hoped he would never find himself in a position that he might take to the arena. There was no honor in taking a man's life in the name of sport.

Tytus broke their silence by pounding on the bar. "One more bartender! Get me good and drunk! Haven't been so in a long time!"

The barkeep, a heavy man with a thick and dark beard, brought another mug of ale to the ranger. "Free of charge, sir. For tomorrow, and all that," he turned to Danticus, "can I fill you up one more, ranger?"

Danticus held up his hand. "I'll pass, and I think you should too, Tytus. We have a mission tomorrow, and it'd be best if you were well ready."

Tytus sighed. "Thanks, Briggs, but my man here is right. Give the mug to that sod over there, the one getting handsy with that maiden," he said, pointing to a plump, drunken man fondling a woman's breasts, "he'll need it after she slaps that stupid grin off his face."

"If you insist, Sir Baronstone."

Danticus helped his friend and comrade up from the bar. "Come on, I'll walk you to your quarters."

After Tytus passed out in his bed next to a pool of vomit, Danticus collapsed in his own bed, eager to sleep. He wouldn't let his stress keep him from a well rested slumber. Tomorrow, he had to be in his best shape, mentally and physically. His eyes felt like lead curtains, and sleep quickly overcame him.

*****

The next morning, his eyes opened as the sun seeped through the window and warmed his face. He woke himself up with a splash of water from his basin and started to ready himself. He strapped on his armor, sheathed his sword, and swung Stormbolt over his red mantle.

He exited his quarters and traveled to the docks, where the rest of the team was already assembled. He fell in line next to Tytus, who appeared to haven't even have drunk a single mug the night before. Much of the city residents had gathered to see them off, along with the remaining rangers. King Joras' rode up on his horse, prepared to make a speech of what heroes the team were

"Citizens, knights, visitors, today, these brave men and women before us are undertaking a pilgrimage to an unknown kingdom that has risen from the water. What lurks in the castle, we know not. There could be danger, there could be riches. No matter what lies within, let these courageous souls know they are loved!"

The citizens clapped and cheered, and Danticus did feel like a hero. He was mostly sure the castle wouldn't bear any danger. But then again, as a ranger, it's best to prepare for the worst.

Siegfried Whitelocke rolled his eyes in line. "Yes...quite the heroes for exploring an old, abandoned, smelly castle."

*****

(Thanks for reading, and I'd love to know what you think! Sound off in the comments! Your feedback is always appreciated!)