Jason marched through the clearing, looking amongst the groups. Where had all these people come from? Spotting Cal, he wound his way toward him, catching the end of the conversation he was having.

"She should be getting there soon," Cal said, "have you seen Zander anywhere?"

"He went after her," Jason said, "he said she would not make him a liar nor a dishonourable guard. He promised and pledged himself to Kelsie's protection, and that is what he will do."

"He cannot be seen," the other man said, "Kelsie has to do this herself."

"If we may," two guards strode up, "we were passing and couldn't help but overhear."

"We tracked ... Kelsie to the edge of the clearing. Zander arrived in the same place a few moments later," the one said, looking at the other who continued, "we advised the rules. He said he would only intervene should the situation be fatal."

"Fair enough," the draped figure said, "those are the rules for an accepted guard."

"We move out in twenty minutes," Cal said, "get ready."

"Incoming," the perimeter guards called, "halt!"

Jason watched as a group of leather, black and white clad figures emerged, standing at the edge of the clearing.

"It's Jackie," Jason said, disbelief dripping from his words, "how?"

"Cover but admit," the cloaked figure said.

The group moved forward, stopping before the three; Jackie greeted them with her right fist over her heart. Waiting to be addressed.

"Jackie," the cloaked figure spoke, "last we heard, you had turned to the other side."

"You were misinformed," she said, looking at the cloaked figure, "I had a mission, and I accomplished it."

"That is good to hear," the draped man said, "who is with you?"

"A mix of old and new, but the important fact is each holds to the way of the Old Guard," Jackie said, glancing at Jason, "each has been trained by Connie."

"Good to know. We are moving out in fifteen minutes. The last leg of the journey is ahead."

Instruction was given, and those arriving were taken to one side and searched.

"Jason," Jackie smiled, coming toward him, "it is good to see you, my brother."

"Is it?" he asked, unsure of anything said or seen.

"Of course," Jackie said, "it is true I had a mission to accomplish."

"Is that why you stayed behind?" Jason asked.

"Mainly," Jackie said, "but also to know their intentions. Alyx and I were able to stop his troops from starting a forest fire, but I'm not sure the lesson in leniency worked."

"Alyx?" Jason frowned.

"Apparently, he trained with Zander," Jackie said, "he questioned those ordering the search for me when I was escaping, and orders were given to exterminate him. I intervened, and here we are."

"Sounds like you had a good time," Jason said, turning to assist with packing a tent, "you're being called for a debrief and briefing."

Jackie hesitated before turning away and joining the group of newcomers. It still stung that his sister didn't trust him enough to tell of her mission or intent. Watching her talking to the guard assigned to the newcomers, he shook his head. There would be time for everything, right now he needed to focus on his own mission and the job ahead.

Burning lungs and aching legs challenged Kelsie's resolve as she ran toward the house; she could hear the crashing of the chasing men behind her, fear slicing through her. In her exhausted state, could she fight all of them? Was she going to make it out alive?

"I wish Zander were here," she gasped, "at least I would not be alone while in danger."

The house didn't look as far away as it did now, but perhaps it was a trick of the light. A movement on her right drew her attention. They were flanking her.

A sob wrenched from her chest, but she kept running. Desperation clawed at her to find safety before she was outnumbered. The ground flattened out, easing the tension in her legs. She needed time to catch her breath and rest her lungs and racing heart. The body slam came out of nowhere, taking her to the ground. The arms holding her were robust and gripping vice-like at the wrists. Pushing her crossed arms away from her chest, she threw her head back, hearing the crack of bone and the grip released. Rolling to her feet, dagger in hand, she waited. The man lay limp on the floor. Taking stock of the positions of the others, she sheathed her blade and continued to run. The house was closer. She could see the rose shrubs and the grove of trees she remembered playing in as a child. Suddenly in front of her stood two of the men. She tried going around them, but one caught her arm, spinning her off her feet. Using the momentum, she kicked out at the second man while twisting out of the first man's grip.

"Get her," she heard another yell, and the race began again.

"She is fast," she heard another say. "take that side."

Kelsie reached the edge of the garden, the stairs were close,when she was lifted off her feet and slammed into the ground. The air raced out of her lungs, her vision blurred, and her shoulder blades bled pain down her back. Bending her legs, she pushed her lungs to function again, sucking in oxygen while taking in the three circling men.

"Let's have some fun," the brawny one said, "we've earned it."

Kelsie swallowed hard on her dry mouth and throat; she would not be anyone's play toy. Under her cloak, she grasped her dagger in her hand, waiting.

"Let's see what there is under this fancy coat of hers," the podgy bald man said, reaching for her cloak.

Kelsie did not wait; as soon the cloak lifted, she stabbed into the nearby foot, receiving a wail. Rising to her knees and adding two more at the groin area. He stumbled back, sinking to his knees as the blood ran down his legs. Rolling to her feet, facing the other two men.

"Looks like we have a fighter," the brawny man laughed, "more sport for us."

The second man lunged at her. Spinning away, she kicked out at him, pushing him headfirst into the stone wall flanking the rose shrubs. Turning to face the brawny man, she felt his hand close around her throat, clamping in place. She kicked into his solar flex, stabbed at his side and finally got a response when she sliced across his elbow. He roared his displeasure sending her flying through the air slamming into the jagged stone wall. Pain slammed through every cell of her body, wrenching a scream from her that echoed across the valley. Gasping for air as she landed on the ground, her dagger still in her grasp. Pushing herself from the ground, she noticed her attacker limping. Taking stock, she realised she was going to die. It didn't matter what she did ... nothing seemed to affect her pursuer ... nothing slowed him down.

"Zander," she gasped, "never forget me."

Staggering into a fighting stance, she watched her attacker come toward her, evil and menace shining in his eyes.

"Today," he sneered, "you will die."

"If it is my time to go," she whispered, "so be it."