A disturbance in the air heralds Cosmos's presence, however, I ignore him and refuse to lift my head. He has visited me on each of the past five nights now and we have had the same disagreement. Each morning I've awoken feeling tired and emotionally wrought. It doesn't help that it's my time of the moon, or whatever they call it here.

"Elissa, you cannot remain here. We need to discuss this."

I spin around to face him and snap, "We do not discuss. You tell me I must leave and I don't want to. We are at an impasse. Unless you have any chocolate, leave me be, I am not in the mood."

Ignoring me, he ploughs on, "Lord Nero is gathering an army at the Animages' northern border and Lord Fintan is doing the same at the eastern border. The aim is to mount a surprise attack on two fronts. Do you wish blood to be shed at your expense?"

I flinch for of course I don't want that.

As if sensing pending victory, he pushes further, "Tell me of your prince. Do you believe that he will let Lord Nero take you? No doubt he will fight, to the death if need be."

The thought of risking Aren's life is unbearable. Gathering all of my courage, I decide I must do the right thing. "Ok, I will surrender then. I am willing to sacrifice myself to keep them safe."

"No. I cannot have you fall into Lucifer's hands."

"OMG, is the devil after me too?"

He looks at me blankly. "What do you mean?"

"You said Lucifer."

"That is my son."

"You named him after the devil?" My eyes widen in alarm. "Is he that evil?"

Cosmos looks offended. "It means 'shining one' or 'light-bearer'. For the most part he is a good man and a great king. However, I had not expected such an aggressive move on his part."

Stroking his chin, he sits in quiet contemplation. I clear my throat to get his attention.

"Continue your journey." He places a fatherly hand upon my shoulder and reasons, "Arcadia will be safe and you can finally meet your father."

My father! Should I stay, or should I go? My heart clenches. "I will think about it."

"Do not take too long, for you are running out of time."

.......

The sky is still dark when I awake. After several more troubling visits from Cosmos, I don't feel like there is a choice but to follow his direction if I'm to protect those I love. His plan is for me to travel under the cover of night and seek sanctuary with my father's family.

The thought of finding my father is a further torment. I yearn to meet him, but this would be at the cost of leaving the family I have only just found, and I can't help worrying whether he will want to know me.

My mind is a whirling mess and sleep is an impossibility. So, I slip on my elven training clothes and I make my way over to the training hall. Sometimes it helps to centre myself through a good workout.

Barely have I started exercising, when Bram's voice causes me to start. "Trouble sleeping too?"

He motions to the rack of weapons. I shake my head, not up for sparring with him today.

Bram frowns, misinterpreting my reticence. "I know that Aren disapproves of us sparring together. I can assure you that I have no romantic interest in you, only brotherly affection."

"It's not that." I give a deep sigh. "Bram, I know that I can trust you. I have information that Lord Nero and Lord Fin-something are amassing troops on the Animage's borders to the north and to the east."

"Do you mean Lord Fintan? His lands border those of my father's. I will send word to warn him. Thank you, Elissa." He kisses my cheek.

The world tilts.

I'm kneeling on a once grassy field, now all churned up and covered in dark patches which look suspiciously like blood. Bram is laid out on the ground, his face ashen, eyes closed and an oozing gash down one side of his face. His clothes are torn and streaked with mud and fresh blood.

I'm aware of overlapping feelings of anxiety for my friend and of fury. What I would like to ask is 'what the hell happened?' but the actual words from my lips are, "Nero did not have to go this far."

Bram opens his eyes. The pain in them is evident. "He wants you Elissa."

"He will never have me." For some reason I feel confident about this, even though the thought of seeing Nero makes my feel sick with fear.

Bram tries to move but is too weak.

I stroke his brow. "Hush, I will right this wrong."

My fingers start to tingle...

Blinking, I find that our positions have exchanged. Now I'm the one lying on the floor, with Bram knelt over me.

"You're alright." Gently I touch his cheek, so relieved to see that he is no longer wounded.

"What of you my lady? You fainted."

"Not again!"

He flushes slightly and queries, "Could you be with child?"

"Certainly not," I chastise. "I'm still a maiden."

I hastily excuse myself and feel his eyes upon my back as I make my way to the exit. Outside I wander aimlessly, shaken by that vivid dream. Could it be a vision of the future?

My feet bring me to the beech dryad's bower.

"My child, what troubles you?" The calming voice of the dryad reaches me.

"I bring the threat of great danger to Arcadia. I know that I must leave as soon as possible yet I'm scared."

"Do not be afraid of your destiny, for it will take you where it will. My brothers and sisters will always come to your aid as will our cousins, the nymphs."

.........

I sink into the soft depths of a plush armchair and Tabbi takes a seat opposite me. We are situated in a quiet corner of a smart inn and close to a cosy fire. Around our feet are several packages; the spoils from our shopping trip.

A waiter, dressed in a starchy shirt and jacket with shiny buttons, places a tray of afternoon tea things on a table between us. He pours out tea into fine china cups before bowing and leaving us alone.

As soon as he is out of earshot, Tabbi says, "Well, Elissa. I was not expecting either of the two items you purchased today."

Cradling my chilled fingers around the steaming cup, I innocently query, "What do you mean?"

"The first is ..." Tabbi blushes and gesticulates.

"Which one?" I tease. "The gift for Aren or the riding dress."

"A gift for Aren? I hardly think it would suit or fit him!" Tabbi exclaims.

The thought of Aren in a soft pink silk and lace confection causes me to burst out laughing and earns me disapproving looks from the well-heeled clientele. "You silly thing. It is for me to wear for him."

It took some finding, but I was pleased to find that Elysium does in fact have the equivalent to Victoria's Secret. While I had to practically drag Tabbi into the boutique, we both came out with new lingerie.

"Oh!" Tabbi goes even redder.

My voice falls low. "So, will you be showing off your purchase to Drake soon?"

"Maybe. We are courting but have not yet ..." Tabbi changes the subject. "Your new dress is not very flattering."

I don't call Tabbi out and keep the conversation light. "Tabbi, do not mince your words. I know that the dress is quite hideous. However, it is warm and practicable."

I try not to dwell on why I might need it and divert myself further by nibbling on a buttery shortbread biscuit, which literally melts in the mouth. With an incoherent 'mmm', I direct her to try one.

"I have missed you." Tabbi places a hand on mine.

I feel leaden with guilt and squeeze her hand. "I'm so sorry, Tabbi. I've not been a particularly good friend to you lately."

"Elissa, you are a wonderful friend. I just wish I could help you. I know that something is bothering you. Please know that if you wish to confide in me, then I am always here to listen."

I bite my lip. Obviously I can't tell her about needing to leave, but I'm dying to tell her my other news.

Finally, I confess in a hushed tone, "Tabbi, you can't say anything but Aine and Sirius think that I'm their great granddaughter."

Tabbi squeals excitedly and bounces in her seat. I place a finger briefly to her lip before she can blurt out anything indiscrete.

"Shh. Sirius was dethroned and there is a threat from the high king, so this has to be our secret."

Tabbi's voice falls to a conspiratorial whisper, "Still, this is so exciting. You are a princess in your own right."

..............................