“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The Warrior was riding a blond mare and scanned the
destruction she had wrought. She a was tall, muscular woman dressed
in black leather and shiny armor. Her hair, black as the night, was
flowing down her shoulders. Her eyes, so brightly blue their
intensity threatened to blind anyone brave enough to meet them. The
broad sword she had wielded so effortlessly and mercilessly was now
by her side as one of her soldiers rushed forward and began rapidly
talking.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The injured girl couldn’t make out any of the
conversation but it was apparent that the Warrior was angry and
upset. She glared at her man as his motions became more frantic.
The Warrior again scanned the burnt remains of the village and this
time her eyes locked on the injured girls for a moment. The Warrior
saw hatred and pain. Although she couldn’t be sure, the girl
thought she saw a flicker of regret in the ice blue eyes of the
Warrior.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>It was the last thing the child saw as the battle
against pain was decided and she fell into darkness.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>She sat up suddenly. The dull ache in her arm and hand
were the only waking reminder of the nightmare she had just
relived. The night was silent except for the whispering of the wind
through the nearby trees. Quickly she stood up, pulling her sword
from its sheath and then quietly walking to the edge of the forest
surrounding their camp.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>A few deep breaths helped ease the tension that had
mounted with the dream. Looking at the faces of her charges put her
even more at ease. They were so young and innocent and had lost
everything, just as she had years ago. Their lives would be much
different though. She had sworn an oath to herself and the memory
of her lost family that no innocent would suffer as long as she
could prevent it.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>A guard situated near the camp border nodded as she
passed and vanished into the forest. The majority of her soldiers
had been with her long enough to know of her nightmares. It was
what kept her from sleeping more than a few hours a night. They
were also the cause of her nightly walks. Those closest knew that
it helped ease the painful memories and they knew her well enough
to know that she should handle any trouble that might arise.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Casually, she walked into the dark forest and after
awhile settled on a suitable spot of isolation. She didn’t
fear the night or the woods, she had seen things far worse. The
area was a small clearing surrounded by tall oak trees and she
kneeled down on the cool dew soaked grass. Glancing up she spotted
the highest tree top and spoke in a low firm voice, "Is it
time?"