ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

The Swan And The Scorpion

by Ellianora

Disclaimer: The characters are of my own creation, and as such are my property though the two primary female character do somewhat resemble a pair we all know and love.

Gen/alt/uber

Violence: Yes there is violence and it can be quite graphic. There are also complex moral issues here and there are a few rather adult themes.

Sex: Only a little kissing and genuine expressions of love between two people who care for each other deeply and happen to be of the same sex.

Parts 1 and 2 of this story take place before the current novel ("Turn Of The Wheel") . Parts 3 & 4 take place after. I am still working on the current chapter of the novel, but I just felt the need to write this. Once again, thanks to my ever loyal editors Trish and Lesley.

Part 3:  Swan 

Jaren awoke with a silent scream issuing from his lips. Just like, he had every night since the horrible evening over sixteen plantings ago. His life had been drastically altered forever then.

The reflected pale light of the two moons seeped through the seams of his tent, glistening off the sweat of his muscled back as he recalled the events that had placed him on his current path. The terrifying visage of the dark skinned woman whose eyes burned like an unending cold flame glaring at him still haunted his dreams. Barely eight plantings at the time, she seemed to him a demon from Malice's realm. He had seen the woman who had raised him cut down before his eyes by an unseen assassin as she dared to oppose the fiend in a futile attempt to protect him from her wrath. She had ordered him to run away. By some miracle, he had found enough courage to do just that.

Unknown to the woman however, he had returned to what remained of the small village he had once called home. Every building was ablaze. A few of the people had been impaled in the center of the inferno to make a crude circle. Jaren stared silent horror watching his father tied between two posts tortured mercilessly by the dark skinned demon.

He watched, wanting to turn away yet unable to do so as he heard the screams of the man, he had only known to be gentle and kind. He was a wise ruler who had cared for the people under his charge. Several times, he had begged the woman to end his life.

"I am sorry," she laughed in a deep voice as if it issued from the dark pits, " your request doesn't sound sincere enough." Then she continued inflicting her torture upon him. Finally, becoming bored with the game she slaughtered him.

The boy had lost his innocence that night. He knew nothing would ever be the same.

The man attempted to hold a glass in his shaking hand, pouring himself a goblet of wine to calm his frayed nerves. Normally he rarely imbibed at all. It dulled the senses and slowed the reactions.

Jaren needed to be ever alert to carry on what he saw was his destiny. He had made a vow that night he would forever battle against the foul beings that preyed upon the weak and helpless, bringing terror into every dark corner of their corrupt world.

"Excuse me sir, " the voice of his trusted second Gerard said from beyond the canvas walls interrupting his thoughts, "Sorry to disturb you, but the prisoners have repented."

"Quite alright," he assured him, " and please call me Jaren. You know how I feel about formalities and we've known each other long enough to dispense with formalities."

After the raiders had sailed away on the ships moored in the harbor, Jaren had begun the grisly task of burying all of the victims including his own father. He found to his surprise someone had already interned Janeela. Perhaps her gentle soul had touched even the dark fiend's black heart though that was doubtful. Evil of that sort was beyond redemption. He learned later the woman was the infamous pirate Venom. Supposedly, now a hero of sorts, though he sincerely doubted it. The dark-skinned fiend wouldn't be the first to mask her true nature.

He had traveled throughout Iamoore, seeking knowledge of all the martial skills available, preparing himself for his life's work. He would be the Cold Light that shined in the darkness bringing justice to those criminals bringing hope and retribution to the victims, but he was not without mercy.

"Those nightmares again?" Gerard asked noticing the weary eyes of his commander and friend as he exited the tent sword in hand.

"Yes," Jaren confessed, " they will haunt me till the day I die."

Gerard was the first to join his army of light. His wife and been ravaged and slain along with his infant son by raiders. Together, they had tracked down the perpetrators of the atrocity. Since then, Gerard had traveled with him who was to be called The Cold Light, feared by evil beings everywhere.

" I can take care of this for you," Gerard offered, "there is no reason for you to burden yourself further."

" Thank you," he replied with a slight smile," but I must bare this duty upon my shoulders alone." The other man could only nod in agreement. Nobody argued with The Cold Light. Other men who had been victimized flocked to his banner and cause. It was an awesome responsibility bringing justice to an unjust world, but he would bare it stoically. The Cold Light of justice had to be unending and relentless in its pursuit giving them the same mercy they had shown their victims.

The pair approached the circle of bound men they had captured earlier. They appeared a little more roughed up then he deemed necessary. He would need to talk his troops. The purpose was to give them the opportunity to repent their past lives, not cause them an excessive amount pain.

"So, "he said in an impassive voice staring at the haggard face of one of the men," have you renounced your evil deeds?"

" Yes," he said blood trickling out of his mouth and one eye swollen shut. "I have seen what I have done. I only wish I could apologize to those I hurt."

Jaren stared at the naked blade in his hand as the man continued his tearful apology. His father had told him taking a life was a serious matter, never to be taken lightly.

"If you are sincere then you will get your chance," Jaren pronounced, plunging the sword into the man's heart. He wondered how many times the men were truthful concerning their renouncement. Not that it mattered. If they were at least minutely repentant, they may find some peace. It was merciful to give them a chance to cleanse their souls. More then they had given those who fell prey to their depredations. It was a heavy burden but the Cold Light bore it without complaint meting out justice swiftly.

******
Rorain sprinted madly through the village square clutching the loaf of bread and basket of fruit to his chest. Behind him, he could hear the heavy armored feet of his pursuers swiftly gaining ground. The three men had caught him pilfering from the vendor, immediately beginning their chase. The man had never stolen anything before, but these were desperate times. Glancing back, he could see the men brandishing their long swords ordering him to halt. He was certain they meant to kill him. Fear rose up from his belly to his throat prompting him to run faster, finally slamming into a cart in his haste to escape.

"Please," he begged, still sprawl out on the ground. "I meant no wrong."

" You should have thought of that before you took what didn't belong to you," one challenged, angrily. " Let alone lead us on a merry chase throughout this town." The one speaking raised his sword preparing to bring it down upon the hapless man.

Suddenly, a large sword thrust itself in the path of the man's blade deflecting the blow. The three men diverted their attention on the individual wheedling the defensive parry, seeing a tall dark skinned woman towering over them. She was garbed in a lovely hunter green dress with the seams slit on the sides to allow her shapely legs freedom of movement. Flowing about her statuesque form was a crimson cloak enshrouding her like an eerie mist. Her ice-blue eyes caused the hardened warriors to step back.

"This is of no concern of yours my lady," the one who seemed to be the leader stated."

"Three armed men running down an unarmed one makes it my business," she snapped, wedging between them and their target, leveling her sword. "Now be nice and back off till we straighten this matter out."

"This person is a thief," the leader exclaimed pointing an accusing finger at the trembling man. "I witnessed him steal that bread and fruit he holds with my own eyes."

"Please," the man cried, "I was starving I needed the food for me and my wife. We haven't eaten in days."

" That is no excuse for breaking the law," the man said with an air of disgust.

" Nor is stealing a loaf of bread justification for slicing someone open with a sword, " the woman interjected.

"We are soldiers of the cold light," He announced. "It is our duty to stand against villainy of any kind."

" Take another step," she warned, " and I'll put your cold light out."

" You can't be serious woman," the man replied still appearing somewhat amazed that a woman, even one of her size would dare challenge them. " We are hardened warriors what do you hope to do against ones such as ourselves."

" Actually," a lilting voice remarked behind them," she could probably take care the lot of you and not even muss her new gown."

The men dared a quick glance to the rear spotting a young honey blond half-elven woman in dark purple leather Armour. Her hands were placed upon her hips with her head at a slight tilt as she eyed the situation. " Though she wont be alone if it comes to blows," she continued with a half smile dropping her hands upon the pommel of the sword and dagger strapped to her side. " Nice gown by the way, very fetching."

" Thanks," she said with a hint of disappointment, " it was suppose to be surprise."

"Well its very nice," the other woman said flipping a long honey blonde pony tail over her shoulder, " not very practical though."

"It was for tonight. Besides, I normally don't go jumping and spinning about during a fight like some," the tall dark woman said defensively. " Don't you go anywhere either, she threatened, noticing the man on the ground attempting to slip away. " We still haven't sorted all this out."

"Even two women can hardly stand against the soldiers of the cold light," the leader declared puffing his chest out.

"Then obviously you men don't know the two women you are facing," a deep commanding male voice announced from the side. The assembly turned to see a tall blonde man with full facial beard, garbed in the dress of high-ranking Light Warrior of Velia. The markings of his tunic informed those about that he was a Paladin, one of the noblest and mightiest warriors of those vaunted ranks.

" They never do Gasqule," the young blonde woman complained, " we just don't get the right publicity."

" Gasqule," the one man uttered with a note of reverence and awe, the mighty Paladin appointed by Velia herself, the Mistress of Justice."

" The same, Gasqule answered modestly, and the two women you were about to cross swords with are Ellianora Bladedancer and Venom."

" Venom," the soldier echoed dropping his blade clattering to the ground recognizing the name." Most knew the woman Venom as the most fearsome and perhaps deadliest warrior in all of Iamoore.

"Sure," Ellie remarked approaching her companion and Gasqule, "they all know Venom but they never recognize me. I am, part of this team after all."

" I am taller," Venom, remarked with a shrug, " besides you're a rogue. I thought you like amenity?"

" Ex-rogue," she corrected her, " and a little recognition wouldn't hurt now and then."

" Next time I will make sure you get all the credit," Venom replied, turning her attention to the paladin. "So Gasqule what brings you here, last time I heard your wife was heavy with child."

" She is," Gasqule, replied," but the council asked me to investigate a matter of great importance, namely our friends here and their so-called Order of the Cold Light. First however we have the matter of this thief to attend to."

" Please sir," the man cried groveling at Gasqule's feet, " my family has had nothing to eat and there has been no work."

"What about the granaries set aside to help people in times in need?"

" Alas sire the mayor has reported the surplus is depleted," the man answered."

" It wouldn't be the first time a magistrate has sold the surplus for a quick profit," Ellie observed.

Take this back to the vendor," Gasqule told the man tossing him a coin. " I shall speak with the mayor here, if what you say is true. You may rest assured the problem will be taken care of." The man grabbed the coin hurrying off to pay for the food."

" That's fine for him but what about these three?" Ellie asked pointing to the three self proclaimed soldiers of justice."

" Lock them up," Venom declared sheathing her sword.

" On what charge?" The man demanded indignantly.

" How about being a general pain?" Venom remarked, glaring at the men.

" I am, afraid that doesn't justify taking them into custody," Gasqule informed her barely able to conceal a smile at her remark.

" Then arrest them for brandishing a weapon for other then self defense."

" That we can do," Gasqule nodded with a grin gathering up the men still dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events."

" After that, you can tell us about this Cold Light," Venom shouted behind him. " I think we might look into this."

" Don't we always?" Ellie quipped shrugging resignedly, following dutifully behind her companion as they led the three men off to the jail. "You realize this was suppose be our anniversary." Ellie complained.

"I know," Venom sighed. "I was looking forward to it as well. I even hired a seamstress to design this gown."

"Speaking of that," Ellie replied. "Where are your normal clothes?"

"Back at the shop. She was just completing the final fitting when I saw that man run past with those three hot on his tail screaming at the top of their lungs."

"And of course, you had to try and help," Ellie sighed resignedly.

"Of course."

"All I am saying," Ellie added, "would it be so bad if we just didn't get involved for once." Venom responded with an icy glare, "right, stupid question." Ellie remarked, rolling her eyes. "We celebrate later."

"So what is the Cold Light?" Venom asked striding up next to Gasqule.

" From what I can gather," he answered they are a group of self appointed vigilantes who have decided to battle criminals."

" They don't sound to bad so far," Venom commented.

"True in theory," Gasqule agreed," but their methods are rather extreme as you witnessed a short time ago. The old tribunal of the Defenders of the Lady ignored them. Up till now, the new council was to busy reestablishing the order."

"But now that things have calmed down they want these so called soldiers taken care of?" Ellie interjected.

"We are soldiers of truth and justice," one of the prisoners announced proudly, " we bring justice to those who are victims of the evil."

" No one was talking to you," Venom snapped, " and I am sick of hearing your prattle. Now be silent or the only thing you will be able to eat will be porridge."

" I see she has not lost any or her tact," Gasqule said in low voice to Ellie, causing her to snicker quietly.

" So you were saying?" Venom continued.

" Not much more to say, " Gasqule remarked, "They want these people taken care of, hopefully without incident. They have done some good."

Venom was preparing to comment as they reached the guard tower. Most of those who served here were militia performing their duties on a voluntary basis. The small community only had one man who was paid, a Captain of the Guard and judging from his wizened and scarred face he had seen many plantings in the service of his country now preferring to live his remaining days serving as a trainer and leader of the protectors of the small settlement.

The Captain was none to pleased observing the three parading their prisoners through the streets to the small jail. " What is going on here?" he demanded gruffly. I don't have time to waste on petty disputes."

" Just lock this bunch up," Gasqule ordered.

" Then you can get to your important work like your mid afternoon nap," Ellie quipped.

The Captain was about respond to the impudent half-elf when he took full notice of the tall blonde man wearing a brassard of azure blue emblazoned with the symbol of Velia, indicating him to be Light Warrior. More so from the matching azure blue armor with silver trim he was a paladin, and of high rank.

" Forgive me sire," he said nervously, " had no idea one of the defenders of the lady was here in our small town."

" No problem good Captain," Gasqule replied congenially, "these men drew a weapon on a light warrior, well an honorary one, "he amended glancing back at Venom. "I would like them detained for now I assume you have a small holding cell."

" We were apprehending a thief," the man argued, "when that woman interfered."

"You were about to skewer him for a loaf of bread," Venom accused. " A little extreme if you ask me."

"Who asked you?" the man exclaimed.

" That reminds me," Ellie stated placing herself between the man and her companion. "The supposed thief said he and his wife had not eaten in days, something about the reserve supplies being gone."

"True," Gasqule agreed, "there is some question as to whether the supplies were misused or sold."

The Captain squirmed beneath the steel gray eyes of the paladin. Everyone knew it was impossible to lie to a paladin. They could sense an untruth, the way they could detect evil. " The mayor said we needed more funds for the coffers," the Captain confessed. "He felt the funds they could get selling the supplies might come in handy."

"Sure why waste it on unimportant things, like feeding the people," Ellie retorted.

"After you have incarcerated these men you may escort me to the mayor. I think we should have a chat." Gasqule commented sternly. The man bowed preparing to take the three men into custody.

As the captain led them off another man with sandy brown hair and similar garb approached them. Venom noted all the men wore a medallion with a blinding burst of light engraved upon it. " Excuse me," he said pleasantly, " I understand a few of my companions have been taken here."

"Good news travels fast," Venom remarked eyeing the man disdainfully. "Yes they tried to kill a man in the square."

"It was my understanding the man was a thief," the man replied, "while such actions are extreme it hardly warrants placing honest men under arrest."

"The so called thief was starving because some fat politician stole the food and sold it," Ellie retorted. "The man stole so he and his family could live."

"I see, "the man said his tone turning serious, "that does change matters."

" Oh really," Venom exclaimed. Her patience was fast ending with these pious fools. "I am so relieved you think so."

Before the man could respond, the Captain returned from his task. "Well," he said resignedly, "I suppose I can escort you to the mayor."

" Good," Gasqule replied.

"Just so you know, " the Cold Light Soldier informed them, "we were sent here to investigate rumors of corruption. I am only sorry my companions were a bit over zealous in their pursuit of justice."

"Well you can put away your thumb screws," Ellie said sarcastically, " I am sure a paladin can handle this."

"I quite agree," the soldier concurred, "in fact if you don't mind I would like to have a word with your prisoners." The captain cast an inquiring eye towards Gasqule.

"If its okay with you," he asked Gasqule I can unlock the door and let him speak to them while I take you to the mayor."

"Go ahead," Venom assured them. "I will watch things till you get back. I promise you they will not escape."

" Of that I have no doubt," Gasqule replied nodding his consent.

"So I suppose you want me to see what the underworld has to say about this Cold Light?" Ellie remarked as the guard led the man to see his fellows after relieving him of his weapons.

" You read my mind," Venom said smirking, " you should have plenty of time while Gasqule takes care of this mayor."

" After being together this long its easy dear," Ellie said smiling mischievously. "So what will you be doing till we get back?"

"Doing what I said I would be doing," Venom replied matter of factly, "watching the cell till your return. Well, I might also have a small talk with these men myself." The last comment earned her a raised eyebrow from Gasqule. "I promise," Venom remarked answering his wordless query." I will be good. I just want to talk to them is all."

" Just try to refrain from placing too many knuckle prints on them love," Ellie commented preparing to leave noticing the guard exiting from the small room.

"I left him the keys," the captain informed her," only one way out of here."

" And that would be through me," Venom concluded, " I believe I have matters in hand." She bowed politely to Gasqule as he left with the still somewhat hesitant Captain of the guard leaving Venom alone to guard the post.

The tall dark woman's thoughts began to wander concerning the Cold Light and their stated mission. In retrospect, it didn't seem to far removed from hers. She had been ruthless when dealing with the likes of raiders and other miscreants. Still, she did try keeping some perspective on the situation. These soldiers didn't appear to share that view. To them a petty thief was the same as bloodthirsty brigand or raider.

Venom was certain they had to have a leader; people of this ilk always did, usually a very charismatic one, filling them with fervor and a sense of purpose. If they could ferret out the leader, she was certain they could make a swift end to these so call Soldiers of the Cold Light.

While she was considering the options open to them, Venom caught sight of the man departing the cell and exiting down the long hall. She noted the man actually shifted his mail shirt. "Typical," she muttered sardonically to herself. Everything must be prim and proper.

" That was quick," she said forcing a smile, " I though you might want to chat more about the glory of your great mission."

"There was little to say," the man said in a grim tone handing her the keys, " I needed to make sure the men knew the seriousness of their actions and the penalty involved."

" What did you do kick them out of your little club?" Venom remarked with an air of disdain. If he did it might make them more receptive to what she had to say.

" In a manner of speaking, " The man replied.

" Perhaps I should have a chat with them as well," Venom said fixing her ice blue eyes upon him.

" You may but I doubt it will do much good, " the man said with a heavy sigh walking away. " At any rate, have a good day my lady.

The man's smugness piqued Venom's curiosity. He had not appeared quite so composed when he had entered the small building something had changed. Suddenly a horrible realization entered her agile mind. She spun about dashing for the small cell. Venom prayed she was wrong. Upon reaching the cell, Venom let out a sudden gasp. The three men all laid in a perfect row, perfectly still and perfectly dead. Throwing open the cell door she bent down to examine each man. From what she could discern, each had been carrying a small poisoned dagger, which they plunged into their hearts.

"That smug bastard," Venom growled rising from the floor her cold eyes flashing with an inner fire. " He knew what they would do."

Rushing out of the guardhouse, Venom canvassed the area looking for the man. She caught sight of him already mounted on his horse no doubt hoping to leave town before the bodies were discovered.

" You sanctimonious bastard!" Venom bellowed, charging after the man. Upon seeing the tall dark woman heading towards him, the soldier urged his horse to gallop faster through the streets taking a sudden left turn in hopes of loosing her.

Grabbing an overhanging ledge, Venom propelled herself up on the roof in hopes of cutting the man off. She leaped from roof to roof at last spotting the man slowing his mount, certain he had lost her. Without hesitation, Venom leaped upon the man below knocking him from his horse.

" You knew they would do that," Venom growled between clenched teeth hoisting the man up by his collar. "Dragperg you probably urged them to do it." She said tossing the man to the ground in complete disgust.

" I did no such thing," man replied defensively. " I only stated their options. One who walks our path can only expect the worst treatment in prison. It is more honorable to end this way."

" You pious pompous idiot," Venom exclaimed, "did you think we would keep them? They would have been released in a day at the most. Get up," she ordered, " I swear by all the deities." Suddenly Venom felt a delicate slender hand upon her strong arm.

" It's not worth it," Ellie told her soothingly, " he isn't worth it."

"She's right," Gasqule added rushing up to them with the mayor waddling close behind.

"Who is your leader?" Venom demanded trembling from the effort of controlling the rage building inside her."

"That is something kept secret for fear of retribution." The man replied now on his feet regaining his composure."

"Spare me," Venom declared, " you tell me and tell me quick or I swear there aren't enough people in this town to keep me from your scrawny throat." The man attempted to avert his gaze, as Venom riveted him with an ice-cold glare turning his soul to hoarfrost.

"I only know him by the title Cold Light of Justice, "the man said quietly, " I swear that is all I know."

The tall dark woman closed her eyes biting her lower lip. " I am fine," she told her dear companion softening her voice. Ellie held her partners arm lovingly.

"One more thing," Venom said to the man trying to make a hasty exit. He turned hesitantly back. " I want you to take a message to this Cold Light of Justice. Tell him Venom is coming after him and the whole lot of you self righteous idiots."
******
Jaren had only recently dispatched the last raider after a long night of confessions and pleading, when Wilnan entered the camp, his horse still in full gallop. He could read the fear etched in the normally stoic brave man's eyes. He had sent him to investigate rumors of graft in nearby town along with three relatively new recruits. Now, he was returning alone.

"What happened?" Jaren asked concerned.

The new recruits got a little eager and tried to punish a man for stealing bread." Wilnan replied, dismounting from his horse. "I fear they were going to use extreme measures."

"Where were you?" Gehron demanded. "You know better then to leave new members alone."

"I was investigating a lead," Wilnan replied defensively. "I assure you I was not away from them more then a minute."

"Long enough," Gehron scoffed.

"Enough," Jaren ordered. "What happened to your men?"

"They were captured by a tall dark woman and her elven girlfriend," he answered. "I talked to them in the cell and informed them what was expected of them."

"Tall dark woman?" Jaren asked.

"Yes, the one called Venom," Wilnan informed him, rubbing his neck where she had grabbed him.

"Venom," Jaren growled spinning about so quickly the men surrounding him jumped back in surprise. The sea-bitch was here almost in his grasp.

"She also said to let you know she was coming after you and the rest of us," Wilnan added.

"We will break camp immediately," Gehron announced during the silence of their leader. "I will have the men dispose of the bodies."

"Leave them," Jaren ordered.

"What," Gehron exclaimed in disbelief. "We must give the bodies the semblance of a proper ritual."

"I said leave," He shot back. "Don't question my authority." He warned, "I know what I am doing."

"If Venom will be here," Gehron advised, "chances are she will locate this camp."

"I am counting on it," Jaren smiled striding back to his tent.
********
The horror that met the trio as the arrived at the camp was far beyond anything any of them had witnessed. Scores of men, bound hand and foot lied dead on the ground. The sight only darkened Venom's already black mood. The delicate gown she had commissioned had been ruined during chase. It would take her sometime to replace it.

"What did you learn about this Cold Light?" Venom asked Ellie dismounting her Nagla war-bird called Redeemer.

"Not much," Ellie admitted, leaping off the back of her gray stallion. "It's rumored the leader of these so-called soldiers of justice witnessed his own father tortured and slain by pirates when he was a boy. He made a vow to hunt down all villains; you know the usual fanatical rhetoric."

"Men of justice would not slay helpless men," Gasqule grimaced, looking upon the carnage."

"Forced to deal with something like that could twist even the gentlest soul," Venom added.

Ellie was about to reply, when her ever-observant eye caught sight of a slight movement from one of the victims lying on the ground. "That one is alive," She informed them rushing over to the bound figure.

The poor man stared Vacantly into three faces peering at him. Ellie could tell from the placement of the wound he did not have much time left.

"I confessed,' the man croaked, "we all did and he killed us anyway. He claimed he was granting us chance to redeem ourselves."

"Who?" Gasqule demanded. "Who is responsible for this atrocity?"

"They called him Jaren," the man whispered as his life expired.

At the mention of the name, the normally dark-skinned woman went white, attempting to stand upon shaking legs. Venom turned away, grabbing a tree to steady herself.

"What is wrong?" Ellie asked, placing her hand on the back of her tall partner.

"I am the pirate who killed his father," Venom confessed tearfully." Briefly, she informed her companion of the events that had occurred long ago, when she was beginning her career.

"The boy must have snuck back," Venom cried covering her eyes. "May the gods help me, he saw it all, and everything I did."

"That was a different person," Ellie said, placing her arm around Venom's waist, holding her close. We both know that."

"She's right," Gasqule, added. Venom smiled sadly at the paladin. The man had always found it difficult to fully comprehend Venom's past.

"I know," Venom admitted. "But that doesn't change things. Jaren has been forced to endure those horrible memories, no wonder he is what he is now."

"We'll find him," Ellie assured her.

"No!" Venom stated firmly, backing away. "This is for me to do alone."

"But," Ellie began.

"No arguments," Venom ordered. I need to do this alone. You need to go back with Gasqule and get help taking care of these bodies." She placed her hands upon the slender shoulders of the former rogue. "Promise me, you wont follow me." She stated.

"I promise I wont follow you," Ellie replied staring into the ice-blue orbs of her dearest companion.

"Good enough," Venom said lovingly embracing her partner, kissing her farewell. " I will be back soon," She added mounting Redeemer, riding off after Jaren and his soldiers.
****
"You gave in easier then I would have thought," Gasqule observed, watching Venom ride off.

"Facing this Jaren, needing to kill him, will tear her apart," Ellie replied. "I can't allow that," she stated determinedly.

"True," Gasqule concurred. "Though how will you prevent it? You gave your word to Venom you would not follow her."

"Yes," I did Ellie added seriously, "and I've never lied to her. I won't start now."

"Then how?"

"I said I wouldn't follow, " Ellie informed him. "I didn't say anything about getting there first. She may be one of the greatest warriors in Iamoore, but she is hardly skilled in tracking."

"Then I am coming with you," Gasqule replied, returning to his horse.

"No," Ellie shot back. "You need to take care of these bodies," she told him jumping onto her horse, Ghost. "What I need to do, you don't want to be part of."

"What is that?"

Ellie chose not reply to Gasqule's question. She knew in her heart there was only one way to protect Venom from herself. Kill Jaren.

To Be Continued . . .

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