Kahal jumped to the side as the male tried to stab him with a short sword, rolling onto the ground and coming to a stop on his knees and feet.

Rahn lunged for Daielle and tackled him to the ground, knocking his sword off to the side. Daielle quickly stood, with Rahn still attached to his back. She adjusted and wrapped her arm around his neck. "Just give it up." She grunted in frustration.

"Never." Daielle ground out between clenched teeth as he struggled to breath. He turned and slammed Rahn's back into a nearby tree. The air was knocked out of her lungs but she held tight. Even as he took a step to prepare for another backwards hit against the tree, she didn't let go. She knew she was close to having him knocked out.

She braced herself for another hit but instead her and Daielle both were knocked to the ground, off to the side. She looked up from the ground to see Kahal knockout Daielle with one strong punch to the face.

The guards swiftly grabbed Daielle and bound his hands before dragging him away.

After drawing in a deep breath, Rahn began to chuckle.

"Something funny?" Kahal said as he bent down beside her, extending a hand to help her up.

"Seems like we've done this before." She smiled as she grabbed his hand and let him help her up. As she stood, he placed his hands gently on her upper arms and looked down at her.

"Indeed, I believe we have." Kahal said softly, with a slight smirk. He lifted his hand up to wipe dirt off of Rahn's face and she realized how close they were standin while just staring at each other.

"Your mask came off. We need to get out of this smoke." He said as he turned and they followed the guards and Daielle through the woods.

After several minutes, the smoke thinned out enough for better vision and they saw a large group of Qarthans fighting against the spread of the fire, Kietnan leading the group.

"Brother!" Kietnan ran over to them. "You're well?" He asked both of them, to which they both nodded. "Dran and the guards have the prisoners and the bodies on their way to the guards tower."

"I take it we have you to thank for the reason Daielle and his group stopped in the forest?" Kahal asked.

Kietnan nodded. "We were racing to combat the fire when we came upon them. Although, we weren't sure what was happening. I think such a large group of us surprised them and they froze."

"Good, brother. Good. See to it this fire doesn't spread to any homes or businesses."

"We're on it." Kietnan said before turning and rushing away.

Kahal and Rahn continued walking toward the grand hall before she began coughing again, more roughly.

"Come on." Kahal gently grabbed her arm as he changed their direction slightly.

"What are you doing?" She argued. "We need to help process everyone and sort through this mess."

"No, I need to sort through the mess while you get checked over in the medical ward."

"No, I'm fine. They need my help."

"You can help after you're cleared."

"This is fooli-" Rahn began but was cut off by a coughing fit that had her leaning onto her thighs, gasping for breath.

"You were saying?" Kahal quirked a brow muscle and crossed his arms with a smirk.

Rahn simply growled and stood to walk toward the medically ward.

"Besides, I can check on our wounded after I drop you off."

"I'm not a child, I can make it there. You go do what's needed of you."

"And give you a chance to escape?" He chuckled. "Not likely."

She scowled at him as she turned and continued her course.

Half an hour later, Rahn was in the medical ward alone, sitting on a cot while thinking over everything that had happened that day when Ashima, Biechta, and Halan came rushing in.

"Rahn!" Ashima called out as they approached her.

Rahn nodded to all of them. "Greetings, my Ladies. It is good to see you are well."

"Of course we are." Halan began. "Thanks to you. But we are here to check on you."

"I am well." Rahn offered a slight smile.

"Good." Halan replied.

"I still can't believe you are a guard." Biechta offered.

"And Ashima knew the entire time and didn't tell us!" Halan poked Ashima in the arm with her elbow.

Rahn and Ashima chuckled and eventually silence enveloped the group.

"Go on Biechta, tell her. Tell her the big news." Ashima insisted, attempting to break up the awkward silence. "Wait... What are you doing?" She questioned Rahn as she stood up and put on her jacket."

"I would think it obvious that I'm preparing to leave this place." Rahn chuckled.

"So soon?" Ashima asked, her face covered in worry.

"Don't worry, Ashima. I did the breathing treatments."

"That's it? But you've only been here a short time. We rushed right here as soon as we heard the news."

"Yes, I'm fine." Rahn assured her.

"You Qarthans and your fast healing treatments. It is still a wonder to me." Ashima commented.

"Biechta. What is this news Ashima is so excited about?" Rahn asked.

"Oh, well, um..." Biechta stuttered and ducked her head in embarrassment at all of the attention she was getting.

"You might as well get used to the attention for now." A male's voice came from behind her. Biechta turned to find Othen smiling down at her and she offered a smile of her own.

"Congratulations, my lord. '' Rahn offered them a knowing smirk as she nodded to them both. "And to you as well, my lady."

"We have you to thank after all, Rahn. It might not have happened without you." Othen replied. "Or at least it might have taken quite some time."

"What?!" Biechta, Ashima, and Halan all asked at once.

"A story for another time." Othen motioned toward the door. "The medical attendants are very busy with everything that has happened so let's move this reunion, shall we?"

"Gladly." Rahn replied, walking briskly past the others to the door. "Any other news while I've been away?" Rahn asked once they were out in the hallway, walking as a group.

"Away?" Halan responded with a scoff. "You speak as if you were on vacation."

Rahn just shrugged.

"I'm eager to hear all of the details, Rahn. I hope you'll find time to fill us in on everything that happened. I'm sure it's an amazing story." Ashima remarked

"Yes!" Halan stopped abruptly and faced them, causing the others to all stop in their tracks. "I need every detail, Rahn. This may very well be our next big production."

"No!" Joreth groaned as he approached the group from behind his Life Partner. "We have yet to enjoy some respite from the last big production. You, my dear, are taking a break."

"But-"

"There will be plenty of time to sort it out after some rest." Joreth said flatly. "You practically live in the theater during those things. Our son has missed his mother and I have missed my wife."

"Perhaps you're right." Halan smiled at Joreth. "A short break."

"I would expect nothing else." Joreth offered her a small smile.

"I never thought I'd see such a sweet, soft side to you Joreth." Ashima chuckled. "I like it!"

Joreth scowled and they continued their walk down the hallway. "Rahn, the king and queen are waiting for you in the royal meeting room."



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Quite honestly, this is hard to take in." King Japheth said as he leaned back in his seat beside Queen Thala and across from Kahal and Rahn.

"It is quite a shock. You said they claimed to have been in existence since the royal family was first in place?" Thala asked.

Rahn nodded. "Yes, my Lord."

"My King, your father never hinted at any knowledge of this?" Kahal asked.

"If he had any knowledge of it, I was never made aware. And it wouldn't have been like him to keep such information from me."

"We found plenty of evidence that dates back to the past couple decades, but many of the higher members have confessed that they do information wipes every twenty years. And they wipe any of the less substantial information every year. However, with how well established and meticulously careful they were, there is plenty of evidence to support their claims of being in existence for a very long time."

"This is outrageous." Japheth said, still in shock.

"Hardly meticulously careful more recently." Thala replied. "Have you found any insight as to how such a male came to lead an organization like that? It hardly makes sense."

"Not yet, my Lord. Some information is proving more difficult to establish." Rahn explained.

"We will continue until we know more." Japheth said as he seemed to be coming out of his stupor. "Kahal. As you know, Kietnan is not with us now due to the ongoing battle to stomp out what's left of the forest fire. But I expect you to bring him fully up to date on all information so he can effectively take over for you over the next week as you switch over to your next duty for the upcoming quarter cycle. After Kietnan assumes his position, you will take a two week rest and then report to Joreth for an update on his departments before his leave."

"Yes, my Lord." Kahal responded

"My lord, forgive me for asking, but is General Garen not returning to his post?"

"My brother has decided he likes his time of rest so much that he will join us in retirement." Thala explained. "But I have every confidence in my youngest son to fulfill his duties."

"As do I, my Lord." Rhan agreed.

"Good, Rahn. Now we just have the matter of your leave."

"My leave? But I am still fit for duty, my lord."

"I'm confident you are but I can hardly deprive such a loyal guard as yourself from a much needed rest. Even if you do not wish to take one." Thala glanced at Kahal before turning her gaze back on Rahn. "You will take a three week leave of rest before reporting back for duty.

"Three weeks, my lord?!" Rahn protested.

"Yes, Rahn. Three weeks, no less." Japheth agreed. "You have protected our family numerous times now, it is our turn to take care of you."

"But-"

"Starting immediately." Thala and Japheth stood, causing Kahal and Rahn to follow their lead. "Just stay available over the next handful of days should Kietnan have any follow up questions for you. After that you may go as you please."

Rahn nodded as she forced herself not to open her mouth in protest. The king and queen left the room and Rahn went to follow them out but Kahal's words stopped her.

"Rahn, May I have a word?"



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note: Sorry for the short chapter. What are your thoughts so far? The action is definitely not over!