The Princess of MioFabia ( Book One)

Revenge

"Mother, I am now eighteen. I am able to make my own choices. Therefore, I'm going to go find my father," Aurora said two years later, her voice firm.

"Aurora, your father will be home as soon as possible," her mother replied.

Aurora sighed in frustration. "Mom, please let me go find him. This war has gone on for far too long, and he should be home by now."

Her mother sighed in defeat. "You're right. Then you should go and bring him back home." A single tear rolled down her mother's face as Aurora left, Iceberg, her white seal sidekick, following close behind.

Once in the village, Aurora gathered her bow and arrows, signaling her intent to the villagers. She went to the local supply shop to get everything she needed. Iceberg then transformed into a majestic black horse, and after Aurora saddled her, they rode off into the forest.

That night, Aurora and Iceberg were setting up camp. Aurora was working on the tent while Iceberg, in wolf form, gathered sticks for a fire. Suddenly, they heard a rustling in a nearby bush. Aurora grabbed her bow and an arrow, while Iceberg growled protectively. Aurora pulled back the string, aimed, and shot. A soft "shoo" was followed by a solid "thunk," and two figures in black capes jumped out of the bushes, hoods up.

"Freeze and turn around slowly," Aurora commanded, already nocking two more arrows. They did as they were told. "Now, come here and lower your hoods before I fire these arrows into your skulls." She clicked her tongue, and Iceberg moved to her side, ready for a fight. To her surprise, the figures were her best friends, the Weatherthorn twins, Rain and Storm.

"Hello there, Aurora," Rain said. Aurora slowly lowered her weapons, her eyes filling with tears. Iceberg relaxed as Aurora ran to hug her friends.

"What are you guys doing here? I told you to stay and protect the village," she asked.

"We couldn't let you do this on your own. You need our help," Storm replied.

"And we weren't the only ones who wanted to come," Rain added. At her words, six more people emerged from the bushes.

True Faith was there, helping a guy with brown hair, tan skin, and gold eyes. The guy had been hit by Aurora's arrow, which had gone straight through his leg. "I am so sorry, Ethen," Aurora said, biting her lip in guilt. "I know you're in severe pain."

Ethen sighed painfully. "Yeah, you're right. This is pretty painful, but it's not as bad as the time I got my ear melted by your sister's screaming." They both laughed, and then he asked, "Anyway, what did you put in this thing?"

Without warning, Aurora swiftly pulled the arrow from his leg. Ethen yelled and grunted, trying to contain his pain and anger. "Great, now it hurts worse than what your sister did!" he grunted through clenched teeth.

Aurora rolled her eyes. "For a Lionheart, you're such a baby. I've heard stories of your father taking pain better than you. Here, let me help you get fixed up." She said, as Ethen glared at her, knowing she would kick his hide if he resisted. "That would be great," he said sarcastically.

Later that evening, everyone was asleep except for Aurora. She was deeply worried, missing her father and desperately hoping he was alive and well. 'He has to be,' she thought, looking at the huge tent walls. 'Father has to take care of Mother and has to be there for his future grandchildren. He has so much more to live for. He fights better than most men I know.'

Suddenly, her tent flap opened. Aurora grabbed her knife and stood in a fighting stance. She relaxed when she saw her fiancé, Kevin. He closed the flap behind him.