The Kingdom of Sondassa (private)

Polluxa smiled and followed the servant.

"Thank you." she said.

Alcastor ignored Xavier's warning and entered the tunnels through Guinevere's room. He began running through the tunnels, then heard distant barking and whining.

Lily!? Alcastor called out to the mastiff.

He would recognize her barks anywhere.

Xavier burst into his brother's room through the secret entrance.

"Seems we have more problems..." he said. "Alcastor is running amok in a tunnel system teeming with father's rats..."

Brutus laughed evilly.

"Mmmm, what should I do first... what could I possibly do to break your spirit... and force you to my will..." he muttered. "Ah, I know..."

He turned to his guards.

"Tie her up and suspend her by her wrists from the rafters."

Polluxa smiled as she followed the servant to the large, oak doors of the dining room, then stopped and drew a deep breath before reaching out a hand to open the doors.

Xavier shook his head.

"Don't worry, we have friends down there." he told his brother, contacting the hooded man. Ignio... the tunnels are swarming with rats and there's a lost wolf down there.

Understood. a voice answered. I'll tell our other... friend.

Do so... his gifts will come in handy. Xavier answered, turning to his brother. "We'd better get going... I fear for Gwenn every moment we leave her with ... that man.."

Alcastor met one of Brutus' guards, but slit his throat before the man could yell. He growled under his breath.

Lily!? he called. Where are you!?

Brutus grinned.

"I know you will try to defy me if I harm your body... but what of your mind?" he asked. "What would you be willing to do, if I told you these images are about to become reality?"

Pressing a finger to her temple, he allowed Gwen to see a distorted future.

Xavier, Ares and Alcastor running around the tunnel systems, trying to find her. Alcastor finding her... and as he bursts through the door, being shot with an arrow to the heart. A beaten, battered and bruised Xavier being led to the executioners block... Ares banished on pain of death... sailing away, never to be seen again. And Gwen forced to watch everything, chained and shackled wearing nothing but a dirty, flimsy dress.... Brutus' personal slave.

Polluxa opened the door to the dining room and walked in, smiling shyly at her father.

Alcastor stopped, realizing he had no idea where the ballroom was or even where he was. As he stood there several guards came round a corner, spotting him. Before he could react, a hooded figure came from behind Alcastor and shot a bright, golden light at them. He turned to Alcastor.

"You should get going." he said.

Alcastor narrowed his eyes.

"How can I...? I need to help my friend, who is in the ballroom... the woman I love is trapped down here somewhere... and I have no idea how to get to any of them!"

"I'll take you to the ballroom... it's not far." the man answered.

Xavier nodded, then lead Ares into the tunnel system.

Brutus staggered back at the kick, wincing slightly. He snarled at Guinevere.

"I already have!" he spat, then turned to his Aticus and two more who had joined them. "Do with her as you please, men... the more unpleasant the better. This little slave should learn her place."

He smirked as he left, leaving Guinevere alone with the three leering men.

The other soldiers both leered at the prone princess. Oh the possibilities were endless! Then one turned to Aticus.

"Why don't you choose." he said with a cruel twist of his mouth.

As he lead Ares through the tunnels, Xavier ran headlong into someone headed in the opposite direction, sending him to the floor. When he looked up, Xavier's eyes widened momentarily.

"F-Alcastor!" he yelped as the hooded man next to Al helped him up. "Where are you two going?"

"The...king... has a friend who is injured in the ballroom." the hooded man said in a low voice, as if trying to disguise it. "Where are you two going?"

Polluxa smiled warmly at her father.

"Yes it is... and I know it will." she said softly. "It's just... a little overwhelming right now. But I'm happy to be here... to finally know who my father is."

The other guards leered more and agreed.

"Sounds like fun." One said.

"Let's do it." the other agreed.

Alcastor bit his lip. He knew Ares was right, but Lily was like a little sister to him. And after what he had been forced to do... she was probably the only 'sister' he had left. The man beside Alcastor seemed to sense his hesitation.

Ignio.

A short while later, another hooded figure came dashing up to them. The same one who came to tell Xavier Brutus had Guinevere. The first hooded man spoke to the new arrival.

"Take the King, Xavier and his... brother... find the girl." he said, turning to Alcastor. "I'll go help your friend."

With that he ran off, continuing on his way. The second turned to the three men and spoke.

"Come with me." he said, his voice deeper than the first, but obviously younger. "I think I may know where she is... but we must hurry! Oh, and kill any 'rats' you see."

With that he lead the three of them back the way he came.

Polluxa smiled.

"I'm glad of that too, father." she said softly, looking at the dishes the servants brought in.

She gaped slightly. Not that the soldiers ever waned for food, but she was used to very simple fare. These dishes were all very... extravagant... compared to what she'd eaten in her life, as a pauper, orphan and then soldier.