16.
Two people dance and sway in the night
The boy tells the girl to look in his eyes
In his arms, she trembles and tries not cry
She knows it’s the last night they’ll have in this life
-so close-
The girl watches this dream, wonders who they are
Then she sees herself, and he’s holding her heart
She never knew how much pain it would bring them to part
Not ‘til the moment under the stars…

17.
Mercy so relentless it died a criminal’s death
Love so jealous it overcame every rival for her heart

**Part six! Enjoy.**

Prologue 

A great Darkness had descended upon the valley city, Hethwenthor. Of this time, we know but the scattered and incomplete accounts which were left by the people who wrote them.

Chapter One

Fever

Once a bully threw a rock at me, wrapped in just enough snow to disguise its true nature.  Now I feel the reverse of that pain, with my loose skin barely holding the burning embers of my body together. I swallow screams down my parched throat, knowing each tear on my cheek stabs my mother’s heart like a dagger.

Images of dancing flames overlay my vision, sending up wisps of phantom smoke. A voice calls my name.

**Yep, it happened.  I finally was able to find a better name for this book.  Triumvir.  (Pronounced try-UM-vur, almost like triumphant, only with a vir instead of a phant.)  Triumvir means "a ruling body of three".  At this point, I think my chapters are going to start getting a little confusing, as I'm not too sure where I'm going right now, plot-wise...so any "constructive criticism" comments would be most welcome. :)**

*~*

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Okay, so this was supposed to be based on a true story. I'm not sure if it's clear what exactly it's about. If you want to see where I got my information this is the site: http://www.historyguide.org/ancient/children.html. Also, I'm not really comfortable with the last two stanzas so any suggestions would be welcome. Oh! It feels good to be posting again.

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 Based on a true story… 

          The lights were dim; people milled around the dance floor. Girls in simple costumes of plaid cotton stood in groups, talking and laughing among themselves. The rustling of skirts punctuated by a booming laugh from a gentleman in the corner filled the air. Several couples promenaded around the room, stopping only to introduce themselves or to visit with old friends.

~I cannot believe it's been so long since I posted this story!  Almost three months!  Anyhow, here it is, and criticism is appreciated.~