~Sorry for taking so long. X)~

Tass took Rynere's arm and followed Sorren out of the room.

"Do what he tells you and don't worry about it."

Rynere yanked her arm away.

"Next thing I know, you're going to tell me that this has happened to you before!"

Tass grinned.

"It has."

"Then why do I have to go through this? Why can't you just get me out if you know it's going to happen?"

Tass grinned.

"'Cause it's so much more fun to see your reactions."

 She slapped his arm.

"If you know so much, tell me where we're going!"

"To see the prince."

"Where is he?"

"In a dungeon reserved for royal prisoners."

"Why do they want him?"

"They don't like where he comes from. Other than that ...it goes back several hundred years and it gets a bit hazy."

"What are they going to do with him?"

"Release him. Send him on his way. They'll take my offer."

"And what will they do to you? Why do they want you? Sorren said that his king wanted you executed!"

"And he does."

"Then what are you going to do? You're such a useless bodyguard -"

"Do I detect something of a wish to keep me around? I told you I've been through this before. I know how I'm going to get out. And I know that you and the prince will be sent on your merry way."

"You -!"

"I won't be far behind." Tass glanced toward her with a sly half-smile. "Are you really that desperate to have me with you? I always show up in the nick of time. You've seen proof."

"I know," Rynere growled as she stepped out of the gray building, following Sorren down a thorn-edged path.

"What, y' don't like it?" Tass grinned.

"You. Are. Impossible." Rynere said from behind clenched teeth.

He bowed, waving his arm in a flourish.

"Thank you. I try."

"Is that why the king here wants you dead?"

Tass paused, smiling slightly.

"No ...."

"Then why?"

"You'll see why."

"I suppose this is another one of your 'happens all the time'?"

Tass grinned, then nodded towards the end of the path.

A huge castle had suddenly appeared in a clearing before them. Rynere froze.

"And if y' don't listen to me -well, this could very well be your new home, and I'll have to take Danny's body home. His father wouldn't take it too well. Y' know the politics, only one heir and all that."

Rynere glared at him.

"You haven't told me to do anything yet."

Tass shrugged, then grinned again.

"Just wait."