"Its cold" The young girl was stubbornly set on that fact. The young man beside her sighed, " of course its cold, its called ice, frozen water". From where he stood he could see the tinniest of frowns on her face, one that usually meant that she was trying to understand something.

"Adran, can I touch it?"

Adran chuckled, "yes, I believe that ice is usually safe to touch"

The girl put her hand on the smooth cold surface, unable to believe that water had a solid form. She marveled at the beauty of the strange objects that hung from the roof of the inn. She had lived in a land where snow, something she had only seen recently, was nonexistent. Behind her, the four young men looked anxious to go, they were her protectors, these brothers of hers.

Adran the oldest and most well learned taught her many things, Drion her second brother, taught her to fight and shoot like any male warrior, Taerin, her most favorite brother, was her accomplice when she played tricks on scholars, and Rian, a brother whom she could count on for the best advice.

"Lori? Are you ready? We have a long journey ahead of us."

Lori nodded; she climbed on her horse, Minks and followed Adran. Her other brothers surrounded her, their eyes wary for unwelcome appearances.

Hours went by before the horses and their travelers stopped to rest. Lori walked toward her elder brother

"Adran, I can't pretend that I am not resentful at my current situation. In fact, I cannot tell you without using inappropriate words that I feel in becoming just another gift to the royal family of Syrlin"

Adran's jaw clenched, " Lori, we've discussed this many times, I have done all I could to persuade father against using you as a negotiation piece to Syrlin,"

"I deeply sympathize the bloke that will have to marry Lori" joked Taerin

Adran rolled his eyes and continued, "but it is absolutely crucial we are to make this arrangement, Syrlin is a good ally when it comes time to fight the Ramadius, you are cunning and strong, you will be able to charm the court with your wits.

"If she does not first manage to throw the court into turmoil," muttered Taerin

Lori shot a murderous glance at Taerin and continued, "but why not another girl, Princess Aelia is a great candidate, she would make a great bride for the Duke Taydel, why not her? Why do I have to marry a man whom I've never seen before?"

" Lari, you along are the most attractive candidate for this offer, you are a skilled

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