Authors' Notes: We didn't write this story to infringe on any copyrights or anything of the sort. We used the characters of ROAR with love and care. There are also a few original characters involved in the story, which are our property. If you want to use one or more of the characters we created, please ask for permission. I hope you enjoy the story and feel free to let us know what you think! Thanks!

A young slave named Marika sat in her chambers. As she sat there, her mind wandered to thoughts of how she became a slave. Two years ago, Marika and a friend were found wandering about the countryside. Roman soldiers stopped them and Marika offered herself to whomever they worked for if they promised to spare her friend. She faithfully worked in Rome as she had promised, but her friend was still killed.

A few months ago, Marika offered herself as a gift to Diana as her previous masters had instructed her. Diana took Marika, though she had little need for another slave.

"The Queen wishes to see you," an even younger girl announced. "I've been asked to summon you." The girl slightly bowed as Diana had instructed all lesser slaves to do in Marika or Moira's presence. As she did her long, blond curls tumbled down. Marika uneasily smiled. She still wasn’t used to being treated with such respect by the other slaves. She followed the girl to the Queen's chambers.

Diana happily waited inside. Seeing Marika, Diana dismissed the others. "I've decided to go for a ride today," she announced. "Do you think it's a good day for me to go for a ride?"

Marika's dark eyes fixed on Diana's figure in the shadows. "The weather is perfect, my Queen," Marika replied.

"I'm glad you agree, child," said Diana. "Ready me a horse. Make sure it's a beautiful one and be sure to clean it up as well. I don't want to ride it if it's dirty and smells."

Marika slightly bowed. "Yes, my Queen," she replied before taking her leave. As Marika left the queen's chambers, another slave ducked out of an alcove.

"Still the Queen's pet? I understand she's been a bit snappish lately," he said. Marika ignored the young man and walked on.

When she got to the stables, she began walking though and absentmindedly stroked the horses' heads. She had no idea how long she had been strolling though until she heard her name being called.

Moira ran over. "Marika, the Queen is livid! She told me to get you before she had one of the guards come! What did you do?"

Marika's eyes widened. "I - I didn't do anything," she nervously stated.

"Well, you better come with me," Moira replied. "The Queen wants to have a word with you."

Marika nervously nodded and followed Moira to Diana's chambers. The annoying young man from before stood at Diana's side. It was a post she often took when Diana laid out a punishment for another slave.

"I've heard rumors," Diana proclaimed, "and I don't like what I'm hearing."

Marika narrowed her eyes on the slave at Diana's side. Then she returned her attention to her queen. "What rumors, your Highness?" Marika requested.

"Ones about you preparing to run away," Diana answered. "I hope they're not true, my dear."

"She wouldn't tell you if they were," Longinus rejoined from his position at the window, "would you?"

Marika's eyes darted between the two. "No, my Queen," she pleaded. "I would never run away. I gave myself as a gift to you. I could never take that back."

Diana pursed her lips as she thought. "You'd never lie to me, would you?"

Marika shook her head. "Of course not," she replied. "I have no reason to."

"So you say," Diana countered, "but if the rumors are true, you'd lie to save yourself." She rose from her chair and walked over to her slave. "You've always been one of my favorites, Marika," she announced. "So young and beautiful. You do as your told. I take good care of you, child. You've been like a . . . daughter to me. That's what makes this so difficult."

Marika stared wide-eyed at Diana. "Please spare me, your Highness," she cried. "I'd never run. This is my home. Please spare me!"

Diana gave her decision no further thought. Her mind had been made up already. She spun around and with the wave of her hand, two guards dragged Marika out.

"What will happen to her now?" Moira requested.

"Marika will pay for her lies," replied Diana, "and all will return to as it was before this incident. Now go and ready my horse."

Moira stared. "Ready . . . ready your horse? You're going to punish Marika for nothing and you want your horse?" she yelled.

Diana whirled about to face her. "Are you rebelling as well?" she asked coldly.

Moira took a deep breath. "No, my Queen," she said slowly.

Diana smiled and nodded. "Good. Now, you go and ready my horse."

Moira glanced over to the window where Longinus stood. "Yes, Queen Diana." She turned to leave. "I wonder how you can stand her," she hissed to Longinus and ran out.

Meanwhile the guards had taken Marika to a tiny cell to await her punishment.

The guards dragged Marika out. She had been in her cell most of the day without being fed a single scrap. Weak as she was, Marika pushed off the guards and stood on her own. They lead her to the courtyard for her punishment.

Diana sat on a platform high above the people who gathered around to bear witness to the event. Her eyes were cold as she watched her guards led Marika before the people.

"Forty lashes," Diana called, "each."

The two guards gave young Marika a total of eight lashes. Backing off, they looked to their queen for instructions.

"Take her to her chambers," Diana ordered. "Let that be a lesson to anyone who thinks of running away."

Once in her chambers, Marika knew what she had to do. She waited until it was dark, grabbed a few of her possessions and hoisted herself out the window. She climbed down to the ground and crept into the stables. She took one of the horses and led it out.

Marika walked until she was almost to the gate and then climbed on, urging the horse on as fast as it could go. She rode until nearly dawn. Exhausted, she led herself and the horse to an opening in a hillside. "Not the largest shelter in the world, but it'll have to do," she whispered to the horse before falling asleep.

Conor and the others had been riding for at least two days and all of them were exhausted. Conor glanced at the woman riding with him. Her hair had been recently cut by someone in the Alliance, but she was still the same woman Tully had taught to use a bullwhip and Fergus had taught to use a sword.

Keara rested her head on Conor's back. "Are we there yet?" she managed to ask.

Tully rode up next to her. Over the past six months, he had become rather close to Keara. They often turned to one another when one had a problem. "Want something to drink?" he asked her.

Keara looked over at Tully and smiled. "No," Keara replied, "I just need a good night's sleep in my own bed."

"We're only a few hours from home, darlin'," Fergus said. "You'll get your night of sleep then."

They continued on. Each was more fatigued than the next.

"I never thought the Oh'Ir tribe would join us," Catlin said to fill the silence. "Especially after what happened before between their leader and ours."

Keara lifted her head. "Brody didn't seem too surprised at our coming," she replied, "nor did he take too long in making his decision to join."

"He was afraid of you, lass," Fergus threw in.

"He respects Conor," Keara corrected Fergus. "If I happen to be part of the cause for that respect, so be it."

"Brody seemed to think you and Conor are married, Keara," Catlin proclaimed. "Is there anything we should be made aware of?"

Keara rolled her eyes and smiled. "I'm in the dark on this one, too," she replied, lovingly nudging Conor.

Conor saw something up ahead and held up his hand to silence to group. "Tully, why don't you ride ahead and see what it is?" he ordered.

Tully nodded and urged his horse to go faster. A few feet from the base of the hill was a horse roaming free. Tully road next to it and coaxed it with him. Riding towards the base, Tully saw an opening and crept inside after dismounting. Inside was a young girl. Tully could see she was hurt and unconscious. He carried her out and waited for the others to make their way down. Tully, looking at the girl, realized that she had dark skin -- like him. Conor, Keara and Fergus rode down.

"What happened, Tully?" Keara called. She got off the horse as did Conor and Fergus. The trio made their way towards Tully.

"I found her down here. She's unconscious. I think she's hurt, too."

"Looks like there's blood on the back of her dress," Fergus remarked.

"We should get her to the Sanctuary," Conor said. The others agreed and readied her to travel.

At the palace, Moira was facing an unpleasant task. She entered the queen's chambers and curtsied as usual. "My Queen, I have . . . news," she started.

Diana looked up for her chair. "Out with it, Moira. Aren't you supposed to be getting ready to sing for me?"

"Yes, Queen Diana, but . . . you see . . ."

"Marika is gone," Longinus finished from behind her. Moira whirled around and Diana shot out of her chair.

"What? After the punishment? Send guards to . . . no. She'd expect me to send soldiers after her, wouldn't she? Well, then. I'll not send any guards."

"Who will you send then, Diana?" Longinus asked.

Diana smiled as Moira turned back to face her. "Who else but someone who knows her? Well, my little singing slave, I have a mission for you."

Moira paled. "Wha-what? You want me to . . ."

"Yes," Diana said.

It didn't take long for them to get to the Sanctuary. Tully carried the girl to his bed and waited as Catlin got a healer. Keara and Conor walked in. Conor stood to the side while Keara went to Tully's side. She smiled at him and took a look at the girl.

"She's at least two years younger than Tully," Keara announced. "I wonder where she comes from."

The healer, Sina, entered the room. Her dark hair was damp since Catlin had called for her as she was bathing. "Who is she?" Sina asked while cutting the back of the girl's dress.

Conor and Keara looked to Tully to give an answer. "We found her like this a few minutes ride from here," Tully replied. "We don't know anything about her."

"From the looks of her dress," Keara wryly stated, "I'd say she was staying with the Romans."

Sina agreed. "It looks like someone gave her quite a few lashes," she added.

Keara cringed at the sight. It reminded her of her years with the Romans. "Should we go?" Keara inquired.

Sina began washing the wounds. "I'd prefer that you did go," she answered, "but I leave that decision for you to make."

Keara looked to Conor and nodded. "Conor and I are going to wait outside while Sina does what she's been trained to do, Tully," she announced. "Why don't you join us? Kern and Maeve must miss you. You've been teaching them so much."

Tully's eyes darted between the girl and Keara. He took a deep breath and stood. "Sina, call me as soon as she wakes up?" Tully requested.

Sina smiled and nodded. "Of course," she replied."

Once outside the room, Tully pulled Keara aside. "Do you think Diana did this?" he asked.

Keara uncertainly shook her head. "I suppose so," she said, "but any number of people could have done it."

"Tully," Maeve called, "come play with us."

Keara squeezed Tully's hand. "The girl will be fine. She's in good hands. Sina's helped many of us time and time again," she pronounced. "Now go and do what you do so well. Go make those children smile."

Tully half-smiled and nodded. Keara watched the children surround Tully as he came to teach them more about life. Later, Fergus would be telling them an incredible tale based on their recent journeys, but for now, every child in the Sanctuary was content with Tully's humor and wit.

"Do you think it's possible that the girl is somehow related to Tully?" Conor asked.

Keara shrugged. "Only she would know the answer to that," she answered. "I just want to be there when she wakes up."

Moira rode out. She couldn't believe she'd been sent on this journey. Naturally she had no intention of helping Diana. If she found Marika, they were both leaving. At least that’s what Moira told herself. She was terrified of Longinus. She had only contempt for the queen, but he was something very, very different.

As she rode, she sang to herself quietly hoping that if Marika heard, she would recognize Moira's voice and call to her. She looked down suddenly and saw something. She dismounted and picked it up. It was a scrap from Marika's dress.

Moira looked around. "Marika!" she screamed. She didn't care who found her. "Marika? Are you here? It's me -- Moira! Come out please! I'm here to help you!" she called.

Marika stirred. She awoke to see an unfamiliar woman with long, dark hair. "Who - who are you?" she asked cautiously.

The woman smiled. "I was about to ask you the same thing. My name is Sina. I'm here to help you."

Marika smiled a little. "Oh. Where am I?"

Just then Keara poked her head in. "You're awake? Oh, good. Would your name be Marika?"

"Why?"

"If so, there's someone out there screaming for you."

Marika nodded. "Yes, that's my name, but where am I?"

Tully entered. "Conor let the woman in," he said. "He's talking to her now."

Marika's eyes lit up. She could probably use this man to get a more permanent residence in this place. "Brother?" she gasped. When the man whipped around to look, Marika knew she had him.

"Why didn't you send for me?" Tully asked.

"The girl just woke up," Sina replied. "The wounds will heal, but there's a possibility of scarring."

Tully nodded. "Are you M arika?"

"Yes, I am," she replied. "Are you my brother?"

Tully was bewildered. "I'm Tully and . . ."

"Oh goodness," Marika dramatically gasped. "My brother's name was Tully."

"I'm Keara," Keara said. "You're in a safe place now."

Conor entered with Moira. "It seems this woman is a friend of our guest," he announced.

Tully was instantly struck by Moira's beauty. "Our guest seems to believe I'm her brother," Tully said.

Moira gave Marika a disapproving look. "I'm Moira," she then proclaimed. "Conor told me about this place. Who are you?"

Sina bowed slightly. "I'm the healer, Sina."

"I'm Keara," Keara replied. "I'm merely an inhabitant of the Sanctuary."

Tully laughed. "Don't forget Conor's, uh, good friend," he added. Keara blushed. Conor tried to hide his smile. "Keara's also a very good warrior," Tully said to make up for his last comment. "She's as good with a sword as any man."

"I'm still learning," Keara modestly added.

Moira nodded in acknowledgement. "And you would be?" she said to Tully.

"I'm Tully, apprentice magician," he proudly said.

"Marika and I are on the run," Moira said. "We're slaves to Queen Diana."

"That's why I was beaten," Moira added. "May we stay here for a few nights? Until we can get on our feet."

Tully enthusiastically nodded. He wanted to find out more about Marika and Moira caught his eye quite quickly.

Keara sighed. "Well, Conor," she said, "what do you think?"

Conor looked around him. He had promised Galen to take in those in need and the women fit the profile. "I'll have to ask the others," he replied, "but you're welcome to stay the night tonight."

"Thank you, Conor," Moira said. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision."

"She can't have gotten that far. They should be back," Diana snapped. She paced in front of the window.

"Did you really expect them to return?" Longinus asked.

She whirled to face him. "Of course I did! I gave Moira an order. She wouldn't try to run away. She's been with me since she was five! Where would she go?"

"Does it matter to them? I'm quite sure they would prefer homelessness to slavery."

"They're not getting away. I'm sending someone after them," Diana decided.

Longinus nodded. "If you were an escaped slave, where would you go?"

"Longinus, I'm not a sla . . . wait. You don't think that prince . . . Who should I send? I will find them!" she shouted.

At the Sanctuary, while Conor and the others were discussing Marika and Moira's plight, the two were left alone.

"What do you think you're doing? Your brother? Marika! What were you thinking?" Moira hissed, barely maintaining a low tone.

Marika sighed. "Don't you see? They'll never throw us out now! This is our way to stay here -- safe."

"Do you honestly think Queen Diana is going to let us go?"

"You can go back."

"Without you? No thank you. The hag would take my head!"

"I thought you weren't afraid of her."

"You know I'm not. It's that sorcerer of hers. He terrifies me. Marika, I'll admit I'd love to stay. But did you have to lie? If they find out the truth, they may throw us out anyway!"

"Hush! It'll be all right. Just calm down."

Conor and the others gathered around. "I'd like to know what you all think of Marika and Moira," Conor stated.

Catlin looked over at the two young women. "I don't trust them," she said, "but it's your decision, Conor, not mine."

Conor nodded. "I know it's my decision," he replied, "but what my friends think is important to me."

"I trust them," Tully announced. "Marika was beaten by Diana. They need a safe place to stay."

"Marika's told you that you may be her brother," Catlin cried, "and you're under Moira's spell. They're weaving a web of deceit around you, Tully. Don't you see it?"

Tully waved Catlin off.

"I trust them, too," Fergus said. "They're good girls."

"Keara," Conor requested, "what do you think?"

"I don't see them as a huge threat," she said with a shrug. "They need our help. You took me and my children in without knowing much about me. They deserve no less."

Conor nodded. "I'll let them know my decision tomorrow," he announced.

"What's your decision?" Keara asked.

"You'll know tomorrow as well."

Moira wandered along almost stunned by the beauty of the Sanctuary. She'd never been in a place this calm without someone calling for her every five minutes. She turned a corner and saw Catlin standing there. "It's Catlin, isn't it?"

Catlin turned. "Yes."

"You don't like me." It wasn't a question.

"Why would you think that?"

"Let's not play games, Catlin. Marika and I aren't here for any deceitful purposes. I wish you would believe that. You were a slave too, weren't you?"

Catlin was surprised by this question. "H-how did you know that?"

"It's in your eyes. We all have that look. Every moment that someone's not controlling you is still amazing, isn't it? Freedom is precious and it's all that Marika and I want!"

"You two are friends?" Catlin asked.

"Yes. We've known each other since we were children."

"You didn't escape together. Why?"

"Too dangerous," Moira replied.

"And stealing royal horses isn't? Tell me the truth, Moira!" Catlin demanded.

"I am!"

"Catlin," Tully asked, "what are you doing?" He came up to them.

Catlin looked at him and then back at Moira. "Just hearing a story."

Tully gave Catlin an angry look. "Why don't you tell me more about yourself?" he asked, turning to Moira.

"What's to tell," she replied. "I've been with Queen Diana since I was five years old. Marika ran away first. She was going to find us a safe place to stay. I was to come for her later. She had been beaten because rumors had been going around about her."

"What kind of rumors?" Tully asked.

"Someone claimed Marika was planning to run away," Moira explained. "After she was beaten, I went to check on her. We planned our escape then. There was only one problem that we hadn't considered. Marika had been hurt so badly that she passed out. She's lucky you found her."

Tully smiled. "Could I really be her brother?"

Catlin rolled her eyes. "This I have to hear."

Keara and her children came down towards them. She could feel the tension without being told it was there.

"It's possible," Moira replied. "She mentioned having an older brother maybe twice and I never gave it much thought. It's possible though." Moira told herself she wasn't really lying to him.

"I hope you feel safe here," Keara interjected, "but there's a possibility Diana will send . . ."

"You've stayed with the Romans, too," Moira interrupted. "How long has it been?"

"I was four when they took me to Rome," answered Keara. "I ran away when I was 14 so I've been free for six years now."

"Don't you think -"

Keara held up her hand to silence Moira. "I understand what you want," she stated, "and I hope you get to keep your freedom, Moira. I, however, didn't have Diana's soldiers on my tail and I have two children to take care of. Without this place, my children and I would be dead already."

Moira closed her eyes. "Are you all against us?" she asked in a soft voice.

Keara picked up Kern. "You tell me what you would do if you had two babies to think of," she announced. "I trust you both. I think you both deserve the same courtesy shown to me and my children, but I worry about what might follow you both here." She then ushered her children away.

Catlin cocked her head. "I don't trust you or Marika," she harshly stated. "Neither of you belong here. You'll only bring trouble." Then she walked off as well.

Tully took Moira's hand. "It'll be all right," he soothed her. "Conor will make the right decision."

Moira smiled at Tully. "I'm sure he will. It's just . . . I'd hate to be the cause of so much turmoil here. I don't want to start anything."

"You won't," Tully said. "Catlin's just worried about the Sanctuary. She doesn't hate you."

"Well, it appears that she does. So, do you think you could show me around?" she asked.

"Sure. Come on," Tully said, leading Moira off.

Catlin watched from a distance. Fergus came up behind her. She turned and saw him there. "Fergus, look at her! She's just trying to get Tully to stand up for her and Marika! Do you trust them?"

"Yes, I do. Those girls have done nothing wrong except to deny Queen Diana some slaves. Why do you distrust them, lass?"

"I don't know. It's too dangerous to keep them here. The Romans will be after them. Do you honestly think Diana would just let them go?"

Night soon became day and back at the castle, Diana was losing her patience. She stopped pacing and weighed her options. If she sent a guard, trouble would ensue. If she sent another slave, it was possible no one would return. Diana just hoped Longinus had a better idea.

In the Sanctuary, the people gathered as Conor had requested. They were all murmuring and whispering amongst themselves. On Conor's right stood his friends. Marika and Moira stood on his left. They were all anxious to find out Conor's decision.

"I've given this a lot of thought and I've made a decision," Conor announced. "Moira and Marika do not post a threat to us and they could use our help. I've decided to allow them to stay. If my decision upsets anyone, you're welcome to take it up with me at any time."

The people whispered amongst themselves as they left. Moira turned to thank Conor only to find that he had left as well. She, however, found Tully still standing there.

He walked over and put his arm around Marika. "I think Conor made the right decision," Tully stated.

"Yes, I agree, big brother," replied Marika. Moira only slightly shook her head.

"Welcome to your new home then," announced Tully.

"Thank you, Tully. Well, Marika, I guess we're finally home," Moira said, grinning.

Catlin watched from across the way and scowled. Fergus walked up behind her. "I still don't believe them. Where's Conor? I need to talk to him," Catlin said.

"He's our leader and he's made his decision. Y'should leave him be," Fergus said.

Catlin glared at him and walked out.

Fergus rolled his eyes and walked over to the trio. "Just came over to welcome you," he said.

"Thank you. It's so wonderful here. Everyone's so nice, And to have finally found my brother . . ." Marika started. Moira discreetly kicked her in the shin. Marika winced slightly, but smiled nonetheless.

Fergus looked at the two and wondered if Catlin might have something after all.

Conor had been sitting outside with Keara. Just a few feet from them was a small group of children playing. Among that group was where Maeve and Kern could be found.

On a whim, Catlin went outside to find Conor. Surprisingly, Tully wasn't far behind.

"Conor," Catlin stated, "we need to talk."

Keara started to get up. "No, stay," urged Conor.

"It's about Marika and Moira," blurted Catlin.

"What about them?" Conor asked.

"Something's telling me trouble is soon to follow."

"Who will Queen Diana send for them?" Conor replied. "Another slave will opt for keeping his or her freedom. A guard would be too obvious. Who's left?"

"Who indeed," Tully added. "I don't get it. They've done nothing wrong."

"Longinus will come for them," announced Keara. "He's the only one left."

Conor's face grew dark. "That -"

"Don't," Keara interrupted. "He's not worth the wasted breath."

"Keara, can we talk," Tully requested.

Keara stood. For the first time in three months, she wore a dress. She had come to feel comfortable in the pants and midriff tops she often wore that the dress seemed less comfortable than she had remembered. Keara extended one hand to Tully and allowed him to guide her away. "What's wrong?" Keara asked.

Tully continued to hold her hand. "Catlin's talk is getting to me," he replied. "I'm beginning to doubt Marika and Moira myself."

"You didn't seem like it back there."

Tully half-smiled. "I don't want the others to know. If they found out I doubt them, Conor might make them leave."

Keara squeezed Tully's hand. "We all have our doubts, Tully," she reasoned. "Don't think you're the only one."

Tully nodded. "I know, but I was so sure before. Now I'm starting to wonder."

"Do you remember having a little sister?"

"Yes, vaguely."

"Maybe Marika knew her or maybe she is her," Keara stated. "You'll never know unless you ask."

"My sister had this phrase she'd always say," Tully announced. "It was the first thing she learned to say so she'd parade around repeating it over and over."

"Do you remember it?"

"I - I think so," Tully said.

"Next time you see her, ask Marika about it."

"And Moira?"

Keara laughed. "I've seen the way you look at her and the way she looks back at you," she said, "That can't be faked."

"Like your feelings for Conor?"

Keara closed her eyes momentarily. "Something like that."

"You go," Diana said to Longinus.

He quirked an eyebrow. "How original, Diana. How did you ever think of it?"

"Don't speak like that to me! You know you have to go. Why, maybe you'll get to see your precious Keara again."

"I'll go, Diana, but are you sure you want them back?"

"Yes! It's the principle, Longinus. They belong to me and I want them back!" she shouted and strode out of the room.

The next day, deciding he had to do it, Tully went to find Marika. They needed to talk. "Marika," he began.

She smiled sweetly at him. "Yes, brother?" she asked. Moira watched anxiously from behind some trees.

He shut his eyes, took a deep breath and continued. "Do you remember anything about before we were separated?" he asked.

Marika looked up abruptly. "Yes . . . a little. Why? Do you?"

"Yes, just a bit. Do you remember the first thing you ever learned to say?"

Marika suddenly froze. Moira paled and ran. She was knew that they were done for now. Their lies had finally caught up to them. She got the horse she had taken from Diana and left. She didn't care anymore. It hurt more than anything to leave Tully and Marika behind, but Moira told herself she had to do it.

"Well, do you remember?" Tully asked Marika, looking at her closely.

She smiled weakly. "It was . . . um . . ."

Before she could answer Conor walked up. "Moira's gone," he said.

Marika stared at Conor. "What? Gone? When?" she asked.

"Just now. We're going after here. She must have a reason."

"Of course she does!" Marika snapped. "I'm coming with you."

As they got read to go after her, Moira had already gone quite far from the Sanctuary. Just then, she heard someone behind her.

"Well, well. If it isn't Moira, the runaway slave fetcher."

She knew that voice -- all too well. She turned her horse slowly to see Longinus, the one person on Earth she was terrified of. As they looked at each other, Conor and the others rode up.

Longinus turned towards the others. "And here's the one we sent you to fetch," he stated. His face darkened as he looked over the group Marika rode with.

"They're free now," Conor spat. "Leave them alone."

"Well, prince, Queen Diana doesn't see it that way," replied Longinus. "She wants the slave and the fetcher back in her possession. That's why I'm here, you see. I was sent to take them back."

"Precious life," Marika whispered. "That's it! That's the phrase. Precious life."

Keara dismounted. Catlin, Tully and Conor followed suit. Marika and Fergus rode over to Moira's side.

"You've already done too much to hurt so many," stated Keara as she walked towards Longinus. "Let them go. They mean no harm."

Longinus harshly chuckled. "People respect me, child. Those two come with me. We wouldn't want to disappoint Queen Diana, would we?"

Catlin scowled. "You mistake fear for respect," she retorted. "They're free now. Let them go."

"I thought you didn't trust them," Tully whispered to Catlin.

"They don't deserve to be salve," Catlin replied in a whisper, "even if I don't trust them."

Longinus looked over the rag-tag lot of them and frowned. "So be it," he sighed, waving them off and leaving.

Fergus, Moira and Marika dismounted and walked towards the others. Each seemed surprised by Longinus' decision.

"I have a confession to make," Moira began.

"I remember it now, Tully," Marika stated, interrupting Moira.

"What was it?" Tully anxiously requested.

"Precious life," replied Marika. "Da would say it all the time. I drove everyone crazy when I'd march around the house saying it repeatedly."

Tully reached out and hugged her tightly. "You are my little sister!"

"How?" Moira asked bewildered. "I never thought she was telling the truth. I - I don't understand."

"I knew I had a brother. So did you. I told you several times," replied Marika. "At first I lied and hoped it would work. Then I started to remember little things. I just never told you. I'm sorry, Moira."

Moira sighed in relief. "I still have a confession to make," she announced. "Marika ran away after being falsely accused of planning to run away. I went to check on her the next day, but she was gone. Queen Diana sent me to fetch her, but I refused to return once I found her and the Sanctuary. When I thought we would finally be caught in our lie, I ran. It hurt so badly, but I felt I had to. I'm so sorry."

"It feels good to finally tell us," Catlin said, "doesn't it?"

Moira nodded. "We'll get our things and -"

"And what?" Conor replied. "You were given a home by me. Now that everything is cleared up, you can stay with a clear conscience."

Moira and Marika smiled. Everyone but Moira and Tully mounted their horses.

Moira started for her horse, but Tully grabbed her hand and spun her around. "I'm glad you're staying," he said. "It gives me more time to get to know you better." Tully brushed some of Moira's hair from her face.

Moira stepped towards him and kissed Tully. "I'm glad as well," she replied. Then she backed off and mounted her horse. "Let's go," Moira called. "The others already left for home."

Tully smiled and mounted his horse as well. "Race you back," he said, immediately spurring his horse forward.

"No fair," Moira called. "You got a head start!"