Chapter 2

The farmer had kept her from the untold dangers in the forest and heathen behaviors of the village below to protect her. He was a good father and a good provider; he loved his daughter more than his own life. He watched her grow more and more beautiful as the years passed and as she grew in grace and stature, so did his fear for her. He feared what her beauty would attract. He feared her independent spirit would lead her into dangerous situations. He feared because those same qualities in her mother ultimately led to her death and he couldn't bare the thought of losing his daughter as well.

Lily helped him with every chore without complaint, yet carried herself with dignity and self respect. She did not fear the hard work before her, nor did she mind it. "You're so much like your mother," he said. "She used to help me like you and yet her hands were never calloused." He took his daughter's hand in his to feel the smoothness of her skin, "much like yours." It had been sixteen years since he had lost his beloved wife, though to him, it only felt like days. The sting of grief still gripped his heart. The farmer knew deep down that if it had not been for his daughter's life he would have died with his wife those many years ago.

"At least she got to go along with you to the village," she snapped.

"You know why you I haven't taken you." He argued

"No, I don't. Not really. You've told me it's dangerous, but never why it's dangerous."

"Never mind, girl. It just is. That's all you need to know."

"No, Papa. I want to meet people. I want to make a friend, maybe find a husband."

"You don't need a husband, you too young for that."

"I am not."

"You are and you're not going."

"But Papa, you need me." She implored. "Please father, let me help you drive the herd this year. We have twice as many head as last year."

"I can handle the herd myself." He retorted.

"No, you can't," she insisted. "You need my help. You're not as young as you once were and there are too many to handle alone. Besides I'm seventeen now. I'm old enough to help in town."

Deep in his heart the farmer knew she was right. He needed her help more and more every year. The last winter had been exceptionally difficult for him. He had been older than he should have been when she was born and now he was nearing a retirement age. Still he couldn't bare the thought of harm coming to his little girl. "I don't need you this year. Maybe next," he lied.

"That's what you said last year," she huffed. She gave him a spiteful glare to let him know she was not pleased.

"It's just too dangerous down there for you," he reasoned hoping to appease her will.

"You can't shield be forever, you know. Someday you'll have to let me go whether you want to or not!" She stormed off to the cabin.

The farmer winced at the slamming of the door as she entered their home. He knew she was right; he couldn't shield her forever, though he desperately wanted to. He needed her to be safe. She was all that he had left in this rotten world.

It was a late summer not unlike this one, when Lily was but a year old and his young bride was heavy with their second child. He had taken his family to the village to sell the herd and make deals with the traders when they were ambushed on the way into town. The farmer fought his attackers with every ounce of strength he had to protect his precious Lily and beautiful bride. His wife, Bayla muttered some words he did not understand and his daughter vanished, then a man grabbed her from behind just as he was knocked unconscious. When he awoke he found his young bride lying dead nearby; her heart pierced by a strange curved blade. He carried her home to bury her, consumed with grief at the loss of his family. He couldn't bear to live without them. Distraught; he planned to join his family in death. "I will see you soon, my love," he whispered over her grave. "I'm sorry I could not protect you, our unborn or our precious little Lily." The sound of Lily's name caused a flash of light in the sky. He shielded his eyes from the glare and suddenly Lily stood before him without a scratch. It was as if she had not been there for the attack. Then the farmer remembered his wife's words and realized she had sent her daughter somewhere safe with the magic she knew. She had promised him never to use magic once she married him, but he was glad she had broken that promise then as it had saved their daughter's life. He had been given a reason to live. He had to raise his beautiful Lily. He vowed to never speak of this to his daughter and that he would keep her safe from all harm. She would not suffer the same fate as her mother had. With heaviness upon his heart he mounted his steed and herded the yearlings to the village alone.