Dark Horse: Chapter Three .:Kelsey:.

Being Chosen was unlucky in Elven culture. They didn't know what heathen things might happen with Dark Horse, but the elves continued to let her take two of their own every year, to keep the Mortals and Adites sending in theirs, and to prevent war.

Kelsey had been waiting in the wagon for almost twenty minutes, wondering where Clide Illona, the other Chosen was up to. He hadn't showed up, leaving Kelsey alone with her thoughts.

Last night, with a roaring fire. When she'd been fretting over the Choosing, and Luca had asked her what was wrong. Just thinking of her boyfriend made Kelsey want to cry. After being Chosen she'd known that she wouldn't see him again. But she'd been hoping that she wouldn't be Chosen... Luca had calmed her down and said, "Whatever happens, we'll stick together. Because I love you."

Kelsey had shrugged him off and he continued on for several minutes trying to win her over. "I'd kill for you Kelsey. I really would." That's when she had given in. But it was all over now, she'd never see Luca again.

Hearing noises outside again, Kelsey peered out of the wagon, wondering if it was Clide. But instead, the guy following the guards was... "Luca?" She whispered. I must be seeing things. Kelsey rubbed her eyes, but Luca was still there, following the guards with a winning smile making polite conversation. Once they had settled him in the wagon with Kelsey, they turned and left, preparing for the trip to Atlantis, Ansmond and finally Dark Horse's Capitol itself. "What are you doing here? What about Clide?"

Luca shrugged, "You aren't happy to see me?"

Kelsey let her lips pull into a small smile. "Yeah. But how did you get here."

Luca offered an earnest look. "I said we'd stick together. I meant it."

"But what about Clide? What happened to him?"

"I told you..." He didn't look like he was giving me the whole truth.

"Lucas Agrippa." Kelsey gave him a warning look that she didn't use often. "What happened to Clide?" She stared into his eyes, wondering what had happened.

"I'll tell you later." Luca shrugged.

Kelsey nodded, but her mouth was pulled into a suspicious look.