title: The Legend of Istavia
author:  James Colton 
description: James Colton lives with his wife in Western New York where, aside from writing, he enjoys art, swordfighting, and video games. Hes been writing stories since before he even knew how to write, and currently maintains an ever-growing horror library at theNoctrium.com.
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  Chapter One
  
  July 1812
  
  It was what he had anticipated. But the confirmation did not make the news any
  more acceptable to Captain Henry Colton. There had been little hope of finding
  Annabel's circumstances to be otherwise. But to hear her spoken of as
  
  
  Mrs Lett!
  
  The Captain took a hasty turn about the bare room. It seemed large in its
  barren state, empty of all furnishings. But Hal Colton's six-foot frame
  dwarfed the place.
  
  Even in civilian clothes he was impressive, the green frock-coat of plain cut
  moulding across broad shoulders, and the muscle in his thigh evident under the
  buckskin breeches. His cravat was simply tied, and his boots decently
  polished. An air of command belied his six-and-twenty years, and from his
  bearing no one could mistake his calling, even without the dashing military
  moustache. Like his hair it was red-gold, in keeping, so his elder brother
  Edward maintained, with his temper.
  
  He came to a halt in front of his informant. 'You're sure of t