Entwined plotlines

Currently my thoughts are revolving around the story arcs of Arik and Leah.

After the attack on the Castle, Arik heads off to his post in Northkeep. At least, that's the official story. Bart realizes that his mind is no longer focused on that responsibility, and that Arik is obsessed about recovering the material goods stolen. Bart insists upon going with Arik. As the Weaponsmaster, leaving with Arik would alert everyone to Arik's true path, so Bart heads out earlier on an "official" inspection of the Eastgate reinforcements. Along the way, they regroup, and the squadron head westard.
Their scouts gather information from villages along the way, eventually tracking down the gargoyle squad across the mighty river in Canoan. They ford the river, and set up camp on the other side, preparing to attack at daybreak.
The assault goes as planned, until Arik sees a human soldier walking out of a tent with the royal sceptre. The man rides off, and Arik rallies his men to give chase. They eventually catch up with the soldier, who shows an  inhuman fighting skill. Things go from bad to worse as the squadron realizes they are surrounded by Toadmin warriors who are closing in on all sides. There is a valiant final fight from the soldiers, as they are defeated. Like a coward, Arik scrambles away and manages to survive. When the quivering Prince finally regains control of himself, he finds the remains of his squadron smoldering in the night air. The full realization of the consequences of his decisions hit him as he is captured by Doglus slavers. Over the next few weeks, he is beaten, chained, and forced northwest. His morale drops as misery, regret and despair overtake him. Eventually, he's traded to a caravan, and shackled with two other humans, and seated across the way from three Pigmin. The two men discover a way to escape, and drag the dejected Prince they are chained to along the route.
One of the men, a wisecracking pickpocket named Darius picks the locks with a nail, allowing the men to walk freely. Arik thanks them for saving his life, and decides to head on his own road, not wishing them trouble. It isn't too much longer before Doglus slavers manage to find Darius and his dark-skinned compatriot Caldon. Arik hears the commotion, and turns to see the torches and riders. He starts to run, which alerts one of the riders to his presence. The lone rider attempts to subdue the fleeing prince, but something sparks Arik to fight back. He disables the rider, and stealing his horse, rides to rescue Darius and Caldon. Using the element of shock and surprise, Arik incapacitates one of the riders, and tosses Darius the slaver's keyring. The two men release themselves, and together, the prisoners defeat the Doglus slavers. Darius and Caldon are heavily impressed by Arik's skill, and encourage him to journey with them. Arik decides to turn his back on his past, and join these men in the hopes of starting a new path.

Love story songs:
Ne-Yo - Let me Love You