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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:58:15 GMT -5
“Would you want to take a walk with me?” “I don’t see why not.” “O-ok… Meet me in front of the castle, in just a few minutes.” “All right,” Raythor said, not meeting her eyes. Anella pulled the door shut after she left. Everyone was staring at Raythor. Even Gabriel. “Got something to tell us, lover-boy?” Rose taunted. “I’ve got nothing to hide.” Raythor scoffed. “I’m not so sure about that.” “Wait…shh. Do you hear that?” Blade asked. Five pairs of ears strained to hear, and were rewarded only with faint mumblings. The shadow prince smiled. Finally, his heightened hearing came in handy. “Two people: Anella and Kylara.” “An unholy alliance,” Dione commented, laughing. “Anyway, Kylara asks how it went. Anella says perfectly. Kylara says she’ll keep her busy… nothing else.” “What does all that nonsense mean?” Gabriel started. “Was Anella here?” “That does sound a little strange,” Dasher said, eyes gleaming, “Why is Kylara suddenly helping Anella? Who’s being kept busy? Does anyone else think there’s something wrong here?” Her gaze fixed on Raythor, her partner in crime. He looked back at her. Part of him agreed with her completely. The other half trusted Anella and hadn’t seen anything, or didn’t want to. “It was nothing. She was just nervous. I should go.” “Huh?” He was out of the room before confusion could spread across Dasher’s face. She was struck perfectly dumb. “I didn’t see a thing.” Blade offered unhelpfully. “Rose, can I bring the other three to this room? Is it safe?” “What? Oh, yeah sure. Knock yourself out.” Rose nodded. Raythor’s departure bothered her as well, but she refused to mention it. Dasher put her head on her paws, unable to make sense of her latest puzzle. “Kylara says she’ll keep her busy… nothing else… nothing else…”
Chapter Thirty
Drowning
“I’m telling you, I think Dione will help us.” “I think I’m right for once. Dione is not out to help anyone but Dione,” Kaslon argued, running his hand against the wall in frustration. “David, I really do think I’m a better judge of people than you are. It is my singular superior quality.” “She isn’t just looking out for herself,” David said stubbornly. “She takes care of Rea, doesn’t she?” “I’m trying to look out for you now. Sending a royal brigade to Sabbath’s castle isn’t going to get Cally back, and you know that. Lydrion won’t give her up that easily.” “Shut up, Kaslon.” “Fine, David. All right,” Kaslon said, face blank. He turned and left, not looking back. David slammed his fist against the wall. “Isn’t going to bring Cally back to you…” repeated itself over and over again in his mind. For three years now, he had known how
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:58:50 GMT -5
she walked, the way her face moved, how she bit her lip when she was mad at him. This was all Cally, pure Cally. He knew Lydrion must see all of this too, even reflected it in his own face… “You miss her a lot, don’t you?” Nightshade said. She stared up at him, dark blue eyes revealing nothing. “Yes,” He answered, without thinking, “It’s been a long time.” “Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s fine. She probably thinks she’s protecting you.” Nightshade said, carefully never to use Cally’s name or David’s. This way, David himself would barely remember it. They could have been talking about anyone at all, so far as Lydrion, and all his eyes and ears, could see.
****
Markus had never before realized how much time he actually spent with Laura. She was always there, almost like a faithful dog. He had tried to talk with everyone else, but he just wasn’t good company today. Every time he said something, anything, he wanted Laura’s voice to answer it. He expected her to be there, and she wasn’t. So, in the end, he went to the stables. “Eclipse, I’m an idiot. I really am.” The mare snorted in reply. “An idiot who is talking to a horse, but I do love you. I’ll get you some carrots.” “Are you talking to your horse?” Markus jumped. It was Saria. “Yes. Yes I am.” “I talk to Butter all the time. He’s my horse, you know.” “Why did you name him ‘Butter’?” “He radiates the letter ‘B’, of course.” “I see. Saria how is Laura?” “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her.” “That’s odd.” “Not really, she’s been packing all day.” “Packing? Why?” “She’s going to go work for your uncle Richard. Ketra got her out of it, but I guess she decided to go anyway.” “Uncle Richard! How come nobody told me this?” “I don’t know. Is it important?” “I’ll explain later. Right now, I have to find Laura.” Markus took off running. Saria watched him leave. “You know, Eclipse, I don’t think he’s actually going to give you any carrots.”
****
“Oh, good morning Kylara. I can’t believe I slept in so late.” Anella said, as she came out of her room to find the bronze skinned girl waiting. “It’s the wine,” Kylara said, “It gets to you.” “I suppose it must. How are you? So sorry my hair’s a bit of a mess.” “I’m doing just great. Don’t worry, though, your hair looks fine.” “You aren’t mad at me, are you?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:59:13 GMT -5
“Why would you say that? Of course I’m not mad at you. In fact, I was wondering if you’d like a crash course in archery.” “That would probably be a good idea. I’m a terrible shot.” “Come along then, you’ll learn to enjoy it.” Kylara said coyly. “Trust me.”
****
“I’m sorry; Markus, but I can’t let you into the maid’s quarters.” Lynn said, opening the door just a crack to tell him so. “But-” Markus protested. “Just think how scandalous that would be.” “But-” “You have a future to think of.” “Exactly, I’m the crown prince. So let me in this door or… or…” “Or what?” “I’ll chop your head off.” “You’ll chop my head off?’ “In an instant. I’m totally ruthless.” “In that case, you can come in.” “Thank you, Lynn.” “By the way, I don’t believe you.” “I don’t believe me either.” Markus said as he slid by, turning up the corners of his mouth as earnestly as he could. Lynn rolled her eyes, but grinned back. He found Laura sitting on her bed, staring at her feet as though her life depended on it. She fiddled idly with her cat charm necklace, breathing in as she did so. Nothing seemed to be packed. Instinctively, her head turned when Markus approached. She tried to keep her expression cold, and reserved. The prince felt a shiver run down his spine, felt himself unable to look away from those horrible empty sockets of eyes, the eyes of a ghost. The image faded, Laura’s expression did not. “Markus,” The maid said with a nod. Lynn had advised her to treat Markus as though he were a plant. An attractive plant, maybe, but a plant. “Laura, please forgive me. I acted on impulse, and I shouldn’t have. I don’t need to watch you all the time and I know you can take care of yourself.” His face called to mind a picture of a dejected puppy, but Laura forced herself not to melt. “Fine, I forgive you.” “So you won’t go with Richard?” “I don’t see why I can’t.” “Laura, you know what he’s like. It would be ok if you weren’t so…” “What ever it is, I’m sure I’m not.” “If you weren’t so beautiful. That’s why I got you that necklace, because your eyes remind me of a cat’s. They don’t fit you, but some how you’re perfect anyway.” “Markus…” Laura said. She wanted to give into him, and hug him so badly, but she couldn’t do that to herself again. “Here, I will always be a maid. If I go with Richard, there is a chance I can be something more.” “What, exactly?” Another cast off mistress?” Markus fumed. Laura tried very hard not to laugh. She had always found his anger slightly amusing.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:59:30 GMT -5
“It’s not so bad, and usually you end up with some money or land.” “Or an illegitimate child.” “Not all of us were born princes.” “I wish to god I hadn’t been.” “Yes, poor you,” Laura said bitterly. “Laura, please. Tell me what’s wrong. I’d do anything to help you.” “I told you, I want to be someone else.” Markus took on a much more resolute appearance as she spoke those words. “This from the girl who told me I was more than just a prince? You’re more than just a maid. You’re kind and caring. You’re the best archer I’ve ever seen, and I know you make everyone feel safe.” He put a hand on her shoulder, and she let it stay there. “We are more than the place we are born into, and I won’t let you forget it. Not for anything.” Laura closed her eyes. He was her weakness, and she couldn’t take it anymore. “Markus, you can’t know what it’s like to have your parents care nothing for you.” “I care for you.” She fought back tears as he said this. He couldn’t hurt her again, she wouldn’t let him. Yet the tears came, anyway. “I told you not to do that.” Markus said jokingly. “Do you know what it’s like to want something you know you can never have?” “What do you want?” She didn’t answer.
****
They had been walking in silence for a long time. Unconsciously Raythor knew Anella was leading. It was strange, having someone there, and still feeling like he was completely alone. How often had he walked like this before, with no one and nothing to keep him company? It shouldn’t have felt that way, but it did and he couldn’t stop it. He wanted so desperately to break the silence, but it had become a cloak he couldn’t shake off. Suddenly, Anella stopped. Raythor did too, awkwardly. Maybe he should have listened to Dasher. There was something here that wasn’t right. “I can’t feel anything,” He thought blandly, “And I don’t even care.” “I’m so sorry, Raythor.” Anella said sadly. Before he could ask why, everything went black.
****
“Markus, you look…well…” “Like something tried to eat you, didn’t enjoy the flavor, and spit you back out again?” “Well, yes, but I wasn’t going to say that.” Dasher said, glaring at Rose. “I would have said ‘My, you look a bit under the weather today.’” “I guess that works too.” Rose shrugged. By now, all the other elementists were in Rose’s guest room, but Dasher had managed to escape in human form. “Frankly, though, it’s just true. He really does look like-”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:59:51 GMT -5
“Rose, just stop.” “Laura isn’t going, but she seems so sad. She said she wanted something she couldn’t have,” Markus said gloomily. “I wish I could get it for her, but I don’t know what it is.” “You know, that sort of scares me.” Rose put in. “Because if you haven’t figured it out by now, you may have some serious-” “You know, I’ll talk to her.” Dasher interrupted. “Maybe she’ll talk to me. Sometimes it’s best to talk to another girl.” “You’d do that?” Markus said, brightening instantly. “Of course. We all know this fight can’t last.” “She did forgive me.” “There, see?” “Does that mean you’re going to make Markus find some men to talk about… you know, whatever it is men talk about?” Rose inquired. “Maybe you-” Dasher started, but suppressed it. “That’s a great idea. Gabriel should be around here somewhere. Rose will find him for you.” “I will?” “You had better.”
****
“Why don’t you just kill him? I mean, seriously, the whole destroy him emotionally plan is nice and all but he’s just lying there. One good stab and its goodbye Raythor.” “Pallas, really, you have absolutely no eye for the arts.” Kenetari said, casually glancing at Raythor’s body in the dirt. “All right, if you say so.” Pallas said, happy to be back in his own bland body. All the best shape-shifters were incredibly boring to look at themselves. Kenetari smiled as her brother groaned. “Anella, what happened?” Raythor asked, pushing himself to his feet. His expression changed to pure ice when he caught sight of his sister. “Where is she?” “Surely you’ve figured it out by now. Maybe you don’t care for her as much as Kylara thinks you do.” Kenetari walked slowly around him, hand on her sheath. Not particularly wanting to humor her, he didn’t move. “Where is she?” He repeated. “See if you can’t figure it out. Kylara happens to think you’re smarter than I am as well.” Kenetari taunted, a murderous gleam in her eyes. Raythor sighed, knowing that he’d have to play her game, for now. He took in everything around him, as quickly as he could. “Your friend over there is a light elementist. Blade heard part of a conversation in the hallway, between Anella and Kylara. Kylara is with the real Anella. The one who I talked to earlier and walked out here with is Pallas. I heard you say his name.” “I’m impressed. Really.” “If I had listened to Dasher, I wouldn’t be breathing the same foul air as you are. So I can’t agree.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:00:08 GMT -5
“You should have seen how quickly Kylara caught onto Pallas pretending to be you. I had hoped you’d be the same with the blonde girl.” “What do you want?” “I merely feel that my dear little brother is becoming a little too blind for his own good, wouldn’t you agree Pallas?” “Blind as a bat,” The elementist said lightly. When Raythor didn’t answer, Kenetari had her sword at his neck. He didn’t flinch. “Maybe I’m not speaking clearly. Stay away from Anella. Freeze her.” “Or what, you’ll kill me? So slit my throat. I know you have a talent for it.” Raythor said darkly. “Or I kill her.” “As I was forced to explain earlier, she isn’t here.” “You know I could. You can’t watch her all the time. Maybe when she’s walking by herself. Maybe when she sleeps. She will be alone eventually and I’ll be there when she is.” “Leave Anella alone. I’ll do anything you ask me to.” Raythor said weakly. His fingers slid around his dagger. “I thought you might. Won’t it be nice to protect someone for once?” “Won’t it be nice to shed some of your own blood for once?” Raythor jammed the dagger deep into Kenetari’s leg, stepping away when her sword left his neck. She recoiled in pain, dropping to her knees. A beam of light scorched Raythor’s arm as he backed away, and Pallas ran forward, symbol still blazing. Kenetari pulled the dagger from her leg, face filled with hatred. Pallas’s star glowed again, and the blood stopped seeping from her leg. The cut mended itself. “Remember my words,” Kenetari said, standing, “That will be the only scratch you ever give me.” Raythor kept backing up, keeping a wary eye on Pallas. Then he started running. “I had to do it, Kenetari. He’s not going to last much longer.” Pallas said quietly. She nodded. “I know.”
****
“You care about him, don’t you?” Dasher asked. She had taken Laura from the maid’s quarters and was walking the human girl around the castle walls. “Yes… I always have.” Laura replied. There was no sense in denying it. “Then don’t give up. It’s destroying him that you might leave Imperia.” “What’s the use of fighting a battle I can never win?” “You know what’s most important to you. If it’s Markus, go in there and make up.” “If it’s not?” “Then what can possibly mean more to you than he does?” “I guess you’re right, Dasher. I gave in after just one hit. I’ve never done that in a real battle.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:00:31 GMT -5
“Isn’t that… Raythor?” Dasher exclaimed, pointing. He was walking quickly toward them, clutching his shoulder and wincing after every step he took. Without speaking, both girls rushed to his side. “What happened to your arm?” Laura demanded, stopping him. He drew his hand away, taking blood with it. “Where’s Anella?” Dasher said, frowning at his shoulder. All the cloth had been burned away, and the skin beneath was covered in angry blisters. “Dasher… I should have listened. You were right, that wasn’t Anella, it was an elementist. Kenetari’s man. He gave me this.” “Enough speaking. We need to get you inside and take a look at this.” Laura said, examining the wound. “It’s bad, but it should heal without a scar. You need to rest.” “Never mind that, Kenetari’s going to kill Anella. She told me-” “We’ll deal with that later. Here, lean on me.” “But-” “Just listen to me.” “Fine.”
****
A cat lay in the sun, one eye open and watching her carefully. Nightshade stared back, sneering, understanding so much now. Archer didn’t trust her, but she had known that, from the day they had first met three years ago. Sabbath had been different somehow, like a chain you were used to. Nightshade had been born with that shackle around her leg, grown up with it. Lydrion was a red-hot brand, searing into her flesh. She’d never trusted his either. If she hadn’t seen the way he could find anyone, even if they ran, even if they hid, and destroy them like he had Glasswater’s wife… You didn’t run from Lydrion Archer unless he wanted you to run. “Pallas,” Nightshade hissed at the cat. It laughed, giving itself away all too easily. “Nightshade, my dear. You must know why I’m here.” Pallas swished his long tail back and forth, back and forth. “I have a pretty good guess.” “Just following orders. Don’t take it personally.” “Do you suppose he trusts you? He probably has Maya here too, watching you, and Kenetari watching her.” “I used to think he did.” Pallas said, voice hard. “If any shred of him is still Lydrion, at least he won’t kill Caldria. She cares for me too, but if anything is going to shake him…” “What are you blathering on about?” Nightshade rolled her eyes. “You’ve always been their lap dog.” “Bite your tongue.” Pallas said playfully, with an edge of menace. “Tell me who you trust, Shade. Perhaps not even good old mom and dad.” “Were I not bound to protect them, by love, I would be a royal.” “You would be a royals pet, my dear. Choose your sides carefully.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:03:58 GMT -5
“That’s the shoulder you got slashed before.” Rose said matter-of-factly. Raythor sat glaring at her in a chair, with Laura tending diligently to his burn. Dasher had run off to find him a new shirt. “And will you please cover the top half of you?” “I would, but the ‘top half’ of my clothing happens to be incinerated. And yes, this is the same shoulder.” Raythor replied. “Can’t you go a day without getting yourself maimed?” “Rose, please don’t bother my patient. He’s resting.” Laura said, with a little smile. “And you are so far from restful.” Raythor agreed. “Careful or I’ll sock you in the shoulder.” Rose returned, “I’ll go find Markus.” “He’s down by the river with Gabriel.” Dasher said as she walked in, a shirt clutched in her hand. “Are you aware you own nothing that is not black?” “My pants aren’t black.” Raythor said. Rose sighed dramatically and left. He started wincing again after she had left the room.
****
Markus sat, staring at the river. Why had he come here? No place could remind him more of Laura. “I like the sound of water,” Gabriel said noncommittally. “It’s nice.” “I suppose.” The prince said. Strange… he couldn’t see the river’s bottom. He picked up a stick and pushed it into the water slowly, to see how far it would go. Soon, his hand was submerged at well, and he drew back, startled. Gabriel blinked at him, not understanding. “It’s… deep. It used to be four inches, and now… I don’t know.” Markus tried to explain. This didn’t make any sense. For an instant, he saw a creature silhouetted on the other shore. Its fur was pale blue, its legs covered with scales. The long tail of a fish curved behind it. The earth opened up around all of them, fell away. Beneath the three living beings there was nothing but water. Markus and Gabriel fell into what shouldn’t be like rocks. The creature, eyes laughing, disappeared beneath the waves. “An elementist,” Markus thought. That was the last real thought he had before Gabriel went under. He took a deep breath, and went down to pull the blacksmith up. Gabriel was dropping much too quickly, and they were both weighted down heavily as it was. Markus grabbed the other boys arm and tried desperately to swim upwards, but he wasn’t going anywhere. He was running out of air now, and the surface was moving farther and farther away. Instinctively he put his hand across Gabriel’s mouth. Something flashed. The blacksmith’s eyes snapped open. Somehow, Gabriel was breathing. They both started swimming again, with Gabriel just awkwardly kicking. Markus’s lungs burned. He was positive what ever magic was making Gabriel breath wouldn’t work again. Eventually, he gasped for breath and water filled his lungs. He was breathing too. Markus didn’t know how long the spell would last on either of them, but by now they were down so deep it didn’t seem to matter. The water elementist who had opened the chasm swam up beside them. Its eyes were still laughing. They were the last thing Markus saw before the spell gave out.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:04:15 GMT -5
The arrow hit the tree with a resounding thud. Anella smiled with satisfaction. The ground around her was lined with arrows, all sticking up like little flags. The tree itself didn’t have half as many. “Nice shot.” Tallith said, arms crossed behind his back. “I hope you don’t have to use it on anyone, though.” “So do I,” Anella answered uneasily, wondering what Tallith wanted. He always just seemed to be… there. She lowered the bow, casting a last sidelong glance at her small battlefield. “Did you need anything, Tallith?” “I just wanted to make sure you were safe.” He said, not expanding on that comment. “How could I not be, with my guardian angel watching over me?” Anella replied, pointing upward. Blade grinned down at both of them from a tree branch, his back legs hanging down. He suppressed a yawn. “Hey, Tallith.” “Hello,” Tallith said reluctantly. Thunder, who had been sleeping at Anella’s side, barked out a warning in Tallith’s direction. Anella soothed him with a few good strokes. “You’re quite the animal person.” The healer commented. “Should I resent that remark?” Blade asked idly. Then he blinked. “Hey, Anella, when exactly are you supposed to meet Raythor?” “Meet Raythor? What are you talking about?” Anella asked. “You know you came in earlier, and then you started talking to…” He trailed off, eyes narrowed. “Tallith, might there be anything you aren’t telling us?”
Chapter Thirty One
Break Apart
Dasher knelt by the two motionless figures, brow furrowed. She was human now, but soon she changed. She turned to Rose and asked: “You don’t know what happened?” “No idea. They aren’t dead, though, they’re breathing.” Rose said with a shrug. “I found them like this.” “Then we’ll ask them,” Dasher said. Her star flashed, but the light was much dimmer now. Shape-shifting took a lot out of her. Both boys sat up and started coughing up water. Rose made a face, but Dasher was unconcerned. “Where… where are we?” Markus asked, between coughs, “It… it must have saved us.” “What saved you?” Dasher inquired. Markus explained the best that he could, and Gabriel chimed in here and there. When they were finished, they both looked at Dasher. She stared back, gravely. “Markus, where were you born?” “In Everglade. What does that have to do with it?” The prince replied. “Everything. Where in Everglade?” “The castle.” “I’m not so sure. Follow me.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:04:32 GMT -5
****
Once Laura had finished bandaging Raythor’s shoulder she sat across from him, sewing. He pulled on the shirt Dasher had brought him. “So, Rose found Gabriel and Markus unconscious? Kenetari seems to be running out of ideas.” Raythor said blankly. “I don’t think it was her,” Laura mused, pulling tight a stitch, “I believe it was different this time. They were totally drenched, or so I hear.” “And this doesn’t bother you?” “I’m a bit worried. I just don’t feel that your sister would knock out Markus and just leave him there. She would… she would kill him.” Laura pricked her finger, her brow furrowed. “She has some sick plan for me, but yeah, she’d kill Markus in a heartbeat. They’re both a bit out of it at the moment.” “Well, I’m not going to Richard’s.” “My sister’s point would be Markus on the wrong end of a sword, dying without knowing that. Emotional torture is her forte.” Raythor pointed out. Laura chewed on her lip. “I shouldn’t have said those things to him… if he had died…” “He didn’t. So you can tell him that next time you see him.” Raythor stood up. Laura stared at him intently until he sat down again. “I wish Kenetari would just kill me already and leave you all alone. This is my fault.” “It isn’t. Don’t say things like that.” “Who the heck would miss me?” “I would. I care about you. You’re my friend.” “I’m sorry. I’ve done so many things wrong today. I’m a little on edge.” “So have I.” “I want to do something right. Tell him, Laura.” “Tell who?” “Markus. Tell him how you feel.” “Maybe I don’t feel that way anymore.” “I know you do.” He gazed at her directly, with his sharp blue eyes. “I can’t. I have to give up.” “Before you try?” “I’m waiting.” “Waiting to what? Rip out your bleeding heart and give it to him?” “No,” She lifted her head, face determined. “Maybe you’re right. When he gets back, I’ll apologize and… and I’ll tell him. But only if you promise me one thing.” “What?” “Rest. Don’t leave that chair while I’m gone.” “That’s cruel and unusual, but all right. It’s a deal.”
****
Markus, Rose, human-Dasher and Gabriel all stood facing Everglade’s queen.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:04:50 GMT -5
“Hi, mom,” Markus said. He was happy his father wasn’t here. “Where was I born?” “Here, in this room. Just like Ketra was.” Ivy said quickly, flashing a very diplomatic smile. “Is that true?” “Why would I lie to you?” “Mother, tell me the truth. Why is my hair blue?” “I don’t…” Ivy began. Dasher stepped forward, looking exhausted. Slowly, she reverted to her natural form. Ivy pressed her hands together. “I should have known one of you would come for him someday.” “You know what she is?” Markus asked, surprised. “She’s a little different from the other one, but yes. You weren’t born in the castle, Markus. You were born on the river’s bank.” “It’s an emergency gate to the water kingdom.” Dasher said softly. “I went down to the river when I was pregnant with you. Your father told me not to, but I didn’t listen. I should have. My attendants had to deliver you out there.” Ivy continued, as though she hadn’t heard Dasher. “When you were born, you were so pale. My attendants said you could die, and they rushed off to find help. That was when he came, the water elementist. I was desperate, and I begged him for his help. That was the first time he spoke to me. He said he could save you, and that his name was Mercury. There was something around his neck, in a little vial. He gave it to me, and said if I let you drink it you would never get sick, and you wouldn’t die on the riverbank.” Markus went cold. He ran back quickly over his entire life in his mind. No illnesses. Nothing. Not even a cold. “So I gave it to you, I had to. I never told your father, but… your hair is blue. You’ve never been sick. I thought Mercury would return one day, and take you away.” Ivy sunk down unto her bed, energy drained. Markus stood motionless. Gabriel blinked. “What are you then? A fish man?” Rose asked. “It’s probably just a permanent spell, one that saved his life.” Dasher said. “It must have been Mercury who opened the gate before. He wanted you to know.” “Firelight told me… there’s water magic in my blood.” Markus said. “Most likely, there always will be.” “It’s a part of my boy,” Ivy said, “That’s all I ever needed.” “I hope that father will feel the same way.” Markus said unsurely. Ivy almost laughed. Her son knew. His father deserved to know as well.
****
“Just march in there and tell him,” Laura told herself firmly. “Don’t think about it, just say it.” “You wanted to talk to me?” Markus asked. They were alone in the hallway, outside the royal’s rooms. It was almost always empty during the day. “I wanted to apologize.” The maid said. “Don’t. It was my fault.” “I mean about going with Richard. I shouldn’t have upset you.” “Don’t worry about it. I deserve to be upset every once and awhile.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:05:08 GMT -5
“Markus?” “Yes?” “I love you.” “Yeah, I love you too.” Markus said, patting her shoulder. “I’m glad we’re speaking again.” “That’s not what I meant.” Laura said frantically, cheeks burning. “You don’t love me?” “I do.” “Then what are you talking about?” Markus asked, confused. Laura sighed, and remembered his abysmal talent for picking up hints. Even incredibly obvious ones. “You know when I said there was something I couldn’t have?” “Yes.” “It’s you.” “Me?” “Yes. Because I’m in love with you.” Markus looked back at her, and realized he was being really slow. That was just the last thing in the world he had expected her to say, and his mind couldn’t grasp it. “You’re in love with me?” “Yes.” Laura nodded. “I am.” “For how long have you been in… in love with me?” “Ever since I first met you. You’re pretty much my world.” Laura said. Now that she had confessed that to him, this was just a normal conversation to her. A weight was gone. “All this time… my best friend…” “I should go check on Raythor.” “You’re not kidding?” “I’m so in love with you that whenever you enter the room, to me, you’re the only one in it. I wear my hair like this because you said you liked it. I would do anything to protect you, to make you happy.” Laura said. Her hand had drifted up to her necklace, and she smiled. Markus just stared at her numbly. He didn’t move when she left. He wasn’t sure he could.
****
“How’d it go?” Rose asked, when Laura walked into the room. She was making an attempt to look cattishly disinterested. Raythor, who was digging his fingers into the arms of the chair that Laura had trapped him in, said nothing. “He seemed confused,” Laura said. “I wish I could say I was surprised, but confusion is his most frequent emotion.” “It felt good to say it though.” “That was his only reaction?” “Well, he asked if I was kidding. I told him no and some other things.” “Other things?” “Yes. You know.” “Did he tell you he’s some sort of water demon?” “No, but I already knew that. I guess I distracted him a little.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:05:26 GMT -5
“You already knew that?” “I really don’t know why I’d lie. Repeating it won’t help.” “How did you know?” “Ivy told me. She started crying one day when I was cleaning her room. I asked her why…” “I ki…I almost married a fish boy.” Rose said with disbelief. Kylara breezed in at that moment, immediately heading Raythor’s way. “How’s that burn?” Kylara asked, with a very fake smile. “Where have you been?” The dark haired boy asked coldly. “Kenetari said she talked to you. If she does anything…” “I guess your burn must be fine. Laura, someone is looking for you. He says his name is Hector.” “Hector?” Laura said, brightening, “Raythor, remember that you promised me not to leave this room.” “Yes, mother.” Raythor replied, still glancing murderously at Kylara. “I know you had something to do with this.” “Original.” Rose said. She sat down, crossing her legs at the ankle and eyeing Kylara as well. “Where is Anella?” “I was teaching her how to shoot a bow. Nothing wrong with that, is there?” Kylara said evenly. Laura was gone. “Then how do you explain my sister’s sudden conviction that Anella is making me lose it?” Raythor demanded. “Or the fact she says your name in every other sentence, usually in ones containing a threat?” “Pallas pretended to be you, but I figured out it wasn’t you pretty quickly. Kenetari threatened to kill me if I didn’t bring Pallas to the castle.” Kylara said. “So you thought I’d see through fake Anella just as easily as you saw through fake me?” “Judging by that burn, I guess I made a mistake.” Kylara shrugged. “I was only trying to protect you, and everyone else.” “None of that is going to make me believe you,” Raythor said, “But I’m going to pretend that I do.” “Do you need anything then, little victim?” She smiled. “I just want to ask Rose something. When did you kiss Markus?” “Who says I did?” Rose blazed back. “You did.” “Before the wedding, but don’t ask why.” “I can guess.” “How amusing.” Kylara said. “Though he’s not the only one who deserves a real kiss.” She sat on the arm of Raythor’s chair, “I’m pretty done with the whole involuntary lip contact thing.” Raythor said. “Who says it has to be involuntary?” Kylara asked. Dasher walked in, sank to the floor and changing back to her natural form. “I can’t do it anymore. I’m completely drained,” Dasher panted. She winked at Raythor. “You know, Kylara, I do need something. Could you go get Laura?” Raythor asked.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:05:44 GMT -5
“Anything for you,” Kylara said, honey-sweet. Their eyes met. Raythor exhaled loudly when she left. He hadn’t realized he wasn’t breathing. ****
Dione scowled as she noticed Kylara approaching on the other side of the courtyard. Then Kylara stopped, pulling back to where she couldn’t be seen. Dione squinted, wondering what Kylara was trying to avoid. Laura was speaking to a boy she didn’t recognize. “Kylara must be eavesdropping,” Dione thought with annoyance. All the same, she strained her ears as well. “…don’t understand… all these years?” That was Laura’s voice, but there were long gaps between what she could make out. “James…knight under him…” The boys voice now. Dione moved a little closer. “Shouldn’t you…why me?” “Vyncent wants…” “…others?” “Can’t…. dangerous. Markus said…” “When…” “We can’t waste…” “…now?” “Have to…don’t tell…” Dione wasn’t following any of this, so she started off to find Rea. She didn’t look back.
****
Saria skipped merrily down the hall, and Markus started to pass listlessly by her. Saria stopped. “Are you quite unhappy?” “I’m not sure.” The prince said. “You look all stormy gray.” “Saria, could I ask you something?” “Anything, anything. I so adore questions!” “Did you know that Laura loves me?” “Oh, yes. You make her face so happy.” “I do?” “Every time you’re with her,” Saria nodded, skipping away. Markus walked quickly into the room Raythor was trapped in. No one seemed surprised to see him. “Hey, pretty boy.” Rose said. She shifted a piece on the chess board in front of her. “Your move, Raythor.” Dasher looked on, fascinated. Raythor took Rose’s queen. She swore. “I’ll play winner.” Kylara said. She’d come back earlier, saying that Laura was busy. “Did you know?” Markus asked. No one moved. Pieces clicked. “Know what?” Rose asked. “About Laura,” Dasher said. Her tail swished. “Oh, right. Yeah, I knew.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:06:33 GMT -5
“Did you all know?” Markus said faintly. “Yes.” They all said in unison. Raythor finally took his eyes off the board. Kylara shifted on the chair arm as he spoke, focusing on his face. “Markus, I didn’t want to be the one to tell you this, but we’ve all known for a long time.” “Almost since we met you,” Rose agreed. “I sense emotion and all.” Dasher put in. “Poor Theo.” “So does that mean…my father…”Markus said reluctantly. “Definitely,” Raythor said, returning to his game. “Heck, Kenetari probably knows too.” Markus sunk into a chair, as his mother had done. This was by far the strangest day of his life. “How did I… I know her so well. We tell each other everything.” “So do couples.” Rose said, scowling. She’d lost. Kylara slid into the princess’s chair as Rose moved to the window. Nobody spoke. “Does Laura know anyone named Hector?” Kylara asked, “Because she was out there with him, and she said she couldn’t come inside and all that.” “Yeah, she met him at the wedding.” Markus said. “He looked just like Lydrion.” Kylara commented. Everyone jerked their heads up at once. “Your father’s name was Hector, right Raythor?” “Yes, why?” Raythor said. Then he shook his head. “Not even she would do that. She may be completely crazy, but she would not tell her boyfriend to pretend to be my father.” “Don’t you think it’s just a little coincidental?” Dasher asked. “There are probably thousands of Hectors.” Markus agreed. “How many Hectors look exactly like Lydrion?” Rose pointed out. “It’s Lydrion, and he’s trying to get to Laura. “He hasn’t tried to hurt her yet. I’ll just go and get her, I can handle it.” Markus stood up, features set. Raythor’s king toppled to the floor. Kylara had won. ****
Tallith had been stalling Anella as much as physically possible, but she finally found herself able to slip away. She was starting to get worried about Raythor; Tallith’s vague second hand account about the mysterious fake Anella was making her uneasy. The moment she re-entered the castle, she could tell that something was wrong. Servants kept rushing past her, their eyes frantic. She heard Laura’s name called over and over. Anella walked to her room, confused. So glanced in the mirror as she entered, which revealed just how much sun she had gotten. She sighed as a green paw poked out from beneath her bed, followed by Theo’s snout. “Anella?” “What are you doing under there, Theo?” “They’re all out there searching for Laura, so we snuck into your room so we wouldn’t be found. There are three of us under here, so I really hope they find her soon.” “That’s strange. Where could she possibly be?” Anella said.
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