|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:14:27 GMT -5
“Move only when they reach our front line.” Rea said suddenly. “I’ve studied something like this. It’s the only way to get ahead of the arrows.” Markus nodded. He and the others waited in silence. Breathless tension enveloped them all. The enemy was ten paces from the shield…five paces…two…one… Metal clanged against metal. Rea, still behind them, yelled “take out the archers”. Their own bow-women redirected their fire, and Kylara slipped through the foot soldiers. She, Anella and Caldria carefully took them out. As soon as it was safe, the four elementists in front dropped their shields. Firelight went and crouched by Kaslon, forming a dome over him, herself, Rea, David and Emma. David passed Emma to Rea, then stood and drew his bow and started shooting. Markus found himself far from the others, fighting against a very determined man. He was quickly losing ground, but it barely mattered. With the opposition’s archers gone and five elementists on his side, they didn’t stand a chance. His feet almost slid from under him, and he realized he had been backed into a creek. The man raised his sword and Markus moved to block it. Something strangely wet and slimy moved up his leg, curled around his body, wound around his sword… Before he knew what was going on, the soldier was wide eyed and screaming, and Markus felt his sword jerk forward into the man’s chest. The strange slimy energy faded away just as quickly as it had come. Dasher’s light flashed again and again, dark tendrils pulled someone shrieking into the earth through Blade’s magic. Theo held people to the ground with his vines, and used the surrounding tree branches to hit people. No one had been suspecting that the trees would fight back. Rose was knocked to the ground, but Kylara swooped in and protected her. Something flashed in the distance, and Dasher shook her head, as though to prove that she hadn’t done it. The soldiers began retreating, and the Royalty of Everglade fell back, making no attempt to follow them.
Chapter Thirty Four
Stairway
Laura told her father almost everything. She continued to hide the fact that she was in love with Markus, and she wasn’t sure why. Vyncent, though pleased to learn about his daughter’s life, was surprised that she wasn’t demanding answers. Laura hadn’t asked a single question about her mother, despite the fact that she didn’t even know her name. “You’ve been traveling with Kylara Waterwind, members of three royal families, Raythor Karian and Nightheart’s daughter?” Vyncent interrupted finally. “Yes, why?” Laura asked, curious. “I forgot that you were raised a maid. Waterwind’s a fairly well known assassin, the boy is the Karian Killer and the Nightheart girl is Edmund’s daughter. Supposedly, he becomes silver under moonlight. Didn’t know he had a daughter, though.” “Kylara resigned, Raythor’s innocent and I’ve never seen Anella turn silver…” “Imagine that,” Vyncent’s bushy eyebrows raised, “Who killed the Karian’s then?” “His sister, Kenetari. She’s terrifying.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:15:13 GMT -5
“You’ve met her?” “A few times, while she was trying to kill us. I guess she lives with a lord named Sabbath now.” Laura said, hurrying to explain all their various encounters with Kenetari, and managing to sum up almost the entire quest in one breath. “You told me earlier that the prince was your best friend.” Vyncent said, when she had finished. “He is,” Laura said, mystified as to why that would matter. “Did he give you that bracelet?” “Yes, for my birthday. Sort of.” “Elaura…” Vyncent sighed heavily. “Is that all this prince is to you? A friend?” “Yes…” “I have no official title, as you know, but I do have power. If you wanted…” “He doesn’t love me.” Laura said firmly. She grinned bravely at her father. “It’s so sweet of you to offer, though.” “The last thing I gave you was your eyes.” “Oh, father!” Laura sprung from her chair at the nearly empty dining table and threw her arms around her father’s neck. Vyncent patted her back. “Maybe he does, love, maybe he does.”
****
After the first attack, there had been many others. Small, in and out attacks that occurred completely randomly. Everyone was injured now, except for Emma. Kaslon held her whenever the enemy came; he was still too weak to hold a sword. One of the four elementists protected the two of them and Rea. Nightshade never did. Everyone’s nerves were shattered; even Saria could sing no more songs. Sleeping became a rare occurrence as well, the morbid night hours had been sorted into shifts. Even guiding Mary’s every word was a warning. The breaking point came when Tallith’s horse stumbled and fell in a shallow stream. A loud snap followed the tumble. The mare had broken its leg. Tallith had managed to roll away, unhurt. “Nun!” The healer said frantically. “Nun?” Rose asked. Ketra shrugged. “Here,” Dasher volunteered exhaustedly, “I’m good at broken bones, at least.” “No,” Everyone’s eyes fixed on the speaker. Dione sat atop her horse, all her rage finally venting out at once. “We have to face it. Laura is dead and Caldria is the reason we’re going through this. We can’t go on living like this. We have to go back, form an army and destroy Sabbath.” “Are you saying we should turn Cally in?” David asked. Caldria grabbed his arm. “David, leave it.” “If that’s what we have to do, to save everyone else.” Dione said icily. David clenched his fist. “This isn’t some royal army you can tell to do anything. We’re your friends, Dione, or as close as your ever going to get to friends. Cally is a person. If we’re going to get out of this, we’re all going to get out of it. That means Laura too.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:15:37 GMT -5
“Sometimes we have to make sacrifices. There is no use trying to recover a mangled corpse. Look at us,” She pointed to pale Kaslon, who was staring at the ground. She indicated Raythor’s burn, which had been cut through three times already. She extended a finger in Rose’s direction, with her now virtually useless arm. “Dione-” Rea protested, but all the same Nightshade and Tallith nodded in agreement. Kylara looked vaguely intrigued. “How much more of this can we take?” Dione demanded, with her voice triumphant. “We should fight back, and we should face reality.” Rea turned to Markus, completely lost. “She’s dead?” Markus said. It almost wasn’t a question. His face bore a look of suffering that even his own sister did not recognize. “Most likely,” Caldria said softly, “Lydrion destroys anything he considers useless.” “We’re so close…” “That doesn’t make a difference.” Dione retorted harshly. When she’d left home, she had to abandon her only living brother. That was her lifelong regret, leaving him behind, but she’d had to do it. This was no different. Destroyed resignation crossed the prince’s face. Rose bit her lip hard, and Ketra shook her head. There didn’t seem to be a counter argument. Dasher walked a few steps from the fallen horse, its leg now mended. Reluctantly, Markus turned Eclipse. “Wait,” Saria’s voice, just as penetrating as Dione’s had been, drifted to the party’s ears. “Please, just listen to me.” “She’s dead,” Markus said pathetically. “She’s not. It’s going to be all right. We’re still alive, aren’t we? You’re all so brave, don’t give up now. That would be silly.” “She’s absolutely right. If there’s hope, we have to try.” Dasher said firmly. Her canine features locked in defiance. By the afternoon, they had reached Vyncent’s castle.
****
“Kira…Kira, I have to ask you something.” “What is it?” She turned, looking so beautiful he just wanted to hold her in his arms and never let go. Lydrion smiled. “Will you marry me?” He asked, then continued quickly with: “I know I’m not worthy of you, and I’m just a peasant, but I can change that. There’s this lord, Sabbath, who can make me nobility, if I do what he asks me too.” “What does he want you to do?” “Find Charity Glasswater and bring her to him.” “He’ll kill her. Sabbath’s obsessed with the fact that he thinks Charity’s daughter has magical powers or something.” “What matters is that I love you, and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. After this, I’ll be a knight and we can get married. I’ll promise this is the last thing I’ll have to do for him.” “I just can’t believe that you’d do something like this.” Kira said, voice hollow.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:15:58 GMT -5
“I’m not the one killing her,” Lydrion said, “It’s not like I haven’t found people before. It’s what I’m good at.” “Lost little children! This isn’t the same at all. This is another human life, someone’s mother, someone’s daughter, someone’s wife. She has a family who loves her. Just because…” “Just because I don’t,” Lydrion said, glancing away, “Does that mean that I don’t matter?” “That has nothing to do with it.” “It does to you. You have your parents, and I’ll your siblings, aunts, uncles, everything. I just have Cally.” “I’d marry you anyway, even if you were poor.” “No you wouldn’t. You’d be disinherited, and your family means more to you than anything. It was selfish of me to ever love you.” “No, it wasn’t…” Kira said softly. She kissed him, and drew it out. “You mean more to me than anything, so does my family. You don’t have to do this; if I have to I’ll choose you. I’ll always choose you.” “You don’t understand. I want to be good enough for you, I’m sick of being useless and broke and depending on everyone around me. I’m tired of being weak. This may be the last chance I ever get to prove myself.” “No.” “What?” “No. I can’t marry you. I can’t be with a murderer. Do you really think your stupid pride is more important than Charity’s life? I’ve met her, and she’s one of the kindest women I’ve ever known.” “You can’t just walk away from me. I love you.” “You used to be good enough for me. You’re not anymore.” “Tobias, stop her!” Lydrion snapped awake. He had panicked when he saw her leaving, completely and totally. Tobias, the shadow general working for Sabbath, had been waiting there to escort him back to the lord’s castle. The elementist must have panicked as well. He didn’t try to stop her. He just took away her voice.
****
Laura was still skating around any question concerning her mother. It might have been lingering anger, it might have been fear. Laura herself was not entirely sure. “Vyncent, there are visitors at the gate for lady Elaura. Will you allow them?” Tyligo asked, stepping into the room. “Did they give their names?” Vyncent asked absently. He was teaching Laura how to play chess. “They only said the Royalty of Everglade, and that it would mean something to Laura if she was here.” Laura nodded her head numbly. “All right, bring them up here.” Vyncent said agreeably. “Now, Elaura, the knight sort of moves in an ‘L’ shape…”
****
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:16:29 GMT -5
Markus shifted his weight from foot to foot. He was nervous, even the boy who had been at the door had known that. The servant was also most encouraging, indicating Laura was in fact there, though he referred to her as ‘Lady Elaura’. “There’s still a chance she’s dead,” Dione said crossly. Saria just smiled sweetly at her. “David, I can’t go in there,” Caldria said. Her husband gave her an odd look. “Why not, because your brother’s in there?” “If he sees me, he’ll kill you, David. Please, I want to give you all a fighting chance, like Dione said. I’ll turn myself in.” She placed Emma in David’s arms. “Cally, don’t be ridiculous.” David said. “I’m not putting you in danger.” “Even if he kills me, it will be worth it just to have seen you again.” “I’m not going to lose you again.” “Pardon me,” Blade said, “but if you really want to go back to confinement, be my guest. That’s not our only option here. It is a choice, though. As long as you’re with us, we can use you against him. No offence, though.” Caldria nodded, unbothered. “Good plan, but we can’t let Lydrion see Emma. We have to leave someone out here with her.” “Cally-”David protested. “David, for once don’t argue.” “Fine then. ‘Uncle’ Kaslon, would you handle this?” “Gladly,” Kaslon beamed. He had become very attached to his ‘niece’. “I’ll show Emma the horses.” David gave him the baby as the door opened. “Lady Elaura will see you. Please follow me,” Tyligo popped back out and announced. He caught sight of a disappearing tail. “You have elementists in your party? They are welcome to come in.” “Really?” Theo said meekly. He was the one responsible for the offending tail. Tyligo nodded. Seventeen living beings followed him inside. “How many of them are coming up?” Hydria asked, studying the large group. “Vyncent doesn’t like large groups in his chambers.” “Markus, you go.” Rose spoke up. “I don’t know if I could face her now…” The prince said honestly. “This barely seems real.” “Then I’ll go. Take me up there.” Dasher, having regained her elementist form, put her paw comfortingly on Markus’s foot. He patted her head, not realizing how strange it looked. Rose felt, rather than saw, all the familiar faces fading away behind her. She could not believe how attached to them she was. She, Rose, the once vain and aloof princess of Bloodroot. Tyligo stopped, ushering her inside and then drawing back. Vyncent looked up. “Why, hello. Is she a friend of yours, Elaura?” Before another word could be spoken, Laura leapt up and hugged Rose tightly. Rose took a step back and put her hands on her hips once she was free. “Laura, I’m overjoyed to see you alive, but,” Rose said, “You scared us all witless! What the heck is your problem? Do you have any idea what we’ve all been through just to get here? And what about Markus? He looks as though he’s been-” “What is the meaning of all this?” Vyncent demanded, perfectly flabbergasted.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:17:04 GMT -5
“For Rose, this is missing me. Father, this is Princess Rose Thistlethorn. Rose, this is my father, Vyncent Glasswater.” “The princess!” Vyncent exclaimed, rising and bowing clumsily. Laura stifled a laugh. “It is an honor to have you here.” “There’s a queen downstairs, and a crown prince, don’t bother with me.” Rose replied coyly. “Queen Rea won’t be a problem,” Laura said quickly, before her father could become alarmed further. “What exactly were you doing while we were all being maimed in the forest?” Rose asked pointedly. “Hector told me there was a wedding here, and that my father wanted me to come to it. He said the travel would be dangerous, especially across the border into Laina, in a large group, and not to tell you that I was leaving.” “If you weren’t in such a state at the time, I’d punch you right now. Where is Hector?” “Probably in his room.” “He’s Lydrion.” “Lydrion Archer?” Both Glasswater’s said in unison. “Why hasn’t he killed me? According to everything that’s happened, that seems to be what he wants.” Laura said. “You’re the vessel. He wants you alive; otherwise he can’t use whatever it is inside of you.” Vyncent said quietly. Laura gritted her teeth, and stepped to the window. A figure stood down below, and she knew at once that it was Lydrion. Vyncent and Rose moved up behind her, peering over her shoulder. “Hey, that’s him isn’t it? We should go down there and-”Rose started. “I’ll take care of it,” Laura said evenly, “I know him now. He won’t trick me again.”
****
“Laura,” Lydrion said, “How’s your father?” She was facing him, bow drawn, eyes hard. “I don’t miss,” Laura said. “I take it you want something.” “Lydrion Archer, I know who you are and I know what I am. I want to know why that matters enough to you to keep me alive when you could have killed me so easily.” “You misunderstand the situation,” He said cordially. “I have no interest in whatever power it is you supposedly have, I just needed you alive to gain control of Markus. Sabbath is the one who’s obsessed with the elementist legend.” “Why bring me here, then?” “The Glasswater castle has far fewer resources than Imperia.” “Then this is where you intend to kill us?” “I have no reason to hide that fact from you. You have a weak army and less than twenty people at your command. I have six armies. There is no way you can call in your allies before I can crush you.” “Then there’s another time limit in my life. So what? I could kill you right now.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:17:19 GMT -5
“You won’t, though. You don’t have it in you.” “I will if you threaten the ones I care about.” “I’m going to give you a chance to save yourselves.” “Did you give Kira a chance?” Jason stepped into view, flanked by Oraia and Kira. Kira and Lydrion’s eyes locked on each other immediately, and he almost expected to her hear her voice. She, of course, did not speak. “You know, I’ve been with her for a month and it would be really nice to know what she sounds like.” Oraia put in. Jason glared at her and she stuck out her tongue. Laura tried not to laugh; if she did she’d drop her guard. “Where has she been?” Lydrion demanded, still looking at Kira but asking Jason. He ignored everyone else. “With me. She’s my cousin.” Jason responded, with a sarcastic smile. “She’s my…” “What?” “Forget this. I bet Kira is so sick of listening to you talk about her like there’s something wrong,” Oraia said irritably. Both boys continued ignoring her. “There were so many things we both should have said three years ago. It’s too late for that now. Kira made her choice a long time ago.” Lydrion said to no one in particular. A canine shape dashed briefly behind him, and in a flash both of them were gone.
****
The Royalty of Everglade, with the addition of Jason, Oraia and Kira, were in much better spirits after their delightful meal of not rabbit. Laura had hugged every single member of the group afterwards, causing Dione to feel slightly embarrassed. Then Laura set to work of fixing up everyone’s poorly done bandages. Apparently the job had been thrown to whoever was on watch at the time. “There, Rose, all done.” Laura said. Rose’s left arm was now a line of perfect white. “It should be able to move more normally now. Who’s next?” “Raythor. His shoulder wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t so rash. Markus knows how to block, why can’t Raythor?” “I don’t know, Rose. Send him in.” Shortly Laura was washing Raythor’s burn, which was now so laced with cuts it was barely recognizable as the pale skin it had once been. “It doesn’t feel as bad as it looks.” Raythor assured her. Laura clicked her tongue. “Do you just let them hit you? It’s like someone released a very angry cat on your shoulder.” “My reflexes haven’t been at their best lately.” “It’s no small wonder. Who was the last person to bandage this?” “Might have been Tallith, those sort of details got a little fuzzy after awhile.” “I guess I should have listened to Dione’s rants about his healing skills. You’re all done. Who’s next?” “I’m it. Laura, Markus wants to talk you. He’s upstairs in that wide hall.” “My father calls it the light room for some reason, though it really isn’t a room…” “Are you hearing me?” “Yes, of course. I’ll… I’ll talk to him. I knew I’d have to sometime.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:18:19 GMT -5
“All right then. Good luck.” He awkwardly patted her shoulder, then got up and left the room.
****
Laura wondered if perhaps these stairs were cursed. Every time she went up or down them, she was nervous or frightened. Up to meet her father…down to confront Lydrion…up again, to face Markus. It seemed odd to think that every second of her life had led up to this moment. After this final good-bye, she would not see him again. She would stay here, with her father. Despite Vyncent’s promise, she knew the truth: no maid could love a prince. “Laura…” Markus said softly. His gray eyes watched her move closer and stop, so that they were a few feet apart. The fact that she’d ever been apart from him seemed impossible now that he was standing here in the strange half-light, looking as he always looked. “I still can’t believe that you love me.” “I shouldn’t have told you. That would have made our parting so much easier.” Only her past kept her voice even now. All those years she’d spent, trying everything she could to make him notice her. He was her best friend and, no matter what happened, that would never change. “Our parting?” Markus demanded. “If you think for one moment that I am ever going to lose you again… when I thought you were dead, I could barely function.” “You thought I was dead?” Laura said, horrified. His face told her something of what had been there before, when he thought… Tears welled in her eyes. “Markus, how could I have hurt you so much? Trusting a stranger so completely…” The tears started to fall, and his arms wove around her, and his lips were against hers. She lost every thought of leaving him, lost everything but this moment. It took away every shadow in her life, every last doubt she’d ever had. When finally they drew apart, they just stood there looking at each other. “I have the strangest feeling that I love you too.” Markus said softly. Laura’s next words almost caught in her throat: “What are we going to do about it?” “Does that matter?” Markus kissed her again, laughing. “Why are you so worried? I’ve never been in love before. You’ll have to give me time to get used to it.” “You should just tell them.” Vyncent said, from a distance away. Laura turned completely crimson, and Markus looked extremely guilty. Vyncent shook his head. “Don’t worry. I just want to see my little girl happy.” Markus raised his hand, intending to place it on Laura’s shoulder, but then let it drop, still very self conscious. “Father, you aren’t angry, are you?” Laura questioned earnestly. “No, no. You told me that he didn’t love you.” “I just didn’t realize it,” Markus said, eyes on Laura as he said this, “but I’ve never loved anyone more.” “My offer still stands then. I can have the king of Laina give me a title, any title. Then you can have your prince.” “I’ll do everything I can to help.” Markus said stoutly. Laura hugged her father before she spoke. “It’s unbelievable that this could really happen.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:19:44 GMT -5
“Want to tell them all now, or later? It’s your choice, Laura.” Markus said. “There’s no reason for us to hide it. Now.” “Now,” He took her hand and the two of them together went down the fateful stairs.
Chapter Thirty Five
Twenty Four Hours
“You two finally got together, didn’t you?” Rose asked. Around her, everyone was either sitting or standing in Vyncent’s front hall. She was again playing chess, this time with Saria. She was still losing. “Better the second time?” “Y-yes,” Markus stammered, wondering if his entire life was incredibly obvious. Very possibly, it was. Thankfully, Laura took no interest in Rose’s second comment. She just stood at his side, looking at beautiful as a bride on her wedding day “I thought you might enjoy ‘talking’ to her,” Raythor said devilishly. “A right good chat,” Kylara agreed. Anella glanced sideways at the dark haired boy, not saying a word. “Check mate!” Saria exclaimed gleefully. Markus shook his head, putting his arm around Laura. She leaned her head against him, closing her eyes. Dione felt sick, knowing that if she’d fought harder to give up back in the forest, this never would have happened. “James’s wedding is tomorrow.” Dione said weakly. No one seemed to hear her.
****
“I just wish, for once, Mary would give us one of those nice vague messages again instead of a warning.” Rose said hostilely. Markus, leaning against a wall nearby, just seemed to look right through her. Rose scowled at him. “Could you stop thinking about Laura, for five seconds?” “What? Oh, yes. Sorry Rose.” “Sure you’re sorry, lover boy.” “I really never thought anyone would call me that. This is kind of a good moment for me.” “That is so nice for you. What do you make of ‘Dazzling silver, blinds us to what is not perfect, blinds us to who, this night, shall never take another form’?” “I have no idea, but it doesn’t sound like a threat.” “‘Shall never take another form’ sounds like a death warrant to me. And don’t tell me this is from another poem you were forced to memorize, which, by the way, says to me that your father was preparing you to become a traveling bard, not a king.” “It’s not. I think it means that the ‘dazzling silver’, what ever it is, will take care of it for us. I don’t believe this has a thing to do with the two of us at all.” Markus said. Rose wished he’d stop grinning like a love struck idiot before she realized that he was one. “And the memorizing the poetry thing is in fact another superstition concerning healthy sons. So just be glad you’re not married to me right now.” “Every waking moment, ‘my prince’, every waking moment.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:20:08 GMT -5
****
Lydrion was consumed with the desire to kill someone, and he didn’t particularly care who it was. So, when he returned to Sabbath’s castle, he stabbed one of the two guards at the gate. The other one sidled away, but he had no intention of bothering him, Lydrion always let his whims decide his actions, not that he could afford to do so. He charged past the questioning gazes of Sabbath and Benvolio and headed straight into Kenetari’s chamber. “Kenetari, I have two little problems to discuss with you. First, and Pallas told me this, how did Caldria escape?” “Your sister tricked poor Ben,” She returned lazily, “We’ll get her back. Is that blood on your sword?” “Yes.” “How delightful. What’s the second thing?” “We’re getting married tomorrow morning.” “Oh,” She clasped her hands together, “That’s marvelous. Can I kill Charles?” “That can be your wedding present. I’ll fetch him.”
****
“Rea’s Carina is the most vulnerable kingdom, and all of you would be threats to him taking control of it. His puppet monarch, probably some greedy relative, would rule in Rea’s place.” Caldria said, hands folded in her lap. “That way only those he trusted would know who’s really pulling the strings. He’s still a child saving hero to most people.” “So you’re saying all of us are in Archer’s way?” Kylara scoffed. “I find that difficult to believe.” “Lydrion sees things in people the rest of us don’t,” Jason said quietly, from the corner. He hadn’t explained who he was, and he didn’t plan to. Jason and his two companions would be departing tonight anyway. “In this case, it’s your potential to kill him. He chose royalty that would come to Carina’s aide if there was any sort of crisis. Markus’s death would prevent Audrion from sending help, Laura’s father basically runs Laina, Rose’s family has the most powerful army on the continent.” “Some of us he didn’t plan to be here.” “I sincerely doubt that’s keeping him up at night.” “Who actually got sent a letter?” Kylara asked. “What does that matter? Rea sent them,” Dione bristled. “I sent one to Markus, Guinevere, and Oraia…” Rea said. A light went on in her head. “Wait… Caldria’s right. Who received a letter?” Markus, Ketra, Rose, Anella, Raythor and Kylara raised their hands. Rea frowned. “I’m sure I didn’t send one to some of you.” “Which means someone, namely Kenetari, tampered with them.” Dasher said excitedly, “And changed the hand writing, instead of having their shape-shifter copy it, because they wanted us to know.” “I can see why they’d want Raythor and me,” Kylara said, “and the royals are obvious choices. But Anella…” Anella blushed scarlet.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:20:34 GMT -5
“I don’t understand that either.” “My sister is after her now, but there must have been something…” Raythor snapped his fingers. “The silver. Heaven only knows what that does.” “The silver?” Anella asked, confused. That had to mean… but she couldn’t let them know… “You turn this beautiful silver color whenever the moonlight touches you. It’s really-” Kylara glared at him, and he stopped talking. “That’s strange. No ones ever told me that before. I can’t believe the story about my father is really true.” “What story?” Markus said, feigning ignorance as well. “Well… just that, the first time my parents met was during a full moon. She said my father had silver hair and eyes, that he was glowing. The next day, when she saw him in daylight, he looked completely different. I just never thought the story was real.” “You can go see. The moon’s out tonight.” Saria suggested. She got up and headed out the nearest exit. Markus, Laura, Raythor, Rose and Tallith went with her. Anella nervously trailed after them. As she stepped outside, all five pairs of eyes went wide. “That’s truly incredible,” Markus said, meeting Anella’s eyes. She gave him a brave little smile. What had happened last time couldn’t possibly happen again, she felt sure of it. “Coming from the king of water demons, you bet it is.” Rose agreed. “You look lovely.” Tallith intoned his voice rapturous. “When I saw it before, the night Raythor got hurt; I just thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.” Laura said. “So did I, but the color stays with her when she moves, and it isn’t affected by the shifting of the light. We didn’t want to see, because it shouldn’t happen,” Raythor said. He jerked his head, to indicate a puddle near him. Anella walked slowly over to it, trembling. She saw her face reflected in the water, and she almost didn’t recognize herself. It was actually all of the adjectives her friends had used to describe it: Incredible, lovely, impossible… No wonder Raythor had told her she was beautiful, when he had seen her like this. “It’s… it’s…” Anella said faintly. “Beyond words?” Raythor supplied. “Y-yes…” “We might as well head back in. I bet they’re talking about something interesting without us.” Rose said. “Yeah, and then it’ll stop the second we get inside.” Markus rolled his eyes. He gave Anella one last encouraging smile. Anella just stood there, her own image still shimmering before her. When finally she tore herself away, everyone was gone but Raythor. She tried to hurry past him, but his voice stopped her dead. “Anella, wait… I don’t know what I did, but I’m sorry.” “You just obviously don’t believe I can take of myself.” Anella said curtly, not turning to face him. “None of us can fight Kenetari alone. I don’t know why she’s targeting you.” “I believe she has the delusional idea that you are attached to me. You told me differently.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:20:55 GMT -5
“I did?” “The night you tried to leave, you said you couldn’t let yourself get attached to anyone.” “That was because I was afraid that… never mind.” “What?” “It doesn’t matter. It’s stupid.” Anella turned at that, just a little. “It has to be something big, to scare you.” “Just… I used to think…” He sighed. Anella’s face became concerned. “This is actually hard for you, isn’t it?” “I thought that if I ever l… cared for anyone, I would just kill them and lose my memory again. I thought that’s what must have happened the first time, before I knew what Kenetari did to me.” “Raythor… I am so sorry.” Anella said, and then bit her lip. His eyes glazed over, the shields were back up again. Her voice became a little stronger: “You don’t want pity, do you? Another ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t going to make a difference.” “What makes you say that?” “Because, no matter how much you try to pretend nothing can touch you and no one can hurt you, I can see what you’re really feeling. Your eyes aren’t ice, they’re water. They never stop changing, and if you know how to read them… y-you’ve got everything.” “Anella…” Raythor said, for once at a loss for words. Anella moved forward and laid her cheek against his chest, putting her arms around him. The strange feeling from before was there, but faintly, and there was something else now too… She didn’t want to pull away; she didn’t care what could happen. He kept his hands at his sides, afraid to touch her. “I don’t want to stay away from you, but…” “How are we going to save Rea? How are any of us going to survive?” Anella whispered. Raythor awkwardly ran his hand over the back of her head. “I won’t let my sister hurt any of you.” “Kenetari…” Anella’s grip tightened. She pulled her head back, staring him straight in the face. “Do you think she’s watching us? I can’t believe that.” “How else could she be finding us?” “I don’t know. I can’t think about that now.” Anella smiled. “I’ve missed talking to you.” “Why? I’m depressing you, aren’t I?” “You’re not depressing me,” Cautiously, her hand went to the side of Raythor’s face. “There’s no way she can see our every move.” “Yeah…” Raythor said slowly, “I guess.” “Right now, she’s miles away.” Anella said. Raythor grinned a little. Then something clicked. Kylara had told Kenetari that he felt strongly for Anella, for what ever reason. His sister wanted to kill everyone he loved. That was why she had let him live, why she was still letting him live. If he ever fell in love with someone, the first person to tell Kenetari would be… Kylara. “She’s playing our emotions against us.” “What do you mean?” “Kenetari let me go because she thinks I-”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:21:14 GMT -5
“Raythor, what are you still doing out here?” Kylara stood in the door way, squinting at both of them. Anella stepped away from him, turning pink. Raythor crossed his arms, face blank once again. Kylara seemed to be staring at his mouth, and he raised his eyebrows. “What are you looking at?” He asked. “Your… teeth.” “Why, exactly?” “No reason.” Kylara said. She looked slightly guilty, which was a feat for her. Raythor shook his head. “It’s my fault that I didn’t figure it out sooner. Kenetari’s counting on you, isn’t she?” He said, using the same icy, cutting tone he’d used on Anella so long ago. This time, though, it seemed more real. “It was out of my mouth before I could think about it. It’s my mistake, not yours. For your sake, I’ll do anything to protect her.” “Is everything you’ve said to me ‘for my sake’?” “Why her, Raythor? She’s barely even supposed to be here.” “I never said that I…” “But you were going to, weren’t you, before I came out here?” Kylara laughed. “Oh, come off it, won’t you? The only reason she has to be here is because she turns all sparkly in the moonlight.” She smirked at Anella, “No offense, dear, you do look stunning.” “You think you know me better than I know myself?” Raythor said, rather loudly for him. “I don’t need anyone, I’ve never needed anyone.” “So that’s why you’re still with us, I suppose? Because you hate us all?” “Why don’t you just-” “Wait, Raythor. Let me handle this.” Anella cut in. Kylara was amused. “What, are you going to silver me to death?” “At least I haven’t wasted my entire life chasing a legend.” “Excuse me?” “The reason you’re obsessed with the Karian murders is a little transparent, even for you. You fell in love with the disappearing little boy in that story, and when you actually found him he was all that you dreamed he would be. You want to dig him out of the grave he’s dug himself, and you want him to fall in love with you.” Anella’s silver eyes flashed. Kylara just stared, unable to move. “Maybe you haven’t got this through your head. Maybe you never will. Raythor doesn’t love you. He barely tolerates you.” Kylara glanced at the dark haired boy, who was fighting not to reveal anything. Anella gazed back at her with pure hatred, glowing stronger. Kylara felt completely helpless for the first time in her life. She turned and left. “Anella…” Raythor said, forcing his lips to move. “Are you-?” “Never felt better,” She put her arms around his neck, “This light makes me beautiful, doesn’t it?” “You’re beautiful without it,” Raythor said, “Anella, really, this isn’t you-” “I don’t know why you’re so worked up about that meaningless distraction. I’m everything you want, in the moonlight.” “I care about the Anella I know,” He reached behind his neck and took hold of her hands. Before she could protest, he pulled her into the castle. Anella’s eyes flashed again
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:23:34 GMT -5
with hatred. Then the silver faded. She collapsed into his arms. With effort, Raythor picked her up and set her down carefully in a chair. “She’s going to be fine.”
****
“You asked for me, father?” Laura asked. She was worrying about Anella. Raythor, not surprisingly, had been a little close mouthed about why she had fainted. “Elaura, it is time you knew the reason I left you alone for so many years. The reason I couldn’t tell you that your mother had died.” Vyncent said gravely. “You don’t have to explain,” Laura said, forcing a smile, “Your only child, a daughter. It must have been a great disappointment.” Vyncent became upset. “That’s not it at all.” “Then why? Why abandon me?” Laura said, putting both her hands on the table and spreading out her fingers. The poor girl looked so much like her mother, Charity. “Do you remember how I got this scar?” “I’ve had this dream all my life, about you protecting me from a faceless man.” “I’m sure that was Sabbath Whitestar. He was going to take you, to force me to join him. Laina’s king is too afraid to give me more power than I have, and Sabbath offered it to me, in exchange for you. I refused…” “And he cut you.” Laura finished. She wasn’t sure quite what to think. The story teller’s tale went on: “Charity and I knew he would be back, and that we had to hide you. So we sent you to work in Everglade castle, where Sabbath couldn’t hurt you. Ivy and I go way back. Even used to be a bit romantic,” Vyncent said, as though it had happened yesterday. When Laura’s face turned slightly green, he hurried on. “Any letter we sent could be traced, and we were lucky he never found you as it is, especially after he found Lydrion Archer. Imagine… Ivy’s son and my daughter…” “What happened to my mother?” Laura forced herself to ask. “Sabbath had her killed, because she wouldn’t tell him where you were. He seemed so desperate to get you…” “She…she was murdered.” Laura’s legs started trembling. Vyncent got up and put an arm around her. “What matters, Elaura, is that she loved you. I love you. I’ve spent the past sixteen years worrying about you, wondering if you were raised well, if you were happy. If you hated me for abandoning you…” “How could I hate my own father?” Laura said weakly, her eyes dry. She didn’t tell him how alone she’d always felt. That didn’t make a difference, not anymore. She was finally home.
****
Markus was waiting for her when she left Vyncent’s room. Laura smiled when she caught sight of him, hugging him tightly. “Are you all right, Laura?” Markus asked. “What did Vyncent say to you?” Laura told him quickly about everything her father had said. Now, it all seemed so far away.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:24:06 GMT -5
“Your mother was murdered?” Markus said, concerned. “Yes… I don’t know how to feel about it. I barely remember her.” Laura said, “It would have been nice to know her.” “I bet she was as sweet and kind as you are. She would be proud of you.” “Do you really think so?” “Would I lie to my best friend?” “Would you lie to your girlfriend?” “It’s still a little strange, to think of you that way.” Markus said. She laughed. “I know, it’s weird for me too, but in a good way.” “I can’t believe my mother and your father were romantic. Personally, that gives me some really bad images.” “I felt the same way.” She clasped his hands. “Markus, what if Lydrion kills one of us?” “We’ve been on borrowed time our entire lives.” Markus said, hand against her cheek. “If I die, I want you to be happy. Don’t let yourself die. I’m not worth that.” “Yes you are.” “Just promise me.” “I promise,” She said, her eyes a little wet, “I just don’t think I could take it if anything happened to you.” “I know you could.” Laura kissed him then, leaving her arms around his neck when she drew away. “I could have the royal guards kill Sabbath, you know.” Markus told her. “Or I could do it.” “Markus, you can’t go out and kill someone for no reason.” “He murdered your mother.” “It’s sweet of you to get so worked up,” Laura said fondly. Markus smiled sheepishly. “Are you sure? Because I could have him dead in an instant.” “I’m sure. I want to deal with this in my own way. Everyone’s trying to protect me, but I can handle it. All right?” “All right. Good night.” He kissed her, softly. “I’ll try not to worry about you.” “Good night.” She replied simply. Markus disappeared down the hall. Laura leaned against her door, and followed his departure with her eyes, sighing. Rose, who had been watching them mutely for some time now, waiting to talk to Laura, moved forward. “Oh, hello Rose,” Laura said, voice still dreamy. “Did you want to tell me something?” “Err…yes.” Rose nodded. “How did you know?” “It seems that everyone does.” “Laura, I just need to tell you that…well…the night before the wedding, I kissed Markus.” “I understand. I owe you so much. You helped put me back together, you stopped the wedding.” Laura smiled. “None of this would have happened without you.” Rose returned the expression. “You two really are suited for each other. I’m going to bed now.” “Good night, Rose.” Laura said cheerfully. Involuntarily images came into her head, but she pushed them away. She went into her room, shutting the door behind her.
|
|