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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:24:26 GMT -5
****
Laura wasn’t a princess. His father hated her. Laina and Everglade were not close allies. Markus just stared out the window, thinking all these things and not seeing an easy way out. All his life, there had been an easy way out because he was a prince. And now, when he wished that power could help him, it couldn’t. Getting Vyncent a title would be hard enough as it was, without his father standing against them. He also knew Laura had probably already thought of this and was worrying about it. Therefore, like always, he didn’t need to. It seemed a little twisted to him then that he’d been born royal, and she a peasant, when she cared about every living thing and what happened to it. Not that he didn’t care for his people, or his country, he just couldn’t see it as well as he could. Markus smiled. There was one strength he had that no one else did: he was his father’s son.
****
Rose ran into someone’s back. She knew exactly who it was a spilt-second later. “Raythor, what are you doing wandering the halls this late at night?” “I could ask you the same question, provided I cared.” He turned his head. He could hear the sound of sobbing, very faintly. “Can you hear that?” “Hear what?” Rose asked, but Raythor was already in hot pursuit of his mysterious sound. Rose chased after him, annoyed. He stopped abruptly, and she banged into him again. She was about to start yelling when she saw why. Anella stood before them, dripping blood and crying. Rose screamed, digging her nails into Raythor’s back. There was a flash. “Look down,” Raythor ordered. Pallas disappeared around the corner. “I thought so.” “You expected him to turn into a blood splattered, sobbing Anella?” “I expected something of the kind. Do you remember the night Markus thought he saw you, or when Dione thought she saw James in the woods?” “Very vaguely. What’s that got to do with it?” “He’s the one who’s been telling Lydrion and Kenetari where we are. I’m fairly certain he plans to kill one or more of us tonight.” “What are you going to do about it? Stay up all night?” “I barely sleep anyway.” “Alone? I’m not going to let you get yourself killed.” “I won’t. Just trust me.” “I’m staying with you.” “Do what you want,” He shrugged, “but he could be anyone, no matter who you think you trust.” “You won’t get rid of me that easily.” Rose said, standing her ground. “Just tell me what your plan is.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:26:35 GMT -5
Anella couldn’t sleep. There was a gap in her memory as well, and it was bothering her. She remembered going outside, and Raythor saying her name, then nothing until she had woken up inside. Was it because of the moonlight? That had never happened before, and it felt as though she were missing a piece of the puzzle. Wraith-like, Anella rose from her bed and walked toward her door. The knob started turning before she could touch it. Anella thought quickly, grabbing her sword from off the table as the door crashed open. “Didn’t listen my brother, did you?” Kenetari said. The sight of Anella’s weapon made her smile. “As if you stood a chance, you useless girl.” “I won’t know until I try,” Anella quavered back. Sword met sword. Anella blocked and slashed and lost ground. Kenetari cut a long gash down Anella’s arm, and the younger girl dropped her sword, falling to her knees. Kenetari looked down at her with absolutely no expression on her face, the way she had at her brother, at her parents. Anella closed her eyes. “Raythor, I hear something.” Rose rounded the corner, Raythor right behind her. “For the past three hours I’ve been thinking you’re totally insane.” “Insanity just runs in my family.” He replied. “And there it is.” “Get away from her, Kenetari.” Raythor said darkly. He drew his sword, so did Rose. “Two on one. Hardly seems fair.” Kenetari mused. She darted toward Rose, who swung her short dagger haphazardly in Kenetari’s direction. Kenetari nimbly dodged it, and hit Rose in the center of the forehead with the hilt of her sword. Rose’s eyes glazed over and she hit the floor. “Evening the odds a little?” Raythor had his sword against her neck, moving in front of fallen Rose. Kenetari grimaced. “Guess you have me now, don’t you?” She punched him in the gut, and he recoiled. She slashed her sword at him and he barely managed to block it. His own blade nearly cut into his face. Kenetari knocked the sword from his hand. “Really, Raythor, I don’t know what possible chance you thought you had.” “Don’t hurt them,” Raythor said, coughing flecks of red. Behind his sister was Anella, trembling but on her feet. A variable stream of blood ran down her arm, her face was frozen with fear. Exactly how Pallas had shown her to them, except without the tears. Anella’s sword plunged into Kenetari’s back. Faint light surrounded the gaping wound, and the girl slid onto the ground. Anella stood breathing hard, unable to process what she had just done. Kenetari’s shape morphed into that of an elementist. Pallas lay dead before their eyes.
****
Rose woke up to the sound of two voices. “I just don’t remember any of it. I didn’t say anything too bad, did I?” “Uh… where exactly does your memory cut off?” “The last word I remember saying was ‘Kenetari’.” “Then nothing you’ll regret. You really meant all those…” “Could you tell me what I said?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:27:00 GMT -5
“Before or after Kylara showed up?” “Does it make a difference?” “I’d definitely say so.” “You guys didn’t kiss or anything did you?” Rose interrupted. “Ah, sleeping beauty awakes. No, Rose, we didn’t.” Raythor rolled her eyes. “There is nothing going on between us.” “Sorry. Sort of.” “Were we close? I have this feeling that…” Anella asked. Raythor looked away, his face impassive. “Yeah.” “Are you all right, Rose?” Anella said. Her right arm was bandaged and her nightgown was dyed red on one side. Rose smirked. “Glad someone cares. I’m fine.” “You’ve been out for awhile. It’s almost morning.” “What happened?” “I…I killed…” “It was Pallas,” Raythor cut in, “Masquerading as my dear closest living relative. My theory is because Pallas knew Kenetari so well; he was able to copy her abilities as well as her form. I’ll have to ask Dasher.” “Thrilling. How’d you do it, Anella?” “She…he…Pallas was distracted by Raythor. I k-killed him then. We already buried the body.” “Good, he was starting to get on my nerves.” Rose said. Anella nodded, smiling weakly. She was visibly shaken by the whole ordeal. Her sword had been replaced on the table, but it had yet to be cleaned. Rose shivered. “If you don’t mind, I’m going back to my room to get however much sleep I can. Thanks for saving our butts, Anella.” “Of course…” The door clicked shut behind Rose. Raythor sighed. “I’d better get going too.” He got up. “Wait… Raythor, I just keep thinking that he’ll come back. Or she will.” “I can sleep outside the door or in a chair if you want me to.” “You’d do that?” “Sure. This is my fault anyway.” He sat back down. Anella moved to her bed, lying on her stomach. “Thank you. I know its silly to be scared, but I can’t help it.” “I understand.” Raythor assured her. He started blankly out the window, at the moon. “Anella… How clearly do you remember everything you said before you said Kenetari?” She turned her head. “Very. I remember what scares you. I remember your fingers running through my hair.” “Sorry about that.” “It felt kind of nice, and I really did miss talking to you. Good night, Raythor.” “Yeah…good night…”
Chapter Thirty Six
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:27:15 GMT -5
Blood
“That really doesn’t sound so bad, Kylara.” Saria said. She was sitting in the sun, arranging flower petals on her knee. “It wasn’t the words; it was the way she was looking at me, with so much hatred.” Kylara explained, her insides churning just recalling it. “Anella? That doesn’t seem like her.” “I don’t think it was. Some force had control of her for a moment, and it scares me.” “Talk to her about it, you’ll see. I’m sure nothing’s wrong.”
****
Nightshade stood over the soft earth that made up Pallas’s make-shift grave. She would, of course, have to be the one to tell him that his little golden boy was dead. Idly she pawed the dirt, happy to see it wasn’t quite as shallow as she thought it would be. So the incompetent humans got to be the first to strike a serious blow. One of ours, two of theirs would probably be Lydrion’s reaction to it all. Lydrion. The name sliced through her, holding nothing back. Pallas hadn’t been sent here, he’d come here on his own. “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…” If anything is going to shake him…it would be Pallas’s death. That was all the light elementist had to give. Pallas had killed himself for Lydrion.
****
Rose was glowering at everyone across the breakfast table. Large bags were under her eyes. “Sleep well?” Laura asked innocently. Markus tried his best not to laugh. “Anella killed Pallas last night,” Rose said, pleased at their shocked expressions. They listened with rapt attention as she explained what had happened. “But you’re all ok?” Laura asked, when Rose had finished. “More or less,” The princess replied, as though it were a trial to talk to such commoners. “Is Anella still asleep? I should probably take a look at that cut.” “What about my forehead?” “Considering you’re speaking in full, coherent sentences I wouldn’t worry about it too much.” “She’s still asleep,” Rose said, as Anella came into the room. She looked much more refreshed than Rose did. Raythor lumped along beside her. “Good morning, everyone. Did you know that Raythor sleeps standing up?” Anella said, sitting across from Rose at the table. “I thought it was normal…” Raythor muttered incoherently. Rose raised an eyebrow. “You’re even weirder than I thought you were. Do you always do that?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:27:34 GMT -5
“Usually…does it matter?” “Of course it doesn’t,” Laura said briskly, “Anella, that bandage is very well done.” “Raythor did it,” Anella said. “Well Rose, who did pretty much nothing, was unconscious.” The dark haired boy added. Rose glared at him. “I’m a little worried about him, actually. Raythor was coughing up blood earlier, and I wasn’t sure what to do about it,” Anella said, before Rose could answer Raythor. “Raythor, why didn’t you tell me that? You could have internal bleeding.” Laura gasped. “I’m fine. It stopped.” He answered carelessly. “How long did the coughing last?” “Maybe a minute or two. Not long.” “It was longer than that,” Anella supplied. “Not a lot.” “I can get you some herbs I think will help,” Laura said, “I do hope it isn’t serious. Anella, make sure that he doesn’t move.” “She always says that.” Raythor said bitterly, as Laura left. “Raythor…” Anella whispered worriedly. “Aw, maybe if you run your fingers through Anella’s hair again, you’ll feel better.” Rose taunted. He started, Anella blushed, and Markus frowned. “Were you eavesdropping on their conversation?” The prince asked. “Maybe I was eavesdropping on you and Laura too,” Rose commented, twirling a strand of hair around her fingers. Markus reddened slightly. “Nice chatting with all of you. I have to go brush my hair.” “We won’t-” Raythor began. Then he started coughing uncontrollably. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand. Anella rested her fingers lightly on his shoulder. Rose froze in place, turning pale. Markus just looked helpless. “I’m…I’m fine.” Raythor insisted. He pulled back his hand. Both it and part of his wrist were covered in tiny spots of red. “I’ll go get Laura,” Markus said. “I’ll go get you some water. Stay with him, Rose.” Anella said. She and the prince hurried away. Rose sat awkwardly in the seat next to him. Raythor wouldn’t turn his head to look at her. “I told you… you got hurt.” Rose said softly, “and I couldn’t do anything. I’m so sorry. I really don’t want anything to happen to you.” “You talk, I’ll listen. My chest hurts.” Raythor said, coughing again. “Oh my god! I don’t want you to die. Please, please don’t die.” Her eyes burned slightly. Anella came back with the water, and helped him drink it. He was so weak that he didn’t protest. Laura and Markus returned moments later, and she fed him the herbs. “You say his chest hurts?” Laura asked Rose. “That’s what he told me.” “I’m afraid his lungs might be bleeding. Does anyone know where Dasher is?” “Wait…Firelight too. She senses blood.” Markus put in. “I’ll find them.” Rose volunteered. It was hard to see Raythor like that anyway, she didn’t want to.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:27:55 GMT -5
“Laura and I will come. It’ll be faster that way.” Markus said. They were off again. Anella stepped behind Raythor, very gently rubbing his shoulders. “If you need anything, please tell me. How long had this been going on?” “A few days. I’ve been trying to hide it, but this morning I couldn’t hold it back anymore.” Raythor told her. “Why wouldn’t you tell us?” “It didn’t seem particularly important when we were fighting for our lives.” “Well, now it’s gotten worse, just like your shoulder did. You should take better care of yourself.” “Now you’re starting to sound like Rose.” “Hello, Anella,” Kylara said uneasily as she entered the room. She immediately noticed Anella’s normal, placid gray green eyes and relaxed. “What’s so wrong with Raythor that he’d allow you to touch him?” “He’s coughing up blood,” Anella said. “By the way, about yesterday… I don’t know what I did, but I’m sorry.” Raythor tried to laugh, but it hurt too much. “Inside joke,” Kylara said, poorly veiling her revulsion. “Anyway, are you serious?” “Dead serious. Sorry, Raythor, poor choice of words.” “It’s all right. You’ll both be at my funeral.” Raythor said gloomily, adding a flimsy cough. Kylara raised an eyebrow, glancing from one to the other. “You guys didn’t sleep together, did you?” Kylara asked. He started coughing again, but Anella just looked confused. “Why would Raythor and I sleep together?” She asked, “I mean, yeah, he was in my room but… Is there something he’s not telling me about what I said before?” “No.” He insisted, miserably wiping blood off his mouth. “I told you everything that mattered.” “Stupid question,” Kylara said amused. She’d really just wanted to see what Anella’s reaction would be. No blushes, no stutters. She obviously didn’t love him, like Kylara had thought she did. That was certainly a relief. She knew Raythor wouldn’t lay a finger on Anella unless he absolutely had to. He didn’t want to hurt her. “There he is, Dasher.” Rose said, with Markus and Firelight bounding after her. The elementist girls loped ahead. Firelight focused her gaze on Raythor’s chest. Two red spots floated before her eyes. “Definitely the lungs. They’re filling with blood.” Firelight said sadly, “Looks like a spell that kills the victim shortly after the caster dies. Pallas’s spell, no doubt.” “He’s drowning in it?” Rose demanded, just as Laura came in. Firelight nodded. “Is there anything you can do?” Kylara asked, depressing herself. She did love him and, thanks to Anella, she knew it. Everyone looked at Dasher. She sighed. “Yes, I think so, but it’s going to hurt.” “Sorry, Ray, we don’t care.” Rose said. “Maybe Kenetari would leave you alone if… if I died.” Raythor said, not meeting any of their eyes as he did. “You’re the only thing protecting us,” Rose fought back. “You’d give up now? What kind of person are you?” Kylara stormed. “We need you,” Laura said simply. “You’re one of the best fighters we have,” Markus put in.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:28:18 GMT -5
“Who would help me figure stuff out?” Dasher pleaded. “You’re not alone anymore,” Anella said, her voice almost ghostly. Raythor nodded. “All right. Do what ever you have to do, Dasher.” “Hold him,” The light princess said. She flitted up onto the table. Kylara and Rose took hold of his arms. “Don’t scream.” Dasher added peaceably. “That’s very encouraging,” Raythor said sarcastically. The star on Dasher’s forehead lit up. Raythor’s entire body burned. He clenched his teeth so that he wouldn’t make a sound, sank his fingernails into the wood. The silhouette of his lungs glowed briefly through his chest, and he cried out. “I have to get the blood out,” Dasher said, almost apologetically. The burning focused and intensified in his throat, moved up through his mouth… “Ew,” Rose said disgustedly, “no wonder you were drowning. Look at all that.” “I’ll get some rags,” Laura volunteered, slipping away. Rose and Kylara released his arms. Dasher slumped forward. “That…was horrible.” Raythor said. Rose smacked him. “Shut up! You could be dead right now, you moron.” “‘Oh my god! I don’t want you to die. Please, please don’t die.’ I believe you said that, didn’t you Rose?” “Say one more word, and I’ll punch you in the chest.” Rose retorted. “You’re just lucky that you puked out all that blood on to the floor, because if it had landed on me you would be dead right now.” “Stop arguing or I’ll kill you both.” Kylara said. Rose glared at her, too. “Don’t you want to lie down?” Anella asked, glancing worriedly at Raythor. “No, no. I’m fine.” He insisted. “That’s what you said last time.” Rose said. “Can’t you just take my word for it?” “I’ll listen to you when you start taking care of yourself. Now match into the guest bedroom on this floor.” “Rose, you are not my mother. “You don’t have a mother. Now go.” She said firmly. He sighed. “Fine, but let me walk there myself. There’s nothing wrong with my legs.” “Let it go,” Laura said, strolling back in. “I guess I’ll have to.” “Firelight, watch him please.” “No, let me.” Dasher said. She forced herself to her feet. The spell had left her drained, but that was of little consequence to her. She had to talk to him.
****
“Pallas is dead, my lord.” Maya said solemnly. Lydrion regarded her stiffly. It was impossible to tell a thousand things ran through his head, most of all regret. He should never have let Pallas become a soldier. Yet, with the young elementist’s death, he could feel his past die as well. “Who killed him?” “Anella Nightheart.” “The silver girl Kenetari is after?” Lydrion said incredulously. “I’m through waiting to break them. Maya, bring me two of their number, I don’t particularly care which.” “Of course, my lord,” The door shut behind her. Kenetari peered at her paramour over the top of her fingernails. “Perhaps we could attack them in waves,” She said idly. “Or with all six armies. Well, five now thanks to Nightshade’s carelessness.” “I plan to move against them upon Maya’s return. Then they’ll have incentive to come here.” Lydrion responded. “They still have Caldria and your…our niece. Does she know your generals?” “I imagine she could guess them, but no. Neither does she know that we are married.” Lydrion said. Kenetari glided next to him, admiring her ring as she walked. “She will, my dear darling sister-in-law. It’s depressing Pallas didn’t take any of them with him. I am sorry you lost him. He was a good soldier.” “Nightshade is still safe, at least. They won’t think we had two units trailing them.” Lydrion said impassively. He remembered Pallas’s happy little puppy face, and his nails sunk into his flesh. “I imagine right now they’re all dealing with Pallas’s final gift. I understand it’s very fatal and, to my delight, very painful. How sad for Raythor.” She grinned. “That’s going to make Maya’s job far easier, if they’re vulnerable from a death,” Lydrion mused, “Were Pallas still alive, I’d commend him for it.” Kenetari slid into his lap. “Can’t we worry about all that later?”
****
Scars were scattered across his entire body. The coat that had once been of the purest midnight black was marred permanently with their hardened gray. Tobias had seen hundreds of battles protecting the shadow kingdom, and had lost very few of them. He was the greatest general his kingdom had ever known. Peregrine was his only equal, though her disposition was much colder and harsher than his. Yet they were both prisoners of Sabbath, and then passed along like dogs to Lydrion. Archer was just as cold, just as harsh, and far more manipulative than either of them combined. Both of them had folded completely when their daughter was threatened. Nightshade deserved the best life they could give her. Peregrine reclined majestically, black blue eyes focused on Tobias as she spoke: “I did see her. She’s alive, if nothing else. She’ll stay that way now that Pallas is dead.” “I know.” He replied. Peregrine stretched her toes. Her fur was of an exotic light lavender, and her wide wings were those of an eagle as was her tail. No sign marked her forehead, merely the tuft of fur that was part of all Spirits. Jewels glistened at her throat. She rarely ever worried, and much of what she was shined through in their daughter. “If she turns and sides with them, Lydrion will kill her despite our protection.” Tobias said. “She won’t do that. She knows perfectly well what’s
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:28:39 GMT -5
good for her, and she was brought up to protect her own fur.” Peregrine told her husband impatiently, “Besides, Lydrion knows our loyalty depends on the fact that she’s still breathing, no matter what she’s done to irritate him.” “Nightshade has been with them for months. What if she cares for them?” “She isn’t that stupid.” “She also isn’t that heartless.” “Tobias-” Sabbath barged in at that moment, looking flustered. “She married him,” The lord said, “Kenetari has married him.” “Lydrion?” Peregrine inquired, amused, “I thought you were grooming him as your successor anyway. Or perhaps he’s grooming you.” “What does that have to do with it? They got married this morning without telling me. I had to find out from Benvolio, my own son. She told him. They deserved a real wedding.” “I know you didn’t barge in here to grip about Kenetari’s various flaws.” “The girl I was after… I’m sure of it now, she’s the one.” “Vyncent’s daughter?” Tobias volunteered. “Yes. Eliza, or something of that nature.” “You can’t really believe that silly nonsense about Phoenix being reborn in a human body, and all that other vessel nonsense.” Peregrine laughed. “That’s just a story parents tell their children to make this behave. ‘If you aren’t nice to your sister, the reverse world will come and take you away.’” “She has his necklace.” Sabbath said gruffly. The both flinched a little at that one. “How do you know about the necklace of a long dead fire prince?” Tobias asked, trying to minimize his surprise. “It was lost when he was.” “I’ve read every bit of documentation from the Fire Kingdom, dating all the way back to when the Inferno’s reigned. There is a picture of Phoenix with it, and every crown prince before him. There is no mistaking it.” “It’s just silly charm that looks like a cat. Anyone could make one.” Peregrine said. “Think about the old rhyme,” Sabbath persisted. Peregrine smiled coyly. “‘When darkness and light fall together in sorrow, when river and cat fall together in love, the stone will awaken, the vessel returned.’ The vessel is supposedly the only way to channel the powers of an elementist through a human, which makes them stronger. Sadly for you, there is no vessel and the rhyme is just a rhyme.” “Princess Dasher and Prince Blade are with them. Light and Shadow,” Tobias commented. “Don’t encourage him. I suppose you believe that the reverse world exists as well, Sabbath?” “Who’s to say? All stories have some truth in them.” Sabbath shook his head. “There’s certainly no harm in trying. Elaine will be here soon, if my son-in-law has anything to say about it.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:28:58 GMT -5
She pressed her hands against the dirt. So Lydrion had already come and gone, or someone working for him, with Pallas’s body. That made a lot of sense, and Lydrion had always made sense, for the most part. Caldria just wished she could have said good bye to her friend one final time. David was the only one who knew the truth, and she would never tell Anella. Let him die a soldier, not a victim. Pallas would have wanted it that way. “I know you can’t hear me but,” Caldria said, almost, but never quite, crying, “Goodbye.” She knew what he’d done for her.
****
“Gabriel.” Rose said. She didn’t say anything else until he was done slowly looking up, eyebrows raised. He hadn’t expected to see her, and she smiled. That’s what she had wanted. “Walk with me. Pallas is dead, so you should know I really mean it.” “Why?” Gabriel said. This time Rose raised her eyebrow. She hadn’t expected that. “Because I know you understand me. I barely know anything about you, and I want to.” “Isn’t there anyone else you’d rather talk to? I can’t be your first choice.” Gabriel said hesitantly. Rose stuck out her hand, so that she could help him up. He took it and found himself on his feet and walking before he knew what was happening. “I’m a princess,” Rose told him, “I always get my first choice.”
****
“Hey, with that guy yesterday… that was Oraia, wasn’t it?” Kaslon said. David glanced up, nodding vaguely. “Guess it was.” “You didn’t say anything to her.” “She didn’t say anything to me. It’s a two way path.” “How do the two of you know her anyway? She is a lady.” Kylara asked casually. “David wanted to marry her.” Kaslon said, with a shrug. “Kaslon!” Caldria and her husband said in unison. “What? I happen to know it’s true.” “But that doesn’t matter now, especially because I’m in love with someone else now and married to her,” David said through gritted teeth, “and I was a fool to ever fall for her in the first place. She’s her own one and only.” “It was just puppy love.” Kaslon persisted, “Besides, she’s not nearly as lovely as you, fair Anella, and your shimmering locks of gold.” “Shut up Kaslon.” “But-” “Shut up.” “Anella killed Pallas.” Markus said, and everyone in the room looked at him funny. “What does that have to do with anything, pretty boy?” Rose asked.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:29:13 GMT -5
“If Lydrion sends someone here to avenge Pallas, they’re going to kill Anella.” “What are we going to do about it?” “I actually have an idea this time.” Markus said, “We have to make six decoys. Kylara, would you mind guarding the real Anella? You’re the last person they’d expect.” “True enough, but I’ll do it.” The bronzed-girl shrugged. “If the silver ‘princess’ really needs protecting.” “Imagine, there really has been something going on up there this entire time.” Rose pretended to marvel. Markus smiled at her anyway. “Who are the other decoys going to be?” Anella piped up; embarrassed by the fact that everyone was going through so much trouble on her account. “All the girls, probably Laura, Rose, Ketra, Saria, Dione and Dasher, if they’re willing. Hopefully I can convince the elementists to serve as their guards. We’ll put Raythor in with Dasher as Anella in her original room, because they’ll be expecting that.” “What if Raythor gets hurt again? Even if he was a cat, he’d be running out of lives.” Rose pointed out. “My friend Mary says sometimes you just know when you have to help someone.” “I know, but I’m hoping that Dasher’s element of surprise and Raythor’s quick thinking will be enough. If everything works, neither of them would be fighting alone anyway.” “It took three of us to take out fake Kenetari. We stand no chance against the real one.” “I don’t think we have much of a choice at this point.” Markus said, half wishing someone would jump up and take over from here. No one did. He sighed, and went on: “You’ll all have to switch rooms, and I don’t mean just the decoys. Everyone.” There was a collective groan. ****
“Hey Blade,” Theo said, all his teeth flashing in a sort of smile, “Guess Raythor’s not dead and the shape-shifter’s dead and crazy things are going on.” “Try taking breaths when you speak,” Blade said disinterestedly. “I am so bored of that name, by the way.” “What, Raythor’s? Guess you have good reason to be. Dash talks about him all the time. That has to make you pretty jealous.” “Of a human? Please.” “I’m a human!” Saria called, gliding by. Theo blinked. “She’s an odd one.” “Where are they going?” Blade asked, as Rose and Gabriel passed. “I have no idea. Maybe Karian died after all, and they’re digging his grave.” “Yes, Theo. That has to be it.” “You really think so?” “No. There’s no way he’d die quietly.” “Theo!” Ketra strode up. “Could you tell me when Rose comes back?” “Sure thing, Ketra.” Theo nodded. “Anything for you.” “I guess there’s going to be a wedding here today. Are you coming?” “Why not? Blade, could you watch for Rose.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:29:45 GMT -5
“Sure. I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter Thirty Seven
Easier the Second Time
“What is it you wanted to show me?” Rose said with her hands on her hips. She gazed around the forest as though it were trying to offend her. Gabriel wordlessly withdrew a sword. It was particularly shiny, being new, and very well crafted. A thin metal rose wound around the hilt. She pressed her fingers together and moved them up to her mouth, lips trying not to curl. “Oh, Gabriel, its beautiful…You made this?” He nodded. “Yes, for you. Dasher said you needed one.” “She did, didn’t she?” Rose let herself smile then. Gabriel dutifully passed her the sword, and she gripped it firmly. “You’ll have to teach me how to use that.” “I’d love you… I mean, to.” “Gabriel, would you mind answering a question for me?” “As well as I can.” “Do you think it’s easier to fall in love the second time?” Rose said, watching his expression. It changed slowly as usual, but she could identify every emotion he had. She wondered if that meant anything, if it should. “I imagine,” Gabriel said, keeping with the tone of the conversation, “that it would be.” “Thank you so much for this.” “What?” “For the sword.” “Oh…oh, right.” Gabriel said. Rose laughed, wrapping him in a loose hug. “You’re so stupid sometimes.” “That’s actually a term of endearment for you, isn’t it?” He said. “Tell that to Raythor,” She shook her head, “No, I don’t mean that. We’re always saying things we don’t want to, aren’t we?” “I guess we are.” He slumped to his knees. Rose didn’t have time to react before a hand covered her mouth and someone slipped the sword out of her hand. “Do as I say and neither of you get hurt.”
****
The nearly complete Royalty of Everglade sat in a room outside the main part of the church. The church itself had been only a short ride from Vyncent’s castle. Today Vyncent’s knight, James, and a Laina lady, Guinevere, were getting married. Dione’s rage was so evident that it was almost palpable. Rea murmured comforting words from a safe distance. “Rose left a letter with Blade?” Markus asked, mostly to break the depressing silence. He had never been all that attuned to depressing silences. “Yes,” Laura replied, ever soldiering through the process of humoring him. “Did you read it?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:30:04 GMT -5
“No, but I got the basics from Raythor.” “She’s going into town to have her sword adjusted. I’m sure she knows we don’t believe that. She’s probably just eloped with Gabriel.” Raythor said. He still wasn’t looking very healthy, and no one was quite sure what had induced him to show up at this wedding at all. Dasher was certainly annoyed, and continuously glared at him out of the corner of her eye. He either didn’t care or didn’t notice, keeping his own eyes on Rose’s note and frowning about it. “Wine,” Saria said suddenly. Laura blinked at her. “Huh?” “There a boxes of it over there.” Dione, hearing this statement, wasted no time in purloining a bottle. Saria started passing them around. Just as she sat down, giddy beyond words, the bridegroom entered. “James.” Dione snarled. “Dione,” James returned, far more politely. She managed to give him a killing glance before a shrill voice sounded from the hall. The knight apologized and ducked out, returning seconds later with the lady in question. She was very pretty, with waist length blonde hair and bright blue eyes. No one could have disputed her abundance of physical beauty. The expression of her face was far less lovely. “James,” Guinevere said, in a voice that was unpleasant and melodic all at once, “Why haven’t you introduced me to these people?” Rea jumped in, dutifully reciting the names and hurriedly explaining the elementists, of which three were present. Guinevere, a Laina girl, commented that she personally knew many elementists and a few of them were going to be in the wedding. Dione tactfully decided not to make any further remark and started drinking more than was good for her instead. “James’s father knows mine. The match just seemed perfect, at least Frederick thought so. James used to be Frederick’s squire.” Guinevere said with a pretty little smile, “I’ve always had a bit of a crush on James.” Dione downed more alcohol and wondered if she could find anything stronger. David joined her. Caldria nestled Emma closer to her. “Well, you’d better go and get ready. We’re starting soon.” James said, hurrying his bride-to-be from the room. She waved as she went. Dione slumped forward a little, staring at an empty bottle. Caldria handed over her own. “I’m not very tolerant to this stuff.” Anella said, mystified. “Don’t take large sips.” Raythor advised, forcing a smile. He hadn’t touched his own bottle either, Dasher was watching him carefully. “Can I try some?” The light princess said tentatively. Raythor nodded, as though he were some authority on elementists and wine. Dasher gracefully slid into human form, and Markus passed her his bottle. Dasher and Anella took their first sips in unison. Dasher coughed and Anella giggled. Raythor tried to hide the slight fear in his eyes at the cough. Fortunately for him, no one noticed. Dasher bravely drank more, and so did Anella. They seemed engaged in some sort of drinking contest. Tallith was the only one who appeared amused by this. Laura let her bottle clink back into the box. By the time of the wedding, almost everyone was more than a little drunk.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:30:23 GMT -5
The sun blazed down cruelly on the unhappy Rose. She had been gagged, her hands were tied and her weapons were gone. Very distantly, she could hear church bells ringing, signaling late afternoon. Gabriel, now conscious, trudged at her side. At first Rose had blamed him, then herself, then everyone. Now her thoughts were resigned to how useless it had been to hurt poor Gabriel, he really hadn’t deserved it. Rose wondered if she did. “You see what she did to Charles? Poor bloke. He’s not going home for Christmas.” One of the two men accompanying Maya, Gabriel and Rose’s attacker, said. The other, who had a much deeper voice, responded with: “It’s not going to be worse than what she does to these two. Now that she’s actually married Lydrion, Kenetari’ll be even more insufferable to deal with.” The first man shivered at that. Rose desperately bit her gag, to little effect. Gabriel nudged her comfortingly with his shoulder. “Now boy, don’t talk like that. This little lady is the Princess Rose, you know.” Maya said, with a smirk. “Our humble apologies, your majesty,” The deep voice man said. He laughed. “Should have known that Lord Archer would be so unoriginal as to kidnap a princess.” The first man commented. “These two were asking for it.” Maya said, slightly annoyed. Rose hoped silently that someone would find the thinly veiled message that she had left in her letter. ****
Dasher had managed, against all odds, to pass out with grace. After drinking about a forth of the bottle of wine, abstaining for several minutes and assuring everyone that she was fine, her chin drooped down to her chest and she fell asleep. Ketra, on the other hand, had become immensely paranoid, and was accusing everyone who left the room of being unfaithful. What they were being unfaithful to remained a mystery. Dione just sat, eyes heavily lidded, scowling around the room. She was trying to deny her existence with every fiber of her being. Markus, Laura, Raythor and Caldria were the only ones entirely sober, aside from the baby. “You’re a very nice puppy,” Anella told Markus proudly. He smiled and nodded. The wedding was severely delayed, and he was beginning to have memories of his own failed one. He couldn’t take his eyes off Laura’s face, as though if he looked away she wouldn’t be there anymore. “Odin,” Saria said, addressing Raythor and leaning in as though she had a secret, “Where do you go, when you’re off by yourself?” “Fairyland,” Raythor told her, expertly keeping a straight face. The answer seemed to delight Saria. “We all know he has a secret bunny girlfriend.” Ketra said with a nod. “Anella told me so, and she knows everything.” “Especially when it comes to jewelry. I’m a jeweler.” Anella agreed. “No you’re not, ‘dear’.” Raythor said, rolling his eyes. “Dear? We must be married then. What’s the other women’s name?” “Isabelle. She has greatest floppy ears you’ll ever see.” “Adulterer,” Ketra accused. This caused Saria to clap her hands.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:31:23 GMT -5
“I’m going to go see what’s holding up the wedding,” Caldria said, excusing herself from the room with great haste. With her luck, they’d start singing soon.
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Raythor, hands folded, calm in all the chaos, stood across from Anella’s unconscious form. She barely stirred, unaware now of all that had happened, probably she never would be. Anella had stopped the wedding, simply by standing and announcing how unfaithful James had already been to Guinevere. She would have been completely disregarded or, very possibly, thrown out by the indignant bride if Markus had not backed up the story. He quickly and smoothly talked his way out of it and the end result was the termination of James’s engagement. Then Anella had passed out. Markus and Raythor had carried her out of the room, and Laura had rounded up everyone else. After laying Anella down on a bench in the most secluded hallway they could find, Markus darted off to help the maid and left Raythor alone to watch Anella. All Raythor was really doing was considering how quickly Markus had managed to escape a potentially harmful situation. Raythor supposed that was just the prince in him. Dasher eventually stumbled over, eyes half closed. She curled up on the floor, paws over her eyes, declaring: “Never again.” “I imagine Anella will say the same thing,” He replied blankly. “You’re going to think about what I said, aren’t you?” “Yes.” His voice was entirely flat. Dasher peered at him between her toes. “I just don’t want to hear you say that you want to die again.” “You don’t have to beat me over the head with this. I get it, all right?” “People care about you.” “I know.” “I’m glad to hear that. Just remember it, please. Just remember.” Anella stirred in her sleep. Raythor didn’t respond again.
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“Markus,” Laura said quietly. He looked back at her, the hint of a smile on his lips. Markus was waiting for Vyncent, so they could discuss the king of Laina. Neither of them even wanted to consider Audrion’s reaction. “What is it, sweetheart?” Markus asked, still staring out the window. He couldn’t help thinking about Mary’s diary, and how it was on its way into Lydrion’s hands as he stood here. That is, if Rose really had been taken, like the transparent note had indicated. No one had yet brought up that possibility, hoping against hope that Gabriel and Rose really had eloped or gone to get a sword adjusted. “I’m sorry I scared you.” Laura said, next to him now. He didn’t touch her, didn’t have to. He just shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize. You couldn’t have known what I’d think.” “I should have, though. I’ve known you for a long time.” “People aren’t consistent all the time. I could have married Saria and danced in fields of flowers for the rest of my life instead of coming to look for you.” She laughed.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:31:43 GMT -5
“I’ve always pegged you as the daisy type, myself.” “Oh, absolutely.” Their eyes met. She looked away first. “It’s never going to be the same.” “What isn’t?” “It’s just… the look in your eyes is different now. It’s softer and it’s sweeter but it’s still….different.” “I think I understand. We’ll never be just friends again.” Markus said. She nodded, eyes still averted. “This isn’t quite the same, but when I found out who Rose really was… it was like I was seeing her for the first time, like she’d changed somehow. I know that doesn’t make sense…” “Yes it does. You were always connected to her, but that was the first time you knew you were. It’s like finding a long lost sister or something like that.” “Yeah, exactly.” He agreed. “I’m never going to see you the same way again, either. Your eyes haven’t changed though.” “That’s because I’ve always been in love with you. I think you had to lose me to understand that.” Laura said. He took her hand, held it lightly. “I wrote to my father. I hope it will help, but it could just make him angrier. I had to try.” “I don’t think he could hate me anymore than he already does.”
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“‘Gabriel and I are going into town to have the sword adjusted to my hand. Please don’t be concerned if we are gone over night. Sincerely, Rose and Gabriel.’” Markus read to the small, sober group. Laura frowned, Raythor remained impassive, and Caldria soothed the baby. Firelight and Theo, paws crossed, twitched their tails. “Why would Rose write a letter at all? Why not just tell Blade she was leaving?” Laura asked. “Look at the darker letters: M-A-Y-A.” Caldria said. “My guess is that Lydrion took two of ours to make up for one of…one of his.” “He’s going to kill them?” Laura said, horrified. “Not yet. He’s using them to draw us to him.” “Then this is it, finally. Us against him,” Markus said firmly, “no more uncertainty. He must have decided we’d be easier to kill if we came to him.” “Are we ready for all that?” Theo whined. Firelight nudged him warningly. Blade glided though the window then, landing hard and breathing heavily. “Well that was dramatic.” The earth prince commented. “There’s another spy, not just Pallas. He was a distraction.” Blade said, ignoring Theo. Caldria cringed a little at that, but nobody noticed. He may not be able to tell them who it was, thanks to the spell, but he could warn them. “It has to be one of us. Someone signaled whoever took Rose and Gabriel that they were out there. It’s too much of a coincidence.”
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