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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:32:00 GMT -5
“Who don’t we trust?” Raythor said, with a smirk. Neither Dasher nor Rose was there to smack him, and Anella wasn’t there to tell him he was a good person. “I would be first on my list, personally. Kenetari is my sister, and she let me live for no particular reason.” “Oh, please. No one believes you’ve done anything wrong.” Blade said, rolling his eyes. “Most of these people didn’t even think you’d killed your parents, even though you confessed.” “So I’m least likely. Therefore, I did it.” “No, you’re most likely.” Laura said, breaking this up before it became an argument. “You were previously unattached, Kenetari is your sister and she did let you live. Therefore, you’d be a really obvious spy, which Archer would be too smart to use. Besides, because of the fact you have no family, except for Kenetari, he has no one to control you with. He’s engaged to her, thus he wouldn’t kill her if you betrayed him. If fact, we’d all love it if he killed Kenetari, yourself included.” “Great. Thanks a lot, Laura. Now we have to look for someone who actually makes sense.” Raythor sighed. “That isn’t going to be easy.” “Who can we rule out?” Laura asked. “No one, really,” Blade said realistically. “That’s the point of a spy. Laura was with Lydrion alone for a week, Caldria is his sister, Raythor’s so obvious he isn’t, and Markus has…blue hair.” “No one would suspect me?” Markus suggested. “Sure, let’s go with that.” Blade said lightheartedly. They all glanced up at the same moment. There were no suggestions. “Whoever they are, they deserve a second chance.” Laura said, “Because obviously we’ve bonded with them. Just like…” “Just like I did,” Raythor finished grimly.
****
Rose stared straight into Lydrion’s face without fear. Kenetari was at his side, focusing mainly on her new husband. Her expression of adoration was so intense that Rose felt nauseated by the very sight of it. “Fine work, Maya.” Lydrion said dismissively. Maya nodded and left. “I’ve seen my brother talking to you,” Kenetari said to Rose. Then she pointed to Gabriel, “And you. You stare at this little spitfire all the time. Disappointed she’s a princess, I suppose. Maybe you hadn’t thought of that.” “These two will draw them here, I trust?” Lydrion said. “They aren’t completely useless. I should think so.” “Put them in Caldria’s old room. Leave the hands tied, but remove the gags.” Lydrion instructed the two guards. Rose’s arms were roughly grabbed, and Gabriel gave her guard an uncharacteristically sour glance. Just as unceremoniously, they were shoved in Caldria’s room, de-gagged, and then left. Rose pounded on the door with her bound together fists, more out frustration that anything else. “I’m sorry,” Gabriel said. Slowly, his features slid into concern. “I shouldn’t have taken us out into the open like that.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:32:18 GMT -5
“Don’t blame yourself,” Rose said, sitting on the cot. “There was no way you could have known.” “I should have fought back.” “How? By the time you were conscious, you were bound and gagged.” “I don’t know…” “It could be worse. We could be dead, or, even worse, still gagged. That tasted awful.” When Gabriel appeared neither amused nor comforted, Rose added: “Someone will figure out the note.” “Raythor?” “What does that have to do with anything?” “Just…you always rely on him, trust him. I wish that you trusted me.” “I trust you,” Rose said firmly, “barely him.” “Really?” “Really. I’m glad you’re the one I got kidnapped with.” Very, very slowly the corners of Gabriel’s mouth turned up.
****
One more night in her father’s castle. Laura closed her eyes, feeling Markus’s hands on her shoulders as they both gazed out the light room’s window. She placed her own, thin hands over his. “Do you think they’re all right?” Laura asked. “Caldria does. I imagine she knows her brother well enough to be sure of that.” He answered. “What did that letter say, to your father?” “Only that I’m not marrying anyone else. That I’m in love with you.” “Markus…” Laura said, her arms falling limply at her sides. “Stop saying things like that while I’m worrying. Does he, or will he, rather, know that you’re about to go fight?” “He will,” Markus said confidently. “He’s going to have to accept it, all of it.” “The king will not bear your tidings well,” Laura said, turning her head slightly and smiling. “I’ve been forced to act and think the way he wants me to my entire life. I’m sick of it, sick of him sending away everything I care about.” “He didn’t control everything. You’re still you, no matter what he does. I know who you are, and all of your friends know it too.” Motionless they continued to stare outside, as though it would show them the answers to their uncertain futures. They didn’t hear footsteps behind them, didn’t notice Anella wait uncertainly to be discovered. All they could see was the unresponsive darkness.
Chapter Thirty Eight
Endless Night
“Kill her, Jason.” Sabbath said, exhausted. “She’s of no use to us anymore.” Jason was too startled to respond at first.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:32:43 GMT -5
“Why?” He forced out. “Can’t we just let her go? Or, at the very least, keep trying?” The girl-for that’s what she looked like, really, just a girl- just sat there motionless, not protesting her own impending demise in the slightest. Her long brown hair had been cut shorter and her face was covered in tiny little cuts. Tobias sat staring at his claws on the floor, each one of them colored slightly with their captive’s blood. Peregrine, unmoved by everything that had happened, sat beside him. “You might as well kill me,” Charity Glasswater said bravely. Her eyes were still those of a confident cat’s, reflecting all six of the other faces in the room with her. “You’ll never find her.” “Just do it quickly, Jason. We can’t let her live.” Kenetari said. She glanced at the young man behind her. She thought his name might be Lydrion Archer, the child-finding hero from Laina. He hadn’t said a word since he had brought Charity here; he just stood there, hair over his eyes, completely silent. “I won’t kill her, father. She hasn’t done anything wrong.” Jason said defiantly. Kenetari was so shocked that her attention shifted back to Jason. “Who cares? Our father is a lord. He can’t go around kidnapping other people’s wives. If she lives…” “Can’t we bribe her, threaten her, anything?” “Just kill her, or I’ll do it for you.” Kenetari said, irritated. They stared each other down. “Fine,” Jason said flatly. He grabbed Charity’s arm and pulled her to her feet, dragging her into the hallway. When the door closed behind him, he quickly untied Charity’s hands. She gave him an odd look. “What’s the point of that? I’m just going to die.” “Run.” “Don’t play mind games with me. It isn’t going to work.” “I’m not joking. Get away from here as fast as you can.” Jason said, voice hard and serious. She studied his face. Then she turned and ran. “Jayce, it’s your turn!” Oraia’s voice called shrilly. “I don’t care what you’re dreaming about.” Jason shook himself and rose to his feet. She opened her mouth again, and he raised his hand. “Hey, I don’t want to hear about how boring it is to stay up late at night and stare at a castle that isn’t moving. We’ve been through that about six times already.” “Then we should just get married and spend all our time wasting money on things we don’t need. How come you never want to do what I want to do?” “If I married you I’d have to not only touch you, but also listen to your irritating voice for the rest of my life. So, pardon me, my lady, but I really must decline the offer.” “But I need to marry someone with money, and since I joined you I’m not getting Prince Markus anymore.” “I’ve been disinherited. My brother is getting all the money.” “How about-” “He’s ten. That’s pushing it, even for you.” “You never let me have any fun.” She pouted playfully. Jason rolled his eyes, staring at the castle fixedly. Dropping the gentleman façade had been the best decision of his life, at least around Oraia. Kira walked up, dragging Bruce with her. She put her hand
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:33:01 GMT -5
over her heart and then pointed at the castle. Then she pointed at Jason and closed her eyes. “Kira, you were awake right before Oraia.” Jason protested. She crossed her arms. He gave in. “All right, fine. Why’d you bring Bruce?” “I can’t sleep. I thought both of us could take this watch.” Bruce said. “Besides, Jason, you haven’t been sleeping enough lately. We need you to be you know… awake whenever Lydrion shows up.” “Yeah, you’re still the fearless leader.” Oraia said with a yawn. “Which is probably why we’re all in hiding.”
****
Anella woke up, the wisps of a nightmare fading from her mind. Kylara, who was sleeping very lightly, opened her eyes as well. “What? Something wrong?” Kylara rasped out. “No, nothing. Just a bad dream and I barely remember it now. I’m sorry I woke you.” “That’s what I’m here for.” “I suppose…” “Suppose all you want,” Kylara said with a shrug. She let her eyelids fall shut. Anella, now unable to sleep, got up. Surely, now that Rose and Gabriel were gone, she was in no danger. Kylara didn’t notice as she slipped into the hallway. She ducked into a doorway as the patrolling Markus passed her by. A strange sense of freedom washed over her. To be guarded so heavily, like a princess… That was something she would never be, or want to. Anella glided aimlessly down the hallway. She passed Hydria, but the maidservant curtsied and then kept moving. The elementist lay asleep outside different doors, with the exception of Dasher. She pushed open the light princess’s door. Unconsciously, she knew she had been heading there all along. A chill ran up and down Anella’s spine as she gazed at her own sleeping form. The fear faded just as quickly, she knew who it really was. Thunder raised his head, tongue lolling out and tail hitting the floor as it wagged. Raythor, eyes closed, was breathing evenly from his chair. “He’s so tired he’s actually sleeping…” Anella whispered. Her trance broken, she started back toward her room. “How soft do you think I am?” Raythor asked. Anella turned quickly. “You aren’t asleep?” “Obviously not. My eyes are open and I’m speaking to you.” “Aren’t you worried you’ll wake Dasher?” “Hardly. Saria came in here earlier and accidentally dropped her sword. Dasher didn’t even move.” He yawned. “Have any more questions?” “I’ll think of some.” “I doubt Kenetari will be by again tonight,” Raythor said passively. “However, this is certainly not a necessary risk for you to take.” Anella scowled. “You all spend too much time trying to protect me.” “Learn how to defend yourself better, we won’t have to.” “Someone would have to teach me.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:33:23 GMT -5
“Try Markus.” “Fine. I’ll ask him tomorrow.” She moved slightly. Raythor stood up. “Will you be all right?” “See? You’re doing it again.” “Can you blame me?” “Yes! I killed Pallas.” “You aren’t even armed now.” “How do you know that?” “There’s no way you could hide a sword in a nightgown.” “So I’m not armed. If you’re so concerned about my safety, why can’t you protect me from Kenetari?” Anella demanded. His expression became serious. “I can’t protect you; I’ve already lost to her three times. I might not even be that lucky next time.” “Don’t say that,” Anella said, eyes on her feet. “I hate it when you talk like that.” “Like what?” “As though your fate’s already been written and you’ll be dead any second.” “There was a time when I could have been. Besides, we’ll all be dead eventually.” “So why think about it all the time?” She shook her head violently. “It doesn’t have to be now.” Raythor rolled his eyes. “How did you just cheer me up with something as stupid as that?” “It could mean that you care about me, just a little bit.” “Or it could mean that I’m very tired. Go back to bed or you’ll resemble a very blonde raccoon in the morning.” “That sounds like caring to me.” “I care for nothing.” “Fine, goodnight,” She started for the door. Raythor grabbed her wrist, starting to say something. Then somebody screamed. “Saria, that has to be Saria.” Anella said. To her surprise, Raythor didn’t answer. She twisted around to face him. His fingers were still around her wrist, but so loosely that it was a wonder that they hadn’t just slid off. His face was pale, his eyes had closed and he seemed very unsteady on his feet. “Raythor?” Anella asked, concerned. “Are you all right?” “I’m fine…going to be all right…” He said. His voice sounded strange. “Can’t touch her, she’ll die…Don’t love anyone, not ever, not safe…” He sunk to his knees, dropping her wrist. Instinctively, Anella put her hand over his forehead and jerked it back almost immediately. He was burning up. She heard a sound in the hallway, and grabbed for Raythor’s sword, shouting Dasher’s name. The door knob was turning on its own again.
****
“Kylara, where’s Anella?” Markus asked sharply. “I have no idea. She was gone when Saria screamed. Is she alive?” Kylara said, clearly unconcerned. “Yeah, we got there fast enough and there were only two of them.” “Two of whom?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:34:14 GMT -5
“Archer’s soldiers. I think he plans to keep them attacking all night.” “That’s pretty smart.” She drew her sword. “Where are they?” “They could be anywhere.”
****
“Where’s Dasher?” Theo asked, loping along beside Blade. He shook his head. “No one has seen her either. We have to hope she’s with Anella.” The shadow prince growled menacingly at an enemy soldier approaching them and he just left. Theo looked surprised. “Wow, Blade, that kind of scared me. Are you going after him?” “What’s the point? Someone else will get him. Firelight and Nightshade are together, right? No one’s fighting alone?” “Not that I know of.” Theo assured him. “Come on, the real fight’s this way.”
****
Laura notched another arrow on her bow, pretending not to notice that Markus hadn’t yet fired an arrow yet and neither had Kylara. Not that it mattered, Laura was hitting everything she fired at, she just wish they’d stop arguing over where Anella had or hadn’t been. It was very distracting, and she didn’t think she’d killed a single soldier yet. “Why doesn’t one of you go look for her, then?” Laura burst out finally. “Just talking about it isn’t going to help anybody do anything.” “I’ll go.” They both said at once. “Raythor asked me to look after her.” Kylara said. “I’m the better fighter.” “Which is why Laura needs you here. I can’t fire a bow to save my life.” The prince said. “Pick a number between one and ten.” Laura interrupted. “Each of you. Right now.” “Seven.” Kylara said immediately. “Five.” Markus followed up. “It was three, no I didn’t choose in favor of my boyfriend, good luck Markus, let’s get to work Kylara.” Laura said, so that there would be no room for argument. The other two both sighed, but Kylara drew back her bow string and Markus started back into the main part of the castle. Laura supposed that, if she ever got the chance, she wouldn’t be a half bad queen.
****
“Caldria’s still there, you know.” Kenetari said, sitting on the bed and focusing all her attention on the figure in front of her. Lydrion, arms folded, intent on staring down the wall, just nodded. “I know that. She made her choice, to stay with him rather than with her only family. Cally dies with the rest of them.” “You couldn’t do it yourself, could you?” “No. Never. I don’t understand how you killed your parents.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:34:35 GMT -5
“I was born without those sort of silly regrets.” Kenetari said dismissively, “Besides, I modeled my new name after my mother’s. No need to think anymore about it.” “Yet your brother spent his whole life thinking about it.” “Hence my argument for who truly is the weaker sex. No offense, of course, Lydrion.” “Anyone who knew you wouldn’t doubt it.” He titled his head a little, so that she was actually in his line of vision. “Have you ever wanted to kill me?” “Sure. I’ve wanted to kill everyone I’ve ever known, at some point. I love you, though.” “Did you love them?” “Hm…” Kenetari hesitated, thinking. “I suppose, in a way I did. They always represented the black thing to me, so it was a bit bittersweet. I hated so much when it controlled me. Now that their gone, it doesn’t bother me anymore. So I made a choice.” “You scare me,” Lydrion said smiling, walking over to kiss her, “so much.”
****
Markus pulled his sword out of a soldier’s chest, grimacing slightly as he did so. Lydrion must have a lot of expendable men, to be able to launch an attack like this. Blade and Theo passed him by. Blade’s tail was bloody, and so was Theo’s mouth. Theo, Markus thought grimly, must have bitten someone. The earth elementist just winked as he disappeared down the hallway. “Anella,” Markus called. “Dasher! Raythor!” “Markus?” Dasher’s voice answered. She said something else, but her tone dropped so he couldn’t make it out. He started toward the origin of her voice. A door opened and, to his surprise, human-form Dasher was behind it. She grabbed his arm and pulled him inside, slamming the door shut behind him. “You’ve just been in here this whole time?” Markus asked, blinking. Dasher nodded. She didn’t appear to be injured, but Anella was on her knees, hands pushing against the floor. There was a very clean cut across her leg and the wound down her arm had been reopened. Thunder had his head in her lap, whining softly and still wagging his tail. Raythor was passed out and propped against the wall, his head resting on his own shoulder. Some sort of wet cloth was on his head. “Welcome to our fortress.” Dasher said lamely. “We only had about three guys come in here so far, never more than one at once, and Anella’s beaten all of them. I had to change to open the door.” She morphed back, trotting to Anella’s side. Her star began to glow and the irises in her eyes disappeared. Anella winced slightly as the wounds started to bind themselves shut and stop bleeding. Dasher grinned as the spell finished. “I just learned that one.” “What happened to him?” Markus asked, indicating Raythor. “Fever,” Anella said. “He hasn’t been awake for awhile, though.” “I’m sure he’s fine. Are you all right?” “Yes, yes of course.” “We sort of… pushed the bodies into another room.” Dasher said. “They’re not bothering anybody,” Markus said. “I wouldn’t worry about it.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:34:52 GMT -5
“I feel like a killer.” Anella said. Her eyes kept drifting back to Raythor’s face, and she’d jerk them away as quickly as possible. Worrying about him wouldn’t help. “You’re not a killer,” Markus said comfortingly. “If you were, you’d be on Kenetari’s side instead of ours.” Another set of footsteps came through the hallway, but this time no one was calling Dasher’s name. “I’ve got this.” The prince said, “I’m sure you’re both exhausted.” ****
“Laura, we’ve got three coming up here.” Kylara told her, dropping the bow and drawing her sword. “Three? Darn it, I’ll never be able to hit three of them before they get up here.” Laura said unhappily. She aimed down the stairs, shooting one of the approaching soldiers in the neck. He screamed and fell over, and his fellows kept on coming. Laura fired again, and hit a second soldier in the arm but he didn’t even flinch. She moved back, reaching for another arrow, only to find that her quiver was empty. Kylara stepped in front of her, slashing at the first arrival. He blocked it, and pushed her over. Laura grabbed an arrow from Kylara’s quiver and shot him point blank in the chest. The second one jabbed Kylara in the shoulder. She winced, but stabbed her sword through his stomach, drenching herself in his blood. He crumbled on top of her, and she edged away as quickly as possible. “That was completely disgusting.” Kylara said haughtily, applying pressure to her own wound with her hand. “I never want another bleeding dying guy to fall on me again.” Laura laughed, reaching into her bag and pulling out a bandage. Kylara moved her hand away, and Laura wrapped up her arm as quickly and tightly as possible. They both sat in silence for a moment, out of breath. “Thanks for saving me.” Kylara said finally. “You would have done the same.” Laura said, making a standard, neutral sort of reply. “Bow’s just what I’m good at. That gash isn’t quite as deep as I’m sure it felt. As long as you wash it, it shouldn’t get infected.” “We should go find the others. I’m not sure I could do that again and you’re out of arrows.” “Good idea.”
****
Markus’s back hit the wall for the third time. Peregrine smiled at him. She was enjoying toying with this silly little human child. He shook himself and picked up his sword. Blade and Theo had rushed in and started fighting against Tobias, but the two of them together were no match for the shadow general. Anella hadn’t been able to stand, so Dasher had stayed behind to watch over her and Raythor. “You aren’t going to run at me again, are you?” Peregrine asked coolly. “I couldn’t imagine anything less interesting than that.” Theo yelped as dark energy wrapped around his throat, and Blade knocked into Tobias to stop the spell. Markus was at a loss, knew he had become her plaything… Direct attacks weren’t going to work, but the bow was gone and he was human. For the first time, he became aware of the fact he
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:35:13 GMT -5
was standing near a window, and that it was raining. He remembered the blue energy that had taken over his body as soon as he stepped into that stream, only days earlier. “I wouldn’t want to bore you.” Markus said. He stepped to the side, heading toward the window. Blade hit the ground, bleeding in a hundred different places from Tobias’s spell. Theo leaped forward; teeth bared and sunk his fangs into the general’s shoulder. The shadow deflected him easily, and his symbol flashed. Blade screamed and his eyes rolled back into his head. Peregrine padded very slowly after Markus. When the prince reached the window they both stopped. “See, I think you’re already out of tricks. That little piece of metal means very little in our world.” She responded. Markus reached behind himself without turning, so that his fingers were getting wet. Peregrine titled her head. “What are you doing?” “I have absolutely no idea.” He said. The blue energy snaked up his arm again, this time curling around his fingers instead of his sword. Peregrine was confused, but not afraid. Markus stared at his outstretched fingers, wondering why they weren’t doing anything. She laughed at him. “That’s very cute. Flinging little water droplets, I never would have thought of that.” A barrage of memories hit him at once, and the energy grew stronger but still didn’t move. He felt a sudden burst of fear, and everything went black. Moments later he found himself slumped against the wall, his arm still dripping and his sword on the ground. Peregrine was against the other wall, her eyes closed, completely drenched. The sheer force of the energy had knocked her cold. Theo held Tobias’s feet to the ground with vines, but Blade was still screaming and more and more cuts covered his body. “What ever the heck you just did, do it again!” Theo yelled. “Blade is dying, and nothing I have is strong enough to touch this guy. Tobias shifted his attention to Markus, and his symbol flashed again. Blade slumped to the side. Markus’s felt his skin rip open randomly, leaving the same little cuts that Blade had. Then the real pain started. He could no longer see, but he was perfectly conscious. It felt like his skull was about to explode and he heard someone screaming, realized it was him… Theo panicked instantly, jumping at Tobias again and getting knocked away. This time his head hit the stone wall, and he slid to the ground unconscious. “Get away from him,” Dasher said, rushing out. Tobias stopped the spell to look at her, and Dasher realized, with horror, that both Markus and Blade were still awake. “I don’t want to have to hurt you.” Tobias told her blandly. “Give me Nightheart and Karian and I’ll let you live.” “Why?” Dasher demanded angrily, “Am I not a threat because I’m a girl?” “Because you’re a Light. None of you are worth the space you take up.” “Don’t you know what chases away the shadows?” Dasher stepped forward, star flashing. Blade twitched every few seconds and Markus’s fingers curled toward his palm, as though they were trying to escape. Theo’s ear had started slowly bleeding. She knew, even if she had no spells to use, that her emotions would strengthen whatever energy she sent out. Right now, she was so blinded with emotion it was hard to concentrate. She let the tears start to fall, felt everything around her get stronger. She used a simple flash attack, and he blocked it. “Don’t sacrifice yourself for nothing.” Tobias said, eyes turning slowly darker and darker. “They’re just humans. Step aside.” Dasher used another flash attack, which
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:35:32 GMT -5
he, of course, blocked. She fired them again and again, and not one of them hit. He sighed. “That’s all you can do, isn’t it? Light, step aside.” Tobias walked past her and headed to the door, this time just taking the feather light attacks. She smiled. Her star flashed so brightly the entire corridor was illuminated. A burn blazed across Tobias back, and his legs gave out from under him. He turned his head, glaring back at her. Before he could say anything, he was coughing. The ground in front of him was dotted with little flecks of red. “What did you do to me?” Tobias demanded. She didn’t answer, just kept smiling. Dasher had copied Pallas’s spell when she’d healed Raythor, but she couldn’t use it until his back was turned and he was ignoring her. He seemed to realize at least part of what had happened, and his voice shook with rage: “You tricked me.” “Sorry about that.” She strode over, pressed her paw against his throat. “Tell Pallas thank you for me.” “Stop!” Nightshade ran into view. Dasher blinked at her, but she moved her paw. “Why?” “Shade, don’t.” Tobias pleaded. Nightshade, eyes hard, shook her head. “I don’t have a choice.” “What is he talking about, Nightshade?” Dasher asked, but even as she did something clicked. Nightshade was half-Shadow half-Spirit… “They’re your parents.” “Yes, they’re my parents.” Nightshade said dully. “Is she alive?” “I think so. You’re the spy, aren’t you?” “Yes. If I don’t do what he tells me, he kills them and vice versa. Let them go, please let them go. He won’t kill them now, they’re too valuable.” Dasher nodded, and did a quick reverse of her spell on Tobias. Just taking the spell off was a lot easier than healing it had been. Stunned, he got to his feet. Then she walked to Peregrine’s side, and healed her too. Nightshade talked quickly to both of them, and the two generals left without looking back. Behind them, the sun was coming up.
****
“Jayce, just stop,” Oraia pleaded. “They’re leaving already, don’t go after them.” He chuckled back at her, but it was a very strange chuckle. Jason was covered with more lacerations than he ever had been before; every part of his body seemed to be shedding red. Bruce and Kira didn’t look all that much better, but it was clear Jason had taken the most hits. Oraia, on the other hand, was completely unarmed and had spent most of her time safely in the trees yelling encouragement. Now she looked genuinely concerned. Kira and Bruce supported Jason from either side and walked him into the safety of the trees, where Lydrion’s retreating soldiers wouldn’t touch him. “Are you going to make it?” Bruce asked. Jason nodded. “You should have seen what Kenetari did to me. This is nothing.” “I saw what Kenetari did to you, remember? It wasn’t this bad.” Bruce said. Jason didn’t answer. Oraia moved in front of him, hands on her hips. “When we first met, you told me that you were helping out an old friend.” She said casually. “No one there seemed to know you. Who is it?” “Caldria knows me.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:35:51 GMT -5
“But it isn’t her, I know that much. It wasn’t Pallas, it’s not Nightshade. Who is it?” “Do you ever feel like you know someone, even though you’ve never met?” Jason asked quietly. She raised an eyebrow. “Uh, no. Not really.” “Sabbath spent so much time talking about the vessel, telling stories about the vessel, explaining to me what she looked like…” “Laura?” “Yeah… I feel like if I let anything happen to her, I’ll be letting Charity die again.” “Why are you so hung up on her? Just because you couldn’t save her?” “Because she was one of the strongest people I’ve ever known.” He hadn’t noticed that Bruce and Kira were gone, that he was still bleeding. All he could see was Oraia’s face and her colorless eyes, which he couldn’t seem to look away from. “I’ve never told anyone that before.” “I didn’t think you had,” Oraia said softly. She found herself kissing him and he wasn’t pushing her away. It was the first time she’d ever kissed someone just because she wanted to, not because she wanted what they had or wanted to distract them. Jason wasn’t sure what the hell he was doing either, he didn’t even like her, they argued all the time, but it just felt… “Don’t…let go of me.” Oraia said. “What was that?” Jason demanded. “I really don’t know. It just sort of…happened.” “You don’t sound that sorry about it.” “I’m not. You’re completely broke, and I don’t care.” Oraia told him. “So I must… love you.”
Chapter Thirty Nine
Prince of Everglade
“No, he’s been up on and off all morning. The fever broke awhile ago.” Laura said, as she passed Dasher in the hallway. They were running around doing the best they could to take care of everyone who had gotten injured last night. With Dasher’s now limited magic, it was a tough job for two of them alone. “That’s good.” Dasher called back. “Blade and Markus are looking better; the cuts are strangely healing themselves. Must be part of the spell.” “Anella’s walking, but Kylara’s not looking that good.” “Neither is Theo. Maybe we should leave him here.” They both stopped, standing stock still. Nightshade stared out at them both from the doorway. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you.” Nightshade said, “That’s just how it had to be. Are you going to let me help you?” Dasher smiled slightly and just nodded. “Whoever they are, they deserve a second chance.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:36:08 GMT -5
“Why did you let me sleep so long?” Raythor demanded as he strode into the room. His color was back and his eyes were blazing. Laura looked up from her tatting and Dasher opened one eye. “What happened last night? I don’t remember anything.” “You got really drunk and married Kylara.” Dasher said, trying not to crack a smile. He didn’t look amused. “Laura?” “Archer attacked last night, but they all left when the sun rose. Since we weren’t prepared, they got in fairly easily.” Laura explained. “No one’s dead…on our side anyway.” “Probably just another distraction. Never mind, who’s the worst?” “Well, other than you, Markus, Theo and Blade aren’t doing well. Kylara isn’t either.” “Great, he just took out half of our best units.” Raythor groaned. “I better ask before you tell me: Why don’t I remember anything?” “Fever. I’m pretty sure it was just a side effect of Pallas’s spell and of my healing of it.” Dasher put in, “Which is why it faded so quickly.” “What, so I was the damsel in distress?” “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but yeah. You were.” Dasher said. She seemed to be enjoying that idea. “We did have to look after your sorry unconscious butt all night.” “Anella’s in the room down the hall, to the left.” Laura said, studying his face. “Damn it, I said something didn’t I?” Raythor said, refusing to make eye contact. “No, I just thought you might want to know how she’s doing.” “You told me that you ‘couldn’t touch her’ when I checked in on you.” Dasher said, “But you didn’t say who ‘her’ was. I’ve got a pretty good guess now though.” “That doesn’t even make sense.” Raythor said, somewhat defensively. “It obviously makes sense to you.” “Not really.” All expression faded from his face. “I guess I owe it to Anella to look in on her, though.” “Guess so,” Dasher agreed, still amused.
****
“Raythor?” Anella said. She was lying over the sheets of the bed she’d been regulated to. Her leg, though Dasher had healed it hours earlier, still bore a deep cut and was heavily bandaged beneath the white skirt. The sleeve of her dress was rolled up on one side, and her arm was bandaged as well. “You look so much better this morning.” “What happened to you?” Raythor asked, voice trembling very slightly. “Nothing that hasn’t happened to everyone else a thousand times,” Anella insisted. “I know that you’re going to say that it’s your fault and that you should have protected me but you were sick. There was nothing more that you could have done.” “You’re all right, then?” “Yes, I’m fine.” “Good. See you later, thanks for protecting me.” “That’s it?” Anella asked. “You were about to say something to me last night, weren’t you?” “Not that I remember.” Raythor said blandly
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:36:24 GMT -5
. Anella knew that there was no use fighting him. He thought her injuries were his fault, and nothing she could say was going to change that. She smiled at him as he went, noticing that he couldn’t look directly at her face anymore. She was almost sure that she knew what he had been going to say, and that was all she really needed.
****
Laura dabbed at Markus’s fading cuts. He grinned at her. She just kept working, steadily, and only glanced back at him when she was finished. “No unusual symptoms, bleeding, anything like that?” Laura asked. He shook his head. “I’m ok, Laura, really. Even the headache is going away now.” Markus assured her. “Blade was under the spell much longer than I was.” “I’m just being a healer, I’m not being Laura.” She answered primly. Then she put a hand against his cheek. “I’m just glad you weren’t hurt worse.” “We’re still going after Rose and Gabriel, aren’t we? If we give Archer more than a day, he’ll just keep doing this.” “We’re going tomorrow, but only with those who are well enough. My father’s going to have all the doors heavily guarded tonight.” “I guess we don’t have much of a choice.” “If you’re not well enough tomorrow, I don’t want you to strain yourself.” “All right, but I will be.” He leaned up to kiss her and she drew back. “Hey, Blade’s over there.” “Sorry, I forgot.” Markus said sheepishly. Blade stirred in his sleep but didn’t wake up. “One of us will be by later to look in on you.” Laura said formally, but she kissed him quickly before she left. “You’re awake, aren’t you Blade?” Markus said. The elementist prince opened his eyes. “Yeah, but I don’t really mind. You forget the whole lip contact thing doesn’t actually mean much to me.” He replied, with a yawn. “Hmm, I’m definitely going to pretend I feel all better tomorrow even if I don’t. I can’t bear to stay in this room another day.” “Tell me about it.” Markus agreed. They were both silent then, thinking of Tobias’s power ripping through their bodies, how it could happen again. That still didn’t mean they were going to back down.
****
“What were you thinking?” Kenetari demanded, shoving Jason into the wall and holding him there at arms length. “She almost escaped because of you.” “I believe that was my intention.” He said, almost laughing. The expression on her face didn’t scare him in the least, he’d seen it a hundred times before aimed at just as many people, he himself among them. “Don’t you think this is wrong? Sure, father wants Carina’s throne, but that’s all politics. Since when have we ever agreed to murder?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:36:39 GMT -5
“I’m the Karian Killer, what do I care?” “I thought you didn’t want to waste your time thinking about that.” “Because I have no regrets.” “What?” Jason’s face went pale. Ever since he’d found out, there had been an image in his head of Kenetari suffering mental torture and finally lashing out to get rid of it. He had never thought that there had been anything malicious. Suddenly that face wasn’t the same as it had been before, it was like what her parents must have seen before they… “You didn’t think I was some sort of little victim, did you?” Kenetari said. She drew her sword, holding it out to him. “Kill her.” “No. I’m not like you.” “Fine,” Kenetari said smoothly. She flipped him around and pinned both arms behind his back. Sabbath came in, roughly holding Charity by the arm. She nodded at Jason. “Thank you. Don’t feel responsible for anything that happens to me.” “I’ll do it.” Lydrion offered, voice cold for the first time. “I can kill her quickly and this way nothing goes back to Sabbath.” Kenetari handed him the sword. Lydrion held it against her neck for a long time, looking at Charity’s face. It was so without fear he was barely sure what to make of it. Then he closed his eyes and cut. “Lydrion, why are you just standing in here?” Kenetari asked, idly walking into the room. He crossed his arms, shrugging. “I’m just thinking, that’s all. Nothing important.” “Then I need to know whether or not we are deploying soldiers tonight, the list of injuries on their side, our casualties, all that stuff.” “Nightshade reported that Everglade, Ghosttail, Waterwind and Lancewood all took serious hits. Nightheart’s got some bad cuts, so does Karian. His weren’t injury inflicted by our units, Nightshade thinks its illness related.” Lydrion recited listlessly. “We lost somewhere between ten and twenty, she was a little hazy on that part.” “They’ve still got eleven left, one of them is Nightshade, and they lost most of their better fighters. I take it you’re leaving them tonight, then?” “You know me too well.”
****
“Did it mean anything?” Oraia asked. “The kiss?” Jason, leaning against a tree, sighed. “If we live long enough, I guess. It felt very… strange, but not like I thought-” “You’ve thought about kissing me before?” Oraia said peevishly. “Then at least you think I’m pretty, even if you spend all your time talking about a long dead married mother and her offspring, who you’ve never really met. You’re a twisted hopeless rebel, I’ll give you that.” “Than I’ll admit you’re attractive, in your own way. That’s what you wanted anyway, wasn’t it? So stop bothering me.” “If you love me, than I can’t be bothering you.” “That’s where you’re wrong. Those you love bother you the most.” “I’ll leave, if you say it.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:36:57 GMT -5
“Say what?” “I think you know. You’re pretty smart.” “I love you. Now leave me alone.”
****
“This is it, huh? Tomorrow, we live or we die.” Markus said, trying to sound foreboding. He broke into a smile anyway. “That sounded really dumb.” “Oh, Markus, can’t you be serious for ten seconds?” Laura asked, rolling her eyes. “Not around you.” “Stop flirting with me.” “I can go with you, can’t I?” Anella asked softly from the background. “Dasher and I have cleared everyone but Theo, who hasn’t woken up yet.” Laura told her. “Be careful with that leg, though, Anella. I know you want to come but your health-” “Isn’t going to matter to me if all of you are dead.” “I guess that is a valid point.” Markus said cheerfully. “Aren’t you at all worried?” Laura inquired. “Terrified completely,” The prince replied, “but for some reason, I’m the unofficial leader of you all. If I need to make a quick decision, I have to be calm and level headed. If we all die fighting, at least we tried. We didn’t run away, we didn’t give up and we didn’t leave Rose and Gabriel to be slaughtered. Besides, if we lose Rea’s kingdom is in danger, as is my own.” “We won’t lose.” Laura said, sounding much more confident than she felt. “I guess I’d better go rest now.” “Good idea.” She agreed. Markus headed back into the castle. Anella stayed behind, watching the forest. “Where does he go, do you think?” The shy girl asked Laura. “Have you ever just flat out asked him? I’d bet he’d tell you.” “Raythor’s you know… withdrawing right now. I doubt he’d tell me anything even vaguely personal.” “That he had before is really something.” Laura said encouragingly. Anella just shrugged. “I guess that’s true. I’m not going to wait here to find out, though… There’s really no point.” “I understand,” The maid smiled, shaking her head. She looked past Anella into the trees, as though she saw something that the other girl didn’t. “I’ll see you later, all right? It’s my turn to take care of Theo.” “I’ll be in soon.” Anella said listlessly. She’d never imagined that this many things could happen in her otherwise normal life. It hit her all at once, and she didn’t know how she felt about any of it. “I’m sorry,” Raythor said, stepping in front of her. She almost jumped, she was so surprised. It almost seemed like he hadn’t walked there at all, just materialized. “I’ve been trying really hard not to be that way, but I can’t help it.” “It’s fine. Growing up the way you did, you have every reason to be afraid of someone else in your life getting hurt.”
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