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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:15:38 GMT -5
“Yes. I’m his old friend, Prince Theo Lancewood. These are my two traveling companions Princess Firelight Ghosttail and the lovely Nightshade Swallowsong. We met her yesterday.” He yawned. Markus pushed himself to his feet. “Firelight would be Blade’s sister then? It is a pleasure to meet you, milady.” “Likewise, water human.” Firelight said, with a strange canine bow. She didn’t look how Markus expected her to at all. Her coat was pastel orange and her overall marking resembled that of a fox with light colored legs. She bore the same symbol as her brother on her forehead, as well as the same tail and wings. A collar-like metal band wound around her neck with a flame symbol at its center. Pale circles of yellow encircled her very dark eyes. She seemed much younger than all the others. “Why does every elementist I meet call me water human?” Markus asked, “Just because of my hair? Oh, my name is Markus, by the way.” “You have water in your veins. I don’t know why, exactly. It definitely isn’t our blood.” Firelight answered casually. “You can see my blood?” “Well… sort of. Each of the six elements has a different heightened sense. Shadows are hearing, Lights are sight, Spirit’s smell, Fire’s touch and Water is taste.” “What about Earth?” “We’re empaths, so, sadly, we have to feel others emotions. Lucky for us, though, we don’t see it. Some Lights can do that. It’s a little annoying, to say the least.” Theo put in, scanning the area for Blade as he spoke. Nightshade looked on silently the entire time, her face expressionless. “So, Firelight, does that mean that you hear blood?” Markus said, picking up on Theo’s boredom with the conversation. “As you are able to see, I’m not entirely a shadow. My brother and I have the same parents, but I’m the only one of us who’s… who’s a half breed,” Firelight explained, shifting her gaze to her paws, “My mother is part Flame.” “It’s all right. That doesn’t matter,” Markus smiled, “You’d just get a combined gift.” “It’s hard to explain… most of our kind cannot sense when another elementist is using magic. I can, at least partially. I see a glow that isn’t there around them, whenever they cast a spell. Because of this, I see water magic in you.” Markus nodded, trying to take it all in. That meant there was a spell on him, and there probably had been for a long time. Firelight laughed. “I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you,” She assured him, “But do you know you’re almost as curious as I am?” As she finished speaking Blade and Dasher glided into view. As he was surrounded by elementists, Markus felt how the two of them must feel all the time. It was a strange, but pleasant, sort of feeling. In their world, his name and his title had little meaning. “Blade!” Theo and Firelight cried in unison. Both of them changed from official royals to bouncing puppies in an instant. “Blade, Blade I’ve missed you so much! Sythe is such a terrible bore and Cannon’s so little he isn’t any fun.” Firelight said. She skipped back and forth in front of him like an untrained horse. “Why are you out here, anyway? Daddy won’t tell me and you know mom, with all the crazy riddles…”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:15:55 GMT -5
“Slow down, little sister,” Blade said with kindness in his voice. She paid him little notice. “Is Markus your friend, because he’s so interesting and who is that pretty lady with you? Is she your girlfriend? If she has lots of money, Dad will probably let you marry her. How long has she been your girlfriend? How come you didn’t tell me?” “She’s not my girlfriend; she’s Dasher the Light princess. I’m out here looking for that famous general who disappeared.” “Oh, Sythe really wanted to do that, didn’t he? Well, he’s not going to be king, so there’s no reason he should have gone.” “Who’s ‘Scythe’?” Markus interjected. “My brother! It’s spelled S-Y-T-H-E, but I don’t know why. I’ve always thought it was silly,” The girl responded brightly. “He’s too good for the ‘c’.” Theo offered. “You’re still not funny,” Blade smiled. “I’ll let you all catch up.” Markus said softly. Blade gave him a nod as he left. “I see water magic in you…” kept running through his head as he walked.
****
“Excuse me, Anella,” Tallith slid into view, a look of hope of his face. Anella, off by herself feeding Ranier, flicked her eyes over him briefly. She could imagine that whatever he had to say would be no more fascinating than the last time he had trapped her alone, and all she could think about was how quickly she’d be able to get away. Nothing seemed forthcoming, to her dismay. “That is a beautiful horse you have there,” Tallith said brightly, “What is his name?” “Ranier. Thank you.” Anella said shortly. Her mind, already drifting away from the conversation, passed over something that Dasher had said earlier: “He wasn’t surprised to see me at all. Strange, really. It’s like he was expecting it.” “How long have you had him?” “My friends gave him to me recently. Had you ever seen an elementist, before Dasher and Blade?” She smiled warmly, hoping it might loosen his tongue a little bit. Tallith turned his head in all directions before speaking again: “Nightshade Swallowsong. I knew Nightshade before I’d ever laid eyes on the two of them. She threatened me not to tell anyone, but I’m not sure why. She scares me.” “She threatened you?” Anella asked. Tallith nodded. Anella decided that this could be useful information, though she had no idea who Nightshade was. A part of her wanted desperately to find out all she could from Tallith, no matter what she had to do. “How do you know Nightshade?” “I used to work for her family, as a healer. They’re definitely mixed up in something big.” “What?” Tallith hesitated again. He studied her face, looking into the gray of her eyes just the same way he had examined the arrow in her back. She almost shivered. “I know I shouldn’t tell you, but I can trust you completely. I know I can.” Anella didn’t have time to consider why he trusted her, and, at this point, she didn’t particularly care. It was as though someone without fear had stepped into her shoes.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:16:23 GMT -5
“Does that mean that Nightshade is part of whoever is following us?” “I don’t know. I just remember who she was working for.” “Who?” “Lydrion Archer. Perhaps we should tell the others about Nightshade.” “No.” “What?” “No. She’s the only link we have to Archer.” Anella said. Her courage backed out and left with those words. She wasn’t even sure why she had said them. Tallith just smiled. “You’re absolutely right. I never thought about it like that.” “Neither did I,” Anella silently agreed.
****
“Did you hear that, David? Tallith just said Lydrion’s name.” Kaslon commented, stooping to pick up another piece of firewood. “What would Tallith want with Archer?” David asked bitterly. “Likely as not, he’s the one who has Cally.” “Then why don’t we just find out where he is, burst in, and rescue her?” “That would be nearly impossible without Oraia. Two peasants can’t just waltz into a royal court and demand the release of a prisoner. Especially not me; Archer’s probably warned every guard he has to keep an eye out for me.” “Oh… right. Then can’t we just tell the others? Dione might be willing to help us.” “I’m telling you, it’s still not that easy. Lydrion Archer is much smarter than he looks.” “Who is Lydrion Archer?” Anella stepped from the trees, lips pursed. “He’s David’s brother-in-law.” Kaslon said automatically. David glared at him. “Then you must know why Tallith is so afraid of him.” Anella persisted. “Archer has worked his way up from orphaned peasant to the ‘advisor’ of a lord, through his wits and threats alone. It’s no small wonder that Tallith is afraid of him.” “For what end?” “Power, mostly. He’ll tell you differently, and try to spin his words to make it all sound noble, but its power he wants.” “Try not to be frightened. I will hold your hand, my beautiful Anella.” Kaslon offered. She ignored him. “Then how does he control people? Merely through fear?” “Usually through their loved ones, and he has many was to get to them.” David said, his eyes distant. “The heart is his one infallible weapon. Archer has bribed, stolen and killed to get where he is now.” “Which lord is he controlling now, then?” “The lord Sabbath Whitestar. Cally…my wife… told me that he has a daughter. I guess they’re somehow romantically involved.” “Well, then what’s her name?” “Kenetari.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:16:38 GMT -5
****
“Let’s face it, Markus. You’re obnoxiously perfect, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Raythor said. His voice now perpetually had a slight bitterness it hadn’t held before. Above the group, the sun was in the perfect center of the sky, blurring vision all around. Markus rolled his eyes. “I am not perfect. I have thousands of annoying habits. Laura, Ketra, back me up here.” “Sometimes you whistle when you shadow-fight. It’s actually really cute,” Laura said smiling. “Laura!” Markus exclaimed, reddening. “What song does he whistle?” Rose asked. “Oh, he has this one that he wrote-” Laura began. “Stop it!” The prince interrupted, “I am not cute!” “Yes you are little brother.” Ketra said. “In more ways than one,” Rose added. “When he was little, he used to wait until my mother woke up and then he’d tell her-” “Ketra, please!” Markus pleaded. “-The sun has come out just for you, mother.” His sister finished, smiling. Markus stared intently at Eclipse’s mane, who was walking next to him. Raythor shook his head, half grinning. Thunder panted at his side. “Must be strange, having people who love you.” Kylara said gloomily. “Few people know what that’s really like.” Rose looked at Kylara as though she were suppressing the urge to throttle her. “Always thinking of yourself, and your own problems.” Dione came in angrily. “Like you’re the only one who has them.” “And I suppose you’re the world’s largest sob story,” Kylara said, amused, “A pampered maid-servant who doesn’t know the meaning of misery.” “As if I’d spill my guts, and lower myself to your level.” “You don’t have anything to spill. You’re life is almost as worry free as a princess’s.” “You have no idea what Rea has given up for this country. What Markus and Ketra have for theirs.” “What exactly would that be? The crops the peasants eat? Give me a break.” “My father beat up my mother every day. He beat me up, too. Eventually, I ran away, and I was lucky that Rea found me when she did. You are so full of-” “Shock tactics aren’t going to work on me.” “It’s the truth,” Rea stepped between, looking more poised and queenly than she ever had before. “You know nothing of Dione’s life, or of mine. I would suggest that, if you wish to remain of this quest, you do not speak of things of which you do not understand.” The other stood silent. Kylara’s mouth twisted to one side, a physical manifestation of her emotions. So far, she had stood her ground. She refused to fight back or to apologize. After awhile, the party started moving again.
Chapter Seventeen
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:17:01 GMT -5
Happy Birthday
Kenetari pushed open the door, peering inside. Her dress rustled around her legs, making the only sound that she could hear. She could barely see her love, though she knew that he could see her clearly, with the door’s light behind her still. “Lydrion?” “Ah, Kenetari. Destroying their allegiances is our best course of action, so start with the weakest link. Though, if you could convince Kylara…” Lydrion trailed off, his mind working quickly. The darkness of the room hid all expression on his face. “I will do whatever you ask of me.” Kenetari responded quietly. She closed the door behind her. The blackness enveloped them both. “Their weaknesses are particularly important. I’m counting on you to watch their every move.” “Of course.” “I need someone sent to my sister as well.” “Caldria…she…she told me…” “What did she tell you?” There was an edge to his voice, one that she easily recognized. “She told me you wanted all the kingdoms, not just Rea’s.” “I told you,” He responded impatiently, “That too many kingdoms cannot be controlled, and could not give any real benefit to their owner.” “She said you didn’t love me. She said you loved Kira.” “Did you think that I was lying when I said nothing could come between us?” Lydrion said. There was no trace of tenderness in those words. “Then tell me who Kira is… was.” Kenetari said, her fingers wrapped around the hilt of her sword. In the dark, he couldn’t see her do that. She would have the advantage, if she needed it. But she loved him… sometimes that didn’t matter, not when they had to be killed. “She was my… girlfriend; I suppose you’d call her. We ended all that three years ago.” “Did you love her?” “Then, I thought I did. I can see her for what she is, now.” Lydrion told her calmly. The edge in his voice was no longer audible. It had become a current, running between then, invisible but threatening to rip both their throats out. That is, unless Kenetari killed him first. He smiled. “I’m not the first man you’ve ever loved, am I?” “No. But none of them are dead.” This was a fact which had always annoyed her, but he didn’t need to know that. “What, exactly, was so special about Kira that you would kill her rather than lose her?” “Who told you she was dead? It isn’t true.” The tension eased a little, and Kenetari’s gripped loosened slightly. “I merely had Tobias take her voice.” “Why?” He laughed. “Do you really want to stand there and listen to me talk about my love life? Kira didn’t understand what I wanted for this kingdom. I know that you do, Kenetari. You have always understood it.” “Then I suppose she was some sort of angel.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:17:21 GMT -5
“She was everything that’s good in me. There’s isn’t much of that left.” “What am I for? To finish it off?” “Why don’t you trust me anymore? I love you, Kenetari. I love you.” “You don’t mean that anymore, if you ever did. I’m a tool to you, and nothing more.” “When I am king, I want you at my side. You deserve nothing less.” “You made the same promise to Caldria.” “I was trying to make her trust me. I thought you already did.” “I don’t want a future king, I want you.” “It’s him that’s doing this to you, isn’t it Kenetari?” Lydrion almost snarled. I knew you couldn’t let it go.” “My old life means nothing to me.” “Vera…” “Don’t call me that.” “Our past shapes us, more than anything else. It’s about time you got rid of that last memory.” “The memory that I was worthless.” “You were never worthless. None of us are born worthless, despite those who try to tell us so.” He sighed. “I should never have asked you to do something so difficult.” “You can’t even prove that you love me. You have to distract me.” Kenetari said unhappily. He stood, staring at her shadow lined face, knowing his own must be just as unreadable. “Then what do you want from me?” “Something. Anything.” “Will you marry me?” He asked quietly. She shifted her hand still on the sword. “If I say yes, will your promise mean anything?” “Only because it is to you.” “You do love me, don’t you?” She smiled, stepping forward. They fell into each others embrace, the darkness still around them.
****
No one had felt much like talking after Dione and Kylara’s fight. The energy of their words still hung in the air, holding them down as though it were tangible. The constant threat of being attacked again, or having the castle taken without its queen, didn’t help ease the feeling, either. What could such a mismatched group of people hope to accomplish, anyway? This, and many other thoughts, swam in and out of Markus’s head. Now he was sitting in the grass, his gaze fixed on the sky. He felt so lost today, and there seemed no reason for it. What was missing from this life he led? Markus knew he already had everything he could ever want at his fingertips. He had never been starving, or terribly sick, or completely alone. He had never lost anyone he cared about. Yet there was a hole in his life, perhaps he had always felt it. Maybe it was because he didn’t want anything. “Markus, are you in there?” Laura’s voice drifted to his ears from what seemed like miles away. “Laura,” He answered blankly.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:20:27 GMT -5
“Don’t you remember what today is?” “No. Is there any reason that I should?” “Happy birthday, my prince,” She said softly, sitting next to him. They didn’t look at each other. “I really had no idea. How could I, with no gifts, no feast, no wedding?” He said with a cool, bitter tone. Laura rested her hand on his arm, soothingly. “Are you all right, Markus?” “Everyone is a little off today. It’s like a graveyard around here.” “I know you better than that. All of your life, you’ve been waiting for this day. Now that it’s here, it’s just… nothing.” “I was born to marry Princess Rose. What difference does it make, if it happens now or later? I want nothing more than to serve my people.” “You’re more than that, Markus. To me, at least, you’re not just a prince. You’re my friend, who’s noble and sweet and never puts himself first, no matter what happens. I only wish that I had something to give you.” “You came with me. You’re here now. That’s more than enough,” Markus smiled and the curves of Laura’s face echoed it. “Thank you.” “If only I could help you forget that you are a prince, just for a little while. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” “I can’t forget. I just hope that this last freedom was granted to me for a reason.” “Before we came, you had only one friend. Look around you now. Soon they’ll all be as close to you as I am.” “You know you’ll always be my best friend, right?” “Yes… your best friend…” Laura turned away again. Her voice sounded strange, as though she were trying not to cry. “Laura, what-” “Markus!” Ketra called out. As always, she had Rose with her. “Happy birthday.” “One year older. Sucks to be you,” Rose commented cattishly. Ketra rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. “It’s Markus’s birthday?” Saria exclaimed excitedly. She scurried over clutching a bunch of flowers, which she promptly dumped into the prince’s lap. “Now you won’t be eaten by foxes.” “Thank you, Saria.” Markus said uncertainly. By now almost everyone had started coming over. They were all talking at once. Markus just smiled. The lingering ice of the argument had been melted away. “Who do you wish was here right now?” Dasher asked, raising her head high so that she looked more important. “I don’t know,” Markus answered honestly, “What do you think, Ketra?” “It’s your birthday. Don’t ask me.” His sister answered, with a shrug. “Here, let me show you what I mean first.” Dasher said. She studied Markus carefully, as though she had never seen him before. There was a weak flash of light, and Dasher rose up on two legs as Markus’s twin. “Light’s really are shape-shifters.” Firelight said, awed. “That’s amazing,” Markus said, taken aback. “Truly it is. It’s like looking into a mirror.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:20:45 GMT -5
“I have your voice as well.” Dasher said proudly. Laura, for some reason, started laughing. Dasher smiled, and returned to her own form with another flash of light. “You humans are so very strange. How can you walk like that?” “Someone told me once that if I could do something, anyone could do it.” Saria said thoughtfully. “Though I’m not sure why.” “It is a real mystery,” Kylara said rolling her eyes, “I just may never know the answer to that one.” “At least we’ve survived seven days stuck with each other.” Dione put in. “To seven more.” She took a big swig of the liquid in her flask that obviously wasn’t water.
****
“Did you really mean to tell them?” Rea asked quietly. Dione, who was filling her canteen in a stream, sighed. “It’s not a secret. My father is the lowest kind of scum there is. I just didn’t mean for her to draw it out of me.” “Well, maybe you deserve a little pity.” “Not anymore, I don’t. She was right about that. Since you took me in, I’ve never been happier. Now all I have to deal with is the vileness of James.” “You were as alone as I was when I found you. How could I not help you?” “Forget all that nonsense. What do you think of these people?” “Overall, a good bunch.” Rea said, dropping all queenly pretenses. They’d had this same conversation a hundred times before, and it had always been Dione who changed the subject. Not even Rea knew her only regret, and it was going to stay that way, perhaps forever. “I may get along with David,” Dione said, “He’s searching for his wife and all, but he seems to understand…” “What did he tell you?” “Just that James would come back to me, and drop the whole marriage charade.” “Is that what you want?” “Well, maybe if that pig cleans himself up. He’s such a-” “Dione, what have I told you about such language?” “Sure, sure, what ever you say. What is it you’re trying to get from this fiasco, anyway?” “Oh, just to see the world. I don’t expect much else.” “Yeah, neither do I.”
****
“‘The elementist girls words should not scare you, prince of Everglade’,” Markus read softly. “Once again, vague, and it already happened.” Rose yawned. She wanted to hear something juicy. “‘One of them is not entirely what they seem. Be wary, but kind.’” “Maybe they’re secretly a different elementist.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:21:12 GMT -5
“‘To the prince, I wish a happy birthday. Just remember, future sovereign, the dangers of obsession. This can blind you to what is truly most important.’” “Now there’s what I want to hear: more of those famous flaws of yours.” Rose said, pleased. Markus rolled his eyes. “‘To Rose I ask only that she take care of Markus, and that he do the same for her. If you get hurt, he will be there for you. Perhaps you should consider the prince’s advice as well. You never really know how much time there is left to do so.’” “What advice have you given me?” Rose asked, poorly veiling her fear. “I did tell you to give Gabriel a chance,” He said with a shrug. “That’s about it, though.” “Yeah, well, that isn’t going to happen.” “If something bad happens, I’ll be there to protect you.” He assured her. “Why do you say ‘if’? Why did she say it?” “Well… this is sort of stupid…” “Who cares?” “She might not know.” “I thought she knew everything.” “She wouldn’t know emotions, unless they were obvious. It could mean that you’ll be emotionally injured, if you happen to feel strongly about whatever it is.” “Or whoever it is?” “Or whoever it is.” “That’s actually pretty smart. Who knew you had it in you?” Rose teased. ‘Be nice to him,’ she scolded herself, ‘It’s his birthday, for one thing. For another…’ “Markus?” “Yes, Rose?” “Do you feel really weird today?” “Yeah… it was supposed to be my wedding day today.” “I feel strange to.” “You don’t have to cheer me up.” He shook his head. Then he smiled. “But thank you.” She glanced away. “We can’t keep calling this thing the book all the time, blue boy.” “Then what do you want to call it?” “I don’t know. I’m bad with names.” “What’s your middle name?” “Mary. So it would be Rose Mary This… Thisswood.” “Thisswood. Strange name. Anyway, want to call it Mary’s diary?” “Why not? It even has a built in excuse.” “That was sort of the idea, fair maid.” “Do you have to be so… so princely all the time?” “How else could I be?” Markus responded, smile fading slightly. Rose frowned. “Never mind, I’ll take the book today.”
****
“Hey, can anyone draw?” Raythor asked, somewhat arbitrarily. The paper he was poring over was becoming harder and harder to read, but that didn’t matter. He’d already
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:21:31 GMT -5
memorized every inch of it. Everyone else was sitting around the fire. A few looked up, some shook their heads. “Studying our eagle friend again?” Blade said, padding up. “Yes. Some of these details, if they were bigger…” “I have excellent eyesight. No set of ever moving human hands, though.” Blade commented, somewhat unhelpfully. “But, if there is anyway I can help, I would be glad to.” “Lights have better eyesight.” Dasher retorted lazily. Blade, good-naturedly, ignored her. “Might as well tell them, David,” Kaslon said absently, focusing all his attention on Saria stroking Thunder. “I draw, a little.” David grumbled. “Too much. You should concentrate more on women.” “Cally would love that.” “Who’s Cally?” Dasher interjected. “His wife,” Kaslon said. “Shut up, Kaslon. Give me the eagle.” David said. Once he had it, he began scribbling furiously. “This is just like the mark on Dasher’s forehead… this one matches Blade’s… There are seven symbols in the eagle’s wings.” “It must be the Solkenton family crest. They died out hundreds of years ago.” Dasher said. “I didn’t think of that before. The missing foot represents breaking off from the human world.” “Except for those in Laina.” Blade amended. “Then why is there a seventh symbol?” “For the mythical element, Shade, the offspring of Shadow and Light. If there ever were any, they died with the Solkentons.” Dasher said, pressing her ears down. “So the legend goes. They said the Shades were killed by my ancestors, and by yours, miss purity, after the Solkentons fell.” Blade said darkly. “The war that followed turned the elementist empire into six different kingdoms. It’s what made Light and Shadow opposites, instead of balanced.” “Never mind all those old politics,” Dasher cut in swiftly, “Lydrion’s army must therefore be based in Laina. That eagle, used now, is a symbol for-” “Revolution.” Raythor intoned coldly. He remembered now, where he had seen the symbol before. It was on the hilt of the dagger that had killed his parents, the dagger he must have used. Revolution… he could only imagine the thoughts of the twisted mind amnesia had destroyed nine years ago. The mind whose memories seemed to be returning to him. “Why not just fight him now, then? Why go through all this stupid guesswork?” Dione demanded. “Lydrion is ready for us, whenever we come.” David argued. “To fight now, when Carina has no allies warned of a war and without real cause of incident would be suicide. Right now, we are really only nineteen people.” “Where did you learn all that from? That’s pretty advanced diplomacy from an out of work carpenter.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:21:51 GMT -5
“Cally, all right? Just ask Rea if you don’t believe me. There is nothing easy about politics, except maybe executing someone. Even then, you can’t be sure of the repercussions.” “Then find us some answers, smart mouth, not just words.” “What the hell do I know? I’m an out of work carpenter.” David responded. Dione actually smiled. “I guess you really are, aren’t you?”
****
“You think that’s funny, don’t you? There, I made you smile.” “It’s not that easy to make me smile. I look like a flower, I kick like a horse.” “Who told you that?” “Jason did. He’s my cousin, actually.” “Then I guess he didn’t get his kick. Tell me, violent flower, does he ever make you smile?” “More times than you have, but I have a feeling you’re just getting started. What’s your name?” “It’s Lydrion. Lydrion Archer.” Kira opened her eyes to find she was alone. She could hear Jason and Oraia arguing about something, but she didn’t go toward the noise. She didn’t even see the point of getting up. Jason wouldn’t leave her here, and she was so very tired… Kira wished she didn’t have to spend all her time watching Rea’s group. They spent so much time talking, and her throat ached to say anything again. She didn’t care what it was, anything at all, even if it was yes, or I love you, or something from her memories. She wanted so badly to forget the curve of Lydrion’s smile, the sound of his voice, the way he looked at her. Because, thanks to him, she was all flower, no fight. Thanks to him, Jason could order her around like a maidservant. Thanks to him, her family wanted her married off to the next man who found her pretty, and get them married before he knew. She was a freak, she was an outcast and, worst of all, everyone who knew gave her the same exact look of pity. But she couldn’t close her eyes without seeing Lydrion’s face. Kira knew everything about him, even the things he thought only his sister knew. She knew about his nightmares, and his blinding fear of fire. She knew just how much Caldria meant to him. If he could lock Cally away and treat her like a prisoner, there was nothing of him left to save. She wanted to try anyway. She could almost feel the petals growing on her skin. Kira’s only weapon had been her words. Even if he hadn’t sealed her throat, he would have taken those from her. Because, when they had broken up, it hadn’t been pretty. Jason and Oraia’s argument felt like child’s play to her. She would never be an arrow, now, always just a Softpetal who would fade away when winter came. She had never felt so cold.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:22:06 GMT -5
Chapter Eighteen
Purple Rose
“Where is Rea taking us anyway? What happened to all the people that were trying to kill us? We’ve been out here for three months.” Rose complained. If that wasn’t bad enough, all pretense of formality had long since been abandoned. Even if they had known she was a princess, she wouldn’t have been treated like one. “If they’re gone, then maybe they won’t come back.” Anella said hopefully. “I’m not so sure about that. Doubtless, Archer is still watching us. This is more the quiet before a storm than the end,” Raythor put in listlessly. “They’re seeing what we can do.” “We know Lydrion is a peasant, and Kenetari is the lord’s daughter, but that’s pretty much it.” Dasher argued. “I think we need to find out more about Sabbath.” “That will probably work. Even though he’s from Laina, I’m sure that someone here has heard of him.” “I suppose that’s all we can do.” “They’ve been trying to kill us, and the two of you are analyzing them?” Rose said disgustedly. “What else can we do, I repeat.” Dasher said. “Besides, I like puzzles.” “Then we should find a town or something, right?” Anella suggested timidly. Dasher and Raythor both stared at her. “What?” Anella asked. “Bad idea?” “No, it’s an excellent idea.” Dasher said excitedly. “One with a bar, preferably.” “Oh…thank you…” “You mean better if their tongues have been loosened by alcohol.” Raythor said. “Naturally,” The light princess returned. “I’ll go inform Rea of our decision.” She darted off, as fast as she could. “Sometimes I think she forgets that regular people are going to kill her on sight.” Rose said, watching Dasher’s receding form. “She’s a shape-shifter. It’s the other four that we need to worry about.” Raythor pointed out. He kept staring straight ahead, seeing nothing. “You know, lately you really haven’t been all there.” “Are you getting sick?” Anella asked. “No, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” He assured them. Blade walked slowly over to them, in no particular hurry. “The Queen says Saria found some sign nearby, which should lead us to an inn. They’re both all for spending the night there.” Blade informed them, voice bored. “Dasher couldn’t come and tell us that herself?” Anella inquired, smiling slightly. “She had to ‘think’ and… She’s lazy, and she tricked me into doing it.” “I think the queen must be ‘all for it’ because she’s sick of eating rabbit, just like the rest of us. We eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. None of us can even catch anything else.” Rose said. “I swear I’m going to grow long ears and a tail soon.” She looked expectantly at Raythor. He blinked, but said nothing.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:22:32 GMT -5
“You really aren’t feeling well,” Anella said sadly. “There are so many ways you could have insulted Rose with that.” “I guess.” Raythor said blankly. Blade regarded the dark haired boy with uncertainty. “Maybe this will cheer you up.” “Anything’s possible.” ****
“Purple Rose?” Markus said with disbelief, looking up at the inn. “It’s an omen.” Saria said, with what she hoped was a mysterious air. “A bad omen.” Raythor said weakly. Rose gave a nervous cough. Theo, Blade, Firelight and Nightshade had opted to stay in the forest, as opposed to spending the night trying not to be seen in the barn. Dasher stood with poised control, adjusting to her human form. White blonde hair fell down to her slender shoulders, framing a beautiful face. Her eyes were still the same shade of blue, but her mouth looked strangely red against her pale skin. “I wish my human form was less… noticeable.” Dasher said, smoothing down her powder blue skirt. “Though I suppose I’ll need a human name as well. Dasher isn’t normal, is it?” Laura waited for someone to answer, and then she realized that everyone closest to the light princess was, in fact, male. None of them were even attempting to answer. She decided not to think too hard about that. “Not really. Would you like another name with ‘D’?” “No… something different. Maybe a ‘J’…” “Jane? Janice? Juliet?” “Juliet? I like how that sounds.” Finally, someone pushed open the door and the party streamed through. Rea strode up to a burly man who seemed to work there. “Sir, we need proper accommodations for fifteen people.” The queen said royally. “Have to double you all up. Two beds per room, one of you alone. I’ll charge you for eight rooms.” The innkeeper said. “Thank you. Sounds fair.” “Now, all of you come over here and sign the ledger. If you can’t write, put an ‘X’.” When all of them had signed, the innkeeper slammed shut his ledger. “Do you have a group name?” “No, we-” Rea started to say. “The Royalty of Everglade,” Saria cut in, beaming. “Thank you, lady.” The innkeeper plodded away. Everybody looked at Saria. She shrugged. “I thought it sounded nice, is all.” “I don’t mind it,” Rea said acceptingly. “It’s a good, strong name.” Her eyes flicked over Markus. He tried his hardest not to shudder.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:22:49 GMT -5
Whenever she moved, her dress brushed repeatedly against her skin. Dasher found it very annoying. Next time, she resolved to try a different garment. “Are you alone?” A girl with bouncy, wavy hair asked. “I work here, and I get enough leers as it is.” “Yeah, I’m all alone.” Dasher agreed. “I’m Maya. You should talk to Bruce. He’ll make sure none of our regulars bother you.” “All right, where is he?” “Over there, at the counter. Good luck, honey.” Maya said. Dasher thanked her, and walked off. “Are you Bruce?” Dasher said. “Maya told me to talk to you.” “Another damsel in distress, I take it?” Bruce said, briefly glancing up. His face was heavily lined, though he wasn’t much older than Dasher. His brown, tied back hair was darker than his eyes, though he still wasn’t really looking at her. “She seemed to think so.” Dasher attempted a human smile. She didn’t much like having lips. “What’s your name, then?” “Juliet. You know, it’s actually rather embarrassing why I’m here.” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “I’m searching for an old boyfriend of mine. He wants to get back together and I just can’t find him.” “What’s his name? Maybe I’ve seen him around.” “Lydrion Archer.” Bruce dropped the glass and it shattered. “Clumsy of me. Arch…. Lydrion wouldn’t be here, if he’s the one I know.” “Oh, why not?” “Rumor has it that he’s getting married to the Lady Whitestar.” “He’s getting married?” Dasher said, doing her best to look distressed. “It’s for the best, sweetheart. The guy would never have made you happy.” “You really must know my lying, cheating Lydrion.” “I work for him, and I’m in to deep to get out. You’re not, Juliet. Stay away from him.” “What’s going on? What’s he planning?” “He wants to kill Carina’s queen and the heirs to all the other kingdoms. When all seven of the kingdoms are-” “Bruce, stop slaking. I’ve never known you to get held up by a pretty face.” Maya interrupted, passing by. “I should go,” Dasher said. “Thanks so much for telling me.” Bruce nodded. He hadn’t believed anything she’d said, but that was why he’d told her anything.
****
“You wrote Carpenter.” Kylara said. “What?” Raythor said. He hadn’t been paying any attention. He was just staring at the wall. “As your last name, you wrote Carpenter.” “I don’t want to attract any attention.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:23:35 GMT -5
“I suppose it’d be pretty much a death sentence for you if anyone here had heard of the Karian murderers.” “Exactly, Kylara, no one cares about Raythor Carpenter. Maybe I should change it permanently.” “Oh, I don’t know. It’s deceiving. You aren’t a carpenter.” “Since when have I cared about lying?” “Since when have you cared about anything?” “I don’t.” “Raythor, good news. Lydrion’s name stirred up a lot more than I thought it would.” Dasher sauntered over, her cheeks flushed. “I didn’t get anything about Sabbath though. I guess his daughter and Archer are engaged.” “Fine. Tell me.” “Well, I talked to this guy named Bruce. He told me that Archer wants to kill Rea, and all the heirs.” “Great.” Raythor sighed. “We’re the slaughter group. They’re just waiting to kill us all at once.” “Then why isn’t every heir from every kingdom here?” “Maybe he already has them under his control.” “Then we have to find out every conceivable heir of every single kingdom.” “Who would know all that meaningless drivel?” Kylara said, sounding bored. Markus came down the stairs, for once completely alone. Dasher’s eyes lit up. “Markus, come over here for a second.” “That is never a good sentence.” The prince said, grinning. “What do you need?” “Can you tell us the names of everyone eligible to inherit the Everglade throne?” “Yeah, absolutely.” “What about the other five kingdoms?” “I’m pretty sure I could.” “Great. Well, let’s get started then.”
Chapter Nineteen
Just Fake It
David paced back and forth, muttering under his breath. It had been at least nine months since he had seen Caldria’s face. “Not to interrupt you talking to yourself or anything,” Kaslon said, “but if Lydrion does have Cally, there is no way he’d hurt her. She did raise him and she is his twin sister. That has to count for something.” “You don’t know Arch-” “Could you please stop saying that?” “Sorry.” “Don’t worry; Cally’s almost as pigheaded as you are. She’ll be fine.” “Go ahead and talk to Saria.” “All right. Bye, David.” Kaslon said cheerfully. David waved him away. Somewhere, Cally was still fighting. She had to be.
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