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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:34:17 GMT -5
“Yes, that we know about. He disappears for hours on end. Who knows what he’s doing? It could be anything, even murder.” “I know him, Blade. He isn’t like that.” “Maybe not on the outside,” Blade said quietly, “But how much do we all really know about him? Not much. Everything he told us about the murders could have been a lie, and don’t try to tell me that all the fairy tales that sprang up from it prove anything. Stories are all they really are. The people who really do know what happened could be so scared; they don’t want to tell the truth. They could have even been swept away by all the romanticizing of the story, and made themselves believe it. We don’t know. All we know is that two people, maybe more, are dead and that he’s admitted to doing it. He knows things, even if he’s telling the truth, that only the killer would know. And I don’t mean one that has lost their memory.” “You really think that he did it?” Dasher said, her voice a little weak. “I’m just saying we don’t know, we can’t be sure and we may never be. Would you really want to take that risk?” Blade asked, meeting her eyes. She stared back, her gaze just as resolute. “For him, I would. I can read emotions. He wasn’t lying. It was hard for him to say those things, and it was hard for him to try and leave us.” “Then why even try? Why tell us this, if not to warn us?” “Because he was going to turn himself in.” “How could you possibly know that?” “Anella told me. He told her.” “She can’t read emotions, now can she?” “Stop being like that.” Dasher said angrily. “Like what, exactly?” He asked, slightly amused. “So… so cynical. You just have to trust people sometimes, and I trust Raythor whether you do or not.” “That’s a strange thing, coming from you, miss logic. Are you sure Raythor and his big blue eyes haven’t been playing games with your heart?” “Why do you trust me then?” She asked coldly. His smile faded a bit. “To my knowledge, you have never killed anyone, on the battlefield or other wise.” “All of us have our dirty little secrets.” Dasher said, softening her voice. She curled her tail around her legs, and inclined her head very slightly. Her eyes never left his. “I wonder what you’d say if you knew mine, Blade. I’m sure that your own is a little bloodier.” “Uh…” Blade said. He wasn’t sure where she was going with this. “Tell me, do you think that I could break your heart?” She crooned. He hesitated. “I’m sure you could.” “Then you don’t really trust me.” Dasher laughed. Her star glowed, and he stepped back, ready to counter it. By the time he realized that there was no spell, she was already gone.
****
Kylara watched mutely as Laura patiently restrung her bow, humming cheerfully all the while. She smiled at Kylara, and said in a very conversational way:
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:34:42 GMT -5
“You know, in all this confusion we see to have forgotten about Dione’s friend James. I wonder where he is.” Kylara almost wanted to slap her, she was being so annoyingly normal. In Caltha, the story of the Karian Killer was told to children to keep them from misbehaving. It kept superstitious adults from walking alone at night, made everyone keep a sharp eye on dark haired little children. She has seen it grow from a simple horror story to a legend as the years went by. The Karian’s house had never been lived in again, people outright avoided it. The most terrible twist was that Raythor’s legend had no end. No one knew what really happened to the dangerous little boy, or even how he had escaped. No one, that is, except Kylara. She had managed to worm little things out of him gradually, tiny things that didn’t seem to matter. More than anything, she wanted to find the ending to the story that had remained unfinished for so long. It had grown, almost, into an obsession, something that bothered her every time she slept. She had known him from the first moment she had seen him, from the first time that name came off his lips. Now, all of them knew his secret too. Her secret. “How can you be so calm?” Kylara demanded, crossing her arms. “I just know that he didn’t do it. Somewhere, deep down, I know it.” Laura said simply. Her bowstring twanged as she tested it. “But he must have…” Kylara began, before she knew what it meant. She wanted him to have killed his parents. She wanted all the terrible stories to be true. Why? Was it his darkness that had drawn her to him, let her find him, listen to him speak and learn his every movement? What ending had she expected, for a story so great? “He must have what?” Laura asked, her voice shaking. “You really can’t wish that he…” Kylara had already disappeared into the forest by the time Laura’s words left her mouth. It wasn’t time to end it, not yet.
****
“Give it to me, Markus. Give me Mary’s diary.” Rose said, her eyes flashing wildly. Markus blinked at her, his expression very blank. His arm was draped loosely around Anella’s shoulder, and she was tightly holding his other hand. They hadn’t been speaking, just sitting there. “Take it,” Markus said, nodding to the book lying next to him. “I hope it gives you the answers you want it to.” Rose snatched it, and shifted through pages at an incredible pace. “Sometimes, even the most level headed are too partial to decide for sure. They say that lies will kill you, yet so will the truth. The past repeats itself all too frequently.” Rose said silently. Her arms feel to her side, and she clenched her fists. “He did it. Mary says he did it.” She said plainly. “Mary’s never lied to us before.” “What does it say, Rose?” The prince asked. Anella released his hand, and he took the book from her. She knew there was nothing he could say. “He may not be able to kill them again, but he can still…” Rose trailed off. Kill us. Chapter Twenty-Two
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:35:02 GMT -5
Relen
“James left again.” Dione told Rea sullenly. “To go prepare for his wedding. What a rat fink.” “Oh Dione, it really isn’t his fault.” The queen replied, smiling. “If he loved me, he’d stay with me anyway.” “That’s just not how it works sometimes. James is a knight now and, as a knight, he has to accept the responsibility of marrying into his new social class.” “Then I wish that he’d never become a knight.” “That’s what he always wanted. It’s such an honor, such a privilege.” “Not to me, it isn’t. All that ‘honor’ really means is that he’s there and I’m not.” “There are other, much finer fish in the sea, my lovely.” A malnourished boy stepped into view. His stringy, filthy dark hair covered his face so entirely that it was impossible to make out his features. “Who are you, swine? All men are parent killing, naïve swine to me now.” Dione said, eyes narrowing. “Ah, my lady, I mean you no harm. My name is Relen, and I am but a lowly bandit in Archer’s employ.” The filthy boy said. He pushed a grimy lock from his face. His eyes were a dull blue. “You see, he’s after your queen.” “Rea?” Dione looked over at the queen, who was watching the clouds go by. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” “She’s completely alone, in that she has no heirs and no remaining family who could take the throne upon her death. I’ve come to warn you.” “Why would a ‘lowly bandit’ even bother?” “Why, the fair maid asks? I have glimpsed your beauty from afar. Your face is pure rapture.” Dione stared at him as though he were insane. She gave herself credit for possessing many things. Beauty was not one of them. “Well, thanks for that nugget of wisdom anyway.” “You don’t believe me?” “Sure I believe you,” She rolled her eyes. “Bye.” Relen was completely baffled. “You know, perhaps Archer was right about your queen. I certainly believe that women were not meant to rule alone, that men must. It is up to us to conquer.” “I ‘certainly believe’ you have less breeding than a dog.” Dione snarled. “I wish I could lock up all the full of themselves, totally useless, lying males like you in a room together and let you out only when the women feel like looking at your sorry faces. Now get out of here.” “But my lady-” Relen was cut off sharply and abruptly. A girl stood behind him, her hand on his shoulder. When she took it away, he fell to the ground. “I can’t thank you enough for shutting him up.” Dione said. She raised an eyebrow. “You know, you look familiar.” “Oh, great. Some hard to recognize girl I am.” Maya sighed. “Just don’t tell anybody, redhead. Anyway, you’re welcome and all. Shake my hand.” Dione took it, and Maya knocked her out the same way she had Relen. Rea started screaming, and tried to run but two of Lydrion’s bandits caught her and held her. “That was really loud,” Maya said, annoyed. She put her hand on Rea’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, this won’t hurt.” She squeezed. Rea, eyes wide with panic, slumped over.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:35:21 GMT -5
“Do you want us to bring the other two?” One of the bandits, a plain looking blonde named Charles asked. “No, he just wants her. Leave Dione and whoever that other guy is.” Maya said, hands on hips. “Kill anyone who tries to follow us.” “Doesn’t Kenetari want that one guy?” “Her brother took care of what’s his name already. The rest of them don’t really matter.”
****
“I just know you’ll see David again soon,” Kenetari taunted, “Hopefully alive as well, but one never knows.” Caldria willfully ignored her, even the mention of David’s name. She couldn’t believe how big her daughter had gotten; she seemed to grow more and more every day. “Does he know he has a pretty little daughter? Maybe he doesn’t want one, and he’ll find someone younger to spend his time with.” Kenetari continued, more for her own benefit than Caldria’s torment. She just wanted to cause Lydrion’s sister as much pain as physically possible, just for creating any disturbance between her and Lydrion at all. “He doesn’t know.” Caldria answered automatically. “Then let’s pray he takes it well.” Kenetari smiled. “If he really loved you, he’d have been able to take care of you. You wouldn’t be here right now, would you?” “He would have been killed if I didn’t come with you. There was no way I’d put David in danger.” “I imagine he’d have preferred dying for you, much more than all the uncertainty. Darling David probably wonders all the time whether you’re dead or alive. If he’s looking for you at all, that is.” “Lydrion’s never stopped looking for Kira.” Cally said, deciding to play her hand and get it over with. She knew Kenetari would realize that she had known the entire time Kira was alive, and that would sting all the more. Caldria smiled. Kenetari glided out of the room, locking the door behind her. Cally had never been quite so thankful for the silence. ****
“So, let me get this straight. A barmaid from the inn we just stayed at came up and knocked out you and-Relen was it? - just after he’d warned you about what would happen to the queen. You ignored him, and when you woke up Rea was gone?” “Mind telling me what exactly is so hard to understand about that?” Dione said crossly. Relen stood behind her, looking for all the world like a dejected sheepdog on two legs. “Well, we have to do something about it, and I just wanted to be sure I’d heard it right.” “What’re we going to do?” Dione demanded. Markus realized that everyone was watching him, and expecting him to do something.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:35:39 GMT -5
“We don’t know much,” Markus began weakly. Then he remembered what Anella had told him. Well, let it be put to the test now. They were all counting on him, and he only had one chance. “Relen, how many of you are there?” Markus started again. “Lord Sabbath’s entire army, but just his. Kenetari and Lydrion are supposed to be back at the castle.” “Do you work for Lydrion or Sabbath?” “Both, I guess. As long as the money is coming, I don’t really care.” “All right. We need a scouting team to go first, to find out where Rea is being held and the size of Sabbath’s army.” Markus said, taking stock of the faces around him. They were all listening intently. Listening, by some miracle, to him. “I just need three or four people, it can’t be too big or you’ll risk being spotted. Raythor, you can move without being heard. Anella, you’re the fastest rider. If anything goes wrong, I’m counting on you to ride back here and get help. Dione, you’re a great emergency fighter and you know Rea better than any of us. I need one more…” “Please, Sire.” Relen interrupted. “I can navigate the camp without being seen, I’ve been there before. I would be honored to act as your guide.” “Of course. You three follow Relen.” They nodded. Anella got back on Ranier, and they started off. “I need some people on horse back, ready to help them quickly. Blade, Dasher, Laura, Kylara and…” “You, Markus. You’re as good a fighter as Dione is, maybe better.” Laura said fondly. She looked at him, so tall and strong. He was acting like a prince, a real prince, for the first time on this journey. Maybe now she could be strong enough to let him go, and be who he was meant to be.
****
Relen led them through and out of the forest and into a low, treeless plain. Scattered through it were loose camps of bandits, all of them just outside very makeshift structures. Relen smiled when he noticed they were drinking. “Stay here. They haven’t seen us yet. This is my camp, so they all know me. I can distract them.” Relen said. He darted away before anyone could answer. “Can we trust him?” Raythor whispered. “Can we trust you?” Dione pointed out. “We have to.” Anella said softly. She didn’t dare even glance in Raythor’s direction, and he’d been avoiding any sort of eye contact with either of them. Dione fumed silently as Relen sat down with his fellows, and started drinking just as much as they were. The talking and laugher got louder and louder. “He’s getting them drunk.” Raythor said, with disbelief. “Imagine that being your first course of action. If you watch closely, he’s actually pouring a lot of it out while they aren’t looking.” Anella smiled slightly. The old Raythor, back for a moment. One of the bandits fell over. “They’re drunk enough,” Dione said impatiently. She strode over to Relen, her head held high.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:35:56 GMT -5
“Hey, it’s a giant squirrel!” One of the men said gleefully. Then he fell over too. Dione pretended not to notice. “Relen, you had better tell me where Rea is if you want to live another second.” “Oh, she’s in there.” He stood up and pushed back the curtain door of the make-shift shelter. “Might I present the queen of Carina?” “Dione, don’t she’s waiting for you. Oh, don’t!” Rea shrieked. Dione helped her out anyway, eyes narrowing. There didn’t seem to be anyone behind her. All the men were far too drunk to care about any of this in the slightest. Raythor and Anella stepped out of the trees, and came to Rea’s aid. “Rea, it’s going to be fine now. No one is waiting for us.” Dione soothed. “That was easy.” Raythor said. As he spoke, a hundred armed and sober men appeared from nearly everywhere. At their center stood Kenetari, flanked by Maya and Benvolio. “Well, now that I trust you Relen, what do we do?” Dione asked. The bandit was too stunned to speak. Dione drew her sword, and Raythor moved in front of Ranier and Anella and drew his as well. “I can’t tell you how much it sickens me to see you all alive.” Kenetari said, the hint of a smile curling her lips. “I suppose I should have never trusted my brother to do anything.” “Anella, I’ve got you covered. Get out of here, and find the others.” Raythor said. “You and Dione may not survive that long alone.” “I’m not alone anymore, remember?” The soldiers started to draw in, blocking her escape. “We don’t have much time. I can keep her talking.” “I won’t leave you.” “You have no choice.” “I can’t watch you die.” “If you leave now, you won’t have to. I’m not innocent, I murdered my own parents. If I die, I deserve it.” “Raythor…” “Dione, take the queen and make a run for it. We’ll cover you as best we can.” Raythor revised quickly. Dione melted into the forest with the queen in tow, and the remaining three were sealed in. “Thank you, Raythor.” Anella said. “This was your choice. I hope you live to regret it.” Raythor said flatly. Kenetari walked forward, her sword not even drawn. Three people against an army was a joke, and she knew it. The men who had been ‘guarding’ Rea were led away, most of them still laughing. “Drop your swords.” Kenetari said, her blue eyes boring into Raythor’s. “Now.” “Not while I still breathe.” He said, gripping the sword tighter. Relen’s sword, on the other hand, hit the ground with a clank. “Benvolio, shoot Relen. Maya, kill Anella.” “I’ll do anything you want me to.” Raythor released his fingers, watching the weapon fall in defeat. “Don’t hurt them.” “Show me your hands.” Kenetari knew him for sure now. He’s survived more times than she could count, and he wasn’t dead yet. Her last doubt was finally gone. Raythor extended his arms, palms up, eyes glaring. Kenetari grabbed his wrist and
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:36:14 GMT -5
shoved back his sleeve. His arm was covered in fading scars, irregular in location but almost unnaturally straight. Raythor gritted his teeth, and said nothing. Anella gasped. “On your right palm, is there a scar in the shape of a half circle?” Kenetari asked, clearly pleased. “Yes, but how-” “Let me see it.” He nodded numbly, pulling his sleeve back down. Then he pulled off his glove and held his hand in front of his face. A fading white half-circle stretched across the surface of the skin. He lowered his hand, and hid the scar again. “Is that it?” “She dies now.” “You said-” “I made no promises.” Kenetari said simply. Raythor backed up, retrieving his sword. Relen did the same thing. Soldiers, five at a time, began moving toward them. For awhile, the three of them managed to fight off Kenetari’s soldiers, taking hits left and right. Anella fell from Ranier’s back, and he started fighting too, for all he was worth. They lost ground quickly, until there was no where left to move, let alone run. Maya waved away the swarm of soldiers around Anella, and drew back her own sword. Anella, now unarmed, could do nothing but sit back and watch. The deadly point met flesh, and went straight through, but it didn’t touch Anella. “I want to die for something important, if I’m to die here.” Relen gasped, his breathing become ragged. The sword had gone straight through his stomach, and the blood spilled everywhere. “Relen!” Anella cried helplessly. He merely smiled back at her. “I die for you, my lady. Not money, not glory. For you.” He slumped to the ground, holding his stomach as the sword was withdrawn from his body. Anella knelt beside him, holding his hand as he faded away. “Bind the two survivors.” Kenetari ordered, “Leave the dead one. I’ll handle them from here.”
****
Markus stroked the flank of his restless horse, knowing she was probably just channeling all his nervous energy. They should have been back by now, he knew that much. Above him, the sky was a sickly gray, signaling a storm. The first drops of rain were already falling from the sky. “Doesn’t it figure that it’s raining again?” Markus said, readjusting himself in his saddle yet again. “Why do you say that?” Laura asked, keeping her eyes glued to the forest. “The day before we began this quest, it was raining. I was worried then, too.” “You’re worried now?” “Why wouldn’t I be? No matter what happens, I can’t show it.” He smiled slightly when he saw Saria, who was singing some song about the rain. “Wish I could be like that.” Laura felt her chest tighten, now unable to accept she would be losing him soon. He was right; this was a mirror of what felt like so long ago. This time, though… this time she wasn’t crying.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:37:50 GMT -5
****
“They’re gone, and so is the army.” Dione explained, in a rush. She has already been there and back three times, checking to see if anything had changed. Rea had ridden off to find help, and still wasn’t back yet. “This is bad. They’re going to be difficult to find.” Blade said. There would be no trail, with all the blood there was likely to be littering the ground. “Can you track them?” Laura asked “I sincerely doubt it, but… Raythor’s dog, where is he?” “I’ll get him. Will this work?” “We have to try.”
Chapter Twenty Three
Nine Years Ago
The large wooden door slammed and bolted behind them. They were trapped in a small, dank shed that was leaking more by the minute. Every plank of wood was rotting, and the roof creaked every time the wind blew too hard. Raythor, his back to the door, tapped it weakly with his bound fists. “Great,” He said under his breath, “another prison.” Anella just watched him with a mixture of fear and almost total numbness. Never had she once thought that she would end up locked in a small room with a murderer. He wasn’t just a murderer though, not to her anyway. He was the boy that she had trusted; who had held her wound shut and made her laugh. The same Raythor that baited Rose and grudgingly took care of his dog. The same boy with the empty blue eyes. “Did… did you really do it, Raythor?” Anella asked, keeping her voice barely over a whisper. “I wish I could answer that question the way you want me to,” He said blandly, staring at nothing, “But nine years ago, I really did kill my parents, and there’s no way I can change that.” “If you don’t remember, there’s always a chance…” “Anella,” He said grimly, “I hope to god this isn’t your last mistake.” “Then I guess Relen’s was saving my life.” She said primly. “Don’t say that. I’m going to get you out of here if it kills me too.” “Why… why would he do that? He barely knew me… It should have been me…” “Relen knew exactly what he was doing. He told you himself he wanted to die for something important, and I’m sure he could tell that you are important to the people who care about you.” Raythor explained, his voice strangely cold. “Relen’s probably been wondering why he chose to do what he did, and this was his last chance to make up for it. There can’t be any better way then protecting someone who deserves it.” “I-is that the way you think?” “This has nothing to do with me.” He sighed again. “Look at us. I’m just standing here flapping my gums, and we still have no idea how to make it out of here alive. To keep it short, Relen was an idiot. A brave, noble and extremely filthy idiot.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:38:07 GMT -5
“You…you don’t have to try and cheer me up. I’m all right.” Anella said, but she was smiling. “About this arm…” “It doesn’t matter,” She hesitated, looking away, “I think my next mistake is going to be trusting you again.” “That’s about the worst one you could make.” Raythor said. They just stood there for a minute, before he added: “We need to get your wounds looked after.” “W-what about yours?” “I’m fine.” “You’re…you’re bleeding.” “So are you.” He worked his dagger from its sheath into his hand, gripping it firmly. Part of the blade made a thin cut in his finger, but he took not notice of it. “Come over here, and I’ll try to cut your hands free.” Very carefully, he sliced through the rope. Shortly, both of them were free. “There have to be guards out there,” Anella said, rubbing her wrists. “Then we have to get them in here somehow.” Raythor agreed. He knew that she had to be in shock, and all of this would really hit her soon. He had to get her clear, before she froze up again, or she wouldn’t have a chance. “How? Scream?” “That could work.” He answered. “Take this dagger, and push it as far through the door as it will go, then scream as loud as you can. I’ll protect you as well I can when they come in.” He produced yet another dagger, and handed it off to her. Then he noticed his finger was bleeding, and he rubbed it in a straight line against his neck. “You want them to think you tried to kill me, and I won.” Anella said, feeling a little cold. He nodded. Anella pressed her hand against the door, and found the most rotten patch. Then she stuck the dagger through, to the hilt. Anella screamed so loudly Raythor felt like his ears were being punctured from the inside. The door opened suddenly and Anella was knocked back. Raythor slashed quickly at the first hint of flesh, and one of their guards fell to the ground. He turned back and pulled Anella to her feet. She pulled the dagger from the door as they rushed outside, noticing that it was still glinting with Raythor’s blood. They managed to fight back the remaining guards. Kenetari and her army were no where in sight. Ranier caught up with them as they ran, a rope dangling from his neck. Clearly he had managed to find his own way to escape. Anella swung easily unto his back, and kept the horse in pace with Raythor. They were almost to the trees when Kenetari stepped in front of them. “You can’t fight us both.” Raythor told her simply. “Just let us go.” Blood trickled from the line he had made on his neck and from a cut on his cheek, and from Anella’s forehead to her nose. They didn’t look like they were ready to fight again. “That’s what you said before, isn’t it?” Kenetari said cheerfully. She placed her hand against her neck. “Who gave you that?” Her eyes drifted, moving from his face to Anella’s. “I suppose you would wish me to believe it was her.” “I…I wouldn’t underestimate me.” Anella said, her voice shaking with every word. She knew she had to play along, or they wouldn’t make it out alive. “I-if I-I c-can c-cut h-his n-neck, I-I c-can s-shred y-yours.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:38:29 GMT -5
“So the little mouse has fangs,” Kenetari said, taking a step forward. Raythor reached for his sword before remembering it wasn’t there anymore. Ranier snorted, and Anella rubbed his neck. “You…you’re not so different than we are, Kenetari.” Anella said, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “All…all three of us have darker sides. I don’t think you can defeat Raythor’s.” “Anella, be careful. She will kill you. You can still make it out of this alive.” Raythor said. He clenched his fists, thinking of Relen. Anella bit her lip. She knew what he was saying. He didn’t expect both of them to survive, and hadn’t from the beginning. He’d probably chosen himself as the sacrifice from the start. “I…I told you, I’m not leaving you.” Anella stammered. Raythor and Kenetari’s eyes were so similar, so emotionless and unforgiving. It could have been either of these that she had seen so long before, watching her. She had no doubt the eyes she remembered were Kenetari’s. “Let me handle her alone.” Raythor replied, before he could stop the words from coming. “I think she’s the one that’s been triggering my memory.” Anella knew that for him, this was fear. If she stayed, one of them would have no sword. Her weapon was still in Ranier’s saddle. Raythor had a chance at lasting long enough, and she could get help. “Don’t die. Please, don’t die.” Anella passed the sword to him. He took it gingerly, with a very weak half grin. Gray eyes locked on blue. “Stay safe, Anella. Don’t look back, no matter what happens.” Ranier was already running, though her heels were well above his fur. They could both have tried to make a run for it, and probably both been killed by Kenetari’s men in the forest. That would have been better than this, better than knowing she might never see him again when she could have done something more. “That was very sweet, Raythor. I’m curious, when did you decide that you weren’t going to live?” Kenetari said, vaguely amused. “I’m sure you could have gotten away on that horse together.” “Or maybe the archers you have waiting in the trees would have killed us, if I wasn’t here keeping you from giving the orders.” Raythor said carefully. “Were you hoping I wouldn’t notice them?” She smiled. “I knew that you would. I wanted to see how exactly you would react.” Kenetari answered smoothly. “You really don’t remember me, do you?” “What, from the last time you tried to kill me?” He said, with fake confidence. “I think I remember that pretty well.” “It doesn’t matter. A pity Jason didn’t finish you.” She sent her sword swinging at his head, so quickly he almost couldn’t block it. His own blade came dangerously close to his face, just barely missing the skin. After that, she did not speak. Raythor could barely keep back each slash she made. The dagger he had unconsciously still been holding dropped to the ground. Beads of sweat soon covered his face, but Kenetari seemed completely unaffected. She predicted every attack he made before he could make it, and defended easily. Raythor supposed he had always known the ending of his life would be something like this. At least now he had saved more lives than he’d taken nine years ago. Maybe once he was dead, Kenetari would stop terrorizing the others. Anella could handle it, she was stronger than she wanted to believe, and he was just a killer anyway.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:38:50 GMT -5
The sword flew from his hand, snapping his wrist back with it. Kenetari pushed him to the ground, pressing the point of her weapon to his neck. She had the strangest look on her face, tinted with an emotion he could not identify. “Before you die, I want you to know the truth.” She said evenly. “The truth of what?” Raythor asked dully. His eyes had glazed over, and his thoughts had resigned themselves to death. Nothing she could say could possibly matter. “The truth of nine years ago.” “I know that already, don’t I?” “I was never theirs you see, not really.” Kenetari explained, almost apologetic. “I was born their first child, but I’ve renounced that life. They’re dead now. Sabbath told me that I was really meant to be his daughter, not theirs.” “Who are ‘they’?” Raythor asked, confused. “Kari and Hector. My parents.” “I don’t understand what your parents have to do with me.” “You don’t understand?” Kenetari said, so disgusted she could barely stand looking at him. “They were Kari and Hector Karian.” “That’s not possible.” “How could you go so long thinking that you killed them, and not even know their names?” “I don’t remember anything from before they were killed.” His mind was working so slowly. What had she said? That she was their first born, making her… “It’s coming back to you, isn’t it?” Kenetari said playfully, “You must have realized that I am-” “Vera.” In that single word there was everything. His parents lay in their bed, throats cut, and blood soaking everything around them. He had been so confused, so terrified. Someone approached, reflected in his mother’s mirror… Vera. His sister, Vera. She lunged at him with the black dagger before he could speak. Raythor crossed his arms over his face. She wounded the arm in front again and again, ripping apart the skin and leaving deep cuts behind. Vera had him backed against the wall, against the mirror. Tears blurred his vision so terribly he could barely make out the features of her face any longer, but he struck his hand out blindly, managing to knock the dagger away. Vera reached out her hand, and her fingers wound through his hair, taking hold of his scalp like claws. She repeatedly bashed his head against the mirror, letting the glass shards fly everywhere. Raythor had lost consciousness then, bleeding so heavily he had been sure that he wasn’t going to wake up again. He almost wished now that he hadn’t. “The blood on your hands was your blood.” Kenetari told him. She had never seen anyone’s face look quite so blank, seen eyes so dead. She lifted his chin, studied his face. He looked so much like her. “I was so sure you were dead. Then all those stories sprang up, about the murders, and at first I was the murderer.” “You are the murderer.” Raythor said. For the first time in nine years, he felt like crying. He hadn’t killed them. He was innocent. “I couldn’t have that. Sabbath paid and killed to have my existence erased. It was so convenient, to put everything on you, once we found out you were still alive.” “Not for long.” He said, “Can I ask you one thing first?” “I cut the scar in your palm, after I thought-”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:39:19 GMT -5
“Why?” “What?” “Why did you kill them?” “It was the only was the only way to become Sabbath’s daughter.” Kenetari dropped his chin. “Death would have been kinder to you, but you have become someone, haven’t you?” “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished for death.” “You have to understand how confused I was, Raythor. But I can control it now, this black thing…” “Black thing?” He asked. Kenetari pulled him to his feet, putting the knife behind his neck. “I saw something that no one else could see, this black creature. It followed me around tormenting me. It went away when they died.” She looked a little sad then. “Did you ever see it?” “Not that I remember.” He told her honestly. She laughed softly. “How have you survived, all these years?” “I’ve just never allowed myself to get attached to anyone or anything.” Raythor said slowly. “I thought I’d kill again, if I did.” “You’ve never loved anyone?” She asked, vaguely amused. “Well, my deathbed confession would be no, I haven’t.” “You’re just like you were as a kid.” Kenetari said. “I guess you wouldn’t know that, though.” Her hand held a little tighter to his shoulder, but it didn’t hurt. For awhile, both of them were silent. “Now, would you want a second chance?” She said finally. Raythor hesitated before answering, wondering why she was asking it at all. “Yes.”
Chapter Twenty Four
I Only Wish…
Oraia kept looking back at Bruce as they walked, and whenever he noticed she’d look away quickly, just to mess with him. She was trying to make Jayce notice too, but he wasn’t paying any attention to her at all. He still wasn’t sure how he had escaped from Purple Rose without leaving any casualties behind, and it had shaken him. Kenetari wouldn’t hesitate to kill those that she pretended to love. Jason himself had come mighty close to the end of that sword, the day he spared Charity Glasswater’s life. He had always known she wasn’t really his sister. Jason had been eleven years old when she’d first come to live with them, and Benvolio hadn’t yet started talking. The two of them had always pretended that they were related though, if only for Benvolio’s sake. He still didn’t know the truth, poor little thing. Jason and Kenetari had grown close, over time. He had always been able to calm her down, make her fits of temper go away. She had trusted him completely. It wasn’t until recently that he had learned the horrible truth about who she was. Jason had taken it well, at the time, vowing to take care of her anyway. Then there had been Lydrion, and all of Sabbath’s dreams became darker. Kenetari had fallen in love with Lydrion almost
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:39:34 GMT -5
immediately, though she knew he had just broken off an engagement. She didn’t know Kira, but Jason had known that Kira had been Archer’s fiancée. Sabbath thought it had been wise to keep it that way. Kenetari had gotten worse and worse, the more in love she became, and she and Jason had started to fight. Charity had been the breaking point, and Jason left without looking back. Yet she was still his family. A scream filled the air. He knew, beyond a doubt that it was the queens. For the first time, he questioned whether or not to try and stop his ‘sister’. Jason looked back at the other three, his mouth a straight line. “We’ll stay out of this one.”
****
Thunder had been leading Markus, Laura, Dasher, Blade, Rose and Kylara all over the place, with no set plan or even a discernable pattern to his movements. By pure chance, they met up with Anella along the way, who quickly told them everything that had happen. She left out Relen’s death. They all started running again; this time with Anella at the lead and with Raythor’s confused canine bringing up the rear. Dasher was busy calculating how long Raythor’s ability would last against Kenetari’s, to decide whether or not the boy was still alive. Her best guess left him dead about ten minutes ago. She shuddered involuntarily, and focused instead on keeping track of Ranier’s bobbing tail in front of her. At least it felt good to run. Blade, next to her, was still rather irritated by the ridiculous amount of loyalty Dasher had for that grungy peasant human. Couldn’t she have placed her trust in one of the other humans? Markus, Laura or Anella for instance. None of them would hurt a fly if they could help it. But no, she chose the murderer and put all the blame for it on him. Raythor was innocent, Raythor was smart. This was no way for a Light princess to act. Markus and Laura kept mouthing things to each other, both of their eyes filled with worry. He knew something that she didn’t, and Mary’s words kept echoing through his mind. Markus wished more than ever that he could tell his best friend of the books existence, but that would mean betraying both Rose and their unknown guardian. He could never do that. Laura turned her head again, this time mouthing the word ‘bandit’. He shook his head. He didn’t know where Relen was. Markus inclined his head Anella’s way and responded ‘bleeding’. Laura’s brow furrowed. She knew what he was thinking, and she didn’t like it at all. Yet she didn’t even hold out for the possibility that Anella had been lying, or that Raythor had laid a finger on the poor girl. So she added ‘no’ before turning back around. Then the line of horses stopped. Raythor didn’t, he kept walking toward them, Anella’s sword still clutched in his hand. “Well,” he asked placidly, “How have all of you been?” “You’re alive!” Laura exclaimed, jumping off her horse and running over. There was a series of soft thuds behind her, indicating that everyone else had dismounted as well. “Where’s Kenetari? Did you…” “Kenetari is my sister. She let me go. I don’t know why, obviously she’s been trying to kill me for a long time.” Raythor told her. Laura’s hand flew to her heart, Anella gasped, and Markus’s mouth hung open. Rose just glared.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:39:52 GMT -5
“That explains why you’re such an idiot! How could you do that to me? I thought we were going to find your mangled body!” Rose yelled. Raythor smiled at her. Her eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong with your face?” “You look so nice when you smile.” Anella said softly, feeling like she was going to cry. “My sister killed them, not me. I’m innocent.” Raythor responded. Laura started crying uncontrollably, wrapping the dark haired boy in her arms and refusing to let go. “I didn’t know you could smile.” Rose said flatly. How had she ever doubted him? His entire face looked so different now, so relieved. “The facts never lie,” Dasher commented, in an in your face sort of way. Blade sighed. He was never going to hear the end of this one. Laura finally let go, and began treating all of Raythor wounds as carefully as she could. “Anella, I don’t know how to thank you for sticking with me so long.” Raythor said. “I couldn’t leave you. Ranier wouldn’t let me.” The shy girl answered. She wouldn’t meet his eyes. “I don’t know what to say, except perhaps congratulations.” Markus said. Raythor nodded. “All of you were absolutely right to doubt me.” “Doubt you? All of us would be perfectly justified in killing you.” Rose raged, balling her hands into fists. Instead of hitting him though, she hugged him too. Dasher rubbed against his legs, like a cat. Markus formally shook his hand, and Blade muttered something resembling an apology. Kylara just adopted a smug expression. Anella didn’t move. “Relen is dead.” Anella blurted out. Her gaze finally drifted to Raythor’s face, and their eyes locked on each others. Everyone fell silent. “I wish you could see how you look now,” Rose said, to break the silence. She colored slightly. “Almost good.’ “Rose, that means a lot to me.” Raythor responded, rolling his eyes. “Don’t think this means I’m going to be nice to you now.” “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Rose was about to answer, but the sound of hooves made everyone turn around. Rea and a group of knights, none of which were James, rode up. She started telling all of them how there hadn’t been many bandits left, and she and her soldiers had been able to finish them off. Everyone but Raythor moved closer to listen, and he caught Anella’s wrist before she could leave. “I’m sorry about all those things I said to you before,” He said, his mouth returning back to its normal line. “And for all this trouble.” “It’s all right. Everything you said was true.” Anella told him. She kept walking, and his hands fell to his sides, completely limp. He would never be as innocent as she was.
****
Kenetari started up the stairs to Lydrion’s room. She knew that every soldier left alive in Sabbath’s now broken army was questioning her actions, and probably questioning Lydrion because of it. If things fell apart now, it was her fault. She’d let
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 0:40:15 GMT -5
Jason escape, she’d let the Royalty of Everglade escape. None of them would follow a leader who let his girlfriend decide who lived and who died. “I suppose why isn’t the question here.” Lydrion said, as she opened the door. “I couldn’t kill my sister, either. But I’m going to have to ask you to choose between them.” “Jason.” She said easily. “Raythor knows who I really am now.” “Then why not kill him now?” “Because,” She smiled, “I want to break him before he dies.”
****
David watched listlessly as Relen was buried. Though the bandit’s death did not affect him, the general mood of sorrow and regret was inescapable. He began to regret every cross word he had ever said to Cally. David glanced over at Anella, who had her hands folded and was keeping her eyes to the group. There would be no way for her to say thank you, or I’m sorry. It might be the same with Cally; he might never see her again. No way to say I love you… “David?” Kaslon said. He knew that his friend was lost in thought, he just didn’t particularly care. “I was talking to Dione, and she said that the army Rea got rid of was Sabbath’s.” “Meaning one of Lydrion’s.” “So he has to be close,” Kaslon said, raising his eyebrows. David just glared at him. Kaslon sighed. “Meaning she has to be close.” “I guess you’re right.” David said slowly. He gave a weak half smile. Kaslon thumped him on the back. “See? Stay positive. She’s alive, and she’s waiting for you. Have I ever been wrong?” “Yes.” “Never at a funeral. Anyway, I was going to go talk to Anella. Doesn’t she have the loveliest hair?” “Just go.” David answered, but not at all aggressively. “Thank you.”
****
Caldria knew that someone was in the room with her. She gritted her teeth, wondering who exactly Lydrion had sent this time. “Hello, Cally.” The voice sent shivers up and down her spine, but it couldn’t be real. It had to be a trick of her mind, maybe she was finally losing it. Caldria turned, moving in front of Emma protectively on the bed. “David?” She said, but not because she was expecting an answer. Then she froze completely. He was there, standing in the door way, smiling with his arms outstretched. How was that possible? “I’m here.” He said softly. Caldria would have run to him, fallen into his arms, forgotten everything. But she knew her husband. He wouldn’t just be happy to see her, he’d be asking questions, trying to find someone to blame. He’d always been that way.
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