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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:33:50 GMT -5
“I’m…sorry… W-what if someone had seen us?” She said shakily. “Don’t be sorry,” Raythor assured her quietly, “I shouldn’t have left you.” “No, I understand. You didn’t want us to watch you die. What you did was noble.” “No it wasn’t.” “When did you stop coughing?” “A year ago, maybe.” He smiled. “I never thought you’d kiss me.” “Would you have kissed me, last night?” “Probably not. I don’t think I could if I wasn’t absolutely sure you wanted me to.” He stood up, offering a hand. Anella took it, wondering about all she didn’t know about him and even everything she did. There thousand little secrets, just waiting for her to discover them. “I’m not a very good girlfriend, am I?” She said jokingly. “Oh, I don’t know, you’re a much better kisser than Karen or Dione.” He said, as he started walking quickly. She almost had to run to catch up.
****
Caldria Catshadow didn’t believe that her brother was actually dead. Lydrion was, after all, her twin. She would know for certain if he was dead. Caldria had never believed in all that twin nonsense, she’d always felt strangely older anyway, but still it seemed just like one of those things she’d just know. They looked alike; naturally, he had the same deep brown hair and eyes, the same thin face. He’d always been paler, though. Much paler. “He’s dead,” David Catshadow, her husband, informed her. He could always tell when she was thinking about Lydrion. He thought the twin connection was utter nonsense too, or he desperately wanted to. He hated Lydrion, though he’d never said as much. David’s tousled blonde hair partially covered his hard, brown eyes, and his features were every bit as straight forward as he was. Their daughter had his hair, but her mother’s much softer appearance. “What ever you say, dear.” Caldria said coyly, bending down to stop Emma from putting a coin in her mouth. “Cally…” David said, exasperated. “I’m pregnant, humor me. Next time you’re pregnant, I’ll humor you.” “Gee, thanks.” David said. He picked up Emma and started toward the door of the room they shared. Someone knocked, very half-heartedly, and then just came in. “Hey, David. Some party last night, huh?” Kaslon pushed his thick, mousy brown hair behind his ears. He strode into the room without a second thought, brown eyes focusing on the little girl. “How’s my little Emma this morning?” “Might I again stress the fact she has no relation to you what so ever?” “Kaslon!” Emma said happily. David looked annoyed, it really bothered him that ‘Kaslon’ had been his daughter’s first word. “Yeah, you can tell me that when she says ‘daddy’.” Kaslon said cheerfully, inwardly counting to three. “Shut up, Kaslon.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:35:56 GMT -5
“David, really.” Caldria said, not actually paying much attention. She finished messing with her hair. “Let’s go say hello to our almost relation Raythor.”
****
Laura came down a good deal later. Virtually everyone else was awake by the time she made it down the stairs. Her heart sped up a little at the slight creak on the third step. These were the stairs she’d gone up two years ago to find out that Markus loved her too, and she remembered that creak with sharp clarity. The strange thing was that Laura had been trying to say goodbye. She pushed away these thoughts, and searched for Rose among the sea of faces. Laura saw the look in Rose’s eyes, recognized it, and smiled to herself. “Markus, light of my life, how are you today?” Laura said with exaggerated brightness, hugging the startled prince around the waist. “Uh, I’m fine Laura.” He said, giving her strange looks. “That’s absolutely wonderful, because you’re the best ever!” “Thanks…” She leaned up and whispered something in his ear and he got such a shocked expression on his face that Rose stood up to demand: “What did she just say?” “I can’t tell you that.” Markus said, still looking shocked. “You’re a lady.” Laura let go of him, flashing him a secretive smile as she crossed the room. Raythor grabbed her arm as she passed and she said innocently: “Yes?” They both watched Rose questioning Markus, who wasn’t giving in. “What the hell did you just say?” Raythor asked. Laura looked back, then leaned over and whispered in his ear: “I said ‘play along, Markus, it’ll take her the rest of the day to figure out that I didn’t actually say anything.’” “Markus is a darn good actor.” Raythor whispered back. “Oh,” Laura said, turning slightly and looking at Rose, “Markus is good at a lot of things.” “Wait, now what did she just say to Raythor?” Rose said, spinning around to face Laura. Markus started laughing. She glared at him and he stopped. “I can’t tell you that.” Raythor said. “I don’t want to.” “You know what you are, Raythor?” The princess retorted. “What? A moron? Stupid? An idiot?” “In love.” “Stop saying that!” “I only say it because it’s true.” “If I really care for someone like I say you do, shouldn’t I be acting differently?” “You are.” “How can you tell? I’ve been gone for two years.” “Because I know you.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:36:16 GMT -5
“So… there’s a whole country full of animals just like you?” Ross asked. Blade, stretching his toes and yawning, managed a nod. “Yes, I’m from Lakita, the capital city of the Kingdom of Shadows. Everyone there resembles me.” Blade said, studying Ross closely. There was only the very trace of Anella’s innocence in him, even though the rest of their features were so similar. “But you’re the prince, right?” “Yes, I’ll be king one day.” “So you’re ranked above me too.” “I suppose, yes.” The shadow prince answered impassively. Ross shifted, hand moving down to his knee, where his fingers started drumming on it. His head bobbed very slightly, in tune with the motion. “Anella said you had an older brother, but you said that you’re going to be king. Why is that?” “In our country, the people chose which of the king’s children is to inherit the throne. They chose me over my brother.” “So you aren’t born in litters or anything, like wolves?” “No. If we are, it’s like human twins.” “Do you call them twins?” “We call them litters.” “Oh…” Ross shifted again and his hand stopped drumming. Anella’s face ran through his mind and he wondered why that was. Maybe because Blade was her friend. “Does it bother you that I’m not human?” Blade asked, watching him again. His ears flicked back, and Ross noticed the slightly darker patch of fur in front of both Blade’s eyes, like tiny triangles. “No,” Ross said. “You talk and everything. And you hold ranking over me.” Blade grinned, very slightly. “You sound a little like your cousin-not much; it’s just a hint of her.” “That’s strange, Anella’s a good person. I’m not really.” “You dislike yourself?” “Oh, no. I’m just not the most morally obligated person around, you know? Doesn’t bother me, though. More fun that way, you don’t have to think over everything you do in terms of whether or not it’d fit with the morality code.” “I see.” Blade said, and Ross could almost see his brain working behind those all too human eyes. “Anella is a good person.” “I know that.” Ross said. Blade nodded again. “She is also my friend.” “Yeah?” “I’d prefer if you didn’t separate those two facts.” “What is this, the protective older brother act?” “Call it what you like. I watched her wait for him.” “Who, Karian?” “Yes, Raythor.” Blade said, tilting his head slightly. “You think he’s any good for her?” “Are you?” “I’m not going to hurt her, emotionally or otherwise, but I don’t have designs on her either.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:36:33 GMT -5
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
****
“Hello, father.” Markus said, closing the door behind him. The room his father was in was covered in papers and books, scattered every which way, all very old and much leafed through. Family trees, ledgers, records, laws… Markus realized, with slight amazement, that he had read most of them through at least once. “You wanted to see me?” “Yes,” Audrion rose from his chair, expression as stony and unforgiving as it ever was. “I hope you’ll be more prompt in the future.” “I’m sorry. I don’t have any idea whether or not Laura’s pregnant, if that’s what you wanted to know.” “It would be too early to tell. Regardless, that is not why I called you here.” “We’re going to leave for Caltha tomorrow, that’s all taken care of.” “This is not about Caltha, either.” “Is it Ketra?” “Are the affairs of the kingdom all I ever ask to speak to you for?” Audrion asked wearily. “Well… yes. Why?” Markus said, confused. “Ketra is a girl; there was no pressure on her future. I could talk to her. But you, my heir, my son… I never really spoke to you.” “You’re the king,” Markus said. He had no idea where his father was going with this. “You trained me to one day take the throne, and you raised me like a prince.” “I’m also your father,” Audrion said, willing Markus to understand. The prince just stared at him, his gray eyes filled with hundreds of things Audrion didn’t know about his son. “So?” Markus said finally. “That’s what fathers do, they teach you to become what you need to be.” “That’s all?” “Well, yeah… I mean yes. What else is there…? I mean I’m not sure I can…” Markus got lost somewhere in the words, finishing lamely with: “Huh?” “What you did for that girl… for Elaura, I mean. Laura. What you went through, for so long, to be with her still amazes me.” Audrion said. “Son… Markus. Markus, I’m proud of you and… and I love you.” He walked over, very slowly, and hugged him. Markus was so shocked that he couldn’t move. “You’re telling me that I did something right?” Markus said. Audrion stepped back. “I’m saying that I made a mistake. I was always the king first and your father second. But, through some miracle I can’t comprehend, you’ve become a much greater man than I could ever hope to be.” “You’re one of the greatest kings Everglade has ever had.” “But Everglade doesn’t just need a great king anymore, they need a great leader.” “And you think that’s what I am?” “I’m sure of it.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:37:31 GMT -5
“Thank…thank you.” Markus said, still treading carefully in this unknown territory. “But what does that mean?” “You’ll know when the time comes.”
****
“Raythor Karian, right?” Ross asked. Raythor nodded blankly. “That’s the name I’m stuck with. Are you Ross Rainbird?” “Yes, I am.” “Great. Nice to meet you.” “I’m not sure how to say this tactfully.” “It’s funny that you think I care about tact. I am, after all, a peasant.” “I’m fairly sure I heard you and my cousin on the balcony last night,” Ross said, “I don’t know either of you well enough yet to understand why you want to keep what ever it is that happened secret, but I just want you to know that I’m not going to tell anyone what I heard.” “For the sake of curiosity,” He smirked, “which, god knows, I’m loaded with, what exactly did you hear?” “Well… mostly terms of endearment and the like, though I’m not sure how ‘I didn’t hurt you’ fits in…” “So you’re just being an ‘honorable gentleman’ in telling me all this, then?” “I’ll be obliged to tell Anella the same thing.” Ross said firmly. Raythor smiled very slightly. “You want to make sure I’m not just toying with her.” “Well, perhaps not in those particular terms.” “I’m not the sort of person who toys with emotion, but I guess you’ll just have to trust me on that.” “Do you have any idea what you put her through?” Ross burst, his temper flaring. Raythor turned his head so that his hair was shading his face. “Yes… and I’m going to make it up to her.” “You should hear the way she talks about you! Like you’re perfect. Like you’re a god, or something. She spent two years just missing you. I don’t think you know how much you hurt her, how she felt.” “I think I might have some vague inkling.” Raythor said, his voice suddenly filled with ice. “Then why did you leave her, if you loved her even half as much as she loves you?” “Because I had to. You don’t even know where I went.” “No one will tell me.” “Look, Ross,” He turned again, and the expressionless face just made Ross even angrier. “I know she’s your cousin, and that you care about her, but I left Anella because I had no choice. And anything that happens between us,” His voice got a little colder, “Is between us.” “I’m just trying to protect her.” Ross said, taking a step back and feeling the rage slip out of him. “So am I.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:37:50 GMT -5
****
“Laura, guess what just happened.” Markus slid to a stop in front of her. She laughed. “What, Markus? What amazingly exciting event just occurred?” Laura said. “My father just hugged me!” “Your father doesn’t hug people.” “But he hugged me.” “Well… that’s good, right?” “I assume so!” “Is that all he wanted?” “That and to tell me how proud he was for marrying you and that he loves me.” “But your father loathes me with an unrivaled passion.” Laura said, lifting an eyebrow. “I know!” Markus said with enthusiasm. “And he didn’t even ask if I was pregnant?” “No, he said it’d be too soon to tell.” “Then he didn’t even want to know if-” “No, not even that. He’s pretty much the only one, too.” Markus said. He looked so much like an eager child that Laura had to laugh again. “It’s kind of fun to have a secret, isn’t it?” Laura said. He nodded vigorously. “Especially since I’m usually so completely transparent.” “Not completely.” Laura said. “You used to tell me the most wonderful stories about mysterious princesses and giants and wolves…” “Which my father told me was nonsense for peasants, not princes.” Markus reminded her. She leaned against him. “You have the best voice.” “Man, it’s like I love Markus day today.” He said, pulling her closer. She kissed him just as Rose walked by. “Ew, do you guys have to do that in the hallway?” Rose asked. “Oh, right, of course you do, you’re newlyweds.” “You seem rested today, Rose.” Markus said cheerily. “I guess Raythor’s having a positive effect of you after all.” “That bum? He doesn’t have a positive anything about him.” She responded, annoyed. “Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to go find him and cut his hair.”
****
“No, I trust Ross completely.” Anella said. “He already talked to me.” “As long as it doesn’t bother you, then I’m fine with it.” Raythor agreed. “But he said some really true things about what I did to you.” “You couldn’t have known how I felt.” “But I should have, because I know you. I left you and I’m sorry. Not just because I love you, either. No one should do that to anyone else.” “It was a brave thing for you to do, and you were the only one who could have done it. You got through it better than anyone else would have.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:38:15 GMT -5
“I did it because I was scared to mean anything to anybody. I’ve never had someone who cared about me before. Yes, I was dying and I didn’t want anyone to watch me die. And yes, I knew I was the only one who could make it through that portal. But part of it was just because I gave up.” “Raythor-” Anella and Rose said at once. The red-headed princess waltzed into the room brandishing a pair of sewing scissors. “You know and I know that I should probably never have children,” Raythor said, “But I don’t think that you need to go quite that far.” “Relax; I just want to trim your hair a bit.” “Come on, it’s not that long. I’ve been cutting it.” “With what, exactly, your sword? It looks bad, so come over here.” “You, sharp object, my head… pass.” “Your hair looks better short, right Anella?” “Well,” Anella studied him critically, “yes, it definitely did.” “The world is against me.” Raythor said, throwing his hands up. “Anella?” Someone called from the hallway. She started out. “Don’t leave me alone with this madwoman.” “I’m sure this won’t take long.” Anella said dismissively. When she made it out of the room, Ross was waiting for her. “Are you absolutely positive that you made the right choice?” Ross said, his tone very serious. “About Raythor?” She said, surprised. “I trust him more than he trusts himself.” “He’s been through a lot; he’s bound to have a few issues.” “I can handle his issues.” Anella said. Her brow furrowed. “Ross, what’s wrong, don’t you like him?” “I don’t know him. I’m just asking if this is what you really want, before you commit yourself to him. This is the first day you’ve spent with him in two years. He may have changed. “I know him,” Anella replied, “and he’s really not too different. And… and I love him. Sometimes I think you just know. It’s not like he asked me to marry him.” “Would you want him to?” “I don’t even know if he would, but that doesn’t matter.” She sighed. “I don’t want to be mean, but we haven’t known each other for very long. You can’t possibly understand what we’ve all been through together.” “Anella-” “I trust him.”
Chapter Six Caltha’s murderers
Benvolio Whitestar had a problem. In fact, he had a lot of problems. His father was dead. He had never known his mother. His sister, who wasn’t really his sister, had been missing for two years and she was a serial killer. Thankfully, though, he still had his brother Jason. Sabbath Whitestar had disinherited his elder son before his death, and left everything to Benvolio. Benvolio, then faced with the problem of his age, returned the title and money to Jason, who was now taking care of him.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:39:21 GMT -5
Benvolio’s last problem wasn’t quite as easy to deal with. He had just turned twelve, he had brown hair that continuously got in his oddly violet eyes and, above all, he was in love. Jason had tried to dissuade him of that notion, saying that he was too young to be in love with anyone, but Benvolio was sick of being called too young. He was firmly in love with Laura Glasswater. Ben was absolutely infatuated from the first time she’d said “call me Laura, sweetie”. He’d spent a lot of time at Imperia while his own castle was being rebuilt. Because Jason spent most of his time with his new wife Oraia who was, in Benvolio’s opinion, incredibly irritating, he’d been forced to entertain himself more often than not. Laura always listened to him, never called him too young, and treated him like an equal. Of course, he’d thought that Laura was a princess who was marrying Markus for his money. Benvolio didn’t see them together very often and even when he did he tended to ignore the way Laura looked at the prince. The truth didn’t become apparent to him until the day he’d seen them kiss. They hadn’t meant for him to, hadn’t even seen him there. Benvolio didn’t think someone like Laura could fake looking that happy. So he’d ended up with another problem. Laura had gone and married the stupid prince of Everglade- and he loved her anyway. “Hi, sweetie.” Laura said as she passed quickly by. “Wait!” Benvolio said automatically. She stopped, looking back. “Yes, Ben?” “Are you looking for someone? Maybe I can help you find them.” “Just my father. It would be great if you’d help me.” She started moving again and he managed to match her stride. “You’re growing up much too fast. You’re almost as tall as I am.” Laura said wistfully. Benvolio beamed. “Am I really? I feel so young all the time.” “Oh, sweetheart, you don’t want to waste being twelve. Girls get married at that age, but you’ve got a lot of time left to just be a kid.” “Oh, congratulations, by the way. I’m very glad you love him.” Benvolio said. It was such a terrible lie he was afraid that she would notice. She didn’t seem to. Laura just smiled. “Thank you. It’s everything I thought it would be.” She sounded a bit distant and it made him wonder. Every free thought of his was devoted to her. If she was in love with the prince, then her mind must always be thinking of… Markus Everglade. Benvolio supposed that there was no name in the world he hated more. Markus seemed nice and devoted and loving to her, but he couldn’t be. He was royal, and bound to be as fickle as the crown itself. There was no way he could love Laura as much as she loved him.
****
Kenetari’s long black hair mingled with the wailing peasant’s blood. She withdrew the sword from his chest, sighing with irritation. His companion gazed at her with pure terror. She looked back at him with her ocean-blue eyes filled with absolutely nothing.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:41:31 GMT -5
“Don’t run. You're going to die.” Kenetari said calmly. He started running and she caught up with him easily. She shoved her sword in between his ribs. He doubled over in pain, and she finished him quickly. “Maya,” She commanded, “deal with them.” “Yes, your majesty.” Maya said sarcastically, sighing. Her long blonde hair bobbed as she walked, and she managed to keep up the sigh the whole time. “Can’t you just stop letting yourself get found?” “Shut up.” Kenetari said absently. She sheathed her black handled sword, not bothering to clean it before she did. She was Kenetari Archer and she was Vera Karian. Vera had been a victim of the ‘black thing’ that prayed on her mind- Kenetari was a cold blooded killer. “How much longer?” She asked. There was no answer. She glanced with slight distain at the two year old child playing on the floor, her child and Lydrion’s. Ava Archer never spoke, never laughed, and never cried. She was, on the whole, a disappointment. She had Lydrion’s dark, nearly black hair and her eyes were distinctly Karian blue, though Kenetari hated to look at them. They were not the same shade as hers, they were his, they were Raythor’s. She had resisted the urge to pluck them from Ava’s pudgy young face more times than she could count. Kenetari hadn’t wanted to see those terrible, lost eyes ever again, especially in the head of her own offspring. Raythor had killed Lydrion, she knew he had. Eleven years ago, Kenetari had taken everything from her baby brother. Now he’d done the same thing to her.
****
“Who’s dead?” Amaria asked, rubbing her eyes. “Elizabeth Marks.” Gregory said. She had been the eleventh victim of the Calthan murderer in this village alone. There seemed to be no escaping this mysterious killer, every town in Caltha had been hit at least once. No one even had an idea what the murderer looked like. “Elizabeth…” She turned away from him, silently mourning her friend. She had promised her mother that she would take care of Elizabeth, and she hadn’t done it. Amaria knew that there were already hundreds of rumors floating around, and Elizabeth’s death would only make it worse, she too had been a prominent revolutionary, as Amaria was. This wasn’t the first time that Caltha had experienced the chaos of a serial killer. The first had been Turstin Calypso, the lord, who’d poisoned his young wife and every one of her thirteen sisters. Despite the fact he’d been hanged over thirty years ago, people still accused his ghost of the crimes and would only whisper his name. Next Semele and Ragna, the Cain sisters, had terrorized the villages by strangling young men and throwing their bodies in the desert. They were still imprisoned in Caltha’s main castle, Oasis, home of the royal family. Yet they too were accused, though this killer was attacking women as well as men, and age was completely disregarded. “Do you think it’s really him?” Gregory asked, and Amaria shook her head indecisively. “I don’t know.” She said. Amaria and Gregory subscribed to the most popular opinion, which was that Caltha’s most recent famous killer was back. Raythor Karian,
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:41:59 GMT -5
who had slain his own parents eleven years ago and then disappeared, had taken the blame for almost every unexplained death in the desert country since then. This was no different. For the first time in years, his name was mentioned almost daily in the streets, his story was told to children, and his image was in everyone’s mind. Raythor Karian, the Butcher of Caltha, had returned to keep them all shivering in their homes as soon as night fell. They all knew it was a judgment.
****
Markus was so stunned that he almost started laughing. Raythor’s hair had always been longer than Markus’s, always been less well groomed, and had always shaded his eyes. He didn’t look like a peasant anymore; he looked like some sort of noble. It was clearly bothering him immensely. “Oh, honey, you’re simply gorgeous.” Kylara said silkily, giggling. “See, she likes it.” Rose said. “Besides, did you want to go around looking like a black sheep dog for the rest of your life?” “Rose, I did not resemble a sheep dog.” Raythor insisted. “Kylara frequently has the urge to stroke your fur, I can tell. Dog boy.” “Now that was totally uncalled for.” “It’s not a bad idea.” Kylara said seductively. Raythor grimaced. “It was just a trim, really. It looks nice.” Laura insisted. “It’s different.” Markus said, trying to be helpful. “Wow, your support is blinding.” Raythor rolled his eyes. Anella and Ross walked in, both laughing. Raythor tried to leave the room, but Rose grabbed his arm. “You aren’t going anywhere yet.” Rose said. “Hey, Anella, over here!” “I hate you.” He informed her. She grinned. “What is…”Anella and Ross both turned at once. Ross raised an eyebrow. Anella gasped. “Oh my gosh,” The shy girl said, “You look so different.” “See, I told you.” Markus said. “Yeah, bad different.” Raythor grumbled. Anella bit her lip, fighting off all the comforting things she wanted to say but couldn’t. “You’re coming tomorrow, aren’t you?” Laura said. He blinked. “What? To Caltha? You have to be kidding me.” “I think we might need you. It’s much worse than Audrion’s making it out to be.” “It’s so terrible that you need the freaking Karian Killer?” “He’s innocent.” Laura and Kylara put in instantly, for Ross’s benefit. “Please,” Laura begged, “I just have this feeling that we’re going to need you. Everyone else already agreed to go. Please. It’s just three days.” “But I…” Raythor said. Then he sighed, hand going automatically to the back of his head. So that’s why she’d wanted to cut it… “All right, Laura, I’m not going to be difficult for once. If someone recognizes me, though, I’m not going to put any of you in danger.” “It’s been, what, a decade, right?” Ross burst in. “I mean, I know I’m a bit of an outsider here, but that is a long time. No one’s going to recognize you.” “Kylara did.” Almost everyone else chimed in.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:43:05 GMT -5
“True, but that’s only because she is…” Ross trailed off. Kylara smirked. “What has Anella been saying about me? She may look sweet, but that tongue of hers is deadly if she uses it right.” She glanced at Raythor. His expression didn’t change but his fists balled slightly. Anella stared at the ground, blushing again. “Maybe we should all get some sleep.” Laura suggested hurriedly. She didn’t want this turning into an argument, and she could see that it was heading that way. She breathed a sigh of relief when Kylara left the room.
****
“There’s another dead girl in Caltha.” Ketra said, pausing before she went into her room. Her hand held on to the door frame, and she didn’t look back. Markus, already half asleep, stared at the back of her head. “What?” He said dumbly. Ketra hadn’t spoken to him much since she’d discovered that he was going to Caltha, and was thus bowing to their father’s wishes. “Another victim,” She said tersely. “Already? Really? How did you find out so quickly?” “I have a messenger stationed there.” “Do they know her name?” “Of course not, it was another peasant. We’re lucky to know her gender.” “Don’t let Laura…” He stopped awkwardly. Ketra finally turned, and for an instant his mind flashed to his father’s face. He shook the image away. “She’s lucky to have you looking out for her.” Ketra said, to Markus’s surprise. She smiled at him. “You know I can’t stay mad at you.” “I know.” Markus smiled too. “Good night, Markus.” “Good night.” He said. He gave her a sheepish grin before heading into his room. She saw him wrapped in Laura’s embrace before the door closed. Ketra sighed. It was so good to see him happy, even though she knew how many lectures he had to be enduring and had endured all through his relationship with Laura. Audrion couldn’t possibly know what he’d done to his children.
****
“Anella, what the heck are you doing awake?” Raythor said, still touching the back of his head every once and while without realizing it. “It’s so late.” He was just sitting in the hall, just staring at nothing and just simply not sleeping. She could see the now almost familiar reverse world expression on his face again, the shadows dancing in his blue eyes. “I knew you’d be awake,” Anella told him, “after what you said before.” “What did I say?” “That you weren’t going to put any of us in danger.” “Oh… don’t worry about that. Get some sleep.” “You’re not sleeping.” “I’m not much on it anyway.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:43:40 GMT -5
“Raythor…” Anella sighed, sitting next to him. “You know I love you, but you’ve got to let me in sometimes.” “I’m trying.” He replied distantly, “But I have absolutely no idea why you love me.” “Why do you hate yourself so much?” She burst back. “I don’t know. I must have raised myself badly.” Raythor said sarcastically. Anella frowned. “Do you know why I love you? Because you’re smart and you’re funny and you make me laugh. You always listen to me, and I say things to you I would feel stupid saying to anyone else. You have no idea how brave you really are, Raythor.” She whispered. He looked away and didn’t answer, now incredibly aware of the fact that his hair was no longer shading his eyes. Anella clenched her fists with frustration and tried something else. “Do you know how messed up you could be?” “I’ve met my sister.” He smiled. “She’s never been able to hurt me.” “Not for lack of trying. She wants to kill you because of me, because she knows how much I care about you.” “Raythor…” “I never should have said anything; you don’t deserve all the things I’ve already put you through.” “You’re my guardian angel.” “I’m bad for you.” “I don’t care!” She practically yelled. “What?” Raythor said, taken aback. His mouth curled upwards at the ends very slightly. “I don’t care…” Anella said, much more softly. “I trusted you even when I thought you were a murderer. I know that you aren’t even a fraction as cold as you want me and everyone else to believe.” “Anella…” Raythor said helplessly, losing the fight just looking at her. “I guess I could never really let you go…” He took her hand and held it. “I promise you that I will never leave you again, not unless you ask me to.” “I’m going to hold you to that.” She said firmly. Cautiously, she leaned her head against his shoulder, sighing with relief. They’d been sitting there for a little while before the most terrible scream made Anella jump to her feet. Raythor hadn’t moved and she realized he was asleep. Poor thing, if she knew him he hadn’t slept in days, worrying about her. She’d let him sleep…
****
The scream led Anella to where everyone else seemed to be waiting. They were all just standing around and looking confused. “It came from here, without a doubt.” Dasher said, eyes flashing. She was thrilled to be using her deductive skills again, and out of the stifling palace she spent most of her time in. “It was definitely a human scream and…” She stopped, catching sight of something that took her breath away. Blade peered over her shoulder and grimaced. “Theo, this isn’t funny. You’ve gone too far.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:44:17 GMT -5
“I didn’t do anything!” Theo Lancewood protested. He was an elementist prince as well, from the earth kingdom, and the symbol of his head was a leaf. The same leaf repeated itself on his back and around the collar on his neck, as well as growing from the end of his tail. Most of his fur was a light, spring green, but it got lighter on his legs and darker on his ears. At the tips of both his ears grew two sprigs of ivy, barely an inch long, which curled in a spiral back toward his head. For once his forest green eyes looked completely serious. “Someone had to do this. It isn’t possible, Lydrion Archer is dead and Kenetari is dead. You all saw him die, by Lakita, you watched him burn!” Blade said, genuinely furious. “What are you going crazy over anyway?” Rose asked grumpily. “The eagle,” Dasher said simply, stepping back. There was not a piece of parchment just plainly bearing the seal, as they might have expected. Instead the familiar one footed eagle, surrounded by all six symbols of the elements, was burned directly into the stone of the wall. Not carved, not cut, but burned. It was the seal of revolution, of the mythical seventh elementist kingdom of shade and of… Lydrion Archer. “He’s dead.” Blade repeated flatly. “This had to be a joke.” David agreed. “A sick, sick joke.” “David, really. None of us would do that, not after my brother…” Caldria started, but cut off. Not after my brother killed Gabriel. Rose went terribly pale. Ross unthinkingly went to support her. As she took his arm something seemed to click. “Wait a minute…Where’s Markus?” Rose squinted at the gathered faces, “And, for that matter, where is Laura?” “I have no idea.” Blade replied. “Usually Markus is the first one up when something like this happens.” “Where’s Raythor?” Kylara put in. “No clue. Is anyone else missing?” Dasher asked. “I don’t think so.” Ketra said. They all stood in silence until Audrion, with Ivy yawning at his side, and Vyncent Glasswater walked up. “What is the meaning of this, Glasswater?” Audrion demanded. “I don’t know. Who screamed?” Vyncent said, perplexed. There was a volley of responses to that question, but none of them happened to be answers. Audrion looked displeased. “Where is my son? He was trained to wake up for these sorts of things.” “Markus usually does, dear. Benedict didn’t wake up either. Both of our sons are pretty tired.” Ivy reasoned, rubbing her eyes. Markus walked up at that moment, appearing not in the least bit tired. He held his sword in a vague sort of fashion, apparently unconcerned. “What took you so long? Sixteen peasants could have died while you were lollygagging.” Audrion barked. “I couldn’t find my sword. I think Laura moved it…” Markus said. “You left it on the floor. I had to move it.” Laura pointed out. “Why would you just leave it on the floor?” “What’s going…?” Markus said, but he stopped when he saw the eagle too. “You all don’t think that…”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:46:04 GMT -5
“No, we saw him walk into that forest. We watched the branch fall on top of him.” “Didn’t anyone make sure Lydrion was dead?” Blade demanded, which ultimately started an argument. “Does anyone else hear that?” Dasher interrupted. About twenty swords were drawn at once. “For the love of- it’s just Raythor.” Markus said, exasperated. “If it makes you feel any better, that’s a new weapon record. Congratulations.” Raythor said easily. “No one loves you, Raythor.” Rose said, still pale. She let go of Ross’s arm, eying him suspiciously. “Where does a crown prince find such friends?” Audrion said, throwing up his arms. “I’m going to up the guards and have the castle searched. There should be nothing more to worry about.” Vyncent said in a very placating fashion. The king nodded, and he and Ivy left. “What did I miss?” Raythor asked lazily. Anella started filling him in and everyone else started leaving. Rose grabbed Markus’s arm before he could go too, and pulled him off into a side wing. Markus looked her over worriedly. “What’s wrong, Rose?” “Mary’s diary.” Rose said. His eyes widened. “Didn’t you give it to Raythor when he left?” “Hence the problem. Does it look like he has it to you?” “Well…no…but we can’t use it anymore, can we?” “We weren’t supposed to let it fall into the hands of the wrong person. There was something magic about that book, Markus. Something that didn’t make sense.” “There were two copies… one of them was unfinished…” “Come with me and talk to him.” “I guess we’re still in this together, right? I understand.” “You always do.” Rose said, slightly pleased with herself. She had felt better since Raythor returned, but she wasn’t about to tell either boy of that particular fact. “Raythor!” Rose called. He looked back at her with his usual bored expression. “Princess?” He said blankly. “Since when have you called me that?” “Since the second I figured out that it bothered you. What do you want?” “The book-” “Oh, right. I’ve been meaning to tell you about it…” “Just slipped your useless brain, huh?” “I’m just going to ignore that, hair butcher. I gave it to an elementist.” “You what?” Rose exclaimed. “You gave it to an elementist in the world of terrible death? Why the heck would you do that?” “You aren’t going to believe me.” “So true.” “I gave it to Phoenix.” Raythor said carefully. “Don’t be an idiot.” Rose retorted. “I’m completely serious.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:46:20 GMT -5
“He died in the story and was reborn as a human, as Laura.” “No, he disappeared in the story. It’s because he went back to the reverse world, and because of that his soul disappeared from our world. That makes him, technically, dead.” “So you, the magical felon, got to see him?” “I told you that you wouldn’t believe me.” He shrugged. “But I swear on my life that I saw him and I gave him that book. He said he’d get it to where it needed to be, and that you and Markus would know what that meant.” “Does that mean that you were dead too?” Anella asked. “I think so, but my soul isn’t immortal, so it doesn’t matter.” Raythor answered impassively. “If you were able to get through the portal, there must be something about you that…” “I was able to get through because I spent so much time as nothing.” He smiled slightly. Anella refused to agree with him, but she couldn’t deny that what he said made sense. He had been dead and… “The dead cannot die twice.” She said aloud, surprised at herself. “It reversed the effects of your cough.” “It took me two months to figure that out.” Raythor said, somewhat admiringly. Rose raised an eyebrow at the change of the tone in his voice and Anella blushed desperately. “Then you’re Pearl,” Markus said, thinking for a moment. “Because Pearl was willing to die for Phoenix’s sake. She didn’t get the chance the first time, but this time she did. That means we fixed it, right?” “I’m not going back if we didn’t,” Raythor said, grinning. “Never again.” “I’m going to sleep.” Rose said. “Raythor, I still don’t believe you. Anella, he’s in love with you. Markus, have fun jumping into bed with Phoenix.” “We all knew that was coming eventually.” Markus said good-naturedly. “Good night.” The prince disappeared down the hall, and just like that Anella was alone with Raythor once again. “I’m sorry.” Raythor said. “I don’t mean to be like that.” “Before? It’s nothing.” Anella said blankly. Her acceptance of his nature hurt him far more than he was willing to admit. He knew he couldn’t change. “I’m especially sorry for ‘softly beautiful’.” “Don’t ever be. It means more to me than you can ever know.” She said gently. He took a hesitant step forward, and she didn’t move. His hands moved to rest on her shoulders, and she closed her eyes. “I meant it. You’re more beautiful like this, to me.” Raythor said. He kissed her, all reserve gone again. It was worth it, she knew it was worth it when he wasn’t…“Good night, Anella. I love you and I promise to try…” “Don’t try to be anything. Just be you, that’s all that I want.”
Chapter Seven Have to stop
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