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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:00:16 GMT -5
“Oh… yes. Where is Markus? Is he all right?” She asked, sitting up. Lila’s face finally came into focus. “Markus? I didn’t see him… He wasn’t there when I found you.” “He wasn’t?” She jumped out of Lila’s small bed, her brow furrowed with worry. If he wasn’t here, that meant Kenetari had him. He could be hurt, he could be being tortured, he could be… “Why was Graves chasing you? Who is he?” “I don’t know, I’ve never seen him before.” Lila said. “He just jumped out at me with a sword and said he was going to kill me if he caught me. I thought he was the Karian Killer, I just started running. Is Markus all right?” “I don’t know…” Laura said. “I’ve got to find him. Look for him if you can, please Lila. I’m going to go get some help.” She started for the door, stopping when she heard the sound of Lila’s fragile voice again: “Are you really the princess of Everglade? Is Markus the prince?” Laura let her breath out slowly. She didn’t see how it could matter now. “Yes.” “Then this is really important.” “It would be important to me even if he wasn’t.” Laura said, trying to smile. Lila nodded resolutely. “I’ll do anything I can to help.”
****
Eighteen pairs of feet trod up and down the streets of the little town. The Royalty of Everglade had spent hours searching to no avail. Dawn was breaking over the horizon and everyone was exhausted. Still, it was another hour before Laura could be induced to take a break and sleep. Despite Markus’s outstanding physical feature and the dramatic way he had disappeared, they couldn’t find a single person who had seen him or at least one who would confess to it. Raythor was doing his best to lift Laura’s spirits, but he knew it wasn’t working. He understood just how much retreating back behind the castle walls without Markus felt like a defeat to her. “We can try again soon. We can even get Caltha’s whole military force out there next time.” Raythor told her. Laura buried her face in her hands. “She’s going to kill him, Raythor, I know she is.”
****
Markus woke up staring into Raythor’s eyes- but they weren’t in Raythor’s head. They belonged to a very young girl he had never seen before. Ava Archer blinked at him. He blinked back. “I don’t suppose you knocked me out.” Markus said, but it wasn’t a question. She gave him a smile. “No. No. Blue man no.” She told him. He sat up, careful not to jar her. “What’s your name?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:00:44 GMT -5
“Ava.” She told him happily. Markus got up and Ava watched him. His hand went to his hilt. The sword wasn’t there. Laura was going to kill him when he got back. If he got back. “Where are we?” Markus tried. “Cal-tha.” She said. “Caldria.” “Caldria?” He said with confusion. Markus lifted his head back up and the world seemed to stop turning. “The prince of Everglade is awake, I see.” Lydrion Archer said tonelessly. His dark brown hair hung around a pale, gaunt face and his expression was so devoid of feeling Markus had trouble believing he was looking at anyone living at all. The prince didn’t know how he close he was to seeing someone that wasn’t breathing. When Kenetari had found Lydrion alive in the aftermath of the fire, he had barely possessed the ability to move. The branch had fallen in such a way that it had shattered every bone in his left shoulder, making movement in that arm nearly impossible. He had sustained terrible burns all down his arm, across his shoulder, and on his neck and beneath his chin where he had been unable to lean away from the flames. It had taken him almost a year to recover, even with the help of the three elementist healers his wife had found. Lydrion had missed Kenetari’s pregnancy and the birth of his daughter thanks to the fever that had accompanied his injuries. Though he was once again fully mobile, the fire had taken more than from him than his health. Markus could see that much in his eyes, read it in his expression. The twisted scars only fire could leave behind remained on his shoulder, just showing on the exposed flesh of his neck, and lightly visible beneath his chin. The elementists could not remove the scars. Nothing could remove the scars. “You’re alive?” Markus managed. “Always check your dead. First rule of combat.” Lydrion sneered. “Though I doubt you could have taken my life in the condition you left me in. You’re still a child.” “You’re not much older than I am.” Markus said, realized at once how very childish he sounded. “Why am I here?” “Because you took from me two years ago all that I had left.” Lydrion said simply. “So, therefore, you must die.” “Kill me then.” Markus challenged, but he was shaking. “Not yet.” He said, drawing his sword, “Not just yet…”
****
Amaria glared at the assembled company. Gregory was just glad that, for once, that look wasn’t aimed at him. “Who kidnapped the prince, huh? I know one of you idiots did it!” Amaria demanded. Silence greeted her. She sighed. “Just tell me where he is.” “I don’t think they know, honey.” Gregory said carefully. “Someone knows and we’re going to find them!” “I think it was our new little cutthroat.” A voice from the back said. Amaria gazed out to see Elizabeth Marks’s fiancée, or former fiancée now, Gervase Mend. He was, like most Calthans, dark haired and eyed, but there was something about him she had always
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:01:14 GMT -5
mistrusted, even though Elizabeth had been head over heels for him. Perhaps it was in his voice, exceptionally deep and very obviously intelligent. “The murderer hasn’t killed any nobles before now.” Gregory said. “Yes, but they may not have known Markus was a prince.” Lila spoke up. “He’s the water healer, the one who always wore the hood.” This started a frenzy of whispers; the water healer was already part of Calthan lore. “We have to do something.” One of the peasants said. “He is a prince, but he did help us. We can’t let him get hurt.” “Serves him right.” Gervase said smoothly. “Condescending to all of us and treating us like poor helpless peasants. We don’t need his help.” “Yes we do!” Lila protested. “He saved my mother’s life, she would have died.” “We need to get the Everglade party out of Caltha.” Amaria interrupted. “If that means rescuing the prince Markus then that’s what it means. Ethics aside.”
****
“Raythor’s gone.” Dasher said, walking in. No one bothered looking up. “He’s always gone. He does that, remember?” Kylara said uncaringly. She yawned, stretching. They were all just waking up after another unsuccessful day of searching for Markus, despite an entire company of royal soldiers joining them this time around. Needless to say, they were all staying on in the castle. A few of them were still hoping that Markus had gotten lost. “I think he said he went out early, to help Laura look for Markus.” Anella added, equally unconcerned. Dasher pursed her currently human lips. “He’s the Karian Killer wandering around Caltha and the two of you don’t care?” Dasher said. They both looked up, blinking. “We’re working on the problem that’s actually happening right now.” Kylara said, a little harshly. “Why don’t you wrap that brain of yours around that?” Dasher shot her a glare and strode back into the hall. She started off in no particular direction, with her fists clenched and her arms hanging at her side. Kylara didn’t move, but Anella got up and went after Dasher. “He considers being recognized putting us in danger.” Anella said, managing to match Dasher’s pace. “Raythor isn’t going to get caught.” Dasher stopped, staring at the shy girl gravely. “He has no regard for himself.” “Yes, but…” She trailed off. “He’d do anything to protect us.” “How long are you going to keep it a secret?” Dasher said, not wanting to play their game anymore. Anella met her eyes. “What do you mean?” She said. “You and Raythor.” Dasher said, lowering her voice considerably. Anella colored slightly. “How did you find out?” “Just from reading emotions.” “We’re going to tell everyone when we get out of Caltha. It’s just easier that way.” “Is that why you’re so sure that he’s safe?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:02:08 GMT -5
“Yes, I believe that he’ll do what ever he has to in order to protect me. That’s the way he is, you know that. He loves me.” “I know that.” Dasher said. She smiled. “Two years ago, when he was leaving and you got angry… you remember when he came after you?” “Of course.” “I just thought he was going to tell you then. I was so sure of it.” “He did, in his own way. I’m not sure I knew that then…” She shook her head. “He’s here now. That’s what matters.”
****
“Laura, come on inside, Blade and I have got this covered.” Raythor said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Blade?” Laura said, unable to ask a real question. She hadn’t slept at all in the past three days. “Calthans are the most superstitious people you could possibly find. They won’t bother Blade.” He assured her. Laura fiddled with her necklace. “I can’t go inside.” “Laura, you need to sleep.” “What would you do, in my position?” Laura asked, eyes pleading. Raythor froze. “We’d better find him quickly.”
****
Markus’s hands and feet had been bound before he could react, not that he’d tried to move. Kenetari had been the one to tie him up, and he’d been so paralyzed with fear he couldn’t see straight. She had used the tip of her sword to cut each joint in his fingers, but not deep enough to cause permanent damage, just enough so it would hurt whenever he moved his hands even slightly. For the first few hours, he had tried to escape. They’d just left him alone, locked in an old shed behind the house they were living in. Markus had struggled as hard as he could, fighting until every muscle in his body felt numb. The ropes had cut deeply into his wrists. They were still bleeding, the red liquid pooling quietly behind his back. His fingers didn’t feel like his own any longer, they felt like the hands of a skeleton, lifeless and useless and dead. They had certainly become as pale. After his body was exhausted completely, the prince’s thoughts turned inward. He cursed himself for not fighting back against Kenetari, even though he had been unarmed. He condemned himself for not watching his own back. And Laura… God knew what had happened to her. She couldn’t be dead, there was no way… They would starve him, probably. Or torture him. Or bring the others here and make him watch them die. He wished he could just die now, and get it over with. Markus didn’t want to face his father again and tell him that he’d failed. The prince knew that he didn’t deserve to be king anymore than Etienne Nightspeaker did, but he’d always felt that way deep down. Now it was just intensified. He half hoped they wouldn’t find him.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:02:23 GMT -5
“Laura, you haven’t slept in three days.” Raythor said. The two of them sat slumped against the wall, too tired to really move. Raythor hadn’t slept either, but that wasn’t so unusual for him. “Just sleep for a few hours. Please.” “I can’t, not until we find him.” Laura said, her voice weak. “I can’t lose him.” “You won’t. We’ll find him.” Blade, who had slept and actually looked healthy, assured her. “A few people are admitting that they saw him now.” “If he’s gone any longer we’ll have to tell Everglade.” Laura listlessly. They both knew who she meant by ‘Everglade’, and they also knew just who the king would blame. Laura had even more to lose than her heart, not that it mattered to her. “Raythor, I need to talk to you for just a moment.” Blade said, jerking his head to indicate that he meant without Laura. The dark haired boy nodded and got up, and his legs felt like lead. Blade trotted out of Laura’s hearing range, stopped and waited. Raythor caught up, crossed his arms and gave Blade a ‘well, now what?’ sort of look. “I’m thinking about using a sleeping spell on Laura.” Blade said simply. “She wouldn’t know that I used it, she’d just think she fell asleep.” “At this point, that might be for the best.” Raythor agreed. “She just isn’t going to let herself close her eyes. Are you going to do it now?” “That was my intention. You’re going to have to carry her though.” “I guessed that much. Do you need me to distract her or something?” “Absolutely. I’ll be over in a second.” Blade said. Raythor nodded again and headed back to Laura. She started to get up, and he offered a hand. She took it gingerly. “All right, I’m ready. Let’s try again.” Laura said firmly. Raythor flashed his strange half grin. Blade’s spell hit her then and she slumped forward. Raythor caught her easily. “That was fast. I thought it would take a little while.” “Normally it does.” Blade said with a flick of his ear. Raythor shifted so he could pick her up, putting one arm under her legs and the other behind her back. “She’s not that heavy.” Raythor said stoutly. Blade laughed. “I’d help if I could. Sadly, I’m not made that way.” “Yeah, sure you would. Let’s go.”
****
“She fell asleep,” Raythor explained quickly as he passed by all his friends. Blade walked behind him, grinning slightly. They kept going and returned in a few minutes. Raythor rubbed his eyes. “God, I hope we find him soon.” “Maybe you need to ‘fall asleep’ too.” Dasher said, guessing what Blade had done. “No, it’s ok. I’m fine, I don’t need much sleep anyway.” “I’m glad you did that. Poor Laura.” Anella said. “She’s going to be ticked off when she wakes up.” Rose said. “Laura? Yeah right.” Raythor replied. “I’d better get back to searching.” “Take a break.” Anella pleaded. He shook his head. “Not yet. I’ll take a break when she wakes up.” “Why does his health concern you, Anella?” Dione asked evilly.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:03:01 GMT -5
“He’s…he’s my friend…” Anella said unsurely. Raythor’s shields went up immediately. “I’m going.” He said.
Chapter Eleven Straight Line
Anella caught up to Raythor as he started back into the village. He regarded her without emotion. “Where haven’t we looked?” Anella said neutrally. “We’ve been over everywhere before.” Raythor said dryly. His eyes softened a little. “Why does she have to attack you? Why not me?” “I’m an easy target. Dione has a certain type of cowardice about her, brave as she is.” “Where is he?” “I wish I knew. This is wearing on all of us dreadfully.” “We should probably split up.” “We should, but I haven’t seen you in days.” Anella said softly. “Please let me stay with you.” “Anella, I’m the… well, you know. This is exactly the kind of situation I’m worried about.” Raythor protested. Anella drew her sword. “I’m perfectly safe.” “Markus was armed too. Both of you have similar reservations about defending yourselves.” “But you have none when it comes to defending me. You’ve saved my life more than once.” “All right… I guess you have a point there.” Raythor said reluctantly. He didn’t want to force her to walk away anymore than she wanted to leave him. He resisted the urge to kiss her, shoving his hands in his pockets again. “Let’s go.”
****
“You have to be very, very careful.” Kenetari said in an almost conversational tone. The tip of the sword hovered just above the skin of Markus’s face, and he did his best not to tremble. Showing the fear would only make it worse. “Swords are quite exact if you use them correctly. That’s what I love about them. They always cut,” The tip of her blade touched down beneath his lip, slicing a thin cut down to the top of his chin, “in a straight line.” Markus did his best not to make a sound, but he knew something escaped his throat. She tilted her head, looking more amused than anything else. “You could say it was order in all the chaos, always being so perfect and so exact, but,” She shifted her weight again, and he flinched, “that’s not it at all. This,” She held up the sword, “is what brings chaos.” “Why haven’t you killed me?” Markus said, before he could stop himself. “You’re bait.” She said simply. She glanced down at the sword again. “You know what would be fun?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “Fighting.” Without another word, she left the room. Markus half heartedly struggled against his restraints, but all it led to
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:03:17 GMT -5
was a biting pain in his wrists. He sighed, head drooping on to his chest. Kenetari reappeared, this time holding another sword. She went behind him and undid the ropes, pressing the second sword in his other hand. “Is this mine?” Markus said with disbelief. Kenetari stepped back, putting her free hand on her hip. “If you win, I’ll let you go.” She told him. He got up. When his fingers closed around the hilt pain shot up his entire arm. Markus slashed at her weakly, and she blocked so easily she barely had to move. She sighed. “You’re no better than Lydrion. Worse, even.” “Sorry to disappoint you.” Markus said. He just barely managed to dodge her attack. His eyes quickly scanned the room. There was no water here, he was sure they had done that purposefully. He felt the blood drip from his wrists again, and he cursed under his breath. Kenetari was barely trying, matching his much slower and less powerful movements with ease. Markus’s hand automatically grasped his wrist, and he felt a strange energy gather there. Without thinking, he focused on it and before he knew it Kenetari was on the ground. He was so shocked he didn’t know what to do next, and in that time she had disarmed him and pressed her sword against his throat. “You lose.” Kenetari said disinterestedly, but he could see the cut beneath her eye that what he had just done had made. He couldn’t help but feel some slight victory when the ropes were retied around his wrists, and she left the room again with a dark scowl on her face.
****
“Dasher still loves you.” Firelight said to her brother resolutely. Blade flicked back his ears again. “Yes, I know that.” He said. “If you know it, why aren’t you doing anything about it?” “Because she is a Light and I’m a Shadow. This is our choice, for our kingdoms. If I abandon my throne, Sythe will be king and I can’t let that happen.” “That isn’t right. You’ll have to get married someday, and you won’t love who ever it is you marry because of her.” “I’m going to marry Nightshade. She says friendship is enough.” “Friendship?” Firelight said, disgusted. Blade shook his head. She was an idealistic sixteen, if there ever was one. True love and all that nonsense. “I cannot hope for more, I’m always going to love Dasher.” “No, no, no.” Firelight said in a very childish voice. “I won’t let that happen. I’m a princess, and that should matter. I shouldn’t have to accept this.” “We both have to accept it.” Blade said firmly. Firelight’s eyes narrowed, the youthful innocence of her face making the expression far less menacing. Blade drew back his mouth in a smile. She was so sweet, his little sister. “It’s not the same, of course, but I have you.” “Oh, you’ve always had me but she needs you. Why do you think she runs away all the time? She isn’t happy.” Firelight shot back. Blade didn’t answer, that was something he hadn’t been able to force himself to face. Instead, he said: “Dasher can take care of herself.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:04:27 GMT -5
****
Anella looked back and Raythor was gone. She blinked a few times. There was no way he would just leave without saying anything; he’d promised her that much and he always kept his promises. A sound caught her attention and it made her stomach clench to hear it: metal against metal. She moved quickly towards the sound, but what she saw made her blood run cold. Kenetari was forcing Raythor’s sword back towards his face with her own. It was all too familiar. “Get out of here!” Raythor yelled. “Come on, Anella, run!” “No, not this time.” Anella said, her voice strangely flat. Raythor pushed back against Kenetari’s assault, and briefly forced his and his sister’s swords apart. He stepped to the side quickly and tried to attack, but she held him off without much effort. Anella slashed at Kenetari’s other side, she blocked it, and Raythor managed to hit Kenetari in the arm. All three of them pulled back in unison. Kenetari looked into both their resolute faces with a contemptuous smile. “You taught her how to fight, I see.” She said, nodding at Anella. “How could I have?” Raythor returned icily. “I must remember to ask you what hell is really like.” “You’ll find out soon enough.” He and Anella both rushed forward at once. Kenetari moved toward Anella, blocking Raythor’s sword and taking Anella’s attack. Then she reached forward and grabbed Anella’s neck, squeezing with such force that the younger girl was forced to drop her sword. Raythor could do nothing to stop it; the pressure against his own weapon had immobilized his arms. Kenetari let go of Anella’s neck and kicked her sword away. Anella dropped to her knees, gasping for breath. Raythor finally freed himself and moved in front of her. Kenetari took this chance to slash a deep wound across his chest, while he couldn’t defend himself. Her eyes opened wide with shock. He wasn’t bleeding, not a single drop. She slashed the same place again and he screamed and sunk to his knees. The pain was over powering. He could feel himself start to black out. Raythor couldn’t let that happen, he had to protect Anella, no matter what the cost was to himself. “Raythor!” Anella said desperately. She reached behind herself and her hand closed around the handle of her weapon. Raythor pushed to his feet, hand still clutching his sword. Kenetari, for the first time in her life, looked at him with fear. He still wasn’t bleeding, but the cut was there all the same. Anella moved in front of him and he took hold of her shoulder. “Anella…” Raythor forced out, it was all he could manage anyway. “Don’t leave me.” She said. To her surprise, Kenetari hadn’t moved. Anella tightened her grip on her sword. “Fight me, Kenetari. I’m not going to let him die.” Anella said, her voice low. “He’s not bleeding.” Kenetari said. Anella just looked confused. She put her hand back and touched Raythor’s chest. It wasn’t wet. Automatically, she turned and stared at him. Raythor glanced down. They both froze. “What the hell?” Raythor said. He pushed down on the wound, ignoring the pain, and willed it to bleed. Nothing happened. “You’re still dead.” Anella said with disbelief.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:04:52 GMT -5
“But I can feel it! I have a pulse, I’m breathing! I can see, smell, feel, hear, taste… this doesn’t make any sense.” He protested. Kenetari strode towards him and Anella changed positions so that she could protect him. Kenetari dropped her sword. “I’m not going to hurt him.” Kenetari said quietly. “What?” Anella and Raythor said together. “The world is clearly ending.” Raythor said dramatically. Anella reluctantly let the other girl through, but she didn’t lower her sword. “Sabbath told me this might happen to who ever went through the portal, before he died.” Kenetari said, her hand floating just above the wound that held only blackness. “I killed him! Well, Laura helped… why aren’t you hurting me?” “Because I love you,” She said absently, as though it made perfect sense. Raythor was struck dumb. Anella just looked severely concerned. “You’ll be all right soon, that injury isn’t fatal. They’re never fatal.” “But I’m not bleeding.” Raythor said. Then he looked confused again. He sounded like he was talking to his sister, as if she were a normal sister, and not a crazed, manipulative, remorseless killer he happened to be related to. “That’ll go away too. You just need a little blood sacrifice.” Kenetari told him. She rubbed her fingers in the blood coming out of her shoulder and passed them over the cut. It stung, but he didn’t make a sound. Red liquid flowed freely from the place she had touched. “Why are you doing this?” Raythor asked. “You’re my brother.” “They were your parents.” “I loved them too, but their death was the only way.” She pushed back a lock of his hair and he was still too shocked to recoil. “I’m not asking for your forgiveness. I am a monster and I have killed numerous people who perhaps didn’t deserve to die, but I could never kill you.” She turned away, bending to pick up her sword and sheathing it as she left. “What the hell?” Raythor repeated. Anella had no answer for him. He blacked out.
****
“Kenetari’s alive?” Rose said with disgust. “Very much alive.” Anella replied. She watched as Dasher healed Raythor, who was now bleeding profusely. Anella had helped carry them back and her dress was drenched with blood as well. She listened to the instant debate that broke out after this revelation; Kylara’s voice became particularly loud. “There, he’s all better. He should wake up soon.” Dasher said, slightly exhausted. She’s become much better at healing, but it took a lot out of her to do so. Aside from the rips in his clothing, Raythor looked as though he’d never been hurt. “Kenetari has Markus, we can be sure of that.” David said gruffly. “If Archer’s alive, he’s with her too.” “Lydrion’s alive.” Cally said with a nod. David glared at her, but she just smiled. “Who is Kenetari?” Ross interrupted. Everybody else stared at him. “What?” “I guess I never used her name,” Anella said. “She’s Raythor’s sister.” “The crazy murderer?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:06:04 GMT -5
“That’s a good way of putting it.” Rose said. “Lydrion Archer is her husband, Cally’s brother, and the bane of my existence.” She sighed, looking worn again. “We’ll have to all go look for Markus, so that we’ll be safe.” Dasher said. “Let’s wait for Laura to get up. If we don’t, she’ll get a most displeased pigment about her nose.” Saria insisted. Ross raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you people understood that nonsense.” He said. “She’s Saria; you don’t have to understand it.” Kaslon said. He sounded scandalized. “She and Anella are the prettiest girls this side of the border.” “They are, aren’t they?” Tallith agreed, looking longingly at Anella. She smiled back nervously. “You’re all a strange, strange bunch of people.” Ross said. He noticed particularly where everyone was trying not to look. Kylara kept stealing glances at Raythor; Tallith did the same to Anella, as did Kaslon with Saria. Anella kept her eyes focused straight ahead but he was sure where she wanted to be looking as well. Feeling suddenly and irrationally irritated, he stood up and left the room. The sound of voices followed him, but he didn’t look back.
****
Laura woke up in her room much later, blinking the sleep from her eyes. For a moment, everything felt normal. Then it all came back to her in a rush, and angry tears burned the sides of her eyes. How could she have let herself fall asleep? She couldn’t even remember it happening. She sat up, burying her head in her hands and letting the tears she’d held back for three days fall at last. A strange energy welled within her, and she doubled over, feeling slightly sick. It concentrated all at once on her stomach, and she saw the strange black energy that made up the portal focus there. Hesitantly, she touched it and she could feel the beating of a heart. Laura drew back her hand quickly, surprised, and the energy faded. What could that mean? Was it trying to tell her that she was…? Laura got up and went into the hallway, ready to get back to work. She was still annoyed at herself for falling asleep, and now she was confused by what had just happened. She was so distracted that she ran into someone almost immediately. “I apologize, milady.” A boy with auburn hair told her. “It was my fault.” Laura said. She recognized him vaguely as Caltha’s prince, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember his name. His brown eyes blinked. “Are you Elaura Everglade?” “Yes I am, prince…uh…” “Roland.” “Prince Roland. Have they found Markus yet?” “No, princess, I gather they are waiting for you to go out again.” “Princess?” “You married a prince, did you not?” “I wish I could find him.” Laura said miserably. Roland looked concerned. “Allow me to accompany your group, milady. I’m quite good at finding things.” “Would you really do that? That’s so very nice of you.” “It’s the least that I can do.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:06:20 GMT -5
****
Raythor opened his eyes and found himself alone as well. He staggered to his feet, for once actually relieved to see dried blood all over his clothing. He stepped into the hall and a split second later somebody hugged him. “You’re awake, thank goodness.” Anella said, her voice breaking a little at the end. “I was getting really worried about you. Laura’s already up and they’re all downstairs getting ready.” “You changed clothes.” He said softly, fingers brushing through her hair. “Are you all right, did she hurt you?” “No, I’m fine. You just bled on me.” Anella said, moving her head so she could see his eyes. She smiled. “You pretty much saved me again, you know.” “I did not, Kenetari’s insane mood swing did.” Raythor said. “And you held your own pretty well.” “Not well enough.” “I’m the one who got hurt.” “I got strangled.” “There’s no way you could have countered that. Besides, I’m completely fine. How’s your neck?” “Stop…stop taking care of me.” Anella said. Raythor grinned. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing?” “Um…yes, I suppose…” “We should go down before someone comes looking for us.” “It wouldn’t matter; I hugged you before we were together.” “Yes, but,” He kissed her long and hard and her eyes fell shut, “I never did that.” “I…I hear something.” Anella said reluctantly. He nodded and backed up, crossing his arms and looking as bored as possible. Anella shook herself and turned around, trying to look composed. Ross came into view, caught sight of Raythor, and frowned. “Oh, he’s awake.” Ross said with something less than elation. “That’s great.” “Thank goodness it’s just Ross.” Anella said, sounding relieved. “Yeah, it’s just little old me.” “Am I blushing?” Anella asked worriedly. “No, you’re just a little flushed. Relax, you look perfect.” Raythor said. She turned a little red. “Sorry.” “Let’s get this moving.” Ross said, turning and going back down the stairs with his fists clenched. Raythor and Anella looked at each other and shrugged.
Chapter Twelve Phasing Shadow
“All right… let’s try this way.” Rose said tiredly. They’d been searching for most of the night and it was pitch black and utterly freezing. Laura was the only one who still had any energy left, but it was more of a nervous, flighty energy than anything else. “Didn’t we already go that way?” Kaslon complained.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:07:27 GMT -5
“No, we definitely veered the other way last time.” Rose insisted. “I’m pretty sure-” “Kaslon, just shut up. It’s the middle of the night, no one’s even sure which way is up at this point.” David grumbled. “Bicker, bicker, bicker…” Ross chimed in inaudibly. He looked up ahead at Anella, who they were basically using as a torch. Her silver glow was just barely enough to see by. Tallith, to no one’s surprise, was watching her too. “Oh, do you have something to add, stupid?” Rose said, a little loudly. Raythor sighed. “I didn’t say anything.” He said grudgingly. “I wasn’t talking to you.” “You wound me, Rose. That’s always been my nickname.” “I meant Ross, you moron.” “Oh, I thought you were talking to him too.” Ross said, startled. “I’m afraid I’ve got absolutely nothing to add.” “But you did say something; I saw your lips move.” Rose insisted. “Perhaps I’m going to drop dead. One can only hope.” “I’m counting the moments.” “I feel so replaced.” Raythor said with mock sorrow. “Hey, there he is!” Kaslon said excitedly. He dashed off and Saria followed him. “Kaslon, he’s not over there.” David called. He turned and went the other way. “Wait, isn’t that him?” Ross said, squinting. He went in still another direction. Everyone else stood silent for a moment. “Who’s right?” Dione asked. “I’m going with David.” They all split into three groups. Laura went after Kaslon. He’d seemed so sure, and she desperately needed that right now. Roland and all four of the elementists followed close on her heels. Kaslon stopped ahead of them, waving his arms until they caught up. “Why is Markus running?” Firelight questioned. “Can’t he see us?” “Maybe not.” Blade said. “Markus!” “Markus, can you hear me? It’s Laura!” Laura called frantically. A figure turned in the blackness and stepped toward them. It was Markus but he looked different. His eyes were completely devoid of anything human and his expression was perfectly empty. “Don’t move,” He said in a monotone. “Don’t move? What in Erika does that mean?” Theo said, puzzled. “Markus, what’s wrong?” Laura said, taking a step in his direction. “I told you not to move!” Markus yelled. He drew his sword. Laura’s brow furrowed. He moved forward, eyes narrowed. Dasher’s star flashed as she tried to read the prince’s emotions, hoping it would help. She got nothing. That had never happened before, not once. She tried again. Nothing. Markus kept getting closer, but it seemed like a part of him was fighting every step he took. Dasher wondered if it was her powers that weren’t working, so she tried to same spell on Laura. She got an explosion of confused and jumbled feelings. But Markus…nothing. “Something’s wrong.” Dasher said. “He’s not feeling anything.” “No duh something’s wrong.” Theo said. His leaf symbol glowed and vines wrapped around Markus’s feet, holding him in place. Every few seconds he would struggle violently. Then he would stop and stand perfectly still before fighting again.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:08:08 GMT -5
Dasher looked up at his face and gasped. His cheeks were laced with cuts, minuscule in size, and spread randomly all over his face. “Phasing shadow.” Dasher said, noticing too that it seemed to be hurting Markus to be holding the sword and that the skin on his wrists was torn to shreds. “Mind control?” Blade said doubtfully. “It would take an extremely powerful shadow elementist to even attempt that spell.” “Either that or sweet, noble to a fault Markus now wants to kill us.” “You make a forceful point.” “What should we do?” Laura asked, forcing herself to stay put. “I’ll help if I can,” Roland offered. Other than that he felt it was not his place here to speak. “Phasing Shadow can pretty much only be countered by Phasing Shadow.” Blade told her. “Otherwise, anything we do to the caster happens to Markus. If we can even find the caster.” “Markus, please snap out of it.” Laura begged. “Please, my prince, listen to me. Please…” “Blade, you can use that spell. Father taught it to you.” Firelight called. “I’m morally and legally obligated not to use it.” Blade said. “Morality be damned.” Theo retorted. Markus finally seemed to react to Laura’s voice and his eyes flicked over his wife. “Laura…Lydrion…alive…kill you…” Markus said. Then he started screaming and his skin exploded in a thousand places, leaving behind the same type of little cuts. His eyes went dead again and the screaming stopped. “I’m not strong enough to over power this other force…” Blade said. Before them, Markus started glowing blue, tinged with red. He lowered his sword and pointed it at Theo’s vines. His arm glowed with the same light. As if on cue, the dripping blood from all over his body joined with the blue energy. Theo’s vines shredded as soon as the prince’s spell touched them. Markus screamed again, but started walking toward them once more. “I’m the vessel; channel your spell through me.” Laura commanded suddenly. “Laura that could kill you.” Blade pointed out. “Either this kills me or he kills me. I won’t fight back against him.” “Laura-” “Do it now, Blade.” “But-” “Now!” “All right…” The shadow prince said. His symbol began to glow and his eyes closed in concentration. “I love you, Markus.” Laura said, tears glinting at the sides of her eyes. “Good bye.” Blade’s black energy hit her in the back, growing and twisting within her before it streamed out and slammed full force into Markus. He seemed to be resisting it, but Laura took a step closer, gritting her teeth, and Blade’s magic won. Every single one of Markus’s memories flashed before Blade’s eyes in an instant and suddenly his whole body burned with pain. More scratches scattered across the surface of Markus’s skin and the prince’s eyes changed once again, to mirror Blade’s expression. Blade had no idea what to do at this point. He’d never been this connected to
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:08:42 GMT -5
someone before and every movement he made, however slight, was echoed exactly by Markus. The only difference was that it was carried out on two legs instead of four. He could hear the prince’s thoughts, feel his fear, and taste the blood in his mouth. Mentally, he commanded Markus to raise his arm and he did. It was the most incredible and total feeling of power he had ever experienced. Laura still stood between them, oddly composed and shimmering with light. “The other force is gone.” Laura said, in a calm, sweet voice that was barely her own. “Let him go. It’s perfectly safe.” Blade terminated the spell and for a moment no one moved. Then Blade just sort of slumped over and Markus and Laura fell to their knees. “Ow,” Markus said pathetically. Laura pushed herself to her feet, feeling dizzy but not in pain, and went to his side. “Markus,” She said, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him, “Markus…” He held her close, not much caring that it hurt. “I never thought I’d see you again,” Markus said tenderly, “You know I don’t deserve you.” “Can you walk?” She asked. “You can tell me everything when you’re safe. I’m not losing you again.”
****
“How can they all be gone?” Theo demanded. “I just told you, they aren’t all gone. Just the guys.” Blade repeated evenly. “The girls are tied up with some sort of magic.” “Take me to them.” Dasher said. “Let me help.” Markus said, trying not to lean on Laura. She held him tighter. “Markus, you don’t have any water.” Laura said. “Yeah, I know that, but I actually learned something while my mind was being messed with. I can use my blood as a catalyst instead of water. It’s stronger and it’s faster, plus it doesn’t tire me out as quickly.” “Doesn’t it hurt?” “Not that much…” “You were screaming before.” “I’ve been locked up for days, tied up and useless to all of you…” Markus said, frustrated. “Let me help.” Laura gave him a sympathetic look. “I understand. Ready?” She said. He nodded. She let go of him and he was left alone on his own two legs. For a moment, they all held their breath. The prince didn’t waver and he took on a resolved expression. “You said there were three groups, right? Give me one of them.” “Take Ross’s.” Blade offered. “Dasher can have David’s, if she wishes.” “Sounds fine. Blade, go with Markus, Theo and Laura. Firelight, Kaslon, Saria and… Roland, was it? Can come with me.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:09:02 GMT -5
Markus found Anella and Rose with their arms and mouths bound with light energy. Rose started to struggle when she saw him approach, fear in her eyes. Anella just didn’t move, focused on the ground in front of her. “It’s really me this time, not the elementists.” Markus explained quickly. “Elementists?” Kaslon said curiously. “The ones pretending to be me, that David and Ross must have seen. There are five of them, actually, and the last two are shadows.” He explained absently. “The older Shadow was controlling me.” He unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Rose’s mouth. The blood from his cuts concentrated again and the blue light flashed. All three of Rose’s bonds disappeared. He repeated the exercise with Anella, totally ignoring the pain and the wounds opening wider on his arm. It didn’t matter, not now. “So you expect us to believe this is actually you this time, after we went through all that?” Rose nearly yelled at him. He grinned at her. “Your middle name is Mary and your fake last name was Thisswood.” Markus tried. She shook her head. “Archer probably knows that.” “Don’t make me say it, Rose.” “Sure, fake Markus.” “All right, but don’t-” “Fake!” “When you kissed me two years ago, just before our aborted wedding, you opened your mouth.” “Oh, like you didn’t!” “I only did it because-” “Hey, you two, just stop right there. I did not need to know that. Besides, I think you’re hurting Laura.” Theo jumped in quickly. Laura, though she looked pale, insisted that she was fine. “Now that we’ve established that this is, in fact, the real Markus, and gotten quite a few terrible mental images in the process, let’s access who is missing.” Blade’s said sensibly. “All the males in David and Ross’s groups, which would be…” Theo thought a minute. “Uh… Ross, David, Raythor and Tallith. Right?” “Sounds right…” “You…whoever… hit them in the head. They weren’t moving, Markus!” Anella said, slightly hysterically. Markus put an arm comfortingly around her shoulder. “I’m sure they’re fine, Anella.” He said soothingly. “Raythor’s coming back to you this time.” Anella wrapped her arms around herself, looking away. She wished she could tell him the truth, he was Markus, he would never hurt her… “Let’s hurry back to the others.” Laura said worriedly. There was a scream and they all started running.
****
“Kaslon and Roland are gone now too.” Dasher said, blinking the sleep from her eyes. “They just disappeared. I trust you got the same sort of story, about the false Markus?”
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