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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:43:30 GMT -5
“How long have you loved me anyway?” Markus asked, somewhat arbitrarily. “Let’s see… when we first met, you were six and I was five. I wanted to marry you after you said ‘I’m not going to call you Elaura, because it sounds stupid. You’re going to be Laura from now on.’” “I was such a brat when I was six.” He said with a laugh. “What can I say? I was lonely and you were nice to me. Besides, you were handsome even then. I didn’t stand a chance, just like Lila.” “I’ve never called you Elaura, have I?” “Not once.” Laura said with a smile. “Do you think you ever felt that way about me before you kissed me?” “I think I did…” Markus said, thinking back. “Remember when we were twelve and my father was yelling at you? That was the only time I ever stood up for you. Afterwards, you kissed me on the cheek for the first time and I got the weirdest feeling… I think I fell in love with you then.” “That was one of the sweetest things you’ve ever done for me.” “I’m sorry I never really did it again.” “I understand, Markus. The way your father is…” “I’m not going to stand there and let him rip you apart ever again. I’ve been afraid of him for too long. If I’m going to be king one day, I can’t be terrified of my own father.” “It’s never been a question of ‘if’, Markus. You will be king one day.” “I know that.” “Sometimes you don’t seem so sure.” “It’s because of this,” Markus said, putting one hand against his head. “What if I give this hair, this blood, to my children? Who’s going to accept a royal family that’s part… part what ever it is I am?” “Don’t worry,” Laura said, pulling him closer to her, “you’ll be a great king, and I’m going to be with you all the way. I love you.” “I love you too, Laura. I love you…” He trailed off and his eyes shut and his breathing became slow and even. She smiled, just watching him sleep for awhile before she herself joined him.
****
“Good morning, Blade. Are you ready to go home?” Dasher asked, yawning. She was outside blatantly striding around in her real form and not caring much about it at all. “I suppose,” Blade returned noncommittally. He couldn’t help but be slightly amused by her I-own-the-world way of walking. “It has been nice to relive all of this again.” “It has.” “Well, I should probably go wake up Firelight and Theo.” “Wait…” Dasher said, swallowing hard. She didn’t want to say this, but she had to. If she didn’t…. “Blade, I’m a shape-shifter.” “All Lights are.” Blade said, with a hint of sarcasm. “I could be a shadow, if you wanted me to. We could be together.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:44:54 GMT -5
“I’ve thought about that too, but I don’t want you to have to spend the rest of your life living a lie.” “The change wouldn’t last forever. I’d switch to my natural form at night, and I could take ‘sick’ days to rest. Your court would just think that you’d married a crazy girl, not a Light princess.” “Dasher, I know that you’re smart enough to do something like that but I don’t want you to have to.” Blade said patiently. “You aren’t the sit around and look pretty kind of girl and we both know it. You wouldn’t be happy forced to hide who you are and what you are. You’re a very independent elementist, and you deserve to be able to live that way. Not in the shackles of deception, just for my sake.” “What if it isn’t just for your sake? What if it’s for me too? I can’t live at this half way point either!” “Then you will marry Baine and I will marry Nightshade and the two of us will be friends. Just friends.” He strained the last two words considerably. “I don’t want you to change for me.” “That is exactly the reason I want to, because you care about me the way I am. You know me.” Dasher pointed out. “And I l-” “Please don’t say it, Dasher. You know if I ever hear you say that again…” He sighed. “I’m going back inside. Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be.” “Blade-” “You broke up with me, Dasher. Not the other way around.”
****
“What village is this anyway? They all look the same. Are we going to be in Everglade soon? I want to go home.” Kaslon complained loudly. “Kaslon…” David said in a low, mildly threatening tone. “Rivne.” Kylara answered him carelessly. “It can’t be Rivne,” Raythor argued. “I was born in Rivne.” “You were?” Anella said. Ranier, her stallion, was carrying both of them because Raythor couldn’t ride and stubbornly refused to learn. “You never told me that.” “I don’t remember it that well.” “Obviously,” Kylara said, rolling her eyes. “Because that’s your house.” “I think its Vera’s house, she’s the oldest.” Raythor said. He didn’t even seem to notice that he was using Kenetari’s real name anymore. “Yes, but you’ve got the Karian name for keeps. You’re a boy.” “Maybe we shouldn’t be talking about this here.” Laura interrupted nervously. “Just that name probably attracts attention.” “I wouldn’t worry, sweetheart.” Markus soothed. “It has been eleven years since he was last here. I’m sure Raythor looks different now.” “Absolutely,” Raythor agreed. “I now have more scars than I did before.” “You do?” Anella said, brow furrowed. “The one on my shoulder, from two years ago. That’s it.” “All right…” “Why can’t you take care of yourself, you idiot?” Rose said irritably. “And where the hell did Anella get an engagement ring? Did she finally say yes to Tallith?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:46:24 GMT -5
“I got it last night.” Anella said carefully. “From Raythor.” “From Raythor? That useless lump proposed to you?” “Yes. And he’s not useless.” “And you actually said yes?” “I love him. Why wouldn’t I?” “Because he’s a complete moron.” “Hey, let’s not do this now.” Markus suggested. “Or better yet, let’s do this never. I think that sounds like a great plan.” “The red haired girl over there looks familiar.” Saria said, seemingly ignoring the other conversations. “Yeah, she does.” Markus agreed, happy to change the subject. “Wasn’t she at my first wedding?” “Oh, definitely. She and her mother got in that huge fight because of…” Laura started. She cut off and looked over at Raythor. “That’s Karen, all right.” Raythor said evenly. “The jail guard’s daughter I kissed to get out of jail when I was twelve, and then lied to when I was sixteen.” “Then let’s hope Laura remembers the names of all your fake children, because Karen’s coming over here.” Markus said, grinning. “Raythor Carpenter!” Karen said cheerfully. “Do you know what I found out? That you’re not married to that brunette girl and you don’t have any children.” “This is true,” Raythor said. “I’m a thieving liar, just like your mother said. “Carpenter?” Anella whispered, leaning back slightly so that Karen wouldn’t hear her. “My fake name.” He answered. “I also told her that I was illiterate.” “Why don’t you lie to me all the time?” “I pretended that I wasn’t a murderer. That not good enough for you?” “But you’re not.” “But I didn’t know that at the time.” “Who’s that girl?” Karen interrupted. “Anella Nightheart.” Raythor said blankly. “I suppose you’re going to tell me that she’s your wife now.” “If she was, she’d probably have my last name.” “Are you being sarcastic?” “I didn’t say it.” Rose said, holding up her hands. Ross snickered. “She’s my girlfriend.” Raythor said, choosing to ignore Rose for once. “I don’t believe you.” Karen said. “I really don’t care.” “You should, because I know who you really are.” “Who am I?” “Raythor Karian, the Shadow Dog.” Karen said smugly. “And my dad’s here with me, so I can have you arrested anytime I want.” “Oh, sure.” Raythor said, rolling his eyes. “I’m some famous, mythical, seven year old killer all grown up and you can prove it. I don’t care if your father is the king; no one is going to believe you.” “What about your eyes?” Karen said, and she saw them flicker.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:46:45 GMT -5
“What about them?” He said, trying to keep up the same mocking swagger he’d had before. “You look just like a Calthan except for those big, blue eyes. No one else but you has them, Raythor.” “Someone must.” “How many named Raythor? How many that are eighteen and black haired and perfectly mysterious?” “How exactly are you going to prove that is my name?” He asked darkly, but even as he did he noticed they were surrounded by people. All of them were staring at him with fascinated horror. “It’s him. It’s really him.” One woman said incredulously. There was a general murmur of agreement from the crowd. “Who’s my father going to believe?” Karen said. She pointed to his face, “You,” She gestured behind her, “or them?” “Run!” Markus cried out, and the whole herd of horses started running. “Damn it!” Raythor swore as they went, “I’m sorry, you guys.” “It’s not your fault.” Anella reassured. “I’m the one who made you come.” Laura added. “I should go back there; I can’t get all of you in trouble.” Raythor protested. “I’m not going to let you try and kill yourself for me again.” Anella said over her shoulder. Raythor opened his mouth to reply, but Ross cut in with: “I don’t mean to interrupt you two lovebirds, but Karen brought a few friends.” “Turn!” Markus said, sharply changing Eclipse’s direction. He drew to a halt when confronted with yet another line of guards. “Back!” “They’re behind us too, Markus! We’re surrounded!” Kylara called from the back of the group. “They just want Karian.” Ross said. “Let’s just give him up.” “Thanks, Rocelin.” Raythor said sarcastically. “I command you to stop this nonsense.” Roland ordered loudly. “By the crown of Caltha, let us pass.” “Sire, we’ve been informed that the Butcher of Caltha may be hiding among your group.” The captain of the guard said hesitantly. “That’s a myth. He doesn’t exist.” “Yes he does.” Karen said, finally catching up to them. “Take a good look at him, Thomas. Isn’t he exactly what all the stories described? Hasn’t he appeared in a time when dozens of us are dying at once?” “Why are you doing this?” Laura burst out suddenly. “Raythor’s not a murderer, he’s a good person. He didn’t kill his parents.” “He used me, he lied to me and he never came back. He promised me he’d come back.” “I’m here now,” Raythor said, with a desperate sort of tenderness that made chills run down Anella’s spine. When he was forcing it, he sounded just like… “But not for me. You didn’t come for me.” “I couldn’t come back. You were my first friend, Karen. I’m sorry that I had to hurt you.” “But I don’t want to be your friend,” Karen said, smirking at him.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:47:42 GMT -5
“What do you want?” “Come down here,” She said, pointing to the ground in front of her. Raythor dismounted and moved to where she wanted him to go. “Are you willing to let me hang for this? You told me everything.” “Hold me in your arms again.” “I can’t do that.” “Do you want to live?” “Raythor, even if you don’t want to survive, I want you to.” Anella said, swallowing. “Stop saving me.” “Anella…” He said helplessly. “Listen to me for once.” “If this is what you want.” Raythor said, swallowing too. He shut his eyes. “Look at me,” Karen said, her tone softening a little. Raythor took her in his arms and waited patiently, eyes meeting hers. She pressed her lips against his and it took everything he had not to fight her. “Good bye, Raythor.” Karen said evenly. Two guards grabbed his arms and shoved him to his knees. “Raythor James Karian, you are hereby arrested for robbery, escaping a royal dungeon, and the murders of Hector Priam Karian and Kari Helen Karian.” Thomas recited, still looking nervous. He was staring down at Raythor as though he were a feral dog and was about to infect him with some terrible disease. “I grant him pardon.” Roland tried. “Sire, you cannot pardon murder. It is the law.” “Diplomatic immunity,” Markus jumped in. “He’s traveling with royalty on a diplomatic mission, and therefore seen as a noble himself.” “With all due respect, sire, these crimes were not committed on this journey.” Thomas said. “Decree of pardon to past offenses by royal connection,” Roland suggested. “Doesn’t pardon murder.” “How about you let him go or I spill you innards in the street?” Kylara very nearly snarled, drawing her sword. “If you threaten us physically or verbally, we are allowed to use force on any persons not of royal blood.” Thomas said blankly, his face clearly saying ‘I know every single law too.’ “This by the decree of King Etienne the Second.” “How about the law of pardon for murder after suitable self punishment?” Markus said graspingly. “The years of complete isolation serve as other forms of punishment.” “That law is only effective in Everglade.” Thomas said, now just getting bored. “It was made void here after the younger Cain sister stabbed out her own eyes.” “I’m sorry, Raythor. Nothing else clears murder.” Markus said, face falling in defeat. “Even the fact I’m innocent…” Raythor said under his breath. Audibly, he said: “Don’t worry about it, Markus, my past just finally caught up with me. I couldn’t run from it forever.” The guards forced him back to his feet and dragged him away. No of them could do anything to stop it. Karen smiled as the dark haired boy faded over the horizon.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:48:02 GMT -5
“I do apologize, Prince Roland.” She said. “But it is my duty, as the royal jailer’s daughter, to protect you from harm.” Anella slid off Ranier’s back and strode purposefully over to Karen, who just looked amused. “They’re going to kill him.” Anella said slowly. “What do you care?” Karen asked. “I know you’re not his girlfriend anymore than Laura the brunette girl is his wife.” “No, I’m not his girlfriend.” Anella bit her lip and held up her hand, so that the other girl could see her ring. “We’re engaged.” “Sure you are. They pulled that trick with the rings on me before.” “You’re in love with him. That’s why you’re doing this.” “I won’t be anymore, once he’s dead. This will be over.” Karen said coldly. Anella hit her across the face and she crumbled to the ground. Karen moved up onto the balls of her feet, wiping the blood off her lip. “You’ll be happier when he’s dead too.” “I’m sorry…” Anella said, her eyes wide. Then she shook her head. “No, no I’m not. You don’t know him, not anymore. He’s not the same as he used to be.” “Raythor is never going to change. He left me, he’ll leave you. His promises don’t mean anything.” “You know this from one kiss?” “You don’t understand what it was like.” Karen said. “What he meant to me.” Anella felt Markus’s hand on her shoulder, drawing her away. She glanced back one final time, and saw how Karen’s face was filled with fear. The red haired girl shifted to look over the horizon, and the expression changed to longing.
****
“So let me get this straight, Kylara,” Markus said, flipping another page, “We’re searching through all these books to find a member of Raythor’s family?” “Yes,” Kylara said impatiently. “Because in Caltha members of the family of the accused are supposed to support the purity of their character. It’s stupid, but that’s Caltha for you.” “Has anyone found Raythor’s mother’s maiden name yet?” Laura asked, weighted down with books she still couldn’t read. “Has anyone found an actual Karian yet?” Rose put in dryly. “I’ve got Kale.” Markus said obliviously. “That’s pretty close.” “They’re here somewhere. This has everyone born in Rivne for about a hundred years.” Kylara said, tossing another book away with a sigh. “Those weren’t even ‘k’s.” “Wait, here.” Anella said. “Karian, Hector. Deceased. Cause of death, murder. Karian, Kari. Deceased. Cause of death, murder. Maiden name…” She broke off. “What is it?” Markus asked. “Whitestar. Kari Whitestar.” “Here, I’ve got Whitestar.” Rose said. “Whitestar, Kari. Deceased, blah blah… Whitestar, Sabbath….” “What was that?” Kylara said, ears perked. “They’re the same. She’s Sabbath’s sister. Or, she was Sabbath’s sister.” “That’s not possible.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:51:56 GMT -5
“It’s right here. Kari Whitestar, married to Hector Karian.” Rose said. “Sabbath is Raythor’s uncle.” “This just keeps getting sicker.” Ross said. He was busy pretending to help, but was in fact doing nothing in particular. “That doesn’t matter now.” Kylara said. “We have to find a living relative before Raythor’s trial. There’s very little chance we could get any of the Whitestars here by then.” “I’ll keep looking.” Anella promised. “Karian, Vera. Deceased, cause of death severe fever. Kenetari’s legally dead too.” “Of course she is.” Rose said with displeasure. They all went back to searching. “Karian, Raythor,” Anella read silently, unable to stop herself, “Vanished.” She hurriedly kept reading through the Karians, not wanting to linger on his name. Karian, Hugh. Deceased. Cause of death suicide. Karian, Bella. Deceased. Cause of death drowning. Karian, Peter, deceased…. Deceased, deceased, deceased….
Chapter Eighteen Alice
Laura frowned down at the little slip of paper Markus had given her. He had written nothing on it but the letter ‘k’, and that in itself was a struggle for her to identify. Sighing, she ran her hand along the rows of ledgers and logbooks, searching for the supposed letter. Eventually she came across a book with a very long title, but there was a ‘k’ in it, so she removed it from the shelf and sat down. It was heavy and looked very ill kept. She pushed open the cover, idly looking for more ‘k’s. Instead she found that there was a gold word at the top of every page, with a picture opposite it. The first was a creature made of sand, which was following a set of screaming, blurry villagers. The second was a giant cat that also seemed to be chasing screaming villagers. She slipped the page again, beginning to think that this was a book of fairy tales, or of myths. Laura gasped. The first thing she had noticed about the next page was a ‘k’ in the gold lettering on the top. The next thing she noticed was that the picture was strangely familiar. A small boy, with his head in his hands, was kneeling in a pile of broken glass. His hands were covered in blood, and a black dagger stuck out of the floor. She studied the face, and it was much closer to Raythor’s than she thought it would be. Laura spent a few more seconds looking over the page, and then she went to the next one. It almost made her heart stop. A flaming elementist filled the page and it had her necklace hanging from its throat. The page went blank for a split second, and when she could see again she could… read. The words on the page were words, not just scribbles. Laura trembled, unsure what to do. “Phoenix Solkenton… The ‘vessel’ of desert wolf mythology. He was born when the sun shone at night, and because of this a curse was placed upon him. If the young prince ever took a life, the reverse world would take his soul and hold it for the span of two years. In that time, everything he loved would disappear and his own time there would feel like a thousand years. When he turned twenty, his love fell ill. He was told if he did not kill someone to take Pearl’s place, she would die. For awhile, he refused. But, one night, a murderer
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:52:11 GMT -5
escaped from the castle’s dungeon and he killed her….” Laura stopped reading. Everything else had matched the version Dasher had told her two years ago but the ‘her’… the murderer hadn’t been a ‘her’ before. She supposed it didn’t make a difference. She glanced down to finish the story, but she could no longer read it. The letters were all just a jumbled mass once more. Laura closed the book and put it back on the shelf.
****
“I found something,” Anella said, jumping up. “Jason and Benvolio?” Rose said with mock excitement. It had been hours since they’d began. They’d already sent Ross to get Jason and Benvolio, but they all knew they would most likely arrive after the three day time limit was up. “Kenetari?” Kylara suggested, with much the same tone of voice. “Alice Karian,” Anella replied exhaustedly. “She’s Hector’s sixth sister and pretty much his last surviving relative. I missed her name the first time.” “Never mind, where is she?” “It says she lives here.” “I’ll go ask around.” Markus offered. “Anyone want to come with me?” Kylara, Laura, Anella and Rose got up. All five of them left the record building and went into the village again, splitting off in just as many directions. Markus chose a random girl and went up to her, trying to look as royal as possible. “Hello,” She said blankly, staring at his hair. “Good afternoon, milady.” Markus said politely. “I was wondering if you could tell me the whereabouts of a Miss Alice Karian?” “Oh,” Her face darkened, “Everyone knows where she is, right next door to the demon house.” “The demon house?” “Where are you from, anyway?” “Everglade.” “Oh, gosh, you’re that prince, Prince Markus!” She gasped. “What do you want with her?” “It’s a long story, actually. Thank you, my fair maid.” He said with hurried formality. He rushed back to find everyone else standing there already. “She’s next door to the demon house.” All five of them said. Kylara took the lead and they all headed past Raythor’s old house and straight to the one directly next to it, which also happened to be the only other house in the general vicinity. “You knock,” Kylara said, nudging Anella. “The whole ‘I’m engaged to your murderous nephew’ story is pretty darn convincing.” Anella wanted to fight back, but she also didn’t want to waste any time. So she knocked on the door and stood there unsurely. It opened and the first thing she thought of was Raythor’s eyes. “What?” The woman said hostilely. “Someone else want to spit on my face?” Alice Karian was tall, terribly skinny, black haired and blue eyed. Across her left cheek was an old scar that went diagonally from her nose to her jaw. “Well?” “My name is Anella Nightheart,” Anella said hesitantly, “and I’m engaged to your nephew.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:00:11 GMT -5
“I think you’ve got the wrong house.” Alice said carelessly. “I’m Alice Karian. The branded liar?” She put a finger against her cheek. “I know that. They’ve just arrested him.” “Raythor’s alive?” Alice said with disbelief. “He can’t be. I saw Vera kill him.” “He’s alive; he’s just been hiding for eleven years. Raythor wasn’t dead when Ken… Vera left.” Anella started, and suddenly she was pouring out the whole story, everything from start to finish. When she was finally done, Alice let her hands fall to her sides and her eyes stare at her feet. “I told them what really happened, but they wouldn’t believe me.” She said softly. “Someone was telling them all that Raythor had killed them. They believed him; of course, he played on their superstitions and their fear. They took me away and put this on my face before Raythor… before he ran away.” “Will you help us?” Anella asked hopefully. “Of course. I’ve been waiting eleven years to help my brother’s soul rest in peace.”
****
Ross stared straight ahead as he rode, thinking of his cousin. Obviously, she’d made a stupid choice and was just going to get hurt over and over again. He didn’t want Anella to be with Raythor, but he wasn’t exactly sure who he did want her to be with. Certainly not Tallith, she didn’t feel a thing for him. There had to be someone… Ross stopped himself. If he thought it, it would be true and he didn’t want it to be. Still, when he’d gone to visit Brigit, William’s fiancée, two years ago and they’d ended up sleeping together he hadn’t felt anything remotely like this. Luckily for the both of them, neither of them had ever married and Brigit hadn’t gotten pregnant. No one had ever found out about it, either. It bothered him to think that William had also slept with Brigit, before he’d gone off to war. And Ross looked so much like his brother… Brigit hadn’t wanted to marry Ross afterwards; they’d both agreed it’s just been ‘one of those things’. The whole affair had made him feel even guiltier about William’s death. He knew that Brigit had only slept with him because he looked so much like his brother. Ross was just a shadow of his brother to everyone in his family, in his village, in the army… just the one who should have died in William’s stead. But that wasn’t true with Anella. She didn’t know anything about William, had never even heard his name. And Ross was falling in love with her.
****
“Markus!” Lila called, much louder than she’d wanted to. Laura nudged him and giggled. The prince turned slightly red and faced Lila. “Lila, hello. How are you?” Markus said, straightening. “Are you all right? What happened?” Lila asked. She became suddenly aware of how strange it was to be standing not only in a village that was not her own, with no real reason for being there, but also talking to a prince with incredible familiarity. She couldn’t look at him and see a prince, though. She just saw Markus.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:02:59 GMT -5
“I’m fine. Just a few scratches.” He assured her. “Here, come on.” Markus walked over and sat in front of Alice’s house. Laura followed him, still grinning to herself. Lila came much more hesitantly; the demon house was far from a foreign concept to her. “What are you doing in Rivne?” Laura asked pleasantly. “Delivering something.” Lila said, still standing awkwardly in front of them. She could tell Laura thought she was lying. Lila tried not to look directly at Markus’s face. “Is it true that you know the… the Karian Killer?” “Yes.” “Lila,” Markus said, much more seriously. She looked afraid. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was, that I disappeared. I’m sorry that I couldn’t help you more. But when I get back to Everglade, I’m going to do everything I can to make things right in Caltha. You and everyone else should not have to live like this.” Lila saw the kindness in his eyes and she looked away again. “Thank you…” She said, overcome with sudden shyness. “Thank you…”
****
“I don’t quite understand,” Roland said to no one in particular. Kylara glanced up, her expression sour, but seemed as though she were listening. “How does this work? How do you all know each other?” “Rea… Queen Rea held this ‘quest’ thing a few years ago.” Kaslon said. “We all met through that. You know those near death experiences… they’re made for creating long lasting friendships.” “Quest?” “Not the most accurate description ever, but it works for us.” “I see.” “Why are you here, anyway?” Kylara said, her eyes flashing. “I’m going on a diplomatic mission to Everglade.” Roland said, surprised at her informality. She was obviously Calthan, he could see that. Perhaps that was why. “To do what, exactly, select a bride? I understand you have no other options.” “Do you speak to the Prince Markus like this?” “She speaks to everyone like that.” Kaslon said. Then he covered half his mouth, adding conspiratorially: “She’s a little crazy, if you catch my drift.” “You know I can hear you.” Kylara said, her lips tight. Kaslon laughed. “Yeah, I know.” He said cheerfully. Kylara shook her head, and pulled out a knife, which she aggressively started polishing. Roland, concerned, opted out of the conversation. Hopefully the Everglade maidens would not be like her.
****
Markus was almost afraid to open the letter from his father. A scared page boy had brought it to him and had been forced to wait around until the prince’s reply. Markus put off opening it as long as physically possible, which turned out to be the night before Raythor’s trail. To his relief, it was just a standard lecture about how a prince should be in his country as much as possible, which he knew meant his father wanted him home. Markus wrote back an equally standard, polite and respectful assurance that he and Laura,
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:04:32 GMT -5
whom his father had failed to mention, would return home soon. As soon as the page boy left, Rose came up. “Hey, blue boy, I have a question for you.” She said. “Sure, Rose. What?” Markus said with a smile. “You spent all that time training Anella… why don’t you teach me how to fight?” “Because you never asked.” He said. “I’d be glad to, Rose. Anytime you want.” “Aren’t you curious as to why I want to learn?” “Do you want me to answer that honestly?” “I’m the only one left who can’t fight in the Royalty of Everglade, that’s why.” “Nonsense. There’s Rea and Kaslon and uh… Emma.” “Emma is two.” “So therefore her fighting skills are probably not at their best.” “What did that letter say?” Rose said, waving her hand dismissively. “It was from my father, he wants me home so that he can yell at me in person.” Markus said, shrugging. “About what, marrying Laura?” “And many other equally offensive aspects of my behavior.” “I think Laura’s perfect for you.” “No you don’t,” Markus said with a grin, “that is such a lie.” “But you love her and that’s all that matters.” Rose persisted. “Not to my father.” “If it were up to your father, the two of us would be married.” “Which is a bad idea, I think we can both agree on that.” “Did you really not feel anything when we…” “Nothing at all.” “Me neither.”
****
“Anella,” Kylara said, as she passed. “Kylara,” Anella returned tonelessly. They both came to a halt at the exact same time. “We can’t let him die. We’re together on that.” Kylara turned and stuck out her hand. Anella tentatively shook it. “We’ll both do everything we can.” “You really love him, right?” “Of course.” Anella said, eyes averted. “For your sake, I’m sorry that you feel the same way. The heart is not something to be toyed with.” “Yet that’s all we ever do, isn’t it?” “Excuse me, Anella.” Alice came up and both of them turned to face her instead of each other. “My nephew… what does he look like now? I want to have some idea for tomorrow.” “Let’s see… he’s a little taller than I am,” Anella said, “and he’s kind of pale. He’s got black hair and blue eyes. And he’s pretty skinny.” “And he’ll be wearing black.” Kylara said knowingly. “Because that’s all he owns.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:04:49 GMT -5
“Oh, and his eye are light blue, not dark blue. A little lighter than yours.” “He probably won’t be smiling; he doesn’t do that very often.” Kylara added, and Anella nodded. “He’s got this expression that’s like a mask, sort of…” “Yeah, he’s mister ‘I don’t care’ all the time, but he does. Stupid, really…” “It’s not stupid, it’s…it’s…” “Sweet.” They both said together, and they gave each other odd looks. “What did I get myself into?” Alice said, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. “I don’t think we know.” Kylara said, rolling her eyes. “I can’t wait to meet him again.”
****
“Markus, there you are.” Anella said, sounding distressed. He blinked at her. “Were you looking for me? I’m sorry.” He said. “Not until very recently.” “Oh, good. Now I feel better.” “Markus, she loves the exact same things about him as I do! I just don’t get it, we’re so different.” “Who is ‘he’ and who is ‘she’?” “Raythor and Kylara, of course.” “I should have guessed.” Markus said, and she seemed a little calmer. “It’s not surprising, is it? I mean, if you both feel the same way about him it would stand to reason that your causes for doing so would be the same as well.” “I thought she’d like when he’s cold and unhappy and pulling away…” “Those aren’t the good things in him, right?” “It’s just…” Anella sighed. “I don’t know, I thought we saw two different people, but we don’t.” “It’s not your fault.” Markus said firmly. “Emotions are weird. It’s not as though you stole him from Kylara or anything.” “I guess that’s what I was worried about. Thank you, Markus. You’re always so nice to me.” “No problem. That’s what friends are for.”
****
“Are you sure you can do this, Roland?” Laura asked. “I mean, showing your support for a murderer can’t be the best course of action…” “If I oppose him and he dies he becomes a martyr. If I support him and he dies, the peasants have won a victory.” Roland said blandly. “Of…of course.” “Don’t worry about me.” “I’m not.” Laura said, a little coldly. “Don’t tell me you’re worried about what becomes of Karian?” “He’s my friend and I love him.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:05:04 GMT -5
“What of Markus?” “I love all my friends, I didn’t mean like that.” “But Elaura,” Roland said, taken aback, “you’re a princess.” “I wasn’t always. I’m a peasant, born and bred, just like he is.” “I suppose that he’s a person to you, and just a story to me.” Roland said, and her eyes softened just a little. “We blame him for pretty much everything.” “I think it’s finally time that Caltha started seeing its people as people.” Laura said, staring him straight in the face. “I am a prince. I am not supposed to associate with peasants.” “Maybe that’s it. I know there’s something, someone else under all those manners and all the formality. That’s the one that Caltha needs.” “Elaura-” He started, but she’d already gone off to find Markus. Despite himself, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was right.
****
“Why can’t we go in there?” Kylara demanded with frustration. “Because it’s a murder case.” Roland said disinterestedly. “No one is allowed to influence my father’s judges.” “Why isn’t Ross back yet?” “We all knew he might not back it back in time when he left.” Markus said soothingly. “But we did find Alice, that should mean something.” “And you’ve got me,” Dasher said, in her human form. “We’ll invent Karians if we have to.” “What will happen if he’s found guilty?” Anella asked, wishing she hadn’t the second it left her mouth. “Honey, you don’t want to know.” Kylara said, shuddering. “Especially since he’s famous.” “We’ve still got the Cain sisters.” Roland said with a shrug. “Yes, but one of them is short a pair of eyes.” “That’s not our fault. She did it to herself.” Roland said with another shrug, but then he noticed that Laura was glaring at him. “I mean… uh…” “We need another family member,” Alice said as she came into view. “We do?” Laura said, instantly worried. “Yeah, they let me tell them everything but my word is in doubt because of the brand.” “Do we want a male or female relative?” Dasher asked, studying Alice for a moment. “Let me do it.” Anella said determinedly. “But you aren’t a relative and you don’t look like him.” “I could say I was his wife, I have a ring.” “He doesn’t.” “I could tell them he took it off to protect me. He would do that.” Anella insisted. “Please…” “Good luck,” Kylara said, almost smiling.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:06:32 GMT -5
****
Raythor’s expression didn’t change when he saw Anella, but she could see that he was fighting it. “And who are you?” One of the judges asked. “Anella Karian. Raythor is my husband.” Anella said calmly. “Do we have your word that this is a legal and consummated relationship?” “Yes.” “Do you agree with the story presented by Alice Karian?” “Completely.” “We’ll take that into account.” The judge nodded. Two soldiers came over to escort Anella from the room, and she turned her head and saw Raythor smile at her weakly. She did her best to smile back. “They’re going to kill him,” Anella heard Rose say as she rejoined her friends. “I just know they are.” “We’ve got to stay positive.” Markus said encouragingly. “It has been eleven years, right?” “He looks ok…” Anella said, twirling the ring on her finger. “The king of Caltha is dead!” Ross came running in shouting. Roland went pale. “What? How?” He said. “He was murdered by the peasants who overtook the castle. We’ve got to get out here, before-” “They found me innocent!” Raythor said, striding into the room. “You’re all under arrest.” The soldier behind him said, and a whole troop followed behind him. “I demand to know the meaning of this!” Roland said forcefully. “With my father dead, I am the new king.” “Sorry, my liege.” Thomas said, stepping forward. “But the royal family has been overthrown.”
Chapter Nineteen The black thing
“I thought I’d never see you again,” Raythor said softly, hugging Anella tightly. She could feel his breath against her face, and she held him gently. “I can’t believe you did that for me.” “I barely did anything.” Anella replied. “I just lied.” “You’re the reason they let me go.” “What do you mean?” “How convinced you were that Alice was telling the truth, that I was innocent… they didn’t expect anyone to care about me.” “You are innocent.” “You guys are the happiest prisoners I’ve ever seen.” Ross said, rolling his eyes. He, Raythor, Anella, Alice and Dasher had all been locked in one cell together. Dasher had lied too and said she was Anella’s sister so that they’d put her in the same group.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:06:50 GMT -5
“I love you,” Raythor told her almost inaudibly. He reluctantly let her go. Louder, he said: “I’m sorry we’re bothering you, Rocelin.” “Don’t worry about me,” Ross returned flatly. “I’m just her cousin, not her ‘husband’.” “Ross…” Anella said with a sigh. “Sorry, honey.” “Honey?” “Cousinly affection.” “Um…” Anella said, heat rising in her cheeks. “Raythor, this is Alice.” “I don’t know how I can ever repay you.” Raythor said seriously, putting out a hand. Alice shook it gingerly. “I saw my brother and my sister-and-law murdered. You don’t have to thank me for anything. I’m just happy you’re alive.” “For how ever long that lasts.” Ross grumbled. “They’ll probably kill all of us tomorrow. That’s what I’d do.” “Will you shut up, Ross?” Rose called from the next cell over. “Can you even hear me?” Ross called back. “Yes, it echoes in here.” “Is everyone all right?” Markus asked. He was answered by the usual volley of voices: “Yeah.” “Yes.” “I’m fine.” “We’re all good in here, Markus.” “Don’t stop smiling!” The prince breathed a sigh of relief. Laura, Ketra, Rose and Roland were all in the cell with him. He turned to Laura and said: “We have to get Roland out of here somehow. Knowing Caltha, he’s going to be the first target.” “Can anyone get word to Blade and the others?” Laura suggested. “I can change shape and fit through the window.” Dasher said. “You have another shape?” “I do birds too.” “Great, Dash.” Markus said. “Raythor, come here.” Dasher said, awkwardly using her human arms to hug him. “Do humans kiss when they’re friends?” “Not usually, no.” Raythor said, managing to hug her back. “Not unless they’re Markus and Laura.” “Very funny.” Markus said. “Well, don’t all of you die while I’m gone.” Dasher said. “Because I just won’t stand for it.” “You ruined my plans for the evening.” Raythor said. She rolled her eyes at him, and in a burst of light she became a bird. He picked her up and set her down on the window sill. “Don’t screw up.” The bird responded with an irritated squawk and took off, disappearing from sight in a few moments.
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