|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:10:53 GMT -5
“Markus.” Ketra flashed a warning glance at the glass. “You know you’re not supposed to have that.” “It’s the first time you’ve been here to tell me that in a long time.” “Are you implying I no longer have the right?” “I’m not implying anything, Ket. Promise.” “You always were difficult when you were drunk.” “I’m not drunk. I’m just waiting for the opportunity.” “Take your time. I know it only takes about three sips.” Markus’s fingers tightened on the glass. “How did you know that?” “I guessed. Isn’t it nice to have something Rocelin Rainbird doesn’t know about you?” “What do you want?” Markus stood, staring her in the eyes. Around them, the darkness in the library seemed to blacken. Ketra smiled. “For you to stand up for yourself. I’m glad I didn’t have to go further than that.” “Further?” “To what bothers you the most.” “Oh.” Markus glanced at his drink, seriously considering it again. “Well, I’m on my feet and I’m sorry I called you a prodigal. So please don’t bother.” “No offense taken. If I remember which of your little myths that is, you’re probably right.” She maneuvered him back into his chair and sat across from him. “I wish you could write those things for a living. I think you’d like that.” “Sadly,” he tapped his crown, “that isn’t going to happen.” “At least you have something outside of the crown. I don’t think I do.” “You were just born to be a princess.” He passed her the drink. She sipped it, nodding. “I’ve often thought you should rule, not me. Just because I’m male doesn’t mean I’ll be a good king.” “Hm. I disagree. I would rule like father does. That’s all well and good; he’s an excellent king-” “You think that?” “-but the continent is changing, I know it. Everglade is going to need someone to change with it. I think you can do that.” “I appreciate the confidence.” “Particularly, Markus, if you marry someone of the lower class.” Ketra’s harsh blue eyes fixed on him. “Father wouldn’t like that much.” He let out a sigh. His chest had constricted. Everything Laura had said had been ringing in his head. “Why are you marrying Geoffrey Mantle?” He made the same sound pompous, and she laughed. “He’s young, Markus. I can control him. Father would force me to marry anyway, so I might as well choose.” She took another leisurely drink. “Rescuing our relations with Bloodroot was just a side benefit.” “Thank you for that. I know cleaning up my messes is what you do best.” “Rose’s mess,” Ketra corrected firmly. “There was just no need for you to be caught in the crossfire.” “I hope, somehow, he makes you happy Ketra. Though, if I remember him right, he kind of resembles a sniveling ten year old.” “Exactly why I picked him, Markus. What about you? Do you have any ideas concerning Rose’s replacement?” He knew that one wasn’t a deliberate stab in the gut so he tried to let it pass by. “Hm, I’m working on it. Doesn’t Laina have a princess?” “The one who looks like she has small pox?” “Exactly. Then our spouses would match, like a set. I think father would like that.” “Oh yes. Her wealth and the vast control we’d get over Laina would have no bearing on his joy.” “It never does, Ketra. Not at all. He’s just happy all the time.” “You, my brother, must need sleep if you can even say that with a straight face.” She took his hand and raised him to his feet, carelessly dumping the remains of the alcohol out the window. Ketra led him down the hallway like a tired child. Markus was too exhausted to even
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:15:47 GMT -5
comment. It had been an unfathomably long day. Still, even after he had said goodnight to his sister and lay alone in the darkness of his room, he couldn’t seem to sleep. He just stared at the ceiling for a long time before he just gave up. Markus sighed, sitting up. If he couldn’t sleep, he should at least do something. Writing or reading was probably out, considering his current complete inability to concentrate. He wondered if he still had that old marble game he’d played with his cousins in the desk. As soon as he got up, as soon as he turned his back, he heard the door opening. Markus’s hand went to the water flask at his waist. “Hello?” “That was a nice try, little prince. If you’d successfully married Rose, I’d have a real problem on my hands. As it is, I have plenty of time before your sister marries that sickly nobody.” He felt his skin crawl. “I’m not supposed to have girls in here, you know. Not even ones who want to kill me.” “I’m actually content on royal blood for a while,” Kenetari said. Markus turned to see her holding a crown. He didn’t, to his relief, recognize it. Not his father’s, not his sisters, not Rose’s or Rea’s. It was, however, darkly stained and that made his stomach turn. Markus worked the top off the flask. “This one took a long, long time to die.” Markus’s fingers slipped into the flask, touching the water. A blue film covered his vision and, slightly proudly, watched a shield go up around him. “Are you here to shove that in my face?” “I’m here to tell you that your time is running out. It’s already out for Prince Caleb.” She dropped the crown on the floor and the sound of metal on stone painfully echoed. Kenetari put her hand on his shield, smiling at him. Markus backed up a step. “Why don’t you bring that little trinket to his father? He’s going to know exactly what this means.” “How do you expect to get away with this?” “I don’t really think it’s going to matter what I did to get on the throne once I’m on it. Not when most of Laina will be so thrilled that King Ian’s crown is off his head.” “What makes you think I’ll let you get away with murder?” “What makes you think I haven’t gotten away with it dozens of times before?” “This time ‘the perpetual thorn in your side’ knows exactly what you did.” Markus watched her expression slid into faint surprise. “How is changing things to get rid of me going, by the way?” Kenetari stepped back. A bland elementist came out from behind her and sat with a patient look on his face. “Actually, very well. Every choice you make brings you closer to where I want you.” She was gone, in the now expected flash of light. Markus waited a moment, making sure she wasn’t coming back, and then dropped his shield. Just holding it that long was exhausting and his whole body relaxed when it was gone. He took a few steps forward then carefully retrieved what she’d left behind. The stain wasn’t blood, as he’d originally thought, but rust. Kenetari couldn’t have held Prince Caleb for that long so he must have been somewhere there was water. At the very least, his crown had. He had the feeling, though, that this had been resting on his head in a damp, unpleasant dungeon beneath Whitestar castle. His father would have to see this in the morning. He would have liked to have taken this to Ian himself, and tried to explain everything, to warn him, like he and Rea had originally planned but he knew that wasn’t going to happen. Markus was out of all of this now. Audrion wouldn’t let him set foot outside of the safety of Imperia until all of this was over. It should be a relief but… it wasn’t. Kenetari was going to stop trying to hunt them down individually, not if she’d kept them all alive for some twisted reason of her own. He’d have to request a body guard in his room with him, probably Ross, and do his best to keep the rest of the group in the castle. The ones who weren’t hell bent for Laina, anyway. Markus looked down at the crown, knowing that it was meant to scare him. He was sure, as soon as it had worked its way into his brain, it would. Kenetari had killed a crown prince without his father knowing and held him for a long time before hand. She would have accomplished all of this without anyone she wasn’t paying knowing that if she hadn’t left this crown on Markus’s bedroom floor. She was telling him he could easily end up the same way. Still, she’d given him a lot of things to use against her. Kenetari had to be very confident that she was going to win this war to do all of this. If it was allowed to reach a full scale war- he prayed that wouldn’t happen. Not again, not so soon. Not when his friends were on the verge of becoming knights. If it wasn’t for the wedding, they’d be knighted already. This time they’d have no choice but to fight. Probably well his sat up here in his ivory tower, too. Markus sighed, sitting on his bed. They need assurance that Carina would be with them. That had never been in doubt before Rea had nearly gotten them killed on the quest. Marrying her wasn’t an option, he was the heir, she would lose her sovereignty when he became king and there would surely be heavy backlash against that little development. He had to admit, that not being a choice was a little bit of a relief. So what were his options? Marrying anyone who wasn’t Laura wasn’t exactly on his top ten things he really wanted to do, but he didn’t have a choice. He was his best bargaining chip right now. Rea herself had a limited social circle, but she very clearly cared about Saria, Dione and James. Saria might be a bastard, but she was a bastard princess. Could that work? He let out a long breath. He’d talk to his father in the morning. Maybe everything would be a little clearer in his head by then.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:16:37 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty Five
Split
Laura barely slept. Her plans to leave Imperia- her true home- had kept her brain running all night long. Ross was going with her, and she’d appreciate the company, but leaving Markus behind would be a bit of a challenge. She’d half resolved not to see him in the morning but not saying goodbye wouldn’t be beneficial to either of them. Laura would bring Ross. Then they could both explain that he was going along. At least then the prince would fake being okay with it, like he had last night when they were finished kissing. She took a minute to wrap her mind around that one. Yes, last night had happened. It had. Markus actually loved her. Laura fingered her cat necklace. She’d only taken it off so nothing would hurt the string when Lynn was cutting her hair. It was getting quite worn and she tended to play safe with it. She hadn’t actually bathed with it on in a while because of it, but she didn’t know if that made what Ross had said more or less creepy. All she knew was that it would be there, hanging around her neck, long after Markus had married someone else and she’d maybe done the same. After all, it was the friendship that had been meant to last forever. Laura had begun walking as she thought about all of this and, though she’d meant to go to get Ross, she found herself in front of Markus’s door. She should go get Ross, or Lynn, or anyone really. Laura knocked anyway. “Laura?” Markus blinked at her blearily. It was five in the morning. He had clearly been asleep and, since he slept like a log, she had automatically knocked very loudly. His hair was out of order, something she’d never seen before, and his tunic was thrown on and half unbuttoned. She could see his sleeping garment beneath it. Laura lowered her eyes. “Good morning, Markus?” “Are we counting this as morning? I don’t think the sun is counting it.” Markus yawned and then put on a sleepy looking smile. “What’s up, beside both of us?” “I just came to… say goodbye.” “Oh. I guess my wedding felt so long, I didn’t even think about how fast tomorrow really comes. You’re leaving today.” He let out the air in his lungs. “Sorry just stating the obvious a few times. You know how I am. It helps me remember.” “I am pretty familiar with how you are,” she said lightly. “And I’m going to miss it. I… I’ve asked Ross to come with me.” “Ross is leaving too. Well… he can help protect you. Not that you really need it, because there is a very short list of people you can’t beat up but… it’ll help me sleep better. Did you… tell him?” “I did. Hopefully he won’t tell anyone, for the sake of your reputation.” “I don’t care if the whole castle knows. Not anymore.” “Markus….” Laura hugged him. Markus put his arms around her and she just stood there for a long time, wrapped in his embrace. “I’m sorry we’re in love, it’s so far from logical….” “I don’t think I can be sorry for it. Not when it gave both of us some happiness. And we’ll always be friends, I know we will.” He pulled back, caressing her cheek. “When did you do this?” He touched her hair. “You did a really nice job.” “Last night.” “Ah.” Markus nodded. She could tell he was thinking about the meaning of sudden, dramatic haircuts from fairytales. Or she was just remembering that Ross had said it. Either way, her hair was probably giving away more than she’d intended to. “So… what did you have in mind for the goodbye? We just say it right here, right now and… that’s it?” “I… suppose that would be easiest, yes. Obviously I’m not leaving for a few hours but getting the personal goodbye between the two of us out of the way seemed prudent.” “Well, kissing is a very bad idea and we already hugged… so… how are you for a hearty handshake?” Laura laughed. “The fact that there’s no royal protocol for this is really bothering you, isn’t it?” “Very much so. Among other things.” He awkwardly out his hand. Laura shook it, shaking her head at him. They just kind of held hands after that, which was also probably a bad idea. “I should go. Goodbye, Markus.” “Goodbye, Laura.” Laura started down the hall, fully intending to leave. Markus came after her almost instantly. He gripped her shoulder. “Laur, this stupid. Want to just… talk? It doesn’t have to be in my room, if you don’t want but it’s still like five in the morning so it’s not like we don’t have time….” “I’d like that.” She followed him back, walking into his bedroom for the first time in her life. It, honestly, looked like him. All the furniture might be expensive and exactly right for a royal, but it also looked lived in. Almost beat up, like his sword was. Laura sat down at the table in the center of the room, trying not to be so obvious about looking all around it. When she looked back across the table, he was clearly restraining a laugh. “Yes Markus?” “Nothing. Please continue taking it all in.” “I like how the walls are actually blue. It was really a good choice.” “Yeah, I think my mother was really trying to get my father embrace this color. Since it’s actually the symbolic color of our country, I’m not sure how much this helped but you know… I appreciate the thought.” “Have you talked to her about being an elementi yet?” “Uh… not yet. I’ve been thinking about Rose almost exclusively since I got here, so….” “Understandable.” Laura finally looked back at him. He’d buttoned his tunic and at least attempted to fix his hair while she wasn’t looking. That was so very Markus of him. “Do you think Ketra’s marriage is going to ally Everglade with Bloodroot quickly enough to help?” “No.” Markus pushed what she had thought was just his crown toward her. She realized it couldn’t possibly be his. “Prince Caleb is already dead. It could be a matter of days before they move on King Ian. I had some delusion this could be brought to him and change anything but… if she’s killed the crown prince she’s ready to end this. If we could trust Carina, for sure, it wouldn’t be a contest to stop her. Since I’m not married to Princess Rose right now, we can’t justify war through Bloodroot’s connection to Laina so we’ll need to do it through Kenetari’s murder of Jack- and, unfortunately, he was a Carinian spy so my father won’t touch this without Rea asking for it to happen. We need Carina. We need Carina desperately.” “What about her attacking you?” Laura asked. He shook his head. “Markus, Kenetari attacked a crown prince, killed a spy and murdered a second crown prince. I saw her kill Jack, I saw her attack you. Isn’t that enough to incite a war?” “Not if King Ian doesn’t believe us. This crown doesn’t do much for us, not without a corpse.” “All the other heirs have gone through this too. You can’t be the only one who told their father about it.” “I don’t know if my father is going to believe me and he’s really not going to want to get involved with Laina’s problems without a damn good reason.” “You swore.” She grinned. “I also said the f-word in front of my father yesterday. Seriously.” “And then you just said ‘f-word’. You’re kind of adorable-” They both shifted uncomfortably. “Well, you’ve spoken with Audrion. What does he think of everything you told him?” “He thinks that Laina isn’t our problem and that Rea really can’t act against us without risking a full scale invasion of Carina- on our part.” “She did kind of sell her soul to Everglade.” “She did, and some of them still aren’t happy about it. It would be an awful war and I don’t think Rea expected what she did for her sister to affect her relationship with Everglade. So my father does have a point.” “So after… all she’s done to us we have no legal reason to stop her from taking the Lainan throne if she wins her revolution?” Laura felt a little sick. Markus nodded. “Wow. I love politics.” “I know, they always have their priorities straight. It’s amazing.” “What about for taking Saria?” “Rea won’t act without us and we won’t act if she doesn’t act because of Jack’s death. Since she seemingly made no effort to do so when he died, it seems unlikely she’d press the issue now. Sorry.” Markus gave her a sympathetic glance. “Sorry to make all of that sound like just another thing to consider.” “It’s fine.” Laura folded her hands and studied her interlaced fingers. There had to be something. If Kenetari had gotten all of them involved at all, there had to be some reason for it and that reason should be how they could stop her. “What Ross said about Blood Readers and what Raythor and Dasher told you about perhaps this being about your wedding being pushed back… what if you had gotten married on time?” Markus sat up, eyes widening. “Then… I’d be married right now. Everglade would be intimately allied with Bloodroot, and thusly both of us would be tied to Laina. We’d have a reason to be involved with stopping the revolution. But… that would mean that Kenetari does know what’s going to happen before it does. That she did all of us to distract us and like… we were pieces on a board.” Markus closed his eyes. “Damn it. She gave me the answer the first time we met and I didn’t even see it. All of us would have stopped her from taking over Laina if she hadn’t pushed back the wedding, in some little way, and she made sure none of us were where we needed to be to do it. It’s so ridiculously simple….” “In an insane, magic sort of way,” she agreed. “And, to be fair, I don’t think any of us could have guessed it was all about the wedding too much earlier than right now.” “After it didn’t happen.” Markus made a face. “God, that means that Rose would only marry me if she’d never met me. Wow, I am lucky. I have no idea where to go with my life from here, but I am lucky.” “Honestly, I think she fell in love with Raythor. Whether he likes it or not, and I don’t think he does.” “Possible.” Markus went to his desk and retrieved a scrap of paper and a writing implement. “So… Kenetari wanted me so I wouldn’t get married and she let me take two guests, you and Ross. So Rose would see how I felt about you….” Markus wrote all of this down quickly. “She could tell?” “Apparently. Rose, so that she couldn’t get married and she so would meet me and realize marrying me would make her sad inside.” “And Ross…?” “Uh… I don’t know that one. Maybe so she could be sure all three of us were there or because he fights so much with the assassins. I think how all of us interact with each other is also a big part of it. He definitely changes the dynamic.” “Raythor is also obvious. Dasher would then be too, because she came on his invitation but I think that she’s some missing Princess, and that Blade is here because of it is important.” “Right. Without him, the battle and the setup to the ‘testing the heirs’ distraction technique wouldn’t have worked. How long she had to delay the wedding has to count for something….” “Rea already had a guest list so I don’t think those mattered much to Kenetari. That would probably include your sister, her retinue and possibly Anella.” “Anella?” “She’s the cousin of Rea’s late husband. It wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility.” “And Kayle is then irrelevant.” Markus crossed her name of the list he’d made. “That’s not a big shock to me really. This leaves the assassins, who are self-explanatory. If they succeed, great I’m dead and therefore can’t get married if they don’t, oh well we’re already running after the goose at full speed anyway.” “Do you think she’s even testing the other heirs?” “I think she’s at least watched all of us.” “Because every decision each country makes affects the other five.” “Exactly. Plus all the elementist kingdoms, if you’re really ambitious like Kenetari.” “Prince Caleb is probably dead.” Laura said, touching the crown. “Yeah,” he agreed faintly. “At least all of this means, after she takes the throne, that all of this will be over.” “I suppose so, yes.” Markus let out a sigh. “Then… what about Saria’s plan?” “Saria is a trained spy. I don’t know what exactly she plans to accomplish but I doubt it’s to incite a full scale war herself. Maybe to find a way to do so.” She shrugged. Markus looked a little hopeful. “And there’s always a chance Dragoon and Bloodroot will come to King Ian’s aide in time. If the Lainans are really as upset as Kenetari thinks they are, surely he’s requested some help if anything happens.” “You’re right. Dear God, I hope you’re right.” Markus poked at the crown. “If… Kenetari does attack Ian Vyncent will probably stand with him.” “Yes. He will. But I don’t think Kenetari wants the most popular man in Laina dead.” “Maybe she’ll give him the title everyone wants him to have.” “Maybe.” “If she does… should I come after you?” “If she does, we’ve lost.” “I know but… there’s no reason something good can’t come from this.” That hopeful look again. “If that happens, we could get married.” “Are you proposing to me, Markus?” “I’m promising to if I get the chance.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:17:21 GMT -5
Laura squeezed his hands. She didn’t think her hear had ever been quite that loud in her chest. “Yes. Come after me. If there’s a way, come after me.”
“Hey people,” Ross said cheerfully. He slid in next to Rose, who was too busy burying her face in the table to notice. Everyone else was just sitting in a lackluster fashion around the banquet table. “Anyone else want some of my drink? It’s great for hangovers.” “Gimmie.” Rose stuck out her hand. Anella timidly raised her hand. Karian laughed, grinning. Almost everyone stared at him like he’d sprouted an extra arm. Rose took his drink and raised her head, bloodshot eyes glaring at him. “What is this?” “It’s actually called the ‘Don’t Ask’. Old family recipe. I recommend you plug your nose.” “Is there something moving in there?” “Maybe.” “Oh God.” Rose plugged her nose and tossed back dome of his drink. Her face scrunched and she made gagging noises. “That was vile! I hope you have a will, Anella.” “N-no.” Anella looked deeply concerned. “Hey Rose.” Karian took the glass and drank some while staring right at her. His expression didn’t change. She scowled. “I hate you.” She watched with some satisfaction as Anella took a drink and looked as though she was going to throw up. “See? It affects normal people. I think the stupid have some kind of immunity.” “It tastes good to me. Like rainbows.” Saria beamed. Ross wondered briefly about his own intelligence. Then he remembered he was incredibly great and moved on. “So, this is our last day altogether huh?” It was silent for a minute. They were all hear, at this table in the side hall, reserved for guests Audrion didn’t want to speak to, and Ross realized this might actually be the last time. It made him a little sad. Markus and Laura weren’t even here to see them off. Ross stood, not really thinking about it, and looked at all of them. “Kylara,” Ross said. “What?” She asked, already glaring at him. “You’re going with Saria to Whitestar castle, right?” “Yeah.” “Laura and I will come with you, if you don’t mind. We’re going to Laina anyway and I bet you could use a few skilled archers like Laura and myself.” Ross preened. Kylara just nodded. “Karian, you in? Blood is thicker than water.” “Raythor, please,” Kylara said. Her voice now held an edge. Karian stared straight ahead. “You already have my answer.” “M-maybe you could j-just g-go with t-them? Y-you w-wouldn’t have to fight K-Kenetari.” Anella tried. Karian fixed that cold stare on her. Ross balled his fists. “I’d g-go too, if y-you wanted. And I b-bet Dasher….” “Anywhere you steal, I steal, teach.” Dasher slid the drink away from Saria, plugged her nose and downed the rest. Ross found her suddenly more attractive. “I’m not walking to a death trap. There’s no point in that.” Karian’s voice got low and flat. He certainly sounded like a killer with that voice. “If she wants to break me, she will shatter everyone I care about. Sadly enough for all of you, the Royalty of Everglade is what I have.” “R-Raythor, I don’t t-think you….” Anella tilted her head, eyes darting sympathetically to Maria. “…understand.” “I understand that staying away from Kenetari means survival.” “Survival h-has never g-guided your choices b-before.” “My survival never does.” Something in Karian’s impassive face softened. Ross really wanted to hit him now. He thought it was probably the more obvious than usual blush on Anella’s face that really did it. “Listen… let me think about it. I’m taking a walk, I’ll be right back.” He got up and left, slowly as ever. Ross waited a few seconds and then stood himself. “I’m going to go fine Markus so he can come say goodbye, alright?” No one actually answered. He gleefully slipped out. Karian was still in the hallway. Ross grabbed his shoulder and slammed him into the wall. Now he was thankful Everard had taught him that trick. Not at the time, of course, at the time he had caused a lot of bruises. Karian didn’t look phased. “Listen, Karian, you had better not be leading on my sweet little cousin. She likes you and I don’t want her getting hurt. I may have to tell you to stay away from her.” The dark haired boy removed Ross’s hand from his shoulder. “First, we’re friends, nothing else. Second,” he smirked, “isn’t there some girl you should be seducing right now instead of attempting to intimidate me, Rainbird?” “I’m just looking after the only girl here I don’t want to bang, Karian.” “You’d sleep with Dione?” “Yeah, I do her.” Ross shrugged. “I like redheads.” “Okay then.” Karian tried to turn. “Hold on a second. Do you or do you not have a thing for Anella?” “We’re friends.” Stoic face. “Don’t worry about it.” “Hey.” Ross jumped. Kylara laughed at him. “Yeah, never mind about Raythor. He’ll come or her won’t. You and Laura get ready. The eight of us leave in an hour.” “Eight?” Ross considered the math of that. “Me, Laura, you, Saria, Maria, Rea, Dione, James…the blacksmith’s not coming?” “Apparently not. I don’t think he trusts Rea too much anymore. Can’t say I blame him.” “Hey, no skin off my nose. I take it Anella, Dasher and Blade won’t go if Karian doesn’t?” “I guess.” “Too bad. Blade would have been useful and Dasher can probably do some amazing healing. Maybe-” “Maybe you should get ready to leave.” “What about the other eight ROE?” Kylara took a minute to process just what he meant by that. Then she scowled. “They aren’t my problem anymore.”
“What exactly did you threaten to do to Ross if he told me?” Markus asked. He and Laura were still in his room, with their backs against the wall and their shoulders touching. Markus had come down here to spread out a map of the continent that wouldn’t fit on the table, and that she would have to stand to look at on his desk. He didn’t quite remember why he’d want it, but their conversation had stopped being all that serious a while ago. “Oh, cut off his balls, stich him back up so he wouldn’t bleed to death and make him watch as I used them as target practice. He’s never forgotten it,” Laura said. “Well, I’m never going to forget it now that you’ve told me so I can see where he’s coming from.” “Don’t worry. I’d never do that to you.” “That’s comforting. I’m a little scared that you thought of it at all, but it’s comforting.” “I’d probably use gloves, honestly….” “Okay, next subject.” She laughed. “Sorry Markus. I didn’t mean to scar you.” “Good, because I have enough as it is.” Laura’s finger traced the one beneath his eye. “I’ve always liked that one. It adds a little something to your face.” “Really?” Their faces started drawing closest together. To their credit, Markus thought, they hadn’t even come this close to kissing again the entire time. He should pull back now, but…. There was a loud knock on the door. They both froze, staring at each other. “What should I do? Should I hide?” Laura whispered. “Uh… hold on. I’ll see who it is.” Markus stood up, his throat dry, and went to the door. He held pressed his hand against it, in case whoever was outside decided to just come in. His parents had the habit of doing that. And his sister. And John. And General Flameron. And, occasionally, Ross. “Hello?” “Hey Blue, everyone else is headed out soon. Aren’t you going to make an emotional goodbye speech or are you wasted in there? It’s like noon….” Ross tried to open the door. Markus pulled back his hand and was nearly smacked in the face by the door and then almost run into by Ross. “Oh. You’re dressed. Kinda.” “Good morning… afternoon, Ross. How are you today?” “Why is Laura in your bedroom?” “Were you hoping he wouldn’t ask that, Markus?” Laura seemed to be restraining a laugh. “We were just talking. Saying goodbye,” Markus explained quickly, trying not to look at Laura. “Did you two not think about what happened if someone came looking for Markus?” Ross raised an eyebrow. “Uh… no. Not really, no.” “Laura?” “I didn’t either.” Laura massaged the bridge of her nose. “I just didn’t think about it.” “Well fuck, you two are in love.” Ross seemed to not know how he felt about that. After Markus’s speech about how Laura and Ross clearly belonged together he didn’t actually blame him. He knew his tendency to give speeches would get him in trouble someday. “That’s fine. We can get her out of her now, there’s no one in the hall with me. Laur, if we’re going we have to go now. Kylara is moving out.” “Kylara is in charge of this now?” Laura looked a little offended. “I have a feeling that Rea will object.” “Alright, I’ll get my things.” “You’re really both leaving?” Markus asked. “Sorry Blue. Group hug?” Ross suggested, holding his arms out. Markus shrugged, grabbed Laura and hugged them both. “It’ll seem like the blink of an eye until we’re back, I swear it.” “I’ll still miss you. Goodbye, Ross.” He patted his back and drew back. It took Markus a few seconds to meet Laura’s eyes but he managed it. “Both of you come back in one piece, alright?” “Alright.” Laura managed a smile so he tried to return it. “You two can like furiously make out or something if you want. I can turn around,” Ross offered. “Not going to bother me. I’m really used to those noises.” “Every day you make me regurgitate in new ways, Ross.” “Love you too, Laur. Oh. Not literally. Is that awkward now?”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:22:31 GMT -5
“No we are… breaking up. So. It wouldn’t be otherwise but….” “This is scaring me. The gloom and doom is literally scaring me.” “Turn around, Ross.” “Got it.” Ross turned around and leaned out the door, keeping watch. “I sure am guarding a lot of doors lately….” “I love you, Markus.” Laura leaned up and he leaned down. She kissed him gently. “Sorry.” “I love you.” He kissed her back. “See you soon.” She nodded and moved past Ross and out into the hallway. “That was it?” Ross blinked. “Really? That was like five seconds.” “Less. Let’s move.” Laura beckoned. “Go ahead,” Markus said. “I’ll get a little more presentable and meet you downstairs to say goodbye to the others.” Ross opened his mouth, shut it, and then closed the door behind him. Markus stood there, unmoving, after they left until he managed to force himself to move. This was okay, this was fine. Everything would be fine.
“Rocelin, Elaura, I’ve been looking for both of you.” Audrion loomed in the hallway as Laura and Ross started back to where Kylara and the others were waiting with their bags. They both stopped, snapping to attention, dropping their eyes to the ground. “You are going to see Vyncent, correct?” “Yes, sire,” Laura said. She had the horrible feeling that Audrion somehow knew where she’d been, what she’d said to Markus. “Excellent. The prince has been speaking to be about a number of things that happened on your journey. None of them, unfortunately, give me cause to do anything to use force against the Whitestars. We just do not have strong enough ties to interfere with anything in Laina.” “What if Markus had been killed, sire?” Laura asked. Ross shot her a “what are you doing?” look. “If my son had been killed, no force in this life or the next would stop me from razing Castle Whitestar to the ground. Is that clear?” She felt the king’s blue eyes burn into her and she kept her own down. Audrion didn’t look nearly as much like Markus as Ivy did. He was tall, though, and broad shouldered. His features were hard, like Ketra’s, and the blue in his eyes lay beneath the gray in Markus’s. His black hair had been passed to neither of his children; Ketra had her mother’s red hair after all. Laura had never known if Markus would have had that black hair without the magic in his blood. “It’s clear, sire. I apologize.” “Keep it in mind. As I was saying, we don’t have strong ties to Laina but we do have one small tie. I need you, Elaura, to speak to Vyncent Glasswater on Everglade’s behalf. I can’t send an official diplomat there, not after the Carinian war, but I can send you. If we’re to do anything about the Whitestars we need someone in Laina on our side, speaking on our behalf. Can you do that for me?” “What?” Her eyes finally lifted, for a half a second. “You and Rocelin are soon to be knights of Everglade. Diplomacy is part of your job. Are you not up to it?” “I am, sire. Have you… spoken to my father?” “I have and you should speak to him as well. He’s in the room behind me.” Audrion’s attention shifted. “Rocelin, I wish to speak to you specifically as well.” “Of course, sire.” Ross swallowed. Laura nodded and went past both of them. Her father was waiting, his hands folded as they often were, with a little smile on his face. She went forward and hugged him. She’d spent a lot of time with him since returning to Imperia, but she hadn’t yet said goodbye. “Sorry.” “That you didn’t tell me you were leaving? That’s fine, honey. Its official business, we’re all in the sway of what Audrion wants.” John patted her back before she pulled away. “It’s your first official mission from the king. You must have that mixture of excitement and terror, right? I get it in my job every day.” She laughed. “I do. I didn’t expect this at all. I don’t know what Audrion expects me to do to sway my birth father. I don’t even know him.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:27:26 GMT -5
“Ah.” John went to the desk behind him and picked up a stack of papers. “I’ve prepared a file on that, actually. Anything you haven’t already learned yourself and probably several things you have are in there. I’m sure Ross will be happy to read it for you.” “Thank you.” She took it, slipping it into her bag. “I’ll make him help me memorize every word.” “You’re going to be good at this, Laura.” “Of course. I was raised by you.” “I’m also glad you’re getting a chance to meet Vyncent.” “No matter what happens with him, you’re my father. My real father.” “And you’re my real daughter. Good luck and let me know how it went when you return.”
Markus had always respected Rea. He never could have just taken the throne at sixteen, after both of his parents were slaughtered. It took a great deal of strength to do something like that and, despite Carina’s grumblings about pledging their army to Everglade, despite the loss of her husband and her rumored favoring of hiring attractive young men, she had spent her two years on the throne as a good and just queen. He hated not trusting her; especially for doing something he probably would do himself in the same situation. Saria was her family, after all. All she had left. He couldn’t help looking at her as his father gave the nobility that had been on the quest, and were leaving, a sendoff. Kylara and Maria were in the very back, perfectly aware that Audrion wasn’t actually speaking to them, hanging in the doorway. Markus hadn’t clearly articulated their part in all of this but he wouldn’t hesitate to if he had to. Audrion could and would act against them. Laura, Ross, Dione and James were all in a row just in front of them, looking official and carefully blank. Rea and Saria, in front and the actual target of Audrion’s formal speech, were both beaming. They, at least, were excited about this. Saria, after all, was the reason Rea could go directly to King Ian. The only reason they couldn’t act because Saria wasn’t supposed to have been in Laina in the first place, and if it was pressed everyone could find out just why she had been. Rea had probably let Audrion know what ever it might be. Markus didn’t know if he cared, if it even mattered. “King Audrion, might I request to speak to you and Prince Markus alone for a moment?” Rea asked. “Certainly, Queen Rea.” Audrion nodded. Markus watched the others file out, wondering what this would be about and why he had been allowed to stay. Sure, he was the crown prince but Rea had put his life in danger. Audrion alone would be a little more sympathetic to anything she had to say. Or at least, that should have been the case. Markus couldn’t seem to be angry with her anymore. He was just too… tired. “I wanted to extend my apology for what happened at the Purple Rose. I did not intend for anyone, least of all Prince Markus, to be harmed in any way. I merely did not have a choice if I were to recover my sister alive.” “I would do the same for my own sister, milady.” Markus shook his head. “I apologize before for my reaction. I tend to get emotional when people I care for are in danger, as you do yourself. We fought because we had conflicting versions of the same feelings.” “Regardless, my relationship with both you and Everglade is important to me. So I’d like to extend a little peace offering on behalf of myself and my country.” “You do me a great honor,” Markus said blankly. “My knight, Hector Blackbird, and his three associates have a considerably faster way to get myself and my half of our group to Vyncent Glasswater’s castle.” She gestured and a brunet, pale, thin boy stepped into the room with three blond, blue eyed women. They all looked very physically similar. Elementists. “I trust this is alright with you?” “Absolutely. A pleasure to meet you, Sir Blackbird.” Markus nodded his head. “Well it certainly warms my heart to see my son and my greatest ally have grown so close,” Audrion said. Markus didn’t believe that in the slightest. “I thank you, Queen Rea. I’m sure my soldiers will be in safe hands in your company.” “Of course, King Audrion.” Rea nodded her head respectfully. “I must be off. Thank you dearly for your hospitality. The Everglades are known for it.” “My lady,” Markus and Audrion said in unison as Rea left with her knights. “Were those elementists, Markus?” Audrion asked. Markus took a rather horrified moment to consider that perhaps his father literally did know everything. “Yes. I believe she intends to use them to teleport the group. It will be considerably faster.” “And are you truly an elementi?” “Yes….” Audrion, to his surprise, looked quite relieved. “Excellent. I always trusted your mother’s story, of course, but it’s good to know for sure. I have seen you do strange things with water without intending and… well, there were only two options. I chose to believe in the love of my life, of course, but there was always that nagging doubt. May I see your magic?” “Uh… sure, of course.” Markus took some water from his flask and called up another shield, around the both of them. “I can do other things but… not a lot, not yet anyway. You were the one who read that book in our library…?” “I’ve read it nearly a thousand times,” Audrion agreed. He touched the shield, looking a bit interested. “This is fascinating. We shall announce this, and your mother shall tell your birth story. See how my detractors take that. Calling my son illegitimate… look at you.” Audrion tilted his chin up. “You may look more like Ivy, but parts of you are clearly my features. Your mother claims we have the same ‘real smile’, whatever nonsense that might be.” Audrion put it on. Markus was mildly terrified by the fact that this was true. He smiled nervously back as his father dropped his chin. “You’ve… never doubted me?” “Of course not. I raised you, I know you. I love you and Ketra both equally. Now go see your friends off. There’s a royal meeting later and I need you to be on time.” Markus left the room in a haze.
Anella with regret as eight of the Royalty of Everglade were engulfed in a flash of light without her. Somehow, Rea had found three elementists and a knight to take them all the way to Vyncent Glasswater’s castle in Laina. Three Light elementists could combine their power to take whole groups of people at once. The number was apparently a strain, as they were meant to take only two each. Anella had listened to all this explained. None of it changed the fact they were gone. She felt a sense of loss. The world she had escaped into was fading and everything she’d known before was coming back and she wasn’t sure if she wanted it to, if she was ready. Anella had especially not wanted to see Maria go, not without more backup. She remembered every word Maria had said. Blushing at her own silliness from last night, she turned and started back inside. Her face felt like it was on fire. Why had she told Maria that? Why hadn’t she denied it after she had said it? She hadn’t been able to admit she liked Raythor to herself yet. That little thought made her go redder. Anella remembered him holding her hand, smiling at her, telling her she was beautiful. She supposed there was no reason not to like Raythor. He was always nice to her, he was her friend, he was hands…. Anella paced a little in the snow. Oh dear, this was not good. This didn’t have to change anything, though. They could just continue being friends. He surely didn’t like her back. Of course, if the quest was really over then she would probably never see him again anyway. The sides of her eyes stung and she dabbed at them with her sleeve, a little confused at the strength of her reaction. It was just a crush, the prospect of him leaving shouldn’t make her stomach drop. Anella finally made it inside, deciding resolutely that she just didn’t want to leave all these people who had become her friends. It wasn’t like this at home, those girls just weren’t like Markus, Laura, Rose, Dasher, Blade…. Markus ran past her, nearly knocking her down. He turned his head, smiling apologetically. Anella saw him go into the snow, saw him stop and just seemed to freeze. She went out; head lowered and tapped his shoulder. “They’re already gone,” Markus said numbly. “Yes,” Anella agreed timidly. “T-they were v-very intent on leaving.” “Pity. I was a little too late. No matter, really.” Audrion stepped out into the snow. He was alone. Anella had never seen him so before. She curtsied quickly so of course she smacked Markus in the stomach. He just took her hand, squeezing it affectionately and let her go. Audrion viewed this with some distaste but didn’t comment on it. “I’m going to need you to go to Laina as well, Markus.” He held out a stained crown. Anella flinched just looking at it. “I imagine he now knows that you have no bride. Go there under the pretext of courting his daughter and show him the crown. The fact of the matter is that this revolution is helpful to Everglade. King Ian is far too loyal to King Brian; we would never be able to align with them otherwise. If the Whitestars take the throne, however, there is a chance. There is also a chance that Vyncent Glasswater will receive a title after Ian is deposed. If that happens, I would like for you to marry Elaura.” “You would like me to what?” “Markus.” Audrion put a firm hand on his son’s shoulder. “Elaura is a Lainan soon to be noble very willing to marry you. Is that not exactly what I recommended?” “Yes,” Markus managed. “Then you will go to Laina and speak to King Ian. We’ll see how everything turns out from there but, frankly, I think he has neither the resources nor support to win a war by himself. This is very likely to go in our favor.” “To Laina…?” “It wouldn’t make sense to go to Caltha, Markus.” The king sighed again. “I married your mother for love. I got little out of it politically, but Ivy was a noble. It was a perfectly legal choice to make. Now you may do the same, provided this goes how I expect it to, if you can do one thing for me.” “Of course.” “Sincerely look me in the eyes and tell me that you love this girl. I will not have my son cause a political scandal over someone he would rather just sleep with and be done with.” Anella watched as Markus stood straighter. Everything that seemed to have been pummeling him fell away and he looked, again, like a prince. “I love her.” Audrion smiled. “Very well. Write me after you speak to King Ian, I’d like to know what’s really going on in Laina. Or at least how Ian perceives it. If things go our way, write me as well and I will join you in Laina to make the engagement official. Do not voice any doubts about this or I will marry you to the Princess of Laina. I do not want to see what those grandchildren would look like, Markus. Do not let me down.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:34:43 GMT -5
“Yes, father.” “Excellent. I have already had the horses held for you in the Porthe’s mansion. You just need to get there. Bring at least a few guards. I also want you safe.” Anella curtsied again as Audrion left. Then she straightened, trying to look as determined as Markus had. “I’m g-going with you.” “Anella, I can’t ask you to-” “Alone, yes, it would be ridiculous. But she’s not.” Ketra stood beside Anella, a peaceable smile on her face. “I will not leave my brother alone in the midst of a revolution.” “I, for one, owe you,” Rose said. She nodded at the prince. “Let’s do this thing.” “I’m obligated to protect her.” Raythor jerked his head at Rose. Anella smiled. “And, just maybe, you had a point before, Anella.” “I go where he goes.” Dasher patted Raythor’s shoulder. “I will not leave my friends when they need help.” Blade bowed his head before them both. “I’m uh… rather trapped her otherwise.” Gabriel awkwardly stood off to Rose’s side. He touched his fist to his chest. “Shall we uh… defeat the woman who managed to control the queen of Carina?” Markus stood stock still for a moment. Then he smiled widely, contagiously. “Thank you. This means a lot to me and… thank you.” “No trouble at all, Blue.” Rose tapped her fist to her chest too. “I don’t know what that means but it does bleed sincerity. Anything leader-ly to say?” “Yes, actually. Dasher are you up for seven more days of us draining your magic? We have to get our horses in Tea. From there, we can cross Bloodroot and get into Laina that way. Rose can guide us through the forest-” “Damn straight.” “-and I was hoping Blade might be able to determine the fastest route to King Ian’s castle.” “I would be honored.” “I don’t expect it to take more than a few weeks, if we keep a steady pace.” “Whoa, hey. What are we going to do about mister I-don’t-ride-horses over here?” Rose interjected. “I have an idea for that too.” He stared at Dasher and Blade in a way Anella could only describe as deep remorse. “It… can be done but I would prefer for it not to be done,” Blade said, his nose wrinkling. “I will… do my share.” “I’m not huge on this plan,” Raythor added. “Wait. You’re afraid of horses-” Dasher began. “I never said that.” “Uh huh. What if I turned into a horse? Then, technically you wouldn’t be riding an actual horse. I’m not going to throw you off. You can trust me.” “What makes you think I want to ride you?” Raythor asked, with a slight grin. Anella blushed. “Well, what do you need to do to help you get your shape shifting back?” Markus asked brightly. “Cheat on Raythor,” Dasher said. She shot the dark haired boy a you-better-watch-it look. “Can you really put it that way if we aren’t together?” Raythor asked. The face persisted. “Magically, we are.” “Well, then we have to find some volunteers.” Rose rubbed her hands together. “Markus, what do you say? This is your idea.” “Uh…” Markus swallowed. “He l-loves Laura,” Anella supplied. “Oh. Then you’re up, Gabriel.” Rose stared at him. “Err… well….” Gabriel looked, if possible, more nervous than Markus had. “I don’t really think….” “God, really? How hard is this? It takes about five seconds, pansies.” Rose sighed heavily. “Why don’t you kiss me then, Rose?” Raythor taunted. Rose glared at him. He smiled and her glare got more intense. “Fuck no. I am not taking that one for the team.” “Hey, Raythor and I will figure this out.” Dasher grabbed his shoulders. “We don’t need to drag this out painfully, do we?” “I suppose not.” Raythor faked looking disappointed. “I’ll be back later to start the teleporting. I’m sure General Porthe will be overjoyed to see us.”
Chapter Twenty Six
The Forest of Death
Rose was the last to arrive in Tea. This had been unanimously decided after the extremely loud argument that had ensued between her and Raythor after he’d tracked down and kissed his ex-girlfriend. It had been an impressive fight, Rose could admit that. She had no reason not to: she had been the loud one. When the exhausted Dasher released her hand and sat down in the snow, Rose was already starting inside, fueled by a week’s worth of pent up anger. She was so focused on it that she didn’t see the two boys passing her by. “Hey Dash.” Raythor offered a hand. “Hey Ray,” Dasher returned with a yawn. “We saved you the nicest room,” Markus told her cheerfully. He took her other hand. They pulled her up, putting her arms around their shoulders, and started taking her inside. Rose put her hands on her hips. “No hello for me, huh?” “Well, Dasher fell down. We had to help,” Markus said innocently. “It’s nice to see you again, Rose. How was your week?” Rose mumbled it was fine, unprepared for his politeness. “You must be holding that human form with concentrated power of will,” Raythor said, ignoring Rose. Dasher made a noncommittal movement with her head. “It doesn’t take as much energy anymore because I was a human lover.” She added, teasingly: “And I still can’t live without you, of course.” “Let me see your true form, Dash. Please?” Rose had never heard his voice that close to emotion. She saw him squeeze Dasher’s side, where he was holding her up. The elementist girl flushed. Rose realized, with what she could only think of as horror, that it was possibly that these two had once had feelings for each other. The thought that anyone could be attracted to Raythor made her physically ill. “I’m afraid it would freak you out.” Dasher shook her head. “You’re so used to me like this.” “It would be incredible to see you actually shape-shift. And why should I care what you look like? We’re friends. Right, Markus?” “I would enjoy a firsthand experience with shape-shifting, yes. I rather uh… like things that are common aspects of fairy tales,” Markus said sheepishly. “He means love, like he loves Laura,” Rose chimed in. Markus flamed red. “Wow, did we all miss you.” Raythor rolled his eyes. “What do you say, Juliet? If you’re going to four legs they might as well be your own.” “Alright.” She gave in peacefully. “I suppose the process could be quite fascinating to someone who had never seen it.” Then she grinned at Raythor. “I will if you tell me how your reunion with Karen went.” “In front of Rose?” “Hey!” Rose protested. “I can’t tell her where to be.” Dasher shrugged. “Fine. Ladies first?” Now he sounded almost hopeful. Markus looked like a five year old waiting to receive cake. Dasher laughed at both of them. Rose couldn’t blame her. The four of them slipped inside and, remarkably seamlessly, the two boys lifted Dasher into a large, soft chair by the door. She immediately curled up like a contented cat. Rose briefly wondered what it would be like to look like such a goddess. “All the non-ROE people staying in the Porthe’s house are at the other end of it,” Markus told Dasher. “You shouldn’t have to worry about them.” Rose wondered when that had become such an acceptable thing to call themselves, yet there was no denying even the acronym was being used as though it were a real word. The princess herself tended to make up word, so she couldn’t really say much…. “Ready?” Dasher asked. The boys nodded. She lifted her arms, spreading her fingers. “This is completely unnecessary but it will look better.” “Wow, Dash.” Raythor shook his head. “I’m trying to make it spectacular for you, Raythor.” “It looks great,” Markus gushed. Dasher nodded, closing her eyes. A shuddering breath passed through her and her lips parted. Slowly, a light brightened around her, bursting from her fingertips. Her finger shortened and rounded, becoming what looked like little white cat paws. Her arms shifted into white fur covered forelegs and her body changed next, turning the pale blue color of her tunic. Her legs shifted to include haunches and feet, shifting and popping into place and hugging her white belly. Her face lengthened into a muzzle, turning the same blue. Then her necklace raised and fused into his forehead, a white stripe extending from it to her pink nose. The tips of her ears whitened and sprouted two tiny feathers in each. Then came the large, bright white wings as her belt slid from her waist to her neck. Finally, a long deep blue horse tail grew out behind her, swishing over the fabric of the chair. The only thing that stayed the same were those big, blue eyes. “Whoa.” Markus’s jaw dropped. “That was… awe inspiring.” “What do you think?” Dasher asked unsurely. She raised her ears, regarding Raythor. “I have to say, the pink nose was probably the least shocking part,” Raythor teased. Her ears went back reproachfully. He laughed. “Sorry, sorry. I have to say, you’re still beautiful. I assume you can fly?” “Easily. Like Blade’s, my bones are hollow and easily breakable. We do give up a bit of physical strength for flight, but it’s worth it.” “I’m sure it is,” Markus said.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:39:07 GMT -5
Obligingly, Dasher extended her wing for him to touch it. Rose, not wanting to admit that she wanted to touch Dasher’s wings too, instead prodded Raythor. “Going to hold up on your end of the bargain, stupid?” She prodded at his arm some more. Raythor moved his arm away from her, sighing. “Yeah, I promised. What do you want to know, Princess Dasher?” “Just spin me a little story about what happened after Karen saw your face.” Dasher stretched her wings, flopping on her side and looking perfectly contented. Rose felt jealous just watching her. “I had one of the Gladian soldiers- the one Dash danced with and got to kiss her, by the way- find Karen for me. When she saw me, she slapped me. I can’t honestly blame her I did say I’d come back for her, and it has been four years.” “Not that you had any intention of honoring it.” “None at all. For one, she’s very possessive but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Regardless, I apologized, thanked her for letting me go-” “For what?” Rose burst, incredulously. “I’ve been stealing food most of my life. I got caught when I was almost twelve,” he explained patiently. “I was in a dungeon for about three months. In that time, I got to know the jailer’s daughter. Karen. Her father is very overprotective and she very much wanted a boyfriend. I gave her a boy her age her father let her see every day. She developed a crush on me.” “That is surprising.” “Uh huh, I know. Anyway, I knew I could use that to escape. I promised to kiss her if she let me go and come back for her later.” “She fell for that?” “Hey, we did kiss.” He shrugged. Rose wrinkled her nose in disgust. “You got your first kiss at eleven? To get out of prison?” “I was twelve. I had a birthday.” Rose wanted to scream at him. Why did everything in his life have to be so painfully depressing to listen to? “I hate you more than I can say. Now keep going before I throw up.” “I thanked her for letting me go and then I told her I couldn’t come back to Caltha because I’d be killed if I did, but that if ripped me apart to not have seen her for so long. Then she, actually, kissed me, unfortunately just as her father was coming around the corner.” “Ah, that explains the black eye you’ve had all week,” Dasher commented. “I missed Raythor have a black eye?’ This was an upsetting, upsetting day. Rose say down to deal with it. Directly on the floor. “Could I give you another one so I can see what it looks like?” “Why in God’s name would I say yes to that?” Raythor actually raised an eyebrow. Rose smiled. She was going to lord that over him, but later. She had a lot of material now. “M-Markus?” Anella timidly stepped peered around the corner. “G-General Porthe w-wants to k-know if y-you’ll s-speak with him. H-he seems u-uneasy, I don’t think R-Rea said where she was going.” “Not shocking.” Raythor rolled his eyes. Anella smiled, her eyes drifting to him like he was magnetized. Rose crossed her arms, staring at the wall. Her jaw set and she suddenly felt like punching something. “Thank you,” Markus said gratefully. “I’ll speak to him shortly.” He looked at Dasher. “May we help you to your room first?” “Please.” Dasher stood. Markus nodded at Raythor, but when the dark haired boy moved forward Rose grabbed his wrist. “I’ll help Markus, stupid. I,” she lowered her voice, “kind of need to talk to him.” “Alright. Have a good time. Goodnight, Dash.” Raythor nodded, walking off with Anella. Funny how that little stutter of her seemed to go away when she was alone with him. Markus carefully picked Dasher up. He held her chest with his hand and weaved his arm from under her leg, so that it pressed into her haunch. He wrapped his free arm around her front. “You’re light as a feather. It must be the hollow bones.” “You’re a gentleman,” Dasher said with a laugh. “A gentleman with large arm muscles,” Rose grouched. “Well, those are just from sword training, mostly. Laura and Ross are probably as strong as I am; they just have all their muscles in their back so it doesn’t look as impressive. Also I’m taller.” He never did rise to her bait. It would have driven her crazy if they had really gotten married. She darted ahead, on the lookout for any non-ROE (there was that moronic acronym again) and waved Markus the all clear. In addition to Dasher’s guest room being the best one, it was also closest to the door. The boys had probably planned that. Rose opened the door and watched with little interest as Markus set Dasher down and wished her good night. He walked out, Rose shut the door. They had started down the hall before they spoke. “You are in love with Laura, aren’t you? You were the whole time?” Rose said it as though she were commenting on the weather rather than her ex-fiancé’s personal feelings. “I was and am, yes. I’m really sorry.” He paused. “I tried not to be.” “It doesn’t work that way, Blue. You know that.” She patted his shoulder. “You’re sweet and handsome and all, but you’re not my type. So no one broke their heart along with this engagement.” “That doesn’t mean we’re not connected.” Markus smiled. “We’re friends.” “Yeah. And probably we’re going to be the only ex-fiancés we’re ever going to have. That is a connection and I’m grateful for it, in a way. I’m glad we met and that now we get to make our own choices. Aren’t you?” She looked up at him. Slowly, he nodded. “Yes. But I never meant to be unfaithful to you, in any respect.” “Blue, you weren’t. You were my white prince for seventeen years and I really wanted to be your princess from a fairytale. Neither of us let ourselves voice our crushes or get too attached to any of the nobles we’re forced to meet all the time, because we were being faithful to each other. It’s not fair to either of us to have to live that way. So yes, I’m sorry I had to do what I did the way that I did it, that I hurt you because of it. But, for once in my life, I was given a real choice and I made the one I wanted.” Markus fell silent for a moment. “I was angry with you but… I’m not anymore. Everything that has happened isn’t going to change now. And if it means I’ll get to be with Laura, I will be happy. What about you, Rose?” “I get to find out what it’s like not to be engaged to you. I’m loving it so far, I’ve got to say.” Rose actually wholeheartedly smiled. “It’s nice to feel free.” They both stared at the door of her room. Finally, Markus opened it for her. “Hey… I know it probably sucks, to be away from Laura and Ross, because they’re usually the ones saving your ass. But won’t it be nice to save your own ass?” “It would be wonderful if I didn’t need to be saved.” “Well, try to have a realistic goal won’t you? You’re a prince, everyone wants you dead.” Rose brushed past him, fully intending to go to bed. “Hey Rose?” Rose looked back at him curiously. His gray eyes were studying her. “Do you have a crush on Raythor?” Rose balled her fists and raised them. He covered his face. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just, we kissed, so I didn’t think you’d mind saying yes or no. You’re so much more reasonable around me than him and I thought that there had to be some sort of reason.” “The reason is because I God damn hate him so much. He grates my nerves like no one I’ve ever met before- that’s why I react to him so violently. Understand?” “Perfectly.” Markus took a step back so she could close the door on him. Rose paced, furious, for a full five minutes before she lay down and forced her eyes shut. She had thought she could expect a prince not to ask her things like that.
Markus stepped into what he supposed could be called General Porthe’s office. The general was bent over a desk; his hand pushing at his hair in what Markus guessed was frustration. There were papers everywhere and a soldier who must be on guard duty standing in the corner. The soldier had an odd mix of boredom and concern on his face. The general finally looked up and blinked at Markus, seeing to take a minute to recognize him. “Ah. Good evening, sire. Thank you for coming to speak with me.” “I think this is probably needed,” Markus said. “Do you… know where the Queen is?”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:41:47 GMT -5
“On her way to Vyncent Glasswater’s castle in Laina.” “Why?” Davon looked slightly pained. “A whim of her sister’s, as far as I can tell.” “Ah. That does make sense.” “If it eases your mind, my personal body guards are with her.” “Some.” He sighed, getting to his feet. Davon bowed quickly and encouraged the solider to do the same. “Glasswater will protect her, at least. This just isn’t a great time for her not to be in the castle. There is a lot going on politically, and with the new ties to Bloodroot… oh. I suppose congratulations are in order, sire.” “I didn’t marry,” Markus said quickly. “Congratulations are still in order….” He said this far more quietly, almost under his breath. “Are you and your companions intending to do something about what’s happening in Laina?” “We are. We’re going to speak to the king.” “Fair idea, if he’ll listen.” “I have a few ways to make him.” “Listen, Prince Markus…. About what happened at the Purple Rose....?” Davon hesitated. “Queen Rea never intended to harm the relationship Carina has with Everglade. We need that and I don’t think she expected you to come after her. It was a silly oversight.” “Noble of you to defend her. Our bond with Carina remains intact.” “Reassuring news.” They smiled formally at each other for a moment. Markus literally did not know what else to say. He wanted to trust Rea and he wanted to trust Davon, but he didn’t know if he should. How much about what they were doing he should even say. “I think I remember you. From the war. You were in William Rainbird’s battalion?” “Yes, I was. He was a good man.” “He was.” “I’ve always been fairly sure that’s why Queen Rea selected me as general. I was only sixteen at the time, but we were the ‘heroic’ battalion because of Will. We all got promotions after that war. Will should have been general, not me. I was his second and I’m doing my best to fill his shoes.” Davon bowed his head respectfully. “I’m sorry. I speak too informally.” “Davon, I imagine we’ll have many interactions in the future. Please call me Markus and speak freely.” “Alright, sire.” Davon looked wary. “Perhaps you should meet my second, David Catshadow.” The name clicked and Markus smiled as the soldier in the corner came over to shake his hand. “Catshadow! You’re Everard’s friend, aren’t you?” “Yes, sire. He was in my wedding. As was Davon.” David patted the general’s shoulder affectionately. Then his face was more somber. “You were there when Will died, weren’t you? With his little brother?” “I was.” They were all silent for a moment. “My companions and I will be out of your hair shortly. I thank you for your hospitality.” “Members of the royal family of Everglade are always welcome in this house. As our friends of William Rainbird,” Davon said. “Is Rocelin with the Queen?” “He is.” Markus saw David make a bit of a face. Well, he was friends with Everard. Markus bit back what he wanted to say. “What do you think of Hector Blackbird?” “Blackbird?” David looked confused. “General, didn’t he die…?” Davon’s face darkened but he shook his head. “Only on paper, Catshadow. Reliable soldier. He’ll keep her safe.”
Markus woke up groggy. It didn’t feel like morning, no matter how early he usually got up, and it was pitch black in his tiny room. He pushed up on his elbows, trying to find what natural disaster had woken him up. He flinched when he spotted two dark figures in the doorway. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” Raythor blinked his cold blue eyes. “Roughly half of Rea’s elite are awake right now, which is just a little bit excessive for a watch at three a.m. General Porthe isn’t out there with them.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:48:03 GMT -5
Markus felt his heart drop. This didn’t mean that Queen Rea or General Porthe were involved, that anything was wrong. He had to cling to that. Anything threatening Everglade’s relationship with Carina would not be good for his country. Hurriedly, he put on his boots and slipped his tunic on, tightening his belt as he stood. “Let’s go. If anything goes wrong, we’ll wake up the others and, depending what’s going on, the General.” “I’m the fastest runner, I can handle that part,” Raythor offered. “You and Anella handle the diplomacy.” “I’ll t-try.” Anella clasped her hands. Markus wondered if they’d been with each other this entire time. Probably. “Well, I know I can hold my own if worse comes to worse. Do you have a sword?” Markus cinched his own to his belt. “Y-yes.” “No crown?” Raythor asked, as they near jogged down the hall. “I think they’ll know who I am without it.” Three pairs of feet hit the snow outside, struggling to gain traction. Markus caught himself on a tree, ripping the skin of his palm. He didn’t know when this had become so desperate, but somewhere along the way it had. Every second felt precious and he seemed to almost instinctively know where to go. When they made it, David Catshadow was staring at them with nothing more than faint curiosity. “You’re out late,” Markus observed. “Does General Porthe often assign this many men to a watch?” “He does not,” David said stiffly. “Why weren’t you told that Hector Blackbird wasn’t really dead? That’s seems a strange thing to keep from an elite.” “She doesn’t tell us anything we don’t need to know, and we don’t need to know that.” “She?” “Ken-” David froze. Markus let out a long, shaky breath. Behind him, Raythor slipped off. Markus heard him take off running as soon as he was out of sight. A few soldiers broke off from behind David. Markus met David’s eyes. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Shooting at one of the crown prince’s friends could turn Everglade against the new Laina. I imagine Kenetari doesn’t want that.” He was bluffing. His father would not care in the slightest if Raythor was killed, he wasn’t a noble. David seemed to buy it. His soldiers stopped dead. “What do you want, Everglade?” “I’ll settle for knowing why you’re here.” “Yeah, that’s going to happen.” David rolled his eyes. “I may not be able to kill you, but I don’t have to listen to you. I’m a Carinian citizen, Everglade. You really can’t touch me either.” “No, but he can.” Markus stepped back with a little smirk, letting General Porthe through. “Lieutenant Catshadow, I have ordered none of this. I expect an explanation.” The general’s eyes steeled. “I didn’t think you were capable of turning against Carina, even to save your wife.” “Did you expect me to let Kira die, Davon? Let that Lainan bitch kill her and my unborn child?” David’s stone face cracked. He looked angry, his dark eyes filling with hate. “That I wouldn’t do fucking anything to protect them?” “What are you doing to protect them, David?” General Porthe’s voice was frighteningly calm. “Kenetari wants to take over Laina because they have a weak king. She’s tested all the monarchs, all the heirs. Carina didn’t pass. I’m sure you’re not surprised, Rea is a useless weakling about herself, about pretty boys who will tell her she is beautiful and make her feel like she’s worth anything at all.” David’s men murmured their agreement. Davon’s fists clenched at his sides. “Yes, Kenetari is going to put people she controls in place of the three weak kings but at least they’ll have a brain in their heads. She wants to put you on that throne, Davon. She thinks she can get to you.” He laughed sourly. “I know she’s wrong. You won’t move against the queen because your family has served hers for so long, no matter how much you hate her. But I would rather have you king than that moron we serve breathing. We all would, General Porthe…. Davon. It had been nothing less than an honor to work for you. You’re the only man I ever worked for worth taking the throne. I’m saving my family, yes, but I’m doing this for Carina too.” There was a long silence. Markus felt a chill go up his spine. The air was so tense he could feel it and there was only a little chance that this wouldn’t all go to hell. He was positive someone would try to send him and Anella there when it did. Behind Davon, the other half of the elite gathered, flanking Markus and Anella protectively. “Rebellion,” the general said calmly, “would shed more blood than we need to change things. I understand that you’re here to handle some task for Kenetari so she’ll keep all of those promises she gave you. But she won’t, David. No more than Rea ever would have. Lay down your weapons and come with use. I’ll see that you and the other men are granted leniency.” “Sounds great, General, but I think I have other options.” David fired off a shot into the neck of the man standing next to Davon. “I never really liked him.” Davon just made a quick hand gesture, just as poised at it as Kenetari. There were ten men dead before Markus could blink. He grabbed Anella’s hand and pulled them further into the ranks, shielding them both with bodies. “I’ve got your back, stay with me. We’ve got this,” Markus shouted over the already considerable din. He moved to stand behind her, touching his shoulder blade with hers. “You can do this, Anella. Just rely on your reflexes, don’t overthink. Just like I taught you. Alright?” “A-alright,” she stammered, “we’ve g-got this.” “Yes we do.” He shifted to a defensive stance when he saw some of David’s men break through. “Don’t fight anyone you don’t have to,” he added, seconds before he lost himself in the fight. The blood from his cut from earlier was sticking to the hilt of his sword and he felt like it was acting on its own. Every movement he made flowed like water, the hits he managed to land stronger than he expected. By the time most of the battle was over, Markus hadn’t taken a scratch himself. He’d killed or wounded more than ten. He took a deep breath as killing turned to capture of the survivors, turning to cheek on Anella. She regarded him blankly, a spray of blood on her face. He was fairly sure it wasn’t hers; all her wounds seemed to be nicks on her arms and hands. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” She wiped the blood of her face, staring intently at her scarlet stained fingers. “He bled very much.” The faint silver light that was usually around her had intensified, her hair almost seemed to float. Before Markus could comment, he caught sight of General Porthe shoving David to his knees. David said something and Davon smacked his face so hard his head snapped back. Markus looked away. “Markus!” Rose charged out, flanked by Raythor and Dasher. Ketra, Blade and Gabriel followed behind. His ex-fiancée made a face. “We missed it? Damn it, Raythor.” “Yes, if only we could have been part of a blood bath,” Raythor said dryly. His glance drifted to Anella’s hand. “I don’t believe we’ve missed it all.” Gabriel had gone sheet white. They all followed his gaze. The elementists who had bitten open Markus’s neck in Carina was there in front of a small army. To her left and right stood a large scar covered shadow elementist and another breed he’d never seen before, with violet fur, bird wings and tail and a tuft of fur on her forehead. “We run,” Markus said, managing to keep his calm. “Damn straight,” Rose agreed. They all turned and took off at a sprint, Blade falling back to put up a shield. Markus led them toward the trees, weaving in and out, hearing footsteps and the quickly tiring Blade behind them. That shield was not going to last forever. They didn’t have much time. Markus had to think of something, any way out of this. Blade’s shield shattered and Dasher took over, hers weak and shaking. The two elementists started trading off. Whatever spell was hitting was cutting through theirs like butter. Markus dug his fingers into his palm. If he bled enough, he could help too. “Shit, shit, shit,” Dasher said. Her symbol flashed furiously. Blade doggedly kept his shield up but it was flickering. Markus turned and stopped moving. He concentrated as hard as he could and felt the energy gathering. He threw the blood in the air. The drops spread and solidified glowing with red light. Markus turned and started to catch up with the others. His hand throbbed as he ran acting, he guessed, as his forehead symbol. Markus felt his energy being sapped, slowly but surely. It felt strangely fascinating. He was just seconds away from passing Blade when a dark shape landed in front of them. They all jerked back, breathing hard. Markus raised his bleeding hand instinctively and the red shield circled all of them. “Mother?” Nightshade raised her ears. The violet elementist’s eyes flashed deep purple and wind whipped at them, shredding Markus’s shield. Blade attempted to summon another but the scarred shadow’s symbol lit up and he dropped to the ground screaming, his body torn apart by cuts. “Thank you. I’d like you to meet my parents, Tobias and Peregrine.” “The missing generals,” Dasher said thinly. “What the fuck do you want, fuzzy?’ Rose demanded, her voice cracking in a screech. “I was to find and torture one of you after David captured and subdued you all. I was not told which. Only he knew and the Carinian elites escaped with him and the others. So we’re just going to go with our back up plan.” Nightshade smiled. “We’re just going to torture all of you.” Before any of them could act, Tobias- the scarred elementist- had lit his symbol again. Blade scrambled to call up a shield, Dasher closed her eyes and Markus slit his hand, trying to help too. None of it mattered. Tobias’s magic hit Markus’s chest like a lightning bolt. He sucked in air, dropping to his knees. It felt like he was drowning. Every part of his body began to hurt at once and his skin tore open, drooling blood. His own screams soon blocked out the cries of his friends and he fell on his hands, the snow seeping into the deep gash on his palm. He spat out red drops and tried to move. When he did, it felt like the pressure on all his muscles intensified. Markus determinedly reached for his sword anyway, fingers closing around it. He was starting to pass out and he knew it. “Enough.” A booming voice he recognized, but couldn’t name, cut through everything. “I assume you’re trying to break my toy because you want to see me. I would like a quick explanation as to why that is. I have better things to do.” “Mercury.” Markus actually felt a rush of relief. “Sweet Swift, Mercury.” “What…the…fuck…?” Rose coughed. “I’ll explain later, I promise.” He put his hand over hers in the snow. There were tears running down her face and Markus realized his weren’t exactly dry either. “I promise….” “Awaken the vessel or we kill all three of your elementi and Paramour. It’s as simple as that,” Nightshade commanded imperiously. “While I don’t particularly appreciate your tone, young lady, I can do that. It’s far more of an inconvenience not to.” Mercury’s tail swished in front of Markus’s face. “Where is she?” “She has just arrived at Glasswater’s castle in Laina. As soon as it’s done, we’ll stop trailing this lot.” “I don’t entirely trust that, but I’ll make sure you keep your word. All of you come with me.” Mercury’s already pale eyes went white. In a fury of snow, Nightshade, her army, and Markus’s “guardian” were gone. “We must find some shelter.” Blade got to his feet. “Where have we gotten to?” “Bloodroot.” Rose sat up. “This is Whitmore Woods. Believe it or not, it’s nicknamed the Forest of Death.” “How appropriate.” Ketra leaned back against a tree, straightening her hair. Markus was always amazed at how polished his sister looked in all situations, but this took the cake. “I certainly feel like death warmed over.” “That seemed highly unnecessary.” Gabriel was still on his hands and knees. He looked dazed, his hair hanging down on the sides of his face. “More so than usual.” “It’s going to take a while to get my energy back but I can heal everyone when I do.” Dasher’s voice was the thinnest so far. “Those cuts are… superficial.” “I doubt it’s safe to go back to the Porthe mansion. I know of a barn near here, Dash and I slept in it once. If we can get there, we’ll at least have some shelter.” Raythor was actually standing but he looked like hell. He was shaking, pale, clutching a branch. “It’s not far.” “We need the horses.” Markus sat up and let Rose lean on him.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 0:54:58 GMT -5
“I can get them.” Anella was firmly on her feet. Her arms were crossed and she had fewer cuts than everyone else. She was brighter than several torches now as well. “It shouldn’t be any trouble. I miss Ranier.” “Raythor, you go with Anella so you can lead her back. Dasher can take us, she needs rest most of all. Blade, I imagine you do too.” Markus forced himself to get up. It hurt. “I can carry Dasher. The wounds centered on my back and shoulders,” Gabriel offered. “Thank you,” she said gratefully. “I received much the same. I’ll carry Blade.” Ketra didn’t so much offer as state. Blade just gave his thanks, without protest. Markus watched with some degree of awe as his seven companions mobilized, helping each other up and calming each other down. He missed Ross and Laura but, for the first time, he didn’t feel so alone without them. “Care to support each other Rose?” “Oh yeah. All of mine ‘centered’ on my legs. It burns to walk,” Rose moaned. “Does it?” Markus picked her up. She made a sound of surprise but clutched his beck. “Well I owe you this.” “Yes you do,” she agreed primly. Rose proceeded to dry her tears on his tunic. She had salt streaks. Ketra, seeing that, rifled through Markus’s pocket and passed Rose his handkerchief. “That’s better.” “I thought it might be.” His sister smiled. Blade shifted his tail so as to not cut any of them. “Don’t your arms hurt, Markus? They’re torn to shreds.” “Yeah, it does I guess. It’s not like I’m the only one here in pain though, is it?” He smiled, shifting Rose in his arms. All of their clothes were going to be completely drenched in blood by tomorrow but he still felt a little bad about pressing his bigger cuts against her dress. “You’re so stupid.” Rose fastened her arms around his neck affectionately. “Being a big dumb boy and just grinning and bearing all that pain.” “We do it to make up for childbirth.” She laughed. “Thanks, Markus. I’ll remember that when I have children.” “As will I.” Ketra actually smiled a little. They all raised their heads as a shabby barn loomed before them. It was missing shutters, needed paint desperately and the wood looked entirely rotten. Markus loved it at once. “This is the most beautiful crap shack I’ve ever seen,” Rose said with a sigh of admiration. “You took the general feelings of the words right out of my mouth,” Gabriel seconded, to a murmur of agreement. “Welcome to our castle for the night. The people who own this are merchants, so they’re rarely home. By the looks of it, we should be fine,” Dasher said. She still managed to look somewhat authoritative while being carried. Ketra gently let Blade down and opened the doors so they could all file in. She shut it after they did. Markus surveyed the interior. There were three stalls, more hat than he had ever seen in his life stacked just about everywhere and minimal amounts of equipment. He set Rose down in a large hay bale, which she lightly protested, and went to get down horse blankets from the tops of the stalls. “There are not enough of those,” Rose said. “We’ll share.” Markus shrugged. “We don’t need them, really.” Blade inclined his head at Dasher. She had already burrowed into the hay, her eyes shut. “That should just leave you in pairs.” “Hmph. Ketra, I want the red one.” Rose lay back, instantly looking less moody. Ketra took it and collapsed next to Rose, securing it over both of them. Blade smiled, seeming to figure out the gender problem at the same time Markus did, before he dug into a stack of hay himself. “Raythor won’t use a blanket,” Dasher’s voice floated up from nay layers down. “Leave the last one for Anella.” “Alright.” Markus set it by the doors, where she would see it. He settled a little way from Rose and tossed the blanket over himself and Gabriel He was too tired to argue on Raythor’s behalf. It was finally time to rest.
****
It had taken days to get to her father’s castle. Somehow, Laura felt sure that Hector had planned to exhaust them all getting here. He’d said that, since his elementists had never been to Vyncent’s castle they had taken them all somewhere they had been before. Laura would have liked an explanation for why three elementists had ever been to a shady tavern in Laina, but she also thought it was better not to know. Ever. She didn’t care how their magic worked, as long as they never took her back there. Ross has, naturally, loved every minute of this trip. Laura had tried not to look at him for most of it. She was fairly sure he’d gotten “lucky” at that inn and she had a suspicion it had been expensive luck. Whatever had happened had made him a lot more touchy feely, which she hadn’t thought possible, and if she didn’t make eye contact that affection went to the other girls. It didn’t help that Rea and Kylara were constantly fighting to see who got to call the shots. She also wasn’t getting “sweet Ross” or even “fun Ross” she was getting “pervy liar Ross”, whom she really wanted no part of. At this point, she was positive that her father would slam the door in her face and that all of the Lainan royal family was already stone dead. “Hey there, Laura.” Ross clapped her on the shoulder. “You father has a nice place.” “I’ve noticed,” she said tersely. “Blindness is not one of my problems.” “Ooo, testy. I like them like that, you know.” “You like them like female.” “Hey, just because I did Lady Pricilla’s grandmother that one time does not mean I have no standards.” “Kind of sounds like it does,” Maria commented. “But she aged really well. I mean, really well.” “Please stop talking,” Kylara pleaded. She actually looked like she was in pain. “Just for five minutes.” “Alright. I’ll practice looking pretty,” Ross said brightly. He pantomimed locking his lips, which everyone else jointly ignored, and folded his hands like a prim and proper man servant Kylara started muttering how Ross better be a damn good archer. Hector was suddenly between all of them. “I know we can see the castle, ladies, but I thought we might stop here for the night. It’s very late. I don’t think anyone will be awake in the castle.” “Everyone decent will be asleep,” Rea said. She signaled to Dione and James, who began readying her pallet. “I’m beginning to think we’re deliberately stalling,” Kylara snapped. As a three way fight started between her, Hector, and Rea- with more promising to join in- Laura left her bags on the ground and slipped into the trees. She took in a large breath as soon as she was alone. Laura had always had a tougher time getting along with people than Markus, but she was pretty sure even he would have trouble getting along with this lethally irritating group of people. Rea and Kylara’s bickering was driving her crazy, Ross had been flirting with everything female that moved even in his sleep and Saria lived in a crazy little world all her own. And those were just the worst offenders. Dione was constantly angry for no apparent reason, which was starting to tick Laura off, and her creepy husband James might as well have been mute. He got a lot of information about himself in by trying to stare down Laura’s shirts, though. The only one she didn’t want to kick in the face was Maria. Maria just seemed depressed. Laura could understand that. She knew she couldn’t have been a dream to be around the past eight days herself. “My five minutes are up.” Ross popped up. “Fan-fucking-tastic, Ross.” Laura glared at him. She should be nicer to Ross, she knew she should. He’d been very kind to come with her at all. “I know, I was excited. Counted in my head with absolute precision.” “And you came to share this with me?” “Nah, I came to show you that there’s no way in hell you can give up on Markus and that you should ask you bio dad to help with that.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 1:06:08 GMT -5
“How do you plan to-?” She began. Ross’s mouth closed over hers. She almost struck him before he let go. Laura was about to lay into him but stopped. She blushed, hiding her cheeks. She hadn’t really let herself think about kissing Markus since it had happened. Now it hit her in a rush. His touch had been so much gentler, but it still had made her know she was wanted. Where Ross’s touch was warm, Markus’s made her skin boil. She didn’t want him to have stopped. “Oh. I think I get your point.” “You’re welcome. I try,” He said. She stood. “Going to bed?” “Yes.” Then she hesitated. “Ross… all three of you, I mean… we grew up together. Is that why? Because we’re so used to each other?” “Different reasons. Jack like your strength, it’s always really just been a physical thing for me.” “And Markus?” “Oh, Markus likes your everything. Jeez, whenever you’re not around it’s Laura this and Laura that.” “I don’t believe you. I don’t think he’d say that out loud.” “He said it… with his eyes.” Ross wiggled his eyebrows. Laura managed a grin. Ross was just being Ross. She felt calmer, if only a little. She told him goodnight and headed back toward camp.
****
Anella watched Raythor with some amusement as he led one half of the line of tied together horses, Thunder directly beside him. He was not happy about this but she knew she wouldn’t say anything. He certainly hadn’t admitted to be afraid of horses but she had been raised with them. She knew when someone was. “There’s the moon, now I can actually see where we’re going. That’s good for both of us if we’re going to get any sleep tonight.” Raythor cast a suspicious eye on Eclipse, who was at the end of the lead he was holding. Anella had chosen the mare because Eclipse had a fondness for men. She wouldn’t give Raythor any trouble but that wouldn’t stop him from suspecting her and every other horse in his line. Anella took a deep breath as the pale light washed over her. She fixed her eyes on the moon and couldn’t seem to look away. It was as though it were whispering to her, words she couldn’t quite understand. “Do you hear anything? Is someone talking somewhere?” “Not unless the horses learned to speak. I’m pretty sure it’s deserted out here now.” They fell silent, just walking. It was a beautiful night, only a little cold. Scatterings of snow would blow out of the trees every now and the flakes were clinging to both her and Raythor. With the red of his blood, the white of the snow and the black of his clothes and hair, Raythor looked quite a bit more vibrant than usual. Anella smiled. All the focus she’d had on the moon shifted. The whispers got louder every time she saw the beautiful blue of those eyes. Anella brushed her fingers against his, just the tips, as though it were an accident. Raythor flinched and glanced back at the horses, checking to make sure they hadn’t been spooked. “Sorry Raythor.” “It’s fine.” “Why do you hate being touched?” “I don’t know. Probably the answer lies in some other horrible repressed memory.” He tried to pass that off as sarcasm with one of his little half grins. “It can be nice.” “To be touched? Yeah, it can probably be nice to have emotions too. Sadly I’m going to have to keep being me every day and experience neither of those things.” “Did you hate when we danced together, then?” He very quickly looked down. “No. Of course not. That was different, that touching was for a purpose.” “Can’t emotion be a purpose?” “Why are you asking me this?” Raythor darted his eyes over her with suspicion. His shields had gone up quickly and, Anella guessed, instinctually. He was such an odd boy. Her mind was very muddled right now. It almost felt like she was drunk again. Anella laughed. “I’m just making conversation, silly. Nothing to get so worked up about.” “I just thought Dash or Rose might have put you up to this. I wouldn’t put it past them, Dash knows I…” He trailed off. “Don’t like personal questions.” “You still haven’t f-forgiven yourself, h-have you?” The haze seemed to break and she took another breath. “You don’t h-have to f-feel so guilty. Y-you’re innocent, y-you know. R-really.” “I’m working on getting used to that.” Now he was studying her. For a minute, her head stayed clear. Then the whispers pushed their way through. “Listen, Raythor… I think you’ve guessed that there’s something different about me and there is. My ancestor… I don’t know what she was, but she wasn’t human. Her blood is in me and it does this.” Anella geld out her free arms, watched the silver light brighten. “Not human, huh? I think you started to tell me that, once.” His head raised. “There it is.” Anella barely looked at the barn. The whispers kept her focused on Raythor, even as they tied the horses and moved everyone’s bags off their backs and inside the barn. Everyone was already asleep and she was tired. Somehow, though, she kept herself outside. Raythor waited for a while and finally stepped outside with her, closing the barn door behind him. “Something wrong?” He shifted his weight. “No… I just….” “Tell me her story. This inhuman ancestor of yours- who was she?” “Her name was… Eva. Eva Moonwind. She used to come down when the moon was full and she shone, like I do.” Anella stared fixedly, not even really seeing his face anymore. “She would seduce the men and attack the women if they came close. Then, somehow, she fell in love. Became human and married someone in my family, Henry Nightheart. My brother is named for him.” She shook her head. ‘My father has told me that story since I was little. I never knew what to think of it.” “Well you haven’t tried to seduce me,” he said lightly. “Of course, maybe your inhuman blood has standards.” “Don’t talk about yourself like that. I hate it when you talk like that.” She took hold of his arm, not thinking. “When did this become about me?” Their eyes met and locked. Anella saw herself standing before him, a bow raised and pointed at his heart. She was dressed strangely, in leggings and an off white tunic, her hair pulled back and her eyes full of loathing. He looked the same as he did now, with the addition of deep circles beneath his eyes. Her hard cold eyes softened and she lowered the bow. Before Raythor could react, she’d pulled out a sword and clubbed him with the pommel, so hard that she heard a crack. You don’t want that. You can’t want that. The whispers, terrifyingly sharp in her ears, began to speak real words. The image before her eyes shifted and she saw the two of them again. Anella had a beautiful crimson dress this time and a black crown on her head. She was seated below him on the stairs, just as focused on Raythor’s face. Both of them had expressions she couldn’t even recognize. Their lips moved but she didn’t understand. There wasn’t a sound until her crown hit the floor. The lips kept moving, soundless, empty. Then they touched. Gently at first then furiously, desperately. Arms intertwined, bodies pushed together…. Anella felt the heat and pulled back, blushing. The hand that had been clutching his arm shook and they were both breathing hard. “What was that, Anella? What happened?” Raythor sounded unnerved. “Why did we see that?” “Y-you s-saw i-it?” Anella’s voice trembled. He’ll break your heart. Don’t let him hurt you, don’t let him in. Listen… please, listen…. “Stop!” She covered her ears. “Stop it!” Raythor quickly opened the door and pulled her inside, holding her against his thin body like someone- or something- would pull her back out. Anella pressed her face into his shoulder, hugging him just as tightly. “It’s alright. It wasn’t real,” Raythor said firmly, keeping his tone soft. “I can’t break what I don’t have. I won’t hurt you.” “You can’t hurt me,” Anella said faintly. He didn’t answer. For a while, nothing stirred. Then he let go, unable to look at her. “Sorry.” “D-don’t be.” At her stutter, Raythor smiled. “Right, you’re a masochist. You enjoyed it.” “E-exactly.” Anella’s eyes fell on the one horse blanket. “Oh, Raythor, I t-think y-you should-” “No way. You’re taking the blanket; I’m taking the support beam. I’ll stand, like a horse. You sleep, I’ll try to.” “Y-you won’t c-change your m-mind, will you?” “No. Stubborn as a mule.” “Goodnight, t-then.” “Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Chapter Twenty Seven
Generals
“Lady Elaura!” A blond boy in a flamboyant feathered hat, next to a blonde girl who had to be his sister, beamed at all of them. He seemed unfazed by the elementists, Hector had said they were used to them in Laina and beckoned the group inside. “We’ve been expecting you! Oh, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, my lady. Truly it is. Our family has been proud to serve your mother’s for two generations.” “We both feel Lord Glasswater should have a real title, for what he was done for Laina in the wars,” her sister agreed, just as eagerly. Laura heard Ross whisper that they were both star struck. She elbowed him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Call me Laura.” “I’m not sure I could. It would be an imposition.” The boy blinked. “My name is Tyligo and this is my sister Hydria. We’re here to serve you and your guests, Lady Elaura. You’re the heir to this castle.” “I’m what?” Laura darted her eyes back at Ross. He shrugged, shaking his head. “Why, you’re Lord Glasswater’s only child. He never remarried after Lady Glasswater was killed three years ago and she couldn’t have any more children after you.” “They were very much in love.” Hydria sighed dreamily, covering her hear with her hand. “So let me get this straight… a low ranked solider who is Gladian in every respect that matters and who hasn’t even been in Laina in almost eleven years gets all of this,” Kylara gestured vaguely, “because her father killed the most people for the king?” “I suppose you could regard it like that.” Tyligo looked taken aback. “I like this place.” “I like this country,” Maria chimed in. They both laughed. Laura shifted uncomfortably. They had a point; she really had no right to this castle. She fingered the bottom of her military grade tunic, the harsh but sturdy fabric suddenly out of place in this ornate building. “Is my father available to see me?” “My lady, he is simply dying to see you.” Hydria gesticulated grandly. “We can take you to him now,” Tyligo agreed. They were both on the verge of bouncing with excitement. Laura didn’t know what to make of them. When she’d assisted the maids when she was younger it had never filled her with anything close to glee. “Yes, thank you,” she said finally. “Shall your friends accompany you?” “Nope.” Ross pulled back Rea, who had started forward. She made an irritated noise. “It would be better be Lady Elaura to do this alone. Don’t you think, Laur?” “Yes.” Laura made herself sound sure. “That would be best.” “Splendid. Follow Ty, please.” Hydria gestured as though they could possibly have forgotten who “Ty” could possibly be. “I’ll take care of the rest of you in the foyer.” “Joy,” Kylara said dryly. “Foyer?” Saria blinked. Hydria led them off without responding to either. “This way, my lady.” Tyligo bowed his head and then started up the stairs. Laura trailed after, walking on her toes as usual, even in her thick boots. He chuckled. “Your mother walked just like you, miss. She took every step as though she were a dog or a cat. We all missed that most when she died.” “Hm.” Laura wished she’d had any reaction at all to the fact her mother was dead, but it was hard to feel grief for a few scattered memories. She remembered singing, warm arms and long hair. Everything else was even more of a blur. Hearing she was like her mother meant even less than her memories. “This is Lord Glasswater’s study. He spends a great deal of time in there,” he continued conversationally. Laura just nodded. Tyligo knocked, somehow making it cheerful, and a voice answered him. That voice she recognized. Her chest constricted and she raised her hand, seconds too late to stop Tyligo from opening the door. Laura went into the small room as though she were magnetized. “Elaura!” A broad smile spread over a wide face. The man rose from behind the desk, going around it. He was tall, stout, and at the very least twice as muscle bound as Markus. His hair was scruffy, darker than hers and his eyes were her shade of green but bigger and rounder. A thin layer of stubble covered his chin, seemingly from a morning of neglect rather than any sort of intent. He was no John, who was always clean, neat and put together, but he was no Audrion either. Maybe she could live with it. Laura extended a hand. “A pleasure to meet you, General Glasswater.” “General Glasswater?” He laughed, wrapping her in a bear hug so tight she couldn’t breathe. “I’m your father, Elaura. General Vyncent Glasswater to most, but only father to you.” “Laura,” she corrected gently. His face fell a little bit when she said it. She felt a little bad. “It hasn’t really been Elaura in almost eleven years. Even my da-” She cut off quickly. “Even my guardian calls me Laura. I made a mistake.” “Audrion?” Vyncent’s mouth was in a line now. He turned pacing toward his desk with his hands folded behind his back. Laura saw the scar on the back of his hand and felt even worse. Her dreams of him must have been memories. Vyncent had protected her. “No.” She shook her head. “He hates me. My dad’s name is John Goldberry. He’s… he’s very kind and smart. He’s been so good to me; I know that he loves me. I’m sorry but… he’s always felt like my father. I can’t remember living any other way.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 1:13:42 GMT -5
“You were pretty small when we sent you to Imperia.” Vyncent signaled to Tyligo, who bowed and left. “I’m sorry, Elaura. I shouldn’t have expected you to be overjoyed to see me after so many years. It’s just… to me; you’ve always been my daughter. I’ve always thought of you. There hasn’t been one day that I haven’t since you left.” “And you didn’t even write to tell me my mother died?” Laura felt herself shaking with anger. Where did he get off making her feel guilty? He was the one who had abandoned her and ignored her. He was the one who was trying to use those big, round eyes to look innocent. “I didn’t even know her name until reports came in that she had died, Vyncent. I have no idea what she was like or what family she came from. I don’t know if she gave a damn about me and I didn’t even know why she was killed.” Laura closed her eyes, trying to calm down. She was being irrational. She knew that but it felt good to finally let this out. “You can say you thought about me all you want but all you did was make me Gladian.” “You weren’t told.” Vyncent’s voice was pensive. He sat at his desk again, large hands folded over top of it. Laura spread her fingers on the table and leaned down to meet his eyes. “What wasn’t I told?” she asked flatly. She was all Gladian soldier now. She didn’t have to be personal, not if she didn’t let it be. “Why you had to leave Laina. Who you are.” “Who I am?” “You are the vessel, Elaura. We knew when you were born- your eyes were black for six days. We asked our elementist friends to confirm it, they all did. We also knew you were the one Sabbath had been searching for all this time. Everyone knows how obsessed he is with the myth.” “Why?” This she barely managed. “He wants to go to the reverse world. He believes the key to Phoenix’s immortality is there. I imagine your full range of awakened powers is tempting as well.” He shifted in his seat, tapping the desk with his fingers. “It was a tame thing before Kari Whitestar ran away from home. Just a strange interest. After….” He shook his head, becoming grave. “Charity- your mother,” with this he looked at her pointedly, “-and I knew it was only a matter of time before he found out who you were. We probably should have hidden you then but we couldn’t let you go. We spoiled you.” Vyncent smiled as though fondly remembering something. Laura didn’t know how to feel. She didn’t even know what to believe. She didn’t know what the hell the vessel was and, try as she might, all of her memories before Imperia were hazy and fragmented. She’d been shy and reluctant when she’d arrived, Markus and her dad… John… had told her that. Was it because she didn’t want to leave “home”? “Then, right after you turned five, Sabbath found out. We always tried to hide you when he visited- and he did, being a powerful noble- but somebody told him the truth. We never found out who.” Vyncent leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the story less and less. “Sabbath confronted us and made us an offer to become your guardian. We refused again and again. You are our child, there was no way he was taking you from us even if we hadn’t know he’d just us you as a key and a weapon. We thought he would eventually give up until-” “Until he attacked you for defending me.” Laura touched his scar, gently and briefly. “Yes.” Vyncent finally met her eyes. “If Sabbath would openly attack the General of Laina we knew he would kill you when he was done with you and be completely unafraid to hurt you in the process. Charity and I could not let that happen.” “Why Everglade?” “Because the countries are enemies. Even if Sabbath thought to look there, it would be difficult for him to get into Everglade, or send any other Lainan to do so. Especially back then.” “Why Imperia?” “I grew up with Ivy… Queen Ivy. We’ve been best friends since we were small. We even promised to marry if we never fell in love with anyone.” Laura paled at that. Markus’s mom and her blood father had…? She felt a little sick. “That’s why you couldn’t write me or visit me, because of Sabbath?” “Yes. You… don’t understand the control the Whitestars have. Sabbath had your mother killed trying to find you, Elaura. I can’t prove it but I know it. One of their heralds sent the body back home. Laura’s retort about how she had some understanding died on her lips. She suddenly felt very cold and her body shivered. She saw sharp blue eyes watching her face as Jack was stabbed, as he crumpled to the ground to never rise again. The same person that had murdered her boyfriend before her eyes had probably killed her mother too. Ripped her to shreds and left her to die, three years before she would have had the chance to see her daughter again. The one Charity had given her life to protect. Vyncent’s arms were around her again and this time she hugged him back. Laura whispered that she was sorry, over and over, called him father. She didn’t know how else to make it alright. She’d already run away from the one person who always could.
****
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 1:17:47 GMT -5
Blade, though drained of magic, was only on the lower end of the wounded scale and, somehow, he had found the energy to wake up early. Everyone seemed to have moved since he’d gone unconscious the day before. Dasher was awake up in the hayloft, licking her cut paws. She nodded at him blankly. Their two other princesses were still fast asleep. Ketra was turned away from Rose and Rose, though still under her own blanket, was snuggled into Markus’s side. He didn’t seem to have noticed but he had moved toward the warmth and taken the blanket with him, leaving one of Gabriel’s long pale arms under the empty half of Anella’s blanket. They were all a connected line except for Raythor, sitting with his back to the support beam, head drooped on his shoulder. Humans were strange, but Dasher’s human was by far the strangest. “He always sleeps like that,” Dasher commented. Blade tilted his head up. “He starts off standing but if he actually goes all the way to sleep he sort of melts down to the floor. I don’t know why. The only time I see him lying down is when he’s bleeding from something.” “Curious,” Blade said with some amusement. “I assume you have no quarrel with me personally, princess? You do not seem concerned that we are prince and princess of warring countries.” “The war between Illios and Lakita would rage without either of us. Any little thing sets them off.” “Like runaway princesses?” She didn’t answer. “You know the stories Markus tells? One of them deeply reminds me of you.” “One of the human’s fairytales?” Now she was curious. Her ears perked. “Which?” “The beautiful Helen of Troy. Her voluntary departure kicked off a war that would have begun anyway but gave it strength of purpose and a reason for remembrance.” “And who is my Paris?” Blade’s eyes fell on Raythor. “Guess, my lady.” Dasher, to his surprise, was not particularly flustered by that. “He’s a sweet boy. He doesn’t know it, but he is. I have no regrets in caring for him. He’s just not destined to be my mate, just my best friend. I could ever just give up Illios.” “The goddess Lakita does agree with you.” “Aren’t we mythological today?” “Ah!” Both their heads quickly turned. Markus, his eyes wide open, was staring at Rose, who was still curled up next to him like a cat, her head on his chest. He seemed to calm down slowly. “Oh. Good morning, guys.” By the time he has said it, everyone else was awake and holding weapons. Rose even had her decorated, sheathed little sword clutched to her chest. Markus grimaced, sitting up. “Sorry, sorry. That was just me.” He held up his hands fingers, spread. “We’re still safe, I think.” “Idiot,” Rose said under her breath. She turned over and went back to sleep. “Did you have some sort of night terror?” Ketra asked with disgust. “You could say that,” her brother answered carefully. “I’ve had that very same ‘night terror’,” Raythor put in. He was already standing. Anella blushed and his expression went apologetic. “Oh no, it was a joke, masochist, not you. I forgot about….” “Shut up,” Rose snapped at all of them. As if by prearranged agreement, they went outside and left her alone. Markus’s eyes lit up and he threw his arms around Eclipse. “Baby, you’re alright! Thank God!” He veered off into what Blade guessed was ancient Gladian. “W-we got all of the horses and everyone’s b-bags yesterday,” Anella said, with some pride. “R-Raythor picked a lot of locks.” “He’s extremely good at that.” Dasher smiled. “I am a thief Dash. I taught you how, remember?” Raythor shrugged. “I’m still not that good.” “We’re all very grateful, I’m sure.” Ketra breezed in. “However I believe Markus owes us an explanation about a certain giant, blue, fish wolf?” “Ift amore….” The prince’s stream of affectionate dead language at his horse trailed off. “You want to hear about Mercury? Really? Because you’re going to think I’m crazy.” “Not after last night.” “Good point.” Markus let go of Eclipse and stepped firmly into his element. Blade noticed dried blood beneath the old, small scar on his face. It struck him that he knew the spell that had been used to torture them. He was far from powerful enough to preform it himself but he knew they were lucky not to have gotten worse. Blade had some rudimentary knowledge of the old guard and the incredible strength the leaders had. Listening to Markus talk about Mercury made him sure that Mercury and Tobias were both ranked among them. A water elementist who could teleport was unheard of now and any shadow that could use “Phasing Shadow”, a torture spell that could be warped further to control minds was instantly a legend. What they were up against could not have been more unnerving. By the time Markus was done speaking Blade had decided that the Royalty of Everglade needed a little help. He also had some idea where to get it. “What’s our next step? Are we continuing to Laina?” Raythor asked. It took Markus a moment to realize he was talking to him, Blade noted. “Yes. The Whitestars aren’t going to stop until they get what they want. We have to go to King Ian. We have to stop them,” Markus said. “I just wish we knew what they’ve been trying to do to us and why,” Dasher lamented. “So much of it is illogical.” “I think I actually have that figured out.” The prince got ready for another explanation. This time, Blade was all ears.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Dec 18, 2013 1:20:07 GMT -5
“Markus.” Anella folded her hands over her chest, staring at him earnestly when he was finished speaking. “How… how can your f-father support the W-Whitestars?” “My father… always has many layers to everything he says. I don’t think he supports them, necessarily, but he loathes King Ian. Getting someone new on the throne will give him a chance to ally Everglade with Laina and- this part is more of a hope- bring Kenetari up for everything she’s done at trial. Supposed attempted murder of a crown prince and the murder of a spy stands in the way of political relations and they’ll probably let her actually stand for a trial if they want us as their allies. They’re going to want to, King Brian is not going to be happy about all of this.” “Neither is Bloodroot,” Rose agreed. “I have a feeling all of Solkenton won’t be overjoyed at it for long either,” Blade put in. “She needs us. I hope to God that isn’t exactly what she wanted.” Markus closed his eyes, looking exhausted. They all, Blade thought, were far more than physically tied.
****
Ross hadn’t seen Laura since she’d gone to meet her father. He’d divided his time between waiting for her to come back and wondering what exactly made a foyer a foyer. Hydria hadn’t answered when he’d asked and she hadn’t really responded to his flirtations, no matter what tactic he tried. Ross found himself both bored and, despite himself, worried. She had not looked happy going up those stairs. He waited until the servants- there couldn’t be more than ten in this whole castle- left the kitchen before he snuck in. Then he pulled out all the alcohol he could find and started mixing them to test the flavors. Some of them, he mused, weren’t that bad. After ten or twelve tests they all tasted halfway decent anyway. “Hello Ross. I thought you might get bored and try ‘cooking’ something again. This is just the kind of food I was craving.” Laura patted his shoulder. “Any recommendations?” “The third one from the left has a pretty good aftertaste.” Ross handed it to her. She picked it up, took a sip, and considered it with a nod. “You’re right; it tastes strangely of poor decisions.” “Exactly,” Ross agreed. He fidgeted. Ross didn’t want to ask and talk about feelings again. He also didn’t want her to suffer and he was curious. He’d keep it casual, low key. “So, how’d it go?” “Badly,” Laura said shortly. “How badly?” “Vyncent sent me away to save me from Sabbath. Sabbath had my mother killed, he had Jack killed. I lost it a little.” She tossed back the drink. Ross handed her another. “Trying to get me drunk again?” “I have no idea what else to do.” “I’ll accept that.” They both drank in silence for a moment. Then she put her hand over his, swishing her drink. “Even if Markus does come after me, it’s going to be because the Whitestars on out the throne. Because we made a deal with the devil to get married.” “Kenetari killed your mother, didn’t she?” “I think so.” She was shaking. “I don’t even know how to feel about it.” “Confused is probably about right in your position. Sadly the master of confusion isn’t here to explain it better.” “What did you did when you couldn’t go home?” Ross studied her fearful face. It was scary, to see her undone like this. It also wasn’t great to be here without their moral center to guide them all to the right choice. Ross was left with a crumbling girl who was usually so logical and put together and his own set of bendable morals to help her out. It sounded really hard. It also sounded like a drag. Where the hell was Markus? “I had you and Markus. I made a new home.” He decided, finally, on the truth. “You just do what you have to.” Laura’s voice sounded calm again. Something must have clicked.
|
|