Chapter One

Cloaked Stranger

The sky was the color of blood. But that was normal for the sky over Darigan Citadel, I reminded myself. What's a barren wasteland without a blood red sky?

In fact, it really wasn't the sky, but the clouds reflecting the eerie glow that emanated from the Citadel. The truth was, the sky never showed its comforting vastness, and bright stars here over the Citadel. Cassie asked why at least twice a day, but I only replied, "Weather."

I stared at the clouds now, the red light reflecting in my brown eyes, and giving my brown fur and hair a scarlet tint. It didn't have any affect on my appearance otherwise.

I was skinny for a Xweetok, tall for my age of sixteen and there's nothing to say about my strength. My bun of brown hair atop my head was usually unkempt, letting strands of hair tremble down by my cheeks and neck. It didn't really matter. I had better ways to impress people other than my looks.

I turned my gaze downward, onto the small village where Cassie and I lived. Few people were passing, and it was very quiet. It wasn't like I expected it to be crowded. Darigan Citadel wasn't the best attraction for tourists and such. Rather the opposite. It was a dingy neighborhood, mostly inns and one-room apartments for lodgings. The hovel Cassie and I lived in was no exception.

There was only one window in our single room we called a house, and its view wasn't all that spectacular. Two moth-eaten beds were in the corner for a fitful rest. The only other things in the room were a dusty table and two chairs, a rusty stove for warmth that never lasted, and our barrel where we kept our food stores. The only thing that lit the dirty interior was a feeble candle, sputtering pathetically on the table.

Really, there was only one word that could well describe our home sweet home: bleak.

I heard Cassie's loud voice behind me, where the Usul was sitting at the table doing her schoolwork, as best she could in the candle's dim flicker, "Laurel! How do you spell rebellion?"

I sighed, and didn't turn from my place at the window. I didn't feel like being a spell-checker, "Figure it out yourself."

A whine came into her voice, "Oh please! For your little sister?"

I made the mistake of turning to look at her. The ten-year-old Usul's large blue eyes were looking imploringly at me. Cassie had that cuteness affect on people, and she often took full advantage of it. It just took one look…

My irritation melted, "Ok whatever. R-E-B-E-L-L-I-O-N."

"Thanks!" She turned back to her paper to scribble it down.

I watched her in envy. The schools in our villages weren't very admirable, and many were still under the corrupt influence that Lord Kass had spread less than a year before. But it was still school, and I longed to join Cassie in attending it. But we both knew it was impossible. It was a miracle our parents had managed to pay for even Cassie's attendance before they died.

As long as I was head of our family, supporting it was my main priority.

Cassie interrupted my thoughts again, "How do you spell destruction?"

I hurriedly spelled it for her, then quickly leaped up and reached for the small shelf that held our most treasured possessions. I carefully lifted Cassie's flute, and my tambourine.

"Let's practice Cassie!" I suggested, eager to entertain her with something besides spelling help.

Cassie stopped writing, "I don't know," she answered, looking at me while chewing her pen thoughtfully, "I have to finish this essay about Darigan Citadel's history tonight, and the professor's really strict about late work,"

"It's not that late," I urged, "Come on, we'll be performing again next week."

She shrugged, and put down her pen, "Ok but let's make it short."

She took her flute and put it to her lips, while I lifted the tambourine and took position. Then Cassie let the first notes flow, and I moved with the tune, shaking my tambourine rhythmically.

Slowly I danced, my arms arching and moving to the beat. Then Cassie picked up the pace, and the dance became more lively. The room spun and flicked out of sight as I turned and twisted. My skirts flared and swished against my legs. Every motion I made depended on the music, the beat. I didn't see the outside world, or hear the outside sounds. I saw only my body carefully keeping in time with Cassie's tune, and heard only the flute trilling in my ears…

The song ended, and I made a graceful finish to the dance. Cassie breathed hard and brushed her blonde bangs away from her face, "A nice break from homework," she commented with a grin.

I smiled back, and stretched to get my muscles working properly again. I felt tired and sore after the dance, but my feeling of accomplishment and pride was worth the exhaustion.

As we put our instruments back, my stomach rumbled loudly, "Want some lunch?"

But Cassie shook her head, "Nah, I have to finish my homework,"

Feeling somewhat deflated as she went back to her work, I checked our barrel of stores.

It was completely empty.

"Cassie!"

"What?"

"Did you forget to put the barrel lid on last night?"

The pause before she answered told it all, "Well, um,"

"Oh that's just great," I remarked sarcastically, "Now the rats have had our dinner for the next week. Nice move Cassie,"

She glared at me, "You've left the lid off before!" she accused.

I ignored her and stomped off to the stove, kneeled down and felt under it for the trapdoor, under which we kept the neopoints we managed to receive for performing in the streets.

I counted out a good amount, and then grabbed a basket, "I'll be right back," I said briskly as I left the room, making sure to slam the door behind me.

As I strode down the deserted street, still fuming about Cassie's carelessness, I sensed something, eyes watching me. I stopped and glanced around. No one there.

Probably just a stray Meowclops, I assured myself, and walking on.

That feeling stuck with me all through shopping, haggling and buying. My nerves were stretched taut as I sorted through the overpriced vegetables and fruit, most of which were rotten. Several times I glanced behind my back, and jumped at sudden sounds.

Just as I was about to leave the market, eager to reach home and escape the unknown presence, I heard a small voice calling out excitedly, "There she is Mummy! That's the dancer! She danced here last week! I saw her!"

I turned to see a small Kacheek jumping up and down while clutching her mother's hand and pointing at me. Others looked my way, and a circle soon formed around me. The Kacheek's mother gave me a curious look, "You're a dancer?"

I blushed under the sudden attention, "Yes, I often perform here."

"Then let's see it!" someone shouted in the crowd, "Dance for us, pretty one."

The crowd took up the cry, and then a Blumaroo appeared out of nowhere with a small drum, "I can play for you," he offered brightly.

"Dance! Dance!" everyone shouted.

I put down my basket where I could see it, and with a brief nod at the drummer, took position. He tapped out the beat and tune, and my feet began to move…

I was soon too caught up with my dancing to see or hear their praise. But when the dance finally ended, their raucous applause roared in my ears. I was then aware of the shopkeepers shouting in anger at me, "Disturber of the peace!" they yelled.

Uh-oh. Before any real trouble could begin, I swept my basket off the ground, along with the hand full of neopoints that had been thrown at my feet, and scurried off. As I left the center and crowds, I heard the little Kacheek's voice proclaim loudly, "See? I TOLD you she was good!" I had to smile.

Happiness surged through me, as I replayed the performance in my mind. I was remembering how the sky looked while spinning around, arms spread out, when I heard distinct footsteps following me.

My pace quickened, all confidence vanished.

The footsteps grew more rapid.

Then I was running down the dark streets, the heavy basket of food bumping against my legs! I heard my pursuer pounding after me, then the unexpected swooping sound of flapping wings…

A second later, a shadow dropped right down in front of me. With a scream, I skidded right into it, and felt strong arms wrap around me, "Quiet!" hissed a voice.

My scream died, and I stood clutched in the shadow's grasp, panting heavily. I tried to gather my wits, and looked up into a pair of glowing red eyes. I bit back another scream.

"Don't struggle. I'm not going to hurt you."

The voice was masculine and rich. My captor was clearly at ease with his hysteric victim. I let him lead me down an alley, and into an abandoned building, "Please don't waste my time and try to run," he requested calmly, and released me.

I stared at him, trying to make out what he was. In the darkness of the run down building, I could only see a figure cloaked in black, with bat-like wings folded behind his back. Then I saw the thin long ears of a Gelert protruding from his hood, bending lazily downward.

"Who are you? What do you want with me?" I demanded, my fear ebbing away.

"I am Commander Lucas, but you must call me Sir," he answered, throwing back his hood. His red eyes gleamed, and I shuddered, "I happened to see your performance, Laurel,"

I bit my lip in a jolt of fear, "How do you know my name?"

"I've been watching you," he answered simply, "You have an exceptional talent for dancing."

I wasn't flattered, "What's the point here?"

Without a word he took me to a window far in the back of the room, and indicated that I look through it. My gaze looked out over the edge of the Citadel waste, and far below I could see the bright kingdom of Meridell, "That's the point. You'll be going there soon," Lucas commented, "On a mission."

The meaning of those words took a minute to sink in, "What?" I asked, flabbergasted.

"Congratulations Laurel," he sneered, looking me straight in the eye, "You've stumbled upon a conspiracy."

"Conspiring what?" But I knew the answer.

"Lord Darigan is under influence even as I speak," the Darigan Gelert said softly, as he stared down hard at Meridell, "War is on the edge, it just needs to be triggered."

"That's not true!" I shouted, "Darigan would never break the truce!"

"You're right, he won't. Skarl will. That idiot, and all of Meridell are just waiting for the chance. You know neither kingdom wants the other around, Laurel. They don't trust us, and you can't imagine the hate we've had for them, building up over the years."

I knew every word he said was true. Truce didn't seem to matter, because the thought of everlasting peace between our wasteland, and their perfect garden down below was almost ridiculous.

"It just isn't fair, is it?" Lucas was looking at me, "Think of the destruction you'll bring, should you take the mission I'm about to thrust into your hands."

"You want me to trigger the war," I guessed softly.

"I want you to help trigger it," he amended, "You will be well-rewarded."

My fists clenched, and I gave the conspirator a fierce look, "No," I said icily, "I will not betray my loyalty and destroy hundreds of lives for money!"

"Of course you won't," he agreed dryly, "You're not the type." I saw a bright glimmer, and then I saw the cold blade that he grasped by his side, "I'd hoped it wouldn't come to threatening," he remarked, raising the sharp weapon to just below my chin.

My breath caught in my chest, but I managed to get the words out, "You wouldn't," I dared, with as much confidence as I could.

"Try me," his eyes gleamed, "I know your weakness…how's your dear sister?"

I could feel the hate contorting my face, "You're insane!" I shrieked, shoving him away, "I can't believe you're doing this!"

"Welcome to the real world," he said dryly, and began to sheath his sword. Then I saw the dim greenish glow near his chest…

How he'd recreated it baffled me beyond comprehension. But there it was, hanging on a leather thong strap around his neck: the very charm that had ended Lord Kass's life. I stared at it in horror. This was what Meridell was up against. This conspirator, and that cursed charm were going to destroy everything that so many had worked and fought for.

And here I was about to help the madman.

Before I could remind myself that he was ten times stronger than me, I'd leaped for his chest and had caught hold of the charm, clenching it tight in my hand…

Pain shot through my fingers as I touched it. An instant later, Lucas had wrenched my wrist away and then he threw me to the floor, "Don't make me do that again!" he hissed, eyes blazing with rage.

I cringed and then looked at my hand. It was steaming and felt raw, as if even touching the charm had nearly melted the flesh.

"You're stuck in this mess, Laurel," Lucas hooded himself again, and then reached inside his cloak, "You're just going to have to go along, if you know what's good for you. I will give you further details on your mission later. Meanwhile," he tossed a bag of gold by my feet, "Use this for your trip to Meridell. You are to try out for Court Dancer, thus earning a lodging in the castle. I trust that you'll manage to make a good impression. Good luck. You'll need it."

He headed for the door, and melted into the shadows.

My walk home was depressing. My basket of food was gone, stolen after I'd dropped it in the chase, which seemed hours ago.

I stared at my burned hand. It helped register what'd I just gone through. A conspirator scared me to death, forced me to help clash peace and start a destructive war between two countries, then I discovered that one of the deadliest weapons ever created still existed and was in the wrong hands, and now I had to leave all I'd ever known to journey to Meridell, and be a spy.

Tough luck.

As I climbed the stairs to my floor, I planned out how I'd approach Cassie. Act mysteriously funny, like as if you're about to announce a surprise. Easy.

Cassie was practicing her flute when I walked in. She glanced up hopefully, but her face fell, "Where's the food?"

I gave her a mischievous grin, "You won't believe what happened to me out there," That much was true.

She caught on, "What? What happened?"

"I was asked to perform."

"Lucky! How did you do?"

"Let's just say my audience was extra generous," I produced the bag-full of money with a flourish.

She stared at it in wonder, "By Fyora…" Her eyes couldn't get any bigger.

"Pack up Cassie, we're moving."

"YES!"

To be continued…

From the Author; This could easily be my best neopets story yet, if I ever finish it. Yes I'm slow when it comes to writing, because daydreaming is hard to sort out on paper, and then there's writers block, -flinches- Anyway the only reason it's not in the NT times is because of certain (I'd like to think of it as mature) content. Bleh. Stupid NT rules. Anyway enjoy and anticipate more.