Author's note:I know it's been ages since I've updated but school work kinda caught up with me. I've decided to add a sub plot that kinda came to me in my sleep. Hopw you all like it. I know this chapter's shorter than the last but I still have tons of homework left.

Chapter 4: The Leaving of a Friend.

By Occulte

The rain came down quietly. You wouldn't even know it was raining unless you stood outside in the open. Nonetheless, Sonea knew that it was raining when she first awoke. The first thing she did when she woke up was to glance at her hand. Not to admire them or anything, but to check that the bloodgem was still with her. Ever since finding out that the bloodgem was her line of communication with Akkarin, she never let it out of her sight. Fearing that if she did, it would come to some kind of harm and Akkarin would be lost to her. Just as she had finished dressing herself, there came a knock on the door.

'Who is it?' asked Sonea.

'It is I, Takan.' came the reply.

'Well come in then.'

'Lord Rothen has requested you presence with him now.' said Takan.

'That's a little early even for Rothen. I wonder what he could want.'

'I'm not sure but I've heard that it is quite serious.'

'Very well then. We shan't keep him waiting.'

Sonea and Takan walked down the corridors in silence. Each wondering what Rothen wanted at such and early hour. Upon reaching Rothen's quarters, Sonea knocked softly on the wooden door, waiting for and answer before entering.

'Ah! Sonea, I didn't think you were up at such an early hour.' said Rothen when he saw then enter.

'I was going to go to Dorrien's to help out this morning so I woke up earlier.' replied Sonea.

'Perfect timing! Dorrien sent a message yesterday requesting your presence at the clinic this morning. You better hurry along then, before the rain gets heavier.'

'Very well Lord Rothen.' said Sonea as she turned her back to leave.

'And bring Takan with you just in case.' cried out Rothen as Sonea was shutting the door.

'I wonder what he meant by just in case.' thought Sonea as she and Takan made their way back to her room to gather a few things before they left for the clinic.

As Sonea made her way to the clinic, she felt that there was something waiting to happen. Whether it was to be a major or minor event, she couldn't say. Nonetheless, she prepared herself for whatever would come.

When she reached the clinic, she found it surprisingly empty. Usually by this time of the day, the place was packed with people. But today all she saw were the helpers who worked there.

'Where is Dorrien?' she wondered as he usually came out to greet them. When she asked the helpers, all they did was say that she was to go into the waiting room and all would be answered. So in she went. But what she got wasn't what she expected. She had expected Dorrien inside with some kind of news, but all she got was an envelope addressed to her. It was in Dorrien's handwriting so she quickly opened it. Hoping it would provide her with some answers.

Dear Sonea,

If you're reading this it's because I've already left and am unable to say goodbye in person. Do not worry, I'm not being taken away by force but by choice. Last week, I received a letter from Savara, the Sachaka woman who helped me last time. She requested my presence at the palace but for what reason she wouldn't say. And as I owe her my life, I've made arrangements for you to take over while I journey there. I will be back as soon as possible.

Dorrien

Sonea was so shocked by the letter that needed Takan to help her back to the guild. Now she knew what Rothen meant by just in case. He must have known from the start what she would find there and that Dorrien had already left. Promising to come back and re-open the clinic as soon as possible, she assigned the helpers a few chores before leaving.

'How could he do this to me? The least he could have done was say goodbye to me properly and not in a letter. But no, he had to be secretive and leave in the middle of the night. Who knows what it's like out there and whether he'll be able to take care of himself.' thought Sonea to herself.

'Akkarin, if you're there, do you think you have the ability to look at other people's lives and not only mine?' asked Sonea hoping that Akkarin was listening.

'Unfortunately not. I can only see the things that are around you. No further.' came the reply.

Dorrien

'I hope Sonea wasn't too upset by me not saying goodbye properly. I hope she got the letter safely. I don't really want to leave the clinic but I owe Savara my life so I feel that I must honour her wish to see me. But I do wonder why she is so secretive about the purpose of my visit.' thought Dorrien to himself as he journeyed to Sachaka.

Dorrien reached the palace gates at night fall exhausted and sunburnt. None the less, he put on a performance when he was presented to the king. Even though it was Savara's request that brought him here. He was not able to meet her as the guards brought him straight to the king.

'Your majesty.' greeted Dorrine upon entering the court.

'Thank you for coming here on such notice but though I would want to discuss the purpose of your visit now, I can see that you are exhausted from your journey. So we shall talk about this tomorrow.' said the king.

'Very well. But if I may ask, where is Savara?'

'I'm afraid she is out on an important errand at the moment. She will be returning shortly but I'm afraid I will only permit you to talk to her tomorrow.' replied the king.

Dorrien was brought to his chambers and while he was tired. He couldn't help but spend the night thinking of Savara and the problem that Sachaka might have that needed his help.