Alright Bethany89, hopefully this chapter answers your previous question.
Here we are again. I should probably warn all you faithful readers out there that while chapter 14 is done and waiting, I'm having a hard time of getting into Mornhavon's head for 15. I'll let you know how everything is going when I uplaod 14 next week (although I might upload earlier if I'm feeling nice).
All the usual thanks to readers, reviewers, FondyCheeshead, etc.
Captain Ansible hurried down the corridor to the king's study. The king's orders, given to him not ten minutes ago, were held tight in his hands. He didn't know what need the king would possibly have for a full legion of soldiers, fully armed for swift travel. Had he missed something in the last meeting: Was there some threat that suddenly reared its ugly head?
There was no way that many soldiers would be ready to leave on such short notice. There was gear to be seen to, weapons, pack and supply wagons, remounts to be gathered…Ansible sighed. And that wasn't even the first half of the list. Luckily, horses were not a problem, as the green riders were no longer borrowing them.
He straightened his coat as he came around the final corner, a pair of Weapons quietly conversing in the silence in front of the doors. Both quieted as Ansible strode closer.
"I need to speak with the king," Ansible said, striving to catch his breath.
"It will have to wait, he is speaking with someone at the moment, not to be interrupted," came the reply.
Ansible heaved a sigh, but there was nothing for it. So much to do, and here he was standing around. But he had to speak to the king about the delay. He wanted the soldiers to leave castle grounds at or before the noon bell, bound for the wall. The earliest Ansible could give him was three or four bells tomorrow, and that's if all the preparations went smoothly.
But his thoughts were broken by noises coming from the other side of the door. The Weapons exchanged a glance, one having an oddly amused expression on his face.
"Why can't you understand? This is too important to be slowed down by a bunch soldiers who wouldn't be able to fight this battle anyway!"
"I only want you safe Karigan," Zachary replied, trying to calm her volatile mood.
"I am safe," she said, nonchalantly waving her arm as she turned away. She was dressed for the road, in a clean uniform; a few spares packed in her saddlebags on the chair before his desk. She even had her saber with her, comfortingly resting on her hip.
Zachary strode after the rider that had captured his heart so securely and pulled her back around to face him, but she was prepared. She faced him defiantly, fire and determination in her eyes. "You know I'm better protected then you right now," she said, planting a pointed finger squarely on his chest. "You know what Poppy said, "the stones—"
"'—Protect the bearer' I know, you told me that. As long as they are in your possession, they first and foremost protect you." They stared at each other for some minutes, the calm sea facing the explosive, unpredictable storm.
The king's eyes saddened before he spoke again. "I also know you're not convinced. I know you're prepared to do anything for your country, just as you have many times before, but what if, this time, everything is required?"
Karigan immediately sobered. She averted her gaze to anywhere but Zachary, unable to meet his eyes. Finally, she broke the silence that had settled around them. "I can't cower in a corner while I have the means and the strength to stand and fight," she said, raising her gaze to meet his at last.
He noticed that the strength that had made her eyes so fiery before was gone, leaving the eyes of a frightened child in their wake; a child too determined to give up, even when survival was questionable at best.
Zachary took both her hands in his, giving them a reassuring squeeze before taking her in his arms and holding her in a close embrace. "Whatever happens," he said, his voice husky in her ear, "Know that I love you, and I will be doing everything I can to make it easier for us."
Karigan nodded, not wanting to leave the warm confines of the king's embrace. But she had to. She gently straitened, her hands moving to hold his.
Zachary saw the fear still filling her eyes, but also saw determination once again take hold. He knew there was no one better—not for this mission, and not for him. "Go with all blessings," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He wanted so much to just hold her in his arms, and reasure her that all will be well. right after he kissed her sensless.
But he couldn't.
Karigan took a breath and nodded once before she gave his hands a final squeeze and strode over to the chair to grab her saddlebags, giving him one last glance before leaving the room.
Captain Ansible wasn't given much time to wonder at the audacity the rider had to raise her voice at her monarch, for he was immediately called in by the king. He shrugged off the occurrence, putting it off as just her temper showing through. But he couldn't help but wonder what the exchange was about.
Karigan made her way immediately to the stable, where Condor waited for her, already saddled. She quickly tightened the girth and rechecked all the straps. Satisfied everything was in good order she tied the saddlebags on, and walked Condor across the grounds.
As she approached the gates, she spared one final glance at the castle, and mounted Condor. She made her way slowly through the crowded city streets until she was finally able to break away and head for the side alleys that were much quicker then the Winding Way.
Once past the city walls she made all haste for the D'yer wall. She didn't trust Mornhavon to delay any longer then was necessary. The ride was, for the most part, uneventful. At times she thought she saw milky-white armor out of the corner of her eye, but when she turned to focus on it, it vanished. She was unsure if she had gathered reinforcements, or if it was just wishful thinking.
The days passed slowly with nothing to occupy her mind. She found it wandered into unknown territory all too often. She found herself constantly steering her thoughts away from Blackveil, and all it held within its failing wall. It was especially bad at night. Surrounded by the dark of evening, stars glittering above her, visions of an evil darkness crept into her mind, her fear feeding her imagination. Her mind envisioned what might happen if she should fail, or be taken captive, or killed…
She shook her head, not wanting to explore those paths again. Instead, she thought of those she had left behind in Sacor City, and other places. People she had met, and wanted dearly to protect, at all cost. The king would find love again, someone whom he didn't have to fight so vehemently for, even though it warmed her heart. Her father would find a new young person to train and take over the merchant business. Captain Mapstone would surely find another rider to possess her brooch. Actually, Karigan thought with a smile, the rider will find her. Alton would finally be able to fully embrace the rider call. Estral would fill her father's shoes as Golden Guardian. Abram would continue to protect the Green Cloak.
Her mood began to lift and grow brighter and warmer as she continued. Mel would hopefully fulfill her dreams and join the ranks of the Green Riders. Estora would find safety and recourse. And Drent would find someone new to torture.
The fire made a loud pop as the heat found a water pocket in the wood, bringing Karigan back to the present. She took a breath, much calmer then before.
She remembered again that day she looked into the mirror of the moon. She remembered the resolve she had found within herself. The actions she had taken driven not by strength or courage, or even common sense--but fear.
"Do not be so troubled, Galadheon," a voice said in front of her in the shadows, making her jump. But the voice was comforting, and somewhat familiar. She looked around to find herself surrounded by moonstones, their light dancing amongst the trees.
She turned her attention back to the speaker. She recognized the voice, but couldn't match a face to it. Then it dawned on her. She had only seen his face briefly, while recovering from a vicious poison. Her face broke into a smile as Somial walked into the light of the clearing. "Greetings, rider," he said, bowing his head slightly.
Karigan responded in kind as best she could from her seated position, too stunned to move more then that. "What are you doing here?" Karigan asked as Somial seated himself across the fire from her.
"We have come into some information," he began. "We left the home of Poppy Drakeson very early this morning. We sometimes visit with her to share information. She possesses a unique intellect that I find exhilarating. She mentioned that you and another rider had visited not long past, and that you plan to enter Kanmorhan Vane with the stones to destroy Alessandros del Mornhavon."
Karigan nodded. "I'm headed there now. Poppy said it was imperative I empower the Heart of Laurelyn before Mornhavon meets the necromancer that resides within Blackveil."
"That is correct, and she also told you that it is unknown what will really happen with the stones."
Karigan confirmed the statement to a nod. "She could only fathom a guess."
"We spoke and deduced that it is unwise that anyone be in Kanmorhan Vane with you. Since we don't know exactly what the stones will do, we came to the conclusion that it would safer for no one to follow you."
"The king sent a legion of soldiers, they're still behind me."
"We will delay them at the wall, but they cannot enter Kanmorhan Vane."
It all made sense. No one knew how the stones would destroy Mornhavon and cleanse the forest, or if they would cleanse the forest. It was possible they would just destroy Mornhavon and alloy the forest to heal itself. Then, something clicked inside Karigan's head. "You're coming to the wall?"
Somial nodded. "King Sanatara thought it wise that we be available to filter any sudden influx of magic. If the wall fails completely, then the wild magic trapped behind the wall will leak through to this side in waves, possibly causing catastrophic events. We can slow that wave, and help control it, as well as any repercussions."
Karigan nodded, deep in thought. "I sense you are still troubled, youngling," Somial said, bringing her attention back to the present.
Karigan gave a nervous laugh. "Troubled is an understatement." She fell silent again, gathering her thoughts. Finally, "The tainted magic from Shawdell is gone, I expelled it three years ago, so the duality it created is gone," Somial nodded, "The link I had with Mornhavon is gone."
Somial shook his head. "The tainted magic was never what created the link between the two of you, it just made the link easier and more complete. He could have gotten into anyone's head from his position in kanmorhan vane, but never as strong as with you."
"But he possessed Garth with his power and influence—"
"When he was at the wall," Somial interrupted. "That is not as far a stretch for him as Sacor City."
"So how is it that I saw what Timas was doing in Mirwelton?"
"What happened? I have not heard any news from the west."
Karigan divulged the whole gruesome tale, Somial's expression darkening with every word. "So the Black Star has returned, and Mornhavon has grown stronger with it."
"What happened to me?" Karigan asked, breaking Somial from his dark thoughts.
"I cannot tell you for sure, but it is possible that you were brought by accident."
"By accident? How?"
Somial sighed. "A thousand years ago, Mornhavon made it a habit to get inside people's heads. He would show them their worst fears until they begged for death, just to be free of him." His expression darkened, making him look cold and frightening in the firelight. "He would never kill them though. Every so often he would invade their minds again, and each time his presence was stronger, his control more complete.
"It is entirely possible he was reminiscing about his childhood friend, Hadriax el Fex, and brought your presence to Mirwelton completely by accident. You are, after all, his distant daughter, and Mornhavon knows this. With all the contact he has had with you it would take only a fleeting thought to bring you to him."
"So it's possible he did not intend to let me see what was about happen?"
"It is possible. But it's also possible he wanted to gloat."
"Wonderful," Karigan said, her voice heavy with sarcasm.
Somial reached over and rested his pale hand on her knee. "Do not despair, Galadheon. There is much hope of defeating him. While the Black Star is empowered, an idiot controls it. Mornhavon is not yet strong enough to control both Timas and the Black Star. His strength will grow, but it will keep Timas in Mirwelton for a few days, and Mornhavon with him."
"So we may get to Blackveil at the same time."
Somial smiled. "It is a small window of hope, but a window nonetheless."
Karigan smiled, reassured by Somial's words, as they fell into silence. What more was there to say? Finally, Somial spoke again. "Get some rest, youngling. You will need your strength," he said and disappeared into the forest, dark except for spots of moonbeams.
Two days later, leaving her escort of twelve Eletians in the small settlement situated near the breach, Karigan entered Blackveil forest, ready to accept whatever fate the gods had in store for her.