Chapter 20 - Exploring
Meilin stood outside in the freezing cold. Her cheeks were wind burnt and her lips were almost turning blue. She shivered violently under her cloak as the chilly wind picked up. Some people were all ready getting sick. The elderly were the first to show the signs of coughs and runny noses. Meilin knew grimly that they would have to close the cave soon. Their lives depended on it. Even Iza was starting to agree that it should be sealed.
She coughed and groaned. " I can't get sick. " she muttered. " I won't! " Her jet black hair blew like a banner behind her as the cold wind blew past her. Something wet hit her forehead and she looked up and her eyes flew wide with horror. " No. " she whispered.
" Oh god no! "
She watched as the snowflakes fell gently from the grey sky. They danced and swirled and settled around her like a soft cloak. It was far too early for the snow to fall. It wasn't supposed to come until another two days. Meilin coughed again and felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She turned around and met Talar's knowing gaze.
" You should be inside Meilin. " she said gently.
" I'm alright. " Meilin lied.
Talar's eyes softened as she looked up at the sky. " It's late. "
Meilin blinked. " What's late? "
" The snow. It was supposed to come three days ago. It looks like it was being held off. "
Meilin stared at her. The woman never ceased to amaze her. She was uncanny in her abilities to know what other's didn't. Talar smiled in return and looked at Meilin, her eyes dancing with happiness. " Looks also like a day for expected visitors. "
Meilin frowned. " Visitors? "
Talar smiled. " Come now. Let's get you inside before you do get truly sick. "
Meilin let her guide her back inside, but not before shooting the bleakness another unhappy and worried look.
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Sakura could smell the snow. It was the subtle change in the air and the stillness that announced that it was on its way. The clouds themselves seemed almost light and fluffy. They weren't much farther from the cave, of that Sakura was certain. Something soft landed on her face and then melted and ran down her cheek. She tensed as revelation hit her and she raised her weary head to watch the dark clouds above. The men beside her lifted their heads and they gaped as more soft snow flakes danced down.
" Stop! " Sakura suddenly yelled as the first gusts of snow hit them. She jumped down to soothe the horses and took them by their reins and started to lead them through the blinding snow.
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Talar moved through the bustle of people that made their way down to the lower chambers to get warm. Many feared that they would never see the princess and their husbands/friends again. Talar threw on her cloak and walked gracefully to the front entrance of the cave and stared out into the cold.
She pulled out her small dagger and held the tip to her finger and closed her eyes.
Oh great mother that created us
Here this request from one of your children,
Help guide those that are trapped in your fierceness
Lead them here, to the safety of your comfort.
She pricked her finger and watched as one drop of rich, red blood fell onto the ground. And spread out into an intricate and delicate pattern. She sighed. " Please lead them safely home. " she whispered softly.
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Sakura was about to give up. They hadn't been able to move less than a few feet in the snow for fear of going around in circles. She shielded her eyes against the forceful cold and nearly gave into despair. Suddenly, she stopped when she realized that there was nothing. Not a sound. She blinked.
" Huh? " She looked around them. The snow storm had stopped and the sun was shining.
The ground glistened like diamonds from the melting snow. " I don't believe it. " she whispered looking around.
The two men stuck there heads out from their cloaks when thy felt the sun's weak warmth on them. " It's a miracle. " one of them muttered also looking around.
Sakura's eyes flew wide and she gasped instantly getting their attention.
" Your majesty what is it? " they asked.
" We're home. " she whispered in disbelief looking at the small opening a few yards in front of them. Then more loudly: " We're home!! "
The horses sensing her excitement stamped their hooves and neighed very loudly. Prancing and getting skittish. Sakura laughed as she cried as she hugged the horses.
" WE'RE HOME! "
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Several people looked up when they heard people talking and instantly everyone was terrified and alert. Was it Rulf and his men? Li, Madison and Meilin ran furiously towards the front of the cavern preparing to fight. Talar smiled and walked more gracefully towards the front entrance.
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Sakura spun around laughing with her arms stretched to the sky thanking the gods for saving them and letting them come home. She laughed as she danced and the other men laughed watching her, smiles of relief and happiness remaining on their faces.
The sun came out stronger and everything sparkled like jewels around them. Her hood of her cloak flew back as she stopped to look at the river beside them and her hair, now long again swayed and then floated softly around her as she stopped.
She felt like she was being watched and looked up. The wind blew her hair in front of her face for a moment, but when she pushed it aside, she saw them all in front of the cave watching her.
She faulted and then smiled a brilliant smile as she waved to them with both arms happily. " We're home! " she yelled across to them in delight.
The two men jumped down from their carts and watched as more people filed out carefully into the sunshine watching them. Sakura looked behind her and they smiled at her.
" Well done your highness. " one said proudly. " You got us all back here safe and sound. "
Sakura hugged them both. " I couldn't have done all this without all of you help. " she said. She then grabbed the reins and started to lead the horses, their breaths coming out in steamy clouds from all the excitement. She clicked her tongue and they followed, the two men walking beside her.
Meilin, Li and Madison stared dumbfounded. They couldn't move. Where they really seeing what they were seeing? The sparkling countryside around them matched the twinkling in her eyes as she led the horse towards them smiling.
" Sakura! " Madison called, struggling through the crowd and ran towards her. She bowled into Sakura and hugged her tightly, crying.
" Sakura! " Meilin yelled and ran to her as well. Sakura laughed when Meilin joined them.
Two families ran out to welcome home the other two men. Li was rooted to the spot. He couldn't believe she was back. Her emerald eyes met his over Madison's shoulder and they softened when she saw him and Li's heart leapt up into his throat. She hadn't looked at him like that in many years.
Talar smiled and went over to welcome them back. Sakura hugged the older woman and began to cry all over again. A few men took the leads from them and lead the horses into the safety of the cave. The dark clouds were already starting to come over again. Sakura broke away from the others and walked up to Li smiling and blushing.
Without warning she wrapped her arms around him and buried her head in his chest startling him and making the others smile. Li blinked and then, blushing furiously, hugged her back resting his head on top of her head.
" I can't believe I'm back. " came her muffled voice.
" I can't believe it either. I was starting to think you weren't coming. "
Sakura pulled back and gave him a chided look. " So little faith you have in me. "
Li smiled and then burst out laughing and he picked her up and swung her around and around in his arms making her cry out startled before bursting into giggles.
A polite cough made Li put her down and they both looked as Julian limped out of the cavern and smiled warmly at her. Sakura lost her smile and stared at the man she hadn't seen in so long. She looked at Li asking him to confirm what she was seeing and he nodded. Sakura undid her arms from around Li and he let her go as she walked towards her old time friend and advisor/protector.
He bowed as best he could and smiled at her. " Your highness. "
A tear fell down her cheek as she stared at him. " Julian. " she whispered and hugged him tightly. " My god where have you been?! "
Julian gave a soft laugh. " Giving it to the enemy your highness. "
" Julian. " she cried and he hugged her closer with his good arm as the other one was still in a sling.
Li watched this show of affection and knew that somewhere he should feel jealous, but he didn't. He just felt content.
" Sakura. "
Sakura looked up and stepped away from Julian and looked behind her at Madison. She nodded her head indicating and Sakura frowned and looked over Julian's shoulder in the direction and her eyes flew wide as she watched a familiar figure emerge from the healing caves with the help of a young girl.
" Tou-san? " Sakura gasped.
Aiden looked up, stopped and stared at her. Sakura walked towards him slowly and watched as he stared back at her as if not believing. Sakura stopped a few feet away from him and did a deep curtsey in front of him. Everyone watched in silence as this happened.
Sakura looked up crying. " You majesty. " she bowed her head.
" Sakura. " Aiden reached for her as she stood up and hugged her tightly, her tears almost choking her, such was her happiness at getting her father back.
" Papa. " she cried letting go all the fears and tension that had been building up in her with all the responsibility.
" Oh sweetheart. " Aiden sighed as he rested his chin on top of her head. " It's ok. "
" I've been so afraid! " she cried. " I didn't know what was going to happen! "
Everyone's heart lurched as she confessed everything. She revealed her fears and her sorrow over everything that had happened and that she couldn't change.
" Shhh. " Aiden soothed. " You're back and that's all that matters. "
" But you're not well! " Sakura said standing back from him and wiping away her tears.
" I should have been here for you. But I had - "
Aiden brushed her long bangs away from her forehead. " You did what you had to Sakura. And I'm proud of you. You've learnt all the things that are looked for in becoming a queen and I couldn't be happier. "
Sakura shoulders sagged in relief. " Thank you Tou-san. " she whispered. " I can't believe that you are ok. I thought the worst - "
" Well it's alright now. " Aiden said smiling. " So why don't you show us all what you've brought back? "
Sakura's eyes widened and she turned back to look at Madison. " Did you -? "
Madison smiled. " Hai. I got everything that I needed. "
Sakura sighed and then felt very tired. The cobwebs were coming back again in her mind and she sighed. It had all been too much. She made her way slowly to the first cart and tried to undo the knots, but she only fumbled and gave up after the first try. Some men came forward shooting her concerned looks as they threw back the first cover and they gasped at the sight of all the amour and weaponry.
" Li. " Sakura said tiredly and he stepped forward watching her carefully. " This is for you. Julian isn't strong enough yet to teach everyone what they need to know. " Li nodded knowing what she wanted of him.
The second cart was uncovered.
" Iza, there are blankets, warm clothes and god knows what else. " she shook her head as it had gone fuzzy.
" Sakura. " Madison asked watching her. " Are you ok? "
Sakura frowned and shook her head trying to clear her head. " 'M fine. Just a littl' tired. " she said as she sagged against the cart and slid to the ground.
" Sakura! " Li cried out and ran forward along with Julian and Meilin.
" Wake up! " Meilin cried shaking her, but her head fell back and she didn't wake.
People crowded around and looked down at the unconscious princess.
" Take her to the healing caves. " Aiden commanded and they all stepped back as he limped towards his daughter.
" Yes your majesty. " some men said and picked the princess up.
Aiden went to turn and follow after them, but he caught the look on Li's face as they carried her off and Aiden realized suddenly what his daughter meant to this young man and he frowned. Li glance up and met the King's gaze and held it, not bothering to mask his expression. Aiden studied Li and then turned away.
" She'll be alright. I'll make sure of it. " he said and limped away.
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Iza sat and watched the sleeping princess carefully. It was well into the night and she hadn't woken. Iza had removed her cloak and laid it at the end of the makeshift bed. She had felt her heart and it was still beating, but she had noticed how skinny the princess was. She frowned in deep thought. She had given them more than enough food. Why was she so skinny? Just then Sakura's stomach growled and Iza's eyes widened. And most of all why was she this hungry?
She picked up her small torch and making sure all the other patients were ok walked out of the healing cave and made her way down the passage to the 'bedrooms '. Several people were sitting around a small fire worrying about the princess. She smiled when she saw Li, Madison, Meilin, Julian and some others. They looked up when she shuffled into sight.
" How is she? " Meilin asked before the others could.
" Where are the two men that went with her? " Iza asked catching them off guard.
" Over there. " Meilin replied pointing to two separate caves in the wall. Iza nodded and they watched as Iza woke them both and apologized to their families.
Iza walked over to the light of the fire at which the others were sitting. " Gentlemen I am wondering why is the princess half starved to death? "
Li and the others eyes widened and looked at the two men. They were gaping and looking shocked. " I beg your pardon? " they asked.
Iza's old eyes bored into theirs. " The princess is a skinny as a rake! " she whispered not harshly, but firmly. " Not to mention she is starving. What happened with all the food I gave you? "
" We rationed it lady Iza. " one man said. " Well all had our share. "
" At the end though it got a little harsher. " the other replied. " The horses were sagging and we couldn't perk them up. We were all feeling tired and hungry and then everything picked up a little and - "
Iza held up her hand and sighed. " That stupid girl. "
Everyone shared looks.
" Always putting others before herself. Did it ever occur to you gentlemen that the princess was giving up her share to you? "
Madison gasped and shared looks with the others.
" No lady Iza. " the men said realizing what had happened.
" Go back to bed gentlemen. The mystery has been solved. I'm going to give that girl a good lecture when she wakes. " she shuffled towards the passage and Li and Madison stood up.
" We'll help. " they said at the same time and shared sad smiles.
" Me too. " Meilin said.
" You can't all come. " Iza stated firmly. " Li and Madison can help me, but you all need your rest. Go on. Sakura won't get better if you are all sick too. "
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" She's sleeping so deeply. Is that normal? " Madison asked as Iza helped Li make some soup for Sakura to eat.
" Well how tired were you when you returned highness? " Iza asked. Madison sighed nodding her head. " She had to travel further than any of you. Not to mention carry all that burden of trying to get them back here. She's a fighter this one. " Iza sniffed and Li nodded.
" That she is. "
Iza looked sharply at Li. Her eyes burned in the fire light as Li stirred the small pot full of soup.
" Iza. " Madison said. " I think you better come look. "
Iza shuffled over to Sakura and saw what Madison was talking about. " I thought this might happen. " Iza said as she calmly put her old hands in front of Sakura's mouth. " Get me some of that strong smelling stuff Madison. And be quick. "
" What's going on? " Li demanded going pale.
" Ever heard the saying that you are so tired you could sleep like the dead? "
Li stiffened. " What does that have to do with Sakura? " he asked panicking.
" Your poor girl is so tired, so deep is her sleep, she's forgotten how to breath. In others words boy, everything has shut down. "
Li stared at Iza as if she was mad. " Sakura? " he asked touching her hand. " She's freezing! "
"Here Iza. " Madison said sitting back down trying to fight her own rising panic.
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Sakura had never felt so free. She had been so tired, but now she felt as if she had slept for a hundred years. A bright light seared through her mind and she gasped startled. Nastasha appeared before her looking worried.
" Mother? "
" Sakura, sweetheart what are you doing here? "
Sakura frowned. " Here? I'm at the cave. Where else would I be? "
Natasha sighed. " Sakura, sweetheart it's not your time yet. You must go back. "
" Mother I am back. " Sakura said confused. Why couldn't her mother understand?
Natasha looked at her with all her motherly patience. " Come here. " she said and held out her arms and Sakura gladly went to her. " My baby. " she whispered as she stroked her hair. " The time has come Sakura. You must start thinking about fulfilling your destiny. "
Sakura pulled away and looked at her. " What do you mean mother? "
Nastasha smiled at her. " Sweetheart I have watched you grow from a baby to a child and to a teenager. I've witnessed the upsets and the tantrums and I love your father and brother even more for being able to handle them on their own. " she giggled.
" I watched you love and I watched you hate. And I watched you mature and grow into the beautiful young mother that you have become. I am so proud of you Sakura. And I am so proud of the grandson that you have given me and your father. But the time has come for you to fulfill your destiny. It is time for you to become a queen - The Beautiful Star Queen. It is time Sakura. Rulf is becoming stronger and he plans evil things for you.
" Heed my warning Sakura, you are strong on your own, but Rulf is stronger. To be a queen is to have power. But to have Love is even more powerful that the title itself. "
Sakura frowned. " I'm hearing what you're saying mother, but I'm not understanding a thing. "
" Sakura real love is something that you cannot find often these days. " Natasha said sadly. " Don't run from it, embrace it. You have a wonderful young man down there who will love you for the rest of your life if only you give him a chance. He may have hurt you, but he did not do intentionally. "
" What are you saying? That what he said about Leiko and he -? "
" I cannot tell you what to believe honey. It is up to you own heart to judge for you. But make sure that it is the right decision. "
" But he hurt me so much? " Sakura cried.
" People make mistakes Sakura. No one is perfect, for the world was not created like that. We learn by our mistakes and we gain experience from it. Mistakes are tests Sakura. It is up to you to pass them to overcome the obstacle. "
" I suppose so " she said slowly thinking.
The queen smiled. " But I am serious Sakura. To be able to face Rulf you need to be as physically and mentally powerful as you can be. "
" But how will I know that the time is right? "
" You will have to know. I cannot be the judge. " Natasha said and started to disappear.
" No! Mother wait! " Sakura yelled.
" You've lingered here too long Sakura. Go back. . . . go back and love my precious treasure. Give you brother and father my love. "
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Li frantically looked for some sign of life. He couldn't have lost her! He refused to believe it. She shifted a little and sighed, her chest rising and falling as she started breathing again. Madison sobbed and Iza relaxed against the bed.
" 'Bout time your highness. Next time you decide to have a conversation with the gods, make it shorter. "
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Sakura's eyes fluttered open and stared at the ceiling above her. She leant up on her elbow and stared around the healing cave. No one stirred. She pulled back the fur covers and slowly got up. She looked over and saw her brother still asleep. His cuts and bruises had long ago healed and she was starting to doubt that he would ever wake. She knelt down beside him and watched him sleep.
" Dear brother. " she whispered tracing his face. " Please I want you to come back to us. Julian's returned you know? Papa's awake to. Everyone's awake but you. Mother told me to say hello and that she loves you. Oh won't you wake?!! " she pleaded quietly. She thought she saw him stir, but it must have been a trick of the shadows.
Sakura frowned. Why was it so dark she wondered and got up and walked out into the main cavern, her gown trailing behind her as she walked. She walked towards the front entrance and peered out. It was day, she knew that, but the sky was pitch-black with dark clouds. She watched as they swirled above them and she gulped fearful.
She pulled herself away and looked around. It was even darker inside than out! She frowned and looked around. She took a dying torch from the wall and sort around trying to find some more wood to make some more torches. She walked towards the back of the cavern and found the wood supply. It was a huge pile. The men must have worked very hard to gather all this.
She stared at it impressed. Iza and the others had done a good job while she had been away. She grabbed a few and walked silently towards the main entrance and stabbed the sticks into the ground and then lit them. She continued all around the cave, until everything was alight and she could see where she was going.
She looked behind her at the cart and saw that it hadn't been touched. She frowned thoughtfully. " Well, " she thought, " I might as well start on it. I can't go back to sleep and I might as well do something useful. "
Sakura looked around before she started. In another small alcove someone had built shelves and tall cupboards for storage. She started pulling out the blankets from the back and carried them over to the shelves and placing neatly in them. Iza or someone could do whatever they wanted with them later, but for now she was making this tidier.
An Hour later
Sakura stepped outside in the freezing cold to catch her breath. She was hot and very flushed from all the exercise she had been doing. The blankets had all been stored, medical supplies had been put with the things Madison had brought back from her kingdom. Sakura noticed as well that someone had brought back some tables and chairs, cushions, pillows, and other such things. She smiled shaking her head. Trust Madison to bring luxuries.
She walked towards the river and knelt down by the bank. Most of it had started to freeze over, but there was a large part that was still flowing. She washed her hands and splashed water on her face, trying to not gasp at how cold it was.
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Li emerged from the small cave they had set aside for washing, bathing and etc and stopped. He could smell cooking. Meilin stepped down from her sleeping cave and rubbed her eyes. She yawned and waved at him sleepily.
" How's Sakura? " she asked.
" I don't know. I was just about to go up and see. But I smell cooking. Who would be cooking this early? "
Meilin sniffed the air. " You're right. Let's go and see. " she said and they walked up the passage. Suddenly Meilin stopped. " Look. " she said and pointed to the first storage cave. " Stuff has been put in there. And the floor has been swept. " She shared looks with Li.
They heard a female giggling and walked down the passage towards the cooking pit.
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" Looks good. " Talut said. " I didn't know you could cook Kane. "
" Morning. " Jason said as Li and Meilin walked in.
" Morning guys. " Meilin said and sat down near the fire. " Why are you cooking so early? "
Kane was about to answer when a cloaked figure walked in covered in snow. " Here you go guys. They were harder to find than I thought. " Sakura shook her head free of the hood and snow fell to the ground and melted. " It's realy coming down at there now. I could barely see in front of my face. " she looked over and saw Li and Meilin.
" Good morning. " she smiled and turned back to Kane and handed him the mushrooms and other things she had brought back. " I think we should start thinking about sealing the entrance. If the weather is this bad - "
" When did you get up? " Meilin asked looking at her.
" Huh? Oh umm sometime earlier. It was so dark I had no idea what time it was. But I've managed to put some of the things I brought back away and clean up a little. "
" That was you?" Li asked staring at her.
" Yep! " Sakura chirped smiling.
" But - " Li stuttered. " You were - you're meant to be resting! God where is Iza, she'll tell you that and more. "
Sakura giggled. " I'm fine. Really I am, please don't fret Li. And I'm sure Iza would have lots to say to me and more. That's why I'm trying to avoid her. "
Li sat down slowly still watching her.
" Ok Kinomoto, who are you and what have you done with the other Kinomoto? " Meilin asked suspicious.
Sakura laughed again and smiled. " Nothing Meilin. It's me all right. I've just had a good night's sleep and now I feel wonderful. I think I could do anything! "
" Hmm. " Meilin said sarcastically. She didn't believe it.
Sakura turned her attention back to Kane as he gave her a small bowel with broth in it.
" Thanks! " she said and sat down and ate it happily.
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" Ok Wyatt, " Sakura called. " Is there anything up there?" she called.
" No your highness. " he called back down and Sakura frowned.
" Are you sure? I'm sure I saw a place up there that looked like another cave. "
" There is nothing here your highness. "
Sakura frowned and then looked up at the young boy. " All right Wyatt, come down now. Easy does it. "
" Kinomoto what are you doing? " Meilin asked from behind her. Li came to stand beside her watching Sakura warily.
" I could have sworn this morning that there was another cave up there. Maybe it might have been somewhere else. "
Li frowned. " Come here. " he said softly and placed his hand on her forehead and she blushed.
" Li I'm fine. " she stepped away from him.
" Why are you looking for another cave? " Meilin asked.
" Well I was thinking that there might be a way to get up closer to the roof. If so then we may find a vantage point where we might be able to look out over the land, you know like a look out. Plus I'm looking for a place to put all that amour and weaponry. "
" It's nice to see your back on your feet this morning and already trying to solve many a problem. "
They turned around and saw Aiden. " Papa. " Sakura smiled. " You should be resting. " she chided.
" And so should you. " he said sternly.
" But - "
Aiden's look didn't improve.
" Oh papa. " she said turning away in a swish of skirts. " You all worry too much. As you can see I'm perfectly fine. "
" Sakura - "
" Oh - " she said and turned back around. She reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. " That's from mother papa. She told me to give you and Tori her love last night. " she said and titled her head to the side and didn't see the look on Aiden's face.
" Princess? " someone called and she turned in the direction.
" Yes Rosemary? " she asked and walked off towards them.
Aiden looked down at Meilin and Li. " Did something happen last night that I'm not aware of? "
" Yes it did. " came Iza's voice and Aiden turned and looked at the old woman.
" You're daughter went to talk to the gods last night your majesty, but we brought her back. "
Aiden stared at the woman and then at his daughter's back. " I want you to keep and eye on her Iza. " he commanded. " There's no point in trying to get her away from her duties. She can be as stubborn as a mule when her mind is set on something. "
" Yes your majesty. " Iza bowed stiffly.
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Li came out from helping other men to get the storage underway. People were standing around looking up. Li frowned and looked up himself and nearly fell over. Halfway up a tall ladder, skirt tied in a knot on the side, was Sakura climbing up to god knew where!
" Talut keep it steady! " Sakura cried when it swayed a little.
" I can't help it highness. " Talut yelled. " Are you sure this is a good idea? "
" No! " she wailed clutching the ladder. " But I know there is a way up here! " She started climbing up again.
" Sakura! " Li yelled and people stepped back as he looked up at her terrified. " What the hell are you doing?!! "
" Research! " Sakura yelled back down and scooted up the ladder at a record pace.
" No, no, no! " he yelled. " Get back down here right now. "
But she was already up on the high ledge and walking carefully along it. " I knew it! " she cried and they watched as she disappeared.
Sakura wished she had brought a torch. She squinted her eyes against the darkness and ran her hands along the stone walls trying to find her way. The small passage way opened up into a huge room. She couldn't really see it, but she just knew that it opened up. She moved through it and then stopped. Was that light? She walked towards it and looked up. The moonlight was streaming through a whole up in the roof faintly. The snow storm must have stopped for a while. She felt her way and climbed up towards it. She sat on a ledge and stuck her head out into the night air. She felt her way and heaved herself up and out on top of the huge caverns.
She stared around her best she could in the faint moonlight and realized that she was like standing on top of the world. The cold breeze blew past her and shivered. She looked up and realized that the rock was over her like a roof. It was like another cave set back in the rock face. They could see out, but people couldn't see in.
Sakura felt for the hole and slipped back inside it. She felt for the way down and slipped. She yelped as she slid down the rock and landed with a huge thump on the ground. She shrank back against the rock terrified when a few bats flew past startled from their perches and she rubbed her head from where she had hit it. That had been close.
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Everyone stiffened when bats suddenly flew out of the hole that Sakura had gone into.
" Hand me a torch. " Li demanded and grabbed the offered torch and made his way towards the very tall ladder. " Don't look down, don't look down. " he muttered as he climbed.
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Sakura sat up and groaned. " I think I bruised every bone in my body. " she wined.
" Sakura?"
She looked up when she saw the light. " In here! " she called.
Li came into view and ran towards her. " Are you alright? Anything broken? Can you walk? Why did you come here without a torch? "
" I slipped Li. " she said stopping him. " I'm fine, just sore. Those bats scared me. "She then looked at him studying him. " You sure climbed up that ladder quicker than I did. " she said sounding amused.
Li helped pull her up. " I'm glad you're amused. I'm petrified of heights. "
Sakura bit her lip. " Oh Li. " she giggled. " And you climbed all the way up here for me. How sweet "
Li shot her a sideways glance and lifted the torch. " I don't believe it. It's like the underground chamber. " Li said changing the subject.
Sakura looked at all the small caves. " This must have been their battlements. " she whispered.
" This is seriously freaky. " Li whispered looking at her.
She nodded. " We can use this place. You and Julian, when he is better, can train everyone that can wield a sword. They can stay up here when it gets closer to spring. Kero and Suppi can prowl outside up there, " she pointed up to the hole she had gone through. " And keep watch. "
Li crossed his arms and shot her a look.
" What? " Sakura asked.
" You've obviously thought about this haven't you? "
" Li we need to keep watch. "
" I know that. I'm just surprised at how fast you come up with these solutions. "
" Well I'm a princess Li. I have to be quick on my toes and even quicker when I'm a queen. "
Li froze and stared at her. He pushed the torch into the ground and looked up at her.
" You want tell me what this queen business is with you and your father? "
Sakura blushed and looked down at the ground. " We both think that it's time that I move on, become my full rank that's all. "
Li sighed. " How do you intend to do that? "
Sakura looked up at him. " Do what? " she asked blankly.
" Sakura you have to marry to become queen. Who is here that is a prince? "
She blushed and looked away again. " It's not important at this moment anyway. " she said and started to walk away.
" Come on, the others must be worrying by now. "
Li picked up the torch and went after her. " Hey. " he said and she turned around.
" What? "
He wiped his sleeve across her cheek. " You've got smudges all over you face. " he smiled.
She blushed again. " Well that's the price one has to pay for going exploring. " she smiled and they walked back the way they had come.
--------------------------------
Sakura placed her feet back on the ground and untied her skirt and the folds fell back around her feet. The others crowded in curious to know what they had found. Li stepped down beside her and placed the torch back on the wall.
" What was up there? " they all asked.
" Ok people step back! " Madison shouted as she pushed through the crowd. " Just look at you! " she chided firmly when she saw the state she was in. " Come with me. I'll have a hot bath boiled for you and we'll get you cleaned up. "
" Madison - " Sakura tried to protest.
" What will your father say when he here's about this? You could have got hurt. "
" Madison - "
" That's the squirt for you. " came a voice and Sakura froze. " Always rushes in like a bull horns first. Does now, thinks later. "
Sakura looked up and the crowd parted revealing her brother. Sakura's eyes flew wide.
" You're awake! " she breathed.
People bowed as he walked towards them. Madison let go of her hand and Sakura stared up at her brother. " . . . . "
Tori smirked. " Been off exploring squirt? "
She glared fire at him. " I am not a squirt you jerk! I'm almost as tall as you! " she defended hotly.
He ruffled her hair. " But I'm a still a head taller than you, so you're still a squirt. " Sakura stamped on his foot and turned away her nose in the air. People smiled at this show of brotherly/sisterly love. " You minx. " Tori muttered. " I should have seen that one coming. "
Sakura shot him a sideways glance. " Well you asked for it oni-chan. I was glad to see you, but now I'm not so sure. "
" Sakura what is going on?" came Aiden's voice as he limped into view.
" Look who's back from the land of the sleepy papa. " Sakura called.
Aiden stopped when he saw his son. Tori shot him a smile and clapped his father on the back.
Madison deciding that she had been waiting long enough started dragging Sakura off again towards the washing room.
TBC