Chapter Twenty-One: Love, Trust, & Betrayal
Back at the rebel base, Aldarn had brought Will to place that looked like a park where children were running around playing with each other as their parents watched over them.
"Nice place.", Will said as she looked at the children as they were playing around the area. "We have places like this on Earth."
"It's one of the places, here, where the children can have fun without worrying about the war.", Aldarn said.
"Is this suppose to make me feel guilty?", Will asked.
"Guilty. No.", Aldarn said. "I just want you to see that there are good people here that have found some happiness with all the sadness that is going on. I was hoping that you would feel for them."
"Tell me, Aldarn. Did the rebels that kidnapped me and my friends, from our homes, feel for us? Or did they just see us as a means to an end?"
"I... do not know.", Aldarn said.
"Well when you find out, let me know.", Will said ending the conversation.
"I see.", Aldarn said knowing that Will wanted to go back to her cell.
So, that's what Aldarn did as he turned the wagon around and headed back to the prison. In another part of the base, Frost had taken Cornelia to one of the towers that had a balcony where they were standing on right now.
"Nice view.", Cornelia said.
"I come up here to think sometimes.", Frost said. "It helps me clear my mind."
"So what's on your mind?", Cornelia asked.
"Many things.", Frost said. "Like no matter what I show you, there is no way you will join the rebellion."
"Very true.", Cornelia said. "But I can also see that you are only here because the Seer says you are to be here."
"Perhaps.", Frost said. "My people take the words of Seers pretty seriously. But we also know that their visions do not always happen the way most would think. Plus, one must follow the Seers visions to the letter or else they will not go as they say."
"Well Caleb messed that up when he had Prince Dorean come to help you.", Cornelia said. "Plus, he didn't beat Angelo. Angelo surrendered after Dorean threatened to kill Will if he didn't."
"You raise some pretty good points there, Lady Cornelia.", Frost said. "But most of the rebels still think you will end up joining us to fight Phobos."
"Now are those the same ones that may join up with whoever wants to take over?", Cornelia asked with a smirk.
"Now where did you hear that bit of information?", Frost asked with a smirk of his own.
"She may of been in pain, but Will was able to hear that Calen guy talk about an uprising in the rebellion.", Cornelia explained. "We just don't know who it may be."
"Neither do we.", Frost said. "But I have my suspicions.", he said thinking that it may be Caleb.
"Well I hope that you stop them before it's to late.", Cornelia said.
"As do I.", Frost said before they left the tower.
Soon it was evening and Will and Cornelia were back in their cells just in time for dinner.
"So how was your day, ladies?", Angelo asked them.
"It was fun.", Will said.
"Yeah! Frost is a nice guy.", Cornelia said.
"Same with Aldarn.", Will said as they were being served their dinner. "That Drake guy is another story."
"You think that's bad? You won't believe what Caleb did earlier.", Cornelia said as she rolled her eyes.
Meanwhile, Aldarn had just finished his dinner and was taking a walk around the base when...
"Aldarn!", came Drakes voice getting the Galhot's attention.
Aldarn turned around to see Caleb and Drake walking up to him.
"Hey guys.", Aldarn said greeting his friends.
"So how was your day with Lady Will?", Caleb asked.
"It was okay.", Aldarn said. "She is pretty nice."
"I bet she is after getting what she had coming to her.", Drake said with a grin.
"You really think that's funny?", Aldarn asked. "Calen crossed a line."
"Crossed a line?", Drake questioned. "Please! He is a father who's son was taken from him. He was just getting a bit of payback! Sure he may of went a bit far with burning the girl, but he didn't kill her!"
"Not without trying.", Aldarn said. "That is why he is where he is now."
"Who's side are you on?!", Drake asked. "Ours or theirs?!"
"I am on our side!", Aldarn said. "But if the knights can not trust us, how are they to turn to our cause?"
"Simple. We break them.", Caleb finally said. "And we start with one Sir Angelo."
"Are you mad?!", Aldarn asked.
"I couldn't be more saner, Aldarn.", Caleb said. "If we break Angelo, then the other knights will fall in line."
"And if they don't?", Aldarn asked.
"Then we'll break them, too.", Drake said.
"Even Lady Cornelia?", Aldarn asked looking at Caleb.
"Watch it, Aldarn.", Caleb said.
"No, my friend. YOU should watch it.", Aldarn said. "Both of you should. You both stand there talking about breaking the knights when you know very well that Mage will not let it happen. And before you say it, Vathek will not let it happen either. And we both know that your mother won't as well. So please, my friends, don't do this. Stop this before you do something foolish. Please.", he pleaded with his friends before walking off.
"Well it looks like he will not be helping us.", Drake said as he and Caleb watched Aldarn walk off.
"So it would seem.", Caleb said as he and Drake walked off in another direction. "It doesn't matter. We have enough rebels on our side. But just to play it safe, we better check to see who is still with us."
"Good idea.", Drake said. "We have to be ready when Mage comes back."
"We'll be ready, Drale.", Caleb said. "We'll be ready. And when all is said and done, we'll be running things around here."
Now what they didn't know was that they were being watched from the shadows as a certain girl who was 6'1 with black hair with green eyes saw and heard what Caleb, Drake, and Aldarn were talking about.
'I have to warn Frost!', Shannon thought to herself as she went to find Frost.
Elsewhere, Vathek had some men do a daily patrol of the rebel hideout like he normally does while he went to the tower where their piece of Blue Destiny was being guarded.
"To think that something so small is so important.", he said as he stood in front of the stand that the hilt of Blue Destiny sat. "We can not let Phobos get a hold of this. To much is at stake.", he said as he left the room that was being guarded.
Once out of the tower, Vathek headed to his quarters for some much needed rest before he went to have dinner. As he headed for his quarters, he was hoping that nothing bad would happen when Caleb took Hay Lin on another putting around the rebel base. It was then that Frost came up to him with Shannon.
"Is something wrong?", Vathek asked.
"I'm afraid so.", Frost said. "But we need to speak in private."
"Very well. Follow me.", Vathek said as he led the two of them to a more private place to speak.
Soon the three of them were in Seer's quarters where the Seer was sitting in a lotus position meditating.
"Sorry to disturb you, my friend, this is one of the most private places I know.", Vathek said to the Seer who slowly opened her eyes. "And we are in the need for some privacy."
"How much privacy?", the Seer asked.
"So no one can hear us.", Vathek said.
"Very well.", the Seer said as she reached into one of her side pouches and pulled out a blue gem.
She the held the gem and focused some power into it. Suddenly, there was a flash of blue light causing Vathek, Frost, and Shannon to cover their eyes. Soon the light faded and the Seer was on her feet.
"Now you have your privacy.", the Seer said. "But it shall not last long. You have at least ten minutes. So make it quick.", she said as she took a seat.
"Thank you, Seer.", Vathek said before turning to Frost and Shannon. "Now what is so important that you two couldn't tell me earlier?"
"Tell him.", Frost said to Shannon.
"Well I was going for a walk when I came across Caleb and Drake talking to Aldarn about the knights and what should be done about them. Aldarn didn't agree with what they were talking about and told them to not do anything foolish before he walked off."
"There's more isn't there?", Vathek asked.
"I'm afraid so.", Shannon said. "Once Aldarn was gone, I heard Caleb and Drake talking about taking over. They're checking to see which rebels are on their side before Mage returns!"
"Looks like Aldarn was right.", Vathek said. "Caleb and Drake are trying to take over the rebellion. This could not of happened at a worse possible time."
"The real problem is not knowing how many rebels have sided with Caleb and Drake.", Frost said. "Not to mention if any of them are with Mage and Nerissa right now."
"I wouldn't be surprised if Danna and Lana are with them in all of this.", Shannon said thinking of her friends.
"What do we do, Vathek?", Frost asked.
"We need to know who has sided with Caleb and Drake.", Vathek said.
"I do not think there are many with them.", the Seer said. "If there were, then Caleb would have challenged Mage to a duel for leadership long ago."
"Hmmmmm... You make a good point there.", Vathek said. "What we need to do is keep those two busy long enough until Mage returns."
"Well tomorrow, Caleb will be taking Lady Hay Lin around our base.", Frost said.
"Good.", Vathek said. "And I'll make sure that he doesn't return her to her cell early. Now as for Drake, I'll just have him run some errands as a punishment for what he and Caleb tried to do to Sir Angelo the other day."
"That will keep them both busy, but we all know that they will still find a way to gather their forces.", the Seer said. "What you need to do is get a message to Mage."
"I'll do it.", Shannon said.
"Are you sure?", Vathek asked. "You will be doing this alone."
"I'm sure, Vathek.", Shannon said with a nod.
"Very well.", Vathek said. "Tomorrow, you shall journey to the canyon where Mage and her party are going to ambush the supply convoy."
"I shall not fail you.", Shannon said.
"Just be careful. For all we know, there may be those that have sided with Caleb and Drake there.", Vathek said. "But for now, go get some rest. You will need it."
With a nod, Shannon and Frost left the Seer's quarters leaving Vathek with the Seer.
"What are our chances of stopping this before it starts?", Vathek ask the Seer.
"There may be some problems but things will work out in the end.", the Seer said.
"I hope you are right, my friend.", Vathek said. "I truly do."
Morning came and after getting cleaned up and having his breakfast, Caleb was on his way to take Hay Lin around the home of the rebels. Not something he was looking forward to yet figured that if she got off his nerves again, he would simply take her back to her cell. Now once he got to the prison the knights were held in, Caleb saw that Vathek was standing at the entrance.
"There you are, Caleb.", Vathek said as he spotted Caleb. "I was hoping to catch you before you entered the prison."
"Is something wrong, Vatrhek?", Caleb asked. "Do you need me to do something instead of taking that girl around our home? Please say yes!"
"I take it that you don't want to be around Lady Hay Lin.", Vathek said with a grin.
"I'd rather be cleaning our stables.", Caleb said in a deadpan tone.
"Sorry to disappoint, my friend, but I just came to tell you that I need you to actually spend the day taking her around our home.", Vathek said. "And I mean the whole day."
"Are you serious?", Caleb asked.
"Yes I am.", Vathek said.
"But... But she's so annoying.", Caleb said.
"But you know as well as I do that we need to turn the knights to our side.", Vathek said. "Without breaking them.", he said knowing what Caleb was about to say.
"Won't know unless we try.", Caleb said with a grin.
"Breaking them isn't the answer.", Vathek said. "Besides. Those six are tough. It will take a lot to break them. Not to mention time. Something we can not be wasting when we can turn them in a better way. And I don't think that you want to see Lady Cornelia get broken.", he said to which Caleb said nothing. "Now I want you to take Hay Lin around our home and do it right. If Aldarn and Frost can do it, then so can you. I'm counting on you, Caleb.", the Galhot said as he placed a hand on Caleb's shoulder.
"I'll do my best, Vathek.", Caleb said.
"That's all I ask.", Vathek said before he walked off to attend to other matters.
As for Caleb, he entered the prison and headed for the section where the knights were being held. Once there he grabbed a set of shackles and headed for Hay Lin's cell.
"Arms. Now.", Caleb said to Hay Lin as he narrowed his eyes at her.
"So it's you and me today.", Hay Lin said as she stuck her arms out through the slot in the cell door. "This should be fun!", she shad with a smile as Caleb shackled her wrist.
"So long as you don't try anything, everything will go smoothly.", Caleb said as he opened the cell door. "Let's go."
"Have fun, Hay Lin.", Irma said to her best friend.
"Oh, I plan to.", Hay Lin said with a smile as she followed behind Caleb hoping to spend more time with him than she did the last time.
Once out of the prison, Caleb helped Hay Lin onto the wagon and drove off from the prison. Now as he was riding off, from the prison, Patra was just showing up to check up on Will. Once at her cell, she had the guard open the cell so she could go inside.
"So how are we doing today?", Patra asked as she began to undo the wrappings of Will bandage.
"Pretty good actually.", Will said as Patra finished removing the bandage.
"Amazing!", Patra said as she got a good look at Will's burn. "Your burn is healing well. Not to mention faster than a normal person."
"Yeah. We heal pretty quick.", Will said as she looked down at her burn.
"There are a few around here that are the same way.", Patra said as she rubbed some of her salve on the burn. "It makes treating them pretty easy."
"You know, we have a doctor at the palace who makes his own salves as well.", Will said. "His name is Jallen."
"I know. He is my uncle.", Patra said surprising Will. "He taught me all I know about medicine.", she said with a small smile that soon turned into a frown. "I miss him dearly.", she said as she wrapped Will's arm.
"I'm sorry.", Will said.
"Don't be.", Patra said as she finished wrapping Will's arm. "We made our choices in life and have to deal with them. All we can do is hope for the best and see how it all turns out."
"I guess you're right.", Will said.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow.", Patra said as she got up and exited the cell. "Take care of yourself, Lady Will."
"I will.", Will said. "You take care as well.", she said giving Patra a smile that she returned before leaving the prison.
"She's nice.", Cornelia said.
"Yeah. She is.", Will said.
As she walked out of the prison, Patra reached down her shirt and pulled out a small heart shaped emerald in a gold frame. A sad sigh escaped Patra's lips as she stared at the necklace her uncle gave her when she was young.
"Are you doing well, uncle?", she asked herself before she put her pendant away and headed back to the infirmary. "I truly hope you are."
Now at one of the secret entrances to the Infinite City we Frost and Shannon hoping that no one followed them.
"Here's two days worth of water and food for you. As well as some carrots and apples for Beelz.", Frost said as he strapped the sack of food and the water sack to the saddle of the horse. "All you have to do is follow the path Mage and her party took and you'll catch up with her in no time."
"I know, Frost.", Shannon said with a grin. "This isn't my first time traveling alone. I'll be fine."
"I know. I just have this feeling.", Frost said. "Just be careful. Okay?"
"Okay.", Shannon said before giving Frost a kiss on the cheek. "I'll find Mage, warn her about Caleb and Drake and be back before you know it.", she said as she got on her horse. "See you soon!", she said as she rode off on her horse.
"Safe journey, Shannon.", Frost said as he headed back into the Infinite City.
But what Frost didn't know was that someone was listen in on them.
"So they know of Drake and Caleb's plans, do they?", Lana asked herself. "Guess Danna and I will have to go after Shannon.", she said as she went to go tell Danna of what she just learned.
Not back in the Infinite City, we have Caleb taking Hay Lin around the rebel base in the same wagon as before. As they were going around the base, Caleb was keeping his cool thinking about where to stop first. It was then that Caleb decided to have a bit of fun with Hay Lin.
"Tell me, Hay Lin. Which of you ladies is the strongest?", Caleb asked. "I would say you, but we both know it's not.", he said with a smirk hoping to get Hay Lin upset.
"I may not be the strongest, but I do hold my own.", Hay Lin said proudly.
"Hmph! I bet you can.", Caleb said with a scoff.
"Have you forgotten the run around I gave you and your buddies?", Hay Lin asked with a smirk.
"You got lucky that day.", Caleb said. "Had it not been for your three friends, you would of been our captive."
"Now how many times have you told yourself that?", Hay Lin asked with another smirk just as they came up to the spot that Caleb wanted to go to.
"Finally!", Caleb said as he stopped the wagon.
"Wow! Not bad!", Hay Lin said as she looked at where they were.
Caleb had taken Hay Lin to a spot where a large obstacle course was built. From what Hay Lin saw the different courses worked on ones agility, balance, upper and lower body strength, and quick wittiness. Hay Lin was pretty impressed with how it worked.
"It's nice.", Hay Lin said as she looked at the different courses. "It reminds me of the one at the palace."
"Of course it does. It is an exact copy of the course you have at the palace.", Caleb bragged. "We had it made when you all first started using yours. And whenever you added something to it, we did the same thing."
"Having a spy in the palace must be good.", Hay Lin said.
"Indeed it is.", Caleb said. "After Vathek was found out and had to leave the palace, one of our other spies had to take up the call to be our main eyes in the palace. And they've been doing a wonderful job."
"Have they now?", Hay Lin asked.
"Oh yes.", Caleb said with a smirk. "A very wonderful job.", he said when a male rebel soldier came up to the wagon.
"Greetings, Caleb!", the rebel said. "What brings you here today?"
"Hello, Yevan.", Caleb said. "I'm just giving Lady Hay Lin here a tour of our base."
"Ah yes.", Yevan said as he looked at Hay Lin. "I was told that the members of Nerissa's team were tasked with taking the dogs of Phobos around the base. Does Mage really think they can be turned to our side?"
"Sadly yes.", Caleb said. "If I had my way, we'd be breaking the mighty Angelo and turning him to our side, thus getting the rest of them to join us."
"Now that's a plan I can get behind!", Yevan said with a laugh.
"HA! I truly doubt that you can break Angelo!", Hay Lin said.
"Well aren't you mouthy.", Yevan said with a smirk. "We have ways of fixing that.", he said as his smirk grew. "What do you say, Caleb? Allow Hay Lin the Swift to take the course.", he said getting cheers from the other rebels there.
"Sorry. I can't.", Caleb said. "There's to much of a chance of her making a run for it."
"And where would I go?", Hay Lin asked. "I don't know where the exits are and I will not abandon my friends. And if it makes you feel better, you have my word that I will not make a run for it."
"Your word?! That's rich!", Caleb laughed. "The word of one who serves Phobos doesn't mean squat here!"
"First off, me and my fellow knights keep our word!", Hay Lin said. "Unlike you who had one Prince Dorean jump in on Will's fight with your mother!", she said to which Caleb got nervous as the other rebels there were surprised by what they just heard.
"Is this true, Caleb?", Yevan asked. "Did you have someone jump in on your mother's fight with one of the knights?"
"You bet he did!", Hay Lin said. "And boy was Nerissa mad!"
"Shut up!", Caleb whispered to Hay Lin not wanting to lose face in front of the rebels there.
"Well, Caleb.", Yevan said. "Is it true?", he asked to which Caleb let our a sigh knowing that he had to tell the truth.
"Yes. It is.", Caleb said earning a gasp from some of the rebels. "I just wanted them captured so when Prince Dorean sent a letter offering his aid in the fight against the knights, I sent him a letter asking him to aid us along with the letter Mage sent turning down his help."
"I see.", Yevan said. "Well let her loose."
"But Yevan...!"
"She gave her word, Caleb.", Yevan said. "And if she even tries to make a run for it, there are enough of us to catch her. I will take responsibility if she makes a run for it."
Saying nothing, Caleb unlocked Hay Lin's shackles and allowed her to get off the wagon.
"Don't even think of trying anything.", Caleb said to Hay Lin as he narrowed his eyes at her.
"Whatever you say.", Hay Lin said as she calmly walked up to the obstacle course.
Once at the course, Hay Lin waited for the signal to go. She also noticed that the course was also made for at least four people to race against each other just as three rebels stepped up to race her. All three of them were female. Two were adults while the third was a teenager.
"You're going down, dog of Phobos.", one of the woman said with a smirk while the other two rebels snickered thinking they were going to have some fun with Hay Lin.
'Oh brother.', Hay Lin thought to herself as she rolled her eyes while smirking.
"On your mark! Get set!", Yevan said ready to start the race. "GO!"
With that the race was on as the four of them made their way through the courses. The others there watched as the four ladies made their way through the courses with ease. From running across beams to jumping from pole to pole the four of them were getting through the courses. But it was Hay Lin that was in the lead and that didn't sit well with Caleb as he was hoping that she would lose.
'She can't be that good!', Caleb thought as he watched the race unfold.
But then came the twenty foot wall that the four had to climb. There were four ropes for the each of the ladies to use and Hay Lin was in the lead. That is until one of the women grabbed her skirt and pulled on it forcing Hay Lin to fall.
"Whoa!", Hay Lin yelled as she fell.
'Yes!', Caleb cheered in his mind as he watched Hay Lin fall only to watch her land on her feet. 'Are you kinding me?!'
As for Hay Lin she looked up at the woman who pulled her down as she looked down at Hay Lin with a smirk.
"Oops! Sorry, Hun! My hand slipped.", she said as she continued to climb up the wall.
"So that's how they want to play it, huh?", Hay Lin asked herself as she grabbed her rope and began to climb the wall again.
Once up the wall, Hay Lin saw that the three females were already down the wall and heading to the finish line.
"No way she's going to beat them now!", Caleb said. "Guess Hay Lin the Swift isn't so swift after all.", he said as he watched the three ladies run towards the finish line.
"Ummmm... Caleb.", Yevan said as he pointed up at the wall.
"What is it?", Caleb asked as he looked up at the wall. "What the heck?!"
Caleb, Yevan, and the other rebels watching the race watched as Hay Lin was running down the wall. And with her skills it wasn't much of a problem. As for Hay Lin, once she was halfway down the wall, she lept off the wall towards the three ladies who were running towards the finish line. Once her feet touched the ground she made a mad dash for the finish line!
"Go faster!", Caleb shouted to the three rebels. "She's right behind you!"
"What?!", the teenage rebel questioned as she looked back to see Hay Lin right behind them. "It can't be!"
"How did she catch up so fast?!", one of the two adults asked as the three of them began to run faster.
"Who cares! Just go faster!", the other adult rebel said as she ran as fast as she could.
"Time to end this.", Hay Lin said as she began to speed up.
Before anyone knew it, Hay Lin had passed the three female rebels and won the race.
"Incredible.", Yevan said. "She truly has earned the name, Hay Lin the Swift."
"Thank you.", Hay Lin said with a smile. "We have to do this again sometime."
"Not anytime soon.", Caleb said as he shackled Hay Lin's wrist. "Let's go.", he said as she walked Hay Lin over to the wagon.
Once he got Hay Lin onto the wagon he was about to get on when...
"I wish to speak with you later tonight.", Yevan said to Caleb before he got onto the wagon. "Let us meet back here this evening."
Caleb simply nodded to Yevan before he drove off to the next spot. Now in a another area of the rebel base we have Drake who is carrying out some errands for Vathek when Danna and Lana find him and tell him of what Shannon is doing.
"So she and Frost know of our plans.", Drake said. "How long has it been since Shannon has left?"
"About an hour.", Lana said. "Which means that she has a good lead on us."
"Indeed.", Drake said.
"We can still catch up with her!", Danna said. "She'll have to stop so her horse can take a rest sometime. Not to mention rest for the night."
"That she will.", Drake said. "Take two of our best horses and go after her. We can not let her ruin our plans."
"We won't fail you and Caleb.", Danna said.
"Good luck to you both and come back safe.", Drake said to Danna and Lana who both nodded before they went to pack what they needed for thr journey.
"If Frost knows of our plans, he may tell Vathek.", Drake said to himself. "But if he were to think that Vathek was with us...", he said as an idea began to form in his head as a smirk formed on his lips.
Now let's head back to Caleb who has taken Hay Lin to get something to eat and try and get some info out of her about her and her fellow knights.
"So tell me. Which of you is closest to Sir Angelo?", Caleb asked as he ate some of his food.
"Hmmmmm...", Hay Lin said as she began to think. "Well I'd have to say that Will and Angelo are pretty close seeing as they were best friends before we were brought to this world. I'm sorry. Before we were kidnapped.", she said before eating some of her food.
"Not going to let that go are you?", Caleb asked.
"Would you if you were in our shoes?", Hay Lin asked to which Caleb said nothing. "Now why don't you ask the question you want to ask."
"Okay then. How close are Sir Angelo and Lady Cornelia?", Caleb asked.
"Now that wasn't so hard. Was it?", Hay Lin asked with a smile that Caleb ignored. "Let's see. How can I put this. When ever they went on hunting trips together, they lasted longer than they said they would. If you know what I mean.", she said knowing that Caleb would get mad.
"Ha! Nice try.", Caleb said. "Trying to get me mad so I'll make a mistake giving you a chance to pull something."
"I'm not trying anything.", Hay Lin said. "What I say is true. Heck! If Angelo were to ask her to marry him, she'd probably say yes."
"That's enough!", Caleb said.
"Hey. You wanted the truth.", Hay Lin said. "I just gave it to you."
"And you could be wrong.", Caleb said.
"Maybe. Maybe not.", Hay Lin said. "If you like her so much, why aren't you the one taking her around here instead of Frost?"
"Believe me, I would if I could.", Caleb mumbled to himself only with her hearing, Hay Lin heard him, which caused a plan to form in her head as she did her best to not smirk.
"Well no one said that you couldn't have some alone time with her in secret.", Hay Lin said. "All you have to do is wait until late in the evening and sneak her out of her cell and spend some time with her. Who's really going to know?"
"You and your fellow knights.", Caleb said.
"Maybe but if it means that Cornelia will get some time out of her cell, then she just may go for it.", Hay Lin said. "Which will give you the chance to try and win her over."
"Sound plan. Just one question.", Caleb said. "Why are you helping me?"
"Now who says that I'm helping you?", Hay Lin asked with a sly smile. "Maybe by doing this, you'll see how much you and Cornelia don't have in common."
"And what? Turn to you?", Caleb said with a scoff. "Yeah right! What can you do that she can't?!"
"Weeeeell...", Hay Lin said as she formed a Human pretzel with ease surprising Caleb as he stared at her in amazement. "I am very flexible. And I mean very, VERY flexible.", she said with a smile as she undid her Human pretzel.
Saying nothing, Caleb continued to drive the wagon as he replayed what just happened in his head.
'Whoa! Just... Just whoa!', he thought to himself as he saw Hay Lin in a whole new light.
'Me thinks I've impressed him.', Hay Lin thought to herself with a satisfied smile.
Now in the stables of the rebel base, we have Danna and Lana who are geared up and ready to go after Shannon.
"You know that it's going to be a while before we catch up with her.", Lana said as they mounted their horses.
"Then let's not waste anymore time here.", Danna said as they rode their horses out of the secret entrance. "If I know Shannon, she's heading to one of our secret rest stops to rest her horse and have something to eat. She'll then be on her way and try to get as far as she can before nightfall."
"So we'll just do the same only we won't stop at nightfall.", Lana said. "We'll keep going until we find her and stop her."
"Exactly!", Shannon said. "I will not let her ruin Caleb's plans to take over the rebellion. He's come to far to let something like this to stop him!", she said as she had her horse go faster.
'Man! When she gets like this, there's not much that can stop her.', Lana thought to herself as she followed Danna. 'This is going to be wild!'
Back in th rebel base, Frost was at the make-shifting tavern having a bite to eat when he saw Drake talking to Yevan at a table in one of the far corners. Being curious, he decided to listen in on what they were talking about. So focusing his senses, he was able to hear what they were talking about.
"So Vathek has been with us this whole time?!", Yevan asked Drake.
"Yes. But he's playing loyal to Mage until the time to act comes.", Drake said. "By the way, we'll meeting tonight to talk about who else we may be able to turn to our side."
"What about Frost?", Yevan asked.
"If we can trust him, then we'll see if he will join us.", Drake said. "But if not, then we'll have to take care of him before Mage returns."
"If it has to be done, then so be it.", Yevan said. "The last thing we need is for him around to cause us trouble."
"Good thing he'll be away for a few days with one of our hunting parties.", Drake said. "If only we had someone on our side in that party."
"Don't worry, my friend. We can deal with him if we need to.", Yevan said.
"Indeed we will.", Drake said knowing that Frost could hear them from where he was.
Hearing that made Frost think that he was being set up. So he quickly left the tavern to go think. Seeing this, Drake smirked thinking that he had fooled him.
"Perfect.", he said top himself. "That should keep him out of our way until it's to late. Good work, my friend. You did great."
"Anything for the true cause.", Yevan said. "Just promise me that, if this all works out for us, I'll be one of the men to help take down Phobos.", he said with a smirk.
"My friend, I'll personally make sure that you're the one who gets to close the door on his cell when we lock him up for good.", Drake promised as they shook hands.
As for Frost, he had just left the tavern when he was pulled down an alley by a hooded stranger. He was about to fight off the one who grabbed him when he saw that it was Vathek.
"Shhh...", Vathek said hoping to calm Frost has he removed his hood. "I know what you're thinking, my friend. But I am not with them. They want to turn us against each other. The Seer warned me about this and had me find you and warn you."
"I see. If that's the case then that means they know that we know about them.", Frost said thinking about it all. "Which means that they may know about Shannon going to warn Mage and Nerissa."
"I think you are right.", Vathek said. "I went to check the stables only to find three horses instead of just one horse gone. And I just learned that Danna and Lana are gone as well."
"So those two are with Caleb and Drake's secret rebels and are going to try and stop Shannon from warning Mage and Nerissa.", Frost figured. "I actually feel sorry for those two girls.", he said with a smirk.
"We need to learn who is with Caleb and Drake.", Vathek said.
"That will take time.", Frost said. "Time we do not have."
Later that afternoon, in some area if the kingdom, we have Shannon who was at one of the secret rebel rest stops where she has her horse taking a break from his running while taking a much needed drink from the nearby river while Shannon is eating some apples from the apple trees there while drinking some water from the river as well.
"Good thing this river is here, huh Beelz?", Shannon asked as she gently stroked the horse. "Not to mention the apple trees. Which you had quite a few.", she said with a grin. "Then again, they are quite good. I think I'll take a few with us to eat.", she said as she picked some apples from one of the trees and put then in the sack with the carrots and apples Frost packed for Beelz.
About thirty minutes later, Shannon knew Beelz was ready to go as she got on his saddle and...
"Hee-Yaa!", Shannon shouted as Beelz took off hoping to get far before nightfall. "Time is not on our side, Beelz! We have to get as far as we can!", she said as Beelz ran as fast as he could.
Now in another part of the kingdom, we have Danna and Lana who were riding their horses as fast as they could in hopes of catching up with Shannon to stop her from warning Mage and Nerissa about Caleb and Drake's plan to take over the rebellion.
"She's probably been to one of the secret stops and left it already!", Lana said as their horses raced along.
"Then we'll just have to keep going!", Danna said.
"And tire our horses silly?! I don't think so!", Lana said to her friend.
"But we have to stop Shannon!", Danna said.
"And how will we stop her if our horses drop from exhaustion?!", Lana asked. "They'll need to rest and you know it!"
"You're right.", Shannon said. "But we can't rest for to long. We can't let the gap between us and Shannon get to big. If I know her, she'll try to get to a town before nightfall. So we need to get to the first town we come across when it gets dark."
"Of course.", Lana said. "We'll catch her, Danna, and bring her back to the base to face her punishment for betraying us. The three of us are suppose to be like sisters! How could she be doing this?!"
"Now aren't you glad we didn't tell her about us joining up with Caleb and Drake?", Danna asked her friend. "She would of told Mage back then ruining everything!"
"I guess you're right.", Lana said. "Goes to show you who you can and can't trust."
"Sad but true. Lana.", Danna said. "Sad but true.", she said as they continued on their way to catch up with Shannon.
Now back at the rebel base we have Aldarn who is heading to his home. It isn't much, but he is happy with it. Once inside, he lights a lamp and is ready to kick back and relax when he sees the girl in the brown hooded robe sitting on his sofa surprising him.
"Hi.", the girl says with a smile and a wave.
"When did you get here?", Aldarn asked happy to see her.
"A while ago.", she said as she stood up. "I didn't want anyone to know I was here."
"I understand.", Aldarn said as he walked up to her. "You know you can take that off when you are here."
"Sorry.", the girl said as she took the robe off revealing that she was wearing a pair of white leggings with brown boots and a blue tunic. "I guess I got used to wearing that thing so much."
"Don't worry about it.", Aldarn said with a smile that the girl returned.
Aldarn couldn't help but stare at the girl. She was quite attractive with her blue eyes and pale blonde hair with two braids that hung down in front of her shoulders while the rest of her hair hung down her back. But what Aldarn like most about her was her smile. It was that honset smile that he liked about her.
"I never get tired of seeing your smile, Elyon.", Aldarn said with a smile of his own.
"I never get tired of seeing yours.", Elyon said as she walked up to him.
Elyon then gave Aldarn a kiss that he returned as they held each other.
"When will we be able to tell the others about us?", Elyon asked as she sat on Aldarn's sofa.
"Soon I hope.", Aldarn said as he lit a fire in his fireplace. "It all depends on the knights joining us and helping us end our war with Phobos."
"That may take a while.", Elyon said.
"Maybe not.", Aldarn said. "I've been thinking. And I believe that if we promise to help them get back home, they just may help us."
"But will they believe you when you tell them this?", Elyon asked.
"They will if you open a portal to Earth.", Aldarn said as he sat next to Elyon. "Once they see that, they just may decide to help us."
"That could work.", Elyon said. "Now we just have to run it by Mage, Nerissa, and Vathek."
"Let us hope they will give us the okay to do this.", Aldarn said as Elyon scooted closer to Aldarn. "But for now, let's just enjoy the moment together.", he said as he slowly wrapped an arm around her as they enjoyed the peace they had as the fired burned in the fireplace.
Now somewhere in the Ferala Kingdom we have Cedric, Orube, Tynar, Fenna, and Timon who are hiding out in a small cave in a canyon that leads to the Howling Caves waiting for the squad of soldiers that are bringing their kingdom's piece of Blue Destiny there to hide it. But also with them are the kingdom's best stealth squad known as the Panther Squad to make sure the rebels that are suppose to ge the jump on Sir Angelo and Ladies Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin. To bad they do not know about them being captured by the rebels.
"Are you sure this will work, Timon?", Tynar asked as they were waiting for the soldiers to show up.
"I'm sure.", Timon said as he was burning a plant allowing the smoke to travel through out the canyon. "Burning this rare plant effects the senses of a normal Human being even if the smoke is faint.", he said as Fenna and Orube were fanning the smoke out into the canyon. "Imagine what it will do to the Feral soldiers and their heightened senses.", he said as he tossed another plant into the fire.
"Let's hope it'll be strong enough to give us the advantage we need.", Orube said as she and Fenna continued to fan the smoke out into the canyon.
It was then that they heard the sound of marching drums and knew that the Ferala soldiers were on the march and heading their way. Saying nothing Cedric and his team put some bandannas over their nose and mouths to protect them from the smell from the smoke before they ran out of the cave ready to strike. Tynar was the first to strike as he swung his spear knocking back the first two rows of soldiers while Orube, Tomon and Fenna used their speed to attack the members of the Panther Squad with quick yet powerful strikes. Finally, we have Cedric who transformed into his human-snake hybrid form and attacked the soldiers with the swing of his mighty arms and tail. Now normally, the Ferala warriors would be able to hold their own against them, but with the smoke from the plant Timon had burnt, not to mention them being in a canyon where the smoke was confined to a small area, they weren't doing so good as they were being defeated. Soon, the Ferala soldiers were defeated and with the aid of the compass Fenna found their piece of Blue Destiny that was in a small box with a lion carved on it. She then handed the box to Cedric who transformed back to normal before opening it to see the other half of Blue Destiny's blade.
"We must get this back to the palace with great haste.", Cedric said as he took the piece and wrapped it up in a cloth and gave it to Fenna. "Keep this safe, Fenna."
"I shall, Lord Cedric.", Fenna said with a bow before she put the wrapped piece of Blue Destiny in her side bag.
Orube then took a copy of the piece she had in her side bag and handed it to Cedric who put it in the box and handed it Timon.
"I will need you to hold onto this, Timon.", Cedric said. "If the Ferala soliders do catch up with us, they will hopefully go for this and be on their way."
"Hopefully.", Timon said as he accepted the box and put it in his bag.
"I suggest that we leave while the smoke will be effecting the Feralains' senses.", Tynar said.
"Agreed.", Orube said as Cedric transformed into his human-snake form and aloud the other to climb up on him before he made his way out the canyon by climbing it's walls.
Once Cedric was out of the canyon, the others jumped off of him as he transformed into a falcon and took to the sky. Orube and the others mounted their horses and rode off back to the Meridian Kingdom hoping to get a good distance from the canyon and the Ferala soldiers that were still knocked out there.
'Once we get that piece bck to the palace, we'll be another step closer to completing Blue Destiny and ending this foolish rebellion.', Cedric thought to himself as he flew through the sky glad to of gotten part of the mission over with. 'Let us hope that we do not run into any attacks on the way to the palace.'
Now at the border of the Ferala Kingdom, we have the party of Peter, Leonas, Scott, Tommy, and Eric who are riding their horses towards the jungle kingdom in hopes of getting another piece of Blue Destiny. Only when they got to the capital city and spoke with the king and queen they were told about their plan to put their piece in the Howling Caves. So King Leonos gave Peter a note to present to the soldiers that had their piece of Blue Destiny telling them to give the piece to them. The five warriors then made their way to the canyons that led to the Howling Caves only to find the soldiers and Panther Squad gathering themselves not knowing how long it has been since they've been knocked out. But once they saw Peter and the guys they got ready for another fight.
"Looks like we've got another fight on our hands!", the captain of the soldier said.
"Wait! Wait!", Eric said. "We're not your enemies! We're friends!"
"We just came from speaking with your king.", Peter said as he handed the captain King Leonos' note.
"It's from the king.", the captain said as he opened the letter and read it. "I see. I'm sorry, my friend, but we do not have the piece."
"What?!", Scott asked.
"It was taken from us by some of knights from the Meridian Kingdom.", the captain explained. "We do not know how long it has been but they'll be heading back to the Meridian Kingdom."
"Thank you.", Peter said. "We'll head there right now.", he said as he and the guys got on their horses and took off for the Meridian Kingdom.
"What does the letter say, captain?", one of the soldiers asked.
"The those young men are from the Dragon Warrior's Guild.", the captain said surprising the soldiers. "And that they are gathering the pieces of Blue Destiny for Phobos who needs it bring piece to his kingdom."
"But Phobos is a tyrant!", a soldier said. "Is he not?"
"Is he?", the captain asked. "Those are rumors we've heard from those rebels. Perhaps Phobos is a good man. For the sake of all, let us hope that he is.", he said before they gathered their things and headed back to the capital.
Back at the rebel base, it was sunset and Caleb had brought Hay Lin back to her cell before dinner was to be served.
"Today was fun!", Hay Lin said as Caleb unlocked her shackles. "I hope we get to have another day together.", she said with a smile.
"Don't count on it.", Caleb said as he was about to walk off.
"Oh Caleb!", Hay Lin said in a sing-song tone getting the young warrior's attention.
"What?!", Caleb asked as he turned to see Hay Lin lay down on her bed stomach down.
It was then that Caleb once again saw how flexible Hay Lin was as she bent her legs until her feet were with her head. Seeing this Caleb's jaw dropped at how flexible the young knight was. And as much he didn't want to admit it, he was getting turned on by this.
"Very flexible.", Hay Lin said with a wink and smile as she straighten herself out.
Shaking his head, Caleb said nothing as as he left the area. But as he hung the keys and shackles up, he felt himself getting erect as he looked down at himself to see that he was indeed erect.
"Crap!", Caleb said to himself as he got out and away from the prison as fast as he could.
"What was that about?", Taranee asked Hay Lin.
"Just giving him a glimps of the future if we get together.", Hay Lin said with a smile getting a laugh out of her fellow knights.
"He'll be having some interesting dreams tonight!", Irma laughed.
As for Caleb, he made his way back to his chambers to get some rest before he went to meet up with Yevan later in the evening. But as he was about to go into his chambers, Drake came running up to him.
"Are you okay?", Caleb asked.
"We have a problem!", Drake said.
"What kind of problem?", Caleb asked as they headed inside his chambers.
"Frost and Shannon know about our plans!", Drake said.
"What?!", Caleb asked. "How did they find out?!"
"I do not know. But right now, Shannon is riding to warn Mage and your mother about our coup.", Drake said.
"And you're just now telling me?!", Caleb asked.
"Do not worry, my friend. Danna and Lana are going after her as we speak.", Drake said. "They'll stop her before she even gets halfway there."
"I hope that you are right.", Caleb said. "Cause if not, you and I just may end up in some cells."
"Then may I suggest that we speed up our plans and begin to take this place over.", Drake suggested.
"Easier said than done.", Caleb said. "Thanks to Hay Lin the Swift, Yevan wants to speak with me later this evening. If he pulls out of helping us, then we can kiss the coup goodbye."
"Well he helped me in trying to throw Frost off today.", Drake said. "He may just want to talk about something."
"I'll find out later tonight.", Caleb said.
"Correction. We'll find out.", Drake said. "Can't have you going through this alone.", he said with a grin.
"Thank you, my friend.", Caleb said with a smile that Drake returned.
Later that evening, at the obstacle course, Yevan was waiting for Caleb to show up so they could tale abour somethings. He didn't have to wait long when Caleb along with Drake show up. As for Caeb and Drake, they knew that they had to handle this very carefully seeing as it was Yevan who helped them get most of those who have sided with them in the first place. So if they lose Yevan, they lose most of their secret rebels.
"So you wish to talk with me.", Caleb said.
"Yes. I do. But not you and Drake.", Yevan said.
"Drake was one of the first to join my secret rebels.", Caleb said. "Whatever you have to say can be said with him around."
"Very well. Is what Hay Lin said about you having the Prince of the Florina Kingdom come to help fight the knights true?", Yevan asked.
"Yes. It is.", Caleb said. "I decided that we needed an edge in fighting the knights. Granted, I had thought that it would of been either Drake, Aldarn, or myself who would be facing the Lady Will. But I was wrong."
"In more ways than one.", Yevan said. "Most of our secret rebels still believe in what the Seer said about the knights joining us so long as we follow what she said word for word. And you doing this, will cause some of them to question joining up with you."
"I know that it looks bad, but we still have the knights. And if we play our cards right, they will be joining us.", Drake said. "We'll just have to break one of them first."
"Break them? Are you serious?!", Yevan asked. "They didn't become the great warriors they are just to be broken by the likes of us. Those six are stronger than you think they are."
"Everyone has a breaking point.", Caleb said. "And we'll find theirs."
"Just be careful, my friends.", Yevan said. "Do not cross a line that you may not be able to return from."
"So does that mean you are still with us?", Caleb asked.
"I am with you.", Yevan said. "I only wished to hear the whole story behind what Hay Lin said. I only hope that your actions haven't done more harm than good.", he said as they did a warrior's forearm handshake.
"Everything will work out in the end, Yevan.", Caleb said. "Trust me.", he said before they went their seprate ways.
"Glad that's over with.", Drake said as he and Caleb were heading back to their quarters.
"Maybe. But we still have to be careful when it comes to Vathek and Frost.", Caleb said. "Thankfully, Frost will be leaving with one of our hunting parties tomorrow. So that's one problem we do not have to worry about."
"And if I'm right, Vathek will be taking Lady Taranee around the base either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.", Drake said. "Either way, we'll have some time to set our plans in motion."
"Unless Vathek gives us something to do to keep us busy.", Caleb said. "That or he just may confront us about what we are doing and have us locked up. We have to be more careful now, my friend."
"Indeed we do.", Drake said.
The next day, Frost was geared up and ready to leave with the hunting party in which he would be gone for four to five days. Not something he was looking forward to with what was going on. But Vathek made it clear that if they were to suddenly change their plans, Caleb and Drake may catch on to them. Which brings us to now as Frost was with the hunting party ready to go with Vathek there to send them off.
"Good luck to you all and be careful out there.", Vathek said to the hunting party. "The wild animals aren't the only thing that you have to worry about.", he said with a grin.
"Hey! If it's not the wild animals, it's Phobos' soldiers.", one of the hunters said
"What's the difference?!", another hunter asked with a laugh getting a laugh out of the other hunters.
"We shall be safe.", Frost said. "Not even the soldiers go onto Barbaris hunting grounds without permission."
"Good to hear.", Vathek said. "Well you best be off if you are to get to the hunting grounds by noon."
"Be careful, my friend.", Frost said to Vathek as they did the warrior's handshake.
"As well as you, Frost.", Vathek said.
Vathek then watched the hunting party move out as some of them rode horses while two of them rode a wagon. As for Frost, he was on his rhino-like beast he named Crimson. Once they left the base, Vathek went to take care of things, knowing that things would be okay seeing as he had Caleb busy with some things while Drake was taking Irma around the base for the day. Speaking of which, Drake has just been to the prison and taken Irma out for the day.
"So where are we going today?", Irma asked as Drake was driving the wagon.
"You'll see..", Drake said.
"Question. What's the deal with your buddy, Caleb?", Irma asked.
"What do you mean?", Drake asked.
"I mean his feelings for Corny.", Irma said. "He has to know that she wants nothing to do with him."
"Try telling him that.", Drake said. "No matter what I tell him, he still thinks that he has a chance with her. He can be so stubborn sometimes."
"And yet you're still friends.", Irma said with a smirk.
"Well what can you do? We've been through way to much to stop being friends over something so trivial.", Drake said with a small smile when an idea popped into his head. "So which of the knights are you good friends with?"
"That would be Hay Lin. We've been best friends before we were kidnapped and brought here.", Irma said.
"Okay. Look. I am sorry that you were taken from your homes and brought here.", Drake said. "But had your parents came to help us when we asked them to, then you six would still be back on your world safe and sound."
"Are you really blaming our parents for us being here?", Irma asked as she narrowed her eyes at Drake.
"Yes. I am.", Drake said earning a glare from Irma. "Hey! Had they came to help us when they were asked to, then we would be at peace right now instead of hiding out down here. Just like if you all decide to help us, you can be going home and back to your families."
"This coming from the guy who threatened Will yesterday.", Irma said surprising Drake as he looked at her. "Did you not think she wouldn't warn me about you? We watch out for each other. Been doing it for years now. So let me tell you something! If you mess with one of us, you mess with all six of us!"
"Is that so?", Drake asked not showing any fear to Irma. "Well today, it's you and me and whatever I have planned for you today. So get ready for an interesting day!", he said as he drove the wagon to where he wanted to take Irma.
In another part of the kingdom, we have Danna and Lana who had spent the night at an inn. They had hoped to find Shannon in the town but didn't. So right now after having a quick breakfast, the two girls were on their horses and out of the town searching for their friend before she got to Mage.
"I don't get it!", Lana said. "She should have been here."
"Well she wan't.", Danna said. "She must have kept on going in hopes of reaching Mage sooner rather than later. Which is good for us if her horse is tired.", she said with a smirk.
"Maybe.", Lana said as she looked at a nearby river. "I just thought of something. What if she took a ferry?"
"A ferry?", Danna asked. "On this river?"
"Yeah. A while ago, some of the Barbaris tribes came together and started a ferry on this river.", Lana explained. And Shannon is half Barbaris. So they just may of given her a ride down the river."
"And with the river flow the way it is, she could have gotten pretty far while getting plenty of rest.", Danna figured as she looked at the flow of the river. "She could be real close to Mage now."
"So do we go back?", Lana asked.
"No. We keep going.", Danna said. "Our horses are rested and if we stick to the river, we just may get lucky and catch up with her. Besides. We don't know if she caught the ferry. And even if she did, we don't know when she got on it."
"Worth a shot.", Lana said as they followed the river in hopes of catching up with Shannon.
'We will find you Shannon.', Danna thought to herself as they rode their horses down the river. 'You will not ruin Caleb's plans for greatness! I'll make sure of it!'
A/N: Well this is a nice turn of events! Vathek and Frost know about Caleb's plan to take over the rebellion thanks to Shannon who is now trying to get to Mage and warn her about the whole thing, but she is being hunted down by Danna and Lana who are doing their best to find her and stop her. Meanwhile, Peter and his team are trying to catch up with Cedric and his team so they can give them the piece of Blue Destiny they have. Things are coming to a head folks! What's going to happen next?
Please review.