Chapter 29 – Truth and Friends

Across the sky, a new day dawned. But along the jagged tips of those distant mountains, came a danger that is approaching fast. And the fate of Kyralia will soon be determined by its arrival.

He stared into the horizon. Replaying the conversation the night before with Sonea in his mind. There was good sense in what she said, he knew. For those were the same arguments, he had reasoned with himself, many a times in the recent weeks. Yet how can he ensure his friend is willing to risk learning those truths. He frowned, thinking hard. The message from court will have to wait, he decided. For now, he needed some answers from his friend.

"I never quite understood something, Lorlen." Akkarin said.

The Administrator who was leaning against the roof entrance made his way towards him. Under the dim gray light of the breaking dawn, Akkarin could see the shadows beneath his eyes.

"What is it, my friend?" Lorlen replied, looking closely at him at the same time.

"Do you recall that day when Lord Margen was plagued with the runs?" He asked.

Lorlen was surprised by his question, "Did you rouse me from sleep to discuss about our novices' days?"

Akkarin gave him a dry look. When he offered no further explanation, his friend snorted and answered eventually.

"I remember that of course, my friend." Lorlen shook his head with amusement. "This was one of those unforgettable deeds of our time."

Akkarin chuckled. Indeed, they had done many senseless things during their younger days. Of which, most were harmless, while others got them into more trouble than they liked. And this was one of those. Despite the punishment they were dealt with, he couldn't help feeling pleased with making Lord Margen a constant target of their regalement. After a few moments of reminiscence, he sobered, reminding himself the intent of this conversation.

"I was the one who laced his drinking flask." He looked at his friend. "Why did you say it was your doing?"

Lorlen took a cursory glance over the roof's edge before meeting his eyes. "Between the both of us," He smiled wryly. "I supposed he would be less harsh to me than he would to you, my friend."

"Didn't he had Lady Vinara stop your extra Healing lessons?" Akkarin reminded him.

"Unfortunately he did..." Lorlen said regrettably.

Akkarin nodded grimly. He returned to watch the distant sunrise as he thought about what he did. It took only an undetectable amount of herbs to upset Lord Margen's stomach for the entire day. But that man was sharp, for he instantly suspected them of mischief. When they were questioned, Lorlen took the blame before he could. Not that it was unexpected. Defending one another was something they often did. It was the punishment which took him by surprise. Never did he expect his friend to be robbed of the opportunity to strengthen his Healing skills, which he had decided to pursue single-mindedly. Those extra lessons were of great importance to him.

Strange somehow, he had been thinking about this incident after Sonea had tried convincing him to reveal their secrets to Lorlen. He couldn't help but wonder if his friend would have done the same...

"Lorlen," Akkarin said. "Had you known the consequences, would you have defended me still?"

"That goes without saying." The Administrator replied without hesitation, though he still appeared to be puzzled by Akkarin's questions. "You would have done the same, wouldn't you?"

"I would," Akkarin confirmed.

"Why have you brought this up?" Lorlen frowned slightly, his eyes questioning.

Shifting his feet, Akkarin turned to face him. He took a deep breath and his expression grew serious. "My secrets, Lorlen," He paused. "If I had spoken of them after returning from my travels, would you have treated them as your own?"

The Administrator's brows went up. He blinked several times, looking bemused, while Akkarin waited for an answer. It wasn't an easy question, he knew. But he was glad it didn't take long for his friend to reach a decision.

"Yes," Lorlen replied with a short determined breath. "If I knew what you had been through and the dangers involved, I would."

Akkarin's eyes softened. And a spark of hope grew in his heart. "Even it means compromising your position in the Guild?" He regarded him expectantly.

Lorlen nodded. "I wouldn't be holding this position if not for you, my friend."

Akkarin stared at him. "Thank you." He said softly. This was the answer he was hoping for, that Lorlen is well-disposed to deal with the truth, he was about to learn.

...

Puffs of steam rose from her head as Sonea drew on her magic to dry her hair. She stepped out from the Baths, sighing with relief. Soaking in hot water did wonders for her aching muscles, and she was grateful to leave the tiredness of the previous day behind. She paused, straightened her robes and looked around her.

The morning was fine, vivid colours brought by the spring were starting to show with the rising sun, as was the warmth in the air. The corridors were empty. But soon, the Guild, which has been her home for the past three years, will stir to life. It was only in recent months she realised how much she had grown to like this place. If it wasn't for the war, she probably would not have learnt to appreciate the peace and safety around her. No, she wouldn't have discovered there were worse things to endure than Regin's taunting. Her heart clenched as she continued to inspect her surroundings. Would it stay the same after the war? Or would it become a pile of ruins? She fought back a shudder, and shook her head to cast those foreboding thoughts aside.

As she walked towards the garden, she thought about the day ahead. When she left the residence earlier, Akkarin was nowhere to be seen, though, they were supposed to return to the Thieves' domain today for the volunteers. At that, her mind wandered to the previous night, the conversation she had with him. She wondered if he will agree revealing the truth to Lorlen. She prayed so. Someone should know of their plans, in case...

A movement caught her eyes. And she stopped in her tracks.

"Sonea!"

Her eyes widened as she recognised the owner of the voice. Clad in green, the Healer strode towards her, his robes swished around him as he walked.

She drew a short breath. "Dorrien!"

Hurriedly, she closed the distance between them, halting before him. Their gaze locked. For a few moments, they stood regarding one another in awkward silence. His bright blue eyes swirled with emotions so intense that she found herself looking away. Her face warmed. And her pulse quickened. But it wasn't like the time he had kissed her at the spring. The heat on her face and the throbbing of her heart was not for him. She was happy to see a dear friend again, but so much had happened since they last met. Her trial, her becoming a black magician, her new feelings for Akkarin and those secrets they shared. No longer was she the same person he knew. Yet, the look in his eyes clearly reflected the feelings he still held for her. Feelings, she could not return.

In spite of all these, it doesn't change the fact he is still her most treasured friend. Although seldom seen, he had always brought her happiness in his own unique ways, whenever he visited. So she smiled, it was a fond one she gave him.

"When did you get back, Dorrien?"

"A few hours ago," He returned her smile and looked at her, searchingly. "It's been a while, Sonea." His voice was soft. "How have you been?"

She gave a nod. "I'm fine."

"So much has happened isn't it?" He added quietly, "I heard from Father..." His voice trailed off as he considered her black robes thoughtfully.

"Yes," Sonea breathed and shifted her gaze.

"We have much to talk about, Sonea," She lifted her eyes again. "The hour is still early to report to Lady Vinara. Shall we find somewhere quiet?"

Sonea gazed at the direction of the High Lord's residence and hesitated. Although she wished to catch up with Dorrien, there were more pressing matters at hand. As she was about to turn down his invitation, she saw the tiredness that shadowed his eyes. A familiar pang of guilt rose in her. Instead of using some rest after a long journey, he had rather spend time just to talk to her.

"It wouldn't take long, Sonea." He prompted when she remained undecided. And against her better judgement, she found herself nodding in return.

He took her through the gardens and started towards the direction of the University, his pace long and hurried. Sonea had to lengthen her strides to keep up. Every now and then he would slow and shortened their distance, and always he looked as if he had something to say but he would close his lips, then gestured her forward. Soon, they arrived at the Entrance Hall and started up the stairs. They walked in silence, with only the sound of their footsteps, replacing conversation. After two long flights of stairs, they made their way through several smaller passages. Sonea was breathing heavily by then but was glad to see they have finally reached their destination. Dorrien stopped before a door, waved a hand over a panel set into the wood. As it swung open, they skidded to a halt. Two robed figures stepped through the same door they were about to enter. She froze, and so did all of them.

It took her more than a few moments to realise that she was staring at Akkarin with her breath caught in her throat. And beside him, stood Lorlen. Closing her agape mouth, she fumbled through her greetings, bowed stiffly. Her face warmed furiously at the same time, but she felt as if her blood had turned to ice. And through her haste, she heard Dorrien repeated the same after her.

Unable to lift her eyes, her gaze remained glued to the ground. Of all places and people, why did she have chance upon Akkarin, right here with Dorrien? What would he think? And what is he doing here with Lorlen? She asked herself those questions. Her heart almost stopped when she heard him speak at last.

"Greetings, Lord Dorrien. When did you arrive?" His tone was cool, yet Sonea can't help but to think it sounded colder than usual. And even with her gaze lowered, she could distinctly sense Lorlen eyeing both Dorrien and her questioningly.

"Two hours ago, High Lord." Dorrien replied beside her.

Then the Administrator spoke. "Good to see you back, Lord Dorrien. We need to speak about the situation at the South Pass," He paused. "However, there are more pressing issues requiring our attention in the city today. We will call for you upon our return." Lorlen took a step forward and placed a hand on the Healer's shoulder. "Have a good rest. You look exhausted."

City? Sonea lifted her head in surprise as Dorrien returned his thanks to the Administrator. Stealing a glimpse at her guardian, he nodded once before walking away without another word. His robes brushed lightly against hers. She stilled at that contact, and even more, when she saw the look which Lorlen had given her before joining his companion. It was...meaningful. Had he been told? A surge of anxiousness and curiosity came over her. Sonea tried to look away but she couldn't take her eyes off them, off Akkarin.

It was as though he heard her thoughts, for her heart skipped, when she heard his voice again.

"Sonea," Akkarin's dark eyes bore into hers. "Return to the residence in an hour's time."

She parted her lips to reply, but he was already gone.

...

When their footsteps faded into the corridors, Sonea felt her tension ease. But she was soon overwhelmed by a wave of longing as she dragged her feet through the door. She turned around and glance at the empty pathway. All she could think about was how badly she wished to speak to Akkarin right now. She sighed. Looking at the Healer, she knew it will have to wait. For as much questions she had for Akkarin, Dorrien will have plenty to ask of her as well. Besides, some explanations would have to be made, to the both of them.

"That was awkward." He puffed and turned towards her.

"I wouldn't disagree." Sonea winced as she shaded her face with a hand. The sunlight that pierced her eyes was no less forgiving than the guilt she felt in her heart. She took a deep breath, and another then stopped, when she felt the Healer's intense gaze upon her.

"Rothen told me about Akkarin's reasons for taking over your guardianship." Dorrien began when she gave her attention to him.

"It all makes sense now. Why you had put a distance between us." He continued with a trace of regret in his voice. "I wished I knew and could have helped you..."

Sonea broke in. "You couldn't have done anything." And shook her head. "I wouldn't want you to as well."

His brows knitted together. "Did you regret...learning black magic?" He asked slowly and continued more cautiously. "Were you forced to?"

"No." She replied instantly. "Akkarin did not make me learn anything against my wishes. I insisted him to teach me." Shifting her feet uneasily, she added. "It must have been a shock for you. Knowing I've taken lives with it."

"You've misunderstood, Sonea." Dorrien explained quickly. "That's not what I meant." He paused. "It was hard imagining you would make such a choice."

"It wasn't easy, yes." Sonea agreed quietly.

He looked into her eyes, his voice softened. "Black magic or not, it doesn't change the way I feel for you."

Warmth rose to her cheeks again. His bright hopeful eyes quested after hers so deeply that it jabbed her conscience. She dropped her gaze, masking the guilt in them. It was Akkarin her heart belongs to now. Yet what can she say and not hurt him? She chewed her lips nervously as she struggled to regain her voice. But her thoughts went to where words couldn't find. And so distracted she was, she did not realise Dorrien had taken a step closer to her, followed by another.

He must have mistaken her hesitance as shyness, for he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.

She gasped. And her eyes flew wide. The heat on her face returned in full force as she fumbled backwards. "No." She stared at him, with a hand over her lips.

Shock registered on his face as Dorrien pulled away. He blinked with disbelief. And the shine fled his eyes. For several moments, he stood motionless with apparent disappointment. Slowly, his face turned red. "I'm sorry." He muttered. "I thought..." His expression tightened with shame while he struggled with his words. Then he ran his fingers through his hair, looking as if he wasn't sure where to place them. And he glanced away.

"Don't apologise," Sonea said in a small voice, not meeting his eyes the same. "I should have made it clear."

"No, it was foolish of me to assume." Dorrien chided himself for putting the both of them in such a predicament. "Look what I've done." After that, he gave up speaking and paced around the rooftop in mortified silence, rubbing his face once as a feeble attempt to straighten his expression. He remained like this for a long time, before he finally decided to speak again. But it was the dreadful question that came out of his mouth which Sonea had prayed he wouldn't ask. Yet he did.

"Is there someone else?"

Sonea failed to reply. She looked away from him, feeling immensely guilty. So he ventured again.

"You know...I couldn't believe when Father told me you chose to have your guardianship remained with Akkarin." His voice was strangely calm. "I still couldn't understand, when I saw the way you looked at him earlier." He took short breath, stepped forward and looked at her intently. "But I think I do now, Sonea. Is he the one?"

She froze. Not knowing what to say, she closed her eyes and turned away. And her mind went blank. The next thing she knew, her feet had taken her out of the door, away from her friend and away from the truth she dare not tell.

...

...

Author's notes:

Ahh...finally. This chapter took me a long time to complete, as compared to my usual speed :(

Especially the scene between Akkarin & Lorlen. I had a hard time trying to create a scenario where Akkarin could assess how much risk Lorlen is willing to take between safe-guarding his position and doing the right thing. I hope you find that scene meaningful :)

As for Dorrien & Sonea. Gosh, I have to admit I'm rather clueless about Dorrien. I hope you find him IC in this chapter though. And I hope you find the awkward situation between them believable :)

Akkarin & Sonea. Heehee *Evil Laugh* I hope that chance encounter was a surprise to all =p Again, it wasn't easy to create that scene. Let me know it was expected or unexpected :)

And as always, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and leave your reviews please!

Of course, thanks Ralobat again for beta-ing this chapter! You're getting better and better at this! *wink*