Chapter 29 – Alliances

Time & Again – The King of Fukkatsu

' Fool Me Once, Shame on You.

Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me.'

Sparks scattered up into the air as Julian threw another log on the fire. The three of them all sat around the small table. By the door their cloaks steadily dripped water from the rain. Outside the wind still steadily blew and the door rattled in its stone frame. Rain pounded against the roof and dripped from the vines that covered the cottage. Several pots inside caught the water that leaked through the holes in the roof, the drips echoing loudly in the quiet room.

Julian sat down after dusting off his hands and broke the silence. " There's something that I do not completely understand. " he began. He shifted his spectacles to sit comfortably and then met Sakura and Keno's gaze. " Why the secrecy? Why not simply tell Li that you are here and let him handle the situation? He is more than capable. "

" I forbade her from doing so. " Keno replied steadily his eyes flashing a warning.

" But why? " Julian queried puzzled.

Keno sighed heavily before he began. " About half a year ago I picked up a commission to do some work up near the temple in the mountains. The long and short of it is that I ended up inside the temple and ran into the high priestess there. "

" What does this have to do with – " Tori began.

" Please, " Sakura said softly. " Let him explain. " After all she wanted to know as well.

" I'm not sure myself what happened. " Keno explained frowning. " But she, she being Allendra I mean, wanted to talk to me. I was reluctant to do so but she was very persuasive. We were walking through the temple itself and I remember looking around thinking that the place wasn't a bad as I had thought when I looked up and saw the statue.

" I can't explain it and I'm not sure what occurred but I knew I was standing there with the high priestess next to me but my mind was somewhere else. Someone was speaking to me but at the time I thought it was Allendra.

" I cannot explain what I saw for that was between Allous and I but I can tell you this: I was shown a path and I was told I must take it. I have a mission and Sakura is a part of that mission. So over the next several months I travelled, searching for Sakura. " he shot Sakura a knowing look and Sakura cleared her throat and looked away. " Needless to say I found her and brought her back. "

" When Keno told me that Li was in danger and Oswaine was dying I was more than shocked. I was terrified. " Sakura cut in hoping to delay tricky questions about her previous whereabouts.

" But you see we could not just stroll right in and announce Sakura's return. " Keno replied shooting Sakura a dark look for cutting in. " For if we did, then absolute chaos would reign. "

" Chaos? " Tori arched a dark brow. " I do not think Sakura's return would cause that much chaos. " he smirked in Sakura's direction. " But then again… " he drawled and watched her eyes darken as she scowled back at him in annoyance.

" No. " Keno replied with certainty. " The king's reaction to her return would be calamity in its own accord. We cannot allow him to become distracted. Throw in the tension between the king and the people when they find out that she has returned and then, " Keno smiled coldly. " That will give our traitor enough coverage to finish Sir Oswaine off and open the window of opportunity to assassinate Li while is he busy with her. " he jerked his head towards Sakura who turned her scowl on him.

" But you do not know this to be true. " Julian replied frowning. " It could be different. "

" I know it to be true. " Keno replied and they could see that he did know. The knowledge was there in his gaze. Sakura felt a cold chill seep into her core and she tried to swallow. She knew what it was like to be directed on a path where you had no choice; in reality she did know what would happen to these people as the years wore on. She knew all their history until the time of her birth. She shuddered and picked up her tea and drank deeply.

" So, " Keno continued. " I had Sakura disguise herself as a kitchen maid. She can get information that might tell us how Sir Oswaine is being poisoned. When we get that under control then we can start looking for the traitor. "

" But I told you that we can't do this alone. " Sakura spoke up looking at Keno. " We need more ears and eyes than what we have. My concentration will be solely on Oswaine. I can't be looking over my shoulder while I am trying to look after him. "

" That is where you come in. " Keno said leaning back and looking darkly at Tori and Julian.

" Sakura wants you to help us patrol the Alliance Meeting and watch out for any suspects there. "

" I believe, " Sakura began looking over at the two who had been a strong influence in her young life. " That with your help and particular skills we can flush out the traitor and capture them before someone is harmed or perhaps killed. "

" But how can you be sure that they will reveal themselves at the Alliance Meeting? " Julian asked looking from Keno to Sakura.

" Well obviously they don't want Li becoming any stronger politically than what he already is. That makes the job of removing him more difficult. The more ties the king has the more likely our traitor will get caught. They can't risk that. Not at any cost. As much as I hate to say it, what better way to remove a thorn in your side than to use the crush of the Alliance Meeting to get to who you hate most? " Sakura queried raising her eyebrow haughtily.

" Sakura is right. " Tori spoke up surprising them all. He met her emerald eyes and they shared a look. " This is serious. We've been aware of what has been happening to Sir Oswaine but we have not acted on it. We have failed in our roles as Lords of this empire so we will work harder to help you in this. I will get my best men and we will monitor the people as they arrive for the alliance meeting. We will be as inconspicuous as possible. We'll blend into the crowd and act only if there is need. But I want Sakura as close as possible to the king. "

" Why? " Keno demanded.

" Because I trust her to take care of him. " Tori replied honestly keeping his gaze locked on Sakura's. " After all I trained her myself. "

" In her present state I don't think she will be much help. " Keno replied matter-of-factly and arched his brow when Sakura glared at him. " You can't see it for yourselves? " he sneered addressing the lords in front of him. " Look at her. She can no longer lift a sword. What possible use can she serve as a body guard for the king? "

" Be that as it may. " Tori leant forward his eyes narrowed dangerously. " Sakura has an uncanny ability to save those that she loves most. I trust her to do what needs to be done. "

" Even kill herself should it come down to a choice between the sword and the king? " Keno challenged darkly.

The fire crackled away in the hearth and the room was quiet while his words hung between them all. Moments of charged silence gave way to the creak of the wooden chair as Tori leant back casually and met Kenos gaze. " Yes. Even then. "

Sakura lowered her head and blinked back tears. Her dark locks fell forward and hid her face and all three men left her to herself and continued to talk plans. Julian leant forward and rested his hand on her shoulder while they talked and she smiled up at him.

The rain drizzled away despite the wind still carrying a chill and the four of them made a pact to remain oblivious of each other less they give themselves away. They would all watch and observe and report anything they found by means of secret messages that the three of them had learned while in the Rebellion. Until then Sakura's sole mission was to save Oswaine and do her best to restore him to his full health. They agreed that it would be best if she snuck meals to him when she had a moment to spare amongst her chores. In the mean time Julian would get the herbs she needed for medicine until market day where she could buy what she needed herself.

When questioned, Sakura defended Oswaine's ability to keep her a secret fiercely. She believed secretly that the old man knew who she was. Her ring would have told him all her needed to know; the two of them had been good friends before she was sent back. He would not jeopardize her in away way or form. He wasn't a fool despite his sickness. He knew Li was in danger should he fall and he was as determined as they that he get well.

Being gone for too long, Tori and Julian put on their damp cloaks and snuck back out into the dying storm. They're absence could easily be explained on the weather and wouldn't be so easily noticed. It wasn't until they got back to their quarters, the door closing solidly behind them that Tori put his head back, his eyes closed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

" Allous and Allendra above. " he swore .

For the next several weeks, Sakura worked diligently to bring Oswaine back to better health. Every night she went to bed exhausted and every morning she hoped Oswaine was fairing better. He was the only thing she thought of day and night. If she let herself think of anything more than that she found herself conflicted with emotions that threatened to reveal their mission. If she thought beyond her immediate situation she would find it difficult to pass the people she knew from before and even when she caught glimpses of Li through the long stone corridors it was hard not to run and call out to him.

She ran herself beyond exhaustion working long hours in the kitchen and tending to her patient less she stray from her path. She fell asleep in the kitchen garden while she was picking vegetables and got scolded by the cook. She fell asleep sweeping and woke up when she leant too heavily on the broom and fell over. She dozed under a tree while the linen was drying and woke up with the parlour maid standing with her hands on her hips and a frown to scare anyone.

She bought herbs from the markets and made Oswaine numerous medicines to help the symptoms he suffered and watched the colour come back to his cheeks. As time passed he slept better and seemed to be more alert than when she had first confronted him.

As time passed the parlour maids, chambermaids, kitchen maids and scullery maids slowly started to accept her as if she was one of their own. Sakura was included in all the latest gossip and scandals and was even helped when her chores were too numerous.

When it came for them all to sit down in the hall for their evening meals at the servants' tables, Sakura usually disappeared and ate her dinner in a hidden corner, but now that she was accepted as one of them, the servants coaxed and cajoled her until she agreed to sit with them. But once seated, she kept her head firmly down and refused to even look towards the dais where Li and his men ate.

One night she found Oswaine up and about taking tiny steps but it was a vast improvement from his bedridden state. She hid in the shadows watching him until he looked up and saw her and she smiled. They worked hard over the weeks that followed determined not to fail and soon Oswaine was healthy, though not physically strong.

The Alliance Meeting was to be held in just days and already Sakura's work load had tripled. They both agreed that Oswaine would remain 'bed-ridden' until the day of the Alliance Meeting. On all fronts, it must appear that everything was going to the traitor's plan until the last possible moment.

But Sakura was concerned. She looked around the hall where the nobles and clan lords would approach Li on the dais and pledge their loyalty to him and wondered where she would be stationed. Tori wanted her near Li but there was no place that she could stand without being in plain sight.

She waited until the training yard was empty, hungry soldiers coming through the castle to wash and then feed, before she snagged Keno as he walked through the corridor. They walked into a shadowed spot and scanned the corridor for people. In hushed tones Sakura told him of her fears. Keno looked to the hall and the throne that had been placed at the top of the dais.

" This is going to be a problem. " he murmured frowning. " We will have to speak with Tori about it. " he nodded and then walked away.

She watched him take his leave and then looked up to the top of the castle. Sakura knew she had tons of chores to do but she would take a moment to sneak in and see Oswaine before she was discovered and admonished. She made her way up the numerous flights of stairs and snuck into the room adjoining her patients. She slid over the balcony mindful of her skirts and was about to walk into the room when she heard voices and came to an abrupt halt.

She crept forward until she could see into Oswaine's room and clamped her hand to her mouth to stifle her gasp. Li, dressed in riding boots, brown pants and tunic, sat on the edge of Oswaine's bed.

" Are you feeling better old friend? " she heard Li asked quietly.

" It will take more than this to get rid of me young pup. " Oswaine replied with a hoarse rasp.

" I have my best men on this. I swear on my family honor that I will find out who is doing this to you. "

" Ah young pup, so stubborn but ye canna cheat death. It is something' we must all face sooner or later. "

" I don't care. " Li growled agitated. " No one strikes at my family and can expect to get away with it. Even though you annoy the hell out of me old man you are still a part of my family. "

" Don't be talkin' silly things boy. " Oswaine replied gruffly clearly uncomfortable. " Ye have more important things to be dealin' with rather than putting up with an old man like me. Securing yer future is more important. Instead of annoyin' me how about ye go about securin' yerself an heir eh? "

" Now who is talking nonsense? " Li smiled but it was strained.

" I have my angel lookin' after me so ye go about yer business and work on gettin' me that heir. " he chuckled and then broke into a fit of coughing. Sakura watched Li pour Oswaine a drink and then she backed away. This was a special moment between the two of them and she did not want to intrude.

She made her way hastily back down to the lower floors and set about doing her chores.

A Couple of Hours Later….

Sakura walked back into the hall and helped the other women place cutlery and plates while others set up decorations and aired the room. One of the women arched her back and moaned as her back cracked. She turned to Sakura and asked her to go to the market and make sure that the flowers would be ready for delivery on the day. Sakura quickly calculated how much time she would be set back in her own chores and decided if she ran she could make it back and still finish her chores on time. She raced out of the room thinking only of her task. As she ran around the darkened corner that led into the corridor she barreled into something that jarred her back into the present.

" Oh I am so sorry. " Sakura gushed breathlessly and looked up into the man's face and felt the blood in her head sink to her feet.

Bright Amber eyes stared down at her.

" Oh… yer majesty… " Sakura lowered her head and curtseyed. " Please forgive me. I was not lookin' where I was goin'. "

" No harm done." His voice was deeper and she felt herself resisting the urge to look up and meet his gaze.

" Please excuse me. " she turned in a swirls of skirts and heard him mumble something, but she was so flustered that she picked up her skirts and ran away. She ran until she got the market and fell against a wall and fought to get her breath back.

The Alliance Meeting couldn't come quick enough.

Day of the Alliance Meeting…

" You want me to do what?! " The pigeons resting on the balustrade outside took flight in fright. They flew off together and landed in the courtyard below and continued on as if nothing had happened.

" Tis simple enough. " Oswaine said crossing his arms.

" It is the only way to keep you near Li." Tori replied.

" He will know it is me the moment I step out there! " Sakura shrieked.

" Calm yourself. " Keno replied. " You are acting hysterical. "

" Oh gee… " Sakura turned on him furiously. " I wonder why. "

" It is simple really Sakura. " Julian said smiling placatingly. " Someone has to do it. "

" Ok, wait just a moment. " Sakura closed her eyes tight and pinched the bridge of her nose and turned away from them all as she walked towards the window. She took a few deep breaths and then turned back to them. " Let me see if I get this straight. You want me to stand beside the ceremonial ledger and make sure the ink is wet and the quill is sharp so they can sign their names on the treaty? "

" Tis the only way to get ye in the room close to Li. " Oswaine stated. " If it should make ye feel somewhat better ye can pretend that ye are there to make sure that I don't go fallin' on my ass. "

Sakura felt a laugh bubble up and tried not to choke. " B-But I'm a girl! " she cried instead.

" Really? " Keno drawled sarcastically.

" Aren't page boys meant to be doing this task? " Sakura demanded glaring at Keno in frustration.

" Whose to say you aren't a page boy? " Tori cut in arching his brow.

" B-But I'm not… am I? " Sakura replied confused.

" You soon will be. Come with me. We have to get you ready. " Tori stated turning to leave.

" Ready? " Sakura squeaked.

" I have arranged for a maid to dress you appropriately. For tonight you will pose as a page boy being that the man who was meant to be doing it is ill and asked for you to take his place. "

Sakura ran her hands nervously down her skirts trying to ease the crinkles out and caught Tori's knowing smirk and forced herself to stop. " How well do you think that story will be believed? " she asked wishing she could fidget but she knew Tori too well. He was watching her and was waiting for her to give him ammunition to tease her for weeks.

" Why would anyone doubt me? " Tori replied arrogantly.

" I would quite easily. " Sakura murmured quietly and balked when his dark eyes narrowed on her dangerously.

" Can the maid be trusted? " she asked instead.

" She will keep silent on the matter. "

" I don't even want to know how you managed that. " Sakura shook her head and followed after him and heard him chuckle.

" Put it down to my natural charm. " he murmured smiling.

" Eeewww. "

Sakura felt light headed and forced herself to look up at the ceiling and not at the many faces who were looking back at her. The young girl who had helped her bathe and wash her back had been kind and gentle. She didn't ask questions, she just did as she was instructed.

Her dark hair had been swept up under her hat so she appeared more boy-like. Her coat was dark blue and cut in an elegant form. Her gold buttons sparkled brightly as did the cuff links at her wrists. Her boots were polished and her breasts were banded tightly underneath woven cloth. Though she could barely breathe she knew that if no one looked too closely she could pass as the king's page boy.

Beside her was the ledger that sat on a small desk draped with the banner of the king. The wolf print. All around her were the rich, the noble and the arrogant. They were all dressed in rich clothe in all colours. The room sparkled with the flash of rare jewels and adornments and the women preened and flirted with the men while they all waited.

Oswaine stood tall and proud on the other side of the throne and already she could see people were talking. She looked though the crowd and saw Keno. He nodded slightly and she looked across the room for the others. She couldn't see them but she knew that they were there, watching.

The heavy oak doors opened at the end of the room and Li was announced. His shadow came into sight and then he walked down the red carpet followed by the men of the council with whom he had just spent the last couple of hours discussing the terms of the treaty with. Sakura felt her breath catch. He was dressed in rich cloth of greens, browns and gold. He bowed his head to those gathered and then sat down on the throne. He cut a look to the side and looked at Sakura and she felt her face heat. She angled her chin and turned to face the crowd ignoring him.

" Old man. " he murmured looking over at Oswaine. " Glad to see you back on your feet. "

" Mind ye mouth pup. " but he smiled in return.

Several hours later Sakura was ready to drop. She had heard half the world's clan lords and ladies names and remembered none of them. She had scanned the room over and over and nothing seemed suspect. She felt her mood plummet. What if she had been wrong?

She turned slightly and looked down at the flourishes of names on the parchment and scanned them hoping that maybe there would be a name that would jump out and give her a clue. But nothing seemed out of the ordinary. She sighed furtively and looked up and met Li's amused gaze.

She felt the heat rush to her cheeks and looked away. Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw him smirk and her cheeks darkened. She watched another set of men pledge their loyalty and watched them sign their names. When the ink was dry, Sakura turned the page and the process started again.

Oswaine eventually stepped forward and announced that dinner was about to be served and Sakura sagged in relief. The food was served and everyone made their way to the banquet hall and took their seats. Oswaine walked behind the throne and made his way over to Sakura. Keeping his gaze on the retreating crowd he clapped her on the back.

" Ye did a good job today kid. " he smiled when her eyes narrowed. " Now if ye can still walk after all that standing ye did ye should get some food before it is all gone. Can't have ye belly grumbling when all the room can hear ye. "

Sakura nodded mentally swearing vengeance as she started down the dais stairs cursing her aching legs when Li's voice pulled her up short.

" You there lad. A moment if you will. "

Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat and turned keeping her head bowed. " Your majesty? "

" I know he will not admit it but I can tell Sir Oswaine is tired. Would you help him to the dinning room? "

" Now wait a minute young pup – " Oswaine began.

" This way Sir Oswaine. " her grip made him wince as he turned to looked down at her. " Before all the food gets cold. Please follow me. " she half dragged/pulled him from the room.

The dining room was full of bright colours and burning candles. Cutlery shone and the glasses sparkled. Sakura knew how much effort it took to get them that way and hoped she would never have to do so again. It was a nightmare. She led Oswaine over to his seat at the table before she bowed and made her way to the servants' tables where other pages and squires were seated. She ignored all attempts at conversation with them and they soon left her alone.

Throughout the entire meal her eyes scanned the people seated around her. She watched them laugh and flirt and tried desperately to catch any hint of betrayal but on that score there were none. She felt her unease grow.

She spotted Keno in the shadows and he shook his head slightly and she quickly lowered her head. No connection must be made but she needed to know if anything had been found. How was she to approach him?

She saw him get up and make his excuses before he turned and headed out of the room. Before he walked through the gleaming doors he caught her gaze and was gone. Sakura sipped from her glass of water and counted the minutes until it was safe for her to get up and leave also. She found him outside on one of the balcony's surrounding the castle.

" Have you found anything? " she whispered making sure no one could hear them.

" No nothing yet. The others have had the same result. "

" We must be missing something. " Sakura muttered as she chewed on a nail.

" We can only do what we can do. " Keno replied. " We can't act out of social dictation otherwise we call unwanted attention to ourselves. "

" I know that! " she snapped. " But perhaps we are wrong? "

" You need to get back inside. The ceremony will continue on shortly. "

" Ah this stupid ceremony is killing me. " Sakura growled as she leant against the stone balcony exhausted. " How long do they expect me to stand on my feet for? "

" As long as it is needed for the future to be secure. " Keno replied flatly.

" You know sometimes I forget that you have sisters what with your attitude and all. You were never this harsh with them. I can't believe how uncaring you have – hey wait where are you going? " she watched as he disappeared back into the hallway that would lead him back to the dining room.

" Talk about moody. " she grumbled.

Back in the Main Hall…

Sakura once again took her place beside the ledger. Lord and King alike swore their allegiance and Sakura watched their names join the others in the ledger. She caught Oswaine's eye a time or two but she forced herself to remain submissive. She fiddled with the small dagger hidden in her sleeve that Tori had given her and wondered if she could threaten them all to hurry along. She fought the urge to smile with the images she had conjured when a lady stepped out from the crowd and walked down the red carpet.

" Greetings your majesty. " her voice purred. She was dressed in a richly made gown that was cut low at the front displaying all her charms. She was a beautiful woman by any standard but it was her face that held Sakura's gaze.

The woman had midnight black hair and it was swept up high upon her head. Jewels were wrapped around her neck, dangling from her ears and snaked through her hair. Sakura was frowning wondering why her subconscious was nagging at her when the lady turned slightly and Sakura felt her jaw drop.

" Hektabah! " her mind screeched. Her eyes darted around the room in a panic and couldn't find Keno or any of the others. She staggered back a step and felt like she was going to faint. Her heart was pounding away in her chest. She saw Oswaine looking at her and then look at the woman curtseying low to the ground at the bottom of the dais.

None of them would understand. She hadn't told them of the betrayal, the pain that was caused by Hektabah. None but Keno knew that it was because of her that she had been banished for seven years. No one knew it had been Hektabah that had been poisoning her.

She saw Hektabah start to rise and it was like something clicked into place in her mind. Her gaze cut to Oswaine and then back to Hektabah. Oswaine had slowly been poisoned and no one had noticed it until it was too late. No one knew how it was being done but Sakura knew with certified clarity who had been behind Oswaine's demise.

It all made perfect sense.

Hektabah started to walk up the steps to the throne still smiling. Her mouth painted a deep blood red - A bold testament that reinforced her deceit and treachery.

She had hated Sakura for killing her daughter Jacousta seven years ago and once Hektabah had taken care of Sakura she would have gone back to one person who started the whole thing. Why not patiently wait until Li was at the height of his power and then destroy it all once again? Jacousta had managed to seize control of the kingdom seventeen years ago and now her mother was about to do it once again.

Sakura saw the flash of metal and before she could even scream there was a thud and a shuriken was embedded in the wood of the throne next to Li's right ear. People started screaming and Oswaine reached for his sword but Hektabah was already going in for the kill. Li leapt over the side of the throne as Hektabah slashed at empty air with a small dagger.

Oswaine pushed Li out of the way and aimed his sword at Hektabah. Sakura yelled a warning as Hektabah jumped back and threw several more shuriken. Oswaine jerked and Sakura saw the glinting metal embedded in Oswaine's chest. His sword cluttered to the floor and his face was full of shock. Hektabah leapt forward and struck Oswaine across the temple and he fell to the ground.

Tori and his men where pushing passed people as they ran up the red carpet towards them but Sakura knew that they would be too late. Sakura ran knocking over the table with the ledger in it. Ink splashed everywhere but she didn't notice. Hektabah bent and picked up the sword and aimed it at Li who had his sword drawn and aimed steadily at her. Sakura jumped up onto the taller woman's back and tagged and clawed trying to distract her. Hektabah snarled and wobbled with the person on her back and crashed into the throne as Sakura fell to the ground.

Li backed Hektabah towards the stairs as Tori and his men arrived behind her. Tori signaled them to halt and waited knowing that Li could be killed if they interfered at a critical moment. Hektabah lunged and Li parried. They stepped around one another and Hektabah threw her head back and laughed. She lunged and Li stepped back and fell into the seat of the throne. Hektabah threw the sword away and reached into her sleeve. A dagger flashed and she smiled maniacally at Li.

Time seemed to slow down as the blade arched down. Sakura scrambled to her feet and threw herself forward as Li started to lunge to the left to avoid the blow. Sakura tripped on the red carpet and fell forward. She caught herself on the arm of the throne, her hat flying off and her dark tresses cascading around her face as she heard a crunch. She looked up from the carpet and saw that she was leaning over Li caging him into the chair. But Li was staring down at his lap where blood was splattered.

Sakura sucked in her breath in horror and felt fire lance up her side and steal what breath she had. She twisted slightly and looked up into hate filled eyes full of angered disbelief. Hektabah snarled and twisted the dagger out and blood splattered across her hands.

She pushed Sakura out of the way and brought the dagger down once more. Li kicked out at her wrist and knocked the dagger out of her hand and she staggered back holding her stunned wrist. Two men dressed in black leapt forward, swords drawn, and crossed them in front of Li protecting him and glared at Hektabah.

Hektabah snarled and her hand lashed out and once again several more shuriken hurled through the air. She turned to flee and jumped back when Tori, Julian, Keno and several others surrounded her. She tried to break free but they had her on the ground with her hands behind her back in moments.

She was tied and hauled to her feet when she was secured. Her hair had escaped its elegant confines and hung about her face is a mess. She cursed, kicked, shrieked and fought but was lead away by Tori and Julian's men through the chaotic crowd.

" Are you alright your majesty? " the two men in front of him asked lowering their swords but looking around them nervously in case of another attack.

" Never mind about me what about the boy? " he demanded jumping up and looking passed his guards to the figure lying curled up on the floor.

Sakura could hear all the commotion around her and knew she had to be prepared in case Hektabah struck again. Her vision grayed when she struggled to get up. She pressed her hand to her side to try and stop the fire radiating further but she was failing miserably. She struggled to her feet and swayed. Chaos reigned around her but Hektabah was no where to be found.

She looked down and noticed for the first time the red pulsing out between her fingers and tried to get her foggy mind to register what it was. She saw two boots step into her line of vision and struggled to get her head to lift up.

The world tilted a little but she managed to look up and see Li standing in front of her talking to her but she couldn't hear anything other than the rushing noise in her head. She shook her head slightly but the world tilted and her world went black.

Li caught the boy in his arms and turned and ordered for a healer to be brought immediately. The body of this young boy was thin and frail. Not good odds with such an injury. He turned and looked down at the boy in his arms and went still. Oswaine, covered in blood, staggered up beside them and was joined lastly by Keno. Both looked down at the young figure in the king's arms but Li's gaze was riveted on the scar upon the boy's forehead.

" Allous above Sakura…. " Oswaine choked out in fear. " What have ye done? "

TBC