"What?" said Daine in surprise.
"My older brother…" said Kaddar again.
Lindhall stood up and clapped a hand on Kaddar's shoulder.
"Are you all right Kaddar?"
Kaddar smiled at Lindhall.
"I'm fine. It's just –a surprise."
Lindhall nodded grimly.
"So if he's your older brother, then…why are you Emperor?" asked Daine confused.
Kaddar smiled wryly at Daine. He stood up and began to pace. Lindhall took his vacated seat.
"I had an older brother. He was 4 years older than me but we got along great. He and I were very close."
Daine looked at him, seeing pain, even though it was a long time ago.
"As the eldest, he would have been next in line for the throne. He was also a very talented mage, even though he was 12. With a few more years practise, he could've rivalled Ozorne. He was even named after Ozorne, Muhassin was Ozorne's middle name. The people of Carthak loved Muhassin; they thought he was wonderful. Ozorne felt threatened-"
Lindhall coughed.
"I know there is no proof Lindhall but I'm right!"
Daine could tell they'd had this argument many times before.
"Anyway, I know, but Lindhall prefers to say think, that Ozorne knew Muhassin could over throw him. Muhassin knew that Ozorne despised him and didn't want him to take his throne any sooner than he had to. One day, when I was 10 and Muhassin was 14, he went out riding on his camel in the desert. A big sand storm blew up and Muhassin was presumed caught in it. He never returned. Ozorne declared him dead and my mother was hysterical. She moved out of the palace because of Ozorne, to her own home. So presumed dead, Ozorne lived on happily. I was the next heir and Ozorne was happy about that because I had not enough magick or Gift to worry, let alone rival him."
"And now he's alive." Said Daine, engrossed.
"It seems so. I mean, Ozorne never sent a search party. For all we know…he could be."
The man they discussed, Muhassin Ali Iliniat stood atop of a sand dune. From there he could see the tiny black outline of Carthak. Faking his own death had probably been the smartest thing he'd ever done. Free from Ozorne's rule he could learn all the magic he wanted. And he did. And now he could return, have his city and Ozorne would pay-at his hands.
"Muhassin." Said a voice and Muhassin turned to see a bearskin cloaked figure coming towards him.
"Still regretting?" asked the figure snidely, stopping to stand beside him.
"Not at all. Just thinking." Answered Muhassin.
Though his face was hooded, Muhassin knew he'd have one eyebrow raised, a look of his known superiority- or so he thinks, thought Muhassin.
"The plan is going well."
"But of course. What do you expect of my work?" said the man smugly.
"But of course. And well done on capturing that mage. High marks on strategic planning and execution on capture." Said Muhassin, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"The mage is under surveillance. He is not an issue." Replied the cloak, his voice icy cold.
Not at the moment anyway, thought Muhassin smartly but kept quiet.
"He better not get in the way is all I'm saying."
"He won't."
"I get my city and you get your mage."
"Yes indeed. Why I wouldn't dream of breaking our deal."
But you would, you lying conniving-sprite thought Muhassin.
"Good. I want the people too you know. Killing for fun will be a crime of my country, even for one as tricky as you."
"Muhassin, Muhassin, Muhassin. Some times people have to suffer to accept more easily. For the greater good."
"I don't want the people harmed. Pure and simple. Though pure, do you know what that means?"
"As simple as revenge in it's purest form."
Muhassin ignored the tart answer.
"What is the point of a people less city? And what is the point of a plan where you don't get what you want?"
"Is that a threat, Muhassin?" He murmured, dangerously amused.
"Not at all. Just a friendly reminder."
"I appreciate the concern." And he turned to leave. A last gesture was sending his magic out and wrapping it tightly around Muhassin, to cause him a few moments of no air. Then he released it and left.
Muhassin smiled. Fool. The magic was nothing; the spell did nothing to Muhassin whatsoever. But he didn't know that. It was smart, to leave the he-was-an-all-powerful-mage-part omitted. And if he tries to turn on me, I'll be capable. Muhassin headed back to camp, to wait and bide his time.
With all the excitement of the day and records, yet not much progress Daine went back to her room feeling a bit down. They had all these records, but nothing to link them to! Daine sighed and flopped down onto her bed. A knock at the door made her sit up. Kitten opened it with a trill and bounced happily at the person who was entering.
"Woah!" said a voice, laughingly.
"Kaddar?" said Daine, standing up. " What is it?"
"Nothing!" he said smiling. " I just wanted to see if you wanted to go do something other than sit inside and write all day."
Daine smiled.
"My backs so stiff I can hardly move!' she said.
"Well, let's go to the training yards. Maybe archery will get the joints moving."
"All right. Lets-"
Daine was about to pull on her boots when a blinding flash lit up the room. When the light settled, a large badger was before them.
-Hello Daine. Greetings young Princeling-
"Badger!" cried Daine, and she dropped down next to him and buried herself in his fur.
-All right Kit, that's enough. - He said.
"Greetings to you too, First Badger." Replied Kaddar with interest.
-So you know who I am. I am
pleased. But what I'm not pleased with is that you haven't moved anywhere with
that animal control thing. Your facts are in front of your face like a plate
full of grubs! Why can't you take them!?-
"Why would we want a plate full of grubs?" asked Daine smiling.
-Don't be pert Daine. It
must be done! It is a part of the web of destiny! The gods know what is
foretold, but you must make the ending right! -
The Badger cocked his head and growled.
-All right all right! They didn't notice! Beside, they
need to figure it out some how! -
The badger looked back at them, noticed Kaddar thinking hard.
-Maybe the princeling did notice. -
Badger then winced, as if an invisible voice was yelling at him.
-All right. -
Silver light filled the room.
-Oh and Daine? Learn to use
your magick. Learn to use it well. Get over Numair. He didn't deserve you. -
Daine's eyes welled with tears.
"Thankyou Badger." She whispered.
-And Kaddar? -
"Yes?"
-Look after her. - And with a flash he was gone. Kit trilled at them and then left after him.
"Kit's gone to see Ma. What is it that you're muttering about?" asked Daine.
Kaddar looked at her.
"We need to get to Lindhall-NOW!"
And he ran out.
"So much for archery." She
said begrudgingly, and reluctantly put on her boots and ran after him.
She found Kaddar in Lindhall's office.
"…what he said! It is all a part of the web of destiny! The gods know what is foretold Lindhall, foretold!"
Lindhall frowned then it hit him.
"Prophecies! It's all a part of some prophecy! But where will we-?"
"To the library!" cried Kaddar.
"To the library!" cried Lindhall, standing up, getting into the swing of things.
"There's a library?" said Daine.
The Keeper of scrolls was a very nice lady. Truly she was. But after 3 days of Lindhall, Kaddar and Daine, searching haphazardly through her normally tidy and well-kept shelves was just too much. She turned down right grouchy. They made too much noise, they made too much mess, they made the books dirty, and even when they were quiet she said they breathed too loudly. It was finally, on the 10th day of searching that Daine stumbled upon a discovery. She had been on a ladder, looking at the shelves when she found a scroll.
"AH HA!" yelled Daine. Maighdin, the keeper appeared.
"That's it! I'm sick of all this noise! You lot have been 'ah ha'ing the past ten days over nothing. Everywhere I move I see mess! Books and scrolls that are normally tidy are messy! They should not be messy! If I hear another peep or see another mess I will personally remove the lot of you from this library with a large club! Is that understood!?"
Daine, Kaddar and Lindhall stared and stood stock-still. Then they tiptoed out very quietly.
"So where were we?"
"We were at AH HA!" said Kaddar helpfully.
The two men looked at Daine.
"Right, Ah ha." Said Daine. She opened and spread out the scroll she'd found.
"Listen to this;
Listen to the truth of what might pass, the seeings of what is to come
May you believe, woe to those who don't take heed.
Even the creatures will be called away, forced to join their fight,
The black one wants the world as hers; the red one is at her side.
They have forged their own destruction yet lest they do not aware,
To the sands they shall discover, the key they have forged
It is the temple guardian's tablet passed on, who will save the cursed
She will fall but to be caught by the God-child, the fate rests on thee."
Daine looked at them expectantly. Kaddar and Lindhall looked back.
"I still don't see where ah ha fits into this." muttered Kaddar to Lindhall.
"It's right there!!" cried Daine.
" 'The creatures will be called away, forced to join the fight,' the animals have been running away and attacking humans they'd normally care about. 'The black one,' well we don't know that but, 'to the sands.' The answer must be in the desert. We have to find a tablet or a temple or something. And maybe it will be there."
Daine looked at them excitedly.
"I suppose it could be possible." Said Kaddar slowly. "But there are a lot of maybes in there."
"Well we don't have anything else. And this scroll was found in the eastern lands in a temple of a seer who lived out in the Carthak deserts.' Said Daine, reading the library tag attached to the scroll.
"Everything is pointing to the deserts! That black cloud headed out to the desert too."
"Daine the desert is a very large terrain to cover. It stretches on for ages."
Kaddar nodded sympathetically.
"Lindhall's right. But we could still try. We haven't got anything better to go with."
Daine nodded.
"All right. Tomorrow let's head out and begin our search. We'll start in the eastern deserts."
* * * * * *
The trio set out the next morning. They scoured the area over 6 days, riding to the furthest regions of the Carthak desert. Still the search was unfruitful, but Daine was sure that their answer was out there somewhere.
"We just have to keep looking!" she insisted. Kaddar frowned, then got up from his spot on an armchair to move next to Daine.
"Can I have a look at the parchment?" he asked. He was close enough for his breath as he spoke to lightly touch Daine's cheek.
Daine felt a shiver tingle it's way down her spine.
"Um sure."
He took it from her hand. As he did their finger's touched. Daine met his eyes and felt her stomach jolt. He was very, very close to her. Daine stared at him long after he'd looked away. Kaddar didn't seem to notice. He took the parchment and looked at it.
"There's a bit missing." He said finally.
"Um, what?" She said.
"A bit missing. Look. It's torn."
Sure enough, the parchment had been ripped. It was a fairly straight and clean rip, but it was ripped never the less.
"So there must be another part to it." Said Daine.
"Yes. And that is what we might be missing. We have what's possibly going to happen, but we don't know how to stop it." Kaddar said in satisfaction.
"I know it's in the desert. The answer."
Kaddar nodded. "Okay. Tomorrow we'll look again." He handed the parchment back to Daine. "But for now I'm going to go out and do something fun. Archery maybe."
"I think I'll go ride one of the horses."
"Ride or borrow one to chase after clouds?" teased Kaddar.
Daine chased him all the way down to the training yards. She didn't notice the man watching them both.
Daine brushed and wiped Crystal down after their vigorous ride and led her back into the stall. She turned around and jumped in surprise at seeing a young man with fair skin leaning against the doorway.
"Gosh, you um- surprised me." Said Daine, slightly nervy. "Can I help you?"
"Maybe you can." He said drawlingly. "I'm looking for a girl from Galla. A common born bastard who pretends to be a noble. She thinks she can escape from her past, hiding in Carthak, but she can't. Everyone will know you're nothing but a slut, Veralidaine -Sarrasri." He spat out.
Daine stood there shaking. How did he know all these horrible things about her? He was advancing towards her.
"Sarra's bastard- do you spread your legs just like your mama?" he taunted, his face hard and closed.
"What do you want from me?" said Daine, almost in tears. She really was all these terrible things, she couldn't deny them. And for this person just to say it all out in the open- she couldn't bear it.
"Leave Carthak. Go back to your little hometown with your crazy wolves. No one wants you here."
Daine stood, still shaking. He was standing right in front of her.
"B-but I can't leave. I have friends and-"
He grabbed her shoulders hard, gripping harder and harder.
"They don't want you here." He hissed, blue eyes glinting. "They have better things to do than try to look after some commoner."
Daine let out a small cry.
"Please, let go, you're hurting my shoulders."
"I command you to let go of her!" ordered an authorative voice. The man took his evil gaze off Daine and looked.
"Well if it isn't the young Prince." He let go of Daine and she dropped to the ground, sitting and shaking on the hay.
"Come to save the girl who warms your bed? How touching, how valiant."
He didn't see it coming it was so quick. The man gasped and grabbed his face where Kaddar had punched him. A trickle of blood poured out from his split lip.
"Get out." Kaddar ordered, his jaw clenched in anger.
"Make me little prince." He sneered.
Daine hid her face as the two fought each other. The blond man ran out, badly bruised, a bloodied nose and several missing teeth. Kaddar wiped his hands grimly on his tunic, and strode to Daine. When he spoke, his voice was gentle.
"Daine?"
She looked up at him. His eyes were worried and he had trickle of blood coming from one of his eyebrows. She got to her feet shakily.
"Daine are you all right?"
She collapsed into his arms, sobbing into the tunic. Kaddar hugged her tightly.
"Daine, I heard some of what he said. It's not true, you know it isn't."
"But it is! I am a commoner from Galla! And what he said about ma-"
"Is not true. Your mother is a lovely caring goddess and is not like that at all. You should know that. What that person said was low and cruel and people like that are cowards who like to pick on someone smaller and defenceless than themselves."
Daine's tears stopped and soon the shaking stopped too. Kaddar's arms were warm and protective, making all the bad stuff seem to melt away.
She eventually looked up at him.
"Kaddar?" she began and then noticed the blood. "You got hurt."
"It's only little." He said, not taking his eyes off hers. She carefully wiped the blood off the side of his face with the edge of her sleeve.
"You all right?" she asked.
He didn't answer- his face was leaning closer towards her. She didn't move, just tilted her head slightly, eyes focussed on his lips. Kaddar kissed her gently, his lips melting onto hers. Daine closed her eyes, relaxing in his embrace. He then hurriedly drew back.
"Daine I-"
Daine opened her eyes.
" That- I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that Daine." He said breathily and ran out.
Daine felt slightly dizzy. Kaddar had just kissed her! She stood there in shock and enjoyment. When his lips had touched hers everything else didn't matter and she knew it. Wait a minute, what was she thinking? Kaddar and her! No! It was- they were just friends! Friends, yes, friends-get closer all the time don't they? Whispered a little voice at the back of her head. No! Daine reluctantly put it down to the heat of the moment. It didn't mean anything- did it?
Daine went inside. It was going to be a long day tomorrow so she best get a good night's sleep. It took a while to fall asleep. Thoughts of Kaddar kept her awake, worrying and wondering.
* * * * * *
Daine and Kaddar walked to the training yards in silence. It was a very uncomfortable silence. Eventually Kaddar spoke.
"Um, about yesterday?" Kaddar said awkwardly.
"Yes?" said Daine, trying desperately not to sound too hopeful, spirits rising.
"It was an accident, right?"
Clunk.
"Oh yes, absolutely." She answered quickly, shoving away her disappointment.
"Nothing at all there between us."
"Not a thing."
"Silly thing to do really."
"Oh, yes, ah ha ha!"
There was an awkward silence.
"So we're still friends?" prodded Kaddar hoping for a different reaction except for denial.
"Still just friends."
"Right."
"Great."
They both turned away but they were thinking the exact same thing.
Damn.
They set off, both of them pretending nothing had happened. And it worked. They soon forgot about it and were talking and joking happily. They rode deep into the desert.
"Well this is the eastern edge of the desert. Any further and we go into unchartered desert."
"Wouldn't it be amazing to be the first people to see a place?" said Daine dreamily.
"Absolutely. As long as we aren't the last ones to see it also."
Daine made a face but said nothing.
She scanned the desert eagerly, Kaddar at her side.
"Daine there's a storm brewing." Kaddar said worriedly, looking at the clouds of sand in the distance. " I think we should head back."
"Kaddar, I know it has to be here somewhere. I want to stay here a bit longer. You can head back."
Kaddar looked at her uncertainly. Daine smiled warmly.
"Seriously, I'll be fine."
Kaddar nodded and turned his camel around. He galloped off into the distance, back to Carthak. Daine turned her head back to the never-ending sands of the desert. She stayed for several minutes longer. As Daine was about to head back herself, a flash of white caught her eye. Urging the camel forward, they trotted towards the white. The winds were getting stronger and sand was swirling making it hard to see. The camel halted in front of what looked like a large bundle of white cloth. Daine sighed, disappointed. It was just clothe.
-We better head back- she said to the camel. The camel snorted at her and lowered it's head, grasping a mouthful of white material. She lifted her head and Daine realised, in shock, that it wasn't a bundle of white cloth. It was the dress of a young girl, with a young girl in it.
-The storm is too harsh. We'd have no hope of getting
back. - The camel said. –I can
take us to a nearby oasis. -
-Thankyou. I think that would be our best option. -
The camel galloped east, through the harsh blowing winds. Daine kept her head down so the sand wouldn't get in her eyes. When she lifted her head, she realised that the winds had stopped. They were surrounded by lush green vegetation, exotic and colourful flowers and green mosses carpeted the ground.
-Thankyou Brenda- said Daine.
-You're welcome- replied the camel called Brenda. She gently lowered the girl to the mossy floor and Daine dismounted, removing her packs from her back. Brenda wandered off to eat while Daine tended to the young girl. There was a running stream nearby so Daine wet a cloth and wiped the girl's face. She gently poured water into her mouth, wetting the parched and cracked lips. The girl soon coughed and her eyes fluttered open. She sat up and saw Daine. She then saw the stream and plunged her head into it. Daine smiled and the face emerged minutes later. She shook like a dog and then looked at Daine, who was covered in drops of water.
The girl laughed croakily and Daine joined in.
"Thankyou." She croaked. She cleared her throat. "Thankyou. For saving me." She said in a more normal voice.
"You're welcome." Daine replied.
The girl smiled. "I feel like I've swallowed the half the desert. Oh, wait a minute I did."
Daine smiled at the dry humour.
"I'm Nicaylia."
"I'm Daine."
They stared at each other, Daine taking in the girl's face. Nicaylia had brown eyes and deep brown hair that was wet at the moment. Her skin was desert tanned and looked very brown against the whiteness of her cotton dress. Her eyes watched Daine curiously as Daine began to unpack her pack.
"What are you doing?" Nicaylia eventually asked.
"I'm making us some food." Replied Daine. She fished out two cloth balls that held rice grains and dried fruit and vegetables. They were similar to the ones the Queen Riders had and would do well as a meal. Daine soaked them in the stream water.
"Who's that?" asked Nicaylia suddenly. Daine looked around, searching for a person.
"No, that." Said Nicaylia, pointing at a small painting on the ground. It was a small portrait of Numair. It must have sat in a pocket that Daine hadn't emptied for ages.
"Just someone I knew a long time ago. Someone I thought I knew." Said Daine coolly.
"An ex lover? He looks like a jerk."
Daine looked at Nicaylia suddenly. The girl blushed and ducked her head.
"I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
"It's all right."
The food was ready to be eaten.
They ate in silence.
"Why were you out in the desert?" Nicaylia asked eventually.
"Why were you?" Daine replied back.
Daine felt those dark eyes watch her as she ate.
" I was heading to Carthak city. My camel dumped me as it came across a desert cobra. I walked but I must have fallen." Nicaylia said.
Daine nodded.
"So why were you?"
Daine looked at this girl she had found. Although she liked Nicaylia well enough, she hardly knew the girl well enough to tell her what she was really doing.
"I was just um riding." Said Daine.
Nicaylia raised an eyebrow.
"You're a really bad liar you know that?" she said conversationally.
Daine blushed.
"I'm sorry. It's just-"
"Something that you wouldn't tell a stranger you found in the desert." Finished Nicaylia, stuffing the rest of the food in her mouth. "Thatsh okayf." She said through the rice.
"You're very messy, did you know that?" said Daine teasingly. Nicaylia grinned a ricey grin and the swallowed.
"Sorry."
"It's all right."
"So do you live out here?" asked Daine.
"Yep. Well, I did."
"Did?"
"Mmm. My family left me in various ways so I was heading to Carthak to find- a job."
Daine looked at her sharply.
"Not that kind of job!" cried Nicaylia. "For you information I'm a very adept sewer and weaver."
Daine nodded.
"What happened to your family?" she asked gently." You don't have to tell me."
"No it's all right. My mother left my father and me when I was baby. He never really got over her you know? I must look like her 'cause sometimes, when he thought about her, his eyes would glaze over and he'd look at me as if I was a picture. He sent me to live with my grandfather. I lived with him most of my life. But –he died, 2 weeks ago."
For the first time, sadness crept into Nicaylia's tone.
"You must have loved him very much." Said Daine, understanding.
Nicaylia nodded and swallowed hard. " I did. I still do. He was the only one who I loved and who cared about me. I don't care about my mother. But grandpa-was different."
Daine watched Nicaylia's eyes mist over and stare off into space.
"He cared. We looked after each other. He told the most wonderful stories. He was delirious with a fever before he died. Before he did pass on, he called me to his bedside. He spoke to me, like he couldn't see me but he knew I was there. He told me a story, but it was different this time. It was almost like- like a prophecy. A legacy he had to pass onto me. And only when he told it all did he pass on. I'll never forget it."
A chill trickled down Daine's back. Here she was out, here looking for a tablet with a prophecy and she'd found this girl, who was speaking about a prophecy. Nicaylia broke out of her trance like stare and smiled.
"I guess it sounds silly, huh." She said.
"Not at all. " said Daine. "Why are you telling me all this?"
Nicaylia shrugged.
" I don't know. I guess because I trust you."
Dark brown eyes met smoky blue ones. Something passed between them, a connection like a flash of lightning leaving an odd and unsettling yet peaceful feeling inside of Daine. It was weird and the two looked away hurriedly.
Daine decided quickly.
"Nicaylia, the real reason I'm out here is because I'm looking for a tablet with a prophecy on it. It was meant to be in a temple ruin out here. But instead I found you, talking about prophecies. Do you think you could– will you tell me what your grandfather said?"
Nicaylia's dark eyes were empty of any emotion.
"Yes. I will."
"The God-child and the Pure One will purge the desert of what is wrong,
Together they will fight different enemies,
Both from their pasts but only the pure has the song,
She will call the one who will fight, and on wings of white it shall arrive,
To destroy the evil that could shadow the land,
Yet gave the pure one life."
Daine frowned slightly. "That's not my prophecy. Mine goes;
Listen to the truth of what might pass, the seeings of what is to come
May you believe, woe to those who don't take heed.
Even the creatures will be called away, forced to join their fight,
The black one wants the world as hers; the red one is at her side.
They have forged their own destruction yet lest they do not aware,
To the sands she shall discover, the key they have forged
It is the temple guardian's tablet passed on, who will save the cursed
She will fall but to be caught by the God-child, the fate rests on thee."
"They have the same people in it." Breathed Nicaylia. " The God-child. Who is she? Are the prophecies meant to go together?"
Daine looked at her in realization.
"They must be! There is a tear at the bottom of my parchment; maybe the rest is your bit! But how?"
Nicaylia was silent.
"You said you were looking for a temple out in the desert. My grandpa." she said suddenly. "His great-great- grandpa was a seer. I remember hearing a story about him; he went insane and was forced to live as a hermit out in the desert."
Daine gasped. It was all so coincidental.
"This is too weird."
By now it was late. The sun was setting, a beautiful orange red.
"I think we should get ready to sleep now, before it is dark. We're not going to have any light." Said Daine.
"Don't you have the Gift?" asked Nicaylia.
"I can't make light." Was all Daine answered to that. "Do you? Have the Gift?"
"No. Not that I know of."
They set up camp, laughing and joking as if they had known each other for years.
It was dark and they lay down on their warm sand beds they had made.
Daine lay looking at the stars so clear from their spot in the desert. She heard an odd little tune.
"Nicaylia?"
"Mmm?"
"What's that song you're humming?"
"Oh, sorry, I don't mean to. I'll stop."
"No, keep going, it's nice. Just, what is it?"
"I don't quite know. I just know it. It might be a lullaby of some sort. Maybe my mother sang it to me when I was young, I wouldn't know."
"Can you sing it for me?"
"All right;
Ish ke hamor, ver tifah, al ti fah,
Hër som ah, kegh Vah terra hagh,
Hagh un ter vah, ner kah jjat velle,
Ijat tel fard de verkough un tre ventre un hagh.
Verrr ahh, aaah ah aaah,
Aaaah aah ahhh ah ah aaaah,
Hurgh un ter ger ter rah,
Lai lai aaah lai lai aah
Hurgh un ter ger ter rah,
Lai lai aaah lai lai aaaaaah."
It was the most chilling yet beautiful song Daine had ever heard. It was as if the stars in the heavens were singing their life's own melancholy song, too complex for any mere mortal to understand.
"It's old Carthak. I don't know what it means."
"Sing it again please."
Nicaylia did and soon the two were fast asleep. Neither of them noticed or heard, the abnormally large white bird flutter down and land on a branch above them, watching.
Daine and Nicaylia headed back to Carthak, taking turns to walk and ride Brenda the camel. Daine had explained her magic to Nicaylia who was impressed and treated Brenda with such reverence it had been funny at first. They arrived at the castle just after midday. Kaddar ran out and grabbed Daine in a huge hug.
"Daine! I was-We were so worried! We didn't know where you were! You didn't come back! How did you survive the storm?"
"Put me down and I'll tell you Kaddar!" said Daine, laughing. They headed inside to Lindhall's study. Daine explained what had happened and what Nicaylia and her had discovered.
" I still don't get it though." Said Lindhall. " How are we going find out who or where or what these people are?"
Daine shrugged.
"Maybe they're in a book or something. Or Carthak history?" suggested Nicaylia.
Lindhall nodded.
"You might be right. I'll check right away. I think we're going to need outside help with this." He said. Everyone looked at him, interested by his puzzling words. He wandered off towards his collection of historical books that were in another room.
"Oh and Daine?" he said, sticking his head back in the room. "Alanna wants you to contact her as soon as possible. She said it's very important."
Curious, Daine headed to the nearest mirror, Kaddar and Nicaylia following.
"Alanna?" Daine called, focussing hard.
"Daine!!" yelled Alanna. "Oh it's great to see you! It's been months! All chaos has broken loose here!"
"What? What's happened?" asked Daine, sounding panicky.
"Calm down, sorry, it isn't that bad. But-"
"But what?"
Alanna wasn't sure how to tell her.
"Marianne and Numair were meant to be wed last full moon. But Marianne never showed up. Numair was at the altar and she didn't show. They searched the castle where they were both staying but she had gone. All her belongings were gone also. There was nothing left, not even a letter or a hair pin."
Daine stared in surprise. Marianne and Numair's wedding had been the furthest thing from her mind and it was all so astonishing that something like this could happen.
"How's Numair?" asked Daine reluctantly.
Alanna studied her for a second before she continued.
"He's a wreck. He can't concentrate, he won't eat properly, he 's just been walking around in a daze. He can't understand why she just vanished."
Any tart answers or replies Daine kept firmly in her head. Her face replied politely blank.
"Oh. That's too bad." Was all she said.
"And we heard that you're having trouble in Carthak. People and animals disappearing."
"Yes. Disappearances have practically stopped, but we don't know where they are."
Alanna nodded gravely.
"Anyway, we'll be arriving soon. I received a message from Lindhall saying he wanted me and Numair to arrive up here and help you all."
Daine frowned. " He never mentioned any of this to us."
Kaddar coughed. "Uh, that's not strictly um, true."
Daine rolled her eyes.
Well, we'll see you soon Alanna. Take care now, won't you?"
Alanna smiled.
"I will Daine, I will."
Her friendly face disappeared and Daine felt very worn out.
"I think you need some rest. Both of you." Said Kaddar. Nicaylia was escorted to a room next door to Daine. Kitten returned sometime in the night and was very glad to find that Daine was all right.
After two days rest, Lindhall approached Daine. She had been pouring over some books and didn't notice when Lindhall pulled up a chair across from her.
"Daine."
She jumped and looked up.
"Lindhall, you surprised me!" she said smiling. "Can I help you?"
"I think you can." He said slowly. "Remember a while ago when I asked you about your magick?"
"Yes." She said slowly.
"I think you should try again. Start to train it or something. War magick is very powerful-and dangerous if it can't be controlled. I know you have at least a little bit of control but I want to see the extent of it. Would you like to try?"
Daine looked at him thoughtfully.
"I never thought I'd be fighting like that. It almost seems unfair to use my magick over people who might not be able to fight it."
"Your magick can also defend these people who can't fight it. And many a war mage aren't any where near as decent as you in your thinking. They wouldn't think twice about attacking someone who couldn't fight back on their level. We may need you power someday Daine. Hopefully not, but that way things are going, I feel it might be soon."
Daine nodded. "All right."
"Wonderful. Shall we begin now?"
Daine followed him out to the training yards. Just near the jungles, was a large sandy area with large boulders scattered in various places.
"You knew I'd agree." Daine accused Lindhall playfully.
Lindhall smiled. " What can I say. Maybe I did."
"Daine I want you to blast these rocks. Start with the furthest one away from us."
Daine concentrated hard. Blue power welled at her hands and she shot at the rock. It flew straight and fast and hit the rock. A large explosion sounded and when the smoked cleared, there was only powdered rubble. Lindhall stared at the almost invisible remnants.
"Well."
Daine looked at him. He was openly staring.
"What?"
Lindhall shook his head.
"Nothing. I didn't expect it to be so- efficient. All right, this time, hit the one now furthest away. But don't make it into powder; preferably small pebbles."
Daine concentrated hard, but this time not gathering as much power. She fired and the rock still exploded into dust.
She frowned.
"Let me try again."
3 more rocks later and they were still becoming dust.
"This is so frustrating! Why won't they just be pebbles?" she asked Lindhall. Lindhall smiled.
"It isn't how much power you use, it's how hard the power hits it. You could use a thumbnail of power but if you forced it fast enough it could shatter the largest of rocks."
Daine frowned and tried again. She used a small ball and lobbed it gently. It hit the rock nearest to them, exploding. Heat waves from the explosion came searing at them, as well as large debris rocks, hurtling fast enough and large enough to do some serious damage. Daine slammed her energy into producing a shield, saving her and Lindhall from being burnt and hit.
The explosion died down and Daine stopped her shield. Lindhall stood up from his crouched position, hands over heads.
"That was the next step after the pebbles." Said Lindhall dryly.
Daine ducked her head sheepishly. "Sorry."
Chapter 24
Daine worked with Lindhall, training over 3 days. Her targets became pebbles, then middle-sized boulders then to dividing them into four. Lindhall explained the theories behind each movement and taught Daine to bring them into action. 2 days after that brought them to the docks waiting. Nicaylia was playing with Kitten and Daine was standing tensely watching the seas for the boat. A hand grabbed hers and Daine turned to see Kaddar next to her.
"Are you all right?" he asked gently. Daine smiled brightly.
"Of course I am."
Kaddar raised an eyebrow. He wasn't fooled in the slightest. He squeezed her hand gently and walked off towards Lindhall. A large part of Daine wanted him back next to her to hold her tightly. She didn't think she'd be able to stand up by herself. It had been six months since she'd last seen Numair leave in the boat with Marianne. And no matter what she privately thought of him and Marianne, she was not going to let it affect everyone else.
"Daine?"
Daine looked to see Nicaylia next to her. Her dark eyes were unreadable as she watched the sea.
"Why are you so tense?"
Daine smiled.
"I'm not. Just-worried."
"Why?"
"Because."
"This man who is coming, he's the man from the photo isn't her?"
Daine didn't reply and Nicaylia didn't make any more attempts to discuss it. Voices on the docks began yelling orders as a large boat was seen in the horizon. The area was cleared and prepared. Daine watched stonily as the boat docked and Alanna appeared. Alanna ran down the gangplank and slammed into Daine. Involuntarily, she burst out laughing as Alanna hugged her tightly. To Daine's surprise she was several inches taller than her redheaded friend.
"Oh it's so good to see you again in person Daine!" said Alanna cheerfully, breaking away. Daine smiled happily.
"It is." Said a voice and Daine saw Numair standing there. He looked exactly as he always had, perhaps more gaunt. His face normally tan was a bit pale. Daine wasn't sure if it was because he was sick or because of the apprehension he was feeling. Many feelings rushed around Daine, but she ignored them.
"Hello Numair." She said calmly. Alanna studied her curiously. She wasn't cold but she wasn't friendly either. It was-neutral.
"There is a feast in the university to welcome you both." Spoke up Kaddar. "We'd best head there if we wish to attend on time."
The group headed out towards the university.
Numair studied Daine as he sipped his soup. She was beautiful, her blue eyes sparkling and dancing as she laughed and joked with Alanna and Kaddar. Her skin was a golden desert brown and she was lovelier than he had last seen.
"Where's Nicaylia?" asked Lindhall, swallowing a mouthful of rice.
"She's resting. She said she didn't feel well." Said Daine. She then turned to Alanna and filled her in with all that had happened. The animals behaving oddly, words Muhassin, them latching onto the prophecy and searching the desert, and then finding Nicaylia speaking of prophecies. Alanna murmured and gasped at the right places.
"Sorry to get to business straight away." She said embarrassed. "It just sort of slipped out."
"It's all very interesting." Spoke up Numair. Daine nodded.
"It has been. What's been happening in Tortall?"
Alanna began telling what had been going on. Basically Jon and Thayet were all stressed with their son Roald's marriage. Kalasin had become quite troublesome, disappearing from the palace for days and then returning. Alanna was kept busy chasing after Kalasin and to talking Roald. She had finally met Keladry of Mindelan who had become a squire- Alanna's squire in fact. Numair filled in gaps with talk of studies and castle news. There was also the arrival of another girl waning to be a knight who was being sponsored by Kel.
"She's very talented." Was all Alanna said about her and Daine made a resolve to ask her about it later.
The only silence was when Numair's wedding was brought up. The conversation was a bit strained but Daine forged on and ignored it.
The next few days were filled with discussions in Lindhall's study. Various links and theories were made and discussed. Daine explained her dream and it was decided as prophetic-it could possibly come true. Omens from messengers filled them with worry as rumours of war and the gathering of an army. It was the fourth day of discussion when Kaddar snapped.
"I don't want a war." Said Kaddar harshly. "My people need to be safe. I'm going to see the army. Discuss tactics. They're going to arrive from the desert so we shall prepare. I don't care if this is real or not; if it is, we can defend the city with a plan and with force. I will not let Carthak fall at my hands."
Kaddar strode out determinedly and everyone was silent.
"All right. We have all these ideas but there is no motive. We don't know who or why they are doing this." Said Lindhall frowning, looking at the spread of parchment enveloping his desk.
"Funny how people are disappearing and so did Marianne." Commented Daine.
"Just say it Daine, say it!" burst out Numair. Everyone looked at the two. Alanna had been waiting for when an argument would break out between the two.
"Say what?" asked Daine innocently.
"Say that that's what you deserve, that she would do something like that! Stop being so God damn polite and feel something! Face it Daine, you never liked her in the first place so why don't you just be mean and say something!"
"Ma told me if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all. I don't have anything to say." Replied Daine cooly.
" I know you're thinking it. It's all behind that mask."
"Don't ever presume to think you know what I'm thinking. You made that mistake along with many others a time ago." Daine snapped and stormed out of the room.
Numair stormed out in the opposite direction. Lindhall, Alanna and Nicaylia sat in silence.
"Tea, anyone?" Lindhall asked brightly.
Daine stormed outside to the fields. True she didn't consider Numair a close friend anymore but she at least had been acting civil towards him. She didn't know how she felt. She felt sorry that Marianne had left him standing there but she still felt it was partly his fault. For running off with a stranger, for leaving her. Even though she hated him for being so beastly, she knew she cared a bit about him still. This confused her very much. Even if she wanted to be with Numair, and she didn't, there was Kaddar. Daine wasn't sure about her feelings for him either except they were very strong. It was all so confusing and it had put Daine in a bad mood. She headed out to the area that Lindhall had cleared for her. She stood and blasted at the boulders. The first one flew into the air, Daine blasting each middle-sized boulder into powder before it hit the ground. Then she just snapped. She blasted every single boulder, not caring about technique or where they went. Each boulder became powdered dusty sands, Daine exhausting all her energy.
"Daine."
She whirled and saw Kaddar standing there. He came towards her and she fell into his arms.
"I'm just so annoyed! And confused! I don't understand anything I'm feeling and-"
Kaddar hugged her tightly.
"Just remember. What ever you decide, I'll still care about you." He whispered. He went back inside. Another group of blue explosions were set off. Daine wasn't any less confused.
Chapter 25
Later that night, everyone had gathered in Lindhall's study. Daine and Numair weren't speaking to each other and everyone was uncomfortable.
"Listen up. I've discovered something about the seer who lived in the desert." Announced Lindhall. That got every one's attention.
"I've also come to several conclusions-shocking ones if anything." He continued, hazel eyes serious.
"Thanks to the fact we know the a seer is Nicaylia's great-great-great grandfather, we were able to trace back things. Akati, Nicaylia's great-great-great-great grandfather was the first person to be able to conceal magic within a single living soul."
Nicaylia looked up from her spot on the floor next to Kitten, who was curled up in her lap.
"I didn't know he could do that." She said. " He was quite mad, my grandpa told me. Madness seemed to be hereditary. My great-great, my great- and my grandpa all went mad when they died. He did experiments on his family-" she broke off.
"Yes, that's my point." Said Lindhall. " His family. He foresaw a prophecy. He foresaw it for a reason. So he decides to conceal something in a person. To make them the one who could fight this prophecy."
Nicaylia sat open mouthed.
"But that would mean someone in my family would be the Pure One!"
Lindhall nodded gravely.
"And the 'Pure One' in the prophecy is female."
"It's a very reasonable idea though Lindhall. But there's no one female in my family though." said Nicaylia apologetically. "The only people directly in line to Akati were all male. Except for-"
She stopped and stared at Lindhall, who nodded.
"Except for you."
There was a long silence. Nicaylia sat in shock. Daine quickly dropped to the floor and put an arm around the younger girl.
"Lindhall, you've frightened her." She murmured. "You could have at least told one of us to then tell her."
"We didn't have time Daine. And this also affects you.'
"Me?"
"The God-child, I presume is you."
"Me?"
"Female, finding the key, Nicaylia, in the desert. That all was you."
"Me?"
Daine and Nicaylia stared at each other. To think that an unknown force had brought them together. It was scary thinking that her life was being controlled. Daine shook off the feeling.
"The prophecy also says you have to fight."
"That's insane!" burst out Kaddar. "Lindhall it's too dangerous! They don't know how to fight!"
"Maybe they're meant to learn?" suggested Alanna doubtfully.
"That's what the Badger said when he visited us." Spoke up Kaddar, as if he regretted each word.
Daine looked at him.
"He told you to train your power."
Daine nodded slowly.
Nicaylia finally broke out of her daze.
"But I have no Gift! No power, nothing!"
Lindhall shrugged. " It was just a theory."
"Just a theory." Said Alanna in disbelief. "You scare the two of them into shock and worry us to death and now it's just a theory."
"Well it makes sense." Said Numair. "The connections and everything. I mean, how many God-children are running around in this desert?"
Lindhall agreed.
"It's true. According to the prophecy, fate rests upon you two, Daine and Nicaylia."
"You really make a girl feel wanted Lindhall." Alanna said grimly.
"Tomorrow we attack. We have numbers and we have weapons." Said Muhassin, plans on parchment spread out in front of him.
"They have not been deterred. Not the girl, though we sent that man to get her away and we've lost one cloud. Presuming that they've got it, we don't want them finding out how it works."
The cloaked man nodded his head.
"Excellent. We will attack at sundown. They should not be prepared. That will be valuable."
"If we leave now, we will be able to camp and then attack by sundown."
"Then prepare everything. I will get them to follow you."
Muhassin nodded and left. The whole plan was in place. Muhassin was tingling in anticipation. This time in 2 days, he would be king.
The whole palace was nervous. Soldiers were patrolling at every gate. Kaddar was pacing back and forth along the walls outside, scanning the area. Nicaylia stood with Daine, nervously wringing her hands in the material of her dress. Ever since she had found out she was the Pure One, Nicaylia had become withdrawn. She also never left Daine's side, unless it was to eat. Even then she stayed with Kitten, who had become very attached to her. Daine sighed at the worry evident on Nicaylia's face and looked back at the sky. It was another sundown and still no sign. The sun sank into the horizon and the inky blackness of dark filled the sky.
"No sign you Imperialness." Reported a soldier.
Kaddar sighed.
"No. Thankyou. I think we will go in. It seems they aren't coming today."
Everyone turned to go inside and headed off to their own various doings. Lindhall went to read, Alanna to polish her mail and Numair up to the tower he was staying in. Nicaylia went with Kitten to the kitchens. It was amazing the amount of food the two ate. Daine was left all alone. She decided to see Kaddar.
Deciding to see him was the easy part; finding him wasn't. Finally she found him in the throne room pacing. She watched him throw himself onto the throne and sit and massage his temples.
"Not tonight. But how many other nights must we wait?" he muttered. Looking up he saw Daine in the doorway.
"I hate waiting! It leaves us vulnerable. At anytime they could be there. And we don't know when!' he slammed his fist down on the arm of his throne.
"Kaddar calm down." Said Daine gently. She moved next to him. He got up and walked to his window, looking out at the city, still lit up by torches though it was dark.
"I don't want them to suffer." He whispered. " They deserve better."
Daine stood behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders, resting her chin on one of them.
"I know, I know." She whispered.
Daine woke the next morning and dressed in her breeches and blue shirt. She unconsciously put on her archer's wrist guards and boots and prepared her bow. When she walked into the throne room, Alanna smiled at her.
"All ready I see."
Daine blushed.
"No harm in being ready."
"Indeed not." Agreed Lindhall. They day dragged by slowly. The air was tense and nervous, the castle unusually silent. If someone laughed, it was short and harsh and out of place and then stopped almost immediately. It was a nervy atmosphere. Sundown brought them back along the wall, ready. Daine stood there, like yesterday. It was like in replay. Kitten started to screech and Daine looked at her puzzled. The young Immortal was clawing at the air around her and then her muzzle. She suddenly flared red and then slumped to the ground, out cold. Daine bent in horror to help her dragon friend when suddenly she lurched. She didn't feel the arms that caught her as she suddenly fainted.
-Hello- a voice spoke. –They are coming.
They know what they want. Do you? -
"I, I don't know what you mean." Daine said,
confused. "I don't know."
-You'll have to choose. And you have to fight. -
"I don't want to. I'm afraid."
-Fear is a worthy adversary. You should be afraid.
-
Daine felt herself falling and then she hit sand. It
was hot and harsh, the desert wind whipping her hair. She could see the castle in the distance. That's where I must be;
she thought and started running towards the castle. But no matter how hard she
ran, it kept moving further away from her. Then her vision changed. The sun was
setting. It was a beautiful desert sunset, of orange, pink and yellow colours
blending into the horizon. And a large fireball sun, setting on the horizon of
the desert, streaking the sky a deep, blood red. The setting rays shone over the city of Carthak and the palace.
And then they appeared. Dark lines on the horizon, tiny specks of people,
moving rapidly towards the city.
Then she was standing along the wall. Looking into the castle she could see Kaddar, sword fighting with someone. The figure then impaled him through the stomach. She tried to scream but couldn't.
Daine shook her head and sat up. It was a premonition. This time, they were coming for real. Kitten hadn't moved, she must have been hit with a spell.
"KADDAR!!" she screamed. He heard her scream and then was bellowing orders. Soldiers streamed out towards the outskirts of the castle and out into the city.
The sun was setting and then it appeared. Dark lines appeared on the horizon. Men and women and animals were standing there, charging toward the city on horses and on foot. Dogs ran with them as well as hurroks that filled the sky, shrieking and screaming. People in the city screamed and ran around. The men and workers in the city grabbed whatever weapon they could find, a hoe, an axe, a spear and joined the soldiers. Feral war cries filled the air and fighting began. Hurroks swooped to attack and arrows whistled through the air. Several hurroks were hit but the 20 others or so zoomed through the air screaming defiance. Daine spotted two men on the backs of two hurroks. One man cloaked shot red fire and it exploded into the castle. A large tower then exploded, steaming clouds of black smoke billowing out of it. The hurrok then descended, and reappeared, minus the mage it had held.
"NUMAIR!" Daine yelled. He had been in that tower, on guard watching. " I've got to get to him!" she cried. More hurroks were descending into the castle, carrying men armed with knives and swords and bows. Fire arrows were shot at the castle and wooden roofs and various poles were caught alight, black smoke starting to appear.
Pandemonium broke loose and Daine ran to find Kaddar. She found him surrounded by soldiers.
"KADDAR GET YOURSELF SAFE! YOU'RE THE EMPEROR!" she yelled, worry filling her chest.
He gripped Daine tightly.
"I WILL NOT LET YOU GO IN THERE AND FIGHT DAINE! I'm not leaving you!"
"KADDAR, NUMAIR IS UP THERE! As much as I resent him I can't let him die! I need you to protect Nicaylia!"
"NO!"
Daine turned. Nicaylia stood there, defiantly, her white dress billowing around her.
"I am going with you. You need me. If I am the Pure One then only together can we fight whatever it is."
Daine stared at her.
"Yes. I know."
They both ran to the castle and disappeared into the smoking buildings.
"DAINE!!" yelled Kaddar. He turned back to the guards.
"DEFEND THE CITY!" he ordered. "Do what you must to protect our people! Get the Hurroks first. Arrow, fire, throw whatever you can at them. Don't let anymore of them land in this castle! But try not to kill them! They aren't aware- the less blood shed the better!"
The soldiers saluted and took command.
Kaddar turned and ran after Daine into the castle's walls.
Daine and Nicaylia ran through the castle, heading to the tower until a hulking golden metal figure stepped into their path.
"Who says fighting is men's work? I DON'T!" It said, and ran with them. Alanna cut down whoever came into their way, letting Daine and Nicaylia get to Numair. They had only to go up a grand staircase when about fifteen men ran down it towards them. Lower ground was then an advantage. Daine drew her bow and shot several of them and they were dead before they hit the ground floor. The men that did make it, leaped at them, brandishing weapons. The eerie thing was that they didn't speak. They didn't talk or make facial expressions or twitch, they just attacked, their eyes totally black.
"ALANNA! WE CAN'T KILL THEM! THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING!!" yelled Daine, an eerie feeling at the nape of her neck.
"IF IT'S MY LIFE OVER THEIRS THEN FORGET IT!" the knight shouted back as she fought off four men at once. But as she fought she aimed to knock them out, not kill. Daine grabbed a piece of wood and used it as a staff. Nicaylia did the same thing, knocking down as many men as they could. Alanna saw that they weren't going to get anywhere. Knocking down a man waving a pitchfork, she cast a net of purple around them all. The men froze, unable to fight. Eventually they go the whole scene under control, the men all tied up with cloth and linen that was pulled out of a nearby cupboard.
"Alanna, go around the castle and find whoever you can from their side. Tie them up, knock them out but do not kill them. They can't help that they're like this. They've been controlled by some spell, just like the animals. Nicaylia and I will get Numair."
"Daine, it's too dangerous for you to-"
"Don't argue with me! I know what I'm doing! Please Alanna listen to me!"
"Kaddar is going to skin me for this." She muttered and watched Daine and Nicaylia run up the stairs towards the tower. Alanna looked at the gagged and tied up men sitting around on the red-carpeted floor and sighed. She headed out to round up others.
* * * * * *
Numair coughed, the smoke was choking him and making his eyes water. He had been resting, the little food he'd eaten from losing Marianne and the seasickness had taken a toll on his body.
"Who's there?" he called. A red light filled the room and then grabbed him by the neck. He levitated into the air, an invisible hand choking him. He clawed desperately at the air around his throat in vain. He was then sent flying backwards to smash into the wall. His head and back hit the wall hard, his teeth clacking and biting his tongue in his mouth. Numair tasted the copper salt of blood as trickled out of his nose and mouth. He sent out a blast of his own pearly magic to whatever or whoever was out there. It was absorbed and then shot back towards him. Chunks of stones flew everywhere, aiming for his head. Numair shot out blasts of pearly magic to all the large chunks, exploding them into dust. A large blast of red hit him in the stomach and he coughed, spitting out blood onto the floor. A word was spoken and the ground beneath Numair began to shake, rumbling and causing parts of walls to cave in. The roof had already been blasted away and Numair spoke a word of power to neutralise the effect. It didn't work. Sweating nervously, he spoke again the rumbling stopped. Slightly more relieved Numair got to his feet painfully only to fall back down as the earth shook again, as if playing with him.
"WHO'S THERE!!?" he yelled again. "I demand you to show yourself!"
A low chuckle reached Numair's ear's through the crackling of fire and screams from below. A cloaked figure stepped through the clouds of smoke towards Numair.
"At this point in time, you're not the one making the demands Master Salmalin." The cloak sneered and Numair was shot at again with red light. He slammed up a pearl shield but it was just devoured and Numair was hit. He fell to his knees, his black masters robes tattered, his face bleeding from scratches and damage. His palms were cut from where he'd tried to break the falls and his swarthy face was pale.
Numair kneeled on the ground, bruised and beaten fighting to get to his feet.
"Why are you after me?" he croaked, the smoke from the blasts of magic hurting and choking his throat.
"For payback." Hissed the cloaked figure. "To take from you everything you took from me!"
"I-I don't understand."
The figure laughed. "No, you wouldn't. The beauty and complexity of it all is too much for you to understand. But before I kill you, I'll reveal all."
The covered hands reached up to the hood and slowly pulled it back. Numair gasped in horror. The head was blue, bony with it's skin stretched tightly across the bones. There were no eyebrows and the lips were a mottled purple. The eyes were what made Numair realize. The left eye held a single glowing ruby stone.
"Inar Hadensra!"
"Yes. Hard to kill off a great mage. And guess who my sister is."
Another figure appeared beside him, dressed in black and smiling.
Marianne.
"Funny how these things happen isn't it Numair?" she cooed.
Numair felt his insides contract; his throat blocked making it difficult to swallow.
"How? Why?" he choked out.
"Well after you killed me and burnt my body in numerous torturous ways, my essence and power was reverted into my crystal. Yes in fact," he said, "This very crystal in my left eye."
Red light shot form the crystal and grabbed Numair. He tried to scream but his throat and body was too worn.
"And you'd be amazed how useful water sprites are. Their bodies and their magic. I have both now. I am more powerful than ANYONE could beat! More powerful," he said enjoying every moment of Numair's shock and pain, " than a black robe mage."
Kaddar sprinted into the castle, his sword raised. He ran towards the stairs when a figure leapt at him. Kaddar raised his sword and blocked the thrust aimed at his head. He attacked, chopping at the opponent, who blocked and ducked each advance. The figure turned on one foot and Kaddar lunged for his opponent's middle. The figure sidestepped and turned. Kaddar only just turned quickly enough to block the swing. Their swords raised the two pressed against each other, neither blade moving, their strengths evenly matched. Kaddar quickly stepped back and aside, causing his opponent to stumble. Kaddar slice his blade through the air, aiming at the figure's head. His blade almost hit its target but only nicked the black material covering the intruder's face. Kaddar saw his opponent properly and gasped.
"Muhassin?"
"Kaddar?"
The two lowered their sword and embraced. They then stepped back, panting slightly from the fight.
"Brother it has been so long!' said Kaddar, his throat tight.
"Only about eight years." Replied Muhassin nonchalantly. "Yet, can we post phone these greetings? I need to find Ozorne-and make him pay." His voice changing to a growl.
Kaddar frowned, confused.
"Ozorne is dead. He was killed two years ago in the Immortals War. Didn't you hear?"
From Muhassin's shocked face, he obviously hadn't.
"Where have you been?"
"Living in a cave the past two years. So that would mean- you're the Emperor."
Kaddar nodded. The silence stretched between them.
"Well. This certainly changes things." Said Muhassin, scratching his cheek.
"We'll sort this out later." Said Kaddar finally and quickly. "Right now I need to help my friends! This mage I know is a target!"
"Oh yes. The plan was for him to die."
Kaddar stopped and stared.
"What?" asked Muhassin bewildered.
The two ran on together. They turned a corner and stopped at the sight before them. Alanna stood there, red hair streaming as she twirled and fought off various opponents. Occasionally she shot out purple ties, which all linked together, freezing many men and animals in their attacks. When all had been accounted for, she prepared to tie them up.
"Alanna?" said Kaddar.
"What? Oh!" Alanna turned and all the people that had been suspended in mid air collapsed to the ground. She quickly turned back and took hold of them again.
"Help me tie them up won't you?" she called back to the two men. Bemused, Kaddar and Muhassin complied.
"Where is Daine?" asked Kaddar.
"She ran to save Numair. She should be up in the tower."
"And you just LET her go up there!!?" Yelled Kaddar.
"She knows what she is doing!"
"She CAN'T FIGHT! She DOESN'T know HOW TO FIGHT!" Kaddar roared.
Alanna paused.
"Oh Goddess what have I done."
And they sprinted up towards the tower.
Daine and Nicaylia forged on, picking their way up to the castle. Debris of wood, marble and sandstone littered their path and soon they could go no further.
"We'll have to fly up there." Said Daine decidedly.
"But how?" asked Nicaylia. " We can't fly- can we?"
"I'll have to call a hurrok. You take the bow. If and only if it attacks, shoot it."
Nicaylia grimly and determinedly took the bow.
-Winged flyers I call you!! - Daine yelled with her magic.
A passing hurrok called back.
-What do you want mortal pest?! I maybe be collared and
under the control of that mage, but that doesn't mean I will be controlled by
every mortal! -
-What if I told you I could get rid of that collar around
your neck, which is causing you such pain? For a fee of course.-
There was a long silence as Daine waited for a reply.
-I would be very interested mortal. What do you propose?
-
-I propose to remove those collars from around your
necks. Then, if you dump those humans on your back that brought you away from
your homes and help us, I will try to return you back to you immortal world. -
Ma and Da and the Badger will help me return them, I know they will, thought Daine firmly.
-Try is not good enough little mortal. We want a
guarantee. -
-I can't guarantee. But I can offer to try. The humans
that brought you here have no intention to return you at all. They will
imprison you permenantly or will expect you to be killed, not 'try' to return
you. -
-I agree. And my people agree too. - The hurrok said finally.
-Fly lower so I can reach you. - Said Daine. The hurroks dumped the people and flew towards Daine. Praying to the Goddess that this would work, Daine drew an arrow to her bow and formed a ball of blue power onto the arrow tip. Then aiming, she shot at the hurrok. The arrow hit dead on the collar and it exploded into fragments. The hurrok roared and then calmed. This happened to each and every hurrok.
-Thankyou small one. - The hurrok she had first spoken to said. –The collars are
painful. And I will honour our deal. -
The hurrok flew down to let Daine and Nicaylia climb on, when Kaddar, Alanna and another man Daine did not know puffed up behind them.
"DAINE!" yelled Kaddar. He sprinted up to her.
"Either help me or get out of my way!" cried Daine determinedly.
Kaddar grabbed her arm, holding her back. She spun and faced him, her eyes flashing angrily.
"I don't want you getting hurt." He said firmly, with worry in his voice. Daine relaxed a bit.
"I won't." she said reassuringly, and he let go of her. She clambered onto the hurrok after Nicaylia and disappeared into the smoke clouded sky.
"By the gods let her be all right." he said feverently.
"Don't you see mage? It was all an elaborate trap! And you walked right into it. Your foolishness and stupidity, tsk tsk, a mage of your experience should know better."
Numair glared up at the mocking Inar. He suddenly shot out a ball of pearl magic. It came two inched within Inar's face who merely laughed and batted it away.
"It is futile mage, futile. You know you're going to die."
Numair felt it too. He didn't have enough magic in him to blast another ball, unless he used his life source. Defiance and a feeling he hadn't felt for a long time crept into his heart- fear.
"Oh goody goody! Can I kill him Inar? Please pretty please?" begged Marianne.
"But of course sister. You do get your prize at the end of the day. After all, you had the most foulest job of us all."
"Sleeping with him was her job? I just thought it was because she was a slut." Said a voice. The most beautiful sight Numair had ever seen appeared before him. Daine appeared through the smoke, her hair dishevelled but blue eyes flashing angrily. Her jaw was clenched determinedly and she landed gently upon the rubble ground. Nicaylia fell through the air and landed beside him.
"You all right?" she asked.
Numair nodded and then cried out in pains as his neck hurt doing the movent.
"You!" hissed Marianne. "The girl."
"So kind of you to recognise me. But I'm angry. How come I didn't get an invitation to the wedding huh?"
Daine shot a ball of blue at the pair, causing the ground they were standing on to blow up and shatter into sharp fragments. Red light appeared around them. Daine hammered at the red shield with her blue power, explosion after explosion against the red shield. It vanished and revealed a very angry Inar.
"You think you can fight me!" he roared. " I AM THE GREATEST MAGE OF ALL TIME! NOBODY attacks ME!!!"
Scarlet light gathered and exploded, blowing up every single rock that was scattered. The walls that were remaining were blasted away and the whole tower shook. Numair felt the wind from the force of Inar's blast and the heat sear his face and he curled up in a ball to protect himself.
Then it was still, just smoke wafting around from the power. The ground was blackened.
"Such a pity she had to die." Said Marianne, yawning. " She was so pretty."
"Believe me I won't say the same about you.' Replied a voice. The smoke disappeared and the air grew cold. A large blue circle was growing around Daine; a strong icy wind was blowing, gathering round her. Large, sharp icicles appeared, glinting a warning of death.
"H-How? It's not possible for anyone to survive that!" cried Inar, a look of shock on his face.
"WAIT!!" shrieked Nicaylia. Everyone paused and looked at her. Marianne stared at her, blinked, and then smiled cruelly.
"Hello Nicaylia."
"Mother?" she asked shock.
"Your mother?" cried Daine, stunned.
Nicaylia stood there, her white dress whipping around her in the wind.
"Mother?" she repeated.
"Yes well, not through any fault of my own. Your father, stupid man. You know I never loved you. You were a thorn in my side. I loved him and him only. But then when he said he'd choose you over me, well there's only so much a woman can take!" Marianne raved
"What about my needs? My pampering? My love? I deserved it! So I left him. He was so shattered." Marianne said gleefully.
"B-B-ut m-me? You must have loved me?! I'm your flesh and blood!"
"As I said, through no fault of my own."
Nicaylia felt her heart falling into pieces and then she was just cold. She looked wildly around, for anything.
"You must have cared. Y-You- sang to me! The lullaby?!"
"Oh that. No that actually was meant to be a spell to kill you. Sorry dear, to break the illusion of a childhood memory of love." Marianne said off hand, checking her nails.
"Don't you dare call me that." Snapped Nicaylia.
"What's the matter sweet pea? Is my little bundle of joy feeling hurt? Mummy will make it all better, won't she honey?"
"STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT!!" screamed Nicaylia, tears streaming down her face.
"How can you? You're not human! You're a demon! You're pure evil. You're a cold-hearted, ugly old witch!"
"Oh now you've done it!" hissed Marianne. " I am not OLD! I am beautiful! How dare you speak to me like that? You have no right! You're nothing compared to me!" Marianne screeched.
She started screaming, high shrill screams that hurt everyone's ears. The winds whipped around them, blowing the dresses, one black and one white. Marianne began to glow black, it was exuding from her, her screams more shrill. She was wringing her hands and swaying like a cobra to a tune only she could hear. The black gathered, reaching out towards Nicaylia. It was like nothing Daine had ever seen before. This was evil magic; pure evil. It reached out, thick black tendrils towards Nicaylia, swirling around her, wrapping around her thin white dress, grabbing her wrists and coiling around her neck.
And then Nicaylia began to sing. She sang, the eerie chilling song she had sang for Daine. She sang louder and louder, over an over. It was so beautiful yet harsh. Daine felt the power of the spirits, calling like a wolf pack, grating yet strong. The tendrils snapped away from her as fast as possible. They snaked back to Marianne, disappearing into the folds of her dress. Marianne's screeches were drowned out and all the black power that had been brewing around her was fading.
"COME BACK!!" She screamed desperately. "WHERE ARE YOU GOING? GET BACK HERE!!"
Nicaylia kept singing. Then she began to glow white. An unknown voice began speaking,
"Listen to the truth of what might pass, the seeings of what is to come
May you believe, woe to those who don't take heed.
Even the creatures will be called away, forced to join their fight,
The black one wants the world as hers; the red one is at her side.
They have forged their own destruction yet lest they do not aware,
To the sands they shall discover, the key they have forged
It is the temple guardian's tablet passed on, who will save the cursed
She will fall but to be caught by the God-child, the fate rests on thee.
The God-child and the pure one will purge the desert of what is wrong,
Together they will fight different enemies,
Both from their pasts but only the pure has the song,
She will call the one who will fight, and on wings of white it shall arrive,
To destroy the evil that could shadow the land,
Yet gave the pure one life."
The voice was cold and unforgiving. It was speaking, murmur of frozen voices, beckoning and calling. They were mixing, it was confusing and nauseating. They were like voices of chaos, playing with the psyche of men, calling for the mind to leave and go insane. It was a present undertone to the angelic voice, still singing. And then it appeared. White wings, melting together from the white light. A long, sharp thin beak forming, a slender body and then a long tail, feathers of pure white snow forming a storm of plumage. The bird screamed a defiant call and headed toward Marianne.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" She screamed as the white devoured her legs and lower torso. She writhed and screamed an inner shriek that chilled everyone to the bone. Just as it became too much for the ear to take, it stopped and all was still. Marianne was gone and there was nothing there to suggest that any thing let alone a bird had been there except for one single white feather.
Inar stared. It was unbelievable. And now, he began to feel afraid. The girl had collapsed, to the ground, a sprawled figure in white with dark hair flowing out onto the ground. The girl with the blue magic raised her bow.
"You think a mere arrow will stop me!?" Inar sneered.
"No. But this will."
The bow was shot at him with her blue power attached onto the spearhead. It hit his red ruby eye and exploded the gem into pieces. He too, then exploded and disappeared. Fine fragments floated down and then were carried off into the wind.
From the ground, one last blue explosion was seen and then all was still. A lone hurrok screamed a cry and landed atop of the tower. All below inside the castle and throughout the city, men and animals shook themselves, shaking their heads in bewilderment and wonder. People who were casualties were attended to and soldiers searched for other hurt people. The death toll was low and those who had been controlled were untied and reunited with their families. Daine, Nicaylia and Numair were brought down from the tower by a hurrok which were then were transported back into their own realm by the Badger God. It was several days before Daine, Nicaylia or Numair awoke to tell their story.
Several Days Later…
Daine sat up suddenly. It was the middle of the day. Which day, she wasn't sure but she pulled on a simple sleeveless sky-blue cotton dress and padded out barefoot into the corridor. She walked outside into the gardens by her window. The castle was in fairly good condition; workers had already begun fixing various walls and towers. Daine walked outside, the sun warm on her skin. She walked on the soft grass until she saw two figures ahead. It was Kaddar and a handsome man she didn't know.
"So you left. Faked your own death for the sake of magic." Kaddar said, astonished.
Muhassin nodded.
"It was worth it. And I planned to take back the city that would have been mine. But, well, you know I always had a soft spot for my little brother."
Kaddar grinned. They walked on, Muhassin filling in every detail of the past eight years. When he'd finished he turned to his brother.
"What about you Kaddar? When are you going to settle down and start a family? The throne won't be there for you always!"
"Only if madmen decide to attack the castle." He said teasingly.
"You're young and handsome, your chances of being wed are better now, before you become a wrinkly old man!"
"I'm only 18! Besides, I don't want to marry some princess I don't even know!"
"Better she doesn't know you, or you haven't a hope!"
"Thanks brother." Said Kaddar and he punched Muhassin's arm.
"I'm hopeless with all that sort of Court stuff. You're the one who enjoys it."
"Can I help it if all woman love me? Can I help being as charming and bewitching as a snake charmer charms a snake?"
"Good grief." Kaddar said, covering his face. "You'd think two years of living in a cave would humble a man, but no!"
Muhassin laughed and Kaddar fell thoughtfully silent then something collided into him.
He looked to see Daine, her arms thrown around him.
"Daine! You're up! Oh!" Words failed him and he picked her up and whirled around, with his arms tight around her. He set her down and she looked up at him breathless. Their lips fused together, yearning for each other and in relief that they were both all right. They broke apart, and burst out into relieved laughter.
"How sweet." Drawled a voice and Daine turned to Muhassin.
"Do you mind?" she asked.
He grinned and put his hands up in defence. Daine turned back to Kaddar and kissed him hard and then gently.
"I'm so glad you're all right." She said finally, when she'd stopped kissing him. He smiled at her.
"Me too." He held her in his arms and Daine put her head on his shoulder. Nothing had ever felt more right.
"So sorry to interrupt, but I'd like an introduction." Said Muhassin finally.
Daine looked at him.
"I'm Daine and you must be Muhassin. Kaddar's told me about you."
He bowed and grinned at her.
"All good I hope."
"Only if you count attacking the state and trying to kill the Emperor good."
They smiled in amusement.
"Daine!" cried Alanna and she ran to hug her friend.
"Oh you're up. I'm sorry none of us were there. You'd slept for 5 days."
"5 days?" she said in surprise. "I must have been drained."
A loud trill sounded and Kitten bounded up and slammed into Daine's arms.
"Oh Kitten! Are you all right? What happened to you?"
Nicaylia ran up and then suddenly stopped inches in front of Daine.
"Daine! Are you all right? I can hug you can't I?" she jumped up and down on the balls of her feet.
Daine laughed.
"Of course!" and was smothered by Nicaylia's hugs.
"Kitten was just drugged out. When Inar died she came to. She just rested and was fine."
"When did you wake up?" asked Daine.
"A day ago. I bet you by one day!" she grinned.
"What about Numair?" Daine asked worriedly. "He seemed mighty hurt."
"He's in the hospital wing." Alanna said. " You can see him later if you like."
Daine nodded.
"I'm so hungry! I think a trip to the kitchens wouldn't hurt, would it?"
"Not at all!" said Kaddar cheerfully. "We'll have a real feast of a lunch."
Lunch was a loud and happy affair- Muhassin was a character and Daine and everyone were kept in peals of laughter as he and Kaddar regaled their childhood stories.
Laughter subsiding, Daine ate a mouthful of beans.
"So Muhassin." She eventually said. "How do you feel about committing crimes to the state and being in a plot to kill the Emperor?"
"Actually I feel rather good about it. It'll be a tale to tell my children."
"Yes, what is going to happen about that?" asked Lindhall. "Punishment for crimes against the state are harsh."
Everyone looked at Kaddar.
"On Behalf of Carthak I pardon Muhassin for the various crimes he has committed against the state and the Emperor. I also extend my hand out to him that he join us once again as a member of the Inner circle of Carthaki Governors."
"I accept. I am heartily sorry for the consequences and damage I have caused. It wasn't aimed at you Kaddar. Well not yet anyway."
Everyone laughed.
Muhassin then grinned. "To think that I'm apologising to my little brother. Wouldn't Mother be happy?"
"Oh! You'll have to go see her. She's not going to believe it."
"Must I? She might yell at me for attempting to kill you."
"No. For going out wearing robes like that, yes."
The two laughed and Daine smiled at how well they got on.
After lunch Daine headed up to medical wing on the hospital. She knocked gently on the door. Numair, who was lying on the bed, smiled at her weakly.
"Hello." Daine said, awkwardly.
"Hello." He replied. She stood next to his bed and studied him. His face was pale but his scratches and cuts were healing. His hands and arms were in a similar condition.
"How are you?" she asked gently.
"All right. Then again, I have felt better."
Daine smiled.
"You must be okay, if you're being cynical."
He smiled at her and took her hand.
"Thankyou. For saving me. I would have died if it wasn't for you."
Daine shrugged.
"You have, and would've done the same for me." She stated, sitting on the edge of his bed, facing him.
There was silence between the two of them.
"Daine. I'm-"
"I know." She interrupted. He stared at her.
"I didn't finish my sentence."
"I know." She said simply. " But I knew what you were going to say. You were going to apologise for sleeping with Marianne."
Numair winced at it.
"I was."
Daine nodded.
"It's all right."
"Really?"
"I forgive you."
"Meaning that you'll, we'll-"
Daine shook her head and Numair broke off his sentence.
"I may have forgiven you but I haven't forgotten. I don't think I could trust you after something like that. We shouldn't be together. Not like that. I, it isn't going to work. You violated my trust and hurt me so much Numair, I don't think we could ever be the- as we were."
He nodded sadly.
"Kaddar is a very lucky man then."
Daine gaped at Numair, and then nodded.
He looked away, and then back at her.
"Will we still be friends?"
Daine smiled.
"Of course. Friends always."
She bent down and kissed his forehead and then left.
The next week was filled with relaxation and feasts. Muhassin was welcomed back into the folds of Carthak and the people still remembered him from his youth. The public cheered when he was presented and Kaddar joked that there better not be a popularity contest anytime soon. A week after waking, Daine and Kitten were in the green house, admiring Akriditus Fogarty's garden. The old man was a mountain full of information and Daine found the whole experience fascinating.
"I must go now. There is an important ceremony of some sort on in the Presenting hall."
"What?" Daine asked, lifting her face from the fragrant pink blossoms in front of her.
"Kaddar has called everyone to a meeting. I must attend.
Daine nodded.
"I think I'll stay here if it's all the same thanks."
Kitten trilled and Daine nodded.
"She wants to go with you." Daine said.
Akriditus nodded and headed off, with Kit bounding after him while Daine wandered around looking. She headed out of the green house and walked around the lake. She went through the palace gardens and into the aviaries, conversing with the various animals she met. She headed back to the castle at sundown for the dinner meal. She headed to her room, gave her curls a quick brush and headed down for meal. She ate by herself, Kitten showing up to eat and then vanishing again. Daine headed out to converse with bats. It was late when she came back inside. She headed up to her room. As she was walking, she passed Lindhall's study, the door slightly open. She backtracked and peeked in. The room was lit low and Kaddar was asleep on a long comfortable padded chair. Daine smiled, noting the book in his hand. She pulled out a blanket from a cupboard nearby and placed it around Kaddar's arms. She then sat in a comfortable chair and watched him sleep. Eventually, she went back to her own room and fell fast asleep. Alanna pounded on the door, waking Daine up the next morning.
"Mmm…ergh...what?" she asked blearily, opening the door.
"Have you heard the news?" she cried.
"Um, …news?" she said blinking.
"About Kaddar!"
"What news?"
"Oh. Never mind."
Daine frowned as Alanna walked off.
"You woke me up for that?!" She yelled after her.
Daine bathed and dressed in her breeches and long tunic. She tied her hair back with a blue ribbon and went outside. Breakfast in the hall and then she went to Lindhall's study.
"Kaddar?" she asked.
"No, it's me." Said Lindhall, who was sitting watching fish in a tank.
"What's this news about him or something?" Daine asked.
Lindhall gave her a funny look.
"Go find him. I think he's in the training yards."
Daine nodded and headed off. All afternoon she went searching for Kaddar. Everyone had seen him somewhere else and she couldn't find him. Finally she found him up a tree with a book, parchment and quill.
"Hey! Kaddar!" she called up to him, shielding her eyes from the sun.
"Daine. Hello."
"What are you doing up there? I've been looking for you for ages!"
Kaddar jumped down next to her. He adjusted his hand to cover the parchment he'd been writing on.
"What are you writing?' she asked, curious. Daine could've sworn Kaddar blushed.
"Nothing."
"Nothing that made you climb a tree to get away from everyone?'
Kaddar was thoughtfully silent.
"What's wrong? You've been doing that a lot the past few days."
"Doing what?"
"Going quiet. What's up?"
Kaddar seemed to be thinking.
"Nothing. Daine tonight there's a feast on. I want you to come all right?"
"Yes, of course I'll come. But what's all this about?"
"You'll see tonight." Kaddar said mysteriously. He kissed her on the cheek and then ran off. Daine stood there in surprise, her cheek tingling from his kiss. She smiled and headed back up to the castle.
"Alanna help me! " Daine said, rushing into her friend's room. Alanna was there, wearing a violet silk gown and looking great. Daine found Nicaylia wearing a scarlet dress. She blushed when he saw Daine.
"I know red shouldn't be a colour anyone wants to see right now but I liked it too much to say no."
Daine smiled.
"Alanna I don't have anything to wear!" she moaned. "I've worn all my other dresses and I want something different."
Alanna smiled, She opened the closet and pulled out a pale blue dress.
"The sewers had all these made especially for us. This one is for you."
Daine looked at it. It was a beautiful pale sky blue. The neckline was low and had no shoulders except for strips of chiffon that went around her arms and connected to the dress at the under arm. It was fitted at the waist and them spread out elegantly into a field of chiffon and silk that glimmered as it moved. It was the most dazzling dress Daine had ever seen. There was a blue headpiece that went with it, like a small tiara.
"Oh it's lovely." Daine breathed. She pulled it on, Alanna doing up the back. Kitten cooed and Daine's hair flew up and she placed the tiara upon her head.
"If I knew Kitten could have done my hair in seconds I wouldn't have bothered an hour ago." Said Nicaylia sulkily. Kitten bounded to her and Nicaylia rubbed the Immortal's head.
"Well. Let's go." Said Daine. The three, four counting Kitten, headed down to the hall. They entered and settled at their tables without fuss. Numair was present, looking healthier than he had when Daine last saw him. He smiled and waved at her and Daine waved back. They sat and Kaddar appeared at his throne.
Everyone ate their way through the feast and then headed out to the Ballroom. Kaddar was seated at his throne and the Bairds and musicians began to strike up a slow and danceful tune. Kaddar waved his hand and they stopped abruptly. Everyone turned to look at Kaddar. He stood and cleared his throat.
"I have an announcement to make. Recently I have been thinking about this fair city and how much I care about it. I care deeply, more than anyone could know. It has been my home, my life and now that I'm ruling, I want to make it as good as it can be, not only for nobles but for all people. Everyone has the right for a comfortable life. Yet, as Emperor, I should offer an heir to the throne, to carry on taking care of our magnificent city. I want to be honest with you all, I have never been adept at the court games and I'd prefer not to marry some unknown princess, who doesn't know me and only wants my power."
The hall was silent as Kaddar continued.
"I discussed this yesterday, with the governors and royals. The city is aware of the perceptible return of my eminent brother, Muhassin. Muhassin, as my older brother, should have been the Emperor of Carthak. Due to ruling difficulties and life circumstances, this wasn't possible for my brother. But now I'm offering him what should have been honourably his first. The Carthak throne. I wish to step aside to make way for the higher Sovereign, who cares for this land as much, if not more than I do. I believe that this is the right thing for the good of Carthak and that Muhassin will carry on the essence of the fair and just ruling of Carthak. I offer my throne, to bestow what is rightfully his. I, Kaddar Gazanoi Iliniat bequeath to Muhassin Ali Iliniat, the Imperial throne of the Emperor of Carthak."
There was a long silence. Slowly, Muhassin emerged from the crowd and walked slowly up to the throne. Kaddar removed his golden sash and placed it on his brother, the crown, placed upon his head and the sepulchre placed in his hand. He then bowed and the whole room bowed also. Daine wasn't sure who began it, but the room burst into honouring applause.
"Continue." Kaddar said and the music began to play again. The room buzzed with conversation for a while and then everyone moved to dance and socialize. Daine stared at Kaddar who was in deep discussion with Muhassin. Muhassin was arguing furiously, the amount of astonishment Daine felt, present on his face. Finally Muhassin sat back in the throne. Kaddar said something that made him smile wryly. He gripped his brother's hand and Kaddar stepped off the dais and disappeared. Daine then hurried to find him. It was unbelievable. Daine couldn't move; it was too otherworldly. How could anyone socialize and dance when Kaddar had just-given away- his throne? Daine at last picked her way through the dancers and went on a mission to find Kaddar. He was nowhere in sight.
"Did you know?" Daine demanded from Alanna, who she found, sitting on a couch with Niacaylia and Kitten. Alanna smiled bitter sweetly.
"Of course I did."
"How come I wasn't told?!"
"You didn't come to the meeting. Besides, I think Kaddar needs to talk to you." Alanna gave her a gentle push towards the balcony. Daine looked and saw a man standing there. She hurried out into the warm night air. It was Kaddar. She watched him study the sky, the stars shining so brightly. He looked so relaxed for the first time since she'd arrived.
Daine whisked out and stood next to him.
Kaddar smiled at her.
"You look beautiful. Blue seems to suit you." He said.
"How could you? Give up your throne that you loved so much?" Daine asked, disbelief written across her face, ignoring his comments for the time being.
"Maybe I found something to love more than the throne." Kaddar said to his hands.
"What?" Daine asked in shock. This was all too surreal to be happening.
"You Daine. I love- you. And I can't imagine my life without you. I don't want to imagine my life without you. I want us to be together. I want to see the world outside Carthak. As much as I love my country, Muhassin can do as good if not better job ruling than me. And I can see us together. Exploring, visiting, making the most of our lives! Together." He said, meeting her eyes briefly and lowering his head to look at the ground.
Daine stared at him. She knew she loved him so much. Everything about him; his enthusiasm, his kindness, his humour. He was the one who made her tingle, just by being around him, his touch and his kiss. And it made her heart ache she cared so much. She wanted this as much as he did. Daine stepped closer to him. She lifted his chin for him to look her in the eyes. She kissed him gently, her lips gently caressing his.
"I want that too." She whispered.
"Really?"
"Really." She said, smiling up at him. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. She hugged him tightly back, her head on his chest. She could hear his heart beating, a content rate. She smiled up at him.
"You were saying I was beautiful?" she prodded.
Kaddar laughed.
"Always Daine. Always."
The next day everyone was gathered at the docks to see off Alanna and Numair. Daine hugged Alanna hard.
"Make sure you write. Or at least carry a mirror."
Alanna laughed.
"Of course."
Alanna boarded the boat. Daine gingerly hugged Numair.
"Get better quickly." She whispered.
"I will." He said smiling sadly. "Kaddar, look after her."
Kaddar smiled and nodded.
Numair boarded the boat and Daine, Kaddar, Nicaylia, Lindhall and Kitten watched them sail back to Tortall.
"Well, where to first?" asked Daine, smiling at Kaddar.
"The desert. We will be the first people to go there. Map it and everything. Discover new people and new tribes and everything."
"It sounds wonderful. Nicaylia, what about you? Do you want to come?" asked Daine.
Nicaylia smiled.
"Two is one couple and three is, well three is one couple and one tag along. I've decided to stay here and study with Lindhall and the Bairds. Maybe they can explain my singing thing."
Daine hugged her friend tightly.
"I'll miss you. We'll come back soon."
"Not too soon though." said Lindhall, eyes smiling.
Muhassin hugged Kaddar briefly.
"I don't know whether to thank you or hit you over the head." He said.
Kaddar smiled.
"I know I did the right thing. And this way, I'm happier." He squeezed Daine tightly.
Muhassin nodded in understanding and smiled.
"You will always be welcome back here. As a member of the council or as an observer, anything you want."
"What I want now is to be free with the lady I love." Kaddar said mischievously. Daine hit him.
"I know you care about your camel Kaddar, but honestly. Imagine what your children would look like."
Kaddar burst out laughing and pushed her gently.
"That wasn't what I meant."
"I know." Daine replied coyly and they kissed passionately.
"Please! Spare us! Save it for when you're in the desert! You can blind as many camels and desert cobras out there as you want!" cried Muhassin. They both blushed and laughed.
Muhassin, Lindhall and Nicaylia watched the two mount their packed camels.
"Good bye!" Daine and Kaddar both called, Kitten trilling from Daine's camel.
"They're going to be very happy." Said Lindhall, his eyes teary.
"I know." Replied Muhassin. They all waved until Daine and Kaddar were nothing more than specks on the desert.
Finally together, they galloped off into the sands. Time would only tell what would happen in their lives. But whatever it was, they'd be together.
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Well, there you go!! I know it's probably WAY corny ending. And it is subject to change-BUT you guys need to tell me what you think!! All of you!! I need your opinions to make it FANTASTIC! You know I love feedback- so keep it coming!! My email you can get there from the site but here it is again:
So email me if you can't sign a review. Or just email me anyway!! J Bye!!