Chapter IV


Zachary saw Bluetalon leave Daine. He had placed a tiny scrying spell in her room - so when the bird arrived at Corus, he was prepared. Summoning a strong net-spell, he gestured at the bird of prey, which was clutching a piece of parchment. Bluetalon went down with a shriek of rage - but Zachary released him after he got the message.
After he read it, he told Joseph to fetch Numair. The mage arrived, looking harried.
What do you want? he asked curtly, fingering his collar.
Zachary tsk-tsked. Some respect would be nice, you know, he said mildly.
I'll give it to one who deserves it, retorted Numair.
With a shrug, Zachary handed the letter to Numair, who read it rapidly. When he was done, the new king said,
She's pretty quick about such things.
She's used to those type of situations, Numair replied stiffly. She was introduced to politics and the like when she was thirteen years old.
Interesting. However, she was expressly forbidden to send anything, as she is under house arrest, though she doesn't know that for a fact. Zachary watched the mage's face closely as he continued, I'm afraid she'll have to be punished.
Numair's face went slack for a moment - then it darkened with uncontrolled fury. The edges of the collar seemed to be enveloped with a blackish smoke - the man's huge Gift was wild with his rage.
When Numair realized this, his eyes rolled into his head. He picked up a slow breathing pattern and tried to calm down - impossible. The idea of Daine being punished was...dangerous...
What are you - going - to - do to - her? he asked slowly.
I don't know, Zachary replied, leaning back in his chair and resting his feet on the table. I think...mage-lashings would suffice, eh?
Numair's eyes widened. You wouldn't dare, he snarled, clenching his fists.
Why not? They hurt like hell - but they leave absolutely no marks. Yes, I think that's what I'll do. He jumped to his feet and moved towards the fireplace. He muttered a word - then the image of Duke Aeld Larsson appeared.
My lord Zachary, Aeld greeted.
Your Grace, Zachary replied. I have a bone to pick with you.
Pick away, the Duke replied.
You did forbid the Wildmage to any form of communication, did you not?
I did.
I have here a letter, which she wrote the day you told her that she was to stay at your place for another week or so.
Really? I'll have to talk to her about it.
Very good. Mage-lash her while she sleeps - make sure she doesn't know what hit her. Good day.
My lord.
The fire went out; Numair was glaring at Zachary, his breath coming out in gasps, as if he had been running. The king smiled.
Dear me, Numair, you really have a weak spot for this girl. I think I shall have to send you to the Grimhold Mountains ahead of schedule, just to be safe. Joseph!
The warrior was suddenly at Zachary's side. Yes, my king?
Escort Master Salmalín to his rooms and makes sure he packs appropriately - the Mountains are extremely cold this time of year, I am told. He leaves at dawn.
After an ugly bow, Joseph left the room. Numair followed him, but stopped at the door to say one thing before he exited. You'll pay for all of this, you bastard.
Of course I will. It's called Karma.

She was dreaming. Dreaming that everything was fine - she was home, with her mother and grandda...they had never died and she had never become intimate' with some of the most powerful people in the Eastern Lands.
But then the dream vanished. Daine was left in a void - a void empty of everything except pain. Terrible pain. It was as if she was being whipped brutally...
She woke with a scream.
On the edge of her awareness, Daine heard the nearby animals ask her if she was all right, as they were concerned. Absently, she told them something, then got up and moved to her full-length mirror. She pulled up the edge of her nightshirt and examined her back.
Nothing.
It's just a dream, she thought. Just a dream, just an extremely painful dream...

Didja like it? No, it's not finished!!! R&R??? Er...chpt V, anyone? »»