The Hunt-Part 13

The Hunt: Part 13
-ZibbelCoot


Disclaimer:
All Escaflowne characters, places and such are ©1996, ©1998, ©1999 TV Tokyo, Sunrise. English adaptation ©1998 AnimeVillage.com and the dub version they tried to pass off as anime belongs to Fox I guess. However, Zorya Pele, Syrun, Galese, Takaru/Ricpen, Latro, King Kaele, Korent (as well as the places Celet and Hiwero) are my mine so ask if you want to use them. The song (the English and translation) is also mine so please don't use it without asking!

Author's notes:
Same as last time, happens 2 1/2 years after Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea. Anyone have an idea as to who the apprentice is? Are they just a random new character or could it be a character you've seen before? Paruchi, Foruma, Kuaru and Garufo are the four sorcerers; hope that helps unconfuse you!
Contest (deadline-2/21/01! TOMORROW! Come on, you know you want to enter...)
http://homepage.mac.com/zibbelcoot/Contest.html




Hitomi watched the stars from within her bedroom, her window the only opening to the outside world now. Her grades suffered again, just like before. Its happening, all over again. Van, what's going on? What's happening there? She didn't expect an answer, and nearly screamed when a surge of emotions filled her consciousness.
Anger, hate, lust, jealousy, sadness, confusion, fear; all at once. Hitomi tried to grab at anything in her room for support, which looked so distant now. She was falling, just like on Gaea. She was falling and there was no one to catch her.
Darkness swallowed her, and for a split second Hitomi could almost feel the water licking at her heels, ready to pull her through the light to Gaea. No water surged up around her though and instead her falling stopped as she shut her eyes.
The sight that great her was anything but her normal room that she hoped to see. Blood was everywhere, on the ground, on the walls in the sky... Hitomi looked around and didn't recognize the stony building, only the light cover of snow on the ground. Gaea has a winter? But where is all this blood coming from?
In answer to her question something fluttered before her, something that nearly made her shake violently and nearly vomit. It continued to fall, aided by gravity and the fact it was no longer connected to its owner. No... No... No... It came to a rest on the ground, back on the place from which all life sprung.
A bloodied feather rested on the red muddy soil. Blood... so much blood... No! No! Van you can't be-! her mind screamed. Why was this happening to her? She'd only seen visions when Escaflowne, the god of war, was to appear or when that strange woman sang... Now she heard neither, and her confusion strengthened the emotions she felt before.
A soft sobbing caught her attention, and eager to look away from the grisly feather Hitomi focused on it. Zorya?! The girl was crying and running, in the opposite direction of the buildings. She tried to call to her but zorya didn't seem to hear. But was it Zorya? The girl had darker hair... much darker. A soft drop of wetness hit her cheek and Hitomi brushed it with her fingertips. It felt too heavy to be snow...
Her fingers were tinged red and once more she suppressed the urge to vomit. But if blood was falling from above it meant that the person was still up there. Her body stiffened and her neck craned upwards, as if she were being forced to see it for herself. A hand was over the edge of the building's roof, blood dripping down from their thumb and index finger.
While one fear had been alleviated at the sight of the corpse it only caused her to be even more disgusted. By the gods... what sort of monster would do this? Hitomi shut her eyes again, and wished with her whole being to be gone. More moisture touched her cheeks and Hitomi fell to her knees; she was probably covered in blood now...
Her uncovered knees hit the soft carpet of her room, and caused Hitomi to open her eyes. She was back, back in her home's safety. But, the blood... Her hands went to her cheeks again but came back with only tears on them.


Latro rounded the corner and paused. He didn't immediately follow Master Dilandau's instructions. He touched his cheek, just where the princess touched it. Latro couldn't remember the last time a girl, no a woman, had touched him. It was strange, at first he was completely consumed with being the perfect slayer, with being Dilandau's ideal.
Now however... He touched his cheek again, suddenly wishing she was still there and touching it, touching him. What am I thinking!? Master Dilandau would kill me if he heard my thoughts! Latro dropped the hand from his face and nervously began for the training room. he bowed his head slightly and walked to the training room. His mind was elsewhere though, away from the severe words and workout the General would put him through no doubt.
Even as he pushed open the door however, he felt a cool draft on his skin, on his cheek. In the exact spot her breath had lightly caressed him. No! No! This is not happening! Her words teased him as he entered the empty room, all of the other slayers still on the patrols the king had assigned through their General.
And well, I said you would know the proper form and technique of killing a dragon. Lady Albatou insisted Gatty would know better. I hope you can prove her wrong. I mean, you are the more experienced dragonslayer are you not? I'm sure you know just the right way to skin a dragon...
Why thank you Latro, you've been quite helpful...
The sound of her giggle, funny he couldn't remember her laughing quite that way before. The soft aroma of roses and strawberries as she leaned close to him and touched his cheek. Latro started as he felt flesh touch his cheek before realizing it was his own hand against his skin.
Latro, you should relax, slow down and enjoy life...
The smile on her face, the smile just for him... No, not just the smile but her eyes, those wonderful eyes that were so alight with passion they reminded him of Master Dilandau. Latro, you are the dragonslayer; the one above the rest. You are my knight, my knight in shining armor, her eyes called out to him in that short time.
He blinked and took a deep breath, could he be wrong? Was he looking too far into this? No, she'd come to him... him out of all the others. This is absurd! She's a princess and I'm a dragonslayer, this isn't happening! Latro continued to breath deeply, even as the possibilities formed in his head. What was most disturbing about the whole situation was that he wasn't disgusted at the fact of gaining her attention; that he wouldn't mind her attention. The only other person that he'd ever even thought of in any sort of light like that was her opposite... Where does my loyalty lie? With her or with him?


Syrun kept his pale eyes closed even as he continued with the suggestions. This had not been in their original agreement, and for a moment he considered whether he should stop his song. Very good Syrun, I'm glad Kuaru made such clear contact with you.
The halfling did not reply as he was concerned with the pattern of his new spell, of words of a love that would and could never be. Latro, you are the dragonslayer; the one above the rest. You are my knight, my knight in shining armor, he whispered.
Is this wise Paruchi? I mean, tampering with him so openly? Foruma's voice was distant to Syrun, though he tried to remain conscious of the things around him.
This is the first step to dismantling the dragonslayers. They'll turn on each other and when there's only two left we can crush them like the insects they are and not worry about the General's interference, Paruchi replied confidently. Syrun stopped his song and slowly opened his eyes, the deed was done.
I've given the suggestion, the idea, the seed of what could be. What grows from the heart of a dragonslayer can be unpredictable at best however, Syrun told the two. The two sorcerers seemed unconcerned with that however, even with the other implications it allowed. Syrun chose also not to mention his song no longer held much power over the General.
Syrun looked down at his pale hands, the delicate finger bones visible as the pale skin clung to them. No, he wouldn't be able to try and control the General in the state he was in now. I never should've tried the spells... that was your job Sora, never mine. He shut his eyes briefly, as if it would help his summon the courage to go on. But if I am to save you then it must be done.
His blue eyes opened, almost unseeing of the wo sorcerers and doppelganger in the room with him. How had the dragonslayer General manage not to kill the goddess when he had fallen into a much needed sleep? There was the question of how the General had managed to ignore and fight his latest callings and spells. More importantly, would the General's will interfere with the sorcerers and alter the fate chosen for the goddess?


Work on the king, I don't care if they're not here, I trust you to bend his will. The less dragonslayers here the better. Syrun nodded and went back t concentrating. Now it was the king, soon it would be the dragonslayers as a whole, then the apprentice and then the goddess. He frowned slightly as he searched for the king's will and fate. No, the cycle would never be broken.


Zorya no longer fought against his hands, they almost seemed to be carved out of stone his grip was so tight. He leaned closer to her, so close Zorya could feel each of his breaths caress her lips. Whatever else he'd been about to say and do however, was cut off by the sharp sound of glass breaking on stone. That and the curses of a royal advisor and old ex-councilman.
Princess?! What is the meaning of this? Dilandau's face moved away from her own as he heard those words. The strange look left him as the familiar mask of malice and joy covered his face.
Yes, princess, what is the meaning of this, Dilandau questioned her. For a moment she'd almost forgotten about him. She took her eyes from the two intruders to his own. He was staring at her, only her and it frightened her more than it did before. Why was he looking at her like that?!
Abruptly the General's grip on her arms lessened and he released her. Not prepared for her sudden freedom, Zorya leaned against the wall for support as her knees failed her. Princess, what were you doing here with him?
Zorya looked between Dilandau and the advisor and councilman. What was she supposed to say? Advisor Kuaru, elder Troyin, she managed and stood up without the assistance of the wall behind her. I was speaking with a dragonslayer of the general's when he so rudely interrupted our conversation. The look on the two men's faces made it painfully obvious that they did not believe a word she'd said so far. I asked him about the technique used to slay a dragon, after all you required a dragenergist Advisor, Zorya supplied further. She wasn't completely sure of what had just happened between Dilandau and herself, so how was she to explain it?
Kuaru seemed to flush for a moment as the elder ex-council man turned his eyes to him. Zorya nearly let out a sigh of relief, but instead found Dilandau staring at her, his garnet eyes dancing. Yes, we do need one but princess, conversing with a dragonslayer?
Zorya allowed them to see a small smile and turned her head to face Dilandau. His eyes were still laughing at her, taunting her with the fact he'd nearly succeeded with making rumors fly around her once more. Thank you for reminding me, I see it now. What was I thinking? You are beneath me, she said coldly. The shock that colored the general's face for that moment was priceless as Zorya managed to get that one insult in. She proceeded to lift the front of her dress and begin the walk back to her room. I'll take care not to let it happen again Advisor, she called over her shoulder and did not dare look at the mess she'd left the three in.


Dilandau stormed into the training room, a mixture of emotions swirled within him. That hadn't been his plan! He'd fallen prey to her again! I should only be glad those idiots interrupted, gods only know what else I would've done. No, that wasn't completely true as some part of Dilandau almost wished they hadn't turned that corner. He might've finally gotten his answers or even...
Master Dilandau?
His dark red eyes focused on the sole other person in the room. Those same eyes narrowed as his dragonslayer waited for any sign from him. I thought you were smarter than that Latro. The blond boy with green eyes stood completely still and back ramrod straight. Those green eyes, brighter and greener than hers by only shades, refused to meet his own eyes however. Dilandau couldn't think of anything else to say, to express his disappointment, his anger, his hatred, his envy... Envy!? Why should I envy him? Just because that bitch managed to snare him in her web... Or was it the other way around?
Master Dilandau I can explain what happened. Dilandau smirked, from Latro's tone it didn't sound like it would be a convincing or entertaining story.
Then I suggest you do it quickly. Dilandau's had itched to hold his blade, to feel its weight in his hand as he pulled it through the air, or even through the slayer before him. It didn't help much that Latro still refused to meet his gaze. Is he hiding something from me? What did he do to her?! his mind growled and didn't wait for the explanation. The sword was free of its scabbard in an instant and Dilandau brought the blade's edge around to Latro. The slayer had no time to retaliate, the only thing he could do was jump back. even as he did that Dilandau's sword cut into the front of Latro's armor and cut a hole across it.
Master Dilandau!
Not fast enough! he barked and brought his sword around again. He'd show Latro who was the General of the dragonslayers and why! Latro found his sword and parried the blow meant for the neck. Dilandau's grin grew, Latro was still on the defensive and that meant he'd get through. The sword came down again, and Latro screamed something else, in fright perhaps.
The words fell on deaf ears as Dilandau pushed forward and continued his assault on Latro. He was the better swordsman, he was the better dragonslayer, he was the better soldier... he was the best! How dare he even think that he can compete with me! He doesn't have a chance with- Dilandau's thoughts caught himself, his blade poised in midair over Latro's blade.
Latro had come down with a case of fine tremors as he struggled to hold the blade up in an attempt to block Dilandau's latest intended blow. He doesn't stand a chance. So why am I so concerned? Dammit that bitch is more trouble than she's worth! Dilandau took a step back and placed his own sword back in its scabbard, a new more malicious smile on his face.
Besides there are sometimes even better punishments than a beating here and there. Latro looked at him weakly, his eyes wide with fright. At that sight dilandau's smile faded. A weak and frightened man was not someone he wanted in his dragonslayers. Master Dilandau?
Your punishment dragonslayer is to patrol the dungeon latrines for the next seven moons. I'm sure one of the guards down there can arrange some sort of quarters for you. Either Latro was too stunned or too upset to object to that sentence. The dragonslayer straightened up, sheathed his own sword and promptly walked passed Dilandau. The frown returned to Dilandau's face for a moment, he'd been sure that would've made Latro protest and given him a good reason to punch him across his jaw. It did reassure him though, that the dragonslayer had finally learned the crucial do not question me' rule. What did I punish him for? Talking with her? This is too much...
The door to the training room clicked shut and Dilandau looked to his side. While Celet was covered in snow the forests to the south were clear of the white stuff. Too many land dragons for the ground and air to freeze, he mumbled to himself and walked to the windowsill.
As much as the General wanted answers he couldn't stand the tension anymore, and the strain it put on him and his dragonslayers. A sly grin came over him as he continued to watch the cold landscape. The king had never said that the General of the dragonslayers couldn't leave and slay a dragon for the spell, only that the dragonslayers as a group had to stay.
I'll be gone for such a short while that no one will even notice. Certainly not her, he grumbled the last sentence and turned away from the bright sunlight that reflected off the white ground. He'd be free for a few days and that would be all he needed to right himself. A few days free of her and I should be fine. Of course I can't leave now, I'll go at nightfall and no one shall be the wiser when this is done.


Zorya slammed the door behind her, without a thought as to if it would make the four guards outside her door jump in surprise, which it did. The nerve of that... that... that... she hissed and ran through the chambers. That was the last straw, she couldn't stand it here for another minute, not with the chance of psycho boy ready to make her life even more miserable than it already was.
So consumed by her anger and what had just occurred, Zorya probably wouldn't have noticed if anyone else was in the room with her. Fortunately for her, no one was there otherwise she may have been reprimanded even more than when she was in the presence of the General. That idiot, what the hell is wrong with him? she continued to rant as she ran through the various chambers, her once cool exterior left at the entrance to the chambers.
Her hands clenched and unclenched in front of her, afraid of what she might do if they were left unoccupied. How can he do that and go from psychopathic General to almost normal guy? What am I thinking!? He's not normal, he never will be normal! Zorya looked around the room briefly before she lashed out at the first object she came across. The small footstool flew across the room as a string of curses (both Earth and what little Gaean dialects she'd learned) left her.
I can't do this! Celena can't control him, the king and advisors can't! I'm not safe here, not when he can just sneak in and... and... and... She was severely reminded of all the passed incidents that were caused by Dilandau but, Zorya was also reminded of his near normal side. Normal? He could never pass for normal, Zorya muttered and hopped to a chair as her right foot continued to throb painfully.
And now he's stuck here with those dragonslayers of his. There's no way in hell that we'll all get along civilly until those guards come back with a dragenergist. Zorya sat in the chair with her mind going through everything that could, and no doubt would, go wrong while the guards got themselves killed. I'm at least at the guards' level if not better from Cerel's training. I bet I could get a dragenergist before they could.
It took a few seconds for those neurons to fire but when they did Zorya leaned forward with a plan ready to take shape. I could get the dragenergist. If I got it then the dragonslayers could stay here with the guards and Waesir palace would be safe! her voice was low, just incase anyone might eavesdrop and tell Celena or the king. She stood up quickly and started for the immense wardrobe the princess had.
When Zorya moved into the princess' chambers Celena made sure to bring the rest of her things to this room, not that it was a lot but it was hers. Zorya pushed passed the brightly colored dresses, the ceremonial garb of Celet and the beautiful gown she'd worn to the ball only a day ago. Where is it? Don't tell me Celena didn't bring it here... She pushed deeper into the closet and nearly let out a cry of joy when she found it.
A pair of dark blue pants could be seen as they were thrown out of the closet, followed quickly by a heavy looking breast plate that was also dark blue but the ornamentation was a dark forest green. A variety of armor pieces continued to rain outwards from the closet until at last Zorya emerged from the closet, a few dark hairs out of place but a smile on her face; in her hands was a scabbard, decorated in blue and green.
Let's see them try and stop me now, she thought with a grin as she put the sword down and started for the bathroom. In minutes she had managed to drip water over the marble floor, which was saturated with black dye for the most part. Zorya reached for the thing Gaeans used as shampoo and ran her fingers through her wet hair. Only a few more washes and I'm done. She scrubbed at her scalp and felt her skin tingle after so many washes but she continued, she couldn't have Galese's hair if she wanted to escape.
She took a deep breath and forced her head under the water again, which turned it a dark murky color. Her fingers attacked her mess of hair, hoping that this would be the last time she'd need to do this.
Zorya pulled her head up from under the water as her lungs threatened to burst. Dammit why did you use so much dye Celena? She turned slightly and looked at the mirror above the sink. Black still covered a minor amount of her dark red hair, but it was still enough to be noticed. With a frustrated noise Zorya grabbed for the shampoo again and repeated the process. She needed to get it out as quickly as possible, gods only knew Celena could walk in at any second.
One last time Zorya pulled her head from the now murky water. Droplets of water clung to her skin and slowly ran down it on tiny paths. She wasn't sure how long she stood there, just looking into the mirror, maybe a few seconds or it could've been a few minutes. Gingerly Zorya's fingertips brushed her cheeks and she saw her mirror image do the same. The smile returned to her face as she looked at her wet, dark red hair. I'm me again.


The ebony colored stallion pawed his stall's floor impatiently. It'd been days since anyone had come to ride him away from the castle and he was bored of the mindless exercises they ran him through in the tiny ring outside the stable.
He threw his head into the air and let out a frustrated whinny and continued to fidget in his stall. A stallion like himself was supposed to charge over the fields and plains, carrying a ride on his back and surrounded by thousands of others. While he didn't understand the complete concept of war and battles he knew that he was supposed to keep his rider at all costs. If they were separated he would find him and bring the rider back to other humans for help with any injuries they could have.
Yes, the rider he had now was the best he'd ever had. His black eyes scanned the stable, in a futile hope that perhaps the silver haired man would appear. The man was not all that gentle with him, but kind enough; a rough tug on the reins now and then and a sharp kick in the ribs was not all that bad, considering how some others of his kind were treated.
A snort left him as he remembered when someone other than his rider had mounted him. He had been confused and frightened, blood coated him and things fell from the sky! He pawed the ground for emphasis of how things were not supposed to happen. Then she'd rode him away and nearly made him forget what sort of stallion he was!
Thankfully his owner had reclaimed him and brought him back. The stallion ducked his head to his hay manger and nibbled on a few shoots of soft green hay. He would've been content to continue to eat for the next few minutes if not for the fact a strange scent that entered the stable stalls.
He took a deep sniff of the scent and his head popped up immediately from his food. It wasn't any of the stable boys or anyone he recognized offhand. When he saw the intruder however... His ears went flat against his head as he whinnied, his attempt to alert the stable hands. She held up her hands in an attempt to quiet him that failed. It was the one who'd stolen him from his rider!
Oh be quiet, I'm not here for you. I'm not an idiot and wouldn't take his horse twice. He didn't understand the words completely but the female said them calmly and his ears swiveled forward. Maybe this could be his chance for a real exercise.


Zorya tried to ignore how the black horse refused to look away from her. Didn't you hear me the first time, I'm not going to bother you.
The horse seemed to nod his head, though he took a step towards her in his stall. Zorya shook her own head and continued down the row of stalls. The stable boys are more lax than they should be, Hiwero could come in this way and no one would know until its too late. She forced herself not to think like that and looked at the other horses. This was obviously the best of the best with the war chargers for the captains, Commanders, Generals and dragonslayers. A few daintier' horses were in larger stalls and Zorya assumed those were the noble's pleasure horses.
No, I need one of you to get me south, Zorya said to herself quietly as she walked down the long row of stalls. No nameplates decorated the stalls of the chargers, which threw her off for a moment before she thought about it. You could die in battle so I guess there's no point in naming you.
A fair amount of the horses were now watching her, their heads poking through the stall's bars. Some whinnied to her as she passed but she tried to find just the right one. The two packs she held were a bit heavy for only herself to carry. She stopped outside of a deep sorrel colored horse's stall. It too watched her just as the others, its ears forward and alert when she put her stuff down.
Hi there, will anyone miss you if I take you out for a ride? she cooed and cautiously put her hand forward. The horse watched her a moment more before it tilted its head to the side and sniffed her hand. It snorted briefly but allowed her to touch it's soft velvety nose. Zorya worked up the courage to move her hand upwards and was soon rubbing the spot between the horse's eyes where a small white star resided.
Seems calm enough, besides no one's going to miss one horse for a week. Especially if everyone's going to stay in the castle. Zorya pulled her hand from the horse only to undo the stall's lock. After that it was merely the task of leading the horse by its halter to the tack stall. She easily got the quiet sorrel into place and began to put on its tack, the saddle blanket, the saddle, snapping all the straps in place. The horse watched her curiously out of the corner of its eyes and Zorya wondered if she was doing something wrong. Its been so long since I did this...
She slid the bridle on last and pulled the reins behind the sorrel's head and rested them on the saddle. Was she really going to do this? Just wander off into a world she barely knew and risk the dangers of it? Isn't that what I wished for, excitement?
No beautiful haunting tenor voice called to her though, not as she guided the now packed and tacked horse passed the stable's stalls. The horse followed her blindly, it's trust in her completely. Zorya balked at the ext it the stable however. Could she do this? Could she actually...
You'll stay here just like everyone else, there's no shame it that. Are you ashamed of us? Staying here instead of going away? Fine! Go find a family that'll take you places then... Zorya blinked back a tear as she remembered her mother's words. She'd always wanted to explore, to see things beyond that she could see already. I'll show you... I'll show you all.
Zorya pulled the hood to her dark, almost black, green cloak over her head. She pushed open the door to the stables, the cold air swirling in around her and the horse. As quickly as possible Zorya led the horse out and shut the doors behind them. After that it was just a matter of getting her feet in the stirrups. With a quick look at the map she'd made hastily in the library before leaving Zorya placed it back beneath her cloak.
In a second she gave the sorrel the go ahead and they galloped away from the castle, leaving a trail of disturbed snow falling to the ground behind them.


Celena stopped just outside the princess' chambers, her blue eyes tired and dull. I can't believe the king didn't go along with it. It would've been so simple to just send them away. She picked her gaze off the floor and looked at the four guards who stood in front of the door before her.
Step aside, she commanded wearily. Today was not a good day for Celena, not since she'd dragged the princess out of bed. No! She's not the princess, she's not. The guard continued to stand in front of her, unmoved by her words. I said-
I heard you Lady Albatou. However, Lady Pele left us strict orders no one was to disturb the princess. She wasn't feeling well the Lady said. Celena felt the surprise on her face and masked it quickly.
Are you sure it was Lady Pele?
Of course, she has the dark red hair although it was really wet. She must've helped bathe the princess or something, the guard shrugged it off. Celena felt her fists clench at her sides. Zorya would ruin everything...
Are you sure she said I could not enter? Celena asked again, anger seeping into her voice. The four guards stood firm however and met her glare with their own.
She said specifically that you should not enter Lady Albatou. I'm sorry but that's her order from the princess. Celena closed her eyes briefly in thought and forced herself to give them a smile.
Well, thank you for telling me this. You'll inform me when the princess is feeling better of course?
Certainly Lady Albatou. Celena turned away then and cast a glance outside at the now dark landscape. The double moons shone brightly above the white snow in the black sky. So, Zorya hadn't been able to take it. but where was she hiding in the castle? Certainly Celena would've seen her before. Dilandau. Dilandau, I need your help.


What?
Dilandau growled in his mind. He'd hoped Celena would be asleep or even leave him alone when he'd leave. He stopped just at the hallway to the stable's entrance as two stable boys, no more than ten years old, slept just outside the door. Hiwero could just come in and slit their throats and seize the castle, don't they care about the well being of this place?
Dilandau fought the urge to slap both boys awake and reprimand them, he didn't want anyone to know of his little excursion. The stable itself was warm and smelled of animals, hay and of course, manure. Dilandau steeled himself against the latter and walked straight to one stall, his black charger fidgeted as he caught his rider's scent.
A soft smile, one that no one not even Celena or his dragonslayers would see, pulled at his lips as he undid the stall's locks. Just as Zorya did before him Dilandau prepared his horse and tacked it with expert care. Normally he wouldn't dare do this and would leave it to a servant or slayer to perform. He couldn't let anyone know however, and would just have to do the tasks himself.
Dilandau, Zorya's washed out the dye and running around the castle as herself.
So? I thought it was the princess you were concerned with, he shot back and pulled the bridle over his horse's ears. The horse accepted the bit readily and stomped one of his hooves impatiently. Dilandau gave the horse a gentle pat and threw the halter to the side, only to see another halter already discarded.
His dark red eyes were pulled back to the other stalls only to find one stall missing. The sorrel with a small star was gone. Latro's in the dungeon latrines so why is his horse gone? Dilandau pulled on the reins, the horse followed him obediently.
You already knew so I wouldn't be so callous Dilandau. Perhaps she's planning a little revenge for you.
Not likely. No one would dare do something to me Celena. You on the other hand, he chuckled maliciously to get his point across.
Oh fine be that way! If you see her don't do anything understand? Tell her that I'm looking for her. Dilandau felt Celena retreat from him and looked at the stable door before him. It wasn't completely shut, with the lock barely in place. dilandau's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized it. No, no one could possibly be in the stable before him, especially not to ride. Although with the stable boys less than alert...
Dilandau pushed that thought from his mind however as he opened the doors under the cover of night. No, she's not stupid enough to try and run away. She's stupid but not that stupid. He shut the doors behind him and easily mounted his charger. Beneath him the horse tensed, ready for the slightly movement that might indicate Dilandau's next command. Dilandau in any case, was focused on the pristine snow before him.
A horse's trail could be seen as clear as day beneath the double moons and they were headed south. South... Why would they head south? Only Hiwero, bandits and dragons are to the south of Waesir. It took a moment for the pieces to click into place and at that point Dilandau set his charger into a gallop.
The fool! She can't kill a dragon by herself! A hatchling maybe but if the mother comes back or even if she runs into a male... Normally Dilandau wasn't bothered by the means that dragons hunted and killed their prey. Dilandau was not in a normal mood or state of mind however, and without even the barest prod from Syrun had set out after the substitute princess.