The Hunt: Part 18
-ZibbelCoot
Disclaimer/Claimer:
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, Rihae, 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 before, happens 2 1/2 years after Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea. And now the note about last time. In Hamlet, when Shakespeare used You toy in blood he meant , You flirt amorously. At that point I thought it fit and yes that scene from part 17 was all a fever dream. A miet is a Gaean unit of time, the equivalent of thirty earth seconds. Check for Part 19 Harbored Secrets next Saturday night (4/28). The only reason this part is so short is because I'll be going on a trip and wouldn't be able to get you guys anything for another four days. So, expect Harbored Secrets to be nice and long with Dilandau searching for swords and Zorya blushing and well, you'll just have to wait and see.
The poem is by Vanessa St. Cloud and used with her permission (it'll show up in the next one). It was such a great poem about Dilandau and Celena that I had to include it.
And now the thank you section. Thank yous go to Vanessa St. Cloud, Sir Bonds Alot (bunnies!), Sandra (the healer part's for you, happy now?), Mother Love, Robin Mayo, Sora-chan, Golden Eagle, Valerie, Aruka, Bailey, Ami, Sere_Barton, Cyber_Shadow, ~Cerise~, DragonStar, Pizazz, Takara Volwrath, Dilandau-Sama's Warrior, Jenna, ^_^, Pandora, Veefa, Ying Zero, Dilandra, Umi, ~mYst~, Tuna, Dreamer, Nightworld, Yukiko, Night, Megan, Hikari no Tenshi, Shakaku, New Moon,
She gently laid a hand on his forehead, beside the cloth. Once more Dilandau pushed it away, although more hesitantly this time. Zorya gave him a small frown but didn't reprimand him, well not directly anyway. Do you have any idea at all what it is? What I can get to stop it?
Don't waste your time I said I'd be fine, he tried to put the edge back in his voice but failed. Zorya shook her head, as if not comprehending his words. Just leave me alone, he said unsteadily and turned over away from her.
Zorya bit down on her lower lip in uncertainty. He'd looked so confused and befuddled only a second before. But why? What could she have done to confuse him? He's Dilandau, he doesn't need an excuse to be strange, Zorya thought to herself bitterly at the lack of gratitude he showed her.
If the little psycho wanted to be left alone then fine! She'd leave tomorrow morning and get directions from one of the tavern's keepers. After she made sure the healer would visit him of course. Zorya exhaled harshly making a noise not unlike an upset animal. She wasn't as heartless as he was after all, she'd make sure he got some help.
Zorya walked to the opposite wall and turned swiftly so her back rested against the old wall. He was heartless, ruthless, a monster that didn't deserve to live. She assumed that's what others thought about him but what did she think exactly?
Her mind wandered back to the forest, to just before she'd fallen asleep at her watch and before the racrat attacked them. She could also remember every single act against her Dilandau had committed, and then each time he managed to save her ass. Zorya did not like being indebted to Dilandau, especially since that happened much more than before. Still, he was quiet now. And quiet for him made him almost normal.
I want an answer.
Excuse me?
An answer. You were preoccupied in the lake, I want an answer now. Are... you... afraid... of... me?
That was such a strange question and Zorya didn't even know what answer he was looking for. He probably wanted her to say yes, to be like those dragonslayers of his and at his beck and call out of fear.
I really don't know. I'm not sure what to think of you.
You should be.
Even now those words held true, her answer only slightly shaken from her previous position. Everything she'd seen Dilandau do in the past few days could just be an act. Although how anyone could pretend to be insane or sane with Dilandau's personality was beyond her. She allowed her knees to bend, her body slowly slinked down the wall. Her eyes remained on Dilandau's sleeping form, watching his scar less back rise and fall with each breath he took.
Scar less... How did he manage that? Zorya's eyelids drooped slightly but she fought to stay awake just a little longer. The healer, she'd need to find the healer in the morning. Then she'd go. Dilandau would be able to get away with a horse from this town anyway. Still, the way the firelight danced on his pale skin... It was soothing, almost as soothing as the tenor singing an ancient song. Zorya smiled in a dazed way and gave into the words, allowed herself to fall asleep as she watched Dilandau's form.
The apprentice paced the length of the room, an uneasy look on their normally cold face. The princess will still be married, and Celet will still be taken?
the lilting voice said calmly.
And the goddess, Paruchi will still kill her?
Of course Apprentice. You've known that from the beginning, even before you came to Celet, Syrun continued. I told you once before-
Yes, I remember what you said and you're wrong! No one I love shall suffer, I won't let them. Not after everything, they trailed off and Syrun did not question them. The young halfling merely watched the apprentice as they came close to tears. The princess will not marry Ricpen willingly.
So the sorcerers have entrusted me with their union, Syrun said softly, as if to lessen the blow. The apprentice nodded and looked around the room. How had they been sucked into this world, the world of the sorcerers? A life of crime and death had awaited them all those years ago, and the apprentice had chosen the sorcerers over that life. It was a mistake that could not be fixed, at least they felt that way. Living, even like this, was better than death...
I will have to leave soon, and aide your spells Syrun. The halfling looked at them, skepticism showing in his eyes. His stare bothered the apprentice, his pale blue eyes indifferent and pitying at the same time. They hated pity with a vengeance. Pity got you nowhere; it didn't feed you or shelter you, nor did it promise you a future. The apprentice learned long ago to loathe pity with their whole being. Don't look at me like that, they snapped, anger raising their voice a bit.
Syrun did not avert his gaze instead he closed his eyes. A line rippled across his forehead and near his mouth as if he fought to keep his face blank to them. They shall still suffer. Every one of them and you do not wish to acknowledge it.
They will not suffer and if I hear you say that again I'll kill you myself. I will make things right and everything will be fine-
Do you actually believe yourself? Listen to your words, full of desperation and hope-
Hope? I gave up on that a long time ago, the apprentice startled Syrun with a cruel chuckle. Hope is dead Syrun, surely you can't still hope that we'll bring back your sister.
Syrun opened his crystalline blue eyes and caught the apprentice with a sadness that perhaps resided within the apprentice them self. The apprentice would never admit to that sadness however, not even on their deathbed. You are not a sorcerer, merely an apprentice so why should I trust your word? As long as there is the possibility of Sora's return, then I shall continue.
The apprentice turned around and prepared to exit the room. They did not want to say anything more to Syrun. If they did it would only antagonize them more and the apprentice did not want to hear anymore cryptic remarks about their past or future. It was too much to hope for that however as Syrun began to hum his tune, his spell, and spoke softly barely above a whisper. It doesn't matter what you do now. Fate can no longer be changed.
We'll see about that, the apprentice snarled beneath their breath and slammed the door behind them so hard that the hinges rattled long after they disappeared into the castle's halls.
Dilandau could only stare, that's all his body would allow him. Nothing filled the space before him. Nothing... Celena screamed in a delayed reaction when she surfaced. He could feel the water pressing in from all around him, pulling him down. Gods it had to be a plan. She had to be all right! Celena's cries continued.
He was deaf to his sister's cries, even as they got louder and higher. The water was pulling on him, pulling down on his broken wing. The wings that his mother gave him... Gods, why wasn't she coming back up? Where was she? Dilandau barely felt the water cover his face and ignored his lack of breath. Momma... Momma... Momma...
Dilandau! No! Not both of you! his sister's voice was strong and pulled him from the water. His brain seemed to finally turn over and Dilandau forced himself to stay above the water. Dilandau, Momma's... Momma... Momma... She's gone! his sister screeched while her head bobbed precariously above the lake's cold water.
Momma... Momma! Dilandau added his cry to his sister's as the sky grew dark. Momma... Is she gone? Dilandau, is she- Momma left us Celena... She left us.
The crash of thunder echoed off the cold water, but neither child seemed to hear it.
Zorya cursed herself as she woke up. Shit, what time is it!? she asked the room and did not receive an answer. She was supposed to wake up early, to find the healer and leave. she repeated and pushed herself off the room's floor.
Various muscles ached and wished to go back to sleep and Zorya tried to ignore them as best she could. Sunlight crept into the room from the shuttered windows. The pale light stole into the room through the cracks in the shutters, one of them over the spot Zorya had slept in.
The room remained unchanged from the night before, aside from the candles that burnt themselves out. Zorya allowed the shutters to remain closed and made her way to the opposite side of the room where the General still slept. The light blanket she'd given him the night before was twisted all over his legs and pushed halfway off the cot. A low moan from Dilandau nearly made Zorya start but she continued to his bedside.
She couldn't let this make her stay longer than she needed to. The sight of Dilandau asleep though, the covers pushed away as if he'd had a horrible nightmare... It almost made her pity him. Zorya could remember the first time she saw him asleep. Slumped down in a chair, his silver bangs covering his eyes completely. He looked so peaceful then, unlike now where it was almost a forced sleep.
Zorya gently removed the cloth she gave him the night before. The top of it was dry while the part that remained in contact with his skin was warm and wet. She could still see beads of sweat speckled over his skin. Carefully Zorya put it next to the cot on the rickety night stand where the water basin sat as well. She placed a hand on his forehead, just above his headband. Her hand remained there, hoping her hands were just very cold and his fever wasn't that high. When the heat did not abate Zorya moved her hand to one of his still flushed cheeks. It didn't go down at all did it?
A low groan answered her and Zorya fought the urge to bite on her lip as she thought. It might be too far gone for the village healer. Zorya hazarded a glance at his arm but it was concealed beneath part of the twisted blanket. Gingerly she unfolded the cloth and nearly gasped when she saw it. At the edge of her makeshift bandage his skin was a putrid red-violet and his veins were quite visible as bright irritated violet streaks all along his arm but stopped at his shoulder. His wrist had begun to swell and was a purplish shade as well.
Dilandau was faintly aware of Zorya's first movements and woke up when he felt the warm compress removed from his forehead. His eyes nearly shot open when he felt her cool hand against his skin. Though he might never admit for the rest of his life, Dilandau took some comfort from the fact she didn't leave and was still there to tend him. Of course Dilandau would never admit to that out loud or even unconsciously to himself.
When her hand moved to his cheek Dilandau let out another low groan as she spoke. Dreams had tormented him all night long and he couldn't even be sure if what he felt was Zorya or another dream. When the hand left him Dilandau let his eyes open the tiniest amount they could and saw beneath his lashes Zorya moving the blanket from his arm. It hurt... Even the slightest touch sent shooting pains up his arm. Dilandau said nothing though.
It could barely compare to the pain of Death draining him, the pain of being humiliated in front of his subordinates, the pain... the pain of being alone. His lips seemed to numb as Zorya backed away from him, not aware he was awake. She walked out of his fuzzy line of sight. Dilandau shut his eyes again and tried not to dream. He didn't want to dream about her leaving again...
Galese could barely move, gods her body hurt so badly. She could barely remember what happened the day before. All she could remember was Refina pulling her from the cell and then dragging her into the courtyard. The most disgusting and frightening thing laid against the back wall and not even flies dared to swarm its rotting flesh.
Rotting, yes, that's what it smelled like and looked like for that matter. Red flesh exposed to the sun's harsh rays. Limbs out from the mass as if they'd just been cut and pasted there like some child's project. And then the thing had moved, deformed spheres embedded within the flesh seemed to watch her. What happened next was merely a blur to her rattled mind. Something had come out of the rotting hulk of meat. She could've sword it had aimed for Refina and herself but, it had happened so quickly Galese couldn't be sure.
A sorcerer, she recognized him as one of her uncle's advisors, stopped whatever it was that was about to happen. Galese never thought she would ever be thankful that there were sorcerers but at that point... She could faintly remember the sorcerer shouting something her knees going weak and her vision fading as whatever it was came dangerously close to her.
She assumed that she must've hit something, the cobblestone path into the courtyard maybe judging by the bump she felt on the back of her skull; not to mention the dried blood she felt there. The sorcerer must've brought her back to the cell as well. Gods it wasn't fair, why were they trying to do this!?
There were no more tears left to cry as Galese sat in her cell. All she could do was think back to happier times, to happier memories and pray that she'd get out soon. A small nagging thought continued to eat away at her hopes and memories. It whispered to her in her moments of absolute doubt and she could hear it now. Korent wouldn't come for her, he didn't love her, he'd leave her here and be glad she was gone. Galese let out a dry sob and tried to find a memory to fight the voice.
Celena paced the hallway almost afraid of what was on the other side. The dragonslayers were captured, probably being executed one by one until one gave the sorcerers the information on her brother's whereabouts. Why did he have to do this? Gods, why did he do that?!
It figured Dilandau (consciously or unconsciously) would make any situation worse. Even how she could barely feel him, but not exactly where he was. What didn't help was how erratic he felt. Gods... Had things become this complicated years before when Dilandau was still part of the Black Dragon army? Probably not unless Folken admitted women into his ranks. A wry smile almost escaped her as she couldn't imagine her brother acting in such a way back then.
It's now or never, Celena nearly berated herself and stepped around the corner. Four guards were at the dungeon's mouth, several more stalking the dungeon's corridors no doubt. I'm here to see the prisoners, she said in a calm and commanding voice; one more thing she borrowed from Dilandau.
I'm sorry Lady Albatou but we aren't supposed to let anyone pass.
I was instructed by the sorcerers to interrogate them, Celena lied easily but allowed her eyes to turn cold. If the guards refused to let her pass now she could come back later when only one or two guarded it and she could handle them. Two of the guards looked at each other and then the other two. Or, have you forgotten I was the princess' second advisor? I need some information about the last time any of the dragonslayers saw her, Celena continued with her lies though none of the guards seemed to notice.
Right this way Lady Albatou, one of the guards replied and started into the dungeon. Celena didn't look at the other three as she passed them. The guard immediately veered to the left and began down a narrow corridor. What's left of them is down here.
What's left of them? Celena couldn't hide the fear or surprise in her voice. The guard looked over his shoulder at her for a moment but said nothing. Oh gods... Dilandau they're killing your slayers! her calls hit the wall again and Celena could barely hide her fear or disappointment. Once the dragonslayers were gone she'd be all alone... alone...
Here we are. I can't let you into any of the cells though.
It's all right, I don't need to enter them. I just need to interrogate them-
I thought the sorcerers themselves were doing that. They called for one only an hour ago, the guard said slowly. Celena didn't do anything to give away the fact she'd lied or anything else. If the guard had his suspicions she'd make sure he didn't tell anyone else.
The sorcerers did not know the princess or my brother as I did guard. They do not know the dragonslayers as I do either, the proper questions must be asked. The guard was placated by that statement and began to return to his post as Celena went down the row of cells.
The first few on her left and right were all empty but the second she came to a cell with an occupant- Lady Celena!
Lady Celena?! Are you here to- the voices of her brother's dragonslayers chorused. Celena tried to ignore the voices. Latro on her left, Shesta on her right, Ryuon on her right, Balen on her left, Korent on her right...
Where's Gatty? she called out above them and the voices silenced. For a moment Celena's knees went weak when no one answered. Gods... oh no...
her brother's second in command called from the far end of the hall. It was all Celena could do to keep herself from running, to keep herself composed in front of the others. Gatty was at his cell's bars by the time she reached him. He looked unharmed which, considering what the sorcerers could do, was a very good thing. Celena what are you doing here?
Gatty, I need answers and since you are my brother's second I believe you can answer them most truthfully. Gatty's face held a look of confusion which passed as he nodded to her.
Whatever you want Celena, simply ask.
Finding the healer was not an easy task. Zorya walked ahead of the woman and cast a glance over her shoulder. The healer was a woman, that surprised Zorya at first. A world that seemed to be trapped in the middle ages allowed a woman to be a healer? Not far behind the healer was he assistant, a young man with long dark brown hair pulled back in a short ponytail.
What did you say happened again? the woman's strong voice forced Zorya to pay attention to where they were going. Up the tavern's steps, make a left...
We were at a campsite and this thing bit his right forearm. He's had a fever since last night and I tried to bandage the wound as best I could.
What was the thing? A racrat? A nymph? A hatchling? the healer asked as Zorya stopped just outside the door.
It was a dark slate blue, prominent fangs that leaked something. About half the size of your apprentice but skinnier and more snakelike. The healer shook her head and cast a glance to her assistant.
A nymph, hopefully an old one. Did you bring the gurar leaves?
I think so, the pimple faced boy replied. Zorya opened the door and led the two extra people in. Dilandau was writhing on the bed his face flushed red and the purple spidered up his arm from the bandage. The discoloration stood out alarmingly against his pale skin.
Oh my, the healer whispered and Zorya turned around at the foot of Dilandau's bed. Zorya did not like the tone the healer used when she said that.
He is an extremely important person so you better do all you can to heal him, Zorya blurted out, afraid that the healer might not do anything.
I'm afraid I can't do anything more than give him the gurar paste and something for the fever. How long was the nymph's fangs in him? the healer questioned Zorya and motioned for her assistant to give her the bag of supplies.
I don't know, not more than minute... err, two miets, Zorya corrected herself when the healer barely gave her a questioning look.
It may be too late then-
You will do all you can to heal him. She kept her strong front up and watched as the boy began to grind down a clump of gurar leaves. Or, I'm sorry to say, there will be horrible repercussions I can't save you from.
The healer looked from Zorya to Dilandau and back to Zorya, one eyebrow raised. I know you don't want your lover to die but-
What?! No, no no we're not like that, Zorya babbled and Dilandau's eyes opened partially.
What the hell... Zorya who are- Dilandau began, his voice angry and confused at the same time.
He's Dilandau Albatou and his dragonslayers will kill you and raze this village if you don't save him, Zorya rushed out and tried to correct the healer. The woman rolled her eyes and held out her hand to the boy for the gurar paste. The pimpled, dark brown haired and blue eyed assistant paled however and held the gurar paste in his hands.
Dilandau Albatou? The General of-
What the hell is going on!? Dilandau nearly growled this time and began to get up. Zorya promptly pushed him back down on his bed and watched the boy. It was almost as if he'd seen a-
The Black Dragon Dragonslayers, yes he's their General. Why? Zorya said and cast a warning glance at Dilandau. The General ignored her and tried to get up again, and failed.
My brother... he served under you. Dallet, he was my brother and he-
Died, he was weak. He let himself die, Dilandau spat out as Zorya prevented him from rising to see the boy eye to eye. If it weren't for the healer's quick hands the boy would've dropped the paste's ceramic dish and lost more precious time.
My brother was not weak! the assistant flushed. The boy would've done something if not for the glare from the healer. He wasn't!
Then why did he fall down a hole and die? Dilandau began to laugh, as if he found that particular method intensely funny. Weak, all of them. they all died. All of them were weak... his cackles subsided as the healer removed the pus covered bandage.
Hold him down, it may sting a little. The healer's voice was completely detached and unemotional, directed to both Zorya and the assistant. Zorya took a position just above the wound at Dilandau's shoulders while the assistant, his face a mask of anger ad hate, took Dilandau's feet.
What the HELL- Dilandau cut himself off as the gurar paste was forced into the swollen flesh.
The troupe of bards and performers glanced about Waesir's walls uncertainly. They were still awaiting word from Celet's ruler as to whether or not they'd be given a permanent post. Even with what they'd heard of the advisors ruling the country they hadn't told them anything. That's why they were all assembled in the castle's main hall, to await the word from the advisors.
One stood apart from the rest, her dark eyes restlessly moving back and forth over the great tapestries on the walls. There was one of which had been moved recently out of the throne room to be displayed in the hall. It was that tapestry that caught the bard's eye. It was a depiction of the Dragon War, not unsurprising since Celet did have vast libraries and knowledge about almost anything. It made sense that Celet would hold a part of the most recent war as well.
Like the majority of younger performers in the troupe her long dark brown hair had streaks of color in it. Unlike the others however she'd chosen a vibrant and rich violet to brighten her hair as opposed to the blues and greens the others chose in honor of being hosted by Celet.
Something else caught her eye soon after she looked over the Alseides' and Escaflowne's forms. A woman was poised at one window, her eyes pools of blue sadness. Well, well, well, maybe I can get a few gidaru off of her, one of Veehscee's comrades said with a snicker and began to limp off towards the woman.
Are you insane? one of the elder bards hissed and yanked on he younger performer's collar. Do you have any idea who she is? Weren't you listening to the guards?
What in the Dragon's name are you babbling about? The young woman turned her hazel eyes to the elders, intrigued at their concern.
That's Lady Albatou, the Dragonslayer General's twin! Do something to her and Dilandau Albatou will have our heads! the same elder said while the performer he lectured paled in complexion. Vee turned to get a look at the woman once more but the blond was gone. They're twins aren't they? She looks like the complete opposite of him, so gentle and innocent as opposed to his blood and war.
An idea took hold in Vee's head even as one of the sorcerers approached the troupe. She was so intent on completing it and finding the right words that she barely heard what the sorcerers told her fellow performers. Twins... A General and maiden, two sides of a coin, she mused to herself even as her troupe was dismissed from the castle.
The block of cells was almost completely silent if not for their occupants' steady breathing. The night before each of the fifteen cells had one person in them. Now only thirteen cells held prisoners. Gatty, Shesta and Ryuon were among the still living. Balen and Adim aren't coming back are they Gatty? Shesta's child-like voice asked quietly.
No Shesta, the sorcerers probably dumped them into the moat by now.
I knew we shouldn't have stayed here, not after what those sorcerers did to Lord Dilandau last time, Ryuon said bitterly in his cell.
It was a war Ryuon, Dilandau-sama wanted to fight this war regardless.
Gatty's right, fighting a war is better than going back... back there, Shesta said with a shiver though no other slayer saw it. Shesta looked about his cell with some fear and hatred. Tight spaces... Tight enclosed spaces... he didn't like them. Gatty I can find him, I can find Lord Dilandau-
No, if you find him then the sorcerers can find him. The dragonslayers were silent then, no one could think of anything else to say.
Why are we still here? We can kill the guards and sorcerers and be away from here before anyone-
And what would we do Latro? Go back to the barren lands? Do you want to go back there? Oh wait I forgot you didn't go there at all, Ryuon shot at the other slayer. Shesta let out an exasperated noise and slumped downwards in his cell. He could just try and find Lord Dilandau...
We'll be out of here at least! Do you want the sorcerers to kill us off one by one?! Latro shouted back.
No, but think about it Latro. If we run that means Dilandau-sama is guilty of the crimes the sorcerers accused him of. And what happens if Dilandau-sama comes back after we've fled? The sorcerers and guards will seize him and- Gatty's calm voice dropped off as he remembered the last thing the sorcerers did to Dilandau last time. Shesta, there's only three sorcerers here. Find the fourth one, find out what he's up to.
Shesta nodded and allowed his head to fall back, his pupils dilated as his tattoo faced the sky. He could see... he could see everything in the castle, he could see the guards outside the dungeon, the sorcerers in the great hall. Everything he could see everything and... Lord Dilandau... The fourth sorcerer, concentrate Shesta!
Sorcerer... Sorcerer... The last one... Shesta's second sight searched near and far trying to see where the sorcerer was. When he did find him Shesta nearly shocked himself out of his vision. The sorcerer was nearby, only a few days away by horse. That wasn't what shocked him however, it was the pulsating blob of rotting flesh that did it. Shesta knew what it was, had seen his Lord Dilandau nearly killed by it. The sorcerer was laughing about something but Shesta didn't listen. He had to tell Gatty! He had to tell Lord Dilandau! Alseides! Sorcerer! Shesta murmured in his trance as he broke it.
Gatty they have it! They have it again and they'll use it on Lord Dilandau! Shesta said quickly as he couldn't slow his breathing. The walls, the walls were closing in... Gods what were the sorcerers going to do?!
Shesta? What is it? Ryuon's voice tried to bring him back and failed. The room was spinning, closing in. Shesta's breathing increased as he could still see Death staring at him from those emerald spheres. Death, it was following him. It wouldn't let Shesta tell them. It would refuse to let Shesta go...
Alseides! DEATH! Shesta screamed as his lungs refused to fill. Gods it was so tight, his armor was clamping down on his lungs. Shesta struggled for breath but found he couldn't fill his lungs. He was suffocating... Gods it was so tight he couldn't breathe... The slayers in the cells around him could do nothing as Shesta's hyperventilating got worse and images of Death pursued him.
