When the Demon Stirs~An Escaflowne FanFic
By: H. Zane
My past stalks me,
I have nowhere to shine.
I have sold myself to you,
But the reality is still mine.
~ H. Zane
~ Chapter 08- Reverence ~
Illyanna looked proudly at her reflection in the mirror, admiring her own beauty. She smiled a malicious grin as she pinned her long raven hair up and slipped on a brilliant purple gown with silver buttons. Today was her big day, not only was it her 20th birthday, her accent into woman hood but it was also the day she had to prove her skills as a sorceress to anyone of importance in the kingdom of Gedaliah. She had been up at first light learning some simple curses and one intricate spell from Oni, nothing threatening, just some with enough prowess to impress the nobles and for Oni to earn her trust.
He watched her from a distance as she prepared herself, whispering spells under her breath. She had been easy to teach and learned the spells quickly; he was very pleased with himself for choosing such a suitable pawn. He approached her from behind but she already could feel his presence and turned to face him. "So," she said, "when do we start looking for the Bloodstone shards?"
"My aren't we eager the eager one." Oni stretched and twisted his demon form around her body. "We can start looking in the Hot Zone, a desert island far in the west, as soon as we acquire a vessel for traveling."
Illyanna knew better them to fight off his advances, she allowed him to twist around her. "That shouldn't be a problem, my father owns two leviships and a small fleet of ocean-crossing ships. I will need his permission to use them though, but after he sees my talents I'm sure he will consent the use of one of them."
Oni pulled away from her and sank back into the shadows, "I hope your right Princess, because we wouldn't want to have to do anything drastic."
Illyanna looked confused, "drastic, what do you mean drastic?" Oni was saved from answering her they were interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
"Who is it?" She demanded.
"Um…my lady…it's D- David Jahn Agoras, I serve for your f-father in the Royal Guard."
Illyanna rolled her eyes, "yes, I know who you are, what is it that you want?"
David cleared his throat, "the court is ready for you my lady. I- I'm to escort you to the Sorcerer's Hall."
Illyanna walked to the door and opened it abruptly. The young man that was standing there jumped back in surprise, he gave her a low bow and Illyanna looked him over.
He was handsome she would admit, he was around her age with turquoise hair that fell in front of his eyes. His eyes matched his hair and he was tall and well built. He was wearing Gedaliah's black and gray decorative armor and he carried a sword and dagger.
Illyanna regarded the man coolly; she was a little disappointed that a Nobleman was not sent to retrieve her. In Gedaliah the men at arms did not hold much respect. This was a country ruled by magic and swordplay was rarely used. Most of the soldiers were just young men with no other talents and no real aspects, none of them had ever seen real war, real blood shed.
David tried to hide his smile as he held out his arm to her, she took it and he lead her to the Sorcerer's Hall. Oni followed them but made sure he wasn't seen by hiding in the shadows. On the way there David tried to make some light conversation with the Princess, but she wasn't interested. Every time he spoke to her she sighed exasperatingly and gave him one-word answers. It was clear that David had some feelings for Illyanna that went beyond servant and master. "Um Illyanna-hime, I'm looking forward to seeing you…I mean your skills." David shook his head and silently yells at himself for that slip of the tongue. He started to open the huge oak doors of the Sorcerer's Hall. Illyanna watched him out of the corner of her eye; she could see his nervousness yet did nothing to ease it. He finally got both doors open and stood off to the side. As she entered he bowed again, "I wish you good fortune, although I know you will not need it," he said.
Illyanna gave him a sly smile, which was surprising, "Thank you," she said and continued her way in through Hall.
The Sorcerer's Hall was very impressive. The room was enormous with shinning golden colored walls and a white marble floor. The ceiling was high and the windows were adorned with attractive purple drapes and stretched from the floor almost up to the ceiling. A large crystal chandelier hung at mid level and reflected off the marble floor. The room sparkled like no other room in the palace. On the far side of the room there was two large thrones. The first throne was occupied by the king of Gedaliah, Nero de Gedal and the other sat empty.
Illyanna looked at her father, he wore a reluctant grin with his gold crown and his eyes were tired. She bowed before him then averted her eyes to his council, Seri- Ra and Zephaniah, the High Priest of Gedaliah. Nero gave her a slow nod, "well my daughter," he said, "Are you prepared to prove yourself worthy of the throne?"
Illyanna stared acutely in her father's eyes, "yes my Lord."
Gedal recoiled slightly at his daughter's gaze, never before had he seen her eyes so fierce. He didn't recognize her. "Then let us begin," he said.
And she did just that; she started simple at first, doing some minor levitation and telekinesis, summoning thunder and lightning, dancing with fire and freezing water. She wasn't getting any impressed responses from her audience, they had seem these tricks thousands of times before and had themselves performed them for spectators, so she decided to make it more interesting.
She turned to David who was watching from the entrance, a goofy smile plastered his face. "You there, swordsman, come here I require your assistance." He looked from side to side not sure that she was addressing him. Illyanna chuckled slightly, "yes David, I am addressing you please come forward." David approached the princess, looking back and forth between her and the king silently asking his permission. The king nodded to David as he reached Illyanna. Illyanna placed her hands on David's cheeks gently; he could feel the warmth spread through his face. "Now," she said, "this won't hurt a bit." She pulled her hands away from his face and flicked her wrists quickly and mouthed a strange incantation, "hicci puccih esaelp." She lightly placed her hands on his face again and pulled it close to hers. David gulped with wide eyes and could feel his face turning from pink to crimson. Illyanna squeezed his cheeks together making him pucker slightly and whispered the final word of the spell, "knaht" and then tenderly kissed his lips. There were a few whispers coming from the crowd but most everyone figured that there was a good reason for the kiss.
David's blood boiled in his veins, he couldn't believe what was happening, that he couldn't believe the princess was kissing him, and especially in front of so many people. He felt wonderful inside but he wished that this wasn't part of some spell, that the kiss was true and she had real love for him.
Illyanna drew away slowly staring into his eyes almost solemnly. "Sorry," she whispered, and then turned away from him and once again stood facing her audience. Everyone including Illyanna and David remained still in silent air. "Daughter, what was the purpose of that?" Asked her father the king. Illyanna glanced back at David who wore that same stupid grin as before. David opened is mouth to speak but he was cut off, *hick* David instantly placed his hand over his mouth in embarrassment. "Princess*hick* did you*hick* do this*hick*?
There were a few quiet chuckles coming from her audience, along with a light applause. Seri-Ra, however, wasn't amused. She wondered to herself how the princess could have learned such a spell, no not a spell, a curse. She knew that the Book of the Dead was safe; and there were no other copies, no other way of learning it. Seri-Ra frowned and glanced at her king, he was chuckling along with the rest of the council. Either he didn't realize that she performed a curse or he didn't care. Her attention, however, returned to Illyanna who was standing in front of David again preparing to break the spell. She whispered the same words and kissed him again. But this time he returned her kiss, which was fairly obvious to everyone. They broke free and he headed back to his place by the door and she face the council again.
Nero gave a pleased smile at Illyanna, "very good daughter, I've not seen a body curse before, have you anymore tricks up your sleeves?" Asked the king. Illyanna's face lit up like a candle in a dim room, her father was pleased with her and she was in raptures, "finally", she thought, "he loves me." She flashed her father a sly grin, "Oh yes my Lord there is more where that came from." The whole room was amused by this exchange, never before had they seen their king and princess so playful together, so loving. Oni was also amused; he snickers to himself as he thought of what the future held for his perfect little princess.
Illyanna prepared for another spell, this one was a little more complicated. It was harmless, just a spell for show but if she got that kind of response from a mere body curse, she couldn't wait to see the reaction from this one. She raised her hands in the air and with a few slights finger movements spat out another spell: "Come and bleed o' scares of pain. Haunt me, hurt me, curse my name. Leave me broken, damned and drained. Come to me, my sweet black rain." Illyanna felt a swell in her chest, like she had committed the ultimate sin when saying those words, it made her feel a little dirty inside yet altogether excited her. Nevertheless the spell worked, she brought her right hand down and formed a small storm cloud in her left. She closed her eyes and concentrated as rain started to fall from the cloud. But these were not average raindrops; they were black, as black coal and in seeing this sent loud gasps thought out the council.
The droplets fell into black puddles at Illyanna's feet, Seri-Ra and Zephaniah looked at each other in wonder. Seri-Ra leaned in close to him trying to be as quiet as possible, "I know that spell, it's from the Book of the Dead! Zephaniah did you teach her that spell?" Zephaniah was taken aback by her blunt question, "I know not such spells woman, you are the keeper of the book, so perhaps you taught her." "Don't be daft old man," Seri-Ra replied, " I have never so much as let her look at it." Seri-Ra rubbed her chin with her index finger and thumb, "she is learning these spells from somewhere, and I don't like it one bit!" Seri-Ra folded her arms across her chest; this was indeed bothering her and she would get to the bottom of it after Illyanna's exam.
Illyanna quietly ended the spell and took a little bow. She smiled boldly and placed her hands on her hips. "And now for the concluding spell, I have been saving it for last." Illyanna glanced at Seri-Ra and gave her a little wink. Seri-Ra rolled her eyes at her students pride and waited with worry for her pupil's final spell.
Illyanna stood up straight and raised her arms to the ceiling. She closed her eyes and whispered her dark words, words that had not been uttered in hundreds of years. "Trade fire's light for darkness chill, make it one, and make it still. Dim the brightness, dull the flame, and make my fire as cold as rain." No sooner did the words leave her lips then the scalding flames spit from her fingertips. She gritted her teeth against the searing heat as the fire surrounded her, but it did not consume her, it just licked and raged against her flesh, against her cloths. Illyanna gasped and brought the flames together in one red ball of heat. Her audience looked on curiously as the fire darted from her hands to the drapes and finally lingered. She held the flames for a moment as she closed her eyes and concentrated immensely. Finally with he strength and breath gathered she opened her eyes and breathed onto the flames. Her breath was like a frost and upon touching the flames turned them into sculptures of ice. She stood in deep concentration, fighting to keep the heavy ice suspended as the spectators' gasps and whispers filled the room.
Illyanna was about to conclude the spell when she felt a strong hold on her arm. She quickly looked to her side and saw Seri-Ra holding her tightly with gritted teeth. Seri-Ra squeezed her student's arm with a barbarian's strength, which caused Illyanna to break her concentration and with a slight moan let the ice sphere smash into the floor. The crowd quickly dispersed as it came crashing down and shattered into a million slivers of ice.
Seri-Ra's eyes burned into her student, "Those spells are forbidden by law and morality! Illyanna-hime, I demand to know where you learned such things! Where in hell did you learn from that book!" Seri-Ra's eyes blazed into her students' face. She was determined to get to the bottom of this and fast. For she knew the true power in those words and she knew what the future would hold if that power fell into the wrong hands. She pulled Illyanna closer with a grip of steel, which made Illyanna cry out. "Answer me girl!" she said through clenched teeth.
Illyanna decided to play dumb, she had no intention of revealing her sources, especially to Seri-Ra. Illyanna looked at her with doe eyes. "Book, what book?" she questioned innocently. "I haven't any idea what your talking about teacher."
Seri-Ra's anger intensified. "Enough lies, enough games, do you take me for a fool…" she spat.
Just then the king stood and slammed his staff to the floor. And the room grew quiet again.
"Silence sorceress and take your hands off my daughter." The king commanded.
Seri-Ra looked at the king with a scowl. She let go of the princess's arm. "But sire," she started "don't you realize your daughter is casting from the Book of the Dead? Aren't you the least bit curious as to where she acquired these skills and concerned for your country, your people?" The crowd stood still in anticipation, never had they seen a coming of age ceremony with such controversy. But the king just shook his head and sat down. "Your concern is acknowledged and appreciated Seri-Ra" he said as he gazed about the room at his subjects. "Appreciated but unnecessary," he smiled as he watched the sorceresses mouth drop. She started to object but the king held up his hand to silence her. "That will be all, now please leave us, I would like to have a word with my daughter in private."
Seri-Ra shook her head in disapproval. "Yes my king," she said as she turned her heels and walked out. The king looked at the court and nodded for them to leave as well. They all left whispering amongst themselves of the strange power the princess had presented. The last person left and David pulled the huge doors closed, always keeping an eye on his princess.
With the room finally secure, save one lingering demon in the shadows, King Nero burst into applause and laughter for his daughter. He had been quite impressed, but could not show his emotions in front of his court. "Congratulations daughter," he bellowed, "you have proven yourself worthy of the throne. And I must say that I am very pleased that your extra tutoring hadn't been a wasted effort on all of our parts."
Illyanna smiled at her father then cast her eyes to the floor, "I'm just happy to please you. It has taken all my life, but I suppose it was worth the wait."
"Indeed it was," he answered as he stood up and walked towards Illyanna. He put his hands on her shoulders. "You made me proud today. You really showed those fools what the Gedals' were made out of. If you ever need anything daughter, please don't be hesitant to ask."
At this both Oni and Illyanna grinned a toothy grin. They figured they would easily gain access to a leviship and start searching for the first piece of the Bloodstone. Illyanna played with a piece of raven colored hair that fell from her pins and turned away from her father. "It's funny you should say that father, for I was about to make a request upon you."
"Oh."
"Yes, I was hoping I could use one of your ships to make a pilgrimage to strengthen my skills. There is a place called the Hot Zone, and I have heard that it holds mystical energies…"
Illyanna barely got her sentence out when the king interrupted her.
"Absolutly not," he said, "I will not have my only daughter running about in some desert waste land. And besides you need to stay here and learn how to run the kingdom, if you're going to be queen someday."
Illyanna turned around with a huff. She was not happy with the king's answer and was about to attempt to change his mind using every means necessary. She folded her arms and stared straight into Nero's eyes. "I thought you just said if I needed anything, I shouldn't be afraid to ask?"
"Yes I did," Nero said as he turned and started to walk back to his throne. "But leaving the country is put of the question. You must understand this."
Illyanna stomped her foot to the ground. "Did I not impress you today?"
"Yes, I already told you that-
"Then why can't I go?"
King Nero sighed and sat on his throne. "I'm not going to argue with you girl, you're young and foolish. You will stay in this castle and tend to your responsibilities, is that clear?"
Ilyanna was about to argue her case again but something told her not too. She peeked at the corner of her eye at Oni, who was hiding behind a pillar. He shook his head no and slithered under the crack of the door. She followed his lead and with a sarcastic "fine" she angrily left the room before giving her father a chance to respond. She walked the hall past David and two other guards. She whispered silently to Oni as he moved in the shadows. The men looked a bit puzzled as Illyanna walked by. The princess was never known to talk to herself, but being so egotistical as she was, they just shrugged it off and continued their watch.
Illyanna, on the other hand was not about to take her father's refusal lying down. She was no longer a child and did not care to be treated like one. She headed back to her room, it was time for a plan, she was determined to find all the missing shards. Oni wrapped his body around her and let his essence melt with hers becoming one being. "What are your plans Princess?" He asked ever so slyly. Her eyes glowed, "I'm going to find the Bloodstone no matter what. Even if it means destroying everything and anything that gets in my way."
Oni smiled inwardly, "that's what I was hoping you would say."
End of Chapter 08
By: H. Zane
My past stalks me,
I have nowhere to shine.
I have sold myself to you,
But the reality is still mine.
~ H. Zane
~ Chapter 08- Reverence ~
Illyanna looked proudly at her reflection in the mirror, admiring her own beauty. She smiled a malicious grin as she pinned her long raven hair up and slipped on a brilliant purple gown with silver buttons. Today was her big day, not only was it her 20th birthday, her accent into woman hood but it was also the day she had to prove her skills as a sorceress to anyone of importance in the kingdom of Gedaliah. She had been up at first light learning some simple curses and one intricate spell from Oni, nothing threatening, just some with enough prowess to impress the nobles and for Oni to earn her trust.
He watched her from a distance as she prepared herself, whispering spells under her breath. She had been easy to teach and learned the spells quickly; he was very pleased with himself for choosing such a suitable pawn. He approached her from behind but she already could feel his presence and turned to face him. "So," she said, "when do we start looking for the Bloodstone shards?"
"My aren't we eager the eager one." Oni stretched and twisted his demon form around her body. "We can start looking in the Hot Zone, a desert island far in the west, as soon as we acquire a vessel for traveling."
Illyanna knew better them to fight off his advances, she allowed him to twist around her. "That shouldn't be a problem, my father owns two leviships and a small fleet of ocean-crossing ships. I will need his permission to use them though, but after he sees my talents I'm sure he will consent the use of one of them."
Oni pulled away from her and sank back into the shadows, "I hope your right Princess, because we wouldn't want to have to do anything drastic."
Illyanna looked confused, "drastic, what do you mean drastic?" Oni was saved from answering her they were interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
"Who is it?" She demanded.
"Um…my lady…it's D- David Jahn Agoras, I serve for your f-father in the Royal Guard."
Illyanna rolled her eyes, "yes, I know who you are, what is it that you want?"
David cleared his throat, "the court is ready for you my lady. I- I'm to escort you to the Sorcerer's Hall."
Illyanna walked to the door and opened it abruptly. The young man that was standing there jumped back in surprise, he gave her a low bow and Illyanna looked him over.
He was handsome she would admit, he was around her age with turquoise hair that fell in front of his eyes. His eyes matched his hair and he was tall and well built. He was wearing Gedaliah's black and gray decorative armor and he carried a sword and dagger.
Illyanna regarded the man coolly; she was a little disappointed that a Nobleman was not sent to retrieve her. In Gedaliah the men at arms did not hold much respect. This was a country ruled by magic and swordplay was rarely used. Most of the soldiers were just young men with no other talents and no real aspects, none of them had ever seen real war, real blood shed.
David tried to hide his smile as he held out his arm to her, she took it and he lead her to the Sorcerer's Hall. Oni followed them but made sure he wasn't seen by hiding in the shadows. On the way there David tried to make some light conversation with the Princess, but she wasn't interested. Every time he spoke to her she sighed exasperatingly and gave him one-word answers. It was clear that David had some feelings for Illyanna that went beyond servant and master. "Um Illyanna-hime, I'm looking forward to seeing you…I mean your skills." David shook his head and silently yells at himself for that slip of the tongue. He started to open the huge oak doors of the Sorcerer's Hall. Illyanna watched him out of the corner of her eye; she could see his nervousness yet did nothing to ease it. He finally got both doors open and stood off to the side. As she entered he bowed again, "I wish you good fortune, although I know you will not need it," he said.
Illyanna gave him a sly smile, which was surprising, "Thank you," she said and continued her way in through Hall.
The Sorcerer's Hall was very impressive. The room was enormous with shinning golden colored walls and a white marble floor. The ceiling was high and the windows were adorned with attractive purple drapes and stretched from the floor almost up to the ceiling. A large crystal chandelier hung at mid level and reflected off the marble floor. The room sparkled like no other room in the palace. On the far side of the room there was two large thrones. The first throne was occupied by the king of Gedaliah, Nero de Gedal and the other sat empty.
Illyanna looked at her father, he wore a reluctant grin with his gold crown and his eyes were tired. She bowed before him then averted her eyes to his council, Seri- Ra and Zephaniah, the High Priest of Gedaliah. Nero gave her a slow nod, "well my daughter," he said, "Are you prepared to prove yourself worthy of the throne?"
Illyanna stared acutely in her father's eyes, "yes my Lord."
Gedal recoiled slightly at his daughter's gaze, never before had he seen her eyes so fierce. He didn't recognize her. "Then let us begin," he said.
And she did just that; she started simple at first, doing some minor levitation and telekinesis, summoning thunder and lightning, dancing with fire and freezing water. She wasn't getting any impressed responses from her audience, they had seem these tricks thousands of times before and had themselves performed them for spectators, so she decided to make it more interesting.
She turned to David who was watching from the entrance, a goofy smile plastered his face. "You there, swordsman, come here I require your assistance." He looked from side to side not sure that she was addressing him. Illyanna chuckled slightly, "yes David, I am addressing you please come forward." David approached the princess, looking back and forth between her and the king silently asking his permission. The king nodded to David as he reached Illyanna. Illyanna placed her hands on David's cheeks gently; he could feel the warmth spread through his face. "Now," she said, "this won't hurt a bit." She pulled her hands away from his face and flicked her wrists quickly and mouthed a strange incantation, "hicci puccih esaelp." She lightly placed her hands on his face again and pulled it close to hers. David gulped with wide eyes and could feel his face turning from pink to crimson. Illyanna squeezed his cheeks together making him pucker slightly and whispered the final word of the spell, "knaht" and then tenderly kissed his lips. There were a few whispers coming from the crowd but most everyone figured that there was a good reason for the kiss.
David's blood boiled in his veins, he couldn't believe what was happening, that he couldn't believe the princess was kissing him, and especially in front of so many people. He felt wonderful inside but he wished that this wasn't part of some spell, that the kiss was true and she had real love for him.
Illyanna drew away slowly staring into his eyes almost solemnly. "Sorry," she whispered, and then turned away from him and once again stood facing her audience. Everyone including Illyanna and David remained still in silent air. "Daughter, what was the purpose of that?" Asked her father the king. Illyanna glanced back at David who wore that same stupid grin as before. David opened is mouth to speak but he was cut off, *hick* David instantly placed his hand over his mouth in embarrassment. "Princess*hick* did you*hick* do this*hick*?
There were a few quiet chuckles coming from her audience, along with a light applause. Seri-Ra, however, wasn't amused. She wondered to herself how the princess could have learned such a spell, no not a spell, a curse. She knew that the Book of the Dead was safe; and there were no other copies, no other way of learning it. Seri-Ra frowned and glanced at her king, he was chuckling along with the rest of the council. Either he didn't realize that she performed a curse or he didn't care. Her attention, however, returned to Illyanna who was standing in front of David again preparing to break the spell. She whispered the same words and kissed him again. But this time he returned her kiss, which was fairly obvious to everyone. They broke free and he headed back to his place by the door and she face the council again.
Nero gave a pleased smile at Illyanna, "very good daughter, I've not seen a body curse before, have you anymore tricks up your sleeves?" Asked the king. Illyanna's face lit up like a candle in a dim room, her father was pleased with her and she was in raptures, "finally", she thought, "he loves me." She flashed her father a sly grin, "Oh yes my Lord there is more where that came from." The whole room was amused by this exchange, never before had they seen their king and princess so playful together, so loving. Oni was also amused; he snickers to himself as he thought of what the future held for his perfect little princess.
Illyanna prepared for another spell, this one was a little more complicated. It was harmless, just a spell for show but if she got that kind of response from a mere body curse, she couldn't wait to see the reaction from this one. She raised her hands in the air and with a few slights finger movements spat out another spell: "Come and bleed o' scares of pain. Haunt me, hurt me, curse my name. Leave me broken, damned and drained. Come to me, my sweet black rain." Illyanna felt a swell in her chest, like she had committed the ultimate sin when saying those words, it made her feel a little dirty inside yet altogether excited her. Nevertheless the spell worked, she brought her right hand down and formed a small storm cloud in her left. She closed her eyes and concentrated as rain started to fall from the cloud. But these were not average raindrops; they were black, as black coal and in seeing this sent loud gasps thought out the council.
The droplets fell into black puddles at Illyanna's feet, Seri-Ra and Zephaniah looked at each other in wonder. Seri-Ra leaned in close to him trying to be as quiet as possible, "I know that spell, it's from the Book of the Dead! Zephaniah did you teach her that spell?" Zephaniah was taken aback by her blunt question, "I know not such spells woman, you are the keeper of the book, so perhaps you taught her." "Don't be daft old man," Seri-Ra replied, " I have never so much as let her look at it." Seri-Ra rubbed her chin with her index finger and thumb, "she is learning these spells from somewhere, and I don't like it one bit!" Seri-Ra folded her arms across her chest; this was indeed bothering her and she would get to the bottom of it after Illyanna's exam.
Illyanna quietly ended the spell and took a little bow. She smiled boldly and placed her hands on her hips. "And now for the concluding spell, I have been saving it for last." Illyanna glanced at Seri-Ra and gave her a little wink. Seri-Ra rolled her eyes at her students pride and waited with worry for her pupil's final spell.
Illyanna stood up straight and raised her arms to the ceiling. She closed her eyes and whispered her dark words, words that had not been uttered in hundreds of years. "Trade fire's light for darkness chill, make it one, and make it still. Dim the brightness, dull the flame, and make my fire as cold as rain." No sooner did the words leave her lips then the scalding flames spit from her fingertips. She gritted her teeth against the searing heat as the fire surrounded her, but it did not consume her, it just licked and raged against her flesh, against her cloths. Illyanna gasped and brought the flames together in one red ball of heat. Her audience looked on curiously as the fire darted from her hands to the drapes and finally lingered. She held the flames for a moment as she closed her eyes and concentrated immensely. Finally with he strength and breath gathered she opened her eyes and breathed onto the flames. Her breath was like a frost and upon touching the flames turned them into sculptures of ice. She stood in deep concentration, fighting to keep the heavy ice suspended as the spectators' gasps and whispers filled the room.
Illyanna was about to conclude the spell when she felt a strong hold on her arm. She quickly looked to her side and saw Seri-Ra holding her tightly with gritted teeth. Seri-Ra squeezed her student's arm with a barbarian's strength, which caused Illyanna to break her concentration and with a slight moan let the ice sphere smash into the floor. The crowd quickly dispersed as it came crashing down and shattered into a million slivers of ice.
Seri-Ra's eyes burned into her student, "Those spells are forbidden by law and morality! Illyanna-hime, I demand to know where you learned such things! Where in hell did you learn from that book!" Seri-Ra's eyes blazed into her students' face. She was determined to get to the bottom of this and fast. For she knew the true power in those words and she knew what the future would hold if that power fell into the wrong hands. She pulled Illyanna closer with a grip of steel, which made Illyanna cry out. "Answer me girl!" she said through clenched teeth.
Illyanna decided to play dumb, she had no intention of revealing her sources, especially to Seri-Ra. Illyanna looked at her with doe eyes. "Book, what book?" she questioned innocently. "I haven't any idea what your talking about teacher."
Seri-Ra's anger intensified. "Enough lies, enough games, do you take me for a fool…" she spat.
Just then the king stood and slammed his staff to the floor. And the room grew quiet again.
"Silence sorceress and take your hands off my daughter." The king commanded.
Seri-Ra looked at the king with a scowl. She let go of the princess's arm. "But sire," she started "don't you realize your daughter is casting from the Book of the Dead? Aren't you the least bit curious as to where she acquired these skills and concerned for your country, your people?" The crowd stood still in anticipation, never had they seen a coming of age ceremony with such controversy. But the king just shook his head and sat down. "Your concern is acknowledged and appreciated Seri-Ra" he said as he gazed about the room at his subjects. "Appreciated but unnecessary," he smiled as he watched the sorceresses mouth drop. She started to object but the king held up his hand to silence her. "That will be all, now please leave us, I would like to have a word with my daughter in private."
Seri-Ra shook her head in disapproval. "Yes my king," she said as she turned her heels and walked out. The king looked at the court and nodded for them to leave as well. They all left whispering amongst themselves of the strange power the princess had presented. The last person left and David pulled the huge doors closed, always keeping an eye on his princess.
With the room finally secure, save one lingering demon in the shadows, King Nero burst into applause and laughter for his daughter. He had been quite impressed, but could not show his emotions in front of his court. "Congratulations daughter," he bellowed, "you have proven yourself worthy of the throne. And I must say that I am very pleased that your extra tutoring hadn't been a wasted effort on all of our parts."
Illyanna smiled at her father then cast her eyes to the floor, "I'm just happy to please you. It has taken all my life, but I suppose it was worth the wait."
"Indeed it was," he answered as he stood up and walked towards Illyanna. He put his hands on her shoulders. "You made me proud today. You really showed those fools what the Gedals' were made out of. If you ever need anything daughter, please don't be hesitant to ask."
At this both Oni and Illyanna grinned a toothy grin. They figured they would easily gain access to a leviship and start searching for the first piece of the Bloodstone. Illyanna played with a piece of raven colored hair that fell from her pins and turned away from her father. "It's funny you should say that father, for I was about to make a request upon you."
"Oh."
"Yes, I was hoping I could use one of your ships to make a pilgrimage to strengthen my skills. There is a place called the Hot Zone, and I have heard that it holds mystical energies…"
Illyanna barely got her sentence out when the king interrupted her.
"Absolutly not," he said, "I will not have my only daughter running about in some desert waste land. And besides you need to stay here and learn how to run the kingdom, if you're going to be queen someday."
Illyanna turned around with a huff. She was not happy with the king's answer and was about to attempt to change his mind using every means necessary. She folded her arms and stared straight into Nero's eyes. "I thought you just said if I needed anything, I shouldn't be afraid to ask?"
"Yes I did," Nero said as he turned and started to walk back to his throne. "But leaving the country is put of the question. You must understand this."
Illyanna stomped her foot to the ground. "Did I not impress you today?"
"Yes, I already told you that-
"Then why can't I go?"
King Nero sighed and sat on his throne. "I'm not going to argue with you girl, you're young and foolish. You will stay in this castle and tend to your responsibilities, is that clear?"
Ilyanna was about to argue her case again but something told her not too. She peeked at the corner of her eye at Oni, who was hiding behind a pillar. He shook his head no and slithered under the crack of the door. She followed his lead and with a sarcastic "fine" she angrily left the room before giving her father a chance to respond. She walked the hall past David and two other guards. She whispered silently to Oni as he moved in the shadows. The men looked a bit puzzled as Illyanna walked by. The princess was never known to talk to herself, but being so egotistical as she was, they just shrugged it off and continued their watch.
Illyanna, on the other hand was not about to take her father's refusal lying down. She was no longer a child and did not care to be treated like one. She headed back to her room, it was time for a plan, she was determined to find all the missing shards. Oni wrapped his body around her and let his essence melt with hers becoming one being. "What are your plans Princess?" He asked ever so slyly. Her eyes glowed, "I'm going to find the Bloodstone no matter what. Even if it means destroying everything and anything that gets in my way."
Oni smiled inwardly, "that's what I was hoping you would say."
End of Chapter 08