~*~Still Burning~*~
Chapter 2
Emperor Melles formerly known as Baron Melles sat in his throne room, the golden eyes of the wolves in his crown gleaming in the mage lights. On the steps below him stood the trembling, Hardornon farmer, flanked on either side by the Emperor's personal guards. Melles neither rose nor raised his voice but whispered the menacing words which were carried through the chamber. The frightened man flinched, as if he were stricken, when he heard the Emperor's words. The Emperor despite his relaxed position and soft words was just as imposing as the burly men standing on either side of him.
"How fares Hardorn, Worm?" questioned Melles, with scorn laced in his voice.
After Tremaine's betrayal he had ensured that the Duke's family and people had paid the price but he reserved a unique revenge for the King of Hardorn. He would have his vengeance and when all was said and done the fate of Hardorn and its King would be in his hands.
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He saw them flying in from the east long before any of the other Companions or their Heralds. Only a few of their human partners were privy to the important information the gryphons of Iftel carried with them on this journey but naturally all the Companions knew that the message the gryphons delivered today would determine Queen Selenay's decision at the next Council meeting.
Zeroun sighed his Companion's sigh and trotted back to the Grove to settle in for another day and night of waiting. Surely his Chosen would awaken soon! If Selenay were to decide it was time to ready Valdemar and its' allies for battle from the Empire then the talents of his Chosen would be needed!
:You should not be so worried.: chided a gentle mind voice followed by the appearance of it's owner. How strange it was that he had not noticed her approach, his sense were unusually acute, even for a Companion.
:Worried? What, pray tell, am I worried about?: Zeroun snorted in reply.
:You know, no matter how well you conceal yourself from the others Rolan and I can see the truth. We may not know why he is so special and we may not know why you are here but we do know you are concerned about your Chosen. His Gift will develop when it is needed but until then you must practice patience, like the rest of us.: stated Gwena in a tone of mixed concern and preaching.
:If I recall correctly, you never had to wait, yet I stand here day after day in anticipation.:
:Perhaps this is a lesson meant to teach you patience to let the child develop.:
:What if he is needed before that? What happens when there is a call to arms and he still hasn't awakened? Will you be so patient then?: questioned the silvery Companion passionately.
:There is still time and we cannot rush the child's growth.:
"Gwena? Is that you there? Is Zeroun there with you?" came Talia's voice from the edge of the Grove. Beside her stood Rolan, majestic as always, but as with all Companions, Zeroun outshone him.
:Did we wake you, Talia?: queried Gwena.
"I'm afraid you were projecting again, Zeroun." replied Talia wearily.
Zeroun whinnied an apology before prancing off to search for a new refuge in which to bide his time. Three pairs of eyes followed his silver glow until he disappeared in the darkness, then turned to each other in worry.
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A snore erupting from the far end of the room caught the teacher's attention just as he was getting involved in his lecture about the workings of the Metalworker's Guild. He passed a reproachful look over the students slumping down in the corners, hoping to escape notice. His eyes rested on the figure from which the snores originated.
"Lavan!" he rapped the boy's desk. "If you insist on sleeping during my class you may as well go home!"
Lan bolted upright and focused his eyes on the furious teacher standing above him . He quickly muttered an apology but the man was unsatisfied.
"You will stay after classes today and spend your time committing today's lesson to memory. I expect you to recite it for me first thing tomorrow morning. After which you will report to the headmaster who will determine what is to be done with a wretched youth like you."
Lan let out a mental groan as the teacher continued with his lecture. This was the third class during which he had fallen asleep. His nightmares did not let him rest at night and he kept falling asleep in class the next morning. He would be staying in school until well past supper time today, if he continued at this rate! Then he would have to walk home, and no one knows who wanders the streets at that time of night!
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A/N:- Yes I know it's short. I'm sorry! The Muse stopped at page 4! I wanted to get this part up though but I'll try extending it at a later date! Let me know if it's gotten confusing again!...u know wat to do! Ta ta!!
~*~IndianBabeIII~*~
~*~"I'm not weird, I'm just unique"~*~