Authors note: WARNING! This is, most possibly, the worst chapter I've ever written. I'd rant a bit more, but I'd never ever stop . . . *sighs and waves on* go, go and think about how you're going to phrase your flames . . .
The fire crackled in the lengthy silence that followed. The old man was watching Neo carefully, wizened gray eyes warming slightly at the horror in his expression. His people's plight was moving someone with the ability to do something about it. A strong surge of triumph welled up, making the long creases around his eyes curve upwards as a blissful smile beamed out of his white beard.
Neo sat completely still, the appalling news seeping into his mind like acid.
Valdemar . . . could end up . . . like Hardorn . . .
The sickening image of a deserted Haven filled his head, quickly followed by an abandoned Collegium . . . no, not abandoned. The Heralds and Companions would never leave their home without some kind of fight. Immediately, the barren Companion's Field he had been picturing was strewn with bloody white bodies, twisted with pain, dazzling sapphire eyes dulled and darkened by agonizing death.
Bile rose up within him. He clutched his mouth and forced himself to quiet his harsh breathing.
"Boy? You alright? Didn't mean to make yah sick . . . 'tis only truth I speak, nothin' worse," the old man patted Neo's back concernedly. Neo shook his head briefly. Nothing could be worse than the truth in this matter.
"Please . . . go on," it was the last thing Neo wanted the old man to do. He didn't want to have any more images of dead Companions, didn't want to think about anything other than saving his sister . . . but he asked anyway. For some gods-awful reason, he had to know what lead up to his sister being kidnapped. He had to know.
The old man sighed, settled back into his seat, closed his eyes, then continued his story.
"Well, them folk that didn't have nothin' to do with land and it's caretaking, Nobles and the like, they walked right up to the Prince . . . and said what everyone else was too scared to say. Said it was his fault. Said nothin' like this had happened with his forbearers. Said he'd used his powers wrongly, makin' the land sick and the people dead."
Neo, his stomach out of his throat, swallowed dryly and looked at the old man.
"Is that even possible? I've never heard of anything with the scope of power you're talking about . . ." even Adept Mages couldn't wipe out an entire country . . . could they? He should have paid more attention in History . . .
"Oh, 'tis possible alright. But the Prince didn't wail and moan like most Nobles do when someone tells him straight what he thinks o' what he's doin'. The Prince just stared at 'em . . . and when the Nobles finished, he admitted right out in front o' everyone. 'Figured me out, you did,' he said, 'good for you,' and then every Noble there just up and dropped like the farmers."
Neo shuddered involuntarily. As much as he loathed his father and the people like him, the kind of death the Sickness brought about was not something he would wish on anything. Noble or otherwise.
"And then . . ." the old man continued, "well, the Prince told everyone that was left why he did it," he took in a shaky breath, "said he wasn't no longer man. Said he'd been freed. Said he saw'n'felt everythin' in Hardorn, and that he knew how the folk had been treatin' it. Said he wouldn't allow it any longer."
Neo's gaze slid from the aged man to the small fire. Such simple reasoning. Neo could even see the sense in it. What he couldn't see the sense of was why Lord Morbus carried out his "justice" in such a horrible way. Surely with the power of the throne and the knowledge of the land . . . surely with those things it was easy to stop whatever one didn't want continuing.
"And so it is now . . . Apple and I haven't been to the Throne City since all o' this began. I only know what's already happened, what everyone else knows, and what a few Gift dreams say might come about."
Neo nodded very slowly.
"Thank you . . . for telling me," it sounded incredibly lame to Neo's ears, but he said it anyway. The old man smiled at him.
"Not at all, Herald," he said. Neo suddenly didn't want to be called something he wasn't by the wise old man.
"Call me Neoka," he extended his hand and grinned.
"And call me Rellik," they shook hands, sharing the grin.
***
Neo had gotten approximately a candlemark of sleep, the rest of the night he had spent leaning against the headboard of the bed given to him, watching the sun rise with a still air about him.
He had spent a lot of mornings at the Collegium in the exact same way. Somehow, he expected this sunrise to be different. After all, he was in a whole other kingdom, was he not? But the sun rose exactly as it had in Haven, with small, hesitant white rays of light creeping stealthily across Hardorn, gently warming his face. As the morning waned on, the rays became stronger, dissipating the thin ashen blue mist like spears of clear light.
Finally, when the sun edged up over the horizon, Neo slid out of bed noiselessly. He had slept in his stolen Whites, only removing his boots and belt for a little more comfort.
He tried to smooth the wrinkles out after slipping his feet into his chilled boots, but quickly gave it up as a lost cause. What was the point of looking presentable, anyway? Who was he going to impress?
Running a single had through his raven hair out of pure habit, he rebound it in the customary leather thong, then left the room.
Apple was waiting at the small table, a steaming cup of dark liquid in her hands. She beamed at him, wished him a good morning in the cheeriest of voices, and offered him a cup of what she had.
"What is it?" he asked dubiously, looking at the brown mess she sipped happily.
"D'know!" she shrugged, not loosing her smile, "granda makes it out o' herbs in his garden. I think it tastes best when it's warm, but he says it looses all its good stuff when put over the fire."
Neo inspected the drink a little longer, before mentally pronouncing it as an herbal remedy or some such used by superstitious farming folk.
What he really wanted was a nice, warm cup of chava, but there wasn't any chance of getting that in Hardorn, especially from people who probably wouldn't have any idea what he was talking about if he asked for it.
"No, thank you Apple," he patted her shoulder, "I'd better see to Amaro before I feed myself."
He didn't really think the Companion would still be in the stables, and wasn't really planning on visiting him even if he was . . . but Apple slid off her chair and followed him with bouncing, energetic steps.
"Oh, can I come?! Please, Herald?! I'd love to see your pretty white horse again, please!" Neo blinked, then sighed helplessly.
"Sure," he said, opening the door and letting her precede him. She bounded down the small path to the decrepit old stall, well-worn night dress patched and frayed, vivid red hair curled and tangled from sleep, but both as full of life as the rest of her.
Neo followed more slowly.
Amaro's probably still mad at me for yelling at him . . . he sighed, I wouldn't be surprised if he already left for Haven . . .
But when he entered the stall, Amaro was there, his nose in the tight embrace of Apple.
"Ah . . . good morning," Neo greeted the Companion awkwardly, shuffling a little closer.
:Yes,: Amaro agreed, with no hint of anger in his tone. There was also no trace of the cold tenor that he had argued with last night, :we should leave soon. There really isn't any reason to linger.:
Neo sighed, relieved. So he wouldn't have to walk to the Throne City . . . thank the gods.
"Herald! Herald, you'll stay for supper, wont you? Granda's garden-"
"I'm sorry, Apple," Neo cut her off gently before she could get any more excited and persuade him to stay, "but Amaro and I had better be going, if we're to get to the Throne City soon."
Apple's pouty lips slid into a frown, her rich brown eyes brimming with disappointment.
"We'll stop by here on our way back, alright?" Neo said, as way of apology. Apple didn't loose her unhappy air, but she nodded.
Neo smiled at her, ruffled her hair, and then gathered up Amaro's tack.
:It's about a day's travel from here to the Throne City,: he said privately to Amaro, thinking about the long, boring map-classes he had endured, :if we keep the pace brisk, there's no reason we shouldn't get there before nightfall.:
Amaro nodded his agreement, standing absolutely still as Neo slid on his saddle and hackamore.
By the time Neo had finished with everything and mounted Amaro outside the stall, Apple had brought her grandfather out to watch them leave.
"Good luck, lad," Rellik said, patting Neo's leg. Apple ran forward, holding up a small package.
"Lunch!" she said cheerfully. Neo smiled and expressed his thanks, binding the parcel to the saddle. Apple gave Amaro's nose one last hug, before the Companion twisted in a flurry of silver mane and tail, stretching out his legs in an eagerness and excitement Neo hadn't before seen in him.
:You said a brisk pace,: the Companion said, when Neo questioned him, :I can cut the time in half with just a canter . . .:
:Alright . . . but don't strain yourself . . . if what Rellik said about Lord Morbus is true, we might have a fight on our hands,: Neo said silently, knowing that if he spoke aloud he'd get a mouthful of mane.
Amaro was silent for a moment, making Neo tense in the saddle.
:Tell me what you know of this 'Lord Morbus,': Amaro said finally. Neo slowly relaxed, then recounted what Rellik had told him.
: . . . so Lord Morbus is the cause of all this. And he's the one who's holding my sister prisoner. I still don't know what he wants her for, but I don't think I'm going to question him when I see him . . .: oh no, he had far more satisfying thoughts in mind for the kidnapper of his sister.
***
Menith dismounted Hyatee and approached the shimmering barrier between Valdemar and Hardorn. He reached out to touch it, but pulled his hand back with a slight hiss before his finger could get less than an inch close.
"What is it?" Herald Veera asked impatiently, leaning over her dainty Companion's neck to glare at Menith.
"It's a barrier . . . like the one Iftel had a long while ago . . . except this one is most definitely not made by a god," Menith replied, drawing his now numb up to inspect it, "and the punishment for forcing an entry is not so forgiving as Iftel's had been . . ."
"What do you mean?" Herald Tru asked, dismounting to come up beside him. Menith turned an appraising eye to the older Herald.
"Iftel's border did not kill intruders. It sent them back where they had come from, or simply didn't allow them access. This border has the capacity to do both, but instead it. . ." he trailed off, looking at his hand closely and frowning thoughtfully.
"Instead it what?" Veera demanded impatiently. Menith sent her a withering look.
"You are familiar with the Mind Sickness infecting the Holderkin?" he asked. She snorted contemptuously.
"Do I look like a fool?"
"I will not answer that," he turned back to the shimmering 'wall' surrounding Hardorn, "but the disease seems to be in this border . . ."
"In it?" the usually silent Herald Rhys exclaimed. Menith nodded.
"Do not get me wrong. The sickness did not originate from it, as far as I can tell, but it is a source. If I were to try and enter Hardorn, I would be infected with the disease."
Hyatee let out a low sound, almost like a growl.
"But the tracks . . ." Tru pointed to the hoof prints they had followed. They began abruptly in the middle of the trail, skidded to a stop where a distinct outline of a collapsed Companion and a small boy lay, then picked up again, going straight into Hardorn, "how did Neoka and Amaro get past the border then?"
Menith crossed his arms, looking at the hoof prints trail off into Hardorn without faltering.
"Again, you underestimate Neoka. I do not know how he kept himself and Amaro from contracting the sickness, but he obviously did," he sighed, shaking his head, "and we cannot follow him. We'll have to camp out here . . . and wait."
***
Neo and Amaro entered Hardorn's Throne City in late afternoon, the sound of Companion hooves the only noise either could hear.
It had become a rather drizzly day, the front of a storm rumbling low in the distance, threatening the Blue and Companion with darkening skies and flashes of far off lightning.
Neo looked around the deserted city, eyes wide in disbelief. If there had been a crowd of people instead of huge black birds, the city could have passed as Haven.
The streets wined around buildings and fountains that Neo could have sworn he saw in his home city, but the empty houses and roads made him shiver as Haven never had before.
"Let's get this over with," he whispered to Amaro, hunching his shoulders against the bleak city's glare.
:Can you sense your sister?: Amaro asked, picking his way around upturned carts and mounds of oddly shaped bundles of cloth. Neo looked closely at one of the bunches of rags as they passed it, and nearly lost control of his stomach when he saw the crippled form of a young girl in it. Hoping his mind was playing tricks on him, Neo looked again, but the girl was still there, her filthy clothes and body obscuring her enough to make her seem like a pile of grime. Only the vague outline of her corpse and a single outstretched hand betrayed what she really was.
Hastily, Neo turned his gaze inward, seeking out the mind of his sister.
The city was a lifeless, shadowy plane before him, his own thoughts the only ones he could sense.
Vannasa, he whispered longingly, scouring the black desert with every ounce of strength he had.
It was a long time before he felt anything other than his own desperate probing.
Neoka?
Neo felt his heart throb painfully and he almost lost his hold on the weak call.
Vannasa?! He grasped and held the other mind as swiftly as he could.
Oh . . . Neo, what . . .
I'm here, 'Nasa! I'm in the Throne City! Where are you? His breathing became harsh with excitement.
The . . . castle . . . Neo, wait . . .
Neo pulled back before she could finish her thought, ebony eyes popping open to stare directly at the black towers that held his sister.
"She's there, Amaro!" he pointed and grabbed hold of the Companion's reigns, urging Amaro with a single-minded Projection of need.
Amaro bolted down the cobblestone street, neck stretched in line with his back. Neo bent low over him, eyes never leaving the shadowy castle.
***
They reached the courtyard in no more than a few minutes, Amaro skidded to a stop and Neoka slipped off his back to run a few steps toward the huge metal doors.
The Companion took a halting stride after him, then stopped, sapphire eyes darkening as uneasiness welled up inside him.
:Neoka, wait,: he sent after the boy. The Blue sent an annoyed glance over his shoulder, :There's . . . there's something not quite right here, Neoka . . .:
"Who cares?" the Blue bit out, reaching the black metal doors with a small grin, "she's here, and that's all that matters."
:But-:
Amaro's protests were cut off as the metal doors swung heavily open, knocking Neoka off his feet. Amaro let out a snort of surprise.
Silhouetted in the doorway was a tall, black-haired man, eyes glowing an unholy red, smile crooked and iniquitous. Beside him stood a blank-eyed young girl, face pale and drawn, clothes torn and old, hanging heavily on her slight frame.
Neoka gasped sharply, taking a short step towards the pair.
"V . . . Vannasa . . .?" he breathed, reaching out one trembling hand.
The grinning man laughed harshly.
"You must be Neoka," he said in a low, gravely voice. Neoka swung his gaze to the man, eyes narrowing.
"And you . . . you must be Lord Morbus," his lip drew up in disgust, and Amaro echoed the sentiment with a small, angry snort.
But Lord Morbus didn't even spare him a glance. The former prince kept his red-eyed gaze on Neoka.
"I'm flattered you know of me," he grinned, "and dare I ask if you know of this little pretty beside me?" he put a hand on Vannasa's shoulder, making Neoka's face contorted with anger.
"Don't touch her!" Amaro felt power well up inside the Blue, directed only at the tall, grinning man in front of him.
The man doesn't stand a chance! Amaro thought, the whites of his eyes showing as Neoka released the pent up power, it rushed with an audible roar over all of them, intent on only the throbbing red glare of Lord Morbus.
But it met and crashed with a twin rush of power.
What . . .? Amaro stared as Neoka stumbled back, eyes going wide, shocked gaze glued on . . . Vannasa?
:Neoka, what . . . who . . .?:
:Vannasa . . . blocked me . . .: Neoka whispered back.
***
Neo put everything he had in the wave of power, pushing it with all his anger towards the grinning Prince.
But it smashed against a barrier before it could touch Lord Morbus.
And the identical surge of power had the distinct taste of Vannasa.
Amaro's questioning brought him out of his stupor. Gingerly, he reached out to his vacant-eyed sister.
'Nasa . . . what are you doing?
I'm so sorry Neo, she sobbed, though her face stayed absolutely emotionless, he . . . he makes me do these things . . .
A brief glimpse of her mind told Neo everything she couldn't.
A deep, throbbing red vein ran between his sister and the Hardornian Prince, almost completely dominating Vannasa's mind.
It was like a revolting, twisted replica of the bond he had seen between Menith and his Companion.
Vannasa had absolutely no control over what she did.
And if the smaller, purer bond between Companion and Herald were to break, as Menith had said, it was going to leave damage, if not kill the remaining being . . . then what would happen if Neo were to kill Lord Morbus?
Vannasa followed his thoughts with the conviction of one already accepting her fate.
There is no way he'd let go of life without taking me with him, she said in a small voice, and I cannot kill him . . . so Neo, you-
NO! the refute echoed in the heads of all beings there, no, Vannasa. There has to be another way.
There isn't Neo. If there was, I would have found it a long time ago. I awakened your Gifts to do this . . . but I see now our powers are equal . . .
Neo let a small whimper escape him. Vannasa had called for him to come . . . only to have him kill her?
It's the only way, Neo, Vannasa said softly.
Neo shook his head, I can't . . . I can't, Vannasa!
No . . . you can't, right now. But you must. You must. You have to find something to make your power stronger than mine.
Neo shook his head again. He just . . . couldn't believe it.
:Neoka!: Amaro called to him sharply, making the dazed Blue glance at him, :what is going on?!:
:Vannasa . . . called me here to . . . kill her . . . only I'm not strong enough . . . not strong enough . . .: in every way imaginable, he wasn't strong enough. Even if he had the extra power, he couldn't do that to her.
:Explain,: Amaro insisted after a short silence. So Neo did.
:There's . . . something between Lord Morbus and her. It's like a bond . . . so if I kill him . . . she dies as well. Only, he controls every move she makes, and her power matches mine exactly . . . I could not defeat her, even if I tried . . .:
***
Amaro's hide shivered as Neoka enlightened him on what was happening. Neoka, with the strongest Mind Gift Amaro had ever heard of, was matched equally with a girl half his size.
And loosing the fight was certain death; the laughing red gaze of Lord Morbus told Amaro that clearly.
:She says I need a boost,: the disbelieving voice of Neoka made Amaro shiver harder.
There was something he was supposed to do . . . but . . . what could a useless, unpartnered Companion do?
An icy cold thought slipped through his mind as his memories stirred.
It was nearing a year since Amaro's birth, and the young colt was curious as all hells about everything. The day of his birthday had his mind centering on Choosing.
:Mama!: his slightly squeaky voice echoed his awkward strides as he trotted along beside his dam, :Choosing!:
He didn't really need to say anything more. His mother turned amused sapphire eyes to him.
:Companions Choose usually around the age of ten, dear-heart. They Seek out their destined Heralds, and Choose them when they Find them. Choosing a person binds them forever to you, and it gives their Gifts an extra boost of power . . .:
Amaro stood absolutely still, staring at Neoka.
To defeat Lord Morbus . . . to win this fight . . . I must . . .
His muscles clenched, his entire body went taut with . . . what? Apprehension? He couldn't focus his thoughts on what he was feeling, he had . . . more important things to do.
:Neoka!: again he shouted for the boy's attention. The Blue turned confused, forlorn eyes to him, :to save Valdemar . . . to defeat this mad man . . . I Choose you.:
Authors note: *sighs miserably* I fell outa the habit of writing, and now I think I stink at it. If the chapter desperately needs an appointment with a dumpster, do not hesitate to tell me so . . . cause I'd agree with you T_T.
And now for review responses:
Liasada – I'm glad you like it. I tried a version where Amaro got completely pissed at Neo, but it didn't come out very well. I tried to put other things on Amaro's mind, to draw his thoughts away from Neo's folly, but, like you said, it was out of character ^^
Psycho tabby cat - ^^ I'm glad you're fine with the responses. I get space-complaints mostly, but Mercedes Lackey fans are very courteous most of the time ^^. Thank you!
Silverblade219(Cat) – Yeah, the infamous unveiling ^^. Hope you aren't confused!
Kierseth - ^^ yep, hope him Choosing Neo wasn't too much of a surprise. Vannasa/Amaro? Well, I hope you see the problem with all that now . . . if not, I don't blame you . . . *kicks chapter*
Evandi and Hyreli - *happy* thanx for the compliments, 'Vandi dear! Well, there ya go! Choosing scene . . . *sighs* really crappy one at that.
OLA – *winces* sorry for the wait. But thanx for the review ^^
Cat – Thank you!
Lady Silver Dragon - *bug eyes* both of them?! That's . . . odd. ^^ well, the suspense is gone and over with . . . still gona read?
Dream Keeper - *scratches head* I can't remember whether or not I expanded on my review . . . ah, but thanx for yours. If you find any grammar thingies in this chap (I really wouldn't be surprised T_T) don't hesitate to point 'em out! And thank you!
ElvenRanger – Ah yes, I've yet to explain how Amaro got where he was. Well, it wasn't divine aid, and he isn't that fast, but those are both good guesses. ^^ it'll be made clear soon, as the story is winding down.
Arach - ^^ yes, Amaro was a bit of a prick, eh? And thanx, Meri dear ^^
Fireblade - *helps up* on with the happy dancing . . . or perhaps not. Ah well, unsatisfied and angry reader dancing is interesting as well ^^
Emerald Flame - ^^ thank you! I can't remember if I reviewed your fic or not T_T (happens all lot) so if I didn't, yell at me and I'll get my butt movin'.
etcetera-cat – Yay! Amaro/Neo flag wavers win! *hands out pins . . . which get chucked back at her immediately* this was supposed to be the climax, but I royally screwed it up . . . T_T
Herald Mistylenna - ^^ thank you! Ah . . . took a rather long break, yes? *hides head* sorry!