Chapter Three: A Certain Magic
Disclaimer: do we really need this?
Sorry about the long time between updates. More explanation at the end. Yes, you have to read it first.
*****************************************
The clock in the hall rang seven times. It's chimes echoed through the room, interrupting the silence that lay across the room. Tara and Kamriel sat at the table, eating the dinner the Charter Sendings had prepared.
"You can tell me if you don't want to answer," said Kamriel, hoping to break the silence, "but why were you in the prisons?"
Tara motioned for him to wait as she finished chewing. "Ten years ago, I ran away from home and was taken in by a General in the Royal Guard named General Allen. He used me-tricked me into stealing money and food from others. I learned Charter Magic, and then eventually earned a set of bells and became a full necromancer. So, to exercise my new skill, I summoned a mordicant and killed him. The Royal Guard caught me, and put me on trial, but as I was sixteen and had killed a criminal, I was only sentenced for two years."
"How many did you serve?" he asked, apparently un-phased by her confession.
"Only one."
He smiled and continued eating. "Did you know my mother?" he looked up at her intently.
She stared back. "No, I never met your mother," she placed her fork down on the table. "I had certainly heard of her though. Many necromancers were put in the prisons under her name." "Yes," he said, and then more quietly into his plate, "there would have been more too."
"Kamriel if you don't want to talk about it-"
"No, I need to talk to someone."
She paused. "Alright."
"It was just so sudden," he said, still talking to his plate.
"She will always be known as Lirael Goldenhand, daughter of the Clayr and Abhorsen - one of the greatest Abhorsens in history."
He smiled, and looked up at her. "Yes-she will. And I am her son, and should do justice to her title."
Tara smiled back hesitantly. He may not have been uncomfortable talking about it, but she was. "Well with a little practice it shouldn't be too hard. It's in your blood."
"You're right," there was a long pause as the Sendings took their plates. Tara eyed them warily, her hand on her sword hilt. "There's no need to worry," Kamriel said, noting her behavior, "they can't hurt you. They are simply beings of the Charter. They only do what they are told."
"Yes, I suppose." she was still watching them carefully. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow at the same time?"
"Yes, but allow me to walk you to your room."
Tara laughed. "Alright, sir Abhorsen."
"You, fair lady, can call me Kamriel."
"I'm no lady," she again, the sound echoing through the halls in admiration, "I'm a criminal."
Kamriel turned to face her. "You are a lady."
She smiled , her hollow eyes sparkling. "Yes, yes, alright." She opened the door to her room and stepped inside. "Thanks much, Kamriel," she said, and shut the door.
There was no light in the room. Save for the dim light from the waning moon.
"The darkness is where the unwanted wait to stalk their prey," said Mogget from the windowsill.
"And why do you stalk me, Mogget?" she said as she let down her hair.
"Because you are a criminal." She drew her tunic over her head and threw it onto the dresser. "Have you no shame, girl? Removing your clothes so openly?"
"Mogget, you are a cat, and an ancient being. I will not feel exposed in front of a cat." She threw on a nightgown and crawled into the bed.
"That was a good story you told," said the cat, watching his paws intently.
"It is no story, cat. It's very true."
Mogget laughed. "It's of no matter." He stood and walked onto the roof. With one graceful movement he leapt off toward Kamriel's room, his sleek whit body reflecting the moon's light.
"Goodnight, Mogget."
****
Sam returned to his room, a Sending awaiting him graciously. He threw off his surcoat and put on the robe decorated with the silver key of the Abhorsen. He looked at himself critically in the mirror. His light brown hair and hazel eyes were almost the same color. His dark eyebrows were scowling as he studied himself. After a few minutes he turned out the lights quickly with a few Charter Marks and went to bed.
Mogget stopped outside his window, looked in, and then continued across the rooftops, taking full advantage of his freedom.
****
The next morning, the sun peeked over the hilltops in a brilliant shade of orange. The fog had lifted, and the heat was almost unbearable, even at such an early hour. The House was cool though, despite the heat. Coolness stayed in the large stones that made up the House. Tat walked slowly down the stairs to the dining room, carefully avoiding the Sendings. Kamriel sat at the table already, and empty plate in from of him.
"The Sendings won't bite you, we've been over this," he said as she walked in the room.
Tara glared at him. "Yes, but I bite them."
He laughed, and she sat down. "How did you sleep? " he said as the Sendings brought out their food.
"Any bed is better than a stone floor," she said, keeping one eye on the Sending and one on Kamriel.
"Of course."
"I think we'll work in the library today. It's too hot to work outside."
Kamriel paused and stared at her blankly. He finished chewing, and said, "Sure."
She smiled and turned to her food. The clock continued to beat out its steady rhythm. "Out of curiosity, do you know how to use a sword?"
He smiled. "A son of Lirael and a nephew of Sameth the Wallmaker? Of course I can use a sword. As well as a bow and arrow."
Tara stood and walked over to him as the Sendings eagerly cleared her plate. "Good boy," she said, and ruffled his hair.
He stood and grabbed her hand. "I am your student, not your dog," he said, trying to control the smile that was gradually betraying him.
She returned her hand to her side. "Of course, Sir Abhorsen," she grinned menacingly.
"Kamriel."
"Yes.Kamriel," she strode out of the hall, gracefully avoiding the Sendings. Kamriel laughed to himself and headed to his room.
Seven hours later, Kamriel had nearly finished the Book of the Dead and Tara was reading through a thick faded-black volume. Kamriel looked up from the Book, his gaze lingering on Tara. Her red hair had fallen loose from its tie and lie in a knotted clump on her shoulder. She looked up and met his eyes. "Are you done yet?"
He smiled and closed the book. "Yes."
She placed her book on the table, causing a large amount of dust to rise into the light. "Good," she looked at the large clock that stood in the doorway, "it's not another two hours until dinner."
"It's cooled off nicely. We could go for a ride."
Tara smiled and stood up. "Sounds good to me." She opened the door from the library, which responded with a loud groan that was beginning to drive her crazy.
"I'll meet you in the stables then?"
"If it's alright with you."
He walked out of the door behind her and she turned to face him. "It was my suggestion." He smiled at her and walked towards the stables.
Tara paused, unknotting her hair as she thought. A Sending crossed the hall in front of her, and she turned back to her room.
*****
Kamriel stood above the River holding his gray and Tara's dark bay in tow. He was looking up at the sky, his eyes closed. Tara walked up to Barren and placed her sword and bow on the saddle. He didn't seem to notice as she worked.
"Kamriel?" she spoke, tempted to kick him in the shins. He looked to her and smiled, "Sorry, the sun feels good," he passed her Barren's reins and mounted his horse. Tara laughed and they rode off at a steady walk toward the hills. The sun was slowly setting behind the hills, making their shadows stretch far behind them. Kamriel stopped beside her. He pointed to a small tree that lay two-hundred yards in front of them.
"See that tree?" he said. Tara nodded.
"I'll race you there, ready? On your mark, get set." Tara kicked her horse and took off at a gallop toward the tree. Kamriel left an instant later, "That's cheating!" his voice was barely audible over the steady beating of horse's hooves. He was a length behind Tara, and was gaining fast.
"I'm a criminal, boy, I have no shame!"
He laughed and pulled his up so it's nose poked just in front of Tara's horse. She responded by clucking to him, and the rhythm of Barren's hooves sped greatly.
"Goodbye!" she said, and raced toward the tree. In a flash of black and sweat stained bay she pulled in front of Kamriel. She reached her hand out to touch the tree as she slowed Barren, who was breathing hard. Without notice her attention was diverted to the hills in front of her, and as she looked to the horizon she reached back toward her bow. "I knew we should not have come." she muttered to herself and readied an arrow in the bowstring. She aimed it toward a group of black dots, her sight lessened by the bright sun as it set, moving toward them at a swift trot. Without moving her gaze from her targets, she spoke to Kamriel as he stopped next to her, "Go back."
"What?!" his confusion and fear in his voice caused Tara to wince mentally. He was distracting her. "Go back, NOW!"
"No!" His voice was firm, but he was still afraid.
"Stop being stubborn, Kamriel. I will not allow you to be harmed under my watch," she spoke calmly, her attention on the menacing dots that were growing closer by the second. "I am not a child, Tara."
"No, you are Abhorsen, and have a duty to the people to stay alive! You are no good to them dead."
"No, I am not, but I also have a duty to protect them. I cannot be both a coward and Abhorsen."
She glared at him through the corner of her eye. "These are no dead sentinels, they are very much alive."
"I will not leave."
"Fine," she said, and lowered her bow. "You take this, but stay here. I'm going to get closer." She gave him the bow and took up her sword. Before he could complain she rode down the hill toward the dots now as large as her pinky finger on the horizon. Kamriel took the bow and held it steadily aimed for the dots.
Once she was out of sight, Tara dismounted and walked over to a cave that stood in the cliffs. A light breeze blew through the channel, cooling the sweat that lined her body. Barren twitched, his heavy breathing echoing against the rock. A small voice from deep inside spoe, "And ashes shall be rekindled by the flame.I have been waiting." "No," Tara whispered, and turned back.
****
The black dots turned into figures as they drew closer. There were ten riders on horseback, still at the same swift trot they had been at before. Tara soon became visible in front of him. She drew her sword and galloped straight for them. As he looked back to the figures, he realized he recognized them. Tara was showing no signs of slowing. He kicked his horse and ran after her.
"Tara!" he yelled, but his voice was carried away by the sounds of hooves on well-traveled ground. He yelled to his horse, leaning forward as far as he could in the saddle to get him to go faster. His gray groaned as he galloped, sweat pooling on his flanks. The distance between them shortened as they rode. The two horses's hooves beat in a syncopated rhythm, Kamriel's gray's beating much quicker than Tara's. He moved in next to Tara and reached forward, grabbing Barren's riens.
"Get away from me," she yelled, doing all she could to make him release her.
"Tara! Stop! They are not-"
"They are the enemy," her eyes were clouded, focused toward her prey. She raced on, the devil's own hounds were nipping at her horse's hooves. She was not going to stop, not on her own. He pulled back on Barren's reins, leaning back in his saddle and keeping an eye on Tara. The figured in the sunset had stopped, anticipating their arrival as they kept on at a full gallop toward them. Barren fought him, but gradually slowed. "Tara, I, in the name of the Abhorsen, order you to stop." Her horse moved down to a trot. She looked at him in surprise, the clouds that had taken her eyes had releasing her as suddenly as they had appeared. "Put down the sword, Tara."
The clouds were replaced by fury as she turned to face him. She took her sword and aimed it at his chest, the blade still as she stopped her horse. Her muscled tense as she prepared to thrust the sword in his chest. Her eyes met his and he hesitated. "Stop, Tara. These people have no quarrel against us."
She placed the sword slowly back in its sheath. "I'm sorry, " she said as she had finished. He smiled, but it wasn't honest. He removed his hand from the rein and placed it on her shoulder. He trotted forward to meet the riders, listening for Tara to follow. When they reached the group, Kamriel bowed in the saddle, "Tara, these are my Aunt and Uncle. Ellimere you already know, and this is Sam the Wallmaker." She nodded to them both, slightly uneasy from her sudden change in moods.
"Shall we return to the house then?" Kamriel spoke happily with such ease it worried Tara more than she had been.
"Yes, let's," said Ellimere as she kicked her horse into a trot. Kamriel knew of her unease out in the open, and followed quickly. The guards behind her and Sam followed without a word. Tara rode with them, still distracted. She focused on him as he rode ahead with his Aunt and Uncle.
****
Nightfall had crept slowly over the hills outside of Abhorsen's house. Tara lie in her bed, contemplating the days events. It was too hot to sleep, and too late to go outside. Eventually she had given back, and decided to lie there until sleep took her. An owl called outside, and trees rustled gently in a breeze that brought only momentary relief from the heat. Tara sat up on her bed and began to tie her long mahogany hair back. All of a sudden she stopped and run out of her door toward Kamriel's room, criticizing herself for causing the floorboards to creak as she walked through the halls. She used to be more careful than this, and this was no time to start falling into old habits. She knocked on his door, trying to be as quiet as possible as to not make Ellimere notice.
Kamriel stood and slowly walked to the door. "Who is it?" he asked, trying to make his voice sound tired. Ellimere treated him as her own child, and wouldn't like him being up late.
"It's me," he recognized Tara's voice and paused. He opened the door and was met with a sharp pain in his cheek. He placed his hand where she had hit him and stared at her in great confusion.
"What in the name of the Charter was that for?"
"You let me win." He rubbed his cheek, trying to understand what she was talking about. "You pretend to lose in a race, and then pass me up later when I'm going at full speed? You're not a very good pretender at all."
"Is that a crime?" he asked as he rubbed his cheek.
"It is when you do it against a criminal!" He laughed again and placed a hand on her cheek.
"Did I hurt your pride?" he asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible without cracking.
She pushed against his chest as hard as he could, causing him to fall back into the room. "You mock me?!" she said, trying to hide a grin. He regained his balance and took her arms in his hands. He kissed her on the cheek, "Yes."
She glared at him, "I am a criminal, Kamriel, but not a toy."
"Maybe you're not, " he said, still holding her arms. He could tell she wasn't mad by his antics, but she looked serious. You are not a criminal either, you, are a lady."
She smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Don't you forget it," she said. He smiled and released her.
"I might need reminding."
"Ha! You would be so fortunate!" she laughed, un-phased by his behavior.
"I would be very fortunate." She became serious once more, although her eyes still smiled.
"Next time, Kamriel," she looked into his eyes, as serious as he had seen her, but there was a spark of mischief in her dark eyes, "don't let me win. I can handle losing." She stepped back and turned toward the door. "Good night, Kamriel."
"Good night, Tara," he closed the door behind her as she left, and fell asleep as soon as he reached the bed. ****
A/N: wow that was long. 8 pages apparently. Hope you're contented. I've decided to pick this up again, or at least type up as far as I've written it to, which is 5 chapters, and If I can recall chapter four's even longer than this. Sorry about the long wait.I promise I'll update quicker. Like I said, I'm picking it up again.
Once again, any typos are blamed on the rats. Pothead thinks he can type, but he can't quite. His little fingers aren't big enough to press down the keys. And then there's the problem that he can't read.
Anyway, PLEASE review. I spent so long typing this up, you better not make me have waster my time!
-random-candle
Disclaimer: do we really need this?
Sorry about the long time between updates. More explanation at the end. Yes, you have to read it first.
*****************************************
The clock in the hall rang seven times. It's chimes echoed through the room, interrupting the silence that lay across the room. Tara and Kamriel sat at the table, eating the dinner the Charter Sendings had prepared.
"You can tell me if you don't want to answer," said Kamriel, hoping to break the silence, "but why were you in the prisons?"
Tara motioned for him to wait as she finished chewing. "Ten years ago, I ran away from home and was taken in by a General in the Royal Guard named General Allen. He used me-tricked me into stealing money and food from others. I learned Charter Magic, and then eventually earned a set of bells and became a full necromancer. So, to exercise my new skill, I summoned a mordicant and killed him. The Royal Guard caught me, and put me on trial, but as I was sixteen and had killed a criminal, I was only sentenced for two years."
"How many did you serve?" he asked, apparently un-phased by her confession.
"Only one."
He smiled and continued eating. "Did you know my mother?" he looked up at her intently.
She stared back. "No, I never met your mother," she placed her fork down on the table. "I had certainly heard of her though. Many necromancers were put in the prisons under her name." "Yes," he said, and then more quietly into his plate, "there would have been more too."
"Kamriel if you don't want to talk about it-"
"No, I need to talk to someone."
She paused. "Alright."
"It was just so sudden," he said, still talking to his plate.
"She will always be known as Lirael Goldenhand, daughter of the Clayr and Abhorsen - one of the greatest Abhorsens in history."
He smiled, and looked up at her. "Yes-she will. And I am her son, and should do justice to her title."
Tara smiled back hesitantly. He may not have been uncomfortable talking about it, but she was. "Well with a little practice it shouldn't be too hard. It's in your blood."
"You're right," there was a long pause as the Sendings took their plates. Tara eyed them warily, her hand on her sword hilt. "There's no need to worry," Kamriel said, noting her behavior, "they can't hurt you. They are simply beings of the Charter. They only do what they are told."
"Yes, I suppose." she was still watching them carefully. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow at the same time?"
"Yes, but allow me to walk you to your room."
Tara laughed. "Alright, sir Abhorsen."
"You, fair lady, can call me Kamriel."
"I'm no lady," she again, the sound echoing through the halls in admiration, "I'm a criminal."
Kamriel turned to face her. "You are a lady."
She smiled , her hollow eyes sparkling. "Yes, yes, alright." She opened the door to her room and stepped inside. "Thanks much, Kamriel," she said, and shut the door.
There was no light in the room. Save for the dim light from the waning moon.
"The darkness is where the unwanted wait to stalk their prey," said Mogget from the windowsill.
"And why do you stalk me, Mogget?" she said as she let down her hair.
"Because you are a criminal." She drew her tunic over her head and threw it onto the dresser. "Have you no shame, girl? Removing your clothes so openly?"
"Mogget, you are a cat, and an ancient being. I will not feel exposed in front of a cat." She threw on a nightgown and crawled into the bed.
"That was a good story you told," said the cat, watching his paws intently.
"It is no story, cat. It's very true."
Mogget laughed. "It's of no matter." He stood and walked onto the roof. With one graceful movement he leapt off toward Kamriel's room, his sleek whit body reflecting the moon's light.
"Goodnight, Mogget."
****
Sam returned to his room, a Sending awaiting him graciously. He threw off his surcoat and put on the robe decorated with the silver key of the Abhorsen. He looked at himself critically in the mirror. His light brown hair and hazel eyes were almost the same color. His dark eyebrows were scowling as he studied himself. After a few minutes he turned out the lights quickly with a few Charter Marks and went to bed.
Mogget stopped outside his window, looked in, and then continued across the rooftops, taking full advantage of his freedom.
****
The next morning, the sun peeked over the hilltops in a brilliant shade of orange. The fog had lifted, and the heat was almost unbearable, even at such an early hour. The House was cool though, despite the heat. Coolness stayed in the large stones that made up the House. Tat walked slowly down the stairs to the dining room, carefully avoiding the Sendings. Kamriel sat at the table already, and empty plate in from of him.
"The Sendings won't bite you, we've been over this," he said as she walked in the room.
Tara glared at him. "Yes, but I bite them."
He laughed, and she sat down. "How did you sleep? " he said as the Sendings brought out their food.
"Any bed is better than a stone floor," she said, keeping one eye on the Sending and one on Kamriel.
"Of course."
"I think we'll work in the library today. It's too hot to work outside."
Kamriel paused and stared at her blankly. He finished chewing, and said, "Sure."
She smiled and turned to her food. The clock continued to beat out its steady rhythm. "Out of curiosity, do you know how to use a sword?"
He smiled. "A son of Lirael and a nephew of Sameth the Wallmaker? Of course I can use a sword. As well as a bow and arrow."
Tara stood and walked over to him as the Sendings eagerly cleared her plate. "Good boy," she said, and ruffled his hair.
He stood and grabbed her hand. "I am your student, not your dog," he said, trying to control the smile that was gradually betraying him.
She returned her hand to her side. "Of course, Sir Abhorsen," she grinned menacingly.
"Kamriel."
"Yes.Kamriel," she strode out of the hall, gracefully avoiding the Sendings. Kamriel laughed to himself and headed to his room.
Seven hours later, Kamriel had nearly finished the Book of the Dead and Tara was reading through a thick faded-black volume. Kamriel looked up from the Book, his gaze lingering on Tara. Her red hair had fallen loose from its tie and lie in a knotted clump on her shoulder. She looked up and met his eyes. "Are you done yet?"
He smiled and closed the book. "Yes."
She placed her book on the table, causing a large amount of dust to rise into the light. "Good," she looked at the large clock that stood in the doorway, "it's not another two hours until dinner."
"It's cooled off nicely. We could go for a ride."
Tara smiled and stood up. "Sounds good to me." She opened the door from the library, which responded with a loud groan that was beginning to drive her crazy.
"I'll meet you in the stables then?"
"If it's alright with you."
He walked out of the door behind her and she turned to face him. "It was my suggestion." He smiled at her and walked towards the stables.
Tara paused, unknotting her hair as she thought. A Sending crossed the hall in front of her, and she turned back to her room.
*****
Kamriel stood above the River holding his gray and Tara's dark bay in tow. He was looking up at the sky, his eyes closed. Tara walked up to Barren and placed her sword and bow on the saddle. He didn't seem to notice as she worked.
"Kamriel?" she spoke, tempted to kick him in the shins. He looked to her and smiled, "Sorry, the sun feels good," he passed her Barren's reins and mounted his horse. Tara laughed and they rode off at a steady walk toward the hills. The sun was slowly setting behind the hills, making their shadows stretch far behind them. Kamriel stopped beside her. He pointed to a small tree that lay two-hundred yards in front of them.
"See that tree?" he said. Tara nodded.
"I'll race you there, ready? On your mark, get set." Tara kicked her horse and took off at a gallop toward the tree. Kamriel left an instant later, "That's cheating!" his voice was barely audible over the steady beating of horse's hooves. He was a length behind Tara, and was gaining fast.
"I'm a criminal, boy, I have no shame!"
He laughed and pulled his up so it's nose poked just in front of Tara's horse. She responded by clucking to him, and the rhythm of Barren's hooves sped greatly.
"Goodbye!" she said, and raced toward the tree. In a flash of black and sweat stained bay she pulled in front of Kamriel. She reached her hand out to touch the tree as she slowed Barren, who was breathing hard. Without notice her attention was diverted to the hills in front of her, and as she looked to the horizon she reached back toward her bow. "I knew we should not have come." she muttered to herself and readied an arrow in the bowstring. She aimed it toward a group of black dots, her sight lessened by the bright sun as it set, moving toward them at a swift trot. Without moving her gaze from her targets, she spoke to Kamriel as he stopped next to her, "Go back."
"What?!" his confusion and fear in his voice caused Tara to wince mentally. He was distracting her. "Go back, NOW!"
"No!" His voice was firm, but he was still afraid.
"Stop being stubborn, Kamriel. I will not allow you to be harmed under my watch," she spoke calmly, her attention on the menacing dots that were growing closer by the second. "I am not a child, Tara."
"No, you are Abhorsen, and have a duty to the people to stay alive! You are no good to them dead."
"No, I am not, but I also have a duty to protect them. I cannot be both a coward and Abhorsen."
She glared at him through the corner of her eye. "These are no dead sentinels, they are very much alive."
"I will not leave."
"Fine," she said, and lowered her bow. "You take this, but stay here. I'm going to get closer." She gave him the bow and took up her sword. Before he could complain she rode down the hill toward the dots now as large as her pinky finger on the horizon. Kamriel took the bow and held it steadily aimed for the dots.
Once she was out of sight, Tara dismounted and walked over to a cave that stood in the cliffs. A light breeze blew through the channel, cooling the sweat that lined her body. Barren twitched, his heavy breathing echoing against the rock. A small voice from deep inside spoe, "And ashes shall be rekindled by the flame.I have been waiting." "No," Tara whispered, and turned back.
****
The black dots turned into figures as they drew closer. There were ten riders on horseback, still at the same swift trot they had been at before. Tara soon became visible in front of him. She drew her sword and galloped straight for them. As he looked back to the figures, he realized he recognized them. Tara was showing no signs of slowing. He kicked his horse and ran after her.
"Tara!" he yelled, but his voice was carried away by the sounds of hooves on well-traveled ground. He yelled to his horse, leaning forward as far as he could in the saddle to get him to go faster. His gray groaned as he galloped, sweat pooling on his flanks. The distance between them shortened as they rode. The two horses's hooves beat in a syncopated rhythm, Kamriel's gray's beating much quicker than Tara's. He moved in next to Tara and reached forward, grabbing Barren's riens.
"Get away from me," she yelled, doing all she could to make him release her.
"Tara! Stop! They are not-"
"They are the enemy," her eyes were clouded, focused toward her prey. She raced on, the devil's own hounds were nipping at her horse's hooves. She was not going to stop, not on her own. He pulled back on Barren's reins, leaning back in his saddle and keeping an eye on Tara. The figured in the sunset had stopped, anticipating their arrival as they kept on at a full gallop toward them. Barren fought him, but gradually slowed. "Tara, I, in the name of the Abhorsen, order you to stop." Her horse moved down to a trot. She looked at him in surprise, the clouds that had taken her eyes had releasing her as suddenly as they had appeared. "Put down the sword, Tara."
The clouds were replaced by fury as she turned to face him. She took her sword and aimed it at his chest, the blade still as she stopped her horse. Her muscled tense as she prepared to thrust the sword in his chest. Her eyes met his and he hesitated. "Stop, Tara. These people have no quarrel against us."
She placed the sword slowly back in its sheath. "I'm sorry, " she said as she had finished. He smiled, but it wasn't honest. He removed his hand from the rein and placed it on her shoulder. He trotted forward to meet the riders, listening for Tara to follow. When they reached the group, Kamriel bowed in the saddle, "Tara, these are my Aunt and Uncle. Ellimere you already know, and this is Sam the Wallmaker." She nodded to them both, slightly uneasy from her sudden change in moods.
"Shall we return to the house then?" Kamriel spoke happily with such ease it worried Tara more than she had been.
"Yes, let's," said Ellimere as she kicked her horse into a trot. Kamriel knew of her unease out in the open, and followed quickly. The guards behind her and Sam followed without a word. Tara rode with them, still distracted. She focused on him as he rode ahead with his Aunt and Uncle.
****
Nightfall had crept slowly over the hills outside of Abhorsen's house. Tara lie in her bed, contemplating the days events. It was too hot to sleep, and too late to go outside. Eventually she had given back, and decided to lie there until sleep took her. An owl called outside, and trees rustled gently in a breeze that brought only momentary relief from the heat. Tara sat up on her bed and began to tie her long mahogany hair back. All of a sudden she stopped and run out of her door toward Kamriel's room, criticizing herself for causing the floorboards to creak as she walked through the halls. She used to be more careful than this, and this was no time to start falling into old habits. She knocked on his door, trying to be as quiet as possible as to not make Ellimere notice.
Kamriel stood and slowly walked to the door. "Who is it?" he asked, trying to make his voice sound tired. Ellimere treated him as her own child, and wouldn't like him being up late.
"It's me," he recognized Tara's voice and paused. He opened the door and was met with a sharp pain in his cheek. He placed his hand where she had hit him and stared at her in great confusion.
"What in the name of the Charter was that for?"
"You let me win." He rubbed his cheek, trying to understand what she was talking about. "You pretend to lose in a race, and then pass me up later when I'm going at full speed? You're not a very good pretender at all."
"Is that a crime?" he asked as he rubbed his cheek.
"It is when you do it against a criminal!" He laughed again and placed a hand on her cheek.
"Did I hurt your pride?" he asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible without cracking.
She pushed against his chest as hard as he could, causing him to fall back into the room. "You mock me?!" she said, trying to hide a grin. He regained his balance and took her arms in his hands. He kissed her on the cheek, "Yes."
She glared at him, "I am a criminal, Kamriel, but not a toy."
"Maybe you're not, " he said, still holding her arms. He could tell she wasn't mad by his antics, but she looked serious. You are not a criminal either, you, are a lady."
She smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Don't you forget it," she said. He smiled and released her.
"I might need reminding."
"Ha! You would be so fortunate!" she laughed, un-phased by his behavior.
"I would be very fortunate." She became serious once more, although her eyes still smiled.
"Next time, Kamriel," she looked into his eyes, as serious as he had seen her, but there was a spark of mischief in her dark eyes, "don't let me win. I can handle losing." She stepped back and turned toward the door. "Good night, Kamriel."
"Good night, Tara," he closed the door behind her as she left, and fell asleep as soon as he reached the bed. ****
A/N: wow that was long. 8 pages apparently. Hope you're contented. I've decided to pick this up again, or at least type up as far as I've written it to, which is 5 chapters, and If I can recall chapter four's even longer than this. Sorry about the long wait.I promise I'll update quicker. Like I said, I'm picking it up again.
Once again, any typos are blamed on the rats. Pothead thinks he can type, but he can't quite. His little fingers aren't big enough to press down the keys. And then there's the problem that he can't read.
Anyway, PLEASE review. I spent so long typing this up, you better not make me have waster my time!
-random-candle