Hiya people!!  Welcome to Chapter Thirteen of my ongoing epic.  As I've progressed through this story, it's taken longer and longer for me to get chapters out.  I must apologize for the tardiness of chapters, but the extended writing time has given me the opportunity to make sure that the characters and the story that they are involved in evolve smoothly.  So I hope you enjoy the next installment in my series.

So without further delay, Chapter Thirteen of Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming!!!!

Chapter Thirteen: The Path We Must Take

~ Next Morning - Before Dawn ~

            "Yil!" Hitomi ran to catch up with the tall man.  "Wait up!"

            Yil turned around just as Hitomi had caught up to him.  He waited until she caught her breath before offering a smile of encouragement.  "Good morning."

            Hitomi grinned brightly, "Mornin'!  Onee-chan told me to get everyone up early.  I stopped by your tent and noticed that you weren't there.  I'm glad I found you though." Hitomi chuckled to herself, "No wonder you're up early, and Tardus and Van must have disturbed you with their snoring.  Combined they make a horrible orchestra."

            "I know what you mean, but I'm used to it." Yil smiled larger at her small joke. "Did you need me for something?"

            "Onee-chan says that we will go to Yarfan first." Yil's smile disappeared and a dark look shadowed his features.  Hitomi didn't notice as she continued on with her explanations, "I don't know why we have to stop there if the missing page is gone.  I think our efforts should be concentrated on translating those tomes you have and then beating Kirok to the next page.  Don't you?" Hitomi looked to Yil for an answer.

            Yil turned and began to walk to the stables, "We should do as Myami says.  Go on and wake the others, I will ready the horses and supplies that we will need for this journey."

            Hitomi quizzically stared at Yil's back as he walked away.  :What happened there?:  Mentally shrugging off the weird vibe, Hitomi walked thoughtfully back to the tents.  She was so wrapped in her thoughts that she walked right into Millerna.

            "Millerna-sama!" Hitomi quickly dusted herself off and got up.  Extending a hand to her friend, she apologized, "Gomennasai, Millerna-sama.  I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.  What are you doing up so early?  The sun is barely out."

            Millerna chuckled and accepted Hitomi's assistance as she stood up from her sitting position, "Aside from being slightly embarrassed, I'm all right.  I couldn't sleep anymore.  Dryden is on his way as well."  Millerna righted her clothing then looped an arm with Hitomi's arm.  She began to lead Hitomi back in the direction she had come from, "Did Myami come back last night?"

            Hitomi shook her head, "Although she did communicate with me that Allen had found her and that they would be back this morning so that we could leave to begin our journey."

            "Good," Millerna's tone became solemn, "Hitomi-chan?"

            "Hai."

            "Are you scared?"

            Hitomi turned confidently to Millerna, "Iie, Millerna-sama.  We are going to be the victors, just like last time."  Hitomi stood in front of Millerna and held both of Millerna's hands in her own, "We're all older, wiser and stronger.  We've come too far to let something like this beat us."

            "I know, Hitomi-chan." Millerna sighed, "The apprehension is getting to me.  Come.  I heard that we're to leave early.  Let's go wake up the others."

~ Path to Gypsy Camp ~

            Myami and Allen rode back to the camp in silence, the sun's rays escaping just over the far horizon.  They had set out about an hour ago and still had an hour more before they would reach camp.  Myami was hoping that by then, Hitomi and Yil would have gotten everyone ready to leave. 

            Allen watched the purples and oranges that streaked the early morning sky.  He turned to watch the woman riding next to him.  His feelings for her were mixed.  Sure he was attracted to her, but he barely knew her.  Allen breathed in deeply.  From the time that he had spent with her, Allen couldn't really form a full opinion about Myami.  To him, Myami was a woman of many contrasts. 

            Myami felt Allen watching her.  They were closing in on the cliff above the Gypsy Camp and Allen had been staring at her for the last twenty minutes.  Myami sighed mentally.  Ever since she had met him, there had always been something about him that had bothered her.  She had since then figured out that what was bothering her was the huge attraction she had felt for Allen.  This attraction made her feel both guilty and excited at the same time.

            The two riders galloped up to the edge of the ridge and stared over the expanse of the camp.  Silently, just as the rest of the morning had been, they began to make their way down the slope to rejoin the rest of their group.

~ Gypsy Camp - one hour later ~

            Van sat contemplating their current situation.  Van looked up at their large group.  Each person was either sitting or standing and all were ready to leave.  To Van's left stood Ryley and Pristelle.  The couple was helping each other with the last of their belongings.  Next to Ryley and Pristelle sat Millerna and Dryden.  The king and queen looked calm and alert as they chatted with Tardus and Merle. 

            Now Tardus and Merle were one of the more surprising things about their newfound friendships.  Van eyed the cat people warily as he thought of his best friend.  He could tell that Merle was forming feelings for Tardus.  As he watched them closely, he realized that Tardus was in the same situation.  Van smiled to himself.  Tardus had better take care of Merle or he would make sure that he would take care of Tardus. 

            With a dry smirk Van turned to another surprise, Yil and Selena.  Van's smirk quickly softened as he watched a tentative relationship build between the two people.  Yil's mysteriousness seemed to intrigue Selena, where as Selena's innocence seemed to call to Yil.  They contrasted yet complemented each other at the same time. 

            Just as he was about to get up to find Hitomi a pair of arms wrapped themselves around his neck, "Ohayo, Van." Hitomi's voice caressed his face.

            Van checked to see if anyone was staring at them.  Seeing that everyone was occupied, he pecked Hitomi's cheek, "Ohayo."

            "Have they arrived yet?" Hitomi blushed becomingly as she released Van and sat next to him.

            "No not yet.  But we're all ready.  The fresh horses that Myami requested are ready as well."  Van smiled lovingly at Hitomi and brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face.  "You look great today."

            "Arigato, Van-chan." Hitomi's face tinted a bright pink.

            Van frowned slightly when he realized what he had just said, "Not that you don't look great everyday." Hitomi grinned and Van began to be flustered, "It's just that you look exceptionally great today.  But that doesn't mean that you don't always look exceptionally great.  I just…"

            "I understand, Van-chan." Hitomi giggled and stood.  Holding her hands out to Van, she helped him stand as well.  "Myami's here.  It's time to go." 

            Van turned to look out to the entrance of the camp and saw Myami and Allen galloping in.  "And the adventure begins."

            After farewells were made and some last minute things were given to the travelers, everyone mounted their horses except Myami and Hitomi.  Quietly the sisters walked up to Celestas and chatted a bit.  From the riders' point of views, it seemed that Hitomi was doing most of the talking, while Myami nodded her head.  Celestas' facial expressions weren't revealing anything to the group.  When they were done, Garret came and bowed to the two sisters.  Hitomi stepped up and embraced the man.  Myami and Garret's farewell was different.  Garret offered his hand to Myami, who then proceeded to clasp arms with her friend.  A look of regret crossed Garret's face while one of sympathy flashed in Myami's.  They quickly separated and Hitomi and Myami hugged Celestas then strolled back to their friends to mount their horses.

            With one last wave, Hitomi and Myami took the lead and galloped out of the Gypsy camp. 

~ Road to Gildar ~

            Yil slowed his horse down to the trot that Myami was traveling at.  She had long since decided to travel at the rear of their group.  They had been traveling for five hours and were almost to the village where they would have lunch and rest their horses.  After that they would travel another three hours to reach the port city of Gildar, where they would charter a ship to take them to Yarfan. 

            "Thank you." Yil said softly, so as not to be overheard by anyone else.

            Myami turned to Yil and nodded, "There is no need to thank me.  Regardless of what the other's may think, we both need to be there."

            Yil offered a small smile to Myami.  Over the years she had been his confidant, his teacher, his wall.  And in return he watched over Myami, fought by her side and protected her when she needed it, although that was a rare occurrence.  "Myami?"

            "Hmm?" Myami looked to the horizon and saw a small village's buildings looming ahead.

            "Lately, I've had these feelings…" Yil stopped as he saw Myami look at him one eyebrow raised in question and a secretive smile gracing her face, "What?"

            Myami shook her head and chuckled, "I was wondering how long it would be before you started telling me about Selena."

            Yil sighed and frowned at Myami then whispered, "Will you keep it down?  I don't want everyone else knowing about this."

            "Why not?" Myami got a mischievous gleam in her eye, "Shouldn't everyone know that you're in love." Myami blew a kiss to Yil.

            "Sometimes your immaturity amazes me." Yil groaned and looked Myami in the eye, "I don't know what I feel yet.  All I do know is that she's the only other person besides yourself that I feel really comfortable with."

            "I see."

            When Yil saw that Myami would be quiet, he continued, "It's different though.  I'm comfortable with you as if you're my sister.  With Selena, it's as if there's absolutely nothing I can't tell her.  Her smiles make me feel as if I've won prizes.  I could spend hours just talking with her."

            As Yil was explaining, Myami smiled brightly.  She only hoped that Selena would be able to help ebb away the pain for Yil once they reached Yarfan, for although Yil was putting up a valiant effort not to let his feelings show, Myami knew him too well.  Inside Yil a large storm was brewing.  When they reached Yarfan, Yil would release that storm.  For everyone's sake and most of all Yil's, Myami prayed that he would channel all that energy constructively.

~ Island of Indemnity ~

            "Are they here yet?" Chelsea came up behind Tamra. 

            Tamra shook her head.  They were standing at the top of the look out tower awaiting the arrival of Dorser and Nigel.  Dorser and Nigel would be bringing along the Graveler, Master Kirok's invention. 

            Chelsea put the telescope to her eye and looked towards the horizon, "As soon as they arrive, we are to leave after our meeting with Master Kirok."

            "I know," Tamra began, "I'm eager to know what our new job will be.  I only know it has something to do with the woman that Kirok has been chasing for many years."

            Chelsea grinned as she put the telescope down, "I've heard about her.  We were recruited right after she escaped Kirok's clutches.  It seems that he was never able to break her spirit and break into the secrets of her powers," Chelsea tossed the telescope to Tamra, then sat down, "The soldiers have talked about her.  They say that she was able to look into your mind and see the future.  Others say that she was able to manipulate objects and her capabilities for magic were unfathomable."

            "I remember all that talk.  I just assumed that it was gossip," Tamra answered as she looked through the telescope.

            "At first I thought it was, but then I saw the file that Master Kirok kept on this woman." Chelsea leaned back, "I was only able to glance into it because he had it open on his desk, but from what I was able to read, this 'Myami' woman is a formidable foe."

            Tamra shrugged, "We will get our chance to see then." As she moved to the left, Tamra caught sight of Dorser's and Nigel's ships, "They're here."

            Chelsea jumped up, "Its about time.  Come on then.  We'll await them at the dock and take them directly to speak to Master Kirok."

            Tamra followed Chelsea to greet their new arrivals.

~ Ship to Yarfan ~

            Hitomi stood at the railing of the ship, watching the waves crash against the boat below.  It had been a while since she had last been sailing and she breathed in the clean ocean air.  Yarfan had been sighted and they would soon be arriving on Yil's island.  Turning, Hitomi leaned back onto the railing and faced the inside of the ship.  She watched as Van, Tardus, Yil, Allen, Dryden and Ryley practiced their swordplay, the slight swaying of the ship adding to challenge.

            Hitomi sighed.  The rest of their female companions were sitting at the helm of the ship chatting with each other.  As for Myami, she had been cooped up inside the captain's study for most of the day and had not been seen yet.  Hitomi released her hair and leaned back over the railing to stare into the sky.  The wind played with her hair as she thought on the quest they were now on. 

            Reaching into her jacket pocket, Hitomi pulled out her tarot cards.  Her powers had grown to the point where she didn't think she needed the cards anymore, but she couldn't make herself part with them.  They had been a part of her life for so long that throwing them away didn't seem possible.  She had been staring at the tarot cards for some time that she didn't notice when Myami, facing in the direction of the ocean, leaned against the railing next to her.

            "What are you going to do with those?" Myami asked.

            Shaken from her thoughts, Hitomi put them away into her pocket, "I don't know.  Its hard to part with something that you've known for so long."

            Myami smiled, "I know what you mean.  I have a feeling though that you may not need them anymore."

            "You're probably right about that.  I was just thinking about how much my psychic abilities have grown.  The visions are clearer now and I can almost control them.  Plus I have the added abilities of detection and telepathy now." Hitomi explained.

            "Although I cannot have visions like you can, I do have the dreams.  Along with the telepathy, I also have telekinesis," Myami began, "I guess our powers kind of complement each other."

            Hitomi's face took on a solemn look, "Tell me about Kirok."

            Myami closed her eyes.  She had been avoiding this subject for a long time and she knew that Hitomi wouldn't wait much longer.  Myami took in a deep breath, "He's our mother's brother, exiled for practices in the forbidden magics.  When he took me away that day, he was really aiming to get you.  It was your power of visions that he wanted to control." 

            "Why?"

            "He wanted to know and manipulate the future events.  Taking control of his destiny is what he called it.  Kirok has aspirations to start anew with the Ryujinbito as the dominant race and him as the supreme ruler.  He believes that Gaea owes him." Myami turned and faced inward towards the ship, the way Hitomi was, "You know the pendant he has doesn't belong to him."

            Hitomi nodded, "Yes, I know.  So when are you going to Allen that it belongs to him?"

~ Yarfan ~

            Yil and Myami led the group through the destruction on the island.  Everyone had their weapons drawn in case of any lingering intruders.  They were heading in the direction of the castle, keeping an eye out for any survivors.

            "The destroyed everything." Merle voiced out the observation as they ventured further through the rubble, "How can someone do such a thing?"

            Millerna answered the cat-woman, "I don't know.  I'm just thankful that Astoria was saved this kind of malice."

            As they advanced, Yil kept a sharp eye for anything that would give them a clue as to what to expect.  During their journey to Yarfan, Myami had examined the tomes that had been sent to Yil.  They now knew where the rest of the pages were hidden and it was likely the next target would be Freyd, so Yil was aware that they should hurry, for time was not on their side.

            Myami had said to remain quiet about their next destination, in order to not upset Millerna and Dryden.  She didn't want to cause unnecessary worry, especially since it seemed that the enemy was taking a small break.  From the time frame they had been working with, Freyd should have been attacked today, but since they had yet to hear from their contacts in Freyd, Myami assumed they had some time to catch up.

            Yil had warned Myami that keeping this from their friends would cause trouble, but Myami had insisted that they needed to stop in Yarfan first.  Yil did not begrudge Myami this decision.

            It was all too soon that they reached the main castle.  The entire left side was in ruins and it was obvious the cannon had been used here as well.  Carefully entering the decimated castle, they came upon the bodies of the inhabitants.  Yil knelt by one of the fallen guards, closing the dead man's eyes in reverence.

            "I'm going to check what is left upstairs," Yil said as he quickly made his way up.

            "Selena," Myami turned to the young woman, "Go with him."

            Understanding why she was being sent, Selena hurried to follow Yil.  Myami gestured to the others, "We're going to library and the main hall.  That is where the Elders would have been."

            They followed Myami as she led them towards the back of the castle.  They came upon the library first.  Myami quickly glanced across the burnt books.  Nothing here would be helpful.  Myami motioned to Tardus, "Go and take Van, Hitomi, Ryley and Pristelle to the main hall.  The connecting door is over there."

            Tardus nodded and led his group into the main hall.  Dryden made his way over to Myami, "What are we looking for in here?"

            "There was a secret area that Yil once told me about.  It was where the Elders kept their oldest tomes.  I have a feeling we already have them all, but I want to make sure just in case.  Any help we can get would be great."

            Dryden nodded in understanding, "Where do we search?"

            Myami knelt down next to the upturned desk, "Everywhere.  I don't have an idea of an exact location."

            Millerna, Allen, and Merle began searching.  The combed every inch of the library and when they didn't come up with anything they joined the search of the main hall.

            "Anything?" Myami searched in an alcove above Hitomi.

            Hitomi shook her head, "Nothing that would be useful.  Kirok was very thorough when he destroyed everything."

            Yil and Selena returned to join their group.  Myami sent a questioning gaze in their direction and both people shook their head.  Their upstairs search turned up nothing.  Myami ran a hand through her hair in frustration, "Let's do one last sweep of this hall.  Check underneath the rubble and debris."

            A silent agreement was made in the group as they began to search the large hall again.  No one spoke as they systematically checked under every piece of debris that littered the halls expanse.  The entire left wall was missing from the hall and all the furniture and shelves were either incinerated or thrown into various states of array. 

            "Over here!" Tardus yelled from the far right corner of the room.

            Immediately Yil and Myami ran to him, hoping that Tardus had found something useful.  Tardus lifted the large stone away from a figure, "He's still breathing."

            "Who is?" Selena had caught up to them first, peering over Myami's shoulder.

            Yil's and Myami's eyes widened when they saw who was still alive.  "Yelas!" Yil knelt beside the fallen man, carefully cradling Yelas' head in his lap, "Tell me what happened?"

"Brother?" Yelas coughed out a bit of blood.

By this time everyone had made a circle around the brothers.  Yil voice was strained when he answered, "Yes, it's me Yelas.  Don't talk.  We're going to help you." Yil looked to Pristelle, "Please."

Pristelle nodded and knelt across from Yil, "Hold him still."

The room remained silent as Pristelle began to glow.  Her chanting was the only thing heard in the hall as she concentrated on healing Yil's brother.  It was a moment before Pristelle's white glow died down and she opened her eyes.  Sweat beaded on her brow as she shook her head to Yil, "His injuries are too extensive.  I was able to relieve any pain that he may be having, but he won't last.  I'm sorry Yil."

Slowly Yil nodded in acceptance and turned a pleading look to Myami.  Myami understood the look in his eyes, "Let's go.  We'll wait for you outside."

Quietly, Myami led their companions out of the main hall, leaving Yil and Yelas to themselves.  Yil stared down at his brother's battered face.  It had been so long since he had seen him.  "We know who did this," Yil told his brother, "Myami and my friends will get Kirok for this."

Yelas coughed, his voice gasping out of his mouth, "The Elders couldn't stop the onslaught …*cough*… they wield a new machine …*cough*… overcomes magics …*cough*… so powerful."

"Rest brother," Yil put on a strong front for Yelas, "You're going to be fine."

"You don't have to …*cough*… lie to me," Yelas gave up a small chuckle, "I heard …*cough*… your friend.  Did you get …*cough*… the tomes?"

Yil nodded, "Yes.  Is that all we'll need?"

Yelas nodded his head slightly in response, "Getting so …*cough*… tired, little brother.  Just …*cough*… want you to know that we missed you."

"I missed you too, Yelas." Yil hugged Yelas closely to him as Yelas closed his eyes for the last time.  Yil's tears mixed with his brother's blood.  Yil gently laid his brother back down on the ground.  As he did so an object fell out of Yelas' left hand onto the ground.  Yil stepped around Yelas and bent to pick up the item.  It was his mother's necklace.  It bore the symbol of the Yarfan Elders. 

Yil slipped on the necklace and took one last look around the main hall.  His family and people all gone due to Kirok's need for power, Yil screamed out his frustrations.

Outside, Yil's cries pulled at everyone's hearts.  Selena began to run back into the castle, but Myami restrained her, "Let him have this time alone with his pain.  Be there for him when he comes to rejoin us.  Inside Yil there is a lot of darkness, a price for his level of powers.  Help him control that, otherwise it will consume him."

Selena saw the plea in Myami's eyes and nodded in understanding.  It wasn't too long before Yil stepped back out.  The sun was beginning to set in the horizon and it cast an eerie glow on the ruined city.  Myami released Selena and she immediately went to Yil's side.  Selena held his hand as they had a moment of silence for the dead.

"What now?" Dryden's voice broke through the quiet of dusk.

Myami looked into the sky.  With a glance to Hitomi and Pristelle she took charge, "Tom-Tom, do you think your powers are strong enough to help Pristelle?"

"With what?" Hitomi gave a questioning gaze to her sister.

Pristelle, understanding what Myami was asking for, laid a hand on Hitomi's shoulder, "There's not much time.  I'll need help to build the air ship."

~ Island of Indemnity ~

            "That was harsh in there." Tamra commented as she and Chelsea began the trek to take charge of the guymelefs and the Graveler, "Who would have thought that Master Kirok would be so angry, just because Dorser and Nigel could not retrieve the pendants?"

            Chelsea clucked her tongue, "You forget who has the pendants.  Myami is causing Master Kirok unnecessary delays.  Without those pendants we can't enter the cave."

            "But I thought that's what the spells were going to be for." Tamra stopped walking and faced her friend.

            "Yes, but Master Kirok needs the pendants to control the Immortal being within the cave.  Without that the Immortal will just cause chaos and destruction on Gaea." Chelsea flipped her hair over her shoulder, "It's just as well that we go and retrieve the next page from Freyd.  Master Kirok wants that city destroyed as well."

            "Why destroy Yarfan and Freyd, but not Astoria?" Tamra asked as they began walking again.

            Chelsea followed and didn't answer Tamra till they reached their troops, "Astoria will be the capital.  Master Kirok wants that city to be his."

            Dorser and Nigel watched as their rivals made their way to the soldiers.  Nigel groaned in frustration, "We've blown it.  Chelsea and Tamra are relentless creatures.  They may succeed where we could not."

            "Myami is too formidable for them." Dorser said almost proudly, "Those two will not succeed."

            "And if they do?"

            Dorser let his anger and frustration show when he turned to Nigel, "No one will challenge Myami, but me.  No one!" 

            Nigel watched as Dorser walked away from him back into the main tent.  He glanced back at the battalion as they began to leave the shores of the island for Freyd.  For the time being they were delegated the task to research the island and the pages that they had retrieved.  It was an extremely tedious and boring assignment. 

            Sighing to himself, Nigel walked towards the main tent.  He hoped Dorser was right.  If the girls succeeded where they could not, Kirok would cut his losses by eliminating them.

~ Yarfan – three hours later ~

            "Amazing," Dryden stood next to Myami as Hitomi and Pristelle were putting the finishing touches on the airship, "I thought Hitomi's specialty was visions."

            Myami looked over the ship, "That is her specialty.  She has some latent abilities.  They're not as strong as mine, but I'm working to correct that.  Her psychic powers are keeping Pristelle calm and concentrated on her task.  Pristelle's magic is doing most of the work in building the ship, but pairing Hitomi with her is making the job go by faster."

            Millerna linked her arm with her husbands as they stared at the flying machine, "Does everyone have psychic abilities?"

            "Yes, your majesty," Tardus answered Millerna's question as he and Merle joined them, "It's just a matter of teaching them to tap into that ability and then harnessing it.  Not everyone can do so, but everyone does have the potential."

            Allen and Van stood behind Myami.  Allen crossed his arms over his chest, "Was it part of your training with Kirok?"

            Ryley came to stand with them, "Yes it was.  Kirok wanted all of his top warriors to be able to use their latent abilities.  Some, like Myami, developed into strong users of their powers.  Others, like myself and Tardus, could only train our psychic powers to do small things, as in detect other psychics or link to communicate."

            Myami turned her head to Yil and Selena's direction.  They were sitting not too far away, with Selena comforting Yil.  Myami had yet to reveal their plans but she knew that she had to soon.  The force that was pulling at her before when they were with the gypsies, was pulling at her again.  They had to get moving.

            Myami faced the airship again.  She could tell that the spell was almost done.  "Ryley, Van."

            "What is it?" Van inquired.

            "The spell is almost over.  This is a big spell and it will take a lot out of the both them." Myami explained.

            Ryley understood what Myami was explaining and led Van towards Hitomi and Pristelle.  Ryley positioned himself behind Pristelle and Van followed by positioning himself behind Hitomi.  Pristelle's chants began to fade and the airship was no longer surrounded by a white glow.  Just as that occurred, Pristelle and Hitomi both fainted, Ryley and Van catching them.

            Myami stepped forward, "Let's go."

            Once on the airship, Tardus took charge at the helm.  Ryley and Van were settling Pristelle and Hitomi in one of the rooms inside the ship.  Merle sat down near Tardus offering her company.  Nearby Yil and Selena sat in silence, both staring out the windows. Myami whispered instructions to Tardus and motioned to their remaining passengers to follow her into the captain's study.  Tardus put the ship into motion as the door closed behind Myami and the others.

            Inside the captain's study, Myami sat down on the chair behind the desk.  Allen, Millerna, and Dryden took seats from the available ones in the study.

            "What's up?" Millerna smiled at Myami.

            Myami's gaze was solemn, "I should have mentioned to you before where we were going to be headed next.  I just didn't want to worry you until now."

            Dryden recognized the look that Myami was giving them.  He had used that same look during the meetings he had with people that he had to give bad news to.  Dryden settled into the chair, "It's Freyd isn't it?"

            Myami could only nod.

            The implications of the situation dawned on Allen.  Freyd was in danger and they had gone to a destroyed city first instead of going to warn the people of Freyd.  Allen stood up angrily, "Why come here first?  Why aren't we in Freyd, readying the people and their king?"

            "It was important for Yil and I to come here." Myami understood Allen's anger, although she expected it to come more from Millerna and Dryden, "These are Yil's people.  They are gone now.  He is the last of the dark magic tribe.  Would you deny him a chance to say good-bye?"

            "And you, Myami," Millerna began, "Why did you need to be here?"

            "I was hoping that we would be able to find anything that could help us.  The information that Yelas passed on to Yil will help us prepare in Freyd.  If we do not know what we are fighting against, how can we be well prepared to fight it?" Myami gazed at Millerna, "I know it is your nephew and sister that are in danger, but I believe that we are now a step ahead of the enemy."

            Allen began to pace the small confines of the room, "How?"

            Myami leaned forward onto the desk, "Dorser and Nigel have failed to find the pendants that Hitomi, Van and I own.  They have failed to take my sister and I captive.  Kirok will not consider this a good thing.  Even though they have succeeded in regaining two missing pages, they have not succeeded in those other ventures.  Because of that Kirok will punish them."

            "What does that have to do with how much time we have?" Dryden asked as he took his wife's hand in his for comfort.

            "Kirok likes public humiliation.  He will strike out at them before he sends another team to strike out at Freyd." Myami continued, "From Yarfan, Freyd is only a quarter of a day by airship.  I can send a telepathic message to them, but I wouldn't know what to say.  If I connect with either you or Millerna, then you can speak directly to whomever you wish this message to go to."

            "I'll link with you, Myami-chan." Millerna gave a small smile to the woman.

            Myami grinned in encouragement, "Okay.  If you take Dryden's seat and pull yourself closer to the desk we can begin."

            Allen and Dryden moved to stand on either side of Millerna.  Millerna sat down and joined her hands with Myami's, "What do I have to do?"

            "Just concentrate on the person you wish to communicate with and then I'll handle the rest.  Once you feel as if you and that person are one, speak and tell them about what's going on.  Let them know we're coming to help.  Make the message as brief as you can.  It's difficult for me to do something like this for a long period of time."

            Millerna nodded and watched as Myami closed her eyes.  Millerna felt herself being drawn into Myami's consciousness then she felt as if she was flying at an incredible speed.  She blinked and she was standing inside Freyd's throne room.  Quickly she scanned the room for the person she needed to speak to.  Finally spotting him, Millerna ran to where he was standing and quickly let her presence enter his mind.

            "Cid," Millerna began, "Freyd is in danger.  My friends and I are coming to help, but you need to evacuate the city.  Get everyone ready."

            Cid stopped speaking to the advisor and straightened as he felt Millerna's essence.  It was strange but the voice that was speaking to him was definitely his aunt's voice.  Somehow his aunt was communicating with him.  He took her message to heart and replied, "Aunt Millerna, I will do as you ask.  When will you be arriving?"

            The advisor stared at his king, thinking Cid had gone mad.  Cid ignored him as he waited for Millerna's answer.

            "Five more hours.  I have to go.  Get ready, dear Cid.  Get my sister to safety as well.  We will see you soon." With that said Millerna felt herself being whisked back to her body.

            Cid opened his eyes and faced his advisor, "I don't know how, but my Aunt Millerna has just sent me a message.  Evacuate the city.  Get the soldiers and guymelefs ready.  Danger is coming.  Queen Millerna and King Dryden will be joining us soon and they're bringing help."

            "Sire," the advisor bowed, "Does this have to do with the recent attack on Astoria and Yarfan?"

            "Maybe," Cid thought before moving to see his generals, "Go and get the city ready.  And have them prepare for Aunt Millerna's arrival."

End Chapter Thirteen

Author's Note

First of all I'd like to apologize for the five-month delay on this chapter.  A lot of things have happened in my family the last five months that have taken my attention away from my writing.  Things are all right now and I've finally been able to get this chapter out all of you. 

I'm currently working on the next chapter and I'm halfway through it.  Hopefully I'll have it out to you soon.  I hope you've all enjoyed this next installment.  As always, Review after  you read…even if it is to flame me because of my tardiness or any other reason.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing,

Jayli

Stay tuned for Chapter Fourteen: And It All Begins