Yay! I have finally kicked myself to update! Here is chapter 6. Please review and tell me what you think – I keep having these awful creeping feelings that my writings are getting more and more feeble by the chapter.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed my last chapter. (smile)
Chapter 6
The evening was once again occupied by the rich feastings of Carthak. The low buzz of conversation and the clink of glass bumping floated through the great hall, drifting lazily amongst the guests.
Duke Gareth, along with the rest of the Totallen delegates sat scattered about, each engaging in separate small talks with the Carthaki nobles. Occasionally there would be a sudden bout of laughter – the eruption been more frequent from Lindhall's table, whose face was slightly red from the wine.
Daine watched her teacher alongside Master Lindhall and his student in a much-animated debate, one hand absentmindedly stroking Kitten's long, slender neck.
Lindhall was in a merry mood, his eyes lit in a way very similar to Numair's when he was made excited by a subject of interest.
The wildmage studied her teacher raptly. She could tell his attention was not fully given to the debate for he kept shooting furtive glances towards her in a way one might do when guarding something very precious, like a treasure. In this case, Daine being that treasure.
He had asked her over and over again after the bull incident whether she was all right, and despite her insistent reassurances, he could not be swayed from the urge to constantly check her for signs of ill health.
Daine smiled, secretly touched – and thrilled – by his obvious concern. It seemed to her lately that the attention of her teacher was beginning to grow more and more important to her. It made her uneasy, to surrender to the pinch of jealousy every time he was within other female's companies, or to be infused with the power of ambient panic and helplessness when she was unacknowledged of his whereabouts.
She did not like to think what these troublesome feelings meant, only that it would always vanish when Numair was near.
Presently the subject of her thoughts shot her another quick look. Catching her eye, and embarrassed at being caught out, he smiled sheepishly and returned to Lindhall's debate.
A swift queer feeling very much to that of been closely observed took hold of Daine's attention. Puzzled, Daine looked up to see the Emperor of Carthak sitting some feet away studying her with immense intensity. He did not seem embarrassed by the fact that Daine was looking at him, nor did he try to direct his attention elsewhere.
Feeling suddenly hot and uncomfortable, the wildmage stood up to take leave.
'Where are you going?' Numair asked immediately.
'Its all right. I just want to get some air,' Daine informed her teacher, 'it's a little too hot in here.'
The slightest of frown appeared on Numair's face. He opened his mouth, but abruptly shut it again.
'I'm only going into the garden,' Daine pointed out, feeling the tight blanket of her teacher's protectiveness.
'All right,' Numair said with what Daine thought was a sigh, and although he looked like he wanted to say more, had to content himself with a mere 'be careful.'
Daine politely excused herself from the table and hurried outside towards the garden.
Carthak sky was on the brink of sunset. The hot red sun sank far towards the horizon, finally subsiding its fierce heat. It was slightly cooler outside, and Daine followed the path towards a row of benches. Sinking down with a sigh, Daine closed her eyes.
There was a flatter of wings and something soft landed in midst the wildmage's knees. Daine looked down. It was a desert sparrow; the same specie of bird Daine had healed that very morning.
Hello, Wing-sister, Daine sent, gently caressing the bird's soft neck.
Greetings. My name is Twig The Desert Sparrow jumped on to Daine's arm, where she hopped all the way up to the girl's neck. Daine giggled at the tickling touch of the tiny claws on her neck.
You have healed my little one this morning Twig said with feeling, my little one fell out of his nest. He would have died if you hadn't healed him with your magic. Thank you.
Daine looked upon the little bird, touched by the gratefulness in the sparrow's voice. Of all the animals she had healed, it was the first time a parent had ever came to find her especially to show gratitude.
It is my pleasure to be of help Daine sent, it would kill me to see the People hurt and not being able to do anything. How is your little one?
He's fine, chirped Twig I had rather hoped that the fall might rid of his ridicules behaviour and constant chatter a little, but he gives me more headaches than ever.
Daine laughed. The spotted sparrow sounded uncannily like a two-legger scolding a naughty child.
I must go now Twig suddenly declared as she hopped from Daine's shoulder, my little one is calling for me. If you ever need help, just ask for me. My nest is the second tree on the path you took this morning.
With that, the small bird took off into the dusk and out of sight. Daine watched the sky with a wishful longing to fly away with her feathered friend. It would be so easy just to take off and leave everything behind.
From somewhere behind her came a soft, polite cough. Daine wheeled around to see sparkles of sunlight caught in the jewels around the Emperor's neck. He stood some feet away from the girl, half hidden behind a large tree. A slight smile framed his tanned face.
'I did not want to disturb your conversation with the desert sparrow,' he explained as he came forward. 'It really is fascinating, watching you so wrapped up in a secret speech. Tell me, does the bird really talk as I would to you?'
'Yes, your Highness,' Daine answered, 'they speak in a way very similar to two-leggers – that's their word for human beings.'
'Fascinating,' the Emperor said again, gazing at her with awe and admiration – both of which made Daine squeamishly uncomfortable.
'I understand you are very good with bird?' He moved a little closer. 'Would you think terribly ill of me if I requested a little of your time to come and have a look at two of my birds?'
Daine sat up immediately. 'Of course not,' she said with enthusiasm, which made the Emperor smile.
It took a while to reach Emperor Ozorne's royal chamber. Daine found herself led through a route she has never taken before, and it wasn't long before she began to wish that she should have told someone of her whereabouts.
The Emperor's room – or rather rooms – was by far the grandest Daine has ever seen; gold banisters ran along cream-white walls. Exotic aromas filled the heavily decorated room, making Daine's head spin. She had never seen such wealth crammed together in her life.
'I do appreciate your help, Veralidaine,' Ozorne murmured, opening a heavy door for the wildmage.
'Helping animals is my life,' Daine said brightly, 'though it wasn't always like this. Two years ago, I didn't even know there was such thing as wildmagic, let alone having it. It was only after Numair taught me that I was able to use my magic fully to help heal animals.'
Emperor Ozorne listened silently. 'Your teacher must be very proud.' His voice was mild and monotonous, yet a faint edge of malice lingered in his words. Daine sneaked a sideway glance at him to see his jaws set in a firm line.
Abruptly they stopped in front of yet another wooden door, heavily covered in decorative objects and carvings. With one courteous sweep of hand, the Emperor of Carthak led the wildmage into what Daine saw – to her unease – as his sleeping quarter.
A heavy scent of sweetness filled the room. Daine glanced around, suddenly very nervous and tense. Her eyes darted around the room, the oppressing feeling of dread increasing by the lingering seconds. It took the girl several moments to register what was wrong with the place.
She could not sense any trails of the People around the perimeter.
'Where are the birds, your Highness?' Daine asked slowly, eyes and magic senses still searching desperately for any signs of wild life. When Ozorne failed to answer, Daine turned around to face him. She felt her breath halt.
The Emperor was staring at her with the most peculiar of expressions.