Once again, I apologise for the long wait. I can't seem to do anything fast these days. Thank you everyone, for reviewing and putting up with my slow pace. (And I'm sorry to leave that awful cliffhanger)

Please do review, and constructive criticisms are very much wanted.

Revised for correction. (18th of July)

Chapter 7

Daine threw a cautious glance towards the door, calculating a possible escape plan; the Emperor stood rigid before the entrance, blocking her only exit.

'Where are the birds, your Highness?' she asked again, feeling her throat curl up in a tight knot.

The side of Emperor Ozorne's mouth twitched. 'You can sense their absence?' he asked with a raised eyebrow and a bemused smile.

'They are not in this room, nor in any other rooms we've past.' Daine gritted her teeth, fuming at her own idiocy and foolishness for getting herself lured by Ozorne's story.

'Amazing,' the Emperor breathed, 'once again, the extent of your gift astounds me.'

His compliments made Daine shiver. His every word was like the chilling ice, running down her spine, freezing her from the inside. The girl wanted desperately to leave this room full of unfamiliar aromas, but something seemed to take hold of her control. The Emperor's intent gaze seemed to rob her body of movements, and her mind of clear thinking. 

'If there are no birds here,' Daine struggled to say, trying to shut out the fear in her voice, 'then I ask for your Highness's permission to leave. I believe I am of no use here.'

Something flickered in the Emperor's sharp eyes. He moved towards Daine, his movement that of an advancing predator, his countenance unreadable.

'There is something I would like you to know, Veralidaine,' he said mellifluously, eyes boring into Daine's. 'Ever since I saw you, you have been highly conscious in my mind. Of all the people I have associated with, I must say that you are by far the most unique and fascinating creature I have ever met.'

Daine's stomach plummeted, unnerved by the easy smoothness in his voice. The Emperor of Carthak was paying the highest of tributes and attention to her, and yet all she wanted was to be as far from his interests as possible.

It was quite amazing how different the effects of Ozorne's praises were to that of Numair's. As extravagant and lavishing as Ozorne's words were, it simply did not fill Daine with the same glowing warmth or the giddy happiness Numair's simple nod or smile would bring.  

'Your Highness is too kind,' she said stiffly, 'but I really don't think I am worthy of such commend.' Again she made towards the door but the Emperor continued to stand before her.

Without warning, he suddenly took hold of Daine's slender hand. She started in the agility of his movement, too stunned to draw away from his touch.

'I feel that I must confess to you, Veralidaine,' Ozorne said rather hurriedly, the faintest of colour creeping to his face, 'that I am enthralled beyond all my experience by your character, and fervently admire you.'

Daine's eyes widened in sheer astonishment as she stared upon this man – the mighty and powerful ruler of Carthak who impelled intimidation to all – now confessing about his private feelings and helpless affections.

'Your Highness, I – ' Daine began but stopped stupidly as she groped in vain for a rational reply.

What in the name of Mithros am I supposed to say? Daine thought wildly, that I don't want his affections and would gladly remove myself from his interests?

'I want you to know,' Emperor Ozorne carried on rather hastily, as if afraid to hear Daine's answer, 'that I have your best interest at heart. Your talent, like I said, is very rare and unique, and should be extended and developed to the best of your ability. Rather conveniently, Lindhall informs me that there are many available studies here in Carthak that can greatly benefit both your gift and your knowledge. It has therefore come to my attention, that you should choose to remain in Carthak for several months to take on all the erudition Carthak has to offer.'

Daine was beyond speech. Words simply failed her as she slowly digested this piece of announcement. The incredulity of this notion, and the discomforting consciousness of the hand still holding her made her feel light-headed and shaky. 

'I would support for all your needs of course,' Ozorne offered, 'and you can have a place here in the Palace. If – if you do not mind, I could appoint myself in the position as your teacher.'

Daine flinched; offended that he should think her capable of replacing Numair so easily. She could not believe that Ozorne could even think of voicing this absurd proposal. Struggling with herself, she became aware that the Emperor was waiting for a reply.

'Once again I thank you for your kindness and generosity,' Daine said slowly and carefully, choosing her words with exceptional care so as not to cause offence, 'but I do not think it is necessary for me to remain here any longer than the Tortallen Delegation. I truly regret the loss of the knowledge I am certain to gain in Carthak, but there are also many things I still need to acquire back in Tortall.'

The Emperor's eyes flashed, causing Daine to falter. 'I – I really am grateful for your help…but I feel I must decline your offers.'

Ozorne's gaze hardened, as did the grasp on Daine's hand. 'To become an accomplished mage,' he persisted softly, 'one must have all the different experiences one can get. I can help you there.'

Daine looked him, then helplessly at the door. Escape seemed impossible now with Ozorne bearing up at her like that. She did not know how to end this unnerving conversation, and she wanted – for more than ever – to have Numair by her side.

'I…I must be getting back now,' Daine blurted feebly, 'the others will be wondering where I am.'

'You are quite devoted to Numair are you not?' Ozorne mused, his eyes no longer friendly. 'You know, a young girl like you should not get too dependent on a loose-living mage such as Arram. I know well of his character and intentions.'

Daine's stomach tightened in anger at the taunt about Numair. 'I'm sorry, your Highness,' she said firmly, 'I really must leave now.'

With a determined twist of her wrist, Daine tried to shake off the Emperor's tight hold. Ozorne obviously had other ideas for he raised his other hand with startling swiftness to clamp the back of Daine's neck in one strong grasp.   

Daine cried out in surprise, as much to Ozorne's touch as the coldness of his hand. Tiny, stinging sensations seemed to travel down her spine, shocking her body into submission. 

'Let – go – of – me!' Daine cried between breaths as she struggled to free herself from the Emperor's hold. There was something unnatural in his eyes that terrified the girl.

'Do not look so frightened, Veralidaine,' Ozorne whispered silkily, 'I'm sure this is not your first physical contact with another male.'

Daine trembled violently as she fought. Gritting her teeth, she cried out in frustration.

'What do you want with me?' she demanded, 'why did you trick me here?'

The Emperor cocked his head slightly to one side. 'I told you, Veralidaine. You fascinate me – and there are few things in this world that do so otherwise. You have a sort of …charm that I like. Besides, I also wanted to see what it is about you that encapsulated Arram so senselessly.'

In one absurd movement, Ozorne leaned towards Daine's face. Repulsion and sheer terror wrapped around Daine. 'Let me go!' she shouted, trying to kick with her legs, 'stay away from me!'

Ozorne's eyes blazed. 'Why?' he demanded savagely, 'you let Numair do it, do you not?'

'Let go – '

'Tell me,' Ozorne continued, 'which spell did he use on you? Was it a love potion – a degrading childish prank set upon a inexperienced girl?'

'No – '

'Then perhaps some sort of charm? It is very likely of Arram to pull a trick on you to fulfil his own hunger.'

A tremendous bang erupted through the room. Daine had a fleeting view of the chamber door blasted from its hinges. Within the cloud of dust and debris, Numair stood looking like the thunder itself.

One sharp glance towards Daine made his eyes blaze like wildfire. Emitting fury and the years of hatred towards Ozorne, a large blinding ball of black flame appeared in Numair's outstretched hand. Without hesitation, he threw the lethal fire towards Ozorne.

In a dazzle of bright light, Daine felt Ozorne's presence disappear. Blinking in surprise, she found herself and her teacher suddenly quite alone in the room.

'Where did he go?' she asked, blinking stupidly.

Numair ignored her question. In two large strides, he was by her side, one arm wrapped protectively around the girl's trembling shoulder.

'What happened? Are you hurt?' he asked urgently as he held the girl in his arm. Daine could only shudder.

With one large hand, Numair cupped his student's face and stared intently into her eyes. 'Did he hurt you, Magelet? Did he…did he harm you in any way?'

Daine shook her head, too overwhelmed to speak. Instead, she buried her head into Numair's robe and waited for the trembles to stop.

'I will kill him,' Numair murmured, his eyes burning dangerously, 'by Mithros's name I will kill him.'

'Numair – ' Daine began, frightened by the hatred in her teacher's voice. She reached out for his hand and grasped it tightly, as if it was the only thing to keep her safe.

The mage gazed down at his student, his heart giving an odd flutter at the way Daine looked at him; her eyes were frightened, yet they showed trust and faithfulness to him.

'Thank the Gods that you are all right,' he whispered, stroking her soft smoky curls. 

'How did you know I was here?' Daine asked. She was starting to feel calmer, now that she was within Numair's presence.  She sat up a little straighter though her hand was still clasped tightly around his.

'After you left the hall, I saw Ozorne leave. I had a feeling he might be up to something, so I left too. Then I saw him lead you away, and I followed to see where you were going. It took me a while to get past all the doors because they were spelled against intruders.'

Daine looked gratefully at her teacher, glad – for the umpteenth time – that he had yet again appeared at the right place and right time, and planned ahead so effectively.

'I'm so glad you came,' she whispered.

Numair's eyes suddenly hardened. Over and done with the emotional sentiments, the mage now gave his full attention to more logical and practical matters.

'What in Mithros's name possessed you?' he demanded angrily, looking severely at Daine. 'Have you completely lost your mind to walk right into ozorne's lair?'

'He said he had injured birds!' Daine defended indignantly, 'you know I can't refuse the People!'

Numair groaned in exasperation and ran a frustrated hand through his tousled mane.

'The stable boy has an injured pet snake in his bed. Will you go to him too?'

Daine blushed, scowled at the mage and then looked away. She knew Numair was right, knew that it was foolish of her to fall for Ozorne's words.

There was a sigh. 'Come on,' Numair said, helping Daine to stand.

'Where are we going?' Daine tottered, numbness swimming in her legs as well as her head. Numair's strong arm found itself around the girl's waist, supporting her as she moved.  

'We are going to see Duke Gareth and the rest of the delegates,' he said firmly, 'they must be informed of this.'

Shortly afterwards, the resting room given to the Tortallen Delegates flew open with a bang. Duke Gareth, in the middle of a very delicate piece of plan looked up disapprovingly.

'Duke Gareth,' Numair said with determination, 'I'm afraid I must ask you to drop the peace talks.'

There was a sharp in take of breath from the entire room. Alanna the King's Champion looked up from her sword cleaning and fixed her startling purple eyes on the tall mage.

'What is all this?' Duke Gareth asked with a frown, 'has something happened?'

'Yes.' Numair's voice was hard, as was the light in his eyes. 'Daine here was assaulted by his ImperialHighness just now. Had I not intervened in time' – here Daine blushed beet red and turned away from Duke Gareth's incredulous look – 'had I not stopped Ozorne in his corrupted act, Daine would have been greatly harmed.'

Duke Gareth paused, in which a great silence adorned the circular room. 'You say you saw him assaulting Daine?'

'Yes, I threw a fire bolt at him but he disappeared.'

'Are you all right, Daine?' Alanna had got up from her seat where she put one soothing arm around the younger girl's shoulder. 'I can't believe Ozorne would dare do such a thing.'

'Duke Gareth,' Numair said urgently, 'I must ask you to cancel this treaty. I knew from the beginning it was a bad idea, and now this…this incident only confirms my suspicions. Ozorne has put forward a breach in this contract, and has abused our trust to an unimaginable extent. We cannot possibly make peace with him.'

Again there was another silence. Then with a rather heavy sigh, Duke Gareth said, 'I'm afraid I cannot meet your request. This peace talk is the most important thing and must continue as planned.'

Numair looked outraged. 'He abused one of our delegates, your Grace,' he said, voice rising rapidly. 'He took advantage of his own position and Daine's vulnerability. How can you…how can you stand here and tell me that this peace talk is more important than one of our own member's safety?'

'Calm yourself, Numair,' Duke Gareth ordered, 'it is not that I don't care about Daine here, but it is the matter of evidence. We have no proof that Ozorne did anything.'

The expression on Numair's face in answer to Duke Gareth's remark was scandalising. Daine glanced nervously towards her teacher, bracing herself for the blow.

'Evidence?' Numair bellowed, 'I saw him with Daine! I intervened the whole situation. Does that count for evidence?'

'Now don't you – '

'And Daine here was the victim. Does her own words prove nothing at all?'

'Shout at me like that, Numair Salmalín, and I will banish you from this room and all future meetings!'

The effect of Duke Gareth's voice was quite amazing. Daine jumped, Alanna frowned and the rest of the room stared. Even Numair who was looking on the verge of going for Duke Gareth's throat managed to subside.

'Now that you are silent, will you please listen to me.' The older man sighed and ran a hand across his chin. 'Like I said, it is not that I do not believe your word, or Daine's, but certain circumstances forces me to act this way. You say you thought you saw Ozorne with Daine – no, Numair, let me finish – you say you have seen them together, but I have also seen Ozorne. In fact, I was talking to him throughout the entire feast. He did not leave the site at all.'

Numair's brows furrowed together. 'You had been talking to him?'

'Through the entire feast.'

There was a deathly silence, and then Numair cursed loudly. 'Damn it!' he hissed, looking furious. 'I knew there was something strange about his vanishing. It wasn't him!'

'Of course it was!' Daine blurted out, 'I talked to him. I think I would recognise it if he weren't the Emperor.'

'No, Magelet,' Numair said, 'it wasn't Ozorne, at least not the real him anyway. It was his simulacra.'