Disclaimer: Valdemar, Heralds, Companions etc … none of that belongs to me, it's all the property of Mercedes Lackey. I'm just borrowing the characters for a while … apart from Aline who is most definitely mine : )
A/N: Whew … it's been a while since I've updated so sorry for the delay! The next few chapters are ready and waiting, I just need to find the time to put them up.
You might have noticed that 'angst' is now part of my story's genre – that's mainly because of this chapter. I have to warn you that it's pretty brutal and DOES contain some character death! I severely hope I don't offend anyone by my actions in this chapter and I hope in future chapters you will come to understand why this one had to be so violent and angsty.
As always I hope you enjoy the chapter and please don't flame me if you don't like the violence. I did warn you …
- Updated 23/5 – Darkwind and Elspeth are NOT married
Solitaire: Hey! Always great to have a new reader : ) and I'm damn flattered that mine was the first story you read! I hope you enjoy the development of the relationship between Firesong and Silverfox
Lightning Rain: Joey ducks under pregnant Elspeth onslaught Aggh!!! Help me : ) : )
faeborn2930: Wow … gonna have to check up on my apostrophe use : ) but if that's the only mistake you could pick up on … must have been a good spelling day! Hope you like the chappie!
Queen's Own: I feel eternally sad that I am saying this … but in one of the later ML books (one of the ones with Elspeth in) she researches Herald-Mages and comes across a book about Vanyel, written by … Stef! So there ya go – thought I'd go for the continuity factor : )
A Drunken Goldfish: Heh – interesting name : ) Hmm … Firesong dealing with Elspeth … well that comes about within the next few chapters, but not quite in the way that you would imagine. Joey glances around furtively and realising she may have said too much, she skulks away … : ) : )
Anita H: Damn me I wish I had a map! Oh well, I did my best – hope it's somewhat credible and thanks for the info : ) I would change the travelling info but I already have about five times … keep tying myself up in knots and using bad weather as an excuse! Oh and about the name of Kero's Companion? I looked it up in my books and when she's human she's Savil, but when she's a Companion she's definitely Sayvel! Do your books say different? (maybe I have the stupid English versions …) thanks for the two reviews!!
Hildi-chan: Hey – glad you liked the chapter and I REALLY hope this one doesn't put you off! Joey pulls a worried face
Anyway, on with the story! This chapter is dedicated to Queen's Own and Hildi-chan who are two of my longest readers who are actually reviewing!! (hint hint) Thanks : )
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After the Storm
By: JoeyStar
Timeframe: Set a year or so after Owlknight
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(Haven – Twins' Suite)'So do you know why the twins want to see us? I don't have a lesson with them until next week.' Darkwind questioned Elspeth as they swept along the corridor towards the twins apartment. It was some days after the 'incident' and everything seemed to be back to normal, although the Hawkbrother was still a little wary of his volatile lover.
Elspeth raised an eyebrow sardonically. 'Well, it's the first offer of lunch I've ever had from the twins so I was hardly going to turn it down. And they specifically asked for you to be with me.'
:Do you know what this is all about?: She asked Gwena silently.
:I haven't heard anything. If Jarlan and Elna know they're not talking. I guess you'll have to wait and see. Don't you like surprises Kitten?:
:You know I don't.:
'Does Gwena know anything?' Darkwind had recognised her distracted look for what it was. They had both stopped and he was leaning against the wall, watching her.
'No, nothing. Come on,' she continued down the corridor towards her sibling's apartment, Darkwind falling in beside her.
They rounded the next corner and entered the royal corridor, down which lay Selenay and Daren's rooms and Lyra and Kris's. Elspeth was the only member of the royal family who didn't live on this corridor, preferring to share Darkwind's ambassadorial suites instead.
As Darkwind adjusted his robes, Elspeth knocked on the door to the Twins' suite. The white door opened slightly and Lyra peered round, her blue eyes lighting up as she saw who it was.
'Sis! And Darkwind – I am impressed. To what do we owe this honour?'
'Stop fooling around Lyra – you invited us here.' Elspeth hugged her half-sister and pushed open the door, revealing the plush interior of the suite. Lyra moved out of the way and led them inside, closing the door behind her.
Kris looked up as his sisters entered the room, smiling in greeting. 'I've order lunch for us already – I hope you don't mind.'
'Of course not,' Elspeth told her brother, collapsing into the chair he pushed out for her with a sigh of relief. Not only was being five months pregnant cumbersome, but it was also fairly uncomfortable. She felt like she was carrying a sack full of potatoes around on her stomach.
'Painful dearest?' Darkwind asked her, noting the sigh as he took a seat beside her. Elspeth shook her head, curls bouncing. 'No… just uncomfortable. You men are lucky that you don't have to carry the children – I don't think you'd be able to cope.' She included Kris in her gaze and he laughed, taking the chair opposite.
'So what did you two want to show me?' Darkwind asked finally, after they had dispensed with the pleasantries.
The twins shared an excited glance. 'Well,' Lyra began, 'we were practicing what you were teaching us last lesson, during the week. Our Companions were helping out as well.'
'Yeah – it was Jarlan who helped us in the end. He was discussing the problem and it suddenly just clicked.'
'Are you telling me that you've learnt tandem magic?' Darkwind stared at the twins in astonishment. He had never expected them to progress so quickly!
Kris grinned at the dumbfounded expression on his brother-in-laws face. Taking his sisters hand and turning to face her, they both closed their eyes. As Darkwind and Elspeth watched with magical oversight, the gold and silver of their auras flickered into being and merged together slowly. Somewhere, at the back of their power, Darkwind caught sight of two other presences, the twins Companions Jarlan and Elna, watching protectively.
They needn't have worried; the twins merged their auras with only a slight faltering and held the shield tightly. :Now let it go… just as slowly.: Darkwind instructed them, allowing a little of his pleasure seep into his mindvoice. Obeying his command, the twins let their power dissipate slowly, Lyra faltering a little this time and rushing slightly.
When they finally blinked at each other and opened their eyes it was too a round of applause from their sister and teacher.
'That was amazing!' Elspeth told them with a certain pride at the two mature young Herald's that she and Darkwind had helped to form. 'I don't know as much as Darkwind about tandem magic, but from what I saw that was pretty advanced magic.'
'Or as much as can be done since the Mage Storms.' Darkwind added. 'I am very impressed young ones; I had know idea that you would accomplish the task so quickly. You've caused problems for me now – I'm going to have to find something else to work on!'
'So we did everything in the correct way?' Lyra asked anxiously, shifting in her seat. 'Well…' Darkwind began, 'there were a couple of areas which were a little uncertain… but practice will solve any of the problems you showed. Lyra for you…' he went in to describe in some detail to the twins where they had strayed away from his teachings.
Elspeth tuned out after a few minutes, leaning back in her chair and staring around the room. Almost in time with her look the door of the suite opened and a serving man entered with a small trolley no doubt containing their afternoon meal. He shut the door behind him, moved into the middle of the room and began quietly laying the table.
Elspeth sighed, her hands moving to her stomach where her baby for once seemed to be sleeping peacefully. The man moved back into her line of sight and placed a tray of juice down onto the table.
'Thank you,' Darkwind broke off long enough to say, passing one of the cups to Elspeth. She took it gratefully and drained the cup, savouring the sweet juice mixture. It had a strange under taste that she didn't recognise, but the fruity exterior was delicious and she poured herself another glass. The twins followed her actions as the man moved away, returning to the table.
'This is really good!' Lyra exclaimed with surprise, draining her cup and following her sister's example in pouring another. 'Seems like cook's found a new recipe.'
Darkwind picked up his cup and regarded the liquid inside curiously. Before he tasted it, he lifted it closed to his face and sniffed thoughtfully. There was something about the scent that he recognised…
… He was a second too late. With a cry, Darkwind threw the cup away from him and the glass shattered as it hit the shiny floor. Elspeth stared at him in surprise and opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong. Nothing came out. In fact, her mouth didn't move at all. She struggled against the invisible bonds that held her, but to no avail. Lyra and Kris were also frozen, their faces a picture of helpless horror.
'What…?' Darkwind surged up out of his chair and turned to the serving man. 'Did you check these…?' the man spun around and threw out his hand. Darkwind, unshielded, was hit by an amazingly strong burst of mage power that sent him smashing back against the wall. Stars danced in front of his eyes and he sent a frantic thought to his bondbird. :Vree… help!:
The thought was blocked, but Darkwind tried again.
:H-help me…:
Despite his intentions, darkness fell and he slipped into unconsciousness.
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Elspeth was terrified. She had heard Darkwind cry out and then he had disappeared from her line of vision. The sounds that she had heard would have been disturbing in any situation.
Now she was staring blankly at Kris's face, groping desperately for her Companion bond to Gwena. Somehow, whatever was holding her frozen was also blocking her bond, no matter how hard she tried she couldn't feel her Companion.
Then, slowly put purposefully, the serving man moved into her line of sight and brandished a knife against Kris's throat.
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:Elspeth? Elspeth?:
:What is it Gwena?: Rolan asked her, trotting over to the agitated Companion and nosing her gently.
:It's my Chosen – I can't feel her!: The young Grove-born skitted from side to side nervously.
:Calm down.: Rolan advised her. :There will be an explanation for the absence.:
At that moment there was a shrill equine scream of pain and horror and both Companions heard the frantic words in their head. :KRIS! My Chosen! Help…:
:The twins!: Rolan shot at Gwena, both of them turning in a single instant and galloping towards the Collegium.
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:NO!: Elspeth screamed in her mind as the knife slit through her brother's neck, cutting deeply. Blood began flowing down the terrified boy's neck, staining his normal greys a deep crimson. Elspeth stared at Kris's horror and pain stricken face, every fibre of her body straining against the forces that held her in status. :HELP!: She mind screamed with every once of her strength, smashing against her bonds.
The serving man looked up at her and smiled slightly, moving the knife away from Kris's neck and turning towards Lyra. Elspeth had no choice but to watch as the blood continued to pour down Kris's chest, like a scarlet wave.
If he could have cried, the tears would have mingled with his own blood.
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Darkwind stirred, one hand moving to touch his head. He winced and his fingers came away wet with his own blood. He opened his eyes slowly and the room spun about him. The aching in his head was getting worse as he regained consciousness and he bit back a groan.
Sitting up slowly, leaning back against the wall, Darkwind tried to focus, his eyes blinking rapidly. The blurry shapes filling the room slowly became more solid and Darkwind scrambled to his feet, appalled by what he was seeing.
Elspeth's back was to him, her posture so stiff that he could almost see the tension flowing through her.
Kris was slumped forward over his knees, covered in his own blood.
And Lyra was sat between them both as if frozen, the serving man standing behind her with a bloody knife in one hand.
:Vree! Get help! Get HELP!:
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Elspeth could have pinpointed the exact moment when her younger brother died. He fell forward in his chair, face resting against his knees as if he had simply bowed his head. But Elspeth knew better.
Then the Death Bell began to ring and she knew for certain.
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The mournful ringing of the Death Bell sounded along the corridors of the Collegium, bringing conversations to a halt throughout.
'What?' Talia's head jerked up as if she was looking for an answer in the ceiling. Her husband closed his eyes slightly and felt for his Companion.
:Ahrodie?:
:Kris, it's Kris.: He hadn't even needed to answer the question and Dirk hadn't really needed to ask it either. Any Herald, whether in Haven or elsewhere, knew when another of their position passed on to the Havens.
'Kris?' Talia's eyes were wide with horror. 'Oh Gods!'
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Darkwind's hand flew out accompanied by a strong burst of his magic. It took the serving man by surprised and interrupted the downward thrust of the knife. It missed Lyra's throat by inches and stabbed into her chest instead as the serving man shot backwards.
'Curse you!' He swore at the Hawkbrother, jumping back onto his feet and narrowing his eyes. From somewhere inside his uniform he had produced another knife and was twining it around his fingers menacingly.
Darkwind's mind raced, but there was one fact that stood out in his mind as something he needed to know. 'Who's behind this?'
'If I told you that, then I really would be a fool.' The man smiled, revealing a mouth full of chipped and blackened teeth. 'It's more fun if you don't know – don't you think?' He walked slowly forward, regarding Darkwind a little more cautiously now. 'Now get out of my WAY!' Another blast of the incredible mage power hit Darkwind, but his shields were raised this time, which contained the power slightly. He lost his balance and fell back a little, but remained standing.
The serving man growled, a guttural sound coming straight from the back of his throat and lunged forward, pushing Lyra's chair out of the way. In a fraction of a candlemark, Darkwind found himself fighting for his life.
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Selenay bowed her head and wept bitterly. Her shattered husband stood by the window, staring blankly out at the pleasant summer scene outside. Talia watched both of them in silence, searching with her Empathy on how to help them. She was about to give up when a sudden surge of emotion hit her, coming from… Rolan?
Cursing her lack of mindspeech, she turned to Dirk. 'Can you…?' She trailed off when she recognised the far-away look in his eyes. He was talking to his Companion.
Talia had turned away when his eyes flickered open and he jumped out of the chair in alarm. 'Quick!' he shouted, his tone stopping Selenay's tears and startling Daren out of his reverie.
'Dirk-'
'Selenay, Daren, forgive me. But Kris's death was no accident! Ask your Companions!'
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Darkwind winced as the knife scored a thin line across his left arm. With no weapon of his own, he was at a severe disadvantage – not helped by the hampering loss of power he had received since the Mage Storms. Where this 'servant' was getting his incredible power from was a mystery to the Tayledras Adept. As long as he could keep the man away from Lyra, Kris and Elspeth…
He ducked under another wild slash and rolled out of the way, heading towards the closed suite door, his mind only half focused on the fight in front of him. The other half was working at siphoning power away from his shields to increase the magic he held in his hands. If he couldn't beat the man in physical combat he had know choice but to try magic.
But a distance burst wasn't going to be enough… he need to get closer.
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Lyra was still alive. The only reason Elspeth knew this was because the Death Bell hadn't rung and the girl was still frozen in place. The knife was lodged above her breast, a thin line of blood tricking down her chest from the wound. Darkwind, after the initial confrontation with the serving man, had dodged out of her sight and now she had no idea what was going on. She couldn't even talk to Gwena since whatever magic was holding her in place was also blocking her Companion –Herald bond.
Finally, after what seemed like candlemarks of trying, a part of Elspeth broke away and tears of fury and helplessness trickled down her cheeks.
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Darkwind was tiring, his strength fading fast. If he was going to save Elspeth and the twins, he had to act now.
Rushing forward he caught the man by surprise, grasping his shoulders. Unfortunately, he miss-judged slightly and the man's knife slash into his stomach and up across his abdomen. The cut was vicious and deep and as it widened he felt something more than just the knife sink into it – something dark and powerful that he instinctively flinched away from. Ignoring the pain, Darkwind pressed close against the serving man and released all his pent up power into the other's body.
The man hadn't been expecting the attack, either physical or magical. He didn't stand a chance against the raw fury of Darkwind's magic and he fell back, screaming. His hands flapped around his face as the bottom of his body caught fire. The man stumbled backwards, eyes blazing fury, body blazing heat. Darkwind collapsed onto his knees, breath catching in his throat, as the serving man finally burst into flames. His form disappeared and ashes began raining down around Darkwind's shaking form.
After a moment had passed, in which nothing had changed, Darkwind fought against the swimming in front of his eyes and struggled upright again. He staggered back across the room towards Elspeth and the twins, one hand pressed tightly against his stomach, the other keeping him upright. He fell to his knees in front of the chairs, bloody hands reaching out for Elspeth.
When she didn't respond to his touch he stared up at her blankly. It took him a few seconds to work out that she was still frozen, although the tears running down her cheeks indicated that she was still fighting the spell.
The spell?
But wasn't the mage dead?
Shaking his head, and then regretting it when his head spun, he turned to Kris, reaching out to lift his head.
Darkwind nearly gagged at the wound in his brother-in-law's neck. One glance at the blank face and slack body made it clear that Kris was already dead. Blinking back tears of his own Darkwind forced himself away from the body, turning towards Lyra instead.
The knife was still lodged in her chest – which was starting to heave with the effort of breathing so hard. His hands shaking, Darkwind reached towards the knife. His fingers grazed the edge, then he flinched back as if stung. There was some sort of repelling spell worked into the blade, which meant that Darkwind wouldn't be able to remove it – let alone touch it – in his current state.
Help… help… help… the word ran through his mind although it took a little time to come to the forefront. Then Darkwind rose to his feet once again and work his way slowly toward the door of the suite.
His hand touched the door handle and a similar shock jolted through his body as when he had touched the hilt. Tears trickled down his cheeks; part horror, part shock, part pain and part frustration and he sank to his knees as another wave of pain dissolved over him. Crawling blindly, he actually managed to move into another room of the suite before collapsing.
As his eyes fluttered shut and he fell into darkness, his last thoughts were of Elspeth and his unborn child.
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Wow! Heavy on the angst and most definitely my first cliffy!! Which is good on one hand … but I hope I haven't driven all my reviewers away because I killed Kris!! I have nothing against the poor kid and I hope no one became too attached … Joey wanders off to contemplate the fact she's probably lost all her readers