Title: Moon Light Nights
Chapter 13
By Moondreams
Robin rubbed his temples, a dull ache had started there. He was spending too much time working. His wife kept telling him that. His battered desk was covered with papers. Complaints, treaties, and other documents left to be reviewed. The doors to the converted audience room were shoved open with a bang. Robin winced at the noise.
"I said I didn't want to be disturbed," he growled at the intruders. One of the intruder's, a sergeant, whom Robin didn't recognize, cowered and quickly bowed.
"Lord Robert, we have news," he said. Robin motioned for him to rise. The others hadn't bothered with the formality. The other intruders were his commanding officer, Rueben, and by his side, a striking red haired woman.
"Rueben, what is the meaning of this?" Robin asked agitated. The auburn haired guard didn't look the least bit phased by the dangerous tone in his ruler's voice.
"This woman has news of Serenity," the commander said coldly. Robin pushed his building annoyance aside. He'd deal with his cocky commander another time. Robin immediately snapped to attention and leaned forward over his desk. "Go ahead," he said quickly not bothering to conceal the urgency in his voice. Rueben smiled, much to his ruler's annoyance. The commander pushed forth the redhead. She was dressed elegantly in flowing gown of silver trimmed with blood red ribbon. Around her neck a silver chain suspended a dark egg shaped stone. Her long fingernails had been painted the same blood red as the trim of her gown. Silver ribbons were woven into the red braid that fell down her back. At her waist, she held a bejeweled belt with a ornamental dagger in it's sheath. Her cat green eyes looked over him once. Robin ignored the flash of disdained he saw in her eyes.
"The one who you call Serenity is dead," she said coolly. Robin's jaw clinched.
"And do you have proof madam?" he asked gripping the sides of the desk.
"Certainly, I saw it being done. Those savages too captured me, as well. We were forced to work and do all sorts of menial labor. The flaxen haired woman was easy to spot. She caught the eye of Endymion Sol. She was taken to his tent. Her screams were heard all over our camp. He finally got tired of her," she said and pulled out a bundle from her belt. She threw it on his desk. Robin jerked back looking at the bundle, fear filled his blue eyes. He hesitated before he reached out his hand and unwrapped the bundle. A cold severed hand fell out. Robin felt his stomach larch. On the hand's fingers was Serenity's engagement ring.
"We should go to war with these barbarians," Ruben seethed. Robin closed his eyes and shook his head.
"No, we can't. Rumors of famine are already starting to spread from the east. Our crops have been hit too hard this year with lack of rain."
"Lord Robert, you can't just let them get away with this. My men are ready to fight. Do you not think this Endymion would stop with one girl? Our women are no longer safe from this monster," argued the commander. Robin jerked his head up and glared at his officer.
"Trade lines will be cut, but no war. That is final," Robin's voice boomed with fury. He brushed past the three as he left the room. He started heading towards Mina's chambers to tell her the terrible news.
"Stevens, go alert the palace staff that a room should be prepared for this lady," commanded Ruben. The sergeant paled a bit then nodded and scurried out of the room.
"Her screams were heard all over camp? That was a nice touch," Ruben said as he stroked the goatee on his chin. Deva smiled.
"Yes, it was. I also think I may be able to start your little war as well," she said as fingered the dark stone. A plan had been forming in her mind since the ruler had walked out of the room.
"Well, Lady Beryl, something tells me I will enjoy working with you," commanded Ruben with a cold smile. Deva nodded. 'Just you wait, Sharai. He will be mine,' she thought and smiled at the thought of the blonde outlander withering in pain. What a joy that day would be.
" I take Endymion as my husband as long as I draw breath. I will care for him and love him. He is the missing half of my soul and I am now complete," finished Sharai as she looked up into her husband's eyes. The High Priest continued to talk, Sharai had long since drowned out the nasally sounding priest long ago. People from all over had gathered to witness the 'official' wedding of the two. Sharai resisted the urge to start fanning herself. The sun was blistering hot and she had been covered head to foot in a heavy beaded gown. The priest unwrapped the couple's hands signaling the wedding was over. The crowds cheered and threw ribbons and flowers.
"What happened to honor and obey?" Endy asked, stressing the word obey. Sharai grinned and laughed.
"I figured I should stop lying," she teased.
"Why you little." Endymion threatened before kissing his wife. The crowd cheered even louder.
"Will you two act appropriately," Endy's mother stated with a look of disapproval.
"You presence is required, Sola," Rankin said as he entered her chambers. Sharai looked up from where she had been playing with her pet monkey, a gift from her father in law. Rankin was dressed in his best robes, half of his face so that only his golden eyes showed.
"What's going on, Rankin?" Sharai asked. Rankin didn't answer but turned and walked out the door. Sharai grabbed her sword and followed quickly after. The palace had gone to bed hours ago. Few candles had been left to light the dim corridors. Sharai couldn't suppress a slight shiver. Her hand rested on her sword's hilt as shadows flickered and raced across the palace walls and floors. Rankin didn't slow down as he led her through a maze of hallways and rooms. He finally stopped in front of an ancient wooden door of worn timber. He pulled its handle and it opened silently revealing a dark room. Hands reached out from the darkness and dragged her in. Sharai screamed and struggled but the hands held fast. Was she being kidnapped? She screamed Endy's name. The people dragging her said nothing as they grabbed at her clothing tugging it off. Her captors ignored her protests as they drug her to another room. Her eyes were about to adjust to the dark when she was pushed into a vat of freezing cold water. Her skin and hair were scrubbed mercilessly. Her attendants dressed her in new robes and pushed her into a dimly lighted room. It had an old polished table with benches surrounded it. At the head of the table, Sharai recognized Endy who was dressed completely in black.
"Take a seat," he said coldly motioning for her to sit next to Nadia. He poured a drink and handed it to her.
"Drink," he said with the same coldness. Sharai quickly obeyed. The liquid scorched her throat.
Nadia watched as Sharai's eyes glazed over. "What do you see?" the woman asked the young queen. "A war is happening. Two stones have joined against the third. My army is impatient. My hand immediately reached for my sword at my side. A cloud of dust come approaches. A rider finally separated himself and his mount from the dust cloud. An army rode behind. I take a deep breath and unsheathe my sword. The others behind me do the same. I am suddenly afraid and can't move. The rider gets closer at a neck breaking speed. Closer. Closer. He raises his sword. Move! Move! Nearer, nearer the rider approaches. He was suddenly upon me. I can't see his face. He lifts his sword but my own sword parries," Sharai's body jerked. A blinding silver light emits from her forehead, so bright that Endymion and his guards shielded their eyes. She was being lifted in the air as if by tiny invisible strings. "Beware, the dark stone is strong. Two forces need to come together if the war is to be won against the dark stone. For the light stones are not strong enough. Beware," Sharai said in an unearthly voice as she pointed at Endymion. Sharai's eyes rolled up in her head and she dropped. Endymion quickly caught his wife.
"Endy, is she dead?" Rankin asked as the guards piled around her.
"Her hair!" Nerfera gasped as she pulled off Sharai's head covering. Sure enough, instead of the color of golden sand it had changed to the color of moon light.
"Sharai, beloved, open your eyes," Endymion pleaded as he gently shook his wife. Sharai opened her eyes and blinked. "Endy, what am I doing here?" she asked as she was gently lifted to her feet. All around her about 20 people were staring at her with shock. Each one wore the robes of Endymion's elite group of guards, all with a different color. Nefera was there, in violet robes, Adrian in his deep blue, Nadia in her red. Sharai blinked trying to comprehend.
"You are to become a Guard, repeat after me," started an older man whom Sharai didn't recognize.
"I, Sharai, do swear to give total obedience to my sol. To guard him with my life, my talents, and my wealth. To stick by my brother and sister guards in peace and in war. I swear to protect the innocent never raising my sword to do evil but always to strike down injustice. So I swear on my life." Sharai repeated it word for word.
"Stand still, beloved," Endymion told his wife as he tugged at her robes revealing a bare shoulder.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, a bejeweled dagger appeared from out of his robes. Sharai couldn't take her eyes off of it as she nodded. "Do not close your eyes," he told her firmly as he nicked her shoulder with the blade. Sharai's eyes watered. Endymion laid down the dagger. Blood was already starting to drip from the cut. Endymion laid his hand over the cut. A flash of light spread from his palm and spread over her shoulder. He removed it revealing a mark. It was about the size of a coin and in the circle was inscribed a twisting script that Sharai couldn't read.
"Congratulations, darling. You are now a member of the Guard." Endymion said with a smile. The other guards patted her on the back, some introduced themselves. Two women dressed in black came into the light pulling off their head coverings revealing Elidi and Brat.
"She screamed," the younger girl giggled.
"Well, I thought I was being kidnapped again," Sharai huffed which made Brat giggle even harder. Endymion stared down at the girl as if pondering something for a moment.
"Next order of business, a future Guard needs to have courage, honor, and loyalty. Do you think you have all those things?" he drilled the young girl. Brat nodded.
"Well then, it would seem you are in need of a name, to fit the honor of becoming a future Guard. Kneel," Endymion commanded. Even in the low light, Sharai watched as Brat flushed.
"Arise, Lady Orianna, bring much honor to the name as your fallen namesake did," he said. Nadia sniffed and wiped a tear. Most of the guards removed their own head coverings. Orianna beamed at her new name. Sharai felt her heart tear, Orion would be proud.
Endymion woke up. Darkness still seeped the bedroom. He was surprise he had gotten any sleep at all. Sharai's prediction scared him. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Endy turned his head as he heard a soft sniffle beside him. "Sharai?" he called softly. Another sniffle answered him.
"Beloved, what's wrong?" he asked pulling her closer.
"My hair!" she sobbed.
Robin rubbed his temples, a dull ache had started there. He was spending too much time working. His wife kept telling him that. His battered desk was covered with papers. Complaints, treaties, and other documents left to be reviewed. The doors to the converted audience room were shoved open with a bang. Robin winced at the noise.
"I said I didn't want to be disturbed," he growled at the intruders. One of the intruder's, a sergeant, whom Robin didn't recognize, cowered and quickly bowed.
"Lord Robert, we have news," he said. Robin motioned for him to rise. The others hadn't bothered with the formality. The other intruders were his commanding officer, Rueben, and by his side, a striking red haired woman.
"Rueben, what is the meaning of this?" Robin asked agitated. The auburn haired guard didn't look the least bit phased by the dangerous tone in his ruler's voice.
"This woman has news of Serenity," the commander said coldly. Robin pushed his building annoyance aside. He'd deal with his cocky commander another time. Robin immediately snapped to attention and leaned forward over his desk. "Go ahead," he said quickly not bothering to conceal the urgency in his voice. Rueben smiled, much to his ruler's annoyance. The commander pushed forth the redhead. She was dressed elegantly in flowing gown of silver trimmed with blood red ribbon. Around her neck a silver chain suspended a dark egg shaped stone. Her long fingernails had been painted the same blood red as the trim of her gown. Silver ribbons were woven into the red braid that fell down her back. At her waist, she held a bejeweled belt with a ornamental dagger in it's sheath. Her cat green eyes looked over him once. Robin ignored the flash of disdained he saw in her eyes.
"The one who you call Serenity is dead," she said coolly. Robin's jaw clinched.
"And do you have proof madam?" he asked gripping the sides of the desk.
"Certainly, I saw it being done. Those savages too captured me, as well. We were forced to work and do all sorts of menial labor. The flaxen haired woman was easy to spot. She caught the eye of Endymion Sol. She was taken to his tent. Her screams were heard all over our camp. He finally got tired of her," she said and pulled out a bundle from her belt. She threw it on his desk. Robin jerked back looking at the bundle, fear filled his blue eyes. He hesitated before he reached out his hand and unwrapped the bundle. A cold severed hand fell out. Robin felt his stomach larch. On the hand's fingers was Serenity's engagement ring.
"We should go to war with these barbarians," Ruben seethed. Robin closed his eyes and shook his head.
"No, we can't. Rumors of famine are already starting to spread from the east. Our crops have been hit too hard this year with lack of rain."
"Lord Robert, you can't just let them get away with this. My men are ready to fight. Do you not think this Endymion would stop with one girl? Our women are no longer safe from this monster," argued the commander. Robin jerked his head up and glared at his officer.
"Trade lines will be cut, but no war. That is final," Robin's voice boomed with fury. He brushed past the three as he left the room. He started heading towards Mina's chambers to tell her the terrible news.
"Stevens, go alert the palace staff that a room should be prepared for this lady," commanded Ruben. The sergeant paled a bit then nodded and scurried out of the room.
"Her screams were heard all over camp? That was a nice touch," Ruben said as he stroked the goatee on his chin. Deva smiled.
"Yes, it was. I also think I may be able to start your little war as well," she said as fingered the dark stone. A plan had been forming in her mind since the ruler had walked out of the room.
"Well, Lady Beryl, something tells me I will enjoy working with you," commanded Ruben with a cold smile. Deva nodded. 'Just you wait, Sharai. He will be mine,' she thought and smiled at the thought of the blonde outlander withering in pain. What a joy that day would be.
" I take Endymion as my husband as long as I draw breath. I will care for him and love him. He is the missing half of my soul and I am now complete," finished Sharai as she looked up into her husband's eyes. The High Priest continued to talk, Sharai had long since drowned out the nasally sounding priest long ago. People from all over had gathered to witness the 'official' wedding of the two. Sharai resisted the urge to start fanning herself. The sun was blistering hot and she had been covered head to foot in a heavy beaded gown. The priest unwrapped the couple's hands signaling the wedding was over. The crowds cheered and threw ribbons and flowers.
"What happened to honor and obey?" Endy asked, stressing the word obey. Sharai grinned and laughed.
"I figured I should stop lying," she teased.
"Why you little." Endymion threatened before kissing his wife. The crowd cheered even louder.
"Will you two act appropriately," Endy's mother stated with a look of disapproval.
"You presence is required, Sola," Rankin said as he entered her chambers. Sharai looked up from where she had been playing with her pet monkey, a gift from her father in law. Rankin was dressed in his best robes, half of his face so that only his golden eyes showed.
"What's going on, Rankin?" Sharai asked. Rankin didn't answer but turned and walked out the door. Sharai grabbed her sword and followed quickly after. The palace had gone to bed hours ago. Few candles had been left to light the dim corridors. Sharai couldn't suppress a slight shiver. Her hand rested on her sword's hilt as shadows flickered and raced across the palace walls and floors. Rankin didn't slow down as he led her through a maze of hallways and rooms. He finally stopped in front of an ancient wooden door of worn timber. He pulled its handle and it opened silently revealing a dark room. Hands reached out from the darkness and dragged her in. Sharai screamed and struggled but the hands held fast. Was she being kidnapped? She screamed Endy's name. The people dragging her said nothing as they grabbed at her clothing tugging it off. Her captors ignored her protests as they drug her to another room. Her eyes were about to adjust to the dark when she was pushed into a vat of freezing cold water. Her skin and hair were scrubbed mercilessly. Her attendants dressed her in new robes and pushed her into a dimly lighted room. It had an old polished table with benches surrounded it. At the head of the table, Sharai recognized Endy who was dressed completely in black.
"Take a seat," he said coldly motioning for her to sit next to Nadia. He poured a drink and handed it to her.
"Drink," he said with the same coldness. Sharai quickly obeyed. The liquid scorched her throat.
Nadia watched as Sharai's eyes glazed over. "What do you see?" the woman asked the young queen. "A war is happening. Two stones have joined against the third. My army is impatient. My hand immediately reached for my sword at my side. A cloud of dust come approaches. A rider finally separated himself and his mount from the dust cloud. An army rode behind. I take a deep breath and unsheathe my sword. The others behind me do the same. I am suddenly afraid and can't move. The rider gets closer at a neck breaking speed. Closer. Closer. He raises his sword. Move! Move! Nearer, nearer the rider approaches. He was suddenly upon me. I can't see his face. He lifts his sword but my own sword parries," Sharai's body jerked. A blinding silver light emits from her forehead, so bright that Endymion and his guards shielded their eyes. She was being lifted in the air as if by tiny invisible strings. "Beware, the dark stone is strong. Two forces need to come together if the war is to be won against the dark stone. For the light stones are not strong enough. Beware," Sharai said in an unearthly voice as she pointed at Endymion. Sharai's eyes rolled up in her head and she dropped. Endymion quickly caught his wife.
"Endy, is she dead?" Rankin asked as the guards piled around her.
"Her hair!" Nerfera gasped as she pulled off Sharai's head covering. Sure enough, instead of the color of golden sand it had changed to the color of moon light.
"Sharai, beloved, open your eyes," Endymion pleaded as he gently shook his wife. Sharai opened her eyes and blinked. "Endy, what am I doing here?" she asked as she was gently lifted to her feet. All around her about 20 people were staring at her with shock. Each one wore the robes of Endymion's elite group of guards, all with a different color. Nefera was there, in violet robes, Adrian in his deep blue, Nadia in her red. Sharai blinked trying to comprehend.
"You are to become a Guard, repeat after me," started an older man whom Sharai didn't recognize.
"I, Sharai, do swear to give total obedience to my sol. To guard him with my life, my talents, and my wealth. To stick by my brother and sister guards in peace and in war. I swear to protect the innocent never raising my sword to do evil but always to strike down injustice. So I swear on my life." Sharai repeated it word for word.
"Stand still, beloved," Endymion told his wife as he tugged at her robes revealing a bare shoulder.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, a bejeweled dagger appeared from out of his robes. Sharai couldn't take her eyes off of it as she nodded. "Do not close your eyes," he told her firmly as he nicked her shoulder with the blade. Sharai's eyes watered. Endymion laid down the dagger. Blood was already starting to drip from the cut. Endymion laid his hand over the cut. A flash of light spread from his palm and spread over her shoulder. He removed it revealing a mark. It was about the size of a coin and in the circle was inscribed a twisting script that Sharai couldn't read.
"Congratulations, darling. You are now a member of the Guard." Endymion said with a smile. The other guards patted her on the back, some introduced themselves. Two women dressed in black came into the light pulling off their head coverings revealing Elidi and Brat.
"She screamed," the younger girl giggled.
"Well, I thought I was being kidnapped again," Sharai huffed which made Brat giggle even harder. Endymion stared down at the girl as if pondering something for a moment.
"Next order of business, a future Guard needs to have courage, honor, and loyalty. Do you think you have all those things?" he drilled the young girl. Brat nodded.
"Well then, it would seem you are in need of a name, to fit the honor of becoming a future Guard. Kneel," Endymion commanded. Even in the low light, Sharai watched as Brat flushed.
"Arise, Lady Orianna, bring much honor to the name as your fallen namesake did," he said. Nadia sniffed and wiped a tear. Most of the guards removed their own head coverings. Orianna beamed at her new name. Sharai felt her heart tear, Orion would be proud.
Endymion woke up. Darkness still seeped the bedroom. He was surprise he had gotten any sleep at all. Sharai's prediction scared him. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Endy turned his head as he heard a soft sniffle beside him. "Sharai?" he called softly. Another sniffle answered him.
"Beloved, what's wrong?" he asked pulling her closer.
"My hair!" she sobbed.