Cantross
The candlelight flickered dimly in Cantross's room. Not much but just enough to find whathe was looking for. Cantross stuck his hand under his pillow, and slowly pulled out a worn, brown sack with a golden hilt sticking out of one end. He pulled it out of the sack making a metallic ring. The sword gleamed brightly in the dim candlelight. He didn't notice Callisto standing in the doorway. She coughed softly to acknowledge her presents. Cantross spun around, he glared at her for sneaking up on him.
"Do I need to ask what that is for?" Callisto said walking slowly over to him. Her movement was fast and sleek, like a graceful cat. Ready to pounce at any moment.
She placed a hand gently on Cantross's that was holding the sword. She took it from him and held it up to the light. "Excellent, craftsmanship," Callisto said admiring the blade. "Where would the likes of you get such a magnificent blade?"
Cantross stroked the exposed part of Callisto's face softly and said, "Why from our master. He gave it to me for one specific deed. Tell me Callisto, do you know how to kill a person who knows how to heal themselves?"
Callisto eyed him curiously. "You mean you can not kill the person this sword alone?"
"Exactly! You need this!" Cantross held up a small vile with a lime green liquid inside. He tore off the cork to the vile with his teeth vigorously. He poured the lime green liquid on the flat top of the blade. He spread it on every inch of the sword with the brown sack.
"What in gods name is that?"
"This, is a very rare concoction. Once it enters the blood stream it will constrict the self-healing lore that the person possesses. Say the person had severe wounds and was bleeding badly, and this was in he blood stream…then theperson would bleed to death!" Callisto looked up into Cantross's eyes. They were tainted with malice. "By the setting sun of tomorrow, little Athmae will see light no more.
The bedroom door swung open and Zeldran rushed in slamming the door behind him. "What now!" Cantross said through gritted teeth.
"Sir we have a bit of a…of a problem." Zeldran stuttered.
"Yes?"
"It would seem Athmae is going on a little trip today, and won't be back for a long while."
"What!"
"Now, now Cantross," Callisto said calmly placing a hand on his masculine shoulder. "your plans will only be delayed for a little while."
Athmae
Athmae had just gathered up all her things she needed for her journey, and was walking swiftly down the tunnels of the Cauldron. She felt a dampness in the air around her. She stopped abruptly in her tracks and turned around quickly. She breathed in the air and spat on the ground.
"How un-lady like," a soft voice said coming out of the shadows.
"Unlike you Ashe, I'm not very much of a lady." Athmae retorted. Ashe smiled beneath his dark hood.
"I see Achmed doesn't trust me. Seeing he is sending one of his lackeys to come with."
"I am not Achmed's lackey! I work for no one but myself." Athmae's eyes were turning a sheering blue as her anger bubbled with in her.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend. Just curious." Ashe replied.
"More like testing my patients." Athmae mumbled.
There was silence as Athmae and Ashe walked towards Krevensfield Plain. She could see Joe and Rhapsody just a head, and just barely make out what they were saying. No doubt it was about Ashe. It made Athmae sick how Jo would flout around him, when she couldn't even see this man's face.
Athmae walked up to the two giggling girls who didn't realize she was even there. She cleared her throat. Rhapsody and Jo turned around. Jo went very pale as Ashe approached.
"Good morning Ashe. Morning to you too Athmae." Rhapsody said politely.
"Morning, are you ready yet?" Athmae questioned Rhapsody.
"We are waiting for your…" Rhapsody cut herself off quickly. "Achmed! There they are." Athmae raised her eyebrow in confusion.
Athmae stood and watched Rhapsody say goodbye to Achmed and Grunthor. The wind blew lightly at her hair. Tugging the few stray strands lightly. She could feel the morning sunlight beating on her back. Every inch of her body felt calmed and cool. Almost like she could go to sleep for eternity.
Palamon, who had been watching her intently, finally came over to her. Athmae looked up at him and stared at him for a few moments before he spoke. "Be careful out there. I like a Achmed, don't trust Ashe."
"Why? Ashe is no threat to me. In fact I'm leaving the danger. Because the nightmare that haunts me is still staying in the Cauldron." Athmae replied still holding Palamon's gaze. "Keep aneye on our guests. I have a feeling they're up to something."
Achmed was watching Palamon and Athmae speak to each other, before walking towards Athmae. He stopped in front of Athmae and glared at Palamon. Palamon looked at the ground and rubbed the back of his neck. He stuck out his hand and shook hands with Athmae. "Take care." He walked back towards Grunthor at a slow pace not wanting to leave.
"You really don't have to go." Achmed said softly.
"Achmed, I would have gone even if Grunthor hadn't volunteered me." She replied. Achmed observed the look on his daughter's face, and saw a deep sorrow in her eyes. The look of loneliness mixed in with fright.
"I under stand. Watch yourself. And don't take any foolish chances." Achmed said. Athmae smiled and then nodded. Ashe and Rhapsody were walking towards them. Before Athmae turned she stuck out her hand for a handshake. Achmed looked at it and then looked up at her. Quickly he embraced her in a hug. Athmae was token a back. Achmed could hear her heartbeat pounding in his ears. He didn't want this moment to end.
Athmae slowly pulled away and said, "Take care Achmed." The words seemed to linger on the air. She turned and ran to catch up with Rhapsody and Ashe. Achmed closed his eyes shortly then watched as she walked into the distance.
Up on a high hidden cliff. Callisto stood looking down on the Blog king and his companions. Tears rolled down the soft skin of her cheek, as she heard the words of the Blog king's daughter. Take care Achmed. She dried her eyes with her sleeve of her black shirt, and walked back towards the Cauldron.