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Author's Note: I'm sorry this chapter took so long to come out, I had not intended it to be so long, but I couldn't find any sure-fire way to end it. X_x This is the longest chapter I have ever written. X_x So there are many hints being dropped, read carefully people! ^^ Also, I think I'm hinting a new possible pairing *wink wink nudge nudge* I think there's possible chemistry between them and it's very fun to write…but would I betray my signature pairing? ^_~ You probably have no clue what I'm rambling about…just read!
Dedication: I would like to dedicate this chapter to Magical Soul who inspired me to drop more hints and clues in the story and I did the best I could. This chapter has as many hints as I could fit it, so I'm dedicating it to you, you're always good at reading between the plots and catching on quickly. ^^ *glompz* Hope you enjoy the chapter!
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Chapter 12: The Dragon Emblem
"Father, I have decided to use the Imperium Gem against the Nonda`Kanoste," Carly murmured by the priest's bedside, hoping the new fact wouldn't shock the still recovering priest, but she had desperately wanted another opinion on the subject before she actually did it.
Father Nomin opened his eyes wearily, "Is that so princess?" He did not seem at all surprised at her decision.
"Yes," Carly replied, "Aquana suggested it and I agreed to it. It's time we started to win some battles of our own for a change. If I lose another battle, I don't know how I'll be able to handle that. It's driving me CRAZY! You don't object to this, do you Father?"
"My child, you should rest up first," the priest said gently, "The wounded do not fare too well in battle. You best recover your strength first. As for your new plan, I believe that you are titled to make your own decisions lass."
"I am recovering," Carly said shortly, "I thank you for your concern Father, but I prefer to do things my own way. We have to be ready for the Nonda`Kanoste anytime."
"I wonder what happened…" the priest murmured sadly.
"What happened to what?" Carly demanded, "We were totally trashed by him if that's what you meant, but don't you worry, I'll get him back. He sent out some huge attack in some language I didn't understand and nearly knocked me unconscious! He's going to regret ever crossing my path!"
"That's not what I meant lass," Father Nomin muttered, closing his eyes.
"Then what do you mean?" Carly asked, kneeling beside the priest's bed, "Oh Father, if you have something you want to tell, I'm here to listen."
"It's nothing lass," Father Nomin said reassuringly, "I'm tired again, thank you for the meal. I'll let you tend to your business now, don't waste your time fretting over me. I may be old, but my will is still strong, I'll recover fine."
"I hope so Father," Carly said with a respectful bow, "Good night." She walked out the infantry and sighed, leaning against the wall and closing her eyes, //It seems as if everyone has their own secrets these days…argh, it can't get much worse than this…can it?//
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"Are you coming?" Carly demanded to Enrique who was sulkily breaking a loaf of bread into tiny pieces, "Enrique Giancarlo, I am talking to you!" She gave him a sharp glare with her hands planted on her hips in exasperation.
"I know, I know," Enrique muttered, "I'm coming, I'm coming, after all how are you going to find your way around in the dungeons if I don't lead? You've never been down there."
"Then don't look so grouchy about it," Carly said, "If you're going to do something, do it willingly. I'm going to take full responsibility for my own actions anyways."
"That was what I was afraid of…" Enrique muttered, standing up and throwing all his weight against the king's chair in the throne room. Aquana and Michael watched, mystified, as the royal chair slowly moved, revealing a dark, hidden staircase under the piece of furniture.
"Michael, would you please lock the throne room doors?" Carly asked, absent-mindedly hooking her finger on her longbow. The last thing she needed was Tala to perk in interest at the fact that she was going down to get the Imperium Gem. Revealing the sacred gem already made Carly feel extremely vulnerable, she didn't need Tala's vigilant turquoise eyes adding to the stress. Without doubt, Flora was going to keep Tala busy for the next half hour or so and Carly wasn't going to waste the chance.
Enrique peered down into the swallowing darkness underneath the king's throne chair, "Gah, what a complete waste of time…" He caught Aquana's gaze and blushed, looking down at the ground guiltily.
Carly lit her lantern, giving Michael's sleeve a brief tug as she passed him, "Come on, let's go."
Michael looked surprised, his navy eyes flickering, "I'm coming?"
"Of course you're coming silly," Carly said, "Now hurry."
Enrique threw Michael a sharp look of contempt; he didn't, by all means, like an outsider mixing himself up with their business. He had scarcely been with them for a couple of days and Carly was already pulling him around to north-west-south-south in a whole circumnavigation. //He could be working for who-knows-who…he could be an enemy. I'd like to run my sword through him, I don't know who he's fooling with his innocent, nicety act, but it's going to trick me. One wrong move and I'll run this sword through your heart.//
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Carly pushed the musky layer of dust hanging in front of her away, "Ugh, gross. This place is totally filled with dust and rats, I don't see why we can't clean it like any other part of the castle. But no…we have to keep it hidden underneath some stupid chair and let the whole underground be a huge dustbin." She swung her lantern forward to get a better view of what was ahead when Michael awkwardly bumped into her. "You okay?"
"Yes," Michael replied, looking flustered, "Sorry, I can't see very clearly."
"Keep walking Carly," Enrique suggested grimly, "I'm getting squished here, the sooner we get the Imperium Gem, the sooner we can leave this place and for the better too!" He sounded annoyed and he was; he still couldn't figure out why Michael had to come with them, he was practically an outsider and he had no business with this!
"Am I almost there?" Carly called back, "I have no clue where I'm going."
//That's good,// Enrique thought grimly, //We must get out of here as soon as possible!// He grudgingly followed them down an endless, winding flight of stairs. Looking back, he called, "Aquana, is everything okay?"
"Yes," Aquana replied, lightly dropping on the step beside him, "I'm fine, it was just a bit dark back there, that's all and I couldn't see where I was going?"
"Enrique!!!" Carly yelled, "Now which way???"
Enrique came up behind the princess, realizing that they had three paths to go now, one forward, and one to each the left and the right. "Straight forward Carly." He cast an uneasy glance to the paths on either side of him.
"Are you sure?" Carly asked, frowning.
"Of course I'm sure!" Enrique snapped venomously, "Why wouldn't I be???? There's absolutely nothing on the left and right sides!"
"O-kay!" Carly retorted, "No need to sound so threatening, geez, can't a girl ask?" She started forward and then stopped, hesitating.
"Princess," Michael asked, looking puzzled, "Is something the matter?"
"Nothing…but I feel like I want to go left," Carly said, looking suspiciously down the left corridor, "Like something's drawing me in, something compelling, something that's been calling to me…" Her eyes stared down the dark left corridor, trying to figure out what was tugging at the back of her head while Michael looked worriedly at her. She tried to put together the pieces of the puzzle, but all she could come up with was a shining silver chain that tinkled melodically as it fell on the black ground of her spinning mind. The light from the chain was so bright…gleaming as it caught sunrays…almost blinding…she wanted to reach out and grab the chain…
"Princess!" Michael's voice snapped Carly back into reality.
She gave a start and looked at him dizzily, "Huh? Oh…it's nothing…just drifted off for a second, I guess I was thinking too hard." She tried to laugh it off, but it came out as a shaky gasp instead. Shaking her head, she turned to Enrique, "Do you think we could just head in the left corridor and see what's there –"
"NO! There's nothing there!" Enrique exclaimed, wondering if they could see the sweat trickling down his forehead, his heart was thumping wildly, he couldn't let them know, he just couldn't! "They're just the tombs of the old kings and other of royal blood. You can probably feel them calling because you miss your father Carly. Now let's go get that Imperium Gem before the Nonda`Kanoste decides it's time for another assault! Who knows what he might come after next!"
Carly straightened up, jolted by the mention of the infuriating knight, "Of course. There's absolutely no time to dawdle." She strode forward briskly with the others following her close behind.
//That was close…I wonder how long I can keep this secret before it slips out. The princess must not know, the mere fact would overwhelm her…I'll do anything to keep her from finding out the secret…ANYTHING!// Enrique thought miserably before running after them, glaring hatefully down the left corridor.
After a short while of walking down a stuffy corridor with cobwebs and dust getting attached to their clothes, they finally reach the end of the hallway. Carly turned the knob on the door and pushed it open, staring dubiously into the darkness as the door creaked open. Lifting her lantern, she peered inside the room, "Oh my Lord…it's beautiful." As she walked into the room, the torches lined all around the room lit up like magic, lighting the room with a magnificent glow.
They looked around in awe, taking in the rich room with held breaths. The walls were made of pure gold with gems lined near the sides of the room; everything was sparking and gleaming like diamonds. The golden chandelier atop the room blazed its candles delightfully, lighting the round room like the morning sun. There were a couple pieces of old oak furniture and a royal blue cloth hanging on the alchemist table. In the center of the room was a tall, but small round table with a glass case covering over a shining globe.
"Amazing," Aquana breathed, touching the cool gold wall, "I have never seen a wall that was so brilliantly made. To think that it is made from pure gold and gems is astounding!"
Michael, who was very much speechless, just gaped at his surroundings, looking very much like a lost guppy.
Enrique caught sight of the Imperium Gem straight away. Pointing to the glass case in the middle of the room with a piercing bright orb inside, he motioned to the princess while shielding his eyes from the orb's intense glow of rainbow light, "Carly, there is it, just take it and let's go."
But she didn't hear him and she ignored all the sparkles and glitters, fixing her eyes on the piece of cloth draped over an old alchemist table.
"What are you doing?" Enrique asked loudly so that Michael and Aquana both looked at him, "Carly??"
Carly slowly walked over the cloth, running her fingers on the bumpy cloth. Her eyes were fixed on the design of the cloth. Carefully woven on the royal blue cloth was an image of a great emerald dragon with flames flaring out of his mouth and a flaming arrow was pierced beside the mighty creature. //I…I…know this…why am I starting to get all these strange…thoughts?// Carly thought dizzily.
"That's gorgeous," Aquana remarked, observing the cloth with a critical eye, "I used to do embroidery all the time, this one is perfect. I wonder what such a beautiful cloth is doing down in the middle of nowhere…?"
Enrique froze, the color draining from his face at the sight of the cloth, //Oh no…no…not now…oh Lord…who in HELL put this stupid crest here…// A large part of him wanted to march over to the cloth and tear it to shreds, but he knew that would be just giving himself away completely and that was something that he couldn't afford to do.
Meanwhile, Carly was staring at the cloth as if she was in a trance, //It's an emblem…a royal emblem, I can tell. I've seen it before, I know I have! But why can't I remember??? Why? This dragon looks so familiar…wait…it's Anglachel! Oh my Lord…Anglachel, I missed you…and Kane! How could I have forgotten the both of them? But why is this emblem down here? But…// Suddenly she heard a small voice in her head, faint and innocent, but there nevertheless.
"Here! I want you to have it, I made this emblem especially for you, please wear it! I don't care if Father doesn't approve, I want you to wear it, please! You mean everything to me, accept it as a token of our friendship…"
Carly gasped, hitting herself roughly on her head to stop the flow of voices, //What was that?? Was that…me? When I was young? This is my emblem – of course…it's the emblem that I designed, how could I have forgotten? That voice was ME…I think. Oh, stop, stop, stop…//
"Princess, what in the name of Ithildin are you doing?" Michael demanded, grabbing both her arms and forcing them down, looking into her eyes in concern, "Princess? Say something. Is something the matter?"
Carly pulled away from him, frowning, "No, no, nothing, my head just hurts that's all."
"Then you definitely should not be whacking yourself on the head." Michael hesitated and pointed to the cloth, "Do you know that piece of cloth or something? You look awfully frightened."
"I'm not frightened," Carly snapped, "I'm just puzzled that's all!"
"Enrique, you look as pale as a ghost!" Aquana exclaimed, shaking him soundly, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Enrique said shortly, "Carly, may we take the Imperium Gem and be on our way?"
"Enrique," Carly asked without looking at the blond knight, keeping her eyes fixed on the cloth, "Who designed my emblem? My present emblem?"
Enrique groaned silently, rolling his mahogany eyes, "Carly, it was a redesign of your father's emblem in honor of his death."
"How come I don't have my own emblem?" Carly demanded.
Enrique threw up his hand, clearly frustrated, "How would I know? Why are you asking me these things? I don't know anymore than you do! I just want to go – NOW." His last word came out as a vicious hiss, sounding much like a threat than a polite request.
Carly gave him a slightly infuriated look, "Fine, have it your way. I'll go get the Imperium Gem. Michael, if you would be so kind, would you please take that cloth with you as well? Thank you."
"Of course princess," Michael replied, reaching for the cloth, but before he could touch it, it was snatched out from under his fingers. "Say what?"
Carly let out an exasperated sigh, "Enrique – is there a problem?"
"Carly, trust me, you don't want this stupid cloth," Enrique snapped, holding it contemptuously, "I suggest we leave it here – or even better I'll cut it to shreds!" Before he could reach for his sword, Carly snatched the cloth away from him.
"Cut it to shreds indeed!" Carly said, looking at him incredulously, "What has gotten into you? Do you honestly believe I would let you tear this cloth to scraps? This cloth – is mine, do you hear me? I hate to order you around Enrique, I really do, but if you lay a finger on that cloth, I won't be so kind to you. If you have something to tell me, by all means, spit it out already." She gave the cloth to Michael, "Now if you please … thank you kindly Michael."
"Enrique," Aquana whispered to him, putting her hand on his shoulder, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"Nothing, nothing," Enrique grumbled, pulling away menacingly, his blond hair shadowing his eyes darkly as he slowly started out by himself, his hand still on his sword handle.
"Oh dear…" Aquana said, holding her hand worriedly over her mouth, "I do hope that we haven't upset him, he does look mighty disturbed."
"Forget him," Carly scoffed, "He's always like that, fine one minute, strange moods the next, it's been getting worse these days. I think that all this trouble with Ithildin has gotten to him."
"Are you sure it's nothing more?" Aquana questioned softly, "Something more…dangerous?"
"If it is, there's nothing I can do for him," Carly replied, "I've got my hands filled and Enrique's a big boy, he'll take care of himself. I don't believe it's anything serious, anything alarming would've been told to me sooner. We both have strange moods sometimes and we both know that it's wise to stay away from each other when we're in one of those moods."
"All right…" Aquana said doubtfully, "Well…I'm going to go after him Carly."
Carly waved her away, "Sure, go ahead, just don't spoil him rotten, he loves it when he gets attention, especially from pretty girls." Aquana nodded and ran after Enrique, her blond hair flying behind her shoulders gracefully.
"Is this it?" Michael asked in a hushed voice, pointing to the rainbow glowing orb inside the glass case, "The Imperium Gem?"
"Yes, it is, and why are you whispering?" Carly demanded, "It's because of this stupid thing that Ithildin is in such peril. I have half a mind to throw it into the depths of volcano lava!" Sighing, she removed the glass case and held the glowing orb in her hands, murmuring, "E' i esse a mia arn serke, im nai lle a' leithi am' baugg dos alcarin her!" (In the name of my royal blood, I command you to release and restrain your glorious power!)
Michael watched in sheer amazement as the Imperium Gem streaked out blinding white light as the rainbow glow merged together and then vanished before his very eyes, "It's - it's gone! Where did it go??"
"I cast a spell on it to make it disappear," Carly replied, "I'm a sorceress after all, I can call it back anytime, but until then, it shall remain invisible. Let's go Michael." She set the empty glass case back on the table, //Do you honestly think that I would've carry the Imperium Gem in plain sight for him to see? That deceiving wretch you call your friend, when he treats you as low as any common slave? I trust you Michael, but I know Tala has hidden intentions…//
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As Carly and Michael made their way back upstairs to the first floor of the castle, they could hear commotion in the throne room, extremely deafening commotion. Carly rolled her eyes, nudging Michael, "It's always one thing or the other, my life seems to be a whirlwind of arguments, chaos and total destruction. You're lucky."
"Much obliged princess," Michael said with a slight bow and a rueful smile, "I daresay you would find life boring otherwise."
Carly smiled at him and entered the throne room, "Whatever is the matter? I can hear all this ruckus 3 miles underground if you please. Do you wish for the whole of Ithildin to attend to this?" Carly couldn't believe that no one even heard her, usually she was the loudest one and the one who held the most disputes. Enrique was yelling at Flora at the top of his lungs while Aquana was desperately trying to hold him back. Tala looked utterly bewildered and confused for once while Flora was beside herself in anger and fury.
"Enrique, you weren't supposed to let this happen!!!" Flora screamed, looking almost hysterical and fighting back tears, "It wasn't supposed to happen!!!"
"I know it wasn't supposed to happen!!" Enrique snarled, "You think I made this happen on purpose??!! I don't see you fixing anything up!"
"Dear Goddess," Aquana breathed, pulling Enrique back, "Get a hold of yourself Enrique! There is absolutely no need to shout, whatever you have to say to Flora can be said in a calm, gentlemanly manner!"
Tala had never seen Flora so furious, in fact, he didn't think he had ever seen anyone this furious except for maybe himself, //I'll make a mental note that she can be pretty dangerous as well when she's angry. It's amazing what appearances are able to hide…//
Carly turned back around to look at Michael who looked just as shocked at the frenzy as she was. Her head was starting to hurt from all the shouting and she slammed her fist against the wall loudly, creating a loud thump, and finally all heads were turned towards her. "Quiet." Carly ordered, looking positively baffled, "And someone explain to me why we're screaming at each other at the top of our lungs?"
Flora looked as if she would burst into tears of frustration, "Oooh! Carly, you mustn't use that cloth for anything! Nothing at all, do you hear me?? That cloth is not yours!"
Carly could feel Michael fidget beside her on the account that everyone was boring their eyes at the cloth in his arms. Not resisting a smile at the nervous look on the young knight's face, she gently took the cloth from him, "Thank you so very much Michael."
"Sure thing," Michael murmured, ignoring Tala's narrowed eyes guiltily.
"Flora," Carly said in a rationally, calm voice, "Is there something wrong with this cloth? This symbol, it was my emblem, I remember it now, I never got a chance to use the emblem that I designed when I was young because my father was dominant. However, though this emblem –" Carly gestured to the rich scarlet flag with the emblem embroidered on it, hanging from the ceiling. It had a symbol of a golden, roaring lion with crossed sword in the background. "This emblem is lovely and all, but I'm not going to be ruling under my father for all my life. This emblem was hung as a meaning of respect and I'm quite sure that my father would understand my intentions for changing it."
Flora was clenching and unclenching her fists to maintain control, looking as if she didn't know whether to burst into tears or to scream in anger. Tala walked up behind her and gently pulled her down on a chair, "Sit down Flora, before you start hyperventilating, maybe someone could explain the problem rationally and calmly so we would know what's going on here."
"Yes, please," Aquana added hurriedly, her face flushed red from trying to restrain Enrique who had slumped down wearily on a chair as well, "All this is making his blood pressure rise and we've all had a long day already."
"There's nothing wrong – with me anyways," Carly replied, "I was just following my plans, getting the gem and I found this." She shook the cloth in her hands, "I'm going to use it to replace my father's emblem as soon as possible."
"NO!!!" Enrique and Flora yelled simultaneously.
Carly could feel her patience slowly wearing thin; she tapped her foot impatiently, "Would you tell me why not then? Perhaps something that I ought to know about the both of you but I don't?"
Flora and Enrique glared at each other, but before either of them could speak, a tired figure limped into the room, causing all of them to quiet down.
"Oh dear," Carly said hurriedly, pushing the cloth in Michael's hands again, "Sorry Michael." She rushed to help the priest, "Father, oh Father Nomin, you should not be walking around like this!"
"I'm fine, young lass," the priest assured her, patting her hand, "All this commotion woke me up and I couldn't get back to sleep, now whatever is the matter?"
"Father!" Flora burst out, "Carly's going to change the emblem, please Father, you can't let her change it!"
Father Nomin looked curiously at the emerald colored dragon cloth draped in Michael's arms, "Ah, your traditional emblem Carly? You brought it back?"
Carly didn't notice the swift glare Enrique shot at the priest at those words, but Michael and Aquana did. "Yes Father, I found it in the chamber with the Imperium Gem. Father, you don't think that it wouldn't be disrespectful of me to change the emblem honoring my father, do you?"
"In my opinion, not at all Carly," Father Nomin murmured, nodding approvingly, "It is time that you have your own rule."
Carly beamed at Michael who blushed and lowered his navy eyes shyly.
Tala shrugged, eager to close this discussion so he could get on with what was more important, namely the Imperium Gem, "I would say princess, that the emblem that Michael is currently holding would be more suitable for you. The colors are more … errr … vibrant to say the least."
Flora moaned and sat down again, "Okay, fine, fine, FINE! Have it your way!"
Carly smiled again, "I always do, don't I?" She immediately motioned to the advisor standing near the doorway, "Excuse me, could you get me a reputable tailor?"
"A tailor?" the advisor stood a little straighter, "Certainly, your Majesty, whom would you like? Perhaps the Grand Seamstress of –"
"No no no!!!" Carly interrupted, waving her hand in the air impatiently, "When I said 'reputable', I meant someone who would embroider reliably and durably, not someone who sews them together all pretty and sparkly and fancy, but they fall apart a few minutes after the cloth is used."
Michael hid a snicker, although Tala did not look very amused.
The advisor looked quite disappointed, "Oh. You mean you want a merchant tailor?"
"Precisely," Carly replied, nodding her head, "Merchants have very good reputations, and please bring me the best merchant tailor in the city."
The advisor bowed slightly, "Of course, even though I do think a more –"
"It's fine," Carly said, holding up a hand to stop the advisor from saying more, "I will do perfectly with a merchant tailor, thank you very much for your suggestions." She shook her head as the advisor nodded and rushed out immediately, "I shall redesign the flags and decorations of the castle – tonight."
Michael couldn't help but grin, when she had her mind set on something, she certainly wasted no time getting it done. She was interesting – to say the least.
But Enrique and Flora weren't as happy as Michael was with this news and they both started protesting at once.
"Carly, please give it some time…think it over…"
"You can't just rush into things like that…Carly!"
Carly ignored them and took the cloth from Michael, "Enrique, Flora, I'm sorry but my decision is final unless you can convince me otherwise. Now if you would excuse me, I have to arrange the material and price because the advisor will be back any minute with a tailor."
Enrique and Flora both look exceedingly angry and stormed out of the throne room in separate directions, fueling steam behind them.
"Oh dear…" Aquana muttered, "What a disaster…Carly, I'll go see if I can calm Enrique down a bit. He's going to get a heart attack if he doesn't tone down this anger. I bid you all good night. Oh, and I'll take Father Nomin back to the infancy as well."
"Oh sure," Carly called after her, "Good night Father."
The priest nodded, shaking his head, "I bid you all a good night."
Tala sighed as he watched Carly spread the cloth on the table, clearly he wasn't going to get any information on the Imperium Gem tonight, he would have to wait some more. "I think I'll turn in now, good night." He paused at the doorway, "Oh – and Michael? Don't bother the princess for too long." Though it was a harmless suggestion, the way the word 'don't' came out of Tala's mouth sounded much like a death threat.
"I know," Michael replied anxiously, "Maybe I should turn in too then."
Tala smiled slightly, "Good."
Carly ignored Tala and smiled at Michael, "If you're really tired, go ahead. Otherwise…" She winked at him mischievously, her emerald eyes sparkling, "I could use some company from a nice young gentleman."
Tala rolled his eyes in disgust as Michael flushed red. He threw him a look of deepest contempt when Michael looked questioningly at him, "What are you looking at me for? It's your own choice! I bid you both a good night." With that, Tala disappeared from the room.
"Does he…have some kind of problem?" Carly demanded, wrinkling her nose.
Michael looked uncomfortable, "Tala's always been…unpredictable."
"Unpredictable," Carly snorted, "As if." She ran her hand over the cloth, "Sometimes Michael, I feel as if a part of me is missing…something vital. I wonder why Enrique and Flora were so intensely angry today, Flora has never been this angry, at least I've never seen her this angry, she's normally mild and calm."
"Everyone's missing something," Michael told her, "I don't know anyone who has everything. You know that's how life is princess. When you have something, the price for that is to lose something else."
Nodding at the statement, Carly was just about to correct her name again when the advisor walked in, grumbling about associating with lowly merchants. Behind him was a young boy, perhaps only in his early teens who was nervously spinning his head all around the castle, collecting in every detail. Carly approached the boy with a warm smile, "Good evening."
"Good evening to you, your Majesty," the boy said shyly, staring at his feet.
"Your Majesty, you said for me to bring you the most reputable merchant tailor in the city and this is what I came up with! I've asked all the people and they all pointed me to this young lad's house. I had no choice but to bring him here, but honestly, how could such a young boy be the greatest tailor in the city, surely this is the town's idea of a practical joke!" the advisor complained.
"That's enough," Carly said firmly, "Thank you – for a job well done. The boy is my guest now, you may leave."
The advisor left the room in a bustle, grumbling under his breath.
"What is your name?" Carly asked, motioning for the boy to sit down, gauging by his appearance, he only seemed about twelve years old.
"Hans, your Majesty," the boy replied quietly.
"Carly will do fine," Carly replied, with a slight flash of a smile at Michael who grinned back sheepishly, "Hans, how old are you?"
"Twelve." Hans replied softly, looking downwards, "I know you think I'm too young. My parents were both tailors, but my mother died a few years ago from a sickness. My father's been sick too and he's too weary to stitch any clothing and the infancy medicine isn't helping either. My older brother has taken over the family business and luckily for us, his business was very successful. I help him a lot and I know mostly what to do, so my brother sent me here in his place tonight because he is busy with his orders. He sends his deepest apologies and regrets and hopes that you will trust the job instructions to me and I will report back to him."
Pity for the youngster filled Carly's heart and she gently put a hand on the boy's head, "You are a very respectful young man. I'll tell you what needs to be done and send all the materials back with you."
"Thank you."
Carly then grabbed the emblem cloth and explained the change that was to take place to him carefully. Then she ordered a carriage to send cloth, thread, and other materials back with the boy.
"Is that all?" Hans asked timidly, blinking his large, innocent brown eyes up at her.
"Yes, that's all," Carly said, handing him a bag of gold coins, "Here's your pay of course, if you need more material, don't hesitate to come and ask me. Oh, and here." She handed him another small brown sack, "This is for your father, my friend Flora's a healer, the powder in this sack should help ease the sickness, I will pray for your father Hans, but keep your spirit strong."
"Thank you!" Hans said with much more radiance than he had when he first entered the castle, "Thank you Carly! I'll be on my way then, thanks so much again!"
Carly watched fondly as the boy skidded out the door, obviously ecstatic with the responsibility that was bestowed upon him. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the appreciative smile on Michael's handsome face and she couldn't help but beam back at him when their eyes met.
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Johnny grumbled and winced as a small jolt of pain shook in his head, that stupid water sorceress and her stupid waterfall attacks. Ruffling his hair dry as possible Johnny tossed the towel at some poor unsuspecting Orc who tripped down 30 flights of winding stairs with a damp cloth winding tightly around his neck with every flight. He thoughtfully drummed his fingers against the windowsill, "Hmmm…that water sorceress, Aquana of Lanthir, is still alive. I would've taken her for dead when I saw her at Lanthir, but she lives. Not only did she survive, she actually had the nerve to defy me. Still…I'm surprised that she lives, no matter, she'll be killed soon regardless. I'll have her wishing that she had died in the Lanthir flood."
"Nonda`Kanoste, Daeloth wishes to see you," an Orc called from the doorway.
Johnny ignored him, still thinking about the last battle, //When I used my Mass Curse attack, did I kill her? Or did I simply wound her? Serves her right for her impudence, I have never seen a girl with such insolence behavior. And then there's that new knight, the one with a two headed spear, are more people just going to spring up out of nowhere like that? I'll never get anything done…//
"Nonda`Kanoste, Daeloth commands for your presence!" the Orc snapped again.
Johnny fiddled with a small knife, casually poking the tip of the blade into the holes of in the stone wall in boredom, pretending not to hear the Orc.
"I won't say this another time!" the Orc rasped, "For the last time –"
"Good, because I'm tired of your voice," Johnny replied, flicking his wrist around and releasing the knife. He stood up as the Orc gave a strangled gasp and fell dead on the cold, stone ground with a knife buried in his throat. "Despicable," Johnny said, sweeping past the carcass as he strode out.
"Knight," Daeloth said sarcastically when Johnny entered his throne room, "Are you going to kill a messenger every time I send for you?"
Johnny shrugged, "Maybe. Send someone smarter. Now have you gotten another job for me? I'm getting rather bored here, so I had to kill someone."
"Yes," Daeloth replied, "But this time, I don't want anything but for you to destroy the monument of the late King. The very man who exiled you, crush his marble structure and that will be enough. Morals are very strong weaknesses for people, you see. Surely this will cause no problem?"
Hatred boiled in Johnny's veins, "No problem, I'll enjoy this." He turned to leave, sweeping his black cape behind him and pausing at the door. "Do you know Enrique Giancarlo of Ithildin?"
"No," Daeloth replied, drumming his bony fingers thoughtfully, "Why?"
"No reason," Johnny said casually, "He just seemed…familiar, that's all. I thought he might've been one of your past victims or something."
"Nor you nor I have known this warrior, Nonda`Kanoste, I remember everything. Not a pigment of memory escapes me, knight," Daeloth added, "Anymore questions?"
"Then I trust that you don't know Michael," Johnny said, feeling a bit disappointed for the lack of information, "But nevertheless, I have a confession to make."
"A…confession?" Daeloth asked, his voice ringed in curiosity and his eyes glowed red for a brief second, "And what might this confession be?"
"I did not destroy Lanthir."
"Excuse me? What are you saying, Nonda`Kanoste?" Daeloth demanded, sounding furious, "I have no time for foolish games knight!"
"I'm not lying," Johnny snapped, looking extremely annoyed, "I just thought that you might want to know. Of course, I could've destroyed Lanthir if I have wanted to, but someone beat me to it. After the city was extinguished, I then took the Leuthil."
"Someone?" Daeloth exclaimed, "Someone? I did not send anyone with you that had the capabilities or the power to annihilate an entire city, who could've done such a thing?"
Johnny closed his eyes and sneered, "I think you know Daeloth."
Daeloth was beginning to glow black and the power around him blazed enormously when he was furious, "Enough of games, knight! TELL ME THIS INSTANT!!!"
Johnny winced at the booming voice and the air was beginning to change because of the gigantic power waves of fury that Daeloth was projecting, //Great…maybe bringing this up wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done…//
"WHO DESTROYED LANTHIR????" Daeloth roared.
"I think you know her well. Aquana Nenuvar."
Surprise overtook Daeloth's face, "Aquana Nenuvar of Lanthir? She is still alive?"
"Very much," Johnny said with a smirk, neglecting to mention that the water sorceress had also drenched him from head to toe with her stupid waterfall attack. "She has taken refugee in Ithildin, I saw her with my very own eyes. I'll be on my way now." He smiled to himself at the thoughtful look on Daeloth's face, ensuring that he was probably devising some new scheme, and walked out.
"This is interesting…so Aquana Nenuvar is still alive – and it was her who destroyed Lanthir. It was her who obliterated her own kingdom, very interesting…" Daeloth said, calming down, obviously enjoying the news, "This is going better than I thought…"
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Fire Archer: Oh! I love YOUR name. :P Archery is wicked! I know, she draws very well. ^_~ Wish I had her talent. :P
Silhouette Neko: I'm always busy you know that? But I try to update ASAP, though it's not always that soon. _
Lightning Strike: Lol, I like your name! ^^ Hey, Johnny's evil ^^, he needs to be attacking, not hiding in a fort! ^^
Silver Eyez: Lol, it was pretty funny :P I dunno if there was such thing in those ages. XD I doubt they even know what a mistletoe is! XD
Fatal Effects: AAAAAAAH, I love the long review! ^^ Tala's not truly evil *cough*, I'm not supposed to say that, but *cough* You read it twice? ^______^ *grabz Legolas away from you* How about I dance with him and you can dance with Pippin. :P I hope many reviews do rain on me. ^_~
kai-cutie-angel: It's hard to fit Johnny in every chapter since they're like miles apart. X_x
Silver Swiftness: I dunno about other characters, I have to develop these one :P But I think Kane might make a guest appearance in a few chapters. *hugz* Hope your writer/artist block wears off quickly! ^^
Magical Soul: O.o! Eeeeeeeee, I'll try to drop hints, but I'm not that of a great writer tho. *sniffz* Now you make me feel bad for Michael, he's so cute! ^^
Sae: Lol, I love your reviews! *glompz* FF.net was screwing up during that weekend, it was frustrating, getting reviews that we couldn't see. X_x But descriptive writing is necessary too! Now, when I look at my other fic, it seems so bad to me cuz it's full of dialogue. X_x I love your way of writing, it's seems so real!
Star_Blizzard: I. Can't. Kill. William. He hasn't even said much yet!!!
Saffron: You'll find out if it's a good or bad thing! ^_~ I can't make Carly and Johnny have feelings for each other yet!! Everyone would be all O_O! But before there's some feelings between them, Michael has a part to play first. *cough* Saying too much!!! X_x I think it's appealing too, the name, that is. :P
Yin: Michael seems OOC, but that's because Tala's intimidating. XD They are complete opposites, ne? ^^ Enrique's so…dramatic! XD
Keri: O_O! Yikes, that's some fall! O_o *stealz the Precious* O_o Uh-oh…
Cry Of The Red Phoenix: Thx for taking the time to drop off the review! ^^
UniGirl: Oh oh *eyes sparkle* Wow, wow, wow, you're reading carefully! You noticed tiny, tiny, tiny, hints of Michael and Carly, huh? ^^ *zipz mouth* I can't tell. :P Too many characters already, no room for Kai. X_x I already have a hard time fitting Kane in there. X_x Spazzing, lol!
whisper*2*imaginary: Lol, I love ruining moments. XD XD *criez* Everyone's making me feel sorry for Michael. *glompz Michael*