Chapter 4: Darkness Descends
Hitomi's muscles were twitching as she watched the final match of the sword fight below her. It had been quite the morning. The champions of the races and archery contests had already been decided and now the final sword match for men between 18 and 25 were taking place. Hitomi was rooting for a young man named Patrick Owens. She had admired how graceful he was with the sword and his genuine love of the art. She had a feeling from the start that he would go far.
Hitomi's fist slammed into her armrest. "Yes!" She cried as Patrick received another point. He needed one more to win. Hitomi took a second to glance to her right to see Millerna equally fascinated by the match. She was actually leaning forward in her seat and was clenching her lace handkerchief. Hitomi's eyes darted back in time to watch Patrick spin away from his opponent and reach out to score the finally point he needed. The crowd burst into applause as the judges announced Patrick the winner. Patrick shook hands with his opponent, who also received applause. He did come in second after all. Hitomi smiled as Patrick walked off the field, smiling and waving to the crowd, having a great time.
Hitomi sighed and leaned back in to her chair. Van appeared to be equally impressed with Patrick's skills as he discussed them with Dryden and Allen.
"Wow, I can't believe I haven't gone to more of these before!" Millerna said.
Hitomi smiled at her friend. "I take it you like it?"
"Do I? You were right, Hitomi, it's so much fun to see your favourite win."
"You have been routing for Patrick Owens?"
"I think everyone has been routing for Patrick Owens. Did you hear the crowd?"
Hitomi pushed a stray curl away from her face as she considered. "I guess you're right. There is just something about him, isn't there?"
"Oh! Hitomi, by the way, did you get my present this morning?"
"Yes, thank you so much, I can't believe I almost forgot! It is absolutely gorgeous! Where did you get it?" Hitomi said, speaking about the silk embroidered bed-robe Millerna had given her as a birthday present.
"Well, let's just say that Dryden has many contacts, some of them actually useful." Millerna said with a wink. Van heard that piece of conversation and growled underneath his breath. The trumpets started blowing, announcing the final match of the next age group. Everyone quieted down and waited for the fight to begin.
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Hitomi stood very regally beside Lord Finkbone near the end of the platforms on the tournament grounds. She dressed to look impressive today: a beautiful, but simple green gown, outline in white, with a high collar, but open neck, a set of emerald jewellery, and to top it off, her hair was up and her tiny crown was placed amongst the curls. The champions were marching out and the crowds were cheering. They were guided on to the platforms in proper order. Lord Finkbone was holding a plate of medals that Hitomi was ready to distribute to the winners. As the herald announced the winner's name, the winner would bow, or curtsy, before Hitomi and wait as she slipped the medal over his or her head. She offered each one of them a compliment or piece of encouragement. She found it amusing how some of the younger boys turned completely red and couldn't mutter a word.
When she came around to Patrick Owens, she found him grinning away. He bowed lower than necessary and after Hitomi slipped the medal over his head he stood and thanked her.
"You deserve it." She said. "You preformed very well and seem to have impressed my husband and the General as well." Patrick paled a bit at that. "Where did you learn to sword fight like that and how are you not in the army?"
"Oh, my brothers and I were taught by our dad as about as soon as we could walk. He loved the art behind it and wanted to see us become skilled in it. And we did, but he never pressured us to join the army. My older brothers went to fight in the war, but I was too young. They stayed in the army, but I became an apprentice to a carpenter. My brothers and I still get together to practice once in a while."
"Amazing. Well, I hope your master will allow you the time off that you earned." Hitomi said, finding herself liking Patrick more and more.
"I don't think it will be a problem. He said it will bring in more business."
"That it might." Hitomi said as she moved on. Hitomi was referring to the honour the champions had as taking turns acting as the Queens bodyguard. They would be allowed to enter the castle with her and go wherever she needed for a few days at a time. As she handed out the rest of the metals, it finally dawned on Hitomi why she was so drawn to Patrick. Patrick reminded her of her own little brother, Mamoru, back on earth. Well, he's hardly little anymore, she thought to herself.
Once all the metals were handed out, the crowd hushed as Hitomi walked forward.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, your champions."
The crowd rose and applauded the winners, some calling out names of those winners they knew. The champions bowed towards the crowd and then waved back. Lord Finkbone then came forward to escort the champions to a secluded area where they would wait shortly until the parade began, which they would be part of.
"We'll see you later, Hitomi!" Millerna yelled from a top her horse. She and Dryden were going to watch the parade from the castle with Cleff and the baby. Hitomi watched them ride off as Van came down to stand by her.
"Excellent tournament." Van said. "I'm very impressed with the skill I saw out there today."
"I agree." Hitomi said and she and Van watched the crowd disperse and head back to town. Everyone wanted to get a good view of the parade.
"Your Majesties?" Chancellor Rubens asked from behind. Van and Hitomi turned to face him. "Everything is almost ready for the parade. If would please come with me." Van took Hitomi's hand in his and they followed the Chancellor.
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Hitomi relaxed in her throne as she watched and listened to the people mingle in the great hall. She loved to watch people laugh, flirt, swap stories, and tell jokes. Everyone seemed to be in excellent spirits this night. Hitomi quickly reached behind her and scratched an itch on the back of her head. Her hair was up in an elaborate design of curls and pins and it was quite uncomfortable. Millerna promised that it would become more tolerable during the evening, but for now it was a pest. Hitomi's gown was just as elaborate; it was dark burgundy, silk, sleeveless, but came with a beautiful pair of long burgundy gloves that reached past the elbow. Van, who was dressed in black and burgundy, was sitting in his throne beside her, talking to Allen.
"Hitomi!" Merle's voice called out. Hitomi looked up to see her friend running up to join her. Merle was in a black, fitted gown that sparkled as she moved. She said it was a simple dress, but regardless, she did look stunning in it. Hitomi found herself often surprised at how beautifully Merle was growing up. She also noticed how certain heads turned when Merle entered the room.
"Hey Merle! What kept you? Dinner ended a while ago."
"I know, but I snuck into the kitchens to grab more deserts. Blueberry tarts are my absolute favourites!" Merle said with hearts in her eyes. "But, I am here now and I want to know what I missed." She said, her tail swinging with eagerness.
"Don't worry, you haven't missed much. Everyone is just socializing, letting his or her stomachs settle before the dancing begins, I assume. By the way, have you seen Millerna and Dryden? I lost sight of them after dinner."
"They're around. I wouldn't worry about it. Look, I just came to say hi, but I've got something to do, okay. I'll see you later!" Merle said as she hurried off.
"Now what is she up to?" Hitomi murmured to herself.
A few minutes later, the answer came to her. Trumpet blasts cleared the crowds to the side of the hall as the great door swung wide open. In came a line of people, from nobles from far off estates, to commoners who lived in the town.
"What's this?" Hitomi asked, genuinely perplexed. Lord Finkbone mounted the dais and stood beside them.
"Even though it is the final night of the Dragon Moon Festival, it is also your birthday, Your Majesty, and your people wish to honour you with their gifts." Lord Finkbone waved the first group forward. It was a minor noble and his wife from the east corner of the kingdom. They bowed before the royal dais and the noble spoke loud enough for all to hear.
"You're Majesty, we wish to present you with this wool blanket, made from the wool of sheep famous in our fair hills. We hope it warms you in the chill of the night." A steward came forward and accepted the gift on behalf of the Queen.
"Thank you very much. You are too kind. This is all so unexpected!" Hitomi said.
More gifts followed, from elegant jewellery, to bundles of fine wine, food, or flowers. Hitomi was very pleasantly surprised when Celena ushered in her orphans and they sang a song specially written for her. Hitomi had to wipe a few tears away because she was so touched by their gift.
Merle came forward eventually and told Hitomi how she and the Citizen's Council arranged for a running track to be built for her out behind the castle, so she would have a place to run, just like she did on the Phantom Moon. Millerna and Dryden surprised Hitomi with four of their finest hunting dogs. Not only were they excellent trackers, they told her, but they were well-trained, lovable, and great company. They would be great to have running along when Hitomi decided to go running.
To her surprise, the next person in line was the Mystic Fillodam and her two attendants. One of the girls handed Fillodam a five sided box and Fillodam accepted it and stepped forward.
"Your most gracious Majesty. I present you with a good luck token from the land of Keshia, the sacred dolphin." Fillodam opened the box and took out a small, dull blue statue of a dolphin. The statue was intricately carved from stone and looked to be old and valuable. "Please accept this gift on behalf of my king and queen, who wish you many more healthy years." Fillodam placed the statue back in the box and a steward accepted the gift. Many of the guests were whispering what an honour it was to receive such a rare gift, especially since trading had not yet officially opened.
And just when Hitomi thought the gift giving was all over, Van motioned for a steward to step over and directed him to give a package to Hitomi. She accepted it but looked over at Van with open puzzlement.
"What's this?" She asked quietly.
"You'll see." Van said back. Hitomi took another second to carefully study Van's face. She could see he was nervous. Carefully, she pulled back the cloths and revealed a small painting of a gorgeous brown horse with white feet. Still puzzled, she took a few seconds to reason out what the picture meant.
"Did you get me a horse, Van?"
"I hope you like her. I was told she was the finest horse the Tulls had bread in a long time. It took a while, and a lot of gold, to convince them to let me take her. What do you think?" Van asked apprehensively.
"Van," Hitomi said breathlessly, "She's...beautiful. She's really mine? Oh thank you Van!" Hitomi said as she wrapped a free arm around Van's neck to embrace him. The crowd responded with applause. They loved to see their king and queen show affection for each other.
At that point, the musicians began to play lively dance music and the crowds shifted as people started dancing or made way for the dancers. Hitomi accepted Van's outstretched hand and they joined the dance. Feeling as happy and content that she though possible, Hitomi enjoyed the evening, dancing with Van and friends and taking delight in everyone's happiness. The full moon would wan tomorrow and the Dragon Moon Festival would be over, but Hitomi was already looking forward to the next one.
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The golden sun warmed the fields while Hitomi, Patrick and the hounds raced through the tall grasses. Hitomi was laughing so hard at the comedy put on by Patrick's teasing of the hounds, that she had to concentrate extra hard on staying on her horse. Mirichu raced to overcome Patrick's horse and soon the company was slowing down to a canter to enter the forest. The dogs ran over and barked playfully at the two humans they ran daily with.
"Oh, cut that out!" Patrick playfully yelled at them. "I know what you want!" He then pulled a long stick from his saddle pack and heaved it in to the forest. The dogs jumped after it, leaving the two of them alone to walk their horses.
"I don't think you will ever get tired of playing with them." Hitomi accused, as Patrick wiped off sweat that trickled down his forehead.
"I love dogs." Patrick said with a big warm smile. "My brothers and I had a few when we were younger and played for hours and hours with them, when we didn't have to do chores or go to lessons. Mom and Dad didn't object. I think they believed the dogs were an extra bit of security."
"I think they were right. The dogs are rather protective."
"That was the idea, my lady."
Hitomi smiled at the courtesy. She had never been comfortable with titles around those she considered friends, but Patrick wouldn't relent. It became an inside joke to them whenever he used one.
Patrick had become a wonderful friend to her. After he had served out his one day bodyguard 'prize', Van and Allen had asked him to join the castle ranks and serve as Hitomi's permanent bodyguard. That was the issue of Van and Hitomi's first real fight. Gossip had that they were heard yelling at each other from their private quarters. Van insisted that she needed a bodyguard, but Hitomi accused him of being overprotective and she didn't want one. Finally, Van talked her into it, and Hitomi had to admit that it wasn't so bad. It had been about a month back when Patrick accepted his new job and there hadn't been one sour moment yet. Patrick wasn't always there either, only really when Hitomi left the castle, since he had to learn drills and train with the other soldiers. After the early conferences with Van and Lord Finkbone in the mornings, Hitomi and Patrick started to ride, to give Hitomi a chance to become more skilled at horseback riding and a chance for the dogs to get out and run. Hitomi treasured her time outside and her conversations with Patrick. She found him to be a treasure of humour and a great debater.
The four victorious dogs bounded back to them and Hitomi snapped out of her memories. Patrick jumped off to fetch the stick, but the dog carrying it manoeuvred around him. Hitomi found herself once again doubled over with laughter as she watched the rolls reverse on Patrick.
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Van smiled as he watched Hitomi, Patrick, and the dogs disappear into the forest. He turned from the tower window to listen in on what Allen and one of his commanders were discussing.
"The walls could be placed here and here." The soldier said, pointing to two spots outside the city grounds.
"Good, just far away enough from the crops to prevent any damage to them." Allen added as he pointed near the commanders own fingers. "We should build the storage units here and here. The emergency barricades will be relocated to these spots from the castle store rooms. This is a good place, but I'm a little puzzled." Allen hesitated for a moment before he looked up and met Van's eyes. "Why did Dryden give you all this free advice? It was free, wasn't it?"
Van snorted and ran his hand through his wild black hair. "Technically, it was free, but it's hard to tell when Dryden is involved. His reasoning was that if Fanelia is secured and prepared for emergencies, than Asturia will be well protected as well. But, they do have our best interests at heart. A strong friendship means a strong alliance and that could stop any country who suddenly believes their boarders are too small and looks eagerly past them."
A messenger entered the room and bowed before he delivered a note to his king. Van opened the note as the boy turned and ran back down the stairs.
"Hmmm, it looks like Lord Finkbone would like to know when Hitomi and I are going to visit Keshia so we can let them know in the next convoy."
"Why not now?" Allen asked.
"Hitomi mentioned it might be nice to go during the winter."
"Good idea."
"That's what I said, but I don't want to seem rude to the Keshians, especially in our first season of trading with them. Fanelia's financial worries will disappear if we are the only ones with Keshian goods in the market. I don't know how many times the treasurer has stressed this." Van walked over to another desk and picked up a quill and dipped it in ink. "I think I'll ask Lord Finkbone what he thinks we should do. I'll tell him about Hitomi's suggestion, but there is no reason we can't go-"
The room was suddenly blanketed with darkness and Allen and Van both became alert and tense at the unnatural darkness in the middle of the day. They walked over to the nearest window and looked out to see what might have caused the darkness.
The clouds outside started to swirl and darken under the command of a strong, sudden wind. They expanded and covered the sky, causing the light to fade as if it were dusk. As if slowly gaining power, lightning started to flash, slow at first, but then more fiercely. Then, as if the storm had reached a peak, thunder shook the earth and the sky suddenly turned dark red. Van and Allen had to steady themselves from the powerful thunderclaps, for the tower was shaking as if an earthquake had occurred. Now, huge and powerful lightning bolts leapt down and exploded into the earth, leaving black scold marks were where they hit. Van watched in horror as the forest was bombarded with the terrible lightning.
Fear gripped Van's insides as he realized Hitomi and Patrick were in there. But before he could act, to his horror, the castle was suddenly bombarded by the same powerful lightning bolts. The noise was so terrible that Van barely heard Allen yelling at him.
"WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
They sprinted towards the stairs, but a deafening blast exploded near by and Van and Allen felt the tower sway slightly.
"IT'S HIT THE FOUNDATION!" Van yelled. "THE TOWER IS GOING TO FALL!"
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Hitomi looked up and her eyes widened at the sudden storm above her. Mirichu started to paw the ground.
"What kind of freak storm is this?" Said Patrick from a top his horse. The sky continued to darken and lightning started to flash ahead. The dogs started barking like crazy and seemed to be barking at the two of them in warning. As the storm intensified, the dogs' barks became whimpers and Hitomi and Patrick were having a hard time keeping their horses still. Hitomi tried to keep herself calm, but the sudden of memory of animals going crazy before an earthquake caused her to turn Mirichu suddenly.
"THIS IS NOT AN ORDINARY STORM!" She found herself yelling to Patrick. "LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" Patrick turned his horse in agreement, but at that moment, thunder exploded above and the sky was suddenly an evil looking red. The dogs scattered and Mirichu raced forward in abject fear. Hitomi tried to stop her, but the horse was running on pure fear and instinct for survival, deep into the forest. Hitomi was being bounced around unmercifully. A huge lightning bolt smashed into the ground ahead of them and Hitomi screamed as the horse bolted right. Lightning was crashing all around them, causing Mirichu to weave uncontrollably. Hitomi now clung to her horse, more scared than she had ever been. Before she could react in time, Mirichu jumped and Hitomi lost her balance and fell backwards. Landing hard on her back, Hitomi felt her head hit something and suddenly everything was black.
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Van grabbed Allen's arm to prevent his descent down the stairs. "WE'LL NEVER MAKE IT ON TIME." Van yelled. "COME ON!" Van pulled Allen back to the room. He ran forward and grabbed a chair and threw it as hard as he could at the largest window. The chair burst through, causing a rain of glass below.
"THIS IS OUR ONLY CHANCE!" Van screamed. Two huge white wings exploded from Van's back, causing his shirt to fall off in pieces. Van ran to the window and hoped on to the edge and extended an arm to Allen. Understanding finally dawning on Allen, he raced towards the window and dove out as the tower started to fall. With the reflexes of a soldier, Van caught Allen around the waist and pushed away from the tower. Struggling with Allen's weight, Van flew away and downwards towards the great hall, far from the tower. Allen twisted to watch as the tower crashed in to the ground and for the first time, noticed all the people panicking below. Fires had started in some places and it seemed that no place was safe from the deadly storm.
A lightning bolt narrowly missed Van and Allen, causing Van to lose control. They were falling, but at the last moment, Van forced his wings open up and they flew over the ground before they both crashed and rolled to a stop.
"ARE YOU OKAY?" Allen asked as he picked himself up.
"I'M FINE." Van answered, his wings already shed in a pile around him. They ran into the great hall, knowing that they would be safe in there, for a while.
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A wet tongue brought Hitomi out of unconsciousness. She groaned and attempted to open her eyes, finding it harder than normal. Whatever had been licking her had stopped. Hitomi opened her eyes and saw an animal sitting beside her. As her vision focused, she realized it wasn't one of her hounds beside her, but a large gray wolf. Hitomi forgot the pain in her head as her eyes widened in fear. But the wolf only cocked its head and looked right back into her eyes. Hitomi stared back and saw the intelligence in the wolf's blue eyes, and something more, and suddenly wasn't scared anymore. She visibly relaxed and tried to sit up, but became very dizzy from the attempt. The wolf then stood up and started to whine.
"I'll be okay. I just need a second." Hitomi found herself saying to the wolf. Very slowly and while breathing deeply, Hitomi stood. The wolf walked up to her and then around her a few times and then headed off to the left. It stopped and turned and whimpered again.
"You want me to follow?" Hitomi said. The wolf trotted back and grabbed Hitomi's tunic in its teeth and pulled her forward.
"Okay! I understand! I'll follow!" Hitomi said, stunned at the wolf's odd behaviour. The wolf let go and ran ahead and Hitomi followed along, at a slow, painful run. Her hip was causing her much pain and she bit her lip in an attempt to ignore it. The sky was still red and angry above, but the worst appeared to be over. No more of lightning hit the ground, but Hitomi could still make out flashes of light in the dark clouds.
Unsure of how long they had traveled, Hitomi saw the wolf stop by something. As Hitomi neared, she made out the form of a man sprawled on the ground. Her heart lurched as she realized it was Patrick. She ran over and fell beside him, tears starting to cloud her vision.
"Oh no, no no! Please be okay, Patrick, please!" She cried as she felt his wrist. To her relief, she could feel a weak heartbeat. She took a deep breath and examined what she could. He was out cold and blood was running down his pale face from a gash in his forehead. His left leg was twisted awkwardly, so Hitomi presumed it was broken. Unsure of what to do, but knowing he needed immediate attention, she sat up and tried to think.
But what caught her eye, and terrified her more than anything that had happened so far, froze her to her core.
Dead ahead, a few yards in front of her, were giant green dragons, running through the woods. They were pounding the ground and screaming at one another, but they were not fighting. Hitomi shook at the thought of the dragons spotting them and with little effort stayed as still as possible. After what felt like an eternity, the dragons were gone. Hitomi turned her head to find the wolf sitting beside her almost calm, watching the dragons disappear. Why wasn't it afraid? As if sensing her question, the wolf slowly turned it's head and locked eyes with Hitomi.
Hitomi's spine suddenly straightened and she gasped for breath as a vision hit her and she heard strange, but familiar voices from within:
When the sky blazes crimson
And the dragons flee
Moonlight glows dim
Darkness will soon reign
The shock of everything was finally too much for her and Hitomi fell forward into the darkness, for the second time that afternoon.