Disclaimer: Anne Bishop owns the Black Jewels Trilogy.

I did not get any reviews for the last chapter. I'm not getting any reviews for this story but I've decided to go on until I get fed up with it. I just really hope people would review so I would know how I should improve. So please review if you can.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Mistake

Hayll

xxxxxxxxxx

"The invitation has been accepted, my Lord. She who is the dreams made flesh is on her way here to Hayll."

A cloaked figure with the hood pulled up turned towards the girl sitting on a throne. Her expression showed no emotion, her golden eyes blank. The shoulder-length dark brown hair that was usually pinned up in a bun was hanging loose.

"Did you hear that, my Queen? She's coming," the figure - a male - said, a vicious satisfaction in his voice. "Our plans are working perfectly."

"Your plans, Zion," she replied in a clear voice - a Queen's voice. A voice that did not match her years. "Your plans."

There was a deep chuckle. "Ah, but you sent the invitation."

The Queen gave him a glance before looking straight ahead with that blank look on her face. "Only at your insistence. A Sister would not desire demise for another Sister-"

"-Unless there is another Sister in question." Zion's voice was sly. He watched with triumph as the Queen's hands tightened into fists. "Now, now, Queen Tourmalian. This is the only way you can save your Sisters."

"I hate you," Tourmalian spat. "You will pay for all of this!"

Zion reached up and pulled his hood down. A face handsome beyond words was revealed. Golden eyes glittered maliciously - eyes that were so much like Tourmalian's own ones.

The male gave her a vicious smile. "Now, now, my sweet. Be careful of what you say. You wouldn't want... a certain witch... to suffer because of your words now would you? Remember the last time?" He watched, his smile widening as the girl paled.

"Y-You wouldn't," she whispered. "N-Not Spinel..."

"Why not? A self-proclaimed Black Widow when she cannot even weave a small tangled web. No one will feel for her disappearance - except you of course. That's the only use she has."

Tourmalian's eyes were wide with fear for the Black Widow. After a moment, she looked away in defeat. Zion smiled.

"That's a good girl. Now, you have to prepare for our guests." With that, he left. Tourmalian suddenly felt so weary. Desperate, she recited the words the Black Widow Spinel had given her.

"Never ever dismiss the dreams of a Dreamer..."

xxxxxxxxxx

Jaenelle looked at the Jewel that hung above her breasts. The Twilight's Dawn would look as it normally did to those who see it often but Jaenelle knew better. The Jewel had... changed. She was not sure how but it did and it did so many centuries ago.

She had approached Draca and Lorn on the matter. As usual, they gave her cryptic advice.

"The Twilight'sss Dawn is the instrument for Terreille'sss healing for hope for Terreille is not all lossst...

"It's work hasss begun..."

Jaenelle had also looked into her tangled web. What she has seen did not please her.

There was a mistake. A very grave mistake.

One that only with her help can it be mended.

Kaeleer's Heart had an intense feeling that the new Queen of Hayll is a key that unlocks the door to answers.

xxxxxxxxxx

"We are here," Lucivar announced as the Coach landed smoothly. Angell did a careful psychic probe outside before dropping the Black shield.

Lucivar opened the Coach and got out first. They all went out one by one with Jaenelle, Teresa and Daemon as the last ones to get out. A young White Jeweled Warlord approached them. He had blonde hair and gray eyes and was quite handsome. He obviously was not Hayllian, making Jaenelle's group wonder. However, despite the Warlord's Jewels, there was a certain grace in his movement that hinted he had the capacity of being dangerous despite his light Jewel.

"Welcome to Draega," he said politely with a bow. "My Queen, Lady Tourmalian, has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. If you would follow me..."

They entered the new building. This Queen had decided to leave SaDiablo mansion, it would seem. As if reading their minds, the Warlord spoke.

"Lady Tourmalian had decided that she had no right to inhabit SaDiablo Hall for she does not possess the SaDiablo name." He looked back and gave them a boyish grin that would send young females squealing. "She is very serious when it comes to family matters.

"This building was built before my Queen came into power. However, it was she who decreed that no one is to inhabit the SaDiablo mansion unless they possessed that name. The mansion is constantly kept clean but no one lives within it, only within its grounds and those are the cleaners."

Lucivar and Daemon glanced at each other. This new Queen obviously had great respect for the SaDiablo line. But it was not the time to judge yet.

"You haven't told us your name," Daemonar said all of the sudden.

The Warlord stopped and looked at the Eyrien, a surprised look on his face. "I haven't? Please accept my apologies. I may have forgotten. It's a nasty habit of mine, talking and talking without any introductions. I met my Queen in the same manner. I just kept on talking to her, forgetting the fact that I hadn't introduced myself." He gave them another grin. "My name is Pearos. Hideous name but I was given it so I have no choice."

"Think of it as unique," Karsten suggested. Pearos smiled and looked up front again.

They reached two huge elaborate double doors. With a casual flick of his hand, Pearos opened the two doors. The party was greeted with the sight of a majestic throne room.

Before any of them could admire the design, a movement on the throne caught their eyes.

It was the Queen Tourmalian.

She was nothing like they had expected. Taking the beautiful dress and make-up aside, she had obviously just sprung from girlhood. The Queen was clearly going to become a beauty when she reaches her prime.

She descended the throne, a light in her eyes. She stood next to Pearos and the Warlord introduced her.

"This is Lady Tourmalian, Queen of Hayll."

The young woman held out her hands in formal greeting towards Jaenelle. Jaenelle stepped forward and greeted her in the same manner.

"I am honored and grateful that you have accepted my invitation," Tourmalian said with a smile.

"The pleasure's all mine," Jaenelle replied formally. "My companions: Daemon Sadi, my husband and Teresa, my daughter.

"Lucivar Yaslana, my First Escort and his son, Daemonar." The introductions went on. Tourmalian had greeted each one in the formal manner. Once the introductions were over, Hayll's Queen gestured towards the shadows.

"May I introduce my Steward? Zion."

A handsome man emerged from the shadows. His golden eyes were shining as he looked at them and gave a bow.

"It is a great honor to finally meet the legend from Kaeleer," he said, his voice one that could make hearts melt. He smiled kindly at them. "Unfortunately, Queen Tourmalian's Master of the Guard and First Escort aren't here. They have gone to two different villages that needed their attention."

That was a great show of trust, letting her Master of the Guard and First Escort leave despite the expectation of guests. That meant that her protection wasn't as solid as it could be.

Zion suddenly tilted his head to the side, as if listening for something. Tourmalian kept a close eye on him. "If you would excuse me," Zion said suddenly. "I seem to be needed by a Province Queen. I express my deepest regrets for missing this opportunity..."

"It's all right," Jaenelle reassured him. "We take no offence."

Zion bowed once more and left. Now, only Tourmalian and Pearos were in the throne room with them.

They must really trust us to leave their Queen with just a White Jeweled Warlord as protection. Lucivar sent to Daemon through an Ebon-gray thread.

It would seem so. Daemon replied dryly. She is very young.

I know. It makes me wonder if there aren't any older Queens around - which is impossible since that Zion person just mentioned a Province Queen.

She may be the most powerful. Daemon sent.

An Opal-Jeweled Queen? I would think there are darker Jeweled ones - a Green at least despite the purge. It had been twelve centuries.

"The throne room is too grand, don't you think?" Pearos said out of the blue, a smile plastered on his face. "Come, Lian before I forget the reason why I haven't blasted that cunning Steward to the seventh dimension of Hell."

Daemon and Lucivar were knocked off of their conversation, shocked by the comment. They automatically moved closer to Jaenelle and built shields around the whole party.

Tourmalian sighed wearily. "You are aggravated, Pearos." It was not a question. "You are usually the most patient. Why the change?"

Pearos, however, remained silent, his face a cold mask.

The Queen turned to Jaenelle. "We have a lot to talk about. But not here. It is too unsafe."

"Why should we trust you?" Lucivar spat. Tourmalian's eyes narrowed.

"Because I am an Opal Jeweled Queen. You can easily send me back to the Darkness and Pearos here won't be able to do anything about it."

Pearos opened his mouth to say something but then shut it.

"Then take us to a safe place," Jaenelle said in her midnight voice. Lucivar and Daemon - and all the males for that matter - looked at her with bewildered expressions.

"But Jaenelle-" Lucivar and Daemon started simultaneously before Jaenelle held a hand up to silence them. The two backed down but were bristling.

Tourmalian stared at Jaenelle for a long moment before shaking her head, as if waking herself up.

"You know what Pearos and I are," she said quietly. Jaenelle did not nod or say 'yes' but the look on her face and sapphire eyes was enough. "How?"

Jaenelle looked at Pearos. "I only knew when the Warlord made the threat to your Steward. Does he know what you two are?"

"We are not sure," Pearos replied. "Like I said, he is very cunning. He reveals many things and yet, reveals nothing."

"He is cunning then," Jaenelle agreed.

"What's happening?" Udele finally asked, lost.

"Please follow us," Tourmalian said hurriedly, leading them out of the throne room. Jaenelle followed without hesitation. Pearos waited patiently for the others. When they snapped out of their daze, they hurriedly followed.

xxxxxxxxxx

It had not been obvious. The names were a give-away. She should have known from the start what they were but only when Pearos threatened that Steward, Zion, and the sudden change in Pearos' eye color did Jaenelle see what she thought was impossible.

She almost smiled at the irony. She was Dreams made Flesh and yet, she thought that what Pearos and Tourmalian were was supposed to be impossible. Now she had one answer. She was about to get the others.

xxxxxxxxxx

What in the name of Hell is happening around here? Udele demanded, using a thread that only included Daemonar, Teresa, Angell, Karsten and Jacob.

I know as much as you do. Daemonar sent dryly. What do you think of Queen Tourmalian.

Secretive, was Angell's reply.

That Pearos guy is also more than what he seems, I bet you. Titian stated. Jacob murmured an agreement. What do you think Teresa?

I'm just wondering exactly what they are and exactly how bad this Zion is. Teresa sent back.

They reached an empty hall. Tourmalian touched the wall and a door opened. It led towards a dark corridor. She entered and Jaenelle followed. But before the others could enter, Pearos blocked the way.

"Sorry, only those within Witch's First Circle may enter," he said sternly. He glanced at the warriors behind Chaosti. "And their memories of knowing this corridor will be erased." Chaosti snarled but it was Lucivar who spoke up.

"Who gave you the right-" Lucivar started. Pearos interrupted, eyes narrowed dangerously.

"This is my Queen. We are already placing ourselves in great risk, seeking your help and leading you to this corridor! Do you know how many are going to die because of this act? Tourmalian is Queen since she is the only Queen from the long-lived races left in Terreille!"

Everyone was shocked into silence. It was Daemonar who spoke up.

"B-But didn't that Steward leave because he had to-" Daemonar stopped. Realization kicked in and he looked grim. "He lied."

Pearos sighed wearily. "Now would you come quietly? They are waiting. Now choose who is going."

The ten fighters were the only ones who remained behind. Pearos let them enter so no one would see them but told them to stay at the corridor door. He lead those who were coming further into the secret corridor.

Tourmalian and Jaenelle were waiting for them. They were standing in front of a golden door. There were voices coming from inside... Loud voices.

"Lazuli's back?" Pearos asked. Tourmalian nodded.

"He is inside with Padparasch, Quartzen, Jade and Sphene."

"But aren't all those stones?" Titian asked. Her eyes then widened in realization as she looked at Pearos and Tourmalian. "Pearos and Tourmalian... Pearl and tourmaline!"

"That's right," Pearos said with a nod, a small smile on his lips. "I guess Pearos is better than Pearl considering the fact that Pearl is a female name."

Tourmalian opened the door. Bright light instantly filled the corridor and the talking stopped. Tourmalian entered, followed by Jaenelle.

"Go on," Pearos urged. The others followed Jaenelle.

"Hell's fire, Mother Night and may the Darkness be merciful!" Karsten, Jacob, Udele, Daemonar and Titian whispered in chorus. Angell's eyes were wider than usual.

There was a kindred dog, a tiny winged female who could only have come from Philan, a tawny-skinned male who could only have come from Tigrelan and a centaur inside.

The centaur, a Sapphire Jeweled Warlord, looked amused. "You'd think they had never seen beings like us before."

The tiny Healer smiled, her voice musical. "Well, our kind doesn't usually go to Terreille."

Does that mean it was a good thing that Sardonyx is not here? the kindred dog asked. It was male and Summer-sky Jeweled.

They all thought the same thing. Who the hell is Sardonyx?

A woman - a Dhemlan witch by her looks - smiled. "Yes. It is best that Sardonyx is not here."

"He would have been the biggest shock," the striped male said, eyes glittering with a dangerous sparkle that instantly brought Daemon, Lucivar, Daemonar, Angell, Chaosti and Eugene to the killing edge. The male from Tigrelan was a Gray Jeweled Warlord Prince.

"Quartzen." The voice had a shadow of both light and dark in it that reached to the very core. Even the males with Jaenelle stepped away from the killing edge at that voice.

The Gray Jeweled Warlord Prince bowed his head in Tourmalian's direction. "Forgive me, my Queen."

The others stared in shock. This Kaeleer male has chosen a Terreillean Queen to serve?

"They are with the Dreams made Flesh, Quartzen," Tourmalian said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. She gave him an exasperated smile. "Behave for once, will you?"

Knowing he was forgiven, Quartzen grinned. "Ah, but I wouldn't be Quartzen then now would I?" Tourmalian laughed. It was a nice sound.

The young Queen turned to Witch. "They are some of the creatures within my First Circle."

The centaur bowed politely but said cheerfully, "My name is Lazuli."

"And I am Jade," said the Philan female with the iridescent wings.

I am called Padparasch. It was the kindred dog who might have been half-wolf.

The Dhemlan witch curtsied. "My name is Sphene."

Pearl, Sphene, Padparasch, Tourmaline, Jade, Lazuli, Quartzen. They were all gemstones.

Pearos smiled. "White."

Sphene followed. "Yellow."

Tiger-eye. That was Padparasch.

A musical voice. "Green."

The centaur grinned. "Sapphire."

Quartzen smirked. "Gray."

Finally, Tourmalian smiled sadly. "Opal. Now do you know what we are?"

There was understanding, realization, confusion, disbelief and shock surfacing on the stunned faces. But it was Jaenelle who voiced out the answer that swept upon the others like a cold, harsh slap on the face.

"You are the Jewels made flesh."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

WOAH! Who expected THAT! If you did, raise your hand and I'll give you a cookie!

Well, tell me what you think. The ending was not sudden. There were hints.

PLEASE REVIEW!

Xynthe Saizer