Chapter Eight: The Trials That Are to Come
The long awaited journey to the palace could not have come to soon. For Serena the days and nights dragged by with pain and sorrow. True that when her father left for his business she did begin to practice with a vengeance. Determined not to let Marcus' death be for nothing she pushed herself into exhaustion everyday despite what Adam and Mina said to her. She had learned from a friend of Marcus' that he had heard a conversation going on between the Lord of the manner and his personal guard. Though Serena knew what the mentioned conversation was about, she still knew that the other part of the reason why he was killed was because he had loved her. His love for her had been his end and Serena could not help but blame herself for his death.
On the day before she and Mina left for the palace Serena had to be sure that her father didn't suspect that she knew anything of his plans. The only way to find out was to ask, but asking could mean death. So instead of asking him in person she asked the only source she knew of that could have been there. She called upon Marcus' soul, which she knew was trapped here on this plain of existence.
Serena put herself in a trance like state and called upon the powers of heaven to aid her. "Gods above protect and guide me, send the one I seek so that we may speak once again." The wind blew fiercely and the grass moved in anger at having been moved so abruptly.
As Serena sat and waited she felt the wind grow cold and knew in an instant that the flames of the candles around her danced in anger. She waited for a few minutes more before she opened her eyes and saw the ghostly figure of Marcus standing before her. (A.N. italic is Marcus' speaking) I knew that even in death I could not leave you. Marcus spoke the words that Serena dreaded to hear upon his return. What do you wish of me? He questioned upon seeing the despair that he caused her.
"You still roam on this plain and I was hoping you could help me." Serena shed a tear as she gazed up at Marcus.
Ask anything of me and I shall try to help in any way I possibly can. Marcus knelt in front of Serena. He reached out his hand as if to try to caress hers as he had often done while alive. But when Serena flinched he pulled back.
"On the day that you…" Serena choked. She could not hold back the tears any more and she still could not accept the fact that he died because of his love for her. Marcus sat in silence as he watched the one person he cherished the most brake down for the first time in her life. Gathering herself together she asked, "On the day that you died, I was told everything that my father was planning to do. Because he told me everything, beat me and then tried to kill me. Marcus I must know does he remember anything of what happened after I bewitched him?" Serena stared back up at Marcus' face and saw that he too remembered clearly everything that happened.
Serena…he remembers nothing. Nothing at all. Now I request something of you. Marcus spoke softly. Even a dead person who exists on the same plain as the living can still feel the love that is lost to them after their death. The one thing that Marcus now knew was that his love for Serena was doomed from the start. She was destined for some one great and that one person he knew would love her until his last dying breath. Marcus couldn't help but feel the jealously rage inside of himself. But he knew just as Serena did that fate decides who walks along side of her and Serena was just one of the few who did.
"I do not know what I can give a person who has passed but I shall try."
Serena why do you blame yourself for my death? Why do you punish yourself day after day? Marcus pleaded.
"Why, why…it was your love for me that killed you. It was the fact that I was not strong or fast enough to stop that murdering bastard. You ask why, because I was weak and I failed to protect one of the people I cared most about. I killed you…" She sobbed. "Maybe not by my hand, but I killed you." She hiccupped and her body shook with the sobs that she generated.
Serena you didn't kill me. My love for you only grew because I allowed myself to be in love with the idea of love. Serena you can't help who you love, your not suppose to. But at least know this you are destined for great things to come. Greater than you ever imagined possible. Marcus reached for her again only this time he didn't let her pull back. Serena felt as his hand passed through hers not a cold chill, but a warmth that could only happen if the spirit was more than just your average ghost. This warmth could only come from your guardian spirit.
Serena looked up in shock. "How?" She whispered.
The lady fate asked me to guide you in your time of need. Now is that time. If you continue to punish yourself you will loose all strength and die before you could fulfill your destiny.
I must leave now my time with you has come. As he began to fade he spoke one last time. I will always watch over you… And Marcus faded away into the darkness of the night.
The morning arrived slowly for Serena. After her conversation with Marcus, Serena realized that he was right. She needed to move on with her life and help her country, not feel sorry for herself. She would help the queen in any way possible now, only she had to watch her back when she arrived and find the traitor that hid in the midst of the queen's guard.
A carriage arrived early on the morning that Serena and Mina were to leave. Soon they both climbed in and left behind the manner in which had been for so long their home and their source of despair.
As the carriage drew closer to the palace Serena grew more and more happy. She couldn't help be feel content at the thought of seeing the prince again. A thought that also scared her. But upon reaching the drawbridge she knew that being here was right, the feeling she felt was of a warmth that had been gone for so long was finally fulfilled.
Serena and Mina stepped out of the carriage slowly, but as soon as Serena set foot out side she barely avoid being shot with by an arrow. Mina was also fired at, the arrow just missed her upper arm and had hit the man who was currently helping her out of the carriage and to safety.
"For goddess' sake find the bastard that's shooting." A man yelled.
"No, I can't leave Serena there by herself. Let me go!" Mina yelled as she tried to fight against the man who was dragging her away from the carriage.
"She's safe as long as she stays put. You miss on the other hand are not. Please trust me I know what I'm talking about." The guard finally managed to calm Mina down enough to the point where she stopped struggling, standing she watched the events in horror.
Back in the carriage Serena was unable to move, fear froze her in her place. She tried again to leave the carriage but as soon as she put a foot through the carriage door again, fire arrows began to be shot. Finding no other escape she climbed back in. The carriage quickly became engulfed with flames. She could not see through the smoke and soon began to choke. She hacked and coughed for only a few moments before she passed out.
The prince had been informed of Serena's arrival as soon as the carriage was insight of the palace. He had been so engrossed with his preparation of her arrival that he had not heard of the attack.
"Highness, highness…" A page called. "The lady Serena is in danger you must come quick."
At the sound of the page's call Darien began to run to the courtyard. He stopped upon seeing the carriage in flames. The horses had been un-harnessed and it seemed as if no one had been hurt or was even in the carriage. It took a moment for Darien to realize that Serena was still in the carriage and clearly in terrible danger. No one was trying to help for fear that they might also parish.
Everyone left Darien with no other choice but to try and save her himself. On a whim he took the cape that draped his shoulders and soaked it in the water trough that stood a few feet away from him. Wrapping it around himself he ran to the carriage and threw open the door. There Serena lay un-conscience and as still as death. Darien after wrapping himself and Serena in the cape reached for her and pulled her out gently. He carried her to safety a few feet away from the burning carriage. Mina ran to Serena's side as soon as Darien had placed her on the ground.
Serena did not move at all nor was she breathing. "No, Serena wake up! Wake up, please!" Mina cried into Serena's neck.
"What is it, what's wrong?" Darien asked.
"She's not breathing! She's not breathing!" Mina sobbed.
Darien pulled Mina away from Serena's still form and then laid her down. (A.N. I know that mouth-to-mouth wasn't around back then but I'm putting it in anyway.) Kneeling beside her Darien pinched Serena's nose and placed his lips upon hers. He soon began to breath for her at regular intervals. As he was about to breath for her again, Serena began to cough. Darien didn't realize it at the time, but he was afraid that he might lose her. He was so afraid that as she began to breath normal again he was still holding on to her.
"What happened?" She whispered. "Why am I laying here on the ground?" She coughed again.
"Shhh, Serena everything will be all right." Darien said as he picked her up. "Guard help the lady Mina to her chambers see that she is not disturb. I will take the lady Serena to the infirmary." He then walked away from the scene that could have been a terrible tragedy if he had not been warned.
A week had passed since the day of Serena and Mina's arrival and still Serena was unable to walk anywhere without looking over her shoulder. Her mind was still clouded about what had happened and she could only remember bits and pieces. She did remember clearly however how safe she felt in Darien's arms.
She was in her room when the time came for her to leave, so she dressed in her fighting breeches and shirt and then pulled her hair out of her face into a tightly bound ponytail. Serena left the room slowly so that she wouldn't draw attention to herself. Even after Serena assured Mina that she was fine and could be left to defend herself Mina would not let her out of her sight. Currently however, Mina was busy entertaining Malachite, the general she had met the last time they both were at the palace. Serena seized the chance to be away from her friend and in the gardens by herself, where she planed on calling the attackers to her.
As she was walking in the gardens she never suspected that she was being fallowed until she heard a twig snap behind her. Pretending to ignore it she turned a corner and prepared to defend herself. Little did Serena know that it was a certain prince who had saved her life. And when Darien turned the corner he was in for a big surprise. Serena was lucky enough to stop her fist from connecting with the prince's nose.
"You still haven't learned not to sneak up on me have you?" Serena asked as she let her fist drop to her side.
"No I guess not. Anyway I came to see how you were doing. I mean this past week has been tough. First there's the flight of arrows and then the poison in your morning tea just the other day, tell me how do you intend to stop the attempts that have been made on your life?" Darien began to walk along side Serena in the rose garden and indicated that they should sit down and talk.
Serena took a set on the gray stone bench and waited for Darien to sit down next to her. When Darien turned to look at her he saw some kind of childish glint in her eyes that he had not seen since the last time she was at the palace. "What I intend to do is a little out of the ordinary, something that will surprise even the hired murderer or murderers."
"And that would be…" Darien tried to lead on but he saw the look in Serena's face that told him not to ask any more. She would use magic to call the murderer to her. "No, absolutely not!" He stood towering above her determined to get his point across.
"Highness, I'm afraid that it's the only way. Sooner or later the man or men who are against me will carry out their plans, and if that happens my father wins. You do not yet know the danger that your whole kingdom is to face. I have seen it and the only way that it can be prevented is if I live to defeat my father on my own." She still sat on the bench as she spoke calmly. "You could even order me to not do so but I still would. I hate to challenge you and I wish not to offend but if nothing is done my magic will strain to thin and then I will be left vulnerable. I must do this, please know that I can handle anything that may come."
"You wish that my mother and I stand by and watch you get killed after all the trouble we went through to get you away from your father. No I don't think so, I won't allow it!" Darien strained his voice as he tried to clam himself, but failed miserably.
"I'm sorry Darien but it has already been done." She stood and stopped when she saw his face drop.
"WHAT!!" He roared.
"I was going to the center of the maze where I had called upon those that wish me harm when I nearly punched you. It's to late it is done." Serena turned to go, she just walked away from him, but she was jerked back by a forceful hand.
"Then you're not going alone." Darien snapped and he then pushed Serena forward to indicate that he would fallow.
They both walked briskly and quietly to the maze entrance and through the maze where they made their way to the center. Serena stopped just before they turned the corner that would open to the center of the maze. She raised her hands above her head and called upon her magic. "Let my strength and courage arise and from my hand I draw the sword of power and might. And be it known that I carry with me the ancient powers in which to destroy my enemies." As her spell began to run its course through her body Serena placed her left hand in front of her chest, then moved it to her side. And then as if out of thin air a 48-inch long sward appeared in Serena's hand. The silver blade glowed slightly with the power held inside, but what was even more beautiful than the rest of the sward was the brilliant blue moonstone in the end of the hilt.
Darien stood in amazement at what he had just seen before him, before he even realized that he also needed his sward. He reached for his side and pulled out his 72-inch blade, the hilt had been wrapped in doeskin leather and at the end an emerald had been cast in silver. "That's quiet I sward you've got there."
"Yours isn't so bad either." She turned to Darien and smiled. "Are you ready for the fight of your life? I sense at least twenty men, though I am sure that there are more." Before Darien was even given the chance to speak Serena jumped out of hiding and began to fight off two attackers at once.
She must be crazy!! Darien thought as he too came out of hiding and began to battle. They fought side by side for what seemed like a lifetime until some how they became separated from each other.
With Serena losing strength she found herself in more trouble then she bargained for. To her it seemed as if more and more were coming out of nowhere. She jabbed one man in the thigh and soon turned to slice another's throat. In the brief moment that she was able to regain some strength she spotted a magical aura, and it was then that she knew some one was creating illusions. The illusions were meant to slow her down, to use her strength. "Darien there in the shadows, fight against the men but that is the source of the power. Fight to destroy her, fight Darien." Serena called but Darien did not hear her.
So Serena herself fought her way to the woman clothed in crimson red. Though try as she might she never seemed to gain any ground and then as if out of nowhere Darien appeared. Along side one another they began to cut through the fog of men, amazing at the sight of a small wound becoming fatal.
It seemed then that out of nowhere all the shadow soldiers disappeared and all that was left were the remains of dead and wounded men along with the woman in crimson. Tall with piercing green eyes she was easily recognized by both Darien and Serena. "Lila!" Serena hissed and Darien growled at the same time.
"Ah, so you do remember me Serena. I was beginning to think that you wouldn't recognize your first nursemaid." She spat. "Then that bitch of a mother of yours had to cast me out for that redheaded girl child. Ugh!" She stepped out from under the trees and pulled down her hood. Dark red brown curled hair tumbled down from the hood's confines. In all actuallality if she wasn't such a sniveling little bitch Serena would think that she was very beautiful.
"You have not right to be here." Darien yelled as he stood in front of Serena. "I threw you out a long time ago."
Serena stared for a minute before she caught on to the fact that Darien being a prince and all was probably prone to having women in his bed. But she really didn't care, this was the same woman who broke the laws of marital bonds and slept with her father while her mother was pregnant with her and continued to do so even after her mother's death.
"Hmmm, it seems that now I know your fighting skills well enough along with your magic that I do not need these pathetic guards to do my biding. I'll just wait until the night of the attack and then we'll see who's strongest." Lila laughed as she disappeared before Serena and Darien.
"Darien we must warn your mother. We have no time to waist." Serena took hold of Darien's arm and began to run through the maze, hoping against hope that it wasn't to late to share all that she knew.
Darien pulled Serena aside and then shoved her into a gap in the walls between the gardens and the castle. "Quickly and quietly, this way will lead us directly to my mother's bed chambers." He stopped when she saw Serena begin to panic. "Serena don't worry, if you fallow me you won't get lost."
"Its…its not that its just that I'm afraid of small enclosed places. Another of fathers torments for me was to be locked in the smallest broom closet he could possibly find." She began to breath in small quick gasps.
"You'll be just fine, I won't let anything happen I promise." He then took her hand and slowly walked along. Shortly there after she was able to begin to jog right behind Darien.
In her bedchambers the queen took all of Serena's details in slowly. All of them from the morning when she was dragged out of bed to the death of Marcus to the end of her beating. "On all hallows eve is when he plans to attack. Are you sure?"
"I'm sure Maj… I mean Arlene. When Marcus was killed before me, my father began to spout off about his plans against you and your son. Only he remembers nothing that happen during that period of time so now we have an advantage and we must take it. The only thing that stands in your way of victory is Lila." Serena took a deep breath and told them of her father's betrayal to her mother and that Lila also held a small amount of magic. "But today there was a difference in her magic, I sensed that it was dark magic, black magic of the worst kind. Not only that but she is on my father's side which is a great advantage to his army of mercenaries. By the way Darien how did you come to know her?" Serena turned to Darien.
"She was for a brief period of time the magician to our court, but when we discovered her as a fraud my father cast her out of the court and into the streets." Darien paused and then realization hit as if gravity would pull an apple from its tree. "She is out for revenge, that sniveling little imp. But why would she join with your father?"
"Perhaps I can answer that." A voice called from the shadows. In the farthest corner of the room stood a woman of almost six feet with brightly shining black hair that in the fire light looked green, her piercing red eyes bore into Serena's very core. As if she knew this woman but couldn't recall her name or appearance. "Highness, Majesty." She turned and bowed to each of them.
"Serena allow me to introduce our magician and fortune teller Tristan." Darien spoke softly, he had never before seen Tristan smile as brightly as she did when she was introduced to Serena.
"Delighted." Tristan and Serena said at the same time.
"As I was saying, the reason why Lila joined with Lord Stephen was because she found in him a pure source of evil. However with the Lady Evelyn in the way, she was unable to obtain the power that she so desired, for the gentle lady had helped her husband to calm and control his evil side. She cast a small but effective spell to slowly kill Lady Evelyn and when the time came she again entered your father's bed and began to corrupt him. She is using and not using your father at the same time. For she learned that before his marriage to Evelyn he did plan on taking control of the whole kingdom." Tristan spoke softly and with a small amount of authority.
"Now all the details have been laid upon the table and we know that we are to be attacked in less than three weeks. We must assemble the guards and prepare for an attack, but how will we defeat an attack that also is being fought with black magic?" The queen spoke but her voice gave way to worry and sorrow.
In an instant Serena thought of the tale again that her mother had recited to her as a child, she also thought of the magical aura she noticed around Darien. She feared that his magic would not be enough, again she looked at him. There he stood in pure black breeches with a shirt so white that it could blind people it was also dirty and had blood on it, hair tousled and falling into his midnight blue eyes. He seemed regal and poised, she remember that when he held her that his chest was muscular and firm. He almost seemed like a god, but as she looked harder at him she saw something totally unexpected. The last time she saw him his aura was a dull blur and now it glowed with an intensity almost blinding her, it shone a bright emerald green with a bit of ocean blue mixed in it. "Amazing…" She whispered.
"What?" Darien asked as Serena still stared at him.
"I believe that we may be able to defeat Lila after all. Darien do you remember when I told you that I sensed magic in you?" She stopped when he shook his head yes in response. "Well, it seems that since last we meat that your magic as grown to an unspeakable…unnamable amount. You are just as powerful as I am, only it seems blocked."
Arlene looked to Tristan, "Is what she says true does my son hold magic?"
Tristan looked for a moment at Darien and then gasped in surprise. "I do not know how this can be. Men are not suppose to hold magic…" She stopped mid-sentence as she realized that the prophecy was slowly coming true. "It is true." She spoke solemnly, and then "Majesty, Serena and I must speak in private for a moment."
The queen nodded her head and then Serena and Tristan headed out of the room. "You know that tale?" Tristan asked.
"I do."
"Then you know what is to come and how to prevent it."
Serena shook her head. "I believe that I knew from the moment I saw him. I will find a way to unleash his power, if not for his love of me than for his love of country." Serena spoke, she knew that he probably had no interest in her except as a great friend.
But Tristan knew more, she knew that both Serena and Darien were the destined pair, the two that would forever unite the magical and non-magical worlds together. "Do what you must, and remember don't ever give up." And then she walked away leaving Serena in the hall.
She walked back inside and began to tell the queen and Darien that she must prepare before she can teach him anything. She bowed and then exited the room.
With Serena gone Darien spoke freely with his mother. "Mother, I know Serena told you and I both what happened but I feel as if she's hiding more from us, like she doesn't trust us." He sat on the end of the bed with her.
"Oh honey, she trusts us, believe me she does. Its just that she grew up in a home where she was not allowed any contact with men other than the ones her father permitted."
"But what has that got to do with me?" He asked exasperated.
"Do you remember the story I used to tell you? The one of a beautiful girl who would find the one man who could help her save her kingdom. The one man in all the world who posed magic."
"Yes, but what…" Darien stopped he felt as if a brick had hit him over the head. "She's the girl, it wasn't just a bed time story. But I thought that it was a princess you spoke of." He stopped again for the second time before he began to get a headache. "Now I realize why she seems so distant, I'm the only man in all of Ireland who has magic and I'm the only man as powerful as Serena, which means she is even more powerful than any who have ever lived before her. The two thousand years of a man with no power is to come to an end on all hallow eve."
"It also means dear son, that if either Serena or you die before the stroke of midnight all it lost and our world will be forever plunged into darkness. That is why she worries so." The queen leaned back against her pillows and looked up when the weight of the bed shifted.
"I do not intend on letting anything happen to either of us."
"Be careful my son." The queen whispered as she watched Darien leave her room. "For you do not know the trails that are yet to come."