Chapter 3: Tearful Refusal
For the next few weeks, Tylendel took it easy. He took Vanyel on picnics and had many leisurely trips with him. He kept his thoughts away from Gala and winced every time he saw Vanyel with his new Companion, Yfandes. He would never share that bond again, because Gala had died. At his hands, Gala had died. Gala, his sweet, sweet Gala lost from him forever. Vanyel turned to face him, one hand on Yfande's cheek. "What's wrong, 'Lendel?" What's wrong he says, he has no idea what pain I'm in. "Nothing." He smiled widely at Vanyel. Vanyel smiled back, his worries gone. Tylendel loved Vanyel but he had to do that one last thing. Vanyel would be his supply for magic. Tylendel knew he had caused Vanyel's channels to open. Vanyel was much stronger than he was but Vanyel did not know how to shield himself yet. Tylendel could still get into Vanyel's system and use his powers. Tylendel smiled lightly to himself. Vanyel mounted Yfandes. He patted the back of Yfandes' rump. "Come, get on." Tylendel smiled, but inside his heart ached and he wished for Gala. "No, I think I'll walk beside you." Vanyel pouted but Tylendel laughed lightly. "Come, we must return before Savil goes looking for us." Tylendel took Vanyel's hand and as he walked, Vanyel rode. They talked of many things, including the night Gala had repudiated him. Tylendel just laughed and shrugged it off, but inside he hurt. He hurt like he never knew pain. Vanyel had concern in his eyes, but when he saw Tylendel look so relaxed he did too.
Savil welcomed them back with dinner ready and the fireplace in their room already lit. They smiled thanks and went into their room. The room was still a bit chilly. They sat together for comfort and warmth. They placed the trays on their knees and ate off it like that. Vanyel leaned against Tylendel's shoulder. Tylendel put his arm around Vanyel and drew him closer. They stayed like that, watching the fire for a while. Tylendel stood up and brought Vanyel to stand with him.
He took both of Vanyel's hands. "Come, Vanyel." Holding both of Vanyel's hands he took him to the workroom. "Vanyel," he whispered into his ear, "take me home. Take me to see Gala. Help me get revenge." Vanyel started back. "Tylendel, I… I can't. I'm sorry but I can't. What happened? Why are you asking? You asked once and you almost killed yourself. I won't do it. Why, 'Lendel, why?" Tylendel gripped Vanyel's shoulders tightly. "'Lendel it hurts. Stop." He tried to brush away Tylendel's hands. Tylendel looked deeply into Vanyel's silver eyes. "Vanyel, I need this. When I get my revenge I'll be normal again. I won't have anything tying me down to this one thought. Wouldn't you like that Vanyel?" Vanyel looked to have a change of heart. "Really?" Hope coloured his eyes. "Yes." He hated lying to him, in fact he hated lying to anyone but this was for his own good. He knew that as soon as he got his revenge he would kill himself. He wanted to die. No, he needed to die.
Vanyel's face lit up and he hugged Tylendel tight. Tylendel ran a hand through his hair. "Don't tell Savil." Tylendel reinforced the words with a little magic. Vanyel nodded quickly up and down. "But, 'Lendel I can't do that. You can't want revenge. No matter how much I want you to be happy, I can't give you access to my powers." Tylendel held Vanyel by the shoulders and gripped tightly. This time Vanyel did not wince and stood his ground. "Please, Vanyel." "I'm sorry Tylendel. I can't let you do this." Tylendel's amber eyes grew cold. "Fine." He left Vanyel standing in the middle of the workroom he heard the door slam shut behind Tylendel. Vanyel crumbled within himself. He cried. The sobs echoed against the walls. He didn't want to deny Tylendel. He loved him but he couldn't use his power or rather let him use his powers for something that wouldn't benefit Valdemar. "Oh, Tylendel, why? Oh gods, why?" The tears fell down his cheeks to strike the cold stone floor below him. "Tylendel, why?"
"Savil," Vanyel knocked lightly on her door, "Savil can I talk to you?" Savil looked up from the book she was reading by the hearth. "Yes, Vanyel. What is it?" Vanyel looked down at the floor in deep shame. "Tylendel, he, he still wants to murder his brother's killers. He's going to use me as his power source. I have a feeling he might kill me in the process. I want him to be happy but I don't want him to be stuck on revenge. Help me Savil?"
Savil put her book down and looked seriously at Vanyel. "I've been meaning to tell you something Vanyel." Vanyel looked up at her. "What is it?" Savil stood up and walked to Vanyel, putting each of his hands in her own. "Vanyel… there's… there's someone out to get you. They want your life and your power. No matter what happens you can't let anyone into you or use your powers. Even if it is 'Lendel. The council is tracking the killer right now or we're trying to. We're trying to find out who it is. You must learn how to put up a shield. If 'Lendel tries to break in he won't be able to. Remember this person wants to kill you. At any chance I want you to keep a line on him so we can find out who this person is. Tell 'Lendel so he doesn't try anything and so he doesn't get killed by mistake." Vanyel nodded. "Okay, Savil." He turned to leave and halfway through the door he turned. "And, thanks."
Savil shook her head and went back to reading, tomorrow. Tomorrow she would teach Vanyel until he knew how to shield himself and kill if necessary. Something didn't feel right. She wondered about it and then dismissed it as insignificant. She would figure it out in due time.