Chapter 14: The Truth

Lexa was just finishing up explaining her plan to Lorne when they heard movement in the bushes around them. They immediately fell silent and scanned the area. As they turned back, finding nothing, Kaali popped out of the darkness. "The Wraith have started their rounds, we need to get back, now."

Lexa sighed, "I thought I told you to stay put." Kaali put her head down in shame. "It's alright, thanks. You're right, we should get going." She put a hand on the girl's shoulder and then turned back to Marc, "Guess I'll see you around."

Lorne was slightly worried about Lexa's plan. It was a good plan, if she played her cards right, and kept her cool, but he wasn't sure she'd be able to. He hugged her tightly, and whispered in her ear, "Be careful."

"I will," she kissed his cheek as they pulled back out of their embrace. Marc gave her a half surprised look, and Lexa simply said, "Well, I didn't tell her everything, but I just couldn't help myself."

They hear footsteps approaching and knew the rendez-vous was over. "We must go," Kaali insisted, pulling on Lexa's right arm. Lexa looked to Lorne one last time, and as Kaali pulled her away her other hand slid out of his.

Lorne knew the Wraith was nearly upon him and quickly thought up a lie. He pulled out the dagger he was given and began chopping away at the brush as he made his way back out to the path. As he exited the bushes he came face to face with Rolik, and remembering what Aarhus had told him, fell to one knee.

"What are you doing back here," Rolik hissed.

Lorne kept his head down as he spoke, "I thought I heard something in the bushes. I was checking to see if there was anything there."

Rolik looked over into the bushes. "You learn quickly," he said turning back to Lorne, "You may rise, you will be joining me on my rounds." Rolik began to walk away as Marc rose to his feet and followed him.

Lexa and Kaalie were nearly back to their tent, they just had one last obstacle to get around. As they snuck around the back side of the small building next to their final destination, they thought they were home free, but as Lexa turned the corner they found a Wraith Guard covering the rear of the tent.

"Oh crap. And when did they decide to put Bluto there?" Kaali gave her a very confused look, as she did not know as to whom Lexa was referring to. "Never mind, is there another way into the tent?"

"Only the front entrance, but we would surely be seen," Kaali explained.

"Right, of course. Well, I could always create a diversion, at least that'd get you back inside." But Lexa didn't exactly want to do that unless it was absolutely the only choice they had. She began to pace, trying to think of another solution. After a few moments she took a peek around the other side of the building and flinched, she had a premonition. Her vision showed that the diversion she was planning worked to get Kaali back into the tent, but as she double-backed, she was caught by Rolik as Lorne stood back, unable to interfere.

"Are you alright," Kaali asked, worried.

"Um, yeah, just gotta come up with a new plan." Lexa again began to pace, and soon caught wing of Rolik's approach. She peered around the building again as he walked past the small alley way. Lexa grabbed Kaali, "Come on." She pulled her over to the corner nearest the tent and eyed the Wraith Guard. Her attention soon flew past him to where Rolik had just entered her field of view. Lexa moved her hand, and no sooner did she do so, did Rolik trip and fall. The Wraith Guard, seeing his superior fall to the ground, immediately went to his aid. "Now," Lexa pushed Kaali forward and they scurried into the back of the tent. As they settled in Kaali inquired as to how Lexa knew. "Long story, you'll find out soon enough I'm sure. But right now, the less you know, the better, and I'm afraid you might already know too much." Lexa leaned forward in her chair, putting her elbows on her knees. As she did this her necklace slipped out of her shirt.

Kaali noticed it almost immediately. "What's this," she asked as she picked it up to have a closer look. "Why would you have a ring on a necklace, let alone have a necklace at all? If the Wraith see this…"

Lexa cut her off, "Its important to me, I won't go anywhere without it. Actually, I didn't even want to take it off, but I changed my mind when Marc joked about cutting my finger off."

"Who's Marc? Does the ring belong to him?" Kaali was obviously very confused.

Lexa sighed as she tucked the necklace back into place. "I would love to tell you, but as I said…"

"As you said, I already know too much, so what harm could it do?"

Their conversation was interrupted when a steaming Rolik stomped into the tent, followed by Lorne. The Wraith looked around at the girls, counting heads as he gave them a once over. Lexa fixed her eye on him as she stood, after taking a quick glance at Lorne of course. Rolik motioned to Lorne, "That one, there in the back, take her." Reluctantly Marc did as instructed and walked to the back, past Lexa and Kaali, and took the girl sitting closest to them. He led her up to the front of the tent and Rolik ushered them out.

Kaali pulled Lexa back down to her seat, "There's nothing you could have done. If you interfere, they'll kill you. I honestly don't know how you can help us."

"Because I'm going to do everything in my power, or I should say, with my powers, to get you out of here. And Marc will do anything to make sure I don't get killed, that's how." Lexa was just about ready to tell Kaali the whole truth.

Kaali was now baffled than ever, "So that's Marc, the guard you were speaking with. I thought his name was Reilan? He is your brother, is he not?"

"I guess I should just tell you, at least you'd no longer be perplexed. Okay, first, yes his name is Marcus. Reilan is just a cover, as Mareena is not my name. My name's Alexa, and Marc's my fiancé, not my brother." Lexa knew she needed a bit more of an explanation there. "We're engaged to be married, that's what the ring is for." Kaali was now following her, and Lexa began to explain everything.