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Engaved in Stone

Chapter three, The Plan

March 5,2005

All it would take is a touch…

"NO!" they screamed in unison as they drew back.

"What is the meaning of this? Do you wish to ruin yourselves and your people?" demanded Sir Robert. Prince Syaoran looked pale and he swallowed hard before addressing the crowd. "People of Whitehill and Graycliff, I know this interruption comes as a surprise to you. I assure you, it comes as a surprise to Princess Sakura and me, too. But it would be wrong for us to marry. The stone destroyed our parents lives and now it threatens to destroy ours, too."

Then Sakura spoke: "This day has been called a 'historic event,' but a wedding should be a joyous event as well. Prince Syaoran and I each have been bound to marry a person we barely know. Yet in our brief acquaintance we are both convinced that we will never like, yet alone love, each other. I cannot believe that any of you would wish to forgo all hope of personal happiness in order to fulfill this aged promise."

Prince Syaoran interrupted, "Of course, we would fulfill the promise if it were essential to the well-being of our subjects. Our duty, first and foremost, is to serve our people. However, you have proven over many years that our two kingdoms can live in harmony. You do not need this marriage to continue such mutually beneficial behavior."

Syaoran was pleased to see that, in the crowd heads were nodding in agreement. One little boy yelled out, "Don't kiss!" and the people laughed and took up the chant.

Lady Clair stepped forward and held up a hand to quite the voices. "I am sorry to disappoint you all, but remember, what is engraved in stone must be done."

Sakura said defiantly, "Then the engraving must be altered. I will set off immediately for Engravia to bring back the Engraver to help us."

Lady Clair shook her head. " I cannot allow you to undertake this dangerous quest. The road is full of hidden dangers. You might never return."

Syaoran nodded. "I agree that Princess Sakura should not go. She should remain here because she would never succeed. I, however, will succeed. An adventure like this needs a person of strength, courage and action."

Sakura objected angrily, "Perhaps the journey requires someone with brain, not just strength. You will not succeed, but I will. This mission requires a person of intelligence, insight, and commitment."

"May I remind you that on the trail you won't read your lofty books in a comfortable chair by the fire? And you agree that I have a lot of strength?" sneered Syaoran.

"And may I remind you that on the road you won't be able to watch violent tournaments surrounded by fawning damsels? And I did not say that!" taunted Sakura.

Finally, Sir Robert intervened. "Lady Clair and I conferred on the matter and have concluded that, before either of you can commit to go, you must understand the requirements of this journey. First, you will have to travel on foot. Most of the path is too rocky and narrow to make horses practicable. Second, you will have to travel servants. It is acceptable to endanger yourself on a mission that is of vital personal importance; it is unacceptable to endanger another person who is wholly unconnected to your goal.

"Finally," said Sir Robert, " you will have to travel together."

"What!" said Sakura and Syaoran.

"Yes, together." Responded Lady Clair. "Sir Robert and I disapprove of either of you going alone. So Sakura, do you agree to go to Engravia with Syaoran?"

Sakura face was white. "I promise to allow the Prince to escort me."

"Syaoran, do you promise to stick with Sakura on your task?"

Syaoran face was red. "I promise to allow the Princess to accompany me."

Good," Said Lady Clair, "then I suggest that you return to your castles to pack a few essentials and reunite here in an hours time. The sooner you begin your mission, the sooner it will end. Remember, you must return here and resolve the issue by the last stroke of midnight on April 1st (A.N: Sorry! I know that's not Syaoran's b-day!)" The crowd roared as Sakura and Syaoran walked back to their respective carriages and drove up their hills to prepare for the journey.

Reveiw!