Chapter 4

Discovery

oh, ow...fingers hurt! attempting to play the guitar cause i'm off school (sick). sniffle cough weeze BLEARGH! yeah...owie...read and review (ow) please! (ow!) albel's gonna SUFFER for this...(ow)

Nel stopped suddenly and picked up the small book she had thrown across the room in her exasperation. Plain and black, she had thought it to be no use, but her trained eye noted that the book was well worn and had been used quite a bit. Carefully she opened it, and gasped. She had found the journal of Albel Nox. She was tempted to read all of it, but there was no time. Flipping to the last month, she sat down and began to read. When she had finished, she stared out of the window thoughtfully. This was…interesting. Now she was getting some corners. To both this puzzle, and Albel's.

Contacting the others on the Communicators, she told them to meet her in the conference room, then went to fetch the king. It was time to start putting together the pieces.

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"Alright, everyone. Let's see what we've got. Fayt and Peppita, you said he was doing some top secret mission for the king."

"Yep. Apparently he wasn't the only one, but no one would talk. As for behaviour, he hasn't been any different. Just as grumpy and anti-social as ever."

"Okay…not too helpful, but it'll do. Cliff. I've read your report. Good work. Basically the dragon found the corpse, no sign of a struggle, a white feather, and the Scourge. Well done. You too, Sophia."

The teen bowed, and Zelpher turned to the final three. "Mirage, Maria, Roger, tell us what you've found."

Mirage stepped forwards. "There were very few signs of struggle, although it was hard considering the damage Silver Talon had done. However, there was an ornament with blood on it, footsteps leading to the wardrobe, and signs of someone being dragged away, possibly by two or more people. We think Albel was knocked out near the cupboard and pulled out. Outside we found a lot of dust and disturbed earth, so I think they escaped by dragon. Only that would be able to cause that kind of mark."

"Thanks guys. Hopefully Adray's still in Mosel. Hopefully he's been eaten or died of dehydration, we'll check later." Nel turned to the king. "Arzei, we need to know what Albel was working on before he disappeared."

"Of course, Lady Nel. Albel and my soldiers were investigating a number of disappearances."

"And they were…?"

"The new commander of the Dragon Brigade and the second-in-commands of all three brigades. I think Albel discovered a pattern and was going to protect Count Woltar."

She nodded. "That's exactly what is says in the journal. Albel wrote that he had discovered Woltar would be next, but he wasn't sure because he needed more evidence. He had been under strict orders to not leave Airyglyph unless he had solid evidence."

"It was for the boy's safety. Didn't work though, it seems…"

"Sire, I think the group had killed the members for a reason. They are all part of Airyglyph's military. With the commanders down, you would not have an army. Without an army, you would be defenceless. I think you are their next target."

The king shrugged. "It wouldn't be the first time."

"Do you know who could have done this?"

"Yes. As with the other commanders, a white feather was found. We managed to catch one of them, and he said they were called the 'Dark Vengeance'. However he killed himself before we could find out more. The white feather, a dove's, is their calling card."

"Isn't the dove the symbol of peace?"

"Yes. They are a group of Aquarians that don't agree with the peace treaty. They believe we will attack, and have probably decided to destroy the military and eliminate the threat. Ironic, don't you think?"

"I…I am sorry, Arzei."

"It is not your fault. You cannot be held responsible for every moron on our planet."

She smiled. "Alright, everyone. Well done. I think it's time to get some rest, though. Tomorrow we'll start looking again, only I'll want you to find the people he hangs around with the most. Night, everyone."

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Nel stared through the window, watching the night sky. She had moved into Albel's room – she didn't know why. It just felt safe here, as if he was still there, watching her, standing guard like he always did, crimson eyes always alert. She still remembered those few beautiful moments during their adventures, guiding each other through the hardships, revealing more about themselves than ever before. She always would remember it.

She rolled over, trying to get some sleep. But it was impossible. Just the thought of him lying there in some dungeon whilst she slept in silk and warmth… Closing her eyes she willed the image to go, but couldn't. Turning back to the night sky, she whispered fiercely, "I'm coming, Albel. I promise."

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Albel flattened himself against the wall, trying to keep his breathing steady, trying to pretend it was all a dream. Only problem was that it never was. Closing his eyes, he took deep breaths, only to lose them as the walls closed in.

It's not real, it's not. It's not real, it's not real, it's not real…

Water dripped from a crack in the ceiling. A rat scuttled over to his hand, jumping back with a hiss as it pushed it away.

No! No, no, no!

The walls tightened their grip, the sound of the rats scrabbling eating away at his sanity. The skeleton grinned up at him, maggots writhing within its empty eye-sockets.

No more! NomorenomorenomorenomorenomorenomorenomorenomoreNOMORE!

The window opened, and the eyes returned. They stared at him, before disappearing. They came every day now. Never saying anything, just staring, always staring…

Something landed in front of him and the window closed. It was a necklace. He reached towards it with trembling fingers, weak from a lack of food and delirious from no sleep. How could he? If he stayed still for just one moment, the rats would bite. If he slept, they would eat him alive. Seeing the amulet, he started screaming, strength coming from fear.

"Where is she? What have you done to her? Is she…dead? ANSWER ME! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO NINA! MURDERERS! YOU SICK BASTARDS! WHERE IS SHE!"

He lunged at the door, screaming, shouting, eyes burning for blood. "I'LL KILL YOU! ALL OF YOU! HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER!"

But exhaustion took over once more, and he collapsed. Curling up, he started trembling, clutching the necklace to his chest. He had always known, deep down. Always. And now they had her. And who knew what they were forcing her to do.

Finally sleep overtook him, no matter how hard he fought it. The rats crawled from the shadows, eyes glinting in the dim light with a feverish hunger. Their noses twitching, they moved towards the creature. It was time. The closest, a huge beast with fur as black as death scrabbled at the thing's arm, sharp teeth biting through the skin.

But it stirred, and seizing the rat, snapped its neck, throwing it at the others. The prisoner crouched, moving towards the small pool of rainwater. He stared at it, before cupping his hands, bringing the muddy water to his lips. He would not die.

MWAH HA HA HA HA! as always, review if you want to see more! MWAH HA HA HA! (ow!)