Capriones 8/13/2006

Disclaimer: We shall make use of several of the characters from The Slayers, none of whom belongs to us.

Chapter Twenty -- Prince Philionel

The prince was physically very large, several inches taller than most men, but not greater than Gourry, broad shouldered, powerful and, for royalty, rather savage looking. His thick, unruly, black hair fell forward a little and flew about unrestrained when he gestured. Usually he was very amiable, making frequent jokes, but today his bushy eyebrows were drawn together in a dark scowl.

"So, we were expected," Lina said.

"So, you come back empty-handed?" Phil said mimicking her.

"It's all a process," Lina told him dismissively. "Didn't you read my note? The princess is part of the game, too. I put that all in there, I think. Anyway, she's fine but is all gung-ho to help fight the cardinal, who is out to wipe out every magic user in the world to ensure he's the only one, then he can control all the kingdoms single handedly!"

"But can you prove it?"

"Beyond a reasonable doubt?" she asked, opening her eyes very wide. "Doesn't that beg the question as to what is reasonable? I'm convinced of it!"

Phil sat back on his padded throne, crossing his legs and smiling courteously.

"Then convince me of it, Miss Lina Inverse."

Suddenly, she threw back her head and burst into raucous laughter.

"Yeah, I like you Phil. You are so White Shrine, but I'm sure that's all to the good."

She drew a deep breath and began to explain. "On the one hand, we have all these kingdoms spread out all over this whole land which have existed as separate little entities, speaking the same language, having pretty much the same culture, and using magic to make that possible. On the other hand, there's the cardinal's forces use censorship and lies to subvert and a standing army to destroy and control what they're doing. Rezo's uniting them by force 'for their own good,' he says, to protect them from the evils of the world, which are magic users, Capriones, the poor beast men, any non-White-Shrine folks, shadows in the dark, you name it! Magic users all over are being wiped out. The Cephied tribes fled to their mountain retreats after their royalty were executed."

"The Capriones, too," Gourry put in. "Don't forget to mention them."

"Yes," she said with a tiny frown forming between her brows. "And speaking of the Capriones . . ."

Phil interrupted. "The Capriones are heathens. We cannot support them."

"Er . . . Not heathens . . ." Lina paused to think of the right way to put it. "They have beliefs, but for them religion is a personal experience. They think the common man can talk to a god, without the intervention or interpretation of others. They need no priests to intercede on their behalf. But . . ."

"All right! We are one under the Mother of us all, the Lord of Nightmares, but the Capriones are not White Shrine, which brings me back to the beginning. My darling daughter, the light of my life, where is she? Why have you not brought her back?"

"Grrr . . ." Lina growled like an annoyed animal. "I've told you. I've been trying to tell you over and over. She's married. Amelia married the prince of the Capriones, Xelloss, last night!"

"Well, now that's not entirely so . . ." Gourry interjected.

"A symbolic gesture, Phil," Lina said more loudly. "Although most everyone believes it's a done deal. Anyway–"

"Say, Lina, isn't that the same necklace that Xelloss gave Amelia?" Gourry pointed to the garish collection of gemstones and coins draped across the chest of the prince amid other decorations from his past military career.

It sure was, Lina thought. She had wondered about the one Amelia was wearing at her wedding. Was it a fake? Possibly, but then Xelloss wouldn't let a valuable heirloom leave the Capriones, as Zelgadiss had suggested to her. It made more sense that his was the fake.

Lina stomped on Gourry's foot. "Shhhh!"

"My darling daughter, married? To a prince? Why wasn't I told about this? What land does this prince rule? To a zealot, you say?" Phil asked.

"Not 'zealot,' although he has his causes. His name's Xelloss and he is the male head of the Capriones, so you could say he rules whatever land's under his feet. But the point I'm trying to make here is that it's not a marriage Seyruun law recognizes so, in reality, Amelia's not really married to him. That's where the symbolism comes in–"

"My daughter has engaged in a mock marriage, without my consent, with some leader of some wandering heathens?"

Lina could tell that the man was getting all heated up and it would be her job to diffuse the situation before it was too late. Gourry had the same idea, only he blurted out the wrong thing.

"Oh, don't you worry. She didn't sleep with Xelloss," he said seriously. "She spent the night with the man she really loves, Zelgadiss."

Gourry looked so pleased with himself that Lina was sorry, slightly, to have to bash his mouth shut. Prince Phil's face had darkened to deep plum, regardless.

"Err . . ." Lina began uncertainly. "That didn't come out quite right. Amelia and Sylphiel, another White Shrine healer of great skill, were going to cure Zelgadiss of his curse. Zelgadiss is a shaman who–"

"Zelgadiss, that name is familiar," Phil said, rolling the name around in his head, and by that process, cooling off. "Don't think I've ever met him. No . . . he's wanted by Cardinal Rezo's men. They've been searching for him. Have warrants plastered all over the damned place for him. You, too, of course."

"Phil, listen," Lina said, waving off the previous conversation. "It must make you feel impossibly safe and comfortable living here in the heart of a wonderful city which has friendly ties stretching all around the world. However, just name a kingdom and the Red Guard has cleared all the magic users there, carried by your navy, or the one from Atlas City, subduing the natives and teaching them the ways of the White Shrine whether they wished to learn it or not, or disposed of anyone who doesn't sign on with them. Like the Cepheid tribes in the mountains–"

"And the beast men, don't forget them, Lina," Gourry added.

"Right," she said with a push to his chest reminding him to let her do all the talking. "And that includes the Capriones, a peaceful people who like to keep to themselves but have become Rezo's scapegoats for everything people are afraid of because the Capriones have the courage to stand up to Rezo and fight."

Her voice was charged with emotion. What she said was true, and it startled Philionel and made him feel suddenly artificial, violated, and rather pompous. He heard a discreet clearing of the throat over his shoulder, and turned to see his beloved brother at his elbow.

(O)

Xelloss gave Zelgadiss and Amelia as long together in the privacy of his tent as possible without pushing his luck and having his subterfuge exposed. He didn't trust his disguise to work in the light of day for long, so he dashed head down to their tent– his tent- brushing past the sleepy looking boy on guard duty who, in turn, scarcely noticed the "shaman" out of the corner of his eye.

"Sorry, but better me showing up unannounced than mother discovering our deception," Xelloss whispered, by way of explanation.

"Naturally," Zelgadiss said, unperturbed. "We were dressed and expecting you."

Amelia surprised Xelloss by squeezing him in an excited hug. "Thank you, Mr. Xelloss, for everything. Like a fairytale, just like you promised. I'll never forget what you've done for us."

Xelloss' eyebrows rose into his straight, dark bangs. "Memorable night, I take it?" he said, his smile wry.

"Mr. Xelloss!" she said, her tone angry, but her face breaking into a smile. "I was being serious."

He chuckled and shook his head. "I understand and you are welcome. I'd say it was my pleasure, but since it was Zel's and not mine, well–"

Zelgadiss sighed audibly, and changed the subject wishing to save Amelia from further embarrassment. He had loved his princess and considered her his wife, so now it was his duty to protect her from Xelloss teasing.

"We should exchange clothes quickly," he said. "Sylphiel will soon be here, and it is already getting crowded."

Amelia smiled at him gratefully and she turned her back, although Xelloss had already dropped his cloak and was ripping off the beige tunic belonging to Zel, giving her the opportunity to notice how nicely toned his body was. It was, however, the man inside the scared skin that appealed to her. Her heart was filled with Zelgadiss and no room for another.

"Now, if only we can fix things between you and Miss Lina," Amelia said. "Then possibly we could have a real fairytale ending, the romantic part."

"I believe that's possible to do also, but first we have your Mr. Zelgadiss to fix up! We'll go to your place, where your supplies are and pick Sylphiel up along the way," Xelloss said.

"Makes sense," Zel replied, trading pants. "Lina found out somehow?"

"Oh, my...well, yes, just before she took off with Gourry she snuck over to your tent. She was going to invite you along with her and Gourry, and found me instead." Xelloss smiled a sly little smile.

"Nice girl," Zelgadiss said.

"I think so," Xelloss agreed, hiding his flushed face.

Amelia and Zelgadiss traded knowing looks. Xelloss was self-conscious and finding it difficult to express his feelings about Lina.

"Xelloss, finding it in your heart to love and be loved is wonderful. I'm happy for you," Amelia said.

His expression was a little sickly, as if her outpouring of emotion was too much for him.

"Thank you," he said simply, ending the discussion.

Once dressed, Xelloss summoned the servant who had been guarding the entry to his tent all night.

"One more job for you, then you can take the rest of the day off."

"Thank you, prince. What can I do?" the boy asked.

"Zelgadiss has invited us for breakfast at his tent. Would you have some trays delivered over there for me?" Xelloss asked.

"Certainly! Now?"

"Yes, then get some rest." Xelloss winked at him, causing the boy to blush before nodding and hurrying off.

"Okay, guys, let's go get Sylphiel and get down to the business of the day."

Food eaten and cleared away, the four friends began the process which they hoped would remove Zelgadiss' disfiguring scars. They collected and ordered all the prescribed potions and herbs and turned to the applicative pages in the Claire Bible.

"The pointed ears and silver hair can go, too," Zelgadiss reminded them with a wry smile. "But if the superior hearing stays, I wouldn't mind."

"Oh, I don't know if we can be so specific, Zelgadiss," Sylphiel said in all seriousness.

"I think Mr. Zelgadiss was joking, Miss Sylphiel," Amelia said.

Sylphiel made a pouty face at him. "You are too sarcastic for me," she said, and then scanned the relevant pages of the Claire Bible.

"Done?" Xelloss asked, holding out his hand for the book. "I'll keep that safe."

The moment she placed the book in his hand, it disappeared, whether by slight-of-hand tricks or magic, you couldn't tell, causing her to gasp and move away.

Zelgadiss shook his head, amused by Xelloss' antics, as he settled horizontally on his bed, cloak and shoes off. Staring up at Amelia and Xelloss, he said, "If you're done with the theatrics, I'm ready. No, wait. Someone's coming."

"Hello!"

"Mother, come in," Xelloss said, recognizing her voice.

It wasn't his tent, but she would expect her son to address her and not Zelgadiss, whom she regarded as his property. Xelloss stepped closer to Amelia and placed his hand on her shoulder in an affectionate gesture at the last moment.

"So here's where everyone is gathered, I see. Pleasant night?" she looked at Amelia and then to Xelloss, their expressions must have satisfied her curiosity because she rattled on before either could answer her. "Well, not everyone is here."

"Valgaav and Filia left the settlement last night," Xelloss said. If he noticed her rising temper, his only reaction was to be calm. "An action you approved which will bring the mountain Cepheid tribes to our aid."

"If they are successful," Zelas snapped. "Yes, their absence is obvious. I want to know where Lina Inverse is. She's not one to casually miss a meal."

Xelloss smiled in spite of himself. "No, she wouldn't do that. You're right. She was restless in camp. Gourry has taken her for a ride and likely a picnic. I wouldn't expect them back until nightfall, though most likely not until tomorrow."

Zelas' eyes narrowed, searching her son's for a possible deception, but since there was none, she found none. Xelloss hadn't told her the complete story, nor had he lied outright.

"I shall expect her at dinner then," she said. "Or breakfast at latest."

A smile returned to her face, chilling Amelia and Sylphiel to the bone with its evil intent. "They would make a smart match," Zelas said as her eyes riveted to Xelloss'. "I approve of it, should he ask you first. You will encourage them in the matter."

Sylphiel pressed a hand to her mouth to suppress a gasp. She was engaged to Gourry apparently without his mother's approval or, obviously, even her knowledge. And now it was Lina the woman expected him to marry! What could she do? Or Gourry? Xelloss was the eldest brother, the most powerful, and he was afraid of defying Zelas. Certainly Gourry could not.

Zelas noticed the reaction, relishing the shock and anguish her decisions seemed to bring the priestess visitors. "What is the matter dear?"

Sylphiel felt Xelloss straighten his back next to her, fearing for what she might say, so she did her quickest thinking. "Oh, I... it's just... Well, you see, I don't believe that it is right to force loveless marriages upon anyone, even political ones, ah... ma'am," she added in deference to Zelas' position.

"Who says it would be loveless?" the woman asked, laughing. "You innocent priestesses must think we're barbarians!"

"Only you," Zelgadiss hissed in a low voice.

Xelloss said loud enough to cover Zel's muttering, "Gourry is performing his duty to me, his brother, entertaining our guest while I attend this procedure."

"Procedure?" Zelas' attention was diverted to the gathering closest to her.

"We are going to rid Mr. Zelgadiss of his scars," Amelia said.

"How thoughtful of you, but impossible. You will have to kill him to do that. Still, if it gives you the satisfaction of being useful, go ahead." Zelas smiled dazzlingly then left the tent with a swish of long skirts and tinkle of bracelets.

Sylphiel let out her breath. "I forgot she'd be my mother-in-law. And it seems Gourry-dear forgot to tell her about us. Xelloss, what should I do?"

End Capriones, Chapter Twenty.