A/N: Yay, the ruler divider is finally working again! Nice to know that something is going well for someone. As for myself, well, let's just say that the stressful year end examinations atmosphere is getting to me. That's probably why I developed a mental blockk about this story. Sorry for the late update! And thanks to all reviewers, since your reviews are what keeps me writing.
dustigrey143 - No, Aleron didn't die. He'll appear again soon. Also, Dorilynn is wiser because she has been through life once already! Like all Companions who are not Groveborn, in fact. And only Heralds have Companiona because that is the special distinguishing feature about them. Heralds wouldn't be Heralds without their Companions. Rannael acts like an anchor for Kerrayrlia in that he gives her a focus to hold on to when she lets loose her Gifts, so that she won't become out of control. It gives her a link in her mind to reality. And Zarien overextend his Gift by using too much of it at once; it's like having to read finish a thick stack of notes all in one go. As for Rethwellan, it's a country just south of Valdemar, next to Karse, I think. I'm not very sure of that because I don't have any of Mercedes' maps with me. And I apologise for my poor phrasing, but the loud cry that Zarien heard did not come from himself, it came from the Dean. And as to the Companion's speed, Companions can move very fast, many times faster than an ordinary horse, which is already faster than most humans. And after all, Heralds are still humans, though they may be a bit special.
Neverfall - Thanks for pointing out that error. I shall change it sometime when I feel like it... Hopefully, that will be soon :P And I wouldn't be so bad as to keep everyone hanging for months! That's plain evil! And I'm afraid I won't be able to update too soon after this. Blame the teachers for their huge pile of homework. Sorry to disappoint you. Oh yes, are you still Nightstorm k'Vala? Why the sudden name change? (This probably tells you that I read your 'A Fairly Normal Choosing'. It's quite a funny story.)
icewolf325 - Nice to see that you've created an account :) And I will continue this story, you won't be able to stop me even if you want to :P
silver brilliance - Derrik is not someone you should feel sorry for. I don't like him. And thanks for taking time off your revision to review.
Chapter 18 Darkness at Dawn
Kerrayrlia leaned back and gave a contented sigh. Blinking slightly against the glow of the candles, she nestled more snugly against Zarien's shoulders. It was just before dawn, and both of them were currently cuddled up together in Kerrayrlia's room. Zarien had crept into the room some minutes ago, all dressed up in his Formal Greys. Thankfully, Kerrayrlia did not have a room mate yet, or things would have been awkward. Looking up, she saw that Zarien had closed his eyes and seemed to be smiling to himself. What is it, Zarien? You look very satisfied with yourself.
Zarien blinked once and opened his bright grey eyes. Hmm……like the cat that got all the cream you mean? And why shouldn't I be satisfied, love? We captured both the mage and the assassin, so Valdemar is for the time being out of immediate danger. And, the love of my life, the most beautiful and charming Trainee of all, is currently nestled against me…
Kerrayrlia reached up and pinched Zarien on his left cheek. Most beautiful and charming! You shameless flatterer, did you spend the rest of the previous night thinking up flowery things to say to me? Zarien laughed, the rich, almost tangible sound caressing Kerrayrlia's person. Well, I couldn't sleep last night because of the reaction-headache so I might as well do something useful, right?
Serious now, and deeply concerned, Kerrayrlia spoke out loud, "Ran told me about the possibility of an acute headache if a Herald uses a Gift too strongly and frequently. Is your reaction-headache serious? Does it still hurt now? Maybe we should skip the interrogation session. Let's go and see 'Ritia. She's a Healer, and I'm sure she will be able to do something for your headache."
A quick grimace passed over Zarien's face. "A Healer? Gods, don't make me see a Healer. The two types of people that Heralds are afraid of are Companions and Healers." The last was said in a decidedly mournful tone. Kerrayrlia retorted, "Well, 'Ritia told me once that the worst patient a Healer could have would be either a Healer or a Herald."
"Well, she must know Heralds very well then. Let's see……'Ritia……you've mentioned her before." Kerrayrlia nodded, as best as she could from her relaxed position. "Her full name is Liritia Falker. She's a Healer Trainee and my best friend." A shadow passed over Zarien's face as Kerrayrlia started describing Liritia's looks and personality to him. He caught an image of Liritia from the huge warmth of feelings that Kerrayrlia had towards her. That girl……he had seen her before, albeit a younger version of her…
He was dragged out of his thoughts when Kerrayrlia scowled at him mentally. I know what you're trying to do. Don't try to change the topic, Zarien. We'll find 'Ritia now. As soon as she said it, she pushed herself up from Zarien's comforting warmth. After smoothing away the wrinkles in her formals, she clasp her lover's hands firmly and started to try to pull him up. At last, Zarien relented and stood up smiling. The smile slowly faded however, when he realized Kerrayrlia was serious.
Gently, he took hold of her shoulders in his hands. His eyes flashed intensely as he spoke quietly, "I have to attend the trial, love. I want to witness the proceedings…"Kerrayrlia's face was expressionless. After a while, she slowly nodded. "Let's go," she whispered softly, staring up into her lover's eyes. "The trial should start soon."
As they started towards the door, Zarien glanced back at the sky beyond the windows. "A trial at dawn……And of such characters too…Do you miss writing songs, love? When this ends, maybe you can write one about the whole dark plot and the trial. Oh, and the song can be titled 'Darkness at Dawn'." Nodding thoughtfully, Kerrayrlia did not say a word. The title was apt indeed.
As Jisa entered her husband's cleared out study, she could not help noticing that the atmosphere was notably tense. Gifted with Empathy, she found the mood in the room uncomfortable and stifling. To prevent herself from getting too caught up in the emotional storm brewing, she slammed down her strongest shields over her Gift.
Treven had entered the room just in front of her. Turning his head back, he took her hands and led her to a pair of chairs made of mahogany wood and soft cream-coloured cushions. This pair of chairs was strategically located facing the doorway, at the head of the semi-circle of the ring of chairs, which surrounded a single chair in the center of the room.
Glancing around, Jisa saw that everyone was already seated. Seated to her immediate right was the Lord Marshal, sporting a stern, grim-faced countenance. In contrast, the two lovers seated next to him, Zarien and Kerrayrlia, though by no means light-hearted, exuded an aura of exuberance the only a recently lifebonded pair could have. Both looked smart in their formal uniforms, though Jisa could not comprehend why they would want to dress up for a trial.
But then, Chosen, you've never understood the need for dressing up, have you? I remember you wearing that awful brown-coloured rustic tunic when you were young… Jisa's lips curved into a smile. She had been the extreme opposite of her biological father in that aspect; ever the peacock, her father had always dressed beautifully, except when he was on field duty. Her smile widened as she caught sight of the Seneschal, who was seated on Treven's left. As always, he was gaudily, yet impeccably dressed. He could have given Father some serious competition…
A tentative tap on her shield interrupted her thoughts. Teacher-mine? You seem very preoccupied with something. Worried about the trial? She let her gaze wander over the rest of the people in attendance, which included two more full Heralds in Whites, as she shook her head mentally. Zarien's Gift was getting quite strong, since he was able to catch her feelings despite the full shields she had. Lifting away some of the shields, Jisa reached out to Zarien. I would be lying if I said I wasn't, and both of us can't lie mind-to-mind. But I'm not really preoccupied. Just thinking about how smart you're looking in your Formals, little devil.
Zarien was about to say more when the great mahogany doors opened, hinges creaking. Two Palace guards marched into the room with a prisoner pinioned between the both of them. Four more followed in their wake. Upon entering the room, one pair marched to take up positions behind the royal couple, while the other pair closed the doors and stood guard in the study, flanking it.
The prisoner, hands trussed up behind him, was seated in the chair at the center of the room and duly tied to the chair. Once secure, one of the Heralds stepped forward. Who's he? Kerrayrlia's mind voice was filled with curiosity. With a surprised chuckle, Zarien replied. His name is Arrowyd Qamra. He was quite a good friend to me when I was in my first year as a Trainee. He was in his final year then, I think. I've not seen him in years; not since he left for his internship training. After a pause, Zarien added, He's also one of the best with the second-stage Truth Spell.
Second-stage? This question was addressed to Rannael.Kerrayrlia was quite puzzled by this term, although she was quite familiar with the Truth Spell. Gently, Rannael explained, All Heralds can work the first-stage Truth Spell, Kerri. It's the only spell that Heralds can use. Some Heralds however, can use the second-stage Truth Spell. The difference is that the first-stage spell will only inform about whether a person's words is true but the second-stage Truth Spell can force the person to speak the truth.
Kerrayrlia listened to Rannael's explanation with interest. This was more information that she had never known before she became a Herald. She doubted that most Bards knew about this tidbit of information, since none of the songs about Heralds had never gone into this much detail. So, it was with avid interest that she watched Arrowyd cast the spell about the prisoner. As Arrowyd stepped back, the only difference she saw in the prisoner was the faint blue glow surrounding him.
King Treven cleared his throat. Features expressionless, he started questioning the prisoner in a firm and cold tone. "What is your name?" The prisoner's face was just as devoid of emotions as the king's. He certainly showed none of the feelings that Kerrayrlia would have expected from a man in his position. His words too, were almost disappointingly bland. "Derrik Vala."
King's Treven's next questions, however, drew everyone's attention. "What were you doing in the palace dungeons last night?" His face still blank, Derrik answered, "I was sent to silence Moris Ertiyn." An ominous silence followed this statement, as everyone contemplated how close they had been to losing their only evidence then.
After a while, King Treven continued the questioning. "Sent? By whom?" Derrik's face now flashed with emotions. Was that anger? Or was it fear? Kerrayrlia decided that it was a mix of both. "I was sent by my lord, Darcy Shyaman." As soon as the mastermind was revealed, the silence in the air became almost thick enough to swallow.
Whoosh, this chapter is a bit longer than previous ones. I hope to make up for the long period of silence after this...sorry to all readers, but I really got to try to pass my exams. Don't think that I like revision more than writing, as a matter of fact, I hate revision. :(
Keep the reviews coming though, it will help to push me into writing the next chapter :)