They had to shield their eyes from the sun when they emerged into the open air, and the wind still hadn't died down in the many hours they had spent inside the Temple of Pyrynn. Ilchymis seemed to be in high spirits, toting around the first of six crystals; Cupil had finally coiled into the ring and slid itself back onto the mage's finger. Domingo was still glancing all around quickly, taking everything in as though seeing it for the first time, and Lawrence brought up the rear of their small entourage, looking surly and annoyed.
That was before they had descended the enormous pyramidal staircase to find a swarm of Valuan soldiers awaiting them, all with weapons drawn and shouting orders for them to put their hands in the air.
"What's going on?" Domingo asked Lawrence in a whisper, even as he held up his hands in a symbol of surrender.
"I'm not sure," Lawrence growled back, dark eyes surveying their captors with obvious loathing. "But I'm willing to bet it's got something to do with him."
As he said this the mercenary tilted his head to indicate Ilchymis, who had neither raised his hands nor moved to join the Valuans. Even as they watched, the ranks of soldiers parted and a lone figure swept up through the aisle to join them. It was a beautiful woman, very shapely with a magnificent wave of auburn hair and piercing green eyes that were of an alluring almond shape; Domingo's jaw dropped a little at the sight of her, and Lawrence's jaw went rigid. As she approached, Ilchymis's face displayed the smallest of disapproving frowns; she dipped a little bow before straightening and addressing them. "Ilchymis! The Empress has been searching for you for nearly two weeks now. I must admit that I did not expect to find you out here, of all places! Are you quite well?"
Ilchymis returned the bow, but his eyes never left hers. "Admiral Belleza. Thank you for your concern, but I am quite well. May I inquire as to your presence here?"
"I would have thought that to be obvious," Belleza answered with a simpering smile. "I've come for the Red Moon Crystal, on Lord Galcian's orders." It was then that she seemed to notice the slightly bulging knapsack slung over the mage's shoulder, and she added, "I don't suppose you've seen it, High Mage?"
He did not answer her outright, merely kept his face impassive and said quietly, "I'll thank you not to address me with that title, Admiral, as it is no longer accurate."
For the first time since her appearance, Belleza stopped smiling. "It is true, then, that you are now opposing the empire?"
Lawrence and Domingo were both looking curiously at their new companion, who seemed to think things over for a moment before replying, "Yes, it is true."
There was silence for many moments, then Belleza advanced another step and held out her hand. "Give it to me, Ilchymis. You have no power here, and you are hopelessly outnumbered." Her large green eyes flickered momentarily to the broadsword resting on Lawrence's hip, and the kukris and crossbow Domingo carried. "Even a mage of your talents could not wipe out a score of soldiers and myself with a single spell. Hand over the crystal, and we'll let you walk away unharmed."
Ilchymis seemed to be weighing his options very carefully. The last thing he wanted was for Valua to come into possession of the first crystal, especially after he had labored so hard to recover it, but the presence of Lawrence and Domingo complicated things. Had he been on his own he would have refused and attempted to escape, but now that he had companions he could not do that and expect for them all to get away safely. It was not for him to decide the fates of his new friends; with a heavy sigh Ilchymis hefted the knapsack, then handed it to the gleeful-looking fourth admiral.
"Thank you very much indeed, Ilchymis," she said mockingly, flashing another gorgeous smile before turning on her heel and sweeping up through the parted soldier ranks. To them she ordered, "Back to my flagship. Our work is completed here."
As they filed out obediently after her, Domingo rounded on Ilchymis and lost his temper completely. "What's the matter with you? How could you just let them have it? You told us that those crystals have the power to destroy the world!"
Ilchymis seemed highly displeased himself, but took a much calmer attitude in retrospect. "That is true, but if I know Grand Admiral Galcian, he will not act until he has all six crystals in his possession. Giving away the first is a heavy blow, but one we can recover from; if we can keep just one from him, we can thwart his plans indefinitely."
Lawrence's face was the color of sour milk. "Did you just say we? As in you, me, and Big-shot, we?"
Domingo scowled at the helmsman; a small smile curled up Ilchymis's lips.
"Ah, yes, well. . . I had merely assumed that, in your quest for riches, you would accompany me. It is quite possible that, in my search for the Moon Crystals, I will run astray of so many precious items that I will not know how to react. And just look at you two! You plundered the fabled Temple of Pyrynn just to gain wealth! If you are willing to do something that foolish, following me should not seem so far-fetched!"
The treasure hunter seemed excited as Ilchymis finished his little speech; he thrust out a hand, and the mage shook it with the first real grin they had seen him use on his face. Now Lawrence's face was a nasty shade of purple. "I refuse to take on yet another rag-tag partner! It's bad enough that I'm stuck with you!"
But Domingo was already leading Ilchymis away in the direction of the tethered Seeker, chatting amiably. Lawrence distinctly heard the treasure hunter say, "I think we should just leave him here in the desert, don't you, Ilchymis?"
Lawrence growled, clutched great fistfuls of his hair in sheer frustration, then hurried to catch up, cursing with every step.
Lady Lanet: You know me - you never have to wait long when I'm in control. XD
Empyrean: Welcome back, and glad I've still got your interest. Yes, Lawrence is a jerk. But every good story needs one of those characters in it somewhere, and I should like to think that this is a good story. Vyse, Aika, and Fina? Who are they? Heehee.
Meowzy-chan:I was very fond of that line, too. Lawrence just can't win. As for SoA World, go ahead and post it. Just be sure to put up my penname, and include my e-mail address so I can get messages from fans, in case they've ever got something to say. I appreciate your support!
Silver Kidia: I do that too, haha. Hmm...with the eventual additions of Centime and Alfonso, the crew will be full. I don't expect Gilder will ever make an appearance, but of course you'll see De Loco quite a bit in the Ixa'taka sequences. I'll do something special with him in it just for you; give me a few chapters.
That's it for now; I promised Meowzy-chan that I would write a bit with Alfonso, so expect that to be next. We've also got to catch up with Centime...see you all soon, and thanks for the reviews!