Magic's Dilemma

Magic's Dilemma

Summary: It would have happened sooner or later. A continuation of Vanyel's story had he not died.

Disclaimer: This Story stinks! The Valdemar stories rock! Do you really think they could have been written by the same person?! Well, anyways, this does not belong to me.

Chapter 5

The next day both Vanyel and Stefen set out to report directly to King Randale, but for completely different reasons. Stefen was going there to see how much of the pain his wild gift could ease. Vanyel, on the other hand, was going to report the battle and the destruction of the mass of the enemy forces in detail.

The guards by the audience chamber sighed with relief at the sight of Stefen and ushered him in with no delay. They then turned o regard Vanyel, seeming not to recognize him. After a few moments one of them jerked rapidly to attention and opened the door with a hastily executed bow, "Milord Herald-Mage." At this, the other guard also opened his door and bowed, though his face had turned bright red at not having recognized the living legend.

As soon as Vanyel entered the throne room he was shocked to see the state of the king. He had thought that the king ad looked unwell and frail last time he was there, but tat was nothing compared to his state now. His hair was completely white and thin somehow, with his skin stretched tight over his bones. Van had to take a few breaths to master himself before revealing his presence to the room, which was already filled with the sound of Stef's music.

After the Herald had announced him and he had responded with a fancy bow, he walked straight up to the king. He decided to make the discussion very brief and so rapidly outlined the events since he had left Haven. To the side of the thrown he could see Shavri, herself stretched thin due to the amount of energy it took her to keep Randale, her lifebonded, alive. After he had passed on what the King needed to know he excused himself as to allow others to approach Randale.

As soon as he was outside the hall, Y'fandes contacted him, "Come out to the companion's field. There is someone I want you to meet."

"I'm not sure I want to right now. This meeting has made me really upset. I JUST WISH I could help him. He's DYING and there is nothing anyone can do. It seems likely he will not even last the WEEK."

"Come. As you said, there is nothing you can do. This will make you feel better and THEN you can get back to you brooding."

"Fine, I'll change my boots and be there in a few."

In a few minutes Vanyel entered the companion's grove only to be surprised by the sight of Y'fandes with a small foal. "Good morning ladies. Please may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

"Of course. My name is Sayvil."

"Sayvil, that is a pleasant na… When were you born?"

"Were you really this thick? Of course I was born after you left. Ah it is good to see you again. I really have missed you!"

"Aunt, I have missed you also. I'm so sorry, it was my fault that you died in the first place," with this Van began to cry and knelt down to hug her.

"So I guess you still haven't stopped your routine of self-torture every time someone is hurt. This is not your fault. And that is FINAL."

After a bit, Y'fandes interrupted their reunion, "To allow you to know this we are breaking many rules, but her death broke you farther then you could admit. You needed this and Valdemar still needs you. It needs you at your best, not cracked with guilt. You will see her again, but for now you must head back to the palace."

"Farewell ladies, I will see you later," with that he turned and left the companion's field. As he left he heard a voice in his head, which sounded so different from his aunt, and yet was exactly the same, "Just go back back to your self-torture and brooding," followed by a feeling of laughter.

Please Review I know my writing stinks, but how else am I to improve it?