Chapter 12
Avalon
Alya watched a battalion of soldiers ride off toward the village cursed by the witch, she smiled apprehensively, wishing she was riding out there with them, knowing she promised to remain behind. From the city's wall she witnessed her advisor leading them, flanked by Aron; all of it an impressive display with only one exception, Aron's constant turning head to see his home fade into the distance. Alya laughed softly at it, because Aron was so hesitant on volunteering for anything and hated to leave his home; she looked on thoughtfully at them and when they were out of her sight she turned to leave the wall, nodding to the men who stood guard before she walked down stopping by Gimli at the base of the steps.
"Is all well, Queen Alya?" His pipe was between his lips, smoke rising from it.
"Yes, Gimli. All is quite well. Is there something I can do for you?'
"No, I was just doing as you offered, going wherever I wish." Gimli let out a puff of smoke.
"Then enjoy yourself, Master Dwarf. We have a market starting soon; you might enjoy some of the items being sold." She smiled and headed again toward the palace.
The walk did not take long and those she passed were busy at their own jobs, a sight she always enjoyed, just like the market itself. She passed by several vendors who were setting up their covered tables and stopped to have a conversation with them; mostly to get some insight on what they were dealing with and what they would like to see. She continued on until she saw Boromir in the distance, he appeared to be looking for her and that's when she remembered what she told him about the horses. She waved to the vendors, hoping she didn't seem rude for leaving so abruptly before leaving to meet with her guest.
"Morning." She smiled as she walked up, "Sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you. If you are unable to show me…"
"No, I gave my word, besides it'll keep my mind off the battalion that just left." She walked on, moving intuitively through the streets, bypassing the worst of the foot traffic till they both reached the stables. "These are my personal favorites. I was given them in one of the worlds we'd been sent to. They were the last of their kind or so I was led to believe." She entered the dimly lit stables only to find Tobes was at the other end, checking on one of the horses.
"Is there a problem, Mister Tobes?"
"No, M'Lady. I was just doing what I was allowed. The horses are fine." The comment was met with a nod. "I'll leave you to what you need." He bowed and walked out, bowing his head to Boromir as he passed.
She led her guest to an enclosure with a tan colored horse inside; its mane was pure white. When she looked back she laughed at the look on Boromir's face; he appeared unimpressed, "The horse has its attributes, they are more easily seen outside in the sun." She allowed the stable boy to bring the horse out, leading it by its reins. "Come on. Oh and can you have Saracen ready?"
"Already done my Queen." The stable boy bowed, "I will bring him out, right now."
She walked out of the stable and as she said the sun showed Boromir what was so impressive; the horse almost seemed to have a golden sheen to it making Boromir smile in awe. The horse moved as if to allow the light to catch its coat perfectly, almost knowing that Boromir found it beautiful. "Remarkable coloring." He moved in and stroked the horse's neck.
"See." Alya smiled. "Shall we take a ride?"
Boromir nodded and took the reins from her, his hand touching hers slightly, making Jora, who was a short distance from them become giddy. "Thank you, M'Lady."
She moved to her own horse which had a similar sheen over its blackened coat, "This is my Saracen, had him since he was a colt." She rubbed his neck before getting into the saddle. "I think a ride south would be good, it's a bit safer of an area." Boromir nodded to the suggestion and followed the Queen through the city.
The ride to the city's entrance required passing many of the vendors who were still setting up for the market which was already filled with people looking at the items being sold; every item from leathers and pelts to unusual items which bore no resemblance to Boromir's knowledge were put out on tables that lined the cobblestone streets. They rode slowly to the heavy doors of the city, finding around 20 men waiting for them some were men from their first meeting not to long ago, while others were some he'd never seen. They all seemed ready for any altercation, and Boromir had to wonder if they were hoping something would occur.
"They will ride with us?" He smiled as he rode next to Alya.
"It's the burden of being Queen, I'm told." She looked over to him smiling. "We could try outrunning them if you prefer?"
"Could we?"
"No. They are raised to ride. They were raised to protect me, if I need it." She spoke calmly, riding behind 8 of them who went through the gateway first, another 4 followed beside them, while the rest rode behind in reserve.
"Hopefully, we won't need it." The comment was met with a nod from Alya who looked over as they moved to a more open area to the south of the city walls.
"Should we make the attempt?"
"I could protect you if necessary, M'Lady." Boromir barely noticed the slight blush that crossed Alya's face, making him smile slightly.
"With all you know, do you believe I need protecting?" She looked over, the blush gone.
Boromir chuckled softly, "So you are a soldier first?"
"Born and raised around them. It's in my blood." She smiled uncontrollable when Boromir smiled at her comment.
"Then we must test your skill with a sword. Later?" To his delight she nodded.
They moved into more open areas, this time moving up before the men that rode, making Boromir question their reasons for it. "They are allowing us to move out ahead?"
"I'll let you in on a secret." She paused. "I don't like having babysitters." She laughed and kicked her horse into a full gallop, leaving Boromir to catch up, which he did in mere moments. Her men held back a bit, allowing them space, but not completely leaving sight.
"They ride beautifully." He caught up as she slowed to a cantor.
"Which is why they're my favorites. So do you feel lost still?"
Boromir shook his head, smiling, "Hopefully it lasts."
"Sometimes people feel that when they arrive here. I'm told that just being on these lands is a help."
"So no one leaves?"
Alya laughed, "They leave, it's just this place seems to heal them. Gives them a new perspective on their path."
"We'll see then." The rode on for a bit, "You aren't from here, I'm told."
"No. We came through a closed passage. We closed it in fact. When we got here we discovered a prophecy these people believed in. The prophecy happened to speak of new protectors to these lands. We chose to make ourselves those people."
"But you were the protectors. If you hadn't been then you wouldn't have made it this far." He suggested, and was startled to hear her laugh.
"I'm sorry, I don't necessarily believe in prophecy or visions."
"I've never known a world without them."
"But haven't you ever questioned whether the visions happen because of what is supposed to occur or do they happen to make it occur?"
Boromir thought for a moment, "I hadn't." He was truly now questioning it. "So you mean they might occur just to make something happen?"
"I don't know. I analyze everything and I may actually be wrong. I don't want you to question what you've known." She smiled and kept riding. "Here." She pulled out the bag the woman gave her, inside was a hard barrel shaped objects, but its hue was a soft red color.
"What's this?"
"It's candy, my weakness." She put a piece in her mouth, but Boromir declined, making her put the bag back into her saddlebag. "If you want one, ask."
Road to Destiny
Emerging through the pass in the mountains of Zeripher the battalion set up outside the village of the same name, ready to protect the townspeople from themselves. An almost comical thought for many of the soldiers, but it was their order and they would follow it without fail because their Queen asked for it.
They moved within the small village and set themselves up as planned, along various areas so they could do their jobs as needed; the people of the area looking on in question of their actions; they kept their weapons sheathed, but at the ready, smiling as people passed them.
Aron watched and when Navarre looked back to him and nodded he went in search of his intended target. He rode out passed the houses that dotted the land and reached a small foot path, making him dismount and go on by foot. A bag at his shoulder kept close to his hand for quick use; he walked over and around various small natural obstacles all of which took him close to an hour before he saw the waterfall which was the beginnings of the safe haven she'd created for herself.
"So that's your game, young wizard." She smiled, her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, knowing his arrival was imminent and knowing any attempt on the villagers would be thwarted by the guards she saw in her vision she chose another means to cause pain. "Perhaps an attack on one your care so greatly for will change the tide." She closed her eyes, murmuring something yet again, upon opening them her eyes appeared like black orbs, her lips turning a similar color.
Aron moved through the rocky and mossy passage feeling the spell that his adversary sent out, but he was unable to determine who it was meant for which was a source of mild agony for him; he shook it off and moved on so she couldn't do more against anyone else. At this point his determination grew out of that knowledge and he pushed onward, further into the woods.
Zeripher
Navarre looked out into the air, "She's made her attack." He looked to the guards, "Be ready." They stood looking for the danger, but nothing came to those that were near them. The spell did not touch anyone within the village and the guards would find no need to be there, save to give those who understood a feeling of security. They were left to question every look at was thrown at them and every person who chose to move close, worried that everyone might attack them or others at some point.
"Who did she attack, Lord Navarre?" One of the soldiers questioned, but no return response came, just Navarre closing his eyes to the thoughts running through his head and shuddering at them.
Avalon
Riding through the countryside, Boromir looked back to see one of the Queen's guard moving up quickly, no longer flanked by the others who still rode at a distance from them. He became oddly aware of his arrival just by the way the man rode and decided to confront the man first, blocking his path and noticing a strange hue to his almond shaped eyes and jet black hair which was cut close to his head.
"It's fine, General Boromir, this is Jin." She turned unaware of what Boromir was seeing, surprised by the confrontation taking shape. In that moment Jin threw a dagger at her, missing her head only because she rolled off Saracen backwards. Her feet landed on the earth, but she faltered slightly giving her attacker an advantage. She righted her stance and pulled her sword within seconds while her guards attempted to close the distance to protect her from her own man.
Boromir moved in his way again, pulling his own sword, but Jin was quick to take action; his blade a lighter made weapon was already slashing at the visitors face and nearly making contact had it not been for Alya throwing something from her pocket to the ground, an object that made a popping sound with it struck, that made Jin's horse rear up and drop him down behind before it bucked away. He got to his feet again, the spell still affecting him he headed for Alya with a single purpose and she could do little more than defend herself though she cringed at the thought of killing one of her most loyal.
"Jin?" She attempted to make him aware of his actions, moved back and yet in the ready for his attack. He moved fast, but as he swung his sword another sword blocked it; Boromir was once again attempting to protect her, they moved in a dueling dance that would have been impressive if it hadn't been for Jin's other fighting abilities; he knocked Boromir off his feet and was ready to swing when Alya hit Jin's face with the handle of her sword, dropping the man to his knee before she finished it off connecting her knee to his face.
"I don't want him dead." She turned back to Boromir, frantic at what was happening.
"He attempted to kill you." Boromir stood up, "Why?" The confusion was apparent.
"He's under the witch's spell." She pointed at her attacker just as the others began to move in, but Jin had recovered far too quickly and was about to strike again when he felt Boromir's blade slide in between his ribs; blood trickled down his chin as he looked at her. Alya, in shock, backed up instantly she knew it had to be done, but she wished Jin did not have to meet his fate this way.
Jin dropped to his knees followed by Alya, tears welling in her eyes as her friend died slowly in front of her. "I'm sorry, my friend." She whispered, but Jin, still under the spell made one more attempt, this time he was taken down by the other guards and killed.
Boromir rushed over scooping her up to her feet and moving her away. "I'm sorry, M'Lady…"
She shook her head still in shock, "You had to. He wasn't strong enough to fight her." She turned away, tears streaming down her cheeks, "You have no reason to apologize. I…he's been with me since the start." She looked back at the body of the man who'd been beside her through the worst she'd seen and she began to shake, tears falling more rapidly.
"M'Lady, are you hurt?" Another guard moved up.
"She's shaken by what happened and we need to take her back to Avalon now. Have some men take care of her friend."
"He deserves a proper funeral." She spoke, trying to hold back her still falling tears.
"Yes, Sir. Yes M'Lady." The man bowed. "Cresson, Lanimer, get some men together and take the Queen and her guest home. See to it they arrive safely, as is your duty." The men bowed. "The rest of you four help me with our brother." He moved quickly to do as he was ordered.
Boromir helped Alya to her horse, "I am sorry, M'Lady. Could I change it…"
"There is no need for apologies General, please. I'm fortunate you were able to, I doubt I could have." She mounted Saracen while Boromir did the same on his own horse and then they rode off toward the city once more.
Witch's Den
Aron made the clearing, he gasped for air, feeling what had been done he was incensed and filled with hatred for the witch who was exiting her cabin at that moment to face him. She saw him and smiled, "You aren't even at your full potential, young wizard." She blew at her hand and a fireball moved at Aron who blocked it, sending it back at her cabin which ignited into a blaze.
"You attack my queen? Coward" He then spoke in a language unknown to her as the ground broke open sending vines up and around her body to hold her in place, their thorns digging into her white skin. She spoke words, but they failed and when she looked at her adversary she saw his eyes glow red, something she didn't expect. "You take her friends lives." He was no longer himself and his skin had become a pale white which glowed slightly in the sunlight, "You kill yourself."
"You are…" He stopped her words with some more of his own and she turned to dust, screaming out in agonizing pain as she stood there.
When it finished Aron collapsed panting hard, his eyes changing back to their normal color, his skin to its normal pallor. He looked around, sweat dripping from his forehead and neck; there was no more danger there. He staggered as he rose and moved to a small stream, scooping cold river water into his hands and splashing his face till the sweat and water were as one; he smiled looking up to the sky, happy at his victory and aware of his actions.
Zeripher
"It is finished." Navarre looked toward the witch's den, smiling and unaware of where the spell actually landed or who it affected with its touch. He moved around the village, checking on each man that stood guard, happy they had no need to force their agendas on the people. "He's won." The celebration though did not happen, though every guard wanted to. They knew their Queen would want to honor the victor herself and that's when the celebration would begin.
Avalon
Riding back to the gates of Avalon she could not force a smile to anyone no matter who she came across and when she reached the palace she found more reason to suffer. Jora stood on the top step, she seemed smaller that normal and that's when Alya realized she stood there saddened and ashamed. "I did not…I could not stop it, M'Lady."
"What?" Alya dismounted and moved up the steps quickly, followed by Boromir. "Who was hurt? One of the guests?"
"Lelia." She paused. "She was protecting Maeve." She looked back, seeing Maeve walk out, beaten and bruised with dried blood in areas on her face.
"Maeve!" Alya moved to her, she wanted to hug the woman, but she knew she'd cause more pain for her. "What happened?"
"Taen. He attacked me." She looked down. "My own nephew." Her eyes filled with tears.
"Shhh. It was not him." She softly cupped the woman's face. "The witch did this, she cursed Jin as well, their actions were not their own." Alya wrapped her arms around her friend gingerly, as guards moved up along with Haldir and Legolas. "Make sure you take her to a room near mine. Please." They bowed and came forward.
"M'Lady, you do not have to…"
"Yes I do, and he will receive a soldier's burial. I swear it." Alya watched Maeve escorted in, not taking her eyes off the woman till she was out of sight. "What happened?" She turned back to Jora, eyes welling slightly again.
"He went mad, I heard a voice, but didn't know where it came from." She looked down in shame, "I made attempts, but he…Lelia rushed in and attacked him, trying to defend Maeve, that's when he…he…drove his knife in." The words dried her mouth out.
Boromir looked down, saddened by the news, helpless to do anything to stop it. "We should head in, M'Lady. You need to care for Maeve." He moved next to her and she nodded allowing him to escort her inside, his arm around her shoulder gripping her arm gently.
Alya stopped at the doorway, "Make certain the girl is given a heroes burial. Taen also have one. And anyone that tries to blame him or Jin for any of this, needs to speak with me." Her hatred was apparent before she moved in.
Boromir walked her to the steps and stopped watching her ascend them; her sadness was so strong it filled the palace. Gimli moved up beside him with Gandalf nearby. "She will be fine. She's dealt with more death than you can conceive, Boromir." Gimli watched with him till she too was not in view.
Boromir nodded at the comment before he walked outside again to await the other guards and the return of the fallen. His fist clenched, anger rose in him that he could do nothing to stop this and hoping Aron had been able to.
"A child shouldn't see so much death." Gimli looked at his friend.
"None should, but we do and she will again." Gandalf moved outside to join Boromir knowing the man needed some measure of comfort at this point as well.
Jora moved swiftly through the palace and out the back, her steps so certain she could have almost flown. She was determined to do her Queen's bidding, especially since she could not stop the attack earlier, that's when she stopped a moment and sniffled; she'd become so accustomed to the girl she actually wished she'd felt the blade and allowed her to live, but she knew she could not and she shook the sadness from her so she could continue on.
She rushed to the undertaker's business and went inside unannounced, "The Queen requires a funeral. For 3 of the Queen's heroes."
"3?" The man stood, his salt and pepper hair showing his age. "Of course. Who were they?"
Jora explained much of what occurred and in the end she once again held back tears, leaving the man shocked by it all. "Can you accommodate?"
"For the Queen, anything." He moved away and began what was needed. "Have them bring the bodies, if you will."
Jora bowed to the man and left, she shuffled now across the cobblestone and stopped, tears now streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. She looked toward the sky, blinking back the tears, "You will receive great honors, little Lelia, I promise it. You will see the hunting grounds and feel the love you should have had in your short life." She shook her head and walked back in, stopping at the kitchen to give an order for Maeve and the Queen's meal.
Zeripher
Aron made his way back to the village and when the people saw him they knew he'd accomplished his feat, they waved and cheered as he passed, but all he could muster was a slight smile and wave; knowing who'd suffered from the last spell she cast.
"You did well, Aron." Navarre walked up, "I felt the spell, but it did not take."
"It did, Navarre." He looked down, "I was late. She cast it in the direction of Avalon and Jin."
"Jin?"
"He attacked M'Lady, beyond that I do not know. Another attacked within the palace, but again I do not know the victim just that Taen was affected." Aron looked at the men who stopped dead in their tracks.
"We have to ride home." One commented.
"The Queen gave specific orders, we will obey them." Navarre felt a pang of guilt. "We can't provide assistance for her at this point and with the witch dead she can cast no more."
"He's right. I don't believe the Queen is dead, just in pain. I don't know who else was affected by it." He looked to Navarre knowing that if the Elf felt it necessary he'd ride his horse into the ground for Alya.
"Go about your duties and we will leave come sun up." The men nodded and moved out, leaving Navarre to question his order himself.
"She is uninjured, physically."
Navarre nodded, "But who else was injured?"
"It's unknown, Lord Navarre." Aron moved away and into a tent, falling onto a makeshift bed that sat in the middle of it, falling fast asleep exhausted from the mission and the toll it took on him.