Chapter 13
Avalon
Alya walked out on the balcony from Maeve's temporary room, wearing a long white shift with a robe draped over her and her hair partially pulled back at the crown. She looked out on the morning sunrise and thought back on what she and Jin had gone through up till this point; arriving in these lands, fighting off the Evil on many occasions and seeing friends and family live and die around them, she frowned sadly thinking about it. She looked down onto the gardens, watching the caretakers work as if there were never any problems that occurred in the great city, 'refreshing', she thought as they moved around knowing everything that must be done and accomplishing it with no errors.
"Tea, M'Lady?" Boromir stepped out, startling Alya. "Apologies."
"Thank you." She walked over, taking the mug from him.
"The kitchen staff informed me this is your favored drink." He smiled as she nodded and sipped, "How is she?"
"Taen was her only blood family." She frowned slightly, "It's hard and she shouldn't have to go through this." Her voice cracked. "How did you sleep?"
"Quite well. Is there anything I can get for you? For Maeve?"
Alya shook her head, "I should get dressed." She looked at her attire, "I'll meet you in the banquet hall for breakfast?"
Boromir bowed, "I look forward to it." He turned and left, Alya looking on till he had turned the corner.
"He likes you, Alya." Maeve moved out from her room.
"You asked him?"
"You know I'm right."
Alya waved her off and walked inside her room. "In a different time, with different problems, that might do something for me, but in this one, I have no time. In this one, time is too valuable to waste on trivialities of that nature." She entered and that was the end of the conversation.
The comment making Maeve even more melancholy about the state her home was in.
Arrival From Zeripher
Navarre entered the room running into Boromir, "The Queen?"
"She is well, I believe she's dressing." He looked up the stairs.
"We thought something…"
Boromir nodded, melancholy moved over him. "Jin attacked her. She's alive, he met his end at the point of a sword and she's in a great deal of pain."
"There was also another that was attacked?" Navarre pushed the issue.
Boromir was astonished by his knowledge, "Yes, Taen attacked Maeve. Lelia was attempting to save her when Taen killed her. How?"
"You know things when you have a wizard within your unit." Navarre smiled when he'd made Boromir do the same.
"So?" Aron was adjusting his clothes to look presentable.
Navarre turned and told him sending the younger man back; Aron just looked at them both. "Lelia was just a child."
"Aron, come speak with me." Gandalf spoke from down the hall.
"Excuse me." He bowed and walked away.
"Will she be down for breakfast?" Navarre escorted Boromir inside the banquet hall where the others were.
"Yes, eventually. She had been with Maeve most of the evening, I think."
"You should not have been able to kill her with your ability, Aron." Gandalf didn't even look over. "I would not have made it so far, not without the proper training."
"I don't know what you mean." Aron stood in question of his comment, but not defensive.
"Do not play coy, child, I've been around too long." His voice seemed angered by Aron's comment. "How?"
Aron backed up a bit and looked at the older wizard, "I really don't know what you are talking about. I had a plan, it worked." Gandalf moved up to him, nearly in his face, studying him.
"You don't know how you did it?" Gandalf's composure returned. "Interesting." He nodded to something unseen and left without another word.
Aron watched him and then with eyes closed and took a deep breath, letting it all escape in the exhale. After a moment he shook off the incident and made his way back to the banquet hall where the others already were, hoping to join them in what revelry there was.
"Good morning." Alya walked in, her attire more somber than normal, and everyone rose as she made her entrance. "I hope no one was kept waiting by me."
"You should eat something, young Queen; I think it will help with the pale that's come to your once glowing color." Gimli commented, giving Alya a slight laugh though most of the others looked on in surprise.
"I think you're right, Master Gimli." She leaned back as a servant put a plate before her, on it was a variety of items.
Emerging
The woman slowly crept from the basement she was in for the best part of two days; she shivered as she saw the skin of her husband lying in a heap near the trap door. She cocked her head slightly wanting to cry, but knowing she didn't have time, instead she scurried out of the home they once shared and carefully made her way to the shelter of another building. She began moving from house to house she looked around almost expecting the beast to emerge, but hoping he wouldn't and when she heard bird scatter into flight she cowered and prayed, panting hard. When the creature didn't emerge though she got the courage to rush to the stables at the end of town, moving inside a partially opened doorway without opening it, 'no noise', she thought as she entered. Once inside she looked around the dark structure and when she felt certain she wasn't in danger she looked for a horse to ride away on.
She carefully moved, aware of each footstep until she closed in on the back of the stables; that is when she heard the sound of crunching, her eyes immediately closed and she shook expecting the creature to come at her. After a moment her mind cleared away the vale of fear she had and she listened again, this time looking through a hole in the boards of a stall to see a dog eating at something on the ground, smiling she let out a sigh of relief and moved again, heading for the final stable. Walking in she found it empty, her brows furrowed to the center and she backed out in defeat falling over the remains of the animal, her hand cupped to her mouth to keep from screaming. Looking down she saw her clothes now covered in the animal's blood, she almost panicked, but remained in control and scrambled to her feet. Looking around she saw the horse masters bedroom nearby and walked inside, looking around before she closed the door and changed into some of his clothes so she wouldn't smell of blood. She exited his room realizing she had to leave on foot and hoping she could make it to the next town to give them some measure of warning. She walked out carefully, taking a deep breath before moving out into the clear of her only safe haven.
Last Goodbyes
Alya and the rest of the palace moved out onto the balcony, everyone in the city wearing somber attire and awaiting the start of the funerary march which the Queen would lead. Alya looked to her friend's bruises, though more apparent, weren't as painful as they started out being. She smiled slightly to her, whispering, "Are you sure?" Maeve nodded and wrapped her arm under Gandalf's when he offered it letting go of her Queen's hand.
Walking to the edge, placing her hands on the cool stones she looked out on the people that called her Queen, "People of Avalon." Her voice was raised, but not to a yell since there was no other noise apparent. "Today we say goodbye to those who've given everything for the safety of this city, of her people and of their family. Their lives were cut short from a cowardly foe that could not attack in an honorable way. These heroes must be remembered for how they lived; their laughter, their hope and their courage a memory in our hearts forever." She looked out on the crowd and finished, "As before I ask a difficult task for our world is unpredictable; a day of mourning and a day to celebrate the lives of those lost." She smiled slightly, turning and heading down the stairs, followed by those from the palace which included the guests who gave no second thought to attending; the people of the city following behind.
As they entered the temple Alya walked up to the undertaker, shaking his hand, "I thank you for trusting me to this. I know that if they could have stated it they would have picked this." His words were filled with hesitation and he seemed to force an uncomfortable smile.
"Thank you and I think they would have as well." She motioned for the man to sit, then she turned to the temple master and nodded for him to start when he was ready before turning again to take Navarre's offered hand and walking to a seat; Navarre to one side and Maeve to the other.
Gondor
Within the confines of the White City, Denethor was restless and the madness that had been removed reared itself again for short moments. He walked through the halls looking for something to sate his concerns. As he came upon the door of the Great Hall he stopped and looked inside spying the King who was talking with his other advisors.
Aragorn felt his presence and sent the others away, "What may I do for you?"
"Forgive the question, my King, but was it wise to send my son, especially at this time?"
Aragorn now looked at Denethor, who stood at a doorway, he could see the apprehension his Steward felt, "Yes, he did request the mission."
"Because Gandalf convinced him it was best." The slight amount of madness reemerged for a moment, but he shook it off.
"And that should be enough, should it not?" Aragorn now turned himself to the Steward, concern on his face. "I believe he was the best to send, for the sake of Gondor."
"Forgive the question, my lord." Denethor started to leave, but stopped when Aragorn offered a response.
"There is nothing to forgive. I would have asked him even if he didn't offer. He knows what Gondor needs, he knows what is best for its people and I trust him." He waved for Denethor to enter. "I would not have sent him if I didn't"
Denethor nodded, "Thank you, my lord." He bowed before leaving, but feeling no better about his eldest son's departure.
"Denethor?" He paused, "Go and see Elrond. You seem to be feeling the effects still."
"Thank you, my King."
Aragorn felt for the man, he understood the worry, but he was honest in his statement and would have chosen no one else; Boromir was the best man to send. As he turned back to his work he saw Arwen which made him smile.
"Walk with me." She smiled knowing it would help.
The Survivor
In a desolate part of the countryside the woman who'd made it out of the ruins of her village came to a final hill; she knew once at the top she'd see the next village and would be able to warn them from the creature and its appetite. She smiled briefly, relieved at the thought of her small victory and limped her way to the top, sighing as she crested the hill.
Before she could reach it though she heard the flap of the beast's wings and her heart frozen while her breathing and pulse raced frantically. Looking around she saw it, flying in circles like a buzzard around her and she began to run, with no other recourse except to make it to the village. Her voice was trapped in her throat, words unable to take shape, or she would have screamed for anyone who would listen and as she reached the fence of the first farm house the creature snapped her up and flew off with her, its talons ripping into her skin; it's final feast yet to come.
Avalon
After the service the people of Avalon made there way out of the temple and back towards the lives they had previously; many of them stopping to give their condolences to Maeve, who greeted each of them with thanks.
Alya smiled walking by her with Navarre at her right and Boromir at her left, "If she needs longer than a day she may have it."
"She will never take it, M'Lady."
"Still, the offer is there." Navarre bowed to Alya, "And see if we can't find out where the next attack will be and who the enemy is." Navarre nodded and moved off heading into the palace, leaving Alya with Boromir and the rest.
"Is there anything you need?" Boromir questioned, but wasn't surprised when Alya shook her head.
"I'm just going into the library for a bit." She smiled as Boromir bowed before heading out into the main part of the palace.
Entering the room she looked around, it was the same mess she'd always left it in, but as she walked up to the chessboard she saw a piece move. She searched the room, but didn't feel endangered so she moved a piece to counter the first one, that's when another piece moved and it was enough to make her take a seat.
Visions
Gandalf sat back in his room, tired from the long day and closed his eyes momentarily with thoughts of a nice pipe to relax himself with; smiling he was about to open his eyes when the vision came at him hard. It took his mind, by force, deep into it and did not allowing him to retreat; dragging him down the hall, then the stairs, and finally into the library where he saw the being across the table with Alya, unable to give a warning or determine the threat, so all he could do was just watch.
It took the form of a man, but it seemed gaunt; his body was gangly yet muscular, his hair long and stringy, but everything was overshadowed by his black eyes and that's what trouble Gandalf; he knew it was evil, but didn't understand why the thing didn't attack. It looked over and smiled at Gandalf, his teeth were jagged and sharp, bowing to him then turning back and moving another piece.
Gandalf had to watch as the game played out, unable to warn Alya about the threat and watch her sit there; just playing with the being she could not see. By then it had gotten bored with the game and swept the pieces off the board, letting them fly across the room, then gripping her by her throat and lifting her high into the air before throwing her back against the shelves of books behind her.
Gandalf attempted to leave, but was held there with the being smiling at his struggle, and then letting him go, for what seemed like its own personal amusement.
Gandalf found himself on the floor when he returned, and moved quickly to get to the Queen. Along the way he passed Boromir, who turned to follow him out of concern for the urgency he saw in the wizard.
"What is wrong?" He rushed to keep up.
"The Queen." Gandalf rushed down the steps, this time Boromir was taking the lead.
They entered the library to find Alya unconscious on the floor, books scattered around her. Boromir rushed up to her, Gandalf kept trying to locate the presence, "M'Lady?" He turned her face to his, but she would not come to, so he scooped her up in his arms and moved her out of the room with Gandalf following behind, closing the door as they left.
"What happened?" Maeve walked up, Jora beside her, both becoming frantic at the sight of Alya unconscious.
"There is a spirit here, I'm not certain who or why, but he attacked her after making her drop her guard." Gandalf cleared a path up her stairs to her room, Boromir carrying her easily behind him.
Navarre ordered one of the guards to locate Aron, which Jora had already rushed to do herself. The entire palace was rushing around doing whatever they could for their Queen, when she started to come to. Her eyes fluttered open, finding Boromir staring down at her, Gandalf off to the side and Navarre looking on with great concern.
"What happened?" Her voice cracked, Maeve moved in with a drink.
"You don't remember?" Navarre questioned, receiving little more than a negative response.
"Not uncommon." Gandalf remarked watching Aron as he rushed in.
"M'Lady, I'm sorry, I should have been here." Aron knelt beside her.
"There was a spirit of some kind, perhaps we should find it before it does more damage." Gandalf suggested.
Aron looked up at Gandalf, unsure of his reasons, but Alya sat up, Boromir behind her to steady her, "Go, Aron. I'll be fine and Gandalf is right, we need this thing removed before it hurts another." Aron bowed and stood up, leaving with the elder wizard who had more knowledge of the event.
"We should get you to your room, my Queen." A guard suggested.
"I can manage, go, help Navarre and Aron with whatever they need." She waved them off and attempted to stand, collapsing backwards.
"Whatever attacked you injured you a bit more than you though, M'Lady." He picked her up again and ignored any protest she attempted before walking her up the stairs, followed closely by Jora. As the reached the door, Jora moved in ahead and opened it; once again Boromir heard Alya try to protest which gave him reason to laugh, "I doubt you are in any condition to fight this." He walked her in and sat her in a seat near the window; from there he took a seat not far off and watched, quietly.
"You can go, General." She moved to take off her first boot.
"I chose not to." He sat back, solidifying his comment when Jora brought him water to drink. "Thank you."
"I'm not in the mood to argue." Removing the first boot she put it beside her, and then worked on the second.
"That is a first." Jora whispered waiting for the second boot. Snickering when she got a glare from Alya.
"What did happen?" Alya looked to her protector.
"I have no knowledge of what actually happened. I came out of a room and Gandalf was rushing to your aid; I simply followed and found you unconscious." He smiled at her. "From there I simply carried you out."
Alya nodded, "And you will stay here and watch over me for how long?"
"Till I believe you are safe."
"Ah, you plan to stay forever then." She was startled when Boromir didn't respond, he simply smiled. She took a glass from Jora and sipped on it, unsure of how she was to take his silence.
"I will go and ask Gandalf." Jora hopped up and ran, before Alya could stop her.
Aron and Gandalf
"I still don't know what you meant by our previous conversation, Gandalf?" Aron tried to keep up, surprised by the elder wizard's spryness.
"I know that Aron, we haven't much time. I believe this spirit is refocusing its energy and will attack her again." Gandalf moved into a room, followed by Aron.
"And how do we stop him…it?"
"You have the spells, you show me." Gandalf was forcing something and Aron knew it, but it was his Queen and he didn't care what the reason was; he shut the door behind them.
Jora arrived just as the door was locked, but rather than sit around and pout, something she was known for doing, she decided to go a different route and get the information she needed. Smiling to herself she walked outside and onto the raised walkway that lined the exterior wall, stopping at the window where Aron's room was. She stretched onto her tiptoes and looked inside, barely seeing past the bottom ledge, but able to see Aron moving from place to place gathering his supplies while Gandalf looked over a book from Aron's table. She stepped back and assessed the window, trying to plot her best course of action and seeing only one way; she moved forward again and jumped, getting her upper arms onto the small ledge, scraping her feet against the stone face and pushing up and struggled, feet dangling for some traction. Unfortunately, she fell back and landed on her backside hard, pouting when the failure occurred and looking around to see if anyone else had seen it, but relieved when no one else had. She scampered to her feet, determined to make her way in even more now.
Alya's Quarters
"I doubt your King and Queen would like the idea of losing their General to another ruler or kingdom." She looked over, holding back a smile.
"Then you do not know my King." He smiled, sidestepping the comment.
"Still, I would not want to lose such a valuable member of my Kingdom." She smirked, knowing the game too well.
"But you did send one and you've said any may leave if they wish. Does that also mean any can stay?" He knew the game as well, by listening to others play it, but he found today he was a quick learner.
"Very true, and I would be proud to have a General of your caliber join this city. So long as he knew what he was in for and was willing to call Avalon home and its people family." She looked over and smiled, sipping on her water. That's when she saw it, just a simple shadow that passed behind Boromir's chair, she gasped fearful of its actions.
Boromir shot up and turned, backing toward the Queen, uncertain of how he would actually fight such a being. He instead moved to grab Alya up, but as he turned to the door he saw the specter in front of it and it had begun to take form, he set her down and pulled her closer behind him. "Is that the Evil, M'Lady?"
"Not possible. He could not achieve that type of strength yet." She looked at her positioning now and realized he was attempting to protect her. "You realize it's a spirit and can move where it wants without being stopped?" She whispered.
"Yes, but I feel better knowing I'm in between you and it."
She couldn't help but smile at the comment, thankful he couldn't see her. "Still it does no good." She gripped his arm, her bare feet on the cool stone, looking at the spirit wondering what its next move would be.
It attempted to move, but found it could not; instead it remained hovering at the door. It was something to be thankful for as Boromir looked around the room, yet keeping a weathered I on the form. "It is having difficulty?" Boromir watched, concerned now by the non movement and expecting it to strike. He looked over to the double doors leading onto the balcony and remembered the set that led to the hall beyond the doorway. He smiled and began to move her that direction, hoping to get out and away from the spirit before it could strike.
Knowing his intention she moved with him, "And if it moves out the door?"
"Something is keeping it here. Perhaps it will keep it here till we move to safety." He rushed her outside, and pushed through to the hallway, then the stairway at the end, before finally making it to the main hall at the base of the stairs. It wasn't until then that he looked back, partially expecting the spirit to following, but relieved it had not. He smiled then suddenly looked down and found Alya was still very close to him, gripping his arm as she did in her room; he realized then that he enjoyed her warmth against him and wished the reason for it had been different.
"I don't think he…it followed." Alya turned toward him, her face near his; she felt her face flush. "Sorry." She backed up, hoping he didn't hear her rapid heartbeat she would have sworn the entire palace could hear.
Valiant Defenders
"Aron, can you hear me?" Gandalf stood over the young wizard who was in a deep trance. "Can you defeat it?"
"I have it trapped." Aron muttered, his eyes turning over white. "Don't have the strength for more."
Gandalf spoke something Aron could not comprehend and that's when he was able to take on the spirit physically. He grabbed it, held it and pulled it with him down the stairs and through the palace, sweeping passed the Queen and her protector who were still in the main hall, and then into his room where Gandalf was waiting. As he entered Gandalf spoke again, still words that were unknown to those in the city and the spirit took form, this time more clearly till it took a corporeal form.
By then Aron was scrambling to his feet, watching the being struggle, and then looking on in amazement when he realized who it was. "Tovarian?" He gasped in shock. "Why would you attack your Queen?"
It hissed at Aron and took a swipe, its hands not having manifested yet so it just went through him.
"It is not who you think. It took this form to create the reaction you gave it."
Aron looked at Gandalf, "So it would have shown itself to her this way?"
"Once it gained a measure of power, yes."
"Power?"
"I believe it was using you to gain it." Gandalf explained his theory to Aron; he talked of the spirit taking over Aron and killing the witch, then it would use him to gain more before attacking Alya fully and eventually killing her. Aron nodded, happy to agree to Gandalf's assessment of what happened, sighing with relief that he would no longer need to defend himself for doing well in the mountains.
Gandalf spoke in his language once more and an agonizing moan emitted from the now physical being, "Use the powder, boy." Aron did so, flinging a handful on it and the being ceased to be, slowly fading into nothing before both their eyes.
Just then Jora pushed at the window, falling into the room with a loud thump. "I will knock incessantly next time." She was flustered and it created a great ease in the room as the two wizards began to laugh hardily.