Chapter 19 - Under pressure
Li sighed as he sat outside and looked towards the road where he hoped to see Sakura and the others returning shortly, but as always, they were no where in sight. Madison and the other men had returned days before, and they were as anxious as he.
Li pulled his cloak tighter around him to keep him warm. His breath came out in white clouds as he breathed out. The winter had come quicker than they had thought it would. It was two days before they had to seal the cave. Even now Li was fighting the others inside because they wanted it sealed now, regardless of Sakura and the other two still out there.
Iza had nearly throttled those that had started saying that it should be closed.
Only days ago the hunters had brought back so much that they doubted if they would run out before the winter ended. It was such a lucky find; Li had to wonder if it hadn't been a gift from the gods. From the skins that they had saved, they had been able to make some warm blankets and some cloaks. It wasn't much, but it helped.
Li stiffened when he thought he saw something moving, but it was just the trees moving in the distance from the wind. Where was Sakura? He heard a noise and looked up as Julian climbed up beside him. His left arm was in a sling and it was kind of difficult to climb up. Li reached out and helped hi up beside him.
Julian puffed as he sat down next to Li. " It's freezing out here! How can you sit out here for so long and not notice it? "
" Used to it. " he replied.
A few days ago, Julian had stumbled into the cavern startling everyone. Madison had recognized him at once and had rushed to his side. His arm had been broken and there were cuts that were still healing and bruises that had almost healed. As it had turned out, Julian had seen Rulf take off from the field after Aiden and Tori had started to attack his army. Julian had taken off after him. He had seen Talar fire her arrow and then seen her fall as one of the men had also seen her and had tried to stop her.
Julian had tracked him for a while, but had eventually lost him. He had turned around and was about to gallop back when he was ambushed from the side. Rulf had known he was being followed and sent his men to take care of him. Julian had easily taken them out, but he had suffered for it. He'd lost his horse and so he had to make them long journey back alone. It was only by chance that he had found the cavern. He hadn't expected them to be all there. It was much to his surprise as his sudden appearance was to everyone else.
Julian scanned the area with his well-trained eyes. For his 32 years, Julian had not really aged at all. Like Tori, he held his young age well.
" No sign of them? "
Li shook his head. " Not one. "
Julian sighed. " I know they're out there somewhere, but why is it taking them so long? Is it true that you have to seal the cave? "
" Sakura still has two days left to get back here. The winter has come early this year and Lita says it will stay late as well. They all reckon that the land is rebelling because of the huge upsets caused by Rulf and his men. Some think the gods are angry because the Star Princess isn't allowed to shine, who knows what the reason is, all I know is that Sakura better hurry up. "
" She's trying Li. " Julian stated looking at the young man beside him. " It's not easy being what she is. I've known her since she was born and I've watched her grow, and beside her brother, I've never held such respect for any other person alive. Sakura is very much like her mother. "
Li shifted and looked at Julian." Tell me about Sakura's mother. I've heard people mention her, but I know not who she was. "
Julian smiled. " Natasha - Sakura's mother, was a beautiful person. I don't remember her too well, but I still remember bits and pieces about her. She looks a lot like Sakura does now. Natasha was a kind and caring soul, the likes that none could match. You couldn't be angry when Natasha was present, because her smile made everyone smile. The sun shone from Natasha and she was highly regarded by all. She loved Tori so much.
" Natasha was never mean or spiteful. She was a true and fair ruler along side Aiden. I know people say that the only people like that are gods, but I believe that was what she was. She was an angel sent from heaven to us all. She loved everything and everyone. Her love was never lacked in any direction. When Sakura was born she was so happy. She always wanted a daughter to name after one of her favorite flowers, the cherry blossom. There's not much more I can say I don't think. "
" How did she die? " Li asked.
Julian looked sad." Sickness of the lungs. Sakura must have been two when she was struck by it the first time. We all thought she had caught a cold. She hid it well, but I think she knew. When Sakura was three the following year that's when it struck its worst and then we all knew. Every healer from across the lands came, but it was no use, she couldn't be healed. She died that winter. "
Li nodded thinking.
" Aiden was devastated as we all were. Aiden had Tori and Sakura monitored for years after. We didn't want the same thing to happen again. But to our relief and Aiden's, a powerful healer told us that they were safe from the sickness, it wouldn't touch them. "
Li released the breath he had been holding and sighed with relief.
Julian smiled watching Li." You really care for her don't you? "
Li stiffened and masked his expression." Who? "
" Sakura. You don't have to hide it, we all can see it. But a little advice, you might want to a little cautious around Tori, he's renowned for being the over-protective brother. He'd rather kill you than let you take his Imouta from him. "
Li raised his eyebrow." I'm not afraid of him. "
Julian laughed." I kind of guessed that much already, but just be careful ok? "
Li looked away back into the distance." Whatever. "
Julian shook his head." ' Whatever ' isn't the answer for everything you know? "
Li made a noise in the back of his throat.
Julian sighed and then stood up." Ouch. I think I've been out in the cold a little too long. You should think about coming in soon. You'll catch your death out here and I don't think that will benefit any of us. "
Li shot him a sideways glance." What do you mean? "
Julian stopped where he was and looked back up at Li." Well who will we watch battling it out with Tori over Sakura and giving Tori a run for his money? No one is game enough and the two and you are both as determined and stubborn to fight for what the both of you want. Tori wants to keep Sakura under his wings, and you want Sakura for you own. It will be a very interesting battle of wills when the time comes, but it won't be over as quickly as some would believe. But if you catch cold out here waiting for her when she won't come yet, then Sakura will be doomed to be Tori's Imouta forever. "
Li watched the older man shuffle down the rocks and followed him after a minute. He walked towards Julian ad didn't say anything, being enclosed in thought. Before they got back inside the cave Li turned to Julian. " Sakura will be mine. " he said and walked inside.
" That I don't doubt. " Julian muttered smiling.
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Kartiako laid on the soft lounge in the room as she watched her servants gather her things for her. She rubbed her legs up and down and caught the eye of the young man serving her. She smiled like a cat and rolled over on her back, arching it seductively. The young man gulped and Kartiako purred. She was supposed to be devising a plan to get out from the mountains that they had been lead to believe that the Princesses were heading for, but Kartiako knew it had been a trap, but why not let the fool realize his own mistakes?
Rulf had been furious when he had realized what had happened. When he had tried to go back, the path had been blocked by the early snow that came to these parts first. They were forced to reside in this valley till spring. Rulf had naturally blamed Kartiako for all his misfortunes, but she had only shrugged and disgusted with her, Rulf had stormed out of the room and left her. They had taken over the little town that had resided here, killing everyone, leaving none alive and now they lived in the small hotel, (which was where Kartiako was) and in the many small houses around it.
Kartiako ordered the others to leave and called over the young man. He went to her and she swiftly removed his clothes and undid her own. Within moments she was moving up and down on him and making him cry out as she did things that no other had done.
Kartiako smirked evilly when she got up, now satisfied, and walked out of the room, leaving the young man to recuperate. She didn't have to worry about getting pregnant, she had been cursed by a village elder when she was little for all her evil doings, and had been barren ever since. That suited her fine anyway. That meant all the more pleasure for her and no consequences.
She threw back the curtain and walked into Rulf's room. He looked up and scowled at her for her intrusion, but she didn't care. She slunk over to him and sat across his lap and wrapped her hands around his neck. " Busy? "
Rulf growled. " You know damn well I am. " Rulf spat.
Kartiako smirked and changed position so that she was straddling him. " I just wanted to tell you that you are destined to stay here until the spring. It is impossible to try and get back now. "
Rulf growled at her. " I already knew that. I want answers! I want to know what you've come up with! "
Kartiako stroked her hands down his face. " Rulf use this time wisely. Rest your men, train them more, and think how much stronger you'll be come spring. "
Rulf stopped scowling and looked at her. " Is that what you think? " he asked his emotions tightly on guard. " I value what you think Kartiako, but don't lie to me. I'll know. "
She smiled. " Trust me. You now it to be true what I say. " she purred.
Rulf reached down and pushed aside her gown and found her womanhood. He snarled at her. " You've already been with someone. You come to me second? " he spat.
Kartiako gave him a look. " You were angry with me. I won't come to you, if you're angry with me. " she replied calmly.
Rulf glared at her. He pushed his fingers in her hard and Kartiako cried out. " You always come to me first! Do you hear me?!! "
Kartiako moved against him enjoying the violence within Rulf. " I'm here now aren't I? " she purred moving against his fingers inside her.
Rulf stood up and sat her on his desk. Kartiako undid his belt and reached inside his pants and started to stroke him. Rulf breathed out heavily and pulled her towards him. He pushed a little harder and Kartiako whimpered at the pain he was causing her.
" Say that you are mine! " Rulf demanded.
Kartiako threw her head back as he tortured her, but she loved it.
" Say it! "
Kartiako pulled back a little. " I'm yours Rulf. " she breathed heavily, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Rulf took away his fingers from inside her and pushed into her. Kartiako cried out as he continued to pump into her harder and faster.
Kartiako's scream echoed through the snow covered valley.
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Sakura wrapped her cloak more tightly around her. She was freezing. The horses were slowing down again and she wanted to scream. They couldn't stop, not again, they had to get home! She sighed, they had to do something.
" Stop. " she said and the others pulled up. The horses sagged, desperate for the rest.
Sakura climbed down and looked around them. They weren't even close to the turn off for Madison's kingdom.
" This is ridiculous! " Sakura sighed exasperated. " Where are not going to get back in time! "
The other men sighed. " I know you highness. But what can we do? "
Sakura looked at the horses and then at some sticks lying beside the road with an idea forming in her mind." Get some apples from the back. Cut half of them in half and give them to the horses. Let them get the taste of them. With the other half cut a small chunk out of them and then get some of that rope and cut it into string. I have an idea. "
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" Now gentlemen, get ready to run and jump into the carts if this works. "
Sakura had tied the apples to the string and then to one stick each. Then she tied the sticks to each horse, so now the apples hung tantalizingly close in front of the horses. The horses sniffed and tried to bite the apples. When they realized that they couldn't get them, they stamped their hooves in frustration.
The younger colt, jumped and almost got the apple, but it swung out of reach. Realizing that by going forward it made the apple swing towards them, the young colt leapt forward and started running forward trying to get the apple. The young man ran after him, and leapt up into the seat of the cart and guided the young colt with the reins.
The other two horses watched and then shot forward as well. Sakura yelped and leapt up in the seat as did the other man. Sakura laughed with delight realizing her plan had worked.
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Madison knelt down beside Eriol and watched him as he slept. He still hadn't woken and she was beginning to think that he never would. Tori and the king were showing signs of recovering soon, and she was happy that Sakura would have her family again. But what about her own? She started to hum like she had done for the last few days since her return. Just a little tune that she would hum from time to time, not loudly, but not softly enough not to hear it.
She stroked his face and then reached over to get the tiny bowel with a special remedy in it that was supposed to help him. When she turned back with it, she met his blue eyes and she shrieked and dropped the bowel, soaking the front of her dress and soaking the blanket. Several people ran into the cave to see what was wrong. Madison was as white as a ghost and shaking as she stared at the man she loved.
A tiny smirk worked its way onto Eriol's face as he watched her. Madison jumped back frightened when he struggled to sit up. Her legs were shaking and he smiled at her when he woke up properly.
Meilin ran up to her. " What's wrong? "
Madison tried to speak but all she could do was stare and point. Meilin followed her finger and smiled. " Well I be damned! Eriol you are one lucky man. "
Eriol smirked and chuckled. " I feel like I've been run over. "
Madison blinked hearing his voice and cleanly passed out into Meilin's arms, who was close enough to catch her.
Eriol lost his smile and sat up a little straighter. " Is she ok? "
" Yeah. I think you just have the element of surprise cousin. " Meilin smirked, helping another girl to lay Madison down on a spare pallet.
" Oh god no. " came from the door way.
Meilin and Eriol turned around and looked at Li who looked shocked at the sight of Eriol awake.
" Now I feel truly welcomed cousin. " Eriol smirked.
" How he hell did you wake up? " Li demanded as he strode into the healing cave.
Eriol laughed and held his head. " Man I have one hell of a headache. "
Li stood in front of Eriol's pallet. " I don't know how, but for what it's worth . . . welcome back. "
Eriol lost his smile and starred at Li. " I did wake up in the right dimension right? " Eriol asked concerned.
Li smirked reluctantly. " I can assure you that you did. "
Eriol then smiled broadly and Li helped him stand. Eriol stumbled a little but eventually got his balance. " What do I owe this change in you? "
Li shrugged. " Nothing as yet. I'll tell you later when I think of it. "
Eriol chuckled. " Ok then. " he looked around the cave. " Where am I? "
" It's a long story Eli. " Meilin said coming up to him. " But I'm sure that can wait. Madison's coming around and you two no doubt have a lot to talk about. " Eriol nodded and looked at Madison.
Li and the others took the hint and left.
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Madison's eyes fluttered open and she met blue once again. She promptly closed them again. " It's a cruel dream! " she wailed and tried to roll over, but warm hands stopped her.
" Sweetheart it's not. Please look at me. " came Eriol's voice.
Madison opened her eyes again. " It's true then? You're awake? " Eriol smiled lovingly at her and Madison burst into tears, sat up, and wrapped her arms around him. Eriol hugged her back and stroked her back while whispering soothing words. Eventually she stopped crying, but hiccupped every now and then. Eriol pulled away from her and wiped her tears away.
" Hey, I'm supposed to be the one that needs looking after. "
Madison gave a small laugh. Eriol ran his hands down her arms in comfort and then pressed his hand against her stomach and his eyes flew wide. Madison wiped her nose and met his fearful gaze.
" What happened? " Eriol whispered. " Did we- we- lose - ? "
Madison took his hands in hers. " No Eli. We have a beautiful daughter. "
Eriol sighed with relief then looked at her. " I've been out of it that long? "
" And much longer my dear. " Madison whispered.
Eriol looked around him. " Where is she? And where's Tristan? "
He saw her sad look and fear leapt into his heart." What? "
A tear fell down her check. " Eriol there's something I need to explain. . . . "
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Two hours later
Eriol took in all that Madison had just told him. How could so much have happened? Eriol hugged Madison close. " I know Vala will look after Tristan and Ally. You are truly
a wonderful mother Madison, and I couldn't have asked for a better wife. "
Madison looked up at him, tears still lining her wide violet eyes. " You think I did the right thing? "
" If Sakura put her trust in them, I know we can't be wrong. " he then paused. " So Syaoran is Li's son after all. I think I'll fear sleeping ever again if this is how much I miss every time I close my eyes. "
Madison laughed and then hiccupped. " Oh Eli. " she sighed snuggling closer to him.
" I don't know what's more scary - all of us being in here trying to survive or Li being a parent. "
Madison giggled. " That's a terrible thing to say! " she chided.
" Then why are you laughing? " Eriol challenged smiling.
" I'm not! "
" You are too. "
" I can't help it! "
" What kind of an excuse is that? " Eriol asked laughing with her.
Madison sobered up and looked at him with love in her eyes. " Oh it's so good to have you back. I thought I was going to die if I didn't hear your laugh or see your smile. "
" It's good to be back. " Eriol replied and then looked at the opening that led out into the main chamber. " I think you should show me this cavern that I'm in. " Madison nodded and got up and together they walked out into the main chamber.
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The cold wind blew past a solitary figure standing on the top of a darkened hill. Her cloak billowed out behind her as she stood on top of the hill looking down on to her kingdom. The sky was darkened and no sun shone. It was truly winter and looking like nothing lived here. The horses neighed behind her reminding her of her duty to her people, and she turned.
The men that had come along with her watched as she turned around bearing her dull green eyes to them. They shared knowing looks, she had been through hell and back to serve them, and make sure that they lived. They didn't understand the full debt that they owed her, but they were grateful for everything that she had done. Seeing that they were watching her, Sakura forced a tired smile and was determined to keep their spirits up. Everything depended on it.
" Lets try again gentlemen shall we? " Sakura asked as she hauled herself up into the cart.
She was becoming more and more tired as the days went on. They had very little food left; just enough maybe for one meal and that was it. Rulf's men had stripped the countryside of any food and all that was left was what had bloomed late, or what had been spared and that was very little.
They nodded and flicked the horses' reins. The horses seemed to sag as they realized that they had to go again. When would they ever get to where they were supposed to go? Forcing one hoof in front of the other, the horses pulled with the last of their strength, the carts behind them.
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Li threw the golden beast another threatening look as he walked towards the front of the cave for the hundredth time. " Useless hunk of - "
" What's up with you now? " Eriol asked as he popped out of now where in front of Li.
Li shot him a contemptuous glance. " I'll tell you what's wrong with me. " Li glared.
" The only thing that knows how Sakura and the others are fairing is over there enjoying a nap! "
" It's called hibernation Li. It comes and goes occasionally. Spinel does it as well from time to time. But it's a good sign though. If Kero wasn't sleeping, then you'd have something to worry about. " Eriol replied good naturedly.
Li growled and threw his cloak on and stepped out into the cold morning air. Eriol watched him go and sighed. Why was Sakura taking so long he wondered?
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Li's worried amber eyes scanned the countryside looking for any sign of movement. His breath came out in steamy clouds and he clamped down on the growing panic in him. What if something had happened and how could he live with himself knowing that he had fought with her before she had left? Li looked at the cloudy sky and new that winter was not too far away. Li had sworn that he had seen snowflakes the day before, but they had not turned into anything. Li sighed and tried to calm himself, but it didn't seem to be working. He turned on his heel and walked briskly inside. He sought out one person he hoped would help him - Talar.
He found her making some bows and arrows in the middle of the cavern with some others around her. She was dressed in a simple tunic and pants. She looked up when he came near and put down her bow and excused herself from the others as she made her way towards him. Li lowered his head in respect, something he never did and met her brown eyes.
" Talar I - "
" I know Li. " she replied calmly. " Come with me. "
Li looked around and then followed after her.
She lead him outside and took him towards the river. Li walked beside her.
" Talar I'm going mad! " he whispered loudly. " I can't think straight, I can't sleep, I can't eat knowing that she is still out there somewhere. What can you do to help me? "
Talar stopped near the river where it was calm before she looked at him. " Li, I cannot take these things out of your head. I cannot make you forget. But I can give you something else to think about if it will help. I am far from my people; the ones that I love and care for so you can understand that I share you anguish in many ways. "
Li masked his expression. " I need your help. " he stated again.
Talar nodded understanding. " Maybe this might help. " she looked into the water and Li followed her gaze.
The water rippled and Li frowned when he thought he saw something start to appear. He shot Talar a quick glance, but she did not waver from what she was doing. Amber eyes stared back at Li, but they were not his own. His eyes lost their masked expression when he realized what Talar was showing him - it was Syaoran. Syaoran was busy fighting what he knew could only be Tristan.
Li watched amazed at how far his son had come. Vala clapped and walked toward the two and smiled. She spoke, but Li couldn't hear. Syaoran beamed under her apparent appraisal. Vala spoke some more and then Syaoran turned and stopped. He frowned and then looked at Vala. She nodded at whatever he'd said and broke into a huge smile when he saw Li. Li found himself smiling in return and when Syaoran waved, Li's heart filled with pride and happiness.
Suddenly Li was staring at clear water again and he blinked and looked up at Talar. Her brown eyes bored into his. Li sighed and nodded understanding. He got up and thanked her and started to walk away but Talar stopped him.
" Li this is a strange time we live in. Rulf has upturned the balance of things. We must be grateful for what we have and what we do not. We must learn to accept that things are sent to test us. It is whether you have the strength to get over them or not that determines what happens. "
" More or less there's nothing to panic about until there really is something to panic about right? "
Talar smiled. " I think you get the gist of it. " she stated and then walked away into the woods.
Li watched her go. What was she doing? What about her bow making she left behind? He shrugged. He'd never understand the Elvin folk.
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Madison walked quietly into the healing cave with a fresh bowel of water and sat down next to the king and Tori. She had tended to them for the last few days, but nothing had happened yet. The other healers that had learned from Iza and Talar had down their bit, but so far there was no sign of any progress.
" It's a pity that you won't wake sire. " Madison whispered. " For if you did you could see all the wonderful things that your daughter has done for us. I think you'd be very pleased and hopefully proud of what she has managed in your absence. She is taking after the queen in almost everyway your majesty. " Madison sat in thought.
" Actually, " she began to think as she wiped his forehead with a cool cloth. " I think your majesty, I think that Sakura is ready to become a queen. It is nearing the time when she should take her proper place. " She looked up and saw Li walked by and she sighed again. " But then again, what is a queen without her king? " she whispered sadly.
Just then she watched his movement and gasped as another miracle started to happen. Meilin had just walked in to see her when she saw what was happening. She frowned and placed her hands on her hips and shot Madison a glance. " Geez Taylor what is it with you every time you come in here? " she demanded.
TBC