Chapter 23 - Finding Out

Sakura - 26

Syaoran - 8

Li - 26

Meilin - 26

Madison 26

Tori - 33

Iza - 70

Eriol - 26

Tristan - 9

Ally - 1

Layla - 32

Aiden - 58

Sakura's ringlets blew back in the breeze as she stared out sightlessly into the land from the window in the tower. She was listening to what the wind had to tell Vala. It whispered its secrets and Vala listened silently. Sakura was glad to learn that Rulf had no idea about their people fleeing into the mountains and into Laxthorn. It seemed for the moment they were safe.

But what disturbed Sakura was the fact that Li and her family had not left the caverns yet. Why were they staying? What purpose did they achieve by remaining behind? What idiotic plan had they concocted between them? She silently prayed they were not remaining behind in vain hopes of freeing her. She had given her word to Rulf, her submission for her loved one's freedom. Her word was binding and she would not break it.

She clutched at the huge stones that made up the cold tower room, and continued to breathe in the crisp warm air that smelt of the spring day. A wooden floor board beneath her creaked slightly and bent beneath her foot. Sakura looked around the small tower room. It consisted of a clean wooden floor, a small table and chair, surrounded by stone that made up the small room. She was being held prisoner.

Her blue/green eyes sharpened and Sakura turned around as the bolt was drawn from the lock and the huge wooden door swung open and a girl with a long blonde braid and brown eyes walked in. She smirked cruelly at Sakura as she sauntered in and sat down the tray she was carrying.

" M'lord said that you might be hungry. " she said smirking, straightening up.

Sakura shot her a blood-cold stare. " Why that's very generous of Rulf. I never knew he had a scrap of kindness in him. "

The girl's eyes narrowed. " Very generous, your majesty. " she pronounced the latter part sadistically.

Sakura walked over and looked at the tray ignoring the girl.

" So tell me your majesty. How did you ever become Queen? "

Sakura shot the girl a look. " I can see why Rulf has you amongst his minions. " she said dryly.

The girl snarled. " What, afraid to tell me? I promise I won't tell. "

" Exactly who are you? " Sakura demanded annoyed.

The girl smirked and flicked her long braid over her shoulder. " The name's Rokama. Rokama Hatashii m'lady. " she said curtseying dramatically.

" Well Rokama, you can go back and tell his lordship, " she spat coldly. " That if he wants to know how I became queen, that he can come to me himself and ask me face to face instead of sending his whore to do the dirty work for him. " she widened her eyes innocently. " No offense intended. " Sakura stated sweetly.

Rokama snarled and sauntered off out of the tower room slamming the door shut behind her. Sakura listened to the bolt slipping back into place and sighed, sitting down on the chair beside the small table where the food was.

' Eat anything, but don't drink the wine. ' Vala warned.

Sakura nodded and then sighed. ' How long will we have to be like this? '

' Hopefully not much longer. ' Vala replied. ' I am waiting to see what your human friends will achieve on their own before I decide if I need to act. '

' That's what I am afraid of. ' Sakura replied sorrowfully in her mind before she began to eat.

Tori paced harder trying to block out Madison's sobs as he tried to think of something - anything. Anything that could help him get Sakura back.

Eriol held onto his wife and rocked her back and forth gently. " Come my love. " he whispered. " Please stop crying. It isn't as bad as it seems. "

Madison hiccupped and cried even harder.

" Where is Vala? " Li demanded striding into the lower chambers where they all were.

Madison choked mid-sob and buried her head in Eriol's chest and tried to quiet her sobs less she betray Sakura and the Elvin queen and give their secret away.

" No one knows. " Meilin replied seeing that no one else would answer.

" Where is Talar then? " Li asked his brows drawn together determinedly.

" Gone. " Meilin answered again. " She left with the people escaping to Laxthorn. We are all that's left, save the people under Star's command. "

Li growled and sat down beside the fire. " Why? " he whispered, staring into the flames.

Eriol continued to hold Madison's shaking shoulders." Who knows. " he replied softly.

" But she knew what she was doing. "

Li's anguished eyes looked up and met Eriol's. " Why would she put herself in danger like that? How could she possible hope to go against Rulf alone and win? She knows what he is like, what he is capable of but she went with him anyway. "

" I'm afraid that is my fault. " came Aiden's saddened voice and they all looked up at the aging king, who at that moment, looked like his life had ended. " It was I who put the expectations of a queen into Sakura's mind. " he sighed.

" Knowing her, I should have waited until she was much, much older. " he looked up and caught Tori's condemning glare. " But being king, I wanted to know that both my children would be able to live their lives properly and stand on their own two feet. I didn't want Sakura or you, my son, to grow up wondering if you were doing the right thing. "

" I could have taught her if anything had happened to you! " Tori yelled angrily.

" I don't doubt that you couldn't Tori. " Aiden said sadly. " But you yourself still have a lot to learn and this event in all our lives is a learning experience for all of us. In a few years to come, you will look back and see how much you have grown since this day Tori. All of you will. "

Tori just stared at Aiden hiding behind a darkened gaze.

" Now Sakura knows what she is doing. There is nothing there that we can do for now. The first thing we need to do is move away from this cave. Rulf we send his men back here regardless that Sakura demanded that he doesn't. Then we will wait and form a plan and then try to get her back. "

Tori sighed and then came to an abrupt halt, a memory returning to him from a long ago past that seemed millions of years ago. " I was right. " he whispered and Aiden and everyone looked at him confused.

" Tori? " Aiden asked.

Tori gave a short laugh." That day Sakura stormed into the bathroom after she had been man-handled by that stuck up womanizer, " Li stiffened at the mention of this. " And the mirror fell and broke. " Tori looked at Aiden. " I told you that it would bring seven years bad luck didn't I? "

Aiden blinked and then made the connection to the long ago memory. " Indeed you did. " he smiled faintly. " But let us hope that as we move on into the eighth year, we'll have our good luck return. "

Meanwhile ……

Iza was walking around mumbling to herself in the main cavern as she cleaned up as best she could. Julian and the others had removed the dead bodies after she had kicked up an uproar that left their ears ringing. She was proud that she could still do that. Those young pups needed to be told how to do things. In her time there would be no excuse for such tardiness. It also secretly gave her pleasure to be able to boss them around. She was an old woman after all and she couldn't do most things like she used to.

She shuffled down past some of the side caves and stopped her attention riveting to splashes of ochre on the walls. She frowned and walked into the small cave and stared surprised as the real life pictures leapt off the walls and swirled around her. She saw the writing and then her attention was caught by the second wall and what she saw made her go cold.

Li and the others were still talking when Julian and the other men returned. Madison had quietened down, but she still sniffed, her eyes red and swollen. Aiden shot Julian a

Sympathetic smile and they settled down into silence.

Shuffling caught their attention and they looked up as Iza came down the passageway. They smiled softly in greeting and then frowned concerned when they saw the grim expression on her face. She clamped her hands in front of her as she looked at them all.

" I think there is something that you all should see. " she said softly and turned around and shuffled up the passageway once again.

Li and the others exchanged glances and then followed her.

For the second time that day the bolt was drawn back and Sakura looked up as Rulf walked into the room. He was dressed for riding and she imagined it was because he had been out amongst his army. The smell of smoke and horse were strong on him and Sakura thought humorlessly that he would never ascend to the title of king. He just did not understand the qualities it took to be one with his [or her] own people. She turned away unable to look at him and stared at the beautiful sunset, all reds and pretty gold's.

" Evening your majesty. " Rulf said bowing.

" Go to hell Rulf. " she said calmly.

Rulf laughed. " I admit I was expecting that. " he chuckled as he stalked towards her.

Sakura sighed and rested her chin on her hand as she continued to stare out at the sunset.

" Rokama told me your message. " his voice held amusement rather than pique.

" And so you are here. Glad you could find the time to fit me in. " Sakura replied sarcastically.

" Well you know how it is being king and all. "

Sakura's head jerked up and turned to look at him, the sunset glowing around her frame, giving her an angelic look - a hell's angel bent on redemption.

" King? " she all but choked on the word looking at him.

" Yes. I - "

Sakura burst out laughing cutting him off mid sentence. She gripped her sides and looked up at him. " You think yourself king? " she laughed even harder.

Rulf glared at her, his mouth in a tight line. " Yes Sakura. " he ground out deliberately using her first name to prove they were of equal ground. " I have campaigned across your father's land and claimed his throne as well as that of your brother's. Their people bow down to me and know that I am their new ruler.

" The last and final piece of the prize was Berth Seron Banon and by subjugating yourself to me and bargaining your people's lives with that of your own you handed me the last and final piece that I needed to become lord of all three kingdoms; as its new ruler I proclaim myself king. "

Sakura stopped laughing and stood up slowly, her silken folds of her gown, falling to her feet. " I cited, that by letting my people go and not harming them, I would bring you back here to Berth Seren Banon - my kingdom, " she emphasized. " That much is true Rulf. But I never said anything about you being king of it. "

Ruilf smirked inspecting his nails. " Oh didn't we work out that little detail? Sorry I must have forgotten to mention it. "

Sakura kept his gaze and smirked herself. Rulf watched her carefully some of his smugness slipping away . " Sorry Rulf but there are two things I simply forgot to mention to you. " she said, fire in her strange coloured eyes. " Firstly - " she raised one slender finger elegantly. " My people will never accept you as king, although you may try your hardest to force them to obey you. "

Rulf smirked knowing that his army would annihilate anyone who did not fall down and pledge themselves to his cause.

" And the second is - " she raised another slender finger elegantly. " How can you be king when Berth Seren Banon already has it's new king? "

Rulf froze and just stared at her red slowly creeping up from his neck to colour his face. He tensed and Sakura wanted to shrink away from the rage she saw manifesting in front of her but she remained strong.

" WHAT?! " Rulf finally roared.

Sakura sat back down again settling her skirts and cocked her head haughtily. " Come now Rulf, " she chided. " how else do you expect me to become Queen? Sorry, I would have sent you an invitation to the wedding, but in these trying times, it is hard to get correspondence through the snowy mountains. "

Rulf backhanded the tray of food from the table and the tray flew across the room and smashed into the wall violently. He pinned her with a feral glare.

Sakura raised her eyebrow haughtily. " Temper, temper Rulf. I never thought you'd be so upset about missing the wedding. "

" You lie you little bitch! " Rulf hissed and stormed towards her and wrapped his hand around her throat and Sakura choked.

" W-here is . . " she gasped. " My pen-pendant t-t-then? "

" You told me that your father had disowned you! " his eyes bored down into hers.

Sakura closed her eyes and Rulf staggered back as the pain shot through his head. He shook his head and Sakura coughed, grabbing her throat as she fought for her breath and thanked Vala silently for her help.

" Where is it?!! " he demanded.

" In the hands of my beloved. " she replied lying. " I gave it to him to prove how loyal his new queen would be to him. You know as well as I Rulf, that it would take a lot to remove that Pendant from my possession. You know what it meant to me. "

Rulf glared fire at her. " Who is he? " he demanded furiously.

" How stupid do you think I am Rulf? " Sakura asked gaining her breath. " I won't tell you. He knows who he is, and so do our people. And when the time is right, he'll come back to claim his throne and you'd better far away or die at the end of his sword. "

Rulf straightened up and stared down at her. " Well then, we'll just have to wait and see won't we? I'm warning you Sakura, if you lie to me, you will pay. You have two weeks for this supposed king of yours to show; if he doesn't then my army will desecrate your people and your land and from its ashes I will rise as king. "

Sakura stared back at his retreating back, a sense of impending doom washing over her.

' What have I done? '

Li stared at the images all over the walls and something akin to dread filled his soul. Eriol ran his hands down the rock wall as he read the Japanese writing.

" It's our story. Sakura recorded our story. "

" Indeed she did. " Iza interrupted. " But that's not what is most important. "

They all looked at her waiting curiously. It was strange for Iza to be acting this way. For as long as they had known the elderly woman nothing had fazed her, nothing had frightened her. She had laughed directly into the monster's maw and come out unscathed. But for her to be this shaken, something was definitely wrong.

" What then? " Li asked.

Iza nodded and they turned to look at the second mural.

Madison was the first to recognize it and she went pale and starting shaking, on the verge of bursting into tears again. " Oh god no! " she moaned like a tortured animal and fell to the floor, Eriol bending over her asking what was wrong.

" Oh my . . . " Meilin breathed as she caught on as well. Her eyes were wide and shocked.

The men looked puzzled. They glanced to Madison and Meilin, to Iza and then back at the painting on the wall in front of them.

" What? " Tori asked looking at the two young women again.

" You insufferable chits. " Iza snapped and Li cringed as she stomped forward. " Look at this! " she hissed and pointed to the picture that Sakura had drawn of herself as she went up against Rulf.

At their blank stared she snarled. " Her majesty is with child!! " Iza snapped.

The room went deadly still as the women watched the men process the information.

" WHAT?!!? " they all yelled in unison.

" See the child glowing within her womb, you pups are idiots! " she spat.

Li flinched. " Sakura's with child? " he whispered daring not to breath.

" Didn't she just say that?! " Meilin snapped glaring. " And what's worse is that if Rulf finds out - "

" He'll kill them both. " Tori finished eyes wide.

The room was once again quiet and then Tori's eyes flashed and he turned on Li. " You bedded my sister?!! " he demanded furious.

Li stepped back putting distance between himself and the enraged prince. " I don't think that's any of your business! "

" Shut up! " Iza commanded and they all looked at her in shock.

" Her highness needs our help, not your pitiful carping! "

" But what can we do? " Li demanded.

Iza's old eyes flashed. " You should be the one to tell us your Majesty. " she said calmly.

Li froze. " What did you just say? "

" You will marry the princess one day soon and you will be king of Berth Seren Banon. You cannot deny it for it chose you long ago. So you might as well start acting like it. "

Tori threw daggers at Li, but said nothing.

Meilin looked at Li in shock " King? My cousin king? " she burst out laughing. " Watch out Berth Seren Banon! " she sniggered.

" Hey shut up will you. " Li growled, glaring at her as she laughed heartily.

" You couldn't lead a horse to water let alone rule a kingdom! Thank the gods Sakura will be by your side to cover the royal blunder! " Meilin chuckled.

As the two continued to fight, Madison settled against Eriol seeking comfort. Her mind was racing with all her thoughts. She died wanting to tell them where Vala had really gone. But why didn't Sakura tell her that she was pregnant? And judging by the murals on the walls, she had known for some time. How did she come by such foresight?

Later that night ….

Li sighed as he settled into his bed. No matter how much he wanted to sleep, he couldn't. He sat up and grabbed his leather pouch and dragged it over to him as he opened it and withdrew something that he hadn't seen in months.

Sakura's cherry blossom/star pendant sparkled in the darkness and he held it up studying it as it spun around on it chain. Why hadn't he given back to her? He knew how much it pained her to think that she had lost it, but some reason he had kept it for himself. But now in the darkness of his lonely bed, he was grateful for it's presence, because it filled him with warmth and comfort, just like Sakura usually did.

He laid back down and the last thing he saw before he fell asleep was the pendant sparkle brightly. . .

A Few Weeks Later…

Despite his bargain with Sakura, Rulf gave the order for his men to infiltrate the cave network and search for anyone bearing the star pendant. Anyone carrying the necklace was to be captured and questioned immediately. Should insufficient information be given Rulf ordered the man to be killed immediately and the necklace seized.

But despite the order, the soldiers who stormed the cave network found nothing. The cave was completely empty. Whoever had the necklace was no where to be found.

Rulf was furious when the news was delivered. He raged and stormed demanding that Aiden and Tori be found. If he could not take the damn necklace then he would use the old king and the crown prince as bargaining chips to force Sakura into bending to his will.

Kartiako perched on his desk inspecting her nails and silently cheered the little star witch on in her battle of wills against Rulf. She flicked her long black hair back over her shoulder and pushed off the desk and stalked across the room. She stepped out of the room listening to Rulf's raised voice followed by the screams of the soldiers in the room and smirked knowingly.

If anyone was going to discover the little star witch's husband it would be her.

In the forest that bordered Berth Seren Banon there lie a secret. It could not be found in the trees or the shrubs. It couldn't be detected in the air or the flowers that scattered throughout the tall grass. The secret lay not above ground but below the surface.

Deep below lies a small network of underground passageways known only to the old king. They had been used in the old war before he had married his beautiful wife and had his two children. They had been created in Aiden's father's era and unfortunately had been used in Aiden's younger years.

It was dark and smelt like damp soil but it served their purpose. It had a small storage area for staples and necessities and had a room where they could all sleep when they weren't on watch in the forest above and lastly but not least was the main room, just big enough for a small table for a map to lay and where several men could crowd around and strategize.

Candles sat on the ground and burnt in lanterns mounted into the walls. It was a small comfort but it brought light in the darkest hours and chased the shadows from one's mind.

Meawhile….

The breeze blew through the bushes and nothing moved through the forest. A bee buzzed through the air, a cricket chirped in the distance. The sun beat down through the leaves of the trees, casting their shadows on the forest floor. The air was clean and cool in the early morning.

A dark figure shifted and darted in and out of the shadows in a blur. Nothing was disturbed, but this wasn't the normal circumstances of cat and mouse. The early morning was far too early for this game to start. That meant they were getting desperate.

The dark figure darted over several tree roots trying to get closer to the destination, leapt over two stones, ducked under hundreds of tree branches and fell flat on the ground, silent as the night, under a small rocky outcrop waiting and watching.

Sure enough no more than two minutes later, a group of soldiers appeared silently making their way through the forest looking, their stealth lacking in several ways. Seeing no one, they moved on, bows and arrows, swords and other weapons clutched in their hands, clinging to their belts and strapped to their backs. They might be gone for now, but it wouldn't be long till they came back.

The dark figure pushed himself out of his hiding place and knelt listening. As quickly as he could, he darted to the right and soon found the small stream and followed it for a couple of leagues and then headed to the left and followed the path only visible to him and the others that knew how to look for it.

He ducked inside a small hole and slid on his stomach down the very small passageway and leapt lightly down onto the compressed floor of earth and leaves. He walked down a small tunnel and walked into an open den. He turned around and found a sword aimed at his throat, glistening in the light from the tunnel above.

Meilin's eyes bored into amber. " You're getting good. " she stated and withdrew the blade from Li's throat. " You're lucky I check my attacks and don't follow through with them. I didn't hear you until you came in here. " her eyes flashed in the semi darkness.

Li sighed and brushed dirt off his black tunic. " Well we have to be silent. Rulf's men are already out. "

Meilin blinked. " This early? Must be getting desperate. "

Li nodded and continued walking down the small tunnel, getting deeper and deeper in the earth, Meilin following him. " Rulf wants us bad. But the question is why? "

Meilin shrugged. " Maybe he wants to bribe her majesty with a torture ceremony unless she consents to something. "

Li shot her a glare. " That's not even funny Meilin. "

Meilin stopped and grabbed his arm. " Hey, nothing's funny anymore but if we don't look on the bright side of everything, then why not just go insane now and throw everything away? "

Li sighed and walked into a candle lit room. The others looked up hopefully and Li sighed. " Nothing. I can't get close enough to get in the castle. "

Aiden and the others sighed deeply.

" But, " Meilin stabbed the end of her sword into the dirt. " Rulf's men are out earlier than usual. "

Aiden stiffened. " Were you seen? " he asked looking at Li.

" Give me credit Aiden. " Li stated expressionless. " I have lived in this forest since I was a young boy. They had no clue. "

Madison set down her cloth. " When will it end? " she asked timidly. Meilin shot her a sympathetic look.

" I have no idea Madison. " Li stated and sat down.

" Li I don't know how much more I can take. " Madison said tears forming in her eyes.

" You've been trying to get close to Berth Seren Banon for nearly a month! I hate living here in this hole. " she stood up and tears fell from her face. " Sakura's sitting in that castle with that- that - and we just sit here trying to form some sort of plan hoping to get into the castle. We need a plan and we need one now! "

" Madison - " Li began losing his temper.

" Love we're trying to. " came Eriol's voice and they turned around and saw Eriol and Tori dressed similarly to Li.

" When did you get back? " Meilin demanded.

Tori shot her a look. " Aren't you supposed to be guarding the entrance? "

" Bite me. " she muttered and sauntered off back down the small tunnel to return to her post.

" Meilin you forgot something. " Tori called after.

" Give me that. " she ground out and snatched her sword out of his hands, shooting him a furious glare.

Eriol turned back to his wife. " Love I know it's hard but - "

" But nothing! " Madison glared at him and the others present. She picked up her embroidery and looked at Eriol. ". It's a wonder Sakura hasn't given up in despair. Some friends we are. "

Li stiffened and Madison walked out of the room and walked down a different tunnel and disappeared from view. Iza shook her head and got up. " She is right to some degree. We have waited too long. " she too shuffled out of the room and followed after Madison to the small place they called the sleeping chamber.

The fire roared in the hearth and Sakura jumped. She hugged herself tightly in the white nightgown that she wore. She shuddered as she looked around the guest room in which she stayed. Rulf not knowing which the royal room was had picked this one, Sakura refusing to say what one really was.

Sakura shivered again. Rulf had kept his promise. He had waited for those two slow terrifying weeks and when her 'king' hadn't shown, he had dragged her from the tower and put her here in this room - his room.

The door opened and Rokama sauntered in carrying a tray with two goblets on it. She smirked at Sakura. " His lordship will be along shortly. " she said and walked out.

Sakura watched the door close and then buried her head in her hands and began to sob. So far she had managed to avoid having Rulf have his way with her. The first week when he had insisted she sleep with him, she had refused and he had enjoyed watching her sleep on the cold ground.

The second week he had grown bored and had hauled her up on the bed and had started kissing her and groping her, but she had once again managed to get away from him, once giving him her drugged wine, twice he passed out from drinking, and the last week he had been away some where and she had slept fitfully, but tonight he was back, and now she had no excuse to get away from him. And tonight he would discover she was with child.

Rulf stormed into the room and smirked down at her. He walked over to her and picked her up and Sakura whimpered and tried to get away from him, but he held her tight. He planted kisses along her neck and Sakura cried out in disgust and fear. His hand went down her side and up her thigh and Sakura shuddered in disgust as he tried to find her womanhood.

" Rulf you can't touch me! " she cried.

He laughed and she sighed a little in relief when his hand left her inner thigh and went back to her waist.

" I-I-I've got my courses! " she shouted in desperation and Rulf stilled. She felt Val's approval deep inside and sighed that she had thought of one last thing to save herself.

He pushed away from her and snarled. Sakura watched him in terror wondering if he would back away and leave her or fight her and see for himself if she lied. She threw every ounce of innocence she had left within her into her eyes and hoped she looked truthful. Rulf threw her a dirty look and stormed back out of the room bellowing for Kartiako.

Sakura sank against the wall and collapsed in a heap. She looked up at the ceiling and both her heart and mind cried out for Li.

Meanwhile….

Li choked midway drinking from his cup and gripped his chest as a searing pain shot through his mind and heart. Eriol patted him on the back and then noticed his cousin was in pain.

" Li? "

Aiden and Iza looked up ad watched as Li fought for control.

" Are you alright? " Aiden asked in concern.

Li coughed and straightened. He looked totally perplexed. " I think so. "

" Haven't I told you not to gulp like that? " Eriol teased.

Li shook his head. " No it wasn't like that. I didn't choke because of the drink. It was…… something else entirely. "

They all stared at him. Li looked up and met Iza's knowing eyes and shivered. " I'm going to bed. " he jumped up and walked out of the small room. He gripped his tunic and felt the familiar shape of Sakura's pendant against his skin.

" Sakura. " he whispered knowing in his heart she was calling out to him.

The dark guard raised his torch once again and looked into the darkness, but upon seeing nothing, turned and walked back around the perimeter of the castle.

In the shadows a few feet away, hunched a dark figure, silent as the night. Light gold/amber eyes peered out from the bushes and then backed into the darkness. The figure sprinted through the forest though now sound could be heard.

In a small clearing hidden away, was a small campfire where two creatures waited patiently. Stepping into the firelight Layla's hair flared a deep rich red.

" The guard has already done his round this side. If we hurry, we can get in closer before he realizes. Are you up for it Kero? Suppi? "

" If we get to kick some evil butt I'm not complaining. " Kero Beros said as he got up and lazily stretched his massive body, ruffling his impressive wings before tucking them back.

" And if we'll be helping Sakura, then lets do it. " Spinel sun replied.

Layla smiled. " I'll wait here and you two do as much damage as you can. Make sure that no reports can get back to Rulf of what attacked the hold. Kill anyone bearing his mark and use your senses to detect any that might not be in dress, but might still be one. "

Spinel nodded and then took flight followed by Kero.

Layla listened as the hover of wings disappeared and sighed as she sat down. " I hope we're not too late from Laxthorn to help you Sakura. " she whispered as her eyes reflected the flames from the burning fire.

Sakura stopped sobbing and listened. There were shouts coming from outside. She jumped up, tripped on her hem, cried out, but managed to make it to the window, where she flung open the window and looked down.

Great bouts of fire and strange red beams were exploding everywhere around her. She listened to the cries of the dying soldiers and wondered what in the world was going on. Who was attacking her castle?

She caught a flash of a huge golden being and gasped. Could it be?

' It is your strange golden pet. ' Vala confirmed in her mind. ' And his strange creature friend. '

' Suppi and Kero! ' Sakura cried in her mind, her hope soaring. ' They're helping me! They're trying to save me! Oh Vala I thought no one cared! I know I told them to go and be safe, but I don't want to be here anymore! I'd rather be running and hiding than living this nightmare! '

' They are here to help yes, but not rescue you. That is too much for one attack. '

Sakura deflated a bit, but she gained more knowing that her hope was restored.

They still cared.

The next morning ….

Li walked into the main room and stopped dead." What the - ?? " he cried out startled and the figure sprawled out in the chair beside the dying fire jerked awake and shot him a small tired smile.

There was a sound of blankets being hastily discarded followed by someone tripping and then cursing furiously before Tori ran up behind him and stared. " Layla?!! "

Meilin raced down the tunnel being alerted by all the noise and stopped dead and gaped.

" How the - ? How the hell did you get in here?!! " she demanded perplexed looking around.

" You were asleep. I didn't want to wake you. " Layla replied tiredly.

Tori and Li glared at Meilin who smiled nervously.

" Will you please keep it down. Magical beasts are exhausted. "

Li's head jerked back around in surprise. " Kero? "

" Yeah. " came the tiny muffled reply.

" And me too. " came another.

Eriol and Madison walked in with Aiden in tow and watched as the tiny creatures of Kero and Suppi climbed up higher on Layla's lap and snuggled close together falling asleep.

" What happened? " Aiden asked.

Layla yawned and blinked away sleep. " We attacked Berth Seren Banon. "

" You what??!! " Tori and Li demanded angrily.

" Hey kids keep it down. " Kero muttered.

" Kero and Suppi attacked the soldiers guarding the castle. Kero and Suppi did an excellent job. " she said lovingly and scratched them behind their ears softly.

The group stared numbly unable to say anything. Layla smiled softly and looked up again and shifted a little in the chair. " Since the king's men have been severely depleted from the constant attacks by Rulf's growing army and the prince's as well we knew it was going to take a miracle if anyone could make a stand against Rulf and make a dent in his forces.

"The king of Laxthorn took all of your people in and although his streets and inner walls are over flowing with our people he treats them with the greatest respect in regards to our trials. His own army if stretched to breaking point with guarding his own borders and fending off Rulf's men so he cannot spare anyone to help our cause.

" But in his defense Laxthorn and his best advisors sat for hours pouring over every map they have and tried come up with a strategy to help. I will admit that I kind of snuck into the meeting and listened in hoping for an idea of my own. It was while I was sitting their listening that I remembered these little guys. " she ran her hands over the two little creatures and they snuggled into her lap happily.

" Rulf's men focus on brawn and strength rather than defense so it took a little planning but it was easy once I realized that Rulf is defenseless against aerial attacks. We knew we couldn't do much on our own but our main objective was to scout out the castle and learn what we could and take out as many men as we possibly could. " she smiled tiredly and then yawned.

" That was very brave of all of you. " Aiden stated gravely. " But it was not worth the risk to your lives should you have been captured all killed. I realize that our situation is grave but I do not want any unnecessary deaths. "

" No offense your majesty but you are not in a position to be giving out orders. " Layla replied firmly.

" Layla! " Tori barked, shocked at her statement.

" Let the young lady speak. " Aiden replied firmly his old eyes tired and full of wisdom.

" Thank you. " Layla flicked her gaze to Tori and then back to Aiden. " Let us face what is there in front of us. Your army is all but annihilated by Rulf's troops and the crown prince's is not fairing much better. The Star Queen's people have fled to Laxthorn and no one there can help us. What are we to do? "

" That young lady is the question at hand. " Aiden replied tiredly. " If I had the answer I would act immediately. If I knew it would make a difference I would give my life for that of my daughter's. " he sat down and ignored Tori's shocked stare. " But that won't make a difference and I cannot conjured men up to serve as soldiers. I am at a loss at what to do. " he sighed and rest his head in his hands.

" Well I do have some news for you. " Layla replied sympathetically. " It's about your daughter, Sakura. "

Li's eyes widened and he stiffened. Aiden lifted his head and looked at her with hope shining in his eyes.

" Did you know that she's - " she paused and looked at Madison and Meilin wondering how she could phrase it delicately.

" With child. " Iza put in catching on. " Yes. "

Layla sighed and leant back in the chair more. " That's the main news I had. But I do know that Rulf has yet to discover the fact. Apparently he had her locked away in the tower for two weeks. But of late he's removed her and - " she looked at Tori and Li and lowered her eyes. " he's keeping her in his own personal room. " she watched sadly as Li went pale.

" That's all I have sorry. "

" How did you get this? " Aiden asked just as pale as Li.

" It's amazing how fast news travels outside the three kingdoms. Outside Laxthorn is swarming with Rulf's men. It would seem he has spread farther than we ever thought. I snuck out one night and watched them for a while. It's amazing how far you can get with any man when you bat your lashes and shoot them a seductive look. A little touching and then tongues wag. A slit throat stops then from talking ever again. " she yawned again.

" Yes well. " Aiden stated looking distressed. " Thank you for all your help. Get some sleep. We'll leave you be till you wake. "

She sighed and fell instantly asleep.

Sakura gripped the window ledge in fury. She had just consulted the wind and she had learnt that Rulf was sending his men out to hunt Li and the others; seeking for her pendant as well. She had known deep down inside that the bastard wouldn't keep his word but to have it thrown directly in her face stung and it made her incredibly mad.

" No wonder they haven't been able to get anywhere near me to help. " she whispered angrily.

Sakura turned around and walked towards the locked door and glared at it. All her fury and fear from the past month flooded her body and her mind turning everything she saw red. She faintly felt Vala start in surprise at the emotion and then she too was taken hold of the anger and swept away with it.

She focused all of the energy and aimed it at the door barring them inside. The bolt on the other side of the door bended and warped under the assault of their power and completely snapped off. Sakura thanked Vala and pushed open the now boltless door and walked down the corridor.

She ran into several soldiers and they all looked bewilded and grabbed for their swords, but Vala used her kinetic powers and they buckled over in pain and could do no more than wither on the floor.

Kartiako shifted restlessly in the couch she was laying on whilst reading. She had had no success either in the search for the miscreants from the cave and she was furious. Behind her Rulf was at the desk. He had gathered his men and had been pleased to note that only a small percentage of his men where gone. He knew it was somehow connected with the princess's friends, but now he was trying to pinpoint where the peasants of the villages had fled to. He would make them pay.

" Kartiako where the hell are they?!! " he demanded glaring at the back of her head.

Kartiako sighed and rolled over shooting him a blank expression." I'm your mastermind in battle strategies Rulf. Nor your wise man. " she rolled back around and continued to read.

Rulf stared at the back of her head in silence. Then he snarled." You're a curse! " he spat. " A useless curse! "

Kartiako rolled her cat-like eyes. " I told you that's what you'd come to see me as when we first met, but you insisted I come along. Deal with it Rulf. "

Rulf jumped up and was about to abuse her when the study doors flew open and Romaka ran in screaming hysterically. " M'lord! She's evil! I swear she's evil! " she screeched, pointing behind her.

Kartiako lowered her book and stared down the corridor as did Rulf, and together, they all watched as Sakura walked purposely towards them, glowing, hair swirling angrily with a look that would put any man down on his knees and begging for mercy.

" Rulf! " Sakura spat as she strode into the study and the air thickened uncomfortably.

Rokama screamed and dived behind the desk and behind Rulf sobbing as she stared terrified at the glowing figure.

" You broke your word! " Sakura spat.

Rulf cringed as a surge of pain went through his mind. He gripped his head and buckled over the table. " How did you get out your room?!! " he demanded cringing.

Sakura's eyes narrowed dangerously. " You've been sending your men out to hunt down my people! I warned you! "

Kartiako raised her eyebrows skeptically intrigued. How had this slip of a girl found that out?

" You're mistaken Sakura! " Rulf yelled above the splitting of his head. " I know nothing of such thing. If you're looking for someone to blame look to Kartiako, she's the treacherous one. "

Sakura's eyes flicked to the black haired woman with the strange eyes, just in time to see her roll her eyes and lick her finger to turn the page in the book.

" Is there nothing you won't lie about?!! " Sakura yelled. The stones in the walls vibrated with power and Rulf stared at her in horror. Vala suddenly released her control over his mind and the pain disappeared from Rulf and he blinked.

' Vala what are you doing?!! ' Sakura demanded mentally.

' Run Sakura! Run! Get outside! We need to call for help! '

Sakura stopped glowing as the realization hit her that she was free and she whipped around and bolted. Rulf bellowed after her and summoned the guards after her.

Sakura tripped over her skirts and cried out. She gathered her skirts and continued running, refusing to give in to her tiredness. Sakura ran down the flights of stairs and wondered why there weren't any guards posted along the front entrance.

' Your strange creature friends decimated most of them last night remember? '

Sakura leapt the remaining stairs and ran out the front entrance and out into the sunshine.

' Run Sakura and keep running! '

Sakura coughed barely able to breathe and tripped and landed heavily on the ground panting.

' Sakura reach you hand out and grip the earth! ' Vala commanded.

Sakura did so on the verge of darkness and looking down upon her before she collapsed, her eyes flared and turned completely blue as Vala took over and started chanting.

Layla accepted the bowl of broth and started to eat it hungrily. Aiden sat down and the room was silent as they all thought. Kero stirred and looked up, his ears twitching. Suppi stretched on Eriol's lap and sat up, curling his tail around his body, as he too listened.

" What is it? " Iza asked watching them.

They listened and heard the rumble through the ground, before they felt it. It was like a shock wave, it went as fast as it came, and the ground shook violently for a second. The cups and bowels on the table rattled and danced across the crude wooden table and dirt showered down from the ceiling above.

After a moment Li looked around and met everyone's gaze. " O-k . . " he said slowly.

" What was that? "

Kero grunted pleased. " Bout time too. " he said looking at Suppi.

Suppi grinned. " Definitely a good sign. " he replied.

" Kero? " Layla asked lowering her bowel.

" That friends, " Kero shot Li a look. " and beloved enemies. Was an ancient summoning call from the Elvin queen. It would seem that Vala is calling for all the Mar. "

" The Elvin queen? " Aiden said perplexed.

Tori frowned. " Vala? " he said looking at Li for confirmation.

Li nodded shakily. " But why is she summoning the Marise people? " Li asked.

Kero cocked his head haughtily to the side and regarded him smugly. " It would seem brat that she's going to war. "

Layla frowned. " She's going up against Rulf? "

The group's eyes widened.

Suppi took flight and hovered in front of Li. " If there was ever a time that you wanted to slightest chance of saving Sakura, I think it would be now. With the Mar behind you, you are almost invincible. "

" Yes, but we're still disposable. " Meilin said, walking in with her sword across her shoulders.

Kero shot her a look. " I'm beginning to think that you're just as depressing as the brat over here. "

Meilin laughed and winked at Kero. " Oh I wouldn't be so sure of that if I were you. " she smiled. " So what do we do now? "

Aiden looked up. " We finish what was started. " he looked at them all. " We go to war. "

Sakura stirred and stared around the candle lit room and realized she was back inside the castle. She turned her head and saw Kartiako smirking at her from the dark shadows. Her eyes gleamed evilly and she stepped forward. " And so the plot thickens. " she murmured.

Sakura turned her head and saw Rulf standing beside her staring down at her with a expression on his face that she had never seen before. " So the great princess is with child. " he muttered.

Sakura's face paled of any colour and went white.

" Now the question is - is it a bastard or is it claimed? "

Sakura's anger flared. " It's the child of the king! "

Rulf crossed his arms unimpressed. " Hmmmm . . " he paused. " That's what I thought. "

Sakura gingerly sat up and stared at him. " What do you plan to do? " she asked timidly.

" What anyone in my position would do. . . . kill it. "

Sakura's eyes flew wide. " NO! " she screamed.

Rulf flicked his cape back and took out a dagger and threw it to Kartiako who caught it.

" You deal with it. I have things to do. " and with that he turned and walked out, closing the door behind him.

Sakura turned slowly to look at Kartiako who stepped out of the shadows, dagger gleaming in the light. " Kartiako please no, don't do this. " she pleaded.

Kartiako's eyes gleamed and she smirked as she walked slowly towards the bed. Sakura backed up against the pillows unable to move. She felt strange, drained.

" You may feel a little fuzzy after waking. " Kartiako stated. " Rulf had you drugged so

you may find it a little hard to try to escape. "

Sakura started to hyperventilate. " Kartiako please. I know you hate Rulf, why do you help him when he treats you so badly? "

Kartiako paused and then shrugged. " I get off on the pain he brings people. Maybe it has something to do with all the people that made me suffer all my life. . . who knows. But I can tell you I'm going to enjoy this more than you are. " she paused at the end of the bed and stared at Sakura's shaking form.

Sakura wrapped her arms protectively around her stomach and glared at the evil woman defiantly. Kartiako's hand shot out and she embedded her long nails into Sakura skin of as she gripped Sakura's ankle. Sakura cried out and tried to kick her away, but Kartiako pulled her towards her slowly. Kartiako raised the dagger high above her and Sakura screamed clutching her stomach protectively.

Suddenly the huge door flew open and both Sakura and Kartiako looked at the figures standing in the doorway. Sakura's eyes flew open wider as she stared at the one thing that had never entered her mind . . .

To be continued . . . .

Now I had some questions in regard to this chapter by Enigma infinite and so I have updated this chapter to answer them.

Q: Why did Sakura surrender herself in the first place when the deal is meant to be dishonored?

A: Because Sakura and the others do not know that Rulf will betray them. Sakura hopes that by giving Rulf what he wants (her) that he will uphold the bargain struck. This story is in an era were your given word was as good as the law. So it just drives home the kind of character Rulf really is.

Q: What would Rulf need Sakura in the first place when he could declare himself King? He already conquered her land?

A: Because Rulf is obsessive. He is not satisfied unless everything is in his control and for that to happen Sakura has to be submissive to him.

Q: Why does the Elvin queen volunteer her people to fight NOW? Why not earlier? Why must it be when Sakura escape the palace?

A: Because if you remember from earlier chapters I described that Vala and her kind do not mess with humans or the wars of their own making. They live peaceful and civilized lives and [laugh] if you will, at the lesser superiority of humankind compared to their own. Humankind are not of their concern. It is because of the fact that Sakura intrigues Vala that the Elvin Queen gets involved with the human war in the first place.

Also Vala believes that human should do their own work. She goes along with Sakura's plan to go with Rulf willingly but when they both learn of Rulf's betrayal and what it will mean to the three kingdoms if Rulf dominates, Vala decides to help.

I hope that helps. I hope you all like the newer updated version of this story