And here we begin the next chapter of Romeli's life as a slave of Scanra.
Song for this Chapter: Take Me Away → Avril Lavigne. The mood of this song fits Romeli's nicely.
Chapter 29: Slave of Scanra
Three weeks had passed. Three weeks since that fateful day. The blood that had soaked the ground had vanished, but the scars remained. All of Tortall seemed to be quiet, empty of character, and ordinary. Not even the mockingbirds could be heard through the trees.
James of Queenscove sat in the palace rose garden staring at the roses circled around him. The flowers were crisp and blossomed. Dew dripped down the slick petals and onto the stone ground as if weeping—the mirror of his own inner emotions.
James sighed, his chest rising and falling heavily. It just wasn't the same without her. He didn't feel whole knowing that she could be in danger, she could be in pain. He had tried to make the uncomfortable thoughts retreat back to the depths of his mind, but it was no use. There had been emerald banners placed in the mess hall in honor of her sacrifice. Every time he passed her rooms, he shuddered, trying to keep his eyes off of the engraved door. This garden where he sat was where they first met. He couldn't get her out of his mind.
Everything had changed since she had left. He remembered when he had come back to the fort to tell his friends after the war was over.
OOO
He came through the web of the forest, his eyes falling upon the scene of a lifeless battle. Not a living soul could be seen in the whole field. The ground was sprinkled with the bodies of Scanrans and Tortallans alike. It was saturated with blood and looked almost muddy is was so trampled over and wet. The smell was revolting.
After the long walk to the forest, James entered the fort tiredly, his feet dragging across the dirt ground. His father rushed past him and towards the infirmary where he was needed.
His friends were standing in a far corner by the stables. The minute he spotted them, he walked over.
"James!" cried Sereem as he came up to his friend. He was sporting a gruesome black eye and a bandaged arm.
James looked up at them, his eyes red and puffy, a clear sign of recent crying. "Hi," he croaked. His was voice nearly inaudible.
"James what happened? Are you okay? Did you come back okay?" asked Whave as he brought his friend over to the wall of the stables.
James leaned on it tiredly. "Lot's of things happened, Whave," he replied. "Is the war over?"
Tim nodded. "Yea. The weirdest thing happened. During the battle, this feeling came over us and we all just stopped. Everyone. For some reason this voice went through our minds and told us it was over, and...it all halted. It was kinda creepy. I don't know what came over me. We just all walked back to Northwatch. Did the same thing happen to you?"
James shook his sadly. "No…not really," he said. He looked across the fort. "I really have to go…Alanna may need me…and Romeli…"
Ethan looked at James oddly. "James…where's Romeli? Is she here?"
James froze and looked up at them. His emerald eyes were glassy. "She's gone."
"What do you mean?" asked Whave confused. "She can't be gone…she's in Corus."
James shook his head. "No. You don't understand. She…she came back."
"Well how come she didn't say hi?" asked Sereem with a hurt look.
James sighed. "Listen. I was kidnapped along with the king, her family, my father, and Alanna. Romeli came…I don't know how. She came to rescue us, but…" His fists clenched. "It was a trap," he answered angrily.
James told them how this war was prophesied about Romeli. How she was the sole object that could stop the war. His voice shook with raw emotion as he explained. He wanted to hit something.
"Maggot kidnapped us to bring in Romeli and…he won. Romeli managed to stop the war and free us, but she couldn't come back." Tears slid down his cheeks.
Tim paled. "Is she…"
"No," whispered James. "She sacrificed herself and made a deal with Maggur to come with him in order to set us free. He turned her into a slave."
"Gods," whispered Ethan as he stared.
"That voice. That was her telling us to stop wasn't it," Sereem said sadly.
James closed his eyes and leaned his head on the wall of the stables. "And I think…she knew this was going to happen to her, she knew for a while. I feel like an idiot. I should have done something."
Whave came over and patted his shoulder. "I will miss her," he said as a tear rolled down his cheek. "But you know that there is nothing you could have done. No one could have done anything."
James looked at Whave. "You didn't see her face when she left. There was so much…so much understanding. She was so sad. It was unbearable just looking at her. I wanted to go on my knees." He stepped away from the wall and turned around. "I need time to think," he whispered. He walked away towards his tent.
OOO
James stood up from the stone bench in the rose garden. It was amazing how much one person could change something so big. Romeli, she saved a country.
He walked back inside the palace with a slow gait. How was he to know what was to become of her now? She could be in great pain, or worse. She could be dead.
Life was cruel. Since when did Romeli deserve to be snatched away like that? He was no believer in karma, but what had Romeli done to deserve it?
He always remembered his father saying life wasn't fair. Damn right it wasn't. But he always thought that that only applied to the times when you study hard for a test and then fail miserably. But this, this was ridiculous. How could life be fair?
Once in the palace, he returned to his rooms, looking forward to clearing his thoughts with a brain torturing, confusing book.
OOO
The trip to Scanra was like walking into a foreign country, which was quite true. They had walked into the border of Scanra just after one week's ride.
That night, Romeli slept in a tent next to the much more elegant one that housed the king.
Romeli sat in her tent rubbing the inside of the slave collar she had acquired. And yet they say I'm not a slave, Romeli thought angrily. Some logic they have. Already the skin was turning raw. She had a very large temptation to walk out of the tent and make the king give her permission to heal herself. Or better yet, blow up the collar with a flame-thrower and then tear it up viciously. What type of rule was that anyway? To ask permission to use her Gift. It wasn't like she was going to cause terrifying havoc across the land and kill everyone. Well actually…
Romeli shook her head. Whatever. She crawled to the opening flap of her tent and peeked her head out. It was a cold night. Campfires could be seen in the distance along with the foreign howls of laughter from Scanran soldiers.
She shivered and went back inside of the tent. Spending the rest of her life in the north would be cold. Eventually she would get used to it, but she didn't even want to think about how long that would take.
Romeli crawled into the bedroll that she had been given and stared at the fabric ceiling. What was life going to be like now? She had no clue what the next day would even bring.
There was a voice coming through the breathable fabric of her tent.
"Miss Romeli?" called the voice in a thick Scanran accent. The face of a burly soldier peeked his head in. Romeli rose her brows. "His Majesty King Maggur wishes to see you."
Romeli sighed and nodded. The soldier popped his head out to wait for her outside. Romeli crawled out of the tent and wiped her bleary eyes.
"This way. Please," directed the Scanran man in a chopped Common. Romeli nodded and followed behind him.
This is just great, thought Romeli. I wonder what's going to happen next? Maybe I should run? Naw…I'll make it fun. How exciting.
The king's tent was a palace compared to her own drooping one. It smelled of expensive cologne and wine. Romeli want to gag, but she held it in. When they came inside, King Maggur was sitting in a chair.
Romeli looked around disgusted. All of this stuff could feed a family for a year. No, make that two years. She suspected that all of the wooden objects were at least half a rain forest.
I hate humans, Romeli thought bitterly. What is the point in all this stuff anyway? I wouldn't be surprised if there was a dining hall connected to it.
To put it mildly, the tent was an environmentalist's worst nightmare. There were at least fifty candles lit around the room. Two large wooden chests took up a small fraction of the room. His bed was no bedroll, but an actual bed that came with mounds of pillows and blankets. The many rugs were made of animal fur. There was a large golden vase filled with who knows what beside the bed.
"Romeli," welcomed Maggur as he smiled slyly. The escort bowed his way out of the imperial tent.
"Please sit down," said Maggur as he waved his hand to a nearby chair. Romeli set her jaw and remained standing. She crossed her arms across her chest stubbornly. Maggur shrugged. "Suit yourself."
"What do you want Maggur?" Romeli spat out coldly.
Maggur grinned. "We are here to discuss your conditions in Scanra."
"Enlighten me."
His brows rose. "My don't you have a temper. No matter. In Scanra you will be treated just as any other Scanran. You will be living under the laws of my country as a citizen of Scanra, not an honored guest. The collar I have given you is not by any means a slave collar (yeah sure buddy, Romeli thought angrily), though legally I do own you. Being in a new country, many things will be different. If you don't do as I say, there will be consequences. If anyone violates you without your desire, please let me know and I will take care of it. Once we get to Scanra, I will show you your rooms and the Scanran palace."
Romeli set her jaw forward and leveled her footing. "So basically I'm a slave, but not really. That's wonderful."
Maggur shrugged. "Whatever you wish."
You have to be kidding me, she thought, hatred flowing through her veins. I just want to beat his ass. "Fine," Romeli snapped. She glared at him and began to walk out the tent.
Maggur stared. "Romeli…this temper of yours is no good. You will be broken."
Romeli froze in front of the entrance. Her shoulders drooped, but she set her jaw. "In your dreams, Maggot," she said hardly. She pushed herself out of the tent.
OOO
"Romeli?" called a voice far in the distance.
Romeli's eyes snapped open. She was in the same tent on the road. The birds were chirping above her and the sun was seeping through. Had she really slept in that long?
She sat up and looked around. Someone called her name again. She wiped her eyes and popped her head out of the tent sleepily.
A young man who looked to be a few years older than her was standing outside of her tent. He was lean and tall, with layered, raven black hair that was long enough to sweep to the side. He had thin lips and a perfect nose. His eyes were dark pits of black, perhaps because his lashes were such a thick charcoal. In reality, sis eyes were a dark brown. He wore black breeches and a crimson shirt the color of dark blood.
"Um…hi?" greeted Romeli as she stood up and looked at him.
"My name is D'mitri," welcomed the young man. He had a slight Scanran accent, but was very smooth with his Common.
Romeli looked at him slightly confused. "I'm Romeli."
D'mitri nodded. "I have been assigned to be your mentor until you get used to our country." He said it as if the job was a punishment.
A mentor? Romeli thought in shock. I don't need a mentor! Who thought of this and when can I kill him?
"…Okay…" Romeli said. Mithros, what did I do to deserve this?
D'mitri sighed. "Well I suggest we go and get something to eat."
Romeli stared as D'mitri turned around and started to walk away. She moaned helplessly and jogged to catch up with his long strides.
They got their food from monstrous pots of delicacies that held a large resemblance to dog food. They sat under the branches of a thick tree. Both ate in silence.
After taking a bite of flavorful rice, Romeli pushed her food around her plate. Finally, she set it down.
"Listen," she said. D'mitri turned to look at her with his bored face. "You don't have to be my mentor. It looks like you don't want this just as much as I don't. I don't need any help. I'll figure it out on my own."
D'mitri sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to be so uninterested, I guess. I mean, yeah I was a little bored, but I would enjoy being your mentor, really."
Romeli shrugged. "Suit yourself." She turned her attention back to her food.
"So, how about you tell me a little bit about yourself? It may make mentoring easier."
Romeli once again put down her fork, her meal interrupted. "I've known you for five minutes," she stated bluntly. "Do you really think I'm going to tell you anything For all I know you could be a spy. Mithros knows I've had enough of that." She remembered Maryann's betrayal with a shudder.
"You're right," he agreed. "However, I would love to tell you a little about me."
"Talk away." Romeli rolled her eyes as she picked up her fork again.
D'mitri glared. "I was born in a southern Scanran town called Kipinyoyok. I had an older brother and a younger sister. My father, as I remember him, was always drunk. He left us when I was only two. My mom was in grief and couldn't bear us any longer. She left us on a random doorstep. We were raised by a loving monterintok named Lore. When my brother came of age he joined the Scanran army. My sister left to the palace to design dresses. At the age of fifteen, I too went to the palace to find a job. I worked for knights, scribes, everyone. I guess I just became a palace freelancer."
Romeli stared. His story was touching, but she didn't feel any sympathy. D'mitri wasn't James. He didn't have that sparkle that made her trust him no matter what. To her, D'mitri was still the enemy.
"I'm touched," she said. "But I don't break because of a sad story."
D'mitri nodded. "I understand. Just remember that I will always help you, and when you're ready to talk, I'm your go boy."
Romeli looked at him and nodded. Even though he was the enemy, he was only human. He was connected to her just like any other Tortallan. Perhaps she could cut a little slack.
"Fine," she said. She cleared the rest of her plate and stood with a goodbye. Walking away, she sensed D'mitri's eyes on her back.
OOO
She opened her eyes to a web of tree limbs. The air was quiet, everything was silent. Romeli sat up slowly; the first sound of the crusty leaves crackling beneath her seemed loud. There was a large glossy lake a little ways from her. It looked like she was in someone's sanctuary it was so peaceful, yet so real.
She breathed in fresh air that seemed to heal her lungs from the scratchy dust of travel. Romeli sighed and brought her hand to her neck. Her slave collar was gone. Where was she?
There was a rustle of leaves behind her. Romeli turned around to see Old White and Sclythe standing behind her.
"Hi," Romeli said. Her voice seemed like the roll of an earthquake compared to the silence around her. "I was wondering when I would see you again."
Old White padded up to her and licked her cheek. We are very proud of you, Romeli. You have proven to be very strong.
Romeli looked down. I was just trying to save my country. I think stupid is the word you were looking for.
Don't say that, said Sclythe as he coiled up next her. No one could have handled your position any better. I have to say that solving the prophecy was a close one, however.
Romeli smiled at him weakly. I guess so.
Old White thrust his nose at her neck. I'm sorry Romeli, about what is happening. But…
Romeli looked at him sadly. You knew this would happen all along didn't you?
Old White nodded his head. Yes, it is your destiny. I'm sorry to say that it will no get any easier.
This is only the beginning isn't it? Romeli asked miserably.
Sclythe nodded. This is barely even the beginning compared to what will pass. Just remember that we will always be there for you and will protect you. Some things however, are not in our power to manipulate. Life will be hard.
I understand. I know I probably won't even survive.
Neither of them answered.
Romeli picked up a stick and played with the dirt ground. After drawing a small design with the dirt, she looked back up at her guardians. What will become of me anyway? Am I going to be a slave for the rest of my life.
Not even the strongest of gods can predict one's future. What will become of you, is what you decide. We have no guarantee that you will see the ones you love again.
Romeli sighed. She knew that was true. She would have to carve her own path. One mistake could change her fate forever. The thought gave her the shivers.
What about this D'mitri guy? Can I trust him? she asked.
Old White flared his nostrils. D'mitri is a teenager just like you. I don't think he cares about who you are. He probably doesn't even care about the matters between you and the king. I bet you would trust him if he were in Tortall. You're connected to the humans, you tell me. Can you trust him or not?
It just doesn't seem that easy. I mean, he's the enemy. I'm forced to live in this place, and I can't trust anyone. If I do, well…I mean what if he's a spy or something like that? I need to watch out for myself.
That may be true, but just because someone lives in an enemy land doesn't mean they're the enemy. Families of People and humans live in this land just trying to survive, just like Tortall. Yes with different conditions, but they are all just as innocent as you see your country. Don't trust everyone, especially the king, but perhaps D'mitri is an exception. Give him a chance, for your own sake.
Romeli half smiled. All right. I'll do it for you…but I still don't think this is a genius idea.
What's the use of adventure when the adventure lacks risk? asked Sclythe.
Romeli sighed and smiled. All right, all right. Give it a rest. Any other reason why you have interrupted my sleep?
You make it sound like this is a punishment, pointed out Old White.
Romeli stared. Darn…I didn't know gods could read minds.
Old White decided to ignore that remark.
Sclythe came up to her. Well… There is one more thing. If you want, we would be more then willing to show you your friends in Tortall.
Romeli looked at him eagerly. Please? She asked. Just to see her friends again...
All right. Follow me, Old White said.
Romeli jumped to her feet and followed Old White. Sclythe was trailing behind, traveling fast for a creature with no legs.
Look into the water, said Sclythe when they arrived at the edge of the pond. Romeli leaned over and looked into her own reflection. Green hair, changing eyes, and all.
The water began to ripple; her reflection was now an endless swirl of green and blue. Romeli found herself leaning towards the water, a fire of anticipation spreading through her stomach.
The dizzy swirls of green became a plethora of random colors that slowly twisted into the sight of the Tortall palace. Romeli stared into the reflection, she felt herself falling into the water until she was one with the picture…like a ghost in a different world. She hadn't realized how much she had missed Corus until now.
The palace zoomed in until she could see all the windows scattered along the walls. Eventually the picture focussed on only one window: the window of her parent's suite.
Romeli felt a lump in her throat form. She saw the living room, peaceful as always. The sofa and chairs covered with books. Her father's desk was stifled in papers. It was home. She could have been sitting on that sofa reading with a smile, but she was on the other side of the continent.
Numair was sitting in a chair reading a book. He seemed to be aging from stress. His face was pale and his eyes tired. He seemed to have the feeling of emptiness, even so far away, she felt the emotion.
Daine entered the room gripping her hands together as if worried. She walked over to her husband as Numair stood up. They kissed lightly, Numair's arms wrapped around her back. Daine smiled at them sadly as they sat on the sofa.
"Three weeks Numair," Daine said sadly. "It feels like three months. When will this end? When will we see her?"
Numair gazed at her sadly. "Have hope Daine. We know she can do this. Even without her powers, she can do this. You know she can."
Daine tried to smile. "I know…It's just…it's so hard to have hope when you know she may be gone."
"For her sake we must believe in her. All we need is the perfect moment, and maybe we can do something. The king is already thinking of a plan."
Daine nodded. "Perhaps there is hope after all."
The picture began to fade; Romeli tried to fight the growing blackness. For an instant she thought it was working, but then she was suddenly overcome by the dark.
Now, said the voice of Old White, as it was still dark. I thought you would want to see someone else.
A rush of hope sparked throughout her as once again she felt herself fade back to Corus.
She found herself in the same familiar room—James's room. She swore she could even smell the clean linen and pine aroma that always overcame her whenever she visited him.
She turned around, eyes sparkling with excitement. A rush of—something—flooded through her veins. She had never been full of so much emotion…and yet…in so much pain.
James was sitting on his bed reading a lengthy book (surprise, surprise, she thought grimly). He looked thinner than usual; his face seemed hollow, emotionless. There were circles under his eyes from loss of sleep.
Romeli looked upon him sadly. What was he doing to himself?
He flipped the thin page with weak fingers. Slowly he stopped reading and looked up right at her. His eyes widened. A force swept throughout her body that she had never felt before. She couldn't help it, a tear slid down her cheek and dripped onto the carpet, her eyes glassy mirrors as she looked at him.
Had he seen her? He stared exactly where she was with a confused face, he looked down and shook his head as if seeing things and continued his reading.
She wished he had seen her. Now more then ever, she wanted his smile, his hugs, his jokes.
She heard the knock of a door. James looked up from his novel. "Come in," he said. Gods, his voice…it was like it caressed her skin.
The door creaked open. Whave entered along with Sereem and Ethan. They too, looked tired, but they did not carry the atmosphere of exhaustion like James did.
"Hi," James said as he put down his book. He smiled at them weakly.
"Hey," said Ethan as James stood up. They all sat down on the ground. James put his hand down on the carpet and then rose it again. He glanced at his wet finger for a moment, and then at the damp tear stain on the carpet, confused.
"Huh?" said James still looking at the carpet. He hadn't heard what Ethan had said.
Ethan stared. "I said, how are you doing? I didn't see you at breakfast this morning."
James shrugged. "Better. I'm not really that hungry."
Whave looked at him concerned. "As much as you may be trying, you can't live off of depression."
"Well sorry for mourning," James snapped, quietly.
Whave looked at him sadly. "You have a good excuse to mourn, but it's been three weeks. Do you see anyone else starving themselves?"
"No one else understands," he said looking down.
"We know," said Ethan clutching his shoulder. "But there is a difference between mourning, and obsessively starving yourself."
James clenched his jaw stubbornly.
Romeli looked at James shocked. He hadn't been eating? For some reason she felt guilty, though she knew she shouldn't. If only she could tell him to not worry. That she was okay. She crouched next to him and touched his cheek. She felt him relax, a shiver rushing through his body.
Suddenly James smiled, letting this expression reach his eyes. She knew…he understood. Somehow he knew she was here with him. There was a link between them. She could sense his peace. Everything would be all right.
Whave, Ethan, and Sereem stared at him confused. "James…are you alright?" asked Sereem.
James nodded. "I am now. Thanks guys. I guess everything will be okay."
"Thank the Gods," said Whave. "For a second I thought you were dying on us."
"Couldn't you guys feel it?" asked James as he looked at them. "She's here. I know she's here."
The three of his friends exchanged looks. "Um…maybe we should give you some food. You're delirious."
Whave, Sereem, and Ethan stood up, helping James. Romeli stood up as well. The four of them went out of his door. James was the last to leave. He turned around, staring straight at Romeli.
Whave grabbed his arm. "Yes James, that's you room, now let's go to the mess hall before you go mental."
James smiled at her and lifted up his hand in a wave. Romeli smiled back.
And perhaps that was the last time she would ever see Jameson of Queenscove again.
Replies:
Tortall's WILD GIRL: lol. Yes, sorry for the typo. I'm only a moose; two hooves are all I got. You know…I don't know why she didn't talk to her guardians. How about we forget that question all together shall we? All right. And the James and Romeli fluff is gonna be happening eventually, yes it will happen. I swear. Wow…our threatening! YOU'RE GONNA KILL MY MOOSE! lol.
Magequeen: lol. I'm so so so so so sorry for not updating. I feel really bad. And actually, your reviewing me constantly inspired me to get my but back in gear. Thanks!
Kuyaga: lol. OMG that was like the funniest review I've ever read in my life. Lol. you make me laugh.
Silver-star-0: Yeah…you got it right! Good job being smart! I think we should run around your neighborhood. Mine is full of a whole buncha old people. And yet it's funny to watch old people yell threatening things at you.
Mercury-Shadowfeather: I'm so glad you knew it! That makes me happy. More then half of the readers were totally clueless…it was funny to read about them guessing. I love to reply! You are very welcome.
Captain Cheese: hooray! I love this review. Long reviews are sexy… (Um…yeah…) lol. Yes…alone in a tent…and no kissing. Eventually Captan Cheese…eventually. Lol. Your desperate for fluff aren't you. That's good. You're gonna love next chapter. Yeah…I shoulda killed off Quinn. Man whore. Lol. Hey! I love Whave! Lol. Yeah…Yeah. Romeli likes to yell at people. So do I. Lol. hee hee. I luv this review. I luv that part when James yelled at Alanna. She needed a wake up call. Uh huh. Gawd are you psychic? Lol. How do you know this stuff? YOU STARTED CRYING! Score! Lol. I was wondering who would cry. Are you serious? That's not even the sad part! Dude…stop predicting what gonna happen! You're too good at it! Lol. got gotted. Lol. Yeah…you are a little protective…kinda creepy. JK! So funny. No no no! Do the same review next time! I love this! Yeah…Romeli's PMSing. Jeeze…I'm flattered. An award. I would like to thank Captain Cheese…who inspired me to make this story so good…and my mom…and my dog…. Wow. You really get into this story don't you…so funny. You want to marry James? Go ahead! I'll marry D'mitri! Lol. You're probably not gonna like D'mitri very much…James replacement. Heehee. FIGHT FOR YOUR FRIGGIN DAUGHTER! Lol. you crack me up. However…Numair couldn't because…well you'll see. And Romeli can't break through her collar thingy ma bobber because…well…you'll see. And…well…you'll see. Lol. I luved your review!
Lady Knight Devin: I'm glad that you like my story. It means a lot to me. And also thanks for the CC. You made a good point. I guess King J was in the zone…lol. Thanks for reading.
Spirit of the Sky: Sorry for no updating soon. Lol. And sorry for the cliffhanger too. I guess I'm professional. Lol.
QueenThayet12990: IB…ah good memories. I used to go to an IB school. Yeah…not cool. I'm glad I don't go to one anymore. I don't think I'd have a life. Actually I don't think there are any IB schools were I lie anyway.
Apathetically Interested: I'm sry I made you cry! (gives you a hug) Yeah…it took me a while to write. And this one was a real bugger. Don't worry…Romeli will break out. That's the second climax of the story…very dramatic. Lol.
Brighton Baby: yes there will be romance. Um…soon I think. Yeah. Thank you That's really nice of you to say that! I luv it!
Wolfess: lol. Thanks!
Blue mariposa: Yeah…I don't really know where this fic is going either. At least for a little while. And your question was very complicated. Um…She didn't because I think that she was just panicking too much about actually finding the object. And even when she knew that she could stop the war…she was too preoccupied with rescuing her friends.
The Purple Texas Cowgirl: lol. She will get free…when? Gawd I don't even know. Sorry for not writing soon!
Aravilui: Naw…that's not a flame compared to what I've been through. Lol. The Romeli James part will happen…just later. You'll see.
George Bassy: lol. The postoffice song. I HATE THE POSTOFFICE! Arg! Lol. aw yes…our football season is over now. Which is good. No more marching on football field.