Now. I just want to warn you. This chapter is horribly written. It's dreadful, honestly. Since I am about to edit this chapter, I am going to attempt to fix it. However, I fear that this chapter may be beyond repair.
Song for this Chapter: OMG OKAY. TOTALLY Ain't No Rest For The Wicket → Cage The Elephant. I knew this song would go with this chapter before I even got to editing this one. It's PERFECT.
Disclaimer: Jameson is mine. (Swats violently). Get away fools! He's mine!
Chapter 33: The Thirteenth Representative
Romeli the fly buzzed around the room in complete shock. This guy must be kidding right? She flew to the center of the room to acquire a full view.
She was surrounded by…well…she didn't exactly know what. But it seemed that Maggur's secret room conveniently contained everything they needed to help her escape.
This room, it was all about her.
Maggur's plans must all be here, she thought as she landed on the desk. There was a small cluster of papers on it.
She flew up in the air again to get a better view of what the top paper read.
Romeli Salmalin:
C1: Regulations of Slavery
C2: Bondage of Slavery
C3: TT
C4: Ball
S: Recordings
S2: KN
It looked like some type of guide. But to what? She looked around for some type of clue. The paper underneath was too heavy for her delicate body to lift up.
Open your eyes, she told herself. Notice things that you wouldn't notice everyday.
There was a portrait of her on the wall…
Romeli shuddered.
…A box full of something in the corner.
She didn't even want to know.
A chair, a trunk…
Suspicious, she thought looking at the trunk. She would have to inspect that later.
There were file cabinets, a shelf that ran along the wall, but they were all things that you would find in a regular office.
Unless…
Romeli looked at the paper again. C1, C2, C3, and C4. Could that possibly stand for cabinet? What other office object started with a C? And the numbering…there were also four file cabinets. That had to be it. There were no other possibilities.
And what about the S's?
It most likely meant shelf, but she only saw one shelf in the room.
But there are two objects on the shelf, she realized wickedly. There were two small boxes.
Hmmm, she thought as she flew to the box on the far left. For some reason, recordings looked suspicious to her.
She crept into the box and looked around. Despite it being nearly pitch black, flies had an excellent night vision.
In the box were about five small discs that were recorders. Most scholars used them to record notes instead of writing them down—usually for research's sake.
I wish I could listen to them now, she thought dismayed, but I won't have the strength to lift them, and I don't want to give myself away. Instead, she exited the box once again, convincing herself that coming back later would be a better idea.
She looked at the candles that marked the hours. Time seemed to pass so quickly. She couldn't believe she had been here for half an hour already! With a sigh, she made her way towards the door.
Something…some invisible type of force stopped her from flying any further. Slowly, she turned around, her eyes catching on the trunk. It almost seemed to be staring at her.
What the?
Something about that trunk, she had no idea what, gave her the creeps. Like the contents inside of it were unnatural—not meant to be. She felt tempting shivers creep all over her.
She had to see what was in that trunk.
She flew over and crawled through the keyhole, ignoring her senses telling her to stop. Her small legs seemed to tremble with both anticipation and fear.
Oh…my…Gods, she thought in wide-eyed horror. I thought all of this was supposed to be destroyed.
Romeli was thoroughly confused. What she was staring at couldn't be what it looked like. It looked so authentic, but all of the information had been burned beyond recognition.
Hadn't it?
Taranatok's destroyed information stared back at her innocently.
This stuff was supposed to be burned. What was it doing here? And then realization dawned on her. This trunk had all the answers. Everything that she ever wanted to know was probably right before her. She felt a new feeling overcome her. A feeling of hope. Her whole history, who she really was, was in her grasp. Right here in Maggur's office…
It's in his office. That means that he must know as well. He knows more about me than I know about myself. Sure, this could help us find out what he's doing, but…no wonder he wants my powers so badly! He must know what I'm capable of.
How did he get this anyway? she thought amazed. And then it hit her. He couldn't have gotten it. The history of Taranatok Tonraroloph was too long ago—far before Maggur was born. This must have meant that finding the object in the prophecy had been a goal passed down in Scanran royalty. Before Maggur existed. Before I existed.
Despite the desire to give the trunk a closer look, she had to go. More importantly, she had to find Maryann and D'mitri and tell them about her discoveries.
She flew out of the keyhole again and Maggur's office.
Looking around the hall for anyone who might have been there, she quickly transformed back into a black cat and walked away.
From around the corner, Maggur watched the transformation flashed before his eyes. As he watched the retreating cat, he began to shake with anger and shock.
OOO
"So, did you find his office?" asked Maryann excitedly.
"Oh, I found it," Romeli replied hardly. "And I found something else as well. Connecting to his office was as whole other room that was all about me. Me and his plans."
D'mitri looked on in shock. "That's…surprising."
Romeli nodded grimly. "Everything was there. Maggur even made recordings about me. I couldn't read much, or listen to them. I had to go back."
Maryann thought for a moment. "I'll go with you. If you show me where his office is, we can look around. I think it would be best if a professional spy did this. No offense."
Romeli grinned. "None taken."
"D'mitri, what about you. Any luck?"
D'mitri shrugged. "I've read some pretty good information. As for listening around, I haven't heard anything. Oh. Except for apparently the mystery meat served last week was potentially poisonous and could shrivel your insides.
Maryann paled.
D'mitri grinned. "You ate it didn't you," he accused. Romeli laughed.
"Never mind that," Maryann snapped. "Tell me what you've read."
"Well the prophecy was Seen by the famous Scanran Seer Taranatok Tanraroloph. He seemed to be almost obsessed with the whole thing. He died of a stroke, and people searched his house for any information concerning...well...Romeli. Unfortunately all the info was burned. All that was left was part of an odd message on his arm…
Romeli inhaled sharply. "No…the information wasn't destroyed," she told them.
Both of them looked at her confused. "What?"
"Maggur has the information. It's in a trunk in the room. I swear I saw it. I just…somehow…knew it was Taranatok's."
"That's something that I wasn't predicting," thought Maryann aloud. "The information was here the whole time. And to think, everyone thought it was destroyed."
"I think Maggur's family has been hiding it," Romeli pointed out.
D'mitri looked at them shocked. "In the book it says that a few people have looked to the Corners of the World in search of the object, but found no clues. Some even died."
Romeli tapped her finger on her chin. "Could some of those wanderers perhaps be Scanran royalty?"
Maryann nodded. "The two kings before Maggur died far in the south where it was said they were looking for something."
"So this whole information thing has been passed down through royal lineage so that one day a Scanran King would find the object and use it."
"Maggur must have known that he would be the king to find the object," said D'mitri.
"But why would they go through so much trouble just for some questionable prophecy?" Maryann asked.
"For realm domination," Romeli muttered to herself.
"…what was that?"
Romeli turned to them. "He wants me because he thinks my powers can help him take over the whole realm."
"That's ridiculous," said D'mitri.
"But it's true," pointed out Romeli. "In his office he was talking to this one guy, Fredrin, about the plan to take over the realm. They also said other things. Maggur thinks I'm broken, and is pleased with my plant magic. He is still stumped about the spell immunity though. And then there was something about examinations." She turned to Maryann. "Who's Fredrin?"
Maryann stole a glance at D'mitri. "I'm sure he would love to explain who Fredrin is."
D'mitri paled and sighed. "Fredrin is my older brother. He's been a close friend with Maggur for some time now. They're like a duo. His closeness with the king in turn caused our distanced relationship."
Romeli's eyebrows rose. She wasn't expecting that. She nodded and smiled weakly. D'mitri smiled back.
Maryann stood up. "We have found out a lot. It will really be of use to us. Tomorrow Romeli, we're going back to that office again to get your Gift back."
Romeli's heart rose.
"Remember your jobs, and for the life of me, don't tell a soul."
OOO
Maggur walked back into his office angrily. There was no way…impossible! He picked up the rock and spat into it furiously.
"Matthew!" he called.
"Yes Highness?" asked a snaky voice from the rock.
"You didn't happen to see anything enter my office in the past hour have you?"
There was a pause of thought from the other person speaking. "No I haven't, Sire. Anything wrong?"
Maggur exhaled shakily. "I guess I just thought I saw something, that's all. Thank you Matthew."
Maggur slammed down the rock. He could have sworn he saw Romeli just exit his office as a cat. What would she have been doing in there?
Panic overthrew him. What if she knows?
You're overreacting, he told himself. You just think it's Romeli. How can you be sure?
I know it was her, he thought forcefully. That cat was not normal.
He picked up the rock again rock. "Fredrin?"
There was a short pause. "Yes, Sire?" said the frosty voice of D'mitri's brother.
"We have a change of plans."
There was a silence. "Mithros, why?" asked Fredrin obviously not expecting the king's words.
Maggur sighed. "I just saw Romeli exit my office. She probably knows."
"…You're kidding me."
"I'm not. We'll have to act swiftly if this whole thing is to work. We'll—."
"Calm down Maggur," said Fredrin. "We don't have to move quickly at all. What we need to get is an element of surprise. Just act innocently Highness, and everything will go as planned. Perhaps even better."
Maggur looked doubtful but nodded. "Okay." He had learned to trust Fredrin. His judgment calls were always flawless.
Element of surprise…an interesting thought.
OOO
Maryann walked back to her quarters quickly and shut the door behind her. Gods she was already late enough as it was.
She walked over to her desk and unlocked one of the drawers. With haste, she lifted up the false bottom and turned a small knob tucked in the drawer. There was a flash of light that left her temporarily dazzled. When she could see again, the walls, the door, window, and floor were glittering with magic.
Maryann grinned. Good. Now no one could overhear her little meeting.
She walked over to her bed and got a box from underneath it. Opening it, she took out an ancient mirror that looked like it would crumble any second. She cleared the mirror's glossy surface of its accumulating dust and recited the name of her spy master.
A man's face appeared in the mirror's wearied reflection. He was grinning with one eyebrow raised. "You're late."
Maryann waved it off. "All for good reason," she said. "We found a breakthrough."
The man looked interested. "Oh really? Please tell."
"Well your niece found a whole room full of information. And apparently Taranatok's information was never actually destroyed. The Scanran royal lineage has been hiding it for their own motives."
George looked slightly shocked, but quickly veiled his surprise. He nodded. "A little unexpected. And what are his motives exactly?"
"Apparently Maggur is attempting to take over the realm. He believes the only way he can succeed is with Romeli's powers at his side."
"Ah. World domination. A classic." Romeli's uncle laughed.
Maryann smiled. "We're going to investigate the whole thing tomorrow."
"Great," said George pleased. "Now, what about your mission tonight?"
Maryann nodded. "I'm fully prepared," she said confidently.
"You better be. We need this Peace Ball, Maryann. We have to get her out."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm fully aware of that George. I have it taken care of. I have done this before you know."
George smiled devilishly. "I know you have. Just don't fail."
"Trust me George. You don't fail with these kinds of things."
"…Whatever you say."
OOO
Maryann rode up to the Scanran palace draped in a long cloak with packs on her horse. He hair, which was originally brown, was now long and colored a glistening cinnamon red that glowed in the moonlight. The cause was a spell that one of her men performed on her to change her looks. Her once tough face was transformed into one of a beautiful young woman's with glowing green eyes and a dash of freckles across a delicate nose and tanned skin. Her lips were painted a pouting dark red.
She dismounted her horse with ease and brushed off her crimson cloak. A stable boy took her mount to the stables. Maryann A soldier walked up to her. "What is your name occupation, My Lady?"
Maryann flipped back her long straight hair. "My name is Alyian of King's Reach. I am the representative for the King of Tortall. I have come to speak with the King of Scanra."
The soldier nodded. "This way." He led her into the palace and through a collection of hallways and rooms.
"Wow…this place is huge," exclaimed Maryann astounded.
The soldier laughed. "Well, it's one of the largest palaces in the world. Here you are, My Lady. Just walk right in."
Maryann smiled and opened the door to walk in. She closed it quickly behind her. Walking up the short distance to Maggur's throne, she ran her hand along her shimmering red hair and brushed off her cloak. She stopped in front of Maggur and curtsied.
"And who is this beautiful young woman who has graced my presence?" asked Maggur curiously as he eyed her.
Maryann smiled, flattered by the compliment. "Alyian of King's Reach, Sire," she replied. "I have come here as the representative for the King of Tortall."
Maggur nodded. "Wonderful. Say, it's rather warm in here, shall one of my servants take your cloak?" He waved his hand and a servant walked over to his guest.
Maryann undid the lace of her cloak and handed it to the servant.
Maggur gaped at her dress. It was a stunning color of bright, flaming red. The neckline was shockingly revealing. The dress was held by two-inch thick straps and the length fell down to her toes, gathering in folds. The little splashes of glitter made her even more radiant than before.
Maggur swallowed hardly. "Shall we discuss matters over dinner?" he asked weakly.
Maryann smiled at him and swiveled slightly to the right to show off her curves. "I would love to have dinner with you, Sire," she accepted.
Maggur felt himself grow faint as he stood up and escorted her to his personal dining room.
He pulled out a chair next to his and motioned her to sit down. Maryann sat down gracefully. He pushed her in gently, then settled down next to her.
"So, why may I ask, has Jonathan sent such a breathtaking representative to my palace?"
Maryann blushed as she fluttered her eyelashes. "I have come here to discuss the idea of peace between our two countries, as you two have already discussed."
Maggur nodded.
"So," she said with her soft, innocent voice. "Have you two decided an answer?"
"In fact, I have. Peace between our two countries."
Maryann clasped her hands together and smiled. "Wonderful. Well then, as tradition states, we will be holding the peace ball in Scanra."
Maggur hesitated. "Well, you see, I'm not sure if that is the best idea."
Maryann looked at him confused. You just don't make my job any easier, do you, she thought bluntly. "Why not? I think it's a wonderful idea." She fluttered her eyelashes.
Maggur sighed. "I'm very busy right now. It would be so much money, money that my country lacks at the moment. I can not hold a ball knowing that my people need the resources."
Maryann looked at him innocently. "As it should be, Sire. But Tortall would be more than willing to help pay for the expenses."
Just then, two servants walked over and set down their plates. The meal was roast duck in gravy, with peas, potatoes, cheese, and a small salad. Maryann ate hungrily from her 'exhausting trip'.
"That may be true," said Maggur as he ate his salad. "But I would have to hire more people, and the amount of food would be overwhelming."
Maryann set down her fork. "Maggur, this place looks like it was built for Peace Balls. I'm sure there are enough people. And if necessary, we can bring only a small amount of people."
Maggur was already halfway finished with his meal. "I'm sorry, but I'm just too busy to host it. You know how long Peace Balls are, nearly a month."
Maryann sighed under her breath. I didn't want to do this, but it's my last resort. She looked up at Maggur through her lashes. "Maggur," she started seductively. "It's clear that you are very busy, I can see that. But…it would make me very happy if you agreed to this ball." She reached over and put her hand on his thigh.
Maggur looked dizzy as he glanced at her. He gave a small smile. "Well…I just don't know. My schedule...."
Maryann looked at him deeply in the eyes. "You're busy with the prophesized object, aren't you?"
Maggur nodded, eyeing her with surprise.
Maryann smiled as she stood up, pulling Maggur up by his collar. She walked up closely to him, her body brushing against his. "Forget the whole object thing," she whispered. "It's making you weary. Though the gray hairs do make you look dashing." She wiped a wisp of hair away from his eyes before looking up to kiss him deeply.
When 'Alyia' lowered her head, Maggur swallowed. "But, I've been waiting so long to get it in my grasp," he whispered in her ear.
Maryann made herself shiver. She kissed his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Alyia looked up at him mischievously. "What exactly do you want in your grasp, Sire?"
Maggur kissed her deeply. He took her hand and led her through a nearby door.
Maryann looked around Maggur's room, pretending to be amazed by the elegance of it all. She kissed the king urgently, her hands woven through his hair. You know Maggur, Maryann thought wickedly. I have done this to you twelve different times as twelve different representatives for twelve different reasons. And each time you've fallen for it. You're losing your touch. I thought you would have grown suspicious by now. Well, maybe you'll get it the thirteenth time.
She grinned up at Maggur and pushed him towards the bed. She laid him down and placed herself on top of him, straddling his hips.
"So, Sire, Peace Ball?" she whispered seductively as she slowly began to undo the buttons of his tunic.
Maggur put his hands on her hips. "I'll see Tortall at the palace next month," he whispered.
Maryann grinned. Victory. "Excellent," she said as she ripped off his shirt.
OOO
There was a knock on the door of Romeli's room. She sighed as she put down her book. How many people had come to see her today? It seemed like this place had become more of a public lounge than a private room.
"Oh, hi Maryann," greeted Romeli as she opened the door wider to let her in. "You don't look too good. Long night?"
Maryann looked at her wearily. "You have no idea. So, I trust that your morning has been running smoothly?"
Romeli nodded. "It's been great if you don't count the nonstop knocking on my door."
Maryann shrugged. "Can't help you there. Are you ready for our little office excursion?"
Romeli nodded, but she looked hesitant. "What about the Seeing mirrors? Won't someone see us?"
Maryann grinned. "I made doubly sure that one of my men is at the Seeing mirror post."
Romeli looked confused. "You mean there are other Tortall spies here other than you?"
Maryann hit her head with her hand. "Of course there are. Did you really think I was the only one? If I were the only spy, I would have been found out a whole ago. I just happen to be the leader of it all."
"Oh."
"Well what are we waiting for?" Maryann told her, exasperated. "Hurry up and change into one of your furry friends so we can get out of here. I can't be seen with you in public."
Romeli nodded and closed her eyes. She quickly transformed into a small gray mouse. She sat up on her back legs and nodded to Maryann.
Maryann trailed Romeli as the little mouse led the way.
At last they arrived at the shimmering door. Romeli sat upon her back legs again and nodded. Maryann got a funny looking object out of her bag that she had brought along. She waved it in front of the place that Romeli pointed to and the door appeared. Maryann opened the door and the two walked inside.
"I have a change of clothes for you so you can change back," said Maryann after shutting the door behind her. She held them in front of her.
Romeli quickly changed back into herself and got dressed.
"The room is through that door," said Romeli pointing to it. Maryann nodded and walked into the room with Romeli trailing behind.
"Gods you're right," whispered Maryann as she looked around amazed. "This is…ridiculous."
Romeli walked over to the desk and pointed to the guide. "This is where all the information is."
Maryann looked at the paper. "I think Bondage of Slavery might say something about what's holding your Gift back. It's in cabinet two."
Romeli stared for a second. How did she figure out the coding so fast? She shook her head and walked over to the file cabinet. "It's locked," she said wiggling the handle.
Maryann grinned and ran her hand along the top of the doorframe and found a key. "I know Maggur better than anyone," she said tossing the key to Romeli.
Romeli put the key in and opened it. In the file cabinet was…well…files.
Both Romeli and Maryann took a file and began to read through them.
"…The said slave can not be set free unless the bonder sets free personally, or bonder dies…blah, blah, blah. All this one says is bondage."
Maryann shrugged. "Pick another one." She flipped through hers a little more before putting it back.
Romeli grew excited. "Found it," she said looking through the papers. One was titled Spells in Collar. Well that couldn't be put more forwardly, she thought.
"There's the bondage spell, obviously, and there's the detector spell…" Romeli paled and her face turned ashen.
Maryann stared. "What?" she looked over at the paper to see what the big deal was.
"The…Blood Spell," she whispered stricken. "He used the damn Blood Spell."
Maryann sighed. "This complicates things."
Romeli stared at her sharply. "You think? This could delay us by weeks!" She clenched her fist tightly. "If I had my Gift, this would be so much easier."
Maryann looked at her. "If you had your Gift, you probably would have been back in Tortall by now, but you're not. You have to face the problems as they come to you. Now, this Blood Spell will delay us. But we'll find a way nevertheless."
Romeli breathed out shakily. She hated the Blood Spell. When a mage performed the blood spell on someone, the mage could weaken any aspect of his victim. The mage obviously weakened her Gift to the point that it was gone. The Blood Spell was particularly hard to get rid of because it intertwines with the victim's blood; thus the complications of getting rid of the spell are so advanced that it is nearly impossible. Most who fall victim to the Blood Spell die. And she was positive this spell was performed by a black robed mage.
"How the heck are we supposed to get rid of it?" she asked quietly.
"There are potions. With the right combination of ingredients, we should be able to get the spell off. I'll have to smuggle them in. Most of the powerful potions are illegal in Scanra without permission."
Romeli looked at her wearily. "How do you know this is going to work? Have you done it before?"
Maryann shook her head. "No. I've only witnessed it twice. Frankly, I'm surprised you're still alive."
"…Me too."
"Well, at least we know what's been keeping your Gift back. We know why Maggur wants you; we've taken giant steps. So let's go back to the room and plan our next move."
Romeli froze. "No," she whispered. "I want to see something." She put the folder back into the file cabinet and put the key away. She then walked to the hypnotizing trunk that contained Taranatok's work.
Maryann looked doubtful. "It's probably locked."
Romeli opened it easily.
"…Or not…"
Inside were boxes and a stack of papers that were so old they were yellowing. She picked up one paper that was a picture of what looked like her. It was a smear of a human-like shape with hints of green. Through it was a slash that went from what looked like the top right shoulder to the ankle. At the top of the parchment were three unrecognizable symbols.
Wow, she thought amazed. It's not everyday that you see a picture of you before you were born. It gave her the creeps.
She picked up a long narrow box and opened the lid slowly.
Romeli wanted to scream, nearly dropping the box in shock. She didn't know what to do, puke or cry, as she stared at its contents.
"What is it?" asked Maryann as she came over to Romeli's stricken face. Maryann too froze as she looked inside. She didn't know exactly what it was, but it was unnatural. Shivers ran up and down her spine like some type of warning.
A tear slid down Romeli's cheeks as she stared, dazed, confused, too many things to express at once. Her breathing felt laborious like she was inhaling peanut butter. There was absolutely no way that this could be what it looked like. Her heart beat quickly as she grew nervous. "Oh. Gods."
I have seen the world, and it shall be grim. May Your everlasting leaves reach to our souls, for You shall be our pool of decency in our Coast of Chaos. And so They say…
Was what read on the disembodied arm of none other then Taranatok himself. The message on his arm stared back at her hauntingly.
"It's…his arm," whispered Maryann in awe. She rarely found herself surprised at anything, but this…
This is not normal, thought Romeli as she stared at the solitary arm. The limb was white and dead, and yet it had not gone rotten with age. Most likely the work of a powerful mage. She was staring at history.
"What are we going to do about this?" asked Romeli as she stole a glance at Maryann.
Maryann looked at her as well. "We can't do anything. What's in here, is big, but we need to work on our other task first."
"This," Romeli said pointing at the trunk distantly. "This is my life. This is who I am, what I am."
Maryann nodded. She suddenly froze and took out a small size rock from her pocket. It was glowing slightly. "Yes?" she asked talking to the rock.
"This is Delta," said a muffled voice. "Cobra is coming, and quick."
"Affirmative," said Maryann quickly before putting it away again. She looked at Romeli sharply. "Maggur's coming."
Just then there was the sound of a door opening.
Romeli looked at Maryann panicked. They were cornered.
"Transform and hide," Maryann whispered sternly.
"What about you?" asked Romeli equally as quiet.
"Just go!" she hissed.
In a flash, Romeli transformed into a mouse and scurried under the table.
Just as Maryann was about to hide, the door opened. She froze innocently by the table, looking at it interestingly.
She looked up at Maggur in false surprise. "Oh, hello Highness," she said looking around.
Maggur walked in confused. "How did you get in here? How did you even find this place?"
Maryann walked up to him with a deep stare. "Maggur, I'm your best spy. How could I not find our office?"
Maggur shrugged in agreement.
Maryann looked around. "Nice place you have here. It sure looks organized."
"Well, organization is key to a successful mission, as you obviously know."
Maryann nodded. "Of course. Speaking of the mission, how is our green haired friend doing?"
Maggur clasped his hands together. "Our plan is going as expected. And her new found obedience makes it all the easier."
Maryann grinned.
"I'm telling you Maryann, it will be only a couple more weeks before the world is in my hands."
"Wonderful."
Maggur glanced around the room. "You know, I can hold off what I was going to do for a while. How about we go to my lounge for a couple of drinks?"
Maryann thought over it for a moment. "I would love to, Sire."
Maggur grinned and the two of them left the office.
Just before Maryann was about to leave, she glanced back at Romeli and winked.
OOO
Romeli walked outside, gripping her thick coat around her tightly as she shivered. Note to self: Never move to Scanra. It was so much colder at night. Even in the summer.
She walked along the path until she entered the gardens. There, she took a sharp turn towards the rose garden that D'mitri had shown her.
She looked around in awe. The place was breathtaking at night. The handful of candles lightened the pool in a way that made it glow. The fish swam around in it like ripples of color.
She sat down next to the pool and dipped her hands in the water.
D'mitri was right. This was the perfect place to think. The gentle aroma of the roses seemed to clear her mind of all her worries.
And she had a lot of worries.
Of all the things that she predicted would happen today, finding the arm of the man who prophesied her lying in a trunk in a secretive office was not one of them.
And that message! When she looked at it, it was like years of history filled into her, like she herself was there at the time of Taranatok. It was hard to explain, but it felt like she actually knew the rest of the message hidden deep inside her.
She shivered.
Another daunting thought hit her. If the goal of finding her had been passed through the royal line of Scanra, then the king at the time of Taranatok must have been the one to start the quest. She felt like she had just uncovered a large-scale historical scandal. It was as if someone had been hiding something life changing for years, and she had just found it.
Which was mostly true.
If the king at Taranatok's time wanted my power so badly, he wouldn't want anyone to know more about me. He wanted it all to himself.
Romeli grinned. The cause of his death wasn't a rumor after all.
The king didn't kill Taranatok. Taranatok killed himself, and before he did, he wrote down the message. He knew the king was coming to take him away and question him. Taranatok didn't win the war however. The king broke into Taranatok's home with the prophet's information still intact. Taranatok must have already been dead. The king would walk over to Taranatok and read the message, and later wipe some of it off so no one else could read it...which meant…
Romeli paled. Maggur must know the rest of the message.
I have to go back again, she thought with her heart beating fast. Who she was, what she was going to be, was in that message.
She stood up and brushed herself off. She turned to the exit of the garden and yelped.
"I didn't think I'd scare you," said D'mitri as he walked into the garden.
"So, you came out here to think too?"
"How'd you guess?"
Romeli grinned.
"Where were you going to in such a hurry?" asked D'mitri with his dark eyed stare.
Romeli looked around. "Um…no where. Just stretching."
D'mitri gave her a doubtful look as he let out a small chuckle. The two of them sat by the small pond.
"How has your day been?" asked D'mitri wringing his hands.
Romeli wanted to say it was unpredictable, adventurous, and horrifying, but instead she said, "It was boring."
"Oh. That's…fascinating," replied D'mitri, glancing at her before staring down at the rippling water.
"Yup. That's what I thought."
"Romeli," started D'mitri. "I've been meaning to say this for some time now. I…"
Romeli looked at his shy face inquiringly. "Yes?"
D'mitri bit his lip. Damn. I've expressed my feelings to more then one person in my life. Why does she make this time so hard?
Because you really like her, fool, he told himself.
He sighed. "I…I just wanted to say. That you are a great friend. And…I like you a lot for that."
Romeli looked at him oddly. "I…like you too," she replied confused.
D'mitri stared intently. "I wasn't joking around you know."
Romeli stared at him deeply as she looked into his dark eyes. "Neither was I."
D'mitri broke into a smile.
Romeli smiled as well. "I mean, how could I not? Good looking man like yourself."
D'mitri laughed, his eyes crinkling. He stared at her, and his laughter soon turned into a mesmerized look.
Romeli looked up at him intently. Slowly, she closed her eyes as D'mitri lowered his head and placed his lips on hers.
Romeli blushed as she looked down at her lap. The tingling on her lips made her dizzy, and her blood ran warm. Damn, why was he so good looking?
"Sorry," mumbled D'mitri, his face red. "I didn't mean to..."
Romeli looked at him sharply, her eyes catching his. "What are you sorry for? D'mitri, every time I look at you, I get this feeling. You are a wonderful friend, and someone that I can trust no matter what. I know that you would do anything for me and I for you. I think that I really, truly, love you."
D'mitri smiled at her. "I know,' he whispered in her ear. "I just wanted to make sure."
Romeli laughed as she hit him playfully and shook her head. "How dare you. Tricking me into expressing my emotions. You should be ashamed of yourself."
D'mitri's brows rose. "For once Romeli, you actually showed human emotions. Maybe you're a little normal after all."
"Oh shush."
Both of them broke into laughter.
"It's getting late," Romeli observed. "I should be getting back to my rooms. I'll see you tomorrow."
D'mitri nodded as the two of them stood up. They kissed one last time before Romeli departed the romantic garden.
D'mitri lingered for a while before he too left for his rooms.
In the now abandoned garden there was a rustle in the bushes. A dark haired man appeared with a pale face. He held a small rock up to his mouth. "Maggur, we have a problem," he said into the rock.
There was a sigh. "What is it now, Fredrin?"
Fredrin. You are so bad.
Replies:
Wolfess: I loved writing the part with the poisons and what not. It was so fun. The D'mitri fluff is quite random, but it will change to RJ eventually.
Mystique Phoenix: Cool new name thingy. I like it. Hooray for sequels. I swear, this story is going to take half of my life to finish. Silly me. Why did I even start? (Hits head)
Aravuli: Yes, I will kill him very soon. And…Hey! Why do you want D'mitri to die! Lol. He's a good friend at least. You should give him some credit. Hm…Well Romeli and James will get together soon. Man…these next chapters are going to be like awesome. I'm so excited! Your theories for killing D'mitri? Well, it's a shocker, I'll tell ya that.
Dark Horse Queen: I love cliffies! Did you like this one too? I updated…happy? Heehee.
Kuyaga: The prophecy COULD have already come you pass, but it didn't. You'll see why soon enough. I guess she could have changed her hands to human, but Romeli isn't as clever as Daine, and if she was, she would be too perfect. Which would be stupid. Heehee.
Apathetically Interested: Yay! Another cliff hanger! Yes D'mitri is really going to die. Sorry bout that. Of course it won't be funny! I dunno…you'll see. Hahaha. I want to be a fly too. That would be fun. I think Romeli needs a little love in her life right now. Poor thing. Her life sucks. Lol.
Queen Thayet: heehee. I love cliffies. D'mitri is pretty cool. And he's freaking hot. I'm not sure about better then James, but hey! Whatever goes. He knows that she can transform, but he wasn't smart enough to think that she would go sneaking around the castle. Remember, he thinks that she's broken in spirit and will obey him now.
Mercury-Shadowfeather: Yes…he has to die tho. Sorry. He'll be a more interesting character once he dies. He reminds you of Neal? Odd…James reminds me of Neal.
Silver-Star-0: Lol. I am rather mean. James is already rich. His Dad is the duke of Tortall. Spoiled little squire.