Ok, this chapter may be semi-lengthy, but there was a lot of preparation for the later explaining to be done! I hope that makes sense...
Also, this may not be the best chapter...review and let me know what you think! It's kind of late...
R&R please!
Silvia and Maerad walked through the many courtyards of Lirigon, talking of things that mattered, and those that didn't. Maerad accounted briefly her collapse on the plains, and Silvia told Maerad of all that had happened in Innail since she and Cadvan had left the many weeks before.
"Oh, Maerad, you should see it!" she said delightedly. "The gardens are in full bloom, and the Innail fesse is livelier than ever!" She sighed happily. "If only I could share it with you! Innail at its finest!" Maerad smiled, imagining her and Silvia strolling luxuriously through the lush gardens, talking of nothing, as they were now.
They walked in companionable silence for a while, each lost in her own thoughts. The world was alive with birdsong, yet the silence was peaceful.
Rapid footfalls on the path jolted Maerad and Silvia from their thoughts. They turned to see Cadvan, hurrying toward them.
"By the Light, I am glad I found you two!" he said breathlessly. "Maerad, I think it is time we alert Silvia of our thoughts." He gave her a meaningful look, which she understood immediately; it was time for council with Silvia. A jolt of regret shot through her. How I wish I could have forgotten, she thought forlornly, following Silvia and Cadvan back into the School.
They made their way into Cadvan's bedchamber, one similar to Maerad's, only with an intricate floor rug in the middle of the room. They took their seats on the rich red couches and chairs, all heaped high with lush pillows. Maerad felt the oppressive feeling she had pushed from her mind when they first arrived return, bringing with it a menacing fear. She cringed, thinking of what could possibly provoke that fear, and took her seat close to Cadvan on the couch. He smiled at her encouragingly. She tried to smile back.
"I have invited Draya to come meet with us as well, Maerad," said Cadvan carefully. "I do hope you won't mind...I found her a good source of information for us; she has had her dealings."
Maerad looked up, surprised at the mention of Draya's name. Other than her loved ones, Draya was the one person in Lirigon she trusted fiercely. Just as these thoughts were passing through her mind, there was a soft knock on the door, and Draya entered. She was clad in the standard black robes of the bookkeepers, yet something about her glowed. Maerad noticed a small, blue jewel resting on her forehead, attached to the circlet she wore on her silky black hair. It gave her a certain aura that Maerad had not noticed before.
"Welcome, Draya, do join us," said Cadvan politely. Draya nodded shyly, then took her seat across from Silvia. "You're just in time." Maerad noticed with a shock that Cadvan seemed rather...stiff.
"Silvia, Draya, I must warn you, the news we bear is rather shocking," he began. Maerad felt another pang of fear, and scooted closer. "As you know, Maerad and I left Innail many weeks prior to now to journey here and continue Maerad's studies." And so Cadvan accounted their tale, from their journey to the plains near Lirigon, Maerad's collapse, their suspicion, up until that very moment.
When he had finished, both Silvia and Draya seemed rather pale, only worsening Maerad's fears. "Well, what do you think?" she practically whispered, not really wanting her suspicions confirmed. Silvia spoke first.
"I'm sorry Maerad; I believe you and Cadvan are correct in assuming that the Dark has not yet been defeated. Although I am skeptical; how could the Dark continue to stay so strong, when the Nameless has been defeated?" she sighed thoughtfully.
"I agree," said Draya slowly. "I believe the Dark still seeks Maerad; perhaps for revenge, perhaps for its own dark purpose. We cannot be sure."
"Those were our thoughts as well," said Cadvan grimly. "We have only come to one conclusion though, and that was the same as you; the Dark still seeks Maerad, for whatever purpose." Cadvan paused, lost in thought. Maerad suddenly remembered something.
"Oh!" she piped in. "I forgot to mention my dream, Cadvan!" Cadvan looked at her sharply, his interest sharpened. Maerad retold her dream, pausing when she discovered Hem was dead. Cadvan's face had grown more pale as her retelling progressed.
"Maerad, if this is indeed a fore dream, as I think it is, it does not bode well for us. It could mean many things, and I have only a few vague guesses as to what that could be. It could be, as much as I wish it is not, that Hem is in fact dead." at this Maerad's heart jumped into her throat. She had managed to push that possibility from her mind. "It could also be," Cadvan continued, "that we have need to travel to where ever your dream took place. I do not yet know where that could be."
"Do you think it may be," began Sylvia thoughtfully, "that the dream was a warning? Perhaps the Dark wants you to travel that way. In which case, you would need to exercise extreme caution."
"I think that is probably very likely," said Draya abruptly. Maerad noticed that she had been silent most of the council. "Unless my Knowing fails me utterly, I think the dream was no doubt a warning. A warning you must, I think, take no heed of. I believe you have need to travel to the place of your dream, Maerad, though I haven't the slightest idea where that might be." She suddenly fell silent, her head bent. "I think we have all had our dealings with the Dark; some, more than others." She shot Cadvan a meaningful glance, causing him to cringe.
Maerad could barely conceal her shock. Draya, the kind Bard, was accusing Cadvan because of his younger years? A wave of anger swept through her. No matter what danger they were in, she was certain that none of it was Cadvan's fault. She swiftly glanced at Draya, only to find Draya looking straight at her. Maerad glowered at her for a moment, then turned away.
"Well, I do believe it is time for some wine!" announced Cadvan, quickly standing. "Won't you all accompany me to the dining hall?" Maerad stood as well, quickly taking Cadvan's hand. They left the room silently, each in their own thoughts.
When they arrived outside the dining hall, Maerad hung back. Cadvan and Silvia entered, leaving Maerad alone with Draya. As soon as the door had closed, Draya looked up at Maerad, a single tear escaping down her cheek. "Maerad, please forgive me!" she pleaded.
Maerad was completely taken aback. This was one thing she had not expected. She suddenly found she couldn't bring herself to scold this kind Bard. "Of course Draya, of course. Just tell me, why ever did you say such things about Cadvan?" Draya lifted her head, a look of confusion on her face.
"What things about Cadvan? I don't recall..." Recognition swept across her face. "Oh, my dear Maerad, I was not speaking of Cadvan back at the council!" she gave a pained laugh. "So, I suppose you do not know..."
"Do not know what?" asked Maerad, now thoroughly confused. "Do tell me Draya!"
Draya glanced at Maerad, looking strangely ashamed. "I will, but not now. When things are more private and we are not expected by others." She smiled slightly, as the two of them entered the dining hall.
Ok, again, R&R!
Hope you liked it!