Chapter 9
Kimeara slowly returned to consciousness. She could almost mark the minutes by how she became aware again of the world around her. First she felt like she was floating on a cloud. Then in the next minute she realized that she was in a bed so soft and warm that it might have almost been worth everything that she'd been through just to lie in this bed. Inch by inch she started to feel her body again and knew from past experience that this was a side effect of draining all her magic.
Damn, she thought. I haven't felt this bad since I pissed of those kobolds.
Reaching for her powers sent a sharp pain coursing through her head. Cringing she let go of the magic and became aware of two things. One, she was able to move her full body and while the pain had hit her mentally the rest of her seemed fine. Two, someone was in the room with her.
Opening her eyes she squinted against the light coming through the window and looked at the person sitting in the chair by her bed. In it was a young woman maybe a few years older than herself. She had a soft face and straight black hair and wore robes similar to that which she saw on Sandahl. A staff that seemed to pulse with magical energy rested against the wall next to her. She had a book in her lap and appeared to be reading it.
"Excuse me but my I have some water?" Kimeara asked softly. Her throat was extremely dry and her tongue felt thick and fuzzy.
At her question the lady in the chair pointed to the table beside the bed and the pitcher of water it held, not looking up once from her book.
Kimeara slowly got out of bed and got herself a drink of water. Looking down she found herself in the night dress from her pack. Startled she looked around the room and spotted all her other gear next to a large armoire. The room, while not overly large, was bigger than any room she'd stayed in before.
Walking to the armoire she opened it and discovered all her cloths from her pack had been put into it and upon feeling her travel cloths she discovered that the enchantments had been restored. She gently took them out and held them. Over the years she'd become much attuned to the enchantments and knew them like the back of her hand. These enchantments were similar in nature to the old ones, but far more powerful.
"If you care to freshen up there's a small wash room through the door on the right," the woman in the chair said.
"Thank you," Kimeara replied. She went through the door, still holding her cloths and found a tub of steaming water waiting for her. She took off her night gown and gently stepped into the water. Kimeara let out a soft sigh of pleasure she gently eased herself into the tub and let the water work. They had scented it with jasmine and it was one of the most pleasurable baths she'd ever had.
After about thirty minutes in the bath the water had started to cool. Wishing the heat had lasted longer she stopped relaxing and quickly cleaned herself before getting out of the bath. She found a soft cloth to dry herself with and then clothed herself. She didn't know what was going to happen now that she was up but she was going to be prepared for it. Going back into the room she immediately noticed that Calthix had shown up when she'd been in the bath and was perched on the end of the bed frame.
"Greetings Little Mistress, "Calthix said.
"Hello Calthix," she said walking over to him and stroking his neck.
"Are you well again Little Mistress?" He asked.
"Better but my magic is worn out. It'll take time for my spirit to recover," she said.
"Warlock StarKoff…" the woman in the chair started to say getting to her feet.
"Never use that name," Kimeara said vehemently turning to face the woman.
"What shall I call you?" The woman asked abashed.
"Kimeara, my secret is out anyway so it doesn't matter if you use my name. Just do not use my last one," Kimeara replied.
"Kimeara, my name is Nadine and I'm apprenticed to Warlock Sandahl," the woman said. "I was told to offer you a restorative potion should you require one."
"Why didn't they give me one when I was out of it? By the way how long was I out?" Kimeara asked.
"You were out two days Little Mistress," Calthix said after coming to land on her shoulder. "Sandahl also said that after what was done to you that they wouldn't give you any potions without your express permission unless it was to save your life."
"Wise of him," Kimeara said starting to remember her anger at what had been done to her.
"Should I get the potion for you Kimeara?" Nadine asked.
"Yes," Kimeara said.
Nadine hurried out of the room and when the door was closing Kimeara caught sight of a man standing guard outside her door. They had moved her into a better room but it looked like she was still their prisoner.
While Nadine was gone she looked through her pack and found everything there but her potion supplies and her hunting knife. She did find that her herb book had been returned to her and quickly put it into a pocket sewn into the inside her tunic for the exact purpose. She wasn't going to chance it getting taken away again.
She inspected every nook and cranny of the room looking for other ways out and any openings. Kimeara also looked for anything that could serve as a weapon if the need arose; unfortunately nothing was to be found. She didn't find anything that would serve as a weapon unless she wanted to break off one of the post of the bed, which would be obvious.
The only other door beside the main one was the one to the wash room and there was no exit from there. The window was large but they were high up in the castle and the walls were smooth so there was no escape in that direction. Giving up for now she walked over to the chair that Nadine had vacated and sat down.
Before too long had past she heard footsteps approaching the door again. It opened to admit Nadine and Tyon. She watched as they both entered and stood just inside the door.
"May I talk with you?" Tyon asked.
"Am I free to go?" Kimeara countered.
"Yes as soon as you wish you may leave, but the King has asked to see you again if you're willing. He acknowledges that what was done to you by the potion was wrong and would understand if you have no desire to see him," Tyon answered.
"You may talk and I may or may not go see the King before I leave," Kimeara replied. While Tyon has said that the King would understand if she refused to see him, she thought that it would probably not be the wisest course of action.
"I have your potion," Nadine said holding out a small vial filled with blue liquid.
"Thank you Nadine. Please pass my thanks to Sandahl for the potion," Kimeara said taking the vial.
"Sandahl also wishes to talk with you before you leave," Nadine said.
"What time is it?" Kimeara asked.
"Just after midday Little Mistress," Calthix said from her shoulder before either Tyon or Nadine could respond.
"You may tell Sandahl that he may talk to me at his convince after I'm done talking with Tyon," Kimeara said.
"I'll let him know," Nadine said and left the room.
"The King?" Tyon asked.
"Still deciding," Kimeara said. She opened the vial and downed the potion all at once. Making a face at the disgusting taste she tucked the empty vial and stopper into a pocket for later use.
"He is sorry for what happened, Kimeara," Tyon said. "As am I."
"That doesn't change anything," Kimeara said bitterly looking into his eyes and letting her anger slip out through her lips. "Do you have any idea of what that felt like? Of how horrible it was to be stuck there reliving the worst moments of my life just to satisfy the curiosity of a king?"
"No I don't Kimeara and I'm sorry for what occurred," Tyon said apologizing again. "I don't disagree with the King's belief that he needed to know if you were a threat or not; but it was gone about in the wrong way and you paid the price for that. The King knows this and would like to make what reparations that he can."
"What should I tell him? That everything is just peachy between us to ease his conscience?" She asked sarcasm thick in her voice.
"No, you should jest talk to him," he said calmly. "He could be a powerful person to have on your side."
"Will he kill my enemies for me?" She asked.
"No but he might be able to give you support if that is the path you chose to walk," Tyon said. "Also you could have a safe harbor here anytime you're in the area. A place where you could relax without fear of those who hunt you, a place that maybe someday you could call home."
"I said I'll think about it Tyon," she said trying not to be intrigued by what he offered on behalf of the King. "Don't push me for any more than that. I intended to leave sometime after my talk with Sandahl. Come see me once my meeting with him is over and I'll have an answer to if I wish to see the King or not."
"You don't intend to stay any longer?" He asked.
"No, I plan to leave as soon as possible," she replied.
"How will I know when you're done meeting with Sandahl?" He asked
"Please don't insult my intelligence Tyon," she said smugly. "I know that until I chose to leave this city or the King call's them off that I'm being watched."
"Very well, in the meantime you have run of the castle garden if you wish," he said and then departed.
"What do you think Calthix?" Kimeara asked once the door had closed behind Tyon.
"It's the same game of survival that we've been playing Little Mistress, the only difference now is that there are more players on the board," he said. "We now know that your enemies have allies by way of the Scarlet Crusade. You would be wise to cultivate some allies of your own if we are to go after them."
"What if I just ran again?" Kimeara asked.
Running had been their strategy all these years. Always on the move, never staying in any one place for too long, keeping their eyes open for signs of danger. It was a rough way to live but it had worked since she was twelve. From time to time she would get spotted and would have to elude capture or escape if she did get captured, but for eight years she'd run free.
She was hesitant to give that up. She always wanted a simpler life but after having to relive her memories, Kimeara wondered if she would be content with that type of life if she did gain it once again. She always thought that would be the life she'd have if her father hadn't been murdered. Looking back she wondered if she would have been happy working in an inn all these years instead of seeing the world as she had. Sure the fear of discovery was hard to live with but out there in the woods, exploring new places and things, she felt alive like she never did in any village, town or city. She'd had many a great adventure and knew that others her own age had barely left the village they'd been born in much less seen as much of the world as she.
"Everyone has to stop running eventually Little Mistress. That doesn't mean that you have to leave the life of adventure," Calthix said gently sensing her thoughts.
"How could I trust them?" She asked once again turning to her oldest friend and mentor for advice.
"They do mean you no harm Little Mistress," he said consolingly. "Their actions may have resulted in you being hurt but it was not their intent. You can forgive them and move on Little Mistress."
"It so much to take in all at once Calthix," she said hating that she sounded like her twelve year old self again. She'd grown so much since this she'd thought she was beyond the need of advice and of someone telling her it would be alright.
"Why don't you meditate in the garden?" He asked. "It'll help you come to terms with all that has happened in the last few days Little Mistress. Then you can think on your options with a clear head and reach your own conclusions."
"Still my teacher," she said fondly.
"Only when you need me to be Little Mistress," he said with affection in his own voice.
"Thank you Calthix," she said. "Someday you'll have to tell me of my mother."
"It would be my pleasure Little Mistress," he said and he left her shoulder to sit in the window.
Kimeara went to the door and opened it.
Upon seeing her, the man guarding her door said, "Can I get you anything ma'am?"
"Yes, I'd like some food please and after that I'd like to visit the gardens," she replied.
"Right away ma'am," the guard said and signaled a passing servant to go get their guest some food.
"Are you guarding me or the rest of the castle from me?" Kimeara asked once the servant had left.
"Both ma'am," the guard said with a smile.
"Good to know," she said and retreated back into her room.
Less than ten minutes later a soft knock sounded on her door.
"Enter," she said.
A servant came in and placed a tray of food and a mug of ale on the table beside the bed and left again with a quick bow.
The smell of fish chowder filled the room and Kimeara's stomach let out a loud rumble. Laughing softly to herself she dug into the food and ale. Everything was perfect. The ale, light and not too heavy, was the flawless complement to the perfectly seasoned chowder, and there was even a small loaf of bread that was perfect for dipping into the chowder.
She enjoyed the meal and all too soon it was over. Pleasantly full it now seemed like a great idea to go to the gardens and meditate. With Calthix once again on her shoulder she went to the door and asked the guard to show her to the gardens.
They passed through the castle and Kimeara noticed many of the guards they past casting furtive glances at her and Calthix. Once or twice she even saw a few grip their weapons a little as they passed.
Kimeara sighed. It looked like stories and rumors of her powers were running rampant through the castle. She wondered what they'd be like in the city beyond. She didn't like people being afraid of her but she didn't have any idea on how to put their fears at ease.
"Pay them no mind ma'am," the guard beside her said guessing her irritation from her sigh. "They get worked up over something new every other week. It'll pass given time."
"Thank you," she said.
They reached the main hall and proceeded down it for a little way before turning right into a small hallway that led into the small garden inside the palace walls.
The garden was more of a small court yard than a true garden but with all the stone around her this little half acre of nature felt like a blessing. There were neatly trimmed hedges all around the garden giving it a sense of privacy. Walking into the middle she found a small stone bench that sat opposite a fountain and asked the guard if she could be left alone.
"I'll wait for you by the entrance," he said and left her.
Pulling up her legs she crossed them on the bench and then closed her eyes. She took several cleansing breaths and then settled into a steady rhythm. Slowly her mind settled until she was in a perfect trance.
Kimeara sought out her magic and was relieved that she didn't get blasted with pain this time. The potion had done much to restore her spirit and if she could restrain from using magic for a few days, she would be back to normal. She hoped that the near future would be easy on her. She'd had enough excitement for the moment and just wanted some time to recover.
As she sat there Kimeara let the events of the last few days run through her mind. She had to admit, even if only to herself that some of this was her fault. She knew she should have left town as soon as she rescued the Prince. She had foolishly thought she was more skilled than those looking for her and that had made her reckless. If she had been more careful none of this would have happened.
She also had to admit that Tyon was right, and that was even harder than admitting she was wrong. If she had gone to the Prince instead of running all this unpleasantness might have been avoided. She'd probably still have ended up here since she would have refused to reveal her past or her identity to them. Eventually they would have tired of her evasions and would have brought her before the King.
What's done was done and she needed to forgive the others for the decision's they had to make as much as she had to acknowledge her own role in the events that passed.
Delving deeper in the conscious she found within herself that she was justified in being upset with what had been done to her. The King may have been right in trying to protect his kingdom from someone that he saw could be a threat. That didn't excuse what they'd done to her.
That little mage Mandis was an idiot but she didn't think he had made a "mistake" in his brewing of the potion. She remembered the wicked smile on his face when he fed her the potion. He had wanted to inflict as much pain on her as possible with it. She would have to deal with him if he tried anything else. She didn't think the King, Tyon or Sandahl were involved with her enemies but that didn't mean others weren't.
Kimeara let the anger she felt flow out of her. She envisioned is leaving her body with each breath and floating away on the wind. She knew she needed to be calm and centered to deal with Sandahl and the King. She didn't want to make more enemies even if she didn't want to stay here. She'd have to be smart about what she said and not to lose her tongue in anger. Her mouth tended to have a habit of walking her right into trouble and she needed to make sure that didn't happen here.
She thought over what Tyon and Calthix had said about having allies and how she could stop running. Looking at her situation from all sides she had to admit that having a place that she could feel safe and be watched over appealed to her greatly. She'd no longer have to be always on the guard against the evil of the world.
I could take a day off and relax, she thought. She'd taken days off before, but that had always been when she was deep in the wilds with no one around. She had never really relaxed around anyone for as long as she could remember.
She also spent time remembering her father and that horrible night. Her mental and emotional blocks were still open and she felt the fear and anguish equally, though this time she didn't cry. She looked over what had happened to her and instead of feeling terror she felt acceptance and a desire for vengeance.
In examining her feelings and her actions Kimeara also came to the realization that while she had hid from her enemies, she'd also hidden from herself. She'd buried her emotions deep over the years. It had started out as a way for her to survive as a child. She couldn't have functioned if she felt all this pain when she was so young.
When she was older she was so involved in creating disguises for herself that she used those tools of burying who she really was to help perfect her cover. She'd always think of herself Kimeara but she had not actually been Kimeara in a long time. She had let her fear both of her enemies and of her emotions slowly strip her of who she was.
Maybe now was the time for her to reclaim who she was?
She'd been meditating nearly an hour when she heard the footsteps of someone approaching through the hallway. She opened her eyes just as Sandahl walked in with Nadine and the guard at his side. Spotting her on the bench he approached her and offered her a nod in greeting.
"Kimeara how are you feeling?" He inquired.
"Better Sandahl," she replied offering him a nod in return. "Thank you for the restorative, it's helped out a lot."
"I'm glad that it's helping," he said. "May we sit with you?"
"Yes, "she replied and motioned for them to seat themselves.
"You may leave," Sandahl said to the guard.
"I'm sorry Lord Sandahl but I cannot, I have my orders," the guard said. "The King said I'm to stay with her at all times if there are others with her."
"Very well," Sandahl said, knowing it would be pointless to argue with the guard.
"What would you like to discuss Sandahl?" Kimeara asked.
"First I wanted to apologize for what has happened in the last few days and for failing to keep your enemies away from you and your father," he said.
"You did the best you could in both situations Sandahl," she said having come to terms with this during her meditation. "One man cannot stop all the evil in the world. I know you did what you could and I've heard of the work the Dawn does to protect people from the Forsaken. I agree that crossing them would have been a bad decision."
"Thank you for saying so Kimeara," he said. "I've also come to offer you a place with us."
"Us?" She asked in question.
"The Order of Warlocks," Nadine said in answer.
"The Order works to guide and train novice Warlocks in their art," Sandahl said. "We also work with the King for the good of the Alliance and answer to his orders. We support and help one another as needed and give a structured environment for young Warlocks to grow and learn."
"You make it sound like some kind of school and cult mixed into one," Kimeara said.
"In a way it is, but I think it would be more accurate to call us a guild with bylaws and memberships and support structures," he said smiling.
"He speaks the truth Little Mistress," Calthix said. "Your mother was with The Order for many years but left when she didn't like the way it was run. It's not for everyone and only maybe three of five warlocks are part of The Order."
"He is correct," Sandahl said. "We're not for everyone and even those who do join us sometimes change their mind and chose to part way, just like your mother did. I only wish to extend an invitation to join our ranks."
"You have much power Kimeara," Nadine side. "I've been with the Order since I was fifteen and your skill far surpasses mine."
"I've had to use my powers to survive out in the wilds and on the road many times," Kimeara said acknowledging Nadine's praise and continued diplomatically. "Between fighting for my life and being taught by Calthix I've learned a lot, but I'm sure there are many things that you know from being with the Order that I have no clue on."
"That is exactly why we'd like you to join us Kimeara," Sandahl said. "We could fill the gaps in your knowledge and help you reach your full potential."
They sat in silence for some time while Kimeara processed this information.
Calthix had said that her mother left the group because she didn't agree with the way it was run. Kimeara really didn't want someone telling her what to do, how to do it and when to do it. The thought of having people she could go to and seek help from was a nice one and it would be interesting to work and be around others of her own kind. Since she'd started coming into her full powers she had felt many others like her in her travels but she hadn't the courage to approach any of them. She thought the offer over and came up with a compromise that might work.
"Sandahl I do appreciate your offer but I'm afraid I must decline," she said and Nadine let out a little gasp of shock at her refusal.
"May I ask why?" He said with a hint of sadness at her rejection.
"I'm used to doing things my own way and I don't like the idea of answering to someone," she said. "But that doesn't mean your group doesn't interest me. Maybe we can talk from time to time if I have any questions for you or if you might need my help with something and I'm able to be of assistance we could work together?"
"Kind of an open agreement to help each other as needed?" He asked.
"Exactly," Kimeara agreed. "That way we don't lose contact and I get a chance to see how you guys work and you get the same chance with me."
"Agreed," he said and took a ring with symbols carved into it from his pocket and handed it to her. "This ring will let others of The Order know that you can be trusted and when you see its match you'll know you can trust the wearer. We have a few Warlocks in almost every major city and outpost in Human hands. Warlocks of other races of the Alliance are also members of The Order and are stationed in their own cities and outpost. You'll find shelter and assistance wherever you go."
"Thank you Sandahl, this means a lot to me," Kimeara said while she slipped the ring onto the fourth finger of her right hand.
"It's my pleasure to help Alanna's daughter," he said solemnly and reached out to hold her hands. "You look just like her but your height and eyes you owe to your father. They were both good people and deserve to be avenged."
"They will be," Kimeara said with barely sheathed steel in her voice.
"If you need anything before you leave the city Calthix knows where to find us," he said standing to go. "Be safe in your travels Kimeara"
"And you in yours Sandahl," she said rising also.
When Sandahl and Nadine left Kimeara asked Calthix, "Did I make a mistake?"
"No Little Mistress I think you made the best choice available," he replied. "You wouldn't have done well in The Order; they are very strict and have many rules. They are good at what they do but they stifle ingenuity and try to make everyone conform to their ways."
"Is that why Nadine follows Sandahl around and doesn't talk much?" She asked.
"Yes, that is considered the appropriate behavior for an apprentice to take in the presence of her Master," he said.
"You're right. I wouldn't have liked it in The Order," she said thinking of how hard she found it to control her tongue. "You're the only teacher I need."
"Thank you Little Mistress," he said. "Tyon is approaching, what will you tell him?"
"The only thing I can tell him," she said. "I'll see the King and do my best to make sure I don't leave another enemy behind me."
"What if the King offers you something similar to Sandahl, Little Mistress?" He asked.
"Then I think I'll make the same counter offer Calthix," she said. "I'm tired of having to run all the time but I don't want to give up a life on the road either. So, maybe I can offer to work for him from time to time in return for him helping to keep my enemies away and for him getting me information on them."
"Why would you need information on them, Little Mistress?" Calthix asked.
"Because Sandahl was right Calthix," she said ominously. "My parents do deserve to be avenged.
"Do you think you're ready for that Little Mistress?" he asked seriously.
"No. Not yet, but soon," she said.
Tyon came into the garden and asked her simply, without any real hope in his voice, "Will you see him?"
"Yes," she replied shocking Tyon and motioning for him to lead the way.
As she fell in step behind him she thought over what she'd come up with while meditating. She'd lived her life afraid of her enemies because they had powerful friends and allies. She'd never thought before of getting allies of her own. She'd always been fearful of being betrayed so she had gone it alone. This game had always been between her and her enemies, the "holy man" and his followers. Now Sandahl and King Varian were new players with pieces of their own on the board.
Sandahl is on my side, she thought. But what will the King choose?
They walked in silence through the halls of the palace until they were once again before the throne room door. Pausing outside Kimeara thought of all the ways this could go. The king could be furious with her presumption and deny her request. He could still sell her out to her enemies in the hope of gaining their allegiance. He could be so angry with her that he would throw her in the dungeon.
In spite of all her fears she had a feeling that if she played her cards right she'd get him to agree to her request. She might have to offer a little more in the way of answering to the King than she did with Sandahl but the benefits would probably be worth it. If not she could always run again, but she didn't want to.
She felt deep inside of her that it was time to stop running and step out of the shadows. It was time for her to be recognized as a force to be reckoned with. It was time for her enemies to start to fear her. She was no longer a scared little girl that could be pushed around and hunted like a dog. She had power, and it was growing. She was no longer a pawn being moved by others. She was a player in her own right and moved by her own freewill.
It's time to change the rules, and at the thought with a small smile touching her lips she entered the King's throne room again.