by S D Huss
“Say no more.” Illya put her hand on Katrina’s shoulder. “These things happen. Well… not exactly the same way, I mean you are from a different world and all, but you know what I’m talking about. Dae men like to get themselves killed all the time… well, the women do too, but… wait… where was I going with this again? Nevermind, the point is not to fret, and to look forward. When my mother died, I was devastated. She was my inspiration, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her.” Illya looked down at her emptying bowl of wine, lost in some distant memory.
“I’m sorry,” Katrina said.
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ve healed, she died some twenty years ago.” Illya signaled for one of the Doulos slaves to bring more wine.
“That's right… I keep forgetting how old your people can get.” Kat turned to her friend with a smile and nodded in the direction of Daniel. “So, are you going to talk to him tonight?”
“By the spirits Kat, you are relentless… I love it! A woman after my own heart. Well, you see it isn’t that simple. I can’t just go over there and speak to him anymore. He doesn’t seem very… uh… interested…”
“What do you mean?” Katrina said, her smirk still on her face.
“Well, I mean. I wore my best dress tonight! And the oaf hasn’t even taken so much as a glance! It is quite infuriating. Besides, if not to make matters even more complicated, he is always with Delmos of house Regios, and everyone in the court knows that he is absolutely in love with me.”
“Daniel!” Katrina called, bringing some inquisitive glares in her direction from the surrounding partygoers.
“Katrina! What are you doing? Shhhh, stop it!” Illya whispered in futility.
Daniel looked over at her with a surprised look on his face. She motioned him to come sit next to her. The man didn’t move, he just looked on, with great confusion in his eyes. After several embarrassing moments, she began to worry. -Is he seriously going to ignore me?- Katrina thought, irritated. He finally stood and began to walk to her table. Like clockwork, however, his new friend Delmos stood and followed him with his usual passive smug look.
“Why!?” Illya pleaded desperately.
“Kat,” Daniel said, nodding his head. “Illya.” The man wore his new officers’ cloak, a deep crimson color with black leathers beneath. After the resounding victory during the Proistem trials, He and the other nobles were promoted to junior officers of the Lokkadonian military. Delmos and Vissa were both assigned actual war groups, but Daniel, his presence in the Proistem being more of an informal intermission, remained in limbo.
“My lady!” Delmos proclaimed, bowing deeply to Illya.
“Oh, by the spirits…” Illya said, putting her hands on her face.
“Why don’t you sit here with us, Dan? We haven’t spoken much lately. I think it would be good for us.” Katrina gestured to the open seat to her right.
“That is impossible,” Delmos said. “There is only one seat! I refuse to let lady Illya sit on my lap, it is inappropriate!”
Illya groaned from underneath her hands.
“Delmos, can you do me a favor?” Katrina asked. “Can you please let me speak with Daniel for a few minutes. I hear you are quite the jester and normally that wouldn’t bother me, but I do not have the patience right now for stupidity of your caliber.”
Daniel looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. “Give me a minute.”
Delmos rolled his eyes and turned to walk toward a large group of young nobles.
Daniel sat down next to Katrina and adjusted his red cloak. “So, what's going on?”
“Well, I thought it might be good to chat, Illya has been trying to speak with you for some time.” Katrina looked to the Dae princess.
She fixed her pearl hair and gave her best smile. “Thank you, Kat, I appreciate it, but I know that Daniel has been very busy lately. Winning the Proistem trials and all, congratulations by the way. I know you were the brains of the war-group, not that dull Regios son.”
Daniel let out a laugh, that surprised both Katrina and Illya.
“Yeah, he is kind of an idiot, but no, he actually led us very well.’ Daniel said.
“Yes yes, well the real reason we asked you over here, Daniel is so you can help me,” Illya said impatiently. “Katrina wants to get to know Boros better, I think they’re in love.”
“What?” Daniel asked, looking at Katrina, shocked.
“No, that isn’t it at all…” She said, blushing as she tried to push past it. “Listen, we have been here for the better part of a year, and many Dae have taken a liking to us, Boros included.”
“He’s in love with her!” Illya chimed in.
“Companionship is important for people to stay positive, and in a good frame of mind. Illya seems to be very fond of you, and I think it might be interesting for you two to maybe, I don’t know… have dinner or something? Alone? Just to get to know each other.”
Daniel sighed and shook his head. “Kat, I know they look very attractive and all, but they aren’t human. We don’t even know if anything like that could work.”
“Well, I don’t have a penis! So, you don’t have to worry about that, hehe...” Illya said, nervousness and embarrassment taking over her. “I’m… sorry… I didn’t…” Her face began to turn blue, the Dae version of a blush.
Katrina began to laugh, nearly spilling her wine on the table. Daniel just looked at the two, confused and uncomfortable.
“Don’t laugh at me, Kat! I am trying my best here” Illya said, nudging her friends’ shoulder. “You may not know this or understand it, but Dae find you humans to be very attractive creatures. There is something about you all that seems so alien, but familiar at the same time. I don’t know.”
“Come on Daniel, it may do you some good to release the stress.” Katrina wiped the tears from her eyes as she spoke. “Clean the pipes out.”
“You are ridiculous,” Daniel said, trying not to laugh too loudly.
◆◆◆
Avria adjusted her gown as she entered the hall. There were music and festivities that, of course, made her feel quite uncomfortable. She cursed under her breath as she tried again to adjust her gown, they never seemed to fit her comfortably. She wore a deep blue velvet-like gown that was the latest fashion in Torre’, nearly all of the attending women wore these. The fabric clung tightly to her curves and despite all her efforts to the contrary, she drew the attention of many male patrons in attendance.
“You look absolutely divine, my lady.” A sly and somewhat nasal voice said from beside her. Avria looked to see Lord Bodilla, the father of Eslan and Vikko, bow his head to greet her. “It has been some time since we have all been blessed with the presence of so many of Vul De Rah’s high nobility. Even the Spirit-Sent are here tonight; quite exciting, wouldn’t you say?”
Avria bowed her head, in greeting, but held back a snide remark about how this party was in honor of the Hego’s bold plan to turn the Torre’ against the Rexunii, and not an excuse to bloat Lord Bodilla’s ego in court. “I am very happy to be here, my Lord,” she said, nodding as she used her usual technique of escaping uncomfortable situations by acting as though she were on her way to meet with very important people.
As she made her escape, she scanned the faces of the hundreds of nobles who were in attendance. Looking at where the largest groups were, she could tell where the most people of import were. about was where she would need to avoid going anywhere near. She grimaced as she felt the tight gown irritate her ribs under her bosom. “Damn this spirit forsaken-” In the midst of her frustration, she looked to up and made eye contact with a pair of handsome yellow eyes. She recognized them and the confident grin that accompanied them. Oros of house Ignos made his way to Avria, greeting nobles as he did, but did not stop to chat with anyone. She brushed her gown and straightened it as he approached and gave him a courteous bow. “My Lord Ignos?”
“Avria.” He said, his smile deepening. “I must say that you look… absolutely stunning
tonight.”
Avria blushed uncomfortably as the prince complimented her. She was not used to the attention she had been receiving lately from the man. What was once always a coarse and difficult cooperation had become something of a contradiction with what she now knew were open displays of affection toward her. Over the last several months, particularly when she took Katrina on as a student, Oros had expressed a growing interest in her. She had rejected the thoughts at first, but as the frequency of these advances increased, she could not help but share some feelings of her own for him. He was, after all, a handsome prince.
“You are too kind, my Lord…” she said, looking at him with an exaggerated sneer. “I can’t let you get too emboldened, now can I? People will start to think I’ve gone soft.”
Oros let out a laugh and extended his arm, a gesture meant to escort her through the party. She hesitated at first but took his arm.
“It would seem that our efforts in Torre’ were a resounding success. The Baa’yega have proven to be fair and just allies in this conflict. Nasha has served us well.” Oros said, trying his best to keep the conversation flowing.
“Yes, I suppose the harlot has some ability after all. Perhaps she spread her legs for the high council, though I hear it isn’t much of a view.”
“Avria!” Oros said, shocked at the vulgarity. “Where is this hostility coming from? I have never seen the two of you argue or fight. I’m surprised.”
Avria huffed. “You know she has never liked me. She always attempted to outshine me at every turn.” She grinned. “But I always win. In power, favor, and now of course-” She gestured toward him.
“Me?” He asked, feigning ignorance.
“Yes, you. I never thought I would see the day, Oros, that I actually developed feelings for such a foolish man, but here I am, disappointed in myself again.”
Oros coughed uncomfortably. “You were never one to mince words. So here we are then, just saying it out in the open. And here I thought I would have to spend months courting you.”
Avria opened her mouth to speak when she heard a loud bang on one of the tables nearby. She turned to see Boros, his fist on the table and a drunken smile on his face. “By the spirits!” He said, a slight slur behind his words. “My brother and the fabled Lady of house Regios! I didn’t know you had it in you, Oros, she looks like she could eat you alive! Best to wear your plate on the wedding night.”
Boros’ words brought loud laughter from surrounding nobles. This caused Avria’s face to flush, and her temper to rise.
“You little-” She hissed, releasing Oros’ arm and striding toward the drunk prince.
“By the Spirits!” He yelled, turning and running into the crowd in an exaggerated manner. This brought even more laughter from the spectators, and even Oros was laughing.
◆◆◆
Katrina sat uncomfortably between Illya and Daniel as she prodded him with questions. -God, she can talk, does she ever run out things to ask?- she thought.
“I mean, how is it even possible? I heard you blew up half the glade! You must be very powerful indeed. Is Katrina that powerful as well?” Illya looked at Katrina closely, raising her eyebrows. She knew the drill; after all, she did invite Daniel to sit with them. Now she had been reduced to a wingman.
“Oh no, I don’t think so,” Katrina said, drinking another gulp from her wine bowl. A warm fuzzy feeling that had been slowly building throughout the night finally started to affect her.
“Please…” Daniel finally said. “This is just… getting ridiculous. No, I did not blow up half the glade, I used a power that I did not understand or have the ability to control.” Katrina heard annoyance start to enter his tone. “I should probably get back to the party. I have some people I invited who should be arriving any minute.” Daniel stood, bowing his head to the princess. He looked at Katrina. “I need to talk to you though, so when you get a chance, come find me.” With that, he walked back into the party and out of view.
Katrina could feel the rage from the Dae girl next to her. It was almost palpable. She looked over slowly, afraid of what she would see.
“Utter… rejection…” Illya said slowly, her eyes flashing with anger. “I will not accept this!”
Katrina put her hand on Illya’s shoulder. “It’s… uh, alright. There are plenty of men out there.” This had clearly not gone how she had planned. -This guy is complicated- she thought to herself. Illya was gorgeous, Katrina couldn’t believe that he wouldn’t be attracted to her, Dae or not. -Maybe he’s into… me?- she thought to herself.
“No... now I just long for him more.” Illya put her head down on the table. “Why am I so foolish?”
◆◆◆
Daniel waded through the crowd of assembled Dae trying to shake off the uncomfortable conversation with Illya. It wasn’t any surprise to him that she was interested, she had hardly made any attempt to hide it, but it was still something he found difficult to get past. These creatures were not human. They looked a great deal like them, with the exception of some obvious differences. The most blatant being their strangely colored skin, eyes, and of course the long canine teeth. All that being taken into account, Daniel felt on a daily basis the lack of companionship in this world. He had spent many months on his own while on deployment in the Marines, but this was different. There, he was surrounded by his fellow warriors, all suffering the situation together; misery loves company.
Daniel heard the raised and arrogant voice of Delmos speaking to someone. He looked to see his friend greeting several Dae who were at the entrance to the party.
“I am honored that you have come to see me, Vissa! I knew you fell in love with me during the Proistem trials. I could feel it happening.” Delmos said. -This guy is relentless- Daniel thought.
She ignored him for the most part, patting him on the shoulder as she walked past him. Behind her was another familiar face, the young whelp warrior Kholek. The Dae looked extremely uncomfortable in the party and was literally dragged there by Vissa. So far from what Daniel could understand of Dae culture, specifically that of Lokkadonia, they followed a strict caste system, and commoners like Kholek were looked down upon. The man had proven himself invaluable during the final stages of the trial, holding a portion of the Keep against invading war groups on his own. Daniel felt strongly that valor of such a degree should be recognized and rewarded, one of the reasons he was invited by Delmos to attend.
“Daniel!” Vissa said, striding over to give Daniel a tight hug. “It is good to see you well”
Daniel greeted her and looked to Kholek. “I’m glad you came.”
“Not of his own accord.” Delmos chimed in. “To deny an invitation by the Spirit -Sent would have been unwise.” He looked at Kholek, a fair amount of true disdain in his eyes. “You will do well to remember your place.”
“My apologies my lord,” Kholek said, bowing his head.
“Well, the only way he would be allowed to such an event would be under the guise of my personal guard. You owe me, Spirit-Sent.” Vissa smiled mischievously. “I will keep that in mind.”
Daniel shook his head and snorted. “Whatever, you let me know what you want. And I’ll see if Delmos can do it for you.”
“Hey!” Delmos protested.
chapter 28
Robert fidgeted with nervousness in the throne room, he stood now at the left side of King Alektor’s throne, while Turak stood to his right. The room was filled to the brim with hundreds of Rexunii nobles and warriors of note. All of them stared now, in absolute astonishment and horror, at Robert. There was silence for many minutes as the king waited for the purple-clad Torre’ warriors to finally enter.
“Lord Bosmun of Clan Torre’, emissary of the High King Phobos!” Called the announcer guard at the entrance. The silent mass of Dae turned to see the Warrior and his entourage enter followed closely by a still smug Espi-Arl, whose face went ghostly as he met the steely and hate-filled gaze of Robert.
“Thank you for responding to my sum
mons, my lords. I am glad I caught you before you left Thule.” Alektor said, a smile creeping its way onto his face.
“What is this?” Espi-Arl asked. “How has the demon returned?” There was distinct fear in his eyes now.
“It is as we feared…” Alektor said. “The human emerged from the pit, having been saved by the ancient spirit Dio’Mar. At first, I thought he was truly the demon you claimed he was and prepared myself to fight him, but Dio’Mar… after untold centuries… thousands of years in a deep slumber below us revealed herself. And she told me that we have been fools…” Alektor’s eyes turned dark, and he slowly stood to his feet. “She told us that the human was a creature sent by the great spirits themselves! And you tortured him… butchered him for the High Espi-Dae, for your false religion in Torre’. I want you to tell the High King that I do not intend to compensate the Lokkadonians for the blood we spilled. Those murderers have been raping and killing our brothers and sisters in Lokkon for hundreds of years! And the Torre’ do nothing! We did your bidding in capturing the human, listened to the promises of a corrupt fool.” He looked at Espi-Arl. “But it seems that we have been granted a second chance. Robert has forgiven us for our part in your treatment of him, and I have sworn to protect him with my life.”