Laelliandir never questioned his behavior toward Bella as he considered himself a perfect polite gentleman, and he adored his time with her. He thought he was already being assertive when he’d reach out to kiss and caress her even if he dared not follow all his temptations. Even when his daring digits got playful, he’d never graze where he felt was inappropriate, not wanting to scare Bella. Four years older than Bella, he was fairly old to still be a virgin and to have never known a woman’s touch, especially for a young man of his stature. But for him, Laelliandir was still burdened by what he believed being a White Lion meant, and he continued to weigh if it was all right for him to be with Bella at all given his current predicament. These thoughts made him question his mother and father, and he could not see how their closeness had affected either of their personal judgments. He thought perhaps the code of the White Lions was dated. Laelliandir was a religious man so he sought answers from the book of Xio but found no references to any codes for knights at all. Since the code he followed had been created in the ancient past by mortal men, perhaps some rules could be bent or no longer applied. His growing relationship with Bella was only part of his life though. What he did not tell Bella was what haunted and occupied his every other thought. His secret life where he dared not involve Bella was keeping him and his mother very busy people.
∞ ∞ ∞
As soon as Lonewolf returned to Nova, he put the plan in motion. His first night was spent briefing the Overlords, sharing as little information as possible. He told them the lands of Gargurthian were well, and the city of Garroth was thriving. Laelliandir and Laella were present and had been abiding by every rule the Maelor Overlords had given. He praised Laelliandir and Laella on obedience and fed the royals everything they wanted to hear. He even said the entire Javalla family was so loyal to the cause he recommended that one day all of Laella's youngest children be given cities to govern and protect, for the new order of Divox’s future had none more loyal to the cause than the esteemed house of Javalla. His assurances eased any concern they had.
After reporting to the High King and Queen, he met with Neighraellium in secret in his cluttered mess of a room within the western tower. Neighraellium was ecstatic over the news.
“So, the trap is set, and they'll come and Laelliandir will personally deliver my pendant. Genius. You are a genius,” Neighraellium exclaimed after Lonewolf briefed him.
“Aye. We'll go on an expedition soon and return with evidence of the rebel’s whereabouts. They'll grant us permission for an attack, and I'll notify Laelliandir when to arrive. Of course, I'll need an excuse for why I cannot come, and you'll need a miracle. I see no way they will release their star commander from leading the final stroke to end the resistance.”
“Bah. I'll just lead them in the right direction and order a captain to take charge. I'll make it believable. It's not as if they can go against my word.”
“True. We'll go over it later. Make sure it is believable. We have time, but Laelliandir has spies infested throughout Magwhen, and some are in the castle, so be careful. It might be best if we keep these little meetings sparse for the months to come. If we lose Laelliandir's trust, then the entire campaign collapses.” Neighraellium sneered.
“I'll enjoy ripping his limbs from his body for all to see. Make a display of what happens if they cross me.”
“Remember, Laelliandir and the resistance is in league with Tragmont. That's pivotal. Do what you want with him, but to the people, he's a traitor who has aligned with Tragmont. That’s the key to launching the only war that really matters.”
“I know. I have Casen's memories, not his insanity. Do you suppose I would forget what this is all about?” Lonewolf shook his head unsure what to think of Icaz one minute to the next.
“Once Luminear and Bella are here I want….. There are no signs of either of them being ‘magical’”. Lonewolf’s tone shifted to doubt.
“Do you think I'm lying?” Neighraellium huffed.
“No. But in the case, you were lied to or mistaken, I have an idea that just might work. Use the medallion on them. If there is anything within them that lies dormant.” Lonewolf stopped again. He wanted proof of their witching nature, something he could see for himself. “Your medallion controls the mind. Perhaps what they need to use their power lies within the shadows of the psyche. They wouldn't be aware of it, but perhaps the medallion can trigger it if commanded. I still have my doubts, but I'm willing to try an experiment.” Neighraellium gave a twisted grin to his partner.
“When will you run out of ideas? This is brilliant. Yes! Why did I n ever think of it? Trick their mind to reveal its secrets! Wait? Could the mind know while they do not?
Why did I never think of it? Is it possible for the mind to possess more knowledge than what the conscious person is aware is the question?”
“I don't know. Sometimes I do things without thinking and then realize it was because of a dream I had forgotten about. The mind works in strange ways. Even I, as a scholar of mortal behavior, don't quite understand how it works. It's just a suggestion that might work.” Lonewolf told his friend. To himself, he questioned his friend’s sanity.
“But Icaz.”
“What?”
“What you told me of what you did to that man that hunted you shortly after you arrived in Murnia. You tortured him with your medallion for hours. Made him forget about you permanently.” Lonewolf hinted, trying to jog his partner’s memories. Icaz smiled relishing the thought.
“What of him?”
“I want this done to Lumi and Bella. Please, wipe their memories clean afterward. Keep them innocent. We get answers, but then they forget everything. Shield them from anything you do to them.” Lonewolf’s request was more like a plea.
“That I do? You mean you. What you have done, continue to do, and plan to do. You pretender! You are just as I.” Neighraellium whispered the words bringing his crooked smile close to Lonewolf's ear. “But consider it done. If it helps you sleep. That pesky shade of guilt, it only slows you down.”
Lonewolf cut their reunion short and left after hearing Icaz's advice, choosing to push away his thoughts on any of it. Instead, he stopped by a tavern within the fortress to find spirits to free his mind of worry and seek a comely woman for companionship.
Chapter Eighteen
Turtles and the Protégé
I mmediately following Lonewolf’s departure, everything seemed good for the moment in Garroth. Sure, some concerns and worries lay ahead, but Laella did her best to keep positive. Laelliandir found himself in an unfamiliar situation. At last, he indulged himself in a way he never had before. Engrossed in Bella, the stress in his life lessened. Even though he stayed busy, every waking minute when he wasn't in his chamber composing letters or in council with his mother and Albatros, he was with Bella.
Markus and Fern’s days likewise remained eventful. They had their jobs anyway, but their free time was spent with Luminear aiding her endeavor. As for Bella, her life had become a dream. She had the boy she had been infatuated with for years. For the first time since they’d met, Markus and Bella saw very little of each other. She understood how he felt and couldn't help him with his jealousy, and she refused to feel guilty about it. She hadn’t set out to hurt Markus, but she had her crush and Markus wasn’t it. Any time Markus saw Bella with Laelliandir it drove him mad with jealousy. Every time he and Bella tried to talk, he slipped up and said more than he should, and his angry words damaged their friendship.
∞ ∞ ∞
A few days after Lonewolf left Garroth, Laella joined Luminear at the town council as promised. The ruling Lady was curious about how Luminear and Bella handled their new responsibilities, and she had promised to attend, regardless. It came as no big surprise to find Bella not in attendance. She half expected it since Laelliandir had been away all day, but it didn't please her. She wanted Bella to have this experience hoping it would help tame her wild ways, but on the other hand, Laella partially liked her son to act l
ike a normal young man. Regardless, she very much enjoyed watching Luminear hold the room.
Lady Laella remained mostly silent allowing Luminear to take charge, which meant Luminear directed the meeting, listening to the ideas and concerns of the people then addressing each person appropriately. As expected, the main topic was the upcoming fair. Luminear spent a large portion of time delegating duties for the people to begin preparation. Old buildings that had been chosen for event sites required repairs, and jobs were delegated for this purpose. In certain areas where Luminear and others mapped out plans for horse races or jousting or hammer-throwing, crews were assembled to prepare the land for these events. To make the city inviting required some remodeling, picking weeds and polishing of homes. Most of the city had been repaired from its previous turmoil, yet not everything was up to the standard needed to welcome guests coming from far and wide.
Ozentough's Traveling Theater would be the main attraction, and the courtyard was the best place to have them set up. This was another huge endeavor. By the time the city fair would begin, winter will have arrived. Laella would have preferred waiting for spring to have garden beds circling the courtyard filled with flowers and beautiful plants. Alas, they’d have to make do with additional streamers, balloons, and other decorations in their stead. Luminear allocated the restaurant owners the duty of coming together to decide on menus for each establishment. The small council didn't last a full two hours before everyone had their assignments and were on their way. Luminear and Laella remained in the hall finishing notes for an extended period after the meeting had ended.
“I don't think you need me here at all. You do a fantastic job.” Lady Laella remarked, setting down her pen to watch her adopted daughter continue to scribble away in her city fair log.
“Thank you. And I enjoy it so much. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity.”
“Well, I appreciate you allowing me to not worry about it,” Laella reminded as she stretched. “My other children still need a few more years, but they’ll get there. You however…” She paused and smiled, “You are perfect! You’re smart and kind and help me more than you realize, and at this rate, I see a grand future for you. If everything goes well, I may ask you to govern somewhere, eventually.” Luminear dropped her pen and turned to her.
“Govern? Me? Why ever would you consider me? I have no experience in what you do. Where would I go? You would send me away?”
“Of course not. Might even be right here since you like it so much. And why did you suppose I gave you this opportunity? I see great things for you. Truth is, I am sick of it myself, and hoping when all this settles down, I may be reprieved. I've done this too long, and I'm sick of it, and ready for a rest.” Luminear struggled to respond. She realized Lady Laella had been worn out and short tempered. The death of her husband and forced marriage along with Laelliandir and all Divox politics had her clinging to her wine nightly.
“I am not ready for anything like that. This is so different from what you do. I couldn't possibly,” Luminear insisted nervously.
“It's very much the same. Just on a larger scale. You have the heart for it. The mind for it. You’re benevolent. I hold my tongue most of the time. It's a job and one that I am tired of. You are at the perfect age with your entire life in front of you. We just need to find you a good suitor.” Laella raised her brow waiting for Luminear to respond. And she did, by dropping her jaw.
“What? Preparing me to govern and trying to force me to wed? I am not ready for either! And I don’t want marriage to someone I don’t love.” Luminear remained adamant in her arguments.
“Not now but you will be. I wouldn't force you into anything that you aren’t comfortable with. What's wrong with a good suitor?”
“I haven't considered it. I'm not interested and don't want it. Not marriage.” While she liked the idea of having some type of governing role, the aspect of marriage had not even crossed her mind. Sure, she thought about boys as much as anyone else but wasn't that interested. Honestly, it scared her. In her dreams, she had a man who was good to her, and he was more than enough even if nobody else could understand it.
“You will in time. Enough of that now. I wish you and my son would have kindled the fire that seems to have taken him and your sister,” Laella commented. “Is this the first time she's been absent the council?”
“She's attended every single meeting except this one. She must have lost track of the days.” Luminear made the excuse, even though Bella had told her where she was going, and Laella suspected as much.
“Lost track of the days,” Laella smiled reminiscing. “Oh yes, and I remember being where she is. Lost in the days of joy forgetting everything else. She is excused. I didn't like the idea at first, but Bella might just be exactly what my son needs. Maybe he'll come to his senses and realize there's more to life than playing in madness.”
“You are all right with this then?” Luminear hadn't had a clue which way Laella leaned regarding the budding relationship between her son and Bella.
“For now it is innocent enough. I may need to counsel them before either do anything too serious. You?” Luminear grinned remembering how great they’d been to one another.
“I love seeing them happy. But I am so sorry for Markus. He's always loved my sister so much. But I do worry about other things too,” Luminear admitted as her tone lowered. “I’m aware what's really going on, and I've been worrying more since Lonewolf's visit. I don't have a good sense about any of this. Is there any way Laelliandir might stop what he's doing? I just don’t want anything bad to happen.” Laella sighed and shook her head.
“I share your opinion, but I don't see a way to stop his compulsion at this point. If what he and Bella have is real, possibly he'll open his eyes and rethink his choices. Before he has always been so headstrong about work and more work. Wouldn't shut up about it. Just like his father. His mind seems divided now. I need to speak to him. Why are you worrying with Lonewolf?”
“I can’t put my finger on it, and perhaps it's because of all the years that have gone by, but he seemed different from when Bella and I were younger. You are working with him, aren't you?” Laella chuckled in approval.
“Nothing gets by you, does it? I sure hope you don't tell anybody else about these conversations between us. I have been so bad telling you so much.” Luminear reached out and set her hand on Laella’s arm.
“I would never. Not even to Bella. Secrecy,” she promised.
“Well listen. I cannot go into any further details. I've already told you far too much, and shame on me, but thank you for your loyalty. You are just going to have to trust in me.” Luminear did mostly. She admired and respected Laella and Laelliandir, but she couldn’t help but worry.
“Be careful. What we have here is so precious.”
“For you more than I. It's just a place. I’m trying to pick up the pieces and keep my family safe while doing my duty. But we are in an awkward spot, uncomfortably wedged in a terrible situation. Let's not talk on this.” Laella had spent so much time dwelling on the subject, she decided it best to leave it alone for now. “In case you are privy to more than you've told me. Where might I find my son and your dear sister?” Luminear sighed abashed. The look in Laella’s eyes was knowing, and Luminear couldn’t lie to her.
“She said they would go up the stream today looking for turtles. I’m sorry.”
“It's perfectly fine. I don't blame you. I was young too, and not very long ago. The time is right for me to talk with both of them.”
“Oh no. I hate being in this situation. I said--,” Luminear started, but Laella knew her concern.
“I will leave your name out of it. You told me nothing. On a hunch, I found them. Do you have everything for the day?” Laella asked as she stood.
“I do. I will gather Albatros and the kids, and perhaps Markus and Fern and go over to the west church to clean for the gambling games.”
“Then I shall see you tonight.”
∞ ∞ �
��
Bella and Laelliandir dressed casually given the wealthy house from where they came. Bella wore a simple white blouse and tan leggings with her hair up in a loose ponytail and a small satchel over her shoulder. Laelliandir dressed similarly in black. The two had hiked quite a way downstream from the falls in where they often swam, skirting the tree line nearest the water. They had come far enough to enjoy privacy as the area was walled from the rest of the city though still within the confines of their castle grounds. No one intruded into their space, and under the shade of many bountiful trees, the two could no longer see the castle.
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