Medley of Treason

by Elskidor Xell

  "Minotaur land? I'm not leaving my family. I'm not leaving my people. I can't let Bell slip away like this. No. This isn't happening." Laelliandir argued although he felt utterly defeated. Albatros sat in silence, letting Laelliandir express his anger. Laelliandir knew Albatros was right. The minotaur's advice was sound, and if their roles reversed, this was precisely what he would recommend. Laelliandir rammed his fist into the ground. He didn't even have his sword anymore. Already he had suffered a tremendous loss, and it seemed like it could only get worse. He lowered his head in despair and sat in silence, trying to consider his options. His life had been perfect a few weeks ago. This success was to be a simple one. Divox would be restored, and everyone would be happy, starting their lives anew. Now everything was turned inside out, leaving Laelliandir crushed, and beaten. After a couple minutes, he raised his head and looked at his ally. "What am I supposed to do?" he asked Albatros in a desperate tone, needing answers. "How would Xio allow this to happen? Where did I go wrong?"

  "You did nothing. This is not your fault. The blame rests on the greedy and the power they wield. One man can only do so much, but I advise that man not to go on a fool's errand right back into trouble."

  "My mother? My brothers and sisters? Bell and Lumi? You'd counsel me to abandon them all and run to your people?" Laelliandir's tone was a mix of anger and sorrow. "No, I cannot do that. Bell may be safe for now, but not the rest. I must warn them. They must flee the city and take refuge too. I can't just save myself."

  "To go back is certain doom, but if you know where you might secure a horse, then you are welcome to attempt the ride. I fear you may not survive, but I understand how your passion and principle won't allow you to walk away,” Albatros conceded.

  "If we stay in the mountains a few days and follow the range northwest, I know of a village. We can exit the mountain and go into the village at nightfall. I can steal a horse."

  "If we take that route, we'll still be in Novanian lands for days."

  "Look around you. All Divox is Novanian lands now. Divox is one and the same, ruled by the same power. Doesn't matter where you go. What does it matter if we're in the province of Nova, Odros, Neweora, Gargurthian, Verdan, or Malor? Doesn't matter anymore. It is all the same."

  "I know this. But so near Magwhen. So close to the pathways, the army will likely travel to reach Garroth? Your task is already dangerous enough."

  "Go any other way, and I sacrifice at least two days we don't have," Laelliandir reasoned. Albatros looked at the man in pity for he felt they already had no time. They had lost, and Laelliandir was only setting himself up for greater misfortune keeping this hope alive. Yet, he would not discourage him further.

  "Then eat." Albatros said, pointing to a slab of meat by the fire that he had cut for him. Laelliandir nodded and grabbed the meat with his bare hands and chewed on it. "I have no beast that will carry me to Gargurthian. On foot and crossing grassy plains, I am an easy target and dead. I wish you well, but I must stay on the path I have already presented. If I don't, then I might as well go back to Magwhen with my arms up. I hope you succeed." Albatros thought a moment. "After you finish your task, for better or for worse, ride east. I'll be waiting for you in Lamisdoria. You are welcome there," Albatros assured.

  "And my family is as well?" asked Laelliandir. Albatros had already said goodbye to Laella, and the children in his own way, but he nodded for Laelliandir's sake.

  "Of course. My people will keep you all safe. No harm to the family that has done me well. I promise you refuge." Albatros came to his feet and reached for a knife he kept on his person. He tossed it on the ground in front of Laelliandir. It may have been a knife to Albatros, but it would act more like a short sword for Laelliandir. "You'll need something for hunting and to defend yourself." Laelliandir looked at it.

  "I have never fought with anything except my own sword. Wherever it is."

  "I'm sorry, but it will have to do. You aren't getting my ax." Albatros said. Laelliandir gave the minotaur a brief smile.

  "I've noticed you're attached to it. Someday I have a few questions to ask you about it. No other weapon I've ever seen can do what your weapon can do." Laelliandir was intrigued and would enjoy hearing the story behind the ax.

  "The questions will have to wait," Albatros said.

  "Aye. Until we meet again in Lamisdoria."

  "In Lamisdoria,” Albatros repeated in confirmation. "Watch your back, young lord." The minotaur turned and gazed to the southeast.

  "You are leaving now too?" Laelliandir asked as he brought himself to his feet, grabbing the sword with one hand.

  "Neither of us has time to linger long. Luck be on your side, White Lion."

  "And may Xio be on yours. Thank you, my friend," Laelliandir said.

  Chapter Thirty One

  City Fair

  I've been so caught up with everything here. Laelliandir's leaving and Bella running off after him. The world around me is filled with urgency and concern. Being there for Laella, the children and our city have taken the forefront of my life. Day after day, waiting for something to happen has been an anxious time. No wonder my dreams came to an abrupt halt. Until last night I wondered when or if I would dream again, but then it happened. You came to me.

  In the pools of spring, you found me defenseless, and in those waters, we entangled in an aura of color. We became prisoners by our own will. Wrapped in a blanket of sorcery, the very water beneath pulled us in, and within was a moment of ecstasy. In there, breathing was natural and a warmth pure, I still sense a tingling all over my body. No words between us, but so much felt and shared I can't fathom or express. A dream within a dream it had to have been. Swimming hand in hand, twisting in and out of the fabric of reality. I gave myself away to you long ago, but now you have wings. Everything I once had is halved. My heart, my mind, my very essence is but a fraction of what it once was. You, being of my spirit, are my equal. I wish you'd come here to me now. Leave these dreams and join me in the world. I've built something. I know you'd be so proud.

  - Luminear's Journal

  A fter months of preparations, the day of Garroth's first city fair finally arrived. The entire city had been decorated in colorful streamers and balloons while many activities had been set up around town. Volunteers converted neighborhood streets into a raceway for horses and cleared another section in the city for hammer tossing competitions. A place for jousts and sword matches occupied another site. About the center of Garroth; the courtyard was now dressed up as an outdoor theater. Divox's renowned 'Ozentough's Traveling Theater' arrived a couple of days before the fair and set up in the center of Garroth, even offering a few plays before the big day. On fair day, the troupe provided a variety of acts all day long and kept hundreds gathered about the courtyard to watch plays, circus acts, and illusionist performances. They also brought with them elephants, monkeys, and tigers for their circus acts, executing entertaining along with a few daring and dangerous stunts. Tight rope walking, jumping through fire hoops, along with juggling swords were among the acts featured. During intervals, a live band was brought in to perform, but musical troupes were plentiful about the city. Markus had his chance to speak to one of the theater's managers who showed interest in hiring him after they took their leave, at least as a stagehand which was exciting enough for Markus.

  The old church and entire estate Luminear had cleaned was bustling with activity too. The proprietors of the gambling halls had placed some of their tables outside to join in the festivities. Inside were more gaming tables and food and drinks were served all day. These owners offered exceptionally high stakes for their games to lure the fair attendees, and causing even more excitement was the large sum of coins to be won. The name of every person who paid the fee to attend the fair would be put in the hat. Later that evening, there would be a drawing. Up to five names would be selected, each with a different reward.

  Children too young for horseback riding had pig races. There were also races to bid on for mice w
ithin mazes and turtles in the water. There were so many games it was difficult for people to decide what to do. Dart throwing, archery, dancing, rope walking, fire walking, live music, ring tossing, and drinking contests were among the choices for adults. Scheduled later that day, a firework display would bring further cheer. By the time the sun came up, the entire city had gathered to immerse themselves in games and joy.

  From far and wide, the festivities had drawn in thousands of visitors. Some wealthy families made the trip and expected to attend a grand ball within the castle at nightfall with the Javallas. Luminear's hard work and dedication led to this happy outcome, although she was far too modest to take credit. She deferred to Markus, Fern, Laella, Laella's children, countless city folk and several experts of the various games as being the ones who deserved the applause. It was a group effort, and although she was the heart of it, she realized none of it would have been possible without the community. While the casino owner, horse and weapons master and several other contributors put plans in action, Luminear had the original idea, and she had pushed for it and then coordinated the development into a cohesive reality. All around Divox, people that could afford to travel attended, and those who had not had at least sent donations. In Luminear's short time in a seat of lower power, she had given the public everything she could, despite being an emotional wreck the last few weeks.

  Organizing the event was no easy task; however, thanks to Luminear's efforts, it served as a much-needed distraction for many who might have otherwise spent the time in worry. Until the night Laelliandir and Bella vanished, people had been caught up in the excitement and anticipation of the coming event. Now it had been a month to the day since Laelliandir, Albatros, Bella and a large troupe of riders set off from Garroth. One month since they had heard a word from anyone. Laella and Luminear, along with some others, had experienced too many sleepless nights in that time. Laella decided the day after the fair she and several soldiers would embark on an expedition for news. So even though the festival was remarkable, Laella and Luminear could not overcome their fears about what had happened and did not enjoy the jubilee as others did. Ironically, with the stress of the unknown looming, Luminear was incapable of enjoying the results of her work.

  Still, Laella and Luminear walked through town listening to music and the sounds of random people enjoying the activities as they attempted to push their fears to the back of their minds. People approached the two throughout the day to congratulate them or to invite them to take part. Now and again they would join in on an event like dart throwing. Laella was exceptionally skilled at darts and archery, which impressed Luminear. She wondered how many more mysterious skills Laella had yet to share with her, and secretly wanted to see her in a sword match, but she dared not ask Laella to perform for her.

  Two hours before sundown Mark and Fern caught up with the pair and joined them for a moment before heading on to bid on turtles. It was after the young men left when Laella told Luminear she was thinking about returning to the keep for her early rest. Luminear wasn't surprised for Laella always laid down early, but Luminear didn't want her to go. She didn't want to be alone in her discontent and struggle.

  "Laella?" Luminear began as they strolled past the hammer throwers who competed to see who could throw their hammer the furthest. She couldn’t let Laella leave without addressing what was on both of their minds.

  "Yes, Lumi?"

  "I want to go along with you tomorrow. I can't stay around here like this waiting anymore either."

  "You are better off here. You aren't a fighter, and I need you to hold the city and comfort the children in my leave. I understand your wish to go, but trust me when I say your skills are needed here with the people. Anyway, it won't change the outcome, whatever we find." Laella said. The two walked together glancing at the horse race and headed toward the hammer throwing competitions. For a change, it wasn't chilly outside but moderate with a gentle breeze and the sun beaming down.

  "You are truly a great warrior?" Laella kept her head high as she walked, appearing regal and proud, but inside she was terrified.

  "I am a master of many weapons. I told you this. I helped train Laelliandir. There is not a true blood Javalla who can't use a sword. It would be unheard of. It's been a long time, but I can fight." The two watched the crowd enjoying the day, and they would give the occasional smile and wave, but their eyes told a different story.

  "What do you think happened? Honest."

  "Honest? Like you expect me to lie?" Luminear shook her head.

  "No, but I don't want you to tell me what you think I want to hear."

  "Why would I do that? I find you far stronger than most your age. Not in the ways of your sister, but I think you can handle a lot. You're wise and tough. Tougher than any of my children and your sister. Just in a different way. A more important way.” Her words, while generous, didn't reflect Luminear's feelings.

  "I don't know about that. I’m feeling dread and I'm scared.”

  "And that's good. I won't feed you false hope, and I won't tell you all is lost. I do not know what to expect. Bella and Albatros could be with Laelliandir in a long drawn out battle and have no way to communicate. I believe he would have sent word back to us if possible. Perhaps his messages were intercepted along the way. Not unheard of. Perhaps Albatros fled back to Lamisdoria the second he got the chance, and he never intended to hunt for Bella. Doubtful, but possible. Perhaps they are all dead," Laella paused. Luminear looked to Laella knowing how hard the last few weeks had been for her. "In such a case--" Laella paused knowing what she wanted to say, but not how. "My dreams are dark when I can sleep. Like Xio is trying to warn me."

  "Your dreams are dark for your mind is filled with fear," Luminear suggested. Laella nodded and smiled at her.

  "I'm sure that has a great deal to do with it, love."

  "What would you have me do, Lumi?" Laella asked, knowing she had no answer for Luminear but hoped Luminear might have one for her.

  "I--" Luminear stammered.

  "On with it. This, not a trick. I want your opinion. I'm every bit as scared as you, and I am at a loss. How can I help you when I too am torn myself? I am struggling too."

  "Leave,” Luminear blurted out. "I was thinking with your permission tonight I might help pack the kid's things. Mark and Fern can do the same. Possibly warn the city. Start right away. Forget the fair. Forget it all. We need to leave. Now." Laella shook her head at a distraught Luminear.

  "Evacuate the city without knowing? Where would we go? Where would we take an entire city? These lands of Divox are Nova's now. Whether or not the people leave would be up to them. We could never run and survive together as a people. The people of Garroth are just people. They don't care about sides. They want their lives. No."

  "Lady Laella I fear something terrible too. I think action is needed immediately. The fair is…it doesn't matter anymore! We need to leave. I beg you listen. The children, a few loyal fighters, Mark, Fern, you and I fending for ourselves in the wild while traveling somewhere safe. I know a way out. It's not far, and it's how I ended up in the south in the first place. We can be out in a few hours.” Once she started, Luminear’s words tumbled out. “If there is a chance we should run, then shouldn't we? I have a bad feeling looming as do you. Leave amid the fair. Right now." Laella’s expression was grim as she circled her arm around Luminear’s waist.

  "That is not something I can easily decide. I would have to leave my people behind, betraying the ones who trust me and bringing dishonor to the entire house. Believe me, I am not as stubborn as Orion or Laelliandir, but I have respect for my house. We don't know what happened yet. But yes, for you, and the rest, I will happily look the other way and hope you will leave."

  "You are confusing me Laella. You want me to take your children and run?"

  "Yes. I trust your instinct. I would have proposed it before, but I kept wanting to wait another day and then another. Even now, I want to keep waiting. I kept expecting a message, but my
heart tells me something horrible happened. I haven’t been able to make up my mind, but you just did." Luminear looked at her mentor in despair and stopped in her tracks.

  "Like gather the children now and--"

  "Yes. Pack and leave out by way of the falls behind the city. It will attract less attention. The children are already at the castle, and when I find Markus and Fern, I will have them…” No sooner had she began planning than loud horns sounded interrupting her train of thought. As if instinct had triggered her sudden urge, the alarms gave pause, bringing Laella's heart to stop at the sound. These weren't the city fair horns, but guard horns. They trumpeted from the front gates, watchtowers, and walls of the small city.

  "What is that?" Luminear asked, but Laella started toward the front gates of the city and did not answer. The horns announced approaching potential danger. The moment they had feared and dreaded had arrived. In almost a zombie state Laella changed direction and walked forward toward the gate. All around her, Luminear watched the people react, ceasing their activities. "Laella?" Luminear tried again to get the Lady of Garroth's attention to no avail. Laella's slow pace picked up into a run as did many guards in the vicinity, but still, she did not answer Luminear.

  The city had few troops to defend them as the population was composed primarily of regular townsfolk, but the soldiers stationed here gathered armor and readied themselves to make way to the gates. City guards yelled orders at the ordinary folk to go back to their houses and stay there until told to come out. They couldn't have thousands of civilians playing games in the streets while soldiers tried to make their way across the city in a hurry.