* * * * *
“Where am I?” Carsis blinked, still unable to completely focus on anything but the stars above him.
“Far away from where you were and those that would harm you,” that same gentle, monotone voice spoke again.
“Who would harm me?”
“They all would. Do you not recall how they attacked you? Forced you to run away?”
Initially he did not. But it crept back on him at the simple mention of it. “Aye,” with a pause, Carsis took in a deep breath as he continued to try to determine where he was—and how he got there—before he spoke, “I feel strange.”
“I apologize for the paralysis, it’s temporary. I had to be certain you would not run away. I will release it once I am.”
Without effort, Carsis sat up, though seemingly dizzy and slightly incoherent, he was far from immobile. “Paralysis…?” He raised an arm and then the other with obvious confusion. Then finally sought the voice, to see whom it was coming from, and watched Valaira’s lavender eyes light up. “I’m well.”
“Indeed…” she said, once leaning on a nearby rock, straightened and bowed her head as she stalked closer to him. “Curious,” came a soft whisper as she raised her hand and waved it before him, “Stand up.”
Carsis blinked and then glared ever so slightly, remaining where he was, “I am too dizzy to do that and too disoriented to care about anything aside from what I’m doing here.”
Valaira smiled, though this one far more devious, and then dropped to her hands and knees—crawling up to him—staring at him as a beggar would a King’s meal. “Very curious…”
“Why are you looking at me like that, and…”
“Stop talking.”
That request was followed, but only because of the interruption. A moment later, he spoke again, “Are you mad?”
“Nowhere near it… I am simply… Overjoyed.”
“What are you talking about?”
Valaira reached up, running her fingers through his hair, still looking upon him as one would a lost treasure. “I’ve been waiting a very long time for you.”
Immediately, Carsis pulled his head away and then dragged his whole body backwards, “You are mad. I am not staying here another moment.”
He stood quickly and faced the other direction, walking the other way even though he knew not where he headed. “Are you going back? Back to the woman that betrayed you, and the Mage that does not respect you? To a Champion who will most likely end your life for the treachery he believes you to have performed?” she called after him.
“No, I am not returning there… Not until I am able to truly take my vengeance on Jeralyle,” he growled, still walking away.
“You’re never going to be able to do that with Grahamas, Elryia, Lornya, and everyone else at his side.”
“I’ll find a way.”
“I know you would, but what if I could help you? What if I could promise you such power that you could seek vengeance on anyone you chose? And that all others would kneel at your feet?”
Carsis stopped abruptly and then whirled on her, though he clearly remained skeptical. “Why would you do that?”
“Because you and I have the same goals, and it would be far easier with both of us working together to accomplish them.” She moved closer and once more had her fingers guiding through his hair. Carsis didn’t pull away, only bowed his head and blinked, still trying to make sense of it all, “What do you want from me?”
“I want you to be yourself. To use that immoral mind to its full potential,” her gaze tightened as her nails drug across his forehead. “Without guilt, without remorse, and without being afraid of what you’re truly capable of.”
“I still don’t understand why me…”
“You have a brilliance that none have seen. Your heart is born from darkness.” She stared, oddly and unfittingly with concern veiling her face. “You really have no idea how deep it goes, do you?”
“No… How do you?”
“Because I can see it. Prophecies have been written of it. And if you give me the chance, I will show you—teach you—how to use it. Then we shall rule this world together. I as queen, and you as king.”
“King…” Carsis whispered, the word directly striking his ego and he was helpless to deny it. For the first time since his arrival, Carsis smiled—though it faded a moment later. “For now… I will follow.” He reached up and gripped her wrist, yanking it away from his head until it was at her waist. With his free hand, he latched onto her hip, pulling her towards him. “But know…” he whispered, pressing his face close to hers, “that I do not entirely trust you.”
She leaned in, almost taunting him to pursue his aggressive nature, “Nor should you… But in time, you will.”
He smirked and released his hold on her, “What now then? Where do we start?
“With Estophicles, he has something we need.”
Hesitantly, he would go along. “Then let’s begin.”
In A Time Of Darkness Page 91