Defiled

by Elskidor Xell

  "What are you talking about, Bella?" Laelliandir asked. "What did they do to you and Luminear, and what spell or sorcery do you speak of?" Bella grunted, realizing she had no better way of explaining this bizarre account.

  "It is a long story," Markus said, sensing Bella's uneasiness, but Bella waved to silence her husband.

  "Long story or not, I can speak for myself, although I fear you'll make no sense of it. I sure as sarding can't," she confessed, refraining from making eye contact long with either of her rescuers. Bella needed answers as much as these men, as nothing made a lick of sense nowadays. "Your uncle possesses a medallion." Bella began, assuring she kept everyone's attention.

  Only aware of so much, Bella revealed the parts of her story as she understood them. Her earliest meeting with Neighraellium and Lonewolf, at least eleven years prior, told her at one time they suspected she held some type of power buried within. Once they realized they were wrong, they decided to keep her against her will for Lonewolf's benefit. Even as Bella told the story, she struggled to comprehend all that happened herself, resulting in angry outbursts several times during her tale.

  Luminear's purpose remained unclear, although Neighraellium must have decided her sister was important enough to keep. Still, Bella wondered if Luminear had not become some twisted slave mistress to the new High King. This part she didn't understand at all, or why Lonewolf allowed Luminear to endure such callous abuse while pretending to care for and keep Bella near his side. There were no answers, only more questions, but one thing was certain, this red medallion proved vital and immensely powerful.

  "These sick sards want to reach your dragon and manipulate his mind to their will, I reckon," Bella guessed. Of her memories, Bella didn't get the impression that Lonewolf or Neighraellium cared one way or another about ruling Tragmont itself. After Bella finished her tale, Laelliandir and Albatros were quick to put more pieces together.

  "They knew all along," Albatros said as he stood from treating his rhino and strode toward the injured horse next.

  "They want to awaken this beast on purpose? How did they know? How did my uncle find out about any of this?" Laelliandir wondered aloud. "And why take Luminear or suspect either of you of anything so absurd? My uncle would have no connection with Luminear. He didn't even know her, much less-"

  "Wolf did. Wolf wanted us back, I'm sure. I guess he stopped loving Luminear somewhere along the way or he owed your uncle and gave her as a gift," Bella spat out angered, still unsure how or even why they suspected her sister of sorcery. "Our original caretaker," Bella blurted out, remembering Icaz. "A mad man. He and Lonewolf were close, and that loon told Lonewolf many strange things about us, no doubt. I bet Lonewolf went off a hunch, but not sure about that medallion. Might have been his. Wolf keeps all sorts of eccentric treasures."

  "Your uncle, Lonewolf. Maybe he turned my uncle mad and made him the way he is, and this is all Lonewolf. Or maybe he must have-" Laelliandir paused a moment to unravel the mystery, then followed another train of thought. "Luminear? You? What power?"

  Bella shrugged just as bewildered as the others. She wondered when and how it all began. Tortured by riddles, Bella questioned everything. She wondered if Lonewolf had ever been loyal to her and Luminear or if this had been a part of a plan that could be traced back to as early as when they first met him. She couldn't rule any possibility out. Was he ever dependable, even back in Frenmere, or did he lose his way while in captivity in Magwhen after Casen's demise? Whatever strange gift Luminear supposedly harbored was a mystery to all, and Bella had no answer.

  "Lumi didn't say she believed any of this, only that they said so. Luminear may have convinced herself it was true after years of confinement," Markus speculated, glancing at Bella for her input.

  Bella breathed a frustrated sigh and added, "I don't think I can trust anything Lumi has said to me in our brief encounters in a dozen years. This gifted nonsense is just as preposterous as it sounds."

  Laelliandir plopped on the grass next to them, still trying to piece it all together. "My uncle is mad, but if this is what he’s been after-" Bella cut him off in a miffed tone.

  "What is he after?" she asked but gave no time for a response. "Luminear and Neighraellium both claim they have to do something at a black mountain. There are similarities to your tale," Bella conceded. "I don't care what is going on or if the entire world is turning mad. I'm getting my sister out of trouble. Sard it all. Let them take your sarding dragon. I am getting out of here." Albatros grunted, sympathetic to Bella's frustration.

  "If we cannot prevent the army from marching upon it, then perhaps we can stop Neighraellium. He would be on the way here now, would he not? With Lumi?" Albatros asked.

  "I would imagine. I doubt he lets her out of his sight. That was my plan before the ambush," Bella said.

  "Wait, are we going to ride right back to where we came from?" Fern asked, his tone, a mix of alarm, and disbelief.

  "I am," Bella said.

  Markus nodded. "And I."

  "Nobody is going anywhere until these animals heal up." Albatros reminded as he rubbed a dusty black powder into Laelliandir's horse's wounds. "You are shy a couple of horses."

  "How bad are they?" asked Laelliandir

  "They were hit hard, but it will take but a few hours to be well enough to ride again."

  "Several hours?" Markus asked. "Magic medallions, magical powers in Luminear, and now enchanted dust for wounds?"

  "Elven medicine. They'll heal with remarkable speed. A friend gave this to me," Albatros explained.

  "Friends with mortals and elves? You are popular, Albatros," Bella said.

  "You have no idea. He's good friends with a renowned elf of the eastern realm." Laelliandir hinted.

  "Good friend? Elzeenor Zavon of Kaelliakie is my closest companion," Albatros corrected.

  "I thought that was me now?" Laelliandir said in jest.

  "You? Bringer of Trouble?" Albatros answered dryly. The obvious affection between the two surprised Markus and Fern, for they remembered when Laelliandir despised the minotaur who married his mother. Bella remained clueless about what she thought, however. Her tainted mind could not make sense of anything. She now regarded Laelliandir in a mix of hate she'd grown accustomed too, along with sadness and indescribable longing that drew her to him. Everyone around her now confused her.

  "I'm a little disturbed by the closeness between you two," Markus admitted. Fern nodded but didn't say a word. Bella shrugged off her chaotic thoughts and again focused on the one person she was sure of; Luminear.

  "Listen. I need a horse. Lae, please lend me yours. The rhinoceros is more than enough to bear the two of you. We need at least two for us." Laelliandir and Albatros eyed one another, trying to figure out what to do. After exchanging a few strange looks, and trying to communicate in silence, Bella continued. "Talk. Say something! I can't help you. Not how you wanted, but if we're right, your uncle is with my sister. They are on the way here. We could all work together."

  "Five against how many? However many my uncle brings, and what Lonewolf rides with?" Laelliandir said.

  "We have no chance of stopping anyone from here. I don't much like the odds, but if they march upon the black cliffs-" Albatros shook his head.

  "I can't wait around here and do nothing and lose precious time. You have to understand that!" Riddled with a mixture of impatience and fear, Bella stood and paced. Laelliandir remembered well Bella's restlessness and determination, and in the end, she would do whatever she wanted to do. This attribute he'd always admired about her.

  "I can't stand knowing Lumi is being used against her will." Laelliandir realized if he didn't want his horse stolen, and Bella racing off on her way, he needed to reassure them he was on their side. "Listen. Even if they imagine she is some witch, she's still family." Laelliandir looked at each of them earnestly. "So are you all. Markus. Fern. Bell. All of us are bound as far as I'm concerned, including Luminear. I am with you all, and I will do everything i
n my power to make sure she's safe." He ended, staring at Bella in particular. "I promise."

  "We aren't family, Laelliandir." Bella disagreed, but she was grateful to hear him say that. His words warmed her heart as she gazed at him, and she realized, despite her turmoil and doubts, she felt a sense of belonging and kinship with everyone gathered here.

  Laelliandir nodded back to her. "You and Luminear, especially, are bound to my fate. Through name or not. That vow is forever. By family, I mean, we are one. We watch out for each other. We are bound to care for one another. It's who we are. I won't let you get yourself killed. At least not without me," he concluded. They smiled at his remark.

  "What a bold claim, speaking for everyone." Markus snickered. Though Markus didn't admit it, he felt a bond with this man, as did Fern.

  "We sort of are family, Markus," Fern said. Albatros too shook his head. "At one time we were. In Garroth." For a period, the most peaceful time in the orphan's lives, they had one another in Garroth. They were a part of the same house in every way but blood. Through thick and thin, they had been brought together for various reasons and made the best of it.

  "Then it all came crashing down and ended," Bella said as she locked eyes with Laelliandir. "You spent more time away than you did with us. That is also who you are, or were, and in return, who we are," Bella was unwilling to be too sentimental. She was almost threatened by this man, disturbing her mind. Part of her missed him so dearly, but this is also what frightened her. "Which is it now? Are you with us or are you really with us?"

  Laelliandir deserved that, or he thought he did, but it didn't faze him. He liked having Bella test him as she did. Question him. It was delightful hearing her voice at all. For she remained the one person he thought about every day all these long years. It was something the Laelliandir she once knew would never admit. He rose to his feet and faced her.

  "I am with you, Bell, and always have been at heart. There is no going back to change what happened, but we can do whatever we can to make things better." Bella sighed. "I have missed you, and I want you to know that," Laelliandir finished, staring at Bella, so make sure she understood him before looking to the others. Bella's heart fluttered at his words. Overcome with warmth; she was touched he still cared about her and that he was able to say it. There was no hesitation in his words. No shyness. He spoke passionately. "I've missed you all—even those who are no longer with us. Not one passing day goes by that any of you haven't been in my mind. In my heart is where I've kept you. I have lost so much time, and I'm not about to walk away again if you all accept me." Laelliandir again glanced between each of them. None were sure how to respond.

  Markus stood and broke the silence. "There's something different about you, Laelliandir."

  Bella agreed with a nod. Sarding right, there is, She thought. He was still earnest and calm, but he carried a light in his eyes and a cheeky smile. His old aura of confidence had not faded, but he didn't seem to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders any longer.

  "Well, I would sure hope so. It has been eleven years, Markus." Laelliandir grinned. "Do you accept the offer?"

  "Of course, they do," Albatros said.

  "Aye," Bella said, smiling at the two. Her eyes met Laelliandir's again, with a look of gratitude and appreciation. Without realizing it, the woman she was from years ago was suddenly so attracted to this man all over again. "Thank you. How can you ever forgive-?"

  "Stop," Laelliandir said. "There are no apologies here. The past is behind us, and you are a victim in my eyes. We've all been wronged." Laelliandir observed his companions. "One of the many things we share outside of the house Javalla. Now, I say if my uncle is bringing Luminear here, we surprise him. We'll do what we can to save Luminear and rid the world of him once and for all. He and Lonewolf. I don't know how, but nothing was ever done without trying."

  "Remember the last time you tried to go against him. It didn't turn out in anyone's favor," Fern cautioned sheepishly.

  Laelliandir nodded, owning up to the mistake. "Alas, but it is that or do nothing and leave Luminear to rot. Cowards we would be. I've had to walk away before, but I won't do it again."

  "I'm not walking away," Bella promised. "Together," she kept her eyes on Laelliandir's, motivated by his words. As if but a day had passed since last she saw him, Bella again fell under his spell of benevolence and courage. He was different in some ways, but his heart still pure, and he spoke with such fervor. "You sound surer of yourself than you used to."

  "He's always been sure of himself," Albatros said.

  "Perhaps, but I no longer sense remorse. You lack guilt and worry," Bella surmised as she waited for Laelliandir to answer.

  "I worry, but I only do what I can. I may never be the man my father was, but I can live knowing I am true to myself."

  "Little heavy on the poetry there," Markus said uncomfortably, a little insecure about Bella's clear admiration of the man. No matter how many years passed, Markus knew what Laelliandir and Bella once meant to one another, and abruptly he too was hit by a familiar wave of uncertainty. Within an instant, Markus was taken back years ago, remembering well how she used to look at Laelliandir, and whether or not Bella realized it, she was staring at him just as she used to and right in front of Markus. A slight tinge of jealousy sprung up and bit him as he felt like a teenager all over again.

  "Maybe so. Once I lost everything, I was free to do anything. Decide who I was. I won't boast or lie. Eight of the last eleven years were dark times. I would have preferred to be dead most days. It's been no easy road." Laelliandir glimpsed back to Albatros. "I don't think I would have made it without Albatros." Albatros stood from the horse after he finished administering the medicine and nodded him on.

  "My path has been fine, as has Ferns. Bella's was-" Markus started.

  "A lie! I have been playing the part of someone else." Bella could have dissolved into tears in sadness over what she had lost, but she chose anger. "A lackey to liars and scoundrels! I want them dead. All of them! They stole everything from Lumi and me!" She finished Markus’s sentence then whirled to pin her eyes on Laelliandir. "After Lumi is safe, I want revenge. After I find out exactly what they have done to Luminear, I will determine my revenge."

  Laelliandir nodded. "I agree. I try not to judge many, but I have a deep scar from my uncle and Wolf. That wound will not go away until the hammer stroke of justice has been dealt." Bella shook her head firmly in agreement.

  "Never mind. That's the same Laelliandir," Markus kidded, as Fern chuckled.

  Bella smiled.

  "There was nothing wrong with that man either," she said sincerely. She could not help her feelings and wanted to throw her arms around him. Almost overtaken by emotion, she wanted to tell him how much she had missed him.

  "Sure, there was." Markus countered as he stood up next to his wife, circling his arm around her back and resting his hand on her hip. "But I can't think of anything right now."

  Bella looked to Markus’s hand and recognized his sudden jealousy. Did I say or do anything that upset him? She remembered the old familiar jittery and giddy sensation she’d experienced around Laelliandir. He was supposed to be her husband until that future was stolen. Oh my, I’m acting a floozy, aren’t I? She couldn’t deny she felt a longing for this man and shamefully, right in front of her husband. What is going on in my head? She couldn't focus on these cruel thoughts, but they came unbidden, riddling her mind in a maze of "if only" or "what if".

  "Well, when do we go?" Bella asked as she pulled away from Markus's hold and walked away from the men toward Albatros. She eyed the rhino and horse. "How long until they are ready?"

  "I wouldn't push them for a few hours." Albatros peered up to the sun above. "Sundown at the earliest. They can't continue until the powder has worked its wonders, or the process must be repeated. I'd get settled in for the time."

  "Nightfall?" Bella asked in disbelief. "No. We need to be on the move now."

  "Leave now, and we are on
foot. Come nightfall, we'll have wished we waited," Albatros declared.

  "He's right, Bell. Leave now on foot, and we won't accomplish a thing. The odds are already not in our favor," Markus said. Bella studied the beast's wounds. Impatient and frustrated with the delay, all she could think of was reaching Luminear and freeing her. As agitated as she was, she could not admit that waiting was the best course of action.

  "Some rest would do us well. We can eat, sleep, and take turns at watch." Fern suggested, before pointing to a small overhang. "Under those rocks there, we can take cover." The group looked in the direction he pointed. Underneath the natural cave-like area provided shelter and camouflage.

  "I don't want to wait," Bella argued, looking from one to the other.

  "Bell, just for a while. We don't want our beasts catching an infection and dying along the way, right?" Markus pleaded. Bella groaned, still seeking another way.