by Luna Lais
She saw the blanket fall from the hole, followed by Eranen. "I went ahead and beat the dust out for you," he said picking the blanket up and carrying to the bed where she was sitting.
"Eranen, sit down and listen to this," she moved over to make room for him. Eranen started to tell her he would rather not, but the look on her face stopped him. He sat down and threw the blanket behind them on the bed. She read the passage to him once he was settled. "This not a book of poetry," Lissandra said looking at him.
Eranen leaned his head against Lissandra's so they could read the next verse together. The king died, the regent died, the princes returned home. Faster and faster to save his throne. Eranen did not know what to think. This book had been his grandmother's. She had left it to him when she died, but his mother did not give it to him until he was sixteen. "All this time," he whispered. "I have had this all this time without realizing."
Lissandra did not comment she had already begun reading the next page. Eranen seeing she was not paying attention to him also began reading again. Some of the passages made no since to them, while others they had already seen come to pass. A few hours later still sitting with their heads together they read the last sentence in the book. It was not the same writing as the rest of the book and looked as if it had been add by a previous owner. "Seek him in the Northern Mountains. The old man's time has come to meet the fated ones." Lissandra repeated the words out loud before staring into Eranen's green eyes. "I told you I was going to the mountains with you," she said stifling a yawn.
"It would seem so," he said taking the book from her before standing up and stretching. He walked over to the table and sat the book down before turning back towards the bed. Lissandra had stood up and had taken off her dress, hose and shoes. Leaving only her chemise for her to sleep in. Eranen moved over to the bed and spread the blanket out. Lissandra smiled at him before crawling beneath the covers.
Before dawn the next morning Eranen and Lissandra had risen and began preparing for their journey to Rorgrim. Lissandra had finally remembered the books that had been save from the flame. After telling Eranen about them he decided they should take them as well as a few others from the shack. He hated leaving the rest unprotected, but there was no room to carry them all in the wagon and no time to move them somewhere else.
It was while they were gathering the books and loading the wagon that Eranen finally told Lissandra what Jamie had said. He had hoped to find mention of a dragon in the little book of prophecy, but one was never mentioned. "Surely you do not believe the man," Lissandra asked him.
"It does sound foolish I will admit," he finished tying their trunks securely in the wagon before helping her into the small seat at the front. The horses had already been hitched and they were ready to leave. "But something caused the fire and it was no ordinary fire." Lissandra nodded in agreement. The flames came within a foot of the old shack, but no closer. They also had stopped right along the tree line leaving the small woods untouched, as well as the house Eranen was building. What struck her as the oddest occurrence was that the fire had not spread to the field of grass surrounding Eranen's land. Only the crop and the barn had been touched. Still even under the unusual circumstances, the thought that a dragon actually existed seemed absurd.
At least it did until Eranen crawled into the wagon and before moving the horses forward told her of the legend of the Meandering Meadows. In the far north west of Pearoandorn there was a beautiful meadow surrounded by a low stone wall on the north east and south, to the west a large rocky mountain stood between the meadow and the sea. It was said that none who ventured over the wall was ever seen again. Lissandra had heard the story as a child. The Meandering Meadows is where parents threaten to send their unruly children. Lissandra had never heard mention of a dragon in connection to the mysterious place, but Eranen had. He had a book of course that told of the legendary dragon of Pearoandorn who made and agreement with the king never to leave the meadow and in return man would not hunt the dragon. The dragon could have free reign and if livestock or people ventured into the meadow, then they would be the dragons to hunt. Both Eranen and Lissandra knew the meadow existed, everyone knew of the meadow. Was it possible that the dragon existed also? If so then the dragon was no longer confined to the meandering meadows and if that was not bad enough the dragon seemed particularly interested in either Eranen, Lissandra or both.
Leaving Lissandra to her thoughts Eranen began moving the wagon. Duncan came along side them. "Pardon, my lord," Eranen held his hand up to the man cutting off what he was about to say.
"It is Eranen," Duncan nodded and continued.
"Pardon, Lord Eranen." Eranen rolled his eyes at the man and Lissandra giggled. "Our army is camped at the Blue River just inside Calandoria. Princess Allista asked you to have your pick as personal guards once we reach them,"
"No," Lissandra interrupted the man. "You and your men can come with us or not, but we will not be delaying our trip for any reason."
"It would be an honor to serve the House of Palek, my lady," Duncan said bowing his head to her.
"There is no House of Palek," Eranen said frowning at the man. "There is just Eranen and Lissandra," he pointed to himself and then Lissandra as he said it.
"Of course, my lord," Duncan smiled before falling back to join his men who were already following the wagon onto the road.
"House of Palek," Lissandra said trying it out. "House of Palek," she said again looking at Eranen. He was irritated she could tell, but what had he expected. He had married a princess. "I like it," she laughed. "The House of Palek, known through out the kingdoms as the greatest educators ever known."
Eranen shook his head and ignored her laughing. Life had definitely been simpler before he married. Before he had met her his dream of an academy had seemed out of reach. At the very least he would be old and gray before he obtained it. He turned and glanced at the trunks in the back of the wagon. If he included what Lissandra had add there was enough gold to start construction tomorrow if he wanted. He looked back at Lissandra and taking her hand he gave it a tight squeeze. "I could learn to live with," he said. "As long as you are a part of it."
"Forever," she smiled at him. Nodding he released her and continued to steer the wagon forward.
Chapter 27
The castle in Rorgrim had a marvelous library Kiala thought looking up from her book to scan the shelves lining the walls. Long shelves covered every wall from floor to ceiling, each full of books. More shelves had been brought in and stood scatter around the room, none of them empty. There were plenty of comfortable chairs to sit in as well as a long table in the center of the room surrounded other chairs. Kiala took a inhaled deeply through her nose. The room smelled of books, it was paradise.
The entrance to the library was in the same hallway as the dining hall. She had discovered it the morning she met Cate. He had been sitting enjoying a book himself when she had entered. Every since then as soon as she finished eating the morning meal with Makren, she would come here and meet Cate. They did not read or play cards as she told Makren they did. Instead they worked on her courage. Makren did not need to know about that. Men frowned on such things, especially Calandorian men. They would work until the midday meal and then both Makren and Cate would disappear to the council meeting. Darien had given her free reign of the castle, but she liked it here. She felt safe in this room. Not that she was afraid anymore. She stilled cringed occasionally when a soldier walked by the open door, but she did not scream or try to flee.
The council meeting is taking forever to get over with today she thought. It will be time for dinner before it is over at this rate. As much as she loved to read she could not spend every waking hour doing so. While Darien had forgiven her outburst in the council meeting, he had not spoken to her since nor had anyone else on the council, save Cate and Makren. They were all that kept her from going insane in her solitude.
"There you are Kiala," she jumped at the voice, but relaxed immediately. It had
become very familiar to her.
"Makren," she squealed with delight as she rose from her seat and ran into his arms. He swung her around a few times before sitting her feet back firmly on the floor. "I did not think you would ever leave the council room," she said laughing.
She noticed he frowned at her. Anytime she mentioned the council his gray eyes would cloud and his brow would crease. "If you would return to the meetings we could spend more time together," he said.
"Who am I to make decisions of life and death," she asked putting her hands on his shoulders. "I am nothing more than a peasant's daughter, with no education to speak of. There are many more qualified."
Makren shook his head, "You are more than any peasant. You are an adjutant to the King of Calandoria whether you accept the responsibilities or not."
"I prefer being friend to Makren, nothing more," she said smiling.
Makren sighed. At times Kiala was more stubborn than anyone he had ever met. "Well then friend, how what would you like to do for the rest of the day?"
Kiala spun away from him in circles causing her pink dress to lift and spin like a bell around her. "Everything," she laughed.
Makren laughed as well. She was certainly not the fragile flower he thought she was a few weeks ago. All of the bruises and scrapes were completely gone and she had gained some weight. She now had wonderful curves and her face glowed. Makren stopped himself. He was her friend, nothing more. She did not want more. She still sometimes jumped if he touched her unexpectedly or made a sudden move. Too often he had caught himself staring at her lately in a way that was a little to friendly. Luckily, Kiala had not noticed.
Makren looked at the scar that ran down her jaw line. Whatever had caused that scar had happened when she was young. Whatever had caused that scar kept him from kissing her as he desired.
"Let's take a walk along the castle walls," he suggested. "The view is wonderful this time of day and we would be alone to talk." Smiling she took his arm and let him lead her from the room.
The view of the Rorgrim from the castle wall was breath taking and just as Makren had said they were alone as they walked the wall. "Why are there no guards posted on the wall to keep watch?" Kiala asked looking down the deserted walkway.
"The castle is located in the center of the city. It would be impossible for an army to break through the walls of the city without the castle knowing of it in time to prepare. Guards are posted on the walls of the city," he said.
Kiala reddened, she should have thought of that herself before asking him. She was constantly embarrassing herself by asking questions with obvious answers. She hoped Makren did not think her simple minded.
Makren was watching her curiously for signs of what had caused her blush. So many emotions had passed over her face at his answer to her question. What went on in her head, he wondered.
"You do that a lot," Kiala said looking at him.
"What do I do a lot," Makren questioned still watching her.
"Stare at me," she said uncomfortably.
"I like looking at you. No matter how beautiful the view it is always improved when you are in it" Makren said ignoring her blush.
"You should not say things like that," Kiala said moving to the edge of the wall and looking out across the city. Twilight was fallen over the city and the lights from the windows below danced like stars.
Makren moved to her side and put his arm around her shoulder. He did not look at the city below; instead he watched the joy the view brought her light up her face. "I was pretty once," she had whispered so softly Makren had barely heard her. "I was also very vain." Makren made no remark to her comments. He did not want to interrupt her. This was the first time she had ever mentioned anything of her past. "Then I received this," she ran her finger down the side of face following the scar along her jaw line to her chin. "The Gods reward for vanity."
Makren traced the scar with his own finger, "How did you get it?" he asked. Kiala straightened her back and pulled away from him.
"It is late we should go eat dinner," she said turning to walk back towards the door that would lead them into the castle.
Makren followed beside her. "Darien will allow you to eat no more meals in your room. From now on it is his desire that you eat with the rest of us in the dinning hall." He saw her tremble at the thought. "It will be alright," he said whispering in her ear. "I will be right beside you the whole time." She nodded and took his arm.
When they reached the door she paused and glanced over the city one more time. "What if attackers came to Rorgrim during the day disguised as travelers or merchants and remained in the city until after the city gates where closed for the night. Would it not be easy to launch an unexpected attack against the castle?"
Makren looked at her. In the evening light with the fire from the turret over head dancing off her face she looked beautiful. "Yes it would be," he said agreeing with her assessment, "Which is why you should join us at the next council meeting."
Kiala smiled and shook her head, "You will not be pleased until I spend every waking moment with you, will you?" she teased.
"No I will not," Makren said starring into her chocolate eyes. Kiala swallowed hard and opened door entering the castle before Makren.
Chapter 28
"Do you know what time it is?" Darien bellowed making his way to his chamber door. The pounding had wakened him. It had been so long since he had been able to sleep he was in a foul mood at being disturbed. He did not know who was on the other side, but they better have a good explanation. He yanked the door open forcefully and froze.
Alli stood before him wearing only her night clothes, her hair ruffled from sleep. Her gown was nothing more than a whisper of white silk and a good portion of her shoulders were exposed. It clung to her body and shimmered in the dim light. Darien would not have noticed the gown at all, but the delicate robed she had donned before leaving her chamber was made of a fascinating material he could see right through. Darien looked down at himself. He had lit only the small candle on the table by his bed and pulled on a pair of britches before opening the door. He had not even bothered with the laces.
"Darien," he forced his eyes up to meet hers. "Do you mind if I come in?" His brain was still foggy with sleep and the sight of her in the gown. He was unable to answer yes or no, not waiting Alli pushed her way past him and entered the room.
Darien stood at the open door a moment longer before closing it and turning to face the room. Alli had sat down in one of the two chairs in front of the fireplace. The fire had almost died completely, but a few embers still glowed. Darien moved around the room lighting a few more candles before sitting in the seat next to her. "What are you doing here," he asked.
"I am having trouble sleeping," she sighed. "I am worried about your plans to destroy the Temple of the Moon's Soul as well as what we have plan to do to the Acumen." She calmed her fidgeting hands before continuing. "What if we are wrong? What if the Gods seek retribution? Can mere mortals battle Gods?"
Darien looked at her again. Each time he saw her she was more beautiful than the last. The dress had been miraculous. There were no words to describe the gown. Darien turned his eyes back to the fireplace. It was a much safer place to focus his attention. "If we are wrong, we will die," he whispered.
Alli agree with Darien's words. "I am not sure I am ready for that," she said.
"Is anyone?" Darien questioned.
"I am Acumen. The chance that I will live a long life is improbable," she sighed. "I thought I had come to accept the fact that I would die young, but I have not."
"Alli," he breathed turning is eyes back towards her. He reached his hand over to hers took it, holding it gently. She looked into his eyes. "Then live Alli," he said. "Live."
His eyes showed none of the coldness she normal saw there. They had softened along with his face. His stern look and creased brow were relaxed. She did not know why she had done it, but she reached up and cupped his face with her free hand. Darien sat there s
tarring in to the depths of her blue eyes, letting her rub his cheek.
"I am afraid I do not have the strength," she said softly.
"Then I will lend you my strength, just as you have done for me these past weeks," He raised his other hand and placed it over the hand caressing his cheek. "You have a unique spirit, Alli."
"So do you Darien," she breathed, "So do you."
He leaned forward his lips slightly parted. His intentions were obvious to Alli and she waited with pent up breath for the kiss. It never came. A knock at the chamber door brought him out of the trance and she heard him curse under his breath. She released his face and turned her head away embarrassed, but smiling at his disappointment.