Wizard's Call

by Luna Lais

  When the knock came again, Darien released her hand and started for the door. "Who is it?" he shouted.

  "It is Kiala," a meek voice sounded from the other side. "I know it is late and I do not mean to disturb you, but I want to speak with you about something." Darien sighed. "It is alright, it seems to be going around tonight." He looked back at Alli. "Just give me one minute," he called to Kiala through the door. Darien went to his wardrobe and pulled a long heavy blue robe out. He handed it to Alli and then located his shirt on the floor where he had discarded it before going to bed. He quickly pulled on the shirt, while Alli tied the robe around her.

  Once Alli was seated again, Darien went to the door and opened it. "Alli was having the same trouble, please come in and join us." Darien step back from the door and motioned for her to sit in the empty chair next to Alli by the fire. Kiala was in her night clothes as well, but her gown was much more concealing than Alli's and her robe similar to the one he had given Alli to put on. After he closed the door he went and lit a small lamp flooding the room with more light.

  Kiala took the empty seat and turned to Alli. "I am sorry I disturbed you, my lady," she said.

  Alli smiled at Kiala. "It is alright. I have gotten in the habit of talking Darien's ears off about prophecy at all hours." Darien moved in front of the fireplace facing the two women.

  "What is it Kiala?" Darien said. He could not imagine what could have brought her to his chamber in the middle of the night.

  "I was walking along the castle wall again this evening. Every since the first time Makren took me there it has been one of my favorite places to go." Kiala said smiling. "Do you know what I saw there this evening?"

  "What?" Alli asked curious. She had never been on the wall.

  "Guards, on watch," Kiala said. Alli wrinkled her brow in confusion. She did not understand why Kiala was smiling. Kiala was afraid of guards, or so she thought. Darien raised his hand to cover his smile. "You see," Kiala said starring at Darien. "At first I thought maybe Makren, but that is not his way. He prefers the shadows." Kiala stood up and to all their amazement kissed Darien on the cheek.

  "You are welcome," Darien said.

  "When I saw them there, I knew," she said smiling at him. "I knew you really meant it when you said you valued my opinion." Kiala smiled at him a little longer before returning to the chair next to Alli's.

  "Is that why you came," Alli asked still shocked by Kiala's actions. Kiala could not stand to be touched, but she had just kissed Darien.

  "No," Kiala said confused by Alli's question. "I had an idea. One that will give you the revenge you seek while at the same time uniting the people behind you to fight Descartes."

  Darien just stared at Kiala. Alli leaned forward at her words. "Darien, I think we should hear this," she said. Darien nodded and Kiala was about to continue when a knock sounded at the door. Darien did not call to see who was behind the door this time. Instead he strolled across the room and opened it.

  "Sorry to bother you," Lawwe said. "A rider has arrived with disturbing news." Darien motioned the man to enter the room and closed the door behind him. Lawwe paused only a moment when he saw Alli and Kiala sitting by the fire.

  Darien retrieved a chair from next to the bed and pulled it by Kiala's. He indicated Lawwe should sit before returning to stand in front of the fireplace. "I am sorry to intrude," Lawwe said to the ladies as he sat down. He looked curiously at the women wondering why they were in the king's bed chambers in the middle of the night wearing only their night clothes.

  "You are not interrupting," Kiala said still smiling brightly.

  "Of course not." Alli added. "We were having an impromptu meeting." She looked at Darien and reddened. No, Lawwe was not interrupting, Kiala had already done that.

  Darien knew what caused Alli's blush. "What news is it that brings you here at this hour," Darien asked looking to Lawwe.

  Lawwe did not met Daniels eyes. He bowed his head and slowly shook it. "Eranen Palek's farm was burned to the ground three days ago. There has been no sign of him or the Lady Lissandra." Darien looked at the three seated before him. The women offered him salvation, the man pain beyond imagining.

  After several minutes Kiala broke the silence, "It does not mean they are lost," she whispered.

  Alli could see the grief and the anger building behind Darien's steel gray eyes. She rose from her chair and moved to his side. She placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "Prophecy tells me they will return to Rorgrim,"

  Darien turned his head and looked at her hand resting on his shoulder. He covered it with his own, "I would still feel better if she were here, but thank you." His eyes met hers. They stared at each other long enough for the other occupants in the room to grow uncomfortable.

  Kiala spoke breaking their trance, "Perhaps we should leave," she said rising. "My plan can wait until tomorrow."

  "No," Darien released Alli's hand and urged Kiala to sit back down. "I want to hear it now," he said. "If it will do what you said, I would like time to consider it before bringing it up to the council."

  "Alright," Kiala said sitting up straight in her chair. "It would serve us best," a knock at the door cut her off. This time the door opened before Darien had even reached it.

  Molly and Karegh burst into the room and stopped abruptly when the realized Darien was not alone.

  "Sorry," Molly said curtsying.

  "It is alright," Darien said softly. "What brings the two of you here at this hour?"

  Karegh turned beet red and started to turn and leave, but Molly grabbed his arm and kept him beside her. "It is the storm," she said pointing out the window on the far side of the room. "You know he can not sleep when it is storming out." They all stared out the window she pointed to. None of them had noticed the storm raging outside.

  "Me, it is you," Karegh shouted at her. "You ran to my room before the first thunder boom." Molly rolled her eyes at the boy and then for good measure stuck her tongue out at him.

  "Enough," Darien bellowed before Karegh could retaliate. He pointed to his bed. Both children lowered their heads and walk slowly towards the bed, Darien followed them. Once they had crawled in Darien pulled the covers tightly around them. Alli, Kiala and Lawwe watched the scene quietly. It was obvious to all that this was not the first time he had let the duo spend the night in his chamber. "Now," Darien whispered to them. "Not another word and go straight to sleep or I will send you back to your own beds." He took a moment to ruffle Karegh's hair before returning to stand in front of the fire.

  It was with the best of intentions that Kiala opened her mouth to speak, but another knock at the door prevented her from uttering a single syllable. Cursing out loud Darien took long strides to the door and hastily jerked it open. Makren stood on the other side with a panic stricken look on his face, holding a silver tray with a tea service on it. "What is it?" Darien asked concerned. "What has happened?"

  "Kiala is missing," Makren said.

  Darien suppressed his smile and shook his head. "No, she is not missing, she is here," he stepped aside so Makren could enter the room.

  "Here," Makren said angrily. He stalked past Darien and entered the room.

  "Why not everyone else is," Darien said quietly to himself as he turned and shut the door.

  "Makren," Kiala said jumping to her feet and moving to his side. "What are you doing here?" she asked once she was next to him. Makren surveyed the room and relaxed. She had not been alone with his brother as he had first assumed. In fact, it was rather crowded in his brother's chamber. He glanced to the bed and saw Molly and Karegh fast asleep beneath the covers. Alli sat near the fire in her night clothes and Lawwe sat not to far away from her, fully dressed. "Makren," Kiala drew his attention back to her. "You did not answer me. Why are you here?"

  "I brought you tea," he said lifting the tray a little to gain her notice. "You always ask for tea when there is a storm. It helps calm your nerves so you can sleep," she smiled
at him. That smile would be his undoing. Darien moved past them on his way back to his spot in front of the fire. "Did you bring enough for everyone," he laughed.

  Makren reddened. Kiala took the tray from him and carried it to a small table next to the bed. They all watched as she poured a cup and added a small amount of cream and sugar. She gave it the cup three quick swirls with a spoon. She turned and carried the cup to Makren. "The way you like it," she said handing him the cup.

  He took the cup with a smile and tasted it. His smile was devilish she thought. While he continued sipping the tea she looked at him shaking her head. His white shirt was unlaced half way down his chest and the shirt was tucked in to his pants on one side, but not the other. At least he had remembered his boots this time, she thought. He had managed to only get one of his pant legs tucked into them. The other bunched around the top of his boot. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

  "Talking with your brother," she winked at him. "I have decided to fulfill my duties as an adjutant." She smiled before returning to her empty seat between Lawwe and Alli. Makren seeing no other empty chairs in the room opted to sit on a large trunk at the end of Darien's bed.

  "So," Makren said addressing the room at large, "What are we discussing?"

  "I am here to talk about the Acumen," Alli said.

  "I came to discuss the Temple," Kiala added.

  Lawwe turned to Makren, "A dispatch from Hokaren arrived. Your sister's hiding place was destroyed. She and her escort are missing."

  "Missing," Makren frowned. He looked to Darien, "Are we sending men to locate her?"

  "There is no need," Darien said looking at Alli. "Some of Hokaren's finest are protecting her."

  Alli nodded, "Prophecy tells us she will arrive in Rorgrim safely," she said easing Makren's fears.

  "And you," Darien asked Makren already knowing the answer.

  "Her," he said pointing to Kiala. "She is the reason for most of my actions," he sighed. "You trusted her care to me brother, but I swear she fights me at every turn." Kiala turned her chocolate eyes to him. How many times had he lost himself in her eyes? "It is hard to tell if I am caring for her, or she for me."

  Darien grew uncomfortable at his brother's words. Everyone in the room had watched their actions since he arrived and none were foolish enough to believe their relationship to be mere friendship. What made him uncomfortable was how easily Makren spoke of it in a room full of people.

  "Fear not, Makren," Kiala said. "I assure you that you are still taking care of me. I only look after you to ensure the job is done properly." Darien looked at Kiala. She was glowing now that Makren had entered the room. Makren was glowing as well.

  "Darien," Alli said interrupting his thoughts. "Perhaps it would be best if spoke in the morning. The sun will be up in a few hours."

  "Yes," Darien said looking at the crowd in his room. A sudden knock drew everyone's attention.

  "Is there anyone left in the castle?" Lawwe laughed. "I thought they were all in here." Darien ignored the man's humor and walked to the door answering it.

  "Sorry to disturb you," Cate said. "A rider from Hokaren has just arrived."

  "I know," Darien said cutting him off. "Lawwe has already brought us word of my sister."

  "Us," Cate said entering the room. Cate surveyed the group. His eyes locked with Alli's. She could not mistake the displeasure in his eyes at finding her there. Cate turned to Darien, "The rider did not carry a message for you," he said. "It was for her." Cate pointed to Alli.

  "Alli," he said softly, "Come let me speak with you in private."

  Alli shook her head. "We can speak here Cate," she said. "We are among friends here."

  "This message would be better delivered in your chambers, my lady." He had used a title. He would not do that unless it was serious.

  Alli looked to Darien, he was watching her. "I think I would rather hear it here," she said softly. "Then neither of us will have to repeat it."

  Cate nodded, "Your father is gravely ill and they do not expect him to live out the month," he said bowing his head. Alli put her hands to her face and began crying quietly. "We must leave immediately if you want to see him again." Cate said.

  Alli looked at him, her eyes soaked with tears. "I can not," she said. "The prophecy, had it been fulfilled another would have come by now." She shook her head before Cate could get out his protest. "If I leave, I die."

  "What of Hokaren," Darien asked Alli. "What will become of Hokaren if the King dies and the Princess is not there to take the throne?"

  "Princess!" Makren shouted jumping to his feet and turning to his brother. "You never said she was a Princess!"

  "How could I have foreseen this, Makren?" Darien asked.

  "Do you not understand," Makren exclaimed. "If she is to be Queen of Hokaren then even more of my prophecy has been fulfilled."

  "There is still Maeorus in Pearoandorn," Darien said calmly. "Unless you plan on traveling there and giving him your warning then there is no need to worry."

  "I do not," Makren said looking at Alli, "but I did not intend on telling the ruler of Hokaren either." Makren walked to Kiala and grabbed her hand. "Prophecy finds a way to be fulfilled Darien," he pulled Kiala from her chair and headed for the door pulling her behind him. "If we are not more careful the Destroyer will rule us all," he said as he past Darien and Cate. He opened the door and pushed Kiala into the hall before turning back to the room. "Descartes wants every last person in Calandoria slaughtered." Makren grabbed the door and slammed it behind him causing Molly and Karegh to stir in the bed.

  Darien turned to Lawwe. "I want my best man sent to Pearoandorn at first light. He is to watch over and keep Maeorus from harm." Lawwe nodded and rose to leave the room. "Be careful not to mention why we are sending him," Darien added. "We do not want to accidentally fulfill the prophecy." Lawwe nodded again and left the room.

  "I am sorry Alli," Darien said turning to look at her. "If you wish it I will take everyone in the castle to Adelaide, so you can see him again."

  Alli shook her head smiling. "I think you would," she said staring at his eyes. They had softened again. Each time they did she felt she was glimpsing a piece of his soul. "I will stay. Makren is right. We must listen to the prophecies, especially mine if you want your plan to work" She rose and walked to him, her eyes never leaving his. "I will do what I can to secure my throne from here. Hokaren is not as political as the other kingdoms. However, if I do lose it do not be surprised if I petition your court to help me win it back,"

  "Of course," he said. "Calandoria would be honored to aid such a cause." She nodded and allowed Cate to lead her from the room.

  Darien looked around the room it was empty except for the two children lying on his bed. With a sigh he turned and left the chamber. He would sleep in the Royal Chamber tonight and tomorrow he would have his things moved there. The Royal Chamber was much larger, the bed was bigger, and there were more chairs in the room. Besides, he was the King of Calandoria, perhaps it was time he started acting like it. Tomorrow he would open the castle for court and hear the needs of his people.

  Chapter 29

  "Makren," Kiala said with panic in her voice. He was pulling her down the hall by her arm. His grip was so tight she could feel bruises forming beneath her sleeve. "Makren, please your hurting me," she pleaded digging in her heels. He spun around and looked at her. There were unshed tears in her eyes.

  "I am sorry," he whispered, "I did not, I would never," she raised her hand to silence him.

  "I know," she said. "I will follow you Makren there is no need for you to pull me behind you." He gently took her arm and rolled up the sleeve of her gown. He could see the marks his fingers had left on her flesh. He looked into her eyes. "I know it was not intentional," she whispered. "I also know there is something you are keeping from me. The despair she saw in his eyes was so great her heart ached. "Tell me this prophecy that troubles you so. I can not ease your pain if I do not know the cause."

&nbs
p; He closed his eyes and lifted her hand to his heart wishing she could heal it. "There is nothing that can ease my pain, Kiala." He dropped her hand and turned. He continued down the hall towards his room.

  Kiala began running after him "You can not do this," she said. "You can not shut me out." Makren continued walking, ignoring her words. When he entered his chamber Kiala was on his heels and followed him in the room. She slammed the door behind her.

  "You should not be in here," he said glaring at her.

  "Why not," she glared back. "You frequent my chamber often enough"

  "I can assure you that is a habit I will stop immediately." Makren regretted his words the minute he saw the look of pain in her eyes.