by Luna Lais
"It's late," Lissandra said breaking the silence they had been sitting in for over and hour. "Perhaps, he has already gone to bed."
Darien looked at Kiala she was miserable. "No," Darien said knowingly. "He would never go to bed unless he was sure Kiala was already safe in hers." Kiala looked at him and nodded in agreement. "That is how I know he will come here. He will not go to bed until she does. He will tear the castle apart looking for her if need be."
Lissandra made know response. She accepted Darien's words. He would know better than she Makren's nature.
"How do you think he did it?" Darien asked Lissandra.
"I have no idea," she answered honestly. "I have never seen or heard of such a thing before. If Eranen were here he might have some theories. I can not even possibly begin to imagine."
Darien had expected her answer before he had asked. Makren was the only one who could really tell them anything. All Moran had been able to say was that Makren touched him. As far as Darien knew Makren touched people everyday. He had never even cured a cold, now he had brought a man back from death's door. The clock in the corner of the room began to chime marking the hour as three.
"It's late Lissandra you look exhausted. You should go to bed there is no reason Kiala and I can not stay up and wait for him."
"No" Lissandra said. "I'll wait with you. I would not be able to sleep without knowing if he was safe or not." They had done this before she remembered. Sat and waited in this room to hear the fate of her brother. That time it had ended badly.
The room fell silent again as they all sunk back into their own thoughts. Darien and Lissandra stared into the fire. One thinking only of the death to come, the other thinking of the new life she now knew was real. Kiala stretch on the sofa trying to rest while they waited for his return. She could not imagine what was keeping him from returning to her.
When the door opened he noticed no one seemed surprised it was him. They had all been waiting for him. His brother used Kiala as bait to ensure he would have to talk tonight about what had happened that morning. Kiala smiled at him; no doubt she was the only one among them truly worried by his disappearance. Had he been more clear headed he would have taken her with him. That way he could have come back when he had answers to give.
He walked over to the sofa. Kiala sat up to make room for him. He sat close to her and wrapped his arms tightly around her shoulders. "I am sorry," he whispered to her, "I did not realize how late the hour was."
"I am just glad to see you safe," she said laying her head on his shoulder.
Makren knowing Kiala was fine turned his gaze to his brother. "I have no answers for you," he said flatly. "I do not know what happened.
Darien assumed as much or Makren would have returned before now, but he had questions to ask regardless. Makren may not be able to explain what happened with Moran, but if he told them all how it happened maybe together they could find the answer. "At least tell us what happened." Darien said.
Makren squeezed Kiala tighter as he began. "I went to tell him goodbye, you know that."
"I do," Darien said, "but a few minutes later I was called to the room to find that Moran was completely healed. Not just of his injuries, even old scars had disappeared."
Makren was shocked by Darien's words. He had not realized. Knowing only made the situation more unfathomable in his mind. "I just laid my hand on his head and wished him a good journey." Makren paled. "I did not do anything."
"That is all," Darien said. "That is all you did." Makren nodded.
"There must be more to it," Lissandra spoke for the first time. "A dying man doesn't just heal."
"Perhaps the Sun Arts," Darien said remembering that Makren did have a little power of the Sun.
"I thought of that," Makren said before turning to Lissandra. "You have more ability with the Sun Arts than any other person alive. Have you ever seen anything like this?"
Lissandra shook her head, "It could not be the Sun Arts. That is not how they work. There is nothing in any of the Arts that could heal a man on the brink of death. Elements are the only thing that can be controlled. If Moran were made of stone or wood he could be repaired, but not flesh and blood."
"Maybe I said the words wrong," Makren said to himself.
"What words," Darien asked. "You just told us all you said was good journey."
"Yes, but I said it in the ancient language of the Arts." He said.
"You said it in another language," Lissandra asked stunned, "Why?"
"It is what I was taught in the Realm of the Sun. The priest said those words over any of the chosen who died from their injuries. It is a blessing for the soul on it's way to rejoin the Sun." Makren released Kiala and leaned forward. "It is the same language I use to make fire. Surely you know it."
"I do not use words," Lissandra said.
"Of course not because you are capable enough to say them in you mind. I have to say them out loud to get the magic to work."
"No Makren that is not the reason I do not use words. There are no words to say. My gift does not work like that." Lissandra said softly.
Makren just looked at her. How could that be? "Then how do I do this," he turned his palm over and whispered "lola gash" a single flame danced in the palm of his hand.
Both Lissandra and Darien stared at the flame. Kiala looked at if for a moment, but she had seen it many times before. She did not understand the alarm it caused in Lissandra or Darien. Makren flicked his fingers and the flame disappeared.
"How did you do that," Lissandra asked.
"No need to look impressed Lissandra. I have seen you fill the night sky with fire."
Lissandra continued staring. "The size of you flame was not what impresses me Makren. It is the ease of it. Even a flame that small would completely exhaust me. To do more I have to prepare for days both mentally and physically. How is it you were not burned? How did you get it to go away?"
"I dismissed it," Makren said. "Can you not hold fire without feeling the burn Lissandra?"
"You dismissed it," Lissandra replied stunned.
"Yes, dismissed it. Really Lissandra I thought you knew more about your powers. How else do you get rid of fire?"
Lissandra level an icy gaze on him. She knew her powers. This was not the same. "I am just like any other person Makren if I touch fire it burns even if I was the one to create it. I would use an equal amount of water to get rid of fire," she said coolly. "In order to stop one element the opposite element must be applied in equal quantity.
"I do not know the words for water," Makren said.
"I do not use words Makren." Lissandra repeated.
"Makren," Kiala spoke. He turned to her. Her eyes were a comfort, full of love, not fear or doubt like he saw in Darien's and Lissandra's. "I think it obvious that you and Lissandra do not share the same abilities. Trying to make them equal will just give us all headaches. The key to your abilities seem to be the words, Lissandra's comes from thought." They all stared at her as if she were the one speaking another language. She grew more and more uncomfortable under their gazes. She should have learned by now to keep her thoughts to herself. She always felt so dumb around them.
"Do you know more of this language?" Darien asked Makren.
"Very little. I know other words, but not there meaning."
"Have you ever met anyone else who uses power like this?" Lissandra asked. If he had then it was possible he could learn more about it.
"Only one," Makren said quietly, "Descartes."
Darien and Lissandra both hung their heads in thought. Kiala moved her lips to Makren's ear. "It is late," she whispered. "There is nothing more you can learn tonight. Take me to bed." He smiled at her words. Kiala could always put things into the proper prospective.
"Did you bring them?" Darien asked early the next morning as Lissandra entered his chambers. He was preparing to ride out with his army. He had dressed all in black with a layer chain mail covering his shirt for protection. He was not wearing the king'
s armor. He didn't feel like a king entering this battle, but a desperate man doing what had to be done. Even as Lissandra nodded he was strapping on his sword and dagger. "Anything you want to tell me before I read them?" He asked taking the blue cape from the bed and attaching it to his shoulders.
Lissandra thought about his question before responding, "No, my conscience is clear." She handed Darien the little book of prophecy that belong to Eranen and the book she had taken with her when she fled the Temple of Moon's Soul. That seemed so long ago to her now.
Darien smiled mischievously as he took the books from her and placed them in his pack. "Finally, I will get to see how innocent your husband was in your seduction."
Lissandra turned her face from Darien when she felt the blush rise in her cheeks. "He never really stood a chance. I can be very persuasive."
"Let me go with you," she said feeling the blush leave her face. She turned back towards her brother. "My abilities could be of use."
"No," Darien said flatly. "I made a promise to a friend to see you safe. I doubt his idea of safe would be a field of battle."
Lissandra pouted at the refusal. She felt useless, up until now she had been in control of her destiny. Now a man was always there to make her decisions for her. "Why are you even going? What is the point of having Generals if they can not lead the army?"
"I go because as long as Calandoria has stood the army has never gone to battle without a member of the royal family leading it. You can not lead the army and Makren is not going near a battlefield as long as there is breath in my body." Darien gently hugged his sister. "This is not an ordinary battle. I go to take over a kingdom. Pearoandorn will be no more sister and Calandoria will double in size by the end of the month. It will not take me long to do what I must."
Lissandra saw the unbending resolve behind his eyes, "If you do this Makren's mission will be complete. The rulers of the three kingdoms will have been warned of Descartes."
Darien knew her words were true, but he had no choice. "I can not fight two armies at once. If we are still fighting Pearoandorn when Descartes force come we will be crushed. They do not plan on just defeating us, they want to kill us. Not just the royal family Lissandra, everyone in Calandoria. If I can take Pearoandorn then what is left of that army will join our own against him. Against Descartes our countries will rally and become one. Once Descartes is defeated I can return rule of Pearoandorn to one of their own, if that is the desire of that country. You know I have no desire to expand my own kingdom."
Lissandra hugged her brother tightly. She knew the truth of his words. She had sat on the council when this decision was made. It was thier only hope for victory.
Lawwe met Darien in the courtyard with his horse, Nog. Darien turned to look one last time at those he was leaving behind. Molly, Karegh, Kiala, Lissandra and Makren had followed him out of the castle. Darien could not stop the memories of the last time he had left this castle for war. Only one of those who saw him off that day still lived.
"Makren," he called as he mounted Nog. "See them safe at all cost." The memory of Rachel's head outside the city walls consumed him. He could not bear coming home to pain like that again. Makren nodded wrapping his arms around Kiala and Lissandra's shoulders.
"What would you like me to do?" Karegh asked. Darien smiled fondly at the boy on the verge of manhood. "Makren will tell you of the work I wish you to do while I am gone. I am counting on you to see if done." Karegh puffed his chest with pride. "You can count on me" before turning to Molly, "See I told you I was more than a child." Molly rolled her eyes at him. Since turning sixteen last month she had constantly reminded Karegh he was nothing but a little boy and she was to mature to play with children. Darien smiled at them both. He wished he could let them stay children, but the harsh reality was neither might not survive what was coming. He could not spare them from their fate, none of them, not even his family. Each had a role to play in the war with Descartes, all except Makren. It was selfish he knew to place the rest in danger while he did everything possible to keep him safe. Even Lissandra he was prepared to lose, but something told him Eranen would see that she kept from harm.
"Molly," Darien said turning his horse, "Try to wait until I return to marry. Karegh and Makren will be too busy to weed out the bad suitors. I am reserving the job for myself." Molly blushed since her birthday three men had proposed to her. "Stay safe," she said. "If you do not return I will have to settle for lovers. I could never choose the right one for myself." Darien chuckled loudly before giving Lawwe a nod. Together they rode through the gates to meet the Calandoria army waiting just outside Rorgrim.
Chapter 46
"Well," Cate said joining Alli by the fire.
"I still have not made a decision." Alli replied.
Cate frowned at her manner. Her blue eyes had no life left in them. She had become numb to all emotion in the weeks since they left Calandoria. They were at home now, at least in Hokaren if not the palace. After crossing the blue river into their homeland they immediately turned towards Adelaide and the castle. Alli wanted to go home, to see Moraken. She needed to be around her family to grieve for her father's death. She felt guilty for leaving him alone. She kept the pace fast and they entered the city during the dead of night. Cate was thankful for that, had it been during the day she would have never gotten away. Neither of them understood the whole of what had transpired in there absence. Alli had been accused of treason and the murder of her father. Cate had been able to save her and get her back to her men camped along the Blue River. These men were loyal to Alli, not to Hokaren. Cate was thankful Harold had left his daughter such protection. Cate was sure Harold had known it would be necessary and he suspect Alli knew more than she shared.
"We should move the men into Calandoria," Cate said. "We can not camp here forever without being discovered."
Alli glanced at him, "What difference would it make?" she sighed.
"A lot of difference to them, they are only a thousand strong. What chance would they have against the main Hikiran army? If you do not care for your own safety, at least think of their lives."
Alli only nodded, he made sense. She should be concerned with their safety, they were all she had left and she would need them. "Alright, Cate send them where ever you think best."
"Alli, you need to get past whatever feelings you are having. Go back to Calandoria, we will make a plan and take back your throne. Darien swore he would assist you if need be."
"I can not go back," she said softly.
"Well you can not stay here or you will be captured. You might as well turn yourself over now. If we move into Pearoandorn we will be caught in the middle of a civil war. Calandoria is the only safe choice." Cate was frustrated with her and the whole of Hokaren. The whole country had gone mad.
Alli looked at Cate a moment judging from his current mood anything she said would not make his mood worse than it was now. "There is another choice." Cate turned and looked into her eyes. He could see a small spark building there. "I need to see Moraken. Either he is against me or will aid me."
"Alli he has declared himself king. I think that alone shows what side he is on." Cate said reluctant to believe he had really turned against her.
"Then I will be left with no choice but to kill him," She leveled her eyes at Cate. "Send the men into Calandoria. If I do not return they should go to Darien and join his forces against Descartes."
"Alli, be sensible. That is not a plan it is suicide."
"It is my decision," Alli glared at him. "I am the rightful Queen. You often forget that you should follow my orders not the other way around. Trust me this is the only way."
Cate rose and stalked away to give the order that would send the men into Calandoria. At least they would be safe. He was worried about Alli. She knew her father's will, why was ruling Hokaren so important all the sudden. It dawned on Cate at once. She had another vision. A vision she had not shared with him. He turned back and watched her stare into the fire. If she
had not told him it could only mean one thing. He could not aid her in seeing if fulfilled.
Daughter,
I ask that even after you read the words I have written you remember that I love you. Please do not judge me too harshly.
The vision you have had that sends you to Calandoria has answered my prayers. In Calandoria you will be safe. Our enemies would not dare invoke the wrath of a land that for over a thousand years has been the force that maintained peace in our world. I am sorry I could not give you more than the thousand men you requested. Any more and Moraken would have been suspicious. Although I can not be sure Moraken is the one I am looking for.
While Hokaren has been a peaceful nation, those who have lived within the walls of the castle have always warred with each other. I never told you this before, but it was I who killed my own father, impatient for the throne to be mine. He had done the same to his father. I also killed my brother, but not as a child as I wanted. My step mother was to cunning and hid him well. He lived long enough to have a son. Even now I search for my nephew. I am confident my step mother is no longer living, but even without her protection his whereabouts elude me. I can not be sure if it is Moraken or him which is trying now to kill me. I have no concrete evidence that points to either. I hope by making Moraken my heir if he is the one it will stay his hand. Even now my health fails and I would see you better protected before I die.