Chapter 27: Another World

The ship slowly simulated normal gravity as the front panels slid open, revealing open space. Darren and Sara sank slowly to the ground and remained in their standing embrace. At length, Sara stared up at his face. “How did you make it here?” She dropped her head, embarrassed at having asked something so trivial at a time like this, but he seemed not to mind. “I gave myself no other option. If I had failed, I would have died.” He put a hand on her cheek, gently tilted her head up, and looked deep into her eyes. “I felt that the risk was greatly justified.”

Sara’s stomach churned and her heart leaped into her throat, choking off what little she could say. Whenever he looks at me like that…Her hand moved with a will of its own and covered his. Darren’s other hand reached behind her and settled in her lower back, pulling her towards him. Her breathing became shallow and quick; her body began to quiver. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Darren felt her start to shake and leaned back. “What’s wrong?” Sara removed both their hands from her cheek and looked down at her feet. “Sometimes…I feel I don’t deserve you…” He put his other hand behind her and pulled her even closer. “Funny. I was just about to say the same thing.” Sara tried to turn away. “No, you don’t understand…” Darren turned her to face him again. “You’re right, I don’t. And I don’t care.”

He moved closer. “You’re not worthless, you’re not excess baggage, and I’m not disappointed in you.” Noticing her slightly surprised look, he continued. “Remember, I notice body language, tone, inflection…even tricks of speech. Your feelings are important, but those have got to go. Remember,” they were almost touching noses now, “You’ve saved my life. You saved us all. Twice.”

Sara reached up and gently removed his hand from her face. “And you’ve saved us more times than I can count.” Darren sighed. “How many times has Legerra saved us?” Sara didn’t answer. “That’s right, none. It’s all about perspective. You can look at yourself compared to others…or you can look at yourself as a person. A beautiful,” he pulled her in, “smart,” she threw her arms around his neck, “talented,” he stopped as she kissed him violently.

Darren felt the necklace orb poke sharply into his ribs, but he didn’t care. Although centuries old and eternally young, he had never really grown interested in anyone before, and so his own romantic experiences were somewhat limited. Sara probably had more talent in the area than he did…he closed his eyes and mentally laughed at himself. Relax and enjoy it, you fool. You don’t know what lies beyond this ship.

Sara’s brain buzzed as her eyes closed. She pushed hard against Darren, the feel of the rough material of his cloak enhanced by the loss of all her other senses. Nothing else matters. She backed him up against the wall, pulling herself up and hard against him with her arms still locked around his neck.

Darren pulled away and Sara’s eyes opened. “What?” He smiled slightly. “You have to come up for air sometime.” She blushed and turned away slightly to try and hide it. Darren pulled her closer again and she leaned in expectantly.

He gave her one last quick kiss and pointed out the clear front panels. “I wouldn’t have stopped you…but they can see us.” Sara walked over and Darren joined her at the window. A large circular object constructed of a silvery substance filled the view. From that point, they could see windows lining the space station, and occasionally a head would pop into view and stare at the ship. Darren glanced at the controls. “They’ve already begun the sequence, apparently.”

A voice crackled over a speaker of some kind. “Transporter! Transporter, do you read me?” Sara looked around for the microphone. “Transporter, please flip the Outgoing 3 switch to the ‘On’ position.” Sara did so and replied, “Transporter reading you.” The voice sounded relieved. “Good to hear, Transporter. We’ve got your coordinates and will handle the rest. Relax and prepare for the boarding party.”

They stood side-by-side and waited for the ship to complete the landing, Darren rubbing Sara’s neck and trailing a finger up her back, sending chills through her spine. She smacked his finger and took a step away. “Stop that! You’re making me shiver.” He grinned. “Well, then I suppose the proper thing to do would be to make you warm again…” Sara shook her head. “Oh no, you don’t. We’ve had enough for one day.” Darren’s mischievous grin grew. “You sound so disappointed when you say that.”

Sara was saved from replying when he fell against the wall and straightened up quickly, shaking his head to clear it. Sara looked at him, concerned. “You alright?” He nodded, dazed. “I…don’t know what came over-agh!” He fell to his knees, clutching his head. Sara ran to his side and knelt beside him. “Darren!” His body began to shake uncontrollably.

A rumbling shook the ship and a small red bulb lit up overhead. They were docked in the station. The door slid open with a hiss of cooled air. Three men stepped in, two armed with rifles held at attention. At the sight of Darren they stopped and aimed at him. Sara stepped in front of him. “Stop! Don’t fire!” The third man strode forward, extending his hand. “Sara Williams? I’m the lieutenant of the space station Destiny. Step away from that man, please. We’ll take you somewhere safe.”

Darren stumbled to his feet, the pain fading. “No…” The lieutenant stepped forward. “It’s not a question. You shouldn’t be here, and you shouldn’t be near her.” Sara stepped back and bumped into Darren. “I don’t think you quite understand the circumstances.” The armed men moved further out. “I don’t need to hear the circumstances. The rules are there for a reason.” Darren placed a hand on Sara’s shoulder and spoke quietly. “I will cooperate and come without a fight, on one condition. If you attempt to separate us…there will be no peace.”

The lieutenant shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I’m only following orders.” Darren’s eyes narrowed. “A classic line. Unfortunately for you three…I don’t play by the rules of others. Especially if their rules are…unbalanced.” He pointed with his free hand at the controls. Slowly, softly, a familiar tune began to float into the ship. Sara shuddered. The music from the cathedral usually heralded evil. The guards lowered their weapons as the lieutenant took a step back. “Feladána?” Darren stepped in front of Sara and faced the lieutenant. “Do not say that name again. Ever. I will be treated normally, you will put me in an average room for the night, and you will never speak of this. Any of you.”

The three men nodded and led them through the hallway, the lieutenant leaning towards Darren. “Sir, my apologies. I had no idea…” Darren glared at him. “I’m a prisoner now, lieutenant. Treat me as such, but treat her better. Do what you must.” The lieutenant swallowed hard and roughly shoved Darren against the wall. The soldiers politely took Sara’s weapons while he removed Darren’s sword and sheathe. He pulled out a strange form of handcuffs that seemed to fit much more snugly than the ones Sara had ever seen before. He slapped them on and jerked Darren back into line, wincing every time Darren stumbled.

The hallways were completely white and lined with doors, an occasional window breaking the tedium. The sign overhead pronounced the area they were traveling through to be the barracks. Other than the gray uniforms and white jumpsuits, the environment seemed much the same as any other place of education. Various male faces peered through windows at the new arrivals, most in curiosity, some in boredom, a few with unconstrained lust on their faces. Sara looked away quickly and wished she still had her weapons. They passed through the men’s quarters and went through the women’s quarters.

The women were much more open in their expressions of admiration. Yelling of all kinds came from the open windows, quieting only a little when the soldiers tried to restore order. Some didn’t bother with words and instead decided to display their assets in a suggestive manner. Sara glanced at Darren, who was staring straight ahead.

Only when they reached Sara’s new room in the middle of the women’s section and the soldiers stepped aside to let her in did Darren’s eyes focus on her. “Don’t worry about a thing. You’re taken care of.” Sara glared at him. “It’s not me I’m worried about, and you know it.” Darren grinned. “I think I can handle myself. Being a prisoner just means I get eyed with more suspicion. It’ll be fine. See you in the morning.” He leaned down and kissed her goodbye. Darren was led off and Sara was left to explore her new home.

She walked in, shut the door, and looked around. Two beds sat in opposite corners, dressers with lamps on the tops sat next to the head of each bed. A large plastic and metal object that Sara assumed to be a fridge stood between two writing desks with laptops and other various attachments for it. There was another closed door to the left of where she stood, and sounds of water running came through it. She frowned slightly. I’ve got a roommate? She sat down on the edge of the bed she assumed was hers and waited.

She didn’t wait long. The door opened and a tiny short-haired brunette walked out, drying herself off with a towel. She saw Sara and jumped slightly, relaxing when she saw Sara’s travel clothing. “Oh, jeez! Don’t scare me like that! I thought you were sent by the warden.” Sara blinked. “The warden? As in prison warden?” Her roommate laughed. “Yes, in a way. Strictly enforced rules of separate, ‘modest’ living. In other words…no sneaking to the guys’ rooms. Although…” she looked at Sara extensively. “I don’t think you’ll have to bother going over there. They’ll be following you back to the room quietly, hoping you’ll notice and take pity on them.”

Sara groaned. “So it’s no different from anywhere else.” The girl chuckled. “What a burden we attractive people bear, huh?” Sara smiled in spite of herself. It did sound stuck-up when it was put to her like that. “Good to meet someone I can relate to. Oh, I’m Sara. Sara Williams.” The blue-eyed girl smiled. “My name’s Diana Lewis. Good to meet you. You’ve already found your bed…your computer is the desk to the left of the fridge. There’ll be clothing for tomorrow in your dresser. They’ll want to take you to the commander, so don’t be nervous. He’s not that bad a guy, just very dedicated to the rules.” Sara groaned again and could swear Diana’s ears perked up. “Oh? You’re a rule-bender?”

Sara shook her head. “Not normally, no. But the guy I came with…he doesn’t work well with limitations. And he’s good enough to get around them…so I worry about him. I don’t want to be separated from him again, and he feels the same way.” Diana grinned. “Your boyfriend?” Sara thought for a second. “I…guess so…I don’t really know what else to call him.” Diana sat down on Sara’s bed and bounced slightly. “What’s his name?” Sara couldn't hold back a smile at the energy Diana had. Rooming with someone else isn’t so bad. “His name’s Darren. Darren Kinsley.”

Diana’s jaw dropped. “That’s the man? That new guy everyone’s been talking about? The one they all started yelling at?” Sara blushed. “Yeah…” Diana leaped off the bed and stared at Sara. “I can’t believe you’re still here instead of with him.” Sara shrugged helplessly. “Well, he was put in handcuffs and taken somewhere else under guard.” Diana raised an eyebrow. “What’d he do?”

“Remember? He came here with me on the Transporter. They didn’t want to let him on, but he’s…very persuasive.” Diana kept staring at Sara. “He’d have to be. They’re ordered to kill anyone who follows you onboard the Transporter. Ordered to kill upon sight.”
~
Darren was taken back through both sets of living halls, to a room at the very end. There he was let into a simple 14 by 12 foot room, with a bed, chair, small table, and a strange computer. The handcuffs were taken off, the door was shut and locked behind him, and he was free to do as he wished. He sat down at the computer desk, examining the laptop and peripherals. Interface seems similar to everything else I’ve seen…He leaned forward and cracked his knuckles. They don’t really expect me to fall for it, do they?

The next morning, Darren was handed a white jumpsuit and ordered to change. He conceded and was escorted to an elevator. A soldier stood in every corner of the elevator. One reached over and pressed the ‘2.’ Darren looked around. “Were we on the first floor?” They nodded and resumed staring directly ahead. The elevator doors opened, facing another elevator. They stepped out and waited for…the elevator directly across from them. It opened and Sara stepped out, also in a white jumpsuit and flanked by four guards.

Darren raised an eyebrow. “You got guards too? And here you are, supposed to be a guest. I would’ve expected better from such advanced people.”

“Perhaps if her arrival had been less…event-filled, she would have had an easier time.” A tall, middle-aged, slightly overweight man stood a few feet higher on a platform, observing a crew of some kind. The man was well dressed, with medals and awards hanging from every available inch of his jacket. Thick glasses adorning his nose, a high forehead, and his shaven cranium all combined to produce a rather amusing “evil genius” look. This, then, was the caretaker of the entire space station.

He walked to the top of the stairs and gazed down at the pair. “Well…I suppose names are in order. I’m Commander Steven Garcia.” Darren started to speak but was cut off. “No, not you. You’ll be sent back. I don’t even want to know your name. The lady, please.” Sara glanced at Darren, who was surprisingly calm despite what was being said to him, and replied, “Sara. Sara Williams.” Unsure how to finish, she added a slight “Sir…” at the end.

Garcia nodded in approval. “Good. You’ll go far here. I assume that the young man here followed you aboard, snuck aboard, was smuggled aboard, or did something to follow you here, most likely out of love. Am I right?” Sara nodded. “That’s what I thought. I’ve seen quite a few of these before…we usually kill the other person, and if they hide behind their lover, we have to send the other person home. Sometimes both people go home.”

Darren still didn’t move. The commander went on. “While I decide what to do, I’m going to guide you around our main facilities. He dismissed the guards. “No need for the guns where we’re going.” Garcia glanced at Darren. “He’s harmless.”

Darren’s eyes widened slightly. He’s either got something huge up his sleeve…or he’s the biggest idiot I’ve ever seen. Garcia led them past the elevator and down another curved hallway.

Playing tour guide, he gestured to various doors as they passed by them. “The elevators go from level 1 to level 5. Each is granted access according to their needs…naturally; only myself and a few crew members have access to level 5, the bridge. Level 1 is the housing and food, Level 2 is all classrooms and the ISP room. Level 3 is the main engine room and maintenance area. Level 4 is the hangar.” He stopped and turned around. “Any questions?”

Sara raised her hand. “Yes, Private Williams?” She blinked for a second but recovered quickly. “What does ISP stand for, sir?” Garcia nodded, satisfied. “A good question. It’ll have to wait until you see for yourself. Anything else?” She nodded. “How could I best serve the station?” The commander chuckled. “Eager and willing to please. You will go far. But you’ll figure that out yourself. Your training is designed to help you learn what you’re best at.”

Sara smiled. “Thank you, sir.” Garcia turned and stepped up to a door with ‘ISP’ labeled in bold. “Ah, here we are. The Immersive Subconscious Placement room. Single-handedly the most important piece of equipment on this station.” He opened the door and stepped inside, motioning for them to follow. Sara glanced at Darren, who seemed strangely subdued and quiet.

The circular room was made entirely of reflective panels, strong and clear. Darren looked around. It couldn’t have been less than two hundred feet from the center to any wall. At the moment, it was all bright blue. The commander stepped up to one of hundreds of panels lining the outer wall and pressed a few buttons. Instantly the setting changed to a sunny meadow with a cloudless sky. Two seconds later, they were in the meadow. Sara knelt down and felt the grass, pulling some up and holding it out to Darren incredulously.

Darren took a few blades of grass and used them to create a high pitched whistle. He could actually taste the dew on it. He looked around and back at Garcia, astonished. “I’ve seen some incredible things, Commander, but this definitely tops them all. I’m impressed. You’re rightfully proud of it.”

The commander nodded sadly. “Unfortunately, we have to limit some capabilities, and there’s a minimum of two people in at any time.” Sara looked at him. “Why’s that, sir?” Darren spoke, disgusted. “I can guess. Somebody thought little enough of it to use it as a porno room.” Garcia nodded again. “We got rid of them, but we know if we don’t regulate it, somebody will do the same. Sad, but necessary.” Darren nodded. “A wise move to protect a valuable asset.”

Garcia smiled widely. “Darren, I think we’re going to get along fabulously before you leave.” Darren shook his head sadly. “No, I’m afraid not, sir.” The commander raised an eyebrow. “Well why not?” Darren produced a sheet of folded paper from his jumpsuit pocket and held it out. “Well, it’s just that you’re determined to have me fail, you want somebody spying on me at all times, you already planted surveillance equipment in my room, and you’ve restricted me far more than any other private in this station’s history. All this, of course, means you plan not to send me back. Sir.”

Garcia opened the paper, scanned it briefly, and looked up. “I see you’ve done some digging into our system.” Darren resisted the urge to yawn directly in his face. “I would strongly advise upgrading your security, or at least keeping a password on your own files…sir.” The commander’s face reddened. “I’ll see to it right away.”

Sara glanced at Darren as they left the ISP room and walked towards another part of the station. {When did you have time to crack their system?} He stared straight ahead. {I didn’t. I watched, did some thinking while in my room, and used the computer there to type out a fake report. It worked, and now they’ll go absolutely paranoid, because they’ll already find passwords on there. They’ll change their passwords just in case, and when they do…I’ll be ready to get them.}

They passed a long hallway of unlabeled doors. Sara shook her head. {Devious. I didn’t know you were a hacker.} He grinned. {I had plenty of time to learn.} Garcia interrupted both their thoughts. “Darren, you realize I did those things because you came onboard a prisoner and wrongly. Because of this incident, I am forced to institute even stricter limitations on you.” Darren smiled. “Sir, I really would advise you that we’d be better off working on the same team.”

The commander stopped and turned, his eyes narrowing. “Is that a threat?” Darren kept up his polite exterior. “Not at all, sir. I’m simply pointing out how beneficial my services could be if I were left unfettered and given tasks to help the station.” Of course it’s a threat, moron. If you’re going to play the game of subterfuge, at least do it right. Have some dignity. The commander smiled like a hunter noticing his prey up close for the first time. “I’ll put in a good word for you.” Darren almost rolled his eyes. When Hell freezes over. “Thank you commander, I’d appreciate that. I’ll do my best not to disappoint you in the meantime.” Try to screw me over, Commander. I dare you.

A voice echoed over the loudspeakers. “Commander Garcia, report to the bridge immediately. I repeat…” The commander motioned to nearby guards. “Bring them along. They’ll get to see the bridge today.” They were ushered back to the elevators. Garcia turned a key, inserted his keycard, punched in a seven-digit code, and then pressed the ‘5’ button. He glanced at Darren, smiling. “We try to keep people from accidentally getting lost.” Darren smiled back and nodded. I’ll bet.

The doors slid open and they stepped onto the bridge. Seven chairs were arranged in a circle, facing outward towards individual consoles. Each member worked silently and efficiently unless speech was needed, and then it was forced and brief. Darren nodded in approval. Swift, ruthless, and utterly cold. Not a bad way to get people to work long hours.

They were met by a man dressed in gray, probably the commander’s aide. Sara noticed and stored it away. White jumpsuits were students. Gray uniforms were staff and maintenance. He was white-faced and shaking. “Sir…I regret to inform you that…our lieutenant and his personal bodyguards have committed suicide.” Garcia’s mouth fell open. “What? How? Why?”

The aide shook his head nervously. “We don’t know why, but…they hanged themselves last night and weren’t discovered until this morning.” Garcia narrowed his eyes and stared at Darren. “What? Why are you looking at me? If you think I had something to do with it, I was in my room all night. Your own guards can attest to that.”

The commander turned to Sara. “Private Williams? Do you know of anything out of the ordinary?” Sara’s memory ran back to the shuttle, the tune, the look on the lieutenant’s face...“Nothing, sir. From the time he boarded until the time we were parted, he was nothing short of a gentleman.” Garcia sighed and seemed to age thirty years. “Never has anything like this happened before. The only deaths we’ve had before are from the truly stupid.”

Darren bowed his head. “My condolences, sir. The lieutenant seemed like a worthy man.” Garcia nodded, eyes clouding over with memories. “That he was, Private Kinsley…that he was…” Realizing his mistake in naming Darren a private and knowing he couldn’t correct it, he tried to save as much face as possible. “I’ve decided to let you stay and help out. Perhaps you may rise to lieutenant yourself, if you prove trustworthy.”

Darren looked into the commander’s eyes. “I prove trustworthy only if the trust given is real, sir.” The commander concealed a smile. Well said, young man…well said…you’re not just a young upstart after all. “Then real trust will be given. You two have the rest of the day off. Meals, times, and everything else can be found on your laptops. Access the network and you should be able to figure it out.”

Darren and Sara bowed slightly and left. The elevator doors closed and they traveled down to the first level in silence. Their tour had taken a few hours, but seemed to go by fast. The clock in the elevator read 4:46. When they got to the first level, Sara gently squeezed Darren’s hand. He turned to her and smiled. “How’s sharing a room work out?” She raised an eyebrow. “How did you know?”

He grinned. “I didn’t do a total crack of the system, just enough to find out where everything and everyone was.” She shook her head. “You know what? You just have to meet her. Words cannot describe the energy she has.” Darren smiled. “Want to go there now?” Sara thought for a second. “Sure.”

Darren shook his head slightly. “Man…that ISP room would have made for some great gaming back in Silver Lake.” Sara laughed. “Gaming? How about learning history, foreign languages, or vacations?” Darren tilted his head to the side, feigning serious thought. “Well…I…suppose…you could do that…but think of the games!”

- posted by Nick @ 5/24/2004 01:14:00 AM

 

Chapter 26: A Place to Call Home

Fraydon let the frightened guests out of the rooms, explaining the situation to them. The women raised their voices in lament while the men went out to help hunt down the rest of the vile traitors. Darren spoke in hushed voices off to the side with the chancellor while the rest of the group paid their respects to the dead king. The funeral was quickly arranged and elaborate. Every peasant in the kingdom wept in the street when they learned of what the king had done for them, the commoners. Exactly one hour later, the funeral began.

As the procession passed, each person fell to their knees in homage. Darren and three other people carried the coffin to the monument specially reserved for the royal lineage. The eulogy was delivered by the chancellor and was very moving. The rest of the evening was devoted to silent remembrance of Adytlan.

Sara and Darren headed to their room quietly. Darren went to the balcony window and slid it open, refreshing himself with a breeze and a drink of water from his bottle. Sara changed into her normal clothes quickly and lay on her bed without intending to sleep. “Darren, what happens now?” He didn’t turn around. “I suppose the chancellor would rule in his stead. The king dying is a tragic waste of a good bloodline…not to mention a good man. My guess is that the country will start to decline. Perhaps a search for a new king will begin.” He closed the window and walked towards the bed. “Whatever the case…we serve him if he is good, and…leave him if he is not.”

He lay down to her right, slipping his arm underneath her and holding her left hand. Sara turned her head to her right to face him. “Darren…” He turned to his left. “I said I wasn’t going to push the physical limits farther than you wanted. I meant it.” Sara smiled ashamedly. “Sorry, I know it sounds like I don’t trust you…but I know how powerful the emotions can be.” Darren nodded. “I know. I just…want to be close to you. I was torn between you and Adytlan today. I couldn’t leave the king, but I couldn’t leave you to be destroyed by the mob.” He turned his head away. “I’m sorry. I chose to try to protect the king over you.”

Sara reached over and turned his head to face her again. “You tried to save many people by saving the king. Just as you trusted me to do what was right, I trusted you to do what was right. Besides,” she poked one of his uniform buttons. “I could’ve handled them.” He smiled slightly. “Right. All you would’ve had to do is bend over and they’d have fallen over out of shock.” Sara sat up and swatted his hand away. “Look, I didn’t choose the dress, alright? It was a bit…small, I’ll admit that…but you,” she pointed in his face, “you are just as guilty as they are.” Darren grinned, grabbed her arm, and tossed her over near the balcony window. “You sure about that? You’re certain that it was your overwhelming beauty?”

Sara twisted in mid-air and landed on her hands and feet. “What else could influence such a handsome man?” She got up and edged closer to him. “Certainly not the fine quality of the dress, although you’re welcome to wear it.” Darren crouched on the bed and flipped to avoid Sara’s kick. “Ah, remember what I said about training when you’re tired?” Sara yawned. “I’m not tired.” Darren grinned, stepped off the bed and lay down on his blanket. “I am. The Stone took a lot out of me.” Sara sighed and did a few more twists in the air before she landed beside him and snuggled into his waiting arms. “You’re cute when you’re weary.” She felt his chest move as he chuckled. “Kind words from such a violent lady.”

Darren felt her stir slightly, then stop and mutter softly. “If I could move my arms, I’d hurt you.” He laughed quietly. “I hold to my previous statement.” They drifted off to sleep.

A knock on the door woke them. It appeared to be about noon or so, judging by the way the sun beat down and the heat outside. Darren was behind the doorway in a second, motioning for Sara to answer it. “Chancellor? What’s happened?” Sara didn’t know what to expect. Darren stepped out from behind the door. “Is there a problem?” The chancellor shook his head. “No, indeed, far from it. I’ve been going through the royal records and discovered something of particular interest. I’ve already woken the others. Please, come quickly.”

They followed him out the door, still a bit sleepy. Darren and Sara were joined by the others, and they stumbled down the hallway into the throne room, flanked by guards. Darren looked around. “Chancellor, why are we here?” The chancellor reached into his robes and pulled out a book, showing the pages as he flipped through it. They appeared to be blank, until the last one was reached. There, on the last page, it seemed Sara was drawn in vivid detail.

Sara blinked. “Is that me?” The chancellor shook his head. “It’s not you.” Darren leaned forward and studied it. “He didn’t have time to have a sketch of you made, but here it is.” The chancellor kept shaking his head. “No, I’m afraid this woman is not Sara. This woman is Sara’s mother.” Now Sara shook her head. “My parents died in an accident in Silver Lake. Although this woman’s likeness is close to mine, how can she be my mother?” Darren looked thoughtful. “It would make sense.” Sara turned to him. “What? You know how my parents died!” Darren glanced at her. “Nobody actually saw any bodies. And how else to get your magic than to travel from Shirn to Silver Lake? I didn’t think there was anybody else that the cathedral transported…but maybe I was wrong.”

Sara turned back to the chancellor. “So where is this woman…my mother…now?” “We don’t know.” “So why are you telling me this? What good does it do?” The chancellor closed the book. “That woman was the mother of King Adytlan. She had two children, a boy and a girl. The boy, Adytlan, was the elder, and ruled as such. The young girl was kidnapped by a wandering band of mercenaries and held for ransom. The men were found dead later, and the girl was gone.” To Sara’s surprise, the chancellor knelt in front of her. “You are that girl. You are the rightful heir to the throne of Shirn, and you will rule over us as Queen Sara.” Everyone in the room dropped to their knees.

Sara looked around herself in astonishment. “Stand up! I can’t be royalty…it’s not possible.” They stood up as the chancellor spoke firmly. “You are the queen, and you must rule. No other has the qualities, and Shirn cannot survive without royal blood in power.” Sara walked over to the throne and ran her hand over the soft velvet, heated by the sun’s rays. She sat and put her head down. At length she looked up. “Do I have to rule? Is there no other way?” The chancellor looked at the ground. “I’m sorry, my queen. There is no alternative.”

Sara sat up. “Then I will rule the people of Shirn as best I can.” The chancellor nodded. “I will help; you will not have to bear the entire burden.” Darren turned and left the room. The others stared after him, confused. Sara glanced at the chancellor. “When do I start to learn?” “Now.”

The lessons began simply. Learning to walk properly, basic manners, and speech adjustment came first. As the learning became more and more complex, Sara yearned more and more for the simple life of a traveler, or even a peasant. Finally, the lessons were done and she was shown to her new room in a different location. Female guards accompanied her inside her room, waiting until she was asleep, then going outside and standing guard the entire night.

As soon as the guards left, Sara jumped out of her bed and threw on her cloak. She looked around for a window, only finding a very high skylight. They didn’t want to take any more chances in case another assassin came. Sara floated up, noticing the window wasn’t meant to open. She sighed. They’re really making this difficult. The window shook slightly and tore away from the stone roof as Sara went through the small space. She made a mental note to put it back in place when she got back.

She ran quietly on the roof of the palace, locating the private bedrooms and making her way towards them. She floated down to the room she and Darren had shared, eyes adjusting to the sudden change of light. Darren would have been visible from miles away if he wasn’t in the room.

He sat in mid-air with the rocks again, probably taken from around the castle grounds. A pile of a dozen or so were still on the floor, and about twice that spun around him, almost completely hiding him from view. He didn’t smash any, just kept them spinning.

Sara opened the window. “Darren?” As if answering, a sphere of flame appeared around him and the rocks, further concealing him. “Darren, talk to me.” His hand shot out and a rock exploded. “Darren…” Another rock disappeared. When all the rocks around him were gone, he pulled up the twelve on the floor and transferred the sphere of fire to the rocks, canceling them both out and watching them fade to nothing.

Darren floated to the floor and bowed to Sara. “My lady, you should be sleeping. You have a long day tomorrow, or so the chancellor tells us. Come, I’ll call the guards and have them escort you back.” Sara stepped forward. “No need, Darren. I came a different way. You left the hall the throne room a bit early. Why?” His voice was almost a monotone. “The code of the Guild states that when one cannot contain his emotion in front of royalty, he should leave immediately, apologizing later.”

Sara took another step. “Why couldn’t you contain your emotion?” Darren’s face remained still. “My lady, you must be off to bed. Shall I call the guards, or will you take the way you came in?” “Darren…” He bowed low. “Goodnight, my queen.” Sara turned and left, hurt. Darren stood staring at the wall until long after she had gone.

Sara replaced the hole in the roof with the window and floated down onto her bed. She buried her face in her pillow as she thought of the countless days ahead, always the same problems, and never sharing the closeness she and Darren had…ever again.

Nightmares came unbidden and would not leave. She saw Darren die a thousand deaths, herself die soon after, everything she held dear was destroyed. Morning took forever to come. One of the guards spoke softly, pulling her out of the dreams. She sat up, looking around with red eyes. They helped her get dressed and ready for another day of being taught how to smile, how to greet nobility and peasants, while every second wishing she was somewhere else.

Fraydon knocked on Darren’s door. No answer. She turned to Milar with a questioning look on her face. He shrugged. “Try again.” She did, and there was still no answer. Milar reached past her and opened the door slowly, calling Darren’s name inside. Fraydon pushed past him, noticing the empty room. The curtains floated gently in the breeze from the open window. A note on the floor read “Gone to town.” Milar sighed. “Come on.”

They walked through the worst part of town, hands on their weapons and ready for whatever would come. A man stood on a dusty street corner, hawking his worthless baubles. They found a bar and looked inside. No Darren. So they kept on going. Fraydon turned to Milar. “How do you know he’s here, and in a bar?” Milar kept walking with a concerned look on his face. “Whenever he has to hold emotions inside, he goes to the worst possible places for two reasons. He feels slightly better seeing those lower than him, but that also makes him feel bad for doing that.” Fraydon nodded. “And the second one?” Milar shook his head. “He never told us the second one.” They came to a run-down old brothel and looked inside.

Darren sat at the end of the bar, drinking a murky liquid out of an old mug. Fraydon and Milar stepped inside and headed to a dark corner farthest away from him. He finished his drink and didn’t get another. A couple men a few tables over eyed him with some greed, as he didn’t seem to be of the lower class. They knew there had to be a reason he was there, and they thought it was some kind of deal, perhaps in gnib.

One got up and started towards Darren, accidentally bumping into a stranger. Both of them were quite drunk, and naturally they started shoving each other. One grabbed a chair, the other grabbed a small iron bar he found on the floor, and they went at it. Darren rubbed his temples at the noise and pulled his hood lower over his head. More people joined in, and the bar became chaos as mugs began to fly.

Darren threw some gold on the counter and started to walk out. A man who, in all likelihood, couldn’t see straight threw a drunken punch, and Darren stopped it, gritting his teeth and moving on. The man kept at him, raining down weak blows on his back as Darren continued walking towards the entrance. A couple men blocked his path. “Ey, wot’s the deal, eh? You clearin’ out already? Fun’s just begun!” They advanced, brandishing makeshift weapons.

Darren spoke with a slight hint of humor in his voice. “You’re right. The fun’s just getting started.” The floor rumbled ominously. The men paid it little heed and kept coming. The ground shook more, sending some of the more inebriated patrons to the floor. Still the men came. Darren maintained his composure as he knocked their weapons aside, leaving his sword in his sheathe. He grabbed a couple chairs from the hands of random brawlers and threw them out of the bar. Soon, everyone had a problem with Darren. Fraydon and Milar stayed in their corner, still fingering their weapons.

Darren backed up against the wall, letting himself be surrounded. “Leave me alone.” The crowd laughed and one large man stepped forward. “Hear that, lads? He thinks we should let him leave, after all this!” The crowd laughed again. The man stepped forward, showing Darren his weapon of choice: a long sharp piece of wood. “Lad, we just want to rob you, is all. No pain involved as long as you cooperate, alright?”

Darren smiled darkly. “I never was good at taking advice from others. Come and take the money yourself.” The man shrugged and took a step forward. Darren’s hand shot out and grabbed him by the throat. He turned around and lifting the burly drunk up off the ground and against the wall, shoving him higher. “The first person to move seals this man’s death, and then his own.” Deafening silence settled over the bar. “I’ll only say this once. Let me leave.” A path opened up quickly, and Darren walked out, holding the man off the ground in front of him. Milar and Fraydon looked at each other and slipped through the crowd after him.

Darren put the man down outside. “Go back to your drinking.” He handed the man gold. “If anyone else tries to follow me, stop them.” The man nodded in disbelief, staring at the gold. He roused himself from his stupor and called after Darren, “Why didn’t you kill me?” Darren answered without turning around. “You were drunk. You didn’t know any better, and it’s hardly fair to kill you for my problems.”

Fraydon dropped off an overhanging clothesline and landed in front of him. “Darren! What do you think you’re doing?” Darren sighed. “I can’t stay here any longer. I’m leaving as soon as I get clearance from the queen.” Milar came up from behind him. “She has a name, you know.” Darren whirled on him. “Not anymore.” He stepped past Fraydon and kept walking.

Fraydon glanced at Milar in alarm and caught up with Darren. “’Not anymore?’ What do you mean by that? She’s still Sara.” He spoke between clenched teeth. “No. She’s not Sara anymore. She’d like to be, and I’d like her to be, but…the country comes first. She’s the queen now, and the queen cannot marry anyone who isn’t royalty.” He turned away and bowed his head. “Sara is, for all intents and purposes, dead.”

Milar stepped forward, annoyed. “You’re just giving up? Saying that you can’t do anything?” Darren jerked his head up, eyes blazing. “Don’t ever say that again. Don’t ever say that I gave up. You think I haven’t thought this out? I’ve spent more time in thought because of this than I have in centuries. The hundreds and thousands of other people in this country come before two people who can’t be together.”

Fraydon laid a hand on his shoulder. “You really believe that?” Darren trembled with the strain of containing so many different emotions. “It doesn’t matter what I believe anymore. I finally found someone I could call my equal, someone I could laugh with and talk to and care about…and it turns out she’s even higher than I am.” He laughed bitterly. “The irony would be hilarious if it weren’t so painful.”

The three resumed walking to nowhere in particular. Fraydon spoke slowly. “We could…kidnap her and hold her for ransom…and you two could run off somewhere.” Darren shook his head. “Remember, I thought through everything. Sara thought it through in the little time she had to think about it as well. She knew that she could do something like that, and she chose to help all the people of Shirn rather than leave a mess of a country. If I were in her place…” He closed his eyes. “I would have done the same thing.”

Milar spoke up. “So what are you going to do now? I mean…you’re still in her service as a Guild Guide, and…” He trailed off as Thendat came running and stopped in front of them, panting. “I had to search…every single spot in town…” Darren started to walk around him. “Darren! This…is important…” Darren glanced back at Thendat and kept walking. “Nothing’s important anymore.”

Thendat grimaced. “Not even the life of Sara? The people are revolting again. They don’t want a queen; they want a king, and they’re planning to mob the royal palace again."

Darren stood stock still. “...What?” Thendat nodded. “Yes, they’re already on their way.” Darren slowly clenched his fists until the other three heard his knuckles pop. “You mean to tell me…they don’t appreciate the royal blood, they don’t care that she’s a kind and fair ruler, and they want…a king, just because they think he’d rule better?” Thendat nodded again. "Sad, isn't it?"

Darren took several deep breaths. Fraydon ran up behind him. “Darren, are you alright?” He took another breath. “It will take…every ounce of control in my body…to not destroy…every last one of the fools.” He ran forward and leaped into the sky, blazing towards the palace throne room. Thendat looked at the others. “What…” They shook their heads and ran after Darren. “We’ll explain later.”
~
Sara sat in her throne, listening to some ambassador drone on about how taxation was too heavy on the rich when the news reached her. She sat up straight and looked at the chancellor. “I can abdicate, right? I can let them set up their own king?” The chancellor shook his head sadly. “I’m afraid not. They don’t just want you off the throne…they want you dead.” Sara stood and dismissed all those present as the chancellor kept speaking. “I suggest you go to the private bedrooms. There are trees near the windows, and you may be able to climb down.” Sara shook her head. “Can they be reasoned with?"

The chancellor's reply was lost as the newly-built doors shuddered twice and fell inward, a crowd of torch-and-sword wielding people storming inside and stopping about a dozen feet from her. She raised her hands to speak. “Why do you do this? Have I not been fair and just?” The crowd responded as one. “We want a man on the throne! We want to be ruled by a courageous leader!” Sara kept her hands raised. “Then will you let me step down and hand the crown over to who you choose king?” The crowd emphatically called for her blood, and she took a step back.

A masked figure watching from the shadows smiled and left, unnoticed by all. The crowd surged forward until they stood not five feet from the throne where Sara stood. As one body, they unsheathed their swords and raised them. Sara prepared her defense, wondering how she could stop so many without killing them.

The wall to her right collapsed inward and the crowd turned, shielding their eyes from the dust. Darren landed in front of Sara and advanced towards the crowd. Someone near the back cried out “Make him our king,” and they began to chant it. Darren’s eyes narrowed slightly and the roof flew off the building. The chant slowed, but didn’t stop completely until every wall was blown away from the room.

Darren spoke furiously. “Ingrates! Every last one of you is a gullible fool, a puppet for whoever pulls the strings! Even now, you listen to the traitors in your midst and attempt to pacify the one who could wipe you all from the face of Shirn!” He took another step forward. “The Kre’path exists still, and they hide amongst you as friends.”

With the walls gone, there were no more shadows to hide in, and no way to leave without being called a traitor. Darren raised his hands and shattered the last of the Dark Brothers’ weak illusions. They were set upon for the second time that week and completely destroyed. Darren lowered his hands and stared at the crowd. “I ask you again. Will you accept this woman as your queen, or will you continue in this foolishness?” The crowd looked at the ground quietly, but general seeds of malcontent were still visible.

Darren sighed and turned to the chancellor. “They obviously don’t understand or care about the sacrifice made for them. Can you take over the duties?” The chancellor nodded slowly. “Yes…but only if they accept me without the royal blood.” The crowd roared their approval.

Darren turned to Sara. “You are released from your duties.” He gently took the crown from her head and set it on the chancellor’s. The chancellor sat in the throne as the crowd dropped to one knee. Darren and Sara knelt too. Some time passed as the chancellor made a short speech and accepted questions, answering them well.

When the last of the crowd had filed out, the new king turned to the pair. “It’s not over yet, Sara.” The king reached under the throne and pressed a hidden button, opening a stairway directly behind the throne. He went down, motioning for the others to come. Darren shrugged and followed.

They went deep underground, from natural caverns to ones carved out long ago. They stopped in front of a small steel door. The king motioned to a small metal plate next to the door. “Sara, please place your hand on it.” She must have looked nervous, because he quickly said “It won’t hurt, it’s just…you’ll see.” She placed her hand on the cold metal and waited.

A tinny voice floated out of nowhere. “User accessing panel. Confirming user status……status confirmed as alive, female, and ruler. Opening door.” Darren turned to the chancellor. “Why is this kind of technology kept hidden and not used for the people?” The king frowned. “That will be explained to you. Please, come.” The door slid open and the three walked through.

It was a huge silo. A large ship of some kind aimed upward towards a concealed exit. The gray ship wasn’t large at all; it was only about fifty feet long, and half as wide. The wings were curved inward, tipped with some unknown metal. The others ran down the stairs and came through the door, questions on their lips. Darren stopped them with a hand.

The king sat down in a small nearby chair and motioned for them to do the same. The group of seven faced him as he began to speak.

“We have always lied about our origins. We do know that Shirn is the only continent on this planet, and we got here from a planet far away. And ever since we landed, we’ve been surrounded by some alien fleet. The whole reason we don’t use more technology on Shirn is because the aliens can control our electronics, except for the ones we spend years developing.”

He gestured to the spaceship. “We spent fifty years on this ship, only to find that we needed a more powerful engine and better shielding to fight the aliens. We do, of course, want to make the peasant lives easier, so we must drive the aliens off and bring back technology. Thus, the search for the Stone of Naugan as a catalyst for the engine and power for the shields.”

Thendat stirred uneasily. “Why are you telling us this?” The king smiled sadly. “Only people of royal blood can open the door, and take the ship up to fight the aliens. And since Sara is of royal blood, she has a special ability that counteracts the aliens’ powerful fleet. Once the ship takes Sara up, it’ll dock with the other people fighting the aliens. We’ve established a base up there…but we need more fighters.” He glanced at the stunned travelers. “You should probably leave quickly. The base was expecting the shuttle yesterday.”

One by one they said their goodbyes, ranging from Acerin’s one word to Fraydon’s mini-speech of comfort. They left after they were done talking, climbing the stairs to the throne room to watch the launch. Soon only Darren and the king were left. Darren stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Darren. I’m so sorry… Shirn needs me again.” Darren nodded slowly. “I understand.” He gave her a quick hug and walked up the stairs to the throne room.

Sara turned so the king wouldn’t see her face. “I’m ready.” The king bowed and led her over to another metal panel, which she palmed open. He showed her where to place the Stone, handed it to her, and exited, leaving her a small letter for the commander of the space station. He closed the door in the ship and the small steel door leading into the silo, climbed the stairs, and shut the trapdoor behind the throne. The king sat and waited for the launch.

Sara placed the Stone in the container and sat down. The container retracted and lit up. The ship was ready to launch. The chair was large and comfortable, and could easily seat two…she shook her head and tried to see the controls through blurred vision. Wiping her eyes, she noticed the simplistic design. Apparently they didn’t expect all royalty to have high intelligence if they needed a big red button to launch the thing.

She buckled the seat belt and pushed the button, experiencing a slight dizziness as old engines rumbled to life. The two large panels in front of her slid shut and the rumbling increased. A small screen came from the side of the chair, proclaiming her ship to be the Transporter. The destination was preset and unchangeable. She familiarized herself with as much as she could before the full realization of what was happening hit her. Sara buried her face in her hands and blacked out.
~
Darren walked to the corner of the now wall-and-roofless throne room and stared at the ship taking off. Fraydon spoke hesitantly. “That was a really short goodbye.” A patch of earth folded out of the way and revealed a circular hole of metal. The Transporter appeared, engines glowing as it sped up. The spaceship was out of sight in seconds and the patch of earth closed, concealing the silo once more. Darren turned and walked towards the doorway out of the room. Milar glanced at him. “What are you going to do now?” Darren looked back, face devoid of all feeling. “I’m going to go drink until I forget who I am.” Legerra took a step forward. “You’re going to what? Darren, don’t you care?”

Darren walked back to the group and stood nose-to-nose with Legerra. “Don’t question me. Of course I care. But what good will showing emotions do?” Fraydon looked up where the ship had gone. “Why keep it inside?” Darren walked to the corner again and looked up with her. “Because if I had shown my emotions…I would have prevented her from going.” He knelt down and bowed his head.

Acerin snorted. “You call yourself a leader? One of the people under your command goes away, and you don’t throw a pity party.” Darren raised his head slowly. “Acerin, listen well.” In the time it took Acerin to blink, Darren was in front of him, lifting him by his cloak and screaming “I never asked to be a leader! Not once did I order you all to follow me! Not once! The decision to follow me was yours, so don’t claim I should act like the heartless leader that I’m not!” He flung Acerin across the room, breathing heavily.

Thendat laid a hand on Darren’s shoulder. “I release you from the burden of leadership.” He stepped back and sat cross-legged on the floor. Darren blinked twice. “What good does that do?” Fraydon laid a hand on his other shoulder. “She needs you, Darren.” He bowed his head again. “Don’t you think I know this? I can’t help her anymore. She’s on her own.” He went back to the corner a third time as a messenger ran into the throne room.

“I have a message for the chancel-the king!” The king stood up. “What is it?” “The people regret their mistake, and wish to apologize formally to the former queen.” Darren stiffened and lowered his head further. The king glanced at him and spoke quietly. “The former queen has left secretly, and wishes to live a life in peace. I will pass on the formal apology.” The messenger bowed and left.

{Darren…} He didn’t move his head. {Sara?} {It’s unhealthy to hold emotions inside, Darren. You taught me that, remember?} {I remember. But my emotions would have held you back…and I know it’s better to save many than stay with one.} Sara mentally shook her head. {Darren…as selfish as it may be…I don’t think I made the right choice. I never should have set foot in the ship. I don’t want to save other people if it means…I can’t be…with…} Raw emotion overcame her and she couldn’t finish.

Darren’s eyes widened. I forgot about the link. He could feel every nerve in his body tingling with the same raw emotion that had stopped her voice. All I was given was pain. The group stepped back anxiously. Even here…even now…it stays the same…unless I CHANGE IT! He threw his head back and screamed until it sounded like an inhuman roar, the dark light pulsing into existence. His eyes turned black. I will not give in again. He raised his right hand and the red stone flared to life. The wild energy stopped growing and froze. Slowly, it flashed white and changed, light splitting into fragments and scattering around the room

Darren turned to the stunned group, his eyes still black but his aura pure. “I will deliver the apology of the people myself.” He jumped up and flew after the Transporter, cloak flapping in the wind. His eyes flashed as he drew closer, the speed at which he traveled shaking his body powerfully. The aura changed to shield him from the wind and brought him even closer to the spaceship, which was now in sight. He closed his eyes and propelled himself with a final burst of speed until he was just above the ship.

Gripping the top with his hands, he concentrated until his body glowed so bright that it was visible to all below. He slowly passed through the roof of the Transporter and became solid again, dropping to the floor as his eyes changed back to brown. He looked around the somewhat small room and saw Sara, passed out in a chair from the force of the take-off. He gripped the back of the chair and steadied himself until they were in space, and gravity was gone.

He pulled himself around to the front of the chair, unbuckled the seat belt, and sat down beside her, buckling himself in beside her so they wouldn’t float away. He leaned over, brushing her hair from her face. She stirred but didn’t wake. Darren leaned closer to her ear, softly whistling the tune from the cathedral and monastery. Sara’s eyes flew open instantly and he stopped whistling.

She reached up to touch his face. “It must be a dream…” He shook his head and blinked back tears. {It’s not a dream, Sara. I’m here.} She unbuckled the belt in a second and threw her arms around him, pressing her head into his chest as they floated up to the ceiling. “Darren…” He wrapped her in a tight embrace, whispering into her ear. “I lost you once, and I swore that if I ever found you…I would never lose you again.” A shining trail ran down his cheek. They floated in the ship for hours, truly content.

- posted by Nick @ 5/19/2004 11:46:00 AM

 

Chapter 25: Unavoidable?

The door at the end of the hall was large and made of steel, impenetrable for almost everybody. The soldier took out a key and opened the door, standing to let the others pass. They filed into a room and sat around a large circular table. Darren looked around. Maps decorated the walls, huge suits of armor stood in the corner, and only two entrances into the room were visible. The soldier slammed the steel door shut, and left through an ordinary wooden door, saying “Please wait here for the king.”

Fraydon turned to Darren. “What’s the king like?” Darren shrugged. “Don’t know for sure. I never actually met him face to face. He’s making an appearance to seven people; that’s a huge event that only the Stone could make happen.” Legerra nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask what plans the king has for the Stone. He gonna destroy something big?” Darren shrugged again. “I really don’t know. He only told me to get it, and I’m pretty sure he didn’t expect to have it so soon.”

A trumpet sounded. “Make way for the king!” Everyone rose to their feet instinctively, pushing back their chairs. The door opened and soldiers walked in, lining the walls. The king stepped in, and everyone bowed deeply to the man they had never seen. He stretched out his hands helplessly. “Please, sit. I consider you friends.” The soldiers were visibly shocked. The king could not have friends.

They all sat back down around the table, the king sitting in a higher-backed chair and looking from person to person. “My name is Adytlan, king of all Shirn. I sent Darren on the quest to find the Stone of Naugan. He chose six companions, apparently. As he sits before me, unless something grave has come up, I imagine he is victorious.” Darren smiled. “I have indeed, Your Highness.” The king’s eyes visibly brightened. “Darren, you have done much for this country, this kingdom, and me. Even more than you can fathom. May I have it?”

Darren hesitated. “Sire…I think that the exchange and the…conversation we should have about it would best be done in private.” Adytlan leaned forward. “You do not trust my guards, or those around you?” Darren chose his words carefully, weighing them heavily. “It is not a lack of trust that guides my actions, Sire…rather; it is an overabundance of caution. And some things are better left unknown to most, for ignorance is bliss.” The king nodded slowly. “I trust your judgment.” Darren dipped his head. “You do me great honor, Sire.”

Adytlan stood, and all present stood with him. “You deserve much of it. You all have done what none have done before, and you will be rewarded greatly because of it.” He turned to his soldiers. “Guards, show them to the reserved hall.” He turned back to the group. “You will be given private rooms, each to yourself. Any special requests?” Darren bowed and gestured to Sara. “I would prefer one room for the lady and myself.” The king smiled, not noticing the glances the group gave Darren and Sara. “As you wish. I will see you all in the morning for the reward ceremony.” He turned and walked out the door, all but two guards filing out and surrounding him.

Fraydon turned to say something to Darren, but he was already up and following the first of the two guards out the door. They were led down another hallway filled with maps, down stairs flanked by huge tapestries and bright red curtains, and through another hallway lined with portraits to a large square room built of stone, three doors in every wall except the hallway wall, where there were only two. One soldier left while the other pointed out the two doors on either side of the hallway leading to the library. Thendat, Fraydon, and Milar took the three doors on the left. Darren and Sara, Acerin, and Legerra took the three on the right, directly across from the other three.

Darren held the door for Sara and slipped in after her, closing the door quietly. She dropped her gear on the floor next to the bed and turned to face him. “We have to talk.” He chuckled and looked at her. “Ah, the words every man dreads to hear.”

“What were you thinking? There’s only one bed!” Darren shrugged. “So I’ll sleep on the floor.” She put her hands on her hips. “What will the others think?” He smiled. “Let them think what they want.” She shook her head. “Darren, just because I was…overcome with emotion on the roof doesn’t mean we’re going to be sleeping in the same bed.” “I know.” She sighed, frustrated. “Then why did you request the same room?”

He put down his gear and crossed the room, looking around. A full-length mirror stood next to a large armoire. A huge glass door led out to a balcony, the view of the town unobstructed. The bed was large for one person, but small for two. He stood in front of her, speaking gently and without sarcasm. “Let’s say I hadn’t, alright? So we each get a separate room. And let’s say in the middle of the night someone knocks on your door. It’s an order from the king to see him immediately. You can’t refuse him; he’s the king. He can’t sleep, and wanted to get to know you better. After talking to him for a while, he likes you. So he makes you his Queen, you can’t refuse, and what happens to us?”

Sara spoke hesitantly. “We’d be separated.” Darren nodded. “It would hurt…very badly…to lose you. I would be required to show you even more respect than him, and I certainly couldn’t make you have an affair.” Sara grew bolder. “So…you were jealous? Possessive?” Darren looked at her. “Jealous of his ability to have any woman he wants? No. Possessive? Perhaps...I’m protecting both you and me from getting hurt. This way, he knows without a doubt that he must be respectful of boundaries. If that makes me possessive…so be it.”

Sara mulled over that while Darren spread out some of his gear on the floor and started tinkering with it. She walked over to him and leaned down, slipping her arms around his chest. “Thanks, Darren.” He looked up over his shoulder and smiled. “If I didn’t do anything, what kind of person would I be?” He raised a finger. “Ah. Don’t answer that.” Sara grinned mischievously. “Then I won’t.” The gear was quickly forgotten.
~
Legerra and Acerin sparred in the large lobby. Acerin usually won, albeit unfairly with the help of some magic. Thendat, Fraydon and Milar wandered through the library for most of the time. Thendat found a book he liked and brought it over to a table to read. Milar joined him with his own book. Fraydon searched harder, still not finding anything interesting. Finally she pulled up a chair next to the other two and sighed. “Nothing good…what’re you guys reading?”

Milar glanced at her over the top of the book. “Early techniques of the sword masters.” Fraydon shook her head. “You’re always on the job, even when relaxing. What about you, Thendat?” Thendat laid the book down flat. “Mine’s more of a history book. It’s rather interesting, actually. Shirn’s an older country. But every inhabitant thinks that North and South Shirn are the only continents. Searches have been done…but even now, in the fifth century of Shirn’s existence, we still haven’t found any clue as to how we got here, what we’ve been doing, or even how we were founded.”

Fraydon slid the book over so she could read it. “So it’s currently the summer of 441, in Shirn. I’ve been away so long I forgot what year it was…” Thendat smiled. “Yeah, Milar and I always guess on how close it is when we come back from a long journey…he usually wins. The hourglass could be wrong, though…and no-one would notice.” Fraydon nodded. “It’s scary when you think about how much we rely on the king and his officials to tell us what’s happening…” Thendat grimaced. “Tell me about it.”

The day passed slowly, Darren showing Sara through the palace, pointing out various place of interest. The others grew tired of the library, and they spent much of the afternoon in the lobby swapping stories. The king’s chancellor came and gave them outfits to wear for the ceremony the next morning. They spent about an hour going over the ceremony with him, making sure they would get it right. The sun dipped below the horizon. One by one the travelers went to their rooms and slept.

Darren unrolled a blanket and laid it out on the floor. He was asleep within seconds. Sara rolled her eyes as she changed. All that power must have taken a lot out of him. At least I don’t have to ask him to turn around. She climbed into the bed, sinking down into the comfortable softness. What happens now? We get rewarded…but do we travel on another quest? Stay here? Settle down and raise a family? What would I do if I could choose? She stayed awake for a little longer pondering those questions and more, and then succumbed to sleep.
~
Sara woke later, unsure why her sleep had been disturbed. The moonlight streamed through the window. She sat up and looked around, checking for intruders. After getting up and making sure the door was locked, she headed back to her bed, stopped by a slight noise. It seemed to be coming from the ground.

Darren lay on the floor, still asleep, twisting and turning in his covering until it was wrapped hopelessly around him. He moaned spun around, trying to free himself from the blanket. Sara started to hear fragments of words in another language, but she was unable to piece them together.

Darren arched his back and opened his mouth in a silent scream. Sara knelt beside him, trying to hold him down and feel his forehead at the same time. His temperature was normal, so it was definitely a dream. He quieted suddenly and stopped thrashing. Sara let him go and moved back a few feet. She couldn’t tell if it was over or not.

Darren’s eyes snapped open, yet he still did not wake up. He cried out a single word, “Iclkethe!” closed his eyes, and fell silent, sleeping peacefully the rest of the night. Sara tossed and turned for a while longer, finally resolving to ask him about it in the morning.

She woke up when the sunlight hit her face, squinting and sitting up. Darren was already gone, but his gear was still there. She got up and picked out the dress the chancellor had given her, looking at it in disbelief. It’s a bit…fancy. She was almost done, trying to zip up the back when she heard a knock at the door. “Come in!” Darren walked in, noticed her trouble with the zipper, and walked over. “Not much different from the armor, eh?” She ventured a smile. “Except this offers much less protection than armor.” He smiled back as he finished zipping it up. “It can’t be that-”

Sara turned around and Darren whistled as he saw the dress. “Whoa.” The dress was expensive and high-class, definitely offering no protection and not too much clothing either. Sara reached out and tilted Darren’s head up. “Talk to my face, Darren.” He coughed. “Right. Sorry. Bit of a shock, you know.” She rolled her eyes. “Of course. And now every male in the court is going to stare, forget what they’re talking about, and gawk.”

Darren shook his head. “You enjoy that, don’t you?” She grinned. “I figure I only get the chance to do this once, so I might as well enjoy everything about today.” He nodded. “Wise words.”

Sara tilted her head to the side. “Why aren’t you ready?” Darren smiled and took off his cloak. His hair was less wild than usual, but not combed completely. His well-pressed uniform of black and navy blue fit well. Sara looked him up and down, nodding in approval. “Very nice. Keep that pose and I might begin to think you enjoy dressing up for this kind of thing.” Darren smiled. “For a day or two, sure…but not every single day for the rest of my life. That’s another reason why I chose to become a Guild Guide. Uniforms every day…not for me.” He began packing his gear.

Sara noticed the blanket and was reminded of the night before. “Oh, Darren, last night you were moving all over the floor, twisting and shaking…and you mumbled something in another language.” Darren looked concerned. “I hope it wasn’t magic…that could have been bad.” Sara shook her head. “It was all pretty low…except at the end, when you yelled one word and then went back to sleep.” Darren looked at the floor where he had slept. “And what did I yell?” Sara looked at him. “You yelled, ‘Iclkethe!’ and quieted.”

Darren paced the room in thought. “Strange…I should have remembered the dream.” Sara watched him for a while, and then asked him what it meant. “It’s the old language of Shirn, that much is certain. If I remember the old language correctly…it’s a singular noun…can be applied as…hmm…I’ll have to study this some more.”

Sara nodded slowly. “Alright.” Darren shrugged. “I would think that I was probably in some sort of nightmare. But, no matter. It’s over; the others are waiting.” He offered her his arm, and she took it. “Ready?” Sara nodded again, and they left the room.

The group was stunned speechless. Milar and Thendat smiled and nodded, while Legerra and stared for a bit long. Acerin wasn’t there, to Darren’s surprise. Fraydon laughed with delight. “Wow, that’s something else! They said if I didn’t wear one, I couldn’t come to the ceremony. So…here I am.” Sara barely contained a smile at Fraydon in a dress, and everyone else was having a tough time too until Fraydon threatened violence upon them all.

The chancellor entered and bowed to them, making sure they were all presentable. He stared at each of them in turn, staring at Sara a bit longer than the others. He shook his head and led them down the hallway they had entered from, and through a large set of wooden doors, into a long rectangular room with red carpet leading up to a large chair. This, then, was the throne room. They were directed to sit in a row near the front, facing the king.

The ceremony extended well into the afternoon. One by one they came up, were given riches and honor by the king, and went down. Long speeches were made, but to Sara it was blessedly cool and occasionally the speeches were interesting. The whole event seemed to be for a select crowd of people: the rich and famous. She leaned over and asked Darren about it. “The common people don’t know why we’re being honored,” he said. “They would ask questions…and thieves would probably come for the Stone. The rich have no need to steal.”

A shadow passed over them and they looked up. The sky was cloudless. She and Darren looked at each other, but Darren shrugged it off. {The king has guards, Sara. And I’m told he’s good with a sword.} She pinched him in the side. {I’m sure that’s a euphemism.} Darren grinned. {And there’s plenty more where that came from.}

The skylight directly over the king shattered suddenly. The crowd of nobles gasped collectively and shrank away from the falling glass. A man dressed all in black and carrying a long knife fell towards the king, weapon outstretched for the killing blow. The king’s guards ran forward and Darren leaped up to help, but stopped at the king’s command. Adytlan stood from his throne, aura shining and hand pointing at the assassin, holding him paralyzed. Darren sat back down and looked at Sara. {I didn’t know he could use magic…that’s something new.}

The assassin was quickly disarmed and taken away to be interrogated. The ceremony finished up soon after, with dancing and music. Sara tugged on Darren’s sleeve. “Darren, if you’re going to talk with the king, who will I dance with?” “Milar. Thendat.” He winked. “Any of the hundreds of rich men who would love to get one dance with you.” She sighed. “But that’s just not…good.” “I trust you and your judgment. Do what you feel is right, Sara.” He smiled reassuringly and made his way through the people after the king. Sara looked around, frustrated. I hate when this happens…forced to be social.

Thankfully, Milar, Thendat, Fraydon, and Legerra came over and waited for others to come to them. “After all,” said Legerra, “we’re the heroes. They come to us." And come they did. They were soon surrounded by admirers, giving out handshakes and exchanging flatteries.

Darren followed the king down to the dungeon. The assassin was stripped of almost all clothing and chained to a wall. The questioning had been quick and efficient. The king turned to Darren, worry showing clearly on his face. “We’ve got trouble.”
~
All the people, including the guests and musicians was ushered into the private bedrooms except for the six in Darren’s group, the king and his chancellor, and a few of his guards. The king was only a middle-aged man, but when he paced back and forth he looked far older. “There is a cult in this city, called the Kre’path, or Night Brothers. They’re a group made up entirely of assassins and evil men. They’ve convinced a large number of the people, using magic and persuasion, that I am evil and trying to get rich off their labors. The assassin told everything, including that they’re planning to storm the castle any minute now.” Darren jerked his head at Milar, who grabbed a few guards and shut the main door, securing it with various weapons and pieces of furniture.

The king continued speaking. “If we kill any townspeople, we will surely be done for. If we don’t defend ourselves, we will die.” He sat in his throne, weariness showing plainly in his features. “I fear we have no other option than to flee for an indefinite period of time.”

The chancellor stepped up. “Sir, there is one option. We do have the Stone of Naugan.” Darren stepped forward quickly. “I would highly advise against this, Sire. What other use is there for the Stone besides killing and destruction?” The chancellor spoke again. “There are uses that are known to the king, and the king alone.” Adytlan nodded slowly and stood. “We have known of…alternate uses for some time. We will use it against the Kre’path, and no-one else. Darren, I will need you. We’ll need people to defend this hall, however.”

Darren glanced at his group. “Sara, you’re going to have to make a magic barrier to prevent anyone from getting in. The rest of you…if Sara’s barrier doesn’t hold, you’re all going to have to defend the king.” They nodded.

Loud yelling reverberated through the halls. “Come this way! The traitorous king is here!” Sara stood a ways back from the door and raised her arms. A translucent wall appeared just in front of the door. The wood of the door was splintered apart in minutes, but her barrier kept them from coming inside.

The king and Darren placed the Stone on a small table next to the throne, both laying hands on it. The magic slowly filled them, the king changing it into what he needed, Darren following his example. The concentration required for the Stone was tremendous. Sara’s arms began to tremble as the tremendous number of people began to strain her concentration. “I can’t hold it much longer!”

Acerin jumped through the broken skylight and ran to her side, adding his strength to the barrier. He glanced at her. “Nice dress.” Sara rolled her eyes. Hardly the time. “Thanks. Darren thought so too.” Acerin grinned. “I’m sure he did. But you realize you’re going to have to change out of your sleepwear soon. The women in town are complaining that you’re robbing them of their customers.” She resisted the urge to smack him on the side of the head and kept concentrating on the barrier. He kept muttering to himself just loud enough for her to hear. “…didn’t know they allowed that kind of clothing…must be illegal or something…”

Darren took his hands off the Stone of Naugan. There was nothing more he could so, so he stumbled over to the pair. “Good work, Acerin. But where’d you go?” Acerin glared at Darren. Darren raised his hands in mock-defense. “Easy, tiger. I was just asking.” Acerin shrugged it off. “I was out in the town, looking around in case something like this happened.” Darren nodded. “A wise thing to do.”

The barrier was blasted apart by a huge fireball, throwing all three backwards to the ground. The crowd poured in, heading for the three magic-users first. Darren, Acerin, and Sara scrambled back to protect the king, and the mob hesitated. After all, he was the king, and killing him was considered one of the worst offenses to commit. Darren looked at the king, who was still clutching the Stone. He ran to his side. “Sire! You’re putting too much effort into the spell!”

“Darren…if I don’t make this perfect, we all will die…and my friends might too…” Darren clenched his fists, but couldn’t touch the king to pull him away. Adytlan looked at Darren kindly. “Darren, please…try to understand. If I die, but I save my subjects…I have done the greatest thing a man can do…lay down his life for others.”

The king finished the spell and raised his eyes to the setting sun. A single stream of power flew from his hands, spreading from person to person, stopping the mob in their tracks. Adytlan smiled as if in a heavenly dream, and then crumpled to the ground, a trickle of blood coming from his mouth. Darren knelt beside him and felt his neck. He shook his head and closed his eyes. The king was dead.

The magic that the Kre’path had used on the people dissolved, leaving a stunned crowd with weapons in their hands. They saw the king and cried out as one voice, listening furiously when the chancellor told them what had happened. The mob focused their anger on the Night Brothers, beginning to eradicate them one by one. They were easy to take care of without their magic.

Darren closed the king’s eyes. “He was unafraid to die for his people. Rest in peace, noble soul.”

- posted by Nick @ 5/18/2004 11:50:00 AM

 

Chapter 24: Absolute Power

A knock on the door startled them from the sunrise. Darren opened it to find Khris waiting expectantly. “It’s time for you to leave. I assumed you wanted to go early, so here I am. Get enough sleep?” Darren shook his head slightly. “Not really.” Khris raised an eyebrow. “Ah. Newlyweds, then?” Sara came over, blushing slightly. “No, we talked about it for quite some time, though.”

Khris smiled slightly and pivoted on one heel. “Follow me, please.” Darren glanced at Sara as they followed him. “We did?” Sara shrugged. “You think he’d believe that we stood in one spot for hours, just watching the ocean?” “Point.” They walked on.

They went through the halls, going through this door and that, getting completely lost. Khris opened a small wooden door and stepped to the side. “Please come inside. I will not see any of you again. It was nice meeting you.” Darren motioned him over, out of earshot of Sara. “I want you to take the money you would have spent on our gear, and find Clarissa a good job. If I come back and she’s on the streets again, I’m holding you responsible.” Khris nodded. “None of us have any desire to let her return to her former life.”

Darren smiled and walked through the door behind Sara. He stood facing an open window, big enough to jump through easily. His eyes focused to the dim light quickly, seeing eleven robed and hooded figures gathered in a circle around a stand, one missing from an obviously important spot. The rest of the group stood off to the side. “Sara! Darren! Good to see you again! Where were you guys?” Fraydon had been sick with worry. “We thought you were dead or something!” Darren apologized, his explanation being “We were training and didn’t feel the disturbance until it was too late.”

Acerin grinned. “Uh-huh. Training. So that’s what they call it now.” Thendat glanced at him and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Darren. Since they woke him up, he’s been a little too perky. I’m thinking it’s a side effect from the sedative.” Darren looked at Legerra. “You gave as good as you got?” Legerra grinned and pointed to himself and Milar. “I hurt about four of them, but Milar’s two were worse off.”

A robed figure appeared from a hidden door somewhere in the room. “Enough talking. It’s time to…Darren!” Darren winced, turning towards the voice. His face lit up the moment he saw the speaker, though. “Emily! No way. You too?” Emily smiled at both Darren and Sara. “Oh yes. It’s great, really. This place has a very nice library, and the magic is quite a gift.” She grinned. “Found Jeff, and even though he doesn’t have magic, we’re happy.” Darren nodded. “That’s good. Glad to hear it.”

Emily smiled politely at the others. “Ready to go?” Acerin leaned against a wall. “Where exactly are we going?” Emily walked up to Darren with a hand outstretched. “The Stone, please.” Darren took it out of the bag slowly and handed it to her. “Thank you.” She went to the pedestal in the center and set the Stone in a container built specially for it. Assuming her position in the vacant spot, she waited for something. Acerin spoke louder. “Where exactly are we going?”

”Oh, sorry. You’re going to be inside the Stone.” The group did a pretty good double-take. Emily smiled. “Everyone except Darren goes into the stone, and he’ll take it from there.” Acerin glared at Darren, who raised his hands to his chest and looked around. “First time I’ve been told of this. What do I do?” Emily motioned for him to stand away from the group. “Stand by the door, and everyone else stand inside the circle, spreading out evenly.”

Darren gave Sara a hug. “It should only be a little while.” She nodded and walked inside the unmoving people. They did as they were told, although more than slightly nervous at the thought of being contained within an inanimate object. Darren watched as the twelve mages began chanting in a low pitch. The group began to glow with a soft light.

Khris slipped through the door and closed it, leaning towards Darren. “I’m very sorry to disturb you now, but…” He leaned in even closer. “Your brother is here.” Darren bowed his head and closed his eyes. The glow around the group grew brighter by the second. Khris put a hand on Darren’s shoulder, a surprisingly sympathetic act from one used to killing. “Zerach is here. What should be done?”

Darren didn’t move. “Do nothing to him directly. I have washed my hands of him. The only exception is if he tries to get near Clarissa. Then you have my permission to do whatever it takes.” He opened his eyes and stared meaningfully at Khris. “Whatever it takes.” Khris smiled wickedly, showing teeth. “I understand completely.” He slipped into the shadows and watched the proceedings.

Using tremendous strength of will, Darren forced himself to trust Khris and turn his mind back to matters at hand. The glow from the group flashed once or twice, he covered his eyes, and when he looked again they were gone. All mages except Emily left the room through various doors. The Stone of Naugan seemed unchanged, but he could sense those within it. He walked over slowly, looking at Emily. “Now what?” She smiled at him. “Get to the king as fast as you can. When you get to the Royal City and set foot on the ground, your group will be back to normal.” Darren looked at Emily suspiciously, quieting a small excited voice in his head. “When you say…‘as fast as I can,’ does that mean…any way I choose?” Emily nodded. “What’d you have in mind?”

Darren grinned wider than she’d ever seen him grin before. “You’ll see.” He stepped closer to the pedestal and placed both hands on the Stone. Darren’s aura pulsed into existence and filled the room.

The air hung thick with raw power, and Darren gathered as much as he could hold, sending what remained back into the Stone. He dropped it into the bag and tucked it away, magic enveloping his senses and stirring his blood. Every hair on his body stood straight out until he slowly relaxed his muscles and breathed in sharply.

Emily and Khris stared in awe at the transformation. His hair shone with light, his eyes shifted hue, and his feet began to twitch ever so slightly. The power was incredible. Khris bowed deeply, showing profound respect. Emily waved goodbye as Darren leapt with ease to the open window. Darren did a backflip out, still grinning. Emily shook her head and went about her daily chores. Khris slipped through the door and moved through the halls with stealth and speed, looking for Clarissa.

He found her repairing the stitching of pants in the main barracks. His scouts reported that Zerach arrived with several mercenaries, well armed and angry. He ushered into a side closet and closed the door almost all the way, so Clarissa could hear what was said. That done, he pulled out a chair and sat down, still dressed as a traditional ninja.

A little while later, Zerach kicked down the door without bothering to knock, looking around and breathing heavily. “Where are they?” Khris stood up. “I beg your pardon?” “Where are they? My brother and that woman. I know they had a thing for each other, and I know my brother came here.” Khris spoke calmly. “Darren paid us well to keep Clarissa off the streets and safe here. Even if he hadn’t, we certainly wouldn’t let her return.”

Zerach snorted. “I know her kind. They love their work. And I help her with that. I will pay you more than Darren, more than you can imagine. He helps her out of his own lust. I help her out of generosity and a kind spirit.” Khris raised an eyebrow. “This from a man who tried to hang his own mother?” Zerach stepped forward and unsheathed his sword. “Hold your tongue! I will not be spoken ill of!”

Khris smiled, closing his eyes. “Ah, but you have no choice. Your mercenaries are dead and my men are unhurt.” Zerach stepped to the right slowly, not taking his eyes off Khris for a second. He whipped his head around, confirmed that his men were indeed dead, and looked back to where Khris used to be. Zerach spun around again, looking at the empty entrance he had come from, not finding Khris. Khris pushed up from behind him and held a knife to his throat. “If you will not leave Clarissa alone, I will be forced to kill you. And believe me…I have killed greater men than you.”

Zerach nodded slowly. “Very well. I will…leave and never return.” He knocked the knife away and spun around, stabbing his sword into Khris’ stomach until the hilt stopped it. Khris stared down at the sword, then at the man in front of him. “What exactly did you hope to accomplish, Zerach?” Khris’ fist slammed into Zerach’s jaw, sending him against a wall with a loud crack.

Zerach stared at the ninja in front of him pulling a sword out of his gut and tossing it to the side, the wound closing. Zerach stood, holding his jaw. “Who…what are you?” The ninja opened his mouth wide and revealed a pair of long fangs. “My name is Chaz. I am what you humans call a ‘vampire’ when you hunt us down.” Zerach swallowed hard.

Chaz picked him up by the back of his fancy shirt and carried him to the front door, tossing him out on his face in the dust. “Never return. If you dare to set foot or send minions within miles of Clarissa, your life and everything else you hold dear will shrivel up and disappear. I personally will drink every last drop of your blood. Is that clear?” Zerach nodded, turned, and ran, still holding his jaw. Chaz watched him go. When he was satisfied, he went back inside and let Clarissa out of the closet.

She wiped her eyes futilely. “I should’ve known earlier. I should never have let him persuade me…” Chaz became human-like again, a great deal kinder in that form. “It’s over, it’s done. He’ll never bother you again. Besides, you and Darren ended on good terms this time.” Clarissa looked at him suspiciously. “How do you know that?” Chaz grinned. “I am a ninja and a vampire. I know everything that happens in this place.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Take the day off and go read. Finish whatever grieving you have to do.”

She smiled and kissed his cheek. “You’re too sweet to be evil.” She was almost out of the room when she heard him mutter, “That’s what my last victim said…” Clarissa laughed and went to her room. Chaz smiled, then walked to a window in the north wall and looked out. Be careful, Darren.
~
Darren landed facing the ocean. The force from his drop cracked the ground around him, sending pieces of dirt flying. He gathered his senses while reaching into the Stone. {Can any of you hear me?} The response came back from Sara. {We can all hear you, but only Acerin and myself can respond.} Darren smiled. {Can you all feel the power through the link?} {Yes.} Acerin sounded slightly jealous.

Darren crouched low to the ground. {Excellent. Relax and enjoy the ride.}

His feet ached from containing so much power for so long. The ground rumbled slightly, as if in anticipation. Darren took off running directly north at a speed no human would think possible. Right before he hit the ocean, he jumped and let his feet trail, barely skimming the water. He stretched out his hands and watched the water explode to either side. The wind and power was clearly communicated through the link, judging by the ecstatic reactions he got.

The ocean was crossed in minutes flat, and Darren jumped high into the air before he hit the ground. Cities, plains, forests, and mountains passed beneath him, a large royal palace before him. He landed on the very top of it with an earth-shattering smash, hair and eyes reverting back to normal. The Stone flashed and his friends appeared beside him. Fraydon whistled. “So that’s the magic.” Thendat nodded. Milar was impressed. “That’s really something.” Acerin and Legerra said nothing, blinking and shaking their heads.

Sara was still breathing heavily off to the side. As the primary link to the rest, most of the emotion had gone through her. Darren walked up to her and smiled. “I take it you enjoyed your flight?” She stood on her toes and stretched, trying to savor the rapidly diminishing feeling. “There wasn’t an in-flight snack or a movie.” He grinned. “Do I look like a steward? Don’t answer that,” he amended quickly. She grabbed his cloak and pulled him close, her voice thick. “Then I won’t.” Milar coughed loudly, and was promptly spun around and faced the opposite direction by a strong wind. The rest of the group quickly followed, having no choice in the matter. Darren glanced around. “Sara, we are on top of the palace.” Sara’s bright aura flared up. “Illusion, Darren.” He smiled and lowered his voice. “It’s always nice to see a pupil remember her lesson.”

A knock underneath their feet caused the pair to step apart, and a trapdoor swung up. A solitary soldier looked around, noticing who he had been sent for. “Darren! The king wishes to see everyone right away.” Darren winked at Sara as he went down first. “Another time.” The seven travelers followed the guard down the ladder underneath the trapdoor and down a darkened hall, each with their own thoughts about what had just happened, and what was yet to come.

- posted by Nick @ 5/15/2004 12:11:00 PM

 

Chapter 23: Back to the Remembered Place

Tired and sleepy, the group stumbled into the place they had camped the night before, the moon slightly visible through the clouds. Legerra looked around at the group. “How are we going to work this? We’ve only got three tents; we can’t fit four guys in a tent and Fraydon would have one to herself while you guys…well…” Sara glanced from tent to tent. “Darren, he’s got a point. What now?” Darren looked from Legerra to Sara. “Same sleeping arrangements as before. Is that a problem?” She looked at him and shook her head. {No, that’s not what…never mind. I thought that you’d want…and…we’re not married.}

Darren smiled tiredly. {I would never force anything on you against your will or your conscience.} “Same as always, guys. And no watch tonight. We won’t need it.” They set up the tents and got ready to sleep, but before they went to bed, Darren motioned Sara to the side. “Do you still have the necklace?” She nodded. “I know I sound like Acerin, but…could I see it?” Sara looked at him, a bit suspicious, but had no reason not to.

He held it up in the moonlight. It seemed to glow slightly, but not as much. He frowned slightly. “A lot of power seemed to leave the necklace when you summoned Larauc. I was really hoping it wouldn’t come to that. Oh…one more thing.” Sara looked at him expectantly. “Yes?” He smiled slightly. “Could I have the Stone of Naugan back?”

Sara looked at him, puzzled. “I thought you had it?” Darren pointed to the left side of her cloak and she reached in, drawing out a small purple bag, gold stitching dull in the low light. Sara was more confused now than ever. “Why was it in there?” Darren smiled sheepishly as he handed her the necklace and took the Stone. “I knew that the chieftain would imprison all of you once I refused to give him the Stone…so I slipped it into your pocket when we were surrounded. I figured that worst case, he’d release you after he didn’t find it…and the entire group could probably kill him then. The Stone of Naugan would be returned to the king, and the quest would be over.”

Sara stared at him. “You expected to die?” Darren took a step back, holding his hands up. “No, not entirely. I anticipated a possible death, and I made sure that no matter what, the purpose of the mission would be fulfilled.” Sara looked angry. “Why didn’t you tell us he was going to imprison us?” Darren shrugged. “What good would that have done? It all turned out well in the end, and that’s what matters.”

Sara turned and walked away into the darkness. Darren retrieved a short sword from his gear and then followed quietly, stalking her just as he had when she used to walk home alone in Silver Lake. After a little while, he leaped up and landed in front of her, the point of his sword close to her throat. “Control and caution, Sara.” She had her own swords out in a second and knocked his blade away. He raised an eyebrow. “Training when you’re tired? Not a good idea…”

Sara swung both her swords towards him, aiming a blow that would have sliced a lesser man in half. Darren jumped back to avoid it and then jumped forward over the next slash she aimed at him. He paused to look her over; mentally examining her new weaknesses and strengths, then jumped and brought his sword down for an overhead slash. Sara blocked it with her right sword and swung with her left. Darren sheathed his sword in the blink of an eye and brought his palm against the flat of her sword, knocking it away.

The battle kept on that way for a while. Darren would parry the swords with his hands, never touching the blades. Sara would aim cunning blows that he could barely block, but he could keep it up for a while.

Finally she sheathed her blades and assumed her own fighting style. Darren’s eyes gleamed. “Well, this should be interesting.” Sara didn’t speak, concentrating. Darren stepped back and bowed. Sara dipped her head in return, and lunged forward. The speed she moved at would have overstressed normal muscles and broken bones. Darren knocked it away and threw a counterpunch, which Sara parried.

Punch, counterpunch, kick, block, the rhythm, speed, and force of the blows changed quickly and often. But they were too evenly matched for either one to gain any real advantage. They drew back, leaning over and panting. Darren looked up at Sara, breathing heavily. “Had…enough…yet?” Sara gave him a withering look while struggling for air. “Giving…up…Darren?” He grinned and caught his breath. “Maybe. Maybe not. Remember caution and control?” He gestured at her feet. “Look behind you.” She turned her head while speaking. “Darren, I made sure the cliff was far away so that-”

Darren plowed into her, knocking her back a good forty feet, sending them both off the cliff. Sara recovered quickly and started to float up, but Darren grabbed her arm and pulled her level with him. {You won’t regret this.} Sara gave him a suspicious look, but stopped floating up. “Okay, what won’t I regret?” He grinned and let go, plunging downward. {The rush.}

She followed immediately, knowing full well she couldn’t catch up if she waited too long. Darren moved in close to the cliff, still facing downwards. He loved the wind pulling back on his face, the feel of flying straight down. Sara could hear his euphoric “Whooooooo!” floating up even as she plunged after him. She smiled, feeling his excess excitement come through the link, herself feeling only the slightest bit nervous when they started to come close to the ground.

Darren eased up and used his momentum to hover an inch off the ground as he flew across the rocky plain at the base of the cliff, aware of Sara just a second behind. A second cliff loomed before him, and he debated for a second whether to break through or fly up. Up it is. He gathered more power and sent it downwards, blasting himself off the ground and directly up, face mere inches from the side of the cliff, Sara still following him.

They shot up, slowly losing speed as the trees became a dark mass instead of individual objects. Darren shot through a cloud, trailing wisps of smoke. Sara went through the hole he had left, but couldn’t find him. Looking around, he was nowhere to be found. “Hey, speedy! Down here.” She looked at him lying on his back on a cloud, reclining.

Floating down, she laid next to him, and they stared up at the stars. They had never seemed so bright when Sara was down on the ground, and she said so to Darren. He smiled. “Same thing with life. Once you get away from all the pollution and junk, it clears up rather quickly.” His face lost all emotion as he stared off into the sky, eyes unfocused.

Sara pushed herself up on one elbow and glanced at him. “You come up here often?” He answered without moving his eyes or his body. “Yes, I do. Every night, as a matter of fact. It helps me to sleep better, and it’s a relief from what goes on down there.” Sara looked at him. “What do you mean? What goes on down there?”

Darren’s eyes focused and he rolled to face her. “People. After living for so long…I see their frailties, their weaknesses, their strengths, what they want to keep hidden, what they pretend they want to keep hidden…and it disgusts me.” Sara stared down at the cloud, twisting tendrils of smoke between her fingers as Darren kept talking. “Destruction, perversion, and the lack of all that is good…you saw for yourself in Pilosh what goes on.”

Sara nodded, looking up. “So why do you stay, then? What keeps you here? Helping people?” Darren moved over to the edge of the cloud and dangled his feet over the edge, looking down below at the land far away. “When I look at the people that I help, it does bring some small amount of satisfaction, yes. That’s not why I don’t abandon them, though. There’s a reason they haven’t destroyed themselves yet. Because of people like you.”

She blushed and turned to hide it. “Because of our group, you mean.” He sighed and stood up. “Just take the compliment and store it away. Remember it when you’re feeling down. As for the group…we all have flaws.” Sara kept avoiding his gaze, almost whispering “Mine are worse...”

Darren walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, whispering into her ear. “The flaws that stand out the most to us are our own.” She didn’t turn around. Darren leaned back and fell onto the cloud with his hands behind his head, closing his eyes. We truly are our own worst enemies. “So, wait…this is your bed?” He couldn’t contain a grin at her sudden change of topic. “Basically, yeah.” He raised his head and opened his eyes. “But it’s a big one. And there’s always a cloud a few feet over, eh?”

Sara shrugged as she lay down. “This works.” Darren hid a smile and let his mind wander through the stars. Five minutes passed…then ten. A little while later, a sleepy voice floated over. “Darren…what was with the spinning rocks?” He stiffened. “It wasn’t important…go to sleep.” The cloud shifted slightly as she crawled over. “Darren...it’s very important and you know it.” He rolled over, shoving his face into the cloud, muffling his voice. “No…it’s not that important. If there’s anything you can do, I’ll let you know, alright?”

She sighed and placed a hand on his back. “Alright.” She rolled him over and looked into his eyes. “Anything?” He smiled reassuringly and kissed her goodnight. “Anything.” She smiled back and laid her head on his chest, keeping warm. His heartbeat was steady and reassuring, and she soon fell asleep.

Darren remained awake, feeling his heart flutter every time he looked at Sara. I’ve lived for countless years. I’ve seen death, life, construction, destruction, and everything in between. Ages of stone, wood, iron, steel, information…and I’ve never met anyone that makes me feel the way she does. Why her? What makes her so special?

Darren drifted off to sleep, questions floating in his mind. He dreamed of a city nearby, and instantly knew where their next destination was. But what waits for us there? He watched himself walk through the city, go into a building, and-

He bolted upright, the dream cut off by his awakening. Sara’s head fell onto the cloud and she woke up. “…Darren?” Darren jumped off the cloud. {Get to the camp!}

The trip down was quicker than the trip up. Darren hid his aura as best he could when in sight of the three tents, flitting from tree to tree noiselessly. Sara squatted overhead, silently moving in the branches. They reached the tents and looked at what had happened.

The tents were slashed and flapping in the wind, gear strewn about the camp. Darren glanced in Sara’s direction. {Back me up. Stay hidden.} He flipped into the center, waiting for an attack. After a while, he relaxed and motioned Sara to come, pointing at her tent. “What can you tell about the attack?”

Sara moved around the tents and gear, noticing how small details fit into the larger picture. “Judging by the slash patterns, they came from the southwest, probably followed us here from the Valley. It was an organized attack, but they didn’t know how many of us were here, because it was quick and quiet. They took everyone, apparently even Acerin, without surprise because there’s not a single trace of magic here.” Darren nodded. “Impressive. I was wondering about Acerin myself…but we have to follow them. Know which direction they left in?”

Sara looked around for tracks, finding nothing. “They’re skilled warriors, quick and quiet…but they broke a few branches on their way out. They’re heading straight north.” Darren nodded again. “Towards the city they originally came from. Well, not really a city. It doesn’t even have a name. Everyone just calls it the Wizard’s City. A bunch of people who practice magic for good, but shunned by everyone else. For whatever reason…the attackers came from there.”

Sara shushed him. “I thought I heard something.” Darren closed his eyes. Sara heard the trees around them rustle, but didn’t feel a breeze. She glanced at Darren. “We’re surrounded.” He didn’t open his eyes. “Sara…I’m sorry, but I have to.” She floated up and was encased in crystal again. She almost screamed through the link, barely holding it in. {…Darren, don’t do this to me…} {If there was another way, Sara, believe me, I’d do it. But with enemies all around…what I’m doing would hurt you even more than right now.}

He stood with his legs shoulder-length apart, arms at his side, head tilted back and eyes closed. He kept them closed as the first shadow darted from the trees and towards him. Darren threw it over his shoulder and resumed his stance. The shadows stayed back then, circling. He smiled and opened his eyes. He clenched his hands as the air started to shimmer around him. The moon darkened and soon only Darren was visible.

Suddenly, the land around Darren was lit up by a pale red light, and dust flew. The trees bent to the ground and were ripped out by their roots, flying away. The shadows lifted into the air and swirled around Darren in a terrifying whirlwind, unable to stop. And then it stopped, and the land around him was strangely clean. The shadowy men were slammed to the ground and knocked unconscious. Darren unclenched his hands and walked over to the nearest one, releasing Sara from the temporary prison. She calmed herself and followed him.

Darren held up the head of the man and took off a dark mask. “I don’t believe it. They still use you guys, huh?” The man didn’t answer, as unconscious people tend not to speak. Sara looked at Darren. “What is he?” Darren shook his head and stood up. “A ninja. They used to use them for assassinations, secret kidnappings, and usually only for important things. They probably wanted to catch all of us asleep and carry us off. At any rate, we follow. We can’t leave them behind while we return to the king.”

Sara agreed, and off they went. With just the two of them using magic, they made it to the city by morning. The gates were open and a few people walked the streets. Darren moved with a purpose, following the path from his dream. The building doors were open, shutting behind them. Sara glanced over her shoulder, but followed quietly.

The room they were in was small. Doors were directly in front and behind them. Two small seats sat facing a larger one. They sat in the small ones and waited. After a minute or so, a tall thin man clothed in ninja garb stepped through. He removed his katanas and bowed to Darren before sitting down. “Your performance this early morning was entertaining to watch. I assume you’ve come for your friends.” Darren didn’t answer directly. “My name is Darren, and this is Sara. You are?”

The man dropped his facial covering and pushed back his hood, revealing a ruggedly handsome face with dark hair cut close to his head. “My name is Khris. I am the leader of the band that kidnapped your friends. We needed you to come here right away, so we took your friends.” Darren nodded slowly. “How did you take Acerin without a fight?” Khris smiled. “We’ve developed a sedative for those we wish to take quietly. We made sure to use it on him first.”

Darren smiled back. “Good thinking. Probably saved a few of your men, too.” Khris’ smile left. “Even so, some of my men were hurt badly by the whirlwind, and a few by the larger swordsman in your group. We would appreciate anything you could do.” Darren glanced at Sara. “Up to you if you want to heal his men.” Khris spoke before she could. “We would, of course, be happy to assist you in procuring more gear for your travels.” Darren smiled and glanced at Sara again. “He’s offering to replace all our stuff that they broke if you heal his men.”

Sara smiled slightly. “Alright.” Khris rose, picked up his katanas, and bade them follow. They went through the door behind him, down some stairs and into a larger room made of stone, cool and quiet. Several men lay on beds, moaning in pain. Sara immediately went to work, causing more than one of the sick to wonder if an angel had taken pity on them.

Darren leaned over to Khris. “You didn’t say why you needed me here.” Khris stared straight ahead. “The king needs you back as quickly as possible. Problems have come, and he wants you back with the Stone or without.” He turned and looked at Darren. “It is imperative that you do not lie to me. Do you have the Stone or not?”

Darren stared into the ninja’s eyes, judging what he saw. At length, he spoke. “I have the Stone.” Khris sighed with relief. “Excellent. We can get you back to the king as soon as the healing woman is done.” Sara came over and pointed to a wooden door. “Anyone need healing behind there?” Khris smiled. “That’s the woman’s quarters.” Darren looked at him puzzled. “You have a female ninja now?”

Khris smiled slightly. “No, we hire women of…low repute to work for us instead of staying on the streets. Only as servants,” he added quickly, noticing Sara’s disgusted look. Darren smiled slightly. “So…you pick up prostitutes and try to reform them?”

“Hey! Who you calling a prostitute?” The door opened slightly, the woman behind it balancing plates. Khris gestured at the door. “Her name’s Cherry, and that’s all she’ll tell us.” Darren tilted his head to the side. Cherry? Why does that…?

The door swung all the way open, revealing a well-dressed, good-looking middle-aged woman carrying dishes up to her neck. Sara glanced at the woman and then at Darren, whose eyes widened and then went cold. He knows her? Darren walked over to a chair and sat down with his hood over his head, ignoring the woman completely. She set down the plates and walked over to Khris and Sara. “My name’s Cherry. Nice to meet you…”

Sara offered her hand. “Sara. Sara Williams.” Cherry whistled. “Got a last name, huh? You’re special, then…I knew a couple men with a last name once. Who’s your friend in the chair?” Darren threw his hood back, looking up directly into her face. The woman gasped and almost fell over. “Darren? Darren Kinsley?” Darren nodded, eyes still cold. “Hello, Clarissa.” Clarissa sighed. “Great, now Khris here knows my real name. You realize how hard it’ll be to find work now?” She turned to Sara. “I dated his brother, Zerach.” Sara nodded, somewhat relieved.

Darren stood up and went for the door. Khris stepped in front. “That’s not the way out. You must stay here for the day and night, then your friends will be fully ready to accompany you to the king.” Darren got directly in Khris’ face. “And what if I choose not to stay?” Khris laid a hand on a katana. “Then I will be forced to fight you.” Darren nodded slowly. “So be it. Show me and Sara to our room.”

Clarissa looked at Sara. “You’re a lucky girl. Darren’s quite the prize, it’s said.” Sara smiled politely and followed Darren and Khris out a different door.

Darren spent the remaining day in meditation and study, facing the wall. Sara went through some of the old books that Khris had given her. When night came, Sara sat on the edge of her bed and looked at Darren, who was lying on his bed facing the wall. “Darren, what’s wrong?” He remained silent for a few seconds and then spoke with a wavering voice. Whether with anger or grief Sara couldn’t tell, but it was barely controlled. “Sara…do you remember when I said you’d know if I wanted to be alone?” Sara nodded ever so slightly, and then remembered Darren wasn’t facing her. “Yes, I remember.”

“Please…for both our sakes…I need to be alone.” He cast his hood over his face and went to the outside balcony, staring at the ocean far off in the distance. Sara sat up for a while, watching him. There’s so much about him that’s confusing. What now? She quietly drifted off to sleep, a solitary tear staining her pillow.

She woke up when the door opened, placing her hand on a long knife. A woman’s figure moved through the shadows, towards the balcony where Darren still stood. Sara sat up quietly, moving closer so she could hear what was said. I want to know the truth.

Clarissa stood to his left and slightly behind him. Darren spoke without turning. “You shouldn’t have come.” She bowed her head. Darren spoke again. “What’s wrong?” Sara shivered, hearing the cold, harsh tone he used. Clarissa said nothing for a second, and then leaned forward in a small outburst of emotion. “What happened, Darren? We used to be such good friends!”

Darren said nothing, his jaw visibly set to prevent him from screaming. “Oh? I guess we just drifted apart…” Now Clarissa was slightly angry. “Drifted apart? One minute we were playing in the forest, and then something happened, and now you’re cold as ice!”

Darren whirled, uncontained rage causing Clarissa to step back and Sara to step slightly forward. He spoke slowly, raising his voice. “Something…happened…? Something happened? Something happened!” He turned to the ocean and laughed hysterically, speaking to nobody. “She doesn’t even remember what that something was!” Clarissa ventured a small “Darren…what happened?”

He picked up a small rock from the ledge and stared at it in his palm, clenching his teeth as he spoke. “Zerach happened, Clarissa. Zerach was the wedge that drove us apart. ‘We used to be such good friends…’ I uttered those very words when he left both our lives and we didn’t even speak to each other for the longest time. Do you remember that, Clarissa? I was wandering outside the inn in town, staring up at the stars, and you walked around the corner and asked me what was wrong. And then I said that…and you ran away.”

Clarissa cringed as the memory flooded back to her. “I remember now.” Darren slowly closed his hand into a fist, dust pouring out from between his fingers as the rock was slowly crushed. “I tried to warn you when he came back for you. He promised he’d take care of you this time, but I knew he wouldn’t.” He gave a wry smile. “I remember when you talked about something beyond my comprehension when we were younger…I didn’t understand you. I didn’t tell anyone what you were saying because I didn’t think it was important. And to spite me in that…you ignored my warnings. And he left you a second time.”

Clarissa shrugged. “I’m behind all that now.” Darren turned around, the rage still burning inside him. “No you’re not. You are what he made you. And you can’t change that now, even if you wanted to. By my silence he got to you once, by your lack of trust in me he got to you again, and I will never forgive him for what he did to you both times. The only reason he lives now is because…”

Darren drew a shaky breath as he faced the ocean. “He is my brother. And as much as I hate him, I cannot kill him for what he did. I am no longer his judge. Indeed, you and I used to be very good friends. Almost best friends, in fact.” Darren turned to Clarissa, the rage fading and leaving only sadness. “You mistake my cold exterior towards you as bitterness. The only bitterness I have is for him. I will not accept what you have become, and so…” He couldn’t finish. He turned to the ocean again, tears streaming down his face.

Clarissa nodded, crying as well. “I understand. I’m sorry, Darren. I was a fool, and I made some horrible mistakes.” Darren shook his head and dried his eyes. “He is to blame.”

Clarissa finished wiping her tears and put a hand on Darren’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Darren.” He turned and hugged her one last time, kissing her forehead. “Go in peace, and stay out of trouble.” Clarissa made an attempt at a smile and hurried from the balcony and the room.

Sara climbed back into her bed, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Darren's brother destroyed his friendship, turned one of his best and only friends into a prostitute twice, and had the gall to act like nothing was wrong when he met Darren in his hometown. She shook her head. I’d probably want to kill him too.

She sat up, watching Darren stare out at the dark ocean, hands clasped behind his back. After struggling with herself for a few minutes, she got up and went out on the balcony. Darren didn’t turn around, but she knew he heard her. She walked to his side and looked up at him. He stared straight ahead, tears streaming down his face in a silent lament.

Sara said nothing as she stepped in front of him and wrapped her arms around him. His quiet tears increased as he remembered silent comfort given, now returned to him twice. He hugged her back hard, never moving his gaze from the horizon. When he could shed no more tears, he rubbed his eyes with his sleeve and looked down at Sara. "I'm sorry. It was too painful to speak of directly, or even think about for long." She ventured a small, hesitant smile that he returned with slightly more strength. He took a deep breath, as if breathing for the first time in a long while. “No more of the past. All that matters is what happens from here on.” Sara moved to stand by his side, and they watched the sun rise together.
- posted by Nick @ 5/14/2004 10:31:00 AM