Book Two: Broken

January 23, 2011 2:28PM
*Please do not post here.

We now begin the second instalment of Innocence.

Prolouge (Part 1)

It was dark outside. But the man did nothing to illuminate his path as he travled through the forest. And while he tripped occasionally on a tree root or log, he was thankful for the darkness. It made his job easier. One thing he could live without though, was the rain.

But it didn't matter. All that mattered was that today would be the begining of his rise to power. Yes, he had taken Trebis almost single-handedly. Yes, he had killed Soroth's last hope, even if they didn't know it yet. But tonight...Tonight was special.

Tonight was the night he would kill Paltier. Tonight he would promote himself from a lowely soldier to King.

He could hear Paltier's shouts. The old fool had gotten himself lost. Again. And he wanted the 'lowly soldier' to find him. To get him out of "THIS BLASTED FOREST!"

He had warned Paltier against going into Nemeran Forest. Perhaps if he had listened, he would live to see the dawn.

Of course Paltier didn't see him. He had the night to cloak him from Paltier's sight. And he was not heard, for the King was oh, so convienently standing next to a river. Between the roaring water and the darkness, Paltier wouldn't know what hit him.

But that wasn't his style. He wanted to gloat, to brag, to rub it in his face. So instead of beheading him right then and there, he knocked him first to the ground.

"Wha-" Paltier sputtered. "Sentax, is that you?"

"Yes, your majesty." he said mockingly. "What is thy biding?" the man knelt down and rested the tip of his daggar on the king's throat.

"What are you doing? Sheath your blade at once!"

"Im sorry, my dear King, but I cannot do that. You see, your years of misguided leadership must come to an end. It is time for someone else to take the throne."

"Nonesense! I demand that you-" he was interuppted.

"You speak bravely for one who cannot fight for himself."

The King tried again. "You do not want to do this, Sentax! We share the same goals. The same dreams!"

"But we don't." He said calmly. "I have bigger plans." He put the slightest bit of pressure on the blade, and the skin underneath broke. A very thin trickle of blood ran out. "For years you have treated me like a worthless servant, a slave! You made me do your dirty work, made me kill your enemies, and for what? Nothing!" his voice was filled with evil hatred. "No more of this King No more. I don't work for you anymore. I work for no one but myself."

In a last desperate attempt, the king bargained for his life. "Release me," he pleaded. "Realese me and I promise you riches beyond your wilest imagination. I promise-"

"Its too late. I'm done being your pawn. And by the way." Sentax began, "Ill be sure to let your people know that your dying breath was spent giving your kingdom to me."

His eyes widened as the blade cut across his neck, silencing him forever more.

Sentax removed something from the King's neck, pocketed it, and stood. "Told you not to enter the forest." He surveyed the oversized lifeless fool, then kicked the body into the river.

And the river ran red.

 

Prolouge (Part 2)

There came a low laughter from a sillouette leaning on nearby tree. "Working for no one but yourself, eh? What would you call me then, your buisiness partner?"

Sentax turned. "Shut up. As far as I'm concerned, you work for me."

The figure laughed again. "And how do you figure that?" the voice was young, definately male, smooth and elegant, but cold and amused.

"Im the one doing most of the work. You couldn't have gotten anything accomplished without me." The man stood defiantly, fists clenched.

"You wouldn't have been able to do anything without the information I supplied!" the figure sighed, pushed himself away from the tree, and walked away from the river. He motioned for the other man to follow, which he did. "No matter. I trust that you retrived it?"

"Yes," Sentax said, though he did not show the man.

"Good. Were one step ahead of our enemies. Which reminds me..." he turned abruptly to face Sentax. In the dark and the rain, very little could be seen of the man, though his blue eyes stood out clearly. "Sentax, do you remember the man you killed dureing the last battle?"

Sentax smirked as he said, "Which one?" but of course he remembered. How could he forget?

The man continued, ignoring the smart remark. "I made a mistake. You killed the wrong man."

"What? Impossible!"

"You heard me." He turned and kept walking.

"I followed my orders!" Sentax persisted.

"I know. And I congradulate you on that," though there was something in his voice that made you think he really didn't mean it. "But unfortunatly, I gave you the wrong man to kill. I didn't realize it at first...I was given false information, misinterperated something..."

"So where does this leave us? We have no idea where to start next, and-"

"No. You don't know where to start next."

"And you do?"

"I have my recources. And that's all you need to know. Now, I suggest that you get back to whatever your doing, and let me get back to finding The Chosen." the man turned one last time.
"Clear?"

Sentax narrowed his eyes. "Crystal," he said with a voice like ice.

The man with blue eyes dissapeared after that, leaving Sentax alone in the rain.

 

I hate rain.

I really hate it.

I stood by the window of my balcony door. It was still dark out. Still raining. Just like it had been for the last two days. Ever since the battle.

I shivered. I was cold. I don't know why. It was the beggining of summer. But I shivered.

Two days.

Two days since the battle. And somehow, we won.

Yay for us.

Outside, the wind howled. It was quite a storm, though there had been no lighting, no thunder. I would know. I had been watching for hours.

My stomach rumbled, but I ignored it. The idea of food disgusted me. I hadn't eaten in...what? Two days?

My ears picked up the sound of a footstep, which echoed against the bare walls of my room. Should I be worried? Should I grab my dagger? I don't know. I didn't feel like it. I didn't even know where it was.

Another step. The rain came down harder.

Step. Maybe I should try to get some sleep.

Step. I sighed. Why wouldn't he go away?

Step. I stared at the rain running down the window.

Then they stopped. Soon I couldn't take it anymore. The silence. "What do you want, Niri?" I kept looking outside. He said nothing. "Where have you been, anyway? It's been weeks." I glanced in his direction.

The room was dark, but I could tell he'd been in a fight. Maybe more than one. His skin was covered in scratches, and his uncovered eye was swollen. I noticed he limped when he took another step towards me. "That long? It's been a long few weeks."

"He's dead."

Niri tilted his head. "who?"

"Renethon." My voice cracked as I said it. I looked back at the window.

"Your friend?" he asked.

"Yes." I whispered.

"More than a friend?"

I could only nod.

"I'm sorry."

I shivered. "Why are you here? Why come now? It's been weeks."

"I got held up." he said, makeing a gesture to his appearance.

"So what do you want?"

"Always staright to the point, aren't you," he shook his head, almost laughing. Then he grew serious. "I need to know your desicion."

"On what?" the wind howled again.

"Irin, don't play dumb with me. You sure as hell know what."

Of course I did. "Then my answer is no."

"If you don't find them,-"

"I don't care, Niri. I don't care. He's gone. It doesn't matter now."

"Fine. Let more of your friends die. Let your enemies prevail. Let all of those who have died die in vain. There can be no victory now."

"It doesn't matter. Renethon is dead."

We were silent, then. So silent that I thought I was alone again. An hour must've passed before he said, "What if I told you there was a way to bring him back?"

Bring him back. Bring him back? But...that wasn't possible. Wasn't death final? Wasn't death irriversable? Wasn't it forever?

But if anyone could bring him back, Niri could. He knew things. He knew magic better than I did.

Several moments passed before I answered. "How?"

He whispered, "The Seven Stones."

For the first time in two days, my mind started moving again. What did I have to loose? My life? My sanity? That was already gone. My freedom? That had been lost when the war started. What did I have to gain? There was only one answer, and it was all I needed. Renethon.

It was because of him that I would say what I said next.

"Okay. I'm in."

 

Chapter 2: Maybe I'm just Bitter

Liz stared at me.

I stared at Liz.

Z stared at both of us.

None of us ate any breakfast.

Renethon's...death had hit all of us hard. Liz and I had known him since forever. And Z was his brother. We couldn't just move on. How would you feel if someone who had been there for you for every day of your life suddenly disapeared?

All of us were past crying. We had done enough of that the first day. This was the third.

And it was still raining.

I stood and left without a word. My meal lay on the table, untouched. I don't even remember what it was, not that I cared.

In the hallway, I walked slowly, tiredly. I hadn't gotten any sleep. Not that I tried. I was too busey watching the rain and making deals with strangers in the dark.

Niri left the moment I said yes. I don't know why. I had hoped he would stay and give me some sort of hint as to what I do next. But no. Instead he left. But by now, I was used to people leaving me. I almost expected it really. It's like I can't go a week without someone leaving. I'm still waiting for Liz or Zendrick or Arrabella to drop dead, or flee in the middle of the night. Or maybe I'm just bitter.

A dwarf passed me and nodded, smiling. What was he so happy about? How could he just move on, accept the circumstances?

That was what really got to me. My best friend was dead, and the whole world moved on like it was nothing. The sky wasn't falling, all hell wasn't breaking loose. Renethon was dead, and the world didn't even stop to shed a tear!

I sighed and kept walking. I don't remember how, but somehow I had gotten outside of the palace walls. By the time I relized this, I was soaked from the rain.

Whatever.

I kept walking outside. I was already wet. What did a few more drops matter? Damn rain. It was like the sky wanted to drown me. Thanks sky. Good to know your on my side. Or maybe I'm just bitter.

But it was the visions my imagination conjured up of me drowning that sent me back inside. The water dripped off me, into a puddle on the smooth marble floors. Arrabella was going to be so happy with me. Probably promote me, too. To a new job with a mop. Or maybe I'm just bitter.

I left a trail of water behind as I made my way to my room. I found a towel, dried my face, and kicked off my boots. Then I grabed a blanket and pulled it around my shoulders as I sat by the window to watch the rain fall and fall and fall.

Three days. Three days and I still see that sword going through his stomach every time I close my eyes. Three days, and I still can't stop thinking about him. Three days, and his sweet, calm voice still rings in my ears.

I missed him. I missed him so much it hurt. But I wouldn't let myself cry anymore. I had done enough of that lately, and look where it got me? Sopping wet as I watched the rain fall. But what else was there to do?

My eyes darted to the list of duties Arrabella wanted me to complete. I hadn't even looked at it yet, but it was long. Probably included something about mopping the floor too. And maybe something about being on time. And there definately had to be something about me betraying her on there. Because apparently getting a gaurdian with some eye problems is an act of treason.

Or maybe I'm just bitter.

 

Chapter 3: To Fail

I opened my eyes and shivered. Darkness confronted me, as did the sound of the gentle tap of water hitting earth. Apparently the rain had slowed down. Perhaps it would be over by morning.

I sat up and stretched. My joints protested, telling me to go back to sleep. But I didn't need sleep. I needed answers. I needed to know where to start.

I stood and shrugged my blanket off my shoulders, despite the cold I felt. My thumb absent-mindedly rubbed the ring on my finger and I shivered again. I almost picked up the blanket, but I knew the cold I felt wasn't a result of freezing temperatures. It was fear.

Fear of failing.

Memories of tonight's dream assaulted my mind...

I looked at the ring uncertainly, then at it's owner. "How much?"

"Free of charge," the man with the eyepatch said. He lowered his voice and said the words that set my future in motion. "You were meant to have that ring, Defender of the Innocent. Don't doubt the legends of the ancient past."

I looked at his one uncovered eye and the stall keeper gave me a glimpse of the future, sucking me into a deep, dark void and pulling me into the middle of a battle. I spun around, fumbling for my sword, then panicking when I learned that it wasn't at my side. I looked up just in time to see a razor sharp blade crashing toward my face. My heart all but leapt out of my chest as I dodged it, narrowly missing the sword.

And then everything melted away until I found myself on a cliff surrounded by purple skies and moving shadows. A man stood in front of me, his blue eyes staring straight into mine. This time my sword was in my hand, shaking as I trembled with fear and exertion. I raised Memory to block the blow of my enemy.

Only by the time his sword struck mine, I was somewhere else completely. I recognized the insignia of my new opponent's armor. It was Arlem's symbol. And I had no problem striking him down. I turned instinctively to challenge someone else, but what I saw stopped me dead in my tracks.

Renethon, standing on a hill, locking eyes on me.

And then the sword went through his stomach. And I saw the pain in his eyes as he collapsed. And then I ran.

And then everything faded to black.

I breathed deeply, fighting off tears that I refused to shed.

I would not fail, I told myself. I would not fail, I would not fail.

To fail was to loose everything. To fail was to let everyone down.

To fail was to condemn everyone I cared about to death.

I would not fail.

 

Chapter 4: It was my fault.

Morning came. Four days and it was still raining.

I didn't get anymore sleep that night. Instead I laid on the floor and tried not to think. It didn't work out to well....

The sky began to lighten. I stood and rubbed my ring without even realizing it. It had begun to be something of a comfort to me. It couldn't disappear.

I looked out my window, wanting so desperately to see the sun again. Wanting so desperately to see the shooting star I had not seen in four days.

I looked away and pulled the blanket around me again. I felt weak, and I knew I should eat something. But the thought of food still disgusted me. How could I eat knowing that Renethon was dead? I couldn't. I wouldn't.

"You should," a voice said. Niri. Interrupting my thoughts once again.

I ignored his comment. "I had a dream last night," I told him.

"Really? So you managed to get some sleep?"

I nodded, wondering how he could have known that I was having trouble sleeping.

"Tell me about your dream." he said.

"It was that day in the market place. When you gave me this ring." I held up my hand for him, displaying the small jade stone set in gold that he had given to me in Trebis.

Niri sat down on my window seat, but said nothing, so I continued.

"You also showed me a battle that day."

His face betrayed nothing of what he was thinking, so I persisted.

"It was the battle we had four days ago, wasn't it?" my question hung in the air.

Several moments passed before Niri sighed. "It wasn't a battle I showed you." He said in a rough voice. "It was a warning."

"What?"

"I showed you what could happen if you don't find the stones." he explained. His words were like an arrow in my heart.

"Do you mean to say...that...that the last battle could have been avoided if...if I had agreed to look for the stones earlier?" my throat tightened, and I almost didn't want to hear the answer. But I had to know.

"It's...possible."

"How possible." I raised my voice.

"Possible." he said firmly. "More than that, I can't tell you. But I will say this. You have to be careful of your actions from know on. You can either tip the war in your favor, or destroy all chances of winning."

I didn't hear the last of what he said. Instead I dared to ask one more question. "If I had looked for the stones sooner, would Renethon be alive?"

Again, Niri sighed. "It's hard to say."

"Niri," I said. The tears I had refused to shed earlier had come back with a vengeance, and I couldn't hold them back this time. "Tell me it isn't my fault."

"I.." he stammered.

"Niri. Answer the question!"

"Maybe."

"What do you mean, maybe?" I shouted.

"I mean that it wasn't a direct result from you not searching for the stones."

"What are you holding back?" because I knew there was something more. Something he wasn't telling me.

Niri put his elbows on his knees and rubbed his temples. "Look, it's not your fault. It was a miscommunication. I meant to tell him that the one he was looking for wasn't here. But he didn't believe me. We were fighting, and...I tried to hold him off-"

"what are you talking about? Spit it out!"

"They thought that Renethon was the Chosen."

"No." I said. This couldn't be happening.

"Renethon's Killer thought he was killing you."

I suppose Niri left after that, but I'm not sure. All I remember was sinking to my knees, crying, and thinking that it was me.

It was my fault that Renethon was dead.

 

.

 

Chapter 5: Throwing Rings and Other Things

"You weren't at the meeting yesterday." Liz told me.

I shrugged as I forced a spoonful of soup down my throat. It tasted horrible. "So?"

"So Arabella wants to talk to you."

I shrugged again. "She knows where to find me."

Liz sighed. "I think you should go to see her."

"I think she should leave me alone." I stood to leave, abandoning a half-empty bowl of soup.

Half-empty. Everything was half-empty. Except the streets of Erram, which were completely full of water from the last five days of rain.

Five days was a long time.

"Irin!" Liz called after me. But I barely heard her. I left the dinning hall and passed through the halls of the palace. Just passing through, floating from one end to the other.

I felt completely overwhelmed. With what, I can't tell you. Probably something like sadness, or anger, or confusion. Or maybe it was just emotion in general.

All I knew was this: It was my fault that Renethon was dead.

And it was my responsibility- no- my duty to bring him back.

If only I knew where to start.

My feet carried me to the double doors of the palace library. The one place that might give me some sort of clue. If only there was another way....

I knew I would find a lot in there. A lot of irrelevant junk. It didn't help that the librarian had quit nearly 3 years ago. And no one else had the desire or the time to sort every book back into place.

I pushed open the doors and immediately tripped over a stack of books someone left on the floor.

In the middle of the doorway.

Idiot.

I cursed under my breath as I picked myself up. Leaving the books scattered in the doorway, I made my way over to a dark corner, sat down, and picked up the first book I saw: an old blue thing with yellowed pages and faded silver writing on the cover. It read " Interesting Diseases Contracted From Trolls."

I had the sudden feeling that I was going to die here.




Around two hours later I woke with a start, forgetting for a moment where I was. I looked back down at the book I was using as a pillow. Apparently the author and I had different ideas on 'interesting.' For future reference assume anything that has to do with trolls is not interesting, but gross. Disgusting even.

I tossed the blue book aside. It hadn't been much help. From my dark corner I could see most of the library, with bookshelves sagging under the weight of books, and piles of them everywhere. The floor was covered in dust, and there were several broken chairs and tables, as if this was the aftermath of a bar fight.

This was hopeless. I put my head in my hands and my elbows on my knees. I ran through everything in my head. The ring...Niri...The Seven Stones...the possibility that they could be found....

This was hopeless.

Suddenly I grabbed a book, stood up, and threw it as far as I could. "What do you expect me to do, Niri?" I screamed. But my words just echoed in the library, my question hung in the air, unanswered. In the silence that followed, I yelled "What can I possibly do?" I was at my breaking point. I knew I was about to break down and cry. "What can I possibly do?" I repeated softly.

I looked down, looked at my ring. The green gem glinted mysteriously.

What the hell did that mean?

I yanked it off my finger and threw it. Then I ran out of there, flew up two flights of stairs, and stumbled into my room and locked the doors behind me.

But somehow it caught up to me. It's cold metal feeling heavy on my finger.

I was painfully close to taking my whole finger off.

 

Chapter 6: Breathing

I took a deep breath. And another one. And another until I finally calmed down enough to think straight. Or at least somewhat straight....

My eyes darted to the letter on my bedside table. I snatched it and sat on my bed as I tore through the envelope. There were two pieces of parchment. One was an official looking letter from Arrabella, which I crumbled into a ball and threw behind me without reading it.

The other was blank.

I expect this was her idea of a joke.

I really stupid joke.

Horrible, really.

Needless to say, the second page followed the first page over my shoulder.

My room darkened quickly as the sun set and the moon rose behind the wall of clouds. It was only then that I realized Liz and I were supposed to hunt today. For werewolves.

But I didn't feel like hunting. Not with Liz. I wanted to be alone.

So I did something incredibly stupid. I grabbed my quiver and slung it and my bow on my back, fastened my sword and my dagger onto my belt, put on my fairly new hunting boots (because my old ones were a bloody mangy mess) and ran stealthily out of my rooms and down the stairs, because I knew I shouldn't go alone. I knew someone would stop me if they found out where I was going. But I didn't run into anyone until I ran into the stable, soaking wet. It was still raining.

The stable boy gave me a funny look but said nothing as I saddled Freedom, my horse. I mounted him and he started running, splashing in the water in the streets. An hour passed as I rode Freedom. The rain pelted down on my skin, and I cursed myself for forgetting my cloak. I finally saw the edge of the forest. Pausing for a moment, I wondered if I should cast a spell on my arrows for a little extra light, but decided against it. I wasn't supposed to be here anyway.

I urged Freedom on through the thick darkness. The forest was even darker then normal, what with the clouds obscuring the full moon. Freedom kept stumbling over overgrown roots. Soon, I dismounted him and tied his reigns to a tree. He didn't look happy, but at least the thick branches kept him dry for the most part. I left him with the promise that I would be back soon, then set off in a different direction.

Being smaller then Freedom, I was able to move much faster through the forest. Soon, I was a in a dead run. Dodging trees, jumping over bushes. And then I stopped. And just listened. It felt like a lifetime passed before I heard something. But it was too far away and to soft for me to tell where it had come from. I moved on silently, walking instead of running, my ears straining to pick up any amount of sound. The pitter-patter of raindrops made it harder to hear anything. But soon I picked something up.

It wasn't exactly footstep. The quality of the sound didn't have the firmness one would expect a footstep to have. I knew it was close, though. I dropped into a hunter's crouch, strung my bow, and listened. I kept low, thinking that this way nothing would see me before I saw it.

I was horribly mistaken.

It was hard to see in the dark. Especially with the misty rain. I breathed in deeply, feeling the cool air refresh my lungs.

For a second, it felt like I was the only living being in the forrest. In the world. I had come here alone, knowing it was stupid, knowing it was dangerous. But somehow, in the midst of danger, I felt a calm that I hadn't felt in weeks. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply again, relaxing myself. And then it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

I was right. It wasn't a footstep I heard. Even though it was a consistent sound. A soft sound.

The sound of something breathing.

Panic rushed through my veins as I realized what this meant. I slowly slipped an arrow into my bow and held it tightly, ready to shoot if need be. Then in the same motion, I stood and spun around slowly. And I tried not to scream.

His cold black eyes were locked on me. His claws were digging into the soft, wet ground, as if they were itching to penetrate my flesh. His fur was grey and short, missing in some places. So many scars decorated his body, like awards given to a general. His legs were strong and muscular, waiting for just the right moment to pounce on me.

And me? I barely saw any of that. My eyes were fixed on the razor sharp, blood stained teeth that he showed me, pulled into a sinister grin.

Yep. I was screwed.

 

Chapter 7: Oh Crap

As soon as I came to my senses, I released the arrow. The wolf was only a few feet in front of me, and I could have hit his head easily.

If he hadn't snatched the arrow from the air in his powerful job.

"Oh crap oh crap oh crap." I breathed. And then I just turned around and ran.

I could hear him tearing apart the forest as he chased me. I tried to zig zag and loop around in an attempt to confuse him, but it was hopeless. He just destroyed the forest.

I saw a shadow racing by my side and I actually let myself believe that help had come. "Liz?" I panted, "That you?"

"Nope." said my one eyed companion. He glanced behind him and said, "See, this is why you normally hunt in pairs."

"NOT-HELPING!" I yelled, breathing hard.

And then I fell as something gripped my ankle. Pain immediately shot up my leg and through my body. My head hit the ground hard, and I screamed "Do something!" But Niri had already vanished as was custom when I needed him.

I felt the wolf's claws slice open my back. I tried to roll over, and nearly succeeded, but the wolf still had a firm grip on my foot, and my leg twisted painfully. The next second, the wolf had it's claws on my shoulders, officially pinning me down.

If I could just reach my dagger! Just a little more...a little more...just a little...yes! I unsheathed it, spun it around, and stabbed him. The pressure on my chest disappeared as the wolf staggered back and howled.

I got onto my hands and knees then tried to break into a run. But as soon as my bad leg touched the ground, I yelped in pain and collapse. I tried again to stand. The pain was almost unbearable, but I knew things could get a lot worse. I had seen what was left of the elves who were most unlucky during the full moon. So I tried to run, fell again, and then screamed in frustration. I realized that I was still holding my dagger and clutched it tightly. A sword wouldn't help me if I couldn't stand, and I was shaking too much to be accurate with a bow.

"Oh crap oh crap oh crap."

My head was spinning. How could I be so stupid?

I heard him get down on all fours again, heard him growl, knew he was out for revenge.

I rolled away from the path I was trying to follow. I wondered what my chances were of climbing a tree with a bad leg. I found a pretty pathetic hiding place behind a bush and held my breath. But I knew I would be found. Visions of my death flashed before my eyes, and then I heard Renethon.

"Your the kind of person who doesn't wait for death. If your going down, your going down fighting. I've always liked that about you."

I nodded. Okay. Fine. I can do this. "This is for you, Renethon," I whispered.

I leaned on a tree and used it to support myself as I stood. The cuts on my back hurt, but not nearly as much as my ankle or my knee. But I didn't even have a chance to look up.

Something big and heavy slammed into me, and once again I was knocked to the ground, the wolf right on top of me.

But I was lucky this time.

I had held my blade outward when the crash happened. And now, it had stabbed the wold for the second time tonight. And I pushed it in even further, twisting it, turning it, making it hurt. He howled again, and scratched my face with his claws. And somehow I knew. One more would do it. This time, right through the heart.

He collapsed to the right of me, and I almost cried in relief.

It was several minutes before I sat up. I was covered in blood, both his and mine. The red liquid dripped down my face. I sheathed my now-red dagger and wondered how on earth I would explain this when I returned to the palace. If I returned....

And then I heard the growl. For a second I thought the one next to me had come back to life, but no. It was thoroughly dead.

It was a second werewolf, no doubt drawn by the scent of blood and the howls of the dead wolf.

"Oh crap oh crap oh crap."

I was just about to unsheathe my dagger when I heard a second sound...something like a...neigh?

And then my heart leapt as I glanced behind me. "Freedom!"

I got to my feet as fast as possible with my hurt leg. I was just in time to climb on as Freedom ran past me. I wrapped my arm around his neck, not bothering with the reigns. I trusted him to navigate himself. And then I took a leap of faith, turned around, grabbed my bow and arrow and started shooting as fast as I could, not even taking the time to aim as accurately as I normally would. Several arrows pierced his chest and he went down.

Words cannot describe the relief I felt.

 

Chapter 8: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Freedom's pace gradually slowed, but I clung on tightly anyway and closed my eyes. My head was throbbing, and my hair was drenched in my own blood. My mind was foggy, and it was hard to think, but I knew I should try to stay awake. My thoughts came in short strings, and it was hard to piece them together. Alone on a full moon...stupid...s'that blood?...Freedom....Niri...killed two of 'em in one night...Arabella's gonna kill me...it's raining...ow....

I must've been drifting in my incoherent thoughts for ages, not quite asleep, but not awake either. The soft pitter-patter of rain was soothing, and soon the sound of rushing water was added to it. I only roused when Freedom stopped and neighed loudly, then shook a little.

I groaned, then reluctantly opened my eyes and sat up. I immediately recognized the Tranquil River. It had swelled to at least twice the size of when I last saw it a month ago, no doubt because of the last five days of never-ending rain.

Freedom shook again, almost like a weak attempt to buck me off.

"Alright, I get it." I said softly.

I slowly dismounted from Freedom, wincing as my left leg touched the ground. My horse padded to the river and bent down for a drink. I tried to take a step, but I collapsed almost instantly. After that, I have no idea what happened.



Cold. On my face. And the sound of a rushing river, roaring in my ears.

Drip-drop. Drip-drop. Water. Rain. River.

I opened my eyes slowly. It was no longer night. But it was still raining lightly. What was this, six days now?

I hate rain.

It took me a moment to remember what happened, and pain followed immediately after that. I touched my face where the wolf had shredded it. The rain had washed most of the blood away, but it stung, and I knew that I had no hope of hiding this from Arabella. It would probably leave a nasty mark, too.

Carefully, I sat up. Every single muscle in my body was sore, and the effort was enough to make me dizzy. I tried to recall the last time I had a decent meal. It had to be more than a week ago.

"You know, I'm close to wondering if your insane. Alone on a full moon in Nemeran Forrest...wasn't that the very thing you scolded a boy not much younger than yourself for?"

I groaned and rubbed my eyes. "Shut up, will you? I'm not in the mood."

"And you've barely eaten or slept for a week. I though you were smarter than this," he droned on.

"And I thought I told you to shut up."

But Niri was never one to be ordered around. "You should have at least had the sense to tell someone where you were going. At the very least you should have told the stable boy."

I looked up and saw Niri sitting across from me on a large rock.

"Will you just get out of here?"

He rolled his eye. "How am I supposed to protect you if you keep getting into trouble? You know- Hey! No need to get violent! Fine, consider me gone." And gone he was.

I dropped the knife I had been preparing to throw at him, thankful that he was finally gone.

I looked down, taking inventory of my injuries. Being an elf, my knee, ankle, head, and back had already started to heal. But I knew they would not heal completely and I felt irritated that I was not good enough at magic to do it herself. I would have to get back to the palace and let someone else do it. Maybe Lyn. She wouldn't tell Arrabella, would she?

I sighed, then tried to stand up. My left leg could support my wight only if I walked slowly, and even then I knew it wouldn't be long until I collapsed again.

Very slowly, very cautiously, I knelt down by the bank of the speeding river and drank some of the cool, clear liquid. I looked down at my reflection, my bright green eyes, my normally wavy brown hair, now matted down with blood. And then the claw marks on my face, running from my left eye brow to the right to my chin. I vaguely wondered if I would need an eye path, and I almost smiled at the thought of me being Niri's look-a-like.

I heard the sound of a horse's hooves, and then Freedom nudged my shoulder. I stood slowly, and turned, then prepared myself to mount and ride. Only...I saw something.

I slowly walked around Freedom and strung my bow and arrow. Freedom turned to look at me, but somehow sensed the urgency in my movements, how important it was to be quiet.

My leg was starting to really hurt. I said a silent prayer that whatever had done this wasn't hungry anymore.

Because all I saw was a hand.

And a lot of blood.

I edged closer to the puddle of blood, and I found that the hand was connected to an arm, and an arm to a body, partly concealed by the bushes, so that I couldn't see the face.

For a moment, I looked up and turned, my fingers ready to release the arrow at any sign of movement. But whoever -or whatever- had done this was long gone.

Could this be an unfortunate elf, one that fell as prey to the werewolf hunt last night? No, I didn't think so. If that were the case, then there would be nothing but bones left.

I looked back down at the body, it's identity still concealed. A stench of death hung in the air, a stench so strong I don't know how I could have missed it.

I held my breath, and with the tip of my arrow, I moved the leaves of the bush away, hoping it wasn't someone I knew.

But it was, and I I almost forgot to breath I was so shocked. I took a step back, not comprehending what my eyes just told me.

No, it must have been a mistake, a trick of the light. Maybe I hit my head a little too hard last night.

So I took a deep breath, moved the leaves away once again, and confirmed what I already saw.

His clothes were of the expensive variety, probably satin or silk. He was obviously of royal decent, because he war a cloak trimmed with animal hair. All sorts of jewels adorned his clothing or hung around his neck. He was plump and short, and a dark brown bushy beard covered most of his face. His brown, lifeless eyes stared at the clouds above us, watching blankly as the rain fell for all eternity. A red line defined his neck, the mark a man wears when he is savagely killed by his murderer.

And then my eyes were drawn to the embroidered insignia of Arlem.

Before me laid a cold, dead, lifeless King Paltier.

Freedom came over to where I stood and nudged my shoulder, eager to get going, get out of the rain, into the warm stable. He was eager to get his treat, an apple he was certainly entitled to after saving my life last night. But I had to ask him of one more favor.

I slung my bow back on my shoulder, then crouched down and grabbed his shoulders, shuddering at being so near to a dead man. I pulled as hard as I could, determined to get him out of the bushes and onto the back of my horse. Pain shot up and down my leg, but after quite a few attempts, I managed to load him onto Freedom, who's protests did not make it any easier. It was almost as if he knew that this was an enemy, as if he could feel the evil radiating from it's cold flesh. (It did not help that he was an overly large man who had eaten far too many pastries than was healthy.)

After promising him a few extra carrots, and a few more when I mounted, we finally were able to leave at a slow walk. I didn't make him go any faster. He was already irritated with me as it was.

I started wondering who had wielded the blade that slit the King's throat. I wanted to congratulate them. I wondered if it was someone from Sorroth, but that seemed unlikely, because surely we would have heard that the King was dead. But if it wasn't one of us...

I glanced back at the body. Whatever the case, this body had a story to tell, the last few minutes of his life etched with fear, or worry. That much was clear from the look in his face, the frightened, dead look of his eyes. And was there a bit of knowledge? Did he know his attacker?

"Someone turned on you, didn't they?" I said. But the body was still.

My head started to throb again, and I looked away. As if I would get answers from him. Even when he was a live he wouldn't give me the time of day.

Besides, dead men tell no tales.

 

Chapter 9: Not My greatest Moment

It was slow going. But faster than drowning in a supposedly calm river. I guess for once I was thinking rationally.

Or not. Because even I have to admit that it was incredibly stupid to ride Freedom into the palace, carrying a very dead king a very bloody me on his back. Even if only half of the blood was mine.

I should have let the stable boy take care of Freedom and then sneak into my room to get all the blood off me.

But no. That would have been too easy.

Instead, I was half asleep. I didn't notice anything. Not until the yelling started.

The next thing I knew were the smooth marble floors. Smooth, but hard. I was made aware of that fact when I fell off of my horse.

"Where have you been! We've been looking everywhere for you! You could've-"

Liz broke off. Apparently whatever she was saying wasn't as important as the amount of blood smeared on my clothes. Her eyes went wide as she yelled for a healer and ran over to help me.

And me? Well, as soon as she was in range I clamped my hand over her mouth. But the damage was done, and I could already hear the footsteps running. Which was entirely the last thing I needed.

The two servants came first. And then Lyn, Dash, and Z. Followed by a dwarf, one of the kitchen staff, a boy I had never met, a red-headed healer, Seth, and another dwarf, each looking as alarmed and then as shocked as the next. Some even had thier weapons out. I soon spotted Niri among them, but of course he remained as calm and as invisible to the others as ever. And then the healer came running forward, a girl with short hair and blue eyes.

"It's not as bad as it looks," I told her but she took no notice. Instead her fingers went to the gash on my head and she started chanting a few spells. The wound stung suddenly and then subsided as the skin started to knit itself together. I didn't tell her about my leg. I had drawn too much attention to myself already. Lyn could heal it once I had thought of a lie convincing enough to get me out of this.

But I really didn't have time to think. As soon as the healer retreated, the questions started. I got to my feet, putting most of my weight on my right leg, wanting to leave quickly. But I knew that would look suspicious. If only I could-

"You killed him, didn't you?" It was the boy, the one I hadn't seen before, who interrupted my thoughts.

"What? I-No!"

"That is Paltier, isn't it?" A servant said.

"Yes, but-"

"What happened?" said one of the Dwarves.

"It's a long story...I-I should really be going now."

"No, I think you should stay. An explanation is owed."

A chill went up my spine. There are no words to describe how much trouble I was in. Only that by this time tomorrow, I would be lucky if I still had my job.

Because standing right behind me was none other than Arrabella.




I let the warm water wash over me, soak into my rough, dry, skin. The dirt, grime and blood that had accumulated on my skin had been scrubbed away long ago. Now I lay peacefully in the water, occasionally letting myself go under, only to surface again a few moments later. Alone in the warm bath, I was almost...happy? No, that was not the word. It couldn't be. The word I was looking for was content.

I still had my job, which meant I still had a place to sleep at night, I still had food, a reason to fight, a cause to fight for, a country to fight for. I still had my job, which meant I still had some amount of life left to live., some purpose to live for, however minuscule or meaningful it was.

I don't think I have to tell you how furious Arrabella was with me. She dismissed everyone else and ordered me to one of the smaller meeting rooms. We sat down and I told her what happened.

And then the screaming match began. Except we forgot to use magic to sound-proof the walls, so about twenty guards broke through the double doors, weapons raised. They insisted on searching the room before they finally understood that they were interrupting something, (not that I minded).

After that, we were much more calm and civilized, and relaxed. It was such a quick transition and in through me off so much, but suddenly it was like talking to an old friend rather than my employer. I was even able to tell her my theory of how Paltier was murdered. We began discussing what this would mean, who would replace him, how this could help us win the war.

And then the conversation took a turn for the worst when Arrabella asked, "Why did you even go? I specifically told you to take it easy the next few days."

"What?"

"Werewolf hunting has been suspended because of the war, it was all in the letter!"

"What let...oh...um...I was...um...bored? Had a stiff neck?...needed to stretch out a bit?"

"You didn't read the letter."

I sighed. "No, I didn't read the letter. It um, spontaneously crumpled itself up. I suspect the dwarves. They always do things like this when they've got too much ale in them. You should probably get rid of all the ale so..." Arrabella held up her hand and I trailed off.

"I write things for a reason you know. I suppose it was also the dwarves' fault that you didn't show for the meeting the other day?"

My silence was a good enough answer for her.

"We have important matters to discuss. But now is not the time. I will summon you later. You may go now."

"Thank you M'lady."

I stood, bowed, and was about to leave when I heard, "Irin?"

"Yes?" I said politely and turned.

"Please tell me you didn't really think it was a good idea to lead your horse into the palace on my nice clean floors with a dead man on his back." some of her old self resurfaced with a lopsided smile.

"Not my greatest idea, no." I returned the smile, and headed for my room.


By now the water was cold, but still I hesitated to get out. I didn't want to leave the peace behind, the sense of importance I had gained in the once warm waters. But I was shaking with cold, so I dried myself, got into the comfiest clothes I owned, and fell into my bed, immediately overtaken by sleep.

 

Chapter 10: Welcome to My Nightmare

It's funny how much can change within the span of a few hours.

My mood, for instance.

By morning my dark and depressing mood was back, the optimism of yesterday gone.

"I still can't believe you went without me." Liz said. As if I did everything with her. Which I did. Until exactly one month and one day ago.

"I just wanted to be alone, alright?" I snapped.

"And you just happened to carry every single weapon you own with you."

"I did not. I left my spear behind." I looked up from my breakfast long enough to see her role her eyes at me. "Look, can we just drop it?"

"How many did you kill, anyway? Or did you get any at all?"

"For your information I killed two." My voice had an edge to it. "Now just drop it, okay?"

"Fine."

And we sat quietly, only the sound of our spoons screeching against our bowls to break the silence.

But Liz just had to break it. "Did you get Lyn to fix you leg yet?"

And for some reason, that sent me over the edge. I found that I couldn't control my anger. So I slammed my bowl on the table, stood, and said, "I thought I told you to drop it," every word perfectly pronounced, annunciated, sharp as knives, as if my anger were actually living inside my words.

And then we just looked at each other, until I couldn't take it anymore.

And I stalked away, limping slightly.

"What's up with her?" I heard a voice say on my way to the door. Someone who had just arrived at the scene. A voice I couldn't place. But I didn't care enough to look ever my shoulder and see who it belonged to. I was already at the door, tears threatening to spill.

Seven days.

Nobody understood.

---

I curled up in a ball, a blanket wrapped around me like a cocoon. Rain still fell. No break in the clouds. No break in the gray sky that had haunted me for the last seven days.

"It's all your fault." he had said to me last night.

And the worst part? I completely agreed with him.

There's was nothing I could do to stop the blood. The sword had cut clear through to the other side, and now that it had withdrawn, the blood flowed freely. He was dead within seconds. But not before his screams of pain penetrated the night. It was just me and him, but he was so far away. I kept running and running, but I couldn't make it. I couldn't answer his plea for help. I screamed out his name, begging him to hold on, but his eyes had closed forever by the time I reached him. And then his body was gone, and I just stood there, looking for it, utterly confused, heartbroken.

Until I was knocked flat on my back, starring into those beautiful blue eyes, the ones I had always found so kind and compassionate, open and caring.

Except now those eyes were tormented with pain, bloodshot with rage.

"You killed me." He whispered fiercely.

"No! No, I-I would never. I-"

"You killed me!" he said, louder this time.

I tried to get up, but he was on top of me, pinning me to the ground.

"I didn't! I promise. I-"

"It's all your fault!" He yelled. And then he withdrew something. A dagger. And he raised it. "You killed me!"

And then tears were filling my eyes, and and couldn't stop them. I could only look at him, begging him to somehow understand, comprehend.

"I'm so, so sorry," I whispered. "I didn't mean to."

And I could only watch, helpless, as the blade came down, aiming for my broken heart.

That was the reason I woke up at dawn, screaming. Crying. The reason that now, I could not look directly at the window for fear of looking at myself, my reflection. The reason I could not look anyone in the eye.

Because he was right.

Renethon was right.

 

Chapter 11: Dark Plans

It would be almost too easy, really. He had no children. Their was no immediate heir to the throne. And the King's word is law.

So there would have been few problems if Sentax had lied, and said the King had given him the Kingdom. After all, that was the plan.

Was. Because Sentax, for once in his life (or at least it seemed that way if you asked his mysterious blue-eyed companion) had thought.

"Amazing what happens when you think." Said the man with blue eyes, who was actually jealous that he didn't think of this plan first. Not that he was going to tell Sentax that.

He leaned against the window, watching the rain fall lightly against the glass as the sky darkened.

"Shut up." Sentax said from his desk, where several pieces of parchment were stacked in a messy pile, and several more were scattered about the room, crumpled and forgotten, nothing more than a bad idea, or a mess of ink spilled in frustration.

"What are you doing anyway?" said the blue eyed man.

"Making a list." he replied simply.

"Really?" the man said, slightly amused, for he wasn't even sure that Sentax could read, never mind write. "And what purpose would that list serve?"

"Never you mind," Sentax said. He did not want any criticism on his brilliant plan. As far as he were concerned, the less his...mentor...knew, the better. There was less of a chance that his plan would be manipulated in some way. "This doesn't concern you."

He laughed at that. "Doesn't concern me? I think you're confusing yourself. I am the only reason you even have this opportunity. You would be nothing without me."

Sentax turned to glare at the man, but said nothing.

"If you must know, it's a list of demands." he said, returning to his parchment.

This amused the man by the window very much. "Demands. Right. And how are you going to get whoever it is to agree to them?"

Sentax sighed in exasperation, as if it were obvious how his demands would be met. This only made the blue eyed man shake even harder with concealed laughter.

The candle light flickered on Sentax's pale face, reflecting off of his eyes, which were also blue, and flashing with anger. "This was what I was afraid of." he said quietly to himself.

The man by the window didn't seem to hear at all.

"I have plans of my own, you know." Sentax said. And that was when the man by the window simply couldn't take it anymore.

He burst out laughing.

And Sentax just watched as the candle wax burned like the rage that burned within him.

 

Chapter 12: Agent of Arlem

It was a gold crown. With jades and rubies and sapphires. A single large diamond set into the center. Intricate designs flowing around the precious gems, weaving gently, moving softly.

The crown sat on a small pillow. A deep red one, dark as blood. The satin fabric was trimmed with white lace, the color of a mid-day cloud.

Sentax watched from the shadows as the crown was placed on the head of another. It almost hurt. For years he had longed to have that crown placed on his head. For years he had wanted to snatch that crown away from Paltier. But he waited.

He waited then. And he would wait now. It was for the best. It suited his plans.

The man's name was Wervan. He had broad shoulders, and big feet, and a larger-than-normal head, which made the task of keeping the crown on a very hard one. He wasn't incredibly bright, but he was by no means stupid.

And he was in the former King's circle.

And this is why the people so readily accepted that Paltier had left the throne to Wervan. And this is what made the plan so brilliant.

Sentax remembered the day. He had come to the palace in a panicked state, seeking out for the Royal Advisers. He had told them that they were attacked by a patrol, one from Sorroth. He even cut his leg a little, scratched himself up, made it even more convincing. He said that the former King had fought gallantly, though that was an outright lie. He was a coward, through and through. But the Advisors, they ate it up. They had a long elaborate ceremony to 'celebrate the life of the former King!'

But wouldn't it be simpler to take the throne for himself? Surely. But imagine how suspicious it would look if Sentax came galloping in, proclaiming that, "The King was dead. And, oh by the way, he named me his heir."

No, it had to be done this way, Sentax reminded himself. So he watched on the side of the large balcony, hidden from view as the Coronation continued, then melted into the shadows as it concluded.

***

"You asked to see me, my lord?" he said.

"Sentax?" said the new king from his throne as he peered down on the unexpected visitor. "Is that you? Goodness, I wasn't expecting anyone at this late hour. I really should be sleeping, but I came to check up on this throne. It really is a lovely seat. I-"

"You came...to check on your...throne?" The idea was absurd, as if at any given moment the chair would grow legs and walk away. Sentax knew it was no coincidence that they would meet here in the middle of the night. His partner-in-crime had assured that. But really? Could he not have thought of a better excuse?

"Never mind. I was under the impression that you summoned me for something important."

"Summoned you? For goodness sakes Sentax, it's the middle of the night!"

"And yet, here we are..." It was at this point that Sentax silently uttered the magic words, and only a moment later comprehension flooded the man's face.

"Ah yes, here we are..." he said, almost dreamily.

"I was told," began Sentax, "That you wanted to offer me a job."

"Yes!" Wervan said suddenly, with such excitement that you'd think he just discovered the unknown ability he had that enabled him to sneeze rainbows. "A job! The maids need help keeping my palace clean."

"No, no, no. A job that embraces my natural talents. Snooping, prying, spying, and killing, yes?"

"Oh, hmm, I suppose." said the King, who seemed thoroughly disappointed that he would not be increasing his cleaning staff on this night.

"You want me," he continued with practiced patience, "to go to Sorroth and gather intelligence that could help us win the war."

"War?" Wervan said, seeming to break from the trance. "I was actually thinking of doing away with this war. I know were an aggressive bunch, but...well...I don't quite remember the reason we started this war..."

"We started this war," Sentax said forcefully, "because all the world must know how great and powerful the nation of Arlem is. Those petty Sorithians don't deserve to live on our world." Yes, yes he'll buy that. No one could know the real reason behind the war. No one but him.

"Great and powerful." Wervan said slowly. "Yes. And you will be snooping...prying...spying...and...?"

"Killing."

"What?"

"Killing, my lord. It's the one you forgot."

"Ah, yes. Killing." He quite agreeable tonight.

"But to do that, you wanted to give me...shall we say...special permission to...do what's needed." What Sentax actually had in mind was a 'Do-whatever-I-want-and-get-away-with-it Badge.' It just simplified everything.

The King paused to consider. Of course this pause was just for show. Sentax would get exactly what he wanted. He was sure of that. "Yes." he said at last. "Special permission."

"I took the liberty of making a pin for you, a badge of sorts, so that others may know that I have 'Special' permission to do what was needed. You'll find it on the table next to you." And so it was, resting on the elegant table, before the King picked it up.

"Here, a badge, so others may know...of the special permission."

"Thank you my King." He accepted the pin then kneeled, knowing that this next part would need no suggestion.

The King took his sword, also laying conveniently on the table. He touched the sword first on one shoulder, than the other, then his back, and said, "I christen thee, Sentax, Agent of Arlem."

Agent. Odd word choice, but, he could live.

Sentax stood, and gushed out his thanks like some deprived maid who received much to little praise, and before leaving, said, "Remember now, this is our little secret."

And the King put a finger to his lips.

Sentax, now walking to his bedroom, was very pleased with himself and his plan. Not even his 'partner-in-crime' had thought of using the smooth, black, palm-sized rock that Sentax had been holding in his hand for all this time.

 

Chapter 13: Run Me Through with a Fork

I went another night without sleeping. Didn't even try. How could I? Just when I think I'll be okay, everything starts to fall apart again.

Niri was less than happy at my complete lack of sleep. He kept telling me it was necessary that I learn to dream walk, told me it was getting harder and harder for him to stay in 'this world.' But I didn't care enough to be confused by that.

On the eighth day, it was still raining when there was a knock on my door. I had been summoned to a meeting. I was expected to be there, on time, looking presentable. If I did not go, I would be sent to the dungeon to do the dishes with the convicts, a threat I couldn't see Arrabella following through on.

Whatever.

I changed clothes. I ran a brush through my hair. I fastened my sword to my belt. I skipped breakfast.

I felt hollow.

For once, I wasn't late. If you can believe this, I showed up first. I paced back and forth in the dark, not bothering to open the curtains of the floor to ceiling windows or lighting a candle. Once I tired of pacing, I sat down to the right of the head of the table. Several minutes passed.

Liz came in, and there was a tense silence. My outburst from yesterday had not been forgotten. I glared at her. She looked away and sat down on the other side of the table, leaving a chair between her's and the queens. A chill ran down my spine.

Eight.

I looked away. I would not break. I would not break.

Z was there next. Along with Dash and Lyn and Seth. But only Z looked at the empty chair. Only he seemed to realize it for what it was.

I would not break, I would not break.

Next came a man that I did not know, which didn't surprise me. There were plenty of people in the palace I did not know. Did not care too. What did surprise me was this: he approached me, and said. "Excuse me, miss. You're in my seat." he smiled and winked, and I think I gagged a little. He was not hitting on me.

I did the only logical thing that came to mind. I stood, I looked at him, looked him in the eye, crossed my arms, and glared.

The man was young, wearing one of those 'I'm-too-confident-for-my-own-good' smirks that seemed to falter under my hard gaze. He had hair the color of wet sand and light brown eyes, and could almost be considered good looking.

Except for the fact that I despised him instantly.

"If you could just-"

"No." I said. "No, I don't think I can."

He seemed shocked at my defiance, but recovered quickly. "Of course not." he said. "We haven't been formally introduced. My name is Tarron." he mock-bowed slightly, his brown eyes sparkling mischievously. "And might I have the pleasure of your name, Miss..."

"No, you may not."

It might have gotten ugly, but we'll never know. Because just then, King Norwán of the Dwarves came in, accompanied by some other short guys. They took their seats on the other end of the table.

Tarron, who seemed to realize that this was not the place to make a scene, simply winked again, and said, "Very well, Miss-tery girl. I'll just have to find out some other way. But I must insist that this seat-"

"This seat," I interrupted, "is mine, was always mine, and will always be mine. The day I give it up is the day someone runs me through with a fork."

"Really?" Tarron said smoothly. "Well, you must forgive me. I did not think that someone so beautiful would be so invested in an affair as ugly as war. You have my most sincere apology."

Oh. Oh. Oh my Star Sailor. He was flirting. He was flirting with me. Me, of all people.

"I suppose I'll have to choose another chair then," Tarron went on, and I made a silent vow that if he chose that one specific chair, I would not hesitate to kill him.

Unfortunately, I never got the chance. Because he took the chair to my immediate left just after I declined his oh-so-gentalmenly offer to push mine in. I was about to say something snarky when Arrabella came in.

While I was fuming about being 'hit on,' someone had opened the curtains and sunlight flooded the room. Arrabella took her seat and began the meeting with a bunch of uninteresting stuff that I tuned out. Half the meeting went like this, and I just flowed through my thoughts, going back and forth between the only empty chair in the room, and the unnecessarily annoying Tarron, who I was all to aware of sitting next to me.

The word 'Paltier,' brought me back to reality. I quickly realized that Arrabella was talking about the dead King, and how he was found. I found myself praying that she wouldn't ask me to tell the tale myself.

She didn't. She only gave me credit for finding the body. Paltier's killer had not yet come forward. Everyone thought this was strange. We did not know if this meant the war was over. Our spies in Arlem have not reported yet. The General and the Masters of Magic were still missing.

"On the subject of the General," Arabella said, "I feel that enough time has passed without someone to act as a one, especially in the middle of a war. I have taken it upon myself to fill this position. I'd like you all to meet General Tarron of Trebis."

Apparently, Tarron was expecting some sort of applause. "Thank you, thank you, you're too kind." He said looking around the oval table.

I don't know why I said what I did. I just...snapped....

"Could you please stop acting like a twelve-hundred-year-old 'big-shot' and take your job seriously as a...a..." I trailed off as I finally realized exactly what Arrabella said. I turned to her.

"Did you...you...you didn't just say-"

"She said 'General,' Irin. Clean out your ears, will you?" Dash said.

Next to me, Tarron smirked in satisfaction. There was no denying that he knew my name now. Anger boiled in me as I glared at Dash who gave his own version of an apology.

"But, since I have a lot of questions that you undoubtedly have as well, I'm gonna let you handle this, Irin."

I rolled my eyes and turned back to Arrabella. "You can't be serious. He's...look at him!"

"And just what reason do you have that must question my authority." Arrabella said sternly.

I knew I was in trouble. Evidently I was 'questioning her authority,' in front of everyone here, including the Dwarf King. I had gone to far, I had crossed the line. More importantly, I wasn't 'minding my manners.' Ugh.

But I didn't care. I just knew I couldn't work with that disrespectful creep. And while that's what I wanted to say, I knew it would be over the top and I would be out of here before I could say, 'Row me down the Red River.'

So I settled on the brilliant, "He's so...young? I mean, he can't be much older than me."

"No, he's not." Arrabella confirmed. "Now unless anyone else has reason to question my judgement, this meeting is adjourned. Except," she said, locking eyes with me, "for you."

Crap.

Tense silence blanketed the room once more as everyone filed out. It seemed like this was happening much too often lately.

Dash, who was last out if the room lipped the words 'Good luck,' as he closed the door.

I was going to need it.

"So...shall we sound proof the walls now? Or wait until we start yelling to do it?" I was relieved to see a small smile on her face.

"I don't think that will be necessary, unless you feel the need to," she replied.

I nodded. "Look, I'm sorry. Something about Tarron rubs me the wrong way." He tried to take my seat!

"As much as I'd like to return to that subject, it isn't what this is about."

My eyes slowly drifted to the chair across from mine. "It isn't about...that...is it?"

I will not break, I will not break.

"No. Not yet."

"Not ever..." I whispered.

I will not break.

Arrabella ignored me, and I was great-full for that. But what she said next...I didn't like it.

"I want you to take on an apprentice."

"What? No! I- you know what happened to the last one, don't you? We canceled the apprentice program as a result!"

"I understand. But-"

"And in the middle of the war? I won't have time to train him! I won't-"

"You won't disobey a direct order."

That shut me up.

"I am told you sent a boy back to the palace during a war."

"Oh, that's what this is about. And this is my punishment? Arrabella, the boy was scared to death. He wouldn't have hurt anyone. I saw innocence in him." Softly, I said, though it hurt, "They call me Defender of the Innocent for a reason."

"I know, Irin," she said gently. "This is not a punishment. This is a...an investment. I want you to train him. I want you to teach him what you know. You won't be around to protect this country forever."

I can try, dammit.

"And...he's your responsibility. Despite his innocence, he's still from Arlem. It will be a long time before he gains my complete trust."

Great, a kid and a stuck up colleague, all in the same day. When do we move the crib into my room? You want me to sing him lullabies? Cut up his food too?"

"But-"

"No buts. This is a direct order. I expect you to start soon."

And I expect a raise.

She dismissed me shortly after that. And as I stepped out of the hallway, one thought overshadowed all the rest.

Would somebody please run me through with a fork?