Next to me I saw Coran being dragged from his horse, I saw the sharp edge of the sword in Nate's hands. Forcing my way through the warriors separating us I blocked his attack with both my own swords. Forcing his sword away from Coran and stood between him and Nate. The others were largely overwhelmed. We were loosing, I had to get us out of here fast. Nate saw the worry in my face and smiled infuriating me. Raging into battle I fought with lighting speed and precise precision. Nate was not able to land one strike as all around him were taken down by my sword. My body acted on it's own in my anger.
My mind went blank as I slashed, ripped and lunged forward. I was unable to control it all I could feel was the enormous anger towards those who strove to hurt my family and people. The longer I fought the angrier I got, suddenly after killing many I heard a soft voice urging me to keep going. It told me not to stop, to let the anger control me. Before I knew it I had touched the power inside me. Digging my swords into the ground before me I raised my hands above my head, cupping them in the air I crated a powerful energy. Everything around me seemed to slow as I separated my hands crating a ball of the darkest black. Bringing my hands down I let them rest before me with the energy between my palms. My anger exploded as a burst of wind crashed through the earth beneath me to swirl around like a whirlpool. The sphere before me began to send out smaller spheres that ripped through all of the enemy warriors. Every one of them was sent flying only to land dead on the ground. Once done the wind died and the energy ball remained as the voices in my head continued. They continued to taunt me urging me to keep going.
"Do not stop,"
they say.
"There are still survivors."
Confused by the voices I did not notice anyone else when a hand touched my shoulder. Whipping around I sent him flying with a blast of the energy ball. I could see it was Coran and began to suppress the power but the voices would not allow me to. Suddenly Drake stood before me.
"Your highness you must stop, it is over. You have killed them all, let go of the power there is no more enemies you are safe now."
I stared into his sapphire eyes and something inside me instantly reacted. I made the energy ball disappear, the voices were still a whisper in my head but they were not as consuming. As I stood before Drake all I could do was stare into his eyes, suddenly Coran groaned snapping me into action. I glanced one last time at Drake then ran to Coran's side.
"I'm so sorry Coran I don't know what came over me. I just…"
He touched my shoulder forcing me into silence. "It's not your fault Sarri I understand that you were just caught up in the moment."
He touched my face,
"just look around if you really wanted to hurt me then you could have done that easily. It's just some bruises, stop worrying ok?"
I merely nodded as I stared in horror at the bodies now scattered on the forest floor. Slowly Coran rose off the ground.
"Come little sister, let us leave this graveyard."
The others agreed happily but I was still troubled by what had happened and did not move. I looked around at each of the faces of the bodies that lay lifeless on the ground.
"What's wrong?"
Taleane asked when she noticed that I had not moved. To hide that I was scared of the power that I had unleashed with such anger I answered "Nate?"
I swallowed hard,
"Nate's body is not among the dead."
My eyes met Drake's without turning away he ordered.
"Jace check them all before they join the earth."
His eyes did not leave mine. It wasn't long before Jace returned.
"The princess is right he is not among the dead."
Drake swore,
"That spineless traitor must have run when he felt the change."
He swore again then ordered in anger,
"Come all of you the sooner we leave this place the better."
He whistled and all our horses returned to the battlefield. Each of us mounted and silently followed Drake as we left the bodies of all the dead turned to dust only to join the elements, for you see when one of our race dies our very being is reconnected with the very elements themselves earth, fire, air and water.
We traveled the hours we had left of daylight then set up camp in a small clearing between the trees. Coran groaned as he sat before the fire.
"Are you alright?"
I asked with guilt in my voice.
"Yes stop worrying, it takes more then that to take me down you just winded me that's all."
I remained silent and refused to look him in the eyes. He forced me to do so with his hands.
"Why don't you go to bed?"
I shook my head,
"I'm not tired I'll just stay awake to make sure that Nate will not come back."
He smiled,
"very well then just be sure not to use your power on him unlike you I like my sleep."
I saw the laughter in his eyes and lightly punched him in the shoulder. He laughed,
"Good night Little sister."
I kissed him on the forehead,
"Night big brother."
I sat next to him as he silently went to sleep. Looking around Taleane and Jace were also asleep, but Drake was sitting by the fire using a stick to keep it alive. Standing I went to the fire and silently sat next to him.
"What happened?"
Confused by his question I asked,
"What do you mean?"
Not looking at me he answered,
"What happened in the battle? I saw your eyes you were not yourself there was something else, something I can't explain."
His words made me remember the voices inside me. I had not heard them since the battle but I did not know if I could tell him of them or if I even wanted too. So I remained silent, Drake turned to look into my eyes. Not being able to hold his stare I quickly said,
"Good night Commander."
Before I could even stand he grabbed my wrist. His touch sent shivers down my spine as I looked into his eyes, eyes that showed concern.
"I can not help you if you do not talk about what happened."
I ripped my wrist out of his grip,
"What makes you think you can help. You don't even know what happened or how it happened."
He did not answer straight away merely looking into my eyes,
"No but I know what it feels like to have so much anger in your heart that you let it consume you, control you so that the only thing you think about is the cause of that anger and the revenge of those who are responsible."
His words described the exact anger that I felt during the battle, however it did not include the voices. It made me realize that this anger is in it's self not normal, Because of that I could not tell him. Only Deagan would be able to help not this warrior whose emotions are always masked to everyone around him. I didn't entirely trust him nor the emotions that surrounded his presence. To reveal that I heard voices to a man who I barely knew. I could not do it only Deagan with his love for me and his loyalty and kindness, only he could help me to unravel the mystery of what was happening to me. Without having to say anything Drake looked away and I knew he understood my feelings even though I had kept them hidden. Rising off the ground I went to Coran's side and lay down next to him, within minutes I was asleep.
Fire burning all around me as a man yells,
"Sarri where are you?"
I try to answer but am overcome by a series of images so many images all spinning in my mind so fast that I can't understand them. The heat from the flames is so intense I feel myself burning my skin melts before my eyes. I scream as excruciating pain racks my body. Feeling something touch my shoulder I am instantly ripped into awareness. Drawing my blade I start as it rests at Taleane's throat. Releasing my sword it hits the ground with a hard thump.
"Forgive me I did not mean…"
She raises a hand to silence me,
"You were having a bad dream your reaction is only natural."
I felt sweat all over me grateful for her interference in my sleep,
"thank you."
She smiled then handed me a water skin,
"drink you look parched."
Gratefully I take it and drink deeply. I handed it back quietly, quietly she walks back to her blanket and was back asleep within minutes. To afraid to go to sleep again I rekindled the fire and sat before it. Staring into the flames made me think about the continuous dreams I had every night since I awoke in Killarai. The dreams the voices, what does it all mean? I knew that no one could answer this question but with hope Deagan could help find it. I only hoped that I could wait to reach him.
It wasn't long before the sun peered over the horizon. Coran was the first to wake rising he settled down next to me.
"You haven't been awake all night have you?"
I shook my head,
"I had a few hours."
He smiled,
"well that's something I suppose."
I thought about telling Coran of my dreams and the voices but I wasn't ready to tell anyone but Deagan and I knew Coran would only worry. I wanted to see if it was just a dream, these voices could have just been my anger towards Alicia and her warriors for what they've done. He looked at me quizzically snapping out of my thoughts I smiled to avoid any questions that I did not want to answer.
"Stop worrying Coran it makes you look older."
He smiled which I returned giving him even more reasons not to question me.
"Have something to eat while we wait for the others to wake."
He glanced at me one last time then grabbed some food from the saddlebags sitting silently as he ate. I stared at the still forms of the others as they slept, as my eyes rested on Drake's I become curious. What happened to him, last night he made it sound like he knew the anger I felt during the battle. My curiousness becoming too much turning to Coran I asked,
"Tell me something about him?"
Coran stopped eating to stare in the direction I was looking then turning to me his face showed something I did not quite understand.
"Why do you want to know?"
I did not answer,
"He has been the commander of our army for years and you have not asked about him. What's changed?"
I shrugged.
"If I am to become queen then I must know about those who are in my service."
He smiled,
"since when have you cared?"
I did not answer having none,
"Never mind, it is only good that you finally want to prepare for the time when you are queen, however you may have started with the wrong person for the truth is that I don't know."
His answer surprised me for I knew that Drake and Coran were friends they often spent time together training and such it did not occur to me that Drake would have so many secrets even to those he called friend.
"But you are friends are you not?"
"Well yes but that does not mean that we talk of our pasts. He seems to keep that hidden from everyone."
Then his face developed a strange look.
"What?"
I asked,
"What is this really about?"
"I have told you."
He shook his head,
"you confuse me sometimes Sarri, on one hand you want nothing to do with being queen then you want answers on those in your service for when you are queen. It just does not add up."
I turned from him as I answered,
"it is not that I do not want to rule it's just that…"
I sighed,
"it's complicated."
"Come on Sarri it is not so bad you could make a difference in Dralic. With your loyalty and strength you would be perfect."
I remained silent not knowing what to say, he sighed,
"perhaps you will tell Deagan."
I could tell by his voice that he was hurt,
"I am sorry Coran, it's just that I don't understand it myself. You know how it was back then and how it has been since that day, I know what it is to be queen. I know how it changes you."
Coran stared into my eyes,
"you are not her Sarri. You will never be like her."
"We share the same blood, you on the other hand have that to be thankful for."
"So then you reject the throne and it is forced to go to me? You know how I feel it is rightfully yours I want no part of it."
Anger flared inside me,
"then let Alicia have it for all I care."
His shock was instant,
"you can not mean that?"
I stood,
"if it means I do not have to take that throne then she is welcome to it."
I started to walk away but was stopped before I had gotten far.
"Sarri you know what she will do to Dralic if she is allowed to rule, everything you know and love will be gone. Dralic will fall into chaos, many will die, and do you want that on your conscious?"
I shot daggers at him with my eyes,
"Sarri please I know you, you would never even think of allowing Alicia to remain in Gradkail."
Ripping my hand from his I answered,
"You assume too much Coran."
I left him with a look of horror on his face and began to pack my saddlebags refusing to talk to him.
Minutes later the others began to start waking from their sleep. As they ate and packed their saddlebags they talked amongst themselves. Not wanting to talk to anyone I silently watched as they readied to leave. They did not sense my bad mood for which I was glad for, it meant I would not have to think of the reason for it. Coran did not even try to talk to me merely packing his bags with the others.
Once ready we were again on horseback headed for Tunac as we needed more rations. Tunac is one of the largest villages in Dralic the lord of Tunac was the former Commander of the royal army before Drake. His position in Tunac was his payment for his services, the people living in Tunac were all warriors as it was built for the protection of the Killarai portal. The warriors there were dedicated to insuring that the portal was never misused. Like larger towns, villages and cities that were built near portals were done so to insure the same thing. No one can use the portal without the people of Tunac knowing, they have protected it with their lives for centuries. This is why Tunac is only a day's ride from the portal.
As we rode I finally started talking to Taleane, she told me of her family and her childhood in Eaynon just east of the sanctuary. She also told me of how she became part of the royal army. I told her of my own childhood with Coran who was nine years older then me at twenty six making me a tender age of seventeen. As we talked I noticed in the corner of my eye I saw something move in between the trees.
"What's wrong?"
I heard Taleane ask ripping me from my concentration.
"Oh it's nothing I just thought I saw something."
Taleane followed my eyesight,
"I don't sense anything but if they were in human form none of us would."
I shook my head,
"no it wasn't human an animal perhaps, come it was probably just curious."
Ignoring the feeling I had of being watched I turned to Jace and asked him about his life. He was still timid around me but the more we talked the calmer he became.
As Tunac came into view less then an hour before sunset, entering the village, Children came to greet us. As they looked to me they noted my purple eyes then bowed as I dismounted my horse and lead him by his reins. I pulled each up in turn. "There is no need to bow,"
the oldest of them all was the first to answer.
"But you are the princess of our land it is our duty to honor your rank."
I smiled and bent before him level with his eyes. "Do I not eat, drink and talk like you?"
He smiled at the oddness of my question.
"Of course you do your highness."
"Then there is no difference between us and there is no need to honor my rank for I am just like you."
All the children smiled as they began to run back to there parents to tell them of my words. As the entrance of Tunac started to fill with its entire population we stared through the approaching crowd just as Frall lord of Tunac made his way to us.
"Sarri we are all glad that you have returned. You are well I hope."
Frall was an older man wrinkles covered his skin though if you look beyond the wrinkles you would find a strongly built man that befits a former warrior. His body was riddled with scars, his brown eyes showed I man who had seen many hardships. "Yes I am well thank you."
Turning from me Frall faced Coran as he greeted in order by rank.
"How are you Coran? Looking after your sister still I hope keeping her wild ways in check."
Coran looked to me with daggers in his eyes. "Trying though it gets harder as she grows."
Frall nodded then turned to Drake,
"Now Drake my boy I see you have returned."
Drake shook his hand,
"the princess awakened as we had hoped."
Frall still smiling looked past Drake at Taleane and Jace,
"So these two are your most trusted am I right?"
Drake merely nodded. He looked them up and down then turned to face all of us.
"Well greetings over let us go inside and have something to eat and maybe I bit of whiskey to drive away the coming cold."
As we walked through the crowd all eyes watched until we reached Frall's house, which was by far the largest in Tunac. Frall lead us through the house to the dinning room where we sat as food was prepared.
"So how were your parents Drake."
Drake did not look at anyone as he answered. "They are well enough."
Frall nodded then turned to me,
"And how is your mother?"
I smiled it was always a treat to see Frall he was so forward always specking his mind no matter the consequences. It made me jealous of the fact that society would never allow me to do that, but I would never take it out on him.
"She survives as always."
After our meal Frall invited us to stay the night wanting to get to the sanctuary as soon as possible I declined but Frall would not take no for an answer. So as our rooms were prepared Jace and Taleane went out to explore the village while Drake stayed to talk to Frall. I went outside to enjoy the fresh air when Coran appeared next to me.
"I'm sorry."
I remained silent,
"I was wrong Sarri, I know how much pressure you are under I let my anger get in the way of trying to understand."
He started to walk away but before he got too far I said,
"you'll never understand."
I heard him pause then he continued back into the house. I turned just as he closed the door behind him. Turning from the door I left the house across the grounds. Approaching the wall of trees that created the border around the house I navigated my way between the trees, minutes past until I was finally through. As I looked around my heart soared to stare at a sea of flowers in every color imaginable. Walking carefully through them I bent down to smell a group of lavender amongst the jasmine. Hearing footsteps I raised my head as my eyes settled on Drake. He did not smile but merely stood watch. I bent down to smell the flowers again,
"I can look after myself commander." Not moving Drake answered,
"it is my duty."
I sighed,
"well I would like to be alone and I can hardly do that if you continue to hover all the time."
"Most would say that you can be surrounded by people and yet still be alone."
Standing I turned to face him,
"is that how you feel sometimes?"
He shook his head
"no I get lonely like any other but it does not consume me like it does to most."
Surprised by his honesty I answered.
"You are a man of many secrets commander, unlike your loneliness your secrets will consume you."
He sighed
"my secrets are mine to keep your highness."
I felt sad for him, to hold on to his past like a child does his mother, no one could live like that never confiding in anyone or anything.
"What happened to you to make so closed to others?"
He shook his head then started to turn away, but I reached out and grabbed his arm as I swung him around to face me squarely.
"I'm sorry Drake,"
His eyes widen at my using his name instead of his title
"I'm sorry it is not my place to question your past. I only wonder how you have survived with no real contact with anyone. Do you not explode from everything you bottle up inside you? How can anyone live like that?"
In stead of answering he calmly asked
"What happen to you during the battle?"
Taken aback by his sudden change in subject I answered
"What has that to do with anything?"
I knew he was only trying to change the attention from him to me but I did not expect him to ask such a question, he smiled
"You answer my questions I'll answer yours."
I remained silent not wanting to answer and not knowing what to say.
"I thought not, you claim that I remain closed to all, well you maybe right however you are not so different. But I understand being royalty it is expected."
He started to walk away, my anger at his words fueled inside me, before I could stop myself it flowed out to hit him like daggers
"you say that I'm royalty so secrets are expected yet you also say that you are insignificant, if that be so then you have no right to question me about things you can not possibly understand or comprehend. Yes I am royalty and in being princess can demand that you tell me everything and you will have to answer, yet I do not, even do you insult me because of my royal blood. Instead I wipe my hands of you, you will not speak to me unless it involves your duty to my house."
By this time he had turned to face me
"is that understood commander?"
It was a rhetorical question, so I took one last look at his face then turned and started to leave. However I had not taken two steps before I felt his hand encircle my wrists to stop me. I trembled still so angry, my eyes went to his hand still on my wrist then into his bright sapphire eyes that only glowed brighter in the moonlight. He did not say anything but merely stared into my face.
Lost in the moment I could not move, could not talk all I could do was stare, for in those eyes I saw something I could not put a finger on. Suddenly I heard Jace's and Taleane's voice as they were returning from the village. Ripping my hand from his anger returning in full fury I turned from him and headed back towards the house.
Once inside I silently I made my way to my room where I found Frall waiting for me standing by the window. Stepping closer I looked out to see what had drawn his attention. I realized that my window had a prefect view of the meadow of flowers.
"I gave you this room so you had the perfect view of them, but it seems you have already found them."
Clenching my fists I answered
"even though I could not enjoy them because of him. Argh he makes me so angry sometimes. How could you make him your successor he is so insufferable."
Frall laughed
"yes he can be sometimes but he makes up for it in other things. You must learn to work with him Sarri, he is a big part of becoming queen. You must look to him for advice especially in this war we face."
I shook my head
"the day I ask him for advice will be the day I cut off my hand and fed it to the animals of the forests."
He laughed again
"you will not always feel like that,"
he sighed
"just don't force him out of his duty until you are in the right state of mind."
He left closing the door behind him. Feeling emotionally drained I lay down on the bed and silently went to sleep not even bothering to get undressed.
There was fire all around me, surrounded there was no where to go panic stricken I fell to my knees. Then suddenly out of the flames comes a man. His face was shadowed as an enormous energy erupts from his hands. The energy hits me hard pain curses through my body I am barely conscious as I watch him stand before me, the pain increases as the images return I hold my head in my hands trying to over come the pain through the images the voice from the battle specks.
"I can help you if you let me, I can take away the pain I can teach you how to control your power. I can even rid you of these images that haunt you." The images are still there but I am no longer consumed by them.
"Who are you?"
I whisper
"I am one who cares, one who wants to help you." The images start to disappear
"Why do you want to help me? What do you want in return?"
She laughs it was the most beautiful laugh I had ever heard in my life full of excitement and alluring. "I want nothing only your willingness to let me help."
A hand appears before me, slowly I reached to take it, it is only inches away, but before we even touch I am ripped from dream into reality. Instantly sitting upright I turned to face Coran. Sweat covered me as my breath was heavy and I felt as if I had run for leagues without pause.
"Sarri, it's alright it was just a dream?"
He wrapped his arms around me stroking my hair. "I'm alright,"
gently pulling away from him I swing my legs over to sit on the edge of the bed.
"I'm fine,"
Coran looked at me skeptically
"You are not fine Sarri, look at you! You think I do not notice but I do these nightmares that your having are taking their toll I can see it in your eyes. You can not go on like this you have to tell me what's happening to you I can only help you if you tell me."
I stood to put my sword sheaths on my back and the sword belts around my hips.
"It's nothing Coran just a bad dream."
I was doing up the buckle when he put his hands on my shoulders and forced me to look at him. "What's happening to you? These moods you've been in, the attitude you have. None of this is you please just tell me what's going on."
Getting annoyed with his questions I pushed him out of my way
"There's nothing wrong with me Coran your just being overprotective, I'm fine"
I started to walk towards the door when he grabbed my hand, swinging me around I ripped my hand from his.
"Just leave me alone Coran, you don't have to look after me all the time, I'm old enough to look after myself, I don't need your help or anyone else's for that matter."
He stared at me in shock as I turned and left the room closing the door behind me. I avoided everyone in the house as I made my way to the front door. Entering the center of the village people started to bow as they pasted me. Most stopped to say hello, but pasted quickly. As I walked I left the village and entered the woods surrounding Tunac. I found a tree that had been felled by lighting and sat down. All I could think about was that voice from my dream. Who was it and how can she help? I shook my head
"what's happening to me?"
I said to myself,
"probably nothing."
Startled I reached from my sword, but stopped just as Taleane came into view. I was so lost in my own thoughts I did not hear her approach.
"Sorry I startled you, but the commander's orders." I sighed
"I should have known, I've never been able to sneak out with him around. He is so infuriating," she laughed.
"I know what you mean, once he caught me sleeping on duty, I had to polish the whole armies armor as punishment."
Sitting down she offered me a wine skin
"you look like you need it."
I smiled
"thank you,"
taking it of her I drained a considerable amount before offering it back.
"So couldn't sleep?"
I shook my head
"I'm beginning to think I will never sleep again." Putting a hand on my shoulder she smiled
"just think how happy you will be when reunited with Deagan."
I laughed
"yes it would be wonderful, I miss him so much. I just want to rid us of these horses, so what if Alicia can sense us we will be at the Sanctuary before she can do anything to stop us."
She sighed
"if it were my choice I would do it but alas the commander has ordered."
I clenched my fists
"men like him make me so mad I just want to kill something."
"Then do it go hunting,"
thinking about it I eventually shook my head
"no to hurt an innocent animal just to fuel my anger would not be right. I only hunt for food nothing else, but thank you for trying to help."
I sighed
"but something's have to be dealt with alone." Standing I turned to her
"let us return before they think something has gone wrong."
Taleane nodded and silently followed. We had only just entered the house as I ran into Coran.
"I was just coming to find the both of you, dinner is ready in the main dining room."
His voice held a note of concern and worry in its tone, I sensed that he was trying to hide it so as not to set me off again. Sensing that we need time alone Taleane went on ahead. Feeling guilty about what had happened earlier I Apologized
"I did not mean what I said earlier, I like the fact that we are close. I like that you worry about me it's comforting to know that you are always there for me."
He did not answer at first then when he did he refused to look into my eyes.
"Yes Sarri we were close, but ever since you wake up you've been pushing me away. Hiding things from me when all I want to do is help you through whatever it is that ails you. I don't know what's gotten it to you but If you don't tell me what's wrong then we aren't as close as I thought"
He started to walk away but I reached out and pulled him back.
"Coran please,"
He pulled his arm from my grip
"No Sarri you want to keep your secrets to yourself then do about it, I'll not stop you. I will not be a burden to you any longer nor will I be the overprotective brother to an unwanting sister."
He left without another word, after what had happened I did not feel like food but to not go to dinner would be an insult so I had no choice but to follow after him.
Everyone was already seated around the table one seat was left over for me next to Coran without a word I sat. As host Frall took the head of the table. Everyone else seat around him.
Frall exercised the formal dinning ceremony before we ate. First he thanked the elders for the food that we ate then he formally welcomed all of us to his table. Once the greetings were finished the servants entered with our food. All through dinner Coran did not talk to me nor did he look at me. There was idle conversation but it wasn't much. Taleane and Jace talked amongst themselves leaving Frall, Drake and myself.
"So Drake is the army ready for the battle against Alicia and her evil brawd?"
Not allowing the mask on his face to falter he answered.
"If the attack on Gradkail is anything to go by, I would have to answer no. With her numbers and power we have no chance, not unless we find I way to increase our own numbers, we will be forced to try best her with strategy instead but even that is risky for I hear she is an expert in strategy."
Frall's face showed shock before he too hid behind a mask.
"Can she really have so many on her side?"
Frall's eyes never left Drake's
"She has, they came in droves. They best us by at least ten thousand warriors maybe even more. Who knows how many more she has hidden away until the final battle or how many more she has recruited since taking Gradkail."
"How could it be so many? She did not have nearly that many when Naran was commander in the time of her first attack."
Naran was my father's right hand man when Frall was commander. When my father the king of Dralic died Naran disappeared, everyone presumed him dead.
"Things have changed since then. There are more people for her to manipulate, but it does not mean that when the time comes we will not be prepared or that we will not fight as hard as we can. It just means that we will loose many in the process of reclaiming Gradkail."
I turned to Coran to see his reaction of what Drake was saying, but when I looked he quickly turned towards his food. Turning from him I found that Drake had seen how Coran avoided my eyes. The look in his eyes made shivers go down my spine without any cause as to why. Not being able to look any longer I stood up causing everyone to stare at me.
"I'm sorry but I'm not feeling well I am in need of rest."
Without hesitation Frall stood
"Of Course, forgive me I had forgotten that you are still not fully recovered. I will have my maids prepare your bed for you."
"Thank you,"
I walked straight to my room and waited for the maids to ready the bed. When they had gone I took my weapons and clothes off putting them on the floor. Getting under the covers I lay there waiting for sleep to hit, however all I could think about was the never ending images that plaque my dreams and the fear that I would not be able to fight against them or resist the voice.
After half an hour and no sleep I gave up and climbed out of bed putting a clean set of warriors garb on. They were much the same as the last set only that I put on a long leather coat to fight the growing cold. Leaving my room I went to the back of the house to feel the night air against my face.
As I stood outside I felt as if I were being watched, I looked around to see if anyone was there, for even in the dark my kind could see as clearly as if it were day. However I did not see anyone or anything, then the feeling was gone. Just as I started to relax a hand touched my shoulder, spinning around I felt for my sword but regretted that I had left it in my room.
"Calm down it's just me."
I sighed with relief then lightly hit him in the arm "You scared the life out of me you shouldn't sneak up on people like that Coran."
Laughing he stared around us, I scowled at him for scaring me
"I thought you were still mad at me."
I followed his gaze
"Look I was just jealous, ever since Deagan came to stay at the palace you've spent all your time with him. I guess I miss my little sister and when I see that something's bothering you I can't help but be worried about you. Especially after what's happened and is still happening"
I smiled and hugged him
"Thank you."
Confusion was on his face
"For what?"
Still hugging him I answered
"For being you and not letting anyone change the Coran I know and love."
Letting him go I stared into his eyes just as an idea came to mind. Grabbing his arm I started to pull him across the grounds towards the wall of trees "Sarri what are you doing?"
pulling him again I said
"Come on."
He started to let me drag him behind me
"Where are we going?"
I laughed
"It's a surprise."
It was like we were kids again Coran was so serious that as a child I was always dragging him into one trouble or another. I dragged him through the trees all the way to the meadow of flowers. The moonlight shining on them made them glow so bright. He looked to me
"It's beautiful who told you it was here?"
I looked around even as he did
"No one I stumbled upon it earlier today."
We walked through them then sat down in the middle talking of old times and the fun we used to have. After hours had pasted we sat silently and watched the stars.
"Sarri?"
I turned to look him in the eyes
"hmm."
He hesitated as I lent on my elbow to see him better.
"What is it?"
He sighed
"Don't get angry…"
"Coran-"
"Just listen I only ask this because I feel I need to know. I just want to know about your nightmares"
I looked away from him to the flowers not knowing if I could answer, after awhile I turned back.
"The only reason I didn't tell you was because I didn't want you to worry."
I paused trying to find the right words.
"I keep seeing flames, I'm surrounded by them then suddenly I'm over come by images. There's so many of them I can't decipher any of them they stream through my mind so fast. In one dream I see a man in shadows hitting me with a great energy, then there's pain, so much pain it consumes me. Just when I think I can't take any more this voice beckons for me to reach out my hand. She wants to help, help control my power and rid me of the images in my head."
I averted my eyes not being able to hold his worried stare.
"What do I do Coran I have had this dream every night since I woke."
Coran sat up turning my face to meet his again.
"I will help you through this Sarri but I fear that there is nothing I can do. The images may be your minds why of telling you what happened the night of the attack."
"And the voice?"
I asked, he shook his head
"until you know what happened to you I would try resisting it. Who ever has entered your mind to taunt you can not be of good making. You must promise you will not listen to it."
I nodded
"your right to enter someone's mind is an offence, no being of good would invade someone's privacy in that manner. I can not guarantee anything for this voice strengthens with every dream I have." With force he grabs my shoulders
"you must promise Sarri you must fight who ever it is."
Felling the pain of his fingers in my arms I nodded "I promise, you need not worry Coran I have the power of the elders to help protect me."
Releasing me I rubbed my arms where his fingers had dug in. He noted my pain, smiling guiltily he said
"I'm sorry Sarri I didn't mean to hurt you, I just got scared I was going to loose my little sister."
I shock my head smiling
"you forget I'm stronger then you, if you think this voice or these nightmares are going to bring me down then theyve got another thing coming."
He smiled
"that's the Sarri I know and love"
with a glint in his eyes he added
"so about this giving up to Alicia?"
I punched him in the arm
"you know I would never, especially not to a witch like her. But if it was you who wanted the throne perhaps I would concede."
He shook his head
"There's hope for you yet."
He stood and held out his hand to help me up. "Let's get some rest you need it more then any of us."
I let him help me up
"your lucky you know."
Coran looked down at me.
"You have no obligations you are free to do as you please. I have no choice, always I have to do the right thing, the right way. Mother has given me little choice, even though my small rebellions give me some freedom they are not without punishment." Coran placed a hand on my shoulder as a haunted look entered his eyes
"gods Sarri do you know how many times I have prayed to be in your place only to have you free of her? Do you know how many times I have begged her to punish me in your place?"
I stared at him in blatant disbelief that he knew of all my mothers' faults. Coran saw what I felt as he continued
"I am not blind Sarri how could you think I did not notice the times you shriek from any contact. When you drag me away on one of your moments of freedom, I see the look in your eyes when we stare at the stars and the look you get when you know you are still you and not someone she has forced you to be. Sarri I see what you try to hide and what she tries to hide. God only knows what she will do to you when she finds out you want no part of being queen"
I smiled sadly
"I know Coran. She may have bark but her bite is worse."
Coran's face showed concern he started to say something but I overrode him.
"No Coran please it is bad enough that you know what mother really is I do not need any pity from you in this. She will never find out, when this is all over I will simply run away."
Coran shook his head
"you can't Sarri think of all the people that rely on you. Think of what you could do to help Dralic."
I held up my hand to stop him from continuing
"do not fight me on this please Coran. Please not tonight,"
he lifted my chin up to met his eyes
"Look Sarri I know it's a lot harder for you then it is for me,"
He sighed
"your right let us talk about this another time." Smiling I turned towards the house then spun back "do you come?"
He smiled back but he could not completely banish the worry in his eyes. I grabbed Coran's hand and pulled him towards the house at a run.