drake
I stood just outside the front of Frall's house just as the sun peeked over the horizon and all I could think about was her. What has come over me I couldn't understand it, why do I keep revealing things about myself around her? Now every time I touch her, talk to her even just looking at her I feel strange so unlike anything I have ever felt before. What has changed from before? What has made me want to be near her, she is princess of Dralic? It is not me place to be so informal to her, if it were anyone else he would be flogged and put in the stocks for days.
Pulled from my thoughts by footsteps approaching behind me, I did not need to look to see who it was for I already know.
"You can not let it go any further Drake. She is not meant for you"
I turned to face Frall
"this thing between you and the princess must stop here."
I looked back to the horizon as the sun rose higher he walked away without another word. It confused me, is that what this feeling inside me is? I smiled no it can't be it has to be something else and what ever it is I don't want to know. Going into the house I set out to find Taleane and Jace. I finally met them in the kitchen eating breakfast they stared at me as I entered I swiftly ordered.
"When your finished go prepare the horses we leave in an hour."
Both their mouths dropped in surprise
"So soon?"
exclaimed Jace,
"The quicker we reach the Sanctuary the better."
Going to my room I prepared my things to leave.
An hour later all five of us sat outside saying good bye to the villagers of Tunac. Once the crowd dispersed leaving only Frall he moved forward
"Good bye all of you and good luck. When the battle with Alicia has arrived you can be sure that I and mine warriors will be there to help send that sorceress witch back to where she came from."
"I look forward to that day."
Answered Taleane
"I can't wait to see you in battle, I'm told you are almost as good as the great Naran."
Jace explained
"No human will ever be as good as Naran. The great Naran even surpassed some of the magical race."
Frall answered seriously
"He was the greatest there ever was and no one not even I will best him."
Turning to me Frall turned serious as he whispered "Heed my words Drake stay away before she feels it too."
As his voice return to normal for the others to hear he added
"Protect our princess and the people and you will have made me proud to have chosen you for my predecessor."
Lastly he faced Coran and Sarri
"When all of this is over I expect both of you to visit, understand."
Both Coran and Sarri smiled
"We wouldn't miss it for the world."
Coran answered
"Thank you for offering your house for the night." "It was my pleasure princess, now it is best that you be off. I'm sure your betrothed eagerly awaits your arrival."
Sarri smiled
"I also cannot wait to see him and my mother of course it has been too long away for all of us."
Frall looked to me as Sarri spoke of Deagan, I held his stare. Once all the good byes were done the five of us mounted our horses and left the village of Tunac.
The rest of the way to the sanctuary was all farm land and forests. It was because of this that we had to be even more on guard for Alicia to attack. Still overcome by a series of emotions that I did not understand I was not in the mood for idle talk, so I rode ahead of the others and concentrated on our surroundings forever watching and waiting for they will come I knew it was only a matter of time.
The day went fast as we started to make camp in a meadow a fire was lit to fight the chill and to cook our meals. Being so close to the road made my nerves go haywire; therefore I stayed apart from the group to keep watch. Away from the idle talk of the others I was able to hear anything that might approach trying to surprise us. As proof of this I heard rather then saw Sarri leave the group and start towards me. I said nothing as she knelt before me.
"Why do you sit by yourself? There are plenty of us that can sense if anything approaches you are not the only one with the means to do so."
I looked towards the others remaining silent
"come on Drake don't be so serious all the time."
"It is what has kept me alive all these years."
I said a little too sharply causing her to scowl then return to the others.
Soon after they started to go to bed, I decided it was better to keep a constant watch with me volunteering the first. All was quiet as the others finally fell asleep one by one it wasn't until hours later that I heard Sarri tossing violently in her sleep. Getting up I walked over to her, she was drenched with sweat, her face showed sincere pain and fear. Quickly kneeling I touched her shoulder to gently wake her. Instantly her eyes snapped open as she reached for her sword. Stilling her hand I whispered
"Your highness it's only me you were merely dreaming."
She was out of breath almost as if she had run twenty miles. Clearly showing relief she slowly sat up.
"I'm sorry,"
Confused I asked
"For what?"
"For not thanking you for when you rescued me the night of the attack."
Surprised I asked
"You remember what happened in Gradkail?" She shook her head
"Only bits and pieces, I just remember you carrying me through the woods."
Then more to her self she added
"and him."
I was about to question her when the look on her face stopped me,
"Can I ask you a question?"
shrugging I said
"Of course your highness you can ask me anything."
"Can you tell me what exactly happened that night?"
I looked into her eyes I knew that she would ask this question I just did not think it would be so soon.
"I will tell you what I know the rest you will have to piece together yourself."
She nodded
"It was the middle of the night when Alicia and her army invaded. They swept through the city in droves. No one even had a chance nor did they have warning. I helped the queen and the people out of the city when Coran told me that you and Deagan were missing. Together we went after you but there were just too many people, they had escaped the city into the woods. We could not see anything for the flames of the fires that had been started and were spreading fast.
There was still no sign of you or Deagan, for hours we looked for you without even a sign that you had entered the woods. Finally we found you in one of the secret passages that lead from the palace. You were unconscious with no apparent cause. You held injuries all over your body you did not wake I carried you to the queen where we held you at the sanctuary for two and a half weeks with no change. It was decided that you should be taken away from Dralic, away from whatever held you in that sleep. We knew that what ever had happened to you staying in Dralic was not helping, turns out we were right two days in Killarai and you woke. It is because of that that we knew someone in Dralic was keeping you asleep.
However we do not know who nor why. So the truth is neither I nor Coran really rescued you, we don't even know what happened in the first place."
She remained silent drinking in the things I had told her. After a while she spoke with a trace of fear
"What does it all mean?"
I shrugged
"I don't know, only time will tell maybe it has something to do with the dreams you've been having."
She stared at me with strange eyes, I hoped that she would tell me of her dreams but she remained silent. I stood
"Go back to sleep your highness."
I started to walk away when I heard her quickly rise to her feet grabbing my hand she pulled me back. "Drake I feel I still owe you for finding me, despite what you think if you had not found me I might have died."
Staring into her eyes I answered
"that is your opinion your highness, it is not my place to question it. I am only here to insure you reach the sanctuary safely. After that I will see that you remain safe, as is my duty,"
I tried to leave but again she pulled me back
"Drake please don't walk away again."
I did as she said but I did not look at her for fear of what I would find.
"Don't close yourself to me I enjoy talking to you even if you do evade my questions. Don't treat me like you do everyone else, I have so few real friends. Our talks or rather arguments since I woke in Killarai has made me realize that it's comforting to have someone to talk to or even vent my anger on."
She smiled at her own joke.
"Please Drake open yourself just once I promise I will not tell a soul."
Staring into her eyes I lost myself in their beauty "What would you have me do your highness? When we reach the sanctuary everything will return to normal. I will be insignificant again a mere servant at your command, we will no longer talk like we have. So why open my self when it will not matter that I have when we reach our destination?"
This time when I walked away she did not stop me. Returning to my position I watched as she lay down. I knew she did not sleep for the rest of the night, but nor did she move or talk.
At dawn the others woke they knew nothing of the conversation Sarri and I had had for which I was glad. Packing our things we mounted our horses and continued towards the sanctuary.
Two days of traveling with no attacks, not even a hint of anyone watching made me weary. It was too quiet for too long, Alicia was desperate to capture Sarri she would not give up so easily. Why hasn't she tried since the battle outside the portal? It confused me beyond measure making me more and more insecure. We were camped in a small bunch of trees just shy of Tunac falls. The others were talking, with my growing nervousness I was the first to hear them come.
"Everybody shh"
I whispered, but it was too late before we even had a chance to be ready they were upon us. Surrounded we held our swords before us ready to fight. They were not of Alicia's army of that I was sure. Stepping forward I put my sword away and spread my hands out beside me, to show that I meant no harm.
"We are merely passing through we have no possessions that would interest you, however we will fight if we have to. For your sake I hope it does not come to that."
None of them answered, they remained still and silent I had the feeling they were waiting for something. Suddenly a female voice came from behind the line of warriors
"You say that you have no possessions yet you protect something that is priceless."
The woman before me looked no older then eighteen with long blond hair and dark blue eyes with a pink dragon necklace at her throat, everything about her spoke warrior. The way she moved, spoke and held the respect of those under her command. I could sense that she was unpredictable as she pointed to Coran and Sarri "You hold royalty in your party, that is better then any possession in Dralic, especially with Alicia in control of the great city."
She set her eyes on Sarri and Coran
"Here I was with my warriors just traveling minding our own business when we come upon a group with not one but two who have purple eyes. We couldn't believe our luck so we just had to introduce ourselves."
This woman again stared at Sarri who held her head high against her scrutiny. Sarri stepped in front of me
"If you think it is that easy to take me or my brother against our will to make your packets bigger on Alicia's tainted gold you are sadly mistaken."
The woman laughed
"I never said anything about taking you captive or handing you over to Alicia."
Sarri looked disbelieving as I knew everyone else did, the woman before us laughed
"Don't look so worried my name is Adryin and these warriors are my family. We would be honored if you would join us for the night."
Sarri turned to look quizzically at me
"I don't like it"
I whispered. Sarri smiled
"well I'm going to teach you how to have fun and to trust people even if you have only just meet them." She whispered back
"If you are going to do what I think.." She cut me off before I could stop her. All I could do was watch as she turned to Adryin and agreed to join them. Adryin smiled
"excellent, you here that?"
She asked her warriors
"Tonight we celebrate with the princess and prince royal of Dralic."
All of the warriors surrounding us cheered loudly. They turned and started to walk away I watched as she started to follow quickly I grabbed the reins of her horse. Coran had approached by my side and held the same disapproving look that I did
"What are you doing? Are you insane, we do not know these people."
Sarri look past us to Jace and Taleane
"Do you two sense any danger?"
I turned to face them as they shook their head "They seem genuine to me."
Answered Taleane
"Good then it's agreed lets go."
I watch as Jace, Taleane and Sarri followed Adryin and her men. Coran looked to me
"Well she always was the stubborn one. Come on before she gets herself into trouble, again"
I scowled then followed after them.
Adryin lead us to a large meadow with tents set up everywhere, Adryin's warriors were a mixture of all races. They all seemed happy as they played instruments. They danced to the music while platters of food were put out for all to eat. Taleane and Jace talked amongst the warriors and Coran sat with Adryin. I could tell that she fancied him and that the feeling was mutual. Everyone seemed to be having fun but I could not halt the feeling that something about this seemed strange, I did not trust Adryin and her warriors. Where did they come from? What are they doing while they travel? Why do they travel in such large numbers? I sat apart from the crowd watching and waiting. If something was to happen I would be ready I was not fooled by their lightness.
Sarri was talking to a group of warriors when she noticed me in the distance. Excusing herself she approached where I stood.
"Will you dance with me commander?"
Instantly I shook my head
"no your highness I will watch… and wait."
She shock her head a small breeze blew through the camp I smelt whiskey on her breath.
"Have you been drinking?"
She smiled
"just a bit it's Taleane's own homemade so it is quite safe."
I sighed and pulled her away from the group.
"What are you thinking? We don't know these people and you dull your senses by drinking and with Taleane's own mixture at that. Have you completely lost your wits? Or do you just laugh into the face of the danger you have put all of us in"
I could see the anger in her eyes as she looked at me.
"Why do you always have to spoil everyone's fun? Considering what's happening having a bit of fun is what everyone needs. Just because you have no fun in your own life does not mean you can bring everyone down with you."
She went to walk away but I pulled her back.
"I'm just worried about you, who knows what Alicia has planned for you."
Her eyes soften as she looked into mine, slowly she touched my face. I flinched at her soft hands, leaning closer we were inches apart now. She started to move closer but I stilled her with my hands. Reaching up I touched her face
"maybe you should stop drinking you are not yourself."
Suddenly without warning her expression changed. She put her hand to her mouth
"What's happening to me?"
panicking I put my hand on her shoulder I knew what was going to happen and if I didn't stop it now she would become uncontrollable.
"Your highness please-"
she cut me off
"Drake help me I cannot stop it."
I remained silent as again she used my name and not my title. She stepped away I tried to step towards her, but she only stepped further away. "Don't touch me."
Her eyes turned like fire I sensed the power that was fueling into her veins. Quickly I cupped her face forcing her to look into my eyes
"please your highness listen to me, whatever is happening to you you must fight it. This anger that's inside you you must let it go, Alicia has done something to you do not fuel it with your anger. You must fight it don't let the anger take you don't let her win."
Her eyes looked past me as a black shield formed before me, emanating from her body. Suddenly it exploded throwing me back against the ground. She did not stop, she was beyond my words. Another pulse came from the black shield. By this time Coran and the others had noticed what was happening. Adryin's warriors stayed clear but Adryin herself followed Coran to my side
"What's happened?"
I did not answer the wind started to swirl around Sarri causing us to shout.
"What did you say to her?"
I tore my eyes away from her
"I don't know one minute we were talking then this, I don't know what's wrong with her. It's like someone's trying to control her."
Coran's shock from my words was instant as was his concern
"What do we do?"
"Stay here."
He nodded as I stepped towards Sarri fighting against the pulses emanating from her I fought to get closer. Finally reaching her I placed my hands on her shoulders.
"Let go of me! You have no right to touch me, now get off."
She threw another more powerful pulse that forced me back again. Instantly I got up and ran to Sarri again, but Jace stood in front of me.
"Drake stop you can not take much more, she could kill you."
"If I do not stop her now she could kill everyone here."
Pushing him out of my way I ran to her again this time I wrapped my arms around her. She sent another pulse but I held on. One after the other she sent but I did not budge.
"Sarri you must stop, before you kill yourself and everyone here including your brother."
Her eyes briefly gazed at Coran I knew I was getting through to her just by mentioning Coran. "Drake?"
I smiled
"yes it's me, fight this anger inside you. Fight this thing that's trying to control you. You mustn't let it win fight it like the warrior you are."
Her eyes returned to fire
"How do you know, you don't even know me. How do you know anything about me or the anger I have?"
Using one hand I turned her face towards mine "Look into my eyes Sarri, you know I speck truth. I know your heart is pure you must not let it be tainted by this anger. What ever happened to you in Gradkail has tapped into your anger. Believe me when I say you can fight this. You must fight it Sarri."
She laughed
"You ask me to believe you, how can I Drake when you close yourself to me. I try to get you to open yourself and every time you open one door two more close."
The others could not hear my words and for that I was glad. All that mattered was for me get Sarri to rid herself of this anger.
"Sarri listen to me, you know that you can trust me."
As her eyes stared into my own with an intensity beyond compare slowly they begin to soften.
"I trust you Drake."
Instantly the wind died down and the power suppressed it's self inside her again. Collapsing in my arms I gently lowered her to the ground. Seconds pass before she slowly began to open her eyes. Coran and the others ran to where we were on the ground
"Is she going to be alright?"
I nodded not being able to speak both of us turned to face Sarri. Stepping out of the way I let Coran in to see her better, she started to open her mouth "Sarri don't talk,"
"I'm fine Coran just tired and confused I don't know what came over me."
Lost in what had happened I silently walk away leaving the others with Sarri. None of them stopped me all their eyes were focused on Sarri. It was still dark so I left Adryin's camp on horseback, I didn't know where I was going. All I knew was that I had to get away. I just needed to be alone to think about what had just occurred.
It wasn't long before I reached Tunac falls, dismounting I let the horse graze in the grass while I sat to stare at the water. All I could think about was the words I'd said to her. Where did they come from? What is this feeling I have welling inside me? Before my thoughts went any further footsteps approached where I sat. I did not move as I felt no danger in them so I merely waited for them to reach me. I knew it was Adryin as she got closer. "You feel for her don't you?"
I did not answer
"I can see it in your eyes when you look at her, it's in hers too."
Instantly I turned to face her she grinned like a Cheshire cat.
"Trust me I can tell, I know the situation is bad. She has a betrothed and you are below her rank. It may seem like an impossible relationship but if you want it hard enough you can make it work."
I laughed at the foolishness of her words, affronted at my reaction her eyebrows creased in anger. "Why do you laugh?"
"Now I know I was wrong about you."
Laughter took over me again
"I don't understand."
My laughter died but the smile still held on my lips "since we have met I did not entirely trust you thinking it strange that you travel with so many I was sure that you had a plan to hurt the princess or kidnap her for your own gain but now I know that you are just mad."
Her anger grew at my words she started to voice her anger but I interrupted.
"You must be mad if you think there is anything romantic or otherwise between me and her highness."
Surprising me her anger dropped away as she smiled.
"Well if you say so Drake, commander of the royal guard."
She stood and held out her hand to help me up "come they have restarted the party already, maybe you care to dance with me?"
Confused but willing to forget my anger putting it down to her youth I answered
"I think you would rather dance with Coran then me."
She laughed
"you are smarter then you look."
Together we returned to the camp site, the music had indeed been started again. No one paid much mind to me except in passing. Coran stood with Sarri as they enjoyed the party. Adryin excused herself going over to them I watched as she whispered in Sarri's ear who briefly looked my way. Then Adryin pulled Coran away from Sarri I had no idea what she was doing but I did not think it good. Leaving the crowd I returned to my horse as I begin to groom him, seconds later Sarri entered the darkness surrounding me. Pausing in my strokes with the brush I turned to look in her direction. I remained silent waiting for her to speck first, however for what seemed like ages she only stared back.
Then finally stepping closer she said
"I just wanted to thank you for what you did tonight, I don't fully understand what happened or remember what you said to stop me but I am glad you did it and am in your debt."
After a second she added
"again."
I shock my head
"you owe me nothing your highness I did what I had to, I am only glad that you are alright and that no one was hurt."
Pausing she seemed to be trying to say something but changed her mind as she walked away disappearing into the crowd. I was glad that she did not remember what I had said for I did not understand it myself and if she had remembered I would not have been able to explain what I meant by them. Finishing grooming my horse I returned to the crowd. Although I did not join them completely as I sat apart from the crowd, after awhile Taleane came to sit with me.
"Why don't you join in forget about your troubles and have a drink."
Shacking my head I answered,
"Maybe when this is all over and things are back to normal."
"sometimes commander you need to let go. Do things for you not because you have too or it's right."
She stood and walked back to the group. Hours past until the crowd began to thin as one by one they started back to their tents to sleep off the alcohol they had drunk through the night. By midnight all tents were full, the only ones still awake were Adryin, Jace and Taleane. Sitting next to Taleane and Jace, I listened as they talked of their lives. They talked of the battles they'd been victorious in and even ones they had lost.
"My warriors and I like it here we have enough food and water. But since we've met all of you they want to help, so I think that soon we will be on our way to the Sanctuary as well. It will be good to fight for a cause and not just for fun."
Her take on life was refreshing, so sure of herself despite her age. I smiled to hear talk of her life, a life with her warriors as her only family. After hours of listening to them talk Adryin and Taleane got up to go to sleep leaving me and Jace alone.
"I hope they do as they say and join the fight against Alicia."
"Yes, if only we had more like them with their spirit odds would defiantly tip in our favour."
Throwing another stick on the fire before us I sighed
"Go to sleep Jace we leave early."
Jace looked quizzically at me but did not argue "yes sir."
He stood and started to walk towards the tent he was staying in for the night but turned back
"good night sir."
He did not wait for an answer but merely continued towards the tent. I was the last one to go to my own tent to sleep. There was no need for a night watch with so many warriors around it was doubtful that Alicia or any of her people would attack tonight. Lying down in my tent I could not stop thinking about everything that had happened since the attack on Gradkail. How could everything become so different and confusing in so short a time I just didn't like it. All I wanted was for everything to get back to normal me protecting a princess and that's all.