sarri
Flying beside Alicia we were back in Crystalansio in no time at all. She had the same speed I did with her red wings beating at the same pace as mine. As a dragon Alicia was somewhat more menacing then in human form. Her tail was the shape of a mace with long sharp spikes protruding from it and her scales seemed to ripple with something so dark you had the sense that she could pull you in with no effort. Her spine spikes seemed sharper and more dangerous than any I have seen. Tearing my eyes from her I concentrated on what I was feeling inside myself. I smiled to just relishing the feeling of so much power flowing through my veins. The instant I joined Alicia the power entering my very soul was so overwhelming. Instantly the images and agonizing pain was gone, it made me feel so free and more alive then I have ever felt before. I roared the loudest and most powerful roar I had ever done. Once I was finished I heard Alicia's dragon like laugh. "I knew you were born to be at my side, just feel the freedom. Feel how alive the power makes you, you have not lived until you have felt it." I laughed with her "it is the best feeling in the world, to know I can do what ever I want and for there to be no consequences. I have dreamed of feeling like this my whole life." "Yes it is good, just remember that it does have it limits. The power you feel is heightened by the power of the dragon elders. It changes their power reforms it anew, but it does not make you invincible. You can still be killed just as easily it only makes it harder for anyone to get close enough. For this reason you must always watch those around you, never let anyone get close enough to you that they may find a weakness." I looked to her with one large now yellow eye. "But I thought your warriors gave you there undying loyalty" Alicia laughed at this. "While it is true they would not openly cross my path that does not mean that they do not wish to overthrow me. You must remember that anyone of my warriors would willingly take my place if given the chance. Tell me this, if you were a kind and loving monarch of your kingdom that shows mercy to all how long do you think you would last on that throne?" Her question made me think of how I had never thought of it before. However now that I had it made me wonder. If a king or queen were to show all mercy they would be over run quicker then they could blink for the people that they ruled would know that there would be no punishment for their actions. The land would be ruled by thieves, murderers and evil. Alicia seemed to know my very thoughts for she spoke without waiting for an answer. "You see now why to rule with fear the world would be a better place. If people fear their king or queen they are less likely to rebel against them. This is how I rule my warriors for you see even though they would turn on me if given the chance they also fear what would happen to them if they tried. Do you understand?" I nodded just as I saw the peck of Crystalansio palace on the horizon. "Yes it makes perfect sense." I mused to myself "show no mercy, don't let anyone close and rule with fear." I felt the approval of Alicia beside me while we flew ever closer to the city. Everything she said made sense but one thing plagued me, as I flew with steady strokes of my wings I asked "where do I fit in?" Alicia fixed one yellow eye on mine "you I shall adopt as my own. Together we will rule as queen and princess of the new and better Dralic." I frowned remembering something important "and Coran?" She laughed "do you really think I would leave him out of this? No, with your help we can convince him to join us as a real prince and not just as a bastard born son. If we succeed I will also adopt him when we return you can see him if you want." I smiled at the thought as I turned my attention back to the city growing closer.
Landing just outside the palace together we transformed back to humans and approached the palace where Nardia, Nate and Taleane waited. All of them bowed before us, I smiled at their readiness to serve me. Ignoring them Alicia looked to me "come my dear let us see your brother." I eagerly followed as she led me into the palace. Once inside I looked around it was surprising how much I missed it. From the red carpet to the elegant furniture to tall smooth walls. It was exactly as it was before even down to the smell. Finally Alicia faced the others as they walked behind us. "Wait for us in my study I want a full report in my absence." They all bowed and spoke in unison "yes my queen." Then left to do as she asked as together we walked down a side hall from the grand stairs at the main doors. I was surprised to find that Coran was being held in the very room that was his all his life, though the doors were guarded heavily. The guards stood down as we approached to grant us entry. Opening the door I entered to find no one inside however I did sense an on coming attack from behind the door. Fast as lighting I spun knocking the plank of wood from Coran's hands. I stared into his eyes as he stared back in shock. "Sarri?" Something in his eyes told me that he was not the same man I had known all my life. "Yes Coran," he turned from me to Alicia "so now you have both of us. It will only be a matter of time until they come. You may have captured both of us but we will escape, you can not keep us for long." Alicia laughed at this "perhaps you should take a closer look at your sister Coran." Confusion on his face he started from bottom to top, as his eyes settled on mine they widened. "Your…eyes…. Sarri what has she done to you?" I smiled "she has enlightened me to a new way of thinking. Together we will make a better world and soon you will see it too." He shook his head then suddenly grabbed me with so much force that I could feel the blood being cut from my arms, however I did not struggle nor make any move to stop him. "Sarri you must fight this, she has poisoned your mind. Can you not see that she's only using you for her own dark purpose?" All I did was smile while I spoke soothingly as if trying to quieten a fretful child "Coran, it is not as bad as you think. Alicia is trying to build a new and better world. With the three of us we can do so much," Still shacking his head he released me turning his back. Stepping forward I put a hand on his shoulder "do not fight it Coran please it has been so long can we not just talk for now?" Slowly hesitantly he again faced me "fine but not with her here." He pointed a finger towards Alicia, glancing at her she inclined her head. "If it pleases you," Looking to me she smiled. "Meet me in my study when you are finished we have much more to talk about." I nodded, and then watched as she left the room closing the door behind her. Once her footsteps disappeared Coran smiled "I knew you would not join her, come let us get out of here." He grabbed my hand pulling me towards the window. Gently ripping my arm free he turned around in confusion. "What are you doing? I have been drugged and can not transform nor use my power. You must carry me if we are to escape," He reached for my hand again but I pulled it away. "I can not allow you to leave Coran. I want you with me when we rebuild the world." Again shock entered his eyes "Sarri please tell me you are joking." I touched his face "look into my eyes and you will know." Instantly he stepped back putting as much distance between us as he could he whispered to himself "this can not be happening." I moved to step closer but he held up his hand "don't come near me." "Cor-" "No! You are not my sister, she would never join such an evil witch as Alicia." Again I tried to step closer "LEAVE ME ALONE WITCH!" My heart instantly hardened at his words along with anger at his refusal to join me. "You have not seen the witch in me yet brother but you will. You will join me even if I have to force you." He laughed, it held so much bitterness that I was shocked to her it from his mouth. "What ever you do to me wont change a thing, just ask your new queen. I will not give in so easily, I am not you Sarri I will not sell my soul to a witch." I smiled maliously "not now no but you will, in time you will see sense." With that I turned and left his room and the guards outside his door. Walking down the hall I turned the corner and paused as I thought about what had just happened. Oh Coran if only you would just give in to it, there must be a way to make him understand, with Alicia queen I will no longer have the responsibility to rule it will be up to Alicia not me, is that not what I have wanted all this time? My thoughts were halted suddenly by footsteps rounding the corner. Nate smiled as he stepped closer to peer down at me with a triumphant smile on his face. "I told you, you would join us one way or another." Not relishing his company and the smug smile he held I moved to push past him without a word. However he did not move and with surprising strength he pushed me against the wall grabbing my wrist with his hands pinning them against the wall beside me. I tried to free myself but shockingly I was not able to. He laughed at my feeble attempt "you have not yet gained your full strength, you can not beat me until you do." I glared at him "you will let me go." Again he laughed "I think not, you have not yet joined us completely. Until you do I need not show you any loyalty and as such I will do as I will." He lowered his head as he inched towards me "I told you, you would require humbling." His lips pressed hard on my own "NATE!" Instantly he released me and turned to face Nardia "you of all people should know she is off limits." He smiled "I take what I want no matter what… or who is involved." Nardia stepped closer "you know what he will do to you if he finds out you have touched her." "I am not scared of him, he does not dictate who I can have and when." Nardia turned to me "the queen is waiting princess." I nodded "I thank you for your intrusion." She glared at Nate as she merely answered "the queen will not wait long you had better hurry." Without another word I left as they continued to argue in hushed voices. I strained my ears but they were already to far away. I made my way through the palace until I stood before the study. Pausing I took a deep breath wiping my mouth to rid myself of what had occurred with Nate, I did not want Alicia to see the fear I felt in my eyes. Finally relaxed I entered the room, Alicia sat behind the desk smiling at me. "I thought I would have to wait a decade," "I am sorry, I was.." I paused trying to find the right words "held up." Alicia waved it away with her hand "please sit we have things to talk about." Taking the chair before the desk I gathered my gown so as to sit comfortably. Alicia leaned forward "firstly you have felt the power of what I offer, but what you have been given is only a small dose of what is to come. There is more to do for you to fully be at my side as my daughter." My thoughts from Coran's words must have shown on my face for her eyes creased as she frowned. "You are not having second thoughts are you?" I smiled "of curse not I only wonder whether Coran can really be convinced." "It is normal to have doubts but it will only be a matter of time before he chooses the right path. For now we will think about the future of Dralic." "What is your plan?" She stood stepping around the desk to stand next to me as she poured a drink. Taking it I drank so as not to appear rude smiling she continued. "Tomorrow we will have something of a celebration to rejoice in your joining our cause." I smiled taking another sip, strangely it reminded me of Taleane's moon shine. "That sounds like a great idea." Alicia nodded "yes, but for now you should get some rest." I stood inclining my head "yes that sounds good the day has been very long." Draining the cup I turned towards the door "Sarri?" Looking back I asked "yes?" Alicia stepped closer "sweat dreams." I smiled "thanks to you I will have." Closing the door behind me I headed towards my room.
Inside I found it very comforting, my chambers consisted of three rooms. One was furnished with various cushioned chairs and an elegantly carved dragon table. All the windows held bays so that you could sit and look through it comfortably. The adjoining room beheld a large canopy bed with beautiful silk linen and dragons carved through the bed head, the last room just as large held the bath with various soaps and oils. Stripping down I got into bed and was asleep within seconds. However I was not asleep long before I awoke suddenly. Though I had not had any pain searing nightmares yet I did dream. In that dream was Drake, sitting up I pressed my hands against my forehead. What does this mean? Why does he plaque my sleep? Leaving my bed I went to the window to stare out over the grounds. I still had the glow of his eyes in my head as I looked to the night stars. My mind then drifted to the night I showed him the stars on the wall of the sanctuary. It had taken three days to fly here at the speeds with which we did. What if with his new powers he followed. I shook my head mother would not have let him go and he would not disobey her. Maybe these dreams are telling me something, maybe I am wrong and he is on his way here. No I told myself he just would not do it, there must be another reason. Not wanting to think about him any more I climbed back into bed closing my eyes as once again sleep took me. In my sleep I was plagued by the very same nightmares when I awoke I was in sweats just as before. But why? Alicia guaranteed I would no longer be plagued by my dreams so why I am still having them? I sighed maybe for them to fully be gone I have to do what Alicia says and completely give myself over to her. Getting out of bed I dressed in warriors garb and left to see Coran again. However as I reached his room the guards refused my entry. "I'm sorry your highness but the queen has ordered it," angry I turned on my heel to seek her out. I found her in the throne room talking to Nate, Nardia and Taleane. She took one look at my face and dismissed the others. Once they were gone I turned on her "why have I been refused to see Coran?" I demanded, sighing she answered. "I thought it best if you did not see him until after the celebration tonight." "He is my brother you can not keep him from me." Alicia stood as she stepped off the dais to stand on level ground before me. "Come let us take a walk," I shook my head. "I do not want to take a walk I want answers." "And you shall have them while we walk," hesitantly I did not know what she had planned but still I followed her out of the throne room. As we walked the halls she turned to me "I did not say that you could not see him, but I would feel better if I was with you when you did. I saw your face when you returned yesterday, you were upset by something he had said. I would feel better if I was with you to deter anything he might say to hurt you." I did not answer "I am only thinking of you." I sighed maybe she was right, maybe it would be easier to convince Coran if he could see she is not the monster he thinks she is. Looking up I realized that we were in front of his door. Turning to Alicia I opened my mouth to speck but she spoke before I could. "Come we will do it together," I stopped remembering my nightmares "first tell me why I am still having nightmares?" She smiled "dear princess I told you that for me to help, you must become one of us completely, these things do not happen over night," I nodded what she said made sense. The guards stepped out of the way as I reached for the door and turned the knob. This time Coran was sitting by the window, he did not turn to see who had entered nor did he talk. Stepping further into the room I knelt by his side and laid a hand on his shoulder. He shuddered at my touch "Coran?" Slowly he turned to face me, there were shadows in his eyes. My heart ached to see him like this "please talk to me." "Why Sarri? Why should I talk to you? You have betrayed me, you have betrayed your people," "Because I am your sister. Come now we could always talk before why stop now? I love you, you are my brother." He laughed the same bitter laugh "do you even know how to love any more or has she taken that from you as well?" I looked to Alicia, slowly she stepped forward to kneel before him. "I have taken nothing, she is still her self. I have merely shown her a better way to rule Dralic, I have given her more power then she can imagine. With it she can do so much more for her people, is that not what you want? Look at her, she is happier then she has ever been." He turned to me as I smiled "she specks the truth. I feel so free and alive, it's like I have finally waken from a horrible dream." He shook his head "how can you say that Sarri? We had a good life, a happy life. How can you say that about the life we have grown up with? To say that is the same as saying that you were unhappy with me." I shook my head "that is not what I mean-" Suddenly full of energy he sprung to his feet stepping away from us. Standing also Alicia and I faced him. "THEN WHAT DO YOU MEAN!" I stepped closer but again he would not allow it "yes I had a wonderful life so far with a loving brother and with love from our father while we had it. However as heir to the throne I was never allowed to be myself. Always I had to be what the people wanted me to be, I had to act as others wanted me to act. Only with you was I able to be myself, not to mention mother. You don't know what it's like, ever since father died mother has changed she is not the loving woman she once was." Tears flowed from my eyes, Coran watched as they made their way down my cheeks, through them I continued "no longer does she talk kind words to me nor does she let me be myself." I felt anger raise inside me as I thought of her "she's not the woman she once was." I put my hands to my face trying to hide the anguish I felt, slowly he stepped closer as he gathered me in his arms, stroking my hair. I felt him lean closer as he whispered in my ear "I know you have felt the burden of being royalty worst then I have and I know what mother has become and is only getting worst. Why do you think I took the blame every time you were caught disobeying mothers orders? Why do you think I'm so protective of you I can't stand it when she locks you in your room or punishes you with ruthlessness for trying to gain the little freedom that you do get? It kills me to see you so unhappy and to see what she does to you and not being able to do anything about it. But Sarri this is not the way, Alicia is not the way. She has poisoned your mind you must realize what she is doing?" Through the tears I also whispered "it is the only way, you can no longer save me for it is too late. Nothing can save me now" Pausing something in my heart forced me to add "but I can still save you." With that I stepped away wiping the tears from my eyes. Ignoring Coran's astonishment I turned to Alicia. "Release him, he will not join us. I know him too well, he will die before he joins us and I would rather face him in battle then die imprisoned with no spirit left." Alicia smiled at me sweetly before she surprised even me by answering "as you wish." Calling the guards in she ordered "Release the prisoner he is no longer needed." As they grabbed him by the arms Coran began to struggle against them, I saw the confusion and worry in his eyes. Drugged he was no match for their grip, defeated he turned to me even as they pulled him from the room. "Do not let her have you, fight against her Sarri you must fight her." I shook my head "next time we meet I will have no choice but to kill you if you appose me." "I will be back for you," he yelled before the door closed and he was gone. Alicia's hand touched my shoulder gently turning me to look out the window. Silently I watched as minutes later Coran was dragged out of the palace and thrown into the street. I watched as he looked up straight into my eyes 'I love you' I mouthed. He was gone it was in that moment I realized why Alicia had taken Coran. This was her plan all along she knew that I would never fully be convinced to join her. Therefore she used Coran in freeing him she guaranteed my loyalty. A life for a life and I gladly gave it if only to free him.
Turning back to Alicia I smiled "thank you." "It was my pleasure, now it is time I prepared for tonight. Go anywhere you want until it is time to get ready," I nodded as she left to do as she had said. I remained in Coran's room, as I looked around tears again formed in my eyes. Going to his bed I sat picking up one of his pillows. It still held his smell, I could not bring myself to leave. Hours later there was a knock on the door. My tears dried up I answered "you may enter." The door opened as Nardia entered the room "I'm sorry to interrupt but I thought you might need somebody to talk too." I smiled indicating that she should sit. She sat at the window across from me "it's a pity your brother had to leave it would have been fun to have him join us." I shook my head "he never would have." Nardia shrugged her shoulders "oh well there will be more soon enough." She smiled "So you and Drake have something, can't say I didn't see that coming considering. I did try to warn them." My eyes were torn from Coran's pillow to Nardia "what do you mean warn them? Warn them of what?" She laughed "nothing I was only making an observation." I tried not to delve too deep in what she said I knew that pretty soon it would not matter anyway, so to hide my confusion I laughed saying "Drake is…." I let my voice trail off leaving her to draw her own conclusion "Yes well he always was the serious type, it took quite a long time to get him to open up enough to find out what I needed. It doesn't surprise me he took to you so fast it only took a few days away from Crystalansio to get the two of you together." I stared more intensely at her not even hearing what she said about Drake only needing a few days away from Crystalansio, "and what was so important that you needed to get close to Drake?" "Why the secret entrance into the palace of course." I laughed with instant doubt, "that's impossible he doesn't even know how to get inside them let alone where they are." She laughed at my ignorance "I'm afraid your wrong about that dear princess, how do you think we got into the palace that night?" Confused but still doubtful I said "only the royal family knows of those passageways. At least I thought they did," "perhaps your mother told him of them." I nodded "perhaps," I again started at the pillow in my arms "Or Drake followed you." My head snapped up "he wouldn't dare." She laughed "he always did know where you were, even when you weren't any where near him. It was really quite strange, but then you already knew that didn't you? What did he say when you asked him about it?" I shook my head she had a way of asking many questions at once sometimes not waiting for an answer it made me think she spoke for the sake of hearing her own voice and nothing else. "I had forgotten all about it." "That's too bad it would have been interesting to know. Anyway tell me what exactly is between you and Drake?" I knew what she was talking about something inside me didn't entirely trust her reasons for asking but the other part of me couldn't help the need to talk about it if only to hear it with my own ears, however it proved harder then I thought to explain. "I don't know, it's strange what ever it is. It's so confusing when I'm around him, almost like.. Oh I don't know." She laughed "sounds like you should figure it out, especially if he is to join us." I stood straight at her words "what did you say?" "Oh I'm sorry did you not know, I can never keep my mouth shut when it's best that I did. Forget I said anything, come on it's time you got ready I'll help you." Without another word she grabbed my hand and began dragging me out of Coran's room and through the halls of the palace to my own where she began rummaging through my wardrobe. I merely watched as she chose a set of formal black warriors garb exactly like the ones I wore through the portal of Killarai with the long black coat that I added in our travels. "This seems fitting for the occasion don't you think?" I only nodded still in thought over what she had revealed. What does this mean? I thought back on what he had said on the wall of the sanctuary. Alicia must want him for what he knows and for his newly acquired powers, but why do I feel happy. Suddenly I found myself getting dressed with a new found zealous, even as I tied my hair in a elegant style that supported a silver chain with a tear drop that sat on my forehead as it weaved gracefully into my hair. "You ready?" I nodded "come on lets go." Nardia smiled as she grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door.
We entered the great hall, there were people everywhere. Among them was Taleane and Nate, I scowled at him as we locked eyes. However he merely gave me a look of self-satisfaction that made my blood boil. A long dinner table had been placed on the dais where the throne would usually be with other tables lining the walls. As I entered a row of people bowed as I made my way to the table upon the dais to sit on Alicia's left as Nardia sat next to me. Nate sat on Alicia's right with Taleane next to him. Upon my sitting the rest in the room also sat, I had attended many parties just like this one however this one seemed so much more. I knew Alicia had something big planned for tonight but I had yet to know what it was. Alicia stood to address all those before her "welcome friends and family. You are all here to witness the coming of a new age, tonight princess Sarri will pledge her self fully to us and our cause." At this every one cheered Alicia put up her hand to quieten them. "With her as my adopted daughter we will soon for full everything that we hoped for. With her we will rid this world of the vermin that corrupted it and rebuild a new and better Dralic." The crowd cheered again, "prepare your weapons for in the coming days we will finish what we started when we took Crystalansio, but for now we celebrate this joining with good food and dancing." It took mere seconds for the servants to hand every one there food as the room burst into loud talk instantly. Sitting Alicia smiled at me "smile and be joyful for soon you will be one of us." Turning she started eating as did the rest of us. After the food a band was brought out as they started to play I was pulled from one partner to the next. My head began to spin as I danced, it was like I flowed with my partner with no thought to what was happening around me. Before I'd even realized the room was quiet as once again Alicia stood on the dais speaking to the people. "Now is the time you have been waiting for, the time for princess Sarri to except her destiny." The room parted as a path was cleared for me to stand before Alicia. Everyone around me began to smile with a strange sort of desire. It frightened me the way they stared, however without even realizing what I did I began to move forwards. Settling before her I bent to my knees as Nardia handed Alicia a goblet of bubbling liquid. Caught deeply in a spell I reached and drank the foul drink till the goblet was empty. The change comes instantly the drink shaped my very soul into pure darkness. My thoughts took on vile things, immense power enveloped my very being. I wanted to kill I wanted to drench myself in the blood of any who stood in my way. The world will be mine to do with as I willed. No longer did those around me matter standing I looked to the sky as pure darkness surrounded me. When it had disappeared I was fully and completely changed. I stared down at myself, my cloths had changed from black to red even down to the chain tiara at my brow. From the reflection of the goblet I still held my eyes had changed from yellow to the same blood red as my cloths. I laughed the most haunting laugh. Taleane stepped closer to me offering her hand to help me off my knees, not being able to control myself I drew the dagger from my belt and stabbed her throat in an upwards motion. I enjoyed the warmth of her blood as it sprayed on my face. The onlookers gazed in shock as I faced them, slowly I started towards them. However I did not get far before I was forced to the ground. Looking behind me I saw Alicia with her hands before her "calm yourself Sarri. You must learn to control your power," I laughed at her. "You are no match for me weakling, I can crush you with a slash of my claws." I started to get up but was forced down again. "Knock her out you fools before she uses her powers!" Before I could stop him Nate use the hilt of his sword hitting the side of my head. Collapsing I was surrounded in darkness and welcomed it.