Growing restless, he steps away from her to release Allanah from the tension grasping her body like constricted chains.
"In your actions. When the time is right, they will awaken."
Allanah turns to face him.
"And what about you?"
Halting in his steps the mysterious figure slowly lowers his hood; revealing his long braided hair tied up and his shaved sides.
"I… Josiah will guide you upon this journey until the very end. As the guardian of the Oracles this is my task that I can not fail."
Allanah is astounded that the mighty armored lion that roared before her in her last dream stood before her as a stunning young man.
"Josiah?... Wow… I…"
Interrupting quickly he adds.
"No time to stammer over these gorgeous looks of mine. We have things to do. I believe it has been three days in your time now since you've been here."
Appalled by the revelation of time in his world, Allanah nearly falls to the ground in shock of so much time passing.
"Three Days?!!!!!"
Modestly thinking with his index to his chin, Josiah begins stating.
"Yea, time is different here. Celestial time is a lot slower than mortal time."
Angered,she blurts out…
"Why didn't you say that in the first place?!!!"
"I forgot for a minute."
Muttering, Allanah barely couldn't hardly find the words to respond to Josiah's absent mindedness.
"Y-Y-Y-You forgot!!!!"
Before he forgot again, Josiah quickly turns to address Allanah on another matter.
"On a serious note. When you get back, you will have to make a decision that will be out of your character. It will also decide what path you will take in this journey. I warn you now. Everything that was kept from you will be told. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment Allanah. Our world depends on you."
"B-But what about you?"
With a warm smile, Josiah replies.
"Don't worry. As long as you have that necklace given to you at birth I will always be around."
Allanah quickly takes hold to the azul-like pendant resting on her chest. With her attention drawn away, she glared up once more to ask.
"But ho"
Before she knew it, she was waking up in her own bed. Pissed, Allanah glared with a scorn look in her eye after being thrown out of the celestial world without notice.
"That bastard did it again…"
Overhearing her words, Ector, Kayla, and several others were waiting by her bedside to awaken from the coma-like spell she held for three days.
"You're awake!!
Rising up, Allanah barely had time to look around the room before Kayla was manhandling her with a bear hug around her neck.
"Thank goodness you're alright."
Struggling to catch her breath, Allanah began to turn blue in the face; gasping for the little air she could get in her constricted lungs.
"Can't- breathe…."
Distracting them all from the joy of seeing Allanah well again was a sudden knock on her door. Wondering, all stared puzzled of who it might be at this given moment. Entering was a young handmaiden that was vaguely recognizable by any of them.
"Excuse my milady…"
She was extremely young, several years younger than Allanah and Kayla. She wore a headdress that covered hair or any flesh to be shown in public with her outfit. Bowing to her, the young girl introduces herself.
" Pardon my intrusion…. I am Gail, second maiden to lord Cole. He assigned me to deliver a gift and a message to you Lady Allanah."
They all wondered how Cole knew of Allanah's awakening moments after it happened, and who or what he had in mind for her. Waving forth, Gail summoned a young boy, no more than ten or so to enter the room. In his arms rested a long crimson ball gown that nearly touched the floor on both sides in the boy's arm.
"Lord Cole would like to officially be introduced to you and has invited you Lady Allanah to dinner tonight."
Skeptical of the invitation, Allanah had to ask the maiden.
"Why now? It has been months and the only words I heard from him was through messages."
Calmly, Gail states.
"With the feud growing between the people of the Royal and Shadow military, Lord Cole figured it would be best if the two figures of both parties find a resolve to end the fighting. Before anarchy arises."
Ector was also questionable of this, untrusting his motive.
"Why not meet with all of us instead of Allanah alone?"
Gail simply bows her head.
"This is what my lord requested, Sir Ector."
From the whole spectacle, everyone in the room fluttered as though this was a ruse to gain the upper hand on Allanah. Being vulnerable after her episode seemed to be the opportune time to use his leverage over her for the Shadow king's self benefits. But without a doubt, Allanah asked,
"Tell your Lord that I will meet him for dinner at dusk in the dining hall."
Pleased of this, the young maiden bowed to her superiors and began to back out of the room.
"As you wish Milady."
Astounded, Ector and the others were appalled that Allanah would agree to meet with this dastardly fiend. Shocked & outraged, Kayla asked her,
"Why would you agree to meet with him?!!"
With a scowling glare in her eye, Allanah protruded to hint towards the secrets being held of her own origin.
"Because… There are paths I must take to decide the fate of our kingdom. And there are those that are not speaking all truths on both sides. If I can negotiate some sort of truce between our two factions, then we buy time until we figure out how to keep the Shadow government from taking control over the Royal Bank that funds all of the kingdoms. Or…. "
Ector and Bors couldn't hide the fact anymore of the mystery that clouded Allanah's birth. Both knew that she had to be told for the benefit of saving what's left of the world they knew. Glancing at Bors, Ector asked.
" Go summon the others I've called and meet us at the Hall of King's within the hour."
Bors just simply nodded.
" Allanah, you were right. It is in these vexatious times that nothing should be held a secret anymore.
Kayla & Allanah only knew that what was coming to light would only bring more rigorous obstacles for them to face mentally. Within the hour, Bors had gathered his former comrades that once served the many kings before Branston took the throne. Some being older than others while few ranged to middle age. All resumed around the round table that rested in the center of the room, conversating among themselves about the summoning of retired knights.
"You have any idea why Ector summoned us back to the capital, Bors? I quite enjoy the peace and quiet while tending to my crops."
Propped against the ledge of the table with his arms crossing his chest, Bors nonchalantly said,
" You'll see in just a moment Galahad. "
The great doors to the hall opened, revealing Ector, Kayla, and Allanah entering amongst the few in the chamber. Respectably, those summoned stood at attention at their assigned seat around the wide round table. Ector takes his place at the table with both girls standing to the side of him. Curious of Allanah stand, Ector whispered to her,
"You can sit Allanah. You are royalty and they can't take their place until you have been seated."
In this state, Allanah was preparing for the harsh truth to flow from the tongue of the knights that raised her since a toddler. Dreading anything, she braced for it all.
"I rather stand… Please royal knights of the Round, be seated."
Weary, the seven that stood uncomfortably took their seats in question of the meeting.
"What is going on Ector? From the countryside, the word is that the capital is in disarray from the Neutral treaty act."
This was asked from the middle aged blonde woman with her hair pinned into a bun.
"That is the second matter, Gwendolyn. But first, I have called only you seven that were there the day Allanah was born."
Instantaneously they all knew then what Ector was about to mention aloud with Allanah in their presence.
"We swore never to speak of this!!"
"Right now, we don't have a choice in the matter. She knows too much because somehow, Branston was able to tell her in his hexed state."
Astonished, the knights were dumbfounded that the man that made them swear to this secret was the sole being who told. Few were angry by this, others were still in awe of everything.
"And at this point, she needs to make the right decision full heartedly if her desire is to save our kingdom."
Undeniable, it made sense that Allanah should know now more than ever. She had come of age and eventually was going to uncover the truth kept by her father. The feeling of contempt held the tongue of Ector for some time. He thought that telling Allanah of her origin would bring distraught and the breaking of her soul once he spoke. Nevertheless, he needed to tell her. There was no other option for them to save their kingdom and the future that was promised to the people. Taking a deep breath, Ector turned to Allanah next to him to speak.
"On the day of your birth, some eighteen years ago, was one of the joyest days of the kingdom. Your mother and father were thrilled to have brought an heir into the world. Especially your father. There were few there in the chambers when you were born. Myself and the selected knights your father held dear to him, and the maidens that delivered you. Once you were in your mothers arms for the first time, a witch appeared out of thin air within the middle of the chamber. It was like within a blink of an eye she was there as though she had been there all along."
Ector and the others could remember that day as though it just happened moments ago. Each one of them envisioned that day within their eyes as Ector continued to tell the story. Picturing Allanah's mother, with her long cream silhouette hair and praline-like skin lying bare on the bed with a sheet covering her. To her breast was baby Allanah shouting aloud as she took in her first breath of air in the real world. Her father Branston stood over her with a gnormous smile that warmed the room of his daughter's sight. Unimaginable, the joy that blanketed the room of Allanah's arrival instantly turned into a dark heavy weigh that chilled the essence of those bearing in the chamber. It felt colder; chilling while time seemed to be standing still for that brief moment. The birds outside the window froze in mid flight, and the clouds rolling over ceased in their place. Cascading a shadow over the land while the obscured figure appeared in the midst of the room among them. Unseen, the others knew this had to be a woman obscured by the cloak and hood hiding her appearance. The only noticeable features that couldn't be questioned were her large revealing breast protruding from underneath the black cloak, and her long ruby hair with streaks of black flowing from the corner of her hood.
"The day has finally come."
Alarmed by her presence, the knights steadfast with their weapons drawn to protect the king and his family. Branston himself even drew his long great sword and stood at the foot of the bed; shielding the witches' view from his family.
"How did you get in here?"
"You must have used some sort of maugeki to get in here."
"She must be a witch or sorceress to appear like this."
One knight said.
"What do you want here, sorceress?
From the shadow of the hood, Branston saw a sinister grin creep upon her face.
"The girl…"
Allanah's mother took her tightly in her arms, holding her closer to her chest now displaying a frightening sight.
"What do you want with our child?!!"
A steady pause came between them before the mysterious being spoke aloud.
"It is not me. But the world."
Puzzled by this, Branston asked the witch…
"The world?... Speak clearly witch without the fork between your tongue."
She chuckled at Branston's fortitude. Pointing at Allanah the witch stated.
"Your daughter is the living embodiment of Goddess Namira. The 12th Oracle to be incarnated into the world."
Furious at her, Ector shouts..
"How do you know this? The last Oracle hasn't been seen for over one hundred years!!"
Glancing over her shoulder at him, she reiterates.
"That is because mankind hid the Oracle from her destiny. Which has caused the Scales of Karma to tilt against our favor. With the birth of this child is the last hope of bringing salvation to Namira before death claims this world."
"DEATH?!!"
They all said with the sheer sight of horror spewing from their quivering eyes. The fear that grew within them of death she spoke of only surged anger within.
"What are you talking about? What is this Scale of Karma?!!!
Nodding her head, she said.
"Mere mortals would not understand. When she comes of age, her powers will flourish whether you teach her or not about her true self. And the time will come when she will have to face the greatest threat to humanity. The world has destroyed itself of true everlasting harmony, and now is on the brink of destruction. It is up to her and the new generation of Shoguns to bring this world back from the clutches of Adrestia."
"Wait… Who or What is the greatest threat to humanity? Maybe we can change it, so my daughter won't have to bear that burden."
Branston was quick to think of some resolution to free his daughter from this damned fate that was bestowed upon her. If any, as a father, he would take it from her so that she could live in the world free from the fear of death & darkness.
"It is beyond you king. "
The witch said.
"But if it can be exalted before. Will she be free?"
That was a question that couldn't be answered by the witch. She stared with a silent tongue, only pondering in her own thoughts while observing the soul of the king.
"Answer him witch!!!"
Ector shouted anxiously. Extending her arm, a necklaced dangling from around her wrist; a silver pendant with a sapphire stone embedded within.
"Keep this with her at all times."
"What is that?"
But before they could hear a word from her mouth, she was gone. Vanished within the blink of an eye as when she appeared. Everyone in the room grew nervous of what just happened; fearing that some plague or end of the world prophecy was told to them to prepare. Branston looked back as his beloved wife and daughter, consulting every way he could to protect them from any harm presented. Somehow, the pendant that the witch held around her wrist was now in the hands of the king. Mysteriously it appeared there, unaware of how and when it became in his possession. Ector told Allanah who stood with this inconceivable glare within her eye. She shivered with fright, but somewhat angry that this was held from her for so long.
"That night, your father vowed to protect you from this prophecy. Some of us told him it may be a lie, but your father was not taking any chances. Seeing him stare into that fire in his chambers while you and your mother slept was the first time in my life witnessing Branston become more than just a king. He was a father willing to do anything and everything to protect his family. Even if he had to manipulate the world with the idea of peace."
The quivering in Allanah's hand suddenly ceased once she let the wounds of Ector's worlds bleed in. She gritted her teeth, biting her tongue so she wouldn't speak anything from emotion alone.
"So it was because of me that all this happened?"
Tears fell down her cheeks, obscured by the banes shadowing her eyes from everyone.
"All because some witch told him of some tale? Why lie? Why hide this from me? They should have let me choose my own fate!! Now all the people are suffering because of me and some possible lie told over a decade ago."
"But is it though?"
She knew. They all knew that everything that was told was true. It was hard to accept, but her father did all this to see that she wouldn't have to place the world on her shoulders.
"What made his decision concrete was the historic research about all the past Oracles."
Curious enough Allanah asked.
"What?"
Ector hesitated for a moment, looking to the others around the room awaiting to witness Allanah's reactions.
"... Every past Oracle has died horrifically somehow trying to balance these so-called Scales of Karma. After hearing that, your father refused to ever bury his child if he could help it."
For the love of a father, could Allanah truly despise him for wanting to protect her from death? Branston was willing to sacrifice everything for her, even taking the prophecy from Allanah to prevent losing her life. Every emotion was surfacing, but Allanah couldn't let any of them see that she was vulnerable. For years, she saw her father & his knights travel the world in awe to save it from the damage done by the previous sovereigns. Is it so far off that it's exactly what she has to do? One way or another, the fate of humanity falls into her hands and she is going to have to choose soon. The dedication that she had for her kingdom couldn't be isolated to her people anymore. But where would her destiny start? Several avenues could begin, but which one was the right path to take?
"Ector…"
Lingering on her next words, the knights anxiously anticipated what she may have decided in that moment.
But dusk was soon upon them. Cole awaited Allanah in the dining hall as she requested. Idling at the long dinner table dressed with an almond cloth and various dishes that stretched from end to end. At the head of the table, Cole, monotonous of her arrival, sat with his cheek resting against his closed palm, silently entertaining himself with his own thoughts. Several maids waited by the far wall, until they heard the grand doors opening from above the staircase. They all turn, and witness Allanah gradually walking down the stairs in the stunning red Victorian dress that Cole sent to her. Allanah's hair was done with braids holding her long lavender like hair in a stylish bun. Her dress flowed down the staircase behind hair as a stream of water coursing through a brook. Even Cole was mesmerized by her beauteous presence, so much that he became speechless to say. Allanah made her way to the table, where Cole was still paralyze by her grace. Shaking the trance, Cole immediately stood and met Allanah at her seat.
"Princess Allanah…"
He said bowing.
"You look ravishing this evening."
Proper, Allanah curtsy in an old greeting manner.
"You as well look quite dapper, Diplomat Cole."
As a gentleman, Cole pulls out her seat for her to take her rightful place at the table.
"Allow me."
Formally, she sits gracefully in place, as Cole sat right next to her instead of returning to the far end.
"It is quite exhilarating to finally meet you in person. The rumors of your beauty didn't serve you justice."
Ironically, Allanah could see through the facade Cole was trying to display to win her over. Though it was a little bit too much for Allanah's taste to feel blushful. For some particular reason, she felt an eerie presence that surrounded him. Cole's physical presence was that of a young bashful man that cared the essence of a politician; which caused Allanah to be cautious of any words that could be manipulated by his cunning demeanor.
"Diplomat Cole, are we here to talk about reconciling the traumatic stress upon the people and this union, or are you here to fill my ear with blissful compliments?"
Charmed by Allanah's straight forward statement, Cole leaned back from his upfront and personal position into a defensive deplore. He couldn't get a read on her like he normally does with anyone else. Looking slightly puzzled as to why Allanah was so defensive if he led not to be aggressive in any way.
"Straight to the point."
He said with a nod.
"Well if you are not going to eat this meal your fine chef has cooked for you, then allow us to be entertained with a dance while we speak."
Most unusual thing to ask at the moment caught Allanah off guard.
"A dance??"
With a smile, Cole says.
"It would rather lighten the mood, so that we can be more comfortable around each other. It is up to us to reestablish the kingdom together if we want to succeed your father's expectations."
Allanah really didn't know how to respond to an unsubtle thing. Cole presented himself as a charming individual that had noble intentions to resurrect the peace that once stood between the two kingdoms. And politely have Allanah involved with the political matters, then standing behind the curtains. For just a moment, Allanah would accept his offer to a dance. Lifting her hand, Cole gently takes her from her seat to the empty space in the dining room. With the snap of his fingers, the violinist seated above began to resonant a pleasant melody that enlightened the mood in the room. Swiftly Allanah and Cole soared across the floor in a dance; gliding as if the two were on clouds hovering in the limelight of the moons.
"So Cole… Why have you brought troops to the capitol? The image that you portray to the people here has taken their presence as a forcible act of martial law."
Gazing into her eyes, Cole answered with a seductive smile.
"It was indeed a harsh first act to instill that our presence is known. We were hoping the citizens here would interact more than the rash display we have seen over the last few months."
Allanah replies.
"How would they react when they are being forced out of their homes, and treated like second class citizens and criminals in the street?"
Cole simply nodded.
"Though it may seem brash. In our kingdom, when the people begin to form a physical rebuttal towards change, our soldiers enforce that their opinion is null. The decision made by the sovereign of that nation is set in stone; which is for the best of the kingdom."
Allanah gradually became flustered with Cole's ideology; setting that the people have no say in political matters that affect them.
"Without the people's opinion, then how would the Crown Sovereign know that the decision made was right or wrong? What if that idea destroys the hope and stability of many that lived comfortably by the trust they held in their crown? Could they really idle by and watch it fall before them?"
Cole insists
"I've seen what happens when people think they are above the law when it doesn't benefit their own agenda. They argue, fight, and spew hatred for the simple implementation that could change the balance needed to stabilize the very problem uprooted in the cause. The citizens become spoiled, seeing how and what way they can gain advantage of others, and force guilt upon the crown by implying that they have targeted a specific race, gender, or class. Which majority is a false accusation to construct the minds of others to see their way instead of the bigger picture.
Confused, Allanah thought that he contradicted himself by saying that. Believing that people truly do not know the entire intention of laws that may save those who never had nothing, and harshly show those who had everything what it feels to be treated the same.
"So you are saying people are spoiled and their voices don't matter?"
Disagreeing, Cole reiterated.
"No… I'm saying that the same people complaining about harsh treatment are the same that kick beggars on the street when all they need is a small blessing. I do agree that our methods are brutal in a way to show humanity their own mistakes, but who else will show them? If we never learn from our own sinful pride, we are doomed to end our existences in this futile world."
Allanah was speechless for just a moment. She questioned if he was right about all they spoke of about the people. It wasn't until she asked.
"We all make mistakes, even those crowned. But who to say when we are on the brink of tyranny, if not the people speaking the truth?"
Cole thinks for a moment.
"That is true. We are mortals. But to think that some will never understand another's life until they are in that position. Your father sought to bring equality to many in the world; offering many opportunities for people to live normal average lives. Do you know how many hated the idea of having those they look down upon sit at the same table as them now?"
With every word, the two continued to glide across the floor in the midst of the room; catching the eyes of the maids blushing at the graceful dance.
"Us working together would allow our two ideas to forge a powerful administration. You, knowing the people and their desires. I, enforcing the necessary laws that need to be instilled. The Neutral act can still work as long as you and I make an alliance here and now."
Leaning her back in his arms, Cole looked deep into her eyes with his seductive glare. In his glance, a dark garnet miasma resonated from his eyes. Allanah, clearly seeing the presence of something devious emit from him, places her mind in preparation of what might come from Cole.
"We can be a great force to be reckoned with. Be mine Allanah: Mind, Body, and Spirit."
His free hand gradually climbed down from Allanah's arm and unto her soft smooth neck. And made its way to her cheek. Depth within her mind, Cole leaned in for a kiss upon her lips.
"Allanah…"
Closer and closer he came.
"Be a part of me…"
Before he could place his lips upon hers, a shocking spark came from lips; nulling Cole's trance he thought he had over her.
"Ugh…"
Standing back onto her feet, Allanah, knowing what she had done, gathered everything she needed about Cole. Backing away from her, Allanah smiled as innocent as she could be and stated.
"Well now Diplomat Cole, this evening was quite a spectacular event. I appreciate your chivalry and the dance, but I must retire for the night. Tomorrow we must make preparations to address the people in public together if we wish to bring harmony back to our nations."
Still unknowing of what had just happened, Cole vaguely caught the end of her departing statement.
"Uh.. yes… Tomorrow... "
Leaving the dining hall, Allanah concluded their full intention of what Cole and the shadow king wanted. For her to be under their influence and control while slowly implementing their ways upon their people through her. She was the key to everything; the connection to the people, the loyalty of the knights, and the motivator to move the souls of the nation. Without her, they had nothing but a rebellion on their hands. Allanah walking the halls knew exactly what she had to do. Passing by, Bors stood in the corner waiting to escort her back to her chambers.
"Uncle…"
She turned, glancing at Bors with the shades of her eyes illuminating red and iris. Bors knew her intention once he saw the look in her eyes.
"I understand."
In the darkness of the wall, a shadow that stood in the mirror of Bor's image swiftly shifted from its stagnant place and ran across the floor back to the dining hall. Still standing in place, Cole was boggled by what had happened between the two of them.
"What the hell? Why didn't that work like always?"
The shadow from the hall merged with Cole's shadow on the floor. Over his shoulder, the shadow begins to whisper all that it knew into his ear. Astounded, Cole couldn't believe what he heard; startled by Allanah's true ambitions and power.
"What? I see… Continue on..."
The night grew long as Allanah stood out on her balcony gazing out among the capital and the street lights illuminating a path all the way unto the hillside. Her mind wondered of the actions that should be taken. For her people it would have felt as she had abandoned them to the laws of the Shadow kingdom and its brutal administration. If she didn't then Namira would be lost; resulting in all her efforts rendered pointless. The obvious was there, but obligation still made her hesitant on leaving so soon. Time was a fact, and it was against her at every waking moment. Josiah appeared by her side, witnessing Allanah battle her inner thoughts with what she should do.
"It is a lose, lose situation. You leave the Royal kingdom now, then the people will feel abandoned by you. You stay, then it would only be a matter of time before your fight here would be for nothing."
Allanah asks.
"How will I know? What if my fight here will have a ripple effect and call forth the shoguns needed?"
Josiah simply shook his head.
"If only it was that easy. Like you they are battling their own demons as well that have torn them from the path destined. Going against destiny is what put us in this predicament in the first place. "
Allanah turns towards him.
"I can't just abandon my people in these harsh times."
Josiah knew that she carried the fatal trait from her predecessors; caring too gravely for human life was a great flaw that held back some of the other oracles from achieving what needed to be done. Leaning over the reel of the balcony, Josiah replies to her looking out over the city.
"Is it really abandoning your people if you are saving them and others around the world?"
Allanah couldn't retort at the time. Josiah's words had captured her tongue and filled her mind with the idea of seeing the bigger picture.
"Do what you must. But time is not on our side right now."
A knock came to Allanah's door. With her attention drawn away, Josiah vanished from her sights to leave her with the unsuspecting company.
"Enter."
It was strange to have someone to be visiting her this late at night. Who could it be? Gradually walking in was Kayla slowly making her way through the entrance of the door. At first glance, Allanah could see her clothes had been torn, bruises on her neck and cheeks, and a glare of despair & shame on her face. She sat on the bed, nearly breaking into tears from something.
"What the…"
Allanah raced to her bedside; frightened of what could had happened to Kayla. The look on her face was traumatizing: an empty glare of a soulless being that lost themselves in this world.
"Kayla, what happened?"
Looking up, tears began to roll down her cheeks. Unbearably, Kayla was nearly unable to speak of whatever happened to her, but being that it was Allanah she had to tell her.
" I-I-I don't know what happened. It seemed like I had no control of my body."
Confounded, Allanah only assumed the worst that could have happened to Kayla. Someone had taken advantage of her, physically assaulting her while she was off guard.
"What-What do you mean? Who did this?"
Hysterical, Allanah dreaded knowing who had done this to her. It was rare for someone to get the jump on Kayla; being that she was a tough and well known fighter.
"It was Cole. I encountered him in the courtyard after leaving my father's chambers."
Quivering in her speech. Reliving that moment was another torment that Kayla had to imagine once again as she told Allanah. Visioning it once more, brought an aching pain into her chest that resonated to her eyes swelling from the tears.
"Lady Kayla…"
Cole shouted. Scouring the area of the voice calling her, Kayla turned to see whom had shouted her name with such familiarity. It was Cole strolling past with a smile that seemed to do no harm.
"Diplomat Cole…"
Standing before her, Cole interjects with a normal conversation that was strikingly unwary of threat.
"Are you taking a stroll around the castle this fine evening?"
Not thinking much of it, Kayla replied.
"No… I was just leaving my father's chambers