"Tomas!" Kyrian yelled as she ran to his fallen figure. She quickly dropped to the ground beside him and lifted up his head. "Wake up my dear." She whispered. His eyelids started to flutter, they soon opened. "I-" he started, "Am I dead?" he asked Kyrian.
"No you silly goose! And neither am I!" she exclaimed. Tomas pulled himself up to a sitting position."But I heard you die. How- how'd you live?" his voice got choked up with emotion.
"Shh." she said, "Dwell on it no more. After all I didn't come all this way for people to moan about how I'm dead!" Kyrian grinned then stood up. "What's the first order of business?" she asked.
"You should probably go and see your parents." Mintara said, "They're in mourning for you right now."
With Mintara's words Kyrian took off to her house. She sped down the path as fast as she could. With out stopping she flung herself through the open door and into the house. "Mom! Dad!" she yelled, "Where are you!" She heard sobs coming from her parent's bed room. "It's almost like she's here again." her mother said, "Why did she have to be taken away so soon? Poor Tomas, he wanted to marry her so much." Then she broke into sobs again, "He should really be here now." she whispered.
"There, there, Rachele." her father comforted,"Everything will be okay." There was a sorrow in his voice that Kyrian had never heard before.
"Mom! Dad! I'm alive!" she yelled as she ran in. Her mother screamed, "Be gone from here you specter!" then she fell onto her pillow, the sobs racking her body. Her father stared at her wide eyed, unable to speak. "But it is me." she said softly as she sat at the edge of the bed,"I'm alive. Can't you see?" Her mother screamed again,"Ven get rid of it!"
"Is it you Kyrian? Is it really you?" he asked, with his blue eyes full of tears.
"Yes, daddy, it's really me." She gave him a hug,"I'm alive."
His eyes lit up,"Rachele! It's really Kyrian! She's really alive!" he yelled as he shook his wife. "Stop it Ven! You're hallucinating." she returned coldly. "But mother," Kyrian said softly,"it really is me." she stoked her mother's long brown hair. Her mother refused to look at her, "Send it away Ven." she croaked hoarsly. Her father looked at her with eyes full of compassion, "I think you should go away for a little while. Your mother can't handle much of anything right now." Kyrian hugged her father then left her home. She sat out by the big oak tree and cried. Her own mother wouldn't even speak to her, even though she came back to life. She heard footsteps coming her way but didn't even bother to look up to see who it was. The person sat down beside her, "What's wrong Kyrian?" Tomas asked.
"My mom still thinks I'm dead." she said as she looked up at his green eyes. He sighed,"Oh."
"I heard while I was in there something interesting though." she told him.
"What is that?"
"That you're aiming to marry me." Tomas blushed, and smiled at her. "I was trying to keep that a surprise." he told her, "Would you want to marry me?" he asked.
"Yes!" Kyrian squealed with joy. Tomas's eyes sparkled in delight. Then she remembered what Simar told her, her face fell. "What's wrong?"
"I can't." she said as she turned away. She couldn't bear to see his face when she told him. "I'm only allowed to stay here until the war is over. Then I must go back to-" she almost said Royal City, but she knew Tomas wouldn't understand,"the land of the dead." she finished. An awkward silence consumed the space, "You can't?" Tomas finally croaked.
"I can't." she sobbed, "It was my deal. I wasn't supposed to die then, it was evil that interfered and messed up the plan. And now I live here to finish my part in the plan, and then when it's done I die and go back to the City and-" Tomas grabbed her face and made her look at him, "Until then, we can be married." he said.
"But I'm so young Tomas. I don't think it would be a good idea." she tried to pull her face out of his grip, but he was to strong for her.
"Please." he said, Kyrian saw a longing in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Tomas." a tear dripped down her face.
"Then let me do this." he said as he leaned in towards her.
"Tomas no." Kyrian whispered. But it didn't stop him from kissing her.
"Oh my." Came Laurel's voice. Kyrian and Tomas pulled apart, they both blushed. "It-um-" stuttered Tomas, "I better be going now." he said. He jumped up and jogged away.
"What was that about?" Laurel asked. Kyrian brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"Tomas asked me to marry him." she said sadly. Laurel grew excited, "What'd you say?" she asked.
"No." tears came pouring out of Kyrian's eyes.
"No?"
"When the war is over, I have to die again." Kyrian explained, "I didn't think it would be a good idea." Laurel grew still, "You have to die?"
"It was agreed that I would go back to the City at the end of the war. I have a feeling I would have died then any way." Laurel gave Kyrian a long hug.
"It's okay Kyrian. You'll be fine." she said.
Tomas burst into the hut he and Landlion shared. "What's wrong Tomas?" Landlion asked from his chair.
"She said no." he threw himself into the other chair and started to peel an apple.
"What?"
"I asked her to marry me and she said 'no'." He attacked his apple angrily with his knife.
"Why did she say no?"
"She said that at the end of the war she has to die, again." his voice started to choke up. Landlion looked at him full of wonder. "She has to die again?" Tomas didn't respond to Landlion.
"Well why don't you ask her again?" Landlion asked,"Maybe at a different time she'll say yes. You have to pursue her." Tomas now stared at his friend in wonder. "Do you really think she'll say yes?"
"Maybe." Tomas leapt out of his chair and went to the door. "Where are you going?" Landlion called after him.
"To asked her again!" Tomas called back.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Part 50 by Taylor
Mintara and Tomas went back and picked up Landlion, slowly making their way back to the army. Landlion was severely depressed about his limited mobility, but he no longer seemed suicidal. Tomas was walking around in a fog, he couldn't feel anything, nor did he care to. He felt almost as if he had killed Kyrian. "I should have stopped her, I should have stopped her, I should have...." the words kept repeating themselves in his head. He had known that she and Laurel were up to something sneaky, he knew Kyrian too well to miss it. Or, should he say, he had known her well enough. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes again, and he blinked them back with an effort.
Kyrian felt as if she were floating. She had heard the command, had seen the archers release their arrows, and her vision had blacked out. I must be dead, she realized suddenly. The concept at first terrorized her. Everything around her was white. She could barely discern something ahead of her. It soon revealed itself as a spectacular golden city. She seemed to be floating toward it. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. Besides, there were much more fascinating things to occupy her mind. She saw people clad in beautiful flowing garments walking the streets below. She continued on to a higher place.
She could see another section of the city, but it seemed much more grand and spectacular. This section was smaller, but even more beautifully made and designed. She floated down until she touched the street directly in front of a magnificent house with huge, arching doorways and pillars.
A lovely young woman clothed in purple walked out of one of the side arches, intent on a sheaf of letters in her hand. She glanced up suddenly and saw Kyrian standing there awkwardly. "Kyrian?!" she exclaimed in disbelief. "Um, yes?" Kyrian said uncertainly. "What are you doing here?!" the young woman seemed shocked at her presence. "Um, I don't really know," Kyrian began. "I think I died." She felt ridiculous saying it.
The young woman continued to look shocked, then suddenly grabbed Kyrian by the hand and marched up the long hallway of the palace. She threaded her way through several passageway, Kyrian in tow. Finally, they reached a large, open room with tall, arched ceilings. "Father!" the young woman called. A tall, handsome man quickly walked up to them. There was certainly nothing about his features that made him look old, he was about middle-aged, but there was an oldness about him that Kyrian couldn't identify. "Escathyst! Who is this?" he questioned, looking at Kyrian.
Suddenly, it all came rushing back to Kyrian. She had seen this lovely young woman before in the dream about Mintara and Emerion. She was Mintara's sister! She had called the man "Father". This must be Simar, the Chief Wizard. "This is Kyrian!" Escathyst said, glaring at the man accusingly. "Kyrian? What is she doing here?" he exclaimed. "That's what I was wondering!" Escathyst said, placing her hands on her hips. "Young lady, why don't you come over here and tell me how you got here?" Simar said calmly, ignoring Escathyst's sassy behavior.
"Hmmmm, that wasn't supposed to happen." Simar stroked his beard thoughtfully after Kyrian finished telling him her story. "Did I do something wrong?" Kyrian asked anxiously. "No no, sweetie," Escathyst comforted. "It was just a mistake. You weren't supposed to die yet. You're still needed down there."
"What's going to happen to me?" Kyrian asked. "That is being decided," Escathyst said, pointedly looking at her father. "What my daughter means is that I am deciding whether or not to send you back," Simar said. "But few who come to the Royal City ever want to return to their old lives. Also, this is only temporary. The only reason I am giving you the option to go back is because you must serve an important part in the fate of the world. When you have served your purpose, and the war is over, you will return to the Royal City. In the history of the Council of Wizards, only five have had the option of returning to their world. All of them declined. It is a very serious decision."
Kyrian suddenly found that she didn't want to leave. The whole atmosphere of the golden city was beautiful. She was sure she could lead a wonderful life here, without the rigors and pain of life on earth. But she loved her friends back home too. She struggled with her decision for several moments. Escathyst and Simar knew what she was going through. "Take your time, dear," Escathyst said, smiling.
Kyrian suddenly thought of Tomas. Her choice was made in that instant. She would rather endure the hardships of life and be able to spend a little more time with Tomas back home then spend many years waiting for him in the Royal City. "I will go back," she announced in a clear voice. "I knew you would!" Escathyst exclaimed joyfully. "Very well then," Simar smiled. With a wave of his hand, Kyrian's world faded to black.
She again experienced the floating sensation. She was dropping towards a forest. She landed lightly in a small clearing. Glancing around, she saw the army through the trees. Her eyes widened and she ran towards it with a huge smile. Did she ever have a story to tell!
Tomas, Laurel, Mintara, and Landlion were sitting in another place specially designated for the leaders of the army. Mintara was trying to hold their attention with battle plans, but no one really cared at the moment. Landlion was dejected about his leg and how he would never walk normally again. He didn't think that leading an army was a possibility anymore, but everyone insisted that they needed him, and he could ride a horse, not that he wanted to. Tomas was still so grieved over Kyrian's death; his dull eyes didn't focus on anything. Laurel couldn't rid herself of the guilt that gripped her soul over leaving Kyrian and Landlion behind. She felt she should have done something. The only slightly active one was Goricnal, who was trying to hide his sadness.
Mintara sat down with a sigh. "You guys haven't heard a word that I've said, have you?" she asked tiredly. A couple of heads shook. "You guys really ought to pay attention when someone talks to you." Kyrian stepped into the clearing. Mouths dropped open as they stared in shock at her. "Kyrian!" Laurel was the first one to recover. She ran up and hugged Kyrian so tight she couldn't breathe.
When Laurel finally released her, Kyrian turned to face the others. Landlion was smiling broadly, though he couldn't get up to greet her because of the cumbersome bandage on his leg. Goricnal came up and offered his hand. Kyrian dropped down and gave him a bear hug, which flustered the little man, who pushed away. Mintara was looking at her with a little smile and a look of disbelief. Kyrian made a mental note to talk to her later. Then Kyrian looked at Tomas. After he had seen Kyrian, he promptly fainted.
Kyrian felt as if she were floating. She had heard the command, had seen the archers release their arrows, and her vision had blacked out. I must be dead, she realized suddenly. The concept at first terrorized her. Everything around her was white. She could barely discern something ahead of her. It soon revealed itself as a spectacular golden city. She seemed to be floating toward it. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. Besides, there were much more fascinating things to occupy her mind. She saw people clad in beautiful flowing garments walking the streets below. She continued on to a higher place.
She could see another section of the city, but it seemed much more grand and spectacular. This section was smaller, but even more beautifully made and designed. She floated down until she touched the street directly in front of a magnificent house with huge, arching doorways and pillars.
A lovely young woman clothed in purple walked out of one of the side arches, intent on a sheaf of letters in her hand. She glanced up suddenly and saw Kyrian standing there awkwardly. "Kyrian?!" she exclaimed in disbelief. "Um, yes?" Kyrian said uncertainly. "What are you doing here?!" the young woman seemed shocked at her presence. "Um, I don't really know," Kyrian began. "I think I died." She felt ridiculous saying it.
The young woman continued to look shocked, then suddenly grabbed Kyrian by the hand and marched up the long hallway of the palace. She threaded her way through several passageway, Kyrian in tow. Finally, they reached a large, open room with tall, arched ceilings. "Father!" the young woman called. A tall, handsome man quickly walked up to them. There was certainly nothing about his features that made him look old, he was about middle-aged, but there was an oldness about him that Kyrian couldn't identify. "Escathyst! Who is this?" he questioned, looking at Kyrian.
Suddenly, it all came rushing back to Kyrian. She had seen this lovely young woman before in the dream about Mintara and Emerion. She was Mintara's sister! She had called the man "Father". This must be Simar, the Chief Wizard. "This is Kyrian!" Escathyst said, glaring at the man accusingly. "Kyrian? What is she doing here?" he exclaimed. "That's what I was wondering!" Escathyst said, placing her hands on her hips. "Young lady, why don't you come over here and tell me how you got here?" Simar said calmly, ignoring Escathyst's sassy behavior.
"Hmmmm, that wasn't supposed to happen." Simar stroked his beard thoughtfully after Kyrian finished telling him her story. "Did I do something wrong?" Kyrian asked anxiously. "No no, sweetie," Escathyst comforted. "It was just a mistake. You weren't supposed to die yet. You're still needed down there."
"What's going to happen to me?" Kyrian asked. "That is being decided," Escathyst said, pointedly looking at her father. "What my daughter means is that I am deciding whether or not to send you back," Simar said. "But few who come to the Royal City ever want to return to their old lives. Also, this is only temporary. The only reason I am giving you the option to go back is because you must serve an important part in the fate of the world. When you have served your purpose, and the war is over, you will return to the Royal City. In the history of the Council of Wizards, only five have had the option of returning to their world. All of them declined. It is a very serious decision."
Kyrian suddenly found that she didn't want to leave. The whole atmosphere of the golden city was beautiful. She was sure she could lead a wonderful life here, without the rigors and pain of life on earth. But she loved her friends back home too. She struggled with her decision for several moments. Escathyst and Simar knew what she was going through. "Take your time, dear," Escathyst said, smiling.
Kyrian suddenly thought of Tomas. Her choice was made in that instant. She would rather endure the hardships of life and be able to spend a little more time with Tomas back home then spend many years waiting for him in the Royal City. "I will go back," she announced in a clear voice. "I knew you would!" Escathyst exclaimed joyfully. "Very well then," Simar smiled. With a wave of his hand, Kyrian's world faded to black.
She again experienced the floating sensation. She was dropping towards a forest. She landed lightly in a small clearing. Glancing around, she saw the army through the trees. Her eyes widened and she ran towards it with a huge smile. Did she ever have a story to tell!
Tomas, Laurel, Mintara, and Landlion were sitting in another place specially designated for the leaders of the army. Mintara was trying to hold their attention with battle plans, but no one really cared at the moment. Landlion was dejected about his leg and how he would never walk normally again. He didn't think that leading an army was a possibility anymore, but everyone insisted that they needed him, and he could ride a horse, not that he wanted to. Tomas was still so grieved over Kyrian's death; his dull eyes didn't focus on anything. Laurel couldn't rid herself of the guilt that gripped her soul over leaving Kyrian and Landlion behind. She felt she should have done something. The only slightly active one was Goricnal, who was trying to hide his sadness.
Mintara sat down with a sigh. "You guys haven't heard a word that I've said, have you?" she asked tiredly. A couple of heads shook. "You guys really ought to pay attention when someone talks to you." Kyrian stepped into the clearing. Mouths dropped open as they stared in shock at her. "Kyrian!" Laurel was the first one to recover. She ran up and hugged Kyrian so tight she couldn't breathe.
When Laurel finally released her, Kyrian turned to face the others. Landlion was smiling broadly, though he couldn't get up to greet her because of the cumbersome bandage on his leg. Goricnal came up and offered his hand. Kyrian dropped down and gave him a bear hug, which flustered the little man, who pushed away. Mintara was looking at her with a little smile and a look of disbelief. Kyrian made a mental note to talk to her later. Then Kyrian looked at Tomas. After he had seen Kyrian, he promptly fainted.
Part 49 by Taylor
Kyrian woke up as a guard opened her cell. "Time for your judgement," he snickered. Kyrian recognized him as the mean soldier out in the woods. He grabbed her roughly by the arm and yanked her to her feet. "Please keep your filthy hands off of me," Kyrian said. "I may be a prisoner, but I still have a measure of dignity."
"Keep your filthy hands off me!" the man mimicked. He grabbed each of her shoulders in a quick movement. Kyrian drove her knee up into his stomach and kicked his shins as he doubled over in pain. She wrenched his hands off of her and knocked his legs out from under him. Smoothing back her hair, she said, "If I were you, I wouldn't do that again."
He rose cautiously, but still was full of nastiness. He bowed grandly to Kyrian and sneered, "After you, your highness." They left the dungeon and came out into the sunlight, which momentarily blinded Kyrian. Two soldiers met them and shackled her hands behind her. Quickly, they escorted her through the streets lined with people who apparently hated her. The soldiers tried to maintain order, but still, Kyrian frequently had to duck objects that were thrown at her. They took her up to a stand above the heads of the people, where an execution block sat, dried, blackened blood staining the wood and cobblestones around. Aelysha and Stephneis sat on two regal thrones under a red tent. "This should be interesting," Stepheneis smirked. Aelysha smiled, she had waited a long time for this moment. "Prepare the prisoner!"
Landlion dragged himself along until he reached a tree stump. Pulling himself up, he managed to stand and hobble a few steps at a time before having to rest. Suddenly, he heard a commotion in the woods in front of him. Looking around frantically for a weapon, he scooped up a good-sized rock. Tomas burst out from the trees. "Tomas! It's you!" Landlion breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Tomas stared at Landlion's crippled leg with horror. "What happened to you?!" Landlion disdained to answer, trying to hide his deformed leg behind the tree. "Where's Kyrian?" Tomas asked, suddenly remembering his mission. Landlion averted his eyes and lowered his head. That was answer enough.
The guards forced Kyrian to kneel and lay her head on the block. Aelysha suddenly spoke up. "I would rather see a shooting," she said maliciously. The guards dragged Kyrian to her feet and pushed her over to a wall with bloodstains on it. "Your Highness, a moment while the archers arrive," a man in royal clothes bowed.
Landlion hobbled along through the woods painfully. The army was still several miles away. After only a hundred yards, he knew he wouldn't make it. Agonizing pain gripped his leg so that he couldn't breathe. Collapsing on the soft leaves, he promptly blacked out.
Tomas ran frantically through the woods at full speed. Reaching the tree line, he saw the castle up ahead. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he had to do something. Suddenly, a rope coiled around his foot and jerked him off his feet. A trap.
The archers filed out in single order, a quivers full and bows ready. There were about seven, from what Kyrian could tell. She tried to act brave, but was, in reality, terrified. "Halt!" the captain ordered. "About face!" The archers turned simultaneously and faced Kyrian. "Ready arrows!"
Tomas struggled, but couldn't free himself. He suddenly remembered his knife and dug it out of his pocket. He was in such a hurry, that it flipped out of his hands and landed in the leaves several feet away. He stretched and tried to reach it. His fingertips brushed the polished handle.
It was clear that Aelysha was going to give the command to fire. She rose from her plush throne and walked over to where Kyrian waited to die. "Are you afraid?" Kyrian didn't answer, she couldn't even if she had wanted to. Her throat was constricted with tears so that she couldn't speak. "It seems a shame to kill you so quickly. But, we don't always get the things that we want." Aelysha spoke to the whole crowd. "And it would be pointless to postpone your death now! We've gotten all the information that we need!" The guards and noblemen cheered. Kyrian knew she hadn't betrayed a single word, but still, it hurt to hear her name smeared.
Tomas strained, almost pulling his leg from the socket, but the knife still stayed out of his reach. Suddenly, a boot clamped down on it. Tomas knew it was over. He glanced up.
Aelysha smirked once more at Kyrian, then stepped back behind the archers. "Aim!"
"Mintara! What are you doing here?" Tomas exclaimed in shock. "Helping you rescue Kyrian," she answered, cutting the rope. He scrambled to his feet and they both ran towards the castle. There were no guards on lookout, everyone had been summoned to the execution.
Aelysha purposely withheld the command that would end Kyrian's life, savoring the moment, the fear on the girl's face. Kyrian was disappointed in herself. She had hoped that she would be braver in the face of death. She bowed her head and closed her eyes.
Mintara and Tomas ran desperately. They knew they were out of time.
"Fire!" The archers loosed their arrows.
Mintara and Tomas heard the shouts and cheers and skidded to a halt. Tomas's eyes were wide; he couldn't comprehend what had just happened. Mintara lowered her head and softly spoke a kind of prayer. "No!" Tomas shouted, eyes clouding with tears. "It can't end like this!" He looked at Mintara wildly; the wizard only returned his gaze sadly with a shake of her head. "It's out of our hands now," she said, laying a hand on his shoulder. Tomas burst into sobs and sank to his knees, covering his face with his hands. Mintara wiped a tear from her own eye, not bothering to try and hide it. "Come," she finally said. "Landlion needs us, and so does the army." Tomas didn't answer for a moment, then nodded and wiped his grief-stricken face as he followed the wizard away.
*Okay, I know that this is really bad, but if I may write the next chapter, I promise that you all will be....sorta happy? Satisfied? Something better? =D
The guards forced Kyrian to kneel and lay her head on the block. Aelysha suddenly spoke up. "I would rather see a shooting," she said maliciously. The guards dragged Kyrian to her feet and pushed her over to a wall with bloodstains on it. "Your Highness, a moment while the archers arrive," a man in royal clothes bowed.
Landlion hobbled along through the woods painfully. The army was still several miles away. After only a hundred yards, he knew he wouldn't make it. Agonizing pain gripped his leg so that he couldn't breathe. Collapsing on the soft leaves, he promptly blacked out.
Tomas ran frantically through the woods at full speed. Reaching the tree line, he saw the castle up ahead. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he had to do something. Suddenly, a rope coiled around his foot and jerked him off his feet. A trap.
The archers filed out in single order, a quivers full and bows ready. There were about seven, from what Kyrian could tell. She tried to act brave, but was, in reality, terrified. "Halt!" the captain ordered. "About face!" The archers turned simultaneously and faced Kyrian. "Ready arrows!"
Tomas struggled, but couldn't free himself. He suddenly remembered his knife and dug it out of his pocket. He was in such a hurry, that it flipped out of his hands and landed in the leaves several feet away. He stretched and tried to reach it. His fingertips brushed the polished handle.
It was clear that Aelysha was going to give the command to fire. She rose from her plush throne and walked over to where Kyrian waited to die. "Are you afraid?" Kyrian didn't answer, she couldn't even if she had wanted to. Her throat was constricted with tears so that she couldn't speak. "It seems a shame to kill you so quickly. But, we don't always get the things that we want." Aelysha spoke to the whole crowd. "And it would be pointless to postpone your death now! We've gotten all the information that we need!" The guards and noblemen cheered. Kyrian knew she hadn't betrayed a single word, but still, it hurt to hear her name smeared.
Tomas strained, almost pulling his leg from the socket, but the knife still stayed out of his reach. Suddenly, a boot clamped down on it. Tomas knew it was over. He glanced up.
Aelysha smirked once more at Kyrian, then stepped back behind the archers. "Aim!"
"Mintara! What are you doing here?" Tomas exclaimed in shock. "Helping you rescue Kyrian," she answered, cutting the rope. He scrambled to his feet and they both ran towards the castle. There were no guards on lookout, everyone had been summoned to the execution.
Aelysha purposely withheld the command that would end Kyrian's life, savoring the moment, the fear on the girl's face. Kyrian was disappointed in herself. She had hoped that she would be braver in the face of death. She bowed her head and closed her eyes.
Mintara and Tomas ran desperately. They knew they were out of time.
"Fire!" The archers loosed their arrows.
Mintara and Tomas heard the shouts and cheers and skidded to a halt. Tomas's eyes were wide; he couldn't comprehend what had just happened. Mintara lowered her head and softly spoke a kind of prayer. "No!" Tomas shouted, eyes clouding with tears. "It can't end like this!" He looked at Mintara wildly; the wizard only returned his gaze sadly with a shake of her head. "It's out of our hands now," she said, laying a hand on his shoulder. Tomas burst into sobs and sank to his knees, covering his face with his hands. Mintara wiped a tear from her own eye, not bothering to try and hide it. "Come," she finally said. "Landlion needs us, and so does the army." Tomas didn't answer for a moment, then nodded and wiped his grief-stricken face as he followed the wizard away.
*Okay, I know that this is really bad, but if I may write the next chapter, I promise that you all will be....sorta happy? Satisfied? Something better? =D
Friday, September 10, 2010
Part 48 by Emily
"What are we going to do?" Kyrian asked Laurel frantically. The red head girl stood staring at the spot were the men were sure to come from any second. Her face was grimacing in pain, "I must go with Cerelda." she swallowed hard, as if making a big decision,"She's hurt so badly and the war- Mintara- I must leave now." Kyrian stared at her friend, it was as if some one else had possessed the girl. Tears were pouring down Laurel's face, "Be brave my friend." Then she turned and mounted her injured dragon and flew off. Kyrian's mind raced, what should she do with the injured an unconscious Landlion?
She hid his body in the brush and scribbled a hasty note to him telling him which herbs can heal leg wounds and to stay hidden. She also laid her bow nearby his prone figure. She had barely done that when the first solider came into the clearing. "Stay where you are!" he ordered Kyrian. She stared him down as he blew a blast from his trumpet. The rest of the troop came bounding in. Kyrian heard murmurs of,"Could she be the killer?" "No, she's just a girl." "Why is she here?" "How'd she get the cut on her leg?" Kyrian knew she had to act fast, she burst into tears. "Oh Tomas!" she wailed.
"Are you alright miss?" The lieutenant asked her. Kyrian dropped to the ground and wailed again. "No! They've taken my poor Tomas!"
"Who has him, miss?" he asked moving closer to Kyrian's weeping form.
"The rebels!" She screamed, "They've made him work for their army!"
"It's alright miss." the man said while he laid a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, his face was kind and you could see genuine concern in his eyes.
"But they've taken him!" she sobbed again.
"Do you know where?" a voice from behind the lieutenant asked.
"To the southern forest!" she let a new stream of tears fall down her face.
"We should take her back to head quarters to see if she knows any more." the other man said. Kyrian peered around the lieutenant and saw the man. He was short, and had a greedy look in his eye, a lust for blood and money. Kyrian shivered at the sight of him, he seemed like a man who would mistreat women.
"Do you know anything else miss?" the lieutenant asked.
"Only that they moved their after fleeing Kalorn." she wiped tears from her eyes.
"Kalorn? The elven forest? Why did you use it's native name?" Kyrian's eyes grew wide, she knew she had slipped up big time. "I-I-"she stumbled, her acting couldn't save her here. The greedy man walked up with some ropes,"Here you are sir. To arrest the young lady." he sneered. The lieutenant took the ropes and bound Kyrian securely. They made her hobble back to the castle at a fast rate. Once inside they did a through search of her person.
Kyrian knelt in a cell, waiting for her judgement to come. She knew she would die, she was sure of it. A guard came to the door of the cell, "Your judgement awaits." he opened the door and cut the bonds on her legs, freeing her to walk. Her hands were still tied tight behind her back, and she had no way of freeing herself so she thought it best to be complient. They walked up the familiar passage ways from her adventure of freeing Landlion. She wanted to cry, but she needed to be brave as she faced death. After walking up countless flights of stairs they finally came to a throne room. the doors were already open and one figures was seated on the throne. They forced Kyrian to walk until she was within ten feet of the person. The bile started to rise in her throat, Aelysha sat on her throne smiling smugly. "Kneel before the queen." the guard hissed. Kyrian wouldn't, no, couldn't do it, so the guard forced her to kneel. She dropped her head in defeat. "Kyrian." Aelysha hissed, "It's so good to see you again my dear." she started to cackle. "Now you are at my mercy. And that is a sad occasion for anyone." Here she got up and started to pace. "I swore I would get revenge on you one day. And that day is today." She smacked Kyrian across her face with the scepter, making Kyrian's nose bleed. The point cut her below her eye, she wanted to scream in pain, but she sat immobile, unaffected on the outside.
"You don't know, do you? You think I want revenge on you because of the fight in Locien. But oh no my dear! I want you dead because you killed my father!"
Kyrian looked at her in shock,"Your father?" she croaked as blood dripped into her mouth.
"Exron." Aelysha growled. Kyrian knew that Aelysha's power was strong, and so was her hatred for her. She began to grow woosy, "Exron?" the words had barely left her mouth before she blacked out.
Landlion awoke in the forest, the dawn sun was barely peaking through the trees. How'd I get here? he wondered. I don't remember anything. He opened his hand, inside was a piece of paper. He read the first line, It's a note from Kyrian.
"Landlion." it said,"I don't have time. Laurel flew, left me and you. I captured, you hidden. Greenlight, Forest Oak, Waterleaf heal wound. Be brave. Kyrian."
It all came back to him. Laurel and Kyrian burst into his cell right after he tied the noose around his neck. Laurel cut it and dragged him out and to the dragon. He and Kyrian hung below Cerelda as she flew. Then he blacked out as they landed. They saved my life in exchange for Kyrians. He was touched by the kindness they showed towards him. He read the last part of the note, "Greenlight, Forest Oak, Waterleaf heal wound. Be brave." She thought it was something that could be healed. He thought sadly. If only she were right.
She hid his body in the brush and scribbled a hasty note to him telling him which herbs can heal leg wounds and to stay hidden. She also laid her bow nearby his prone figure. She had barely done that when the first solider came into the clearing. "Stay where you are!" he ordered Kyrian. She stared him down as he blew a blast from his trumpet. The rest of the troop came bounding in. Kyrian heard murmurs of,"Could she be the killer?" "No, she's just a girl." "Why is she here?" "How'd she get the cut on her leg?" Kyrian knew she had to act fast, she burst into tears. "Oh Tomas!" she wailed.
"Are you alright miss?" The lieutenant asked her. Kyrian dropped to the ground and wailed again. "No! They've taken my poor Tomas!"
"Who has him, miss?" he asked moving closer to Kyrian's weeping form.
"The rebels!" She screamed, "They've made him work for their army!"
"It's alright miss." the man said while he laid a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, his face was kind and you could see genuine concern in his eyes.
"But they've taken him!" she sobbed again.
"Do you know where?" a voice from behind the lieutenant asked.
"To the southern forest!" she let a new stream of tears fall down her face.
"We should take her back to head quarters to see if she knows any more." the other man said. Kyrian peered around the lieutenant and saw the man. He was short, and had a greedy look in his eye, a lust for blood and money. Kyrian shivered at the sight of him, he seemed like a man who would mistreat women.
"Do you know anything else miss?" the lieutenant asked.
"Only that they moved their after fleeing Kalorn." she wiped tears from her eyes.
"Kalorn? The elven forest? Why did you use it's native name?" Kyrian's eyes grew wide, she knew she had slipped up big time. "I-I-"she stumbled, her acting couldn't save her here. The greedy man walked up with some ropes,"Here you are sir. To arrest the young lady." he sneered. The lieutenant took the ropes and bound Kyrian securely. They made her hobble back to the castle at a fast rate. Once inside they did a through search of her person.
Kyrian knelt in a cell, waiting for her judgement to come. She knew she would die, she was sure of it. A guard came to the door of the cell, "Your judgement awaits." he opened the door and cut the bonds on her legs, freeing her to walk. Her hands were still tied tight behind her back, and she had no way of freeing herself so she thought it best to be complient. They walked up the familiar passage ways from her adventure of freeing Landlion. She wanted to cry, but she needed to be brave as she faced death. After walking up countless flights of stairs they finally came to a throne room. the doors were already open and one figures was seated on the throne. They forced Kyrian to walk until she was within ten feet of the person. The bile started to rise in her throat, Aelysha sat on her throne smiling smugly. "Kneel before the queen." the guard hissed. Kyrian wouldn't, no, couldn't do it, so the guard forced her to kneel. She dropped her head in defeat. "Kyrian." Aelysha hissed, "It's so good to see you again my dear." she started to cackle. "Now you are at my mercy. And that is a sad occasion for anyone." Here she got up and started to pace. "I swore I would get revenge on you one day. And that day is today." She smacked Kyrian across her face with the scepter, making Kyrian's nose bleed. The point cut her below her eye, she wanted to scream in pain, but she sat immobile, unaffected on the outside.
"You don't know, do you? You think I want revenge on you because of the fight in Locien. But oh no my dear! I want you dead because you killed my father!"
Kyrian looked at her in shock,"Your father?" she croaked as blood dripped into her mouth.
"Exron." Aelysha growled. Kyrian knew that Aelysha's power was strong, and so was her hatred for her. She began to grow woosy, "Exron?" the words had barely left her mouth before she blacked out.
Landlion awoke in the forest, the dawn sun was barely peaking through the trees. How'd I get here? he wondered. I don't remember anything. He opened his hand, inside was a piece of paper. He read the first line, It's a note from Kyrian.
"Landlion." it said,"I don't have time. Laurel flew, left me and you. I captured, you hidden. Greenlight, Forest Oak, Waterleaf heal wound. Be brave. Kyrian."
It all came back to him. Laurel and Kyrian burst into his cell right after he tied the noose around his neck. Laurel cut it and dragged him out and to the dragon. He and Kyrian hung below Cerelda as she flew. Then he blacked out as they landed. They saved my life in exchange for Kyrians. He was touched by the kindness they showed towards him. He read the last part of the note, "Greenlight, Forest Oak, Waterleaf heal wound. Be brave." She thought it was something that could be healed. He thought sadly. If only she were right.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Part 47 by Taylor
Laurel and Kyrain walked quietly through the evening dusk towards Cerelda and Rhovanion. "We'll have to travel a little slower since you're riding a horse, but still, we should get there in plenty of time." Laurel chattered as they walked. Kyrian was beginning to be a little doubtful about the wisdom of their plan, but still, she followed Laurel's lead.
An hour later, they reached the castle in Lylle where Landlion was imprisoned. Kyrian had pushed Rhovanion hard the whole way, and the tired mare was glad to stop. Cerelda landed heavily a few feet away, and Laurel motioned for Kyrian to come. Kyrian grabbed a long coil of rope from Rhovanion and fashioned a harness for herself. Cerelda grasped the other end in her claws and took off. Kyrian gasped as she suddenly shot into the air, unprepared for the sudden jerk. She lost her grip on the rope and flipped upside down with a scream. Laurel yelled, but she couldn't really do anything. With an intense effort, Kyrian righted herself and grabbed the rope tightly, breathing hard from her frightful experience.
Although she was careful never to let anyone know, she had a fear of hights. She had tried to keep her courage up by not thinking of what she planned to do, but her upside down ride had dissolved all former confidence she might have had. She couldn't believe how Laurel rode that dragon without so much as a rope holding her on. She was tempted to yell up to Laurel to call off the whole thing, but she decided against it. Besides, Laurel wouldn't let her back out now anyway.
Suddenly, Cerelda cupped her wings and came to an abrupt halt in the air. Kyrian flew forward under the dragon and was jerked to a stop twenty feet ahead. She moaned and held her stomach where the rope had practically cut her in half. "What was that all about?!" she yelled at Laurel. The elf didn't answer, just wheeled Cerelda around in the other direction at full speed. "Ow!" Kyrian was jerked violently in the other direction.
Cerelda dropped swiftly, and Kyrian screamed as the ground rushed up to meet her. "Oof!" She hit the dirt hard and lay face-down, not moving. Laurel jumped off of Cerelda and ran to Kyrian. "Are you all right?!" Laurel asked. "No, I am not all right," Kyrian's muffled voice came from the ground. "I'm dead." Laurel couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously Kyrian, are you okay?" Kyrian sat up with a groan and glared at the elf. Laurel shrank back.
"Why did you do that? That wasn't the plan!" Kyrian said vehemently. "Kyrian, the plan is impossible. They must have figured out that we came over the wall last time when we captured the king," Laurel answered. "What do you mean?" Kyrian asked. "The whole city is heavily fortified, with many soldiers on the high places specifically looking for anyone trying an air raid."
Kyrian didn't say anything for a moment. Neither did Laurel. Both were lost in thought. "I might have an idea," Kyrian said slowly. "Oh, what is it?" Laurel asked eagerly. "It's risky," Kyrian cautioned. "Who cares?" Laurel shrugged. Kyrian sighed. Typical.
The moon was merely a sliver in the sky, a distinct advantage to some extent. Although, it would hamper one prospect of Kyrian's plan. The two girls were hidden at the edge of the forest which was a little ways from the walls. They could see soldiers pacing the wall, bows ready, eyes searching for intruders. "Ready?" Kyrian asked Laurel. "Ready." Laurel answered, bow poised. "Now!" They both loosed their arrows, each one finding the mark. Two soldiers cried out and fell to the ground far below. Quick as a flash, they shot again, with perfect accuracy. Two more men mysteriously screamed and dropped. Yells echoed through the city as soldiers ran from the barracks to investigate.
Through all the confusion, the girls continued to pick off soldiers. Laurel shot a soldier through the heart, but instead of dropping, the man behind him caught the body. By the angle of the arrow, he was able to determine the general direction that it had come from. "Run!" Kyrian shouted. Both girls dove out of the way just as the whole area around them was peppered with arrows. Laurel narrowly escaped injury, only made possible by her elven qualities. Kyrian wasn't so lucky. "Ow!" Laurel twisted around to see Kyrian rip an arrow from her lower leg. "Kyrian, are you all right?!" Laurel crawled over to her. "Yeah, I'll be fine," Kyrian said with an effort. But Laurel was not fooled. "What kind of plant will help this?" she asked. "Um...." Kyrian tried to think, but was a little light-headed. "Greenlights blossom," she finally said.
Laurel ran off into the woods to search for the plant. Time was running out, their plan was working, but was now working against them. The soldiers were pouring out of the city to squelch the rebel uprising. Something caught Laurel's eye; a miniature forest of small, plain, pale green flowers. Without hesitation, she ripped up a handful and ran back to Kyrian.
"Is this it?" she showed the plant to the wounded girl. Kyrian's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, that's it! Where did you find it?!"
"Just over there," Laurel answered off-handedly, applying the plant to wound. Kyrian was still shocked, Greenlight was not known to grow in those parts. She had just sent Laurel away so the Dragon Rider wouldn't be killed. "Can you walk?" Laurel broke into Kyrian's thoughts. "Um, yes." Kyrian struggled to her feet with Laurel's aid. Once she was up, walking became easier, and she soon ran with Laurel.
They ran far away from their hiding place, all the way to where Cerelda waited. "Let's go!" Laurel jumped onto the dragon's back and Kyrian whipped the harness around herself. This time she was prepared when Cerelda took off, although she still wasn't comfortable with the height.
They flew around to the side of the castle, where the advancing troops wouldn't see them. A lot of the troops had left, but still, there were many at the castle. "I hope this works," Kyrian whispered to herself. They flew over the wall where the soldiers used to be. Kyrian felt Laurel slide down the same rope she hung from. They could see a high rooftop rushing towards them. As soon as they were over it, Laurel cut the rope, and they dropped silently to the roof.
Once they were down, Laurel knew right where to go. She had badgered the poor formal King Ire until he had told her where the dungeon was. Winding through the narrow streets, they finally reached a barred door. Kyrian quickly and quietly subdued the guard and tossed the keys to Laurel, who tried one after another until she found the right one.
Cold stone steps led down into the damp darkness below. Laurel recklessly ran down the stairs, Kyrian following more carefully. Once their eyes adjusted to the dimness, they were able to depict a row of filthy cells. As they walked, they tried not to touch the dripping walls. "Landlion," Laurel whispered into each cell. Kyrian couldn't see as well as the elf could, she mostly relied on sound. "Landlion!" Laurel cried, rushing to a cell. Kyrian blindly followed. She could hear Laurel frantically flipping through the keys, trying to find the right one.
Finally, she got it, and flung the cell door open, almost hitting Kyrian in the face. "Kyrian, help!" Kyrian rushed in and felt around for Laurel. "Where are you?"
"Over here!" Laurel sounded almost hysterical. Kyrian groped her way around, finally hitting Laurel with one of her flailing hands. "Give me a knife!" Laurel yelled. Kyrian reached in her pocket and handed over a blade. Laurel snatched it and started cutting something; Kyrian could hear fibers snapping. "What are you doing?"
Laurel didn't answer. Landlion moaned slightly as Laurel shook him. "Laurel? Kyrian? What are you doing here?" he asked groggily. "We're rescuing you!" Laurel said firmly. "No," he said feebly. "Here Kyrian, help me get him up," Laurel instructed, ignoring Landlion's protests.
Kyrian grabbed his arm and hoisted him up with Laurel's help. Landlion couldn't seem to support his weight very well for some reason. "Laurel, what's wrong with him?" Kyrian said with an effort. "His leg is injured," was all Laurel would say. They managed to get him to the dungeon door. Where they were immediately confronted by five armed guards.
Laurel and Kyrian couldn't reach for their weapons without dropping the wilting Landlion. Besides, it was too late. Each man had his sword drawn and pointed at the invaders. Suddenly, a huge rock dropped from above and crushed them instantly. Laurel and Kyrian looked up and saw Cerelda flying overhead. The dragon swung around and flew low over the city. When she came directly over them, she flapped slowly, hovering. The rope, still tied to her, fell on Kyrian's head. The girls tied the dangling rope to Landlion and themselves, an action that cost them precious time. The troops had quickly discovered that no one was in the woods, and were swiftly returning to the city at the shouts of their comrades. Arrows whistled by them. "Go!" Laurel screamed to Cerelda.
With a great effort, the young dragon lifted her precious cargo into the air. Her wings worked overtime to get clear of the wall. Laurel knew that Cerelda couldn't go for long with such a heavy load. Suddenly, one of the whistling arrows hit Cerelda in the underbelly. Normally, the arrows just bounced off her hard scales, but this one came from behind and nosed under the tip of a scale, piercing flesh. The injured dragon let out a scream and, despite her best efforts, lost altitude. Laurel felt her dragon's pain, and quickly untied herself, pulling herself hand-over-hand up the rope to her faltering dragon.
Kyrian knew they were about to have a rough landing, and she braced herself accordingly. Cerelda spread her wings as she fell, landing more gently. Still, Kyrian and Landlion rolled on the ground upon impact, Landlion crying out in pain. Kyrian didn't cry out. "I must be getting the hang of this landing stuff," she thought wryly.
When she checked Landlion, she found him to be unconscious. "Just as well," she thought. "I'm sure he's more comfortable this way." She ran over to Laurel and Cerelda. "Is she all right?" she asked Laurel. The elf turned a tear-stained face up to Kyrian. "I don't know what to do. She's in such pain! I don't know what to do." Laurel kept repeating that she didn't know what to do, biting her knuckle and trying to keep her tears back. Kyrian suddenly whirled around when she heard a terrifying sound. Shouts of men coming after them.
Hey guys! I know this is kind of a cliffhanger and may put the next writer in a tight spot, but my part is already huge, so I thought I had better stop. If, of course, you want me to write some more on this part, I certainly can. =D
An hour later, they reached the castle in Lylle where Landlion was imprisoned. Kyrian had pushed Rhovanion hard the whole way, and the tired mare was glad to stop. Cerelda landed heavily a few feet away, and Laurel motioned for Kyrian to come. Kyrian grabbed a long coil of rope from Rhovanion and fashioned a harness for herself. Cerelda grasped the other end in her claws and took off. Kyrian gasped as she suddenly shot into the air, unprepared for the sudden jerk. She lost her grip on the rope and flipped upside down with a scream. Laurel yelled, but she couldn't really do anything. With an intense effort, Kyrian righted herself and grabbed the rope tightly, breathing hard from her frightful experience.
Although she was careful never to let anyone know, she had a fear of hights. She had tried to keep her courage up by not thinking of what she planned to do, but her upside down ride had dissolved all former confidence she might have had. She couldn't believe how Laurel rode that dragon without so much as a rope holding her on. She was tempted to yell up to Laurel to call off the whole thing, but she decided against it. Besides, Laurel wouldn't let her back out now anyway.
Suddenly, Cerelda cupped her wings and came to an abrupt halt in the air. Kyrian flew forward under the dragon and was jerked to a stop twenty feet ahead. She moaned and held her stomach where the rope had practically cut her in half. "What was that all about?!" she yelled at Laurel. The elf didn't answer, just wheeled Cerelda around in the other direction at full speed. "Ow!" Kyrian was jerked violently in the other direction.
Cerelda dropped swiftly, and Kyrian screamed as the ground rushed up to meet her. "Oof!" She hit the dirt hard and lay face-down, not moving. Laurel jumped off of Cerelda and ran to Kyrian. "Are you all right?!" Laurel asked. "No, I am not all right," Kyrian's muffled voice came from the ground. "I'm dead." Laurel couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously Kyrian, are you okay?" Kyrian sat up with a groan and glared at the elf. Laurel shrank back.
"Why did you do that? That wasn't the plan!" Kyrian said vehemently. "Kyrian, the plan is impossible. They must have figured out that we came over the wall last time when we captured the king," Laurel answered. "What do you mean?" Kyrian asked. "The whole city is heavily fortified, with many soldiers on the high places specifically looking for anyone trying an air raid."
Kyrian didn't say anything for a moment. Neither did Laurel. Both were lost in thought. "I might have an idea," Kyrian said slowly. "Oh, what is it?" Laurel asked eagerly. "It's risky," Kyrian cautioned. "Who cares?" Laurel shrugged. Kyrian sighed. Typical.
The moon was merely a sliver in the sky, a distinct advantage to some extent. Although, it would hamper one prospect of Kyrian's plan. The two girls were hidden at the edge of the forest which was a little ways from the walls. They could see soldiers pacing the wall, bows ready, eyes searching for intruders. "Ready?" Kyrian asked Laurel. "Ready." Laurel answered, bow poised. "Now!" They both loosed their arrows, each one finding the mark. Two soldiers cried out and fell to the ground far below. Quick as a flash, they shot again, with perfect accuracy. Two more men mysteriously screamed and dropped. Yells echoed through the city as soldiers ran from the barracks to investigate.
Through all the confusion, the girls continued to pick off soldiers. Laurel shot a soldier through the heart, but instead of dropping, the man behind him caught the body. By the angle of the arrow, he was able to determine the general direction that it had come from. "Run!" Kyrian shouted. Both girls dove out of the way just as the whole area around them was peppered with arrows. Laurel narrowly escaped injury, only made possible by her elven qualities. Kyrian wasn't so lucky. "Ow!" Laurel twisted around to see Kyrian rip an arrow from her lower leg. "Kyrian, are you all right?!" Laurel crawled over to her. "Yeah, I'll be fine," Kyrian said with an effort. But Laurel was not fooled. "What kind of plant will help this?" she asked. "Um...." Kyrian tried to think, but was a little light-headed. "Greenlights blossom," she finally said.
Laurel ran off into the woods to search for the plant. Time was running out, their plan was working, but was now working against them. The soldiers were pouring out of the city to squelch the rebel uprising. Something caught Laurel's eye; a miniature forest of small, plain, pale green flowers. Without hesitation, she ripped up a handful and ran back to Kyrian.
"Is this it?" she showed the plant to the wounded girl. Kyrian's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, that's it! Where did you find it?!"
"Just over there," Laurel answered off-handedly, applying the plant to wound. Kyrian was still shocked, Greenlight was not known to grow in those parts. She had just sent Laurel away so the Dragon Rider wouldn't be killed. "Can you walk?" Laurel broke into Kyrian's thoughts. "Um, yes." Kyrian struggled to her feet with Laurel's aid. Once she was up, walking became easier, and she soon ran with Laurel.
They ran far away from their hiding place, all the way to where Cerelda waited. "Let's go!" Laurel jumped onto the dragon's back and Kyrian whipped the harness around herself. This time she was prepared when Cerelda took off, although she still wasn't comfortable with the height.
They flew around to the side of the castle, where the advancing troops wouldn't see them. A lot of the troops had left, but still, there were many at the castle. "I hope this works," Kyrian whispered to herself. They flew over the wall where the soldiers used to be. Kyrian felt Laurel slide down the same rope she hung from. They could see a high rooftop rushing towards them. As soon as they were over it, Laurel cut the rope, and they dropped silently to the roof.
Once they were down, Laurel knew right where to go. She had badgered the poor formal King Ire until he had told her where the dungeon was. Winding through the narrow streets, they finally reached a barred door. Kyrian quickly and quietly subdued the guard and tossed the keys to Laurel, who tried one after another until she found the right one.
Cold stone steps led down into the damp darkness below. Laurel recklessly ran down the stairs, Kyrian following more carefully. Once their eyes adjusted to the dimness, they were able to depict a row of filthy cells. As they walked, they tried not to touch the dripping walls. "Landlion," Laurel whispered into each cell. Kyrian couldn't see as well as the elf could, she mostly relied on sound. "Landlion!" Laurel cried, rushing to a cell. Kyrian blindly followed. She could hear Laurel frantically flipping through the keys, trying to find the right one.
Finally, she got it, and flung the cell door open, almost hitting Kyrian in the face. "Kyrian, help!" Kyrian rushed in and felt around for Laurel. "Where are you?"
"Over here!" Laurel sounded almost hysterical. Kyrian groped her way around, finally hitting Laurel with one of her flailing hands. "Give me a knife!" Laurel yelled. Kyrian reached in her pocket and handed over a blade. Laurel snatched it and started cutting something; Kyrian could hear fibers snapping. "What are you doing?"
Laurel didn't answer. Landlion moaned slightly as Laurel shook him. "Laurel? Kyrian? What are you doing here?" he asked groggily. "We're rescuing you!" Laurel said firmly. "No," he said feebly. "Here Kyrian, help me get him up," Laurel instructed, ignoring Landlion's protests.
Kyrian grabbed his arm and hoisted him up with Laurel's help. Landlion couldn't seem to support his weight very well for some reason. "Laurel, what's wrong with him?" Kyrian said with an effort. "His leg is injured," was all Laurel would say. They managed to get him to the dungeon door. Where they were immediately confronted by five armed guards.
Laurel and Kyrian couldn't reach for their weapons without dropping the wilting Landlion. Besides, it was too late. Each man had his sword drawn and pointed at the invaders. Suddenly, a huge rock dropped from above and crushed them instantly. Laurel and Kyrian looked up and saw Cerelda flying overhead. The dragon swung around and flew low over the city. When she came directly over them, she flapped slowly, hovering. The rope, still tied to her, fell on Kyrian's head. The girls tied the dangling rope to Landlion and themselves, an action that cost them precious time. The troops had quickly discovered that no one was in the woods, and were swiftly returning to the city at the shouts of their comrades. Arrows whistled by them. "Go!" Laurel screamed to Cerelda.
With a great effort, the young dragon lifted her precious cargo into the air. Her wings worked overtime to get clear of the wall. Laurel knew that Cerelda couldn't go for long with such a heavy load. Suddenly, one of the whistling arrows hit Cerelda in the underbelly. Normally, the arrows just bounced off her hard scales, but this one came from behind and nosed under the tip of a scale, piercing flesh. The injured dragon let out a scream and, despite her best efforts, lost altitude. Laurel felt her dragon's pain, and quickly untied herself, pulling herself hand-over-hand up the rope to her faltering dragon.
Kyrian knew they were about to have a rough landing, and she braced herself accordingly. Cerelda spread her wings as she fell, landing more gently. Still, Kyrian and Landlion rolled on the ground upon impact, Landlion crying out in pain. Kyrian didn't cry out. "I must be getting the hang of this landing stuff," she thought wryly.
When she checked Landlion, she found him to be unconscious. "Just as well," she thought. "I'm sure he's more comfortable this way." She ran over to Laurel and Cerelda. "Is she all right?" she asked Laurel. The elf turned a tear-stained face up to Kyrian. "I don't know what to do. She's in such pain! I don't know what to do." Laurel kept repeating that she didn't know what to do, biting her knuckle and trying to keep her tears back. Kyrian suddenly whirled around when she heard a terrifying sound. Shouts of men coming after them.
Hey guys! I know this is kind of a cliffhanger and may put the next writer in a tight spot, but my part is already huge, so I thought I had better stop. If, of course, you want me to write some more on this part, I certainly can. =D
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Part 46 by Tessa
"You expect me to die my hair that color? That's hideous!" Laurel said disbelievingly.
"Um, yes." Kyrian said looking down at the bowl of dye in her hands.
"Fine, let's get this over with." she sighed before sitting down. "I just hope it washes out."
"Well, Mintara's orders are well, Mintara's orders. It might help us with you know what." Kyrian implied.
"You just might be right." Laurel said turning around to reveal a big Cheshire grin on her face.
"Turn around and sit still you goof!" Kyrian said stifling her laughter. She grabbed the bowl and started transforming Laurel from a red-head to a nasty brown.
"Cerelda is never going to let me live this down!" Laurel thought giggling to herself and upsetting Kyrian who dropped the bowl directly on the middle of her head. Kyrian took one look at Laurel with the bowl on her head and dye running down her face and started rolling on the floor laughing.
"What's so funny?" Mintara asked as she walked into the tent. In one glance she sized up the situation. With a straight face she said "Oh, well you look wonderful Laurel. Just the look we were going for." Before letting a smile tug at her lips. "Hurry up and clean this mess up before meeting me in my tent." she said leaving Laurel and Kyrian staring after her.
Laurel and Kyrian finally finished cleaning up the dye mess and now were waiting for Mintara to finish talking to Tomas. When Tomas came out he smiled at Kyrian before saying, "Oh, you have to talk to Mintara too? Well, good luck. After the news she just got she, well we'll just say she isn't in the best mood."
Mintara was looking at a map of the land surrounding Xerob. "I believe you have something to tell us Mintara?" Laurel questioned.
"Yes, I do and you aren't going to like it Laurel. I'm moving you two and a few others to the trading port of Sine. Now before you object as I see you are about to do let me finish." she said raising her hand in a motion which generally meant shut your mouth and sit down.
"After we kidnapped the king I got word from one of our spies in the city. She told me that they already have a new ruler. King Stepheneis and Queen Aelysha. I'm getting the idea that they are getting orders from someone bigger than themselves. Can you guess who that could be? Melkor." she said before giving them a chance to guess.
"He knows that he needs to get rid of you first then he can deal with the rest of us. So to put you out of the danger zone which you find yourself in more and more frequently, I have decided to send you to Sine."
"Okay." Laurel said calmly. "Can I go now?"
"Yes, go ahead." Laurel and Kyrian walked out talking.
"They're up to something. I know it."
I'm not sure which city they're ruling...if you gotta change it go ahead...
"Um, yes." Kyrian said looking down at the bowl of dye in her hands.
"Fine, let's get this over with." she sighed before sitting down. "I just hope it washes out."
"Well, Mintara's orders are well, Mintara's orders. It might help us with you know what." Kyrian implied.
"You just might be right." Laurel said turning around to reveal a big Cheshire grin on her face.
"Turn around and sit still you goof!" Kyrian said stifling her laughter. She grabbed the bowl and started transforming Laurel from a red-head to a nasty brown.
"Cerelda is never going to let me live this down!" Laurel thought giggling to herself and upsetting Kyrian who dropped the bowl directly on the middle of her head. Kyrian took one look at Laurel with the bowl on her head and dye running down her face and started rolling on the floor laughing.
"What's so funny?" Mintara asked as she walked into the tent. In one glance she sized up the situation. With a straight face she said "Oh, well you look wonderful Laurel. Just the look we were going for." Before letting a smile tug at her lips. "Hurry up and clean this mess up before meeting me in my tent." she said leaving Laurel and Kyrian staring after her.
Laurel and Kyrian finally finished cleaning up the dye mess and now were waiting for Mintara to finish talking to Tomas. When Tomas came out he smiled at Kyrian before saying, "Oh, you have to talk to Mintara too? Well, good luck. After the news she just got she, well we'll just say she isn't in the best mood."
Mintara was looking at a map of the land surrounding Xerob. "I believe you have something to tell us Mintara?" Laurel questioned.
"Yes, I do and you aren't going to like it Laurel. I'm moving you two and a few others to the trading port of Sine. Now before you object as I see you are about to do let me finish." she said raising her hand in a motion which generally meant shut your mouth and sit down.
"After we kidnapped the king I got word from one of our spies in the city. She told me that they already have a new ruler. King Stepheneis and Queen Aelysha. I'm getting the idea that they are getting orders from someone bigger than themselves. Can you guess who that could be? Melkor." she said before giving them a chance to guess.
"He knows that he needs to get rid of you first then he can deal with the rest of us. So to put you out of the danger zone which you find yourself in more and more frequently, I have decided to send you to Sine."
"Okay." Laurel said calmly. "Can I go now?"
"Yes, go ahead." Laurel and Kyrian walked out talking.
"They're up to something. I know it."
I'm not sure which city they're ruling...if you gotta change it go ahead...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Part 45 by Emily
In the large chamber hall, where the royal throne was, the guards stood at attention. The gentlemen and the ladies-in-waiting also stood ready. They had been called to the throne room on short notice that morning, it was amazing that they all looked fashionable in the short time span they had to get ready. A priest of Sharron stood in between the two mahogany thrones. The large doors at the end of the immaculate hall were thrown open, and trumpets were blown. The people-in-waiting gasped as a young man, dressed in silks took the first step into the room. They started to murmur in low voices, so very low that they could barely hear themselves. "Is this the king's son?" "No, he didn't have a son." "Did he even have a wife?" "Who could this man be?"
They all fell silent when right behind the young man stepped a breath-takingly-beautiful young woman. She was dressed in a wonderful lavender silk dress, that showed off her eyes, and her figure. She and the young man strode forward until they reached the steps to the throne. "Behold!" The old priest cried,"The new rulers of Lylle!" The guards and the people in waiting bowed low as the priest placed the crowns on their heads. As the King and Queen straightened up they turned around. "Behold King Stepheneis, and Queen Aelysha!"
Laurel laid in her bed sobbing, Kyrian sat on her own offering words of comfort to the heart broken Dragon Rider. "Laurel,"she pleaded,"everything will be okay. We just need to follow Mintara's plan." Laurel's head snapped up right. "Mintara's plan? Mintara's plan! All that wizard thinks about is herself! She doesn't care about others, especially Landlion!" Kyrian thought Laurel was done, but she raged on. "I bet if Tomas was where Landlion is instead, she would let YOU lead a rescue party to save him. She almost cares about you more than that stupid unicorn she bred! I'm glad he's dead." Laurel spat, and with that she fell back down on her bed and a new series of sobs racked her body.
Kyrian rose off of her own bed. 'That isn't true!' she thought vehemently,'Mintara wouldn't allow me to be that reckless, and jeopardize the entire cause.' Then she realized she had once been like Laurel, determined to save some one she loved from pain and misery. "Laurel," she whispered,"I'll do anything to help you." The red headed girl sprung up. "Good. Now listen closely I have a plan."
Aelysha sat on her luxurious throne looking smugly down on the scribe. "Now," she said rising from the throne,"my first law as Queen of Lylle is that all the people serving in an army other than the army of Lylle must return to their houses at once. If they do not return in a timely manner." she grinned,"Their items will be confiscated and their families will be taken into our prison. If they fail to return at all, we will seize their estate and their family, and burn them all." She broke into a fit of hysterical laughter. The scribe finished the document and had Aelysha stamp it with her royal seal. "Send out a decree about the new law." she ordered,"And have it sent to every city. Every house hold if we have to." The scribe bowed in respect for the new queen, then bolted out of the chamber.
"The Royal Highness wants copies of this law to be sent to every town and city in the land of Lylle!" he cried sprinting into the room full of scribes. He handed his paper to the fastest writer,"Write fast so that we and our families might live." The woman nodded at him then speedily dipped her quill in the ink and started writing.
"Well done my sister." Stepheneis said with a laugh. "We got rid of that fool of a king Melkor set up all those years ago. It was easier than taking a necklace from a Dragon." The twins heard a boom behind them, they turned to see what had happened. A tall man swathed in black stood there, "Well done my servants." he said,"You've done much better in the past week than your father had done in his whole life."
"Melkor," they said bowing, "We are so happy you are pleased." Stepheneis told him.
"Now, the next thing I need you to do is find the Dragon Rider. And kill her." Then as soon as he came he left.
"Great." Aelysha said sarcastically,"We need to kill the Dragon Rider."
"So are you in?" Laurel asked Kyrian. The brunette paused for a moment,"Yes, I'm in." she told the red head. Laurel gave her a hug, "Thanks Kyrian. I knew I could count on you." The two walked out of their tent, and into the bright prairie sun. The army was located on the plains many miles north of Hale and Pearson. It was better for them to be there than in Locien. Mintara strode up to Kyrian,"We're moving Laurel."
"What?" Kyrian asked incredulously.
"We're moving Laurel to the city of Sine. A small trading port by the northern mountains. She'll be safer there."
"Who's going with her?"
"You of course, and a small group of others."
"Like who?"
"Tomas, Cheryl, Quintan, Ernest, Michelle, and Dale. You ask to many questions."
"Okay. When do we leave?"
"Later tomorrow, I think Laurel has had enough drama for today." Mintara started to walk away. "Oh," she said turning around."She needs her hair dyed." Kyrian stared at the white headed wizard, 'Laurel needs her hair dyed? Oh great."
They all fell silent when right behind the young man stepped a breath-takingly-beautiful young woman. She was dressed in a wonderful lavender silk dress, that showed off her eyes, and her figure. She and the young man strode forward until they reached the steps to the throne. "Behold!" The old priest cried,"The new rulers of Lylle!" The guards and the people in waiting bowed low as the priest placed the crowns on their heads. As the King and Queen straightened up they turned around. "Behold King Stepheneis, and Queen Aelysha!"
Laurel laid in her bed sobbing, Kyrian sat on her own offering words of comfort to the heart broken Dragon Rider. "Laurel,"she pleaded,"everything will be okay. We just need to follow Mintara's plan." Laurel's head snapped up right. "Mintara's plan? Mintara's plan! All that wizard thinks about is herself! She doesn't care about others, especially Landlion!" Kyrian thought Laurel was done, but she raged on. "I bet if Tomas was where Landlion is instead, she would let YOU lead a rescue party to save him. She almost cares about you more than that stupid unicorn she bred! I'm glad he's dead." Laurel spat, and with that she fell back down on her bed and a new series of sobs racked her body.
Kyrian rose off of her own bed. 'That isn't true!' she thought vehemently,'Mintara wouldn't allow me to be that reckless, and jeopardize the entire cause.' Then she realized she had once been like Laurel, determined to save some one she loved from pain and misery. "Laurel," she whispered,"I'll do anything to help you." The red headed girl sprung up. "Good. Now listen closely I have a plan."
Aelysha sat on her luxurious throne looking smugly down on the scribe. "Now," she said rising from the throne,"my first law as Queen of Lylle is that all the people serving in an army other than the army of Lylle must return to their houses at once. If they do not return in a timely manner." she grinned,"Their items will be confiscated and their families will be taken into our prison. If they fail to return at all, we will seize their estate and their family, and burn them all." She broke into a fit of hysterical laughter. The scribe finished the document and had Aelysha stamp it with her royal seal. "Send out a decree about the new law." she ordered,"And have it sent to every city. Every house hold if we have to." The scribe bowed in respect for the new queen, then bolted out of the chamber.
"The Royal Highness wants copies of this law to be sent to every town and city in the land of Lylle!" he cried sprinting into the room full of scribes. He handed his paper to the fastest writer,"Write fast so that we and our families might live." The woman nodded at him then speedily dipped her quill in the ink and started writing.
"Well done my sister." Stepheneis said with a laugh. "We got rid of that fool of a king Melkor set up all those years ago. It was easier than taking a necklace from a Dragon." The twins heard a boom behind them, they turned to see what had happened. A tall man swathed in black stood there, "Well done my servants." he said,"You've done much better in the past week than your father had done in his whole life."
"Melkor," they said bowing, "We are so happy you are pleased." Stepheneis told him.
"Now, the next thing I need you to do is find the Dragon Rider. And kill her." Then as soon as he came he left.
"Great." Aelysha said sarcastically,"We need to kill the Dragon Rider."
"So are you in?" Laurel asked Kyrian. The brunette paused for a moment,"Yes, I'm in." she told the red head. Laurel gave her a hug, "Thanks Kyrian. I knew I could count on you." The two walked out of their tent, and into the bright prairie sun. The army was located on the plains many miles north of Hale and Pearson. It was better for them to be there than in Locien. Mintara strode up to Kyrian,"We're moving Laurel."
"What?" Kyrian asked incredulously.
"We're moving Laurel to the city of Sine. A small trading port by the northern mountains. She'll be safer there."
"Who's going with her?"
"You of course, and a small group of others."
"Like who?"
"Tomas, Cheryl, Quintan, Ernest, Michelle, and Dale. You ask to many questions."
"Okay. When do we leave?"
"Later tomorrow, I think Laurel has had enough drama for today." Mintara started to walk away. "Oh," she said turning around."She needs her hair dyed." Kyrian stared at the white headed wizard, 'Laurel needs her hair dyed? Oh great."
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