Xander {Part 7}

Can what I have been told true? I thought the Council spoke in jest when they told me the truth, this confusing truth. I, a king? Me, Xander Bolivar, Captain in the Revelin Army, defecting Captain of the Royal Aragathian guard, the blood right ruler of Incantevole? They said  my father was the son of the King Adan and Queen Rhiana, an elf. In which, that means I am one quarter Elvish. How shocking this all was to me, as you can well imagine. I have caught myself touching my ears many times, almost expecting there to be pointedness, but it does appear I have my Grandfather's looks.

Xander laid the pen down, and massaged his temples. Stress had suddenly been thrust upon him, and he felt tired more and more often. The battle for Aragathia was no longer a matter of freedom, but a personal conflict. As rightful Heir of the throne, it was his duty to fight until either he or Felix were dead. Even if the Rebels were overcome, he would never have the freedom to do so.
He picked up the feather pen, and began to scratch his thoughts back into the simple leather book.

I think of Bly more and more often, and yet, I haven't seen much of her since the meeting with the Council. I wonder if her timid spirit, no, not timid. That is a dishonor to a lady like Bly. She is soft spoken, gentle, and reserved, but never timid. She has the heart of a lion while being as docile as a lamb

He smiled at the thought, and continued writing before he could slip into a daydream filled with thoughts of the fair lady who had captured his heart.

But I do have to wonder if she stays away from my because of this sudden news of my pedigree. All Voronwë watches me, and I can only wonder if a part of Bly is shy of me now. No matter, some sort of elvish gathering is being held tonight, and I have great faith she will attend.

He laid down his pen for good, and looked out the window for the time, the sun was at the 5'O'clock position, and the festival started at the same time the night fell. He had to get ready.

:::::::::::::

Fires burned, despite the warm weather, and Xander scanned the crowds for a certain blond Elf.
If he ever thought market day in Aragathia was crowded, he was wrong.
However, the elvish people all shared a sort of graceful, gliding step that he had noticed in Bly, and he wasn't jostled as he would be in the Aragathian market place.
Plus, there seemed to be no pick pockets. That was comforting.
"And this is the visiting King!" He felt his arm grabbed by a young Elvish man, a complete stranger.
Xander wanted to rush off with just a quick nod, he yearned to find Bly. But, manners were even more important now, and he bowed his head once, "Unless two kings are visiting this beautiful city, I am he"
The man grinned practically from ear to ear, "What a pleasure to have you mingle among our people tonight, My lord. I'm Tyrous, and this is my sister, Yilliandra. We're from the house of Fernwalker" The man pulled a young woman closer to him, and, Xander thought it was impossible for it to be so, but his grin grew bigger. He wore the same look as a merchant who was ready to sell something, and just knew the customer wouldn't resist.
The woman, Yilliandra, looked purely embarrassed, and tried tugging away, but Tyrous held her arm tighter.
She raided big green eyes to Xander's face, "it is a pleasure to have such a distinguished visitor to our city"
"We'd love to have you in our home at some point of time, the near future, Oh great one" Tyrous' grin irked Xander, it seemed...buttery, too merchant like.
"I'm sure I co-" Xander felt a hand on his arm, and paused his words to look down, and felt giddy butterflies in his stomach.
"Tyrous, stop trying to marry your poor sister off. It's hardly becoming, and less so on the king of Aragathia. Besides, Yilli looks ready to dash off and drown herself. Marry your own self off, you fool. Maybe only then you can improve your family's pitiful social standing" Bly's words were softly spoken, but strong enough to get her point across: scoot
The siblings disappeared in the crowds, and Xander blew out a sigh of relief, "Knights might save beautiful women from deadly perils, but sometimes the very same knights need those very same ladies to save them from awkward social meetings" he offered her his arm with a smile, and she blushed softly as she accepted it.
"Nonsense, my lord. You won't always have little Bly Uaine to come to your aid. Besides, you aren't a simple knight anymore"
If I was, would you allow yourself to love me?
Now would be the perfect time to tell her how he felt, to tell her that he wished for her to always be by his side, but her name was called, and she perked up. "Oh, Xander, come meet my oldest brother, Lithônien!"
He smiled at the familiarity of her words, being called "Xander" instead of "My Lord".
Another Elf, tall, but not nearly the same giant Thalion is, approached them. He wore the garb of the Scholars, perhaps more decorated and impressive, but the blue and silver robe was unmistakable.
"Lithônien, this is Xander, the Blood Prince of Aragathia. And, Xander, my brother, Lithônien. He is head scholar and I imagine probably the most knowledgable man in Voronwë" Bly practically beamed with pride.
Her brother had harsh blue eyes that looked as if they could freeze boiling water in the summer sun, and his face was like a stone, no emotion except perhaps, annoyance and disdain, coming across it.
"It is a pleasure to meet such a man as yourself, Master Lithônien" Xander extended his hand, but the Elf simply looked at it, "so I'm sure it is. I have come to speak to my sister, pardon us" the elder brother pulled his sister aside, and Bly cast Xander a pleading look.
"well, that went well..." He didn't realize he had spoken aloud until a soft voice piped up from behind him. "Do pardon Lithônien. It isn't you he has problems with, but humanity on a whole. His pride is unbearably even to most elves"
He turned and found another scholar, her hair tumbling out of a loose braid and eyes cast to the floor. She looked familiar, but he couldn't place where he saw her...
"Oh, do pardon me as well to speaking to you without introducing myself, Prince!" She curtsied, and nearly fell from trying to hastily. Xander caught her arm and smiled, "oh, I'm not put off, at least, not by you. In fact, I should thank you. I thought I had done something to offend the man"
He looked back to Bly and her brother, she seemed to be doing most of the talking now, and her face was flushed as if in frustration.
"I'm Scholar Alora" the other Elvish lady spoke again, and he turned his attention back to her.
"Alora? Than you are the scholar who was in the council hall?"
The lady looked delighted at having been remembered and nodded happily, "so it was I"
"Than, I am glad to properly meet your acquaintance, good lady" Xander bowed, causing her to giggle and flush with happiness. Did the poor flustered scholar not get praise? As he remembered who she worked with, he supposed it shouldn't surprise him.
Bly practically stomped back, and nodded once to Alora as Lithônien gestured for her to follow him. As soon as the scholars were vanished in the crowd Bly again took Xander's arm. "Forgive Lithônien. He has a pride that could use some bruising and a disgruntle against mankind that just won't be healed. It has nothing to do with you as a person"
He walked with her through the bustle as music played. It struck him as odd, that even though music was being played and many were beginning to dance, no singing was heard. Was it a custom? Or did elves just not sing?
"What sort of folly has my kind done to gain your brother's cold shoulder?" He hated asking it the moment he did, as it seemed like every foolish action, unjust ruling, unneeded war, mankind had ever made flooded his mind.
But Bly's answer was spoken in soft to Ed, and wasn't the words he expected. "A human man took away the woman Lithônien loved"
She gave him a pointed look, as if there was a puzzle and she had given him a piece of it, the last piece, perhaps.
"Human....did he kill her?" He could see that wasn't the answer, "no? but, the only recorded elf/human marriage was....oh...Bly....good heavens..."
She nodded, "Adan and Rhiana"
"You mean to say, your brother, was in love with my, my...my grandmother?!"
He couldn't decide if he needed to sit down, or was too shocked to do anything but stand there.
Bly looked amused, and her head leaned against his shoulder, "Come now, good Sir, you look as if you had seen a ghost. Have you forgotten the vast lengths of our lifetimes?"
"N-no....I haven't...I just....my grandmother?" The next question came up unbidden, "did you know her?"
Bly shrugged, "all Voronwë knew her. She was the 'Golden Star of Silver City". Rhiana is fabled to be the most beautiful woman to ever walk this earth. Of course, each century a new beauty pops up, but I cannot deny she was striking" Bly looked off amongst her people, and spoke in tones that betrayed she was in times long ago, or was it just yesterday?
"She was brave, and skilled with weapons. But she was gentle, and it seemed no one could ever hate her. Actually, there was a running joke amongst us that Rhiana could look into the eyes of an Ortrov, and tame it" Xander found a tree with a bench running around it's trunk, and settled them on it, and listened intently to these tales of the woman he was blessed to have in his line. "She truly was the perfect woman. And to everyone, it was obvious Lithonien had feelings for her, but what young, unattached man didn't? And then, Adan came, and I remember everyone saying, the moment they laid eyes upon each other, it was as if the room was filled with a bright light. Adan was only a Prince then, but as soon as he was given the crown, he rushed back, and begged Rhiana to marry him. She didn't need a second asking" Bly smiled, her heart lightened by the tales of long ago love. "I was too young to attend the wedding, I remember I was so upset, and felt left out. Thalion was going, as were our parents. I remember Lithônien wiping my eyes, and telling me he'd stay with me, that I didn't have to be alone....he smiled as he said that. I didn't realize he was crying inside, I was too young...." Her voice
trailed off, and her eyes grew sad, "that was the last time he ever smiled".
They sat in silence, the music seemed just a background distraction now. Xander spotted Lithônien weaving in and out of the crowd, a sort of stern black ship sailing alone in rejoicing waters. Alora followed behind him, and he suddenly felt worse for her than the broken elf.
"Do you think, he will ever love again?" The two disappeared again, and Bly shrugged, "who knows, the heart can either remain forever bitter, or melt with spring. Why do you ask?"
"No reason"

:::::::::::::::

The moon was a beautiful sight in Voronwë. Silver shining upon silver buildings, the dark sky contrasting the shining beauty of both the cold lady of the sky, and the still Elvish city.
But it wasn't the striking elegance of the nighttime Voronwë that kept Xander awake as the city slept.
He had hoped the council would make a decision today, and with each passing hour, he felt a yearning to head off to face either his defeat or his triumph. May God allow it to be a triumph!
He sat on his balcony, a thin flute of Elvish wine in his hand. Or, rather, they called it wine. It was more grape juice, than fermented wine; he had had the stuff Felix consumed at shocking rates, and there was a rather large difference.
But there came a cry from sone sort of elvish brass instrument (what he had learned as to be the alarm) in the general direction of the Southern side of the city.
The city he had thought to have been sleeping was like an ant's nest poked by a young boy's stick, suddenly alive and scrambling.
A runner dashed through the streets, shouting something in elvish, and like a mob, a graceful mob, the people rushed from their homes, and down to the southern gate of the city.
Something was happening, and it seemed big.
Xander pulled his cloak on, and joined the street swarm.
There wasn't a sense of danger amongst the elvish people, but poorly suppressed excitement.
Oddly, Lithônien appeared before him, acting most eager to get there, dashing and winding his way around the people. He wasn't dressed in his scholar's uniform, but a more worn, and plain brown robe.
"Lithônien Uaine!" Xander called for him, but it took two more shouts before the elf even half halted, "What do you want, human? I cannot be detained"
rude, but, why should I expect him not to be? "what is all this about? I don't sense danger, what has caused such commotion?"
Lithônien gestured for Xander to keep up pace with him, and spoke as they wove in and out of the crowd, "A Greer has entered the barrier, and was found waiting outside the southern gate. To meet such beings, is an honour beyond all honours, and I must get there before it leaves. Only once has another scholar put down the account of meeting a Greer"
A Greer? Was it the very same one that had saved them from the Dragon? Lady Ou Een?
Walking at their swift pace, the elf and human reached the southern gate in record time, and Xander's suspicions were confirmed.
As majestic and awe inspiring as when they had first seen her, Ou Een stood outside Voronwë's walls, easily towering over them.
Her grey eyes scanned the gathering crowd, as if she were searching for someone, and a look much skin to that of a lost little girl had settled on her face.
It appeared a few other scholars were trying to mentally communicate with her, and they parted as Lithônien approached.
"We are unsure why it is here, Master Scholar. It refuses to even consider our presence"
For some strange reason, to hear Ou Een called "it" irked Xander, and he snapped sharply, "Ou Een is her name. Do not disgrace her by addressing her like nothing more than a new creature"
The Elves looked amazed, but Ou Een's gaze settled on him, and lightened considerably, her lost look fading.
A picture flashed through his mind of Thalion and Bly, along with a question of mark...a question?
He bowed to her, and nodded, sending the mental image of the two embracing as the reunited.
Her happy look quickly turned to one of grief, and she reached her hand down into the city for him to climb into.
Xander had to admit, the look on Lithonien's face was beyond all price.
The Greer sent a sudden tumble of images into his head, along with a tumult of emotions, almost giving him a headache.
She audibly sighed, and slowed down to one mental frame at a time.
Thalion, darting from Voronwë's purity shield.
Adonis, not seeing him.
A dragon...a dragon? Why was there a dragon?
Thalion, pursued, and running away from Adonis. Was he sidetracking the dragon from Adonis, or was he the target?
The Dragon, with a battered Thalion in it's scaly claws, flying south east, towards...
Towards Aragathia.
Xander's eyes flew open, and Ou Een looked apologetic, even fearful.
"Xander! Ou Een!" Bly's voice called from below, and Xander met the Greer's eyes.

Pleading. Begging.    P. L. E. A. S. E.     D. O. N. T.    M. A. K. E.   Ou Een     T. E. L. L.     Bly

Xander nodded once, and Ou Enn put him back down, and she bowed to the gathering of awed Elves, and disappeared back into her forest, but not before sending one last image of an oblivious Adonis, racing towards Revelin with her companion, a second Greer, trailing him, keeping harm from him.
Xander watched her go, his hands clenched at his side as Bly rushed up to him, and the elves stood at a respectably distance.
"What was she here for, Xander?" Bly's eyes were wide, but not from fear.
She suspected nothing....

Is Thalion dead? Or, does he live in chains? What would Felix do to him? And why was he being pursued?

"Bly....she came with news of Thalion" and in that instant, her blue eyes turned fearful.  Any news Ou Een would come so far out of her comfort zone to tell them, it couldn't be good news. "W-what is...is he fine, Xander? Oh please tell me he is! What has happened? What about Adonis? Did he safely reach Revelin?" 

Xander held her hands as tightly as he could while still being gentle, and felt Lithônien inch closer to hear the news of his younger brother. 

"Bly, Adonis made it safely to Revelin, Ou Een's companion has followed him to the camp, but your brother.." he glanced over his shoulder at Lithônien, making it clear he was including him in this intercourse, "One of Andromeda's dragons captured him, and-" Lithônien pushed past him headed towards the council chambers, and the crowd parted for him.  Bly choked back a sob, and fell against Xander, clutching at his tunic.  "T-tell me....Xander....d-did Ou Een say i-if he...w-was..." she couldn't get the word out, but Xander understood.  "He was still alive when the dragon took off with him"

No need to tell her that Felix probably had already order a formal execution, or some form of torture.
"But why? For what ends did they capture Thalion? It has something to do with the same reasons I was captured! I know it Xander! It has to be!"

By morning, the reasoning for Lithônien's storming away was made clear, it seemed he had given the council a verbal sparring, undoubtably putting his own position in the risk by speaking so harshly to those who ruled Voronwë. But, they listened, their aged wisdom allowing humility. And the Voronwë army had been aroused.
It struck Xander as interesting, to the average onlooker, Voronwë was like a peacefully flowing river. Never leaving it's path, nor causing harm.
But in times like this, as they prepared to march against a threat, the river was raging, and whoever stood in the path of it's force, wouldn't stand long before being pushed down by it's violent current.

Kaymele part 10

    It's cold and damp, as I sit here at the window, opposite of the room away from the Ceridwen's cot.  Once again I've been chosen to watch after the patients, but I don't mind.  It's either watch him or go work elsewhere in the camp and so far that job is cooking in the kitchens.  Unfortunately I had to be the one to pull the arrows out of his back, stitch up the cuts on him, and keep him alive until Anakis could come.  But when they arrived Anakis was concerned with Nairi and once she started applying the medicine Adonis wouldn't let her leave until she was certain Nairi would live. Unfortunately that left me with the grueling job of cleaning up the newest member of the rebels.
    Since the fake Nairi's appearance and disappearance, I find myself questioning everything, and how this could have happened without my knowing.  I don't think I can trust myself anymore, I know Adonis doesn't.  Either way Nairi will live. 
    The Ceridwen shifts his position since he can't lie on his back it's hard for him to breath while he's on his stomach.  I stand and check his bandages.  He hasn't put much strain on them so thankfully they aren't reopening.  I'm thanking Ainatar that my mother taught me how to heal some wounds, and multipul sicknesses.  Suddenly he rolls his head towards me.
    'You...' he mumbles, 'pulled out... ow.' he moans.
    He looks so pitiful.  Lying there three arrow wounds, several scars from a whip, bruises on his wrists.  'I wish I could use a pain relieving spell, but I don't want to do anything without Anakis's okay.' I resolve.  He moves again and I look down at him.  So much pain crosses his face that it's so hard not to help, but I cannot break my resolve.
    'Please...' he whispers.
    As he said the word I couldn't stand it any longer.  I crossed the room to the door and made a swift exit.  As I closed the door I leaned my back against it, and let out a small sigh.  Just as I had stepped out Nithron came down the corridor, carrying blankets.  He stopped and gave me two blankets, one for me and an extra for my patient.  Though at the rate his fever is rising I doubt he'll need it.
    'Kaymele, what's wrong?  You've gone pale,' asked Nithron taking my hand.
    'I-It's him, he's in so much pain and I dont' know what to do for him,' I say.
    'Can't you give him something to numb the pain?' He asks.
    'No, I'm afraid to.  If he's a Ceridwen like Nairi, than he might not tolerate the medicines or spells that we give him.  It could also kill him like it would have Nairi,' I say, 'in any case I can't do anything, besides making him as comfortable as I can, until Anakis comes.  And she's still in with Nairi.'
    'Just relax, she'll be done sooner than you know.  When I last checked they were finishing her up, and Adonis was pacing like a madman,' he chuckles.
    No sooner had he said this when Anakis, Prid, Adonis, come around the corner and straight towards us.  Prid and Adonis are carrying a very haggard looking Nairi between them.  One of the more noticeable signs of healing that I could see, is that all the welts have disappeared and are now replaced with pale, pink, skin.  Unfortunately she's still quite frail, but it will just take time and effort.
    They rushed her into the room and laid her on the other cot.  Prid looks flushed but neither I or Nithron had time enough to ask him why.  Only Adonis stayed by Nairi's side.  Anakis looking as if she might faint any moment turned to the other man.
    'I have to go and tell Anakis everything I know about Nairi's friend,' I sighed.
    'Alright, don't despair Kaymele.  There is still hope in the world, all you have to do is find it.  Now go inform Anakis,' he says gently.
    He turns and continues down the corridor.  I smiled, but then I remember 'I don't want anyone else to die trying to save me or my family other than myself.'.
    'Kaymele, what is his name?' asks Anakis.
    'I don't know, all I know is he's a Ceridwen like Nairi,' I pause hesitant to say I took out the arrows and didn't give him any pain relief, 'I also took three arrows out of his back and washed them out.  I didn't apply any medicine to the wounds and I didn't use any pain relieving spells to help settle him.  I was worried that he would get worse, or die if I did, so I waited.'
    'You were right to do so, but I think, s-since he's been here on earth longer than Nairi, he should be able to tolerate treatment,' she whispers.
    'Well then lets get healing him,' I exclaim.
    She leans her head down and prays.  The spirit of Deus, as they call him, fills her being.  She gently touched the wounds with a small smear of a salve she concocted.  His face went from extreme pain to relief.  His breathing slowed and he drifted off to sleep.
    'I put some sleeping potion in the salve to help him sleep more calmly.  Now for the buises and scratches,' whispers Anakis.
    I hadn't noticed it before, but on his legs and arms are numerous, tiny, brier scratches.  He must have been running pretty fast to not notice them.  All over him are bruises of all shapes and sizes, either from running so fast or from beatings he had previously received, undoubtedly from Felix's torture chambers.  We rolled him onto his back so he could breathe better, and as we did a piece of paper fell out of his pocket with something heavy in it.  Slowly I pick it up.  Inside the piece of paper is a small stone, the paper is written in a language I've never seen before.  I place it on the table between the two beds.
    Anakis hands me a bowl of herbs, sap, and water, that once mixed become a paste.  The mixture is cool, and moisturizes.  Together we spread it onto his many cuts, and Anakis decides to apply a thin layer the first time to see if his skin will tolerate it.   After a quick once over of Nairi and she's out of the room mumbling something about apologizing and Percival, the assistant cook.
    Adonis is leaning his back against the wall while sitting on the stool beside Nairi.  Out of habit I fill Nairi's cup, he glares at me and taps his fingers on his arm as if impatient.
    'What?' I ask.
    'How...' he growls.
    'How what?' I ask more timidly.
    'How could you let Nairi nearly die!?' he stands slightly loosing his balance.
    'I didn't!  Ask anyone, they'll tell you I stayed by Nairi's side the entire time you were gone!' I take a step back, 'The day she was taken, I went to fetch her some water while Anakis applied another remedy of herbs to those welts she used to have.  She was there when I left and I asked Anakis to stay and watch Nairi.  Well she stepped out for a moment, after Nairi was asleep.  We had no idea that there was a raid going on.  I was pushed down the well if you must know, and there's no need to make me into the enemy here.' I feel my voice rising until it's a shout, 'I've done nothing but care for Nairi, and you come back and say I haven't!  You may hate yourself for what happened in the first place to Nairi but don't take it out on me!'
    'Just forget it!' says Adonis and he storms out.

************************************

    That afternoon Nithron asked me to practice sword fighting while Natia watches Nuvole and Nairi.  Adonis still hates me, but lashing out my frustration in sword fighting is better than lashing out at someone, again.  

    We travel past the camp so as not to hit anyone to a clearing, and Nithron shows me a few tips on swordsmanship.  I'm much better with bows and daggers but if in the midst of battle and I have no other options I'ld much rather know how to fight with a sword than just winging it.  We spar off for about an hour, Nithron calls for a break but I'm sure it's for my sake and not his, because he's not even breathing hard yet.

    'You're getting better at moving your feet,' he says taking a swig of water.

    'I'm awful, and you know it.  I wish I would have focused on swords instead of bows and arrows,'

    'No, you're starting to get it.  Don't give up after the first try,'
    'I guess, but it's still not what I'm used to,'
    'Then after a little while we can move on to knives or archery,' he says standing up and offering me a hand.
    I take his offer and we practice for a few hours.  The glint of our swords in the sunlight, and the clang of blade upon blade lasted until Nithron said that if we wanted to do any other practicing then we'd have to stop for now.  He lets me pick our next practice and I choose archery.  Though it's quite easy for both of us, we take turns aiming at a dummy that Nithron made.  It looks like a scarecrow, close to the ones that we use in our fields back at home.  We also use this dummy as the knife throwing target until one of the workers come to tell us that dinner is ready.
    After the worker left we cleaned up our fighting area, and walked to the kitchen.  We walk past the well, and I shudder.  The nightmares of falling continually down the well still haunt me.  Nithron notices and starts up a conversation.
    'So, what's the news on the newest member of the injured?'
    'Well, he looks to be about twenty or so.  He's gotten better since Anakis put that salve on him.  I was glad to get out of there though, Adonis keeps staring at me with such hostility that I just had to get out of there,' I say heaving the swords into a better position, 'Strange thing happened when I turned the patient over though.  As I turned him a piece of paper fell out of his pocket, it had some strange letters on it.'
    'Do you think Nairi can read it?'
    'I don't know, she hasn't awakened since Anakis worked on her.  So I guess we'll have to wait and see,'

*******************************************

The next morning Nairi is still unconscious, and Adonis is beside himself with anxiety.  Her face is starting to get it's normal color back, and the welts on her arms are almost gone.  But Anakis is still worried about her, saying that if she doesn't awake soon she would be too weak to take the medicine.  Adonis is still upset with me, but not as bad as yesterday.  Though towards Nairi he's a perfect angel, giving her sips of water, and helping her in any way possible.

    The other Cewridwen is awake too.  He's in some pain, but I apply a coat of salve every hour according to Anakis's instructions.  I washed his very grubby face, and combed his matted hair.  He looks very similar to Nairi, but is much taller from what I can tell, and quite handsome.
    'So, what's your name?' I ask timidly.
    'Nuvole, and who are you?'
    'I'm Kaymele,'
    There's a long pause between us before Nuvole asks.
    'Did you pull those arrows out of my back?'
    He points to the small table at the foot of his cot.  I had left the arrows there because Anakis wanted to see if they were poisoned, and I haven't gotten a chance to take them to her.
    'Yes, it wasn't easy though, you kept moving,'
    'And Nairi, what happened to her? Is she safe?' he questions wide eyed.
    'See for yourself,' I say moving aside and gesturing to the other cot.
    'Ah, good.  Who's that with her?'
    'Oh that's Adonis, we ran into them traveling through the forest with Bly and Xander. They've gone to get help from the Elves,'
    'So who did you come with,' he asks innocently.
    This for some reason sends a cold shiver down my spine.  I haven't answered this question in quite a while, and it still troubles me to answer.
    'I came with Nithron, we met up with Anakis, Natia, and Prid in Africi.  My dragon Floren...'
    'You have a dragon?!'
    'Yes, she chose me.  I was given her egg as a gift, thought to be a large stone but a week later the rock was gone and in it's place a small baby dragon.  Her name is Florentide,'
    'Really, well has anyone ever told you...' he starts, but the Nithron pokes his head in.
    'Kaymele I was wondering... Oh hey you're awake.  Glad to finally get to meet you,' he extends his hand.
    'A pleasure, I'm sure,' he says sarcastically.
    'What were you wanting to ask me Nithron?' I ask.
    'If you wanted to change our sparing time to after lunch?'
    'Oh, well I can see if Natia or Anakis can watch him.  I think he was too much trouble for Linki last time,' I say teasingly.
    'Hey, what can I say.  She had it coming,' says Nuvole defensively.
    'Oh she didn't do anything, you're just like Nairi always finding trouble,' I say, 'when does Beleg want us to come to the battle planning?'
    'Tomorrow,' he says in a very measured voice, 'after breakfast.'
    'Thanks, I had forgotten and I can't seem to find my journal.  I had written down the time there,'
    'Bye,' I say as he leaves.
    He mumbles something, but I couldn't catch it.
    'Alright mister,' I say gently pushing Nuvole down, 'it's time for you to rest.'
    'What if I refuse?' he says sitting back up.
    'Then I'll make you,' I say pushing harder.
    After I had told him about the potency of mermaid singing he still refuses to sleep.  I give him a dose of Sleepers Leaf, and sing to him.  He's out in minutes, unfortunately I put Adonis to sleep too and he fell backwards into the wall, and after swearing at me with almost every foul word known to dragons, he decides to go for a walk.  I gently pull the covers up to Nuvole's chin and brush the loose strands of hair off his brow.  I go over to Nairi's cot, she's sleeping too and do the same.
I sit on the stool between the two cots and try not to cry.  But between Adonis's hurtful words, loosing Nairi to Felix's minions, and the thoughts of why I escaped here is unbearable.  And in the calm of the sweet morning I wept.
    'It's all my fault.  About Nairi and loosing her, and making Adonis angry.  What I did was unforgivable.  I left her, just as I had left Eleniel.  This is another reason why I am not queen of my people, I am thoughtless and am nothing but a coward.'
    In the silence the followed I lost track of time and forgot about food, water, and training with Nithron.  The rest of the day I somberly did my duties.

**************************************

    The next morning a messenger from Voronwë arrived with a letter from Bly.  In the letter Bly stated that they weren't leaving until the Council had given them a decision as to whether or not they planned to assist us in battle.  I continued my duties of watching the patients and when the laundry overflows I help there.
    Nairi was moved to another room so Anakis could watch her more closely, and so I would have a place to rest.  Nuvole's back is much better, and the scratches have almost entirely disappeared.  The arrows didn't go in as far as Anakis had predicted, and he'll be up and moving soon.  He's now able to sit up, and stay awake for longer periods of time.  There's a soft knock on the door and Natia pops her head in.
    'Hey, Kaymele,' she says in her normal chirpy way, 'how's the patient?  Anakis sent me to do a quick checkup, even though I told her I'm not very good at this kind of work.'
    'He's doing fine, I've continued applying the salve and give him plenty of water.  Just as she instructed,'
    'How are you holding up?'
    'Better than yesterday.  Adonis just keeps putting the blame on me,' I say folding a blanket.
    'Well he is a dragon, and sometimes it takes them a while to cool down again.  He's just concerned with Nairi's condition,'
    'I guess so, but I didn't think he'ld take it out so fiercely,'
     Just then Adonis opened the door and quietly closes it behind him.  Natia nods to me and leaves, I wish she would stay, if only to play witness to whatever he says or does.  He tells me to sit, and I do.  He kneels and bows his head.
    'Kaymele, Nairi says I was wrong to yell at you,' I must look unconvinced so he continues, 'Nairi's not the only reason I came over here.  I'm sincerely sorry that I blamed you, it's only because...' his voice trails off, 'I don't want anything bad happening to Nairi.'
    His eyes are brimming with tears that I know will never fall because of his pride.  Reverently I place a hand on his shoulder.
    'Can you ever forgive me?' he says quietly.
    'Oh Adonis, I'm always able to forgive,' as I say this I remember Locien and how I was so unforgiving towards him.  Of course his actions were unforgivable.
    'Thank you,' he stands and somberly walks out of the room.
    Nuvole, whom I took to be asleep was staring up at me.
    'You forgive everyone but yourself,'
    His word give me a start, and I slowly turn to face him.
    'I don't know what you mean, I have no reason to not forgive myself,' I say quickly turning away.
    'You think I didn't see you crying yesterday?  You're hiding something from everyone, and you'll keep it on the inside cause that's the best place for you to hide,' he says sitting up, 'or is it?'
    He pulls out my journal from under his pillow.  Gently running his fingers over the edges of the small bunch of papers.
    'I hate to say that I read this, but from what I've gathered your hurting,'
    'So what if I am.  It's none of your business, just because I don't scream my feelings from the rooftops doesn't mean they don't exist,' I say curtly.
    'You're royalty, though,' he says, I must look shocked that's he's been so keen to have figured this out, 'you forget that I was a spy on the inside.  I have ways of figuring out and finding information.  You know, you'll never be crowned if you keep backing down.'
    'I am royalty, I've kept that secret from even Nithron.  He thought we were just lower nobility, but even though we live just a simple life among our people, I am a princess,' I whisper.
    'Ah so I am right,'
    'Yes,' I say trying to sound proud, but my voice cracks.
    'Kaymele, why do you hide?  It's not like you killed someone,' he chuckles.
    'If only he knew, I did kill someone.  An evil someone,' I think, 'I don't hide, my life is personal,' I say snatching the journal from his hands, 'and if you ever touch, or read this again I will go to Beleg and have you sent back to Felix.'
    Just then there's a knock at the door, Nithron enters with hastening steps.  He grabs my arm and pulls me towards the door.
    'Quickly, Beleg has called for an emergency meeting about the battle plans, and you still owe me a sparing match,' he puffs, as if he's out of breath.
    Natia, who was in the next room, takes my place and we're off.  Across the camp to Beleg's tent, Adonis is there looking a little red around the eyes, but he just washed his face.  Prid, Derpa, and Percy are here too.  Beleg stands over his table of maps, and a new message lies on the table beside him.
    'Glad you're all here, it appears that the Elves are planning to help us, but we must meet them half way, in between the Aduin River and the River Fire,'
    Though Derpa can't speak he still understands that leaving the Tawarthion's protective, though dangerous, area could cost us dearly.  He gives his hoof a stomp and shakes his head.
    'Derpa's right, if we leave we are exposing our entire army to Andromeda's wrath,' says Prid banging his fist onto the table.
    'Is there another way?' I ask looking over the maps.
    'From what I understand the Elves are already there, but still if we plan on getting anywhere with the battle we must go out and meet our allies,' says Beleg in a measured voice, 'and no, I don't think there is another way.  If we were to launch an attack immediately then we would undoubtedly be no more than dust.'
    'But dust builds after time,' says Nithron taking a step further into the room, 'I think if we take extra precautions, we can make it, we just need to get started.'
    There's a long pause, and everyone is completely silent.
    'Of course not everyone will journey with us to the meeting point, just the few soldiers and the all of you who are prepared to fight,' he pauses taking in our faces, ' we may also need Anakis to join as our healer.'
    'No,' says Prid, 'she's not fond of battles.'
    'She's the most qualified for healing and medicine use,' argues Beleg.
    'I still thi...'
    'But I want to go,' says Anakis from the tent flap.
    'Splendid, I'll add you to the list,' says Beleg.
    After the debates, and other arguments the meeting ends, and we all depart to our various jobs.  I head back to my patient, but Nithron stops me. His eyes filled with questioning, I know I must be blushing cause my cheeks feel as hot as the rocks in the summer.
    'Where were you yesterday?  I waited for two hours, and you never came,' he blurted out.
    'I'm sorry, I was watching Nuvole and...'
    'Oh, Nuvole,' he grumbled, crossing his arms and furrowing his eyebrows.
    'And what's that suppose to mean?' I exclaim taking a defensive tone.
    'Nothing, you've just been obsessed with him ever since he arrived!' he retorts.
    'What?!  How could you ever think that!  I have done nothing but help, and you think I have feelings for Nuvole!?  I can't believe this!'
    'Well it sure seems that way, what with you always by his side and...' he rants.
    'There's nothing between us!' I shout.
    'Are you sure? Cause from what I understand you've become very close!'
    'What are you talking about?  There's nothing whatsoever between us!'
    'I can't believe you Kaymele do you think I'm stupid?!'
    'You can't believe me, do you hear yourself? What's gotten into you?'
    'Oh I don't know, maybe betrayal, lies, deceitfulness...'
    'Are you insane, I've never lied to you!' I insist.
    'Really? So when where you going to tell me you're a princess?'
    My mouth drops open.
    'Yes, your patient told me all about it how you're not only a princess, but a princess about to be crowned queen!' he thundered.
    'I ment to tell you but...' I start softly.
    'But nothing, I trusted you Kaymele very much,'
    'Well if you trusted me so much then maybe, just to save from future arguments, I should leave!' I hiss, 'and maybe I shouldn't have come in the first place!'
    'Maybe I shouldn't have rescued you...' he mumbles.
    'Sorry, didn't catch that,'
    'I said, maybe I shouldn't have rescued you!'
    Dead silence, all around.  Nothing but our breathing, and the resounding sound of our fight.  I clamp my hands over my mouth, my eyes fill with tears, and take a deep breath.
    'Well then, I guess this is goodbye.  I shall return to my people,' I say, then turn and run back to my room.
    I know he chases after me, but I don't slow up.  As soon as I'm through the door  I slam it in his face, and fling myself onto the bed and weep.  I don't even notice that Nuvole is missing, but it doen't matter I've lost my last friend, and surely I will be executed when I return to my people.

Prid (Part 4)

     I lay in my cot, trying to sleep.   I was still thinking about Anakis.   How could she?   After all I did for her, she still didn't trust me with her race.   After I told her about my childhood.   After I promised to escort her to the rebel base.   After I cried my eyes out about my uncle in front of her.   I didn't get it.

     I rolled over.   Tears ran down my cheeks.   I loved her.   I really did.   But, if she was going to keep secrets from me...

     Adonis walked into the tent.   I quickly wiped the tears away with my blanket.   Adonis took one look at me and scowled.

     "What are you worried about?" he asked.

     I sighed.   "Did you know that Anakis is a fairy?"

     "She is?" he said, uninterested.
     "Yes, and I didn't know until I saw her healing Nairi."
     "How did she heal her?   With herbs?"

     "No.   With Jumal Maagiline."

     "What on earth is that?"

     "God Magic."
     Adonis scoffed.   "That's ridiculous.   You're telling me that God gave the kid magic to heal Nairi?"
     "Come see for yourself."   I gestured towards the healing tent.
     We snuck outside.   When we arrived at the opening, Adonis peered in.   He took one look and jumped back.
     "Woah," he said.   "Were they glowing with..."
     "Jumal Maagiline?   Yes."

Bly {Part 3}

"His story was sad, and I was amazed by how strong he stayed. Constantly with a smile on his face, and a cheerful word to us.  Captain Bolivar was an amazing person, and I found myself admiring him. He rather reminded me of a cross between my two brothers, Lithonien and Thalion.  Without his help, I'm quite sure our flight would have been made a good deal more complicated".

The fire had burned low, and Bly awoke. They had stopped for the night at the edge of the Tawarthion Forest.  With a shiver she sat up, and looked around at her traveling companions. Adonis was curled up in a dragon like position, but his face was troubled, as if he was having dreams he would rather not have.  Nairi was sleeping, her sword held close and tight, and a frown was on her face as well.
"Does so much misery trouble you two?" Bly whispered softly.
Xander shifted, and she turned to look at him.  He sat with his back against a tree, and his red sword laid across his lap. His hands were clenched on the sheath until his knuckles were white.
It was an interesting sword, red from the handle to the tip, and a sheath of black with red swirls painted down it.  It certainly didn't seem to be any ordinary weapon, she would have to ask him about it.
One of the horses stomped their hoofs and snorted nervously, no doubt being so near Tawarthion had them disturbed.  She herself had difficulty sleeping with the aurora of danger.  She decided to go comfort the animals, and stood up, shaking her long, dirty skirt out.  'I'm going to have to do something about this dress.  Why do Elven ambassadors have to wear white?' she stepped behind the bushes were Xander had tied Ciar and Rudy.  And she frowned at what she saw, both horses had been left in full saddle and gear.
"Now, thats hardly a way to treat you two" She began unbuckling Rudy's tack "After carrying us through the city, and aiding us, its the least we can do to give you proper rest when-" she stopped talking when she saw the long, jagged scars on Rudy's side. Tears came to her eyes as she laid a hand on the markings, "Surely, surely Captain Bolivar wouldn't treat you thus, it, it just doesn't fit what he would do. Abusing an animal he cares so much for, no. Surely not" Rudy shuddered as her hand gently traced the ugly scars. Suddenly, a pulse seemed to overcome her, and she felt dizzy. She leaned up against Rudy, and shook her head. "What, what just..." she shook her head again. She hadn't gotten much sleep lately, maybe this was just one of the side affects.
Bly moved on to Ciar, who had even more dress on then Rudy.  Aside from the saddle, and normal tackle, she wore an extravagant headpiece that covered her brow, and sported detailed stitching and two tassels.  "I will have to speak to Captain Bolivar about your scars, and how he kept you in the...the-" as she removed Ciar's headpeice, her heart stilled.
"Thats, not, possible. It, it cant be...I'm, I'm tired, and...seeing, things" Bly reached up, and touched the circular scar under Ciar's long forelocks.  It was hard, like a smoothed bone, and perfectly circular.
Her breathing quickened, "No...it...surely not..." she rushed back to Rudy's side, and looked at his scars.
With a cry, she covered her mouth, every inch of her was shaking.
Abusing an animal was one thing, but what had been done to Ciar and Rudy was...unspeakable.
Pure white anger filled her, and she clenched her hands.
"How dare you, Captian Bolivar, how dare you defile them like this"
She stormed over to him, and with stregnth she didn't know she had, jerked him to his feet.
"Wake up, Xander. You man of no conscience"
Adonis and Nairi woke up, "Hey, what's going on?" Nairi asked. And Adonis laughed at the sight of Bly holding Xander's throat and lifting him above her as if he weighed nothing.
"Tell them, Captain Bolivar. Tell them what those animals are. How dare you" Bly said through clenched teeth. Xander tried to loosen her grip on his neck, but it was useless. Realization dawned in his eyes, "Ciar and...and Rudy, you mean?"
Bly slammed him against a tree, "You have had part in harming two of the three sacred species" she slammed him up against the tree again. "And you dare rescue an Elf? Why not crop my hair? Why not shorn my ears off? Why not leave me to Felix's torture? What made me different?!"
Xander gasped for breath, and Bly heard Adonis and Nairi both shouting her name and saying something, but she blocked their voices out.
"Unicorns! Pegasus's! Dragons! All creatures that must not be harmed! Yet, I find Ciar's horn to be shorn off, and Rudy's wings clipped! Explain these actions to me, Captain Xander Bolivar!"
Xander gripped her wrist, and gasped again, "If...you...I...breath..." she realized she was choking him, and loosened her grasp enough to let him breathe. "Explain" she growled.
"I, I, For all things Precious! I didn't do it Bly!!" he shouted at her.
A wave of exhaustion came over her, and she felt the burning anger slowly ebb away.
She set Xander back on his feet, and leaned against the tree for support.
With the exhaustion, came grief. She slid to the ground, and covered her face with her hands, and wept.
Everyone else was quiet, but she felt Xander's hand on her shoulder, "Bly, you didn't know, it wasn't your fault"
Bly looked up, to Adonis, whose face was a mixture of relief, pride, and surprise in turn. Nairi, who looked purely terrified, to Xander, who knelt beside her. She shook her head, and wiped a tear away. "I am sorry, Xander. I couldn't help myself, I wasn't able to think rationally. But, that's not why I'm crying" she glanced over to where she could see the horses, for without their horn and wings, that's what they were, and began to cry again.
Xander shifted uncomfortably, obviously not used to seeing a woman cry, and she felt him pull her into a hug. "I know. It grieved, and still grieves, me too". She looked up, tears still in her eyes, "How? How did it happen? Who did it?"
Xander sighed, "I don't know. We, Greven and I, found them outside of Aragathia one morning. Rudy's side was still bleeding, and Ciar's stub was still wet. Neither one of us had no idea who could've done that, especially since their numbers are dwindling" Xander looked truly grieved, "They were both just Foals. And Rudy was so full of fire, it took us the whole of an hour to convinced him we weren't going to harm him or Ciar" Bly shook her head, "Remarkable, normally, an injured Pegasus or Unicorn never trust again"
Xander nodded, and continued, "He was dropping blood everywhere, another hour, and he would have died. Thankfully, Greven's mother was a herbist, and he knew which plants would stop bleeding. We wrapped him up in my coat, and he followed my like a puppy ever since"
There was a silence, and Adonis spoke up, "Wouldn't it solve a lot of problems if you had just told her what they were?"
Xander shrugged, and stood up, offering his hand to Bly. "Most likely. But she had just lost a close friend, and had been imprisoned, I didn't think she needed the added stress of knowing what Ciar and Rudy were"
Adonis shrugged, "Well, I'd do anything to keep unneeded disputes down". That earned him an elbowing from Nairi, "Look, the fool speaks".
He cast her a glare, "Hey shorty, didn't you hear what Bly said? 'Unicorns, pegasus's, and Dragons, all creatures that must not be harmed'. Pushing your luck, are ya?"
"Please, I apologize for my behavior. When Elves get angry, we lose all control" Bly spoke hesitantly, but it broke up the blooming fight between Nairi and Adonis.
Nairi looked at her with huge eyes, "I thought you were going to kill him"
Bly looked down at her feet, "So did I".

Felix {part 5}

Felix sunk into his throne, and massaged his temples as he did.
"Idiots....the lot of them. All idiots"
Andromeda came behind him, and massaged his shoulders, her dark hair falling over his shoulder as she leaned her head near his. "You have no need to worry about them, anymore, my love"
It was true, the execution of all those who had let the Ceridwen siblings slip through their fingers had been swift, and it did give his ill mood some balm.
"What of Greven? Do you think he was in league with Captain Bolivar, my love?"
Andromeda pondered his question, but as her rosy lips parted to answer, the door burst open roughly, in the throne room, there was no privacy.
"My King!" A guard bowed quickly. his dark blond hair was plastered to his head as if the guardsman had been plowing twenty acres of rocky soil.
"The dragon Lady Andromeda sent out has returned"
Felix felt Andromeda stiffen, but not with apprehension. His lady love's pets rarely failed in their duties for her.
"And? Has my dragon caught it's quarry?"
She spoke, and her hands rested on Felix's shoulders.
"Well, my lady, I don't know what the beast was sent for, but he did return with an Elf, if that is what you sought for him to do"
Felix gripped his throne's arms, and failed so suppress the pleased grin. "Then bring our captive in, soldier! But do be careful with her, we cannot have Lady Bly injured any further"
The guard looked puzzled, "sir, it isn't a lady, but a man"
Andromeda hissed softly in aggravation, but Felix patted her hand, perhaps their cause wasn't yet undone.
"Then my orders still stand. Lead the elf in"
The man bowed, and exited, returning quickly with three other soldiers, towing a rebellious looking Elf between them.
The captive looked beaten, and worn, a fire kindled behind his dark eyes, a sort of righteous anger that caused something within Felix to quiver. But he silenced that part by reminding himself who sat upon the throne, and who was being bound in chains.
"So, who might I have the honour to address on this eve?" Felix spoke, and waved the guards aside. The elf was dumped before his throne, and his chains clunked against the tiled flooring.
Andromeda flitted around to stand in front of their prisoner, and the Elf's eyes sharpened.
"I see you recognize me, Thalion of Voronwë" her voice was cold, chilling, and Felix thanked the stars she was on his side.
"You've changed your appearance, Andromeda of the Land across the seas, and you've grown to be more than a simple nobleman's secret lover, I see" the elf spoke without fear, and Felix watched with interest the interaction between the two.
The guards were dismissed, and Andromeda knelt in front of the Elf, Thalion. Her hand tilted his chin up, and she spoke in a soft hiss, "indeed I have. The last time we met, it was by accident of my own. I hadn't meant to show myself to the Elves attending Adan's wedding. But look now, Thalion, look at whose mistake brings about our second meeting"
Thalion remained unfaltering, Felix had to hand that to him. The elf glared back at Andromeda, before speaking in soft, yet deadly tones, "You think you can hide your intentions from me, Andromeda. But I am not my sister" both Andromeda and Felix looked surprised at this good stroke of luck "yes, Bly is my little sister. I can see that evil dark heart that swirls like dark oil within you" the elf's eyes narrowed, "know this, you 'royal' scum, evil only lasts for some time before good overcomes it"
Felix stood to his feet, but he wasn't needed, Andromeda slapped their 'guest' with a flame tinged hand, leaving a burnt mark on the elf's tanned cheek.
"Speak to me anyway you desire, Thalion. But speak not of the King in such ways, or I will kill you as I stand and use your guts for bait"
Felix wasn't completely sure they weren't going to do that anyway, but there was no need to tell this brother of Bly their plans in full.
The guards were again summoned, and as Thalion was being hefted out, his voice came back to them, "Enjoy your power and the free reign to do evil, Felix! As you sit, throwing tantrums over escaped prisoners, Adan's heir has joined the fight against you. Adan's descendant will come to claim his right and his throne, and you will be the one whose head is removed!"
The doors shut behind him, and Felix was still silent. Adan's Heir? He should have known allowing that nanny to escape with Adan's son was a mistake. How old would his nephew be? Nearing forty? Fifty? Still younger than Felix, but not all that young either.
But Thalion hadn't said Adan's son would be returning....
As if Andromeda heard his thoughts, she spoke, "perhaps it is not the son of your brother that threatens us, my love"
Felix nodded, and worked his jaw in agitation, "indeed. It could very well be my nephew's son".

------------------

Felix paced his chambers while a solitary candle burned low as the night passed him by.
He was too old to spend nights without sleep. the spells Andromeda had put on him to slow his aging were wearing off, and a more lasting solution was needed.
But it wasn't thoughts of his age finally being its catching up to him, the wrinkles forming about his face, the way his bones felt achy and sore so often these days.
Nor was the occupier of his thoughts Andromeda, though she did hold them so frequently.
It was his brother's offspring.
"What was the child's name....I'm growing forgetful....Cyril, it was Cyril, was it not?" He poured himself another goblet of wine, and walked to the open window where night air breezed through.
"Or was it Veyhirön? No, no....that's what his mother called him, some sort of damned Elvish version of his name" he wanted to throw the wine glass, but feared awakening Andromeda. She slept so restlessly these days as it was.
"Cyril....what have you done all these years? Worked your way into the Revelin base? Risen in their ranks? Trained leagues to be devoted to you? Do you yet live? What of your children? I suppose you must have a son, is he the commander of his men's hearts?" His grip on the goblet tightened. "Did you tell him stories upon your knee about how you would remove your wicked uncle from rule?"
He slammed the gold cup down on the table, creating more noise than he desired.
"And you have Captain Bolivar steadfast on your side, I can only assume"
Losing Xander Bolivar had been sour, not many of his men were as devoted to their job, nor had any other man held the courageous hearts of his men like Bolivar.
The very idea that the once loyal captain was aiding his brother's heir was infuriating.
"I will hang them both, side by side" his voice was a low growl, and he continued to glare at the wall.
And so was how he spent his evening, cursing the man who would fight for his crown, and the one who no doubt aided him.
The possibility that they were one and the same never crossing his mind.

-------------------------

Morning dawned prematurely. A fine fog had come from seaward, making the air heavy and mysterious. Felix had come to a decision in the fleeting hours of the night.
If his nephew, or his nephew's son, planned to attack, Felix wanted the upper hand.
He would have to attack first.
His soldiers had been summoned, the forces that idled around Aragathia revived.
He now addresses them, telling them of all the glories a simple soldier can gain from just returning from battle victorious and honoured.

Of course, most of it was lies, but the soldiers, proud, ready to become something great, need not know that.

Andromeda had summoned her dragons, and they quivered in the outer ring, their dark eyes filled with the desire for a fight. They wanted blood, and Felix planned to give it to them.

A shout arose from the men as Felix finished his glorified speech of lies, and the dragons rose up on their hind legs, blasting flames into the air, filling the city with the smell of brimstone.

None of the townspeople had ventured out of their homes on this ominous day, soldiers filled every corner, and dragons lumbered in the streets. Some said the shadows even appeared to be moving, as if dark, hidden creatures lurked in them.
And more than one report of a death hound was acknowledged.

Felix beamed with pride as he watched his army move out, and Andromeda came to his side. Her dark hair blew in a nonexistent breeze, fanning out behind her as if it had a will of it's own.
Her violet eyes sparked with a strange light, and she laid her hand on his shoulder.
"I ride with them, my love. I have scores to settle in Revelin, and quarry I couldn't bear to see mishandled".
He nodded once, and kissed her lips, warm with the fire kindling within her, as it did whenever her interest was peaked.
Or whenever she was at her most cruelest.
"Be safe, my Right hand, I wish that I could join you, but as it is..."
He couldn't finish that, he couldn't bring himself to say he felt tired, worn, old.
That he would be a cumbersome fighter, and for once, his age was showing.
She smiled, and behind them a smoke figure materialized. It appeared half dragon, half dark storm cloud.
"Fear not, Felix. If I succeed, and I will, you shall have many battles, and victories to claim as a young, rejuvenated man".

And she was gone, striding her smoke dragon, and her air that of a wild warrior woman.

Felix smirked, and crossed his arms over his chest, With Andromeda leading his forces towards Revelin, there was no possibility of a defeat.

SO! I decided to get this little battle started. And I know the last part was a bit vague, but I purposefully made it that way. ;)
But there ya are. Let the fight begin, and may the odds, be evah in your favah.