Sundays

Well what can I say but URGHHH... I both love and hate Sundays and I'm at the point of urghhh as the weekend is nearly over and all I feel like doing now is a lot of nothing.

Rumour

It's rumoured there is to be good in this life, where the bad creeps off into the shadows.
It's rumoured that we will unite in this world, when we can put down our bows and our arrows.
It is rumoured the meek will rule, not obey, when the earth is tired of the pain, nurturing back all the magic once lost, and taking delight in the rain.
It is rumoured that all hope is not lost, when we are ruled by the law of our cage, but all that I hope, is by hook or by crook, that a love we will always engage.

The Quest of Thorayen

The Quest of Thorayen
It is raining outside. For the first time I can remember it has rained during our Sun season of Thorayen. The darkness is out there again, I can feel it, and I know it follows my daughter around like an eager pet. It has been a while now since she fled, and I can finally bring myself to write about it in my journal.
I should have known that there was something unnatural about Talia from the day she was born. She was always a solemn child, as if nothing around her made sense and everything was distasteful to her. It would have been recognisable in her even then if I had allowed myself to look, the darkness; and it was as if she had welcomed it somehow.
I cannot explain how terribly guilty I feel over my touch with darkness when she was inside of me. Through my grief of losing her father to another world I couldn’t seem to stop myself. However sanity came at the last moment and I thought I had escaped. Now I see that even though I escaped it that day, Talia did not. It affected her somehow and stayed with her ever since.
For everything that I know, or should know, I did not realise that my daughter was honing her skills using dark magic as she grew. I had shut out as much as I could from the powers around me since I couldn’t completely trust to refuse the dark. Now through my fear I have lost another man, this time my husband, and my other daughter’s father. Talia has killed him, a mistake I believe, but she has killed him nonetheless and fled.
My husband Medin had always tried to treat Talia as his own, but she always seem to deny him that privilege. He had been confused and angry at her will, and I could not blame him in the end for turning all of his love towards his true daughter, Myenna. I know this angered Talia all the more, and in a way it may have triggered the next events that came through my vision last eve.
I have seen my own death. I think that is the easiest way for me to put it. Not, I may have seen it, or that it is a possibility, but more that I know it to be true. It will not be a good death, and it will be at the hands of my daughter. But to try and stop it would be trying to stop the inevitable.
Not all visions are indefinite, but this one will be. For it will be the start of a journey where many things will change for the better, no matter how much heart ache it causes. I must accept it, but I also know that three people will come to aid my daughter Myenna in finding the key. Her fate will not be as mine was, for she will have to find a way to use all that she has inside of her. She does not realise it, but my daughter Myenna is unique.
I have called for two others who I have seen in my vision. They will guide my daughter and become her guardians through all of this. They are not a natural choice, but one that is needed for the change in our future.
The fate of Thorayen and the surrounding worlds must now rest in the hand of my young daughter, and the five who have been chosen to help her. I only hope that she won't be like her sister and I, and that she will be able to resist the dark.
Juna Loren, Echantress of Thorayen, lifted her quill towards the ink as the knock on the door interrupted her.
"Come." She called before quickly and effortlessly swooping her hands across the page to make her words temporarily disappear from prying eyes. The door opened and Kavanna, one of her aides bowed to address her before entering.
"My Enchantress, the ones you summoned have arrived. Shall I place them in the guest hall?"
"Yes dearest Kavanna, and would you please see it readied for refreshment." Juna gently ordered. They were not used to many guests here at the Tower of Thorayen and tended to need guidance it what was required. Not all summons needed refreshment; especially those who were sentenced to time in the Donalin caves. However, the two people she had summoned today needed to be handled carefully. They were vital to the plan of ensuring her daughter's safety and that of Thorayen. She needed them on side but she also needed them to know at what cost. Sighing to herself she pushed the parchment into a drawer and used her magic to secure it against anyone who may be tempted to read it. She trusted everyone who resided in the Tower, but one could never be too careful.
As she made her way downstairs to the guest hall, Juna knew that her daughter Myenna would be sleeping due to the darkness of the night. It had been a side benefit to having this summons for the evening, knowing her daughter wouldn't be around to hear what must be said. The less said to Myenna the better as she made her way through her own choices on her own path. Juna could only do so much without rocking the balance of the future, and she knew how careful she must be.
Neres ....... stood in the guest hall of the Tower of Thorayen next to her demon and mate, Hunter. They had not been together long, and most of that had been on the run, but she had fallen quickly in love with this being from another world; even if she had to sacrifice everything she knew to be with him. He was still an enigma to her as he stood as hot as coals next to her in only a black armless jacket and black breeches. He was always of higher temperature to her as she stood half his height clad in her warmest cloak against the cold of the night. His black hair gleamed against the candle light that he could handle; only the light of day being unbearable to his darkened eyes.
Hunter had escaped not long ago from the Demon World known as Atrum. He had been framed for the death of his clan chieftain and fled for his life, knowing there was no such thing as a true justice in his world. He had ended up mistakenly coming through the gateway to Thorayen, and lived off the land until he had run into Neres in the woods surrounding the Scribe house. He had been awful to her yet she had coaxed him into tolerating her incessant ramblings, and each evening when dusk at settled she would keep him company and bring him food. They had bonded quickly until the lead Scribe had found out what he was. They had both then fled for their lives, and lived off the land before being summoned here by the Enchantress.
"Are you feeling well Hunter?" Neres asked, and he looked down into those large green eyes of hers that should have clashed with her red hair but didn't. She was too damn beautiful for her own good he thought before grunting at her and moving away.
"I take it that's a No?" She replied in her usual calm demeanor. He turned to her then, his anger seeping out of every pore.
"You're a fool for what you did. I will never forgive you."
"For binding you to me?" She prompted, knowing his feelings better than he did.
"For risking your damn life to do it. Until this magic trickery thing you did can be reversed, I have to put up with being inside you all day and stay with you night so I can return at dawn. What were you thinking?"
Neres rolled her eyes as he repeated his earlier rant. She had used the magics of Thorayen and her own knowledge to perform a binding magic when he had nearly lost his life. She had bound his fate to her own and saved him, and now he was angry at her. She cringed at how mad he would be when he found out that the magic wasn't reversible.
"I was thinking that I didn't want you to die and that I knew of a way to stop it. You can't move around in the daytime to your sensitivity to daylight, so I bound you in a way where you could come out and night. I just reversed the spell a little."
“You little fool,” He growled before feeling the guilt from the innocence of her eyes. He pulled her into his arms and allowed himself to find comfort in her as his frustration subsided. “Your fate is now tied to mine and I can only protect you at the night,” He stroked her hair. “How do you think that makes me feel?”
“My fate was tied to yours anyway.” She whispered as his closeness made her feel at peace. “And I chose to save you Hunter, for my own sake as well as your own.”
“You’re still a little fool,” He said with humour.
“And you’re still a stubborn ass.” She replied, before turning her head up to face him. “Do you think we have been summoned here for punishment?”
Hunter shook his head. “I don’t know the rules of your world Neres, but from what you have said you have used magic against the will of the scribe. It depends how highly that is frowned upon.”
She sighed and turned from his arms.
“We don’t have set rules. It’s all down to if you have shown disrespect for Thorayen and its people or not. The Enchantress will judge you upon summons and decide on your punishment for redemption. The most harsh of punishments is being banished to the Donalin caves. You are left to your own fate to live off the land and never return to Thorayen until called back. You cannot escape for those who are sent there are held in by the Enchantresses magic.” She had spoken monotonously but Hunter had noticed the shiver go through her when she mentioned the caves.
“I will not let them send you there.” He grunted, his anger abound.
“You will not be able to stop her if she so wishes. She is a very powerful entity Hunter.”
“Then I will get her to reverse this damn magic that has bound us and send me to the caves if she so wish it. You had nothing to do with this.”
“I have everything to do with this, and you know it.”
He went to reply, to shout another bout of insults at her just to make himself feel better, but then a flow of music disturbed them as a young woman entered and announced the arrival of Enchantress Juna of Thorayen.
The music seemed to follow the blinding sight that entered the room to greet them as they both stood in awe at her presence. Juna smiled at them in greeting, her long white hair flowing around her serene features. She looked only an age of five and twenty yet Neres knew she must be at least 50 full seasons old, her presence filling the room as she patiently waited for her aides to set up the refreshments before leaving.
"Please, take a seat." She gestured to them both as her deep voice seemed to lull them into responding. Hunter was cautious but even he wasn't completely oblivious to the power Juna seemed to exude as she sat in the white twined vine chair that had been laid out for her. Neres obeyed and sat in the chair opposite whilst Hunter hovered before deciding to follow his mate by taking the seat next to her.
Juna nodded in acknowledgement, the smile never leaving her lips as she helped herself to the brew laid out for them.
"Please help yourselves, when you're ready." She continued as she stirred the liquid in her cup with just a circling of her finger.
Neres hurriedly leant forward and prepped both herself and Hunter a cup, handing it to him before she sat back in her seat, the tension evident in her shoulders.
"Thank you for coming Neres....of the Scribe, and Hunter, of the Demon World."
Neres jolted slightly at her knowledge of their names, and she looked at Hunter quickly before replying.
"Thank you for inviting us my Enchantress."
"For summoning us more like." Hunter grunted and Neres knocked him with her knee. But Juna did not seem phased by his attitude.
"I am glad you are both here for I have a proposition for you."
"A proposition?" Neres prompted as if she hadn't heard properly. "We are not to be ordered to Donalin?"
Juna laughed then, and the music seemed to return for a moment as if it were floating round her head.
"But why child? You have done nothing wrong."
"I made magic." She said quickly, as if welcoming the punishment. Hunter glared at her.
"Everyone has the right to use the magic of Thorayen Neres. No one owns it."
"But I did it to save Hunter's life. I disrespected the cycle."
"Well I would say that someone disrespected it first and came after you both unnecessarily, and that matter will be dealt with. But you did something that only sacrificed yourself Neres. You did not sacrifice another, you saved a life, and you did not disrespect Thorayen. There is no punishment required for that."
Hunter snorted as if in disagreement and Juna turned her head to look directly at him.
"You don't agree?" She asked.
"She was foolish to do what she did. She is bound to a demon, someone not of this world, and now her fate is tied to mine. I have to be inside her during the daytime where I can see and hear everything but do nothing. I have to be careful when I protect her at the night time because her fate is tied to mine and if I hurt, she hurts, if I die, she dies. She may not have disrespected Thorayen my lady, but she did disrespect herself and she is one of Thorayen. I suggest you revert the magic so then I can be punished in her stead."
Juna looked at him then, as if studying something of interest.
"She has done nothing to another, and Hunter you need to find it in yourself to trust in Neres, for she is a very special young woman," She smiled in Neres' direction before continuing. "I am afraid, that the magic Neres performed is non-reversible when done between two intended mates. For it binds too intricately to be undone. I cannot obey your request Hunter."
"What?" Hunter almost shouted. He couldn't believe what Neres had done. He turned to look at her accusingly. "Did you know this?"
She said nothing, more so out of embarrassment that his reaction was causing. Juna leant forward and gently touched Hunter's arm as if too calm him.
"She loves you. That is the most purest, beautiful magic when given with no conditions. Do not judge her for her actions Hunter, for you would have done the same were your roles reversed."
He silenced then. Not liking his emotions taking him over when it was not his way. He turned to look at Neres, then back at Juna before nodding and settling back into his chair.
"Now my proposition may give you a solution to your worry of Neres being exposed to danger, although something tells me that Neres is quite capable of looking after herself." She smiled at Neres again, as if knowing something neither of them did not. She put her cup down on the table and arranged the white gown she wore around her legs. "My daugher Myenna is almost 15 full seasons and is coming to ask questions about the magic trying to soar through her. All Enchantresses-in-line have a guardian appointed to them when they come of age at 18 full seasons, but I do not want to wait for that," She cleared her throat before speaking again, as if it hurt her to talk of it. "I will tell you a story of another daughter of mine, at another time, and what both of their destinies mean, but the long and short of it is I need guardian for my daughter now. I need her guardian to learn as much as possible about our history, anything that is not already known, and the magics we possess. They will then guide my daughter through her learning as she resides in the Tower, away from the world." She leaned forward and quieted her voice. "We can never go out into the world until we have our magics under control. It would be too destructive and sometimes our empathy can be too strong to handle when we make too many bonds in the outside. My daughter has never been out of this place, she has never seen Thorayen, so of course she has questions. More than normal because of what happened to her father and sister. I need someone I can come to trust and I need you."
Neres looked up then to see who she meant by 'you', and Hunter automatically assumed she meant Neres.
"I don't understand," Neres stammered, her head trying to piece it all together. "A guardian is normally someone from the Tower, or an ancestor of a guardian."
"That was only a tradition child, not a necessity." She leant back again, sitting straight as if an inner strength held her in place. "I want you both as my daughter's guardian, and not because I have no choice in the matter now you are bound, but because the two of you will be needed to help my daughter understand both the light and the dark."
"Both of us?" Hunter asked wary.
"Yes. I will trust her in your care. But I must request that you keep your visits away from the Tower as limited as possible, and that you conduct your lessons with her at dusk when Hunter can be drawn away from you Neres. Any other time between that and sleeping will be your own."
Hunter knew what this meant. He would live in a prison, looking after some magic brat, talking about mumbo-jumbo about things he didn't understand; but at least Neres would be safe.
"We'll do it." He said quickly. But Juna didn't respond to him right away. She turned to Neres.
"Neres?"
"You need us?" She asked, stunned.
"Yes Neres. More than you will ever know. All I ask is that my daughter and her safety becomes your number one priority."
Neres knew then that everything she had learnt had brought her here, to this place. It was her destiny, and a destiny she would share with the one she loved.
"We will do it. Of course we will."
The relief seemed to seep out of Juna so quickly that she felt dizzy. She stood up and they both rised with her. She took each of their hands in her own and smiled.
"Thank you."






Chapter One
Medaylan Central - United Fayre Day
Princess Esmaya knew that this would be her only opportunity to get her note to Prince Faiden who was visiting Central on the same day as she. It was the only time during their year that she was allowed to leave the castle grounds without her Uncle's spies concentrating solely on her.
This was her one and only chance to get a note to the Prince from the North who could aid her in protecting her lands and her people from the greed of her Uncle Medaston, a man who only showed his true colours to her.
She had always had her suspicions about her Uncle, even having thoughts that he may have played a hand in her father's death, but it was the other evening that confirmed them and geared her into action. She had returned from her evening ride and overheard Medaston speak with the main guard, Edinos outside the stables as she returned her horse. He had spoken quietly and quickly but she managed to understand that he was almost ready to take what was rightfully his and rule the lands of Medaylan. The way he had said it, with both frustration and hunger in his eyes, made her realise that she must now fear for her life.
Esmaya was heir to the throne of Medaylan Tusk of the South, but would rule as Princess until she was wed then she would be coronated as Queen. However, her Uncle had seen to it that no suitors had more than a few moments with her, usurping any opportunity for her to get a husband. Yet he had played the part well to others around him, a charming man who appeared to care, and be a doting Uncle to his niece. But she knew better, and she now knew she must act.
Medaston wasn't a fool. And he certainly wasn't going to risk a chance meeting of her running into Prince Faiden, a powerful man with a newly appointed Kingdom since the death of his parents. A marriage between them would obliterate Medaston's plans, so he would do everything in his power to stop it from happening. It would be the first Fayre day that Prince Faiden had attended since his return from war, and Medaston's plan of keeping the Prince busy with his own personal attendance trashed every hope of a meeting between them happening in private. Her only option to plead her case to the Prince was to sneak a note to him, and it was evident the only way that would be done was through one of his men.
Faiden didn't want to attend the damn Fayre, he didn't want to leave Petra alone for too long, even though he knew her husband would look after her. But after what had happened and the death of their father, Faiden's guilt seemed to amplify the further he was away from his sister. He nodded in all the right places as an advisor from the royal court of the South spoke to him, yet he longed for solace and a return to the North. This man in front of him who had called himself Medaston, was not only advisor to the crown, but also Uncle to the ruling Princess Esmaya, and he did not want to upset their shaky treaty by being rude only days on his own throne. He wasn't King yet, and if he had his way he would put it off as long as possible. But he must still play the politics and show willing. He hid his sigh, and gave a look to his comrade Marley who thankfully took the hint and made off to find them some beverages; preferably some with alcohol .
Marley his a smile at his friend's exasperation, extremely glad it wasn't him having to put on a show for the people. It had been a hard couple of months on them both, especially on Faiden and his sister, but he supposed it was a good sign that Faiden was doing well by his duty and not carrying through on his threat to escape back to the outlands. Even though the wars had been declared finished there, there were still times when they both missed the feeling it gave to fight for their beliefs, for what exactly were they fighting for now? He shook his head as if answering his own question, and made his way through the path left between the coloured tents to get their ale.
Esmaya knew that this was her chance, the only one she was likely to get, so she moved quickly. She could not risk giving anything to the man whose sights she had set on to pass the note on to, but she needed him to understand that she had give him something of importance. She had liked the look of the man who had rode in with the Prince, with his tall height and strong build; yet he had patient eyes and the golden mane of hair he donned seemed to glisten next to his tanned skin. She mentally had to shake herself back to the task as she watched him motion towards the refreshment tent, and she felt her feet hurry as quick as they could to take them to him.
Marley didn't see her coming, and the first thing he wondered when he felt the soft body crash into him was why did he not see this beautiful thing coming. He quickly grabbed her from falling as she slipped to the ground, laying her on the soft grass so she could right herself before he helped her to stand again.
Her hazel eyes bore into him as the desire to lean forward to kiss her lips hit him from head to toe, but slowly his sense came back to him as he felt her push something discreetly into his tunic. He looked at her then, his eyes directly on her own, and he knew that what she placed there was to be a secret. Oh, he had plenty of women stuff things into his tunic, he was very used to that by now, but he doubted very much from this woman's expression that it was a love letter she had tucked in there. He gently pushed back a trendil of black hair that had fallen from her veil and let his fingers settle slightly. In felt her shiver in response to him and he knew at the moment that if he did not help this woman up and help her on her way that he would be taking her here and now. He lifted himself quickly then leant down to offer his assistance, and she didn't hesitate to right herself and murmur her thanks to him before running off back into the crowd. He was curious to know what she had stuffed in his clothing, just in case it was a love letter, but he decided against it. He had sensed a hint of desire in the woman's eyes just now, but he had also seen fear, and there was no way he would be opening that note until they were well on their way back home. That was least he could do for a beautiful damsel in distress.
Marley waited until he was supping on his ale back at the castle in the North before contemplating opening the note. Faiden would be joining him shortly before retiring for the eve, and he wanted to read it before her arrived.
He laid the note on the table in front of him as he took advantage of the privacy in the main dining hall. He smiled at the elegant writing that suited the woman who had been in his arms not long before, but his smile soon disappeared when he realised that the note had been addressed to Faiden. His feeling of disappointment was more than he expected to feel, given the fleeting moment he had been near the wench, but it had been those eyes of hers that still haunted his thoughts. They were as beguiling as the woman who owned the, and Marley felt his interest start to stir elsewhere at the thought of her. He quickly changed the journey of where his mind was heading when Faiden entered the hall and sat down on the bench opposite him. He nodded in welcome to Marley before taking a drink of the ale that had been prepared for him.
“Is Petra well?” Marley enquired after Faiden’s sister. They had both been concerned for her welfare since they had found her with a dagger in her father’s chest after he had tried to rape her. They had come to her aid to cover up the death with the help of her new husband, Willon, who she had wed a through a recent arrangement made, but who had been angry for her nonetheless.
The hardest thing that Petra had come to terms with however was her mother had committed suicide not long after, unable to live with her husband’s death and the secrets she held about his twisted affection for his daughter. It had been the final straw for her as she had seen it a fitting end to jump out of her chamber window rather than stay and pick up the pieces her husband had left behind.
Faiden and Marley had their fair share of guilt to bear, never picking up on the realisation that the King had been abusing his daughter ever since they had left for war. Marley looked upon Petra as his own and knew the anger and guilt that Faiden felt every time they reminded of it all.
“She is well. Complaining that Willon won’t give her a minute and his hovering round her like a puppy, but she said it with a smile.”
“She seems happier of late.”
“Willon is good for her. I believe it has become a love match. You know how much mother would have loved that.”
Marley sniggered in agreement at the thought of the late Queen and the irony of Faiden’s statement. She had been a follower of fashion until her last breath and would have been disgusted to know that her daughter had fallen in love with the husband they had picked out for her.
“You have a note.” Marley said suddenly as he told Faiden the story of how it had got into his tunic, pushing it across the table for Faiden to read.
“My admirers are actually using your tunic for love notes now?” He smiled. “I see a benefit in that.”
“Ha, bloody ha.” Marley replied, preparing himself for the discomfort of what the letter may contain. He was surprised but please when Faiden showed his trust by reading it out loud:
My Lord, Royal Highness of the Medaylan North Court,
First of all please accept my apologies for the mysterious way I have had to get this note to you.
My name is Esmaya, but you may know me by my Princess title of the Medaylan Tusk of the South.
I must apologise again for the haste and content of this letter, without so much as an introduction, but I am in dire straits, and as a result of that, so are the people in my Kingdom.
My mother died whilst giving birth to me, so I am the only direct heir to the throne of Medaylan south. My father died recently and I have reason to believe that my Uncle played a part in his death, and is now preparing to do the same with me.
I know how this may read to you, but I have no other choice in my appeal due to limited visits allowed outside of the castle grounds to give appearance of free will to my people. Any other time I am treated as a prisoner and the lives of my people are threatened should I try to escape.
My Uncle wants the throne, and I am in his way, but he must bide his time to take action so people are not made suspicious by his actions.
I know my only way out of this predicament is to wed and place a King on the throne to the South, to remove the way to power from my Uncle’s sights.
I am not allowed to meet with any potential suitors without my Uncle’s interference and I fear time is running out; as is my Uncle’s patience. Hence why I must propose this.
Medaylan has been separated by its petty conflicts for years between the North and the South, and I believe an arranged marriage between us would be fortuitous for both Kingdoms.
I appreciate this may not be something you would wish, and I apologise for my frankness and insensitivity regarding my timing. I have heard of the recent passing of your parents and I can empathise with how you must be feeling. However, I now have nothing to lose in asking this, and I must take the risk if I am to protect everything my own father stood for.
If you are in agreement to move forth with this request, then please journey to the South and tell no one of the day you will be coming here. My Uncle has spies everywhere, and if he discovers you are coming to see me he would send out men to attack you on the route. If you do not agree, then please do not respond in kind, as any correspondence to me will be intercepted.
One last word, if it is to be a no, then prepare yourself and guard your gates. My Uncle will not be satisfied with only a portion of these lands.
Thank you for your patience in receiving this letter.
Yours truly,
Princess Esmaya
Marley watched Faiden study the note as if contemplating its contents, and he felt a dark smile reach his lips at the irony of it all. Should Faiden so choose it, he would be wed to a woman who Marley was drawn to and who he would have to see every day without being able to do a damn thing. Just his luck, he thought before breaking the silence.
"What are you going to do?" He asked, knowing the answer before Faiden even replied.
"Was it she who gave the note to you?"
"Aye. I would say so. She was of elegant dress and could certainly pass for loyalty. Plus I saw a genuine fear in her eyes," Marley was sure to leave out that he thought he had seen them too. That was a road no longer open to him.
"Is she, beautfiul?" Faiden hesitantly asked and Marley didn't think on his reply.
"Extremely so,"
Faiden nodded.
"Well you know me. Damsel in distress and there I go. Especially the beautiful ones."
Faiden went to retire to his bedchamber, the thoughts of what he was about to do preying on his mind. Marley stopped him.
"If you did wed the Princess, you would no longer be the King of the South." He said, knowing his friend's resistance to take the throne.
"No, I know that. I will King of the whole of Medaylan." He sighed.
"She is not Petra." Marley said quietly.
"You're right again Marley. She's not Petra. But I wasn't in time to help her was I? I left her to her fate. But I have if I have chance to save Esmaya from hers, then I will do so."
Faiden waited to see if Marley was to say anything else but he remained silent. He bid him farewell and made his way to the restless sleep that he knew would be coming his way.


Chapter Two

The World of Thorayen

Myenna Loren of Thorayen stood on the balcony of the book tower and looked out upon the world she had never stepped foot into. She was now 21 full seasons, and had never spoken to anyone who had lived outside the tower, mostly mixing with her mother and guardians, Hunter and Neres.
They were in the chamber with her now, talking over a recent parchment that Neres had completed. Myenna had walked away to give them some space, sensing their need for each other with great intensity. She knew of her empathy powers, and that was one of the reasons she was kept away from people as much as possible until the day came when she learnt to control the powers coming through her and transitioned. Until then she found it all extremely frustrating. She had the powers, and learnt how to hone some of them has she was raised, but the riddles that came from all the questions she asked made her feel she was imprisoned, being kept from living.
Neres and Hunter did their best of course. They taught her as much as they could, and answered the questions she asked as best as they were able, but when she approached her mother, supposedly one of the most powerful and wisest people in the whole world, she would always get a statement or other that just confused her further. She wanted to know why she felt the things she did, why she saw the things she saw in her visions, but no one would give her a straight answer. They expected her to figure it out for herself, but how could she when limited to the tower?
She craved for freedom, needed it at times, yet the need to please her mother was too great to push things too far. She knew little bits of how there had been an accident that involved her sister and her father, and she grieved for them both; even though she knew Talia lived and hated her so. She had felt it for years, and had learned to close away from her before it ate her alive. But she still grieved for the absent loss of the sister who would on the very odd occasion show her a brief kindness, and for the father who had adored her.
What was her fate in all of this? Why was she being kept in the tower like a prisoner? Even though she knew all Enchantresses had to go through all of this until they transitioned, why? Who said so? Had they tried another way? Had they succeeded? Why? Why? Why? Rammed through her brain.
"Myenna?" Hunter called to her as he released Neres' hand; he had to be so careful not to become absorbed with Neres when they were with Myenna. He knew she felt it, and he knew how much it must make her feel like the odd one out, even though she never said anything. He had grown to think of Myenna as a younger sister quite early on after they had been appointed guardians to her. He would protect her to her last breath and knew she struggled at times, especially when they couldn't give her the answers she sought. But it was for her own good, he knew that too. She turned to face them both.
"Are you well?" Neres asked her with sudden concern as she returned to the table and took a seat with them.
"I am well Neres, thank you. I guess I just have a lot on my mind, as always." She replied with a smile and it touched Neres' heart. They both loved Myenna dearly, and knew how her position had started to strain on her the past few seasons. It ate at Neres knowing she was so unhappy, but each time they had approached Juna to see if she could at least visit the forest surrounding the tower, it was always with a no, and a smile that said trust me. And Neres did just that. They knew Juna had reasons for what she did, but she also knew something would need to change soon before Myenna was affected.
"We were just discussing the Donalin Caves. There has been more activity reported there recently. Your mother has felt the ripples."
"Talia?" She asked, knowing her sister had become a growing threat of late with her petty attacks on the local villages.
"We think so, " Hunter interjected. "She seems to have a plan. We just don't know what it could be after all this time. And we don't know why these petty attacks she keeps orchestrating do anything apart from piss people off."
Myenna giggled at Hunter's cursing. Oh she did love him so. He had taught her lots of things he shouldn't have done over time. He had even taught her how to fight when no one was around. She knew that Neres, out of kindness and love for her mate, left him for a small time when he was outside of her, just so he could get time with himself for a little while. But Hunter was restless when he was on his own, and always tracked Myenna down to teach her something. Whether that be fighting, playing cards, or teaching her cursing. Things that Neres wouldn't have of approved of for a lady, let alone an Enchantress-in-line. Yet Hunter wasn't from this world, and she found it so refreshing as he regaled her with stories from Atrum where he came from. He would have patience with her questions, and always bring her up when she was down. Even though he did so in a solemn mood. He was her rock, and Neres was the one who nurtured her. They had helped her mother raise her, and she couldn't imagine her life without either of them.
Neres gave him a stare at his choice of wording but this just made Myenna giggle all the more, and before long they were both laughing with her. Her heart lightening at the sound.
"Myenna."
Juna's voice trailed across their laughter as she called to her daughter from the doorway.
"Would you like to have tea with me?" She asked her daughter.
Myenna composed herself as Neres and Hunter fell silent.
"Of course mother. I will come now." She curtsied to Hunter and Neres and left the room.
"Thank you for making her smile." Was all Juna said before nodding to them and shutting the door behind her as she left.
"The strain is getting to her. Something will happen soon." Hunter said without thinking. Neres looked at him with interest.
"From her cryptic messages over time I am inclined to agree with you."
He looked at her and held her hand.
"We will be here when it happens." He said quietly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Then we had better hope that it is nightfall when it happens so you will be here. You have been a little bit hesitant in teaching me how to fight as you do Myenna," She kissed him and smiled, liking it when she made that surprised look appear on his gorgeous face.

Talia frowned as she felt the men return through the magic shield of the cave. They were late and seemed to like taking liberties. She supposed to could forgive them this once if they had brought her something nice. She liked nice things, and ensured anything she couldn't call in by magic was brought to her by the men who she liked to think as her slaves. However they were still volatile, and she wouldn't go as far as calling them that to their faces. Not yet anyway.
They respected her. They had to. Because they knew if they tried to attack or cross her, that she could throw them across the room with one flick of her hand. But they didn't like it, and she didn't really care. Hadn't she been the one who held the magic shield open for them whilst they snuck out and had their fun? Hadn't she been the one who had let them bring in riches, and foods and wenches for them to keep at their leisure? Yet she felt their distain, and the fact they had to return if they were to continue living.
They were all criminals for goodness sake. People who had disrespected the lands of Thorayen, and banished here until their sentence was up; for some that would mean never. She was giving them the freedom they craved. So what if she had a tantrum every now and again. They should damn well listen to her and that was that, damn minions.
Some of them had slithered off into the intricate maze of the caves, not wanting anything to do with her plans, but who cared about them? They could carry on living off the land and starve for all she cared. She had enough of them to do her bidding and until the time came that was all that mattered.
It wouldn't be for too much longer, she thought to herself. Her powers were definitely growing, and it would be soon to leave this damn place and go sit on her rightful place on the throne in the Tower of Thorayen. She just needed to make sure she had won these idiots around enough to support her cause, and that she would be enough of a challenge to both Myenna and her mother. It was a shame that Myenna would have to die too, she thought with a sigh. The silly bitch did pull at her heart strings sometimes. But she stood in the way. She was Enchantress-in-line and whilst she was alive Talia still didn't matter, and she refused to have that.
Talia threw her leg over the arm of the imitation throne where she sat and swung her leg in thought. It was a pity that she couldn't see visions of the future path like Myenna could, she could only see visions from the past. Fat lot of good that did her. Especially when she looked back and found out about her mother's touch with darkness and her cowardice in turning it away. Then the stupid fool let them send away her father to another world because he wasn't her mate. What rights did they think they had to that? It was pathetic, the whole damn ancestory of this world was foolish. And it was up to her to rule and see it put right.
They were the core of power for every world in existence weren't they? Yet they kept magic on the gateway, allowing people in but never letting them leave. All because they did not want corruption for the purest source of the magic, they did not want people leaving with its secrets. Foolish, she thought again. Just think at what they could achieve at linking the gates to the other worlds. Think of the power they would have over them and think how much of it they could rule; that she could rule. She had the strength to stand with darkness, and to revel in the pleasure that it could bring. How pitiful to keep trying to be good, yet contradict everything when they were bad. At least she was honest with herself. She knew what she was, and that would be her success.
Zaro came in to disturb her then, liking the look of her sat deep in thought.
"My lady," He said in a husky voice. His need for her apparent.
She looked up, her face angry at being disturbed. But it softened a little when she saw who it was, and exactly what he seemed to want.
"Well?" She ordered, wanting to know how there last jaunt went.
"My apologies for being late my lady, but we were being followed by some enforcers from the village. We had to shake them off."
"They are getting suspicious at last," She tutted. "They have taken their time." She threw up her hands in exasperation. "Was it worth it?"
"Of course my lady. You have many things to sort through at your leisure," He looked down at his hardness growing for her, then looked back at her with an arrogance said he knew what she wanted. "You shall dine well tonight."
"Very good. Now, get on the bed Zaro," She said whilst standing and pulling the black cloak she wore around her shoulders when the chill came. She had also noticed his hardness. "I have need of you too."
"Very well, my lady." He said before pulling her to him and kissing her senseless. Of all the people who had been banished to the caves, Zaro had been the only one to hold her interest for a time. He made her blood boil, and wanted the same as her. He wanted power, and he knew she could get that from him.
She pushed him back, and moved her hand upwards so he levitated off the floor.
"Never forget who is in control Zaro."
"Never, my lady." He said with a smile. She moved her hand sideways towards the bed she had built in the corner, and Zaro followed its direction still in mid-air. She let her hand drop, and so did he, crashing on the bed as she approached him.
"It is nearly time," She purred. "Have you selected those who intend to join us in getting the job done?"
"I have. They are ready to go when you are."
"Good." She said before crawling on the bed to him. The thought of all the power she was going to have, pumping through her veins. "We shall certainly dine well tonight."

Myenna poured the brew for both her and Juna as they made themselves comfortable in the main parlour. She was silent as she did so, waiting for her mother to speak first and she fought hard to keep all of the questions in.
“How are your studies going?” Her mother asked as she accepted the small cup from Myenna.
“Well, thank you mother.”
“Very good. And your extra studies are also going well?”
Myenna looked confused as she sipped from her own cup.
“You extra studies with Hunter?” Her mother continued.
Myenna’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realised her mother knew what Hunter had been teaching her.
“They’re going well, thank you.”
Juna laughed then. She felt the freedom in it and knew how much she must treasure the time she had left with her daughter.
“You’re a treasure Myenna. You always were.” She wiped a tears of laughter from her eyes and Myenna smiled.
“Thank you.” She said shyly as Juna placed her cup back down on the table in front of them and put her hand on her daughter’s.
“Myenna, my child. I apologise that I have not always been there for you in the way you needed a mother.”
Myenna went to speak but Juna put up a hand to silence her.
“No, please. Let me finish,” She squeezed her hand gently. “I know you have so many questions. You see things in a different way and that makes you unique, an original, and that originality will be needed before the end,” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I know I’m doing it again, only giving you pieces. I so wish I could give you more, but you must follow your own path, seek out your own destiny, and I have given you all I can for now.”
“I know mother,” She said quietly. “And I know how much I frustrate you with all my questions.”
“Frustrate me?” Juna asked. “You never frustrate me Myenna. All that you ask are the questions I was always afraid to. I pushed them back and never questioned what I always should have done. The answers came to me too late, and now I must leave you with the burden, but I have faith in you Myenna. I always have.”
Myenna felt the tears leave her eyes as she knew her mother was trying to tell her something she still couldn’t understand. However, she still felt her mother’s pain; no matter how much she was trying to block it. She pulled her mother close into an embrace, something she had never dared to do before.
“I love you mama,” She whispered, and Juna wrapped her arms around the girl so tightly that she never wanted to let go.
“I love you too Myenna. And always remember,” She stroked her hair. “I have faith in you.”

Chapter Three
Faiden was burdened at his decision. Not only had he never wanted the throne, but he had never wanted to wed either. How ironic that he would now be doing both, with an extra Kingdom thrown in for good measure.
He rode out with Marley and a small group of his own men, not long after he had received the note; eager to finalise a few things before he left, just in case he did not return. Not that Faiden feared it, but given the facts and that he was riding out with a few people at his back, he liked to be prepared.
One of the things he sorted was an official Royal Decree that should he not return his sister and Willon would rule the throne. He knew that a lot of duties would fall on them anyway once he was wed to Esmaya.
He looked at Marley then, knowing his friend was suffering over something.
"How much longer do we have to travel Marley? You were always much better at determining distance than I."
Marley smiled for the first time since their journey.
"That is because you never studied my friend." He said, remembering Faiden in the schoolroom. He had been mischievous at best, and it was when Marley realised that he wasn't just a pompous prince that they became fast friends.
"Well you did enough of it for the both of us. Always having your damn nose in those books." Faiden replied with mirth. The only reason Marley had even been allowed to study with him in the first place was because his aunt had taken him in once his parents had died, and she was a tutor for the King. When she had died from fever, Marley had taken it badly and threw himself even more into his studies, hence why he knew every damn thing. "Smart ass." He continued, and Marley laughed.
"Knowledge is power my friend, knowledge is power."
"How far you damn fool?"
"If you had studied, you would know. You would have the knowledge, you would have the power."
"You won't have anything when I push you your horse."
Both of them laughed and Marley leant over to push Faiden.
"Like you could." He said before rearing his horse forward ahead of the pack. He called over his shoulder. "And we're half a day away so be on your guard. I don't want to have to jump in the way of an arrow to save your royal ass."
Faiden took the challenge and sent his own horse racing forward, enjoying the mirth of this friend, but terrified about the fact he was actually racing toward a marriage. An arrow in the ass would be preferable right about now.

Princess Esmaya was dining in the hall during one of the occasions she was actually allowed. There were visitors of consequence in court, so Medaston saw no threat to her dining with some of those who held high position in the castle. He knew to keep her away from them too long would cause suspicion, so he had been allowing her to dine with them as she should do every day, as opposed to being banished to her chambers like an insolent child.
She welcomed the company, careful not to jump each time she heard a noise that gave her hope that Prince Faiden may come and take her from this nightmare. She had been like it ever since the fayre.
It had only been a few days since she had passed on the note, but the not knowing if the message had even reached the Prince was driving her half mad. It had only been the kindness in the strangers eyes who she had given the note to that kept her sane, and she had tried not to think of him too often. His gentle touch and smile had affected her in ways she never thought possible, and to let herself think such thoughts of a man who was closely affiliated with her potential betrothed was wrong. She could not afford to allow herself the free choice of a husband now. Not with so much at stake.
It would be an amazing feat if Prince Faiden even agreed to marry into such a burden, but she had no other choice but to risk it. She would need a man of power to overthrow her uncle's authority, otherwise all would be lost.
As she dined on her soup dish, a steward came quickly towards where she sat next to her uncle to deliver a message; Medaston's annoyance clear only to her when the steward addressed only her with the detail. He was obviously used to being in charge when she wasn't around.
"Your highness," The steward bowed to her. "Men have arrived from the North and are asking for respite here at the castle."
"So, give it to them." Medaston barked, making his authority known. However, the steward ignored him.
"It is Prince Faiden your highness, and his men."
Esmaya jolted at the news, and was glad it looked as if in surprise rather than relief. She put down her spoon and gently dabbed at her lips with the napkin.
"Prince Faiden?" She looked accusingly at her uncle. "What would he be doing here?"
"Indeed." Her uncle said quietly. His face paled somewhat. She looked back at the steward.
"We must not keep the Prince waiting. Have them join us for dinner whilst chambers are made up for them." Her voice was calm but inside she was a ball of nerves. The steward bowed again at her orders before exiting the dining hall.
"Well played Esmaya," Medaston said under his breath. "But this changes nothing."
"I don't know what you mean uncle. Would you have me refuse the soon-to-be King of a Kingdom we have a shaky alliance with? You did enough buttering up of your own at the fayre."
"That was different."
"It was not. You know you would have accepted him if I had not have done," She spoke in a whisper as others continued to dine around them. "And you have the nerve to think any different after what you have done to me?"
It was rare that she went back at him, but even she was surprised at his abashed features. He quickly quieted before returning to his own soup.
Faiden and Marley were both glad that they had arrived in the Kingdom of Madaylen South unscathed. The small group of men they had travelled with also appeared relieved when they arrived in one piece. No man wanted a battle with only a few men at his back if he could help it.
Marley's stomach growled and he could have cried with happiness when the steward came out and requested they join the Princess for dinner. They had made good time since breaking their fast earlier in the day, and had stopped for nothing else since.
"Should we not freshen up first?" He asked Faiden under his breath, good manners winning out.
"No," He replied in quiet tones. "It is best we meet with her as soon as possible now we have been announced. Less chance for her uncle to think of a plan to usurp out time with her."
"Good thinking," He said as he sniffed his tunic. "But I will leave you to explain the stench."
Faiden smiled as they followed the steward to the main dining hall.
Esmaya saw the man she had handed the note to first. Her eyes seemed to pull him out of the small crowd of men that entered the dining hall so quickly that she felt herself blush. He was looking at her intently and her heart started to feel as if it was beating outside of her chest. What was happening to her?
"Your highness," Prince Faiden stepped away from his entourage as she stood in greeting to him. Her legs shaking at her recent thoughts.
"We are surprised but pleased to see you here Prince Faiden. You must have had a long journey from the North."
"Aye my lady," He said, and lifted her hand to kiss it in greeting. "We were journeying to central for some political business I needed to resolve and thought it best we continue South to discuss our current alliance with you. I apologise for not sending notice."
"Oh not at all. We make all guests and friends welcome here. You will join us for dinner?" She asked as the servants had already started to bring out additional food and lay extra places at the table. Faiden was placed at the top end of the table as in tradition and it wasn't until he advised Marley was to join him that another place was set. The other men were sat near the opposite end of the table, glad to relax their manners a little whilst they dined out of earshot.
"Please, do eat." She said to the men as they waited for her to sit first. She did so and they followed. "We are having chambers readied for you whilst you dine. You can then freshen up if you so wish it. It has been a long couple of days for you no doubt."
Marley cringed at the thought of how they must wreak and then wondered why he was so bothered about it. But it did bother him. He was having the same reaction to her now as he did at the fayre and he was trying damn hard to keep it under wraps.
"We are well my lady, but thank you very much for the hospitality," Faiden replied. Marley had been right at how beautiful Princess Esmaya was. Her beauty seemed to light up her side of the table. But he sensed Marley's discomfort and for some reason could not seem to look at Esmaya in light anything but a friend in need. He shook the discomfort away and addressed her uncle who had also now re-seated once the introductions were out of the way.
"Sir Medaston. We meet again. I hope you are well."
"Very well my lord. It is good to see you here. Were there any discussions in particular that you would wish to address during your visit?"
"There is one, yes. But I think it best that I leave that discussion for Princess Esmaya alone." He looked at Esmaya who seemed as uncomfortable as Marley. "Would you be able to spare me some time after our dinner my lady? Marley will chaperone of course."
"Princess Esmaya must have her own chaperone of course my lord. I will be happy to oblige."
"There is no need to take up your precious time Medaston. Surely Princess Esmaya as a regular chaperone available that she uses from time to time."
Esmaya thought quickly to one of the women Medaston trusted the most and who would be most likely to spy for him, and thought of Salli, one of the chambermaids.
"Salli can chaperone me if you like uncle." She said sweetly, knowing he could not refuse or offer another in her stead. He knew Salli would report everything of the conversation back to him and that would satisfy him for now. And at least Salli would hold her tongue, even if she would run back to her uncle and tell him everything, but even that was better than her uncle being there who would interrupt and manipulate as much as he could. That she would not allow. Not now they had got this far.
"Very well." Her uncle said as he solemnly went back to the chicken that had been brought out.
Esmaya had to hide her smile when she caught Marley's eye and felt herself look at his lips. Her embarrassment was beyond measure as she realised what she had done and quickly turned back to her own food. What hell was she stepping into from the one she was escaping? She lifted her chalice of wine and drank hastily, seriously hoping that neither Marley - or Faiden - could read her mind.
Esmaya had agreed to meet with Faiden in the parlour after dining and Salli turned up just in time to greet them her presence. Her uncle was leaving anything to chance she thought as Faiden and Marley entered the room.
"Please, take a seat," She offered as she sat down on the opposing chair. Salli remained standing in her opted position by the doorway.
"Thank you my lady," Faiden bowed and took a seat, waiting for Marley to do the same before starting the conversation. "I have something I would like to discuss with you regarding a recent issue that has come to light. I hope you do not mind my boldness.
"Of course not my lord, please say what you wish to say."
"It has not been easy taking up the demands of the Kingdom so quickly. As you understand my father and mother recently passed away and I am still in the midst of sorting out a lot of the politics they left behind." He wished they could talk openly, but with Salli the spy stood in the corner he had to remain with the cryptic conversation. "I shall be frank my lady, and state that my reason for visiting here is that it has come to light whilst sorting out my business in central, that I am in need of a wife. And I thought of you."
"Me my lord?" She said as if surprised. Her palms dampening through the strangeness of it all.
"Yes your highness. I believe an arranged marriage with yourself would be most beneficial to both of our Kingdoms. I understand you will not be fully accepted to the throne until you are with husband, and I am need of someone who understands all of this to aid me in my affairs. I believe we could be of some use to each other."
Esmaya looked at Marley then. She couldn't help herself. Oh dear but the man was so breathtaking. She felt herself wish for a moment that it was he who was saying the words, and she felt the grief of that never being able to happen. She knew he had seen her hesitation, and quickly brought herself to look at Faiden.
"You honour me Prince Faiden. But are you willing to take on the burden of two Kingdoms?" She asked honestly. They could not talk openly but she would make sure one way or another this man would know what he was getting into.
"Of course my lady. I have thought it through extensively, and I believe it to be the best option, for both of us."
She thought for a moment. For pretence more than anything as the word 'yes' sat ready on the edge of her mouth.
"I believe it would benefit us too my lord. When would you like to marry?"
"As soon as possible. Whilst I am here would be ideal if it can be done. I have much to finalise in the North and I would like to get this marriage business out the way before I return."
"Of course," She swallowed and felt as if her throat had been rubbed with sawdust. She knew this not to be the real reason behind the request, but it felt cold nonetheless. She would not marry for love, but at least she could save the Kingdom. She refused to look up until the tears in her eyes subsided.
Marley felt sick. The look of desperation on her face as she looked at him made him want to slay her uncle for doing this to her there and then. He had felt her distaste when Faiden had addressed the proposal so coldly, even if she understood the reasons for him doing so, and it broke his heart. This woman had a pull on him, and every time he had caught her looking at him he had nearly jumped over the table in the dining hall and made her his own. He could hardly believe the irony of it all, but could only wish his friend and the woman in front of him the best of happiness.
"Very well your highness," Faiden interrupted the silence, his own head reeling at Esmaya's reaction. He had noticed her look at Marley, a look of an appeal perhaps? Or something else. "Are you able to make the arrangements for two days hence? We shall stay here until then if that is well with you."
"Yes my lord, of course. The arrangements will be made in the local parish. I shall get on it immediately." She stood and shook her skirts to try and ease her shaking hands. "Now, if you would like to retire to your chambers, it is getting very late. Anything you need please ask of our steward Rye who will come and assist you shortly." She curtsied and headed to the doorway. "Thank you." And she truly meant it. For if it was not to be a love match, it was surely going to be her salvation.
"That went well." Marley said when both women left the room. Faiden sighed.
"She seemed apalled by the idea when it was her own. I am baffled," He shook his head. "Maybe she has changed her mind?"
"If she had changed her mind she would have refused your proposal. It is most likely all very real to her now. Plus all women want a love-match, tis' their way. You just reminded her that she wasn't going to get one."
"It doesn't mean we will be unhappy dammit," He felt offended. "Almost everyone has arranged marriages nowadays. The only reason I wasn't pushed by my father to wed her anyway was because he was so damn paranoid about letting other people of power around him. He would not have wanted to have been affiliated with the crown of the South."
"Faiden, why are you so bothered?" Marley asked when he felt his own insides crumble.
"I don't know," He said as he pushed his fingers through his hair. "There were no lightening sparks for me either with her, as beautiful as she is. Maybe it is because she reminds me of Petra too damn much."
"But Petra is fair in colouring?" Marley questioned, purposely poking at his friend.
"I meant in circumstance you fool," He looked at Marley who had started to laugh and he couldn't help but smile. "Oh be quiet."
"I'm sorry Faiden, I really am. But you've got to admit, whenever you do something, you always do it with a bang."
"And I always take you with me Marley, don't you forget it."
"Not this time Faiden. You have to go get the wedded noose around your neck without me."
"Oh shut up." He said before punching Marley in the arm. He punched back and they ended up in a scuffle whilst laughing their heads off.
They continued until the steward disturbed them and they quickly righted themselves like naughty children before being shown to their chambers.







Chapter Four
Faiden bid goodnight to Marley as they were each shown to their own chamber. It was to be long night and Faiden was restless thinking of the reluctant acceptance of his marriage proposal. His discomfort was making him ill at ease and Princess Esmaya’s reaction did not sit well with him. He understood her position, that maybe she did not wish for this marriage also, but it wasn’t as if he asked her of this. She had been the one to ask him, yet she had acted as if he had dragged her into it. Women, he thought to himself, then thought of Marley’s reaction. If he didn’t know any better he would swear he was smitten with the wench, but Marley hadn’t said anything in that direction. Something wasn’t right, and he was determined to spend the next couple of days finding out what.
It was early hours of the morning, and the chamber was still shroud in darkness when he heard someone enter his chamber. At first he thought it was Faiden seeking his aid, but when he noticed a woman’s form his heart nearly jumped into his throat. Had Esmaya come to him, he thought quickly as his eyes tried to focus on the shadow who approached him.
“My lord,” He heard the whisper, and knew then it was not Esmaya who sought him from the light tones. Salli came out of the shadows with a panicked look on her features.
“Yes,” He said quietly, instinctively reaching for his dagger. He always made it a point to trust no one, man or woman, until he was certain of their intentions.
“It is Princess Esmaya my lord,” She continued to whisper.” I am afraid for her life.”
Her eyes were wide and fearful as Marley hurried to swing his legs out of the bed, thankfully remembering to don clean trousers before he had fallen into bed.
“What goes on?” He practically growled as Salli looked over her shoulder as if someone would appear at any moment.
“Medaston. I overheard him instructing one of the guards he trusts to take care of Esmaya this eve. His angry at her marriage to Prince Faiden because he wants the throne. He will stop at nothing, not even killing her to meet his own ends.”
Marley was on his feet then, reaching for his tunic and grabbing his weaponry at the same time.
“We shall wake Faiden then make haste.”
“No,” She screeched whilst grabbing his arm. “We must go now, and make haste. Her very life may depend on.”
She turned to direct him out of the doorway and creep along the halls.
“There,” She said finally once they had reached the East Wing of the castle where Esmaya slept. “It’s the first door on the left. I must leave now. Please ensure her safety.” She backed away before ducking back into the shadows and leaving Marley stood outside the chamber of a woman who he could not shake from his mind. Should he go back and get Faiden first? But what if it was true what the young maid had said? Her life could be very much in danger right now and it seemed like an age back to the chamber where Faiden slept. What if he didn’t make it back in time? He shook his head and made a decision by quietly knocking on the Princess’s chamber door.
No reply came and Marley panicked. He gently opened the door and moved into the darkness, eager not to disturb Esmaya if there was nothing to worry about.
The room was silent, and he moved in closer with relief to see the body of the woman who lay on the bed in front of him, moving up and down as she breathed. He couldn’t believe how pleased he was to see her okay and made haste to get out of the room and seek out Faiden’s advice before doing anything else.
“Marley?” He heard a whisper come from the bed and felt himself jump in his own skin as he turned to face Esmaya sitting up to look at the intruder.
“My greatest apologies my lady, but I only came to check on you. We have belief that your life may be in danger.”
“It always is Marley. What has happened?” She said as she moved out of the bed to locate her bed robe. But before he could say anything they both held their breath at footsteps approaching the outside. There was a scraping of a blade as Marley gently took Esmaya’s hand and pull her to him. Her eyes were wide as she pushed the disappointment aside of Marley visiting her in the chamber for other reasons that she originally thought at his present, and gathered her wits to point to an adjoining door to the next chamber. Marley understood her meaning and he nodded, dragging her to the door and through it as quietly as possible.
The chamber they walked into was empty as she shut the door behind them, both of them creeping to the exit of the new room before anyone would have the chance to find her bed empty.
Faiden couldn’t sleep. He continued to stare out the windows of his chamber at the lands that house the Medaylan castle of the South. It was not much different from the North as far as the eye could see, but Faiden could sense the difference. There was an inconsistent way here, even though things were run sufficiently enough. He knew the Princess was in battle for her power, and that may be the reason for it, but he sensed that many changes would need to be made once he got the throne. He would need to see the logs to be sure but he knew straight away of a few new strategies that could be placed in their farming that they currently used in the North.
His mind whirring, Faiden noticed two shadows ambling across the courtyard, and upon closer inspection as he squinted his eyes for a better view, he recognised exactly who those two people were.
What the hell was going on? Was his first thought as he noticed both Marley and who looked to be Princess Esmaya racing toward the stables. Something was wrong, and he trusted Marley with his life to know that no conspiracy from him was a foot from him. They looked as if they were fleeing to safety, and there was no one Faiden was sticking around to see what from. He gathered his belongings together and made like he had fire on his tail to the stables.
Marley finished saddling his own horse after ensuring Esmaya was safely on her own. As of yet no one had picked up on their trail, but Marley would double check on that once he was certain they had an escape. Once the horses were readied he would hurry to find Faiden and get them the hell out of there.
A noise came from the side of the barn and Esmaya gasped as she steadied her mare. Marley pulled his sword out of the scabbard and turned to face whoever had come upon them.
“Don’t point that thing at me Marley or I will have your ass,”
“For goodness sake Faiden,” Marley said with relief as he recognised the face of one who had suddenly joined them in the stables. “I nearly had your damn throat.”
“You would need a better aim than that my friend,” Faiden smiled as he moved to saddle his own horse. “Now, what’s going on?”
“I was coming to get you shortly. Esmaya’s life has been threatened and I am getting her to safety before we tackle anything further,” He tightened the saddle on to the back of the horse and mounted. “We need to move.”
Faiden didn’t hesitate and made haste getting his own horse ready to go.
“Questions later then,” He said with a smile once his horse was ready. It was as saddled as he liked it but he had no time to be fussy. “Let’s go.”
They trotted outside the courtyard, hesitant at what they may find waiting for them, but when they saw nothing Marley felt extremely paranoid.
“Maybe I was wrong,” He said quietly as he shook his head.
“How did you know I was in danger my lord?” Esmaya asked him as they stood in the centre of the castle grounds. Marley went to speak, but he was interrupted by an almighty shout from Medaston who pointed to them from the main entrance.
“There they are,” He bellowed whilst the ground shook by thundering hooves. “They are kidnapping the Princess.”
“Oh shit.” Faiden said as he reared his horse around to the main gate. They had just walked into a nice and neatly planned trap. “Move!”
They all made haste to gear in the same direction as Faiden, when all of a sudden a group of men came running around with the castle walls with their weapons hailed, shouting at those who they thought to be taking one of their own.
“Wait!” Esmaya shouted as she turned her own horse to the West. “The main gate will be manned. Follow me.”
She moved her horse around whilst Faiden and Marley slowed down their rides to do the same. They had no choice but to trust her as they raced away in a diagonal from the group of men rushing towards them. She crashed through stalls that were set up for wares on market day, as they followed her through the small patch of trees at the back of the castle. They had no clue where she was headed but she seemed to know and thrust forward with a speed they struggled to keep up with. Faiden looked back to see who followed and noticed the men retreating to the stables to get their own mounts. He looked forward just in time to maneuverer his head from the onslaught of a low branch and watched as Esmaya crashed through the trees. They had no time to stop in doubt as she disappeared into the foliage, and as they followed her through the dark green mass they found themselves on the other side of the castle wall.
“It’s a passage I have known since childhood,” She shouted back to them. “It heads to the Outlands.”
Marley looked back at Faiden then as if to question what he would wish to do. No one ever ventured to the Outlands since the war, rumours of hauntings and traps left over from the fights keeping people at bay. But they had no choice. Faiden nodded to Marley as if to confirm his own concerns , keeping their silence until Esmaya pulled her mare to a halt a good way from the castle.
“I am so sorry,” She said as she turned to face them both. Her face was flustered with the ride as the frustration in her voice was apparent. “They will come after us.”
Faiden pulled up beside her as did Marley.
“Do not fret. I fear your Uncle has planned this all along.” Faiden said, not hiding his disgust towards Medaston’s audacity.
“The attack on my life?” She enquired but shook his head. “Your planned kidnapping. Marley?” He questioned.
“I agree.” He said whilst looking out at the grasslands before them. No path to be seen leading into the dense forest that stood in the distance.
“How did you know I was in danger?” She asked Marley, already sensing the answer before he spoke.
“It was the young maid who joined us when you spoke earlier.”
“Salli?”
“That’s the one. She came into my chamber to warn me. Said I must make haste.”
Esmaya looked back at the castle and groaned in anger.
“Salli is one of my Uncle’s most favoured allies. She is not to be trusted.”
“How was I to know?” Marley replied affronted. “You chose her to chaperone you.”
“Only because I knew my Uncle would keep pressing for him to chaperone otherwise. I knew he would be comforted if Salli attended in his stead because she would relay everything back to him. She was the better of two evils.”
“He planned it.” Faiden said as if to confirm what they were all saying. “He planned Salli to come and get you Marley.”
“We heard someone outside your room.” He said to Esmaya.
“It could have been anyone, ensuring we did flee.”
“Of course.” He looked at her then. “I am sorry I rescued you my lady.”
She looked furious at his sarcastic retort and pulled her horse around to head towards the forest. Marley bit down hard on his lip to stop himself from chasing after her. Damn she was beautiful, he thought as he pushed his hair back from his brow.
“You Uncle planned this Esmaya. Why?” Faiden shouted to her as she distanced herself from them; not to ask why as such but to understand what was happening. She turned to them.
“We must leave here. They will be on us shortly.” She gave a dark look towards Marley before looking back at Faiden. “But I believe he has planned my kidnapping and didn’t intend to get you involved. If you were to have been Salli would have ensured you had been awoken too. He obviously wanted Marley framed for the kidnapping because he will see him expendable; you were not expected to follow.” She looked beyond them and heard noise of approaching riders. “Come, we must head for the Outlands.”
They rode together towards the forest that created a border between the South and the Outlands to the East of Maydalen.
“We have to make haste,” She shouted to them both. “It will be easy for him to have me slain and blame you for my death.”
“You will not die today Princess,” Marley shouted with fervour, and Faiden looked at him questioningly as they rushed forward and entered the Outlands.
“Where now?” Faiden asked them both as he caught up with them half way across the barren fields. They had heard the horn of the hunt as the men were still upon then and Esmaya dropped from her horse to give her a quick nibble on the grass.
“We will have to use the Outlands to circle round to the North.” She replied as both men looked at her with amazement. “I know these lands well my lords. There is no need for you mouths to fall agape.” She hid a smile as they both dismounted their horses and followed suit in letting them break for a short moment. They knew they would have to drive them hard if there were to make it to a river by nightfall, and in their haste they had not brought any provisions.
“Let us move on.” Faiden finally said as they remounted.
It was almost nightfall when they heard those behind them close the gap. Esmaya knew her mount was struggling yet pushed her harder through desperation.
“They are gaining on us.” She shouted to the others. “How?”
“We have tarried too long to spare the horses. They don’t particular care about that seeing as they can rest once they have killed our asses.”
Marley laughed at his friend that infuriated Esmaya all the more as fear ate into her.
“How can you two jest at a time like this?”
“Keep moving Esmaya,” Faiden said with steel in his voice. “They will not get anywhere near you.”
She nodded and edged forward, knowing they would have better chance to walk the horses once they were deeper into the Outlands.
As they rode forward, Esmaya’s mount lost its footing on the uneven plains and lost its balance, throwing her to the ground.
“Esmaya!” Both men shouted in fear as she went down. She rolled out of the way as her mare tipped on to its side, and grunted with the pain as the felt the wind be knocked out of her.
“Are you well?” Faiden demanded as they approached her. But Marley wasn’t stopping at that. He lifted her up by the shoulders and stroked her hair, shouting at her that she had better be alright otherwise he was going to tan her hide. Faiden looked on with interest and helped Marley to get her on her feet.
“My horse,” She said with concern. “Is she hurt?”
The worry for her horse and not her own injury as she limped towards them, made Marley both marvelled and angry at her actions. He moved away from her and left her in Faiden's care whilst he went to check the animal over.
"What's the matter with him?" She asked sullenly whilst leaning on Faiden for support.
"That's what I aim to find out," he murmured as they watched Marley proficiently feel down the horses legs once it stood.
"Does he know much about horses?" She asked Faiden, both with interest and a little fear for her mare.
"He knows too much about everything. Don't worry Esmaya."
Marley finished with the horse and made his way over to them.
"The horse is fine," He grunted. "Nothing injured, unlike you." He picked her up and put her upon Faiden's horse, neither requesting permission from either of them or trusting himself to have her so close to him on his horse. Plus she had promised herself to Faiden hadn't she? He had no damn to right to her.

Time for Change

Have you ever thought that things need to change? That you're stuck in a hamster wheel, working hard but never actually getting there? Is it our mindset? Is it fate? Is it society?...and most importantly - will it change? That is how I feel at the minute with everything. The older we grow, the more responsibilites we gain, and if we don't keep sight of what's true, it doesn't half make you feel tied up and constricted. That's what I need to do, and I am unsure whether I need to do this through knowledge or faith. Knowledge by learning more and gaining more insight until something finally clicks, or to just have faith in everyday that all will be well. It is as if we are lulled into what we think we want, then when we get it we're not satisifed and don't know why. This is why I need to learn to self evaluate. To step out of the box and see what is. To appreciate what I have, to know what I want, to get on the path towards it, all the time stopping to smell the roses....Does it matter when I get there? No, it matters that I enjoy the journey and appreciate all I have seen, appreciate a safe passage, and appreciate all that I have with me. Guess that's my thought for the day!

First Official Review

Oh wow...what a feeling!!
My wonderful friend Cheryl Hart is the first person to read the novel I have finally completed and her feedback has boosted me more than I can imagine!!!! She is loving it and this has made me want to progress further with, even if nothing comes of it. It was such a fantastic emotion - like a drug - for someone to enjoy my novel as a book and not just a piece of work to critique. For her to give me that feedback, one of a reader, was worth it's weight in gold, and to have this feeling for the first time in 16 years for something that I love doing - well, let's just say whatta rush!!
Thank you Cheryl - next step I need to get the guts and put all the prep work in the post. The hard bits done, now it's just lowering all barriers, crossing all fingers, and finally learning what a post box is for!!

2011....Happy New Year!!

As per Nina Simone..."It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me....and I'm feeling good" bum bum, bum bum, bum bum, bum bum bum bum bum...okay, forget the bum bum bum de bum, but you gotta love that song, and you gotta love the feeling of a New Year. It may just be another day, or great because it means a day off work, but it is also time for us to collectively reflect on the past year and set a new milestone. As I look back on 2010 it was a hard year, but only in the way where a lot of problems came through for us to solve - which we did and that's a positive - but it was more about learning lessons along the way and watching the scenery pass by as if on a treadmill. Now I want to don my trainers and run along to actually move forward. Let's hope that's what 2011 is all about for me....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Feeling broke

Well the funds are certainly taking a knock this year with tvs and cars breaking down, boilers refusing to turn off the heating in summer and we have birthdays galore! Every time we have money come in, something happens where it just pours out again. Guess that's a positive in glass half full world though, that the money is actually coming into us in the first place. I just hate how debt, no matter how big or small, is just part of our life nowadays. The cost of living is going higher, higher, HIGHER, whereas earnings are staying put. I suppose it was expected after the economic disaster last year, and we now have to go down this route to put it but it's playing havoc with our finances lol. Think it's time to start moonlighting!!! (used to love that show by the way / cybill sheppard & Bruce willis - GETTING ALERT,GETTING OLD ALERT!!!)