Chapter One

 

The sea breeze lifted, making the bushes bend. The breeze, though it was salty and sticky, was a welcomed change from the heat of the sun beating down on them. Will sighed happily and slowly reached in his tool belt, trying to find a nail.

“Hey! Kapino! We’re not paying you to day dream!” the foreman shouted good-humouredly. Will grinned.

“Yes sir.” He said. The foreman nodded and turned back to his work. He liked Will. Will was a good worker and a fairly good comrade, even though he was a bit on the quiet side some evenings. Will had said he was a sailor, but hadn’t been eager to talk about his past very much, and the other men, picking up on this had let him be.

The Foreman blinked, thinking back to the day this boy had come to them. It had been hot and Will had wanderer up to their work site, and asked for a job. After seeing what he could do, the Forman had hired him. They were a charity organization, building houses along the costal region of Betamy, in the places that had been hit the hardest by the war, for those that had lost their homes. It was a good cause, and that more than anything had seemed to attract Will to this job.

Will was… odd somehow. He was jovial and just as loud sometimes as the others his age… but unlike the others, it seemed as though Will was only projecting a façade… And that underneath that façade was something else. The foreman couldn’t quit put his finger on it. After a moment he shrugged and gave up.

Oh, well, everyone to his own I suppose.

 

 

 

                “The average income of small business, including merchants, workers, and servants, had increased to a 4% margin from last month along with the middle class-ah…” the Hailian broke off and stared over his papers at the princess who sat slumped across the table from him. “Princess?” he called. Her eyes moved up to meet his but she didn’t move otherwise.

                “I’m listening Avery. Keep going.”

                “Madam, you are not.”

                “Well, did you expect me to?” she asked grumpily. Avery shook his head tiredly.

                “You’re sole purpose for being here is to connect with your nation better. To do that you have to understand them.”

                “Yes! Which is why I should be out there with them!” Tella said. “Not in here listening to you read me meaningless statistics.” Avery folded his arms in annoyance.

                “Well, the council thinks differently.” He said.

                “Screw the council.” Tella said and slumped over again.

                “I don’t think that would be proper.” Avery said raising his eyebrows.

                “Don’t be vulgar Avery.” Tella groaned. “I was being figurative.”

                “If you say so madam.” He glared mildly at her as she still lay slumped on the table, her hair sprawling messily out of the neat buns it had been so carefully wrapped in.

                “Why don’t we visit the market?” he said at last, surrendering. “It doesn’t seem as though we’re going to get much done here anyway.”

                “Ah! The market? Yes! Lets go!” Tella said springing up from her chair. Avery smiled lightly and rose, following the princess.

 

 

                Tella stared out the side of the coach windows at the busy streets they passed by.

                “Avery, I want to get out and look around… Come on… Please?” Tella pleaded. Avery gazed at her skeptically.

                “I don’t think so.”

                “You jerk.” Tella said. “Hmph, its not like I can’t take care of myself.”

                “Quite right. That I suppose is why they hire me to look after you?”

                “Shut up. Those idiots don’t know anything.”

                “Yes, well, those idiots are the ones paying me. Plus I took an oath to protect you from danger.”

                “But I don’t want to be protected from danger!” Tella whined. “I like danger… Besides, there’s no danger in the market.”

                “How naïve you can be.” Avery commented gazing out the windows.

                “Nothing I can’t handle anyway…” Tella said absently, obviously tired of arguing with him. They were now passing residential areas. Tella let her eyes wander over the newly built houses.

                “Hey!” she cried out as they passed an unfinished house. Tella pushed the latch to the carriage door open and jumped out before Avery had time to react. He shouted after her but she was already gone. Angrily Avery gave the signal for the diver to stop and then he too jumped out and ran after the princess.

 

 

                “Will! Will!” shouted a voice. Will blinked looking up from his work and glanced down at the ground. A young lady stared up at him from the ground. The girl’s hair was a soft brown, tied in glistening buns that where stacked near the back of her head. Her robes were made of fine materials but were not overly decorated.

                “Will! Will you stop staring at me and come down so I can speak with you?” she said. Will swallowed hard.

                “T-Tella?” he asked.

                “Yes. Of course. Can you come down?” she asked mildly irritated. Will nodded and climbed down a near by ladder. Some of the near by guys grinned at him and laughed at his reddening face.

                “We 'int paying you to go talk to girls boy either.” The Foreman said. Will paused. The Foreman laughed and waved him on. “Go on, you’ve earned a break.” Will nodded dumbly as he stepped off the working site and headed toward the trees where Tella waited.

                “Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first.” Will said staring at the buns lumped on top of her head.

                “Oh shut up. Its not like I want to look like this.” Tella said.

                “How do you get all those wads of hair to stay up like that?” he asked.

                “They are not wads of hair.” A voice broke in. “They are buns and they looked a lot nicer this morning.”

                “Thank you Avery.” Tella said flatly as he strode up beside them.

                “Princess, you shouldn’t be out here.” He said. “We must get back into the carriage at once.”

                “Will, this is Avery, Avery this is Will Kapino. He was one of my traveling companions.” Tella said, ignoring Avery.

                “Oh yes, you. I remember you.” Avery said, glancing over at Will.

                “Ehh…” Will blinked, not sure what to say.

                “Avery, be polite.” Tella said. Avery looked at her, then turned to Will reluctantly.

                “A pleasure to meet you formally, Mr. Kapino.” He said flatly. “Now then Tella, let’s get back to the carriage…”

                “I can see what you’ve been up too Will.” Tella said glancing at the unfinished house. “Funny, I would have thought you would have returned to the sea. After all, wasn’t that what you were always gripping about on our journey? That you wanted to see the sky and smell the sea?”

                “Yeah well… Working like this I do get to see the sky and the sea isn’t too far off.” Will said. Tella paused, remembering that he may not have wanted to be reminded of the sea and his uncle’s death. She tried changing the subject.

                “So how much are they paying you?” Tella asked. Will bristled.

                “Enough.” He said glancing away.

                “Oh, well good.” Tella said, realizing that she had offended him again. Drat! Why was she being so awkward?

                “Princess…” Avery muttered.

                “I ah…” Will glanced back at the house. Suddenly the men behind them began shouting. Will spun around and stared.

                “Hey Will!” someone yelled. “Come quick! Look at this!” Will ran towards them leaving Tella and Avery.

                “I’ll talk to you later!” Will yelled over his shoulder.

                “Later? Huh!” Tella hitched up her skirts and ran after him.

                “Princess!” Avery shouted running after her.

 

The men were crowded together watching something from the top of a hill. Tella pushed through the crowd until she found Will at the front staring down. Curious she turned her gaze to where they were all looking. A small distance away a newly built house was being burned. A large crowd of people were gathered around it chanting indecipherably.

                “What’s going on?” Tella asked genuinely shocked.

                “Them radicals are at it again.” The leader of the carpenters said. “They’ve turned to burning our houses now have they? Well…” he turned away. “Come on then, lets get back to work.”

                “Wait! Wait a minute! That’s someone’s home their burning!” Tella shouted. “You’re just going to let them do that? I mean, you all built that thing right?” a few people nodded. “Well then, how can you just let them do this?”

                “It’s none of our concern Miss.” A man said.

                “And if you’re wise you’ll stay out of it as well.” Another said.

                “I don’t understand why they’re doing it.” Tella said.

                “Its some kind of religious thing.” Will said. “I think. That’s what I’ve heard anyway.”

                “You’d best not mess with them. They get very… zealous if you take my meaning.” The man in charge said.

                “Oh, I’d better not mess with them?” I think you’ve got it backwards.” Tella said glaring at the crowd. “I don’t know where these people came from but I’m not taking this. Not in my country.” With than she stomped down the hill towards them.

                “No! Don’t go down there! Wait!” Avery shouted and ran after her.

                “Umm, guys, I’ll be back in a little while.” Will said and ran after them. The men watched in silence.

                “Those idiots.” One said and turned away.

                “… Did that girl say “her country”?”

 

 

 

                “Princess, you mustn’t-” Avery began.

                “Gniaule, gniaule, gniaule…” the crowd chanted.

                “I’m not letting this happen.” Tella said. “HEY! You there!” she shouted over the chanting. The apparent leader snapped out of his chanting and glared at her. He silently raised a hand and all the chanting ceased. Silence surrounded them. Will had by that time caught up but he seemed very troubled. He had heard what they were chanting.
                “You dare to interrupt the followers about their duty?” the leader asked.  He was a stout man, with dark brown hair, dressed in plain clothing, “Who are you to challenge such a procession?”

                “Who am I? I am Princess Tella, ruler of this country, and who are you?” she asked angrily. Avery looked thoroughly alarmed. He placed his hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear,

                “You should not have given your name! Madam, we must leave now.”

                “Princess Tella?” the leader asked his whole demeanor changing, “Well it is a pleasure to meet you, one who supports the spirit of our nation so well.”

                “Tella…” Will began staring at the group before him. “These people…”

                “Allow me to introduce myself.” The leader said, “I am Maloom Vraido. Leader of the Struggles for Unification under our one god.” Tella stared at him in spite.

                “And what “god” do you claim wills you to burn innocent people’s houses?” she asked.

                “Ah, it is good to see such charisma in our nation’s leaders, such compassion for her people.” Maloom said. “But to answer your question, the god we serve is the same as the one you serve, Michael, the Spirit of our world and all of his holy magistrates.”

                “The spirit of our world?” Tella asked. She and Will stared in disbelief at them.

                “You’re burning these poor people’s houses in his name?” Will asked. His voice had gone cold, and had caught the attention of the crowd, who stared at him now. “In the name of Michael, spirit of our world?”

                “Alas, I believe you misunderstand our actions.” Maloom said his voice suddenly saddened, “These people are not innocent as they seem to your tender hearts. Their own hearts are so clouded over with misconception that they cannot see the truth and love that out Lord would give them. They spoke out against Him and those that love Him, thus blackening their own souls in the process. It saddens not only our lord, but his followers as well. And so by His will it is our sad duty to show our fellow peers his love and compassion for their sins.”
                “You show compassion by burning their houses?” Tella shouted.

                “What gives you the right to determine his will?” Will asked. “How could you ever know such a thing?” Maloom smiled and let his gaze move past them.

                “Ah, but our lord’s will is plain to see, if the one viewing it has a pure heart devoted to His services.”

                “Do you claim such purity?” Will asked.

                “I claim to be nothing more than His servant.”

                “You do know that there are laws against this kind of thing?” Tella said, “I mean, what did these people do? Speak out against you? Not support your effort? So you burn their houses and lose your senses while in a zealous fit?” Avery tugged harder at her robes.

                “Madam, I must insist we leave. Now.” He ordered quietly.

                “My dear Princess Tella,” Maloom said seeming to be hurt. “It saddens me that one like yourself could become so disillusioned. You must not let your heart become clouded over in prejudgment. Can you not see the greater goal that we strive for?”

                “To fill your own coffers?” Will growled.

                “Be quiet! You are not helping!” Avery whispered viciously.

                “I can see that you both are in need of help. Please allow us to help you before you condemn yourselves further.” He said moving towards them.

                “Stay away from us!” Will cried out angrily. Maloom stopped and gazed at them pityingly.

                “You do not have to be shamed. We can help you to see our Lord’s light. Please, for your own sake let us attend to your spiritual needs.”

                “You’re already in enough trouble. Avery, if you would, please alert all security in this area. They are to arrest this man, and any that try to stop the arrest.” Tella commanded. Avery stared at her, his eyes were fearful.

                “If you wish Princess.” He said.

                “It is a shame that our country’s leader should rely so heavily on one of the demon race.” Maloom said gazing sideways at Avery. Avery stiffed but said nothing as he moved away from them.

                “Well, the demon has gone to call in the government security.” Maloom shook his head sadly. The crowd’s eyes were riveted on him as though hypnotized. He turned to them, “I’m afraid you shall witness a servant of our Lord being born away into prison never to see the light of day again, all for merely loving and attending to the will of our Lord. It is a pity that such things can go on. But ask that none of you try and stop such proceedings to do so would only put yourselves in danger. It is a small token of gratitude we could show for our Lord, but I would not ask that any of you partake in it. It is a very dangerous thing to go against the government, ruled by an arrogant child tyrant.”

                 “Who’s an arrogant tyrant?” Tella asked quietly glaring at him. “I don’t know where your little organization spawned from, but why don’t you all just go back to what ever hole your crawled from.” By that time Avery had returned and stood silently behind Tella.

                “They shall come but, they are not… enthusiastic about arresting the leader of this… organization. Apparently these people have a lot of influence in the community.” He said quietly.

                “Well I guess you would get a lot of influence in the community if you run around burning the houses of those who disagree with you.” Will said. Tella suddenly laughed. Will turned to her and stared. “What’s so funny?” he asked.

                “I was just thinking what they might say if they really knew Michael’s real will.” She said. Will’s eyes shone but he shook his head.

                “We couldn’t do that.”

                “You claim to know His will?” Maloom asked skeptically.

                “Perhaps we know a bit.” Will said. Maloom’s face contorted into a tight smiled.

                “Really? And what connection have you with our Lord?” he asked. Will jumped slightly at his words and did not answer right away.

                “I… I have no connection with the Spirit of our World.” He said. Maloom gazed triumphantly over them. Tella looked at Will sharply and was about to protest but something in Will’s gaze made her silent. She scrunched up her nose in annoyance and glared back at Maloom.

                “Well, I have a connection with him. I think we ought to ask him what he thinks of your burning his children’s houses.” She said. Avery jerked his head up at her and opened his mouth part way.

                “Princess!” he hissed.

                “What do you think Will?” Tella asked. Will’s eyes softened.

                “A summoning….?” He asked quietly so that only Tella and Avery could hear.

                “Then it’s settled!” Tella cried.

                “What are you doing? Don’t you even dare to think about such a thing!” Avery cried frantically, his voice quiet but angry. 

                “Yes, please let us know what you are thinking of. Certainly nothing good, the way you are carrying on. Though,” Maloom paused watching Avery, “if the elfin demon there thinks it such a bad idea perhaps this will be your salvation.” Avery turned slowly and glared into Maloom’s bright little eyes.

                “Stand back,” Tella ordered, “Summoning spells take a bit of room.” The crowd cried out at this. Maloom’s eyes actually widened. Then he smiled. Will’s stomach churned at the sight.

                “You plan to summon our Lord here?” he asked. “I did not know that the royal family could do such a thing. Although, it does say that such things have happened in legends. I would like to see you try.”

                “I’ll do better than try.” Tella said darkly and raised her arms. Some of the people in the crowd cried out in fear but one look from Maloom silenced them.

                “Fear not my friends. If the legends are true then we shall meet our lord with hearts devoted to him. If the legends are false and this girl is bluffing she will darken her soul even more with such a terrible blasphemous lie.”
                “Princess, don’t do this here. Please.” Avery said urgently.

                “I told you, stand back!” Tella said drew a wind up around herself. Avery shuffled back with as much grace as he could manage, glaring at her in horror. Will watched, fascinated by the quiet power in Tella’s voice as she chanted the ancient words of summoning to the spirit of their world. With a final word spoke louder than the others, Tella stopped and stared straight ahead. They waited in silence for a few moments in dreadful suspension. Tella dropped her arms and clutched her hands to her chest looking helplessly in front of her. Nothing came. By that time it had become apparent to all that she had failed. Maloom’s lips wrapped themselves into a twisted gloating smile. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped on the first syllable and stared into space, his eyes unfocused and rolling around in his head. He clasped to his knees while his followers shouted in surprise and moved to help him. But he raised a hand and looked out across them suddenly composing himself.

                “Fear not my friends.” He said quietly. “All is not as you see it. The summoning did not fail- in fact it succeeded marvelously. I have possessed this man. I am Michael, the spirit of this world!” the crowd fell to their knees with shouts of “Ohhh!!”. Tella, Will and Avery watched spell bound by this turn of events.

                “The reason I have taken this man into my possession instead of appearing as I normally do to my children, is let you see the truth.” He said, “And that truth is that, the royal family of Betamy is no longer fit to rule you.” The crowd cried out in shock at his words, but Maloom raised his hand and instantly there was silence. “What did they do for you, my children during the war? Nothing. What have they done for you since? Nothing. I am greatly displeased with them, and this girl here especially. Not only does she speak ill of my beloved followers, your humble selves, but she hates and wishes to destroy myself and my children so that she may become a tyrant with supreme rule over this world.” The crowd watched in silence their eyes riveted to him as he looked out across their numbers with a loving smiled upon his lips. “Please my children, follow my will and bring peace to yourselves and this world.” With that Maloom fell back against the wooden poles on the stage like area he had been standing on. Instantly his followers were around him, touching him and helping their leader up. Will and Tella turned to one another and stared helplessly at the other. Avery took each of them by the shoulder and pulled them back.

                “Princess, Mr. Kapino, I must insist we leave immediately. Come on let’s get to the carriage.” Avery said.

                “But!” Tella cried helplessly.

                “You can’t…” Will trailed off, seeing the cold looks they received from the crowd.

                “Now.” Avery commanded. Tella and Will silently let themselves be lead away but not before Maloom had risen once again and triumphantly gazed at them saying,

                “I pray that compassion and mercy are with you both.” The crowd jeered at them as they retreated. Angry tears ran down Tella’s cheeks as she turned away, red faced and bolted to the carriage.