He was dreaming. Will slowly became aware, though it seemed he had no physical body. This didn’t however surprise him for some reason. His being was comprised of an almost liquid substance and he realized he was flowing along in a current, his existence moving apart, running down thousands of different paths. He felt cold and free, enjoying the exhilarating feelings passing through him. Suddenly he was brought to a halt. He cried out, suddenly feeling more solid. It was terrible, returning to his body, which seemed so slow and restricting.
“Will!” someone was shouting his name, shaking him. Will opened his eyes and immediately felt even worse. His body was coated in a cold sweat and his stomach heaved at the slightest movement. Tella stood over him, watching him, concerned.
“Will, are you okay?” she asked. Will shook his head, pulling his body up, trying to find something he could vomit into. There was a bucket, mysteriously enough right by the couch. Again, Will was thankful for the odd hospitality of this place. He clutched the bucket and felt his stomach heave a final time, pouring its contents up through him. Tella winced at the smell but rubbed Will’s shoulder encouragingly, and held his hair back. Will shivered, feeling his stomach contracting, trying to throw up more, but there wasn’t anything else left. Finally his body calmed and he sat back, gasping for breath. Tella got up, only to find a glass of water sitting on one of the near by tables. She reached for it and gave it to Will, who used it to rinse his mouth out with, spitting into the bucket.
“You were twisting around into your sleep and wouldn’t wake up.” Tella said quietly. Will moaned, still feeling terrible, but not as bad.
“What time is it?” he asked. Tella glanced out the window.
“It looks like its almost daylight.” She said. “I wonder what made you so sick. It’s not like you ate anything last night.” Will blinked, shaking his head.
“No. All I had was that water.” He said. As he said it, he remembered his dream. “That’s odd…” he said.
“What?” Tella asked.
“I just had a dream… It was like I was water… And then, I woke up to this.” Tella frowned, standing.
“You feel better?” she asked. Will nodded, getting up shakily. Tella turned to the kitchen and walked in. Will followed her, wondering if she was looking for breakfast this early.
As it turned out, the strong hold had provided them with breakfast already. Warm pancakes were piled high, with plates of fruit stacked next to them. Again, Will felt compelled to eat, but he didn’t think his stomach was up for it yet.
“Look at this.” Tella said, stepping over to the fountain sink. “This is where you got the water, right?” Will nodded. Tella stared at it a moment, then laughed.
“This isn’t a sink or a fountain.” She said. Will frowned.
“Well, then what is it?” he asked.
“A scrying pool.”
“A what?” Will asked. Tella sighed impatiently.
“A pool of water used to contact others through magic.”
“Really?” Will asked, staring at it. “So, this water is loaded with magic, and I drank from it?” Tella laughed.
“I’m surprised you didn’t realize it.” She said. Will scowled, reminded once more how terrible he was at magic without Fairien.
“Hey! Wait if we can use this to communicate with others, then maybe we can contact the deities with this!” he said, getting excited. Tella’s eyes widened and she laughed.
“You mean we spent hours yesterday, searching this place over and yet the thing we were looking for was right here all along.”
“Yeah.” Will said, running his hands through his hair. “So, how does it work?”
“Let’s see…” Tella stepped in front of the fountain and drew out her staff. Slowly, she dipped the end in the pool. Immediately ripples jumped out, changing the color of the water into a thick black. Tella concentrated, leaning closer.
“Find Azrael…” she whispered. The water rippled again and this time slowly began to clear, showing a room. Will gasped in astonishment, seeing that the room was decorated with Hailian wall hangings.
“You did it!” he shouted.
“Shhh!” Tella silenced him. “Hello? Hello?” she said, speaking into the fountain. There was a noise from the water and a person’s head peered up at them. It was an old Hailian man, who looked quite surprised. Will blinked, recognizing the man as the elder at Malibius they had met so long ago.
“Goodness, I thought this thing was too old to work.” He said, marveling. “Well, hello there, we seem to have met before.”
“Yes…” Tella said, her voice slightly confused. “We met you in Malibius.”
“Mmm… Well, how are you all? You’re Betamian, right young lady?” he asked good-naturedly.
“Y-Yes…” she said, “I’m Princess Tella.”
“Princess Tella?” the elder asked, peering closer. “Hm, well yes, I suppose you are. To think, we had you come to Malibius and I didn’t even know who you were. I do apologize. The lad next to you, he isn’t royalty also, is he?” the man laughed.
“No…” Tella said. She frowned, remembering the man making a mention of hosting royalty when they had met last. Then why then was he saying he hadn’t known she was the princess?
Tella’s eyes widened, slightly as she suddenly realized why. The man had been referring to Demus, not her. She felt her face flush slightly, and was glad that she hadn’t made a fool of herself.
“Young lady? Are you alright?” the elder asked, then frowned, “Oh, no, I suppose you wouldn’t be. Not after what happened to your castle.” Tella jumped, staring down at him, alarmed.
“M-My castle?” she said, “What about it?” the elder looked confused.
“My lady, you don’t know?”
“No, I’ve been away from my castle for the past few days.” Tella said quickly. “What’s happened?” the elder shook his head sadly and looked away, not willing to meet her eyes.
“Two days ago, a fellow named Maloom Vraido, stormed the castle at Terrebia, proclaiming himself the ruler of Betamy.” The elder turned back to her, pausing. “I’m very sorry my lady. It seems that he took it quite easily.” He said. Tella leaned back away from the fountain, staring at him in horror.
“H-He took my country?” she asked quietly. “W-What about my sisters? What about Avery?”
“Maloom was forced to admit that he did not possess the acting ruler of the country, you’re good self I would assume, but that he did have the Princess Terlini and the Princess Terra. He issued a mandate to you, but apparently it did not reach you… He said that Princess Tella has one week to give herself up, or the two younger sisters would be killed… I’m afraid that he said that four days ago however.”
“So, that’s day after tomorrow?” Will asked. The elder nodded.
“At dawn. So really, you only have a day and a half.”
“We can’t get down there that quickly!” Tella gasped.
“We can try.” Will said, thinking. “We’ll find a way.”
“Miss, you mentioned Avery?” the elder said. Tella nodded.
“Was there anything about him?” the elder sighed, his face darkening.
“Granted, this report comes from Maloom, so we can’t be sure of its actual truth, but it seems that the care taker of the princess, Mr. Avery, who as I understand it is a Hailian, betrayed the princesses and delivered them to Maloom himself.”
“What?” Tella asked. “That’s a lie.” She shook her head angrily. “Anyone who knows Avery knows that’s a lie. Stupid Maloom, he has to spread the most horrible propaganda, doesn’t he?” she growled in irritation. Will frowned, remembering how Avery had given him the syringe, in order to bring Tella back to the castle… If he had followed Avery’s directions, Tella would be dead now…But no, Will couldn’t believe Avery would do anything like that. It had to be a coincidence. He’d only known Avery a short time, and yes, Avery could be kind cold, but above all, he loved Tella and he only did those things to protect her.
“I guessed as much.” The elder said. “This report reeked of Maloom’s hatred toward Hailians. It worries me… I felt confident in Hailia’s future just a few days ago, but now I’m not so sure. I’m afraid of what Maloom could do to destroy us.” Tella thought for a moment.
“Are the other countries responding?” she asked. The elder shifted his eyes away again, then slowly shook his head.
“Believe me dear, if Hailia had the power to stand against this, she would, but I’m afraid we are too few too scattered.” Tella nodded.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I am thankful, I know Hailia would aid us if they could. Your people have always been so kind to us, even when some Betamians choose not to return that kindness.” The elder nodded sadly.
“As for Area, they are in debate still. They signed a peace treaty with you, but they don’t know if they should get involved. It seems that if they do act, it will be too little too late. I’m not sure they actually care who rules in Betamy. Also, Maloom has offered them better trade deals, and the Areans are all for that…” the elder sighed. “I fear this take over will do nothing good for Betamy… though with you still alive, there might be a chance, eh?”
“Of course there is a chance! Do you think I’ll let him get away with this?!” Tella shouted.
“Please be cautious.” The elder said.
“I will sir.” Tella said, leaning away from the fountain. “Come on Will, we’re leaving! We’re going to take back Betamy. I don’t care how, but we are!”
“Madam, please be careful. I would almost feel safer if you didn’t go, although,” he laughed, “Knowing your reputation, I do not think that is probable. I will pray for your safety and please, try not to take any more risks than necessary.”
“Thank you sir. I won’t.” Tella said.
Will shoved food into his bag, trying to take things that wouldn’t spoil on the trip.
“If we ride all night, then maybe we can get somewhere we can send a message to Maloom…” Tella was saying between gasps of air as she ran around frantically, trying to grab up anything they would need. Will watched her from the corner of his eyes, trying to decide something.
“Come on! Let’s go!” Tella shouted, grabbing up her bag and running out the door. “Thank you house! You are a wonderful place! I wish we could have stayed longer! You’re food is something else!” Tella shouted as they ran down to the grove of trees near the edge of the realm.
“Okay, we’ll just move through here and travel to Cedar, if we can get to Cedar by two, then we should be in good shape.” Tella said. Will looked away, silently.
“We can’t do it Tella.” He said. She looked at him sharply.
“What do you mean we can’t do it? We have to try! I’m not going to let my sisters and Avery be killed and my country ruined by the likes of Maloom Vraido!” she shouted. “We don’t have time for this!”
“I’m afraid you do.” Will said. “I’m sorry. But this time you can’t come.” And with that he jumped forward, before Tella could register what he had said, leaping through the trees, leaving her behind.
“W-Will?!” Tella shouted, “What are you doing?!” Will turned back a moment then shook his head.
“Don’t worry Tella. I’ll take care of them. I’ll get them out of there.” He said.
“What are you talking about Will?!” Tella rushed forward, to follow him, but found herself pushed back, as though she had encountered a solid wall. She gasped, and looked angrily at Will, on the other side.
“Let me through!” she shouted.
“I’m sorry. Look, I told you. Don’t worry. I’ll bring them all back here. You just stay put. It would be impossible for both of us to try and travel that fast, but I can do it alone.” He shrugged with a slightly guilty look and ran off.
“Will! You jerk! Come back here!” Tella shouted, hitting the wall with her fists. “Will!!!” but he was gone. Tella sighed, her face red from screaming and stepped back.
“You idiot.” She muttered.
Collin Wilhelm sighed. This job really sucked sometimes. Now was certainly one of those times. He sat in his chair on one of the rows of seats in the senate building, his computer’s screen staring blankly back at him. Tiredly, Collin tried to focus on the speaker, who’s voice droned on and on about trade relations, but found it hard to concentrate.
He of course had heard the news about Betamy and had immediately acted, calling up the senate, trying to get them to take action. He had written his proposal, and it had taken all night. Collin was quiet proud of that proposal. In it, he talked about how they were legally bound to assist Betamy, citing several examples from their peace treaty, which had been sighed less than a year ago. However, Collin had found his ideas attacked on all sides by the other parties. They wanted nothing to do with Betamy, and even he as the foreign relations chief was unable to convince them. Collin was sure that it wasn’t just his ideas they hated.
The other senators were old and they saw Collin as something of an oddity, something they could amuse themselves by. Collin realized that that may have been why he was given the job in the first place. This only added to his anger and resentment of them. Now that he was speaking up and making a nuisance of himself, the others were starting to see that he wasn’t as amusing as they had first thought.
Collin felt his eyes closing and his head nodding. It was so late, and he hadn’t slept in days. Stupid old men talking about nothing, when there were important things they could be doing. If only he could make a change! He sighed wearily and wondered how his father had handled all of this.
From what Abbey had told him, Bran had gone through the same troubles with the senate. It was lucky really, Collin thought, that Abbey had moved back to Avrai. It was nice to have someone looking after him, even if he didn’t technically think he needed it, it was still comforting.
He was going to go home in a few hours and starting writing up more proposals to submit to them. He had decided not to take this lying down, though that seemed to be catching up with him now, Collin thought as he repressed another yawn.
Will felt his foot sink in the mud again. He cursed, pulling his shoe out of the sucking bog and started running again. He had gotten turned around in this swamp and it had taken him at least another hour to find his way through it than it should have taken. Now he could see the lights from Cedar, up ahead, where he could retrieve his horse from the stables and hopefully make better time. He had all of tonight, all of tomorrow and all of tomorrow night. When you thought about it that way, it didn’t seem to so bad. He sighed. It was going to be hard to do that and he couldn’t run his horse that long without stopping.
It was hopeless, really. There wasn’t anyway he could make a journey that should take four days in one day’s time, even if he traveled all night.
“No use in thinking about it too much…” Will said quietly to himself. “I’ll get there, one way or another.” And with that, he walked out of the brush and into Cedar’s town limits.
The stars glowed brightly through the fine glass windows within the palace of Betamy. This however, did not cheer up Maloom Vraido. He frowned, looking at some of the paintings on the wall.
“You, get those heathen paintings off the walls.” Maloom said in a disgusted voice. The guard blinked a moment, then nodded, going to the walls to remove the paintings. He couldn’t really see what was wrong with them. It was a painting of the deities, Michael, Azrael and Minerva, together and smiling. The guard had rather liked the painting, though if their leader said it was heathen trash, who was he to argue. The guard looked at the painting suspiciously now. He had liked it at first, yes, but that was probably the evil of it, speaking to him, drawing him to it. How lucky he was to have such a clever and pure leader as Maloom Vraido, who could steer them away from such evil.
“Would you like it burned, my lord?” the guard asked. Maloom smiled.
“Yes. Yes, that will do nicely. In fact, have all the paintings in this place burned, as well as any books you can find. This whole place reeks of evil. We must destroy it.”
“Yes sir.” The guard said, going off to carry out his orders.
Despite the joy Maloom knew he should have for ordering such a thing, he felt none. It was that girl’s fault! As soon as he’d seen her, he knew she was trouble. An evil little girl that would destroy his plans… Of course she would be gone when they stormed the castle intending to bring this to an end! She had to be gone, without telling anyone that she was leaving, much less where she had gone… He cursed his stupidity for trying to kill her with an assassin. Such an attack probably spurred her action, making her leave the palace… How cowardly. She had run, just like before with the war. Maloom had sworn then that he would never served under that cowardly Hailian lover.
The truth was, Maloom needed her. His power was not complete and to complete it, he needed princess Tella in his possession. He smiled lavishing the thought of what he could do to punish her sins.
Another thorn in his side was that treacherous evil Hailian. He had some nerve, Maloom fumed. Just as they had stormed the castle and it was apparent that they would win, the Hailian had approached them, and promised to take them to the princesses, in exchange for mercy and the cleansing of his sins. Maloom has laughed on the inside. Such a dirty thing as a Hailian, trying to cleanse himself? Well, Maloom wasn’t totally against the effort. He knew many of his followers believe that Hailians did deserve the right to try and atone for their sins. If they could be useful, Maloom supposed he could tolerate the presence of a Hailian, at least for a little while… Of course, this Hailian, had lead them astray, taking them to the other end of the castle, back tracking and getting them lost in the labyrinth maze underneath the castle, letting the two little girls escape in some fashion that the Hailian had obviously prearranged.
Even now Maloom found himself seething with rage at the thought of allowing himself to be fooled by the Hailian… Maloom prided himself on his ability to open minds and peer into them. He hadn’t found a person yet that could lie to him and get away with it, until this Hailian, out of desperation and love for those vile children had lied so wholly and so purely, that it had been impossible to see it. The Hailian probably thought he was being noble by sacrificing himself for them. Maloom smiled again, thinking of how he had made sure to disgrace the Hailian to the world, releasing the story that the Hailian had actually led him to the children and how thankful he was to such a treacherous Hailian.
He had told the Hailian of what he had done and expected some kind of reaction, but had gotten none. Instead the Hailian had met his eyes for a moment then, slowly dropped his gaze looking down and closing his eyes, a slight smile on his lips. Maloom had made sure that that smiled was quickly vanquished, hopefully forever.
Maloom’s little story had been all very nice, but it had one problem. He did not have the children. It wasn’t a big deal really. H didn’t need them, not like he needed Tella. They were just insurances… The problem was that in his anger, Maloom had sent out a mandate to Tella, telling her that the children would be killed if she didn’t show up. She had one more day to come and that worried Maloom. If she didn’t show, he wouldn’t have anyone to kill, except for the demon Hailian.
He shrugged. He could always invent something. Perhaps he could say his men had spotted her and were chasing her down. That could go one for a while, but he knew eventually he would have to find Tella and her sisters and kill them, or at least someone who looked like them. Maloom didn’t like unnecessary bloodshed, but if he were forced to he wouldn’t think twice about it. Several of his followers had children, after all.
“Gern,” he called to another of his guards, “Go bring the Hailian here. I want to talk with him again.”
“Here sir?” the guard asked.
“Why not?” Maloom asked his voice on edge at being questioned. The guard shrugged apologetically.
“I’m just worried he’ll dirty the carpets, sir.” The guard said. Maloom paused a moment, then laughed.
“I don’t like these carpets. They need replacing. What better excuse to get ride of them? Especially if I stain them with the Hailian’s blood.” Maloom said. The guard smiled.
“Yes sir.” He said and turned to go.
The stableman had charged him a lot. Will grumbled angrily, realizing that that was the last of his money he had handed over. Whatever, he didn’t care. His horse seemed unhappy to see him. Will glared at the horse, not especially glad to see him either. His butt was just healing from the five-day ride and Will wasn’t looking forward to that stiffness again. Oh well, he thought, maybe it won’t be so bad.
He took off riding into the night, driving the horse on, as fast as he would go, racing across the Betamian landscape. Will had promised Tella he wouldn’t let his sisters and Avery be killed. He intended to keep that promise.
With a pang, Will suddenly remembered their original purpose of trying to find Fairien and the other deities. Well, that would have to wait, it seemed. Will sighed, suddenly feeling his stomach hurt. He wasn’t sure if it was because he had thought about Fairien, or because the horse was jostling him so badly. Will sighed unhappily and rode on.
Tella sat in her chair again, eating cherry cobbler. At least she had gotten to try it. That was about the only good thing she could see about this.
“How dare Will go off like that…” she grumbled. When she had finally retreated back to the strong hold, having nothing else to do, she tried to use the fountain again, but it seemed reluctant to work and finally she had given up. Stupid things around here did things when they felt like it apparently. Just like Fairien.
Tella frowned and for the hundredth time puzzled over what could have happened to him. It was like he had been sucked out of existence. She frowned and shifted in her chair.
Why did it seem that everyone she came to love died or disappeared? Maybe it was just bad luck. It made her angry though. Why should they have to suffer? Why couldn’t it be someone else… Tella got up quickly and stepped outside. The evening air was quiet and peaceful, but Tella wasn’t touched by it. Slowly, she stepped out onto the grass and went to the grove of trees. Somehow, this place seemed holier than the rest. She knelt and looked down. Tella had never been a religious person but now she didn’t know what to do, and the fact that she was praying to someone who was probably dead didn’t help matters.
“Please…” she said softly, “Azrael, Minerva, Fairien, who ever hears this… Help Will, help Terra, help Terlini, and help Avery. Protect them from danger and let them come back to me.” She paused. “I love them all so much… Please bring them back safely.” She waited, silently a moment, then pulled herself up, vaguely embarrassed, but at the same time soothed. Wind blew gently through the trees, making them whisper and sway. Tella watched them for a moment then slowly said,
“It was here… Wasn’t it? You were
born here Fairien… In this exact spot, so long ago…” she shivered and turned
back to the house, leaving the grove.
It was morning and Will had not covered enough ground. He estimated he still had about four fifths of the journey to complete. He groaned, tired as the sun rose. He would never make it at this rate!
The day wore on and it seemed as though he were moving slower and slower. By the time night came Will found himself hopeless of reaching Terrebia. He dismounted, hot, tired and sweaty. He had heard a stream nearby and was hoping to get a drink.
“Why did I think I could do this?” he moaned. In a few hours the only people Tella considered family would die, and it was because he couldn’t get there fast enough. Will cursed and bent over the stream. It was small, but clear and cold. Will dipped his hands in it, cupping them and bringing it to his mouth to drink. He shivered as the cold water ran down his throat. He swallowed it greedily, getting more to quench his thirst.
Will blinked, suddenly feeling odd. The dream he had had was coming back to him as he gazed at the moving water… Slowly, Will pulled his hand up, little droplets falling from his fingers. He caught a few with his tongue, but stopped as the lat one rolled along his fingers.
Will didn’t know quite what he was dong, but suddenly he could feel the water in a way he never had before. Slowly, he pulled the droplet to him, and it moved, running up against gravity, to the end of his finger, pausing there for only a moment, before pulling itself into the air and spinning, like a globe. Will gasped, realizing that he had caused it to do that, but as soon as his lost his concentration, the droplet fell back into the stream.
Will stared at the stream a mixture of feelings running through him.
“Magic…” he said quietly. “Yes!” he felt like shouting. He had finally found a bit of magic in himself. He laughed, despite the depression he had felt only a few moments ago.
Iyokians had always been close to nature, and many had thus acquired magic closely tied with nature. Thinking back uncle had said his mother could talk to trees by touching them. Will had never thought he had any hint of such a thing in him, but now here he could manipulate water.
“It’s not very useful… but it is magic.” Will said to himself. He was about to get up and leave when he stopped and stared at the water.
The dream was becoming clearer in his mind, that feeling of exhilaration and speed. What if he could travel like that? There were plenty of streams and creeks near the palace; he had drunken out of several of them. If only he could truly do that. Will knelt by the water, his eyelids drooped, almost trace like as he slowly leaned forward and touched the water, begging his body to become part of it.
His hand passed through the water, still as solid as always.
Other people did magic so easily! Will tried to remember how it had felt, how he had done it, when Fairien used him to create magic. Will frowned, remembering that he probably needed something channel his magic.
“Couldn’t the water do?” he asked quietly. Again he tried. He was scare of all the time he was using up, but as sad as it was, this was probably the best bet to reaching the castle in time. He tried a few more times with no success and sat up discouraged.
“No! I have to get this right!” he told himself. “Do to that… I have to- to...” Will wrinkled his nose, not quite sure what he had to do. Trying to hold that feeling from the dream in him Will touched the water again.
What do you want, child?
Will almost jerked back in surprise. The voice that spoke to him was soft and came almost from inside him.
“I-I…” Will spoke.
You are Iyokian.
“Yes.” Will said. “W-Who-” he paused, looking down at the water, flowing past his fingers. “You’re the water… You’re what I dreamed about becoming…”
Do you have need of me?
“I… I need to go to Terrebia.” Will said.
Terrebai… the water gurgled, why would you go to such a place…? I avoid it when possible. Dirty… Slows you down. You know what I am talking about. You’ve felt it. Will blinked.
“Yes…” he said. “Please… I need to go to Terribia… I don’t have much time.”
Is your life in danger?
“N-No… But I have to help some people in Terrbia.”
Then I cannot help you.
“No! Wait! Please!” Will shouted. “I have to rescue them! It’s very important!”
You are a child of Iyokia and I will aid you, but only you. I do not care for others. They do not care for me.
“But!” Will cut off, suddenly feel the spirit of the water move away. He gasped, staring in disbelief. He had been so close! … And now he had truly failed.
“I’m totally useless…!” Will gasped. How had he ever been so arrogant as to think that he could do this by himself? Will punched the ground in frustration, feeling tears come to his eyes. He was nothing without Fairien! A teardrop fell, hitting the water’s surface, creating ripples, but Will didn’t notice, continuing to berate himself. The water stirred around where the teardrop had fallen and slowly a misty form rose up out of the water, watching Will with kindness. Finally, Will lifted his eyes up, seeing the apparition. His eyes widened and he stared at it in silence.
“Don’t cry child.” The water spirit said kindly, reaching out to cradle his cheeks. “I have changed my mind. I will take you, though,” it smiled, “It does not seem that you have the ability to change your form into me, so I will lend you a bit of my power.” Will blinked, almost not believing what he was hearing.
“Y-You’ll take me?” he asked happily.
“Yes. Now come here.” Will waded out into the stream and felt his body surrounded by the misty form of the spirit, as it moved and penetrated him. Everything went cold and Will felt himself cry out in delight as the feelings from his dream returned with amazing speed. He was rushing down the stream, now, unable to feel anything but pure joy as the landscape slid past him and he moved toward Terrebia.
Avery felt himself shudder as he was shoved out of his dungeon cell and the door slammed shut. A guard’s hand was clamped around his arm, squeezing him tightly, as if the guard wanted to break his bones. Avery bit his lip, not wanting to cry out in pain. He was being taken to Maloom again.
Avery was a mess. His clothes were dirty and torn, but his concerns were more on the state of his mind than on his physical well being. So far he had been able to hold Maloom out of his mind, but Maloom was getting closer and closer each time he interrogated him. Avery feared that he might break through this time.
Tella…
And that thought alone was enough to harden his resolve. He would never tell Maloom where Tella had gone. Never!
Will traveled for what seemed a very short time. He was enjoying the feeling of silver starlight, shining into him, dancing through him and reflecting off him. The light was warming and nourishing as Will had never experienced it before. Part of him never wanted to leave the stream. He was quite sure that if the spirit allowed him to, he could loose himself forever and truly become water. However, there was one part of him that could not let itself dissolve away as the rest of him did. Will wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it separated him from the water, preventing the perfect unity. Slowly a feeling of dread crept up on Will, as he felt himself become slowly, and more solid.
Will tried to contain his disappointment as he felt himself drift to the surface, gasping for air. The stream had become a river, deep and yet slow in this area. Will felt a current pushing him to the shore and his feet touched bottom.
“Thank you.” Will said. “Thank you so much. I am in debt to you.”
You are a child of Iyokia. One of the last. I will hold no debt against you.
“Thank you.” Will said watching the water.
A hint of advice young one, the water said, though your powers are slow and very weak, do not given them up as useless. They may serve you well. Will nodded feeling slightly reprimanded for his earlier thoughts.
“I won’t give up. Thank you again.”
Good-bye child… and with that the water spirit was gone once again. Will paused for only a moment, before pulling himself wet and sopping up the bank to try and see where he was.
The water spirit knew what it was doing. Will could see the castle lights just across this field! He was so close! Will felt like cheering, but then realized that he didn’t really have a plan beyond this point. He frowned then shrugged. He would figure something out, though it didn’t seem like a good idea to just waltz up to the front entrance… Another thing, he didn’t exactly know where Avery and the Princesses were being held… Will stepped forward and felt his legs give way under him. He shouted in surprise as he sank into some kind of pit trap. Wildly he tried to fight his way out as the ground sunk lower underneath him. He heard shouting off to his left and could see two men running towards him in the darkness. Panic lit through Will’s body as he realized he might have just screwed up the only chance he had.
“Don’t struggle and we’ll see if we can’t work this out.” Called one of the men in Betamian. They approached quickly and Will could see that they had Arean weapons. His hopes sank lower. He couldn’t get away.
“That’s it, be a good boy and we won’t have to use these.” The other man said. He proceeded to pull Will out of the pit, while the other trained his gun on Will.
“Good, good, so what were you doing out here at the palace ground so late young man?” the one asked who was tying him up.
“I didn’t mean no harm.” Will said innocently, trying to make himself look dull. “I was just mucking about near the river. I didn’t realize I was so close to palace… Say, isn’t the palace grounds public property?” he asked.
“Not anymore lad. You should have known that.” The guard said.
“Eh, you still haven’t told us what you were doing out so late.”
“I told you, just mucking about. Looking for a good fishin’ hole, if you must know. I’m a fisherman you see.” He said.
“Ehhh… You smell like one.” One of the guards said. “Is that why you’re all wet?” Will laughed a bit.
“Ehehe… Well, see I’m not a very good fisherman.” He said. The guards looked at him suspiciously.
“Right then lad, come with us.” They said.
“Eh? But what’ve I done? I’m really sorry. Please, can’t we just forget this? Me boss will be angry if I don’t get in early this morning.” He said.
“Should have thought of that before you trespassed lad.” They led him across the field toward the castle. As the entered through one of the side entrances Will blinked, adjusting his eyes to the light.
“Oh wow, you gonna take me to that Maloom chap?” Will asked sounding awed at his name.
“Our lord is much too busy to see someone like you.” The guard said testily.
“That’s a shame.” Will said, his voice down cast. On the inside he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Say boy, what are your opinions of Hailians?” asked the guard. Will bit his tongue, knowing he was being tested.
“Hailians?” he asked, “Well, I suppose they’re alright if you bake ‘em on an open fire and make sure you keep ‘em soaked in lemon juice.” Will said. The guard looked at him, their eyes wide in surprise, until one scowled and hit him angrily.
“Not the fish you idiot! The race of people!” he spat. Will rubbed his head, trying not to laugh.
“Oh, well, never really met one.” Will said brightly. “So, I really couldn’t tell you.”
“My brothers, can’t you tell when you’re being lied to?” came a smooth voice. Will stiffened, and turned around. Maloom Vraido stood behind them in the hallway.
“Lord!” said one of the guards. He paused and glared at Will, “You were lying to us?” he asked. Will stared at Maloom, unconcerned with his guards.
“I asked you a question boy!” the guard shouted, raising his fist again. Will still made no move, his eyes locked on Maloom Vraido.
“Well, if it isn’t the boy who seems to be in constant company of Princess Tella. Tell me, where is she?” he asked. Will felt a strange sensation creeping over him as he watched Maloom. He blinked, feeling slightly unnerved.
“You will get nothing from me.” Will growled lowly, dropping his country accent and manner of speaking. His eyes had taken on a sharpness now, contrary to the dullness he had been projecting moments before. Maloom frowned, looking slightly disturbed. The guards blinked in surprise at the change in Will.
“Really? Many have said that.” Maloom said eyeing Will distastefully. Will shivered and stepped back. Maloom smiled. He truly hadn’t expected this, but the appearance of this boy was a move in his favor, even if he did seem… reluctant to give any information.
“Throw him in the dungeon. I want my breakfast before I deal with the likes of him.” Maloom instructed the guards. The guards nodded and pulled Will away. Maloom laughed quietly, watching them go.