Dragonflywriting

Rex Story

The forest was dark but for the light of the waxing moon, and eerily quiet. Raye stood in the shadow of some kind of old, creepy tree, arms crossed against the chilly night air. She wanted to be back home, reading in bed, not out in a forest rumoured to harbour werethings and slimy creatures that liked to drop out of the trees and… she glanced up to make sure there was nothing slimy amongst the branches.
“Hello,” someone said from behind her.
“Miyako!” cried Raye as she swiveled around quickly, “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”
Miyako smiled, her sharp teeth seeming to glow in the moonlight. “A little jumpy are we, Raye? I thought you weren’t afraid of anything.”
“Being afraid and being cautious are two different things.” snapped Raye, “What took you so long, Miya? I was worried”
“I ran into Rex.” replied Miyako, sauntering up to lean against the tree next to Raye, “He was very persistent. Seems to think that he’s going to awaken her before we do.” She grinned as if the very notion was idiotic.
Raye was not so confident. “And what if he does?” she said, staring tensely at Miyako from under the hood of her cloak, “It could be very bad… for both of us.”
“I don’t think he will.” replied Miyako, still smiling. There was something about her demeanor, her air of calmness that made Raye think there was something- something important that she hadn’t yet said.
“What makes you so certain?” breathed Raye, still staring at Miyako from under her protective hood.
Miyako laughed, and pulled something out of her cloak, something small, and glittery. There was silence, but for the few chirps of crickets, and the rustle of the wind. Raye stared at the thing dangling from Miyako’s clawed finger. A tiny golden key.
“Miya…” she breathed, “Where… where did you get that?”
“I stole it.” Said Miyako proudly, “And it wasn’t easy, so don’t look at me like that.”
Raye’s face was expressionless under the hood. “Like what?” She said sharply.
Miyako grimaced slightly and tucked the key back into her cloak. “So shall we go then? It’s best if we’re the first there. I’m pretty sure Rex guessed about the key.”
Raye looked around, as if expecting the mentioned offender to drop out of a tree suddenly. “Yes.” She said quickly, “Let’s go then.”
Miyako nodded, suddenly serious, and pulled a short staff from her back. Holding it out in front of her like a sword, she drew a large circle in the air. Then she began to chant

Rod of Fire, Wind and Earth
To a Wrinkle now give birth
Where sleeps the princess of the light
Now let us be within her sight!

Raye flinched. “I thought you had gotten better at rhyming.” She said to Miyako, who glared at her and stepped through the glowing portal that her staff had produced.
After giving one last, furtive look around, Raye followed quickly after her, and the glowing door sealed itself and disappeared, leaving no trace of it’s presence in the dark, gloomy woods.

The first thing Keitara knew when she awoke was that she had been asleep for a very long time. She wasn’t sure how she knew that- just that she did. It was a sort of stiffness about her limbs, a feeling of disuse, and of time passing around her as she slept, unawares. She tried to open her eyes, but the light was blinding, and she clamped them shut again quickly.
“You see?” said a voice, humorous and intelligent, “I told you no one had to kiss her. I don’t know where you get your ideas.”
“It was just something I read, okay?” said a second voice, this one low and toneless, “Are you sure she’s even awake?”
“I don’t know. Princess? Are you awake?”
Kei groaned, and her voice cracked. Years of disuse had left it dry and hoarse, and she was barely able to let out a whispered, “Yes.”
“There.” said the first voice, “See? I told you.”
“Hm…” said the first voice, and Kei heard footsteps moving to where she lay. She dared to open her eyes, and found that the light was not so dazzling now, although still painfully bright. Groaning slightly again, she sat herself up, and looked around. She was lying on a bed of crystals, sharp, and glinting around her, and flat and smooth where she had lay. The crystals were giving off such a bright light that it was impossible to see what lay around her.
She glanced over at the figure who now stood beside her. She was hooded and cloaked, and stood in a sort of wary slouched position. Behind the first person stood another cloaked figure, this one with her hood down, to reveal dark shoulder-length hair and large, black… wolf ears?
“Shalan.” whispered Kei, staring at the second person.
The wolf-girl raised her eyebrows at Kei and said, after a pause, “Yes, I’m a Shalan. But my name is Miyako, and you may call me that.”
“Oh.” Said Kei, “Yes, I- I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m Princess Keitara.”
Miyako smiled and nodded, “And this is Rayena Larren.”
“Raye.” corrected the cloaked girl. She held out a gloved hand, “Now that we’re all introduced, we should get out of here.” She glanced around, “Quickly.”
“But…” said Kei, “I’m supposed to await… the warriors- who will unite the kingdom and save it from the evil that will overtake it.”
Raye nodded, but it was clear she had little patience, “I’m afraid you’re a little too late for that. Evil’s already taken over. Someone forgot to pass on the message about you, and those warriors you were supposed to wait for? They’re all dead.”
Kei gasped. She couldn’t help it. This mysterious girl spoke so easily of death. Suddenly Kei didn’t want to see what had happened to her country.
“Raye…” said Miyako softly, “You’ve scared her. Hey.” she smiled at Kei, “There are some warriors left. What about us, will we do?”
Raye snorted slightly, but said nothing.
Kei nodded. “You’re not exactly what I was told to expect but… I suppose you’ll do.” she smiled and took Raye’s still outstretched arm. “Where are you going to take me?”
Miyako smiled and led the way out of the small cave which Kei now saw she had been enclosed in. “You’ll see.” she said lightly, “And it will make you feel much better. I promise.”

To Miyako, the Caverns were like a second home. This had once also been true of Raye, but that had been a long time ago, and now they only seemed to serve as a reminder of betrayal and guilt. She kept her hood up, glancing warily at the groups of people around her, hoping not to see anyone that she recognized. Miyako and Kei walked ahead of her, Miyako explaining animatedly about the history of the large caves that they now traversed, and their inhabitants.
“Fifteen years ago, there was a large war, the people of Arden, against the invaders, of Trolst.” she was explaining to Kei, who was looking around interestedly at the myriad of different people in the large network of caves.
“Trolst?” Kei turned to look at Miyako, “That’s just a city, on the outskirts of Arden.”
“In your time, yes.” replied Miyako, leading them confidently through the maze of stone rooms and high-ceilinged halls, all busy with people going about their various tasks, “Now it’s a country. A powerful one. More powerful that Arden, in any case. As I was saying, they invaded Arden, several years ago now. Our warriors were all killed, and anyone who was thought to be a threat was murdered, except for the lucky few who managed to escape here. We know we can’t bring everyone here, so we hide, building a resistance until one day we can take back Arden and make it free again.”
“I don’t understand.” said Kei, “Why wasn’t I awoken fifteen years ago, when this began?”
“At the time, the location of the key to your cavern was unknown. Granted, it didn’t take much for me to track down its whereabouts, but it took a lot longer to finally steal it from the man who was in possession of it. And the truth is most people weren’t willing to waste effort on what they believed to be a legend.”
“And I don’t think they will be now either.” said Raye, unable to keep quiet any longer, “Kei, when your family put you in that cave, I know they told you to expect a joyous welcome, but I don’t think the leaders of the resistance will be too happy to see you. Not unless you can somehow prove that you’re our savior.”
“My magic doesn’t work that way.” said Kei, “But even if I just join this group, I should be able to do something, right?”
“That’s what I thought too.” said Raye darkly, “Once.”
Miyako stopped walking, and looked at Raye with pursed lips, seeming to want to say something. A tense moment passed, and then Miyako sighed and turned back to Kei. “By the way.” she said, somewhat lightly, “There’s a vampire on the hunt for you as well.”
“A vampire.” repeated Kei, “Is he evil?”
“Well, when it comes to loyalties, he’s strictly freelance.” said Miyako, beginning to walk again at her brisk, purposeful pace, “But I don’t trust him. He told me himself that he’s after you, and I can’t imagine any reason for him to be, unless he’s working for Trolst.”
“Perhaps,” mused Raye, “He is working for someone else inside the resistance who also wanted to awake Kei, and he simply didn’t tell you out of spite?”
Miyako considered this. “It’s very possible.” she said finally, “That is definitely something that he would do. Well, it doesn’t matter now, because we got to you first, but,” she turned to Kei, “If at all possible, try to avoid getting captured by him.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” said Kei, “But I’m not afraid of vampires. I used to know one.”
“Not all vampires are the same.” said Raye enigmatically, and the rest of their trip continued uneventfully, with Miyako giving random pieces of information to Kei about things like how the resistance operated, and such.
After several more minutes of walking, during which Kei gave up all pretense of remembering where they were and resigned herself to being hopelessly lost, Miyako stopped at a large opening in the stone, covered by a light swath of purple fabric. After motioning for them to follow, and keep quiet, she ducked under, followed by an interested Kei, and a somewhat resigned Raye.
The room they emerged into was large, with a high ceiling, and lit warmly by the fire, which was blazing in the recessed fireplace. (Having once been used by dwarves, the Caverns were very well ventilated, with smoke vents connected to every fireplace, and air shafts networked throughout the caves.) It was furnished simply but pleasingly, it’s main feature being a large table around which several wooden chairs were untidily arrayed. It looked as if an important meeting had just been adjourned, and several men and women sat and stood around the table, chatting amongst each other, but the chatting seemed to come to a dead halt the moment they walked in.
Kei was used to having people staring at her, but not in the way she was being stared at now. When she had been princess, everyone had looked upon her with a sort of awe and pride, but the looks in the room now were curious at best, and blatantly hostile, at worst.
The scrape of a chair being pushed backwards sounded from the far end of the table, and the gazes in the room turned to its occupant, this time with the very likeness of the looks that Kei had once received.
The person now standing next to the table, regarding them emotionlessly, was a young man, the likes of which Kei had never before seen except in her imagination, or perhaps a storybook read to her when she was young. He was tall, with straight black hair falling somewhat untidily over dark brown eyes that seemed almost black in the firelight. He was dressed nondescriptly, in brown leather, and boots, but a magnificent sword was belted at his waist, and his composure, and the behavior of the other, obviously important people in the room seemed to lend heavily to the idea that he was much more than just a commoner.
“Miyako.” he said in a soft, but commanding voice.
Miyako bowed slightly. “Prince Linden.” she replied, confirming what Kei had already guessed, “Could we speak with you a moment?”
The prince’s dark eyes swept the room, his face still not giving a shred of a hint to his thoughts. There was a tense moment, as his eyes turned back to Miyako, examining him, then Raye, and finally Kei. She fancied that his eyes lingered on her slightly longer than they had Miyako, or Raye, but it could have just been a trick of the light, or the fact that he knew the other two, and Kei was an unknown to him.
Finally he nodded sharply, and said in the same, low voice, “Leave us please.”
There was a murmur of assent and the inhabitants of the room filed out of the various exits until only Miyako, Raye, Kei and the prince were left in the room.
“Miyako.” he said, striding towards her until they stood a foot apart, “What is the meaning of this? You know that it is forbidden to allow outsiders into the Caverns.”
“This is not an outsider, your majesty.” said Miyako, speaking with respect, but looking the prince straight in the eye, “This is Princess Keitara of Arden, whom the prophecy speaks of.”
A flash of emotion, surprise, was visible on Linden’s handsome features, then it disappeared and his face was once again emotionless and sharp. “Explain.” he said softly.
“I discovered the location of the key some years ago, and Rayena recently came across a writing detailing the location of the princess’ resting place.” Miyako nodded at Raye, who somehow seemed to make her face disappear more deeply into the darkness of her cloak, “After we examined the door, I set off to obtain the key. I won’t go into detail of its acquisition.” she smiled a little, as if recalling a pleasant memory, “Suffice it to say that I was able to retrieve it with the help of some old cohorts. After that I hurried to find Rayena. I should mention also,” she said, as if just remembering, “I ran into Rex on the way there.”
“The Vampire Rex?” confirmed Linden.
Miyako nodded and continued, “He was strange… he seemed to think that he had found a way to open Keitara’s chamber. I’m sure he didn’t have the key, as I already did at that moment, but I’m also sure that he wasn’t aware of my acquisition of it. I tried to question him, but as usual wasn’t able to get much out of him.” she pursed her lips, “I know it’s unprecedented, but I somehow get the feeling that he is not acting under orders from anyone but himself.”
“That is unprecedented.” agreed Linden, frowning slightly, “I’ve never known Rex to have his own agenda.”
“Me neither.” said Miyako, nodding, “I’m sure he does, but I’m afraid I’ve never given it much thought.” she seemed uncomfortable. “Forgive me.” she said then, quickly, “I’ve digressed. After my run in with Rex, I continued on my way and met up with Raye. We then traveled to Princess Keitara’s resting place, and awoke her without difficulty. After that we came here.”
Linden was silent. After a few moments, he strode slowly over to the fire, and stood by it for a time, staring at the flames, in deep thought, it seemed. Then he sighed heavily, and seeming to decide something, he turned back to the three guests.
“Please.” he said, gesturing at the chairs, “Sit.”
They did, Miyako lightly, Kei gratefully, and Raye with apprehension.
Linden stared at them tensely for a moment, and then he stiffly lowered himself into a chair.
“I hope,” he said to Miyako quietly, “You understand how serious this is.”
“Fully.” replied Miyako sharply, “I also understand how serious the situation outside is, better perhaps, than even you or your colleagues do, living comfortably in this mountain as you do.”
“Miyako.” said Raye tersely. There was a moment of silence, and meaningful look passed from under Raye’s dark hood to Miyako’s bright, keen eyes.
Miyako then opened her mouth to go on, but Linden interrupted her.
“This is the opinion of many in the resistance,” he said, speaking to both Miyako and Raye, “More, perhaps, than you realize. What they understand, however, is that we have no choice in our proceedings. There is literally, nothing that we can do.”
Raye shifted slightly and a frustrated, almost inaudible burst of air escaped her lips, but she said nothing.
Linden heard her. “Nothing,” he amended, “That does not put all that we have made here at great risk.”
“Every day this country faces great risk!” cried Miyako, almost shouting, “And much worse, while you plan and…”
“Miyako.” Raye again, louder this time, more insistent.
Miyako flinched slightly, and then whetted her lips, looking purposely away from Raye.
“This debate,” she said firmly, “is based on a very old impasse, and furthermore, is irrelevant to the matter at hand, which is of course,” she turned to Kei, “You.”
All three turned to look at her. Linden was the first to speak. “Miyako is right.” he said, staring at her in a way that seemed both vague and intense, “Whether or not releasing you was the best course of action, it has been done, and now we must decide what we are to do with the results.”
“I am an instrument, your highness.” said Kei, looking down respectfully “You may use me in whichever way you see fit.”
Raye scoffed quietly, and Miyako looked surprised. Linden said nothing, but stared at her openly, with what she could only gauge to be curiosity.
“Why do you say that?” he said finally.
“Your highness?” she raised her eyes to look at him.
“Were you told to present yourself in this manner?”
Kei stammered, uncertain of what was expected of her, “It is… how I have always been instructed. As the daughter of a king, I must obey the commands I am given.”
There was silence. Linden held her eyes, as if daring her to break from his gaze. Finally Raye said, “So you are from the past.”
Understanding crossed Linden’s face, and he looked away from Kei finally. She felt as if she had been underwater, unable to hear, or move, or breathe.
“I see.” said the prince finally. “What is to be done then? Let us present our opinions.”
“You know my opinion.” said Raye softly, “I need not recount it.”
“Kei does not.” replied Linden emotionlessly. There was a tense moment. Raye said nothing. Finally Linden sighed, “Fine then.” he said lucidly, “Rayena wishes to go to war. To openly announce our presence to Trolst and attack them head on.” he turned to Raye, “Is this correct?”
Under the hood of her cloak, Raye nodded slowly.
Linden turned to Miyako, “What is your opinion?” he asked.
Miyako inclined her head, “Your majesty, I am but a soldier. My allegiance lies with my present master and, as of now, my master is Princess Keitara. My choice of action will be the same as hers.”
Linden nodded, as if he already knew this as well. “And,” he said, “The princess, I am sure, does not know nearly enough about the state of her county to make an informed decision. Therefore, I propose a solution. In secret we will leave the Caverns and travel over Arden, so that the princess may deduce the best course of action for her country. I do not mean,” he said at Raye’s suspicious look, “that this is the course of action we will follow, only that the princess will have an opinion to share with the rest of the resistance when the time comes. This expedition will serve a double purpose, as I have not left the caverns in over a year and wish to deduce the state of my country for myself as well. How does this proposal sound to you three?”
“I don’t wish to do any more sneaking around.” said Raye after a moment, “But it seems as though I don’t have any choice. I’m not stupid enough to think that there is any hope left for Arden, besides Keitara, even if most people are.”
“So you will come.” confirmed Linden, “Excellent, and you Miyako?”
“I will follow Keitara of course.” said Miyako, “If she decides to go, then I will as well. Needless to say, you could use me as a guide.”
They turned to Keitara, who, although nervous, managed to announce, “I will go. I think it is a good idea.”
“It’s settled then.” said Linden, “Raye, Miyako, I don’t believe your chambers have been emptied since you were last here. You should be able to find yourselves some clothes and provisions. Perhaps you could outfit the princess with some traveling clothes as well.” he nodded at Keitara’s ornamental gown, guessing correctly that it was the only clothes she now owned. “We will start out for King’s Keep.” he continued, “Meet me at the West Gate at dawn tomorrow, we will depart from there. And of course, tell no one of our plans.”
Raye scoffed. “Obviously.”
“Yes.” said Linden, turning to go. Then, as if remembering something, he turned back to them, “Oh and, since we’re going to be traveling together, I think we can dispense with the professional language.”
Miyako smiled, “Are you sure you know how to do that, Linden?” she teased.
“Yes.” said Linden simply, and he left.
“Well humph then.” said Miyako in a very good imitation of Linden, “So, Keitara, that was the prince. What did you think of him?”
Kei jumped. “Um- well,” she said, “He’s very handsome.”
Miyako laughed at that, “Yes he is.” she agreed, “Not that he knows it. You should tell him some time. He could use some self confidence.”
“No he couldn’t.” said Raye bitterly.

Considering she had spent the last five hundred years asleep, Keitara was very disgruntled about being woken up so early the next morning. In her past life, (as she was coming to think of it as) she had never been woken before dawn for anything, and when she finally was awoken, it was by bards playing her gentle morning songs, and the chirping of the birds around the palace.
“Get up!” hissed Raye, “This is the fifth time I’ve told you! We’re all dressed, and you’re not even out of bed!”
“Mmrrr...” said Kei, and rolled over.
“Miyako! Miyako, come and help me get her highness out of bed!”
“What? Kei! You’re still in bed! We have to go! Raye, why didn’t you get her out of bed?”
“I tried.” was Raye’s exasperated reply.
“Hm.” said Miyako, and Kei heard her walking around to the foot of the bed. Then she gasped as the thick blanket she had slept under was torn off of the bed. “Ah!” she cried, pulling her light nightgown around her. She gave Miyako her most haughty glare, “I’m not decent!”
Raye actually laughed; so hard that she had to bend over, holding her stomach. “And whose fault is that, princess?” she said with a wicked smile on her face, the top half of which, Kei noticed, was still obscured by a hooded cloak.
“Excuse me,” said Kei politely, “But do you happen to have some sort of deformity, or are you just shy?”
Now it was Miyako’s turn to laugh. Raye sighed loudly, but gave no explanation. Perhaps, Kei mused, she should have been nicer about asking, especially if she had expected an answer. Ah well, it was too late now.
“Put these on.” said Raye, throwing bundle of clothing at Keitara, “And hurry up. It’s almost dawn.”

Against all odds, they managed to reach the West Gate by the time the sun began to rise over the magnificent mountains of Arden. Linden was already there, dressed in traveling clothes. His sword was in a plain leather sheath, the jeweled hilt carefully obscured by sackcloth.
“I thought you had overslept.” he said simply.
“I was up an hour ago.” intoned Raye, “And Miyako before that, I’m sure.”
“I thought,” whined Miyako, “That we were… what did you say Linden, ‘Dispensing with professional language’.”
“We were.” said Linden, “But perhaps we should leave first.”
“Right.” said Miyako, “Let’s go then! Oh, right! I’m the leader.” she hopped forward, struck a pose and cried, “Onward!” before disappearing into the forest before them.
Linden and Raye exchanged somewhat exasperated looks, and then plunged into the trees after her.
“Hey!” cried Kei, “Wait!” and cursing as best she could with her limited vocabulary, she rushed after them.

Luckily, even Miyako could not retain such a breathtaking pace for very long. After about five minutes, they slowed to a brisk walk. The West gate was at the outskirts of the mountains, but it was still very high up, so the walk was both steep and rocky. Kei was very glad that she had let Miyako and Raye talk her into wearing trousers, even though she had initially been wary of letting Linden see her in such barbaric garb. He had said nothing about it though, and she warranted a guess that he had assumed she would be dressed as such. Certainly Raye and Miyako had no qualms about wearing men’s clothes. Indeed, in Kei’s time, Miyako’s clothing would most certainly have been deemed scandalous, even though it was obvious that the Shalan only dressed in such a manner to allow for ease of movement.
In contrast to Miyako, Raye’s clothing, (underneath her concealing cloak, of course) was made up of layers of complicated folds and pockets. Most of it was constructed from a heavy fabric that looked as if had been woven more for durability than for ease of movement, but Raye seemed comfortable in it, and it was obvious that this was her standard of clothing.
They had also been equipped with weapons. Kei had, luckily, studied archery for many years- It being one of the only acceptable martial pursuits of female royalty, and Miyako had outfitted her with a sturdy longbow, which was now strapped across her back, along with a quiver of deadly sharp arrows. Linden, of course had his sword, and Miyako, several small daggers, as well as her lethal-looking wolf claws. Raye’s weapon was peculiar- a foreign looking blade, thick and curved, with cruel-looking, but elegant spikes carved out of the metal. It too was strapped to her back, but its handle also held a thick chain, which Raye had wound twice around her body, and then attached to a shackle on her right wrist. Kei had been meaning to ask its purpose as they had left, but it had slipped her mind. She supposed now was as good a time as ever to bring up the topic.
“Um…” she began, “Raye…”
Raye interrupted her with a whispered, “Shh!” Kei thought this was slightly rude, until she realized that the other three had stopped walking, and were looking into the dark forest tensely. As always happened in scary situations, Kei felt her defensive magic begin to crackle around her wrists, ready to take out an unwise attacker at first movement.
“Miyako.” said Raye.
“I know.” said Miyako through gritted teeth.
“No.” said Raye quietly, “Behind you.”
Miyako turned, so quickly that Kei barely saw it. Then, suddenly, there was someone standing there. Only they weren’t standing. They were moving. An arm, with a sharp object in it flew towards Miyako, who deflected it with her foot. The new arrival let out a hiss as Miyako’s boot connected with his arm. Then, barely visible, the other arm snaked out to grab Miyako by the neck. Miyako deflected it as well, and, growling fiercely, plunged a foot into the attackers stomach. He grinned and grabbed her foot, throwing her to the ground. With barely a stop in movement, Miyako twisted on the ground, swinging a foot out to trip her adversary. He jumped backwards, giving Miyako time to pull herself up again.
The strange arrival moved towards Miyako again, and Kei felt Raye shift beside her. Then quite suddenly, all motion stopped, as Raye swung her weapon out, and it caught the air, it’s curved spikes barely an inch from the attacker’s neck. The attacker paused. Then he laughed, sending a chill down Kei’s spine. He had a wild face, somehow controlled, and yet madly insane at the same time. His featured were sharp, handsome but fearfully distorted, his eyes a deep blood red, and his hair the colour of wild rose petals, dead and fallen from their plant.
“Rex.” said Miyako simply.
Rex grinned, showing long, sharp fangs. Silently, he scanned the party, his deep garnet eyes sliding lucidly over Linden, and then towards her. He did something strange when he saw her. Sort of a stumble backwards, and his eyes widened into a strange expression. Then she met his gaze and realized.
The sparks of magic which had been crackling up and down her arms died down in an instant.
“Iram.” his name, his true name, escaped her lips and she rushed to him, forgetting everything except the fact that he was there, just like he’d promised… all those years… (had it been so long?)... ago.
Raye hurriedly lifted her weapon out of the way as Kei rushed towards him, throwing herself into his arms, and it was as if she had never left them. But it was different. He was cold, his strong arms stiff, his skin cold like marble.
“Iram…” she said, “What have you done?”
“What,” said Miyako, pulling out her dagger and pointing it at Rex, and in doing such, at Kei as well, “Is going on?”
“Yes.” said Linden, sauntering towards them warily, “Do explain.”
“I think,” said Raye quietly, “I understand.”
“Really?” said Linden, for once showing some sort of emotion, “Well, would you care to fill the rest of us in?”
“I will.” said Kei suddenly. She stood, releasing herself from Rex’s arms, “Please. Allow me to explain.” When no one said anything, she continued, “This is my fiancé, Iram.”
“And,” interrupted Miyako, “This is my sworn enemy. Rex. He’s a vampire.” she glared at Kei, “An evil one.”
“But,” said Raye calmly, “He wasn’t always a vampire.” She turned to Rex, “Were you… Iram, was it?”
He nodded. “Yes.” he said, “But that was a long time ago.” His voice was different than she remembered. Lower, more liquid, less intense, “Now my name is Rex. And,” he paused, “I am a vampire. I can’t argue that I’m not evil either.”
Kei stared at him. “But…” she began, once again taking a step towards him.
“Keitara.” said Miyako sharply, “Be wary of him. Whatever morals he may have had five hundred years ago have long since been drowned in the blood of his victims.”
Linden nodded, “She’s right.” he announced, “One cannot kill to survive for so many years and still retain any shred of a conscience.”
Kei stared at Iram - no, she corrected herself… Rex. “I told you.” she said, almost crying now, “I told you not to do it. There wasn’t any way. I told you to give me up.”
Rex shook his head. “I couldn’t.” he said simply, “I promised that I would find a way… to be there. When you awoke.”
“I told you not to make that promise.”
“But I did anyway. Kei, you don’t know how many years I spent looking for a way, some other way…” he held out his hands, looking at his body as if it was strange to him, as if he had forgotten about it, “… than this.”
Miyako had a strange look on her face. She stared at Rex as he made his awkward explanation, as if she didn’t know what to think, or what to believe.
“Anyway,” continued Rex, “Being a vampire isn’t that bad. Once you get past the whole drinking blood thing.”
“There are other ways than drinking blood.” said Miyako, “Lots of vampires live good, peaceful lives, feeding on animals when they get hungry.”
“True.” said Rex. He grinned, a grin that Kei was sure she had never seen before. It made her shiver, “But where’s the fun in that?”
“Killing innocent people isn’t supposed to be fun.” growled Miyako.
“And yet, you want to go to war against Trolst.” said Rex, now lounging against an ancient tree, “Surely you would enjoy killing several of their innocent soldiers for the sake of your country.”
“For my country.” said Miyako, “Not for me.”
Rex laughed, “Miyako,” he said, “You all. You have such standards of good and evil. To kill for your country is noble, but to kill for yourself is murder. Humans are all the same. They strive to protect themselves and only themselves. If I’ve learned anything in the last five hundred years, it’s that.”
“Then perhaps there is a reason why no natural route to immortality exists.” said Miyako.
Rex laughed again.
Kei was shaking her head, backing away from him. She didn’t know this strange person. The man she had known had been quiet and soft-spoken, with ideals and loyalty. He had been good. And what was he now?
“Iram...” she said, slowly, quietly.
He turned to her suddenly, as if he had forgotten she was there. His deep, liquid garnet eyes, so different from the sky blue they had once been, were intense and serious, “Please don’t call me that.” he said, “My name is Rex.”
“Rex then.” she paused, “When you became a vampire… you did it for me. Didn’t you?”
He looked away and stared at the sky, as if trying to remember something long forgotten. “No.” he replied finally. “For the longest time… I thought it was for you, but… you let me go. You were willing to give me up. It was me who wasn’t willing to let you go.” he looked back at her, and for a second, she thought she saw the man that she had known. “I’ve killed so many people,” he said, “for my own selfish goal… to be with you.” then he smiled. That cold, fanged smile that she didn’t know. “So here I am. I am at your service.”
Kei nodded and gave in. No matter how much he had changed, she knew it was still him. The man she had loved, had kissed, had given everything to. It was him who had held her under the night sky, who had promised to be with her forever and longer, no matter what. She couldn’t give up on him. Not now that he had waited so long for her. He had sacrificed everything for her. She couldn’t let him go now. So she let him hold her once again in his ice cold embrace, and tried to feel warmth there. Maybe, just maybe she could bring the warmth back. In any case, she had to try.
“Keitara.” said Miyako, “Be careful.”
Raye nodded and put away her weapon, carefully avoiding looking at either of them.
Linden said nothing.

They traveled for two days without incident. Rex was always there, but he somehow managed to remain separated from the group. He would always walk somewhat behind the group, which annoyed Raye, because, as a rule, she liked to be the last when traveling with a group. When they stopped, Rex would sit beside Kei, who would occasionally try to make conversation with him. He would usually make an attempt to respond, but their conversations would fall flat, and more often than not, they would quickly lapse into silence. Kei would then go to sleep, with Rex, who didn’t sleep, watching over her until dawn, when he would resume his post at the back of the group as they set out.
It was strange to watch. Kei trying so hard to grasp any remnants of the person Raye assumed that Rex had once been, and Rex trying- Raye had never seen him try so hard at anything, trying to find that person inside of him, when it was obvious that he was gone.
“Perhaps if he wasn’t trying so hard to be what he once was…” she mused to Miyako one evening by the fire. Rex and Kei had gone off for a walk, and Linden was apparently lost in his thoughts, staring into the fire, while picking apart a leaf and throwing the bits in. “He could focus on becoming someone else… someone better.”
“I doubt it.” laughed Miyako, without any sort of humour in her voice. Raye hadn’t realized before what a strong prejudice she held against Rex. It wasn’t like her to be so unforgivingly hateful of someone. Raye wondered if there was something dark in her past experiences with Rex. Something that she hadn’t told anyone.
She was debating asking Miyako this, when Linden did for her, surprising both of them.
“What is it about Rex, Miyako?” he said, suddenly looking up from the fire to meet Miyako’s eyes.
Miyako stared coolly back. “What do you mean?” she said levelly.
“I mean…” he paused, “What is it about him that you hate so much? I know, certainly he’s not an upstanding citizen, and more than one time, you’ve been pitted against each other in various circumstances, but… You’ve faced worse people than him, I think, and still come away with better opinions of them than you have of Rex. So… what is it that has made you have such a low opinion of him?”
Raye nodded appreciatively at Linden, “Yes.” she agreed, “What is it, Miyako?”
“What it is,” said Miyako sharply, “Is that he is the lowest type of moral-lacking slime that I think has ever traversed this world, and it sickens me to look at him.” and she stood and stalked off into the forest.
“I don’t think that’s just it.” said Linden mildly.
“No.” said Raye, staring at the point in the forest where Miyako had disappeared, “No, me neither.”

“The city is called Plainsbridge.” announced Miyako, looking cheerful and much more rested then the rest of the group. Since (and perhaps despite) her outbreak a few nights before, she had been perfectly amiable and helpful towards everyone; with of course, the exception of Rex, and Raye had to wonder if perhaps she had imagined the look of hate in Miyako’s eyes during her bitter verbal tirade against him. Perhaps she had simply been ranting, as she was wont to do, and didn’t really hate Rex at all. Raye didn’t see how she could have for all these years, she had never expressed anything for him except perhaps begrudging respect.
“We should reach it by nightfall, if we keep up a steady pace.” Finished Miyako, and everyone nodded, the thought of a decent cooked meal, and real beds could give an instant lift to anyone’s spirits.
“I haven’t been there in several years.” Mused Raye, “I take it the military status is still the same?”
“It’s still under strict control by Trolst, if that’s what you mean,” said Rex, appearing suddenly through the trees. He had left some time earlier to go hunting, but now it appeared that he had been present for the entire conversation, “It’s much too important of a trading post to be left unguarded.”
“But I wonder…” said Linden, seeming not to notice Rex’s sudden appearance, “About Chiffan and his Night Eagles.”
“I came through here about six months ago.” Replied Miyako, assisting him in pulling back a branch that was blocking the path, “I didn’t hear anything of them, but I suspect, as an undercover operation, that would be their goal.”
“So they’re either excellent hiders, or they weren’t good enough long ago- thank you.” Said Kei, nodding at the two of them as she stepped past the branch.
“Well, Chiffan may not be excellent,” replied Linden, voice slightly strained from holding the branch back, “But he’s quite a bit better than not good enough- Hey!”
Miyako had “accidentally” let go of the branch just as Rex attempted to walk past. His reflexes were good enough to allow him to jump back out of harms way, but not quite good enough to keep him from looking slightly idiotic while doing so.
“Sorry.” Giggled Miyako as Rex climbed jerkily over the branch, “You were saying, Linden?”
“That Chiffan knows what he’s doing. He’s always been good at that sort of thing.”
“Oh, I remember playing with him as a kid.” Nodded Raye, who had doubled back to look at some tracks, and now stood glaring at the branch, “He was always…” she paused to swing her sword down, slicing the branch cleanly in two, to the delight of Keitara, and, she suspected, Linden also, “…plotting these elaborate thieving expeditions into the temples. I don’t think he was ever caught.”
“I don’t think he ever tried them out, actually.” Replied Miyako lightly, winning a silent chuckle from Raye.
“You all three knew him as children,” said Kei, confirming what she had already suspected, that Linden, Raye and Miyako’s friendships went back to far before the conquest of Arden, “Is he a nice man?”
“I’ve met him.” Said Rex quietly, “He wasn’t nice to me. But then, I’m not sure I deserved it, so who am I to judge?”
“No one at all.” Said Miyako coldly, and Rex just nodded.

Plainsbridge was a large, fortified city, surrounded on all four sides by tall, sand-coloured walls. It shot up like an unnatural landmark in the flat, grassy plains around it, and was built right in the centre of a large, foaming river.
“Should we be trying to find the Night Eagles?” asked Raye as they made their way down the grassy slopes to the road, “Or will they be unhappy to see us?”
“I think we should try to find them.” Said Linden, “After all, we’re on the same side, even if our opinions on certain subjects vary.”
“Like the subject of whether we should hide in a bunch of caves, or try to make a difference in this country.” Said Raye bitterly.
“Do you honestly have no ability to see the big picture, whatsoever, Raye?” said Linden, his voice surprisingly hard, “We’re not hiding. We’re surviving.”
“Well it’s a good thing you are.” Said Raye, leaving Linden without a retort.
“Not that I have an opinion either way.” Said Rex lightly, “But I agree with Raye. I think she’s seen a lot more of your big picture than you have, holed up in your little caves. People are dying out here every day. I’ve seen it.”
Miyako snorted angrily. “Since when has that meant anything to you, Rex?”
“It doesn’t.” said Rex, “I’m merely stating Raye’s case.”
“What about Linden’s case?” said Miyako, “He’s got one too. The Resistance isn’t just sitting there in their caves, cut off from the world. They’ve got a huge network of spies, and they’re working on gathering recruits, building up their army, until they have a fighting chance against Trolst.”
“If you’re so dedicated to their cause,” sneered Rex, “Then why haven’t you been working with them for the last three years?”
“She’s not.” Grinned Raye, “She was just stating Linden’s case.”
“Not meaning to interrupt.” Said Kei, “But how are we planning on getting into this city anyway. I mean, won’t it be guarded?”
Linden frowned, “I hadn’t thought of that.” He confessed, “I guess we do look somewhat suspicious. How are we going to get in?”
Rex made a small, indiscriminate noise, causing everyone to turn and look at him.
“What?” said Kei after a moment.
“I’ll… tell them you’re with me.” Said Rex, “I’ve worked for them before.”
Linden sighed at that, and ran his fingers through his dark hair. “I don’t trust you, Rex.” He said finally, looking up at the vampire, “You know that, right?”
Rex stepped in front of Kei protectively. “I’m keeping her safe.” He said levelly, “You know that’s all I care about.”
Linden stared at him for a few minutes, then nodded and dropped his gaze, and the rest of the walk to the city took place in silence.

As promised, the guards at the gate immediately recognized Rex, and let them all in with no questions whatsoever. Raye could tell they were afraid of him, and she wondered how much of a reputation he really did have. Miyako would know, she assumed, but she quickly decided against asking her. She might have, of course just asked Rex, but she did not want to risk upsetting Kei. Better to just remain silent for now.
As they walked through the back alleys of the city, following Linden, who seemed to know where he was going, Raye wondered at his accusations of mistrust towards Rex. Could the vampire have ulterior motives? Kei had confirmed the truthfulness of his story, but he himself had admitted that he had changed. Perhaps he was simply using Kei for his own ends? Raye grit her teeth at the thought and resolved to keep a closer eye on both the princess and the vampire from now on.
Linden had stopped in front of an indiscriminate door. He stared at it, a slight frown creasing his normally smooth forehead. Raye noticed that the prince was really very fetching when confused, and glanced at Kei to affirm her observation. She caught Miyako’s eye and grinned slightly, recalling many a laugh had with her at Linden’s expense, revolving around his complete unawareness of his looks.
Poor little prince, she thought, and Miyako grinned widely.
“Hm…” muttered Linden, and then he raised his fist and knocked three times in rapid succession, then twice more, slowly.
There was a shuffling behind the door and a peephole slit open to reveal a large, bloodshot eye, the iris a pale, blue colour.
“The bakery’s out front.” Croaked an old, weathered voice, female, although barely, “This here’s the employee’s entrance.”
“We’re here to speak with the leader of the Night Eagles.” Said Linden, glancing around at the deserted alleyway, “Representatives from The Caverns.”
“Mm…” muttered the woman, “And how am I to know you come friendly, and without a traitor in your midst, eh?” The eye flickered around, taking in the odd group, “Vampire…” it croaked darkly, “Shalan…”
“Both with myself.” Said Linden, “Lady Ackbridge, isn’t it? Do you remember me? You helped me escape the palace as a boy, Raye, Miyako and Chiffan with me.”
The eye widened and there was a long pause. Then the door swung open, and a woman stood there, so old and bent that it was hard to believe that she was even still able to stand at all, even with the heavy stick she used as a cane. She held it out precariously in front of her now, warning them all not to come in, as she regarded Linden closely.
“So it is you.” She said finally, “I’ve naught seen you in o’er five years now, boy. You’ve filled out a bit, haven’t you?” her sharp eyes wandered over the rest of the group, “Ah, I recognize you now, Shalan. Saw you but last fall, din’t I? Forgive my eyes, but you’ve cut your hair haven’t you?” Miyako nodded slightly, and Lady Ackbridge turned to Raye with pursed lips. “You’re the girl what caused all that ruckus in the caverns those three years past, eh? Hate to say good on you in front of his majesty, but there you are.” Raye smiled quietly, and Linden’s frown deepened.
“Hadn’t we better come in, instead of standing here in the open streets declaring ourselves?” he said tightly.
“Not yet.” Said Ackbridge sharply, “I don’t know the last two.”
“Kei is…” Linden stopped, “A very long story. We will explain to you when we come inside, I promise.”
“She doesn’t look too dangerous,” agreed Ackbridge, causing Kei to pout slightly, “But what about the vampire? I’ve heard of you.” She said, jabbing her cane in Rex’s direction, “Or one like you. Not one anyone for Arden would trust.”
“I trust him.” Said Linden, “At least, I trust that he is for the same cause as Kei, and by extension, us at the moment.”
“The moment isn’t good enough, is it now?” said Ackbridge, “What about tomorrow? Or when he is offered a better deal than he has just now, eh?”
Miyako cut in, surprising everyone, including herself, “He’s a mercenary.” She said in a low voice, “A quiet one. He’ll not reveal the secrets of any past ally. I can swear it on all my experience in dealing with him.”
Everyone turned to look at the Shalan, who quickly hung her head, dark bangs obscuring yellow wolf eyes. Rex cocked his head slightly, but said nothing.
“Well…” said Lady Ackbridge, “Then you’d best come in, and have something to eat. I’ll send for Chiffan, shall I?”
“Thank you.” Said Linden, and they filed, one by one through the small door into the dimly lit room within.

Ackbridge led them to a small back room, windowless, but lit by a silently burning fire. It was sparsely furnished, a table and a few chairs, and a small stairway stood at the back of the room, hinting that the establishment was much larger than it had appeared from the outside.
“Chiffan’s up front right now.” Said Ackbridge, “I’ll go tell him you’re here.”
Then, suddenly, as if remembering something, her eyes flicked to Raye, who was pulling out a chair to sit on. Raye felt the old woman’s gaze and looked up, her eyes visible for a moment under her dark hood, a transparent grey in the firelight.
“Hm…” said Ackbridge, and then disappeared out the door.
“What…” began Kei, and Miyako interrupted her.
“Oh, Raye, I forgot, I’m sorry! Maybe you…”
“No.” said Raye, sitting and staring into the fire, “It’s fine. I’m… I’ll be fine.”
“What?” said Kei again, “What’s going on?”
“Raye has a sort of… complicated past with Chiffan. It’s partly her fault that he… well…” Miyako floundered, “It doesn’t really matter, I suppose.”
And they lapsed into silence for a while until there was a knock at the door. Rex went to open it, standing back as he did so, so that he was not immediately visible to the new arrival. It was a man, assumedly Chiffan, but Kei didn’t get a good look at him, because the moment the door opened, something brown and spiky threw itself off of the tall, blonde man’s shoulder, directly at Kei, who was sitting closest to the door.
Kei screamed and threw her arms up in front of her face. Rex started towards her, but Chiffan got there first, scooping the hedgehog up and throwing it with full force out the door. Where it landed with a squeak and ran off.
“Damn thing.” said Chiffan, frowning after it, and turned to Kei. He was rather good-looking, Kei realized, friendly and open, but his face was prematurely lined, and while one eye was a bright and playful green, the other was obscured by a large dark patch. “Sorry about that. He doesn’t like strangers.”
“He doesn’t like humans!” corrected Raye, standing up, “Why on earth do you still have that thing? It’s crazy!”
“Well, I couldn’t just…” began Chiffan, “Wait… Raye?”
Raye flinched and turned away, drawing her face back into her cloak.
“Wait…” said Chiffan, starting towards her. Then he seemed to remember where he was and stopped. “I… He began, “I mean… it’s been a while.”
Raye gave a small, dry smile, and turned slightly.
“How’s your eye?” she said, the same smile tugging persistently at her lips.
“Still not mad at you.” He replied, lightly, and Raye just shook her head and turned back to the fire. Chiffan turned away regretfully, and surveyed the rest of the group. He did a double take at Linden, and guffawed.
“Linden?!” he laughed, “You’re huge! When did you get so…” he stopped, obviously searching for an accurate descriptive word, and failing to come up with one. Linden just shrugged, causing Miyako to laugh.
“Oh come on, Chiffan, it’s been five years.” She grinned, “You’ve changed too, you know.”
“Really?” laughed Chiffan, “You haven’t at all.”
“Yes, well…” Miyako flicked her hair out of her eyes, “I’ll outlive you all. Except maybe…” she turned to Rex, then stopped aware that she was supposed to be ignoring him. Chiffan turned, and his green eye narrowed.
“You’re the vampire, Rex.” He said, “We met once, when I was a boy. What brings you here?”
Rex shrugged, and nodded at Kei, “I’m with her.” He said simply, and refocused his eyes on the wall, which he had been avidly studying since Chiffan entered.
Chiffan cocked his head, and turned to Kei, “Yes,” he said, “And you are?”
“She’s what we’re here about.” Said Linden, stepping forward slightly, “Chiffan, do you remember the Legend of the Princess of the Light?”
Chiffan nodded slowly, “Yes.” He said, “I always thought it was rubbish, but Miyako…” he stopped, suddenly realizing the meaning of Linden’s words, “Wait…” he said, “Her?” He turned back to Kei, who was standing.
“I’m Keitara.” She introduced herself, “Daughter of Keithanor, third king of Arden. I’m here to rid Arden from the invaders of Trolst.”
“Right.” Said Chiffan dazedly, “Of course.”
“You believe me, right?” said Kei seriously, “I mean I can’t prove anything, but…”
“No, I believe you.” Interrupted Chiffan, “It just… It’s good timing.”
Raye turned from where she had been staring into the fire, “Why?”
“Because…” began Chiffan, “I’ve.. just received word from the Royal City, about a huge group of Rebels there, led by the daughter of the leader of Trolst. They’re planning on gathering all the revolutionary groups around the country and launching a full war on Trolst. So far, their numbers are in the thousands in just the Royal City alone.”
There was silence for several seconds. Then finally Raye spoke, her voice hoarse, “Are you sure of this Chiffan?”
“Yes.” Said Chiffan gravely, “I’m meeting with a representative tomorrow morning. I was just about to send word to the Caverns, actually. I know there are several thousand of you there as well, and if the Resistance in the Caverns, and this new one in The Royal City, could join together, we could effectively bring about a two-front war, and now with Keitara…” he paused, “Well, who knows what could happen.”
Linden was silent for several seconds, staring into some otherwordly distance. Finally he said, “I don’t like to do anything without the Council’s permission, but…” he shook his head, “I’m certain they would agree with you on this, Chiffan. Perhaps I’d better send a letter back to the Caverns, and go to the Royal City with this representative, and Kei.”
“I can’t believe this!” said Miyako, “It’s actually going to happen! We’re going to fight Troslt!”
Raye nodded slowly, “Write a good letter, Linden.” She said, “It won’t be easy to convince the Council.”
“I agree.” Said Chiffan, “Your whole organization seems loathe to do any fighting at all, unless it’s amongst itself.”
“That was my fault.” Said Raye sharply, “Not the Council’s.”
“It was not your fault, Raye.” Said Chiffan, he turned to Linden, his face suddenly intense and angry, “How could you let her think that, all these years?”
“I haven’t!” said Linden, louder than was normal for him, “I haven’t wanted to, believe me. She…”
“I left.” Said Raye, the same tonelessness back in her voice now, “I couldn’t stay there.”
“I asked you to come with me.” Chiffan’s voice was strained, as if he was gritting his teeth slightly, “Why didn’t you? We’ve done things here, we could have…”
“We couldn’t.” Raye was shaking her head now, backing up, “I couldn’t. It was my fault, Chiffan. I couldn’t live with myself…” She sighed, and hunched her back turning away, “I’m not having this conversation.” She said tightly, “Not here.”
“Fine.” Said Chiffan, turning to the rest of the group, “Excuse us.” And he grabbed Raye’s arm and steered her out of the room, closing the door quickly behind them. There was a moment of weighted silence, and then the door opened again. Chiffan’s head popped in, and he said, “There are beds upstairs. I’ll send Ackbridge up later. Have a good night.” And then the door closed again, this time permanently.
“Um…” said Kei, “Were Raye and Chiffan… together?”
Miyako nodded, “They certainly were.” She said sadly, “As together as any two people could be. It was that stupid civil war in the caverns. Raye… wanted to fight, and Chiffan was with her. It turned out badly. No one was killed, but… Chiffan lost his eye, defending Raye.”
“We locked up the man that did it.” Said Linden, “Everyone involved in the fighting left. A number of them came here, but Raye… Well…” Linden looked embarrassed, “I don’t actually know where she went.”
“To a small town on the other side of the mountains.” Said Miyako instantly, “I went to see her every now and then. She said she’d given up on Arden, but…”
“Now here she is.” Said Rex, from the corner, “How strange.”
“How would you know?” Said Miyako, but with little conviction, as the end of the retort morphed itself into a huge yawn, “Chiffan said there were beds upstairs, didn’t he?” she said, yawning again, “I hope they’re comfy.”
And she headed to the stairs, followed by the Linden, Kei and Rex. The first three were asleep almost instantly, and only Rex, sitting on the windowsill late that night was aware of Raye coming up the stairs and silently slipping into bed, pulling the ever-present hood down over her eyes as she did so, so that no one could see her face as she slept.

The next morning was early, although Kei found that she didn’t mind so much any more. They had real cooked food for the first time in days, and she had slept better on the beds than she felt she had in five hundred years, or perhaps ever. Everyone seemed to be in the same frame of mind as her, even Raye, who was generally not a morning person.
Kei desperately wanted to ask Raye what had happened last night after everyone else had gone to sleep, but something told her that questioning Raye would not yield any answers- it was most definitely between her and Chiffan- and between Chiffan’s eager explanations and serving of breakfast, and Raye’s regular, emotionless mannerisms, Kei could deduce absolutely nothing of their attitude towards each other.
After breakfast, everyone washed, and Chiffan went into a back room for a few minutes. When he returned, he was dressed in black and white, and carrying a large case full of papers. Kei also noticed that he wore a large, golden ring with a smooth black stone in it. The stone had a sort of opalescent sheen to it, she noticed- when it caught the light in a certain way, it seemed to glow with a bright turquoise colour.
When she asked what it was, Chiffan explained that it was a gift from the Blue Storm (The rebellion in the Royal City) to prove to the representative that he was an ally. “See the blue sheen?” he demonstrated for her, letting it catch the morning sunlight, “It has an unbreakable spell on it so it will only glow when on the finger of a true Rebel of Arden.”
“Clever.” Remarked Miyako, peering over Chiffan’s shoulder, “Who did the spell?”
“The emperor’s daughter.” Replied Chiffan, “Apparently, she’s quite the magician. She spell-proofs all the letters and communication between the rebels, so that all of Trolst is completely oblivious to them.
“And how do you know you can trust her?” said Rex, “She could be working for her father, in an elaborate plan to seek out all the rebel groups in Arden and destroy them.”
Chiffan straightened, and looked at Rex. “We don’t.” he said seriously, “But we don’t really have a choice. It’s this or nothing, you must see that.”
Rex raised his eyebrows condescendingly and turned away. Raye looked up from her breakfast. “I agree.” She said.
“As do I.” nodded Miyako, “Raye is right.” She turned to Linden, who was standing already, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.
“I…” he said, and paused, turning slightly and lowering his eyes to the ground, “I agree too. I don’t think… we’ll every have another chance. Not as long as we’re alive.”
“And so we go?” said Miyako, and Linden nodded.
“And so we do.” He confirmed.
“And so we should,” said Chiffan, “Or we’ll be late!”

The place they were meeting the representative was an old church, made of the same sand-coloured stone as the walls of the city. It was old, however, with part of the roof missing, and the old wooden rafters and stage were badly water-damaged, so that the whole place seemed entirely unsafe.
“Seems strange…” mused Raye, running a gloved hand along one of the broken pews, “To think of God in all this.”
“Oh?” said Rex, examining the building lightly, hands in the pockets of his long coat, “I thought you were religious, Raye.”
“I am.” Said Raye, sighing, “Or I was, when I believed in anything.”
Kei thought she saw Chiffan glance at Raye for a second, before shielding his one eye to look at the sun.
“Noon.” He said, “They should be here.”
There was a thumping noise from the front of the church, and everyone turned to see a figure emerge from behind the stage, dragging something heavy and limp.
Chiffan looked around with raised eyebrows, and then he ran to the front of the stage, followed by the rest of the group.
The person who was standing was tall, and swathed entirely in black, so that only his eyes showed, a pale, amber colour. The object he was dragging was, to Kei’s horror, another person, badly wounded, with deep, oozing gashes across the face. He wasn’t moving.
“Oh my god…” began Kei, and Chiffan drew his sword, Linden and Raye’s hands both on their hilts.
“Who are you?” Said Chiffan, “What’s happened?”
“Ah…” said the black person slowly, lifting his head to look at them. His voice was sharp, with a horrible breathy quality that made it seem almost snake-like, “Chiffan, isn’t it?” he shook the body in his hands, so that the head rolled slightly. Kei felt she might be sick.
“He was coming to meet you.” Said the black man, “Shame about his face, wouldn’t you say? Were there a funeral, it would most definitely be a closed casket affair.”
“Who are you?” Repeated Chiffan, “What do you want?”
“What do I want?” repeated the black man, rolling his head around on his neck, in a disturbing imitation of the dead mean. Kei was breathing heavily, the only sound in the otherwise entirely silent church. The black man stopped, and regarded Chiffan through the heavily lidded eyes.
“What I want…” he said, and he raised his other arm. It held a cross-bow, black and wicked looking. “What I want…” he said again, and then shot, “Is this.”
Chiffan cried out, and lunged sideways, the arrow slicing through his sleeve, and the flesh of his arm. He yelled in pain, and Raye gasped and ran towards him.
Linden drew his sword, and rushed at the black man, but Kei was faster. With reflexes she didn’t know she had, she threw herself onto the stage and rushed at the man, her anger and fear compressing, and forming the white-hot crackling lightning around her arms. She growled and shot her arm out at the man, a white bolt flying at him. He dodged, and the bolt hit the door of his would be escape route. He turned as the back wall began to collapse with the force and cursed at her.
“Kei!” Linden was behind her now, followed by Raye, Miyako, and Chiffan, holding onto a bleeding arm. She turned for a moment, and the black man ran. Kei growled again, and shot more magic at him. She hit him straight this time, and he fell, but the magic deflected slightly, slamming into the walls, and posts holding up the church. There was a horrible cracking noise, and then more, faster, and a large piece of mortar fell from the roof, narrowly missing Kei, and blocking the way to the man.
“We have to get out of here!” yelled Chiffan, and Linden grabbed Kei’s arm, dragging her back down the steps of the stage towards the doorway as the roof continued to collapse. They reached the doorway just as the entire roof fell in, and they all coughed as they ran from the debris, to hide in one of the abandoned buildings nearby.
Raye ripped the hood off of her face, to better to see as she kneeled to look at Chiffan’s wound. She wasn’t disfigured at all, Kei realized, but just normal, with hastily plaited hair, and shadowed grey eyes.
“How did you do that, Kei!?” cried Miyako, interrupting Kei’s assessment.
“I have magic.” Replied Kei, turning away from Raye, who looked awkward, “I told you.”
“It’s just grazed.” Said Raye, tearing a strip from her cloak to tie around the wound, “You’ll be fine.”
“I never said I wouldn’t be.” Said Chiffan, glaring fondly up at her as she quickly pulled her hood back over her face, “Who was that?”
“Whoever it was, he knew about Chiffan, and who knows what else that dead man told him.” Said Linden hurriedly, “Chiffan, he could know everything.”
Chiffan stood quickly, wincing at the pain in is arm, “Right.” He said, “The eagles will have to evacuate.”
“Go to the Caverns.” Said Linden, “You’ll be safe there.”
Miyako nodded, and walked towards Chiffan, pulling the short staff from her back as she did. “Take this.” She told him, “It will get you there fastest.”
Chiffan nodded, and turned to Linden. “Blue Storm needs to be told of this.” He said, “You need to find them and tell them all that’s happened. Get Kei there safely.” He pulled the shimmering Ring off of his finger, and handed it to Linden, who took it, and slid it onto his right hand.
“Where do we find them?” said Raye, standing and quickly walking to join them.

Chiffan shook his head. “Go to Miramsway.” He said, “Find a man named Faleway.”
“Faleway.” Repeated Raye. She paused and then began, “Chiffan…”
Chiffan turned to her quickly. Raye shook her head, “I… I mean. You should go.”
Chiffan nodded, “Right.” He said, and turned to the rest of them. “I’m sorry.” He said, “I hope you make it.”
“You too.” Said Linden, and then Chiffan was gone.
“We need to go too.” Said Miyako, and Linden nodded.
“Wait… Where’s Rex?”
“Here.” Said a voice, and Rex stepped through the doorway, “There’s no body.” He said, “Whoever he was, he’s escaped.”
“That’s not important now.” Said Linden, “We need to get out of the city.”
“Yes.” Said Rex, “I know a way out.”

Rex led them to a small, abandoned house, down the stairs, and into the cellar. There he pulled aside one of the old, dusty shelves to reveal a small, dirt tunnel, leading off into the darkness.
“It’s best not to alert anyone to our leaving.” He explained, taking a long disused lantern from the wall and lighting it.
Raye walked to the entrance of the tunnel, and shook her head, placing one gloved hand on each muddy wall. “Someone not of this earth must hate me.” She muttered to herself, and then said clearly, “I’ll go first.”
No one saw any reason to argue, so one by one, they filed into the narrow tunnel. They walked along the passage for at least an hour, carrying them, Kei was sure, far beyond the reaches of the city walls. It was a long, tense walk, with little conversation, and all efforts concentrated on keeping footing in the slippery wet mud that was the ground.
When they finally emerged from the tunnel into the bright afternoon sunlight, it was to everyone’s immense relief. They were in the outskirts of a dark, quiet forest, and looking west down some rocky cliffs, and across the flat valley, they could see Plainsbridge in the distance, looking as solitary and immobile as ever.
Raye sighed, and sat down on a log to recuperate. “I hope the Eagles made it out okay.” She said after a moment, “I doubt that masked man was acting alone. It’s a pity you didn’t kill him, Kei.”
“It wasn’t for lack of trying.” Said Linden, and Kei turned, surprised to see that the prince was actually grinning widely, “Kei…” he said, “You completely destroyed that building.”
Kei laughed, and Linden’s grin widened. He brought a hand to his face to cover his mouth as he began to chuckle silently, his face reddening slightly from embarrassment.
Raye looked up bemusedly, “Kei.” She said suddenly, “I do believe you’ve made Linden laugh.”
Linden’s blush deepened, but he couldn’t seem to stop his silent laughter. Raye, Miyako and Kei watched in fascination, as he sank slowly to the ground, both hands covering his mouth and his face a flushed pink from embarrassment, and from the strain of withheld laughter.
Miyako sauntered over to him and poked him lightly with a clawed finger, grinning deviously, “You alright, Linden?” she said, unable to hold back her own chuckle.
Linden shook his head, and pitched forward, covering his face with his hands, and causing everyone to laugh as well now.
Raye, smiling widely, pulled herself off the log and went over to Linden and Miyako.
“Come on, Linden...” She said, bending over to wrap both hands around his torso, and with Miyako’s help, heave him to his feet, “…get up.”
“Pretty little princeling…” laughed Miyako, as she ducked under Linden’s shoulder to help lift him, “You’re so odd.”
“I am not.” Said Linden, deeply affronted, “And don’t call me that. None of those words describe me in the least.”
Raye laughed, and Miyako jumped onto Linden’s back, causing him to fall over again, with Raye jumping out of the way just in time, and yelling at him to be more considerate of where he fell, before jumping on him, and with Miyako’s help, pinning him to the ground.
Kei watched delightedly. They were friends, she realized. Real honest, wonderfully close friends, who all knew each other, possibly better than they knew themselves. Kei had never before realized how much she had wanted to have this kind of friends, and now here she was with three of them, all of whom, she knew, were ready to accept her, without complaint or second thought. Suddenly she felt more at home, more in place than she ever had in her life. More even than she had with…
She glanced at Rex, who was staring at the ruckus with an unrecognizable look on his smooth marble face, and was stunned to realize that she felt the same way about him. She liked him. Rex- the cold, cynical vampire. She wanted… to be his friend.
Suddenly, before she could look away, Rex raised his eyes, and his deep, garnet gaze met hers. They were full of emotion, emotion that she hadn’t known he still possessed. For a moment, she recognized Iram, knew, every inch of the face before her, even though she had only seen this expression once. It was the look that he had given her when she told him that she had decided to go to sleep- a look of pain so intense that it filled her whole body with guilt, and anger at the unfairness of it all.
But there was something in that look that hadn’t been there before. Something less selfish perhaps. Something ready to give her up- for her sake, and this time not for anyone else’s…
And then he looked away, and that connection that she had felt died, instantly, making her wonder if perhaps she had imagined those feelings that he had conveyed to completely to her.
“Rex…” she began, but he just shook his head, and motioned to Miyako and Raye, who had finally let Linden up, after making him swear to all manner of unmentionable things.
“You wanted to go to Miramsway, right?” he said smoothly, “We’ll need to go through Crossway first. It’s east of here, about five days walk.”
“I know that.” Said Miyako bitterly, “Thank you, Rex.”
The vampire just shrugged, and turned away, striding forward into the dark forest before any of them could stop him.
“I don’t like him.” Said Miyako, “Have I mentioned that?”
“I believe you have.” Said Linden, “But you’ve yet to mention a reason.”
“Hmph” said Miyako, and stalked off.
Raye sighed. “Heaven forbid we remain in a group.” She said sarcastically, “Come on Kei,” she nodded at the prince, “Your Giggleness.”
“I will kill you.” Commented Linden.
“My sword is bigger.” Replied Raye, and Kei laughed, and agreed.

It rained the next day. Not a heavy rain, but light, refreshing sprinkles of water, that fell onto the warm ground and turned into a beautiful swirling mist around them. Kei got up early, and ran around in it for a little while, dancing happily for a moment, before she turned and realized that Linden, was awake as well, and staring at her. He blushed, and looked away quickly, a small smile escaping his lips as he did so, and she felt her own cheeks turning pink.
Luckily, at that moment, Rex returned with a rabbit for breakfast, and Miyako woke up and berated him for killing it, even though she had done the same on many previous occasions. The mood when they set out was therefore somber, but lightened considerably when the sun came out, turning the mist and raindrops on the leaves into sparkling golden rainbows. Linden, to everyone’s surprise, jumped up onto an old giant log and walked along it for a period before jumping nimbly to another, and proceeding to do the same.
“You’re going to kill yourself.” Raye informed him sourly, “If your apparent brain tumor doesn’t first.”
“Brain what?” said Kei, who had jumped up onto the log after Linden and was walking behind him.
“Tumor.” Said Raye, “It’s this thing that grows in people’s minds and makes them go crazy.” The glared at the prince.
Linden laughed. He had a nice laugh, Kei thought- honest, and straight-forward. She liked it very much. So much so that she forgot to look where she was walking and stepped right onto a slippery wet patch of the log. She slid, and Linden, who was closest to her, dived to catch her. She landed in the soft moss, and Linden accomplished nothing but to throw himself off of the log, narrowly miss landing on her himself.
“Nice.” Commented Raye, “Very chivalrous.”
“Thank you.” Replied Linden with a groan as he stood, and offered a hand to help Kei up.
Kei took it, and stood herself, nursing her ankle, which had twisted at an odd angle as she fell.
“You hurt yourself.” Said Rex, with a quick, displeased look at Linden. He bent down to look at her ankle, unfortunately at the same time as Miyako.
“I’ll do it.” Said Miyako, “She’s my ward.”
“She’s my…” said Rex, and stopped, unsure of how to end the sentence. He stared at Kei’s leg for a moment, then stood. “Fine.” He said, “It’s sprained. You should wrap it.”
“I will.” Said Miyako, and reached into her pack for the necessary supplies.
With the wrap in place, Kei barely felt the pain at all, and they were able to resume their trek until sundown, when the light pain had increased to a dull throb. Miyako removed the bandages and compared it to the other leg. It was quite swollen.
“It needs ice.” Said Miyako, then bit her lip with an annoyed look on her face. Rex stood and sauntered over. Kneeling near her leg, he took the ankle in his ice-cold hands and began to lightly massage it. Miyako snorted and stood to leave. Rex was silent, concentrating on his task, not looking at her face. His face appeared to be expressionless, but Kei had always been good at reading him. At the moment he looked… confused.
“Thank you.” She murmured, and he pursed his lips, and glanced at Raye and Linden, who quickly pretended not to be watching and returned to their conversation about lentils.

The next morning, Kei’s leg was stiff and a bit sore, but the swelling had gone down, and Miyako promised that it would be almost back to normal within the next few days.
The rain had stopped, and it was sunny and peaceful. Kei found herself wanting to dance again, but Miyako firmly reprimanded her, saying that it would not help her ankle in the least. Linden laughed again, and Miyako eyed him suspiciously.
“I’m beginning to agree with Raye.” She said, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“No.” laughed Linden, and refused to comment further.
Miyako shrugged, and went back to shooting annoyed glances at Rex, who was in turn, glaring at the moss as if it had personally offended him.
“Hey.” Said Kei, “Is that a road?”
“Is it?” said Linden, “I thought we were traveling parallel to the road.”
“Perhaps we’ve veered south slightly.” Said Raye.
“If we have veered south.” Said Miyako, “It’s Rex’s fault.”
“Probably.” Agreed Rex tonelessly, which only served to infuriated Miyako further.
Raye sighed. “Maybe we can hitch a ride. It would save us some time.”
“Yeah.” Agreed Miyako, chipper again, “Linden could use his persuasive skills.”
“I could not.” Linden crossed his arms, “It’s too dangerous isn’t it?”
“Depends who we meet.” Said Raye, “Let’s put Linden out there for some lonely old baroness…”
“Excuse me!” replied Linden, “Let’s not.”
“It is too dangerous,” said Rex, “We’re easily recognizable, and thanks to that masked man, Trolst could be on the lookout for us already.”
“Maybe if your hair wasn’t pink...” began Miyako.
“I wish I’d killed him.” Said Kei, bitterly, and Miyako stopped to look at her.
“You shouldn’t wish that.” Said Raye, “Killing is an awful thing.”
“But now we could be killed because of it.” Said Kei.
“Well, you may get your chance.” Replied Rex, “I don’t think we’ve seen the end of him.”
“God help him when we do.” Said Linden bitterly, “I don’t think he’s one for your pity, Kei.”
Miyako and Raye nodded, and they set off East, away from the road.

“I went to the road to look at the markers.” Said Rex, as he rejoined the party around noon the next day. It was still sunny, although the sprinkling of rain had returned, “We’ve made good time. We should be there by tomorrow evening.”
“Tomorrow?” said Linden, sounding shocked.
“Yes.” Said Rex, “Why?”
“Oh.” Said Linden, “Nothing. Sorry.”
And he was oddly quiet for the rest of the day. Kei’s ankle was paining her slightly, and because of the good time that they had made, they stopped just before sunset, and ate a generous helping of their rations. The mood was oddly tense. Kei felt melancholy. As if something was about to come to an end, and they were heading to something new. She didn’t want to leave this forest, she realized. She wasn’t ready. It was as if there was something she hadn’t done yet - something important.
She glanced at Rex, who, she was surprised to see, was staring at Miyako. A glance at the Shalan yielded nothing out of order. Miyako was calmly sketching in her notebook, apparently oblivious to the vampire’s gaze.
Kei cocked her head and tried to read Rex’s expression. It wasn’t malevolent, not in the least. In fact she couldn’t place it at all. It had nothing to do with any expression that Iram had ever worn in his life, although, if Kei had to place it, on an unfamiliar face, she’d say it was…
Wait. She told herself, That can’t be possible. Rex doesn’t… does he?
Did he? Was it possible that Rex, perhaps… liked Miyako?
But she hates him! Thought Kei sadly, PoorRex!
Suddenly, Rex’s eyes flicked to Kei. For a moment, he looked embarrassed, then he shifted, as if he was about to get up, and come sit with her. But, surprisingly, Linden got there first.
“Hi.” He said.
“Oh.” Said Kei, looking up at him, “Hello.” She glanced at Rex, who was watching the exchange with raised eyebrows.
“Can I…” said Linden, “Um… can I talk to you?” he paused, “Uh… you know, alone, I mean…” he shook his head quickly, “Can we go for a walk?”
Kei wanted to go for a walk with him. It surprised her how much she wanted to go for a walk with him.
“Oh.” She said, self-conscious of how breathy her voice sounded, “All right.”

That feeling was back again. The baited, hurried feeling that told her something was going to happen. Something important, and exciting and scary. Something that she couldn’t go back on after. And she wanted it to happen.
It was raining, and twilight, and Linden led her to a clearing in the forest and sat down across from her in the dark, wet moss.
“Kei.” He said, and she wasn’t sure if it was the mist or his voice that sent shivers up her spine. She couldn’t trust herself to speak, so she just looked at him, and hoped that he understood.
He did. “I…” he began, “I don’t know how to say… what I… I mean… I’ve never…” he paused and ran his fingers through his hair, “I just… I’m not good at this, and I don’t know what I’m feeling, and I don’t think I’ve ever even felt anything before, not in ages, and… please say something so that I can stop making a fool out of myself.”
Kei laughed, “You’re silly.” She said, “Did you know that?”
Linden shook his head, “But that’s not right.” He replied, “I can’t be…”
“Why?”
Linden just shook his head. “I don’t want…” he began, “I want…” he dropped his head into his face, and took several deep breaths. Kei wanted to throw her arms around him, and hold onto him, until he was happy again. But she knew she couldn’t. Not yet.
“Kei.” He said again, after a while, “I…” his dark eyes met with hers, and all of a sudden the indecision and confusion went away, and his eyes were smoldering, and they took her breath away so she couldn’t think of anything else.
“I love you.” He said, and he leaned forward and kissed her.
Despite having seen the kiss coming, Kei was completely surprised by it. She froze for a moment, causing Linden to start and attempt to pull back, but she caught her wits in time to respond, and they kissed blissfully for a few moments.
Suddenly, Linden cried out and threw himself backward, staring with a horrified face into the forest behind her. Kei whipped around, to catch a glimpse of wide garnet eyes, and a dead, rose petal blur, as the vampire fled.
“Rex!” she cried, her voice cracking, and she flew into the forest after him.

Iram…
She turned her head from the blue abyss of stars, to look at him.
“Are you awake?”
“Hm?” Iram blinked once, the dark purple sky reflected in glowing blue eyes, and turned to her. “I was just… thinking.” He slid a hand out from under his fair head, and touched it to hers, lying next to him in the field.
“Oh?” she said, looking up at the stars, “What about?”
“Well… there’s so much. I want to… see it all. And, you know, help everyone.”
“You can’t help everyone, Iram. Some people don’t want to be helped.”
“But you do.”
“Oh, yes.” Replied Kei, laughing, “You can help me whenever you want.”
He gazed at her for a moment, then rolled over to lie on her in the grass, comfortably heavy on her in the musky smell of the night.
“I will…” he said, “Always. I promise, I’ll do whatever you want…”
She smiled up at him, in love with the wide, warm blue eyes, and slender body, and beautiful mind of him. “I just want you.”
“Then I’ll always be here for you.” He said, “I promise.”
And he leaned down to brush her lips gently.

“Rex!” called Kei through her tears, “Please stop, please listen to me! Iram!”
He stopped, and turned to face her, that same cold look on his face, the one that said That’s not my name. Don’t call me by it.
“I’m sorry.” She panted, “Please, I’m sorry, Rex. I love you.”
“You don’t.” He said harshly.
She shook her head, pained, and felt herself dying a little inside, “I did.” She said, voice breaking again, and she fell forward into his cold embrace. “I’m sorry.”
“I am too.” He said, “For not being capable of the love that I should give you.”
“I do love you.” She insisted, “It just… isn’t the way it was. It can’t be.”
Rex sighed, and stepped back turning his face away to look at the rain in the trees, “I know.” He said, and turned to look at his hands, in that same unbearably sad way, “I wonder if I will ever redeem my evil, or sink back into my darkness.”
“Rex. You’re not evil.” She said sternly, or tried, her tears ruining the effect somewhat.
“Oh.” He said, “Yes, I am. I’ll protect you, Kei. I promised. But… you’re better with him. I always… just wanted you to be happy.”
“You too.” She said, causing him to chuckle darkly.
She smiled at him for a moment. “I like you Rex.” She said, “I know it’s not what it was, but… it’s something.”
“Yes.” He nodded, “It is.” He shook his head, and reached to brush her cheek tenderly with a cold hand. “Go back to your love, Kei. Be happy.”
She nodded, and wiped her face on her sleeve. Then she turned and headed back to where she had left Linden, sitting in the forest glade.
The vampire sighed then, and stalked off into the forest, wholly unsure of his feelings in all respects.

Chapter 5

Miyako was unable to hide her pleased look when Kei recounted to her and Raye the events of the previous evening. Much to Raye’s annoyance, she refused to go into detail about anything, but told only the facts, in a quiet, bemused manner as they walked together through the dense forest. Linden was leading- he kept shooting nervous glances at the three of them, probably worrying about how much detail Kei was going into. She assumed that Rex was feeling the same way, although as he was walking behind them, she was unable to tell anything about him at all.
Miyako did not bother in the least to hide her appreciation for Kei’s no longer being with Rex. Raye noted that she seemed much happier about Rex’s loss than about Kei’s gained freedom, and she wondered again why she hated him so much. Her blatant hostility towards him was enough to make Raye second guess any trust that she may have gained for them in their journey so far. She wondered, with an odd spurt of annoyance, why he was still following them, if he was really no longer with Kei, and didn’t mind her being with Linden. What really annoyed her, she admitted begrudgingly to herself, was her inability to read Rex, in the way that she was able to read most people. Even the secretive Linden’s motives were generally obvious to her, but Rex was much more than secretive. It was enough to drive anyone mad.
Linden glanced over his shoulder again, and met Kei’s eyes. Raye and Miyako exchanged glances as Kei’s face lit up at his small smile, and she ran to walk with him, catching up his hand in his in an almost gag-worthy manner. Miyako shook her head, grinning, and Raye joined her. She was happy for Kei, and even more so for Linden. Kei seemed to open up parts of him that hadn’t shown for years. Since before that day, when he had seen things that no human should have to endure…
Raye shook herself, thinking that such dark, depressing memories were not to be brought up to tarnish such a beautiful day as this. Linden certainly wasn’t thinking about them, nor Miyako, although she had glanced back at Rex, and now wore a somewhat sour expression on her sharp, wolf-like face. Raye sighed, and wished, once again for the small village that she had lived in for the last few years, and her cabin, and a good book and… well, Chiffan. He would be good too. She grimaced ruefully, and concentrated on the ground at her feet, focusing on nothing more than that for the next few hours.

It was still a few more hours walk to the city of Crossway when Rex disappeared. Miyako was the first to notice his disappearance, but no one could say exactly when the last time they had seen him had been. As Raye pointed out, it wasn’t exactly abnormal for Rex to wander off for a few hours, to hunt, and such, but he usually at least mentioned that he was leaving.
“I suppose he’s got no reason to tell us anything about himself does he?” mused Linden, and Miyako finished his observation with “If he wants to go off and pout for a few hours, what’s it to us?”
“That isn’t exactly what I meant.” Replied Linden, but he dropped the subject. The walk to the city was silent, as they had previously agreed to spend one night there only, and not to tell anyone of their business.
“We’ll go to the Knotted Rope.” Miyako had said, “I know the innkeeper there, and he shouldn’t give us any trouble.”
Everyone glad of this, as it was nearing twilight when they finally reached the city, and they were all expectant for a warm bed. The innkeeper of the Knotted Rope was an old, pudgy man who conversed with Miyako in a friendly but serious manner. As promised, no questions were asked as she secured a small room for them, and breakfast the next morning. Kei couldn’t help smiling a little as Miyako turned at the last moment with a pained look on her face and said, “If a tall, stupid-looking vampire with pink hair shows up looking for us… tell him where we are.” Then she walked quickly off without waiting for the confused innkeeper’s reply.
Linden, who had previously had no qualms with sleeping next Kei, now opted to sleep on the floor rather than in the same bed as her, something which Raye and Miyako both found extremely funny, for reasons that Kei could not fathom. Together they shared the last of their rations, and went to sleep immediately, very glad to be in beds once again, even Miyako, who slept outdoors more often than in. Rex still had not appeared, and the last thing that Kei thought before she drifted off to sleep was that she was a little bit worried about him, and she hoped he hadn’t taken her being with Linden too badly. She would have hated to estrange him in any way. Then her thoughts drifted from the sensible, ordered thoughts of consciousness as she fell into a deep, silent sleep.

Raye was woken suddenly as the door to their room was flung open, and several dark shapes rushed in. It took her but a moment to realize that they held weapons, and another to reach for hers, and fling it at the nearest attacker. Miyako and Linden were already up, fighting as best they could, but they were hopelessly outnumbered. When they went for Kei she screamed, and threw her lightning magic at them, but to no effect.
“They’ve got magic shields up!” realized Raye out loud, “Kei, get away!”
But it was too late. Two of the attackers grabbed Kei by the arms, and another held a sword to her throat. Linden cried out, and Miyako and Raye both stopped fighting immediately.
“That’s right.” Said a voice from the door, “There’s the weak spot.” The voice was horribly familiar, and as its owner slid into the room, Raye immediately recognized the bright, amber eyes, and disturbing, snake-like movements.
“You.” She hissed, and the man, or creature cocked its head, “Yes.” It said, “Me. I’d advise you not to move, we won’t want anything to happen to our precious princess here.”
Linden swore, and Kei struggled, lightning crackled around her arms as she addressed the man in black, “How did you find us?”
“My dear, we never lost you.” Laughed the man, striding up to her, and taking her chin in a gloved hand. Linden swore again, and the man laughed.
“Temper, your majesty.” He crooned, turning towards Linden.
“How do you know so much about us?” said Linden, struggling against the arms that now held him firmly, “How did you know where we’d be staying?”
The man cocked his head, and looked around. After a moment, he spoke, quietly, almost as if to himself, “And where is the fifth member of your party? Surely he was with you but a day ago.”
“Rex!” spat Miyako, “It was him! I knew it was him all along! He’s been working for you!” she turned to Kei, “He tricked us!”
“Miyako!” said Raye sharply, but it was too late. Kei’s eyes were wide with disbelief and regret.
“No…” she whispered, and the man in black laughed. Then he pulled off his mask to reveal sharp, pale features, and straight, impossibly neat brown hair. His entire face was dominated by the narrow, lidded eyes of that inhuman amber colour.
“My name is Argosch.” He said, “And you’d best remember it. I’ll be the bane of your little resistance, and the torment of your lives. Or… what’s left of them.” And he laughed, and signaled to his men to lead them, struggling from the room.

The next few days were a blur of pain and regret. They spent most of their time in the back of a closed carriage, tied up and gagged to prevent them from talking. Raye was sick from the movement of the car most of the time, and Miyako and Linden both spent most of the time with their eyes downcast, or to the walls. Kei wished she knew what they were thinking about. The worst thing for her was the boredom. Thoughts and memories flew through her head without any sign of slowing, except for sleep. She longed for some peace, but she couldn’t stop going through every memory of Rex. There was no other alternative. He had had all the information, knew all their plans, and he had tricked them all. But somehow, she found that she couldn’t be angry at him. Instead she was angry at herself. For leaving him, for causing him to be this way, just so that she could be here, and what was she doing now, except heading to her death? It was enough to drive anyone mad.

Piczo