Ashelia at Dusk

Part III, Chapter Fourteen: Kawa Faces the Aftermath of the Crossing

2012-02-13T23:13:00.006-08:00

Part III: Shiromori

"When one can no longer be surprised, then it is time to worry." --Zhi philosopher, c. 210 AE

May 10, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Maru!"

Kawa threw one frantic glance over his shoulder and pounded on the door again. Of all the mornings for his sister to sleep late. Of all the nights for him to be out until well past dawn, looking everywhere for Kyato after he'd called at her brother's castle and a guard told him she'd left. Of all the days for their father to make himself so scarce it was beyond suspicious. "Maru, are you awake? Maru, please wake up!"

Only a moan.

What if she was ill? Or worse, what if she'd been drugged? It wouldn't have surprised him. Not considering everything else. "Maru!"

He tried to barge in but the door was locked. Why had she locked the door? She never locked the door, not if she was sleeping alone. And she was definitely sleeping alone.

She'd be sleeping alone for a while now.

"Maru..."

Beware the Crossing of the Three Orbs. Your sister stands to lose everything.

Oh Kitasa. Kitasa have mercy. "Maru, it's your family..."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Thirteen: Azuka Learns the Calling

2012-01-31T00:11:00.001-08:00

Part III: Shiromori

"There is no reason not to answer if one has nothing to hide." --Zhi poet, c. 780 AE

May 10, 1115 AE
Hall of the Blue Sisters, Shiromori

"You may enter." Sister Kinoe's retroactive permission was delivered with an annoyed glance. Azuka swallowed. Two years in now and all the rules still weren't second nature. Why hadn't they sent her away yet? They didn't need her. She wasn't a Blue Sister. She was just another last-born merchant's daughter whose older sisters hadn't left her a dowry and whose stepmother wanted her out of the house regardless. That hardly qualified her to be here.

And yet, here she was. "Sister Kinoe."

The Sister looked up from her book and pursed her lips as if chewing on something distasteful. Even for her it was a troubling look. "What did that man want?"

That man. She spoke it like she'd known him before. It would have explained why she'd left at the sight of him. It would have explained why Azuka was here telling her this instead of her working with the firsthand knowledge she preferred. "He had two girls with him. One is just a toddler, a little half-Tasian; she's in the nursery now. The other's a Shiromori, an older girl--maybe a few years younger than me. She's sleeping in one of the dormitories."

"I see." Sister Kinoe raised a hand and gestured for Azuka to come closer; not wanting to push her luck, Azuka obliged. "This older girl... the man's daughter?"

Azuka shook her head. "She didn't seem to know him. Kept cussing at him, telling him her mother would never stand for this."

Sister Kinoe sniffed. "Hardly sounds like Sister material. Oh well, she can't join the order without the expressed permission of her legal guardian anyway."

"Then what will become of her?"

"She can stay here in sanctuary so long as she behaves." Sister Kinoe glanced down at the page in front of her, then back up at Azuka. She had the strangest of gazes, like she was reaching in through your own eyes to pick apart your soul--or so Azuka had thought until she'd met the man who brought the girls. "Starting tomorrow night she'll be bunking with you. Keep an eye on her. I don't expect you to turn her into a Sister but at least keep the cussing to a minimum."

"Yes, Sister Kinoe." It was the end of the conversation and she knew it. And yet, she didn't move.

Sister Kinoe frowned. "Have you any questions, Sister Azuka?"

Sisters were not supposed to question. Sisters were supposed to read scriptures and shelter orphans and otherwise go about their dull routines in the most compliant of ways. Azuka was no Sister. "That man. You seemed to recognize him from somewhere. Do you know him?"

In hindsight, a scolding seemed inevitable, but Sister Kinoe only sighed. "My dear, it is not the place of the Sisters to deal with such a man. That is the calling of one much higher."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Twelve: Kyato's Plans Go Astray

2011-12-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

Part III: Shiromori

"Debatable is the value of silence." --Shiromori poet, c. 540 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Koheno Keep, Koheno, Shiromori

Good girls were not out of their beds at this hour. Good girls did not feign headaches to avoid disturbance for the night. Good girls didn't don revealing ritual garb and attempt to sneak off to their suitors' castles during the Crossing of the Three Orbs--and even if they did, good girls certainly didn't dash into old broom cupboards when they feared they were about to be caught.

Kyato had never been a good girl. But her brother thought her one, and Kawa's father thought her one, and if she had her way, they would keep thinking that. She'd thought there wouldn't be much chance of running into either of them. Her brother was usually abed by now, or at least holed up in his study, and Kawa's father should have been... well, not here, certainly. She'd snuck out hundreds of times without a fuss, and on the off-chance she had a close call, it was always a servant. But the voices she'd heard, the footsteps that accompanied...

They weren't maids, that was for sure. They were men--the last two men she cared to be seen by.

"So what am I supposed to do with him?" Her brother's tone was impatient as ever. "This may come as a shock to you, but I don't have much use for a half-breed infant."

A half-breed what? Kyato scowled as Kawa's father sniffed. "Shove him in a monastery, train him as a servant... I don't really give a rat's ass. Just keep him away from my daughter."

...Maru? But that would mean the baby was--

"And why should I be responsible for that? He's your grandson."

"He could have been your son, you know."

"But he's not." For once, her brother was right about something. But if even someone so dense knew that... then what was Dracian doing here? "Look at him. Those hideous black eyes..."

The King sighed. "Lock him away if his look offends you, but just make sure Maru never sees him. As far as she's concerned, the boy is dead."

"Then wouldn't this be easier if he was?"

Silence. Kyato dared not breathe as Kawa's father took his time. In her mind's eye she saw him, tall, statuesque, yet broken--looking up, looking down, looking away, anywhere but her brother. Pathetic. "He is half his mother's blood; for that, you will allow him to live."

Her brother's boot tapped against the floor. "I see. Well, perhaps one of the kitchen wenches will want him, even if he is a filthy little slab of dog-spawn. He can sleep in the stables tonight."

"The stables? Kuchimatsu, he's a baby!"

"...Kyato?"

Well. So much for keeping her damn mouth shut.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Eleven: Maru Struggles Still

2011-12-06T03:08:00.002-08:00

Part III: Shiromori

"Sleep is not a course of action, no matter how tired one may be." --Tasian general, c. 610 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

When the kitchen girl had first come offering the wine, it had seemed like a good idea. The first glass had calmed Maru's nerves somewhat, and the second had taken care of the anxiety that remained. The third hadn't helped, but neither had it harmed--not really, not like a few droops of the eyes were too great of a problem. The fourth might have brought a yawn or two. The fifth might have had her dozing off intermittently.

By the ninth, she was positively ill.

The kitchen girl had sent for Maru's maid, or at least the girl who was acting as Maru's maid while she was here. Her Highness is looking tired, she'd claimed. It's sick with worry she is. Give her a moment's rest. Don't worry about the children, I can watch them. Little thing must have been sniffing around for a raise, or perhaps a transfer to some slightly less humble station. Or her pick of the guards, perhaps; such rewards were not unheard of.

Maru supposed she ought to be grateful. Perhaps some part of her was. She was, after all, in no state to be watching the children. Why shouldn't she be grateful for the help? It was a damn tough question.

And yet, even as sleep-soaked lashes met sleep-soaked lashes, some stubborn part of her still struggled to puzzle it out.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Ten: Aurius Sees the Sunset Snuffed

2011-11-21T23:48:00.001-08:00

Part III: Shiromori

"Some truths are spoken without full comprehension." --Zhi politician, c. 530 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Shiro Gorge, Shiromori

"I still don't see anyone."

They'd been standing here for at least a good hour, just Aurius and his father-in-law. Gone was the blue Shiromori sky; it had stolen away with the setting sun, a dusty rose left behind in its place. An ill sunset, his mother would have said. Sickly. Ominous. He never believed a word she'd said about such things, but all the same he couldn't claim to feel comfortable. "This was a bad idea. Let's just go back and start up a search."

"And miss them if they do show up? Rest assured, the minute we leave is the minute they arrive."

Aurius crossed his arms. It was a child's logic and given the circumstances, he didn't appreciate it. Then again, he supposed it was a stretch to expect more from Kohashi. "You stay here, then. I'll head back and spread the word."

"No."

Another infantile response, this one without even the half-assed attempt at an explanation. How much more of this would he have to take? Couldn't Kohashi see that this was an urgent situation? "You can't expect me to just stand around waiting for a party that might or might not come while my son is out there somewhere."

"You're not leaving."

A trace of orange glared from behind the gorge's cracked horizon. The light practically bent around his father-in-law's brainless head. Kohashi didn't understand a damn thing, not even considering that the only two children he knew of had once vanished for the better part of a year, and fittingly as he'd barely lifted a finger to find them. Not leaving. Right. As soon as he had Athayos back, Aurius was packing up his family and heading straight back to Zhian. Damned if he ever shared a country with Kohashi again.

"Watch me."

He took a step forward, but Kohashi cut him on, planting strong, soldier's hands on his shoulders and pushing him backward--backward, to where the footing was weak and the ground halting. "Oh, I will."

The spark in his eye was enough to snuff the sunset. His heart ramming itself against his ribcage, Aurius struggled, but being the younger man did not make him the stronger one. For the first time ever, he almost regretted choosing books over swords. "Kohash--"

"Shut it!"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Nine: Kawa Is Reminded

2011-11-07T23:57:00.001-08:00

Part III: Shiromori

"It's a funny thing--how such little details may trigger the mind." --Zhi poet, c. 730 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Didn't go with them, I see." Kawa's grandmother wiped her surprised smile from her face and hurried toward the couch, sitting down beside him. It was nice to have some company, he supposed... but then again, he wasn't in the most sociable of moods. Not tonight--though he had to admit he couldn't fathom why.

Then again, maybe it was unfair to expect his ever-sweet, ever-kindly grandmother to pick up on that. "Father said he wanted someone here in case something came up, and he thinks Maru's out of practice."

His grandmother frowned. "Hmmm. I doubt that--and even if it was the case, it's not as if your grandfather and I can't handle it."

"It's all right. It's not as if I had plans." And why would he have wanted to go with his father anyway? Most of his spare time was devoted to the sole purpose of avoiding his father; surely his grandparents must have known that?

"No plans?" Her brow furrowed--as did Kawa's own, or so he would've guessed. Princes led fairly isolated lives and she knew it. Why would he have had plans? "I thought you might have wanted to call on Kyato. I just figured you'd go with Aurius and your father, since they're heading right past her brother's estate."

"Kyato?"

She laughed. "Oh, you thought we didn't know about that, you silly boy? But anyway--most romantic night of the decade, you know. The Crossing of the Three Orbs and all that..."

...beware the Crossing of the Three Orbs...

"...what did you just say?"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Eight: The Sisters Meet

2011-10-24T22:48:00.001-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

May 9, 1115 AE
?

"Curious, isn't it? Order is locked behind bars while Chaos roams free. What do you make of that, I wonder?"

"You should leave. You'll be in here too if she catches you here."

"She won't. She's out and about, didn't you know? Oh wait--you wouldn't.

"You're practically powerless now, aren't you? Look at you--white hair, shifting eyes. Once your skin goes, you'll be as powerless as the mortals. Some centuries ago and I might have laughed."

"But you're not laughing now."

"I have more troubling enemies than you, Sister; you know that better than anyone."

"Never mind that. Are you here to help me, Tamura? Or are you just going to gloat?"

"We both know I can't help you if you can't help yourself. But just for my own peace of mind... you have made up your mind about your Champion, correct?"

"I made up my mind long ago. And yourself? All those years and not once did I hear you mention any contenders."

"Ah, Ceretia--I was born knowing."

"I'm sure. What of Hira?"

"Toritia? Damned if I know. I haven't seen her since before our dear little sister locked you in here."

"So the family falls apart when I'm not around, does it? That figures."

"On the contrary, I don't believe we were ever together--not truly. But you may believe as you wish. I have better things to do than standing around talking to you all day. The Three Orbs cross tonight, you know."

"So they do. Why should that mean anything to you?"

"Because, sweet sister mine... tonight, I meet my Champion."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Seven: Kojihasha Performs an Outgrown Duty

2011-10-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"No matter how comfortable one gets, he must never forget the order of things--or rest assured, he will be reminded." --Shiromori king, c. 220 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

By Kojihasha's estimation, it took the average person about two minutes in the King's presence to realize just how unpleasant the man was. Kojihasha, of course, had been Royal Steward for a hell of a lot longer than two minutes and there weren't many who could claim a better understanding of just how unpleasant the King was... but as he'd quickly learned, a man didn't have to like his lord in order to be a good steward.

No... a man simply had to make his lord like him.

Over the years, Kojihasha had done just that. He'd earned the honor of several important missions, plus an honorary knighthood, and had even filled in as regent on a couple of occasions when the King had been abroad. He'd even been granted opportunity to court the Queen's niece--and had ended up marrying her. He liked his job, loved his life... so what if he hated his boss? As long as the King trusted him, and as long as he didn't betray that trust, he was set.

"You wished to see me, Your Highness?"

"I did indeed." The King's smile alone would have been odd enough, but to make matters even stranger he was dressed for an excursion. It was common knowledge that he'd once been a warrior of some repute--enough repute to win the hand of a princess, no less!--but nowadays he preferred to leave the grunt work to... well, grunts. Had more important things to do, he claimed. Kingly things.

Odd.

"I need you to deliver this for me." He grabbed a freshly-sealed scroll off the desk and pressed it into Kojihasha's hand. Kojihasha raised an eyebrow; of the many duties he'd performed over the years, 'messenger' was one he'd sworn he'd outgrown years ago. "You're the only one I can trust with it. It's for Lord Koheno."

"Lord... Koheno?" Oh great. The second-most unbearable asshole in the whole damn kingdom.

Still smirking, the King nodded. Was this some sort of practical joke? As similarly insufferable they both were, the King had always despised Lord Koheno... or had he? "You heard--and I want you to see this letter directly into his hand, all right? Don't give it to his steward, don't give it to his mother, give it straight to him. Are we clear?"

Obviously. Unusual as the instructions were, they couldn't have been more straightforward. Then again... this was the King. "Of course, Your Highness."

"Good." The King gave Kojihasha a pat on the shoulder, then nodded toward the door. "Well, hurry along--and once you're done, feel free to take the rest of the day off and go home to your wife. My father tells me that tonight is the Crossing of the Three Orbs; I hear it's a lucky night for making love."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Six: Maru Doesn't Deny

2011-10-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"There are always risks, some of which must be taken. Some risks must be made to avoid the risks that cannot be." --Shiromori general, c. 80 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Is he insane?" Maru's hand flew backward in her fury, narrowly missing both Aurius and the candles on the bedside table. Of all the absolutely brainless ideas her idiot father had ever proposed! Surely even he couldn't have been dense enough to see something like this though?

And why the hell was Aurius going along with it? "Are you insane? The current King and the next King riding out to meet an invading force? With no accompanying force of their own? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Maru, I told you--the updated reports say it's not an invading force at all! Just a handful of men with some information about my son."

Right. That was exactly the sort of thing her father would tell Aurius to send him off to his doom. It was the sort of thing a creep like Ustelian would tell her father to bring about his own similar end. And what was to be gained from all this, exactly? Nothing good for any of them--except maybe that slimy bastard. "Are you telling me that you actually believe that?"

"Maru, do I really have a choice?"

Maru scowled. Of all the damned stupid-- "What do you mean? Of course you do, you idiot!"

"No, I mean..." He was barely even trying to argue with her. He had eyes like volcanic glass but their fires had been vanquished, wells of frost in their steads. In all the years she'd known him she'd supposed there was an etching aging in his place but for once he looked truly older--a little more worn, a little more weary, a little more tired than the man she'd fallen in love with. Her poor, stupid desert dog. He just wanted his pup back. "I can't risk missing any information. He's out in the world all alone and I have to find him--and I don't trust your father to go on his own. Please understand."

He'd always asked so little and it would be cruel to deny him this. Maru fought back a tear with a sniff. "I know. I'm missing Athayos too."

"I won't be long." He took her by the hand and squeezed. She wished he'd never let go, but it hadn't even been a minute before he did. "I love you."

"Love you," she echoed, flinging herself upon him and running her fingers through his ponytail. She was not the most affectionate of people--not really. Why did she want to keep holding him forever? "Aurius?"

"Mmm?"

Maru swallowed. Maybe it was a little soon to mention it. The man certainly had enough to think about just then. No... now was not a good time.

And yet, inexplicably, it was. "I have to tell you something."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Five: Kohashi Watches the Fly

2011-08-31T19:51:00.001-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"Some men break all they touch; others bend all they touch." --Zhi commentator, c. 630 AE

May 9, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Oh relax, Kohashi--I told you there wouldn't be any more forces heading from Tasius, and there won't be."

Kohashi swallowed. It had been a few years now and Ustelian had yet to steer him wrong, but first-hand accounts were always troubling--even if they did come from the mouths of unreliable peasants. "But they're saying--"

"I know what they're saying." Ustelian flicked his finger at a passing fly. He seemed calm, casual... almost bored. Like they were talking about the weather. "They're not lying; they did see a force. At least, they did see the illusion of a force."

...eh? How...? Why...? That didn't even sort of make sense! "An illusion?"

Ustelian gave a long, dry laugh. It was both impressive and unnerving how he could laugh without smiling. "Your skepticism amuses me. But yes, an illusion--my own creation, actually."

Hmph. So much for his promises to cut that out. "You know my stance on sorcery."

"Be that as it may, this will benefit the both of us." The fly darted back in front of Ustelian's face; one icy glare later, it was dead on the floor. "If you cooperate, that is."

"Hmm. Well." His mouth a little dry, Kohashi stared down at the tiny carcass. If nothing else, this was a man who got things done. There would be no harm in hearing him out. "Run it by me first. How will it benefit you?"

The dead fly zipped to Ustelian's hand as if pulled by some divine string, fated to be crushed between the ring and middle fingers. "That is a business of my own, but rest assured it shan't have any disagreeable impact on you."

"So what's in it for me then?"

He ground the fly to a fine powder and let it fall to the floor, crossing his arms and covering the mess with the toe of his boot. "You're going to like this..."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Four: Takamari Is Saved from Explaining

2011-08-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"News breaks. Sometimes literally--but better a clean break than a slow tear?" --Tasian novelist, c. 890 AE

May 8, 1115 AE
Evestes Residence, Shouchuen, Zhian

For all she hadn't approved of Maru and Aurius rushing off to Shiromori, Takamari had to admit that it had been welcome timing. She hadn't wanted to worry them, but her latest fling had left her with a small reminder and it had been getting to difficult to squeeze into her usual dresses. She supposed they'd be in for a shock, but it would probably be easier to handle now that the strain of an impending visit with Kohashi was a thing of the past. Still... she did kind of dread Maru's reaction. She had always wanted more children, but she'd been old enough when she'd had Takada.

And yet, this had been an easier pregnancy so far. Must've been another girl.

"Looks like the little one's been growing," Qia cooed as she rose from the level of Takamari's stomach. She was a regular at the flower shop, a rumored lady of the night who had nonetheless proven to be polite company. It would only be a few months before Takamari was too far along to manage the shop herself and she was considering hiring the young lady to manage it in her stead. She'd invited her over for an impromptu interview, but so far it had turned out like a mere social call.

Granted, didn't they all need social calls every once in a while? "I get the feeling she'll be a little early, this one."

"Probably wants to dance on out of there and meet her pretty mother." Qia gave a last little wave, then sighed and slumped down onto the couch. Takamari had to raise an eyebrow. "Shame that she has to be born in such times."

A curious thing to say. Frowning, Takamari took a seat next to her. "What do you mean? The war's over."

"The war's on hold." The young woman folded her hands and took to picking at one of her nails. Shame. They were so perfectly manicured. "There was never an armistice. It's just a truce." The edge of the lunule broke away from its base on one side. "I guess it's over now."

She hadn't spoken more loudly than a whisper, but the words were enough to summon a nauseous taste in Takamari's mouth. So much for thinking she was done with the morning sickness. "What?"

"You didn't hear?"

She shook her head. Qia's teal eyes vanished beneath her thick lashes. "I guess you haven't been in town today. There was a force sighted yesterday at Three Corners. They were crossing from Tasius into Shiromori."

She felt all warmth drain from her face as a faint feeling passed over. Oh Kitasa. Not this again. "You're not serious."

"I wish." Poor girl looked like she wanted nothing more than to vanish between the couch cushions. Probably thought she'd ruined Takamari's day. "I'm sorry you had to hear it from me."

"Well, I would have heard anyway." Damn. Damn Kinea. Damn Kohashi. Damn them all. "Idiots..."

"I know." Qia looked almost hurt. They hadn't known each other long, but she knew who Takamari's husband was, who her children were. She knew what it meant for this to be starting up again. It saved Takamari the trouble of explaining. It gave Qia the burden of knowing. "I'm so sorry."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Three: Kawa Finds No Difference

2011-08-15T15:42:00.001-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"There is little more frustrating than sheer futility." --Zhi general, c. 310 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Well? Aren't you going to do anything?" By the time the door met its frame, Kawa was halfway across the room. How could his father just sit on his ass like this? Sure, Kohashi didn't like Aurius or any of his children or Tasians in general... but still! Shouldn't he have been doing something? "Athayos is your step-grandson! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

Evidently not. Kawa's father's nostrils flared. "Your grandfather is doing all he can. I fail to see what you expect me to do about this."

"I don't know--something? Anything?" No wonder Maru had told him not to bother. A pile of rocks might have been more helpful. "At least send out an alert or--"

"An alert? The boy was last seen in Tasius, if you've forgotten already!" His father's hands met with a decisive smack!. He'd already made up his mind and wasn't about to bend. Asshole. "An alert would be useless here. If Aurius had been thinking, he would have suggested it to the Tasian steward before he left."

"But Guildsman Aquos said that Hiseus did issue an alert!" Kawa clenched his fist and fought to keep himself at a distance. He would have to leave soon. He was close to his breaking point and his father would not be accommodating of the fact--not like this. "There! What do you think of that? The Tasian and even the bloody Guild are doing what they can while you just stick your fingers in your ears and sing off-key! Some king you are! Some grandfather you are! For once in your life, be a man!"

A vein in his father's brow flickered in and out of sight. At least it was something. At least he'd heard.

Not that it made any fucking difference.

"Get out."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter Two: Maru Promises Nothing

2011-08-11T00:14:00.001-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"Much can be heard in silence." --Tasian spy, c. 680 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

Aurius had barely spoken a word since his return, but it didn't matter. He didn't have to. The absence of Athayos said it all. "I'm sorry."

He grunted. She gave his arm a light squeeze. At least his heart was still beating. "I wish I could do something."

"Me too."

He slumped downward and let his head fall to the board, obsidian eyes fixed on some distant figure Maru couldn't see. "How many times do I have to lose him before he'll stay?"

Like she could tell him that. Like she could tell him anything, really. "The Guild said they'd keep an eye out--"

"The Guild doesn't give a damn about my son."

No. No, they probably didn't. They just wanted to figure out what Ustelian was up to and therefore Athayos was nothing more than a piece of evidence. Maru knew it, Aurius knew it, everyone knew it. But at a time like this, she didn't want to say so outright.

"My grandfather has other connections too." She laced her finger beneath the cuff of her sleeve and fiddled with the ties. It couldn't have been good for the fabric, but even at the best of times clothing wasn't high on her list of concerns; if she wanted to fidget, she would do so. "We'll leave no stone unturned. I promise."

Promise. As if she could have promised anything.

He opened his mouth but no word ever left it. He simply sighed and flopped to the side, his silky hair soft and cool against her neck.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part III, Chapter One: Athayos Isn't Answered

2011-08-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

Part III: Shiromori

"Every person questions. Not every person answers." --Zhi poet, c. 230 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
?

It was her.

But what was she doing here? What was he doing here? How had he even gotten here?

Come to think of it... where was here?

"Athayos."

He swallowed. On one hand, it was nice to see a familiar face. On the other... "Lady."

She glanced toward the empty side of the couch. "Sit."

What else could he do? He sat. "Was that man your friend?"

"You could say that." Her eyes were fixed forward, perpendicular to Athayos, yet he felt he could not move out of fear of her noticing. Even if he hadn't, he wasn't sure he could; for all he knew, he was frozen. "He has a job for you. It will be difficult, but you will know what to do. He will train you."

Training? What sort of job required special training? Or at least... what sort of short-term job? "When?"

"Soon."

Yes, but... "How long?"

"As long as it takes."

There was no negotiating with that tone. She wanted him to undergo this training and he would. And yet... "What about my parents? Where are they? Can I see them?"

He waited a several minutes for an answer. He wasn't sure why it took him so long to give up on the hope of getting one.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twenty-Five: Hiseus Gives a Say in the Matter

2011-08-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"In light of everything, we must soldier on--just in case the sun should rise in the morning." --Zhi general, c. 70 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

"So. The king is dead and the queen is in a coma." It was a sentence Hiseus had never thought he'd say, and yet, he felt little if anything either way. Had he maybe willed this to happen with his own resentment? If so, the guilt was cancelled out be a peculiar catharsis. "And the heir to the throne is a toddler."

Aurius stiffened. He probably wanted to get out of here as soon as possible--and frankly, Hiseus didn't blame him. "That more or less sums it up, yes." Sighing, he glanced over to the little prince's crib. "Now there are two little boys alone in the world."

"I hope you find your son soon." Behind him, the fire cackled, as if watching with a sadistic amusement. Hiseus almost wanted to snuff it out. "Do you need an escort?"

Aurius shook his head. "Thank you, but no. My companions have everything in order."

"Very well." Hiseus held out his hand for the other man to shake. It was only after a second's hesitation that Aurius took it, but it was understandable. Aurius had been wronged by everyone in this castle before. He was in a hostile former home and now his son had been snatched away once again. Hiseus wouldn't have trusted anyone either. "Best of luck to you."

"You likewise."

And with a quick nod of his head, Aurius turned away and headed toward the door.

The door swung to a close as the younger man disappeared from sight. Hiseus watched it for a couple seconds, then glanced over his shoulder at the sleeping prince--king, he corrected himself. Poor boy probably thought it was just another day. Mama and Papa were still asleep and he'd see them in the morning. He was two young to grasp such concepts, and Hiseus wasn't sure that made any of this easier.

But now that they were gone, even though he'd never cared for them, he supposed he had a duty to them. And to his people.

And to his king.

"Sleep while you can, little one. You'll be a man before you know it--and should I have any say in the matter, a damn good one."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twenty-Four: Aurius Bests and Is Bested

2011-07-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"He who cannot conquer himself cannot hope to achieve more." --Shiromori philosopher, c. 240 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

The candles were still lit. How had it taken so long for Aurius to realize it? He hadn't been asleep, he was sure of it--and yet, judging by the decreased height of the sticks, there was a solid hour missing from his memory. Groggy yet restless, he kicked back the blankets and glanced over at Kinea. She was asleep. Odd; she'd always been a lighter sleeper than he himself was. "Kin?"

Nothing. He nudged her with the heel of his foot. She didn't stir. She was practically comatose. "Kinea..."

"You can't wake her."

It was a voice he hadn't heard in years but its chilling familiarity hit him like an arrow to the spine. As the seconds' shock wore off, Aurius sprung from the bed and stared to the foot; sure enough, a tall blond figure stood there, leering his way with a smirk on his lips and a storm in his icy eyes. "You!"

"Me." Oily and sinister as always, his twisted smile widened, his crooked teeth glinting in the candlelight. How had he gotten in? And how had he known Aurius was there? It was almost violating--sickening. Aurius moved to lunge, but he'd scarcely gained an inch when his body went rigid; a couple blinks later and he was suspended a foot off the ground, bound by some burning, rope-like energy for which he had no name. What was this? What the hell was going on?

"Oh, don't be alarmed. That's just your essence. I've merely pulled it from within you; it will retreat when I command it to do so." Aurius scowled. Ustelian looked him up and down, a sick satisfaction welling in his eyes as he observed the warped bonds. "It doesn't look very healthy, does it? Funny to think that you've been carrying that inside you all your life. Maybe you're more damaged than I give you credit for."

"What did you do to Kinea?" The words were only a dry hiss, but it was all he could manage.

Not that Ustelian was one for straight answers. "She's breathing, isn't she? But she's not there. I've sent her soul to another plane; it will return to her body when I call it, but frankly I don't feel the need to do that any time soon. She'll only interfere."

"Interfere with what?" What was he playing at? What did he want? Did it have something to do with--? "Where's Athayos?"

"He won't be harmed."

That wasn't an answer... or was it? "You bastard! Give me back my son!"

He struggled against the energy but it was no use; he'd regained little of his mobility and the bonds might have been made of pure lightning. Ustelian laughed. "Oh, you won't be seeing him again, but I'll tell him you said goodbye. Perhaps I'll tell him how you looked tonight--how his father was too weak to best himself and come at me like a man. Then again, maybe I won't. Maybe it would be best if he didn't remember you at all."

"Let him go!" If only out of sheer rage Aurius managed to move one arm, but the constricting power was quick to retract it. He was nearly as disgusted with himself as he was with Ustelian. If this thing could be beaten, why couldn't he do it--even when his baby was in danger? Oh Iaytia, what was Ustelian going to do to Athayos? "You sick fuck! Let him go!"

"I'm afraid that's out of the question." Ustelian's head nudged slightly to one side. He seemed to have grown tired of Aurius's squirming--not that that meant he was about to release him. "You're a smart boy, Aurius. You know that a rational being has a reason for every action. With that in mind, allow me to remind you of one important detail: it was I who brought him back."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twenty-Three: Kinea Is Reminded

2011-07-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"Always mind your dealings." --Traveling merchant, c. 70 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
?

"Good evening, Your Majesty. I take it you remember our agreement?"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twenty-Two: Athayos Looks to the Morning

2011-06-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"A presence need not be seen nor heard." --Zhi scout, c. 130 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

The blankets were cozy and the fire was hours away from burning out, but somehow the room seemed a little colder. Athayos took hold of the quilt's underside and yanked it to his chin. Why was he shivering? It was summer--he was in a firelit room--in Tasius...

Was he still sick? He didn't feel sick, not anymore--just cold.

He curled into a ball and pulled the pillow nearer, fighting to keep his eyes shut in the the light of the flames. His arm across his legs was a slab of ice even through its sleeve. Outside might have been summer, but the room was winter. He needed another duvet. He needed a warmer nightshirt. He needed to crawl into bed with his parents and ease in the warmth of their presence.

Too bad he didn't know where they were sleeping.

No... all he could do was turn over and stretch, resting flesh on fabric in the toastiest position possible. He'd see his parents in the morning. Maybe he'd ask them where they were sleeping. Maybe tomorrow night, he'd sleep there too.

But for now, all he could do was hope that maybe--just maybe--it would be a little warmer in the morning.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twenty-One: Ustelian Improvises

2011-06-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"If a thing must be done, then why not make it pleasurable?" --Tasian philosopher, c. 70 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

A sleep spell was one of the more basic in any worthy enchanter's arsenal, but Ustelian had always rather liked its subtlety. When used properly--that was to say, during the hours when its victims should have been asleep anyway--it was practically undetectable. Ustelian had mastered countless killing curses each more gruesome than the next and thousands of will-bending enchantments that could be used to skin-crawling effects, but it was the sleep spell he favored. What could be more satisfying than successfully sneaking around under all those oblivious noses?

Plus, the timing took a skill that he had to appreciate. The King of Tasius, for example, was rarely in his study even during the day and it had taken a clever bit of engineering for Ustelian to ensure his presence there in the night. One disguise as a buxom young scullery maid... one bit of flirtation with the steward... one promise of a kiss if he delivered a message to the king...

And done. He'd just let himself linger unnoticed in the corner after that, watching and waiting as the king dragged his sleep-deprived form through the corridor. He wouldn't have thought anything of it had he woken at his desk, for it seemed only logical that he would have dosed off.

Not that it mattered.

Ah... that will do nicely.

Ustelian crossed the room and grabbed hold of the fire poker, then held its metal head against the flames until it was sufficiently heated. He hadn't brought his knife. It was much more fun to improvise.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twenty: Aurius Gives Back

2011-06-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"There is always a favor to repay, and always an opportunity to do so." --Shiromori activist, c. 530 AE

May 7, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

If Aurius had begun to sleep, he had not been far gone, for it took only a slight rustling of the sheets to wake him. The mattress shifted as a woman's body settled on the other side, the covers scratching against his bare chest as she pulled them over herself. He wasn't sure what time it was, but it must have been late--it was about damn time. Maru was not the most consistent of night owls but she did occasionally--

Wait a minute. Maru was in Shiromori. But if it wasn't her, then who...?

He opened one eye and frowned. "Kinea? The hell--?"

"Shh." She burrowed further beneath the blankets and rested her head on the empty pillow. He should have known better than to agree to these accommodations--this had once been her bedroom, after all--but he was tired and worried and still somewhat ill. He would have to either kick her out of bed or move himself and he knew it, but if hearing her out saved a bit of energy in the short term, then he might as well do so. "I don't want sex, if that's what you're thinking. I don't want to fight with you either. I just want to sleep."

Aurius grunted. That makes two of us. "You have a bed."

"Yes, but I've been up tossing and turning for hours. I'm worried about Athayos." Kinea flopped onto her side and stared at him with those wounded, pleading eyes she almost never pulled out unless she truly needed something. Need. It was strange to think that someone like Kinea needed anything. "I've never been a good sleeper, but you wouldn't know it. I always slept better next to you."

Aurius's brow knotted into a sharp hook. He tried to focus on the ceiling if only to avoid gaping at her. It was obvious what she meant, but that didn't make it any more believable. "You want to sleep here?"

If the sound of hair on fabric was any indication, she'd nodded. "Please. I don't think I'll be able to sleep otherwise.

"Please..."

Aurius rolled over, his back toward her. He hadn't liked her before and this changed nothing. But she was the mother of his child. If nothing else, she deserved whatever rest she could get. She'd given him Athayos; he couldn't match that, but he could at least give her this.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Nineteen: Aquos Finds What He Was Looking For

2011-05-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"The right price is not always a monetary amount." --Zhi merchant, c. 150 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

As uncomfortable as he was in this pesky female body, Aquos had to admit that being in possession of a pair of breasts had its advantages. Just one shake of these puppies and the burliest of men were clay in his hands. The guard outside the study, for example. It was the middle of the night and a random, unannounced castle guest had no reason to be up and wandering the halls and begging entry to the king's study--but if said guest had a halfway-decent rack, well...

Of course, he'd busted out that drowsy spell just in case. Not like he could have the man sticking to his promise of "Well... maybe fifteen minutes won't hurt", could he?

Then again, maybe he could've been safe. There weren't many books on the shelf, and one stuck out about half and inch further than the rest, the coat of dust on the edge of the shelf broken only in front of it. Was this what he was looking for? It seemed like a logical possibility...

Aquos pulled the book from its place and locked the door with a blink as he settled his borrowed body into the chair. He wasn't exceptionally literate in Tasian, but he knew enough to get by, he was sure of it; it wasn't as if it was a medical text or a legal document or any such thing. It was just a record book.

A very interesting record book...

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Eighteen: Athayos Learns What Eyes Can Throw

2011-05-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"The disadvantage to being cherished is the risk of objectification." --Zhi reformer, c. 70 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

"Aurius."

"Kinea."

They stood only a couple feet apart but it might as well have been miles. The dying embers of Athayos's fever slowly rekindled. Some secret chamber of his heart had spent long hours dreaming of the day he'd see his parents face-to-face, but he'd never imagined it like this. His father had admitted to not loving his mother, but there was something more sinister here than merely a lack.

Something like hate.

His father drummed his pale fingers against the red silk of his borrowed shirt. "If you don't mind, I'll be taking my son home now--where he belongs."

"I do mind." His mother's voice was quiet, but firm. She was trying to remain calm, but the simmering in the air was not of the remains of the dead hearth. His father's loathing was cold as ice, but hers was a raging wildfire. "Who's to say he belongs with you? In case you've forgotten, I'm his mother."

"And I'm his father." His boot tapped against the floor with a muted fury. Athayos shivered. "You don't even know him, Kinea. He doesn't know you. He just met you."

Athayos had often heard talk of eyes 'throwing daggers'. He'd always thought it a silly concept, but looking at his mother now, he could see what people were talking about. But daggers weren't enough. She was hurling lances. "Oh, and that's my fault? You took him away before--"

"Excuse me?" He hadn't meant to speak, but he couldn't remain silent. He was sick and tired and confused and he didn't like being spoken about like he wasn't even there. "Please don't fight. You're making my head hurt."

His mother's face melted to milk and honey as she laid her pretty eyes on him. A gentle hand brushed back his hair and lingered on his forehead, triggering a concerned frown. "I think your fever's coming back, baby." She leaned forward and kiss his brow, then nudged him to the mattress and pulled the blanket back over him. "Try to get some rest, all right? I'll be here when you wake."

She smiled down at him, then turned around and began to walk away, the hem of skirt swept across the stone floor with a faint swish!. "Aurius, I suppose it would be rude of me not to offer you lodging for the night after you've come all this way. Let me show you to your room."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Seventeen: Aurius's Moment Is Wasted

2011-04-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"Life hath no disappointment like relief cut short." --Tasian philosopher, c. 130 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

"Athayos!" Aurius caught his son as he sprung from the bed and refused to let go. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours and he still was having difficulty comprehending the fact that he'd managed to get to Tasius so quickly, but it didn't matter. His eldest's disappearance had been the biggest scare of his adult life and thank any possibly-existing deity or force of the universe or stroke of sheer luck that it was behind him now. "You're not hurt, are you?"

Athayos's head moved left and right against the stolen shirt. "No. I got a little sick, but I'm mostly better."

Sick? Had he arrived here through the fire too? Aurius pressed the back of his hand to the boy's forehead. "You are a little warm."

"I was worse earlier."

"Glad you're feeling better, then." He gave Athayos a pat on the shoulder and smiled. His boy was here--here in front of him. It had been less than a day, but it had felt like an era. "I'll carry you out. We can stop at an inn in town if you want to sleep a little longer."

He'd thought it sounded reasonable given the circumstances, but Athayos squinted in confusion. Maybe the effects of the fever were more severe than a child's sense of invincibility gave them credit for? He hoped that wasn't the case. "We're... leaving?"

"Well, we can't stay here forever, can we?" Aurius tapped his son on the nose, then kissed the boy's brow; again, it was rather toasty for his comfort. "We have to get back to Shiromori, and then we're going home. Don't you want to see Maru and your little siblings again?"

Athayos frowned, taking a moment to consider--but the sudden creak of the door proclaimed that it had been a moment too long.

"Well, I'll be damned."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Sixteen: Kinea Is Startled

2011-04-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"The most effective means of bluntness is subtlety." --Zhi diplomat, c. 550 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

Of all the ridiculous meetings Kinea had ever been forced to endure! When she'd heard the name Lord Edrius, she certainly hadn't expected that much of a drag. She'd always liked the man--preferably wearing nothing but a slathering of melted chocolate--but part of his charm had always been his wealth of interesting conversation. The Edrius who had seen her just now--the Edrius who had come all the way from some goddessforsaken islands in the middle of the ocean just to talk to her--had done nothing but ramble. Who cared about a slight decline in mean temperature during the tropical winters? And what the hell was so important about some species of bird that deep-throated its own eggs instead of making a nest?

As if she didn't have about a thousand more important things to worry about. Her first gray hair, for one, which had appeared this morning. And then of course she still hadn't lost all the weight she'd gained carrying Drenetes. Also, her dish on the side still had her best corset in his possession and was refusing to give it back, which was problematic because her husband was wondering where it was. She'd told him her maid must have misplaced it, but it was only a matter of time before he questioned the poor girl; she either had to get a new one made or get the old one back, and quickly.

And then of course there was the current political limbo. The war with Shiromori had never official ended; it was just on ceasefire. One wrong move--or one right move, depending on the timing--and the hostilities would resume. It was a lucky thing that Kohashi was an idiot, but what if something were to happen to him? She might find herself against a more formidable foe, and Iaytia knew her idiot husband would be no help.

And of course, most importantly...

The sound of a throat clearing rang from the desk chair. Startled, Kinea jerked her head in its direction and stared. That chair had been empty only minutes before--she would have sworn it on her life--but now...

"If it isn't too presumptuous of me to say so, your majesty, you'd best get back to your son--now."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Fifteen: Athayos Feels a Different Wind

2011-04-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"The reason some discourage imagination is simple: it is the most terrifying resource we have." --Zhi artist, c. 1100 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

The footsteps--not his mama's light, princess-like tread, but a man's lumbering boots--ceased. The doorhandle lifted with a slow groan and Athayos buried himself beneath the covers. They were an insufficient shield, but he was alone and half-feverish and they were all he had.

The door closed. Whoever it was stepped closer, the thudding of his footfalls dampening only when he crossed the rug. Surely this person wasn't here for him? Just a servant here to douse the fire or something? Yes, that must have been it.

But a peek from under the covers sent a surge up his spine and his rational side shooting out the top of his skull. The intruder had strode right past the fire, instead drawing toward the bed--toward him.

The man wore the bold, loose-fitting garb of the Tasian house slaves. From what Athayos had heard, they were captives from the nomadic desert tribes, beautiful and skilled in song and dance, but terrifying--cold, soulless, calculating, not the sort you cared to encounter without the presence of an elite guard. Any of those people could have killed a boy his age and made it look like he'd eaten a piece of rotten meat. But how did they do it? Poison? Stealth wounds? Whatever it was, he didn't want to find out.

"Athayos?"

The cold gust of impending doom warmed to a summer breeze with all the sudden shock it had brought when it first arrived. This wasn't some murderous wild man after all. "Papa?"

"Papa!"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Fourteen: Hiseus Places the Problem

2011-03-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"There comes a time in every man's life when he decides he simply does not care." --Tasian revolutionary, c. 590 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

When the guard had stepped into the study and announced the visitors, Hiseus had told himself that he would believe it when he saw it. Now, he did see it. Now, he could believe it. "Well, this is certainly a surprise."

"Hiseus." Lord Edrius crossed his arms and smirked. "Skeptical as always, I see."

"Skeptical, and cynical too." He watched as the other man's mouth twitched in a silent chuckle. Hiseus was not the sort of man who stared long, but it was nice to see a familiar face. "I've been in this madhouse far too long."

"That I don't doubt," sniffed Edrius's daughter, earning her a warning glare from her father. How old was Aletia now? Fifteen, maybe sixteen? He hadn't seen her since she'd been little more than a bundle of giggles bouncing up Edrius's knee, but she stood here today with all the grace and beauty of her mother--not to mention, her father's own dry wit.

His dark eyes darting upward, Edrius turned back to Hiseus and sighed. "Don't mind her; she's just a little sore at me for dragging her back to the continent like this. She has friends back there--and a sweetheart, of course," he added with a wink as Aletia cringed behind his back.

"I don't doubt it." He clasped his hands and stretched them outwards, the sounds of his cracking knuckles ringing off the stone walls and bouncing through the room. Edrius laughed, and even his daughter eased a little; he did recall her mother saying that the girl found the sound calming. "Anyway--not that I'm not pleased to see you both--but I thought it would be at least a few more years before you returned?"

The pair of them exchanged a quick glance. Aletia took to picking at the bed of one of her fingernails, as if she'd heard the story a time too many and didn't care to listen again. Edrius dismissed her by shifting his gaze back to Hiseus. "That was the plan, but something came up. I made a discovery of which the Queen should probably be aware, and I didn't want to risk any letters being intercepted."

He left it at that, and nothing in his face implied any further explanation to come. Hiseus raised an eyebrow. Edrius was one of the few living people he might have called a friend, but the vagueness of this story was unsettling--and besides, when had a careless risk-taker such as Edrius ever taken mail fraud into consideration? He'd allowed himself to be taken aback by the appearance of a familiar face, but something was not quite right here. "The Queen is currently occupied with a personal matter. Might I pass the message on to her?"

"Oh, it's not the sort of message that ought to be passed time and time again." Edrius's grin of mock-foolishness was unbefitting of him--and though his daughter could not have seen it from her angle, she somehow seemed to agree. "Please, Hiseus--for old times' sake. Just go pester the Queen for a minute and have her come and see me. Kinea and I go way back, you know."

He might have winked again, but Hiseus had nodded and stepped back through the door before he could have seen it. It was suspicious business, but he knew his place--and at the very least, he supposed it wasn't his problem.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Announcement: Storyteller Spotlight

2011-03-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

If you're subscribed to more than one of my blogs, sorry about clogging your feed with the same message multiple times.

Anyway, I'm doing the Storyteller Spotlight interview at the SimStoryTellers community on LiveJournal. If you have any questions (which I hope at least a few of you do, because I'm quite obscure on LiveJournal and it would be nice to have at least a couple questions up there), feel free to ask them at the question post (no LJ account required) and they will be answered in the interview next Monday. When the interview is posted, I'll add the link to the sidebar next to the VSS interview.

Have a great night, all :)

Part II, Chapter Thirteen: Aurius Is Offered an Answer

2011-03-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Part II: Tasius

"Knowledge is the one true source of power." --Shiromori dissenter, c. 970 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Safe house, Siheos, Tasius

Aurius's waking moments were a blur of sweat and thirst and unbearable heat. The first thing he did when his head cleared was kick back the covers. This did feel like Tasius, and the room did look like a desert tradesman's hut. But if they were already here, then why the hell hadn't Ignis and Aquos put out the fire? It was warm past the point of comfort as it was. "Put it out."

"No." Still in the form of the lord's daughter, Aquos continued to provoke the flames. "We'll need it to get closer to the capital."

That offered little in terms of closure. Aurius slung his legs off the side of the bed and groaned. "Wouldn't it have been more productive to just head there first? Was this stop really necessary?"

From his seat at the table in the room's center, Ignis nodded. "Seeing as you're a known personage at the castle--and not a very popular one, at that--we're going to need to find some way to disguise you. Besides, you seem to have an aversion to fire travel; you passed out fairly soon into the trip and we figured it would be kinder to let you recover."

Aurius sniffed and glanced back toward the fire. Just the sight of it made him feel light-headed; he didn't remember much of the trip, but he knew he didn't care to repeat the experience.

And yet, he would. He had to. His son was missing, and what was a little sickness compared to that? "Well, thank you for your concern, but my health isn't exactly at the top of my list of priorities right now."

"I understand." Ignis pushed back his chair and rose to his feet, then strode toward Aurius's bedside. "It won't be long now, though. We'll have your son back in no time."

Good. Aurius stood and tried to smile, but he failed. "I appreciate it. Anyway, what do you have for disguises around here?"

"Ah, not so fast." Ignis glanced back at Aquos, who looked over his shoulder and sighed. Aurius felt his brow creep slightly upward. "There's something you should know."

There were probably many things he should have known--many. He'd been plagued by question after question since Athayos had first been returned to him that he'd been only too happy to let go unanswered. Maybe if he hadn't let his bliss get the best of him--done some research, confronted someone like Kitasaka, anything--none of this would have happened. He didn't think he could forgive himself now. "Yes?"

Ignis's stolen eyes lingered on the ceiling for a moment before finally meeting Aurius's. He was not sure what to make of the Guildsman's expression. It looked neither urgent nor comforting nor even at all informative. It just... looked.

"It's about the boy's mother."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Twelve: Maru Sees a Lapse of Mistrust

2011-03-12T02:27:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"There comes a time when a leap of faith is all we really have." --Shiromori priest, c. 690 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

Aurius's dark brow arched as he and Maru stepped into her grandfather's study. It was natural, she supposed, for one to survey strangers as they themselves looked over the pair of Tasians in front of them; what surprised her, however, was his seeming recognition of the two. "Lord Edrius? I thought you were off charting the southern islands."

One of the Tasians, a man of forty-odd, smirked, his glinting eyes just visible beneath his silky black mane. "He is--but I figured he wouldn't mind if I borrowed his persona for a time."

So he was a Guildsman--and so was the one in the form of the teenage girl, she surmised with a grin. "And your partner is supposed to be... his daughter?"

The 'girl' glared. The man dismissed his companion with a nod and laughed. "You may call me Ignis in private, and my associate is Aquos; however, once we're out and about, I'm Lord Edrius and he's my daughter Aletia."

Aquos sniffed. "I still don't see why I have to be the girl."

"Because you've only been with the Guild for five months and I've been slaving my ass off for seven years, that's why." His borrowed hair falling every which way, Ignis shook his head and sighed. "Excuse me for thinking that I'm entitled to the seniority perks. Anyway, Lord Aurius... Lord Kitasaka tells me you wish to accompany us to Tasius?"

Aurius swallowed, then nodded. Grim, Maru slipped her hand into his own; she didn't recall him ever squeezing so tightly. "He's my son."

"I understand." Ignis crossed his arms, his eyes falling to his bare left hand. "I have a little boy of my own. Well... maybe not so little anymore." He cleared his throat before looking back up. "Are you ready?"

"Whenever you are." Aurius took a half-step forward, dragging Maru along with him. His hands were warm and cold at the same time, his blood boiling as his veins froze. She was angry and scared and worried for Athayos too, but all the same... well, she didn't know just how he felt. She hoped she never would. "I've been told that you can get us there within the day?"

Nodding, Ignis closed his eyes and raised a hand to stroke his beard. Was he a clean-shaven man normally? It must have been an adjustment, having a full beard all of a sudden--not that a Guildsman, from what she understood, was unused to adjustments. Not that anyone was unused to adjustments, really.

And yet, they all were.

"You've said goodbye to your other children?"

"I have." Aurius waited for the Guildsman's blink of confirmation before turning back to Maru. He took her face in hand and pressed to her lips a parting kiss, then nudged her hair with the tip of his nose to slip a whisper into her ear. "Take care of Mari and Dracian."

She nodded. "I will."

"And take care of yourself." His lips lingered on her cheek a for a moment, then broke away as he stepped back. "I love you."

"I love you too." She grabbed his hand again and gave it one last squeeze; she then let it drop and looked to Ignis. "How are you planning on traveling?"

"Elementally." He jerked his head toward the hearth; sure enough, an out-of-season fire sat upon the logs, its flames licking up the dry wood and leaving only a black, hard drool behind. "Your grandfather will explain once we're gone, I'm sure. Aurius, if you will..."

Ignis gestured for Aurius to move. Sending one last glance Maru's way, he did--toward the hearth, mere feet from the fire, the pair of Guildsmen at his heels as she took a seat on the couch opposite.

"So... what exactly happens here?"

Aquos made a sound not unlike a passive-aggressive snicker. Meanwhile, Ignis tensed. "You'll know soon enough; for now, you'll just have to trust me."

Trust me. Guildsmen, from the little Maru knew of them, were not the most trustworthy of figures; Aurius, from the much she knew of him, was not the most trusting of men. But today, the circumstances were such that unlikely trust was the lone source of hope. For that one moment, that one brief little window of time, Aurius must have trusted them.

If he hadn't, Maru doubted he would have allowed Ignis to take him by the arm and lead him right into the flames.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Eleven: Athayos's Word Becomes a Name

2011-03-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"Perhaps one can have two homes..." --Zhi poet, c. 380 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

There was sleep, and there was wakefulness. In the space between, there were fevers.

Not quite asleep, not quite awake, Athayos tossed and turned in a bed of his own cold sweat. There was a light, but it was a blurry light--a flickering, dim and brighter light, a horizon of fireflies on frosted glass. It was red and gold and rich. He did not know what it was.

"Papa?" He didn't know where he was. He wasn't home in Zhian. He wasn't in the scary bedroom in Shiromori. He didn't see his papa anywhere. "Papa?"

"Hush." It wasn't his papa's voice. It wasn't even a man's voice. And yet, it was familiar--and in a similar way, it was comforting. The blurry world was clearer for a moment.

He rolled onto his side and pulled his knees to his chest. Was he wearing a nightshirt? He didn't remember putting on a nightshirt. Maybe his papa had put it on him? Or Maru?

A lilac perfume crept up his nostrils as he curled into a shell-like ball, his nose brushing against the foreign pillow. He felt a little safer now; he'd always loved the smell of lilacs. "Mmmm..."

"Are you awake?"

A gentle hand fluttered downward and rested upon his head. Butterfly fingers wove through his hair and landed soft kisses upon his scalp. There was a word for this--this warm feeling in his core, this flow of endless, unquestioning love. There was a word for it. He knew the word; now, he knew the thing it named.

Or at least, that's what his heart told him.

"Mama?"

"Hello, baby."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Ten: Aurius Puts the Wait to Rest

2011-02-22T00:54:00.001-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"We would not rush to place blame if we never felt we deserved it ourselves." --Shiromori ethicist, c. 990 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Have you heard anything?" The night had seemed an eternity and Aurius hadn't slept a minute of it. He'd tried--oh Iaytia, how he'd tried--but it had proven impossible. How did one sleep when one's child was missing? It hadn't felt right. He didn't think he could sleep again until he knew that his baby was safe.

But his grandfather-in-law only sighed. "Aurius, have you heard of the Guild?"

"The Guild?" That was a phrase he hadn't heard in years--nor was it one he cared to hear just now. "What does the Guild have to do with anything? My son is missing!"

"Yes, and apparently the Guild has made it their business."

Silence. Beneath his feet, he felt the earth turn. Faster and faster it spun, so rapid and unyielding in its rotations that he thought he might be sick--then, as abruptly as it had begun, it came to a halt. "What the hell does the Guild want with my son?"

For some reason, Kitasaka's eyes flickered toward the fireplace as he shook his head. "I think you know."

Now that it had been said, he did know. What he didn't know was why--why couldn't they just leave well enough alone? "Did they take him?"

"No." The older man's fingers twitched, as if he were trying to prevent his hand from balling into a fist. "They didn't give me the details, but they believe they know where he is and they plan on going after him. Two of their number are in my study as we speak, finalizing the arrangements."

This was so alien that Aurius wouldn't have known what to do with this even had he felt himself to be of sound mind. He'd gone his whole life believing that the Guild was just another fairytale passed on by his mother; now, not only did the supposed Servants of the Goddesses--the goddesses he didn't even believe in--were actually supposed to exist and had some sort of interest in his own son. Of all the bizarre nonsense the universe could have thrown this way...

And yet, he couldn't help but feel as though this might have been his fault. He'd known that coming to Shiromori was a bad idea. When Maru had brought up the subject, he should have put his foot down. He never told her 'no' and he never wanted to make her unhappy, but damn he'd been stupid not to protest. They could have all been safe at home in Zhian. So much for that now.

Well, no more of this useless waiting around for news. It was about time someone did something, and damned if that someone wasn't him. "When do they plan on leaving?"

"Fairly soon." His eyes unsure, Kitasaka's brows slanted. "Why do you ask?"

Aurius crossed his arms and straightened his posture. "Because I'm going with them."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Nine: Kitasaka Takes a Leap of Faith

2011-02-15T19:30:00.001-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"Some things in life must be experienced before they can ever be understood." --Zhi teacher, c. 720 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"The clouds to the west hint at rain this night."

There were no clouds in the west this night, and Kitasaka knew it; he'd been outside only a half-hour prior. That phrase, however, had nothing to do with the weather. "May the lightning be heralded by thunder's call."

The man nearest him sighed in relief. "My apologies, Uncle, but you do understand why the precaution was necessary."

"Indeed." And yet, he was still annoyed--not by the precaution, but by the sheer nerve. Why did the Guild continue to drag him into their business after all these years? At the very least, the information they promised had better not have been a pretense. "Now, for my own peace of mind... you do know something about the boy's whereabouts?"

The disguised Guildsman on the far side of the couch nodded. Finding solace in this, Kitasaka allowed himself to relax and sunk back into his chair. "The Guild Master has a theory. I don't really want to go into it--it requires a few leaps of faith--but I think if we told you the name of the man we think responsible, you would recognize it."

So they did suspect foul-play; a bit of a stretch given the lack of evidence, at least in Kitasaka's mind, but if they were talking about who he thought they were talking about... "I see what you mean. But I suppose it's beside the point in any case; most importantly, where do you think Athayos is?"

"Assuming that the Guild Master is correct?" Kitasaka nodded. The Guildsman tugged at the strings of his stolen guard's tunic. "Tasius."

"Tasius?" The man hadn't been lying--a leap of faith indeed. "In one night? He must have access to a--"

"It wouldn't surprise me if he did." The further man glanced toward his partner and scuffed his boot across the floor. "I haven't been with the Guild for very long, but Ignis here tells me that this man has quite the record." Ignis--if the other was Ignis, then this man was Aquos. Not that it mattered much, but names never hurt.

Kitasaka pried his heel from the inner soul of his boot. It must have been nearly dawn by now. Kohashi, doubtlessly, had retired; Kiratake and Maru likely had as well. Perhaps Aurius was still up and about, pacing in his uninformed panic. "Should I summon the boy's father?"

"No." Ignis flicked a bit of fluff from the surface of the couch cushion, a lock of his borrowed hair falling forward from behind his ear. "You may tell him in the morning; let him sleep for now. We plan on retrieving the child, but we won't leave until he and his wife are informed of the plan. The boy is in no mortal danger, so there's no rush."

No rush. No mortal danger. Sighing, Kitasaka pulled himself to his feet and headed toward the door. "I take it that you, sir, are not a parent."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Eight: Aurius's Storm Is Stalled

2011-02-04T01:34:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"A bond might scar more easily than the flesh." --Zhi diplomat, c. 570 AE

May 6, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Look, I know you had something to do with this!" Hours and hours of mounting anxiety had pushed Aurius to his breaking point. His son--his young, innocent son who hadn't even wanted to be dragged to Shiromori in the first place--was missing, and though Kohashi had called truce earlier, Aurius had known from the get-go that the man must have been plotting something. His error, he supposed, was in assuming that Kohashi would wait to make his move. "Where the hell have you taken my son?"

And yet, just as he had done when confronted earlier, Kohashi merely shrugged. "Believe me, I had nothing to do with it. My guards are still conducting their search, and I can assure you that they won't stop until the boy has been safely returned."

"And what makes you think I'll trust you?" It took every ounce of self-control he had not to spit in the man's fucking face--pompous, treacherous piece of shit! "You lying bastard!"

As if he'd been expecting an insult, Kohashi replied with an angry sniff and a wave of his hand. "You seem to forget to whom you speak. I am king here, you know--and we had an agreement, besides."

"An agreement that you broke!"

"Kitasa! I already told you, I'm not the one who took the boy! And even if I was, how dare you jump to that conclusion without a shred of evidence!"

"Well who else in this castle would have done it?" Enraged, Aurius drove his fist to Kohashi's desk with a strength he'd never known himself to possess. The inkwell lurched to its side, black liquid ruining thoroughly the adjacent piece of parchment, and the candle teetered dangerously. He scarcely noticed. "What do you think happened? He just wandered off, did he? Or maybe one of the servants is holding him for ransom? Or someone snuck past the guards? Tell me!"

Shaking his head, Kohashi sighed. "Look, you filthy piece of doggish vermin, I--"

He never got a chance to finish, as he was cut off by a knock at the door. "Your Majesty!"

It was the steward.

"Yes?" Kohashi's eyes flickered to the door for a brief second before returning to Aurius. Aurius scowled back. This was beyond annoyance, beyond even anger. This was loathing in its purest form.

But at the very least, the steward's arrival had stalled the storm. "A couple of the guards want a word with Lord Kitasaka--they claim to have information regarding the Tasian boy's disappearance."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Seven: The Guild Master Gets a Word

2011-01-22T01:16:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"Every man can be made to listen." --Shiromori king, c. 140 AE

May 5, 1115 AE
Willow's Edge Inn, Koheno, Shiromori

As a Guildsman, Terrus knew how to tread lightly. He had been trained for many useful attributes, and stealth had not been neglected. This was a man who could dance across a nightingale floor without anyone ever knowing. This was a man who could slip unnoticed through a crowded room, walk alongside a lone traveler without earning the slightest bat of an eye. If ever was a man created for the purpose of sneaking up on people, it was Terrus.

But if ever was a man created for the purpose of detecting sneaks, it was the Guild Master. "What is it, Terrus?"

Terrus stopped a few feet behind him, an unamused sort of sigh coming from his direction. "I take it your trip went well."

"Would I be here if it hadn't?" He turned the topmost log over with the poker and bit his lip. Every one of his Guildsmen deserved respect, and no one knew it better than he--and yet, they still managed to annoy him with their foolish questions. "What do you need?"

The other man sniffed. "A word."

As if he couldn't have figured that one out on his own! The Guild Master rolled his eyes; he was getting too old for this. "Oh really?"

Terrus tapped his foot against the floorboards--not exactly the sort of thing he often did. "It's important."

"Well, it had better--"

"It's about the boy."

The poker fell to the floor with a resounding clang! Shocked, the Guild Master took a few seconds to recollect himself, then kicked it to the side and turned around to face his underling.

"You don't say."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Six: Aurius Is Cast into Chaos

2011-01-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"There's nothing wrong with any notion of a god--only the people who take it a step too far." --Zhi agnostic, c. 1110 AE

May 5, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"All right." Aurius turned away from the fire and resigned himself to the chair. He liked to think he was a rational man--not the sort who spread tales of blue ladies and whatnot--but judging by the impatient look on Maru's face, he didn't have much say in the matter. "First and foremost, this woman from the dream: I am inclined to believe that she is your goddess Kitasa."

As he might have expected, the regret at saying it sank in immediately. Kawa's stare was blank and skeptical, while Maru looked to be fighting back a scowl. As for Aurius himself, he was embarrassed; he was not the sort of person who cared to discuss goddesses.

Finally, Maru spoke. "Kitasa is not blue."

Aurius sighed; this was exactly why they never talked about religion if they could help it. "Have you actually seen her?"

"Well, who are you to claim she is? You don't even believe in--"

"Can you just let him talk?" Aurius raised an eyebrow; Kawa was an unexpected ally if he'd ever had one. "I just want to hear a theory on this--any theory."

Aurius watched as Maru turned away from him, no doubt shooting her brother some sort of betrayed look. It was the one subject on which they fundamentally disagreed and they usually got around that by simply letting it go unsaid--and that worked for them. Now that they had to actually talk about it--even in an completely different context--that perfect system would be unable to help them. If Maru and her brother hadn't been so eager to hear his thoughts, he never would have brought them up. "Look, I'm not saying she is or isn't blue--and I'm not saying I care, to be honest. My mother said Kitasa was blue."

Maru sniffed. "Your mother would have worshiped Iaytia."

"Yes, but Kitasa still exists in Tasian mythology." He looked down at his hands and frowned. He suspected that at some point--long ago--it had all been the same religion, the Tasian Iaytia and the Shiromori Kitasa and the Zhi Lian. He could never voice that thought, however; in this world, not a soul would have stood to hear it. "She's called Ceretia in Tasius--literally 'blue lady'."

His wife pursed her lips in disbelief, an almost hurt look in her eye. Maybe she thought he thought she was being ignorant; he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and tell her that wasn't the case, but the space in between seemed to have swelled to a mile-wide gap. "But... why would Kitasa show up in myths about Iaytia?"

Aurius swallowed, then forced himself to meet her gaze. "Because they're sisters."

He braced himself as those blue eyes blinked--twice. Thrice. A fourth time. "Wait... so you're saying that Iaytia is... Hira?"

He shook his head. "Good guess, though--Iaytia would be your Tamura. Your Hira is the Zhi goddess, Lian; she would be Toritia in Tasian mythology. Anyway, the being Ceretia is depicted as she's named--a blue lady. Blue skin, blue hair, blue eyes..."

Kawa cocked his head to the side. "Like the lady in my dream."

"Exactly. Now, I'm not saying I'm right--" he added, noting a scandalized glare from Maru "--but it's just what came to mind. You know for a fact that I don't believe in any of it anyway."

"Regardless, it might be helpful." Much to his sister's chagrin, Kawa's reply seemed earnest; maybe a decent relationship with his brother-in-law wouldn't be impossible after all. "Thank you for sharing."

Aurius felt his mouth twitch into a small smile. "You're welcome."

Kawa returned the grin, though it appeared to be half-hearted. Perhaps he'd just reached a point of spiritual confusion--or perhaps it would take more than a stupid little story to patch things up between them. Aurius had to admit that the latter seemed more likely. "And what about the three orbs?"

"Oh." He'd forgotten about that--much to his horror. How the hell was he supposed to talk about that in the presence of two impressionable, superstitious Shiromori without causing a panic? "Yes, that. Well--"

"Aurius!"

The door had already shut before he'd noticed it open, a frenzied, almost distraught Kiratake elevating the tension in the room to a full-out state of chaos.

"Aurius! It's--it's Athayos! He's gone!"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Five: Athayos Is Strung

2011-01-05T23:21:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"Never trust that which you cannot see." --Zhi scholar, c. 150 AE

May 5, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

The flames in the hearth cast throughout the room a harsh glare of hellish red. The light bent with every flicker, the shadows twisting and creeping with such frequency that Athayos wanted nothing more than to bolt down the hall and crawl into bed with his father and Maru--but he couldn't. He was a big boy now, and big boys didn't sleep with their parents. Big boys didn't mistake shadows for monsters, about to spring from the walls and devour the room's helpless patrons whole. Big boys didn't dash out of bed and put out the fire, only to find the unlit room even more eerie than the alternative.

No--big boys only shut their eyes and told themselves that they would soon fall asleep, and that a servant would be along to douse the flames. Or did big boys do even that? Perhaps big boys didn't worry at all.

But if that was the case, then Athayos was as much of a baby as his whining little siblings.

Athayos...

Trying not to shiver, he tugged the blanket upward and curled beneath it. It's all in your heard... it's all in your head...

No. Athayos...

It was a man's voice, liquid and caustic and taunting, laced with a paralyzing venom Athayos had only ever heard in his nightmares. It was serpentine, draconian, inhuman. No person could have such a voice--at least, no real person.

And yet--somehow--he knew in the depths of his soul that he had heard this voice before. "Who are you?"

An amused, wicked cackle rang throughout his head, its dripping poison painting searing wounds upon his brain. I believe you know the Lady in White?

Was this voice the acquaintance she had mentioned? Dear Goddess, he hoped not! "Do you know her?"

The voice did not answer; it only laughed again. I need you to do something for me, Athayos.

Goddess! He had to get out of this--he did not trust this voice. "Can it wait until morning?"

No. I need you to do it now.

"But it's late and--"

NOW!

A nauseous stream welled within as his body jerked from the bed, his mind opposed to its motion yet powerless to stop it. Like a puppet on strings he crept toward the hearth; he tried to struggle, but his thoughts never reached his limbs. Papa! he wanted to scream, if only his tongue would allow it. Papa! Maru! Grandma Kiratake! HELP!

Oh, they'll be better off uninvolved, the voice sneered as Athayos leaned toward the flames, his spine freezing as his body warmed. But don't worry your little head over them; if you'll only cooperate, everything will turn out well enough.

Let me go!

No. You see, Athayos... The voice faded out, its rich baritone climbing gradually higher until it reemerged as a woman's hissing, whispering contralto... you are mine.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Four: Maru Hears the Warning

2010-12-31T00:42:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"Oftentimes, he who says the least knows the most." --Shiromori philosopher, c. 470 AE

May 5, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"So, you brought me and my family all the way from Zhian because of a dream?" Maru raised an eyebrow, but as she watched her brother bounce her little son up and down, she supposed she didn't mind much. It was nice to be home, even if her father was here and her brother wasn't being quite as careful with the baby as she might have preferred.

"Well... it wasn't really a dream, exactly." Kawa granted Dracian a smile, though Maru could tell from his eyes that it was a mere indulgence. "At least, it didn't feel like a dream--almost like a message, maybe."

"A message." She lunged playfully toward the baby and tickled his stomach; reassured by his giggles, she lifted him from her brother's arms and held him to her shoulder. "And what did this message say?"

Kawa threw her a strange sort of stare; Maru frowned, but he seemed to come to his senses. "Well, it was from this blue lady--blue skin, blue hair, everything. She was in this weird room and she said she knew I could see her and that she wanted me to see her anyway."

"A blue lady!" Planting a quick kiss to Dracian's shell-like ear, Maru laughed. "Aurius, have you ever heard of such a thing?"

"Yes."

She'd meant it as a joke, but now Maru could only gape. She might have expected such a response in a sarcastic tone, but Aurius sounded nothing if not honest. Kawa too appeared shocked; it was a good thing she'd taken Dracian, really, or he might have dropped him. "Sorry?"

But Aurius only shook his head. "Later. Continue."

"Err... all right." Kawa continued to squint at Aurius for a moment, then turned back to Maru--a pity that they'd never grown quite comfortable with each other, really. "Anyway, she said something about needing my help. Something about 'he's not what he seems' and to beware of a few people, that sort of thing."

The baby hiccuped; Maru shifted him in her arms and drummed her fingers against his back. "I see. Did she name these people?"

"Not really--just the man with the silver tongue, the son of the Queen, and the Lady in White. She didn't even give a description for that first man."

Behind her, Aurius sniffed. "That's not terribly specific, is it?"

"Not in the least," Maru agreed. "Anything else?"

From her shoulder, Dracian cooed; he must not have had his fill of his Uncle Kawa. Sighing, she held him out toward her brother once more, who put on a goofy grin and began to play with the baby's toes. "Well... she said not to tell Father about any of it."

Maru smirked. "Well, that's a given."

From her father's arms, little Mari emitted a nonsensical babbling noise; Maru exchanged a quick glance with Aurius, who gave a dismissive shrug before looking back toward Kawa. "Was that all?"

Hushed, Kawa glanced toward the ceiling and bit his lip. Maru's grip on Dracian tightened. "Kawa?"

"She... she said my sister stands to lose everything." He folded his hands together and stared at the rug beneath his feet--scared, defeated, just as she remembered him as a child. "She said to tell you to beware the Crossing of the Three Orbs... whatever that means."

The Crossing of the Three Orbs. The very words made her spine twitch--but Maru could only shake her head. "I don't think I've ever heard of such a thing before."

Kawa grunted, then nodded toward his brother-in-law. "Aurius?"

Maru followed his gaze and watched as her husband's calculating silence continued. The seconds passed like minutes: one... two... three...

Aurius glanced down at the little girl in his arms, then met Maru's eye and mouthed, "Later."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Three: Aurius and Kohashi Come to an Accord

2010-12-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"The more desperate for trust one seems, the less likely they are to deserve it." --Zhi general, c. 890 AE

May 5, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"So," Kohashi began with a superficial curve of a smile, "it's been a while."

Careful to keep his wits about him, Aurius nodded. Why had agreed to a private audience with Maru's father, again? Oh yes--the half-dozen armed guards. At the very least, he figured, it was good to know that Maru had stationed herself right outside the door and would probably refuse to leave without him. "I suppose you might say that."

"You suppose correctly." His father-in-law drummed the soul of his boot against the tile floor. "Anyway, forgive me if I'm prying, but might I ask why you and my daughter never write?"

Aurius raised an eyebrow. The only possibility that had seemed less likely than his ever writing to Kohashi was that of Kohashi actually wanting to hear from him--was this some sort of trick? "My apologies; I wasn't aware that an execution attempt might be interpreted as an invitation for correspondence."

"Ah, yes--that." Kohashi waved his hand dismissively, as casual and unconcerned as if Aurius had just reminded him to pick something up at the market. "Let's just... put all that unpleasantness behind us, shall we?"

What? After all the friction between them, that was all Kohashi could manage? Ridiculous; Aurius could only gape. "You've got to be kidding me."

His features unchanging, Kohashi gave no indication of anything less than pure seriousness--indeed, he even looked a little insulted. "Hmm. I must say, I always thought my daughter had the sense to avoid the unforgiving type."

"Well, I'm sorry if you don't understand my unease." Aurius glanced out the window toward the castle grounds; sure enough, there were Athayos and Mari, touring the castle grounds under the guidance of Lord Kitasaka. "Can I leave now?"

Kohashi's eyes folded into thin blue slits, an accompanying sneer creating an almost dagger-like effect. "Maru did always struggle with authority; I'll admit that the two of you are alike in that regard. Then again, I suppose in some ways, a majestic lioness is not unlike a mangy tomcat in some godforsaken alley, flitting between the tasks of digging through refuse and licking his own balls."

He almost seemed to be stalling now--figured. His arms crossed, Aurius felt his fingers twitch against his sleeve. "Do you have a point?"

Maru's father sniffed; Aurius would not have been surprised to see smoke spouting from his nostrils, but oddly enough, it never came. "Frankly, I don't like you--and from what I can gather, you don't think too highly of me either. However, for my daughter's sake, I believe we shall have to be civil for now. Do we have an accord?"

For now. Perhaps those two words had meant to slip by unnoticed, as such subtle-yet-crucial additives often did, but Kohashi must have gravely misjudged Aurius's mental filters. 'For now' implied a distant 'later', a point in the future when the validity of the agreement would cease. 'For now' would not allow a momentary lapse in vigilance--in some ways, 'for now' was almost meaningless.

But perhaps--for now--it would be best to play along and let Kohashi think that he had the upper hand. "Fair enough; we have an accord."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter Two: Kawa Has Some Catching Up to Do

2010-12-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"There is no more urgent matter in the world than a couple of laughs with a friendly face." --Zhi philosopher, c. 670 AE

May 5, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

"Maru!" Kawa bolted down the stairs and sprung into his sister's arms. He'd thought the steward might have been playing a joke at first, but sure enough, here she was--a few days earlier than he'd been expecting. He just couldn't believe she was finally back! "Maru, you're home!"

"What? You didn't think I'd leave you alone at Father's mercy forever, did you?" Her hug tightened into a squeeze before she released his frame, only to ruffle the roots of his hair; as always, he pretended to hate it. "Where is the miserable old crow, anyway?"

Kawa snorted. "Asking for Father? You almost sound like you care."

"I resent that!" She pinched her index finger to her thumb and flicked it against his cheek, then grinned that same wicked grin he'd grown up trying to mimic. "I take it Grandmother and Grandfather are well?"

He nodded. "They'll be even better now that you're here."

"Well, that's a given." Maru smirked, then reached to her brow and pushed aside a stray lock, her fingers lingering only a second when they reached the brand on her brow. How could she stand to walk around with that mark exposed? Kawa had spent the later part of his childhood growing out his hair just for the sake of covering his own. "Anyway, I heard a funny rumor when I was in town--something about you having a little girlfriend?"

"Oh." He felt a hint of a blush creeping into his cheeks. Did everyone know about that by now? Sure, Kyato wasn't the most discrete of girls, but were people really saying...?

His sister interrupted his thoughts with a laugh. "Bashful, are we? Oh well, I guess that's telling enough as it is. Now, you said in your letter that you had to talk to me about something?"

Now that she mentioned it, he had--the mere sight of her had caused him to forget. It hadn't occurred to him just how long it had been since he'd seen her until just now. Perhaps the dream could wait? "Oh, right."

She tapped her foot against the tile, the echo in the room such that could only ring from the slipper of Maru. "Well? What is it?"

He shrugged. After all, it wasn't as if she would have come from another country for only a brief call; he'd have plenty of time to tell her about the dreams. For now, he just wanted to catch up--to see how his sister was doing. "It can wait. I think we have a lot to talk about, hopefully most of which is more pleasant."

"Fair enough." She looped her arm in his and pulled him toward the door. "Now, first things first--I know a couple of babies who are just dying to meet their Uncle Kawa!"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part II, Chapter One: Kinea Spends Time with Her Sons

2010-12-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Part II: Tasius

"What trial is more tragic and needless than that of a surviving sibling?" --Zhi activist, c. 780 AE

April 27, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

Prince Drenetes grabbed his little wooden subject by the legs and shook him, dangling him upside down--after all, no intruder ever crossed the prince's moat and lived to tell the tale. He did not suffer insolence. He set clear boundaries and was unafraid to punish those who dared push them.

Unlike his pansy-ass father.

Ah, but perhaps Nukus deserved some credit. After all... if he'd been a more competent ruler, then where would she be? At least this way she could operate under the guise of picking up the idiot's slack; at least this way, she herself could achieve her own ends. This was how it had to be. She knew that. She could accept that.

And hell, if it hadn't been so urgent, she might have even liked it.

"Mama?"

Her hazy cave of contemplation vanishing before her eyes, Kinea glanced down at her son. How long had he been calling her? "Yes, Athayos?"

The boy turned his head and stared, his inkblot eyes startled and frightened. "Who 'Thayos?"

Athayos? Where had that come from? It had been so long since Kinea had heard that name; even Ustelian referred to him simply as 'the boy'. "Oh... never mind. Sorry, Ath--Drenetes."

The child's anxious expression morphed into an annoyed frown. He continued to sulk for a minute or so, then reached into the castle and produced a second figurine. "Mama play."

Defeated, Kinea slipped off the couch and joined him on the rug. She was not the sort who cared to play, but who was she to refuse her baby? "Happy?"

Drenetes laughed as he bashed the doll's head against the castle wall. Was this supposed to be fun? Kinea didn't get the point; maybe he needed a playmate closer to his own age. "Drenetes, would you like a brother?"

He wasn't listening. He just wanted to torture his toy. Kinea knew little enough about children, but she figured her other son would have been old enough to be interested in more important pursuits. Surely, if nothing else, he would have been past this phase by now.

"Mama."

Ah, but what an affectionate boy he was! So bright and charming and loving. A splendid boy. A splendid son. "My baby."

The child put down the doll and squirmed. "Up!"

Smiling, Kinea did as she was told; it was not as if every woman, after all, was lucky enough to have such a son. "Are you getting tired, darling?"

As if in reply, the boy yawned. Kinea kissed him on the forehead, then carried him to his crib and lowered him to the mattress--little mite needed his sleep. "Good night, Athayos."

Her son blinked. "Who 'Thayos?"

Silly boy. She beamed down at him in silence for a moment, then proceeded to the candles.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Ten: The Guild Master Hears the Tidings

2010-11-26T23:54:00.000-08:00

Part I: Zhian

"Who dares question her will?" --Tasian priest, c. 30 AE

April 27, 1115 AE
?

The Guild Master dared look only for a second, but it was long enough to earn him an accusing glower. "How many times must I remind you not to look at me without permission?"

At least once more, it seemed. Annoyed, he returned his gaze to the tiles. "You know, for the Living Embodiment of Chaos, you seem awfully fond of rules."

"And for a Guild Master, you seem impatient; perhaps this is why you still fail to put a stop to our friend Ustelian after all these years."

Or maybe that's just because you and your sisters have left all your divine work to a squadron of mortals! he wanted to scream back at her--but after what had happened to his predecessor, he knew better than to get on her bad side. He bit his tongue and lowered his forehead to the floor. "Forgive me, Flame of the North, for my short temper. You must understand that it was difficult to lose Guildsman Aquos so soon after losing Guildsman Aero--and now that I've finally replaced both of them, Guildsman Tenebrae leaves as well. I've been doing my best to compensate for his absence myself, but..."

"I know." Her skirts rustled as she rose, taking only a few dainty steps and still reaching his front. "But don't despair just yet. It won't be much longer before the next Guildsman Tenebrae joins you."

Stunned, the Guild Master's back sprung upright. Did she really mean... was it possible...

"You may look upon me, if you wish." She placed her hand on his crown and jerked his head into position. "And would you mind standing? I'm sick of your useless kneeling."

"My apologies." He scrambled to his feet and met her crimson eyes. That florid hue never failed to unnerve him; he had seen blood of a more waxen shade. "Do you mean to say that I won't be waiting years for the opportune moment to recruit this one?"

"Not even months," she promised, her eerily white teeth just visible behind her sly smile. "You will be ordering around a full complement of Guildsmen again before you know it."

The Guild Master indulged himself with a smug grin; he didn't smile often, but he figured the news merited some sort of reaction. "Care to tell me who this man is?"

She looped her arm through his and led him toward the center of the room. "Just look into the pool, Guild Master; he's only a glance away."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Nine: Aurius Notes the One Good Thing

2010-11-18T19:07:00.001-08:00

Part I: Zhian

"The more important a question, the less anyone cares to answer." --Shiromori adviser, c. 270 AE

April 27, 1115 AE
Evestes Residence, Shouchuen, Zhian

"All packed, kiddo?" Aurius took a seat beside his fidgeting son and smiled down at him; Athayos had been restless the past couple of days, and he wasn't quite sure why. Hopefully the kid was just excited about the trip--in that case, that made one of them.

Athayos nodded. "Maru made me pack."

"That makes sense, seeing as she's the one making us go in the first place." The boy frowned; Aurius hoped he hadn't sounded too bitter, but he'd never been keen on the thought of lying to his children.

"So... she can make you go to Shiromori, but you can't make her go to Tasius?" He raised an eyebrow and stared at him. Athayos was at the age where he was beginning to question the sanity of the fairer sex, which Aurius found to be simultaneously endearing and tiresome. He tried to recall when he'd gone through that phase--then he remembered that he'd never really had the chance for many phases.

Aurius forced himself to laugh. "Why would I make Maru go to Tasius? It's not like I'm itching to go there myself any time soon."

"But it's your home!"

"It was my home." Seeing no change in his son's face, Aurius ruffled the kid's hair; as usual, Athayos pretended to be annoyed. "It's not my home anymore; you and Maru and your little siblings are my home now, and as long as I'm with all of you, I'm happy."

His son's eyes swelled, his lip quivering. "But Maru says Shiromori is her home; does that mean she doesn't like us as much as you do?"

"Of course not," Aurius insisted. "She just has a different way of thinking about things, as do we all. She's very literal."

"Oh."

He seemed to sense that he wasn't about to get a better answer. He kicked lightly at the base of the couch, then stared up at Aurius once more. "What happened to my mother?"

...Shit. Aurius's stomach lurched, his throat struggling against the remains of his lunch as they tried to fight their way back to his mouth. It had been a long time since he'd last thought about Kinea--and if he'd had his way, it would have been longer still. "Your mother..."

Your mother what? What could he say to the boy? Did he tell the truth and hurt him, or did he lie? Perhaps there was some happy medium--if only he could find it.

"Your mother... well, she's still alive, as far as I know." That was a start.

If anything, though, Athayos looked even more disheartened. "Then why isn't she here?"

On second thought, maybe it would have been easier just to tell him that his mother was dead. "Well... she's an important lady back in Tasius. I'm sure she would come and see you if she could, but she has duties there."

"Then why didn't you stay there with her?

"Didn't you love her?"

How did he explain such things to a child? Hell, he wasn't even sure how to explain his relationship with Kinea to an adult; there were some things that were better left in the past. "Sometimes people are together for reasons other than love, Athayos."

His son frowned. "So you didn't, then?"

Aurius shook his head. "I do love you, though."

Athayos looked anything but satisfied. "Does she love me?"

"Yes." His answer was automatic. Of course Kinea had loved Athayos--she'd been devastated when she'd lost him. If she'd known Athayos was alive, she would have loved him still; if there was one good thing Aurius could say about Kinea, it was this.

But his son was unconvinced. "How do you know?"

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Eight: Takamari Receives a Promise

2010-11-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

Part I: Zhian

"What is the purpose of family if not to fret?" --Zhi philosopher, c. 480 AE

April 27, 1115 AE
Evestes Residence, Shouchuen, Zhian

Takamari opened the drawer and leafed through Maru's stash of heavier dresses. It was not often cold in Shiromori at this time of year, but one could never be too cautious. "Are you sure you've packed everything you need?"

Maru sighed fondly; she was rolling her eyes, Takamari was sure of it. "Yes, Mother; everything I need is in my trunk."

"Are you sure? You always did manage to forget at least one thing, you know."

Her daughter sniffed. "Good thing Aurius is so meticulous, then. Seriously, the man spent half an hour this morning taking inventory of socks, Mother--socks."

Chuckling to herself, Takamari shut the drawer and about-faced, awed as always by the sight of her own eyes above Kohashi's regal nose. "At least your feet will be warm, then."

Her daughter groaned. "Don't even joke."

"I said the same thing to you when you told me you were going, if you recall." She gazed down at the locked trunk against the wall and frowned. "It's not too late to reconsider, you know. You do remember what your father is capable of?"

"Mother, I've told you a hundred times--we're going for Kawa." She seemed to make a point to emphasize the name, as if to remind Takamari of the existence of her middle child--as if she needed to be reminded. "Besides, Kawa and I have an agreement; if one of us is angry with Father, we both are. Father won't cross his angry heirs if he knows what's good for him."

A slight spasm ticked at the corner of Takamari's mouth. "Yes, but when did he ever know what's good for him?"

"Oh, he will soon enough," Maru assured her, driving her right fist into her outstretched left hand.

Takamari arched her brows and tried to smile--tried. Maru reminded her so much of a young Kohashi sometimes, but she did not think her daughter would ever speak to her again if she voiced the thought. If only she could have seen that it wasn't an insult; if only she'd had a chance to know her father before he'd lost himself. "I suppose we'll see."

"While we're there, I'll try to convince Kawa to visit us here some time," Maru promised. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could see him without having to see Father too?"

She sighed; indeed, it would have been nice, but it didn't seem likely. "Your Father would probably insist on tagging along."

Her daughter shrugged. "I guess so. Maybe Kawa can just sneak away without telling him? We both managed that all right."

"Oh, your brother's a growing boy," Takamari laughed, pulling her daughter into a tight hug. "He has a life back in Shiromori, like neither of us ever did. Of course, if you could convince him to come for a month or so at some point, I can't say I'd complain."

"Will do." Maru returned the squeeze, then stepped back, her hand lingering on Takamari's shoulder. "One day, we'll all be together, Mama--I promise."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Seven: Athayos Is Promised an Adventure

2010-11-03T15:14:00.001-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"A true puppet master must learn to work with tangled strings." --Tasian performer, c. 620 AE

April 25, 1115 AE
Reed Mallard Pond, Shouchuen, Zhian

"...so they argued and argued and then my papa got tired and said 'Fine! Have it your way!', so we're going to visit my stepmother's family in Shiromori," Athayos explained. He tried to keep smiling in spite of the Lady in White's curling frown; the best way to handle her was to pretend to be unafraid. "So I won't be here to do any favors for you for a while. I hope you can find someone else to help you while I'm gone."

The Lady in White sniffed. She might have looked more impressed if he had simply insulted her. "So, you'd rather be off having adventures than helping distressed ladies, you mean to say?"

"Oh, it's not an adventure!" He shook his head, as if to send those torturously pleasing thoughts of dragons and swords and midnight rides flying right out of his ears. "It's just a visit. If it makes you feel better, it won't be much fun."

"I see." She raised her hand and brushed her opposite shoulder. her flowing sleeve blown about by some gust he could not detect. "Actually, this could work for me. Care to make a little bit of spending money while you're abroad?"

Athayos frowned. "Are you coming too?" Was she going to follow him? He didn't like the idea of being followed.

"No, I have business here." As she often did, she stared down at him through her narrowed, frosty eyes; he hoped she couldn't sense his relief. "I do, however, have an associate who was planning on visiting the Shiromori capital soon, and he may have some errands for you--errands more to your liking than my tiresome old chores, perhaps."

He strained his neck and looked upwards, all unease and discomfort. It had never occured to him that she might be well-connected. "What sort of errands?"

She flashed her mischievous smile, a hint of a fang just visible from the corner of her mouth. "I shan't presume to speak on his behalf, child."

"But you already did!" Adults were so strange; they never wanted to discuss the very things they insisted on bringing up. It made no sense. "Will they be interesting?"

The Lady in White sighed as her form slowly began to fade away, from her feet upwards as always. "'Interesting' is a relative term, child; however, you may find that this visit of yours will turn out to be more of an adventure than you had in mind."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Six: Kitasaka Hears the Point

2010-10-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"As insufferable as some are, perhaps it is best that visits may be kept brief." --Zhi novelist, c. 1020 AE

April 23, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

Kitasaka crossed in front of his desk and studied the man in front of him--the man formerly known as Guildsman Aquos. "So they made you the new Guild Master, kiddo?"

The Guild Master sniffed; he'd always been a rather haughty, easily-annoyed sort, and it was both effortless and amusing to ruffle his feathers. "'New' is a relative term; I've been the Guild Master for years, you must realize."

"I can imagine." He folded his arms and frowned. "Now, what is it that you need?"

The younger man tapped his foot, a vein bulging just visibly beneath the leather strap around his forehead. "You're aware that your grandson sent a message to your granddaughter in Zhian, correct?"

Kitasaka nodded, trying to recall exactly how long ago that had been. He supposed the letter would have reached Maru by now. "What about it?"

"He asked if she and her family might come for a visit." He flicked a lock of golden hair out of his face, only to curl his lip in his grievance as it stubbornly fell back in front of his eyes. "Last I've heard, she's still trying to convince her husband it's a good idea, but you know how women are; she'll have him agreeing sooner rather than later."

"Knowing how Maru is, I don't doubt it." A slight pain in his wrist, Kitasaka clasped his left hand around his lower right arm; the old joints weren't quite what they used to be.

If the Guild Master sensed his discomfort, he did not deem it noteworthy. "Anyway, you may recall your granddaughter's stepson--a certain Athayos Evestes."

"Yes, we took care of him for a while a couple of years back--I take it he and his siblings will be coming along with Maru and Aurius?" Kiratake would be thrilled when he told her this; it had been quite some time since they'd last seen Athayos, and they'd never even met Mari and Dracian.

The Guild Master bit his lip, as if fully aware of the answer but unsure about how to phrase it. "Yes, well... they can't very well leave their children alone, can they? Takamari's only one woman, and she's got her business to take care of, so the babes' presence seems to be a logical expectation."

What a bleak, coldly analytical way of looking at things! Kitasaka had to laugh. "You make a visit from my great-grandchildren sound so dull."

"In that case, I apologize," sighed the Guild Master, though whatever he looked to be, it was not quite apologetic. "Look, we're both busy men and neither of us have much time for small talk, so let me get to my point--under no circumstances is that boy to leave castle grounds unescorted."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Five: Aurius Postpones an Irrational Decision

2010-10-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"Contrary to popular belief, the two most important words of husbandhood are not 'I do', but rather 'Yes, dear'." --Zhi satirist, c. 890 AE

April 22, 1115 AE
Evestes Residence, Shouchuen, Zhian

It was late enough for Aurius to have expected to find Maru asleep; nonetheless, he entered the bedroom to find her stretched out atop the covers, her blue eyes wide open and a smile on her face. Aurius tilted his head as he returned the grin. "You didn't have to wait up for me."

"I know." Maru tugged at her sleeve and rested her head against the board. "I wanted to."

From his crib by the wall, Dracian let out a soft wail; his sister slumbered like a log, but the baby was as light a sleeper as they came. Maru rolled her eyes. "Can you get him? You're already up."

Nodding, Aurius closed the door and proceeded to the crib. "All right, but if it's food he's after, there's not much I can do."

Maru snorted. "You're just not trying hard enough, then."

"If you insist." He picked up the baby and turned to face the bed, bouncing the boy gently all the while. Dracian's cries became giggles; it didn't take much to please him, really. The best way to make Dracian happy was to play with him.

Maru's frown, however, told him that she disagreed. "Be careful with him."

"But he likes it," Aurius insisted, lifting the baby to his shoulder and kissing his tiny, wispy-haired head. "Don't you, Dray? Mama's just being silly, isn't she?"

Dracian's small hand took hold of his collar and refused to let go; Maru sighed. "It's way past his bedtime; now that he's happy again, you can put him down."

Not keen to argue any further, Aurius did as he was told. "Night, Dray." The baby responded with a bubble of spit; Aurius wiped it away with the corner of the blanket, then watched as his son's little eyelids began to droop. "Sweet dreams."

"Do you think he's all right?" asked Maru from the bed. "He was coughing earlier."

Aurius frowned. Why was she doing this? She'd never fretted so much over Mari. "He seems fine to me." He headed over to the dressed and rested his hand on its surface. "How was your day, love?"

"Well... a messenger came by," she told him, her renewed smile evident in her voice. "He had a letter from my brother."

"Oh?" Aurius wasn't sure what to make of this. He hadn't made a great impression when he'd first met Kawa, and the kid had never really gotten over it--add that to the fact that Aurius had essentially taken his sister from him, and the kid harbored a healthy grudge against his brother-in-law.

"He was practically begging me to come visit," Maru continued as Aurius opened the drawer and began to undress. "Might we go?"

Aurius shoved his tunic to the back of the dresser and shuddered. "Are you sure that's a good idea? The last time I was in Shiromori, your father tried to kill me."

"Yes, but he clearly failed."

Shaking his head, he shoved the drawer shut and settled beside her on the bed. "You choose the most bizarre times to be optimistic, you know?"

"I only wish they didn't correspond with the bizarre times you choose to be uncooperative." She held up her finger to her mouth and bit off a sliver of her nail, spitting it to the side. "I'm always willing to visit your sister."

"She lives five minutes away."

"I'd go with you if you wanted to visit your parents."

"They're dead."

She looked thoroughly annoyed and it was killing him. He took her in his arms and pulled her closer, pressing his forehead to hers. He hadn't seen her all day and he didn't really care to fight.

At the same time, however, he didn't want to make any irrational decisions. "We'll talk in the morning, all right? I'm a little tired."

Maru scowled. "You're such an asshole."

"I just prefer to avoid murder attempts if at all possible, but to each their own, I suppose." He placed his hand under her chin and gave a her swift peck upon the lips. "Have a nice sleep."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Four: Maru Is Pushed and Pulled Away

2010-10-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"There is no stronger force in the world than a mother's intuition." --Zhi priest, c. 320 AE

April 22, 1115 AE
Evestes Residence, Shouchuen, Zhian

"Mama!" Maru's brother whined in his high-pitched, babyish squeal. "Mari keeps dropping the people!"

A fond, yet tired smile on her face, their mother shook her head. "It won't hurt them, dear."

"But they're hard to reach!"

Maru raised Dracian to her shoulder and rolled her eyes; it was still such a shock to think that twenty-three-year-old she had a four-year-old brother. "Mari, show some respect for your uncle's toys; he doesn't have to let you play with them, you know."

"Oh, yes he does," her mother insisted. "Be nice to your little niece, Takada."

Mari stuck out her tongue at her playmate, then resumed torturing his figurines.

"Never would have guessed your child would be playing with mine, I suppose?" Maru mused, addressing her mother but speaking more for the sake of her own contemplation. How her life had deviated from what she might have expected as a girl--a Shiromori princess in a small house in Zhian with a Tasian husband. If she thought about it, she didn't believe she could be happier otherwise, but the addition of the much-younger sibling had been an unlikely accessory indeed.

Her mother shrugged. "On the contrary, you are my child, and you play with your own children, so..."

Maru sniffed. "That doesn't count--and why are you looking at my baby like that?" she added as she noticed the older woman eyeing the boy.

A wisp of a laugh rolling off her pouting lip, her mother heaved herself off of the couch. "Might I take him off your hands for a while? I know you don't like that baby smell on your clothing."

"You're right," she agreed with a smirk as she lowered Dracian into his grandmother's arms. "That odor never fails to kill my husband's libido."

Her mother's mouth pressed itself into a firm frown. "Maru! The children!"

"Oh, they've heard worse," she dismissed. "Besides, Aurius won't be home until late tonight--plenty of time for me to bathe."

"Mama?" piped up Takada from the floor. "Mama, what's a libido?"

Their mother sighed. "Never you mind."

Laughing to herself, Maru sent a quick wink in her brother's direction. "Sorry, Mother."

"Ah, don't apologize," her mother insisted, bouncing Dracian in her arms. "You're young--I suppose you're allowed the occasional slip of the tongue."

"That and the fact that I was always a little scamp."

"Well, that's a given. Look, Dracian--isn't Mama silly?" she asked the boy as Maru began to make faces at him--as if the kid was old enough to reply yet.

Dracian made an odd sound between a squeal and a quack; Maru snickered. "Never at a loss for words, are you, Dray?" He coughed; frowning, Maru held her fingers to his forehead. "Do you think he's a little warm?"

"He's fine, Maru." Her mother raised the baby to her shoulder and began to rock back and forth. "Babies do cough, you know."

She wished her mother wouldn't pester her so. It wasn't as if Dracian was her first baby, but from the moment of her birth, Mari had been as prime an example of independence as a small child could be. Dracian was different; Dracian needed coddling. He was fragile--why couldn't her mother see that?

Someone knocked on the door; Maru's mother raised an eyebrow. "Are we expecting anyone?"

Maru stepped into the corridor and headed toward the front door. "I don't think so..."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Three: Hiseus Is a Shadow in the Presence of a Serpent

2010-10-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"If one wishes to know what walls might say, one must become a part of them." --Tasian spy, c. 690 AE

April 20, 1115 AE
Tasia Castle, Miesios, Tasius

If someone had told Hiseus two years earlier that he would miss Banus whenever the old King croaked, he might not have been able to stop himself from laughing in the fool's face--depending on who the fool was, of course. Now that Banus was dead, however, he was starting to see things differently. Yes, Banus had been a semi-competent, lovesick imbecile, but at least he'd managed to get things done in the end. At least he hadn't shied away from his duties and left his wife to pick up the slack. At least he'd talked over Ustelian's plans with his advisers.

King Nukus did not get things done. He hadn't set foot in his study in months. If Tasius had a ruler, it was the Queen--who, in spite of his hatred for her, Hiseus had to admit was at least more competent than her moronic husband. But even she was not the ruler Tasius needed. A real ruler would have been open to suggestions from a trusted group of political minds who had served the royal family for decades, not just some enigmatic puppet master tying together obscure strings to complete Iaytia-only-knew what sort of plot.

Privately, Hiseus thought the baby might have made a better king; Prince Drenetes hadn't yet lived long enough to inherit his parents' weaknesses. Hiseus had a favorite reoccurring dream in which the King and Queen died a sudden, painful death and he was left to raise the boy to become a man worthy of the Tasian Throne. He did hope it was prophetic.

"I fail to see the logic behind your worries, Your Majesty." Hiseus glanced over his shoulder as that oily serpent continued to entrance the Queen with the mere flicking of his forked tongue. "Rest assured that all will go according to plan."

The Queen crossed her arms, the sound of her silken sleeves against her velvet bodice a soft note so unfitting of her; someone so vile deserved nothing more exquisite than a wardrobe of burlap. "Forgive my reservations, My Lord, but you must understand that this is no mere political matter. My investments in this plan are of a personal nature."

Ustelian gave a slight sniff; Hiseus had been in his presence often enough to recognize it for the smug, controlled laugh it was. "Your Majesty, have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

"No," the Queen admitted, "but this is my child; I believe I am entitled to a certain amount of concern."

"Indeed, but it is needless." He cracked his knuckles; Hiseus ground his teeth in annoyance. "After all, have I not delivered everything I promised over the years? Even when my plans run into a snag, I have my ways of making things work."

That he did--and this was precisely why Hiseus found it difficult to trust him.

The Queen stepped away from Ustelian and toward the side of the room, descending into the desk chair with that sinister grace only she possessed. "Be that as it may, I would like some assurance; if anything should happen to him, I will personally make sure that the rest of your existence is plagued by misfortunes you couldn't possibly imagine."

"Fair enough," Ustelian agreed. Hiseus put down the poker and turned around; the man was staring down his raptorial nose toward the Queen, unblinking, unafraid. It was an unnerving confidence that only he possessed. "But if I may be so presumptuous as to warn you, Your Highness--I believe you gravely underestimate the extent of my imagination."

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter Two: Kawa Sees a Sapphire Shattered

2010-09-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"What is a dream?" --Zhi philosopher, c. 70 AE

April 16, 1115 AE
Shiromori Castle, Ayumora, Shiromori

The room's only light shone from a fixed square in the center, the origin of a bright hemisphere that faded into darkness as it expanded outwards. Its source was obscured by a lone figure, a tall female in a close-fitting gown. From what he could see, the dress was blue--her skin was blue, her hair was blue. She was all blue.

And yet, she was somehow more than blue.

"I know that you can see me." A spider-like surge crawled down his spine as her voice rang from nowhere and everywhere. "I want you to see me."

Her hand twitched, revealing a large sapphire set upon her sky-colored flesh. "I need you to see me.

"You see... I need you to help me."

Her closed eyes snapped open; they were every bit as blue as the rest of her. "He's not what he seems.

"Beware the man with the silver tongue. Beware the son of the Queen. Beware the Lady in White."

She lowered herself to the floor, her body folding inwards as she collapsed into her own vanishing gown. After a minute, all that remained of her was the jewel from her hand, hovering a foot or so above the tiled floor. "Speak not of this to your father. Tell your sister to beware the Crossing of the Three Orbs. Tell her that she stands to lose--" The sapphire fell to the ground, shattering into an uncountable number of sparkling blue shards. "--everything."

Sweating, Kawa kicked back the blankets and lurched upright. He was in his bedroom, the barest hint of approaching dawn taunting him from behind the hills outside his window. There were no bright lights or sapphire fragments or blue ladies in sight. It had been a dream--nothing more.

Beware the man with the silver tongue. Beware the son of the Queen. Beware the Lady in White.

What was odd, he mused as he swung his legs off the side of the bed, was that he could remember it. His dreams had always made a habit of flying out of his head through his opened eyes, never to be thought of again. This one, however, still lingered about his mind--and eerily, it felt familiar. He wondered if maybe--just maybe--he might have had this dream before.

Tell your sister to beware the Crossing of the Three Orbs.

The Crossing of the Three Orbs? What in the name of hell was that? Kawa didn't know of any orbs, much less any that might cross--that could have meant a thousand things, and yet nothing at all. But it seemed so bizarrely ominous...

Not hopeful of getting back to sleep any time soon, Kawa hurried to his desk and lit his candles. He settled himself into his chair and picked up a stylus, pressing it to a blank sheet of parchment in the pattern of a greeting: Dear Maru. The warning had been for her, after all; perhaps she could make better sense of it.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Part I, Chapter One: Athayos Considers a Different Sort of Payment

2010-09-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Part I: Zhian

"For the right price, there is nothing a man will not do." --Shiromori philosopher, c. 45o AE

April 15, 1115 AE
Reed Mallard Pond, Shouchuen, Zhian

The other children made a game of sitting in the fields and watching the clouds pass overhead. They would always point and state just what they thought they could see. 'That one's a bunny!' 'That one's a dragon!' 'That one's your mother!'

Athayos didn't really like that game. He never saw bunnies or dragons or anyone's mother. He just saw clouds.

He didn't mind watching them, though--there was something oddly fascinating about these big white bunches of fluff floating around the sky. He wondered what they were, these clouds; not what they looked like, but what they were actually, physically made of. Maybe one day people would fly. Maybe one day, he would touch a cloud and find out.

Maybe the Lady in White would give him the power to fly. Now that he thought about it, she probably could. Perhaps he would ask her when she got here. She always gave him money when he ran errands for her, but he would have preferred powers. Of course, one quick little chore wouldn't be enough to earn any magical abilities, but maybe he could do a bunch of favors for no money, and then eventually, she'd pay him back for all of those with something even better. Sure, he'd miss the money in the short term, but really...

Athayos!

She was here.

Athayos stumbled to his feet and looked around; he could never be sure from where she was calling. He caught sight of a bright light by a tree to the south of the pond and nodded, watching as it retreated further into the thicket. There was no mistaking that light. It was her.

He hoped whatever she had in store for him wouldn't take too long. His father would be home from the castle soon enough, and his stepmother was likely wondering where he was already. At least she had the babies to distract her, he supposed--for some reason, babies monopolized women, even though they never did anything interesting. If he was lucky, maybe Mari had gotten into some mischief, or maybe some of the local ladies had dropped by to fawn over Dracian...

Athayos!

"I'm coming!" he called. The Lady in White didn't like to be kept waiting, as he'd once learned the hard way. Besides, if he wanted to ask for a different sort of payment, he didn't think tardiness would help his cause.

NEXT CHAPTER:

Introduction

2010-09-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

The year is 1115 AE. The war has ended and the nations of Tasius and Shiromori have begun to rebuild. Under Seshima Kohashi, Shiromori's army restructures, sure that another conflict is on the horizon and not wanting to be caught off-guard. Meanwhile, all is quiet in Tasius--eerily quiet. Following the death of the old king, Banus Anphires, in 1113, diplomacy has reached a standstill as Tasius retreats within itself. The new king, Banus's son Nukus, has yet to show any startling leadership abilities and has become nothing more than a puppet for his queen, who seems to be biding her time for something big...

Meanwhile, Kohashi's heir, Princess Marusake, has had enough of her father and stringent Shiromori life, following the footsteps of her mother and relocating to the relative utopia of Zhian. She has been living in Shouchuen, the domain of her aunt and uncle, with her Tasian husband, their two small children, and Aurius's son from a previous relationship. For now, Maru is happy with her life. Little does she know, however, that things are about to take a sharp turn for the worse...

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