Chapter 5

Fight of Arachnidean

The morning dawned once more. I rose from my bed, taking care not to wake Sareta. I pulled the thin blanket and tucked it around my sister who again within the night had found me. Although still within the home I had first been taken, I had been moved for now I was held as a servant in the household, banished from the castle I had never known. I had been given a small room across from the servant quarters similar to the one I had had before, but I believed it was only because the fear that Sareta would turn up beside me that I had a room to myself.

Lady Faileuba had been most kind. Although her husband, Lord Lothar, and she had no desire to incur the wrath of King Edulf, I don’t believe they thought the King in truth wanted his granddaughter to become a common servant.

But with all I was confused and within my heart I understood not the method behind my treatment. Was I not a Euchoun? A warrior? At night when I lay my head down upon my bed, I would remind myself of the fact for warriors did not cry, but survived. Turstan instilled within me as much.

I hadn’t uttered a word of complaint, but wondering of why I was being treated in this manner weighed upon me. The unfairness of it all! But Turstan had urged me patience. The King, he said, felt I had disrespected him. I would have to pay the cost of such behavior. Falco, I hadn’t seen since we arrived within Yucca three months hence. Three months since I had sustained the fury of the King. Falco hadn’t even tried to contact me when I turned another year. Sareta told me in all King Edulf had commanded none use my name.

“Please, Kela, do not hold it against Falco. Grandfather will not let him see you. In that I have heard,” Sareta confessed upon the day I passed into my thirteenth year.

“It has not stopped you,” I countered.

Her eyes lowered escaping my gaze. “I fend ignorance, Sister. I need your strength. I can’t be kept from you. I feel your need for me also. It calls to me and I can’t ignore it.”

At least I had my sister and in time I would reunite with my brother. Of that I was determined. My anger now seethed against the King. I had ceased calling him Grandfather for he had shown me no feeling of such.

In truth, though, I had begun to wonder if I should relent and beg for forgiveness to the King. Not that it had been asked of me, but this time away from my family was taking a toll upon me. Surely the King would forgive me. Did not my family have need of me? A plan began to formulate within me. I could take no more, deciding upon swallowing my pride. I would humble myself before the King. The problem now lay with how to gain audience.

Washing myself before the day, I glanced over at Sareta once more. I would let her sleep a tad longer before waking her and sending her back. For some odd reason, her presence even in sleep gave comfort to me. Patting my simple gray tunic, I walked out the door, shutting the door quietly.

The house was large with many servants. In all, a pleasant, comfortable place to live. I found myself envying the family and wishing I lived with my family in a house such as this. Learning from the other servants in the house, Lord Lothar had come from the Lanka tribe. I didn’t know a lot about the tribes that made up Scarladin, but I had heard of the Lanka tribe from Turstan. Proud and true, they were a dark skinned race, renowned for their valiant warriors. I didn’t ask the position Lord Lothar held. It mattered not to me, but with all I surmised he held a position of importance.

From these whispers, I learned of Cono the warrior whom had flown me to Yucca came from this House, but his mark was Brixtone. Cono came at times to see his grandmother causing a stir within the house upon each visit. The servant girls turned to silly, giggling idiots upon his appearance, not even talking coherently. Yet they waited upon his every want.

In my youth I suppose I could not fault their actions. Cono was ruggedly handsome without question. He seemed much older than Falco for he walked with the air of confidence that only time seems to give, but in all I learned he was only a year older. Already the winds carried the tales of his bravery and courage. Yes, he was a magnificent warrior with his bulging muscles, broad chest, and the most telling of eyes. I watched all from the shadows upon his visits, hiding from those telling eyes. With his actions, I realized he reveled in this treatment.

From the keeper of the house, Allersaka, an old woman whom had served within since her early life I learned much of the family of the House I served within.

“Lord Lothar and Lady Faileuba had only one child, a son, Pers. He was a valiant Sordarin warrior. He died in a battle along the border of Scarladin and Brixtone. An arrow to his unprotected chest. It was thought he was betrayed for he wasn’t wearing his armor. The House fell into deep mourning for his lost. The darkness only lightened upon the discovery that Pers had left a child. Unbeknownst to his parents, he had married, but had done so in secrecy. His bride, Crestiana, came from the Brixtone Royal family where it was forbidden to marry without consent of the King of Brixtone. You cannot imagine the shock of discovery of his lordship when he learned his son had left behind a child.

“A lone maiden, Helena, Crestiana’s cousin, arrived upon the steps of the house carrying an infant in her arms with the tale of his existence. The poor maiden carried only the babe and a letter. A letter that Master Pers himself had written before his death in case something happened to him. He worried about his wife and wanted her to given entrance to the House if fate didn’t allow him to bring her. Fate was cruel, Crestiana died within hours after giving birth. Her last actions sent young master Cono to his home here. She feared for his life.

“Helena journeyed the treacherous path to Yucca, climbing even the steep incline of the mountains with the young one. By the Great One, she survived with Cono. She stayed a year ensuring the health and safety of Cono and then returned to her people.

“Cono looks as his father. And has never question he's a Sordarin although he has the mark of Brixtone upon him. He has been a source of great pride and joy to his grandparents. Lady Faileuba holds great ambition for him. She has been told of a prophecy of his greatness.”

With my thoughts I walked down the small hall to begin my work for the day. The sun had only thus risen upon my entrance into the kitchen. A fire needed to be tended; the food prepared. Water needed to be heated for the morning baths of Master and Mistress. I was given simple tasks to perform. I wasn’t allowed to wait on the Lady Faileuba. At all times I was kept out of sight of all visitors. So I kept to the kitchen.

In all I didn’t mind. The room was warm and all within friendly. Although included within the talks of all around, I realized at one point that no one asked me where I had tarried from. For that matter, none asked me any questions. In turn I offered no account of myself.

I worked diligently until after the morning breakfast had been served being told that the Master and Lady would be leaving soon and would not be returning until the morrow. Scarladin was celebrating this day. I gave all no thought and continued my work. Then I snuck out of the kitchen, making back to my room. There would be no words to halt me.

I did so every morning. None seemed to notice. In turn I offered nothing to call attention to my actions.

I quickly eased back within and woke my sleeping sister. As was her habit had become, she sleepily hugged me tightly, kissed my cheek and disappeared immediately.

Smiling to myself, I once more closed my door and made my way down the hall. Before I had turned to make my way back into the kitchen, voices echoed out for my ears. At most times, I would not listen to the words but the voice I recognized. Cono! And with that recognition the utterance of my name! I paused.

“Kela? You think I come only to spy on the girl! Why do you question me, Grandmother? Is this not my home?”

“Do not play upon me, Cono! Your grandfather is no longer within the room. I know you have come to check upon the girl. I beg you pray don’t interfere. I worry so about you. The King has ordered her to stay here until he has determined her course.”

“Grandmother in that I don’t understand. Kela is…”

“Hush, my grandson, the wall has ears. If the King hears you have been checking upon her! Your grandfather says that she is to stay here during the ceremony and is not to be told that she isn’t to be acknowledged as her siblings this day.”

“Does that in itself not give you pause? I tell you, Grandmother, there is more going on here than meets the eye. If you had seen what she did, the destruction in which all laid. How can the King leave her here? She should well be within the castle with her sister. Or as Turstan proclaims to train her as a Sordarin. It makes no sense to treat her thus."

"King Edulf has his reasons, child. Hold your tongue well my grandson or his wrath will turn upon you. He has looked favorably upon you until now. You dare not turn him from you."

“Have no worries, Grandmother, I come only to ease the young Prince’s conscience. You’re correct in that the King has even forbid him in seeing her. He wants only to be assured she is cared for on this day.”

“Than go quickly. She is set. You have heard…”

I paused no longer. I raced down the hall into the kitchen giving no time for contemplating only reacting. “Allersaka,” I cried upon my entrance. “What day is today? What pray is being celebrated?”

“Child, in all how could you not know? King Edulf’s missing grandchildren have been found! Praise be! The ones thought long dead. They are to be anointed this day. Prince Falco is to be heir apparent. And I have heard of the loveliness of his young sister, Princess Sareta. There is to be a soaring…Oh, I see. You aren’t allowed to leave the grounds. Kela?”

Her voice faded into distance for I forgot all about begging for forgiveness. I ran determined that none should stop me.

My mind raced with thoughts. Falco hadn’t forgotten about me! Yet in the next thought, I was dismayed. My siblings were to be acknowledged this day. And I? I had to get to my siblings. We had to leave this place. We were being separated and above all that couldn’t happen!

I ran out into the gardens, giving no thought to its beauty. I heard a commotion behind me, but only focused on what was before me. A tall encompassing wall, a barrier between me and freedom! A moment later, I raced toward the gate I had added having blasted my frustration. I climbed frantically over the rubble stones. Above me I could hear the flutter of wings. I turned. For an instant I set to blast, but I hesitated. And with hesitation came capture.

“I suppose I should be thankful you didn’t blast me,” Cono said harshly. “But what in all Blue Heavins are you doing? Trying to be imprisoned!”

At first I glared at him in awe. He was in truth a glorious warrior. I had been within his arms before but it had been in the midst of the skirmish. Here the sun gleamed behind him. He seemed to glow. His strong arms held tight to mine.

Finding my voice, I answered solemnly, “I have gone to retrieve my family.”

His intense eyes questioned me. Tilting his head, he looked at me strangely. “I take such you heard my words. Do you not reason that you will not reach them in this manner?”

From behind him I saw others gather. The servants’ faces shocked and in wonder of all before them. Nervous perchance, but it was the warriors that caught my attention. Their hands held to swords drawn toward me. I gritted my teeth at the scene. Immediately, Cono whispered low for my ears.

“Do not, Kela. It will gain you nothing.”

I turned to face him staring him with rage ignited within me. “Who are you to dare tell me what it will gain me? I have tried to comply, but to no avail.” Heaving heavily, my chest burned with my fury. “Release me. At least then I go down as a warrior instead of sniveling coward. Let go of me.”

I felt power surged within me. Again my eyes…but suddenly Cono shook me. “Prince Falco sent me. Kela, your brother…”

Just the mention of his name, his concern weakened me. Devil beat all! My eyes watered while I felt the anger dissipate; replaced instead with an overwhelming sense of longing for my siblings, Turstan and even Gunilda. Then without warning a sensation swept through me and I’m not where I was. When my eyes focused, I stood staring at my brother.

“Falco,” I whispered. My breathing became rapid. I couldn’t manage more than the faint cry. My eyes glanced around the room. Not to my surprise, my sister walked through an open door. A wide smile emerged upon her beautiful face. She broke toward me. She must have called to me in my distress.

Falco dressed in ornament clothing with a long red train attached to his strapping’s on his shoulder. His wings had emerged broad and wide. He was as he always wanted to be, Sordarin. I marveled at his image with pride bursting forth from me. Sareta eyed me with her tears, but she looked breathtaking in a sequin gown that glittered upon her every movement.

But my joy was short lived. For movement caught my eyes. I turned to face King Edulf.

* * * *

I watched the procession from the tower. I saw only through a tiny slit I was allowed. I could see little, but in all could hear the cheers of the crowd below. In the distance I could see bands of winged Sordarins, but in all they were too far to make out much. An array of armed Sordarin warriors guarded my cell. In reality, it was not needed. If I was again to use force I would have done so the moment King Edulf ordered my arrest.

I huddled in the cold, damp quarters against the corner of the bare cell, given nothing for comfort. Without question, my siblings had no idea of my treatment during the ceremony. In all probability they were told I would watch from a place of honor.

My final words to them had been reassuring that all was set with me. Pride oozed from my being for them both. In truth I could have said little else for King Edulf’s eyes lay upon me, threatening me and my siblings. Even when Falco called to me I assured him I was well. I had no choice. King Edulf’s words to me upon my appearance while brief sank deep within my soul.

“I can quickly stop these proceedings, Kela. If you rebel against my wishes, your siblings will be denied their birthright. Is that your wish?”

No, I wanted to cry. My wish was to understand why I couldn’t stand with them beside them to be acknowledged as was my right. It was my right! Yet I did nothing but smile at them both in their finery and glory, left to wonder about my fate. Quickly after their departure, King Edulf sent in the Winged Guards. To my surprise lead by Cono. He must have known where I had disappeared too. He met my eyes in disappointment.

In all his treatment was kind, as kind as one could be given my circumstance. He waited until King Edulf departed. Signaling to the others, he said in a tone not to questioned, “There is no need. I will fly her to the tower.”

Away from the eyes of all, he took me into his arms as if I weighed nothing. Unseeingly concern that I would disrupt his flight, he flew to a balcony which led into a dark lit room even in the middle of a bright day. He released me. All heads turned upon our appearance. Cono immediately began to bark orders, but I didn’t listen to them. My soul deflated.

He led me into the cell. “I wish none of this had happened, Kela. Pray be patient. I’m certain all will settle. Stop infuriating the King. I will do what I can after the ceremony. Please for your own sake do nothing until I come again.”

He gave me no time for response before closing behind him the thick wooden door. In time I closed my eyes. Sleep must have befallen me for the next I awoke startled. Night had fallen for the air outside the window had turned dark. A loud voice bellowed outside my door. The next instant it opened wide. Turstan!

“All that’s in heavin! For one to be treated such! For what reason! She is one of them.” Turstan’s voice shook the walls, echoing his fury.

I scrambled to my feet and ran to him. Shivering, I knew not from the cold or my experience. Breaking from his hold, others began to circle around me. He had not come alone. Lord Lothar stood beside Cono, but it was Falco whom my eyes beheld with water within them. He had come for me.

Lord Lothar gestured with his hand and the Winged Guard departed. Before he began talking, he motioned for Cono to make sure all had left. Then he turned his attention to Turstan.

“We have not long. We need only to decipher how to handle this before I present our plan to the king. I can’t answer King Edulf’s reaction, Turstan. Frustration with all, perhaps. That the Euchoun we had hoped for is a mere girl. That his agreement he gave he doesn’t want to hold to. Whatever the reason, his lordship is adamant about it. At the moment, we have kept her here. The other two he openly accepts. He has his reasons, Turstan. And he is King and he has declared that Kela stay out of sight from everyone. If she could have contained herself, she could have stayed within my home, but after the display this day it is not an option.”

“We have the house outside the city,” Cono offered returning to his grandfather’s side.

My anger toward him subsided somewhat with his effort. My hand gripped Turstan’s tightly, frighteningly fighting back the tears welling in my eyes. For the first time in my life I was truly frightened, not for my safety but being ripped from my family. My biggest fear.

“Then the King is a fool! He knows not the power which lies in that girl. I know. I have seen!” Turstan declared. “But, Lothar, even if the girl had not the power, for all that is wholly, is she not his granddaughter?”

“In that I don’t understand. I do know that the King has extensive knowledge of Euchouns. He seems to give credit to Falco for her display,” Lothar acknowledged. “From all accounts, most give Falco the credit for all that occurred that night.”

Falco laughed out loud. “You can rest assure, my Lord, it wasn’t I. I may have the ability to do small things,” he paused. He looked at a wobbly chair at the end of beaten table. The chair fell back. “That, sir, is the extent of my ability. A far cry from the destruction Kela caused. I know of no other, but I will give you that I had never seen such even from her than what she did that night. I cannot turn from my sister. I will not.”

Lord Lothar sighed heavily in a manner that he wanted not to deal with Falco’s stance. He turned to Cono. “Cono, you agree? You had hold of the girl. If she did all the damage and without her hands, how?”

“It came from her eyes, my Lord,” Cono said. He glanced over at me waiting for me to offer an explanation. I had none. I clung tighter to Turstan.

Lord Lothar shrugged, pressing his lips together tightly. Then he shook his head, “I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to offer anything that will make you happy. King Edulf insists Kela stays here until he finds a solution.”

Lord Lothar’s hand went up immediately to Falco. “Oh, young Prince, do not begin with me and I would advise you not to go against King Edulf. It has been a long day of celebrating for most. Morning is only a couple of hours away. I have instructed for a bed for your comfort, Kela. It is all I can do at the moment. Know though I will intervene on your behalf. You will not be in the tower long of that rest assured…”

“No, you don’t understand. We all need to stay together, Falco, Sareta and I,” I interrupted unable to remain silent any longer. I broke from Turstan’s side. “I understand none of this. I have done nothing to deserve such. But this I know Sareta is a passive. The intensity of feelings between all has drained her. She could not survive with this conflict.”

“Then you need to convince her otherwise. You need to convince her you are well looked after,” Lothar said plainly. “If you care for your sister.”

“How can you ask such?”

“Life as a royal is never easy, Kela. It has to be accepted. Do you believe that Archibaldus is happy with your discovery? He has long been considered heir apparent once your father died. All has changed. Archibaldus will not take it without issue. Lord Edulf will have to tread softly.”

“Do you realize, Lothar that Kela is also in line behind Falco for the throne?” Turstan bantered.

“Much has changed, Turstan,” Lothar stated. He ran his hand through his hair frustrated for the meeting wasn’t going as planned. “King Edulf cannot afford to trust many. Times are such. When we discover Mithelk and his guards cut down to ribbons, we immediately flew to Nottesdone. There was nothing left. The portal closed. He placed blame solely upon the children’s mother. When Kela spoke of Dyer’s involvement, it was the first we had heard of even the possibility.”

“Why would he blame Lady Eufamia?” Turstan asked confused.

“I’m not certain, but he was convinced of such,” Lothar answered. He shook his head. “In honesty, I don’t know what to make of all. To me, I believe as most Lanka’s, fate, destiny will prevail. Also there is the realization that a great threat looms for a Euchoun with that power would emerge only to deal with such.”

I listened intently while they argued, but suddenly my eyes became blurred. I rubbed them, trying to focus but all I could see was a fog where a form emerged. A dark figure slinked toward a sleeping object. I screamed. I could feel hands touch my shoulders and then with a sweeping force I was flung through a seemingly long tunnel landing hard against a hard stone wall.

A body fell against me, quickly rolling to the side. To my surprise Cono had followed me through. He stood upon his feet, sword drawn. The creature turned staring at me with all eight of his eyes arranged in four pair in a semicircle on the dark forehead. The creature seemed to revival with my appearance. Its mouth opened revealing two huge fangs on the chelicerae during with liquid smacking its lips in a manner of it was about to satisfy a hunger.

Cono moved swiftly between the creature and myself. Without warning, the creature flung Cono back with one of its many legs. It made its way slowly toward me. For a moment, I stood frozen with a fear that gripped me, but the creature buckled. Wings fluttered rapidly as Cono jumped upon the creatures back. The creature fought back, bending over. Cono lost his footing. The creature maneuvered over the fallen Sordarin, fangs outstretched.

Panting, shaking, I quickly crawled back to my feet. Sweat beaded on my forehead. I didn’t have time to think, only react. Flinging my hand across my chest, I blasted the creature. A cry, a shrill eerie cry, emerged, but the blast only freed Cono for a moment. He jumped up to my side, pushing me back. Frightened, I grabbed his hand and in the next moment, the creature extended its front leg giving us no room to escape. All my instincts screamed inside of me. I looked up at Cono. His attention lay solidly upon the creature.

Once more I extended my free arm. A force more powerful than the first exploded and thrust the creature back against the stone wall. Cono had his opening and used it to full advantage. He plunged his blade straight into the unprotected under belly. A gush of ooze ushered forth covering Cono, splashing over me.

The room echoed with a moan of a dying soul. I felt as it took all my effort to breathe while I watched in shock while the creature began transform from the horrendous creature back into its original form. Screams, cries wouldn’t cease. Cono stepped back.

Joining us to watch, the once sleeping figure stood holding his sword in hand. King Edulf said nothing. The room filled quickly with guards. Chaos ensued. I turned my head. My lower lip trembled. My eyes welled. Turstan said that warriors didn’t cry, but I felt the urge to do so.

“Lord Ambrose!” King Edulf uttered in disbelief at the body of a man appearing where once was a monster. Then he turned his attention upon me. It took nothing more. The tears began and I couldn’t stop them.

Sobbing hysterically, I called desperately for Falco, but to no avail. Falco couldn’t hear me. Something was wrong. Frightened beyond measure, I withdrew back against the far wall. My hand placed over my mouth.

King Edulf walked toward me, but I shimmered down the wall and tucked my head into my knees. Would he harm me? I braced myself as best I could. And waited. Nothing came. I refused to look up. I heard men talking in the background. Then I heard stomping, running into the room. There was only one. Turstan!

He grabbed me up. “Are you harmed?”

Shaking my head, he hugged me tightly. Glancing back up, Falco stood behind him with Lord Lothar. I tried to talk, but found I had no voice. I managed only a whisper, stutter, “I tried to call Falco.”

Turstan nodded. “He tried himself. He was blocked by some means. Lord Lothar said it had to be black magic holding him back. You broke through for some reason.”

“King Edulf? What is he going to do with me?” I asked trembling, but no sooner had I spoken, I felt my head spinning once again. I could hear voices as if in the distance.

“Can you stop her insufferable trembling?”

But little else could I hear. I was swallowed once more into blackness.