Author: Elliedragon
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: None
Word Count: 9408
Author's Notes: WIP Original fiction.
Disclaimer:  Any similarities to any person, place, or event is purely coincidental.

Freedom Escape


Prologue


    Princess Leilan, an intelligent, petite girl, met a boy at the age of thirteen.  His name was Gavin and he was a year her senior. He had black hair and blue eyes.  The two fell in love.  The time came for Leilan to find a husband to be her king.  She told her father of her desires to marry Gavin.  King Saedus denied the request.  The princess and her love were heart broken.
    Four months later as they had planned, Leilan sneaked out of the castle and met Gavin at the gates to the city.  Together the two rode in the direction of Whisper’s Woods.  Gavin killed a rabbit and stained a piece of Leilan’s nightgown with its blood.  They hoped that the cloth would deter anyone from looking for them.  Their plan had worked.  The announcement came; Princess Leilan had disappeared and from the evidence found, was presumed dead.
    This news gave Gavin and Leilan a sense of safety.  The two built a home in a clearing in Whisper’s Woods and called it Safe Haven.  They were married and Gavin found work in the nearby town of Elmwood.  Time went by and Leilan gave birth to a daughter, Kayli.  Everything was happy and peaceful for the family.  All that would soon change when the island of Riyahn would face a grave and dangerous future. When Princess Leilan would have to return home and resume her destiny.
Chapter 1

    It was peaceful in Dautia.  The sea winds from the north made the air fresh and new.  The birds were singing softly when an immense thunder rocked the village.  When the dust settled, the northern most portion of the village had been destroyed.  It was silent but for the screams of those caught in the blast.  More thunder came short after.  Hour after hour, the village was besieged.  When the thunder stopped, there was almost nothing left.
    At the base of the Druid Mountains, half a day’s walk from the village, a group of children were playing a game, imitating an old Luari legend.
    “Defend yourself!  Hey Aiden…. Aiden?  What is it?” Rayf asked looking at the vacant expression on his friend’s face.  Following Aiden’s gaze, he turned.  The boy’s mouth dropped when he saw the smoke rising from their village.  Swallowing to moisten his throat, which had gone dry, Rayf told the others with him to head for the main road to the city.  He would go back to Dautia to see what exactly had happened.


    The ship was almost at its destination.  The sailors and soldiers aboard her grew restless and eager.  Verkin had waited for this day a long time.  Soon Delmahk would conquer Riyahn and enslave the Luari people once again.  Yes, he had waited a long time for this.  His ancestor once ruled over the island and it was his duty to do the same.  He was the Lord of Conquest.  Verkin had built and trained an army of 7,000 men.  Now, for the first strike against the island since his people had been driven out close to 340 years ago, he had brought 3,000 of those men.  He would conquer the land.  Its men and women would be slaughtered or kept as slaves and concubines. The women would be rewards for his men. Its children raised by Delmahk law.  One day they will help the Delmahk Empire grow and help other lands share the fate of Riyahn.  Yes, it would be a glorious day.
With an evil grin, Verkin watched as smoke rose from the village near the shore.  It was time.  Time to invade.
    “It is time to prepare for our destiny.” Verkin said to his men.  Every soldier on the ship had already had their things in order and was thirsty for blood.
    Lowering the long boats took time, as did the trip to shore, but the march was on.  First they would raid Dautia for whatever was left.  Then they would make their way through the mountains and onto Hirue City.  The royal family would be Verkin’s personal prisoners and a considerable trophy for the Delmahk Empire.


As Rayf neared what was left of the last houses in town, he pulled a piece of cloth from the pouch he wore on his belt.  The smoke would make him cough and the smell of bodies would make him gag. Whoever had done this might hear him.  A little farther into town, Rayf heard a low sound.  He crept along the rubble until he could see where the sound was coming from.  Peering around a boulder, Rayf’s heart dropped into his stomach.  There were three of them and others off in the distance.  Each was very muscular and larger than an average Luari.  The three in front of him were laughing.  They were looting the homes and the dead.
    Out of the corner of his eyes, something grabbed Rayf’s attention.  Over in the debris of what used to be someone’s home, there was a survivor.  Unfortunately, the movement that had caught his eye had also caught the eyes of the three men.  Kayl watched as they walked over to where the survivor had been hiding.  The person, whoever it was, must have seen them coming.  When the men were within ten feet, the survivor made a run for it.
    The run was short lived.  The village was crawling with the people who attacked it.  The survivor, who turned out to be a woman, was captured. As they dragged their prisoner away, Rayf saw her face and turned the other direction.  He bit his lower lip and let the warm tears run down his face as he heard the woman scream for help.
    The rubble she had been hiding in used to be a home, Rayf’s home. Now the evil that had begun to sweep across the island had his mother.  Rayf moved back the way he had come, careful not to attract the attention of any of the men.  When he had reached the outer edges of the village, he ran.


    Aiden and the others had been walking the main road for twenty minutes now.  The younger ones in the group, Rayf’s brother Dauren and Meara’s sister, Milani, were all but exhausted.  There were six of them and it was still a long way to Hirue City.  At least four days walk.  They hadn’t seen any traveler and Aiden hoped that they would find one before dark.  He bent down and put Milani on his shoulders.  He was curious about the smoke over Dautia and what was taking Rayf so long.  As he thought this, he heard footsteps and turned around.
    Rayf nearly collapsed when he had caught up with his friends.  It took him at least three minutes to catch his breath. When he had, he told them what he had seen.
    Aured and Dyani, the twins, were sheet-white.  Meara looked at her little sister and saw her bewildered stare.  The younger ones wouldn’t understand. Aiden looked toward the horizon.  Dauren kept looking at his brother as if the mere mention of their mother meant they could go home and not have to walk anymore.
    “What about our parents?”  Dyani asked, her voice quavering.  “Do you know if they’re alive?”
    Putting his hand on her shoulder, Rayf spoke the truth.  “There were bodies.  If they are alive, whoever destroyed Dautia has taken them prisoner.  For now all we can do is get to the city.”
    “How can you say that?  We have to go find them.”
    “He’s right Dyani.  The best way to help them is to speak to the king.”  Aured said, trying to calm his sister.
    “We’d better start walking.”  Aiden said and the others all nodded in agreement.


    It was nightfall, and an old man was making his way to Dautia to deliver produce to the local market.  The two mares moved steadily along, pulling the wagon behind them.  Off in the distance, he could see five dark specks against the fading light.  As he moved farther down the road, the specks took form.  Once he realized what he was seeing were children, the old man slowed to a stop.  He saw there were three boys and two girls.  He also saw that two of the boys carried younger children on their shoulders.
    “What are you all doing out here?  Where are your parents?”  He asked them.
    “We need to get to Hirue…” One of the boys said.  An expression of sorrow came across his weary face.  “Dautia has been attacked.”
    “Come on child, where are your parents?”  He asked again, not believing what the boy had said, after all, Riyahn had lived in peace for over three centuries.
    “He told you.”  Another of the boys spoke.  “Dautia has been attacked.”
    “I’m telling you the truth sir.  I saw them, the ones who did it.  I saw them carry off my mother with my own eyes.”  The first boys said with a whimper. The old man knew then, by the look in his eyes, it was the truth.


Chapter 2


    Saedus sat at the end of the table, shuffling papers. Soon his eldest son, Keman would be king, and there were many things to be done before then. Taking a rest, he sighed.
    “Excuse me Sire.  There is a man here with a group of children.  They wish to speak with you.  They say it is important.”  The aid said at the door.
    “What is it they wish to discuss?”  He asked the man.
    “They said the information is only for your ears.”
    Saedus chuckled, “Show them in.”  The aid left and returned with seven children and an old man.  The children, four boys and three girls, were about eleven or twelve with the exception of two, who seemed to be around six.  One of the boys walked ahead of the others.  It was this boy who spoke.
    “I’m sorry to disturb you Sire, but we have some horrible news.”
    “Well young man, what is this news?”  Saedus asked, caught a little bit off guard by the boy’s formality.
    “Dautia….” He paused and looked at the ground.  When he finally looked up, he continued.  “Dautia has been attacked and destroyed. The survivors have been taken prisoner.”
    “Come closer.” The king voiced.
    Saedus looked the boy in the eyes and saw what he had seen.  The Gifts that had been passed down through the royal family and the blood of nobles were presented in eight ways.  His wife’s as a gift to heal.  Keman saw night as if it were day.  Renan, Saedus’s youngest son, spoke to the creatures of the wild and Leilan had been able to move things and speak with her mind.  Saedus could see what others had seen.
    He saw the ruins of what had once been the boy’s home.  He saw a woman run from Dautia’s attackers.  He saw the attackers carry her away.  Saedus knew who the woman was to the boy.  He looked away and the link was broken.  For the first time since the island was freed from tyranny, the Luari now faced a grave threat.  The ones he had seen in the boy’s memory were of that he had only heard of in stories.  Stories of the rebellion.  For now, Saedus knew, he would need to send a patrol out. He would need to know exactly what he was dealing with.
    “Summon Captain Eshan and Lieutenant Kitorn.”  He told his aid.  Turning his attention back to the pale, brown-eyed boy in front of him.  Saedus said, “You my boy may have just saved us all.  What is your name?”
    “I’m Rayf.”  He replied.  “These are my friends, Aiden, Meara, Milani, Aured, Dyani, and my brother Dauren.”
    “I’m glad to have met you all.  I just wish it had been under better circumstances.”  Saedus said to them. It was at this point when the king’s aid returned followed by two other men.
    “Welcome gentlemen.”  Saedus said.  “We have urgent business to discuss.”  Turning back to the boy, “You and your friends may stay here, in the castle.  I will have my aid escort your friends to some quarters if you like.  I would like it though, if you would stay and join my commanders and me in counsel.”  Kayl nodded in understanding.  The other children, the old man, and the aid left and the meeting to decide what to do about the Delmahk threat began.


    On a boat off the Riyahn’s northern coast, Tanelle awoke in the darkness.  The floor rocked with every movement of the sea.  She was on her knees with her wrists shackled to the bulkhead.  It was cold.  She could hear others in the room and muffled voices above her as well.
    Her head hurt.  Tanelle couldn’t remember anything after she had been caught trying to escape.  The men had hit her hard when they placed her into one of their long boats. Blood from a gash in her forehead had dried over her face, making it stiff to move.  
    Tanelle was afraid for herself and worried for her sons.  She wondered if they were okay or if they had still been at the base of the mountains and weren’t aware of the attack.  She had witnessed many of her neighbors die.  She had even watched Craice, her husband and Kayl and Dauren’s father, crushed by the weight of their home.
    Up above her head, the ship creaked.  Many of the other prisoners woke as the sound continued.  A door opened and a figure of a man moved into the room.  The man walked half way in and lit a lantern, which hung from the ceiling.
    The room was rectangular and had a flight of stairs the man had obviously come down.  There were dozens of women chained to the walls.  All of who were from Dautia and women Tanelle knew.  Some of them were her friends.
    “I am Verkin.”  The man said looking at each of them. “I am Lord of the Army of Delmahk.  Congratulations, you are the first of Luari slaves.  All the men in your village are dead or wishing they were dead.  Your sons, those who survived, will be trained as soldier for my army.”  His words were cruel and his tone cold. “All of you have been marked with a symbol to identify you as Delmahk property.  Do not think of escaping.  Even if you did there is no place to hide.  In a short time, a few of my men will choose the slave he pleases.  Do not resist them. Of course, should you choose to fight them, it is their privilege to kill you as punishment.” His voice held no hint of mercy.
    Some of the women began to sob.  One woman asked, very boldly, what Verkin had done with her three young daughters.  Verkin then proceeded to backhand the poor woman and cursed her in a tongue Tanelle couldn’t understand.
      “Your daughters are slaves as well.” He spoke to everyone. “And never speak unless you are spoken to.”  With these last words, he left.  The woman he had hit was barley conscious.
    
    Verkin ordered a legion of his troops to the northwest side of the island.  He had heard of another village on the outskirts like Dautia.  The woods that met the sea would provide sufficient cover for them.  There he would have them stay.  He had plans for them.
    He had also divided up the slaves among the remaining men aboard ship.  Verkin, himself, had taken three.  Two to serve him and the other to orient the slaves that would be brought back from the next village.  Verkin smiled to himself.  His plan to conquer Riyahn was going well.
    There was a knock at the door to his quarters and he lost his train of thought.  It was one of his subordinates.  He had come to inform him the men had finished loading their ship and were on their way to the other side of the island.


Chapter 3

    Leilan was hanging the wet laundry on the line and watching little Kayli as she stumbled around on her wobbly little legs.  She smiled at the child. Her father’s eyes twinkled in her small face as she found a squirrel and screeched with glee.  Something caught Kayli’s eye over by the edge of the clearing. Leilan smiled again.  She stopped to tuck her hair behind her ear because it kept falling into her eyes and getting in the way of what she was doing.  She bent down to pick up a sheet used for Kayli’s bed and heard the child scream.
    Leilan dropped the cloth and ran toward the sound.  She wasn’t four feet into the trees when she was stopped. Men surrounded her and whoever they were, they had Kayli.
    

    Sergeant Goryk and his patrol were moving through the mountain pass, heading toward Dautia.  A loud howling like cry echoed from one end of the canyon to the other.  The patrol stopped dead still and listened.  Because of the 300 years peace, none of the men and women had ever seen combat and they were terrified of what a battle might bring.
    Goryk ran his eyes over the rocky terrain.  The only part of the pass that was not treacherous was the road that he stood on.  The air was still.
    “Let’s keep moving.”  He said.
    Moving cautious and slow, the party made their way through the silent pass. Every pair of eyes darted from rock face to rock face.  Small animals known as krits caused lose rocks to roll down the mountain face.
    Another cry rang out and the patrol stopped again, weapons ready.  An eerie feeling crept into Goryk’s stomach. It was quiet.  Too quiet.  Goryk tried to swallow but his mouth had gone dry.  He heard one of his men scream.
    Goryk turned and saw the man fall to the ground.  The man’s chest looked as if his rib cage had been completely shattered.  There weren’t any wounds.  A second man screamed and fell.  Another, this time a woman.  Goryk turned in every direction.  His troops were dropping like flies.  Before he realized, Goryk was the only one left standing.  The only one left alive.
    Out from behind an outcropping, a man floated down to the path in front of him.
“Hello there.” He said. Goryk just stood there, mouth open, gazing at the man. “Well? Aren’t you going to say hello?  I thought all soldiers had some form of manners.”
    “What have you done to my patrol?” Goryk blurted.  He jumped as a murderous laugh rumbled from within the other man’s diaphragm and erupted out of his mouth.
    “You see that rock?” He asked, pointing to a boulder about eleven feet away. “Watch and cower.”
    Goryk watched him.  First the man put his hands together at his waist.  Then, air was rushing around him.  The air was moving into the small space between his hands.  The man then thrust his hands in the direction of the rock.   Goryk was dumbfounded.  The rock had been reduced to rubble.  What had once been larger than he was now in pieces the size of his foot.  He turned back to the man.  His palms were sweaty.  If he can do that to a boulder, what’s to stop him from doing that to me, Goryk thought.
    “Oh don’t worry.” The man chuckled, as if reading his thoughts. “I’m not going to kill you. If I did that, who would deliver my message?”
    Goryk gulped. “What message?”
    “I am Verkin, Lord of Conquest of the Delmahk Empire.  This island will be mine.  I will target Elmwood, one month from now.  My men are eager for a real battle.” He said. “Take this message to your captain, Luari.” With that, Verkin rose into the air and was soon gone.  Goryk was left alone, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of his patrol.


    The daylight was fading and almost gone. Gavin was on his way home from work in Elmwood.  He was usually gone for days at a time and was looking forward to seeing his family.  Over the years, Gavin had become a loving family man.  A far cry from what he had planned for himself as a boy.  He was twenty-two and a handsome man and his eyes were as ice blue and as deep as they’d been when he was a boy. A light breeze whipped a strand of brown hair into his face.
    He wasn’t quit to the edge of the trees.  Out of the corner of his vision, Gavin saw something move. A figure came out of the trees, running toward him.  As the figure got closer, he could hear the figure crying.  There were other cries.  The sound of these voices made the figure run faster.  He could see them now.  He could see that the figure was a woman and the cries came from the child in her arms.
    Gavin got off his horse and was about to call to her when she stopped.  He watched her place the child underneath a bush near the road.  Once the child was silent, she ran away from the road and in the direction of Leilan.  Gavin could see why.  A group of ten men had just emerged from the trees.  They stopped and saw the woman running ahead of them.  One of them pointed and they all ran after her. Made an empath when he married, Gavin felt the hatred, the superiority, and the lust the men held toward her.
    Gavin turned away when the group had caught up with the woman.  He heard her scream.  When he finally looked back the group was returning to the woods. One was holding the limp from of the woman over his shoulder.  Surprisingly, the group had not seen him or his horse.
After the group had disappeared beyond the trees, Gavin moved carefully toward the spot where the woman had left her child.  Gavin could feel the child’s fear.  He gently moved a branch of the bush out of the way to look at the child.  His heart jumped and lodged itself in his throat.  It was Kayli. The woman who had been carried off by the group of men had been his wife.  Gavin picked the toddler up, got back on his horse, and rode to Elmwood as fast as he could.


Chapter 4


    It was dark and Leilan’s head hurt.  She opened her eyes slowly.  She was back in Safe Haven. The ones who were in command had taken over her home.  Those they commanded had set up camp in the front yard.  Leilan was just outside a circle of men around a fire.  She had learned in the days that she had been their prisoner that they called themselves the Delmahk.  She had heard of them from her father in stories of the rebellion.
    Living up to their reputation, from the moment the Delmahk had shown up, they had been brutal.  They had hit her every chance they got.  That’s why she tried to escape.  Leilan knew that if they hurt her they would eventually hurt Kayli.  That’s all the attempt had been, just to get Kayli out.  The plan had worked but it had had painful consequences.  Her lip was cut, her face bruised and her body sore.
    The men were drinking their fill.  They would soon pass out.  Only the sentries would still be conscious.  Leilan decided not to chance another escape for the time being.  She sat up and pain shot from her neck behind the right ear and through her head.  She reached up and ran her fingers over the painful area.  The skin had been burned to form a small circle and what felt like a quarter moon.  Someone was chuckling behind her.
    “It is the mark of a slave.”  The Delmahk Commander said with a sneer. “My slave”
    Leilan watched him return to the cabin. Her stomach was tying itself into more knots than it was already in.  Her mind was a void with only the word Slave within it.  A small stone hit her hand and the rest of her mind came back to her.  She looked to find where the stone had come from.  She saw, over by the edge of the clearing, two eyes twinkling in the light of the fire at her.  In the back of her mind she knew who it was and what he wanted her to do.
    Turning her attention to one of the sentries, for those at the fire had passed out; Leilan focused her eyes till they were like needles.  The sentry rose into the air and was flung out of sight and into a tree.  Three of the remaining five sentries ran after their comrade.  Leilan focused her eyes again and another flew into the woods.  Her head was now screaming in pain and she was losing consciousness again.
Gavin ran out from behind a tree and smashed the last Sentry in the head with a rock.  He then picked Leilan up and ran towards the waiting horses just beyond earshot of the clearing.
    
      
    Two days later, Gavin and Leilan found themselves just outside the walls of Hirue City.  They hadn’t stopped riding since Gavin had rescued Leilan.  Now they were waiting.  Gavin had left Kayli with a friend and had planned to meet them here.  Off in the distance, Gavin could see a man riding up the road.  The man was holding something very small and very asleep.  Gavin looked at Leilan beside him.  She was smiling.  They both kicked their horses and rode to greet them.  No more than ten minutes later, Kayli was back in her mother’s arms and Gavin’s friend had left.  They then rode toward the gates of the city.  It was time for Leilan to come back from the dead.
    Gavin kept a look out as Leilan opened the door into the kitchen’s back room and followed her inside.  They had known that since Leilan was supposed to be dead, they couldn’t exactly walk through the front door.  Inside the back room Gavin opened the door to the kitchen just a crack to see if anyone was around.  It was clear.  They moved down the corridor leading to King Saedus’ study chamber. Gavin and Leilan both thought of how they were going to explain to her father what had transpired that night four years ago and what had become of them since.  Turning a corner was a bad idea.  Three guards stood in front of them.
    “Where do you think you’re going?” One of the guards asked, glowering at them.
    “To speak to my father.” Leilan responded.
    “Yeah, I’m sure.” He laughed. “Get…”
    Gavin cut him off. “Take us to the king if you don’t believe her.”
    Looking at Gavin. “Why would I do that?” the guard asked.  Gavin had barely begun to form the answer in his mind when Leilan spoke.
    “If you don’t I’ll send you flying down the hall.”
    The guard laughed again and the spear he was carrying was immediately ripped out of his hand and then floated gently into Leilan’s.  The guard looked at the woman; her gaze now fixed on him.
    ‘Take us to the king.” She said in a calm voice.
    The guards were silent but did as Leilan had ordered.  Soon, they were outside the study chamber.  Leilan had the guards enter first.  She handed Kayli to Gavin and walked in.
    Saedus stared at the young woman who had just entered the room.  He had a strong sense of recognition yet couldn’t place her.  She had long brown hair that was pulled back and eyes as deep a green as his. Her face was cut and bruised.
    “Hello Daddy.”  She said. A look of hope crossed her eyes.
    Saedus couldn’t believe what he was seeing or hearing for that matter. The woman in front of him looked immensely like his wife and even had Arelle’s sense of strength in her voice.  Was it really her?  Had his daughter come back from the dead or was this woman a figment of his imagination.
    “It’s me daddy.  Leilan, I’m not dead”
    “How is that possible?” Saedus asked in disbelief.
    “It’s possible sire.”  A man said who had entered the room behind Leilan. “For two desperate kids, it’s possible.
    Leilan moved forward and knelt before Saedus.  Remember with me, she thought to him.  She stared into his eyes and he stared back.  Leilan thought of the night she and Gavin had run away and recounted everything in her life since then.  The last he saw was Leilan’s days with the Delmahk.
    When Leilan stood and stepped back, she saw pain, hope, shock, and fear on her father’s face.  No one said anything for a long while.  Leilan looked at Saedus and Saedus looked back at her and her family.  Kayli broke the silence, fighting to get down from Gavin’s arms.  Once down she waddled over to Saedus and climbed into his lap.
    “My grandpa.” She said. Then she curled up and went to back to sleep.
    “What is her name?” Saedus asked.
    “Kayli.”
    “So much like her mother she is.”  He said, stroking the child’s brown hair.  Saedus turned to the guards and told them to find the queen and their sons and escort them back here.  With nods of acknowledgement, the three of them left the room.
    “You’re going to have a hell of a time explaining things to your mother.” Saedus said, a hint of dread in his voice.  “However, your brothers will be thrilled.”
    “I look forward to seeing them again.”  Leilan said with a smile.


    When Arelle walked into the chamber with her sons, her jaw dropped.  Standing between her husband and another man was a woman who bared an uncanny resemblance to a child Arelle once knew.  Arelle was speechless and didn’t know how to react.  Beside her, the seventeen year-old Keman, was overjoyed.  He laughed and ran toward the woman.  The two hugged and laughed together.  The woman’s smile went away as her gaze came to rest on Arelle.  The woman walked toward her and stood in front of her.
    “It’s me mother.  I’m home.”  She said.  Arelle’s eyes overflowed with tears as she drew her lost daughter into a warm embrace.  The happy reunion didn’t last long.  A man in a sergeant’s uniform came into the room with urgency in his step.  Saedus, who had been sitting with Gavin, stood and handed Kayli to her father.  He walked over to meet the Sergeant halfway.  The others in the room watched the two speak and their curiosities peaked as Saedus turned to face them.
    “We have a problem.”  He said.
    “What is it?” Arelle asked.
    “This is Sergeant Goryk.  A few days ago, I sent a patrol with him to survey the damage at Dautia.  He just told me the Delmahk ’Lord of Conquest’ ambushed them in the mountain pass.  All were killed.” He told them. “Goryk was spared to tell us of another attack.”
    “Where… and why would he warn us?”  Keman asked.
    “Elmwood.  He says he wants a real battle.”  Goryk explained.
    “Forgive me for being in the dark, but what happened to Dautia?” Leilan spoke.  Everyone but Saedus and Gavin looked shocked.
    “The Delmahk attacked Dautia over a week ago.  They destroyed everything. Any survivors were taken captive.”  Saedus said to her.
    “Yes they’ve attacked Dautia but there is no way to say if this threat to Elmwood isn’t a ruse to leave the city unprotected.”  Keman said, sounding worried.
    “Oh, it’s no ruse. Believe me.”  Leilan said.
    “How do you know?” He asked.
    “The proof is right here.”  She said, pointing at her split lip and the bruise on the side of her face. “They’ve already set up camp in Whisper’s Woods.”
    “So that’s where you’ve been.” Her mother said with a stern look in Leilan’s direction.
    “So what happened to you anyway? Last time we got into a fight I wasn’t able to land a single punch.” Keman said
    “That’s cause you don’t know how to fight.”
    “No. It was because you cheated. How else do you think I got up in that tree.”    
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Leilan smiled.
    “Right.” Keman sarcastically replied. “Come on, how’d they get the drop on you?”
    “They grabbed my daughter first.”
    “Daughter?”    
    “Yes. Who do you think the mother of that child is?” Leilan said indicating the girl in Gavin’s arms with a nod of her head. Keman blushed, feeling a little silly.
    “Does that mean I’m an uncle?” Renan asked.
    Leilan smiled.  “Yes, it does.”
    “Oh goody.” The boy grinned, mischievously rubbing his hands together.
    “Renan.” Arelle said warningly.
    “What? I was only going to teach her all the best pranks.”
Chapter 5

    Verkin paced in front of his men.  A few of them were battered and bruised.  In fact, that was the entire reason why Verkin was furious.
    “You’re telling me a woman and a baby somehow got away from you.”
    “Yes Sir.  There was a man with them too Sir.”  The legion commander answered.
    “Oh.  I see. Two Luari and a toddler out witted a legion of Delmahk.  Who were the sentries last night?”  Six men hesitantly stepped forward.  Three bore evidence of having been in a fight.  Verkin moved toward one of the men.
    “What occurred two nights before?”
    “I don’t really know Sir.” The man said.
    “You were the last man to see the girl, were you not?”
    “Yes Sir, but…”
    “So tell me what happened!” Verkin ordered.
    “All I remember is one man flew into the trees and three others went after him.  Then, another man flew into the trees and I was hit from behind Sir.”
    “What do you mean flew?” Verkin asked with a smile creeping onto his battle scared face.
    “They just rose off the ground and flew into the trees Sir.”
    “And what of the girl?  When last you saw her, what was she doing?” Verkin asked curiously.
    “It looked like she was losing consciousness.”  The sentry was a little taken aback by a cold, unfamiliar chuckle coming from Verkin.
    “Tell me commander.”  He said, turning and walking back along the rows of men. “You say you branded this girl as a slave, your slave.”
    “Yes Sir.” He said.
    “Congratulations Commander.  You had a slave of noble blood and your bumbling sentries lost her.”
    “Sir?”
    “That’s right. What do you suggest as punishment for these fools?”
    “I suppose,” The Commander said hesitantly. “ Thirty lashes for the three who abandoned their posts and twenty to the three who were taken out of commission.”
    “Very well.”  Verkin redirected his gaze toward the men. “Consider yourselves lucky. I would have given you each seventy.  Commander, see to their punishments.  
    “Yes Lord Verkin.” The sentry said, snapping to attention. As Verkin walked away he smiled with the screams of the sentries.       


    If Leilan didn’t know any better, she’d say it was chaos.  Soldiers and people were everywhere.  Hirue City had been evacuated.  All non-essential personnel were sent to Eponay.  Everyone else had relocated to Ekarin.  Men and Women were running in every direction, preparing for the coming battle.  Some were distracted by her presence.  She was supposed to be dead.
    Before leaving the city, her parents had informed the city and sent riders to each village to inform the people there that she was alive and that she was queen by emergency coronation.  Overseeing the preparations for the coming hostilities was something she hadn’t been trained for.  It seemed, though, that she had done this before.  Despite the chaos at first look, the frantic activities were well organized and each had its own purpose.
    An alarm sounded and people were running toward the harbor.  An unknown boat had just come into port.  Leilan followed.  Pushing through the crowd, she saw what was causing the commotion.  In the center of a large circle formed by soldiers and townsmen, were three men.  Each had swords drawn and was posed to fight.  Each one was Delmahk.
    “Who are you?”  Leilan said, gesturing for the soldiers to back off but to keep up their guard.
    “I am Orkrin.” The lead man said, watching her closely. “I am a sub-commander in the Delmahk Army.  My comrades and I came as fugitives from our people.” He moved to place his sword on the ground slowly. “We came hoping to be of some help.”
    “Prove it!” A voice within the crowd said.  The surrounding villagers agreed loudly.
    “If you truly come in peace, you won’t mind handing your weapons to my soldiers and allowing them to escort you to the Counsel Building.” Holding her hand up for the crowd to settle, Leilan suggested.
    “That seems fair.  Agreed.” Orkrin replied.  The three stood back from their swords on the ground and were flanked by soldiers.  Leilan turned and walked away, soldiers and Delmahk behind her.
    Once they reached the Counsel Building, she could see Lieutenant Kitorn running toward her.  Kitorn was second in command of the Royal Riyahn Forces. He was tall and thin and he was in his early forties.  Leilan could remember a crush she had had on the handsome man when she was a child.
    “Hello Lieutenant.” She said as he slowed to walk beside her.
    “Afternoon Highness.” Kitorn cast an uneasy eye at the three men surrounded by soldiers. “Are you sure you know what your doing?”
    “I know what the Delmahk are like and we need all the help we can get.”
“Okay.” He said, still unconvinced. “Your father is waiting inside waiting for you. He wants to take a crack at these guys.”
    Leilan smiled “I’m sure.”
     Inside it wasn’t as chaotic as it was outside.  Here and there, eyes would look up from their owner’s tasks and stare as they passed.  Leilan and Kitorn were the first to enter the central room in the building, followed by the Delmahk and their entourage.  King Saedus was sitting with Captain Eshan discussing battle tactics.  They rose when the party entered.
    “Leilan.” Saedus said in acknowledgment.
    “Father.  These men claim to be defectors from the Delmahk Army.”
    “Really.”  Saedus said and moved to stand before Saedus. “May I?”
    Saedus looked uncertain. “May you what?”
    “See if you’re telling the truth of course.”
    Saedus nodded and Saedus looked into his eyes. In an instant, Saedus was in the middle of Dautia’s ruins again.  He could see bodies littering the ground and among the debris.  Saedus felt his attention drawn to a small pile of rubble.  Beyond the charred and broken rocks was the body of a young girl.  Her stuffed bunnies lying on the ground, just beyond her arm’s reach.  Saedus felt a twinge of pain as he realized where he was standing. He wasn’t far form where one of the bombs had hit.  The poor child had never had a chance. Saedus broke the link in a stunned silence.  He understood why the men had defected.  Both he and Saedus were silent.
    “Father?”
    “Kitorn…see that these men are taken care of.” Saedus said softly, not turning his gaze away from Saedus. “What is your name?”
    “Orkrin.”
    “Well Orkrin, Leilan and I will speak with you and your men once you are rested.
    “Yes sir.”  With that, Orkrin and the two with him followed Kitorn out of the room.
    “Father, what is it?”  Leilan asked when they had gone.  It seemed as though Saedus just had his heart ripped out of his chest.  Leilan had never seen her father so pale.  He moved to sit down and asked Leilan to do the same.  Saedus then told her of what he saw.


Chapter 6


    The next morning, Leilan, Saedus, Captain Eshan, Lieutenant Kitorn, Orkrin, and his two companions were all seated around the table in the Central Room. They were discussing what to do with the information Orkrin had provided. They now knew that Verkin and a battalion of his best troops had joined those already in Whisper’s Woods. They knew of a Delmahk ship that was positioning itself to block any escape route to the sea, trapping them on the island.  There were three Delmahk ships total. Riyahn only had two and one was a merchant ship.
    “The battles will be easier with our help.” Orkrin was saying. “I know how they’ll fight. Corum and Delmar are trained sailors. They can help with that ship outside your harbor.” The two men with him nodded.
    “Thank you. At least now we have a fighting chance.” Leilan said with some relief. “Well gentlemen, there is much to be done and we are running out of time. Let us reconvene tomorrow morning.” Everyone agreed. All but Orkrin and Leilan stood and left. Leilan tried to organize the papers on the table in front of her.
    “You seem to fear for your people.” He said to her.
    “What makes you say that?”
    “You’re desperate to find a way to end this war and save your people for one. And two, you are uncomfortable around my friends and I alone.” Leilan looked at him a little shocked. Then she relaxed and half smiled.
    “Is it that obvious?” She asked.
    “ Not really, but I have learned to recognize it.” Orkrin paused. “In some way, I think you fear my kind. Yet, your defiance to this invasion is remarkable.”  Leilan didn’t look at him. Her eyes widened as she felt her hair slide from her neck.
    “I must go.” She said and gathered her things and left the room quickly, not looking back. Orkrin watched her go.  He was in stunned silence at the mark on her neck just behind her right ear. She was a slave? He thought to himself. No wonder she fears us.  Orkrin’s curiosity of what had happened to the young woman drove him to follow her.
    As a Delmahk, Orkrin’s senses were exceptionally keen. He followed the sound of Leilan’s footsteps down a back corridor in the building. Orkrin eventually came to a door down a side passage and stopped. On the other side of the door he could hear voices and laughter. One of the voices was Leilan’s. He opened the door softly and peered inside.
    The room was a large courtyard covered with a giant clear dome to let in the sunlight. Orkrin stepped in and looked around at the plants and trees. Absorbed in the sight of the area, he didn’t see a boy running toward him.  Nor did the boy see the man he was closing on. The two collided and the boy fell to the ground. Orkrin, caught by surprise, stumbled backwards.
    “Are you all right?” He asked the boy.
    “Yeah.  I’m okay.  I just wasn’t watch…” The boy trailed off when he looked up and saw Orkrin. “You’re a… you’re a…” He said trying to get up without taking his eyes off the man in front of him.
    “It’s alright.  I won’t hurt you.” Orkrin said trying to calm him. But the boy turned and ran toward a wooden play set.
    “Leilan!” He yelled as he ran and Orkrin watched Leilan come out from behind the play set. She was holding a toddler in one arm and had the other around the boy.
    “What are you doing here?” She asked him.
    “I wanted to talk with you about your scar.”
    “Throw him into a wall, Leilan.” The boy spoke.
    “Hush!” Leilan said.  She tried to hide the smile forcing its way onto her face. “What about my scar?”
    “I just want to know what happened. That’s all.”
    “How about a tree? Throw him into a tree.” The boy spoke again.
    “Renan!”
    “I get the feeling he doesn’t like me very much.” Orkrin suggested.
    “Forgive my impetuous brother. He hasn‘t heard good things about the Delmahk.”
    “Understandable.” Orkrin said with a nod.
    “We’ll talk inside. You,” She said to Renan. “Can take Kayli and find Gavin. Okay?” Leilan didn’t give him a chance to reply before she handed the small child to him. Renan watched his sister walk back into the main part of the building with a man who was one of the people responsible for so much destruction in his world.
    “What does she think she’s doing?” He asked himself out loud. “Oh well, I guess it’s just you and me now kid.” Kayli giggled and hit him on the cheek with a very slobbery hand. Renan sighed and went to find his sister‘s husband.


    Gavin was trying to organize the soldiers and, what few sailors they had, that would engage the Delmahk warship.  Keman was trying to give the soldiers a crash course in naval procedure. It wasn’t going well. Both Gavin and Keman were tired and frustrated.  Finally, after spending four hours on the makeshift training field, Gavin dismissed the men.  As they were filing out, Renan showed up. Although eleven, he was small for his age. He had short unruly brown hair and bright blue eyes.
    “Renan! What are you up to today?” Keman greeted the boy, tousling his hair.
    “Leilan sent me to find Gavin.”
    “What does she need?” Gavin asked.
    “I guess she needs you to watch Kayli while she talks with that Delmahk creep.” Renan said.
    “What Delmahk creep?” Gavin asked, taking his daughter from Renan’s arms.
    “The one with the command patch on his sleeve.  They went to talk about some scar.” He replied.
    “Her scar?” Keman asked, surprised.
    “Take Kayli.” Gavin told Keman. “I’ll be right back.”

    
    Back in the Central Room of the Counsel Building, the petite young woman Leilan was, readied herself to tell Orkrin, who sat in the chair next to her, of her scar. “What do you want to know?”
    “How did you get it?”
    “Leilan took a deep breath and spoke. “I was captured”
    “Where?”
    “ In Whisper’s Woods”
    “How did you escape? They would have killed you before they let a royal escape.”
    “They didn’t know who I was, which is why I was able to escape. That and my husband came to my rescue.”
    “I didn’t know you were married, but still, only the two of you? I don’t see how, no matter how few Delmahk there were, that you could possibly…” Leilan cut him off.
    “I’ll show you.” She got up out of her chair and focused her mind on it. The chair rose and flew into the wall.
    “How?” Orkrin asked in amazed shock. Leilan didn’t have time to answer.  The door flew open with a crash as the words left Orkrin’s lips.  Gavin stood in the doorway.
    “Gavin! For spirit’s sake, you scared me to death!” Leilan said, as she released the breath she’d been holding.
    “What did you do? You’re trying to make her your slave aren’t you?” Gavin said in fear for his wife.  As he said this he moved toward Orkrin threateningly.  Leilan moved between the two men and placed her hands on her husband’s chest.    
    “Gavin listen to me.” She said to get his attention. Not wanting to take his eyes off of Orkrin, who was still in his seat but with his hands in the air, Gavin hesitated before looking at her. “I’m fine.  Orkrin was concerned. He just wanted to know what happened.  Everything’s all right.” Gavin looked back at Orkrin.
    “Nothing happened?”
    “Nothing happened.” Orkrin answered.
    “All right.” Gavin said. He paused before he spoke again. “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. I’m Leilan’s husband.”
    “I understand your reasons.  I’m willing to kick first impressions out the door?” Orkrin said getting up and offering the other man his hand.
    “I am.” Leilan said with a glance at Gavin.
    “She trusts you,” Gavin took Orkrin’s hand. “I trust you.”
    “Great! Umm…Gavin?” Leilan asked.
    “What?”
    “Where’s Kayli?”
    “Is it safe to come in now?” Came a voice form the door. Peering around the corner were the heads of Keman and Renan.  Each face was wary of the occupants inside the room. First Leilan began to laugh and then the two men with her. Keman and Renan walked in. Kayli was still in Keman’s arms. What was so funny unclear to either of them.


    That night, while Leilan and her family slept, a rider came to the Counsel Building with news of another tragedy on the northeastern seaboard.


Chapter 7


    Walking down the dark street of the deserted village at the base of the mountains, Verkin felt pleased with his success. While the future slaves of his people were occupied with the forces massing near Elmwood, he had struck at Amdesii.  Everyone who was captured during and after the attack was being held in the town’s Main Hall, the building he made his way toward. He stopped and turned at the sound of a whimper behind him. A woman had fallen and was trying to get up, when her guard threw her forward.
    “Lieutenant, I grow tired of these interruptions. Keep her conscious and keep her moving!” With a nod and a soft grumble, the soldier complied.
    Five minutes later, they were standing in front of a hoard of terrified, exhausted, and half-starved Luari villagers.  Women held their children tighter as Verkin stepped forward to speak.  A smile drew itself across his face.
    “Welcome to your hell.” He said, looking at everyone. “My men are your Lords.  I am your god.” He turned to acknowledge the group of soldiers, waiting, just outside the door, to choose their slave. Turning back, he pulled the young woman he had brought, closer. “Pay attention to my slave. She will provide you with information to help you survive your first couple of days. After that, if you are killed, it’s your own fault.” With that, he beckoned to the guard behind him and left, closing the door behind them.
    In front of the villagers, Tanelle stood alone, unsure as to what she should do. She knew she was to tell the people in front of her the proper etiquette and protocol for a slave. It had been beaten into her, but she didn’t know how to begin. The villagers were silently staring at her, waiting for her to speak.
    “I’m sorry.” She said, looking away from their expectant eyes. “I’m supposed to tell you how to survive when I’m not even sure how myself. You can be beaten for anything.” She sobbed. Villagers stood and went to her. One man told her it was okay to cry. A woman held her and rocked to comfort her. Another man said, as much to her as to the people of his village, that their people would be strong and would survive.

    Across the grasslands and through the desert, an army was ready to march to battle. Last minute preparations for war were finished, stirred on by the loss of another village. That morning, one last meeting was called to go over battle plans and say good-byes.
     In the central room of the Counsel building, Orkrin bid farewell to Corum and Delmar, who would be joining the fight at sea. Gavin, Saedus, Leilan, and Keman said good bye to Anelle, who would stay and watch after Kayli and Renan. When Lieutenant Kitorn reported that Captain Eshan was ready and waiting for their arrival, the meeting broke up.
    Cheers from a crowd followed the combatants out of the town. Others cheered the sailors leaving port. Then silence ensued. Many of the brave men and women would not return. There was still work to be done. If the army and meager navy failed, Ekarin would fall under attack.
    
    It would take just over three days to cross the Rassic desert that covered the southern tip of Riyahn and another two to reach Tenura.  The army from Ekarin would then be filled out with troops from Micor and Tenura.  Men and women would rest in preparation of the coming battle.  Then it would be on to defend Elmwood.
    Leilan, with nothing to do until they reached Tenura, and the sun beating down on the barren landscape, lost herself in thought.  The soldiers seem so quiet.  They must be anxious.  I’m anxious.  I don’t even know what I’m doing here.  I can’t fight a war.  These soldiers, no, these people, will live or die based on my orders.  How am I supposed to do this?
    “Lei?”  A voice said beside her, snapping her out of her thoughts.
    “Huh? Oh, what?”
    “I asked you if you were thirsty.” Keman said.  Leilan nodded and took the proffered flask.  Handing it back to him, she thanked him.  “Are you okay?  You seem upset.”
    “I’m just thinking.”
    “About what? Verkin? The war?”
    “Me, really.  I mean, there was never any ‘How to Fight a War’ session.  I’m not even sure if what I’m doing is right.  I’m not sure if I know what I’m doing.”  Leilan answered.  
    With a small laugh Keman said, “Yeah, I know what you mean.  Before came back, I couldn’t sleep for thinking about it.  I don’t think anyone knows, Lei.  It’s been so long since the Delmahk were here last.  All we have known is peace.”  Leilan half smiled.  Her brother had always been able to make her feel better.  She even thought that was an extra gift of his and she was glad to have him there again.

    The convoy moved along the road with nothing but rocks and dirt to see them pass.  As they began moving into the grasslands, spirits lifted but tensions mounted.  When Tenura came into view, a hush fell over the soldiers of Riyahn.  Fires burned as dusk fell on the outskirts of the village.  There, the forces of Ekarin joined the forces from Micor and Tenura.  Here and there were a few straggling men and women who’d escaped Amdesii or Dautia by chance filling out the ranks with the names of their friends and family members for a battle cry.  The grassy plains between Tenura and Elmwood left nothing in the way to prevent the lights of an even greater force from reaching across the land to make the rest of the Riyahni uneasy at best.
    By dawn the forces of Riyahn were as ready as could be expected.  The atmosphere was suffocating.  If a soldier wasn’t terrified of the battle to come, they exhibited a melancholy resignation to what ever came, whether death or survival.  As the sun peeked over the horizon, Leilan gave the order to continue on to what would be their battlefield.
    Two hours later, a line of dark gray could be seen bobbing in the distance in front of them.  A little farther, there.  Leilan signaled for her troops to stop.  All they could do was dig in and wait.  The ground trembled with the footfalls of the Delmahk.  When it ceased, the two forces stood a stone’s throw apart.  There was no turning back.


    Verkin, having rarely smiled as far as he could remember, didn’t really know smiling felt like but he was sure his pleasure showed on his face.  Fools.  He thought, a twisted laughter growing within him.  My army will destroy you and there will be nothing left to stand in my way of glory!
    “Remember, only their leaders are important enough to capture.  Kill the rest.”  He said to a subordinate who would pass the order on.  Once sure his orders were known, Verkin laughed and raised his right hand.  Screaming, as he brought his arm down, the Delmahk surged forward.
    Dozens fell, Delmahk and Riyahni alike.  The blood of both armies stained the grass.  The fighting was fierce.  Verkin’s army was bigger, stronger, better trained, and outnumbered the Riyahni two to one.  Riyahn’s defenders had the advantage of desperation, fighting for their lives, their homes, and their families.
    Looking around him for more Riyahni to kill, Verkin’s attention was caught by one of his men, one from Whisper’s Woods.  The soldier indicated with his head toward a spot in the fighting where the Riyahni were, to his surprise, beating back the Delmahk.  There he saw a young woman hurling his soldiers through the air with just a look.  Realization dawned on him as he saw the outline of a burn on the woman’s neck. The Royal from the woods!  Verkin grabbed the nearest officers by the collar and ordered he take fifteen men and capture the woman.  He would put her in her place as a slave.