Loyalties

--- Palicide ----

--- the night sky boils with a storm, the smell of rain on the chilled air, lightening flashing in the clouds and thunder rolling, but the courtyard is yet dry ---

Staza: (sitting alone there, easing his gaze to the sky, wishing the lightening would strike him down for failing his sister and the young girl who in so many ways was his sister, and in so many other ways was not)

Staza: (a bolt of light reflects in his brown eyes, showing the dark fury shimmering there)

Staza: (then his gaze moves to the balcony above the courtyard where a flickering candle glows, and the silhouette (sp) of his father stands unmoving except for the rustle of his cloak in the growing wind) Come up, my son.

Staza: (gives a long exhale and rises, pulling his cloak a little tighter around him as the wind picks up, whipping his hair about his face just before he jogs up the steps to the balcony, determined he will not be comforted by any words his father might say)

Leotin: (waits until Staza stands before him, looking his son over, seeing the anger and sadness mingled in his dark eyes) I have received word from Camyron.

Staza: (lifts his chin ever slightly, keeping his gaze on his father's face)

Leotin: They attack in mere days. Word has come that Allendor will ride to greet the attack rather than wait. This could leave Allendor open to us....

Staza: When do we ride?

Leotin: First light. (lays a hand on his son's shoulder) By the time the swords of Allendor clash with those of Camyron, we will be riding into their harbor to claim the city....

Staza: And to recover Arissa and Imari....

Leotin: Yes. And we will show them their prize.... a sharp sword to their gullets....

------------------------------------------

--- There is a chill in the black of night. A ring glows around the torches burning on the sides of the streets where earlier the soldiers had ridden out to Camyron --

-- The torches flicker, their dim light showing the hundreds of hoofprints that churned up the dirt of the streets and then the torches go out, one by one, exhausted from a long nights flame --

-- The night birds call and the crickets sing, and Allendor settles down for the night, safe in the knowledge that their armies are riding to meet the threat of Camyron and confident that they will awake to victory --

-- but to the West, the guards of the Pass between Allendor and Palicide have fallen to the ground, pierced by arrows. And the thunder of Palicidian horses grows closer by the moment --

-- There is a small outbreak of battle at the gates. But the alarm was never sounded. Even the runner who made to break back to the city for reinforcements was cut down in his path --

-- Palicide enters Allendor --

-- unseen another runner speeds along the wall, hoping to reach the palace before he is detected --

Leotin: (riding at the head of his army, his son at his side) We will take the palace and ransom the King for my daughters. And then slit his throat. Allendor will be ours.

Staza: Father, we came for Imari and Arissa. Let us take them and go.

Leotin: Nonscence. When will we have such a brilliant opportunity to take Allendor? By the Goddess, it is fate!

Staza: No Father, it is greed. And the soldiers at Camyron will return and we will do no more than fight for eternity. Let us take Imari and Arissa and return to our home.

Leotin: When the soldiers return, I will be their King.

Staza: Do you imagine they will follow you without resistance? We have no idea of their loyalties.

Leotin: My son, you have much to learn. Be silent now.

Staza: (looking at the city as they ride in, the houses mostly dark and the streets quiet)

Leotin: (puts up his hand to call a halt)

-- Behind Leotin, each officer puts up his hand to signal his legion to stop until they have all halted –

Staza: (reining his horse in, eyes scanning the darkness ahead before turning to his father)

Leotin: (reins his horse around, passing his Generals) Lead us to Victory. (rising further back in the line for protection)

Staza: (remains at the head of the pack with General Hamlin)

Hamlin: (lifts a hand and motions forward, spurring his horse into a slow trot)

Staza: (his eyes moving to the hill where the roads wind up to the Palace)

Staza: (wonders if Imari and Arissa are there, and how they are being treated, his jaw tightening with determination) (his sword will be bloody soon, and never before has he felt so justified in taking an enemy’s life than tonight)

-----------------

-- In the House of Xavier --

-- The Kitchen is quiet and dim, lit only by a candle, but the kitchen staff work diligently curing meat and fish for storage --

Rosiln: (fusses at Imari) Have you gutted that fish yet? What is taking you so long? I've no desire to be up all night.

Imari: (lifts her chin a notch, trying her best to gut the fish without touching it with her hands) And I have no desire to gut fish, but here I am.

Imari: (her nose wrinkled in disgust at the distasteful odor)

Roslin: When Octor returns, I'll see you're beaten. (slapping a fish down and deftly slitting it's stomach open, pulling out the entrails and scooping them in a dish for the cats)

Imari: (jerks back as not to get splattered with fish guts) I'm sure you would enjoy that.  (sneers) Typical of an Allendorian..

Roslin: (laughs) I'm not an Allendorian, you stupid little wench. None of us are. We've all come about into this land the same way you did. Now less yapping and more slicing. (slamming the butcher knife down on the fish head, cutting it off) Or that'll be YOU.

Imari: (sucking in a breath, never having been talked to in such a disrespectful way, carefully arranging her blue sarong around her, her back ramrod straight as she starts carefully working on the fish again)

Octor: (his big frame filling the kitchen door) (booming voice growling) What's taking so long...

Imari: (flinches at the sound of Octor, keeping her eyes straight ahead as she slices up the fish)

Roslin: The PRINCESS here can't be stoopin' to touching fish guts, M'lord.

Imari: I am TRYING my best. 

Octor: (walks to Imari looking down at her)

Imari: (puts down her knife and folds her hands in her lap as she gazes up at him)

Octor: (he walks with bad limp, and upon closer inspection, one leg is a peg. His body is muscular and broad as he was once a soldier until he lost his leg from the knee down)

Imari: (can't help but feeling a bit of compassion upon seeing his injury)

Octor: (his gait is unique as his footsteps are a "thump scrape")

Imari: (her face softening, wondering if it still hurts him)

Octor: What're you lookin' at...

Imari: (blinks and raises her gaze) How did you come by such a grievous injury?

--- Roslin and the other kitchen maids gasp --

-- but to their surprise, Octor answers --

Octor: I was injured in battle. The healer cut my leg off to stop the infection.

Imari: (brow furrows a little) Does it still pain you?

Octor: Hmm. (growls) It hurts even though it's gone.

Imari: Hmm.. White willow bark.. (nods, trying to remember the exact ingredients) A polstice of white willow bark and a touch of lavender worn at night could help relieve the pain..

Roslin: Hush, wench. Pretending you know something about the healin' arts... Get to guttin' that fish

Octor: (rubs his chin) I'll have to try that.... YOU shut up.. (growls at Roslin)

Imari: (eyes light up, trying hard not to gloat)

Octor: Wash your hands, Princess. And follow me.

Imari: (quickly standing, thankful to be leaving fish and fish guts behind)

Roslin: (immediately starts murmuring with the other kitchen wenches)

Imari: (walks over to the basin and quickly washes her hands)

Octor: (points at Roslin) Behave you biddies.

Imari: (then gracefully moves over to stand beside Octor)

Octor: Follow me. (walks out of the kitchen and takes her up the steps to the main part of the house)

Imari: (holding her sarong as she ascends the stairs, wondering where he is taking her, just glad it is away from the kitchens)

Octor: Go out into the garden... (unlocking the door with a silver key), gather what you need to make me a poultice

Imari: (smiles brightly) You will be amazed at how much better it feels..  (skirting past him and out into the garden)

Imari: (inhaling the fresh night air)

--------

-- In the House of Jaeger --

Miadon: (wanders the halls, checking doors, accounting for each slave)

E'Nasha: (listening with a glowing eager face as Arissa reads to her from the book, her eyes alight from the adventure)

Miadon: (pauses in the doorway to listen a moment)

Arissa: (pitching her voice higher and lower, giving each of the characters a distinctive voice)

Miadon: (muses a moment thinking the Master would like this)

Arissa: (unconsciously mimicking Imari's voice and tone as she reads aloud the part of the princess) I shall only marry for true love...

E'Nasha: (hands clasping together in front of her, enthralled)

Arissa: (deepening her voice, an image of Staza coming to mind) Then you shall love me, for I will never let you go to another....

E'Nasha: (small gasp)

Arissa: (gives E'Nasha a rare smile, caught up in her enthusiam as she reads, cackling as she reads the part of the forest witch)

Miadon: (quietly) I think that is enough for tonight. E'Nasha, your room.

E'Nasha: (looks over with a small startle)

Arissa: (starts a moment, looking up at Miadon)

Arissa: (slowly closing the book)

E'Nasha: (gathers her sarong, rising) Thank you. (to Arissa)

Arissa: (nods to her in acknowledgement, standing also and walking over to return the book to the shelf, turning around to face Miadon, awaiting any instructions for her)

E'Nasha: (hurries past Miadon and leaves)

Arissa: (her hands clasped in front of her, her expression betraying nothing of her thoughts)

Miadon: (looks up and down the hall before entering the room and closing the door behind him. Standing in the Master's chamber with her, gazing down at her)

Arissa: (looks at him unblinkingly despite her nervousness)

Miadon: I have been with the Master since he was a young boy, and I would not, nor could not, betray him.

Arissa: (softly) Loyalty is an admirable trait.

Miadon: There is something he should know... yet to tell him would likely cause you pain and strife.

Arissa: (eyes widen slightly) I am no stranger to pain.  (trying to think of what she has done to earn a punishment)

Miadon: Then I leave the telling to you. (offerns his arm to her) Come with me.

Arissa: (walks slowly over to him and lightly rests her hand on his arm)

Miadon: (leads her downstairs and to the courtyard doors, opening them to the moonlit garden)

Arissa: (raising her face to the moonlit sky, thinking how beautiful it is...even in the hated city of Allendor)

Miadon: The Courtyard of Jaeger bordered that of Xavier the Light. The two cannot be said friends.

* borders

Arissa: I've seen this Xavier...

Miadon: However, the courtyard of Xavier holds a surprise tonight.

Arissa: He did not also go to fight in Camyron?

Miadon: He has. (flourishes a hand toward the garden wall where the stone gives way to wrought iron inserts)

-- there in the pale moonlight is a blond haired woman moving about the garden --

Arissa: (steps closer to the garden while, catching a glimpse of long blond hair moving about in the garden, her curiousity peeked)

Arissa: (moves up to the wrought iron bars, gasping loudly)

Imari: (looks up quickly hearing someone near the back wall)

Arissa: Imari!!!!

Imari: Arissa!!!  (drops all of her herbs, running towards the opening in the wall)

Miadon: (standing on the stone steps, watching them silently)

Arissa: (in shock, having thought she had gotten away....that she was safe at home) Imari....how....how can this be?? 

Imari: Oh Arissa!  Are you okay??  I'm soo sorry!  I'm soo sorry!!!   (tears streaming down her face as she gazes upon her)

Arissa: It's not your fault Imari.  It is my own blame for not being more careful.  (looking upon her, thinking she looks just as beautiful as ever)

Imari: (blinks, taking note of her appearance) Look at you..... I cannot even remember the last time I saw you out of Staza's old breeches..

Arissa: (blushes a tad) I had no choice...

Arissa: Imari, I cannot believe it.  Your father will be so worried.  (bites her lip) Staza..... is he ..

Imari: Staza is fine!  He is fine and father is fine...and they tricked me!  They were supposed to exchange me for you....but they tricked me.

Arissa: (flooded with relief knowing Staza is alive, then sighs and shakes her head) Imari, you make no sense? Staza tricked you? King Leotin tricked you?

Imari: No no no... these horrible Allendorian's tricked me.  They sent word back that there would be an exchange, but father said we must go home...so I snuck out to do the exchange and ....they tricked me..

Arissa: (groans) Imari, will you never learn to listen!

Imari: (her eyes filling with tears again) I just wanted to make it better!  This is all my fault!  I couldn't bear the thought of you being here and it being all my fault...

Arissa: Shhh...it is fine.  Everything will be fine.  I am sure they will ransom you and you will be home soon.  Are they treating you well?

Imari: (outraged) They tried to make me gut fish!!

Miadon: (turns his head sharply as he hears the Palace alarm bell toll loudly, the sound echos over the silence of the land) We are under Attack!

Arissa: (resists the urge to smile) Just don't let your temper get the best of you...

* insert here

Imari: (gasps) It's FATHER!

Arissa: (eyes widening) ((Staza...))

Arissa: Shh..we do not know for sure, Imari.

Miadon: Inside, quickly.

Arissa: (hesitates but a moment) Imari....

Imari: It is them, I know it!  We will be saved Arissa!!

Arissa: (not daring to hope) Be careful... (turning towards Miadon and walking back to the house)

Miadon: (locking the doors behind them)

Arissa: (looking up at Miadon, saying softly) Thank you.

Miadon: We will not speak of this. Now hurry to the Masters Chamber.

Miadon: If Camyron prevails, Goddess help us all.

Octor: (wading out into the garden for Imari)

Octor: Come hurry. We are at arms.

Arissa: Tis Pallicide that attacks.  They want their princess back..

Imari: (turns, remembering Octor, quickly bending down and retrieving her herbs)

Miadon: Do not be so sure.

Imari: Are we really under attack? Who is attacking us?

Arissa: (nods) I guess time will tell.

-- Meanwhile on the Battlefield --

Jaeger: (weaving through the fray on his horse, his sword true to each mark)

-- Camyron is not faring well against the Allendorians, falling back rapidly as the soldiers push forward --

Xavier: (dismounts to finish off a fallen enemy, then straightening, scanning the battle)

Xavier: (sees the Camyron rogue about to strike Jaeger from behind as the Dark battles two before him)

Xavier: (draws his sword back and hurls it with a grunt)

-- the well balanced blade flies through the air and finds the back of the rogue's neck --

Jaeger: (snaps his head around as the rogue falls against him, then wheels, blade flashing at the two Camyron soldiers on him)

Xavier: (runs in, to join his battle) You're welcome.

Jaeger: (blade flashing) Thank you for the distraction. I nearly lost my head from turning it.

Xavier: Ingrate. Next time.. (pauses to tug his sword out of the rogues neck)..I'll let the blade meet it's mark.

Jaeger: (pauses for breath, scanning the dark thinning battle field) (there is a rumbling as a large wooden contraption is wheeled up the road toward them)

Xavier: (lowers his sword) What in the fuck is that.

Jaeger: Catapult? (taking his blade hand and wiping blood off his nose)

Xavier: ARCHERS! (points toward the contraption)

--- a league of archers dip their arrows into the bonfire and spread out to fire upon the large wooden monster --

Jaeger: (growls) The last hurrah of Camyron.

Xavier: Disappointing.. (about to quip a joke then stiffens. On the hill a horn sounds, relaying the message passed from hilltop to hilltop)

--- Allendor is Under Attack --

----------

-- King Allen had expected his General to return victorious by morn. He had expected to awake to streets filled with cheering and troubadors singing his praises --

-- He never expected to wake with a proverbial knife to his throat and the King of Palicide with his smug demands --

-- Daughters? Preposterous. None of his daughters were brought back from the attack on Palicide. Imbeciles. All of them. Can't even keep track of their own kin --

-- What one of his own soldiers would have captured such a prize and not given it to their King? --

-- And then King Allen's gaze narrowed --

-- Imprisoned within his own palace walls, the armies of Palicide swarming all about the city, the messenger demanding the release of these daughters, King Allen sent for his Generals ---

-- They came from the east, riding like the Hounds of Hell were on their heels. Isen, Xavier, Jaeger and Rone --

-- Only three of the Generals was shocked to see the armies of Palicide spread out before the palace walls --

-- Coming from the backside of the palace, the Generals rode in, their horses hooves clopping loudly on the stone, bridles jingling, both horse and rider bloodied and battle weary --

-- booted feet strode up the winding stair to King Allen's throne room --

-- Isen was first to remove his helmet and kneel before the throne, Rone followed suit, bowing his head as well. Both Jaeger and Xavier stood there, smeared with dirt and blood, helmets under their arms and waited for the King's usual impatient glare before they would kneel --

-- But this time, the King gave no such signal, he rose and bellowed --

Allen: Which of you has the daughters of Palicide? Which of you!!?

Isen: We have no such prize, Your majesty. Not anymore

Allen: What does this mean? Not anymore??

Xavier: It means.... You're "worship"... that Palacide stole back it's "prize"

Allen: (rubbing his chin) What games do they play?

Jaeger: (straightens, thinking it would be a good time to sail away from Allendor)

Allen: (pounds his fist on the arm of his throne) I DEMAND an answer. YOU. Rone! You will ride to meet them.

Rone: (bows his head) Yes, my King.

Allen: You will find out what nonscence they are accusing me off.

Rone: Yes, my King. (bows again and turns with a brief glance over the other Generals)

Isen: (murmurs) Poor sot.

--

Rone: (rides out of the palace gate, head held high on his horse, a mincing trot as the Palicidian Generals fall in beside him escorting him to meet King Leotin and Staza)

Leotin: (a snear forms on his face as he sees the Allendor General riding toward him)

Staza: He is not the one who I took Imari from.

Rone: (stops his horse before the King)

Rone: I am General Rone of the Allendorian Forces. I come before you to hear your demands. Our armies lie in wait, ready to strike down your forces if you do not retreat. However, we wish to settle this in peace.

Staza: In peace! (blurts) Since when!

Leotin: (silences Staza with a raises hand, his voice calm and deep) General Rone. Your armies are welcome to bring forward at will. My army stands ready. But we are not hear for War.

Rone; Then, pray tell, King Leotin, why is it you have brought such a great force before my King?

Leotin: I have come to retrieve my daughters. One fair as the morning sun, one dark as the night wind. Both taken from my arms by the vile whim of your army.

Rone: ((Jaegers little prisoner))

Rone: We know not of the fate of your daughters, King Leotin. To our credit, did you see my armies take your daughters?

Leotin: Play me not as a fool, General Rone. I am prepared to burn down every house to find them.

Rone: You would find it hard to make flame with a dead hand, King Leotin. I will take your demands before my King, but I tell you know, we know nothing of  your daughters. Perhaps they ran away in search of more suitable mates....

Staza: (draws his sword)

Leotin: (raises a hand again, his expression dark) Take this back to your King. I want his General, Xavier the Light, they call him. He is the one who stole away with my fair Imari. And we won her back. And he would be the one who has her once again.

Rone: The Light knows nothing of your daughter.

Leotin: I will speak to no one else.

Rone: Take care, King Leotin... or you will speak to steel....

Rone: (reins his horse around and sets it forward into a canter toward the palace, the Palacidian army parting to let him pass)

-- Standing on a balcony over looking the vast sea of Palicidans ---

-- Jaeger and Xavier stand side by side, voices low --

Xavier: He said daughters...

Jaeger: So I heard.

Xavier: The little dark one you hide..

Jaeger: She is no Kings daughter.

Xavier: Perhaps not. (turning to face him) But he may consider her so. Turn her to them, perhaps they'll go home.

Jaeger: And you truly believe that? What of the fair haired one.

Xavier: (shrugs) Perhaps she'll just turn up.... one some unexpected night on the path before Palicide.

Jaeger: (turning to face Xavier) You have her, don't you.

Xavier: (lifts his chin) Perhaps we both hide a secret.

Jaeger: Allen will be no more forgiving than Leotin...

Xavier: Then it's best we keep our mouths shut and our swords close, isn't it. (looking back over the crowd as Rone rides back toward the palace)

------

Rone: (comes back before the King with one sideways glance to Jaeger, knowing he has the dark haired waif)

Xavier: (lines back up before the King with the other Generals)

Allen: Well?

Rone: (glances at Xavier) (then back at the King) He wants General Xavier, Your majesty. And his daughters. One fair, one dark.

Allen: And you told him we do not have his daughters?

Xavier: (shifts, lifting his chin)

Rone: I did, my King. He does not believe.

Allen: (leans back) I do not wish a war here in the streets of my city. Too many will die... ((And my beautiful city will be ruined))

Rone: (bows his head) What is your command, my King?

Allen: (rubbing his chin in thought)

Allen: We shall give him Xavier and our assurance that we do not have his daughters. Take him. (motions to Xavier)

Xavier: What ?!?

-- the Generals hesitate, but the guards move foward with swords drawn, knowing that Xavier will not hesitate to spill their blood --

Allen: You heard me!

Isen: (growls but turns to Xavier)

Xavier: (hisses at Allen as he is surrounded by swords and spears) (hand on the hilt of his sword) You rotten bastard. I will see you in Hell, Allen. IN HELL.

Xavier: (pulls his sword and throws it down in anger, letting them put him in chains, knowing he would only die against the other Generals and all the guards)

Jaeger: (watches Xavier as he is pulled away)

Jaeger: (turns his dark eyes back to the King)

Isen: (nostrils flare as he turns back to the King)

Allen: Rone, escort him to the Palicidian King....

Rone: As you wish.. my.. King. (bows his head and turns away, knowing the other Generals are angry)

Allen: (waves them away) Rally your men. Don't worry, we will avenge the Light.

Isen: (growls out of earshot of the King) He should take care that we avenge the Light.. with HIS blood.

---

--- In the Morning light --

-- The sea of Palacidian soldier's parts once again for Rone, this time with Xavier in tow --

Xavier: (keeps his eyes straight ahead, chin held high)

-- the chains binding his wrists, jingles as the horse he is astride walks ---

Staza: That is him.

Leotin: (jaw tightens, watching the demon ride toward them)

E'Nasha: (pushes through the crowd, unable to see what is going on)

E'Nasha: (climbs a tree, scooting up nimbly to watch, her mouth open in wonder as she finally can see)

Rone: King Allen offers Xavier the Light to you as a sign of his desire for peace.

Rone: We know nothing of your daughters. But do with him as you will and go home.

Rone: (extends a hand with the reins to Xavier's horse)

-- One of the Generals takes the reins and passes them to Leotin --

Leotin: (sadly) My daughter Imari was likely lost to wolves then.... and of Arissa, I will not lose hope of her return.

Jaeger: (watching from the balcony, his knuckles white on the railing, the Kings betrayal lucid in his mind)

Leotin: For your crimes against my daughter, you will die. (to Xavier)

Xavier: I have already been punished with her company....

Staza: (draws his sword again)

Leotin: Not yet, my son..... it must be slow and painful. (jerks the reins) We go home.

-----------

--- With Jaeger's absense, no one woke Arissa in the morning, the sun slowly crept through the window, coming over the bed and kissing her hand ---

E'Nasha: (her little feet running fast up the stairs, breathless in horror)

Arissa: (locked in a vivid dream, running through the forest at home, being chased)

E'Nasha: (opens the bedroom door and rushes in, falling on the bed) Arissa. Arissa.

Arissa: (eyes fly open, otherwise making not a sound, her heart still pounding from her dream)

Arissa: (quickly orients herself, sitting up slowly and looking to E'Nasha)

E'Nasha: The King of Palicide (breathlessly panting) was here.

Arissa: (gasps softly) King Leotin!

Arissa: (feeling a tendril of hope)

E'Nasha; He takes General Xavier. (still out of breath) He leaves now!! You can see from the tower.

Arissa: And Imari, did he recover Imari?  (bounding out of bed to go look)

E'Nasha; Who?

Arissa: The King's daughter, Imari.  The Princess...

-- the tower of the house winds upwards to a lookout point, just a small round cone with open windows to each side, roofed --

-- the stairway is steep and tall --

Arissa: (lifting her skirts as she takes the stairs)

-- in the distance, the vast army can be seen, dust billowing from their trail, riding toward the pass --

Arissa: (eyes widening at the sight of the army) ((they are leaving...leaving without me...))

-- behind them, the armies of Allendor have stretched out, making a barrier lest they decide to turn and fight --

E'Nasha: They take Xavier the Light away.

Arissa: (trying to stay her tears, whispering) Staza.....Imari...  (her eyes glued to retreating soldiers, unable to make out faces)

Arissa: And The Dark? What is to become of him...

E;Nasha: He is not among them. (points toward the Allendorian soldiers) He is with his men.

Arissa: (switches her gaze to the soldiers of Allendor) And the King just gave over his general?

E'Nasha: (nods) The King not a very noble man. (small sigh)

Arissa: King Leotin is very noble and kind.

E'Nasha: I wonder what he do to the Light?

Arissa: (shakes her head) I do not know...

E'Nasha: He come for you?

Arissa: (sad smile) No, not for me.  For Imari...

E'Nasha: Where Imari?

Arissa: She is being held in the house behind this one.  I saw her in the courtyard last night..

E'Nasha: That House of Xavier.

Arissa: They have probably found her then, yes? If they have taken him....they must of found her with him and they are all safe and on their way back home..

E'Nasha: (shrugs)

E'Nasha: Yes?

Arissa: (nods) Yes, it is as it should be. 

Arissa: (her emotions torn between relief and sadness, knowing her chances of going home are very slim if not impossible now)

---- The house remains quiet for the next few hours ----

-- Then Jaeger the Dark arrives home, still covered with the signs of battle, blood dried ---

-- he turns his horse to the boy in front of the house ---

Arissa: (having watched from the tower until the last of the soldiers of Palicide were gone from sight, now sitting in his room, trying to lose herself in a book)

-- the door slams behind him as he enters, striding through the house... all the way through, out to the courtyard, and across ---

Arissa: (stills as she hears the door slamming, staying silent ...listening carefully)

Jaeger: (scales the courtyard wall and drops down into the yard of Xavier)

Arissa: (doesn't hear footsteps approach after a few moments, opening back her book)

Jaeger: (glances around the courtyard and strides to the back door, kicking it open)

Octor: (limps toward the sound, moving faster as the kitchen servants scream)

Imari: (hears doors slamming open, looks up, wondering if Xavier is home, if he has word of her father)

Octor: (draws his sword, pausing as he comes face to face with General Jaeger)

Jager: Where is she.

Octor: Where is who....

Jaeger: The fair one.

Octor: General Xavier is not home yet.

Jaeger: And he won't be coming home. He's a prisoner of Palicide now. Step aside.

Imari: (pacing the room, mentally preparing the speach she plans to impart on Xavier, courting to his noble side, listing the reasons he should bring her home AFTER he has rescued Arissa)

Octor: (doesn't budge)

Jaeger: (slaps a hand into Octor's chest shoving him back)

Imari: (smoothing down her hair, confident in her appearance)

Octor: (despite his brawn, his balance is not good and he goes over, crashing into a table and smashing it)

Jaeger: (walks up the stairs)

Imari: (blinks at the sound of the crash coming from downstairs, praying that his mood is not foul)

Jaeger: (shoving open each door)

Imari: (goes over to the door, pressing her ear to it)

Imari: (standing back, putting on her best smile)

Imari: (so happy that Arissa is alive and well)

--- the door shoves open ---

Jaeger: (stares at her a moment)

Imari: (her smile firmly in place, her eyes widening and then her face draining of color, gasping in horror and taking a step back)

Jaeger: We meet again.

Imari: (opens her mouth and bellows) XAVIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Imari: XAVIER!!!!!  XAVIER!!!!!!!

Jaeger: Save your breath... He's in chains.

Imari: (looking around for a weapon) YOU LIE!!!  XAVIER!!!!!!

Imair: (in a full fledged panic)

Jaeger: (grabs her arm, his fingers like a vice)

* edit Imair to Imari

Imari: (kicks at him) Let me go, you beast! LET ME GO!!!!!!  You will pay for this, Xavier will make you PAY FOR THIS!!!!!

Jaeger: (open hand slaps her hard in the face)

Imari: (gasps and cries out, redoubling her struggles)

Imari: (her cheek stinging)

Jaeger: (takes her by both arms and shakes her hard)

Imari: (screaming and crying, willing Xaviers return) You're hurrting meeeeeeeee!!!!

Jaeger: I'll do more than hurt you if you don't stop.

Imari: What have you done with Xavier and Arissa!!

Imari: I know you have her!!!

Jaeger: (starts dragging her toward the door)

Imari: (digs in her heels) You cannot have me!  I am not your prize!!!  XAVIER!!!!!!!

Jaeger: (tires of her noise and struggles and snakes out a hand, squeezing it around her neck and slamming her back into the wall)

Jaeger: (cutting off her wind with one squeeze)

Imari: (eyes widen, eyes filling with tears and lips parted as she struggles to breath)

Imari: ((how is this happening??? NOOOO this cannot be happening!!!!!!))

Jaeger: Do you wish to breath?

Imari: ((I don't want to die!!!))

Imari: (tries to nod her head yes)

Jaeger: Then will you stop this ridiculous noise?

Imari: (lip trembles as she nods)

Jaeger: (loosens the hold on her neck)

Imari: (sucks in a deep breath)

Jaeger: Now you will walk with me. Not a sound, not a struggle. Understand? (pressing his face near hers, hand dangerously firm on her neck)

Imari: I despise you!  (realizing that honesty is probably going to get her strangled and quickly recants) But, yes, I will walk with you with nary a sound or struggle...(cannot help but to add) you heathen beast..

Jaeger: (lowers his hand from her neck) Not another word, witch.

Jaeger: (jerking her after him)

Imari: (taking all her willpower not to get in the last word)

Imari: (glaring daggers at him as he drags her along)

Jaeger: (takes her out the front door past the staff, all too shocked by the news of their master to protest)

Imari: (her head held high, her hair flowing down her back, her teeth gritted)

Imari: (soo tempted to call for Xavier again now that they are out in the open)

Jaeger: (walks her to his front door, opening it and shoving her in, letting her go)

Imari: (stumbles in and quickly recovers, standing straight and tall)

Imari: (her expression defiant)

Jaeger: (nudges her toward the stairs)

E'Nasha: (watching with wide eyes, a tray in her hand)

E'Nasha: I draw you bath, Master?

Jaeger: Not now... (growls, giving Imari another push)

Imari: (sweeps forward, not making eye contact with any of the servants)

Imari: (gathering her strength and wits, readying herself for the struggle ahead)

Jaeger: (opens his chamber door, pushing her in where Arissa is)

Imari: (stumbles inside and whips around) You VILE beast, do you think you are going to get away with this??? 

Arissa: (eyes fly up as the door opens and Imari comes stumbling inside)

Arissa: (standing quickly, the book falling to the floor, eyes wide in horror) Imari!!!!

Imari: (whips around at the sound of Arissa's voice, taken off guard) Arissa!!  (moving quickly to stand in front of her, trying block her from Jaeger's view) ((you idiot...like he doesn't know she is here))

Jaeger: (pulling his soiled armor off)

Arissa: (covers her hands with her face, thinking a worse thing could not have happened, taking a few deep breaths and speaking quietly) Imari, why did you not leave with the King...his army....

Imari: Because they did not come to get me!  Just this....THIS.....ANIMAL did!!!!!

Imari: (her eyes widening in shock as he starts to pull of his armor, seeing his body riddled with scars)

Arissa: (tense, wondering what Jaeger will do)

Jaeger: (armor falling with a thunk on the floor, his shin guards, shoulder guards)

Jaeger: (wearing just the soft under garments, stained with blood and sweat, his hair matted with blood)

Jaeger: (turns his gaze on them)

Imari: (glaring at him)

Arissa: (standing very still, her expression somber)

Jaeger: Follow

Jaeger: (strides to the door)

Arissa: (moves to follow)

Imari: (grabs her arm) Where are you taking us? What do you plan on doing?  We wish to be ransomed so we can return to our home..

Jaeger: (swings a glare upon her) Don't make me tell you again.

Arissa: (closes her eyes for a moment, gathering her strenght, saying quietly) Imari...

Imari: (lets out a frustrated little shriek but follows, pulling Arissa behind her as to shield her) I will not allow you to hurt her!!

Jaeger: (growls low walking ahead)

Arissa: (half impressed by Imari's strength of will and bravery, and half in dread over the trouble it is likely to get them in)

Jaeger: (crosses the main room and then starts down the stairs to the bath)

Imari: (eyes narrowing) ((he's bringing us to the dungeons!!))

Arissa: (taking the steps carefully, thinking Imari looks so glorious in her blue sarong, hair falling in waves down her back)

Arissa: (suddenly feeling very self conscious in her peach sarong and short dark locks)

Jaeger: (drops his clothing on the floor and wades into the pool, the warm mineral spring fed water making the air very warm in the room)

Arissa: ((stop worrying about things you cannot change and figure out a way to get Imari out of here)

)

Imari: (takes a step back, distressed at seeing all the scars on his body)

Arissa: (lowers her gaze, awaiting his order)

Jaeger: (dips his head under water then comes up, moving to the side of the pool) Wash my hair.

Imari: (about to protest)

Arissa: (lays a hand on gently on her arm and murmurs) Shhh  (moving over to the side of the pool, kneeling down)

Jaeger: (relaxes back against the side of the pool, letting Arissa wash his hair) Tell me of your King.

Imari: (feels helpless) He is a good man! A kind and wonderful man....brave and noble!  Just think of the EXACT opposite of yourself and you will be able to picture our king quite clearly...

Arissa: (winces, gently massaging shampoo into his hair, adding quietly) He has a fondness for his children..

Jaeger: He would have to to let this one live.....

Jaeger: Tell me of the treatment of his people.

Arissa: All of his people are well provided for.  He rules with a firm but gentle hand.  Imari and Staza are well loved by the people also.  With good reason....they are always among them, helping....listening...

Imari: (lifts her chin) My father is adored by his people.  He keeps them safe from the greed of the Allendorians....he is a man of honor!

Jaeger: The people do not start wars. Kings start wars.

Imari: YOUR King in particular!

Jaeger: (growls)

Arissa: (carefully rinsing the soap out of his hair)

Imari: We've heard all about your King..

Jaeger: He will be my King no longer.

Imari: His greed is endless, his pride insufferable....(trails off mid-rant)

Imari: (blinks)

Arissa: (leans back, placing her hands in her lap)

Jaeger: (dips his head under the water and rises again)

Arissa: (rises also, picking up the towel)

Imari: (squeezes her eyes shut at the sight of him, twirling around)

Imari: (sputtering) What mean you by that?

Jaeger: (washing his chest and arms) I intend to kill him.

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